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. When protesters in Madison tore down two statues outside the state Capitol on June 23, it renewed interest in the two works of art and spurred debate about what should be done next. Read on for a history lesson on the both the "Forward" statue that had come to symbolize women's rights and the figure of Union Army Capt. Hans Heg, a noted abolitionist. From Left, Nicole Seah, Louis Chua Kheng Wee, Muhammad Azhar Abdul Latip and Yee Jenn Jong. (PHOTO: Workers' Party). SINGAPORE The Workers Party on Thursday (25 June) introduced its first slate of four candidates that it will be fielding in the General Election (GE) on 10 July, including former election candidates Nicole Seah and Yee Jenn Jong. The opposition party unveiled the candidates at its first virtual press conference in the GE season, which was presided by Secretary-General Pritam Singh and Chairman Sylvia Lim. Yee Jenn Jong, 55, contested under WP in the Marine Parade Group Representation Constituency (GRC) in GE2015, while Nicole Seah, 33, contested in the same GRC but in GE2011 under the National Solidarity Party. The other two candidates are Louis Chua Kheng Wee and Muhammad Azhar Abdul Latip, both 33. Chua is an analyst at an investment bank while Azhar formerly worked in the marine insurance industry. Muhammad Azhar Abdul Latip, 33 Azhar said that a few years after working, he was involved in a near-fatal road traffic accident where he lost his left leg. According to his profile on the Workers Party website, Azhar is hoping to commence training as a para-athlete and represent Singapore in international competitions. His political journey began as a volunteer in Aljunied GRC where he helped in food distribution and community outreach efforts. He said that he hoped to be given the opportunity to help the vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in Singapore and to see a fairer society where minorities are not discriminated against. I'm a disabled person. And over the years ever since I became a disabled person, I noticed this narrative in the national discussion, whereby we want to be an inclusive society. But when it comes to the disabled groups, it tends to be more of a lip service that you say that you want to be an inclusive society,... So that is one thing that I would like to see, to change in this society, which is to touch on disabled groups, make sure that they are being assisted, that those who want to work, are given equal opportunities for employment, and to be able to receive the help they deserve. Story continues Louis Chua Kheng Wee, 33 Chua, who is father to a nine-month-old son, is a research analyst at an investment bank. He said his work enables him to be in touch with the global economy and local issues at the same time and as such, he can contribute to a lively debate in parliament. He told reporters he strongly believed that monopoly in the government is never a good thing. He said, We need to recognise that dissenting views should not only be accepted, but should actually be encouraged. This will ensure that we come up with the best ideas to take Singapore forward. I believe change has to start somewhere, and for me it starts with Parliament, and it starts with the Workers Party playing a bigger role in shaping Singapore's future. It starts with Singaporeans stepping up to build a better Singapore, for Singaporeans. Nicole Seah, 33 Seah first caught public attention in GE2011 when she contested under the NSP. She left the political scene and moved overseas, returning to volunteer with WP in 2015. Now an associate director at a multinational marketing firm, Seah is also married with a two-year-old daughter. She said she joined WP as she was drawn to the ethos of the party. Its a party that does not oppose for the sake of opposing. I believe that it is important to see a fair and transparent discussion on the issues that matter. I hope that people who might speak out respectfully and out of concern will not get mocked or bullied for their differing views. How our leaders behave will also signal to the public what kinds of behaviour and debate are acceptable. We need to move towards debating in the spirit of the argument instead of resorting to character assassination. Yee Jenn Jong, 55 Another familiar face is Yee, who contested GE2011 in Joo Chiat SMC but lost and was appointed a Non-Constituency Member of Parliament. He contested again and lost in GE2015 in Marine Parade GRC. Now an education entrepreneur, Yee said he continued to be active in discussing policy matters with his team despite not being in the most recent Parliament. I believe Singapore needs a strong alternative, only when theres competition will the PAP listen to you. They say that there can only be one team A in Singapore, and only they are exceptional. But we have seen they too can, and have failed. Asked why he returned to politics, Yee said, I dont think Ive ever left. Follow Yahoo News Singapores GE2020 coverage here. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore Related stories GE2020: Workers' Party contesting 2 SMCs, 4 GRCs, including Hougang, Aljunied, Sengkang, Marine Parade GE2020: Former Workers' Party chief Low Thia Khiang will not be standing for election Sachin Pilot (File photo) Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister and Pradesh Congress Committee head Sachin Pilot on Thursday said Rahul Gandhi should again take over as party president. "It is our demand that Rahul Gandhi should lead the party once again," Pilot told reporters at the party office here. His demand came as Gandhi has sharpened his attack on the Modi government for its handling of the border row with China and over increasing fuel prices. The BJP has responded aggressively, with party president JP Nadda on Wednesday saying that it is time for unity and solidarity and the "relaunch of the scion for the nth time can wait". Pilot also targeted the Centre over the fuel price rise and the tension on the Sino-India border in eastern Ladakh. The deputy chief minister said there was still confusion on the border situation. The prices of diesel and petrol have been rising constantly and putting pressure on people. We demand the Centre to roll back the price hike, Pilot said. He said the party will hold demonstrations at all district headquarters on June 29 against the price hike. On an alleged attack at the party MLA in Karauli on Wednesday, Pilot said it was a matter of concern and police should ensure security of public representatives. He said he also spoke to MLA Bharosi Lal when the firing incident occurred. A minor boy has already been arrested for trying to fire at the MLA. By Trend The ban on regular flights may be extended until the end of July due to the rapid increase in the number of new coronavirus cases in neighboring countries, Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava said, Trend reports citing Georgian media. According to the minister, the main task for the Georgian government is to strengthen the gains made in properly managing the epidemiological situation and protecting the population. "The government will be very careful with international visitors and tourists in July as well. We are waiting for the decision of the European Union, which has just opened borders between its member states and it will make decisions for non-member countries soon, too, said Turnava. As she noted, Georgia can prolong the ban on regular flights until the end of July, though the country will not restrict charter flights Meanwhile, Georgia has completely shut down air traffic in the country on March 21 in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Since late March, Georgia has carried out over 60 charter flights to evacuate thousands of Georgians from abroad amid the coronavirus outbreak. Meanwhile, domestic tourism has already resumed in Georgia on June 15, and the country plans to reopen its airspace to international flights starting July 1. The Produce Traceability Initiative (PTI), consisting of CPMA, GS1 US, PMA, and United Fresh, and its many volunteer industry members, announce the release of four new or improved tools to support traceability implementation: Canada/U.S. Harmonized Case Label Template for Sharing Traceback Data with regulators Revised Best Practices for Formatting Case Labels Updated ASN (Advance Ship Notice) As the Canadian industry strives for compliance with the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations (SFCR) and the U.S. industry prepares for the September release of draft Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) traceability- related regulations, traceability is increasingly a focus across the supply chain and with consumers, said PTI Chair, Doug Grant of The Oppenheimer Group. These new and updated resources support a renewed commitment to traceability efforts and bring clarity and harmonization to the tools that support traceability. The Harmonized Case Label reflects an industry-wide collaboration amongst stakeholders to align on a label that would be accepted by buyers in the grocery and foodservice communities in both Canada and the U.S. Buyers from both countries worked through the winter to design and align on one label that meets both buyer and regulatory requirements and remains founded on global GS1 standards. To bring confidence to the supplier community, part of the effort included confirmation of buyer commitment to the label via individual letters of support which are available on the PTI website. Buyers who have not yet confirmed their support are encouraged to contact one of the four associations noted in this release. To ensure clarity on the use of the label, the PTI Best Practices for Formatting Case Labels was updated and includes information to enable integration into operations regardless of the commodity being packed. In addition, the new Produce Traceback Template initiated as part of the Romaine Task Force and finalized by PTI working groups is designed to transmit traceability data to regulators when a company is involved in a trace-back investigation. The template was developed with guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for produce companies to better manage responses to inquiries about potentially harmful products in the supply chain, regardless of whether or not they are PTI compliant. The tool is designed to be used by companies of varying sizes who are at any point in their traceability journey. The Template was also integrated into the PTI Guidance for Sharing Traceback Data. Initial testing by a small group of buyers yielded favorable responses, and over the summer PTI will execute a larger pilot to determine how the Produce Traceback Template can enable the broader food industry to align on traceability best practices and prepare for interoperability and regulatory requirements of the future. Finally, as industry transitions to use of the ASN, the ASN 856 document was updated to reflect the updated EDI standard version 007050 UCS. This technical change supports the use of this electronic means for sharing both commercial and traceability information amongst trading partners. PTIs four founding organizations continue to collaborate on industry challenges and solutions for produce traceability, and encourage industry to access the new and updated resources at http://www.producetraceability.org. About PTI The Produce Traceability Initiative, sponsored by Canadian Produce Marketing Association, GS1 US, Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association, is designed to help the fresh produce industry to maximize the effectiveness of current traceback procedures, while developing a standardized industry approach to enhance the speed and efficiency of traceability systems for the future. The PTIs bold vision outlines a course of action to achieve supply chain-wide adoption of electronic traceability of every case of produce. For more information, visit http://www.producetraceability.org. About the Canadian Produce Marketing Association Based in Ottawa, Ontario, CPMA is a not-for-profit organization that represents a diverse membership made up of every segment of the produce industry supply chain who are responsible for 90% of the fresh fruit and vegetable sales in Canada. CPMA is fortunate to represent a sector that is both a significant economic driver for communities and that also improves the health and productivity of Canadians. For more information about CPMA, please visit http://www.cpma.ca. About GS1 US GS1 US, a member of GS1, is an information standards organization that brings industry communities together to solve supply-chain problems through the adoption and implementation of GS1 standards. More than 300,000 businesses in 25 industries rely on GS1 US for trading-partner collaboration and for maximizing the cost effectiveness, speed, visibility, security and sustainability of their business processes. They achieve these benefits through solutions based on GS1 global unique numbering and identification systems, bar codes, Electronic Product Code (EPC)-based Radio Frequency Identification (RFID, data synchronization, and electronic information exchange. GS1 US also manages the United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC). http://www.GS1US.org About Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Produce Marketing Association is the leading trade association representing companies from every segment of the global produce and floral supply chain. PMA helps members grow by providing business solutions that expand business opportunities and increase sales and consumption. For more information, visit http://www.pma.com. About United Fresh Produce Association (United Fresh) Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit http://www.unitedfresh.org. Media Contacts: CPMA: Allan Gordon, agordon@cpma.ca, 613-226-4187 GS1 US: Kaitlin Friedmann, kfriedmann@gs1us.org, 609-620-8074 PMA: Siobhan May, smay@pma.com 302-781-5855 United Fresh: Mary Coppola, mcoppola@unitedfresh.org, 202-303-3425 The World Health Organization expects that within the week, the 10 millionth case of COVID will have been confirmed. Speaking Wednesday at his regular briefing from Geneva, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that in the first month of the pandemic, there were fewer than 10,000 COVID cases reported to his organization, and in the last month, there have been almost 4 million. Latin America is Worlds New Coronavirus Epicenter Death toll in region surpasses 100,000 Tedros called the expected 10 million-case milestone a sobering reminder that there is an urgent responsibility to do everything possible available to stop the spread of the virus. Tedros also said the WHO supported the decision made this week by the government of Saudi Arabia week to limit the number of pilgrims who can participate in this year's hajj. He said that while he understood it was not an easy decision to make, it was another example of the hard choices that all countries must make to put health first." Saudi Arabia to Hold Very Limited' Hajj Due to Virus The kingdom's Ministry of Hajj said only people of various nationalities already residing in the country would be allowed to perform the large pilgrimage, which is set to begin this year at the end of July He said that as some countries start to reopen their societies and economies, questions about how to hold gatherings of large numbers of people safely have become increasingly important." (Newser) WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange sought to recruit hackers at conferences in Europe and Asia who could provide his anti-secrecy website with classified info, and conspired with members of hacking groups, per a new Justice Department indictment Wednesday. The superseding indictment doesn't contain additional charges beyond the 18 counts the Justice Department unsealed last year, per the AP. But prosecutors say it underscores Assange's efforts to procure and release classified information, allegations that form the basis of criminal charges he already faces. The indictment accuses Assange of conspiring with members of hacking groups LulzSec and Anonymous. He also worked with a 17-year-old hacker who gave him info stolen from a bank and directed the teen to steal additional material, including audio recordings of high-ranking government officials, prosecutors say. story continues below The new indictment's allegations center on conferences in locations such as the Netherlands and Malaysia in 2009, at which prosecutors say Assange and a WikiLeaks associate sought to recruit hackers who could locate classified info. Per the indictment, he told would-be recruits that unless they were a member of the US military, they faced no legal liability for stealing classified info and giving it to WikiLeaks "because 'TOP SECRET' meant nothing as a matter of law." At one Malaysian conference, Assange reportedly told the audience, "I was a famous teenage hacker in Australia, and I've been reading generals' emails since I was 17." Assange's lawyer said in a statement that "the government's relentless pursuit of Julian Assange poses a grave threat to journalists everywhere and to the public's right to know." The DOJ has already charged him with conspiring with former US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to crack a password to a government computer. (Read more Julian Assange stories.) Police have charged a man over the alleged stabbing murder of his estranged wife in central Queensland this week, witnessed by two of her three children. Karen Gilliland, 42, suffered "horrific wounds" after being stabbed multiple times in her Brae Street home in The Range, Rockhampton, about 6.30pm on Tuesday. Officers attempted to revive the mother of three, but were ultimately unsuccessful. Police took 45-year-old Nigel Gilliland into custody almost two hours later in a nearby street with serious wounds, believed to be self-inflicted. The European healthcare regulator has recommended the conditional approval of Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral treatment, remdesivir, for use in COVID-19 patients, making it the first treatment to be on track to be green-lit in the continent. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said on Thursday its human medicines committee (CHMP) recommended the drug's use in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with pneumonia who require oxygen support. The price of the drug in the region is not yet known. In the United States, it could be priced up to $5,080 per course, while Indian generic drugmakers will sell the treatment between 5,000 rupees to 6,000 rupees ($66.13-$79.35). The EMA endorsement, which comes just weeks after a speedy review, means physicians can prescribe the Gilead drug, to be branded Veklury, in Europe once approved by the European Commission, which usually follows CHMP recommendations. The EU's conditional marketing authorisation allows a treatment to be sold for a year in the 27-nation trading bloc before all necessary data on its efficacy and side-effects are available. Gilead has to submit final data by December. Demand for the drug soared after it became a front-runner following promise in trials. Gilead expects supply of remdesivir to exceed two million courses by year-end, double its previous target, and is planning to begin testing of an easier-to-use inhaled version of the drug, given intravenously as of now. Remdesivir has already been approved for emergency use in severely-ill patients in the United States, India and South Korea, and has received full approval in Japan. A newly-named Oregon park, located along the Siuslaw River, held a dedication ceremony mid-June to commemorate an interesting (and messy) piece of local history: the dynamiting of a dead whale that took place 50 years ago. According to LiveScience, Exploding Whale Memorial Park in Florence, Oregon, is named for an explosive event that took place Nov. 12, 1970, when local officials blew up a beached and decomposing sperm whale measuring 45 feet long, weighing about 8 tons. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the whales big bang, the town had planned to announce the parks new name in May at its annual Florence Rhododendron Festival. The theme this year: Blast from the Past. But the festival had to be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic and didnt take place until earlier this month. A survey was held to name the park and of the 124 names proposed by people in the community, including serene names such as Rolling Tides Community Park and Dune View Park, Exploding Whale Memorial Park won in a landslide. So what happened in 1970? The dead, decaying sperm whale that washed up near Florence posed a health hazard. It was too big to drag away or bury, so officials decided to get rid of the stinking corpse with dynamite. They decided to blast it into manageable, bite-size chunks that scavenging birds and crabs would then clean up, according to the Oregon Historical Society. Local news stations filmed the event with spectators and seagulls watching and anticipating a spectacular event. And it was spectacularly gross and disgusting. When engineers set off the half-ton of explosives, the blast blasted blubber beyond all believable bounds, Paul Linnman, a reporter who covered the explosion for Portland news station KATU, said at the time. It showering everything and everyone in the immediate vicinity with bits, and in some cases, hunks of dead, smelly whale. "The humor of the situation suddenly gave way to a run for survival, as huge chunks of whale blubber fell everywhere," Linnman said. "Pieces of meat passed high over our heads, while others were falling at our feet." Linnman went on to say that when spectators suddenly realized what was happening, they fled in all directions, trying to escape the awful smell and the raining down of rotting whale flesh. One particularly hefty slab landed on an unoccupied parked car about a quarter-mile away, crushing the roof. Everyone nearby was drenched with dead whale. In KATU s video coverage, Linnman reported that much of the whales body was still in big chunks that were of such a size that no respectable seagull would attempt to tackle anyway. So a demolition crew had to bury the carcass pieces on the beach, including a large piece of the carcass that never left the blast site, Linnman reported. Not surprisingly, current policy in the state of Oregon dictates that beached, dead whales must be buried and not blown up. As Linnman ended his coverage of the unfortunate event, he said, Should a whale ever wash ashore on Lane County again, those in charge will not only remember what to do, theyll certainly remember what not to do. Theres even a song: Musician Dan Tanz describes the gruesome scene in 2016, in a tongue-cheek, banjo tune The Exploding Whale Song. (You just cant make this stuff up.) Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. Read more: Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 21:27:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Palestinian Hamas supporters take part in a protest against Israel's plan to annex part of the West Bank, in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, June 26, 2020. On Thursday, Hamas warned it considers Israel's plan to annex a portion of the West Bank as a declaration of war on the Palestinian people. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua) GAZA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The military wing of Islamic Hamas movement warned on Thursday that if Israel carries out the plan of annexing parts of the West Bank, it will be a "declaration of war." The masked spokesman of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Obeida, made the warning in a short video message posted on the group's social media account. "We face an annexation plan. We will not talk much and we will say a few clear words that the occupation power must understand that the armed Palestinian resistance considers the annexation decision a declaration of war on our people," he said, wearing a red mask. Meanwhile, Hamas movement's spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said in a press statement that the statement of Abu Obeida, the spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, carries a strong and clear message to the Israeli occupation. "The statement is an affirmation that if the Israeli occupation committed a new folly by implementing the annexation decision, it means that the stage after committing this crime will not be the same as before," said Barhoum. The Israeli officials had said it could begin the annexation process from July 1. The plans are to annex Jewish settlements in the West Bank as well as the Jordan Valley. Never bring a knife to a gunfight, the saying goes but China does it differently. It brings clubs. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/6/2020 (576 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Never bring a knife to a gunfight, the saying goes but China does it differently. It brings clubs. Earlier this month, China and India had the nastiest frontier incident since their border war of 1962. In the Galwan Valley of the Aksai Chin, a disputed region the size of Switzerland in the western Himalayas, Chinese and Indian border patrols clashed and 20 Indian soldiers were killed yet not a shot was fired. The killing was all done with clubs, stones and bare hands. Killing people without firearms is actually quite hard, but the fact that the fight happened on a steep ridge at night makes it easier to understand how so many died: many apparently fell or were pushed to their deaths. Whats not so easy to explain is why most or all of the dead were Indian. The Chinese report blames the incident on India but does not complain of any Chinese casualties. The Indians say that they came to a position that the Chinese were supposed to have left and were suddenly attacked by a large number of Chinese troops using makeshift weapons. Put these reports together and you can begin to see what probably happened. The Chinese were lying in wait, all tooled up with clubs and metal rods, and when the Indian patrol stumbled upon them they immediately attacked, tumbling many of the Indians off the ridge to their deaths. That would explain the disparity in deaths, but it also means that it really was a deliberate ambush. In fact, it looks like a pre-planned Chinese operation, carefully designed to kill enough Indian troops to send the Indian government a message but minimize the risk of escalation. What message? Dont mess with us. We dont really care about this useless, frozen valley, and were happy to leave it as a no-mans land. But if you keep pushing forward, were going to smack you down. And we can. India has been pushing forward, building a new road in the most remote part of the Aksai Chin. No doubt the Indian military told themselves that they were just improving their tactical position and no doubt the Chinese military saw it as a land-grab. Thats how it usually works on this frontier. The confrontations over this new road began 40 days ago, and they have all been conducted without gunfire because the two sides signed an agreement in 1996 that says "neither side shall open fire... conduct blast operations or hunt with guns or explosives within two kilometres of the Line of Actual Control." They have kept to that agreement for almost a quarter-century because neither side wants a war over this uninhabited wasteland; they both have much bigger fish to fry elsewhere. But the Chinese clearly got fed up with the endless shoving and stone-throwing sessions and decided to tell the Indians its time to stop. Thats pretty much what happened back in 1962, too. 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 conflict started along the eastern part of the border that time, but all of it is in dispute to some extent. There have been many failed attempts to pin the line down by governments that no longer even exist the Dalai Lamas in Lhasa, the Qing dynasty and the Nationalist regime in Beijing, and the British Raj in Delhi and the fact that hardly anybody lives there makes defining it even harder. The governments that are currently dealing with this border issue, the Communist autocracy under president-for-life Xi Jinping in Beijing and Narendra Modis ultra-nationalist, Hindu supremacist BJP in New Delhi, are at least as unreasonable as any of their predecessors. But the quarrel has never led to a major war in the past, and it probably wont now, either. The problem in 1962 also began with Indian troops trying to improve their positions in the disputed territories: a so-called "Forward Policy." Mao Zedongs government decided to drive the Indian army out of all the land under dispute, and then, after the Indians had been "taught a lesson," to declare a unilateral ceasefire and pull all Chinas troops back to their original positions. It was a major military operation, with 700 Chinese and more than 3,000 Indian soldiers killed or missing. But Mao predicted that it "will guarantee at least 30 years of peace" along the frontier, and thats just what it did. Think of this as just another 1962, but in miniature and without bullets. Gwynne Dyers latest book is Growing Pains: The Future of Democracy (and Work). Last December I wrote about former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haleys failure to unequivocally denounce the Confederate flag. Her badly botched attempt to condemn-without-actually-condemning that flag is symptomatic of the social and political schizophrenia that has bewitched the United States since the Confederacy was defeated nominally in 1865. What transpired when Ulysses S. Grant joined Robert E. Lee at Appomattox is nearly beyond comprehension. For starters, Grant had allowed Lee to select the venue. Disturbingly, it was Lee, not Grant, who raised the subject of surrender. (Grant later admitted that he was embarrassed to bring it up.) Further, Lee said that Grants generous terms of surrender would have a very happy effect on (his) army. And Lees mindset was clear as he spoke not so much about having lost the war as he did about not having enough men to win it. For his part, Gen. Grants eagerness to ensure a smooth transition from war to reunification caused him to order his troops not to jeer at the men who had been intent on killing them just a short time earlier. The future president was much more interested in reconciliation with his erstwhile enemy than he was at humiliating them. (This is unlike, for example, the surrender of the Japanese to the U.S. during World War II.) Grants magnanimity was contagious. His terms of surrender were handwritten by his adjutant, Ely S. Parker, who was from the Seneca tribe. When Lee (who owned other human beings) learned that Parker was a Native American, he stated, It is good to have one real American here. Parker replied to Lee, Sir, we are all Americans. I raise these historical points to give context to what were experiencing in America today regarding the Confederacy flags, monuments, et al. Morning Consult and Politico recently conducted a poll of registered voters regarding their views about that flag. Overall, 44% see it as a symbol of Southern pride, whereas a mere 36% see it as racist. Older whites, Southerners and those who support Donald Trump see the flag as the former; people of color, people under 40, northerners and liberals see the flag as the latter. Most telling is the fact that Black Southerners are nearly unanimous in their disdain for that flag. (So much for the argument about Southern pride.) There is no way around the fact that the Confederate flag represents traitors who fought and died to perpetuate white supremacy even if they were too poor to own enslaved people. They caused more than 600,000 deaths in the process, which is still more than any other war in which Americans have fought. Yet, as Ta-Nehisi Coates and others have pointed out, the U.S. government never treated Confederates as traitors. First, they were not prosecuted as such. Second, they were given pensions! Moreover, Grant allowed Confederate soldiers to keep their horses, mules and (most importantly) guns. There is little wonder as to why the South has never really considered itself to have lost the war other than during the few years of Reconstruction that President Grant oversaw. Apologists for the Confederacy point out accurately that slavery existed far longer under the stars and stripes than it did under the various iterations of the Confederate flag. That is absolutely true. However, the fact remains that the maintenance of slavery was the overwhelming reason for creating the Confederacy. (There are more than 80 references to slavery in the Confederate Constitution.) However, immediately following the war, Southerners quite literally began to rewrite the historical narrative, which is an honor that is generally reserved for the victors. The racial tension that we are experiencing today is, in large part, a direct result of white Americans failure simply to let the Confederacy die. Fortunately, it appears that this anachronism is finally on its way to the dustbin of history. NASCAR has informed its fans that the Confederate flag will no longer be allowed at its events. Similarly, the NCAA, Conference USA and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) have all threatened to pull events from Mississippi unless that state changes its flag, which includes a Confederate symbol. Our nations history is replete with lost opportunities. Im hopeful that we have now come to a place at which the symbols of the lost cause can be placed as respectfully as necessary in museums. I dont want to forget Confederate history. I simply want it to be remembered for being one of our nations greatest sins. Larry Smith is a community leader. Contact him at larry@leaf-llc.com. FILE PHOTO: The headquarters of Wirecard AG, an independent provider of outsourcing and white label solutions for electronic payment transactions is seen in Aschheim near Munich, Germany April 25, 2019. REUTERS/Michael Dalder Reuters Wirecard, a once valuable German fintech firm, filed for insolvency on Thursday as it battles a huge accounting scandal. Auditors said last week that more than $2 billion went missing from the company's balance sheet, and Wirecard later said the money likely never existed. Wirecard said on Thursday that it applied to begin insolvency proceedings in the Munich district court. On Monday, its former CEO was arrested on charges related to market manipulation and false accounting. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. The German fintech group Wirecard AG filed for insolvency on Thursday, less than a week after CEO Markus Braun resigned and was arrested on charges related to market manipulation and false accounting. It is the first member of Germany's prestigious blue-chip DAX index to file for insolvency. The payments processor said on Thursday that it had applied to open insolvency proceedings in the Munich district court "due to impending insolvency and over-indebtedness." It also said it was evaluating whether insolvency applications would have to be filed for its subsidiaries. Read more: From a late-night infomercial to a 1,040-unit empire worth $188 million: Here's how Jacob Blackett perfected his real-estate-investing strategy after losing $70,000 on his first deals Wirecard's shares were suspended from trading before its announcement. Ordinarily, a company files for insolvency when it fails to meet its financial obligations to lenders when debt payments are due. In Germany, an insolvency administrator has the option to continue the business as long there is hope of finding an investor that will acquire it. Wirecard's shares have fallen by about 90% since its auditor said last week that 1.9 billion, or about $2 billion, had gone missing from its balance sheet. Wirecard later said the money likely never existed. Read more: Morgan Stanley handpicks 10 stocks to buy now for the richest profits as travel and outdoor activities transform in the post-pandemic world Story continues Screenshot 2020 06 25 at 10.31.42 Markets Insider Braun was released on 5 million bail on Tuesday, though the German police are still investigating. The Munich prosecutor's office said it would "now look at all possible criminal offences," Reuters reported. Read the original article on Business Insider OTTAWAA former intern who says he attempted to leak sensitive Erin OToole campaign videos to Peter MacKays campaign claims his offer was rejected, adding another twist to the allegations of hacking in the Conservative leadership race. In an exclusive statement to the Star, the former employee of Calgary Centre MP Greg McLeans constituency office said he approached Jamie Lall, a Calgary-based MacKay campaign organizer, in early June and offered him log-in credentials for the OToole campaigns Zoom account. The account included 38 gigabytes of video conferences, including senior staff meetings, debate preparations and private meetings conducted by OToole. He said Lall quickly shut down the meeting and told him a few days later the MacKay campaign wasnt interested. Last week, the OToole campaign submitted a complaint to police, accusing the MacKay campaign and Lall in particular of hacking its Zoom account. Lall has denied any wrongdoing and told the Star he is considering legal action against the OToole campaign. The intern, a 19-year-old man, was fired from McLeans office this week. He provided a written statement to the Star on the condition that his name not be used. During the meeting when I brought up the information about the Zoom account, Jamie Lall abruptly finished the meeting, he told the Star. I forwarded a link to share videos in a folder to Jamie Lall, but I do not know whether that request was accepted, or whether the link was used or denied, he wrote. I hadnt notified Jamie Lall that I would be sending him an email beforehand. When I followed up with Jamie Lall a few days later, he said that the campaign has declined to use the information. The man also acknowledged downloading videos from the Zoom account himself. He now finds himself out of a job and in the middle of a pitched fight between the OToole and MacKay campaigns. According to his version of events, he was hired on May 1 to work in McLeans constituency office, although McLean had endorsed OToole in the Conservative leadership race and he had publicly supported MacKay. He said McLean asked him to upload a video onto social media. After some email trouble, he said he was contacted by Jordan Katz, a regional organizer for OToole, and given the log-in credentials to a Zoom account used by the OToole campaign. Reached for comment Wednesday, Katz would only say that the intern misrepresented himself in order to gain access to the account. The OToole campaign named Lall personally in its complaint to police, describing him as a senior organizer for the campaign and accusing him of being one of three people who had inappropriately accessed its files. The MacKay campaign told the Star that it could not comment on the substance of the claims because the OToole campaign had not shared the details of its allegations. In a complaint filed Friday with Toronto police and the RCMP, the OToole campaign alleged that its files were inappropriately accessed and downloaded from three Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. It said two of the IP addresses were in Calgary, and the third was in Toronto. The OToole campaign said its internal investigation used publicly available IP-locating services to narrowed down the Toronto location to an area in midtown. A senior OToole campaign source told the Star that more than 100 unique videos were downloaded at that IP address. The OToole investigation was aided by Zoom, the video-sharing platform that has become ubiquitous for those working through the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the digital forensics, the OToole campaign said it conducted interviews with those involved. Both sides in the bitterly fought leadership race have attempted to put their spin on the story since the OToole campaign went public with its allegations on Friday. MacKay supporters have accused OTooles team of attempting to draw attention away from last weeks debates, which many political observers chalked up as a win for MacKay. But some Conservatives view the allegations as merely more infighting in what has been an otherwise underwhelming contest. Theres a lot of eye-rolling that (the hacking accusations have) been the highlight of the leadership campaign so far, one senior Conservative MP told the Star on Tuesday. It will now be up to the Toronto police cybercrimes unit and the RCMPs national division to sift through the political squabbling and determine if any crime has been committed. A source said police interviews are scheduled to start later this week. Conservative party spokesperson Cory Hann said neither the party nor its leadership organizing committee will comment on a matter thats before the police. The Conservatives will choose their next leader at the end of August. Read more about: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), in its June 25 board meeting, is likely to discuss creating a special window for clearing the backlog of particular cases. It is also likely to discuss creating a special window for using consent mechanisms for cases related to tax evasion through long-term capital gains and fraudulent trades in illiquid options. Sources say that SEBI's Enforcement Department has proposed the measure for clearing large backlog. A source close to development told Moneycontrol, "This special window could be for a particular time period, and the regulator may fix an amount for particular trade volumes. These cases are among the highest pendency cases list of SEBI." After almost two decades, SEBI is coming out with this settlement mechanism under which entities can pay a fixed amount and evade themselves from any investigation. SEBI has around 30,000 pending cases related to long-term capital gain tax matters and 15,000 cases relating to trades executed in illiquid options. In some cases of LTCG and illiquid options, trade entities have filed consent applications. A source close to development told Moneycontrol, "A large number of entities have filed for consent. If the regulator gives the benefit of a special window, it would be a win-win situation for entities, as well as the regulator." "A new specific provision dealing with settlement schemes was introduced, giving SEBI power to specify procedure and terms for any class of persons involved in respect of any similar specified defaults. Without such a provision years back, SEBI came up with the SEBI (Interest Liability Regularisation) Scheme, 2004 as a one-time opportunity for brokers to regularise their registration fee dues. With this provision in law, such schemes are to be a game changer and will reduce SEBIs enforcement load if executed properly. SEBI is already dealing with hundreds of cases where persons have been charged for dealing in illiquid options segment of Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). One can hope that SEBI will come up with settlement schemes for such defaults. Another example could be a new settlement scheme for brokers entangled in NSEL imbroglio," said Sumit Agrawal, Partner - Regstreet Law Advisors and former SEBI official. SEBI started investigating cases of tax evasion through long-term capital gain tax after the Income Tax had raised red flags in 2014. Rajeev Kumar Agarwal, a former whole-time member, passed an ex-parte order against some entities which became helpful to the Income Tax Department in its investigation. However, because SEBI took a long time to pass the final order against these entities because of which the matters remained in litigation at the Securities Appellate Tribunal. Even under the income declaration scheme, most income was declared by these brokers who used a long-term capital gain route for tax evasion. In 2017, SEBIs board also discussed LTCG cases and formed a view that market regulators should be concerned about market manipulation and not tax evasion. Tax evasion through long-term capital gain tax is under the purview of the Income tax department. However, around 30,000 cases are still pending where orders are yet to be passed. In 2018, SEBI conducted an investigation on illiquid options where entities used them for tax evasion. This time, SEBI passed an order on these entities for using the market infrastructure for manipulation. SEBI has already passed around more than 1,500 orders against entities for the said violation. After the investigation, the Central Board of Direct Tax also took up this matter in 2019, and the I-T investigation wing conducted searches on these entities. A source close to development told Moneycontrol, This time, SEBIs order is helpful as it is passing orders which mainly focus on market manipulation. By Ko Dong-hwan South Korea and China have strengthened efforts for a cleaner atmosphere, pouring billions of dollars into the initiative. Climate Change Strategy Division official Ahn Se-chang, from the South Korean ministry of environment, and Guo Jing, a global venture president from China's Ministry of Ecology and Environment, cemented the deal via videoconferencing on Wednesday. The latest meeting follows the countries' discussion of the topic in April. After years of air pollution caused by particulate matter PM10 (10 micrometers in diameter) and PM2.5, the two countries this year introduced a massive financing plan and strategies for technology research and green industry growth to reduce the environmental problem. The Korean central government early this month assigned 586.7 billion won ($486 million) to the environment ministry for 22 new eco-friendly businesses under the Green New Deal. In May, China announced a budget of $6.88 trillion for its own version of new green projects over the next five years. The latest bilateral agreement has reaffirmed the countries' efforts for a "clean air project." Wednesday's discussion reinforced the countries' previous knowledge-sharing videoconference in April, dealing with how each has benefitted from a seasonal air pollution monitoring policy. Under the policy, Korea enforces stronger regulations on air pollution from December to March, and China from October to March. The latest discussion agreed to share information on state regulations and drone manuals to rein in the industrial sector's atmosphere-heating pollutants and expand on-ground pollution monitoring stations from three in Korea and two in China to four each. At a May meeting, China's Shandong Province and Tianjin city were designated as central regions for joint clean air efforts. The latest meeting also agreed to involve companies in Shanghai and Guangdong Province. Ahn said: "The bilateral efforts will be protected to continue, especially before the economic toll from COVID-19's impact and climate change's ecological changes." Practising Yoga regularly is believed to have multiple health benefits and so does Dabur Honey. But when blended together, they form the perfect solution for a healthy lifestyle. In the current scenario, with the country unlocking, prioritising health is of utmost importance, and this is exactly where the Dabur Honey campaign stems from. This International Yoga Day, Dabur Honey spearheaded a holistic health campaign, AatmaRaksha Movement, wherein through the #HoneyYogaChallenge, the brand urged everyone to do as many Suryanamaskars as possible. Suryanamaskar, or Sun-salutation, is a popular asana/technique that improves overall health, strengthens the body's immune system, and relaxes the mind. The film advises people to pair this Yoga exercise with a glass of lukewarm water mixed with Dabur Honey, and make it a morning ritual for best results. The campaign is endorsed by Mandira Bedi, a highly recognised fitness enthusiast. Talking about endorsing the movement, Kunal Sharma, Category Head Dabur Honey and Glucose said In the current times, Yoga is being increasingly adopted as a practice to keep oneself healthy and build ones immunity to keep themselves protected. Dabur Honey has decided to transform this into a movement on International Yoga Day as the AatmaRaksha Movement. To build engagement, we have decided to give it a spin called the HoneyYoga challenge asking people to marry the two good habits of Yoga and warm water with Dabur Honey and to do this regularly to build ones immunity and health. Commenting on the campaign idea, Azazul Haque, CCO, Mullen Lintas said There are many multiple Indian practices that builds the human immunity. Drinking Dabur Honey everyday with warm water is one of them. There is another Indian Practice that helps in Boosting immunity immensely, thats Yoga. So on International Yoga Day, Dabur Honey thought of educating people about the immunity boosting benefits of the two Indian practices. And for that we even roped in Mandira Bedi, a famous actress who is also known for her fitness. A fully digital campaign is also conceptualised to educate people about the immunity benefits of Yogasanas and drinking Dabur Honey daily. Given times of today, when human immunity is extremely important, we believe such topical campaign will give a boost to the growth of Dabur Honey alongwith the immunity of the consumers. The campaign went live across brands Instagram and Facebook handles on International Yoga Day. Eight days after they withdrew support to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led ruling coalition in Manipur headed by N Biren Singh, all four MLAs of the National Peoples Party (NPP) made a u-turn on Thursday and decided to be part of the government again. The four legislators met Governor Najma Heptulla at the Raj Bhawan in Manipurs capital Imphal on Thursday afternoon and expressed their support to the government. All four are likely to be re-inducted as ministers soon. A delegation of National Peoples Party led by Conrad Sangma along with Himanta Biswa Sarma called on me and all the 4 MLAs gave their letter of support to the BJP led government in the state of Manipur, Heptulla tweeted after meeting the NPP legislators. The development comes a day after the four MLAs, who had left Imphal on Tuesday, met Union home minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda in New Delhi. They were accompanied by NPP national president and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and senior Assam minister and convener of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) Himanta Biswa Sarma. Both leaders gave us a very patient hearing and all issues which were there we expressed them all in detail to them. They have understood what the problem is and have assured that all issues will be addressed and taken care of, Sangma told journalists earlier on Thursday on arrival at the Imphal airport. That is why after assurance given by Mr Shah and Mr Nadda we have decided that we will be withdrawing our resignations and NPP will continue to support the BJP government. The three-year-old BJP-led coalition had run into a crisis on June 17 when three BJP MLAs resigned from the party and six other legislators - four from the NPP, one from Trinamool Congress and one Independent - withdrew support to the N Biren Singhs government. Citing differences with Singhs style of functioning, the NPP MLAs as well as the TMC and Independent legislators joined hands with opposition Congress and formed a Secular Progressive Front (SPF) to oust the government. Citing that the government has become a minority, the SPF leaders met the Governor twice seeking convening of a special assembly session to hold floor test on the governments majority. Despite the numbers not being in their favour, the BJP candidate, Manipurs titular king Sanajaoba Leishemba won the Rajya Sabha election on July 19 securing 28 votes to Congress candidate T Mangibabus 24. While these developments were underway, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team questioned Congress leader and former chief minister O Ibobi Singh in Imphal on Wednesday in connection with a case of alleged misappropriation of funds. It is alleged that the former CM while he was chairman of Manipur Development Society (MDS) between June, 2009 and July, 2017 misappropriated government funds worth Rs 332 crores along with others. The only way for BJP to be in power in Manipur is by using CBI against Congress MLAs, manoeuvring Raj Bhawan to slow down attempts by Congress to form government along with allies and by giving pressure to Manipur MLAs by calling them to Delhi, Manipur Congress spokesperson Nignombam Bupenda Meitei said. The entire machineries have been abused to stop the floor test. This is BJPs destruction of the Constitution, he added. Despite winning 21 seats to Congresss 28, BJP had been able to form government in Manipur in 2017 with support of four NPP MLAs, four Naga Peoples Front MLAs and one MLA each from TMC, Lok Janshakti Party and an Independent in the 60 -ember House. Due to disqualification of four MLAs by the Speaker, resignations by three BJP MLAs and resignation by a turncoat Congress MLA in March, the Manipur assemblys strength has been reduced to 52. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON BLUFFDALE, Utah, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Listen Technologies Corporation , the leading provider of advanced wireless listening solutions for 22 years, has promoted Sam Nord to vice president of global sales. In this role, Nord works with Listen Technologies partners to sell the companys audio and content solutions to their customer bases. He also oversees Listen Technologies outside and inside sales teams. Were happy to recognize Sam and promote him to vice president of global sales at Listen Technologies, said Russ Gentner, CEO of Listen Technologies. Sams enthusiasm, leadership and advocacy for his team, the industry, and our partners and customers, are unparalleled. He and his team have been instrumental in helping Listen Technologies increase its product offerings and expand the application of our solutions. Nord has spent his entire career in the AV industry. He joined Listen Technologies in 2013, after having been a customer for many years in previous roles as a dealer and integrator. Most recently, he was director of global sales at Listen Technologies. Under his leadership, the sales team achieved record year-over-year growth. Nords experience as an integrator has helped him anticipate what customers want, as well as the solutions that will meet their needs. Its a great feeling whenever we talk to customers about Listen Technologies solutions and they realize how they can use those solutions to provide better experiences for their own customers, or we uncover ideas to develop a new product feature or solution, said Nord. Im challenged and excited every day to work with an amazing team at Listen Technologies and in an industry that continues to evolve and enable global connection and collaboration. About Listen Technologies Venues and tour operators lose business when people struggle to hear and engage. Listen Technologies enriches lives by delivering audio directly to the individual so everyone can hear clearly and share in the same great experience. We help people listen and participate in environments where hearing is difficult, whether on a guided or self-guided tour, in a house of worship, a theme park, theater, or other venue. Our solutions provide technology and storytelling services that help venues and tour operators increase business. Our vision is to improve lifes experiences through sound by providing exceptional audio and content anytime, anywhere, on any platform. To learn more about how Listen Technologies provides a better way to hear the world, visit www.listentech.com . Media Contacts: Kim Spencer Listen Technologies 801-542-7720 kim.spencer@listentech.com Reuters A handful of US companies have pulled advertising from Facebook Inc in support of a campaign that called out the social media giant for not doing enough to stop hate speech on its platforms. The Stop Hate for Profit campaign was started by several US civil rights groups after the death of African American George Floyd in police custody triggered widespread protests against racial discrimination in the United States. Ben & Jerry's The ice-cream maker said it would pause all paid advertising on Facebook and Instagram in the United States as of 1 July. "We call on Facebook to take the clear and unequivocal actions called for by the campaign to stop its platform from being used to spread and amplify racism and hate." Dashlane The subscription-based password manager said it was stopping all paid and organic posts on Facebook and Instagram through July at minimum. "I'm calling on my fellow CMOs in tech to join me," the company's Chief Marketing Officer Joy Howard said in a statement. Eddie Bauer "In support of the '#StopHateforProfit' initiative, Eddie Bauer will suspend all paid ads on Facebook and Instagram through the end of July, effective immediately," the clothing store chain said in a tweet. In support of the #StopHateForProfit initiative, Eddie Bauer will suspend all paid ads on Facebook and Instagram through the end of July, effective immediately. Learn more here: https://t.co/0oMnahL1Mh Eddie Bauer (@eddiebauer) June 24, 2020 Magnolia Pictures The film distributor and studio became the first Hollywood company to join the movement. The company said in a tweet it would stop advertising on Facebook and Instagram, starting immediately, through at least the end of July. "We are seeking meaningful change at Facebook and the end to their amplification of hate speech." In solidarity with the #StopHateForProfit movement, Magnolia Pictures has chosen to stop advertising on Facebook and Instagram, starting immediately, through at least the end of July. We are seeking meaningful change at Facebook and the end to their amplification of hate speech. Magnolia Pictures (@MagnoliaPics) June 23, 2020 Patagonia "We will pull all ads on Facebook and Instagram, effective immediately, through at least the end of July, pending meaningful action from the social media giant," the outdoor apparel brand said in a statement date 21 June. Recreational Equipment Inc "For 82 years, we have put people over profits. We're pulling all Facebook/Instagram advertising for the month of July," REI tweeted. For 82 years, we have put people over profits. We're pulling all Facebook/Instagram advertising for the month of July. #StopHateForProfit Learn more: https://t.co/XCQSnUO8XJ https://t.co/Jp1GaKdCUN REI (@REI) June 19, 2020 The North Face The outdoor brand, a unit of VF Corp, said it would pull out of all Facebook-owned platforms. "We're in. We're Out @Facebook," The North Face said in a tweet. A VF Corp spokesman told Reuters other brands in its portfolio were actively discussing whether to take the same action. Upwork Inc "Upwork is hitting pause on hate with no Facebook advertising in July," the company tweeted. Telugu Desam Party (TDP) Chief N Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday accused the YSRCP government of conducting "false COVID-19 tests" on its party leaders and sending them for official quarantine in order to settle political scores. He also charged the ruling party with 'playing games' with the public health, saying it was evident from the alleged corruption scams in COVID test kits purchase and also in spurious bleaching powder. On false reports of COVID-test conducted on his party MLAs and MLCs, the TDP Chief said this "ugly face" of the government came to light during a recent budget session of Assembly. "The AP government gave a report saying that TDP MLC G Deepak Reddy tested positive and insisted on him to come for official quarantine immediately. This trick was being played on those Opposition leaders coming from the neighbouring states," Naidu said in a statement. But Reddy had already undergone SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test at two locations in Telangana where he was tested negative, he said. Naidu has sought explanation from the ruling party leaders for the need to send the TDP MLC for quarantine even before he was confirmed positive for coronavirus. "The Deepak Reddy instance throws up doubts whether the YSRCP regime was using COVID-19 tests for taking political vengeance. It was a cheap tactic on the part of the government not to mention which test they have conducted on him," Naidu said. It was condemnable that a person who tested negative for the virus was falsely reported as positive, he added. As per the central guidelines, Naidu said that the Truenat test would be initially conducted. If this test shows positive, then RT-PCR should be mandatorily conducted for final confirmation of any virus case. This procedure was not followed in the case of an MLC. Naidu accused the government of showing 'negligence' and 'cheap tactics' at a time when coronavirus infections were rising unabated in Andhra Pradesh. "The government should also be answerable to the people whether the tests it was conducting on the people were reliable or not," he noted. Ohio passes law expanding students' religious liberty in public schools Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Ohio has enacted legislation aimed at expanding religious freedom rights for students in public schools, including the allowance of religious content in school assignments. Last Friday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 164, also known as the Student Religious Liberties Act, which passed the House in a vote of 90-3 and unanimously in the Senate. Among its provisions, the new law says that schools must treat religious student clubs as they do secular clubs and cannot prohibit religious content from being included in school assignments. A student enrolled in a public school may engage in religious expression before, during, and after school hours in the same manner and to the same extent that a student is permitted to engage in secular activities or expression before, during, and after school hours, reads the legislation in part. Assignment grades and scores shall be calculated using ordinary academic standards of substance and relevance, including any legitimate pedagogical concerns, and shall not penalize or reward a student based on the religious content of a student's work. Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel Matt Sharp, whose law firm often handles religious liberty cases, celebrated the passage of the new law. Ohios Student Religious Liberties Act protects students right to express their religious beliefs and ensures that schools cant punish or give students a poor grade simply because they choose to express a religious viewpoint when completing a class assignment, stated Sharp. Ohios Student Religious Liberties Act reinforces that students dont give up their First Amendment rights when they step through the doors of a school, and thats a win for everyone. The bill was not without its critics, as the Ohio chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union expressed concern over the implementation of the proposal and questioned its efficacy. In testimony given earlier this month before the Ohio Senate Education Committee, ACLU of Ohio Chief Lobbyist Gary Daniels argued that the bill was unnecessary. Indeed, students have the fundamental right to pray and discuss their religious beliefs with fellow students as long as they are not disruptive. They can already express their religious beliefs in homework, reports, essays, and artwork, so long as those beliefs are germane to the assignment and coursework, stated Daniels. They may distribute religious literature to fellow students, subject to typical time, place, and manner restrictions imposed on all such speech. They can participate in religious events such as See You at the Pole before and after the school day, on school property. NEW DELHI Scores of people died in violent rainstorms in northeastern India on Thursday, including many farmers working in their fields and children playing outside who were killed by lightning strikes, Indian officials said. The storms came as the yearly monsoon rains began in northern India, sweeping across the subcontinent and drenching cities and towns in their path. Natures fury was at its worst today, said Manoj Kumar Tiwary, a top police official in the state of Bihar, which reported on its Facebook page that 83 people had died of lightning strikes across the state. Officials also reported widespread damage to property across the state. Some were walking, some were working in fields, he said, adding that the dead included children playing in the courtyards of their houses. Each year, lightning kills thousands of people in India. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, which classifies lightning strikes as a cause of accidental death, 2,357 people across India died in 2018 from lighting strikes that year, the last year for which such data was available. But the high numbers of deaths in such a short time span are much rarer. During a two-day period in 2016, lightning strikes killed at least 70 people in the country. That time, many of the fatalities were also around Bihar. Indias prime minister, Narendra Modi, expressed condolences in a Twitter message, saying the state government is engaged in relief work with promptness. One of the constants with the Democrat party has been its obsession with race. Whether it was the 19th century's race-based slavery, the early 20th century's pro-white eugenics, or the mid-20th century's war on Americans of Japanese ancestry, Democrats never have been able to stop defining and valuing the world by skin color or other overt racial characteristics. Then, in 1963, Martin Luther King gave his "I have a dream" speech, the one in which he imagined his children living in a world that valued their character over their color. For a few decades, Democrats became less overt with their racial obsessions. Of late, though, the Democrats' racial obsessions have escalated to the point at which they are indistinguishable from their historic efforts to divide the world by skin color and then attach hierarchical values to those categorizations. The New York Times might have reached the apex of its inability to see people as individuals rather than racial blocs with an unintentionally humorous article from Caitlin Dickerson (who undoubtedly would want the world to know she's black). The article has the usual unwieldy title that is the norm now for The New York Times: A Minneapolis Neighborhood Vowed to Check Its Privilege. It's Already Being Tested. Blocks from where George Floyd drew his last breaths, residents have vowed to avoid the police to protect people of color. The commitment is hard to keep. Briefly, a longtime lefty neighborhood in Minneapolis decided to live up to its principles: the neighborhood's residents decided "to avoid calling law enforcement into their community." Only in that way, the white-majority population believed, could they protect their local black and Hispanic residents from psychic pain. The impetus for this decision was the big lie, which Dickerson repeats as the truth, about police slaughtering blacks: The video of Mr. Floyd's death and the outcry over racial injustice that came after has awakened many white Americans to a reality that people of color have known their whole lives: The scores of police killings they have seen in the news in recent years were not one-off incidents, but part of a systemic problem of the dehumanization of black people by the police. While we don't have data about "dehumanization," we do have data about those "scores of police killings" and that story is a lie. (Coleman Hughes ably refutes that lie here.) Anyone but a leftist could have seen what would happen, which is that the neighborhood was overrun with addicts, dealers, disruptive homeless people, and other generic criminals. Overnight, they turned the leafy, snug neighborhood into another San Francisco, Seattle, or Los Angeles. It would take a conservative with a heart of stone not to laugh at leftists grappling with the inevitable result of their airy-fairy theories. That's one reason the article is funny. It's also funny because of gems such as "Carrie Nightshade, 44," judgmentally stating, "I'm not being judgmental" as she explains that her local park is so dangerous that she won't let her kids play there anymore. As I said, you'd have to be a humorless leftist scold not to laugh. What's not funny about the article, though, is how Caitlin Dickerson (and did I mention that she's black?) feels compelled to identify everyone's race. Even worse, she didn't do it with graceful, subtle prose. She speaks in blunt racial terms, hitting the reader over the head with each label. Shari Albers was "organizing her most white neighbors ..." "Ms. Albers, who is white ..." (as a side note, Ms. Albers's equally white daughter moved into the neighborhood and is now feeling guilty that, by buying her house, she "potentially prevent[ed] a person of color from doing so ..." "The women, four of whom are white ..." "'My emotions change every 30 seconds,' said Tria Houser, who is part Native American." "Last Thursday night, Joseph Menkevich found a black man ..." "Mr. Menkevich, who is white ..." "Ultimately, a white police officer arrived ..." "The impulse many white Powderhorn Park residents have ..." "Sheldon Stately Sr., 43, grew up in Powderhorn Park with his grandmother, one of the community's few black homeowners at the time ..." "On a recent afternoon, Sarah Kenney and Diane Cullumber, who are both white ..." "'This thing is probably going to last two or three weeks,' said Aza Ochoa, a Mexican and Native American father ..." "Akhmiri Sekhr-Ra, a black woman who rented ..." "Mitchell Erickson's fingers began dialing 911 last week before he had a chance to even consider alternatives, when two black teenagers who looked to be 15, at most, cornered him." (The boys robbed him at gunpoint, but when Erickson, flustered, handed them the wrong keys for his car, they stole a different car. Erickson called the police only because a gun was involved but later was overcome by guilt for putting the boys at risk of death by cop.) Having read Dickerson's piece, the one thing I know with certainty is that, with her racial obsessions on full display, Dickerson (who, may I remind you, is black) would have made the slavers, the eugenicists, and the Jim Crow racists proud. Martin Luther King, though, would weep. One of the largest and most popular ski resorts in the United States, and host of the 1960 Winter Olympic Games, Tahoe's Squaw Valley is considering changing its name. The nation is currently reckoning with its history on race and the honoring of problematic figures of the past, after a renewed swell in the Black Lives Matter movement following the police killing of George Floyd. Statues commemorating Star-Spangled Banner poet Francis Scott Key, Civil War general Ulysses S. Grant, and Junipero Serra were toppled in Golden Gate Park last weekend. Schools in Berkeley honoring slave-owning presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson are being renamed. Now, focus has turned to ski resort Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows in North Lake Tahoe. The term squaw is considered an ethnic and racist slur. The American Indian Movement notes that in the Algonquin languages the word means vagina, and is a synonym for "prostitute, harlot, hussy, and floozy." Writer Alma Garcia once wrote that the term "treats non-white women as if they were second-class citizens or exotic objects." In response to the argument that the term "doesn't bother" Native American people, the A.I.M. states, "Were American Indian women ever asked? Have you ever asked an American Indian woman, man, or child how they feel about the word?" adding, "Do not say the word yourself, simply call it the 'S' word, then state that it has always been used to insult American Indian women." The use of the name in California has come under scrutiny before. In 2011, Squaw Frog Woman Rock in Mendocino County was scrubbed of its name to honor and respect the cultural heritage of the Pomo peoples of the region. California is still the home of Squaw Leap at San Joaquin Gorge and Squaw Dome in the Sierra Nevada, in addition to Squaw Valley. President and Chief Operating Officer of the Squaw Valley Alpine Meadow resort Ron Cohen spoke to KCRA this week about the ski resorts plans. He said that the name for the valley originated "sometime in the 1850s or so, as settlers came through here, the anecdotal stories are that they saw all of the (Native American) men were gone out hunting in the summer time and the (Native American) women and children were here in this beautiful valley." "Its something thats been a discussion point among me and my senior team for a little bit now as weve gotten into this sort of national reckoning thats going on," he added. "It would be impossible for us not to have really started thinking about it and talking about it again." Enacting a name change is no small task, but one that Cohen considers important and necessary in the current political climate. "We use the name squaw all over the place... it's emblazoned all over our resort. Its on our uniforms, our name tags, our public facing collateral. "It will take a lot of work for us to change the name out. It will take a period of time to do it. Cost a lot of money. None of those are reasons to not do it." While a concrete decision on renaming the resort has yet to be made, discussions are currently in place to enact the change. "I dont anticipate it will take too long," Cohen added. Andrew Chamings is a digital editor at SFGATE. Email: Andrew.Chamings@sfgate.com | Twitter: @AndrewChamings Alphabet Inc.s Google will begin paying select media outlets featured in a yet-to-be released news service later this year, a major business shift for the search engine after years of pressure from media companies and regulators. The licensing deals will start in three countries and Google is in talks with publishers in six more, the company said Thursday in a blog post. The service will show stories from chosen publishers inside the news aggregation features, Google News and Discover. Brad Bender, a Google vice president, wrote in the post that the company would pay for high-quality content. Google didnt disclose the financial terms or when the new service will start. This program will help participating publishers monetize their content through an enhanced storytelling experience that lets people go deeper into more complex stories, stay informed and be exposed to a world of different issues and interests, Bender wrote. For years, media organizations have criticized Google and other internet platforms for their treatment of news articles and grip on digital advertising. Googles new service will launch in Germany, Australia and Brazil, three countries where the company has faced competition complaints. In response, Google has taken several attempts to mollify publishers. Facebook Inc., Googles chief rival in digital ads, also has taken steps to respond to criticism from publishers. The company said in October it would start paying publishers appearing in a News section on the social network. Facebook and Google are the focus of U.S. regulatory probes over competition and market power. Photo credit: Element Pictures / Enda Bowe From Town & Country Whether you read the book, watched the series, or both, many fans were frustrated by the ending of Sally Rooney's Normal People. (Just go to New York, Marianne! It's only one year!!) Regardless, the series and book captivated audiences around the world as it traced the coming-of-age love story of Marianne and Connell, two Irish students from different social classes whose relationship waxes and wanes from high school to university and beyond. Now, Rooney-enthusiasts are able to find out what happens to this enthralling pair years after Normal People's end. Stars Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones returned to their characters for two special episodes depicting what happened to Connell and Marianne 40 years after they graduated college. Here is all the info about the two bonus shorts. You can watch a comedic clip, depicting the future couple, above. The video, entitled Normal Older People, was released on Hulu's YouTube account. In the short clip, an aging Marianne and Connell speak about beans on toast in a dramatic fashion. The dialogue is not unlike how the two characters spoke throughout the series, with conversations filled with long pauses and sidelong glances. Given the subject matter of this discussion, however, the style of speaking brings some humor to the story. The two episodes explored Connell and Marianne's relationship 40 years in the future. At the end of Normal People, Connell is set to leave for an MFA program in New York City, and Marianne decides to stay in Dublin where she is a graduate student. The series leaves viewers in the dark about the couple's futureDoes Connell ever return to Ireland? Do he and Marianne end up together? What becomes of this complex and enthralling relationship? Now, we have some new insight into what happened to Marianne and Connell years after the series end, namely that the couple is still together, and continues to have emphatic, pause-filled discussions. The released short is entitled Normal Older People, reflecting the time jump. Story continues The shorts aired as part of RTE Does Comic Relief on June 26. Normal Older People was just one part of a large charity broadcast supporting causes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. RTE, an Irish public broadcasting network, collaborated with charity Comic Relief to raise funds for the Community Foundation of Ireland. This money will be distributed to more than 4,000 nonprofit organizations around the country. Richard Curtis, the co-founder of Comic Relief, was excited to have Normal Older People as part of the broadcast. Before the special aired, he told RTE Radio 1, "I promise you, these are two very special bits. Its so much better than anything weve ever made." The original cast returned for the show's new episodes, alongside Fleabag's "Hot Priest". Paul Mescal and Daisy Edgar-Jones reprised their roles as Connell and Marianne for the new episodes. Additionally, the series director Lenny Abrahamson was at the helm of the new project. Abramhamson is also set to direct the upcoming series Conversations with Friends, based on Rooney's first best-selling novel. One of the bonus clips included a comedic confessional with a special guest star: Fleabag's Hot Priest, as played by Andrew Scott. It's unclear if more clips will be released. While Irish viewers watched the special live on RTE this weekend, U.S. viewers only received two clips on Hulu's YouTube channel. Originally, RTE announced there would be two mini-episodes for Normal Older People, though only released one to U.S. audiences, in addition to the Fleabag crossover. Those may be the only two clips we'll receive, but perhaps we'll get more video later. In the meantime, stream available full episodes of Normal People here. Watch the other short, featuring an appearance by Fleabag's Hot Priest. Another comedic short, released for RTE Does Comic Relief, depicts Marianne and Connell, as played by Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal, giving confession to none other than Fleabag's famed Hot Priest, played by Andrew Scott. Watch the clip here: You Might Also Like The Democratic Republic of the Congo today officially declared an end to an Ebola epidemic that broke out in the east of the troubled country two years ago and went on to claim over 2,000 lives. The outbreak was 'the longest, most complex and deadliest' in the 60-year history of the DRC, Health Minister Eteni Longondo said. It has only been surpassed by the 2013-16 Ebola epidemic in West Africa that killed 11,300 people. On June 1, as the epidemic in the east waned, a new outbreak - the DRC's 11th since Ebola was identified in 1976 - was announced in the country's northwest. For an outbreak to be officially over, there have to be no new cases reported for 42 days, which is double the incubation period of the deadly haemorrhagic microbe. A healthcare worker sprays a room during a funeral of Kavugho Cindi Dorcas who is suspected of dying of Ebola in Beni, North Kivu Province of Democratic Republic of Congo, December 9, 2018. DRC Health Minister said the most recent outbreak was the deadliest and most complex in the existence of the country A file photo of nurses caring for a suspected Ebola patient inside the Biosecure Emergency Care Unit (CUBE) at the Ebola treatment centre in Katwa, near Butembo, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, October 3, 2019 A new Ebola epidemic has been declared in the Democratic Republic of Congo on June 1, more than 620 miles away from the outbreak in the country's east. However, the outbreak in the East, which claimed over 2,000 lives, is now officially over The eastern outbreak was just three days from reaching the finishing line in April when a new case was reported. Further cases meant that the clock was restarted on May 14. The World Health Organization (WHO) reacted with joy to Thursday's announcement from the biggest country in sub-Saharan Africa. '#Ebola outbreak in #DRC is OVER! WHO congratulates all those involved in this tough and often dangerous work to end the almost 2-year long outbreak,' it said on Twitter. The DRC is also struggling with the new coronavirus, with 6,411 cases including 142 fatalities, and measles, which has killed more than 6,000 people since early 2019 . The epidemic in the east broke out in August 2018 and killed a total of 2,227 people. It was declared by the WHO in July 2019 to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern - a move that steps up international support - given the epicentre's close proximity to neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda. The worst-hit area was North Kivu, a province battered by militia killings and ethnic violence. 'Chronic insecurity' helped make the epidemic 'highly complex,' Longondo said. Eleven workers and patients were killed, including a Cameroonian doctor, the UN said. Two experimental vaccines were brought in to help roll back the disease. More than 320,000 people received the jab, and the success means that 'people are demanding to have the vaccine. It makes the campaign easier,' said Professor Jean-Jacques Muyembe, in charge of the anti-Ebola fight. A mother of a child, suspected of dying from Ebola, cries near her child's coffin in Beni, North Kivu Province of Democratic Republic of Congo, December 17, 2018. For an outbreak to be officially over, there have to be no new cases reported for 42 days, which is double the incubation period of the deadly haemorrhagic microbe The Ebola virus is passed on by contact with the blood, body fluids, secretions or organs of an infected or recently deceased person. It has a natural reservoir in nature, which is believed to be a species of bat. The death rate is typically high, ranging up to 90 per cent in some outbreaks, according to the WHO. The northwest's outbreak, about 600 miles away from the one in the east, is focused on Mbandaka, a transport hub on the Congo River in the province of Equateur. It has claimed 13 lives out of 24 cases, according to the WHO. Equateur was previously hit by Ebola between May and July 2018. Thirty-three people died. Ebola experts said the experience of the eastern outbreak would be vital for informing further action against Ebola. One problem was an influx of wealth among health workers and their escorts in the armed forces - guards were given per-diem expenses of 240-320 per month in a country where per-income capita is around 400 a year. The river of money created envy that militia groups readily exploited, they said. 'Questionable practices in the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including payments to security forces, renting vehicles at inflated prices, and job kickback schemes, may have jeopardised humanitarian operations and put lives at risk,' a specialised news site, The New Humanitarian, said in an investigation published on June 18. An AFP reporter found that a lucrative business had developed in job appointments, with middle men creaming off commission, and some women said they had been pressed to provide sexual services in exchange for work. Nikolaj Coster-Waldau Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Turner | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau has told CNBC that he hopes the mistakes made following the 2008 financial crisis, which saw climate action and the environment fall from the top of the global agenda, won't be repeated as the world emerges from the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking as part of Lions Live, Cannes Lions' digital International Festival of Creativity 2020, the Danish actor, who played "Kingslayer" Jaime Lannister in the global hit TV series, said now was a moment in history. "I remember in the mid 2000s how everybody was talking about climate change," he said. "Then the financial crisis hit, and within a year, it was not even on the agenda anymore I just pray that we don't make the same mistake. I mean, this is the opportunity. This is kind of it." Coster-Waldau, who is also a United Nations Development Programme Goodwill Ambassador, stressed the importance of transitioning to a "greener world" and renewable energy sources. "We really need our leaders to say we're going to invest all this money We also are going to make this switch because, this is it, we have to take action to save the future of our planet," he said. The actor and activist added that he hopes, in time, the coronavirus crisis could be seen as a turning point. "We are at a crossroads in so many ways, but I think this pandemic hopefully we will look back and say, OK that was a horrific tragedy, but in the wake of that, great change was made," he said, adding: "This is the opportunity to reset everything." Inequality exposed Emmy-award nominated actor Coster-Waldau said the coronavirus pandemic had exposed fundamental inequality around the world. In reference to the global anti-racism protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, in the custody of the Minneapolis police, Coster-Waldau, who lives in Denmark and Los Angeles, said we all have a responsibility to support basic human equality. "The action that people have taken in response to the horrible things that have happened is very, very clear and very, very powerful. I think it's going to be impossible for the leaders in the U.S. not to take action, and I think if they choose not to, I would imagine that would be reflected in the next election," he said. As a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador, Coster-Waldau's work is focused on climate action and gender equality and in 2018, he helped launch The Lion's Share. The initiative, created by the UNDP and partners Mars, Nielsen, BBDO and Finch, aims to help tackle crises in nature, biodiversity and climate change, by encouraging brands to contribute 0.5% of their media spend for campaigns which feature animals. Coster-Waldau told CNBC that the recent lack of global travel due to the lockdown response to Covid-19 had impacted wildlife tourism and the jobs it supports over 20 million roles, according to figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council in 2018. He said The Lion's Share fund had been helping where it could throughout the pandemic to provide small grants to those working directly with wildlife, in an effort to provide economic empowerment and incentivize biodiversity protection. Coster-Waldau said his work on gender equality as UNDP Goodwill Ambassador was also influenced by his two teenage daughters. "I want them to be able to travel wherever they want in the world and not feel that they have to act in a different way because they're women," he said. "There are so many countries, they don't have the same rights as men. That does not make sense, it's insane, let's just get that done." Next steps Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Leila Macor and Julia Benarrous (Agence France-Presse) Miami/Houston, United States Thu, June 25, 2020 07:47 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406616e2b6 2 World US,states,coronavirus,coronavirus-effect,coronavirus-restrictions,COVID-19,COVID-19-quarantine,stay-at-home,pandemic,SARS-CoV-2,virus-corona,novel-coronavirus Free With coronavirus cases surging across the US South and West, officials are once again imposing tough measures, from stay-at-home advice in worst-hit states to quarantines to protect recovering areas like New York. Nearly four months after the United States reported its first death from COVID-19, the nation faces a deepening health crisis as a wave of infections hits young Americans and experts issue new acute warnings. The world's largest economy is the country hardest hit by the pandemic, with a mounting death toll of over 121,000 dead. Some officials -- including the Texas governor -- who loosened restrictions on business, dining, public gatherings and tourism, are now urging residents to again stay home. Three northeastern states that made progress beating back the pandemic -- New York, New Jersey and Connecticut -- on Wednesday urged visitors arriving from US hotspots to quarantine themselves. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the advisory applied to visitors from Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas. Several states in the South and West including heavily populated Florida and Texas are suffering what White House advisor and top scientist Anthony Fauci described as "disturbing" new surges in infections. Daily case averages are being pushed to record levels in the region, even as former epicenters like New York and Detroit have seen their figures drop. Fauci warned that the next two weeks would be "critical" to addressing the surges. Florida marked 5,508 new infections on Tuesday, bringing its total to more than 109,000 confirmed cases and 3,281 deaths. Governor Ron DeSantis said the state was experiencing "a real explosion in new cases among our younger demographics," and a spike in hospitalizations. The average age of new cases in Florida Wednesday was just 33 years, his spokeswoman said. DeSantis warned that bars and restaurants could lose their alcohol licenses if they do not follow social distancing guidelines. He declined to order a state-wide mandatory masking policy as leaders in California and Washington state have done. But that hasn't stopped Miami from implementing its own mandatory mask rules. Stay home In Texas, which was among the most aggressive states in reopening in early June after months of lockdown, new cases hit a daily high of 5,489 on Tuesday. A concerned Governor Greg Abbott warned Texans of the virus's "rampant" spread and said the "safest" place to be was in their homes, adding that those who needed to go out should wear masks. "If those spikes continue, additional measures are going to be necessary," he said. Four surgical masks will be distributed to each Texan who takes a coronavirus test, Abbott said Wednesday. Abbott is an ally of Donald Trump, but his warnings are at stark odds with the president, who proclaimed Tuesday that "we did a great job on CoronaVirus." Epidemiologist Rebecca Fisher said states like Texas should have maintained their mitigating efforts longer. "It doesn't look like we are coming close to the top of the peak," Fisher told AFP. "And we're definitely not coming down the other side of this yet." California, the nation's most populous state, saw a daily record of 7,149 new cases Tuesday, to pass 190,000 total. Governor Gavin Newsom warned that a widespread return to "old habits" is "increasing the spread of this virus," but also pointed to record testing levels. He declined to reimpose restrictions. "Many of us, understandably, developed a little cabin fever. Some, I would argue, have developed a little amnesia," added Newsom. The neighboring state of Arizona is seeing dangerous spikes. Its confirmed COVID-19 cases have more than quadrupled since the stay-at-home order expired on May 15, and people getting infected are younger and younger. Arizona's reported seven-day rolling average of 39 new cases per 100,000 residents is a nationwide high. That compares with 14 per 100,000 residents in Texas, 11 per 100,000 in California, and just three per 100,000 in New York state, according to the Washington Post. But the dire figures did not stop Trump from hosting a rally Tuesday in Arizona's largest city Phoenix, where most attendees did not wear masks or practice social distancing. But that wasn't enough to take on a High Court judge. Actor Geoffrey Rush had just launched defamation action against The Daily Telegraph and Fairfax Media, now owned by Nine, was in its own legal battle with McLachlan. "It was just one of those things that, knowing what the defamation laws were, it was perhaps a hurdle too high," McClymont says. "Some people said: 'I just don't want anything to do with this, I don't have the money to fight a defamation action'. I cannot tell you how many people were afraid they would be considered difficult or whingers and their jobs would be affected. People were afraid of getting on the wrong side of him." Sydney Morning Herald investigative journalist Kate McClymont first heard about Dyson Heydon allegations more than two years ago. Credit:James Brickwood But long after McClymont put the story to one side in mid-2018, two women who were former associates of Heydon lodged their own complaints with the High Court. That was in March 2019, and a lengthy investigation ensued. By March this year, a confidential report had found that "the Honourable Dyson Heydon, AC, QC" had harassed six former staff members. "And so they then contacted me, because I'd been in touch with them in the first place, and said we're almost ready to go," McClymont says. Meanwhile another Herald journalist, Jacqueline Maley, had heard about Heydon's behaviour from her own sources. Maley recalls ringing McClymont for her advice: "I didn't name him, but I said there were allegations against a former judicial officer. She said 'Is it Dyson Heydon?'." From there the pair swapped notes and agreed they would continue the ring-around. One particular incident Maley learned of pertained to Oxford University, where Heydon's stint as a visiting Professor had been cut short. "Almost every person we spoke to said: 'you have to find out what happened at Oxford'," McClymont says. "That's been the hardest thing to get over the line." Maley called everyone she knew with a possible connection to Oxford. She pieced together that Heydon had sexually harassed a student in 2015, and discovered her identity. "And then I just went hell for leather trying to contact all the people involved," Maley says. But she hit a "real brick wall" when it came to communicating with the university. A freedom of information request about Heydon's tenure was filed, with low expectations. But to Maley's surprise it landed in her inbox about two weeks ago. The document was heavily redacted, but provided enough information to reference the Oxford incident. Jacqueline Maley was told about allegations earlier this year. Credit:Louise Kennerley Meanwhile, different sources "started putting their feelers out" and the broader picture began to emerge. "I found a judge who claimed she was indecently assaulted by him, I found a silk who said he had blocked her as she was trying to leave the room," McClymont says. Maley was told "something about an event at the University of Canberra". That led her to lawyer Noor Blumer, who was willing to speak on the record. "She had taken a contemporaneous file note. That's like gold. It opened up another line of inquiry of us," Maley says. "It made three institutions we knew of that he'd been within when he's behaved like this: The High Court of Australia, Oxford University and the University of Canberra." Loading You look for patterns of behaviour when pursuing these stories, McClymont says. In this case, it was champagne. "Some of them joked: 'have you had your champagne moment?'," she says. Heydon would lure women to his chambers with champagne, or have a bottle ready in ice. But as the pieces came together, word was also spreading. About two weeks ago, a barrister rang McClymont and told her "an amazing story was about to drop", about Heydon and the High Court. McClymont was waiting for the women in the High Court inquiry to give her permission to publish the inquiry's confidential report. When they agreed, and Heydon's denial from his lawyers came through on Monday afternoon, the story was ready to publish. "A report under the auspices of the High Court, approved by the Chief Justice, saying the allegations against Heydon had been upheld on the balance of probabilities: that makes you fairly confident," McClymont says. "It all happened more quickly than we anticipated on Monday. We felt sick on Monday night you've pressed the button, there's always that publication anxiety. But I have been totally shocked by the aftermath. "We've both got circles under our eyes. Every day, more new victims come forward to share their stories: further complaints from young women who worked with him on the 2014-15 royal commission into trade unions; people at the Commonwealth club, a private members club in Canberra where he used to stay." Those who've spoken up in the past week also include former Oxford student Elizabeth Houghton, pushing that story over the line. "It's just been blitzing," Maley says. "Since we published a lot of tips have come in with bits and pieces. Some of it may or may not be publishable, but it all corroborates the general theme. Loading "I think you've just got to pay tribute to how brave these women are. The stakes are so high, the risks are so great. I think it's pretty amazing." McClymont says she has been pleased to see questions raised about women in the legal profession: power imbalances and hierarchical structures where you cannot be seen to criticise someone in a supposedly higher position. "It's interesting that young women and young men have been the most [vocal] in their calls for changes to be made. I think that is a really refreshing occurrence," she says. The son of respected Australian journalist Terry Willesee has announced he and his wife are divorcing. Jesse Willesee, 31, who uses the stage name Jesse Sunset, shared the sad news about he and wife Ashley, 23, in a video on his Instagram on Thursday. It comes less then two years after the couple exchanged vows wearing velour tracksuits in a chapel in Las Vegas, after promising to do so if they could get 100 comments on their last post. Sad news! Terry Willesee's rapper son Jesse Sunset announces he and wife Ashley are divorcing 18 months after they got married in Las Vegas (Jesse and Ashley pictured) 'A bit of sad news about my wife and I but we are getting divorced,' Jesse announced in the video. He added: 'The decision is mutual and I care about her a lot and wish her the best.' In typical Jesse Sunset fashion, he tried to inject some humour into the situation. 'A bit of sad news about my wife and I but we are getting divorced,' he announced in an Instagram video 'I'm letting her keep the BMW and the apartment in West Hollywood... Just kidding it was always hers,' he joked. 'But honestly, I'll always treasure the memories we made together,' he finished. Jesse, who is the nephew of late 60 Minutes reporter Mike Willesee, then turned away to hop into a Rolls Royce in front of an expansive mansion, after fist-bumping the driver. Is this a stunt? In the video, Jesse then turned away to hop into a Rolls Royce in front of an expansive mansion, after fist-bumping the driver The footage also appears in the film clip of Jesse's latest song, Sugar Baby, which he debuted on Instagram on Wednesday. The couple made headlines last year when Jesse shared a photo to Instagram of Ashley, posing on all fours as he rolled a marijuana cigarette on her lower back. 'She's my own personal weed tray,' Jesse wrote in the caption. Controversy: The couple made headlines last year when Jesse shared a photo to Instagram of Ashley, posing on all fours as he rolled a marijuana cigarette on her lower back Jesse and Ashley became husband and wife at a 24-hour wedding chapel in Las Vegas in December 2018. Before tying the knot, Jesse told his Instagram followers that he and Ashley would 'actually get married' if his most recent post received 100 comments. His fans delivered and the young couple walked down the aisle several hours later. Tying the knot! Jesse Sunset and Ashley tied the knot in a chapel in Las Vegas in 2018 both wearing velour tracksuits In true Vegas style, Jesse wore a pastel blue Louis Vuitton velour tracksuit, complete with white socks and Adidas slides. The bride opted for a purple tracksuit, which she teamed with chunky white sneakers and a pair of oversized hoop earrings. Jesse is known for his artistic stunts and risque social media posts. Singapore's Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong (centre) and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during the 2015 General Election. (PHOTO: Roslan Rahman/AFP via Getty Images) SINGAPORE Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong will not be contesting at the coming General Election, as the 79-year-old will retire from politics after 44 years as Member of Parliament (MP) for Marine Parade. The second prime minister of Singapore had announced his decision in a letter to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday (24 June). In his letter, ESM Goh said that he had decided not to stand in the GE after much thought and with a heavy heart. He also said that he would not have the same energy when he crosses into his 80s. I prefer to retire as Member of Parliament now whilst I am healthy and able to ease my successors transition into Marine Parade," he wrote in his letter to PM Lee. ESM Goh noted that Dr Tan See Leng, who was unveiled by the PAP as a new candidate on Thursday morning, has been understudying him for nearly two years, and recommended Dr Tan to take over from him as MP for the Marine Parade group representation constituency (GRC). He put up a post on his Facebook page saying, This is au revoir, not adieu. I will continue to contribute to Marine Parade and Singapore in other ways. PM Lee thanks ESM Goh, says hes forever indebted to him PM Lee has accepted ESM Gohs decision to retire, and thanked him for his contributions as prime minister through tough times such as the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the 2003 SARS outbreak. PM Lee also put up a post on his Facebook page on Thursday, saying that he is forever indebted to ESM Goh, who brought him into politics. Ours was a fruitful comradeship that spanned the entirety of my years in politics and most of his a close friendship between two prime ministers that would be the envy of many countries, he wrote in his post. Chok Tong has also agreed to become senior adviser to the People's Association on a pro bono basis, and will continue to chair the governing board of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy. Singapore will continue to benefit from his insights and experience. Story continues Prime minister from 1990 to 2004 ESM Goh joined the government service in 1964, and was the managing director of Neptune Orient Lines Singapores national shipping company from 1973 to 1977. He entered politics in 1976, becoming MP for Marine Parade in the General Election that same year. He served as Minister for Trade and Industry, Health and Defence between 1979 and 1990, and was appointed Deputy Prime Minister in 1985. In 1990, ESM Goh succeeded Lee Kuan Yew as Singapore's second prime minister. He relinquished the post in 2004 to Lee Hsien Loong, and remained in the cabinet as Senior Minister. Follow Yahoo News Singapores GE2020 coverage here. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore Related stories: GE2020: Ex-MUIS deputy chief exec among PAP's new candidates Bertha Henson: Is this Singapore GE2020 a 4G show, or not? You can love Singapore and yet not vote PAP: Lee Hsien Yang 25.06.2020 LISTEN Ghanaians woke up and were greeted with a bizarre story of the demolition of part of the Nigerian High Commission building. The building was demolished late Friday, June 19 under the cover of darkness, an action that has been widely condemned by the government of Ghana. Ghana through its President Nana Akufo-Addo has issued an official apology to his Nigerian counterpart Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday 23rd June, 2020 in reference to the illegal demolition of the building on the premises of the Nigerian High Commission in Accra. The two West African leaders according to the Nigerian presidential spokesman Garba Shehu spoke by telephone. He added that President Akufo-Addo assured his colleague that a full scale investigation would be conducted into the incident. While waiting for the outcome of the investigations, the Centre For African Trade And Investment Policies-Ghana (CATIPs- Ghana) has outlined some strong points as an organisation primarily concerned with promoting research into policies on African trade and investment for sustainable development. In a statement to the press, the organisation noted the following: 1. That the nexus between peace and development is a time long-tested brocard in the economics of development BUT at the same time not immune to disturbances, deliberate or otherwise by state and non-state actors. It is therefore imperative to admonish for the cherishing of the territorial peace that exists between nations as a precious pearl. We, therefore, call on the authorities of both countries to be guided by this truism. 2. We note that apart from the Alien Enterprises Licensing Regulations, 1970 (LI 670) promulgated pursuant to section 26 (1) of the Ghanaian Business (Promotion) Act, 1970 (Act 334) which restricted foreign sales agents and investment opportunities to foreign businesses that marred the Ghana-Nigeria relationship in the 1970s, the two countries have had a long history of peaceful international relation. This must not to be disturbed overtly or covertly by any motivation under any dispensation or regime in our time. Posterity will require the current leaderships of both countries to preserve and improve on this long-cherished cordial relationship for the sake of sustainable development. 3. Most importantly, CATIPs-Ghana recognises that the economic relations via the conduit of trade and investment must be the most important concern to both countries during this COVID-19 pandemic era. It is however regrettable that over the last eight months, cross-border trade relations and activities between the two countries have badly been bruised with spat under many circumstances which we deem resolvable. Whiles these matters have not been adequately resolved to ease trading activities smoothly, one would least expect a further degeneration through such unacceptable diplomatic lapses. Whiles Ghana assumes a key position in the affairs of ECOWAS, Nigeria is undoubted a big brother in this sub-continental arrangement. Even more disturbing is the fact that Ghana hosts the Secretariat of the African Unions Continental Free Trade Area which requires a higher standard of diplomatic and security protocols for all member countries and other missions and citizens in Ghana. 4. We fear that this incidence may affect the already fragile trade and Investment relations among these countries, their merchants and investors. It is our contention that this will not inure any benefits to the citizens and businesses of these countries in the long run. 5. CATIPs- Ghana call on the Ghanaian government as a matter of urgency to extend the sincerest olive branch to its counterpart in Nigeria to begin frantic discussions and employ every possible dispute resolution mechanism at resolving this matter in particular, and all outstanding issues that are impeding trade and investment relations for the mutual development of the countries. We equally appeal to the Nigerian government to come to negotiations with an open mind and heart to help resolve all matters as quickly as practicable and 6. Finally, we are not oblivious to the fact that Ghana and Nigeria have mutual interests and aspirations for its citizens and can both achieve much of development and progress at a faster pace if they give peace a chance to reign on the sub-continent with mutual respect for respective sovereignties, as well as upholding their international obligations without compromises. The statement was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of CATIPs- Ghana, Mr Francis Kofi Korankye-Sakyi. Visits to a popular Blue Mountains "battleship peninsula" are expected to rise as much as 10 fold after the Berejiklian government formalised protection for the Radiata Plateau. The new Ngula Bulgarabang Regional Park, covering 300 hectares near Katoomba, includes some of the last undeveloped ship-shaped rocky headlands in that area of the western escarpment, said Cameron Chaffey, an acting director of the National Parks & Wildlife Service. Bipartisan buddies: NSW Environment Minister Matt Kean with Trish Doyle at one of the lookout points within the new Ngula Bulgarabang Regional Park, formerly known to locals as the Radiata Plateau. Credit:Janie Barrett The government bought the property last October for about $3 million. The previous owner had sought to develop the area for a meditation centre but had faced opposition for more than 30 years. "It's an important addition [to the national parks estate]," Mr Chaffey said. "It protects a whole lot of the cliff edge, which is very fragile." Mohammad Husseins family in Kerala was looking forward to his return from Qatar, where he had been working for 20 years, when they received a call in May from a volunteer group working for the benefit of expatriates saying his condition was serious after having contracted Covid-19. A week later the family received photos of Husseins burial. Hussein, 47, is among 296 expatriates from Kerala who have died of Covid-19 in West Asia, according to preliminary information with the state government. Migrant rights activists say the number of deaths could be higher and that many of them could have been prevented had the government shown a sense of urgency in evacuating them. He has four children, all younger than 20. With the breadwinner gone, it will be difficult for the family now, said Mohammad Ashraf, Husseins brother. Some families, who can afford it, are paying to keep the bodies in mortuaries, hoping they can be brought back when commercial flights resume. My fathers body is in a morgue in Bahrain. And we are paying through our nose. We hope the body can be brought back once the situation improves, said the daughter of another person, who succumbed to the infection. As many as 4,56, 431 expatriates wanting to return home registered on the government-run Non-Resident Keralites Affairs department website in April. According to the state government data, over 90,000 have so far been evacuated. But the website says only 55, 905 have returned till June 22. An official said the website has not be updated. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said 98,202 people have returned from abroad to the state. He added 80% of them have flown back from West Asia. There was much outrage this month after the state made Covid-free certificates mandatory for the returnees. The Kerala government stood its ground until the Centre rejected the condition saying tests were infeasible at Indian embassies at the point of embarkation. The state, until as late as June 18, said it was ready to send kits to test people before they board evacuation flights. Many of the non-resident Indians from Kerala, an estimated 1.8 million, work in West Asia. Kerala accounted for 19% of the $ 78.6 billion remittances India received in 2019, according to the World Bank data. Keralas remittances crossed one lakh crore, the highest in the country, in 2019. Expatriates have contributed significantly to the states economy and stepped in every time Kerala faced natural disasters. They have been praised for their contributions. But many expatriates feel they have been let down badly by both the Centre and state government, which have been busy in a blame game over their evacuations. Expatriates say many lives could have been saved if people had been evacuated in the early days of the pandemic. We lost golden hours. Many lives could have been saved if we evacuated them in the early months of the pandemic. Now the state government says expatriates can be super spreaders, said Reji Kuttappan, a writer and migrant rights activist. Indian Overseas Congress convenor Mansoor Paloor echoed Kuttappan. Even chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state put restrictions on returnees to check super spreaders. His words sent a wrong message. Union minister V Muraleedharan, who is from Kerala, said the Centre was ready to provide at least 36 flights daily to the state in May but the local government restricted them to less than 12, saying they do not have facilities to tackle a surge in the number of returnees. Vijayan denied any laxity on the part of his government and said there was a concerted move to make expatriates turn against it. We never blocked any flights. We took such some decisions to check super spreaders and community spreading. More than 90% of the cases in the state are imported... The Congress-led opposition has criticised the government saying it is more interested in maintaining its record of managing the pandemic well and not in the welfare of stranded people and that led to many deaths. The government could have brought them home and treated here instead of leaving them to die abroad, said Congress leader Oommen Chandy. Expatriates contributions are immense. Instead of blame game, both, the state and Centre, will have to alleviate their suffering, said political observer and columnist G Pramod Kumar. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON WOMAN OF WORDS The last thing Stacey Abrams, who is a Democrat, wanted to do was write a memoir about losing the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial race to the Republican, Brian Kemp. She says the idea came up, but it was not appealing to me. As someone who has spent my adult life working on issues of access, justice and voting rights, I wanted to figure out, what could I say that was necessary? That told readers, heres what we have to know, so history doesnt repeat itself. I come from a family where our parents told us, if you see a problem, your job is to fix it. Writing is how I work through how to fix it. Our Time Is Now, which appeared at No. 7 on last weeks hardcover nonfiction list, is, according to our reviewer, a striking manifesto, a stirring indictment and a straightforward road map to victory. Abramss last work of nonfiction, Lead From the Outside," was also a best seller; in addition, she is the author of several romance novels published under the pseudonym Selena Montgomery. She started writing when she was at Yale Law School: My first novel was published at the same time I published an article on the operational dissonance of the unrelated income tax exemption. Abrams is now the driving force behind multiple national organizations including Fair Fight Action and Fair Fight 2020, which defend voting rights, and Fair Count, working to ensure the accuracy of the 2020 census but she still finds time to read. At the moment, shes working her way through Black Leopard, Red Wolf, by Marlon James, the latest pick in her siblings book club. She says, Im the second of six kids, all voracious readers. Our mother was a librarian before she became a minister, so we grew up steeped in reading and storytelling as a part of who we are. Heres how the club works: A sibling chooses a book. If the others dont like it, We have the right to decide after a few weeks that you either pick a new one or we move on to the next person on the list. Were very egalitarian in that way. The beauty is, we know if you didnt read and we can call you out. (Abramss most recent selection was Zone One, by Colson Whitehead.) So what do the next six months look like for Abrams, who has been discussed as a potential running mate for Joe Biden? She will continue her crusades for fair elections, accurate census data and Covid recovery for marginalized communities. And, Abrams says, I need to help make sure Joe Biden becomes president of the United States. With the help of a R01 grant from the NIH, GW researchers will observe changes in the brain that occur during a chronic stress event WASHINGTON (June 25, 2020) - The National Institutes of Health has awarded $2.2 million to researchers at the George Washington University (GW) School of Medicine and Health Sciences for a study on chronic stress. The project will investigate the changes that occur in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) of the brain, where dopamine neurons are located, during chronic stress. Chronic stress is a common contributor to illnesses like depression and anxiety disorders. GABAergic neurons - those that produce gamma-Aminobutyric acid - make up 35% of neurons in the VTA. They are critical regulators of dopamine neurons and are robustly activated by acute stress. Previous research has observed what happens as a result of stress, but little is understood regarding what happens during stress. "We currently don't know what happens to the reward circuitry during chronic stress," said Abigail Polter, PhD, assistant professor of pharmacology and physiology at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. "Understanding those changes is important for furthering our understanding of how stress can have effects like loss of motivation." Polter believes that chronic stress leads to persistent hyperactivity of VTA GABA neurons and this facilitates the emergence of maladaptive behavioral responses. Through the study, she expects to find that over the course of stress, the GABA neurons become more active and that activity is solidified by changes in synaptic plasticity. Over the course of the study, Polter and her team will examine the dynamics of inhibition of VTA dopamine neurons by VTA GABA neurons during stress. They will investigate how activity and strength of synaptic inputs onto VTA GABA neurons change during stress. Also, the team will examine whether in vivo activity of VTA GABA neurons contributes to individual differences in the emergence of disinterest in social contact post-stress. The study will take a multidisciplinary approach utilizing electrophysiology, optogenetics, behavior, and fiber photometry to address the hypothesis. The project will also make use of GW's Nanofabrication and Imaging Core facility, which integrates cutting-edge instrumentation and customized support services for imaging, elemental analysis, materials characterization, measurement and fabrication. "We hope that this work can ultimately contribute to the search for novel treatments for depression or even prophylactic treatments one could take if they were undergoing a stressful event," Polter said. "Something like that could be used during a stressful occurrence to reduce the risk of later developing depression." The study, titled "VTA microcircuit dynamics during chronic stress," will be funded through February 2025. ### It was Kerala which officially reported Indias first COVID-19 case on 30th January earlier this year. Soon, the first positive case turned to three as the patients were identified as students from Wuhan University who had recently come back home amid the outbreak in China. Word spread and over the course of the next few days, more cases began surfacing which had the country convinced that Kerala would turn into Indias Wuhan in no time. Thats probably because no one had seen the state Health Minister, KK Shailaja, coming all guns blazing, ready to tackle the evil threatening her people with a deadly outbreak. BCCL Credit goes to Health Minister KK Shailaja for being the mastermind who saved a state of 35 million people from turning into Indias Coronavirus epicentre. Over the following months, KK Shailajas strategies and preventive measures did wonders for the state, and as of today, more than four months since their first reported case, Kerala has 3,603 confirmed cases, 1,888 recoveries and 22 deaths. Twitter balajidtweets Recently the United Nations recognized Kerala's achievement in containing the virus outbreak in the state on its Public Service Day. Minister KK Shailaja was invited to the virtual event as the only Indian representative to speak about the strategies employed by Kerala to achieve positive results. This is no small feat for a teacher-turned-minister, so let us learn more about her. Who Is KK Shailaja? BCCL Born on 20 November 1956, KK Shailaja is a native of Kannur district in Kerala. She is a B.Sc from Pazhassi Raja N. S. S. College and also holds a B.Ed degree from Visvesvaraya College. Upon graduating, Mrs Shailaja worked as a high school Science teacher at Sivapuram High School for seven years before deciding to retire and pursue a full-time political career in 2004. She is married to Mr K. Bhaskaran and the couple have two sons together. Mrs Shailaja currently lives in Thiruvananthapuram with her family. Political Entry-Point Twitter VRHarigopal Mrs Shailaja entered politics by being an active member of Students Federation of India (SFI) and later became a member of CPI (M) Central Committee. She went on to represent Koothuparamba in 1996 and Peravoor in 2006 in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. During the 2016 state elections, Mrs Shailaja contested from Kuthuparamba and won against JD(U) candidate K P Mohanan. She was elected as the Minister of Health, Social Justice and Woman and Child Development, Kerala and happens to be one of the only two female ministers in CM Pinarayi Vijayans cabinet. KK Shailaja Vs COVID-19 Twitter sreepadchandran Upon recording the first few cases of Coronavirus in the state, Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja, under the aegis of CM Pinarayi Vijayan, ensured strict imposition of lockdown and did thorough contact tracing. Kerala set up dedicated COVID-19 care centres in every district for outsiders who had been stuck and needed to be isolated. Kerala continuously tested more and more people on a regular basis. But what may have made the biggest difference was the fact that the state government worked at the grassroots level involving the village councils. Keralas healthcare system also proved its mettle during this time of crisis. Twitter ANI Talking about the same, KK Shailaja said during the UN event, By drawing strengths on the decentralised public health delivery systems in the state, we activated our entire surveillance network the very next day of WHOs statement of caution on a respiratory virus of pandemic potential. She also added that the aim was to minimise the spread and mortality and explained the three strategies adopted by the state government to make it a success, Trace, Quarantine, Test, Isolate and Treat, Break the Chain and Reverse Quarantine. The current state of Kerala, when it comes to dealing with the pandemic, is proof that Minister KK Shailajas strategies have borne fruit and is an example for other states to learn from. We salute Minister Shailaja for her efforts to minimise the impact of the outbreak in her home state. China says India responsible for deadly border clash Iran Press TV Wednesday, 24 June 2020 10:29 AM China's Defense Ministry says India was responsible for a recent border clash that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. The Chinese ministry said on a social media account on Wednesday that Indian actions during the June 15 face-off violated a consensus between the two countries in a unilateral provocation. Twenty Indian soldiers were killed in physical fights with Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley that day. Indian officials have said the soldiers used clubs, rocks, and their fists but no shots were fired under an agreement in the disputed border area. China has offered no casualty toll from the combat, which was the two countries' deadliest in 45 years. On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Beijing and New Delhi had agreed to deescalate. The clash briefly fanned anti-Chinese sentiments in India, with small protests and a call from a local confederation of traders for a boycott of Chinese products. However, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeared to downplay the incident by acknowledging that there had been no violation of Indian territory. "Nobody has intruded into our border, neither is anybody there now, nor have our posts been captured," Modi said in a televised speech on Friday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Dr John Nkengasong, Director-General of the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (ACDC) has said unless stakeholders act now, Africa is at the risk of being left behind on the search for COVID-19 vaccine. He suggested heads of member states, academia, researchers, media, manufacturing companies and the private sector should play key roles. Dr Nkengasong said this in a continental virtual Africas Leadership in COVID-19 Vaccine Development and Access conference towards harnessing synergies for vaccine production in Africa. He said many promising vaccine candidates are in clinical trials and a total of 128 COVID-19 vaccines were in development are at pre-clinical stage, some 13 in phase one, nine in phase two and one in phase three. He said Africa continental strategy emphasised the need for vaccines to prevent transmission, prevent deaths and prevent social and economic harm. Dr Nkengasong said Africas scientists are ready to contribute more at all levels to global R&D with the continent having a track record in developing and testing vaccines adding COVID-19 vaccine will require intensive collaboration and partnerships across Africa-focused stakeholders.'' South African President, Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa and Chairperson of African Union called for a pan-African approach to the fight against COVID-19 through effective collaboration and cooperation among member states and other stakeholders including; scientists, experts, researchers, media as well as public and private institutions. He called for strategic planning towards a holistic pan-African health research centres of excellence by increasing infrastructure and funding to research in readiness for the next pandemic. Let us be prepared and ready. Mr Mahamat Moussa Faki, Chair of the African Union Commission said Africa needs to develop a standing framework for the development and accessibility of vaccines pledging the support of the continent for international assistance to develop treatment regimes through vaccines. We must rely on the efforts and expertise of academia, researchers, donors and others to give new directions through solidarity and more pragmatic pan-African measures for the salvation of the population, he said. He said some $65 million was mobilised towards vaccine development, rolled out over 10 million tests across the continent and launched a continental platform to resolve shortage of suppliers and delays in medicine supplies to needed population. Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, Chair of the World Health Organisation (WHO) said the global institution is accelerating preparedness for the containment of the pandemic that has grossed more than 9 million cases and more than 400,000 deaths. He said Africa had recorded fewer cases but now seeing alarming case counts similar to cases being recorded in Western Pacific. He said WHO was establishing platforms to address supply gaps as more than 220 vaccine candidates were under development stating that some will be successful and some will fail. Dr Ghebreyesus pledged that vaccines would be distributed as soon as it was available rather than the ability to pay saying we need global solidarity and participation of all countries. He said COVID-19 is not a setback but a catalyst to drive all countries forward saying WHO is ready to work with all including AUC and Africa CDC. Health is human rights towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC). Other experts called for the establishment of vaccine clinical trial network across the continent, stand up vaccine regulatory working groups, support countries to strengthen health systems to produce vaccines targeting the exceptional population and launch continental-wide advocacy campaigns breaking pandemics to the understanding of the masses. 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 Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Adisti Sukma Sawitri (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 08:50 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066172eed 1 Opinion COVID-19,Trump-Biden,Donald-Trump,election,pandemic,#commentary Free The pandemic has been a trial for democracies worldwide. In well-running ones, it has been a test of self-restraint as people have been told to stay at home and limit their activities in public in the absence of repressive and confining lockdowns. It has also been a test for governments to see whether their democratic decision-making from tiered administration to legislative dynamics is effective at curbing viral transmission and saving lives, while all the while preventing the economy from collapsing. In South Korea, elections have rewarded the incumbent for his successes. The party of President Moon Jae-in has secured a majority in parliament and has been able to expand its coronavirus response as a result. People signaled their support for the governments swift actions, which included speedy mass testing, by carrying the Presidents party to victory with a historic voter turnout of 66 percent, the highest in 28 years. Read also: Explainer: Singapore heads for July polls in pandemic But the electoral success of good leadership does not mean that ineffective leaders cannot prevail. In countries under dictators and populist leaders, rulers have made the virus a pretext for spreading fear and repressing citizens. In Serbia, the party of President Aleksandar Vucic won the countrys recent elections by a landslide amid boycotts from opposition groups. He called for an early election after dissolving parliament and declaring a national state of emergency. In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orban canceled elections as part of the countrys indefinite state of emergency resulting from the pandemic. For voters in countries facing elections, especially in those with poor COVID-19 responses, the polls should give citizens a chance to show leaders whose policies have caused widespread infection and thousands of deaths the door. However, it is not always clear who has failed and who has succeeded in coronavirus measures. Almost all leaders claim their policies are for the good of the people. Besides spreading fear, leaders can choose lax health protocols for the sake of the economy. Take United States President Donald Trump, for example. While he has been advocating controversial policies including recommending untested medicine and early reopening in certain states he may still be reelected in November with the support of those who oppose lockdowns because of the need to earn a living. He may also benefit from the reluctance of educated and health-conscious voters to go out to vote on Election Day in November. Read also: Approval of Trump's coronavirus response sinks to lowest on record amid surge in cases This is something that voters in every nation should avoid: succumbing to virus fears and letting failed leaders hold on to power and get another lease on political life. The paradox of democracy is that it gives both good and rotten apples an equal chance. By all means available, either through voting by mail or going to the polls and complying with health protocols, voters must cast their ballots to ensure the best candidate wins. Indonesian voters should share this mindset. The country will hold concurrent regional elections in 270 provinces, cities and regencies in December. The Jokowi clan is out in force, with the Presidents eldest son and his son-in-law seeking to emulate his political trajectory. The national COVID-19 taskforce has warned that 40 of the regions holding elections in December are considered at high risk for COVID-19 transmission, including Surabaya, where the COVID-19 infection rate was nearing 190 cases for every 100,000 people as of Tuesday. The General Election Commission (KPU) has devised health protocols requiring voters to wear masks and practice social distancing. But with the notorious logistics problems that regularly accompany elections in Indonesia and the potential for poorly implemented health protocols, observers are predicting a low turnout. This, however, should not be the case. The pandemic has brought the worst in the first half of this year. Voters and poll organizers should take the elections as a moment for change, for a better future. Read also: KPU presses on with December polls despite turnout concerns This will mean extra work for poll organizers at all levels. They should properly prepare all measures to ensure the safety and health of voters and poll workers. It is also important to consider holding elections in stages and providing mail-in voting to avoid lines at polling stations on Election Day. Campaign rallies involving crowds may not be necessary. The KPU should encourage candidates to use mass media, such as television, radio, print and social media. The absence of direct contact during campaigns may also give less room for vote-buying, which under typical circumstances is rampant during election time. Incumbents, despite all the resources at their disposal, will have their destiny decided by voters who will assess their performance in controlling the outbreak. They may all have had past glories and failures, but their response to pandemic may make or break their political careers. Democracy is hard work, but this is a chance for people to have their voices heard to determine who is in or out of the government. The coronavirus has created an opportunity to bring major changes to peoples lives. These changes may well begin with the election of the right leaders. ------------ Staff writer at The Jakarta Post Mixed results on Day 1 of Jefferson County mask Jefferson County rolled out its masking mandate at noon Wednesday to mixed reactions and varying degrees of compliance. Some grocery stores monitored their doors closely, restricting the number of customers allowed in and offering to sell masks to those who tried enter without one. Others let customers come and go, regardless of whether their face was covered. Not even all employees were masked, despite the threat of a $1,000 fine for any commercial business that fails to comply with the order, which is intended to slow a suddenly resurgent coronavirus spread. County Judge Jeff Branick announced the order on Tuesday afternoon. It is set to expire next Tuesday, although he said he hoped to rescind it as quickly as possible. The move appeared to catch some business owners by surprise, despite wide discussion of an infection spike in the county and across the state. Gov. Greg Abbott, who has been pushing for a phased-in reopening of businesses, has been sounding the alarm this week as Texas sees record-breaking numbers of new cases. We would have appreciated a little more notice or options, Toasted Yolk owner Brett Baumgartner said shortly after the order took effect. Depending on whether this ends in the next few days or becomes more permanent, it could be a financial burden. Baumgartner said business seemed a little slower than usual at his Phelan Boulevard restaurant. He wasnt sure whether people had decided to stay home because of the county mandate. The Enterprise sent reporters and photographers across the area to see how the first day went and how people were responding. Brittany Poole, seen near the Ross Dress for Less on Dowlen Road, admitted that she did not have a mask. She found one with ease, however, and said she didnt find it an inconvenience. She said there seemed to be a few more shoppers wearing masks but mainly she noticed more employees reminding people to put on masks. I think it was fine, Poole said. I dont really mind it. Stores are just making an effort to slow the spread. Not all customers were as sanguine. One couple outside Beaumonts Parkdale Mall said they felt the order was unfair and the narrative around the virus was overblown. They asked not to be identified. Three maskless men about to enter the mall cursed an Enterprise photographer and demanded he not take their picture. And Vanlam Nguyen, co-owner of Down to Earth on Calder Avenue, said the boutique was criticized on social media after announcing it would comply with the mandatory mask order. Nguyen, who has a 3-year-old daughter with leukemia, had already given up a voluntary mask policy after two customers said they would boycott the store for requiring customers to take the masking precaution for others and, potentially, for her child. A lot of our long-term customers have been supportive, and they know the history of my shop and my daughter, she said. They are wearing it for my family. She added, We didnt have the kind of pushback that we do today. Still, the store ordered additional disposable masks for customers after news of the mandate dropped Tuesday afternoon, Nguyen said. At Parkdale Mall, most stores inside had displayed signage and assigned employees at the doors of their storefronts before noon, when Branicks order officially took effect. There wasnt security or monitors at the main mall entrances, but some customers were turned away from entering individual stores inside the mall if they didnt have a mask. That wasnt an issue for Cathy Walker and her family. They did a quick mask check in the parking lot, making sure they were properly attired. Walker said she felt the order would help prevent spread of the virus. Honesty, its a good thing there is an order, because a lot of people probably wouldnt be concerned about it otherwise. Neither the Beaumont Police Department nor the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office had issued any fines by Wednesday evening. Sheriff Zena Stephens said citations from her department wouldnt likely be forthcoming until it was clear that most businesses were aware of the specifics in the ordinance. We are in an informational stage right now, she said. Just because the judge issues an order, doesnt mean everyone is aware of it. She said she assigned an officer to go out and educate places that are not compliant, but said her office will issue citations for repeat offenders. Beaumont Police Department Chief Jim Singletary said handling the new order from a law enforcement perspective would have to be a collaborative effort with county leaders, and would take some time. This is a brand new order we just found out about yesterday, he said. We are working with Jefferson County to find the best way to approach this latest order. When asked if he had heard of any widespread violations, Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick said he hadnt but that he would be happy to call or visit stores that have had violations. In March, when Branick enacted an order allowing only one member of a household to go to local retail establishments, the county focused on educating business owners about the provisions included in the order before pursuing enforcement measures. That order was later rescinded. On Wednesday, two firefighters from the Nederland Fire Department and a member of law enforcement were seen not wearing masks in and out of a business in that city. Informed of the incident by The Enterprise, Nederland Mayor Don Albanese said he would talk to Fire Chief Terry Morton about it. Because this is the first day, weve noticed several people (not wearing masks), Albanese said. Of course, our firefighters and police departments know about it. ... If we are going to require the people to do it, we surely need our city people to do it. Morton declined to comment. Top hits: Get Beaumont Enterprise stories sent directly to your inbox The pandemic has been hard on local businesses, which are emerging from a near-total shutdown that lasted almost two months. At Down to Earth, for example, Nguyen said the store will be taking orders at the door, as it has done since reopening. It also will still be taking phone orders. Some small businesses also could see new competition from stores in surrounding counties that did not issue a masking order. On Wednesday afternoon in Hardin County, for example, County Judge Wayne McDaniel was preparing to be a part of a campaign by the four chambers of commerce to announce they were open for business. He said he was asked to be a part of the campaign about two weeks ago. It took on a new significance after the countys southern neighbor passed its order. Its a double-edged sword, McDaniel said. We want their business, but we dont want them to get sick or get people in our county sick. Hardin County reported Wednesday that it had seen a 146% increase in the number of positive and active cases of coronavirus over the past week. However, McDaniel said hes been told by health department officials that they have not recently found positive cases that have originated from any grocery stores or local restaurants. Instead, the cases have been linked to gathering of friends and families without proper social distancing. Top hits: Get Beaumont Enterprise stories sent directly to your inbox Some Jefferson County businesses said they expect the order here to be extended. That remains to be seen. Meanwhile, masks or other face coverings are required. The two shopping strips on North Major Drive that house a Shell convenience store, Crystal Chicken and the Major Event Center were not requiring employees or customers to wear masks on Wednesday. Jenny Nguyen, manager over both buildings, was setting up for an upcoming conference in the event center when she spoke to The Enterprise shortly after noon. I think we should just shut back down for at least two weeks, she said. We shouldnt do any of this (halfway) stuff. Informed that The Enterprise had observed nearly a dozen people walk in and out of the Shell station, about half wearing masks, Nguyen said she was unaware and would promptly address the issue. Shell customer Timothy Hall, who wore a mask while there, said he believes the order is for the best. He said he had been wearing a mask since the pandemic began. I want to inform people, he said. A lot of people get the news late. It just happened yesterday, so I think people will get it soon. Hall said he understands how people can get comfortable, but added now is not the time as the number of positive tests is soaring in Jefferson County and across the state. At Setzer Hardware in Nederland, Margaret Barnes said she saw a couple customers walk away when they saw the sign on the door about masks required per county order. Most people brought masks with them to shop, she said. Just minutes before noon, Shawna Bishop came in to get some hardware for a home project she had recently started. She had forgotten her mask. Really, this is my first time to be out, Bishop said. I have some masks in my purse, but I just forget to put them on. I guess Im going to have to get in the habit, but Im not really that worried about (COVID-19). Kaitlin Bain and Fran Ruchalski contributed to this report. The GNC stores at the Micronesia Mall and Pacific Place are not affected by the bankruptcy, Globest LLC, which does business as GNC Guam, said Thursday in a statement. "In response to GNC headquarters' plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, we, Globest LLC dba GNC (Guam), would like to clarify that we are an independent company unrelated to GNC Holdings and not part of GNCs financial restructuring," GNC Guam said in the statement released by Jenny Yang, managing director of GNC Guam. As a GNC franchisee on Guam and Saipan for more than 10 years, the Guam company stated, it "is confident to announce that the GNC headquarters decision has no impact on the GNC franchise businesses on Guam and Saipan." "All of our retail outlets will remain normal operations. The relationships with our authorized retailers will also remain the same," the Guam company added. "We are also working closely with our authorized retailer partners, including T Galleria by DFS, MallofGuam.com online shopping platform and ABC Stores on Guam, and T Galleria by DFS and Joeten Shopping Center on Saipan to bring more customers GNCs world-class vitamins and supplements," the company stated. During the challenging time of COVID-19 crisis, GNC Guam launched its website www.gncguam.net, which provides curbside pickup and delivery services at its Tumon location to help customers who prefer to avoid the crowds. "We remain firmly committed to our customers, employees, community, supply chains, and customers royalty program benefits," GNC Guam said in its statement. The Washington Post reported Monday that GNC Holdings has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with plans to close as many as 1,200 of its 5,200 U.S. stores as it searches for a buyer. A family has paid tribute to a 'much-loved' 10-year-old boy who died after getting into difficulty in a Scottish loch. Michael Heeps, from High Valleyfield, Fife, passed away at Loch Lubnaig near Callander, Stirlingshire, yesterday. amid a frantic search by emergency services. His family paid tribute saying: 'He was a much loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin x.' Michael Heeps (pictured), from High Valleyfield, Fife, passed away after at Loch Lubnaig near Callander, Stirlingshire, yesterday. amid a frantic search by emergency services Michael was reported as having 'difficulty in the water' at 5.35pm after he reportedly fell into a river near the loch. A four-hour rescue operation involving a helicopter was launched. Police said the incident was being treated as unexplained. A Police Scotland statement said: 'The death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing. A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal.' An earlier statement said: 'A 10-year-old boy has died following an incident in Loch Lubnaig, near Callander, on Wednesday June 24. Michael was reported as having 'difficulty in the water' at 5.35pm and a four-hour rescue operation was launched at the loch (file photo) 'Emergency services were called around 5:35pm to reports of a child experiencing difficulty in the water. Sadly, the boy died. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesman added: 'We were called at 5.37pm on Wednesday, June 24 to reports of a person in the water in Callander. 'Two appliances and two water rescue units were called to the town's Stank Road.' The tragedy came on the hottest day of the year so far as Britons flocked to lakes and the coast to cool down in 90F (32C) heat. The situation of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the United States is now alarming as health officials reported 45,557 new cases in a single day on Thursday. The numbers broke the previous record of 36,739 cases reported on April 26, making it the highest daily count reported in the country since the start of the pandemic. According to a report by CNN, the numbers of coronavirus cases are rising in more than 20 states, with clusters seen in the South and West. Health experts attributed the surge in cases to Memorial Day, when states began lifting restrictions and businesses began reopening. Also read: Trump Administration to End Funding for 13 Coronavirus Test Sites A number of Southern states - including Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, and South Carolina - also reported its highest single-day totals on Thursday. In Texas, health officials reported more than 6,200 new cases with its hospitalization rising at the fastest rate. Hospitals in Houston are also nearing its maximum capacity, prompting its children's hospital to accept adult patients. In Florida, adult care units only have 21 percent available capacity. Governor Ron DeSantis did not indicate whether he would re-impose a lockdown despite reporting more than 5,500 new cases. He attributed the rising numbers to younger people, who have begun socializing in bars and gathering in homes. DeSantis urged residents to avoid closed spaces and contact with others. While the state has increased its testing capacity, experts believed that this was not the reason of the sudden surge in the coronavirus cases. On Wednesday, Arizona's health department reported 79 new fatalities, a new single-day high. Officials used death certificates to determine 53 of the new deaths, the KTAR News reported. Health officials in Arizona also recorded 1,795 new cases on Wednesday morning, which was nearly half of Tuesday's record of 3,591. The state now has 59,974 COVID-19 cases and 1,462 deaths. A spike in COVID-19 cases prompted North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper to keep the state in its second phase of reopening in hopes it could curb the spread of the virus. He also began requiring state residents to wear face masks and observe social distancing when going out in public. North Carolina reached its second-highest reported daily hospitalizations on Wednesday with 906 patients currently confined in medical institutions. The single-day high was reported on Thursday, with 915 people hospitalized. Washington State Governor Jay Inslee also began requiring residents to wear masks in public after a county ran out of hospital beds due to the recent spikes. While there are exceptions, residents who do not wear face-covering would be charged with a misdemeanor crime, the CBS News reported. The World Health Organization warned that the country might need to re-impose another general lockdown if states and communities cannot stop the spread of the virus. Dr. Micheal Ryan, the executive director of the agency's health emergency program, said the virus has yet to reach its peak and that the U.S. is likely to see a sustained number of cases and deaths in the coming weeks, the New York Times reported. 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 family takes in the view of Newport Harbor at Lookout Point on Monday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) As the summer begins, many Californians are feeling the pull of summertime parties even as the worst pandemic in a century continues to fester across the country. So how might that be done as safely as possible? While Los Angeles County continues to ban gatherings of people who are not part of the same household beyond assembly for political protests or religious services the San Francisco Bay Area is beginning to allow small, limited gatherings, primarily outdoors. Part of the reason is that the coronavirus has had less of an impact in the Bay Area. While L.A. County has seen about 31 deaths per 100,000 residents, San Francisco has recorded about six deaths per 100,000. And warning signs persist in L.A. County, with the seven-day weekly average of confirmed new cases continuing to rise in the nation's most populous county. L.A. County's director of public health, Barbara Ferrer, on Tuesday reported more than 2,000 new cases for the fourth time in a week. She said it was "highly likely" that the rise is related to people gathering during protests, she said, in addition to clusters of visitors at restaurants and parties as well as newly reopened workplaces where employees are in close contact with one another. Im really sorry I know how desperate people are to be able to get back to events but this is not a time for parties or gatherings at your house, Ferrer said earlier this month. County officials have continued to emphasize the need for residents to proactively get tested for the virus if they've been to a protest or large gathering in recent weeks, especially those who may have come into contact for more than 15 minutes with someone not wearing a face mask. It's nearly impossible to trace the origin of a spread in public spaces because contact tracers do not track those types of cases, Ferrer said. In the Bay Area, however, officials have issued new rules allowing small, limited gatherings, acknowledging that people are meeting up and safety protocols are needed to keep them as safe as possible. Story continues We know people are already congregating outside their households in more risky ways. This model provides guardrails so small gatherings can occur in a safe way, especially as we move into the summer season, said Dr. Matt Willis, health officer for Marin County. Under new rules in San Francisco, gatherings are to be held outdoors, except to use bathrooms, and last no longer than two hours. And people should wear face coverings at all times except when eating and drinking. unless they have an exemption from a healthcare provider. Its less likely to be transmitted outdoors, said Dr. Grant Colfax, San Franciscos director of public health. My mask protects you, and your mask protects me. People shouldnt attend more than two gatherings a week. Children under 12 are not required to wear a face covering, and children 2 years or younger should not wear masks. Meal gatherings with people from different households can be held with no more than six people; and gatherings of no more than 12 people from different households can be held for special events. Its strongly recommended that guests at meal settings stay six feet apart from those not in their household, and at other gatherings the six-foot distance is required. Officials urge people to not shake hands or hug friends, and instead do things like touch elbows or offer hand signals like a peace sign or sign I Love You in sign language. Children not from the same family should stay six feet away from others. Clubs, faith-based organizations and other groups hosting gatherings at a home or in a park must follow additional rules. They include: developing a health and safety plan; having a social distancing protocol that details cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces; keeping a potential list of guests for three weeks to contact in case someone turns out to be infected with the coronavirus; and providing face coverings, hand sanitizers or handwashing stations. The Bay Areas second-most populous county, Alameda County, offers a framework in which people from more than one household can meet in whats called a social bubble. This is defined as a stable group of no more than 12 people who socialize together outdoors. Members can be part of only one social bubble at a time and should wear face coverings as much as possible. They also are encouraged to comply with social distancing requirements. Contra Costa County has also outlined social bubble guidelines and warned that meeting people indoors is much riskier. If you meet people indoors, you must always wear a face covering. Make sure you are in a room with open windows or good ventilation. Try not to touch surfaces inside. Try to avoid using other peoples bathrooms, if possible, the county said. That said, Contra Costa County officials noted that seeing loved ones and friends can be important for your mental health. Santa Clara County, the Bay Area's most populous county, now allows people to meet with one other household to socialize, but gatherings must be outdoors and people from different households must remain six feet apart. "Visiting friends or family in their homes is not allowed, except to provide essential care," officials said. San Mateo County also allows for social bubbles, although its health officer, Dr. Scott Morrow, emphasized that being out of the home is not completely safe and that it's even less safe to attend gatherings of any size. But Morrow said it's also important to adopt a balanced policy one that is not only focused on slowing the spread of the virus but also considers other needs of society. "Slowing the spread of the virus is but one of many things to consider when going about the business of living. As we go through time with this pandemic, the balance needs to shift," Morrow wrote. Now, it's in the public's hands to determine how badly the pandemic will spread in the summer, Morrow wrote recently. "You all are now the most important variable in how our future will develop. Follow the key behaviors well, including extensive use of facial coverings, and that will bode well for all of us. Dont, and our future will be dim," Morrow wrote. UC San Francisco epidemiologist Dr. George Rutherford said the social bubbles are a smart way to allow people to resume normal life without drastically increasing risk of contracting the virus. "Its not that we're going to be able to negotiate with the virus," he said. "The virus isnt reading this stuff, and all it wants to do is infect people and all it wants to do is reproduce and unfortunately it wants to reproduce in you." Bubbles can be part of an exit strategy from shutdown, he said, and will be most safe if the people in the group are at low risk for catching the virus and continue to take all other safety precautions. Elsewhere, other counties continue to monitor a surge in cases and hospitalizations. As of Thursday, 15 counties Contra Costa, Fresno, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Los Angeles, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, Tulare and Ventura are currently being monitored by the state. That's five more than what was previously included on the watch list. Riverside County has the second-highest number of cases in the state and recently failed to meet Gov. Gavin Newsom's performance metrics for reopening, with an additional 4,001 cases reported in 14 days. Officials announced Monday that they will ask about 3,500 residents selected at random to take part in an antibody study to determine if they have been exposed to the virus and have developed antibodies. The study will help the county's planning efforts for reopening. We are asking those who are contacted to strongly consider taking part in the study, said Kim Saruwatari, director of Riverside County Public Health. Its important to know the extent of the spread of the virus have developed antibodies. That information is vital as we move forward." Times staff writer Soumya Karlamangla contributed to this report. A man from Mumbai has been booked by Pune police in a forgery and cheating case. The incident took place during an online exam held by Pune division of labour commissioners office in 2015. According to police the accused works at a company in Mumbai which helps in conducting online exams. The name of the accused man has been withheld pending his arrest and collection of evidence. The name of the company, located in Dadar (west), Mumbai has changed. The company provides support to conduct online exams. The two people who had appeared for the exam in 2015 had approached the court in 2017. The court has issued an order to register a case. We will now investigate the claims, said PS Devkar, assistant police inspector, Khadki police station, who is investigating the case. Two people had approached the court after they suspected their marks to have been reduced by making changes to their answer sheets. The had appeared for a direct service entry exam held by the Pune division of labour commissioners office. The exam was of objective type questions. The answers are checked online and the answer sheet and result are printed after which a copy is provided to the examinee. The two suspect that their answer sheets were tampered with, said Devkar. The police are investigating if there were candidates who benefited from this reduction in marks. If found involved, more people will be booked in the case. A case under Sections 465 (punishment for forgery), 467 (forgery of valuable security, will, and others.), 468 (forgery with the purpose of cheating), 471 (using forged document as genuine), 419 (cheating by personation), 420 (cheating) and 34 (Common intention) of Indian Penal Code has been registered at Khadki police station. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Riska Rahman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 07:48 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406616e43f 1 Business consumer-goods,Indonesia-Stock-Exchange,stocks,Sari-Roti,Unilever-Indonesia,Indofood,COVID-19,coronavirus,PSBB,large-scale-social-restrictions Free Publicly listed consumer goods companies have managed to book profits in the first quarter some even higher than last year as they emerge as winners during the pandemic-induced economic crisis. Koneksi Kapital equity analyst Alfred Nainggolan said on Tuesday that the growth of consumer goods companies had been caused by an increased need for staple goods during the pandemic. Read also: Retail investors now dominate stock market: IDX PT Unilever Indonesia, which sells soap, shampoo and other personal care products, as well as food and refreshments, reported a higher net profit in the first quarter of this year than in the same period last year. At Rp 1.86 trillion, Unilevers January-March net profit grew 6.5 percent year-on-year (yoy). Sales grew 4.6 percent to Rp 11.15 trillion for the same period. In times of crisis like today, staple goods like food and hygiene products are even more essential for a lot of people, regardless of their economic condition, Alfred told The Jakarta Post. Indonesias economy grew 2.97 percent in the first three months of this year, the lowest in 19 years, as consumer spending, which accounts for more than half of the nations gross domestic product (GDP), grew 2.84 percent. Vehicle and retail sales led the fall as people spent more on health care. The panic during the early days of the coronavirus outbreak drove many people to hoard food and cleaning supplies, causing empty shelves in many grocery stores in cities throughout the country. Instant noodle producer PT Indofood CBP Sukses Makmur (ICBP) recorded a 6.67 percent yoy increase in sales to Rp 12 trillion in the first quarter of this year, thanks to a 6.54 percent yoy rise in noodle sales. As a result, its profit soared 48.26 percent yoy to Rp 1.98 trillion. Read also: Market players stock price predictions show that uncertainty lingers Nippon Indosari, the producer of Sari Roti bread, recorded the strongest growth in sales and profit of consumer goods companies. The company recorded a 15.3 percent yoy growth in sales to Rp 912.87 billion in the first three months of this year. Its profit jumped 20 percent yoy to Rp 77.85 billion in the same period. Despite the solid growth in the first quarter, Alfred warned that consumer goods companies would see a slight decline in performance in the second quarter of this year because large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) had hampered economic activity. The measures, which were intended to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, resulted in layoffs and pay cuts, which caused consumption to decline. The decline will not be as significant as car or house sales because people will continue buying the same short-term staple goods despite the pay cut, he said. Mirae Asset Sekuritas analyst Mimi Halimin said in a research note on May 15 that even though the slowdown in consumption was unavoidable during the pandemic, she believed that some sectors, such as food and beverages, as well as healthcare, would remain resilient to the uncertain conditions. Analysts expected that a recovery of economic activity following the establishment of the countrys new normal would drive consumption and reduce logistic costs in the second half of the year. However, consumption would likely remain below first quarter performance. In addition to weak consumption, Mimi said other factors would affect consumer goods companies performances this year, including increasing COVID-19 cases, which surpassed 49,000 in the nation on Wednesday, with 2,573 dead. Read also: Strategy key in stocks investment amid volatility: Experts A prolonged increase in COVID-19 cases, intensified competition, higher commodity prices and a weakening rupiah could cause us to scale down our revenue and net profit estimates for consumer goods companies, added Mimi. Despite the challenges, Mimi remained optimistic that consumer goods companies would be resilient to the ongoing uncertainty and that their stocks would remain good investments amid rising market volatility. The consumer goods subindex of stocks traded on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) dropped the least of all the sectoral subindices this year, falling by 11 percent. This decline was significantly less than the 34 percent slump suffered by the hardest-hit property and real estate subindex, the 31 percent plunge in the agriculture subindex and the 21 percent fall in the agriculture subindex. WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY Catholic Charities will host another pop-up food pantry in Washington Heights on Friday to help those that need food during the coronavirus pandemic. The organization which has given away more than half a million meals since the crisis began will hand out 500 bags of food at Rose Lima Church on West 165th Street. The 500 bags of food are the equivalent to about 6,000 meals. Catholic Charities of New York and its Alianza Youth Services division have been giving out bags of food as one of its services during the coronavirus pandemic since March. The number of families in need of food help has been about 10 times the typical number of people that Alianza's Mosaic Beacon Food Pantry in the Bronx, which is open once every two weeks, saw on a busy day before the pandemic. The pop-up pantries have been set up in both Washington Heights and the Bronx, including two in the Bronx this week. Here are the details about this week's pantry: Where: Rosa Lima Church, 510 West 165th St. When: From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, June 26 What: 500 bags of food, or 6,000 meals This article originally appeared on the Washington Heights-Inwood Patch Employees who likely dont know they have COVID-19 are carrying it into long term care facilities in Lebanon County and infecting residents. While that leads to a high case count for the facilities, it also reflects the prevalence of COVID-19 in the larger community, according to state Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine. Levine said a combination of community spread and long term care cases are responsible for the recent high rate of increase in Lebanon County. That has made Lebanon the only county in the state that hasnt been cleared to enter the green reopening status. The nursing homes and the long term care facilities reflect the prevalence in the county, because it is the asymptomatic or presymptomatic staff that are the only ones entering the facilities who, unfortunately, carry it in, she said. That contradicts claims of Republican officials in Lebanon County, who contend the problem involves the facilities but not the rest of the community. They further place the blame on Levine and Gov. Tom Wolf, saying they failed to take the necessary steps to protect nursing homes residents, who are the most vulnerable to COVID-19. Lebanon officials said last weeks decision to keep the county in the yellow reopening phase was based on politics rather than public health. As far as we are concerned the governor has lost all credibility regarding every aspect of his shutdown, and deserves only to be ignored. Lebanon Countians, and Pennsylvanians as a whole, should treat this edict with the same respect that he has treated all of us, absolutely none, said a letter signed by the countys four state lawmakers. The Wolf administration has said the decision to hold back Lebanon was based solely on the data. However, Levine last week blamed the troubling data on county officials, saying 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. Lebanon County Commissioners were among the commissioners in at least two counties that passed resolutions defying the Wolf administrations phased reopening plan, saying the county would move forward on its own. Officials in several Republican-led counties voiced rebellion and in some cases supported businesses that re-opened in defiance of Wolf. When the state made the decision on June 19, Lebanon County had 1,226 cases. That included a rate of 144 new cases per 100,000 residents over the previous two weeks well above the threshold for moving to green, and a rate that suggested the highest rate of increase in the state. As of early Thursday, Lebanon County had 1,278 cases, with long term care residents and staff accounting for 235, according to the countys own data tracker, which relies on information drawn from the state. COVID-19 infections have raged in nursing homes all over Pennsylvania and the United States. Lebanon, with seven long term care facilities according to the countys data tracker, has no unusual concentration of homes. The countys largest employer, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer, is the Bell & Evans chicken processing plant, with 1,800 employees. According to the Inquirer, some employees and community leaders say the plant has been a source of spread and the company hasnt done enough to stop it. Many plant employees live in the City of Lebanon, which has a high concentration of cases. Bell & Evans, however, told the Inquirer it had gone several weeks without a new case. The state wont reveal the number of cases within meat processing plants, which have been associated with outbreaks around the country. On Wednesday, Levine said the state did a deep dive on Lebanons data over the weekend. She further said her department has been in contact with county officials and is putting in place a plan to improve testing and contact tracing in the county. Levine, who was answering questions during an unrelated event on Wednesday, provided no specific time estimate of when Lebanon might qualify to go green. The emails comedian Chris D'Elia's exchanged with three of his accusers where he asked how old they were and in one case, turned one down when she said she wasn't 18, can be revealed in full. D'Elia has been accused by multiple women now of requesting nude photographs from them, sending lewd texts and pulling out his erect penis in front of others. Some say he tried to get them to go backstage at his shows when they were underage and that he blackmailed them with illicit photographs they sent. The women first shared their claims on social media but some have since provided screenshots of conversations with him to The LA Times. On Thursday, DailyMail.com obtained fuller versions of some of the exchanges. One is with Coleen Riley, who he met in 2014 when she was 16. After inviting her to L.A. to 'make out', she told him: 'Chris, I'm 16.' Riley posted that exchange on Twitter last week but she did not include his response. He replied: 'Oh sh**. I thought you were at my [standup] show. Gotta be 18 [to get into that] at least. My bad. Bye.' Coleen Riley shared this photograph of herself with D'Elia on Twitter last week along with screenshots of their emails which his camp say are incomplete. It was taken in 2014 when she was 16 and he was 34 This is the exchange between D'Elia and Riley in November 2014. He asked her to visit him When Riley shared them on Twitter, she did posted all of the emails apart from D'Elia saying he thought she was 18 and signing off One is between D'Elia and Clara Schaller who last week posted a 2012 message in which he said he wanted to have 'naked sex' with her. She said she was 17 at the time. D'Elia's team shared an email exchange showing that he asked her: 'How old are you?' She replied, jokingly, with: '12'. He responded: 'Answerrrrr,' and she replied: '24?' It's unclear what happened next and whether or not they ever met. Schaller appears to have now deleted her Twitter account and the accusations. Simone Rossi, another woman, accused him of asking her to send him photographs of herself and 'make out' with him when she was 16. She emailed him years later saying: 'I'm 21 now and dtf'. D'Elia asked Clara Schaller how old she was more than once when they exchanged emails in 2012 Clara Schaller, another accuser, shared these emails on Twitter last week. D'Elia's team has now revealed emails in which he asked her how old she was repeatedly and she replied saying she was 24 A user named Simone Rossi accused the comedian of sexual misconduct on the social media site. D'Elia says she later emailed him saying she was '21 now and down to f**k' In 2019, Rossi emailed D'Elia to say she was '21 now and dtf' - an acronym for down to f**k A representative for D'Elia told DailyMail.com: 'It is important that the public has all of the information to make an informed decision on the coordinated attacks on Chris Delia. 'Emails are being publicly circulated, but communications containing crucial messages are intentionally not being shared. 'These messages help prove that all of Chris relationships were both legal and consensual. 'With the recent wave of numerous Twitter accusations proven false, please reserve judgment until you have all of the information.' There are other women who say he tried to solicit them for sex when they were underage or without him asking how old they were. D'Elia hit out at all of the claims last week, saying that while he'd been 'caught up in his lifestyle', all of his relationships have been consensual and legal. He is best known for playing a predatory comedian on the Netflix hit show You. Earlier this week, D'Elia was dropped by his agent at CAA. He released a statement saying: 'All of my relationships have been both legal and consensual and I have never met or exchanged any inappropriate photos with the people who have tweeted about me.' Chorus of voices: Other women emerged with similar stories accusing D'Elia of misconduct D'Elia, 40, was dropped by CAA this week 'That being said, I really am truly sorry. I was a dumb guy who ABSOLUTELY let myself get caught up in my lifestyle. 'That's MY fault. I own it. I've been reflecting on this for some time now and I promise I will continue to do better.' Penn Badgley, the star of You, said the claims 'deeply affected' him and that he was 'very troubled' by them. Others in the comedy community took the opportunity to poke holes in DElia's professional abilities, linking them to his alleged misbehavior. 'If you cowards had fired Chris DElia a long time ago for being bad at the job (standup comedy) he wouldnt have had time to creep,' comic Amy Miller tweeted. 'But you LIVE to say "good set" to men taller than you.' Django Gold said, this Chris D'Elia s*** is wild, but I guess it's always the first person you suspect.' Dailymail.com has reached out to D'Elia's reps for comment. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 21:48:16|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close COPENHAGEN, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO)'s repeated warning of a possible resurgence of COVID-19 in the European region has now become a reality, Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, said Thursday. "Last week, Europe saw an increase in weekly cases for the first time in months," Kluge said at a press conference here. The WHO official noted that 30 countries in the region had seen increases in new cumulative cases over the past two weeks, and "in 11 of these countries, the accelerated transmission has led to a very significant resurgence." Poland, Germany, and Spain recently saw a resurgence of COVID-19 clusters at schools, coal mines, and food production facilities, according to Kluge. Despite commending these countries for their "controlled, rapid and targeted interventions," he warned that health systems are being brought to "the brink once again in Europe." However, Kluge saw a light of hope in the messages he received from health ministers in Europe that more and more people were being socially responsible and "adhering to physical distancing and wearing facial masks." Moreover, Kluge urged authorities in the region to use digital tools wisely while building trust by respecting privacy and addressing the digital gap. "The full potential of digital health is yet to be realized. It is about empowering people to make healthy lifestyle decisions to create a European culture of health," he said. Enditem A congressional committee is investigating to look into the sale of millions of mobile phones' location data to law enforcement agencies in the United States. Breach of privacy? The House Committee on Oversight and Reform revealed that it began an investigation in connection with two Democratic senators on the products of Venntel Inc. The company in question is a data broker and software company based in Virginia which has contracts with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and several other government entities. The list includes the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) criminal investigation division and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as reported by the Wall Street Journal. The letter which noted the beginning of the investigation also noted that the majority of United States citizens use mobile phones that have apps capable of gathering accurate location information 24/7. This feature leads to major concerns about privacy and security. The community requested the company, Venntel, to release detailed information of its clients, where it gets its data from, and the methods it utilized to ensure the security and privacy of its data. The investigation into Venntel is the latest in a string of steps that suggest the interest of regulators and lawmakers in increasing the use of cellphone location data by law enforcement and intelligence agencies. However, Venntel's president, Chris Gildea, did not give an immediate reply to requests for explanations regarding the investigation of the company. According to Business Insider, the DHS utilized the location data they gathered from Venntel to locate illegal immigrants who crossed the border to get into the United States. A more recent incident is when the FBI renewed its contract with Venntel with updated information in May, but the details have not been made public. Representative Caroline Maloney and Mark DeSaulnier have now sent a letter demanding Venntel to release more information on the company's full list of clients and data sources. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden also shared their support of the investigation by signing the letter sent to Venntel. Also Read: Appeals Court Panel Orders to Dismiss Michael Flynn's Case Venntel draws its data from mobile applications such as weather trackers and mobile games, which require location access to play. The company that originally collected that information then sells the data which is not connected to the customer's name or phone number until it reaches Venntel and other similar companies. Giving their consent Consumers generally give their consent that their data will be collected for use in marketing and corporate research. This, however, does not surveillance from the government. The risk brings to surface the question of whether cellphone users are properly notified of what their data will be used for. In business documents, Gravy Analytics Inc., which owns Venntel, said it is capable of tracking more than 150 million cellphones in the United States every month. However, it has not made clear how much of the mobile phones' data is made available to government agencies. Prosecutors have long used mobile data of individuals as evidence in court during trials. Utilization of such information requires reasonable grounds to have a court approve it. The US Supreme Court increased the requirements needed to obtain data from carriers in June 2018. It is, however, unclear if the law allows government agencies to buy location data in bulk from marketers instead of from carriers. Related Article: Fact Check: Companies Allegedly Installed COVID-19 Tracking Apps on Phones During Service Outage @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. India insisted on 'complete disengagement' in all its talks with China on eastern Ladakh row: Govt PLA close to Bottleneck and the new problem at the Depsang plains India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 25: Amidst the tensions with China, the assessment has found that the movement by the Chinese at the Depsang plains was serious. Sources tell OneIndia that the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is close to a place known as Bottleneck. This is the Rakki Nallah and Jeewan Nallah are where there was a standoff in 2013. The source also said that any movement westwards by the PLA can threaten the Dabruk-Shyok-DBI road and the airfield at DBO. Further it was also found that there was movement of additional PLA troops over the past one week at the Depsang plains, further north of Galwan towards the Karokaram pass. This has raised concerns as the Daulat Beg Oldie is less than 25 kilometres from the Chinese posts. Meanwhile, General M M Naravane will brief the top leadership on the situation at the Line of Actual Control amidst the tension with China. Also Read: The Indian Army Chief returned after a two day trip to east Ladakh theatre. He took stock of the situation and also met with the soldiers who were injured in the Galwan Valley clash on June 15. The assessment to be put out by the Army Chief would be crucial for the political leadership to chart out the next course of action. The assessment is also crucial as tensions are high at the LAC, although there has been no flare up after the June 15 incident. In addition to this the Army Chief would also be holding discussions with Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat and the Indian Air Force and Navy chiefs. He would brief them about the force requirements on the ground. A decision on this would be handled by the CDS. General Naravane would also provide the political leadership with an assessment on the ground, after the new satellite images emerged. Satellite images of June 22 show that the Chinese observation posts were destroyed during the violent clash that took place at the Galwan Valley on June 15. Satellite images from Maxar Technologies, which was put out by a Twitter handle @detresra_ show that between the clash that took place on June 15 and the talks on June 22, China had rebuilt defensive positions in the Galwan area just across the LAC inside Indian territory. Further a tweet put out by Nathan Ruser, a researcher at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, which is an independent think-tank shows that a small outpost which led to the June 15 clash and was destroyed had grown hugely in size. Ruser said, " these maps show the locations of all the Indian and Chinese structures, tents and vehicles within the Galwan Valley on both May 22 and June 22. Both India and China have injected a lot of infrastructure in the region. The Chinese troops are far more forward." CBSE cancels class 10 and 12 remaining board exams amid Coronavirus pandemic | Oneindia News "Satellite imagery from the Galwan Valley on June 22nd shows that 'disengagement' really isn't the word that the government should be using. This gif shows the small outpost that sparked the June 15th clashes. It has grown hugely in size. Indian troops aren't dismantling this one," Ruser also said. "The number of Chinese structures/tents and vehicles within 1km of the LAC has grown from 3 to 46 (1,500 per cent increase), the number of Indian structures ect has decreased to 17 from 84 in May (decrease of 80 per cent)," Ruser further added. Before a scheduled visit to northern Wisconsin, President Donald Trump set foot - briefly - in Michigans Upper Peninsula. En route to a scheduled tour and remarks at Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard in Wisconsin, Trump landed in Menominee Regional Airport in Marine One, according to Rep. Beau LaFave, R-Iron Mountain. LaFave said the president met with a delegation at the Menominee airport before crossing over to the Wisconsin border. In a tweet, he welcomed Trump to Gods Country. Welcome to Gods Country, Mr. President @realDonaldTrump Marine 1 just landed in Menominee, Michigan. This marks the first time in nearly a DECADE the sitting President of the United States feet touch UP soil. Thank you for your continued investment in UP and Northern WI! pic.twitter.com/JFPpvq4viz Beau M. LaFave (@BeauMattLaFave) June 25, 2020 The presidential motorcade to Marinette was greeted by at least 1,000 people who lined the streets, most of whom held Trump signs or American flags, according to White House pool reports. The president toured the Fincantieri plant for about 30 minutes and viewed a model of the Navy ship being built there, and was set to deliver remarks about the $5 billion dollar contract awarded to the plant, according to pool reports. He told pool reporters the ships are magnificent, fast, with tremendous firepower, all built in Wisconsin, so were very happy with [that]. LaFave said hundreds of people in his district, which borders Wisconsin, work at the plant and benefit from the contract. Its a massive impact on the local and state economy to have Marinette Marine less than 100 yards from Michigan, he said. The last time a president set foot in the Upper Peninsula was 2011, when then-President Barack Obama delivered remarks in Marquette about expanding wireless internet access. President George W. Bush also visited Marquette for a campaign stop in 2004. LANGLEY, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / Adastra Labs Holdings Ltd. (CSE:XTRX)(FRANKFURT:D2EP) ("Adastra", "XTRX", or the "Company") a Health Canada Licensed cannabis processing and analytical testing services company announces that it plans to increase its previously announced private placement offering (see press release dated June 18, 2020), of units (the "Units") at a price of $0.30 per Unit to up to $2,000,000 (the "Offering"), subject to the acceptance of over-allotments as described below. Each Unit comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Common Share") and one common share purchase warrant of the Company (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant shall be exercisable to acquire one Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price per Warrant Share of $0.50 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. Provided that the closing price of the Common Shares exceeds $0.70 per share for 10 consecutive trading days on the CSE, then the expiry date of the Warrants will be accelerated at the Company's option to the date that is 30 days after the date the Company provides notice by press release to the holders of the Warrants. The Units to be issued under the financing will be subject to a four month and one day hold period. There is no minimum offering amount. The Company may close the Offering in one or more tranches. The Company may pay commissions or finder fees on the amount raised through the Offering. The Company has authorized the acceptance of any over allotted subscriptions under the Offering subject to the condition that the total Offering after taking into account any over allotments shall not exceed $3,000,000. The terms of the financing are subject to applicable securities laws and regulatory approval. The Company intends to use the proceeds of the Offering to fund equipment expansion, marketing expenses and for general working capital. About Adastra Labs Holdings Ltd. Adastra Labs Holdings Ltd. is a Langley, BC-based cannabis company with a co-located Health Canada Licensed Standard Processing Facility and Analytical Testing Laboratory. Adastra can produce cannabis extract through supercritical CO2 extraction and secondary distillation as well as conduct in-process quality testing. Such extracts can easily be incorporated into edibles, beverages, topicals, tinctures, vape cartridges and other products that will serve the Canadian medical and adult-use cannabis markets. www.adastralabs.ca On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company, Andrew Hale Chief Executive Officer Adastra Labs Holdings Ltd. Phone: (778) 715-5011 Email: andy@adastralabs.ca Address: 5451 275th Street, Langley, BC V4W 3X8 Telephone: 778-715-5011 Fax: 844-874-9893 CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: Adastra's expectations concerning fulfilling its obligations under its agreements, purchase orders and receiving the economic benefits of such agreements or purchase orders. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, Adastra assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. SOURCE: Adastra Labs Holdings Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/595267/Adastra-Increases-Private-Placement-Financing VSI's Automated Demonstration Vehicle Starting next month VSI Labs will hit the road, embarking on a national tour as a means of demonstrating Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and automated vehicle (AV) technologies. The Automated Drive Series will provide technology suppliers with a chance to demonstrate their solutions in an automated demonstration vehicle. The series will consist of four quarterly, coast-to-coast, and border-to-border driving missions, to examine the functionality of these technologies. The Automated Drive Series is VSIs answer to far fewer conferences and venues at which industry companies would normally exhibit their technologies. Because of COVID-19, I dont expect much exposure through conferences this fall, said Phil Magney, Founder and President of VSI Labs. With this program, developers of AV and ADAS technology have a new venue through which they can promote their solutions. The VSI vehicle will be equipped with a full stack of sensors including visible cameras, thermal imaging, LiDAR, radar and precision localization. The onboard computer processes and records critical scenes and segments where the sensors are challenged. This recorded data will be useful for post-drive analysis as VSI will be able to annotate challenging segments and road scenes. VSI will launch its first event of the series, the Automated Drive North, on July 12th as it travels to Ann Arbor (MI) via northern Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigans Upper Peninsula. Through extensive exposure to northerly environments, VSI expects to encounter a diversity of conditions such as winding roads, low visibility, changing weather, and wildlife. The journey will end at Detroits American Center for Mobility, where VSI will continue its testing of Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with FLIR Systems. FLIRs thermal imaging technology is crucial to improving the safety of motor vehicles, especially for nighttime driving or other low-visibility conditions that challenge human drivers and the existing ADAS sensor suites on vehicles today, said Mike Walters, Vice President of Product Management at FLIR. The opportunity to collect thermal imaging data in unique settings across rural and urban environments through our collaboration with VSI will enable us to advance development of thermal sensing technology for ADAS, specifically AEB, and AVs. One of the goals of the Automated Drive Series is to expose AV & ADAS solutions to a diverse set of driving environments. Its a terrific way to understand the strengths and weaknesses of these technologies, said VSIs Phil Magney. Last year VSI made headlines with their groundbreaking Drive West and subsequent Drive East, racking up more than 10,000 miles traveling from Minnesota to Washington DC to California and back again. Earlier this year, VSI traveled over 3,200 miles to Las Vegas and back for CES in January. Subsequent drives of the series will follow in September, November, and January. This will include the Automated Drive East to Washington DC, the Automated Drive South which is bound for Texas, and the Automated Drive West to California. These later drives will enable VSI to showcase new sensors and expose the vehicle to different environmental conditions, road types and scenarios. Those looking to follow along on the upcoming journeys can track the vehicles progress on VSI's website, or keep up with live updates on their social media channels. To sponsor a subsequent drive in the series, get in touch with a member of the VSI team. About VSI Labs Established in 2014 by Phil Magney, VSI Labs is one of the industrys top advisors on AV technologies, supporting major automotive companies and suppliers worldwide. VSIs research and lab activities have fostered a comprehensive breakdown of the AV ecosystem through hands-on development of its own automated vehicle platform. VSI also conducts functional validation of critical enablers including sensors, domain controllers, and AV software development kits. Learn more about VSI Labs at https://vsi-labs.com/. FP Trending National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has said it will allow SpaceX to take astronauts into orbit on reused spaceships. This is something that the US space agency had earlier never permitted. According to SpaceFlight Now, NASA has agreed to allow its astronauts to be ferried on reused Crew Dragon spaceships and Falcon 9 boosters. The report further mentions the space agency has modified its $2.7 billion commercial crew contract with SpaceX to permit reuse of spacecraft and rocket hardware. As per an interaction Josh Finch, a NASA spokesperson, had with SpaceFlight Now, he said, "Consistent with the public-private partnership strategy for the Commercial Crew Program, NASA specifies what safety requirements must be met, and industry is free to propose how to meet those requirements." He added, "In this case, SpaceX has proposed to reuse future Falcon 9 and/or Crew Dragon systems or components for NASA missions to the International Space Station because they believe it will be beneficial from a safety and/or cost standpoint." A disclosure dated 15 May that was posted on a federal government procurement website mentions NASA stating that the contract modification allows for the extension of the Crew Dragon's Demo-2 test flight from two weeks to up to 119 days. The Crew Dragon recently launched with astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken on top of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking the first time astronauts have been launched into orbit from US soil since 2011. According to a report in Express.co.uk, NASA officials say that the Demo-2 test flight is due to end with the Crew Dragon capsule splashing down in the Atlantic Ocean with the help of parachutes. The report adds that once Hurley and Behnken return back to Earth, NASA will review the mission before giving SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule the agency's approval. This will allow crewed missions to take place which will take astronauts to and from the space station during their shifts. The missions will be referred to as Crew-1, Crew-2 etc and will see astronauts reuse SpaceX capsules for the first time. Over 3.6 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 on Thursday. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said a total number of 5,13,047 Indians have registered their request with Indian missions abroad for repatriation to India on compelling grounds. Of the people who have registered, 3,64,209 have returned under this Mission as of today, he said. Repatriations from neighbouring countries have also been happening through land borders, he added. "More than 84,000 Indians have returned through land border immigration checkpoints from Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh," the MEA spokesperson said. "In the first three phases of the Vande Bharat Mission, around 875 international flights were scheduled for operation from over 50 countries across five continents. So far, more than 700 of these flights have reached India, repatriating around 1,50,000 Indians," Srivastava said. The remaining 175 flights under the Phase 3 are expected to reach in the coming days, he said. These Vabde Bharat Mission (VBM) flights have been instrumental in addressing the immediate requirements of stranded Indians from many parts of the world, Srivastava said. "We are committed to bringing back our remaining compatriots particularly in the GCC countries, Malaysia, Singapore among other places. In order to continue with our efforts, Phase IV of VBM is being firmed up with effect from July 3, 2020," he said. "Phase IV will particularly focus on countries where we still have a large number of Indians who have registered to return," Srivastava said. Apart from these, chartered flight operations which commenced on May 26, have steadily increased over the past weeks, he said. These flights have also brought back seafarers and crews of shipping companies stranded in various places, Srivastava said. "Till date, 1,30,061 persons have returned on these flights. Demand for these flights remains very high especially in the Gulf region. Therefore, we are moving to further streamline the process," Srivastava said. Noting that repatriations through naval ships have also been part of this mission, he said one such repatriation is presently underway. INS Jalashwa reached Port of Bandar Abbas in Iran on June 24 to bring back Indian citizens and their embarkation was to commence on Thursday, Srivastava said. Technavio has been monitoring the radiopharmaceuticals market and it is poised to grow by USD 3.58 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of 10% 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/20200625005585/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Radiopharmaceuticals 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 concentrated, and the degree of concentration will accelerate during the forecast period. Bayer AG, BWX Technologies Inc., Cardinal Health Inc., Curium, Eckert Ziegler AG, Eli Lilly and Co., General Electric Co., Lantheus Holdings Inc., Novartis AG, and Siemens Healthineers AG are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. Rising burden of neurological disorders has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Radiopharmaceuticals Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Radiopharmaceuticals Market is segmented as below: Application Diagnostics Therapeutic 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=IRTNTR43963 Radiopharmaceuticals 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 radiopharmaceuticals market report covers the following areas: Radiopharmaceuticals Market size Radiopharmaceuticals Market trends Radiopharmaceuticals Market analysis This study identifies partnerships for the development of radiopharmaceuticals as one of the prime reasons driving the radiopharmaceuticals market growth during the next few years. Radiopharmaceuticals Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of vendors operating in the radiopharmaceuticals market, including some of the vendors such as Bayer AG, BWX Technologies Inc., Cardinal Health Inc., Curium, Eckert Ziegler AG, Eli Lilly and Co., General Electric Co., Lantheus Holdings Inc., Novartis AG, and Siemens Healthineers AG. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the radiopharmaceuticals 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 Radiopharmaceuticals Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist radiopharmaceuticals market growth during the next five years Estimation of the radiopharmaceuticals market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the radiopharmaceuticals market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of radiopharmaceuticals market vendors Table Of Contents: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Market characteristics 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 Application Market segments Comparison by Application Diagnostics Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Therapeutic Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Application Customer Landscape 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 Bayer AG BWX Technologies Inc. Cardinal Health Inc. Curium Eckert Ziegler AG Eli Lilly and Co. General Electric Co. Lantheus Holdings Inc. Novartis AG Siemens Healthineers AG 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/20200625005585/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/ Angelina Jolie stunned numerous people when she divulged the reason behind her divorce with Brad Pitt. As fans let that information sink in, an update has been made regarding Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston's relationship. Pitt and Aniston grace the magazine Star's cover as the subject of a new article in its June 29, 2020 issue yet to be released. Supporters have followed Pitt and Aniston's relationship upon their marriage in a private Malibu wedding ceremony in July 9, 2000, reported Celebrity Insider. The pair divorced on October 2, 2005 following Pitt and Jolie's affair upon filming as co-actors in "Mr. and Mrs. Smith." Pitt and Aniston spent 5 years of married life. Pitt and Aniston were rumored to be undergoing quarantine together, but there is seemingly trouble in paradise for the second round, according to YDraft. The very headline of the magazine cover of the aforementioned magazine featured them underscored by the headline, "Dumped Again: Brad Kicks Jen Out!" Gossip Cop then debunked the narrative and stated that Pitt did not dump Aniston and kick her out of his home, and unfortunately, they are not actually in a relationship currently. According to the celebrity news fact-checker, the news outlet is reiterating once again the dire story alleging that they have reunited, became in a relationship and came out the other end as single one more time. The magazine quoted unidentified sources, claiming that the "One Upon a Time in Hollywood" actor is "pumping the breaks" on "the eve of what would have been their 20th wedding anniversary!". Also Read: Jennifer Aniston Looks Remarkably Different in Latest Quarantine Post "He wants a more low-key, easygoing relationship with the next woman he falls in love with. He doesn't want anyone who's bossy, needy or overly intense," a source narrated, further noting that the high-maintenance attitude of Aniston caused a rift between the pair. The rumors were ignited when the 56-year-old actor was present at the "Friends" actress' 50th birthday, resulting to reports how cupid has struck both for another round. Neither of the two have confirmed such reports. However, the latter remarked regarding him getting linked to every woman he meets at the SAG Awards. Reports also alleged that the former couple were slated to get married again and are looking to adopting a baby. The source to the magazine has not remarked the duration of their time living under the same roof, but readers are wont to thinking that Pitt is the one hitting the breaks on their reunited relationship. According to the insider, "Everyone's fully aware that she's head over heels in love with him. She was constantly having Courteney Cox and other mutual friends check in whit Brad and ask what his intentions were with her. She was too obvious and annoying." Aside from not rekindling their romance, Pitt's presence at Aniston's birthday party was only platonic. They are on friendly terms, speaking with each other a couple of times amid their singlehood, Gossip Cop explained. The supposed anniversary is technically more than a month in the future, in case anniversaries were celebrated by divorced spouses who are not back together. Therefore, he could not have kicked her out on the eve of the said anniversary. Related Article: Brad Pitt Moves in With Actress, But Not Jennifer Aniston or Angelina Jolie @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Bowdoin College is planning to welcome students back to campus this fall. But due to the coronavirus pandemic, it's strategically reducing the number of students who will return. "College campuses in this country are densely packed environments, and for most of the time, that's a wonderful thing," Bowdoin College President Clayton Rose told CNBC on Thursday. "But when you've got a public health crisis, and a highly contagious virus like the one we're dealing with now, having that kind of density is really problematic." Instead, the private liberal arts college in Brunswick, Maine, is primarily having first-year and transfer students on campus this fall. Those whose home situations make online classes unfeasible also will be there, as will student residential advisors and a small group of seniors working on honors projects, Rose said. "Our goal is to learn as much as we can in the fall with the group that we're going to have about how to safely run our campus, and then, if we do that properly, which is my expectation, and the world cooperates a little bit with us, then we will bring our seniors, juniors and sophomores back in the spring," Rose said on "The Exchange." Bowdoin's strategy of welcoming some students back to campus comes as schools at all levels seek to devise plans for fall classes, after the coronavirus outbreak forced many to pivot to remote instruction in March. Nearly 65% of colleges are planning for in-person classes this fall, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education, which is tracking the decisions of more than 1,000 schools. Many say they will be limiting class size and doing away with large lectures, for example. Some schools such as the University of Notre Dame intend to move up the start of their fall semester in order to complete it by Thanksgiving, in hopes of getting ahead of an end-of-year resurgence of Covid-19 that some experts predict may occur. The California State University system, made up of 23 campuses, intends on having a mostly virtual fall. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: 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 Two Tesla employees say they were fired at the electric vehicle maker's plant in Fremont, California, after being given permission to stay home on unpaid leave if they felt uncomfortable working at the facility during the coronavirus pandemic. Carlos Gabriel and Jessica Naro say they were terminated last week from their positions at the plant, which the EV maker's CEO Elon Musk defiantly reopened in the second week of May after he insisted it was an essential service. The workers say employees were told by Musk in an email that 'if you feel uncomfortable coming back to work at this time, please do not feel obligated to do so'. However, Gabriel and Naro still received notices about their terminations, for 'failure to return to work'. Human resources told the workers they were fired for failure to show up and difficulties in contacting them, although the employees say they had proof they remained in touch with their supervisors. Former Tesla employees Carlos Gabriel (pictured) and Jessica Naro say they were fired from their jobs at the electric vehicle maker's plant in Fremont, California, after they were given permission to stay home, unpaid, if they felt uncomfortable working during COVID-19 Gabriel and Naro say they were terminated last week from their positions at the plant (pictured), which the EV maker's CEO and founder Elon Musk defiantly reopened in the second week of May after he insisted it was an essential service Gabriel and Naro say they believe they were fired because they were vocal about their concerns over plant working conditions during the pandemic, the Washington Post reports. Both former workers, who had taken up the offer to stay home to protect their families from exposure to COVID-19, were later contacted by human resources. Naro was told she could return to work, but was asked to provide a specific date of when she would do so. The Post reports that at least a half-dozen more employees expressed similar worries about working conditions during the pandemic. Some of the employees who came forward requested anonymity for fear of losing their positions because they did not have authorization to speak to media. The workers alleged that Tesla was not enforcing proper social distancing or other rules set up to contain the spread of the virus and protect workers, including requirements for masks and sanitizing plant equipment. Employees who spoke up also say they have not been briefed enough on the pandemic's impact on the plant, or whom may have been infected. Workers alleged that Tesla was not enforcing proper social distancing or other rules set up protect workers, including requirements for masks and sanitizing plant equipment. A plant worker is pictured wearing a mask in an image taken by KPIX CBS One worker complained that employees are 'hovering over each other.' Others say that employees are absent for up to two weeks at a time while coworkers are not informed the reasons why. Meanwhile, workers were told that at least two employees tested positive for COVID-19 at a nearby seat plant, and that at least three others were exposed to the virus, the Post reports. Branton Phillips, a worker on the Model S and Model X assembly lines, explained that the issue of employees wearing masks and those who do not is a reflection of the controversy over wearing facial coverings during the pandemic that has played out across the country. Tesla workers are pictured wearing masks outside the plant after it reopened. Employees who have spoken out say they have not been briefed enough on the pandemic's impact on the plant, or whom may have been infected 'You're reflecting what's outside in the world inside the plant,' explains the worker, who insists on taking precautions before returning home, including putting his clothes in a bag, to protect his wife who has two pre-existing conditions that make her more vulnerable to infection. Musk, back on May 11, confirmed that Tesla resumed operations at the plant in defiance of the state's coronavirus lockdown restrictions and even dared authorities to arrest him for the violation. The plant, about 40 miles south of San Francisco, had been closed since March 23 in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Musk, back on May 11, confirmed that Tesla resumed operations at the plant in defiance of the state's coronavirus lockdown restrictions and even dared authorities to arrest him for the violation Musk at the time confirmed in a tweet that Tesla was restarting production at the facility 'against Alameda County rules.' 'I will be on the line with everyone else,' he continued. 'If anyone is arrested, I ask that it only be me.' The controversial move came as the latest salvo in an ongoing war between Musk and Alameda County, after Tesla filed a lawsuit against local officials for ordering the the Fremont facility to shutter until June. Musk called the order 'super messed up' in a separate tweet, claiming that 'all other auto companies in US are approved to resume. Only Tesla has been singled out.' The plant, about 40 miles south of San Francisco, had been closed since March 23 in an effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Workers are pictured loading motor vehicle carriers with Tesla cars after the plant reopened The parking at Tesla's Fremont, California, plant lot was nearly full after the facility reopened May 11 and employees began returning to the job during the coronavirus pandemic The lawsuit was later withdrawn and the plant was given a pending approval to reopen on May 18, the same date rivals General Motors, Ford and Fiat Chrysler were allowed to resume their plant operations. According to Business Insider, three employees said Tesla asked workers to return to the facility with phone calls and text messages, and if they refused, risked losing their jobs, the sources claimed. Employees were seen reporting to the plant before sunrise that day in footage from local media outlet KPIX . Within hours, the parking lot was nearly full at the plant - which employs 10,000 workers - and semis were seen driving off loaded with vehicles that may have been produced before the shutdown. A new statewide poll released this week found that while a vast majority of Massachusetts residents approve of where the commonwealth is headed, a nearly equal percentage of people disapprove of the direction of the country as a whole. According to the Suffolk University poll from WGBH News, MassLive, The Boston Globe, and the State House News Service, 71% of the 500 respondents to the survey believe the state is headed in the right direction, while only 18% think it is on the wrong track, and nearly 11% of respondents are undecided. The views of the commonwealth were far more positive than the opinions of the nation at large. Sixty-nine percent of respondents think the United States is on the wrong track, while only 19.80% believe the country is headed in the right direction, and 10.60% are undecided. For some of the respondents, their split opinions on the direction of the commonwealth and the United States boiled down to states differing responses to the coronavirus pandemic. Idalina Castelo Olideira, a Portugal native and one of the Massachusetts residents surveyed, has found regional divisions in the U.S. to be remarkable. She urged all states to take the outbreak seriously. The 59-year-old New Bedford resident claimed that states like California and Florida that have seen spikes in COVID-19 cases are experiencing reoccurrences of the virus for attempting to reopen their economies too soon. Certain people dont believe the governor. Certain people dont believe the senator. They blame China. They have their own opinions. They dont believe the CDC, Olideira said. Democracy in the U.S.A. should come together as one unit and try to attack the virus in the best way possible. If you dont do that, youre not going to kill it. A few respondents told MassLive they think the country is headed in the wrong track because of a lack of direction from Republican President Donald Trump, who was criticized by some of the people surveyed for saying at a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma that coronavirus testing should be slowed down. The [Trump] administration has the incredible knack of getting on the wrong side of every single thing, said Judith Sprague, a 62-year-old Revere resident and respondent to the poll. Its remarkable. The MassLive/WGBH/Suffolk survey was conducted from June 18 to 21 and has a margin of error of 4.4%. Ninety-four percent of the hundreds of respondents identified as registered voters, 75.2% as white, 9.6% as Hispanic, 8.8% as Black and 5% as Asian. Along with finding a split in peoples views on the direction of the state versus country, the poll also showed a strong amount of support for Republican Gov. Charlie Baker in the wake of the COVID-19 public health crisis. Baker continues to get high marks for his handling of the coronavirus response and his overall leadership, with 74.5% saying they approve of the governors four-phase reopening plan and 81% saying they back his handling of the COVID-19 outbreak in Massachusetts. Massachusetts has, for the past two months, seen a decline in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations due to the disease, even as parts of the state economy have begun to reopen. Officials have said, though, the commonwealth could return to earlier phases of the reopening plan if there is another flare-up of the outbreak. Still, transmission of COVID-19 appears to have dropped significantly in Massachusetts since the pandemic first ramped up in the commonwealth and the rest of the country in March. Rt.live, a website created by the founder of Instagram, found that the Rt for Massachusetts - a key measure of how fast the virus is growing - is the lowest in the country. The states Rt sits at 0.71, well below the 1.0 threshold that marks the rapid spread of the disease. Dr. Armando Paez, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases in the Department of Medicine at Baystate Health in Springfield, told MassLive he thinks Baker has effectively worked to combat the pandemic. I believe Governor Baker is really, really using his resources and advisors and backing up with data whatever strategy Massachusetts has adopted, and I think its working, and its based in science, not politics, he said. Despite the decrease in the states COVID-19 caseload, a large majority of poll respondents noted they are still cautious about the governors reopening plan and wary of contracting the virus. Poll respondent Miranda Jordan Grace, a former Boston resident who currently lives in Worcester, noted she initially thought the governor was moving in the right direction in staving off the transmission of the viral respiratory infection, but in recent weeks, she has questioned his decisions to ease certain restrictions. I think its foolish to reopen too early. It only takes one case to continue the virus, she said. When this virus comes back in the fall, its going to become out of control and too fast. According to the poll, 82.6% of residents are still being very strict or pretty strict in abiding by social distancing guidelines, including not gathering in groups, not shaking hands or hugging and staying home as much as possible. Similarly, more than 78% of respondents said they are still uncomfortable getting on a bus, subway or train, and 74% were uncomfortable about the prospect of air travel. Another 56.6% of respondents are not comfortable with the idea of eating out, even as indoor dining in the state began again earlier this month after being closed since March. The pandemic is not completely eradicated in Massachusetts, Grace told MassLive. Another uptick in cases could occur if social distancing guidelines are not followed. Such a spike would lead to a nightmare tomorrow, she said. I dont think the country is out of the woods at all, she said. WGBH News/MassLive/Boston Globe/State House News Service poll. Related Content: Realme X3, X3 SuperZoom, and Buds Q are set to launch today in India. The launch will be held online and comes close on the heels of the launch of Realme TV. Of the three products confirmed to debut in India at the event, two have been already launched. Last month, Realme launched the X3 SuperZoom in Europe while the Buds Q earbuds were launched in China. The Realme X3, on the other hand, has been the in the rumour mill and this will be its first unveiling. Realme's X3 series is the sequel to the X2 series while the Buds Q earbuds will create their own market in the entry-level segment. Realme could also announce new backpacks at today's event. Realme X3 SuperZoom Event Details The Realme event will begin at 12.30 pm today, June 25 and will be live-streamed on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube for you to catch up with the real-time announcements. Realme will launch the X3 and X3 SuperZoom smartphones, and Buds Q earbuds at the event. Realme X3 SuperZoom, X3, and Buds Q Price We do not know the official pricing of the X3 series smartphones or what the Buds Q earbuds will cost. But a little guesswork suggests the Realme X3 SuperZoom will be priced around Rs 43,000 going by what the smartphone costs in Europe (EUR 499). The Realme Buds Q were launched in China for CNY 149, which translates to Rs 1,600. Moreover, Realme's marketing chief also suggested the earbuds will cost under Rs 2,000 in India. The Realme X3 will be the fresh smartphone to make its debut today and there are no indicators to guess its pricing. The Realme X2 was launched for Rs 17,999. Should you wait for Realme X3 series and Buds Q? The Realme X3 SuperZoom is the company's ambitious smartphone as it brings a periscope camera to the club. It was launched in Europe with the details on how the cameras on the Realme X3 SuperZoom can achieve a digital zoom of up 60x, which theoretically sounds impressive. Moreover, it packs the Snapdragon 855+ processor under the hood, which was last year's most capable mobile phone processor from the house of Qualcomm. So, we can expect a performance that is on par with last year's flagship smartphones, which is good as well. The Realme X3 will follow the footprints of the X3 SuperZoom to have mostly the same innards, however, with some differences. For people looking a little less on their smartphone but expect the same treatment as the X3 SuperZoom can go for the Realme X3. The Realme Buds Q earbuds will bring the truly wireless audio to even more affordable segment, when compared with the previously-launched Buds Air Neo. And since Buds Q earbuds come from a known brand such as Realme, it will make sense for you to go for these earbuds instead of some counterfeit products of the same type. DUBLIN, Ohio, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- While social distancing guidelines are still in effect, many Fourth of July celebrations have been put on hold. Though nothing can replace the magic of real fireworks, HoloPundits, a technology company, created a free augmented reality experience available to anyone with a smartphone or tablet. "We wanted to make something special for the public to enjoy," said HoloPundits Founder and CEO Vinod Dega. "With our app, Fourth of July fireworks can be brought to life wherever you are through augmented reality." The app, TotalAR, puts dazzling displays in the sky through a smartphone or tablet, giving the viewer the opportunity to see fireworks as if standing right under them. The 12-minute fireworks display will be available to view between 9 p.m. and midnight local time on July 4. Watch it once or multiple times before midnight. Communities across the country are promoting this virtual display as an alternative to in-person fireworks events. Available now on TotalAR are other augmented reality experiences - all at no cost and free of ads. Experience a rainbow, floating lanterns, a hot air balloon launch, and a UFO landing all from the comfort of your home or your favorite social-distancing location. "People can enjoy the holiday safely, and that is important to us," said Dega. To enjoy the experience, download the TotalAR app for free at GooglePlay or the AppStore (no ads appear in this app). Allow the app to enable camera and location services, open the app and click on the Geo AR option. View the promo video here. For supporting videos and text, please click here to see the following: 01. Promo video 02. B-Roll video 03. Suggested Anchor Script HoloPundits is also available for on-camera interviews. Please send inquiries to Doug Smith at [email protected] or call 614-371-2595. About HoloPundits HoloPundits is a global technology company with expertise that spans the entire spectrum of AR, VR, and mixed reality. Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio with offices in Chennai, India, HoloPundits works with brands across a variety of industries to transform their experience through immersive technology. For more about HoloPundits, visit our website. *IMAGE LINK: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0625s2p-holopundits-fireworks-300dpi.jpg This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com SOURCE HoloPundits Daniel Itai The Zimbabwe Mail Lusaka, Zambia Zambias Health Minister, Chitalu Chilufya is facing a five year prison sentence following yesterdays arrest. The Minister was arrested and charged with four counts of possession of property reasonably suspected of being the proceeds of crime. However, the Minister was later released after posting bail and is expected to appear before the Lusaka Magistrates Court on the 9th of July. The arrest follows investigations the Commission has been conducting against the Minister in relation to the allegations of being in the possession of property reasonably suspected of being the proceeds of crime, said Jonathan Siame, spokesperson of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). - Advertisement - Earlier on this week, many youths in the country issued out a statement against corruption through their formulated Zambian Youth Charter. In the Charter, the youths stated that they were heavily concerned with the increased levels of unemployment, grand corruption and infringement on human rights, among other issues currently affecting the country. We refuse to tolerate the abuse of public resources when a number of young people are starving in public universities for lack of money and we continue to see and hear corruption allegations among top government leaders but no tangible results or actions to curb this evil, read some parts of the Charter. Like this: Like Loading... Digiworld Corporation will start selling Apple products from the end of this month, confirmed Doan Hong Viet, the companys chairman and general director. Digiworld technicians at work. (Photo: courtesy of Digitworld) It is expected that 50,000 Apple products will be distributed to Vietnamese consumers from now to the year-end, he said. Apple products, especially iPhone and Macbook, are very popular in Vietnam. Vietnamese have a great need for buying Apple products at good prices and genuine warranty. According to the GfK report, in the first four months of this year Apple had the third largest market share in Vietnam and second in terms of value. Digiworld said it wants to directly distribute all Apple product lines comprising iPhone, iPad, MacBook, Beats, Watch, Apple TV and accessories like Airpod, Earpod, keyboard, mouse, and cover. Established in 1997, the company has been the leading market expansion services provider in Vietnam. It has also been an authorised distributor for more than 30 global technology brands and has a distribution network of 16,000 points of sale. It listed on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange in 2015./.VNA Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Reuters) Thu, June 25, 2020 06:30 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066169a7f 2 Sports Liverpool,soccer,Premier-League,soccer-club,soccer-league,soccer-association,football Free Liverpool were back at their lethal best to beat Crystal Palace 4-0 at Anfield on Wednesday, moving within two points of securing the Premier League title. The victory, with goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, Fabinho and Sadio Mane, ensured Juergen Klopp's side could be crowned champions on Thursday if second-placed Manchester City fail to win at Chelsea. Should Pep Guardiola's side win at Stamford Bridge, Liverpool could finish the job with a victory in their next game, against defending champions City, on July 2. "We've worked hard for this over the past few years and as a squad this is what we've dreamed of. We're in a good position so hopefully we'll be able to get across the line pretty soon," said right back Alexander-Arnold, whose superb free kick broke the deadlock. It was such a dominant performance from Klopp's side, who had been held to a 0-0 draw by Everton on Sunday, that Palace did not have a single touch in Liverpool's penalty area -- the first time that has occurred in the Premier League since Opta began collating such stats in 2008. After the Liverpool anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was played in front of the empty stadium, Roy Hodgson's Palace suffered an early blow when Wilfried Zaha limped off injured in the 15th minute. Alexander-Arnold fired Liverpool ahead in the 23rd minute with a perfectly-executed curling free kick into the top corner. Salah doubled the advantage, a minute before the interval, chesting down a cross-field pass from Fabinho before skipping goalwards and slotting home. Brazilian Fabinho made it 3-0 with a thundering drive from 25 meters out before Mane added the fourth, finishing off a classic break from Liverpool's front three. Mane started the move, slipping the ball inside to Roberto Firmino who found Salah on the right, the Egyptian delivering a perfect pass to the on-running Mane who confidently drove home. Liverpool have 86 points from 31 games with City 23 points behind ahead of their trip to Chelsea. Lucknow, June 25 : Children who got infected with the Coronavirus and have been admitted to COVID hospitals, are posing a 'clinical challenge' to doctors and other health workers. Most of them complain of anxiety, distress, and fear. Petrified by the PPE suits. of health workers, they scream "bhoot". Children cannot understand the need for isolation and hence, become irritable and do not cooperate with health workers. "In many cases now, we are allowing one parent to remain with the child if the latter creates problems. The parent is required to adhere to all safety protocols including wearing PPE kits. However, some children get scared seeing us move around in PPE kits," said a senior doctor at the KGMU. According to a doctor in Prayagraj, most children admitted in COVID hospitals experience anxiety, loneliness, distress, and fear. Many of them get petrified seen people move around in PPE suits. "They scream thinking that we are all 'bhoot'. They also cannot understand why they cannot be with their family. The atmosphere in the isolation ward creates fear and loneliness. The absence of parents and siblings adds to the distress factor," he said. Citing the example of a four-year-boy who was admitted after testing Corona positive, the doctor said that the child developed fever within hours of being admitted to the hospital. "We realized that he was deeply distressed in the atmosphere where everyone was moving around in PPE suits. We asked the nurse attending to him to get him to make video calls to his parents and siblings as many times as he wanted. A day later, his fever came down and the child seemed more comfortable. We explained to him the need for remaining isolated due to the virus and he gradually accepted the situation," the doctor said. In another case -- that of a three-year-old -- the doctors had to allow the patient's mother to remain with him because the child was inconsolable. "The mother of the child was also a doctor and she understood the protocols," the doctor said. In at least two cases in Lucknow where the "little human" suffered trauma after being admitted, the doctors had to provide them professional counselling. Child counsellors were called in and they interacted with the children for hours, trying to convince them about the need for isolation. It took almost two to three days to help the kids get rid of the distress factor. Some hospitals in the state are now providing juvenile patients with toys, games and even colouring books to keep them entertained. Some NGOs have sent toys and hospital authorities are also requesting others to provide some games for children admitted in wards. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text VICTORIA - One of Canadas largest medical services companies failed to put in place reasonable safeguards to protect the personal health information of millions of Canadians, say the privacy commissioners in B.C. and Ontario. LifeLabs revealed last November that hackers gained access to the personal information of up to 15 million customers, almost all in Ontario and B.C., and that the company paid a ransom to retrieve and secure the data. The breach was determined to have affected millions of Canadians and the privacy commissioners announced their joint investigation in mid-December. A statement released Thursday by the commissioners says the breach last year broke Ontarios health privacy law and B.C.s personal information protection law. The joint investigation found LifeLabs collected more personal health information than was necessary, failed to protect that data in its electronic systems and relied on inadequate information technology security policies. B.C.s privacy commissioner and health minister say the investigation shows that provincial legislation should be changed to allow fines against companies that dont protect personal information. Michael McEvoy, the information and privacy commissioner of B.C., said the size of the breach was largest he has investigated. This the most significant privacy breach Ive ever seen in British Columbia as privacy commissioner and I think that our office has seen in many years, he said in an interview. Both the Ontario and B.C. offices have ordered LifeLabs to address shortcomings through measures that include improving its security systems and creating written policies and practices regarding information technology security. But McEvoy said the health care company has opposed the release of the commissioners report on the grounds it contained confidential and privileged information. LifeLabs said today, in a press release, that its been open and transparent from the outset of this matter and we hope that in the spirit of that openness and transparency, they will drop any objections they have to the full publication of our investigation report, he said. B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix backed that call. Public interest lies in more information being provided to build public confidence, and thats how you respond to these things, he said. LifeLabs is a great company and a great partner but what this has shown is they, and all of us, have to do better. LifeLabs says it has accelerated its strategy to strengthen its information security systems, including appointing a chief information security officer to lead the improvements. The company said it has also made efforts to improve its information security management program with an initial $50 million investment and has hired a third-party service to evaluate its response. What we have learned from last years cyberattack is that we must continually work to protect ourselves against cybercrime by making data protection and privacy central to everything we do, LifeLabs said in a statement. Dix, who hasnt seen the privacy commissioners report, said the government made changes in its contract negotiations with LifeLabs after the data breach. Those include provisions that strengthen privacy considerations and offer a place to incorporate the recommendations from the joint investigation, he added. McEvoy also called for his office to be given the ability to fine companies who breach privacy laws, which Dix said he supported. Ontario commissioner Brian Beamish says the breach should serve as a reminder to organizations, big and small, that they have a duty to be vigilant. I look forward to providing the public, and particularly those who were affected by the breach, with the full details of our investigation, Beamish said in a statement. The privacy commissioners said they have given LifeLabs 14 days to take them to court to oppose the release of the report. This report by the Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2020. COVID-19 has shattered the aviation industry, with nations closing their borders and banning all but essential travel. A world where people could hop from country to country is now one where empty planes travel to maintain contractual obligations. Major carriers, including American, IAG, Delta and Lufthansa have all asked for government bailouts. One airline that will receive a substantial amount of taxpayer cash is Air France-KLM, which will get around $17 billion worth of help. That figure comes with conditions, including that the Franco-Dutch conglomerate cuts its CO2 emissions and buys gear from the France-based Airbus. Airbus is, of course, one of the worlds two major aircraft manufacturers, the other being the US-based Boeing. But, even now, its not clear that any quantity of cash will be enough to see flying return to the levels seen in 2019. Whatever we were used to, in terms of cost, convenience and experience, its not going to be the same for a while. Just last week, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said that only 45 percent of travelers asked intended to fly within a few months of the pandemic subsiding. Perhaps the biggest casualty of COVID-19 so far has been the Airbus A380 and the flying it represented. This superjumbo jet, competition for the Boeing 747, was designed to offer mass transit in the skies, to convey huge volumes of people around the world in its double-decker cabin and a potential capacity of more than 850. Work on the A380 began in the early 90s, with the first vessel entering service in 2007, and its instantly recognizable. Less a plane and more like a bus, it hauls people between major hub airports, where they get a single-aisle craft to their destination. The idea of air travel, back at the A380s genesis, was that youd fly to, say, JFK, and then get an A380 to Cape Town, Paris or Shanghai. A number of carriers have A380s, but its become synonymous with Emirates, which has a staggering 115 of the craft in its fleet. But despite the planes relative youth, launching just over a decade ago, the virus has hastened the A380s demise. Airbus announced last year it would stop manufacturing the plane, and according to Bloomberg, even Emirates, its biggest booster, no longer wants its remaining deliveries. Story continues Other carriers are also swinging the axe on their A380s, including Air France-KLM, which brought forward the definitive end of A380 operations by two years. In a statement, the airline said that doing so would make its fleet more competitive, with a significantly reduced environmental footprint. In its place would be smaller planes, like Airbus A350s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Business Traveler said that Lufthansa is speeding up the phase-out of its own A380s, reducing its fleet of the superjumbo by half. Qantas, similarly, has said it will use smaller single-aisle planes on its long-haul routes until at least September with eight of its 10 A380s grounded until then. From an airworthiness perspective, the A380s retirement is premature very premature. For comparison, a Boeing document from 2013 says the operational lifespan of its commercial aircraft is around 30 years. AerSale, a company offering aftermarket support for planes, says that from purchase to retirement, a plane should last between 20 and 36 years. If the A380 disappears from the skies by 2022, it will have lived in total for not even half of its potential lifespan. The problem with the A380 is that Airbus had banked on a hub and spoke model for international travel, but failed to spot the flaw in that plan. Taking a short hop to a hub airport and then on to another on the other side of the world will always add hours to a journey. Its something that rival Boeing did pick up on. And it went in the opposite direction. Back in 2002, Boeings Peter Rumsey, then head of new airplane development, wrote that passengers demonstrated a preference for flights that take less time. He added that it was common sense to take people where they want to go, and what passengers wanted more than anything else was more direct flights. At the time, Rumsey was hyping Boeings Sonic Cruiser concept, a new plane with a delta wing formation that would cruise at Mach 0.95 (around 729MPH). The Sonic Cruiser would fly higher than existing planes, with reduced turbulence and faster speeds. And, crucially, rather than trying to build a plane to cater for 800-plus passengers, Boeings Sonic Cruiser would transport between 200 and 250. The Sonic Cruiser project did not survive, with a post-9/11 slump causing interest in the project to dry up. But its original spirit, and some of the ideas, trickled down to Boeings next big, albeit far less radical, new aircraft: the 787 Dreamliner. The 787 is made of lightweight composite materials, has a higher internal pressure (for passenger comfort) and is far cheaper to run than similarly sized rivals. The A380 had other problems, too. Its sheer size meant that airports had to make special alterations to their gates to accommodate such a plane. It also meant that it required larger crews and more engines, increasing the cost of each flight. One Forbes report said that every hour the A380 was in flight cost between $26,000 and $29,000. A Dreamliner, by comparison, costs closer to $11,000 an hour to fly. Airlines will likely replace the A380 with smaller aircraft from Airbus and Boeing to reduce emissions and to deal with a drop in expected passenger numbers. What we wont see, in the eyes of at least one aviation expert, is news of a next-generation airplane in the near future. Bill Blain is a market strategist at Shard Capital with a focus on the business of flying. He feels the aviation industry has badly misjudged the market. Its a right bloody mess, he said, with both companies obsessing over making bigger, more capacious aircraft. Blain said that, while the Dreamliner is a wonderful plane, a better bet would have been a smaller plane. He believes that airlines were always going to want planes closer to the 737 a narrow-body plane with a capacity around 200 than the bigger 747. If you [as an airline] can get a small plane that you can make economical with 200 people on board, then youre golden. Blain said that Boeings failure to properly replace the 737 with a brand new aircraft has led to tragedy. The 737 Max, which modified the existing 737 design, led to two crashes that claimed 346 lives. Airlines will need to pay for these early retirements, but Blain said they cant simply raise ticket prices. The post-COVID economy is likely to be in recession or at least stricken enough that money is tight for everyone. Theres not going to be the money available [in the economy] to hike airline prices, and airlines need bums on seats, he said. Whats missing, however, is a next-generation advance that could really move the aviation market forward. Blain said the planes airlines will buy, like Airbus A320/321 and Boeings 737 Max, use old tech and arent very fuel efficient, both things airlines crave. He adds that both companies have neglected to invest in training new engineers to replace the experienced ones who are reaching retirement age. Airbus and Boeing declined to comment for this story, but both companies have new aircraft in the works. The latter is working on a New Midsize Airplane, which will reportedly seat between 220 and 270 passengers. However, Reuters reported in April that the program halted while the company scrambles to fix the 737 Max debacle. Airbus next-generation craft could have been the hybrid-electric E-Fan X, co-developed with Rolls Royce. But that initiative died in April, a year before the aircraft was expected to take to the skies. The company is also working on a delta-wing concept, MAVERIC, with a bigger cabin but with a 20 percent reduction in fuel burn. But that wont be ready for decades, if ever, and theres still a need for aircraft that can ride the rough skies that COVID leaves behind. Russian state-controlled cybersecurity company Concern Avtomatika JSC is selling systems capable of disabling drones that target oil facilitiestechnology that has become sought-after in Russia and abroad after the attacks on Saudi oil facilities last September. Concern Avtomatika, part of state-run Rostec Corporation, has signed deals with several Russian oil firms to sell them anti-drone systems and is in talks with the top oil producer Rosneft and the biggest natural gas producer Gazprom, Vladimir Kabanov, General Director at Concern Avtomatika, told Bloomberg in an interview this week. Energy infrastructure is basically hardly protected from any physical air attack, Kabanov said. Last year, drone attacks on the Abqaiq facility and the Khurais oilfield in Saudi Arabia halted half of the oil production at the worlds top oil exporter, highlighting the threat that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) can pose to oil infrastructure. The attacks on Saudi Arabias key oil infrastructure cut off some 5 percent of global oil supply for weeks and sent oil prices surging, albeit for just a few days. Russias Concern Avtomatika already has agreements with Russian oil producer Tatneft and with refiner Slavneft-YANOS, and is looking to finalize a deal with a foreign customer in June, Kabanov told Bloomberg. The Russian firm is also negotiating contracts with Middle Eastern, Asia, and African companies, he added. Concern Avtomatika produces systems that disable drones automatically, semi-automatically, or with an operator, the manager says, without elaborating how exactly those systems work. The terrorist attacks on Saudi Arabias oil infrastructure have shown that drones could be a threat to companies around the world, including in Russia, Rostec Corporations Executive Director Oleg Yevtushenko said at the signing of Concern Avtomatikas deal with refinery Slavneft-YANOS last month. Yevtushenko said even amateur drones could be used for surveillance and reconnaissance or carrying explosives or other weapons. Concern Avtomatikas anti-UAV systems use unique algorithms that do not interrupt the operation of the surrounding telecommunication systems, Rostecs boss added. By Charles Kennedy of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A BJP MLA in Maharashtra on Thursday took on the states home minister Anil Deshmukh for red flagging Patanjali Ayurveds medicine that claims to cure Covid-19 and saying that Maharashtra wont allow sale of spurious medicines. Following the controversy over Patanjali Ayurveds claim that its medicine Coronil is a cure for Covid-19, Deshmukh tweeted that the National Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Jaipur will find out whether clinical trials of Coronil were done at all. Patanjali is promoted by yoga guru Ramdev. The National Institute of Medical Sciences, Jaipur will find out whether clinical trials of @PypAyurveds Coronil were done at all. An abundant warning to @yogrishiramdev that Maharashtra wont allow sale of spurious medicines. #MaharashtraGovtCares #NoPlayingWithLives, the minister tweeted. Maharashtra continues to be the worst affected state by Covdi-19 with a tally of over 1.4 lakh including more than 6,700 deaths so far. Hours later, Ram Kadam replied to Deshmukhs tweet, attaching a document that he claimed was approval of NIMS of the clinical trials of Coronil. Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukhs tweet on Patanjalis Coronil medicine on Coronavirus calling it as spurious. He also said that clinical trial approval from NIMS will be awaited. I would like to inform the Respected Home Minister that clinical approval is there Kadam said in his tweet. 1/1 .Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh's tweet on Patanjali's Coronil medicine on Coronavirus calling it as spurious. He also said that clinical trial approval from NIMS will be awaited. I would like to inform the Respected Home Minister that clinical approval is there https://t.co/cnXCtN6HV3 pic.twitter.com/YPcLeGh556 Ram Kadam (@ramkadam) June 25, 2020 NIMS University (formerly known as National Institute of Medical Sciences) is a private university in Jaipur that was set up in 2008. In Jaipur, Rajasthan health minister Raghu Sharma said that Ramdev did not take permission from the state government for the clinical trials that Patanjali conducted. Sharma said that the state government had not received any proposal for clinical trials for the drug, nor had they given any permission to anyone in this regard. He also warned of strict action if anyone was found selling Patanjalis medicines that claim to cure Covid-19. NIMS director Dr Anurag Tomar said that all the necessary approvals for the clinical trials had been taken and permission from Clinical Trials Registry- India (CTRI) was taken before the trials were conducted. On Tuesday, the Union ministry of AYUSH asked Patanjali to provide details about the medicine and to stop advertising the products. It also asked the Uttarakhand government to provide details of the license given to Patanjali to manufacture the medicine. On Wednesday, the Uttarakhand government said that the license issued to Patanjali pertained to the development of immunity boosters and not a medicinal cure for coronavirus. The impetus to convert to a library district grew out of the desire of some Aurora residents and politicians to make the Library Board an elected one rather than an appointed one. After several years of the library dealing with service and personnel cutbacks, a controversy surrounding the potential closing of several library facilities, and several admonishments from the Illinois Attorney Generals Office for possible Open Meetings Act violations, some people saw an elected board as being more accountable than an appointed one. Performance Marketing Specialist Remains Well Positioned for Growth and Profitability at Scale, With a Unique Balance of Brand Direct and Marketplace Solutions Across Industry Verticals DMS Reaffirms Financial Outlook for Fiscal 2020 and Fiscal 2021 DMS Pay-for-Performance, Diversified Business Model Proving Resilient in Current Environment Robust Demand Driven by Digital Transformation Results in Continued Momentum and a Strong Finish in the Second Fiscal Quarter Previously Announced Transaction Will Introduce DMS as a Publicly Listed Company to Trade on the NYSE Leo Holdings and DMS Merger Vote Date Scheduled for July 14th, with Closing Expected Shortly Thereafter Leo Holdings Corp. (NYSE: LHC), a Cayman Islands exempted Special Purpose Acquisition Company ("Leo"), and Digital Media Solutions LLC ("DMS"), a leading provider of technology and digital performance marketing solutions leveraging innovative, performance-driven brand and marketplace solutions to connect consumers and advertisers, jointly announced today the reaffirmation of the 2020 and 2021 financial outlook for DMS. As previously announced on April 23, 2020, Leo and DMS entered into a definitive business combination agreement (the "Business Combination Agreement"). "Our business is experiencing powerful tailwinds as the secular shift of advertising dollars from traditional offline and broadcast channels to online digital channels continues to gain momentum," said Joe Marinucci, CEO of DMS. "Our unique combination of innovative brand direct solutions and leading marketplace offerings are contributing to strong business performance in the second fiscal quarter, including outsized growth in the insurance vertical. Our reaffirmed Fiscal 2020 and Fiscal 2021 financial outlook reflects our confidence in our ability to grow profitably at scale." DMS Company Highlights DMS leverages proprietary technology solutions, significant proprietary media distribution and data-driven processes to help large brands steadily acquire more customers. DMS helps clients de-risk marketing spend across digital channels through its pay-for-performance model, meaning DMS is paid to deliver customer conversions rather than simply impressions. As a result, brands are assured to make money on each dollar spent on the DMS platform and are able to achieve a level of predictability and scale that traditional ad campaigns cannot match. DMS delivers results using a diversified portfolio of owned and operated vertical marketplaces, which match consumers with relevant offers within each vertical, as well as full-funnel customer acquisition programs where DMS targets, attracts and converts customers on a brand's behalf. DMS primarily works with brands with large-scale marketing needs to engage and acquire customers, serving a variety of verticals such as Insurance, Consumer Finance, Education, Health Wellness, Home Services, eCommerce, Retail, Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Subscription and more. With a vertical agnostic approach, DMS addresses a much larger addressable market than most of its comparable publicly traded peers, while limiting its exposure to verticals impacted by unpredictable market shifts. DMS has developed significant barriers to entry including its proprietary, privacy-compliant database of over 150 million consumer profiles built via over $1 billion of ad spend on the DMS platform, and its white label software tools that embed DMS' position inside marketing departments with integration of data and capabilities within existing CRM and martech systems. DMS has consistently proven its ability to produce results and meet marketing KPIs for large brands, as evidenced by DMS' 95% customer retention rate. Recent DMS Developments The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in unprecedented challenges and broader macroeconomic volatility. While DMS saw some modest disruption in the first fiscal quarter, DMS' sector agnostic model, focus on brands within the early phases of digital transformation, and limited exposure to the most impacted verticals, like hospitality and travel, have resulted in the resumption of growth trajectory in line with DMS' expectation in the second fiscal quarter. Concurrently, the current environment has added pressure for marketers to spend their dollars as effectively as possible, driving the need for brands to quickly pivot to digital channels in order to optimize marketing spend and performance to match a rapid shift in audience preferences. For DMS, this trend is being demonstrated particularly in the insurance vertical, where DMS is seeing outpaced growth both inside of its brand direct solutions as well as marketplace solutions, contributing to a strong close in the second fiscal quarter. As previously announced, Leo and DMS entered into the Business Combination Agreement on April 23, 2020. Leo and DMS have scheduled a special meeting to approve the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement (the "Business Combination"), to be held on July 14, 2020, as described in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, dated June 24, 2020 (the "Proxy Statement") of Leo Holdings Corp. The parties expect to close the Business Combination on or about July 15, 2020. "We look forward to the benefits that a public company profile will bring towards accelerating our momentum in a market that has arguably reached the inflection point where digital has overtaken traditional marketing mediums," added Marinucci. "We believe our industry leading technology assets, our diversified blue-chip customer base, and our strong financial model offers a unique value proposition and opportunity for investors to benefit from a balance of both services and share of revenues across the entire realm of digital marketing services. Our confidence in our runway for growth is further bolstered by recent conversations with customers related to our current marketing solutions stack along with our ability to further execute with a proven M&A playbook in a sector that is ripe for consolidation." Financial Outlook Based on these strong trends, DMS and Leo are reaffirming DMS' financial outlook as follows: Revenue EBITDA Free Cash Flow Fiscal 2020 $340 million $57 million $50 million Fiscal 2021 $425 million $75 million $68 million The Transaction The total enterprise value of the Business Combination of $757 million represents a multiple of 10.1x fiscal year 2021 expected adjusted EBITDA. Leo believes the valuation at consummation of the transaction represents a meaningful discount to relevant public comparable multiples. Additionally, Leo has secured $100 million in commitments from a number of institutional investors to purchase common equity in the post-combination company at $10.00 per share in support of the Business Combination. Once the Business Combination closes, DMS is expected to trade on the NYSE under ticker "DMS". The management team owns 54% of DMS with private equity funds managed by Clairvest Group, Inc. (TSX: CVG) owning the remaining 46%. The sellers are expected to retain a significant continuing equity interest in the post-business combination company representing over 40% of the economic interest in the company on a combined basis, and over 65% of the voting interest. This percentage is subject to change depending on the number of Class A ordinary shares of Leo that are redeemed by Leo's public shareholders. Completion of the proposed transaction is subject to satisfaction of the closing conditions included in the transaction agreement and approval of the transaction by Leo's shareholders. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the proposed transaction will be consummated. About Digital Media Solutions LLC Digital Media Solutions, LLC (DMS) is a leading provider of technology and digital performance marketing solutions leveraging innovative, performance-driven brand direct and marketplace solutions to connect consumers and advertisers. DMS deploys a robust database of consumer intelligence and leverages massive proprietary media distribution to provide customer acquisition campaigns that grow businesses. Continuing to experience explosive year-over-year growth, DMS has been continuously recognized on the Inc. 5000 list, securing its sixth consecutive ranking in 2019, and the Entrepreneur magazine 360 list. Named one of America's "Best Places to Work" by Inc. magazine and awarded the Excellence in Lead Generation Award by the LeadsCouncil, DMS brings together some of the industry's most knowledgeable people, efficient processes and sophisticated technology across the digital marketing spectrum. About Leo Holdings Corp. Leo is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Important Information About the Business Combination and Where to Find It In connection with the Business Combination, Leo has filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's ("SEC") a final prospectus and definitive proxy statement. Leo will mail the definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents to its shareholders. This press release is not a substitute for the definitive proxy statement/prospectus or any other document that Leo will send to its shareholders in connection with the Business Combination. Investors and security holders of Leo are advised to read the definitive proxy statement/prospectus in connection with Leo's solicitation of proxies for its extraordinary general meeting of shareholders to be held to approve the Business Combination (and related matters) because the definitive proxy statement/prospectus contains important information about the Business Combination and the parties to the Business Combination. Shareholders are also be able to obtain copies of the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, without charge, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or by directing a request to: Leo Holdings Corp., 21 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7HF, United Kingdom. Participants in the Solicitation Leo and its directors, executive officers, other members of management, and employees, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of Leo's shareholders in connection with the Business Combination. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names and interests in the Business Combination of Leo's directors and officers in Leo's filings with the SEC, including Leo's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, which was filed with the SEC on March 13, 2020, as well as the definitive proxy statement of Leo for the Business Combination. Shareholders can obtain copies of Leo's filings with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Leo's and DMS' actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believes," "predicts," "potential," "continue," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Leo's and DMS' expectations with respect to future performance and anticipated financial impacts of the proposed Business Combination, the satisfaction of the closing conditions to the Business Combination and the anticipated timing of the completion of the Business Combination. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. Most of these factors are outside Leo's and DMS' control and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement; (2) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Leo and DMS following the announcement of the Business Combination Agreement and the transactions contemplated therein; (3) the inability to complete the proposed Business Combination, including due to failure to obtain approval of the shareholders of Leo or other conditions to closing in the Business Combination Agreement; (4) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement or could otherwise cause the Business Combination to fail to close; (5) the amount of redemption requests made by Leo's shareholders; (6) the inability to obtain or maintain the listing of the post-business combination company's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange following the proposed Business Combination; (7) the risk that the proposed Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the announcement and consummation of the proposed Business Combination; (8) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably and retain its key employees; (9) costs related to the proposed Business Combination; (10) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (11) the possibility that DMS or the combined company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; and (12) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the proxy statement relating to the proposed Business Combination, including those under "Risk Factors" in the Registration Statement, and in Leo's other filings with the SEC. Some of these risks and uncertainties may in the future be amplified by the COVID-19 outbreak and there may be additional risks that we consider immaterial or which are unknown. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. Leo cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Leo cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Leo does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. No Offer or Solicitation This press release is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase, nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, subscribe for or buy any securities or the solicitation of any vote in any jurisdiction pursuant to the Business Combination or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer or securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law. Non-GAAP Financial Measure and Related Information This press release references EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, which are financial measures that are not prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). These non-GAAP financial measures do not have a standardized meaning, and the definition of EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA used by DMS may be different from other, similarly named non-GAAP measures used by others operating in DMS' industry. In addition, such financial information is unaudited and/or does not conform to SEC Regulation S-X and as a result such information may be presented differently in future filings by the post-business combination company with the SEC. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005233/en/ Contacts: Investor Sherif Guirgis Leo Holdings Corp. (310) 800-1005 guirgis@lioncapital.com Edward Parker (646) 677-1864 edward.parker@icrinc.com Media Jack Murphy (646) 677-1834 jack.murphy@icrinc.com CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Now that we know the positivity rate of Ohio coronavirus tests, do we have a surge? Were talking about what the numbers mean on This Week in the CLE. Listen online here. Editor Chris Quinn hosts Thursdays daily half-hour coronavirus news podcast, with help from politics editor Jane Kahoun and me. We answer many of the questions youve sent through our text message platform. Youve been sending Chris lots of thoughts and suggestions on our from-the-newsroom account, in which he shares once or twice a day what were thinking about at cleveland.com. You can sign up for free by sending a text to 216-868-4802. And youve been offering all sorts of great perspective in our coronavirus alert account, which has 13,000-plus subscribers. You can sign up for free by texting 216-279-7784. Here are the questions were answering today: How much did Cleveland spend on overtime because of the May 30 riot and aftermath? Nearly $3.1 million, for police and clean up. That does not include the cost of burned police cruisers. What is Ohios positive rate for coronavirus tests? One-in-20 coronavirus test results received Monday across Ohio have come back positive, following what has been a fairly steady trend over the last week. Is Cuyahoga Countys proposal to spend $7.9 million on the downtown Hilton Hotel a bailout? It depends who you ask, but we walk through the original deal and the payout. How many people has reporter Cory Shaffer now spoken with who were shot with non-lethal projectiles by police during the protests and riot in downtown Cleveland May 30th? Three. Emily Forsee and her partner Ryan Jones say they were walking along the side of the Justice Center complex on May 30, when an officer without warning raised a gun, pointed it directly at the couple and fired. Is Ohio still a battleground state in presidential politics, and whos ahead right now, Donald Trump or Joe Biden? A poll released Wednesday of the presidential contest in Ohio found a 1-percent split between Republican President Donald Trump and Democratic former Vice President Joe Biden. Whats the latest industry to sue Gov. Mike DeWine to overturn his coronavirus restrictions because they are cutting into revenue? Dance studios. Nine Ohio dance studios have filed a lawsuit in Lake County Common Pleas Court, arguing the state used a sledge hammer to kill the Ohio economy through their unconstitutional actions. Where is longtime Cleveland Chef Jonathan Sawyer doing is cooking these days, after closing his restaurants and ending up in bankruptcy court? Sawyer has found new work at Four Seasons Chicago. Has the coronavirus canceled this years Content Marketing World convention, which normally brings people to Cleveland from across the globe? Not canceled. Just moved online. Want more? You can find all our past episodes here. Do you get your podcasts on Spotify. Find us here. If you use Stitcher, we are here. RadioPublic is another popular podcast vehicle, and we are here. On Google Podcasts, we are here. On PodParadise, find us here. And on PlayerFM, we are here. Bay of Plenty Our Client is looking for an Assembler for their finishing department. This role is based in Tauranga and will be an immediate... View or Apply on GoodWork.co.nz Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Most DACA Recipients are from Mexico On June 18, 2020, the United States Supreme Court struck down President Trumps order to end DACA. The majority opinion, authored by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., makes it clear that the decision was based solely on procedural grounds. Trumps administration could again seek to end DACA, but it had to provide legally justifiable grounds for doing so. In sum, there appears to be a new Presidential Order coming soon, with, no doubt, a new round of legal battles. What is DACA? DACA was introduced by President Obama in 2012. The program was created as a stopgap measure to shield noncitizens who arrived in the United States as children (usually illegally with their parents) from deportation. Protections under DACA last for a period of two years but can be renewed. The program does not change a recipients immigration status or create a pathway to becoming a lawful permanent resident (LPR) or a naturalized U.S. citizen. There are approximately 700,000 Dreamers who receive a range of benefits under the program. Among these benefits is the legal status to remain in the U.S., including the right to work and obtain health insurance. By working legally, DACA recipients have the ability to pay for school and, in some states, obtain a drivers license. Through DACA, Dreamers qualify for in-state college tuition and state-funded educational loans and grants. Depending on where they live, they may also qualify for state-subsidized health insurance. Who are Dreamers? The new report released today by SelfLawyer reveals 7 interesting facts about Dreamers: 1. The Median Age for DACA Recipients Today is 26 DACA beneficiarys average age today is 26. The interquartile age range is between 22 and 29. 2. The Largest Percentage of Dreamers were Only 3 Years Old at Entry A survey of 3,000 DACA recipients reveals the most were under 6 at the time they entered the U.S. Percentage-wise, the largest group was 3 years old. 3. There are More Female Dreamers than Male USCIS data reveals that females comprise 53.18% of the DACA population. 4. Most DACA Beneficiaries are Single Data shows that 75.51% of the DACA group remained single as of December 31, 2019. Only 22.5% were married. 5. Most DACA Recipients are from Mexico A vast majority of DACA recipients are Latino, with Mexico being the birth country of some 80.34% of the entire DACA community. El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras are the next three highest birth nations with 3.86%, 2.61%, and 2.4% respectively. 6. Most Dreamers Now Call California Home A majority of DACA recipients, or some 28.48%, are living in California. Texas, Illinois, and New York follow with 16.49%, 5.25%, and 4.40%. 7. Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas Make the Top Cities for Dreamers Around 12.41% of DACA recipients live and work in the greater Los Angeles area. The New York region is second with 6.44%. The Dallas area is a close third with 5.39%. What Does the Supreme Court Decision Mean for the DACA Community? SelfLawyer has analyzed the Supreme Courts decision and has arrived at the following conclusions: All current DACA beneficiaries will continue to be protected from deportation and will be eligible for benefits under the program as prior to Trumps 2017 order. All eligible individuals currently protected under DACA should apply to renew their DACA status as required. All eligible individuals who never had DACA protection but are now eligible should immediately apply at this time. Advance parole may again allow DACA recipients to travel outside the U.S. and return. However, it is unclear at present how the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic may affect travel. All eligible individuals should consult with an immigration lawyer or other legal service provider for information about applying for DACA for the first time, renewing their existing DACA protection, and/or getting screened for eligibility for other more permanent immigration options. The Supreme Courts decision does not end the plight of the approximately 700,000 immigrants protected by DACA, known as Dreamers, but only pushes the final resolution to a later date. About SelfLawyer SelfLawyers mission is to expand access to legal immigration forms and services through the use of technology at an affordable price. Virus Outbreak Thailand Tourism Children wearing protective masks play in Yoyo Land, an indoor amusement center in Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, June 16, 2020. Thailands Cabinet has approved three projects with a combined budget of more than 22 billion baht ($707 million) to help the countrys reeling tourism industry recover from the coronavirus crisis. (AP Photo/Gemunu Amarasinghe) BANGKOK (AP) Thailands Cabinet on Tuesday approved three projects with a combined budget of more than 22 billion baht ($707 million) to help the countrys reeling tourism industry recover from the coronavirus crisis. The packages are meant to promote domestic travel from July to October. Tourism normally accounts for more than 10% of Thailands GDP. International flight arrivals were stopped in early April, drying up the market for foreign tourists. The biggest package, with an estimated cost of 18 billion baht ($579 million), will give travelers a 40% discount to a maximum value of 3,000 baht ($96) per night for up to five nights accommodation. They will also be given credits of 600 baht ($19) per day, paid into the governments existing e-wallet system, for spending on extras such as food and souvenirs. A second package with an estimated cost of 2 billion baht ($64 million) will give up to 2 million Thais 1,000-baht ($32) subsidies for travel by air, regional buses, and car rentals. A 2.4 billion baht ($77 million) third package does double duty by serving as a reward to about 1.2 million medical workers and other frontline fighters against COVID-19. They will be eligible for credits of 2,000 baht ($64) apiece for travel booked through local tour agencies Plans for the gradual return of foreign travelers are under discussion. The introduction of a travel bubble would allow entry to a limited number of visitors vetted both by Thailand and their home countries. They would initially come from countries judged to have successfully tamed the coronavirus threat, such as China and New Zealand, and could possibly comprise business travelers and medical tourists. However, the recent discovery of a new cluster of COVID-19 cases at a large market in the Chinese capital Beijing has become a cause for concern. By Jorn Poltz and Karen Lema MUNICH/MANILA (Reuters) - Wirecard's missing $2.1 billion is being investigated by the Philippines, which said that the German payments firm's former chief operating officer Jan Marsalek may be in the country. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Wednesday that he had told state investigators to coordinate with the Philippine central bank's anti-money laundering council in the inquiry. Marsalek was fired on Monday after Wirecard said that the cash, purportedly held at two Philippine banks which have denied any links with the firm, probably did not exist. "There are some indications that he may have returned recently and may still be here," Guevarra said in a text message to reporters, adding that immigration records showed the 40-year-old Austrian had been in the Philippines from March 3-5. Marsalek's lawyer could not be reached for comment. Wirecard's already battered shares fell a further 30% as a consortium of banks held crisis talks on how to recoup around $2 billion in loans to Wirecard, whose only listed bond crashed to 17 cents on the euro. Munich prosecutors may seek Marsalek's arrest, German business daily newspaper Handelsblatt reported. Germany has no extradition treaty with the Philippines. The prosecutor's office declined to comment, as did the court that would need to approve any arrest warrant. Former chief executive Markus Braun, who was arrested in Munich on Monday on suspicion of misrepresenting Wirecard's accounts and of market manipulation, was released on Tuesday after posting bail of 5 million euros ($5.6 million). Although a warrant against Braun, who is also Austrian, has been lifted, he remains under investigation. Braun's lawyer Alfred Dierlamm declined to comment. 'CLARITY UNLIKELY' During Braun's 18 years as CEO, Wirecard grew into a $28 billion 'fintech' firm that won a spot in 2018 in Germany's DAX blue-chip index. It fell from grace last Thursday when auditor EY refused to sign its 2019 accounts. Story continues Braun said Wirecard may have been a victim of fraud before he quit last Friday. The ensuing scandal has rocked Germany's financial establishment, shown regulators to have been asleep at the wheel, and sent Wirecard shares down by nearly 90% to value the business at $1.5 billion. Bank of America Merrill Lynch cut its share-price target to 1 euro from 14 euros, saying customers may be starting to abandon Wirecard, while banks it owes 1.75 billion euros ($1.97 billion) to may be weighing the closure of credit lines. "These developments may make the business unsustainable," its analysts wrote in a note. Payments giant Visa said it was monitoring the situation, while Mastercard declined to comment. Wirecard runs real and virtual payment cards for both. Southeast Asian ride-hailing and payments company Grab said it had put its partnership with Wirecard on hold. The alliance, which is backed by Softbank <9984.T>, was part of a broader pact in which the Japanese investor put money into Wirecard last year. A source close to Softbank said all of its group companies would probably sever ties with Wirecard. CRISIS MANAGER Wirecard's new CEO James Freis, a former financial investigator at the U.S. Treasury and compliance chief at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, is holding crisis talks with a consortium of 15 banks led by Germany's Commerzbank . With Wirecard having failed to file audited financials, they could call in the loans at any time. Some creditors do not, for now, favour tipping Wirecard into insolvency. It could get a stay of execution until the end of the month, as creditors look to a July 1 deadline for extending the loan, sources familiar with the matter said. But with the disclosure of the financial hole wiping out a decade of cash flows, it will be tough for Wirecard to survive even with a debt restructuring as underlying profitability could be weak, said Richard Sbaschnig, a forensic accountant at CFRA.Wirecard's potential break-up value is likely to be limited, Sbaschnig added, as earnings appear to have been negative in 2018 after stripping out the impact of the obscure third-party acquiring partners at the centre of the suspected fraud. ($1 = 0.8849 euros) ($1 = 0.8872 euros) (Additional reporting by Arno Schuetze, John O'Donnell, Hans Seidenstuecker, Simon Jessop, Anshuman Daga, Aradhana Aravindan and Noor Zainab Hussain; Writing by Douglas Busvine; Editing by Michelle Martin and Alexander Smith) More than 20 years after Eric Mosley co-founded software business, Workhuman, the Dublin-headquartered firm has just achieved a valuation of over $1 billion. "I'm starting to get used to crises," Mosley told CNBC via telephone, reflecting on his time leading the company through three major market downturns: The dotcom bubble in 2000, the global financial crisis in 2008-2009 and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Workhuman is a cloud-based workplace performance management platform and provides software solutions that allow colleagues to recognize each other's work. It announced on Tuesday that the company was now valued at $1.2 billion, earning "unicorn" status the title given to private companies which are valued at over $1 billion. In fact, it is the first, and currently only, unicorn based in Ireland, according to market intelligence platform CB Insights. It has dual headquarters in the capital city of Dublin and Framingham, Massachusetts. Software company Intercom has also been dubbed an Irish unicorn, as its products are said to be designed and developed in Dublin, but it doesn't make CB Insight's list as its headquarters are in San Francisco. Workhuman's latest valuation is thanks to a $120 million investment by London-based investor Intermediate Capital Group, representing a 10% minority stake in the company. This comes at a challenging time for companies seeking investment due to the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus crisis. Mosley co-founded Workhuman, known as Globoforce until last year, in 1999 shortly before the stock market crash of 2000 hit. He said that while it was tough to get investors on board at the time, Workhuman managed to secure some funding from angel investors. These are high net worth individuals who typically back small start-ups and entrepreneurs. "When I look back on it, I think they were (either) very courageous or reckless with their money to invest in a couple of people who really didn't know what they were doing," Mosley said. Not having any previous entrepreneurial experience, he said it was a case of throwing "every minute of every day at the challenge and claw your way to your first customer and once you get your first customer, you use that leverage to get your second customer." Starkey Spring Water, which is made by Whole Foods, continues to have potentially harmful levels of arsenic, according to new tests done by Consumer Reports. The bottled water, sold in most Whole Foods stores and on Amazon.com, was the only brand of the 45 tested by Consumer Reports scientists between February and May of this year that exceeded 3 parts per billion, according to the report released Wednesday. Starkey Spring Water had "concerning" arsenic levels, ranging from 9.49 to 9.56 ppb, at least three times the level of all other brands tested, CR says. Federal regulations require arsenic levels below 10 ppb. Is your GNC closing? Retailer releases list of first stores to shutter in bankruptcy. See the list. Salad suit: Iowa couple files suit against producer of salads linked to multistate Cyclospora outbreak Tests done by Consumer Reports found potentially harmful levels of arsenic in Starkey Spring Water, which is made by Whole Foods and sold in the grocery stores and on Amazon.com. Long-term exposure to low levels of arsenic can increase the risk of certain cancers including lung cancer and may be linked to heart disease and diabetes, researchers have found. Arsenic naturally occurs and can be found in water but can be filtered out. Consuming one bottle of Starkey Spring Water will likely not be harmful, "but regular consumption of even small amounts of the heavy metal over extended periods increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and lower IQ scores in children, and poses other health issues as well, CR's chief scientific officer James Dickerson said in the report. Last year, CR tests found Starkey Spring Water exceeded the federal level, with the samples ranging from 9.48 to 9.86 ppb of arsenic, but a fourth registering 10.1 ppb. Similarly, a test last year conducted by California nonprofit Center for Environmental Health found Starkey Spring Water had higher levels of arsenic than tap water, a violation in some states. Two states, New Hampshire and New Jersey have set a lower level of allowable arsenic in tap water of 5 ppb. A Whole Foods spokesperson told CR that the products "meet all FDA requirements and are fully compliant with FDA standards for heavy metals. Follow USA TODAY reporter Mike Snider on Twitter: @MikeSnider. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bottled water sold at Whole Foods, on Amazon, has high arsenic levels 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 Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 22:15:41|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close - China had 797 AI enterprises at the end of 2019, accounting for 14.8 percent of the world's total and making China second only to the United States in terms of the number of AI firms. - The application of digitalization, networking and intelligence has made China's economy and society more resilient amid the epidemic. - As of October 2019, China had registered 440,000 patents in the AI industry, ranking first in the world, according to a report. by Xinhua writers Li Kun, Song Rui and Fang Ning TIANJIN, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Without real exhibition halls, the fourth World Intelligence Congress (WIC), a major artificial intelligence (AI) event held in north China's Tianjin Municipality, rode the technology wave to draw 392 million online views in its annual session from Tuesday to Wednesday. A man wearing a mask uses a facial recognition device before entering the fourth World Intelligence Congress in north China's Tianjin, June 23, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Ran) To prevent the spread of COVID-19, organizers adopted China's advanced cloud-based virtual solutions for online viewers to take part in or watch a series of business activities and competitions, such as the world intelligence driving challenge, which drew 145 teams from countries including the United States, Japan and Germany. A total of 131 domestic investment projects with total investment of 80.9 billion yuan (11.4 billion U.S. dollars) and 17 foreign investment projects with total investment of 1.6 billion dollars were signed online. Jin Xiangjun, vice mayor of Tianjin, said at the closing ceremony Wednesday that 40 websites and online platforms broadcast this year's WIC, drawing viewers from the United States, Britain, Germany, Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore. CHINA'S SOLUTION Entering a booth on the website of WIC, one was greeted by a virtual human-like robot who introduced exhibitors' products with pictures and video clips. A report released at the WIC by the Chinese Institute of New Generation Artificial Intelligence Development Strategies said China had 797 AI enterprises at the end of 2019, accounting for 14.8 percent of the world's total and making China second only to the United States in terms of the number of AI firms. A medical worker from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital conducts online inquiry via mobile phone in Tianjin, north China, March 3, 2020. (Xinhua/Li Ran) "The spread of COVID-19 has grounded trips. WIC provided global AI industry players a platform for exchanges at this time," said Zhou Hongyi, founder of Chinese internet security firm Qihoo 360. Experts and entrepreneurs at the congress said that the pandemic still spreading around the world has put off many international exhibitions and congresses, but helped the world embrace a faster development of intelligent technology. China has come up with new solutions for online communication demands worldwide. The 127th China Import and Export Fair, the country's oldest and largest trade expo, was held online for the first time and concluded Wednesday, drawing some 26,000 domestic and foreign companies which exhibited 1.8 million products. Tencent has been one of the Chinese tech companies empowering the trade fair and the online WIC. Ren Yuxin, chief operating officer of Tencent, said that the application of digitalization, networking and intelligence has made China's economy and society more resilient amid the epidemic. Tencent and the United Nations in March announced they will form a global partnership to hold thousands of conversations online for the 75th anniversary of the United Nations. Liu Qingfeng, chairman of Chinese tech firm iFlytek, said at the WIC that the company's telephone robots have helped with the survey of millions of people in China on COVID-19. The robots have been introduced in the Republic of Korea to help undertake a survey on public health conditions. First adopted during the anti-epidemic fight in the city of Wuhan, the previous epicenter of the outbreak in China, the robots finished asking questions to 1 million people in the city in six hours. As of October 2019, China had registered 440,000 patents in the AI industry, ranking first in the world, according to a report by China Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team. "Experiencing the COVID-19 epidemic, there is no longer a pure 'traditional industry' in China. Every industry has more or less started with the digital process," Ren said. The driverless electric container truck loaded with containers heads for the dock at the Tianjin Port in north China's Tianjin, Sept. 26, 2019. (Xinhua/Li Ran) SHARED FUTURE During the WIC, China launched the last satellite of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS). With its integration with new technologies, such as big data and AI, the BDS system is used by more than half of the countries in the world, adhering to the principle of "developed by China, dedicated to the world." COVID-19 knows no borders, and AI technological innovation should also go beyond national boundaries to provide public goods for the fight against COVID-19 and help build a community of health for all, said Wan Gang, chairman of the China Association for Science and Technology, in his speech to the WIC. Chinese internet medical platform WeDoctor launched its global anti-epidemic online service on March 14 in five languages, serving 3.49 million users in 220 countries and regions. A total of 11,225 Chinese medical experts have rendered free online services, offering over 14 million consultations on the platform around the world so far. "Internet medicine has stepped into the era of digital health, when all medical resources should be used to build up a community of digital health," said Liao Jieyuan, chairman of WeDoctor. (Video reporters: Wang Hui, Li Kun and Yang Zichun; Video editor: Jia Xiaotong) A proposal seen as the best chance of avoiding a disastrous no-deal Brexit at the end of the year has been rejected by the UKs chief negotiator. With the talks deadlocked, it was thought the EU could agree to give the UK the ability to break free from its rules in return for the right to impose tariffs if it chose to do so. The arrangement would have avoided the feared cliff-edge on 31 December, when the UK will crash out of the single market and customs union unless an agreement is struck. But, in a series of tweets, David Frost, Boris Johnsons negotiator, announced: I want to be clear that the government will not agree to ideas like the one currently circulating giving the EU a new right to retaliate with tariffs if we chose to make laws suiting our interests. We could not leave ourselves open to such unforeseeable economic risk. British officials had suggested Boris Johnson would consider the compromise, under which the UK would secure the right to deviate from Brussels standards in areas such as state aid. The EU was thought to be sceptical preferring to strike a firm deal, rather than set a path for future conflict in the relationship but had welcomed what it viewed as new-found flexibility in London. After clashes following recent remote negotiations, optimism had crept up that an agreement could be reached when face-to-face talks resume next week. But, without the proposed fudge kicking key decisions into the future the two sides remain at odds over access to UK fishing waters and level playing field rules to protect the EU from unfair competition. Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Show all 66 1 /66 Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A message projected onto the White Cliffs of Dover Sky News/AFP via Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Big Ben, shows the hands at eleven o'clock at night AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Nigel Farage speaks to pro-Brexit supporters PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-Brexit demonstrators celebrate on Parliament Square REUTERS Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU The Union flag is taken down outside the European Parliament in Brussels PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU campaigners outside the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A pro-Brexit supporter jumps on an EU flag in Parliament Square PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU EU Council staff removed the Union Jack-British flag from the European Council in Brussels, Belgium EPA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A pro-Brexit supporter pours beer onto an EU flag PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pedestrians pass in front of the Ministry of Defence Building on Whitehall, illuminated by red, white and blue lights in central London AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A Brexit supporter shouts during a rally in London AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU campaigners outside the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU campaigners take part in a 'Missing EU Already' rally outside the Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A large pro-EU banner is projected onto Ramsgate cliff in Kent PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU supporters light candles in Smith Square in Westminster PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man waves Union flags from a small car as he drives past Brexit supporters gathering in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU The five-year old Elisa Saemann, left, and her seven-year old sister Katie hold a placard during a rally by anti-Brexit protesters outside the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Europe supporters gather on Brexit day near the British embassy in Berlin, Germany EPA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Anti-Brexit protester hugs a man while holding a placard REUTERS Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A decorated, old fashioned fire pump in Parliament Square PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Brexit Elvis impersonator performs at Parliament Square Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU An anti-Brexiteers stands with his dog in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Paddy from Bournemouth wears Union colours as he sits next to an EU flag decorated bag in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A pro-EU activist plays a guitar decorated with the EU flag during a protest organised by civil rights group New Europeans outside Europe House, central London AFP via Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU People celebrate Britain leaving the EU REUTERS Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A Pro Brexit supporter has a Union Jack painted onto his face at Parliament Square Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Men hold placards celebrating Britain leaving the EU REUTERS Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Brexit supporters dance in the street draped with Union Jack flags at Parliament Square Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU An anti-Brexit demonstrator spreads his wings during a gathering near Downing Street AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro EU supporters display a banner ' Here to Stay, Here to Fight, Migrants In, Tories Out' from Westminster bridge EPA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-Brexit supporters burn European Union flags at Parliament Square Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man poses for a picture on Parliament Square in a 'Brexit Day' t-shirt Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU People celebrate Britain leaving the EU Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU AFP via Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man wears a pro-Brexit t-shirt Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Anti-Brexit demonstrators visit Europe House to give flowers to the staff on Brexit day Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Brexit supporter wears a novelty Union Jack top hat outside the Houses of Parliament Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Customers Scott Jones and Laura Jones at the Sawmill Bar in South Elmsall, Yorkshire, where a Brexit party is being held throughout the day PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU activists protest Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A pro-Brexit demonstrator burns a European Union flag AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Brexit supporters Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro Brexit supporters Getty Images Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A Brexit supports holds a sign in Parliament Square AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man carries an EU themed wreath Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Ann Widdecombe reacts with other members of the Brexit party as they leave en masse from the European Parliament PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Anti-Brexit demonstrators in Parliament Square PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro EU supporters let off flares from Westminster Bridge Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU British MEPs Jonathan Bullock, holding the Union Jack flag and Jake Pugh leave the European Parliament, in Brussels on the Brexit day AFP via Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Newspapers and other souvenirs at a store, near Parliament Square Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Brexit supporters hold signs in Parliament Square AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU protesters hold placards in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU French newspapers PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald with a Border Communities Against Brexit poster before its unveiling in Carrickcarnon on the Irish border PA Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU National growers organisation British Apples & Pears has renamed a British apple to EOS, the Greek goddess of dawn, to commemorate Brexit day AP Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Pro-EU protesters hold placards in Parliament Square AFP via Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Britain's departure from the European Union was set in law on January 29, amid emotional scenes, as the bloc's parliament voted to ratify the divorce papers. After half a century of membership and three years of tense withdrawal talks, the UK will leave the EU at midnight Brussels time (23.00 GMT) on January 31 Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man poses with paintings on Parliament Square Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU People sporting Union Flags gather in Parliament Square Getty Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A man walks with a St. George's flag at Westminster bridge on Brexit day Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU A British bulldog toy and other souvenirs at a souvenir store Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU British pro-brexit Members of the European Parliament leave the EU Parliament for the last time Reuters Brexit day: UK says goodbye to EU Jonathan Bullock waves the Union Jack as he leaves the European Parliament EPA Mr Johnson has formerly told Brussels that he will not seek an extension to the transition under any circumstances leaving just four months to strike a deal, before an effective deadline of October. In the tweets, Mr Frost said: For the first time since March, we will meet face to face, in Brussels. We look forward to welcoming the EU team to London the week after. These meetings will be smaller and focused on seeing whether we can begin to make genuine and rapid progress towards an agreement. We will go to Brussels in good faith to engage with the EUs concerns. However, he suggested it was for Brussels to compromise, adding that some of the EUs unrealistic positions will have to change if we are to move forward. UK sovereignty, over our laws, our courts, or our fishing waters, is of course not up for discussion, the chief negotiator added. Equally we do not seek anything which would undermine the integrity of the EUs single market. This week, Michel Barnier, the EUs chief Brexit negotiator, said his team was willing to find landing zones for all the areas in dispute. But he also warned: We are ready to work on operational and clever compromise but not at the price, never at the price, of any unravelling of the single market. Never. Nava Sama Samaja Party (NSSP) leader Wickremabahu Karunaratne is running in the Sri Lankan general elections on the United National Partys slate for Kaluthara district in the Western Province. The election, which has been postponed several times because of the COVID-19 pandemic, is scheduled to be held on August 5. During its 42-year history, the pseudo-left NSSP has aligned itself with the countrys two main bourgeois partiesthe UNP and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP). Over the past two decades, it has consistently supported the UNP. The right-wing UNP, which has ruled the country for almost half of the 72 years since Sri Lanka gained formal independence in 1948, has a long record of anti-working class repression. The NSSPs decision to run on the UNP slate is a further expression of the political degeneration of this middle-class formation and other pseudo-left formations internationally. In a brief email announcing his election candidacy on May 16, Karunaratne declared that he had worked with UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe since 2008 to build a movement for justice, fair play and democracy. The good governance government, he said, was a result of that campaign, adding that his decision to contest this years election was in order to continue the democratic measures which were held-up halfway in 2019. The good governance government is a reference to the administration of former President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, which came to power following a regime-change operation orchestrated by the US in January 2015 to oust Mahinda Rajapakse as president. Washington had no political differences with Rajapakses anti-democratic regime but was hostile to his orientation towards Beijing. The bogus good governance banner was peddled by the NSSP and other pseudo-left groups, along with various civil society organisations and the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), in order to divert widespread political opposition to Rajapakse into bringing Sirisena to power. A Sirisena-led regime, it was claimed, would defend democracy and improve living conditions. Karunaratne was a cheerleader for this campaign, painting the US-inspired regime-change as a democratic revolution. It was, in fact, a counterrevolutionary operation. The cash-strapped Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government quickly dispensed with its democratic posturing and implemented its austerity program, fuelling workers and students resistance. It responded by unleashed the military and police and used draconian emergency laws to suppress the mass opposition. NSSP leader Karunaratne opposed these mass struggles, backed the government repression, and supported Colombos moves to tie the Sri Lankan military to the US-led preparations for war against China. So much for Karunaratnes good governance operation! While the increasingly discredited government was torn apart by a growing wave of workers strikes and struggles, the NSSP, clung on to the UNP. Together with other lefts and the TNA, last year it supported Sajith Premadasa, the UNPs presidential candidate, promoting him as lesser evil. This paved the way for Gotabhaya Rajapakse to portray himself as the only opposition to the UNP and exploit the mass hostility to win the presidential election. After a tussle for leadership, Premadasa and a majority of the UNP broke from the party to form the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB). Wickremesinghe was reluctant to handover the UNP leadership to Premadasa. Karunaratne, a long-time ally of Wickremesinghe remains loyal to the former prime minister. Karunaratne, whose role in this years general election is to continue whitewashing the blood-soaked UNP, participates in regular meetings at the partys headquarters. In a June 10 note about one such meeting, Karunaratne declared: The UNP from the outset worked on the basis of the unity of nationalities and it cannot be suppressed by the severe racism Sama Samaja [Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP)] power was built in Sri Lanka because it [LSSP] worked with the UNP against communalism. This, he wrote, consisted of a front with the Sri Lanka Mahajana Party ([SLMP] a breakaway faction of SLFP), the NSSP, LSSP and Stalinist Communist Party in the late 1980s with former President J. R. Jayawardene and supported the 1987 Indo-Lanka Accord. Karunaratne also referred to an alliance with President R. Premadasas UNP government, which unleashed a ruthless massacre of rural youth in 19881990. Premadasa, he declared was outraged by this [the Janatha Vimukthi Peramunas (JVP) murderous activities] and held an all-party conference, with everybodys agreement unleashed severe repression. Karunaratne is lying through his teeth. His attempt to paint the right-wing UNP as a democratic organisation that worked to build the unity of nationalities is outrageous. In the same year that Sri Lanka gained formal independence, the UNP regime abolished the citizenship rights of hundreds of thousands of Indian-origin estate workers. This reactionary measure was implemented to divide and weaken the powerful working class movement which supported the revolutionary perspective of Trotskyism. This set the stage for a vicious anti-Tamil campaign. In 1964, the LSSP betrayed the principles of socialist internationalism and joined the bourgeois SLFP government of Sirima Bandaranaike in order to dissipate a mass working-class movement and defend capitalist rule. This betrayal had disastrous consequences for workers in Sri Lanka and internationally. Karunaratne, then a member the LSSP, backed this betrayal. In the ensuing years, successive UNP and SLFP governments whipped up anti-Tamil racism, giving the Sinhala language and the Buddhist religion priority in the countrys constitution. Politically exploiting the LSSPs betrayal, the UNP came to power in 1977. It established an autocratic executive presidency and in 1980 sacked 100,000 striking public sector workers opposing its austerity program. In 1983, the UNP under President Jayawardene, after a series of racist provocations unleashed the almost 30-year war against the separatist Liberation Tamil Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). In 1985, the crisis-ridden Jayawardene regime called a round-table conference, inviting the LSSP, CP and NSSP. This meeting, in which Karunaratne says he participated without hesitation, paved the way for the 1987 July Indo-Lanka Accord, between New Delhi and Colombo. The accord was to bring the Indian army into the North and East in order to disarm the LTTE, in return granting limited provincial council powers to the Tamil elite. While the Indian army carried out murderous attacks, killing civilians in the North and the East, the Sri Lankan military was unleashed on the masses in the south of the country. Amid rural unrest, the JVP inflamed a racist anti-Indian campaign attacking and killing political opponents and workers. The Revolutionary Communist League (RCL), the predecessor of the Socialist Equality Party (SEP), proposed a united front of the working-class organisations to confront the UNP-JVP attacks. The NSSP leadership rejected this proposal, forming an alliance instead with the SLMP and siding with the UNP government. The JVP attacks were then exploited by the Premadasa government to brutally suppress the rural unrest, killing about 60,000 youth. NSSP leader Karunaratne supported these massacres and worked with the paramilitary outfits. When the US launched its so-called war on terror in September 2001, the UNP, with the support of sections of Sri Lankan bourgeoisie, aligned itself with Washington and approached the LTTE for peace talks. The US and European powers backed the move and the separatist organisation willingly joined. While the NSSP perfunctorily claimed to oppose the war on terror, it lined up with the Sri Lankan bourgeoisie and the so-called peace operation. The NSSP leader claims to have worked with the UNP in a joint action committee since 2008. This is one of the fronts formed by the UNP with the NSSP and the United Socialist Party (USP), another fake left group, to exploit the crisis of President Mahinda Rajapakses regime. The UNP established a so-called platform of freedom with these groups in early 2009 after the killing of Sunday Leader editor Lasantha Wickrematunga. Since 2013, the NSSP and other fake left groups began openly supporting the US, hypocritically using human rights violations in Sri Lanka to pressurise the Mahinda Rajapakse administration to distance itself from Beijing. Washington with the support of European powers moved resolutions in the UN Human Rights Council calling for an investigation into war crimes in Sri Lanka. Karunaratne claimed that the US was supporting the defence of human rights and democracy. The US actions, which were part of its efforts to pressure Rajapakse regime, culminated in the 2015 regime-change operation. Last year the NSSP participated in the all-party conference called by President Sirisena when an Islamic fundamentalist group with the backing of ISIS launched its Easter Sunday bombing attack in Sri Lanka. The conference unanimously supported imposing emergency laws and deploying military throughout the country. Significantly, NSSP chief Karunaratne has joined forces with the UNP while it has offered its unreserved support for Rajapakses military-dominated measures in response to the coronavirus pandemic. On April 27, the UNP and other parliamentary opposition parties sent a letter to Rajapakse calling on him to reconvene the parliament and promising their support. In an interview to the Daily Mirror on May 4, Wickremesinghe declared: As far as we are concerned, we are willing to help the government because this is not a time to play adversarial politics. So we have to see how the different parties can work together with the government. While the UNP and other opposition parties have tactical differences, all agree that autocratic methods of rule are necessary. Their common concern is an upsurge of the Sri Lankan and international working class. The right-wing stampede of the NSSP and other pseudo-left formations are driven by the same fears. The NSSP is a stinking political corpse. Its opportunist politics, which have been disastrous for the working class, have been aimed preventing the working class being won to the socialist and internationalist program advanced by the SEP/RCL. The way forward for workers, youth and the poor is to join and build the SEP, the Sri Lankan section of the International Committee of the Fourth International. 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. Solidaridad, an agro-commodity organization has begun a training programme on the use and adoption of technology to improve cocoa farming for some selected young Ghanaians. The aim is to build the capacity and equip the beneficiaries, who were selected from cocoa growing communities, with the skills in the use of technology to provide quality agronomic services to cocoa farmers across the country. Mr. Kwadwo Boadi Mensah, Business Incubation Officer at Solidaridad, said the objective was to increase yield and improve productivity in cocoa production. He pointed out that the current cocoa productivity in Ghana, which stood at 400kg per hectare, could be increased to about 1,200 kg per hectare with the right cocoa seedlings, fertilizer and maintenance culture. The beneficiaries, some of whom are cocoa farmers, were taught how to manage businesses, keep financial records, poaching investors, safe handling of pesticides, prevention of pests and diseases, identifying diseased trees and management as well as occupational safety. He was speaking after practical field training for some of the beneficiaries at Biemso No.1, near Adugyama in the Ahafo Ano South West District of the Ashanti Region. Mr. Mensah indicated that the training formed part of the second phase of the Cocoa Rehabilitation and Intensification Programme (CORIP II), which seeks to resolve difficulties by creating the necessary conditions for Small and Medium Enterprises to invest in the Rural Services Centres (RSC) concept to help address some of the challenges in cocoa growing communities. Farmers are willing to adopt climate smart production practices but, are however constrained by age, lack of money, scarce labour, limited access to genuine farming inputs and lack of technical know-how required for this production practice. He said the CORIP II has established 16 Rural Services Centres designed to address some of these issues. Mr. Mensah explained that SMEs, that were desirous of providing climate smart cocoa production services to farmers through RSCs, would be supported under CORIP II to position their businesses to attract the capital needed to make them competent providers of these services to their client farmers. The Netherlands government is funding the CORIP II over the period of 2017-2021 in Ghana, Cote dIvoire, Sierra Leone and Liberia. It is intended to benefit a total of 200,000 men, women and youth cocoa farmers and to bring a total of 210,000 hectares of cocoa farms in these countries under sustainable production. Madam Gladys Assibey, a beneficiary and cocoa farmer from Kasapin, said the training has helped her on how to manage her own farm and that of others, which could fetch her additional income, adding that, she had become economically empowered. She urged the youth to embrace agriculture as a business to improve their livelihoods. Mr. Kwame Brenya, another beneficiary from Assin-Dompim, said through the training, he had been able to expand his farm size and employed more workers who assists him to work on other farms as well. He commended Solidaridad for the training opportunity and urged it to expand it to include more people. 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 BERLIN Wirecard collapsed on Thursday owing creditors almost $4 billion after disclosing a gaping hole in its books in Germanys worst accounting scandal. The implosion of the payments company came a week after auditor EY refused to sign off its 2019 accounts, forcing out Chief Executive Markus Braun and leading Wirecard to admit that $2.1 billion of its cash probably didnt exist. Wirecard is the first member of Germanys prestigious DAX stock index to go bust, less than two years after it commanded a spot among the countrys biggest 30 listed companies with a market valuation of $28 billion. Its demise leaves creditors with scant hope of getting back the 3.5 billion euros ($3.9 billion) they are owed, a source close to to the matter said. Of that amount, Wirecard has borrowed 1.75 billion from 15 banks and 500 million from bond investors. The moneys gone, said one banker. We may recoup a few euros in a couple of years but will write off the loan now. The collapse of Wirecard, once one of the hottest financial technology companies in Europe, dwarfs other German corporate failures. Drilling machines maker Flowtex inflicted losses of more than 2 billion euros in the 1990s while container firm P&R cost investors some 3 billion euros in 2018. Wirecard shares, which were suspended ahead of the announcement, crashed 80% when trading resumed. They have lost 97% since auditor EY questioned its accounts last Thursday. EY has audited Wirecards accounts for more than a decade. Beaten to the punch Wirecard said in a short statement that its new management had decided to apply for insolvency at a Munich court due to impending insolvency and over-indebtedness. It said it was evaluating whether to file for insolvency for its subsidiaries. A second source close to talks with creditors said that although the company had a healthy core, about two-thirds of sales had been faked in its accounts. There is no way that they could repay their total debt of 3.5 billion euros with that core, notwithstanding all the legal challenges ahead of them, the source said on condition of anonymity. A third source said the banks were completely shocked that Wirecard had sought insolvency beating creditors who were thinking of calling in their loans. We thought that Wirecard was a trustworthy company run by people who knew what they are doing, the person said, comparing the saga to the collapse of U.S. energy trader Enron. The ascent of Wirecard, which was founded in 1999 and is based in a Munich suburb, was dogged by allegations from whistleblowers, reporters and speculators that its revenue and profits had been pumped up through fake transactions. Braun fended off the critics for years before finally calling in outside auditor KPMG late last year to run an independent investigation. KPMG, which published its findings in April, was unable to verify 1 billion euros in cash balances, questioned Wirecards acquisition accounting and said it could not trace hundreds of millions in cash advances to merchants. Today is a complete vindication for those that exposed the fraud, said Fraser Perring, who bet on a fall in Wirecards shares and co-authored a 2016 report that alleged fraud. The Munich prosecutors office, which is already investigating Braun on suspicion of misrepresenting Wirecards accounts and of market manipulation, said: We will now look at all possible criminal offenses. Braun has been freed on bail of 5 million euros and remains a suspect. Former chief operating officer Jan Marsalek is also under suspicion and believed to be in the Philippines, according to justice officials there. ($1 = 0.8903 euros) Advertisement Malcolm Turnbull cut a lonely figure as he went for a stroll along Sydney's waterfront carrying a Coles tote bag. The former prime minister, fresh from launching his new book A Bigger Picture, made his way through Rushcutters Bay in the city's upmarket eastern suburbs checking his mobile during a brisk Wednesday morning walk. Locals didn't appear to recognise the 65-year-old millionaire grandfather wearing black sneakers, black track pants and a Kathmandu gilet. Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) has been spotted strolling along Sydney's waterfront carrying a Coles tote bag The former prime minister checked his cell phone as he made his way through Rushcutters Bay on Wednesday morning The park is just a short stroll from his exclusive Point Piper mansion on Sydney Harbour and sits within his old electorate of Wentworth. The Turnbulls bought the Mediterranean-style home in 1994 for $5.425million and renovated it with architect Michael Suttor shortly after, Domain reported. The home was built in the 1930s and retains many ornate features from the period, including arched roof tiles, windows and wrought-iron gates. The exclusive harbourfront home was sold by the late socialite Klara Saunders, who was married to Westfield Holdings director John Saunders. The property, set on 1940 squares metres of waterfront land, boasts a swimming pool, boat shed and a private jetty. When he became Australia's prime minister in 2015, after deposing Tony Abbott in a leadership spill, Mr Turnbull opted to stay at his sprawling mansion instead of making his way across the harbour to live at Kirribilli House on the lower north shore. Doing so would have seen him have to downsize, a situation other prime ministerial occupants didn't have to contemplate. Removalists were spotted bringing boxes of Mr Turbull's prized possessions back home from Canberra in August 2018 after his dramatic exit from politics. Wearing black sneakers, black track pants and a Kathmandu gilet, Mr Turnbull (pictured) went largely unrecognised by the locals Mr Turnbull (pictured) was seen on his phone at Rushcutters Bay on Wednesday morning, the park is near his Point Piper estate on Sydney Harbour Mr Turnbull resigned from federal Parliament as the member for Wentworth, following two Liberal Party leadership challenges from right-wing Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton. His moderate faction swung behind Scott Morrison, a social conservative from the party's centre-right faction, instead of former foreign minister and long-time Liberal deputy leader Julie Bishop to stop Mr Dutton from becoming PM. Mr Turnbull's newly released autobiography A Bigger Picture detailed his long-standing feud with former prime minister Tony Abbott, who beat Mr Turnbull in a 2009 Opposition leadership spill by one vote. He spoke of suffering from depression more than a decade ago as Labor's plan for an emissions trading scheme divided the Liberal Party and destroyed his leadership. After serving as communications minister, Mr Turnbull in September 2015 overthrew his conservative nemesis and long-time political rival Mr Abbott in a leadership coup. In his book Mr Turnbull, a former journalist and merchant banker, claimed Mr Abbott's chief-of-staff Peta Credlin 'owned' her boss and was the person who was really running Australia. The book also dissected Mr Turnbull's tumultuous final week of leadership in 2018, when he was dumped and replaced by Scott Morrison in a leadership contest initially sparked by Peter Dutton. Mr Turnbull (pictured) was seen in all black on his phone at Rushcutters Bay on Wednesday morning PROVIDENCE, R.I. and CHICAGO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Micromobility's innovation leader, Veo, formerly known as VeoRide, is pleased to announce its industry leading shared e-scooters will be returning to the streets of Providence beginning Friday, June 26th. Veo's service had been suspended since Mar 13th at the request of local leaders. However, thanks to the swift efforts of the state of Rhode Island and the City of Providence to flatten the curve and mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, conditions are now such that the popular scooters can be reintroduced. "This week, we are thrilled to announce that Veo e-scooters will be up-and-running, offering Providence residents and visitors a safe and affordable alternative mode of transportation," said Matt Briggs, Regional General Manager, Veo. The company will be resuming operations with a limited fleet of 100 scooters beginning Friday, June 26th and adding additional numbers to the streets daily. The full fleet of 300 scooters will be available before the 4th of July weekend. The fleet will function normally, available across town from 5 AM to 10 PM daily. The only significant change will be the strict sanitation protocols being followed by Veo in Providence to protect its riders and workers. Veo's e-scooters in Providence will be wiped down daily on all touchable surfaces with virus killing disinfectants, and employees are required to wear gloves and masks. Riders are also encouraged to do their own individual wipe-downs on the vehicles and wash their hands before and after usage. "We have heard from many Providence residents that they are relieved to have Veo's e-scooters available to them again because they feel safer using solitary methods of transport where they don't have to sit close to people as they do on buses, or in other vehicles like ride shares or taxis," Briggs said. About Veo Headquartered in Chicago, Veo, is one of micromobility's fastest growing and most innovative companies. With its unique e-swappable-battery technology which enables safe charging, the company designs and manufactures a first of its kind seated vehicle the Veo Cosmo, e-scooters, e-bikes, and bikes specifically built for the rigors of shared use. Veo products lead the industry in terms of vehicle durability, life-cycle sustainability, and are also widely recognized as the most comfortable and safest to ride. VeoRide has dozens of cities and universities nationwide as partners in its mobility share programs, and is adding additional municipalities and campuses every month. The company has also recently unveiled its new Veo Flex offering for riders who want to purchase or lease the company's top-of-the-line vehicles for individual use. For more information, please visit http://www.veoride.com Media Contact: Amy Hesser 312-933-8324 [email protected] SOURCE Veo Found this article interesting? Follow THN on Facebook Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post. The United States government has filed a superseding indictment against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange accusing him of collaborating with computer hackers, including those affiliated with the infamous LulzSec and "Anonymous" hacking groups.The new superseding indictment does not contain any additional charges beyond the prior 18-count indictment filed against Assange in May 2019, but it does "broaden the scope of the conspiracy surrounding alleged computer intrusions with which Assange was previously charged," the DoJ said.In May 2019, Assange was charged with 18 counts under the old U.S. Espionage Act for unlawfully publishing classified military and diplomatic documents on his popular WikiLeaks website in 2010, which he obtained from former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning.Assange has been alleged to have obtained those classified documents by conspiring with Manning to crack a password hash to a classified U.S. Department of Defense computer.According to the new superseding indictment [ PDF ] unsealed Wednesday, Assange and others at WikiLeaks also recruited hackers at conferences in Europe and Asia and conspired with them to commit computer intrusions to benefit WikiLeaks.Since the early days of WikiLeaks, Assange has spoken in conferences about his own history as a "famous teenage hacker in Australia" and encouraged others to hack to obtain information for WikiLeaks."In 2009, for instance, Assange told the Hacking At Random conference that WikiLeaks had obtained nonpublic documents from the Congressional Research Service by exploiting "a small vulnerability" inside the document distribution system of the United States Congress, and then asserted that "[t]his is what any one of you would find if you were actually looking."," the DoJ said.Not just that, the indictment also accused Assange of gaining unauthorized access to a government computer system of a NATO country (30 member states from North America and Europe) in 2010.Two years later, "Assange communicated directly with a leader of the hacking group LulzSec (who by then was cooperating with the FBI)," and provided him a list of targets to hack."With respect to one target, Assange asked the LulzSec leader to look for (and provide to WikiLeaks) mail and documents, databases, and pdfs. In another communication, Assange told the LulzSec leader that the most impactful release of hacked materials would be from the CIA, NSA, or the New York Times," the DoJ said.Assange also obtained and published on WikiLeaks emails from a data breach committed against a U.S. intelligence consulting company by a hacker affiliated with "Anonymous" and LulzSec. According to that hacker, Assange indirectly asked him to spam that victim company again."Assange was arrested in April 2019 in London after Ecuador abruptly withdrew his asylum, and was later sentenced to 50 weeks in U.K. prison for breaching his bail conditions in 2012.The 48-year-old is currently in prison in the U.K., where he is currently awaiting possible extradition to the United States, pending a September hearing.If convicted for all counts, Assange could face a total maximum sentence of 175 years in the U.S. prison for his alleged role in "one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of the United States." Kosovar President Indicted On War-Crimes Charges By RFE/RL's Balkan Service June 24, 2020 PRISTINA -- A prosecutor in The Hague has indicted Kosovar President Hashim Thaci, former parliamentary chairman Kadri Veseli, and "others" for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed during or after the 1998-1999 Kosovo conflict. The Specialist Prosecutor's Office (SPO) said in a statement on June 24 that the suspects "are criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders," as well as the "enforced disappearance of persons, persecution, and torture." The alleged crimes involved "hundreds of known victims of Kosovo Albanian, Serb, Roma, and other ethnicities and include political opponents," according to the SPO. Thaci and Veseli were commanders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK), an ethnic Albanian guerrilla group that fought against Belgrade's security forces in the 1998-99 war. Veseli currently leads the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and serves as a lawmaker. Both men have previously denied involvement in any war crimes. After the SPO's announcement, Thaci's office said he had canceled a planned trip to Washington. The Kosovar president was scheduled to meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in the U.S. capital on June 27 for talks aimed at leading to a normalization of relations. A 10-count indictment was filed with the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) in The Hague on April 24, but the prosecutor decided to unveil them publicly two months later. Prosecutors said the charges resulted from a "lengthy investigation" and they were confident they can prove "all charges beyond a reasonable doubt." A KSC pretrial judge is currently reviewing the indictment to decide on whether to confirm the charges. The prosecutor also accused Thaci and Veseli of repeated efforts "to obstruct and undermine the work" of the tribunal. Armed Uprising The two men "are believed to have carried out a secret campaign to overturn the law creating the Court and otherwise obstruct the work of the Court in an attempt to ensure that they do not face justice," the statement said. "By taking these actions, Mr. Thaci and Mr. Veseli have put their personal interests ahead of the victims of their crimes, the rule of law, and all people of Kosovo," it added. Kosovo was part of Serbia until an armed uprising by the ethnic Albanian majority population in 1998-99 triggered a Serbian crackdown. The conflict ended following a 78-day NATO bombing campaign to force Serbian troops out of Kosovo. The war left more than 10,000 dead and over 1,600 are still unaccounted for. The former Serbian province declared independence in 2008 -- a move Serbia, Russia, and a handful of European Union member states refuse to recognize. The KSC was established in 2015 to investigate crimes committed during and after the war in Kosovo. A European Union spokesman said the bloc does not comment on proceedings of the SPO and the KSC, but said it is a "strong supporter" of their work. "They are an important demonstration of Kosovo's commitment to the rule of law, which in turn is a core element for Kosovo's progress on the EU integration path and for the EU engagement with the Western Balkans as a whole," Peter Stano said. He added that the SPO and the KSC should be able to "continue to do their work independently, without any outside interference." Former Kosovar Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj expressed his belief in the two men's innocence, saying on his Facebook page that the UCK had fought a "clean war" that resulted in an independent Kosovo. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/kosovar- president-indicted-on-war-crimes -charges-/30688529.html Copyright (c) 2020. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A man was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after an early-morning shooting near Don Mills and Eglinton. Police responded to calls for the shooting at around 1 a.m. at St. Dennis Drive and Deauville Lane. A male victim was located and transported to a local hospital, Toronto police Const. Michelle Flannery said. A number of shell casings were located in the area. Police have not released a description of a suspect or suspects. Margaryta Ignatenko is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow her on Twitter: @MargarytaIgnat1 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. After Odessas mayor announced Wednesday he was drafting a mask mandate, Midland Memorial Hospital CEO Russell Meyers said a mandate would be difficult to enforce in Midland, but it was past time for residents to take personal responsibility in stopping the spread of coronavirus. Mayor David Turner said during a press conference Wednesday he and the city attorney are drafting a mask mandate for the city of Odessa. The measure initially could be authorized by Turner and would then need to be approved by the city council. When asked at a briefing Thursday if Midlands leadership should also consider a mask mandate, Meyers said it would be challenging to enforce. I think its very difficult for us to suggest the police force or others be deployed specifically to enforce a mask mandate, he said. Its also sort of amazing to me that we have to tell adults in our community who are witnessing these explosive increases in positive cases every day that they must wear a mask. Dr. James Humphreys, medical director of the Midland Health Department, said the best ways to curtail the spike in coronavirus cases are to wear masks indoors, practice hand hygiene, social distance and stay home if youre sick. He said he did not know if Midland officials were considering a mask ordinance. With or without the mask mandate, we still ought to do it, he said. And we could certainly do it better than we have been doing it. Few Midlanders are taking the necessary precautions, Meyers said. He said requiring masks likely would not change residents behaviors unless the city had the manpower to enforce a mandate. This is a personal responsibility question and its past time for us to step up and take responsibility, he said. Good morning, Mr. Carlos Negret - Chair of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions; Ms. Ilze Brands-Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General of the UN Human Rights Office; Colleagues and friends from National Human Rights Institutions and Regional Networks; UNDP and UN Office of Human Rights; from the broader UN system and development partners; [ALL PROTOCOLS OBSERVED], It is my great pleasure to be here today and to open on behalf of UNDP, the 2020 Annual Tri-Partite Partnership meeting to support National Human Rights Institutions. For UNDP, this partnership is a critical part of our strategic action on rule of law, security and human rights. We are facing global challenges to the realization of human rights. The global Coronavirus pandemic has been recognized, as not only a critical public health danger - but also a human, economic and social emergency that is fast becoming a human rights crisis. This is a crisis which is disproportionately impacting the poorest, the marginalized and the most vulnerable amongst us. The UN has developed a comprehensive response to COVID including a socio-economic response framework that is rights-based. UNDP is working with OHCHR and the Development Cooperation Office on key tools to support this. We know over 65 NHRIs have engaged in a variety of COVID-19 response activities. UNDP has supported the NHRI in Ukraine strengthen its capacity to advocate for prevention of discrimination, hate speech and the promotion of tolerance in COVID-19 communications. In Sierra Leone, UNDP supported the NHRI to monitor the human rights situation and hear and investigate complaints. Through joint support through the TPP to the NHRI in Mali, monitoring of places of detention was increased to reduce overcrowding, resulting in 1300 people being released including 200 women. In these challenging times we need to reinforce, support and work in partnership with NHRIs to address COVID-19. We also need to support member states to recover back better - to use inclusive approaches in their recovery towards achieving the SDGs and securing the social contract. The SGs 2020 report on progress towards the SDGs highlights uneven progress. Whilst some positive trends are evident, inequality continues to increase within and among countries. Only 40 percent of member states have NHRIs functioning in line with international standards. Action is overdue in 78 countries to improve the capacities of their NHRIs to work to the best and fullest of their mandates - and this is across all regions. If we proceed at the current rate of progress, only 54 percent of countries will have NHRIs in line with international standards by 2030. More needs to be done because making progress towards the SDGs is furthering the realization of human rights. The Decade of Action to deliver the SDGs, launched last year, urges all actors to dramatically increase the pace and scale of implementation efforts. I wish to highlight what we can do as a partnership to advance progress. UNDP works with NHRIs around the world working with them to build their capacities and also as development partners. Over 50 country offices reported working with NHRIs in 2019. Whilst many of these efforts are individual UNDP programmes, increasingly and through the impetus of the Tri-Partite Partnership, we are working with OHCHR in joint support to NHRIs. In this way, we can harness mandates and comparative advantages of the UN system for the benefit of NHRIs. This brings closer cooperation between the development and human rights pillars and should be our modus operandi at country level. Member states have requested more coherence in the UNs approach in general. UNDP firmly believes that working in partnership makes the UN more effective and cost-efficient. But most importantly, more integrated approach delivers better results for the people and institutions we are serving. After many years of partnership in priority setting and ensuring coherency in our support, last year we have jointly worked in a programme as a Tri-Partite Partnership. I would like to thank the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their support in this endeavor. As we reflect, learn and improve from this process, we are equipped to move forward on a tried and tested model of cooperation. I want to take a moment to also thank our partners. The collaboration with the UN Human Rights Office has become closer than ever, working hands and hands on SGs call to action on human rights and various initiatives. We thank National Human Rights Institutions for your efforts in progressing, promoting and protecting human rights in so many contexts. The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, under the leadership of Mr. Negret, is continuing to go from strength to strength. We wholeheartedly value your partnership. Lastly, I wish to inform you that next week, as a part of our Annual meeting on global programme, we will be launching a discussion on The Future We Want to See - to define how we should drive Rule of Law, Security and Human Rights. We invite you to share your reflections to identify the contemporary challenges and emerging trends in this field. We appreciate your views on where and how UNDP should plan for the future, including in the engagement on human rights and our support to NHRIs. I am pleased to open this meeting on this forward-looking note and look forward to learning about the concrete recommendations and conclusions reached in your discussions. Thank you. Mangaluru, June 26 : A local court in Karnataka's coastal city sentenced serial killer Mohan Kumar to life imprisonment after he was convicted for raping and murdering his 20th victim 11 years ago, police said on Thursday. "Sessions Judge Sayeedunnisa, who found on June 20 Kumar guilty of killing his 20th victim in Bengaluru in July 2009, sentenced him to life imprisonment under section 302 of the IPC," Sullia police inspector M.R. Harish told IANS. The 25-year-old victim, who hailed from Sullia, near this port city in Dakshina Kannada district, was a cook in a women's hostel at Kasargod in Kerala, when she got acquainted with Kumar, a teacher then, who promised to marry her. Mohan Kumar is lodged at Hindalga central jail at Belagavi, after he was convicted and sentenced to death in four murder cases and life imprisonment in 15 similar cases over the last decade. The judge also slapped a fine of Rs 25,000 on him, 10 years and Rs 5,000 for feeding poison, 7 years and Rs 5,000 for rape, 5 years and Rs 5,000 for robbing the victim's jewellery and destroying evidence. In all, the court cross-examined 46 witnesses, inspected 89 documents and 31 assets. Mohan Kumar was arrested in this case in October 2009 after the victim's family recognised him when his photo was published in a local newspaper following a missing complaint her younger sister filed in the Sullia police station over a decade ago. According to the charge sheet, the victim left Kasargod on July 8, 2009 to visit a temple at her home town Sullia from where Mohan took her to Bengaluru on the pretext of marrying her and had physical relationship with her in a city lodge where he kept her for three days. "When the family members enquired about the victim three days later, Mohan told them that they both were married and would return to Sullia soon. He did not, however, allow them to speak to the victim," the charge sheet said. "Kumar took the victim to the bus stand for returning to Sullia and gave her a cyanide tablet saying it was a contraceptive pill to prevent pregnancy. She collapsed in a toilet near the bus stand soon after consuming it while Kumar vanished from the spot. A constable rushed her to a hospital where she was declared brought dead," Harish said. Autopsy of the victim revealed traces of cyanide in her body. In earlier cases too, Kumar was convicted of luring women who were unable to pay dowry or find compatible husbands to marry. "Kumar's modus operandi was to kill them by giving cyanide pills, claiming they were contraceptives, and rob them of their jewellery," added Harish. A former member of a social media cult has revealed how he was targeted online as an aspiring musician with the promise of online fame only to be coerced into giving up everything to raise money for the organization. Matthew, who requested to use only his first name, opened up to journalists Emilie Friedlander and Joy Crane about the four years he spent under the leadership of KoA Malone and Eben 'Wiz-EL' Carlson and their self-described 'cult' Tumple, which later evolved into the DayLife Army. In the expose published on One Zero, he detailed how KoA and Wiz-EL went from being his perceived mentors to controlling every aspect of his life. Over time, he was ordered to have sex with a man, despite identifying as straight, and encouraged to drink orange juice that Wiz-El had mixed with his own semen. Cult: Matthew (center), who requested to use only his first name, opened up about the four years he spent in the 'cult' Tumple, which later evolved into the DayLife Army Leaders: He explained how KoA Malone (left) and Eben 'Wiz-EL' Carlson (right) went from being his mentors to controlling every aspect of his life Matthew was just 18 years old and nearing the end of his first semester of college at a school in Chicago when he first came in contact with the couple in 2013. He had just finished an album, and when he shared his first single on Twitter, KoA and Wiz-El started replying to his tweets. Wiz-El, a white man, gave Matthew advice and preyed on his desire to create his own 'multidimensional content brand.' The then 46-year-old claimed to have known grunge rock stars when he lived in Seattle in the '90s. KoA, a Black woman, also had musical ties. Her one brother, Kyp Malone, was a member of the indie rock band TV on the Radio, while another was the Los Angeles DJ known as Total Freedom. Matthew was flattered by their attention and struck up a relationship with them. The couple, who only wore white and also lived in Chicago at the time, encouraged Matthew to release music under the artistic pseudonym 'Buum,' which they later took to calling him. He was a sophomore in college when he became Wiz-El's first recruit for his new religious movement, Tumple. The group was described as a 'cult' and had its own language known as 'Unglish,' which simply required substituting the letters U and Y for random vowels. Controlled: While under their influence, he dropped out of college, gave them all of his money, got kicked out of his home, and relocated with them a number of times Core values: The organization promoted pleasure, anti-racist education, and sobriety, as well as mystical sex practices '"U" is an open vowel. A container waiting to be filled. It has the effect of turning your words into stations for listening,' Tumple's website explains. Speaking to the Daily Dot in 2016, Koa said the goal of the cult was to replace the 'white methodology' of capitalistic society with 'a new foundation, the Black pleasure foundation.' The organization promoted pleasure, anti-racist education, and sobriety, as well as mystical sex practices that members could learn through a 'Pearl Divun' course that cost $2,000 per month. The group was founded on Facebook and recruited people who hung out on the 'Weird Facebook' section of the social media site. Tumple had about a dozen members at the time as well as 50 more casual followers who were dubbed 'orbiters.' Wiz-El and KoA promised every aspiring social media influencer's dream the ability to generate money from their online content. According to One Zero, the leaders primarily targeted young artists and musicians, who were expected to create promotional Facebook posts and videos for Tumple. Their income was to come from PayPal donations, and a portion of their earnings had to be given to Wiz-EL and KoA. Manipulation: Matthew recalled sleeping with a man under KoA's orders, despite identifying as straight, and being encouraged to drink orange juice mixed with Wiz-EL's semen Rules: Members can't consume any alcohol or drugs. They must stay well-groomed and dress in white or light colors only. Matthew is pictured getting his hair cut by Wiz-EL Friedlander and Crane spoke to 24 people who were a part of the cult, and some former members described the organization as an authoritarian regime where recruits were expected to follow the group's lifestyle guidelines, known as 'Standurds,' and reach unrelenting content and revenue quotas. According to the Standurds, members can't consume any alcohol or drugs. They aren't allowed to use scented products. They must stay meticulously clean and well-groomed and dress in white or light colors only. Recruits are also forbidden from holding conventional jobs, and any money they do earn has to go back to the cult. Matthew recalled how Wiz-El nudged him into dropping out of college his sophomore year by having him read The Teenage Liberation Handbook: How to Quit School and Get a Real Life and Education. In addition to encouraging him to leave school, the couple started suggesting he ask his parents for money in support of his new life path. When he demanded his parents give him access to his college fund while he worked with Wiz-El, they stopped paying his rent and he was forced to move back home. His parents were even more alarmed when they read the Daily Dot's article about the cult. They changed their home Wi-Fi password so he would no longer have access to the internet. Desperate to produce content, he went to the public library and asked his followers on the Tumple Facebook group to call his mother and ask her to give him access to their internet at home. Hard to handle: Members weren't allowed to work conventional jobs, and in order to make money, they had to ask family and friends for cash or get donations online Working: Members were given menial jobs and required to clean daily without payment His mother saw the request, and after getting into a heated argument, she called the cops and had him removed from their home. He was allowed to briefly return the next day to pick up some personal belongings, including a suitcase and sleeping bag. Around this time, in late 2016, KoA announced is actually Pleiadian Light Form known as a Generalissimo KoA and serving aliens in the pursuit of 'true pleasure' on Earth. Keeping with Tumpl's spiritual principles, the group evolved into the DayLife Military, also known as DayLife Army. KoA became the group's general, Wiz-EL was her second in command, and members of the group's first division were dubbed 'soldiurs.' They served an extraterrestrial government called the Galactuc Federation, which KoA claimed to communicate with using a pendulum she carried around. Soldiers were expected to use their social media accounts and whatever money they could scrounge up to fight the racism, exploitation, and suffering found in modern society, which they referred to as the 'Pain Matrix.' They were told that donations were an opportunity to 'wash' their money and support the DayLife Military's '2,000-year plan.' After leaving his home and couch surfing for the better part of the year, Matthew reached out to Wiz-EL and KoA and became one of the first people to enlist. During this time, KoA started to question Matthew's sexuality and suggest he may be attracted to men. Before heading to the cabin, an online-only member contacted him to give him her marching order: He would have to be physically intimate with a guy a Black man, specifically. While Matthew identifies as being straight, he was open to the idea of experimenting with men, but he was uncomfortable doing so as an order. He was so desperate for his mentors to be right that he hooked up with a man he met on Tinder just to complete KoA's assignment. Brainwashed: Matthew (pictured earlier this year) left the cult in 2018 and started attending meetings with other cult survivors, He realized they all had similar stories Warning: Matthew, who is now focused on rebuilding his life, has started sharing his story and warning others against the DayLife Army on Instagram In September 2017, he joined the leaders at a remote cabin in western Washington, which was owned by Wiz-ELs mother, and slept on couch cushions on the floor. He paid $480 a month to stay at the property, which he was required to clean without payment. He also had to keep up with his Facebook posts and undergo psychoanalysis with Wiz-EL and KoA. Matthew wasn't allowed to have sugar or put ice cubes in his water, but he noticed those rules only seemed to apply to him. He recalled a two-week period in which Wiz-EL would urge him to drink orange juice that he had mixed with his own semen. Not only was he encouraged to drink it, he also had to 'pay' for the privilege by reaching a certain number of Facebook posts. Other requirements included tracking his masturbation, during which he was forbidden from watching straight porn. Members were expected to make daily payments to the organization, but they weren't allowed to hold down jobs. To make money, they had to ask their family and friends for it or try hitting up random social media accounts for donations. Sometimes, they even had to beg in the street. They relocated a number of times and having to spend nights on the street became a more frequent occurrence. Matthew and other members would go on Grindr and Tinder just to find money and a place to stay. The cult's demands began to take a toll on his mental health and he finally resigned in late 2018. He moved back home and eventually started working with therapists who specialized in cult recovery. When he started attending meetings with other cult survivors, he realized they all had similar stories of being controlled by leaders who claimed to have a connection with a higher power. Fundraising and recruitment were fundamental for the survival of the cults. Rules and menial labor were used to keep them in line, and they were punished for any and all violations. 'It hurt especially because the initial thing that was tapped into was, "Youre going to be this legendary artist,"' Matthew told One Zero. 'Youre being inflated with this importance that youre saving the world, thinking that youre in new biblical times and everyone around you is the most pivotal person ever, and youre creating a new way of life, the greatest artistic statement of your century. 'If anything, I feel like the real art piece of the thing is just basically that they recreated the exact abusive structure of the quote-unquote Pain Matrix.' Matthew, who is now focused on rebuilding his life, has started sharing his story and warning others against the DayLife Army on an Instagram account he created earlier this year. In his posts, he describes the ideology and methods of the DayLife Army while explaining how the group preys on and exploits vulnerable people like himself. 'I didnt know what was ironic, what was sincere, fake or real,' he wrote in one post. 'All I knew was that I was going to follow the next order and keep going at all costs.' Confronting a white person who makes a racist or sexist statement can make them reflect on their words and avoid making biased statements about race or gender in the future, Rutgers researchers find. The study, published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, suggests that when white men and women are confronted after expressing a bias about African Americans, Latinos, and women, they seek to identify and regulate their own biases about multiple groups of people. "Many people are reluctant to confront instances of bias because they worry about backlash from others," said Kimberly Chaney, a doctoral graduate student in social psychology at Rutgers University-New Brunswick's School of Arts and Sciences. "But we found that confronting prejudice can be a powerful way to reduce not just one but multiple types of prejudice. We all have the ability to make a change and sometimes speaking out against small instances of bias may make a big change." In the first part of the study, a group of 161 white college students was shown images of white and Black people accompanied with descriptive sentences, and then asked to draw inferences about the people pictured. Three photos of Black men included sentences intended to evoke a stereotypical response, such as "This man spends a lot of time behind bars." The task could draw the stereotypical response of "This man is a criminal" or a neutral response like "bartender," the researchers said. Half of the participants were then randomly assigned to be verbally confronted for using a negative stereotype in their response. They then completed a similar task with different faces and sentences, including ones with women that could elicit stereotypical responses. For example, responses such as "This person works at a hospital" could elicit a stereotypical response of "nurse" instead of "doctor." Participants who were confronted for using a negative Black stereotype used significantly fewer stereotypes about women than participants who were not confronted for using a negative Black stereotype. Another part of the study considered whether confrontation for using a stereotype about women reduces expressions of bias toward ethnic and racial minorities. Each white adult male participant believed he was interacting with another white adult male online to discuss moral dilemmas. One scenario involved a nurse who discovered an issue at a hospital and was asked to discuss with their partner what the nurse should do. Half of the participants who referred to the nurse as "she" during the online discussion were confronted by their online partner. Those participants were later asked to complete a task that could elicit negative stereotypes about Black and Latinx Americans. Participants who were confronted for using a negative stereotype about women used significantly fewer stereotypes about Black and Latinx Americans than participants who were not confronted for using a negative stereotype about women. "There is still a lot more to understand about confronting prejudice, including how it should be done, what you should say and when it will be most effective," said study co-author Diana Sanchez, a professor of psychology. "Confronting someone is challenging, but we hope that knowing that it can be effective might make people more willing to step up." ### The Borno State government has started vetting the spending of donor funds by non-governmental organisations working in the state, an official said. Borno, a state plagued for 11 years by the Boko Haram insurgency, hosts many humanitarian organisations in Nigeria. There are 172 nongovernmental (NGOs) nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), as well as the civil society organisations and communication-based organisations currently providing humanitarian services in the state. Mairo Mandara, the special adviser on sustainable development to Borno governor, Babagana Zulum, said this during a press conference in Maiduguri on Wednesday. Mrs Mandara said the state government had taken steps to ensure sanity in the operations humanitarian actors in the state. Mr Zulum, last year, said his administration would sanitise all the operations of the NGOs working in the state. The professor said the humanitarian system had been fraught with irregularities, duplication of services and alleged corruption. To that effect, the governor said he would authorise the opening or a register at the ministry of reconstruction, resettlement and rehabilitation where the government can monitor the activities of all non-governmental organisations. In 2018, former governor, Kashim Shettima, now a senator made widely publicised allegations that all non-performing United Nations agencies, including UNICEF, and 126 other non-governmental organisations to leave the state for alleged failure to justify the funds they claim to be expending on persons displaced by Boko Haram insurgency. Mrs Mandara said on Wednesday that the state government had in the last one year succeeded in registering the 172 outfits, comprising 53 NGOs and INGOs; 109 CSOs and 10 CBOs in Borno. She said the government has not only decided to register the humanitarian organisations but also to keep a tab on their budgets and operations in the state. Today we do not only know the NGOs that are working in Borno State, but we also know their budgets and what they are spending the monies on, she said. The official said total budgets of the NGOs was huge, and that the state would make it public once it finishes analysing them. Concerning the budget of the INGOs and the NGOs, Ill say their budgets are huge, but the only reasons I will not give you a figure is because we are analysing it now, she said. Mairo Mandara, the special adviser on sustainable development to Borno governor, Babagana Zulum, They have told us this is our budget; we are checking with the donors to see how much of it that is going to the people; how is it going to the hotels, air flights and other things. And once weve done all those analyses, I can assure it is going to be on our website. So that it becomes transparent and the donors are also going to see how their money is being used. She said people should not misconstrue the steps being taken by the state government as a kind of distrust on the humanitarian organisations. I can assure that some of them are doing good jobs, and I would want to encourage them to continue to do more of the excellent jobs that they have been doing. Development plans The official had earlier unveiled a 25 years development plan for Borno State. She said the idea is to rebuild the Boko Haram-ravaged state. Experts have said the insurgency had reversed the gains of the state, and it would take decades for the state to bounce back after the crisis finally ends. She said the development plan would be carefully implemented over the coming years to help the state recover from the devastation of the insurgency. She explained that the plan would also tackle fundamental socio-economic problems that birthed the Boko Haram insurgency in the first place. She said the state government consulted all stakeholders, including the political-religious and traditional leaders in forging the plan. Advertisements The world is learning to live with a deadly virus China is testing restaurant workers and delivery drivers block by block. South Korea tells people to carry two types of masks for different risky social situations. Britain is targeting local outbreaks in a strategy that Prime Minister Boris Johnson calls Whac-a-Mole. As mass infections strike even in places that had seemed to tame the coronavirus, officials are adjusting to the reality that the virus is here to stay. They are turning to targeted and fast-but-flexible approaches, rather than nationwide lockdowns, to stop third or fourth waves. While the details differ, the strategies all require some mix of intensive tracking, lightning-fast response times, border management and constant reminders to their citizens. Quotable: Its always going to be with us, said Simon James Thornley, an epidemiologist from New Zealand. I dont think we can eliminate the virus long term. We are going to need to learn to live with the virus. For more stories like this, check out The Chronicles weekly Travel newsletter! Sign up here. Travel in pandemic times can carry a whiff of menace. Hotels? Too many doorknobs to paw at and elevator buttons to elbow. Airbnb? Why trust a stranger to Clorox the faucets when they cant even remember to leave out clean towels? Whats left for travelers desperate to escape three months of shelter-in-place? The best way to get out of the house and stay healthy may be the simplest: Good old-fashioned camping. Across California, parks, forests and private lands have begun to reopen campsites to wary families. Its a welcome respite in these weird times, but like everything during our corona-summer, camping has changed too. Openings have been piecemeal, plenty of sites are at reduced capacity and different rules apply at different campsites. So before you hop in the car and head to your favorite oak-shaded tent site, The Chronicle has compiled resources on how to camp during the pandemic, with guidance from insiders and officials. Q: Will campgrounds be crowded? A: Probably. With air travel on the outs for leisure travelers this year, polling shows that Americans are much more interested in hitting the pavement and RVing than ever before, and folks plan to recreate outdoors this year, rather than in cities. That means more interest and pressure on lodging areas in our favorite places around California the ones that are open. Authorities around the state expect a crush of visitors at parks and outdoor areas. And good luck nabbing a last-minute walk-in site: most parks have switched to reservation-only camping this year. Q: How should I keep safe at a campground? A: Compared with spending time indoors or in popular public places, camping with members of your household is a relatively low-risk activity. Studies suggest that outdoor transmission rates are lower than initially thought. Some health experts say that getting into nature (safely) is vital to mental and physical health. Plus, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service says the easiest way for the service to justify opening new campsites is for campers to follow the rules and recreate responsibly during the pandemic. Although camping is an easy way to social distance, dont count on a fully sanitized experience. California State Parks spokesman Jorge Moreno says bathroom access may be limited at parks and all visitors should bring their own hand sanitizer and soap. Otherwise, the best way to avoid contact with other humans is to plan ahead: Pack a cooler at home, research hikes and recreation online instead of stopping by visitors centers (which will likely be closed, anyway) and take anti-bacterial wipes with you at all times, just in case. Then enjoy the reduced transmission rates that only fresh air and sunshine provide. Q: Where can I find available campgrounds? A: Theres no central website to see the thousands of campsites in California. If youre looking to camp on federal land national parks, forests, monuments, seashores and the like Recreation.gov is the hub for reservations. The site has been inundated this summer and users have reported errors (as well as long wait times for phone calls), so your best bet for landing a campsite reservation may be to simply refresh the site early and often. As of late June, most of the Forest Services campgrounds were 90% reserved, spokesman Eli Ilano said. You can also camp at some state parks, but its complicated. Q: Are state parks open for camping? A: Some are, some arent. They have been reopening in phases and on individual timelines. As of late June, 70 of the 300 state parks were open for camping. To find and reserve campsites at State Parks, visit ReserveCalifornia.com. In late June, California plans to open another tranche of state park campgrounds for visitors. To date, 1,667 sites are open. But thats just a fraction of the roughly 13,000 campsites, cabins and RV spots the state operates in normal times, so officials are begging residents to make plans in advance. Would-be visitors should check the state parks COVID-19 website for the latest updates on openings and safety protocols. Different county health departments have different requirements, so some sites may require visitors wear masks at times. When you arrive, expect a stripped-down affair: Some parks will offer fewer sites to space out campers, and most of them will have limited access to facilities like bathrooms or showers. Things wont be like they were before, Moreno says. The bathrooms will not be at 100%. Were asking people to bring soap and hand sanitizer. The list of open campgrounds includes some popular sites like Southern Californias San Onofre State Beach, which is certainly worth the road trip but local parks still have availability, too. As of press time, Big Basin Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mount Diablo in the East Bay and even gorgeous Pfeiffer Big Sur still had campsites available in early July. Q: Can I go to Yosemite? A: You can, but things will be different this year. Yosemite reopened June 11 with new rules. You now need a reservation just to enter the park. To camp overnight, youll need to plan ahead and reserve slots at Upper Pines or Wawona Horse Camp. Be warned, though, youll have fierce competition for a place to pitch your tent: capacity is reduced at these sites, and other campsites in the park are closed entirely. Chances are you wont land a campsite in the peak summer season unless there are cancellations a late June perusal of Recreation.gov showed no availability at Upper Pines through August. If youre game to backpack, wilderness permits may be a little easier to snag but youll have to haul all your goods a full four miles from any trailhead before you can set up camp, and you cant just walk up to the ranger station for a permit like the old days. This year, permits will be given out in a lottery; you can apply up to 15 days in advance. Q: What is happening with campgrounds at other national parks in California? A: Its complicated. The National Park System expects to be very popular this summer and openings have been phased. Some popular parks like Redwood, Sequoia and Mineral King arent currently allowing camping, though that may change after July Fourth. But you still have options: At sleepy Lassen Volcanic, in the far northeast of the state, the park has made normally first-come-first-served campsites reservable after July 1. The park, oft ignored and occasionally other worldly, is worth the drive. Pinnacles, just an hour and a half south of San Jose, and its campground are open for reservations, too. The park is one of the systems least visited and you may have trails all to yourself. Point Reyes National Seashore reopened its sites in June, too, and has available beach-side campgrounds for much of the summer. (Pro tip: Bring layers.) Q: Besides national parks and state parks, where are good places to camp? A: Californias National Forests began reopening in May and generally are less crowded than the states most popular national parks. You can book at Recreation.gov. Same goes for Bureau of Land Management lands, which have fewer use restrictions, as well. The BLM controls a full 15% of Californias landmass mainly wild, open areas perfect for off-roading or overlanding to remote campsites. BLM lands abut the Trinity Alps, Eagle Lake in the far northeast, Joshua Tree and the Lost Coast near Eureka. Search BLM.gov for specific locations. Although national forests and federal lands often have developed campgrounds, these wide swaths of California are ideal places for wild backcountry camping. You dont need a reservation for dispersed camping in these places; you just need to pitch your tent 200 feet away from water sources in national forests and dont camp along main roads on BLM land. Check the services websites or call ahead for updated closure lists and any permit requirements. Q: Wheres a good place to camp near Lake Tahoe? A: Tahoe and El Dorado national forests have each reopened some of their campgrounds check their individual websites for updates. Developed sites in the Tahoe National Basin, which is operated by the Forest Service, opened in mid-June, too. Reservations can be made ahead at Recreation.gov, but again, many sites remain closed. Q: What are some other camping options outside of parks? A: Kampgrounds of America, for instance, operates all over California often near high-profile outdoor locations. This is a more regimented brand of camping and offers tent sites, RV spots and cabins. Check KOAs website for availability. Hipcamp, a third-party app, allows you to camp on private land for a price like an Airbnb for the outdoors. Cabins and RV sites are listed, too. After reservations fell off a cliff in the early days of shelter-in- place, bookings exploded in May, CEO Alyssa Ravasio said. The day the local governments said shelter-in-place is lifted, bookings took off, she said. The service sent its landowners three times as much income in May versus the same period last year. Peoples tastes have changed, too, Ravasio said. Were seeing a lot more people camping in RVs and tents this time last year was all about glamp, the yurt and the treehouses. Thats not what people want now. They want a self-contained unit that feels safe. Other smaller operators of private tent-cabin sites include Tentrr, Under Canvas and Glamping Hub. Q: Is it a good idea to rent an RV this summer? A: RV parks and rental companies are seeing a surge of interest this summer, so it could be a tough season for new RV travelers. But if you want to dip a toe into #vanlife, peer-to-peer RV rental sites Outdoorsy and Campand facilitate rentals for all manner of vehicles. Options at press time vary from a classic VW bus for $150 per night to a 24-foot Winnebago for $179, shower and toilet included. Finding available RV campsites might be tricky, but BoondockersWelcome.com has lists of free places to park overnight. (If worst comes to worst, you can boondock in most Walmart parking lots.) David Ferry is a freelance writer in Los Angeles. Email: travel@sfchronicle.com Mums have seen the coronavirus pandemic negatively impact their mental health. (Getty Images) Half of mums in the UK are suffering with poor mental health due to the stressful juggling of both work and childcare responsibilities during lockdown. More than a third of women in the UK feel their mental wellbeing has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with guilt over childcare duties, anxiety over absent family members and financial stress all contributing to the anxiety, new research from Benenden Health suggests. The study, of over 2000 participants, over 1000 of whom are parents, revealed that one in ten women (11%) have experienced new issues with their mental wellbeing, one in eight (13%) have seen underlying issues return and a further 12% said the pandemic has exacerbated current mental wellbeing concerns. Read more: More people are using exercise to help manage their mental health Childcare issues was the most significant contributing factor, with more than half (53%) of women with children aged 0-16 saying that balancing working from home and childcare has impacted their mental wellbeing, with almost three quarters (72%) of 16-24 year-old parents admitting to work and childcare struggles. With many British children now in their third month out of school, more than half (52%) of women said worries about their children missing out on their education was having a negative impact on their mental wellbeing, compared to 40% of men. These concerns led to almost four in ten mums (39%) revealing that they feel they are unable to be a good parent whilst balancing work and caring commitments, with 28% of men feeling the same. Read more: Holly Willoughby misses This Morning to take children back to school Mums are struggling to work and home school their children. (Getty Images) Other factors causing worries for women around childcare during lockdown include not being able to keep their children entertained all day (49%), not being able to perform as well at work (38%) and worrying that their children are not getting enough exercise (34%). Unsurprisingly these fears and concerns often culminate in increased boredom and bickering in households. Story continues Not being able to get support from friends and family is having an effect too with almost half (46%) of women saying they had become more stressed in lockdown due to being unable to see family, compared to just a quarter (25%) of men. Read more: One third of UK women are suffering from loneliness in lockdown The coronavirus impact is taking its toll on many mums' mental wellbeing. (Getty Images) Commenting on the findings Cheryl Lythgoe, Society Matron at Benenden Health, said: COVID-19 has understandably had a significant impact on our physical and mental wellbeing, regardless of who we are or how old we are. Our findings indicate that women across the UK are struggling with balancing multiple important responsibilities at once, and all under one roof. This, paired with the lasting guilt of not being good enough, is a detriment to anyones mental wellbeing whilst navigating a once-in-a-generation pandemic. But Lythgoe says there is support out there for those who are struggling. There are a few important things to keep in mind during this time, the first is that this isnt the norm and that this will not go on forever. Sometimes positive affirmations and focusing on a definite end to this difficult time will give individuals a boost. It is also important to remember professional support is available for everyone. Prioritising time to talk, seek help and support others can be crucial in getting through these challenging times together and promoting positive mental wellbeing for once we are out the other side. ByeCOVID Juneteenth Event Helps Compton Residents Get Tested Compton Mayor Aja Brown, Originals Nation and Trap Heals founder Damon Turner all partnered together to host ByeCOVID, a local initiative event where they provided free COVID-19 testing to Compton residents along with care packages to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The event serviced over 1,000 people who registered or pre-registered. It was great vibes of live music, food, art, and a group of ambitious volunteers to serve the community. There couldnt have been a more innovative way to host this event. Mayor Brown mentioned that the choice to host this event on Juneteenth is symbolic of the care we need to have for the people of color. This is about access, were hoping that people have some indication of their health and if they test positive seek medical help. This is a great way to represent our communities. The goal of this initiative was to show love to the people of Compton and provide self-care essentials for the community. Mayor Brown said, The whole purpose was to show love, healing, and take care of one another. There are also some wonderful self-care bags with candles, essential oils, and seeds that you can grow. Its all about wellness, loving each other and making sure we can take care of each other and our community. With the lack of resources that were provided to the city of Compton, Mayor Brown, Turner, and Originals Nation felt it was time to use their influence. Mayor Brown mentioned that this time was critical despite the lockdown to honor Juneteenth. We thought that even though the majority of the state is on lockdown, we can do something to celebrate our life, ourselves and our community. We have music in the background and great food. We just wanted to pour some love to the community and acknowledge this day as well. ADVERTISEMENT They wanted an innovative healing, and COVID testing site serving as a cultural response to the system for underserved communities. Turner uses his art to communicate with the community. Creating Bye-COVID is a solution to ensure communities are prioritized. Turner and others felt Compton was being intentionally neglected and it was time to take matters into his own hands. Economic racism has evolved. Racism is a crisis and will continue to be a crisis. The effect the coronavirus continues to have on our communities motivated us to come up with a solution. We cant wait for the system to help us. We must help ourselves. According to Turner, in order to stop economic racism African Americans have to get in positions to utilize our black power. He spoke passionately about using our power like never before. Our black magic has never gone away. We have to get in positions of power to maximize our abilities to enhance the communities. Nobody is going to take care of our communities like we do. In a recent interview, Turner goes on today, It is impossible to get on social media and not see the world fighting for black lives. But lets not forget we are still in the midst of a global pandemic which is impacting Black and Brown communities the hardest. Continue to follow, donate, and support the Bye-COVID initiative as Mayor Brown, Turner and the Originals Nation provide resources and self care materials to the city of Compton. TDT | Manama The government of the Indian state of Kerala has mandated that all repatriated passengers from Bahrain must undergo rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) screening tests on arrival at their airports. All symptomatic passengers will then be isolated and shifted to a hospital for further investigation and management. Based on statistics from a report they released yesterday, 0.33 per cent of 3,609 passengers who flew from Bahrain to Kerala have tested positive for COVID-19. The least rate of positive cases was registered from Bahrain among passengers from GCC nations. Passengers to Kerala from Kuwait had the highest rate of infections (4.65 per cent), followed by Saudi (2.03 per cent), the UAE (1.85 per cent), Qatar (0.87 per cent) and Oman (0.62 per cent). As reported earlier by TDT, the Indian central government rejected on Tuesday Keralas demand that all incoming passengers from abroad must provide COVID-19 negative certificates on arrival. This new move to mandate rapid testing on arrival came as a result of this decision. The regulations for passengers flying from Bahrain to Kerala also dictate that, irrespective of the test results, they shall undergo a mandatory 14- day quarantine. Also, while on board their flight, passengers need to wear N95 masks, face shields, hand gloves and carry sanitisers to frequently disinfect their hands. These regulations are applicable to all chartered repatriation flights as well as flights under the Indian governments Vande Bharat Mission. Private organisations in Bahrain are chartering 16 Gulf Air flights to three different Indian cities, at the request of many stranded Indian nationals over the last two days. An Indian Club Bahrain (ICB) sponsored repatriation flight flew to the city of Kochi in Kerala with 169 passengers on board yesterday. ICB provided the passengers with kits containing face masks, hand gloves, 30ml sanitisers along with the snacks and refreshments. The ICB has also scheduled a jumbo jet flight to the Indian city of Hyderabad this Saturday to repatriate 282 passengers. Telugu Kala Samithi and Fahdan Travels will collaborate with the ICB for this mission. ICB President Stalin Joseph expressed his gratitude towards His Majesty the King and the Labour Market Regulatory Authority for their support throughout the mission. He also thanked the Government of India, State Government of Kerala and the Indian Embassy in Bahrain. Joseph also extended his sincere gratitude to the everyone who contributed towards the mission. OTTAWA, ON, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today reaffirmed Canada's ongoing commitment to exploring innovative solutions for refugees during the virtual Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement (ATCR). During the meeting, Minister Mendicino presented 3 new actions stemming from Canada's pledge at the Global Refugee Forum in 2019. Moving forward, Canada will: admit up to 500 refugees as part of the Economic Mobility Pathways Project over the next 2 years establish an advisory role for a former refugee to attend international refugee protection meetings with the Canadian delegation, and support the creation of a new Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility The Minister highlighted that these proposals demonstrate Canada's commitment to refugee protection and the expansion of opportunities for refugees. These are concrete actions that Canada hopes will inspire other countries and partners, and strengthen the work of the ATCR. The ATCR is the primary forum for governments, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), non-governmental organizations, international organizations, refugees and other stakeholders to collaborate on refugee resettlement. In July 2019, Canada assumed the chair of the ATCR, which concludes at the end of June 2020. Quote "It has been an honour to co-chair the Annual Tripartite Consultations on Resettlement, along with the Canadian Council for Refugees and the UNHCR. Canada deeply values its participation in these sessions, so we can continue to help lead efforts to advance refugee protection and to find new solutions for refugees through resettlement and complementary pathways." The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, P.C., M.P., Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Quick facts: Through the EMPP, candidates can apply for permanent residence through existing economic immigration pathways, such as the Provincial Nominee Program, the Atlantic Immigration Pilot and the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot. The overarching goal of the Global Task Force on Refugee Labour Mobility, which will be launched later in 2020, is to generate global momentum to scale up labour mobility pathways as a solution for refugees. The ATCR is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland . However, due to the global pandemic, this year's meetings were held virtually. Associated links: Follow us: SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada For further information: Contacts for media only: Kevin Lemkay, Minister's Office, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 613-954-1064; Media Relations, Communications Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 613-952-1650, [email protected] Related Links http://www.cic.gc.ca Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Norman Harsono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 16:45 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661a2233 1 Business energy-and-mineral-resources-ministry,ESDM,oil-and-gas,renewable-energy,converter-kits,state-budget,budget-cut,APBN Free The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry is cutting back on program funding after its annual budget was slashed by more than a third to Rp 6.2 trillion from Rp 9.7 trillion as the government diverts funds for COVID-19 containment. The largest cut is slated for oil and gas programs at 52 percent, lower than initially planned. This is followed by renewable energy programs (45 percent), geology programs (36 percent) and internal programs (15 percent). Some of the programs will be continued next year, according to ministry data released on Thursday. [The budget cuts] support the financial needs to tackle COVID-19 and help the economy recover, said Energy Minister Arifin Tasrif on June 23, which was the first of a three-day hearing with lawmakers in Jakarta. Indonesia has so far budgeted Rp 695.2 trillion to tackle the COVID-19 epidemic, which has claimed 2,573 lives as of Wednesday, the highest death toll in Southeast Asia, official data shows. Read also: Indonesia increases COVID-19 budget again amid soaring deficit However, the cuts carry repercussions for the programs intended recipients, many of whom include Indonesias poor, said House of Representatives members and industry groups. The House pressured the ministry into diverting more funds to execute solar-powered street lighting (PJUTS), water well drilling, fishermen and farmer fuel-converter distribution programs, all of which were to be slashed by a greater degree before the hearings. Oil and gas programs Ministry data from Thursday's hearing shows that planned cuts in oil and gas programs are led by a 37 percent cut to farmers gas-to-fuel converter program and a 52 percent cut for the household gas pipe program. Such kits convert subsidized cooking gas (LPG) into a fuel for gas-fired engines, whether a fishermans boat engine or a farmers water irrigation pump. Using the gas reportedly cuts fuel expenses by around 30 percent. Convertors are important in that it deals with fuel, Indonesian Fishermens Association (HNSI) secretary-general, Anton Leonard, told The Jakarta Post. If possible, do not make a cut now when fishermen are struggling to fish. He added that fuel costs contributed between 40 and 50 percent of a ships total operational costs, depending on vehicle size. The gas pipe program, meanwhile, was slated to distribute gas pipe connectors to 266,000 households, mostly for towns in Sumatra and Java. Such piped gas is cheaper per unit volume than LPG canisters. Fishermens convertor kits are meant to provide a boost for their economic growth. Household gas pipes as well, many poor people live in cities, said Golkar Party lawmaker and former governor Alex Noerdin. Indonesias largest gas distributor, Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) , was not available for comment. Renewables program Green technology budget cuts were led by those in solar panel-related programs, such as solar-powered street lights and solar rooftop installations for public buildings, including government offices and houses of worship. Government funding is a lifeline for the nascent domestic solar PV industry, which receives 70 percent of its business through state programs, an Indonesian Solar Panel Producers Association (APAMSI) previously told the Post. That automatically means that a shift in spending will add to the burden on solar producers, said APAMSI chairman Nick Nurrachman. Read also: Demand for photovoltaic panels plummets in Indonesia amid pandemic However, ministry data also shows that Rp 109 million was allocated to complete several unfinished renewable energy programs from last year. Programs include installing a mini hydropower plant (PLTMH) in Oksibil, Papua, and 13 biogas digesters, which process organic waste, such as human feces into cooking gas, in neighborhoods around the country. Internal programs The ministry plans to cut 15 percent from its budget for internal programs, which is the most modest cut among the four categories. We recommend diverting work trips and meeting package funds for infrastructure programs and imposing efficiency measures for work trips and meetings, said ministry secretary-general Ego Syahrial during Wednesdays hearing. His side will not cut salaries and operational costs such as utilities and office supplies. Geological programs Budget cuts to the ministrys geology body were led by a 48 percent cut for volcanic observatories and a 37 percent cut for well drilling in remote communities. Former head of the Geology Agency, Rudi Suhendar, who retired a month ago, told the Post that the agency had completed the program bids before COVID-19 struck. Aside from Jakarta, we were going to drill wells in almost every province, he said. Lawmaker Ridwan Hisjam, also a Golkar politician, said the well drilling was particularly needed to support the Public Works and Housing Ministry, which was building water infrastructure as per the recently passed 2019 Water Law. This program has to keep on going. Do not change them; programs that are pro-people, that are in the peoples interest, he said. Police are searching for a South Australian man who they believe went missing after having a 'dispute' with two bikies. Kerry Giakoumis, 29, failed to board a return flight to SA on June 10 and has not been seen by his family since he travelled to Melbourne with members of the Hells Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang June 5. Mr Giakoumis, a concreter, was last seen at the Hells Angels clubhouse in the northern Melbourne suburb of Thomastown in the early hours of 10 June, according to Victoria Police. Police executed search warrants at the Thomastown clubhouse and at Richmond and Melbourne homes in relation to the 29-year-old's disappearance on Thursday. Homicide Squad Detective Jason Poulton later appealed for public assistance about Mr Giakoumis, saying his 'disappearance is very much out of character'. 'It's our understanding that Kerry wasn't a patched member and just an associate of the (Hells Angels) club at the time of his disappearance,' Mr Poulton said. 'Investigators believe some kind of dispute has taken place and that may be connected to other members or associates of the Hells Angels OMCG.' South Australian concreter Kerry Giakoumis (pictured), 29, travelled to Melbourne with two Hells Angels bikies on June 5. He failed to board a return flight on June 10 and was last seen at the Hells Angels clubhouse in Melbourne's Thomastown on the same day Mr Giakoumis told his family he was going to Melbourne to work as a plasterer when he travelled to the Victorian capital on June 5. His mother booked him a return flight to SA for June 10 but he never boarded it and hasn't contacted his family, used his phone or bank account ever since. The 29-year-old's family reported him missing to Victoria Police and Homicide Squad detectives are treating his disappearance as 'suspicious'. Detective Poulton is sure that Ms Giakoumis was at the motorcycle clubhouse and is calling for anyone who was there to come forward. 'We know he was at the Hells Angels clubhouse in the early hours of 10 June, however what we don't know is what has happened to Kerry and why,' Detective Poulton said. 'We're appealing for someone who was either there on the night or has knowledge of what happened on the night, to come forward and contact police and this can also be done anonymously. 'Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs are large, complex organisations and not all within the organisation think the same way. 'There will be someone within the Hells Angels OMCG that knows and disagrees with what happened to Kerry, and there is now an opportunity for that person to contact us directly or anonymously.' A photo released by Victoria Police shows Mr Giakoumis at a convenience store in SA on June 5 wearing a Chicago Bulls sweatshirt that he is also known to have worn in Melbourne Two photos of Mr Giakoumis have been released by police in hopes that someone in Melbourne will be able to recognise him. One photo shows him at a convenience store in SA on June 5 wearing a Chicago Bulls sweatshirt that he is also known to have worn in Melbourne. The second photo shows Mr Giakoumis smiling at a formal event before his disappearance. Police raided three properties, the Thomastown clubhouse, a Melbourne home and a Richmond home, on Thursday and are now appealing for information. 'Kerry's family are desperate for answers and we're hoping that someone will do the right thing and provide those,' Detective Poulton said. Anyone with information about Kerrys current whereabouts or his disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au. IOM appeals for financing assistance in Central Sahel 37.8 mn dollars needed to help 460,000 in Burkina Faso, Mali (ANSAmed) - ROMA, 25 GIU - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is calling on the international community to provide 37.8 million dollars in aid for 460,000 people it assists in the Central Sahel, a region that has been hit hard by a humanitarian crisis on various levels. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is appealing for 37.8 million US dollars to scale-up its operations, provide urgent lifesaving assistance and address the transition and recovery needs of 460,000 individuals in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The UN agency said in a statement that 1.25 million people have been internally displaced due to a rise in violence and the multi-layered humanitarian crisis in the Central Sahel region. More than three million people struggle with severe food insecurity and 9.4 million are in dire need of assistance in these countries at a time when COVID-19 is spreading rapidly throughout West Africa. Coronavirus is aggravating the situation IOM said the closure of markets and borders - aimed at preventing the spread of the disease - is limiting livelihood opportunities and further aggravating an already dire situation. Significant gaps remain in the humanitarian response due to the lack of resources and access in some areas. As part of its efforts to support the response of governments, IOM is scaling up its operations in the three countries, in coordination with local partners, to ensure those in need receive assistance. With the requested funds, IOM will be able to provide shelter and non-food items in communities most affected by displacement and temporary collective sites. The region presents specific obstacles related to the weakness of basic social services including health care, low-income economies and an informal sector which limits livelihood options. These challenges are compounded by growing security issues - such as violent extremism and intercommunal tensions - against a backdrop of climate change, land degradation and water scarcity. Stabilizing should be priority "The COVID-19 response should not be implemented at the expense of existing programmes and activities," said Sophie Nonnenmacher, IOM acting Regional Director for West and Central Africa. "Alleviating the urgent needs of affected population and stabilizing the region, at security and economic levels, should remain a priority if we want to prevent the next humanitarian emergency," she said. "Distracting our attention from the deteriorating situation in the Sahel could wipe out the collective efforts made over decades." (Burkina Faso, getting water. Photo: ANSA/MISSIONARY GROUP "UN POZZO PER LA VITA" MERANO) (ANSA). San Francisco, June 25 : As more and more advertisers decide to quit Facebook over the spread of misinformation and hate speech on its platform, the social network has admitted there is a trust deficit. Several big and small advertisers like North Face, Ben & Jerry's, outdoor apparel stores REI and Patagonia, freelancing platform Upwork, shipping company Local Postal, password manager Dashlane and outwear company Arc'teryx have joined the boycott, among several others. Facebook's head of trust and safety Neil Potts went on a call with about 200 advertisers to discuss the situation, reports the CNN. "There is a trust deficit. You try to make a decision and people disagree and maybe that builds that deficit even deeper," Potts was quoted as saying. Potts told the group of advertisers that Facebook is working to close the trust gap. A Facebook spokesperson later said in a statement that it's normal for them "to have conversations with advertisers and discuss issues, including policy matters". Potts' remarks were first reported by the Financial Times. Civil rights groups, including the NAACP and the Anti-Defamation League, launched the #StopHateForProfit campaign on June 17, pressuring large companies to halt advertising on Facebook. The social network is facing criticism for its inaction over Trump posts that glorified violence in the aftermath of the death of African-American George Floyd. Facebook last week removed a Donald Trump campaign ad featuring a symbol used by Nazis for political dissenters, saying the ad violated its policies. The ad with an upside-down red triangle symbol was posted under accounts for Trump. Several former and existing Facebook employees wrote an open letter to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, criticizing his inaction over controversial posts from Trump, calling him to start fact-checking world leaders and labelling harmful posts. (Natural News) New surges in Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in hot spots across have thrown wrenches into many states reopening plans. Florida, Texas and Arizona have reported a surge in caseloads. So too has California, which broke its record for new cases for the fourth straight day on Tuesday. Meanwhile, even though New Jerseys caseload has fallen, its governor warns that its transmission rate is starting to creep up. States experiencing renewed surges of coronavirus cases According to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University and Bloomberg News, coronavirus cases in the U.S. increased by 35,695 from the same time last Monday to 2.33 million. This represented a 1.6 percent gain, which was higher than the 1.3 percent average daily increase of the past seven days. Deaths, on the other hand, increased by 0.7 percent to 120,913. Floridas caseload went up by 3.3 percent Tuesday to 103,506, compared with an average 3.8 percent in the previous seven days. On a rolling seven-day basis, the states new cases reached 23,397, its highest ever. At the same time, the rate of people testing positive for the first time hit 10.9 percent on Monday, an increase of 3.2 percent from the previous day. In response to the numbers, local leaders have hurried to react. In Palm Beach County where President Donald Trump has his primary residence county commissioners voted unanimously to approve a measure making the wearing of masks mandatory. Texas recorded 5,489 new cases on Tuesday a new record for the state bringing the total to 120,370. This surge represented a 4.8 percent increase, well in excess of the states seven-day average of 3.7 percent. Hospitalizations from COVID-19 in Texas have also surged by more than 10 percent to 4,092. The increase is threatening healthcare systems in counties across the state. In Harris Country the nations third most populous county the two-week average expansion rate means that the countys intensive-care capacity will be exhausted in less than two weeks. The office of Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo expects that surge beds will be full in 38 days. (Related: Texas sees record coronavirus hospitalizations after early reopening.) Arizona also broke its own daily case record. The state added nearly 3,600 cases, according to tallies released Tuesday. This brings its total caseload to 58,179. The state also reported 42 deaths, bringing its total to 1,384. California reported 6,522 positive tests on Monday, 2,000 cases higher than its previous daily record. This brought the states seven-day average above 4,000 for the first time since the outbreak began. The state now has 184,278 cases according to data compiled by the Mercury News. Hospitalizations and deaths in California, on the other hand, have remained flat for weeks, down from the peaks recorded in mid-April. However, Gov. Gavin Newsom said on Monday that hospitalizations are starting to creep back up, increasing by 16 percent in the past two weeks. Reopenings in doubt, but wont be reversed, yet The surges have caused many to question these states moves to reopen their economies. Even some governors are now considering changing their plans. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis once said that there was a light at the end of the tunnel when new cases started to slow down. However, the resurgent caseload has many now predicting dire consequences for the state. Experts at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and University of Pennsylvania have warned that Florida has all the markings of the next large epicenter of coronavirus transmission. Others have become critical of the governors decisions. Governor DeSantis has lost control of Floridas Covid-19 response, said agricultural Nikki Fried. His policies are simply not working and hes recklessly reopening Florida despite the data screaming for caution. Refusing to acknowledge the alarming patterns in cases, hospitalizations and positivity is not only arrogant but will cost lives, public health and our economy. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbot stated that he had no intention of reimplementing lockdown measures during an interview with KTBX television. However, he warned on Monday that additional measures are going to be necessary and the state will have to take tougher actions should the surges in cases and hospitalizations continue until July. The way hospitalizations are spiking, the way that daily new cases are spiking surely the public can understand that if those spikes continue, additional measures are going to be necessary to make sure we maintain the health and safety of the people of the state of Texas, Abbot said. In Arizona, Gov. Doug Duceys office announced a number of actions last week to try to stem the spread of the disease. These include continuing to boost diagnostic testing, amplifying contact tracing and increasing awareness of social distancing and face-covering guidelines. However, the announcement made no mention of whether or not the governor had any plans to adjust the states reopening. In California, Gov. Gavin Newsom said that the state could reverse its reopening and shut down parts of its economy again should it lose control of the pandemic. As part of this, he emphasized basic steps such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing as key to preventing a closure from happening. Its your individual decision that will determine our fate and future to mitigate the likelihood and need that we ever have to toggle back on these stay-at-home orders, Newsom said at a news conference. We dont intend to do that. We dont want to do that. But I want to make this clear: We are prepared to do that, if we must. Sources include: BloombergQuint.com Coronavirus.JHU.edu MercuryNews.com TheGuardian.com CNBC.com AZGovernor.gov SFChronicle.com The Prince Estate/Warner RecordsAn expanded, remastered version of Prince's 1987 double album Sign o' the Times will be released in multiple configurations on September 25 as part of the late music legend's ongoing catalog reissue campaign. Among the versions is a Super Deluxe Edition that will be available as an eight-CD/DVD set, a 13-LP/DVD package, and an audio-only download. Sign o' the Times featured three songs that reached the Billboard Hot 100 top ten: "U Got the Look" featuring Sheena Easton, the title track, and "I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man," which peaked, respectively, at #2, #3 and #10. The album has been certified platinum in the U.S. The Super Deluxe reissue features the album's original 16 tracks, plus 63 previously unreleased recordings, including single edits, B-sides, alternate takes, remixes, outtakes, live performances and more. The live material includes a complete stadium concert Prince played on June 20, 1987, in Utrecht, The Netherlands. The DVD featured in the Super Deluxe Edition boasts previously unreleased footage of a complete New Year's Eve benefit show held at Prince's Paisley Park complex on December 31, 1987. It also includes Prince's only on-stage collaboration with jazz legend Miles Davis. The Super Deluxe reissue comes packaged with a 120-page hardcover book featuring rare photos, reproductions of Prince's handwritten lyrics for many songs, newly penned liner notes and more. One of the previously unreleased tracks from the collection, "Witness 4 the Prosecution (Version 1)," is available now as a digital download and via streaming platforms. The Sign o' the Times reissue, which you can pre-order now, also will be released as a three-CD or four-LP Deluxe Edition and a two-CD or two-LP standard version. Visit Prince.com for more details about the reissue. By Matt Friedlander Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Savannah Guthrie has defended herself from a viewer who criticised her on-air hairstyle. On Tuesday, the Today show host responded to a comment on Twitter from a viewer who'd called her hair "unkempt and distracting. With what they pay you, can't you afford a hair stylist? I love the natural unkempt look but it's distracting on @NBCNews national news, the woman wrote in a tweet directed at Guthrie. In response, Guthrie, who has been working remotely amid the coronavirus pandemic, explained that the shows anchors have been doing their own hair and makeup. We are all doing our own hair and makeup during the pandemic. And yes it shows! Guthrie wrote. The news anchors response was met with support on Twitter, where other viewers praised Guthrie for her continued professionalism while working from home. Recommended Savannah Guthrie and Whoopi Goldberg host shows from home Savannah, you are beautiful and always look fabulous...and more importantly, youre a powerful woman doing a phenomenal job every day, WNBC anchor Darlene Rodriguez wrote. Another person said: I think you all look great and more importantly, you are continuing to serve the public under what has to be exceptionally difficult circumstances. Thank you! Guthries response prompted the woman who originally criticised the anchors hairstyle to apologise. I didn't mean to be mean. I worked in television for 32 years, she wrote. I was just surprised that the makeup artists would let the hair slide on national TV for two days. You do look great. It's the hair that needs a little love. We love you in Puerto Rico! In another tweet, the woman added: "Alright! You win @SavannahGuthrie. I'm sorry I criticised your hair. I really thought it was part of our job to keep up appearances, especially on the evening news. Times, they are a-changing. From now on I will not write about what I think. Lesson learned." The NBC host has been open about the struggles of keeping up with TV appearances while social distancing at home. Earlier this month, the 48-year-old shared an Instagram photo of a multi-coloured manicure shed given herself, writing: Tryin to nail the home manicure. A Minnesota neighborhood where many residents vowed not to call the cops on people in their community following the death of George Floyd, are finding it difficult to come up with alternatives after about 300 homeless people have set up camp in a local park. Those who live nearby where Floyd was killed at the hands of cops on May 25 welcomed dozens of tents to Powderhorn Park while the displaced people look for permanent accommodation, urging officials not to evict them for now. But in the past two weeks since they've been using the open space, people living near the park have complained about a heavy flow of traffic keep them up at night as drug dealers. Two people in the encampment have already been taken away in ambulances after overdosing. Joseph Menkevich found a man wearing a hospital bracelet passed out in an elevator in his apartment building last Thursday and called 911 for an ambulance. However police showed up for the overdose victim who is black and Menkevich who is white said the call didn't have the desired outcome. Locals have welcomed dozens of tents to Powderhorn Park while 300 displaced people look for permanent accommodation in Minneapolis, Minnesota Those who live nearby where Floyd was killed at the hands of cops on May 25 welcomed dozens of tents to Powderhorn Park while the displaced people look for permanent accommodation, urging officials not to evict them for now Tents and a mattress are set up underneath a tree at Powderhorn Park Locals have been supplying hot meals, counselling and medical care to people kicked out of a Sheraton hotel where they were taking shelter amid the coronavirus pandemic 'It didn't resolve in a way that I had hoped,' Menkevich told the New York Times. 'All they did was offer to bring him back to the hospital. He refused, so they kicked him out on a rainy night.' The incident came as people across the country have called to defund the police and put some the $115 billion budget into areas such as affordable housing, substance abuse treatment and job training. About 25 tents pitched up at Powderhorn Park after they were evicted from their Sheraton hotel accommodation two weeks ago, which was supplied due to the coronavirus outbreak. By last Friday there were 200 tents, the Star Tribune reported. City officials have now put up a shower trailer, toilets and trash cans as they look into placements. Locals have been supplying meals, medical care and counselling to the campers from a multiracial background - and called on community groups to advise on issues, including the American Indian Movement which has been working to sort out grievances in the Native American community since 1968. Now the camp has become the subject of a community message board. Local woman, Tobie Miller, 34, is concerned that the sentiments expressed on the board could be racial profiling. 'My feeling around it is those are symptoms of systemic oppression,' Miller said about the illegal activity going on within the park. 'And that's not on them.' Tents are set up underneath trees in the camp, across the road from a row of homes Park & Recreation Board Commissioner Londel French, right, who has been spending a lot of time at Powderhorn Park making sure that the encampment is a safe environment for the homeless, chats with formerly homeless advocate Tyra Thomas last Thursday A bicycle and an abandoned shopping cart are seen in the camp Tobie and her mother who lives in another house nearby also feel somewhat guilty that with the gentrification of the neighborhood they may have contributed to the problem by taking housing as residents of color were pushed out. The black population in the neighborhood has dropped by 5 percent since 2000. Now the population is 17 percent black and a third Latino. The majority is white. A 43-year-old man who used to live with his grandmother in a home she owned in the neighborhood, has been homeless for three years and is living in the camp. He told the New York Times: 'I would like to get back working and feel better about my life.' One woman told the Times she no longer feels it's safe for her children to play in the park alone. Another mother admitted that as much as she is thinking about how uncomfortable she feels about some of the campers, she's also checking her privilege and thinking about how the people without permanent shelter could be feeling. Catcalling was also the complaint of one woman who spoke to the Times. Five women, at least four of whom are white, met to vent about the camp recently. A Mexican-Native American neighbor - who didn't attend the meeting because it was in English - doesn't believe that locals will allow the camp to stay much longer. A black woman who plans to move back soon said it's only a matter of time before the current residents turn back to calling police as they lack options. 'If something really goes down that makes people uncomfortable, I think they're going to call,' Akhmiri Sekhr-Ra who lived there for 10 years and has a long-time policy of not calling cops told the Times. Tanzanian socialite Poshy Queen has come out to address reports swirling around that she is expecting Diamonds baby. According to the grapevine in Tanzania, Poshy is four months pregnant for the Bongo star. It has also been claimed that the socialite was forced to close her apparel shop after a man who is said to be bankrolling her lavish lifestyle pulled out after learning that she was pregnant for Diamond. But speaking to Risasi tabloid, the businesswoman cleared the air saying she has no time for Diamond. Those are just rumours. People can say whatever they want to. I have never dated Diamond and I have no time for that man. I am not pregnant for him as it is being claimed on social media networks, she said. On closing her shop, Poshy said: I have not closed my shop, I have moved it to Kijitonyama from Sinza-Kamanyola, Dar es Salaam. The shop is currently undergoing renovations but were selling items online. The pregnancy rumors also caught the attention of Diamonds mother who said: Theres no such thing, those are just rumours on the internet. Diamond and Poshy Queen are said to have met during a joint birthday party for his mother and then-girlfriend Tanasha Donna on July 7, 2019. [June 25, 2020] Cloud IT Infrastructure Spending Continued to Grow in Q1 2020 While Spending on Non-Cloud Environments Saw Double-Digit Declines, According to IDC According to the International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Cloud IT Infrastructure Tracker, vendor revenue from sales of IT infrastructure products (server, enterprise storage, and Ethernet switch) for cloud environments, including public and private cloud, increased 2.2% in the first quarter of 2020 (1Q20) while investments in traditional, non-cloud, infrastructure plunged 16.3% year over year. The broadening impact of the COVID-19 pandemic was the major factor driving infrastructure spending in the first quarter. Widespread lockdowns across the world and staged reopening of economies triggered increased demand for cloud-based consumer and business services driving additional demand for server, storage, and networking infrastructure utilized by cloud service provider datacenters. As a result, public cloud was the only deployment segment escaping year-over-year declines in 1Q20 reaching $10.1 billion in spend on IT infrastructure at 6.4% year-over-year growth. Spending on private cloud infrastructure declined 6.3% year over year in 1Q to $4.4 billion. IDC (News - Alert) expects that the pace set in the first quarter will continue through rest of the year as cloud adoption continues to get an additional boost driven by demand for more efficient and resilient infrastructure deployment. For the full year, investments in cloud IT infrastructure will surpass spending on non-cloud infrastructure and reach $69.5 billion or 54.2% of the overall IT infrastructure spend. Spending on private cloud infrastructure is expected to recover during the year and will compensate for the first quarter declines leading to 1.1% growth for the full year. Spending on public cloud infrastructure will grow 5.7% and will reach $47.7 billion representing 68.6% of the total cloud infrastructure spend. Disparity in 2020 infrastructure spending dynamics for cloud and non-cloud environments will ripple through all three IT infrastructure domains - Ethernet switches, compute, and storage platforms. Within cloud deployment environments, compute platforms will remain the largest category of spending on cloud IT infrastructure at $36.2 billion while storage platforms will be fastest growing segment with spending increasing 8.1% to $24.9 billion. The Ethernet switch segment will grow at 3.7% year over year. At the regional level, year-over-year changes in vendor revenues in the cloud IT Infrastructure segment varied significantly during 1Q20, ranging from 21% growth in China to a decline of 12.1% in Western Europe. Top Companies, Worldwide Cloud IT Infrastructure Vendor Revenue, Market Share, and Year-Over-Year Growth, Q1 2020 (Revenues are in Millions) Company 1Q20 Revenue (US$M) 1Q20 Market Share 1Q19 Revenue (US$M) 1Q19 Market Share 1Q20/1Q19 Revenue Growth 1. Dell (News - Alert) Technologies $2,535 17.4% $2,509 17.6% 1.0% 2. HPE/New H3C Group** $1,495 10.3% $1,695 11.9% -11.8% 3T. Inspur/Inspur Power Systems* *** $868 6.0% $636 4.5% 36.4% 3T. Cisco (News - Alert)* $847 5.8% $1,038 7.3% -18.4% 5. Lenovo (News - Alert) $674 4.6% $670 4.7% 0.5% ODM Direct $4,726 32.5% $4,422 31.1% 6.9% Others $3,390 23.3% $3,258 22.9% 4.1% Total $14,535 100.0% $14,228 100.0% 2.2% IDC's Quarterly Cloud IT Infrastructure Tracker, Q1 2020 Notes: * IDC declares a statistical tie in the worldwide cloud IT infrastructure market when there is a difference of one percent or less in the vendor revenue shares among two or more vendors. ** Due to the existing joint venture between HPE and the New H3C Group, IDC reports external market share on a global level for HPE as "HPE/New H3C Group" starting from Q2 2016 and going forward. *** Due to the existing joint venture between IBM (News - Alert) and Inspur, IDC reports external market share on a global level for Inspur and Inspur Power Systems as "Inspur/Inspur Power Systems" starting from 3Q 2018. In addition to the table above, a graphic illustrating the worldwide market share of the top 5 cloud IT infrastructure companies in 1Q20 and 1Q19 is available by viewing this press release on IDC.com. Long term, IDC expects spending on cloud IT infrastructure to grow at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6%, reaching $105.6 billion in 2024 and accounting for 62.8% of total IT infrastructure spend. Public cloud datacenters will account for 67.4% of this amount, growing at a 9.5% CAGR. Spending on private cloud infrastructure will grow at a CAGR of 9.8%. Spending on non-cloud IT infrastructure will rebound somewhat in 2020 but will continue declining with a five-year CAGR of -1.6%. A graphic illustrating IDC's worldwide cloud IT infrastructure market forecast by deployment type (public cloud, private cloud, and traditional IT) is available by viewing this press release on IDC.com. IDC's Worldwide Quarterly Cloud IT Infrastructure Tracker is designed to provide clients with a better understanding of what portion of the server, disk storage systems, and networking hardware markets are being deployed in cloud environments. This tracker breaks out each vendors' revenue by the hardware technology market into public and private cloud environments for historical data and provides a five-year forecast by the technology market. This Tracker is part of the Worldwide Quarterly Enterprise Infrastructure Tracker, which provides a holistic total addressable market view of the five key enabling infrastructure technologies for the datacenter (servers, external enterprise storage systems, purpose-built appliances: HCI and PBBA, and datacenter switches). Taxonomy Notes IDC defines cloud services more formally through a checklist of key attributes that an offering must manifest to end users of the service. Public cloud services are shared among unrelated enterprises and consumers; open to a largely unrestricted universe of potential users; and designed for a market, not a single enterprise. The public cloud market includes variety of services designed to extend or, in some cases, replace IT infrastructure deployed in corporate datacenters. It also includes content services delivered by a group of suppliers IDC calls Value Added Content Providers (VACP). Private cloud services are shared within a single enterprise or an extended enterprise with restrictions on access and level of resource dedication and defined/controlled by the enterprise (and beyond the control available in public cloud offerings); can be onsite or offsite; and can be managed by a third-party or in-house staff. In private cloud that is managed by in-house staff, "vendors (cloud service providers)" are equivalent to the IT departments/shared service departments within enterprises/groups. In this utilization model, where standardized services are jointly used within the enterprise/group, business departments, offices, and employees are the "service users." IDC defines Compute Platforms as compute intensive servers. Storage Platforms includes storage intensive servers as well as external storage and storage expansion (JBOD) systems. Storage intensive servers are defined based on high storage media density. Servers with low storage density are defined as compute intensive systems. Storage Platforms does not include internal storage media from compute intensive servers. There is no overlap in revenue between Compute Platforms and Storage Platforms, in contrast with IDC's Server Tracker and Enterprise Storage Systems Tracker, which include overlaps in portions of revenue associated with server-based storage. For more information about IDC's Quarterly Cloud IT Infrastructure Tracker, please contact Lidice Fernandez at [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 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/20200625005900/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Cookie Preferences Cookie List Cookie List A cookie is a small piece of data (text file) that a website when visited by a user asks your browser to store on your device in order to remember information about you, such as your language preference or login information. Those cookies are set by us and called first-party cookies. We also use third-party cookies which are cookies from a domain different than the domain of the website you are visiting for our advertising and marketing efforts. More specifically, we use cookies and other tracking technologies for the following purposes: Strictly Necessary Cookies We do not allow you to opt-out of our certain cookies, as they are necessary to ensure the proper functioning of our website (such as prompting our cookie banner and remembering your privacy choices) and/or to monitor site performance. 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Targeting Cookies We also use cookies to personalize your experience on our websites, including by determining the most relevant content and advertisements to show you, and to monitor site traffic and performance, so that we may improve our websites and your experience. You may opt out of our use of such cookies (and the associated sale of your Personal Information) by using this toggle switch. You will still see some advertising, regardless of your selection. Because we do not track you across different devices, browsers and GEMG properties, your selection will take effect only on this browser, this device and this website. I remember nothing about the spectacle that was July 4, 1976, which is sad because it was the day of our nations 200th anniversary. Its called a Bicentennial in the U.S. and a Bicentenary in Great Britain. Of course, the Brits are the people who pronounce aluminum as if it were spelled al-loo-MIN-ee-um. No wonder we had a revolution. Concerning July 1776, John Adams, our second president and delegate to the Continental Congress wrote, concerning our declaring independence from Britain as the most memorable epoch, in the history of America I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival. -- However, he was referring to July 2, which was the actual date the delegates voted to declare independence. Thomas Jeffersons final draft of the Declaration wasnt completed until July 4th. Historians are not in agreement as to which of the 56 delegates signed the Declaration on that day. It seems that all signatures were not affixed until August 2nd, 1776. I believe it was in September that a copy was floated to Britain so King George could see it, but it didnt arrive until November. I bet his shorts were in a knot. Oddly enough, the first shot fired in the revolution was on April 19, 1775 -- By the rude bridge that arched the flood, Their flag to April's breeze unfurled, Here once the embattled farmers stood, And fired the shot heard round the world. -- That was four lines of a 16 line poem called The Concord Hymn written by Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1837, some 60 years after the first shot was fired. I memorized it in the ninth grade for extra credit, but now, like most of you, I only remember the first four lines. I realize that none of you asked for a history lesson, but I consider the beginning of our Nations birth quite interesting. That being said, there are many discrepancies concerning what all happened during our seven-year struggle for independence. Those involved didnt agree as to who did what, how, when, and why. Most of our history comes from letters written by those involved. I wasnt there, but if I were standing on that rude bridge that arched the flood, I mightve exaggerated my participation a bit. -- Did you hear what Hayter said in the bar? Im here to tell you, that guy wasnt standing anywhere near that rude bridge! While the history of the Revolution may be a bit foggy, there is no doubt as to the results. Yes, 244 years ago this Sunday, our Founding Fathers agreed that we were getting a raw deal concerning our political link to Britain. Not all citizens were in agreement, but they are the ones we neglected to include on our list of Founding Fathers. Thatll teach them! Some of our Patriots delivered some great lines. Like, uh, taxation without representation is tyranny. That you either give me liberty or give me death. That I only regret I have but one life to lose for my country. That all men are created equal... That we must all hang together, or assuredly we will all hang separately. That these are the times that try mens souls. That I have not yet begun to fight. Great words. Not all, completely verified, but each a part of our history. And, as I said at the very beginning, I dont remember anything about what I did to celebrate on the Sunday of July 4, 1976. I was going to college in Huntsville at the time, and Kay was in prison I mean working for the Windham School District at the Walls Unit in Huntsville. Perhaps it rained real bad on the Fourth. Maybe Kay and I were sick. I have no remembrance of the day, nor did I keep a diary. That shouldve been Kays job. Of course, they may not have allowed her to have a pencil while she was in prison. There is one thing I did do as a way of making up for my lack of attention during our Bicentennial Celebration. I wrote a novel about the events that happened in a fictitious town in East Texas, during the entire summer of 1976. Its called The Summer of 76. I wrote it in 1986, but kept rewriting it until 2018 when I had Amazon turn it into an ebook. This year I edited the ebook and had Amazon turn it into a paperback. Its got a different cover than the ebook, but the ebooks cover isnt real. Its just a bunch of pixels. I only mention it now because the story is timely. After all, this Sunday is our Nations 244th anniversary. The two of you who were not around during our Bicentennial can read the book to see how one fictitious community celebrated the event. My final shameful attempt at self-promotion comes by way of the last lines of the books synopsis. Over the years, spectacular occurrences have been known to get magnified in the retelling. The story youre about to read is the true account of the deeds done and the events witnessed during the Summer of 76 in a town called Castle. I recommend you grab a knotted rope and hang on. That just makes me want to read it again. (NOT!) No, it makes me want to end this article with the third stanza of Concord Hymn written by a true writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson. On this green bank, by this soft stream, We set today a votive stone; That memory may their deed redeem, When, like our sires, our sons are gone. The summer of 76 is available in paperback or ebook at Amazon.com. Mark is generally available at hayter.mark@gmail.com [June 25, 2020] Chambes USA Names Meta-e Discovery Among Top eDiscovery Litigation Support Providers in 2020 Guide Meta-e Discovery LLC, a leading eDiscovery services firm, has once again been recognized by Chambers and Partners as one of the top eDiscovery litigation support providers in the United States in the 2020 Chambers Litigation Support Guide. Meta-e was ranked alongside industry giants as Ernst & Young and KPMG and is one of only 18 eDiscovery litigation support providers recognized and ranked by the prestigious guide. In this year's edition, the Chambers Litigation Support Guide notes that Meta-e is "roundly praised by the market for their technical strength." client says: "They are fantastic. There are so many choices, yet I continue to go with them," with another saying: "They help us make sure we are putting the process in the correct way, and ensure that when it gets to the back end, it is organized in a logical and coherent way." Meta-e CEO and founder Paul H. McVoy is ranked in Band 2-Nationwide, one of only eight e-Discovery professionals ranked in the country. The Guide notes that Mr. McVoy receives much praise for his expertise in the sector, with one client calling him "a wealth of knowledge," while another says: "When I have a question, I can either look it up or I can just email Paul and get a response quickly." Mr. McVoy has managed domestic and international eDiscovery projects for both plaintiffs and defendants for almost 20 years. He is an active member of The Sedona Conference and is editor of the Sedona Glossary, a frequently cited paper that is widely used to define eDiscovery terms. He has directed preservation, collection, and review in high-profile merger investigations. He has also been an influential consultant on many high-profile cases, including Target (News - Alert) Data Breach, BP Oil Spill and the Flint Water Contamination case. Based in New York and Connecticut, Meta-e Discovery has handled eDiscovery for a variety of litigation matters ranging from the largest class actions and complex litigation to individual commercial disputes. It is widely known for offering scalable eDiscovery technology and litigation support to clients of all sizes, from pre-case planning and budgeting to document review and depositions. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005197/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] WASHINGTON The Pentagon is facing a hemorrhage of talent as senior officials resign amid continued efforts by the White House to purge those perceived as political foes, including the Army lieutenant colonel who testified in the House impeachment hearings. The challenge of managing White House pressures and concerns about morale inside the Pentagon confronts Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper, who is already in a precarious position with President Trump. Mr. Esper angered the president this month by breaking publicly with him over whether active-duty military troops should be sent to control the wave of protests in American cities. The issue is immediately on Mr. Espers agenda, after the Army this week forwarded him a list of hundreds of officers who are set to be promoted to the next rank, U.S. officials said on Thursday. Included on the list is Lt. Col. Alexander S. Vindman, a decorated combat veteran who served on the staff of the White Houses National Security Council, where he ran afoul of Mr. Trump after testifying against him in the House impeachment hearings. The White House had made clear to officials in the Pentagons office of personnel and readiness, which handles such staffing, that Mr. Trump did not want to see Colonel Vindman promoted, the officials said. In fact, when they saw an earlier draft version of the list two weeks ago, National Security Council staff members told their Defense Department counterparts they had evidence of misconduct by Colonel Vindman. Karnataka Primary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar visited an examination centre in Bengaluru on Thursday as over eight lakh students appear for their SSLC exams, which resumed June 25 onwards, in the state amid steady rise in coronavirus cases. Kumar was snapped during his visit to an SSLC exam centre in Bengaluru. About 8,48,203 students are expected to sit for the examinations. The Karnataka government's decision to conduct school leaving exams led to fear and protests by parents and political parties. Several parents and children were seen outside examination centres on Wednesday to assess the safety measures in place. Meanwhile, a criminal miscellaneous petition has been filed against Minister Kumar seeking registration an FIR against him for conducting the exams amid the outbreak. "By going ahead with the exams, the minister is putting the lives of lakhs of students at risk. It could be to show his achievement politically, but he is playing with the students' lives," said Adarsh Iyer, co-president of Janaadhikara Sangharsha Parishath, who filed the petition. The state government, however, seems to have taken this 10-day exercise to hold board exams as a challenge to its management capabilities. Neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have cancelled their board exams. Also, it comes at a time when the Karnataka government is mulling a second round of lockdown in Bengaluru amid increasing number of cases. The states COVID-19 tally crossed the 10,000-mark on Wednesday. The exams will be held for 8,48,203 students across 2879 centres in the state. Additional 330 centres have also been set up. Students from containment zones will also appear for their exams. These students and those who have symptoms of the virus will be seated in separate rooms. If a centre is falls in a containment zone in the coming days, it will be shifted to a different centre reserved for the same. Boxes drawn on floors to ensure distancing, thermal screening at entrances, desks placed far apart inside classrooms are some of the measures in place at these centers. Initially scheduled to be held in March, the exams were given a go-ahead by the high court and the Supreme Court and will continue till July 5. Students must mandatorily wear a mask throughout the examination, bring their own water bottles and have been asked to report as early as at 7.30am to ensure distancing. Exams will begin at 10.30am. Former chief minister and Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) leader HD Kumaraswamy said the exams should have been postponed in view of the pandemic. The education minister, however, said the cases may go up further in the coming months as per experts. "He (HD Kumaraswamy) says exams can be postponed to August or some other time, but experts think otherwise. This is the right time for students to write their exams with all the safety measures in place." U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened to seek to reimpose U.N. sanctions on Iran if the U.N. Security Council does not approve a resolution that would indefinitely extend the arms embargo on Tehran, which is set to expire in October. Pompeo told a news conference at the State Department in Washington on Wednesday that without extending the arms embargo, ``Iran will be able to purchase advanced weapons systems and become an arms dealer of choice for terrorists and rogue regimes all throughout the world. This is unacceptable.'' He spoke ahead of a closed video briefing to Security Council members Wednesday afternoon on the U.S. draft resolution to maintain the arms embargo by U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook and U.S. Ambassador Kelly Craft. Tensions between Iran and the U.S. have escalated since the Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and six major powers in 2018 and reimposed crippling U.S. sanctions. A year ago, the U.S. sent thousands more troops, long-range bombers and an aircraft carrier to the Middle East in response to what it called a growing threat of Iranian attacks on U.S. interests in the region. The five other powers that signed the nuclear deal _ Russia, China, UK, France and Germany _ remain committed to it, saying the agreement is key to continuing inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency and preventing Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons. Lifting the arms embargo is part of the 2015 Security Council resolution endorsing the nuclear agreement. The Security Council is scheduled to discuss the resolution's implementation on June 30. Calling Iran ``the leading state sponsor of terror,'' Pompeo said the U.S. focus is to work with the Security Council to pass the resolution. ``But, in the event that doesn't happen, I would remind the world that the Obama administration's officials said very clearly that the United States has the unilateral ability to snap back sanctions into place,'' he said. The 2015 nuclear deal includes a ``snap back'' provision which would restore all U.N. sanctions against Iran that had been lifted or eased if the nuclear deal is violated. The State Department said that in his briefing, Hook pointed to Iranian arms transfers and ``the full range of Iran's malign activity, including its September 2019 direct attack on Saudi Arabia,'' which violate current restrictions. Drone strikes hit two Saudi oil installations on Sept. 14, which the U.S. blamed on Iran. Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia has made clear Moscow's opposition to a new arms embargo on Iran and has dismissed as ``ridiculous'' the possibility of the Trump administration trying to use the ``snap back'' provision. Nebenzia said the U.S. pulled out of the agreement and ``they have no right'' to use any of its provisions. But Pompeo and Craft insist the resolution makes clear the U.S. retains to right to use the ``snap back'' provision. Diplomats said that at Wednesday's closed briefing there was an exchange of views with the U.S. on one side and Russia on the other. Some Western governments privately fear that maintaining an arms embargo will lead Iran to oust IAEA inspectors and move ahead on developing nuclear weapons. The latest report by IAEA said Iran has continued to increase its stockpiles of low-enriched uranium in violation of the 2015 nuclear deal. The nuclear agreement promised Iran economic incentives in return for curbs on its nuclear program, which Tehran said it hasn't received, especially since the U.S. withdrawal in 2018. Iran has since slowly and openly violated the nuclear restrictions to try and pressure the remaining nations in the agreement to increase incentives to offset the economy-crippling U.S. sanctions. The draft U.S. resolution, obtained by The Associated Press, would ban Iran from supplying, selling or transferring any arms or related material from its territory after the embargo expires on Oct. 18. It would also ban the other 192 U.N. member states from buying Iranian weapons or allowing their nationals to train, provide financial resources or assistance related ``to the supply, sale, transfer, manufacture, maintenance, or use of arms and related materiel'' to Iran unless they get Security Council approval at least 30 days in advance. The draft would authorize all U.N. member states to inspect cargo entering or transiting through their territory at airports, seaports and free trade zones from Iran or heading there if the member state ``has reasonable grounds to believe the cargo'' contains banned items. It would also condemn the September 2019 attack against Saudi Arabia ``carried out by Iran'' and condemn December 2019 attacks against an Iraqi military base in Kirkuk and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. And it would deplore ``Iran's transfers of arms to militias and other armed groups in the region'' and demand that Iran stop such transfers immediately. Search Keywords: Short link: By PTI NEW DELHI: Apollo Tyres on Thursday said it has commissioned its new manufacturing plant at Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh. The facility, which is the company's seventh unit globally, has come up at an investment of Rs 3,800 crore for the first phase, Apollo Tyres said in a statement. Spread over 256 acres, the plant will have a capacity to roll out 15,000 passenger car tyres and 3,000 truck-bus radials per day by 2022, it added. With a modular layout, the capacity at this facility can be replicated with minimal engineering efforts and with economies on investments, the tyre maker said. "This ultra-modern facility is a reflection of our growth aspirations and manufacturing capabilities, showcasing some of the best practices available across the globe in tyre manufacturing," Apollo Tyres Chairman Onkar S Kanwar said. This highly automated plant uses IT-driven systems and robotics, and employs young and skilled associates on the shop floor, mostly hired locally, he added. The plant will cater to both domestic as well as export markets, the company said. The plant has been set-up using 35,000 tonnes of steel, and around 1. 23 lakh cubic metre of concrete, with 12 million man hours of construction work, it added. Currently, the built-up area of this facility is 2,16,000 square metres, and it employs around 850 people, tyre maker said. Apollo Tyres already has manufacturing plants in Hungary and Netherlands, two facilities in Kerala and one each in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. SPRINGFIELD State Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, has been appointed to the bipartisan Illinois Legislative Budget Oversight Commission, which is charged with monitoring discretionary spending by the governors office and local governments related to the new state budget and federal relief funding. The unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has and will continue to create unprecedented challenges to our state budget and the way we conduct business, which requires us to find unconventional ways of providing heightened oversight and accountability, Manar said. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure that federal and state funds issued in response to COVID-19 are used in the best interest of public health and the economic recovery of families and small businesses. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - While reporting financial results for the third quarter on Thursday, Darden Restaurants, Inc., (DRI) said it is providing a financial outlook for the first quarter instead of its usual practice of providing an annual outlook, due to uncertainty surrounding future business performance stemming from COVID-19. For the first quarter, the company expects net earnings from continuing operations to be greater than or equal to $0.00 per share on total sales of approximately 70% of prior year sales. On average, analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect the company to report a loss of $0.35 per share on a sales decline to 25.1 percent to $1.6 billion for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. Additionally, the Company expects to open 35 to 40 net new restaurants and have total capital spending of $250 million to $300 million for the full year. 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 FRANCISCO, Calif., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hurtigruten, a Norwegian-based travel company, uses contact center software partner, Bright Pattern, to move all of its brick-and-mortar contact center agents to home offices amid the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure the safety of its employees while maintaining excellent customer service. Bright Pattern has helped global companies during the pandemic by deploying AI to triage recent upticks in call/interaction volume experienced by the travel industry and by providing a 100% virtual platform allowing customers to seamlessly transition to remote teams. "When our current customer, Hurtigruten, came to us to aid their transition to a completely remote workforce, we were happy to help," said Michael McCloskey, CEO of Bright Pattern. "Bright Pattern has helped many of our customers make the transition to the cloud with remote teams including one of the largest banks in the US , numerous BPOs providing support to Fortune 500 companies and luxury brands , and international COVID-19 contact tracing teams in the United Kingdom and South Korea." "With our help, Hurtigruten was able to move to a completely remote workforce in just a few weeks," continued McCloskey. "Because their agents were already trained on the Bright Pattern platform, the transition was swift and the Hurtigruten team is confident that if they need to add new agents during the pandemic, they can do so remotely with minimal training due to the ease of use of the Bright Pattern platform." The COVID-19 pandemic has affected lives and company's around the world, and the call center industry is no exception. Bright Pattern solutions can be used remotely, where work from home agents can seamlessly supplement companies current workforce to provide a personalized and effortless experience to your customers virtually. Bright Pattern Virtual Call Center Bright Pattern's cloud-based virtual call center solution for remote agents delivers all of the benefits of a traditional contact center solution while providing the additional benefits of the flexibility gained through the use of remote workers. Our virtual contact center software solution allows your organization to "flex" during peak or low times, recruit talent from any geography, and deliver a complete omnichannel customer experience. In addition, Bright Pattern provides a powerful omnichannel quality management solution that allows you to score 100% of all customer interactions and manage agent performance to better manage remote workers. This combination of advanced omnichannel virtual contact center software with embedded quality management makes Bright Pattern the clear choice for delivering the best customer and agent experience. Bright Pattern Cloud Contact Center Features: Business Continuity Keep your business going no matter what interruptions local offices or business settings face. Bright Pattern has a robust system designed to ensure uninterrupted continuity in the case of a local disaster or facility interruption. Keep your business going no matter what interruptions local offices or business settings face. Bright Pattern has a robust system designed to ensure uninterrupted continuity in the case of a local disaster or facility interruption. Scalability Bright Pattern cloud call center software allows you to easily supplement your existing workforce with additional remote agents in minimal time. Bright Pattern cloud call center software allows you to easily supplement your existing workforce with additional remote agents in minimal time. Deploy in Days: Bright Pattern was rated #1 by G2 Crowd for quickest time to deploy out of all CCaaS vendors in the industry with the highest ROI and ROI payback time. Bright Pattern Cloud Contact Center can be deployed in days instead of the weeks it takes most CCaaS vendors. Bright Pattern was rated #1 by G2 Crowd for quickest time to deploy out of all CCaaS vendors in the industry with the highest ROI and ROI payback time. Bright Pattern Cloud Contact Center can be deployed in days instead of the weeks it takes most CCaaS vendors. Geographic flexibility allow agents to access the exact same information that they would typically access in their offices from anywhere with a stable internet connection. allow agents to access the exact same information that they would typically access in their offices from anywhere with a stable internet connection. Maintain voice quality across geographies Bright Pattern's Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) software routes callers to the optimal agent. Bright Pattern's Automatic Call Distribution (ACD) software routes callers to the optimal agent. Built in Quality Assurance Monitor 100% of interactions regardless of channel with AI-powered quality management with sentiment and speech analytics for automated quality assurance in real-time across the globe. Monitor 100% of interactions regardless of channel with AI-powered quality management with sentiment and speech analytics for automated quality assurance in real-time across the globe. Data Privacy Fully compliant with international regulations including PCI DSS, HIPAA, DGPR, TCPA, and SOC. If you are experiencing a spike in calls as a result of the outbreak or need to deploy a remote workforce, Bright Pattern is prepared to deliver consultations and cloud services to existing and new customers. Please contact us at [email protected] , call 925-548-0532, or request a demo . Additional Resources: About Bright Pattern Bright Pattern provides the simplest and most powerful AI-powered omnichannel contact center for innovative midsize and enterprise companies. With the purpose of making customer service brighter, easier, and faster than ever before, Bright Pattern offers the only true omnichannel cloud platform with embedded AI that can be deployed quickly and nimbly by business userswithout costly professional services. Bright Pattern allows companies to offer an effortless and personal customer experience across channels like voice , text, chat , email , video , messengers , and bots . Bright Pattern also allows companies to measure and act on every interaction on every channel via embedded AI omnichannel quality management. The company was founded by a team of industry veterans who pioneered the leading contact center solutions and today are delivering architecture for the future with an advanced cloud-first approach. Bright Pattern's cloud contact center solution is used globally in over 26 countries and 12 languages. About Hurtigruten Hurtigruten is the world leader in exploration travel. As the largest cruise operator in polar waters, and with over 126 years of know-how, they offer immersive experiences to some of the world's most pristine and remote destinations, including Antarctica, Alaska, Arctic Canada and the Northwest Passage, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Svalbard, and more. Hurtigruten's fleet consists of 14 expedition ships, custom built for adventure travel. In addition, two new groundbreaking ships will be delivered: MS Fridtjof Nansen in 2020, and a second new build in 2021. These will be the most advanced and environmentally friendly expedition vessels at sea, as well as the world's first hybrid electric-powered cruise ships, following the launch of MS Roald Amundsen in 2019. Hurtigruten is an industry leader in sustainability, with a deep commitment to improving the marine environments they call home. SOURCE Bright Pattern Related Links http://www.brightpattern.com Big Brother star Ian Joass has defended co-star Talia Rycroft after she was labelled a 'mean girl' by viewers before her eviction. Speaking on Hit Mid North Coast's Krysti & Bodge on Tuesday, Ian complained about Talia's portrayal while praising her for being a 'lovely' person. 'She was super lovely, she would come in and give everybody a good night hug,' Ian said, when asked who got an undeserved edit on the show. Truth: Big Brother star Ian Joass, 25, (pictured) has revealed the TRUTH about co-star Talia Rycroft in an interview on Tuesday, after she was dubbed the 'mean girl' in the house Ian then explained Talia comforted him after he was stressed following a possible eviction nomination in the house. 'I can remember one of the nights I was stressing about me being put up for nomination and I was awake way later than I needed to,' he said. 'And she came out and calmed me down and had a good old chat. She was a lovely person. But she doesn't come across that way on the show.' Sweet! 'She was super lovely she would come in and give everybody a good night hug,' Ian said, when asked who got an undeserved edit on the show. Pictured: Talia Rycroft Talia was unforgettably dubbed the 'queen' of the house during her brief time on the rebooted Channel Seven reality series. The blonde bombshell was put up for nomination by Angela Clancy, who alleged Talia 'threatened' her prior to the nomination process. Angela claimed that Talia said there will be 'blood' if either she or best friend in the house Dan Gorringe were put up for possible eviction. Mislabelled: Talia was unforgettably dubbed the 'queen' of the house during her brief time on the rebooted reality series Explaining the comments on Sunrise, Talia said: 'I don't regret saying that to her. 'I was only trying to look out for her because I know that my friendship group were coming after her.' She added: 'Because Angela and I had such a good friendship, I didn't want to see her go down. But it actually resulted in me going down.' Claims: Angela (pictured) claimed that Talia said there will be 'blood' if either she or best friend in the house Dan Gorringe were put up for nomination Talia previously voiced how she was unhappy with her edit on the show, particularly a much-talked about scene of her in a skimpy red swimsuit. The blonde beauty said producers had made it look like she was 'flaunting' herself to intimidate another woman in the house, Sophie Budack. She explained that Sophie had actually been the one to encourage her to wear the one-piece swimming costume when the intruders showed up. 'On that day, Sophie actually said to me, 'Oi, go put your bikini on,' because I was still in my pyjamas,' Talia said. Even as the decision to impose basic custom duty on solar equipment is likely to boost domestic manufacturing, the move can be counter productive for manufacturers who have set up facilities in SEZs unless they are treated at par with units in the domestic tariff areas, industry players say. Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister R K Singh on Thursday said his ministry has proposed to impose basic custom duty (BCD) from August 1, this year on solar equipment, including cells, modules and inverters, in the range of 15-20 percent in the first year, which would eventually increase up to 40 percent. As per the data available with MNRE, 63 percent or nearly 2000 MW out of the total 3100 MW of cell manufacturing capacity and nearly 43 percent or around 3800 MW out of the 9000 MW of module manufacturing capacity is currently situated in SEZ. "In general BCD imposition is a welcome move in the context that it is the time to focus on domestic manufacturing, which would help conserve substantial foreign exchange and create at least 3-4 lakh jobs in the sector in the next 2-3 years. However, this measure would be counter-productive and harm the very industry unless it is ensured that units in DTA and SEZ are placed on a similar footing in terms of duties and taxation," Vikram Solar CEO Saibaba Vutukuri told PTI. In July 2018, India imposed safeguard on solar cells imports from China and Malaysia for two years to protect domestic players from steep rise in the inbound shipments of the products. The government had imposed a 25 percent SGD, which gradually came down over the years and would be zero or nil from July 30, 2020. However, since the safeguard duty was applicable in the SEZ and export oriented units, solar equipment manufacturers in these units had to pay the duty for the modules and cells produced by them and utilized for solar projects in India. "Apart from China, Malaysia and other countries, India is also a significant market for solar cells and modules for Indian firms, whether located in SEZ, export oriented units or DTA zones. No custom tariff was ever envisaged while investing into the manufacturing units in SEZ for clearance to DTA. It is thus important to protect the existing investment, especially in SEZ," RenewSys Global CEO and MD Avinash Hiranandani said. The ministry has proposed to impose 20 -25 percent BCD on solar modules which would be raised up to 40 per cent subsequently in the second year. For cells, the duty would be in the range of 15-20 percent in the first year and raised up to 40 per cent in the second year onwards. Echoing the views, Webel Solar managing director SL Agarwal said, "If the manufacturing units located in DTA and SEZ are placed on similar footing in terms of custom duties and taxation, it will help India to achieve its renewable energy targets and help the government to achieve 'make in India' initiative." In addition, the manufacturing units located in SEZ would be able to export as well as cater to the domestic market, hence achieving economies of scale. WASHINGTON By September, Connecticut will move roughly 1,800 homeless people now living into hotels and shelters into apartments and homes in order to protect them from the coronavirus. The $14 million campaign is one of the biggest emergency housing initiatives the state has ever undertaken and its making the state Department of Housing look at its housing options with new eyes. The Department is considering buying hotels in foreclosure to be a source of emergency housing for vulnerable people. Private non-profits would be the owners of the properties. This experience actually is giving us the opportunity to rethink how we house people in an emergency situation for services and housing, Department of Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno said Tuesday. We are looking at a couple of hotels to see if there is an opportunity for those that are going to be in foreclosure because they can provide the social space, the individual rooms so people are not together because the pandemic is not going away any time soon. The state is considering purchasing three or four hotels, said Steve DiLella, director of individual and family support programs at the Department of Housing. The purchases would be made using federal coronavirus relief funding. This is certainly in the early phases, DiLella said. We are thinking of ways to manage the system without going back to what we were doing In the end, after COVID ends, these properties have the potential to be permanent housing. Rep. Jim Himes, D-4, said federal and state officials have learned from the pandemic that emergency and affordable housing need to be quickly available. This isnt going to be the last time we need to find emergency housing to keep people safe, Himes said. It may not be a pandemic, or it will at some point, or it may be flooding... I hope we dont lose the lessons we learned in that four week mad dash. When COVID-19 struck Connecticut, DOH in March quickly moved homeless individuals 62 and older into empty hotel rooms, Mosquera-Bruno said. As the crisis deepened and it became clear group housing, like homeless shelters, was unsafe, roughly 1,000 homeless people were transitioned to about 15 hotel sites across the state, including hotels in Stamford, Danbury, Norwalk, Shelton, Waterbury, New Haven and West Haven. The total price tag for roughly 850 hotels rooms was about $1.5 million a month, plus additional costs for food, personal protective equipment and staff at the hotel sites, DiLella said. Moving people to hotel rooms worked, resulting in almost no positive coronavirus cases among the relocated individuals, said Kiley Gosselin, executive director of Partnership for Strong Communities. Now, hotel contracts are expiring and networks of housing nonprofits are tasked with moving the 1,000 individuals plus the roughly 200 people a month who become newly homeless into apartments for the next six months to a year. The networks plan to move 250 people in June, 400 in July and 350 in August. The state and nonprofits will use about $14 million in federal funds to sign leases and move people into apartments, most of which are now listed on the free market, not public housing. Theyre negotiating with landlords at a time of hot demand, when many city-dwellers from New York are escaping to Connecticut, some temporarily, some permanently. In western Connecticut, Covid-19 makes it harder and the tightening of the market with many folks from New York coming out, explained David Rich, executive director of Supportive Housing Works, which is now working to rehouse people in Fairfield and Litchfield counties. Some places are outrageously expensive... there is just not enough [affordable housing] in Fairfield County. Housing advocates are also concerned about a new spike in evictions after Aug. 1, when a court-ordered stay on evictions is lifted. DiLella said the state is trying to prevent such a spike with new programs to help low-income people behind on rent catch up and provide legal services to tenants in eviction proceedings. These evictions are building up and as soon as the state is going to go away with the stay most people predict a real wave in evictions in the state, Rich said. Some people predict we need $100 million at the state level for rent banks. As Connecticut wrestles with longstanding affordable housing shortages, Himes said Congress is working on legislation including major investments in public housing infrastructure, but he puts the odds of passage at 50-50. He said to make change, towns need to work with private developers to construct affordable housing. We need to change some peoples minds about the ability to do affordable housing and yes, even homelessness relief, in communities in a way that actually add to the vibrancy of those areas, Himes said. Im not prepared to say I know the answer of how we do that in New Canaan, Connecticut, although I think it has to do in places like that with senior housing... but weve got such success models and we need to figure out how to do this better in Connecticut. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, said protecting the homeless was a matter of racial justice. In Connecticut, Black African Americans account for over 30 percent who experience homelessness, but only represent about 10 percent of Connecticuts general population, DeLauro said. Black African Americans account for around 20 percent of COVID positive cases and 15 percent of COVID-related deaths. emilie.munson@hearstdc.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson Taiwan Announces Aid Plan for Hong Kongers Who Have Fled to Taiwan By Joyce Huang June 24, 2020 Taiwan announced recently a plan to use state funds to help Hong Kong protesters who have fled to Taiwan out of fear of prosecution at home. Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) Minister Chen Ming-tong said a new Taiwan-Hong Kong Service and Exchange Office will be set up to provide assistance to Hong Kong residents seeking resettlement, employment, investment and study in Taiwan. Chen said the office will open on July 1 and operate under the Taiwan-Hong Kong Economic and Cultural Cooperation Council. Only individuals who have already fled to Taiwan for political reasons can receive the benefits. The June 18 move was widely expected after Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen issued a directive on May 27, saying the island will create a plan to support Hong Kongers. Her directive immediately followed China's approval of a draft national security law for Hong Kong. Political asylum in line with law Since Taiwan does not have a political asylum law, Chen said the humanitarian aid project will function under the authority of Article 18 of the Laws and Regulations Regarding Hong Kong and Macau Affairs. The article states that "necessary assistance shall be provided to Hong Kong or Macau residents whose safety and liberty are immediately threatened for political reasons." Chen stressed that the move is not a rescue plan, but a show of support for the people of Hong Kong. "It will provide humanitarian assistance and care for Hong Kongers on a case-by-case basis in line with the existing law," he said. Experts say that restricting the assistance to persons already in Taiwan shows the government's balanced position on Hong Kong; that is, it provides practical support for the protesters while avoiding touching China's internal affairs. Statistics produced by Taiwan's National Immigration Agency show that 681 Hong Kong residents applied to reside in Taiwan at the height of last year's pro-democracy protests in June and July. That was 45% more than in the same period in 2018. China's Taiwan Affairs Council reacted strongly on Friday. "The so-called aid project of the DPP authorities once again exposed its political plot to intervene in Hong Kong affairs and undermine Hong Kong's prosperity and stability," said council spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian. She added that "the conspiracy of Taiwan and Hong Kong independence to destroy [the] 'One Country, Two Systems' framework and split the country will never succeed." Civic groups welcome move A joint statement by several civic groups, including Taipei-based Hong Kong Outlanders and the Taiwan Association for Human Rights, applauded the move. "We hope to work together with the Taiwan government on the humanitarian assistance project," the statement said. Daniel, who stormed into Hong Kong's Legislative Council during a pro-democracy protest last July and subsequently fled to Taiwan, said that he's pleased with the Taiwan government's move. A Hong Konger, he asked not to use his full name for fear of retaliation from Beijing. Fearing Arrest for Pro-democracy Activity in Hong Kong, Protestor Flees to Taiwan Some 200 Hong Kongers have opted for exile rather than face arrest, charges and possible prison sentences as China tightens its grip on their home "This is a big milestone," he said. "In the past, Hong Kong protesters can only resort to private organizations and NGOs for help." Daniel also called on the Taiwan government to be cautious in deciding who is eligible for the assistance. He said no Hong Kongers would want to see outside forces taking advantage of the project to infiltrate Taiwan. Tsai reaffirmed her commitment to support Hong Kong on Thursday. Referring to the special aid project in a Facebook post, Tsai wrote that "the nation will continue to employ institutional power to provide Hong Kongers with practical support and assistance." China's state media Xinhua Agency said China has finished drafting the new security law for Hong Kong and that it was submitted to the standing Committee of the National People's Congress on Thursday. The bill 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. Those categories were not further defined. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Australian airline Qantas has announced plans to cut at least 6,000 jobs and keep 15,000 more employees on extended furlough as part of a cost-cutting plan to try and stay afloat amid the coronavirus pandemic. The airline, which employs about 29,000 people, said plans to reduce costs and raise fresh capital also include grounding 100 planes for a year or more and immediately retiring its six remaining Boeing 747 planes. Alan Joyce, chief executive of Qantas, said shrinking the airline was necessary to brace for several years of much lower revenues and furloughed staff faced a long interruption to their airline careers. The actions that were taking will have a huge impact on thousands of our people. This is something that weighs very heavily on all of us, he told reporters on Thursday. This is something that we dont make a decision on very easily. But the collapse of billions of dollars in revenue leaves us with little choice if we are to save as many jobs as possible longer term. Mr Joyce said although Qantas had entered the pandemic in a better position than most airlines and remained optimistic about the future, the crisis has still hit us very, very hard and added the impact will be felt for a long time. He said he expected just 8,000 employees to be working again by next month and 15,000 by the end of the year. With international routes opening again over the next two years, Mr Joyce said he hoped the workforce would increase again to 21,000. The job losses would include at least 1,450 from mostly corporate roles, 1,500 in ground operations including baggage handling, 1050 cabin crew, 630 in engineering and 220 pilots. Some contractors, particularly in information technology, would also be out of work. The airline planned to be back to 40 per cent of its pre-crisis domestic flying by July, but international routes would take much longer to return. In a plan filed with the Australian stock exchange, Qantas said it would reduce costs by A$15bn (approximately 8.3bn) over three years and raise new equity of A$1.9bn to help accelerate the airlines recovery and position it for new opportunities. Australias prime minister, Scott Morrison, said the government wanted to help former Qantas employees suffering from terrible job losses to find new work in other parts of the economy. In an interview with Australian broadcaster 9Now, Mr Morrison said the cuts were absolutely devastating. I was at Qantas just as Covid-19 was escalating and I went down there to thank the staff for the amazing work they did in getting Australians out of Wuhan in China So I am gutted by this and I know theyll be gutted, he said. The support we have in place for JobSeeker, which is double the normal rate, and the employment programmes and training that will be there to get them back into other jobs, and I know Qantas will do the right thing by them too. Additional reporting by AP TORONTO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau today said the World Health Organization has questions to answer on how it engaged with China during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trudeau made the remarks at the 32,000-attendee online conference Collision from Home, produced by the team behind Web Summit the largest tech conference in the world. "There are questions about how it (WHO) can be improved and it needs to answer certain questions that people have around how it engaged with China early-on. But it is really important that we turn to multilateralism to work ourselves through this," said Trudeau. Asked whether Canada will play a more pronounced role in WHO following US president Donald Trump's May announcement to pull funding from the organisation, Trudeau said Canada will continue to contribute to the global public health effort. "The WHO is a multilateral institution that has served (us) extremely well it is extremely important. It is the best gig we have out there in terms of world public health. Can it be improved? Must it be improved? Absolutely. "But that's work that we should be doing not walking away from. Canada will continue to be a strong proponent of multilateral institutions and engagements," said Trudeau. Trudeau said that Canada is looking at ways to ensure major tech companies pay a "fair" amount of tax, adding that the country is a "a little closer to the Europeans than with the US administration on their approach." "The issue is one of fairness. We need to make sure that people are paying their fair share of taxes, and that's why we've had significant concerns around advertising revenue generated from Canadian sources that go into big tech coffers. "We are looking, along with Europe, at ways of making sure that the tech giants are paying their fair share of taxes. Everyone should be paying their fair share, and the tech giants haven't been doing that in the past," said Trudeau. Watch a clip from the interview here . About Justin Trudeau: Prime minister Justin Trudeau is a teacher, father, feminist and an advocate for youth and the middle class. In 2008, he was elected as the Liberal Member of Parliament for the Montreal riding of Papineau. He was sworn in as prime minister on 4 November, 2015. About Collision: Collision is known by CBC as the "TIFF for tech", while Inc. Magazine calls it the "fastest-growing tech conference in North America". Collision is set to move online for 2020 with Collision from Home. Collision will return to Toronto as a physical event for the second year from June 21-24, 2021 at the Enercare Centre. About Web Summit: Forbes says Web Summit is "the best tech conference on the planet"; Bloomberg calls it "Davos for geeks"; Politico, "the Olympics of tech"; The Guardian, "Glastonbury for geeks"; and, in the words of Inc. Magazine, "Web Summit is the largest technology conference in the world". Whatever Web Summit is, it wouldn't be possible without an incredible team of over 200 employees based in Dublin, Lisbon, Toronto and Hong Kong, including world-class engineers, data scientists, designers, producers, marketers, salespeople, and more. They've disrupted an old industry by building incredible software and designing mind-blowing events, revolutionising how people and ideas come together to change the world. Useful links: Collision images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/collisionconf/ Collision speaker lineup: https://collisionconf.com/speakers Collision schedule: https://collisionconf.com/schedule SOURCE Web Summit Ford Motor Co has signed a deal with Vodafone Group Plc to install a private 5G network at the car maker's electric-vehicle (EV) battery facility in UK's Essex, the companies said in a joint statement on Thursday. The project is part of a 65-million-pound ($80.87 million) investment in 5G backed by the UK government, according to Ford and Vodafone, and would be among the first of its kind in Britain. The private 5G network at Ford's facility will replace older Wi-Fi networks and help speed up the production of EV components, according to the companies. "For a single EV product, this could generate more than a half a million pieces of data every minute", the statement said, adding that the upgrade will provide faster and more accurate manufacturing control and analysis. Earlier this week, Toyota Production Engineering Corporation selected Finland's Nokia Oyj to install an industrial-grade 5G private wireless network at its manufacturing design center in Fukuoka, Japan. The two countries' accounts have long been in an online spat. Ukraine has described Russia as a "toxic ex" after the nation's official Twitter account shared images of the authors claimed were "good ol' days" of the Soviet Union. "Many Ukrainians still remember the good ol' days, when Soviet Ukraine was the USSR's breadbasket, as well as a popular health tourism destination and industrial center," Russia tweeted, sharing photos from the time, Yahoo Finance reported. toxic ex here https://t.co/zU7EEYoreg Ukraine / (@Ukraine) June 23, 2020 "A lot of that, and much more, is available in Russias Crimea today." In response, Ukraine highlighted the post by posting: "toxic ex here". Ukraine achieved independence from the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) in 1991 when the state was dissolved. It had been part of the bloc since the 1920s after Soviet Russian forces overran the country and millions of Ukrainians died of starvation in the Holodomor famine manufactured under the control of Joseph Stalin a crime for which the leader was posthumously found guilty of genocide. Read alsoRussian 'military parades' in occupied Donbas, Crimea violate Ukrainian, international law MFA Since 2014, Russia has been in conflict with its neighbor after Kremlin forces invaded and annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula and then launched aggression in the Donbas region in Ukraine's east. In another famous episode of the online feud, Ukraine ridiculed Russia for the attempt to expropriate the figure of French Queen Anne of Kyiv as "Russian". (Repeats with no change to text) GENEVA, June 25 (Reuters) - France and Germany expressed their backing for the World Health Organization in fighting the coronavirus on Thursday, with Germany saying it will contribute some half billion euros in funding for the U.N. agency this year. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, talking at a news conference in Geneva, said the agency, widely criticised by the United States, was getting all the financial and political support it needed. More than 9.44 million people have been reported to have been infected by the coronavirus globally and 481,672 have died, according to a Reuters tally. (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay, Joseph Nasr, Silke Koltrowitz and Matthias Blamont; Writing by Nick Macfie; Editing by Catherine Evans) By Online Desk Global terror financing watchdog FATF decided to keep Pakistan under its 'Grey List' on Wednesday. The reason cited for this was Pakistan's apparent inability to check terror funding to groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The decision was taken at the body's third plenary session, which was held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic. "The FATF plenary decided continuation of Pakistan in 'Grey List' till its next meeting to be held in October," an official privy to the development told PTI. The announcement also comes hours after a US report stated that Pakistan was a 'safe haven' for terrorists. As per the report, Pakistan took "modest steps" in 2019 to counter terror financing and restrain India-focused militant groups from conducting large-scale attacks following the Pulwama attack in February, but it remained a "safe harbor" for regionally focused terrorist group. In its Congressional-mandated annual report 2019 Country Reports on Terrorism, the State Department said Pakistan took action against some externally focused groups, including indicting Lashkar e-Taiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed and associates in three separate terrorism financing cases. It allowed groups targeting Afghanistan, including the Afghan Taliban and affiliated Haqqani Network (HQN), as well as groups targeting India, including the LeT and its affiliated front organisations, and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), to operate from its territory, the report said. "It did not take action against other known terrorists such as JeM founder and UN-designated terrorist Masood Azhar and 2008 Mumbai attack 'project manager' Sajid Mir, both of whom are believed to remain free in Pakistan," alleged the State Department. Although al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan has been seriously degraded, key figures among the outfit's global leadership, as well as its regional affiliate al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), continued to operate from remote locations in the region that historically served as safe havens, it said. Pakistan is one of the countries that figures in the terrorist safe havens list. A strong Indian delegation with experts on money laundering and terror financing participated in the half-day FATF plenary. With Pakistan's continuation in the 'Grey List', it will be difficult for the country to get financial aid from the IMF, World Bank, ADB and the European Union, thus further enhancing problems for the nation which is in a precarious financial situation. If Pakistan fails to comply with the FATF directive by October, there is every possibility that the global body may put the country in the 'Black List' along with North Korea and Iran. India has been maintaining that Pakistan extends regular support to terror groups like LeT, JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen, whose prime target is India, and has urged FATF to take action against Islamabad. Pakistan was placed on the 'Grey List' by the FATF in June 2018 and continues to be in the list since then as it has failed to comply with the tasks given by the FATF to stop terror financing. The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF currently has 39 members including two regional organisations -- the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council. India is a member of the FATF consultations and its Asia Pacific Group. (With PTI inputs) During their political honeymoon, Adams Oshiomhole called Godwin Obaseki the brain and creativity behind his administration in Edo State and anointed him as his successor. Mr Obaseki became governor in 2016, while Oshiomhole became the national chairman of their party, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Shortly after Mr Obaseki assumed office, the political marriage between the two men began to unravel. The rift was subtle at first, but it became obvious a year ago and grew worse almost by the day until their final divorce two weeks ago. The first casualty was Mr Oshiomhole whose suspension by his local ward in Edo State, reportedly under the manipulation of the governor, was used in persuading a court to suspend him from office as the national chairman of the party. Mr Obaseki would later get his own bitter pills when he was disqualified from the APC governorship primary for alleged inconsistencies in his academic credentials, a plot some observers believe was scripted by Mr Oshiomhole. Ultimately, Mr Obaseki defected to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where he immediately renewed his bid for reelection. In the span of the crisis between the duo, and by extension within the APC, there were intrigues, sacks, litigations, threats, among others. PREMIUM TIMES chronicles the events in the feud between Messrs Obaseki and Oshiomhole. Timeline June 17, 2019 Edo State House of Assembly inaugurated nine out of its 24 members-elect, drawing allegations that the exercise was to prevent Mr Oshiomholes loyalists among the members-elect from taking control of the legislature. The inauguration was rejected by the National APC. June 23, 2019 A chieftain of the APC in Edo, Charles Idahosa called for the resignation of Mr Oshiomhole as the APC national chairman. July 4, 2019 Governor Obaseki sacked eight of his commissioners who were allegedly loyal to Mr Oshiomhole. July 10, 2019 The National Assembly set up a committee to investigate the Edo Assembly crisis. July 12, 2019 At a rally in the state capital Benin, Mr Obaseki accused Mr Oshiomhole and his supporters of plotting to invade the state. August 13, 2019 Mr Obaseki paid a courtesy visit to Mr Oshiomhole, after attending a reception in honour of a former APC national chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun who was celebrating his 80th birthday in Auchi. September 12, 2019 A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt stopped the National Assembly from interfering in the affairs of Edo State House of Assembly. November 12, 2019 Following a vote of no confidence passed by 18 chairmen of the states local government area chapters, Mr Oshiomhole was suspended by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State. Timeline of how Obaseki and Oshiomhole moved from being political sweethearts to implacable foes. November 21, 2019 A five-member committee led by Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje was appointed by APCs National Working Committee (NWC) to resolve the crisis rocking the party in Edo State. November 27, 2019 73 members of the APC South-South zone met Messrs Oshiomhole and Obaseki at an emergency caucus meeting, believed to be for reconciliation. December 4, 2019 The Edo House of Assembly sacked 12 out of the 15 lawmakers-elect who were initially excluded from its inauguration in June. December 27, 2019 Mr Obaseki said Mr Oshiomhole remained suspended but if he comes back remorseful and apologetic, we will consider taking him back. January 31, 2020 In what appeared like a travel ban, Edo deputy governor, Philip Shaibu, said Mr Oshiomhole cannot enter the state without the permission of Mr Obaseki. Advertisements March 4, 2020 An Abuja high court orders the suspension of Mr Oshiomhole, on the basis of his suspension by the Edo State chapter of the party. March 5, 2020 Mr Oshiomhole appeals his suspension. March 12, 2020 Four ministers from Nigerias south-south region reportedly endorsed the deputy national secretary of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Victor Gaidom, to replace Mr Oshiomhole as national chairman. March 16, 2020 The appeal court in Abuja adjourned Mr Oshiomholes suspension appeal indefinitely, halting the suspension. April 25, 2020 Frustrated about the lingering feud between his principal, Mr Obaseki, and Mr Oshiomhole the chief of staff to the governor, Taiwo Akerele, resigned. The same day, Osaze Uzamere was appointed as replacement. June 8, 2020 Further fuelling the protracted feud between them, Mr Obaseki said Mr Oshiomhole has been a disruption to the decision-making process of the APC in Edo state. June 12, 2020 Mr Obaseki was disqualified from the APC governorship primary on the basis of inconsistencies in his academic credentials. June 16, 2020 A three-member panel of the Abuja court of appeal affirmed the suspension of Mr Oshiomhole as APC national chairman, while also dismissing his appeal for lacking in merit. June 16, 2020 The deputy national chairman (south), Abiola Ajimobi, was appointed as the acting national chairman of the APC. June 16, 2020 After meeting President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, Mr Obaseki resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Shortly after, his deputy, Philip Shaibu, followed suit. June 19, 2020 Mr Obaseki joined the opposition Peoples Democratic Party. June 20, 2020 The secretary of ward 10 in Edo State, Emuakemeh Sule, lifted Mr Oshiomholes suspension, saying 17 members out of 26 signed the resolution. But the Wards chairman, Oshawo Stephen, dismissed the report. The World Health Organization announces end of the outbreak after a two-year fight against the deadly epidemic. The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has officially declared an end to an Ebola epidemic that broke out in the east of the troubled country in August 2018 and went on to kill 2,277 people. The outbreak was the longest, most complex and deadliest in the 60-year history of the DRC, Health Minister Eteni Longondo said on Thursday. It has only been surpassed by the 2013-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa that killed 11,300 people. On June 1, as the epidemic in the east waned, a new outbreak the DRCs 11th since Ebola was identified in 1976 was announced in the countrys northwest. For an outbreak to be officially over, there has to be no new cases reported for 42 days, which is double the incubation period of the hemorrhagic microbe. The eastern outbreak was just three days from reaching the finishing line in April when a new case was reported. Further cases meant the clock was restarted on May 14. The World Health Organization (WHO) reacted with fervour to Thursdays announcement. #Ebola outbreak in #DRC is OVER! WHO congratulates all those involved in this tough and often dangerous work to end the almost 2-year long outbreak, it said on Twitter. The epidemic in the eastern DRC was declared by the WHO in July 2019 to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern a move that steps up international support given the epicentres close proximity to neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda. Chronic insecurity The worst-hit area was North Kivu, a province battered by armed rebellion and ethnic violence. Chronic insecurity helped make the epidemic highly complex, Longondo said. Eleven workers and patients were killed, the UN said. Two experimental vaccines were brought in to help roll back the disease. More than 320,000 people received the jab. The Ebola virus is passed on by contact with the blood, body fluids, secretions or organs of an infected or recently deceased person. It has a natural reservoir in nature, which is believed to be a species of bat. The death rate is typically high, ranging up to 90 percent in some outbreaks, according to the WHO. The northwests outbreak, about 1,000km (600 miles) away from the one in the east, is focused on Mbandaka, a transport hub on the Congo River in the province of Equateur. It killed 13 people out of 24 confirmed cases. Equateur was previously hit by Ebola between May and July 2018 when 33 people died. Denied justice in the courts and later by his jail-cell death, victims of Jeffrey Epsteins sexual predations are finally able to get a shot at compensation. The Epstein Victims Compensation Fund, based in New York and authorized by the Probate Court of the U.S. Virgin Islands, officially begins accepting claims Thursday, June 25, from young women who allege the disgraced financier sexually abused them. The fund was proposed by the Epstein estate in November but only recently authorized after months of wrangling with lawyers representing roughly 70 victims and the attorney general of the U.S. Virgin Islands, where Epstein lived, owned two islands and where his estate is being settled. The compensation fund is patterned after similar efforts to compensate victims of sexual abuse by Roman Catholic clergy and the families of those who died in the 9/11 terror attacks. The harm is different, but the guiding principles are very much the same. These programs are designed as alternatives to litigation, said Jordana Jordy Feldman, who will administer the fund outside the glare of public proceedings. One of the main aspects of these programs is there is a sense of fairness of both outcome and process. Victims feel like theyre treated with respect and compassion. Similar to other funds, including one to compensate boys who were abused by Penn State football coach Jerry Sandusky, Epsteins victims will have to meet what are called evidentiary requirements. We are looking for corroborative information. If a victim has contemporaneous with the time of the abuses or even afterwards reported the abuse to law enforcement or a friend or a parent or teacher. Well look to that kind of information, said Feldman, adding that sexual abuse is a complicated topic. Just the very nature of this kind of abuse doesnt lend itself to heavy documentary evidence. Some information extracted by reporters over the past few years will prove useful. Fund administrators will look to so-called collateral sources to cross-reference dates and places, records such as Epsteins flight logs, and Customs and Border Patrol notations of his arrival and departure from the United States. Story continues Once it is determined that a victim is eligible for compensation, then the question becomes how much. This is the toughest question. First, we recognize that no amount of money is going to make this victim whole or erase their suffering, said Feldman, adding that factors can include the nature of the abuse, frequency, a victims age at the time and the psychological impact on the victim. Compensation is also measured through the lens of similar funds such as the Catholic Church and Penn State scandals, which give the Epstein fund administrators a benchmark against which to measure. Epstein was arrested last July 6, and was found dead at 66 in his federal prison cell in Manhattan on Aug. 10. New Yorks medical examiner ruled his death a suicide by hanging. A friend of U.S. presidents, British royalty and business moguls, Epstein was investigated in 2006 for allegedly molesting scores of underage girls at his Florida mansion. Represented by top-tier lawyers, Epstein won an extraordinarily lenient sentence on state charges, getting immunity from federal prosecution and by 2010 returning to his fortune in the Virgin Islands. Unique to the Epstein compensation fund, U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George insisted that a child sexual abuse expert be part of the compensation process. Marci Hamilton, who heads Child USA and is an expert on child sexual abuse issues, will assist Feldman as a sounding board on matters where she feels input is needed. Marci Hamilton Its kind of premature to say under what specific circumstances we would be doing that kind of outreach. I have a feeling well know it when we see it, said Feldman, who co-administered the 9/11 fund. When a claim comes to the Epstein compensation fund, the co-executors of his estate lawyers Darren K. Indyke and Richard Kahn will be notified. They are afforded the right to provide information to the fund administrators. They have no ability to reject or ask me to reconsider any determination I make as to whether a claimant is eligible, and their compensation, Feldman said. Wasting little time, West Palm Beach lawyer Spencer Kuvin, who said he represents four victims, scheduled a press conference Thursday morning to educate others who might want to step forward. Epstein was able to perpetrate these horrific crimes for decades, thanks to his wealth and political connections, which eventually produced the now-infamous sweetheart plea deal for federal charges in 2009, Kuvin said in a statement Wednesday. The number of potential claimants could be in the hundreds. Some of Epsteins victims will skip the compensation fund and sue the estate directly. But those who wish to stay out of the spotlight now get a chance to make their claim without the adversarial atmosphere of a lawsuit. There is no monetary cap on compensation, and claims are settled on an individual basis without consideration of a sum of money set aside for the fund. No set amount has been offered, but one measure is that Epsteins estate was valued in the ballpark of $560 million before the COVID-19 pandemic struck globally. Even though Feldman has helped design numerous high-profile funds, she thinks the Epstein Victims Compensation Fund will leave its own mark. I dont know that this is necessarily different, but based on what we know at this point about the victims, and conversations weve had with their lawyers, theyve been repeatedly denied opportunities to achieve any measure of justice either through people turning a blind eye or people refusing to acknowledge what is happening, said Feldman. This is kind of the end of a long history for the victims. Victims wanting to file a claim with the Epstein Victims Compensation Fund can call the toll-free number 877-312-3055, send an email to claimantservices@epsteinvcp.com or visit the website www.epsteinvcp.com. A maker of plastic fragrance and lotion containers and pump tops is jettisoning nearly 200 Connecticut jobs by closing plants in Stratford and Torrington, in a decision that predated the coronavirus pandemic. AptarGroup employed 14,000 people globally at last report including about 2,400 in North America, with the company having its headquarters in Crystal Lake, Ill., and additional Northeast manufacturing locations in Congers, N.Y. and Eatontown, N.J. Aptar disclosed in February its plans to close the Connecticut facilities at a cost of roughly $20 million, without stating at the time how many jobs would be impacted. According to a Connecticut Department of Labor filing, the company plans to shift much of the work to Mexico, with plans to cut 100 jobs in Stratford and 90 in Torrington. The companys Stratford facility is adjacent to Sikorsky Memorial Airport, with the Torrington facility is just off Route 8 on Ella Grasso Avenue. Both plants produce containers like fragrance and skin-care lotion pumps, according to Katie Reardon, an Aptar spokesperson. We do not take these decisions lightly and our focus is on helping affected employees through this change, as part of our commitment to treating our people fairly and with respect, Reardon stated in an email response to a query. Some 7,000 product manufacturers use containers from Aptar, with sales dominated by the pharmaceutical industry but extending to the consumer products sector as well, including Beiersdorf, Nestle and Unilever which have Connecticut offices and other giants like KraftHeinz, PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble. Aptars competitors include Silgan, which has its headquarters in Stamford and a plant in Deep River that makes plastic containers. Aptar is coming off a year when profits hit a record $242 million amid a 3 percent increase in revenue to above $2.8 billion. As coronavirus spread globally in the first three months of 2020, Aptar remained profitable with earnings of $55 million, despite declining sales in key product categories like on-the-go beverage containers and cosmetics tubes. The company has undertaken a number of additional expense cuts since the advent of the pandemic, including temporary furloughs and reducing work subcontracted out to other businesses. Theres no question ... that we have upside on the other end of this low point, and that there is pent-up demand, said CEO Stephan Tanda, speaking last month on a conference call with investment analysts. People want to get back to the salon people want to get back out there. And clearly, some demand is lost, but there will be significant pent-up demand to be caught up with. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman New Jerseys population stagnated over the past decade. If not for the states growing diversity, it would have fallen, Census data released Thursday showed. From 2010 to 2019, the Hispanic and Asian populations of the state each leaped by nearly 20%, adding more than 425,000 people and edging New Jersey closer to a time when it could be a community in which minorities make up the majority. Hispanics now account for 1.86 million of the states 8.9 million residents, or one of every five, after growing by 292,000 over the decade, according to Census estimates. The scientific case for the range of vaccines recommended by public health officials in the U.S. remains as solid as ever. But anti-vaccine propaganda has found its way into many reaches of American life. The Daily Beast Reuters/Arnd WiegmannTheatrical rock superstar Meat Loaf, whose Bat Out of Hell is one of the bestselling albums of all time, has died at the age of 74. Reports say the singer and actor had recently fallen sick with COVID-19.In an emotional statement posted to Facebook early Friday, the performers family said he was with his wife when he died and had said his final goodbyes to his two daughters in the past 24 hours. The star sold 100 million albums in his five-decade career and starred in movie Maldives has announced to re-open its borders for international tourists from July 15, after almost four months of closure imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus pandemic. In an address to the nation on Wednesday, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced that resorts, liveaboards and hotels located at uninhabited islands will be open from July 15 while guest houses and hotels located at inhabited islands will reopen from August 1. Maldives relies heavily on the tourism industry as it accounts for the largest foreign exchange earnings, making it the biggest economic contributor in the country. However, it has come to a standstill due to the stringent public health measures taken to curb COVID-19. The tourism industry has been gearing up to restart; it is set to resume in compliance to protective measures, taking into account the safety of tourists and staff working in the industry, Solih said. The guidelines for re-opening the tourism sector, Public Health Interventions to Prevent Covid-19 Transmission in the Tourism Sector, was also released today by the Ministry of Tourism giving comprehensive information for all sectors across the tourism industry on their standard operating procedures, as well as important information to tourists. According to the guidelines, tourists are not required to pay an additional fee, produce a certificate or test result indicative of negative status for Covid-19 prior to entry into Maldives. For tourists without symptoms, there is no requirement for quarantine either. Travellers who have a history of contact with a suspected or confirmed case of Covid- 19 within the past 14 days and persons who have fever or respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat, shortness of breath within the past 14 days have been advised not to travel to the nation, as per the latest guidelines. All passengers should submit a health declaration card upon arrival, completed onboard the aircraft. As per border health and aviation procedure, if a passenger shows any symptoms of the viral infection such as fever, cough or shortness of breath on board the flight then the case needs to be put under notice of the Health Protection Agency. However, the guideline will be periodically reviewed based on further developments. (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 Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 18:00:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on Sept. 20, 2019 shows the United Nations Security Council holding a meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, at the UN headquarters in New York.(Xinhua/Li Muzi) The Palestine issue has always been at the core of the Middle East issue and a just and reasonable solution is a prerequisite for the region's lasting peace and security, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said when delivering a written speech at the United Nations (UN) Security Council's video conference over the matter. BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for a just and reasonable solution to the Palestine issue when delivering a written speech on Wednesday local time at the United Nations (UN) Security Council's video conference over the matter. The Palestine issue has always been at the core of the Middle East issue and a just and reasonable solution is a prerequisite for the region's lasting peace and security, Wang said, adding China is deeply concerned about the continuing tension between Palestine and Israel recently. He said that under the current circumstances, the four-point proposal put forward in 2017 by Chinese President Xi Jinping for settling the Palestine issue, is of more practical significance. Based on the proposal, China would like to emphasize the following four points, Wang said. Deviation from international consensus should be avoided. The "two-state solution" is the bottom line of international fairness and justice and history can not be reversed, he said. China supports Palestine in establishing an independent state with full sovereignty based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, Wang said, adding that the national rights of the Palestinian people should not be traded. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad Malki (front), addresses a Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, at the UN headquarters in New York, Sept. 20, 2019.(Xinhua/Li Muzi) Meanwhile, Israel's right to exist and its legitimate security concerns should also be fully respected, Wang added. He emphasized that relevant UN resolutions, the principle of "land for peace" as well as the general direction of the "two-state solution" should be observed and reaffirmed. Peaceful dialogue should not be abandoned, Wang said, calling for an early resumption of equal dialogue between Palestine and Israel to rebuild mutual trust, defuse conflicts and find a way to coexist peacefully. In accordance with relevant UN resolutions, the issue of the occupied West Bank should be resolved as soon as possible, said Wang, stressing that the final boundary between Palestine and Israel should be delimited through peaceful negotiations. International support should not be relaxed, Wang said, adding that the Palestine issue should remain at a core position of international agenda. He urged the international community to take an objective and fair stance and make sincere and real efforts for the peace process in the Middle East, saying that any plan that is detached from the Middle East peace track will not bring a long-lasting peace to the region. The humanitarian issues should not be ignored either, Wang said, calling for a full removal of the blockade of Gaza as soon as possible, as well as an earnest implementation of the obligations stipulated in the Paris Protocol and other international treaties. China's permanent representative to the United Nations Ma Zhaoxu (C, front) votes in favor of a Kuwaiti-drafted Security Council resolution on the protection of the Palestinians at the UN headquarters in New York, June 1, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) The international community should support Palestine's economic development and the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, so as to help improve the humanitarian situation in Palestine, Wang said. China and Palestine are true friends, Wang said, noting that the Chinese side always cares about the peace process in the Middle East, sticks to international axiom and justice, and supports any efforts that are conducive to easing the situation there. The UN Security Council bears the prime responsibility of safeguarding global peace and security, and is obliged to play its due role in pushing for a comprehensive, just and enduring solution to the Palestine issue, Wang added. A 35-year-old pastor in Akwa Ibom State has been arrested by the police for allegedly raping a16-year-old girl inside his church. The police said Nnamso Friday Jacob, otherwise known as Major Prophet Honesty Jesus, drugged the girl before he raped her. The incident reportedly occurred on June 23 at Mr Jacobs church, the Living Power of Zion Church, Ndue Eduo, Okon Eket, Eket Local Government Area of the state, the police spokesperson in the state, N-nudam Fredrick, said in a statement on Thursday. The police said the girl went for counselling and deliverance which was fixed by the suspect who is the general overseer of the church. While she was in the prophets counselling room, the suspect administered an intoxicating liquid substance to the victim and thereafter took advantage of the victim and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her, Mr Fredrick, a chief superintendent of police, said. Mr Jacob is the second pastor to be arrested for rape in Akwa Ibom in less than a month. The police on Wednesday said a pastor was arrested in the state for keeping eight teenage girls in a so-called deliverance centre and allegedly raping one of them said to be 15 years old. READ ALSO: The police said the girls are between the ages of 13 and 16. The pastor, identified as Inimfon Eyo Inyang, 33, was said to have also made an attempt to rape a 21-year-old girl. He was among the 12 people arrested for rape in the state. The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom, Imohimi Edgal, has wowed to prosecute sexual predators arrested in the state. Two computer instructors who gang-raped a 17-year-old girl in 2018 in Uyo were recently convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison. The convicted men were said to have cooked rice with substance suspected to be Indian hemp for the girl who was being tutored by them on how to use a computer. She felt weak and drowsy after eating the rice before the men raped her. There has been an increase in rape and other sex offences in Nigeria lately. Nigerian authorities have been under pressure to take firmer actions on the issue. Couples who share a bed get better sleep resulting in improved mental health, memory and problem-solving skills, according the to results of a new study. In German experiments, couples sleeping together were shown to have longer and less disrupted periods of rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep. REM sleep the fourth stage of sleep, associated with vivid dreams has been linked to emotion regulation, memory consolidation, social interactions and creative problem solving. Couples that spent the night in the same bed showed synchronisation of what is known as 'sleep architecture' the transition between the four different stages of sleep. Researchers also found that a strong relationship between partners was positively associated with synchronised sleep patterns, when they slept in the same bed together. Couples that spend the night in the same bed show increased REM sleep and synchronisation of what is known as 'sleep architecture'. Researchers conducted the study among 12 young, healthy, heterosexual couples who spent four nights in their 'sleep laboratory' in Germany 'Sleeping with a partner might actually give you an extra boost regarding your mental health, your memory, and creative problem-solving skills,' said Dr Henning Drews at the Centre for Integrative Psychiatry (ZIP) in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany. 'One could say that while your body is a bit unrulier when sleeping with somebody, your brain is not.' In many countries, sharing a bed with a partner is common practice, but research investigating the relationship between bed sharing and sleep quality is scarce. Most research that had previously compared couples sharing a bed to sleeping individually had only measured body movements. Researchers at ZIP therefore wanted to learn more about 'sleep architecture' and brain activity in couples during their slumber. They recruited 12 young, healthy, heterosexual couples who spent four nights in their 'sleep laboratory'. The research team measured sleep using polysomnography, an exact and comprehensive sleep test study that captures sleep information using various factors. Participants were fitted with polysomnography equipment which measures brain waves to movements, respiration, muscle tension, movements, heart activity and more when they slept alone from their partner and when they slept apart. Couples synchronise their sleep patterns when sleeping together. This synchronisation, which is not linked to the fact that partners disturb each other during the night, is positively associated with relationship depth Additionally, the participants completed questionnaires designed to measure relationship characteristics, such as relationship duration, degree of 'passionate love' and relationship depth. REM sleep was both increased and less disrupted in couples sleeping together compared to when they slept individually, they found. Couples with a strong relationship depth also showed synchronised sleep patterns when sleeping together. This synchronisation, which was not linked to the fact that partners disturb each other during the night, was positively associated with relationship depth. In order words, the higher participants rated the significance of their relationship to their life, the stronger the synchronisation with their partner. The research team said sleeping together enhances and stabilises REM sleep, which in turn improves our social interactions and reduces emotional stress. ZIP researchers suggest a 'positive feedback loop' happening at night for couples in bed together. Sleeping together enhances and stabilises REM sleep, which in turns improves our social interactions and reduces emotional stress. Although the research team didn't specifically measure these possible effects, Dr Drews said that 'since these are well known effects of REM sleep, it is very likely that they would be observed if testing for them'. Interestingly, researchers found an increased limb movement in couples who share the bed, although these movements did not disrupt sleep architecture. Dr Drews and his team acknowledged the limitations of the study, including the fact that the participant sample was restricted to young and heterosexual couples. 'The first thing that is important to be assessed in the future is whether the partner-effects we found promoted REM sleep during co-sleep are also present in a more diverse sample e.g., elderly, or if one partner suffers from a disease,' he said. The study has been published in the journal Frontiers. Gov. Pritzker last October issued an economic development plan in which he pledged to let facts, not politics, determine his development decisions. If that truly is the governors approach, then the burden of proof for a Peotone airport should be on the airports boosters. And based on the evidence so far, their case is not yet made. 25.06.2020 LISTEN Some Senior High Schools in the Northern Region are yet to receive nose masks three days after reopening. Following the partial reopening of Senior High Schools across the country, the government was to distribute personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Each student was to receive three usable nose mask. Although the schools in the Region have taken delivery of some veronica buckets and hand sanitizers, they are still awaiting nose masks. Heads of some of the schools who spoke to Citi News said the situation is worrying. The masks have run out. We went to the see the District Director, we had all other things except the face masks. So we have encouraged all the students to have at least nose mask each. The problem is that, when they wash it, they have to wait for it to dry before they reuse it, one of the headteachers said. Another school head said: for us, the students are using tissue paper because there are no face masks. I got only about 300 pieces which I distributed to the students and staff around, but the majority of them dont have it so we are still waiting. PPE for schools President Akufo-Addo ahead of the reopening of the schools announced that 18, 000 Veronica Buckets, 800,000 pieces of 200-millilitre sanitizers, 36,000 rolls of tissue paper, 36,000 gallons of liquid soap and 7,200 thermometer guns have been distributed to schools. In addition, each student, teaching and non-teaching staff, invigilator and school administrator will be provided with three pieces of reusable face masks. Two of these will be provided when the schools resume and third within a fortnight, the President said. Distribution The distribution of the items is being undertaken by a special task force from the Presidency, under the supervision of the Senior Minister, Mr Yaw Osafo Maafo. ---citinewsroom Love them, hate them ignore them at national peril, is the babu guarantee and Dilips belief. Share significant babu escapades dilipcherian@hotmail.com Observers note that Mr Thomas was a plain-speaking cop, who fell foul of the political establishment pretty early Controversial Kerala IPS officer Jacob Thomas ended his colourful career in a headlining-making manner. On his last day, Mr Thomas slept on his office floor, before beginning what he terms as the next phase of his life as the legendary Parshuram! Throughout his 35-year long service in the IPS, Mr Thomas wore the khaki uniform for only about five years, during the initial years. Much of the rest of his career was spent on deputation in various institutions and public sector undertakings. His last posting was as managing director of a state PSU, which manufactures metal tools and similar products. Observers note that Mr Thomas was a plain-speaking cop, who fell foul of the political establishment pretty early. Later, he had to face several corruption charges, including encroachment of forest land. His career was salvaged somewhat when chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan appointed him as vigilance director. During this stint, Mr Thomas initiated probes against a minister and also many IAS and IPS officers, which also led to his removal from the post. He then openly criticised the government and wrote a book on his career, without taking administrative permission. He was placed under suspension for nearly two years before being reinstated to the current post last year. After his retirement, Mr Thomas is unlikely to fade away from the limelight, say observers. He will likely continue to his tirade against the system, perhaps even more freely. Dont question us: UP The Uttar Pradesh government is notoriously thin-skinned when it comes criticism from any quarter. A retired IAS officer, Surya Pratap Singh, has discovered that his tweet accusing the government of low testing to the hide true Covid figure has landed him in trouble. He has been booked under the Disaster Management Act and the Epidemic Act for allegedly spreading rumours about the pandemic. Mr Singh is an IAS officer of the 1982 batch and known to be a whistleblower during his career. In his 25-year career as a babu, he was transferred 54 times! Sources say that Mr Singh was vocal against any government that was in power in the state and had raised questions about alleged corruption in the government during the Samajwadi Party government under Akhilesh Yadav. At that time, however, BJP leaders praised him. However, now that the BJP is in the saddle, it is uncomfortable with the forthright retired officer airing his opinions on social media platforms. Those who know Mr Singh say it is unlikely that the governments action will deter him, but it also sends a signal to others who may be inspired by Mr Singh to ask uncomfortable questions. Call for MBBS babus The Centre is contemplating using the services of IAS, IPS and IRS officers who have a degree in medicine in the battle against the deadly coronavirus epidemic raging through the country. The idea is to use their combined administrative skills and training in medicine and deploy them in hospitals treating Covid-19 patients, especially in the worst-affected states. According to sources, the minister of state for personnel, Jitendra Singh, had asked his staff a month ago to prepare a list of such babus whose services can be utilised by the Centre and state governments if needed. However, work on it has begun only now. In Mumbai, sources say, four IAS officers were recently given charge of monitoring state-run hospitals in the city for effective management of the epidemic. Such a list would certainly help states like Maharashtra and Gujarat which have the highest mortality rates in the country from the coronavirus. Most babus have reportedly welcomed this step. It is also aligned with the Modi sarkars efforts to bring in more domain expertise in the government. however, while such officers will be needed to fight the pandemic, the question in many minds is: who will look after the administration and law and order? Share a babu experience! Follow dilipthecherian@Twitter.com. Lets multiply the effect. In collaboration with the Holy See, the United Arab Emirates delivers 50 tons of emergency medical aid to the Peruvian Amazon region that is battling the coronavirus pandemic. By Vatican News In the early hours of Thursday morning, a plane loaded with 50 tons of humanitarian aid for the Peruvian Amazon region took off from Abu Dhabi Airport in the United Arab Emirates. The containers will land in Lima and then be transported, by land, to Iquitos, a city of 400,000 inhabitants on the banks of the Amazon river in the midst of the rainforest. The aid reaches the Amazon as Covid-19 infections rise throughout Latin America putting millions of vulnerable people at risk. Vatican and UAE collaboration This delivery is the fruit of a collaboration between the UAE and the Gravissimum Educationis Pontifical Foundation. It contains materials to contain the spread of the pandemic, medical oxygen and food that will be received and distributed by local Churches to health and educational facilities and families in need. Monsignor Guy-Real Thivierge is the Secretary-General of the Gravissimum Educationis Foundation. He told Vatican News that the initiative springs from the collaboration between the Holy See and the UAE in the wake of the Popes historic visit to Abu Dhabi in 2019. Listen to Monsignor Guy-Real Thivierge Msgr. Thivierge explained that the initiative of solidarity and collaboration has its seeds in the context of Pope Franciss to the UAE, and in the wonderful document on Human Fraternity signed on that occasion. The landmark document signed by the Pope and by Ahmed el-Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, on 4 February 2019, in the words of Pope Francis, writes a new page in the dialogue between religions and people of goodwill focusing on how different faiths can live peaceably in the same world, in a spirit of universal kinship. Thivierge said that after the Popes visit to Abu Dhabi, the Gravissimum Foundation he heads began to collaborate and exchange ideas with authorities in the UAE and in particular with the Minister of Education. The coronavirus pandemic thwarted a Seminar that was in the pipelines, so he said it was decided to put into place a specific project of aid and help within the context of Covid-19. Learning to work together This project is one of concrete aid to the Amazon, but it is also a project in which Christians and Muslims are learning to work together, to serve together, and to build a new world together, he said. He explained that the parties aim to do so not through an exclusively intellectual perspective (which however is also very important), but also from a very concrete perspective in which we have to share, and agree and collaborate in a very, very concrete way. So this is the originality of the project, Thivierge explained adding that at the heart of it is the fact that emergency aid is being brought to Peru, bearing in mind that there are other dimensions to be developed as well. For instance, he said, the formation of professors and the need to tackle basic problems in local schools and universities. Basically, he added, We are trying to stimulate a new way of working from an interreligious perspective, never forgetting that we are involved in education: The objective is not interreligious dialogue as such, more concretely it is how we can work together and build something together, being Christians and Muslims and other religious congregations. Last week, a group of six organizations called on Facebook advertisers to pause their spending on the social media platform during the month of July. The groups the Anti-Defamation League, the NAACP, Sleeping Giants, Color of Change, Free Press and Common Sense asked "large Facebook advertisers to show they will not support a company that puts profit over safety." A company spokesperson said the pause applies to both Facebook and Instagram. It comes as marketers including Ben & Jerry's , Patagonia and REI have also said they plan to pause advertising on the platforms. Verizon said on Thursday it is pulling advertising on Facebook until the company "can create an acceptable solution that makes us comfortable." On Thursday, the Anti-Defamation League addressed an open letter to companies advertising on Facebook, signed by the organization's CEO and National Director Jonathan Greenblatt. In the letter, the organization said it "found an advertisement for Verizon appearing next to a video from the conspiracy group QAnon drawing on hateful and antisemitic rhetoric, warning that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is planning to bring on civil war with concentration camps and coffins at the ready and claiming Americans are already quarantined in militarized districts." "We have strict content policies in place and have zero tolerance when they are breached, we take action," Verizon's chief media officer John Nitti said in a statement. "We're pausing our advertising until Facebook can create an acceptable solution that makes us comfortable and is consistent with what we've done with YouTube and other partners." According to marketing analytics company Pathmatics, Verizon spent an estimated $406,600 in Instagram ads between May 22 and June 20. The firm said Verizon spent $1,460,300 on Facebook in that same time period. Facebook didn't immediately return a request for comment Thursday. According to the Wall Street Journal, the company sent a memo from the company's VP of global business Carolyn Everson to advertisers last week saying that it does not "make policy changes tied to revenue pressure" and that it sets "policies based on principles rather than business interests." "We respect any brand's decision, and remain focused on the important work of removing hate speech and providing critical voting information," Everson said in an emailed statement sent by the company Thursday. "Our conversations with marketers and civil rights organizations are about how, together, we can be a force for good." What would it take to reopen the border? You know, the big one with the United States of America. Yeah, those guys. Its an unknowable, like so much else. But it is hard to imagine it happens this year, honestly. The other day the president of the United States said he tried to discourage COVID-19 testing, and he wasnt joking, because to joke you need a sense of humour, even a dark and vicious one. This president of the United States can no more joke than he can do a backflip, or name all 50 states. I dont kid, said Donald Trump, of saying he wanted less testing for a virus that has killed over 123,000 Americans since Feb. 29. The virus is sloshing around that giant infected bathtub of a country, and is now washing over Florida, Texas, Arizona, mostly red states, so many. On Tuesday it was reported Florida would no longer count intensive care beds in its thresholds for reopening, a month after the state fired a data scientist for refusing to falsify public data on deaths and illnesses, and hospitalizations were reported to be rising fast after a week of staggering growth that topped 4,000 cases in a day. (Canada, with 35 million to Floridas 21 million, only ever topped out at 2,500.) In Texas, hospitalizations jumped 10 per cent, and Talking Points Memo reported the Trump administration planned to pull testing funding from 13 sites across five states, including two in Dallas. Twenty-six states have seen net growth in the last 14 days, and another nine are holding steady. In some circles, conservatives are threatening to meet contact tracers at the door with guns. In others, masks are a signal not of public health consideration but of political fealty. And the president said, not for the first time, that he wanted less testing so he would have fewer cases. Its not because he lacks object permanence. Its because he can only deal in the superficial, and he thinks he would look better if nobody knew how many cases there were, and people were left to die in obscurity. Dr. Ashleigh Tuite of the University of Toronto is one of our elite epidemiological modellers. Tuesday, she said something that stopped me in my tracks. If they continue, they may achieve herd immunity before they have a vaccine, says Tuite. Even if theres a vaccine by the end of the year, by the time it gets manufactured and delivered it could happen. We havent even reached the fall yet. Most epidemiologists are worried about the fall. Herd immunity is a march through fields of death. Back in March, Britain lurched down a road based on that strategy, and backtracked when it turned out their numbers were wrong, and up to 250,000 Britons could die. People have no natural immunity to a new virus, and we still are far from sure how antibody-based immunity would work. Herd immunity is a horror. In most countries if you started to see your hospitals were overflowing, you would react in some way, says Tuite. And there doesnt seem to be a reaction. From the perspective of the country, you would expect leadership to move in some way, to say, something is going wrong here, we need to think about how were responding to this. And you just dont see that. She has a back-of-the-napkin calculator where you can plug in the case numbers, plug in the basic reproductive number, or R0, and it will tell you how long it would take to go down to zero. The U.S. already has almost 1.3 million active cases and 123,000 deaths, more than double any other nation. We plug in 1.5 million cases and set the reproductive number at 0.7 good, but not exceptional. It is impossible to imagine the United States being exceptional at epidemic response, right now. But with 1.5 million cases and a magical shift to a steady 0.7 R0, it would take about 200 days for the United States to reach single digits. Thats January of next year. And of course, thats not going to happen. Its going to take a while, says Tuite. If you look at an epidemic curve, the point where it turns is when each case makes less than one new case. And then you still go down the entire other side of the epidemic curve. Even if you were able to magically stop transmission today, you would still have all the cases that are incubating. This is going to keep growing for a while. So what does America look like in three months? Or six? Assuming the best-case scenario, Trump loses the election in November, Joe Biden takes over in January, and the pandemic has been allowed to run wild for months, the first wave never really abating, into the second wave of the fall. I cant even imagine what the U.S. will look like in six months, says Tuite. I cant even imagine. America is the sick man of the world. The New York Times reported the European Union has a draft list of criteria for allowing international travel once borders reopen July 1, and that the U.S. isnt even close to reaching it. When Canada closed the border by mutual agreement on March 21, the Americans counted 4,777 cases. Tuesday, Texass governor warned the state would have over 5,000 new cases for the day. Tuesday night the president spoke to a megachurch in Arizona, full to the brim and without evident masks, run by holy men who claimed they had technology that kills 99.9 per cent of the virus in 10 minutes. Public health authorities said he shouldnt speak there, but he did. Arizona is also seeing spikes in cases and hospitalizations. We dont know what America will do about the border. They wanted to put troops there, way back in the pandemic; if they decide unilaterally to open, we still have the Quarantine Act. But from a Canadian standpoint, its simple: we love our special friends, our main trading partner, our continental neighbour, flaws and all. But the border wont be open for a long, long time. Read more about: Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 22:58:15|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Thursday announced to release an additional 6.2 billion rupee (about 37.05 million U.S. dollar) refunds to support its textile sector which has been badly hit by the outbreak of COVID-19 in the country. In a tweet, Abdul Razak Dawood, advisor to Pakistani prime minister on commerce, textile, industry and production, and investment said that the money has been released under the drawback of local taxes and levy (DLTL) scheme of the government to facilitate exporters. With the release of the additional money, the cumulative amount released under the scheme reaches 51.2 billion rupees during the FY20, Dawood said. "I hope this will resolve the liquidity issues of our exporters and enable them to further their exports through investment," he wrote. Pakistan's exports including the textile sector have been badly affected by the outbreak of the pandemic, partially due to closure of manufacturing units during the lockdown period and partially due to the fall in demand of Pakistani products in the international markets. Earlier in April, the government issued DLTL refunds of 20.5 billion rupees for the textile sector to help industrialists pay dues to their employees during the closure of industries during the pandemic. Last month, the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association demanded several incentives from the government including release of the DLTL for export-oriented sectors including textile sector to sustain the industry amidst the severe liquidity crunch due to COVID-19. (1 U.S. dollar = 167.35 rupees) Enditem (Natural News) On his Thomas Paine podcast, host Mike Moore shared information that he says a congressman handed him recently about ex-President Bill Clinton and the Chinese that is shocking and yet not all that surprising to anyone who has truly been paying attention to the actions of the former president and his inner circle. Moore, a journalist who has worked for intel agencies such as the FBI and DEA as well as the White House and private clients, said that the information he got from the unnamed congressman had been delivered to the FBI in the late 1990s or early 2000s, but they did nothing about it which he believes is because other high-ranking people profited from it. A lot of the information he discusses was touched upon in The Cox Report, also known as the Report of the Select Committee on U.S. National Security and Military/Commercial Concerns with the Peoples Republic of China, a classified government document that outlines Chinas covert operations in the U.S. during the 80s and 90s. It contained several serious allegations about nuclear weapons and China that dovetail with what Moore shared. It said that China stole the design information related to the seven most advanced thermonuclear weapons in the U.S. arsenal, and that this helped them to accelerate their own nuclear weapon development. It also said that their upcoming nuclear weapons would use design elements stolen from the U.S. and could have comparable efficacy. According to the report, PRC penetration of our national nuclear weapons laboratories spans at least the past several decades and almost certainly continues today. The PRC has stolen or otherwise illegally obtained U.S. missile and space technology that improves PRC military and intelligence capabilities. Sen. Inhofe tried to push FBI and DOJ into action Moore said that the impassioned speech given by Republican Senator James Inhofe of Oklahoma on the Senate floor in March 1999 in which he talked about Clintons responsibility for the scandal was a type of front game, placing pressure on the FBI and DOJ to see if they would act, knowing that the media would be reporting on what he said in his speech. Inhofe stated that the Clinton Administration undermined U.S. national security in pursuit of its misguided foreign policies and self-serving domestic political agendas. He said that the theft of the W-88 nuclear warhead was a story with life and death implications for millions of Americans, and he explained how Clinton was directly responsible for covering it up. The W-88 design information was stolen in the late 1980s, but the theft was discovered in 1995 under the Clinton administration, who covered it up from Congress and the population. He also said that Clinton signed waivers that allowed the aerospace company of his top campaign fundraiser to transfer American missile guidance technology to China. Perhaps most disturbingly, he said that Clinton single-handedly put a halt to the deployment of a national missile defense system, thereby exposing everyone in the country to a missile attack and leaving us with no defense to an intercontinental ballistic missile. Did Ron Brown know too much? He also talked about how Clinton approved changing the licensing authority for high technology like satellites from the State Department to the Commerce Department, going against advice from his Secretaries of Defense and State at the time. This made it easier for China to get its hands on U.S. missile technology. As an interesting aside, Moore points out that this put the responsibility under the control of Clintons then-Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown, who was investigated for corruption and had been threatening to testify against Clinton when he was killed in a mysterious 1996 plane crash in Croatia. He believes he was probably about to talk about what he knew or was already doing so when the convenient accident took place. Inhofe also spoke a few months later in a second speech about topics that coincide with some of the other intel Moore has received. Inhofe continued pressing his case to the public and the media since they were still not getting anywhere with the FBI and DOJ. In that speech, he talked about how Clinton and Gore helped China to enhance its nuclear payload delivery systems by transferring legacy codes to China with data on 50 years of our nuclear weapon testing and development. He also talked about the theft of some classified information relating to thermonuclear weapons that the Clinton administration determined cant even be made public. It is scary to imagine what that could be about considering what has been made public. Of course, by helping China, Clinton was also helping North Korea and Iran as China duplicated the technology and weapons and sold it to these rogue nations. In other words, Moore says, we have the Clinton administration to thank for the threats we face from these countries today. You can hear more details about the FBI protection racket and the involvement of Robert Mueller, Louis Freeh and James Comey in episode 28 of the Thomas Paine podcast here. While the media continues to act like Russia is such a big threat to our nation, Moore maintains that China is the real threat. Clinton essentially sold the U.S. out to China, he says, allowing a major enemy of America to acquire missile and nuclear technology that could well be used against us by China or one of the countries they shared it with, and no one has ever been truly held accountable for it. Sources for this article include: TruePundit.com CNN.com CenterForSecurityPolicy.org (Newser) A New York City judge on Thursday dismissed a claim by Donald Trump's brother that sought to halt the publication of a tell-all book by the presidents niece, saying the court lacked jurisdiction in the case. Surrogates Court Judge Peter Kelly said the claims were not appropriate for his court, where disputes over estate matters are settled, the AP reports. The motion filed earlier this week sought an injunction to prevent Mary Trump and the books publisher, Simon & Schuster, from releasing it, as scheduled, in July. Mary Trump is the daughter of Fred Trump Jr., the presidents elder brother, who died in 1981. An online description of her book, Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the Worlds Most Dangerous Man, says it reveals "a nightmare of traumas, destructive relationships, and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse." story continues below Robert Trumps lawyers argued that Mary Trump and others had signed a settlement agreement that would prohibit her from writing the book. The settlement decades ago included a confidentially clause explicitly saying they would not "publish any account concerning the litigation or their relationship," unless they all agreed. The agreement related to the will of Donald Trump's father, New York real estate developer Fred Trump. Mary Trump's attorney, Ted Boutrous Jr., said the court was correct in its decision. "We hope this decision will end the matter. Democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, and neither this court nor any other has authority to violate the Constitution by imposing a prior restraint on core political speech," he said in a statement. The White House did not have an immediate comment Thursday. (Read more President Trump stories.) By IANS LONDON: Britons will reportedly be able to holiday in a number of European destinations, including France, Italy and Spain, from next week, but travel to the US and South America will not be permitted until at least December, media reports said on Thursday. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will allegedly give the go-ahead for foreign holidays on June 29, with air bridges to 10 countries in Europe set to be announced, the Metro newspaper reported. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed on Wednesday to the Commons Transport Select Committee that an announcement on air bridges will take place on June 29. Trips to France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey without the need for a 14-day quarantine have been "all but confirmed", MailOnline said in a report. Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Gibraltar and Bermuda were also said to be included in the list of destinations the government will deem "safe". The government's air bridge plans will reportedly expand over time, with trips to Canada, Morocco and the Caribbean expected to be available from August. Other medium-haul locations including Vietnam, Hong Kong and Dubai will reportedly be open to people from the UK from late August or September. However, holidays to the US, Mexico and South American countries will not be allowed until at least December, The Sun newspaper said in a report. "Intensive" phone conversations are said to be currently ongoing to finalise plans in Europe before next week. It was believed the plans will be finalised and signed off on Thursday in a meeting with officials from Downing Street, the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Home and Foreign offices. A Syrian refugee who died while trying to help save a friend from drowning had come to the UK to try to make a better life for his family, a relative said (Jonathan Brady/PA) A Syrian refugee who died while trying to help save a friend from drowning had come to the UK to try to make a better life for his family, a relative said. Eyad Al Ryabi, a father-of-five, went into a stretch of water connected to the River Thames in Berkshire after a companion got into difficulty on Tuesday evening. The 31-year-old, who had been living in Uxbridge, west London, had been with a group of friends at Lulle Brook in Cookham, Berkshire, for a day out in the good weather, his cousin told the PA news agency. A body was recovered on Wednesday afternoon. Expand Close A search was launched after a man went missing in the water in Cookham on Tuesday (Levi Genes@Levi_Genes/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A search was launched after a man went missing in the water in Cookham on Tuesday (Levi Genes@Levi_Genes/PA) The friend he had been trying to help was taken to hospital in a serious condition, Thames Valley Police said. Khald Al Riabi said his cousin, from near Daraa in the south-west of Syria, had come to the UK towards the end of last year and hoped that his wife and children could have joined him soon. Mr Al Riabi, who lives in Acton and works as a hairdresser, said the decision to leave his family back in his homeland was very difficult for his cousin but he wanted them to have the opportunity of a better life in Britain. He told PA: Thats why he came here. He came here to save his life and his familys life. He was looking for an education for his children. He was a very good father. He looked after his family. He said Mr Al Ryabis wife was due to have an appointment for a visa early next month. Formal identification of the body has not yet taken place, police said on Wednesday evening. The death is being treated as unexplained and not suspicious and the mans next of kin have been informed, the force added. Superintendent Colin Hudson, LPA commander for Windsor and Maidenhead, said: I am very sorry to have to bring this sad news. Our thoughts are with both mens families during this very upsetting time. Other countries whose governments were listed as endorsing human trafficking were Belarus, Myanmar, Eritrea, South Sudan and Turkmenistan. Cuba was included primarily for its program of sending doctors and other medical workers abroad and confiscating most of their salaries. China and North Korea were condemned for using forced labor, including Muslim Uighurs detained in camps in Chinas Xinjiang province. Nineteen countries were listed as having the most dismal records. An increasing number of coronavirus cases is recorded in Ukraine every week. In some regions, the occupancy rate of hospitals exceeds 50%. "We have another anti-record: almost a thousand patients with coronavirus have been officially confirmed in the past day. An increase [in coronavirus cases] is observed from week to week. Weve got coronavirus wave. The occupancy rate of hospitals has increased significantly. In some regions, the occupancy rate of hospitals exceeds 50%. Unfortunately, this is a negative signal. This means that we have entered a serious incidence wave," Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said at an extraordinary Cabinets meeting on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. He once again called on Ukrainians to obey the quarantine rules. As of June 25, Ukraines cases of the coronavirus COVID-19 disease grew to 40,008. The Government of Ukraine introduced quarantine on March 12 in order to combat the spread of coronavirus infection. In particular, the operation of subways in Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro was stopped, as well as the operation of ground transport in the cities. The quarantine restrictions started to be eased on May 11. The Cabinet of Ministers decided to establish adaptive quarantine in Ukraine from May 22 to June 22, and then extended it until July 31. ol The trade volume between Pakistan and Uzbekistan has increased significantly during the past couple of years and with establishing an efficient trade corridor, hopefully it will increase manifold ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jun, 2020 ) :The trade volume between Pakistan and Uzbekistan has increased significantly during the past couple of years and with establishing an efficient trade corridor, hopefully it will increase manifold. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Syed Ali Haider Zaidi on Wednesday met Lt. Col. Saadullah Tashmatov Charge d' Affairs/Defense Attache' Embassy of Republic of Uzbekistan at his office. Jasur Saidahmedov, Third Secretary, Embassy of Republic of Uzbekistan and Secretary, Senior officials of Ministry of Maritime Affairs were also present in the meeting, said a press release. "Pakistan has the requisite environment to benefit from this opportunity as the incumbent government's business friendly policies and the new shipping policy will strengthen Pakistan's role as the shortest and cheapest route to the world, hence making it a gateway to Central, South and Southeast Asia" Ali Haider Zaidi remarked. Uzbekistan, a landlocked Central Asian Republic has export markets in gulf countries, southeast Asia, Europe and Africa. The cheapest route is through Pakistani ports. A dedicated terminal for goods from Central Asian States and ease in the transit after the completion of ML1 project was discussed in detail. A dedicated shipping fleet for central Asian exports was also proposed. 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. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has proposed a memorial to 44 London transport workers who died from COVID-19 as a direct result of his governments criminal policies. He did so amid a back-to-work drive that threatens the lives of countless bus and transport workers, who are being denied basic safety protections. Shapps proposal followed Conservative Prime Minister Boris Johnsons announcement on Tuesday halving two-metre social distancing. Shapps led efforts to scrap the two-metre rule after intense lobbying from transport companies. The reduction will take effect from July 4, with Transport for London (TfL) confirming it is now working with Government to understand the guidance around the safe implementation of these changes. Scientists have responded with alarm. Professor John Edmunds, an epidemiologist who sits on the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), warned yesterday, Relaxing the 2-metre rule at the same time as opening bars and restaurants does run the risk of allowing the epidemic to start to regain a foothold. He added, These changes will have to be very carefully monitored and the NHS track-and-trace system will have to be working properly to help keep us safe. But the governments track-and-trace system is barely functional, with the World Health Organisation warning last week that lockdown measures in the UK should not be eased until an effective contact tracing system is in place. Under these conditions, the Unite union is playing a crucial role for the government and TfL in policing the back-to-work drive and concealing the immense dangers facing bus and transport workers. New safety protections announced last month by TfL and Uniteincluding screens around bus drivers cabins, a limit on the number of passengers and compulsory wearing of facemaskswere used to justify a resumption of full service across the bus network. The new measures, however, are inadequate. Images posted on social media show cabin safety screens melted by summer heat, with gaping holes and dangling flaps of loose plastic. Other photos show unsealed spaces surrounding Oyster ticket machines and along ceilings, leaving drivers exposed to aerosol droplets circulating throughout the bus. Unsealed spaces surrounding Oyster ticket machines on a bus On May 29, Unite gave its qualified support to the resumption of front door fare payment. It claimed new cabin screens installed by TfL would significantly reduce risks to drivers from COVID-19, based on extensive work by a multidisciplinary team from UCL's [University College London] Centre for Transport Studies and Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering to assess the risks for drivers in their cabs. A virtually identical statement was issued by TfL the same day, citing collaborative work with UNITE and bus operators. TfL has refused to provide scientific evidence to back up its claims that their new screens significantly reduce the risks to drivers. Last Thursday, after the WSWS requested more information about the screens and access to someone who worked on the project, TfL replied, Those working on the assessment of the screens wouldnt do interviews, as they are not media spokespeople. [On June 29, UCL responded to earlier questions from the WSWS with a single line statement that, The screens were not designed by UCL. The role of UCL researchers was to simulate and quantify airflow and droplet concentrations into and out of the drivers cabin under various scenarios. But requests for documents outlining their advice to TfL have so far gone unanswered.] WSWS asked TfL for copies of the scientific advice UCL provided on the efficacy of the safety screens, whether epidemiologists and public health officials were consulted as part of the design process, and if so, what was their input. More than one week later, TfL has refused to answer these questions, asserting that we have followed the science and applied the findings as quickly as possible (in discussion with both the bus operators and Unite) to ensure the safety of our colleagues on the front line (emphasis added). A ceiling gap on a London bus The Johnson government handed nearly 400 million in coronavirus subsidies to bus companies in April, and a 1.6 billion bailout to TfL. Yet no additional staff have been hired to ensure adherence to social distancing. Instead, overworked, stressed, and fatigued drivers have been left to enforce new laws on passenger facemasks along with TfLs passenger limits (20 per double-decker and 10 per single-deck bus)an impossible task. It is clear the policy has been put out with no concern of how to implement it, a driver told WSWS. How do you manage large numbers of people getting on and off, keeping a tally of those on board, while safely driving a bus? Perhaps the clearest public indication of Unites collusion with TfL and bus operators is the advice it has issued on face masks. In April, the union issued a joint letter with TfL and the bus companies telling workers they should not wear face masks as these were not recommended by Public Health England. This was the same line being spouted by Labour Party London Mayor Sadiq Khan in media interviews, fuelling outrage among drivers. After new laws made face masks mandatory on public transport, Unite responded by rewriting history, issuing a statement that Unite has proclaimed victory for bus drivers and the travelling public after the government announced on Thursday (June 4) that all people traveling on public transport in England will be required to wear face coverings from June 15. Unite claimed they had been actively lobbying the government to introduce the measure, omitting any reference to their earlier advice. Bobby Morton, Unites national officer for passenger transport, nevertheless highlighted what he claimed was a lack of clear-cut scientific evidence showing face coverings categorically protect people from the virus, concluding that any protective effect, however small, was better than none and that facemasks would at least support bus workers mental health. Last week, Unite issued a follow-up ruling on facemasks sowing further confusion and complacency: Your union has always stated its firm belief that, although face coverings would not offer a great deal of protection to the wearer, it would reduce the risk of passengers passing on the virus to others and potentially infecting drivers. It is important to understand that this is not to protect the wearer from catching the virus, it is to reduce the risk of the wearer contaminating other people and if all passengers are wearing face coverings the risk of the virus being transmitted is greatly reduced. Unite concluded this mass of sophistry by declaring, Face coverings for London bus drivers will remain optional. You choose if you want to wear a face covering. Drivers report that many of their colleagues are declining to wear face masks for a variety of reasons. Having a face mask on creates a foggy mist on my glasses, explained one driver. Additionally, it tends to worsen my hay fever symptoms and after a prolonged time of wearing it I have problems with my eyes and skin around my face. My GP said that this might be the effects of the mask collecting dust and pollen and keeping it close to my face. A colleague concurred, saying, The face masks provided by the companies are not adequate for driving. Other drivers have pointed to the new cabin screens believing they provide adequate protection, a worrying conclusion in light of TfLs refusal to publish scientific evidence that they work. Another driver said of the problem, Facemasks are an important safety measure, but I find it difficult to wear. What is needed is a high-quality, high spec mask with our traffic conditions in mind. This would show that safety is a priority for drivers, but that costs and the companies wont pay. We are also told do not engage with passengers who refuse to wear masks. When the bus is full, Ill change the sign on the front of the bus and skip the next stop, but if someone presses the button youve got no choice with people running to get on board. Its why we need conductorsthose roles should never have been eliminated and the union did nothing to fight it. Workers must reject claims by the Johnson government, the unions and TfL that there is no money for state-of-the-art safety. Last year, the combined profits of the major London bus operatorsincluding Abellio, GoAhead, Arriva and ComfortDelGroran to billions of pounds. These global conglomerates exploit millions of workers across Europe, the United States, Latin America, and Asia, who face the same threat from a pandemic that is exposing the brutal class reality and failure of capitalism. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) on June 25 approved the amendments to the Prohibition of Insider Trading Regulations, 2015. The market regulator's board considered and approved amendments to SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 which include maintaining a structured digital database, containing the nature of unpublished price sensitive information and the names of persons who have shared the information. The amendments also include automation of the process of filing disclosures to stock exchanges; restriction on the trading window not to be made applicable for transactions as prescribed by SEBI; entities to file the non-compliances of Code of Conduct with the stock exchanges and amounts if any collected for such non-compliances shall be credited to Investor Protection Education Fund administered by Board under the SEBI Act. Also read: Regulator gives relief in preferential issue pricing Over the last two months, SEBI has passed a series of orders as part of its investigation into the circulation of company results prior to its public announcement through Whatsapp. The accused in each of these cases are some employees of a stockbroking firm, in their institutional sales team. They were found to have passed on near-accurate predictions of quarterly results about to be published by about 12 listed companies Unpublished Price Sensitive Information (UPSI) to clients of the firm. The regulator fined them Rs 15 lakh each, in each of the orders passed, finding that their act of merely sharing the UPSI was a violation of insider trading rules. Insider information abounds unchecked in Indian market circles in the form of rumours. Those who manage to get the information before the market gets wind stands to make a huge windfall. The city crossed the 70,000 Covid-19 case mark, with 4,000 deaths recorded till Thursday. Frontline workers of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) made up 2,026 of the cases, and 80 casualties. The maximum of these deaths was from the solid waste management (SWM) department, with the second-highest toll from civic-run hospitals and the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB). On Thursday, Mumbai recorded 1,350 fresh cases and 98 deaths. The citys case tally rose to 70,878, while the death toll touched 4,062. The total number of discharged patients in Mumbai was 39,149, with a recovery rate of 55.23%. Further, active cases stood at 27,659 and the doubling rate is 41 days. The doubling rate has reached 41 days which was 30 days on June 16. This means that the duration of doubling of a patient in a period of 10 days has increased from 30 to 41 days. At the same time, the average percentage of daily growth in the number of patients is also declining day by day, from 2.30% on June 17 to 1.72%, the civic body said in a statement. In the case of overall deaths in Mumbai, the toll crossed the 500-mark on May 10. It crossed the 1,000-mark 15 days later on May 25, followed by the 2,000-mark 17 days later on June 12. The city crossed the 4,000-mark within 13 days on Thursday. The mortality rate as of Thursday was 5.72%. According to data released by the general administration department (GAD) of BMC, of the total 80 deaths among frontline workers, 21 are from the SWM department, followed by 16 deaths from civic-run hospitals. Seven deaths were recorded from Sion hospital, three from Cooper Hospital in Juhu, two from Bhabha Hospital in Kurla and one each from GTB Hospital in Wadala, Shatabdi Hospital in Govandi, Rajawadi Hospital and Savitri Bai Phule Maternity Hospital in Malad. Eight deaths were reported from the Mumbai Fire Brigade and seven from the security department of BMC. Nine administrative ward offices of the city reported 16 deaths followed by one each from other departments like markets, mechanical and electrical, stormwater drains, development plan, sewerage, water supply, and maintenance. There are more deaths in the SWM department because we are on ground continuously and the environment in which the cleaners work is also challenging. Despite giving apparatus like sanitisers, masks, and gloves, many of them do not bother to use them. Also, we have allowed all workers to report on the field and directly go home after work, but many of them may not be going home directly, said an official from the SWM department. Many of the cleaners reside in slums and chawls which have common toilets. They also use public transport, hence, the high number of deaths. In the case of health workers, maybe they are less affected because they are more aware of the situation, the official added. BMC had around two weeks ago announced a compensation of 50 lakh to the families of BMC staffers who died due to Covid-19 while discharging their duty. The GAD, in a reminder earlier this week, wrote to all departments of the BMC stating, As it is necessary to give immediate assistance to the family of the deceased employee, all departments are requested to process the claims as early as possible. Milind Sawant, joint municipal commissioner of GAD, said, We are in the process of clearing claims for all the families. Many claims are pending due to paperwork on the part of the family, owing to them being under quarantine. In many cases, the departments are also in the process of furnishing required documents for the claims to be approved by insurance companies. BMC anticipates that with the procurement of 1 lakh rapid antigen kits, the cases within the civic body can be detected early. The kits will be used for frontline staff, considering it gives results in 30 minutes. We can detect the cases earlier and can also have frequent testing for elderly staff members, said a BMC official. Meanwhile, Dharavi, one of the critical hotspots in Mumbai, reported the third-lowest number of cases since the first week of April. On Thursday, only 11 new cases were reported, taking the total count to 2,210, with 81 deaths. On Tuesday, only five cases were reported in Dharavi, the lowest since April, and the second-lowest single-day count of seven was reported on Saturday. Further, on Thursday, Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar launched BMCs Doctor at Your Doorstep initiative in south Mumbai, similar to the Rapid Action Plan being launched for areas in the suburbs where more cases are being reported. Through seven mobile clinic vans under Mission Zero, doctors will conduct door-to-door screening of patients, and swabs from suspected individuals will be collected on the spot. The vans will function in Worli, Antop Hill, Dongri, Wadala, Charni Road, Girgaon, Fort, Colaba, and Dadar. FP Trending Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 will be Samsung's next smartwatch to launch in the market, however, there is currently no confirmation when will it be launched. Right now, what we have are leaks, and the latest comes with renders of the purported watch and details about some of its specifications. The latest lead comes via Evan evleaks Blass. The images put out by the tipster show the model number SM-R840 of the device at the back of the dial. The smartwatch will come with a 45 mm stainless steel case and Gorilla Glass DX for display protection. It will sport a 22 mm black leather band and have a rating of 5 ATM for water resistance. Galaxy Watch 3, which is MIL-STD-810G certified, will feature a rotating bezel and two physical buttons on the right side of the screen. The face of the smartwatch will come with an analog design showing weather forecast and battery life. It will also have a heart rate monitor and GPS support. Earlier, it was predicted that Samsungs new watch would be called Galaxy Watch 2. However, the predictions proved to be wrong when a certification filing with Thailands NBTC revealed that it would be called Galaxy Watch 3. Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 is expected to come in four versions two in a 41 mm size and the other two in a 45 mm size. It is likely to feature blood pressure monitoring. It is being predicted that the tech giant may launch Galaxy Watch 3 at an event for the Galaxy Note20 series and the Galaxy Fold 2 on 5 August. Four months after the shooting of Ahmaud Arbery, three suspects who were accused of the crime and involvement in his death have been indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday. According to CNN, Joyette M. Holmes, Cobb District Attorney stated that Greg McMichael, his father Travis McMichael, and William R. Bryan were indicted by Glynn County's Grand Jury on charges of felony murder and malice in view of Arbery's death. In addition, Holmes added that the pursuit of justice for both Arbery and his family continues. Also adding that this same justice is also for the whole community who will largely be affected by the decision on the case. Aside from the above-stated charges, the indictment also stated that the suspects were also charged with criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment, false imprisonment and aggravated assault, NPR reported. The grand jury has been chosen or impaneled ahead of the imposed judicial emergency in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Holmes also emphasized that when the jurors convened on Wednesday, necessary precautions were taken and social distancing was followed. Moreover, the case's special prosecutor added that the family of the victim has already been notified of the jury's decision. Holmes also said that the family was very happy about the news since they were already unsure of the next steps they would take after the last preliminary hearing. Read also: Appeals Court Panel Orders to Dismiss Michael Flynn's Case The death of Arbery It can be recalled that during the day of his death, February 23, 2020, 25-year-old Arbery was simply jogging outside Brunswick, Georgia when the McMichaels chased him, accusing him of burglary. According to The New York Times, after the altercation between Arbery and the McMicheals, Gregory McMichael told the authorities that his son and Arbery fought over possession of Travis' shotgun which led to the shots that killed the victim. Gregory also told the police that they mistook Arbery as someone who was suspected in the series of break-ins and burglary that has occurred in the area around that time. However, Gregory's statement contradicted the records that stated there were no series of break-ins that happened or were reported in the area seven weeks prior to Arbery's demise. Moreover, it was stated that there was only one report of a break-in that involved a stolen gun from a vehicle just in front of the residence of the McMicheals. Meanwhile, Bryan was the one who was able to record the fatal encounter from his car. The footage that was taken by Bryan went viral and was the evidence that resulted in the arrest of the McMichaels and eventually his own. According to investigators, they believe that Bryan was an accessory to the crime since it is suspected that he used his vehicle to both detain and confine the victim for multiple instances just a few minutes before his death. Moreover, in a testimony that was made earlier this month, an agent of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation said that Arbery most likely felt trapped during the encounter which is the reason why he chose to fight back. Related article: LAPD Horrified After Finding Tampon on His Starbucks Drink, Claims It's a 'Disgusting Assault' @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. [June 25, 2020] Cincinnati Bell Inc. Announces Extension Of Expiration Time And Change To Structure Of Consent Fees Payable To Consenting Holders With Respect To Consent Solicitations For 7.000% Senior Notes Due 2024 And 8.000% Senior Notes Due 2025 CINCINNATI, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cincinnati Bell Inc. ("Cincinnati Bell" or the "Company") today announced that it is extending the expiration time (the "Expiration Time") for its previously announced solicitations of consents (the "Consent Solicitations") with respect to certain proposed amendments to the (i) indenture, dated as of September 22, 2016 (as supplemented or amended), governing its 7.000% Senior Notes due 2024 (the "2024 Notes") and (ii) indenture, dated as of October 6, 2017 (as supplemented or amended), governing its 8.000% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes," and together with the 2024 Notes, the "Notes"). The Consent Solicitations are being made solely on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement, dated June 15, 2020 (as supplemented by the Company's press release dated June 22, 2020 and the additional information described below and as may be further amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Consent Solicitation Statement"). The Company may, in its sole discretion, terminate, further extend or amend either Consent Solicitation at any time as described in the Consent Solicitation Statement. The Expiration Time for the Consent Solicitations has been extended to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 30, 2020 (the "New Expiration Time"). As of 5:00 p.m., New York City time on June 24, 2020, D.F. King & Co., Inc., as Information Agent, reported consents with respect to $224,418,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2024 Notes, representing 35.91% of the outstanding 2024 Notes, and $146,230,000 aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes, representing 41.78% of the outstanding 2025 Notes, had been validly delivered and not revoked pursuant to the applicable Consent Solicitation. In addition and as amended herein, the structure of the consent fees have been modified as follows: (i) with respect to the 2024 Notes, an aggregate cash payment of $2,812,500 will be payable to holders, on a pro rata basis (based on aggregate principal amount of 2024 Notes for which consents have been validly delivered and not revoked), who deliver (and do not revoke) valid consents prior to the New Expiration Time as total consideration for such consent (the "Revised 2024 Notes Consent Fee"), and (ii) with respect to the 2025 Notes, an aggregate cash payment of $1,050,000 will be payable to holders, on a pro rata basis (based on aggregate principal amount of 2025 Notes for which consents have been validly delivered and not revoked), who deliver (and do not revoke) valid consents prior to the New Expiration Time as total consideration for such consent (the "Revised 2025 Notes Consent Fee", and together with the Revised 2024 Notes Consent Fee, the "Revised Consent Fees"). The Revised Consent Fees represent an increase to the consent fees as follows: (i) with respect to the 2024 Notes, $4.50 per $1,000 principal amount of 2024 Notes, based on the aggregate principal amount of 2024 Notes outstanding as of the date hereof, and (ii) with respect to the 2025 Notes, $3.00 per $1,000 principal amount of 2025 Notes, based on the aggregate principal amount of 2024 Notes outstanding as of the date hereof. If the Requisite Consents are obtained and subject to the other terms and conditions in the Consent Solicitation Statement (including the consummation of the Acquisition) the Company will pay the Revised Consent Fees substantially concurrently with the consummation of the Acquisition. The Company expects the Acquisition to be consummated in the first half of 2021, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions; however, no assurance is made as to the timing and likelihood of completion of the Acquisition. If the Requisite Consents are received for both series of Notes and the Proposed Amendments become operative, as of March 31, 2020, after giving effect to the consummation of the Acquisition, the Company would have had approximately $1,559 million of total indebtedness outstanding, all of which would have been secured. Other than with respect to the New Expiration Time and the Revised Consent Fees, the terms of the Consent Solicitations described in the Consent Solicitation Statement remain unchanged. Holders of Notes who have already validly delivered their consents pursuant to the Consent Solicitations need not take any additional action in order to deliver their consents. This press release is for informational purposes only and the Consent Solicitations are being made solely on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Consent Solicitation Statement. Further, this press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes or any other securities. The Consent Solicitation Statement does not constitute a solicitation of consents in any jurisdiction in which, or to or from any person to or from whom, it is unlawful to make such solicitation under applicable federal securities or blue sky laws. Copies of the Consent Solicitation Statement may be obtained from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the Information and Tabulation Agent, at (212) 269-5550 (banks and brokers), (866) 388-7452 (all others, toll free), or email at [email protected]. Holders of the Notes are urged to review the Consent Solicitation Statement for the detailed terms of the Consent Solicitations and the procedures for consenting to the Proposed Amendments. Any persons with questions regarding the Consent Solicitations should contact the Solicitation Agent, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, at (212) 902-6351 (collect). About Cincinnati Bell Inc. With headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cincinnati Bell Inc. (NYSE: CBB) delivers integrated communications solutions to residential and business customers over its fiber-optic and copper networks including high-speed internet, video, voice and data. Cincinnati Bell provides service in areas of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Hawaii. In addition, enterprise customers across the United States and Canada rely on CBTS and OnX for efficient, scalable office communications systems and end-to-end IT solutions. For more information, please visit www.cincinnatibell.com. The information on Cincinnati Bell's website is not incorporated by reference in this press release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain of the statements in this communication contain forward-looking statements regarding future events and results that are subject to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industries in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "predicts," "projects," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "continues," "endeavors," "strives," "will," "may," "proposes," "potential," "could," "should," "outlook," or variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections of future financial performance, anticipated growth and trends in businesses, and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that these forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) the risk that the Acquisition may not be completed in a timely manner or at all; (ii) the possibility that any or all of the various conditions to the consummation of the Acquisition may not be satisfied or waived, including the failure to receive any required regulatory approvals from any applicable governmental entities (or any conditions, limitations or restrictions placed on such approvals); (iii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Acquisition, including in circumstances which would require Cincinnati Bell to pay a termination fee or other expenses; (iv) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the Acquisition on Cincinnati Bell's ability to retain and hire key personnel, its ability to maintain relationships with its customers, suppliers and others with whom it does business, or its operating results and business generally; (v) risks related to diverting management's attention from Cincinnati Bell's ongoing business operations; (vi) the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the Acquisition may result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; (vii) risks related to the recent outbreak of COVID-19 (more commonly known as the Coronavirus), including the risk that the receipt of certain approvals required to consummate the Acquisition may be delayed; and (viii) (A) those discussed in Cincinnati Bell's Form 10-K report, Form 10-Q reports and Form 8-K reports, and (B) those discussed in other documents Cincinnati Bell filed with the SEC. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Cincinnati Bell undertakes no, and expressly disclaims any, obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason, except as required by applicable law. For further information please contact: Media Cincinnati Bell: Josh Pichler Senior Manager, Communications and Media Tel: (513) 565-0310 Email: [email protected] Investors Cincinnati Bell: Josh Duckworth Vice President of Treasury, Corporate Finance and Investor Relations Tel: (513) 397-2292 Email: [email protected] View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cincinnati-bell-inc-announces-extension-of-expiration-time-and-change-to-structure-of-consent-fees-payable-to-consenting-holders-with-respect-to-consent-solicitations-for-7-000-senior-notes-due-2024-and-8-000-senior-notes-due-2--301083607.html SOURCE Cincinnati Bell Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] After actor Sushant Singh Rajput died by suicide, the Bombay Psychiatric Society (BPS) has criticised a section of the media for violating rules laid down by the Press Council of India (PCI) while reporting Rajputs death. BPS plans to re-issue the media guidelines for suicide coverage. Dr Milan Balakrishnan, secretary, BPS, said on Thursday, The medias reporting on suicide has a huge impact on the minds of people along with the family members of the deceased. Such irresponsible coverage increases stigmatisation of people suffering from mental ailments. We request the media not to unnecessarily sensitise the death of a young actor. Rajput died by suicide in his Bandra home on June 14. The police have found no suicide note and are currently investigating his death. Several reports published afterwards made unverified claims about the actors mental health and emotional state. Photos of Rajputs dead body were also circulated on social media, which is a violation of the guidelines laid down for suicide reportage as such images are traumatic for the surviving family and can act as triggers for those who have mental health issues. City psychiatrists have widely criticised the media coverage of Rajputs death as irresponsible, citing the guidelines laid out by the World Health Organization on how suicides should be reported by the press. In an open letter dated June 22, BPS further stated, A number of statements have been incorrectly ascribed to him [a psychiatrist] giving the impression that doctor-patient confidentiality has been breached. Already, clarification has been issued regarding the inaccurate and distorted nature of the reporting of the concerned doctor. Dr Balakrishnan also said that BPS plans to reissue guidelines for the media coverage suicides. PCI has made their rules by adopting WHO guidelines. We are therefore planning to formulate one policy focusing on do-s and dont-s for India media, he said. Medical professionals administer COVID-19 tests at the Bondi Beach drive-through COVID-19 testing center on April 6, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images) Next 3 Months Risky for Virus Spread, University Professor Says Doctors have told a Senate inquiry that winter will increase the risk of coronavirus spreading in Australia and face masks should be widely adopted. Australian National Universitys Professor Peter Collignon has told a Senate inquiry the virus will remain a problem for at least two years. Were going to have to keep up the things that we know work, which is predominantly keeping a physical distance, washing your hands and people who are sick staying away from others, he said on Thursday. Probably winter will be more risky, so I worry about the next three months in Australia in particular. Professor Raina MacIntyre, from the UNSW Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, says Australians should embrace face masks as strict restrictions ease. She also says the government should begin planning for when a vaccine is found, in terms of who will be a priority to receive it. Professor MacIntyre also warned that Victorias spike in cases could easily happen elsewhere. They have been exemplar with their response and it probably will happen in other parts of Australia, she said. What we need is to work together across our differences to protect Australia. Veteran ABC broadcaster and doctor Norman Swan also backed the use of face masks. He said their use could be transformative, and that people shouldnt be allowed on public transport without them. Swan noted that while the majority of cases in Australia have come from overseas, Victoria was now seeing community spread. Thats where the danger lies, he said. Swan is also concerned that if a vaccine is developed overseas Australia will be at the back of the queue. Australian Medical Association president Tony Bartone warned the nation is in the early stages of the fight against the virus. Bartone encouraged senators to set up an Australian Centre of Disease Control. Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation federal secretary Annie Butler says transparency is needed for aged care funding, to ensure money is going where its supposed to. The union also wants paid pandemic leave and more work to be done in guaranteeing access to personal protective equipment, including local manufacturing. In a separate inquiry, representatives from producer Detmold told politicians about their journey pivoting to manufacturing PPE. Detmold could continue making 10 to 15 million masks per month in the future, but group manager Les Lewis told politicians that they should consider the whole supply chain. If theres a second surge of the virus in countries like China, Taiwan and Brazil where materials are sourced from, PPE production would be hurt. Lewis is also concerned about a lack of local labs to test the quality of imported face masks, saying that some dont meet Australian standards. By Rebecca Gredley SANTA FE The city of Santa Fe has introduced its first measure of healing and reconciliation centered around the so-called Soldiers Monument in Plaza Park following protests against multiple monuments within city limits. A plywood structure will be built around the obelisk in the center of the Santa Fe Plaza, and the city is inviting the general public, local artists, poets and young people to use it as a canvas. The city says in a news release that the plywood shell, which was installed to protect against continued vandalism, would serve as a focal point for artistic expression that can begin a conversation that will lead to a healing and reconciliation process. In particular, the community is invited to share words and images of hope and healing on this installation, which will remain in place as needed community conversations happen, the release says. A temporary barrier has been placed around the obelisk in the meantime. The idea grew out of a Historic District Review Board meeting earlier this week. Members of the board had expressed support for a temporary public art installation and generating community dialogue about racial healing. The project is described in the release as Culture Connects: Behind the Masks Uncovering the Values We Carry Forward. In the last week, vandals spray-painted graffiti on the obelisk and chipped away part of the marble. The 33-foot obelisk, erected in 1868 as a monument to Union soldiers who fought in Civil War battles in New Mexico, has long been controversial because one side of the base was engraved with text saying it honored heroes who had fallen in battles with savage Indians. While the offensive word was chiseled away by an anonymous man in the 1970s, it is still viewed as a symbol of suppression of Native Americans. The obelisk, along with a monument to Kit Carson and a statue of Diego de Vargas in Santa Fe, are among many monuments nationwide that are being criticized for commemorating brutal acts against racial minorities in America. The Kit Carson obelisk, located in front of the U.S. District Courthouse, already has protective plywood around it. Mayor Alan Webber ordered the temporary removal of the de Vargas statue June 18 to protect it from damage. Those wishing to participate in the art installation around the obelisk are encouraged to contact the citys Art and Culture Department. The how to invest like Warren Buffett article is a stalwart of investment writing. There will have been hundreds of thousands if not millions of words written on how to emulate the worlds most famous investor over the years and This is Money has certainly contributed a few of them. Yet, the concept behind these articles is flawed. Because to invest like the man dubbed the Sage of Omaha has done for the past few decades requires you to be Warren Buffett. Buffett ceased being an investor many years ago and became a multi-billionaire businessman with the ability to strike investment deals that none of us could hope to do. Investing like Buffett is a commonly followed philosophy but the world's most famous investor can strike the kind of deal that you couldn't for your Isa Companies want Buffett on board and will give him a better deal in backing them than you or I could get by buying their stock market-listed shares. Meanwhile, founders and family owners will sell to Buffett when they wouldnt to others. In the financial crisis era, Buffett famously struck rescue deals with three of the worlds most powerful companies, Goldman Sachs, General Electric and Bank of America that very much favoured his Berkshire Hathaway investment vehicle. In return for a Buffett bailout, he got preferred stock and warrants that gave him the right to swap to ordinary shares in the future and make a huge profit. Good luck on striking a similar deal for your Isa. So, why do we still write about investing like Buffett and companies that might pass his investment test? Largely, because despite a gradual transformation from investor, to businessman, to possibly the worlds most powerful dealmaker, Buffett has stuck fairly true to some guiding principles, which with a bit of honing through the years have delivered a solid guide to identifying good and robust companies. Buffett outlines his philosophy as buying companies that he would be happy to hold forever, because they have strong finances, a robust business model, a so-called moat - which means their business cannot be easily replicated and a simplicity that means you can understand what they do. Set aside that some of this doesnt seem to really chime with striking sweet deals with stricken financial firms, and you can use it try to identify shares that may not always be the best performers but should deliver solid compound growth over time. To that end, an interesting stock screen from Simon McGarry, senior equity analyst at Canaccord Genuity Wealth, came my way this week with 14 UK-listed companies that he thinks pass the test of Would Buffett Invest? He looked for companies that had some key Buffett criteria: sound management with consistently high cash flows, demonstrable earnings capacity, prudent balance sheets, a fair price, and simplicity. Some of these metrics involved running the numbers, others such as the simple business test are a more arbitrary concept. I will publish the criteria in more detail and how the shares scored in the online version of this column. The screen threw up some names many will recognise and quite a few that most wont, belying the myth that Buffett-style investing is all about big brands the person on the street knows. They ranged from FTSE 100 giant RELX (previously known as Reed Elsevier), to investor darling Ashtead, packaging firm DS Smith, IT specialist Computacenter and gifts and greeting cards firm IG Design. THE UK SHARES THAT PASSED THE BUFFETT SCREEN TEST Company Market cap Price earnings ratio EPS growth Dividend yield Dividend cover Free cash flow yield RELX PLC 36,346 20.2 0.30% 2.50% 2 5.00% CRH 20,603 19 -5.70% 2.90% 1.9 4.80% Ashtead Group 10,855 18.4 -24.90% 1.70% 3.4 5.00% DCC 6,691 20.1 -4.70% 2.30% 2.2 5.00% Bunzl 6,362 18.5 -11.80% 2.10% 2.7 4.70% DS Smith 4,786 12.9 -15.80% 4.30% 1.7 8.20% Computacenter 1,772 17.6 -3.10% 2.30% 2.5 5.50% UDG Healthcare 1,756 17.3 14.20% 2.00% 2.9 4.70% Grafton 1,557 15.7 -13.00% 1.80% 3.5 5.30% Synthomer 1,334 13.1 0.10% 2.80% 2.7 6.80% Breedon Group 1,297 18.1 -3.40% 0.40% 13.3 5.10% RHI Magnesita 1,153 7.4 -12.70% 2.20% 6 12.30% Hill & Smith Holding 993 17.2 -2.60% 2.20% 2.6 4.80% IG Design 517 15.5 12.50% 2.30% 2.4 4.80% Source: Canaccord Genuity Wealth (June 2020): Screen used 12 month forward ratios If you do like to invest in individual company shares, screens such as this provide an interesting jumping off point. If you want to find some, an internet search can be your friend but be very wary of who you trust out there and consider whether there is an ulterior motive. Watch out for the bulletin boards where shares are ramped and any boiler room operations pushing dodgy operations. Reputable investment firms regularly publish screens and we will occasionally run articles on them, as do This is Moneys investing press rivals. A good paid-for option to consider is share data specialist Stockopedia, with its Guru screens. Alternatively, if its Buffett that you want to invest like and you prefer not to dabble in individual shares, you can look for a fund or investment trust manager of that mould. The two most famous UK managers of this ilk are Terry Smith, of Fundsmith, and Nick Train, of Finsbury Growth and Income trust and the Lindsell Train funds, along with his partner Michael Lindsell. There is even a Buffettology fund (disclosure, I invest in this) run by Keith Ashworth-Lord, a veteran British investor, who follows the style of investing that is championed by Buffett and holds 25 to 30 UK companies of all sizes that he feels fits the bill. Meanwhile, broker the Share Centre highlighted last year another two funds that it feels suit the Buffett principals, Artemis Income and Liontrust Special Situations. Whether a portfolio of the 14 shares the Buffett screen turned up, or any of the funds mentioned above, will turn out to be a wise investment is something only time will tell. But, as ever, I would urge anyone considering buying them to carefully do your own research, because you can guarantee thats what Warren Buffett would do before he invested. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 03:12:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LOS ANGELES, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A preliminary 5.8-magnitude quake occurred Wednesday morning near town of Lone Pine in California's Inyo County, 336 kilometers north of Los Angeles downtown. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the quake hit the rural area at 10:40:40 local time (17:40:49 GMT), and the epicenter, with a depth of 2.9 km, was initially determined to be at 36.45 degrees north latitude and 117.97 degrees west longitude. As originally registered as a 6.0-magnitude quake, it has since been downgraded to 5.8-magnitude. Videos posted online showed that some people living in Los Angeles felt the earthquake a well as residents in Fresno, the nearest major city to the epicenter, which is located at the other side of Sierra Nevada, about 150 kilometers west of Lone Pine. There is no report of casualty or damage so far. Many earthquakes occurred in the Owens Valley where Lone Pine sits. On March 26 of 1872, a quake estimated at 7.4 to 7.9 magnitude hit the small town, in which 27 people were killed and 56 were injured. The Lone Pine earthquake in 1872 was one of the largest earthquakes to hit California in recorded history and was similar in size to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Enditem The RAF Voyager has been repainted in white, with a Union flag on the tailfin (Stefan Rousseau/PA) The new paint job costing almost 1 million on the plane used by the Prime Minister has been unveiled. The RAF Voyager which was previously a military grey colour has been resprayed in white, with a Union flag on the tailfin and United Kingdom written in gold on the fuselage. Boris Johnson had previously complained about the military paint scheme used on the jet. But the cost of the respray was condemned by opposition politicians when it was revealed earlier this month. Downing Street said the work would cost around 900,000 and would mean that the plane could better represent the UK around the world with national branding. Officials have insisted the plane would still be able to fulfil its military role as an air-to-air refuelling tanker. Expand Close The RAF Voyager (Stefan Rousseau/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The RAF Voyager (Stefan Rousseau/PA) At the time the price tag was revealed, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said: That incorporates the cost of creating a design that will promote the UK around the world without compromising the planes vital military role. At every stage we have worked to ensure value for money for the UK taxpayer and all of the work has been undertaken in the UK, directly benefiting British suppliers. Mr Johnson has previously questioned why the plane was grey, saying he would like to have a Brexit plane to help him travel the world and promote the Governments vision of global Britain. Expand Close The plane was previously a military grey colour (Steve Parsons/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The plane was previously a military grey colour (Steve Parsons/PA) He also complained in 2018 while foreign secretary that the RAF Voyager jet, which is shared by the Prime Minister, senior Cabinet members and the royal family, never seems to be available. A mask mandate and 250-person limit on indoor events are both possible response options to the COVID-19 surge gripping Tulsa County and to a lesser extent Oklahoma, according to Mayor G.T. Bynum. Tulsa County recorded 259 new reported cases of COVID-19 Wednesday, dwarfing its previous single-day record of 143 on Sunday. The state also upped its single-day benchmark to 482. The countys seven-day rolling average of new positives has skyrocketed to 131 cases per day compared to 14 at the beginning of the month, an 835% increase. The current level is 385% above the April peak seven-day average of 27 cases per day. Bynum discussed his thoughts on a mask mandate and a 250-person cap on indoor gatherings two restrictions he considers to be on the table during a news conference Wednesday. Bynum said he and Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt are trying to act in concert so that the states two largest metros are affected in the same way at the same time. Bynum also is in contact with state health officials, and the mayor said he wants to include suburban municipalities in the discussion, with a meeting involving those leaders set for Friday. Josie Norris, The San Antonio Express-News / Staff Photographer With cases of coronavirus spiking around the state, Gov. Greg Abbott this week is slowing down the reopening of businesses and even talking about potentially "ratcheting back" the openings that have already been allowed. Plus a right-wing group that has previously swayed some of Abbott's decisions was caught on tape mocking him for being in a wheelchair. Join the conversation featuring Scott Braddock, editor of The Quorum Report and Houston Chronicle political writer Jeremy Wallace. Sorry! This content is not available in your region "Growth of ALL market is expected to be driven by rising incident cases of ALL, steady uptake of approved and emerging therapies along with an expected increase in investment in the R&D activities. CAR-T cell therapies are expected to dominate the Acute lymphoblastic leukemia market as five of the immunotherapies in the pipeline are geared up to enter the market by 2023." LAS VEGAS, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight has announced the expansion of the forecast period to 2020-2030 for its report on 'Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) Market Insight, Epidemiology and Market Forecast -2030'. Report Findings B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia accounted for the majority of cases, i.e., 82% of total ALL cases, in comparison of T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia. The United States accounted for the highest Acute lymphoblastic leukemia market size, followed by Germany and France among the 7MM countries. accounted for the highest Acute lymphoblastic leukemia market size, followed by and among the 7MM countries. Key pharma and biotech companies invested in the ALL market are Gilead Sciences, Servier/Allogene, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AbbVie/ Roche, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Janssen Research & Development, AbbVie, Autolus Limited, Precision BioSciences/Servier and others. Request for Free Sample Pages of the Report: https://www.delveinsight.com/sample-request/acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia-all-market Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), also known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. The tumor begins from young white blood cells known as lymphocytes in the bone marrow; mainly characterized by the production of immature white blood cells, called lymphoblasts or leukemic blasts in excess. ALL is caused by a lack of normal circulating blood cells. The exact causes of acute lymphocytic leukemia remain mostly unknown; still, it is thought to result from mutations in one or more of the genes that usually control blood cell development. This mutation will result in abnormal growth. It is mainly classified into B-cell and T-cell ALL. ALL can occur at any age but is more common in young children (0-14 years), and it develops quickly, so people are usually only unwell for only a short period before they are diagnosed. Acute lymphocytic leukemia, an uncommon cancer of the blood, had a total incidence of 10,341 in the 7MM in 2017. The ALL incidence is expected to further rise during the forecast period 2020-2030. The US accounted for approximately 50% of the total Acute lymphocytic leukemia incident population in the 7MM. Among EU5 countries, Germany topped the list of highest ALL incident cases, with France following behind. Spain accounted for the least ALL incidence among all the 7MM countries. The Acute lymphocytic leukemia epidemiological analysis demonstrated a higher male preponderance, and approximately 56% of the affected population belonged to the age group <20 years. DelveInsight's Acute lymphocytic leukemia epidemiological segment of the report provides historical as well as forecasted trends for the period 2020-30 bifurcating the patient pool into Total Incident Cases of Leukemia, Total Incident Cases of ALL, Gender-specific cases of ALL, Diagnosed cases of ALL by Age Distribution, Subtype-specific cases of ALL, Genetic mutation-specific cases of ALL, and Total Treated Cases of ALL Acute lymphocytic leukemia Market The Acute lymphocytic leukemia treatment options include Chemotherapy, Post Remission Therapy (Consolidation and Maintenance Therapy), Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, and CAR-T cell therapy. Stem Cell Transplant is also an alternative for the patients who are at early stages of treatment with high-risk subtypes of ALL. However, Immunotherapy offers a broad and promising approach to cure cancer using the body's immune system. After the first-ever FDA approval to CAR-T cell therapy Kymriah (Tisangenlecleucel; Novartis) for the treatment of ALL, several advances in the clinical setting have been made, leading to more effective treatment strategies. As of 2020, Targeted immunotherapy drugs are available to address the relapsed or refractory Acute lymphocytic leukemia cases and are a favorable option for the treatment of older patients within clinical practice. However, there is a significant requirement to develop appropriate strategies for adolescents and young adult ALL patients, which fall between the standard categories of paediatric or adult ALL. Acute lymphocytic leukemia Marketed Therapies Asparlas: Servier Pharmaceuticals Blincyto (blinatumomab/MT 103): Amgen Kymriah (tisagenlecleucel): Novartis Pharmaceuticals Besponsa (inotuzumabozogamicin): Pfizer Erwinaze (asparaginase Erwinia chrysanthemi): Jazz Pharmaceuticals/Porton Biopharma Limited Iclusig (ponatinib): Takeda (Ariad Pharmaceuticals) Present Acute lymphocytic leukemia market scenario is enriched with several companies evaluating novel drug molecules and targets as well as finding ways to add to the efficacy of existing ALL treatment approaches. DelveInsight estimates that Blincyto with its broader indication approval shall be at an early mover advantage to other lines of settings and is expected to dominate the second-line setting as well. However, it would be met by stiff competition from Besponsa and Kymriah. The Acute lymphocytic leukemia pipeline hosts CAR-T cell therapies including KTE-X19 (Gilead Sciences), AUTO1 (Autolus Limited), PBCAR0191 (Precision BioSciences/Servier), UCART19 (Servier/Allogene), and Lisocabtagene Maraleucel/JCAR017 (Bristol-Myers Squibb), which are the major factors providing momentum to the Acute lymphocytic leukemia market. Acute lymphocytic leukemia Pipeline Therapies KTE-X19 (Gilead Sciences) UCART19 (Servier/Allogene) Lisocabtagene Maraleucel/JCAR017 (Bristol-Myers Squibb) Venetoclax/Venclexta/ABT199/RG7601 (AbbVie and Roche) JZP-458/PF743/recombinant Erwinia asparaginase (Jazz Pharmaceuticals) Daratumumab (Janssen Research & Development) Imbruvica/Ibrutinib {Pharmacyclics (an AbbVie Company)} AUTO1 (Autolus Limited) PBCAR0191 (Precision BioSciences/Servier) The dynamics of the overall Acute lymphocytic leukemia market is anticipated to shift positively during the forecast period 2020-30 attributable to rising ALL incidence, improvement in the rise in the number of healthcare spending across the world, a shifted focus to targeted immunotherapies and heightened interest of the major pharma and biotech players. However, there exist barriers that are expected to slow down the growth of ALL market as well. Due to the fact that it is uncommon cancer, there is difficulty in the recruitment of patients into clinical trials. Moreover, the cost of immunotherapies has always been questioned as most of the times, they are unaffordable. The entry of generics such as Sprycel (dasatinib) is another speed-breaker reducing the speed of the growth of the Acute lymphocytic leukemia market. Identify Key Trends of Acute lymphocytic leukemia Market: https://www.delveinsight.com/report-store/acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia-all-market Scope of the Report Geography Covered: 7Major Markets - United States , EU5 ( Germany , Spain , Italy , France , and the United Kingdom ), and Japan 7Major Markets - , EU5 ( , , , , and the ), and Study Period: 3-year historical and 11-year forecasted analysis (2017-2030) 3-year historical and 11-year forecasted analysis (2017-2030) Markets Segmentation : By Geographies, By Therapies, By Line of Therapies : By Geographies, By Therapies, By Line of Therapies Companies Covered: Gilead Sciences, Servier/Allogene, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AbbVie/ Roche, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Janssen Research & Development, AbbVie, Autolus Limited, Precision BioSciences/Servier and others. Gilead Sciences, Servier/Allogene, Bristol-Myers Squibb, AbbVie/ Roche, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Janssen Research & Development, AbbVie, Autolus Limited, Precision BioSciences/Servier and others. Analysis: Comparative and conjoint analysis of emerging therapies, Attribute Analysis Comparative and conjoint analysis of emerging therapies, Attribute Analysis Case Studies KOL's Views Analyst's View Reason to purchase Bespoke primary and secondary research 24*7 post-sale customer support Option for customizing and personalizing research reports as per needs Table of Contents 1. Key Insights 2. Executive Summary of Acute lymphocytic leukemia 3. SWOT Analysis of Acute lymphocytic leukemia 4. Acute lymphocytic leukemia Market Overview at a Glance 5. Acute lymphocytic leukemia: Disease Background and Overview 6. Acute lymphocytic leukemia Diagnosis 7. Acute lymphocytic leukemia Epidemiology and Patient Population 8. The United States Acute lymphocytic leukemia Epidemiology 9. EU-5 Country-wise Acute lymphocytic leukemia Epidemiology 10. Japan Acute lymphocytic leukemia Epidemiology 11. Current Acute lymphocytic leukemia Treatment Practices 12. Acute lymphocytic leukemia Treatment Algorithms 13. Acute lymphocytic leukemia Guideline 14. Unmet Needs in Acute lymphocytic leukemia Market 15. Acute lymphocytic leukemia: Patient Journey 16. Key Endpoints in Acute lymphocytic leukemia Clinical Trials 17. Acute lymphocytic leukemia Marketed Therapies 18. Emerging Acute lymphocytic leukemia Therapies 19. Conjoint Analysis of Acute lymphocytic leukemia 20. Acute lymphocytic leukemia: Seven Major Market Analysis 21. 7MM Acute lymphocytic leukemia Market Size 22. United States Acute lymphocytic leukemia Market Size 23. EU-5 Acute lymphocytic leukemia Market Size 24. Japan Acute lymphocytic leukemia Market Size 25. Market Access and Reimbursement of Acute lymphocytic leukemia Therapies 26. Acute lymphocytic leukemia Market Drivers 27. Acute lymphocytic leukemia Market Barriers 28. Appendix 29. DelveInsight Capabilities 30. Disclaimer 31. About DelveInsight Request a WebEx Walkthrough of the Report: https://www.delveinsight.com/report-store/acute-lymphoblastic-leukemia-all-market Related Reports Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) - Pipeline Insights, 2020 "Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Pipeline " report by DelveInsight outlays comprehensive insights of present clinical development scenario and growth prospects across the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia market. A detailed picture of the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) pipeline landscape is provided, which includes the disease overview and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) treatment guidelines. CAR T-Cell Therapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)- Market Insights and Market Forecast- 2030 DelveInsight's "CAR T-Cell Therapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia " report delivers an in-depth understanding of the CAR T-Cell Therapy use for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia as well as the CAR T-Cell Therapy market trends for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in the 6MM, i.e., United States and EU5 (Germany, Spain, Italy, France and the United Kingdom). About DelveInsight DelveInsight is a leading Business Consultant, and Market Research firm focused exclusively on life sciences. It supports Pharma companies by providing end to end comprehensive solutions to improve their performance. Get hassle-free access to all the healthcare and pharma market research reports through our subscription-based platform PharmDelve. Contact us: Shruti Thakur info@delveinsight.com +91-9650213330 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg The 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War was marked on Thursday in Sydney but Australian veterans stayed home because of COVID-19. A handful of veterans turned out at the Korean War Memorial in Moore Park for the service attended by the Australian Defence Force and the Korea War Veterans Association. Memorial co-designer Jane Cavanough said she welcomed the present debate about historical events that had emerged in the wake of vandalism of statues worldwide. Korea War veteran Nak Yoon Paik among 136 steel and bronze flowers, based on the Rose of Sharon, the national flower of South Korea, that represent the fallen troops from NSW. Credit:Louie Douvis "What I think is so interesting with works being vandalised and taken down is that is it releasing and unlocking this fantastic narrative of other histories and I think that is really worthwhile," she said. Less than a week after Donald Trump returned to the campaign trail with a lacklustre rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, more than two dozen Secret Service agents have been told to self-quarantine as a precaution. The order comes after six advance staffers who helped set up the rally including two Secret Service agents tested positive before the event even began. Two other staffers have tested positive since. According to a report in the Washington Post, the services Tulsa field office arranged tests for local agents involved in the rally. Service agents who were assigned to the event will now have to stay at home for 14 days. In a statement, spokesperson Catherine Milhoan said that in spite of the quarantine order, the service remains prepared and staffed to fulfil all of the various duties as required. Mr Trump and his campaign insisted on holding the rally in spite of advice that gathering thousands of people in an indoor arena was highly unwise given the viruss continued spread. However, in the end, the arena was around two-thirds empty, and planned overflow speeches had to be cancelled when it became clear the venue would not in fact overflow. It has been speculated that even some Trump supporters stayed away from the rally out of fear of contracting or spreading the virus, though there are also reports of organised anti-Trump efforts to snap up places with no intention of attending. But whatever the reason for it, the sparseness of the audience dominated the post-rally coverage, reportedly leaving the president furious. In the meantime, Oklahoma is seeing a surge in cases, with a 24-hour record of 482 confirmed on Wednesday and 80 people hospitalised over the past week. The state health commissioner has said the uptick puts Oklahoma in unknown territory. Mr Trumps use of the Secret Service has been a point of controversy before. It recently came to light that the presidents own company has received more than $1m of taxpayers money in the form of bills charged to the service for hotel rooms when the presidents detail travels with him to his own resorts including at high prices, despite claims to the contrary from the presidents son Eric. A drunken holidaymaker who threatened to kill cabin crew and swore at police in a 40-minute tantrum when he learned his plane would be late taking off has been spared jail. Scott Hardman, 36, headbutted and kicked the door to the Jet2 aircraft and shouted 'Get me the f*** off this f***ing plane!' when the Boeing 737-800 developed a technical fault on its way to the runway at Manchester Airport. As the aircraft remained temporarily grounded while technicians investigated the fault, Hardman, who was due to holiday in Prague with his father in law, reduced one air hostess to tears when he began arguing with other passengers on February 14. The father of three, who had been drinking heavily, threatened to kill cabin crew and other passengers up to 15 times and pleaded for his wife of 17 years to pick him up. He added: 'My life is all over - this is it now. I'm going to f***ing kill you. I'm going to knock you out.' Police at Manchester Airport were summoned to the Jet2 aircraft and but Hardman went on: 'Go on then f***ing arrest me you f***ing pigs - watch what happens when we get off this plane. I just want to go home.' Hardman, from Heaton Norris, Stockport, was handcuffed and escorted off the plane and left in the cells to sober up. The aircraft subsequently took off without further incident. At Minshull Street Crown Court, Hardman admitted being drunk on an aircraft and was given five months jail, suspended for a year. At Minshull Street Crown Court, Scott Hardman admitted being drunk on aircraft and was given five months jail, suspended for a year Sentencing Judge Elizabeth Nicholls told Hardman: 'You are 36, not 16, and need to grow up and take control of yourself. You should know how to behave responsibly towards other people. 'This offence, as is so often the case, caused harm as a result of irresponsible conduct and a lack of self-control. I suspect although I do not know that there were young children on board when you engaged in your display of violence. 'You have children - just think how they would feel being stuck on a plane with this man ranting and raving, kicking the door down and lashing out. It would be terrifying. 'When police arrived you still behaved in an irrational way no doubt because you were drunk and in pain. There is no excuse for your conduct.' Judge Nicholls said that Hardman's plea at the earliest opportunity reflects his 'remorse' immediately after the offence. Hardman was also made the subject of a 7 pm-5.30 am curfew. Flight attendant Lauren Harvey had said in a statement: 'As a result of the incident I have been left very shaken up I went on the flight deck and cried for a while - I was that shaken. 'It lasted for 40 minutes I was with the man for 10 minutes and I saw him from a hands distance away. The captain saw how I was and told me I couldn't work in my state I had to go home because of how this behaviour impacted on me.' Hardman, 36, headbutted and kicked the door to the Jet2 aircraft and shouted 'Get me the f**k off this f**king plane!' when the Boeing 737-800 developed a technical fault on its way to the runway at Manchester Airport (stock image) The flight had been scheduled to depart at 2.15pm but a cabin crew member was concerned about the behaviour of a group of passengers, including the defendant, who appeared to be drunk at the rear of an aircraft, Prosecutor Simone Flynn said. She continued: 'The aircraft had not taken off due to a technical problem and remained grounded for maintenance work. But the defendant was observed by a member of cabin crew as behaving aggressively while shouting obscenities at another man and threatening violence. 'With the help of a senior cabin crew member the defendant was taken to the rear of the plane but he was shouting and screaming and saying he wanted to get off. 'The senior cabin crew member said in a statement that she heard the defendant say ''I'm going to f***ing kill you'' and ''I'm going to knock you out'' to one of the men. He is said to have made these threats 15 times. Hardman was then joined by his father in law, who tried to calm him down, but the defendant 'remained very erratic and began kicking the plane door,' Ms Flynne said. 'A senior cabin crew member then tried to calm him down and he did indeed calm down at this point. He wanted his wife to come and pick him up. 'Police then arrived and an officer has given evidence to say he was clearly under the influence of intoxicants with a strong smell of alcohol coming from him. Sentencing Judge Elizabeth Nicholls told Hardman: 'You are 36, not 16, and need to grow up and take control of yourself. You should know how to behave responsibly towards other people' (pictured: Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester) 'He was asked to turn around and face the aircraft door but was uncooperative but he did eventually find the aircraft door and head butted it.' Hardman was handcuffed, at which point he shouted obscenities at the officer. He was then taken off the aircraft, bringing the 40-minute episode to an end. In mitigation defence counsel Robert Kearney said his client suffered from depression and anxiety and added: 'The aircraft was not in flight and emotions got the better of him. 'Who knows if he would have reacted in this way if the plane was in flight, but when it briefly was moving before the technical issues were found he did not cause any issues. 'There was no violence apart from the head butt of the door in anger and temper and he threatened to sue but did not use violence. 'He had recently had an operation on his shoulder and it is clear from video footage that he was crying out and saying his shoulder was in real pain when he was being handcuffed. Officers didn't do anything about this because they were obviously concerned about their safety and the safety of other passengers. 'It is clear he was his own worst enemy when police arrived and he was being calmed down. When police arrived he did not have the good sense to keep quiet. This is a man who was distressed and in a poor state of mind that day.' *How will the results of the party votes on the proposed three-way deal between Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Greens emerge? The results of the near 20,000 ballots between the three parties will be known around 6pm. but the threshold is not the same for all three. Fine Gael has an easier task in approving the five-year deal with half of votes lying in the hands of party parliamentarians, who have already backed the pact. A few constituency delegates, councillors or executive council members will bring it over the 50% needed. Fianna Fail faces the same threshold, but has a more daunting task with an estimated 14,500 members voting on the deal. Over half are expected to approve the deal. The exception and by far the biggest challenge lies with the Greens, who need some two thirds of member votes to back the proposed coalition pact. If that high bar is met and the other parties pass the pact, the stage will be set for a new coalition *How will the government be formed and who will be in it? The plan is to have a special Dail sitting and a vote for Taoiseach at Dublin's convention centre on Saturday, so all 160 TDs can attend given the need for social distancing. Fine Gael has signalled this will go ahead with or without the deal being approved by parties. The meeting is set to begin at 10.30am with speeches. The proposed coalition has already agreed that Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin should be the next Taoiseach, taking over from Leo Varadkar. Sinn Fein will also nominate Mary Lou McDonald for Taoiseach, but will be outnumbered by pro-coalition TDs. A vote is expected around midday. Then Mr Martin, if elected Taoiseach, will go to Aras an Uachtarain to get his official seal of office. Upon his expected return to government buildings, he will appoint ministers. A full show of the new Cabinet is expected in the make-shift parliament chamber by 4pm. The entire Cabinet is then expected to go to the president in Phoenix Park to receive their seals of office and later go to Dublin Castle for their first meeting. *What happens if the deal is rejected today? This is indeed uncharted waters. We have been without a new government since February, emergency spending to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic is running out and crucial laws that underpin the special criminal court are due to expire next week. If the three-way coalition deal collapses, parties will have to go back to negotiating and this could involve Sinn Fein. Nonetheless, it is expected that a vote for Taoiseach will still go ahead on Saturday. Outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, in the absence of a new government, is also expected to seek some ad-hoc agreement on appointing the Seanad to pass those laws and approve funds. As Americans protest the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and other black people at the hands of police, Canadians are facing a reckoning of their own. Since April, six indigenous people have been fatally shot by police, including a woman killed during a wellness check, and a video went viral of a First Nations chief being beaten by Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officers in March. Race troubles in Canadian policing have been thrust into the spotlight in recent weeks, following the global Black Lives Matters protests and the succession of cases of police violence against indigenous people. There is systemic racism in Canada, said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a news conference this month, calling for investigations into the recent cases to be made public. It means that indigenous peoples, black Canadians and racialized Canadians are far more likely to suffer violence at the hands of the authorities and police than non-racialized Canadians, he said. In the decade spanning 2007 to 2017, indigenous people accounted for more than a third of people shot to death by RCMP officers, despite numbering just 5% of the population. A study in Nova Scotia found black residents were six times more likely to be subjected to street checks than were white people. Among those slain since April, Chantel Moore was killed in New Brunswick after police were called to her apartment to check on her well-being. Police say she attacked an officer with a knife, but her family questioned why non-lethal force was not used to subdue her. A week later, Rodney Levi was shot and killed when the RCMP were called to remove him from a church ministers barbecue and said he was carrying knives. The chief of his indigenous community said on Facebook that Levi had mental health issues. In Alberta, video footage showed Athabasca Chipewyan First Nations Chief Allan Adam being punched, tackled and choked during his arrest over an expired license plate. RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki released a statement acknowledging systemic racism in the police force, after initially refusing to use the term. The RCMP is omnipresent, operating federally across the country and also contracted to serve by eight out of ten provinces, the three territories and 153 municipalities. As in the United States, calls are growing to demilitarize police and reallocate funds to community-oriented supports such as mental health and housing. We need to figure out how we deconstruct that combative and aggressive culture that exists within police forces, said Chief Arlen Dumas, Grand Chief of the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Dumas advocates police body cameras and an emphasis on de-escalation of potentially violent confrontations. Other recommendations being considered include installing veteran detectives and specialized indigenous policing units. Officers frequently work with indigenous communities for only two years and dont speak the language, said Rebecca Kudloo, president of Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada, an advocacy organization. Recently publicized letters of complaint from a legal aid board found women in the territory suffered violence and racism at the hands of the RCMP. In the letters obtained by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, the board said indigenous women were forced to undergo humiliating and degrading strip-searches by RCMP officers. The RCMP in Nunavut said its commanding officer was aware of the complaints and was awaiting completion of a review into the allegations. Relations between the RCMP and indigenous communities can be traced to its origins as a paramilitary colonial force in the 1870s, said Steve Hewitt, senior history lecturer at the University of Birmingham. Mounties moved indigenous people forcibly onto reservations and removed indigenous children from their families to attend residential schools, a policy intended to assimilate them into Euro-Canadian culture. Hewitt suggested starting over, as in Northern Ireland where the sectarian Royal Ulster Constabulary was replaced by a new police force to help ease partisan troubles. I just think the whole thing is rotten to the core, he said. Former RCMP officer Chad Haggerty told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that when he was on the force in Alberta, insults by colleagues about indigenous people like himself were as common as coffee. One officer said I was hired because I was an Indian and I should be back on the reserve policing, said Haggerty, who served for 17 years and works at a law firm. In Manitoba, a law-enforcement program at the University College of the North is trying to get more indigenous people into policing and teach approaches such as community problem-solving. When you put that uniform on, it represents a lot of things that First Nations people dont agree with, said Chris Pallan, an indigenous former RCMP officer who runs the program. He recalled a community elder calling police the people that take our children away. People dont forget that, he said. Pelosi Asked to Stop China Daily Distribution to Hill Offices Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is keeping silent in response to the urging of an Indiana Republican and four colleagues that she end distribution of China Daily, a Chinese regime propaganda outlet, to congressional offices. I sent letters to Congresss Chief Administrative Officer and to the Chairperson and Ranking Member of the Committee on House Administration asking for help, Rep. Jim Banks (R-Ind.) told Pelosi earlier this week in a letter first reported by the Washington Free Beacon. Unfortunately, I didnt receive any; so, Im turning to you as Speaker of the House. I ask you: How is Chinese propaganda arriving on my doorstep each morning when the Capitol is closed to the public? And what are you going to do about it? Ashley Etienne, Pelosis communications director, didnt immediately respond to The Epoch Times request for comment on Bankss letter. Also signing the letter to Pelosi were Republican Reps. Greg Steube of Florida, Brian Babin of Texas, Ralph Norman of South Carolina, and Mike Johnson of Louisiana. Rep. Chuck Fleishmann (R-Tenn.), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, echoed Bankss concerns in an email to The Epoch Times. China Daily is a state-run media outlet and registered foreign agent under FARA, they are not even credentialed by the congressional press galleries, he said. So why is their propaganda on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party [CCP] distributed to members of Congress? This is something that needs to be looked into. After designating China Daily and four other Chinese outlets as foreign missions earlier this year, the State Department announced June 22 it was adding four more Chinese government-controlled entities to the list. Over the past decade and particularly under General Secretary Xi Jinpings tenure, the CCP has reorganized Chinas state propaganda outlets disguised as news agencies and asserted even more direct control over them, State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus said in a June 22 statement. He has stated, party-owned media must embody the partys will, safeguard the partys authority their actions must be highly consistent with the party. In short, while Western media are beholden to the truth, PRC media are beholden to the Chinese Communist Party, Ortagus said. The China Daily publication has been distributed free of charge to Hill offices of senators and representatives since 1983. In recent issues, multiple stories have appeared that unfavorably compare U.S. riots in the wake of George Floyds May 25 killing by a Minneapolis police officer to Chinas brutal takeover of Hong Kong contrary to the one country, two systems agreement it signed with the United Kingdom in 1997. Beijing has spent millions of dollars through the China Daily in recent years on advertising sections made to look like genuine news content and inserted into The New York Times, Washington Post, and other major U.S. newspapers. Banks has been campaigning to remove the China Daily for months. Earlier this year, he told The Epoch Times that what people dont know is that every morning, we receive a packet of journals and newspapers, and, while that is very helpful to me as a policymaker, the China Daily being included on an almost-daily basis in that packet is a dangerous precedent. Not just because its a propaganda rag, but because of who owns it and how its paid for, and for that to show up on the doorstep of every member of Congress, to be distributed to every member of Congresss team, and oftentimes to be lying around for constituents visiting offices to read, which is what most of these newspapers end up doing, is almost an endorsement of them as a legitimate news source, which they are not. In a Sept. 30, 2019, letter to Phil Kieko, the chief administrative officer (CAO) of the House of Representatives, Banks said China Daily and the four-to-eight page inserts in U.S. publications serve as cover for Chinas atrocities, including its genocide of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang region and its support for the crackdown in Hong Kong. Kieko, a former longtime aide to Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) before becoming the House CAO, declined to act in response to Bankss letter, claiming to have no jurisdiction over the distribution of news products to House offices. Contact Mark Tapscott at Mark.Tapscott@epochtimes.nyc Masayoshi Son speaks during a joint announcement with Toyota Motor to make new venture to develop mobility services in Tokyo in October 2018. SoftBank Group Chief Executive Masayoshi Son mounted a defense of his investing decisions on Thursday, saying the value of the Japanese conglomerate's holdings has recovered to pre-coronavirus outbreak levels. "We have worried a lot of people who thought that SoftBank is finished or is 'SoftPunku'," Son told a shareholder meeting, using a play on the word "puncture" used colloquially in Japanese when something is broken. The rise in corporate value was driven by the growth of SoftBank's stake is Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba and following the merger of its U.S. wireless unit Sprint with T-Mobile. Sprint, which Son loaded up with debt and made repeated attempts to merge with T-Mobile before successfully closing the deal in April, has delivered an internal rate of return of 25%, Son said. SoftBank has undertaken a complex transaction to divest part of its T-Mobile stake to raise $20 billion. That brings the total from an asset sale programme, which includes monetisation of stakes in Alibaba and wireless carrier SoftBank, to $35 billion or 80% of the planned total, Son said. Its so much more useful for people who are bilingual and have parents who only speak Spanish, like me, Ramirez said. ...Its just nice to be able to have my mom understand what the show Im doing is about instead of just sitting there and trying to understand. (Newser) The two brothers who admitted to helping Jussie Smollet stage a fake hate crime are no longer cooperating with prosecutors. That's according to a letter from the brothers' lawyer, obtained by the Chicago Tribune, which reports the development stems from a police raid on the home of Abimbola "Abel" and Olabinjo "Ola" Osundairo in February 2019. In the letter addressed to a Chicago Police Department lawyer, Gloria Schmidt Rodriguez says efforts to seek the return of items seized during the raid, including a legally owned firearm and ammunition, have been a "paperwork nightmare." "I hope this effort from your office and your clients was worth it because my clients are advising that whether they receive their items or not, they will no longer be cooperating with the prosecution of Mr. Smollett," she adds. story continues below The brothers were in Nigeria when police raided their home on Feb. 14, 2019, per CBS News. It was only afterward that officers concluded Smollett had paid the brothers $3,500 to stage a racist and homophobic attack. Abel and Ola gave sworn testimony before a grand jury that same month, but the indictment was later dropped. Schmidt Rodriguez tells the Tribune that the brothers have not appeared before a grand jury related to Smollett's new charges, which could prove a complication. She adds they feel personally disrespected. Abel Osundiaro tells CBS Chicago that he could understand the treatment "if we were defendants in the case, which we are not." He adds officers took items belonging to family members and even "my dog's toy." Police argue items are being preserved as evidence. (Read more Jussie Smollett stories.) It is one of the British Museums most prized objects, having been key to efforts to decode Egyptian hieroglyphs. And now the Rosetta Stone is being added to the museums lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-themed tour after a surprising element of its story came to light. While most credit scholars Jean-Francois Champollion and Thomas Young with deciphering the stone, the museum has said that William John Bankes also deserves recognition. It is one of the British Museums most prized objects, having been key to efforts to decode Egyptian hieroglyphs. The Rosetta Stone is pictured above in the British Museum in London during lockdown Bankes, a politician and Egyptologist, was instrumental in uncovering the meaning of the stone in the early 1800s. But he was exiled from Britain after being caught having a romantic liaison with a soldier in Londons Green Park homosexual acts were a crime at the time. The stone, featuring the same message written in three scripts, Ancient Greek, Demotic, and hieroglyphs, is now being included in the popular LGBT+ tours, which started last year. Bankes, a politician and Egyptologist, was instrumental in uncovering the meaning of the stone in the early 1800s. But he was exiled from Britain after being caught having a romantic liaison with a soldier in Londons Green Park homosexual acts were a crime at the time The museums Stuart Frost said: The first run of tours was booked out within an hour or two, demand was really high, volunteers enjoy doing them and weve had great feedback from the public. He told The Guardian: Sometimes it is new stories, sometimes it is highlighting stories which are just not very well known because historically they have been overlooked. Mr Frost added that most visitors would be unaware that a gay man was instrumental in making the Rosetta Stone one of the most famous historical objects in the world. Other objects added to the tour include a Roman terracotta oil lamp showing two women engaging in sex and a Greek coin depicting female poet Sappho. Museums can reopen on July 4. Roman oil lamp depicting lesbian sex will go on permanent display at the British Museum along with other artefacts representing LGBTQ+ culture as part of a new diversity drive Five items with an LGBTQ+ cultural history theme will be permanently displayed This will add to an existing catalogue of LGBTQ+ objects at the British Museum The Museum is currently closed but the objects will be visible when it reopens The British Museum has added a Roman-era oil lamp depicting a scene of lesbian sex and other LGBTQ+ cultural objects to its permanent exhibition. The museum, which is currently closed due the coronavirus pandemic but usually attracts about six million visitors a year, already runs popular LGBTQ-themed tours. Five new objects, including the lamp, a novelty 'nine bob note', a Greek coin depicting Sappho, Kabuki prints and a medallion from a cross-dressing spy will go on display in the museum. The terracotta lamp dates back to the first century AD and shows two women engaged in oral sex - something likely 'taboo' in Roman society, according to researchers, who say it may just be a depiction of a 'male fantasy' rather than reality. Museums in London aren't due to start reopening until July 4 but the British Museum wanted to announce the new additions as part of Pride season. A Roman lesbian lamp depicting two women engaged in oral sex, generally regarded as taboo by the Romans, will form part of the new permanent display An example of a Japanese wood block print depicting wakashu male youths who were desired both by men and women and who, with their androgynous appearance, constituted a third gender is also going on show and the prints will change regularly A spokesperson said they were deliberately chosen to increase representation from across the whole 'LGBTQ+ initialism' in the museums displays. They won't form part of a single exhibition, rather will be included in different displays across the exhibition - with tours available to study them in detail. FIVE NEW LGBT+ OBJECTS ON DISPLAY AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM A nine bob note made for use in a club event organised by Duckie in 2008 called Gay Shame Goes Macho featuring the image of gangster Ronnie Kray instead of Queen Elizabeth. A bronze medal of Chevalier dEon who was a celebrated 18th-century soldier, diplomat and spy that lived as a man and a woman. A 2nd century AD coin depicting Sappho issued in Mytilene on the Greek island of Lesbos, to celebrate the citys most famous daughter. A Roman lesbian lamp depicting two women engaged in oral sex, generally regarded as taboo by the Romans. An example of a Japanese wood block print depicting wakashu male youths who were desired both by men and women and who, with their androgynous appearance, constituted a third gender. Advertisement Stuart Frost, from the museum said the addition of the artefacts was part of an ongoing effort to improve the British Museum's representation of LGBTQ+ history. 'They join a number of other objects on permanent display that collectively demonstrate that same-sex love, desire and gender diversity have always been an integral part of the human experience,' he said in a statement. The first century AD Roman lamp was purchased by the museum in 2005 and is made from terracotta - it depicts two women engaged in oral sex. This was 'generally regarded as taboo by the Romans' and probably represents a 'male fantasy rather than reality', according to experts. However, it has been included in the LGBT+ collection as it 'is the type of object that could have been used by men or women'. A 1777 medallion also makes up part of the new collection and it depicts the 18th century soldier, diplomat and spy Chevalier d'Eon who lived alternately as a man and a woman in France and England. One side of the medal carries a portrait of the Chevalier as a man but if you look closely, youll see the inscription above the portrait reads Madame DEon. 'They lived openly as a man and as a woman in France and England at different stages of life, drawing much public interest,' a spokesperson said. 'Charismatic and talented, the Chevalier inspired the production and circulation of images and there are large number of prints of them in the museums collection. 'Today the Chevalier is recognised as a talented and tumultuous personality, who was celebrated both as a man and as a woman during a long and eventful life.' The most recent item to be added to the LGBT+ permanent exhibition is a fake banknote made for a 2008 club event called Gay Shame Goes Macho. The note features the image of British gangster Ronnie Kray in place of Queen Elizabeth II and is based on an old '10-shilling note'. A Nine Bob note made for use in a club event organised by Duckie in 2008 called Gay Shame Goes Macho featuring the image of gangster Ronnie Kray instead of Queen Elizabeth is the newest item in the collection The original 10-shilling note, in circulation in Britain until 1970, was linked to the popular expression 'as queer as a nine bob note'. 'This Nine Bob note was made for use in a club event organised by Duckie in 2008, Gay Shame Goes Macho,' the museum said in a press release. 'Gay Shame was a reaction to the perceived increase in gender stereotyping and commercialisation of Gay Pride events from within the LGBTQ community.' In the margin of the Ronnie Kray image it asks: 'Do you know my face?' Ronnie Kray was gay something that was recognised and known by many at the time, the museum team wrote. Another object added to the collection is a Greek coin depicting the poet Sappho who lived from about 630570 BC in Mytilene on the Greek island of Lesbos. This coin was issued by the city over 700 years later to celebrate its most famous daughter at a time when many cities in the Roman Empire produced coins to demonstrate their importance through illustrious ancestors. It is one of the earliest images of Sappho in the museums collection. 'By the 19th century her poetry had made the word Lesbian someone who lives on Lesbos a term for a woman who loves women', a museum spokesperson said. The final object to be added to the LGBT+ permanent display is a woodblock print of Kabuki actor Iwai Hanshiro - donated to the museum in 2018. There are many Japanese wood block prints in the Museums collection that reflect LGBTQ themes. Some of these depict wakashu male youths who were desired both by men and women and who, with their androgynous appearance, constituted a third gender. A 2nd century AD coin depicting Sappho issued in Mytilene on the Greek island of Lesbos, to celebrate the citys most famous daughter (left) and a bronze medal of Chevalier dEon who was a celebrated 18th-century soldier, diplomat and spy who lived as a man and a woman (right) will also be on show Between about 1600 and 1900, thousands of sexually explicit paintings, prints, and illustrated books were produced in Japan - known as spring pictures or shunga. There will be multiple Japanese prints that will rotate on a regular basis depicting similar themes. Pressure is growing on cultural and historic institutions to reflect LGBT+ heritage in countries including Britain, whose parliament now runs tours dedicated to the hidden history of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lives. Some of the objects have just returned to the museum after being included in its UK touring exhibition Desire Love Identity. The exhibition visited five venues and was revealed earlier this year to be the British Museums most popular UK touring exhibition in six years. Sarah Saunders, the museum's Head of Learning and National Partnerships, said they were looking forward to reopening as soon as is safe to do so. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 26) Three government offices have temporarily suspended their operations due to COVID-19 related reasons, officials said. The Department of Labor Department in Cordillera halted its operations from June 26 to June 29, as they need to disinfect the place. Employees in the regional office and Baguio-Benguet field office are also awaiting their coronavirus test results, DOLE-Cordillera Regional Director Exequiel Ronie Guzman said in an advisory posted Friday on their offices Facebook page. No other detail was mentioned. The Securities Exchange Commission, on the other hand, said in a statement Thursday that its main office in Pasay City will be closed until June 30 as two of their staff and two outsourced personnel tested positive for COVID-19 after undergoing rapid antibody testing. The commission said the two employees have no known travel history abroad, no known exposure, and do not manifest COVID-19 symptoms. They have been working from home since March 13, and only went to the main office to take the rapid tests a few days ago, it said. Meanwhile, the Taguig city government announced also on Thursday that all courts and offices in the Taguig City Hall of Justice would be closed until July 9 as several personnel reported a possible exposure to some colleagues who caught the viral disease. Court operations and other services in the hall of justice will still continue online, the city government said. The Taguig City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit and Taguig Safe City Task Force will lead the swab testing among all judges and employees, including security guards. All of the Hall of Justices staff are required to self-quarantine during the closure. Other government offices, such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources compound and the House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal both in Quezon City, were also placed on lockdown yesterday due to employees who tested positive for COVID-19. Makati Regional Trial Court Executive Judge Elmo Alameda and Metropolitan Trial Court Executive Judge Jackie Saguisag also instructed to temporarily close all regional trial courts, metropolitan trial courts and Offices of the Clerk of Court because a court employee received a positive result from a rapid test. The Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, working with the United Way and 150 local donors, has contributed $367,500 to local agencies providing housing, food and mental health supports during the COVID-19 pandemic in Peterborough. The funds were distributed in 32 grants to 18 local charities. These include services providing safe shelter for youth and adults, emergency food for youth and adults as well as low-income seniors, online and telephone mental health supports and personal protective equipment for front-line workers. TOCCOA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / Galaxy Next Generation, Inc. (OTCQB:GAXY) ("Galaxy" or the "Company), a provider of interactive learning technology solutions, is pleased to provide the following business update on recently awarded contracts and implementations. Gary LeCroy, Galaxy's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Business has continued to increase with many school districts incurring less operating expenses due to school closures and opting to re-allocate budget money toward technology. Additionally, over the past three months with the students learning from home in an online environment, we have been able to have more access to the school to implement our solutions, rather than usually waiting until summer time recess. Also of note, we are continuing to negotiate our previously announced asset purchase of Classroom Technology Solutions, Inc." Updates on previous recent announcements: June 9, 2020 Completes Initial Install of Bell & Intercom System at Thompson County School District, Colorado Currently working on the 3rd of the 3 schools. Invoices have been sent for the first two. June 3, 2020 Partners with Radix for Enhanced Device Management Great partnership so far. We have quoted several school districts already for their online learning software. This has proven to be a great partnership. June 1, 2020 Launches its Phoenix Cloud-Based Bell and Intercom Already received our first purchase order from BVSD to upgrade to our Cloud-based version. April 28, 2020 Awarded its Largest Additional Purchase Order To-Date from Newton County, Georgia Product is enroute from overseas and we plan to install in a couple of weeks. April 22, 2020 Awarded Approximate $250,000 Contract from School in Miami, Florida Install is scheduled for the week of July 13. April 13, 2020 Recieved $2.4 Million in Purchase Orders and Commitments Over the Past Month Since the Initial Outbreak of COVID-19 in the U.S. Our total purchase order number has risen to over $3 million and we are working to fulfill the orders as quickly as possible. April 6, 2020 Awarded Approximate $350,000 Contract from Valdosta City School District in Georgia Plan to install in July. March 24, 2020 Awarded Three Additional Purchase Orders Totaling $225,000 from Thompson County School District in Colorado These are the ones that we have already started install on. March 16, 2020 Education Technology Solutions Enable Remote Virtual Learning, a Necessity During the Coronavirus Pandemic Major reason for increase in sales. March 3, 2020 Awarded Additional Purchase Order from Newton County, Georgia Install scheduled for July. February 28, 2020 Awarded Additional Purchase Order from Thompson County School District in Colorado Mostly installed and collected revenue. February 27, 2020 Awarded Additional Purchase Orders from Stephens County, Georgia Scheduled install by the end of June. About Galaxy Next Generation, Inc. Galaxy Next Generation (OTCQB:GAXY) is a provider of interactive learning technology solutions that allows the presenter and participant to engage in a fully collaborative instructional environment. Galaxy's products include Galaxy's own private-label interactive touch screen panel as well as numerous other national and international branded peripheral and communication devices. Galaxy's distribution channel consists of 22+ resellers across the U.S. who primarily sell the Company's products within the commercial and educational market. Galaxy does not control where resellers focus their resell efforts, although generally, the K-12 education market is the largest customer base for Galaxy products - comprising nearly 90% of Galaxy's sales. For additional information, please visit our website at: www.galaxynext.us Safe Harbor Statement This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of management and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the company's current plans and expectations, as well as future results of operations and financial condition. A more extensive listing of risks and factors that may affect the company's business prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the reports and other documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investors Contact: IR@GalaxyNext.us p888-859-1274 SOURCE: Galaxy Next Generation, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/595122/CORRECTION-Galaxy-Next-Generation-Provides-Update-on-Recently-Awarded-Contracts-and-Implementations An anti-corruption court here on Thursday acquitted former Pakistan prime minister Raja Pervez Ashraf and nine others in a corruption case. Ashraf, along with former finance minister Shaukat Tareen and eight others, was accused of causing losses of billions of rupees when their efforts to address the power shortage in the country through rental power projects failed. Judge Muhhamad Bashir of Islamabad-based accountability court issued the verdict in the Sahiwal Rental Power case in response to the acquittal plea submitted by the former premier as well as the other accused. Ashraf was accused of receiving kickbacks and commissions for awarding contracts to nine rental power project firms in 2008 when he was minister for water and power. Pakistan was in the grip of an electricity crisis then and the Pakistan Peoples Party led by former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani came up with a plan to set up rental power plants on a fast track basis. Ashraf allegedly misused his authority to obtain approval from the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) and the Cabinet for an increase in the down payment to the rental power companies from 7 per cent to 14 per cent, amounting to about Rs 22 billion. Most of the companies failed to execute the projects. Ashraf served as prime minister between June 22, 2012 and March 25, 2013 after Gilani was disqualified by the Supreme Court. Statues of colonial figures are under threat in inner-city Melbourne, with a council audit set to determine if the controversial monuments should be removed. The Yarra Valley Council passed a unanimous motion to carry out a 'stocktake' of plaques, statues and monuments associated with the 'oppression' of Aboriginal Australians. This includes the Captain Cook monument in Fitzroy North which was recently defaced by Black Lives Matter protesters with the words 'shame' and 'destroy white supremacy'. The review will also extend the names of public places including parks and buildings. The Captain Cook monument in Fitzroy North was recently defaced by Black Lives Matter protesters with the words 'shame' and 'destroy white supremacy' A Melbourne Black Lives Matter Protester is pictured wearing a face mask reading 'More scared of a racist world than a pandemic' 'Yarra Council declared its support for the global Black Lives Matter movement at a Council Meeting last night,' a statement attached to Councillor Amanda Stone's motion said. 'The motion was prepared in consultation with Yarra's Yana Ngargna advisory group, made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members, and was passed unanimously by all Councillors without debate. 'Yarra Council commits to fighting racism, preventing Aboriginal deaths in custody, and advocating for broader understandings of Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community experiences, issues and stories.' The issue of colonial statues in Melbourne and other parts of Australia, has been part of a wider global debate sparked by mass protests over racial inequality and injustice in the US. Nationwide demonstrations erupted after African-American man George Floyd was killed at the hand of white police officers in Minneapolis in May. The shocking video triggered similar protests across the world and reignited discussion about historic monuments and place names linked to racism and slavery. An Indigenous Black Lives Matter protester attends the Melbourne rally wearing a face mask Protesters are seen during a Black Lives Matter rally in Melbourne, in solidarity with US demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd In the city of Bristol in the UK, demonstrators tore down the statue of slave-trader Edward Colston and hurled it in the river. Recently, American House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Congress to remove all Confederate statues from the US Capitol Building. Place names and landmarks set to be audited by Yarra Council Captain Cook monument, Fitzroy North Dame Nellie Melba Kindergarten, Richmond Florence Peel Centre Collingwood Town Hall Fitzroy Town Hall Burnley railway station Audit Timeline: August, 2020: A report on civic signage or artwork to acknowledge the rate of Black Deaths in Custody will be handed down September, 2020: A report will be delivered into how the community would like the council to respond to the Black Lives Matter movement December, 2020: The audit on public statues, plaques, monuments and place names will be completed. During 2021: Community consultation will begin. Advertisement In Australia, tens of thousands of Black Lives Matter protesters marched on Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide in early June, to demonstrate against the rate of Indigenous deaths in custody. Since those protests a number of Australian monuments have been defaced. Two women were charged by police after the Captain Cook statue in Sydney's Hyde Park was vadalised. A 30-year-old man was also arrested in Perth the Captain James Stirling statue was defaced. But the vandals who spray painted offensive insults on the the statues of former Australian prime ministers Tony Abbott and John Howard in Ballarat, have not been caught. Nor has the culprit responsible for defacing the statue of Captain Cook in Melbourne's Fitzroy North. 'We are committing to taking a look at all the historical people and events represented in statues, plaques, monuments and other signage, and examining anything that may be associated with oppression of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,' the motion said. 'This does not necessarily mean we are committing to removing or replacing any historical markers. The intention is to understand and ultimately share the full extent of our history here in Yarra, and tell a complete story. 'This story cannot be complete without also including our Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.' But not everyone is in favour of the move and Ratepayers Victoria President Dean Hurlston said while most ratepayers supported the Black Lives Matter movement, the audit is a massive over-reach from the Yarra Council. 'Councils need to focus on roads, rates and rubbish and stay out of this space,' he told the Herald Sun. 'What local councils should do is refer this matter to the State Government and ask them to get the National Council for Reconciliation involved.' he said. The auditing process is scheduled to be completed by December 2020. The cost of the process is yet to be revealed. A sea of Black Lives Matter protesters are pictured in Melbourne outside Flinders Street Station Snohetta The idea of glacier hiking sounds, at this Coronavirus time, both foreign and seductive. Glaciers dazzle from a distance, but, as hikers walk closer, they often experience a fairytale blue environment of constantly changing ice forms. Moving light from AM to PM modify shades of blue, often accompanied by subtle ice sounds, all combined to create glacier hiking a unique, memorable, experience. It is also one activity that requires special equipment-- crampons, rows, suspender belts, helmets and ice axes. This type of hiking is not for everyone, as it also requires special knowledge and minute-by-minute awareness of constantly-changing weather conditions and how these conditions affect glacial features. Hazards crevasses and serac -- are obstacles that glacier hikers must be aware of each moment they hike. Snohetta In the mountains of Norway, glaciers are common, and for centuries, glacial hiking has been an eminent sport. And for those hardy hikers, the Jostedalsbreen glacier is one that stands alone. It has a length of approximately 50 miles and covers 183 square miles. At several places the ice layer is over 546 yards, or 0.31 miles thick. Jostedalen Glacier or Jstedalsbreen, in Norwegian, is the largest glacier in continental Europe. Snhetta, a multi-awards-winning Norwegian architectural firm, knows Jstedalsbreen quite well. Snohetta Snohetta One of their most recent projects, recently completed, is a constellation of pentagonal glacier hiking cabins, called Tungestlen. In Norway, many cabins are built in the highest and most remote reaches in the mountains. But not many are perched near a huge glacier. Tungestlen is situated in Luster, in the western part of Norway, on a small plateau overlooking the Jostedalen glacier. Designed as an architectural reaction to the changing weather conditions of this mountainous site, the glacier hiking cabins offer hikers a comfortable shelter during the summer and autumn months when the cabin is open to the public. Snohetta But there is more to this storyone that is not well-known outside Norway. On Christmas Day 2011 the original Tungestlen Tourist Cabin, which had served as an important destination for avid glacier hikers for over a century, was completely destroyed by cyclone Dagmar that swept across Norway, as well as neighboring countries. Dagmar arrived with wind speeds estimated at 67 mph on the coast, and became more ferocious as it went inland. Dagmar is believed to be the third strongest storm to hit Norway in 50 years. The old cabin, a sanctuary to so many hikers, was gone forever. But, determined to replace the old cabin somehow, Luster Turlag (a local branch of the Norwegian National Trekking Association) and the small local village of Veitastrond, collected funds for the rebuilding, which included an international architectural competition that Snhetta won in 2015. With the ravaging of the original Tungestlen cabin fresh in mind it happened only a few years earlier --Snhetta designed a new constellation of nine robust pentagonal and oblique cabins, made with wooden glue-lam frames, covered by sheets of CLT (cross-laminated timber) and clad in ore pine. The outward-facing walls of the cabins have been given a beak-like shape to slow down strong winds sweeping up from the valley floor. Inside, the playful shape of the cabins frames the mountains and valleys outside through angular and panoramic windows, adding views and light to the spaces, while encouraging individual contemplation and respite. Snohetta The main cabin at Tungestlen now offers a welcoming space, well-suited for meals with friends around large wooden tables. The ceiling measures 15 feet high, while below, space exists to allow social meeting areas with panoramic views, overlooking the surrounding glacial landscape. The main cabin comprises a lounge framed by a large stone-clad fireplace offering a comfortable retreat from the often chilly summer days outside. The remaining cabins consist of a dormitory and smaller private units, offering approximately 30 visitors the possibility to spend the night comfortably. Once all nine cabins are completed in the next construction phase, Tungestlen will have enough capacity to accommodate up to 50 visitors. Snohetta Surrounded by a dramatic landscape with steep mountains on all sides, Tungestlen serves as a starting or ending point for adept hikers who wish to experience local glaciers in guided groups, but also for families with small children who wish to take shorter and less strenuous hikes in the surrounding areas. Tungestlen was officially inaugurated by Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway in the fall of 2019, and is open again for visitors when the hiking season begins in June, 2020. Visit Snohetta for more information 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. This is the second virtual show on consumer goods promoted by Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province and supported by CREAT (Chindia Regional Exchanges and Trade Investment) The event will reap benefits of technology to bring together buyers and sellers on an international platform NEW DELHI, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- People around the world are learning to adapt to the challenges that are presented by the ongoing pandemic and more and more companies are finding new ways to sustain their businesses and grow them in these trying times. With the intent to stay relevant and aim for success, while meeting these new business environment requirements, Zhejiang Export Online Fair 2020 announces a unique opportunity for stakeholders in the consumer goods and gifting industry to meet and generate business via video conferencing while maintaining social distancing. The Online Fair for Consumer Goods is scheduled from 29th June 2020 through 3rd July 2020 and is targeted towards Indian companies that are looking to source innovative products from key Chinese suppliers. In the upcoming edition of the expo, more than 50 top manufacturers from China are going to showcase innumerable products and solutions to choose from all types of bags, luggage, suitcase, paper gifts, backpacks, coat hangers, wardrobes, vacuum bottles, bamboo and electric toothbrush, bath sponges, plastic pumps, automatic soap dispensers, eco-friendly tableware, food packaging, leatherette jewellery collection box, plastic bird jewellery display, baby high chair, baby changing table, baby walker, jumper, stainless steel pot, stainless steel steamer pot set, socks (crew socks/ terry socks), hats, face shield, printed paper napkin and paper plate, printed toilet roll, printed paper cup, and batteries. This is an excellent platform to strengthen lighting trade ties between India and China at a time when business has hit a new low due to the restrictions on travel and transportation. The expo will give a boost to business opportunities and will help stakeholders in exploring new avenues to diversify and expand in the current business environment. The range of products has been selected keeping in mind the requirements of the Indian market and taste of consumers. All discussion amongst participants will take place online via Zoom Video Conferencing platform. The fair will be live from 11:30 to 15:30 (IST) from June 29th to July 3rd 2020. About CREAT The CREAT Foundation Trust was established in the year 2019 with the aim of further augmenting the ties between two great nations of the world - India and China. It began its journey with the vision to become a trusted and stable medium that would enhance the historical connections of these two grand civilisations and amplify it in the present and future as these two states keep up their steady pace towards modernity. Its objective is to envision better avenues for knowledge sharing, cultural exchange and commercial interactions by establishing people to people relationships between the citizens of these countries. SOURCE CREAT Migrants: 50 rescued in Aegean Sea, Turkey Ankara says they were 'pushed back by Greek coast guards' (ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, JUNE 25 - Turkish coast guards say they have rescued over the past few hours a reported 50 asylum seekers in difficulty in the Aegean Sea, off the coast of Smyrna. They included 29 who were rescued from a rubber dinghy that was sinking off Dikili on Lesvos while the other 21 were helped near the coast of Foca, a few dozen kilometers south, according to Anadolu. Turkish security forces said the migrant ships were travelling towards the Greek islands and were pushed back by Greek coast guards - an allegation repeatedly made by Ankara and denied by Greek authorities. Greece for its part has accused Turkish authorities of complicity regarding migrant departures. With the return of good weather and the improvement of the Covid-19 emergency, departures from Turkey's coasts on the Aegean Sea are on the rise. The government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan has once again requested to revise the migrants agreement with the EU forged in March 2016. (ANSAmed). (ANSA). In the absence of sufficient action from governments to address climate change, the global impact investor network ' Toniic' , the Institutional Investor Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) whose members manage 30 Trillion , the German business network supporting the Paris goal, ' Stiftung 2 Grad' , family office and climate impact investment adviser Wermuth Asset Management GmbH , cohost the 5 th Berlin Green Investment Summit (BGIS), in the form of 45-minute webinars at tea time - 16h CET on each quarter's last Thursday - until we meet again - on 'How to close the climate finance gap' During 'virtual high tea' sessions, treat yourself to a cup of tea, some scones with clotted cream and strawberries, learn from great speakers, participate in Q&A and break-out sessions and commit to act to address the greatest challenge and opportunity facing humanity. The 25 June, 2020 webinar starts with Jochen Wermuth, climate impact investor and investment committee member of Germany's SWF KENFO stressing the urgency of the climate finance gap to be closed, the profitability of divest-invest strategies, and the need for a CO2 price reflecting externalities. Laurence Tubiana, CEO, European Climate Foundation & Chair of the Board of Governors, French Development Agency will provide updates on the EU's Green Deal, on the UNFCCC COP26 finance track led by Mark Carney and France's Convention citoyenne pour le climat. Those will be discussed by Peter Damgaard-Jensen (Chair, IIGCC), given key demands by IIGCC to G20, Phillipe Desfosses (Co-Founder Climate Endowment & ex-CEO, 40bn pension fund ERAFP), given the climate finance gap and disparity between the returns of large endowments (10%) and EU pension funds (3%), Dr. Gilbert Frizberg (former Chairman of the board of Verbund AG) given the launch of the Climate Endowment Hydropower Fund with >100x less CO2 emissions and 8% target returns, and Astrid Manroth, Director of Climate Finance, European Climate Foundation, given the need for blended finance initiatives to tab into the 150 trillion global debt & equity capital markets and to offer decent returns to citizens. "Pension funds might not to be able to match their liabilities over the next 20 years without substantial changes to their asset allocation strategy. They can both lift returns and abate climate change by moving to alternatives with lower CO 2 footprints," says Phillipe Defosses, co-founder of the Climate Endowment. Join via: www.eventbrite.com/e/berlin-green-investment-summit-high-tea-webinar-series-tickets-107695712776 Background info on key subject and institutions mentioned: The Climate Finance Gap: https://www.ceres.org/initiatives/clean-trillion The Ceres Clean Trillion highlights the need for an additional $1 trillion per year in clean energy investment [as estimated by the International Energy Agency and the International Renewable Energy Agency] to limit global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Global clean energy transition is both essential and irreversible, and it will generate tens of trillions of dollars of clean energy investment opportunities over the decades to come. Energy market dynamics have shifted in favor of clean energy such as wind and solar, which increasingly out-compete new fossil fuel and nuclear power sources. As the clean energy market continues to mature and expand into a mainstream, large-scale market, there is a growing and diversifying array of investment opportunities. Achieving the Clean Trillion is eminently feasible, and our most recent research points to the significant opportunities for investors to scale up their clean energy investments while meeting their risk-return requirements. Companies likewise are realizing the economic benefits of shifting to clean energy as they make commitments to meet their energy demands with renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electrification of vehicle fleets. Toniic: https://toniic.com/ We are a global community of asset owners seeking deeper positive net impact across the spectrum of capital. Our members consist of more than 400 high net worth individuals, family office, and foundation asset owners who are deepening their impact across the spectrum of capital and personal resources in more than 25 countries around the world. Institutional Investor Group on Climate Change: www.iigcc.org Investors taking action for a prosperous, low carbon future: Our mission is to mobilie capital for the low carbon transition and to ensure resilience to the impacts of a changing climate by collaborating with business, policy makers and fellow investors. The investor voice on climate change: The Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) is the European membership body for investor collaboration on climate change and the voice of investors taking action for a prosperous, low carbon future. IIGCC has more than 240 members, mainly pension funds and asset managers, across 15 countries, with over 33 trillion in assets under management. IIGCC's mission is to mobilize capital for the low carbon transition and to ensure resilience to the impacts of a changing climate by collaborating with business, policy makers and fellow investors. IIGCC works to support and help define the public policies, investment practices and corporate behaviours that address the long-term risks and opportunities associated with climate change. Stiftung 2 Grad: https://www.stiftung2grad.de/ Our mission: The most important aim of Foundation 2 German Businesses for Climate Protection is in the name: to limit average global warming to well below two degrees Celsius. The exclusive and immediate aim of the foundation is to promote climate protection and the sustainable use of natural resources and natural ecosystems. We are working to support politicians in establishing free-market framework requirements for climate protection, and to activate German businesses to find solutions for climate protection. Cross-Industry Platform for Active Collaboration: Foundation 2: Foundation 2 is more than just an alliance between businesses. It is a platform for active collaboration in which businesses from different industries work together in a solution-oriented manner to find answers to questions of corporate climate protection. Under the umbrella of a not-for-profit, independent foundation, the supporting businesses can work toward more open outcomes and on more complex issues of climate policy than would be possible in individual businesses. In addition, the supporting businesses consciously form a small and flexible group which can react quickly to political and economic trends and developments. Wermuth Asset Management GmbH, https://wermutham.com/ Incubated as the principal family's single family office adviser in 1999, WAM has evolved into a climate impact investment adviser with a focus on high risk-adjusted financial returns alongside positive climate impact across all asset classes. Our Green Growth Funds invest in "exponential organizations" as defined by Singularity University, companies with the potential to solve a major problem of humanity (climate change in our case) profitably and grow exponentially. Our forestry strategy turned operations covering 1m hectares, or 4x the size of Luxemburg, into a Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) compliant profitable operation. Our long/short divest-invest strategy has returned some 10% per annum long-term. Through the Climate Endowment Group we aim to offer institutional investors the ability to invest across all asset classes with positive impact on climate abatement. The ultimate aim is to also to "democratize" long-term alternative and climate impact investments by listing the assets, which the Climate Endowment Fund will hold, allowing any citizens to participate in this long-term endowment-style investment vehicle. Climate Endowment Group, https://climate-endowment.com/ Climate Endowment is a climate-focused investment company employing the multi-asset class endowment style, pioneered by Yale and Harvard university endowments. We aim to achieve both solid long-term risk-adjusted returns and a significant reduction of CO2 emissions. It was launched by experienced investment professionals and entrepreneurs as an urgent response to the Climate Crisis and to the European voters' demand for a Green Revolution. We seek lower risk and lower return investments than most of the private equity industry and aim to cater to the risk profile of more conservative investors. Climate Endowment focuses on investments in scalable platforms with infrastructure / hard asset characteristics based on proven technologies with significantly lower CO2 emissions. Climate Endowment Hydropower Fund The "Climate Endowment Hydropower Fund" will be the first product of the Climate Endowment Group. The fund will be launched as an open-ended Luxemburg RAIF to professional investors this summer. The fund aims to achieve 8% IRR through investments in green- and brown-field mid-sized run-of-river hydropower plants. "Run-of-river" implies that there is far less negative environmental impact than for larger hydropower plants that close off whole valleys with large barrages. Hydropower plants have a typical live of 80 to more than 100 years, generate stable cash flows and produce power at less than 1/100th the CO2 footprint per kilowatt-hour produced than the average for EU power production. Media Contact: Alina Mohaupt [email protected] SOURCE Wermuth Asset Management GmbH Val Demings serving as a panelist at the National Town Hall: 'Black Lives Matter' panel for the 45th Annual Legislative Black Caucus Foundation on September 17, 2015 in Washington, DC. Earl Gibson III | Getty Images WASHINGTON "It's almost laughable to hear the president defend law enforcement now," said Rep. Val Demings on a recent Democratic conference call. "This is the president, remember how well I know, who considers himself above the law and everyone else beneath it." With these two lines, the Florida Democrat unwittingly captured both why she belongs on Joe Biden's vice presidential shortlist, and why she could be a risky choice for a running mate. The first Black woman to serve as chief of police in Orlando, Florida, Demings was elected to Congress in 2016 to represent the Sunshine State's 10th district, which includes parts of the city. But today, with the nation at a political and cultural crossroads, Demings seems like a politician who was made for this moment. Weeks of nationwide protests against police killings of unarmed Black people are forcing Americans to confront the reality of systemic racism. Meanwhile, in cities and towns across the country, ordinary people are asking tough questions about the fundamental purpose of law enforcement. Demings, 63, can offer an uncommon insight into both of these national debates. She also hails from the swingiest swing state, Florida, a state Trump won in 2016, but which Democrats hope to retake in November. Indeed, recent polling suggests that Biden has a lead over Trump in the state. Demings' unique resume and life experience, along with the talent for oratory she revealed last winter while serving as an impeachment manager in Trump's trial, make the second-term congresswoman seem like an ideal running mate for Biden. But Demings' greatest strength is also her greatest weakness. Black or blue During her four-year tenure as chief of police in Orlando from 2007-2011, critics say Demings led a police force whose officers used excessive force, often on young, Black suspects. This has led some progressive Democrats to argue that, as a former cop, Demings cannot be trusted to help fix the national policing system. "Her biggest obstacle as a running mate is her police background," said Sharon Austin, a professor of political science at the University of Florida. "That automatically is going to turn off a group of voters who will just never vote for a police officer. They see her as part of the establishment, part of the problem," Austin said in an interview with CNBC. Yet Austin also noted that Demings "has a very positive reputation here in Florida," having won her congressional race in 2016 by a double digit margin, and running unopposed in 2018. Today, Demings faces stiff competition in the 2020 veepstakes, where she is on the short list. Biden has already pledged to choose a woman as his running mate, and he is under pressure to choose a woman of color. "What I'm hearing is it's down to three people, Demings, [Sen. Kamala] Harris and [Sen. Elizabeth] Warren," said John Morgan, a Florida based attorney and well-connected Biden bundler. Susan Rice, a Black woman who served as President Barack Obama's national security advisor, is also reportedly in the running, as is Rep. Karen Bass of California, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus. "Sure, they'll find some police brutality in Orlando, and that'll be her albatross," Morgan said of Demings. "Her greatest strength is, 'I was a police chief who prosecuted the president.' But the way opposition research works, is they make your greatest strength into your greatest weakness. Look at John Kerry. He was a war hero, and look what they did to him." Morgan was referring to the infamous 2004 "Swift Boat Veterans for Truth" campaign, a conservative effort to smear the Vietnam War record of then-Sen. Kerry, the Democratic nominee. But while the Swift Boat claims were later discredited, the Orlando Police Department has long faced criticism for fostering a culture of impunity, including under Demings' leadership. In this screenshot taken from a Senate Television webcast, Rep. Val Demings (D-FL) answers a question from a senator during impeachment proceedings in the Senate chamber at the U.S. Capitol on January 30, 2020 in Washington, DC. Senate Television via Getty Images Demings knows this. "Looking for a negative story in a police department is like looking for a prayer at church," she wrote in a 2008 op-ed defending the Orlando police after the publication of a damning expose. But acknowledging that there are bad stories out there, and successfully defending your record in a bare-knuckle fight for the White House, are two different things. "The question is whether she'll be able to talk about her law enforcement background in a way that's going to meet the moment," said Aimee Allison, founder and president of She the People, a national organization dedicated to elevating the political power of women of color. "Any vice presidential nominee, including Val Demings, will need to communicate a policy vision on racial justice that's comprehensive, and that pushes the boundaries of traditional models," Allison said. "So I look forward to learning more about her." Policy beyond policing Born in 1957, during the waning years of the Jim Crow South, Demings grew up poor in Jacksonville, Florida, one of seven children in a two-room house. Her father worked as a janitor, and her mother cleaned houses. As a young police officer, Demings met Jerry Demings, and the two were married in 1988. They have three children. Jerry Demings also served as chief of police in Orlando from 1998-2002, retiring five years before his wife was named chief. Today, Jerry Demings is the mayor of Orange County, Florida, and one half of a power couple in the state's political scene. To hear Demings tell it, her career has been driven by a desire to share the opportunities she's had with others. "I know what discrimination feels like. I know what racism feels like, because I have been subjected to it," Demings said this week on CNN. "I chose jobs where I could work directly with people to help improve their quality of life. As a social worker, as a career law enforcement officer, chief of police, and now a member of Congress," she said. Demings was not available for an interview Wednesday with CNBC, her office said. But in response to a question about whether she has a policy vision for racial justice, a spokeswoman for Demings pointed to the former social worker's life story. "She had access to opportunities that she wants everyone to have, like equal access to health and mental health care, education and economic opportunities," said the spokeswoman, Kate Coyne McCoy. But this statement offers a window into another factor weighing on Demings' qualifications as a running mate for Biden: After four years in the House, Demings has yet to be the public face of major legislation, something that her chief rivals for the VP nod, Harris and Warren, have both done in the Senate. This is largely due to the mechanics of the two chambers with only 100 senators total, each senator spends a lot more time in the spotlight than the average House member, who is one of 435. But it also reflects the fact that, save for issues related to criminal justice and policing, Demings has so far staked out relatively few defined policy positions. On issues ranging from foreign policy, veterans affairs and big business regulation, to trade, technology and health care, Demings' positions amount to little more than a few votes in the House and a few bills she co-sponsored. Lacking a full policy portfolio likely puts Demings at a disadvantage in the vice presidential search, where insiders say Biden and his team are prioritizing candidates' readiness to assume the presidency at a moment's notice. House impeachment managers Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), and Val Demings (D-FL), talking with U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi after the conclusion of U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address in Washington,D.C., on February 4, 2020. Leah Millis | POOL via REUTERS "The calculus that [former senator] Chris Dodd is doing, and [longtime Biden aide] Ted Kaufman, the people who are the closest to Biden, I think the main thing they're thinking is, 'ready on day one,'" said Morgan, the Florida Biden campaign bundler. "So that helps Warren and that helps Harris." But Demings still has an ace up her sleeve: Florida, her home state, is the crown jewel of the Electoral College. The Florida factor In the last 20 years, no presidential nominee of either party has won the White House without winning Florida's 29 electoral votes. But in those same 20 years, no one has won Florida by more than 3 percentage points, making every last vote a nominee secures in the Sunshine State both hard won and precious. If by putting Demings on the Democratic ticket alongside Biden, it could help deliver for Democrats enough of these precious Florida votes to win the state, then perhaps this alone would be worth the risks of selecting a former cop. "The battleground states like Florida that Biden could win are probably where he should put his energies," said Austin, of the University of Florida. "He needs to win back states that Democrats lost in 2016, and running with [California Sen.] Harris might not help there, where Demings could." "It doesn't matter what anyone says about Harris being a strong running mate because she's a senator, the fact is, California is won" for Democrats, said Morgan, the Florida lawyer. Hanging over all these deliberations is the knowledge that Trump won Florida in 2016 by 1.2 percentage points, just over 100,000 votes. In 2012, Obama won the state by less than 1 point. And while Demings' law enforcement career might not bode well with certain parts of the national Democratic electorate, in her home state, the actual work Demings did every day was very community focused, said Susan McManus, a professor emeritus at the University of Florida and an expert in the politics of the state. "One of the big differences between a police chief like Demings and a prosecutor like Kamala Harris is that as a police chief, you're really out among the community, doing outreach, listening to residents and helping people in very tangible ways," said McManus. "A prosecutor, on the other hand, is often making decisions from afar, and may only really interact with the community members in court." Vice President Joe Biden talks with Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., center, and her aunt, Dr. Sarala Gopalan, during swearing-in ceremony in the Capitol's Old Senate Chamber, January 03, 2016. Tom Williams | CQ-Roll Call Group | Getty Images In the current uncertain climate, young people are realizing more than ever that entrepreneurship offers an opportunity for personal empowerment. Dr. J.D. LaRock, President and CEO, NFTE Schools may be closed, but that didnt stop these highly motivated young entrepreneurs from refining their business plans and preparing their pitches for the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Chicago Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. Despite logistical obstacles stemming from the pandemic, this annual competition, the culmination of NFTEs yearlong entrepreneurship curriculum, took place on timeand online. Participating students presented their original business ideas by video to a panel of esteemed judges, who named three winners. The first and second place winners, who will receive $1500 and $1000, respectively, advance to NFTEs National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in September, where they will compete for a grand prize of $12,000. The third-place winner will receive $500. 1st Place: Jennifer Wilson, 18, from Thornwood High School, won with a business pitch for SoberBuddy, an app that aids former addicts in the rehabilitation process by connecting them to other recovering addicts in the area for support. 2nd Place: Unique Hawkins-Morgan, 17, from Thornwood High School, won for Walking With Faith, customized socks printed with Bible quotes. 3rd Place: India Hubbard, 18, from Thornton Township High School, won with a pitch for Royaltys Natural Skin Care, which offers natural body butter, soap, acne spot cream and moisturizer. Jennifer Wilson and Unique Hawkins-Morgan will be joined at NFTEs National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge by Thomas Brown from Shaw High School in Cleveland, Ohio, who won $500 in a satellite competition for Photo-Genesis, a photography directory website that helps aspiring creators reach a broader audience at a faster pace. Separately, Jefferson Adjetey, Maya Henry, Shakarah Roberson, and Markida Edwards from were awarded $1500 in NFTE Chicagos Entrepreneurship 2 (E2) competition for JeffCo Brushes, a 2-in-1 brush and hair oil. The winner of this competition has the opportunity to apply for NFTEs Alumni Investor Forum, which is scheduled for spring 2021. Six winning E2 businesses from across the country will be selected to participate in that event and will compete for further investment funds. Second place was DeMarcko Statam, Mathew Fernandez, Daeveon Wilson, and Makaiya Barker won $1000 for PiNG, an app-linked emergency alert transmitter with a GPS tracker disguised as jewelry or other accessories. Anna Medina placed third, winning $500 for fr3nd M3, an app that helps young teens find friends, cope with depression, and connect with a specialist if necessary. In the current uncertain climate, young people are realizing more than ever that entrepreneurship offers an opportunity for personal empowerment, said NFTE president and CEO, Dr. J.D. LaRock. Employers look for candidates with an entrepreneurial mindset, which the NFTE curriculum fosters. Whether or not they ultimately run their own companies, our students are being set up to succeed, and we are eager to support their endeavors. Student business pitches were judged by a panel of experts that included: Tom Abraham, SBC, Byline Bancorp Zhora Damani, EY Ali Minnick, Slalom Anu Opanuga, Ingredion Incorporated The NFTE Chicago Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge was presented by Slalom, with signature support from Citi and Microsoft, and additional support from Byline Bank. EY is the national sponsor NFTEs Entrepreneurship Challenges. About NFTE Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is a global nonprofit that activates the entrepreneurial mindset and builds startup skills in young people from under-resourced communities. Reaching more than 100,000 middle and high school students annually, NFTE works with schools and community partners in 25 U.S. states and 10 countries around the world. Leveraging classroom teachers and volunteers from top-tier companies, NFTEs research-based model teaches students how to identify a business opportunity and launch a business; helps them learn about the range of jobs and occupations available to them; and develops their entrepreneurial mindset a set of skills including creativity, adaptability, communication, and collaboration that leads to success in any career. Since 1987, NFTE has educated 1.2 million young people worldwide, helping thousands launch businesses and companies of all sizes. Learn more at nfte.com. T wenty-two police officers were left injured, with two needing hospital treatment, after a south London street party descended into panic and violence. Scotland Yard said officers were confronted by a hostile crowd as they tried to break up a "block party" on Cecilia Road, Brixton, on Wednesday night. Footage of the chaotic scene shows men jumping on a police car and smashing in the windows as officers flee. The trouble flared at what police are describing as an unlicensed music event which started in the afternoon and ran into the early hours of the morning. Four people have been arrested for assault and public order offences. They remain in police custody. Shocking images circulating on social media show officers being chased by men brandishing improvised weapons. In one video, a man can be heard telling a group of officers to "back up" as he confronts them with what appears to be a sword. Another clip shows a man chasing away police shouting dont come round here bro ... this is what we do and verbally abusing them. In another, a woman can be heard saying "yeah" and nice as a topless man and angry mob stomp over the police car. Footage showed two men jumping on the police car and smashing up its windows One woman expressed her shock that the car had been wrecked and officers had fled the scene. Looking at the gutted vehicle she said: Theyve finished the car. My Lord the police have abandoned their own car. Another dumbfounded onlooker said repeatedly: The police are getting run out of here." Scotland Yard said a small number of police vehicles were damaged during the incident. Police officers were chased away by the angry mob Officers with riot gear were dispatched to the scene but they were forced to back off as missiles were hurled and they wee goaded by the crowd. Police originally said 15 officers were wounded in the chaos, before raising the figure to 22. None of them suffered serious injuries, although two required hospital treatment. Contrary to reports on social media, the Met said there had been no reports of stabbings. Rubbish was seen strewn across the street in the aftermath of the clashes / NIGEL HOWARD The force issued a full statement in the aftermath of the incident saying: "Police were called to Cecilia Road, Lambeth on the evening of Wednesday, 24 June to multiple reports of a large unlicensed music event in the street. "Officers attended to encourage the crowd to leave the location but they did not engage with police. "The event continued and more officers attended the scene and the group became hostile towards officers." They added: "The event was cleared in the early hours of Thursday, 25 June. "A section 60 was later implemented in the vicinity of the event to prevent violence." Scenes from the morning after / Nigel Howard Home Secretary Priti Patel condemned the utterly vile scenes, and said she would be speaking to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick. She tweeted: Just last weekend, the whole country came together to praise our heroic police officers for putting their own lives on the line to keep us safe. Ill be picking up with the Met Commissioner immediately. Meanwhile, police commander Colin Wingrove responded to the chaos, saying: Our role is to protect the public and ensure guidelines are adhered to in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 protecting the NHS and save lives Our officers work incredibly hard to engage and explain the public health message and regulations to prevent such gatherings occurring. Last night we received numerous concerns from residents complaining about a large gathering, noise, anti-social behaviour and violence and officers responded to those concerns. These gatherings are unlawful, as well as posing a risk to public health and against coronavirus restrictions. The violence shown towards officers is totally unacceptable and we will not tolerate it in any form. An investigation into the incident is now taking place and those involved will be brought to justice. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Oscar Lopez (Thomson Reuters Foundation) Mexico City, Mexico Thu, June 25, 2020 11:11 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066182c5d 2 World US,politics,gay-rights,senate,candidates,new-york Free Two openly gay Black candidates are on track to win seats in the US Congress, a first for the nation that illustrates a "generation shift" in US politics, experts and advocates said on Wednesday. Following New York state's Democratic primary contest on Tuesday, attorney Mondaire Jones had 45% of the vote in one suburban race and City Councilman Ritchie Torres was well ahead of rivals for a New York City seat as of late Wednesday. If elected, they would be the first openly gay Black men in Congress, part of a record number of LGBT+ candidates this year, according to the Victory Fund, a political advocacy group which endorsed and funded both of them. More than 850 gay and trans people are on ballots across the country this year, it said. "In (the midterms in) 2018, we talked about the rainbow wave. Now we're going to talk about the rainbow tsunami, said former Houston Mayor Annise Parker, head of the Victory Fund. Both candidates still face Republican opponents in November, but both districts are heavily and historically Democratic and their victories are widely expected. Primary results were not yet official as absentee ballots have yet to be counted. Elsewhere in New York, progressive Jamaal Bowman was on track to defeat long-time Rep. Eliot Engel, while firebrand Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez won a resounding reelection victory, part of what pundits said could be a left-wing turn for the country. "The national implications of what occurred in New York are very significant, said Hank Sheinkopf, a veteran political consultant and strategist who has worked with prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton. This is a generation shift in American politics, he said, adding that senior Democrats like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may have to make room for the young and increasingly influential left wing of the party. Jones was well ahead of seven other candidates in the contest to represent New York City's suburbs to the north, a seat opening up with the retirement of Democratic Rep. Nita Lowey after 16 terms in office. Torres also topped a crowded field seeking an open seat in the city's South Bronx being vacated by retiring Rep. Jose Serrano. Torres came in well ahead of another candidate, Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr., who has built a reputation for making anti-LGBT+ comments and opposing same-sex marriage. Kentucky and Virginia also held primary elections on Tuesday to choose the Democratic and Republican nominees who will compete for Congressional seats in November. Three Tuesdays each month, Katherine O'Brien straps on her face mask and journeys about half an hour by Metra rail to Northwestern University's Lurie Cancer Center. What were once packed train cars rolling into Chicago are now eerily empty, as those usually commuting to towering skyscrapers weather the pandemic from home. But for O'Brien, the excursion is mandatory. She's one of millions of Americans battling cancer and depends on chemotherapy to treat the breast cancer that has spread to her bones and liver. "I was nervous at first about having to go downtown for my treatment," said O'Brien, who lives in a suburb, La Grange, and worries about contracting the coronavirus. "Family and friends have offered to drive me, but I want to minimize everyone's exposure." While her treatment hasn't changed since the novel coronavirus spread across the United States, the 54-year-old is at high risk of severe complications should she become infected. Those risks haven't declined significantly for her despite the Illinois governor's loosening of COVID-related restrictions. She's not alone in fearing the deadly combination of COVID-19 and cancer. One study, which reviewed records of more than 1,000 adult cancer patients who had tested positive for COVID-19, found that 13% had died. That's compared with the overall U.S. mortality rate of 5.9%, according to Johns Hopkins. Beyond the concern of cancer patients with their already depleted immune systems catching the virus, many doctors worry about people delaying their scans and checkups and missing time-sensitive diagnoses. A KFF poll found that nearly half of Americans had skipped or postponed medical care because of the outbreak. Cancer patients seeking care face an array of obstacles as states reopen, such as heavily restricted in-hospital appointments and new clinical trials on hold. (KHN is an editorially independent program of KFF, the Kaiser Family Foundation.) "Cancer doesn't care that there's a coronavirus pandemic taking place," said Dr. Robert Figlin, chair in hematology-oncology at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. "We don't want people who have abnormalities to delay having them evaluated." In late March, Megan-Claire Chase, 43, of Dunwoody, Georgia, got laid off from her job as a project manager for a staffing company, losing the health care benefits that came with it. Her chief concern was paying for a diagnostic mammogram and MRI, still on the calendar for two days before her benefits were to end. Currently in remission from stage 2A breast cancer, Chase schedules scans for every six months well in advance at Breast Care Specialists in Atlanta. "When I got there, it was really unsettling. You almost feel like a leper," said Chase, noting the socially distanced waiting room and heavily sanitized clipboards. Already hyper-careful since her days of chemotherapy, Chase carries her own pens in her purse, along with gloves and extra masks. Cancer centers across the country are taking extra precautions. At Northwestern, patients are funneled through a single entryway, where masks are required, and are met by a security guard and a temperature check before signing in with receptionists seated behind plastic shields, O'Brien said. No visitors or accompanying family members are allowed inside the building, and the cafeteria and waiting rooms are devoid of unnecessary germ-spreading agents no magazines or coffee machine in sight. The cubicle where she receives infusions of Abraxane used to seat four patients; now, only two sit in the space. Where they can, many doctors are turning to telemedicine to limit cancer patients' trips to the hospital. In Salt Lake City, Dr. Mark Lewis, director of gastrointestinal oncology for Intermountain Healthcare, a 23-hospital system serving Utah and surrounding states, says about half his patient visits are now virtual. He's also making some patients' treatments less intense and less frequent. As at Northwestern, patients must arrive at the hospital solo for appointments unless assistance is physically necessary. It's a significant shift for Lewis, who's had up to 30 family members in his office for appointments alongside his patients for mental support. "We are writing the rules as we go, trying to keep patients' immune systems up and the cancer at bay," said Lewis. Still, he's concerned about a later spike in cancer mortality due to the coronavirus pandemic. The coronavirus aside, the National Cancer Institute estimates over 600,000 Americans will die of cancer this year. New clinical trials have also largely ground to a halt in this new era, when traveling long distances for treatment is less of an option. Linnea Olson, who lives in Amesbury, Massachusetts, and has stage 4 lung cancer, worries there may be far fewer treatment options for her, as trials have been her "lifeline." About four months ago, Olson, 60, enrolled in her fourth phase 1 clinical trial at Massachusetts General Hospital's Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies. The treatment has been accompanied by intense side effects, such as a sore mouth and throat from mucositis, also a sign of COVID-19. Before a recent infusion, nurses with plastic shields ferried Olson up a back entryway for a COVID test. It was negative. The intensity of her treatment, coupled with the extreme social distancing measures, has left Olson, who lives alone, feeling depressed and unsure if she should continue the trial. "It's too much all at once the isolation and the difficult side effects," Olson said. Rudy Fischmann, a brain cancer patient and former true crime TV producer, battles balance issues that started after his first set of surgeries two years ago. Daily walks and physical therapy are part of his treatment regimen. Yet strolls around his Knoxville, Tennessee, neighborhood are already becoming more stressful as the state begins to open up. "It's getting harder and harder, with more and more people outside every day," said Fischmann, 48. "I don't enjoy walking laps around my kitchen, so I'm finding myself having to change my routes almost daily." A father of two young children who are now home round-the-clock, Fischmann finds all the family time draining his limited energy. He also fears what germs they will bring back from school come fall. "The thought of, if I were to contract the virus, would I get a different standard of care?" he said. "I'm used to staying home and not doing that much, but it's more nerve-wracking now." The Prairie Doc: Do your part for the person across the table columns Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Maggy Donaldson and Thomas Urbain (Agence France-Presse) New York, United States Thu, June 25, 2020 14:50 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066197eb3 2 World Ocasio-Cortez,Democratic-party,election,US,Donald-Trump Free Two years after Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez stunned the US political establishment by winning a seat in Congress and becoming one of its best-known members, another upstart New Yorker is gaining attention, one of several likely electoral wins galvanizing the Democratic left ahead of November. Many mailed ballots remain uncounted but early numbers from Tuesday's primary vote in several states suggest big gains for US progressives, signaling ongoing dissatisfaction among some with the Democratic party's traditional wing that's triggering a leftward swing. Jamaal Bowman, a black 44-year-old former middle school principal, appears set to topple Eliot Engel -- a 73-year-old white centrist who has spent two decades in Congress -- in a district just north of Manhattan, according to a preliminary count from the New York Board of Elections. Im a Black man raised by a single mother in a housing project. That story doesnt usually end in Congress. But today, that 11-year old boy beaten by police is about to be your Representative. I can't wait to get to DC and cause problems for those maintaining the status quo. pic.twitter.com/ijaWpkcxvc Jamaal Bowman (@JamaalBowmanNY) June 24, 2020 Also in New York, Mondaire Jones, a black 33-year-old who is openly gay and another favorite among progressives, likely will best a crowded field in a neighboring congressional district. Ocasio-Cortez -- who along with progressive senators and former presidential candidates Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren endorsed both Bowman and Jones -- scored a resounding victory against a well-funded primary rival for her seat representing parts of the Bronx and Queens in the House. All three of the candidates are from overwhelmingly Democratic districts, and primary wins virtually guarantee a congressional seat. "When I won in 2018, many dismissed our victory as a 'fluke,'" the 30-year-old known as AOC tweeted. "We are proving that the people's movement in NY isn't an accident. It's a mandate." On the state level, leftist Julia Salazar breezed past opponents to maintain her New York senate seat as fellow Democratic Socialist Jabari Brisport appeared poised to join her there. And in Kentucky a progressive insurgent, Charles Booker, delivered a spirited challenge against a powerhouse fundraiser opponent in hopes of securing the Democratic nomination to take on top Republican Mitch McConnell. Kentucky is ready for a new vision. It's time for new leadership. The race is tight, but as every vote is counted, we can feel the people rising up. We're ready to #ShockTheWorld. pic.twitter.com/o9QIedd1oB Charles Booker (@Booker4KY) June 25, 2020 The tilt left comes amid social upheaval and anger over a piecemeal coronavirus response and mass unemployment, as well as a surge of anti-racism protests over police brutality. Bowman's race in many ways encapsulated the moment: Raised by a single mother, he's lived in public housing and discussed being beaten by police as an 11-year-old. "It's the confluence of this perfect storm," said Nadia E. Brown, a scholar of politics and African-American studies at Purdue University. "It's the pandemic, it's the economic downturn and it's this racial unrest -- these have given people ample opportunity to think deeply about their role in democracy." For Emerson Russell-Grad -- a member of the Democratic Socialists of America since 2016 who campaigned for Bowman -- Tuesday's wave of progressive wins comes after years of organizing. "Really what it comes down to is building that multi-racial, multi-generational working class movement," the 24-year-old recent college graduate said. Long road ahead Brown is skeptical that a progressive influx will take over the Democratic party in what she called a "pretty solidly moderate" United States. "But what I think will happen is that these progressives will have a large enough voice... to push those that are in power to rethink some standard policies," she told AFP. It's a push already in motion: Along with Democratic Socialist Ocasio-Cortez, progressive Democrats Ayanna Pressley (Massachusetts), Ilhan Omar (Minnesota) and Rashida Tlaib (Michigan) have made inroads as some of Congress' most outspoken figures. Brian Arbour, a politics professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, called it clear "the Democratic Party in general is moving to the left" platform-wise, as state healthcare expansion, climate change policies and gun restrictions gain broader support within its ranks. And while progressives can more likely sway voters in urban districts, Arbour noted that Jones' win came in a more suburban locale. Still, he said, the Democrats "easily nominated Joe Biden" -- a moderate in the style of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama set to take on Donald Trump in November -- indicating a general inclination to toe the line. But organizer Russell-Grad said leftist Sanders' presidential primary loss against Biden was part of a "much longer battle." "It goes way beyond just the presidency, it's at every level of government," he said. "What we're fighting for is consciousness-building amongst working people." "Seeing candidates that have never been involved in electoral politics before running and then achieving victories -- it really shows that the movement is successful." Controversial S. Korean church donating $83B worth of blood plasma as prices soar in pandemic Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which many view as a religious cult and was blamed for the propagation of the new coronavirus in South Korea, said 4,000 church members who fully recovered from the disease will donate coveted blood plasma with an estimated market value of up to $83 billion toward convalescent plasma therapy. Convalescent plasma therapy is an experimental treatment that some doctors are using to treat people with severe coronavirus infections, according to the Mayo Clinic. Due to high demand for the treatment, however, it has been growing costly around the world. At a time when plasma donations to the Korean Green Cross have been low, Shincheonji Churchs contribution is invaluable. With prices of plasma from biotech companies around the world ranging from $350 to $40,000 dollars per milliliter, this sets Shincheonjis donation at a value of about $83 billion dollars, the church said in a statement to CP Wednesday. A recent report from the Wall Street Journal pointed to the skyrocketing price of convalescent plasma, which is also used to develop antibody tests to tell whether someone has already been infected with the coronavirus. The tests are seen as critical to easing lockdowns that have shut down economies around the world but diagnostic companies say the high prices for the blood of recovered coronavirus patients are posing a hurdle to developing tests. Weve had a terrible time trying to obtain positive specimens at a decent rate, Stefanie Lenart-Dallezotte, manager of business operations for San Diego-based Epitope Diagnostics Inc., which sells an antibody test for COVID-19, told WSJ. I feel people are taking extreme advantage of the situation because they can, because theres crazy demand. Traders who source the plasma for these companies are known as blood brokers and Lenart-Dallezotte said she was quoted a price of $1,000 for a one-milliliter sample of convalescent plasma. Executives at other diagnostics companies told the WSJ that they have been quoted prices of several thousand dollars for one milliliter of plasma as well. As of Thursday morning, Johns Hopkins University confirmed nearly 9.5 million coronavirus infections globally with more than 483,000 deaths. The United States alone has contributed nearly 2.4 million infections to that number with nearly 122,000 deaths. And as infections continue to spread around the U.S. in states like Texas, health officials are pleading with coronavirus survivors to donate their plasma. If we do not get the message out, that means we are not saving lives, Paul Basaldua, a San Antonio resident who recovered from the coronavirus in April, told KENS5 Wednesday. He said the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center is so low on blood plasma theyve had to buy plasma from other areas, which can cost them from $500 to $700 per unit. In March, Shincheonji Church of Jesus in South Korea, which has some 245,605 congregants, became the center of the coronavirus outbreak in South Korea. The government stepped in quickly to contain the spread of infections in the nation of more than 51 million people to just 12,400 cases, according to The Korea Herald. Some 5,200 of the countrys coronavirus cases were connected to Shincheonji Church. The city of Daegu filed a civil lawsuit against the church for the outbreak and is asking for $82.3 million. Shincheonji Media Coordinator Kim Young-eun said their blood plasma donation is a sincere thank you to the governments medical system and staff who worked hard to help our church members recover. We hope this will accelerate the development of coronavirus therapies and lead to more lives that can be saved. Shincheonji Chairman Lee Man-hee said he also asked his congregation to help fight the coronavirus in South Korea and around the world. I promised to cooperate for the benefit of humanity and the governments policy and conferred with our church members so that the estimated 4,000 congregants who recovered from COVID-19 can provide their plasma to develop a good medicine to solve this infectious disease, Lee said in a statement. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is currently encouraging persons who have recovered from the new coronavirus to donate their plasma to help save lives. The Gujarat Home Department has asked the state Director General of Police (DGP) and other senior officers not to grant any leave to the police personnel, saying that their presence was necessary for the effective implementation of Unlock-1. A notification issued on Thursday by the home department said that the presence of all the available police force was necessary for the implementation of the Centre's guidelines for the phased re-opening of coronavirus-induced lockdown or Unlock-1 that came into effect from June 1. "For the effective implementation of Unlock-1, it is necessary that police personnel remain active in the field. Therefore, all the police officers as well as lower rung police personnel are hereby advised not to demand leave unless it is for medical or any other unavoidable reasons," the notification said. The department also asked all the senior officers, including the state DGP, Range Inspector Generals and all the district Superintendents of Police, not to grant any leave to their subordinate staff, except for medical reasons or any other emergencies. Following the Central government's guidelines, the Gujarat government had announced relaxations in lockdown starting from June 1. As many as 29,001 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Gujarat so far. While 1,736 have died due to the infection, as many as 21,096 have been discharged. Around 400 fresh cases of coronavirus are emerging in in the state on a daily basis since last one month. Also read: BREAKING: CBSE Class 10 exams cancelled; Class 12 students will have option, govt tells SC Facebook has banned the sale of all ancient artefacts amid fears that items looted from Iraq and Syria are being traded on its platforms. The move a tightening of previous rules that only covered stolen artefacts followed a campaign by academics and a BBC News expose of illicit sales. The changes were announced as part of a new set of Facebook Community Standards released by the California-based social media firm on June 23, 2020. Users are now instructed under the 'regulated goods' section to not post 'content that attempts to buy, sell, trade, donate, gift or solicit historical artefacts.' Such artefacts could include, for example, ancient coins, scrolls, manuscripts, sculptures, mosaics and even mummified body parts. Scroll down for video Facebook has banned the sale of all ancient artefacts amid fears that items looted from Iraq and Syria are being traded on its platforms. Pictured, an ancient mosaic for sale on Facebook 'Historical artefacts hold significant personal and cultural value for communities across the globe, but their sale often results in harmful behaviour,' Facebook public policy manager Greg Mandel told the BBC. 'That's why we've long had rules preventing the sale of stolen artefacts.' 'To keep these artefacts and our users safe, we've been working to expand our rules, and starting today we now prohibit the exchange, sale or purchase of all historical artefacts on Facebook and Instagram.' According to the BBC, the social media firm is also developing artificial intelligence-powered systems which will automatically identify content that violates the new policy based on key words and image matching. An investigation last year by the BBC found evidence that Roman mosaics photographed still in the ground in Syria were being put up for sale on Facebook. Other activities identified included requests for Islamic-era manuscripts to be made available for prospective buyers in Turkey, 'loot-to-order' requests and the exchange of ideas for how to dig up archaeological sites for profit. Following the expose, Facebook has reportedly removed 49 groups engaging in such practices although academics have reported that the trade continues. The total prohibition on artefact trading a tightening of previous rules that only covered stolen items followed a campaign by academics and a BBC News expose of illicit sales The changes to the social media firm's policy were announced as part of a new set of Facebook Community Standards released by the California-based social media firm on June 23, 2020 Archaeologist Amr al-Azm of Ohio's Shawnee State University told the BBC that he welcomed the policy change but would like to see Facebook go further. 'Relying on user reports and artificial intelligence is simply not enough,' he said. Instead, Professor Al-Azm said, Facebook must invest in 'teams of experts to identify and remove networks rather than playing whack-a-mole with individual posts.' The archaeologist also said that Facebook instead of permanently deleting content that violates its community standards after 90 days, unless instructed otherwise by law enforcement should archiving images of these artefacts. 'This evidence is vital for ensuring the repatriation of these objects if they appear on the market,' he explained. Users are now instructed under the 'regulated goods' section to not post 'content that attempts to buy, sell, trade, donate, gift or solicit historical artefacts' 'Illicit antiquities trade on Facebook appears to have the greatest reach in the Middle East and North Africa where we are currently monitoring over 120 Facebook groups developed solely for looting and trafficking activity,' Professor Al-Azm added. 'The largest group we identified had roughly 150,000 members this time last year - now it has more than 437,000.' Some of this increase might be attributable to the economic pressures brought about by the coronavirus crisis, he conceded but not all of it. 'This is also a black market that funds criminal organisations, warlords, and radical extremists,' Professor Al-Azm warned. 'It's happening on the same site in the same digital space that you welcome into your home and [use to] share photos of your children.' A New Zealand woman who decided to return home three months after her country went into lockdown is living in luxury at her taxpayer-funded quarantine hotel. Sophie Brown, 22, had plans to spend the year on a trip of a lifetime working in the UK but chose to go home when she saw how well her country had handled the coronavirus pandemic. Ms Brown was sent to the Ibis Hotel in Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island for her mandatory 14-day self isolation, where she has been documenting her lavish stay. Sophie Brown, 22, had plans to spend the year on a trip of a lifetime working in the UK but chose to go home to New Zealand because of how well the country had handled the pandemic She is now in quarantine at the Ibis Hotel in Rotorua on New Zealand's North Island New Zealand shut its borders on March 19 but Ms Brown had planned to stay in the UK and find work, only decided to return back to New Zealand three months after the country locked down. Ms Brown decided to go home because as things are slowly going back to normal but is spending two weeks in luxury in her taxpayer-funded mandatory quarantine. 'The prospect of coming back to a normal life after isolation is pretty good,' Ms Brown told NZ Herald. She has shared pictures of her luxury accommodation and meals to her Instagram, showing spacious room with a king bed and flat screen TV. Ms Brown also shared an image of the hotel car park, which she said has been a major highlight of her stay. The car park is cordoned off and monitored by staff but people in quarantine are allowed to use it for exercise. Return travellers in quarantine can go for walks and get fresh air, and are even allowed to have socially-distanced conversations with others. 'A couple of the guys had referred to it as a prison courtyard,' she joked. Although she had been in lockdown in the UK with family since March 20, Ms Brown is using the time to her advantage and applying for work once she gets out. She has three meals delivered to her room daily, which are left outside the from door. Breakfast arrives between 7am and 9am, lunch between 11.30am and 1pm and dinner comes between 6.30pm to 7.30pm. Return travellers in quarantine can go for walks and get fresh air, and are even allowed to have socially-distanced conversations with others She has shared pictures of her luxury accommodation and meals to her Instagram, showing the spacious king bed Ms Brown said the 'food is so good she can't complain'. For one meal she was given a pumpkin lasagne, bread roll, salad and even a slice of carrot cake for dessert. Another time she was given a sandwich, orange and chocolate cake for lunch. She also receives a daily health check with a nurse and routine COVID-19 checks. Ms Brown said she was shocked when she was told she had to fill a bus to drive to Rotorua from Auckland Airport, as Auckland hotels had reached capacity. She said the bus had terrified most of the people in quarantine as social distancing rules were not followed and the buses were filled to capacity. Ms Brown (pictured) said the 'food is so good she can't complain' For one meal she was given a pumpkin lasagne, bread roll, salad and even a slice of carrot cake for dessert 'Being in isolation for three months, there wasn't really a chance of me getting Covid, but being on that bus was the highest chance I've had in a long time of catching it,' she said. When they arrived they were briefed by military personnel, had to fill out a form, were given information packs and assigned rooms. The hotel went into lockdown about 11.30am Wednesday and she and others were told by army personnel to stay in their rooms. Returning travellers all had to be tested for the coronavirus in the carpark before the nine-hour lockdown. A note she received from the hotel warned her the lockdown was over: 'Thank you for your patience this afternoon.' 'Clinical staff have assessed that the facility is safe and thus the lockdown has been lifted. All restrictions prior to the lockdown are now reinstated,' it read. A protest leader in southern Tunisia was released Wednesday, a lawyer said, four days after his arrest amid angry protests over unemployment in the marginalised region. Tarek Haddad is the spokesman for a growing popular mobilisation underway in Tataouine, a town where protesters are demanding authorities make good on a 2017 promise to provide jobs. He had been arrested overnight on Saturday and charged with "participating in a gathering likely to disturb the peace". On Sunday and Monday, police in Tataouine clashed with protesters denouncing the government's unkept promises and demanding Haddad's release. A court in the town of Tataouine, accepted a request for activist Haddad's release, one of his lawyers Sofiene Chariout told AFP. "Overnight I find myself with detention orders and court cases," Haddad told AFP by phone on his release from prison, adding that he believed the charges were aimed at hindering the protest movement. For weeks, demonstrators have blocked roads and sought to prevent trucks from delivering supplies to the remote El-Kamour pumping station, a key site for Tunisia's small oil industry. They are demanding the government honour a deal reached after a months-long 2017 sit-in, under which it pledged to hire thousands of unemployed workers and invest millions in the region's development. On Tuesday night, youths clashed with police in another town in the deprived south, the interior ministry said Wednesday. "Several hundred people" gathered in front of a local security forces facility in Douz, 475 kilometres (295 miles) south of the capital Tunis, to protest disrupted water supplies, ministry spokesman Khaled Hayouni told AFP. The protesters burned tyres and threw rocks at security forces, who responded with tear gas, Hayouni said, saying calm was restored by the morning. Local private radio station Mosaique FM reported that officers were injured and patrol cars damaged. Southern Tunisia is one of the country's most marginalised regions, with above average unemployment, failing infrastructure and a stunted private sector. Ten years after the revolution that toppled Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, the government has yet to resolve regional inequalities. A special cabinet meeting is scheduled for Friday on the situation in Tataouine, as the government faces tensions within its coalition. For the past 40 years, Iran's despots have been the primary state sponsors of terrorism around the world and atrocious human rights abusers at home. Iran has been a dangerous irritant for much of the world. Millions have been victimized by the regime's tyranny and terrorism. But the lesser known part of this story is that there is an indigenous democratic resistance capable of uprooting the theocracy. Gripped by multiple wars, the coronavirus pandemic, and other domestic challenges, Americans rightly reject boots on the ground when it comes to Iran. Instead, they would be pleasantly surprised to know that they can support the organized Iranian opposition, which shares their core values of freedom, liberty, separation of church and state, and gender equality. That is exactly the message delivered by Iran's main opposition last weekend. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), a robust coalition comprising popular democratic organizations and individuals, organized an international virtual conference on Saturday, celebrating its 40th year of resistance against the regime. It came on the heels of the NCRI receiving overwhelming support from a majority in the House of Representatives through House Resolution 374. The Iranian Resistance's supporters and renowned Western politicians from 2,000 locations across the globe joined the virtual conference on Saturday. The thousands of participants paid tribute to over 120,000 fallen activists over the past 40 years, mostly members and supporters of the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), the principal opposition within the NCRI. The participants emphasized their support for the organized Iranian opposition and the Iranian people's struggle for regime change, as well as the establishment of democracy and a republic based on universal suffrage. The keynote speaker, Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the NCRI's president-elect, told thousands of cheering participants that the Iranian people want to overthrow the clerical regime themselves. "It is up to the international community," she added, "to hear this message: We have always said and reiterated that this regime should not be allowed to obtain even a single bullet; it should not pocket even a single dollar in oil revenues and it should not spend even a single dollar out of revenues that belong to the Iranian people." Other prominent speakers at the NCRI international conference included former U.S. senator Robert Torricelli; former U.K. minister Baroness Verma; French parliamentarian Michele de Vaucouleurs; former French human rights minister Rama Yade; former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt; former president of the German parliament Rita Sussmuth; as well representatives of the Iranian community in the U.S. and Europe. Senator Torricelli commended Mrs. Rajavi's leadership in challenging times against a brutal dictatorship and said: "You have not only saved the movement and your struggle, but you have saved your people. History bends toward justice, and justice in this case is success and victory." Rama Yade, former human rights minister from France commended the MEK for their inspiring role in gender equality in the Middle East. She said the MEK "puts women at the heart of its work because it knows what women have brought to Iran." She added: "What the regime fears is that in 50 years, the multigenerational and multi-ethnic aspects of the [MEK] has brought together the best of Iran." Senator Ingrid Betancourt of Colombia praised the Iranian people for not giving up their struggle against the dictatorship for four decades. "The people of Iran have never accepted the regime in the past 40 years and have resisted. We are proud to be part of this resistance. The people are voicing for the overthrow of the mullahs' regime." The international case has been made for the need to support a strong indigenous and grassroots movement in Iran in the form of the NCRI. Saturday's international conference was the latest example of that international backing for a movement that has refused to give up for four long and blood-drenched decades. The significance of the event is that it shows there is a viable, democratic solution to the Iranian dilemma. Boots on the ground are not required. They do not need money. The Iranian people themselves have figured out the alternative. All the rest of the world needs to do is to offer their moral support for the people's democratic aspirations. The Iranian people are making the sacrifices necessary to bring down a brutal and terrorist regime. They and everyone else will benefit from the democratic outcome. The Iranian opposition will try to highlight this next month, when, on July 17, hundreds of lawmakers and dignitaries from 60 countries will join tens of thousands of Iranians in a virtual international gathering in support of a free, democratic, and non-nuclear republic in Iran. The least people in the U.S. and other western countries can do is to make sure that the voice of the Iranian people and their resistance movement is heard as loud as possible, because the regime is trying hard to silence them. Ken Blackwell is the former United States ambassador to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. The Trump administration has fought for years to undermine and repeal the Affordable Care Act, the signature legislative achievement of President Barack Obamas administration, in which Mr. Biden was vice president. In May, the Trump administration argued to a federal appeals court that the entire law was unconstitutional and should be struck down. The emotional thrust of Mr. Bidens 18-minute remarks came in his denunciation of Mr. Trumps halting response to the pandemic. Without a capable leader in the White House, Mr. Biden said, it would be up to the American people to care for themselves during the crisis. The number of coronavirus cases has spiked across much of the United States, particularly in the Sun Belt states that were among the first to reopen large parts of public life. In Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott encouraged a quick reopening and forbade local governments to mandate that masks be worn, Mr. Abbott paused the reopening process on Thursday in an effort to free up hospital rooms for people affected by the virus. The number of cases is increasing in 29 states, Mr. Biden said. We are going to be dealing with this for a long time. Trump cant wish it away. He cant bend it to meet his political wishes. There are no miracles coming. Mr. Bidens Lancaster event came as the former vice president has been under harsh criticism from Mr. Trumps re-election campaign for conducting his campaign primarily from his home in Wilmington, Del., 50 miles away, because of coronavirus concerns. Technavio has been monitoring the contemporary height-adjustable desk market and it is poised to grow by USD 2.87 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 5% 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/20200625005642/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Contemporary Height-Adjustable Desk 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. Adapt Europe Ltd., Haworth Inc., Herman Miller Inc., HNI Corp., Inter IKEA Holding BV, Kimball International Inc., KOKUYO Co. Ltd., OKAMURA Corp., Steelcase Inc., and Teknion Group are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. Demand for modern height-adjustable desks has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Contemporary Height-Adjustable Desk Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Contemporary Height-Adjustable Desk Market is segmented as below: Type Manual Height-adjustable Desk Electric Height-adjustable Desk Geography North America Europe APAC South America MEA Application Office Home 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=IRTNTR44067 Contemporary Height-Adjustable Desk 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 contemporary height-adjustable desk market report covers the following areas: Contemporary Height-Adjustable Desk Market size Contemporary Height-Adjustable Desk Market trends Contemporary Height-Adjustable Desk Market analysis This study identifies an increase in the number of office spaces as one of the prime reasons driving the contemporary height-adjustable desk market growth during the next few years. Contemporary Height-Adjustable Desk Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of vendors operating in the contemporary height-adjustable desk market, including some of the vendors such as Adapt Europe Ltd., Haworth Inc., Herman Miller Inc., HNI Corp., Inter IKEA Holding BV, Kimball International Inc., KOKUYO Co. Ltd., OKAMURA Corp., Steelcase Inc., and Teknion Group. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the contemporary height-adjustable desk 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 Contemporary Height-Adjustable Desk Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist contemporary height-adjustable desk market growth during the next five years Estimation of the contemporary height-adjustable desk market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the contemporary height-adjustable desk market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of contemporary height-adjustable desk 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 Application Market segments Comparison by Application Office Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Home Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Application Market Segmentation by Type Market segments Comparison by Type Manual height-adjustable desk Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Electric height-adjustable desk Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Type 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 Overview Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors Adapt Europe Ltd. Haworth Inc. Herman Miller Inc. HNI Corp. Inter IKEA Holding BV Kimball International Inc. KOKUYO Co. Ltd. OKAMURA Corp. Steelcase Inc. Teknion Group 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/20200625005642/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/ Ireland Releases Stamp Duty Guidance On Related-Party Transactions by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London 25 June 2020 The Irish Revenue has updated its guidance on stamp duty to clarify a number of issues related to the conditions for companies to avail themselves of associated companies relief. Section 79 of the Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 provides for a stamp duty exemption where property is transferred between two companies whose association is so close that the transfer is effectively little more than a change in the nominal ownership of the property, with the underlying control remaining the same. This exemption is known as associated companies relief. The qualifying conditions for the relief relate to: the type of transfer, the transfer of beneficial ownership, the degree of association between the transferor and the transferee, and the type of entities (bodies corporate) involved. The clarifications to the guidance relate to the retention of property within a corporate group post transfer, including the type of property that, by its nature, ceases to exist; and the extinguishing of shares in a transferred company following its liquidation. The clarifications also cover: the application of practices to both transferee and transferor; the holding of the issued share of capital of foreign bodies corporate; change in ownership of shares in listed companies post transfer; timing of transfers of property and series of mergers; and liquidations and mergers under foreign law. "The US Trade Representative is considering an additional list of products of France, Germany, Spain, and the UK that may be included on a final list of products subject to additional ad valorem duties of up to 100 percent," Xinhua news agency reported on Wednesday citing the office as saying. Washington, June 25 (IANS) Washington is considering new tariffs on $3.1 billion worth of European imports amid the aircraft subsidy dispute, according to the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR). "The additional list of products contains 30 tariff subheadings with an approximate value of $3.1 billion in terms of the estimated import trade value for calendar year 2018," the notice said, inviting the public to submit comments with respect to the additional tariffs on specific products by July 26. The office said the latest move is part of a review of its action being taken in the Section 301 investigation involving the enforcement of US WTO (World Trade Organization) rights in the large civil aircraft dispute. After WTO ruling on aircraft subsidies last year, the US levied additional tariffs on $7.5 billion of European goods, which took effect on October 18, 2019, a move that has fueled trade tensions between the two sides. In February, the office announced that it would increase the additional tariff imposed on aircraft imported from the European Union (EU) to 15 per cent from 10 per cent, effective from March 18. It also modified the list of European products subject to additional 25 per cent duties. USTR Robert Lighthizer said at a congressional hearing last week that the US will "continue those tariffs in place" until it resolves the aircraft subsidy dispute with the EU. But EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan told European trade ministers earlier this month that the US has stepped back from the settlement talks in recent weeks. The EU had hoped that the WTO would reach a decision this month on how much retaliation the blac can take against the US, but trade officials said that the decision may not come until September, according to the Financial Times. In 2004, the US filed a case with the WTO, accusing the EU of providing illegal subsidies to Airbus in various forms. The EU has since filed a similar case over allegedly illegal US subsidies to Boeing. The WTO has ruled that both the US and EU have provided illegal subsidies for their respective airlines. --IANS ksk/ [June 25, 2020] The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. and The New Germany Fund, Inc. Announce Results of Each Fund's Annual Meeting of Stockholders The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. (NYSE: CEE) and The New Germany Fund, Inc. (NYSE: GF) (each, a "Fund," and, collectively, the "Funds") announced today the results of their Joint Annual Meetings of Stockholders held on June 25, 2020. With respect to CEE, each of the three Class II Directors nominated by the Board of Directors, Ambassador Richard R. Burt, Mr. Walter C. Dostmann and Dr. Kenneth C. Froewiss, was elected to serve for a term of three years and until his respective successor is elected and qualifies; one Class III Director nominated by the Board of Directors, Dr. Holger Hatje, was elected to serve a term of one year and until his successor is elected and qualifies; and one Class I Director, Ms. Hepsen Uzcan, was elected to serve a term of two years and until her successor is elected and qualifies. With respect to GF, each of the three Class II Directors nominated by the Board of Directors, Dr. Kenneth C. Froewiss, Dr. Christopher Pleister and Mr. Christian M. Zugel, was elected to serve for a term of three years and until his respective successor is elected and qualifies; one Class I Director nominated by the Board of Directors, Dr. Holger Hatje, was elected to serve a term of two years and until his successor is elected and qualifies; and one Class III Director, Ms. Hepsen Uzcan, was elected to serve a term of one year and until her successor is elected and qualifies. Stockholders also ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent auditors for GF and CEE for each Fund's respective 2020 fiscal year. For more information on the Funds, including their most recent month-end performance, visit dws.com or call (800) 349-4281. Important Information The Central and Eastern Europe Fund, Inc. is non-diversified and can take larger positions in fewer issues, increasing its potential risk, and also concentrates its inestments in the energy sector. Investing in foreign securities, particularly those of emerging markets, presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Emerging markets tend to be more volatile and less liquid than the markets of more mature economies, and generally have less diverse and less mature economic structures and less stable political systems than those of developed countries. Any fund that focuses in a particular segment of the market or region of the world will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly. The shares of most closed-end funds, including the Funds, are not continuously offered. Once issued, shares of closed-end funds are bought and sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The price of a fund's shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, a fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below, or above net asset value. Investments in funds involve risk. Additional risks of the Funds are associated with international investing, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, market risks, government regulations and differences in liquidity, which may increase the volatility of your investment. Foreign security markets generally exhibit greater price volatility and are less liquid than the US market. Additionally, the Funds focus their investments in certain geographical regions, thereby increasing their vulnerability to developments in that region and potentially subjecting the Funds' shares to greater price volatility. Some funds have more risk than others. These include funds, such as the Funds, that allow exposure to or otherwise concentrate investments in certain sectors, geographic regions, security types, market capitalization, or foreign securities (e.g., political or economic instability, which can be accentuated in emerging market countries). The European Union, the United States and other countries have imposed sanctions on Russia in response to Russian military and other actions in recent years. These sanctions have adversely affected Russian individuals, issuers and the Russian economy. Russia, in turn, has imposed sanctions targeting Western individuals, businesses and products. The various sanctions have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, not only the Russian economy, but also the economies of many countries in Europe, including countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The continuation of current sanctions or the imposition of additional sanctions may materially adversely affect the value of the Funds' portfolios. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction. "War, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, public health crises (including the recent pandemic spread of the novel coronavirus) and related geopolitical events could lead to increased market volatility, disruption to US and world economies and markets and may have significant adverse effects on the fund and their investments." NOT FDIC/ NCUA INSURED * MAY LOSE VALUE * NO BANK GUARANTEE NOT A DEPOSIT * NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY The brand DWS represents DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA and any of its subsidiaries such as DWS Distributors, Inc. which offers investment products or DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. and RREEF America L.L.C. which offer advisory services. (R-076751-1) (0620) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005906/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Colab, the first purpose-built material library in the UAE located within the Dubai Design District (d3), is set to throw open its virtual doors to engage students from the country's leading universities, with a curated schedule of inspiring talks. It has launched a new campaign, SHARE, to leverage Covid-19 necessitated distancing to move the discussion online and stimulate ideas for students in creative fields. As such, Colab is curating free weekly webinars for the UAEs university students. The aim is to inspire them with new ideas, with a roster of inspiring topics curated by Colab in partnership with the UAEs leading universities, it stated. The initiative aims to provide a platform for leaders from the creative industry to share their knowledge and real-world experience with students. Colab said expert speakers are being drawn from the breadth of the creative community - including interior design, architecture, materials, fashion, film, digital, graphic design, and advertising. The American University in Dubai (AUD), American University of Sharjah (AUS), Zayed University, NYUAD, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), Heriot Watt University Dubai, Canadian University Dubai, National Design Academy Dubai and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education - Dubai Campus are some of the university partners who have expressed their desire to participate in the campaign. Commenting on the launch, Richard Wilson, the Creative Director at Colab, said: "We conceived Colab as a creative space to innovate, contemplate and understand all aspects of material use and design. Were now taking this mandate and expanding it into Share - a powerful ongoing schedule of knowledge sharing and powerful discussions." "We are thrilled to see that our communities have responded so positively, with universities supporting the cause, and industry experts volunteering to share their experience and expertise - to give back to the community," he added.-TradeArabia News Service June 20th was World Refugee Day. At least 1 in 3 Indians (33%) want the government to increase spends in supporting refugees during COVID19. While 32% feel we should continue to spend the same as last year. While 25% will like the govt to curtail the spends. Globally, Indians continue to be some of the most benevolent towards refugees, post COVID19. 17% want to be more open and accepting, 34% are the same as before and 41% are less open towards more refugees. If we compare it with the global trend, then India is 2nd most kind after Saudi Arabia. Russia is at the bottom of the heap with 2% more open, 18% staying the same and 66% less open. Global citizens too are 10% more open, 30% staying the same and 49% staying less open. The Ipsos global survey shows Indians continue to be benevolent towards those who are victims of war and persecution, with at least 61% Indians approving of such people taking refuge in India or other countries, though there is a 4% drop from 2019 (65%). How about the regular influx of refugees? We see hardening of stand with at least 68% of urban Indians polled believing that we should close our borders to refugees entirely as there is no scope for handling more. In fact, there is a 4% increase since 2019, of those endorsing this view. Indians wary of real motives for asylum 3 in 4 urban Indians (74%) are skeptical of the motives for seeking refuge there is a feeling, most come for economic reasons or to avail the welfare schemes. This view has further increased since 2019 (70%), said Amit Adarkar, CEO, Ipsos India. Malaysia too strongly (75%) holds this view and is wary of the real motives for seeking refuge. A 14% jump from 2019 (61%). Russia (74%) and Turkey (72%) too are doubtful of the motives of refugees. Canada on the contrary is polarized in its perception of refugees 44% are skeptical, while 45% view refugees on face value and are welcoming towards them. Integration of Refugees While most markets will view it as a positive trait of how quickly the refugees can integrate themselves with the local market; in India refugees tend to quickly blend themselves with the locals, it is difficult to tell them apart from locals and there is why India is grappling with the mass influx of refugees who have now Indian citizenship using fraudulent means. It is a nightmare for India. Social media went buzzing with Ghanaians sharing their experience on the earth tremor which occurred three times in a row around 11:00PM on 24th June, 2020. Whiles some refer to the shake as earth tremor others whose area the impact was high said it was an earthquake. Some have said they just felt a slight shake. Though the incident has not yet been established by any professional on any media platform as a scientific occurrence, social media users are giving different accounts of the natural occurrence. It happened three times within few minutes intervals. Commentary on social media captured by Ghanaians indicates that it had an impact on electricity connection as some people said their television sets went off whiles others claim their whole residential electricity have gone off with no blinks of lighting. Some residents of McCarthy Hill, Weija, Bortianor, Tetegu, Old Kasoa Barrier, Gbawe, Aplaku, Sowutuom, Awoshie, and even as far as Abelemkpe, Tabora, Achimota, Ablekuma, Kissieman, Westland, Laterbiokorshie and East-Legon confirmed they experienced the earth tremor which they describe as very scary. Others say they had to quickly abandon their rooms with their families. Others run onto the streets for the fear of building collapse. Coronavirus latest news: India records 418 deaths and the highest single day spike of 16,922 new cases. The country's total count infection now stands at 4,73,105 including 1,86,514 active cases. Indias COVID-19 cases crossed 4.5 lakh on Wednesday with the highest single-day spike of 16,922 cases in the last 24 hours. A total of 10,495 COVID-19 patients have been cured in the last 24 hours taking the total number of patients cured to 2,71,697 and recovery rate to 56.71 per cent. The death count has gone up to 14,476 with 465 deaths in the last 24 hours. According to the Health Ministry, the country has reported a total of 4,73,105 cases of which 1,86,514 are active cases while there are 2,71,697 cured/discharged/migrated patients. Coronavirus cases in Maharashtra continue to rise and the states count has reached 1,39,010 including 62,848 active cases. In Delhi, COVID-19 cases crossed 70,000 with 3,788 new cases in the last 24 hours. According to the Delhi government health bulletin, the total count of cases was 70,390 of which there are 26,588 active cases, 41,437 people have recovered while 2,365 succumbed to the infection. Also Read: Ladakh standoff: China continues military build up along LAC Out of India's total COVID-19 cases, only 4.16 per cent of patients required ventilator support: Govt official Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/uQKNLDR2Cs pic.twitter.com/I26rjXJ8wk ANI Digital (@ani_digital) June 24, 2020 Also Read: PM Modi declares UPs Kushinagar airport as an International airport Gujarat reported 572 new COVID-19 cases and 25 deaths in the last 24 hours. The states COVID-19 count has reached 29,001 including 21,096 cured/discharged and 1,736 deaths. A total of 226 new COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Assam today taking the total number of cases in the state to 6,282. Manipur reported 49 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of positive cases in the state to 970 including 642 active cases and 328 recovered. In Punjab, 230 more people have tested positive for COVID-19. The state has reported a total of 4,627 coronavirus cases. Karnataka reported 397 new coronavirus cases and 14 deaths today taking the total number of positive cases to 10,118 and deaths to 164. Himachal Pradesh Health Department said there are 778 coronavirus cases including 318 active cases are active in the state. Also Read: Commemoration cards awarded by Army Chief to the heroes who fought China in East Ladakh 445 new #COVID19 positive cases and 11 deaths reported in West Bengal, in the last 24 hours. The total number of cases rises to 15,173 in the state including 9,702 discharged, 4,880 active cases and 591 deaths: State Health Department ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2020 Also Read: 6500 Pakistanis operating as terrorists in Afghanistan: UN report Kerala reported the highest single-day spike of 152 new COVID-19 positive cases. The state has reported a total of 3,603 cases of which 1,691 are active cases. A total of 185 new COVID-19 positive cases and two more deaths were reported among Maharashtra Police personnel in the last 48 hours. According to Maharashtra Police, the total number of positive cases has risen to 4,288 including 998 active cases, 3239 recoveries and 51 deaths. Asias biggest slum Dharavi reported 10 new COVID-19 positive cases, taking the total number of reported cases in the area to 2,199 including 1,018 active patients, 1,100 recovered/discharged and 81 deaths, according to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). With 497 new COVID-19 cases reported in the last 24 hours, Andhra Pradeshs count of cases reached 10,331 on Wednesday. India conducted over 2 lakh COVID-19 tests, the highest in a single day. In the past 24 hours, about 2,15,195 samples were tested in the country with 73,52,911 samples tested till date. Also Read: PM to inaugurate employment scheme for 1.25 CR UP residents 490 new #COVID19 positive cases reported in Haryana today, taking the total number of positive cases to 12,010. A total of 6925 people have recovered/discharged till date. The total death toll rises to 188: Health Department, Government of Haryana pic.twitter.com/3wrOSmVl8o ANI (@ANI) June 24, 2020 Also Read: Rajnath Singh attends 75th Victory Parade in Russia Indo Tibetan border police (ITBP) on Wednesday took charge as the nodal agency to operate the COVID-19 care facility at Radha Soami Satsang Beas in Chhattarpur area of Delhi. This facility can accommodate 10,000 patients. For all the latest National News, download NewsX App The United States reported 36,880 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, the largest one-day total since the start of the pandemic and more than two months after the previous high. The number of infections indicated that the country was not only failing to contain the virus, but also that the caseload was worsening a path at odds with many other nations that have seen steady declines after an earlier peak. Cases in the United States had been on a downward trajectory after the previous high of 36,739 cases on April 24, but they have roared back in recent weeks. The resurgence is concentrated largely in the South and West. Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas reported their highest single-day totals on Wednesday, but case numbers have been rising in 29 states. The tally of new cases, based on a New York Times database, showed that the outbreak was stronger than ever. The elevated numbers are a result of worsening conditions across much of the country, as well as increased testing but testing alone does not explain the surge. The percentage of people in Florida who have tested positive for the virus has risen sharply. Increases in hospitalizations also signal the virus spread. Some states, including New York, which at one point had the most daily virus cases, have brought their numbers under control. Hoping to keep it that way, New York along with Connecticut and New Jersey said it would institute a quarantine for some out-of-state travelers. As of Wednesday, more than 2.3 million Americans have been infected and about 122,000 have died. Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said that his state had recorded more than 7,000 new cases over the previous day. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis gave no indication that the state would roll back its economic opening, but he urged residents to avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowds and close contact with others. DeSantis, a Republican, continued to attribute the rising infections, especially in cities, to younger people who have started to socialize in bars and homes, in spite of rules in many municipalities prohibiting group gatherings. He pressed older people to keep staying home as much as possible, and pleaded with young people to be responsible. You need to do your part and make sure that youre not spreading it to people who are going to be more at risk for this, he said. Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina announced that the state would pause reopening for three weeks and require face masks. In Texas, more than 4,300 people with the virus are hospitalized, more than double the number at the beginning of June. The World Health Organization warned Wednesday that if the Americas were not able to stop the spread of the virus, there may be a need to impose or reimpose general lockdowns. It is very difficult to take the sting out of this pandemic unless we are able to successfully isolate cases and quarantine contacts, said Dr. Michael Ryan, the executive director of the WHO health emergencies program. In the absence of a capacity to do that, then the specter of further lockdowns cannot be excluded. He said that the growing number of coronavirus cases in the Americas had not peaked and that the region was likely to see sustained numbers of cases and deaths in the coming weeks. Brazil, Chile and Peru are among the countries with the highest caseloads. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. The court had heard that the Australian Taxation Office alleged the Grollo Group Bruno Grollo with his wife and daughter outside court after the verdict. Credit:The Age Archives had failed to declare $59 million earned from the construction of the Rialto building in the 1980s. Conversations between Mr Flanagan and Mr Farrell, who was working under cover and secretly taping the meetings, were played to jurors. They were also told that Mr Flanagan paid Mr Farrell $7000 for information about the tax investigation and that they discussed an idea to destroy a police brief of evidence. The defence argued Mr Flanagan was acting on a "frolic of his own", and that there was no conspiracy to pervert the course of justice or to bribe. Mr Grollo's senior counsel, Mr Con Heliotis, QC, told the jury that the AFP used Mr Flanagan as bait to ensnare Mr Grollo, but that there was no evidence of Mr Grollo entering into an agreement to thwart, delay or destroy the police investigation. Mr Grollo testified that he became concerned, when police raided his offices and home in 1992, that his company was being victimised. He said he put Mr Flanagan on a retainer to try to find out who wanted to "destroy" the company. In a prepared statement after the verdict, Mr Grollo said his top priority now was to look after his wife, Dina, who is in a wheelchair after a stroke last February. He blamed the trial process for her condition. His statement concluded: "I thank God for ensuring that justice was done." Timeline (The Grollo Verdict) July 1992. The Australian Federal Police begin an investigation into the Grollo Group for alleged income tax fraud after a referral from the Australian Tax Office. The investigation is codenamed Operation Poker. September 1992. Federal Police with search warrants raid Bruno Grollo's Melbourne business premises and home. October 1992. The Grollo Group institutes proceedings in the Federal Court, including challenges to the validity of some of the search warrants. The police investigation continues. 31 March 1993. John Flanagan calls an old army colleague, Superintendant Lloyd Farrell, who worked for the Australian Federal Police, pretending to renew acquaintances, according to the prosecution. They agree to meet for lunch the next day. 1 April 1993. The first meeting between Flanagan and Superintendant Farrell takes place at the Flower Drum restaurant in central Melbourne. Bruno Grollo with Daniel Grollo Credit:Craig Stillitoe According to Superintendant Farrell, Flanagan tells him he is on a retainer for Grollo and that he (Farrell) could make tens of thousands of dollars if he leaks secret police information about the Grollo Group tax investigation. According to Superintendant Farrell, he contacts his superior after the meeting and is told to continue meeting with Flanagan and to play the role of a crooked police officer to find out what Flanagan wants, what he would pay, and who, if anyone, he was working for. 16 April 1993. Mr Grollo pays Flanagan $5000. In later evidence to court, Grollo says he gave Flanagan the money as a three-month retainer to find out who was trying to "destroy" the Grollo Group. The prosecution argues that the money was a bonus to Flanagan for having secured a contact in the Australian Federal Police. April-August 1993. Flanagan and Superintendant Farrell meet 17 more times during a period of four-and-a-half months. The meetings take place at prominent inner Melbourne restaurants including QC's, Fanny's and the French Brasserie. They also meet at the Naval and Military Club, the Ibis Hotel and the Grandview Hotel in Fairfield. Superintendant Farrell records all the meetings except one when the tape jams. Flanagan gives $1000 to Superintendant Farrell on seven occasions, starting on 19 May. The last payment comes on 7 July. In tapes of conversations between Flanagan and Superintendant Farrell, later played to the jury, Flanagan says Grollo is prepared to pay large sums for information or to destroy a police brief of evidence. In others, Flanagan says Grollo is having difficulties getting his hands on cash. In one conversation, according to evidence given in court, Flanagan talks about the prospect of $250,000 each for Superintendant Farrell and himself for the destruction of the police brief. Flanagan says Grollo "didn't bat an eyelid" when he mentioned a $500,000 payment to have police evidence destroyed. At another meeting, Flanagan says: "We'll have to start thinking if we can afford it. I have gone from three-quarters of a million to nothing." In the meantime at some stages, it is alleged that Robert Howard, then a senior Grollo manager, was receiving some information passed by Superintendent Farrell to Mr Flanagan. 9 June 1993. Police start surveillance of Flanagan. After a meeting with Superintendant Farrell, Flanagan is seen going to Bruno Grollo's house. He is is also seen to go there after meetings with Superintendant Farrell on 16 June, 23 June, 25 June, 30 June and 7 July. 13 August 1993. The last meeting between Flanagan and Superintendant Farrell. Flanagan arrested. 19 August 1993. Mr Howard arrested 23 August 1993. Mr Grollo arrested 27 May 1994. Bruno Grollo, Flanagan and Howard ordered by a magistrate to stand trial for conspiracy. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has suspended plans for military action against the South, state media reported Wednesday, in an apparent sudden dialling down of tensions after Pyongyang blew up a liaison office. In recent weeks, Pyongyang has issued a series of vitriolic condemnations of Seoul over anti-North leaflets, which defectors based in South Korea send across the border -- usually attached to balloons or floated in bottles. Last week, it blew up a liaison office on its side of the border that symbolised inter-Korean rapprochement, while its military said it would take multiple measures against the South. The moves included re-entering areas of the North that it had withdrawn from as part of inter-Korean projects, restoring guard posts in the Demilitarized Zone that forms the border, and stepping up exercises. But the North's official Korean Central News Agency said Kim on Tuesday presided over a Central Military Commission (CMC) preliminary meeting that "suspended the military action plans against the south". The North also began removing loudspeakers on Wednesday from border areas, which they had started setting up just two days ago to broadcast anti-South propaganda, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported, citing unnamed sources. In addition, Pyongyang's propaganda outlets deleted online articles critical of South Korea, according to Seoul's unification ministry, with handles relations with the North. The apparently conciliatory moves by Pyongyang are unusual, and come after analysts said it was seeking to manufacture a crisis on the peninsula in an effort to extract concessions. The South's unification ministry said it was "closely" and "carefully" reviewing the KCNA report, which said the meeting took place through video conferencing -- something the ministry said it believed was a first. Seoul had retorted with uncharacteristically stern criticism to Pyongyang's demolition of the liaison office and harsh condemnation of President Moon Jae-in by Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong, saying it will "no longer tolerate" the North's "unreasonable acts and words". - 'Completely collapsed' - Inter-Korean relations have been in a deep freeze following the collapse of a summit in Hanoi between Kim and US President Donald Trump early last year over what the nuclear-armed North would be willing to give up in exchange for a loosening of sanctions. The impoverished country is subject to multiple UN Security Council sanctions over its banned weapons programmes. But the CMC meeting discussed "bolstering the war deterrent", KCNA said, and Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, told AFP it was "by no means done threatening South Korea". Since early June, Kim Yo Jong -- a key adviser to her brother, and mooted as potential successor -- has been the face of Pyongyang's highly aggressive stance toward the South over anti-North leaflets. North Korea blew up the liaison office days after she warned it would soon be seen "completely collapsed", and later she called the South's Moon -- who has long favoured engagement with Pyongyang -- "disgusting" and apparently "insane". Pyongyang has also said it has millions of anti-Seoul propaganda leaflets ready to send to South Korea as retaliation. Having someone else speak for the regime "gives Kim Jong Un the option of adjusting course", said Easley. Former US government North Korea analyst Rachel Lee added that Kim's sister had been "a constant presence in all high-level exchanges between the two Koreas throughout 2018". "Bringing out Kim Yo Jong this way certainly was effective in maximising tensions," she said. A North Korean guard post (top) faces a South Korean military post across the Demilitarized Zone dividing the peninsula A balloon carrying a banner with portraits of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (L), the late leader Kim Il Sung (C) and Kim Yo Jong, sister of Kim Jong Un, is caught on a tree after being launched by activists in Hongcheon Map of the Demilitarized Zone that has divided the Korean peninsula since 1953 The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the formation of an expert committee to probe the blowout and the subsequent fire of a natural gas well operated by Oil India Limited (OIL) in Upper Assams Tinsukia district and the damage caused to human life, wildlife, and the environment because of the industrial disaster. Acting on two different cases filed in the matter, the NGT in an order passed via video-conference because of the restrictions imposed due to the raging coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak on Wednesday also directed OIL to deposit an initial amount of Rs 25 crore to the Tinsukia district administration for the damage caused by the blowout on May 27 and the subsequent fire on June 9. The gas well located at Baghjan had a blowout --- an uncontrolled release of gas and oil condensate --- on May 27 and it caught fire on June 9, which killed two firefighters and over 1,600 families, who were living close to the site of the industrial disaster, were displaced. The eight-member expert committee will be headed by retired Justice BP Katakey of Gauhati high court and will have members from the Central Pollution Control Board (CBCB), the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and also the district magistrate (DM) of Tinsukia. The committee has been entrusted with the responsibility to probe cause of the blowout, the extent of loss and damage caused to human life, wildlife, and environment, damage and the health hazards caused to the public and whether any contamination of the air, water, and soil of the area close to the gas well has taken place. It will investigate contamination of water in the nearby Dibru river, impact on Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (DSNP) and Maguri Motapung wetland, determine people responsible for the fire, assessment of compensation to those affected and preventive, and also suggest preventive measures. The tribunal directed the committee to submit its preliminary report as expeditiously as possible and not later than 30 days from the date of issue of the order. The next date for the hearing has been fixed on July 29. In view of the prima facie case made out against OIL on the extent of damage caused to the environment and biodiversity, damage to both human and wildlife, public health and having regard to the financial worth of the company and the extent of damage, we direct OIL to deposit an initial amount of Rs 25 crore with the district collector of Tinsukia and shall abide by further orders of the tribunal, the order stated. The blowout and fire destroyed nearly 30 houses, covered houses, trees and water bodies in the area close to the well, which is barely 500 metres from Maguri Motapung wetland, an eco-sensitive habitat for rare species of birds, and about a kilometre from DSNP. Efforts to control the fire and plug the blowout, which are expected to take a month, are underway. But, incessant rainfall in the area since Monday and the collapse of a bridge on Wednesday on the main route leading to the gas well have hampered work and transportation of both men and materials. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Utpal Parashar Utpal is an assistant editor based in Guwahati. He covers all eight states of North-East and was previously based in Kathmandu, Dehradun and Delhi with Hindustan Times . ...view detail A Black man was wrongfully arrested and held in a detention center for nearly 30 hours in Michigan after facial recognition technology incorrectly identified him as a suspect in a shoplifting case, according to the man, his attorney and the American Civil Liberties Union. Robert Williams received a call at work from the Detroit Police Department on Jan. 9 stating that he had to report to the station for arrest, according to a complaint filed Wednesday against police by Phil Mayor, a senior staff attorney at the ACLU Fund of Michigan. Williams was not told why and he assumed it was a prank call, the complaints stated. Yet when he returned home, officers were waiting for him outside and arrested Williams on his front lawn in front of his wife, Melissa, and two young daughters. Police believed he was the suspect in a shoplifting case at a Shinola watch store in Detroit, according to the complaint. However, Williams was not the suspect. PHOTO: Robert Williams was wrongfully arrested and held in police custody after he was incorrectly identified by a facial recognition tool as a suspect. (ACLU) After being held overnight in a cell and later interrogated, "it became clear that his arrest was based on an erroneous facial recognition identification," according to the complaint. Williams said at one point they showed him two photos of the suspect and he told the officers that was not him. "I was like, 'I hope y'all don't think all black people look alike,'" Williams said in a video published by the ACLU, recounting his experience. MORE: Calif. moves to block police from using facial recognition in body cams The investigation officer -- allegedly looking "confused" -- told Williams that "the computer must have gotten it wrong," according to the complaint. Even so, Williams was not immediately released. He remained held in the detention center until he was arraigned in the afternoon, given a personal bond and eventually released at night, according to the complaint. Robert's fingerprints, DNA sample, and mugshot were put on file, the complaint stated. Story continues A Wayne County prosecutor eventually announced that charges against Williams were dropped without prejudice, meaning prosecutors could pursue the case again. In a statement to the Associated Press, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy apologized for her office taking up the case. She also said that she has expressed reservations to Detroit police about face-recognition technology because of how "it relates to people of color." "This case should not have been issued based on the DPD investigation, and for that we apologize," she Worthy said. "Thankfully, it was dismissed on our office's own motion. This does not in any way make up for the hours that Mr. Williams spent in jail." Detroit police did not immediately respond to ABC News' request for comment. However, a spokeswoman for the department, Sgt. Nicole Kirkwood, told the New York Times, which first reported the story, that police "accepted the prosecutor's decision to dismiss the case." The complaint also states that police showed six photographs, including Williams' drivers' license photo, to a Shinola security guard. However, that guard had not witnessed the incident in person and instead had just watched the security footage, according to the complaint. PHOTO: Robert Williams was wrongfully arrested and held in police custody after he was incorrectly identified by a facial recognition tool as a suspect. (ACLU) The guard identified Williams and an arrest warrant was issued. Kirkwood also told the Times that the department "does not make arrests based solely on facial recognition. The investigator reviewed video, interviewed witnesses, conducted a photo lineup." Williams' case is believed to be the first known case of someone being wrongfully arrested in the United States because of facial recognition technology. However, it is not the first instance that concerns have been raised. MORE: After federal study finds racial bias in facial recognition tech, advocates renew calls for ban Advocates against the technology have long called for a ban. One federal study found that a majority of the software exhibits a racial bias. The study, published in December 2019, from the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) looked at 189 software algorithms from 99 developers, which encompasses a majority of the industry. The group found higher rates of false-positives for Asian and African American faces compared to images of Caucasian faces for "one-to-one" matching, which confirms a photo matches a different photo of the same person in a database, according to an agency statement. Since Williams' arrest, the ACLU is calling on lawmakers nationwide to stop law enforcement's use of the facial recognition technology. "[They're] just pulling pictures from everywhere, matching you up anywhere. From social media and if you're in the background of a picture and if it's a clear picture, they can use that," Williams said. "And obviously it doesn't work." Black man wrongfully arrested because of incorrect facial recognition originally appeared on abcnews.go.com The Korea Times President and Publisher Oh Young-jin, right, and Incheon Global Campus Foundation (IGCF) CEO Paek Ki-hun pose after signing a memorandum of understanding at the IGCF multi-complex building in Incheon's Songdo, southwest of Seoul, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk By Bahk Eun-ji The Korea Times and the Incheon Global Campus Foundation (IGCF) signed a memorandum of understanding Thursday to enhance their cooperation in education. The signing ceremony took place at the IGCF's multi-complex building in Incheon's Songdo, between The Korea Times President Publisher Oh Young-jin and IGCF CEO Paek Ki-hun. Under the MOU, The Korea Times and the IGCF will promote global corporate social responsibility (CSR) campaigns, host global forums and create internship programs for university students studying at the IGCF's campus in Songdo. The IGCF is currently hosting George Mason Korea, the State University of New York (SUNY) Korea, Ghent University Global Campus and the University of Utah Asia Campus, with almost 3,200 enrolled students. The Korea Times is the longest-published English daily in Korea. "I believe the universities on the Incheon Global Campus have been playing an important role in keeping Korea's higher education at a world standard. We hope today's agreement will create opportunities not only for The KT but also for universities located in the IGCF and the foundation," Oh said. Paek also expressed his high expectations for the partnership, saying the agreement will open the door to mutual cooperation, and opportunities to work together with foreign universities on the campus. Founded in 2012, the IGCF has the vision of creating the "Best Global Education Hub in Northeast Asia." It is the country's first shared campus for prestigious foreign universities. Following SUNY Korea which opened in 2012, three other universities opened satellite campuses on the global campus which is equipped with modern, state-of-the-art facilities and the capacity to host 10,000 students. According to the IGCF website, the universities have the same curriculums and programs as their home campuses. This is to let students acquire degrees from the world-renowned universities while they are studying in Korea. The student body is made up of not only Koreans but also people from various countries worldwide. The campus has about 3,200 students from more than 40 countries. Students also have an opportunity to study at campuses in the United States and Europe. The IGCF's strengths are its internship opportunities and various club activities, it said. Classes at the global campus are taught in English so that those students from Korea as well as abroad can experience a global learning environment and meet people from different cultural backgrounds. Students who graduate from the universities on the global campus land jobs at various global companies including LG Electronics, Facebook Singapore, and multinational corporation KPMG, the foundation added. (Natural News) The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut announced Wednesday that all visitors from states with high Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) caseloads are required to self-quarantine for 14 days on arrival. This is a smart thing to do, said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy via video at a joint news conference in New York City. We have taken our people, the three of us from these three states, through hell and back, and the last thing we need to do right now is subject our folks to another round. Advisory implemented quickly to prevent travelers from rushing to beat it The joint travel advisory took effect immediately at midnight on the day it was announced. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that the quick implementation was aimed at preventing a rush of travelers trying to avoid the requirements. We now have to make sure that the rate continues to drop, Cuomo said. A lot of people come into this region and they could literally bring the infection with them. It wouldnt be malicious or malevolent, but it would still be real. Only a handful of other states, such as Hawaii, Maine and Rhode Island, have required out-of-state travelers to quarantine. Some of these including Florida and Kansas only do so for those coming from specific states. The new advisory in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut would apply to any person both visitors and returning residents coming from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 for every 100,000 residents, or a state with a 10 percent or higher rate over a seven-day rolling average. Specifically named are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. Washington state had originally been included in the list but was dropped after a further review of data. According to Cuomo, enforcement of the advisory would be up to each of the three states. In New York, violators could be subject to a judicial order and mandatory quarantine. First-time violators could also be made to pay a $2,000 fine, and those who continue to violate it could be forced to pay up to $10,000. New York reversed its fortunes and is looking to prevent outside infection New York was once the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in the United States. In recent weeks, however, the state has largely controlled its outbreak, even as other states experience surges, leading to the table-turning moment where the state is now the one wary of travelers from other states. Since mid-March, New Yorkers have largely abided by orders to wear masks in public and stay at home. This has helped bring new infections down to manageable levels, both in the city and the surrounding suburbs. Now, the pandemic appears to be spreading more rapidly outside of the state. New infections are surging in places like Arizona and Texas, as these states pursue reopening strategies that are much more aggressive than those in New York. Both the city and the state have begun a phased reopening of businesses that has been markedly more cautious compared to those in other areas of the country. Cuomo and other officials have been concerned about a resurgence of the virus. (Related: New York begins to reopen as coronavirus cases fall.) The travel restrictions then are an attempt to mitigate the risk of new infections coming from out of state. We now have the virus under control. Yeah, but Florida doesnt, Texas doesnt, these other states dont, he said last week. And what happens if they get on a plane and they come to J.F.K.? So, we get the infection rate down and then because other states are high, we could have a problem. Sources include: Reuters.com NYTimes.com International political observers are urging the Canadian government to proceed cautiously as it faces mounting pressure at home to pull the plug on extradition proceedings against Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. It isnt just Canada with a stake in the situation, they say; the consequences could be felt around the world. Christopher Sands is the director of the Center for Canadian Studies at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. He said the world is watching the Canadian governments dispute with Beijing. I think a lot of countries, whether its Britain or France or Japan or Australia or Mexico, I think, theyre all looking to see how Canada handles this, Sands said. Do they fight back? Do they stand their ground? Do they cave? They know they may be the next country on Chinas bad list. Last week, it was announced that Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, arrested in China in 2018 shortly after Meng was arrested in Canada, had been charged with espionage-related offences. Many analysts have described the detention of the two men as hostage diplomacy in retaliation for Mengs arrest. Prime Minister Trudeau has confirmed Chinese officials see a link between the cases. Meng was arrested on a request from authorities in the United States, where she is wanted on several charges, including fraud, related to the operations of a Huawei subsidiary in Iran. She is under house arrest in Vancouver while her extradition process plays out. On Wednesday, CBC News reported 19 high-profile Canadians, including former members of Parliament and diplomats, have signed a letter urging Canada to stop extradition proceedings against Meng. The letter said such a move could result in Spavor and Kovrig the two Michaels being released and sent home. The two Michaels were taken in direct retaliation for the arrest in Canada of Meng Wanzhou. We believe that the two Michaels will remain in their Chinese prison cells until Meng is free to return to China, the letter reportedly said. Earlier in the week, Vina Nadjibulla, Kovrigs wife in Canada, former justice minister Allan Rock and former Supreme Court of Canada justice Louise Arbour all spoke out publicly in favour of Ottawa at least considering the option of stopping the extradition process. Maybe there are things that are not being considered, Nadjibulla told the Star on Wednesday. Thats what were asking for, is that conversation and political attention on those issues. She called the situation for Kovrig and Spavor dire and said it has to come to an end. Nadjibulla, Rock and Arbour previously sought a legal opinion from Toronto lawyer Brian Greenspan, who concluded in a letter to Justice Minister David Lametti last month that Canada has the legal authority to intervene and withdraw its support from the extradition case at any time. But in an email to the Star, Greenspan maintained he did not take the position on whether Canada should intervene, only that it could. In a statement, Lametti's office said the extradition process ensures that individual rights are protected and that those sought for extradition are afforded due process before the courts, while honouring our international treaty obligations. We are well aware of the laws and processes governing this important regime, it said, adding it would not be appropriate to comment further on a case before the courts. In Beijing on Wednesday, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, said releasing Meng could open up space for resolution of the situation for the two men. But, Sam Armstrong of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, a newly formed organization made up of elected officials around the world working together to counter Chinas influence, said the situation is greater than Canada versus China. The Chinese Communist Party is trying to challenge the norms of democratic countries and reshape them in a way that is closer to Chinas own system, said Armstrong, a British spokesperson for the group, cautioning the stakes are high around the world. A prisoner swap is not an ordinary part of western liberal values, he said. Its part of the toolkit of the despot who can make decisions about courts and who goes where. Those values include an independent judiciary free from government interference, which China lacks, Armstrong said. The detentions of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor are not so much detentions of Canadian citizens, but theyre detentions of citizens of the free world, caught up in a much bigger, not just geopolitical, but values battle, he said. In Seattle, Amy Sommers, a retired international lawyer who advised Fortune 500 companies in China, said Beijing has been trying to figure out ways it can exert its influence around the world. If Canada bends, it will be a signal such an approach works and similar tactics will likely be used again, Sommers said It will put a bullseye on the backs of foreign nationals who are present in China anytime their governments seek to take a position that is anathema to how China views its interests. Former Mexican ambassador to China Jorge Guajardo told the Star he has never considered a scenario in which Canada acquieces to China and that doing so would be humongous. Guajardo said it would effectively send a message that Chinese citizens are above the law in foreign countries. It would be one sovereign country saying, The laws of my country dont apply to the citizens of another country, but only if that country is more powerful than us, he said. Its just too big for us to even begin to understand when we live in democracies governed by rule of law. With files from The Canadian Press Read more about: Rose O' Connor, 89 O' Molloy St., Tullamore, passed away on Saturday last 22 June. Rose (nee Gavin) is fondly remembered by her loving family as a great mother, step-mother, granny, great grandmother, mother in law and sister to her original family. Rose passed away peacefully in the great care of her grandson ,Keith, and his wife Demelza, surrounded by her loving family. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Joe, in 1976. She will be sadly missed by her her loving daughter, Mary, sons Martin and Kevin, stepsons Gerdy and Brendan and their wives Patricia and Bridie, son in law, Noel, daughters in law Linda and Kathleen, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brothers Oliver, Joe and Vincent, sister Josie, sisters in law, brother in law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends. Rose was originally from Rochfortbridge where family members still live. She came to Tullamore in the early 1950's to seek work which she found in Salts Factory. She stayed in digs with Bridie Murphy in Pearse Pk. Bridie worked in the famous O' Connor's shop in O'Molloy St. and of course she introduced Rose to this family, and as they say the rest is history. She married Joe O' Connor in Rochfortbridge in 1955, the marriage ceremony being celebrated by family friend, Fr. McManus. She became a very caring step mother to her step children and a very caring mother to her children. She became very involved in the shop at 89 O' Molloy St. and this shop moved to Marian Place in 1959, on the birthday of her son Kevin. She was to become immersed in this business, working very hard, often up to 10.00 p.m. at night. Her step son, Gerdy also worked full time here. Many still remember this great shop as it is a history of a different Tullamore when money was scarce and people depended on credit to get basic daily foodstuffs. Those were the days when schoolchildren rushed in to buy "Bulls Eyes", "Nancy Balls" and "Penny Bars". Home made ice lollies were a treat in the hot summer months. After midnight on Fridays(as Friday then was a meat free fasting day) people came to buy delicious pigs crubeens for three pence each; these had been boiled for six hours. The "Book" was the order of the day as locals bought their groceries on credit and paid at the end of the week. Gerdy, Rose's stepson, recalls that tea and sugar were sold in ounces as very few people could afford to buy a pound of tea or sugar. Cigarettes such as Woodbines, Sweet Afton and Gold Flake were the brands of the day and were sold in packets of five or ten, and very often sold singly as well. Turf was delivered to people's homes. Candles were a big seller as many did not have electricity. Hocks of ribs and streaky bacon were treats for Sundays. Nine bales of briquettes cost one pound; coal cost ten shillings a bag and the same for a cylinder of gas. This was a unique community shop where Rose worked hard to serve the community and rear her family. For relaxation Rose would join her late husband, Joe, for a glass of Advocat in Bernie Cash's pub in Patrick St. where she would regularly give a rendition of "Noreen Bawn" or "The Lonely Hospital". She was a member of the Irish National Foresters where she enjoyed a game of darts. The centre of Rose's life was her wide family. She always kept in close contact with everyone, whether it was local or with her family and relatives in England. The mobile phone was rarely out of her hand. During her final week she engaged with her family in England through facetime, speaking to them all before her health deteriorated further. Her family very much appreciate the great care provided by Linda during her final weeks at home, by Keith and his wife Demelza, by the healthcare and palliative care staff. This ensured that her final days were very comfortable and she passed away very peacefully. The Funeral Mass on Tuesday was celebrated by Fr. Luke Ohiemi in the Church of The Assumption, Tullamore, followed by burial in Clonminch Cemetery. A Guard Of Honour was provided by the Irish National Forresters outside the Church and by the Tullamore St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee at the entrance to the graveyard. Ar Dheis De Go Raibh A hAnam. SO'B The Nigerian police have chased out staff of the All Progressives Congress at its national secretariat in Abuja, as they sealed off the office for the second time this week. Two police patrol vans and two Peugeot 604 cars were stationed at strategic positions around the secretariat by 9am today Office staff, who had arrived early, were asked to leave According to The Nation, the Inspector General of Police ordered the police action, a few hours to the commencement of the virtual NEC meeting of the party, convened by Victor Giadom. Victor Giadom, a sacked member of the National Working Committee (NWC) on Wednesday got President Muhammadu Buharis backing to convene the NEC meeting. The meeting will hold virtually from the Presidential Villa from 12 noon.. The Senator Abiola Ajimobi led NWC has faulted the meeting as illegal. The NWC members said they would not attend the meeting. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Two Minneapolis brothers have been charged with breaking into the Minneapolis Police Departments Third Precinct building after it was set ablaze in destructive protests and riots in the wake of George Floyds death. Brothers Rory, 29, and Trevor Amsler, 26, allegedly broke into the precinct after cops abandoned the building and it was set alight on May 28 in protest of police brutality. Rory Amsler shared a Facebook Live video on May 29 from inside the building which appeared to show himself and his brother rip the walls, throw items out the window, and break into closed drawers and a storage closer. In the clip they allegedly steal a flashlight charger they thought was a rifle scope and a phone charger. Brothers Rory, 29, (left) and Trevor Amsler, 26, (right) filmed themselves on Facebook Live breaking into the Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precicint on May 29 The Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct pictured set on fire on May 27 during protets decrying the police killing of George Floyd. Following Floyd's death the precinct was repeatedly set on fire for several days The criminal complaint says they also aired personal information from the documents they found including suspect information in the livestream. Rory Amsler is heard on the video saying he's not taking anything and claimed he was a reporter. He filmed Trevor smashing a locked desk drawer with a hammer to open a drawer and take a cellphone charger. In the clip, that is no longer on social media, Rory is seen walking into the basement of the precinct and found a fire raging inside, according to the complaint. The video ends with him trying to find help because his brother is in the building. A massive crowd of protesters denouncing police brutality gathered outside the Third Police Precinct and set it on fire on the third night of George Floyd protests on May 28 Chaos from inside the Minneapolis Police precinct on May 29 show people inside the building, vandalizing it with graffiti Protesters pictured inside the Minenapolis Police Department's third Precinct after setting fire to its entrance on May 29 Over 1500 buildings were damaged during the unrest that followed the killing of George Floyd. The smoldering entrance to the burned Third Precinct pictured above on May 28 The brothers were arrested on June 5 and each charged with one count of second-degree burglary, which has a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. When interviewed by police Trevor Amsler admitted he and his brother went to the precinct the day after the siege and damaged some property, according to the complaint. Rory Amsler told police he was in the building filming his brother but denied stealing any items himself. The brothers were arrested on June 5 and each charged with one count of second-degree burglary, which has a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison Trevor Amsler said he fled the building from a second-story window due to the fire and left items behind in his backpack. Both were released from jail on June 8 after each posting $40,000 bond. Their first court appearance is scheduled for July 8. On May 25 African American man George Floyd was killed by white police officer Derek Chauvin who kneed Floyd in the neck for nearly nine minutes, killing him in a horrific act caught on video, that has sent shockwaves across the country. Carnage broke out in Minneapolis, demanding the police department be dismantled as protests emerged and in some cases escalated into violent riots. Over 1,500 buildings were damaged during the unrest that followed the killing of George Floyd. On Monday, President Donald Trump issued an executive order limiting immigration to the United States through the end of the year. This time, his targets include those who would be eligible for H-1B visashighly educated foreign professionals who often work in mathematics, engineering, technology, and medical sciences and fill critical needs in the U.S. labor markets. The executive order also extends a ban on green cards issued outside the U.S. and bans foreign executives employed by American companies with global operations, seasonal workers in the hospitality industry, au pairs, and students on summer work travel programs. With this order, the presidents message is clear: America is closed. Advertisement Never before have Americas borders been so firmly shut. The presidents pretext for this order is protecting American workers, invoking a nativist myth that immigrants are stealing jobs from citizens. But our nations economic prosperity and technological prowess depend on attracting the worlds top talent. Congress caps the number of H-1B visas at 65,000 per year, with 20,000 additional visas for foreign professionals who graduate with a masters degree or doctorate from a U.S. university. Demand for H-1B workers far exceeds this limit. Employers must petition for potential H-1B visa recipients, attesting that the employment of the H-1B worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly situated U.S. workers. In recent years, the caps have been reached in just a few days. Leaders in the tech and business sectors have condemned the executive order; it makes no economic sense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coming on the heels of the administrations loss before the Supreme Court in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program case, the executive order only makes sense as an expression of xenophobia. Last year, 71.7 percent of H-1B visa recipients were born in India. While much of the presidents rhetoric has focused on illegal immigrants, the new executive order makes clear that the distinctions between legal and illegal immigrants do not truly matter to this administration. What matters is making America great againa dog whistle appealing to the presidents nationalistic base. The executive order is one prong in an ever-expanding assault by the administration against immigrants. Even as the president and his political allies blame undocumented immigrants for not following the rules, the administration is changing the rules at breathtaking speed. A rule slated to be issued on Friday will ban or delay legal work authorizations for most asylum-seekers while they wait for the government to adjudicate their cases, a process that can take years. A sweeping regulation published last week will decimate the U.S. asylum system, making it nearly impossible for most asylum-seekers to receive protections. Its changes include making those fleeing gender-based persecution ineligible for asylum, leaving thousands of women and girls fleeing domestic violence, sexual assault, and female genital mutilation without the legally required opportunity to seek protection in the United States. Separately, in violation of domestic and international law, not to mention basic human decency, the administration is deporting thousands of young children from the southern border to their persecutors. Meanwhile, an estimated 860,000 people have pending applications to become U.S. citizens, but the administration has largely refused to conduct naturalization ceremonies for them, making it unlikely that they will be able to vote in November. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration is changing the rules at breathtaking speed. To justify shutting Americas doors, the administration cites public health concerns. But this is a pretext. Americans wait to become citizens while the president holds massive indoor campaign rallies with no social distancing. Notably, administration officials initially told reporters that au pairscovered by the text of the executive orderwould be exempt. Thereafter, officials said that the administration would consider exceptions for au pairshistorically, young European womenon a case-by-case basis. No other exceptions to the visa ban have been mentioned. Nevertheless, the administrations claim of public health as justifying the visa ban is perhaps unsurprising. In the late 19th century and throughout the 20th century, anti-immigrant rhetoric and policy often were framed in explicitly medical terms. To keep out immigrants, Americans blamed them for the spread of dangerous diseases despite empirical evidence to the contrary. Advertisement Advertisement And as the doors to new immigrants close, the administration has stepped up deportations of people who already live here. Immigrants and even citizens now face increased risks of racial profiling and being wrongly deported from their homes even if they lawfully belong here. On Tuesday, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals authorized the administrations expansion of expedited removal to people nationwide. From 2004 onward, this provision of immigration law applied only to those apprehended within 100 miles of a border and unable to prove their presence in the United States for 14 days. With the D.C. Circuit Courts ruling, a person may be apprehended by immigration agents anywhere in the United States as soon as Aug. 14. If she cannot prove that she has been physically present in the country for two years, immigration agents can put her in expedited removal proceedings and deport her without affording her an opportunity to present her case to an immigration judge. Todays Supreme Court ruling makes it more difficult to challenge such deportations by filing a habeas petition in federal court. Expedited removal lives up to its name; according to Department of Homeland Security statistics, such deportations take place, on average, within 11.4 days. Once deported, its incredibly difficult to challenge the governments case and try to return to America. Dozens of people, including U.S. citizens, have been wrongly deported. Others will face a similar fate. The message sent by all of these rapidly changing policies is this: Following the rules, or immigrating the right way, no longer offers protection from this administrations crackdown on immigrant communities. This tough talk may appeal to the worst impulses of the presidents base. But the harm it will do to Americas future is incalculable. More than 100,000 Scarborough residents could be without city council representation at Toronto city hall for months. Jim Karygiannis was ejected from his seat in Ward 22 Scarborough-Agincourt by an appeal court on Wednesday over campaign spending issues from his successful 2018 re-election bid. When a council seat suddenly becomes vacant due to resignation, death or ejection, the rest of council usually votes to either appoint a replacement or to hold a byelection in the ward so voters can choose a new representative. Council has a meeting next week. City clerk Ulli Watkiss, in a report released Thursday, suggests Mayor John Tory and the remaining 24 councillors declare the Ward 22 seat vacant, but wait until the Sept. 30 meeting to decide how to fill it. A requirement that council appoint a replacement or order a byelection within 60 days of the vacancy can be set aside due to provincial emergency orders to deal with the COVID-19 emergency, Watkiss wrote. The uncertainty as to how long the emergency will last, and the resulting limitations to the normal operation of the City and the daily life of its residents, are obstacles, to holding a byelection otherwise meeting the 60-day target, she wrote. Deferring the decision will allow council to decide when city staff can report with more certainty about the options available, Watkiss wrote, adding staff by then will have information about byelection costs, timeliness and pandemic considerations. Postponing the decision puts it about halfway through the four year council term that ends in the fall of 2022. It would also leave more than 105,000 residents of northeast Toronto without any political representation at the June and July scheduled council meetings and any emergency meetings called between now and an appointment or byelection. Kargyianniss office staff, working with the city clerks office, will continue serving Ward 22 residents who need help with local issues. Reached Thursday and asked about his ouster, Karygiannis offered only a hoarse no comment. When asked if hell inform the media about any attempt to challenge the court ruling, he replied, after a long pause: I will. Karygiannis, a former Liberal MP first elected to council in 2014, was automatically removed from office last November after his campaign financial statement showed he had grossly overspent a strict limit in the 2018. He was soon back in city hall after a Superiour Court judge ruled an error in his 2018 election paperwork was made inadvertently and an automatic removal provision created an absurdity in provincial law. Karygiannis was removed again, this time by the appeal court panel that ruled the Superior Court judge did not have jurisdiction to override provincial law and void its penalty. That penalty includes a provision that, along with being tossed from office, he is forbidden from being appointed back into the seat and also from running in the next general election. He could ask the Supreme Court of Canada to let him try to overturn the appeal court ruling, and then ask it to suspend the appeal court rulings impact until he got an answer. Suspension of the appeal court ruling would put him back in office at least temporarily. David Rider is the Stars City Hall bureau chief and a reporter covering city hall and municipal politics. Follow him on Twitter: @dmrider The National Guard was activated on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin in response to anti-racism protesters' attempts to topple statues. Driving the news: Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) took the action after unrest in Madison on Tuesday night saw demonstrators pull down two statues and hurl a "Molotov cocktail into a government building" in a bid to enter the state Capitol, per AP. State Sen. Tim Carpenter said he was assaulted by protesters as he filmed the unrest. A tweet previously embedded here has been deleted or was tweeted from an account that has been suspended or deleted. One of the statues toppled in Madison was of Col. Hans Christian Heg, "an abolitionist who died trying to end slavery during the Civil War," the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel notes. In Washington, D.C., officials said the Army deployed some 400 unarmed National Guard members to "prevent any defacing or destruction," the Washington Post reports. The move comes after protesters tried to tear down a statue outside the White House of Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. president who enslaved dozens of black people, on Monday evening. Go deeper: Confederate monuments become flashpoints in protests against racism Center logo mark TOKYO, June 25, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) will participate as one of partners in the establishment of The Mrsk Mc-Kinney Mller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, a research and development institute to promote decarbonization in the shipping industry being created at the suggestion of A.P. Mller - Mrsk A/S, a global leader in integrated transport and logistics. The Center will be headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark's capital city, with MHI and six other business corporations and institutions participating in its founding. The Center will mainly target the development of new fuels and technologies for achieving zero carbon in the shipping industry, which currently accounts for roughly 3% of the world's carbon emissions. MHI Group will cooperate primarily through provision of human resources.Besides A.P. Mller - Mrsk and MHI, participants in the Center's establishment include: the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS); Cargill, Incorporated, a major American producer of grain and other foodstuffs; MAN Energy Solutions, a longstanding manufacturer of large-bore diesel engines; NYK Line; and Siemens Energy. The Center will be operated as a nonprofit organization (NPO) funded by the A.P. Mller Foundation, a charitable foundation commemorating A.P. Mller - Mrsk's founder, Mrsk Mc-Kinney Mller. Bo Cerup-Simonsen, former Vice President and Head of Mrsk Maritime Technology at A.P. Mller - Mrsk, will serve as the Center's CEO. The Center will undertake development of carbon-neutral fuels and new propulsion technologies in collaboration with global partners gleaned from the industrial and academic sectors, related authorities, etc.Initially the Center will operate with a staff numbering approximately 100, including employees assigned from the founding partners as well as the Center's own hires. In addition to experts in energy, fuels and shipping technologies, staff will also include personnel in charge of regulatory issues, marketing, etc. The Center's activities will focus on achieving the target announced by the shipping industry to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions substantially by 2050.Through initiatives such as participation in The Mrsk Mc-Kinney Mller Center for Zero Carbon Shipping, MHI Group will strengthen its efforts to further reduce greenhouse gases on global scale. Leveraging its businesses in ship engineering and marine machinery and systems, the Company will contribute to the further development of marine logistics and reduction of environmental loads, an issue of global concern.About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial firms. For more than 130 years, we have channeled big thinking into solutions that move the world forward - advancing the lives of everyone who shares our planet. We deliver innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries, covering land, sea, sky and even space. MHI Group employs 80,000 people across 400 locations, operating in three business domains: "Power Systems," "Industry & Infrastructure," "Aircraft, Defense & Space." We have a consolidated revenue of around 40 billion U.S. Dollars. We aim to contribute to environmental sustainability while achieving global growth, using our leading-edge technologies. By bringing people and ideas together as one, we continue to pave the way to a future of shared success.For more information, please visit MHI's website: https://www.mhi.comFor Technology, Trends and Tangents, visit MHI's new online media SPECTRA: https://spectra.mhi.comSource: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Copyright 2020 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. Ramping up infrastructure and surveillance to contain the sudden spike in the coronavirus cases across Bengaluru, Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has called for a special meeting of all the ministers from Bengaluru and top officials overseeing the city administration to decide on effective methods to address the scenario. Besides, he has also called for a meeting of all party MLAs from Bengaluru tomorrow to discuss the Covid-19 scenario in the city. Track live updates on coronavirus here However, the Chief Minister ruled out any lockdown across Bengaluru for the time being despite the demand from several opposition leaders. "We have ordered lockdown in a few areas only and it will continue till the situation stabilises," he clarified. Read: More Bengaluru areas to be sealed Appealing to the public to cooperate with the state government, CM Yediyurappa said, "If people do not cooperate and fail to adhere to social distancing rules and other instructions issued by the health officials, then we (government) may have to take stringent action." CM clarified that currently the focus of the government is to ensure safe and peaceful conduct of SSLC examination for more than 8 lakh students. "All arrangements have been made including separate transport facilities. Our minister Suresh Kumar is visiting every centre overseeing the preparation. All students shall appear for the exam without any fear," he said. Also Read: Coronavirus India update: State-wise total number of confirmed cases All-party MLA meeting on Friday Amidst clamouring calls for a lockdown across the city especially by the opposition party leaders, CM Yediyurappa said, "We will hold a detailed meeting tomorrow (Friday) with ministers from Bengaluru, all party MLAs from Bengaluru pertaining to Covid-19 scenario in the city and subsequently we will take a decision. Advertisement Between 1,900 and 3,200 people are catching the coronavirus every day in England but the speed at which the outbreak is shrinking has 'levelled off', according to data. The estimate is lower than last week, when two separate projections from King's College London experts and the Office for National Statistics (ONS) ranged from between 3,200 to 3,800. King's College's COVID Symptom Tracker app predicts 1,978 people in England are getting struck down daily. The ONS, whose estimate is based on population swab testing, puts the figure at approximately 3,142. But statisticians cautioned the number of people infected with Covid-19 could have even gone up from 33,000 people a fortnight ago to 51,000 on June 21, around 0.09 per cent of the population (one in 1,100 people). The ONS explained that the extremely small sample size the number is based only on 14 positive tests, up from 10 last week is likely to have swayed the estimate. Experts stopped short of saying the outbreak had rebounded and started to rise again, instead saying there was no evidence it was either growing nor shrinking. Government advisers today claimed the R rate for the UK and England remains between 0.7 and 0.9 for the third week in a row. But they admitted it could be as high as 1.0 in the North West. Number 10's scientific advisory panel SAGE today also revealed the growth rate how the number of new daily cases is changing day-by-day is still between minus four and minus two per cent. Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week dramatically unwound the coronavirus lockdown, bringing the country out of 'hibernation' with a return for pubs, haircuts and weddings and family and friends getting the green light to meet up indoors for the first time in months. The Prime Minister said he wanted to 'make life easier' after an 'incredibly tough time' with bars, restaurants, cinemas and hairdressers in England able to get back up and running from July 4 - dubbed 'Super Saturday'. King's College London 's COVID Symptom Tracker app estimates that just 2,341 Britons are being struck down with the coronavirus every day. Last week they used this data to estimate that there were 3,612 people catching the virus every day in Britain and roughly 4,942 people the week before that. The figure was higher than 11,000 per day a month ago Today's data from the ONS, part of a set published every week, revealed that 0.09 per cent of the population was thought to be infected with coronavirus at any given point between June 8 and June 21. This is one in every 1,100 people, and equates to a total 51,000, it said. It is based on 14 positive tests from a total of 24,256 carried out across the country. The estimate has risen from 0.06 per cent last week, which was the lowest one so far. It remains lower, however, than every other week since the data began, leaving experts hesitant to say the virus was rebounding. In its report the semi-independent body said: 'Modelling of the trend over time suggests that the decline in the number of people in England testing positive has levelled off in recent weeks. 'These estimates suggest the percentage testing positive has clearly decreased over time since our first measurement on 26 April, and this downward trend has now flattened. 'The [possible ranges] overlap with the previous two time periods. This suggests that the actual number of individuals testing positive in the period 8 June to 21 June could be higher or lower than in the two previous periods. We therefore do not at this point have evidence that the current trend is anything other than flat.' The ONS data added that there are thought to be four new infections per 10,000 people each week. This was a total of 22,000 new infections per week - the lowest number predicted so far and a 33 per cent drop from 33,000 in last week's data. The reason ONS's estimate of total infections rose but the daily estimate fell was that it changed the way it records the data, no longer using overlapping data periods - using each week twice -as it does for the other measures. The report added: 'This means that this analysis cannot be directly compared with that presented in previous bulletins.' King's College London's COVID Symptom Tracker app also estimates that cases in the UK have shrunk by a third in the space of a week. Its estimate for Britain as a whole has seen daily infections fall from 3,612 to 2,341 in a week. The researchers, working alongside health tech company ZOE, have collected data on symptoms and test results from one million UK citizens since the crisis began to unfold. R RATE STILL 0.7 - 0.9, GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS AFTER LEAKED DOCUMENT RAISES DOUBTS The R rate of the coronavirus in England could be higher than the dreaded number of one, according to a leaked government document but science chiefs today insisted the figure was still between 0.7 and 0.9. Keeping the rate below one is considered key to easing lockdown because it means the outbreak is shrinking as not everyone who catches it passes it on. If the figure rises higher, it means people infected with the virus are spreading it to others at a rate faster than one-to-one, which could see the disease spiral out of control once again. A document from Public Health England, seen by the HuffPost, showed PHE admitted there is 'uncertainty' about the number, which is always an estimate and not actually measurable. It said: 'There is uncertainty around these and thus we cannot preclude R being above 1. For the North West and South West, we estimate R to be around 1.' In the wake of the leak the Government Office for Science published the official R rate estimate - usually released on a Friday - insisting that the rate for the UK and England remains between 0.7 and 0.9 for the third week in a row. But they admitted it could be as high as 1.0 in the North West. Advertisement Last week they used this data to estimate that there were 3,612 people catching the virus every day in Britain 35 per cent more than today's figure of 2,341. Most of the new cases 1,978 are appearing in England, the team said, along with 241 per day in Wales and 122 in Scotland. No estimates are made for Northern Ireland, however. The data suggests the virus is spreading most widely in the Midlands, which is experiencing 716 daily cases, above the 330 in the North East and Yorkshire and 319 in the East of England. The scientists running the project claimed the steady decline showed the crisis was 'tailing off' but warned people need to be 'cautious when heading back to normal life'. Professor Tim Spector, an epidemiologist at King's, said: 'With lockdown being eased over the last few weeks and more changes soon to come its interesting to see that we are now seeing a tail off in the decline. 'With Covid-19 very much still in the population its really important that the UK continues to be cautious when it comes heading back to normal life. 'If we want to make this lifting of lockdown a success everyone needs to educate themselves on Covid-19 such as knowing all 19 symptoms that are associated with Covid-19. 'Especially important is the first few days when cases are being missed when it is important to self isolate if unwell and getting tested rapidly. 'Also using technology like our app will give us valuable data and help us build a clearer picture of how much Covid-19 is in the population at any one given time, which will help us catch any potential second waves sooner rather than later.' The team running the mobile app 'Covid-19 Symptom Tracker' have been collecting data from people self-reporting symptoms and test results for months. Data in this week's update was taken from one million people's self-reports on their own health, and the results of on 14,422 swab tests taken by app users. People are asked to log on regularly to report whether they have any signs of illness or whether they feel healthy. They are asked to get tested if they have symptoms that may be linked to Covid-19, and to report the results of the test. Because of this, the app cannot reliably track the number of people who are catching the virus but not developing symptoms, which may be thousands more. The estimate does not include Northern Ireland or care homes, where the virus is still thought to be spreading, meaning the true rate could be much higher. The Office for National Statistics, the governmental stats department, collects data differently and uses regular testing of a representative sample of the population. WHICH REGIONS ARE SEEING THE MOST DAILY COVID-19 CASES? The COVID Symptom Tracker app data has estimated the total number of new coronavirus cases each day in Britain to be 2,341, as on June 20. This is how the daily cases break down in its estimate: England: 1,978 new cases per day Wales: 241 Scotland: 122 Midlands: 716 new cases per day North East and Yorkshire: 330 East of England: 319 North West: 290 South East: 283 London: 115 South West: 54 Advertisement ONS experts then estimate the levels of infection based on how the proportion of that group testing positive changes over time. Last week the ONS suggested there were between 3,800 new infections per day in England per day which was in line with the COVID Symptom Tracker's estimates last week. The estimate was based on testing in a representative sample of almost 25,000 people across England, only 10 of whom swabbed positive. But the drawback of the ONS data is that it does not include people who are diagnosed in hospitals or care homes. The COVID Symptom Tracker does not rule them out. Dr Paul Birrell a researcher at the University of Cambridge, who has been working with Public Health England on different predictions, said none of the estimates are perfect. He explains: 'The symptom tracker tracks only symptomatic infection. You would need to add the asymptomatic proportion onto this to get a number comparable with our estimate. Unfortunately, this proportion isn't well known. 'Analysis of data from the cruise ship outbreaks suggest this is about 50 per cent, whereas the ONS study says that as many as 70 per cent are asymptomatic.' Department of Health statistics yesterday revealed just 653 Brits were diagnosed with coronavirus, in the lowest daily jump since before the lockdown was imposed on March 23. But these figures never show the true scale of the outbreak because many people who catch the virus never swab positive because they don't realise they are sick, couldn't get a test, or the result was wrong. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Capita plc (CPI.L), in its trading update, on Thursday said its first-half revenue is expected to be around 10% lower than 2019, of which 5% relates to COVID-19. The company was projecting a small decline in trading in the first half due to contract losses reported in 2019. Software revenue for the half year, including the impact of COVID-19, is expected to be up by around 2 million pounds. People Solutions revenue would be down by around 30 million pounds. The company also projects weak revenues in Customer Management, Government, Technology Solutions and Specialist Services. Looking ahead, the company said precise forecasting is challenging in these uncertain times. The company expects trading over the rest of the year to remain resilient, given the client base and the long-term nature of contracts. Jon Lewis, Chief Executive Officer said, said, 'We have implemented cost and cash preservation initiatives to mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19, while liquidity remains strong, and cash generation from operations has improved significantly compared with 2019.' 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. Martinez said since she began The Mural Movement recently after receiving a call from a business that wanted an artist to create a Black Lives Matter message on his boarded-up business. The day after the mural was up, she was contacted by seven other businesses. Since then about 60 murals have been created. Most of the murals are in Chicago, but artists have also created or commissioned murals in Milwaukee, Minneapolis, San Diego and Santa Ana, California and now Gary. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. You can't spell Boilermaker without "maker." During the COVID-19 pandemic, Purdue University has manufactured thousands of pieces of personal protective equipment, thanks to a donation of raw materials from 3M. My background is in roll-to-roll manufacturing and processing, especially of polymer films, said Mukerrem Cakmak, Purdues Reilly Professor of Materials and Mechanical Engineering. I had already built a roll-to-roll machine in a cleanroom at Birck Nanotechnology Center. So when the pandemic hit, our team decided we had to do something to help. Health care facilities were in desperate need of simple items like transparent face shields and eyeglass inserts items that could easily be laser-cut by the machine in Cakmaks lab. But the quarantine made it difficult to locate enough raw materials necessary to manufacture the PPE. Thats when some Purdue alumni working at 3M in Minnesota stepped up. I reached out to Purdue and mentioned that 3M makes film, and we might be able to help you, said Kenyon Sayler, lean value stream manager for 3Ms commercial solutions division, and a 1981 Purdue graduate in mechanical engineering. Jeffrey Kehoe, lean value stream engineer, and a 2010 Purdue graduate in chemical engineering, said, We manufacture a lot of polyester substrate for our window films. This transparent material is perfect for face shields and other similar items; all we had to do was cut it into 9.5-inch rolls. We ended up sending Purdue about 17,000 square yards of this material. Cakmak said the Purdue team was scrambling to get raw materials, and they arrived just in time. It was just the shot in the arm we needed. We are so grateful to 3M for this amazing gift, he said. Once the materials arrived at Purdue, Cakmaks team immediately began production. The rolls of clear film are fed through a laser-cutting apparatus, which instantly perforates the exact shape of the face shield. Elsewhere on campus, a Purdue team of nearly 40 faculty and staff members are 3D-printing eyeglass frames and other components necessary to complete the PPE. Once assembled, the finished pieces are freely distributed to health care facilities thoughout Indiana. Weve been manufacturing these since day one, Cakmak said. We have three volunteers research scientist Nick Glassmaker, research engineer Joon Park, and research engineer Guy Telesnicki each of whom takes a three-hour shift. So our machine is running nine hours a day. We can make more than 4,000 face shields a day. Sayler is thankful for the relationship between Purdue and 3M that made this collaboration possible. We have many Purdue grads here on our team, Sayler said. We got approval in 45 minutes to supply this material, and in nine days, Jeffs team turned it around and had these truckloads at Purdue. 3M and Purdue are both such great organizations that value this kind of support for their communities. Kehoe agrees. The fact we can supply the raw material to make a product that can help doctors and nurses on the front lines is a good feeling, he said. This face shield production effort is part of a broader effort at Purdue to produce and distribute PPE in Indiana. Since the project began in March, more than 25,000 pieces of PPE have been distributed to health facilities and first responders. According to Maker project lead Nathan Hartman, Purdue's Dauch Family Professor of Advanced Manufacturing and head of the Department of Computer Graphics Technology, the Maker project is now also producing materials to assist with the Protect Purdue effort to bring students back to campus. About Purdue University Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked the No. 6 Most Innovative University in the United States by U.S. News & World Report, Purdue delivers world-changing research and out-of-this-world discovery. Committed to hands-on and online, real-world learning, Purdue offers a transformative education to all. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue has frozen tuition and most fees at 2012-13 levels, enabling more students than ever to graduate debt-free. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap at purdue.edu. Media contact: Kayla Wiles, wiles5@purdue.edu (working remotely, but will provide immediate response) Writer: Jared Pike Source: Mukerrem Cakmak, cakmak@purdue.edu UNESCO projects leads the way on sustainable development and creates values for local communities Published today by the UK National Commission for UNESCO, new research shows UNESCO projects can help build a greener, more equal and more peaceful world, while also creating financial value. UNESCO projects in the UK generate an estimated 151 million of financial benefit each year and help bring communities together to protect and conserve some of the most important places across the country. From expansive mountain ranges in the Highlands of Scotland to densely populated urban areas such as Belfast, Bradford and Manchester, UNESCO certified projects include Global Geoparks, World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves and Creative Cities. The projects span 12% of the UKs land area and comprise of partnerships between 1,300 organisations, charities, businesses and universities. These partnerships are made mainly on a local level, between hundreds of groups all working together to support efforts in conservation, research, education, capacity building and tourism. This new research shows that continued investment in UNESCO projects is critical in helping the UK and devolved governments meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report is the first to examine the cultural, environmental and financial benefits to UK life from these diverse UNESCO projects, and their active contribution to the SDGs. Along with preserving precious landscapes, buildings and archives, UNESCO projects of are also leading research on vital issues such as water scarcity, refugee integration, climate change and child literacy. Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said: The University of Glasgow is proud to be recipient and host of the UNESCO Chair in Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts and to see this work featuring boldly in UNESCOs report on sustainable development. The Chair at Glasgow is the only UNESCO Chair worldwide with a direct focus on refugees. Professor Alison Phipps, UNESCO Chair in Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts based at the University of Glasgow, said: Our work provides a model with our African-European team, for global perspectives on tangible and intangible cultural heritage and their wider value for sustainable development and green recovery, showing how the arts are of vital and intrinsic value to flourishing intercultural societies. Working in Gaza, Ghana, Aotearoa New Zealand, Zimbabwe and with new projects developing with partners in Mexico, Morocco and with UKRI GCRF South-South Migration, Inequality and Development Hub (MIDEQ ) it has a full programme of work ahead in what are challenging and changing times. Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General, said: "At a time when we all look for solutions to build more resilient societies after Covid-19, UNESCO sites offer a wealth of concrete actions to reinvent our relationship with nature, to develop decent jobs and foster social cohesion. This report by the UK National Commission to UNESCO is a blueprint for sustainability, and I believe all Countries can take inspiration from this research." Environment and Community The research highlights the cultural, environmental and financial value of 76 UNESCO projects in the UK. It reveals a creative network rooted in community, rich in potential, and impacting lives here and around the world. Examples of UNESCO projects with a positive impact on the environment and communities including the UNESCO Global Geopark in Scotland and the Jurassic Coast and Marble Arch Caves in England. The UNESCO trail in Scotland is a digital asset to be launched in partnership with VisitScotland, the UK National Commission for UNESCO and Scotlands UNESCO designations. The trail connects 13 UNESCO designations and aims to increase the value of tourism to these sites by encouraging visitors to stay longer and spend more locally, improving, in turn, the quality of life of the local communities. The trail was due to be launched in early 2020 but has been delayed until after the coronavirus crisis. Dr Laura Hamlet, Geopark Coordinator at the North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark, said: If we lost UNESCO status, what would make us different from any other community organisation? I feel that it gives me more confidence both to be entrepreneurial and to write a funding application. Its not just us that thinks were special, the UN thinks that its special. It shows you that youve got the outside support that something beyond the UK, Europe, globally, has said that We believe that this organisation has the ability to manage this heritage and we believe that its special. The 2020 UNESCO National Value Report states: Particularly striking is how all designations place the community at the core of their work. Their commitment to UNESCOs values and objectives means they share a strong interest in bringing people together to build and nurture meaningful relationships with nature, heritage and each other. James Bridge, Secretary-General of the UK National Commission for UNESCO said: This research shows the unique value offered by UNESCO projects in the UK. They embody community and enable us to preserve and enjoy our most special places and culture. They also pioneer solutions to some of the worlds most pressing problems and inspire hope in these unprecedented times. Within this report are a number of case studies that can help inform the UKs path towards a green recovery from the coronavirus crisis. UK Government Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston MP said: "From Stonehenge to Jodrell Bank, our UNESCO sites tell the story of our shared history and attract visitors from all over the world. This research is testament to the important role these sites play in their local communities and, once it is safe to do so, we will be encouraging people to visit." Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Fair Work and Culture (Scotland), Fiona Hyslop MSP, said: At a time when our culture, heritage and tourism sectors face great challenges, this report is a timely and welcome reminder of the incredible value of Scotlands world class UNESCO sites. As we chart our path out of the COVID-19 crisis, building an inclusive and sustainable recovery for the people of Scotland and playing our part on the international stage, these sectors will play a vital role at the heart of our communities. Economy UNESCO World Heritage Sites rank among the most visited attractions in 2018 and are significant contributors to the UK economy. The research analysed the impact of being granted official UNESCO status, which has helped the 76 sites and projects surveyed generate an estimated 151 million to the UK economy in just one year. However the total figure disguises significant variations, even before the challenges brought by Covid-19. Some sites still struggle to secure sufficient funding whether through tourism or other means, due to a low profile and lack of resources, and these problems will have been exacerbated during the lockdown. Investment in these sites is critical to increase cross-disciplinary work and enhance their contribution to the UK economy. This report highlights the economic and social value of UNESCO projects to communities across the UK, and which will need significant investment as the economy recovers. The UNESCO Chair in Refugee Integration through Languages and the Arts The UNESCO Chair hosted within the School of Education at the University of Glasgow undertakes a programme of work focused on multilingual knowledge exchange in the area of refugee and humanitarian protection, with a focus on fostering integration through creative and cultural expressions. Chair activities take place in collaboration with the University of Glasgows Refugee, Asylum and Migration Network (GRAMNet) and its wide range of international researchers, artists, public and third sector organisations, NGOs, migrants and refugees. More details here - About the UK National Commission for UNESCO The UK National Commission for UNESCO (UKNC) works to support the UKs contribution to UNESCO and bring the benefits of UNESCO to the UK. It is the hub for UNESCO-related matters in the UK.The UKNC has four core priorities: We provide expert, independent policy advice to the UK and devolved governments on UNESCO related issues. The next time I disagree with a judgment of the High Court of Australia concerning some personal offence I am accused of committing, I shall invoke the now priceless defence proffered by Mr Dyson Heydons lawyers, the little-known Speed and Stracey, self-described of tax-law-and-sensitive-matters fame. Former High Court justice Dyson Heydon was found in an inquiry ordered by the High Court to have harassed six associates. Credit: Anna Kucera Their sensitive defence of the former High Court judge against an independent inquiry that found Heydon sexually harassed six junior staff is unanswerable really. The inquiry," they wrote, "was an internal administrative inquiry and was conducted by a public servant and not by a lawyer, judge or tribunal member. It was conducted without having statutory powers of investigation and of administering affirmations or oaths. So, take that. The full bench of Australias supreme law-making body, representing the best and deepest legal thinking in the land, has been put in its place by Speed and Stracey, lawyers. I do not know whether the single female partner of Speed and Straceys 11-member team had anything to do with this statement ( I will assume not), but it reads very much like the statement of a law firm that has let the client have his wicked way with them. Maybe they dont expect to appear much before the High Court over the next 10 or 20 years and get a win. It is true that the inquiry was not by "a lawyer, judge or tribunal member". However, the High Court ordered the inquiry and has accepted its findings. In the court's judgment - moral if not legal - Heydon's accusers are to be believed. It is extraordinary that a former judge of that court should seek to discount the findings of an inquiry instigated by his former colleagues, among them the Chief Justice of the High Court, Susan Kiefel. CHARLESTON, W.Va. West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice forced out the commissioner of his public health bureau on Wednesday, hours after he publicly questioned the accuracy of the states coronavirus data and detailed growing outbreaks in about a dozen counties. The abrupt resignation of Cathy Slemp, who was also a state health officer, came after the Republican governor vented during a news conference that West Virginias active virus caseload may have been overstated. If we were on our game here, in DHHR (Department of Health and Human Resources) and Dr. Slemps office, if were on our game and youre listening to the governor say that theres six active cases at Huttonsville and youre looking at the reports that youre putting together and sending them to me on active cases and your looking at Randolph County and theyre reporting a hundred-and-some-odd cases then youre not doing your job, Justice told reporters, without additional explanation. In a statement Wednesday afternoon, the governors office said Justice had expressed his lack of confidence in Slemp to Bill Crouch, secretary of the state health department, who then asked for Slemps resignation. She resigned immediately, the statement said. In a separate statement, a spokeswoman for the health department said there were discrepancies related to virus caseload data at the Huttonsville Correctional Center in Randolph County. Slemp, who was a regular feature of the governors daily virus news conferences, has decades of public health experience. She was previously the acting state health officer and was the founding director of the states public health emergency preparedness and response programs, according to a biography on the state health department website. Slemp is also on the board of scientific counselors at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Image: Dr Cathy Slemp (West Virginia Dept of Health & Human Resources) Justice, a billionaire coal businessman without previous political experience, had showered Slemp with praise as he hosted press conferences about the virus during the outbreak, often stressing that his aggressive plan to lift virus restrictions was guided by his health experts. Slemp did not appear at Wednesdays news briefing. Story continues Meanwhile, at least 72 cases in 11 counties have been linked to tourism travel to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and about 70 cases have been linked to church services in three counties, the governor said. The spikes come as states around the country report rises in cases, and as New York, New Jersey and Connecticut announced they would be mandating a two-week quarantine for travelers from hotspot states. The governor has so far declined to strengthen West Virginias virus restrictions in response to the increases. He has repeatedly balked on mandating face masks in public spaces, as other governments have done, saying such an order would be politically divisive. Instead, he has stressed that people should follow existing safety rules, encouraging people to get tested for the virus and to wear face masks. Justice has also asked that people avoid traveling to Myrtle Beach, which has seen cases rise in recent weeks, rather than ordering quarantines as people return from the popular resort city. I strongly, strongly would tell you that if youre thinking of going to Myrtle Beach, rethink what youre doing, he said, adding that he hopes he doesnt need to instate restrictions on hotspot travel. At least 92 people in West Virginia have died and around 2,600 have tested positive, according to state health data. For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal. The vast majority of people recover. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) To lessen incidents of unnecessary cancellations and abuse, GrabFood riders will soon no longer have to pay in advance for the delivery orders of their customers. During the hearing of the House Committee on Trade and Industry on Thursday, Grab spokesperson and lawyer Nicka Hosaka said instead of their food delivery riders, the company itself will shoulder monetary online transactions in a new model which they plan to roll out in August. "Moving towards August, we will implement this model whereby when the delivery partner reaches the restaurant, [he] does not need to bring out any cash or pay any cash. He will simply pick up the order," Hosaka told the panel. According to Hosaka, the restaurant will then receive the payment straight via the app, so the driver does not need to wait for his own cash to be reimbursed. Once he delivers the order to the customer, the cash collected will go straight to him. "Everything is done online. Meron tayong mine-maintain na driver wallet, so kung ano 'yung kokolektahin niya from the eater, ito ay made-debit sa kanyang wallet," Hosaka told the committee. [Translation: We maintain a feature called the driver wallet, so whatever he collects from the eater, it will just be debited from his wallet. Hosaka added that if Grab is not able to collect payment from the customer because of a no-show incident, nothing will be reduced from the driver's digital wallets. Grab currently has a 100 percent reimbursement process in place, wherein riders are only paid after reporting cancellations of customers. Hosaka explained that riders currently have a 1,500-limit in their digital wallets during transactions, but these can be cashed out anytime. "We are just reversing [the process], it is already Grab who will advance it. One hundred percent of the monetary liability will now be on Grab," she said. In a text message to CNN Philippines, Hosaka then clarified that the new model will not automatically cover all of their current merchants by August, but they will slowly work towards reaching their full target. "[We will start with] 70 percent of our merchants. Hindi pa po lahat ng merchants will be ready for the new model by August. Gradual po 'yung pag-implement depending on the merchant," she said. [Translation: We will start with 70 percent of our merchants. Not all our merchants will be ready for the new model by August. Our implementation will be gradual depending on the merchant.] The House committee deliberated on House Bill 6958, or the Food and Grocery Delivery Services Act. Under the measure, anyone who makes unnecessary cancellations of confirmed orders may get the penalty of prision mayor or at least six years of jail time. Those who cancel must also pay a 100,000 fine and reimburse the food and delivery service providers for the value of the items advanced by the rider. They should also pay the provider an amount of money double the fee charged for the canceled transaction, the bill further prescribes. Meanwhile, those who shame, demean, embarrass, or humiliate the delivery riders across any platform may face at least six months of imprisonment or prision correccional. READ: House bill wants six years of jail time for canceling food delivery orders AKO Bicol Partylist Rep. Alfredo Garbin, author of the bill, earlier noted that the House is "sincere in protecting" all food and delivery service providers from pranks on deliveries, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Award-winning poet and children's author Michael Rosen has finally returned home after a 47 day intensive care battle with coronavirus, as he thanked doctors and nurses who helped save his life and declared 'I've survived!'. The popular writer, 74, was taken into hospital at the end of March after contracting Covid-19 and was in a coma for 'several weeks'. But the author, known for works including We're Going On A Bear Hunt, Little Rabbit Foo Foo and Chocolate Cake, finally returned home yesterday after beginning his recovery earlier this month. His wife, Emma-Louise Williams, shared a picture of Mr Rosen at home, before praising staff at Whittington Hospital, Kanitz Critical Care Unit and St Pancras Hospital, all in London, for their help. Michael Rosen's wife, Emma-Louise Williams, shared a picture of the author on Twitter yesterday as he returned home for the first time In a post on Twitter Mr Rosen said: 'Now Im home Emma-Louise has been through the timeline of what happened to me. 'I become overwhelmed by how she and the family hung on in hope while I was out of it in a coma for several weeks - survival in doubt. Im so lucky to have had such hope and support backing me.' In follow-up Tweet, he added: 'Teams of people in their crews: nurses, doctors, cleaners, caterers, ambulance drivers, physios (and more) made huge efforts to keep me alive - along with many others at the same time. 'They saved my life and have got me from horizontal to hobbling. Forever grateful to you all xxx' Mr Rosen, who served as Children's Laureate between 2007 and 2009, began charting his battle with Covid-19 in March He also thanked all of the well-wishers who had sent him messages of support during his hospital battle. Mr Rosen, who served as Children's Laureate between 2007 and 2009, began charting his battle with Covid-19 in March. He wrote about 'freezing cold sweats and deep muscle exhaustion'. He was later taken into intensive care at the end of March. His family warned at the time that he was 'very poorly'. But he showed signs of recovery in June, when he began to walk again. And he made a return to Twitter on June 12 and has since shared his progress with his 200,000 followers. He made jokes about his walking stick, which he named 'Sticky McStickstick', saying: 'Just as I was beginning to love my stick, Sticky McStickstick, Im told, You mustnt become totally stick-reliant. Oh noooooooo!!!' Mr Rosen later followed it up by saying his tweet was 'not a dig at physios', who he later described as 'the best'. New Delhi, June 26 : The Special Cell of Delhi Police has arrested a sharpshooter who was allegedly hired by gangsters, sitting in jails, to carry out murders and extortion in Delhi-NCR areas, officials said on Thursday. The arrested accused has been identified as Harish who is a resident of a village in Haryana's Jhajjar district and was actively involved in the firing that took place on June 23. On June 23, back to back firing incidents took place in the national capital's Najafgarh, Narela and Bindapur. In two of these incidents, the accused after firing left behind a threatening message on a paper slip. At the firing at PC Jewellers and Gahana Jewellers showroom at Najafgarh, they left a note signed by "Sethi Bhai Lawrence Bishnoi -Kala group". In the firing at property dealer's office in Narela, they added names of Sonu-Akshay Palda-Sachin Bhanja-Sethi Bhai, the police said. Following the same, the sleuths of the Northern Range were specially assigned the task to work-out these recently committed sensational firing incidents carried out in broad day-light which had created chaos for the probe agencies. The investigators first began by tracking new recruits of certain infamous gangs operating from jails, as it had transpired that certain gangsters are passing instructions, while sitting in jails, through different sources to their new recruits to commit murders and extortion in and around the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR). During the tracking, names of certain persons including Manjeet, Vishwajeet, Vikas Aalias Diljale, Harish, Bachhi and Brijesh came to fore as new recruits of infamous interstate "Lawrance Vishnoi- Kala Jathedi- Akshay Palda-Raju Basodi- Sethia gang. Afterwards, the team began to monitor the movements of these suspects, but, they were frequently switching their hideouts in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Haryana. Finally, on June 24, when a tip off was received on that one of the accused involved in back-to-back firing incidents of June 23 has been identified as Harish. It also came to the notice of the police that he is wanted in two sensational murders cases besides one car-jacking and one attempt-to-murder case of Haryana. He will pass through Najafgarh-Dhansa Road in the mid-night. "A trap was laid and at about 12.30 a.m., Harish was apprehended. In this process, he also took out his pistol and tried to fire in order to escape but could not succeed and was over powered by the police team," said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Sanjeev Kumar Yadav. During interrogation, it came out that Harish left his house with his village friends Viswajeet and Manjeet and started living with one Vikas alias Diljale. "He revealed that Manjeet and Vikas used to execute the instructions given by dreaded criminals namely Sethi and Kapil (both presently lodged in jail) who are associated with "Lawrence Vishnoi-Akshay Palda-Kala Jathedi" Group. They used to execute their instructions by themselves or through Harish, Brijesh," the DCP said. A case has been registered against him under section 25 and 27 of the Arms Act and 411 IPC at Special Cell Police station. "One Yamaha make motorcycle which was robbed at gunpoint and one sophisticated pistol with four live catridges were recovered from the possession of the accused person," the senior police officer said adding that further investigation in the matter is underway. The illegal wildlife trade continues amid the pandemic, but a disharmonious relationship with nature will take its toll. A few years ago I wrote about a roll call from environmental hell: the primates being driven towards extinction by poachers abducting them to sell as pets. At the time, wild chimpanzee numbers in Benin, Burkina Faso and Togo had been utterly decimated, while the global market for live apes specifically baby chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans plucked from their forest homes in Africa and Asia was, and still is, flourishing. The desire of a select few to keep a pet primate in their back yard has been catastrophically disruptive. Those in the know say that for every baby chimp taken from the wild, 10 adults are typically killed to prevent them resisting the baby chimps capture. In recent years, live baby primates have been smuggled in cabin baggage on regular passenger flights sometimes wrapped like a human baby on a mothers chest, other times shoved in a bag in the overhead compartment. This year, that particular smuggling route was made more challenging by the travel restrictions imposed by COVID-19, a disease ironically caused by the wildlife trade, possibly in pangolins. And yet, animal trafficking continues, enabled by social media and online platforms. There is also a more localised threat. Just this week, there were news reports of a tigress in India killed when a poachers wire punctured her windpipe. Such snares have reportedly become more common amid the pandemic, as people who are left jobless turn to wildlife to make money to feed their families. Its risky to poach but if pushed to the brink, some could think that these are risks worth taking, said Mayukh Chatterjee, a biologist with the Wildlife Trust of India. On a more positive note, it seems the fears that organised poaching in Africa would spike have not materialised, partly because ranger patrols have continued in many national parks and reserves. However, bushmeat poaching is soaring as rural people struggle to feed themselves. Pangolin myth There is sleight of hand over the Chinese governments banning of pangolin scales for use in traditional Chinese medicine, a decision it announced earlier this month. The London-based Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) discovered, however, that the scales have not been banned at all, but merely removed from a section in this years official compendium of approved traditional medicines. Behind the spin, pangolins are still included in the pharmacopoeia, as an ingredient in patent medicines used to treat abdominal pain and help blood circulation. Pangolins are the worlds most trafficked mammal and have been identified as a possible link in the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Without comprehensive action to eliminate demand for the use of pangolin scales in traditional Chinese medicine, the ongoing industrial trafficking of pangolins and concurrent decimation of wild populations will continue, said Chris Hamley, the EIAs senior pangolin campaigner. Leopard bone There are fewer than 450 wild leopards left in China. But this animal on a cliff edge is being turned into a health tonic. The 2020 Chinese medical compendium still includes leopard bone as an officially recognised ingredient. As the famous anthropologist Jane Goodall recently wrote: The way we have exploited animals and the natural world has created this coronavirus pandemic and it is important that as we emerge from lockdown, we learn to live in greater harmony with nature. The illegal wildlife trade is organised crime, right up there with arms, drugs and human trafficking. It is worth tens of billions of dollars. You can pay $100 for a dose of tiger bone to cure your insomnia or $40,000 to own a baby gorilla snatched from the wild. Wander the virtual stalls in hells market and you can get yourself a near-extinct parrot for your aviary, a vial or two of ground rhino horn for your libido or some ivory trinkets for the hell of it. The payback from nature? Oh, that will be a pandemic or two. Your environment round-up 1. Siberian heat: As the Arctic warms at more than twice the rate of the rest of the world, one northeastern Siberian town may have recorded the regions hottest temperature yet: 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit). 2. A human experiment: A team of scientists is investigating the effects of what they are calling the anthropause a period of reduced human activity due to the coronavirus pandemic on wildlife and the environment. 3. An octopus nursery: Watch tentacled octopus babies hatch out of their sac-like eggs along with what can be tens of thousands of siblings. 4. Coronawaste: Disposable face masks and latex gloves are showing up on our beaches and seabeds, adding to the massive amounts of waste being dumped in the ocean including as much as 13 million tonnes of plastic each year. The final word New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have asked people traveling from states where COVID-19 cases are rising to go into self-isolation for 14 days. New Jerseys Phil Murphy said people in the three states had been through hell and back and did not want another round of virus infections. Some southern and western states have been reporting record numbers of cases. The University of Washington predicts 180,000 US deaths by October or 146,000 if 95% of Americans wear masks. So far, the US has recorded more than 2.3 million cases of the virus and more than 121,000 deaths. Health officials say the coming weeks will be crucial to stemming the outbreaks. On Tuesday Americas top infectious disease expert, Dr Anthony Fauci told lawmakers there was a disturbing surge of infection and increased community spread in many southern and western states. He told Americans to take social distancing measures, saying: Plan A, dont go in a crowd. Plan B, if you do, make sure you wear a mask. Which states are subject to the quarantine? Currently, those states are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Utah, the governor of New York state Andrew Cuomo told reporters. People coming from those states including returning New York, New Jersey and Connecticut residents will be asked to quarantine upon arrival for 14 days. Anyone found breaking the quarantine could face fines of $1,000 (800) rising to $5,000 for repeated violations, Mr Cuomo said. He added that US states would be added or taken off the quarantine list depending on the number of new cases per 100,00 people or the rate of positive tests. This is a smart thing to do, New Jerseys Governor Phil Murphy said. We have taken our people, the three of us from these three states, through hell and back, and the last thing we need to do right now is subject our folks to another round. The state of Washington had initially been included in the list due to a data reporting error but this was later corrected, Mr Cuomos press secretary Caitlin Girouard said. 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 Roundup weed killer photographed on a shelf at a Los Angeles hardware store: AP German pharmaceutical giant Bayer is going to pay up to $10.9b in a settlement towards lawsuits over its subsidiary company Monsantos weedkiller, Roundup. The product is the focus of numerous lawsuits alleging it causes cancer. The company released a statement Wednesday saying it would also pay up to $1.22b to settle two other cases, one which involves the water pollution caused by PCB. Bayer released a statement claiming the settlement would close approximately 75 per cent of the 125,000 filed and unfiled claims against the company. The settlement does not contain any admission of wrongdoing or liability. The lawsuits against Bayer claimed that Monsanto ignored warnings that its products were harmful and could potentially cause cancer, and that the company then actively tried to conceal the dangers of its products from its customers. The agreement is subject to approval by Judge Vince Chhabria of the US District Court for the Northern District of California. After years of hard fought litigation and a year of intense mediation I am glad to see our clients will now be compensated, said Mike Miller, of the Miller law firm, one of the law firms involved in the suits, told US Right to Know. Bayer purchased Monsanto two years ago for $63b, but immediately faced plummeting stock prices due liability concerns surrounding the cancer claims. A number of cities, including Seattle, San Diego, Portland, Oregon and Oakland, California sued Monsanto prior to the acquisition by Bayer. According to the lawsuits, the non-biodegradable products were sometimes washed by rain into surrounding water supplies, where it killed local plant and animal life and posed a threat to human health. Judges have frequently ruled against Monsanto in lawsuits and awarded major rewards to plaintiffs in those trials. Last year, a California jury ruled against Monsanto and awarded a California couple more than $2b in damages which was eventually reduced to $87m by a judge for causing their illnesses. Story continues In another case, a grounds keeper in California was awarded roughly $290m in damages lowered to $78m after it was determined Monsanto failed to alert the man to potential risks of using the chemicals. Bayers CEO, Werner Baumann, said the settlement was the right decision and would end a long period of uncertainty for the company and its investors. The decision to resolve the Roundup litigation enables us to focus fully on the critical supply of health care and food, he said in a statement. It will also return the conversation about the safety and utility of glyphosate-based herbicides to the scientific and regulatory arena and to the full body of science. Read more Bayer reaches deal to settle 85,000 cancer lawsuits over Roundup Eastern Bank, America's largest mutual savings bank, is going public in what could be a $2 billion IPO. The bank said in its prospectus that one of the reasons for the move is to be able to "pursue opportunistic acquisitions" in its current and bordering markets. Following the IPO announcement, Eastern Bank CEO Bob Rivers told The Boston Business Journal that he predicts the bank will grow to $40 billion in total assets over the next decade; it has about $11.6 billion now. All of this suggests that Rivers is looking to make a big deal happen. Let's take a look at who Eastern might acquire or merge with. A merger of equals A merger of equals could be in the cards if Eastern looks at the $13.2 billion asset Berkshire Hills Bancorp or the nearly $12 billion Independent Bank Corp., the parent company of Rockland Trust. While all of these banks value their brand, a merger of equals would make a certain amount of sense. In Massachusetts, their home state, Eastern, Berkshire, and Independent collectively only held about 6% of deposit market share, according to the FDIC, falling woefully behind other large banks such as State Street, Bank of America, Citizens Financial Group, and Santander. And it's only going to get more competitive. In 2018, JPMorgan Chase, the largest bank in the U.S., announced that it would open 50 retail branches in the Boston area, an initiative that is showing great promise so far. JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon even said he thinks the bank could one day be a top three deposit market share holder in greater Boston. Recently, PNC Financial Services Group also launched a retail presence in Boston. Competition is only getting more fierce, so it might be in the best interest of Eastern to team up with either Independent or Berkshire. I suspect Eastern would prefer to partner with Independent if it had its choice. Not only does the bank have an insurance division that could pair with Eastern's, but Independent would help Eastern better fill in its footprint in the southern part of Massachusetts and Cape Cod. Independent could also give Eastern more of a presence in Worcester, the second-largest city in Massachusetts. But the big question is whether Independent would be willing to partner. The bank itself has made seven acquisitions over the past decade, and based on the company's quarterly earnings calls, it seems like CEO Chris Oddleifson really enjoys running the bank and making acquisitions, so it's unclear if he'd be willing to relinquish control. Berkshire Hills could also be in the cards, although in merging with it Eastern would be venturing off into a massive geographic expansion way beyond its normal footprint -- Berkshire Hills has a presence that includes upstate New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. But the bank does also have a big presence in Worcester and could be a lot cheaper than Independent. Independent traded at 182% tangible book value at Wednesday's close, while Berkshire Hills traded for less than 47% of tangible book value. Smaller targets If Eastern doesn't do a merger of equals, then two other banks it might look at are Brookline Bancorp or Meridian Bancorp. Both are in the $6 billion asset range, have lots of branches overlapping with Eastern's footprint, a heavy emphasis on commercial loans, and a presence in other New England states. For some reason, I tend to hear analysts and other speculators say that Brookline is more likely to get acquired, but both strike me as somewhat similar institutions. Interestingly enough, at the end of the first quarter Brookline took a huge credit provision to cover potential loan losses, while Meridian raised its quarterly credit provision very little in comparison. This struck me as odd considering both are commercial players in the same market. Currently, Brookline is trading at roughly 100% of tangible book value, while Meridian is trading at about 77% of tangible book value. Another possible acquisition target for Eastern could be HarborOne Bancorp. It's a bit smaller at $4.1 billion in assets, but has a similar footprint as Eastern, with most of its business in Massachusetts and a healthy presence in New Hampshire and Rhode Island as well. Wait and see Eastern first needs to conduct its IPO to raise the additional capital. Then it will need to assess the market to see where the economy stands and the status of the coronavirus. Conditions change by the day, so the bank may want to wait until things stabilize unless one of the banks on its radar approaches it looking to sell. But make no mistake, a huge shakeup to the Boston banking scene could be coming. "Eclipse is a great IDE for Java development that I have been using for ten years," said Curtis Johnson, Product Manager for JRebel and XRebel, "and the JRebel and XRebel combined plugin only makes Eclipse more viable in today's Java ecosystem." "We were pleased to hear that the JRebel team was adding XRebel functionality into their Eclipse IDE plugin," said Mike Milinkovich, Executive Director of the Eclipse Foundation. "This is a great example of our community innovating and improving the Java developer experience on top of the Eclipse IDE platform." "By saving money with a free IDE like Eclipse, development teams can start looking at other ways to improve productivity," said Curtis Johnson, Product Manager for JRebel and XRebel, "the JRebel/XRebel plugin for Eclipse offers a streamlined, high-ROI option." To download the JRebel/XRebel Eclipse plugin, please visit the Eclipse marketplace today at https://marketplace.eclipse.org/content/jrebel-eclipse. About JRebel JRebel provides industry-leading Java development efficiency tools removing bottlenecks in the development process and helping developers to code better applications, faster. JRebel has revolutionized Java development by allowing developers to skip redeploys while maintaining application state. When JRebel is used with XRebel, developers can seamlessly diagnose, fix, and check code performance even in microservices-based applications. With over 3000 customers, JRebel and XRebel are trusted by leading brands around the world, including American Airlines, DellEMC, HBO, Hewlett Packard, Oracle, Volkswagen, and more. For more information, please visit www.jrebel.com. About Perforce Perforce powers innovation at unrivaled scale. With a portfolio of scalable DevOps solutions, we help modern enterprises overcome complex product development challenges by improving productivity, visibility, and security throughout the product lifecycle. Our portfolio including solutions for Agile planning & ALM, API management, automated mobile & web testing, embeddable analytics, open source support, repository management, static & dynamic code analysis, version control, and more. With over 20,000 customers, Perforce is trusted by the world's leading brands to drive their business critical technology development. For more information, visit www.perforce.com. Media Contacts PERFORCE GLOBAL Colleen Kulhanek Perforce Software Ph: +1 612 517 2069 [email protected] PERFORCE UK/EMEA Maxine Ambrose Ambrose Communications Ph: +44 118 328 0180 [email protected] SOURCE Perforce Software Related Links http://www.perforce.com TDT | Manama The Bureau of the Council of Representatives convened yesterday over a virtual meeting held yesterday, under the chairmanship of Speaker, Fawzia bint Abdulla Zainal. The panel expressed parliamentary support towards Egypt, including their security measures, highlighting Egypts legitimate right to safeguard its stability. They also strongly condemned the Iran-backed Houthi militias attempts to target Saudi civilian regions, emphasising their wholehearted support for Saudi Arabia against any and all security threats. They also support all the measures it takes to defend its interests. The Speaker congratulated the SCW President, HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King, on the honorary award for excellence in Caring for Arab Family 2020 bestowed by the Arabia Corporate Social Responsibility Network. The Bureau also praised Team Bahrains tremendous efforts, in line with HM the King s directives, to protect the health and safety of Bahraini citizens and residents from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. They highlighted the importance of national unity, and the need for more support to the most affected segments in the immediate future, amidst the pandemic. The Bureau reviewed letters from the Parliament Affairs Minister on parliamentary proposals, and discussed reports of standing committees on draft-laws and proposed laws before the session drew to a close. H oliday operators reported a sudden surge in bookings for Mediterranean villas offering privacy and space today following reports that air bridges to leading European destinations will be available from next week . A scramble to save a peak summer season worth up to 20 billion was under way ahead of an expected formal announcement on Monday that the much criticised quarantine rules for travellers returning to Britain will start to be eased. The first wave of countries that holidaymakers are likely to be allowed to visit, without going into self-isolation on return, are likely to include Spain, France, Italy and Greece. The biggest British-based airline easyJet today responded with confirmation that it will restart flights to dozens of its most popular summer destinations from July 1. Up to now, the only international route it has been operating since it resumed flights has been London to Nice. But today chief commercial and strategy officer Robert Carey said cities such as Paris, Milan and Barcelona, and beach holiday destinations such as Majorca and the Canary Islands would be back next month. In total easyJet plans to fly around 50 per cent of its 1,022 routes next month, increasing to around 75 per cent in August, although with a lower frequency of flights. This equates to just 30 per cent of normal July to September capacity. More than one million seats will be on offer from only 29.99 for travel between July 1 and October 31. News of the likely lifting of quarantine has triggered a spike in bookings for villas and small islands, although mass market package holidays in huge hotels are proving harder to sell. Paul Charles, of the travel consultancy PC Agency, said villa bookings were running at around 30 per cent up on last year across the industry. Passengers wear protective face masks and gloves at an airport / Getty Images He said: There is huge amount of demand for villa holidays. People want private spaces, privacy and space. Islands and small destinations are the most popular but mass-market holidays are still not seeing lift-off. Clapham-based European villa specialist Olivers Travels said that yesterday was the biggest booking day in its history. Over the past two weeks its bookings have been running at 72 per cent up on last year, with France 186 per cent higher. However, industry leaders said that only about 20 to 25 per cent of the overall summer season for Europe could be rescued because of a continuing reluctance to fly and the lack of clear guidance from the Government. Noel Josephides, director of industry affairs at the trade body AITO and chairman of the Sunvil tour operator, said of the creation of air bridges: It is a start, it will save part of the summer season but far less than people think. Its not a matter of just switching everything on and saying now you can go on holidays. The majority of people booked to go have held on to their final balances. They will all have to be contacted and asked do you want to go or not? I suspect a proportion will decline. Major package holiday operators were today still offering deep discounts for breaks in late July, normally regarded as the start of the peak of the summer rush. Travel giant Tui was today advertising seven nights at the Cinqo Plazas Apartments in Lanzarote reduced from 746 to 542 per person for a July 27 departure from Gatwick. Air bridges that will mean passengers no longer have to go into quarantine are likely to be set up in three waves, according to industry insiders. The first, next month, will mainly include short-haul destinations in Europe. The second phase, in late July, or August, will mainly cover mid-haul destinations such as Morocco or Turkey, although Hong Kong and Singapore could also be included. Finally, towards the end of the summer, it is thought likely that more exotic long-haul destinations such as Vietnam and Thailand will be removed from the quarantine list. However, an air bridge to America is not thought likely before November at the earliest because of its huge number of coronavirus cases. Trips to Australia are also likely to be out of bounds until the end of the year. Today national carrier Qantas said it will axe 6,000 jobs around a fifth of its workforce. The cuts equate to about a fifth of the airlines workforce prior to the Covid-19 crisis. Last week, the Australian government said its border would most likely remain closed into next year. UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told the Commons Transport Select Committee yesterday there would be an announcement about air bridges on Monday. Saharanpur, June 25 : In a tragic incident in Uttar Pradesh, three sisters consumed poisonous substance following a quarrel among them over watching their favourite TV serial. The incident took place at Bhalaswa village under Nangal police circle here on Wednesday. The three sisters, Rita, Sheetal and Tanu, were immediately rushed to a hospital where Rita died during treatment and the condition of the other two is stated to be critical. They have been referred to an advanced medical facility. According to police reports, the sisters had settled down to watch TV after completing their household chores and then started arguing over watching their favourite serial. As the sisters battled for the TV remote, the matter took a serious turn and all three consumed pesticide kept in the room. As their condition deteriorated, the family and other villagers rushed them to the district hospital. The police spokesman said that the body of the deceased had been sent for post mortem and further investigations were underway. Statewide primary elections held Tuesday in New York, Kentucky and Virginia saw greatly increased voter turnout despite the coronavirus threat, as voters chose to vote early or cast mail-in ballots. Voting also took place in several districts in Mississippi and North Carolina. Most of the votes were cast in Democratic Party primaries, where there were multiple contests between candidates backed by the party establishment and those supported by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In one of the most widely publicized contests, for the Kentucky US Senate nomination against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, retired fighter pilot Amy McGrath, the choice of the party establishment, had a slight lead over State Representative Charles Booker. An African-American, Booker sought to appeal to widespread popular anger over the police murder of Breonna Taylor, a black emergency medical technician killed by Louisville cops in a no-knock raid in March. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at SXSW in 2019 (Image Credit: Flickr/nrkbeta) While McGrath campaigned on her military record and had a huge financial advantage, as well as name recognition from her narrow loss in the race for a congressional seat in 2018, Booker had the backing of Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, and highlighted his own participation in protest marches against the police murders of Taylor and George Floyd in Minneapolis, which McGrath had avoided. The result of that race will not be known until June 30, the deadline for counting all mail-in ballots. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the vast majority of Kentucky voters cast mail ballots, which had to be postmarked by the June 23 primary date but could be delivered by the weekend. The actual breakdown, according to the secretary of statea Republicanwas 570,000 absentee ballots, 100,000 early votes, and 156,000 votes cast at polling places on election day. Statewide, there were fewer than 200 polling places open on Tuesday, compared to the 3,700 locations used in previous primary and general elections. The states two largest cities, Louisville and Lexington, opened only one polling station each, inside large arenas, with widely separated voting machines and lines laid out so that voters could observe social distancing. This arrangement apparently worked until near the closing time, when parking lots filled and there was a rush to get inside before the doors shut. The other high-profile contest ended in the apparent defeat of the chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Representative Eliot Engel of New York. He trailed his main opponent, former middle school principal Jamaal Bowman, by a margin of 61 to 36 percent in the primary to select the Democratic nominee in the 16th Congressional District of New York. Engel has held the seat that includes the northern part of the Bronx and portions of southern Westchester County adjacent to New York City, for 32 years. The only significant differences between the two were age and raceBowman is 44 and black, while Engel is 73 and white. While Bowman criticized Engel for voting to authorize the Iraq War in 2002, he made no broader critique of the congressmans right-wing, pro-imperialist and intransigently pro-Zionist record in leading the House Democrats on foreign policy. Bowmans apparent victory was widely compared in the media to that won by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2018 over Representative Joseph Crowley, another member of the House Democratic leadership (he was then chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, the fourth-ranking position). There were significant differences in the two races, however. The challenge by Ocasio-Cortez to Crowley was largely unpublicized and poorly financed, and her victory came in a low turnout election with her margin dependent on support from upper-middle-class liberals and the Democratic Socialists of America. Ocasio-Cortez won by 4,000 votes out of fewer than 30,000 cast. Bowman ran a much more explicitly race-based campaign, seeking to mobilize African American and Latino voters in the majority-minority district, and his campaign raked in millions of dollars in online cash from appeals by Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez. Voter turnout Tuesday was far higher, with over 44,000 votes cast at the polls and tens of thousands of absentee ballots still remaining to tabulate. In a speech Tuesday night, Bowman presented his campaign as an expression of the popular protests against police violence which erupted after the killing of Floyd, which he presented largely in racial terms. You know what Donald Trump is more afraid of than anything else? Bowman asked rhetorically. A black man with power. In her own contest Tuesday, Ocasio-Cortez won renomination easily with 73 percent of the vote against a well-financed right-wing challenger. At the other end of the state, Republican state senator Chris Jacobs won a special election to fill the congressional vacancy created when Representative Chris Collins resigned after being indicted for stock market fraud. In three other New York congressional districts, the outcome of Democratic primaries remained uncertain. Another member of the House Democratic leadership, Carolyn Maloney, chair of the House Government Oversight Committee, clung to a narrow 600-vote lead over challenger Surej Patel, with thousands of mail-in votes still uncounted, in the wealthy district covering the east side of Manhattan. Two seats had open contests because of the retirement of Representative Jose Serrano in the Bronx and Representative Nita Lowy in the lower Hudson Valley. In the Hudson Valley district, Mondaire Jones, a former Obama administration official backed by Bernie Sanders had a large lead, with 44 percent of the vote against a half dozen rivals. In the Bronx, City Councilman Ritchie Torres had a smaller lead in a similarly fractured field. Both candidates had the backing of the New York Times, which hailed the prospect of black, gay candidates winning the two seats. It is noteworthy that the Times, which speaks for the Democratic Party wing of Wall Street, also endorsed Ocasio-Cortez and Jamaal Bowman, demonstrating, not for the first time, that the financial aristocracy regards the insurgent wing of the Democratic Party as their political instrument, just as much as their establishment opponents. Another significant feature of the voting Tuesday was the failure of Democratic candidates drawn directly from the military-intelligence apparatus and running as moderates, who lost to candidates claiming to be more adamantly opposed to Trump. In the 17th Congressional District of New York, the seat held by Nita Lowy, former Pentagon official Evelyn Farkas finished a poor fourth. Farkas was Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia/Ukraine/Eurasia in the Obama administration. In New Yorks 24th Congressional District, in the Syracuse area, Navy veteran Francis Conole was defeated by Dana Balter, a Sanders-backed college professor who won the nomination in an upset in 2018 and then lost the general election contest narrowly to Republican Representative John Katko. Conole spent years in naval intelligence and then worked in special forces in Iraq. In the Fifth Congressional District of Virginia, the most rural in the state, stretching from the Washington DC suburbs all the way to the North Carolina border, there were no less than three candidates boasting of a background in the Marine Corps: a retired career officer, a female former intelligence officer, and a Marine turned millionaire businessmen. The three were swamped by Dr. Cameron Webb, an African American doctor and University of Virginia public health consultant who focused his campaign on the fight against the coronavirus epidemic. Webb will face Christian fundamentalist Bob Good, who ousted incumbent Representative Denver Riggleman at a party convention in a contest which focused on opposition to gay marriage. In Republican primaries, which attracted far less attention and turnout, two congressional nomination contests were won by candidates opposed by President Trumphis first defeats in inner-party contests in this election year. In North Carolina, in the contest for a nominee to replace Mark Meadows, the Republican congressman who resigned to become White House Chief of Staff, 24-year-old Madison Cawthorn defeated Lynda Bennett, a businesswoman who had the support of both Trump and Meadows, in a low-turnout vote. In Kentucky, Representative Thomas Massie, the lone public opponent of the CARES Act within the Republican Party and an extreme-right libertarian, won renomination easily despite Trumps public demand for his ouster. His lone opponent was revealed to have posted openly racist and homophobic comments on social media. The European Union (EU) has a commendable green recovery plan, but it needs more robust policies than those currently in place if it were to meet its ambitious targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its policy review on the EU on Thursday. The EU bloc is doing a good job in clean energy in the electricity sector, where the share of renewables is growing, but progress in transportation and energy-efficient and energy-saving buildings and appliances has been slow, the IEA said. The EU unveiled at the end of last year the European Green Deal, a program to become climate neutral by 2050. Under the Green Deal, the EU will support investments in sustainable businesses, technologies, and solutions and in greener energy and electricity generation. The Deal also includes a so-called Just Transition Fund to support with money packages regions and/or countries heavily reliant on coal. In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, the EU proposed funding instruments to support investments in economic recovery with a focus on the green and digital transitions. According to the IEAs policy review report on Thursday, the European Green Deal is a real opportunity to boost investments in clean energy transitions. IEAs recommendations for the EU include stimulus in energy efficiencies, which should be a prime target, as they can boost job creation in critical manufacturing, construction, and small and medium-sized businesses, save consumers money, and reduce GHGs. With its recovery plans, the EU has a real opportunity to boost economic activity, create jobs and support the long-term transformation of its energy sector, IEA Executive Director, Fatih Birol, said in a statement. The review supports the Commissions firm commitment to a green recovery, which is at the heart of our proposal for a 750 billion recovery plan, said Kadri Simson, the European Commissioner for Energy. The IEA itself unveiled a sustainable recovery plan last week for the global post-coronavirus economy over the next three years, requiring total investments of US$3 trillion. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Netanyahu says two countries will soon collaborate in different areas to improve regions health security. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced Israel will join forces with the United Arab Emirates in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, despite the lack of diplomatic ties between the two countries. This collaboration will be in the areas of research and development and technology, in areas that will improve health security throughout the region, Netanyahu said in a statement on Thursday. Netanyahu said a formal announcement on working together with the UAE on confronting coronavirus was imminent and would be made by the UAE and Israeli health ministers. The announcement comes at a time of strong Arab opposition to Israels plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank territories that form an integral part of a state Palestinians have long sought. Last week, the UAEs minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said it could work with Israel on some areas, including the battle against the coronavirus and on technology, despite political differences. Addressing a military ceremony in southern Israel, Netanyahu said the effort stemmed from intensive contacts with the UAE in recent months. The UAEs state-run news agency WAM confirmed that two companies from the UAE will be working with two Israeli companies on medical projects, including those to combat the new coronavirus. Israel has no diplomatic relations with Arab countries in the Gulf, but common concerns about Irans regional influence have led to a limited thaw in relations. In May, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad made the first known flight by a UAE carrier to Israel, carrying coronavirus-related aid for the Palestinians. Speaking to a conference of the American Jewish Committee advocacy group on June 16, Gargash said Israel cannot expect to normalise relations with Arab countries if it annexes West Bank land. He also said cooperation with Israel on the COVID-19 pandemic would not affect the UAEs opposition to annexation. Israel is due on July 1 to begin a cabinet debate on extending Israeli sovereignty to illegally built Jewish settlements in the West Bank. The United States-backed plan has sparked Palestinian anger and has been met with growing opposition by much of the international community. A North Carolina woman is suing the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and her former southwest Houston parish, saying a former youth minister abused her decades ago when she was a child. The woman states Ralph Garza a former Corpus Christi Catholic Church lay employee groomed her for months in 2000 and then molested her while attending the Willowbend neighborhood church. According to the recently-filed lawsuit, she met Garza for counseling when she was 13 and he put her in ever more isolating situations to be with him. Eventually, he forced her to touch his genitals, she said in the lawsuit. The womans San Antonio-based attorney, Justin Hill, said she has been undergoing treatment for the abuse. She has been trying to get herself healthy, as well as some amount of justice to what happened to her, Hill said. She has attempted to work with the church and avoid litigation. The archdiocese on Wednesday filed a response to the lawsuit, denying the allegation and demanding that the woman prove her charges and allegations. The archdiocese said Thursday it cooperated in the prosecution of the alleged perpetrator when this case first surfaced two decades ago." Garza was arrested in 2001 and later convicted of indecency with a child in an incident involving a girl. Hill said his client is the same victim whose complaint resulted in that criminal investigation. Garza is a registered sex offender living in Houston. A sworn statement from a Houston police investigator outlines the initial complaint. The girls parents arranged with a parish priest for Garza to counsel her after an abduction attempt. Garza, then 22, picked her up for one of their meetings, which was at his apartment. This her parents knew, the investigator said. At the apartment, Garza was sitting on a couch with her and talking about her issues when he kissed and fondled her, court records show. The girl then asked that Garza take her home. The investigator said Garza denied any wrongdoing but said it was not professional of him to take the girl back to his apartment. He also said he hugged her. By the time of his arrest, Garza was no longer a church employee. Garza in 2004 was convicted of failure to comply with sexual registration requirements. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to two counts of indecency with a child in Nueces County, records show. Details behind that investigation were not immediately available. Lay employees, such as Garza, were not part of the archdioceses 2019 list of those with credible child sex abuse accusations. Seminarians were also excluded. The list only included clergy, 40 of whom were identified in the document. Hill said the archdiocese was aware that his client was a victim for a long time. I do not think they have made any real attempt to now right the wrong, he continued. nicole.hensley@chron.com THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW PRESS RELEASE 25 JUNE 2020 07:00 CEST REGULATED INFORMATION Ghent, BELGIUM - 25 June 2020 - Sequana Medical NV (Euronext Brussels: SEQUA, the "Company" or "Sequana Medical"), an innovator in the management of fluid overload in liver disease, malignant ascites and heart failure, announces today that 644,287 existing shares have been admitted to listing and trading on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels. The 644,287 shares were issued by the Company on 27 January 2020 as part of an aggregate of 3,166,666 shares that were placed in the framework of a private placement via an accelerated bookbuild offering. The shares were issued at a (gross) issue price of EUR 6.00 per share pursuant to a capital increase in cash that was decided by the Company's board of directors within the framework of the authorised capital with dis-application of preferential subscription rights of existing shareholders of the Company and, in so far as required, of existing holders of subscription rights (stock options) of the Company. Of the 3,166,666 shares, 2,522,379 were immediately admitted to listing and trading on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels upon their issuance (on the basis of applicable listing prospectus exemptions), while 644,287 shares were not immediately admitted to listing and trading on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels upon their issuance (as their admission to listing and trading was subject to the approval of a listing prospectus). A listing prospectus has been approved by the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority on 16 June 2020 with respect to the 644,287 sharesor by clicking here . Trading of the 644,287 shares on the regulated market of Euronext Brussels is expected to commence on 26 June 2020. For more information, please contact: Sequana Medical Lies Vanneste, Director Investor Relations Tel: +32 Consilium Strategic Communications Amber Fennell, Ashley Tapp, Melissa Gardiner Tel: +44 203 709 5000 Email: sequanamedical@consilium-comms.com (mailto:sequanamedical@consilium-comms.com) LifeSci Advisors Chris Maggos Tel: +41 79 367 6254 Email: chris@lifesciadvisors.com (mailto:chris@lifesciadvisors.com) About Sequana Medical Sequana Medical is a commercial stage medical device company developing the alfapump platform for the management of fluid overload in liver disease, malignant ascites and heart failure. Fluid overload is a fast growing complication of advanced liver disease driven by NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) related cirrhosis and a common complication in heart failure. The U.S. market for the alfapump resulting from NASH-related cirrhosis is forecast to exceed 3 billion annually within the next 10-20 years. The heart failure market for the alfapump DSR (Direct Sodium Removal) is estimated to be over 5 billion annually in the U.S. and EU5 by 2026. Both indications leverage Sequana Medical's alfapump, a unique, fully implanted wireless device that automatically pumps fluid from the abdomen into the bladder, where it is naturally eliminated through urination. In the U.S., the company's key growth market, the alfapump has been granted breakthrough device designation by the FDA. The North American pivotal study (POSEIDON) in recurrent and refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis is currently underway, and is intended to support a commercial marketing application of the alfapump in the U.S. and Canada. In Europe, the alfapump is CE-marked for the management of refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis and malignant ascites and is included in key clinical practice guidelines. Over 750 alfapump systems have been implanted to date. Building on its proven alfapump platform, Sequana Medical is developing alfapump DSR, a breakthrough, proprietary approach to fluid overload due to heart failure. Clinical proof-of-concept was achieved in a first-in-human single dose DSR study and a repeated dose alfapump DSR study (RED DESERT) in heart failure patients is currently underway. Sequana Medical is headquartered in Ghent, Belgium. For further information, please visit www.sequanamedical.com . An investment in the New Shares involves substantial risks and uncertainties. Prospective investors should read the entire Prospectus, and, in particular, should refer to the chapter "Risk Factors" beginning on page 7 of the Prospectus for a discussion of certain factors that should be considered in connection with an investment in the New Shares, including the risks that Sequana Medical has incurred operating losses, negative operating cash flows and an accumulated deficit since inception and may not be able to achieve or subsequently maintain profitability, that Sequana Medical's future financial performance will depend on the commercial acceptance of the alfapump, the alfapump DSR and/or any future products in target markets, that Sequana Medical does not have sufficient working capital to meet its present requirements and cover the working capital needs for a period of at least 12 months as of the date of the Prospectus and will require additional funds beyond this period in order to meet its capital and expenditure needs, and that the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) or any other infectious disease outbreak or other serious public health concern could result in delays to Sequana Medical's clinical studies and could adversely affect its supply chain and work force, as well as macroeconomic conditions generally, which could have an adverse effect on demand for the alfapump and/or the alfapump DSR. All of these factors should be considered before investing in the New Shares. . The New Shares are meant for investors who are able to assess the risks based on their knowledge and financial experience. Prospective investors must be able to bear the economic risk of an investment in the New Shares and should be able to sustain a partial or total loss of their investment. Important Regulatory Disclaimers The alfapump has not yet received regulatory approval in the U.S. and Canada. Any statement in this press release about safety and efficacy of the alfapump does not apply to the U.S. and Canada because the device is currently undergoing clinical investigation in these territories. DSR therapy and alfapump DSR are still in development and it should be noted that any statements in this press release regarding safety and efficacy arise from pre-clinical studies and ongoing clinical investigations which have yet to be completed. There is no link between DSR therapy, alfapump DSR and ongoing investigations with the alfapump system in Europe, the U.S. and Canada. Forward-looking statements This press release may contain predictions, estimates or other information that might be considered forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. These forward-looking statements represent the current judgment of Sequana Medical on what the future holds, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Sequana Medical expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release, except if specifically required to do so by law or regulation. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect the opinions of Sequana Medical only as of the date of this press release. Important information THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE, OR FORM PART OF, AN OFFER TO SELL OR ISSUE, OR ANY SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO PURCHASE OR SUBSCRIBE FOR SHARES, AND ANY PURCHASE OF, SUBSCRIPTION FOR OR APPLICATION FOR, SHARES OF SEQUANA MEDICAL NV (THE "COMPANY"). ANY TRADING IN NEW SHARES IN CONNECTION WITH THE LISTING AND ADMISSION TO TRADING ON THE REGULATED MARKET OF EURONEXT BRUSSELS SHOULD ONLY BE MADE ON THE BASIS OF INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE PROSPECTUS IN CONNECTION WITH THE LISTING AND ADMISSION TO TRADING ON THE REGULATED MARKET OF EURONEXT BRUSSELS AND ANY SUPPLEMENTS THERETO, AS THE CASE MAY BE (THE "PROSPECTUS"). THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT A PROSPECTUS. THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE FULL OR COMPLETE. ANY INVESTORS SHOULD NOT SUBSCRIBE FOR ANY SECURITIES REFERRED TO IN THIS DOCUMENT EXCEPT ON THE BASIS OF INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THE PROSPECTUS. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES. IT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR FORM A PART OF ANY OFFER OR SOLICITATION TO PURCHASE OR SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW SHARES IN THE UNITED STATES. THE NEW SHARES HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "SECURITIES ACT") AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES UNLESS REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR AN EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT IS AVAILABLE. THE COMPANY AND ITS AFFILIATES HAVE NOT REGISTERED, AND DO NOT INTEND TO REGISTER, THE NEW SHARES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, AND DO NOT INTEND TO CONDUCT A PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE NEW SHARES IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS DOCUMENT IS ONLY ADDRESSED TO, AND DIRECTED IN, MEMBER STATES OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (THE "EEA") (EACH, A "MEMBER STATE"), AT PERSONS WHO ARE 'QUALIFIED INVESTORS' WITHIN THE MEANING OF ARTICLE 2(E) OF THE PROSPECTUS REGULATION ("QUALIFIED INVESTORS"). EACH PERSON IN A MEMBER STATE WHO INITIALLY ACQUIRED ANY NEW SHARES OR TO WHOM ANY OFFER OF NEW SHARES MAY BE MADE AND, TO THE EXTENT APPLICABLE, ANY FUNDS ON BEHALF OF WHICH SUCH PERSON IS ACQUIRING THE NEW SHARES THAT ARE LOCATED IN A MEMBER STATE WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED, ACKNOWLEDGED AND AGREED THAT IT IS A QUALIFIED INVESTOR. IN THE UNITED KINGDOM THIS DOCUMENT IS BEING DISTRIBUTED ONLY TO, AND IS DIRECTED ONLY AT, QUALIFIED INVESTORS (I) WHO HAVE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN MATTERS RELATING TO INVESTMENTS FALLING WITHIN ARTICLE 19(5) OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND MARKETS ACT 2000 (FINANCIAL PROMOTION) ORDER 2005, AS AMENDED (THE "ORDER") AND QUALIFIED INVESTORS FALLING WITHIN ARTICLE 49(2)(A) TO (D) OF THE ORDER, AND (II) TO WHOM IT MAY OTHERWISE LAWFULLY BE COMMUNICATED (ALL SUCH PERSONS TOGETHER BEING REFERRED TO AS "RELEVANT PERSONS"). THIS DOCUMENT MUST NOT BE ACTED ON OR RELIED ON (I) IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, BY PERSONS WHO ARE NOT RELEVANT PERSONS, AND (II) IN ANY MEMBER STATE OF THE EEA OTHER THAN THE UNITED KINGDOM, BY PERSONS WHO ARE NOT QUALIFIED INVESTORS. ANY INVESTMENT OR INVESTMENT ACTIVITY TO WHICH THIS DOCUMENT RELATES IS AVAILABLE ONLY TO (A) RELEVANT PERSONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND WILL BE ENGAGED IN ONLY WITH RELEVANT PERSONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND (B) QUALIFIED INVESTORS IN MEMBER STATES OF THE EEA (OTHER THAN THE UNITED KINGDOM). THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED THEREIN IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW. ACQUIRING INVESTMENTS TO WHICH THIS ANNOUNCEMENT RELATES MAY EXPOSE AN INVESTOR TO A SIGNIFICANT RISK OF LOSING THE ENTIRE AMOUNT INVESTED. PERSONS CONSIDERING MAKING SUCH INVESTMENTS SHOULD CONSULT AN AUTHORISED PERSON SPECIALISING IN ADVISING ON SUCH INVESTMENTS. THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING THE SECURITIES REFERRED TO HEREIN. NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN BY THE COMPANY THAT WOULD PERMIT AN OFFER OF COMPANY'S NEW SHARES OR THE POSSESSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF THESE MATERIALS OR ANY OTHER OFFERING OR PUBLICITY MATERIAL RELATING TO SUCH NEW SHARES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE ACTION FOR THAT PURPOSE IS REQUIRED. THE RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION OF THESE MATERIALS IN CERTAIN JURISDICTIONS MAY BE RESTRICTED BY LAW AND THEREFORE PERSONS IN SUCH JURISDICTIONS INTO WHICH THEY ARE RELEASED, PUBLISHED OR DISTRIBUTED, SHOULD INFORM THEMSELVES ABOUT, AND OBSERVE, SUCH RESTRICTIONS. THE ISSUE, SALE, SUBSCRIPTION FOR, OR PURCHASE OF NEW SHARES OF THE COMPANY CAN BE SUBJECT TO SPECIAL LEGAL OR STATUTORY RESTRICTIONS IN CERTAIN JURISDICTIONS. THE COMPANY IS NOT LIABLE IF THE AFOREMENTIONED RESTRICTIONS ARE NOT COMPLIED WITH BY ANY PERSON. Matthew Morrison, 41, appeared reluctant to comment on the allegations of bullying behavior surrounding his Glee co-star Lea Michele, 33, on Wednesday. The actor, who played Will Schuester on the popular TV series from 2009-2015, was visibly uncomfortable while making the comments on FUBAR Radios Access All Areas. 'I honestly think its a distraction of the bigger issues that are going on right now,' the Grey's Anatomy alum told hosts Joanna Chimonides and Stephen Leng. Tight-lipped: Matthew Morrison, 41, appeared reluctant to comment on the allegations of bullying behavior surrounding his Glee co-star Lea Michele, 33, on Wednesday 'Its kind of like, eh,' the Broadway star said, playing down the gravity of the allegations. 'You want to be a good, pleasant person to be around,' the father-of-one then stated diplomatically. 'Thats about all Im going to say on that.' Michele rose to prominence on Glee as Rachel Berry, and like Morrison was on the show from 2009-2015. Awkward: The actor, who played Will Schuester on the popular TV series, was visibly uncomfortable while making the comments on FUBAR Radios Access All Areas Close: Michele rose to prominence on Glee as Rachel Berry, and like Morrison was on the show from 2009-2015. The co-stars seen here in 2011 Over the past several weeks, Michele has been on the receiving end of backlash over her alleged on-set behavior, ranging from claims of racial discrimination to other forms of unprovoked cruelty. But some friends and former co-workers of Michele's told The Post that the Glee alum has 'had a real wake-up call' and wants to 'responsibly' right her wrongs. 'She is listening, she hears what everyone says and wants to apologize. This is her past and she wants to handle things responsibly,' claimed one insider. They added: 'It's never easy to hear people speak about you this way. It's a total shock.' Statement: 'I honestly think its a distraction of the bigger issues that are going on right now,' the Grey's Anatomy alum said One former co-worker of Lea's did not deny that Michele was notoriously difficult to work with, but insisted she was never purposely discriminatory. 'Lea was a b**ch to a lot of people who are now taking the opportunity to come forward. 'She may not be the nicest person, but she's not racist, sexist or transphobic. I would say she has behavioral issues that she's dealing with,' concluded the source. The Post was also told by an anonymous source that Lea has reached out to a number of her former co-stars upon learning of their public disdain for her and her behavior. But whether the star has heard back or if any reconciliations have occurred remains unknown at this time. On Thursday another former colleague claimed that Lea did not 'discriminate' because her treatment of everyone was the same, coming from a place of being 'completely self-obsessed.' Speaking to Us Weekly earlier this month, the unnamed source said 'It didn't matter if you were young or old, black or white it's just kind of her world. 'Though she was completely self-obsessed toward everyone, she did not discriminate,' the source said. Squirm: 'You want to be a good, pleasant person to be around,' the father-of-one stated diplomatically. Seen here with Lea in 2009 Accusations of on-set bullying began with a tweet from Michele's co-star Samantha Ware earlier this month, accusing her of being rude to her on set and behaving with 'traumatic microaggressions'. Others then piled on to the actress with allegations of their own, including Heather Morris, Dabier Snell and Yvette Nicole Brown. Michele was subsequently dropped by her sponsor, HelloFresh. Michele, who is expecting her first child with husband Zandy Reich later this year, apologized for her behavior earlier this month, and said she has 'never judged others by their background or color of their skin.' She also insisted she will learn from the mistakes she has made so she 'can be a real role model for my child' when she gives birth in a couple of months. Ignition: Accusations of on-set bullying began with a tweet from Michele's co-star Samantha Ware earlier this month, accusing her of being rude to her on set and behaving with 'traumatic microaggressions'. Ware seen here in 2019 Riff acknowledges the food industry is very difficult to break into, which is even more true with many staying home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being able to bake at home, she says, gives home bakers a foot in the door of the food industry while also limiting public health risk. Concord High School saluted 72 graduates during a virtual graduation on June 25th, a pre-recorded event that was available for viewing through the schools website. The guest speaker was 2005 alumnus William Garcia, who is a professor at Rutgers University and Doctoral candidate in American Studies at Kansas University. Lauren Gonzalez was the schools valedictorian and the winner of the FAAB Award/My Sisters Keeper Mentor. Salutatorian Marcel Bryant received the 2020 Teen Arts Week Citizen Artist Award. Class of 2020 Candidates for Graduation: 72 Anoshay Ali, Khlod Alkotait, Demonte Blount, Kevin Briggs, Marcel Bryant, Francisco Callen, Cristal Cancela Mattias, Jalene Carlo, Kemar Clarke, Alejandro Cruz, Madison Dalrymple, Justin Delgado, Brittany Diaz, Dante Diaz, Ashley Fernandez, Sean Forbes, Noemi Galindo, Lizeth Garcia, Isaia Garcia, Stephanie Garcia Aguilar, Lauren Gonzalez, Kailah Grant, Francesca Guzman, Nadia Habib, Karynne Hancock, Yasin Hanif, Makhi Harris, Andre Hernandez, Sherit Heyward Jackson, Azariah Hill, Edward Howard, Aaron Infante, Jordan Johnson, Kemberlin Juarez, Jessica Lagunas, Jennifer Lopez-Diaz, Jarell Macon, Armando Margarito, Edwin Marin, Irvin Martinez Rios, Rociana McBride, Lindita Mehmeti, Mehtab Hussain, Devonte Mitchell, Ayata Mustafa, Tatiana Noel, Joceline Olea, Carlos Palau, Jesus Pavia, Raymundo Perez, Lekiyrah Peters, Mariela Quintero, Brady Ramiro, Lisa Ramos, Jonathan Rios, Yazmin Rivera, Ishmael Rivera, Anthony Rodriguez, Emily Rodriguiz, Angela Romano, Amanda Santana, Luis Santos, Felicity Smith, Chadasia Springs, Richard Swanson, Ammar Threats, Julian Torres-McGrew, Nicole Turco, Jose Vale, Bryan Vasquez, Alexis Velazquez and Ka Saun Williams We remain cautiously optimistic as we move forward with our phased reopening and recovery of Prince Georges County, Alsobrooks said in a statement. I am encouraged by the progress that we have made together as a community to slow the spread of this virus, and I know that if we all continue to take certain precautions, we can continue to contain the spread of COVID-19 in this next phase of our reopening. The Midland Health Department reported that Midland County has reached 40 confirmed coronavirus cases in a single day for the first time during the pandemic. Wednesday was the third straight day that a single-day mark was set, following Friday and Tuesday. On Monday, a new record for a weekend was set with 95. The health department also reports that 172 cases have been reported this week and 365 this month (also new records). By Online Desk NEW DELHI: The Centre and the CBSE on Thursday informed the Supreme Court that they have decided to cancel the Class X and XII examinations scheduled from July 1-15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and they would be conducted later. A bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar was apprised by the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that a scheme has been formulated to assess the performance of class XII students on the basis of their performance in the last examinations. Class XII students can opt for exams to be conducted later, the CBSE told the SC. The board will conduct the exams when the situation becomes conducive. The top court was also informed that the students will have the liberty to opt either for the examinations, to be conducted later, or go with the assessment process based on past performance. The remaining CBSE class X board exams stand cancelled with no provision of re-examination, the Centre told the SC. Students of class 10 will be assessed on the basis of their performance in the last three exams. The ICSE board also informed the top court that it has cancelled its class X and XII board exams with no option of re-examinations. However, the ICSE didn't agree to provide an option to students to write the exams later, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the SC. Taking note of the Centre's submission, the SC asked the CBSE to issue a fresh notification clarifying details of the Class XII board exams. The court was hearing pleas seeking scrapping of remaining exams of Class XII scheduled from July 1-15 in view of an increasing number of COVID-19 cases. (With agencies inputs) Advertisement President Donald Trump, during a visit to a shipyard in Wisconsin on Thursday, boasted he was redesigning planned Navy ships to make them more 'beautiful.' His trip to the 2020 battleground state came as a new New York Times/Siena College poll showed him trailing Democratic rival Joe Biden by 11 points in Wisconsin. In addition to his tour of the Fincantieri Marinette Marine, the president also taped a town hall meeting with Fox News host Sean Hannity in Green Bay. But he told the audience of a few hundred people - with the Cooperstown, a Littoral ship, docked behind him - that he was redesigning ships for the Navy. Fincantieri Marinette Marine has a contract to build Navy ships. 'They look terrible,' Trump complained of the ship designs. 'I changed designs. I looked at it I said that's a terrible looking ship. Let's make it beautiful. It'll cost you the same and maybe less. You know sometimes you can make it look great for less money.' 'They gave me a beautiful model. That's absolutely - it's like a yacht with missiles on it,' he added. 'It's like beautiful, but you know it's true you can build beautifully and it costs you sometimes less money.' President Donald Trump, during a visit to a shipyard in Wisconsin, boasted he was redesigning planned Navy ships to make them more 'beautiful' In his address, Trump said of the ship designs: 'They look terrible. I changed designs. I looked at it I said that's a terrible looking ship. Let's make it beautiful. It'll cost you the same and maybe less. You know sometimes you can make it look great for less money' President Trump addressed a crowd at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine-with the Cooperstown, a Littoral ship, docked behind him However, of the ship behind him, he said: 'They gave me a beautiful model. That's absolutely - it's like a yacht with missiles on it. It's like beautiful, but you know it's true you can build beautifully and it costs you sometimes less money' The president was in Wisconsin to tout his economic record - one area of his presidency where voters give him high marks. Trump bragged about a new Navy contract for the shipyard that he said was worth $5.5 billion. The company received a contract to build 10 Navy frigates - a deal that could add 1,000 jobs. It's the first new major shipbuilding program for the U.S. Navy in more than a decade. 'It's gonna be built right here in the American heartland and it's going to be built by you. And it's going to go on for a long time because it's up to 20 ships and might be extended,' he said. Trump is trailing Biden in Wisconsin by 8 points according to the RealClearPolitics polling average of the battleground state. His visit came as the New York Times poll of six swing states - Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Florida, Arizona and North Carolina - showed Biden leading in all of them. Trump won the six states in 2016 - a mass of victories that put him in the White House. Should Biden win any three of them plus all the states Hillary Clinton carried in 2016, he would be the victor in November. As Trump was in Wisconsin touting an economy coming back from its coronavirus hit, Biden was in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, hitting the president for his response to the pandemic. The president was in Wisconsin to tout his economic record - one area of his presidency where voters give him high marks Trump bragged about a new Navy contract for the shipyard that he said was worth $5.5 billion The company received a contract to build 10 Navy frigates - a deal that could add 1,000 jobs. It's the first new major shipbuilding program for the U.S. Navy in more than a decade President Donald Trump, during a visit to a shipyard in Wisconsin, boasted he was redesigning planned Navy ships to make them more 'beautiful' 'There are no miracles coming,' Biden warned. 'Amazingly, he hasn't grasped the most basic fact of this crisis: To fix the economy we have to get control over the virus,' Biden said of Trump during an event in Lancaster. 'He's like a child who cant believe this has happened to him. His whining and self-pity. This pandemic didn't happen to him. It happened to all of us.' The Times polls showed Biden up by 10 points in Pennsylvania, his home state. When Trump carried that state in 2016, he was the first Republican to win it in more than 20 years. And Thursday was a rare day of dueling public appearances for the political rivals as they slowly ratcheted up their event schedules as the country goes through the reopening process from the shut down instituted by the coronavirus. It also made for a marked comparison between the two men - Biden wore a face mask and focused on the virus while Trump stayed maskless and talked up the economy. Trump, in his 25 minutes of remarks in Wisconsin, barely mentioned the coronavirus, merely to repeat his argument that increased testing was behind the rising number of coronavirus cases in the United States. More than 2.41 million people in the U.S. have been infected with the disease and at least 122,200 have died. 'We're up to almost 30 million tests, that means we're gonna have more cases, if we didn't want to test, or if we didn't test we wouldn't have cases,' Trump said. Joe Biden campaigned in Pennsylvania where he attacked President Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic While in Wisconsin, President Trump taped a town hall meeting with Fox News' Sean Hannity At least 26 states are seeing new coronavirus cases increase compared with the prior week as the reopening process goes forward. Despite the pandemic, Trump claimed the economy, which saw record levels of unemployment during the pandemic, is coming back. 'Our economy is coming back at a level that nobody ever imagined possible we doing great,' he said. India on Thursday recorded 16,922 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours - highest so far- pushing the nationwide tally to 4,73,105. According to Union health ministrys update at 8 am, the number of active cases in the country are 1,86,514. The country also saw 418 deaths in the last 24 hours, which pushed its death toll to 14,894. Click here for full Covid-19 coverage The country had recorded the highest single-day jump of nearly 16,000 Covid-19 cases on Wednesday. Delhi, which already is the second worst hit state in terms of coronavirus caseload and fatalities, overtook Mumbai after the number of cases soared by 3,788 to touch 70,390. Mumbai has so far recorded 69,625 cases, according to official figures. As part of the Delhi governments revised Covid-19 response plan, a house to house screening will be completed by June 30 in containment zones and for the rest of the city by July 6 in what is billed as a mammoth exercise. In all, 12 states now account for more than 10,000 coronavirus cases as they continued to report record daily spikes that were mainly attributed to augmented testing. News agency PTI reported health ministry officials as saying on Wednesday that of the over 4.4 lakh Covid-19 cases reported in the country, only 15.34 per cent required ICU care. It also said that only 4.16 per cent of patients were put on ventilators. The doubling time of coronavirus infection cases has improved from 17.4 days on June 12 to 19.7 days in the last three days, a health ministry official was quoted by PTI. The ministry also said that daily testing of samples of blood and throat and nose swabs crossed two lakh for the first time since the outbreak began. The recovery rate has improved for 56.71 per cent, it further said. Meanwhile, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the apex health research body in the country, validated 1,000th testing laboratory on Wednesday, ramping up the capacity for detection of Covid-19 in the country. The country has recorded 2,65,648 infections from June 1 till June 24 with Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh remaining the top five contributors to the rising tally. The Mainland China share market closed on Thursday, 25 June 2020, for the Dragon Boat Festival holiday. Asian market were lower on Thursday, 25 June 2020, on tracking negative lead from Wall Street overnight after the US signalled possible new tariffs on European goods and the International Monetary Fund slashed its global economic forecasts again on Wednesday. The U. S. Trade Representative said it was weighing new tariffs on US$3.1 billion (RM13.2 billion) in European goods amid a dispute over subsidies to planemaker Airbus, ratcheting up a fresh trade war tensions with the European Union. The Trump administration also has been threatening to reimposing tariffs on imports of aluminum from Canada on July 1 as the new USMCA, or the United States Mexico Canada Agreement, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement, is set to take effect. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund cut its economic forecast for 2020, saying that the coronavirus pandemic has caused an unprecedented decline in global activity. The IMF dropped its global economic growth expectations for this year to negative 4.9%. That's almost two percentage points lower than three months ago. In 2021, global growth is expected to rebound to a 5.4% growth rate, still leaving the level of GDP about 6.5 percentage points lower than the pre-COVID-19 projections in January. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Your browser does not support the video tag. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 24, 2020) - Nutritional High International Inc. (CSE: EAT), (OTCQB: SPLIF) ("Nutritional High" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that a subsidiary of Psychedelic Science Corp ("PSC") has entered into an agreement with Rangsit University ("RSU") to develop a cactai based water beverage product and conduct research on psychoactive cactai and mushrooms. The Institute will conduct efficacy studies and trials of alkaloids in cactai for treatment of mental ailments including anxiety, depression and addiction, as well as appetite suppression. As Psilocybin is more progressively legalized, the Institute, in exclusive collaboration with PSC's subsidiary, will engage in the research and development of Psilocybin based products targeted towards the same treatments. Kruzo LLC ("Kruzo") is a wholly owned subsidiary of Psychedelic Science Corp ("PSC") which Nutritional High has entered into a letter of intent to acquire, per announcement from the Company on June 1, 2020. PSC will also raise a minimum of $1.5 million CAD prior to being acquired by Nutritional High. Further details of the acquisition will be provided once definitive agreements have been negotiated between the Company and PSC. Kruzo has executed a binding agreement ("Agreement") with RSU Royal Herbal Co. LTD to establish a Psychedelic Research Institute (the "Institute"). The successful execution of this Agreement cements a significant milestone in PSC's strategy towards psychedelic research and global product development. John Durfy, CEO of Nutritional High, commented, "Entering into this Agreement completes an important milestone in our overall strategy to capitalize on opportunities in the psychedelics space. The establishment of the Institute will serve as our beachhead into this space and a platform to develop high-margin consumer and medicinal products." Story continues Tom Kruesopon, Director at Nutritional High and co-founder of Kruzo commented, "This is a culmination of a lot of hard work, with CBD, herbal medicine and now psychedelics being on the forefront to address a broad range of consumer health and wellness goals. I am proud to be a key facilitator in the establishment of this first ever Psychedelic Research Institute in Asia. This is just the start, and it will be exciting to see where this leads us in the coming years. This is a pivotal step in unlocking the wonders of plant-based medicine." Per the terms of the Agreement, the goal of the Institute will be to research the efficacy of various psychedelic components found naturally in various entheogenic plants such as cacti, mushrooms and others. In addition, the Institute will investigate the efficacy of various non psychoactive components found in such plants. Kruzo and RSU will look to develop commercially viable consumer and medicinal products targeting the health and wellness markets. All research and development will be done in full compliance with ASEAN GMP standards. The Institute will seek to establish a cultivation facility with a view towards the production of cactai for the purpose of extracting Mescaline, Hordenine and other alkaloids, and mushrooms for the purpose of extracting Psilocybin. Furthermore, the Institute will immediately commence development of a commercially viable water-based functional beverage with non-psychoactive cactai as the active ingredient (the "Cactai Beverage"). Targeted functions of the Cactai Beverage will include appetite suppression and mild pleasure or euphoria. In accordance with the Agreement, RSU will be responsible for sourcing raw plant material, plant extraction processes, beverage formulation, product testing and the development of the Cactai Beverage. The commercialization of the Cactai Beverage is not expected to require FDA or Health Canada approval in its functional non-psychedelic version. Future psychedelic version will require approval. Any intellectual property developed within the scope of the Agreement or otherwise through the Institute, will remain the exclusive property of Kruzo. Future projects of the Institute may involve other third parties and grant of intellectual property to those third parties will be subject to prior written approval by Kruzo. About Nutritional High International Inc. Nutritional High is focused on developing and manufacturing branded products in the cannabis industry, with a specific focus on edibles and oil extracts for medical and adult recreational use. The Company works exclusively in jurisdictions where such activity is permitted and regulated by state law. Nutritional High has brought its flagship FLI edibles and vape product lines from production to market in various markets including Colorado where its award winning FLI products are manufactured by Palo Verde, LLC. The Company signed a purchase agreement for Palo Verde and is awaiting regulatory approval. In California, the Company distributes products through its wholly owned distributor Calyx Brands Inc. For updates on the Company's activities and highlights of the Company's press releases and other media coverage, please follow Nutritional High on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or visit www.nutritionalhigh.com. For further information, please contact: Robert Wilson Chief Financial Officer Nutritional High International Inc. 416-666-4005 Email: rwilson@nutritionalhigh.com NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR OTC MARKETS GROUP INC., NOR THEIR REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDERS HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be correct. We assume no responsibility to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. The Company's securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the United States or "U.S. Persons", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in the United States or any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking information expressed in this press release include, but are not limited to: the ability of the Company to complete the full issuance of up to $5 million of Convertible Debenture Units, obtaining and maintaining regulatory approvals including acquiring and renewing U.S. state, local or other licenses, the uncertainty of existing protection from U.S. federal or other prosecution, regulatory or political change such as changes in applicable laws and regulations, including U.S. state-law legalization, market and general economic conditions of the cannabis sector or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/58483 Switzerland Planning New VAT Rules For Mail Order Companies by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels 25 June 2020 The Swiss Federal Council has launched a consultation on amendments to the VAT law, with a focus on the tax treatment of mail order businesses and the administrative burden on SMEs. Since 2019, foreign mail order companies have been required to register with the Swiss Federal Tax Administration (FTA) if their sales turnover in Switzerland from small consignments where the amount of VAT is less than CHF5 exceeds CHF100,000. According to the Federal Council, the effect of this measure has been limited, with few foreign mail order firms registering with the FTA. The Federal Council has proposed that operators of mail order platforms be required to declare all deliveries of goods to Switzerland made through their platform. To ensure compliance, the FTA may implement administrative measures against platforms or mail order companies that fail to register as taxpayers or who fail to comply with these new obligations. It may order an import ban for goods supplied by non-compliant companies or the destruction of those goods, and may publish the name of such companies, it is proposed. The Council has also proposed simplifications to the process for establishing VAT accounts for SMEs, as well as concessions for foreign companies subject to Swiss VAT to facilitate compliance. Successful Glide Flight Puts Virgin Galactic on the Path for Space Flight from New Mexico Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) ("Virgin Galactic" or "the Company") today announced the successful completion of the second SpaceShipTwo test flight from Spaceport America. This flight follows the completion of the first test flight from the Company's commercial headquarters in New Mexico on May 1, 2020, and marks another important milestone as the team progresses toward the launch of Virgin Galactic's commercial service. On SpaceShipTwo Unity's flight deck were Mark 'Forger' Stucky and Michael 'Sooch' Masucci. Both pilots are commercial astronauts, having each previously flown Unity into space on different flights. Piloting the Company's carrier aircraft, VMS Eve, were Nicola Pecile and CJ Sturckow. This glide flight, flown at higher speeds, allowed the team to continue to evaluate systems and vehicle performance in advance of future rocket-powered space flights from the Company's new operating base in New Mexico. Flying VSS Unity in glide configuration at higher speeds enables certain vehicle systems to operate close to the environment seen during phases of rocket boost on a spaceflight. The spaceship achieved a glide speed of Mach 0.85 after being released from the mothership VMS Eve at an altitude of 51,000 ft. Unity completed multiple test-points before touching back down smoothly for a runway landing at Spaceport America. Forger and Sooch performed a series of maneuvers with Unity designed to gather data about performance and handling qualities while flying at higher speeds. This data will be verified against similar maneuvers that were performed in the previous glide flight to enhance aerodynamic modelling. The test flight was conducted under a set of stringent operational protocols to ensure safety against COVID-19. These protocols include changes to the work areas and procedures to enforce social distancing as advised by state guidelines as well as universal mask usage. Last weekend, the Company's Spaceship and Propulsion teams completed a full 'wet dress' rehearsal designed to check out the new facilities and equipment at Spaceport America. During this rehearsal, the teams positioned the spaceflight system on the runway and loaded VSS Unity with active propellant. Pending the completion of an extensive data review of this flight, the team will start preparing for the next stage of our flight test program powered spaceflights from Spaceport America. In addition to the data review, we have several steps to complete, including final modifications to the spaceship customer cabin and detailed inspections of the vehicle and systems. Virgin Galactic would like to express its thanks to New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA), the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Albuquerque Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), and the FAA Air Traffic Control Center in Albuquerque for smooth coordination and efficient integration. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said: "I'm excited by the continued progress Virgin Galactic has made in New Mexico and confident in their work going forward. Our state has the opportunity to be a leader in commercial spaceflight, and partners like Virgin Galactic are leading the way." George Whitesides, CEO of Virgin Galactic and The Spaceship Company said: "I am thrilled with the team's hard work to complete today's test flight successfully. It was an important test that, pending data review, means we can now start preparing the vehicles for powered flight. Our focus for this year remains unchanged on ensuring the vehicles and our operations are prepared for long-term, regular commercial spaceflight service." You can download all press materials including images and broll from the Virgin Galactic Press FTP. About Virgin Galactic Virgin Galactic is a vertically-integrated aerospace Company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers, as well as a manufacturer of advanced air and space vehicles. Using its proprietary and reusable technologies and supported by a distinctive, Virgin-branded customer experience, it is developing a spaceflight system designed to offer customers a unique, multi-day, transformative experience. This culminates in a spaceflight that includes views of Earth from space and several minutes of weightlessness that will launch from Spaceport America, New Mexico. Virgin Galactic and The Spaceship Company believe that one of the most exciting and significant opportunities of our time lies in the commercial exploration of space and the development of technology that will change the way we travel across the globe in the future. Together we are opening access to space to change the world for good. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws with respect to Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (the "Company"), including statements regarding the Company's spaceflight systems, markets and expected performance. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by words such as "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," and similar expressions. Forward looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this presentation, including but not limited to the factors, risks and uncertainties regarding the Company's business described in the documents filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005869/en/ Contacts: For media inquiries please contact: VirginGalacticPress@virgingalactic.com UK, Middle East, Asia, Africa Ollie Bailey-Pratt, FTI Consulting US, Canada, South America, Australia Antonia Gray, FTI Consulting VirginGalacticFin@fticonsulting.com VirginGalacticcorp@fticonsulting.com For Investor Relations inquiries please contact: VirginGalactic-SVC@SARDVERB.com The first wave of COVID-19 is subsiding in Canada, with daily case numbers and hospitalizations falling to rates not seen since the beginning of the pandemic. Predictions on when a second wave of COVID-19 could hit have ranged from the fall and winter months of this year, when flu season traditionally starts, to early next year, similar to the way the pandemic began. But experts say the likelihood of a second wave isn't set in stone, and Canada could instead see several smaller waves in the coming months or avoid a second wave altogether especially if we keep our guard up. "There's actually nothing preordained about a second wave," said Steven Hoffman, director of the Global Strategy Lab and a global health law professor at York University in Toronto who studies pandemics. "We might have a second wave, we might have a third, fourth and fifth wave we might not have a second wave at all." Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease physician and scientist with Toronto General Hospital, said instead of one cohesive second wave, we'll likely face smaller outbreaks in the coming months that will need to be clamped down on quickly. "It's going to be a game of whack-a-mole," he said. "We're basically going to be trying to rapidly identify small outbreaks as soon as possible, quelling those small outbreaks and preventing them from snowballing into larger outbreaks and a larger epidemic." Yonhap/Reuters Israel saw hundreds of new infections after reopening schools, South Korea faced a spike in cases at a nightclub district in Seoul while an outbreak at a meatpacking plant in Germany led to renewed lockdown measures. Meanwhile, countries like Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan quickly flattened the curve of their first wave and have so far avoided a second wave of infections altogether while keeping strict physical-distancing measures in place. China moved quickly to quell a new coronavirus outbreak in Beijing this month, raising its emergency level, suspending reopenings and cancelling more than 60 per cent of flights in and out of the capital after reporting at least 256 new cases since early June. Story continues Bogoch said if Canada takes a similar approach to controlling new outbreaks, we can avoid more drastic measures like shutting down nonessential businesses and reimposing lockdown measures across the country for the long term. "If we jump on it quickly and we have the capacity to do the early identifications, contact tracing and isolation, we can get through this without a big second wave," he said. "But if we don't, if we let our guard down, well, here it comes." Canadians vulnerable to COVID-19 The largest risk factor for another wave of infection is connected to the fact that most Canadians are susceptible to COVID-19 simply because they haven't had it. Canada's Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam said almost 2.5 million Canadians have been tested for COVID-19, with an average of about four per cent testing positive and more than 100,000 confirmed cases. Evan Mitsui/CBC "We have very small penetration of this disease in our society," said Raywat Deonandan, a global health epidemiologist and an associate professor at the University of Ottawa. "That means the vast majority are still susceptible, and if they are susceptible, then it doesn't take a whole lot for something to trigger another explosive growth." For that reason, Deonandan said there is a mathematical probability that another wave of infection is possible, but it may be less severe based on what we've learned about how to control the virus in the past six months. "We know that it loves mass indoor gatherings. That seems to be where the super spreading events tend to be: churches, karaoke bars, parties, nightclubs," he said. "So given that, that's kind of our way of controlling the second wave if we just really monitor large indoor activities or prevent them entirely." York University's Hoffman said while physical distancing and lockdown measures have drastically lowered the number of new cases and hospitalizations in Canada, they continue to rise globally putting us at further risk. WATCH | Governments in Latin America urged to invest in public health: "It's just very likely that so long as this virus is circulating around the world, it will at some point come back to Canada," Hoffman said. "Even if we eliminated it from our country." Knowledge of the virus may help fend off future waves Our understanding of the novel coronavirus and how COVID-19 presents in the human body has increased dramatically in the past six months, and we now know more about how to react to outbreaks quickly and treat the disease itself more effectively. "We've learned that this is a very strange disease that seems to manifest differently in different populations, different age groups and that the symptomatology is not at all what we might have expected at first," Deonandan said. "This idea of losing your sense of smell, for example, that took everyone by surprise. We also learned about asymptomatic and presymptomatic transmission." He said it was wrongly assumed early in the pandemic by experts around the world that simply testing symptomatic patients early could control the spread of COVID-19, much like with an influenza outbreak. The World Health Organization also recently backtracked on a claim that the spread of COVID-19 from people who do not show symptoms is "very rare," later conceding that asymptomatic individuals can transmit the virus. There were also early concerns about the threat of different modes of transmission, either through surfaces or feces, and Deonandan said that caused confusion about how to prevent infection at a critical time. "It seems now that almost all of it is being driven by droplets and aerosol, mostly droplets," he said. "So we can direct our efforts toward controlling droplet transmission, and that would help us mitigate a second wave." That's why physical distancing, proper hand hygiene and wearing masks when appropriate are essential tools in fighting the spread of COVID-19. Evan Mitsui/CBC Jason Kindrachuk, an assistant professor of viral pathogenesis at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg and Canada Research Chair of emerging viruses, said we can use our increased understanding of transmission to fend off future waves. "We're better prepared than we were the first round because we have a better idea of what this virus is and a little bit more about how it behaves," he said. "We've learned probably around five to 10 years worth of research in the last six months." Yet while we know more now about the virus in order to prevent infection, Kindrachuk said the first wave has exposed our vulnerabilities, especially in long-term care homes, where more than 6,000 Canadians have died from COVID-19. "If the virus hits a resurgence in Canada again," he said, "as long as we can try and limit the spread within those vulnerable communities, we know that the majority of the rest of the population is manageable." Hoffman said he hopes we've learned enough about protecting long-term care home residents and ensuring employees are supported to take necessary precautions in order to prevent more outbreaks in the months ahead. WATCH | 'Home is the safest place' for seniors to be: "That's what has allowed this outbreak to continue for longer, affecting more vulnerable people, and as a result has meant that we are only able to start lifting these layers of protection at a later point after other countries have already been able to do so," he said. "It's just a total disaster and so preventable." A group of Asian tourists arrive to have their photograph taken in front of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, in this photo taken on May 8, 2012. (Greg Wood/AFP/GettyImages) Australians Less Trusting of China, Support Decoupling, and Tougher Sanctions on Chinese Officials: Poll A new Lowy Institute poll has revealed trust in China has dropped since 2018. Australians are also supportive of economic decoupling from the communist state, and keen for tough new laws to sanction Chinese officials. Trust in China has been on a downward trend for the last three years, with just 23 percent of respondents saying they trusted China either a great deal or somewhat. This is a drop from 52 percent of Australians in 2018 saying they trusted China to some degree. The Lowy poll was conducted via telephone or mobile with 2,448 adults between the 16 to 29 March 2020. Overall, Australians were less trusting of other countries with the percentage of positive responses falling since 2018 for China (23 percent), Russia (24 percent), Indonesia (36 percent), India (45 percent), and the United States (51 percent) The fall in trust towards the United States may be attributed to increasing issues surrounding inaccurate reporting in the media and fake news on the Donald Trump presidency, which has been blamed for distorting the publics perception of the United States. Despite this, 55 percent of Australians believed the Australia-United States alliance was more important to the country, compared to the 40 percent who thought the same about the Australia-China relationship. Australians have become warier of China with 41 percent of respondents believing China is more of a security threat to Australia compared to 12 percent in 2018. Australians were also more supportive of moves to sanction Chinese officials involved in human rights abuses with 82 percent agreeing with such a policy, and only 17 percent opposing. On Dec. 3, 2019, the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade launched an inquiry into whether Australia should implement new Magnitsky laws which would allow the government to sanction officials involved in human rights abuse. Sanctions include freezing assets and banning officials (including family and relatives) from travelling to Australia. Majority of Aussies Want to Reduce Reliance on China The poll also found Australians were less positive about the trading relationship with China with the latest results showing 55 percent of respondents saying China is a viable economic partner representing a major drop from 82 percent in 2018. A large majority of Australians were also keen to decouple trade and economic reliance on China with 94 percent saying they were keen to find other markets to establish trade relationships. Only 5 percent of respondents opposed the idea. The poll was conducted before the onset of a Beijing-instigated trade dispute with Australia that has seen it impose tariffs on Australian barley imports and ban imports from four Australian abattoirs. The biggest threat to the countrys interest was drought and water shortages with 77 percent saying they saw this as a critical threat. The next major threats were COVID-19 (76 percent), a global economic downturn (71 percent), bushfires and floods (67 percent), and climate change (59 percent). Under the same question, Australians found the following important but not critical threats including: military conflict between the United States and China over Taiwan (54 percent); the rise of authoritarian systems in government (51 percent); Irans nuclear program (50 percent); foreign interference in Australian politics (50 percent); and dissemination of false information or fake news (48 percent). 3dfoto/iStockBY: BEGNJAMIN SIEGEL, ABC NEWS (NEW YORK) Ritchie Torres said that fourteen years ago he was a teenager struggling with depression and his sexual identity. "I felt as if the world around me had collapsed," he said. "There were moments when I even thought of taking my own life. Years later, after becoming the youngest member of the New York City Council, he's on the verge of possibly representing the South Bronx in Washington, DC. "The lesson learned from my life is that even in the moment of greatest darkness, never lose hope," he said. Torres and attorney Mondaire Jones are leading crowded fields in primaries to replace retiring Reps. Jose Serrano and Nita Lowey. While neither race has been called by the Associated Press or ABC News, as absentee ballots have yet to be counted, both, should they win, could become the first openly gay Black members of Congress. With these two candidates, we are on the cusp of achieving history, Alphonso David, the president of the Human Rights Campaign, told ABC News. Jones, an attorney who worked in the Justice Department under President Obama and the Westchester County Law Department, received endorsements from Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He leads an eight-candidate field in a district that includes portions of New Yorks Westchester and Rockland Counties in New York Citys northern suburbs. This is a huge victory for the progressive movement and for the working people of New Yorks 17th Congressional District, Jones told ABC News. Government has never worked for everyone, its only ever worked for a subset of the American people, and Im running to change that. Torres, who identifies as Afro-Latino and would also be the first gay Latino member of Congress, is ahead in a 12-candidate contest that includes City Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr., a Pentecostal minister and social conservative with a history of anti-gay and homophobic remarks. While some progressive activists worried that a splintered primary field would give Diaz Sr. a path to victory, he trails Torres and state assemblyman Michael Blake, after a number of outside groups, including the Human Rights Campaign, poured money into the race and ran ads against him. Groups lined up and said, We hope you support our candidate, but dont support Ruben Diaz Sr, said Annise Parker, the former mayor of Houston who serves as president and CEO of the LGBTQ Victory Fund, which supports LGBTQ candidates for political office. We cant have that attitude and those beliefs in Congress, and I think that had an impact. "What better way to celebrate Pride than to defeat the politics of hate, the politics of homophobia," Torres told ABC News, calling his lead in the race "poetic justice." The number of LGBTQ members of Congress reached double digits for the first time in 2019, and could hit a record high of eleven, should both candidates win their primaries, and the sitting lawmakers win reelection. In interviews with ABC News, Jones and Torres discussed the need to further diversify representation in Congress as the nation grapples with racial inequality following the death of George Floyd in police custody in Minneapolis and the coronavirus continues to disproportionally impact communities of color. This country is facing a reckoning when it comes to racial justice issues, the Human Rights Campaigns David told ABC News. Voters are speaking up loudly about the path forward and how that path has to include people of color. Torres wants to "focus like a laser on affordable housing" when he arrives in Washington. Jones, who said he was raised by a single mother with the help of food assistance and subsidized housing, has called for monthly stimulus checks to Americans - $2,000 per adult and $1,000 per child to help families weather the coronavirus-induced recession, and has also endorsed Medicare-for-All. He said hes excited to bring my experiences to bear as we formulate policy at the federal level, and also serve as the role model to Americans that he never had. It is a [responsibility] I take very seriously, it is one that I know would have directly improved my life if I had that kind of representation growing up, he said. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. The dailies on Thursday, June 25, reported on the political cards that continue to play out each day with the move by ex Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri to launch a new party extensively covered. The papers have also reported on the whereabouts of Opposition leader Raila Odinga who has been the subject of social media debate for the better part of the week. READ ALSO: Ndegwa Njiru: Kirinyaga county assembly lawyer steals the show during Waiguru's impeachment hearing Kenyan newspapers for June 25. Photo: UGC. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Watu 64 wakamatwa wakijaribu kuvuka kizuizi cha Thika 1. Daily Nation Opposition leader Raila Odinga is in Dubai for "minor" surgery at a high-end hospital owned by the German nationals. Family Spokesperson and elder brother Oburu Odinga confirmed the reports indicating the former premier left the country on Sunday, June 21. Oburu dismissed speculation that the ODM leader was in China as was reported by some social media users. He confirmed Raila was in good health condition and would soon be back but refused to comment on how his travel was planned and who accompanied him. READ ALSO: Mutahi Ngunyi dismisses Mwangi Kiunjuri's new party TSP: "Yellow is the colour of withering things" Daily Nation newspaper for June 25. Photo: UGC. Source: UGC 2. The Star As Sirisia MP John Waluke awaits his sentencing today, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is eyeing the politician's KSh 313 million assets. The anti-graft agency CEO Twalib Mubarak said the commission is set to recover assets worth the aforementioned amount from the lawmaker. Mubarak said Waluke and his co-accused Grace Wakhungu, who were found guilty of defrauding National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) KSh 297 million, would pay for the crime. The two are remanded at Kililelshwa Police Station pending their sentencing today. The Star newspaper for June 25. Photo: UGC. Source: UGC 3. The Standard The publication hints the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader could collapse even before 2022. Basing its argument on previous unity pacts that have collapsed, the newspaper indicates the March 9, 2018 handshake between the two top leaders may suffer the same fate. Retired president Mwai Kibaki's handshake deal with Raila ended in acrimony and saw the latter chart his own political path in the run up to 2013 General Election. The much-hyped unity pact between Uhuru and Ruto which came at the time they were facing charges of crimes against humanity at the Hague is almost over. The two leaders appear to have parted ways and Ruto is seemingly charting his own path even after public declarations that Uhuru would support him in 2022. The Standard newspaper for June 25. Photo: UGC. Source: UGC 4. Taifa Leo The legacy of Kibaki has piled pressure on Uhuru whose two-year term would be ending in 2022, about two years from now. The reality of his dismal performance has hit him and the head of state has embarked on an overhaul of his team to ensure he has the right men and women who would support his course for the remaining period to enable him to leave a good legacy. Uhuru has also turned his focus in Mt Kenya region where he has initiated several projects in a bid to regain his popularity and influenced which had been assumed by his deputy. Taifa Leo newspaper for June 25. Photo: UGC. Source: UGC 5. People Daily The newspaper reports on the headache the government is grappling with in laying down plans for reopening of schools. The Ministry of Education was advised to ensure each classroom accommodates between 15 - 20 leaders, guideline that has become a tall order for the government considering many classrooms in our schools accommodate between a 30 - 50 learners. Further, schools are supposed to be fumigated regularly, have sanitisers, thermo guns and leaders provided with facemasks. The ministry is also supposed to train teachers on how to cope up with the new norm in schools hence, they would be required to report to two weeks before learners. People Daily newspaper for June 25. Photo: UGC. Source: UGC Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. My mother did not want me, I was called a man eater - Antony Wanjiru | My Story | Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke (CNN) Disney is delaying the phased reopening of Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, the company's flagship theme parks in California, the company said on Wednesday. The resort, located in Anaheim, California, was set to welcome back guests on July 17 after being closed for months because of the coronavirus pandemic. Disney did not give a new reopening date for the Disneyland resort. The company said that the State of California had indicated it would not issue theme park reopening guidelines "until sometime after July 4," according to a statement. "Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart our business, we have no choice but to delay the reopening of our theme parks and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials." Disney still must negotiate with its unions before the parks can be reopened. The company said it has had "positive discussions" and has signed agreements with 20 union affiliates. "Once we have a clearer understanding of when guidelines will be released, we expect to be able to communicate a reopening date," the statement said. This story was first published on CNN.com Disney is postponing the reopening of Disneyland Kuwaits parliament has further extended the self-quarantine of its members for ten more days after a coffee boy tested positive for novel covid-19, Gulf News reports. The attendant, an expat who serves drinks to the lawmakers tested positive for the virus and the ministry of health urged the parliament members who had been in contact with him recently to self-quarantine. The parliament has been suspended and the lawmakers to self-isolate after one of the lawmakers was suspected to have been infected. The alleged infected MP according to the Speaker of the parliament, Speaker Marzouq Al Ghanem, had attended a session of the assembly held on June 16 when the ministers of finance and education was summoned to answer questions. The Gulf country is launching today, June 25, the second phase of the five-phase plan to return to normal life. The phase to last three week, will see the curfew shortened to between 9pm and 6am, allowed work force in government and private sectors should be less than 30 per cent, in addition to the resumption of work in the construction sector, banking, malls opening for eight hours and according to special instructions; parks and pick-ups from restaurants, Gulf News reports. The Gulf country according to Worldometer has 41,879 confirmed cases including 337 death. 32,809 people have recovered. Hundreds of out-of-work Alabamians waited for hours Wednesday in a Montgomery parking lot for the chance to meet with a representative of the Alabama Department of Labor. Many sat outdoors through the night in intermittent rain in hopes of speaking face-to-face with someone about administrative issues that caused the state to deny their claims for unemployment benefits. Nora Hardy, 62, was the first person in line for help Wednesday morning. She does not have reliable transportation, so a friend drove her from Mobile to Montgomery, where she secured her spot in the lengthy queue around 7 p.m. Tuesday. Hardy, who was laid off from her job at a car rental service earlier this year, sat on a folding chair overnight to ensure she would be able to talk to a Department of Labor employee about restarting her unemployment benefits after they were canceled six weeks ago due to an error she made filling out a claim form. Hardy said she spent seven hours waiting for assistance at a Department of Labor career center in Mobile only to be told her issue could only be resolved if she met with one of the departments employees inside the Dunn-Oliver Acadome, an indoor arena on the campus of Alabama State University in Montgomery. My husband passed away so I really do need the income, she said. Its really pitiful for America to be going through this. Last month, the state declared that people seeking help with many common unemployment concerns must travel to the Montgomery arena, the only place where specially trained state employees are offering assistance. That directive has combined with widespread economic insecurity and an overwhelmed department phone system to drive masses of unemployed people to travel from across the state to Montgomery every day. Across Alabama, as many businesses have cut costs and some have shut down for good, the COVID-19 pandemic has left hundreds of thousands of residents jobless. More than two-dozen such people said in interviews outside the Acadome early Wednesday that they had been left with no other option but to brave the capitals coronavirus outbreak, long wait times and inclement weather to address concerns including improperly completed forms and unexpected revocations. Hundreds of people are lined up here at Alabama State University in Montgomery, the only site in Alabama where the Dept. of Labor is helping ppl w/ many basic unemployment claim issues, most of which cant be handle via phone or online. People started lining up at 7 pm last night pic.twitter.com/WWIFruAYaR Connor Sheets (@ConnorASheets) June 24, 2020 Tara Hutchison, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Labor, said agency employees have met with more than 12,000 people over the past seven weeks at the arena and at a previous Montgomery location. She said via phone Wednesday that six to ten department employees work at the Acadome daily and that they meet with a total of 300 people each weekday. As of May, Alabamas unemployment rate was 9.9 percent and more than 308,000 people have received state unemployment checks in Alabama since March 16, Hutchison said. Were doing this as an added benefit to our claimants in order to provide them an avenue to get face-to-face time with our employees, she said. You know, weve heard a lot of complaints that its only in Montgomery. Well, the fact of the matter is that all of our Unemployment Compensation Division is located in Montgomery. There are no employees located statewide to do this in other locations. Gina Maiola, a spokeswoman for Gov. Kay Ivey, said via email that [t]he Department of Labor is doing all they can to help Governor Ivey get Alabama and her people back on their feet, which includes hosting these in-person times and venues, which are above and beyond that of the traditional methods. The governor believes that the people of Alabama deserve nothing less. Asked if it is reasonable or fair to expect people to wait outside for hours for help with basic unemployment issues, Hutchison said, as to what time the people arrive at Alabama State University, we have no control over that. Again, thats completely voluntary. Several people in the queue at the Montgomery facility Wednesday morning questioned why the Department of Labor could not allow people to make appointments for help resolving their unemployment questions, thereby avoiding the need for lengthy outdoor lines. Hutchison said the department is not equipped to offer such a service. An appointment system - Number one: We dont have the technology to do it. Number two: How would we enforce it? she said. Even if we did set up appointments, thats not necessarily going to stop those [people] from coming anyway, and then being turned away regardless. So the best system that we have been able to determine is the ticketing system. State unemployment benefits in Alabama are less generous than those offered in many other states. One out-of-work gig economy grocery deliverer from Birmingham said she received only $114 per week from the state until her benefits were halted earlier this month. Josh Gilmore, a diesel mechanic from Knoxville - an unincorporated community in Greene County - who has been out of work since March, said that he received $275 per week until his benefits were cut off. Gilmores fiancee, Frances DiMario, owns a landscaping company but has been forced into unemployment as a result of reduced demand for her companys services due to coronavirus-related cutbacks. She said the lack of options offered by the Department of Labor forced her and Gilmore to make the tough decision to spend some of their dwindling funds to travel to Montgomery on Wednesday. People cant afford their power bill, never mind getting here. Should I spend that $50 on the power bill or to come here today? she said. Id much rather be working than having to be sitting here dealing with this, because this is ridiculous. If there were work itd be a whole different story - and believe me Ive looked. Ill paint, Ill build a fence, Ill do whatever. Asked why the departments employees cant address issues like DiMarios at any of its offices in other cities across the state, Hutchison said the offices are only career centers with no employees on staff who have the necessary training to resolve complicated unemployment benefit disputes. The state of Alabama hasnt had unemployment offices in 15 years or more, she said, noting that because Alabama had low unemployment before the pandemic, the federally funded agency was ill-prepared to handle the sharp increase in claims since March. We all came in with reduced staff due to low unemployment, reduced budgets due to low unemployment, and then this happened basically overnight. Henry Brewster, an attorney in Mobile, has been working pro bono in recent months with the Mobile Bar Association and the South Alabama Volunteer Lawyers Program to help people who are having trouble obtaining unemployment insurance benefits. He said many of them are in desperate need of state assistance. These are folks who often have no resources, thats why the file for unemployment. Alabama has one of the lowest monthly unemployment benefits in the country, Brewster said. People lose their job, theyre often a rent check away from being evicted, theyve got families to care for, and when theres this kind of delay, then its causing these issues to become catastrophes. One of Brewsters clients, Lorren West, lost her employment with a Mobile museum on April 4 due to COVID-19 restrictions. She filed for unemployment the following day and received a monetary determination letter on April 8, but she says she has yet to receive a state unemployment check because her employer has failed to send the Department of Labor a letter explaining why she is unable to work. West said that if her issue is not resolved by the end of the day Thursday, she will likely drive to Montgomery to speak to a representative at the Acadome on Friday. She has already spent hours trying to get assistance via telephone and in person at the career center in Mobile, where she spoke with other unemployed people who were in dire straits. Luckily I had savings, but a lot of people dont have savings so they were losing their homes. That breaks my heart because if theres money thats due them, they shouldnt be losing their homes, she said. Im not a lazy person. I want to work. Im not committing fraud or anything. Im just a 58-year-old single woman trying to move through lifes journey the best I can. A state Department of Labor employee gave Lorren West a flier about the department's in-person meetings in Montgomery. The number of people the department can meet with at Alabama State University per day has dropped to 300 since this flier was printed. (Courtesy Lorren West) James Murray said he drove to Montgomery from Tuskegee early Tuesday, hoping to see a Department of Labor representative later that day, but was already too late for one of the 300 coveted daily slots when he arrived at 2 a.m. So he returned that evening to secure one of the first spots in line to see someone on Wednesday. We got here last night at 9 oclock. Thats the only way you can stand a chance is to come that far ahead of time, he said a few minutes before 5 a.m. Wednesday. On March 15, the 71-year-old was laid off from his food service job due to the coronavirus. He received unemployment checks for six weeks, but said they were discontinued in May when the Department of Labor claimed he had committed fraud by working while receiving unemployment benefits. He denies the allegation, saying that he has not worked since he was laid off, but was told by a department employee that the only way he could make his case that he did not defraud the government was to appear in person at the Acadome. I hope to get reinstated because I do have email correspondence from my employer stating that I havent been working since March 15, he said, clutching a stack of papers several inches tall. I dont care how much or how little it is. Im entitled to something. Many of the people who were waiting in line - six feet from one another to enforce social distancing - early Wednesday said they had tried for weeks to get help and that seeking in-person assistance in Montgomery was their last resort. Mona Williams arrived outside the arena at 3:45 a.m. Wednesday after spending dozens of hours trying in vain to get help via phone and online. The Prattville media professional said she is being denied unemployment benefits because the state has yet to receive a separation letter from her employer. But she says thats only because the Department of Labors fax lines have been busy since she went on furlough from her job earlier this month. Ive been unable to get anyone on the telephone. I have three people trying to fax the letter of separation 30 to 40 times a day and they havent been able to get through for eight days and the deadline is Thursday for my employer to respond, she said. Im going to show them the documentation and hopefully theyll get it corrected and theyll get me my money. Every one of the more than two-dozen people who spoke with AL.com on Wednesday criticized the Department of Labor for being unable to address their concerns without requiring them to wait outdoors for hours. When you do get people on the phone theyre not trained to do anything, DiMario said. And it seems to me there should be more locations open. Hutchison said that the department receives more than 210,000 phone calls each day and that it is not equipped to handle that many calls. We do understand that getting in touch with us on the telephone is extremely difficult and that is simply due to the fact that we have an overwhelming volume of calls and claims coming in on a daily basis, she said. Pierre Hines traveled from Oxford to Montgomery Wednesday morning in hopes of finding a way for his unemployment benefits to resume. The father of three was temporarily laid off from his job as a field technician for New Flyer of America in March due to the pandemic and has yet to return to work. He received benefits for several weeks but said the checks stopped coming in May after the Department of Labor claimed he owed the state money dating back to a two-week spell of unemployment in 2011. He said he told a department representative over the phone that he has documentation that he paid the less than $200 nearly a decade ago, but that he was told he could only make a case for his benefits to be reinstated if he met with a representative in Montgomery. I like working, but I need unemployment. I got a wife, kids, a house. I need it, he said. Its hurting. Im hoping itll get resolved today. It needs to get resolved. (Katy Kildee/kkildee@mdn.net) Trinseo, a global materials company and manufacturer of plastics, latex binders and synthetic rubber, announced a $100,000 donation for flood recovery efforts related to the aftermath of the historic flooding that occurred in Midland County last month. Ensuring our employees and the communities we operate in are safe is the top priority at Trinseo, said Frank Bozich, Trinseo president and CEO. The devastation caused by this disaster has put many at risk in numerous ways. In turn, the tragedy has inspired those near and far to pull together and offer support, ensuring that no matter how long the healing process takes, resources will be available for Midland County to emerge stronger than before. Trinseo is committed and proud to support the Midland community and our employees along the road to recovery. The Morrison government is facing an open backbench revolt over the decision to ban personal imports of the liquid nicotine used for vaping, with 28 Coalition MPs signing a letter condemning the restrictions announced last week. MPs from across the Liberal and National parties including Queensland senator Matt Canavan, Liberal MP Tim Wilson and former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce are among the backbenchers who have urged Health Minister Greg Hunt to reverse his decision. Health Minister Greg Hunt faces a growing backlash over an import ban on vaping liquids. Credit:AP The regulatory change approved by Mr Hunt will prohibit the importing of vaping liquid refills used in e-cigarettes from July 1. The restriction has been welcomed by many in the medical community but criticised by vaping supporters who argue it is a healthier alternative to traditional smoking. In the letter to Mr Hunt, seen by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, 28 MPs warned "onerous regulatory requirements" will effectively ban people from buying vaping liquids and cause them to revert to smoking. NRL fans will have to show their drivers licences at stadium gates in NSW as part of biosecurity measures in order to keep travelling Victorians out. ARL Commission chair Peter Vlandys confirmed on Thursday that only club members will have access to match tickets when capped crowds return next week. Supporters will then have to bring identification when they arrive at the grounds, with any Victorian residents to be turned away. The AFL is expected to follow suit, after NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard revealed he had obtained assurances from both the NRL and AFL that they would not allow Victorian fans into games in NSW due to concern about the coronavirus spike in that state. Kosovar Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti has canceled his participation in U.S.-brokered talks with Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic that had been scheduled at the White House in Washington on June 27. The move comes a day after a prosecutor at The Hague indicted Kosovo's President Hashim Thaci, former parliamentary chairman Kadri Veseli, and others for war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed during or after the 1998-99 Kosovo war. "Due to the new developments in Pristina as a result of the indictment submitted by the Specialized Prosecutor's Office, I have to return to my country to deal with the situation," Hoti tweeted on June 25 from Brussels, where he was scheduled to meet with European officials. Both Hoti and Thaci had been scheduled to meet in Washington with Serbia's president for talks aimed at normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina. Thaci's office said on June 24 after the indictments were announced that the Kosovar president was cutting short his trip to the United States and would be back in Kosovo on June 25. The Specialist Prosecutors Office (SPO) at The Hague said on June 24 that Thaci, Veseli, and others "are criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders," as well as the "enforced disappearance of persons, persecution, and torture." Hoti was still going ahead with his meetings in Brussels on June 25 with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President Charles Michel, European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Oliver Varhelyi, and Chairman of the European Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee David McAllister. 'Hundreds Of Known Victims' Those talks were expected to focus on Kosovo's response to the coronavirus pandemic, the European Commissions support for economic recovery, and visa liberalization for citizens of Kosovo, Hoti said on Facebook on June 22. Speaking in Brussels on June 25, Hoti said he'd made the decision to cancel his trip to Washington in consultation with Richard Grenell, the U.S. special envoy for Serbia and Kosovo negotiations. Hoti also said there was "no alternative" to dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia, adding that Kosovo had proper institutional prudence to overcome any situation it faced. "Issues related to justice, such as yesterday's decision, I believe should not be commented on," Hoti said. "But they should be fully respected." The White House meeting between Hoti, Thaci, and Vucic had been announced on June 15 by Grenell after he'd received commitments from both countries to attend the meeting. Grenell said on Twitter on June 24 that he respected Thaci's decision not to attend the White House talks "until the legal issues of those allegations are settled." There was no immediate reaction from Washington to Hoti's cancellation. The SPO said the indictments against Thaci and Veseli were for alleged crimes against "hundreds of known victims" -- including "Kosovo Albanian, Serb, Roma, and other ethnicities and [including] political opponents." Thaci and Veseli were commanders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK), an ethnic Albanian guerrilla group that fought against Belgrade's security forces in the 1998-99 Kosovo war. Veseli, who currently leads the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) and continues to serve as a lawmaker, denied "any involvement in any crime" and said he is "proud to have taken part in the liberation war of the Kosovo people." Veseli rejected the prosecutor's claims as "completely untrue." Thaci has previously denied involvement in any war crimes. A 10-count indictment was filed with the Kosovo Specialist Chambers (KSC) in The Hague on April 24. The prosecutor decided to unveil them publicly two months later. Prosecutors said the charges resulted from a "lengthy investigation" and they were confident they can prove "all charges beyond a reasonable doubt." A KSC pretrial judge is currently reviewing the indictment to decide on whether to confirm the charges. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) The government carried out a targeted strict quarantine policy in Cebu City, locking down a number of barangays to contain the spread of COVID-19, Roy Cimatu, overseer of the Interagency Task Force (IATF) in Cebu City, said on Thursday. The following barangays were deemed "hotspots" due to the high number of COVID-19 infections: -Sambag Dos -Kamputhaw -Sambag Uno -Basak San Nicolas -Mabolo -Guadalupe -Lahug -Duljo -Tinago -Tisa -Ermita -Tejero Cimatu said he will hold a meeting with the chairmen of the 12 barangays to explain the spike in cases. "We will make the barangay captain responsible," he said in a virtual briefing held in Cebu City. The city is under an enhanced community quarantine until June 30. It registered 4,216 infections as of June 24, the worst of any city nationwide. Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella said the new quarantine passes will be distributed under strict supervision after all previously issued 250,000 permits were revoked on Tuesday. Without a quarantine pass, residents are no longer allowed to travel outside of their barangays and only workers in essential services will be allowed to leave their homes. The new guidelines limit a household to one pass, which can be used by a designated member to go out for essential errands such as buying food or medicine. Labella said a market schedule may be carried out. Cimatu said authorities are implementing similar measures in Cebu City that were carried out in Metro Manila while it was under ECQ. Over 160 Philippine National Police-Special Action Force commandos and 200 police personnel have been deployed in Cebu City to make sure people follow stay-at-home rules and health guidelines. The Office of the Governor also issued a memorandum on Wednesday on border restrictions for barangays. All barangay chairmen are required to implement border controls to limit the entry of people. The memorandum states that all residents of the barangay subject to health protocols will be allowed entry, including locally stranded individuals, overseas Filipino workers, and all other permitted persons by the IATF resolutions and executive orders of the governor. COVID-19 Task Force Chief Implementer Carlito Galvez said there is a possibility of expanding strict quarantine protocols in the whole province of Cebu. Nakikita natin ganun ang gagawin natin. Thats why ang instruction ni Secretary (Eduardo) Ano ay paigtingin yung stringent protocols, Galvez told CNN Philippines. [Translation: We are expecting to do that. Because the instruction of Secretary Ano is to intensify stringent protocols.] He added, Nakita po natin na medyo kulang yung awareness ng mga tao sa minimum health standards. Yung participation ng public ay importante talaga. [Translation: We saw that people have only slight awareness about minimum health standards. Public participation is really important.] The national government earlier pointed out that critical care capacity in the city is reaching dangerous levels, with some hospitals running out of beds for COVID-19 patients. [June 25, 2020] Mlegal Rebrands as Macrae Ahead of Expansion in Key Legal Markets Mlegal, a premier global legal search firm, announced today that going forward it will be known as Macrae. The firm's complete rebrand to Macrae, which includes a new website and positioning, reflects its growth from a two-recruiter team in Northern California in 2001 to a powerhouse transatlantic boutique with a strong and growing footprint in four of the world's most important legal markets: London, New York, Northern California, and Washington, D.C. "Several years ago we set our sights on expansion beyond California. We envisioned assembling a dream team of recruiters at the top of their game who would collaborate seamlessly to deliver a far more sophisticated and expert service focused on law firm partner recruitment than anything else out there. I'm proud to say we've done it. We're excited to enter our next phase as Macrae, with a new look and a unique business model for which we see growing demand," said Founder and Chairman Joe Macrae, who launched the firm in Palo Alto (News - Alert) after building a successful legal recruitment company in London. Over the past several years Macrae has attracted some of the most highly regarded recruiters in the legal market, including Natasha Innocenti in Northern California, Melinda Wallman and Andy Russell in London, and Jane Roberts in Washington, D.C. The firm further bolstered its New York and D.C. presence with the recent additions of Robert Delicate and Lauren Drake, respectively. "Macrae distinguishes itself from our peers by virtue of our boutique size, gender diversity and laser-focus on senior partner moves and government attorneys transitioning to private practice," Innocenti observed. "However, it's our philosophy of 'collective intelligence' that truly sets us apart and enables us to provide unparalleled service to our clients. The way we work together across offices is both extraordinary and refreshing, something I'd never before seen in my two-decade career before coming on board." Added Roberts, "We've invested significantly in creating a robust knowledge sharing system that captures the crucial information our clients care about. Every Macrae team member has this data at their fingertips 24-7, allowing us to convey to clients more real-time detail about the marketplace than any other firm." Current trends Macrae has identified as impacting the legal recruiting marketplace include: Since mid-March there has been a rise in strategic lateral recruiting activity as well as a notable increase in the movement of large practice groups between firms. In an era of restricted travel, serving clients' needs requires a local presence and some firms will consequently set up shop for the first time in new cities. Partners - in particular those with large books of business - are increasingly re-evaluating where they are and where they want to be. This is due to Covid-19 exacerbating problems and/or creating new ones for some law firms, including financial weakness, the impact of leverage, practice concentrations, practices enhanced or passed over due to the virus or its impact, and the need for leadership to cope with rapid change. Zoom recruiting has proven easier than expected and has the added benefit of compressing the hiring process. Calls can be scheduled and completed with the entire management team of a law firm in one week, effectively replacing in-person meetings that sometimes took months to organize prior to Covid-19. "One size fits all" has never applied to law firms, but hiring strategies are more pronounced than ever. Some firms are now focusing on a few specific locations, others are snapping up exceptional talent wherever they find it, and placing "Covid-19 holds" on mid-sized deals has become commonplace. Visit Macrae.com to learn more. About Macrae Founded in 2001, Macrae has grown from its San Francisco Bay Area origins to become an internationally recognized elite legal search practice representing many of the most successful and innovative law firms in the United States and Europe. The company has offices in London, New York, San Francisco, Palo Alto, and Washington, D.C. To learn more about Macrae, please visit Macrae.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005310/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Temperature Sensors market is accounted for $ 5.29 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $ 9.56 billion by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. Some of the key factors such as the recent technical advancement in petrochemical manufacturing, growing approval of home and building automation systems, rising massive demand for medical sensors due to increase in the number of diseases are driving the growth of the market. However, accessibility of various technologies, and refuse in pc market which is restraining the growth of the market. Request For Report Sample @ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/12129 Temperature Sensor is only a device ordinarily a RTD or thermocouple accommodates temperature estimation through an electrical sign. 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Obviously, to expect a newly-promoted side to go out and match Manchester United with all of their resources would be ridiculous on first glance but the manner in which Thomas Franks side dominated in the first-half left the Dane ruining their second-half showing. Wolves, however, are unlikely to be anywhere near as bad as United were at times. Bob Moses says America is at a lurching moment for racial change, potentially as transforming as the Civil War era and the 1960s civil rights movement that he helped lead. What we are experiencing now as a nation has only happened a couple times in our history, said Moses, a main organizer of the 1964 Freedom Summer project in Mississippi. These are moments when the whole nation is lurching, and its not quite sure which way its going to lurch. Moses, now 85 and still active with The Algebra Project he founded, was among the many people, Black and white, who risked jail time, assaults and even assassination in the battles against racial segregation and for voting rights in the South. Associated Press reporters asked some of the leaders their thoughts on the current protests across the country sparked by police slayings of Black men in Minneapolis and Atlanta. We have kind of the perfect storm, said the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a close aide to the slain Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and leader of the Chicago-based Rainbow PUSH Coalition, an organization that fights for social change. Youve got COVID-19, youve got Code Blue police brutality you have poverty, and you have Trump. Studies show that Black people have suffered disproportionately from the coronavirus, the resulting economic downturn and at the hands of police, and polls show most are opposed to President Donald Trump, a Republican. Jackson noted, though, its not just Black people taking to the streets in large numbers. They have been more massive, more rainbow and more global, said Jackson, 78. Bobby Seale, 83, who co-founded the Black Panther Party with the late Huey Newton in 1966, said he finds todays demonstrations fantastic for drawing hundreds of thousands of people, far greater numbers that he could muster back in his day. I love it, Seale said, laughing, from his Oakland home. Andrew Young, a King lieutenant, marvels at both the sizes and the spontaneity of the protests. The former Democratic congressman, Atlanta mayor and United Nations ambassador recalled activists spending three months to organize for a 1963 Birmingham, Alabama, campaign in which King and other protesters were jailed. He said only a fraction of the 500 demonstrators sought showed up. Our mobilization was inconsequential, said Young, 88, explaining that Kings letter from the jail and an economic boycott proved more powerful. James Meredith, who turns 87 today, has seen himself on a lifelong mission from God to topple white supremacy. He said Monday from his home in Jackson, Mississippi, that its a sign from God that a young girl filmed George Floyds death at the hands of Minneapolis police. Meredith says that kind of visual evidence calls attention to continued violence against Black people. Every time it looks like its going to be over, the same thing thats been happening now for 500 years happens over and over, said Meredith, who became the first African American to enroll at the University of Mississippi in 1962 amid violent protests by white people. He survived being shot by a white man in 1966 while on a march against fear. St. Louis activist Percy Green, 84, who gained national attention in 1964 for scaling the Gateway Arch to protest the exclusion of Blacks from federal contracts and jobs as the Arch was being built, said the 1960s protests had clear goals. This is reactive, though, said Green, a veteran civil rights activist. What we did back then was proactive. So they are going to have to keep this up to get change. Green and Seale said activists should use the energy from the multiracial, multiethnic coalition growing in streets to register new voters for lasting political change. Jackson suggested the demonstrators should broaden their focus beyond the need for police reforms. Now my concern there is that the police issue is the epidermis, the skin layer of our crisis, Jackson said. Racism is bone deep; its not just police. Even Seale, who was charged with conspiracy and inciting a riot in the wake of the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, said: They have to keep it peaceful. I dont believe in rioting. Former Democratic U.S. Sen. Fred Harris, 89, the last surviving member of the 1968 Kerner Commission, a panel that examined the urban riots of the time, said hes as angry as these protesters because racism, inequality and poverty persists all these years later. He warned that violence leads to more repression. Im hopeful, though, Harris, who is white, said from his Corrales, New Mexico, home. At Least 22 Officers Injured Following Disorder at Unlawful Street Party in London LONDONAt least 22 police officers were slightly injured after a street party in the south London district of Brixton that violated COVID-19 lockdown restrictions descended into violence. In a statement Thursday, the Metropolitan Police said they were called overnight to a large unlicensed music event in the street and that officers unsuccessfully sought to encourage the crowd to leave. As a result, it said, more police officers arrived and the revellers started turning hostile. Footage on social media showed that a number of police vehicles were smashed and bottles thrown at officers. Police said none of the officers suffered serious injury but that two required hospital treatment. Police said four people were arrested for assault and public order offenses and they remain in police custody. Home Secretary Priti Patel described the images as utterly vile scenes and said she would be speaking to the Metropolitan Polices top police officer, Cressida Dick. Police commander Colin Wingrove said the violence was totally unacceptable and an investigation is now taking place. Last night we received numerous concerns from residents complaining about a large gathering, noise, anti-social behaviour and violence, and officers responded to those concerns, he said. These gatherings are unlawful, as well as posing a risk to public health and against coronavirus restrictions. Under lockdown restrictions in England, groups are limited to six people but the warm weather over much of the past few weeks has seen far bigger gatherings take place. Wednesday was the hottest day of the year so far in the U.K., with temperatures in the capital hitting more than 32 degrees Celsius (90F). London Mayor Sadiq Khan said large gatherings during the pandemic are deeply irresponsible and are a risk to life. Im in touch with the Met Police about the completely unacceptable events in Brixton overnight, he said. Violence against the police will not be tolerated. By Pan Pylas A collection of Seattle businesses, property owners and residents sued the city Wednesday over its tolerance of an 'occupied' protest zone, saying officials have been complicit in depriving them of their rights to their property. The plaintiffs - including a tattoo parlor, auto repair shop and property management firm - emphasized in the lawsuit that they were not trying to undermine the anti-police-brutality or Black Lives Matter messaging of the 'Capitol Hill Occupied Protest.' 'Rather, this lawsuit is about the constitutional and other legal rights of plaintiffs - businesses, employees, and residents in and around CHOP - which have been overrun by the city of Seattle's unprecedented decision to abandon and close off an entire city neighborhood, leaving it unchecked by the police, unserved by fire and emergency health services, and inaccessible to the public at large,' the lawsuit said. The Seattle City Attorney's Office said it had not yet seen the lawsuit but would review it. Pictured: Protesters march through the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) on June 24, 2020 in Seattle, Washington Pictured: Visitors walk by the barricades, Wednesday, June 24, 2020, near the Seattle Police East Precinct building inside the CHOP (Capitol Hill Occupied Protest) zone in Seattle. The area has been occupied since a police station was largely abandoned after clashes with protesters Pictured: A cutout image of a man holding a firearm, called ANTI-FAiry and created by activists to critique the recent manipulation and misleading use of the mans image by Fox News, is seen at an entrance in the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) on June 24, 2020 The 'occupation' began June 8 when the Seattle Police Department, following days of intense clashes with demonstrators in the wake of George Floyd's killing by Minneapolis police, abandoned its East Precinct building in the densely populated Capitol Hill neighborhood. Protesters moved police barricades to block traffic, and scores camped in a nearby park. The protest has drawn the scorn of President Donald Trump, who asserted it was being run by anarchists. A festive atmosphere has prevailed for much of the time since then, with participants painting a large Black Lives Matter mural on the street and volunteers handing out free food. But openly armed 'sentinels' have also kept watch, and the atmosphere has sometimes been more menacing at night. Police said typical response times to emergency calls in the area, which stretched several blocks, had tripled. Mayor Jenny Durkan has expressed support for the protest, calling it 'a peaceful expression of our community's collective grief and their desire to build a better world,' and the city has helped it by providing different barricades to better protect participants from vehicles. Pictured: People walk by barricades in the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) on June 24, 2020 in Seattle, Washington Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, pictured, speaks during a news conference Monday, June 22, 2020, in Seattle. Faced with growing pressure to crack down on an "occupied" protest zone following two weekend shootings, Durkan said Monday that officials will move to wind down the blocks-long span of city streets taken over two weeks ago Pictured: A street sign at the intersection of 11th Ave. and Pine St. has been changed to read "George Floyd Way," Wednesday, June 24, 2020, inside the CHOP (Capitol Hill Occupied Protest) zone in Seattle But following three shootings in the area on consecutive nights beginning last weekend, Durkan said this week the city would wind down the protest zone, at first by encouraging demonstrators to leave voluntarily, and that police would return to the precinct. But neither she nor Police Chief Carmen Best gave a specific timeline for when that would happen. Patty Eakes, an attorney for the plaintiffs, separately told Durkan in a letter Wednesday that she wanted the mayor's office to provide a timeline by Friday for clearing out the protest and returning police, or the plaintiffs would ask the court for an immediate order that full public access be restored. 'City leadership have been on the ground daily having discussions with demonstrators, residents and businesses and trusted community-based, Black-led organizations to determine a path forward that protects the right to peacefully protest and keeps people safe,' the mayor's office said in a written statement. In the class-action lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court, about a dozen businesses, residents and property owners said they had sometimes been threatened for photographing protesters in public areas or for cleaning graffiti off their storefronts. Pictured: A sign on the street welcomes visitors and a list of demands is posted Wednesday, June 24, 2020, inside the CHOP (Capitol Hill Occupied Protest) zone in Seattle Pictured: Protesters block Interstate 5 after marching from the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) on June 24, 2020 Pictured: Protesters surround a car as they block Interstate 5 after marching from the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) on June 24, 2020 in Seattle, Washington Pictured: Protesters block Interstate 5 after marching from the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) on June 24, 2020 in Seattle, Washington The owner of the auto shop Car Tender said a burglar broke in the night of June 14, started a fire using hand sanitizer as an accelerant, and then attacked his son with a knife when confronted. The owner and his son managed to put out the fire and detain the burglar, the complaint said, but police never responded to their 911 calls. A large crowd of 'CHOP participants' then came to the scene and forced the owner to release the arsonist, it said. Other businesses, including the family-run label manufacturing company Richmark Label, said they had been unable to send or receive packages because delivery companies won't go near the protest zone or because access to their loading dock had been blocked by barricades. Pictured: The entrance to the Seattle Police Department's vacated East Precinct is covered with posters, banners and graffiti in the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) on June 23, 2020 in Seattle, Washington Pictured: Photos of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Oluwatoyin Sala are shown on a barricade in front of the Seattle Police Department's East Precinct building, Wednesday, June 24, 2020, inside the CHOP Pictured: A sign on the street welcomes visitors, Wednesday, June 24, 2020, inside the CHOP (Capitol Hill Occupied Protest) zone in Seattle Pictured: Graffiti bearing the name of George Floyd is seen in Cal Anderson Park in the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) on June 24, 2020 in Seattle Magdalena Sky, the proprietor of Tattoos and Fortune, said in the complaint she is a supporter of Black Lives Matter but that her business was down severely due to the protest. A physical therapist and wine shop also said clients or customers had been afraid to enter the area. The complaint said that the city's decision to turn over the blocks and a nearby park to the demonstrators deprived them of their property rights without due process and amounted to an illegal gift of public property to the protesters. The plaintiffs are seeking damages for lost business, property damage and deprivation of their property rights as well as the restoration of full public access. Pictured: A message in support of Black Lives Matter is seen on a hotel along a protest route as people march through Seattle from the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) on June 23, 2020 in Seattle Pictured: A U-Haul truck sits parked next to public art in the shape of a fist in the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) on June 23, 2020 in Seattle, Washington Pictured: Protesters walk down Interstate 5 after marching there from the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) on June 23, 2020 in Seattle, Washington Mayor Jenny Durkan said at a news conference Monday that officials are working with the community to bring the 'Capitol Hill Occupied Protest' zone to an end after two weeks. The mayor said the violence was distracting from changes sought by thousands of peaceful protesters seeking to address racial inequity and police brutality. The area has drawn President Donald Trump's scorn. On Sunday night, a 17-year-old was shot in the arm at the edge of the CHOP, named for the Capitol Hill neighborhood near downtown. It followed a shooting Saturday that left a 19-year-old man dead and another person critically wounded. Pictured: People stand near tents setup outside of the Seattle Police Department's vacated East Precinct in the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) on June 23, 2020 in Seattle, Washington Pictured: Candles for victims of police violence and messages drawn in chalk by protesters are seen at the front entrance to the Seattle Police Department's Wast Precinct after protesters marched there from the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) on June 23, 2020 in Seattle, Washington Nineteen-year-old rapper Lorenzo Anderson was shot and killed on Saturday inside the autonomous zone in Seattle. His killer is yet to be arrested and there are mixed reports over their motive; some say it was a personal dispute, others are calling it a right wing attack. Protesters cordoned off the several-block area near a police station after clashes with officers following the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Seattle riot squads unleashed tear gas, pepper spray and flash-bangs on large crowds of mostly peaceful protesters, drawing condemnation from many city leaders and a federal court order temporarily banning the use of the weapons on demonstrators. Pictured: Graffiti in the shape of a fist is seen on a wall in the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) on June 24, 2020 in Seattle, Washington Pictured: A sign is posted near an entrance to the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) on June 23, 2020 in Seattle, Washington After police largely abandoned the East Precinct building, protesters took over the area - with demonstrators painting a large 'Black Lives Matter' mural on the street, handing out free food, playing music and planting a community garden. Its existence incensed Trump, who criticized Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, both Democrats. Peacefulness has prevailed during the day. On Monday, people lounged on the turf at a park, while volunteers handed out food, water and toiletries. Artists painted designs on wooden barricades, and a few candles burned in front of a sign on the police precinct listing people killed by officer. At night, however, the atmosphere becomes more charged, with demonstrators marching and openly armed volunteer guards keeping watch. Among the demands are calls to shift funding for police to community health or other social justice causes. In May, City & State published a story saying that state Sen. David Carlucci seemed to be in a good position to win the Democratic primary in the 17th Congressional District. A month later, with all of the in-person votes counted in the race to fill the retiring Rep. Nita Loweys seat, that forecasting was off. Absentee votes have yet to be tallied, but Mondaire Jones has built up a huge lead in the race. With 43% of the vote in the eight-way race, hes up more than 23 points on his nearest rival, Adam Schleifer. Carlucci is in a distant third. And Jones wasnt going to let this reporter forget it. I told you I was going to beat all of them! he said in a phone interview Wednesday, the day after election day. No offense, your reporting on this has been one of the most annoying things for me. So Im glad that you can stop writing that shit! Jones, a 33-year-old attorney from Rockland County, hasnt officially declared victory yet, but hes well on his way to becoming one of the first openly gay Black representatives in Congress. His win would be historic, but his identity made the campaign more difficult. Ive experienced more racism running for Congress than I have experienced homophobia, theres no question about that, Jones said. Including, frankly, racism from within the white gay community. Jones caught up with City & State after Election Day to dunk on some of his opponents, talk about his relationship with the Congressional Black Caucus and revel in the Hudson Valleys changing representation. How are the absentees looking for you? I think that we are going to increase our lead. Religious leaders in the ultra-Orthodox community delivered 3,215 votes for Adam Schleifer (on Tuesday). So if you were to remove that, I would have gotten like over 60% of the vote. And of course, their votes are not going to be reflected in the absentee ballots. So youre going to get at least the trend that you saw yesterday. And I expect it will be even better for me after you count absentee. Probably will be better for Evelyn (Farkas), too, than Adam, is my suspicion. But I dont know. I did not expect Evelyn to come in fourth place after raising like $1.5 million and being the only viable woman candidate in the race. I think a lot of people are surprised by how poorly she performed. I saw a map that showed you won almost every single precinct in Rockland County? I won 55% of New City, which is literally where David Carlucci lives, it is his base. And then I got over 40% of White Plains, where (Assembly Member) David Buchwald lives and represents. It was extraordinary. I wasnt expecting that high. I had a sense, because when I was at Pleasantville High School yesterday, most people who were going in there seemed to be supporting me, or told me that they were. And if I can win in Pleasantville given the demographics there (72% white and a high median income), I think it makes sense. Id like to win with over 50% of the vote, but I think we have a mandate regardless. You havent officially declared victory, right? Ehh. Other people have declared it for me (laughs). Theres a thin line between declaring victory and just putting out a positive statement. Ill tell you this. Some candidates might be constantly thinking about absentee ballots over the next three weeks until theyre counted. Its not going to be a second thought for me. Im currently writing about Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, the first and only openly gay member of Congress in New York I literally spoke to Sean maybe three hours ago. He was just like, In the 1980s, who could have predicted that youd have two gay and two Black members of Congress from Westchester? Im both. Youve got Jamaal Bowman (who is Black). Then you have (Maloney) as the other gay member of Congress. And then if you really want to do the Hudson Valley, you can throw Antonio Delgado (who is Black) in there. You got the endorsement from the Congressional LGBTQ Equality Caucus. Thats right. They were the first caucus to endorse me, actually. And then the Progressive Caucus came after? Yeah. And then after the poll came out, just a few days ago before the election, the CBC (Congressional Black Caucus) endorsed me, too. At the last second. (laughs) Yeaaah, you know. Politics. In particular, one person. (Rep. Greg Meeks, the CBC PAC chairman, seemed to be looking for an excuse not to endorse Jones, even though he was the only viable Black candidate in the race.) But it is what it is. Im just grateful. Im excited to be an active member of the caucus. Im not holding anything against anyone. Im really excited just to be a team player in Washington. While being an independent voice and a forceful advocate for the people in my district. Anything else? Im really excited, man. This is a really cool time in American history. In some ways its the worst of times, but in other ways its the best of times, to identify these silver linings and leverage these moments as opportunities to advance the progressive agenda and to get real reforms in areas like race and equality for the LGBTQ community. MILWAUKEE Under normal circumstances, there would be nothing particularly extraordinary about a group of aspiring surgical technicians gathering for a lab course at Milwaukee Area Technical College. But when a group of seven students sat around a room at the school's downtown campus earlier this month, they became some of the first collegians to return to the classrooms they had walked away from when the coronavirus pandemic hit. They also got a glimpse of what things could look like for college students across the country come fall. They all wore masks. They kept their distance when possible. They had their temperatures taken upon arrival and followed markings on the floor to their classrooms. Kimberly Lopez of West Allis has her gown tied as instructor Mary Kunicki, program director for the surgical tech program, talks through the process of properly putting on a surgical gown for a surgical tech class at Milwaukee Area Technical College in Milwaukee. At Wisconsin's technical colleges, the rapid shift to online learning was particularly challenging. Rather than heading home and switching on their laptops, students in hands-on programs saw their courses derailed as faculty struggled to replicate remotely the experience of drilling into a piece of metal with heavy machinery, or sitting behind the wheel of a semi-truck, or watching their students shimmy into a surgical gown. "There is no way to do this virtually," Mary Kunicki, director of the college's surgical technology program, said as she watched her students put on their gowns. "You can watch a million videos, but you have to do it." As a result, as most other colleges and universities plan for the fall, technical colleges are slowly bringing back some classes this summer so students can complete the courses they were forced to cut short. Most have started with make-up courses from the spring, with the intention to also start new in-person courses in the summer and fall. In person, online classes or a mix: Colleges' fall 2020 coronavirus reopening plans, detailed Of course, the colleges look and feel different. At MATC, students check in at a single point of entry and have their temperature taken by a screener contracted by the college. They have to fill out a health questionnaire and complete a 30-minute training course on campus expectations. Story continues There are signs everywhere telling students and staff where to go and where not to go. Areas of the buildings are blocked off to sections that are cleaned regularly. Masks are required. Stickers on the floor tell people where to stand. Elevators are limited to four people at a time. It's all part of planning that has been underway since March 16, when the campus first closed. By late June, MATC planned to have about 500 students back in classes. Simply stocking enough masks, hand sanitizer and cleaning products is a major task. "It's a daily activity to obtain personal protective equipment," said James Weishan, the college's senior director of facilities development, operations and construction. Weishan has a background in industrial hygiene, so he's not unfamiliar with the precautions he has been working to put in place. Still, he says he never imagined doing all this at a college. The work is constant. "It's just something that will have to be continually evaluated," Weishan said. 'Don't want to graduate late' Kunicki's students said they felt safe and were happy to get back on track with their schooling, even if that meant summer classes. "I'm glad we came back because it gives us a chance to catch up," said Hala Barakat, 20. "I don't want to graduate late." Kunicki moved part of her course online, delivering lectures on theory and administering exams remotely, a transition she knew was difficult for her students. Jason Palmatier, 42, said he struggled because he thrives on learning in a group. He said on his first exam in the remote setting, he earned a 78%, despite testing in the 90% or higher range before the shutdown. "The readjusting was very hard for me," Palmatier said. Hala Barakat, left, and Jason Palmatier, students in the surgical tech program from Milwaukee, put on surgical gloves at Milwaukee Area Technical College. And while they were glad to have been able to keep some learning going during the campus closure, Palmatier and Barakat agreed their labs could not have moved online. Palmatier said he believed reopening colleges and workplaces was a must, as long as it is done in a way that allowed people to resume life while protecting those who are at risk of severe COVID-19 complications. He spent the lockdown working an essential job at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. "We have to keep the world running," he said. Kunicki said getting back to in-person classes was important because it brought her students that much closer to entering the workforce, where they are sorely needed. "There is a critical shortage of surgical techs in the Milwaukee area and I cannot graduate enough to fill the need out there right now," Kunicki said. "So I'm really glad that we were able to finish this course." Norma Jaine of Milwaukee practices the proper way to put on surgical gloves during a surgical tech class at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Back to the machines About 20 minutes west, students at the Waukesha County Technical College also are coming back to the classroom. Instructors in the school's metal fabrication/welding and machine tool operation programs said they tried to adapt their curriculum by asking students to watch video demonstrations and assigning research papers, but there was nothing that could replace getting their hands back on the equipment. "They're learning feeds and speeds. They're learning the sound and the feel of making a chip, cutting something. Sometimes, if something is burning, it's the smell," said Dennis Pollari, tool and die instructor. "Hearing and smelling it you need to have that element in there. That's why we're doing this." The campus has about 100 classes back and plans to bring more students back this fall under a hybrid online and in-person model. Colleges and coronavirus: Historically black colleges fight for survival, reopening amid coronavirus pandemic The college is screening people, requiring they report if they test positive for COVID-19. It also is working with the local health department to conduct contact tracing. Only one door is used for entering and exiting the campus, and everyone must check in with a campus security officer. There is no temperature testing, but students and staff are required to self-report symptoms. Justin Haessly, 23, is a student in the machine tool program. He said he's happy to be back to life. When the pandemic hit, he started picking up shifts at a local Target store. He has a bachelor's in marketing and just got a new job at Rogers Behavioral Health in that field. But he wants to shift his career toward machine tool operation. "This is something I prioritize, I'm focused on," Haessly said. "I will take whatever the precautions need to be (taken) to finish my schooling. I missed out on a couple of months. I planned to finish this summer. I was going to be moving on to a job in the fall, you know, start my life." Justin Haessly, 23, works in the machine tool operation lab at Waukesha County Technical College. The college returned to some in-person classes June 1. He said he feels safe being back, wearing masks and wiping down the equipment he uses. In another class, CNC Turning Operation, students have to work in groups to operate the machinery, so the college also provided face shields because students can't practice social distancing. While some of his peers seem to be chafing at the masks and other restrictions, including the loss of a break in their 3-hour class, he said people have been following the new requirements. Across the hall in the gas tungsten arc welding lab, instructor Dan Still was back to working with students in the college's dual enrollment academy high school program. "It was a little hard getting started back," said Austin Wegner, who just graduated from Mukwonago High School and plans to continue his education at WCTC next school year. "But after the first hour or two, it was back to where I left off, I feel like." This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Technical schools reopen, offer preview for colleges fall reopening A new study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that the odds of a fatal opioid overdose were 1.5 times higher for individuals with one to two visits to the emergency department for any medical issue than for people with no hospital visits. The researchers also found that individuals with a hospital visit where opioid use disorder was addressed were 2.9 times more likely to die from an overdose over the coming year, compared with other people. For their analysis, the researchers matched de-identified individual records across five Maryland-based databases that encompassed hospital visits, prescription-drug monitoring, treatment programs, and criminal justice records from 2015. Maryland is one of the first states to have linked records across databases in an attempt to identify those at risk for opioid overdose. The findings, published online June 24 in JAMA Psychiatry, suggest that risk of an overdose can be accurately predicted by leveraging information found across databases. Using these linked databases, the researchers found that individuals who were recently released from prison were more than four times likely to experience a fatal overdose. Being on probation and parole were also associated with double the odds of an overdose. Among demographic predictors of opioid overdose, men had 2.4 higher odds of fatal overdose and 1.4 times higher odds of nonfatal overdose compared to women. A lot of the individuals with the highest risk for an overdose come in contact with the hospital or prison system. There's a high opportunity in those places to help those individuals and we can save a lot of lives if we focus efforts there." Brendan Saloner, Ph.D., lead author, associate professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Bloomberg School Between 1999 and 2017, drug overdose deaths in the U.S. quadrupled and two out of three overdose deaths are linked to opioids. Initial reports suggest that during the COVID-19 lockdown period overdoses have dramatically increased in some locales. Maryland and other states have applied several strategies to curb the opioid epidemic, including expanded treatment for people with opioid use disorder, safer prescribing policies, and harm reduction programs like naloxone distribution that can be administered to reverse an overdose. The study findings suggest that predictive data analytics could be used to more effectively target these strategies towards those with the greatest risk by identifying groups that could most benefit from intensive support services such as peer counselors. Maryland is among a handful of states that have built single comprehensive individual-level databases that include major risk factors that affect critical health outcomes, such as opioid overdoses. The merged database paints a far more complete picture than any one of the component parts, with a "lens" that combines medical, public health, and human service perspectives. In collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health and the state's Health Information exchange, the researchers matched deidentified individual records across five Maryland databases including all-payer hospital discharge data, which includes private insurance as well as Medicare and Medicaid; Maryland's prescription drug-monitoring program, a registry of controlled prescriptions; behavioral treatment programs that participate in Medicaid; as well as criminal justice records for property or drug-related offenses. The study sample of more than 2.29 million linked records, included Maryland residents ages 18-80 with one or more records in any of the four databases in 2015. Using statistical modeling, the researchers predicted opioid-related overdoses in 2016 from variables derived from 2015. The researchers tracked fatal opioid overdoses using medical examiner records and nonfatal opioid overdoses from emergency department or inpatient hospital-settings data. Of the study sample, approximately 43 percent were male and 53 percent were aged 50 or younger. In 2016, 0.05 percent of the sample, or approximately 1,204 individuals, experienced a fatal opioid overdose and 0.37 percent, or approximately 8,430 individuals, had a nonfatal overdose. In 2015, 63.9 percent of the study sample had hospital records, 32 percent had one to two emergency department visits, and 1.2 percent were diagnosed with an opioid use disorder in the hospital. Approximately two-thirds of the sample (66.8 percent) had records in the prescription drug-monitoring program, but a very small number, only 1.1 percent, had involvement in the criminal justice system. The study drew on a limited criminal justice sample of only individuals with drug or property offenses. About 7.4 percent of the study sample had used behavioral health services. "The COVID-19 experience has taught us the importance of using linked medical and public health data to identify and respond to health risks on a real-time basis," says the study's senior author Jonathan Weiner, DrPH, co-director of the Center for Population Health Information Technology and professor in the Department of Health Policy and Management. "This study offers evidence that data already in every state's possession can be used to redouble our efforts to help individuals and communities still being decimated by the opioid overdose epidemic." Studies have shown that some people seem more sensitive than others. Now researchers have developed a free online questionnaire that allows you to test exactly how sensitive you are. The sensitivity test forms part of a new website launched today, which aims to provide reliable and evidence-based information on sensitivity. The website offers an opportunity for individuals to measure their own, or their child's, sensitivity via a short questionnaire that assesses how they are affected by various psychological and sensory experiences. For example, how much they notice when small things around them have changed, whether loud noises make them feel uncomfortable and whether they dislike watching violent TV programmes. On completion of the questionnaire respondents receive automatic feedback on their results, detailing where they sit on the sensitivity spectrum and what this means. Professor Michael Pluess, Professor of Psychology at Queen Mary University of London, and one of the researchers involved in the development and management of this website, said: "Our website responds to the growing interest of the general public in understanding their sensitivity. Whilst there is a considerable amount of information already available online, the issue is that many of the tests provided aren't reliable. The questionnaire we provide is based on extensive research and has been developed and refined over time so people can trust the results they receive." Sensitive people are defined by researchers as those who are more strongly affected by what they experience. Although everyone is sensitive to an extent, research has shown that people tend to fall into three different groups along a spectrum of sensitivity with about 30% classed as low, 40% as medium and 30% as high in sensitivity. These groups are often described using flower metaphors with highly sensitive people known as "Orchids" since they require optimal care but are particularly beautiful when they flourish, individuals in the low sensitivity group are "Dandelions", as they tend to be robust and grow anywhere, and those who fall in the middle group are "Tulips" being less delicate than "Orchids" but not as robust as "Dandelions". By providing accessible blogs on recent sensitivity research and opportunities to take part in research studies, the website also aims to educate the public on the topic and in turn, help them to better understand their own sensitivity. "Understanding how sensitive you are can be important for helping you to cope in different situations. For example, whilst highly sensitive people are more likely to struggle under stressful circumstances, they are also especially receptive to positive and supportive experiences. Whereas those who are low in sensitivity tend to be more resilient when facing adversity but may also benefit less from positive experiences," added Professor Pluess. "Through our website we want to provide people with relevant, evidence-based information on sensitivity so they're able to better understand their results and receive practical tips to help them in everyday life." The online platform is expected to be a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners as well, allowing them to access sensitivity measures, share research articles and advertise their own research projects and recruit participants. The initial development of the website has been funded by Jacobs Foundation, a private foundation based in Switzerland that supports research and projects worldwide in order to foster positive development in young people. ### Notes to Editors * Sensitivityresearch.com, is a website run by researchers from Queen Mary University of London, together with colleagues from University of Denver (USA) and University of Albany (USA) and G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara (Italy), dedicated to sharing reliable and evidence-based knowledge on the human trait of sensitivity. * For more information, please contact: Sophie McLachlan Faculty Communications Manager (Science & Engineering) Queen Mary University of London sophie.mclachlan@qmul.ac.uk Tel: 020 7882 3787 About Queen Mary Queen Mary University of London is a research-intensive university that connects minds worldwide. A member of the prestigious Russell Group, we work across the humanities and social sciences, medicine and dentistry, and science and engineering, with inspirational teaching directly informed by our world-leading research. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework we were ranked 5th in the country for the proportion of research outputs that were world-leading or internationally excellent. We have over 25,000 students and offer more than 240 degree programmes. Our reputation for excellent teaching was rewarded with silver in the most recent Teaching Excellence Framework. Queen Mary has a proud and distinctive history built on four historic institutions stretching back to 1785 and beyond. Common to each of these institutions - the London Hospital Medical College, St Bartholomew's Medical College, Westfield College and Queen Mary College - was the vision to provide hope and opportunity for the less privileged or otherwise under-represented. Today, Queen Mary University of London remains true to that belief in opening the doors of opportunity for anyone with the potential to succeed and helping to build a future we can all be proud of. About the Jacobs Foundation The Jacobs Foundation is active worldwide in promoting child and youth development. It was founded in Zurich by entrepreneur Klaus J. Jacobs in 1989. The Jacobs Foundation funds research projects, intervention programs and scientific institutions. It is committed to scientific excellence and evidence-based research. The coronavirus outbreak is showing no signs of dying down. Going by Johns Hopkins University, more than 9.4 million of confirmed coronavirus cases have been reported globally. Moreover, the WHO is expecting the figure to soon reach the grim mark of 10 million cases, per a CNN report. Going by the same report, the total number of coronavirus cases in Latin America have tripled in the past month, crossing 2 million. 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Click to get this free report The Black Lives Matter movement must spark a reckoning within the diaspora Indian classical dance world with its own race and caste issues With an interest in generating accessible writings that makes the connection between the larger social and political landscape of the country and its performing arts more evident, this monthly column is an attempt to un-bracket the dance discourse from its contained category of Arts for Art's sake. Read more from the series here. *** In an article following the murder of George Floyd, Thenmozhi Soundararajan points towards white adjacency as something that allows Asian minorities to be weaponised by the dominant whites to further the marginalisation of Black voices. White adjacency is when a person who is technically a minority, has access to, utilises and sometimes benefits from white privilege. Taking a critical look at the role that South Asians, especially Indians, play in the equation between the oppressed Black communities and the racist American state, she foregrounds instances such as the tying of rakhis to white cops and Hindus in support of Trump as blatant performances of white adjacency. In the context of classical dance, white adjacency can take the form of indulging in self-orientalising behaviours, internalising the exotic gaze or even hiding caste privilege to benefit from ones racial profiling. The birth of classical dance itself is an outcome of the collusion between white supremacy* and upper caste desire to be custodians of Indian culture. Two attributes of colonial rule Victorian morality and the Oriental gaze proved handy in the project of classicisation. While Victorian morality gave the required conservative framework to justify the abolition of public dancing by women of hereditary dancing communities, the Oriental gaze contributed towards refashioning the tradition to suit the ideological and the aesthetic palate of the elite members of the upper caste communities. This refashioning involved reining in whatever was seen as excessive in the performance practices of the hereditary communities especially with respect to erotic expressions. One needs to only recall that it was in the nest of the deeply oriental Theosophical society that Bharatanatyam evolved to take its modern shape. The collaboration between Rukmini Devi, (founder of the Kalakshetra institute) and Theosophical Society is symbolic of how the upper-caste position of classical dancers has afforded them an edge over lower-caste performing communities in their equation with the dominant white culture. Diasporic discourses that position classical dancers as cultural representatives of a racial minority often turn a blind eye towards their caste locations. For Arpita Bajpeyi, Kathak dancer and dance scholar based out of Canada, this is because, First, caste privilege (like any privilege) makes it difficult to see when you benefit from it. Second, race is the pressing issue that frames how we understand our lives and selves in the global north. It means that the version of Indian that you occupy in white spaces cannot capture the multitude of identities that make up Indian or South Asian. This means that we represent ourselves as a more homogenised, hegemonic version of these identities. By virtue of being upper caste, many classical dancers who find themselves to be a racial minority in white dominant countries, are simultaneously the ones who have structurally benefited from the pervasive caste violence in the field of Indian classical dance in the last century. There is enough scholarship at present to establish that Indian classical dance forms have been appropriated by the upper caste communities by systematically pushing the predecessors of these traditions the isai vellalars, maharis, kalavantula, tawaifs into the margins. This continues to reflect in the caste demography and in the aesthetic discourse persistent in the field today. The classical dance communities in diaspora are an extension of the same networks of privilege that dominate the field in India, there is also the same ever-present absence of caste discourses except with an added complication of race. The lack of caste diversity from almost all prominent international dance festivals is a testimony to how caste and class exclusive these spaces have been. This is not an exercise to dismiss racial experiences of upper caste Indians or to negate that they would remain outsiders despite their caste privilege in a white country. Cultural gatherings such as dance festivals or dance classes can offer a space to collectively sigh in relief, to be uninhibitedly brown in white dominant countries. However, it is important to ask if being brown is enough for a person of a marginalised caste to let out the same sigh of relief. In India, for instance, a lower caste Bharatanatyam student shared that she was labelled a bad dancer and though she had no words to express why, she was sure this had to do with being the only individual from that caste in her dance class. She felt her clothes were too tacky for her dance class or the lunch she carried for rehearsals smelt too pungent. Just like ethnic might be equated with over the top in white dominant countries, the aesthetics of lower caste traditions are considered excessive, tacky by the dominant aesthetic canons imposed in the field. With dancers in diaspora being the Brahmin elite, it is important to ask if the spaces they hold, aesthetics and body practices they promote, are truly caste inclusive. It becomes imperative that classical dancers racial equation with the white majority is triangulated with their caste position so as to not participate in a culture of white adjacency, and occlude the experiences of the of the lower caste people in the field. A large number of classical dancers who run dance institutions in the US migrated post-1965 on dependent visas, as wives of doctors and engineers (Srinivasan 2012, 38). They stand on the shoulders of the many Black people who lobbied during the Civil Rights Movement to open up the American borders to people of colour. It is under the pressure of the Civil Rights Movement that the US government decided to open its borders to Indians and other Asians, albeit to the educated minority only, who now constitute the model minority. The history of Brahmin appropriation of hereditary traditions in India on the one hand and the Civil Rights Movement pushing for racially inclusive societies in white dominant countries on the other, have been critical in laying the ground work for classical dance in diasporic contexts. In her work exploring the histories of Indian dancers who migrated to the US in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Priya Srinivasan argues that the contributions of the labouring Indian bodies (people from lower castes) are written out of the dominant cultural history of dance in America. She critiques especially the popular biographical narrative of Ruth St. Denis known as the pioneer of American Modern Dance by proposing that Denis used her inspirational encounters and interactions with nachwalis to build a career for herself as an Oriental dancer while not acknowledging their contributions. What Srinivasans work doesnt acknowledge however is that the labouring bodies of hereditary dancers who danced in Coney Island were not just different from the dancers who migrated post 1965; the relationship between them is of the oppressor and the oppressed, much like their equation with Ruth St. Denis. Unlike nachwalis or women from hereditary castes, Brahmin dancers today occupy a more visible place in the diaspora. When classical dancers in the diaspora project themselves as cultural representatives of an appropriated tradition, in a first world context, how many such contributions of hereditary dancers are they erasing? This is not dissimilar from the question that needs to be asked in India. But shared racial identity cannot subsume caste differentials, and without acknowledging these differences, it is not possible to leverage ones privilege to build solidarities which are truly inter-caste in nature. Notes *Colonial rule is an instance of white supremacy because of its assumption that the white race is morally, intellectually and genetically more superior to the colonised. *Nautch women have a history in the United States, and the Coney Island nautch dancers were not an anomaly. An unusually high number of Indian dancers were brought from Bombay to Coney Island by Thompson and Dundy in 1904. Simultaneously, PT Barnum brought another group of dancers from South India and Sri Lanka for his New York shows, and another troupe from Sri Lanka were brought to the St. Louis World Exposition. (Srinivasan 2012, 69) References Srinivasan, Priya. Sweating saris: Indian dance as transnational labour. Temple University Press, 2011. Michel Aoun was addressing the nation over the prolonged economic crisis, but the opposition boycotted the meeting. Lebanon President Michel Aoun is warning there is an atmosphere of civil war in the country. Aoun was delivering a national dialogue on the prolonged economic crisis, but the opposition boycotted the meeting. People have been fed up with rising unemployment, widespread poverty and sectarian tensions. Al Jazeeras Zeina Khodr has this report. Actors wearing military uniforms with flags of countries which participated in the Korean War perform during a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War in Cheorwon, near the border with North Korea, South Korea, on June 25, 2020. (Ahn Young-joon/AP Photo) 2 Koreas Mark War Anniversary After Pause in Rising Tensions SEOUL, South KoreaNorth and South Korea on June 25 marked the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War with largely subdued commemorations amid the CCP virus pandemic, a day after the North abruptly halted a pressure campaign against the South. South Korea issued a joint statement with the United States, which fought alongside it during the 1950-53 war triggered by a surprise North Korean invasion. The United States still stations about 28,500 soldiers in South Korea in what North Korea views as a military threat. In the statement, South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and U.S. Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper said they commit to strengthening and adapting the alliance to meet present and future challenges and urged North Korea to implement past disarmament pledges. A North Korean woman lays a bouquet of flowers during a visit to the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery to pay respects to the monument to the fallen soldiers of the Korean Peoples Army in Pyongyang, North Korea, on June 25, 2020. (Jon Chol Jin/AP Photo) Jeong and other military leaders later paid their respects at a national cemetery in Seoul, where about 130,000 war-related dead, mostly South Korean soldiers, are buried or honored. They were given special permission to enter Seoul National Cemetery, which has imposed entry restrictions amid a resurgence of the CCP virus in recent weeks. The cemetery received about 530,000 visitors in June last year but only about 61,000 this month, according to cemetery officials. A war museum in Seoul, normally a popular place to visit on the wars anniversary or on Memorial Day on June 6, remained shut Thursday. In the evening, South Korea was to hold a ceremony with 300 war veterans, bereaved relatives, and government officials at a military airport near Seoul. It is far less than the 4,000 people who attended last year, according to Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. Actors wearing military uniforms release pigeons during a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War in Cheorwon, near the border with North Korea, South Korea, on June 25, 2020. (Ahn Young-joon/AP Photo) North Korea marked the anniversary with visits to monuments to late soldiers and with anti-U.S. rhetoric and newspaper editorials praising its fighting in the Fatherland Liberation War. An institute run by the Norths Foreign Ministry said in a statement that we will continue to build up our strength to overwhelm the persistent nuclear threats that the U.S. has launched at us. The main newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, said in an editorial that, The spirit of defending the country in the 1950s which brought about a victory after defeating the aggressors is valuable mental heritage to be glorified forever, generation after generation. Seouls Unification Ministry, which handles relations with North Korea, said there were no signs that North Korea had organized mass public events commemorating the anniversary. North Koreans visit the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery to pay respects to the monument to the fallen soldiers of the Korean Peoples Army in Pyongyang, North Korea, on June 25, 2020. (Jon Chol Jin/AP Photo) North Korea considers July 27, the day when the wars armistice was signed in 1953, a bigger anniversary because it views it as the day of its war victory. But the North held a mass public rally in Pyongyang, its capital, on the 65th anniversary of the wars start in 2015, the Unification Ministry said. Seventy years after the wars beginning, the Korean Peninsula remains technically in a state of war because the armistice that ended the fighting has yet to be replaced with a peace treaty. Animosity has deepened recently as North Korea resumed aggressive rhetoric toward South Korea, blew up a Seoul-built liaison office on its territory, and threatened to take steps to nullify 2018 tension-reduction deals. Seventy years have passed but nothing has changed and were tired of that, Kim Young-man, the son of a South Korean soldier killed during the war, said at the Seoul cemetery. North Koreans visit the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery to pay respects to the monument to the fallen soldiers of the Korean Peoples Army in Pyongyang, North Korea, on June 25, 2020. (Jon Chol Jin/AP Photo) Observers believe North Korea is trying to wrest concessions from Seoul and Washington amid stalled nuclear talks. Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono told reporters Thursday that he believes North Korea might have attempted to divert public attention away from problems such as the CCP virus. On Wednesday, North Korea said leader Kim Jong Un put off planned steps to end the 2018 deals after he and other senior ruling party officials in charge of military affairs took stock of the prevailing situation. Experts say North Korea may be trying to leave room for South Korean concessions or may be worried about a stronger response from Seoul, whose help it may need again when it wants to reach out to the United States for future talks. South Koreas virus cases have seen an uptick since the country eased rigid social distancing rules in early May, though they havent exploded like the hundreds of new cases that it recorded daily in late February and early March. On Thursday, South Korea reported 28 new cases, taking the countrys total to 12,563 with 282 deaths. North Korea has steadfastly claimed it hasnt recorded a single virus case, but foreign experts are highly skeptical. They believe the pandemic worsened economic troubles in North Korea because it has closed its border with China, its biggest trading partner and economic pipeline. By Hyung-Jin Kim The Pennsylvania Department of Health reported 579 new coronavirus cases Thursday, raising the statewide total to 83,770. Across Pennsylvania, 6,557 deaths have been tied to COVID-19, including 39 new fatalities reported Thursday. More than two-thirds of the states coronavirus deaths have occurred in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. The number of new cases is the highest since June 12 but still well below the numbers throughout much of the spring. In April and early May, the state regularly reported more than 1,000 new cases each day. Its been more than a month since the state has had 1,000 new COVID-19 cases in a single day. The health department released new statistics Thursday morning; the figures reflect cases and deaths reported as of midnight. The department said 621,031 patients have tested negative. Fewer people are being treated for COVID-19 in hospitals. About 700 coronavirus patients are in the hospital, about a quarter of the peak, according to the health department. Most who are infected develop only mild symptoms, but the coronavirus poses a more serious threat to seniors and those with health complications. Going green On Friday, Gov. Tom Wolf will move 12 more counties, including the Philadelphia area, into the green phase. These counties will move to the green phase Friday: Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Susquehanna. While Philadelphia is approved for the green phase, city officials said they will maintain some restrictions until July 3. By Friday, Lebanon County will be the only county in Pennsylvania in the yellow phase. The Wolf administration cited an uptick in cases and faulted Lebanon County officials for allowing businesses to open ahead of the states guidelines. On Wednesday, Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said a combination of community spread and cases in long-term care facilities are responsible for the recent high rate of increase in Lebanon County. And thats why Lebanon hasnt yet been given approval to enter the green phase, she said. Lebanon County lawmakers and businesses sharply criticized the Wolf administration for not moving the county to the green phase. Republican lawmakers argue the governor has moved too slowly to reopen the state. Earlier this month, the GOP-controlled General Assembly passed a resolution directing Wolf to end the state of emergency, which he extended earlier this month. Republican lawmakers have said based on the resolution, the state of emergency is over. The state Supreme Court is expected to rule on the case before the end of the week. Nursing homes Statewide, 4,471 coronavirus deaths have occurred in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and personal care homes, according to the health department. To date, 17,454 residents of long-term care facilities have contracted the virus, along with 3,123 employees. A total of 20,577 people at those facilities have been infected. Cases have been found at 676 facilities in 50 counties. So far, 6,341 health care workers in Pennsylvania have contracted the coronavirus. More from PennLive Gov. Wolf predicts COVID-19 resurgence in fall, offers hope it wont force new round of school and business closings UPMC doctor sees too much focus on rising COVID-19 cases, too little on declining severity and hospitalizations As monuments are toppled nationwide, what should Gettysburg do with its 40 Confederate statues? A mother and two of her children have been crushed to death when part of a building collapsed on to them in Italy - as her oldest son watched in horror. Fouzia Taoufiq, 38, and her five-year-old son Soulaymane Hannach died instantly when they were hit by falling bricks and mortar around 5.30pm Wednesday in the town of Albizzate, near Milan. Meanwhile 15-month-old daughter Yaoucut, who was being pushed in a stroller, was pulled alive from the rubble and taken to a nearby hospital - but later died. Fouzia Taoufiq, 38, was killed along with daughter Yaoucut (pictured here on her first birthday) when a building fell on them in Italy on Wednesday. Also killed was five-year-old Soulaymane, while the eldest son, nine, saw the tragedy but survived (it is not clear which boy is which) A 38-year-old mother-of-three, named locally as Fouzia Taoufiq, has been killed along with her five-year-old son Soulaymane Hannach after a building collapsed on them in Italy The accident occurred when a decorative cornice nearly 230ft long that was overhanging the street suddenly fell, pulling a large piece of wall down with it. A 42-year-old woman was also injured, though not critically. A witness who was working in a nearby supermarket said he heard a noise 'like an explosion' and ran outside to find the building had collapsed. He told Reppublica: 'Across the street was the eldest son of the dead woman. He was in tears, he asked about his mother. 'I took him to the supermarket until his dad, who was at work, arrived.' Father Noureddine Hannach, who is employed nearby as a mechanic, arrived at the scene as rescuers were still working and described it as a 'slaughterhouse'. 'Losing a wife and two children was a blow, it will be difficult,' he said. The woman's 15-month-old daughter, Yaoucut, was pulled alive from the rubble by rescuers and taken to hospital via air ambulance but later died of her injuries A 42-year-old woman was also injured in the accident, which happened near a popular supermarket (pictured, witnesses outside the supermarket) 'I did not sleep. My eldest son is at a friend's house; he says he is doing well. He saw everything. 'We were married since 2007. I have been in Italy for 20 years, my wife since 2009. 'My children were born in Italy, the oldest in Bari, the other two who died were born here, in Gallarate.' The building itself is an old factory which has been converted into businesses including a supermarket and a pizzeria. A 'twin' building across the street which includes another supermarket has been closed as a precaution. Mirko Zorzo, mayor of the town, also witnessed the collapse because his office is in the building where it happened - and narrowly avoided being crushed himself. The street pictured before the building, seen here on the left, collapsed - with the cornice overhanging the pavement Mr Zorzo said he was leaving the building when it came down and was just 20cm from where the rubble landed. He said: 'I am upset, at the moment I do not feel like commenting much. I am talking with emergency services to reconstruct what happened.' Francesco Bruno, an inspector with the fire department, said it appears the cornice detached from the main building very quickly and almost in one piece. No damage was caused inside the building, and investigations are ongoing to determine what led up to the collapse. The local prosecutor has opened a manslaughter investigation though it is not yet clear who - if anybody - is to blame for the incident. Eleven Yellowstone National Park bison were transferred to the Fort Peck Reservation on Wednesday, the fourth such shipment of the quarantined wildlife meant to boost herds across the nation. The Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes partnered with Defenders of Wildlife to truck the bison. The work was also done with the cooperation of the state of Montana. The bison came from corrals at Corwin Springs, just outside the parks North Entrance, that were used by the U.S. Department of Agricultures Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, or APHIS, which had been conducting bison quarantine studies. One of the bison trucks was driven by Arnt Thomas Rusty Stafne, former Fort Peck tribal chairman and one of the early leaders of the restoration program, according to Chamois Andersen of Defenders of Wildlife. In 2012, Rusty made the original motion to move bison from Yellowstone to Fort Peck. This program was only made possible by him, Andersen wrote in an email. Since April 2019, Fort Peck has received 104 bison that were moved to quarantine facilities by Yellowstone bison managers. The tribes built a large corral specifically for quarantining Yellowstone bison, which are known to carry brucellosis, a disease that can cause pregnant cattle to abort and infect humans with undulant fever. Fort Pecks cultural herd is at capacity about 350 to 375 animals spread across 15,000 acres so all new animals moved to the Fort Peck facility will be going to other cultural herds. Forty of the 55 Yellowstone bison bulls transferred to Fort Peck last August will be ready to go to other tribes this fall, having completed their quarantine protocol to meet state standards for being disease free, Andersen said. Last spring 33 cow/calf pairs were moved to Fort Peck. Those animals are halfway through their final tests at Fort Peck and will be ready to transfer to other tribes by early next year, he said. The Inter-Tribal Buffalo Council will facilitate the transfers from Fort Peck to other tribal herds. Tribes must be members of ITBC, submit a written request for the Yellowstone bison, and agree to have the animals managed for their genetics. Tribal herds of Yellowstone bison will also contribute to the Department of Interior goal of developing a metapopulation of wild bison from Canada to Mexico. Yellowstone bison are prized for their genetics because they have never interbred with cattle. They are also descendants of one of the last remaining wild herds in the United States. In the 1800s, Euro-American market hunters slaughtered the animals for their hides pushing them to the brink of extinction. Yellowstone is now holding 104 bison in quarantine, animals that were captured in March. The quarantine is one way the park is hoping to reduce its participation in sending bison to slaughter each spring. The capture and slaughter program has been a controversial way to lower the bison population as part of an agreement with the state of Montana. Bison hunting by tribal and nontribal hunters is another part of the bison reduction plan. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 TORONTO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Margaret Atwood today warned the world may be facing an upheaval as seismic as the fall of the Soviet Union. Atwood, author of The Handmaid's Tale and Man Booker winner The Testaments, was in conversation with New Yorker editor, David Remnick, at the 30,000-attendee online conference Collision from Home, produced by the team behind Web Summit the world's largest tech conference. "For a while in the 90s we were told, 'End of history' guess what? That was wrong. There's always the volcanic explosion, the meteor that comes from nowhere the thing you didn't see coming," she said, referring to Francis Fukuyama's 1992 work The End of History and the Last Man. Atwood, whose latest collection of poems titled Dearly is slated for a November release, talked of her time living in Soviet-era Germany and watching the Berlin Wall fall, saying: "That was gone. Just overnight." She went on to warn that governments and groups across the world may exploit the Covid-19 pandemic for their own ends and that the world will "never be the same again". "Any emergency is likely to be exploited by a group seeking power. That is just a recurrent motif of human history," she said, adding, "We will however see a certain amount of, 'We need to control you more for your own good,' and the danger of that is once they've controlled you 'for your own good,' there's a likelihood that will slip over into controlling you for their good," she said. Atwood did however end positively, saying: "I do believe there will be a future. We're not done yet." Watch a clip from the interview here . About Margaret Atwood: Margaret is author of more than 50 books of fiction, poetry, critical essays and graphic novels. Her latest novel, The Testaments sequel to award-winning novel and TV series The Handmaid's Tale is co-winner of the 2019 Man Booker Prize. About Collision: Collision is known by CBC as the "TIFF for tech", while Inc. Magazine calls it the "fastest-growing tech conference in North America". Collision is set to move online for 2020 with Collision from Home. Collision will return to Toronto as a physical event for the second year from June 21-24, 2021 at the Enercare Centre. About Web Summit: Forbes says Web Summit is "the best tech conference on the planet"; Bloomberg calls it "Davos for geeks"; Politico, "the Olympics of tech"; The Guardian, "Glastonbury for geeks"; and, in the words of Inc. Magazine, "Web Summit is the largest technology conference in the world". Whatever Web Summit is, it wouldn't be possible without an incredible team of over 200 employees based in Dublin, Lisbon, Toronto and Hong Kong, including world-class engineers, data scientists, designers, producers, marketers, salespeople, and more. They've disrupted an old industry by building incredible software and designing mind-blowing events, revolutionising how people and ideas come together to change the world. Useful links: Collision images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/collisionconf/ Collision speaker lineup: https://collisionconf.com/speakers Collision schedule: https://collisionconf.com/schedule SOURCE Web Summit Kosovo President Hashim Thaci Indicted for War Crimes By VOA News June 24, 2020 A Hague-based special prosecutor indicted Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and nine others Wednesday for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed during Kosovo's 1998-99 war for independence from Serbia. In a press release Wednesday, the Special Prosecutor's Office alleged that the 10 people charged were "criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders" during the war, which involved "hundreds of known victims of Kosovo Albanian, Serb, Roma, and other ethnicities and include political opponents." Other crimes include forced disappearances, persecution and torture. "[The indictment] is the result of a lengthy investigation and reflects the SPO's determination that it can prove all of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt," the release said. The Office filed the indictments on April 24. A Kosovo Specialist Chamber pre-trial judge will decide whether to confirm the charges after reviewing the indictment. The Kosovo Specialist Chamber and Specialist Prosecutor's Office were formally established in 2016 as a Kosovo court based in the Netherlands. It operates under Kosovo law but is funded by the European Union and staffed by international judges and prosecutors. The announcement Wednesday came three days before Thaci and Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti were scheduled to visit the White House for a summit with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. Richard Grenell, President Donald Trump's special envoy to Serbia and Kosovo, tweeted Wednesday that Thaci canceled his Washington trip. Hoti and Vucic will still attend, he wrote. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, nearly nine years after the end of the war. While the U.S. was one of the first to recognize Kosovo as a country, Serbia, Russia, China and more do not recognize it as a separate state. Thaci, who has been president of Kosovo since 2016, was Political Director of the Kosovo Liberation Army from 1994-99. Kosovo's former prime minister, Ramush Haradinaj, resigned last year when the same court summoned him. Speaking about the upcoming White House talks, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called it an opportunity to restart dialogue between all parties by "making a real effort to find a political solution for the situation in Kosovo." "And of course we would strongly welcome the resumption of talks between Belgrade and Pristina to try to find a solution. It is not for NATO or any other countries to dictate the outcome. But the fact that they meet is at least an encouraging first step to the resumption of talks," Stoltenberg said in response to questions from VOA's Serbian Service. He stressed that NATO has good relations with both sides. The Western Alliance also has a long history in the Balkans, helping to end wars in Bosnia-Herzegovina and in Kosovo, noted Stoltenberg. VOA's Serbian Service contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address One officer approached Mr. McClain, who was listening to music, and told him to stop walking. Mr. McClain stopped after several commands but said he had a right to continue toward home. According to the camera footage, the officer responded, saying he had a right to stop Mr. McClain for looking suspicious, and grabbed him by the arms. As another officer approached, Mr. McClain can be heard saying: I am an introvert, please respect the boundaries that I am speaking. Leave me alone. Though Mr. McClain had not committed a crime, officers immediately restrained him, telling him to stop resisting when he put his arms up to his chest and to stop tensing up. The footage shows Mr. McClain pleading with the officers to let go of him, and trying to get out of their grip. The officers eventually brought him to the ground, claiming he had reached for one of their guns while they were pinning him against a wall to handcuff him. The body camera footage does not show this, officers said, because their cameras had fallen off into the grass. At one point, an officer tells Mr. McClain that he would use his dog on him if he did not stop messing around. More officers arrived after Mr. McClain was restrained. While talking with one another, officers said that Mr. McClain was acting crazy, that he was definitely on something, and that he had attacked officers when they tried to restrain him. They also said that he had incredible, crazy strength, and that at one point three officers were on top of him. The autopsy report notes that Mr. McClain was 5 feet 6 inches and weighed 140 pounds. What happened to the police officers? A few days after the autopsy report was released, Dave Young, the Adams County district attorney, announced that criminal charges would not be filed, saying there was not enough evidence the officers had broken the law when they used force on Mr. McClain. Regulatory News: Verallia (Paris:VRLA) announces the success of its fifth employee shareholding offer. This operation, open from May 4 to 18, in 8 countries, was designed to offer Verallia employees a new opportunity to become shareholders in their company under conditions reserved for them (the usual discount and a matching scale favorable to small contributions), and thus to become associated with the Group's long-term development and performance. Almost 3,300 employees (i.e. 42% of eligible persons worldwide) took part in the offer at a unit subscription price of 18.87*. In France, the operation was well received, with nearly 77% of eligible employees subscribing. The total investment by the Group's employees (including the company's matching contribution) amounted to 20,096,531. On June 25, following this operation which was oversubscribed, 1,064,999 new ordinary shares, representing 0.9% of the share capital and voting rights, were issued by Verallia**. As a result, employee shareholders now hold 3.4% of Verallia's share capital, directly and through Verallia's FCPE (corporate mutual fund), within the framework of the offers reserved for employees. This fifth operation offered to employees, the first since Verallia's IPO in October 2019, enables the company to increase its rate of employee shareholders to approximately 37%. "I am proud of the success of this capital increase reserved for the Group's employees. This excellent level of participation is a strong message of employee shareholders' support for the Group's model and strategy and is in line with our voluntary employee shareholding policy implemented over the past several years," said Michel Giannuzzi, Chairman and CEO of Verallia. * This represents a discount of approximately 20% compared to the average Verallia share price on the regulated market of Euronext Paris over the twenty trading days preceding April 30, 2020. Capital increase of a total nominal amount of 3,599,696.62 euros, with the amount of the share premium amounting to 16,496,834.51. The share capital of Verallia SA now amounts to 403,771,220.58 and is made up of 119,458,941 ordinary shares with a unit par value of 3.38. The new shares carry immediate entitlement to dividends, have the same rights and obligations as the shares already issued and are entitled to any distribution decided as from their issue date. About Verallia Verallia is the leading European and the third largest producer globally of glass containers for food and beverages, and offers innovative, customized and environmentally-friendly solutions. The Group posted 2.6 billion in revenue and produced 16 billion bottles and jars in 2019. Verallia employs around 10,000 people and comprises 32 glass production facilities in 11 countries. Verallia is listed on compartment A of the regulated market of Euronext Paris (Ticker: VRLA ISIN: FR0013447729) and is included in the following indices: CAC Mid 60, CAC Mid Small et CAC All-Tradable. For more information: www.verallia.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005619/en/ Contacts: Press contacts Verallia Marie Segondat marie.segondat@verallia.com Brunswick Benoit Grange, Hugues Boeton verallia@brunswickgroup.com+33 1 53 96 83 83 Verallia Investor Relations contact Alexandra Baubigeat Boucheron - alexandra.baubigeat-boucheron@verallia.com Biomass has the potential to be a critical portion of Vietnams renewable change. Le Thi Thoa, senior officer of the Climate Protection through Sustainable Bioenergy Markets in Vietnam project under the GIZ Energy Support Programme, points out barriers for the sector and how GIZ provides support to meet its ambitious plan for biomass power in Vietnam. Le Thi Thoa, senior officer of the Climate Protection through Sustainable Bioenergy Markets in Vietnam project under the GIZ Energy Support Programme. What is the current development status of biomass energy in Vietnam? As an agricultural country with favourable geographical conditions, Vietnam has a great potential for biomass which can be exploited for energy production. Biomass resources in the country include firewood, rice husks, coffee husks, straw, and bagasse. Though the potential is huge, only 350 gigawatt hours was produced from bagasse in 2019. According to the revised Power Development Plan VII (PDP7) and Renewable Energy Development Strategy, Vietnam aims to raise the share of biomass energy in electricity production to 2.1 per cent by 2030 and 8.1 per cent by 2050. The revised PDP7 also sets the goal for biomass electricity production of 1,200MW and 3,000MW in 2025 and 2030. In order to encourage biomass electricity projects to generate electricity from bagasse from sugar production for self-consumption and for the national power grid (if available), in 2014, the government issued a feed-in tariff (FiT) for biomass electricity projects. However, the tariff was not attractive enough to investors. Vietnams sugar industry development plan until 2020 with a vision to 2030 targeted the utilisation of the by-products of the sugarcane industry for electricity generation so as to raise the value added to the sugarcane industrys value chain, and improve the efficiency of the industrys production, business and competitive capacity. To realise this, many sugar-producing firms have separated their electricity production from sugar production and made additional investment in new steam boilers to enhance the efficiency of bagasse-fired electricity production. According to a report by the National Load Dispatch Centre under Electricity of Vietnam, only 175MW of biomass electricity generated by three sugarcane factories were feeding in through 2019. Thus, biomass electricity has only achieved about 26.5 per cent of the 2020 goal. What barriers do you see for biomass energy, including bagasse, as only a quarter of the 2020 target has been achieved? To promote the development of biomass electricity projects, the revision of the FiT was necessary in accordance with Decision No.24/2014/QD-TTg on a support mechanism for biomass power projects. Item 1, Article 14 of Decision 24 stipulated a 5.8 US cents per kilowatt hour FiT for bagasse-fired co-generation heat power projects. In 2014, in the calculation for bagasse-fired co-generation power projects, bagasse was considered a redundant material from sugarcane factories, while sugarcane factories were not required to develop their infrastructure for sugarcane production, or to buy bagasse as they could use it from sugarcane production itself. On the other hand, since their establishment, sugar-producing companies considered sugar their flagship. Therefore, these companies have invested in suitable machines to ensure their sugar products would meet market demand. In order to achieve the goals set by Vietnams sugar industry development plan until 2020 with a vision to 2030 and the revised PDP7, it was important to adjust the FiT for biomass electricity to attract investors. The prime minister had issued Decision No.08/2020/QD-TTg dated March 5 amending and supplementing several articles of 2014s Decision 24. The current FiT for co-generated biomass electricity sits at 7.03 US cents per kWh and 8.47 US cents for other types of biomass electricity. The revised decision, which took effect on April 25, will increase the FiT for biomass power projects. How would you evaluate these changes? This is a positive signal for biomass energy development in Vietnam. The calculation of the revised rate is based on the levelised cost of energy, investment cost, operation cost, and financial cost. The newly-issued tariff was calculated to ensure proper profit for investors, promote biomass energy development, and ensure affordability. The revised FiT is expected to be an incentive for sugar-producing companies to develop and expand their bagasse-fired co-generation power projects. The electricity generated by biomass plants during the rainy season will be an additional resource helping to dispel power shortages, which may lead to the mobilisation of oil-fired and gas-fired power at high prices for ensuring the national energy security. Besides the FiT, what barriers do you see left for Vietnams ambitious plan for biomass power? After Decision 08, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoIT) should review, adjust, and write new circulars to regulate the development of biomass energy projects and their power purchase agreements to better instruct biomass energy investors. Besides, the success of a biomass energy project riles on biomass inputs. Therefore, the government should have a clear strategy and direction for the sugar sector, which is in line with the provinces socio-economic development. It should also build focused supply areas and apply state-of-the-art technologies so the plants can gain high yields, quality, and efficiency. GIZ has been also working with the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority of the MoIT to implement the Climate Protection through Sustainable Bioenergy Markets in Vietnam project. What results have been achieved so far? Working in Vietnam since 2009, the MOIT/GIZ Energy Support Programme has implemented several projects to support the government in developing renewable energy, including biomass. Among the achievements, GIZ has supported five sugar companies to prepare feasibility/pre-feasibility study; developed biomass energy project development guidelines; analysed the potential co-generation project from bagasse and wood residues; planned on biomass power development in the Mekong Delta provinces; and studied on the FiT mechanism for solid biomass generation. These results are the prerequisite for our current implementation of the Climate Protection through Sustainable Bioenergy Markets in Vietnam and the EU-Vietnam Energy Facility initiatives. Does GIZ have any further plans to support biomass energy in Vietnam? Via the Climate Protection through Sustainable Bioenergy Markets in Vietnam project, part of the International Climate Initiative and funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, as well as the EU-Vietnam Energy Facility which is co-financed by the EU and Germany, GIZ continues to deploy activities to improve the preconditions for sustainable use of biomass for electricity and heat generation in the country. Key activities include supporting regulatory adjustments to planning and licensing biomass energy projects; improving the private sectors capacity to develop biomass ventures and enhance financial institutions capacities to finance such ventures; and facilitating technological co-operation between Vietnamese and international enterprises, research institutions, and universities on the use of biomass for electricity and heat generation. VIR Germany helps Vietnam tap into biomass potential A seminar was held in Hanoi on June 9 to launch a German-funded project on climate protection through developing sustainable bioenergy markets (BEM) in Vietnam, Marcus-David Peters had just left his day job teaching high school biology and arrived at his second job at a hotel, where he worked as a part-time security guard, when he apparently experienced a psychiatric episode. He left the hotel naked, got into his car, then veered off the side of a highway in Richmond, Va. A police officer, Michael Nyantakyi, who had seen the vehicle crash, saw Peters climb out, and attempted to subdue him with his Taser. When Peters advanced, Nyantakyi fired two shots into the belly of the unarmed, unclothed 24-year-old, killing him. Peters had no criminal record, his family said he had no history of mental illness or drug use, and his death, like those of many killed by police around the country, left his friends and family in anguish. People ask me all the time, What do you think caused him to have a mental break? And I say, Well never know, because he was killed, says Peters sister, Princess Blanding. It was easier to take out the threat, which was his brown skin, than to try to help him. Richmonds top prosecutor later concluded that the May 2018 shooting was justified. There is no reliable national database tracking how many people with disabilities, or who are experiencing episodes of mental illness, are shot by police each year, but studies show that the numbers are substantiallikely between one-third and one-half of total police killings. And in the renewed national debate over racial injustice sparked by George Floyds killing at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer in May, those deaths should loom large. Advocates for both racial justice and disability rights say Black Americans are especially at risk. Due to a host of social, economic and environmental factors, Black people are more likely than white people to have chronic health conditions, more likely to struggle when accessing mental-health care and less likely to receive formal diagnoses for a range of disabilities. By dint of how others react to their complexion, they are also nearly three times as likely as white people to be killed by police. The combination of disability and skin color amounts to a double bind, says Talila A. Lewis, a community lawyer and volunteer director of Helping Educate to Advance the Rights of Deaf Communities (HEARD). The U.S. government, Lewis explains, uses constructed ideas about disability, delinquency and dependency, intertwined with constructed ideas about race to classify and criminalize people. Story continues The danger for people with mental illnesses and other disabilities is also born of police departments compliance culture, says Haben Girma, another lawyer and activist. Anyone who immediately doesnt comply, the police move on to force, she says. The approach doesnt work when police interact with someone who doesnt react in the way they expect. Girma, who is both Black and deaf-blind, says that for her, the danger is hardly abstract. Someone might be yelling for me to do something and I dont hear. And then they assume that Im a threat, she says. A man speaks with a demand for help with people with disabilities as protesters gather at the Detroit Police Department during the eleventh day of protests against police brutality on June 8, 2020. | Ryan GarzaUSA Today/Sipa To address the problem, advocates promote a range of remediesmany dovetailing with the nascent national movement to rethink public safety. They want to decrease the total interactions police officers have with disabled people, redirect funds to other support services, and rethink law-enforcement systems and protocols to better protect people. The demands lend specificity and substance to the protest cries to defund the police, drawing attention to the tragedies that follow when armed first responders encounter a situation that demands not enforcement or coercion but care. Some departments are trying. In recent years, police agencies around the country have offered their forces crisis-intervention trainings, which are designed to help officers safely and calmly interact with people with disabilities and de-escalate confrontations with the mentally ill. But the quality of these training programs is all over the board, and the priority remains elsewhere. A 2016 report from the Police Executive Research Forum found that nationwide, police academies spend a median of 58 hours on firearm training and just eight hours on de-escalation or crisis intervention. In 2015, the Arc, one of the countrys largest disability-rights organizations, launched its own program to teach law-enforcement officers, lawyers, victim-services providers and other criminal-justice professionals how to identify, interact with and accommodate people with disabilities. Were talking about having a community really understand each other, and what that can look like, says Leigh Ann Davis, who leads the Arcs National Center on Criminal Justice and Disability. The program has now trained 2,000 people in 14 states. But training programs, regardless of quality, are not enough, activists say. As protests continue nationwide and demands to defund or abolish the police gain steam, some advocates are pushing for more radical models that seek to avoid bringing people with disabilities, or those experiencing mental-health crises, into contact with the police. In Eugene, Ore., for example, the White Bird Clinic runs whats known as CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets), a program that reroutes 911 and non-emergency calls relating to mental health, substance use or homelessness to a team of medics and crisis-care workers. Those teams respond to such calls instead ofnot alongsidepolice. The CAHOOTS program, which launched in the late 80s, receives roughly 24,000 calls each year; 17% of Eugene police calls are redirected to CAHOOTS, a boon to police departments, which can better use resources combatting crimes. Police unions have criticized CAHOOTS and similar programs on the grounds that its dangerous for medics and crisis-care workers to respond to calls without armed officers. But Tim Black, the CAHOOTS operations coordinator, says thats mostly not the case. His teams work closely with the Eugene police department, and last year, just 150 of the 24,000 calls directed to CAHOOTS required police backup. Theres a really constructive relationship that we have with law enforcement because they see us as the expert, Black says. They trust us to engage in all sorts of situations that theyre not equipped to handle. But they also trust us to provide them with feedback and oversight when we see things that arent going well because they know that its coming from the place of understanding. Olympia, Wash.; Denver; and Oakland, Calif., have developed programs modeled after CAHOOTS, and Black says other cities are beginning to call for advice too. In New York City, a coalition of civil rights and social-service organizations has proposed a pilot program for two precincts in which EMTs and crisis counselors would respond to mental-health calls instead of police. The coalition wants to devote $16.5 million to the pilot over five years. (New York spends nearly $11 billion on police-related costs each year.) Ve Gulbrandsen, center, an EMT with CAHOOTS, joins a team from White Bird in screening guests for health concerns at the Egan Warming Center in Springfield, Ore. on March 16, 2020. | Chris PietschThe Register-Guard/USA Today/Sipa A police response is not the kind of response you want when people are in a mental-health crisis, says Carla Rabinowitz, advocacy coordinator for the mental-health nonprofit Community Access and the coalitions project leader. She notes that at least 17 New Yorkers experiencing mental-health crises were killed or injured by police in the past five years. Its much better to have a peer and an EMT who can talk to the person, figure out what is going on in the persons life, offer them resources. Racial equality and disability rights advocates are demanding change beyond law enforcement. Police violence, after all, is only part of why Black Americans have overall worse health outcomes and shorter life expectancies than white Americans. Due to years of systemic racism, Black Americans are more likely than white Americans to have lower incomes, and to live in less safe neighborhoods with fewer grocery stores, fewer parks, worse air quality, and less desirable schools. These factors not only contribute to higher instances of physical ailments, like asthma and diabetes, theyre also intrinsically intertwined with worse mental health outcomes. Black Americans are more likely to have schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. These challenges are compounded by many Black Americans lack of access to unbiased medical and mental health care. Black Americans are less likely than their white counterparts to be identified as having autism and learning disabilities. Even talking about disability and mental health in the Black community can require adopting a language separate from mainstream medical culture. Disability is commonly understood through a white and wealth privileged lens, says Lewis, the lawyer with HEARD, who helps disabled people facing violence and incarceration across the country. Lewis explains that government officials and even mainstream disability rights leaders often rely on formal definitions of disability that can lead them to overlook the experiences of disabled Black people. Many Black Americans grow up experiencing police violence, witnessing it in their communities, and seeing videos of deaths as a matter of course. But due to the ways the U.S. medical and education systems have created distrust among communities of color, advocates say there can also be stigma and a lack of awareness about disability in Black communities, even as they push back against violence that impacts these vulnerable populations. Teighlor McGee, a 22-year-old who has been gathering personal protective equipment and sending medics to help protesters in Minneapolis, says that racial justice groups often dont think about disabled people when holding demonstrations or advocating for change. A lot of people dont see disabled people as people, she says. People cant picture disabled people facing police brutality and violence because they cant picture disabled people going places. McGee noticed the lack of spaces to connect with others who shared her experience as a Black autistic woman, so she started the Black Disability Collective online to fill the void. When people with disabilities or mental illness are not at the center of the conversation, activists say that makes it harder to build understanding and make change. Adrienne Bryant in Tempe, Ariz., says she witnessed the limits of police understanding this year. In January, she called the police because her 29-year-old son Randy Evans, who had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia last year, was experiencing a manic episode and she needed help getting him to a mental health facility. But when police showed up at her apartment with riot shields and rifles, she and her younger son panicked, the officers were yelling, and the situation quickly escalated. I said several times, Please do not kill my son, Bryant recalled, near tears. One wrong move and I could have lost two sons that night. The police dispatcher had given the responding officers an incorrect name, which turned out to belong to a felony offender who was wanted for violating probation. The dispatcher also told officers that the man they were responding to had knives. (In reality, Bryant and her younger son had collected and hidden all of the knives in the house to keep them away from Evans until police arrived.) As a result of these mistakes, the responding officers believed they were confronting an armed felon, rather than just performing a mental health call. Tempe Police Chief Sylvia Moir told TIME that the responding officers said the mistaken name did not change their behavior. The department believes they responded appropriately in this situation. We have to first start with, are the police the right societal actor to be inserted into this space and into this societal issue? Moir says. More than 60% of Tempe police officers are trained in crisis response, Moir says, and the city has a separate crisis response team that can also be called in to help in situations such as mental health crises, sexual assaults and domestic violence incidents. But she said that she would be worried about sending a crisis response team without police officers carrying lethal weapons in case situations turned dangerous. I think this is reflective of the police really being the reflective muscle of the government and that there is nobody else out in this space doing this work in this kind of very complex and volatile space, Moir says. But Bryant says the damage has been done. Her younger son remains traumatized by the incident; he avoided leaving the house for months afterward. And she is still working to ensure Randys name is not associated with the incorrect one provided by the dispatcher. We will never call the police again, she says. Marcus-David Peters and sister Princess Blanding | Courtesy of Princess Blanding Meanwhile, in Richmond, Blanding, whose brother Peters was killed near his car, is using the current, galvanizing prominence of race and criminal justice to push the reforms she has been seeking since his death. Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney recently released a plan for re-imagining public safety in the city that includes a civilian review board and a version of the familys idea for a crisis alert that would involve mental-health experts responding to a mental- or behavioral-health crisis, in addition to other policy changes. Blanding says she is glad to see progress, but wont celebrate until the city implements a system that ensures having a mental-health crisis does not become a death sentence. This appears in the July 06, 2020 issue of TIME. A planned White House summit between Belgrade and Pristina fell apart Thursday after Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti cancelled his trip to Washington, following the lead of President Hashim Thaci who scrapped the visit to face war crimes charges. Thaci pulled out of the trip Wednesday after special prosecutors in the Hague announced a slew of charges against the president for his role in Kosovos 1998-99 war with Serbia, accusing him and other allies of involvement in nearly 100 murders. That left Prime Minister Hoti to meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on his own at the White House talks set for June 27. But writing on Facebook Thursday, Hoti said he too would need to cancel. I have to return to Pristina to deal with the situation, he said, referring to the charges filed against Thaci and others. The indictment still needs approval from a pre-trial judge but prosecutors said they decided to make the accusations public because Thaci had made repeated attempts to obstruct the courts work. The EU-backed tribunal was established in 2015 to investigate crimes committed by independence-seeking ethnic Albanian guerrillas during and after the war with Serbia. Twenty years later, tensions still linger between the neighbours, with Serbia refusing to accept the independence Kosovo declared in 2008. The talks in Washington, organised by US envoy Richard Grenell, were supposed to bring the two sides together for the first time in months. President Donald Trump had not been expected to personally attend the talks. ih-ssm/wdb FACEBOOK Oswego, N.Y. While the state is in the midst of re-opening after more than three months of coronavirus-related closures, two Oswego marinas will remain shut for the next 12 months. The closures are part of a $16 million waterfront improvement effort that combines a trio of projects at Breitbeck Park, Wrights Landing and the International Pier. The addition of stone and additional landscaping along the bottom of Brietbeck Park and the Harbor Trail will prevent future erosion from high water. Wrights Landing Marina will have its ground surface elevated two feet, get a new pavilion and welcome center, renovated restrooms, improved wheelchair access, and more firepit and seating areas. The International Pier, currently gravel, will undergo a $6.5 million transformation to a pedestrian-oriented boardwalk pier. Construction is expected to last through July 2021. Our Breitbeck Park, Wrights Landing Marina, and International Pier projects will surely transform Oswegos waterfront and position our community to finally take full advantage of being a waterfront community, Oswego Mayor Billy Barlow said in a news release. Our Wrights Landing Marina will become the premier marina on Lake Ontario and the International Pier, I believe, will serve as a unique and powerful regional attraction, showcasing our world class waterfront, for many years to come. The citys Lake Ontario shoreline was badly damaged by flooding, first in the spring of 2017 and again in 2019. The costs will largely be covered by several sources of funding, including $12.6 million from the states Resiliency and Economic Development Initiative program to protect the shoreline, $1.1 million from a state CFA grant awarded in 2018 and $1.5 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to repair flooding damage. Oswego DPW commissioner Thomas Kells said his department will do most of the construction work, with city personnel and equipment. That should save on project costs and expedite the construction schedule. The city also has been working with project designers Delta Engineers of Vernon. Any boaters who rented dock slips in either marina for this year can call the Oswego Department of Public Works (315-343-5055) for a refund. 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. Mumbai, which has been in news for having maximum number of Covid cases in India, has seen strong recovery numbers in the past few days. Experts suggests that Mumbai might see a flattened Covid curve by mid-July. With Mumbai witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases over the last three months, there may be respite soon as a fall in positive cases and strong recovery numbers have been seen in the past few days. According to experts if this trend continues, Mumbai may see a flattening of the curve by Mid July and normalcy of the life by the start of August if precautionary measures remain in place. CEO of Wockhardt Hospital Mumbai, Dr. Parag Rindhani, who is a microbiologist, told ANI: In the past three months, we have seen several cases of COVID-19 and now, fortunately, we are seeing a decrease in numbers. With this trend, we can expect a flattening of the curve by mid-July, which BMC commissioner has also said, and the normalcy of life can be expected by the beginning of August. But it is conditional as people would have to behave responsibly for that, else we cannot deny the possibility of a second wave, he added. Dr. Rindhani further spoke about the monsoon-related diseases and said soon it will become difficult to segregate COVID and non-COVID patients. In the coming days, we are going to face another challenge for COVID-19 treatment as we will have patients suffering from fever due to malaria, dengue, or other monsoon related diseases. And then, it will be more difficult to segregate COVID and non-COVID patients, the expert said. Wockhardt was one of the hospitals which itself was affected by COVID badly as its 60 staff nurses and doctors were infected by coronavirus while treating the patients but now all have recovered and are giving their service to the other patients. Also read: Tamil Nadu suspends inter-district movement till June 30 Also read: Delhi hit hard by rising fuel prices CEO Dr. Rindhani himself got infected with COVID-19 and admitted to the ICU for over a week. Now, Wockhardt is working as one of the biggest private COVID facilities in Mumbai. With 1,42,900 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far, Maharashtra remains the worst-affected state in the country, as per the Union Health and Welfare Ministry on Thursday. For all the latest National News, download NewsX App In an interview with NPR on Thursday, Barr dismissed critics assertions that he replaced Berman as a means to protect the president. Given the current environment, anytime you make a personnel move, you know, conspiracy theorists will suggest that theres something, [that] theres some ulterior motive involved, he said. But I felt this was actually a good time to do it because I was not aware of anything that that should, in reality, give rise to that. A Virginia judge said this week that Representative Devin Nunes could not sue Twitter over posts by two parody accounts and a Republican strategist, ruling that a federal communications law protects the social media company from being held liable for the posts. Mr. Nunes, a California Republican, had sought $250 million in the suit filed last year against Twitter, the strategist and the owners of the accounts over statements he said were defamatory. One account pretended to be Mr. Nuness mother; the other pretended to be a cow. But on Wednesday, Judge John Marshall of the Henrico County Circuit Court in Virginia said Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, a federal law that says social media companies are not liable for content posted on their platforms, provides Twitter immunity in the suit. The ruling was a blow to conservatives who have criticized Section 230 and accused Twitter of bias against them, something Twitter and other social media companies have repeatedly denied. Mr. Nunes had argued in the suit that Twitter is biased against conservatives, while amplifying the voices of his Democratic detractors. Residents wait in line at a mobile COVID-19 testing site set up in a vacant lot in Chicago, Illinois, on June 23, 2020. Scott Olson/Getty Images State officials around the US are scrambling to deal with a surge in coronavirus cases, while the federal government is poised to end support and funding for 13 testing sites. The screening locations are in Texas, New Jersey, Illinois, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. This decision could "have catastrophic cascading consequences" when it comes to identifying and isolating new cases, Dr. David Persse of the Houston Health Department wrote in a letter to the deputy surgeon general. Experts told Business Insider that frequent and widespread testing is crucial because the coronavirus is still in our midst and can easily overwhelm the nation's already strained healthcare system. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Coronavirus cases are spiking across a broad swath of the American South and West. But the Trump administration is slated to discontinue funding for 13 federal testing sites across five states, starting at the end of June, Talking Points Memo reported on Tuesday. This move comes following President Donald Trump's comments last week at a roundtable for seniors in which he argued that "if we stop testing right now, we'd have very few cases, actually." He employed similar rhetoric on Saturday at a rally in Tulsa in which he complained that the country's caseload is up due to an overall increase in the availability of coronavirus tests. He touted responding to the surging pandemic by telling his team to "slow the testing down please." Trump has been promoting this flawed logic for the past month. In May, he told Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, "So the media likes to say we have the most cases, but we do, by far, the most testing. If we did very little testing, we wouldn't have the most cases. So in a way, by doing all of this testing, we make ourselves look bad." Seven of the sites slated for defunding are in Texas, which just this week reported record-high hospitalization rates for 10 consecutive days and an upward trend in new infections. New Jersey and Illinois each have two facilities, and Colorado and Pennsylvania both have one, according to TPM. Colorado is the only state that's not on the list of 10 worst-hit states in the US. Story continues Despite the administration's decision to stop providing federal support for these sites, some states are securing funding to keep them open. New Jersey's Gov. Phil Murphy announced to reporters on Tuesday that he has "secured continued assistance" from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Health and Human Services. That means the testing sites at Bergen Community College and PNC Bank Arts Center will cease operations on June 30, but New Jersey will continue to receive federal funding for "testing partnerships with local pharmacies," according to Janelle Fleming, a communications manager for the New Jersey Department of Health. Loss of federal support can trigger 'catastrophic cascading consequences' Meanwhile, the onus is now on states to bolster testing efforts. "Illinois did request an extension for continued federal support at the two Illinois community-based testing sites the federal government was funding, but unfortunately, the request was denied," Melaney Arnold, a public information officer for the Illinois Department of Public Health, told Business Insider in an email. State leaders plan to "continue to support these sites," Arnold added. A woman takes a COVID-19 test on June 20, 2020 in Livingston, Montana. William Campbell/Getty Images In Pennsylvania, a testing site at Montgomery County Community College has been affected. Officials are in the "planning stages of setting up six walk-up testing locations around the county" so residents can continue to be screened for the coronavirus. The new facilities are "being paid for with CARES Act funding," county spokeswoman Teresa Harris told Business Insider. Officials in Texas, too, have requested an extension and are awaiting a reply. The county is experiencing "a nearly four-fold increase in hospital admission not only within hospitals in the city but across Harris County since May 21st," Dr. David Persse, public health authority for the Houston Health Department, wrote in a letter to the Surgeon General's office. "Losing the support of the Federal government for testing sites will undoubtedly have catastrophic cascading consequences in the region's ability to adequately test, quarantine, and isolate" new patients, which is necessary to curb the transmission of the highly contagious illness, he wrote. In Houston alone, the two FEMA-operated sites have helped screen an estimated 60,000 people, Scott Packard, the Houston Health Department's chief communications officer, told Business Insider. But with the federal government poised to back away next Tuesday, local officials and agencies will assume the responsibility of screening residents at Butler and Delmar stadiums, Packard said. In Colorado, one community-based testing site in Grand Junction has already closed and its supplies were handed off to the state. On June 30, a site in Pueblo will follow suit, according to a spokeswoman for the Department of Public Health and Environment. "This transition will not reduce Colorodans' access to testing ... It's also important to put this in the context that Colorado has vastly increased access to testing statewide, including testing at private-sector locations such as pharmacies," she told Business Insider in an email. Experts are anxious about decisions 'that will reduce testing in any way during this critical time' Dr. Melissa DuPont-Reyes, assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Texas A&M University's School of Public Health, told Business Insider an effective response to an infectious disease outbreak hinges on early and widespread testing. "Testing helps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and allows for epidemiological and scientific efforts to continue to track and understand the pandemic," she said. Testing is particularly important when it comes to the coronavirus because people who don't fall sick or display symptoms can still be asymptomatic carriers who are spreading the disease to others they come in contact with. "We cannot estimate prevalence or spread without testing," DuPont-Reyes said. Testing has also proven to be critical because the transmission of the coronavirus has been "dynamic over space and time with human movement and physical closeness," she added. "Epicenters have moved from one part of the country to another. Cases have been reported in each state, in rural, suburban, and urban areas alike. The virus does not discriminate, so it is essential to continue to provide testing everywhere," DuPont-Reyes said. A Florida resident gets tested for the coronavirus on April 30, 2020. Florida is among 19 states that hasn't met testing standards set by the federal government or Harvard. David Santiago/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty And it's for these reasons that Dr. Laura Rasmussen-Torvik, the epidemiology chief at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, is worried by recent steps taken by the Trump administration. "I'm tremendously concerned about any action that will reduce testing in any way during this critical time in the pandemic," she told Business Insider. "I'm even more concerned about actions that might reduce testing in racial and ethnic minorities, as these groups have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and, in some cases, these groups may have less access to testing through the traditional health care system." Dr. Matthew McQueen, an associate professor at the Department of Integrative Physiology at the University of Colorado Boulder, echoed the sentiment. "It has been difficult to fully understand the federal response to this pandemic," he told Business Insider. "Having states effectively compete for resources and supplies is not good for the country. This is a health crisis and we are strongest when we are all pulling in the same direction as a country." McQueen was also baffled by the president's comments at the "Make America Great Again" rally in Oklahoma about cutting down on testing. "As an epidemiologist, I simply can't understand this," he said. "Testing s critical to opening the economy. Unfortunately, testing does reveal the nature and extent of the pandemic. But we'd rather be armed with data and information to guide policy and decisions than fly blind into the unknown." Testing isn't merely about "number counting," McQueen said, but allows the US to respond to public health care needs and "enables us to identify cases, trace contacts, and ultimately, mitigate the spread among communities." As it is, Rasmussen-Torvik said, policies have varied so drastically among states and even municipalities that some parts of the US are now seeing a rapid increase in coronavirus cases, while the infection's rate of spread is staying stable or declining in other parts of the country. The "increased numbers of positive cases and high utilization of hospital beds and ICU resources" in states like Texas and Arizona are disturbing, Rasmussen-Torvik said, because it's possible that area hospitals could "soon be overwhelmed with COVID cases, which will lead to lower quality of care for those with COVID as well as those with other health conditions." However, no one would be aware of these trends without testing, DuPont-Reyes added. "If we don't continue testing and managing the spread of infection, it is possible to exceed the capacity of our healthcare system still, which has already been stretched thin. Healthcare workers are burned out and resources are running low," she said. This article has been updated. Read the original article on Business Insider (TNS) Iowa State University officials announced Monday that nearly 4,900 Iowa State University-affiliated email accounts were the recipients of a racist cyberattack from an email sender claiming to be Equity Prime Mortgage.The email, according to officials, made references to white supremacy and lynching.In a letter sent to the ISU community, the university said the cyberattack reached various university-affiliated email accounts, with a "vast majority" belonging to faculty and some to students. The Information Technology Services Department was able to remove 70% of the messages before they were opened and blocked the sender."We understand how upsetting this was for those who received the email, especially our Black colleagues and students. Iowa State University condemns this repugnant hate-filled message and the racism and white supremacy it aimed to spread," the letter said.The email was received around Sunday afternoon, according to ISU's Chief of Police Michael Newton."These were spam emails that looked like they were coming from Equity Prime Mortgage," Newton said. "Luckily our folks through our Information Technology were able to intercept and make sure those weren't delivered to many of the intended recipients."Though the university has dealt with spam emails in the past, Newton said these emails were "horrid, blatantly racist comments that are very inappropriate."Iowa State University isn't the only university to receive these emails. In the letter, the the university said Harvard University and Stanford University have also received similar racially-charged emails from the sender claiming to be Equity Prime Mortgage.Theattempt to reach the company on Monday were unsuccessful.Equity Prime Mortgage is an Atlanta-based home mortgage lending company which recently made local news when they fired the stepmother of Garrett Rolfe, an ex-police officer charged with felony murder and 10 other criminal charges in the shooting death of Rayshard Brooks outside of Wendy's last week.Angela Hunt told thethe university did not have any additional statements at this time.Iowa State University police are working with the FBI to determine the identity of the sender of the emails. Granting an advance bail to the rape accused, Justice Krishna S Dixit of the Karnataka HC also observed 'This is not the way our women react when they are ravished' Bengaluru: Granting advance bail to a rape accused, the Karnataka High Court has expressed its reservations about the genuineness of the complainant's case while observing that her explanation that "after the perpetration of the act she was tired and fell asleep, is unbecoming of an Indian woman". The court also found it difficult to believe at this stage that the complainant was subjected to rape on the false promise of marriage "in the given circumstances of the case". The complainant is the employer of the accused for the past two years, it noted. "Nothing is mentioned by the complainant as to why she went to her office at 11 pm; she has also not objected to consuming drinks with the petitioner and allowing him to stay with her till morning; the explanation offered by the complainant that after the perpetration of the act she was tired and fell asleep, is unbecoming of an Indian woman," Justice Krishna S Dixit observed. "This is not the way our women react when they are ravished," the judge further observed while allowing the plea on 22 June. Agreeing that the charges of rape, cheating and intimidation against the petitioner were serious in nature, the court observed that "seriousness alone is not the criteria to deny liberty to the citizen when there is no prima facie case from the police". The court took note of a letter allegedly written by the complainant that she would withdraw the complaint if a compromise was brought about. "Nothing is stated by the complainant as to why she did not approach the court at the earliest point of time when the petitioner was allegedly forcing her for sexual favours," the court observed. Further, the judge also found no ground to deny the accused advance bail as the victim did not offer any explanation for not alerting the police or the public about the conduct of the petitioner when she had been to a hotel for dinner and the petitioner, having consumed drinks, came and sat in the car. The court imposed a slew of conditions on the petitioner while granting him the relief including the execution of a personal bond of Rs one lakh and not tampering with evidence. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 00:23:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Zambia and Chinese enterprises operating in the country on Wednesday donated medical supplies to help the southern African nation combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The donations were made to the Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital which was in charge of two isolation centers. The donated items included operating tables, medical masks, sanitizers, and personal protective equipment. Ouyang Daobing, Economic and Commercial Chancellor at the Chinese embassy, said Zambia was, like other countries, feeling the effect of the pandemic and that it was China's role to render a helping hand. He said the donations were a response to Zambia's call for assistance in combating the pandemic. According to him, the pandemic was still evolving hence the need not to relax in all efforts aimed at combating it. While commending Zambia for implementing a multisectoral approach in combating the disease which has resulted in not many cases and deaths, the Chinese official called for the need to maintain the momentum. Kakulubelwa Mulalelo, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary who in charge of the administration, said the medical supplies donated will be of great benefit not only to health workers in the isolation centers but also all those working in other areas. "All over the world, there has been an outcry on the need to protect health workers from contracting the coronavirus so that they continue to offer the institutional services required in their line of duty. It is, therefore, gratifying to see that health care services are receiving support from several organizations," she said. She further commended the Chinese government for its continued support to the hospital, adding that China has not only supported in the provision of medicines but in infrastructure development and training. Zambia now has 1,477 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 1,213 recoveries and 18 deaths. Enditem The Telangana government on Thursday announced suspension of Covid-19 tests for two days in Hyderabad and surrounding districts amid a massive backlog of samples waiting to be tested even as the state recorded a whopping 920 fresh cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours. The capital city of Hyderabad alone accounted for 737 out of 920 cases as the states Covid-19 tally climbed to 11,364. There were five more casualties taking the total death toll to 230. The government had stepped up the rate of testing over the past week following criticism from all sides and a reprimand from the state high court over low testing in the state for a long time. From less than 300 tests a day last month, the number of tests went up to 36,000 on June 16. Subsequently, an average of 2,500 to 3,000 tests were conducted in the last one week. On Thursday alone, 3,616 tests were conducted taking the cumulative number tests to 70,934. However, the 10 government labs and 18 private labs which were newly permitted, have not been able to handle the number of samples arriving in them. By Thursday, as many as 8,235 samples were still pending in the labs for testing and the authorities said collection of more samples without testing the pending ones will create problems. Director of public health and family welfare G Srinivasa Rao said collection of samples by conducting special camps has been stopped for two days so that the testing of pending samples was completed and labs and collections centres are sanitized. The official said in a statement that each sample has to be tested within 48 hours and till then it has to be preserved in controlled temperature. If there is delay in testing the samples, it may show false positive results, he said. The director, however, said collection of samples through special camps was paused but tests in hospitals would continue uninterrupted. Those with suspected symptoms of Covid-19 can get themselves tested in hospitals. Meanwhile, following an alarming rise in the number of positive cases for Covid-19 in Greater Hyderabad, which accounted for 70 per cent of the total cases in the state, several business houses announced voluntary lockdown for a period ranging from seven to 10 days as a precautionary measure. On Thursday, many shops at the Pathergatti business hub were closed as local traders decided not to open their shops for the next few days. As the number of Covid-19 cases has been going up sharply, we had no other option but to close down our business activities, Abid Moinuddin, president, Pathergatti Traders Association said. More shopkeepers declared that they would not open their shops for at least one week. The Lad Bazaar Bangle Market Association also decided to close down their shops for a week from Friday onwards. The Hyderabad Kirana Merchants Association and textile traders of famous General Bazar in Secunderabad also announced closure of shops till July 3, while Hyderabad and Secunderabad sanitaryware merchants announced closure up to July 5 and troop bazar merchants in Abids up to July 8 .. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Three months after it closed its river parks to slow the spread of COVID-19 the first time, New Braunfels again took that step Friday. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 22:04:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BANGKOK, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Thursday confirmed that the government has approved the entry of several types of inbound travelers starting from July 1. They comprise of businessmen and investors in the waiting list who have agreed to the Alternative State Quarantine. "Also skilled laborers and experts, foreigners married to Thais and permanent residents of Thailand, educational personnel, teachers, and students, are all inclusive," said Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, the CCSA spokesman. "Businessmen on short-duration stays may be exempted from quarantine but we will need to find an alternative way to monitor them," said Taweesin. The CCSA said on Thursday that medical and wellness tourists will be allowed entry into Thailand from July 1, as long as the health institutions and hospitals have secured an Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration certification. However, this group of tourists will only be allowed entry to Bangkok, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces, said Taweesin. Taweesin reaffirmed that general tourists are currently banned from entering into Thailand since the virus situation around the world remains a cause for concern. Thailand on Thursday reported no new infection, the 31st straight day of no cases reported. Total COVID-19 cases remained at 3,158. Death toll remained unchanged at 58. Enditem The market was trading with modest losses in mid-morning trade. At 12:26 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was down 191.19 points or 0.55% at 34,677.79. The Nifty 50 index lost 44.45 points or 0.43% at 10,260.85. Surging COVID-19 cases and an IMF downgrade to economic projections dented investors' confidence. Investors were also cautious amid media reports that China has significantly ramped up its military presence in Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley and several points in eastern Ladakh. According to the reports, People's Liberation Army of China has increased its troops and weaponry along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand. India has rubbished China's claim of sovereignty over the Galwan Valley, and said that unilateral attempt to change status quo on LAC will not be accepted. In the broader market, the S&P BSE Mid-Cap index and the S&P BSE Small-Cap index were trading almost flat. The market breadth was positive. On the BSE, 1294 shares rose and 1175 shares fell. A total of 124 shares were unchanged. Trading was volatile as traders roll over positions in the F&O segment from the near month June series to July series. The June 2020 F&O contracts expires today, 25 June 2020. IMF World Economic Outlook: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on June 24 projected a sharp contraction of 4.5% for the Indian economy in 2020, a historic low, citing the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic that has nearly stalled all economic activities, but said the country is expected to bounce back in 2021 with a robust 6% growth rate. The IMF projected the global growth at -4.9% in 2020, 1.9 percentage points below the April 2020 World Economic Outlook (WEO) forecast. Given the unprecedented nature of this crisis, as is the case for almost all countries, this projected contraction is a historic low, Gita Gopinath, IMF's Chief Economist, said as she released the World Economic Outlook Update. Covid-19 Update: India reported 1,86,514 active cases of COVID-19 infection and 14,894 deaths, according to the data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Total coronavirus cases worldwide stood at 9,430,384 far with 482,752 deaths, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Derivatives: The NSE's India VIX, a gauge of market's expectation of volatility over the near term, added 0.80% to 29.81. The Nifty July 2020 futures were trading at 10,208.70, at a discount of 52.15 points compared with the spot at 10,260.85. On the options front, the Nifty option chain for 30 July 2020 expiry showed maximum call open interest (OI) of 14.79 lakh contracts at the 11,500 strike price. Maximum put OI of 20.67 lakh contracts was seen at 10,000 strike price. Buzzing Index: The Nifty FMCG index rose 1.05% to 29,797.30, advancing for sixth day. The index has added 4.8% six sessions while the benchmark Nifty 50 index has gained 3.9% during the same period. ITC (up 2.79%), Dabur India (up 1.25%), Colgate-Palmolive India (up 1.07%), Godrej Consumer (up 1.05%), Marico (up 0.66%), Tata Consumer Products (up 0.57%), Nestle India (up 0.56%), Hindustan Unilever (up 0.44%), Jubilant Foodworks (up 0.42%) and Britannia Industries (up 0.05%) advanced. United Breweries (down 1.71%), Emami (down 0.89%), United Spirits (down 0.82%), Procter & Gamble Hygiene (down 0.54%) and Godrej Industries (down 0.28%) declined. Earnings impact: Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation reported 84.4% decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 90.57 crore in Q4 March 2020 as against net profit of Rs 581.33 crore in Q4 March 2019. Net sales stood at Rs 2870.84 crore in Q4 March 2020, rising 0.1% from Rs 2867.19 crore in Q4 March 2019. The scrip rose 0.94% to Rs 1056.55. Indoco Remedies shed 1.38% to Rs 208, extending decline for second day. The stock has lost 6.4% in two days. The company's consolidated net profit fell 53.4% to Rs 5.36 crore on 7.4% rise in net sales to Rs 263.14 crore in Q4 March 2020 over Q4 March 2019. On a standalone basis, the company's tumbled 53.6% to Rs 5.4 crore on 7.4% increase in net sales to Rs 263.17 crore in Q4 March 2020 over Q4 March 2019. EBITDA rose 16.84% to Rs 33.30 crore during the quarter. EBITDA margin stood at 12.7% in Q4 FY20, higher than 11.7% in Q4 FY19. The domestic formulation business grew by 10.3% and the international formulation business rose 12.5% during the quarter. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) How do I begin to count and assess the lessons learned over the past 13 years of having had the immense privilege of serving as the Toronto Stars public editor the most challenging and rewarding role of all my years in journalism. Some elements of being the reader advocate and guarantor of accuracy for this news organization can be tallied. Since May 2007, I have written just over 400 public editor columns, adjudicated and explained thousands of questions about the newsrooms journalistic judgments, overseen more than 10,000 corrections and clarifications, and received almost 150,000 comments, concerns and complaints from highly engaged readers who care enough to hold the Star to account and seek to learn more about its journalism. As the Stars longest-serving public editor the eighth journalist to hold this position since its creation in 1972 I have explained journalism to readers and the concerns of readers to newsroom journalists during a time of digital transformation in journalism and massive upheaval in the news business, especially in legacy newspapers like the 128-year-old Star. The ethical issues and journalist dilemmas I have grappled with on behalf of readers could fill a J-school textbook. Eternal matters such as accuracy, egregious errors, conflicts and impartiality, fairness, graphic images, loaded language, offensive opinions and outrageous editorial cartoons, plagiarism, privacy and press freedom. More challenging, and always fascinating, were the emerging digital matters and new platforms we could not have foreseen fully when I began this job in 2007 unpublishing, invisible mending of online errors, online comments, online harassment, Twitter and Facebook, news alerts, newsletters, podcasts and videos. Now its time for change and new challenges. And a time to give thanks. First and foremost, to the Stars many caring readers. You made this job matter. I am ever grateful also to all the dedicated newsroom journalists who may not have always agreed with my judgments, but most always co-operated in our goal of being transparent and accountable to our readers. The individuals to whom I owe immense gratitude are too many to mention here. But there are two people without whom I could not have done this work. First, public editor associate, Maithily Panchalingam, a smart partner whose great judgment always made my job easier. And, of course, outgoing Torstar chair John Honderich, a staunch supporter of the independence and integrity of the public editors office and long-time guiding light of the Stars legacy of trustworthy journalism. To conclude this 13-year journey, I offer 13 truths and lessons learned that matter to readers and journalists at a time when journalism is an essential service and trustworthy journalism matters more than ever. My statements of truth: 1. As journalists, we simply must not take it for granted that our readers get what we do and why we do it. We must be transparent and accountable about our methods, mission and purpose in a democracy. 2. Journalists are not and must not be above the accountability we expect of those we question. When called to account, journalists should be prepared to explain publicly what we do in reporting the news and the journalistic judgments involved in all we publish. 3. Readers should be listened to. You are journalisms core customers and we ignore you at our peril. 4. Readers arent always right, and no news organization can always please all its readers. On any given day, someone is likely to be offended, annoyed angry. . . 5. Opinion journalists columnists and editorial/op-ed writers have wide latitude to offend, annoy and express their own views. But newsrooms must make clear the distinction between news and opinion and understand that readers often do not understand that difference. 6. There can be no compromise on accuracy. Accuracy is our most basic contract with readers. Get it right is Job 1. 7. A correction is a contract of credibility between a news organization and its audiences, essential to setting the record straight when errors are made. Corrections must be clear, prominent and published promptly on the platform on which the error occurred. 8. Objectivity is not possible in journalism and should not be our ideal. Fairness is our greater goal. Fairness demands that whatever our personal beliefs, we strive to report accurately the multi-faceted facts and the truths they reveal. Fairness does not demand false balance. 9. Predominantly white newsrooms do not represent Canadas racial diversity. Action for change is long overdue. A more diverse newsroom can provide more representative, more accurate and more complete news coverage required for a just and equable society. 10. A news organization that chooses to employ a public editor makes a pledge to its readers of its intent to strive to be faithful to the enduring values of trustworthy journalism accuracy, fairness and ethical standards. But a public editor cannot be the single intermediary of trust between newsrooms and their audiences. 11. Trustworthy journalism begins with individual journalists who operate with ethical standards. The most ethical journalists are not guided by corporate codes of conduct but by their own inner compass of journalistic right and wrong, mission and purpose. 12. In this age of instant digital news, in which journalism is undergoing revolutionary change, some things are eternal most notably, readers expectations of excellence in English language usage. Typos, grammar and spelling errors will always annoy. 13. While theres never been a time throughout my four decades working in journalism that I have not heard strong sometimes well-deserved criticism of journalists, the tone now from those who are annoyed and angry seems darker, more hateful and increasingly more polarized. Could you all please stop with the fake news epithet? And, finally, to my highly qualified successor, Bruce Campion-Smith: Some say the role of public editor is the worst job in journalism. Thats simply not true. A seven-year-old boy is in hospital with serious injuries after being hit by a car. Police are appealing for witnesses after the incident involving a Toyota C-HR in Portobello, Edinburgh. The driver of the car was not injured in the collision which happened at around 9.20pm yesterday on Abercorn Terrace. The driver of the car was not injured in the collision which happened at around 9.20pm on Wednesday on Abercorn Terrace The boy was taken to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children with serious injuries and is in a stable condition. Sergeant Peter Scott, of the Edinburgh Road Policing Unit, said: 'We are carrying out enquiries to establish the full circumstances which led to this incident. 'I would urge any witnesses or anyone who has dashcam or private CCTV footage to contact police. 'You can pass information by calling 101, quoting incident 4084 of 24 June.' MailOnline has contacted Police Scotland for an update. The kids squatting on the CHOP or CHAZ declared autonomous zone in Seattle have announced they are folding tents and going home. They also threw support behind Joe Biden, demonstrating they have the political understanding of a fence post. Seattle CHOP leaders urge protesters to go home, throw support behind Biden, Democrats https://t.co/T4R8YEKNMU #FoxNews Harold J.L. Connett (@HaroldJLConnett) June 25, 2020 Joe Biden is an establishment stalwart. He will be whatever the DNC and its wealthy controllers want him to be. When the elite told Bill Clinton to kill Serbians, Joe was onboard. He argued in favor of the Iraq invasion that has thus far killed around 1.5 million people. The LGBT crowd should understand that Joe was an ardent supporter of the Defense of Marriage Act. As for BLM, they should look into Bidens opposition to desegregation busing. He spoke to a crowd in Delaware opposed to integration. He pushed hard for the passage of the 1994 crime bill. It resulted in mass incarceration and longer prison sentences for Black Americans. It further warped the judicial system. Paul Street writes: Biden helped author and worked to pass the racist federal mass incarceration Three Strikes crime bill of 1994. He has boasted of his ability to work with segregationists as a U.S. senator in the 1970s, when he opposed federal desegregation busing orders and worried about sending his children to desegregated schools. this Biden clip from 1993 is...outright fascist. 10X worse than Clinton's "super predator" line (via @KFILE) https://t.co/k8d0Icq50m https://t.co/77aDBUKznP Adam H. Johnson (@adamjohnsonNYC) March 7, 2019 Much of the modern controversy around the bill surrounds the view that it has led to mass incarceration, especially among people of color, writes Joseph Lyttleton. The bill has also led more defendants to take plea deals and accept prison time without a trial to avoid a much more severe punishment if found guilty, even when innocent. None of this matters, of course. Its like this every election a choice between the lesser of two evils and come November Democrats will overlook Joes racial sins because they are focused on getting rid of Trump. The hypocrisy here is simply astounding. The CHAZ kids and their BLM comrades will vote for Biden and thus the military-industrial complex wars, financial ripoffs by the elite, all-encompassing surveillance, censorship of political opponents, and the neoliberal creed destroying much of the world. WASHINGTON Ahead of a U.S. visit by Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, energy companies are ramping up pressure on the Trump administration to persuade Obrador to move ahead with energy reforms that were supposed to mean big business for U.S. firms. Since taking office in 2018, Lopez Obrador has steadily rolled back market reforms, put in place by his predecessor, to protect state-owned oil and power companies that stood to lose market share to foreign competitors tasked with modernizing the nation's aged energy sector. "American companies have invested billions of dollars in Mexico since 2013, primarily in storage, pipelines, and marketing infrastructure," Chet Thompson, president of the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, a trade group representing refineries, wrote in a letter to President Donald Trump this week. "Unfortunately, recent actions taken by the Mexican government threaten the important progress that has been made." RELATED: Pandemic provides cover as AMLO erodes Mexicos energy reforms With a congressional election next year, Lopez Obrador has won support among many Mexicans for restoring state control of an energy sector that has been considered a point of national pride since the government nationalized its oil fields and kicked out foreign companies in the 1930s. So far he has cancelled auctions for offshore oil leases and the construction of renewable energy projects, both of which had been dominated by foreign companies eager to grab a piece of an energy market long off limits. In May, Lopez Obrador changed the rules governing power generation to favor power plants controlled by the state-owned utility Federal Electricity Commission over newly built wind and solar farms. Now he is canceling import permits and delaying permits for the construction of new energy infrastructure, according to AFPM. "We dont want to be a colony of any foreign country, Obrador said at the groundbreaking for a new refinery in 2019. We will achieve this with energy independence. Such statements have sparked fear among U.S. energy companies, which have come increasingly dependent on the Mexican market over the past five years. Last year U.S. refineries exported 1.2 million barrels of fuel per day to Mexico, triple what they did a decade ago, representing 20 percent of their total exports. Earlier this month American Petroleum Institute President Mike Sommers wrote to Trump asking that he press these issues with Lopez Obrador before the signing of the new United States Mexico Canada Agreement, a free-trade deal to replace NAFTA. "We encourage you to use diplomatic channels to engage with the president of Mexico and your Cabinet-level counterparts in Mexicos agencies to urge the government of Mexico to uphold its USMCA commitments to treat U.S. investors and U.S. exporters fairly on the eve of USMCA entering into force, Sommers wrote. So far Trump has shown no sign he plans to press Lopez Obrador to carry through with the energy reforms. Speaking at at an event in Arizona on Tuesday, Trump said: "If you look at so many of the different crimes that come through the border, theyre stopped. Weve implemented groundbreaking agreements with Mexico. I want to thank the president of Mexico. Hes really a great guy. The next day Lopez Obrador announced he was planning a trip to the United States, to commemorate the USMCA, which goes into effect July 1. 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. (Reuters) - The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut on Wednesday ordered travellers from eight other U.S. states to be quarantined for two weeks on arrival, as COVID-19 infections surged in regions spared the brunt of the initial outbreak. DEATHS AND INFECTIONS * More than 9.44 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 481,672 have died, a Reuters tally showed as of 0400 GMT on Wednesday. * For an interactive graphic tracking the global spread, open https://tmsnrt.rs/3aIRuz7 in an external browser. * For a U.S.-focused tracker with state-by-state and county map, open https://tmsnrt.rs/2w7hX9T in an external browser. EUROPE * The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 630 to 192,079, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Thursday. * A second wave is a real risk for Britain and local flare-ups are likely, major health bodies said, in one of the strongest warnings yet to Prime Minister Boris Johnson as he eases the lockdown. * The Dutch government announced a widespread easing of coronavirus lockdown measures that will allow outdoor gatherings, group restaurant visits and regular public transport services from July 1. * Ukraine is opening more of its hospitals to coronavirus cases as the institutions initially chosen to accept patients no longer have enough beds to cope with a surge in infections, the health minister said. AMERICAS * Walt Disney Co said the reopening of theme parks and resort hotels in California will be delayed until Disneyland receives approval from state officials, as the state is hit by a huge spike in new coronavirus cases. * Mexico's health ministry on Wednesday reported 947 new deaths from the coronavirus and 5,437 new cases. * The University of Washington forecast nearly 180,000 U.S. deaths from COVID-19 by Oct. 1 as cases showed new signs of surging. * The Trump administration said it would no longer directly fund 13 of its original coronavirus testing sites in five states, saying states were allocated money for testing by the federal government last month. Story continues * U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the U.S. was working with countries in Europe and elsewhere on how to reopen for travel safely. ASIA-PACIFIC * Thailand on Thursday reported one new coronavirus case detected in a Thai national returning from abroad, taking the country to 31 days without a local transmission. * Australia's second most populous state deployed ambulances and mobile test centres in a coronavirus testing blitz as the country recorded the biggest daily rise in cases in two months. * China's health authority reported on Thursday 19 new coronavirus cases in the mainland for June 24, up from 12 a day earlier. * Taiwan has put more than 100 people under quarantine while it investigates its first possible local case of coronavirus infection in more than two months, a Japanese woman who tested positive last week, the government said on Wednesday. * Philippines' stock trading floor will remain shut for decontamination, but trades were unaffected and the trading floor and on-site work will resume on Friday, the bourse operator said. * Indonesian authorities complained that hundreds of people had refused testing for the virus as social taboos emerge as another obstacle to stopping its spread. MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA * Millions of women and children in poor countries are at risk because the pandemic is disrupting health services they rely on, a World Bank global health expert has warned. * All African countries have now developed laboratory capacity to test for the coronavirus, the head of the World Health Organization said. * Iran's death toll has risen to nearly 10,000 with 133 new fatalities in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said. MEDICAL DEVELOPMENTS * Gilead Sciences Inc's antiviral remdesivir could be priced up to $5,080 per course based on benefits shown in COVID-19 patients, a U.S. drug pricing research group suggested. * A Chinese military research institute has been approved to test its second experimental coronavirus vaccine in humans, the eighth candidate in clinical trials for China as it emerges as a front-runner in the global fight against COVID-19. * Oxford University rolled out Africa's first human trials for a potential vaccine against the new coronavirus in South Africa. ECONOMIC FALLOUT * Weak demand is forcing U.S. employers to lay off workers, keeping new applications for unemployment benefits extraordinarily high, even as businesses have reopened, buttressing views the labor market could take years to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. * Britain's economy is shrinking at its fastest pace in centuries as the devastation wrought by the coronavirus pandemic saps demand, but it's likely to bounce back to growth next quarter as more businesses reopen, a Reuters poll found. * China is adding a new face to its trade negotiation team by appointing its chief representative at the World Bank to head the Finance Ministry's international cooperation department, sources said. * The pandemic has caused wider and deeper damage to economic activity than first thought, the International Monetary Fund said, prompting the institution to slash its 2020 global output forecasts further. * Portuguese banks are likely to suffer a significant impact from the coronavirus, the Bank of Portugal warned. * The Philippine government is seeking a record 4.3 trillion peso budget for 2021 focused on reviving an economy expected this year to shrink for the first time in two decades, a top official said. (Compiled by Devika Syamnath and Amy Caren Daniel; Editing by Maju Samuel and Anil D'Silva) So far, neither the United States nor the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) nor the European Union have shown any political will to restrain Turkish adventurism in Libya and the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly after the major reinforcements that Turkey has been sending to Libya. On Saturday, 20 June, press reports indicated that the Turkish government is deploying 1,800 Syrian mercenaries to Libya. The purpose is to beef up the forces of the Tripoli government poised to attack Sirte and Al-Jafra. On the same day, a Turkish official said that the withdrawal of forces loyal to Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar from Sirte is a condition for the ceasefire in Libya. A condition that Haftar will probably reject. If this is the case, then we should expect a fierce battle around the city. An advance towards this city to retake it would present a major escalation in the Libyan conflict, and could lead to a direct confrontation between the Egyptian and Turkish armies on Libyan soil. If this scenario materialises, the likelihood of the internationalisation of the war in Libya should not be discounted. Egypt will not fight alone, and Turkey will most likely find itself fighting a war it could never win. On Saturday, 20 June, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi visited the headquarters of the Western Military Command where he reviewed the troops. Speaking to them and representatives of some Libyan tribes, he raised, for the first time, the prospect of deploying Egyptian forces in Libya if need be. He pointed out that Egypt considers the city of Sirte as well as Al-Jafra a red line, hinting directly that Egypt would defend them so that they dont fall to the forces of the Tripoli government. He referred to Egyptian efforts during the last nine years to bring security and stability to Libya, while defending its 1,200-kilometre-long border with Libya against the infiltration of terrorists coming from across the border. He pointed out that Egypt refrained from intervening in intra-Libyan affairs out of respect for historical bonds that have bound the Egyptian and Libyan people. However, he stressed that recent military developments in Libya have changed the equation from the point of view of Egyptian national security. He emphasised, repeatedly, that the main objective of Egypt is to push for a political solution in Libya in accordance with the Berlin Declaration last January, as well as US Security Council resolutions related to the situation in Libya, in addition to the disbanding of militias and defeating terrorist groups operating in Libya. He added that the security and stability of Libya impact on Egypts security and stability. Furthermore, foreign intervention in Libya (most probably speaking of Turkey) had developed in such a way as to threaten neighbouring countries, including Egypt. In the meantime, he said that if foreign (read Turkish) intervention is not checked, that would undermine Arab national security. He enumerated five objectives for the next moves that Egypt would decide. First, the protection and defence of the western borders of Egypt with Libya. Two, the restoration of security and stability within Libya. Third, to end the ongoing bloodshed throughout Libya. Fourth, the implementation of a ceasefire. Fifth, to push for the implementation of Security Council resolutions on Libya and the Berlin Declaration of January. In this context, the Egyptian president has reiterated Egypts support for the resumption of inter-Libyan talks on the three Berlin Conference tracks; namely, the financial-economic, the security-military and the political tracks. He brought up the Cairo Declaration of 6 June concerning the Libyan initiative reached between the speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives in Tobruk, Mr Aguila Saleh and Haftar. The remarks of the Egyptian president took almost everyone by surprise. Analysts agreed that the prospect of a major military conflict between Egypt and Turkey, unlikely a month ago, has become possible, with all its consequences on North Africa, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East. This escalation comes at a time where Arab countries are divided as to how to rein in Turkey in particular Algeria and Tunisia. The United Arab Emirates was the first Arab country to support Egypt, immediately, after the presidents remarks. I personally believe that President Al-Sisi, by raising the prospects of direct military intervention in Libya, wanted his remarks to act as a deterrence and as a warning on the gravity of the Libyan situation amid deep and growing involvement of the Turkish military in the Libyan conflict. Deterrence for Turkey not to advance eastward towards Egyptian borders with Libya. And a warning to the international community that if it does not act forcefully to rein in the Turks, then the situation could get out of control throughout the region and the Mediterranean. Such a war between Egypt and Turkey would cause divisions within the European Union and would push both the United States and Russia to try to restrain Turkey and find a face-saving formula for Turkey to drop the military option in Libya, and work for a ceasefire in Libya without prior preconditions. The most dangerous thing about a military confrontation between Egypt and Turkey is it would be very difficult to control how it develops. Will the leading international powers with a direct stake in the security and stability of the region and for that matter international peace and security watch the conflagration with its grave repercussions far beyond the shores of Libya? It would be highly risky not to try hard to prevent such a confrontation from happening. The writer is former assistant foreign minister. *A version of this article appears in print in the 25 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: JUSTICE Minister Charlie Flanagan has accused People Before Profit TD Brid Smith of a "sinister" and "personalised" attack on a judge. Online comments by the politician have also been condemned by the Association of Judges of Ireland (AJI), which said they went far beyond what is acceptable in a properly functioning democracy founded on the rule of law. Ms Smith criticised a ruling by High Court Judge Garrett Simons in a Facebook post on Wednesday. The previous day, Mr Justice Simons had found that a sectoral employment order made by the government guaranteeing minimum pay for electrical workers was unconstitutional. Expand Close Solidarity People Before Profit's Brid Smith. PA Photo. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Solidarity People Before Profit's Brid Smith. PA Photo. The ruling came after an organisation called the National Electrical Contractors Ireland (NECI) challenged the government order. In her Facebook post, Ms Smith claimed the judge "put the boot into workers" while earning "over 200,000 a year". High Court judges are paid up to 196,000 after three years service. Mr Flanagan commented on Ms Smith's remarks on Twitter this afternoon. He wrote: "It is sinister to see a judge of our courts under attack in a highly personalised and viscious manner, most especially when such attacks come from an elected member of Dail Eireann. "It is redolent of petty dictators and in effect undermines the very fabric of democracy," Mr Flanagan added. Ms Smith responded saying: "It's interesting that Charlie Flanagan seems more concerned about the judge his party appointed than he does about the impact the judgement will have on hundreds of thousands of workers and their families." She added: "I don't see a Tweet from the establishment showing concern for them or more importantly any indication from the State of intention to appeal the judgement. "I wait with baited breath for Fine Gael to defend workers." The chairman of the Bar Council Micheal P O'Higgins released a statement following Ms Smith's remarks. He said: "A personalised attack on a judge by a member of Dail Eireann, amounts to an attack on our democracy and is something that all of society should be gravely concerned about." "The stability and strength of our democracy is defined by an independent legal system - independent advocates who represent litigants without fear or favour and an autonomous, independent judiciary, who are charged to apply the law, blind to personal preferences or popularity." "This ensures that all citizens, especially the most vulnerable, have the protection of the law and have equal access to justice." He said this must not be taken for granted and that the judiciary and rule of law in many countries is "sadly under threat". Mr O'Higgins said the role of a judge is to apply the rule of law as set down by legislators and they "do so with complete impartiality and objectivity." "For a legislator to personally criticise a member of the judiciary, for doing the job society asks them to do, is dangerous and completely unacceptable," he added. He said: "The coarsening of public discourse on social media is a depressing reality of the world we live in. "Using that platform to make populist and personalised attacks on judges who can not personally defend themselves debases politics and endangers citizens who look to the courts for protection." In a statement the AJI said any person was entitled to disagree with a court judgment and that it was an essential part of any functioning democracy that such criticism can be made. It is equally the right of any party disappointed with the outcome of a case to appeal to a higher court. However, the comments made by Ms Smith go far beyond what is acceptable in a properly functioning democracy founded on the rule of law, the statement said. On Facebook and on Twitter, Ms Smith and her party made a number of outrageous and unwarranted comments in relation to the Judge. These go far beyond the boundaries of legitimate criticism and amount to an extraordinary and wholly unjustified attack on the integrity and independence of the judge. The suggestion that the judges judgment was ideologically-motivated is baseless and dangerous. That such comments should be made by a member of Dail Eireann is particularly concerning. We are fortunate in this country that our Constitution guarantees the independence of our judiciary which is a fundamental cornerstone of a constitutional democracy based on the rule of law. It also provides for the separation of powers. As with all judges, Mr Justice Simons, on taking up office as a judge, made the declaration required by the Constitution of that he would carry out his functions as a judge without fear or favour, affection or ill will towards any person and that he would uphold the Constitution and the laws of the State. In deciding the case before him on the basis of the facts, legal submissions and previous case law, including a number of relevant decisions of the Supreme Court by which he was bound , the judge acted entirely in accordance with that declaration. In the event, he decided the case against the State parties, exemplifying the independence of the judiciary where judges do not hesitate to decide cases adverse to the State where, in their view, that is the legally correct outcome. The State is free to appeal the Judges decision, if it so decides. In many jurisdictions, the judiciary do not enjoy that degree of independence. In others, the exercise of such independence often comes at a significant price. Judges who make unpopular decisions are subject to rhetorical attack that aims to de-legitimise the judicial process and undermine public confidence in the independence of the judiciary, frequently by falsely ascribing political motivations to judges. Such rhetoric endangers the rule of law. Fortunately, that has never been a feature of political discourse in this State and it would be very regrettable if it were to be considered acceptable now. LA NACION La riqueza de una persona, una empresa o una sociedad no esta definida por el dinero que tiene, por el stock o las existencias, sino por las ganancias que esta dispuesta a generar, es decir, por el flujo. Diferenciar las variables de stock de las de flujo nos permitira entender que alguien con un buen patrimonio que no disponga de ingresos, tarde o temprano dejara de ser rico. Para vivir, una persona, empresa o Estado necesita al menos una entrada de dinero, ya que los egresos son inherentes a n A dedicated unit dealing with forced marriages in which at least one individual is a British citizen said on Thursday that it recorded less number of cases related to India in 2019 65 compared to those in 2018 (85), but India remains among the UKs top focus countries on this issue. Officials define forced marriage as one in which one or both spouses do not (or, in the case of some adults with learning or physical disabilities or mental incapacity, cannot) consent to the marriage, and violence, threats, or any other form of coercion is involved. Coercion may include emotional pressure, physical force or the threat of it, and financial pressure. In an arranged marriage, by contrast, both parties have consented to the union but can still refuse to marry if they choose to. Forced marriage is a criminal offence in the UK. The Forced Marriages Unit comprising officials from the Foreign Office and the Home Office said the number of cases linked to India in 2019 was 65 cases (5 per cent of the total cases handled during the year). This is lower than in 2018 when 85 cases were linked to India. There was a higher proportion of older victims as well as male victims compared with other key focus countries. 23% of the cases were linked to London and 89% of the cases related to victims while they were in the UK, it said. There have been cases of parents taking children on holiday to their countries of origin, and forcing them to marry there against their will. In 2019, the unit gave advice or support in 1,355 cases related to a possible forced marriage. The highest was in relation to Pakistan (559), followed by Bangladesh (144) and India (65). The officials said the statistics represent only the cases that have been reported, adding that forced marriage is a hidden crime and that the figures will not reflect the full scale of the abuse. The unit was established in 2005 to lead on the UK governments forced marriage policy, outreach and casework. It operates both inside the UK, where support is provided to any individual, and overseas, where consular assistance is provided to British nationals, including dual nationals. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON By Express News Service KOCHI: Four people have been arrested for allegedly trying to extort money from actor Shamna Kasim. Police said the four approached the actor with a marriage proposal, showing her the photograph of a TikTok model from Kasaragod as the groom, and later threatened and demanded Rs 1 lakh from her.Maradu police arrested the four hailing from Thrissur -- Rafeeq Mohammed, 30, Ambalathu House, Vadanappally; Ramesh Krishnan, 35, Korattikkara, Kunnamkulam; Sarath Sivadasan, 25, Kaippamangalam; and Asharaf Saidu Mohammed, 52, Kundaliyoor based on the complaint filed by Shamnas mother Roulabi. They are on the lookout for two others. The gang first contacted the actor, also known as Poorna, in March with the proposal and gave her the Kasaragod mans contact. Claiming to be from Kozhikode, they visited her house at Maradu on June 3 and told her that they wanted to take the proposal forward. However, Shamnas parents grew suspicious when the visitors started taking photographs and videos of the house and property. Gang said they would spoil Shamnas career They demanded money from the actor and threatened her. She did not have any image of the prospective groom as he had only spoken to her. It is learnt he used a fake profile. One person from the gang contacted us over phone. He demanded Rs 1 lakh in cash and threatened they would spoil Shamnas career by publishing some videos, Roulabi told mediapersons. After the arrest, the four were sent to Karukutty on Tuesday for Covid testing and later remanded in judicial custody. One of them has criminal antecedents while the background of the others is being probed, said a police officer. A probe is under way, said C Vinod, Inspector of Police, Maradu. The police have filed an FIR under IPC sections 387 (putting person in fear of death or of grievous hurt to commit extortion), among others. Mumbai, June 25 : With the world of stage shut amid the coronavirus pandemic, actress Aahana Kumra says it is important to come together and support the theatre community and pitch in for its survival. "My heart goes out to each person in the theatre industry who is going through these tough times. Our community has always been close-knit and we need all the support we can get," Aahana said. "I am more than happy to do my bit for the people who have made me everything I am today," she added. The actress has joined Zee Theatre's mass fundraising campaign to aid the survival of theatre. Talking about the campaign, Rakesh Bedi, a stalwart in the world of acting, said: "Through the 40 years of my career, I have seen theatre grow and flourish in the face of a number of challenges. But my faith remains that the industry will figure its way out of this setback as well. I am more than happy to do my part and aid the initiative. It's an opportunity for me to give back to the stage that I love so much, and I hope this fundraiser sees the success it deserves. It is important that people unite to support the foundations of the theatre community." -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Photo: The Canadian Press Hui Chi-fung, left, a Democratic Party politician, is detained by riot police during a protest in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Friday, June 12, 2020. A group of senators is calling on the Liberal government to impose sanctions on Chinese officials over China's treatment of its Muslim minority, its increasing restriction of freedoms in Hong Kong, and its arrests of two Canadians. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Vincent Yu Justin Trudeau's Liberal government is facing contradictory calls to either stand up to China or give in to so-called "hostage diplomacy" with particular pressure coming from stalwarts of former Liberal prime minister Jean Chretien's administration. Allan Rock is the latest former Chretien-era minister to advocate that the government end extradition proceedings against Meng Wanzhou, in hopes that China will release two Canadians imprisoned arbitrarily in apparent retaliation for the Huawei executive's arrest in Vancouver in December 2018. Rock said Wednesday that Chretien himself supports his initiative. "I spoke to Chretien this morning because he called me to say he agreed with me," Rock said in an interview, adding that he did not speak to the former prime minister before making his public intervention in the Meng case. Rock got further backup Wednesday from 19 former politicians and diplomats who wrote Trudeau urging that Meng be freed. According to the CBC, which obtained the letter, the signatories included Chretien-era minister Lloyd Axworthy, former Conservative minister Lawrence Cannon and former diplomat Robert Fowler, who was himself taken hostage in 2008 in Niger. It was also signed by two former chiefs of staff to Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney Hugh Segal and Derek Burney, who also once served as Canada's ambassador to the United States. A group of senators, meanwhile, called on the Trudeau government to impose sanctions on Chinese officials over China's treatment of its Muslim minority, its increasing restriction on freedoms in Hong Kong, and its arrests of the two Canadians, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig. The 12 senators are mostly Conservatives but some were appointed on the advice of Liberal prime ministers, including Trudeau. In a letter, the senators said they want the government to use legislation, known as the Sergei Magnitsky Law, that allows it to target the personal finances of foreign officials responsible for violating human rights, freezing assets that are in Canada's control and forbidding Canadian institutions to do business with them. But another senator is pushing the government from the other direction. Sen. Yuen Pau Woo, leader of the Independent Senators Group, is urging the government to follow the advice of Rock and former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour, who argue that Canada's Extradition Act specifically allows the justice minister to terminate extradition proceedings at any time. Trudeau and his justice minister, David Lametti, have maintained the minister may intervene only after a court has ruled on the Meng case and that, in the meantime, the rule of law requires that they not interfere in the matter. "In the interests of the two Michaels, who have been in detention in China for many months now, and in the interests of the broader Canada-China relationship," Woo urged the government earlier this week to take Rock's advice to have "a full debate based on a legitimate foundation of facts, rather than an incantation of rubrics, like 'rule of law' and the 'independence of the courts' and the 'sanctity of the judiciary.'" The government's representative in the Senate, Sen. Marc Gold, reiterated the government's contention that "the minister of justice has no direct role to play until after the judicial proceedings at the final stage of the extradition process." Chretien, who cultivated good relations with China during his time in office and who has spent considerable time there on business since retiring in 2003, has indicated he would be willing to serve as a special envoy to China to secure the release of the two Michaels. Mulroney first floated that idea last year, suggesting a delegation involving Chretien and his son-in-law, Andre Desmarais, who is honorary chair of the Canada-China Business Council. Chretien's former deputy prime minister, John Manley, has argued Canada should never have agreed to arrest Meng on behalf of the U.S. And Chretien's former principal secretary, Eddie Goldenberg, earlier this year urged the government to conduct a prisoner swap, freeing Meng in return for the release Spavor and Kovrig. China itself said releasing Meng could be one way to resolve the issue. "Such options are within the rule of law and could open up space for resolution to the situation of the two Canadians," Zhao Lijian, the spokesman for China's foreign ministry, said in a media briefing Wednesday. The involvement of the Chretien-era old guard has sparked criticism in some quarters that it is aimed primarily at advancing business interests in China. But Rock, now a law professor at the University of Ottawa, said neither he nor Arbour has business ties and neither has anything to gain by advocating for the release of Meng. Their intervention is based entirely on the fact that Section 23(3) of Extradition Act explicitly spells out that the justice minister "may at any time withdraw the authority to proceed" with an extradition, at which point the court would have to drop the proceedings, he said. The government's contention that it must not interfere in the Meng case is "wrong," Rock, a former justice minister, said. Rock was in cabinet when the Extradition Act was revised and he said Sec. 23 was specifically inserted because it was recognized "there are going to be cases in which the government will conclude that it's not in Canada's best interests to continue with an extradition once launched." Rock said the government has preempted any discussion about the merits of releasing Meng by insisting that it can't do so, relying on "formulaic, robotic incantations" about having to respect the rule of law. He and Arbour want there to be at least an honest debate about whether releasing Meng would amount to caving in to a bully and rewarding China for hostage diplomacy or whether it would anger the Americans and risk retaliation from the mercurial President Donald Trump. For their part, Rock said they've concluded "there are compelling reasons to stop this." Meng's case could drag on for years while the two Michaels remain in prison, facing a "show trial" for espionage "in a court that has a 99 per cent conviction rate." All the while, Rock said Canada's foreign policy is being held hostage, with the government stalling a decision on the use of Huawei technology in 5G networks and soft-peddling criticism of China's human rights record for fear of worsening conditions for the detained Canadians. As for angering Trump, he said the president's suggestion that he'd drop extradition proceedings against Meng if he got a good trade deal with China, shows that Canada is "paying a disproportionate price for his cynical gamesmanship." In a statement Wednesday, Lametti's office argued that the extradition process "ensures that individual rights are protected and that those sought for extradition are afforded due process before the courts, while honouring our international treaty obligations. "We are well aware of the laws and processes governing this important regime," it said, adding it would not be appropriate to comment further on a case before the courts. A ustria today issued a warning against travel to the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia after a virus outbreak at a slaughterhouse there. More than 1,500 workers at the abattoir in the town of Guetersloh, home to some 100,000 people, have tested positive for the virus, prompting the state to put Guetersloh and a neighbouring town back under lockdown. Germany has shown with the region of North Rhine-Westphalia how quickly a dramatic situation can arise, Chancellor Sebastian Kurz told reporters. The move puts the state on a par with the hard-hit Italian region of Lombardy. Mr Kurz said it also means there will be no direct flights between Austria and the state, which includes the cities of Bonn, Cologne and Dusseldorf. In Greece, hotels must have isolation rooms for guests who test positive for coronavirus. The tourism ministry said the move would be a temporary solution to complement the creation of a network of quarantine hotels. Meanwhile, Slovakias president Zuzana Caputova is self-isolating after a member of her office met a person who tested positive for the virus. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. According to a new study published by Polaris Market Research the global artificial intelligence market is anticipated to reach USD 54 billion by 2026. The advancements of robots and the rise in their deployment rate particularly, in the developing economies globally have had a positive impact on the global artificial intelligence market. Augmented customer experience, expanded application areas, enhanced productivity, and big data integration has highly propelled artificial intelligence market worldwide. Although, absence of adequate skilled workforce as well as threat to human dignity are some of the factors that could affect the growth of the market. However, these factors are expected to have minimal impact on the market attributed to the introduction of advanced technologies. An extraordinary increase in productivity has been achieved with machine-learning. For instance, Google, with the help of its experimental driverless technology has transformed cars including, Toyota Prius. Integration of various tools by artificial intelligence has helped in the transformation of business management. These tools include brand purchase advertising, workflow management tools, trend predictions among others. For example, the Googles voice accuracy technology has 98% of accuracy rate. Furthermore, Facebooks DeepFace technology has a success rate of approximately 97% in recognizing faces. Such accuracy in technologies is further anticipated to bolster the market growth during the forecast period. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/artificial-intelligence-market/request-for-sample Currently, North America dominates the global artificial intelligence market attributed to the high government funding availability, existence of prominent artificial intelligence providers in the region, and robust technical adoption base. Also, the region is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. Moreover, the adoption of cloud-based services in key economies, such as the US and Canada, is considerably adding to the market growth in the North American region. The markets in Asia Pacific, MEA and South America region are expected to notice a high growth during the coming years. The growth in Asia Pacific region is attributed to the increasing demand for artificial technologies by the developing economies. Thus, the region is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Major companies profiled in the report include Google Inc., Intel Corporation, Nvidia Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, IBM Corporation, General Vision, Inc., Qlik Technologies Inc., MicroStrategy, Inc., Brighterion, Inc., and Baidu, Inc. among others Complete Summary with TOC Available @. https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/artificial-intelligence-market Key Findings from the study suggest North America is expected to command the market over the forecast years. APAC is presumed to be the fastest growing market, developing at a CAGR of more than 65% over the forecast period. The artificial intelligence market is presumed to develop at a CAGR of over 55.9% from 2018 to 2026. The high implementation of artificial intelligence in several end-user verticals including, retail, automotive and healthcare is projected to boost the growth of the market over the forecast period. Several companies are making considerable investments to integrate artificial intelligence competences into their portfolio of products. For instance, in 2016, SK Telecom and Intel Corporation signed an agreement for the development of the artificial intelligence based vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology as well as video recognition. Artificial Intelligence Market Size and Forecast by Technology Machine Learning Natural Language Processing Image Processing Speech Processing Artificial Intelligence Market Size and Forecast by End-use Verticals BFSI Transportation & Automotive Manufacturing Healthcare Retail Media & Advertising Others Artificial Intelligence Market Size and Forecast by Regions North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK France Italy Asia Pacific China Japan India Latin America Brazil Mexico Middle East & Africa Avail discount on this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/artificial-intelligence-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 MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Republic of Uruguay (" Uruguay ") previously announced an offer to purchase for cash (the " Tender Offer ") its bonds of each series of Global Bonds listed in the table below (collectively, the " Old Bonds " and each Old Bond, a "series" of Old Bonds), subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Offer to Purchase, dated Wednesday, June 24, 2020 (the " Offer to Purchase "). Uruguay has instructed HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. (in such capacity, the " Billing and Delivering Bank "), to accept subject to proration and other terms and conditions contained in the Offer to Purchase, valid preferred tenders and non-preferred tenders in aggregate principal amounts of Old Bonds as set forth below. The Tender Offer expired, as scheduled, on Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at 12:00 noon New York time for non-preferred tenders and at 2:00p.m. New York time for preferred tenders. The maximum purchase amount is (i) Ps.2,220,459,000 principal amount for the 2027 UI Bonds (as defined below), (ii) Ps.6,976,291,729 principal amount for the 2028 UI Bonds (as defined below) and (iii) Ps.0 principal amount for the 2030 UI Bonds (as defined below). The aggregate principal amount of preferred and non-preferred tenders of Old Bonds and the aggregate principal amount of preferred and non-preferred tenders of such Old Bonds that have been accepted are shown in the table below. Appropriate adjustments will be made so that purchases are made in the minimum denominations set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Old Bonds Aggregate Principal Amount of Preferred Tenders Aggregate Principal Amount of Preferred Tenders Accepted Aggregate Principal Amount of Non- Preferred Tenders Aggregate Principal Amount of Non- Preferred Tenders Accepted 4.250% Global UI Bonds due 2027 (" 2027 UI Bonds ") Ps.2,220,459,000 Ps.2,220,459,000 Ps.0 Ps.0 4.375% Global Bonds due 2028 (" 2028 UI Bonds ") Ps.14,590,675,000 Ps.6,976,291,729 Ps.892,470,000 Ps.0 4.000% Global Bonds due 2030 (" 2030 UI Bonds ") Ps.5,176,470,000 Ps.0 Ps.0 Ps.0 In accordance with the Offer to Purchase, the purchase price to be paid for each Ps.1,000 principal amount of each series of Old Notes accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer will be the fixed price specified in the table below (the "Purchase Price"). Old Bonds Outstanding Nominal Principal Amount as of Tuesday, June 23, 2020 ISIN CUSIP/FIGI Common Code Nominal Purchase Price (per Ps. 1,000 Nominal Principal Amount)(1) 4.250% Global UI Bonds due 2027 ("2027 UI Bonds")(2) Ps. 12,135,000,000 US760942AU61 760942AU6 029507929 Ps. 1,040.00 4.375% Global UI Bonds due 2028 ("2028 UI Bonds")(3) Ps. 39,794,954,228 US917288BD36 917288BD3 071903796 Ps. 1,056.23 4.000% Global UI Bonds due 2030 ("2030 UI Bonds")(4) Ps. 14,650,498,361 USP80557AD64 BBG0000D6QK4 037546534 Ps. 1,033.00 (1) The nominal principal amount of Old Bonds validly tendered and accepted will be adjusted by a factor (the "Adjustment UI Factor") to reflect the increase of the UI Index from the issuance date of the Old Bonds to the Settlement Date, which is expected to be Wednesday, July 1, 2020. As of the expected Settlement Date, (i) the Adjustment UI Factor for the 2027 UI Bonds would be 2.84068044631425, which is the ratio of 4.6590, the value of the UI index at the Settlement Date, over 1.6401, the value of the UI index at the time of the issuance of the 2027 UI Bonds, (ii) the Adjustment UI Factor for the 2028 UI Bonds would be 2.01505125210847, which is the ratio of 4.6590, the value of the UI index at the Settlement Date, over 2.3121, the value of the UI index at the time of the issuance of the 2028 UI Bonds, and (iii) the Adjustment UI Factor for the 2030 UI Bonds would be 2.56934870126289, which is the ratio of 4.6590, the value of the UI index at the Settlement Date, over 1.8133, the value of the UI index at the time of the issuance of the 2030 UI Bonds. The Purchase Price of the Old Bonds shall be converted into U.S. dollars at an exchange rate of Ps. 42.816 to US$1.00, which represents the average, interbank exchange rate for the conversion of Uruguayan pesos into U.S. dollars as published by Banco Central and which is available on Bloomberg by typing "USDUYU CBUY HP " as the bid-side rate for the period of twenty business days ending one business day prior to the date of the Offer Document. (2) The principal amount of the 2027 UI Bonds outstanding, as adjusted by the Adjustment UI Factor is Ps. 34,425,783,794 as of the date hereof. (3) The principal amount of the 2028 UI Bonds outstanding, as adjusted by the Adjustment UI Factor is Ps. 80,082,160,388 as of the date hereof. (4) The principal amount of the 2030 UI Bonds outstanding, as adjusted by the Adjustment UI Factor is Ps. 37,592,146,238 as of the date hereof. Holders of Old Bonds held through the Depository Trust Company (" DTC ") that have been validly tendered and accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer must deliver their accepted Old Bonds to the relevant Dealer Manager (as defined below) no later than 3:00 p.m., New York time, on the Settlement Date. Holders of Old Bonds held through Euroclear Bank SA/NV (" Euroclear ") or Clearstream Banking, societe anonyme (" Clearstream ") that have been validly tendered and accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer must deliver their Old Bonds to the Billing and Delivering Bank, at the latest, using the overnight process, one day prior to the Settlement Date and must not use the optional daylight process. The Settlement Date is expected to occur on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase. Failure to deliver Old Bonds on time may result (i) in the cancellation of your tender and in you becoming liable for any damages resulting from that failure, (ii) in the case of preferred tenders (a) in the cancellation of any allocation of Uruguay's issuance of its new Peso-denominated Global UI Bonds (the " New Bonds ") in the New Bonds Offering (as defined below) in respect of your related indication of interest and/or (b) in the cancellation of your tender and in your remaining obligated to purchase your allocation of New Bonds in respect of your related indication of interest and/or (iii) in the delivery of a buy-in notice for the purchase of such Old Bonds, executed in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities. Any holder whose tender is cancelled will not receive the purchase price or accrued interest. All Old Bonds that are tendered pursuant to tender orders placed through a Dealer Manager and are accepted as instructed by Uruguay will be purchased by the Billing and Delivering Bank in such amounts as Uruguay shall determine and subject to the terms and conditions of the Offer to Purchase. Only the Billing and Delivering Bank will be liable for the payment of the purchase price and accrued interest for Old Bonds validly tendered and accepted by Uruguay. Uruguay will not be liable under any circumstances for the payment of the purchase price and accrued interest for any Old Bonds tendered in the Tender Offer by any holder. The Billing and Delivery Bank shall only have the obligation to sell to Uruguay the Old Bonds validly tendered and accepted for purchase that the Billing and Delivery Bank has actually purchased pursuant to the Tender Offer on the Settlement Date. Tender orders that are not for permitted tender amounts have not been accepted. Subject to the conditions to settlement of the Tender Offer, Old Bonds accepted for purchase will be settled on a delivery versus payment basis solely with the Billing and Delivering Bank on the Settlement Date, in accordance with customary brokerage practices for corporate fixed income securities. Uruguay has agreed to apply a portion of the net proceeds of its new bonds offering announced on Wednesday June 24, 2020 (the " New Bonds Offering ") to purchase the Old Bonds accepted pursuant to the Tender Offer from the Billing and Delivering Bank at the applicable purchase price plus accrued interest. The Tender Offer is subject to the dealer manager agreement relating to this Tender Offer not being terminated prior to or at the time of the settlement of the Tender Offer. Citigroup Global Markets Inc., HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. and Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc. acted as Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer. DF King & Co., Inc. is the information agent in connection with the Tender Offer (" Information Agent "), and questions regarding the Tender Offer may be directed to the Information Agent or any of the Dealer Managers using the contact information below: DF King & Co., Inc. Attention: Andrew Beck 48 Wall Street New York, NY 10005 Toll Free: (800) 290-6426 All Others Call: (212) 269-5550 website: www.dfking.com/uruguay Citigroup Global Markets Inc. 388 Greenwich Street New York, New York 10013 United States of America Attention: Liability Management Group Collect: +1 212 723 6106 Toll free: +1 800 558 3745 HSBC Securities (USA) Inc. 452 Fifth Avenue New York, New York 10018 United States of America Attention: Global Liability Management Group Collect: +1 212 525 5552 Toll free: +1 888 472 2456 Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc. 540 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor New York, New York 10022 United States of America Attention: Debt Capital Markets Collect: +1 212 710 6749 Toll free: +1 888 770 4828 Important Notice This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell the Old Bonds. The Tender Offer will be made only by and pursuant to the terms of the Offer to Purchase, as may be amended or supplemented from time to time. The distribution of materials relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer, and the transactions contemplated by the New Bonds Offering and Tender Offer, may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Each of the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer is made only in those jurisdictions where it is legal to do so. The New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer are void in all jurisdictions where they are prohibited. If materials relating to the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer come into your possession, you are required to inform yourself of and to observe all of these restrictions. The materials relating to the New Bonds Offering and the Tender Offer do not constitute, and may not be used in connection with, an offer or solicitation in any place where offers or solicitations are not permitted by law. If a jurisdiction requires that the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer be made by a licensed broker or dealer and a Dealer Manager or any affiliate of a Dealer Manager is a licensed broker or dealer in that jurisdiction, the New Bonds Offering or the Tender Offer, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be made by the Dealer Manager or such affiliate in that jurisdiction. Owners who may lawfully participate in the Tender Offer in accordance with the terms thereof are referred to as "holders." Stabilization/FCA In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom, this communication is only addressed to and directed at qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the " Prospectus Regulation "). This announcement is not an invitation nor is it intended to be an inducement to engage in investment activity for the purpose of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the United Kingdom (the " FSMA "). This announcement is only being distributed to and is only directed: at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the " Order ") or (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it 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 "). Any New Bonds will only be available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such New Bonds 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. * * * ANY DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES THAT MAY APPEAR AFTER THIS MESSAGE ARE NOT APPLICABLE TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND SHOULD BE DISREGARDED. SUCH DISCLAIMERS OR OTHER NOTICES WERE AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED AS A RESULT OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT BEING SENT VIA BLOOMBERG OR ANOTHER EMAIL SYSTEM. SOURCE The Republic of Uruguay Loan of US$ 20 million to expand access to finance for Armenian businesses Strengthening regional coverage by reaching out to MSMEs in rural areas Funds will boost resilience of Armenias financial sector The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a US$ 20 million loan to ACBA-Credit Agricole for on-lending to private companies in Armenia that have been affected by the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. ACBA-Credit Agricole, a long-standing partner bank of the EBRD since 2003, is one of the leading banks in Armenia with a strong position in lending to agriculture and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in rural areas in particular. With its network of 60 branches in all regions of Armenia, it can reach out to many clients that may be affected by this volatile period. The EBRD remains an important partner in Armenia during the Covid-19 crisis and the new financing is part of the efforts to help combat the impact of the coronavirus and support the recovery. The EBRD is committed to providing support worth 21 billion over 2020-21 to the 38 economies where it currently invests. The support includes a Resilience Framework for existing clients, offering short-term liquidity and working capital. The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Armenia. The Bank has invested close to 1.5 billion across 183 projects in the country to date, where it is supporting private sector development and the transition to a sustainable, green economy. Amid growing 'boycott Chinese product' calls from trade organisations like the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and people on social media, Indians have shown a united from against Chinese aggression on the LAC. Here are a few instances from the past when India ended deals with China in times of conflict to register a strong protest. READ: Sourav Ganguly Gets IPL 2020 Boycott Threat By Indian Traders After Anti-China Sentiments India pushes out China Indian Railways Cancelled Chinese Contract: After the Galwan clashes, Indian railways cancelled Rs 471 crore contract with China. Haryana Govt Scrapped Chinese Contracts: Haryana government has cancelled Rs 780 Crore contracts with Chinese firms for installing pollution control equipment at two of its thermal power facility amid the border clashes. Maharashtra Govt Puts Projects On Hold: On 22 June, Maharashtra government put on hold three agreements worth Rs 5,000 crore signed with Chinese companies during the Magnetic Maharashtra 2.0 investor virtual meet. Uttar Pradesh Govt Junks Chinese Contracts: On 23 June, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) junked a consignment of Chinese smart meters procured by the Energy Efficiency Services Limited (ESSL), an energy company run by the Ministry of Power. The smart meters were to be installed in the premises of the state electricity consumers. READ: Traders' Body CAIT Writes To 50 Top Indian Industrialists Urging Them To Boycott China India imposed Duty On Chinese Goods During Dokhlam: During the Dokhlam standoff, India imposed anti-dumping duties on 93 Chinese products. The action drew criticism from China when the Chinese state mouthpiece Global Times published articles threatening India to be 'prepared for consequences'. Trade Bodies Put National Interest First: In October 2016, when China blocked Indias NSG bid and our move to designate JEM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, 55 trade organisations boycotted China-made goods. READ: Delhi, Mathura Budget Hotels, Guest Houses To Boycott Chinese Nationals, Goods India rejected OBOR: In April last year, India officially rejected China's invitation to attend the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) meeting and has been rejecting the initiative since 2017 over China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project which undermines India's sovereignty in the region as the route runs through Pakistan occupied Kashmir. (Image Credits: PTI) READ: Maharashtra Govt Stalls 3 Chinese Projects Worth Rs 5000 Crore Amid 'Boycott China' Call Iran Is 'Foremost Sponsor of Terrorism', US Report Says Radio Farda June 25, 2020 In its annual Country Reports on Terrorism on June 24, the U.S. State Department has classified the Islamic Republic as the "foremost state sponsor of terrorism," maintaining that Iran provides "a range of support, including financial, training, and equipment, to [terrorist] groups around the world particularly Hezbollah." Washington has designated the Islamic Republic as a state sponsor of terrorism since 1984. Referring to Washington's intense pressure on Tehran in 2019, the report says that the U.S. government, along with its allies, imposed new sanctions on Tehran and its proxy groups as part of its policy of maximum pressure on the country. U.S. actions against Iran in 2019 was highlighted by its decision to designate the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and its extraterritorial arm, the Qods Force, as "foreign terrorist groups." Stressing that Iran has acknowledged the involvement of the Qods Force in the Iraq and Syria conflicts, the report reiterates, "In April 2019, the Secretary of State designated the IRGC, including the Qods Force, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Iran also used regional proxy forces to provide deniability, in an attempt to shield it from accountability for its aggressive policies." The State Department's annual report also says that Western European and South American countries decided to confront the Islamic Republic's ally, Lebanon's Hezbollah last year, designating it as a terrorist group. In the past, the Iranian government used to spend more than $ 700 million a year to support terrorist groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas, in Gaza, but under strong sanctions in 2019, Tehran's ability to provide financial support to terrorists has decreased dramatically," the report added. Meanwhile, the State Department has accused the Iranian government of carrying out terrorist operations in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, adding that the IRGC and the Islamic Republic's Ministry of Intelligence had been behind such operations in recent years. "Iran remained unwilling to bring to justice senior al-Qa'ida (AQ) members residing in the country and has refused to publicly identify members in its custody. Iran has allowed AQ facilitators to operate a core facilitation pipeline through Iran since at least 2009, enabling AQ to move funds and fighters to South Asia and Syria," the annual report has maintained. Furthermore, the report has referred to the role of the Islamic Republic agents in killing Iranian dissidents abroad, noting, "As, in past years, the Iranian government continued supporting terrorist plots to attack Iranian dissidents in several countries in continental Europe." In recent years, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Albania have all either arrested or expelled Iranian government officials implicated in various plots in their respective territories. Tehran and Washington experienced very tense relations in 2019. But the escalation of tensions reached a high point on January 3, 2020, when the Chief Commander of the IRGC's Qods Force, Qassem Soleimani, was killed in a U.S. drone strike that pushed the two countries to the brink of a military confrontation. Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iran- is-foremost-sponsor-of-terrorism -us-report-says/30688981.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 ST. LOUIS, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In the midst of Missouri's "Show Me Strong Recovery" Plan, the state's coordinated effort to reopen and rebuild its economy, Missouri is showing its strength in the tech industry. Accenture Federal Services (AFS) recently selected St. Louis, Missouri, for its new Advanced Technology Center, creating 1,400 new technology jobs. AFS will provide U.S. federal government agencies with advanced digital, cloud, automation, artificial intelligence and cyber solutions. Missouri's workforce gave St. Louis an edge over competing states. Accenture Federal Services CEO John Goodman announces the company's selection of St. Louis, Missouri, for its newest Advanced Technology Center. The company plans to create 1,400 technology jobs in the region. "We're proud to welcome Accenture Federal Services to Missouri where we're developing the next generation of tech talent," Governor Mike Parson said. "Missouri is already recognized as one of the most prepared states for the digital economy, and at a time when many Missourians are looking for work, this move will create more opportunity, grow our technology workforce, and strengthen our standing as a technology hub in the U.S." Missouri has earned a reputation as the tech hub of the Midwest with companies such as Square, Cerner Corporation, and World Wide Technology in the state. The AFS executive team recognized Missouri's dedication to growing its tech industry. "The region's skilled talent, vibrant technology ecosystem and strong commitment to collaboration between government, civic, business, academic and community partners made St. Louis the ideal location for our new Advanced Technology Center," said AFS CEO John Goodman. "By expanding our operations in this area, we will provide our people and new hires a great place to live and do work that matters." As Missouri continues to accelerate its economic resurgence following the COVID-19 pandemic, significant investments and new jobs are critical to the state's recovery efforts. Missouri's strong foundation in the tech industry makes it an attractive place for companies searching for a cost-friendly place to do business with an abundance of available tech talent. "The selection of St. Louis signifies Accenture's confidence in the region as an optimal location to do business, and the addition of 1,400 new jobs will enrich our already-thriving technology climate," said Steve Johnson, AllianceSTL President and CEO. "We worked in close collaboration throughout this process with our great partners at the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, Missouri Partnership and the Missouri Department of Economic Development." "Attracting Accenture Federal Services to the state is the single largest business recruitment win in terms of jobs and payroll that we have partnered on to date since the formation of our organization," said Subash Alias, Missouri Partnership CEO. "Business attraction opportunities like this don't come around every day. These are well-paying career-making jobs that are thriving in today's new economy. To see AFS make this kind of commitment in Missouri during these times is both a testament to the resiliency of our state and the competitiveness of the team of economic development professionals who worked in concert to make this happen." Contact: Janelle Higgins, (314) 541-4911, [email protected] SOURCE Missouri Partnership Related Links www.missouripartnership.com [June 25, 2020] Allegiance Bank and FHLB Dallas Award $21K to Help with Port Arthur Revitalization Project Allegiance (News - Alert) Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) have awarded a $21,000 Partnership Grant Program (PGP) grant to the Legacy Community Development Corporation, which serves Beaumont, Port Arthur and Orange (News - Alert), Texas. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005842/en/ Marcus Vasquez, vice president and fair banking officer, Allegiance Bank, and Vivian Ballou, executive director, Legacy Community Development Corporation in Port Arthur, display an oversized check symbolizing the $21,000 grant awarded to the nonprofit organization by Allegiance Bank and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas. (Photo: Business Wire) PGP (News - Alert) grants help qualified nonprofit organizations fund a variety of administrative activities that are critical to serving their communities. Legacy Community Development Corporation will use the grant money to acquire vacant lots in its downtown Port Arthur revitalization target area. "Legacy Community Development Corporation is so excited to partner with Allegiance Bank and FHLB Dallas," said Executive Director Vivian Ballou. "We look forward to utilizing the awarded grant funds to expand our downtown Port Arthur redevelopment efforts. The funds will be used to acquire additional lots to build affordable housing units for qualified families. We are so appreciative for the opportunity to help families achieve the American dream." "We are very thankful for the support that the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas has provided to the communities we serve during this difficult period," said Marcus Vasquez, vice president and fair banking officer, Allegiance Bank. "The city of Port Arthur has been severely impated over the past few years by the damage caused by Hurricane Harvey and Tropical Storm Imelda. In addition, the city is now feeling the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Allegiance Bank is committed to supporting the recovery efforts in Port Arthur and we are thankful for organizations such as Legacy Community Development Corporation as they have worked diligently to create new, affordable housing in Jefferson County." Funding of the PGP was increased by $2 million this year under FHLB Dallas' COVID-19 Relief Program to support community-based organizations (CBOs) involved in affordable housing activities, stimulating small business development or providing small businesses with technical assistance. For 2020, program parameters also were expanded to include COVID-19 relief. Through this unique grant program, FHLB Dallas member institutions contribute from $500 to $6,000 to a CBO, which FHLB Dallas matches at a new, higher 5:1 ratio (compared to the previous 3:1 ratio) resulting in a match of up to $30,000. If multiple member institutions contribute to the same CBO in one year, the maximum FHLB Dallas match for those member contributions is $60,000 per year. In both cases, the total grant to the CBO would be the sum of the member contribution(s) plus the FHLB Dallas match. Grants are awarded annually through FHLB Dallas and its member institutions. "Legacy Community Development Corporation's holistic approach is making an impact in Beaumont, Port Arthur and Orange for low- to moderate-income families," said Greg Hettrick, first vice president and director of Community Investment at FHLB Dallas. "They provide new homes along with education to help ensure that families become successful homeowners. We are proud to join Allegiance Bank in supporting this community-building work on the Texas Gulf Coast." See the complete list of the 2020 PGP grant recipients. For more information about the 2020 PGP grants and other FHLB Dallas community investment products and programs, please visit fhlb.com/pgp. About Allegiance Bancshares, Inc. Allegiance is a Houston, Texas-based bank holding company. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Allegiance Bank, Allegiance provides a diversified range of commercial banking services primarily to small to medium-sized businesses and individual customers in the Houston region. Allegiance's super-community banking strategy was designed to foster strong customer relationships while benefiting from a platform and scale that is competitive with larger local and regional banks. Allegiance Bank operated 27 full-service banking locations in the Houston region, which we define as the Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land and Beaumont-Port Arthur metropolitan statistical areas, with 26 bank offices and one loan production office in the Houston metropolitan area and one bank office location in Beaumont, just outside of the Houston metropolitan area. Visit allegiancebank.com for more information. About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is one of 11 district banks in the FHLBank system created by Congress in 1932. FHLB Dallas, with total assets of $83.8 billion as of March 31, 2020 is a member-owned cooperative that supports housing and community development by providing competitively priced advances and other credit products to approximately 805 members and associated institutions in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and Texas. Visit fhlb.com for more information. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005842/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 10:20:57|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DAKAR, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Senegalese President Macky Sall put himself under quarantine after contact with a person who had tested positive for COVID-19, Senegalese national TV channel RTS1 reported Wednesday night. Sall will self-quarantine for 15 days starting Wednesday, RTS1 quoted a press release from the presidential office as saying. The president has already taken a test, which came back negative, it added. However, RTS1 did not reveal the identity of the person Sall was in contact with. Since March 2, Senegal has reported 6,129 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 93 deaths and 4,072 recoveries. Enditem As summer unfolds, all kinds of educational fun awaits. Summer camp will take on a new look during the COVID-19 pandemic. At IX Art Park Theres still time to sign up for a first-ever series of childrens summer camps that will be offered from July 6 through Aug. 7 in the outdoor mural and sculpture park at IX Art Park. Joe Vena, IX Art Parks education director, will lead The Creature Builder Collective. Each week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, students will explore creative themes through such media as sculpture, stop-motion animation, painting, puppetry and illustration. Campers will explore a variety of topics, including Dragon vs. Unicorn the week of July 6, Mural of the Story the week of July 13, Monster Makers the week of July 20, Safari-Cycle the week of July 27 and Install-Ocean the week of Aug. 3. To keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, camps will be limited to 10 students. Rigorous cleaning will take place throughout the day, and each camper will receive a personal art box of tools and materials that will not be reused. Tuition is $400 per week; theres a 20% discount for families who sign up for all five weeks of camp. Donations also are being accepted to help provide camp scholarships for low-income families. For information, go to ixartpark.org/education. Exhibition in Yorktown Forgotten Soldier: African Americans in the Revolutionary War reopened June 24 at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, giving families a chance to learn more about Crispus Attucks, the Revolutionary Wars first casualty in the Boston Massacre; Bristol Rhodes, who fought at the Siege of Yorktown as a member of the Rhode Island Regiment, losing a leg and hand in the process; and Thomas Carney, who was born free in Maryland and served in many of the wars epic battles Brabdywine, Germantown, Monmouth and Guilford Courthouse. American artist Titus Kaphar, a 2018 MacArthur Fellow, has created a three-dimensional sculpture that allows visitors to look at history from a new perspective. Rare documents on loan from the U.S. National Archives and the National Archives (Public Records Office) in Kew, London, record the names of about 3,000 African American men, women and children who escaped to the British side in hopes of securing their freedom during the war. Admission is included with general museum admission of $15.25; its $7.75 for ages 6 to 12 and free for children younger than 6. If youd like to visit Jamestown as well, a combination ticket is $27.50, or $13.50 for ages 6 to 12. Learn more at historyisfun.org/forgottensoldier. iBook with music Charlottesville filmmaker Linda R. Thornburg and Louisa native Katharine Archer have teamed up to create an iBook with music designed for ages 8 to 11. Its available on Apple Books. Snorkel McCorkle and the Lost Flipper, written by Thornburg and with music and lyrics by Archer, is illustrated by Michelle Lodge. Its courageous young heroine, a 10-year-old eco-warrior, and her friends from a variety of species fight for the environment and battle bullies. Look for Matilda the manatee and Figaro the singing pelican. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Virgin Galactic's spacecraft Unity comes into land during a glide test flight on May 1, 2020. Virgin Galactic successfully completed its second glide flight test in New Mexico on Thursday, a milestone that should set the company up to begin spaceflights next. The company said that after it completes "an extensive data review" of the glide flight, Virgin Galactic "will start preparing for the next stage" of its flight testing program: Full rocket-powered test flights. "I am thrilled with the team's hard work to complete today's test flight successfully. It was an important test that, pending data review, means we can now start preparing the vehicles for powered flight," Virgin Galactic CEO George Whitesides said in a statement. Shares of Virgin Galactic rose more than 4% in after hours trading from its close of $15.25 a share. The glide test entailed the company's carrier aircraft Eve taking off with spacecraft Unity from Spaceport America in New Mexico and bringing it up to an altitude of 51,000 feet. At that height, Eve released Unity and the spacecraft reached a top speed of about 650 miles per hour. Unity's pilots conducted several maneuvers before touching back down at Spacecraft America in New Mexico. Virgin Galactic also completed a "wet dress rehearsal" of its systems and facilities last weekend, a process which included fueling up spacecraft Unity on the runway. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 08:23 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661707f7 1 National death-penalty,death-sentence,capital-punishment,justice,President-Jokowi,Vice-President-Maruf-Amin,ICJR,hukuman-mati,Aulia-Kesuma,Geovanni-Kelvin Free Death row inmates Aulia Kesuma and her son, Geovanni Kelvin, who were found guilty of soliciting the murders of Aulias husband and stepson, are seeking to avoid the death penalty. Both mother and son were sentenced to death by the South Jakarta district court on June 15. The court verdict was in accordance with the demands of the prosecutors, who claimed that both Aulia and Kelvin had committed a terrible and inhumane crime. Aulia and Kelvin planned the murder of 54-year-old Edi Chandra Purnama in August 2019. According to Aulia, who married Edi in 2011, her husband had not been employed during the entirety of their marriage. The relationship had never been harmonious, with the couple frequently fighting over the mischievous behavior of Edis son, Muhammad Dana Adi Pradana. Aulia, who was entangled in Rp 10 billion (US$706,120) debt to the bank, worried that Edi had no intention of helping her pay off her debt. Edi had refused Aulias request for him to sell his house in Lebak Bulus, South Jakarta, to pay her debt. On Aug. 23, 2019, Edi and Dana were given drinks spiked with 30 sleeping pills by Aulia and Kelvin. When the victims fell asleep, two hitmen hired by Aulia and Kelvin suffocated the two men. Afterwards, the bodies were transported to Sukabumi city in West Java where they were burned inside a car. Not long after the murder, the Jakarta Police arrested the mother and son after noticing Kelvins suspicious burn wound. Read also: Jump in death sentences highlights hasty court cases After a lengthy trial, the court found Aulia and Kelvin guilty of soliciting the murders and sentenced the pair to death. The lawyer for the two defendants, Firman Candra, sent pleas addressed to eight state officials asking for the death penalty to be abolished. On Friday, we sent the pleas to the President, the Vice President, the House Representatives Commission III, the law and human rights minister, the [Jakarta] High Court chief, the Supreme Court chief and the National Commission on Human Rights, among other parties, Firman said on Tuesday as quoted by kompas.com. In the letters, the lawyer argued that the death penalty was a violation of Article 4 of Law No. 29/1999 on human rights and most importantly Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which stipulates that everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person. As long as the death penalty exists in Indonesias judicial system, the country will remain far from the founding fathers dream implied through Pancasila, the plea read. [Maintaining] the death penalty system inherited from colonizers does not demonstrate progress in this country. The plea also pointed to several countries that abolished the death penalty in 2015. Read also: Rights groups decry new attorney general's plan to resume death penalty According to the Institute for Criminal Justice Reforms (ICJR) 2020 database, there are 274 death row inmates in Indonesia awaiting execution without a clear date. Among them are 60 inmates who have been on death row for 10 years. Firman also explained that Aulia was raising a toddler from her marriage to her late husband, Edi. Amnesty Internationals 2020 annual report states that 80 death sentences were meted out by Indonesian judges in 2019, a 66 percent increase from 48 death sentences in 2018. Sixty of the sentences were handed down for drug-related crimes, while the rest were for a range of other criminal offenses such as terrorism, murder and sexual assault against children. The death penalty in Indonesia has long been a source of criticism of the countrys legal system and stance on human rights. Ex-convicts and activists have also called for an end to capital punishment in Indonesia, arguing it violates fundamental human rights and is dangerous at a time when judicial systems are still prone to error. ICJR executive director Erasmus Napitupulu questioned the tendency of judges to hand down such severe sentences, as there is little proof that capital punishment is effective in deterring crimes. However, Vice President Maruf Amin stated that, despite many objections, the death penalty is actually permitted. Many countries and religions allow such punishment for certain crimes that cannot be effectively addressed through other methods [of punishment], he said in December last year. Attorney General Sanitiar Burhanuddin also said last year that he was committed to resuming the enforcement of the death penalty. (trn) T he Prime Minister's RAF Voyager has taken to the skies for the first time since its 900,000 revamp. Glinting in the sun, the jet's new white paint job with a Union flag on the tail fin and United Kingdom written in gold on the fuselage was on display as it took from off from Cambridge Airport on Thursday afternoon. Boris Johnson had previously complained about the grey military paint scheme used on the jet. But the cost of the respray was condemned by opposition politicians when it was revealed earlier this month. Downing Street said the work would cost "around 900,000" and would mean that the plane could better represent the UK around the world with "national branding". Officials have insisted the plane would still be able to fulfil its military role as an air-to-air refuelling tanker. The RAF Voyager took off from Camrbdige Airport today / Getty Images At the time the price tag was revealed, the Prime Ministers official spokesman said: "That incorporates the cost of creating a design that will promote the UK around the world without compromising the planes vital military role. "At every stage we have worked to ensure value for money for the UK taxpayer and all of the work has been undertaken in the UK, directly benefiting British suppliers." But Welsh Labour MP Carolyn Harris said: "900,000 to put a flag on the Prime Minister's plane. That could pay for 60,000 free school meal vouchers." The paint job cost in the region of 900,000 / PA Acting leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey added: "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." Mr Johnson has previously questioned why the plane was grey, and while foreign secretary in 2018, he said he would like a "Brexit plane" to help him travel the world. The PM had previously complained about the grey colour of the aircraft / PA He also complained about the unavailability of the aircraft, adding: "It never seems to be available. I don't know who uses it, but it never seems to be available." The plane is used by Mr Johnson and other ministers, as well as members of the Royal Family. Loading.... It was being flown from Cambridge Airport to its base at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire. WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Thursday strengthened the Trump administrations ability to deport people seeking asylum without allowing them to make their case to a federal judge. Immigration experts suggested the administration would use sweeping language in the majority opinion to bolster broader efforts to restrict asylum. The high courts 7-2 ruling applies to people who are picked up at or near the border and who fail their initial asylum screenings, making them eligible for quick deportation, or expedited removal. Justice Samuel Alito wrote the high-court opinion that reversed a lower-court ruling that said asylum-seekers must have access to the federal courts. Congress acted properly in creating a system for weeding out patently meritless claims and expeditiously removing the aliens making such claims from the country, Alito wrote. He noted that more than three-quarters of people who sought to claim asylum in the past five years passed their initial screening and qualified for full-blown review. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer agreed with the outcome in this case, but did not join Alitos opinion. In dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote, Todays decision handcuffs the Judiciarys ability to perform its constitutional duty to safeguard individual liberty. She was joined by Justice Elena Kagan. Lee Gelernt, the American Civil Liberties Union lawyer who argued the case in the Supreme Court, said the outcome will make it hard to question the actions of immigration officials at the U.S. border. This decision will impact potentially tens of thousands of people at the border who will not be able to seek review of erroneous denials of asylum, Gelernt said. In practical terms, the impact may be limited. Even after the ruling from federal appeals court in San Francisco that the justices threw out Thursday, only about 30 asylum-seekers whose claims were quickly rejected had sought access to the courts, Gelernt told the justices during arguments in February. But Cornell University law professor Stephen Yale-Loehr, an immigration expert, said the decision lends support to broader administration action on asylum. Justice Alito used sweeping language in his majority opinion upholding Congresss efforts to limit due process for arriving immigrants. While not necessary to the precise holding in the case, the Trump administration is sure to use such language to justify its broader efforts to restrict asylum seekers, Yale-Loehr said. The administration has made dismantling the asylum system a centerpiece of its immigration agenda, saying it is rife with abuse and overwhelmed by meritless claims. Changes include making asylum-seekers wait in Mexico while their cases wind through U.S. immigration court, denying asylum to anyone on the Mexican border who passes through another country without first seeking protection there, and flying Hondurans and El Salvadorans to Guatemala with an opportunity to seek asylum there instead of the U.S. On Monday, the Trump administration published sweeping new procedural and substantive rules that would make it much more difficult to get asylum, triggering a 30-day period for public comment before they can take effect. The United States became the worlds top destination for asylum-seekers in 2017, according to UN figures, many of them Mexican and Central American families fleeing endemic violence. The justices ruled in the case of Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam, who said he fled persecution as a member of Sri Lankas Tamil minority, but failed to persuade immigration officials that he faced harm if he returned to Sri Lanka. The man was arrested soon after he slipped across the U.S. border from Mexico. He was placed in expedited removal proceedings that prohibit people who fail initial interviews from asking federal courts for much help. Since 2004, immigration officials have targeted for quick deportation undocumented immigrants who are picked up within 100 miles of the U.S. border and within 14 days of entering the country. The Trump administration is seeking to expand that authority so that people detained anywhere in the U.S. and up to two years after they got here could be quickly deported. On Tuesday, a federal appeals court threw out a trial judges ruling that had blocked the expanded policy. Other legal issues remain to be resolved in the case. ___ Associated Press writer Elliott Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report. By Online Desk India has recorded its highest single-day jump of nearly 17, 296 COVID-19 cases to take the total to 4,90,401, according to health ministry data on Friday morning. 407 new deaths were also reported The total tally includes 1,89,463 active cases,2,85,637cured/discharged/migrated & 15301 deaths, Consequently, India has added more than 1 lakh cases since June 20, and close to 3 lakh cases this month alone since June 1. However, the recovery rate has improved to 57.43 per cent, according to the Health ministry. On Thursday, the ministry said there are 33.39 COVID-19 cases in India for every one lakh population, as against the global average of 114.67. Also, the country has 1.06 deaths per lakh population, which is amongst the lowest in the world and the global average is 6.24, it added. In a major departure from its long-standing practice of not paying publishers directly to distribute their work, Google executives tell Axios that the search giant is creating a licensing program to pay publishers "for high-quality content" as a part of a new news product launching later this year. Why it matters: Regulators around the world have been threatening Google with broad-based policies that would force it to pay publishers on policymakers' terms. Google aims to get ahead of that threat by introducing its own payout terms, while also strengthening its relationship with the embattled publishing community. "We've heard loud and clear that we need to do more to support publications around world. Today's news is part of that solution." Google's VP of product management for news Brad Bender Details: The new program, to be announced in full later this year, consists of two aspects: Google will pay select publishers to distribute their work whether it be video, audio, images or text as a part of a new news product, details of which have not been made public. Google will also offer to pay for free access for users to read paywalled articles on a publishers site where available, to help those publishers grow their audiences. Google has already signed partnership agreements with local and national publications in Germany, Australia and Brazil, and plans to expand to other countries in the next few months. Examples of the publishers that have signed on include Der Spiegel, FAZ, Die Zeit, Tagesspiegel and Rheinische Post in Germany; Schwartz Media, the Conversation, Private media, Solstice Media in Australia; and A Gazeta and Diarios Associados (which owns a slew of regional and local publications) in Brazil. For now, all Google is saying about the new product is that it is an "enhanced" storytelling experience that will exist in Google News and "Discover," its curated list of articles that appears on Android phones. Google will pick from a list of select publishers from various perspectives to be a part of the new product. Bender says that for now, Google is focused on local and regional publishers that "create uniquely valuable coverage in communities." Asked if Google would include controversial hyper-partisan publishers in the mix, Bender said that Google would work to ensure a variety of publishers with different viewpoints, including political viewpoints, would be represented, without specifying more. He noted that the product will allow users to "go deeper into a complex story or issue" and will help users discover new news brands. The big picture: Regulators around the world, encouraged by news industry interest groups, have been pushing to introduce legislation that would require tech giants like Google and rival Facebook to pay publishers directly for their work. Google has resisted the idea, and has even threatened to pull Google News out of Europe should the EU impose such policies. But upon realizing that the trend is probably inevitable, Google seems to be taking a more forward-leaning approach towards paying publishers, to be able to at least do so on its own terms. Most notably, Google is currently facing immediate pressure from regulators in Australia and France over paying publishers. Bender says Google is engaging with lawmakers from both countries about the new product. Be smart: Efforts to pay publishers directly for content by big tech companies have shown mixed results, based on implementation and publisher relationships. While some platforms, like Snapchat and Twitter, seem to have developed stable relationships with the news industry, others primarily Facebook have struggled to strike the right balance. Facebook has for years been criticized by the news industry for paying publishers to create news products, like live video and Instant Articles, only to pull back payment after the products fail to catch on. Sources have told Axios that Facebook plans to spend roughly $90 million in total funding news efforts on Facebook, which includes news shows on its new video tab, Watch, as well as content for its new News tab. What's next: Bender says Google is currently engaged in discussions with more partners in the three launch countries and is in talks with publishers in about half a dozen other countries. The outcome of Monday's vote is likely to result in ending the contract as a majority of School Board members have previously said they want to stop the SRO program. The Madison City Council also will need to vote to end the contract. Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said during a news conference Wednesday that a resolution will be introduced Thursday to cancel the contract before the fall semester. It will be sponsored by Rhodes-Conway and 10 council members. "Today, Madison city and school district leaders agreed to end the contract for school resource officers, known as SROs, calling for a new approach to managing conflicts in our schools and supporting student needs," Rhodes-Conway said. It's unclear what mechanism will allow the relationship to be severed before the fall. A city attorney previously said under the terms of the contract, the earliest it could end would be after the 2020-21 school year. Thats remarkable. Despite decades of political change the end of enforced segregation across the South, the legalization of interracial marriage, the passage of multiple civil rights laws and more the wages of black men trail those of white men by as much as when Harry Truman was president. That gap indicates that there have also been powerful forces pushing against racial equality. Before getting into the causes, though, I want to explain the difference between the best-known wage statistics and the more accurate version. The traditional numbers are incomplete in a way that many people do not realize: They cover only workers. People who dont work are ignored. This group includes students, full-time parents, people who have given up on finding work and people who are incarcerated. Excluding them wouldnt present a problem if the percentage of nonworkers had remained fairly stable over time. But it has not. Theres been a tremendous run-up in non-work among prime-age men, says Kerwin Kofi Charles, an economist and the dean of the Yale School of Management. One reason is that many middle-aged men of all races, although disproportionately black have dropped out of the labor force, and are neither working nor looking for work. The shrinking number of decent-paying blue-collar jobs has left many people who didnt attend college without good job opportunities, and they have responded by no longer actively looking for work. The Oyo State government on Wednesday insisted that it supported the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, to the tune of N118 million in the fight against COVID-19, despite the hospital saying it received no money from the government. Taiwo Adisa, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, restated the governments claim via a statement in Ibadan on Thursday. Mr Adisa said that records made available by the Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, Akinola Ojo, confirmed that the state government provided support to the UCH and the University of Ibadans Department of Virology located inside the College to the tune of the said sum. Premium Times had earlier reported the governments claim of the expenditure on the federal tertiary health facility. Mr Adisa said the government spent the N118 million on varied needs of the Department of Virology, College of Medicine and the University College Hospital. He said the attempt by the management of the UCH to disown the Department of Virology, which serves as the teaching and research department in the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan as well as provides Clinical Services to the UCH, is self-serving, artificial and contemptuous. He said workers of the Department hold identity cards of the UCH and that of the University of Ibadan. The state government is of the view that attempts to create thin lines between the Department of Virology, College of Medicine, which provides Clinical Services to the UCH and operates from the same premises as the Hospital, amount to being clever by half, because in practical terms, the divorce cannot just hold. Staffers of the Department hold identity cards of the UCH and that of the University of Ibadan, even as the Department remains the only one that undertakes Virology-related assignments for the UCH. He said since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government has provided medical supplies to the UCH, including 500 each of googles, protective gowns and face shields; 250 each of full protective, head covers & shoe covers; and 200 hand gloves, amounting to N2 million. Mr Adisa further stated that the state government also provided a revolving fund to the tune of N5 million to the UCH for treatment of residents of Oyo State who tested positive to COVID-19. The amount is being topped each time the hospital spends up to N4 million on the patients. Besides, he said based on a list specifically prepared and presented to the state government by the Chief Medical Director of the UCH, Jesse Otegbayo, the state government procured medical supplies to the tune of N25 million for delivery to the hospital. That the supplier is just about to deliver the said items is an evidence of the protocols related to movement schedules of all items within the environment of a global pandemic, Mr Adisa added. He said the supplies include goggles, PPE gowns and boots, In all, the total amount spent indirectly supporting the UCH (based on the artificial distinction) so far stood at N32 million, while the balance of N86 million constituted what has been spent to support the Department of Virology, which is the direct partner with the state on the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to clarify the referenced N118 million support, it is important to first of all state that we were made aware of a distinction between the University College Hospital (UCH) and the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. Oyo State Government has provided support to both institutions during this COVID-19 pandemic. UCH on Wednesday had denied receiving N118 million from the state government. The spokesperson of the hospital, Toye Akinrinlola, when asked for comments in the light of Mr Adisas clarifications, insisted that the state government did not support UCH. In a telephone conversation with Premium Times Wednesday evening, Mr Akinrinlola also insisted that there is a distinction between UCH and College of Medicine, saying the two belong to different ministries. Let me say this. The state government is playing around the issues. They should know that there is a distinction between UCH and College of Medicine. College of Medicine belongs to UI which is under the Federal Ministry of Education, while UCH is under the Federal Ministry of Health. If the government is supporting the Virology Department, that means that the government is supporting the College of Medicine which is under the University of Ibadan. Advertisements We returned N5 million you gave us for accreditation- College of Medicine The College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, on Wednesday also denied receiving N118 million from the state government. Ikeoluwapo Moody, Deputy Registrar and Secretary to the College, in a statement Wednesday night, said the state government initially gave the college five million naira (N5m) for setting up a laboratory. He, however, said the college returned the money to the state government when the accreditation was not forthcoming. To set the record straight, the Oyo state government initially gave the College of Medicine five million naira to run the Biorepository and Clinical Virology Laboratory set up for the purpose of testing COVID-19 patients. However, when the accreditation by the NCDC was not forthcoming, the N5 million was returned to the Oyo state government to help in fighting against the pandemic in the state. I, therefore, wish to state that the College of Medicine did not receive money to the tune of N118 million from the Oyo state government. In 1999, then-senator Joe Biden (D-Del.) declared, "I'm not the senator from MBNA." Apparently, Biden felt it was necessary to clarify that he did not exclusively represent credit card giant MBNA because his constituents were thoroughly confused, based on his track record of being a shill for credit card companies located in the First State. Then, six years later, Biden inserted his foot directly into his mouth (again) when he championed the notorious (and ill named) Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act (BAPCPA). A more appropriate name could have been the Act to Protect Credit Card Companies and Shaft Students and Workers. In short, BAPCPA was a terrible bill that favored credit card companies, big banks, and millionaires over working-class borrowers. It also is solely responsible for the fact that student loan debt is totally impossible to dismiss even after one has declared bankruptcy. Wait a minute I thought Joe Biden was the consummate defender and advocate of the working class and oppressed. Far from it. In reality, Biden's political career of more than four decades was predicated upon protecting the interests of credit card companies. He and his son, Hunter, were compensated handsomely for doing so. According to a 2019 GQ article titled "How Biden Helped Strip Bankruptcy Protection from Millions Just before a Recession," "one of the biggest credit card companies in Delaware, MBNA, hired Joe Biden's son Hunter in 1996. Even after Hunter became a federal lobbyist in 2001, he stayed on at MBNA as a consultant at a fee of $100,000 per year, meaning he was pulling in a six-figure salary at the same time his father was pushing for the industry's top priorities." Can you say "quid pro quo," Joe? As if the backroom deals and "you scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours" shenanigans that Biden blatantly engaged in before, during, and after BAPCPA was passed were not bad enough, the bill wrought untold damage among the very people Biden constantly claims to protect. According to Adam J. Levitin, professor of law at Georgetown University, BAPCPA "was perhaps the most antimiddle class piece of legislation in the past century." And, as Levitin writes, "Biden used his clout to push for the law's passage and to defeat amendments to shield servicemembers, women, and children from its harsh treatment. When votes were taken, 'Middle-Class Joe' was no friend to the middle class." It sure seems that Biden abandoned his Lunchbox Joe persona when it came to voting in favor of BAPCPA, not to mention that he strongly supported amendments that made the bill even more hostile to the middle class! And adding insult to injury, Biden also voted against several amendments that were specifically meant to help several "underprivileged" groups. As Levitin writes, "He voted against three amendments to ease bankruptcy requirements for consumers whose financial troubles stem from medical expenses. He voted against an amendment that would have helped seniors keep their homes. He voted against exempting servicemembers and widows of servicemembers killed in action from the law's eligibility restrictions. He voted against an amendment to exempt women whose financial troubles stemmed from deadbeat husbands' failure to pay child support or alimony. And Biden even voted against an amendment that would have ensured that children of debtors could still be given birthday and Christmas presents. Biden also voted against allowing debtors to pay their union dues during bankruptcy, potentially imperiling their employment and ability to achieve financial rehabilitation." Could Biden's voting record on this bill get any worse? Actually, yes. Not only did Biden strongly oppose BAPCPA amendments aimed to help "disadvantaged" groups, he voted for two giant loopholes that effectively allowed millionaires to shield their assets from collectors after they filed for bankruptcy. What a joke, Joe. As a senator, Biden vigorously voted for several similar bills. In short, based on his voting record, Joe Biden is not (and never was) a champion of disadvantaged Americans, unless you consider multi-billion-dollar credit card corporations and millionaires "disadvantaged." Chris Talgo (ctalgo@heartland.org) is an editor at The Heartland Institute. South Africa: Ex-municipal senior official arrested in VBS saga The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has confirmed the arrest of a former Merafong Local Municipality senior official for allegedly illegally depositing funds into the collapsed Venda Building Society (VBS) Mutual Bank. Mattheys Gerhardus Wienekus, 64, a former senior official in Merafong, appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Thursday after being subpoenaed to face charges of contravention of the Municipality Finance Management Act 56 of 2003 in the ongoing investigation linked to the bank. The suspect, who was arrested this morning, was employed at Merafong Local Municipality as Manager: Budget and Treasury until his retirement, said the Hawks in a statement. Investigations have revealed that over R50 million was invested with VBS Mutual Bank at the time when he was acting as the municipalitys CFO. Merafong Local Municipality is one of the 20 other municipalities that invested municipal funds with VBS, in contravention of the law. Wienikuss case has been postponed to 29 July 2020 for further investigation. I have indicated that the investigations into the municipalities are at an advanced stage. This is the beginning and all the other cases are receiving the necessary attention, said the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Dr Godfrey Lebeya. - SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The Police Commissioner in Niger, Adamu Usman, has urged the people of the state to support the police with reliable and credible information in the ongoing fight against banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling in the area. Mr Usman made the call on Thursday while addressing mobile police officers and vigilance groups deployed to fight bandits at Mariga town, Kanfanin Bobi and Kasuwar Garba of Mariga Local Government Area of the state. He said reliable and credible information on the movement of suspected criminals in the society would pave the way to crush those terrorising innocent residents in the area. He said the objective of the deployment of well-armed mobile policemen along with the vigilantes was to flush out the bandits that had been terrorising the rural dwellers. The commissioner said that this would enable rural farmers to embark on farming activities without threat to their lives and property. We will not relent in our efforts to deal with any persons or groups of people threatening the peaceful coexistence our state was known for. All forms of criminal activities would be curbed if residents volunteer credible information to the police on any suspicious persons or acts in their environment. Stakeholders should also support and partner with the police by providing useful information that will lead to crime bursting. We will enhance community policing to enable residents to come forward with intelligence information that will aid us in apprehending criminal elements. Our primary role is to secure lives and property of residents and we have set in motion security modalities that will deal with any form of security threats. I strongly appeal to our traditional and religious leaders to mobilise residents to complement the efforts of security personnel deployed with vital information that could aid in apprehending all those involved in all kinds of criminal activities, he said. Abdul Malik Mohammed, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, said that all the necessary support would be given to the security personnel deployed to perform optimally. Mr Mohammed said that already three camps had been provided with required facilities to enable the security personnel and vigilance groups to operate without hindrance. We have since reached out to traditional rulers and religious leaders to mobilise residents to volunteer information on dubious characters in their midst for prompt security action, he said. READ ALSO: Also speaking, Abdullahi Babayo, the state Director-General, Nomadic and Conflict Resolution said; we have fully mobilised our members to volunteer information on any persons or groups of persons with dubious motives to the nearest security agencies. We will work with the security personnel and vigilance groups to ensure total eradication of all bandits in our midst, Mr Babayo said. (NAN) Washington (AFP) - The United States on Thursday warned that instability sparked by the global coronavirus pandemic has opened the door to increased human trafficking. Washington also added Afghanistan, Algeria, Lesotho and Nicaragua to its blacklist on human trafficking in its annual report on the illegal practice. "While urgency has always marked the fight against human trafficking, the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic have magnified the need for all stakeholders to work together in the fight more than ever," Pompeo said in the report's introduction. "We know that human traffickers prey upon the most vulnerable and look for opportunities to exploit them," he said. "Instability and lack of access to critical services caused by the pandemic mean that the number of people vulnerable to exploitation by traffickers is rapidly growing." The US ambassador-at-large on human trafficking, John Richmond, hammered home the point: "Traffickers did not shut down. They continue to harm people, finding ways to innovate and even capitalize on the chaos." Countries on the US trafficking blacklist are seen as not doing enough to combat the scourge. Such a designation can lead to sanctions: the United States can opt to either limit aid or withdraw its support for the countries within international institutions like the International Monetary Fund. The four nations added to the list of worst offenders join 15 others already there, including China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria and Venezuela. US ally Saudi Arabia was removed from the blacklist, after being designated last year. Mauritania also was upgraded -- both are now on the so-called Tier 2 watch list. In a rare move, Ireland was put on the Tier 2 watch list, as was Hong Kong. The US said Ireland "has not obtained a trafficking conviction" since amending its laws in 2013 in a way that "weakened deterrence, contributed to impunity for traffickers, and undermined efforts to support victims to testify." As for Hong Kong, the State Department said it was downgraded as the city's government "did not enact legislation to fully criminalize all forms of trafficking." Kim Jong Un Calls Off 'Military Action' Against South Korea By William Gallo June 24, 2020 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has suspended unspecified military action against South Korea, state media said Wednesday, an apparent reduction in tensions following weeks of threats from Pyongyang. At a preliminary meeting of the ruling party's central military commission, Kim "took stock of the prevailing situation and suspended the military action plans against the south," according to the Korean Central News Agency. It is not clear exactly what steps Kim suspended and whether that means North Korea will now end its escalating campaign of provocations toward the South. The moves surprised many in Seoul, where officials had been preparing for a possible extended downturn in relations. A spokesperson for South Korea's Unification Ministry, which handles relations with Pyongyang, said Seoul was monitoring the situation and would continue to adhere to inter-Korean agreements. North Korea is upset at the South for failing to move ahead with a series of 2018 deals related to economic cooperation and reducing military tensions. International sanctions against North Korea have prevented Seoul from fully implementing the deals. This month, North Korea took several steps to roll back many aspects of those inter-Korean agreements, including by demolishing the two countries' de facto embassy just north of the border. The North also threatened to redeploy troops in parts of the demilitarized zone, resume military exercises in the border area, and cut off all official lines of communication with the South Korean government. In addition, state media have warned that North Korean university students are preparing to float 12 million propaganda "leaflets of punishment" into the South via thousands of balloons. Why now? The threats fit a familiar negotiating strategy for North Korea: escalate tensions in order to later de-escalate, possibly to receive concessions or restart diplomacy. But it's not clear why North Korea would de-escalate now, since it received no obvious concessions from the South, Ramon Pacheco Pardo, a Korea specialist at King's College London, said. "It does seem a bit early to de-escalate," Pacheco Pardo said. "Clearly they weren't getting anything from South Korea other than a stern response. So that could be a reason." Last week, the South Korean military said the North will "definitely pay" if it conducts any military provocation. Good cop? Many of North Korea's threats this month were delivered by Kim Yo Jong, the increasingly powerful sister of Kim Jong Un. By making Kim Yo Jong the public face of the pressure campaign, North Korea may have been trying to preserve Kim Jong Un's ability to eventually reverse course and improve relations with Seoul. However, many analysts caution it's too soon to say whether the North has fully changed course, in part because its latest statement said only that the military action had been "suspended," not reversed. "The way it's worded, it seems to be a wait-and-see approach before deciding on the next step; i.e., more de-escalation or re-escalation," Pacheco Pardo said. As of midday Wednesday, North Korea had given at least two other signs de-escalation was on the horizon. After Kim's announcement that military action had been suspended, two North Korean propaganda outlets, DPRK Today and Meari, removed several recent articles that were critical of the South. North Korea also began removing propaganda loudspeakers it had recently reinstalled on the DMZ, according to South Korean media. For decades, the two Koreas used the loudspeakers to denounce each other's governments, as part of a psychological warfare campaign. The speakers were removed in 2018 as part of the inter-Korean military tension-reduction agreements. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A woman who was adopted at birth by an Australian couple has been denied a visa to live Down Under with her parents because of a loophole in citizenship laws. Stephanie Matthews, 24, grew up in Canada, where she was born and adopted by Queenslanders John and Jennifer Matthews who were living and working abroad. The Matthews have now returned home to retire but their daughter is not permitted to stay. The Australian government will not grant her citizenship because she is not the biological child of citizens and was privately adopted under Canadian law. Stephanie Matthews (pictured), 24, who was adopted and grew up in Canada, wants to remain in Australia with her parents who have returned home to retire but she has been denied citizenship 'It's really hard, it's difficult because growing up I've never felt discriminated or different for being adopted. It's something I always thought was special about me,' Ms Mathews told 9News. 'And to know that I have an end date when I need to go home and leave everyone is really hard knowing that my parents and extended family can live here and I can't. 'It puts a lot of stress on our family.' Ms Matthews tried to get a subclass 102 adoption visa but was told the application had to be submitted while she was still under 18 years of age. The dental assistant also explored the option of sponsorship through an employer but her occupation does not classify her as a skilled worker. After numerous attempts to persuade the government that Ms Matthews is entitled to stay, the family have reached an impasse. Mrs Matthews said she did not anticipate any issues through the adoption process as she expected her two children to be treated as if they were biologically her own. But she said it seems that the present laws of the Australian government do not permit citizenship by descent of a Canadian-adopted child. The rigid regulations are designed to stop crimes like child trafficking and the use of potentially forged documents to enter Australia. Queenslanders John and Jennifer Matthews adopted their two children when they were unable to have children and were living overseas The Matthews adopted both of their children from birth. Ms Matthews is pictured as a child with her mother Jennifer However, part of the problem is the fact Ms Matthews was adopted privately, rather than under the Hague Convention or a bilaterial agreement. The Hague Convention exists to protect children against abduction and child trafficking, and it terms of adoption, would cover agreements between two countries. The Matthews believe their situation is unfair and are calling for flexibility within the legislation. Migration lawyer Ben Watt, from Seek Visa, said the family's situation was unique and there were very few cases where children adopted by Australians would not be able to gain citizenship. Mr Watt said had Ms Matthews been applied for a visa before she was 18 the situation could have been avoided. He said the family had made the mistake of presuming their eligibility and the government needs to do more to make expats aware of the laws. Leaders of ASEAN countries and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) are set to convene a teleconferenced dialogue on June 26, during which they will show their commitment to further enhancing solidarity within the bloc and its relations with partners to cope with the challenges and build a sustainable community. AIPA Secretary-General Nguyen Tuong Van (L) grants an interview to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Jakarta The dialogue will take place within the framework of the 36th ASEAN Summit. Talking to the Vietnam News Agency, AIPA Secretary-General Nguyen Tuong Van noted that the annual dialogue, first held in 2009, demonstrates ASEAN and AIPA leaders pledge to strengthen cooperation between the blocs executive and legislative bodies in resolving common issues of concern in the region. She said that, at the upcoming event, ASEAN Chair Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, AIPA Chair National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, and leaders from other ASEAN governments and parliaments will confirm their commitment to continuing to enhance the blocs solidarity and unanimity, highlight ASEANs centrality, and further strengthen its relations with partners to jointly deal with COVID-19 and other increasingly fierce challenges, including strategic competition among superpowers along with traditional and non-traditional security issues in the region. The AIPA Chair is expected to emphasise its readiness to stand side-by-side with ASEAN in building a sustainable community that is peaceful, stable, based on law, and united, and that centres on people for common development. During that process, AIPA and member parliaments have been contributing to the building of an ASEAN common house, promoting legal harmonisation, and increasing supervision over the implementation of commitments, ASEAN Community blueprints, and the blocs cooperation policies, according to Van. She also said that Vietnams concurrent roles as ASEAN Chair, Chair of the 41st AIPA General Assembly, and non-permanent member of the UN Security Council confirm the countrys growing stature in the region and the world. Aside from the opportunities, the increasingly fierce challenges facing the ASEAN Community also put great pressure on the host Vietnam, she added. Taking COVID-19 as an example, Van noted that, as AIPA Chair, the Vietnamese NA took timely and active measures to join hands with other member parliaments to cope with its spread. Chairwoman Ngan sent a letter to AIPA members calling for joint efforts to fight the pandemic. The NA also chaired and took part in online regional meetings to discuss response measures and share experience via phone talks, and provided some AIPA members and other countries with medical supplies. With the support of the International Conservation Caucus Foundation, the NA recently hosted an online meeting with AIPA parliamentarians to look into the illegal wildlife trade, its connections with COVID-19, and ways to prevent future pandemics. Van said Vietnams successes in pandemic control and economic recovery in the year it serves as Chair of both ASEAN and AIPA have been recognised by the international community and ASEAN countries./.VNA Imphal, June 26 : Ending a nine-day-long political crisis, four NPP ministers, who had pulled out from the BJP-led Manipur government last week, on Thursday withdrew their resignations and informed the Governor of continuing their support to the ruling alliance. The four National People's Party (NPP) MLAs, who were led by Meghalaya Chief Minister and party's national President Conrad K. Sangma to meet Home Minister Amit Shah and Bharatiya Janata Party President J.P. Nadda in New Delhi, returned Imphal on Thursday and met Governor Najma Heptulla. "We, in writing, informed the Governor that we would continue our support to the BJP led alliance government. Our four ministers also withdraw their resignation letter submitted to the Governor on June 17," a NPP leader said. Earlier, Sangma told the media at the Imphal airport that they have shared their grievances, issues and suggestion with Shah and Nadda and both the BJP leaders assured them that they would soon resolve all these issues. "With some changes in the portfolios, all the four NPP ministers would remain the council of ministers," he said. Manipur Chief Minister's advisor Rajat Sethi, tweeted a photo of NPP MLAs, led by Sangma, meeting Heptulla on Thursday afternoon. "NPP MLAs meets Governor to withdraw support from Congress and extend support back to CM N. Biren Singh led BJP Govt in Manipur. With this, the 'Secular Progressive Front (SPF)' created by Congress collapses in six days," Sethi said in his tweet. In a separate political development, a delegation of Congress-led SPF met the Governor and sought a floor test. State Congress spokesperson Ningombam Bupenda Meitei said: "The only way for BJP to be in power in Manipur is by using the CBI against Congress MLAs, manoeuvring Raj Bhavan to slow down any constitutional attempt for Congress, with allies, to form a government, and by giving pressure to MLAs by calling them in Delhi. Demand for the no-confidence motion has fallen on deaf ears. He said that the Assembly Speaker's disqualification of selected MLAs who were supporting Congress' SPF before the June 19 Rajya Sabha election is a clear dishonour of democratic principles. "Not convening a special assembly session for floor test is nothing but an acceptance of the fear of defeat by BJP in the house. The entire machineries have been abused to stop the floor test. This is BJP's destruction of the Constitution." On June 17, the four-member NPP, the sole Trinamool Congress MLA, and an Independent MLA withdrew their support to N. Biren Singh-led coalition government while three BJP MLAs quit the party and joined the Congress, causing a serious political crisis in the state. To deal with the situation, Sangma, Assam Minister and North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma, state BJP, NPP and other leaders held a series of meetings in Imphal before the four NPP lawmakers sent to Delhi to hold meetings with Shah, Nadda and other central leaders. While the Congress claimed that the BJP-led government in Manipur had lost its majority, the BJP claimed the issue had been settled with the victory of its candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls. Out of the 52 valid votes cast, the BJP candidate and Manipur's titular Maharaja Sanajaoba Leishemba managed 28 votes while the Congress aspirant Tongbram Mangibabu Singh got 24 votes. Amid political crisis in Manipur, a team of Central Bureau of Investigation quizzed former Congress Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh in Imphal on Wednesday and also summoned former IAS officer O. Naba Kishore Singh in the Rs 332 crore misappropriation case. tech2 News Staff After ISRO deferred its live stream yesterday, the real deal did not disappoint us today. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief K Sivan revealed details about the forthcoming privatisation of space in India. The announcement come after the Department of Space announced Cabinet approval on 24 June on reforms to boost private participation in the entire range of India's activities in space. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while delivering the fourth chunk of the Rs 20 lakh crore Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Special Economic Package, aimed to transform the Indian economy into a self-reliant one. The private sector, she said, will be allowed to play a more active part in the Indian spaceflight sector; and the Government of India (GOI) will provide a favourable policy and regulatory environment to private players to encourage their participation. They will also be able to use ISRO's knowledge and resources to make further developments in space technology, she concluded. Yesterday, the GOI in a statement has put out a couple of reforms that will impact the Indian space industry along and ISRO for decades to come. Chairman K Sivan made a more detailed announcement today on how this privatisation will play out. IN-SPACe Unlike NASA, which started incorporating the private sector in their missions a decade or so ago, the Indian space agency has only publicly acknowledged the private sector via "Announcements of Opportunities" for various space missions over the years. It seems GoI and ISRO (possibly spurred by SpaceX's historic flight to the ISS) have introduced a new, autonomous body that will look into public-private partnerships. The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) will take "decisions to regulate and permit activities in the space sector. It will have its own directorates for security, legal, promotion (of activities) and monitoring purposes," said Sivan in a live-streamed briefing. "It will act as a national nodal agency** for hand-holding and promoting private sector in space endeavours", with Board members consisting of people across industry, academia and government. While this is a great development in terms of policy for the industry, we think the second part of this announcement deserves some special attention as well. ISRO will now allow private companies to build their own facilities on the Department of Space's (DoS) premises, with INSPACe looking into all matters as a result of this new development. (Does this seems a bit familiar?) If a private partner be it big/small, startups, academia or a non-governmental entity wants to build their own space facility, they can apply directly to INSPACe, which will independently make this decision. While INSPACe may take three to six months to become operational, the Chairman pointed out that, in the interim, companies can start applying through DoS and their application will be processed. "The new mechanism will provide fair, equitable space for private enterprises," he concluded. New Space India Limited New Space India Limited (NSIL), up until recently, was a commercial subsidiary of ISRO the second such commercial arm after Antrix Corporation. In light of the new changes that come to effect in DoS's new roadmap for Indian spaceflight, the role of NSIL will involve technology transfer of its small satellite manufacturing, as well as the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), to the private sector. NSIL will also handle future tech transfer activities on ISRO's behalf. In order to do so, NSIL has been recalibrated to transform its approach from a "supply-driven" to a "demand-driven" model, the chief said. NSIL will soon take over a large chunk of ISRO's responsibilities operational launch vehicles, satellites, and commercial activities which will be executed in the form of industry consortiums. The Chairman also claimed that ISROs activities will not be reduced that the national space agency will continue to work on advanced research and development, interplanetary missions, human spaceflight and capacity building in the space sector. ISRO will also comply with any private sector support than INSPACe mandates. A fortnight from now, ISRO will conduct a webinar, an 'Industry Promotion Meet', where it will share more information on the reforms, functions and strategy that will see these changes through. **Nodal agency: a direct concern office which is deputed either for consultation, execution/implementation or supervision or combined of all above for a particular scheme or project initiated by the government. Quran is the best gift you can give to any human being Labayk, the Islamic social media network, that donates at least half of its profits to charities selected by its users has embarked on one of the greatest giveaways in the history of the internet. Everybody that signs up to the free social media network Labayk before Eid-ul-Adha 2020 will be able to gain the reward of sadaqah jaariya (voluntary giving) at no cost for the rest of their lives as the network will be donating free copies of the Glorious Quran in the names of all its users to needy, poor or non-Muslim people. The social network, whose name literally means at your service decided to launch this campaign after hearing that millions of Muslims will not be able to attend hajj this year, which has now officially been curtailed by the Saudi Arabian government. Tanweer Khan CEO and Founder of Labayk said It is heart-breaking to see that COVID-19 has led to the cancellation of Hajj plans for millions of Muslims. As such, we felt that we needed to do something extra special for the Muslim community. And nothing can be more worthwhile than giving a copy of the Holy Quran to someone. By downloading the free Labayk app, available on Android and iOS, users are able to interact with other Muslims, including sharing status updates, posting pictures, quotes and stories, as well as sending chat messages, making voice and video calls. All this comes free from Labayk - with absolutely no cost to the user. Tanweer continued Most people dont know this but when Facebook first launched, the only thing they offered people was the ability to degrade women by asking men to choose whether a girl was hot or not. Our philosophy is that social media should make a positive impact to society at large and not just be about profits for shareholders. Labayk has some exciting features being rolled out in the next few months too, so the more users that join Labayk, the more copies of the Quran they can distribute and the more money they can give to charities. If Labayk can get 1 Million sign ups before Eid, an international businessman has promised to pay for all the copies of the Quran to be donated. Given the devastating effects from COVID-19, millions of people have lost their livelihoods and their families and children are starving. By signing up to Labayk for free, users can help stop the suffering of the poor, sick and needy. To learn more about Labayk or to download the free app please visit Labayk. Crunch Fitness in East Lansing was sanitized and ready to reopen after more than three months of being shut down by Michigans COVID-19 pandemic executive orders. Owner Adam Hourani had his staff trained for nearly a week, they put together a 30-page COVID readiness plan, spaced out or roped off the equipment and alerted members they were ready to open. And just hours before their planned reopening scheduled for 5 a.m. on Thursday, June 25, Hourani heard the news. The 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals granted an emergency stay in favor of the state, meaning Michigan gyms could not disregard the governors executive orders and reopen Thursday. The Court of Appeals ruling came late Wednesday night, following a lower court ruling last week that would have allowed gyms to reopen Thursday. Hourani opened his gym anyway. As did the Crunch Fitness gyms in Farmington Hills, Westland, Taylor, Dearborn, Warren and Waterford, according to their Facebook pages. "We decided it was in the best interest of the community and of our members that we open the doors today," Hourani said. "So that's what we did." Late-night ruling keeps gyms shuttered: A look at whats allowed in Michigan Customers were waiting outside, eager to get inside once the doors opened at 5 a.m., he said. The gym is operating at 50% capacity for safety reasons. All staff are wearing masks, while members are required to wear masks when entering and exiting the gym and recommended to wear it while working out. "Our members have been coming up to us constantly, thanking us for opening the doors," Hourani said. "I think everyone's just ready to get back to coming to the gym and getting back to fitness and getting back to living a healthier lifestyle." The Meridian Township Police arrived at the gym hours later, asking Crunch Fitness to close its doors. If it doesn't comply, the police will serve the business with a misdemeanor citation and fine, Lt. Rick Grillo said. It wouldnt be our job to actually shut the business down, Grillo said. That would be the health department or the Attorney Generals Office. The Attorney Generals Office is referring violations to local law enforcement to handle as it has for all violations of Gov. Gretchen Whitmers executive orders said Press Secretary Ryan Jarvi. Multiple gyms had already reopened, despite orders not to, prior to Wednesdays ruling, spanning from Grand Rapids to metro Detroit. Gyms in Michigans Upper Peninsula, and parts of the lower peninsula were allowed to reopen June 10. We dont know whats going to happen with (legal ramifications of reopening), Hourani said. Right now, the only concern is the safety of our members. Consequences of Wednesday's court ruling While Blue Lion Fitness Co-Owner Daniel Roth knows of gyms that decided to reopen Thursday, he decided against it. After hearing the news around 11 p.m. Wednesday, he reached out to members signed up for classes on Thursday, alerting them the class would be moved outside to the parking lot, instead. The Jackson YMCA also planned to reopen Thursday, but changed plans in light of the ruling. One of the Jackson YMCAs core areas of focus is social responsibility, said branch CEO Shawna Tello. Reopening illegally doesnt jive with that mission, she said. We serve a lot of people who would be part of that vulnerable population classification. We have many, many, many senior members, Tello said, noting they still do summer day camps and outdoor group exercise classes. It wouldnt be responsible for us to go against the recommendations of our leadership. But the last-minute decision comes with consequences. The Jackson YMCA laid off all but eight of its 175 workers when the pandemic began. Many were scheduled to return Thursday, but wont now. Planet Fitness had planned to open 66 of its Michigan locations Thursday, a company spokesperson said, but those plans have been scrapped and all will stay closed. The delay in reopening gyms is frustrating, Roth said, especially since theres no time frame for when it might be allowed. But staying closed for now is the right thing to do, he said, even if money reasons make it less enticing. This is just a small step back. People should not lose their minds, dont go crazy, Roth said. Wear a mask, keep yourself safe When the time comes, I promise were going to hit the ground running. The lawsuit is far from finished Wednesday's decision which was made by three judges, two appointed by former President George W. Bush and one by President Donald Trump doesn't signal the end of the lawsuit. The case hasnt been heard yet by the judges in the 6th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, said Tina Kinsley, president of the League of Independent Fitness Facilities and Trainers the plaintiff in the lawsuit. LIFFT represents nearly 180 Michigan gyms. "The fact that you can go get a lap dance, a tattoo, go to the bar, drink with your friends but you can't go to the gym and train in a spaced out, safe way is just beyond comprehension to me," Kinsley said. Kinsley called the decision a "huge blow" to the health of Michigan. Some of the top risk factors for being hit harder by COVID-19 include hypertension, obesity and diabetes all of which are manageable with regular exercise, Kinsley said. LIFFT is advocating for the safe reopening of gyms following Centers for Disease Control guidelines. If done safely, gyms can be as safe as a grocery store, Kinsley said. "We don't promote (gyms reopening illegally) and we don't recommend it," Kinsley said. "But we understand that people are losing their entire existence right now and they have to do what they feel is best for them and their communities." Gyms in northern Michigan regions, which opened earlier this month, have to follow a list of measures required by the state. Those procedures included maintaining records of when each person entered and exited the building, closing steam rooms and saunas and keeping workout stations 10 feet apart or 6 feet apart with barriers in between. The same rules would have applied to all Michigan gyms if they would have been allowed to reopen Thursday, a Whitmer spokesperson said Wednesday. Gyms are particularly risky because people breathe heavier when exercising and are less likely to wear a mask because it can inhibit getting enough oxygen. Heavier breathing exudes potential COVID-19 particles further and at a greater density, said southwest Michigan public health physician Dr. Matt Longjohn. While 6 feet of distance is good in normal conditions, people should stay 12 to 33 feet away from others in gyms if they want to avoid other the respiratory cloud of others, Longjohn said. The harder youre working (and) the heavier youre breathing, the more protections that gyms need to provide in those spaces, Longjohn said. The cloud of respiratory droplets is going to be bigger in places where people are working out. COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. RELATED STORIES Thursday, June 25: Latest developments on coronavirus Opening Michigan gyms is essential to public health, experts say. But it also threatens it. Michigan gyms and fitness centers wont reopen Thursday after all The United Nations and European and Arab powers on Wednesday warned Israel that its plans to annex Palestinian land would deal a major blow to peace but the United States offered its green light. One week before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to start the annexation process, a UN Security Council session provided a final opportunity for the international community to urge him to change course. "I call on the Israeli government to abandon its annexation plans," UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres told the virtual conference. The UN coordinator for the Middle East, Nickolay Mladenov, said annexation "could irrevocably alter the nature of Israeli-Palestinian relations." "It risks upending more than a quarter of a century of international efforts in support of a future viable Palestinian state living in peace, security and mutual recognition with the State of Israel," he said. Seven European nations -- Belgium, Britain, Estonia, France, Germany, Ireland and Norway -- in a joint statement warned that annexation would "severely undermine" prospects for resuming the Middle East peace process. "Under international law, annexation would have consequences for our close relationship with Israel and would not be recognized by us," they warned. Arab League secretary general Ahmed Aboul Gheit said annexation "will destroy any prospect for peace in the future" and threaten regional stability. - US defers to Netanyahu - But the administration of President Donald Trump, a close ally of Netanyahu, has declined to criticize annexation and has rejected the consensus of most of the world that Israeli settlements on Palestinian land are illegal. "Decisions about Israelis extending sovereignty to those places are decisions for the Israelis to make," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters in Washington. Trump in January unveiled a Middle East plan that would pave the way for Israel to annex areas around Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley that it captured in the 1967 Six-Day War. The Palestinians, in turn, would have an independent state but one that is demilitarized with a capital on the outskirts of hostly contested Jerusalem. The plan also calls for major economic investment into Palestinian areas, funded largely by Gulf Arab states that find common cause with Netanyahu and Trump in hostility toward Iran. But US allies including the United Arab Emirates and Jordan, one of two Arab states to have a peace treaty with Israel, have warned that annexation would jeopardize the Jewish state's hopes for better ties. Pompeo brushed aside such concerns, saying the United states was "talking to all of the countries in the region" about the weeks ahead. "I regret only that the Palestinian Authority has refused to participate in that," Pompeo said. - Palestinians urge action - At the United Nations, Palestinian representative Riyad al-Malki said annexation would be a "crime." "Israel seems determined to ignore that big red stop sign the international community erected to save lives," he said. He warned that the Palestinians could approach the International Court of Justice and urged nations to impose sanctions on Israel if it goes ahead. European nations, while opposed to annexation, have been split on how severely to respond if Israel goes ahead. Israel's UN ambassador Danny Danon criticized the Palestinians, saying the stalemate was due to their refusal to negotiate. "Some in the international community choose to reward the Palestinians' rejectionism and ignore reality," he said. "Instead of confronting the Palestinian leadership, they have tried to appease them by buying every rotten bill of goods the Palestinians were selling." Netanyahu can begin to consider annexation on July 1 under a coalition deal with his centrist rival turned partner Benny Gantz, who has been more cautious, especially in assessing reaction in the United States. Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president who leads Trump in polls, has voiced opposition to annexation. Agra, June 25 : Call it nature's survival of the fittest design or negligence of those who manage the medical infrastructure, the truth that emerges from a look at the mortality figures from COVID-19 in Agra, indicates that a majority who succumbed to the deadly virus were senior citizens. Doctors of the S.N. Medical College confirmed that those in the senior age group bracket with comorbidities were particularly vulnerable, as has been feared right from the outbreak of the pandemic. Many family members of the victims have been alleging indifference and delay in treatment that aggravated the condition in the elderly people. In a large number of cases, the delay in test reports, up to five days, has proved costly. Now, the testing facilities have considerably improved with the installation of latest machines at the district hospital and the Covid hospital in the S. N. Medical College. Retired army doctor, Col Rajesh Chauhan, told IANS, "This was clear from day one that the vulnerable section of senior citizens will be significantly affected by the virus. They should have focused on providing prompt relief and treatment to this age-group. In fact a separate geriatric ward managed by specialists should have by now become operational. Even now they could do that." Agra's death toll from COVID-19 was 82 till Thursday morning. A senior citizen, an 82-year-old patient, who had a chronic breathing problem, succumbed. In the last 24 hours, nine new cases were added, taking the tally to 1,166. So far, 974 have recovered. District Magistrate P.N. Singh said the number of active cases in Agra was now 111. The recovery rate was 84.04 per cent. The number of samples taken was 19,728 and the number of containment zones is 65. In neighbouring Mathura, there were nine fresh cases. Firozabad had 21 new cases, Etah had eight, including an MLA, and Mainpuri had four new cases. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Nguyen Thi Tham, 25, stands trial in Nghe An Province, June 25, 2020. Photo courtesy of the Nghe An Newspaper. A woman from the north central Nghe An Province was sentenced to 15 months in jail Thursday for helping a friend work abroad illegally. The friend ended up among 39 Vietnamese found dead in a truck near London last year. The Nghe An People's Court found Nguyen Thi Tham, 25, guilty of organizing and brokering illegal emigration, the province's news website reported. One of Thams male friends, Nguyen Van Hiep, requested her to help him work in Germany, knowing that her brother was working there. When Tham informed her brother of Hiep's request, the latter gave her the contact details of a woman named Huong in Hanoi. Huong informed Hiep that it would cost $16,000 to get to Germany through Russia and work there illegally. The man agreed to pay the money. Hiep left Vietnam for Russia on July 15, 2018. An unidentified man then called Tham and said Hiep had made it to Germany around two weeks later. Tham then went to Hieps family to collect the money. His mother gave Tham $15,500 and VND8 million ($342). Tham transferred the $15,500 to the broker, and kept VND8 million for herself. Hiep, then 24, later tried to get to the U.K., and was one of 39 Vietnamese citizens who froze to death in a refrigerated truck they were being smuggled in. The bodies were found near London on October 23 last year. Tham was later arrested and investigated for her involvement in Hiep's death. Tham, who is seven months pregnant, was not authorized to send Vietnamese to work abroad, but still helped her friend do so illegally through brokers, the court noted. While her friends death was not a direct result of her actions, Tham was guilty of activities that had "great political impacts," and deserved strict punishment, the court ruled. The deaths of the 39 Vietnamese last year had made international headlines. Their identities were revealed by authorities last November. The youngest of the dead were two 15-year-old boys and the oldest was a 44-year-old man. Their remains were brought home later that month. Twenty one of the victims were from Nghe An Province and 10 from neighboring Ha Tinh. The rest hailed from Quang Binh and Thua Thien-Hue provinces in the central region, and from Hai Duong Province and Hai Phong City in the north. Northern Irish truck driver Maurice Robinson pleaded guilty to 39 counts of manslaughter related to the deaths in April. Several Vietnamese in Nghe An and Ha Tinh provinces have been charged with organizing illegal emigration. Homeschool: Books and art supplies have been in demand as schools stayed closed in lockdown. Stock Image Kerry-based Schoolbooks.ie has received 100,000 in funding to increase its art, craft and school-book stock in order to cater for demand from parents home-schooling during the coronavirus pandemic. The funds were raised through Linked Finance. Established in 2004, the company aims to make buying school books easier and provide better value to hard-pressed parents. This is the third time Schoolbooks.ie has used Linked Finance to raise funds and expand its business. Paul McCann, managing director of Schoolbooks.ie, said: "Linked Finance has been our go-to loans provider in recent years. They understand our business and the needs of SMEs. The support we've had from them during the Covid-19 pandemic has made a real difference." Since the global pandemic first hit Ireland, Linked Finance has provided 5.2m in funding to small businesses across the country. In March the peer-to-peer lender introduced a "Deferred Start Loan" for businesses affected by the coronavirus. The 15-month loan allows firms to borrow up to 100,000, with repayments due in 12 monthly instalments after the first three months. Meanwhile, PlasmaBound, whose patented technology helps manufacturers reduce the weight of products and meet fuel efficiency and carbon emissions requirements, has closed a 1.1m investment round. Investment in the UCD spin-out was led by the Atlantic Bridge University Fund, along with Enterprise Ireland, and a number of private investors. Alan Barry, chief executive of PlasmaBound, said the funding "will enable us to further develop our first-generation product offering and support PlasmaBound as we scale globally." Legal counsel on the investment was provided by Flynn O'Driscoll. Bill Darrah, ARS Cares Winner at Unique Services Unique Services, part of the American Residential Services Network of Brands, surprises Bradenton resident and artist Bill Darrah with a home services makeover on June 12. Darrah was nominated to win a new water heater as part of the ARS Cares program, which is a nationwide effort to recognize those in need. Bill is a 72 year old professional artist who lives on a very limited income. His water heater was hardly working, causing him to only have access to hot water every few days. This new water heater will provide Bill with daily comfort, as well as the ability to do every day necessities around his home that utilize hot water. The ARS Cares initiative was launched in 2016 to cultivate positive relationships with communities where we live, work, and play. Since that time, more than 90 home services makeovers have been completed, donating more than $500,000 of HVAC systems and water heaters to deserving recipients. To learn more about ARS Cares and view official Terms & Conditions, visit ars.com/ars-cares. ABOUT AMERICAN RESIDENTIAL SERVICES Based in Memphis, Tenn., privately-owned ARS operates a network of more than 70 locally-managed service centers in 24 states, with approximately 7,000 employees. The ARS Network features industry-leading brands including, 4 Eco Services, A.J. Perri, Aksarben ARS, Allgood, Andy's Statewide, ARS, Aspen Air Conditioning, Atlas Trillo, Beutler, Blue Apple Electric, Blue Dot, Blue Flame, Bob Hamilton, Brothers, Columbus Worthington Air, Comfort Heating & Air, Conway Services, DM Select, Florida Home Air Conditioning, Green Star Home Services, Hauser Heating & Air Conditioning, McCarthy Services, Rescue Rooter / Jack Howk, Rescue Rooter, RighTime Home Services, RS Andrews, TempRite Air Conditioning and Heating, Unique Services, "Will" Fix It, and Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing. As an Exceptional Service Provider, the ARS Network serves both residential and light commercial customers by providing heating, cooling, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning, sewer line, radiant barrier, insulation, and ventilation services. Each location has a knowledgeable team of trained specialists. ARS requires background checks and drug tests on all employees. We hire professionals with the highest level of integrity. Providing exceptional service and ensuring the highest standards of quality, ARS has the experience to do any job right the first time, with all work fully guaranteed. ARS: "Making it work. Making it right." The Trump administration says that Huawei and other leading Chinese companies are Chinese military-controlled. A document published on Wednesday listed 20 businesses that Washington alleges are backed by the Peoples Liberation Army. Telecoms giant Huawei and video surveillance company Hikvision are among those named in the document, as well as China Mobile Communications Group, China Telecommunications Corp, and Aviation Industry Corp of China. A US Defense Department source told Reuters that the document had been sent to Congress, where committees could call on Washington to impose new sanctions against the companies. The Defense Department must monitor companies that are determined to be Peoples Liberation Army owned or controlled and active in the US, under national law. The Pentagon has come under pressure from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress who demand updates to the document, after the Commerce Department blacklisted Huawei in 2019 over national security concerns. Huawei has since been central to tensions between Beijing, Washington and European governments who have been encouraged to exclude the Chinese firm from new 5G networks. US senators Chuck Schumer and Tom Cotton wrote to defense secretary Mark Esper in September with concerns over Beijings enlisting of Chinese corporations to harness emerging civilian technologies for military purposes. Will you commit to updating and publicly releasing this list as soon as possible? wrote the senators in that letter. We urge you to conduct these mandatory reviews as quickly and thoroughly as possible. The White House previously barred US companies from selling Huawei and other Chinese companies certain technology without permission. US president Donald Trump said on Monday that the trade deal signed with Beijing in January was not over, after White House trade adviser Peter Navarro had suggested so. I was simply speaking to the lack of trust we now have of the Chinese Communist Party after they lied about the origins of the China virus and foisted a pandemic upon the world, Mr Navarro later said. June 25, 2020: As many expected, Iranian influence inside Iraq has waned since an American airstrike in January killed Quds commander Qassem Soleimani, along with the commander of the Iraqi Katab Hezbollah and several other key Iran-backed Iraqi militia leaders. Iran was unable to replace Soleimani with a man of similar stature and influence. This was made worse by the growing financial crises inside Iran. When Esmail Ghaani, the new Quds commander, made his first visit to Iraq he, like Soleimani, crossed the border with impunity. Things went downhill from there. Iraqi supporters of Iran expected Esmail Ghaani to bring lots of cash for Iraqi commanders to reinforce the alliance with and obedience to Iran. Ghaani didnt have any cash and passed out some cheap jewelry. Ghaani went back to Iran and reported that he had made progress. That turned out to be overly optimistic because they next time he tried to cross the into Iraq, he was stopped by border guards and told he, specifically him, had to apply for a visa first. Once Ghaani got back into Iraq he found that the reports of declining PMF morale and evaporating support for Iran were true. Again, Ghaani did not have any cash to pass around to encourage his followers. Iraqis are also aware of similar anti-Iran sentiments in Lebanon. Inside Iraq Katab Hezbollah is now openly accused of working for Iran to achieve Iranian control over Iraq. More and more Iraqis are turning against Iran-backed groups in Iraq, where local media are less intimidated by pro-Iran militias and are openly mocking things like the Iranian practice of creating fictitious pro-Iran militias via the Internet. This is typical Iranian propaganda and once had a large following in Iraq. As Iran uses more violence in its efforts to gain control over Iraq, more Iraqis lose their long-held illusions about Iranian goals in Iraq. The growing popular anger in Iran against the religious dictatorship also sends a message to Iraqis that even Iranians dont trust or like the Iranian government. Both Iranians and Iraqis are defying the Iranian government thugs in both countries and tearing down or defacing posters and billboards promoting the Iranian government and its policies. In Iraq many local governments are banning pro-Iran posters. Worse, the payroll for PMF militias, which are now technically part of the military, is often late or short for PMF militias still believed loyal to Iran. Without someone like Soleimani to organize a suitably scary response, the Iraqi government does not back off and keeps applying economic and other pressure on PMF militias to act like they are Iraqi, not agents of Iran. The reduced support for Iran within the PMF crippled the Iranian attack plan against American forces in Iraq. This effort began in October and has included nearly 40 attacks so far. Few of these efforts did any damage and caused even fewer casualties. General Soleimani was trying to fix that when the American got to him in January with some Hellfire missiles. Iran expected the death of Soleimani would trigger more anti-American anger among Iraqis. Didnt happen. Most Iraqis saw Soleimani as more of a threat than the Americans. Iran was next door and forever threatening. The Americans were far away and had left once before, in 2011, and had to be asked to return in 2014 to deal with the ISIL invasion. The Americans are again eager to leave, the Iranians are not. Most Iranians want less money spent on subverting Iraq and more spent on building the Iranian economy and raising the standard of living. That is not a priority with the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps) and its Quds Force that specializes in destabilizing other countries, like Iraq, Syria and Lebanon. The Turkish Invasion Turkish airstrikes and ground attacks have been a problem along the northern border for over a decade. The cause is the PKK, an organization of Turkish Kurds fighting to create an autonomous Kurdish region in eastern Turkey. Iraqi Kurds tolerate the PKK presence in remote areas of the north, and sometimes in populated areas where the PKK helped with the fight against ISIL. The ISIL threat faded several years ago and now PKK presence anywhere in the north is considered a target for Turkish airstrikes or raids by Turkish troops. A week ago, Turkey began its largest ever campaign against the PKK in northern Iraq. The Turks consider the current operation a continuation of a smaller cross border offensive that began at the end of May. Turkish warplanes, armed UAVs and artillery hit 500 targets from border areas of Dohuk province (on the Syrian border) to Hakurk, the mountainous region where the borders of Iraq, Turkey and Iran meet. There were also airstrikes against a refugee camp outside Erbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdish north. Iran cooperated in this operation by attacking PKK and local Iranian Kurd separatists found inside Iran opposite the Iraqi Hakurk region. The Iraqi Kurds asked the PKK to get out of Iraq. For a long time, the Iraqi Kurds had tolerated the PKK presence with the understanding that the PKK would not be violent inside Iraq and would stay away from Iraqi Arab and Kurd population centers. Over the last decade, the PKK has increasingly violated that understanding and the Turkish attacks have become more frequent and intense. Iraqi Kurds will not go to war with the Turkish Kurds but now the PKK accuses Iraqi Kurds of supplying the Turks with information about where PKK camps are. There is no proof of that but more damage is done to the PKK-Iraqi Kurd relationship. The Arab world has noticed that Turkey is actively fighting Arabs in Libya, Syria and Iraq and ready to get involved elsewhere as well. Centuries of Turkish rule over Arabs ended a century ago when the Western allies defeated the Ottoman Empire. Western nations have not had an easy time working with the new Arab states and now better understand the old Turk sayings; dont involve yourself with the affairs of the Arabs. The current Turkish government seems to have forgotten about that but many Turks have not so the current Turkish government may not be able to keep up their wars against Arab nations indefinitely. Covis19 Continuation Back in April Iraq had 1,621 covid19 cases and 83 dead. That was 41 cases per million population and two dead per million. Two months later and its 913 cases per million and 33 dead per million. Iraqi medical experts know a lot of covid19 infections and deaths are going unreported and often unnoticed. The virus mainly kills the elderly and anyone with existing medical problems. A covid19 death can easily be mistaken for pneumonia. Known covid19 infections and deaths are mainly an urban thing and Iraq has several large cities where the virus has settled in. Covid19 experience throughout the region varies. In Iran, there have been 2,531 cases per million people and 119 deaths per million. In Turkey it's 2,273 cases and 60 deaths per million. In Kuwait, it is 9,809 and 79. In Saudi Arabia, it's 4,806 and 40. In the UAE it's 4,666 and 31. Syria is unknown. There is some covid19 there but no one has any clear idea how much. In Lebanon it's 241 cases and 5 deaths per million. In Israel it's 2,397 and 33. Israel has the best public health system in the region and one of the best in the world. Israel also has the most effective medical research in the region and has taken the lead in analyzing covid19 and coming up with effective treatments. What is known is that identified cases are not as important as confirmed deaths. That is a true indication of how far the virus has spread. It is also now known that for most of the population covid19 is no more of a than a bad strain of influenza, like the one that came along as recently as 2018, and not as lethal as flu strains that showed up in the late 1950s and 60s. Where covid19 does the most damage is among those already ill with serious afflictions. This means many of the elderly. Protect the most vulnerable and you limit the covid19 death rate enormously. Wealthier nations have better medical care and larger populations of older people who are being treated for many afflictions that covid19 can turn into a fatal condition. Most of the covid19 deaths so far have been among the most vulnerable, not the general population. The implications of that are not still sinking in with policymakers. Among the large industrialized nations with good public health, several have suffered over 500 deaths per million so far. These include Britain (636), Spain (606), Italy (573) and Sweden (516). Several industrialized nations have done much better, like Germany (107), Canada (225) and the United States (375). Even the death data from industrialized nations is not entirely accurate because not all suspected covid19 deaths are checked for the presence of the virus. Hospitals in industrialized nations find a lot of sickly people showing up claiming to have covid19 turn out not to have it. They have something similar or nothing at all. Its a common reaction during well publicized epidemics. Even during the annual influenza season hospitals and doctors are visited by a lot of people who think they have the flu but dont. These are complex diseases in more ways than most people know or will admit. June 24, 2020: Mustafa Al Kadhimi, the new (since May) prime minister was formerly (until April) the director of national intelligence. He held that job for nearly four years and knows more about what is really going on inside Iraq than just about anyone else. Thats one reason he got the job of prime minister, after a prolonged political struggle in which Iran sought to put someone they owned into the job. Iran overestimated how much influence they had bought, coerced or inspired among Iraqis. Iran is not giving up and much of the violence in Baghdad is caused by Iran and throughout the country, Iran still has loyal followers, many of them armed and willing to be dangerous towards whatever Iran decides is a threat. This comes at a cost; fewer Iraqis are willing to support Iran. The new prime minister knows better than anyone in Iraq how much Iran has corrupted the Iraqi military, especially the PMF (Popular Mobilization Forces) militias. Once largely pro-Iran, the PMF loyalties have been shifting back towards Iraq or different tribal, ethnic or religious groups inside Iraq. The government still controls the money and Kadhimi is using that to determine who he can depend on. June 23, 2020: The Finance Minister reports that the lower oil prices and quarantine restrictions caused by covid19 have made it impossible to meet the monthly payments to 4.5 million government employees, 2.5 million retirees and a million welfare recipients. The money was not there and borrowing would not cover the shortfall. Pay rates would have to be cut and long-delayed reforms undertaken. This would include eliminating those who were being paid several times, usually fraudulently. For example, a retiree might still have one or more government jobs. The eight million payments were not going to eight million individuals. Many paychecks, no one is sure how many, go to one person, usually a senior official who controls multiple jobs and secretly collects the monthly payments for himself. The armed forces were long considered the worst offender in this area but the Americans introduced biometric IDs when American aid was paying for most of the defense budget. That made it much more difficult to create phantom soldiers. But not impossible and the government is wasting billions of dollars a year paying people who do not exist. Reducing the phantom payroll would be a major political and legal undertaking and it is not a sure thing that the newly elected and selected government could get it done. June 22, 2020: In Baghdad, several rockets landed near the main airport but there was no damage. This was the sixth such attack in two weeks. This is part of an Iranian campaign against The airport complex contains areas where American troops are based as well as a diplomatic compound. The airport itself has been closed since mid-March as part of the covid19 quarantine. June 19, 2020: In the north, near the Turkish border Turkish airstrikes and artillery fire inside Iraq left five civilians dead. One Turkish soldier was killed after Turkish troops were landed by helicopter near a suspected PKK (Turkish Kurd separatist) base. There were some PKK casualties and the Turks claim at least four PKK men died. This was all part of a Turkish offensive into northern Iraq that began on the 17th. Once more the Iraqi government protested the Turkish invasion but was unable to do much more. June 17, 2020: In Baghdad, four rockets landed in the Green Zone but there was no damage. In the northeast (Kurd run Erbil/Arbil province) Iranian artillery hit suspected Kurdish separatist targets. This time Iraq suspected the Turks and Iranians were coordinating their cross-border operations against separatist Kurds. Iran and Turkey both denied any coordination while insisting their attacks on Kurdish terrorists inside Iraq were justified because Iraq would not deal with the problem. June 15, 2020: In Baghdad, several rockets landed near the main airport but there was no damage. June 14, 2020: North of Baghdad U.S. and Iraqi security efforts led to the seizure of a truck rigged to fire multiple rockets. During the raid, two rockets were fired from the truck but landed in an uninhabited area. June 13, 2020: Outside Baghdad, two rockets hit Camp Taji, a joint Iraqi-American military base but caused no casualties. The UN declared Iran was definitely behind the September 2019 UAV attack on Saudi oil facilities and was smuggling weapons to Shia rebels in Yemen. Those weapons are used to attack Saudi Arabia and shipping in the Red Sea. All this was documented in the UN final investigation report, which also noted that Iran has set up similar UAV assembly operations in Iraq and Lebanon. Both of these countries have Iran-backed militias called Hezbollah. June 7, 2020: In eastern Syria (Deir Ezzor province), another Israeli airstrike damaged an Iran base and killed at least twelve Iranian mercenaries while also destroying a lot of explosive material (rockets and ammo). Iran has noted that nearly all Iran-controlled Iraqi militia reinforcements moved to Syria are hit by an Israeli airstrike within days of their arrival. That is one reason these gunmen are moved to one of the Iranian bases in Deir Ezzor province that have some protection. That means bunkers, underground barracks and other well-protected facilities. These new arrivals do suffer some casualties from the airstrikes, usually including a few dead as well as many more wounded. Iran is unsure how the Israelis are obtaining knowledge of these new arrivals, as well as when new shipments of rockets and other weapons from Iran arrive. These shipments are also hit, usually with spectacular results as the stuff explodes in the warehouse or bunker it was stored in. June 4, 2020: In eastern Syria (Deir Ezzor province), the U.S. supported SDF (Syrian Kurds) launched a week-long operation to eliminate known or suspected ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) factions operating near the Iraqi border and in the Badia desert. This has become a favorite operating area for ISIL because the main road from western Syria goes through this desert on its way to Deir Ezzor province and the Iraq border. ISIL uses the road for smuggling people and supplies and wants to prevent others from doing the same. The SDF assembled a force of 6,000 fighters, many of them tribesmen from the area that have been calling for a major crackdown on ISIL in Deir Ezzor. The tribes are under growing pressure, and attack, by ISIL. The Islamic terrorists want the tribes to cooperate and often use murder and kidnapping compel compliance. The Iraqi Army is participating in the campaign as is the United States with air and intelligence support. Several other NATO countries work with the Americans on these efforts to eliminate these ISIL remnants. June 1, 2020: In the northwest (Kurdish run Dohuk province), the main border crossing with Syria was closed to passenger traffic but not commercial (mainly truck) traffic. This was done to halt the large number of people coming from Syria who are infected with covid19. May 31, 2020: In eastern Syria (Deir Ezzor province), an airstrike, possibly Israeli, hit a convoy of armed men near the Al Bukamal crossing into Iraq. Three vehicles were damaged and five Iranian mercenaries were killed. May 26, 2020: Iraq confirmed that Moataz Al Jubouri had indeed been killed by a recent American airstrike in eastern Syria. It took a few days to get a DNA confirmation. The U.S. had offered a $5 million reward for information on where Jubouri was but it is unclear if that was what revealed his location for the airstrike. Iraqi officials praised Iraqi CTF (counter-terrorism force) and the PMF (Popular Mobilization Forces) militias for their role in locating Jubouri, who was the third senior ISIL leader killed this month. He was the ISIL governor of Iraq and in charge of organizing attacks outside of Iraq and Syria. The use of the PMF has one shortcoming; the inability to track down Iran-backed terrorists. Many PMF militias are pro-Iran and the PMF leadership has divided loyalties. Aside from that the CTF/PMF cooperation regularly locates ISIL groups that are then hit with an airstrike or ground attack. Currently, this is costing ISIL over a hundred men dead or captured each month, plus the loss of hideouts, stockpiled supplies and access to suppliers of weapons and other equipment because of the risk of arrest. Despite these losses, ISIL continues to be active. There are plenty of angry (at Shia and Iranian persecution) and unemployed Sunni Arab men who see joining ISIL as a reasonable career choice. ISIL still has plenty of cash. Efforts to disrupt the ISIL international financial system have made progress but have not seized most of the millions ISIL got out of Iraq and Syria after 2017. ISIL also raises a lot of money locally via looting, extortion and donations from wealthy and pious (or scared) Sunnis throughout the region. There is more pressure on ISIL in Iraq and some ISIL activities have moved to eastern Syria. This has long been an ISIL practice, to move between Iraq and Syria depending on where the counter-terror pressure was least. During a Facebook Live on Wednesday, Uvalde Mayor Don McLaughlin attributed the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the area to younger people traveling to San Antonio. In the video, McLaughlin announced Uvalde's first death from the virus and then later explained how travel to the Alamo City is affecting the community. Uvalde, which is about 85 miles west of San Antonio, has reported 44 cases with 33 recoveries as of Wednesday morning. "I'm just going to be point blank on this, most of the increase in cases that we are seeing in Uvalde can be traced back to younger people going to San Antonio, and going out and visiting friends that may be sick," he said in the video. RELATED: Doctors in South Texas town issue warning against traveling to San Antonio due to coronavirus spike McLaughlin said that he is not saying people can't travel, but he is asking residents to use "good common sense" and wash their hands and practice social distancing. Some Texas counties have issued orders requiring businesses to mandate face masks for customers and employees. Uvalde, though, does not have a similar mandate, but McLaughlin said he strongly encourages residents to wear masks. Last Saturday, doctors in Alice issued a travel advisory, warning its resident of the Jim Wells County city not to travel to San Antonio because of the local surge in COVID-19 cases. A Hays County epidemiologist also said last week the recent spike in the county was due in part to residents visiting bars in San Antonio and Austin. San Antonio officials reported four new COVID-19 deaths and nearly 350 new cases Wednesday, bringing the total to 7,814 since the start of the pandemic. The four new deaths pushed Bexar Countys total to 104. Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: 3 North Carolina Officers Fired for Brutally Offensive Racist Remarks Three North Carolina police officers were fired for misconduct after an internal video audit revealed they had made racist and threatening remarks, including some using the N-word and calling for a race-based civil war. The Wilmington Police Department on June 23 terminated Cpl. Jessie Moore and officers Kevin Piner and Brian Gilmore, noting that they were ineligible for rehire by the City of Wilmington, according to investigative documents (pdf). Each was accused of violating departmental standards of conduct, criticism, and use of inappropriate jokes and slurs. Wilmington police Chief Donny Williams said in a June 24 release that the investigation into the trio came as a result of a routine video audit of police cameras. He called it the most exceptional and difficult case I have encountered in my career, adding that when he was informed about the conversations on the recording, I was shocked, saddened, and disgusted. This video reveals disturbing behavior that is offensive, hateful, and further undermines trust with the WPD and our community. Their actions could further fracture a delicate relationship that law enforcement agencies are having with communities, Williams wrote in a comment to a standard of conduct review by the departments professional standards supervisor, Lt. V.J. Baughman. The 46 minute and 12 second conversations were brutally offensive and deserved immediate action, Williams said in the release. A document summarizing the investigation reveals that at around the 46-minute mark of a video from one of the officers in-car cameras, an interaction took place that led to highly objectionable remarks being made. Their conversation eventually turned to the topic of the protests against racism occurring across the nation. Piner tells Gilmore that the only thing this agency is concerned with is kneeling down with the black folks,' Baughman wrote. The mention of kneeling is apparently in reference to expressing solidarity with protests following the police-custody death of George Floyd, which sparked outrage and widespread demonstrations. Later, according to the investigation, Moore referred to a black magistrate using a racial slur and a homosexual slur. At one point, the document indicates, Piner told Moore he thinks a civil war is coming and that he is ready. Piner said he was going to buy a new assault rifle and soon we are just going to go out and start slaughtering them [expletive] blacks. Moore responded by saying he would not do that. Piner then told Moore he felt a civil war was needed to wipe them off the [expletive] map. Thatll put them back about four or five generations. Moore told Piner he was crazy for making the remarks, the document notes. The officers didnt deny making the remarks documented in the standards review and insisted they werent racist. Each officer pointed to the stress of todays climate in law enforcement as a reason for their venting,' Baughman wrote in the review. There is no place for this behavior in our agency or our city and it will not be tolerated, Williams said in the release. Morale just hasnt been at its best, Williams said at a press conference, as cited by WWAY-TV. Some officers may feel that theyre not liked right now. But I will say thisresilience. They continue to come to work. They work long hours, and they do what we ask them to do. As I said earlier, we have some great officers. My biggest fear with all of this is the good will all be painted with the same brush that the bad will be painted with. Williams said in the release that the District Attorneys Office would review the case and determine whether any criminal charges are warranted. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 21:18:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia reported four new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, pushing the national total to 8,600, the Health Ministry said. Health Ministry Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a statement that three of the cases are imported, and the other one is a local transmission. Other 40 cases have been released, bringing the total cured and discharged to 8,271 or 96.2 percent of all cases. Of the 208 remaining active cases, two are being held in intensive care and none of those are in need of assisted breathing. No new deaths had been reported, leaving the total deaths at 121. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said in a statement the government will allow foreigners to enter the country for healthcare purposes. Those wishing to enter for healthcare would have to obtain appointment letters from hospitals registered under the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council and be required to undergo COVID-19 tests three days before entering Malaysian borders, he said. Enditem Harvest marks important milestone by supplying Michigan top-shelf, lab-approved cannabis amidst a Statewide product shortage TORONTO, June 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red White & Bloom Brands Inc . (CSE: RWB and OTC: TDRYD) (RWB or the Company) is pleased to announce that its investee PharmaCo Inc. continues to execute on their expansion, having been awarded nine (9) new Municipal Marijuana cultivation licenses in June and commencing their first harvest at their Detroit indoor cultivation facility. PharmaCo was awarded five (5) Municipal Class C grow licenses in Spaulding Township and four (4) Municipal Class C grow licenses in Au Gres Township; collectively this represents the right to grow 13,500 plants, subject to final State approvals. In Detroit, planting at the newly commissioned 22,000 square foot indoor facility began earlier this year, and the first plants are now being harvested, while remaining on time and on budget. PharmaCo continues to ramp-up production using perpetual harvest methodologies which at full capacity can produce over 4,500lbs of the most sought after top-shelf cannabis strains in the State. We are very excited for the opportunity to continue moving forward and make a positive impact on the communities we serve as an essential service in the State of Michigan, said a PharmaCo spokesperson. Adding, We are committed to the communities of Au Gres and Spaulding Township in the greater Saginaw area, with the same commitment to excellence that PharmaCo meets with every one of its current grow facilities with a dedicated grow philosophy to ensure the highest state compliancy. Brad Rogers, Chairman & CEO stated: Our investee has made some great progress building the dispensary footprint they have over the past 12 months and their team has made fantastic progress in growing their patient and recreational customers in the face of very challenging times. Their ability to execute and deliver on time and budget this additional cultivation capacity in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak is truly remarkable. Completing the first harvest in the new Detroit facility is a pivotal moment for them and we are very proud of what they are accomplishing in Michigan. Story continues About Red White & Bloom Brands Inc. The Company is positioning itself to be one of the top three multi-state cannabis operators active in the U.S. legal cannabis and hemp sector. RWB is predominately focusing its investments on major markets in the United States, including Michigan, Illinois, Massachusetts, California, and Florida in respect to cannabis and the entire US for legal hemp CBD based products. For more information about Red White & Bloom Brands Inc., please contact: Tyler Troup, Managing Director Circadian Group IR IR@RedWhiteBloom.com Visit us on the web: www.RedWhiteBloom.com Follow us on social media: Twitter: @rwbbrands Facebook: @redwhitebloombrands Instagram: @redwhitebloombrands Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Companys current expectations. When used in this press release, the words estimate, project, belief, anticipate, intend, expect, plan, predict, may or should and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release includes information relating to the Proposed Transaction. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: risks associated with the expected timing and terms of the Proposed Transaction, the number of common shares of the Company that may be issued in connection with the Proposed Transaction, the required approvals in connection with the Proposed Transaction and the ability to obtain such approvals and the parties ability to satisfy closing conditions. Forward-looking statements are made based on managements beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Companys forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed a certain progression, which may not be realized. It has also assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time. THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS. Rajasthan government clarified on Wednesday that the recently introduced "cure" for coronavirus made by Patanjali Ayurveda will not be be used in the state without the permission of the Ministry of AYUSH. The Patanjali-created COVID-19 drugs Coronil and Swasari have been at the centre of controversy since they were revealed on Tuesday. "Neither has anyone applied to the state government nor has the state government given any permission in this regard," State Health minister Raghu Sharma said. According to a gazette notification issued by the Central Government in April this year, under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940 and 1945, no ayurvedic medicine was allowed to be sold in the country as medicine for COVID-19 until it was approved by the Union Ministry of AYUSH. Sharma also said that according to the same notification, strict action can be taken against anyone selling COVID-19 medicine without appropriate approval. He also said that no human clinical trials can take place in the state with the permission of the government and that action will be taken against those who perform clinical trials without permission and try to mislead people. While referring to the guidelines of the centre as well as other regulatory bodies, Sharma said that action will be taken against the seller of any drug that claims to be the "cure" of the coronavirus infection without adherence to established rules. Ayurvedic medicine company Patanjali Ayurved, on Tuesday, had launched 'Coronil' and 'Swasari', its Ayurvedic medicines claiming to treat COVID-19 patients within 14 days. "We conducted a clinical case study and clinical controlled trial and found 69 per cent of patients recovered in 3 days and 100 patients recovered in 7 days," Baba Ramdev had said at the medicine's launch in Haridwar. Also Read: Around 40% of Pakistani pilots hold fake flying licenses Also Read: Mike Pompeo praises Reliance Jio as 'clean telco' amid row over Huawei Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay will go completely online next semester in view of the COVID-19 pandemic so there is no 'compromise on the safety and well being' of students, its director said on Thursday. The decision, the first by any IIT, followed deliberations that went on till late night Wednesday. This is the first time in the institute's 62-year history that a new academic year will start with no students on campus. Other IITs are likely to follow suit with similar announcements for the autumn semester that runs from July till December. "After a long deliberation in the Senate, we have decided that the next semester will be run purely in the online mode so that there is no compromise on the safety and well being of the students. The COVID pandemic has made us rethink the way we impart education to our students," IIT-Bombay Director Subhasis Chaudhuri said in a statement to the media. "To ensure that our students begin the academic year without further delay, we are planning on extensive online classes details of which will be informed to all students in due course of time," he added. With a large section of students coming from economically weak families, the director also appealed for donations to help bridge the digital divide. "A large section of our students come from economically less privileged families and would require a helping hand to equip them with the IT hardware to take these online classes. We look forward to your overwhelming support to help these bright young minds to continue their learning without any further hindrances or delays," he said. IIT-Bombay's announcement comes at a time the HRD ministry is holding discussions on revising the academic calendar in view of the spike in COVID-19 cases. HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ' Nishank' on Wednesday asked the University Grants Commission to revisit the guidelines for intermediate and terminal semester exams and the academic calendar. He said the foundation for revisited guidelines shall be the health and safety of students, teachers and staff. According to officials, exams for final year university students planned to be held in July are likely to be cancelled and alternative modalities of assessment will be worked out. An opportunity will be given to students to improve their score at a later stage, they said. The commencement of the academic session, earlier planned for August for existing students and September for freshers, is expected to be deferred to October. However, no final decision has been taken yet and revised guidelines are expected to be announced within a week. The guidelines are advisory in nature. The various IITs have been deliberating on delaying calling students to campus this year. "Considering the challenge of uncertainty thrown by the pandemic, it is not wise to delay the academic session because we don't know yet that by when will it be completely safe to call students on campus. It is better we start the academic session and figure out ways to help students who may not have access to computer or internet," an IIT-Delhi official said. The highest-ever single-day surge of 16,922 COVID-19 cases pushed India's total tally to 4,73,105 on Thursday whereas the death toll climbed to 14,894 with 418 new fatalities, according to the Union health ministry. With this, India has registered over 14,000 cases for the sixth day in a row. This sophisticated equipment is an investment, but over time they reap savings for businesses who no longer have to hire extra cleaning staff, do special disinfection procedures, or worry about a contagious employee impacting their staffs health and productivity. As COVID-19 has amplified the need for employee health screening and better disinfected work spaces, the Chicago-area IT firm, Pilot Services, Inc. has responded by offering two technology products to get people back to work safely. The two products include the Automated AI Temperature Screening System from Richtech Systems and the Safezone 850M9 Decontamination Device & UV Cleaner from UV Cleaning Systems, Inc. Both are being sold on the Pilot Services, Inc. website https://pilotaiscan.com/ to its own clients, as well as any business needing to safeguard employees and workspaces during the pandemic. We are IT providers who specialize in servicing assisted living facilities, so weve witnessed firsthand the pain and fear of them not being able to admit visitors because of the Coronavirus. Weve also watch them grapple with the challenge of keeping their facilities decontaminated daily for the health and safety of their employees, said Kimberly Warren, president and CEO of Pilot Services, Inc. As we could no longer service them onsite, we decided we could best serve them by doing the research to help them simplify the two biggest challenges facing them right now: making sure employees who report to work are virus-free, and keeping surface areas regularly disinfected. The first of the two products is the Automated AI Temperature Screening System, or AATSS. AATSS is a kiosk-style, contactless scanner that businesses can place at the entrance to their facility. In under three seconds, it screens workers, visitors, and guests for elevated body temperature using approved telethermographic technology. The user simply looks into the camera on the unit, which accurately performs the temperature scan, using AI technology to adjust for facemasks, eyeglasses, etc. The AATSS is virtually maintenance-free, and custom installation and configuration and is available from Pilot Services, Inc. for $3,250. The other offering is the Safezone 850M9 and the M20-120 Decontamination Device and UVC Cleaner, which uses the same UVC light disinfection technology that has been used by hospitals to provide safe surface decontamination for decades. The technology is now FDA-approved for use in all offices and businesses. The units activates to zap 99.9967 percent of bacteria and microorganisms on surfaces, including COVID-19, with the blast of ultra-powered UVC light, strong enough to kill Staphylococcus Aureus at 16 ft (5m) in 10 minutes. Both units are larger, self-contained, contactless, portable, cylindrical, UV cleaning units that can easily be rolled between empty rooms. The 850M9 is the best value for commercial facilities and is available from Pilot Services, Inc. for $9,995; the stronger, feature-packed M20-120 is $19,999. Leasing options and volume discounts are available. This sophisticated equipment is an investment, but over time they reap savings for businesses who no longer have to hire extra cleaning staff, do special disinfection procedures, or worry about a contagious employee impacting their staffs health and productivity, said Warren. With no end to COVID-19 in sight, its an option for any business owner seeking peace of mind. For more information about ordering, please visit PilotAIScan.com. About Pilot Services, Inc. Pilot Services, Inc. is a certified WBE, IT services and data recovery firm, which was launched as a pilot program with AT&T to offer IT services in 1988. Today, the company offers managed services, network installation, cabling, and cloud computing services with a team of more than 2,500 technicians, monitoring thousands of clients from their two locations near Chicago and Tucson. They specialize in servicing healthcare facilities. Visit Pilot Services, Inc. at http://www.pilotservicesinc.com. Eric Schaeffer, the founding artistic director of Arlington, Virginia's Signature Thaetre, has announced that he is "retiring" from the position after three decades, following multiple allegations of sexual assault that recently came to light on social media. Actor Thomas Keegan took to Twitter and Facebook recently to accuse Schaeffer of groping and fondling his genitals "at least three times over the course of a bewildering five minute exchange, including twice after I made it clear that I wanted him to stop." This took place during the 2018 Helen Hayes Awards show, which Keegan's wife, Alyssa Wilmoth Keegan, was hosting. A second actor, Joe Carlson, wrote on Facebook that Schaeffer grabbed his genitals in public, while being held "forcibly around the throat by a second man" at a 2016 fundraiser at Signature sponsored by Theatre Washington called Summer Hummer. It is widely believed that these allegations against Schaeffer are not the only ones that exist. According to WAMU, other stories involve Schaeffer being reported to Signature's human resources department after repeatedly calling a female employee by derogatory terms for female genitalia, as well as creating a company culture filled with inappropriate conduct. Signature Theatre responded by saying that a 2018 investigation found the accusations to be baseless. That statement, originally posted to their website, was deleted. Schaeffer ignored the charges in a statement the theater released about his departure, referring to his departure as his retirement. "I hope that the next generation of leaders can weather the many storms our profession faces. To do so, it needs to pull together, dedicate itself to the work, and avoid the toxic polarization that damages not just the institutions, but the work itself, the art," he said. Schaeffer is the second Washington, DC-area artistic director to leave his position this week. On Monday, June 22, the board of the Flying V Theatre Company terminated Jason Schlafstein, the theater's cofounder and artistic director, after multiple assault and sexual misconduct allegations were published on social media. Jon Rubin, the associate artistic director, tendered his resignation at the same time. The Indian stock market has managed to crawl back in the green after opening in the red. Sensex is up 121.99 points or 0.35 percent at 34990.97, and the Nifty gained 39.40 points or 0.38 percent at 10344.70 at 11:15 hours. Among the sectors, the FMCG index gained over a percent led by ITC which jumped 3 percent. It was also the top Sensex gainer. It was also one of the most active stocks on NSE in terms of value with 2,56,90,332 shares being traded at 11:20 hours. The other gainers included Hindustan Unilever, Jubilant Foodworks, Varun Beverages, Marico, Godrej Consumer and Dabur India which added 1-2 percent each. Hindustan Unilever, Managing Director Sanjiv Mehta said that it is too early to predict the mid-term impact of the novel coronavirus pandemic and the pace of growth. Mehta told Motilal Oswal that products in the detergents and home care segments will do well. "Skin cleansing products such as hand washes, soaps, and sanitisers are also witnessing huge demand.". The brokerage remains positive on HUL in the medium term with a Buy rating and target price of Rs 2,400 per share. S&P BSE FMCG also added a percent with gains from Future Consumer which jumped 5 percent hitting upper circuit of Rs 17.90 per share. It also witnessed spurt in volume by more than 1.85 times. The other gainers included Sanwaria Consumer, Parag Milk, Prabhat Dairy, Dwarikesh Sugar, Venky's, Dalmia Bharat Sugar, ITC and Bombay Burmah Trading among others. Technical Analyst Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com and Mitessh Thakkar of mitesshthakkar.com have a buy recommendation on ITC with target at Rs 200. : The above report is compiled from information available on public platforms. Moneycontrol advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. THE MOUNTBATTENS: THEIR LIVES AND LOVES by Andrew Lownie (Blink 10.99, 496pp) THE MOUNTBATTENS: THEIR LIVES AND LOVES by Andrew Lownie (Blink 10.99, 496pp) He was a royal with film-star looks; she was the richest heiress in the world. The marriage of Louis Mountbatten to Edwina Ashley in July 1922 was a fabulous alliance, yet as Mountbatten later remarked, Edwina and I spent all our married lives getting into other peoples beds. Mountbattens sonorous list of roles included Supreme Commander of Allied forces in South-East Asia during World War II and mentor to both Prince Philip and Prince Charles. This impeccably researched joint biography is an enthralling portrait of two complex individuals whose public and private lives were somewhat inextricably entwined. MY NAME IS WHY MY NAME IS WHY by Lemn Sissay (Canongate 9.99, 224pp) by Lemn Sissay (Canongate 9.99, 224pp) The poet Lemn Sissay spent 18 years in care at first with foster parents, who rejected him, and then in local authority homes. In 2015, he obtained the official records of his childhood: four thick folders told his story, from his birth in 1967 in an institution for unmarried mothers, to 1984 when, aged 17, he moved into a development appropriately named Poets Corner. The records exposed the authorities cruel treatment of a sensitive and intelligent boy, which eventually drove him to breakdown. Lemn, the Amharic name his Ethiopian birth mother gave him, means Why. This powerful memoir asks that question with unflinching clarity. GIRL GIRL by Edna OBrien (Faber 8.99, 240pp) by Edna OBrien (Faber 8.99, 240pp) I was a girl once, but not any more is the haunting opening to Edna OBriens 19th novel. In 2014, 276 girls were kidnapped from their school in Chibok, Nigeria. OBrien subsequently visited to meet survivors whose terrible stories inspired a novel that is a record of atrocity, but also a testament to the courage of those girls. OBriens narrator Maryam is repeatedly raped. She is forcibly married and bears a daughter, and when at last she returns home, she and her daughter are rejected by her own family. Though its events are harrowing, Girl beautifully depicts the grace and tenderness of which Maryam never quite loses sight. A volley of bullets in Miami Shores woke up nearly a dozen residents early last Thursday morning, minutes before Miami Shores police found the body of a young mother shot to death in a car. It was an anomaly in the mostly quiet and family-friendly neighborhood, said one resident, Raul Guerra, who was awakened by his frightened fiancee between 1:50 and 1:55 a.m. in his home about 500 feet north of the crime scene at 10334 N. Miami Ave. She was pretty petrified when she heard it, said Guerra, 41, a self-employed mechanical contractor in Fort Lauderdale and a two-year Miami Shores resident, who remembers muttering something about fireworks being set off. But his fiancee Nicole Hedmark, 37, dismissed the thought immediately. It was distinct. It was guns, she told Guerra, before warning her neighbors on the NextDoor app. Hedmark said in a post on the app that the shooting sounded like someone was at our patio door, pounding on it real hard. Another resident added, I heard (it) too it seems like an exchange. Guerra later shared with the Herald two video files with sounds of the shooting captured by their Google Nest Cam security camera. Two distinct sounds are audible in the footage, with more than 60 shots being fired from a fusillade which police believe killed Precious Paraison, a 20-year-old mother of a baby girl from Little Haiti, and two single shots with a higher pitch fired three and five seconds after the first weapon was discharged. Miami Shores police, who responded to multiple calls from residents around 2 a.m., said they found the body of Paraison inside a white Nissan Altima with a side window smashed by a stray bullet. As is standard with homicides in many municipalities, Miami-Dade later stepped in to handle the homicide investigation. Miami-Dade police have not released any details about how many shooters were involved in the incident, how many shots were fired or the motive for the shooting. They have no suspects at this time, officers said. Story continues Its an open homicide investigation and theres nothing we can discuss at this time, Miami-Dade police said on Wednesday. Paraison was last seen by her grandmother Kimanie Alicia Paraison while breastfeeding her 1-year-old daughter. She left their home in a rush after receiving a call on her cellphone around 11 p.m. Wednesday. Robinson Pierre, 45, the uncle of Prescious Paraison, who was killed with a 60-shot fusillade in Miami Shores early Thursday morning, June 18, 2020, holds her one-year-old daughter Kiki Paraison next to Prescious Paraisons grandmother Kimanie Alicia Paraison. The shooting came just one day after Miami Shores Village Mayor Crystal Wagar responded to residents concerns about the scarcity of policing in the area. Miami Shores saw a crime rate increase of almost 7 percent last year with reported offenses rising from 557 in 2018 to 595 in 2019, according to offense data by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. But Miami Shores police mainly responded to thefts in 2019, while violent crimes including rape, robbery and aggravated assaultwhich were already rare decreased. No murders were reported in 2019, according to the data. Until Paraisons murder, residents said they were mostly concerned about speeding in the area. After residents submitted a public comment at a Miami Shores Village council meeting in April, MSPD officers.. indicated that they would monitor the traffic in the area and provide a report of their findings, according to an email residents sent to the Village Council Members in June. Residents said they didnt hear back from MSPD, but plan to press the matter further in the coming weeks. Guerra said that the street where Paraison was killed attracts a lot of traffic headed northbound on North Miami Avenue toward Barry University. While he expressed concerns about further isolating Miami Shores which is among the most affluent municipalities in Miami-Dade and 75 percent white, according to Census data from surrounding neighborhoods, he said MSPD should more closely monitor those that enter. It seems like none of the people involved (in the killing) were from the area. Limiting accessibility to traffic would... make us safer, Guerra said. In that corner (where Paraison was killed) there are always vicious accidents. MSPD has not yet responded to the Heralds request for comment. The family ofParaison told the Herald on Friday that they were struggling financially at the time that she was killed, but they are trying to gather funds to plan a funeral. Precious Paraison, 20, who was killed with a 60-shot fusillade in Miami Shores early Thursday morning, June 18, 2020, lived with her grandmother Kimanie Alicia Paraison in Little Haiti. Samaya Green, who said shed known Paraison since sixth grade and used to babysit her daughter three times per week, set up a fundraiser for Paraisons funeral on GoFundMe Friday. Precious Loved Her Babygirl dearly please help me and the family by raising a proper funeral for my bestfriend Precious, she wrote on the website. Anything is helpful. A previous version of this story gave an incorrect last name for Raul Guerra. Press Release June 25, 2020 GORDON URGES DOLE TO OFFER LOAN PROGRAMS FOR FILIPINOS WHO LOST JOBS DUE TO COVID-19 THROUGH GOV'T CORPORATIONS TO HELP THEM HAVE SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD As the number of Filipinos losing their jobs due to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continue to rise, Senator Richard J. Gordon urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday to help them get back on their feet by way of offering loan programs which they can use to start their businesses and so they could earn a living. During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, Gordon proposed providing loan programs for displaced Filipino workers, including the OFWs, through government corporations such as the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) and Nationwide Development Corporation (NADECOR). "Ang DOLE, together will all these agencies, ay maaaring magpahiram ng pera para matulungang magkaroon ng investments iyong mga nawalan ng trabaho. Kailangang mabigyan ng pera ang mga tao para ma-train sila o makagawa ng panibagong kabuhayan. We can make entrepreneurs out of our people. May trabaho sila and they will be self-reliant," he said. Gordon emphasized that once businesses reopen and when people are allowed to work again, the government can create more funding which can be used for other development programs especially that a huge amount of money has been used for the country's COVID-19 response. For COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program - Abot-Kamay ang Pagtulong (CAMP-AKAP) for OFWs alone, the government has already allotted P2.5 billion under Republic Act No. 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act. "Ang laki-laki na ng perang nagastos natin sa pagbibigay ng pera sa COVID-19 adjustment measures. Hindi po ba panahon na para makakuha tayo ng pabalik naman?" he said. Gordon also underscored the importance of having the labor force tested for COVID-19 before they are allowed to go back to work. "What's important is iyong mga nagtatrabaho, basta na-test sila at nag-negative sa virus, we will lend them money. That is why I am more working on it as there must be a sense of urgency because right now, we are caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. Kung ayaw natin silang i-test, hindi sila makakapagtrabaho. Kung sila naman ay makakapag-test at magne-negative, dapat makapagtrabaho sila at buksan ang mga kumpanya," he said. Due to COVID-19 pandemic and the enforcement of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the country,, the Philippines has reported on June 5 its highest-ever unemployment rate of 17.7 percent after the companies were forced to close down that caused 7.3 million Filipinos to lose jobs based on the data of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The Management of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has said its orientation camps will reopen when it is very safe, in view of the formidable danger posed by COVID-19 pandemic. The Director of Press and Public Relations of the corps, Adenike Adeyemi, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. The attention of management of the scheme has been drawn to an online publication stating that the NYSC is set to reopen orientation camps, lists guidelines, alluding that the scheme will soon resume orientation programme, Mrs Adeyemi said. She said the scheme placed a very high premium on the lives of corps members, camp officials and other stakeholders, Which was the key reason it suspended the 2020 Batch A Stream 1 orientation programme in March and shall never act in any way that will compromise their safety. She stated further, To reinforce the foregoing, it is apt to add that even when it has been sufficiently established it is safe to proceed to the camps for the resumption of normal activities, the corps shall only do so when it has received the nod of the federal government, she said. Mrs Adeyemi added that corps members and prospective corps members are advised to glean information concerning the scheme only from NYSC official sources both the social and mainstream media. She said the Director-General, NYSC, Shuaibu Ibrahim, a brigadier general, admonished corps members and prospective ones to continue strict observance of COVID-19 safety protocols, predicated on social and physical distancing. Others, he said, are wearing face masks, proper washing of the hands for at least twenty seconds, and the use of hand sanitiser. (NAN) Joe Biden has taken a commanding lead over President Donald Trump in the 2020 race, building a wide advantage among women and nonwhite voters and making deep inroads with some traditionally Republican-leaning groups that have shifted away from Trump following his ineffective response to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a new national poll of registered voters by The New York Times and Siena College. Biden is currently ahead of Trump by 14 percentage points, garnering 50 percent of the vote compared with 36 percent for Trump. That is among the most dismal showings of Trump's presidency, and a sign that he is the clear underdog right now in his fight for a second term. Trump has made few efforts since his election in 2016 to broaden his support beyond the right-wing base that vaulted him into office with only 46 percent of the popular vote and a modest victory in the Electoral College. But among a striking cross-section of voters, the distaste for Trump has deepened as his administration failed to stop a deadly disease that crippled the economy and then as he responded to a wave of racial-justice protests with angry bluster and militaristic threats. The dominant picture that emerges from the poll is of a country ready to reject a president whom a strong majority of voters regard as failing the greatest tests confronting his administration. Biden leads Trump by enormous margins with black and Hispanic voters, and women and young people appear on track to choose Biden by an even wider margin than they favored Hillary Clinton over Trump in 2016. But the former vice president has also drawn even with Trump among male voters, whites and people in middle age and older groups that have typically been the backbones of Republican electoral success, including Trump's in 2016. Most stark may be Biden's towering advantage among white women with college degrees, who support him over Trump by 39 percentage points. The poll also found that Biden has narrowed Trump's advantage with less-educated white voters. The exodus of white voters from the GOP has been especially pronounced among younger voters, an ominous trend for a party that was already heavily reliant on older Americans. Fifty-two percent of whites under 45 said they supported Biden, while only 30 percent said they supported Trump. And their opposition is intense: More than twice as many younger whites viewed the president very unfavorably than very favorably. Some unease toward Trump stems from voters' racial attitudes. According to the poll, white voters under 45 are overwhelmingly supportive of the Black Lives Matter movement, while older whites are more tepid in their views toward racial justice activism. And nearly 70 percent of whites under 45 said they believed the killing of George Floyd was part of a broader pattern of excessive police violence toward African Americans rather than an isolated incident. What's striking, though, is that even among white seniors, one of Trump's strongest constituencies, he has damaged himself with his conduct. About two-fifths of whites over 65 said they disapproved of Trump's handling of both the coronavirus and race relations. Trump retains a few points of strength in the poll that could offer him a way to regain a footing in the race, and the feeble condition of his candidacy right now may well represent his low point in a campaign with 4 1/2 months still to go. His approval rating is still narrowly positive on the issue of the economy, with 50 percent of voters giving him favorable marks compared with 45 percent saying the opposite. Should the fall campaign become a referendum on which candidate is better equipped to restore prosperity after the pandemic has subsided, that could give Trump a new opening to press his case. The president is also still ahead of Biden among white voters without college degrees, who hold disproportionate influence in presidential elections because of how central the Midwest is to capturing 270 electoral votes. Yet if Trump still has a significant measure of credibility with voters on the economy, he lacks any apparent political strength on the most urgent issues of the moment: the pandemic and the national reckoning on policing and race. Nearly three-fifths of voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, including majorities of white voters and men. Self-described moderate voters disapproved of Trump on the coronavirus by a margin of more than 2-1. Most of the country is also rejecting Trump's call to reopen the economy as quickly as possible, even at the cost of exposing people to greater health risks. By a 21-point margin, voters said the federal government should prioritize containing the coronavirus, even if it hurts the economy, a view that aligns them with Biden. Trump's job approval on race relations was just as dismal. Sixty-one percent of voters said they disapproved of Trump's handling of race, versus 33 percent who said they approved. By a similar margin, voters said they disapproved of his response to the protests after the death of Floyd. Trump has sought several times in the past month to use demonstrations against the police as a political wedge issue, forcing Democrats to align themselves squarely either with law-enforcement agencies or with the most strident anti-police demonstrators. The poll suggested most voters were rejecting that binary choice, as well as Trump's harsh characterization of protesters: Large majorities said they had a positive overall assessment of both the Black Lives Matter movement and the police. Its barely noon here out here on the Left Coast, and already my Krazy Kup overfloweth. A (very) few highlights: What is it with liberals and Hollywood types and blackface? Now the NBC hit 30 Rock is memory-holing four episodes that featured white characters in blackface: Four episodes of 30 Rock, including two featuring Jane Krakowskis Jenna character in blackface, are being removed from subscription streaming services Hulu and Amazon Prime and have also been made unavailable for sale on purchase platforms such as iTunes and Google Play. The episodes, which will no longer air on traditional TV either, were pulled at the request of NBCUniversal executive producers Tina Fey and Robert Carlock. A source tells Vulture the four episodes, some of which have already vanished, should be gone by the end of this week. But wait, theres more! Mary Poppins Branded Racist by US Academic Over Soot Scene An American academic has criticised Mary Poppins for projecting racial stereotypes, saying Dame Julie Andrewss character wears blackface during one scene. Writing for The New York Times, Professor Daniel Pollack-Pelzner a gender studies professor at Linfield College, Oregon sharply criticises the scene where Mary Poppins joins Dick Van Dykes chimneysweep Bert to dance on a rooftop. The pair both get covered in soot as the dance number Step in Time is performed. Pollack-Pelzner says that, while the scene may be comic, the author of the Mary Poppins books, PL Travers, often associated chimney sweeps blackened faces with racial caricatures. Wait till Prof. Pollack-Pelzner discovers what auto mechanics look like after theyve worked under a car for a couple hours. Nooses will be the least of NASCARs worries. Speaking of Fake Noose, Bubba Wallace at first doubled-down on the NASCAR noose scare, before gracefully backing down on Twitter this morning: But this is not the only loose noose panic of the last week. Out in Oakland, a series of nooses were spotted at Lake Merritt Park, and set off a full-scale hate crime crusade. That is, until the black person who put them up for exercise purposes several months ago stepped forward: OAKLAND Oaklands mayor said five ropes found hanging from trees in a city park are nooses and racially-charged symbols of terror but a resident said they are merely exercise equipment that he put up there months ago. Mayor Libby Schaaf said Wedesday that a hate crime investigation was under way after a social media post identified a noose at the citys popular Lake Merritt. Police said they searched the area on Tuesday and found five ropes attached to trees. . . Victor Sengbe, who is black, told KGO-TV that the ropes were part of a rigging that he and his friends used as part of a larger swing system. He also shared video of the swing in use. Out of the dozen and hundreds and thousands of people that walked by, no one has thought that it looked anywhere close to a noose. Folks have used it for exercise. It was really a fun addition to the park that we tried to create, Sengbe said. Its unfortunate that a genuine gesture of just wanting to have a good time got misinterpreted into something so heinous, he told the station. Of course, Oaklands politicians cant back down: [Oakland Mayor Libby] Schaaf said officials must start with the assumption that these are hate crimes. However, the mayor and Nicholas Williams, the citys director of parks recreation, also said it didnt matter whether the ropes were meant to send a racist message. Intentions dont matter when it comes to terrorizing the public, Schaaf said. It is incumbent on all of us to know the actual history of racial violence, of terrorism, that a noose represents and that we as a city must remove these terrorizing symbols from the public view. The symbolism of the rope hanging in the tree is malicious regardless of intent. Its evil, and it symbolizes hatred, Williams said. Pretty clear what the end point is going to be: tying any rope into a loop, no matter whether for use in rigging a sail on a boat or making a garage roll-up door pull, must be banned and never taught by the Boy Scouts or anyone else ever again. By the way, is relevant that Oaklands mayor is white? By far the craziest story of the day comes from John and Scotts backyard in Minneapolis, where the New York Times has a story about a neighborhood that decided to open itself up to the homeless, and further resolved not to call the police in the event of any trouble. And youll never guess what happened next! You have to read it, not to believe it. For those of you without access to the Times, here are a few highlights from this long feature: After the death of George Floyd at the hands of the police, Ms. Albers, who is white, and many of her progressive neighbors have vowed to avoid calling law enforcement into their community. Doing so, they believed, would add to the pain that black residents of Minneapolis were feeling and could put them in danger. Officers from two police agencies are investigating a pair of strongarm robberies that occurred at two different cell phone stores on Wednesday afternoon and that resulted in a car chase in Kent County. Between 3:30 and 4 p.m., seven men wearing masks ran into Mt. Pleasants T-Mobile store, 2330 S. Mission St., and began grabbing things, said Autume Balcom, MPPD spokeswoman. They ran out of the store and got into a car and drove off. A witness later gave investigating officers the license plate number from the car. At approximately 3:46 p.m., the same group of men did the same thing at a different cell phone in Union Township. This time, a group of men targeted the AT&T store, 4459 E. Bluegrass Road, said Det. Sgt. Joe McMillan, with the Mt. Pleasant post of the Michigan State Police. He couldnt give a precise number and only said that it was several people. After the suspects left, an advisory about the vehicle was issued. The vehicle was later spotted by troopers and a chase ensued. It was terminated when conditions to continue it were deemed unsafe, McMillan said. READ MORE: In the wake of rampant allegations of voter fraud in the Paterson City Council race, the New Jersey Attorney General filed voting fraud charges Thursday against a city councilman and a council-elect. Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced voting fraud charges against 1st Ward Councilman Michael Jackson, 3rd Ward Council-Elect Alex Mendez and two other men, weeks after the May 12 local election in which the Passaic County Board of Elections decided not to count 800 city ballots found scattered across different municipalities. Both Jackson, 48, and Mendez, 45, were charged with fraud in casting mail-in votes, unauthorized possession of ballots, tampering with public records and falsifying or tampering with records, according to the statement. Mendez was additionally charged with election fraud and false registration or transfer. Along with Jackson and Mendez, two Passaic County men, Shelim Khalique, 51, of Wayne, and Abu Razyen, 21, of Prospect Park, were also charged. The investigation was sparked by reports that hundreds of mail-in ballots were found in a mailbox in Paterson and in a mailbox in Haledon. The coronavirus pandemic has forced voters to mail in their ballots, as voting sites are no longer open. Todays charges send a clear message: if you try to tamper with an election in New Jersey, we will find you and we will hold you accountable, Grewal said in a statement. We will not allow a small number of criminals to undermine the publics confidence in our democratic process. Calls to Jacksons office in City Hall were not immediately returned. Much of the allegations stem from voters ability to designate a bearer of their ballot, who would presumably deliver the ballot for them. The bearer is legally required to sign the ballot before submitting it. According to the charges, all four men either approached and delivered vote-by-mail ballots from other people or possessed the ballots, even though their names were not listed as the bearers. According to the charges, Jackson allegedly approached at least one voter in the district where he was running and took their mail-in-ballots for delivery to the county board of elections. The ballots were then taken to the board of elections without anything identifying the bearer, according to the statement. Jackson allegedly had more than three official mail-in-ballots that were not his own or had him listed as an authorized bearer, the statement said. The councilman also allegedly received one voters mail-in ballot unsealed, without any vote, the statement said. That ballot was also delivered to the board of elections, in a sealed envelope and without any listed bearer. Like Jackson, Mendez also stands accused of approaching at least one voter in his district and collecting their ballots, also to be delivered to the board of elections without a bearer listed, the statement said. But Mendez also allegedly acquired and submitted at least one voter registration application for someone he knew was not eligible to vote in the district listed on the application, the statement said. The councilman and council-elect were aided by the two Passaic County men, who approached a house to collect ballots and had several mail-in-ballots in their possession, according to the charges. Khalique allegedly went to at least one home in the citys 2nd Ward and collected mail-in ballots from at least one voter, which were then delivered to the board of elections, again without a bearer listed. Rayzen allegedly had more than three mail-in ballots that werent his and did also not have a bearer listed, according to the statement. Authorities also found a USB drive with a video saved of Rayzen holding and flipping through a stack of more than three mail-in ballot outer envelopes that also did not have the bearer filled out, according to the statement. The video allegedly confirms that Rayzen collected the ballots. While its gravely disappointing to see another episode of potential corruption in Paterson, I remain hopeful that this is the final chapter in what unfortunately has plagued our city for generations, Mayor Andre Sayegh said in a statement. In addition, Khalique and the bus company he owns, A-1 Elegant Tours, Inc. were charged Thursday with contract fraud and other crimes in a separate investigation, officials announced. The charges come after an election fraught with irregularities, including the reported incident where 400 Paterson ballots were found in Haledon, 300 were found in South Paterson and another 100 were found elsewhere. U.S. Postal authorities informed the Passaic County Board of Elections about bundled vote-by-mail ballots within their possession, Passaic County spokesman Keith Furlong said at the time. These ballots have been delivered to the county and set aside. Board of Elections Commissioners decided not to count 800-plus of these ballots yesterday. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Rodrigo Torrejon may be reached at rtorrejon@njadvancemedia.com. Earlier this week the Texas Education Agency was expected to release guidance to Texas public schools regarding COVID-19 health and safety protocols. While schools didn't end up getting that guidance, what they did get was information regarding state funding for next year and online instruction. On Tuesday, the TEA briefly uploaded guidelines regarding health and safety protocols, before removing them from the website. According to a Houston Chronicle story, the draft guidelines briefly posted by the TEA recommended that schools implement several health and safety protocols, like placing desks at least six feet apart, requiring students and staff to wear face masks, taking the temperature of teachers and other staff members at the start of each day and setting aside times for hand washing, among others. Its a rapidly changing public health situation, so we are unable to give final guidance (Tuesday) on on-campus instruction, TEA Commissioner Mike Morath said in a conference call Tuesday afternoon. What was made available on Tuesday, and is still available, was information regarding school funding, which will be based on daily attendance, and how that will work with online instruction. Information about how the funding will work, and an FAQ, can be found on the TEA website through the COVID-19 information page, under Waivers, Finance & Grants. Daily attendance The school finance system in Texas operates entirely around average daily attendance and requires that schools operate a minimum of 75,600 minutes over the year and that students receive a minimum of four hours of daily instruction to generate full-day funding. The first thing I am going to have to learn is how to pronounce synchronous and then make sure I spell it right, said Montgomery ISD interim superintendent Ann Dixon, in a statement to the Courier. What Dixon is referring to are Remote Synchronous Instruction and Remote Asynchronous Instruction, the two different methods that TEA has created to fund remote instruction. Synchronous instruction means two-way instruction in real-time between a teacher and a student through a device like a computer or a phone. Asynchronous instruction means a student will be learning from instruction not necessarily in real-time, like a pre-recorded lesson. Tracking absences For synchronous instruction, students will have to be logged in at an official designated time to be considered present, students not logged in at the designated time will be considered absent. For asynchronous instruction, students who are actively engaged (defined in three ways: turning in assignments, progress from teacher/student interactions, and progress in the Learning Management System) will be marked present, students who are not engaged will be marked absent. I am encouraged as a result of a parent survey we conducted, most of the Montgomery ISD students will return to school face to face, Dixon said. We will meet the challenges of Synchronous Instruction and Asynchronous Instruction just as we rose up to the task with our spring remote learning when our schools were closed. What parents need to know is our new Synchronous and Asynchronous learning will have the same accountability as the face to face so they need to be geared up for the rigor that we are going to be expecting from our students learning at home. Virtual learning The Texas Virtual School Network is the legislative framework for remote instruction. This year, school systems must submit their TXVSN virtual course to the TEA for approval before they will be eligible for funding, and there will be no virtual courses funded through TXVSN below third grade. For ADA systems and determining daily attendance through online instruction, the TEA will use its waiver authority to provide districts with new options. The new changes will only apply to the upcoming school year and any permanent changes will be determined by the state legislature. Conroe ISD administrators will be reviewing the guidance documents provided by the State as we continue to work on the instructional offerings planned for the 2020-2021 school year, said Sarah Blakelock, Director of Communications for CISD. The District is pleased to be granted permission to offer a distance learning/online instructional option for the fall. On Monday at 6 p.m., CISD Superintendent Curtis Null will be hosting a Facebook Live to share more information about next year. Splendora ISD was encouraged to hear the Commissioner talk about funding for remote learning, said Deitra Johnson, Splendora ISD spokesperson. We have been planning for on-site, remote, and hybrid learning models and this will help us solidify those plans. Splendora ISD hosted a Facebook Live on Thursday, June 25 to share district plans for next year, and to engage with district families about what model they would prefer for their students. jamie.swinnerton@chron.com Justice Ishaq Usman Bello 25.06.2020 LISTEN Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari nominated the incumbent Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory, Justice Ishaq Usman Bello as the nations candidate to be Judge of the International Criminal Court, Hague. The International Criminal Court (ICC) which began functioning on 1 July 2002, is an intergovernmental organization and international tribunal that sits in The Hague, Netherlands. The ICC has jurisdiction to prosecute individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. The elections are scheduled for the nineteenth session of the Assembly of States Parties, to be held at the United Nations, New York, from 7-17 December 2020, the Assembly of States Parties (ASP) will elect six judges to fill one-third of the International Criminal Courts (ICC) 18 judicial seats. Prior to this nomination, Hon. Ishaq Usman Bello has served on several bar/Bench committees before his appointment as a Member, National Judicial Council. He has also handled huge special responsibilities under the Judiciary including; Chairing Election Petition Tribunals, representing Nigeria and leading brother judges to attend Conferences, symposiums and seminars around the world. As the Chief Judge of the FCT, Bello paid attention to the de-congestion of prisons in Abuja. He started visiting prisons within his jurisdiction, releasing over forty awaiting trial prisoners in the process. By the end of October 2017, he was appointed as the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Prison Reforms and De-congestion, now Presidential Committee on Correctional Service Reforms and De-congestion, by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. The committees responsibility was to lead the reform processes of the Nigerian prison system. Check out the full profile of the Nigeria's nominee on International Criminal court website https://asp.icc-cpi.int/iccdocs/asp_docs/Elections/EJ2020/ICC-ASP-EJ2020-NGA-ST-ENG.pdf Salaries for some pharma positions have surged by 50pc during the crisis while jobs in supply chains and technology appear 'bullet-proof' against cuts, according to the 2020 Irish Salary Guide published today. The report for recruitment firm Morgan McKinley finds that, while many sectors have suffered colossal job losses, others in crisis-resistant industries are experiencing a recruitment boom. Its publication was delayed by three months to incorporate recent crisis-driven swings in salary and benefits being offered to fill roles across the economy. "Strong talent is never more sought after than in a crisis," the report said. Hourly pay within many Irish pharma manufacturers has risen by 10pc to 50pc since the crisis spread to Europe four months ago. Workers in that sector also enjoy "best-in-class practices in place around a compliant health and safety workplace", the report found. "While some businesses are under serious pressure, others are seeing unprecedented demand for their products or services," said Trayc Keevans, global FDI (foreign direct investment) director for Morgan McKinley. "Talent that was in strong demand prior to Covid-19 - such as software engineers, IT auditors, cybersecurity experts, and data and analytics professionals - continues to be sought. We expect these to still command the upper end of the salary range. In some cases, companies will see current uncertainty as an opportunity to recruit talent previously locked up in other companies," Ms Keevans said. "Disciplines such as supply chain and technology remain largely 'bullet-proof'. As a direct impact of Covid-19, and ongoing Brexit uncertainty before that, demand for all levels of supply chain and procurement professionals shows no signs of abating," she said. But salaries in financial services are travelling in opposite directions. Roles for fund accountants, compliance, asset management and insolvency professionals may see salaries rise by 10pc this year "to entice and reflect the risk a professional is taking to leave their current position to join another employer in the current environment". But retail bank workers can expect to see salaries for new positions fall by 15pc. The same could apply in office support roles as 'remote' working grows deep roots in the economy. During the outbreak of COVID-19 early this year, hospitals were increasingly reliant on 5G-enabled CT scans, remote consultations, and robots to fight the pandemic. With 5G, hospitals could cope with a drastic increase in patients while ensuring minimal contact. This helped balance the distribution of medical resources and ease pressure on both doctors and nurses. However, as we began to see the value of 5G+ smart healthcare, the pandemic is still raging across the globe. We couldnt help wondering whether 5G+ healthcare has really arrived. Are relevant technologies and applications already mature? Is 5G+ healthcare ready for rapid replication? At the 5G+ Better World Summit, Zhao Jie, director of the National Engineering Laboratory of Internet Medical Systems and Applications, and doctoral supervisor of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (FAHZU), explained the status of the hospitals 5G+ healthcare and detailed future plans. The hospital is a leader in Chinas 5G+ healthcare. Exploration into 5G+ healthcare: Outstanding performance of FAHZU Early in 2018, before 5G standards were frozen, the National Telemedicine Center of China partnered with Huawei and Chinas healthcare institutions at all levels on 5G+ healthcare research. FAHZU was among the first hospitals selected to join the project. According to Zhao, during the fight against COVID-19, the National Telemedicine Center of China and industry players took just 82 hours to build a remote consultation system that connected FAHZUs 5G isolation wards with the isolation wards of 147 COVID-19-designated hospitals across 108 counties in 18 cities of Henan. With the 5G remote consultation system, medical experts conducted over 200 remote ward rounds, held more than 2,000 remote consultations, and trained nearly 50,000 medical staff. Epidemic prevention was more efficient than anyone could have imagined. The system was attributable to 5G networks. FAHZU had realized long before that 5G private networks could make smart healthcare possible thanks to a high bandwidth and low latency. Its worth noting that the unique features of 5G networks, such as 5G slicing, security isolation, and intelligent O&M, can be applied in isolation wards for more efficient epidemic control. FAHZUs network testing results showed that 5G standalone (SA) private networks can deliver gigabit-level downlink speeds, and uplink speeds of up to 180 Mbit/s, over 50% higher than non-standalone (NSA) networks. Users within the hospital experienced an average latency of 8ms, while latency between different areas within Henan averaged 14ms. This allowed 5G SA private networks to better satisfy different network requirements in different medical use cases. Any technology, however good it may be, should be accurately used based on scenarios. According to Zhao, FAHZU explored how 5G can be applied in five scenarios: remote consultations, remote pathological diagnoses + AI-assisted image diagnoses, remote surgery guidance, ward round robots, and emergency rescue command center/5G-enabled ambulances. So far, the hospital has seen good results from 5G application in all five scenarios. Going beyond 5G+ healthcare to 5G 2B Based on the 5G+ healthcare development of FAHZU, we can predict three major development trends of the 5G 2B market. First, 5G is ready to achieve business success. Technologically, 5G SA, super uplink, and other relevant technologies have matured. In terms of ecosystem, multiple vendors have launched 5G industrial modules, and a large number of 5G devices have entered commercial use, such as 5G CPE, cameras, and robots. Industries are actively exploring 5G business models to ensure all industry stakeholders can benefit from 5G. On top of that, 5G applications are becoming increasingly mature. Therefore, we have every reason to believe that 5G 2B has bright prospects. Second, 5G technology can enable numerous industries. Technologies like 5G private lines and 5G campus camera backhaul have found extensive applications in scenarios that require basic connectivity. 5G applications are also blooming in other scenarios that require high bandwidth and low latency, including smart mining, smart drilling, smart port, and smart agriculture. That means 5G 2B is being rapidly replicated across various industries. Third, 5G can help fight the pandemic and lift the economy. During the fight against COVID-19, 5G has helped quickly move social activities from offline to online, reducing human contact infection. More importantly, it enhanced the efficiency of infection detection through remote consultations and remote diagnoses. As the core of the digital economy, 5G can drive the digital transformation of industries, improve social efficiency and output, and accelerate post-coronavirus economic recovery. Conclusion: Unleashing 5G potential to build a better world Chinas New Infrastructure campaign pledges to develop seven 5G applications, including 5G+ smart healthcare systems for major public health emergencies. All relevant parties are actively pushing 5G+ healthcare forward. There are currently over 200 5G hospitals in China, and that number will grow beyond hundreds of thousands in the future. FAHZU has set an excellent example in this area to unleash the potential of 5G. FAHZUs example showed that 5G, as one of the critical infrastructures for the digital transformation of the economy and society, will integrate with multiple new technologies like cloud, IoT, big data, artificial intelligence, and AR/VR to advance 5G+ healthcare. Virtual doctors and remote hospitals will become a trend of the future, shaping a better world. For more information, please visit here In addition, three-quarters of white seniors believe that the government should promote traditional family values in society and about two-thirds think the Ten Commandments should be allowed to be displayed at public schools and courthouses. And, by very wide margins, they oppose reparations for slavery and believe that there are only two genders, male and female. So in short: liberal, but not especially, on some economic issues and fairly traditional, but not draconian, on social issues. Its easy to see why many voters who thought that was what they would get from a Trump administration are now disappointed. Combined with an age-related preference for normality and stability, that helps explain their movement away from Mr. Trump. They thought he would bring them closer to the America they wanted, with some of the decency and values of the past. As far as many white seniors are concerned, they didnt get it. For them, Mr. Biden seems like a comfortable alternative. He projects moderation and decency, an image burnished by his rejection of proposals regularly debated in the Democratic primary like Medicare for all and decriminalizing the border. No doubt his appeal has been strengthened by the presidents response to the coronavirus, which has hit this group far worse than it has younger Americans. The presidents performance, and his ostentatious concern with reopening the economy rather than preventing deaths among the most vulnerable, has not gone down well with these voters. For many, disenchantment actually predates the current crisis. But the pandemic, and Mr. Trumps handling of it, has reinforced the shift. Still, senior voters, even the ones who have recently moved to the left, are not securely in the Democratic camp. Policies that are too far to the left on immigration, health care and hot-button social issues could undermine their commitment to Mr. Biden and his party. This may present a particular political challenge after the wave of protests that engulfed the country in the wake of the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. These voters have a preference for order in one early June poll, 68 percent of senior voters supported or somewhat supported sending in the military to help the police respond to protests so if they come to view Democrats as being soft on the violence that broke out in some cities, that could also reduce enthusiasm for the Democratic ticket. Similarly, demands that have emerged from the protests, like reparations or defunding the police, are politically unpopular with many seniors and could also potentially undercut Democratic support among this new constituency. For now, though, this shift is the most consequential we have seen in this election season. If it remains through November and beyond, it could define a new era in American politics. Ruy Teixeira is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. Wed like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And heres our email: letters@nytimes.com. Follow The New York Times Opinion section on Facebook, Twitter (@NYTopinion) and Instagram. Japanese experts arrive in Vietnam to check fresh lychee (Photo: MARD) The information was released by Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi on June 23rd. In response to questions from reporters in Tokyo, Foreign Minister Motegi said that Vietnam has granted permission for Japanese experts and businessmen to enter the country and they agree to increase epidemic prevention measures. A number of flights by Vietnam Airlines will be arranged by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam and will depart from Narita Airport in Tokyo before landing at Van Don International Airport in Vietnam. The move comes after comments made by Foreign Minister Motegi on June 19th stating that both countries have agreed to relax measures by partially lifting travel bans and easing restrictions step by step, noting that it won't be long before the resumption of travel between the two nations. In addition, Japan is negotiating with Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand in an attempt to loosen travel restrictions as travelers test negative for COVID-19 before they depart and again once they arrive. Moreover, a detailed itinerary providing information about places where arrivals stay must be given. This will help businessmen avoid the mandatory 14-day isolation period and continue working with some travel restrictions remaining in place./. Acknowledging that "there are some disagreements with the Europeans over Iran's arms embargo," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stressed on Thursday that talks are underway, and Washington would not allow the embargo to be lifted. Pompeo reiterated, "The United States will continue to negotiate with European countries in the coming weeks to pass a proposed resolution on the extension of the Islamic Republic's arms embargo." According to the United Nation's Security Council Resolution 2231, adopted in 2015 in conjunction with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), or Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers, Iran's arms embargo will expire on October 18. Therefore, in four months from now, Tehran could resume buying or selling weapons and military equipment. Pompeo, who was speaking at a video-conference at the German Marshall Fund Forum in Belgian capital city, stressed, "Ending Iran's arms embargo was another weakness of the JCPOA. The United States will ensure that this does not happen. He added this is not only a threat for the United States, but it is also for the Europeans, and the EU will have a hard time to defend the termination of the arms embargo against Iran. However, Pompeo immediately reminded that many European countries agree with the United States on the issue, and of course, Israel and the Persian Gulf states also want the sanctions to continue. Although the central part of Mike Pompeo's speech at the online meeting on Thursday was dedicated to China, the moderator of the German Marshall Fund Forum demanded Pompeo's position about those in Europe who believe the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA and exerting maximum pressure on Tehran were contrary to the main goal of the nuclear deal, i.e., to keep the Islamic Republic from acquiring nuclear weapons. "First of all, the policy of maximum pressure has been quite effective," Pompeo fired back, adding, "Look at Hezbollah, for example, whose funding has dwindled." He also said that although Washington and the Europeans have disagreements, it is over how to keep the Islamic Republic away from producing atomic bombs. "In the last year and a half, it has become clear that we are right and they were wrong," Pompeo noted. Referring to the Islamic Republic's "continuous violations of its nuclear commitments," the Secretary of State reiterated: "Ayatollahs' access to the atomic bomb is dangerous for the whole world. Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have teamed up with OHSU spinoff, Najit Technologies, Inc. to develop a new vaccine that appears to confer immunity to a diarrheal disease that afflicts hundreds of millions of people in developing countries around the world. In research published today in the journal Science Advances scientists working with monkeys reported developing a promising vaccine using bacteria that have been inactivated by a hydrogen peroxide-based approach referred to as HydroVax technology. They were able to test the vaccine on several strains of bacteria known as Campylobacter, which circulates naturally among a population of rhesus macaques at OHSU's Oregon National Primate Research Center. They found the vaccine conferred 83% immunity against Campylobacter-associated diarrhea among outdoor-housed rhesus macaques. "We're hoping to move forward into clinical trials because this is a huge problem around the world," said co-senior author, Mark Slifka, Ph.D., an OHSU professor and president and chief science officer at Najit. "Campylobacter has been associated with infant growth stunting. Targeting a disease like this can help a lot of people, including kids in developing countries grow stronger by reducing the damage caused by these bacteria." Known as bacterial gastroenteritis, the condition is associated with malnutrition among millions of children under 5 each year in developing nations. Research shows that among those who suffer repeated infections, it stunts growth and impairs cognitive development. For these reasons, developing an effective Campylobacter vaccine could go a long way toward improving the health of people who are regularly exposed to the bacteria due to poor sanitation. Researchers did not observe any adverse reactions among monkeys or mice that were given the vaccine, indicating that it may be safe for people. "We are happy with the safety of the vaccine so far, but in the end the vaccine will need to be studied in humans in the form of Phase I clinical trials in order to directly answer this important question," Slifka said. Besides harming infants and children in developing countries, Campylobacter is a common source of disease that bedevils travelers worldwide. It also harms thousands of people in the U.S. due to complications associated with foodborne diarrhea including an autoimmune disease known as Guillain-Barre Syndrome. "Along with the exciting opportunity to help children in developing countries, many people don't realize how much of a problem Campylobacter is here in the U.S.," said co-senior author Ian Amanna, Ph.D., vice president for research at Najit Technologies. "Studies have shown that these bacteria are responsible for up to $5.6 billion in economic costs annually in America." In addition to making a Campylobacter vaccine, Najit is already moving ahead with clinical trials involving other hydrogen peroxide-based vaccines targeting West Nile Virus, yellow fever, chikungunya virus and is also working on a universal flu vaccine as well. ### This research is supported by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (grant P51 OD011092 and U42 OD01042). Studies involving animals were approved by the OHSU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. In the interest of ensuring the integrity of our research and as part of our commitment to public transparency, OHSU actively regulates, tracks and manages relationships that our researchers may hold with entities outside of OHSU. Review details of OHSU's conflict of interest program to find out more about how we manage these business relationships. Japan and the members of the Southeast Asian bloc voiced concerns Thursday over increasing tensions in the South and East China Seas, as Chinas assertiveness grows and ASEAN considers when to resume negotiations with Beijing on a code of conduct. Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will hold a virtual summit chaired by Vietnam on Friday, where the South China Sea situation will vie for attention with the 10-nation blocs efforts to chart a recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Regarding to the South China Sea issue, representatives of the countries agreed that peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the region need to be taken as the top priority, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh said after ASEAN foreign ministers held an online meeting Thursday, according to Tuoi Tre (Youth) News. As Asia has grappled with the coronavirus, China has upped the ante in the South China Sea, with deep sea surveys in disputed waters, unilateral declarations of its right to administer and police the area, and confrontations with ships from other claimant states. ASEAN members Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam have all challenged Chinas claim to historic rights over virtually all the South China Sea. Vietnam, which holds ASEANs rotating chairmanship, on Thursday called on fellow member states to build an effective Code of Conduct in line with international law, Vietnamese state-run media said. Indonesia expressed interest last week in delaying those talks, citing the inability to hold complex negotiations virtually, but appeared to change its tune on Thursday. We believe that the code of conduct will contribute in creating a conducive environment in the South China Sea, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said during a press conference Thursday. Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto also met with his Chinese counterpart during a diplomatic trip to Russia on Wednesday. In 2002, ASEAN and China agreed on a Declaration of Conduct, a statement of principles on how parties should behave in the South China Sea. But completing a more detailed and binding Code of Conduct has proved much harder. Negotiations began in earnest in 2017 with a tentative deadline for acceptance in 2021. A draft of the text of the agreement has been released, but negotiations like the ASEAN summit itself, which was to be held in April have been delayed by the pandemic. In Tokyo on Thursday, Japanese Minister of Defense Taro Kono expressed concerns over Chinas aggressive posture in the East China Sea where it has a long-running territorial dispute with Beijing and in the South China Sea, where it is not a claimant state but this week took part in naval drills with the United States and Singapore. China is trying to change the status quo unilaterally in East China Sea, South China Sea and with Indian border and Hong Kong as well, Kono said at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan. It is easy to make connections about those issues. Right now, whats happening in East China Sea, our fighter jets scramble against Chinese airplanes almost every day, sometimes more than once. Their ships, with guns, are trying to violate our territorial waters constantly, Kono said. I think we need to raise awareness of whats going on around Japan. Japan-China relations have been tense because of an increased China Coast Guard (CCG) and submarine presence around the disputed Senkaku Islands, which China calls the Diaoyu Dao and claims as its own. On Tuesday, China released coordinates and Chinese names for 50 undersea features in the East China Sea, all of which are near the Senkaku islands a move rejected by Japan, which said it would not affect its sovereignty over the islands. Giving names to surrounding seabed topography doesn't change the fact that the Senkakus are our countrys inherent territory, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan Suga Yoshihide told reporters on Thursday. The Senkaku issue stokes nationalist sentiments on both sides. The city council of the Japanese prefecture of Okinawa approved a bill Monday that changed the status of the islands, effectively renaming the administrative area governing them Tonoshiro Senkaku. This prompted protests from China and Taiwan, with the former calling it a serious provocation against Chinas territorial sovereignty. Some in Japan have long been hyping up so-called external threats in order to free itself under various pretexts and achieve some breakthroughs in its military security policies, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Wednesday in response to a question concerning rumored changes to Japans defense posture. We urge Japan to draw lessons from history, faithfully implement its exclusively defense-oriented policy and stay committed to peaceful development by taking real actions, he said. Islamabad: Amid the rising tensions between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue, Islamabad Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Asim Bajwa has said that all the communication channels between the militaries of the two countries remain open. Bajwa stressed that there was a need to resolve the issues between India and Pakistan through dialogues. He also confirmed that communication took place between Director Generals of the Military Operations (DGMOs) of both the countries in the wake of escalating cross border firing at the Line of Control (LoC). "All communication channels including the hotline between the two militaries are open," he told Xinhua news agency in an exclusive interview. He said that Pakistan wants peaceful relations with all countries in the region "and that is the policy of the state of Pakistan and that is the policy of the political government and every element of power in the country follows the same policy". Bajwa stood by Pakistans stand saying India violated the ceasefire along the LoC on the intervening night of September 28 and 29 and later claimed it carried out "surgical strikes". "We did check everything on ground and we found the claim was absolutely false." Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the Uri terror attack on September 19. In reply to the Uri attacks, India carried out surgical strikes across the LoC targeting seven terrorists launch pad, a claim that has been denied by Pakistan. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. [June 25, 2020] Kaufman Hall Software Becomes Syntellis Performance Solutions CHICAGO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Kaufman, Hall & Associates, LLC, a leading provider of enterprise performance management (EPM) software, data and management consulting solutions, today announced that its software division will separate from Kaufman Hall to create Syntellis Performance Solutions, LLC, a new standalone company. Kermit S. Randa, who currently leads Kaufman Hall's software division, will become the Chief Executive Officer of Syntellis. Additionally, leading private equity firms Thoma Bravo and Madison Dearborn Partners (MDP) will partner to invest in Syntellis. Syntellis brings together Kaufman Hall's Axiom Software and the recently acquired Connected Analytics practice of Change Healthcare, and it will focus on providing the most robust, innovative EPM software, data and analytics platform to healthcare, higher education and financial institutions. Syntellis' singular goal is to provide powerful, integrated and intuitive EPM solutions that make it easy for clients to acquire insights, accelerate decisions and advance their business plan, enabling those clients to elevate organizational performance and transform their vision into reality. "At a time when many organizations are unsure about their path forward, and the focus on financial management and improvement is at a record high, Syntellis is investing in new ways to help healthcare, higher education and financial institutions elevate their performance," said Kermit S. Randa, chief executive officer of Syntellis. "Building on decades of dedicated service, Syntellis is poised to rapidly pursue product innovation, a broader set of client success initiatives, and client-centric growth strategies, so that organizations can thrive amid uncertainty now, and for years to come." The name "Syntellis" expresses a focus on client value. As a fusion of the words "synthesis" and "intelligence," Syntellis represents the power of bringing things together to produce an outcome far greater than the sum of its individual parts. It signifies Syntellis' focus on delivering solutions that turn data into intelligence and transforming that intelligence into a clear path forward for its clients. Thoma Bravo and MDPboth experienced investors in software, healthcare and healthcare technology will play an integral role in enhancing Syntellis' partnerships, operational investments, and product innovation. MDP also will remain a significant investor in Kaufman Hall. "We've known the product suite now inside of Syntellis for many years, and we always knew that together with the management team and MDP, we could push innovation and growth quickly as a standalone company," said A.J. Rohde, a partner at Thoma Bravo. "Cloud-based performance management tools are the wave of the future to drive operational efficiencies for hospital systems, higher educational and financial institutions, and we are so excited to be a part of creating the de facto product platform for years to come." "The COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for new technology that can help institutions leverage the power of their financial and operational data," said Jason Shideler, a managing director at Madison Dearborn Partners. "Our investment is intended to help Syntellis deliver on that promise, and execute on its mission of helping institutions elevate financial, operational and clinical results. We are excited to partner with Thoma Bravo, with their strong track record as software investors, and further invest in Syntellis as a compelling and formidable leader in the software sector." Syntellis, as a standalone company, has formed a strategic alliance with Kaufman Hall to continue to support and advance the needs of their mutual clients by providing market-leading data, insights and deep industry expertise. Syntellis will serve as Kaufman Hall's EPM and data analytics provider of choice. "Kaufman Hall has a proud history as the first firm in healthcare to integrate first-class consulting with software tools to support high performance," said Kenneth Kaufman, managing director and chair of Kaufman Hall. "This approach has been a huge successto the point where Kaufman Hall's software practice has developed into a robust business of its own that is now ready to move to the next level. This transaction will make that next level a reality." "This transaction creates a formidable player in the EPM space, bolstered by the expertise of two significant investors," said Wes Champion, managing director and chief executive officer of Kaufman Hall. "For its part, Kaufman Hall will continue its unparalleled commitment to what it does best: helping clients achieve transformative outcomes through industry-leading management consulting practices. We look forward to our strategic alliance with Syntellis to continue addressing the greatest challenges in key industry sectors." Syntellis' software solutions include Axiom Comparative Analytics, the powerful technology behind Kaufman Hall's popular monthly National Hospital Flash Report, acknowledged as the nation's barometer of hospital performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recently, Axiom software has also received No. 1 rankings from Black Book Research, and recognition from BPM Partners, a leading independent performance management advisory services firm. "The Syntellis team has provided integrated business planning solutions that have built a longstanding reputation for providing thoughtful analysis and benchmarking to guide better decision-making and strategic planning," said Craig Schiff, chief executive officer, BPM Partners. "Finance executives across some of the most complex vertical markets will be able to leverage Syntellis' current technologyand benefit from increased future product investmentto thrive amid the uncertainty of especially challenging market conditions." Committed financing for the transaction is being provided by funds managed by affiliates of BlackRock US Private Credit, Fortress Investment Group, The Private Credit Group of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, L.P., Pathway Capital Management, L.P. and Thoma Bravo Credit. Syntellis' corporate headquarters will be in Chicago with additional offices in Portland, Ore. and Skokie, Ill. About Syntellis Performance Solutions Syntellis Performance Solutions, previously Kaufman Hall Software, provides innovative enterprise performance management software, data and analytics solutions for healthcare, higher education and financial institutions. Syntellis' solutions include Axiom and Connected Analytics software, which help finance professionals elevate performance by acquiring insights, accelerating decisions and advancing their business plans. With over 2,800 organizations and 450,000 users relying on our solutions, we have proven industry expertise in helping organizations transform their vision into reality. For more information, please visit www.syntellis.com. About Kaufman Hall Kaufman Hall provides management consulting solutions to help society's foundational institutions realize sustained success amid changing market conditions. Since 1985, Kaufman Hall has been a trusted advisor to boards and executive management teams, helping them incorporate proven methods, rigorous analytics and industry-leading solutions into their strategic planning and financial management processes, with a focus on achieving their most challenging goals. Kaufman Hall services use a rigorous, disciplined, and structured approach that is based on the principles of corporate finance. The breadth and integration of Kaufman Hall advisory services are unparalleled, encompassing strategy; financial and capital planning; cost transformation; treasury and capital markets management; and mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures. About Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC ("MDP") is a leading private equity investment firm based in Chicago. Since MDP's formation in 1992, the firm has raised aggregate capital of over $26 billion and has completed over 140 investments. MDP invests across five dedicated industry verticals, including health care; financial and transaction services; basic industries; business and government software and services; and telecom, media and technology services. For more information, please visit www.mdcp.com. About Thoma Bravo Thoma Bravo is a leading private equity firm focused on the software and technology-enabled services sectors. With a series of funds representing more than $45 billion in capital commitments, Thoma Bravo partners with a Company's management team to implement operating best practices, invest in growth initiatives and make accretive acquisitions intended to accelerate revenue and earnings, with the goal of increasing the value of the business. The firm has offices in San Francisco and Chicago. For more information, visit thomabravo.com. Media Contacts: Syntellis Performance Solutions and Kaufman Hall Philip Anast Amendola Communications Email: [email protected] Phone: 312-576-6990 Madison Dearborn Partners Chuck Dohrenwend or Paige McKenna Email: [email protected] Phone: 212-371-5999 Thoma Bravo Andrew Johnson Finsbury Email: [email protected] Phone: 646-805-2000 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kaufman-hall-software-becomes-syntellis-performance-solutions-301083412.html SOURCE Syntellis Performance Solutions, LLC [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Before absentee ballots are counted in four central New York counties, Francis Conole has conceded to Dana Balter in the 24th Congressional District Democratic primary election. Balter, D-Syracuse, has a nearly 30-point lead after the early votes and election night ballots were counted. She received 10,566 votes, while Conole, D-Syracuse, netted 5,813. There were at least 30,000 absentees returned to the election boards in the district's four counties. But it's unlikely that Conole would've overcome the election night margin. Conole said in a statement that he called Balter Thursday to congratulate her on winning the primary election. He thanked his supporters and said he's proud of the campaign he ran, but added that the "mission is not done." "Central New York and our country face great challenges ahead and yet great opportunities. We need a leader who will fight for us. That leader is Dana Balter," Conole said. "I have come to know Dana's tenacious spirit, her keen intellect and understanding of the issues we face, and her compassionate way that is so much of what we need in our government right now." Conole continued, "Now is the time for our party and our community to come together and unite behind Dana Balter. Only together can we defeat Congressman John Katko and Donald Trump in November and bring the true change we need to central New York." The concession ends a 14-month campaign for the Democratic nomination. Balter, Conole and Roger Misso announced their candidacies in April 2019. Conole won the support of the Democratic committees in Cayuga and Onondaga counties, while Balter was endorsed by the Oswego County Democratic Committee. After Misso ended his campaign in mid-March, it became a two-way race for the nomination. Balter released an internal poll in late March that showed her leading the primary contest by 43 points. Another internal poll released in early June found that she was up 29 points over Conole. Despite those poll numbers, Conole felt confident about his chances in the closing days of the primary race. He touted his experience in the U.S. Navy and his ability to defeat Republican U.S. Rep. John Katko in November. But most Democratic voters, as they did two years ago, sided with Balter in the primary election. Balter on Thursday issued a statement congratulating Conole on his campaign and thanking him for his service. "The incredible turnout in this election by mail and in-person is a sign that voters are ready for change this November," Balter said. "The people of the 24th district are ready to move past Donald Trump's failed leadership and replace his enablers in Congress like John Katko. We need a champion in Congress who will fight for good health care, a fair economy and to get big money out of politics. I will be that champion. It's time to give central and western New York the representation we deserve." The primary win sets up a rematch between Balter and Katko in the general election. In 2018, Katko defeated Balter by five percentage points to win a third term in Congress. Katko has been successful in a district that has more Democratic than Republican voters. He won his first two elections by at least 20 points before winning reelection in 2018, which was a difficult year for GOP House candidates. But Balter believes that she is in a strong position to build on her 2018 performance and defeat Katko this year. The 24th district contest will be closely watched by both major parties. For Republicans hoping to reclaim the majority, it's a crucial seat to retain. Democrats want to win the seat to pad their majority in the House. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Politics reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 3 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. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott holds COVID-19 test collection vials. (Tom Pennington / Getty Images) Texas is one of the worst-hit states in the country for COVID-19. On Tuesday, the state broke its record high of 5,000 new infections in a single day. But as we know, everything is bigger in Texas the next day, the state bested itself by racking up 6,200 new infections. It's a disaster that Gov. Greg Abbott needs to take full responsibility for. His decision to "temporarily pause" reopening as of Thursday morning, for instance, is meaningless. Texas is already in its last phase of reopening, and Abbott has no desire to reverse the fact that all businesses have been allowed to operate at 50% capacity since early June. Despite this mess, however, Abbott has continued to point fingers at anyone but himself he blamed young people for not sanitizing their hands enough and lamented on KBTX that there remain a lot of people in the state of Texas who think that the spread of COVID-19 is really not a challenge. Abbotts epiphany that there is never a reason for you to have to leave your home unless you do need to go out is not a sign of repentance. Rather, it is his attempt to distract people from his mismanagement of the coronavirus response in Texas and his exaltation of personal liberties at the expense of public health. Dealing with a pandemic requires a communal effort. Abbott, on the contrary, has embraced a hyper-individualist, "each person for themselves" mindset that has undermined societal cooperation. For example, his failure to issue a stay-at-home order until April 2, weeks into the pandemic, undermined statewide coordination by throwing the coronavirus response to local leaders, who sent mixed messages and offered a patchwork response that dashed any real efforts to lock down. Dallas County, for instance, quickly took action. By March 12 , County Judge Clay Jenkins had restricted large gatherings and ordered bars and restaurants to close (with the exception of takeout orders). In neighboring Collin County, however, County Judge Chris Hill decided to stubbornly hold out on an order, keeping the door open for people to cross county lines and gather there instead. Story continues It was an infuriating period of time. As someone who is quarantining in Texas with at-risk individuals who need medical care, I sat and watched as my county commissioner boasted about crowded parking lots on his official Facebook page. Particularly excited at the full Home Depot, he wrote, expressing how happy he was that our county judge didnt copy the Dallas order. It was a subtle reminder that for some, their desire to stroll into a Home Depot is more important than someone else's need for hospitals to be free enough of COVID-19 cases for elective surgeries to resume. As a result of Abbott's intransigence, Texas was one of the last states to issue a stay-at-home order. He then foolishly allowed that same order to expire just weeks later, on April 30. Texas has continued its rapid push to reopen since then, despite its sharp rise in cases and hospital intensive care units that are nearing capacity. We shouldnt ignore the fact that local businesses were hit hard by pandemic-related restrictions and continue to struggle but a second surge in Texas, in no small part due to its rush to reopen, will hurt those businesses even more in the long run, not to mention adding to the preventable loss of life that has already taken place. Most recently, Abbott has refused to make masks mandatory statewide a step that could help businesses stay open by slowing the spread of COVID-19. He even went so far as to issue an executive order forbidding local governments from penalizing those who refused to wear masks, even as city and county officials asked for the ability to do so (an issue that has been resolved, but not by Abbott). Personal liberties are important. But what weve seen in Texas response to the coronavirus is the damage that hyper-individualism can do and has done to this country. We are now at a point where being asked to wear a small piece of fabric on our faces for the sake of protecting other people from a life-threatening virus is too much to ask, despite its proven effectiveness. After all, there is a particular symbolism in the fact that masks are worn more to protect others than to protect yourself. Hyper-individualism tricks people into believing that their lives are separate from those around them. In reality, our liberty and livelihoods are intertwined with one another. Being a part of a society means that there are times when we should make sacrifices for the good of the whole, despite our individual right not to. Its a point that Abbott seems to recognize when he shames Texans that arent taking COVID-19 seriously but not one that has characterized his disaster of a coronavirus response. For the record: 6:58 PM, Jun. 26, 2020: An earlier version of this article referenced County Judge Clay Hill. His name is Chris Hill. US President Donald Trump's plans to kick off Independence Day with a showy display at Mount Rushmore are drawing criticism from Native Americans. Indigenous activists view the monument as a desecration of land violently stolen from them and used to pay homage to leaders hostile to native people. Several groups led by Native American activists are planning protests for Mr Trump's July 3 visit, part of his "comeback" campaign for a nation reeling from sickness, unemployment and, recently, social unrest. The event is expected to include fighter jets thundering over the 79-year-old stone monument in South Dakota's Black Hills and the first fireworks display at the site since 2009. But it comes amid a national reckoning over racism and a reconsideration of the symbolism of monuments around the globe. Many Native Americans activists believe the Rushmore memorial is as reprehensible as the many Confederate monuments being toppled around the nation. Nick Tilsen, a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe and the president of a local activist organisation called NDN Collective said "Mount Rushmore is a symbol of white supremacy, of structural racism that's still alive and well in society today. "It's an injustice to actively steal Indigenous people's land then carve the white faces of the conquerors who committed genocide." Supreme Court on CBSE Board Exam 2020 | The students of Class 12, however, will have the option to choose be evaluated on the basis of past marks, or appear for papers as soon as the situation is conducive to hold exams. Supreme Court on CBSE Board Exam 2020 | The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled the pending Class 10 and 12 examinations, earlier scheduled to be held from 1 July, Central government informed the Supreme Court on Thursday. The government told the court there will be no exams for Class 10. Students of Class 12, however, will have the option to choose to either be evaluated on the basis of past marks, or appear for papers as soon as the situation is conducive to hold exams, ANI reported. Supreme Court, meanwhile, has asked Central government and the CBSE to issue fresh notification regarding Class 12 examinations. The hearing is scheduled for today at 10.30 am when the apex court is expected to give its verdict. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Ministry of Human Resource Development and CBSE, informed the Supreme Court of the board's decision. "Our affidavit filed half an hour back states that taking into account suggestion from States, exam for Class 10 and 12 from July 1 stands cancelled... CBSE has scheme in which marks scored in past 3 exams will be taken in account," Bar and Bench quoted Mehta as saying. Mehta, however, clarified that the cancellation is not absolute and overreaching in case of Class 12 students, who need their final marks for admissions to various higher education institutes such as the Delhi University. "For Class 12, exams will be conducted as soon as situation is conducive. Marks for students who opt for class 12 exams will have that marks as final," Mehta explained. However the students who do not wish to appear for these exams will be assessed on the basis of their performance in their past exams. The results, Mehta said, on the basis of assessment of past marks can be expected by 15 July for both Class 10 and Class 12. The move will also impact scheme of things as far as admission to premium higher education institutions are concerned. The second most popular board in India, the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and Indian School Certificate (ISC) had also submitted in court that they will follow the precedent set by CBSE. So students waiting for a decision from ICSE and ISC can also expect similar announcements from their boards later. Meanwhile, the apex court has asked Mehta to reword his affidavit in a way that there is no confusion over its content. The solicitor general has agreed to this and will file a fresh response by this morning, But the crux of the information given out in court today is unlikely to change. More clarification on the marking scheme to be adopted for the cancelled papers are awaited. This article shall be updated to reflect those once the details are in. Im continuously frustrated that this is still a problem, said Kelly Wroblewski, director of infectious diseases at the Association of Public Health Laboratories. We should be at a place where getting a test isnt as challenging as it used to be. National testing capacity has expanded significantly since the start of the pandemic, recently reaching half a million daily tests. Federal health officials testified at a congressional hearing this week that the country has the capacity to do 15 million coronavirus tests per month; they expect that number to reach 40 million to 50 million by the fall. Experts have estimated that at least 500,000 coronavirus tests daily are what the country needs to safely reopen. But that target is a nationwide figure, and it does not account for extra testing that states and cities need to manage large outbreaks. No coordinating entity exists to help overwhelmed labs find extra capacity elsewhere. Testing demands have grown with each day as states reopen, with employers looking to check workers who are back on the job. Some states now require certain health facilities, such as nursing homes, to regularly test their employees. Local governments are setting up new contact-tracing units that will also require ready access to tests. Federal officials have offered mixed messages about what testing capacity is needed. The Trump administration recently phased out support for some federally funded testing sites, transferring control to the states. At a rally last week in Tulsa, Okla., President Trump said he had asked to slow the testing down because it was increasing the number of confirmed cases. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testified before Congress on Tuesday that he had not received any instructions to reduce testing. Instead, he told legislators that we need to do much, much more surveillance testing. Ms. Wroblewskis organization has run regular surveys of its members to measure their testing capacity. Of the 88 laboratories that responded last week, 13 said they faced challenges meeting demand. Those struggling to keep up, Ms. Wroblewski said, tended to be labs serving areas facing a new and large outbreak. The nature of public lab testing is that they tend to look into outbreaks, she said. There are cases of increased demand, and it can take a week to adjust, to pull the staff and change the work flow. PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] -- While the brain is composed of two types of cells, glia tend to receive far less attention for their importance in brain function and disease than the more celebrated neurons. But scientists have known for more than a century that special types of glial cells are integral components of neuromuscular junctions or synapses -- points of contact between neurons and muscles that permit the brain to control movement. Despite the significance of glial cells for the proper formation, maintenance and repair of synapses throughout the nervous system, the inability to distinguish specific glial cells at synapses from the diverse overall population of glial cells has been a major challenge in promoting and restoring the normal function of the nervous system following injuries, diseases and in old age. A new discovery, detailed in a June 25 study in the journal eLife, may change that. A team led by Gregorio Valdez, an associate professor of molecular biology, cell biology and biochemistry at Brown University, has identified important molecules to study and to manipulate the specific glial cells integral to synapses. "This discovery will serve as a springboard to addressing fundamental questions and developing assays to speed the discovery of therapeutics intended to preserve and restore the normal function of neuronal circuits," said Valdez, who is affiliated with the new Center for Translational Neuroscience, established by the Carney Institute for Brain Science at Brown and the Brown Institute for Translational Science. The study reveals that an important subtype of glia, known as Schwann cells and located at neuromuscular synapses, are the only cells in muscles expressing two specific molecules. These molecular markers provide a highly specific glial "bar code," Valdez says, that identifies the vital cell subtype. "What this means is that we can finally figure out how all three cellular constituents of the synapse -- neurons, muscle and glia -- talk to each," Valdez said. "We now have a unique and important tool for identifying this critical component of the synapse. This is essential for knowing when and where to target to ensure synapses function appropriately." Valdez says the novel bar code tool will pave the way for future studies, including on neuromuscular disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Scientists can use the molecular markers to probe the role of synaptic glia in neuromuscular synapse repair following injury, degeneration during normal aging and the progression of neuromuscular diseases. He also anticipates that a similar approach will reveal the synaptic glial cells located at synapses between pairs of neurons in the brain. "While our primary focus was the neuromuscular synapse, we also gathered initial evidence indicating that synaptic glia cells in the brain can be labeled and targeted using the same approach," he said. "If true, this discovery could be of immense consequence for treating a myriad of brain conditions, including those involving cognitive decline due to normal aging and Alzheimer's Disease." ### Other Brown University researchers on the study include first author Ryan Castro, a doctoral student in neuroscience, and co-authors Thomas Taetzsch and Sydney Vaughan, both postdoctoral fellows in the Valdez lab. Authors also included Kerilyn Godbe, John Chappell and Robert Settlage of Virginia Tech. The study was funded by the National Institute on Aging (No. R01AG055545) and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (No. R21NS106313). By Paresh Dave OAKLAND, Calif. By Paresh Dave OAKLAND, Calif. (Reuters) - An incorrect facial recognition match led to the first known wrongful arrest in the United States based on the increasingly used technology, civil liberties activists alleged in a complaint to Detroit police on Wednesday. Robert Williams spent over a day in custody in January after face recognition software connected his driver's license photo to surveillance video of someone shoplifting, the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan (ACLU) said in the complaint. In a video shared by the ACLU, Williams says officers released him after acknowledging "the computer" must have been wrong. Detroit authorities drew help from the Michigan State Police force, which told Reuters that a face matching service from Rank One Computing had identified Williams among possible leads. Separate guidelines from Michigan State Police and Rank One say a facial recognition result should not be used as the basis for an arrest. Police lacked corroborating evidence before arresting Williams, who is Black, in front of his wife and their daughters, ages 2 and 5, Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy said. "This case should not have been issued based on the (police) investigation, and for that we apologize," Worthy said in a statement, adding "this does not in any way make up for the hours that Mr. Williams spent in jail." Her office said it did not know whether police investigators involved in Williams' case had been sanctioned. Detroit police and Rank One did not respond to requests for comment, but the police department now limits facial recognition use to violent crimes and home invasions. The ACLU complaint requests Detroit police stop using facial recognition altogether "as the facts of Mr. Williams' case prove both that the technology is flawed and that investigators are not competent in making use of such technology." Williams' arrest concerned five watches totaling $3,800 taken from a Shinola store in October 2018. Police have used facial recognition in convictions, but activists contend greater precautions are needed to mitigate against issues such as mismatches related to Black individuals. Rank One in a blog post last year described such concerns as "misconceptions," citing U.S. government research about the high accuracy of top systems. Microsoft Corp and Amazon.com Inc halted facial recognition sales to police this month following nationwide protests that have demanded an end to law enforcement tactics that unfairly target African Americans and other minorities. (Reporting by Paresh Dave; Additional reporting by Jeffrey Dastin; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Howard Goller and Tom Brown) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The stones were found in a tanzanite mine to the north of the country. It is surrounded by a wall to control cross-border smuggling of gemstones. A Tanzanian miner hit jackpot after discovering what is being believed to be the two largest tanzanite gemstones ever found. According to a report by Sky, the Bank of Tanzania gave the miner Saniniu Laizer a cheque of 7.74 billion Tanzanian shillings (Rs 25 crore approximately) after he discovered the two dark-violet blue gemstones, each the size of an average forearm. The stones were found in a tanzanite mine to the north of the country. It is surrounded by a wall to control cross-border smuggling of gemstones. According to a report by Fox News, 52-year-old Laizer announced he would slaughter one of his 2,000 cows and build a school to celebrate. "There will be a big party tomorrow, Laizer, from the Manyara region, told the BBC, adding, "I want to build a shopping mall and a school. I want to build this school near my home. There are many poor people around here who cant afford to take their children to school. Laizer, who has four wives and 30 children, went on to add, "I am not educated but I like things run in a professional way. So I would like my children to run the business professionally." The Independent reported that the first gemstone weighed 9.27 kg while the second one weighed 5.1 kg. Tanzanian president John Magufuli even congratulated Laizer during a call that was broadcast live on television. During the call, Magufuli was quoted as saying, "This is the benefit of small-scale miners and this proves that Tanzania is rich." Tanzanite is a gemstone found only in a small part of the northern region of the east African nation. Simon Msanjila, the mines ministry permanent secretary said that the two recently discovered gemstones were the largest ones ever to be found since the beginning of mining in Mirerani. Tanzanite was not discovered in commercial quantities until the 1960s and has gone on to become the second most popular blue gem stone after sapphire. It is actually the mineral zoisite, but was given the name Tanzanite by Tiffany's thought it would stimulate customer interest and be easier to market. SPRINGFIELD - A 67-year-old man who went missing nearly 3 weeks ago after walking away from a Mill Street substance treatment facility has been located safe in Rhode Island, police said. Police spokesman Ryan Walsh said Lawrence Hause was found in Rhode Island on June 15 and taken to a hospital for observation. Police sought the publics help in locating Hause because there were concerns for his safety. He had been a resident of the Foundation House, a treatment facility on Mill Street that is part of the Western Massachusetts Recovery and Wellness Center, run by the Hampden County Sheriffs Department. He was last seen leaving the facility on June 8. Niagaras top infection control doctor is taking a step back from a petition he signed calling on provincial and federal authorities to impose mandatory masking laws to fight COVID-19, saying there isnt strong enough evidence to support such a move. Dr. Karim Ali, head of infectious disease at Niagara Health, had joined nearly a thousand health-care workers across Canada in signing an open letter by Masks4Canada, calling for laws to make masking mandatory in a fashion similar to bicycle helmets and seatbelts. However, after reviewing an article in the medical journal Lancet posted to Twitter Wednesday by Niagaras acting medical officer of health, Ali said he sees the issue through a different lens. I completely agree with Dr. (Mustafa) Hirji on this point, that at this time it would be a weak recommendation. The evidence is not strong enough, said Ali. We should encourage people to wear a mask. On personal level, it is something I do. As a family, it is something we have decided to do. But the evidence is not strong enough for a mandatory order. The Masks4Canada letter, signed by at least 11 Niagara health-care workers including Ali, says the signatories believe there is sufficient evidence of the utility of masks for source control 2) equivocacy of evidence on recipient projection and 3) lack of evidence of harm from masks, and if worn by enough people will reduce the spread of COVID-19. The letter calls for masks to be worn in all outdoor spaces outside the home, on public transit and in crowds. It notes surveys show about 48 per cent of Canadians are wearing masks, but recent research shows in order to have a significant impact on the spread of the virus 60 to 80 per cent of people need to use them. People with medical conditions that make wearing a mask harmful would be exempt, and the letter requested corrosive measures such as fines be limited in favour of public education campaigns. It also called on governments to issue masks to citizens. Premier Doug Ford has ruled out a masking order for Ontario. Ali, one of the key leaders at Niagaras hospital system in combating the novel coronavirus, signed the letter on June 10, but has since been persuaded by Hirjis assessment of the data. Hirji has said masks should be worn when physical distancing the best tool to reduce the spread of the virus is difficult, such as when shopping or in large crowds. Hirji has declined to follow his Guelph counterpart in issuing an order requiring face coverings. On Wednesday, he took to Twitter to further explain why he wont be issuing a masking order for Niagara. In an interview, Hirji said while there is more evidence for the effectiveness of masks now than there was in March, it remains weak. The research the Masks4Canada letter relies on is observational science, he said, which uses statistical analysis of infections rates versus masking use in other countries. There is no strong experimental science on the effectiveness of masks in public, he said. Hirji, who regards masks as a second line of defence behind physical distancing, said even if he was inclined to issue an order, he has no useful means of enforcing it. A medical officer of health can make an order under Section 22 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act. However, the act does not give a health department power to use bylaw officers to enforce the order. Rather, public health would have to take violators to court one at a time. So you would have to ask the court to impose a fine or penalty that you recommend, said Hirji. This is in part why Hirji said such an order is best made by municipal councils through a bylaw, because those governments can use bylaw officers for enforcement. Hirji also said he does not believe a Section 22 order that would impact peoples freedoms and businesses is appropriate on an issue for which there remains legitimate scientific and medical debate. Whereas he has to make decisions based entirely on scientific evidence, political bodies can weigh other concerns. He also pointed out in most countries where masking was widespread, it was done without a mandatory masking order from government authorities. What they did was have a program where government-issued masks were handed out once a week, and I think that is a policy approach we should discuss here, Hirji said. Alberta is going down this road right now, and using fast food locations as the distribution point. So you go and get your McDonalds order and get a free mask from the government of Alberta. Hirji said that kind of approach would increase the use of masks without having to make a mandatory order with its problematic enforcement issues. The biggest IT challenge local governments faced during the COVID-19 pandemic has been scaling existing infrastructure to accommodate many more workers than they had planned for, IT leaders said during a June 17 panel discussion. Our remote access solution was originally scaled for a major snow day, not for 3,000 to 4,000 remote users, Charles Gore, IT security manager for Loudoun County, Va., said during a webinar presented by CompTIAs Public Technology Institute. We were looking at 500 users remote. We had to spread the scoping across multiple technologies, which we had, but we needed to very quickly adjust to accommodate the new users. Nikki Milburn, director of security for Franklin County, Ohio, said her team was able to support remote work for 3,500 county employees in a matter of days by building on the foundation of existing emergency plans. They also implemented a document-management solution to allow for digital signatures so agencies requiring new equipment procure, purchase and sign documents to get the solutions they need to be able to support this, Milburn said. Cory Smith, chief information and technology officer for Davenport, Iowa, credited a capable and robust existing environment for virtual desktop infrastructure for the citys success with shifting to telework. When we had to deal with a mass exodus of employees working from home, for us, it was pretty easy, Smith said. Specifically, remote workers received a link they could click to log in to the virtual desktop from their home computer and access the citys network through a web browser. Smiths team provided mobile thin clients for anyone who had trouble. We also had really been pushing hard for our security awareness training, Smith added. The funny thing about humans is theyre the cheapest reproducible supercomputer you can ever have -- if theyre properly trained. Theyre going to be able to catch things that you may not be able to catch, but theyve got to know what theyre doing. Security awareness training is essential. The biggest pain point for Louisville, Colo., was around videoconferencing using Zoom, which was criticized for security holes as the public and private sectors turned to the service early on in the pandemic. (Zoom saw the number of customers with more than 10 employees increase by 354% year-over-year for the quarter ended April 30.) Zoom immediately wants you to use your email address as your username, and one of the biggest exploits right away was folks were getting city email addresses its pretty obvious when you look at a city or a county or state email, you know exactly where to go hack, IT Director Chris Neves said. In Des Moines, Iowa, CIO Anna Whipple grappled with issues of equity as work went online. For instance, in the first few weeks, it was clear that city workers who had devices or laptops for remote work tended to be those in professional-level positions. Administrative and field staff, however, didnt have those capabilities, creating a disparity. They had to wait for equipment and remote call centers to be stood up. We have field staff it was primarily public works but some in parks and a few other departments that simply did not have city email accounts, Whipple said. Their day-to-day communications with supervisors or team members had been face to face. When we had to start social distancing, they were instructed to arrive at work and go straight to their city vehicle and not stop into the office and not have those daily interactions with their coworkers. It created a huge communication gap for them. To deal with that, she added 250 email accounts those workers could access on their own devices. Equity has been top of mind for Des Moines workers for the past 18 months, when the city manager convened the Equitable Services Team, a group of 24 staff from all city departments who meet monthly to discuss how to ensure that equity is part of daily operations. Some IT managers discussed how they changed their security practices in response to COVID. My security teams priorities have shifted in multiple ways, mostly focused on remote-access security and support, adjusting our controls and insight into the remote user experience with these tools, and tailoring security awareness through regular communication with the users, said Loudoun Countys Gore. Were still monitoring endpoints and network activity, building out solutions to give us greater visibility into the environment, conducting vulnerability scans, developing our security awareness program and continuing operations to the best of our ability, he said. RTHK: Singapore PM's estranged brother joins opposition The Singapore prime minister's brother, Lee Hsien Yang, said on Wednesday that he had joined an opposition party competing against his sibling at the upcoming July 10 election but that he was undecided on whether he would run as a candidate. Lee Hsien Yang, the son of Singapore's modern-day founder, Lee Kuan Yew, has been embroiled in a bitter dispute with his brother over his late father's house. He told Reuters he had joined the new Progress Singapore Party (PSP). Lee has criticised his brother Lee Hsien Loong's People's Action Party (PAP), which their father founded and which has governed the city-state since its independence in 1965. Last year, Hsien Yang said that the PAP had "lost its way" and that he "supported the principles and values of the Progress Singapore Party. The PSP is led by Tan Cheng Bock, a former PAP lawmaker who shot to prominence by nearly defeating a candidate backed by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in the 2011 presidential race. "We will see," Lee Hsien Yang replied when asked whether he would stand as a candidate. A spokeswoman for the PSP did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Victor Giadom, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has reacted to the outcome of the partys emergency National Executive... Victor Giadom, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has reacted to the outcome of the partys emergency National Executive Council, NEC, meeting. Giadom, an embattled National Secretary of APC had called for the meeting in a bid to squash the leadership crisis confronting APC. At the NEC meeting, the partys National Working Committee, NWC, was dissolved with a caretaker committee appointed. Reacting, Giadom maintained that there was no victor or vanquish despite the outcome of the NEC meeting. In a series of tweets, Giadom wrote: My Take on the outcome of todays APC NEC meeting: I had earlier said that the collective decision of the entire NEC will prevail in todays meeting. I also promised to stand by any decision made. The NEC meeting adopted all the recommendations by President Buhari, and appointed the Governor of Yobe State, Mallam Mai Buni, as Caretaker National Chairman, while Senator John Akpanudoede was designated Caretaker National Secretary. Finally there is No Victor, No Vanquished. The Togetherness and cohesion Of Our Great Party Has Always Been Our Prayers. The basis of the construction industry clashes head-on with environmental sustainability. Extracting raw materials and turning them into building materials has high energetic costs. Granite production, totaling 614,000 tons in Spain in 2013, leaves behind it a series of residues that are difficult to manage. This is the case of granite sludge, the material that results from the mixture of dust particles given off during the cutting process and the water used to cool the blade. When granite sludge is dumped at a landfill and the water evaporates, the silicon dust ends up going into the atmosphere and can be inhaled, with negative health consequences. It can also interfere with normal soil mechanics. Aiming to properly manage these residues and in doing so prevent health and environmental problems, three University of Cordoba research groups have joined forces to analyze the feasibility of using granite sludge to substitute conventional aggregates in self-compacting mortar. In this vein, "it is possible to substitute up to 40% of conventional aggregates for granite sludge while still maintaining the mortar's qualities of durability, strength and compaction" according to the lead researcher working on the study, Angelica Lozano, from the the Construction Engineering group at UCO. Thus, granite sludge becomes a sustainable alternative to using conventional aggregates. Working in synergy with each other are the groups of "Construction Engineering", "Materials and Applications" and "Plasma Physics: Characterization, Models and Applications", led by Professors Jose Ramon Jimenez, Jose Maria Fernandez and Antonio Rodero respectively. Two aims are accomplished: managing a residue that is bad for our health, and the environmental sustainability of self-compacting concrete, currently one of the most sought-after materials in the building industry since it can be compacted without having to apply compaction energy. Despite the advantages of this new material, the need for a high percentage of aggregates to be extracted is not environmentally sustainable. However, using granite sludge will greatly help solve the problem of this lack of sustainability. ### Lozano-Lunar, A., Dubchenko, I., Bashynskyi, S., Rodero A., Fernandez J.M., Jimenez, J.R. (2020 Performance of self-compacting mortars with granite sludge as aggregate. Construction and Building Materials. Volume 251, 118998, ISSN 0950-0618 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118998 The Covid-19 pandemic highlights the need for better risk management tools BLX Global, a leading developer of innovative investment products, has launched a new index to help investors navigate unprecedented uncertainty in the airline industry. The BLX Domestic Airlines Revenue Index is designed to provide a broad measure of airline industry performance. Priced daily, the index reflects changes in the trailing twelve month revenue for a select group of major airlines listed on US stock exchanges. Unlike traditional stock indexes or other hedging tools, the index provides direct exposure to business fundamentals. Historical data and updated pricing is available on the Thomson Reuters Eikon platform, using ticker symbol BLXDAR". Additional information on the index methodology is available on the company website: http://www.blxglobal.com. The Covid-19 pandemic highlights the need for better risk management tools. The BLX Domestic Airlines Revenue Index is the latest example of our commitment to creating products that sophisticated investors and industry leaders can use to thrive in these challenging markets," stated BLX Global founder Jacob Mohs. The BLX Domestic Airlines Revenue Index can be licensed as a benchmark to facilitate the trading of cash settled options, futures, and swaps or as a reference asset for structured notes. Investors and companies in the travel industry can use derivatives based on the index to hedge the risk of a continued drop off in airline passengers, or express macroeconomic views. About BLX Global BLX Global develops and licenses innovative financial products. Our offerings are centered around Earnings Derivatives, which allow investors to make direct investments in company earnings streams, and express granular views on individual value drivers. The ability to turn bottom line financial metrics into tradeable and hedgeable assets makes our patent pending system unique. We provide a full spectrum of index and derivative products for exchanges, investment banks, and asset managers around the world. Visit http://www.blxglobal.com for more information. Hours to the commencement of the virtual National Executive Council Meeting of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Itse Sagay (SAN) and a Buhari appointee, on Wednesday urged President Buhari not to participate. The professor of law said Victor Giadom , the convener has no right to summon the meeting because a deputy national secretary is not in line to succeed the national chairman. Besides, Sagay, who chairs the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption (PACAC), said the ex-parte order Giadom is relying on to claim acting chairmanship had since lapsed. Im stunned by this turn of events. How can a deputy national secretary have the ambition to be the chairman of a party when you have deputy chairmen and vice-chairmen? That is why it is absurd. It does not make sense. His position makes it impossible for him to be the acting national chairman. Second, he is relying on an ex-parte order in which he alone was present and the court gave him an interim order in March. These orders last for 14 days. He turns up in June to say it has been extended something that is dead, that does not exist and has lapsed. That is the second absurdity. If he had applied for a fresh order, that would have been different. When I heard of the developments, I was stunned into silence. Im so stunned as to how such a person could be given legitimacy at the highest level. The legal advice the President got is mischievous in the extreme because there is no court order to extend since it does not exist. It died two weeks after it was made. The line of succession of the chairman cannot come from the Secretary. So the whole thing is an absurdity. I always hear of the theatre of the absurd, but this is one of the worst Ive ever heard of. Asked if he would advise the President to reconsider his position, Sagay said: Thats my view. And as someone pointed out, seven days notice is needed for such a meeting. Only three days have been given. So I would advise the President to step back from this matter and not participate in it. Sagay was interviewed by The Nation. Related Lawyers for inmates in a federal lawsuit over mental health care in Alabama prisons want the judge to set new benchmarks for the Alabama Department of Corrections to fix a severe shortage of correctional officers. The lawyers say the ADOC is making little progress toward a court order to add more than 2,000 correctional officers by February 2022. They also dispute the ADOCs claim that adding 2,000 officers would be optimal but is not a required number. Defendants lack of progress in increasing their correctional staffing levels, coupled with their newly stated position that they need not comply with the Understaffing Remedial Order, warrants immediate court intervention, including but not limited to, the imposition of benchmarks, Southern Poverty Law Center Attorney Ebony Howard wrote. On June 8, U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson ordered the state to explain how it planned to follow the court order on hiring, noting that the ADOCs quarterly staffing reports showed it has less than half the required 3,300 correctional officers. On June 12, lawyers for the ADOC responded that improvements in recruiting, hiring, and pay put the state in position to have its prisons adequately staffed by the February 2022 target. They also said the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed progress. The plaintiffs filed a reply to the ADOC under seal on Friday. A redacted version was filed today. (See below). It says the ADOC only increased its correctional staff from from 1,467 in March 2018 to 1,614 in March 2020, far short of the pace needed to reach a total staff of 3,826 (including supervisors) by February 2022. Thompson ruled in 2017 that the ADOCs failure to identify and treat mentally ill prisoners violated the Constitution. He found that a severe shortage of correctional officers was a major factor. Thompson based the staffing numbers in his order on an analysis by consultants hired by the ADOC. The lawsuit, filed in 2014, is separate from the Department of Justice investigation that resulted in allegations last year that violent conditions in Alabamas mens prisons violated the constitution. The DOJ report cited some of the same problems as those identified in the lawsuit, including the severe shortage of correctional officers. By Asif Shahzad ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - The pilots of a Pakistan airliner that crashed last month, killing 97, were distracted and preoccupied as they talked about the coronavirus pandemic while preparing for an initial failed attempt to land, the country's aviation minister said on Wednesday. The Airbus A320 of national carrier Pakistan International Airlines crashed on May 22 in the southern city of Karachi, killing all but two of those aboard as it came down a kilometre (0.6 mile) short of the runway on its second try. The engines of the aircraft had touched the ground as it landed without its wheels down on the first attempt, before taking off again, minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan told parliament as he presented an initial report on the disaster. The flight data showed the landing gear was lowered at 10 nautical miles, Khan said, but then raised again 5 nautical miles from the runway, which he described as "beyond comprehension". The aircraft was "100 percent fit to fly" and there was no technical fault, he said, but added that the pilots were not "focused" because of the pandemic. "The discussion throughout was about corona," Khan said, referring to exchanges between the pilot and co-pilot he said he had listened to on the cockpit voice recorder. "Corona was dominant over their mind. Their family was affected." The report, reviewed by Reuters, did not spell out the pilots' conversation on the virus, but said they did not follow set protocols. "Several warnings and alerts such as over-speed, landing gear not down and ground proximity alerts, were disregarded," it added. "The landing was undertaken with landing gear retracted. The aircraft touched the runway surface on its engines." BOTH ENGINES FAILED The report said the aircraft was cleared by controllers to land without observing that the landing gears were not extended, nor was it conveyed to the pilots that the engines had scraped the runway. Story continues The report added that there was no demonstration of any malfunction in the landing gear system on Flight PK8303, which had taken off from the eastern city of Lahore. Shortly after the engines scraped the runway and a go-around was attempted, both engines failed one-by-one, the report said. "When the plane took off again, both engines had been damaged; and when the plane was making an approach for a second landing it didn't have that power and fell on the residential area," Khan told a news conference later on Wednesday. Khan said the captain and co-pilot, both of whom were killed, were experienced and medically fit. Air traffic control drew the pilot's attention to the irregularity and urged a go-around, Khan said. "They were warned by the controllers, but said, 'I'll manage' and then they started discussing corona again." "The last words from the pilot were, 'Oh God, oh God, oh God'," Khan added. The secretary of the Pakistan Airline Pilots' Association, Imran Narejo, told Reuters that pilots were expected to not be distracted during crucial procedures such as landing, but other factors should also be investigated for the complete report. "It was pointed out the pilots were busy talking about corona, and that they may have overlooked a few things," he said. But other reasons were also there, like them not being provided proper support from air traffic control". (Additional Reporting by Gibran Peshimam and Syed Raza Hassan in Karachi, Tim Hepher in Paris, Jamie Freed in Sydney and Umar Farooq in Istanbul; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Alex Richardson) Indian Institute of Technology has decided to go completely online next semester, it has further announced not to call students for face to face lectures in view of the ongoing pandemic. As the cases of novel coronavirus are increasing across the country with each passing day, including Mumbai, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) on Wednesday became the first major institute to scrap all face-to-face lectures for the remaining of 2020 academic session so that there is no compromise on the safety and well-being of the students. IIT Bombay Director Professor Subhasis Chaudhuri posted a message on Facebook earlier in the morning today stating the decision was made after a long deliberation. For IIT Bombay, students are the first priority. We took the first step in India in concretely deciding how we must bring a closure to the current semester to help our students, he wrote. But given the current condition of the pandemic, how do we plan for the next semester for our students? Again, after a long deliberation in the Senate, we have decided today that the next semester will be run purely in the online mode so that there is no compromise on the safety and well-being of the students, Chaudhuri added. Also Read: Delhi hit hard by rising fuel prices It's happening! First Harvard, now IIT Bombay. pic.twitter.com/MTsXlAiMwp Darshan Baid (@frunkad) June 25, 2020 Also Read: Class 10 and 12 board exams scrapped, CBSE tells top court It is worth noticing that the semester for undergraduate and post-graduate courses is scheduled to begin from next month. In long post, the IIT Bombay Director has also made an appeal for donation for students from economically less privileged families. A large section of our students come from economically less privileged families and would require a helping hand to equip them with the IT hardware (i.e. laptops and broadband connectivity ) to take these online classes, the post read. We have estimated that we need about Rs 5 crores to help those needy students. We look forward to your overwhelming support to help these bright young minds to continue their learning without any further hindrances or delays. Also Read: Karnataka conducts SSLC exams amid Covid-19 For all the latest Education and Jobs News, download NewsX App STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Even though the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has thrown a wrench into most peoples summer vacation plans, Americans are still expected to take over 700 million trips this summer, according to new forecasts from AAA. The projection would represent a 15% decrease from last years overall summer travel, marking the first decline in summer travel numbers since the economic recession of 2009. Although AAA still projects hundreds of millions of trips this summer, the nature of these trips have shifted significantly, with travelers now opting for more short, spur-of-the-moment road trips instead of longer, preplanned vacations. Americans will get out and explore this summer, though theyre taking a wait and see approach when it comes to booking and are likely to book more long weekend getaways than extended vacations, said Paula Twidale, AAAs senior vice president of Travel. When they do venture out, travelers will take to the road with 683 million car trips to satisfy their wanderlust. Car trips will be far and away the preferred method of travel this summer, with 683 million out of 707 million trips, 97%, expected to be taken by car, according to AAA. The 683 million car trips represent just a 3% decrease from last summers 706 million road trips, the smallest falloff of any mode of transportation. However, AAA predicts that air travel will drop a staggering 74%, with just 15.1 million trips projected this year compared to 57.9 million last summer. Rail, cruise and other modes of transportation are also expected to drop 86%, as just 9.3 million trips are expected compared to 64.3 million the year prior. Travelers planning road trips are encouraged to use AAAs TripTik planning site, a one-stop shop to create a custom road trip guide including lodging, eateries, fueling stations, attractions and recently added coronavirus travel restrictions. Beyond mapping your route in advance, it is important to book hotels and plan out gas and food stops. Also, keep in mind that some national parks and attractions have capacity limits, so if there is a must-do activity on your trip, youll want to make arrangements for these in advance, said Twidale. Some of the most popular travel destinations, like Orlando, Fla., have fallen out of favor among travelers, while other locations, like Denver, Colo., are on the rise, according to AAA data. Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle and Phoenix ranked one through five, respectively, based on TripTik searches from March 15 to June 14, while Orlando, typically the number one searched destination, dropped down to eighth. One reason road trips are so appealing to travelers this summer, besides the obvious control over ones sanitary environment, is that traffic across the country remains well-below typical summer levels, with many Americans still working remotely on a daily basis. While the amount people drive is still low for this time of year, we know millions will be taking road trips in the months ahead. The good news is, the congestion they will encounter is nowhere near what we typically see in a summer, said Bob Pishue, a transportation analyst at INRIX. Also fueling the projected rise in road trips is the fact that gas prices across the country remain relatively low, with AAA projecting an average near $2.25/gallon for the third quarter of 2020, a 15% drop from the $2.66 average last summer. The United States imposed sanctions Wednesday on five Iranian ship captains who delivered oil to Venezuela, as Washington ratcheted up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, whose government it considers illegitimate. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the Iranian-flagged oil tankers, which delivered some 1.5 million barrels of gasoline and oil to Venezuela in recent weeks, had been placed on the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) blacklist. "Mariners who do business with Iran and Venezuela will face consequences from the United States of America," Pompeo said. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jorge Arreaza responded on Twitter, calling the move "more proof of the hatred by (US President Donald) Trump's hawks against Venezuela". "As a result of today's sanctions, these captains' assets will be blocked. Their careers and prospects will suffer from this designation," Pompeo said. "The rogue regimes in Caracas and Tehran are unified by their penchant for repressing their people, corruption, self-enrichment, and gross mismanagement of their people's wealth," Pompeo added. Iran said the latest sanctions showed the US campaign against it was failing. "US desperate moves against Iranian individuals... just signal the miserable failure of the so-called 'max pressure'," foreign ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi tweeted. "Despite US pressure, #Iran & #Venezuela remain steadfast in countering unlawful American sanctions," he added. The move came as Venezuela accused the United States Wednesday of "an act of provocation" after a US warship steamed close to the South American country's territorial waters the previous day. The vessel sailed in an area that "the illegitimate Maduro regime falsely claims to have control over," the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) said in a statement. It's out in the open it's fresh air. Everybody's been indoors the last three of four months. I like this better than how it used to be. It reminds me of a Hallmark movie. While the novel coronavirus has infected devastatingly high shares of health-care workers worldwide, African nations, on average, have far fewer staffers who can fill in on the front lines. The sub-Saharan region has 0.2 doctors for every 1,000 people, according to World Bank data well below the world average of 1.6. (North America has 2.6, and the European Union has 3.7.) Coronavirus Infection Rate Is 40 Percent In Two Iran Provinces Radio Farda June 25, 2020 Iran's Deputy Minister of Health announced June 24 that "forty percent of residents in the provinces of Qom and Gilan have contracted the coronavirus, while the number in Tehran is about fifteen percent. At the same time, the spokeswoman of the health ministry, Sima Sadat Lari, announced that 9,996 have so far died of COVID-19. She also announced the official number of people infected by the deadly virus has reached 212,501. However, Iran's official COVID-19 figures have been repeatedly questioned by some members of parliament and other officials. They have asserted that the real coronavirus-related death toll in Iran is much higher than what the health ministry releases as official figures. If 15 percent of people in Tehran are infected, that alone means more than a million cases. The health ministry officials did not explain the contradiction between the official numbers and their warning about such a high rate for the pandemic. Meanwhile, officials from the Ministry of Health have refused to provide separate statistics on the COVID-19 victims for different provinces since they started to report to the public. Soon, the provincial authorities were also banned from reporting their local numbers. On the same day, Iran's Deputy Minister of Health, Alireza Raeesi, announced that in some provinces, such as Qom and Gilan, "about forty percent" of people, and in Tehran, nearly "fifteen percent" of the residents were infected with the coronavirus. Raeesi told a video conference at the Ministry of Health that the extent of the pandemic in other provinces was between four to five percent. At the same time, Raeesi denied the start of the second wave of coronavirus in Iran, arguing that the country had not reached the "downward trend" of the first stage to experience the second wave. Iran's Deputy Health Minister also stressed that the government, under U.S. sanctions, could not extend the lockdown while people are economically suffering. "The United States has allocated $ 114 billion and Britain $ 22 billion to fight coronavirus," Raeesi lamented, adding that, for the same purpose, the government was promised to receive one billion euros (approximately $1.1 billion) from the country's National Development Fund. Nonetheless, he disclosed, "We should be realistic. Five months after the coronavirus outbreak, the government has only received thirty percent of the promised money." Moreover, Raeesi called on the people to respect health and hygiene regulations and announced that using face masks in public places will become compulsory in the coming days. Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/coronavirus -infection-rate-is-40-percent-in- two-provinces-in-iran/30688929.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 [June 24, 2020] JCET Group Subsidiary Recognized for Excellence by Texas Instruments SHANGHAI, June 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Jiangyin Changdian Advanced Packaging Co., LTD. (JCAP), subsidiary of JCET Group has received the Texas Instruments (TI) 2019 Supplier Excellence Award. The annual award honors companies whose dedication and commitment in supplying products and services meet TI's high standards for excellence. Recipients are an elite group of suppliers chosen for their exemplary performance in the areas of Cost, Environmental & Social Responsibility, Technology, Responsiveness, Assurance of Supply, and Quality. TI uses the products and services of more than 10,000 suppliers throughout the world. The "TI Supplier Excellence Award" is the highest TI award issued to their best preforming global suppliers. JCAP is the only packaging and test company in mainland China that is receiving this award for 2019. JCET Group has provided its services to TI for many years, and has established a close partnership. This award is the result of the long term cooperation between the two companies and the recognition of JCAP's continued excellent performance in 2019. Mr. Jerry Zhang, General Manager of JCAP stated, "I is our great honor to receive this award for the fourth time. The supplier excellence award represents TI's confirmation and recognition of JCAP's Bump & WLP technologies and high volume production services. Being a global leading packaging and testing company, JCET Group always promotes innovation, assures the highest quality, and on-time delivery with advanced patented technologies. JCET Group will continue to concentrate on research, development and innovation to add more high-end packaging technologies to our portfolio, and work closely together with our customers for continuous improvement and excellence." About JCET Group: JCET Group is a leading global semiconductor system integration packaging and test provider, offering a full range of turnkey services that include semiconductor package integration design and characterization, R&D, wafer probe, wafer bumping, package assembly, final test and drop shipment to vendors around the world. About JCAP As one of the core business units of JCET Group, Jiangyin Changdian Advanced Packaging Co., LTD. (JCAP) is focused on mid-end semiconductor packaging and test technologies and providing the highest quality service for our global customers. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jcet-group-subsidiary-recognized-for-excellence-by-texas-instruments-301083399.html SOURCE JCET Group [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] WASHINGTON - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., on Thursday called Attorney General William Barr "contemptible" and "a mess" but stopped short of backing calls from some Democrats for his impeachment, suggesting the best way to remove him is to elect Joe Biden president. "One hundred and thirty one days from now, we will have the solution to many problems, one of them being Barr," Pelosi said during a Washington Post Live interview. Her comments came a day after a high-profile House Judiciary Committee hearing at which Democrats accused Barr of politicizing the Justice Department, including by intervening in criminal cases to the benefit of President Donald Trump's former advisers and ousting a U.S. attorney who is investigating Trump's personal lawyer. The remarks by Pelosi, the nation's top Democrat, underscored how the speaker is balancing intensifying interest among some colleagues in targeting Barr and President Trump with the limits of the congressional schedule less than five months to the election. Her comments also reflected the reality that Republicans, who control the Senate, would short-circuit any bid to impeach and remove Barr, whom they have asserted is drawing ire because he is trying to ferret out the corruption of his Justice Department predecessors under a Democratic administration. "Anyone who saw that testimony will know that Barr is a mess," Pelosi said. "It's a disgrace. The Department of Justice, I have been talking about that for a while." She noted that roughly a year ago the Democratic-led House voted to hold Barr in contempt of Congress for defying subpoenas. "So he is contemptible," Pelosi said. "There's no question about that. But at this point, let's solve our problems by going to the polls and voting on Election Day, 131 days from now." Elsewhere in an interview that touched on several other topics, Pelosi said that she does not share the fear of some Democrats that Trump will refuse to leave the White House if he loses the election in November to Biden, the former vice president. "I think that he would expect the results of the election," Pelosi said. "And even if he didn't, then the hedge henchmen around him would understand that he would have to respect results of the election." She added, however, that she will be "prepared for everything." When asked earlier this week whether he thinks there will be a peaceful transfer of power if Trump does not win reelection in November, former national security adviser John Bolton told The Post, "I certainly hope so," but "I think in the Trump administration you can't be certain of anything." Pelosi said that Bolton "chose money over patriotism" by not speaking up sooner about the president's conduct and testifying during the House's impeachment inquiry last year. Pelosi shot several other barbs at Trump, including when she was asked who is to blame for rising coronavirus cases in some states, including her home state of California. "Sixteen hundred Pennsylvania Avenue," Pelosi said, citing the address of the White House, and suggesting Trump's rosy assessments of a speedy return to normal had led to dire consequences. "The delay, the denial . . . the hoax that it's going to go away magically, a miracle is going to happen, we'll be in church together by Easter, caused death," Pelosi said. Pelosi, who has cut deals on federal spending with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in recent months, said there are not any ongoing talks on another round of stimulus, but said the channels are open with the administration and she remains hopeful that the president will consider the House's latest proposal. When asked if she is frustrated with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., a high-profile first-term House member who has endorsed liberal challengers, Pelosi said she respected the New York lawmaker. Pelosi also took aim at Trump for resisting calls to rename military bases honoring Confederate generals. "Their names have to go," Pelosi said. "I think the president once again is on the wrong track by not understanding that you don't glorify white supremacy in our country." Pelosi said depictions of the nation's Founding Fathers who owned slaves, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, should be reviewed, but not immediately brought down. "I don't think they should come down," she said. But she said she is concerned about "glorifying" anyone who supported slavery or violence against Native Americans and is open to discussing how best to move forward. "Rather than tearing down and defacing, why don't we just have a review," Pelosi said. Pelosi spoke with The Post hours before the House voted on legislation that would overhaul policing nationwide, one month after George Floyd, an unarmed black man, was killed while in police custody. Pelosi said Senate Republicans should figure out how to come toward the House's bill rather than the other way around. "I don't think the street will accept no action," Pelosi said of protesters across the country. "We don't want chokeholds. [Republicans] allow chokeholds. What are we going to compromise on? The number of chokeholds? This is irreconcilable. Some things are just not reconcilable, that's it." While Pelosi's focus on Thursday was police reform, she said if Biden wins, she and other Democratic leaders would make health care the party's priority next year. "Our first priority will be what it has always been," health care, Pelosi said. TORONTO, June 24, 2020 /CNW/ - Connecting with a health care provider like a physiotherapist or chiropractor once you're out of the hospital can be a challenge. After a surgery or procedure, patients are eager to get back on their feet but often don't know where to access local care. Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is now offering Lumino Health's Provider Search tool on their patient care pathways website. Lumino Health network is Canada's largest network of providers with access to 150,000 health professionals. Sunnybrook's digital care pathways aim to reduce some of the anxiety that patients may feel about their care journey. MySunnybrook's digital care pathways walk people through their journey from admission to the time they leave Sunnybrook, providing tips and resources along the way. Lumino Health's Provider Search is now included on the website as a navigational tool to help patients find health care providers virtually or in their community. "We understand that patient recovery and healing continues outside of the hospital," said Craig DuHamel, Vice-President, Communications and Stakeholder Relations and Office of the Patient Experience. "We want to help make this process as smooth as possible for our Sunnybrook community. Lumino Health's network of health providers will connect people to the support they need, virtually or close to home." Lumino Health helps people find health care providers, connect virtually and access the latest resources and innovations. Sun Life created the platform as a commitment to help Canadians live healthier lives. Features of Provider Search and the Lumino Health platform include: Access to over 15,000 health care providers who offer virtual care services Ability to choose criteria such as language preference and location when searching for local physiotherapists, massage therapists, mental health professionals and other health care providers Access to more than 14 million user ratings on health care providers' services Information on cost for health care providers in your area "We are thrilled to be partnering with Sunnybrook to help patients get the ongoing support and care they need for recovery," said Chris Denys, Senior Vice-President, Possibilities, Lumino Health. "When it comes to taking care of yourself, finding the right health care provider, solution or information can make all the difference. At Lumino Health, our goal is to empower Canadians by connecting them with the tools and resources they need to be healthy." About Lumino Health Lumino Health network is an innovation from Sun Life, launched in fall 2018. Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada created the platform as a commitment to helping Canadians live healthier lives. As Canada's premier network of health resources, LuminoHealth.ca helps Canadians find healthcare providers near them in seconds and access resources and innovations to live healthier lives. In 2019, Lumino Health was awarded the "Reinventor" award by PWC for their innovative and industry-disrupting platform. About Sun Life Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individual and corporate Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2020, Sun Life had total assets under management of $1,023 billion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com. Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. About Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is inventing the future of health care for the 1.3 million patients the hospital cares for each year through the dedication of its more than 10,000 staff and volunteers. An internationally recognized leader in research and education and a full affiliation with the University of Toronto distinguishes Sunnybrook as one of Canada's premier academic health sciences centres. Sunnybrook specializes in caring for high-risk pregnancies, critically ill newborns and adults, offering specialized rehabilitation, and treating and preventing cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological and psychiatric disorders, orthopaedic and arthritic conditions and traumatic injuries. The hospital also has a unique and national leading program for the care of Canada's war veterans. Note to editors: All figures in Canadian dollars Media Relations Contacts: Kim Armstrong Manager, Corporate Communications, Sun Life T. 416-979-6207 [email protected] Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre T. 416-480-4040 [email protected] SOURCE Sun Life Financial Canada Related Links http://www.sunlife.com DPRK suspends military action plans against S. Korea People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:39, June 24, 2020 PYONGYANG, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A military meeting of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has decided to suspend the military action plans against South Korea, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said on Wednesday. The KCNA reported that the country's top leader Kim Jong Un presided over the preliminary meeting for the fifth meeting of the Seventh Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) through a video conference on Tuesday and made the decision. "At the preliminary meeting, the WPK Central Military Commission took stock of the prevailing situation and suspended the military action plans against the South brought for the fifth meeting of the Seventh Central Military Commission by the General Staff of the Korean People's Army," the report said. "The meeting examined agenda items of major military policy to be laid before the fifth meeting of the Seventh WPK Central Military Commission, and made a study of a report and decisions, which will be submitted to the fifth meeting, and some documents carrying the state measures for further bolstering the war deterrent of the country," it said. A week ago, the army announced a detailed military action plans in protest against the South Korean authorities for failing to stop "defectors" from sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets to the North. The action plans proposed by the General Staff of the Korean People's Army include redeployment of troops to the Mount Kumgang tourist area and the Kaesong Industrial Zone, and security guarantee for the people to distribute propaganda leaflets to the South in the border areas. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Australian share market finished session steep lower on Thursday, 25 June 2020, on tracking negative lead from Wall Street overnight after the US signalled possible new tariffs on European goods and the International Monetary Fund slashed its global economic forecasts again on Wednesday. Meanwhile, fears of a second wave of coronavirus infections at home and around the world also weighed down sentiments. At closing bell, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index tumbled 148.07 points, or 2.48%, to 5,817.68. The broader All Ordinaries tanked 153.57 points, or 2.53%, to 5,927.98. Investors risk sentiments dampened as a record daily increase in coronavirus infections at home and in multiple states in the United States and a resurgence of cases in other major economies sparked concerns over the prospects for a global economic recovery from the pandemic. A global tally of COVID-19 infections crossed 9.33 million, with Australia recording its biggest one-day rise in COVID-19 cases in two months. The United States posted its second-largest increase in cases since the crisis began. Sentiment was soured further after reports that the administration of President Donald Trump is considering new tariffs on European goods. The U. S. Trade Representative said it was weighing new tariffs on US$3.1 billion (RM13.2 billion) in European goods amid a dispute over subsidies to planemaker Airbus, ratcheting up a fresh trade war tensions with the European Union. The Trump administration also has been threatening to reimposing tariffs on imports of aluminum from Canada on July 1 as the new USMCA, or the United States Mexico Canada Agreement, which replaced the North American Free Trade Agreement, is set to take effect. Meanwhile, updated International Monetary Fund (IMF) economic forecasts also hit investor sentiment. The IMF cut its economic forecast for 2020, saying that the coronavirus pandemic has caused an unprecedented decline in global activity. The IMF dropped its global economic growth expectations for this year to negative 4.9%. That's almost two percentage points lower than three months ago. In 2021, global growth is expected to rebound to a 5.4% growth rate, still leaving the level of GDP about 6.5 percentage points lower than the pre-COVID-19 projections in January. Lithium explorer Orocobre Ltd fell as much as 8% after warning of a drop in June-quarter lithium carbonate sales from its flagship Olaroz mine. 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 central Pennsylvania spice company with global flavors is changing hands. Calicutts Spice Co. founder Robert Orth announced hes stepping away from the company he founded several years ago to spend more time with his family. On July 1, Randall and Jessica Hughes will take over Calicutts, known for its handcrafted spice blends made from spices sourced from around the globe. The store at 130 W. Chocolate Ave. in Hershey will reopen for limited weekend hours starting July 11. Missing out on time with my three young children and hoping to be more present as they grow, has informed my decision to transition Calicutts Spice Co. to a new leadership team with the requisite skills, talents, and experience to navigate the company towards continued growth and success, Orth said. About 10 years ago, Orth, who is also a full-time research professor, began tinkering with wholesale spices and a coffee grinder as a hobby. He wanted to create blends not made with MSG, chemical additives, fillers and flavor enhancers. In the beginning, he sold them at stores such as One Good Woman in Camp Hill. Eventually, he branched out with a retail store in Lemoyne, finally transitioning operations in 2017 to Hershey. He was joined by his mother-in-law, Autumn Ellis. In a video message, Orth stressed Calicutts is experiencing incredible growth. Their small-batch blends such as Chipotle and Honey, Montreal, Mediterranean, and Fire Salt have caught the attention of Uncommon Goods, Whole Foods and William Sonoma and are shipped around the United States. We have just grown so incredibly much that were at the point now where theres a lot of sacrifice happening for me personally, Orth said. New owner Jessica Hughes said shes excited to be taking on the business and has been a Calicutts customer for years. She stressed they will continue with the same products and service customers have grown to associate with the company. The Hughes also own Viscul, a brand consultancy and creative agency in Mechanicsburg. For us, what the spice blends allow us to do is to be able to bring people together, whether friends and family, she said. We hope this product does the same thing for you. 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. In yet another blow to Pakistan that has completely failed to stop the breeding of terror outfits on its soil, the global terror financing watchdog, FATF, on Wednesday decided to keep the Imran Khan-led country in the "Grey List". The FATF officials said that the decision was taken in the third and final plenary of the Task Force as the body observed that Pakistan has failed to check flow of money to terror groups like the LeT and the JeM - both of which are responsible for terror attacks in India. Notably, the plenary was held under the Chinese Presidency of Xiangmin Liu. "The FATF plenary decided continuation of Pakistan in 'Grey List' till its next meeting to be held in October," an official privy to the development told PTI. The decision has been taken as Pakistan has failed to check flow of money to terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), the official said. In February this year, JeM chief Masood Azhar and his family were reported missing, ahead of the beginning of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenary meet. In the same month, 26/11 mastermind and LeT chief Hafiz Saeed was convicted for five and a half years in two terror financing cases against him. Additionally, he was slapped with a fine of Rs15,000 in each case. The FATF decision comes on a day the US Country Reports on Terrorism slammed Pakistan as a safe harbour for "regionally focused terrorist groups" and allowing LeT and JeM to operate from its soil. The US State Department report said Pakistan took modest steps in 2019 to counter terror financing and restrain India-focused militant groups from conducting large-scale attacks following the February attack on a security convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). READ | Pakistan Court yet again defers order in Hafiz Saeed's terror financing cases until Feb 11 "Pakistan took action against some externally focused groups, including indicting Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed and associates in three separate terrorism financing cases. "However, Pakistan remained a safe harbour for other regionally focused terrorist groups. It allowed groups targeting Afghanistan, including the Afghan Taliban and affiliated HQN, as well as groups targeting India, including LeT and its affiliated front organisations, and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), to operate from its territory," the report said. What it means for Pakistan? With Pakistan's continuation in the 'Grey List', it will be difficult for the country to get financial aid from the IMF, World Bank, ADB and the European Union, thus further enhancing problems for the nation which is in a precarious financial situation. If Pakistan fails to comply with the FATF directive by October, there is every possibility that the global body may put the country in the 'Black List' along with North Korea and Iran. India has been maintaining that Pakistan extends regular support to terror groups like LeT, JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen, whose prime target is India, and has urged FATF to take action against Islamabad. READ | FATF blacklist stares Pakistan in the face for inaction against terror Pakistan of FATF list The FATF placed Pakistan on Grey List in June 2018. In August 2019, the Asia Pacific Joint Group (APJG) placed Pakistan in the enhanced follow up list for failure to meet the standards. The list was based on technical compliance and rated 'satisfactory' on meeting 10 points out of the 40. The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF currently has 39 members including two regional organisations -- the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council. India is a member of the FATF consultations and its Asia Pacific Group. Pakistan may soon be on FATF's 'dark grey' list, here's what it means (With PTI inputs) Ninetyone strikes occurred in Vietnam in the first five months of this year, mostly due to stagnant production a major negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on enterprises and workers. A worker gets free rice at a rice ATM at Que Vo Industrial Zone in the northern province of Bac Ninh. The province's Trade Union mobilised donations to launch the rice ATM programme. Only 66 strikes were reported in the same period last year and, in the whole year, there were a total of 121 strikes, half of those reported in 2018. Vice standing president of Vietnam General Confederation of Labour Tran Thanh Hai said at a meeting on Monday that the COVID-19 pandemic caused production to stagnate and, thus, enterprises were shut down, suspended or downsized. As a result, workers who stopped working asked for their rights and benefits to be ensured. When workers did not agree with their employers salary payment mechanisms, for example, year-end bonuses, delayed salary payments, or poor quality of meals provided at the enterprises canteens, they also went on strike, Hai said. As soon as the strikes happened, trade unions in the companies co-operated with authorities to settle the strikes and satisfy workers legitimate requests and the workers resumed work, he said. However, Hai said that in the strike of 8,000 workers at Taiwanese-invested Chi Hung Ltd Company in the northern province of Hai Duong late last month, false reports appeared on social media, criticising the role of the trade union. According to reports by local trade unions, by the end of April, as many as 5,681 enterprises and 1,310 non-public units nationwide were dissolved, suspended or reduced their production size, which affected jobs and livelihoods of over 461,000 workers. Hai said there were cases in which employers used measures forcing employees to terminate their contracts while the enterprises could still manage to maintain production. Enterprises specialising in producing goods for export, like textile or footwear companies, had to lay off some of their workers as major clients in pandemic-hit markets reduced or cancelled their orders. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour has worked together with the Government, agencies and the community in disease prevention and control as well as supporting COVID-19 affected workers. Nearly VND500 billion (US$216,500) was given to workers who were suffering difficulties during the pandemic. The trade unions in localities joined with other individuals and organisations to launch meaningful programmes like rice ATMs and zero-dong supermarkets which offer free essential goods to workers. The trade unions also called on landlords to reduce rental rates for workers. Chairwoman of HCM Citys Trade Union Tran Thi Dieu Thuy said that forecasting on the production, trade and employment of COVID-19-hit enterprises was needed, so proper measures would be taken to protect trade union members as well as ensure the livelihoods of workers. VNS Nearly 70,000 labourers in Hanoi lose jobs amid COVID-19 pandemic Nearly 70,000 labourers had lost their jobs amid the COVID-19 crisis as many enterprises in Ha Noi have been forced to scale down production or temporarily suspended operations, the citys Confederation of Labour has announced. All campaign staffers who attended President Donald Trump's rally are being asked to quarantine at home as a precaution after eight staffers tested positive for COVID-19 before and after the event. The Trump campaign revealed the decision to impose a quarantine in order to contain possible further spread of the coronavirus among those who worked the event to their families and others in the community. The decision comes after the U.S. Secret Service ordered dozens of officers who worked the event to quarantine upon return to their homes. All Trump campaign staffers who attended the president's rally in Tulsa on Saturday are being asked to quarantine at home after eight of them tested positive for the coronavirus 'As a precaution staff who made the trip to Tulsa are working remotely, and they will be tested and return working to the office after that,' Trump campaign communications director Tim Murtaugh said, CNN reported. The White House dismissed concerns about health risks at the rally before it happened. They noted that masks and hand-sanitizer would be available to attendees but that masks would not be required. 'Look, I think that we are confident that we can operate safely in Tulsa,' McEnany said before the event. 'Were taking appropriate measures like hand sanitizing and temperature checks and masks being provided at the door,' she said, bristling at repeated questions on the topic. She said she herself would not be wearing a mask at the rally as a 'personal choice.' The Washington Post reported after the rally that the two Secret Service agents who tested positive in advance of the event did not attend the rally but had been at a Friday planning meeting with other agents. It emerged Wednesday that dozens of Secret Service officers and agents who were in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday for President Donald Trump's rally were told to self-quarantine Trump continued his spate of travel when he flew to Wisconsin Thursday for a visit to Fincantieri Marinette Marine 'No COVID-positive staffers or anyone in immediate contact will be at today's rally or near attendees and elected officials,' Murtaugh had claimed Saturday. Yet, the Secret Service warned all employees who worked in Tulsa to isolate after they returned from the weekend trip. The health concerns compound other problems that turned the event into a tactical failure. Only 6,200 turned up for the 19,000-seat venue, as the area was experiencing a rise in coronavirus cases. The campaign had predicted a record turnout, and both Trump and campaign manager Brad Parscale touted 1 million online RSVPs, only to later say as many as 300,000 were fake sign-ups from TikTok users and K-pop fans who decided to troll the campaign. Trump brushed off critics of the event, saying: 'We had a nice crowd.' The campaign has not planned any large-scale rallies in the immediate future. Trump flew to Phoenix for an indoor event at a megachurch Wednesday, and held an event at a Wisconsin factory Thursday. Meanwhile, Trump trails in key battleground states he won, according to a new New York Times / Sienna poll. BEACHWOOD, Ohio -- Mayor Martin Horwitz is in the hospital with an undisclosed illness, but is alert and still serving as mayor. Beachwood Communications Coordinator Lynn B. Johnson said early Wednesday evening (June 24) that she had just finished speaking with Horwitz. Mayor Horwitz is in the hospital anticipating surgery, Johnson stated. This is not COVID-19 related. He has his computer and his cell phone with him and is attending to the business of the city. He is in close contact with his administration and with Council President James Pasch. That comes directly from the mayor, Johnson said. Citing HIPAA privacy laws, Johnson said she was unable to say anything further about Horwitzs condition. Horwitz, 67, was elected Beachwoods mayor in 2017. Read more from the Sun Press. At the beginning of this month, vivo unveiled its latest smartphone innovation: a gimbal optical image stabilization system, which the vivo X50 Pro uses for its main camera sensor instead of a traditional OIS system. The X50 Pro was joined in the spotlight by the vanilla X50 and the X50 Pro+ (although confusingly the latter drops the gimbal-like stabilization despite its name implying it's a step up in all areas compared to the Pro). That announcement was in China, for the Chinese market, but if you were patiently waiting to hear about a global release, here's some good news for you. vivo is going to take the X50 series out of China next month. That's everything we know so far - which, admittedly, isn't much. But expect these handsets to be found wherever vivo already has an official presence outside of its home country. So, in Asia, we will probably see them in - among other places - Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and, of course, India. We'll give you pricing and availability details once we have them. Via MAYOR GARCETTI ANNOUNCES SENIOR STAFF CHANGES Team will include Andre Herndon and Mary Hodge as Deputy Chiefs of Staff and Breelyn Pete as Deputy Mayor of Legislative and External Affairs Mayor Eric Garcetti today announced changes at the highest levels of his administration, elevating a number of experienced aides to senior posts. Angelenos are fortunate to have such a diverse, dedicated, and determined collection of public servants who wake up every day asking what they can do to make a difference, said Mayor Garcetti. These women and men are extraordinary leaders, and I look forward to working with them to build an even more just, equitable, and welcoming city. ADVERTISEMENT A wide range of longtime members of the Mayors team will take on new roles and responsibilities, effective immediately with everyone continuing to report to Chief of Staff Ana Guerrero. Andre Herndon will serve as Deputy Chief of Staff, managing policy development and implementation. Previously, Andre served as the Mayors Senior Communications Advisor. He will work closely with Matt Szabo, who will continue in his role as Deputy Chief of Staff as well. Mary Hodge will also serve as Deputy Chief of Staff, overseeing our operations, scheduling, and field teams along with all local, state, and federal affairs. Prior to this job, Mary worked as the Mayors Chief of Operations. Breelyn Pete will serve as Deputy Mayor of Legislative and External Affairs, assisting the Mayor with City Council, County, and regional leaders, and with his ongoing advocacy in Sacramento and Washington D.C. As part of this shift, the State and Federal Affairs office previously led by Breelyn will merge with the Legislative and External Affairs office. Now confirmed by the City Council, Greg Good will leave his post as Chief of Legislative and External Affairs to bring his wealth of knowledge and record of leadership to the Board of Public Works (BPW). From the earliest days of the Garcetti Administration, Greg has worked closely with City Council offices and led the Mayors engagement with Neighborhood Councils and community groups. Outgoing President of BPW, Kevin James, will join the Mayors staff as Chief of Legislative Affairs. All of these announcements come on the heels of last Fridays announcement that Brenda Shockley will serve as the citys first Chief Equity Officer, bringing her lifetime of experience fighting for racial justice to the center of our work at City Hall, while remaining in her post as Deputy Mayor for Economic Opportunity. A leading figure in the education sector is worried that Year 11 pupils in the UK are being neglected when they should be receiving urgent help. David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said that he is most worried about this age group in terms of catching up from lost time caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Year 11s, who are set to start college or sixth form in September, were not included in the 1billion package provided for the Government to help pupils catch-up in their education. Association of Colleges chief executive David Hughes is most worried about Year 11 pupils, who would normally be taking GCSE examinations this summer, when pupils return to school after the coronavirus lockdown Mr Hughes told MPs: 'We're particularly worried about Year 11s because Year 11s are not the priority for lots of schools, and particularly the Year 11s who are going to go on to college, and particularly the numbers who don't get a good grade in English and maths, because they struggle in the best of times. 'And we're not in the best of times. They will have had six months without any support. So they absolutely need extra support in the autumn otherwise they're going to be a long way behind. 'They won't be able to achieve the qualifications they are [seeking] so it's indefensible that that that group hasn't been supported yet.' Pupils in Year 11 normally stop receiving teaching in April, a few weeks before their GCSE assessments start, but the pandemic has led to the cancellation of all examinations meaning this age group will not have faced mandatory study in nearly six months come September. Meanwhile, Year 11 pupils' GCSE grades will be determined by predictions provided by their school and teachers. And when this age group enters college or sixth form at Year 12 stage, they will be looking ahead to A-Level preparation. Because GCSE teaching normally finishes in April, the Year 11 pupils, who will become Year 12 pupils looking ahead to A-Level preparation, will not have faced mandatory study in nearly six months However, all GCSE pupils who fail their English and maths 'exams' need to retake them until they pass, with these resits planned for the autumn. Mr Hughes added that the Association of Colleges has asked for more funding to help children who have felt neglected by their school or need added assistance in continuing their education in these testing times. He added: 'We've asked for 200 million, which will be a pupil premium-type upgrade for funding for those students who need it most, disadvantaged students, getting the extra support in the autumn to catch up after six months of probably some neglect.' He's newly single and back on the market after splitting from Francesca Farago earlier this month. And Too Hot to Handle star Harry Jowsey is now 'in talks' to be the next Australian Bachelor once his contract with Netflix expires. The 23-year-old reality star told Hit 101.9's Fifi, Fev and Byron he has several different projects in the pipeline. Here comes trouble! Too Hot to Handle star Harry Jowsey (pictured) is now 'in talks' to be the next Australian Bachelor once his contract with Netflix expires 'There are plenty of chats that are going on,' Harry said. He joked that he wouldn't be the best choice for the Bachelor, however, because he acts like a 'child' sometimes. 'Someone asked me if I wanted to be [the] Bachelor. I'm like, I'm f**king... a child - sorry, I probably can't swear,' he said. No thanks? The 23-year-old reality star told Hit 101.9's Fifi, Fev and Byron he has several different projects in the pipeline, including a possible stint on The Bachelor It's over! Harry is newly single and back on the market after splitting from Francesca Farago (pictured) last week He added: 'I'm 23. Do you seriously want me on Australian TV? Absolutely terrible! I don't know if I could date 20 chicks. That'd be an absolute nightmare.' Last week, Harry revealed details of his break-up with Francesca in a YouTube video titled 'I broke up with her'. 'I saw Francesca and I remember holding her... and I could feel how much she still loved me and I just didn't have that feeling anymore,' she said. 'But I didn't want to go because I knew what we had was super, super rare.' Done and dusted: Last week, Harry revealed details of his break-up with Francesca in a YouTube video titled 'I broke up with her' Harry finished the video on a high note, praising Francesca as a 'wonderful' and 'gorgeous' person who is 'well and truly out of my league'. The video was posted after Francesca had disclosed in her own YouTube video that Harry had been the one to end the relationship. She tearfully asked: 'How could you have a wedding ring folder with someone and how could you propose to someone, but you're also saying I can't be with you because of the distance?' Before the split, Harry had been living in Los Angeles and Francesca in Vancouver because of COVID-19 border closures. His decision: The video was posted after Francesca had disclosed in her own YouTube video that Harry had been the one to end the relationship She seemed to agree with Harry that the long distance was partly to blame for their split, but stressed that he was the one who wanted to break up. 'He decided to break up with me because he couldnt do long-distance anymore. I obviously was heartbroken. I did everything I could,' she shared. 'I cannot fake a relationship. I cannot pretend like everything is going to be okay.' The couple, who were known for their frisky antics on Netflix's Too Hot to Handle, had became engaged via Zoom during the Netflix reunion episode in May. As legal opinions go, this one ranks as interesting. Its timing and rationale, however, lean more into the realm of curious. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 24/6/2020 (577 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. As legal opinions go, this one ranks as "interesting." Its timing and rationale, however, lean more into the realm of "curious." Former Liberal justice minister Allan Rock and erstwhile Supreme Court judge Louise Arbour are part of a group that this week released an opinion suggesting Canada has the legal authority to withdraw its support of the U.S. effort to extradite and prosecute Chinese business executive Meng Wanzhou, who was detained at Vancouver International Airport on Dec. 1, 2018, under terms of a joint Canada-U.S. extradition treaty. She remains under house arrest in Canada and is living in a mansion in Vancouver. JONATHAN HAYWARD / CANADIAN PRESS FILES Meng Wanzhou remains under house arrest in Canada and is living in a mansion in Vancouver. According to Mr. Rock, the legal opinion would clear the way for Canada to release Ms. Meng, the chief financial officer of Chinese telecom giant Huawei, which might prompt Chinese authorities to release two Canadians who were subsequently arrested and imprisoned in apparent retaliation for Ms. Mengs detention. While it does not directly call for Ms. Mengs release, Mr. Rock and others assert that the legal opinion prepared by Toronto lawyer Brian Greenspan underlines the need for a "full debate based on a legitimate foundation of facts." The former justice minister accused the Trudeau government of being hesitant to take a stand on the Meng extradition case after having been embarrassed by revelations of political interference in the prosecution of SNC-Lavalin on fraud charges. The arrest of Ms. Meng, the chief financial officer of Chinese telecom giant Huawei, was sought by the U.S. on charges that she defrauded numerous financial institutions in violation of U.S. sanctions against Iran. In apparent retaliation, Chinese authorities arrested two Canadian citizens former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor and have held them captive for more than 560 days. 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 argument for considering Ms. Mengs release is based on the legal opinions assertion that the government can as stipulated in the Extradition Act withdraw its support for an extradition case at any time. The argument for considering Ms. Mengs release is based on the legal opinions assertion that the government can as stipulated in the Extradition Act withdraw its support for an extradition case at any time. The governments position has been that the independence of the judicial process must be respected so it would inappropriate to intervene. "My concern is once bitten, twice shy," Mr. Rock told the Globe and Mail, referring to the SNC-Lavalin embarrassment. "In SNC, they shouldnt have and they did. Here, they can and they should (intervene), but they wont, because they think they cant. And theyre wrong." That the legal opinion which has been provided to current Justice Minister David Lametti will spark spirited debate about the goverments handling of the Meng affair goes without saying. As Mr. Rock points out, a judges decision on the extradition case might not come before 2024 which would surely guarantee an equally prolonged imprisonment for "the two Michaels." SEAN KILPATRICK / CANADIAN PRESS FILES Former federal justice minister Allan Rock Whats unclear, however, is what Mr. Rock et al hoped to accomplish by going public with their legal argument. As a former Liberal cabinet minister, he would surely have contacts within the current government to whom he could have offered his groups advice. A public airing of the grievance is unlikely to prompt a reversal of the governments position, which is based partly on the long-held understanding that acquiescing to extortion demands such as those implied by Chinas unjustified arrest of the two Canadians will only invite future similar abuses. Seeking to hasten the release of Messrs. Kovrig and Spavor is an effort all Canadians would support. Abandoning an extradition agreement and surrendering to what effectively amounts to a kidnappers demand, however, might not be the best way to accomplish that laudable goal. As a founding member, the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) has been involved in EUnetHTA, a European network for Health Technology Assessment (HTA), since 2006. The European Union supports the network. Following the outbreak of the corona pandemic, the EU Directorate of Health called on the EUnetHTA partners to make a scientific commitment to combating the pandemic. Against this background, IQWiG has now supported the Health Agency of the Emilia Romagna region in Bologna in an initial assessment of coronavirus diagnostics. Initiator of the HTA report was the Italian partner organisation, which also defined the topic. A Welsh partner co-authored the report in addition to IQWiG. Two types of Corona tests RT-PCR test: Rapidly after the outbreak of the corona pandemic, researchers developed methods to detect the virus directly. For this purpose, a smear is taken from the mouth, nose or throat area and examined for genetic traces of the virus. This method is known under the abbreviation RT-PCR and has a high accuracy. However, a few days after infection the body reacts to the virus. If the body's immune defence fights and destroys the virus, it is difficult or impossible to detect it with the RT-PCR test. The RT-PCR test is not subject of the EUnetHTA report that has been published now. Antibody test: This second type of coronavirus test measures the body's immune response. The antibodies produced by the body are detected - usually by measuring the immunoglobulins M and G. Since the body needs several days to produce a measurable immune response, antibody tests only react with a strong delay after an infection. Antibody tests for the coronavirus are therefore too slow to detect or rule out an acute infection when relevant symptoms occur. However, antibody tests can be used in field studies to determine the proportion of the population having undergone a coronavirus infection (seroprevalence). Neither immunity nor non-infectivity can be reliably detected Having analyzed a total of 40 studies worldwide, the authors of the EUnetHTA report conclude that antibody tests can detect a past infection with the SARS coronavirus 2. However, the accuracy of the tests is not yet sufficient. Above all, it is still questionable whether a positive test result can be interpreted as a sign of immunity against re-infection. Moreover, a positive test result after recovery from an infection is no reliable proof that the person can no longer transmit the virus to other people. Using corona diagnostics correctly Due to the urgency of the matter, the EUnetHTA report that is now available was drawn up unusually quickly (within 6 weeks). As new study results are to be expected almost weekly, the assessment of the antibody tests will presumably be updated in about 3 months - again under the leadership of the Health Agency in Bologna and with the support of IQWiG. The report results shall help to ensure that coronavirus diagnostics are properly used and developed in Europe and worldwide. However, the current EUnetHTA report has no direct consequences for the question of whether coronavirus antibody tests in Germany are paid for by the statutory health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung [GKV]). At present, the tests are available as a benefit of the GKV, but the necessity of testing must be justified in each individual case. A positive test result must be reported. ### Detailed questions on the assessment of the antibody tests are answered by the Italian lead authors of the EUnetHTA report. HOLIDAY makers will be able to travel to a 'green list' over countries with low coronavirus rates under government plans to ease restrictions on non-essential international travel.(stock photo) HOLIDAY makers will be able to travel to a 'green list' of countries with low coronavirus rates under government plans to ease restrictions on non-essential international travel. But massive uncertainty remains as it could be as late as July 9 when the list of countries will be confirmed, and it will be reviewed every two weeks after that. It came as Cabinet also signed off on plans to develop an exemption from the limits on the number of people attending religious ceremonies and face coverings are to become mandatory on public transport. In what could be his last press conference as Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar said serving in the role has been "the honour of my life". Expand Close Leo Varadkar on a Dublin Bus, encouraging passengers to wear face masks on public transport (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Leo Varadkar on a Dublin Bus, encouraging passengers to wear face masks on public transport (Niall Carson/PA) He announced plans for the easing of coronavirus restrictions on international travel saying people travelling home from countries on the so-called 'green list' won't be required to go into quarantine for 14 days. He said the list of countries is to be produced by July 9 and checks and controls will also be stepped up at ports and airports. The passenger locator form system is to go online and there will be an expanded list of essential workers who can travel to and from countries that aren't on the 'green list' Mr Varadkar said the list of countries will be coordinated on an EU level. He added: "I do need to caution people that that list of countries will be reviewed and it may change every two weeks. "So we may see it getting longer but if a country ends up having a second wave or there are particular spikes then they may be taken off that list of countries." Asked if Britain will be on the list he said: "That will depend on the data between now and then. "I think everyone knows at the moment the instances are very high in Britain at the moment - that may change - it does appear to be going in the right direction." Mr Varadkar also said that there are plans to make an exemption to the number of people that can gather indoors for churches. He said: "At the moment we're only allowing 50 people maximum to meet indoors. "That will go to 100 on the 20th of July however a specific protocol is going to be worked with churches and religious bodies to allow more people to attend religious ceremonies. "That will be very much policed by them. "It will really acknowledge the fact that there are some very large churches that could accommodate more than 50 people with social distancing, with precautions, but the detail of that still has to be worked out." Earlier today the Cabinet has given the green light for phase three of the lifting of restrictions to go ahead on Monday. The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) this afternoon signed off on plans for a major reopening of society with restaurants, pubs and hairdresser to open their doors to customers from Monday. However the group, led by Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan, urged the Government to exercise caution when they consider easing the rules on air travel restrictions. Read More On face masks, health minister Simon Harris said the hope is the government will be in a position to introduce regulations providing for their mandatory use on public transport in the next seven to ten days. He said there will be "sanctions" for non-compliance but "Im not yet in a position to detail how some of those issues around enforcement will work." Mr Harris said the government hasn't given any consideration to providing face coverings but that people shouldn't wait for the law to change. He added: "You just need to get yourself a face covering. Were not talking about a medical face mask. "You can make them at home, theres very good and simple videos online through the Department of Healths website." He said people should get into the habit of carrying one with them . Mr Harris said the use of face coverings in other settings remains under review when asked about the prospect of them being made mandatory in supermarkets as well. He said the rationale behind the planned regulations for public transport is that there is a need for extra capacity on buses and trains where it's not possible to keep two-metre social distancing. Mr Harris added: "There is very clear public health advice around supermarkets, shops and anywhere you cant socially distance, you should wear a face covering in those situations." The Taoiseach said that he hopes there to be a national commemoration day to remember the pandemic. Our country has suffered greatly. Our mental health has eroded. This has been a tough time for us all but we have come through it as a country. We need to learn the lessons, learn from experience and be ready for a second wave or a different kind of pandemic or emergency. He also took the opportunity to thank the Irish people for his time as Taoiseach. Mr Varadkar said the country should be grateful for the leadership shown by Dr Tony Holohan. His command of crisis gave us confidence. We defined what frontline work really means, not all heroes wear scrubs, some work in supermarkets. Only you know the true weight of the burden you carried over the past few months. Sorry for everything you had to go through. Our country has suffered but it has prevailed. We emerge to face a new day, the Taoiseach added. The roadmap for reopening the country was redrafted last week to allow more businesses open and more interaction between people from this coming Monday. It is understood Mr Holohan did not make any recommendation on easing the restriction on masses or places of worship despite being asked directly to do so by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. The Cabinet has decided to enter into dialogue with religious leaders on lifting mass gathering rules for places of worship. However, there is no immediate plans to ease restrictions for churches or other places of worship. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin criticised the limit put on church gathering. Expand Close The Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin said the 50 person limit was strange and disappointing (PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin said the 50 person limit was strange and disappointing (PA) Religious buildings and all other places of worship can reopen from June 29, as can museums, galleries, theatres, concert halls and other cultural outlets. Restaurants, pubs, cinemas, music venues leisure facilities, bingo halls, arcades, skating rinks, amusement parks and gyms are also cleared to welcome customers again. However, nightclubs will remain closed until at least July 10. Always speak up when you witness something that is not right. It could be something obvious like a racist joke, but could also be more covert such as everyone ignoring the idea of a non-white colleague but praising it when a white colleagues raises the same idea. Loading A joke is never just a joke for the person being made fun of, especially if someone has been on the receiving end of others racist jokes all their life. Showing solidarity with the person on the receiving end of racist jokes or invalidating behaviours and speaking up on their behalf can go a long way. Also: racist behaviour is not OK even if the victim laughs or shrugs it off. Many people from minority backgrounds have been sidelined all their lives and have normalised or internalised such treatment. That is a sad indictment of Australian society and such treatment needs to be condemned, not supported. Another issue is to check whether seemingly good intentions are actually offensive. At one of my first part-time jobs, the first thing a colleague said to me was Do you know why Asians have slanty eyes? He had seen a documentary on it and wanted to show off his new knowledge. Peoples appearances and identities are not fair game for white people to show off how clever they think they are (such as saying Ni hao to any Asian-looking person) or to satisfy their curiosity about why someone doesnt look or speak like a white Anglo person (Where are you originally from?). The World Health Organization (WHO)s regional director for Europe, Hans Kluge, on Thursday praised Spain and several other countries for responding quickly to new coronavirus outbreaks, but warned that the continent is experiencing a resurgence in cases as restrictions are lifted. Spain, which lifted its state of alarm on Sunday, yesterday reported the highest number of new daily infections in three weeks, and health experts are expressing concern about the publics increasingly relaxed attitude towards prevention measures. A Red Cross refugee center in Malaga has had an outbreak with 80 positive cases, including workers, volunteers and migrants living at the facility. In Navalmoral de la Mata (Caceres), authorities have launched a search for an individual at the origin of an outbreak with 20 confirmed and 30 suspected cases who has gone missing. And in Andalusia, authorities are investigating two potential outbreaks in Granada and Huelva. Officials have reported five active clusters across the southern region. A coronavirus outbreak has been detected at the Red Cross center in Malaga. Daniel Perez (EFE) The spike in infections comes as the lower house of parliament, the Congress of Deputies, on Thursday approved a government decree setting out the rules of Spains new normality following one of the worlds strictest lockdowns. The decree was introduced by the coalition government of the Socialist Party (PSOE) and the leftist Unidas Podemos group, and backed by the main opposition Popular Party (PP), Ciudadanos (Citizens) and the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) for a total of 265 votes in favor. The far-right Vox, the far-left Basque party EH Bildu, and the Catalan separatists of Together for Catalonia and Catalan Republican Left (ERC) voted against. Health Minister Salvador Illa on Thursday defended the new decree, which includes safety measures intended to avoid a new wave of Covid-19 infections in a country that has already experienced one of the worlds worst epidemics in terms of deaths per 100,000 inhabitants and infected healthcare workers. The regulations make it mandatory to use face masks in closed spaces as well as in open ones if it is not possible to maintain a safety distance of 1.5 meters between people. The decree also includes contingency plans for potential new outbreaks and makes provisions to reinforce primary healthcare services. Illa insisted that the danger is still there and that it is necessary to maintain all necessary precautions to contain the spread of the epidemic. He added that the decree will remain in place until the executive determines that the pandemic has ended. ERTE is extended The government, unions and employers have clinched a deal to extend Spains furlough scheme, ERTE, to September 30. Under the system, companies suffering losses from the Covid-19 pandemic and the confinement measures can temporarily send home workers or reduce their working hours. Thousands of businesses have filed for ERTEs since a lockdown was introduced in mid-March, but the scheme was due to end on June 30, approximately coinciding with the end of restrictions. With reporting by Anabel Diez, Javier Casqueiro and Manuel V. Gomez. English version by Susana Urra. Zhongguancun, known as China's Silicon Valley, is a site of world-leading cutting-edge technology, where new ideas are being born, and the latest technology abounds. Many in Japan are unaware of this side of contemporary China, though. The author, born in Tokyo and raised in Beijing, is now engaged in China-Japan exchange projects. He discusses the future relationship between the two countries, focusing on the youth. Experiencing the China Miracle To me, Japan feels like my motherland, but China seems like my hometown. My early childhood memories are of walking through the streets of Beijing in winter holding a bingtanghulu (a traditional snack of candied hawberry on a bamboo skewer). Nineteen years living in Beijing turned this Tokyo tot into a bona fide Beijinger. In summer 2000, aged 5, I moved to Beijing with my parents, whose work took them there. I had imagined China as a flat, expansive country, epitomized by Tiananmen Square, which I knew from television, and people rushing about their daily lives by bicycle. I recall my surprise at finding that it was actually not so different from Tokyo. Looking out of the windows of our home and seeing the high-rise buildings and elevated highways, I saw that Beijing was a metropolis. In 2001, the year after we moved, Beijing was chosen to host the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, and China gained admission to the World Trade Organization. This marked the start of a miraculous economic growth phase for the country, bringing even greater changes to its capitals cityscape. The nation was particularly invigorated following the Olympics, with further acceleration in economic growthas it steadily realized its place as a member of the global community. For someone of my generation, born after the bursting of Japans economic bubble, it was a valuable experience. The longer I stayed in Beijing, the more accustomed I grew to living there, until I considered myself a true Beijinger. I loved luzhu huoshao, a traditional street food made with pork, offal, and tofu, served with bread, and beibingyang, a carbonated drink popular with all age groups. I also acquired a typical Beijing accent, characterized by rhotacization, a heavy r-sound made by rolling the tongue. In summer, I often meandered through Nanluoguxiang, an old-fashioned hutong (alleyway) in Beijings Dongcheng district, while enjoying dahongguo (an ice treat made with hawberry). In winter, I loved to go skating at the natural ice-covered lake in Houhai, part of the citys Xicheng district. Before I knew it, I adored Beijing, and indeed China as whole. Realizing I Was a Foreigner Soon, I had spent more of my life in Beijing than in Japan. But of course, from time to time, I was forced to confront my foreignnessalthough I spoke the local language, there was no escaping prejudice and discrimination. One day in high school, I was shopping with a friend, speaking Japanese, when a shopkeeper called us Riben guizi (Japanese devils, a well-known derogatory term) as we walked by. Perhaps the shopkeeper did not harbor ill intentions, but it was still hurtfulboth of us had lived in Beijing for many years. In contrast, when I returned to Japan, although I was just another student, I was personally subjected to criticism and discrimination aimed at China. At that time, rather than attempt to find a solution, I chose to avoid such situations. I would give vague responses to questions concerning the subtleties of identity. Both countries hold great significance and sentimental value to me. Even after I started university, I spent each day fretting over the question of where I came from and where I was headed. Looking back on it now, I realize that my doubts were meaningless. In modern society, identity is a commoditywhat is important is how we perceive such things as we go about our daily lives. A Mission to Communicate the Real China After I entered graduate school, I became less concerned with identity. At the same time, I made an important decision for myselfto become involved in China-Japan exchange projects. By taking action, rather than agonizing, I realized that could steer matters in the direction of my ideals. I recognized the value of sharing the reality of China in writing, and, more importantly, of encouraging Japanese people to visit China and experience it themselves, to assist mutual understanding. Japan and China are continuing to strengthen economic ties, and have become indispensable to one another, yet they are unable to completely overcome the historical and psychological issues that divide them. Despite being closely related both geographically and culturally, they remain distant. In China, you see the latest technology everywhere, and cashless payment is so widespread that the people hardly require wallets. Zhongguancun and the city of Shenzhen, adjacent to Hong Kong, are key hubs for the ongoing development of new ideas and technologies. Beijings environment is also improving, with blue skies returning. Anti-Japanese sentiment is not the sole perspectivemany Chinese people have developed an affection for Japan and its culture after traveling here. I wonder how many Japanese people are familiar with the real China. During Chinas period of reform and liberalization, the people who worked for the normalization of relations between Japan and China retreated from the front lines. I believe that it is my generation who are tasked with the mission of building the new era of Sino-Japanese relations. The authors graduation from Tsinghua University postgraduate studies (third from the right). The Visit China Summer Program for High School Students In 2018, while still a post-graduate student, I established Dot Station with my friends Ito Makoto and Arimitsu Hayato. This summer program takes Japanese high school students to China to experience the nations modern reality. By inviting students to China, the program aims to encourage them to view the country without prejudice, and provides an opportunity for them to expand their skills. Dot signifies the joining of the dots of the individual students, while the program hopes to be the departure Station for their experience. To date, we have run the program twice, in 2018 and 2019, and 23 high school students have taken part. Many of them had previously studied in the United States, Canada, or Britain, and they were curious to see China, on track to become the global economic leader, with their own eyes. Some of the students also decided to attend university in China as a result of the program. The visit focuses on providing realistic experiences of Chinese technology, entrepreneurship, and policyaspects generally neglected by the Japanese media. We contacted the research institutes at our alma mater, Tsinghua University, and other organizations, to arrange a tailor-made program, according to the interests of the participants. Our group toured the headquarters of ByteDanceoperator of the video-sharing platform TikTok, and the worlds biggest so-called unicorn, or privately held startup valued at over $1 billionand met with various entrepreneurs. We also visited the Japanese Embassy in China to listen to active diplomats speaking about Sino-Japanese relations from their vantage point in the country, as opposed to the perspective from back home. Prior to traveling, many participants held a negative image of China, having been fed stories of air pollution and food production scandals by the Japanese media. Through our program, they experienced another, unfamiliar side of China, providing a very different impression of the country. We established and structured the program from the perspective of students, and promoted it and made appointments with businesses on this basis. We even used crowdfunding to help sponsor the program. Fortunately, we gained support from many who empathized with our enthusiasm to deepen mutual understanding between the neighboring countries. More than anything, the greatest returns from this weeklong opportunity came in the form of participants seeing China with their own eyes and growing through their various experiences. The high school students who joined the first program in 2018 have since entered university, and some are assisting Dot Stations operations for the third round in 2020. It is satisfying to see the hopes of the programs three founders being perpetuated by the students. Working in Tokyo with Fond Memories of China Starting in spring 2019, just before I graduated, I wrote a series of articles for the Japanese magazine Nikkei X Trend about trends among Chinese youth and the latest business information. Consequently, I was also asked to write a book. The result was published in March 2020: Seika daisei ga mita saisentan shakai, Chugoku no riaru (The Real China: A Tsinghua University Students View of This Cutting-edge Society) The book depicts modern Chinese development from the perspective of a Japanese student, with a focus on the Chinese youth who will lead their country in the future. I wrote the book to help Japanese young people to gain a better understanding of the current reality of China, whereby they can reassess their assumptions and discover new options. Natsumes book, published in March 2020. It discusses aspects of China today that go largely unreported in the Japanese media. The message I most wanted to share is that Japan and China can grow together by cooperating and collaborating, rather than competing. I returned to Japan after graduating in July 2019, and now work for a Japanese governmental agency on projects linking Japan and China. Despite this, I still have strong nostalgia for my hometown on the continent. Southern Liang dynasty poet He Xun wrote: When spring comes to the capital, guests yearn for their hometown. As I walk the tree-lined streets of Tokyo, I recite the Chinese poem, Spring comes, and amid the falling cherry petals, the faint smell of peonies, I recall my hometown. Natsume has been working since October 2019 at a Japanese governmental agency, where his tasks include interpreting for important guests from China. (Translated from Japanese. Originally published on the Japan Science and Technology Agencys website Kyakkan Nippon (Japan Objectively), created for a Chinese readership. Banner photo: High school students visiting Tsinghua University on the 2018 Dot Station summer program. The author is standing behind the group, arms raised. Photos provided by the author.) Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East Paris Jackson has debuted new music for the first time, she also shared unseen footage of father Michael Jackson. Paris will be part of a new reality series called Unfiltered: Paris Jackson And Gabriel Glenn. While sharing the first look and trailer, she talked about the pressure she felt to fall in her father's footsteps. Unfiltered: Paris Jackson And Gabriel Glenn is set to be launched via Facebook Watch next week on June 30. The rare footage of Michael Jackson shows him playing around with kids at home. In the clip, she can be seen talking to her father about wanting to do what he does. Michael then asks her, if she also wants to dance and sing like her dad, to which young Paris nods happily. In the trailer, Paris explains why it took her so long to release music. "You see a kid grow up in the public eye, you forget that I am a human. I was against letting the world in because it wasn't a choice. I wasn't ready then. I feel like I'm ready now." The new music has been released as part of The Soundflowers. The ban is a duo, with Paris and her boyfriend Gabriel Glenn. Talking about the collaboration she said, "When I met Gabe, I immediately just vibed and started making music. I feel like we're the same level of damaged. Gabe understands the pain I've gone through in my life and he's helped me realise this is what I was born to do." The synopsis for the Unfiltered: Paris Jackson And Gabriel Glenn, reads, "pull back the curtain with honest conversation surrounding topics that are central to their lives like spirituality, sexuality, music, family and more." It reportedly focuses on her process of creating the new EP, long with Gabriel. Earlier this year, reports revealed that Paris Jackson will be seen playing Jesus in the upcoming independent drama titled, Habit. Remembering The King Of Pop: 7 Iconic Dance Moves By Michael Jackson We are pleased to recognize Dr. Tarek Pacha as a UroLift Center of Excellence for his commitment to providing consistent care to BPH patients using the UroLift System treatment, said Dave Amerson NeoTract, a wholly owned subsidiary of Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX) focused on addressing unmet needs in the field of urology, today announced that Tarek Pacha, D.O., Memorial Heathcare in Owosso, MI, has been designated as a UroLift Center of Excellence. The designation recognizes that Dr. Pacha has achieved a high level of training and experience with the UroLift System and demonstrated a commitment to exemplary care for men suffering from symptoms associated with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate. Recommended for the treatment of BPH in both the American Urological Association and European Association of Urology clinical guidelines, the FDA-cleared Prostatic Urethral Lift procedure using the UroLift System is a proven, minimally invasive technology for treating lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH. The UroLift permanent implants, delivered during a transurethral outpatient procedure, relieve prostate obstruction and open the urethra directly without cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue. The UroLift Center of Excellence program is designed to highlight urologists who are committed to educating their patients on BPH and the UroLift System as a treatment option and consistently seek to deliver excellent patient outcomes and experiences. We are pleased to recognize Dr. Tarek Pacha as a UroLift Center of Excellence for his commitment to providing consistent care to BPH patients using the UroLift System treatment, said Dave Amerson, president of the Teleflex Interventional Urology business unit. This achievement has helped many patients experience durable, long- term relief from the burdensome symptoms of BPH while preserving sexual function*1,2. Over 40 million men in the United States are affected by BPH, a condition that occurs when the prostate gland that surrounds the male urethra becomes enlarged with advancing age and begins to obstruct the urinary system. Symptoms of BPH often include interrupted sleep and urinary problems and can cause loss of productivity, depression and decreased quality of life. Medication is often the first-line therapy for enlarged prostate, but relief can be inadequate and temporary. Side effects of medication treatment can include sexual dysfunction, dizziness and headaches, prompting many patients to quit using the drugs. For these patients, the classic alternative is surgery that cuts, heats or removes prostate tissue to open the blocked urethra. While current surgical options can be very effective in relieving symptoms, they can also leave patients with permanent side effects such as urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and retrograde ejaculation. About the UroLift System The FDA-cleared UroLift System is a proven, minimally invasive technology for treating lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The UroLift permanent implants, delivered during a minimally invasive transurethral outpatient procedure, relieve prostate obstruction and open the urethra directly without cutting, heating, or removing prostate tissue. Clinical data from a pivotal 206-patient randomized controlled study showed that patients with enlarged prostate receiving UroLift implants reported rapid and durable symptomatic and urinary flow rate improvement without compromising sexual function*1,2. Patients also experienced a significant improvement in quality of life. Over 100,000 men have been treated with the UroLift System in the U.S. Most common adverse events reported include hematuria, dysuria, micturition urgency, pelvic pain, and urge incontinence. Most symptoms were mild to moderate in severity and resolved within two to four weeks after the procedure. The Prostatic Urethral Lift procedure using the UroLift System is recommended for the treatment of BPH in both the American Urological Association and European Association of Urology clinical guidelines. The UroLift System is available in the U.S., Europe, Australia, Canada, Mexico and South Korea. Learn more at http://www.UroLift.com. About NeoTract | Teleflex Interventional Urology A wholly owned subsidiary of Teleflex Incorporated, the Interventional Urology Business Unit is dedicated to developing innovative, minimally invasive and clinically effective devices that address unmet needs in the field of urology. Our initial focus is on improving the standard of care for patients with BPH using the UroLift System, a minimally invasive permanent implant system that treats symptoms while preserving normal sexual function*1,2. Learn more at http://www.NeoTract.com. About Teleflex Incorporated Teleflex is a global provider of medical technologies designed to improve the health and quality of peoples lives. We apply purpose driven innovation a relentless pursuit of identifying unmet clinical needs to benefit patients and healthcare providers. Our portfolio is diverse, with solutions in the fields of vascular and interventional access, surgical, anesthesia, cardiac care, urology, emergency medicine and respiratory care. Teleflex employees worldwide are united in the understanding that what we do every day makes a difference. For more information, please visit http://www.teleflex.com. Teleflex is the home of Arrow, Deknatel, Hudson RCI, LMA, Pilling, Rusch, UroLift and Weck trusted brands united by a common sense of purpose # # # For Teleflex Incorporated: Jake Elguicze, 610.948.2836 Treasurer and Vice President, Investor Relations Media: Nicole Osmer, 650.454.0504 nicole@healthandcommerce.com *No instances of new, sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction 1. Roehrborn, J Urology 2013 LIFT Study 2. McVary, J Sex Med 2016 MAC00968-01 Rev A To be launched later this year, the programme will help participating publishers monetize their content through an enhanced storytelling experience that lets people go deeper into more complex stories, stay informed and be exposed to a world of different issues and interests. San Francisco, June 25 (IANS) As traditional media outlets urge social media giants to give their dues for using their news content especially during the difficult Covid-19 times, Google on Thursday announcing a new licensing programme to pay publishers for high-quality content. "We will start with publishers in a number of countries around the globe, with more to come soon," Brad Bender, VP Product Management, News, said in a statement. To begin with, Google has signed partnerships with local and national publications in Germany, Australia and Brazil. In Australia, public broadcasters ABC and SBS earlier sought direct payments from Google and Facebook for using their content under the upcoming mandatory code of conduct for online platforms. Following suggestions that online platforms should be forced to pay publishers in Australia AU$600 million or more every year, Google said earlier this month that the direct economic value it gets from News content in Search is "very small". With the new licensing programme, where available, Google will also offer to pay for free access for users to read paywalled articles on a publisher's site. This will let paywalled publishers grow their audiences and open an opportunity for people to read content they might not ordinarily see, said the tech giant. Google's publisher partners said this is a positive shift. "This interesting new partnership with Google will allow us to curate an experience that will bring our award-winning editorial voice into play, broaden our outreach and provide trusted news in a compelling way across Google products," said Stefan Ottlitz, managing director of Germany's SPIEGEL Group. To date, The Google News Initiative (GNI) has provided funding to more than 5,300 local publications globally via a Journalism Emergency Relief Fund, an ad-serving fee waiver on Google Ad Manager and a $15 million Support Local News Campaign to help alleviate some immediate economic constraints. "Over the years, we've built audiences and driven economic value for publishers by sending people to news sites over 24 billion times a month, giving publishers the opportunity to offer ads or subscriptions and increase the audience for their content," informed Bender. --IANS na/ GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- Organizers of the Genesee County Fair say they havent yet received an order that would cause them to cancel this years event and are proceeding with plans to hold it during the last week in August. MLive-The Flint Journal could not immediately reach Christian Miller, executive director of the fair, for comment on Thursday, June 25, but in a posting on the fairs Facebook page, the Genesee County Agricultural Society said it has not received any official correspondence from the (county) Board of Health, (Health Officer) John McKellar or the county Board of Commissioners. The Board of Health on Wednesday, June 24, authorized McKellar to issue an emergency order require the cancellation of this years fair because of health concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic, and McKellar told The Journal he intends to do so. The Agricultural Society is not at liberty to speculate as to the specific details for which the Board of Healths decision was derived, the Facebook page for the fair says. The Agricultural Society, a non-profit organization, puts on the fair, the longest-running annual event in the county. Michigan law gives the county health officer the right to take actions and make determinations necessary or appropriate to protect the public health and prevent disease. The law also says a health officer may maintain injunctive action to restrain, prevent, or correct an activity or condition that the health officer believes adversely affects the public health. McKellar said Wednesday that public health officials are concerned about the potential for COVID-19 to spread during large-scale events like the fair and have been monitoring plans by organizers of that and other events that draw large crowds. Most events, like the Crim Festival of Races and Bikes on the Bricks, have already cancelled or made plans to make significant changes to this years programs. On Thursday, June 25, organizers of Back to the Bricks announced its annual car show will not take place in downtown Flint due to coronavirus concerns and many of the organizations programs that typically draw thousands to the city each summer have been cancelled or modified as well. Health officials intend to cancel Genesee County Fair with emergency COVID-19 order Back to the Bricks cancels events in downtown Flint, pushes forward with modified plan Health department could force big Flint-area summer events to cancel By Trend Poland is ready for cooperation with Azerbaijan in many spheres apart from the energy sector, Press Office Director at Polands Foreign Ministry Andrzej Fafara told Trend. "It can be important in diversifying the Azerbaijani economy. We see the potential to further develop the cooperation in the agricultural sector, including in trade of food products, raw materials, machinery and exchanging the experiences under the twinning projects. Polish manufacturers offer modern, quality equipment at competitive prices and have been delivering agricultural machinery to your country. Our ministers for agriculture met in Baku last year. Poland is a partner in three EU member states consortium in the project dedicated to strengthening the institutional capacity for implementing effective state support measures in agricultural sector and rural development of Azerbaijan. Under this twinning project we are sharing our knowledge on the evolution of the state support schemes within the European Union, best practices and provide advice for Azerbaijani colleagues bearing in mind all the differences and various conditions," he said. Fafara pointed out that there is still a potential in cooperation regarding public procurement. "I believe we would all like to see more companies from Azerbaijan and Poland participating in transparent public tenders on both markets. Poland sees the importance of cooperation in medical and pharmaceutical sector as well. Your institutions, business associations and entities were already informed on the Anti-COVID Offer by Polish Business platform, that contains examples of products and solutions offered by Polish entrepreneurs and researchers which can help better respond to the coronavirus crisis and its impact," he said. Fafara noted that Poland is also delivering equipment to be used in the battle against COVID to Eastern Partnership partners, including Azerbaijan. "The Polish and Azerbaijani companies develop effective contacts in transport and logistics sector, machine industry and chemical industry, but as well in IT, shipbuilding, tourism and electronics," he added. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The Source for Small Businesses Continues Impressive Subscriber Growth Tempe, Arizona--(Newsfile Corp. - June 25, 2020) - Kading Companies dba Business Warrior (OTC Pink: KDNG), the source for small businesses in America to enhance their brand and boost marketing results, announces that 50M shares of issued common stock will be returned to the company's treasury from the previous Chairman. This brings the issued common stock to 281M down from 331M shares to the benefit of existing shareholders. Business Warrior - Logo To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://media.zenfs.com/en-us/newsfile_64/c7058ba293b94b2d97af4430f3b1dc29 This announcement comes on the heels of the company's first public call for current and potential shareholders. Current Chairman and CEO, Rhett Doolittle, hosted the call and highlighted several areas the company's results are on track or outperforming expectations. Business Warrior's primary product is a software solution for small businesses to improve marketing results and increase profits. Doolittle shared that subscriber growth is increasing each month consistently, their marketing results are outperforming expectations, and they announced a major new product release for July 15th. Consistent Increase in Rate of Acquiring New Subscribers The company announced that subscriber growth beat expectations and continues to do so month over month. As COVID hit the United States, Doolittle shared the strategy the company took to support businesses by leveraging their software, which helped them adapt to the changing environment. Business Warrior was able to increase new subscribers immensely, solve problems for small businesses, and expand their marketing reach. In the last six months, the company has had a 225% increase in their rate of acquiring new subscribers, and they're on pace for a record month in June. As of June 23rd, they've already surpassed May's results with seven more days left in the month. Story continues Business Warrior - Subscriber Growth To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/7087/58550_b4952f03f4ed6932_002full.jpg "The explosive growth rate of subscribers is what all major SAAS companies strive for and our team is feeling great about the stand we took for small businesses when COVID hit the nation," explains Jonathan Brooks, President of Business Warrior. Marketing Results Outperform Expectations During the call, the company announced that their marketing results have massively improved resulting in a cost per acquisition of $22 per new subscriber. This is a decrease from $75 per new subscriber in December. Despite the horrific economical effect of COVID, the Business Warrior team has been able to market to small businesses successfully. With the improved cost per acquisition, the company is scaling their marketing efforts by tripling the number of advertising campaigns in July, offering more resources to small businesses. This is a part of their long-term strategy to be the source of peak performance and marketing for small businesses. "Being trusted as the source for small businesses is beyond just helping small businesses with marketing. It's using our platform to recognize the most current problems facing small businesses and then creating solutions to solve those problems," said Brooks. Launch of Four New Products July 15th The company provided an early peak at their marketplace, which is being launched on July 15th with four new solutions for their subscribers. The solutions will be priced between $99 and $399 per month on a recurring basis. These products were developed based on the demand from their current customer base and solving the problems that the Business Warrior software found with their customers. This is the largest product release the company has had since they launched the platform last year and it's the key to the company getting cash-flow positive next year. Doolittle explained on the call that based on current performance and the strategy going forward they are planning on being cash-flow positive by mid 2021. Watch the Q1 2020 shareholder call - here Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJxBHHhW-Vk About Business Warrior Business Warrior is the source for small businesses in America to enhance their brand and boost marketing results. The Business Warrior software takes a holistic view of a business's online reputation, listings, website search results and social media. Predictive algorithms are utilized to recommend the most imperative actions needed to drive new customers, positively impact daily operations and improve profitability. For more information, please visit businesswarrior.com Investor Relations: investors@businesswarrior.com (855) 884-5805 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/58550 The conception, birth and ministry of Jesus Christ were nothing shrouded in secrecy. Long before each of the phases in the life of Gods only son, His father had announced them and true to the prophecies, they all came to pass one after the other. But why did you think He was also crucified? The answer is not far fetched: because he fulfilled his destiny as prophesied long before his coming. That was His only sin. Besides, as the Bible records, it was also to fulfill all righteousness. Pause a moment and spare a thought for some of the undeserving attacks on the person of one of Edo States billionaires and philanthropists, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, and ask yourself: why is Captain Hosa, as many are wont to call him, suddenly an issue in the states body polity? Curiously, his only sin is that Captain Okunbo remains one of the few incorruptible billionaires, who started making money some 30 years ago, with a consistent lifestyle, steeped in hard work, affluence, generosity, philanthropy, sympathy and the fear of God. Now, lets get it straight. As simple as all these may sound, they do not come easy. Operating in an environment, where sleaze, manipulation and official corruption are a norm, its hard to find individuals, who are better than the system that raised and produced them. This is where Captain Okunbo is different and incidentally, it is also the reason his traducers have remained unrelenting in their fruitless efforts to dig up what is tawdry, smelly and non- existent, just to smear him, especially, their penchant for linking him with what hes never had business with. But for a man, who isnt just doing things right but has also found favour before God and a majority of men as well as his people of Edo, the traducers of this rare creature would have to try harder to bring down a man, meticulously sculpted by God for a specific assignment on earth. Pride of his people and sincere patriot by all standards, the good people of Edo, today, are proud to have one of Gods uncommon creatures amongst them. Humble, self-effacing and not by any stroke of imagination conceited, it is curious to know why his haters have refused to admit that Captain Hosa has paid his dues to deserve his current station in any human rating. Not only are his businesses legitimate, he has been conscientious and consistent over the years, the result of which is his ever-increasing wealth, the larger chunk of which he has also dedicated to improving humanity and healing the world. It is simple logic, of course, that anyone, who has continuously maintained the same decent lifestyle for so long a time, out of outright hard work and Gods given providence, should be respected by his people, and at the same time adore the grace of God upon his life, especially, for having attracted some of the most prestigious recognitions both at home and abroad. Without rejoicing at the misfortune of others, it goes without saying that many others had fallen off the ladder of success after a few years of joining the class of the rich. This is also why Captain Okunbo cannot be described as rich but a wealthy man,because he has been able to reach out to his people and those around him through his philanthropy. Why then should anyone go to the gutters with such a man, who had said times with out number that he should be left out of Edo politics? Well, hopefully they dont finally get to drag him into the arena, where of course, he would do nothing but further display his goodwill amongst his people. Although a fighter, he engages only in reasonable battles. Suffice it to say, however, that it is not by sheer happenstance that the lines are constantly falling in the right places for him; it is instructive to mention for the record, that his dedication, transparency, sincerity with family, friends, colleagues and partners as well as reckoning the GOD FACTOR have combined to bring him this far. Therefore, if Captain Okunbos only sin is that he is clean and unapologetically so, it is okay to let the failures continue with their journey on the highway to nowhere. It would not in anyway diminish what God began in his life over 30 years ago. For a man, who is a rarity amongst the characters that currently populate Nigerias social unit, wisdom and common sense celebrate such a fellow and not to continue to try effortlessly to destroy his hard earned reputation. But, hey, heres a note to Captain Hosa: dont stop the sin of a decent and enviable lifestyle. It distinguishes you, sir! *Olusile wrote from Abuja A leading medic has said he feels optimistic that Northern Ireland will be ready to cope with a potential second wave of coronavirus - if the rules are followed. Dr Tom Black, chair of the British Medical Association's Council in Northern Ireland, made the comments after health leaders called for an urgent review to make sure the UK is prepared for another surge of the virus. "Obviously as doctors, we are concerned that if we ease things too fast we will see a second spike or a development of hotspots," he said. "But it is important to recognise that people have worked very hard and sacrificed a lot during lockdown so it is reasonable for social wellbeing and mental health that we have an easement on restrictions." Dr Black said his main concern in the future would be reducing the rules on social distancing to one metre. "I think if we're going to do that then we should be very careful about the use of masks, particularly indoors where people are not able to maintain social distance," he said. On the new guidance allowing six people to meet up indoors, he said the use of face coverings should be seriously considered. "I certainly won't be having friends or relatives around for dinner at this time. It's all about reducing the risk as much as possible," he said. "With the easing of lockdown you increase your chance of exposure, but the advantage we have in Northern Ireland is that the rate of disease - what we call the prevalence - is low." He was optimistic the contact tracing system would be effective in the event of a second spike, as Northern Ireland was the first UK region to establish a system and had a relatively low number of cases. "That's certainly a crucial measure to make the easing of lockdown as safe as possible," he said. "When we look at Germany and see that abattoir town which has had to go back into lockdown, we fully appreciate that if a part of Northern Ireland develops a lot of infections the area will have to go into lockdown again." Dr Black added that a daily reporting system from GPs on patients who develop Covid-19 symptoms meant any localised outbreak should be spotted quickly. Meanwhile, Green Party MLA Rachel Woods accused the Executive of having a "scattergun" approach to easing lockdown which risked undermining public confidence. "There are glaring anomalies between the Executive's Coronavirus Recovery Plan and what has actually happened," she said. "The five stages of the plan haven't been followed in a linear way and the recovery plan isn't joined up with. For example, non-essential retail reopened before restrictions on childcare provision have been relaxed." She questioned why reopening had been fast tracked for certain sectors - such as restaurants, cafes and pubs, which were originally set out in step five of the recovery plan - but not for non-contact sport, which was set out in step two. While recognising the Executive was following medical and scientific advice, she questioned why this was not available to the public. "This, coupled with the Executive's approach to reopening, creates the impression that the plan is being rewritten on the hoof, according to which sector can shout the loudest," she added. "The lack of supporting, detailed guidance even covering the basics makes it increasingly difficult for those sectors who can reopen to do so with confidence around safety." In an open letter which was published in the British Medical Journal, health leaders from a range of organisations in the UK said an urgent review was needed to prevent more loss of life during the winter months. This follows an announcement from the Prime Minister Boris Johnson that pubs, restaurants, cinemas and hairdressers may open from July 4. The two metre distancing rule is to be replaced by a one-metre plus rule, allowing people to stand one metre apart if necessary. Sir David King, a former chief scientific adviser, told Sky News he believed the latest measures were "extraordinarily risky" and said he believed that the Prime Minister had acted too quickly. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has sent a note of protest to Russia over the "military parades" of the Russian Black Sea Fleet units in the occupied Crimea and the city of Sevastopol and of the units of Russian armed formations in the occupied Donetsk and Luhansk. We regard holding the so-called "parades" of units of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation on June 24, 2020 on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Victory over Nazism in the territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, as well as of units of the Russian armed formations in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories in Donetsk and Luhansk regions as open contempt of the Russian side for the effective legislation of Ukraine and norms of international law, including UN General Assembly Resolution A/ Res/68/262 of March 27, 2014 Territorial Integrity of Ukraine, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine informs. It is noted that this provocation reaffirms that Russia deliberately escalates tensions in Ukraine-Russia relations and does not want to resolve the problematic issues caused by Russia's armed aggression and occupation of part of Ukraine's sovereign territory. Ukrainian diplomats also state that they view the Russian Federation's demonstration of military equipment during the so-called "military parades" in the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as a continuation of militarization of Crimea which poses a serious threat to European security. Ukraine demands that Russia immediately stop internationally illegal actions against the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and take comprehensive measures to de-occupy part of Ukraine's sovereign territory, in particular, to withdraw all its armed formations, military equipment, and mercenaries. The corresponding note of protest was sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. ol WILMINGTON, Del., June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WSFS Bank, the primary subsidiary of WSFS Financial Corporation (WSFS), was recently named a 2020 Culture Transformation Award winner by Gallup . WSFS received the Gallup Culture Transformation Award at the annual Gallup At Work Summit held in June. WSFS was selected as one of only two companies nationwide to receive this award in its inaugural year. Jim Harter, Gallups Chief Scientist shared, We are honored to present WSFS Bank with Gallups 2020 Culture Transformation Award. This new, difficult to achieve award celebrates organizations based on ten criteria of successful culture transformation. WSFS has changed the norm for the way they work--creating a shared and sustainable vision for success with measurable results of people and business impact. WSFS ability to consistently enhance and evolve their winning culture puts them among the very best companies that Gallup has ever studied. In 2019, WSFS acquired Beneficial Bank, which nearly doubled its asset size, significantly expanded its market area and grew its workforce by more than 50 percent. Culture is critically important to WSFS and underpins its strategy: Engaged Associates, living our culture, making a better life for all we serve. Integrating two organizations with deep roots and distinct cultures was an opportunity for us to enrich our culture and emerge effectively as one organization. Our annual engagement survey, taken just weeks after conversion, placed us in the top quintile of Gallups global database, validating our momentum and positioning us for future success, said Peggy Eddens, Chief Associate and Customer Experience Officer. This award is truly a testament to our more than 1,800 engaged Associates; together they bring our culture to life every day and make a meaningful difference for all those we serve, said Rodger Levenson, Chairman, President and CEO. WSFS Bank is the largest locally headquartered bank and trust company in Delaware and the Greater Philadelphia region, one of the most demographically rich and vibrant economies in the United States. Story continues About WSFS Financial Corporation WSFS Financial Corporation is a multi-billion-dollar financial services company. Its primary subsidiary, WSFS Bank, is the oldest and largest locally managed bank and trust company headquartered in Delaware and the Greater Philadelphia region. As of March 31, 2020, WSFS Financial Corporation had $12.3 billion in assets on its balance sheet and $21.1 billion in assets under management and administration. WSFS operates from 116 offices, 91 of which are banking offices, located in Pennsylvania (54), Delaware (44), New Jersey (16), Virginia (1) and Nevada (1) and provides comprehensive financial services including commercial banking, retail banking, cash management and trust and wealth management. Other subsidiaries or divisions include Arrow Land Transfer, Cash Connect, Cypress Capital Management, LLC, Christiana Trust of Delaware, NewLane Finance, Powdermill Financial Solutions, West Capital Management, WSFS Institutional Services, WSFS Mortgage, and WSFS Wealth Investments. Serving the greater Delaware Valley since 1832, WSFS Bank is one of the ten oldest banks in the United States continuously operating under the same name. For more information, please visit www.wsfsbank.com . Media Contact: Rebecca Acevedo (215) 253-5566 racevedo@wsfsbank.com New Delhi, June 25 : The Union Health Ministry on Thursday said it will send a Central team, led by its Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal, to Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana for strengthening Covid-19 management efforts in these states. The team will be in the three states between June 26 and 29 to coordinate with the state officials and review the measures undertaken by the states for containment of novel coronavirus, which has so far infected a total of 4,73,105 people across the country. Maharashtra has reported the highest number of cases at 1,42,900, Gujarat 28,943 while Telangana has so far reported 10,331 cases, according to Health Ministry data. The decision was taken when India on Thursday witnessed highest spike of almost 17,000 fresh Covid cases in the past 24 hours, with Maharashtra, Delhi and Tamil Nadu contributing more than 62 per cent, while the overall fatalities rose to 14,894, the Ministry data said. According to the Health Ministry data, 418 new deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. The ministry also said there are 33.39 cases in India for every one lakh population, against the global average of 120.21 cases per lakh. Also, the number of deaths in the country is currently amongst the lowest in the world with 1.06 deaths per lakh against the world average of 6.24 deaths per lakh. Following efforts to ramp up facilities across the nation, there are in total 1,007 diagnostic labs, of which 734 are in the government sector and 273 private. From limited Covid-19 tests in January, a cumulative total of 75,60,782 samples have been tested up to June 24 with 2,07,871 samples being tested on Wednesday. The Ministry, meanwhile, said the recovery rate is 57.43 per cent amongst Covid-19 patients and a total of 13,012 patients have been cured during the last 24 hours, Thus, so far, a total of 2,71,696 patients have been cured. Presently, there are 1,86,514 active cases. 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Department of Health chiefs who also recorded 1,118 more cases of the disease say the laboratory-confirmed death toll now stands at 43,230 since the first victim was recorded at the start of March. But other grim figures that take into account every suspected death shows the actual tally topped 50,000 several weeks ago. Other data shows 65,000 'excess' deaths have been recorded since the crisis began. Just 154 deaths were posted yesterday and 137 last Thursday, meaning the daily toll has jumped slightly week-on-week. But the rolling seven-day average is down to 119 down from 945 during the height of the outbreak. In other coronavirus developments in Britain today: Between 1,900 and 3,200 people are catching the coronavirus every day in England, according to data from King's College London and the Office for National Statistics; The R rate of the coronavirus in England could be higher than the dreaded number of one, according to a leaked government document but health chiefs insisted the figure was still between 0.7 and 0.9; Fewer than half of people in England referred to NHS Test and Trace after testing positive for coronavirus have given any details of their close contacts, shocking data revealed; A rail union leader warned of a national strike unless the Government gives 'unequivocal assurances' that the social distancing rules across the transport network will remain at two metres; Councils begged the Government for more cash to stave off bankruptcy - with Manchester facing a 166m loss and Wiltshire smarting from a 51m shortfall even after emergency funding was taken into account; More than half a million criminal cases have been delayed from being heard in court because of the coronavirus pandemic - with the backlog expected to last until Easter. Department of Health data released yesterday showed 232,086 tests were carried out or posted the day before the second-highest daily figure. The number includes 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 for a month since May 22. Health chiefs also reported 653 more cases of Covid-19, the fewest recorded in any day since before lockdown was imposed. Just 643 people tested positive for the life-threatening virus on Thursday, March 19. 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 last Thursday announced two deaths but the DH recorded nine north of the border. Department of Health officials work off 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. And the count announced by NHS England every afternoon which only takes into account deaths in hospitals does not match up with the DH figures because they work off a different recording system. For instance, some deaths announced by NHS England bosses will have already been counted by the Department of Health, which records fatalities 'as soon as they are available'. NHS England today reported 55 more victims in hospitals across the country. Wales recorded six victims in all settings, followed by two in Scotland and zero in Northern Ireland. 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 0.7-1.0 0.6-0.8 0.5-0.9 0.7-0.9 --- 0.7-0.9 0.6-0.9 0.7-0.9 0.7-0.9 0.7-1.0 0.7-0.9 0.6-0.9 GROWTH RATE -5% to -2% NOT GIVEN NOT GIVEN NOT GIVEN -4% to -2% --- -6% to 0% -6% to 0% -4% to 0% -4% to 0% -5% to 0% -6% to -1% -7% to 0% Advertisement It comes as a leaked government document today warned the R rate of the coronavirus in England could be higher than the dreaded number of one but health chiefs today insisted the figure was still between 0.7 and 0.9. Keeping the rate below one is considered key to easing lockdown because it means the outbreak is shrinking as not everyone who catches it passes it on. If the figure rises higher, it means people infected with the virus are spreading it to others at a rate faster than one-to-one, which could see the disease spiral out of control once again. A document from Public Health England, seen by the HuffPost , showed PHE admitted there is 'uncertainty' about the number, which is always an estimate and not actually measurable. Government advisers today claimed the R rate for the UK and England remains between 0.7 and 0.9 for the third week in a row. But they admitted it could be as high as 1.0 in the North West. Number 10's scientific advisory panel SAGE today also revealed the growth rate how the number of new daily cases is changing day-by-day is still between minus four and minus two per cent. Between 1,900 and 3,200 people are catching the coronavirus every day in England, according to other data released today by King's College London and the Office for National Statistics. The estimates are taken from King's College's COVID Symptom Tracker app, which predicts 1,978 people in England catching the virus, and population swab testing by the ONS which put the figure at approximately 3,142. Both estimates are down from last week, when the figures were between 3,300 and 3,800 - but ONS statisticians warned the shrinking of England's outbreak has levelled off. It thinks the total number of people with Covid-19 at any given point has risen in the past fortnight from around 33,000 on June 12 to 51,000 today, June 25. King's College London 's COVID Symptom Tracker app estimates that just 2,341 Britons are being struck down with the coronavirus every day. Last week they used this data to estimate that there were 3,612 people catching the virus every day in Britain and roughly 4,942 people the week before that. The figure was higher than 11,000 per day a month ago BETWEEN 1,900 AND 3,200 PEOPLE IN ENGLAND ARE CATCHING COVID-19 EACH DAY, DATA SHOWS Between 1,900 and 3,200 people are catching the coronavirus every day in England, according to data from King's College London and the Office for National Statistics. The estimates are taken from King's College's COVID Symptom Tracker app, which predicts 1,978 people in England catching the virus, and population swab testing by the ONS which put the figure at approximately 3,142. Both estimates are down from last week, when the figures were between 3,300 and 3,800 - but ONS statisticians warned the shrinking of England's outbreak has levelled off. It thinks the total number of people with Covid-19 at any given point has risen in the past fortnight from around 33,000 on June 12 to 51,000 today, June 25. It comes after Boris Johnson this week dramatically unwound the coronavirus lockdown, bringing the country out of 'hibernation' with a return for pubs, haircuts and weddings and family and friends getting the green light to meet up indoors for the first time in months. The Prime Minister said he wanted to 'make life easier' after an 'incredibly tough time' with bars, restaurants, cinemas and hairdressers in England able to get back up and running from July 4 - dubbed 'Super Saturday'. Advertisement It comes after Boris Johnson this week dramatically unwound the coronavirus lockdown, bringing the country out of 'hibernation' with a return for pubs, haircuts and weddings and family and friends getting the green light to meet up indoors for the first time in months. The Prime Minister said he wanted to 'make life easier' after an 'incredibly tough time' with bars, restaurants, cinemas and hairdressers in England able to get back up and running from July 4 - dubbed 'Super Saturday'. Separate figures released today showed fewer than half of people referred to NHS Test and Trace after testing positive for coronavirus have given any details of their close contacts. Of the 20,968 people assigned to England's 25,000 contact tracers, only 10,058 have actually given information that the tracers could follow up (48 per cent). In its report this week, the Department of Health said the people who were unable to give contact details were ones who had only come into contact with complete strangers, such as on the bus. The staggering number suggests that an app - which automatically links people's phones so it can alert people who don't know one another - may be necessary for contact tracing to work perfectly. From the infected people who have been successfully contacted themselves, two thirds of them were able to give details of one or more close contacts. Between June 17 and the system's launch at the start of the month, 15,225 confirmed coronavirus patients have been successfully reached by contact tracers. But more than one in three - 5,167 people - were 'not able' to give details of a single person they may have come into close contact with. A further 5,062 people who tested positive could not be reached at all by contact tracers - who phone, text and email someone 10 times a day to get hold of them. Today's update revealed that a total of 134,893 people - people who have tested positive, and their contacts - have been in touch with NHS Test and Trace in three weeks. One scientist said the statistics today were 'worrying' and could only be solved with better co-operation from the public - not by the Government. Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has advised the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to forget the 2023... Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has advised the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to forget the 2023 presidency. He said Tinubu will not succeed President Muhammadu Buhari because he has been used. The former presidential aide said this in an article on Thursday entitled An open letter to Jagaban. Tinubu is fondly called Jagaban, a traditional title bestowed on him by the Borgu kingdom of Niger State. Fani-Kayode said dark clouds lie ahead of the former governor of Lagos State. He said Tinubus enemies dug a pit for him and that he had already fallen into it. The staunch critic of the Buhari administration stated that they have finally stripped you naked and taken everything from you. You have lost your mystique, honor, glory, self-respect, following, clout, pride, reputation and so much more. Fani-Kayode insisted that Tinubu has lost control of the political party that you conceived, formed, nurtured and built. The APC was your baby and now they have taken it from you and are set to kill it. They fooled you, used you, dumped you and humiliated you and now they are going to expose you, rubbish you, malign you, break you, crucify you, investigate you and utterly crush you. You dreamed of being Vice President in 2015 and you failed. You are dreaming of being President in 2023 and you will fail. In all your plans what you failed to appreciate is that God alone rules in the affairs of men. People in the know said that from social and digital media campaign teams to communications specialists -- all hands were on deck, and every possible post or campaign with the potential to intensify the crisis, was being tracked. IMAGE: Jan Adhikar Party supporter climbs a JCB machine to blacken a banner of a Chinese mobile phone manufacturer as part of a protest against Chinese goods, in Patna. Photograph: PTI Photo. Last weeks protests outside Oppos Greater Noida factory that sent shockwaves across the corridors of Chinese majors operating in India, could be the first among many such incidents. Several right-wing groups, led by the Hindu Raksha Dal (HRD), are preparing to unleash more protest movements. HRD is a conservative organisation, based in Ghaziabad, which draws inspiration from glories of a Hindu society. Its tagline is -- Empowering the Hindu society and protecting the Hindu dharma. With 450,000 registered members in its fold, the organisation boasts of an active presence in Delhi-NCR, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. Unlike its last showing on Saturday, the next wave will include all possible battlegrounds -- from on-ground activities to social and digital media campaigns. Volunteers are now gearing up for a public awareness campaign, which will involve door-to-door messaging and protest gatherings, said a Noida-based member of the group. According to Sanket Katara, spokesperson and lawyer for HRD: As the Chinese continue their aggression at the border, we will continue to protest against Chinese firms, he told Business Standard. The boycott movement gained steam after 20 soldiers of the Indian Army were killed in a deadly combat on June 15-16. With the crisis spreading fast, Chinese companies are getting battle-ready. People in the know said that from social and digital media campaign teams to communications specialists -- all hands were on deck, and every possible post or campaign with the potential to intensify the crisis, was being tracked. Companies are initiating an awareness campaign of their own. From retail partners to factory workers, brands like Xiaomi, Vivo, OnePlus and Realme, among others, are engaging with stakeholders. The idea is to send across the message assertively that we are more of an Indian company than Chinese. Over 90 per cent of our employees and 100 per cent of our retailers are Indian, majority of our sourcing partners are from India, and we have made significant investments in India to set up our manufacturing and R&D bases, said a senior executive of a prominent Chinese firm. While in the long run such incidents may not have an impact, in the short run Chinese brands will be affected with respect to sales, said Faisal Kawoosa, lead analyst at TechArc. The brunt of the anti-China protest movements has been borne by the consumer electronics brands. Their ever-growing influence on local markets for smartphones and televisions, and high-voltage promotional campaigns to gain consumers attention has turned the tide against them, said brand experts. Chinese brands need to adopt a wait-and-watch philosophy. They need to sit out the crisis, said Harish Bijoor, founder of Harish Bijoor Consults. According to him, given the lack of alternatives in categories like smartphones, firms will remain insulated from the onslaught. HealthChampion has announced the launch of its HIPAA-compliant COVID-19 solution for businesses and organizations returning to work or ramping up during the pandemic. The app allows employees to prescreen themselves in less than a minute, before they leave for work. The solution also provides employers with a dashboard that tracks employee compliance and alerts authorized admins when an employee has symptoms of COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone with the novel Coronavirus. Built on the HealthChampion digital health app for consumers, the HealthChampion COVID-19 app for workers and employees can be downloaded for free from both Google Play and the Apple App Store. The COVID-19 employer solution (https://myhealthchampion.com/covid19/) allows employees and designated users to share their COVID-19 screening results and only those designated screening results with the employer. Were committed to helping businesses and organizations get back to work as safely and sensibly as possible, explained Terrence Ryan, CEO of HealthChampion. We also understand the importance of creating a solution that is both robust but simple to use. We were able to leverage our expertise in consumer-facing user experience to build a COVID-19 screener that will help companies get back on track, while still protecting their employees and customers. The screening pathway used for employees applies the most current guidelines from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), including temperature checks and inquiries about contact with individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. It is also customizable for specific needs of a company or its location, such as whether the employee has traveled out of state or the country. The HealthChampion COVID-19 solution is available for immediate use, and organizations of all sizes can start using the screening and monitoring solution in less than 24 hours. The COVID-19 package is free for businesses and organizations with ten or fewer users, with an affordable monthly subscription for medium-sized businesses and enterprise clients. Businesses and organizations can sign up for a free demo or register for a 14-day free trial of the HealthChampion COVID-19 screening and monitoring app at https://myhealthchampion.com/covid19/. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) The first Filipino-Kiwi member of the New Zealand Parliament disclosed that the island nation's success in curbing the spread of the coronavirus can be attributed to the government's efficient mass testing and contact tracing. In an interview with CNN Philippines The Final Word with Rico Hizon on Thursday, Paulo Garcia also underscored New Zealands geographical location and demography as contributing factors in keeping COVID-19 cases under control n a country located at the southern tip of the world. Garcia said to win the battle against the invisible enemy, people have important responsibilities to follow isolation and physical distancing rules like what the Kiwis or the people of New Zealand have been doing. Our population density is very low," he said. "For example in Wellington (capital), 900 persons per square kilometer is our population density compared to Manila which is around 42,000 persons per square kilometer." Its not easy because of the population density in the Philippines," he noted, "but there must be self-responsibility not to break the rules." The Fil-Kiwi parliament member recalled how New Zealand immediately closed all of its borders in early March, and implemented a total lockdown for only four weeks to avert the spread of the disease. You can only go out to go to the grocery and everything was done very carefully with social distancing, Garcia said. He also lauded New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for convincing the five million Kiwis to unite in doing self-isolation during the pandemic. The Prime Minister would give daily accounts of what was happening which kept everyone informed, so everyone followed that strict isolation rule, Garcia emphasized. To date, New Zealand has 1,169 COVID-19 cases, with 22 deaths and 1,134 recoveries. A court in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu has handed a four-and-a-half year jail term to a prominent rights activist after finding him guilty of "incitement to subvert state power." Ge Jueping was sentenced by the Suzhou Intermediate People's Court after being held for three years and eight months in pretrial detention. Ge attended the sentencing hearing via video link, owing to coronavirus restrictions, his wife Lu Guoying told RFA after attending the hearing. "He was unshaven and didn't look very well," Lu told RFA. "It seemed that he was a bit wobbly on his legs when he stood up, and there was no color in his face. He looked haggard." Ge, who has been diagnosed with hypertension, heart palpitations, and parotid gland cancer, has not received proper medical treatment at the detention center, the overseas-based rights group Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD) said in a statement on Thursday. The sentence means that he still has more than a year of his sentence to serve. "I nearly passed out on the spot when they read the sentence of four-and-a-half years in court," Lu said. "Partly because there is the issue of whether he will survive that long; we don't know when the cancer could recur, especially in the harsh environment that he is now in." The court found that Ge had committed incitement, for which he should be held legally responsible, Lu said. "After the verdict, I heard the judge asking him,'Ge Jueping, do you want to appeal?'," Lu said. "Whereupon Ge cursed him as a "gangster', which I took to mean that the whole case was corrupt." Others also held Ge Jueping was among a group of at least nine rights activists detained in Jiangsu's Suzhou city since 2016, when China played host to the G20 leadership summit in Hangzhou. He got involved in rights activism after petitioning over the forcible demolition of his home 10 years ago, and has been a vocal online critic of official wrongdoing. The court judgment said Ge's online articles and posts had been "one-sided," and manufactured "false injustices ... with systematic and continuous hype of sensitive cases and incidents." "Their purpose was to gradually erode and disintegrate Chinese Communist Party rule," it said. Ge's case is also linked to that of Suzhou People's Liberation Army (PLA) veteran Fan Mugen, who stabbed two demolition workers sent to destroy his home in December 2013. Ge later retweeted a post in support of Fan's actions, and this retweet form a key plank of the prosecution case. "Our solidarity with Fan Mugen was also in solidarity with our own rights activism," Lu said. "The [governments] are all forcibly demolishing and relocating households, [then] hiring social workers to beat people up." "Such solidarity is normal, and has nothing to do with 'incitement to subvert state power'," she said. Ge's defense lawyer Zhu Yingming said his client is innocent. "The only reason this dragged on for so long is that there was insufficient evidence to convict," Zhu said. Many cases brought Ge's case is the latest in a string of similar cases to be brought against peaceful critics of the ruling Chinese Communist Party. On June 19, police in Liaocheng city in the eastern province of Shandong also formally arrested poet Zhang Guiqi, known by his pen name Lu Yang, on charges of "incitement to subvert state power." Zhang, a member of the Independent Chinese PEN Center, was detained on May 1 this year for comments critical of the government made under his screen name "Luxi Fanatic." He is being held incommunicado at the Liaocheng City Detention Center, CHRD said. Call for Xi Jinping to resign Authorities in the southwestern region of Guangxi meanwhile held the trial of rights attorney Chen Jiahong for "incitement to subvert state power" on Tuesday. Chen was detained in April 2019 after he posted calligraphy to social media that read: "Liquidate this evil bureaucracy and promote democracy!" Chen was a vocal supporter of Wang Quanzhang, Yu Wensheng, and other rights lawyers detained in a nationwide operation that began on July 9, 2015 and saw more than 300 lawyers and activists detained, questioned, or placed under surveillance and travel bans. China's state security police have also formally arrested dissident Xu Zhiyong for subversion after he called publicly on President Xi Jinping to resign. Xu, who has already served jail time for his spearheading of the New Citizens' Movement anti-corruption campaign, penned an open letter to Xi while in hiding following a gathering of pro-democracy activists and lawyers in December 2019, calling on him to step down. He is currently being held incommunicado on charges of "incitement to subvert state power" in "residential surveillance at a designated location" (RSDL), a form of detention that allows police to hold anyone they say is suspected of crimes linked to national security without contact with family or a lawyer for up to six months. Rights lawyer Ding Jiaxi is a co-defendant in the same case, and has been detained under RSDL on the same charge. Reported by Gao Feng for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Florida's treasurer, Jimmy Patronis, on Wednesday dismissed concerns about the impact that spikes of coronavirus cases will have on the state's welfare and economy. "People love to come to Florida," Patronis said in a phone interview. He said he saw an opportunity for "profit-taking" as the state benefits from what he predicts will be more remote workers moving to the state. He likened Florida's opportunities to those before American Airlines, which recently upsized a stock and notes offering to help strengthen its balance sheet. The airline, which is burning $40 million a day, has said it expects revenue to fall 90% in the second quarter from a year ago, as the pandemic has brought travel to a halt. "They're going out there and not having any trouble raising money," he noted. His comments come as New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have announced they will impose a 14-day quarantine on travelers from coronavirus hotspot states, including Florida. Florida on Wednesday reported another record spike in coronavirus cases, up 5.3% in a day, sparking concerns in investors that drove the market down 700 points. "There are always those that are fearful," Patronis said of the market drop. "This is a buying opportunity." Florida has been criticized as not acting aggressively enough to tackle the coronavirus outbreak, imposing less rigorous regulations on residents than did states such as New York and Connecticut, and unwinding those restrictions too quickly. Former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said on CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Monday that unlike states in the Northeast, Florida reopened its economy "against a backdrop of a lot of spread." White House health advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said Tuesday that parts of the U.S. are beginning to see a "disturbing surge" in coronavirus infections. When asked about those criticisms Patronis said Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is "doing everything right" by the guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He said that Florida would be willing to "pivot" its plans as the coronavirus evolves. Still, some companies have acted even before state authorities have. Levi Strauss & Co. Chief Executive Chip Bergh has said the jeans retailer may need to close stores in certain states. Apple said it will close two Apple stores in Florida, along with closures in North Carolina, South Carolina, Arizona and Texas, as the virus reemerges. "I love my iPhone, but I don't buy it in a store," Patronis remarked, saying Apple's stores are more for marketing than they are for sales. "It's what they want to do for the morale of their employees," he said of the closures. "Whatever Tim Cook likes to do." Patronis was equally unbothered by the news that New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will impose a quarantine on visitors from Florida. In fact, he said he is confident that Florida will come out from the other side of the pandemic stronger than states such as New York, touting Florida's low tax rate. That low tax rate, though, makes the state uniquely dependent on tourism for its revenue. As the travel and tourism industry has been ravaged by the pandemic, Florida has seen revenue dry up. The state's revenue collection in April was more than $878 million below estimates, according to the legislature's Office of Economic and Demographic Research. Patronis said the state continues to see a strong boating and housing market, the latter of which he said will benefit as he predicts remote workers from the Northeast move to Florida in search of beaches and lower taxes. When asked whether New Yorkers will want to move to Florida if cases of the coronavirus continue to tick up, Patronis said there are fewer hotspots in "rural areas." If that revenue is not enough to replace that which Florida might lose in tourism, Patronis said the state has billions in reserve in a state stabilization fund, as well as a state catastrophe fund. Still, Florida is planning on having every state agency cut 6% of its budget, which must be approved by July 1. Florida is still hoping for more financial relief from Congress through money from the CARES Act, or other measures such as an infrastructure bill. While a stand-alone infrastructure bill is unlikely before the 2020 presidential elections, White House and Republican negotiators are planning to hold formal negotiations on a fourth coronavirus stimulus package in July, CNBC has reported. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 18:46:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BANGKOK, June 25 (Xinhua) -- A large cache of war weapons seized in Mae Sot border town in western Thailand were connected with a clandestine political movement in the country, confirmed police chief Pol. Gen. Chakthip Chaijinda on Thursday. A joint task force from the Fourth Infantry Regiment troops and Border Patrol Police on Monday seized 33 M16 and AK-47 assault rifles, M79 grenade launchers and ammunition, among others, and arrested two unidentified suspects at a house where the weapons were hidden in downtown Mae Sot. Pol. Gen. Chakthip categorically denied that those war weapons belonged to some cross-border traders who may have planned to offer them for sale to an ethnic rebel group inside Myanmar. The police chief said he has obtained information pertaining to the clandestine political movement in question and their arms cache. However, he declined to elaborate or name names for in-depth investigation reasons. Enditem Southern Californias premier home solar and DIY solar company, GoGreenSolar, has moved, upgrading its headquarters to a larger building located at 1630 South Sunkist St., Suite E. Anaheim, California. GoGreenSolars new building is 50 percent larger than its previous one, providing the company with more space dedicated to helping homeowners reduce or eliminate their electric bills by going solar. The move has taken place amidst the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic that has rapidly swept across the globe, forcing many companies to shutter their services. Despite this, successful management of GoGreenSolar has allowed it to continue forward with the planned expansion, forecasting an uptick in DIY residential solar projects during government advised periods of self-quarantine. While many industries such as tourism and restaurants and service see a drop in revenue, solar has continued to remain a desired commodity as homeowners look to becoming more independent from a centralized grid and ensure power during times of outages and uncertainty. The new GoGreenSolar building will include a Solar Experience Showroom intended for streaming online demonstrations of installs and tutorials on components such as inverters, panels, and mounts on different roof types. The idea for the showroom came about as we looked for ways to get our team more familiar with parts and components, said GoGreenSolar CEO Deep Patel. Once we planned the concept out, we saw it would also be ideal for customers to enhance their solar knowledge and experience. Once the COVID-19 pandemic quells, GoGreenSolars Solar Experience Showroom will be open for in-person training for GoGreenSolar employees and the public. When this occurs, the company will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to usher in a new season of health, prosperity, and self-reliance for American homeowners. About GigaWatt, Inc. d/b/a GoGreenSolar.com GoGreenSolar.com is a value-added supplier of solar energy products, technical support, and financing services to help you go solar. As a licensed C-10 contractor, GoGreenSolar.com guides homeowners, contractors, and businesses through the entire solar PV installation process. JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that his government and the United Arab Emirates will soon announce a partnership in the fight against the coronavirus. The deal, which the UAE later said involved two private companies, comes despite recent warnings from UAE officials that Israels planned annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank would harm its efforts to improve relations with Arab states. In a speech to graduating Israeli fighter pilots, Netanyahu said an announcement was expected in a few moments and came after months of intense contacts. This collaboration will be in the fields of research and development, technology, in areas that will improve the confidence in health throughout the region, he said. The Emirates state-run WAM news agency later published an item acknowledging two private firms signed a deal with two Israeli companies to develop research and technology to fight COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. The announcement did not name the firms. As a result of the pandemics spread worldwide, it is imperative to place the protection of humanity at the forefront of global action to overcome this unprecedented crisis, WAM said. Its unclear what that research will involve. The UAE has been working closely with China on the virus. Israel and the UAE, home to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, do not have formal diplomatic relations, but they are believed to maintain close behind-the-scenes contacts because of their shared concerns about Iran. Earlier this month, the UAEs ambassador to the United States published an op-ed in an Israeli newspaper confirming that ties had improved but warning Israel that proceeding with annexation would upend any efforts to normalize relations with Arab states. Annexation will certainly and immediately upend Israeli aspirations for improved security, economic and cultural ties with the Arab world and with UAE, Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba wrote. However, last week, another leading UAE official said it was open to co-operating with Israel on efforts to combat the coronavirus and other humanitarian issues despite the political disagreement over annexation. Can I have a political disagreement with Israel but at the same time try and bridge other areas of the relationship? I think I can, Anwar Gargash, the UAEs minister of state for foreign affairs, said in an interview with the American Jewish Committee advocacy group. Last month, the UAE sent a cargo plane to Israel loaded with coronavirus-related aid it said was destined for the Palestinians. The Palestinian Authority said it could not receive the aid because there had been no prior co-ordination. Netanyahu has vowed to annex all of Israels far-flung settlements and the strategic Jordan Valley, which together amount to around 30% of the occupied West Bank. President Donald Trumps Middle East plan endorsed the move, which has been rejected by the Palestinians and much of the international community. Israel could begin the annexation process as soon as July 1, but the Trump administration may apply the brakes in an effort to revive peace negotiations. The UAE is a close and influential U.S. military ally. Opponents of annexation say it would make it virtually impossible to create a viable Palestinian state in the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza, territories seized by Israel in the 1967 war. A two-state solution is still widely seen as the only way of resolving the conflict. Netanyahu has boasted of quietly improving ties with Arab states, but full normalization still appears unlikely without a resolution of the conflict with the Palestinians. Jordan and Egypt are the only two Arab countries to have made peace with Israel. Jordan, another close U.S. ally, is staunchly opposed to any annexation, saying it would cause a massive conflict. ___ Associated Press writer Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, contributed to this report. As a school student I learnt that the early wealth of Australia was off the back of the sheep and through the minefields of gold that created the "Lucky Country". Today we remain a very resource-dependent country. Projections show that over the next five years the overwhelming majority of new jobs will require tertiary qualifications. Credit:Louise Kennerley If we are to carve our own future, we will need to pivot to new market opportunities as the reliance on our resources shift in the new energy order. To do this we need to better educate and train the next generation in science and technology to ensure we grasp these opportunities with both hands. Science and technology are fuelling a transformation of the workforce. Amongst other growth areas, the future of energy in this country will be dependent on a trained and educated workforce including in the renewables sector and other novel technologies outlined in the Morrison governments Technology Investment Road Map, the draft of which was released last month. Despite Australias strong health and economic response to COVID-19, it is likely there is more to come globally. As the rest of the world continues to battle the virus, now is the time for Australia to look to our future and prepare for a post-COVID world. The question we should be asking ourselves is how do we educate the next generation for the opportunities that a new post-COVID economic order will present? By Josh Smith SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea is suspending military action plans against South Korea, the official KCNA news agency reported on Wednesday, as a report from Seoul suggested North Korean troops were taking down loudspeakers reinstalled at the fortified border. Political tensions between the rival Koreas had been rising over Pyongyang's objections to plans by defector-led groups in the South to send propaganda leaflets into the North. Stalled negotiations regarding economic sanctions imposed because of the North's nuclear weapons programme had also fuelled tensions. It was not immediately clear why North Korea had softened its position, which came after it blew up a liaison office last week and cut off communication hotlines with the South. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over a video conference meeting of the ruling party's Central Military Commission on Tuesday, where members "took stock of the prevailing situation" before deciding to suspend the military plans, KCNA said, without elaborating. The committee also discussed documents outlining measures for "further bolstering the war deterrent of the country," KCNA reported. Late on Wednesday, KCNA issued another statement by Kim Yong Chol, a senior Pyongyang official, criticising the South Korean defence minister's remarks to parliament that the North's actions must be withdrawn, not suspended. Kim called the comment "foolish and inappropriate", warning Seoul should "think and behave wisely" not create a greater crisis. South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing unnamed military sources, said North Korea's military was seen removing about 10 loudspeakers near the demilitarised zone (DMZ) on Wednesday, just days after they were seen reinstalling around 20 of the devices. About 40 such systems had been taken down after the two Koreas signed an accord in 2018 to cease "all hostile acts". Story continues A spokesman for South Korea's Unification Ministry, which handles relations with the North, said it was monitoring the situation and had no change in its stance that inter-Korean agreements should be kept. The ministry also confirmed South Korean media reports that a number of official North Korea propaganda websites had removed some articles critical of South Korea, though the spokesman said it was unclear why. "DOSE OF PATIENCE" South Korea's Vice Foreign Minister Cho Sei-young said Seoul would continue efforts to prevent escalation, and call for Washington and Beijing to help achieve denuclearisation and peace on the Korean peninsula, which was "made even more distant" by their rivalry. "Dialogue, steadfast engagement and a healthy dose of patience are the only constructive options for moving forward," Cho said in a video speech to the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. Kim Jong Un's decision to suspend the unspecified military actions may represent a reprieve from weeks of increasingly provocative moves by North Korea. Kim's sister, Kim Yo Jong, warned last week of retaliatory measures against South Korea that could involve the military, without elaborating. The General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) later said it had been studying an "action plan" that included sending troops into joint tourism and economic zones, reoccupying border guard posts that had been abandoned under the 2018 pact, taking steps to "turn the front line into a fortress", and supporting plans for the North to send its own propaganda leaflets into the South. Jenny Town, with the U.S.-based North Korea-monitoring website 38 North, said anti-South Korea rhetoric from the North over the past week had left room for flexibility, but it was still unclear where the latest moves would lead. "Overall, it doesnt appear that the North has necessarily wanted to be overly provocative," she said. "While it seems set on reversing the measures taken in the inter-Korean agreements -in a dramatic fashion - so far, the rhetoric has already been milder since the demolition of the liaison office." The KCNA report sent shares of South Korea's defence-related firms, which have risen during the heightened tensions, into a tailspin early on Wednesday. Victek Co Ltd, Speco and Firstec Co Ltd tumbled more than 20% each, while the benchmark KOSPI and junior KOSDAQ was trading up 1.3% and 0.9%, respectively, as of 0032 GMT. (Reporting by Josh Smith; Additional reporting by Jack Kim, Sangmi Cha, Joori Roh and Hyonhee Shin; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall, Lincoln Feast and Alison Williams) By Will Sheehan At the close of the Constitutional Convention, an old woman asked Benjamin Franklin, What have we got, a republic or monarchy? He replied: A republic if you can keep it. When our founding fathers created the American political system, they envisioned a government comprised of elected officials who were full of integrity and honor, and who were grounded by love of country. Today, dereliction of duty and moral hazard are the norm in politics, and gridlock in Washington isnt hurting our elected officials its hurting our communities. Members of Congress are the only employees in America who get paid six figures, work half the year, and maintain employment regardless of performance. To me, thats the exact opposite of what our founders intended, and, frankly, its inexcusable. Political office should be held because of convictions, not connections. In New Jersey, the Hudson County political machine has spent the past 14 years rallying a fiefdom of support behind an ineffective incumbent. In over a decade of service, Congressman Albio Sires has only introduced four bills that have been signed into law three of which were the renaming of local post offices. Known to his constituents as Silent Sires and Absent Albio, our congressman is more focused on maintaining his political mob-boss mentality than on pounding the pavement in support of this district. The Hudson County political machine thinks you deserve the bare minimum from your elected officials -- and I for one, disagree. The 8th District should be one of the most powerful congressional districts in the country. Home to some of the states most critical infrastructure, millions of commuters rely on the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels, as well as the PATH and New Jersey Transit rail lines to get to the worlds most powerful city, New York, each day. With five major seaports, and some of the largest cities in New Jersey, the 8th District is a vital economic hub, and should receive streams of federal funding instead of silent representation. The measure of an effective congressman should be based on their street credit on Capitol Hill, which is demonstrated by their ability to pass bills, reach across the aisle to get things done, and secure federal funding for their district. Congressman Sires reputation for ineffectiveness in Washington precedes him, and hes had 14 years to improve our roads, our schools, our healthcare system, and lower our taxes. As a resident of Hudson County, I can assure you that our district has never been fought for in Washington, and if you keep voting for the political machine, it never will. When I decided to run for Congress, I needed 1,000 signatures to get on the ballot, and I spoke with every single voter who signed my petition. Because of this, I know the pain points of this district better than the current incumbent who hasnt hosted a single town hall during his tenure. As a Navy veteran, and a former Seal Team intelligence officer, I take oaths and responsibilities seriously, and, if elected, Ill always put our district first. This means fighting for term limits, securing robust federal funding for our school systems, advocating for affordable healthcare, lowering our property taxes, and helping municipalities and small businesses recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. I plan to take on Washington the same way I ran for office all gas, no brakes. Stop rewarding political power, and start prioritizing political progress. Im committed to the people of Hudson County. Are you? On July 7th, vote out an ineffective incumbent and vote Column D for DemocratWill Sheehan for Congress. Will Sheehan of Bayonne is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and a Democratic candidate for Congress in New Jerseys 8th Congressional District. Send letters to the editor and guest columns for The Jersey Journal to jjletters@jjournal.com. Vast amounts of donations have poured into organizations supportive of anti-racism efforts in the wake of George Floyds death, a push that one nonprofit executive called on companies and citizens to sustain for the long-term. Like many charities dedicated to racial equality, Higher Heights for America has seen a surge in funding. In the last two weeks, the organization dedicated to expanding and supporting Black female leadership in public offices saw a spike of 15,000 donations about 10 times more than usual, the group told Yahoo Finance recently. We've seen an overwhelming interest from Americans to imagine a democracy that we can all believe in, Higher Heights for America CEO & President Glynda C. Carr told The Ticker recently. Although Higher Heights hasnt done a complete analysis of the donation demographics, Carr stated the contributions are coming from a diverse pool of individuals. The organization saw a spike in donations after George Floyd's death She said Higher Heights goal is to help ensure that we have more black women sitting at decision making tables across this country. We need to continue to support candidates that hold our values and ensue that we are electing a reflective democracy," she added. Despite lingering economic concerns and 44 million people in the U.S. currently unemployed due to COVID-19, American citizens and companies are reaching deep into their pockets to fight against racial inequality and decades of systemic oppression in communities of color. The rise in financial action is in large part due to social media, with the Black Lives Matter movement going viral as protests in U.S. cities gained steam. Millions have been sharing the message while advocating for systemic change. Everyday people are also inspiring their networks to fuel the movement in a way that we hope is not just a one time spike in support, but that this is the investment in the work that we need to do, Carr said. NEW YORK, NY: JUNE 3: Day 7 Protest of George Floyd's death and the second day of the 8pm curfew imposed by New York City as protestors converged upon Gracie Mansion in a peaceful march on June 3, 2020 on the New York City's Upper East Side. Credit: mpi43/MediaPunch /IPX For many non-profits, the yearly donations received are linked to how effective they are at implementing change. At least for now, money isnt an issue with funds flooding into these groups at a staggering pace. Story continues The Minnesota Freedom Fund, which pays criminal bail and immigration bond for those who cannot afford it, has received over $30 million in donations after George Floyds killing. Since then, the organization has encouraged people to donate to other like-minded funds, and recently announced that it has used more than $200,000 for bail in the weeks since the protests began. Carr believes Americans are taking what she called their political budget, and moving those resources to multiple local groups focused on combatting racial-inequality. What we've seen is obviously an increase of people understanding the connectivity around creating an America that centers on black lives and the diverse constituencies, Carr said. A-list celebrities, tech giants and big brands have also used their platforms and paychecks to support. Last week, Netflix founder and CEO Reed Hastings and his wife donated $120 million to the United Negro College Fund, Spelman College and Morehouse College. The record-setting donation is the largest-ever individual gift to support scholarships at historically black colleges and universities. Sarah Smith is a Segment Producer/Booker at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter @sarahasmith Read more: Diamond Princess cruise passenger speaks out on coronavirus quarantine: 'It's heartbreaking' Ex-LVMH chair: 'We have an awful lot of' luxury brands out there Follow Yahoo Finance on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Flipboard, LinkedIn, YouTube, and reddit. People's Liberation Army (PLA) soldiers march next to the entrance to the Forbidden City during the opening ceremony of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing on May 21, 2020. (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images) Pentagon Lists 20 Chinese Companies as Backed by Chinese Military, Including Huawei Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) applauded the Pentagons decision to issue a list of Chinese companies that are owned or controlled by the Chinese military. The list of 20 Chinese companies was published on June 24 in response to a request by Sens. Cotton, Gallagher, Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), laid out in a letter addressed to Defense Secretary Mark Esper in September 2019. The companies include telecom giant Huawei, mobile operators China Mobile and China Telecom, rail car manufacturer CRRC, video surveillance manufacturer Hikvision, shipbuilding companies CSIC and CSSC, aerospace firm AVIC, defense company Norinco, and cloud computing and data-center company Inspur. This report is one piece of a broader campaign our nation must wage against the Chinese Communist Party and its parasitic technology transfer efforts, Cotton and Gallagher said in a June 24 statement, and expressed hope that the Pentagon will add more to the list soon. In the letter, the lawmakers pointed out that under a 1999 law, the Pentagon was mandated to designate any firms owned or controlled by Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) that are engaged in providing commercial services, manufacturing, production, or exporting. We urge the President to impose economic penalties against these Chinese military firms, Cotton and Gallagher said in the press release. The White House didnt comment about whether it would sanction the listed firms. The list can be a useful tool for the U.S. Government, companies, investors, academic institutions, and like-minded partners to conduct due diligence with regard to partnerships with these entities, particularly as the list grows, according to a Reuters report, which cited an unidentified senior administration official. Military Links For many on the Pentagon list, their connections to the PLA are well-documented. Huawei has extensive ties to the Chinese military, as its founder, Ren Zhengfei, was former director of an information engineering department within the PLA. The U.S. government has already banned the company from taking part in the countrys rollout of next-generation 5G mobile networks. LR @RepMcCaul: Huawei is an untrustworthy vendor & a bad actor. Encouraged to see more countries protecting their sovereignty & citizens by keeping the #ChineseCommunistParty & their surveillance companies out of #5G networks. https://t.co/bonvKYDnoa House Foreign Affairs GOP (@HouseForeignGOP) June 24, 2020 Hikvision, which is 42 percent owned by Chinas state-owned China Electronics Technology Corp. (CETC), has provided its artificial-intelligence-enabled video surveillance technology for Chinas national defense and security purposes, according to a 2019 congressional testimony. Hikvision told Reuters that it isnt a Chinese military company and would work with the U.S. government to resolve any concerns. CETC, CRRC, China Telecoms, and Inspur have publicly supported Chinas military-fusion strategy, a state-directed initiative of leveraging cooperation between the military and private industry to advance technological innovation. A Chinese government agency called the Central Commission for the Development of Military-Civil Fusion oversees the effort. In May, the U.S. State Department issued a statement explaining Chinas fusion strategy, which involves developing and acquiring key technologies through licit and illicit means, such as directing academic and research collaboration to military gain, forced technology transfer, intelligence gathering, and outright theft. On May 29, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation that bars Chinese graduate students and researchers who are connected to any entity that implements or supports Chinas fusion strategy from seeking F or J visas to enter the United States. F visas are for full-time students and J visas are for cultural or educational exchange programs. Trump added that the U.S. secretary of state should consider whether Chinese nationals currently on F or J visas should have their visas revoked. Cotton and Gallagher added that Congress should update this 1999 law to better address the present-day challenges posed by Chinas Military-Civil Fusion strategy, in their statement. CRRC won contracts in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia to build subway cars before U.S. lawmakers raised concerns about the deals and introduced bills aimed to prevent federal money from being granted to Chinese companies. Norinco and AVIC are suppliers to the PLA and major exporters for Chinas arms sales. Both companies have previously been slapped with U.S. sanctions for contributing to Irans development of missile programs. The list is a start, but woefully inadequate to warn the American people about the state-owned and -directed companies that support the Chinese government and Communist Partys activities threatening U.S. economic and national security, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said in a statement. Reuters contributed to this report. COUNCILLOR Elisa ODonovan has quit the Social Democrats and will sit as an Independent councillor, according to reports this evening. Party sources have confirmed to the Limerick Leader that the City West member has resigned from the group. Its unclear whats led to this move, but its understood there was disquiet at party level over Cllr ODonovans move to back Fine Gaels Sarah Kiely in last weeks election for the chair of the metropolitan district. As she is part of the opposition party technical grouping on council, she was expected to back their official candidate Sasa Nowak of the Green Party. In comments reported by other media outlets, Cllr ODonovan said: I wish to step away from party politics at this time and dedicate my energy and time to represent a city and county that I am so proud to call my home. In my short time involved with the party, Ive met some wonderful people who share the same values of progressive and inclusive politics that I do. I couldnt speak more highly about members of the city branch, especially chair Jenny Blake whom I believe has a very bright future in Limerick. She will always have my unwavering support, she said. #BREAKING Social Democrats has announced that Cllr Elisa Donovan has resigned from the party and will now serve as an Independent for Limerick City and County Council Fintan Walsh (@FintanYTWalsh) June 24, 2020 Cllr ODonovan became the Social Democrats first Limerick councillor when she was elected in May 2019. The Limerick Leader has contacted both the Social Democrats and Cllr ODonovan for comment. Fires were reported at three commercial establishments in Mumbai on Thursday, including the office of the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait at Nariman Point, officials said. There was no casualty, but a fire officer fainted while trying to douse the flames in one of the premises, they said. Around 5.15 am, a major blaze erupted in the office and server room of the Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait located on the ground floor of the 15-storey Jolly Maker Chamber 2 building at Nariman Point in South Mumbai, a fire brigade official said. The flames spread across the electric wiring and installations, office furniture, records and important documents, computers, UPS battery and false ceiling in an area of 4,000 sq ft on the ground floor, he said. "No one was reported to be trapped inside," he said. Nine fire engines, including water tankers, were rushed to the spot to douse the flames, he said, adding that the case of the blaze was not yet known. Later, a major fire broke out in the three-storey P-2 building in Raghuvanshi Mill Compound at Lower Parel here around 9.30 am, the official said. The fire spread from the ground floor of the building to its upper floors, he said. It was initially tagged as a 'level-2' fire, but escalated to 'level-3' (major), he said. At least 12 fire engines were rushed to the spot to control the blaze, he added. Earlier, two godowns, containing some electrical equipment, furniture and hydraulic compressor machine, were gutted in a fire at Nanddham industrial estate in Marol area of Andheri around 12.45 am, another official said. There was no casualty, but a deputy fire officer fainted while trying to douse the flames and was rushed to a hospital, he said, adding that the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained. (Representative Image) Six months into the Covid-19 pandemic, and scientists and drug-makers around the world are frantically testing existing antiviral drugs to curb the spread of the respiratory virus until a vaccine is found. Two of the most talked-about drugs are the Russian-approved Avifavir, and the American drug Remdesivir. Local production of both antiviral medications began in Egypt a few days ago, and they are soon expected to be available on the market. Avifavir, aka Avigan, is based on the Japanese influenza drug Favipiravir which was approved for manufacture and sale in Japan in 2014 and became a generic drug in 2019. In response to COVID-19, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) has pushed development deals capitalising on Avigans generic status, and partnered with Russian pharmaceutical research and development group ChemRar to develop the Russian generic version currently known as Avifavir. The Russian modified antiviral drug Avifavir received a registration certificate from Russias Ministry of Health on 29 May, becoming the first Russian drug approved for the treatment of Covid-19 patients. On 11 June the first batch of Avifavir drug was delivered by RDIF and ChemRar Group to Russian hospitals. The day after it was delivered to hospitals in Russia Avifavir was incorporated in coronavirus treatment protocols and has had very impressive results, Ahmed Saad, a doctor in Moscow, told MBC Masr Channel in a telephone interview on Sunday. Saad revealed that the Russian medicine reduces the treatment period from 21 days to five days. On Monday, two Egyptian drug=makers announced that they had started production of Avifavir and expected it to be available in the local market within a few weeks. Starting today [Monday], we began manufacturing the Japanese-originated medicine Avifavir, and it will be available in Egypt within a few days or weeks, Amgad Talaat, Eva Pharmas general manager, told MBC Masr channel on Monday. Talaat added that the oral medicine Avifavir will be sold in Egypt under the trade name Avipiravir and will be priced around LE4,500 a package. It is currently being tested for the treatment of Covid-19 patients in Japan, Italy and the UK, and is already included in treatment protocols in Saudi Arabia, said Talaat. The 10 Ramadan for Pharmaceutical Industries and Diagnostic Reagents (Rameda), another leading Egyptian pharmaceutical company, also announced that it had commenced production of the Japanese-originated/Russian-modified drug under the brand name Anviziram. We started production of Anviziram after obtaining approval from the Egyptian Drug Authority. It will take us about three weeks to make the drug available in the local market, Amr Morsy, CEO of Rameda, said on Monday. The company aims to export Anviziram to neighbouring countries upon receipt of approval from the Ministry of Health and the Egyptian Drug Authority. Egypt obtained batches of Avigan samples from its Japanese manufacturer Fujifilm in March, and has conducted clinical and research trials via the Egyptian National Research Centre (NRC), according to Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar. In addition to Anviziram, Rameda said it has also been granted Egyptian Drug Authority approval to manufacture Remedisvir, a broad-spectrum intravenous antiviral medication which has been used in treatment of Covid-19 patients, and aims to commence production as soon as possible. Eva Pharma announced on Monday that it has already started production of Remdesivir, and expects to offer it on the market within days. We have already started producing Remdesivir in our factories in 6th of October City, and the price per vial will be less than LE2,000, said Eva Pharmas general manager. Ten days ago, Eva Pharma said it had reached a landmark deal with the US-based Gilead Sciences Inc to become the only licensed manufacturer of Remdesivir in Africa and Middle East. According to California-based Gilead, a total of nine companies have been granted a non-exclusive voluntary licence to distribute the drug in 127 countries worldwide: six in India, two in Pakistan and one in Egypt. Remdesivir is mainly used for medium to severe coronavirus cases. It will not be available in pharmacies, and will not be prescribed for home-isolated cases. It will only be available in isolation hospitals, and used under the supervision of a physician, Talaat said. A US National Institutes of Health trial found the antiviral drug helped hospitalised coronavirus patients recover more quickly. It was the first drug to demonstrate a benefit in treating Covid-19. Due to its positive trial results, the US Food and Drug Administration issued emergency authorisation for Remdesivirs use on 1 May. While it falls short of an approval, the authorisation allows more hospitalised patients to receive the drug. Health Minister Hala Zayed said earlier this month that Egypts coronavirus treatment protocols are constantly updated. In an attempt to free up beds for critical cases in overwhelmed state-run isolation hospitals, under Egypts latest treatment protocol mild and moderate Covid-19 patients are treated at home or in university hostels. The Health Ministry now uses clinical examinations, chest x-rays, and laboratory analyses to identify suspected cases of coronavirus, with treatment starting immediately, and continuing until the result of PCR testing comes through. Late last month the ministry compiled coronavirus drug kits, which include medications and preventive supplies, for coronavirus patients being treated at home, and the people with whom they had come into contact. The treatment kit is available through 5,013 health units and medical centres, and 1,000 medical convoys, across all governorates. On 19 June Egypt recorded 1,774 new infections, the highest single-day rise since the announcement of the first infected case in Egypt on 14 February. The surge in coronavirus infections and, sadly, deaths, is expected to increase in the coming days. Egypt has yet to reach its peak infection rate, says Hossam Hosni, head of the Ministry of Health Scientific Committee to Combat Covid-19. Hosni expects the number of coronavirus cases to increase to between 2,000-2,500 a day by the first week of July, after which the number of cases will stabilise and start decreasing. Despite the surge in coronavirus infections, on Tuesday the cabinet issued a series of measures to reopen businesses. The cabinet announced that the night-time curfew, in place since March, will be cancelled on 27 June. Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli said restaurants and cafes will be allowed to reopen until 10pm starting Saturday, at a reduced capacity of 25 per cent. They will not be allowed to serve shisha, or water pipe. Shops will be allowed to open till 9pm, though public parks and beaches will remain closed. Sporting clubs, cinemas and theatres, which closed in March, will be permitted to open from 27 June at 25 per cent of their capacity. Places of worship will be allowed to hold daily prayers, but will not be holding weekly sermons on Fridays or Sundays. Public transport will be allowed to operate from 4am to 12am. Egypt will gradually resume regular international flights from 1 July. Foreign tourists will initially be restricted to visiting the South Sinai, the Red Sea and Marsa Matrouh governorates. Visa fees will be waived for tourists arriving on direct flights to resort cities until the end of October. *A version of this article appears in print in the 25 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: NEW YORK, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- MRM, a leading marketing agency that is part of McCann Worldgroup, won Gold as Agency Of The Year (Midsize) at the 2020 Association of National Advertisers (ANA) B2 Awards that honors Business-to-Business (B2B) marketers. This award from the ANA recognizes "agencies that demonstrate excellence in the execution of their marketing creative, ROI for their clients, and thought leadership in the B2B marketing field." Kate MacNevin, Global CEO of MRM, said, "It's truly an honor to be recognized for the overall scope and effectiveness of our B2B capabilities in helping our clients to grow with their business and enterprise customers. Even before the pandemic, both B2B and B2C marketers have been facing increasing competitive challenges. This is why we have stayed committed to further building our capabilitiesin strategy, creativity, consulting, data and analytics, e-Commerce and technology at the same time that we have been providing the staff development and diversity programs required to support these competencies." Among recent B2B clients added by MRM are Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Verizon Business Group CRM Strategy and Three Mobile Enterprise. The ANA B2 awards are judged by B2B professionals from all areas of the ANA. The selection of MRM was based on an overall assessment of its vision and growth, capabilities and innovations, thought leadership, agency culture and marketplace impact. The case histories evaluated demonstrated its success in shifting the brand perception of a major B2B marketer, furthering an understanding the value of omni-platform marketing, and recognizing the important integrated role of technology in marketing today. This 2020 honor from the ANA B2 awards follows other recognition for MRM this year, including being designated as a "Leader" in Gartner, Inc.'s Magic Quadrant for Global Marketing Agencies for the fourth year in a row (2017-2020), and for the first time, having five MRM agencies named in WARC's top 40 effective digital agencies listing, as part of WARC's global Effective 100 ranking. Additionally, MRM's work and achievements factored into many of McCann Worldgroup's recent multiple top industry honors, including being recognized as the world's Most Creatively Effective Agency Network both in the global 2020 Effie Effectiveness Index and in the 2020 WARC Effective 100 rankings, being named Global Agency of the Year both by Adweek and Campaign magazines, being honored as Network of the Year at the 2019 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and inclusion on Fast Company's 2020 list of the World's Most Innovative Companies. ABOUT MRM MRM is a leading marketing agency. Through a strong foundation in strategy, data science, technology and creativity, MRM helps transform businesses by helping brands grow meaningful relationships with people. MRM is part of the Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG) and a top agency in the McCann Worldgroup network, with 40-plus offices across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific. For more information, please visit www.mrm.com. SOURCE MRM Related Links https://www.mrm.com Nearly 1.5 million U.S. workers filed jobless claims last week, the Department of Labor said Thursday. While new weekly unemployment filings have been slowly decreasing since peaking in late March, they have remained at historically high levels for over three months. New jobless claims have topped 1 million for 14 straight weeks. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the record for weekly unemployment filings was 695,000 in 1982. While many have begun returning to work, some 19.5 million workers are still receiving unemployment insurance. PHOTO: A man walks past a retail store that is going out of business due to the coronavirus pandemic in Winnetka, Ill., June 23, 2020. (Nam Y. Huh/AP) "Three months into the unprecedented economic downturn ignited by the COVID-19 outbreak, the nations job market is mired in uncharted and heartbreaking territory. The highly elevated but declining levels of new and continuing unemployment claims suggest tens of millions of Americans are still in dire straits," Mark Hamrick, a senior economic analyst at Bankrate, said Thursday. Hamrick noted that new unemployment claims have now declined for 12 straight weeks but have remained above a million for 14 consecutive weeks. "It might well be that the worst of the economic downturn is behind. But the ultimate cure for what ails the economy is linked to medical solutions such as vaccines which are progressing, but still apparently months away from widespread availability," Hamrick said. This week's unemployment figures also comes amid concerning rises in COVID-19 cases in states that have begun reopening their economies. In California, COVID-19 cases saw a stunning 69% jump in just two days, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday. Florida on Wednesday reported its highest one-day increase of coronavirus cases. MORE: Dow plummets more than 700 points on heels of gloomy IMF forecast and as COVID-19 cases rise Economists at the IMF on Wednesday predicted a much slower recovery than previously forecast, expecting economic growth in the U.S. will plummet by 8% in 2020. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Another 1.5 million US workers file for unemployment insurance originally appeared on abcnews.go.com City residents will soon be able to register their complaints and grievances for different services provided by the municipal corporation on a mobile application. The Chandigarh Smart City Limited (CSCL) has already made the option available on its web portal for registration of complaints and grievances, and by mid-July will also offer a mobile app for the same. Complaints related to all MC services can be registered on the smart city portal www.chandigarhsmartcity.in by first registering oneself. Complaints concerning various MC departments including water supply, sewerage, tax, electrical, information, health, building and roads may be lodged via the app. Details like location, house number, street and landmark will have to be specified. APP CURRENTLY IN TESTING STATE: YADAV Confirming the development, MC commissioner-cum-chief executive officer, CSCL, KK Yadav said, The option of online registration of public grievances has been migrated from the MC website to the recently launched Chandigarh smart city website. A mobile app will be launched by July 15; it is currently in the testing and trial stage. Three names for the mobile app have been shortlisted, but the final name is yet to be decided, he added. The development of the web-based and app-based grievance redressal systems is part of the e-governance project of the CSCL, under which all 28 services, including 14 government-to-citizen (G2C) services, will be integrated on one portal. Yadav said, MC grievance redressal system will be one of the first services to go online and run through an app. Gradually, we will be integrating all other services of the UT administration and the MC on the website and app. Citizens will ultimately have three options to access UT and MC services and register their complaintswebsite, mobile app and e-sampark centers, said Yadav. HOW TO ACCESS Step 1: Go to www.chandigarhsmartcity.in Step 2: Go to public services page and click on grievances (mchandigarh) Step 3: Register yourself Step 4: Submit complaint After submission of the complaint, a message will be sent to the complainant and the officer concerned with details. Complainants may also check the complaint status on the website. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON President Trump is shown with Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin. (Shawn Thew / EPA) The federal government's internal watchdog said Thursday that the IRS sent stimulus checks to more than 1 million dead people worth more than $1 billion under the coronavirus relief package approved earlier this year. In the first of a series of reports on the government's coronavirus response, the Government Accountability Office also warned that the popular Paycheck Protection Program has had limited safeguards and insufficient guidance and oversight planning, increasing the risk that borrowers may misuse or improperly receive loans. "There is a significant risk that some fraudulent or inflated applications were approved," the report states. The report noted that as of April 30, nearly 1.1 million dead people received a stimulus check, totaling $1.4 billion, and urged the IRS to determine the best way to recoup the money. To keep it from happening again if future stimulus checks are approved, the GAO recommended that Congress pass legislation giving the Treasury Department access to Social Security Administration death records, and requiring their use to determine if someone is eligible. The IRS has full access to the death data maintained by the Social Security Administration, but the Treasury Department, which distributed the payments, does not. The report stated that the Small Business Administration, which administers the $670-billion Paycheck Protection Program, would not provide details on how it conducted its review of loans larger than $2 million, or on specific oversight plans for the more than 4 million loans of less than $2 million. Earlier this year, the administration rushed to process millions of small business loans as the economy shuttered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, it has made 4.7 million loans to struggling small businesses worth more than $516 billion, including more than 550,786 loans worth a total of $67 billion in California. The money does not need to be repaid if funds are used to keep workers on the payroll and other conditions are met. Story continues Some large, publicly-traded companies have returned loans worth tens of millions of dollars after a public backlash. The program was designed to keep small businesses afloat, and the Treasury Department, which oversees the Small Business Administration, has pledged to review the recipients. Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin angered members of Congress recently when he indicated in testimony before the Senate Small Business Committee that the administration may not disclose the names of those who took out loans. The Small Business Administration and the Treasury announced Friday that they would release the names and dollar ranges of recipients who got loans of $150,000 or more. The GAO singled out the agency for withholding data it needed to conduct oversight. The agency responded in the report by saying they produced more than 420 pages of documents to the GAO and made officials available for hours. But on PPP loan data, the agency said it cannot simply take a spreadsheet used on a public [Freedom of Information Act] website for traditional loan programs and populate it with PPP loan information. The GAO noted that the documents provided were largely publicly available information, and that the interviews came more than six weeks after they were initially requested. The payments to dead people represent a tiny share of the more than 160 million payments made, but received widespread attention. The report includes the first major detailing of how those payments were made, with the agency stating in its response that IRS counsel initially "determined that IRS did not have the legal authority to deny payments to those who filed a return in 2019, even if they were deceased at the time of payment. That extended to people who filed in 2018, but had not yet filed a 2019 return. But the report also disputes that claim, stating an unnamed Treasury official told the GAO that the agency was not aware of the issue until it was reported in various media outlets. On May 6, the IRS announced that the money must be returned. But the GAO report states that the IRS does not currently plan to take additional steps to notify ineligible recipients on how to return the payments. Native Americans criticise Trumps upcoming trip to Mount Rushmore which they see as a monument to desecration. US President Donald Trumps plans to kick off Independence Day with a showy display at Mount Rushmore are drawing sharp criticism from Native Americans who view the monument as a desecration of land violently stolen from them and used to pay homage to leaders hostile to Native people. Several groups led by Native American activists are planning protests against Trumps July 3 visit, part of his comeback campaign for a nation reeling from sickness, unemployment and, recently, social unrest. The event is slated to include fighter jets thundering over the 79-year-old stone monument in South Dakotas Black Hills and the first fireworks display at the site since 2009. But it comes amid a national reckoning over racism and a reconsideration of the symbolism of monuments around the globe. Many Native American activists say the Rushmore memorial is as reprehensible as the many Confederate monuments being toppled around the nation. Injustice Mount Rushmore is a symbol of white supremacy, of structural racism thats still alive and well in society today, Nick Tilsen, a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe and the president of a local activist organisation called NDN Collective, told The Associated Press news agency. Its an injustice to actively steal Indigenous peoples land then carve the white faces of the conquerors who committed genocide. While some activists, like Tilsen, want to see the monument removed altogether and the Black Hills returned to the Lakota, others have called for a share in the economic benefits from the region and the tourists it attracts. Trump has long shown a fascination with Mount Rushmore. South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem said in 2018 that he had once told her straight-faced it was his dream to have his face carved into the monument. He later joked at a campaign rally about getting enshrined alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. And while it was Noem, a Republican, who pushed for a return of the fireworks on the eve of Independence Day, Trump joined the effort and committed to visiting South Dakota for the celebration, which has caused controversy. It would be so brand if Trump burned down mount Rushmore for attention. pic.twitter.com/uj3Uz8rv0w Dr Benjamin Janaway (@drjanaway) June 24, 2020 The four faces, carved into the mountain with dynamite and drills, are known as the shrine to democracy. The presidents were chosen by sculptor Gutzon Borglum for their leadership during four phases of American development: Washington led the birth of the nation; Jefferson sparked its westward expansion; Lincoln preserved the union and emancipated slaves; Roosevelt championed industrial innovation. Sacred hills And yet, for many Native American people, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, Omaha, Arapaho, Kiowa and Kiowa-Apache, the monument is a desecration to the Black Hills, which they consider sacred. Lakota people know the area as Paha Sapa the heart of everything that is. As monuments to Confederate and colonial leaders have been removed across US cities, conservatives have expressed concern that Mount Rushmore could be next. Trump needs to stand in front of Mount Rushmore and declare America and her heroes great. He needs to defend the United States and Western Civilization. America needs leadership. Inez Stepman (@InezFeltscher) June 24, 2020 Tim Giago, a journalist who is a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe, said he does not see four great American leaders when he looks at the monument, but instead four white men who either made racist remarks or initiated actions that removed Native Americans from their land. Washington and Jefferson both held slaves. Lincoln, though he led the abolition of slavery, also approved the hanging of 38 Dakota men in Minnesota after a violent conflict with white settlers there. It is the largest mass execution in US history. Roosevelt is reported to have said, I dont go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of every 10 are. The monument has long been a Rorschach test, said John Taliaferro, author of Great White Fathers, a history of the monument. All sorts of people can go there and see it in different ways. The monument often starts conversations on the paradox of American democracy that a republic that promoted the ideals of freedom, determination and innovation also enslaved people and drove others from their land, he said. The road trip If were having this discussion today about what American democracy is, Mount Rushmore is really serving its purpose because that conversation goes on there, he said. Is it fragile? Is it permanent? Is it cracking somewhat? The monument was conceived in the 1920s as a tourist draw for the new fad in vacationing called the road trip. South Dakota historian Doane Robinson recruited Borglum, one of the pre-eminent sculptors at the time, to abandon his work creating the Stone Mountain Confederate Memorial in Georgia, which was to feature Robert E Lee, Jefferson Davis and Stonewall Jackson. Protesters with shields and gas masks wait for police action as they surround the statue of Confederate General Robert E Lee on Monument Avenue in Richmond [Steve Helber/AP Photo] Borglum was a member of the Ku Klux Klan, according to Mount Rushmore historian and writer Tom Griffith. Borglum joined the Klan to raise money for the Confederate memorial, and Griffith argues his allegiance was more practical than ideological. He left that project and instead spent years in South Dakota completing Mount Rushmore. Native American activists have long staged protests at the site to raise awareness among the history of the Black Hills, which were taken from them despite treaties with the United States protecting the land. Fifty years ago a group of activists associated with an organisation called United Native Americans climbed to the top of the monument and occupied it. Quanah Brightman, who now runs United Native Americans, said the activism in the 1970s grew out of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. He hopes a similar movement for Native Americans comes from the Black Lives Matter movement. What people find here is the story of America its multidimensional, its complex, Griffith said. Its important to understand it was people just trying to do right as best they knew it then. The White House declined the APs request for comment. BERLIN - Germanys top security official on Thursday backed off a much-criticized threat to file a criminal complaint against a left-wing columnist who wrote disparagingly about the police. Interior Minister Horst Seehofer had told mass-circulation daily Bild on Monday that he would lodge the complaint over a June 15 column in the left-leaning Tageszeitung that compared police officers to garbage. Opposition lawmakers warned that government intervention over a newspaper column could be seen as interference in press freedom. Within hours, Chancellor Angela Merkels spokesman said the German leader was talking to Seehofer about the matter. In a statement Thursday, Seehofer renewed complaints about rising violence against police and rescue officers, and said that the language used in the column sweepingly denies a whole group of people their human dignity. He said that, after careful consideration, he had decided to invite Tageszeitungs editors to discuss the article and its effects, and would ask the German Press Council the media industrys own standards watchdog to make a clear statement on the article, which he argued violates Germanys press code of conduct. He didnt repeat the threat to file a criminal complaint, noting that others already have done so. The newspapers deputy editor, Katrin Gottschalk, welcomed Seehofers about-turn and wrote on Twitter that its legal team continues to stand by the columnist. Businesses will soon have access to industry-specific cybersecurity standards intended to better suit their individual operational requirements. Standards Australia has launched a new task force of industry representatives tasked with establishing baseline cybersecurity standards and industry-specific extensions. The new task force, which met for the first time this month, aligns the industrial standards-setting body with cybersecurity development group AustCyber and the NSW government in an effort that its members agreed would improve the practice of cybersecurity across Australian industry through sector-specific initiatives and technical guidance, greater cooperation between technologies, and learning from global examples. Its membership includes NSW Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello, representatives of AustCyber and Standards Australia, and senior executives from the likes of Defence NSW, Energy Networks Australia, university body Group of Eight, Fintech Australia, the Australian Private Hospitals Association, Australian Industry Group, cybersecurity firm CyberCX, security executive body CISO Lens, and others. With our daily lives so reliant on technology, and as we give more and more of our data to government and businesses, Australians are more vulnerable than ever before in regards to the potential malicious use of data, said Mr OConnell in launching the initiative. Tackling a problem of this magnitude should not fall to one company to manage in isolation, rather it should be industry-wide as part of a comprehensive response. Extending the Essential 8 With input from a broad range of industries, the task force will have access to a wealth of topical cybersecurity experiences that should improve the industry relevance of the guidance it produces. This would position that guidance as an alternative to the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) Essential Eight, which outlines general cybersecurity hygiene practices that all companies should follow but does not offer industry-specific guidance. Prime Minister Scott Morrison referred to two of the Essential Eight guidelines promptly patching systems to fix security bugs, and using multi-factor authentication to foil would-be hackers in the recent press conference where he warned that Australia was under increasing attack from a sophisticated state-based cyber actor across a range of sectors. Many industries already have access to guidelines for securing everything from energy systems to medical device security, as well prescriptive requirements like those imposed by the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP). Adding to the roster of available guidance are the broad and deep ISO/IEC 27000, 27001, 27002 and 27032 standards, the US NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and the UK Minimum Cyber Security Standard that was imposed as a baseline on government bodies in 2018. Different standards have frameworks that tackle information security and risk management from different angles, a recent Compliance Council comparison noted. The right choice for an organisation depends on the level of risk inherent in their information systems, the resources they have available and whether they have an existing cybersecurity plan in place. Simplifying cybersecurity guidance Yet with even well-resourced government agencies failing to live up to their own standards time and again, achieving standards compliance can be daunting for more normal businesses. Resolving this challenge is a key goal of the Standards Australia task force, whose work will not only develop clear cybersecurity guidance but will inform the ongoing development of the governments 2020 Cyber Security Strategy which has received over 210 submissions as part of what Department of Home Affairs guidance calls an ongoing conversation between governments, industry, academia and the community. Standards Australia already has experience normalising a baseline of cybersecurity controls across geographies, with its Pacific Islands-focused Cyber Security Regional Standardisation Enhancement Program delivering its final report in January. Similarly, the new task force will work to evaluate existing domestic and international cybersecurity guidance to an escalating attack climate that has left many businesses exposed to rapidly changing COVID-19 and post-pandemic business environments. Recent events have highlighted the genuine threat posed by cybersecurity, OConnell said. To be part of leading a national response to this challenge is something Standards Australia takes very seriously. A new study has offered a new take on the Fermi Paradox alien civilizations are not visible to us because they are sleeping. Credit: Kevin M. Gill In recent years, the explosive nature of exoplanet discovery (over 4,164 confirmed so far) has led to renewed interest in the timeless question: "Are we alone in the universe?" Or, as famed Italian physicist Enrico Fermi put it, "Where is everybody?" With so many planets to choose from and the rate at which our instruments and methods are improving, the search for life beyond Earth is really kicking into high gear. At the same time, these discoveries have inspired many new studies regarding the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). This includes the Alien Civilization Calculator, which is the brainchild of physicists Steven Woodling and Dominick Czernia. Inspired by recent attempts to address the statistical likelihood of advanced life in our galaxy, they offer a mathematical tool that can crunch the numbers for you. But first, a quick refresher seems in order. The first "calculator" for determining the number of extraterrestrial intelligences (ETIs) in our galaxy at any given time was created by American physicist and SETI researcher Dr. Frank Drake. During a meeting at the Green Bank Observatory in 1961, Drake prepared an equation which summed up the probabilities of finding ETIs in our galaxy. Henceforth known as the Drake Equation, this probabilistic argument is expressed mathematically thus: N is the number of civilizations with which we could communicate R* is the average rate of star formation in our galaxy fp is the fraction of those stars which have planets ne is the number of planets that can support life fl is the number of planets that will develop life fi is the number of planets that will develop intelligent life fc is the number of civilizations that would develop transmission technologies L is the length of time that these civilizations would have to transmit their signals to space While this equation was intended to stimulate debate about the probability of ETIs, it was also significant because of its basic implications. Even if one treats all the variables conservatively, they still get an N result in the dozens or the hundreds. Basically, even if life is very rare in our galaxy, there ought to be at least a few civilizations out there that we could make contact with. Over the years, the Drake Equation has received its fair share of criticism and many attempts have been made to refine it. For instance, in a recent paper that appeared in the Astrophysical Journal, astrophysics Tom Westby and Christopher J. Conselice from the University of Nottingham created a probabilistic argument of their own based on the Astrobiological Copernican Principle. Put simply, this principle (when applied to the existence of life in our universe) states that in lieu of other evidence, one should never assume that humanity is special or unique. When applied to the question of whether or not humanity is alone in the universe, Wetsby and Conselice were able to produce a modern version of the Drake Equation. Mathematically, it can be expressed as: N = N * * F L * F HZ * F M * (L/T') N is the number of civilizations we can communicate with N* is the total number of stars within the galaxy fL is the percentage of those stars that are at least 5 billion years old fHZ is the percentage of those stars which host a suitable planet for supporting life fM is the percentage of those stars with sufficient metallicity, allowing for advanced biology and an advanced civilization L is the average lifetime of an advanced civilization t' is the average amount of time available for life to develop Combined with the latest astrophysical data on these values, they came up with an average estimate of 36 civilizations. This research paper inspired Wooding and Czernia to create their Alien Civilizations Calculator (ACC), a tool that would allow people to make their calculations using either the Drake Equation or the Astrobiological Copernican Principle, but in an interactive way. In addition to being a member of the Institute of Physics (IOP) in the UK, Wooding is a regular contributor to The Omni Calculator Projecta small community made up of professionals who want to make science accessible. The Drake Equation and the Astrobiological Copernican Principle both seek to address the burning question: "Are We Alone?" Credit: NASA It was here that he met Czernia, a young molecular physicist currently completing his Ph.D. with the Institute of Nuclear Physics in Poland. Wooding explained to Universe Today via email: "As an interactive and fun way to engage the public in the science of this fundamental question 'Are we alone in the universe?,' The calculator allows people to easily see what inputs go into such a model and see how changing the values affect the resultmore interactive than reading a scientific paper, which the vast majority won't do." Those who want to use the ACC must first select the model they want to use, then fill in all the fields in the model assumptions section. Some default values are provided based on what scientists believe is statistically most likely, but users are free to enter whatever values they desire. From this, they will see how many intelligent civilizations their model and values predict. The Astrobiological Copernican Principle is recommended since it is the more current model, and can be adjusted to allow for a weak, moderate or strong scenario. In other words, users can adjust how strict the conditions are for the formation of extraterrestrial life. However, users are encouraged to use both this and the Drake Equation to see how it affects their results. Another benefit of the Copernican Principle model is that it allows users to see how long it would take to reach the nearest extraterrestrial neighbor. Wooding says, "[Users] should start by exploring the three modeling scenarios and see how the inputs and results change. The strong scenario is very restrictive and closely follows how life has developed on Earth. The weak scenario has more relaxed assumptions and leads to a greater number of alien civilizations. Then you can put your own values in the calculator to see how the results changegreat for armchair astrobiologists." Artists impression of the range of habitable zones for different types of stars. Credit: NASA/Kepler Mission/Dana Berry Once users have done that, they can use the space travel calculator to see how long it would take to meet the nearest extraterrestrial civilizations in our galaxy. This calculator was also created by Czernia and similarly relies on user variables such as spacecraft mass, acceleration and physics models of the universe (Einsteinian or Newtonian). For fun, let's assume that the ACC told us that there were potentially hundreds of civilizations in our galaxy and that the nearest one is located about 159 light-years away (using exoplanet HD 42936 Ab as a reference). Let us also assume we had a ship that is similar in mass to the ISS (420 metric tons, 463 U.S. tons) and that it could accelerate 1 g (9.8 m/s) until we reached 99% the speed of light. Based on these variables, the Space Travel Calculator tells us that it would take 161.4 years to reach the nearest ETI, though only 10 years would pass for the crew (since we're using Einsteinian physics). Apparently, the ship would also need about 11.66 million metric tons (12.85 million U.S. tons) of fuel mass to make the journey. So yeah, that mission won't be happening anytime soon. But it was a fun exercise that I highly recommend. To be fair, both the Drake Equation and the Astrobiological Copernican Principle have their limitations. For example, we have learned a great deal since Drake first proposed his famous equation about the first four variables. Much of this is due to the recent spate of exoplanet discoveries, which have given astronomers a good idea of how many stars have planets, and how often they orbit within a star's habitable zone. Similarly, the Astriobiological Copernican Principle is subject to a lot of uncertainty. In Westby and Conselice's study, they assumed that an Earth-like planet would eventually form life. In addition, it is widely assumed that since modern humans only emerged about 200,000 years ago (whereas planet Earth is over 4.5 billion years old), that SETI should only be looking at stars that are 4.5 billion years or older. In the end, predicting how many extraterrestrial civilizations are out there will continue to involve a lot of uncertainty. As time goes on, and the instruments we use to conduct SETI research improve, astronomers will learn more about these variables. From this, we can expect that estimates on the likely number of ETIs in our galaxy to become more tightly constrained. Artists impression of a Super-Earth planet orbiting a Sun-like star. Credit: ESO/M. Kornmesser As Wooding indicated, some significant developments need to happen before we can answer the question "Are we alone?" with any confidence: "Maybe in the future, as more discoveries are made about the stars and planets in the Milky Way, you could come back to the calculator and see how they affect the number of possible alien civilizations. "We will get better at detecting Earth-like planets in the habitable zone and even be able to detect what's in their atmospheres (if they have one). This might lead to a more targeted SETI search, which should increase our chances. I always thought of building a radio telescope on the dark side of the moon as a great idea to get away from the radio noise of the Earth, enabling us to increase our sensitivity to any alien transmissions." In the end, we will not know for sure how likely extraterrestrial life and civilizations are until we find evidence. But the beauty part is that the Fermi Paradox ("Where is everybody?") only needs to be resolved once. In the meantime, the search for ETIs will continue, and will benefit immensely from next-generation instruments, like the James Webb and Nancy Grace Roman space telescopes, and methods that are becoming available. At the same time, probability studies and probabilistic arguments will help us narrow the search parameters. If they are out there, we are sure to find them eventually (fingers crossed). Also, be sure to check out the other interesting tools that Omni Calculator has to offer, which include astrophysics, quantum physics, and other scientific calculators. Explore further Research sheds new light on intelligent life existing across the galaxy More information: Tom Westby et al. The Astrobiological Copernican Weak and Strong Limits for Intelligent Life, The Astrophysical Journal (2020). Journal information: Astrophysical Journal Tom Westby et al. The Astrobiological Copernican Weak and Strong Limits for Intelligent Life,(2020). DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/ab8225 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who published a report on human rights violations in the temporarily occupied Crimea in pursuance of the General Assembly resolution, has clearly documented Russia's new violations of international humanitarian law. "The report of the UN Secretary-General clearly defines the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as the territories of Ukraine which are temporarily occupied by the Russian Federation. In addition, it is noted that Russia has continued to apply its criminal law in the occupied territories. Such actions are another violation of international humanitarian law by the occupier," Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations Sergiy Kyslytsya said in an exclusive commentary to Ukrinform on June 24. At the same time, according to the Ukrainian diplomat, the UN Secretary-General pointed out that the Russian occupation authorities were still blocking the access of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to the peninsula "to monitor the situation on the ground." In addition, according to the Permanent Representative, the document cites specific facts of violations of the rights of defendants, as well as the lack of impartial public proceedings. At the same time, it is clearly stated that the detainees do not have adequate defense, they are not allowed to meet with Ukrainian consuls. The report also highlights tortures and forcible transfer of defendants and convicts to Russia. Another important aspect of the report is drawing attention to the long practice of searches and raids, especially against the Crimean Tatars, violations of freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, the ban on the activities of the Mejlis, violations of religious rights, Kyslytsya noted. In addition, according to him, the document emphasizes the illegality of the automatic imposition of Russian citizenship on Ukrainians living in the temporarily occupied Crimea. "We are grateful to the Secretary-General and other UN agencies for constant monitoring of Russia's violations of human rights and international humanitarian law on the Crimean peninsula. It is important that not only Ukraine and its partners speak about this, but also the official UN documents with a clear reflection of consequences of Russia's occupation are released," the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations emphasized. Kyslytsya also praised the UN's call on Russia to abide by its international obligations and stressed that the current report would be an "auxiliary tool" for international pressure on Russia to de-occupy Crimea and bring Russia to justice in accordance with international law. ol According to Tim White, CEO of Profica, the logistics and warehousing sectors have strong fundamentals in place which may see the industrial sector weather the Covid-19 storm and emerge with a more positive long-term outlook. Tim White, CEO of Profica Flexible space E-commerce drives demand Changing spaces Prior to the pandemic, the demand for quality industrial and logistics space was estimated at over 15 million square metres in Africas highest-potential markets. Providers have struggled to keep up with demand in the logistics and warehousing market, which has been driven by growing e-commerce activity, increasing intra-regional trade and urbanisation, says White.Now, while fewer new projects will break ground in the near-term, we do anticipate that a number of large logistics and retail users will need to expand as the pandemic subsides. The food and beverages market, currently the dominant user of warehousing space in Africa, as well as consumer goods, 3PL and e-commerce sectors will remain active. East Africa is likely to see the most demand for warehousing space.While Africa contains many of the worlds fastest growing economies, multinationals are hesitant to invest large amounts of capital in African facilities because of the perceived risks and lagging infrastructure development. However, many still need to build a local presence to tap into these markets, says White. Indigenous companies needing to grow and export, and 3PL logistics providers, particularly those servicing e-commerce, are also requiring more warehousing space.White says there is strong demand for warehouse parks that are ready to move into: Warehouse parks help businesses get to market faster and keeps capital costs to a minimum. Multinationals can easily lease space for light manufacturing, packing, processing, assembly and distribution. Large-scale warehouse parks further allow for logistics and manufacturing clusters to form across Africa as an interconnected network, enabling more intra-regional trade.With McKinsey forecasts showing that 75% of growth in Africa will come from small- and medium-sized enterprises, warehousing needs to be flexible to cater for a range of businesses. Industrial occupiers of all sizes are being challenged by limited warehouse space options, escalating rental costs, the requirement for longer-term leases and inventory fluctuation. There is great opportunity in offering flexible warehouse options with a common technology platform to give these businesses easier entry to quality warehouses that meet the standards required by international customers, says White.E-commerce is the key driver of warehousing and logistics demand in Africa, with Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa leading the charge. According to McKinsey, African e-commerce has projected annual sales of $75bn by 2025. Retailers are working to tap into the 400 million connected internet users in Africa, a market second only to China. Global analysts maintain that e-commerce sales growth will continue even in a tough economy, driving a need for logistics fulfilment and warehousing to serve the supply chain.However, distribution remains notoriously challenging in many parts of the continent and last-mile warehousing with local service provision is essential, says White. E-commerce fulfilment can require four times the warehouse capacity in the destination market compared to traditional logistics models. Also, through Covid-19 and other supply chain shocks, companies want to keep more inventory on hand, which means more demand for space. We expect strong demand for logistics space, from large storage hubs down through to small last-mile fulfilment centres in urban centres, to continue to grow in key regions.White says warehouse designs are also changing in terms of size and technology to allow for greater automation and amenities required for e-commerce fulfilment. Were seeing an ongoing evolution from the makeshift warehouses youll find in Africa to world-class warehousing platforms that provide modern space-maximising design, security, connectivity and reliable power, says White. As property prices increase per square metre close to urban areas, in order to make the investments work, the warehouses need to accommodate more volume.Cold storage in many African markets has long been a weak link, due to the construction costing up to three times of that of traditional warehouses, inconsistent power supply and a shortage of contractor expertise to build these specialised facilities. Investment in cold storage has increased in the last few years as an essential factor in enhancing agricultural value chains and reducing massive food losses. Improved technology can also minimise environmental impact, with solar increasingly becoming a viable option.More world-class warehousing will drive international investment and give local businesses the facilities they need to grow and tap into wider markets, says White. We are looking forward to being part of the growth of warehousing in Africa, helping the continent fulfil its immense potential. While the depth of the global recession may still make investment in even the most essential businesses challenging, e-commerce growth could make industrial property the safest commercial property bet. As the migrant crisis slowly subsides and India crawls its way back to normalcy, this is the right time to ask: isnt there a way to avoid forcing these individuals out of their homes? Of the many enduring images during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the multiple visuals of migrant workers scrambling home on foot, cycle, hidden in cement mixing trucks, and desperately thronging public transport platforms in the false hope of a ride, have seared urban Indias consciousness. It is these migrant workers who make the lives of the urban middle class and the relatively affluent across India transition seamlessly from one day to another by cooking, repairing, cleaning, delivering groceries earning at best a passing reference in mainstream news media and popular culture. Over the decades, many of them have made cities their permanent residence, but millions of these people are the only remaining bridge between urban India and rural Bharat. Many lead twin lives: one surviving on the crumbs of urban prosperity and the other in the morasses of their rural dwelling, in a part of India that is teeming with disguised unemployment. As the migrant crisis slowly subsides and India crawls its way back to normalcy, this is the right time to ask: isnt there a way to avoid forcing these individuals out of their homes? Rural India has traditionally survived on agriculture and allied activities. With 118.9 million people engaged in farming, the sector provides livelihood to 24.6 percent of the total workforce in India of over 481 million; add agricultural labour, the percentage is more than 50 percent. Yet the contribution of agriculture is less than 20 percent of Indias GDP. Sixty-seven percent of those engaged in farming are small landholders with less than a hectare of land. These families practice subsistence agriculture which does not meet their year-round needs. Farming incomes, in real terms, have stagnated over the last few years whereas costs of production have significantly gone up. A vast majority of these marginal farmers live in concentrated rural pockets in several states, particularly in the Hindi heartland and from Eastern and Central parts of India. These pockets are characterised by extreme poverty and deprivation with a very high percentage of the population in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category. Several factors contribute to the entrenched nature of poverty in these geographies: lack of diversification of livelihoods, lack of marketable surplus as well as underdeveloped market linkages, history of militancy and ethnic clashes, difficult terrain, little farm mechanisation and absence of coordinated effort among different stakeholders to address issues of poverty and inequity. Consequently these are the areas that see large scale seasonal distress migration across the country in search of work. The Census of 2011 puts the number of internal migrants to be 450 million, or about 37 percent of the population. While majority of these are intra-state, about 12 percent is inter-state. In the last decade since the Census of 2011, this number is bound to spike with increased mobility of rural migrants in search of livelihoods to more prosperous urban centres. Needless to say, a vast majority of them are from the low income category: the poorest and those on the thresholds. The sector-wise major employment of migrant workers falls in the categories of: construction (40 million), domestic work (20 million), textiles (11 million) and brick kilns (10 million). Different types of people migrate from our villages: small landholders, landless, post-farming season migrants and youth (a small percentage of this young population also comprises school-educated, semi-skilled workers). Increasingly, more and more of these youth are flocking to the cities looking for better opportunities. If each village was a country, the internal migration from Indias poorest areas could be compared to the flight of Indians abroad in search for better opportunities in the last 200 years: a large section of the unskilled would be heading to worksites ranging from Middle East to the Caribbean (to work in construction, large farms, plantation etc.) with a small section of young skilled workers heading to the relatively affluent Western countries (to work in sales, hospitability etc.). While this analogy is far from apt, it does give an idea of a very broad categorisation of the internal migrants from Indias poorest villages. This migration while proving to be a essential cog in the running of these village economies through remittances, deprives these economically backward areas of a small but crucial percentage of school educated, smart, technology exposed young people (not very dissimilar from Indias situation for many decades after independence). In the aftermath of COVID-19, most of these young migrants have returned to their villages with few prospects of going back [to the cities] in the near future and without many opportunities in their current environment. Migration in search of livelihoods will continue from the economically deprived parts of India to the more prosperous areas of the country over the foreseeable future. There is, in fact, a strong case for providing social security and support to migrants in the states where they work. However, can an opportunity emerge from the current pandemic to revive and reboot rural economies? What could possibly be the solution to lack of critical surplus production in many remote areas with underdeveloped market linkages and trapped youths with some skills and relatively better education? Can the vast social base of womens Self Help Groups (SHGs) promoted under the government flagship programme, the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), and multiple NGOs working in the sector also come into the picture? Can an inter-sectorial alliance facilitate the emergence of prosperous clusters of rural areas? We think it is possible but will require systemic changes and building diverse collaborations to create enabling conditions for social entrepreneurship in villages. We need to bring together two social extremities in the rural people-scape: some of the educated returning migrants who are comfortable with technology, and the collective strength of women from marginalised groups, who are now the major contributors in rural livelihoods. Now is the right time to tap into this pool of young change leaders in the community to build an enabling culture of vibrant entrepreneurship in these areas, to reboot the rural economy. Five aspects will be critical for an initiative of this nature: 1. Identify geographical clusters of rapid distress migration Reinvigorating the rural economy will happen only when multiple large geographies with shared cultural, economic and agro-ecological contexts come together towards a common goal of working on multiple nodes of value chains. These areas, known as Innovation Pockets (IPs), should have predefined production of farm and off-farm commodity for synchronisation of individual farmers, mapping of production activities of the particular crop and time schedule for monitoring. Particular commodities should integrate local production systems with market potential. 2. Build a broad coalition of stakeholders The functioning of each IP should be a joint partnership of communities, relevant government line departments, NGOs, business houses and investors. Different government schemes such as NRLM, National Rural Economic Transformation Project, National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (Ministry of Rural Development), Micro-entrepreneur scheme (Ministry of Food Processing Industries); agencies (like NABARD and SFAC); and finances from banks, micro-finance and venture capitalists will bring the required technical expertise, financial resources and linkages to remote villages. 3. Motivate young returnee migrants to be aspirational Enabling conditions should be created to retain these Youth Migrant Entrepreneurs (YMEs) who are school educated and comfortable with technology to earn higher incomes by helping them set up their micro-enterprise and supporting their training in premier national institutions for social entrepreneurship promotion in India. 4. Aggregation and packaging through community organisations For generation of sufficient volumes of specific commodities, the collective strength of women SHGs (and Farmers Producers Organisations) promoted by NRLM and NGOs should be tapped in to reach economy of scales. The complex problem of the middlemen can be resolved by the use of processing technology for commodities to have longer shelf lives and easily reach different markets. It might also nudge a large chunk of underserved areas towards a formal economy. 5. Use Artificial Intelligence-based technology FPOs will support farmers access to technological intervention in the form of package of practices (PoPs), agriculture input linkages and precision agriculture to support productivity, as well Internet of Things (IoT) for traceability, so that the consumer is aware of the products journey from farm to plate. Organic and ethical production with tracebility would be the hallmark of products that will be packaged and branded by the FPOs. Enhanced production will also be absorbed by the local unmet primary market (resulting in lower carbon footprints). Investment in technology with a strong FPO social base will also prepare the country to withstand the uncertain impacts of climate change. How a broad alliance of this nature will work is another complex question, as is the larger question of who will fund this?. While an initiative of this nature will eventually be self-sustaining, it will require an initial impetus of a few years. Could CSR funds play a part? Would venture capitalists pick up one of the geographies for investment? What would be the governments share? Some existing old models can serve as guiding principles for a transformative engagement of this nature: Amuls model of aggregation, Kudumbasrees model of micro-finance support to a large social base of poor women, and Buddha Fellowships that tag IIM/IIT graduates to work with rural entrepreneurs. However, this initiative will require a much bigger and bolder investment and intersectorial collaboration in different poverty pockets in the country. Only then perhaps, will the ingenuity and collective strength of this section of the populace become the pillars of a rebooted rural economy and in turn accelerate the revitalisation of Indias economy. Achintya is the founder of the NGO Kabil and former executive director of PRADAN. Chandan has over 10 years of work experience in rural India and is currently associated with Seven Sisters Development Assistance, which has a presence across rural North East India. Ved is founder Srijan, one of Indias largest rural NGOs, and leads the Buddha Fellowship. Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines are offering not only flexible rebooking options this season but also a basic return flight guarantee on all European routes and thus additional security. The return flight guarantee applies to all customers regardless of the fare booked. They will be taken back to Germany, Austria or Switzerland with Lufthansa Group airlines if necessary also by a repatriation flight. In addition, the Economy Classic and Business Saver fares on European routes will be extended in cooperation with the AXA Partners insurance by additional attractive guarantee components to form an all-round carefree package. In case, travellers are not allowed to enter the country of destination, due to high temperatures for example, or if a quarantine at the destination becomes necessary after a corona virus test, the insurance will cover the costs of the quarantine or medical return transport. In addition, in cooperation with AXA, the fare offers the opportunity to make use of a medical consultation by telephone and to talk to a German-speaking doctor via video call. Additional hotel costs due to possible quarantine or transport costs are also covered, for example if the return flight departs from another airport in the holiday country. Even cancellation costs for unused hotel stays and excursions are reimbursed. Finally, the Economy and Business Flex fares on European routes are extended with the "Bring me Home Now" option. Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian Airlines customers will be guaranteed to be flown home as quickly as possible with the airlines of the Lufthansa Group. On request, they will be carried on the next bookable Lufthansa Group flight and returned to Germany, Austria or Switzerland. Rebooking on an earlier return flight is always free of charge. There are neither rebooking fees nor a fare difference. "We have been talking to many customers in recent weeks in order to better understand the needs but also concerns surrounding travel in times of Corona", says Christina Foerster, Member of the Board Customer & Corporate Responsibility, "With this new and so far unique offer, we want to help ensure that our guests can spend their summer holidays in Europe as carefree as possible". The additional options in the above-mentioned fares will be available from June 25 and until the end of August via direct sales channels in the Lufthansa Group's home markets of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. All journeys with a return flight date up to the end of January 2021 are covered, whereby the fares will not become more expensive, but will be extended to include the above-mentioned services free of charge for the customer. TradeArabia News Service Image: Indranil Aditya/NurPhoto via Getty Images India-China trade Is a boycott really the answer? Chinese brands are trying to prove their 'Indian-ness' With a dream of serving Indian consumers, @IndiaPOCO was born 2 years ago in Delhi, India. We took ahead the #MakeInIndia initiative by making products and services that are crafted for India. We were, are and will always be #POCOForIndia! pic.twitter.com/RfC6Ew0kOj - #POCOForIndia (@IndiaPOCO) June 3, 2020 The employment that Chinese companies generate in India 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 Is the Boycott working? Tensions between India and China following a deadly border clash are seeping into the wider public mood. Videos like this group of Indians destroying a Chinese made TV are trending under the hashtag #BoycottChineseProducts. pic.twitter.com/h8FSNi0ijQ - RT (@RT_com) June 18, 2020 'India needs to broad base its GDP before engaging in a trade war with China' What happens to the 5G dream? What happens to Ola, Byju and TikTok? Aatmanirbhar, eventually Amid the growing India-China conflict, the rhetoric of boycotting Chinese products in India grows commensurately.While we have seen the #BoycottChineseProducts trend previously, this time, China's intrusion at the Line of Actual Control is what fueled the ire of Indians. Sonam Wangchuk, the engineer turned educationist, was the first to call for a boycott late last month This sentiment has roots in India's national movement to boycott British goods that took shape in pre-independence India. Many Indians threw away clothes made in Manchester. However, as is inevitable when living in British India, people were coming home to various products that were imported into the country from Britain anyway.As a result of living in a globalised world, India imports and exports a lot of its products and raw materials from various countries. China happens to be one of the biggest exporters to India. Reportedly, in 2019, India and China's bilateral trade stood at $92.68 billion, which is more than 60 percent of India's total trade.As per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's Export and Import data , in 2018-19, India's electronic equipment import from China stood at $20.63 billion. This includes smartphones, TVs, features phones, white goods, among others.The sentiment is not what's under scrutiny here; the anger is just, but the practicality of a boycott is another matter.The irony of the boycott is especially ripe considering that among the top five smartphone brands in the country - the fastest growing mobile market - four places are occupied by a Chinese brands.According to a May 2020 report by Counterpoint Research , in Q1 2020, Xiaomi had the highest market share of 30 percent in the Indian smartphone market, Vivo ranks second occupying 17 percent of the market, Samsung is at number three with 16 percent. Places fourth and fifth are also occupied by Chinese brands Realme and Oppo with 14 and 12 percent market share, respectively.For the uninitiated, Vivo, Realme, Oppo, OnePlus are all owned by BBK Electronics, which is a Chinese MNC specialising in electronics. Xiaomi is also a Beijing-based company. No India-born brand ranks in the top smartphone sellers list.However, for feature phone market share in Q1 2020 , Lava and Micromax did make the cut to the second and fifth position, respectively.It's not just the pricing that makes the Chinese smartphone brands attractive in India - they have a rising graph when it comes to technology, which cannot be ignored. From being famous for just being a mass producer back in the 1970s, China quickly grew into principal designers for various technologies. For instance, China leads lithium-ion battery production with a 73 percent global manufacturing capacity share, followed by the US, far behind with 12 percent of global capacity.Also, how do you really cut off ties with a particular country's product in a globalised world, where a chip by Intel - an American tech company headquartered in California - is designed in China, manufactured in Taiwan, it's PCB is assembled in Malaysia before going back to Silicon Valley?While India has been pushing for local manufacturing of most products sold in the country, it is impossible - particularly in electronics - to pluck out every involvement of a Chinese company from the line of local production.If this is the future we want, we must prepare ourselves for a very different experience as consumers in India. We may have to make peace with the vagaries of quality, or with sky-high prices for the next Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy flagship.Meanwhile, Chinese smartphone brands in India are playing it smart by playing-up their 'Indian-ness'.In his monthly Q&A video called AskMadhav, Realme India CEO Madhav Sheth addressed the issue of Realme's roots that go back to Vivo-Oppo-OnePlus-owning BBK Electronics. He said that Realme is a global MNC, which started from India. He also said that Indians contribute nearly 50 percent to the Realme's sales globally.India-first products like AIoT devices, a 5G smartphone, and a 64MP smartphone camera, feature prominently among Realme's recent launches. Sheth also reiterated that all Realme smartphones are manufactured under the 'Make in India' initiative. He insists that Realme is an Indian startup.This 'Indian' startup came to be on 1 May 2018, when Oppo announced its sub-brand Realme in India Further, at the recent Xiaomi launch, India head Manu Kumar Jain announced that it now locally manufactures 99 percent of the smartphones it sells in India. He also said that Xiaomi employs more than 50,000 people in the country who are associated directly or indirectly with the brand, across different industries.Poco also recently took to Twitter to talk about how it's a Delhi-born brand. The company claims to be #POCOForIndia for life!In May 2020, Vivo also announced its new Make In India logo that it will be printing on smartphone retail boxes sold in India.The biggest impact of this boycott may be on the thousands of people that are employed by companies like Xiaomi, Vivo and Oppo in their factories in India.Oppo, Realme and OnePlus smartphones are manufactured at a massive facility in New Delhi, which usually employs some 10,000 workers, but its workforce was cut down to 3,000 as per government orders due to the Coronavirus outbreak. At this facility, the BBK-owned brands assemble, test and distribute smartphones in the country, along with exporting some units to other countries.Vivo has a separate factory in Noida, which employs some 2,000 people for assembling, testing and distributing its devices. Vivo also has a second factory, which was set up earlier this year, which has the capacity to employ 8,000 workers under normal working conditions.Chinese companies play an important role in India being the second-largest mobile handset manufacturer in the world.And it's not just the employment generated in these factories. All through the value chain, there is indirect employment via retailers, marketing, public relations, advertisements, among other things. Vivo, for instance, has won title sponsorship for the IPL series for seven seasons (2016-2022), and willIf you believe Twitter, any self-respecting patriot is echoing an anti-China sentiment.However, this echo does not seem to resonate in reality. Smartphone sales of Chinese brands are still going strong.The OnePlus 8 Pro, which went on sale for the second time on 18 June , was sold out on Amazon India just a few minutes after the sale was live, the company confirmed to tech2.Another OnePlus 8 sale was hosted on 22 June at 12 pm. As per OnePlus' own website, the smartphone went out of stock within 8 minutes of the sale going live.A report by Economic Times also revealed that Vivo undertook a consumer study on 16 June through its '30,000-strong shop floor executives', who said that there was no change in purchase patterns so far . The report also quotes 'a senior executive of a leading e-commerce marketplace' who confirmed that "there is no dip in sales of Chinese smartphones and electronic products."The Xiaomi Mi NoteBook 14 series also went on sale for the first time on 18 June , and just a day later on 19 June, the Mi NoteBook 14 Intel/Nvidia models with 512 GB storage, were sold out on Amazon India.We also reached out to Pankaj Mohindroo, who is the CEO of India Cellular & Electronics Association, who confirmed that there has been "no impact" of the boycott on the sale of Chinese smartphones in India.A trade war with China is certainly not desirable, says Telecom and Policies expert Arijit Sengupta.He believes that the only way forward here is for "India to grow it's GDP. The country is talking about boycotts, but no one is talking about broad-basing the economy."India's annual GDP growth dipped to 3.1 percent in January-March 2020.source: tradingeconomics.com He adds, "India is the only country that is not part of any trade deal. And if we do successfully boycott Chinese products, India will be on the losing end, especially in the telecom, networking, and various other industries where it relies on China for research and equipment at very low cost."In the telecom space, Chinese companies like Huawei and ZTE offer cost-effective, advanced equipment. All this while India has resisted the pressure from the US to ban Huawei and other Chinese companies from supplying 5G equipment, as per a recent report by Economic Times, the Indian government has barred BSNL from sourcing telecom equipment from Huawei and ZTE Analysts believe that this move could increase gear procurement costs by 10 to 15 percent when sourcing from non-Chinese companies like Ericsson or Alcatel-Lucent.Most startup unicorns in India like Ola, Paytm, and Byju have heavy investments from Chinese VCs such as Tencent.As per a report by Gateway House, Chinese tech investors have put an estimated $4 billion into India's leading start-ups. Reportedly, over five years ending March 2020, 18 of India's 30 unicorns are now Chinese-funded. "TikTok, the video app, has 200 million subscribers and has overtaken YouTube in India. Alibaba, Tencent and ByteDance rival the US penetration of Facebook, Amazon, and Google in India," the report reveals.Boycotting Chinese products would mean deleting these apps and services from our (Chinese) phones as well.A trade war with China is not the answer. Outraging on social media about boycotting a country and its product is lush with irony, considering the very devices the tweets are posted from are almost entirely Chinese. While India has been actively pushing for local brands to emerge and creating opportunities for global brands to set up manufacturing and increase production in the country , it's not ready to declare itself entirely self-sufficient just yet.A boycott isn't a simple restriction on finished products being imported into India, but has an impact on raw material and machinery that enable the production of various Make in India initiatives, and - very significantly - employment in India.With inflamed passions, one seeks easy answers. We're no strangers to demonisation and othering, and the Chinese 'boycott' is just that. Irrational, untenable, hypocritical, and ultimately, counter-productive. If you're still incensed enough to throw that LCD TV out your first-floor balcony, make sure you follow-through and throw out almost everything else as well. Because you're almost guaranteed to find a "Made in China" sticker on whatever you touch.Original Source: A 30-year-old man is being treated for serious injuries after a Pepperell police officer who was serving a warrant of apprehension for civil commitment shot the man, authorities said Thursday. A spokesperson for the towns police department told MassLive around 1:10 p.m. there was a police-involved shooting in the Middlesex County community. Around 11:35 a.m., two Pepperell police officers were serving a warrant of apprehension for civil commitment at a home on Tarbell Street. When the officers got to the home, a 30-year-old man, who was the subject of the civil commitment warrant, was there with a knife, according to Police Chief David Scott. As a result of events that transpired in the home, one Pepperell officer discharged his service weapon striking the 30-year-old male, reads a news release from Scott. Further information about what exactly transpired was not released. The man was taken to Lowell General Hospital and then transferred by medical helicopter to a Boston hospital with serious injuries, authorities said. A police officer was taken to Nashoba Valley Medical Center for injuries suffered in the incident and has since been released, according to Scott. An investigation is ongoing and the office of Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has also responded to this incident. No further information was immediately available. At least 24 people were killed and 12 others injured on Thursday due to incidents of lightning in various districts of the state, officials said here. Nine persons were killed in Deoria, six in Prayagraj, three in Ambedkar Nagar, two in Barabanki, one each in Kushinagar, Pratapgarh, Balrampur and Unnao due to lightning, an official report said here. Taking note of the these incidents, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of those who died in these incidents. He also directed officers to provide the best health care facilities to those injured in such incidents. Among those injured, eight are from Deoria, two in Barabanki and one each in Prayagraj and Amethi. Earlier on Wednesday three persons, including a 12-year-old girl, were killed and a woman was injured in separate incidents of lightning in Banda and Lalitpur districts. Raj Narayan, 38, a farmer, was killed when he was struck by lightning while working in his field in Itwa village under Bisanda police station area of Banda on Wednesday evening. His body was handed over to his family members after post-mortem examination, police said. In another incident, a 12-year-old girl died and a woman received serious burns after being struck by lightning in Chakora village under Baan police station area of Lalitpur district. In a similar incident in Lalitpur, a 37-year-old farmer, identified as Bhanguta, was killed while working in his field in Tila village under Baar police station area. MET department has forecast heavy rain at isolated places over east UP on June 26. North Korea continued to produce nuclear weapons even in February last year when North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Hanoi with a promise of "complete denuclearization," a U.S. State Department report suggests. In the report submitted to Congress on Tuesday, the State Department said, "Throughout 2019, the United States continued to have significant concerns regarding North Korea's nuclear weapons program and its continued production of fissile material." Washington "remains ready to engage North Korea in a constructive negotiation; however, until final, fully verified denuclearization is achieved, the international community remains united. UN and U.S. sanctions will remain in place and will be fully enforced," it added. Quoting a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the State Department said North Korea kept operating nuclear facilities in 2018 and 2019 while U.S.-North Korea summits and working-level talks were underway. "There were indications of ongoing mining, milling and concentration activities at locations previously declared as the Pyongsan uranium mine and Pyongsan uranium concentration plant," it added. There also were indications of a "centrifuge uranium enrichment facility at the Yongbyon Nuclear Fuel Rod Fabrication Plant, including the operation of the cooling units," it said. The State Department said the movement of major reactor components was also observed at the experimental light-water reactor construction yard at Yongbyon. "It may be intended to provide North Korea with a civilian justification to possess uranium enrichment technology that could be used to produce fissile material for nuclear weapons," it speculated. The report says that the results of dismantlement at Punggye-ri nuclear test site in May 2018 are "almost certainly reversible." "The United States believes there is a possibility of additional unidentified nuclear facilities in North Korea," it says. "It is also possible that North Korea could develop another nuclear test site, if it chose to do so." It speculates that North Korea may also have amassed bioweapon materials that the military could use. Environment Colorado wants every new home equipped with solar panels, and it's in violation of the law. The organization said this week it's launching a campaign to get there, following California's lead. Renewable energy advocates are backing similar construction proposals in Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Texas. Builders in California argued the mandate would add $8,000 to $10,000 in cost per home, worsening the state's housing affordability crisis, while advocates countered that the higher home prices would be offset by lower bills for all, including renters, in addition to the environmental benefits. The Colorado proposal is a continuation of the groundwork laid by Colorado Democrats this year, when the legislature passed House Bill 1155. The legislation awaiting the governor's signature requires homebuilders to provide buyers the option of a solar panel or solar thermal system or to prewire or pre-plumb the home for the systems to be added later. The bill passed the House on a party-line vote on Feb. 21 and passed the Senate with one Republican vote, Sen. Kevin Priola of Henderson, who was a co-sponsor. In order for Colorado to be a leader on clean, renewable energy, change can and must start at home, Hannah Collazo, Environment Colorado's state director, said in a statement. Americans have made it clear that they want solar power, and by creating a direct path for every new home to include this essential resource, Colorado will make a big contribution toward combating climate change and making our state healthier and cleaner. The group cites momentum in the Colorado legislature, when Democratic majorities in the House and Senate have embraced Gov. Jared Polis' push to move the the state to 100% renewable energy by 2050. Environment Colorado called mandating solar panels a "game-changer," alleging that doing so nationwide from 2020 to 2026 would result in more solar energy capacity than the entire U.S. currently has. Across the country, the move would cutting enough carbon dioxide a greenhouse gas the fuels climate change to equal to 34 million fewer gas-burning vehicles by 2045. Solar power is supported by a majority of Coloradans and building all new homes with solar panels is achievable, Collazo stated. We cannot miss the opportunity to generate the renewable energy that comes with powering every new home with solar. The most efficient time to install solar panels is when workers are already on the roof, and by making homes solar, it will lead to healthier and safer communities for years to come. The California solar mandate is a statewide building code for new single-family and multi-unit construction that took effect Jan. 1. The California Building Standards Commission approved a mandate in 2018. The law allows developers to build community solar projects in lieu of individual rooftop solar panel systems to power each property approved by the California Clean Energy Commission and the local utility company. The mandate encouraged but did not require battery storage, heat pump water heaters and other energy-stingy technology in newly built homes. California also banned the use of natural gas in new construction. To further reduce climate change, at least 13 California cities and one county have banned the installation of natural gas in new homes. A proposed ballot initiative for this November would prohibit such bans in Colorado. Protect Colorado, the group collecting petition signatures, declined to comment on the solar panel proposal backed by Environment Colorado. In the marketing world, a thoughtfully-designed marketing strategy and a strategic approach to PR are the key ingredients to the success of any business subjected to our culture of wandering eyes, short attention spans, and scrolling fingers on social media feeds. If you want a loyal database of customers committed to your brands vision, PR is an integral part of achieving that following. Without PR your brand may not gain the same traction in the market. Companies that use PR as part of their marketing strategy often garner long-term success. Here are a few reasons why you need to incorporate PR into your marketing strategy. Builds credibility and enhances your reputation Investing in your PR strategy can help reassure potential customers and clients that your company is credible and trustworthy. PR can also help to build brand equity that will be beneficial in the event that a crisis occurs. Unfortunately, while it takes time to build up brand credibility, it can be damaged or lost in a much shorter period of time. Negative social media buzz, questionable online reviews, or the spread of misinformation can all damage a brand. During these times, maintaining an open and honest dialogue with the media and your online communities is the best course of action. In instances like these, it is important to collaborate with a PR agency for reputation management. A credible PR agency like Co-Communications employs teams of experts that can help you preserve the reputation of your company. PR can influence the publics perception of your business In this era of influencers and social media fiends, brands can benefit significantly from engaging with their online community. Ignoring negative feedback on your social media pages, and even questions from loyal fans and customers, can erode trust in a brand and even lead to lost customers. A nimble PR strategy can help outline how to respond to this online banter and protect your brands reputation Increases brand visibility The core value of a PR agency is to help your brand improve its visibility across a wide range of audiences. Marketing strategies help you build awareness, but public relations boosts and sustains brand visibility. Ultimately, the growth of your company is determined by how visible the brand is in the community. In terms of your online presence, published articles, trade events, industry publications, and blog posts can all enhance your PR strategy. Sharing positive and timely content on these channels can help increase your following. When you incorporate the right keywords and abide by link-building strategies, you can achieve high rankings on Google and other search engines, thus, extending your brands reach. Generates business leads Effective PR strategies can help you generate leads, spike sales, and increase profits. When public relations is integrated into your marketing strategy, you can convert loyal followers into potential leads that can generate revenue. In the pursuit of business leads, you can send positive messages, as part of your marketing plan. That way, your potential buyers will associate positivity and uplifting messages with your companys brand. When done correctly, building goodwill with your prospects can also lead to massive growth in your business. To generate business leads through public relations, youll need to ensure that your followers trust your brand. In the world of marketing, its not about overpromising. Its about overdelivering. It only takes one scammy marketing strategy, and your followers will question every giveaway, PR event, and charity drive. When your clients lose trust in your brand, it may lead to a decrease in sales. Some loyal customers may even sever ties with your business. However, if you devote the time, energy, and resources necessary to enhance your reputation through effective PR, you are likely to experience the boom in business youve been waiting for. PR includes engaging with influencers In the world of Instagram influencers, the majority of active social media users report that they are more likely to trust the advice and recommendations of an influencer over the recommendations of a run-of-the-mill TV commercial or print ad. Although, according to Nielsen, routine social media users are most likely to trust the testimonials of real-life clients. With this in mind, your PR strategy should include a combination of authentic client testimonials and case studies, as well as influencer-generated content. This hybrid approach will allow you to meet the needs of a wide range of audiences, delivering the content they are looking for from the sources they trust most. Final Thoughts Whether youre just starting your business or working with a well-established company, its essential to integrate public relations into your marketing strategy. With an effective public relations strategy, you can manage your brands reputation during both good and challenging times, ensuring clarity and transparency are always at the forefront of your communications. Hungary will block NATO-Ukraine Commission meetings until the issue of the language of education of the Hungarian national minority in Zakarpattia region in western Ukraine is settled. "We currently block the meetings of the NATO-Ukraine Commission, but we have openly said that we will lift this veto as soon as the issues related to the educational rights of the Hungarian minority are settled," Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said at a joint briefing with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. He noted that the issue of the language of education of the Hungarian minority in Zakarpattia region in western Ukraine was still relevant. "But it is very important that we discuss these issues in a civilized way. We must ensure that these controversial issues do not prevent the development of cooperation in other areas," Szijjarto said. In this context, the Hungarian minister expressed the hope that it would be possible to approach the settlement of those issues during the meetings of the joint commissions on education and national minorities scheduled for the coming weeks. As reported, the Law of Ukraine On Education came into force on September 28, 2017, which stipulates that the language of the educational process in educational institutions is the state language but, according to the educational curriculum, one or more subjects can be taught in two or more languages. Some countries, including Hungary, criticized the law for alleged restrictions on the rights of national minorities. On January 16, 2020, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Law "On Complete General Secondary Education" which regulates, in particular, the provision of secondary education in the languages of national minorities. After that, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expressed hope that Hungary would unblock Ukraine's dialogue with NATO at a high level. ol B ritish Airways officials wrote to Heathrow cabin crew yesterday to say their basic pay could be cut by as much as 20% in its wide-ranging cost-cutting plan. The airline said after the covid lockdowns began that it needed to cut up to 12,000 jobs and bring its wage bill down into line with rivals if it is to survive the collapse in passenger numbers expected after coronavirus. Following a briefing to staff announcing plans for the first time today, Amy James, head of inflight customer experience, emailed cabin crew in the so-called "legacy fleets" working the European and Worldwide routes to outline what she called the "pay protection proposal". BA is planning to ditch the legacy fleets - where pay was highest - and merge all cabin crew into one new unit. In James's email, seen by the Evening Standard, she said: "Our proposal would guarantee that if you secure a corresponding role in our new team, we will safeguard your basic pay at at least 80% of your current rate." While she referred solely to basic pay, it is believed that a minority of those in the legacy fleets who currently have extra pay in allowances will end up losing around 30% of their overall package. Some are thought currently to earn a basic of around 70,000. Not all staff will be seeing pay cuts under the plan. Around 40% of cabin crew, particularly lower paid, younger ones, are likely to get some sort of pay rise in their basic, sources said. James wrote: "This pay protection proposal provides a 'soft landing' into a new aviation industry that's very different to what any of us have known in the past, and enables you to adjust to the changes we need to make if we are to compete effectively and be fit for a different future." She said Unite the union had not attended "any of the 24 meetings we have scheduled" nor responded to proposals aimed at finding a solution "to the devastation our industry is facing". Instead, she said, BA has been liasing with staff directly. A Unite spokesman said: "We have consistently called on BA to withdraw the threat to fire and rehire the entire workforce. No other airline has done this. We want to enter sensible negotiations but will only do so once they withdraw that threat." BA currently has three cabin crew fleet - the Euro Fleet, the Worldwide Fleet and, in recent years, the Mixed Fleet. The latter group consists of newer staff generally on lower pay. Under the restructuring, the three will be merged into one with cabin crew earning a basic 28,000, lead cabin crew 31,000 and managers on 38,000. Those for whom the new levels represent a bigger cut than 20% will have their pay individually adjusted upwards. BA was also signalling today that the original cuts of up to 12,000 across the airline would now be lowered due to offers of voluntary redundancies, part time working, unpaid leave offers and the use of a talent pool, where those made redundant would be given first refusal for deployment to other roles in the airline. Currently, the airline employs 14,000 cabin crew. In a statement later, BA said: "We are acting now to protect as many jobs as possible. The airline is facing the deepest structural change in its history, as well as facing a severely weakened global economy. "We call on Unite and GMB to consult with us on our proposals as our pilot union Balpa is doing." Robotic Research, to enable the automation of heavy-duty transit buses for revenue service deployment on the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has announced it is collaborating with CTfastrak corridor, a first of-its-kind for mass transportation systems in North America. The new programme, funded by the Federal Transit Administrations Integrated Mobility Innovation initiative, will use Robotic Researchs proprietary AutoDrive advanced driver-assistance system. Connecticut is one of 23 states receiving funding through the USDOTs FTAs IMI program. IMI projects aim to advance mobility through creative partnerships and emerging technologies, combining public and private transportation assets and strategies to greatly increase access to mobility for everyone. The team for this groundbreaking project is led by CTDOT and is also supported by New Flyer of America Inc. and the Center for Transportation and Environment. ') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> We applaud the USDOT and CTDOT for their support for innovation and autonomous transportation technology. We are excited for our future collaboration and joint work on public transportation and autonomous technology, says Alberto Lacaze (left), president of Robotic Research. We take pride in providing greater accessibility and an improved rider experience for Connecticut citizens. Opportunities like this drive our companys passion for bringing safer, more reliable automated technology to cities across the world. When the program launches for public use, which is anticipated in 2021, three 40-foot automated, electric New Flyer Xcelsior Charge heavy-duty transit buses will be operating on the CTfastrak corridor, a dedicated nine-mile stretch for exclusive use by CTtransit buses. The operations will be a zero-emission deployment occurring between New Britain, Connecticut, and downtown Hartford. This pioneering operation will utilise automated technology to increase the accessibility of transportation to passengers with disabilities while also improving the efficiency and overall rider experience for all passengers. As the first program to deploy automated heavy-duty transit buses for revenue service in North America, it will naturally also create two additional technology innovation moments for US mass transit: including the first automated Bus Rapid Transit line and the first application of automated precision docking to minimise platform gaps, ensure ADA-compliant level boarding and increase accessibility for all passengers. Automated driving objectives of this project will also include the demonstration of platooning capabilities to maintain more efficient headways between buses. Robotic Researchs AutoDrive ADAS technology is platform agnostic and can be used to retrofit vehicles of all sizes, from small, portable robots to large trucks and buses. The system provides autonomous functionality on surfaces ranging from urban-improved roads to off-road terrain, all while the vehicle is collecting and analyzing data to enhance the future of transportation. Robotic Research has safely deployed SAE level four automated vehicles into multiple operating environments across the US and around the world. This includes urban commercial centres around the globe, military bases, government sectors and within theatre of operations. The companys ADAS technology is currently operating in 30 states and on four continents. The University of Cambridge has spoken out in support of one of its lecturers who was hit by a wave of abusive messages and death threats for tweeting 'White Lives Don't Matter'. Dr Priyamvada Gopal, 51, who teaches in the Faculty of English at Churchill College, took to the social media platform on Tuesday evening to write: 'I'll say it again. White Lives Don't Matter. As white lives.' However the controversial message, which has since been deleted by Twitter, was met with a barrage of outrage, with many people responding both publicly and privately with death threats and racist abuse. A petition titled 'Fire Cambridge Professor for Racism was also launched on the petition site change.org on Wednesday demanding that Dr Gopal be fired by the university for the comment. Dr Priyamvada Gopal, 51, who teaches in the Faculty of English at Churchill College, was met by a wave of death threats after her message on Tuesday The Cambridge University professor took to Twitter to write: 'll say it again. White Lives Don't Matter. As white lives' Dr Gopal later shared some of the hate speech she had received, including from a man sending her a picture of a noose and writing: 'We are coming for you you n***er loving piece of s*it'. As well as sharing some of the worst abuse she has received, Dr Gopal - who is also a journalist and activist - announced that on Wednesday night, the university promoted her to a full Professorship. She added: 'I would also like to make clear I stand by my tweets, now deleted by Twitter, not me. 'They were very clearly speaking to a structure and ideology, not about people. 'My Tweet said whiteness is not special, not a criterion for making lives matter. I stand by that.' Following the torrent of abusive messages, the Russel Group University defended the academic and deplored the attacks she has faced since her tweet. A statement released by the university read: 'The University defends the right of its academics to express their own lawful opinions, which others might find controversial. '[It] deplores in the strongest terms abuse and personal attacks. These attacks are totally unacceptable and must cease.' Cambridge University (pictured is Churchill College) said it defended the right of its academics to express their own lawful opinions, which others might find controversial Dr Gopal later explained on social media that she was 'clearly speaking to a structure and ideology, not about people' Stand-up comedian Nish Kumar came out in support of the academic and said it was 'awful seeing the hard right mob descend' Dr Gopal Meanwhile, the Cambridge branch of the University and College Union (UCU), also showed their solidarity with Dr Gopal. The union wrote: 'Solidarity with Priyamvada Gopal - being targeted with vile sexist and racist abuse for speaking up against white supremacists. 'We are proud to be your colleagues both on the picket line and off it. BlackLivesMatterSolidarity.' Many colleagues and students have since expressed solidarity with Dr Gopal following the incident, with even popular comedian Nish Kumar wading in to call her 'one of the best and brightest around'. However, the university's defence of Dr Gopal has been labelled by some as inconsistent and politically biased. Critics have pointed to the recent removal of Noah Carl from his research position at St Edmund's college over links with far right extremist groups. And others have referred to the university rescinding a visiting fellowship invitation to controversial professor Jordan Peterson in March last year. Opponents of the university's stance have suggested that the same defence of free speech and tolerance of controversial views was not extended in these instances. On June 18, Dr Gopal said that after 17 years of consideration she would not be supervising students at King's College due to the consistent racial profiling and aggression by porters Dr Gopal's tweet has since been removed by Twitter for 'violating the Twitter Rules'. The incident comes just a week after the academic announced she would no longer be supervising students from King's College because of 'consistently racist profiling and aggression by porters'. On June 18, Dr Gopal told her 20,000 Twitter followers she was taking the stand 'on my behalf and of other people of colour' calling the situation a 'festering sore'. She said: 'With deep regret but with 17 years of consideration behind it, I have finally decided on my behalf & of other people of colour @Cambridge_Uni to refuse to supervise any students at @Kings_College. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH of the consistently racist profiling & aggression by Porters.' She added: 'It's for the students that over the years I've hesitated to take this decision. But I think it's come to point where it is for students, BAME students who've shared their Kings stories with me, that I must do it. 'Oh and today, I repeatedly asked them to address me as 'Dr Gopal' and repeatedly failed to get them to address me as anything other than 'madam'.' The academic went on to say that Kings' porters treated her differently because she was not white. But King's College hit back at her claims, saying there was 'no wrongdoing or discrimination' from its staff. A King's College spokesperson said: 'We have investigated the incident and found no wrongdoing on the part of our staff. 'Every visitor was asked to show their card during the course of that day, as the College was closed to everyone except King's members. 'Non-members such as Dr Gopal were asked to take alternatives routes, around the College. This was a matter of procedure, not discrimination. 'King's College is a rich and diverse community, and take the wellbeing of its students and staff extremely seriously. We remain committed to being an inclusive and welcoming environment in which to work and study. 'We categorically deny that the incident referred to was in any way racist.' Front pages of the China Daily (L), the Beijing News (C) and the Global Times (R) in Beijing on April 17, 2019. (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images) Beijing Escalates Campaign to Reshape Global News Landscape: Survey The Chinese regime is running an extensive and sophisticated long-term media outreach campaign to amplify its propaganda narrative globally, according to a survey by the worlds largest journalist organization. In the survey released on June 23 and conducted with members of the Brussels-based International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in 58 countries and territories, two-thirds of respondents said China was creating a visible presence in their national media. There are also clear signs of Beijing targeting journalists in developing countries, such as those in Latin America, with ineffective or repressive governments, according to the organization. Among Beijings key goals is pushing for favorable coverage about its grand infrastructure initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative, the IFJ found. The regime has offered special training programs, such as ten months of journalism training at prestigious Chinese universities. The organization called the strategy borrowing a boat to reach the ocean: Beijing is outsourcing propaganda to non-Chinese media platforms to extend the reach of its talking points, while disguising the roots of such content. Half of the respondents have traveled on sponsored trips to China designed to show positive aspects of the country; 36 percent of journalism unions surveyed said they were asked to sign cooperation agreements with a Chinese entity; while more than a third of them reported content-sharing partnerships with Chinese journalism unions and other outlets. Beijing is also seeking direct control over its messaging infrastructure, the IFJ said, by acquiring foreign media outlets and setting up large-scale joint media ventures overseas. The field trips can range from two weeks to ten months, often overwhelmingly targeting developing nations, according to the survey. To push back on allegations of Chinese authorities human rights abuses in Xinjiang, for example, some Chinese embassies have organized media trips for journalists in Islam-majority countries, encouraging them to tout Xinjiangs economic success and tourist attractions. Uyghur Muslims and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang have been heavily persecuted by the Chinese regime, with an estimated one to two million sent to concentration camps where they are coerced into giving up their faith. Entrepreneurs with business stakes in China have also acted as proxies to help initiate such trips. In Australia, dozens of journalists from influential media have traveled to China on Chinese government expenses since 2016, according to the IFJ. At a roundtable in Burma, each of the nine journalists there received and took at least two sponsored tour offers, with one of them visiting China nine times. Dubious Agreements Journalism unions from at least eight countries in Asia Pacific, Africa, and Europe have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with Chinese entities, according to the IFJ survey. The agreement often involves non-disclosure agreements and thus lacks transparency, the IFJ noted. The terms in some agreements have required unions to participate in Chinese-government-held events. In the Philippines, the Presidential Communications Group, a government office that oversees the countrys state-controlled media entities, staff members have been to China for months-long training and fellowships. The office signed an MOU agreement with the Chinese government agency, National Radio and Television Administration, in 2019. Such partnerships have made an impact in the journalists writing. The way they [staff at Philippines office] write their stories now, they reflect the way how Xinhua or how the state media in China is writing their stories, said one journalist from the Philippines who was surveyed, adding that, its normally propaganda. A paid China Daily newspaper box is with other free daily papers in Midtown Manhattan on Dec. 6, 2017. (Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times) Boat-buying Strategy The regime is increasingly buying boats or building them to diffuse state-approved content into overseas media, the IFJ said. State-linked Chinese companies have also purchased media outlets or set up joint ventures in at least nine countries. Chinese internet giant Alibaba, for example, owns an app called UC News that publishes news in Bahasa (spoken in Indonesia), Hindi, and 15 regional Indian languages. In acquiring Hong Kong-based English-language newspaper South China Morning Post, Alibaba founder Jack Ma stated he wanted to offer a fair chance to readers to understand China. Satellite TV packages with Chinese state media channels have been set up and sold across Africa, expanding state propagandas reach. The U.S. administration recently sought to curb Chinese media outlets operations in the country. The State Department has so far identified a total of nine Chinese state-run agencies as foreign missions. China Daily, an English-language outlet under Chinas Publicity Department, has spent millions running supplements in major U.S. newspapers, according to the U.S. Department of Justice documents. While Western media are beholden to the truth, PRC [Peoples Republic of China] media are beholden to the Chinese Communist Party, said Morgan Ortagus, a State Department spokesperson, in a June 22 statement upon adding the latest five to the list. Madhav, who is the BJP in-charge for northeast states, said that though the stability issues of the state government are being raised for the past one year, it has been found that the coalition ministry in Manipur has always been stable and winning elections. Imphal: BJP general secretary Ram Madhav here on Wednesday expressed confidence that the N. Biren Singh-led government in Manipur would complete its five-year term till 2022. "Take it from me, BJP-led government is stable and will continue till the next assembly elections in 2022," Madhav told the media immediately after his arrival in Manipur capital Imphal. He said: "We are celebrating and felicitating our newly elected Rajya Sabha member. It was a grand victory for the people of Manipur and the BJP leadership." Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said: "Since ours is a coalition government and there are issues of disputes, the central leadership is simply enquiring about the matter and it is simply a family issue." He further said: "We won the Rajya Sabha polls on June 19 in Manipur. Everything was transparent and was openly accessible to the people. We are not at all worried about the party and government's stability." On June 17, four-member NPP (National People's Party), Trinamool Congress (TMC), which has one MLA, and an Independent MLA withdrew their support to N. Biren Singh-led coalition government causing a political crisis in the state. To deal with the situation, Meghalaya Chief Minister and NPP national President Conrad K. Sangma, Assam Minister and North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA) convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma, state BJP, NPP and other leaders held a series of meetings in Imphal before the four NPP lawmakers sent to Delhi to hold meetings with Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP's National President J.P. Nadda and other central leaders. While the key opposition Congress claimed that the BJP-led government in Manipur had lost its majority, the BJP said the issue had been settled with the victory of its candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls. A delegation of the Congress on June 17 met Governor Najma Heptulla and demanded to convene a special session of the assembly for a floor test. The delegation also told the Governor that a Congress-led Secular Progressive Front (SPF) government would be formed in Manipur under three-time Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh. GREENSBURG, Pa. (AP) A western Pennsylvania man convicted of murder for a fatal shooting that he said was committed by his now-deceased twin brother has been sentenced to life in prison without parole. Darrelle Tolbert-McGhee, 31, of Penn Hills, also received a five-to-10 year term for a related weapons offense. He had been convicted in January by a Westmoreland County in the April 2017 slaying of Michael Wilson, 32, in downtown Jeannette. Tolbert-McGhee did not speak during the sentencing hearing Wednesday. His lawyer, Tim Dawson said his client maintains his innocence and will appeal the convictions. During the trial, Dawson said his client was in Florida at the time of the slaying. Tolbert-McGhee has said the shooter was his twin brother, Dwayne, who was killed in a shooting 13 months later in Wilkinsburg. Prosecutors argued that evidence from eyewitnesses identified the defendant as the shooter and his identity was not in question. More: 19-year-old charged after shooting in Harrisburg neighborhood: police Daughter accused of setting up her 81-year-old dad for brutal robbery: Pa. state cops 3-year-old girl found dead in bathtub, malnourished and bruised; 3 adults charged, including 1 on the run Rome marks Festa di SS. Pietro e Paolo on 29 June. Rome celebrates its patron saints, Peter and Paul, with a public holiday in the capital on Monday 29 June, resulting in a long weekend for many Romans. This year, due to the covid-19 crisis, there may not be the celebratory events which attract large crowds of people such as the traditional infiorata - the multi-coloured carpet of flower petals - normally held in front of St Peter's on 29 June. There is also a question mark over the annual Girandola fireworks display that usually lights up the sky at Pincio on the night of 29 June. The tradition once took place at Castel S. Angelo but was moved to Piazza del Popolo several years ago. The idea of Michelangelo, perfected later by Bernini, the 16-minute firework display was first introduced in 1481. Over the centuries the historic spectacle has inspired writers and artists such as Dickens, Belli and Piranesi. The annual holiday on 29 June is to mark the liturgical feast in honour of the martyrdom in Rome of the apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, in a celebration that dates back to ancient Christian times. The date commemorates the death of the two saints, both of whom are said to be buried at the two basilicas that bear their names: St Peter's and St Paul's Outside the Walls. Photo credit: Salvatore Micillo / Shutterstock.com After the announcement of the lockdown, the government anticipating cashflow problems of salaried employee allowed them to get funds from their EPF balance KEY HIGHLIGHTS: Any amount withdrawn from EPF before completion of 5 years is taxable Up to 75% of EPF balance or maximum three months' salary can be taken as COVID-19 advance The COVID-19 advance is non-refundable and tax free even if withdrawn before 5 years In case of a job loss, if not completed 5 years, go for COVID-19 advance and not for complete withdrawal Since withdrawals will be tax free after 5 years of service, wait for meeting the criteria If your taxable income liability including income from withdrawal is nil then no need to pay tax Many people facing cash crunch due to job loss or salary cuts are going for EPF withdrawal facility offered by the government. However, you need to be cautious with the process of withdrawal as it can have tax implication if you have not completed five years. We tell you how to use EPF withdrawal to your advantage: What is COVID-19-related advance? After the announcement of the lockdown, the government anticipating cashflow problems of salaried employee allowed them to get funds from their EPF balance. "The non-refundable withdrawal from the EPFO has been allowed to be 75 per cent of the credit standing in the EPF account or an amount equivalent of three months' wages, whichever is lower," says Sonam Chandwani, Managing Partner, K S Legal. So far no deadline has been given by the government to end this facility. "The facility of withdrawal is available till the time the pandemic continues to exist in India. However, only one withdrawal is available in respect of COVID-19," says Archit Gupta, Founder and CEO - Cleartax. 75% withdrawal under COVID-19 is tax free The added advantage of the COVID-related advance is that it comes with tax exemption. "The amount withdrawn as advance under the purpose 'Outbreak of pandemic (COVID-19)' is not taxable, as clarified by the EPFO in a list of FAQs dated April 4, 2020. Hence, the EPF advance is not the income of the member. Also, there is no TDS liability on the withdrawal," says Gupta. Mind the tax implications before going for higher withdrawal EPF rules allow members to apply for 100 per cent withdrawal after two months of continuous unemployment. So, instead of COVID-specific advance if you wish to go for higher withdrawal it will be considered as normal withdrawal. This withdrawal does not enjoy the blanket tax free status similar to COVID-related advance. "PF withdrawal by a member is tax-exempt only if such member rendered continuous service of five years or more. The period of service includes services rendered with more than one employer. However, the employee should transfer the EPF balance from former employer to the new employer," says Gupta of Cleartax. If you have not completed five years of continuous service and yet has gone for higher withdrawal, it will be considered as income and TDS will be deducted on this withdrawal by the EPFO. "TDS is deducted at a rate of 10 per cent on EPF balance if withdrawn before five years of service," says Chandwani of K S Legal. You will also have to show this as income when you file your income tax return. However, in the given year if your taxable income including this income is less than Rs 5 lakh, you will not have an income tax liability. You can fill form 15-G to claim that your income tax liability would be nil and hence no TDS should be deducted. Waiting for five-year to get over without contribution does not help If one is closer to five years, some people think that by waiting for few more months they can meet the five-year service criteria. However, they are wrong. "In case you have discontinued employment before completion of five years of continuous service, and subsequently, withdraw after five years of opening the EPF account, the withdrawal will still be fully taxable. The period of five years is with respect to the continuous service and should be fulfilled to avail tax-exemption upon withdrawal," says Gupta of Cleartax. It means unless there is a monthly contribution for five years consistently, you will not get tax exemption on EPF withdrawal. Defer withdrawal till you complete 5 years If you have not completed five years of contributions, you better stick to COVID-specific advance. "One can defer withdrawal from the funds of the EPF account for five years of continuous service as thereafter there is no tax deduction. Consequently, in case of a job switch, the employment period under the new employer is also included to calculate the continuous stretch of time," says Chandwani of K S Legal. Once you join a new organisation you should make sure that you complete five years before going for a complete withdrawal. ALso Read: Filing income tax returns, Aadhaar-PAN Card linking; check out new deadlines Also Read: Around 40% of Pakistani pilots hold fake flying licenses HT Correspondent New Delhi India will launch the fourth phase of Vande Bharat Mission, the largest programme for repatriating stranded nationals, on July 3 after bringing back more than 360,000 nationals from around the world. Vande Bharat Mission was launched in May to bring home hundreds of thousands of Indians stranded across the world because of Covid-19-related restrictions, including students, people facing medical emergencies and workers who had been laid off. In order to continue with our efforts, phase four of Vande Bharat Mission is being firmed up with effect from July 3 and will particularly focus on countries where we still have large numbers of Indians who have registered to return, external affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava told a weekly media briefing on Thursday. Over the past seven weeks, a total of 513,047 Indians registered their request for repatriation with Indian missions abroad and 364,209 have returned as of Thursday. A total of 875 international flights were scheduled from more than 50 countries in the first three phases of the mission, and more than 700 flights have reached India with 150,000 nationals. These flights have been instrumental in addressing the immediate requirements of stranded Indians in many parts of the world. We are committed to bringing back our remaining compatriots, particularly in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Malaysia, Singapore and other places, Srivastava said. Chartered flights under the mission began operating on May 26 and have increased over the past few weeks, he said. These flights have brought back 130,061 people, including seafarers and crews of shipping companies stranded in various places. The government will streamline the process for charter flights as demand for them remains very high, especially in West Asia. More than 84,000 Indians have also returned from Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh through land border immigration checkpoints. Naval ships are also bringing back people under the mission. INS Jalashwa reached Bandar Abbas port in Iran on June 24 to bring back a group of Indian citizens, Srivastava said. However, flights by state-run Air India under the mission have run into problems as some countries have demanded that their countries too should be allowed to operate similar repatriation flights to India. The US has said flights under the mission will need to obtain permission 30 days in advance from July 22 as the Indian government has been engaging in discriminatory treatment of American airlines. Now, sanitizing or washing ones hands and wearing masks will never get dated. Its the new normal. However, some young entrepreneurs realised that it was a necessity for everyone to get back to their routine and so they came up with ideas and designed machines towards that end. While some manufactured machines, others built websites and apps to aid the present situation. AMIT GOMEZ and D. SURENDER BABU: Zero-contact public property Surender Babu and Amit Gomez created machines that could be rather helpful for people in public spaces. The first machine, named Nexetra Disinfectant, comes with sensor-based sanitizing machine. The second machine the duo created is a UVC disinfection box. The duo hopes people can make use of Nexetra Disinfectant in especially public places such as malls, churches, temples mosques and offices. Surender talked to us about what gave way to the idea of building these. During the lockdown, I began wondering how our lives would change after the lockdown. People would have to use sanitizers for even the tiniest amount of exposure, says Surender. My enterprise partner Amit Gomez and I thought of a sensor-based sanitizing machine, which would not need any human contact for the machine to dispense the disinfectant. Nexetra Disinfectant comes with a touch-free dispenser that can hold about eight litres of liquid sanitizer and has a sensor on it. The UVC disinfection box the second machine they created to help with the present scenario scans viruses that are on ones watch, laptop, jewellery, money and other items one may carry when outdoors. While Surender and Amit spent a whole day in research, they took only another in creating these machines. The timelines of creation, however, seem irrelevant to the entrepreneurs as compared to the efforts that have gone in to building it. As Amit says, We worked hard to get these machines done. The major challenge we faced was the difficulty in procuring all the parts of the machine. However, we managed to do that rightly. The duos hard work seems to be paying off too, for they have been supplying these machines to a few corporate offices and worship places in and around the city. We hope these machines will help the society to get back to living their normal lives again, adds Amit. TAVISHI JAIN and TANISHA JAIN: Safety essentials Tavishi and Tanisha Jain are sisters who are pursuing their graduation in the UK. However, the duo came back to India in March just before the government declared the nation-wide lockdown. Unlike Surender and Amit, who developed machines, these entrepreneur sisters thought the situation around them was such that people needed help in procuring safety essentials to fight the disease. That is when they decided to create digital outlets especially using social media handles to help people buy COVID-19 essentials, such as masks, gloves, PPE-kits, sanitizers and temperature guns and machines. Speaking about the handle that provides people with COVID essentials Tavishi says, Sometime amidst the lockdown, my sister and I decided to create an Instagram handle named Care-O-Safe. The idea was to use the handle like any other handle on the platform for shopping. Ours would provide people with all the essentials they would need when stepping outdoors. In essence, the entrepreneur sisters procure from their vendors and suppliers the essentials their customers request for on the social media handle. Customers approach us through messages or calls, and based on their orders, we get the essentials from the suppliers, Tavishi elaborates. However, the sisters look at this enterprise as an ad-hoc arrangement for now. We have to get back to our college during the month of September, Tavishi adds. If the situation continues to remain as it is now, though, we would love to continue with the business. PREKSHA SINGHVEE and NAVIKA LOHIA: Quality in ones reach Another set of friends, named Presksha Sighvee and Navika Lohia, had met each other at the University of British Colombia in Canada. The duo had to return home to India in March as their parents started to worry about them out there with the pandemic in full swing. However, that didnt stop the two friends from thinking about how to keep their community safe. So they devised to create a website called Simplee Safe Sisters, catering to safety essentials such as hand cleansing wipes and sprays, facial mists and soothing wipes and rubs for the fur babies, which they claim are not only safe and natural but also meet the CDC guidelines. Preksha shares with us an insight about what led the friends to get on this enterprise. We want people to choose from the best, so we came up with stocking up about 100 good quality safety essentials, she says. One can find everything related to COVID-19 safety in the website. Like it is for anyone starting a new enterprise, the two friends also faced challenges. However, the duo preferred to focus on their motives towards delivering the best for people, which even helped them move forward with their business plans. People started to know about our website and placed orders accordingly, and there has been a good response. We hope that our site helps people to get good quality product, she adds. With entrepreneurs catering to the needs of their community, the new normal lying ahead may look positive. The National Chief Imam, Sheikh (Dr) Osman Nuhu Sharubutu has welcomed the decision by Saudi Arabia to bar international Hajj pilgrims this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Saudi Arabia on Monday declared that this years pilgrimage had been restricted to very limited number of people, specifically those already residing within the Kingdom as part of measures to contain the pandemic The Office of the National Chief Imam supports the decision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and commends the Guardian of the No Holy Mosques, King Salman for the wise decision and appropriate action taken. It is the understanding and believes of the National Chief Imam that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia took this decision to protect Muslims around the world from contracting the deadly and contiguous COVlD-l9 disease, the National Chief Imam ONCI said. A statement issued by the Alhaji Khuzaima Mohammed Osman, the Personal Assistant to the National Chief Imam in Accra yesterday, said despite the importance of the Hajj, safety should be considered first. In as much as Hajj is obligatory on physically strong and financially sound Muslims at least once in their life time, this years Hajj with COVlD-l9 poses a threat to human health as pilgrims are crowded at religious sites, it said. As a result of the proliferating COVlD-l9 cases across the globe and the lack of vaccines, it said, there was the need to keep social distancing protocols among millions of pilgrims to preserve lives in accordance with Islamic principles. We pray to Allah to continue to protect the two Holy Mosques, protect and bless the Guardian and Muslims around the World. We pray to Allah to prolong our lives with great health to witness yet many more Hajjs, the statement said. Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam which requires Muslims in good health and who could afford to visit Mecca to stand before the structure known as the Kaaba, and praise Allah at least once in a lifetime. But for the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated two million people would have visited Mecca and Medina. As of Monday, Saudi Arabia had recorded 161,005 cases of infection and 1,307 deaths. The country lifted a nationwide lockdown at the weekend. The restriction on Hajj is said to be the only way to observe social distance. 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 The global hyper converged infrastructure (HCI) market is expected to grow by USD 32.45 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/20200625005072/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Hyper Converged Infrastructure 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 hyper converged infrastructure market Download free sample report Companies storing data on the cloud face multiple regulatory and compliance hurdles. In addition, economies such as Turkey have regulations that require data to be stored locally, in turn, boosting the demand for HCI systems across the globe. Hyper converged infrastructure systems allow organizations to keep data safe in their on-premise data centers, and provide multiple data protection features such as snapshots, replication, and encryption. These systems also include features such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID) and erasure coding, which helps to keep multiple copies of data in different systems. Some systems also come with built-in disaster recovery features, which aid in preventing business downtime. Such enhanced data protection offered by HCI systems will boost their adoption during the forecast period. 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=IRTNTR43581 The global outbreak of coronavirus is expected to have a mixed impact on the growth of the information technology sector. As the business impact of COVID-19 spreads, the global hyper converged infrastructuremarket is expected to witness positive growth. This is mainly attributed to the growing emphasis on remote working by several IT companies across the world. As per Technavio, the emergence of HCI as an alternative to public cloud 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. Hyper Converged Infrastructure Market: Emergence of HCI as an Alternative to Public Cloud Several businesses across the world are migrating their entire IT infrastructure to the cloud as it offers a high level of flexibility. However, there are risks associated with storing an organization's data on the public cloud. Some financial institutions have faced regulatory hurdles or compliance issues with respect to storing their data on the cloud. This has encouraged enterprises to look at the hybrid cloud model, while some are finding a suitable on-premises alternative. HCI solutions are increasingly emerging as the ideal alternative to public cloud platforms such as Azure or AWS as these systems are simple to manage and help reduce the costs associated with traditional data center systems. HCI brings cloud-like flexibility to on-premises data centers, which is prompting many cloud service providers to implement HCI systems in their cloud. "Factors such as the simplicity in management, and the reduction in TCO will have a significant impact on the growth of the hyper converged infrastructure 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 Hyper Converged Infrastructure Market: Segmentation Analysis This market research report segments the hyper converged infrastructure market by end-user (financial services, healthcare, education, government, and others) and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA). The North American region led the hyper-converged infrastructure market in 2019, followed by Europe, APAC, South America, and MEA respectively. During the forecast period, the North American region is expected to register the highest incremental growth due to factors such as the favorable climate for data center innovations, availability of infrastructure, regulatory policies for data security, and the presence of established vendors in the advanced economies of the region. 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/20200625005072/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/ Two men have been jailed for five years for a series of burglaries from pharmacies in Laois, Longford, Tipperary and four other counties which Judge Keenan Johnson said was an attack on rural Ireland. Sorin Aurelian Damaschin, 30, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12 and Matei Siminica, 30, of no fixed abode, were sentenced to seven years in prison with the final two suspended after Portlaoise Circuit Court, sitting in Tullamore, heard the value of stolen goods and damage caused was about 128,000. The two men, both Romanian, pleaded guilty to stealing high-end perfumes and after shave, plus cash, from pharmacies in counties Longford, Roscommon, Meath, Laois, Tipperary, Wexford and Waterford over a two-month period between May and July last year. At each of the premises they smashed the door with a hammer in the middle of the night and loaded the items and cash into bags before driving away. In addition to the burglaries from pharmacies, they admitted stealing a mobile phone and personal items from a car parked in a car park in Nenagh. The men told gardai when interviewed that they sold the cosmetics at knockdown prices to markets in Dublin city centre. This type of offending is a serious attack on legitimate commercial businesses. It's a serious attack on the services that are provided in rural Ireland, said Judge Johnson. He said it was clear from victim impact statements that the offences had a profound and negative impact on the proprietors of the premises and staff and afterwards they were all concerned and nervous. He said one could not but have sympathy of all these decent hardworking people who are trying to earn a legitimate living and they're subjected to this type of nasty crime. The courts were obliged to protect such businesses and send out a clear message that the perpetrators would suffer a significant sanction. He noted that most of the businesses were covered by insurance but their premiums were going to go up. And the cost of dealing with these claims is levied on everybody who pay their taxes and their insurance premiums so there's a cost to society. He also noted that the owner of the car in Nenagh had lost many photographs and mementoes of sentimental value and that was very hurtful to her and difficult for her. The perfumes stolen from a pharmacy in the town of Longford had a cost price of nearly 12,000 but would have had a retail value of nearly 22,000, the court heard. The total value of goods and cash stolen from a pharmacy in Cahir, Co Tipperary was over 35,000 while a pharmacy in Portlaoise lost nearly 6,500 worth of stock and 1,685 in cash. Pharmacies in Enfield and the town of Roscommon were at a loss of nearly 11,000 in stock each and the cost price of stock stolen from a similar business in Dungarvan was over 28,000. The court heard with the exception of 100 worth of sunglasses taken from one pharmacy in Enniscorthy, nothing was recovered. The men were captured on CCTV wearing masks and gloves during the raids but in a couple of instances they were recorded looking at premises the day before the burglaries. They were also linked with a car used in a number of the burglaries and when arrested in July last year they made admissions. The men had previous convictions in Spain and both have been in custody in Ireland since July 9 last year. Judge Johnson backdated the sentences to that date and the suspension of the final two years was conditional on them entering a peace bond for 15 years and leaving Ireland within seven days of their release from prison. US cop shows are still trying to sell a mythical version of policing, writes Pat Stacey You can get killed just for living in your American Skin, sang Bruce Springsteen in American Skin (41 Shots), his powerful song about the fatal shooting of young black man Amadou Diallo by four white policemen in New York City in 1999. Diallo, a 23-year-old Guinean immigrant, was unarmed when he was gunned down outside his apartment building in the Bronx. As he reached for his wallet, the four plain-clothes NYPD officers opened fire. They fired 41 shots, 19 of which hit Diallo. The four one of whom had shot another unarmed black man dead in 1997 were tried for second-degree murder and reckless endangerment. All were acquitted. This is what happens, frequently, in the real America. We know this because of Amadou Diallo, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks and all the other black victims of white police, whose names have coalesced into a mass over the weeks, months and years. In the fake America, however, the one sold to a hungry television audience for decades via a drip-feed of police dramas (still the most popular genre on US television), such things almost never happen. Even if they do happen, theyre invariably blamed on the one bad apple in the department. Read More The bad apple metaphor has been around as long as the cop show itself. Every cop show ever made, in any era, has always had one bad apple; one racist cop, who tarnishes the image of the force and threatens to destroy public confidence in the police. In the end, though, the one bad apple is always rooted out. Justice is always served. Its the genres way of pretending to address the issue of racism in the police without actually addressing it at all. It presents racism as isolated rather than institutionalised. It precludes the notion that theres a whole barrel full of bad apples, and the ones at the top might be the most rotten of all. The series Before Homicide: Life on the Street based on David Simons factual book, Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets and Simons own series The Wire introduced ambiguity (not to mention a significant number of substantial black characters) into the cop show equation, where police were invariably portrayed as heroes, always on the side of right and always overwhelmingly white. American televisions first big police procedural, Jack Webbs Dragnet, which ran for most of the 50s and was revived in the late 60s, was made with the full cooperation of the police. They vetted the scripts, supposedly to ensure authenticity. In reality, it was to ensure a positive portrayal of cops. Video of the Day Dragnet was pure copaganda and its influence persists today. Every cop show still employs the service of police consultants and advisors. Blue Bloods invariably views anyone who questions the motive or integrity of the cops as malicious. The immensely popular Law & Order: Special Victims Unit may not be as crudely pro-police as Dragnet and may not have a cast dominated by white faces, but it still presents the cops as an unimpeachable, incorruptible force for good. The most egregious example of copaganda currently on TV is the nauseatingly reactionary Blue Bloods, starring big, boring Tom Selleck as the police commissioner patriarch of the Reagans, a family of Irish-American cops a three-word combination which, in the America of the early 20th century, was shorthand for graft, corruption and racism, most frequently and vehemently towards African-Americans. Blue Bloods invariably views anyone who questions the motive or integrity of the cops as malicious. The characters have been known to spout pious platitudes about colour-blindness, yet the show is consistently criticised for its attitude to black characters. In one episode, a black suspect throws himself from a window then claims police brutality. One recurring character, a black minister, is repeatedly shown to be a devious chancer stirring up racial discord. Ultimately, iron-clad bulls**t like Blue Bloods might be what eventually makes US television think about calling off the cops. For more culture and entertainment news, reviews, interviews and features directly into your inbox sign up for our weekly newsletter HERE. The Australian economy has improved its standing in the eyes of the IMF as it upgrades its forecasts. The economy will still shrink by an mighty 4.5% this year, but it's a big improvement on the 6.5% fall the IMF forecast in April. While it expects a 4% recovery for Australia in 2021, a global recession threatens to wipe out $17 trillion worldwide. Visit Business Insider Australia's homepage for more stories. Australia won't emerge from a global recession unscathed, but it at least appears to be in a strong position to get through it. Updating its assessment of the world economy, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded its view of how Australia will navigate the crisis. While the Australian economy will still contract by a considerable 4.5% this year, according to the global organisation, it's a damn sight better than the 6.7% it was calling two months ago. Again, the IMF forecasts the subsequent recovery in 2021 should erase much of the losses, with the economy bouncing back 4%. The improved diagnosis comes in the same report the IMF actually downgrades its global forecasts. "Compared to our April World Economic Outlook forecast, we are now projecting a deeper recession in 2020 and a slower recovery in 2021," chief economist Gita Gopinath wrote in a note on the analysis. "Global output is projected to decline by 4.9% in 2020, 1.9 percentage points below our April forecast, followed by a partial recovery, with growth at 5.4% in 2021." The IMF puts the collective 2020 and 2021 losses from "The Great Lockdown" at a cost of $US12 trillion, or around $17 trillion in local money. Australia has no doubt been helped by its early efforts to contain the coronavirus outbreak sooner than others, sparing its healthcare system and allowing it to begin to reopen its businesses. The IMF noted it had been among a "few exceptions" as countries suffered a worse than expected March quarters. Story continues Equally, the island nation's geography has put it in an advantageous position relative to others to safeguard its progress. Early indications suggest possible second waves notwithstanding it will be able to open fully both domestically in July and to New Zealand thereafter. The most concerning development so far has been a spike in Victorian cases, which has again seen other states grow cautious in reopening completely. With the Prime Minister warning that the lifting of restrictions, such as those barring international students from being flown in, is reliant on state government cooperation, a spate of new cases could threaten the recovery effort. Catholic student kicked off Florida State student govt for scrutinizing Black Lives Matter Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A Catholic student at Florida State University says a student mob demanded his ouster from the student senate after he scrutinized the policy views of the Black Lives Matter organization. According to Catholic News Agency, Jack Denton, who is set to graduate from FSU in 2021, said the student senate voted to oust him over what he said in a group text in an exchange about the stated beliefs of groups like BLM, Reclaim the Block, and the ACLU that pertain to abortion, sexuality and the family. In the group text for members of the FSU Catholic Student Union, students chatted about the police shooting of a 38-year-old black transgender-identifying female named Tony McDade. Denton told CNA that when someone advocated the causes students could support financially to back racial justice efforts, he explained that the positions taken by the organizations were at odds with Church teaching. Screenshots of the exchange reveal Denton stated that the organizations advocate "explicitly anti-Catholic" things." As a devout Catholic and a college student, I felt that it was my responsibility to point out this discrepancy, to make sure that my fellow Catholics knew what they were partaking in, he said. When asked to elaborate, Denton noted that the ACLU has sued states that place limits on abortion and it defends laws protecting abortion clinics. He added that BLM defends transgender ideology and fosters a "queer-affirming network." He also said that though it is less explicit than the other issues, Reclaim the Block pushes cutting the budgets of police departments and claims fewer cops will make communities safe, a position he considered "contrary to the Church's teaching on the common good. Despite Denton maintaining he was not remarking in his capacity as a student government officer, a student in the text exchange sent screenshots of Denton's comments to members of the student senate without his permission. Though an initial motion to bring up a no-confidence vote in the student senate failed on June 3, two days later, the body voted to oust him from his role. A change.org petition that was circulated alleged that Denton's comments were "transphobic" and "racist." A June 4 column in Spire, a student-run magazine at the university, said Denton holds values which are antithetical to FSUs anti-discrimination policy and could make our schools most marginalized students feel unwelcome and unsafe. The piece in Spire also accused him, a white man, of "attempting to use his religious identification as a cover for bigotry and cannot be let off the hook. Denton told CNA that the incident sets a bad precedent and is concerned for the future of Catholic students. He's now contesting the student senate's vote. They did this because of the outcry, he said. It was quite scary to witness how this mob could influence all these senators in two days to just switch their vote and remove me as president, for being Catholic. Denton stressed that his scruples are not with black lives mattering but with the specific organization and the push to fund it. Let me make it unequivocally clear that Black Lives Matter, the statement, the sentiment, theres nothing wrong with that, he said. The FSU junior is now being represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, which has formally appealed to the supreme court of the school's Student Government Association, arguing that his removal not only violated his First Amendment rights but the student senate and university rules. Denton is asking to be reinstated as student senate president. Denton's ouster is not the only incident of pushback against people who voice criticisms of the Black Lives Matter organization. As The Christian Post reported earlier this month, members of the Cornell Black Law Students Association penned a letter to the law school community calling on students not to take courses by professor William A. Jacobson. The letter claims that Jacobson has engaged in anti-black rhetoric by pointing out that the BLM organization is Marxist in nature and aims to tear down our society. Jacobson subsequently responded to the BLSA letter in a blog post, noting that their claims are false and misleading and that the boycott call came after he offered to debate them. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) Justice remains elusive for the family of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio, the hazing victim who died in the Philippine Military Academy in 2019. Nine months after his death, the Baguio City Prosecutor's Office found probable cause to file charges of hazing, murder, and physical injuries against the suspects, including four PMA cadets and three doctors. However, resigned officials of the Baguio-based institution former PMA Superintendent Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista and former PMA Commandant of Cadets Brig. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro, were cleared for lack of probable cause. The prosecution also dismissed the case against two other PMA officials and three cadets. Dexter Dormitorio, Darwin's brother, told CNN Philippines they were grateful that the prosecution was able to come up with a resolution despite the COVID-19 crisis, but couldn't help but feel deprived of justice. "We are dissatisfied kasi selectively and partially applied lang yung Anti-Hazing Law despite na meron kaming evidence (We are dissatisfied because the Anti-Hazing Law was only selectively and partially applied despite the evidence)," Dexter said. "We only yearn for justice... We feel na (that) right now we are deprived of it," he added. READ: 'My brother was ready for PMA, but not for the daily abuse' The family is still weighing their legal options, including the possibility of filing an appeal. Dexter said they understand that the prosecutors' decision to clear some cadets and former PMA officials may depend on their "level of participation" in the crime. "For those na nakapanakit talaga especially yung dalawa na nakasuhan ng physical injuries medyo baffling for the family, kasi the intent to hurt is really there, parang practice na nila," Dexter said. [Translation: For those who really hurt Darwin, especially the two who were charged with physical injuries, it's quite baffling for the family because the intent to hurt is really there and it seems to be their practice.] He stressed that the family wants to put an end to hazing, and is not taking it against the prosecution, the PMA, and even its former officials. For its part, the PMA will continue "to implement the necessary reforms and interventions we have been doing so far in order to prevent these kind of tragedy from happening again and to end all violations of our regulations for a better PMA," spokesperson Maj. Cheryl Tindog said in a statement. She added that the PMA welcomes the prosecution's resolution and will cooperate if the court would ask it to provide documents or testify. Police investigation showed that Dormitorio was maltreated for a month by several upperclassmen, which led to his death in September 2019. Prosecutors ruled that two cadets "intentionally and consistently beat" Dormitorio, while the attending physicians "grossly failed to provide adequate medical care." READ: A month of maltreatment: Dormitorios last days Dormitorio was brought to the PMA Hospital on September 17, 2019 where he was diagnosed with urinary tract infection and discharged after a four-hour observation. Hours later, he was back to the barracks where he started vomiting. He was found unconscious early morning the next day, and was rushed to the hospital. He was declared dead on arrival. The controversial case once again put hazing on the spotlight and forced the resignation of the head of the PMA, the country's elite military school. READ: 'Somehow, I failed': PMA chief resigns after cadet's hazing death CNN Philippines' David Santos contributed to this report. Irish insurer FBD has set aside 22 million euros as a precautionary reserve against lockdown-linked claims by commercial customers, despite predicting it would win a test case due to be heard in October. FBD had received more than 700 business interruption insurance claims by May after Ireland shut down its economy in late March to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The claims were particularly from publicans, three of whom took the matter to the Irish courts. Ireland's only domestically listed insurer said on Wednesday that it remains strongly of the view that its business insurance policies do not provide cover for a pandemic of this nature and that the 22 million euros would cover costs it may incur. The court case will be closely watched by Irish restaurants who will reopen their doors next week under the government's cautious exit plan with pubs only set to fully resume trading three weeks after that. Irish Central Bank Governor, Gabriel Makhlouf, said last week that 90,000 policies were under consideration for possible business interruption payouts, citing industry data. He added that even if a policy is going to pay out, it was not immediately clear what or how much it would pay out for. Neighbouring Britain's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) aims to get business interruption insurance policies examined by a court as soon next month. In France, a restaurant owner who won a court battle with Axa over business interruption cover reached a further settlement with the insurer last month, potentially setting the tone for payouts for similar insurance problems. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Al-Manassa editor-in-chief Nora Younis arrested; family of US national who filed lawsuit against former PM harassed. Egyptian authorities have been condemned by rights groups for raiding an independent news outlet and arresting its editor-in-chief as well as harassing the family of a US national who filed a lawsuit against a former prime minister over human rights abuses. On Wednesday night, Egyptian security forces raided the offices of al-Manassa news outlet and arrested its Editor-in-Chief Nora Younis, al-Manassa said on Twitter. According to al-Manassa, officers claiming to work for the censorship investigation bureau broke into the office and arrested Younis, who was taken to a police station in Cairos Maadi district. In a Twitter post, Amnesty International condemned the arrest as the latest attack on critical voices in media in Egypt. Policemen claimed to be checking software licenses but did not present an arrest or search warrant, said Amnesty, adding that Younis was taken to the police station after being told her laptop needed to be inspected. Younis, who worked at the Washington Post and as a managing editor for Egypts popular daily Al-Masry Al-Youm, won the Human Rights First award in 2008 for her work in the media to expose human rights violations and police brutality. She founded al-Manassa in 2015. According to the independent Egyptian news site Mada Masr, al-Manassa and at least 500 other websites have been blocked in Egypt since 2017. Egypt was named the worlds third-worst jailer of journalists in the 2019 report by the Committee to Protect Journalists. In March, Egyptian authorities deported Guardian journalist Ruth Michaelson after she reported on a study that claimed Egypt was likely to have many more coronavirus cases than officially announced. In May, Lina Attalah, editor-in-chief of Mada Masr, was arrested and detained for several hours after interviewing the mother of an imprisoned activist. She was released on bail following international condemnation. Journalist Haisam Hasan Mahgoub was also arrested in May and held over allegations of spreading false news. Al Jazeeras Mahmoud Hussein has been in held in an Egyptian prison without charges for more than three years. Al Jazeeras has called on the Egyptian government to release Hussein and other journalists, citing deep concerns about his health amid the coronavirus outbreak, but the calls have gone unanswered. Harassment, intimidation Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch (HRW) criticised the ongoing harassment and intimidation by Egyptian security forces of the family of a US national seeking justice, truth, and reparation, in a statement on Wednesday. According to a statement filed in a US court by human rights advocate Mohamed Soltan, Egyptian security forces raided the homes of his relatives in Egypt on June 9 and 15. HRW said security forces arrested and disappeared of five of Soltans cousins for two days. 200602082154445 On June 1, Soltan filed a lawsuit in a US court against former Egyptian Prime Minister Hazem el-Beblawi over allegations of torture and other human rights violations. The lawsuit accused el-Beblawi of coordinating with other Egyptian officials to oversee Soltans arrest and extensive torture at several detention facilities, as detailed in the court documents, including beatings, denial of medical treatment and burns to his body, as well as prison guards encouraging him to take his own life, according to a Washington Post report. It also named, as unsued defendants, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, current intelligence chief Abbas Kamel who was a Sisi chief of staff, and others, who could be served if they arrive in the US, according to the Post. Soltan told HRW he believed the arrests were made to force him to drop the case against el-Beblawi. Taking the stage Wednesday at an anti-mask rally in Scottsdale, Ariz., Republican Councilman Guy Phillips appeared in a black face mask. The crowd's applause tapered into shouts. "Take the mask off!" they yelled. Phillips stood looking at them for a moment. Then, in a monotone voice, he said into the microphone, "I can't breathe." He said it again, louder: "I can't breathe" - echoing the dying words of George Floyd that have become a rallying cry in nationwide protests against police violence. Then Phillips ripped off the mask, rolled his eyes and feigned relief as the crowd cheered for him. "Insanity!" he said of the mask mandate. Now, he's facing calls to step down, as critics on both sides of the aisle have condemned his "callous" insult to Floyd's memory and the nation's reckoning over racial injustice. Sen. Martha McSally, R-Ariz., called Phillips's "I can't breathe" comment "despicable" while Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey said "despicable doesn't go far enough" to describe Phillips's behavior. "The final words of George Floyd should NEVER be invoked like this," Ducey wrote on Twitter. "Anyone who mocks the murder of a fellow human has no place in public office. Period." The words "I can't breathe" have been at the forefront of the Black Lives Matter movement since Eric Garner repeated them 11 times as a New York City officer held him in a chokehold before he died in 2014. But Phillips, who did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment, insisted to the Arizona Republic that his "I can't breathe" comment had no connection to Floyd, Garner or the protests and solely referred to his mask. He said that it was "hot and stuffy" and he meant "no disrespect." Hours later, as outrage mounted, he issued another statement, this time apologizing to the Floyd family. RELATED: Trump elicits backlash over racist language, rallying cry for supporters "I am sorry about a comment I made today that was the same comment Mr. Floyd had made," he wrote, according to the Republic. "He didn't deserve what happened to him and I by no means was trying to make light of it by saying I cant breathe in a mask. Please accept my sincerest apology and that goes out to anyone who became offended." Phillips's behavior combined two of America's most pressing matters into one combustible moment. Some Scottsdale residents used the moment to contrast the two drastically different protests that have consumed different Americans in recent weeks: one against the police killings of unarmed black men, the other against being told to wear a face mask to help reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. Phillips and others politicians held the "Unmask Us" rally Wednesday in response to Republican Scottsdale Mayor W.J. "Jim" Lane's order last week requiring all residents to wear masks in most public places. Ducey announced June 17 that, rather than a statewide rule, mayors would be allowed to issue mask mandates in their cities. The state has been experiencing an alarming spike in coronavirus cases, among the worst rates in the nation and far exceeding New York in new cases. Arizona has recorded more than 16,500 cases since June 18, marking a 38% increase, and this week reported record-breaking numbers for hospitalizations and single-day new cases since the pandemic began. While public health officials have worried about mass Black Lives Matter protests spreading the virus, Arizona and particularly Scottsdale have also seen persistent problems with large, maskless crowds inside sweaty nightclubs and bars since the state reopened on May 15. Public health experts have linked Arizona's rocketing covid-19 caseload to its reopening. In his remarks Wednesday, Phillips said he would be happy to wear a mask "out of respect for my fellow citizens," but not if the government makes him do it. He said that "these mandates are destroying people's livelihood," before invoking recent protests. "You can't open your businesses, but rioters and looters are allowed to ransack them," he said. "You can't go to church. You can't go to funerals. You can't go to your child's birth. But it's OK to protest in the streets. Now we all have to wear masks or we face fines or jail time?" He asked: "Are we gonna stand tall, or cave to a socialist system?" Video footage of his "I can't breathe" opening remarks spread quickly online. Lane, the mayor, later wrote on Twitter that he hoped Phillips "understands how wrong that was and offers a sincere apology." "Councilman Phillips' comments at his anti-mask protest rally today at City Hall do not represent the values of our Scottsdale community," Lane wrote. "I share the profound disappointment expressed by many residents at the words Mr. Phillips chose. ... to use the phrase "I can't breathe" during this moment in time was callous and insensitive." McSally, sharing a video of his comments, said, "This is a serious moment in history and it's disgusting you are mocking the dying words of a murdered man." McSally's opponent in the Republican primary, Daniel McCarthy, spoke at Wednesday's anti-mask rally in dramatic terms, describing the mask mandate as a "communist insurrection" and saying, "I'd rather die on my feet than live on my knees" before leading the crowd in anti-mask chants. President Donald Trump has previously endorsed McSally. Phillips's apology to the Floyd family is the second time since the start of the pandemic that he has apologized for offensive comments. In March, he also made national headlines when he wrote on Facebook, "Hate to break this to all of the morons who call themselves Journalists. COVID literally stands for 'Chinese Originated Viral Infectious Disease' and the number 19 is due to this being the 19th virus to come out of China." "Covid-19" actually stands for coronavirus disease 2019. Phillips apologized to "anyone who was offended" in a column for the Arizona Republic. "I have been made aware of my ignorance," he wrote then. "I hope and pray others will also take a moment and think before they post or repost any exchange of information to make sure it is not only accurate but promotes healing and goodwill." The Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., has today (Thursday) submitted his letter of nomination for the role of President of the Eurogroup. The Eurogroup is the body through which Finance Ministers of the 19 Euro area Member States take decisions on policy issues relating to management of the Euro area economy. Finance Ministers of the eight EU Member States who are not part of the Euro area frequently attend meetings given the importance of the issues under discussion. The Eurogroup President has a vital role in shaping the agenda and policy response to major economic issues, including the economic impact of the present COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Donohoe is one of the longest-serving EU Finance Ministers and members of the Eurogroup. Speaking as he submitted his letter of nomination, Minister Donohoe said: The Eurogroup is the economic engine room for the Eurozone and the single currency which Ireland shares with 18 other EU partners. It is playing a leading role in the EUs economic response to Covid-19. A strong European economy, with the Euro at its heart, is essential for recovery, growth and job-creation in Ireland and across the EU. If elected, Minister Donohoe will be a strong Irish and European voice at the centre of EU economic policy decision-making, and will work closely with Member States and with the European Commission, the European Central Bank, and the European Parliament, in the European interest. Minister Donohoe said: Ireland has long been a bridge builder. If elected, I will work to chart a common way forward on building the European recovery, strengthening the Eurozone economy, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth for Member States and their citizens. I would bring to this task four years experience as Minister Public Expenditure and Reform and Minister for Finance, having also served as Minister for European Affairs for Ireland; a small Member State that has been a Programme country but which has also seen its economy and society transformed beyond recognition through EU membership. The Minister has set out his vision for the Eurogroup, and how he would shape its work if elected, in a letter to his fellow Ministers*. The Minister has also spoken to his colleagues regarding his candidacy and will do so again ahead of the vote at the meeting of the Eurogroup on 9th July. Note for Editors The current President of the Eurogroup, Minister for Finance of Portugal Mario Centeno, announced on 11th June that he would not seek a second mandate as President, meaning his term will come to an end on 12th July. The deadline for the submission of nominations is 17.00 hrs CET on 25th June. The election will take place at the Eurogroup meeting of 9th July, during which a new President will be elected by a simple majority for a two-and-a-half year term. * Letter will be uploaded to the Department of Finance website this evening 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. Editors note: Todays guest editorial was written by Naomi Ishisaka of The Seattle Times. Editorial content from other publications and authors is provided to give readers a sampling of regional and national opinion and does not necessarily reflect positions endorsed by the Editorial Board of The Daily News. It took 30 years of searching, but Rick Hoffman finally found the healing he was looking for. Since childhood, Hoffman (Santee Dakota Sioux) struggled with generational and familial trauma, abuse, addiction and ultimately, about 12 years of incarceration. But two years ago, in the last week of a 90-day stint at Seattle Indian Health Boards Thunderbird Treatment Center in Rainier Beach, Washington, he said he finally found his path. We were singing our traditional Native American songs and it hit home. It was like my ancestors, my relatives, they covered me with a blanket and said, You know, youre going to be all right. You just keep doing what youre doing. You follow our ways. He has been sober since. Hoffman, 56, now lives at Eagle Village, Chief Seattle Clubs pilot modular housing project to serve the needs of Native adults, who face twice the incarceration rate of white people. He has stayed on track with the help of inipi ceremonies (sweat lodge), Native support groups and culturally specific addiction resources. Hoffman is just one of millions in the U.S. who faced incarceration due to a mental health or substance use disorder. As the growing movement for racial justice asks what defunding policing and the criminal legal system could look like, we must also talk about who is currently being incarcerated, for what reasons and what kind of interventions actually work. In the 1960s, as the horrors of psychiatric care in hospital settings came to light, a move began to deinstitutionalize mental health care and instead move treatment into community-based settings. While it was a welcome change, the community-based care never appeared and instead, jails and prisons have become de facto mental health treatment facilities, a process called trans-institutionalization. But jails and prisons were not designed to serve this role. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 83% of incarcerated people with mental illness did not have access to treatment. Amid the federal decertification of Washingtons largest psychiatric facility, Western State Hospital, there have been numerous plans to reform Washingtons mental health system and at long last fulfill the promise of community-based treatment, most notably a massive overhaul from the governor and lawmakers last year. But with an $8.8 billion budget shortfall due to the coronavirus pandemic, its unclear how those initiatives will fare. Already, the University of Washington announced it would close a psychiatric facility, Seven North, due to the COVID-19 budget gaps. After the 2008 recession, for example, states cut $4.35 billion in public mental-health spending. Ethan Frenchman, an attorney for Disability Rights Washingtons Amplifying Voices of Inmates with Disabilities program, said Washington is reflective of the national trend. In Washington, (mental health is) criminalized and individuals are incarcerated and arrested over and over and over again when they are engaging in oftentimes disability-related behaviors, he said. Jails are often just used as a way to momentarily get people off the street. Worse, people with mental illness make up nearly a quarter of people killed by police, according to The Washington Post. The Post also reported incarcerated people with mental illness are held four to eight times longer than people without mental illness charged with the same crime, are less likely to make bail and cost seven times more to detain. We know that it is bad, it is expensive and ineffective to try to treat a health condition through the justice system, said Leo Flor, the director of King Countys Community and Human Services Department. He emphasized that an upstream approach ensuring people have the supportive housing they need to receive and benefit from treatment, for example must be part of the solution for sustainable change. Another part of the solution, Flor said, is looking at opportunities for diversion at every step. How could we get people the behavioral health care they need before they become one of the 40% of people with mental illnesses who come in contact with the criminal justice system? As part of the Trueblood settlement between the states Department of Social and Health Services and Disability Rights Washington on behalf of people with mental illness who had been warehoused in jails, more diversion programs, mobile crisis response units and other measures are coming to some Washington regions. King County is slated for phase two of the plan in mid-2021, but implementation depends on funding from the Washington State Legislature. While the state figures out how to move forward, people like Jeremy Garretson will be there to help. Garretson (Northern Arapaho), is the reentry case manager for Chief Seattle Club and has firsthand experience with the lack of resources for incarcerated people. He first was incarcerated as a juvenile and then spent a number of years in prison as an adult. For people with mental health needs in prison, its laughable to downright cryable, the services available, he said. And if mental health services arent there, he said, the release is just the countdown to the next incarceration, if you havent addressed the issue. He said in his experience, people with mental health needs in prison fall through the cracks nine times out of 10. But he is hoping his work can help fill the gap in some small way. Im trying to be ... the one that everyone can come to. If you dont have community or family support, you still got some support out here. Cause I got you. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Source: Xinhua| 2020-05-27 01:35:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BUDAPEST, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic will reopen their respective borders to each other's citizens at midnight on Tuesday for stays of no more than 48 hours without quarantine, Hungary's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said on his Facebook page on Tuesday. "Over last night and this morning I agreed with my Czech and Slovak counterparts to allow Hungarian, Slovak and Czech citizens to stay in their countries without a quarantine stay of no more than 48 hours, effective from midnight," Szijjarto said in a video message recorded while in a visit in Romania. On Monday, Hungary announced the opening of its border with Serbia, following last week's opening of the border with Romania. Also on Tuesday, the Czech Republic began reopening its border crossings with neighboring Germany and Austria, in a further bid to normalize life amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "From Tuesday, we are opening all railway and road crossings with Germany and Austria, as well as the Hrensko river crossing, and we are abolishing comprehensive border controls," Czech Interior Minister Jan Hamacek said on Monday in a statement, adding that proof for a negative COVID-19 test will still be mandatory and border checks will be random. Crossing borders in non-designated areas will still be prohibited until June 13, and the external borders of the Schengen area will be closed until at least June 15, Czech media reported. Meanwhile, the German government is planning to lift a travel warning for tourists for 31 European countries from June 15, ending an unprecedented directive against all international travel, German news agency DPA reported on Tuesday. Alongside Germany's 26 fellow EU member states, the warning will also be lifted for Britain and the four non-EU members of the borderless Schengen area -- Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein -- according to a draft policy proposal seen by DPA. Germany's plans, which are contingent on continuing positive trends in the coronavirus pandemic, could be approved by Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet as early as Wednesday, DPA said. The German warning against all foreign travel is to be replaced by advice tailored to the risks in individual countries, the report said. Enditem The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the European Barge Inspection Scheme (EBIS) have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to transition key elements of EBIS into OCIMFs Ship Inspection Report (SIRE) programme. These include the EBIS vessel questionnaire templates, technical information templates currently in development by EBIS, Version 9. As a result of a successful transfer and use of EBIS 9 templates into the OCIMF SIRE programme, the EBIS Board of Directors with their membership are expected to terminate its obligations and dissolve the EBIS company in 2022. To facilitate a smooth transition both organisations have agreed: *All EBIS members can apply to become SIRE programme recipients. OCIMF will seek to assist the EBIS members in their application; *All Accredited EBIS Inspectors will have the opportunity to gain SIRE Cat 3 accreditation for the European region following application and a training course; and *Assistance will be provided to vessel Owners and Operators transferring their fleets EBIS technical information into the SIRE database. EBIS 9 will be hosted by OCIMF from January 1, 2021. This aligns with EBISs normal implementation cycle of a new questionnaire and technical information templates. The EBIS 8 questionnaire will be retired from the EBIS database and this data will be available in the current EBIS database as a historical document, until December 31, 2021. OCIMF and EBIS look forward to working and sharing detailed information with their stakeholders on this exciting and historic project in the European inland barge industry. Rob Drysdale, Director, Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) said: The benefits of the MoU are that the EBIS questionnaire becomes part of an established and well respected programme that will ensure its ongoing viability and sharing of global lessons and best practices within the inland navigation industry. It also consolidates barge inspections within Europe into a single system. This is a good thing for members of EBIS and OCIMF and barge operators alike. There is still much to do to complete this work seamlessly, but the teams are up to the task and we look forward to sharing more information as we progress through the plan. Robert Brook, Chairman, Board of Directors, the European Barge Inspection Scheme (EBIS) said: The EBIS Board of Directors looks forward to this transition and the ability to build on the success of EBIS over the last 20 years. -- Tradearabia News Service Hundreds of people marched to the Art Museum with a protest that began at LOVE Park in Philadelphia, Pa. on Sunday, June 21, 2020. Members of the local Black and LGBTQ+ communities marched in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in Philadelphia. Read more When Keisha Lewis comes into contact with a police officer, one of the first emotions she feels is fear. Lewis, a 35-year-old Black transgender woman and office manager at the Morris Home, a residential recovery program for the transgender community in Southwest Philadelphia, cant be sure of the reception she will get. Its like, Is this person going to be mean to me? Lewis said. It plays on your psyche and messes with you very badly. Im a human, too, and I deserve protection, and I deserve to be taken care of like everyone else. After the June murder of Dominique Remmie Fells, a Black transgender woman in Philadelphia, the outcry to address violence against transgender people is louder than ever. The problem is not unique to Philadelphia. In 2019, at least 26 transgender or gender-nonconforming people were killed in the U.S. 91% of them Black women according to the Human Rights Campaign. READ MORE: Advocates, friends urge action after transgender womans dismembered body is pulled from the Schuylkill Black transgender people often already are at higher risk for mental-health issues. Their problems are only made worse by the violence that they experience, a lack of acceptance within their families and communities, and a shortage of mental-health care specific to their needs. Lewis, who has experienced the pain of rejection and the fear of gendered violence, said she struggles with mental-health issues because of it. The proximity to trauma for Black trans women is very real, said Shana Williams, clinical director at the Attic Youth Center, which serves LGBTQ youth in the Philadelphia area. Williams is also a therapist with the Morris Home and identifies as a Black queer woman. The average lifespan of a Black trans woman is 35 years old, and if you constantly see that around you, you cannot help but to mentally accept and be prepared for death as a Black trans woman navigating society. A lot of us are ostracized The 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey (USTS) found that 81.7% of the 27,715 respondents had seriously considered suicide; 40.4% had actually attempted it. For Black transgender people, the mental health impact is likely even worse a 2013 study found that experiencing transphobic and racist events increased depressive symptoms for transgender women of color. But the idea that being transgender is the mental-health problem is incorrect, Williams said. The trouble is with the world functioning as a gatekeeper, rejecting anyone who doesnt meet certain norms. Its really about society and family rejection, Williams said. Being a Black person who already has to navigate oppressive systems, with the added layer of being trans, leads to another way to be discarded, shunned, and not supported. Lewis said that many people in her community have abandonment issues that stem from the rejection they experienced after coming out to their families. A lot of us are ostracized by our community, our family, the people who are supposed to love you, when we come out, she said. But its like they throw you away and discard you like trash. When youre young, you dont know what youre supposed to do then. Youre lacking love, and no one has provided you with any type of tools to move forward with, and over time, that begins messing with your mind. Lewis said suicidal thoughts may begin taking hold when it feels as if people have lost their familys love through no fault of their own. They think that they dont want to be here if they cant have their family, she said. This is just who they are, and the people who are supposed to love them unconditionally dont want them around. READ MORE: When police kill black people, the whole community suffers. Experts offer coping strategies. Needed: More Black LGBTQ therapists Okichie Davis, a Philadelphia therapist who works with queer people of color through their private practice, Endeavoring Wellness, has found that Black transgender people experience all of the same mental-health challenges that the general population faces. But the difference is that [Black LGBTQ+ folks] are marginalized for our gender identity and sexuality, which makes it difficult for us to manage those challenges, said Davis, who identifies as a queer Black woman. Transgender people deal with higher levels of housing and food insecurity, violence, difficulties accessing affordable, affirming health care, Davis noted. All of these barriers serve to exacerbate any symptoms that already exist, and compounds the severity of the mental-health challenges that folks deal with. When people are making the choice between paying for food, medicine, or keeping the lights on, therapy gets bumped, Davis said. Thats why its so important to have more therapists from the Black LGBTQ community who understand those challenges, Davis said. Many of Davis clients search for months before making an appointment. When you work with clinician not from your racial background or sexual identity, sometimes you encounter racism, transphobia, homophobia, or the pathologizing of Black and LGBTQ people, Davis said. That drives people away. Williams also stressed the importance of exploring implicit biases around gender and identity as clinicians. She said she still hears about clinicians who insist on using their clients legal names instead of their preferred names and fail to ask which pronouns they use. Any clinician in 2020 has to do the work to educate themselves on how to be open and affirming, she said. Being trans is who someone is, and we should feel able to support that. Lewis knows Black transgender people who will not see a therapist because theres nobody that looks like [them]. She said they are afraid of being judged by someone who cant relate to them. I remember years ago when I wanted to see a therapist, I couldnt find an African American or a trans therapist, Lewis said. I just want to tell all the Black professionals out there who are becoming therapists we need you, keep doing what youre doing, we want to see more of your faces out here, doing the work. Seoul, June 25 : South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper on Thursday urged North Korea to abide by landmark 2018 agreements the communist nation signed for peace on the Korean Peninsula. In a joint statement marking the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the 1950-53 Korean War, Jeong and Esper also said they will continue to back diplomacy for the complete denuclearization of North Korea and reaffirmed their commitment to maintain a firm combined defense posture, reports Yonhap News Agency. "Both leaders call on North Korea to meet its commitments in alignment with agreements such as the joint statement signed in Singapore after the North Korea-US summit and the Sept. 19 inter-Korean military pact," the statement said. The war anniversary came after weeks of escalation in tensions on the peninsula, following North Korea's threats to take military action against the South in anger over anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent over the border by defectors and activists. After blowing up an inter-Korean joint liaison office, reinstalling propaganda loudspeakers and warning of sending millions of anti-Seoul leaflets, North Korea changed tack in an unexpected move on Wednesday and said it will suspend military action plans against the South. "In the spirit of shared sacrifice, Secretary Esper affirms the US' ironclad commitment to the defence of South Korea, and the two leaders commit to strengthening and adapting the alliance to meet present and future challenges," the statement said. The Korean War broke out on June 25, 1950, with shells and gunshots pounding South Korea's northern regions in predawn hours. The two Koreas are still technically at war, as the conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. H eadteachers across London today welcomed proposals to double class bubble sizes, allowing all children to return to school in September. At present class sizes are capped at 15, which means most schools do not have the space or teaching staff to open fully. But from September the cap is expected to be raised to 30, meaning schools can operate more normally, as long as the different bubbles are separated from each other. Vicky Bingham, head of South Hampstead High School, said: I have been waiting for this confirmation for some time and am really excited. I have a letter ready to go for our community. Emma Pattison, head of Croydon High School, said: Expanding bubbles to 30 will be great. It means we are back to normal sizes. We are so excited and really looking forward to it. Home learning has been going really well but it is not the same as being at school. She said it has been an absolute joy watching children return to school over the past few weeks. But she warned that the use of bubbles makes providing after-school care and a choice of lunchtime clubs more difficult because children must stay with their classmates. Timothy Barnes, the Westminster council cabinet member for childrens services, said: We would welcome the decision to expand the size of class bubbles in September. Its extremely important children of all year groups are able to get back to school as soon as possible to improve their education and for their emotional well-being. As well as class bubbles of 30 for primary schools, the Government is expected to announce year group bubbles for secondary schools. Business Minister Nadhim Zadawi today told Sky News that the Government will make sure all pupils will be back in school full time from September. The department for education refused to confirm the plans, saying official guidance will be published next week. Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of the National Education Union, said: Leaks of proposals for school reopening in September are not helpful. Schools and parents need to see from Government a clearly thought-out plan outlining the scientific reasoning behind a return for all pupils. Currently some children in reception, and years 1, 6, 10 and 12 are back at school. Latest data shows approximately 1.1 million children attended school last Thursday, which is just 12.2 per cent of pupils who normally attend. In previous years, graduating seniors from Santa Fe Indian School would wait patiently for their names to be called. Dressed in their respective regalia, each would receive a high school diploma. With the pandemic in full force, students returned home in mid-March and SFIS made an attempt at remote learning. New Mexico tribes responded to the health concerns by closing borders and restricting off-reservation travel by tribal members to stop the spread of the virus. To protect families and communities, the 19 Pueblo governors, whose pueblos own and operate SFIS, counseled school leaders to provide a virtual online graduation. A caveat remained tribal lands are on the wrong side of the digital divide, with 41% of people living on tribal lands lacking access to broadband. The deficit jumps to 68% for those living in rural areas. At the last governors leadership meeting, we asked their feedback and guidance with SFIS, says Kimball Sekaquaptewa, PIO and chief technology director at SFIS. We shared our experience of what it was like and shared some possibilities of what school could look like. Students connected to classes in any way they could, often relying on parking lot Wi-Fi at tribal libraries, cellular data plans where there was coverage, or pre-paid cellular data plans as they could afford it. Others didnt connect at all and alternative means of communication were used. Some seniors typed up their capstone research papers on their cellphones. One student hand-wrote the paper and took pictures of the pages. Despite the challenges, the 107 seniors of the graduating class persevered, determined to take lifes next step. The SFIS graduation is one of the most beautiful events that just does not compare to other graduations, said Faith Rosetta, SFIS principal. In any other year, the seniors enter the Everett F. Chavez Pueblo Pavilion adorned in their finest traditional garments to a traditional drumbeat and a packed audience of 3,000 family, friends, school staff and tribal leaders. SFIS is an off-reservation boarding school. Two-thirds of students live in the dorms for five days a week. The school brings together students from all 19 Pueblos, the Navajo Nation and Apache Tribes, which is a lot of ground to cover. That has become the focus of the conversation, Sekaquaptewa said. Parents wanted to wait for a graduation. But bringing people together in these times. In our small Native communities, every person is such a treasure that we didnt want to put anyone at risk. Then came the fact that most Native communities dont have access to high-speed internet. Enter New Mexico PBS and First Nations Experience. The station will broadcast the virtual celebration for seniors and eighth-graders at 6 p.m. Friday and again at 10 a.m. Saturday; both broadcasts will be on channel 5.3. Those interested can also view it online at portal.knme.org. We were trying to get around the fact that rural Indian lands dont have high-speed internet, she said. The suggestion came up to partner with New Mexico PBS. They were supportive of the idea and found a way to help. The idea of broadcasting it is the best way to get across to the 19 pueblos, as well as the Apache Nation and Navajo Nation. Paul Tillman pauses during his New Zealand trek. Here are scenes along New Zealand's Te Araroa Trail. Photos courtesy of Paul Tillman. Cathlamet resident Paul Tillman is back at his post at the Cathlamet Market and as a volunteer with the Cathlamet Fire Department, but if you are like me and noticed his absence, he's been on a bit of an amble. Last fall, he headed home to his native Minnesota to spend a week with his family before stepping on a plane to New Zealand to complete his third through hike. "It was actually kind of nice," Tillman said. "It was our fall, but since I went to the southern hemisphere, it was their spring. I went through their summer and to fall, and then I came back to our spring. I completely skipped winter with this trip." Tillman has a love/hate relationship with through hikes. He completed the Appalachian Trail in 2013 and the Pacific Crest Trail in 2015. It was time to take on another challenge. "My first trail, I'd gotten laid off from work, and I was really angry," Tillman said. "So I took my severance package to cool off and hike the trail. I got done with the first one and I thought, I'm never doing that ever again. A few weeks later I was planning the next one." "They are incredibly physically taxing and mentally draining," he added. "It is simultaneously the worst and best thing I've ever done. You get done and you think I'm never going through that hardship again. And then you think, oh, that was so awesome, I miss it!" After flying into Auckland, Tillman spent a little time in the city setting up a bank account and getting everything lined up for the big adventure. And then he took a series of double decker buses to get to the northern tip of the northern island, where the Te Araroa Trail begins, at Cape Reinga. "These trails are so long," Tillman said. "In the US, I might spend a week in the desert, or two weeks in the mountains. But here I'd wake up on the beach, go through a jungle, walk through a pasture land, eat lunch, go up a mountain, back down to a beach, and then through prairie land where I'd camp. The terrain would change by the hour." "It was awesome and beautiful, but difficult to plan for, because you need different equipment for each situation," he added. "It was definitely a level above trails I've done in America, as far as preparing for weather," Tillman said "If you think the weathermen here are terrible at predicting the weather, they are amazing compared to the people in New Zealand." Some of his favorite hiking included the day he hiked up the side of Mt. Doom from Lord of the Rings, really named Mount Ngauruhoe, or the time he spent traveling through the Tararua Range. "Supposedly you've got winds coming in from four different directions in the Tararua Range," he said, "so the weather can change every 15 minutes. On my way out, I'm looking at this incredibly beautiful sky, except for this one cloud, right over my head. It was hailing." One day, he met a woman who brought horses into the Tararua Range to find missing people. She told him that a lot of people had died there, and that every time it happens, a hut is built. Tillman counted 22 huts on the section of trail he chose to travel. "There were signs, do no walk through this section alone," he said. "It was super beautiful, one of most favorite sections of the trail. Incredibly hard hiking. I was making maybe seven kilometers a day in some of these sections." It must have been difficult hiking. For comparison, he said he once did 30 kilometers on a beach, with two bar stops, and thought afterwards that something must be wrong with his GPS. It had not been a taxing day. "There are a lot of river crossings in New Zealand. A lot more than the other trails," Tillman said "Towards the end of the trail, I slipped on a muddy bank on a rainy day and ended up rolling down the hill and busting my trekking poles. I was fine. Of course, it was the only time I saw people, and I fall down the hill in front of everyone." "I continued on, kind of salty," he said. "I'm hiking and going across this river, and I start slipping on some rocks. I'm taking my trekking pole and I'm trying to set it into the ground to catch me, but it's broken. I ended up crashing in the river." It was not his day, but it might not have been the worst thing. The poor guy had some intestinal trouble while walking back through Auckland as he headed south on the trail. He was in the industrial area, and couldn't find a public restroom anywhere. "I'm running," Tillman said. "I get to a gas station and ask to use the bathroom. They tell me it's employees only. I offer the guy $40, but he says nope." Tillman keeps running. What else can he do? Suddenly, he finds himself in a more suburban area, and spies a running track. "I know there's a public bathroom there," he said. "I'm running, and stopping, and then running again. There is a park adjacent and all these parents are looking at me like I'm crazy." "I get to the bathroom there. I barely make it, photo finish," he joked. "The public bathrooms there are like the future," he said. "They are automated and timed for 10 minutes so you can't spend the night in there. Normally that's enough. But 10 minutes are up, and the doors are opening, and there is that park right to the side. I'm mortified." The base weight for his pack was 17 pounds. That was without food or water, so how much he carried depended on how many days he was out on the trail at a time. Parts of the southern island were a really long hitch because it's so rural, Tillman said, but on the north island, the longest stretch might be a day or two out and then you were back in a town. "There is always wear and tear on your equipment on these long trips," Tillman said. "And this one was so rugged, it felt like my gear was getting torn up faster than on my other ones." He dealt with a hurricane and when a volcano erupted, he happened to be sitting on another volcano. An alarm went off, as warning, because the volcanos were part of a chain, and there was concern that something could happen. We should be fine, someone told Tillman, but if you see me running, you should probably follow me. Between the north and south islands of New Zealand is a ferry ride. "It looked like a cruise ship," Tillman said. "The trip took several hours. There are famously horrible swells there and I was sick as a dog the whole time, but the worst part was that the ocean was really calm that day." Usually Tillman makes friends early on these hikes, and finishes alone, but this time, it was the other way around. "I ended up meeting a good group of people about halfway through the souther island and we hiked about the same speed," he said." They were from all over the place. There was a girl from Virginia. A girl and two guys that were from London, and another girl from Germany. We still Facechat now and again." Tillman started to laugh at a memory of two of his new friends. One of the guys from London planned to propose to his girlfriend, but the romantic gesture might have been spoiled by something called hiker hunger. "He was sweating," Tillman said. "She was sitting there eating her chips, and he is telling her all the reasons he loves her, and she doesn't slow down her chip eating at all. All the sudden he gets down on one knee, and she's got a mouthful of chips, with her hand coming up to her mouth with more chips." Tillman started hearing about the pandemic while he was on the trail. It was hard to make sense of toilet paper shortages, and the other things he heard about, but he figured he'd deal with it when he was done with the trail. Then his friends flights out were getting canceled. Suddenly the gravity of the situation became very clear. The trail ended in Bluff. It probably would have been a horrible day, walking along the shoulder of a busy highway in the hot sun, he said, but he and his friends were incredibly excited. "They give you a medal for completing the trail," he said. He spent his last week with his new friends, enjoying campfires, surfing thanks to a local, then renting a minivan to travel to tourist spots and on to Queenstown, where he flew to Auckland, and then on to Los Angeles, and home. The trail is 3,000 kilometers long and took Tillman about five months to complete. Is he thinking about his next thru hike? You bet. SAN FRANCISCO - When he defiantly reopened the company's Fremont plant against county orders last month, Elon Musk promised Tesla employees they could stay home if they felt uneasy. They would not be penalized. If "you feel uncomfortable coming back to work at this time, please do not feel obligated to do so," he wrote in an email sent to the company's factory workers in early May that was viewed by The Washington Post. Nonetheless, two Tesla workers say they received termination notices alleging a "failure to return to work" after they opted to take unpaid leave to protect themselves and their family members when the factory restarted production the second week of May. The workers, Carlos Gabriel and Jessica Naro, said they both received the notices last week from Tesla's human resources department citing their apparent failure to show up and the company's inability to reach them. The workers provided evidence of their continuing correspondence with managers. They believe they received the notifications for speaking up about their concerns with working conditions at the plant. Since they received the notices last week, both Gabriel and Naro said they have received calls from HR representatives. Naro was told she could come back, though she was prompted to offer a date of return. Their concerns about safety are shared by a half-dozen workers who spoke with The Post, some on the condition of anonymity for fear of losing their jobs. They said that Tesla is failing to follow social distancing guidelines, with lax enforcement of rules concerning masks and sanitation of machinery. They also complain of little transparency by the company about new cases of infection, as well as its response. Employees are "hovering over each other," said one worker. Some workers disappear for two weeks and their peers are told they're "sick," without further explanation, said another worker. Supervisors cite health privacy law in not disclosing particular cases, but workers say Tesla hasn't even described broadly how widespread the novel coronavirus is at the plant. Already, workers at Tesla's seat plant down the road from its main factory were told of two confirmed cases among workers on the morning and evening shifts, with at least three others exposed to the coronavirus. Branton Phillips, who works on Tesla's Model S sedan and Model X SUV lines, said he embarks on a daily ritual on returning from the plant: spraying down equipment and removing and bagging his clothes. He showers before saying hi to his wife, Shirley, who has diabetes and heart ailments. Phillips said he takes the risk into account but also needs to work to keep a steady paycheck. He compared the lack of mask use at work to the push and pull of wearing them in areas across the country. "You're reflecting what's outside in the world inside the plant," he added. Tesla's standoff, first with public health officials, then with its own workers, has become one of the most dramatic corporate battles taking place over response to the global coronavirus pandemic. Musk and the company have argued that the work is essential, something the county disputed. Some workers say that the company's opaque approach is endangering their lives to build cars. Companies around the world are struggling to balance measures to limit the spread of the virus with the need to reopen. Amazon, for example, has kept its warehouses running as essential for supply, but dozens of cases have been reported there. (Amazon founder and chief executive Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post.) Grocery stores, too, have seen a spread of cases. Tesla and Alameda County, home to Tesla's Fremont factory, have so far declined to say how many cases have been reported at the plant, which employs about 10,000. Meanwhile, cases of the novel coronavirus are spiking in California. Alameda County, in particular, has been hard-hit, recording some of the highest case numbers among California counties - with more than 5,000 total by this week. Tesla did not respond to a request for comment. Alameda County spokeswoman Neetu Balram said officials there were reviewing their policies to determine what type of outbreak-related information concerning Tesla could be released, given the public interest in the subject. "Tesla is reporting their cases among employees directly to [the Alameda County Public Health Department] as required by their Site Specific Plan, which is also a requirement for all businesses that are reopening," she said. Though Tesla's CEO has garnered a reputation for outspokenness on social media, the maker of electric cars is among the most secretive companies in Silicon Valley. Employees, like the broader public, are left to learn of Musk's mind-set through his sporadic 280-character posts on Twitter. Initially, he dismissed the coronavirus panic as "dumb" in early March. Shortly after, Alameda County enacted a sweeping stay-at-home order in mid-March, joining other Bay Area counties that were among the first in the country to take drastic measures aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus and covid-19, the illness it causes. Musk told employees in an email at the time that the factory would remain open and that he would personally report to work, but that they could stay home if they felt uncomfortable or ill. Ultimately, city and county officials intervened, and Tesla agreed to wind down to the "minimum basic operations" allowed under the rules. But that wasn't the end of the battle. In late April, Musk went on an erratic tweetstorm that culminated in his writing "FREE AMERICA NOW" in response to widespread stay-at-home orders. He launched into an expletive-laden rant on the company's earnings call the next day, labeling quarantine measures "fascist" and demanding that politicians return people's "freedom." Musk defiantly reopened the factory in early May, winning President Donald Trump's support as he bucked the county's orders once more. Ultimately, county officials backed down and agreed to allow Tesla to fully reopen May 18. The Post reported earlier in June that workers at the factory's seat assembly plant were told multiple colleagues had tested positive for the novel coronavirus - and Alameda County officials confirmed Tesla had reported coronavirus cases in Fremont. Laurie Shelby, Tesla's vice president for environment, health and safety, told workers in an email that there had been no workplace transmissions of the illness, though it was unknown how the exact origin of each of the cases would have been determined. Jane McAlevey, a union organizer who serves as senior policy fellow at the University of California at Berkeley's Center for Labor Research and Education, said Musk's treatment of his workforce was typical of tech companies in Silicon Valley. "He is causing untold problems for his workers," she said. "He has stressed them out - there's a huge history there before the covid crisis of health and safety violations. They're saddled by the kind of promises and rushed production that get people hurt, and now he's doing it again during a pandemic." Since learning of the cases, some workers say they've been beset by fear of coming down with covid-19. It's a matter of particular concern on the vehicle production lines, where multiple workers touch components and share machinery. Some pool into an outdoor tent where they assemble cars. At some meetings, workers stand three feet apart instead of six feet, one worker said. They rely on masks to keep them safe, the worker said, wearing them for up to 12 hours. Workers periodically sanitize equipment, particularly after breaks, but there's little enforcement and "we hardly do that," the worker said. "It's all a big aggravation," said plant employee Phillips. "At the same time it's hot and sweaty inside there, we're working 11-hour days and we're stressed out. It's making for real - sometimes very - tense situations inside." These concerns have prompted some workers to stay home, comforted by Tesla's promises that they could keep their job without pay in the interim. Ultimately, Gabriel and Naro, who were told they were being fired last week, believe Tesla's actions were retaliation for their appearance this month at a news conference where they spoke about conditions at the plant and their fear of returning to work. The San Jose Mercury News previously reported on Gabriel's termination notice. "Carlos, there is no need to feel that you are going to lose your job," wrote Vince Woodard, Tesla's acting human resources director, in a May email to Gabriel viewed by The Post. "If at this time you do not feel comfortable returning to work, you can stay home without penalty and take the time unpaid." A day after the June 15 news conference, however, Gabriel and Naro received emails from the company's human resources department titled "Failure to Return to Work." The company's HR department informed them they would be let go. But they also could dispute the matter and be brought back on - but with the implication that they would have to return to work. Naro and Gabriel said they both responded to the email. Naro was able to secure her job. Gabriel, who declined to speak with the human resources representative unless the call could be recorded or the conversation could be moved to email, said Tesla has lost his trust. He hasn't heard back. He is convinced he has lost his position on the powertrain floor, where he installs battery packs on the Model S and X vehicles, because he cannot risk going back with the conditions he's learned about. "Some people don't really care about wearing [personal protective equipment]," he said. "PPE is thrown on the ground after being used. People are afraid to go to the bathroom. People are afraid to eat." Naro, who has opted not to return because her 6-year-old son was hospitalized with a respiratory illness this year, said that with distancing requirements only loosely followed, it is unthinkable for her to work in the resulting conditions: hours-long shifts with shared machinery, in close quarters with others. She said she took Musk at his word in early May but thinks her job was threatened because she did so and then spoke out. "I actually spoke with a [supervisor] ... and he said, 'Do you have any idea when you're gonna be returning back?' and I said, 'When covid-19 is over.' " Going round and round: The concrete tunnels of the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics were repaired with Penetrons crystalline waterproofing system. The BINP project and the new collider the largest in Russia was a very exciting project to be part of. Its great to see Penetron technology help promote advanced scientific research! Last month, Penetron-certified applicators completed waterproofing the underground tunnels of the electron-positron collider (VEPP-5) at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics in Novosibirsk, Russia. The crystalline technology behind the Penetron System now ensures the longevity of this advanced scientific facility. Founded in 1959, the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics (BINP) is a major center for the advanced study of nuclear physics in Russia. Today, the BINP is home to three particle accelerators, employs over 3,000 people and also hosts several research groups every year. A particle accelerator, or collider, collects atomic particles and smashes them together in a circular path - over and over to collect data, explains Igor Chernolgolov, President of Penetron Russia. This information will help physicists unlock the secrets of the building blocks of visible matter in the universe and answer many questions about the origin of life. In 1961 the institute began building the first particle accelerator (VEPP-1) in the Soviet Union which collided two beams of particles. Recently, work at BINP included upgrades to the design of the facilitys most powerful electron-positron collider (VEPP-5). The work included repairing and waterproofing the colliders extensive tunnels. Waterproofing Underground Tunnels The shape of the collider is important in high energy physics. The tunnels of the VEPP-5 electron-positron collider in Novosibirsk were assembled deep underground, in a huge ring tunnel track, explains Igor Chernolgolov. Our team was asked to work with the contractor to implement a comprehensive concrete waterproofing solution for these underground tunnels. Because of their depth, the underground concrete tunnel structures of the electron-positron collider were vulnerable to the regions groundwater. The builder applied the Penetron System a combination of crystalline waterproofing products to permanently secure the tunnels from any moisture penetration. Vastly Improved Resistance to Moisture Penetron products are formulated to react with the moisture in concrete to produce an integral crystalline formation. Regardless of climactic conditions, Penetron-treated concrete stops water penetration and has vastly improved resistance against chemical attack and damage from freeze-thaw cycles. In addition, built-in self-healing capabilities give treated concrete an overall service life that is about three times that of conventional concrete due to the continuous self-healing of cracks that form throughout the lifespan of the concrete structure. The BINP project and the new collider the largest in Russia was a very exciting project to be part of, says Igor Chernogolov. Its great to see Penetron technology help promote advanced scientific research! The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels. For more information on Penetron waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com, or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700. By Eric M. Johnson SEATTLE, June 25 (Reuters) - Virgin Hyperloop has signed a partnership with key aerospace manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc, the companies told Reuters, a key step in making billionaire Richard Branson's futuristic vision of super high-speed travel a reality. Los Angeles-based Hyperloop aims to whisk floating pods packed with passengers and cargo through vacuum tubes at 600 miles (966 kmph) an hour or faster. In a hyperloop system, substantially free of air resistance, a trip between New York and Washington would take just 30 minutes - twice as fast as a commercial jet flight and four times faster than a high-speed train. An announcement on the deal, signed earlier this month, is expected as soon as Thursday. The design partnership is emblematic of Spirit's push to diversify away from Boeing Co, from which it draws more than 50% of its annual revenue by supplying the 737 MAX fuselage and other parts. That strategy has taken on greater urgency in recent months as Boeing cuts demand for parts as the year-old 737 MAX ban and COVID-19 pandemic slashes jet demand. Virgin Hyperloop, which has raised more than $400 million, largely from United Arab Emirates shipping company DP World and Branson, is among a number of firms racing to launch new high-speed travel systems. Canada's Transpod and Spain's Zeleros also aim to upend traditional passenger and freight networks with similar technology they say will slash travel times, congestion and environmental harm linked with petroleum-fueled machines. Elon Musk's Boring Company envisions commuters zipping along underground tracks in electric cars. "It allows us to re-imagine urban areas and connectivity between urban areas," Hyperloop Chief Executive Jay Walder told Reuters. "You'll be able to move up to 50,000 people per hour, per direction. With zero source emissions." With Spirit, Hyperloop gains aerospace-grade engineering resources as it fleshes out the pod's magnetic levitation system, which Walder says will make passengers feel like they are "floating on a bed of air". Story continues Spirit hopes the partnership will evolve into high-rate manufacturing work for fuselage-shaped pods and other equipment, similar to its relationship with Boeing. "Would the hyperloop network reach 737 volumes, we are capable and ready to support," Keith Hamilton, Spirit's Executive Director of Programs and Business Development, said by email. Virgin Hyperloop's goal is to launch commercial routes by 2029, Walder said. It originally planned to begin construction this year on the world's first Hyperloop in India, linking Mumbai to Pune, but the pandemic has delayed procurement. It has a test track in near Las Vegas, Nevada. It will also choose by fall 2020 between more than a dozen U.S. states that have applied to host an elaborate certification center and test track, Walder said. Construction is slated to begin in 2021, with completion and regulatory approval by 2025, he added. (Reporting by Eric M. Johnson in Seattle; Editing by Aurora Ellis) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) President Rodrigo Duterte enacted a measure requiring Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and Values Education subjects from kindergarten to senior high school. Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, principal author of the bill in the Senate, said Duterte signed it into law on Thursday. Zubiri hopes the Department of Education would come up with the implementing rules and regulations in time for the opening of online classes in August. With many schools set on implementing distance learning, its going to be even more vital that we give our students formative guidance through GMRC and Values Education," Zubiri said in a statement. READ: 60 percent of public teachers have yet to be trained in technology-reliant teaching Republic Act 11476, or the GMRC and Values Education Act, institutionalizes these subjects in the K-12 curriculum, replacing Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao. GMRC was removed from the basic education curriculum when the K-12 program was implemented in 2013. DBS named winner of global digital transformation award DBS has been named the inaugural winner of the Digital Transformation Award in the Hackett Groups Digital Awards 2020. The bank was also a Finalist in the Automation Artificial Intelligence category, for its Joy Corporate Banking Chat Bot. This is the first time that a Singapore company has been recognised in the Hackett Groups awards. Photo courtesy: DBS DBS has in recent years set out to address the radical shift in banking in the digital age by transforming multiple aspects of its business. This was done using a range of automation, analytics and Artificial Intelligence technologies. Hackett highlighted how these efforts have proven particularly invaluable with the onset of the global Covid-19 pandemic, as the bank managed to leverage its Analytics-Based Operations Resource Management (ORM) tool to model various operational scenarios and enable more efficient capacity planning. Through the simulation capability of the ORM tool, the bank was able to obtain additional insights on number of staff required for optimal efficiency. It could also suggest overtime hours in order to support volume spikes in various business areas. DBS CEO Piyush Gupta. Photo courtesy: Youtube One area in which this was applied was in SME Operations. As a result, DBS was able to avail more than SGD1.1 billion in loans to micro- and small-enterprise customers during the pandemic, even as more than 80 per cent of the banks staff worked from home. Covid-19 has demonstrated the value of our digitalisation efforts, both in respect of customers as well as employees," shared Piyush Gupta, CEO of DBS Bank. For the bank's customers, its digital onboarding and transaction capabilities allowed easy access across products such as payments, trade, equity trading and investing. "This resulted in above market increases in volumes and allowed us to be the principal channel for the government to activate several relief programmes." Meanwhile, for employees, easy remote working, AI-driven contact tracing and sensor-led social distancing created safety and trust, Gupta added. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 17:06:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A construction worker wearing a face mask walks by a closed fashion store in Georgetown of Washington D.C., the United States, May 26, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) Since April, over a dozen U.S. states, including New York, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts, Delaware and Maryland, have already issued mask-wearing orders. The District of Columbia also joined them. WASHINGTON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A growing number of U.S. states have mandated mask-wearing in public places as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the country, where so far over 120,000 people have died from the novel coronavirus. Roy Cooper, governor of the southeastern state of North Carolina, announced Wednesday the state will remain in "Phase Two" for another three weeks until July 17, with face coverings mandatory in public places. On May 22, the state entered "Phase Two," which was scheduled to expire on Friday, and the mask-wearing requirement will take effect on Friday afternoon. North Carolina, with an additional 1,721 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, is the latest U.S. state that made the use of masks and face coverings mandatory to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Faced with a recent uptick in confirmed COVID-19 cases, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee announced Tuesday that a new statewide mandate requiring residents to wear face masks will go into effect on Friday. A man wearing a face mask rides a bicycle in Georgetown of Washington D.C., the United States, May 26, 2020.(Xinhua/Liu Jie) Not wearing facial coverings would amount to a misdemeanor crime, Inslee said. On June 18, California Governor Gavin Newsom, alarmed by swelling COVID-19 infections, ordered Californians to wear masks in nearly all outdoor and indoor settings. Prior to the state's rule, Los Angeles, San Diego and most Bay Area counties had already imposed their own requirements. Since April, over a dozen U.S. states, including New York, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts, Delaware and Maryland, have already issued mask-wearing orders. The District of Columbia also joined them. People wearing face masks walk a dog on the National Mall in Washington D.C., the United States, May 27, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) In the United States, the spread of the virus has trended downward in some of the hardest-hit places like New York state. However, several southern and southwestern states are seeing upticks in their coronavirus case counts. More than 35,000 new coronavirus cases were identified across the United States on Tuesday, according to a New York Times database, the highest single-day total since late April. Florida on Wednesday reported another 5,508 cases in a single day, setting a new daily record. Texas confirmed more than 5,000 cases on Tuesday, its highest single-day jump. Arizona saw a new record of more than 3,600 cases. "In some respects, we've done very well," Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told a Congress panel on Tuesday. "However, in other areas of the country, we are now seeing a disturbing surge of infections that looks like it's a combination, but one of the things is an increase in community spread. And that's something I'm really quite concerned about," he said. The senior expert said the next few weeks are critical to tamping down the surge of the virus in the United States. "Plan A, don't go in a crowd. Plan B, if you do, make sure you wear a mask," Fauci said. A protester wearing a face mask with slogans is seen on Foley Square of lower Manhattan in New York, the United States, May 29, 2020. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) On April 3, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made a recommendation that citizens should wear "non-medical, cloth masks" when it is essential to be in public places to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Previously, the CDC had recommended that only those with COVID-19 symptoms wear masks publicly. Wearing face masks, however, remains controversial around the country. Many top White House officials have repeatedly refused to follow the practice. Recent research showed that 73 percent of Democrats wore masks amid the outbreak, while only 59 percent of Republicans did. FILEIn this file photo from March 12, 2020, work continues at a shale gas well drilling site in St. Mary's, Pa. Pennsylvania attorney general Josh Shapiro is scheduled to release results on Thursday June 25, 2020 of a grand jury investigation into natural gas hydraulic fracturing. The fracking process has raised environmental concerns while turning the state into a major energy producer. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File) Read more Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro on Thursday released a scathing grand jury report on the states Marcellus Shale natural gas industry that not only outlines health and safety issues caused by hydraulic fracturing, but also takes to task the chief agency in charge of enforcing regulations on the industry. Shapiro, at a news conference Thursday to present the findings, cited what he called a revolving door relationship between the states Department of Environmental Protection and the industry, saying officials from the agency repeatedly failed to exercise their duties and responsibilities. Their relationship is too cozy, Shapiro said, adding that DEP officials testifying to the grand jury were merely reciting industry talking points. He cited an instance where an energy company hired seven former employees from the same DEP office. The grand jury report was the result of a two-year investigation that included 287 hours of testimony. It examined an industry that has drilled over 12,000 unconventional wells, as well as what the jurors called a chemical cover-up that allows companies to keep secret complex chemical compounds used in the fracking process. Shapiro noted that the Marcellus Shale exploration industry stretches back 16 years, using hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking, to access gas deep within shale pockets. He gave the Wolf administration credit for taking steps toward addressing longstanding problems, but said more needs to be done to close a profound gap between what is needed and the realities facing Pennsylvanians in the shadows of fracking drills. Environmental groups and the DEP both say many of the issues stem from the administration of Gov. Tom Corbett, who was defeated by Wolf, who took office in 2015. However, issues surrounding the industry began as far back as the Rendell administration, when the natural gas industry really began to boom. The DEP in its response to the grand jury report blamed the Corbett administration for faulty policies. An industry trade group, however, denied that its work poses a danger to public health. David Spigelmyer, president of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, said in a statement that the industry stresses environmental safety and public health, and that anyone who suggests otherwise should better understand the facts. Shapiro cited testimony from residents who live near fracking sites that included a woman who said her family started getting sores all over and became sick to their stomachs, and had trouble breathing. Others spoke of black sludge or slime clogging well-water pumps that cost homeowners thousands of dollars to fix. He cited more testimony of pets becoming violently ill, farmers seeing horses die, and livestock becoming infertile. Shapiro also said the state Department of Health failed to investigate environmental complaints, collect data, and warn the public of danger. The bottom line is, this was a failure, Shapiro said. Regulators were supposed to prevent abuse by the big corporations ... but they didnt. The Southwest Pennsylvania Environmental Health Project (EHP), a nonprofit public health organization, has identified 77 compounds emitted from 350 compressor stations and gas processing plants. The grand jurors cited testimony by a senior toxicologist with the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The toxicologist told of visiting a homeowner who had been told by the DEP that his water was safe to drink. He went to the kitchen sink and filled a glass with what looked like swamp water. And he said, you are telling me that I can drink this? the toxicologist testified. He said, would you drink this or give it to your kids? I said, no, I wouldnt. The grand jury made eight recommendations: Expand no-drill zones for fracking farther away from homes than the current allowable 500 to 2,500 feet. Let the public know which chemicals are being injected into the ground during the fracking process. Regulate all pipelines, not just the big ones that are the focus of regulators. Add up all the air pollution sources, including the releases of gas, both accidental and intentional, and make it public. Transport the toxic waste generated by the operations more safely. Empower the Department of Health to gather data and determine the best medical responses to problems, without waiting for people to report issues. End the revolving door of DEP officials going to work for industry. Use criminal laws to prosecute environmental crimes, which grand jurors said the DEP routinely failed to do. Environmental groups throughout the state welcomed the grand jurys report. For over a decade, the fracking industry has run roughshod over the people of Pennsylvania, said Joseph Otis Minott, executive director of the Clean Air Council, in a statement. The grand jurys report reveals the tragic consequences of our state governments hands-off approach to fracking. The gas industry has destroyed too many lives and livelihoods. PennFuture president Jacquelyn Bonomo said she hoped the recommendations will be implemented in an effort to hold the failing fracked gas industry accountable. The DEP issued a statement saying that it and Wolf share the attorney generals commitment to upholding Pennsylvanias constitutional promise of clean air, pure water, and to protecting public health. A DEP statement says the Wolf administration inherited a flawed ideological approach to regulation of unconventional oil and gas development that was forced on the Departments of Environmental Protection and Health by the Corbett administration, which promoted the rapid expansion of natural gas development and profit above these other priorities. It says the administration has taken steps to implement new environmental regulations, seek a reasonable severance tax on natural gas and enforcement actions including increased inspections of well sites, pipelines and other natural gas facilities. The DEP says it has issued more than $67.5 million in penalties to oil and gas companies. Spigelmyer, of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, pointed out that many Pennsylvanians are employed in the industry. The tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians who work across the sector building and union trades, professional engineers, environmental professionals, health and safety experts, as well as exploration and production companies that contract with hydraulic fracturing service providers, midstream companies and countless other Pennsylvania-based small, family-owned businesses have every reason to place the highest value on regulatory compliance and transparency, Spigelmyer said. Camden High School in Sydney's south-west will be closed on Friday after a member of the school community tested positive for coronavirus. It is the second Sydney school to close over COVID-19 cases in two days, after Lane Cove West Public School was closed on Thursday due to a positive COVID-19 case in a seven-year-old student. Health authorities earlier on Thursday said they expected more people would test positive for COVID-19 in Sydney before the weekend. "We expect that in the next 24 hours we'll be talking about at least one, possibly more, cases of transmission," Health Minister Brad Hazzard said. BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China has unveiled new, shortened negative lists for foreign investment, as part of efforts to further open up the economy and improve its business environment amid the novel coronavirus epidemic. The number of sectors that are off-limits for foreign investors will be cut to 33 in the 2020 version of the negative list from 40 in the 2019 version, according to a statement jointly released on Tuesday by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce. China also unveiled its 2020 negative list for foreign investment in pilot free trade zones, cutting the number of prohibited industries to 30 from 37. The two new negative lists will take effect on July 23. According to the new lists, foreign ownership caps on securities, fund management, futures, life insurance companies, as well as commercial vehicle enterprises will be removed. Ownership by foreign investors in wheat breeding and seed production can be raised to up to 66 percent. Foreign investors will be allowed to invest in sectors including prepared slices of traditional Chinese medicine, the smelting and processing of radioactive minerals, and the production of nuclear fuel. In the area of infrastructure industry, foreign investors will be allowed to take majority shares in joint ventures that engage in the building and operation of water supply and drainage networks in cities with a population of more than 500,000. In education, wholly foreign-owned institutions for vocational education will be allowed. DENVER, Pa., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Times may change, but time never does. Whether measured by the Greenwich Royal Observatory clock in England or a bedside digital alarm clock, a day is universally considered to be a 24-hour period with 60 minutes in each hour. And as Morphy's Tuesday, June 30 auction attests, no device keeps track of the hours and minutes quite as precisely or beautifully as an antique pocket watch. Over 650 high-quality pocket watches from a single-owner collection, including more than 250 complicated examples, are entered in the no-reserve sale, each a reflection of the era in which it was created. It is believed to be one of the largest collections of gold pocket watches ever to be offered for public sale. Fine and rare circa-1896 Swiss Grande Sonnerie "clock watch" quarter-hour repeating pocket watch in 18K gold hunter's case decorated with cowboy on horseback throwing a lasso (obverse) as he chases two ostriches (reverse). Cuvette marked/hand engraved, in part: 'Medaille D'or Geneve, 1896, Grande Sonnerie,' movement possibly by Audemars Freres, Brassus & Geneva. Estimate: $20,000-$40,00 Extremely rare and important platinum Tiffany & Co., by Touchon & Co., Swiss minute-repeating split-second Rattapante chronograph open-face pocket watch with hallmarks that were in use from 1914-1933. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000 The first pocket watch was invented in 1510 by Peter Henlein, in Nuremberg, Germany. Italians were producing clocks small enough to be worn on one's person in the early 16th century, as well. For many centuries to follow, a clue to a gentleman's status was the quality, intricacy and beauty of the pocket watch he carried. "Pocket watches, whether of gold, platinum or more modest metals, have long been treasured as family heirlooms to be passed down through subsequent generations," said Dan Morphy, founder and president of Morphy Auctions. "They also influenced men's fashion. There was a time when every man, rich or working class, carried a pocket watch, so tailors started designing jackets and vests with special pockets to accommodate the timepieces. By discreetly opening his jacket to check the time, a watch's owner could reveal his wealth and status to those around him." One of the top lots in Morphy's June 30 auction is a rare and important Marius LeCoultre 18K pink gold hunter's case minute repeating perpetual calendar chronograph pocket watch with moonphase and retrograde date. With a heavily hand-decorated gold case, it is signed "M. Le Coultre, Geneva," and is hallmarked and numbered "2655." Auction estimate: $20,000-$40,000. A fine and rare Swiss Grande Sonnerie "clock-watch" quarter-hour repeating pocket watch in a gorgeous 18K gold hunter's case is decorated with a cowboy on horseback throwing a lasso (obverse) as he chases two ostriches (reverse). The cuvette is marked/hand engraved, in part: "Medaille D'or Geneve, 1896, Grande Sonnerie." Its movement, marked with the patent number "6835" inside the Swiss Federal Cross, was possibly made by Audemars Freres, Brassus & Geneva. Estimate: $20,000-$40,000 Also estimated at $20,000-$40,000, a rare and important circa-1880 Henri Grandjean & Co., Grande Sonnerie clock-watch is presented in a hand-decorated 18K yellow gold hunter's case with engraved birds and flowers. Its complications include a minute repeater, leap year perpetual calendar, moon phase and quarter-hour passing strike chime that can be silenced if desired. The case and movement are fully hallmarked. A rare circa-1880 Gerome Hoff & Fils Grande Sonnerie quarter-hour repeating pocket watch is housed in a superbly engraved hunter's case, Complications include a quarter-hour passing strike chime that can be set to Grande, Petite or silence. There is also a quarter-hour repeater function. Estimate: $15,000-$30,000 An 18K gold Grand Sonnerie minute-repeating pocket watch made by Cooke & Kelvey, Calcutta, is housed in a hunter's case hallmarked with the Chester City mark, an 1897 date mark and crown with "18" fineness marks. Estimate: $10,000-$20,000. Questions: call 877-968-8880, email [email protected]. Preview watches by appointment only. Online: www.morphyauctions.com. Media Contact: Sarah Stoltzfus 877-968-8880 [email protected] SOURCE Morphy Auctions The workplace is changed. As parts of the world begin to loosen coronavirus-related restrictions, organizations are emerging from COVID-induced hibernation. These transitions back to work are gradual. Uncertainty will remain for months as threats of renewed waves of coronavirus persist. We are anticipating a new normal but what we need is a new now. The radical change of these times demands empathic leadership to keep teams engaged, cohesive and forward-focused. Leaders must demonstrate a spirit of purpose and optimism to reinforce the idea that an uncertain future has the potential to be a better future. Here are nine steps for leading your team into an unknowable future. 1. Envision what success looks like and move toward it. In its recovery guide for organizations, Deloitte encourages leaders to imagine what post-recovery success looks like. Once youve clarified goals, reverse-engineer the next steps for quick and effective action. Envisioning what success entails frees up thinking about the present and can help teams identify quick wins. As preparation for returning to work, leaders have an opportunity to review their organizations operating models, expectations, standards, values and strengths. Reflect on what worked well during the recent period of isolation and let teams decide what they need to start, stop or continue doing to achieve goals. 2. Embrace trust. Trust is the glue of life, says The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People author Steven Covey. Its the most essential ingredient in effective communication. Its the foundational principle that holds all relationships. Related: How the Coronavirus Has Changed the Future of Work Leaders must transition their organizations from a state of treading water to moving toward a restored future. Enable your teams to succeed by embracing trust. Like many business leaders, youve likely built a substantial reserve of trust from your teams through your navigation of the coronavirus crisiss early stages. Now is the time to build on that foundation with acts that unite your team. 3. Make productivity sustainable. Todays distributed workforce demands new thinking about organizing work. Establish clear boundaries to ensure sustainable working hours and productivity. Teams must discuss office hours, share tips on time-tracking and set clear expectations about responding to emails. One benefit to organizations from the pandemic is the reduction of the number of meetings. Despite a traditional argument that face-to-face meetings are necessary, businesses didnt grind to a halt when meetings ceased as a result of the pandemic. Going forward, meeting organizers should define the purpose, the necessary attendees and the amount of time every meeting requires. 4. Document your recovery playbook. Resuming work requires answers to questions such as where to begin, how to keep employees and customers safe and healthy, when to communicate and what the next steps are. PricewaterhouseCoopers developed a guide to returning to the workplace (PDF) with additional questions for leaders to address. Related: 7 Tips for Managing Workplace Disruption and Maximizing Remote Workers Whether it be leading and communicating change, prioritizing the health and well-being of team members, operating with additional demands or encouraging empathy, leaders should initiate discussions in the workplace around these critical areas as they develop plans to keep their people and businesses moving through a recovery. As an example, Teslas leaders designed a return to work playbook outlining the companys plan to provide a safe and healthy work environment for its employees. 5. Prioritize your people over yourself. Organizations want their leaders to exhibit vulnerability and empathy. On a national level, the leaders who have most effectively dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic have demonstrated clear and consistent messaging, compassion, and solidarity with their constituents. Most of these leaders are female, from Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel implementing testing from the get-go and Tsai Ing-wen in Taiwan implementing significant measures at the first sign of illness to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern locking down the whole country with swift and decisive action. And in a press event, Norways Prime Minister Erna Solberg spoke directly to her nations children, answering their questions about the coronavirus and letting them know it was okay to feel scared. Leadership demands an emotional connection with your people. When leaders prioritize their people ahead of themselves, they elevate others and foster team well-being. 6. Practice empathy. Expecting all employees to resume a so-called normal work life isnt realistic. The COVID-19 crisis impacted everybody, leaving a stain on the fabric of your organization. Be mindful of the ongoing health concerns employees have for friends and family, the challenges of juggling childcare and homeschooling or the stress of navigating the crisiss financial impact. Empathy will serve you well as a leader and provide your team an extra measure of grace as they return to the office. 7. Provide access to support for emotional wellness. When employees do begin to return to the workplace, theyll be dealing with various emotions. People may experience feelings of loss, sadness and grief emotions that will inevitably impact the way they work and how teams perform. Related: How Leaders Can Help Prevent Emotional Exhaustion at Work Leaders must help employees work through these emotions by providing access to support resources such as the Lifeworks-offered Employee Assistance Program and help them navigate sensitive and mental health conversations in the workplace. 8. Re-open with a people-first culture in place. As you re-open and reset your business, put your employees needs at the forefront. That means more than creating a physically safe workplace. According to a Harvard Business Review article on returning to work, heres what leaders should do: Outline the conditions to re-open safely to bring people back to offices. Define how many people can return over a staggered period while ensuring connection with people continuing at home. Continue delivering honest, transparent communication with all people while highlighting the organizations vision, values and core focus. Appreciate, recognize, and celebrate inspiring people within the organization and how they make a difference. Be mindful of peoples different circumstances and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of individual needs. Begin conversations with your people about what the future looks like through reconnecting with a purpose to stimulate innovation and new growth. Remain connected with people who have exited the organization to enable potential hires as new opportunities emerge. 9. Listen to your employees as you reset. Remote working has exposed the costs and efficiencies of expanding a virtual working infrastructure. For many people, remote work eliminated commute time, allowing them more quality time with family many employees wont want to give that up. You may need to look for new workspaces, renovate current spaces and shift your thinking about how teams collaborate in a shared office. Listening to your people with the purpose of understanding will be crucial in resetting work environments. Related: Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved File Photo Srinagar: Five militant associates linked to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) have been arrested in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Thursday. A police official said that the five were arrested from Narbal area of the district. Advertisement Photo Incriminating documents, arms and ammunition have been seized from them. A case has been registered and an investigation is on, the official added. Summer can be full of hot air, but a Jacksonville teen and his friends are collecting donated fans to help people fight back. Jacob Kollman, 14, of Jacksonville created a donation drive for fans to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially the elderly. Donating fans will help others and its a way to give back, he said. People get hot and they might not have the money to afford a fan right now and its just something that will help them, (will) give back to the community, Kollman said. Kollman and his friends will man a booth at 234 E. Michigan Ave. from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday to accept donations for what Kollman calls Kids on a FANtastic Mission. You donate as many fans as you want, he said. The drives goal is to collect 45 fans, Kollman said, noting that the effort could extend past the weekend. Whoever wants to donate a fan, they can just drive by on those dates and times, and well collect the fans, he said. Well give them to The Salvation Army. We would really appreciate it if people donated. We hope its a great success. After July 6, Kollman and his friends will take the donated fans to The Salvation Army and help distribute them. The Salvation Army also will distribute them to a list of people wanting them, said Cathy Kollman, Jacobs mother. Those in need of a fan should contact The Salvation Army, Jacob Kollman said. Inglewoods Choice to Quickly Close Elementary School Harms Children and Hurts Our Community Closing a neighborhood school without collaborating with parents, school staff, and the neighborhood only invites strong pushback from the groups not included in the decision. This is the path the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD) took when it decided to close Warren Lane TK-7 Elementary School. The school serves predominantly African-American students in the Morningside Park community in the city of Inglewood. On Monday June 8, IUSD notified teachers of the closure via a Zoom call. The next day, parents received a letter informing them that Warren Lane was going to be closed. By Friday, June 12, the resolution to close the school was approved at a school board meeting. ADVERTISEMENT For the Warren Lane teachers and staff, closing the school for most of them means reassignment to other Inglewood schools. For the students, it means leaving a familiar, safe environment and friends, teachers, and staff. For parents, they are scrambling to find a suitable school for their children to attend. The timing could not be worse. Because of the pandemic, there is no way to visit area schools to see what they have to offer. For the middle class residents living next to Warren Lane, formerly called Daniel Freeman Elementary, after forty years of being neighbors to the school, they are worried about what IUSD will do with the property. The day before the school board planned to officially approve closing Warren Lane, county administrator Erika Torres scheduled a Zoom meeting for one hour with the parents. Allotting just an hour in a virtual meeting is not enough time to gain consensus on such an impactful decision. School board President DArtagnan Scorza assumed the task of explaining why Warren Lane was being closed. IUSD is in receivership and experiencing financial challenges. According to Scorza, the school had to be closed because of declining enrollment, which led to its facility not being fully utilized. The virtual meeting quickly deteriorated when Scorza opened it to questions. He controlled who asked the questions, and when he heard remarks he did not like, he cut the person off or told them they were out of line. Naturally people were upset their school was being closed and wanted to be heard. Dionne Faulk, school board Vice President and Trustee Area 1 representative where Warren Lane is located, listened quietly while Scorza excoriated her constituents. Not only did she fail to defend her constituents, she broke their trust by letting the school district blindside them by closing their school without any warning. After the Zoom meeting which attracted up to 200 viewers, some parents and neighbors felt disrespected. Some were angry. Most had not been convinced that the school should be closed. And rather than quietly accept what they were told was a done deal, some who had logged on to the meeting got together and started to organize a campaign to change IUSDs decision to close Warren Lane ADVERTISEMENT A group called F.R.E.E Fighters for the Right to Receive Equitable Education formed by teachers as well as Warren Lane parents, grandparents and neighbors is circulating a petition on Change.org Keep Warren Lane Elementary School Open. So far, theyve collected over 1700 signatures. As a past President of the Inglewood Unified School District Board of Education, I want to apologize to parents and neighbors of Warren Lane for how the decision to close the school was handled. The school board knows better than to endorse this kind of decision without adequate community input and providing advance notice. Because IUSD is under state receivership, its actions are being observed and graded by the Fiscal Crisis Assistance & Management Team (FCMAT). In order to exit receivership, IUSD needs to earn high marks from FCMAT in community relations. Scorza failed in his presentation to say how much money IUSD would save by closing Warren Lane. Thats probably because the amount of budget savings doesnt make a strong argument for such a drastic decision. In addition, projected savings depend on how many Warren Lane students go to other Inglewood schools. If too many students leave the school system because their parents are upset by how the school closing was handled, IUSD ends up losing, not saving, money because state funding follows the student. Also, there is potential for IUSD to lose even more money because a campaign to recall board member Dionne Faulk for failing to look out for her Trustee Area I constituents is being discussed. If it is pursued, IUSD will have to pay the recall election costs. I want the Warren Lane community to know that I stand with them asking that the school be kept open. The California Department of Education has a process for closing schools that relies on community engagement. Its time for IUSD to adopt it and try to regain the trust of the school district community. Ive heard that Torres, while new to the area, cares about the Inglewood community. Now that shes seen firsthand the passion the community has for keeping Warren Lane open, she not only has incentive to find a solution to keep the school open, but can expect help from the community to implement whatever plan she develops. There is a path for Warren Lane to continue to educate Inglewood students. Warren Lane is located in a very stable neighborhood so parents will be comfortable sending their children there. If the Measure GG funds previously allocated to modernize the school are used to upgrade the facilities, and if Warren Lane were converted to a dependent charter school with specialized programs, it would be able to attract students from the neighborhood as well as from outside of the school district. Its not too late for IUSD to join with the Morningside Park community and find a way to keep Warren Lane open. Margaret Richards-Bowers is a former president of the Inglewood Unified School District Board of Education. The Ukrainian side expects that a summit with the participation of President Volodymyr Zelensky and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban will be held in July, but a number of conditions still have to be fulfilled. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said this at a joint briefing with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto in Kyiv on Thursday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "The Ukrainian side is set to hold this summit in July. As far as I understood from our conversation with Peter today, our Hungarian colleagues have the same intention," Kuleba said. At the same time, he emphasized that the main thing is to prepare a truly meaningful meeting of the leaders. Not a regular meeting, but a meeting to open a new page in Ukrainian-Hungarian relations, the minister stressed. He, in particular, said that today's meeting of the Joint Ukraine-Hungary Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation is one of the steps for preparing the summit of the leaders of Ukraine and Hungary. Also, according to him, meetings of the Commission on National Minorities and the Group on Education should be held. As reported, the fourth meeting of the Joint Ukraine-Hungary Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation co-chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba and Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto was held in Kyiv on June 25. ish It was President Muhammadu Buharis call for the dissolution of the National Working Committee (NWC) that led to the sack of the NWC, the presidency has said. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the controversial virtual NEC meeting of the APC sacked the NWC and appointed a caretaker committee for the party. The caretaker committee is led by the Yobe State Governor, Mai-Mala Buni, with a former senator, John Akpanudoedehe, as secretary. Majority of the NWC members had opposed the NEC meeting, saying it was wrongly called by Victor Giadom, whom they said was not competent to call the meeting. Mr Buhari, however, declared support for the meeting, on Wednesday, saying the law is on the side of Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman. Mr Buharis spokesperson, Femi Adesina, in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES, on Thursday, outlined the statement of the president at the NEC. The issues currently confronting our party at this time are such that should worry every party member, Mr Buhari said. He then proposed the dissolution of the NWC as one of the ways to resolve the partys crisis. The meeting may adopt the developed resolution as contained in the agenda and pass resolutions including approving the immediate discontinuation of all pending litigations involving the party and its members; ratifying the primary election conducted in Edo State; dissolving the current National Working Committee, and appointing caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning committee for the party, the president said. Read Mr Adesinas full statement below. President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja advised members of the governing party, All Progressives Congress (APC), to withdraw all pending litigations against one another, and settle for internal conciliation, warning that the mutating disagreements could lead to self-destruction, with dire consequences. President Buhari, in his remarks at the emergency meeting of the National Executive Committee of the APC held on a virtual platform, said the gains of the party could be reversed as conflicts overshadow the primary objective of service to the people, urging members to refocus on the larger picture and place more emphasis on uniting the party. Fellow party members, this is a very crucial moment in the life of our party and it is with a deep sense of concern that I stand before you today to speak as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has been elected on the platform of our great party the All Progressives Congress. The issues currently confronting our party at this time are such that should worry every party member. At the moment, our great party is faced with internal wrangling; there are on-going litigations amongst some party members and we cannot clearly ascertain the status of certain National Working Committee (NWC) members. The president expressed worry over the shifting loyalty within the party and inconsistency in leadership, which had opened the governing party to mockery. There are also other associated disputes as to the legitimacy or otherwise of holders of certain National Offices of the Party. The Party is also contending with Judicial claims and counter-claims, Orders and Counter-Orders and indeed Judgments and Counter-Judgments that are predominantly at cross-purposes. Confronted with these issues, it is obvious that the fortunes of the party are currently, in jeopardy, administration of our party is becoming impossible and there is consequently an urgent need for intervention to immediately arrest further drifts and internal wrangling which may lead to total disintegration. What we see clearly emerging, is that we are beginning to self-destruct. This, my dear party members, is not just regrettable but utterly gut-wrenching. President Buhari proposed that: The meeting may adopt the developed resolution as contained in the agenda and pass resolutions including approving the immediate discontinuation of all pending litigations involving the party and its members; ratifying the primary election conducted in Edo State; dissolving the current National Working Committee, and appointing caretaker/Extra-ordinary Convention Planning committee for the party. The president also reiterated the need to discontinue all litigations involving members of the party, which were connected to issues of the party, adding: The directive had been issued before, unfortunately some members failed to heed the directive. Thus, at this time, it must be made a Resolution of the Party which must be effectively enforced with dire consequences for members who choose to ignore the directive. The president said in order to return to the winning ways, the APC must maintain cohesion by closing its ranks. We must be alive to the time and the task that is before us. As we all know, we are immediately confronted with the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States. Therefore, this is the time to get our acts together. The emergency NEC meeting adopted all the recommendations by President Buhari, and appointed the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Buni, as Caretaker National Chairman, while John Akpanudoede was designated Caretaker National Secretary. Advertisements Femi Adesina Special Adviser to the President Anti-gentrification protesters demonstrate Tuesday outside the Boyle Heights home of Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar, who had been arrested on corruption charges. (Los Angeles Times) To the editor: For the last four years, the 14th Los Angeles City Council District has seen an abundance of developers submitting applications to build. These developers simply said this was an up-and-coming area, but it is now apparent why the district was so hot: Councilman Jose Huizar was selling out the district to any developer with money. ("How L.A. City Hall enabled Jose Huizar's alleged corruption," editorial, June 23) According to federal investigators, Huizar orchestrated an elaborate pay-to-play scheme that enriched him and his wife by extorting money from developers and strong-arming anyone who opposed him. Their fiefdom was allegedly fortified by willing and unwilling city employees who helped establish them as the oligarchs of the 14th Council District and made them power players on citywide land-use issues. Now is the time for Mayor Eric Garcetti and the City Council to grow a backbone and reform the system that allegedly allowed Huizar and his enterprise to enrich himself. If they could take a knee for the protesters, then they should be able to stand up for their constituents and fight corruption at City Hall. Ken Walsh, Los Angeles .. To the editor: As long as the political class has the arbitrary power to veto what people do with their property, the corruption allegedly practiced by Huizar and its consequences on housing shortages will remain uncontrollable. If owners could decide how to develop their own properties, perhaps the affordable housing crisis would be solved because builders could more easily undertake larger projects. But the NIMBY power to block development is based on allowing arbitrary decision making by the political class and its regulatory minions. I may not want a 20-story complex next door, but I don't own the property, I am not paying the taxes on the property, and if more housing availability decreases rents in my area, it's good for society. Dallas Weaver, Huntington Beach Story continues .. To the editor: It's about time. Although I don't know Huizar, that was my reaction to his arrest. Don't many politicians partake in unlawful or unethical practices? As one honest member of the Los Angeles City Council revealed to me more than 20 years ago (before I retired as an attorney) when she apologized for voting against me, you can't get anything done for your constituents unless you agree to play along. In fact, about that same time, your paper published a few opinion pieces I wrote about the corrupt practices of our L.A. Council members. Harriet Kremer Bilford, Reseda .. To the editor: In a sordid episode, two powerful council members (one former and the other current) may go to jail for accepting bribes. But what will really change at a City Hall that is corrupt as an institution? When I testified against digital billboards, no one listened. The unions, the campaign contributors and the business lobbyists had fixed the outcome in advance. And they had done it legally. I commend the FBI for its investigation and strong action, but the problem is far deeper. Dan Silver, Los Angeles .. To the editor: So we arrest and prosecute the alleged recipients of bribes. Can we arrest and prosecute the donors as well? Wayne Pearl, Westlake Village The Dixie Chicks Drop the "Dixie" (And A New Protest Song) Amid the call for racial justice, weve seen lots of changes being made in various industries: Lady Antebellum changed their name to Lady A, Jenny Slate and Kristen Bell relinquished their roles voicing biracial black cartoon characters, and pancake mix giant Aunt Jemima will be retired due to its racist origins. The Chicks, formerly known as the Dixie Chicks, are the latest to make this kind of change. The country trio has been around since 1989 and has made a name for themselves in the music industry since then. They are noted for being outspoken on issues, specifically against then-President George W. Bush and the war in Iraq, which got them blacklisted and boycotted. The backlash was huge for them and the term Dixie Chicked was coined to express the fear of rejection for speaking out, which was also touched upon in Taylor Swifts recent Miss Americana documentary. Despite all of the backlash, they're back, and still as outspoken now as they were then. ADVERTISEMENT On Thursday, June 25, the band quietly changed their social media handles to @thechicks. The word Dixie is a reference to the Civil-War era south and nostalgia for that time. Much like Lady A, the Chicks decided to drop the word associated with racist connotations. On the bands website, the trio simply writes, We want to meet this moment. In a statement given to Pitchfork, a representative for the band said, A sincere and heartfelt thank you goes out to 'The Chicks' of NZ for their gracious gesture in allowing us to share their name. We are honored to co-exist together in the world with these exceptionally talented sisters. Chicks Rock! Not only did the Chicks change their name, they also released a new protest song called March March that will appear on their upcoming album, Gaslighter. The music video just released for the song starts off with the quote, If your voice had no power, they wouldnt try to silence you. The video features visuals of protests from past and current moments in history for causes such as the Black Lives Matter movement, the March For Our Lives movement, gay rights, womens rights, and environmental rights. The names of Black people killed by police such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Tony McDade appear on screen throughout the music video. At the end of the music video, the Chicks encourage viewers to use their voice and vote and spotlight organizations such as Black Lives Matter, the ACLU, the Native American Rights Fund, among others. March March is a powerful anthem from the Chicks about protesting for whats right even when youre an army of one. Header photo via Flickr Creative Commons / JD Lasica More from BUST Musician Ashley McBryde On Loss, Her Influences, And New Album Never Will: BUST Interview 11 Feminist Bops To Scream Into The Void (While Washing Your Hands) The Dixie Chicks, My Texan Feminist Heroes, Are Back With a New Song Diana Holiner is currently a student at Emerson College where she is majoring in Visual Media Arts Production. She lives in Dover, Massachusetts and enjoys hanging out with her dog and watching television. Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD, has today announced the allocation of 13 million in funding to 24 projects under the 1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. This includes 395,250 for Banagher's Regeneration project which includes a masterplan for the old Royal Shannon hotel site and redevelopment of the marina. 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 and, to date, the Fund has now provided 161 million for 134 projects across Ireland, worth a total of 229 million. Todays announcement relates to Category 2 of the Fund which provides seed capital funding for strategic, large-scale projects which will assist in delivering town and village regeneration and contribute to economic development and recovery. The funding provided will allow for further development of the projects to take place enabling projects to reach a stage where they are developed to a high standard and the project is in a position to commence works. This will also provide a ready-made pipeline of projects which can be progressed in the future with the support of the Fund or other funding streams. The applications for funding were subjected to a comprehensive assessment process by the Department, with oversight provided by an independent Project Advisory Board, made up of representatives drawn from key Government Departments along with external independent experts. The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund represents an unprecedented opportunity to deliver the scale of investment necessary to allow rural communities to further develop and prosper. This investment is more important than ever to help address the challenges arising from the COVID-19 crisis and to drive economic recovery and sustainable development in rural areas, Minister Ring said. The Category 2 funding I am announcing today is for projects that require further development to make them ready for construction. There can be significant work and expense involved in getting projects to the point where they are ready to be delivered. This support is critical to ensure that a pipeline of ambitious regeneration projects are ready to hit the ground running in the future. The successful projects announced today include: The Re-use and Development of Derelict and Vacant Properties Project, led by Limerick City and County Council - an innovative proposal seeking to bring derelict properties back into use, with an emphasis on the housing, in the core of towns and villages in rural Limerick. Portumna Vision 2030, led by Galway County Council, that will further prepare plans to develop the town of Portumna and its natural and built heritage into a key hub for Irelands Hidden Heartlands. The Banagher Regeneration Project, led by Offaly County Council, which will further develop a project seeking to regenerate the town centre and the marina to enhance the towns potential as an attractive and sustainable place to live, work and visit. The Kingscourt Regeneration Project, led by Cavan County Council, which will further prepare plans for the transformation of the centre of the town through redeveloping derelict sites. A full list of the successful projects is below: The projects announced today and the projects already approved for funding under the Fund will continue to make a significant and tangible contribution to economic recovery in rural Ireland over the months ahead. This Fund has now made available over 161 million in funding for projects worth a combined total of 229 million, continued Minister Ring. This funding is supporting jobs in every sector within the construction industry, most particularly many companies, contractors and individuals who are themselves based in rural towns and villages. In turn, as these projects are delivered they will help support community development, enterprise development, town centre retail and activity, and assist our tourism industry to rebound strongly. The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund represents a long-term commitment to rural regeneration and development and will be vital in supporting rural communities in the years ahead. I recently announced the third call for Category 1 proposals under the Fund seeking ambitious, shovel-ready projects which will support the drive for economic recovery and deliver sustainable regeneration and development in rural towns and villages. It is my hope that projects I announced today and the projects which will emerge from the new Category 1 call will contribute strongly to a revitalised rural economy ready to take advantage of the new opportunities emerging from this crisis, he concluded. The applications submitted under this call from the Fund were of a very high standard and it should be noted that if further funding becomes available over the coming months, additional projects submitted to this call may potentially be supported at a later date. Further details of the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund are available on the Department of Rural and Community Development website. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on India and China to engage in dialogue to sort out their border issues as he described the escalation in eastern Ladakh as a very serious and worrying situation which the UK is closely monitoring. The first official statement of Johnson came during his weekly Prime Ministers Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons here on Wednesday. Responding to Conservative Party MP Flick Drummond on the implications for British interests of a dispute between a Commonwealth member and the worlds largest democracy on the one side, and a state that challenges our notion of democracy on the other, he described the escalation in eastern Ladakh as a very serious and worrying situation, which the UK is monitoring closely. Also Read: Chinas dragon act on LAC to be decoded by General Naravane in high-level meet today Perhaps the best thing I can say is that we are encouraging both parties to engage in dialogue on the issues on the border and sort it out between them, the Prime Minister said. In a statement in New Delhi on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India and China have agreed that expeditious implementation of the previously agreed understanding on disengagement of troops from standoff points in eastern Ladakh would help ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas. Also Read: At 4-hr long India-China border talks, focus on de-escalation and disengagement During the diplomatic talks between India and China, the situation in the region was discussed in detail and the Indian side conveyed its concerns over the violent face-off in Galwan Valley on June 15. Twenty Indian Army personnel were killed in the clash. The talks were held in the midst of escalating tension between the two countries following the violent clashes in Galwan Valley on June 15. The Indian and Chinese armies are engaged in the standoff in Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh. A sizable number of Chinese Army personnel even transgressed into the Indian side of the de-facto border in several areas including Pangong Tso. The Gujarat Home Department has asked the state Director General of Police (DGP) and other senior officers not to grant any leave to the police personnel, saying that their presence was necessary for the effective implementation of Unlock-1. A notification issued on Thursday by the home department said that the presence of all the available police force was necessary for the implementation of the Centre's guidelines for the phased re-opening of coronavirus-induced lockdown or Unlock-1 that came into effect from June 1. "For the effective implementation of Unlock-1, it is ... CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- The use of data science tools in research across campuses has exploded - from engineering and science to the humanities and social sciences. But there is no established data science discipline and no recognized way for various academic fields to develop and integrate accepted data science processes into research. Victoria Stodden, an information sciences professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has proposed a framework for guiding researchers and curriculum development in data science and for aiding policy and funding decisions. She outlines the approach in the journal Communications of the ACM. Stodden has studied issues of reproducibility of research findings for more than a decade. Now, the widespread use of computational tools for research has initiated discussions about transparency, bias, ethics and other topics. These ideas are broader than any particular field, and researchers from different fields need a common framework for how to approach and talk about them, she said. Stodden said her approach will help define data science as a scientific discipline in its own right; provide a way to have a common conversation across various disciplines; encourage development of and train researchers and scientists on data-driven research methods; help them to agree on the most important issues in the emerging field of data science; and help consumers of computational research to understand how the results were produced. "I'm hoping it's a way to unify the conversations going on now - to help them evolve and share knowledge in a way to leverage and learn from what other people are doing - and talk about what's going on across different disciplines," Stodden said. The framework helps identify which issues can be generalized across disciplines and which are specific to a discipline, she said. Stodden's proposal builds on the concept of the data life cycle used by information scientists to describe the various stages of a dataset. Her data science life cycle looks at not only datasets, but also the tools of computational research such as computer code and software, as well as the research findings. The data science life cycle would allow researchers to look at the computational research process from data collection to analysis, validation, dissemination and ultimately how the research findings are used in public policy discussions, she said. It would bring into the conversation concepts of transparency, reproducibility of results, how results are interpreted, potential bias and ethics. "It's a framework for how to bring all these different topics together and think about what it means to have a field of data science," Stodden said. "With more strategic thinking about what data science means, and what it means to leverage these tools, we will be doing better science." The data science life cycle recognizes the need for preserving data, software and computational information and making them widely available after results are published, allowing for reproducibility. Her approach also will help guide the development of a curriculum of data science, she said, providing a way to see where existing courses fit and where new courses may need to be developed. "For a student seeking to do advanced coursework in data science, it can appear that statistics is not computational enough, computer science isn't data inference-focused enough, information science is too broad, and the domain sciences don't provide a broad enough pedagogical agenda in data science," she wrote. ### Editor's notes: To contact Victoria Stodden, email vcs@illinois.edu. The paper "The data science life cycle: A disciplined approach to advancing data science as a science" is available online and from the U. of I. News Bureau. DOI: 10.1145/3360646 Selwyn council is permitting local restaurateurs to either extend their current patios or create an outdoor patio, while temporarily waiving any bylaws in place. During councils virtual meeting on Tuesday, Robert Lamarre, the township's manager of building and planning, requested that council members renounce any requirement for site plan review and any zoning provisions related to parking supply during the 2020 patio season, or as otherwise dictated by the province. By endorsing Lamarres request, patios can now be extended into parking lots. We did talk to some of our restaurateurs who are considering using public property, and thats still maybe on the table at some point. But for now, its primarily officially expanding patios into parking lots, said Lamarre. While Deputy Mayor Sherry Senis agreed with the protocol Lamarre recommended, she said restaurants with patios have created an unexpected problem. Last week, Senis received a call from a local restaurant owner who was in a panic. His was the only public washroom open in Lakefield it seemed and customers and non-customers were going into his establishment wanting to use the bathrooms, she said. Its visitors from other communities, she said. Because people have been experiencing COVID cabin fever as I call it, and with the GTA still in stage one, weve had a lot of people come up here, she said. People have been wanting to get out in the fresh air and they have wanted to cool down and have a meal on a patio. Mike Richardson, manager of recreation services, said portable toilets will be made available for public use. Arena washrooms will also be open and accessible from the exterior only. Through PPH guidelines theyll be cleaned twice daily, seven days a week, said Richardson. With the GTA now in Phase 2, Senis hopes there wont be such an influx of visitors. However, Coun. Gerry Herron believes most of them come to the area to go fishing. People are encouraged to have a staycation so this might be what it is like the whole summer, Senis said. There are other problems, Herron said, adding that over the weekend there were some major issues at Birch Island Road, Old Burleigh Road and Fifes Bay. He said part of the issue at Birch Island Road was that the gate wasnt open at Selwyn Conservation area. Basically, weve seen an influx of day-trippers coming in from the city, if you take a look at the licence plates. This is creating log jams at certain fishing locations and beach areas and rapids, if you will, at Burleigh, he said. The influx is creating congestion for fire trucks, ambulances and police trying to get down Old Burleigh Road, Herron said. Theres people that cant get to their own homes because people are blocking their way, he said. Those coming from the city have no respect toward local residents, Herron said. I know on Birch Island there were a couple of fistfights between property owners and the people because theyve had enough. And frankly, living where I live by the Dutch Marine, I see it all the time. These weekend warriors come in and they think they own the joint and they just dont care, he said. Cars are parking on either side of Old Burleigh Road. Herron said he doesnt know how an ambulance would get down there. The ironic part is there were two pickup trucks parked there with Toronto fire stickers in the front bottom left of the windshield, which youd think theyd know better, but what the hell do I know, he said. Herron told council he received an email on Tuesday from a local resident with yet another complaint about the vehicles. I got an email today from a lady on Old Burleigh Road. Jammed today again there, he said. To aid in resolving the ongoing issues on Old Burleigh Road, East Street connecting to Fifes Bay Road and Birch Island Road at Selwyn Conservation area, Herron brought a motion to the floor. All members were in favour of the motion which stated staff will bring back a report to the councils meeting on July 14 including ways to alleviate parking issues and ways to enforce the situation. Herron asked that staff consider the ideas of parking bylaws, no-parking signs, and to take a look at the Old Burleigh Road situation. Weve got to adjust these parking issues for the good of our residents, for the good of our environment, for the good of everyone around here, Herron said. Herron said individuals coming from the GTA to fish are interfering not only with local residents, but seasonal cottage owners wanting to use local facilities such as Selwyn Conservation area. Herron said he hopes in the meantime they can put up some no-parking signs to help alleviate the issue. MoneyGram International, Inc. MGI recently collaborated with Global Money Express Co., Ltd (GME), which has emerged as a leading money transfer company in South Korea. The partnership enables GME to have access to MoneyGrams API-driven platform, which has a strong distribution network spanning across more than 200 countries and territories. Apart from offering enhanced services to its clients in South Korea, teaming up with MoneyGram is also likely to boost GMEs global payout coverage. Further, South Korean customers who send money to China and South Asia are likely to gain significantly from the new collaboration. Apart from benefiting GME, the tie up is likely to drive MoneyGrams digital business as well. In fact, this is not the first time that MoneyGram is partnering with leading Korean fintech companies. Last month, it tied up with another money transfer and payment fintech company in Korea E9Pay. Notably, MoneyGram already has a strong presence in Korea given its alliances with Woori Bank, Shinhan Bank, Korea Post, Kyongnam Bank and Sentbe. We believe these constant initiatives underline MoneyGrams efforts to tap the South Korean remittance market, which is worth around $13.4 billion in annual remittance outflows per the World Bank. Shares of this Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) company have gained 45.7% in a year against the industrys decline of 16.2%. MoneyGrams Efforts Bode Well The company, which facilitated digital transactions in over 70 countries, has always been striving to enhance its digital business on the back of partnerships and constant technological upgradations. Apart from South Korean remittance market, MoneyGram is also eyeing the remittance market in Saudi Arabia. The companys tie-up with Al Rajhi Bank this month is testament to the same. Last month, it partnered with Uber Technologies, Inc. UBER to enable hassle-free digital transactions for individuals working at Uber. These initiatives by MoneyGram are also time opportune as customers are increasingly opting for digitals channels for payment purposes amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Story continues A robust digital business has enabled MoneyGram to witness record-breaking transaction growth in May amid the pandemic. Notably, it reported year-over-year digital transaction growth of100% in the month, compared with first-quarter 2020 where digital transactions improved 57% year over year. Strength of the companys direct to consumer channel MoneyGram Online, digital partnerships and increased account deposit and mobile wallet transactions primarily drove digital growth in May. Notably per recent media reports, Western Union Co. WU is offering to buy MoneyGram. If the deal materializes, it will secure MoneyGrams position in the remittance market, which is anticipated to shrink due to the pandemic-induced financial turmoil. At the end of April, the World Bank projected a decline of 20% for global remittances in 2020. Therefore, to cope with the prevalent difficulty in the operating environment, the partnership with a stable company will be best suited for MoneyGram. This, in turn, will also provide it a competitive edge over peers like PayPal Holdings, Inc. PYPL. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Today's Best Stocks from Zacks Would you like to see the updated picks from our best market-beating strategies? From 2017 through 2019, while the S&P 500 gained and impressive +53.6%, five of our strategies returned +65.8%, +97.1%, +118.0%, +175.7% and even +186.7%. This outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. From 2000 2019, while the S&P averaged +6.0% per year, our top strategies averaged up to +54.7% per year. See their latest picks 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 Western Union Company (WU) : Free Stock Analysis Report MoneyGram International Inc. (MGI) : Free Stock Analysis Report PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research German pharmaceutical giant Bayer AG has agreed to pay $10.9 billion (8.9 billion) to close the vast majority of U.S. lawsuits claiming its widely-used Roundup herbicide causes cancer. After more than a year of talks the German drugs and pesticides maker reached agreement with around 75% of the current Roundup plaintiffs, involving some 125,000 filed and unfiled claims overall, it said in a statement on Wednesday. The settled cases account for about 95% of those currently set for trial, it added. "The Roundup settlement is the right action at the right time for Bayer to bring a long period of uncertainty to an end," Bayer Chief Executive Werner Baumann said. "Bayer wisely decided to settle the litigation rather than roll the dice in [an] American court," said settlement mediator Ken Feinberg. The company said it would make a payment of between $8.8 and $9.6 billion to resolve the current Roundup litigation - including an allowance expected to cover unresolved claims - and $1.25 billion to support a separate class agreement to address potential future litigation. Dr. Dena Grayson, doctor and Democrat politician was among those to highlight the thousands of claims which Bayer still has to address. Bayer bought Monsanto, which manufactures the glyphosate-based product, in 2018 for $63 billion and has repeatedly defended the weed-killers safety, pointing to studies that show glyphosate is safe. The company said it will continue to sell Roundup and has no plans to add a cancer warning label on the product. A review by the World Health Organisation found glyphosate "probably carcinogenic". Last year the German government approved a ban on glyphosate as from 2023. France is to ban a number of products containing glyphosate by the end of 2020, but President Emmanuel Macron has pulled back on a pledge to completely ban the chemical in January 2021 saying it would be too hard on farmers. (with agencies) Much is being written right now about the years 1968 and 2020, seeking to compare the urban disorder of Richard Nixon's election year with the disorder that is taking place in the middle of Donald Trump's campaign for re-election. I think it's a useful comparison, but I'd like to try it a different way. I want to ponder what living in a large American city was like 50 years ago and what it is like in the 21st century.When I think of the Chicago of my youth in the 1960s, I sometimes find myself thinking of Archie Bunker . It's an odd notion in many ways: Archie never lived in Chicago, and the TV series that made him famous didn't even appear until 1971. Still, all American cities in the late 1960s were teeming with people like Archie Bunker: middle-aged working-class white men of limited education, many of them children of immigrants, employed in tedious but secure blue-collar jobs in factories or on loading docks or at city patronage enclaves, and living in brick bungalows with large families, crowded but one happy step up from the tenements of the pre-war years. These people were the core of '60s and '70s urban life. As Nicholas Lemann put it succinctly in his recent book,, there were three icons of this life: the Democratic Party, the Catholic Church and the employers the workers felt committed to for life.Nearly all of them spouted off prejudices that they didn't bother to disguise at all. "They're wonderful people," Archie said of the Black people that he knew. "But they are also colored people. If God had meant for us to be together he'd a put us together."In Chicago, the one thing these working-class families feared most was that Blacks would sweep into their neighborhoods, pressure them to sell their modest homes at fire-sale prices, sit next to their children in public schools, and raise the specter of violent conflict on neighborhood streets. I'm not saying these were rational fears; I'm just reporting the things that blue-collar Chicago believed. And Chicago was a blue-collar city. So were virtually all American cities. We sometimes forget that.Richard J. Daley was the mayor and political boss of Chicago, a man whom history has in part misunderstood. Daley regarded himself as a friend and patron of Black people, and when he ran for re-election in 1963 he actually lost the white vote because he was perceived as too close to Blacks. It was the African American wards that saved Daley that year. Only after his 1963 electoral scare did Daley make the conspicuous rightward moves that culminated in his incendiary rhetoric during the riots after the death of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968.was enduring a stressful decade, the African American neighborhoods that lay east of it were experiencing long-sought but destabilizing change. The tight segregation that had packed them into a relatively small portion of the city was slowly breaking up, and Black middle-class residents were moving into areas that had been categorically closed to them in the past.But as many of them recognized, the coming of even modest desegregation brought the erosion of the vibrant Black community life that had characterized Bronzeville and other South Side neighborhoods for the previous half-century. Black-owned banks, insurance companies, funeral parlors, small department stores and, most crucially, the neighborhood Baptist churches were closing or losing their vitality. As the long-trapped Black middle class began to spread out across the city, Bronzeville and its counterpart communities were left with an underemployed, frequently rootless housing-project cohort for which desegregation had meant alienation rather than liberty.If you were growing up white on the South Side, as I was, you knew that the police were frequently crooked in dealing with both races. They took on-the-scene bribes as a way of shaking down minor traffic offenders; they colluded with towing companies that paid them for the privilege of taking cars off the street and bilking the owners who had to get them back. In the late 1950s, police officers actually had been part of a burglary ring. In a public elementary school, you could pick out the natural bullies and assume that a fair number of them would join the police force.But for the middle-class youth of Chicago and all other cities, the overwhelming life concern wasn't crime and it wasn't corruption: It was Vietnam. Virtually no one wanted to go; virtually everyone feared being drafted. This was a worry that was never far from everyday existence. What few of us understood at the time was that, in the end, we wouldn't be the primary victims of the brutal Asian war it would be disproportionately the sons of the Archie Bunkers in the Bungalow Belt and the minorities farther east. The families of these boys did understand what was going on, that few college kids would be paying the ultimate price, and this was part of their wide-ranging resentment, although most of them continued to support the war itself.One must grasp the mentality of blue-collar urbanites in these years to understand some of the things that politicians were saying at the time, and to understand how the politicians got away with them. In 1968, Mayor Daley ordered police to "shoot to kill arsonists" and "shoot to maim looters." But this was not the worst. Alabama Gov. George Wallace, running for president, warned that if a protester lay down in front of his car it would be the last one he ever lay down in front of. In other words, he was advocating murder. Delaware Gov. Charles Terry, panicked by rioting in his state, implanted National Guard troops on the streets of Wilmington and kept them there for eight months, long after any possible threat had disappeared. A while later, Frank Rizzo, the mayor of Philadelphia, promised to "make Attila the Hun look like a faggot."Horrific as the recent episodes of police violence have been, no elected city leader would even think of taking any of those actions today, in part because national sensibilities have changed but also because of the drastically altered makeup of urban America.are fairly obvious; some are not. But the difference most often overlooked is the virtual absence of the blue-collar population that gave the city its essential character 50 years ago. There are only a few white working-class neighborhoods left anywhere in Chicago; many of the people who live in them are city employees. The Archie Bunkers of 1968 have mostly passed away; their children are exurbanites, in two senses of that word: They have moved not only because of racist fears but because the blue-collar jobs they held have left the city as well.What this means is that America's large cities have become enclaves of affluent, liberal, well-educated professionals and much less affluent minorities. Journalists and academics like to point out that a number of big cities have been losing population in the last few years, and this is true, but it misses a crucial point: Many of these cities have been growing more affluent even as they have been losing people. Chicago lost more than 200,000 people in the first decade of this century, but much of the city was growing wealthier at the same time. The wealth was concentrated in the central city and in the surrounding neighborhoods. A recent Brookings study documented how big-city downtowns nearly all continued to gain population even as their cities contracted slightly in the recession years that followed the 2008 economic collapse.When cities lost their working-class flavor, they lost their family flavor as well. Gentrified Chicago is a city of singles and couples holding jobs in the professional economy. Most of the couples have no children, or leave the city with their one- or two-child families when the kids move into the middle years of school. Critics have argued that the dearth of families means that places such as Chicago aren't even cities in the traditional sense. This may be true, but it seems more useful to say that they are cities in a new way that needs to be understood rather than denigrated.Crime is a concern in the gentrified city, but almost entirely in the poorest minority neighborhoods. That is where virtually all the murders and other violent crimes take place. In the professional enclaves, there is little crime and little racial tension. For the most part, white and African American professionals get along with each other well.All of this helps to explain why city residents have reacted as they have toward the racial disturbances and complaints of police brutality that have characterized the spring of 2020, and also why the politicians who govern these cities have made the choices they have made.Elected city officials can no longer react to disturbances in the manner of Daley and Rizzo because there is no urban blue-collar constituency that would countenance such backlash rhetoric. Moreover, mayors like that couldn't be elected in the first place. Politicians with white working-class roots do run some city halls these days, such as Martin Walsh in Boston and Jim Kenney in Philadelphia, but only if they have moved to the progressive side of the fence. When racially tinged violence occurs, they respond to the interests and values of the professionals and minorities who now comprise most of the city. Backlash sentiments exist in this country, but they are concentrated, somewhat ironically, in the rural areas and small towns far from where the disturbances actually occur.Values matter in politics, and the values of the nation have evolved in the years since 1968, but when it comes to big cities, demographic change matters more. To understand a city, it's important to know what its residents think. But it's even more important to know who the residents are. A Michigan circuit judge has ordered a shutdown of Enbridges Line 5 oil pipeline at the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac in response to a temporary restraining order request by Attorney General Dana Nessel. Ingham County Circuit Court Judge James Jamo made the decision Thursday, June 25, following the discovery of damage to the eastern stretch of the controversial twin pipeline. In his order, Jamo wrote that the risk of harm to the Great Lakes and various communities and businesses that rely on the lakes would be not only substantial but also in some respects irreparable. He granted the temporary shutdown until a hearing on the states request for a preliminary injunction, which is slated for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 30. Related: Michigan attorney general seeks Enbridge Line 5 stop order Enbridge shut the line down last week after finding significant damage caused by an anchor support. It resumed partial Line 5 operation on Saturday after it said it found no damage on the pipelines western leg. The portion was reactivated despite Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asking that the entire line be shuttered until the damage could be investigated and reviewed by the state. On Monday, Nessel injunction and restraining order requests. According to the judges ruling, Enbridge must cease operation of its West Line as immediately as possible, but within no more than 24 hours. Neither line may be restarted until a determination is made on the motion for a preliminary injunction. In granting the temporary restraining order, Judge Jamo noted that the 1953 Easement Agreement between the state and Enbridge required Enbridge to exercise due care and operate the pipelines as a reasonably prudent person would. A 2018 agreement also required Enbridge to share the information related to the recent damage to the pipeline with the state. Jamo wrote that Enbridges failure to provide sufficient documentation to the state of Michigan related to the nature, extent, and cause(s) of the newly-discovered damage to Line 5 and its supporting infrastructure has resulted in the states inability to review or assess any risk of harm arising from the identified damage. Nessel called the ruling a short-term fix and said one mismanaged incident or accident involving the lines would result in a historic catastrophe for our state. She said work must continue toward complete removal of Line 5 from the states waters. Enbridge has failed to provide the state with information about the cause of this significant development involving Line 5, and so Im very grateful for the courts decision today, Nessel said in a prepared statement. While the fact that Enbridge reactivated one of the lines before consulting with the state is concerning, the fact that the company has failed to disclose the cause of this damage is equally alarming, considering the impact a breach in the pipeline could have to our state residents and economy. With the continued operation of this pipeline, the risk of severe and lasting environmental damage to Michigans most important natural resource continues to grow every day. The governors office applauded the courts ruling. Governor Whitmer applauds the courts decision to issue a temporary restraining order to shut down Line 5 immediately, following severe damage to an anchor support, said Tiffany Brown, press secretary for the governors office. Enbridges decision to continue pumping crude oil through the Straits of Mackinac with so many unanswered questions was reckless and unacceptable. Enbridge owes a duty to the people of Michigan and must answer to the state for how it treats our Great Lakes. The governor will continue working to keep our water safe. Enbridge in a statement issued at 5:16 p.m. said the pipeline had been shut down. Enbridge is disappointed in the courts ruling as we believe that Life 5 is safe; however, the west leg of Line 5 has been shut down, said Vern Yu, Enbridge Executive Vice President and President of Liquids Pipelines. The east leg had already been shut down pending a review of a disturbance discovered on one of its screw anchors, Yu said. A copy of the judges six-page order is available on the Michigan website, here. Editors note: This story has been updated with comment from Enbridge. Read more on MLive: Gov. Whitmer requests Line 5 shutdown after Enbridge restarts undamaged half of pipeline EPA fines Enbridge $6.7M over pipeline safety issues across Minnesota and Wisconsin Popular Traverse City wineries, restaurants on possible COVID-19 exposure list Thursday, June 25: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan Images of two Apple iPhones that the Pensacola naval base shooter, Royal Saudi Air Force 2nd Lt. Mohammed Alshamrani, tried to destroy are on display at a press conference at the Justice Department in Washington on Jan, 13, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Senators Propose Bill Giving Law Enforcement Access to Encrypted Devices A group of senators unveiled a bill this week that would allow law enforcement to legally access encrypted devices after obtaining the necessary court authorizations. Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the bill, known as the Lawful Access to Encrypted Data Act, on Tuesday. The bill aims to provide law enforcement the necessary tools to protect the public safety and bolster national security while trying to balance the constitutional rights of Americans. If passed, the law will require large tech companies to help investigators with accessing encrypted data if the assistance would help in carrying out a warrant. This comes amid tensions between tech companies like Apple and the Justice Department regarding the extent companies have to comply with government requests to assist with unlocking phones involved in criminal investigations. In May, Attorney General William Barr expressed frustration over Apples repeated refusal to assist with investigators who were attempting to gain access to two iPhones used by the shooter who launched a terror attack at the Pensacola Naval Air Station in Florida in December last year, killing three U.S. sailors and wounding eight other Americans. Barr said that the phones, which the FBI eventually managed to access, contained a trove of information that was proven to be invaluable to this ongoing investigation and critical to the security of the American people. He said that Apples decision to decline to assist carries dangerous consequences for public safety and national security, and costs large sums of taxpayer dollars and time for the FBI to break through Apples encryption. Tech companies increasing reliance on encryption has turned their platforms into a new, lawless playground of criminal activity. Criminals from child predators to terrorists are taking full advantage, Cotton said in a statement. This bill will ensure law enforcement can access encrypted material with a warrant based on probable cause and help put an end to the Wild West of crime on the Internet. Although the bill requires tech companies to comply with requests, they are also able to appeal in a federal court to change or set aside the request. The federal government will also be responsible for compensating the company for the reasonable costs incurred in complying with a request. Meanwhile, the bill also prohibits the attorney general from issuing a directive with specific technical steps for implementing the required capabilities. Groups advocating for digital privacy and free speech have criticized the bill. Kurt Opsahl, the deputy executive director of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, told the Daily Dot that the bill could put millions of American users at risk. This dangerous bill is nothing more than another attempt to legislate a security flaw into technology, Opsahl told the news outlet. There is no way to provide access to securely encrypted data without a backdoorwhich could be exploited by bad actors, putting millions of ordinary users at risk. Meanwhile, Facebook said a bill that rolls back protections provided by end-to-end encryption will make us all less safe. End-to-end encryption is a necessity in modern lifeit protects billions of messages sent every day on many apps and services, especially in times like these when we cant be together, Facebook said in a statement to CNET. Apple and Google, who run the two largest cellphone operating systems, did not immediately respond to our request for comment. Meanwhile, Barr applauded the senators decision to introduce the bill in a statement on Tuesday. While strong encryption provides enormous benefits to society and is undoubtedly necessary for the security and privacy of Americans, end-to-end encryption technology is being abused by child predators, terrorists, drug traffickers, and even hackers to perpetrate their crimes and avoid detection. Warrant-proof encryption allows these criminals to operate with impunity. This is dangerous and unacceptable, Barr said in a statement. The bill announced today balances the privacy interests of consumers with the public safety interests of the community by requiring the makers of consumer devices to provide law enforcement with access to encrypted data when authorized by a judge. I am confident that our world-class technology companies can engineer secure products that protect user information and allow for lawful access. Data security and public safety are not mutually exclusive. Encryption should keep us safe and secure, not provide an impenetrable safe haven for predators, terrorists, and criminals. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The European Central Bank has published the account of the monetary policy meeting of the Governing Council held on June 3 and 4 at 7.30 am ET Thursday. After the release, the euro changed little against its major counterparts. The euro was trading at 120.25 against the yen, 1.0644 against the franc, 0.9009 against the pound and 1.1210 against the greenback around 7.35 am ET. 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. Europe has seen a dramatic surge in coronavirus cases since lockdown easing began, the World Health Organization has warned, amid fears of a second wave. 'Last week, Europe saw an increase in weekly cases for the first time in months,' the WHO's regional director for Europe Hans Kluge told reporters. 'Thirty countries have seen increases in new cumulative cases over the past two weeks. In 11 of these countries, accelerated transmission has led to very significant resurgence that if left unchecked will push health systems to the brink once again in Europe,' he warned. Kluge did not identify the countries by name, nor provide detailed numbers. Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, as he gives a press conference in Rome earlier this year. On Thursday he said: 'Last week, Europe saw an increase in weekly cases for the first time in months' Data from the European Union shows a gradual decline in cases from around the start of April and continuing through this week. However, there are countries which have seen major outbreaks since easing lockdown, including Germany which suffered a major setback this week. On Tuesday, it reimposed lockdowns on 640,000 people in two districts in the western part of the country after an outbreak at a slaughterhouse infected more than 1,500 workers. Portugal also imposed new restrictions in and around its capital on Tuesday. Kluge noted that the European region was reporting a decreasing proportion of global cases than earlier in the year, as the pandemic hits the Americas with full force, but Europe continues to report close to 20,000 new cases and over 700 new deaths daily. Kluge meanwhile singled out Poland, Germany, Spain and Israel for their swift responses to outbreaks in schools, coal mines, and food production settings in recent weeks. 'Where new clusters of cases appeared, these have been controlled through rapid and targeted interventions. This is very good news,' he said. Kluge's warnings for the continent comes after the WHO predicted the world would reach the grim milestone of 10 million infections within the next seven days. Kluge noted that the European region was reporting a decreasing proportion of global cases than earlier in the year, as the pandemic hits the Americas with full force, but Europe continues to report close to 20,000 new cases and over 700 new deaths daily (pictured: Data from the European Union shows a steady decrease in new cases since around April) Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO director general, told a press briefing in Geneva on Wednesday: 'This is a sober reminder that even as we continue R&D (research and development) into vaccines and therapeutics, we have an urgent responsibility to do everything we can with the tools we have now to suppress transmission and save lives.' British Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week announced that from July 4, families can be reunited, drinkers can enjoy a trip to the pub and people can go on holiday in England. The Prime Minister claimed the 'national hibernation' was ending, but the Government's own scientific experts signalled that people would still need to accept significant restrictions on their way of life for months to come because the threat posed by coronavirus had not gone away. Mr Johnson acknowledged the fight was 'far from over', but said 'life is returning to our streets'. [June 25, 2020] Brinks Home Security Welcomes 114,000 New Customers DALLAS and FORT WORTH, Texas, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Brinks Home Security has acquired approximately 114,000 residential alarm monitoring customers from Protect America. "This acquisition allows us to provide our award-winning smart home security to more individuals and their families, and we are excited to have them join the Brinks Home Security customer family," said Brinks Home Security Chief Executive Officer William Niles. "Protecting what matters most for our customers is our number one priority, and we look forward to showing these new customers the Brinks Home Security difference." Protect America's customers can expect fast, U.S.-based alarm monitoring 24/7/365 and customizable smart home security solutions from the company ranked No. 1. in Customer Satisfaction for Pro-Installed Home Security Systems, two years in a row, by J.D. Power. Their accounts will be transitioned to Brinks Home Security in the coming weeks. /p> Jay Autrey . "We are committed to ensuring these new customers know what to expect from us starting on Day 1." The company will be communicating with its new customers in the coming weeks to let them know what to expect as their accounts transition. About Brinks Home Security Brinks Home Security is one of the largest smart home security companies in North America. With its headquarters in Dallas, Texas, Brinks Home Security employs over 1,100 people who install and monitor its highly-responsive, smart home security solutions that protect more than one million people in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The company also has one of the nation's largest authorized partner networks, which sells and installs their security solutions. To learn more about the company, its direct-to-consumer products, or how to become an authorized partner, visit brinkshome.com or brinkshome.com/partners. For J.D. Power award information, visit jdpower.com/awards. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brinks-home-security-welcomes-114-000-new-customers-301084121.html SOURCE Brinks Home Security [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Technavio has been monitoring the global automotive airbag sensor market and it is poised to grow by USD 82.87 million during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 3% 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/20200625005591/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Automotive Airbag Sensor Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Please Request Latest Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impact The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. Analog Devices Inc., Continental AG, DENSO Corp., Hella GmbH Co. KGaA, Infineon Technologies AG, Mitsubishi Electric Corp., NXP Semiconductors NV, Robert Bosch GmbH, Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd., and ZF Friedrichshafen AG are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The growing importance of crash tests and NCAP ratings has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. However, the sharp decline in automobile production and sales might hamper the market growth. Automotive Airbag Sensor Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Automotive Airbag Sensor Market is segmented as below: Application Passenger Cars LCVs M And HCVs Geographic Landscape APAC Europe North America 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=IRTNTR44102 Automotive Airbag Sensor 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 automotive airbag sensor market report covers the following areas: Automotive Airbag Sensor Market size Automotive Airbag Sensor Market trends Automotive Airbag Sensor Market industry analysis This study identifies the growing popularity of MEMS sensors for airbags as one of the prime reasons driving the automotive airbag sensor market growth during the next few years. Automotive Airbag Sensor Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the automotive airbag sensor market, including some of the vendors such as Analog Devices Inc., Continental AG, DENSO Corp., Hella GmbH Co. KGaA, Infineon Technologies AG, Mitsubishi Electric Corp., NXP Semiconductors NV, Robert Bosch GmbH, Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd., and ZF Friedrichshafen AG. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the automotive airbag sensor 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 Automotive Airbag Sensor Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist automotive airbag sensor market growth during the next five years Estimation of the automotive airbag sensor market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the automotive airbag sensor market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of automotive airbag sensor 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 Application Market segments Comparison by Application Passenger cars Market size and forecast 2019-2024 LCVs Market size and forecast 2019-2024 M and HCVs Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Application Customer Landscape Customer landscape Geographic Landscape Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison APAC Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024 North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 MEA Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity by geography Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Overview Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors Analog Devices Inc. Continental AG DENSO Corp. Hella GmbH Co. KGaA Infineon Technologies AG Mitsubishi Electric Corp. NXP Semiconductors NV Robert Bosch GmbH Toyoda Gosei Co. Ltd. ZF Friedrichshafen AG 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/20200625005591/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/ Kyrgyzstan registered on Thursday 228 new COVID-19 cases, raising the total number of infections to 3954, Trend reports citing Kabar. The countrys Deputy Health Minister Mademin Karataev told a news briefing that in total, 4160 laboratory tests were conducted in the country in the last 24 hours, which detected 228 new cases. He said that this is a record number for the entire time of the fight against coronavirus in the country. Karataev noted that among the new cases 19 are medical workers, bringing the total number of contracted medical workers to 648, including 396 recoveries. The deputy minister also reported 1 new virus related death, raising the total number of fatalities to 43. Karataev said that 30 people were discharged from various hospitals in the country after receiving treatment, bringing the total number of people who have so far recovered to 2112. Currently, 635 people remained hospitalized, 12 patients are in intensive care. In addition, 1164 asymptomatic patients are in home quarantine, in total 16265 people had contact with infected patients. As Kosovo President Hashim Thaci rushed home Thursday to face accusations of war crimes from the 1990s conflict with Serbia, Kosovars defended the just war that paved their path to independence. Thaci was the former political leader of the ethnic Albanian guerilla group, the KLA, which launched a rebellion against Belgrade more than 20 years ago when Kosovo was a southern province of Serbia. On Wednesday, he and others were accused a slew of war crimes linked to the 1998-99 war in an indictment filed by special prosecutors at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. Their victims included hundreds of known victims of Kosovo Albanian, Serb, Roma, and other ethnicities and include political opponents, said the prosecutors, who still need a pre-trial judge to approve the charges. The prosecutors said they published the charges early because Thaci and others have been trying to obstruct the work of the tribunal, which operates under Kosovo law but has international judges. This court is unfair Thaci, who was on his way home after cutting short a planned trip to the US to discuss lingering tensions with Serbia, has not yet responded to the charges. But Kosovars have come to the defence of the rebels who rose up against Belgrade in a war that cost about 13,000 lives, overwhelmingly Kosovo Albanians. This court is unfair because it only judges KLA soldiers We know that Serbia is the one that has committed crimes in Kosovo, said Qazim Fazlia, a pensioner in the capital Pristina. Skender Musa, a lawyer, said he hoped the court would clean the KLAs record. It is extremely certain that no KLA soldier who has worn the uniform has committed crimes against Serb civilians, he told AFP. Just and liberating The conflict ended after a US-led NATO intervention in 1999 forced Serb troops to withdraw from the former province. Top Serbian military and police officials were later convicted by international justice of war crimes during the conflict in which thousands of ethnic Albanian civilians were killed, tortured or forced to leave home. But the KLA is also accused of atrocities against Serbs, Roma and ethnic Albanian rivals during and after the war. Many rebel commanders have gone on to dominate Kosovo politically during its first decade of independence, which Serbia still rejects. First as prime minister and now president, Thaci himself has remained at the centre of the political scene throughout. His right-hand man Kadri Veseli, the KLAs former spy chief who now leads the political party founded by Thaci, was also accused of the crimes and has rejected them as untrue. The government called for calm and noted that the war was just and liberating and, as such, will remain one of the most important periods in the countrys history. Kosovos ambassador to the US, Vlora Citaku, a close associate of Thaci, wrote on Twitter: When the dust settles & the smoke clears, #KLA will remain the most successful liberation movement in modern history. Former prime minister Ramush Haradinaj, another ex-rebel, also came to the presidents defence. The Kosovo Liberation Army has waged a pure war, which resulted in the freedom and establishment of the Republic of Kosovo, he wrote on Facebook. We believe in the innocence of president Thaci, president Veseli and all other comrades, he added. ih-ssm/txw FACEBOOK Reuters E-commerce players in India such as Amazon's local unit and Walmart's Flipkart will consider asking sellers on their platforms to list the country of origin on products, three sources familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. The discussion was part of a meeting of online retailers held via video-conferencing, hosted by the federal commerce ministry's Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), two of the sources said. The move comes amid India's efforts to single out Chinese-made products and cut down on their import following a clash between the two neighbours at a disputed Himalayan border site that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. The definition of "country of origin", however, remains vague with some products assembled in countries including India but with their components or raw material sourced from another nation, and companies have asked the government to clarify its stand, the sources said. (Also read: Boycotting Chinese products: Brands like Vivo, OnePlus unaffected but may severely hurt employment in India) All three sources declined to be identified because the meeting was not public. "This is optics. It won't really change anything," one of the sources aware of the discussion said. "But in principle all the company representatives in attendance agreed that we could do it, but we need time. And we suggested that a better way would be for government to talk to sellers directly." Amazon and Flipkart have agreed to compel their seller to display country of origin for all products, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. Amazon, Flipkart and DPIIT did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Anti-China sentiments have simmered in India for years, with accusations of cheap imported products undercutting locally-manufactured good. But the tensions have heightened since the border clash. The Confederation of All India Traders, a group representing roughly 70 million brick-and-mortar retailers, has sought the support of tycoon businessmen, including India's richest man Mukesh Ambani, to boycott Chinese goods. India's Government e-Marketplace has already begun displaying country of origin besides products sold on it. Arsenal will be looking to bounce back immediately against Southampton on Wednesday evening as they look to arrest some worrying recent form. The Gunners were beaten in the dying seconds last time out against Brighton with Neal Maupay grabbing a late winner to condemn the north Londoners to back-to-back defeats since restarting their Premier League season. They will come up against a much improved Southampton side, who have clawed their way to safety under Ralph Hasenhuttl despite looking relegation certainties following an embarrassing 9-0 home defeat to Leicester last year. Their form continued with a 3-0 win over Norwich last time out. Elsewhere, Burnley welcome Watford to Turf Moor as Nigel Pearson looks to put them four points safe from relegation zone. Sportsmail's Oli Gamp will provide live Premier League coverage including live scores, lineups and build-up of 6pm games, with full commentary of Saints vs Gunners. CBSE Class 10th and Class 12th exams: The CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) has decided to cancel the remaining Classes 10 and 12 exams that were scheduled to be held between July 1 and 15, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who appeared for the HRD Ministry as well as the CBSE, informed the Supreme Court today. The exams have been cancelled in the wake of coronavirus crisis in India. CBSE decides to cancel 10th and 12th exams scheduled for July 1 to 15, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informs Supreme Court. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/5XjLQWtJpV ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2020 The decision was taken after various states, including Delhi, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, expressed their inability to conduct the pending examinations, Tushar told the apex court. Mehta, however, said the government was willing to conduct Class 12 exams to for those students who would opt for it, as soon as conditions would be conducive. The SC court was also told that a scheme to give marks to Class 12th students had also been formulated on the basis of their last exams. The central board had earlier decided to postpone the pending exams as a precautionary measure on March 18. Because of the continuous uptick in COVID-19 cases, parents and students had started a social media campaign, urging the CBSE to cancel the remaining papers. The first hearing in the case took place on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, wherein Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, said, "We understand the anxiety of the students. We can inform the Court the day after tomorrow." Meanwhile, India has reported 418 deaths and the highest single-day spike of 16,922 new COVID-19 positive cases in the past 24 hours, the Health and Family Welfare Ministry data showed. With this, the total coronavirus cases in India has reached 4,73,105, including 1,86,514 active ones, 2,71,697 recoveries and 14,894 deaths. With cases rising rapidly, India has become the fourth worst-hit country in the world, behind the United States, Brazil and Russia. In terms of fatalities, India is the 8th most-affected country in the world. Also read: CBSE exams case in Supreme Court: All you need to know Scales-Copeland has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental insanity He was only wearing red underpants when he began threatening motorists Police shots missed the 26-year-old who was arrested with the help of onlookers Oliver Tam Scales-Copeland yelled 'come on you dogs, I'll take you on' at police Two policemen opened fire on a violin prodigy after he stabbed them during a confrontation outside a Lake Macquarie service station, a court has been told. Oliver Tam Scales-Copeland, whose dad is a Greens councillor, yelled 'come on you dogs, I'll take you on' before lunging at the officers in October 2019, prosecutor Kristy Mulley told Newcastle District Court on Thursday. Shots from both injured officers missed him and he was eventually arrested with the help of bystanders after dropping the knife. Scales-Copeland, from Bronte in Sydney's east, has pleaded not guilty due to mental illness to two counts of wounding with intent to prevent arrest. His father is George Copeland, a Greens councillor on Waverley Council in Sydneys east. Oliver Tam Scales-Copeland (pictured, left, with his mother and father, George Copeland, who is a Greens councillor) He also faces two alternative counts of reckless wounding, one count of using an offensive weapon to intimidate and an alternative count of assault. The 26-year-old is the son of Greens councillor George Copeland on Waverley Council. No family members were in court for his appearance. Scales-Copeland was only wearing red underpants about 1pm on Sunday, October 6, when he began threatening motorists at an intersection at Toronto after his hire car broke down, Ms Mulley told the court. She said Scales-Copeland thrust his knife through the driver's side window of one car stopped behind him and repeatedly threatened to stab the motorist before telling him: 'You better get out of here or I'll stab you.' Oliver Tam Scales-Copeland (pictured, centre) has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental insanity Two police officers approached him at a Caltex service station and ordered him to drop the knife. Ms Mulley said Scales-Copeland called out: 'Come on dogs, I'll take you on.' The officers used capsicum spray and a baton to try to disarm him and were wrestling him when he stabbed one senior constable five times in the left thigh and the other officer once in the right hand, cutting one finger to the bone, she said. It is further alleged that when Scales-Copeland started advancing on the officer with the seriously injured hand, the policeman ran into traffic. He is accused of chasing the officer who could feel him slashing at the back of his police vest. The prosecutor said this officer - who initially had problems unholstering his gun because of his hand injury, which later required surgery - fired two shots at Scales-Copeland but missed. Scales-Copeland is accused of chasing the officer who could feel him slashing at the back of his police vest (stock image) The second officer yelled 'drop the knife or we'll have to shoot', but Scales-Copeland allegedly kept advancing so the policeman fired but also missed before his gun jammed. When later questioned by police, Scales-Copeland said he had stayed at a hotel in Sydney's north the previous night and taken a gram of cocaine, the court heard. He claimed to have no memory of stabbing the officers. The prosecutor said there was no dispute about what Scales-Copeland had done but claimed he was mentally ill at the time. The judge-alone trial before Judge Tim Gartelmann continues. Shots from both injured officers missed him and he was eventually arrested with the help of bystanders after dropping the knife (stock image) For confidential help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636. A man has been arrested in Mexico after taking his unusual pet for a walk - a 77lb Bengal tiger. A Mexican National Guard unit was on a patrol tour in the municipality of Zamora, in the western state of Michoacan, when troops spotted the female Bengal being walked by a man on the side of a road that connects the cities of Morelia and Jiquilpan. The soldiers arrested the man, identified as Atanacio G., for failing to produce the necessary legal documents to prove ownership of the wild cat, Mexico's attorney general office said Monday. A member of a local fire department in Michoacan, Mexico, poses with a female tiger after she was confiscated by the National Guard while being walked by a man on the side of a road The female Bengal weighed 77 pounds and was found to be in good health condition Members of Mexico's National Guard were patrolling the western city of Zamora last week when then encountered a man who was walking a female Bengal tiger on the side of a road that connects the cities of Morelia and Jiquilpan The Bengal weighed 77 pounds and was found to be in good health after it was examined by a local veterinarian. The cat was placed in custody of the Zamora municipal fire department, which posted several images of the cub on its Facebook account. One of the firemen held the tiger up-close while posing for a photo. The fire department provided care for the tiger before transferring over its care Monday to the office of Mexico's Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection [PROFEPA], which would ensure the tiger's safety. The office of Mexico's Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection [PROFEPA] has taken over the custody of the tiger to ensure its wellness The wild cat was held by the fire department in the western Mexican city of Zamora before its care was transferred to the officer of Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection It's wedding bells again for Hollywood actor Dennis Quaid! The "Parent Trap" star and fiancee Laura Savoie are officially husband and wife after the two eloped in Santa Barbara, California and tied the knot at a seaside resort last June 2. The 66-year-old actor told People magazine that "it was beautiful." Back in October 2019, Quaid popped the question to his much-younger girlfriend during their vacation in Hawaii. "It happened on the very northernmost point of Oahu, at Turtle Bay," Quaid mentioned. "It was kind of spontaneous. It was very much a surprise." Moreover, the actor shared with the outlet that they initially planned their wedding in Hawaii in April and set their second reception for friends and family in Nashville. However, due to the global pandemic, the couple was forced to postpone the scheduled ceremony. But no coronavirus crisis can stop the actor from marrying his 27-year-old fiancee, as they agreed to exchange vows and Bulgari rings with only their pastor as a witness. "Just looking into her eyes, she was the most stunning bride," Quaid gushed. Low-Key Secret Wedding Quaid was wearing a gray Hugo Boss suit, while Savoie opted for a simple yet elegant Chosen By One Day gown. The beautiful bride carried a bouquet of calla lilies and roses made by S.R. Hogue & Co. florist. The blonde beauty, who is a St. Louis, Missouri native and currently a doctoral student, was swayed by their officiant's message "of what it really means to bring your lives together," she shared. Savoie went on and revealed that she "has never met someone who is so in love with life." She also mentioned how Quaid changed her outlook in life and how she find it inspiring to wake up every day. "It's like nothing can bring him down," Savioie shared. "Just getting to do life with someone who lives that way is inspiring for me. It changes my perspective and it brings so much joy to every day." The two first met at a business event before they began dating in May 2019. The "Yours, Mine, Ours" actor was completely drawn to his now-wife and described it as "love at first sight." "I just love who she is as a person," said Quaid. "Her character, her intelligence, of course, her beauty. And her point of view of the world." For her part, Savoie was a class valedictorian at Pepperdine University and also has a master's degree in accountancy at the University of Notre Dame. Fourth Time's The Charm The "Far from Heaven" actor has been previously married thrice, first is with German-born American actress P.J. Soles in 1978. They divorced in 1983. He then married "You've Got Mail" actress Meg Ryan in 1991, but they called it quits after 10 years of marriage. In 2004, the actor tied the knot with real estate agent Kimberly Buffington, whom he shares fraternal twins -- son Thomas Boone and daughter Zoe Grace. Unfortunately, after 12 years of marriage, the two decided to file for a divorce in 2018. READ MOE: JK Rowling Gets DEVASTATING News After Transphobia Scandal Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 14:34 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406619581e 1 World health,diplomacy,politics-of-covid-19,ASEAN,#PostScript,#Explainer Free With its member states at different stages in their COVID-19 responses, a coordinated regional response will likely be top-of-mind as the nations' leaders prepare to convene virtually for the 36th ASEAN Summit on Friday. Indonesia last week surpassed Singapore as the ASEAN nation with the highest cumulative total of confirmed cases, as its daily tally continues to hover around 1,000 new cases. Meanwhile, other ASEAN states like Vietnam, Brunei and Laos have all reported zero cases over the past few weeks. Grouping nations with diverse governing systems and cultures, ASEAN has been strongly criticized for being too slow in responding to the pandemic, even though some sectors began discussing regional cooperation very early on. How has ASEAN and individual states responded to COVID-19? ASEAN began discussing collaborative action immediately after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a public health emergency of international concern on Jan. 30. It also activated various existing regional mechanisms, such as the Regional Public Health Laboratories Network (PHLN) and the ASEAN Emergency Operations Center Network (EOC Network). These public health emergency mechanisms were installed as a result of past lessons learned, including the 2003 SARS outbreak that plagued the region. Lessons learned: ASEAN has activated several public health emergency mechanisms that were established in response to past outbreaks, like SARS. (JP/File) ASEAN health ministers convened a meeting in late January, followed by a flurry of coordination meetings in other sectors including foreign affairs, defense, tourism, labor and agriculture. The meetings discussed collective outcomes and collaboration initiatives that were pooled and then presented at the ASEAN Summit on April 14. Observers have noted the common resolve among ASEAN states to avoid insular or protectionist policies in their respective approach to COVID-19 mitigation and management, and lauded their commitment to keep markets open while continuing to support a rules-based international trading system. Bilaterally, ASEAN states have also helped each other by providing medical equipment, supplies and other goods. Individually, however, all 10 member states, have been at different stages in their COVID-19 responses, with some countries succeeding at containing the virus while others still grappling with high rates of infection. *data from June 23, 2020 As the regions most populous country, Indonesia has the highest tally of deaths linked to the disease with 2,573 total deaths as of June 24. This is more than twice that of the Philippines, which has the second highest death toll in ASEAN with 1,204 deaths. Meanwhile, other ASEAN states have managed to maintain relatively low death tolls: Singapore has recorded 26 deaths to date and Vietnam has succeeded in containing its outbreak with zero deaths. Why does ASEAN have such a wide statistical gap? Indonesia has the largest territory and population in the region, with 267.7 million people across 34 provinces. However, its national healthcare system is woefully underprepared to manage the highly contagious virus, which has contributed to its high COVID-19 death toll. Before additional ventilators and isolation rooms were provided to the Kemayoran Athletes Village COVID-19 emergency hospital in Central Jakarta, only 8,158 ventilators and 105 isolation rooms equipped with ventilators were available nationwide, according to Health Ministry data. Read also: Grim result from COVID-19 modeling The ministry data also shows that Indonesia has around 143,000 nurses and 22,000 doctors, with only 807 pulmonologists capable of treating the acute respiratory syndrome caused by the coronavirus. In comparison, Vietnam had readied 125,000 nurses and 90,000 doctors to serve its 95.54 million population, according to local news. It all comes down to the response and preparedness of each individual nation. Virtual safety: President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo (center), accompanied by Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi (rear left) and Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto, attend the virtual ASEAN Plus Three Summit on April 14 from Bogor Palace. Indonesia has recorded the highest cumulative total of COVID-19 cases among ASEAN states. (Antara/Biro Pers - Lukas) Indonesia was among the last few countries in the region to confirm a local outbreak, reporting its first cases in early March. However, the government was reluctant to impose a nationwide lockdown and only took action nearly two weeks later with the introduction of the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB), which required regions to apply for prior ministerial approval. Malaysia also dithered in its initial response, which was further complicated by an abrupt change in government. But then it immediately announced the movement control order (MCO) following a massive spike in cases in mid-March that originated from a tabligh mass religious gathering. Read also: COVID-19 cases surge in ASEAN states The Philippines has among the highest daily increase in new cases in the region. Observers say that Manila also veered from dismissing the threat of COVID-19 to imposing heavy-handed policies. Singapore embedded social distancing measures in the "circuit breaker" program it implemented in early April, which was highly praised as effective until the virus began spreading among its migrant worker population. Fortunately, its world-class healthcare system kept the virus contained. Vietnam used targeted lockdowns in select geographical areas, with local authorities managing strict measures on active cases. It also imposed its COVID-19 measures early, starting with travel restrictions in January. These tactics helped prevent wider spread of the disease among its population. The remaining ASEAN states have reported low numbers of cases and deaths, such as in Myanmar, but observers have noted that this could be attributed to a lack of testing. What can we expect from the summit? ASEAN leaders are expected to issue a statement on a cohesive and responsive ASEAN on the issue of the regional COVID-19 response, according to the Indonesian Foreign Ministry's ASEAN affairs director general, Jose Tavares. Among the key issues for potential discussion are measures to control the virus' spread, mitigation of social and economic impacts like unemployment and poverty, and economic recovery plans, said Dewi Fortuna Anwar, a research professor at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences Center for Political Studies (P2P-LIPI). I think they will focus on how to increase the resilience of each country and regional cooperation, both within ASEAN and with dialogue partners to assist ASEAN capabilities in these three issues, said Dewi. However, the 10 members' differing stages of response may complicate the grouping's efforts to agree on a collective action, said Ibrahim Almuttaqi, head of the ASEAN studies program at The Habibie Center. We may see ASEAN hamstrung by its old problem of only being as strong as its weakest members, and any regional response may have to be a watered-down, low-hanging fruit version that takes into account the limitations of countries that are still struggling with the pandemic, he said. Dewi further cautioned that the region should not lose sight of the current geopolitical situation, especially the rivalry between the United States and China that has spilled over into other issues, such as the virus' origin and the WHO's role. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, ASEAN countries have tried not to play the blame game with China, whose COVID-19 diplomacy has turned it from a country unable to control the spread of the virus to a country that sends medical supplies and assistance, she said. Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters on June 25 that the summit provided an opportunity for the leaders to further consolidate and coordinate efforts to mitigate COVID-19 and its impact. She said Indonesia would raise two important points: that ASEAN must work harder on staying relevant in the face of major power rivalries, and that it must increase its collective capacity to mitigate the pandemic. At the Informal Meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers a day prior, member states also underlined the importance of keeping track of shared concerns beyond the pandemic. Retno highlighted the issues in the South China Sea, calling on all ASEAN states to contribute toward building stability and peace in the disputed waters. Indonesia believes it is time to resume the COC [Code of Conduct] negotiations, which was suspended because of the pandemic. We believe that the COC will contribute to an environment conducive [to peace and stability], she said. The minister also stressed the importance of preventive measures in handling the refugee crisis in Myanmar's Rakhine state. (Bloomberg) -- A Senate committees proposed freezing half of the funding available to an Army program involving Microsoft Corp., pending greater transparency into the programs cost and performance. The program, known as the Integrated Visual Augmentation System, or IVAS, aims to develop a heads-up display for U.S. ground forces, similar to the displays fighter pilots use in the cockpit. The system would enable commanders to project information onto a visor in front of a soldiers face, and would include other features such as night vision. In October 2018, the U.S. Army awarded Microsoft a $480 million contract to adapt its HoloLens augmented reality headset for the program. The Army used a fast-track buying method known as other transaction authority to side-step much of the red tape typically involved in a deal of this size. It chose Microsoft after reviewing several proposals, including one from competitor Magic Leap Inc. The value of the deal was increased to $641 million this February The Armys current budget request includes $906 million for the IVAS program in fiscal 2021, and more than $1 billion in fiscal 2022. That funding, not all of which would go to Microsoft, would allow the military to purchase an additional 40,000 headsets and move beyond the testing phase, placing the devices with U.S. forces around the globe. Microsoft could reap significantly more money if the program continues to advance. The draft of this years Pentagon policy bill introduced in the Senate Armed Services Committee would withhold 50% of the funding available to the Army until the Pentagon submits a report explaining the Armys approach and the costs associated with producing the HoloLens at full scale. The report must also detail the feedback the Army has received from U.S. personnel about the functionality and reliability of the devices. If the Senates version of the bill, known as the National Defense Authorization Act, passes, it would be a blow to Microsoft's attempts to cultivate a significant market for the headset, which it now sells to corporate, industrial and government customers. Now in its second generation, HoloLens costs $3,500 a pair, and can be rented for a monthly fee. Story continues The IVAS version is customized for the U.S. military. Its decision to customize the device for military use has inspired protests from within the companys ranks. Two Pentagon evaluations have shown the IVAS program is on track said Frank Shaw, a company spokesman. Microsoft continues to partner with the Army, he said, adding the company is working towards a third review. That evaluation is slated for this October, followed by a final assessment in 2021, according to Army officials. (Updates eighth paragraph to add comment from Microsoft.) 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. SAN DIEGO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of the ongoing U.S. Air Force contract for MQ-9A Reaper modernization, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) demonstrated three expanded Automatic Takeoff and Landing Capability (ATLC) enhancements that provide the MQ-9A with a dramatic increase in operational flexibility. One enhancement enables the MQ-9A to land at an alternate or "divert" airfield in which no Ground Control Station (GCS) is present, and under satellite communication (SATCOM) control. The second enhancement expands the cross-wind limits of the MQ-9A. The third increases the maximum landing weight for normal and emergency landings. "This achievement will enable operational MQ-9A's to land at alternate airfields, on their own, in case of inclement weather, changing mission requirements, or damaged runways," said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. "These upgrades will improve mission-effectiveness tremendously." With the "divert landing" enhancement, the remote pilot can enter the new landing area coordinates to automatically land at the selected location, or the pilot can overfly and self-survey the divert airfield's runway using the MQ-9A's multispectral Electro-optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensor to obtain coordinates for automatic landing. Once uploaded to the MQ-9A's mission profile, the MQ-9A aircrew enables the ATLC system, which allows the aircraft to automatically maneuver itself into a landing pattern and make the automatic landing. "All three enhancements provide MQ-9A aircrews with increased runway options, as well as expanded weather tolerances that greatly improve mission flexibility, operational availability and time on station. It will also lead to a substantial reduction in aircrew," said Alexander. About GA-ASI General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) systems, radars, and electro-optic and related mission systems, including the Predator RPA series and the Lynx Multi-mode Radar. With more than six million flight hours, GA-ASI provides long-endurance, mission-capable aircraft with integrated sensor and data link systems required to deliver persistent flight that enables situational awareness and rapid strike. The company also produces a variety of ground control stations and sensor control/image analysis software, offers pilot training and support services, and develops meta-material antennas. For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com. SkyGuardian, Predator and Lynx are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. GA-ASI Media Relations General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. +1 (858) 524-8101 ASI-MediaRelations@ga-asi.com Leasing at Atlantic Honda in Long Island, NY The Atlantic Honda Lease Termination Center helps leaseholders examine their options for how to proceed with ending a vehicle lease, whether before or after the completion of a lease term. The first option for customers with a lease at Atlantic Honda is to return the leased Honda vehicle at the end of the lease term with the option to buy or lease a new Honda model. This option is convenient for any driver not completely satisfied with a leased vehicle that wishes to find a more suitable option. In shopping for a replacement, customers are encouraged to browse through the Atlantic Honda inventory of new Honda models. The second option for customers with a lease at Atlantic Honda is to trade in the leased Honda vehicle prior to the end of the lease term. This option may be available to drivers who have taken exemplary care of a leased Honda vehicle. Doing so can create positive equity in contrast to an expected drop in resale value over the lease period. If this is the case, the Atlantic Honda dealership may be able to purchase a customers leased Honda vehicle for the residual value and apply the equity toward the lease or purchase of a new Honda vehicle better suited to the customers driving lifestyle. To inquire about positive equity, leaseholders may contact the Atlantic Honda dealership staff. The third option for customers with a lease at Atlantic Honda is to purchase the leased Honda vehicle at the end of the lease term. This option waves the need for inspections and charges for any vehicle damage sustained during the lease term. Additionally, customers who chose to purchase a vehicle after a completed lease term can qualify for low financing rates and extended protection plans. Upon the completion or termination of a leased Honda vehicle at Atlantic Honda, a driver will need to return the vehicle, the keys to the leased vehicle, the owners manual, any and all maintenance records, any and all receipts for vehicle repairs, a vehicle inspection report, a vehicle return receipt and an odometer disclosure statement. If a driver is unclear where to obtain any of these items, the Atlantic Honda team can be contacted for assistance and information. The Atlantic Honda staff can be reached at the number 631-665-0005. Additional means of communication include online messaging, email and visits to the store. The Atlantic Honda dealership is located at 1375 Sunshine Hwy., Bay Shore, New York 11706. Ricardo B. Brazziell, MBR / Associated Press Following a record single-day increase of COVID-19 cases in the state, Gov. Greg Abbott has paused further phases of the state's reopening plan, according to a Thursday news release. Businesses that have already lawfully reopened are allowed to continue to operate under state health protocols and limited occupancy levels. Abbott said the pause will help the state focus on addressing the uptick in cases and hospitalizations. 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 Bissau, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jun, 2020 ) :Guinea-Bissau's president, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, said on Thursday that the poor West African state would drop a night-time curfew imposed to curb coronavirus infections. The government will however extend other emergency measures by 30 days, however, according to a decree also published on Thursday. Authorities in former Portuguese colony of some 1. 8 million people have recorded 1,556 coronavirus cases to date, with 19 fatalities. As with other poor countries in the region, there are concerns about Guinea-Bissau's ability to handle a large outbreak. Speaking to reporters in the capital Bissau, Embalo urged people to keep respecting social distancing. First imposed in March, the night-time curfew ran from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The government also closed borders and schools in a bid to curb infections. Singapore's information minister insisted no company had been excluded in the selection process Nokia and Ericsson have been chosen as Singapore's main 5G network providers, telecom operators said, leaving Huawei with only a minor role as the Chinese tech giant faces growing US pressure. Huawei has been dogged by allegations of stealing American trade secrets and aiding China's espionage efforts, with Washington pushing countries to bar the company from involvement in their next-generation networks. Huawei has denied ties with the Chinese government. Singtel, one of the city-state's main telecom operators, said Wednesday it had chosen Sweden's Ericsson to build its 5G network after the government gave final approval. A joint venture that includes the country's two other major telecom operators, M1 and StarHub, announced it had opted for Nokia to build its main 5G infrastructure. However, both M1 and Starhub said that other firms, including Huawei, could have some involvement in the project. Huawei only won the contract to be a provider for a smaller, local network system, operated by TPG Telecom, a more minor player. The Southeast Asian city-state tries to maintain good relations with both the US and China, and Information Minister S. Iswaran insisted that no company had been excluded in the selection process. "We have run a robust process spelling out our requirements in terms of performance, security and resilience," he said, adding that mobile network operators also had their own criteria. "There is a diversity of vendors participating in different parts of the 5G ecosystem, and... there remain prospects for greater involvement in our 5G system going forward." Iswaran said the 5G investments will run into "billions of dollars". Huawei only won the contract to be a provider for a smaller, local network system 'Knowing your supplier' Singapore is aiming to have ultra high-speed internet coverage for half of the country by the end of 2022, and expand it to cover the entire island by the end of 2025. The US government launched a worldwide campaign against Huawei, the world's largest supplier of telecom network equipment and the planet's number two smartphone maker, about 18 months ago. Washington essentially banned Huawei from the US market last year, although earlier this month it let the firm back into the fold when it comes to companies working together to set standards for 5G networks. The Pentagon has published a list of 20 Chinese companies it says are backed by the military, in the latest instance of a running tit-for-tat economic battle between Washington and Beijing, and Bloomberg reported Huawei is one of them. "As the People's Republic of China attempts to blur the lines between civil and military sectors, 'knowing your supplier' is critical," Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Rath Hoffman said in Washington. The list covers firms "owned by, controlled by, or affiliated with China's government, military, or defense industry," Hoffman said in a statement. "We envision this list will be a useful tool for the U.S. Government, companies, investors, academic institutions, and likeminded partners to conduct due diligence with regard to partnerships with these entities." Huawei did not immediately respond on the publication of the list. Explore further Huawei opens Shanghai flagship store as US pressure grows 2020 AFP "What I heard repeatedly was that this leniency was happening because of Stone's relationship to the President, that the acting US attorney for the District of Columbia was receiving heavy pressure from the highest levels of the Department of Justice and that his instructions to us were based on political considerations," Zelinsky said. US Attorney-General William Barr has been described as "the President's fixer". Credit:AP Zelinsky's testimony was buttressed by a different prosecutor, who works on antitrust matters and said Barr had personally intervened to spur investigations of mergers in the marijuana industry, even when career officials thought such work was unnecessary. The prosecutor, John Elias, said the reason seemed to be Barr's personal distaste for the marijuana business. He also said the department's antitrust division was made to investigate deals between California and four automakers to limit emissions, a day after Trump tweeted his displeasure about the arrangement. "Personal dislike of an industry is not a valid basis upon which to ground an antitrust investigation," Elias said. House Democrats said that the prosecutors' testimony showed that Barr has politicised the Justice Department to help Trump and his friends. In a strident opening statement, Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler called Barr "the President's fixer". "The cancer that we must root out is his decision to place the President's interests above the interests of the American people," Nadler said. Legal analysts said the hearing itself was remarkable: prosecutors such as Zelinsky are virtually never permitted or willing to speak to Congress at all, let alone to describe the deliberations surrounding a particular criminal case. They negotiated their appearances independently of the Justice Department, but their lawyers conferred with department officials about limits on their testimony. "Mr Zelinsky's courageous testimony makes more painfully explicit and shocking the brazenness with which the Attorney-General and other Justice Department officials now readily manipulate cases to serve the President's political ends," said David Laufman, a former Justice Department counterintelligence official now in private practice. "And it also indicates how impervious these officials think they are to any meaningful accountability and consequences for their wrongful conduct." Republicans countered that Barr was appropriately focused on rooting out corruption in the FBI investigation of possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia that Mueller would come to take over. Their witness, former attorney-general Michael Mukasey, said Barr was motivated by "the evenhanded application of law so as to achieve justice." Loading "I think we're fortunate to have a person of his temperament, talents and convictions in office during this difficult time in history," Mukasey said. Justice Department representatives had criticized both men's testimony, noting that Zelinsky's information was secondhand and that the department's Office of Professional Responsibility already had looked into the antitrust division's handling of marijuana company mergers and found no wrongdoing. Barr served as attorney-general in the George H.W. Bush administration, and though he was confirmed on a mostly party-line vote in February 2019, many inside the Justice Department were optimistic about his taking over. Barr was seen as unlikely - because of his age and previous accomplishments - to blindly obey Trump. Barr's defenders note that he has at times disappointed or questioned the President. His Justice Department declined, for example, to bring charges against former FBI director James Comey and former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe, despite referrals from the Justice Department's Office of Inspector General about possible crimes. The President has publicly suggested that both men, whom he considers political rivals, should be charged. Barr is a strong proponent of executive power, and observers say his vision often lines up neatly with Trump's. Loading In Barr's first months on the job, Mueller's team delivered to the Attorney-General its final report, and Barr stepped fully into controversy. Instead of quickly releasing the report's executive summaries, Barr condensed the findings into a four-page letter he sent to Congress. The letter declared that Mueller had not found evidence to substantiate a conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia to influence the 2016 election, and had not reached a conclusion on whether Trump had obstructed justice. Barr said he had evaluated that question himself, and determined that Trump had not. The bare-bones description so infuriated the special counsel team that Mueller sent a letter to Barr complaining that the Attorney-General "did not fully capture the context, nature, and substance" of the investigative report. Barr ultimately pushed to make public a largely unredacted copy of Mueller's entire report, though on the day of its release, he gave a news conference characterizing it in a way that closely mirrored Trump's talking points. In recent months, critics have alleged that Barr has sought to undo the special counsel's work. Zelinsky testified that career prosecutors initially won their fight over Stone's sentencing recommendation and filed essentially the request they wanted. But early the next morning, Trump tweeted his displeasure, and Barr directed that a new memo be filed, prompting Zelinsky and three other career prosecutors to withdraw from the case. Barr has said he did not discuss the case with the President and that his intervention was not a result of the President's tweet. In the episode's aftermath, he gave an interview saying Trump's social media missives "make it impossible for me to do my job." Barr asked US Attorney John Durham in Connecticut to review the FBI's Russia investigation and US Attorney Jeff Jensen in St Louis to review the Flynn case - unusual moves that critics say are meant to fuel Republican attacks on an inquiry that dogged Trump's presidency. Last month, at Jensen's recommendation, Barr had the Justice Department move to walk away entirely from the prosecution of Flynn, who pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI's about his dealings with the Russian ambassador to the United States. Ryan Fayhee, a former Justice Department prosecutor now in private practice at Hughes Hubbard & Reed, said Barr had "clearly participated in the systematic undoing of the Mueller investigation," noting that - in part because of coronavirus-related releases - none of those Mueller charged are currently in prison. "It's thinly veiled and troubling to say the least," Fayhee said. "Bill Barr is very bright, capable, and ran a Department of Justice that didn't look anything like this the last time around - and didn't act like this the last time around. The only different factor is the person in the White House." Critics have noted that Barr, too, has taken other steps that have fallen in line with the President's interests. Like Trump, he has voiced scepticism about mail-in voting, telling The New York Times Magazine that it could be susceptible to a foreign operation, even though current and former election officials dispute that. Marriott CEO Says Nations Not Having Strong Coronavirus Policies Hurt Businesses Like His A heavy-handed government response to coronavirus, while tough in the short term, may ultimately fuel a faster hotel industry recovery, according to the worlds largest hotel companys chief executive. Marriott grappled with the pandemics impact on its portfolio since January in China, and since March in the U.S. Chinas central government eventually ordered stringent lockdowns, and the country is reporting low transmission rates and strong momentum in its hotel industry recovery. But the virus and how to balance public health and the economy have become politicized in America, and its array of responses and fast reopenings in some states have led to spikes in transmissions and even a likely ban on American travelers to the European Union later this year. While not calling out the U.S. specifically, Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson noted there is a potential lesson learned from a strong central government response like Chinas in helping to fuel the hotel industrys recovery. You see in Chinas response something of the advantage of a powerful central government that can by itself set the rules and by and large get 100 percent compliance, Sorenson said Thursday during a webinar hosted by the American Hotel & Lodging Association. They move quickly to implement the kind of restrictions that have, as far as we can tell, a profound impact on the spread of this virus. Mainland China hotel occupancy is hovering around 50 percent, up from a 7 percent low in early February, according to STR. While there is a flareup in Beijing of new cases, the government is once again responding in force by shutting down schools and curtailing non-essential travel to the capital city. Sorenson has noted repeatedly in the past that both China and the U.S. were likely to lead the world in hotel industry recoveries due to their strong domestic traveler base. But he also particularly noted Chinas central government response Thursday in relation to the countrys recovery timeline. Story continues Marriott CEO Arne Sorenson, from earlier this year. In a couple of fairly short months, theyre into recovery mode, Sorenson said. Two lessons: One is recovery will come when people feel like its safe, and the second is just how important it is that we earn collectively government, business, data that we earn the confidence of our consumers so theyll get back out there. A Mistaken Recovery The U.S. has taken a less centralized approach than other countries in battling coronavirus. While there have been federal guidance and funding for testing, states have largely controlled their own public health policy and reopening timelines. Average U.S. hotel occupancy ended the week of June 20 at nearly 44 percent, the tenth week of consecutive increases, according to STR. Panama City, Florida at a nearly 89 percent occupancy rate led the U.S. in hotel performance. But Florida is among several states with spiking coronavirus case counts in the U.S. The more than 45,000 new cases reported Wednesday in the U.S. was the highest number seen since late April. Flareups will likely cause a recovery pivot away from markets showing initial occupancy strength but also high case counts. If Im in Florida and see a resurgence in Miami, its going to cause some folks thinking of going to Miami to not go to Miami, Sorenson said. We have to make sure, through conduct and data, that we are earning the steady state on that recovery. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who also chairs the National Governors Association, noted state leaders are in a tough position navigating how to balance saving lives and saving their economies. Marylands 14-day trend pattern of new coronavirus cases is down 45 percent, according to the COVID Tracking Project and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But the Maryland governor cautioned against complacency, which could lead to a reversal on reopening. Making decisions on how to save peoples lives while not ruining the economy [is] a delicate balancing act. We have these twin crises happening at the same time, Hogan said during the AHLA webinar. Youve got to be careful and cautious, and we still need to social distance and wear masks where appropriate and go about our lives in a different way. No Magic Solution Hoteliers shouldnt expect a quick turnaround, despite leisure destinations posting strong occupancy numbers this summer. It would be far, far too optimistic to think recovery from something like this would be like flipping a switch, Sorenson said. What does full recovery look like? Nobody knows the answer to that, but its likely to be a number of years. Marriott furloughed 75 percent of its corporate staff this spring, and it will take time and most likely a coronavirus vaccine before all travel sectors have recovered to 2019 levels. But there is reason to be optimistic, Sorenson said. Drive-to, leisure travel is returning in states with relaxed travel restrictions, proving travel demand is still strong. It may take time before a coronavirus epicenter like New York City returns to prior cycle highs, but Sorenson expects travelers will come back if government and business leaders enact policies to give guests the confidence they need to book a stay. I think the recovery has begun, he said. Confidence can only be had when there is the sense that Covid-19 is behind us. Subscribe to Skift newsletters for essential news about the business of travel. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / Havn Life Sciences Inc. (the "Company" or "Havn Life"), announces launch and filing of its preliminary prospectus. Havn Life is a biotechnology company on a mission to unlock human performance using evidence-informed research. The Company is aimed at improving cognitive performance through the standardized extraction of psychoactive compounds and the development of natural health care products from novel compounds. "In order for researchers to fully understand the therapeutic potential of psilocybin and how it can be utilized to treat disease and mental conditions, methods must be developed to ensure that researchers have access to safe, standardized, quality-controlled derivatives and formulations," says Havn Life Co-CEO Susan Chapelle, a former civic politician and recognized thought leader in the Canadian cannabis space who has consulted with senior levels of government, and brings 25 years of leadership experience in the health, non-profit, and private sectors in Canada. Havn Life has a dedicated research facility (Havn Labs) located in the South Campus of The University of British Columbia (UBC). Through its team of scientists with extensive experience in chemistry and formulation development, Havn Life is standardizing the extraction of psychedelic compounds to support the development of innovative therapies addressing human health. "At present, the supply in the illicit psychedelic market is primarily provided by small scale growers, about which there is little information available. Scaling agriculture methods is difficult and without foundational methods for growing this genus of mushrooms, it is unknown if these species can be grown at scale. To date, there are no standardized or quality control methods that have been developed for investigators. The standardized methodology is essential for growing, extracting, and synthesizing these compounds." added Chapelle. "And that is where Havn Life comes in." Story continues Vic Neufeld, who previously served as CEO of Aphria for five years during its large scale build up to become one of the leading cannabis producers in the world, and serves as a director of Havn Life said: "Canada is uniquely positioned to decriminalize several psychedelic substances through its constitutional framework. The psychedelic industry is poised to disrupt the current pharmaceutical industry and shift the mental health and well-being market towards novel plant-based products. And for this to happen, the market will require these standardized, quality-controlled substances." Neufeld also served as CEO of Jamieson Laboratories, Canada's largest manufacturer and distributor of natural vitamins, minerals, concentrated food supplements, herbs and botanical medicines. Under his leadership, Jamieson grew its market share from 7 to 27 per cent, and sales grew from $20 million annually to over $250 million. Havn Life's multi-disciplinary team includes Co-CEO Tim Moore, who has championed start-ups, acquisitions and has over 30 years' experience in Fortune 500 leadership roles in Canada and USA. He was former CEO of Green Growth Brands, a US multi-state cannabis operator, which also operated over 200 mall-based CBD kiosks and rose from IPO to a peak valuation of over 1.2 billion dollars. Moore is the former President of The Clorox Company of Canada and COO of Synnex Canada. Dr. Ivan Casselman (Ph.D., FLS) serves as Havn Life's Chief Psychedelic Officer. Dr. Casselman is an experienced formulation chemist with a strong foundation in nutraceutical formulation and product development. One of the key components to his research has been a focus on ethnography, experiential investigation, and ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the human psychedelic interface. Alexzander Samuelsson (BSc) serves as Havn Life's Chief Research Officer. Mr. Samuelsson has developed patented processes in the extraction as well as formulations and product development within the cannabis industry. His experience and focus on extraction, separation, and isolation of novel compounds within plants and fungi to create natural health products will greatly benefit Havn Life in achieving its strategic goals. On Behalf Susan Chapelle & Tim Moore Co-CEOs About Havn Life Sciences Inc. Havn Life Sciences is a biotechnology company on a mission to unlock human performance using evidence-informed research. The company is focused on standardized, quality-controlled extraction of psychoactive compounds from plants and fungi, and the development of natural health care products from novel compounds. Havn Life's research facility, Havn Labs, is located in the South Campus at The University of British Columbia (UBC). CONTACT: Investor Relations ir@havnlife.com 604 (359)-0060 Facebook: @havnlife Twitter: @havnlife Insta: @havn.life LinkedIn: @Havn Life Media Contact Brittany@exvera.com 778-238-6096 SOURCE: Havn Life Sciences Inc. View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/595234/Havn-Life-Sciences-Inc-Announces-Launch-Filing-of-Preliminary-Prospectus Opinion Policies Editorials are longer opinion pieces that are written by a group of community members recruited across campus who address relevant issues on a local, national and international level. Editorials are research-based. The purpose of the Editorial Board is to promote discussion concerning relevant issues in the community while advising on possible solutions. Topics are chosen via relevancy and interests of the members, which are then discussed by the Editorial Board in order to reach a general consensus concerning the topic or issue. Feedback policy If you have a grievance concerning the content or argument of the Editorial Board, please contact either Opinion Editor Peyton Hamel (peyton.hamel@iowastatedaily.com) or the Editorial Board as a whole (editorialboard@iowastatedaily.com). Those wanting to respond to editorials can also submit a letter to the editor through the Iowa State Daily website or by emailing the letter to Opinion Editor Peyton Hamel (peyton.hamel@iowastatedaily.com) or Editor-in-Chief Sage Smith (sage.smith@iowastatedaily.com). Column Policy Columns are hyper-specific to opinion and are written by only columnists employed by the Iowa State Daily. Columnists are unique because they have a specific writing day and only publish on those writing days. Each column undergoes a thorough editing process ensuring the integrity of the writer, and their claim is maintained while remaining research-based and respectful. Columns may be submitted from community members. These are labelled as Guest Columns. These contain similar research-based content and need to be at least 400 words in length. The following requirements should be met: first and last name, email and relation or position to Iowa State. Emails must be tied to the submitted guest column or it will not be accepted or published. Pseudonyms are prohibited and the writer will be banned from submissions. Read our full Opinion Policies here. Updated on 10/7/2020 Two GoFundMe accounts have been opened for the family of Megan Brunson, the 23-year-old teacher in south Alabama who died Friday after a head-on collision with a driver police said was eluding law enforcement pursuit. Brunson and her mother, Wanda Brunson, were both killed in the car wreck just south of Thomasville in Clarke County about 95 miles north of Mobile. The driver of the other car, Christopher Ryan Pritchett, also died in the wreck. Related: 3 killed in Alabama crash: Driver fleeing police hits teacher, her mom According to a GoFundMe account opened for Megan Brunsons 5-year-old daughter, Ava. The child was in critical condition after sustaining injuries in the car wreck along with her aunt. The account, established Wednesday, said Ava was on a ventilator. As of midday Thursday, almost $5,600 had been donated to an account seeking to raise $10,000. An account was also opened to help offset funeral costs for the Brunson family. Megan was set to teach sixth grade language arts in the Thomasville City Schools system during the upcoming school year while the account described her mother as the glue that held the Brunson family together. Kyle Ferguson, principal of Thomasville High School, described Megan Brunson as a "shining star." As of midday Thursday, almost $5,400 had been donated to an account seeking to raise $10,000. Funeral services for Megan and Wanda Brunson are scheduled for Friday in Grove Hill. As more businesses reopen following South Africa entering Advanced Level 3 lockdown, management is tasked with ensuring the readiness of their office environment to ensure a safe return of staff. This is especially the case for those employees considered to be high risk. Nicol Myburgh, Head of the HCM Business Unit at CRS Technologies, examines how organisations should approach this. Image source: Getty Images The new normal is not dictated to by the various lockdown levels. Instead, it is about implementing policies and procedures that enable a healthier office environment than in the past.In addition to maintaining social distancing protocols and updating hygiene policies, companies should also identify the choke points inside the office and implement ways to better manage these, Myburgh continues. For instance, a biometric system that uses facial recognition technology coupled with an automated temperature scanner can allow for entry and exit from the building in a contactless way.Even though many organisations have appointed specialised cleaning services to sanitise their offices, they should also consider replacing all the filters in their air conditioning units, especially as many employees tend to use them as heaters during the winter months.Of course, when it comes to vulnerable employees there are additional measures to be put in place.A medical disclosure form is good practice for all staff, highlighting the risk factors that make people susceptible to the coronavirus, Myburgh believes. This will help generate awareness among those who might not have considered themselves to be at risk.Along with the daily screening of all staff, rearranging the workspace is critical for vulnerable employees. For example, in an open plan setup, barriers should be erected between desks, even though it is mandatory for everyone to wear masks, Myburgh advises. Companies can also provide these individuals with N97 medical grade masks as an added measure of protection.However, the potential exists for high-risk employees to be discriminated against. This is where the Employment Equity Act comes into play, providing the employee with legal recourse should any form of discrimination occur.Some organisations are concerned about the cost impact of implementing new safety and hygienic practices in challenging economic circumstances. I anticipate that organisations will continue to be guided by the Occupational Health and Safety Act for best practice and implement what they can afford, Myburgh adds.The reality is that remote working will remain as an effective safety method to continue protecting those employees who are most at risk. As such, the HR practice will also evolve to become more technologically driven and help create an enabling environment for managing employee engagement using digital solutions. In a progressive move, the private sector will now be allowed to carry out space activities like building of rockets, satellites and providing launch services, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chief K Sivan said on Thursday in his address to the nation. Sivan announced in detail, reforms intended for the space sector, which were approved by the Cabinet and said the private sector can also be part of the inter-planetary missions of ISRO. In his address today, Dr. Sivan announced establishment of IN-SPACe under Department of Space as a separate vertical for permitting and regulating the activities of private industry in space sector. For further details please visit: https://t.co/RyizPC1cf9 ISRO (@isro) June 25, 2020 Furthermore, in a bid to facilitate the private sector presence in ISRO, the agency has launched the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), an independent nodal agency, Sivan said in his press conference. The agency will ensure safety, security, and quality, engage in monitoring space business activity, enable ease of business at low cost for private players, ensure permission and authorisation of private activities, he said. It will also act as a nodal agency for hand-holding and promoting private sector in space endeavours, aiding ISRO to share technical expertise and facilities. According to news reports, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave nod to the participation of the private sector in the entire range of space activities, including planetary exploration missions. Todays Cabinet approved reforms in the space sector are an important step in expanding Indias space-related capabilities, by inviting and enabling the private sector to participate. (1/n) https://t.co/JsZ5xvcF7b Principal Scientific Adviser, Govt. of India (@PrinSciAdvGoI) June 24, 2020 Dr Sivan, however, added that ISRO's activities are not going to reduce and it will continue to carry out space-based activities including advanced research and development, inter-planetary and human space flight missions. This news garnered mixed reactions from people on social media. Check out some of the reactions here: #ISRO#InSpace **Indian govt. opens space for private enterprises in space sector** Le pvt. sector companies : pic.twitter.com/Uwyzk3Nhh8 Divyanshu Bhardwaj (@DivyanshuB10) June 25, 2020 Better late than never. India allowing Private Space Companies to establish not just for parts and components of space vehicle but with truly independent launch including planetary and space exploration mission. This will mark a new era in Indian Space Industry.#ISRO Vedang Rane (@__herewegooo__) June 25, 2020 #ISRO approves private companies to launch missions just like ELON MUSK did with FALCON 9. Indians: pic.twitter.com/bVLpgRI3BK Ayush Sharma (@AyushTechnocrat) June 25, 2020 This is new era of space exploration in India and for the world also #ISRO Udbhav Patel (@UdbhavPatel3) June 25, 2020 Jai Hind INDIAN_VILLAGER (@INDIAN_VILLAZER) June 25, 2020 This is such exciting news. Bold step :) Manish Kumar Mishra (@MartianManish) June 25, 2020 It would be a great step towards future. Akash Mishra (@switchhitx) June 25, 2020 That's great step..We needed this as well.. Rishab Rajput (@PhyRishab) June 25, 2020 IN-SPACe will operate autonomously under the Department of Space, and its board will have representation from THE industry, academia and central government, Sivan added. By PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday said it was not in favour of escalating tensions with India, days after it told Islamabad to reduce the staff in its high commission in New Delhi by half. The Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday the Charge d'Affaires of Pakistan High Commission was summoned and informed about the decision which was based on instances of involvement of Pakistani officials in "acts of espionage" and "dealings with terrorist organisations". The activities of the two Pakistani mission officials caught red-handed and expelled on May 31 this year was one example, the MEA said in a statement. India would "reciprocally reduce its own presence in Islamabad to the same proportion. This decision, which is to be implemented in seven days, was conveyed to the Pakistani Charge d'Affaires," the statement said. Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui told the media that India's move to reduce the Pakistani High Commission's staff strength by 50 per cent was a part of its desperate attempts to divert attention from Kashmir. "Pakistan has no desire to escalate the situation. We have always reacted with restraint. "However, violation of diplomatic norms by Indian officials in Islamabad and India's continued belligerent attitude is a threat to regional peace and security," she said. "Pakistan has been consistently sensitising the world community that irresponsible policies of the BJP government are increasingly imperiling regional peace and stability," she said. When asked about the possibility of cooperation with India to contain the COVID-19 and locusts, she said the "global pandemic is a common challenge demanding international cooperation among all the countries." Farooqui also said that Pakistan under the aegis of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was participating in meetings with India, Afghanistan, and Iran on a weekly basis and having a fruitful exchange of information regarding the border areas of Pakistan and India. "We believe that the respective Technical Teams have been coordinating appropriately through FAO," she said. Farooqui claimed that India had committed 1,440 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in six months, resulting in 13 deaths and serious injuries to 104 innocent civilians. "We condemn the targeting of innocent civilians by the Indian forces, which are in clear violation of the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding and in complete disregard for international human rights and international norms," she said. The spokesperson also said that the Afghan peace process had reached a critical stage following the signing of the landmark US-Taliban Peace Agreement. "We hope that the release of prisoners will be completed as agreed in the US-Taliban Peace Agreement at the earliest to pave the way for the start of Intra-Afghan Negotiations, she said. Farooquis said it was up to the Afghan parties to decide the venue for Intra-Afghan negotiations. To another question on a new US law which calls for "Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020", she said the issue of Xinjiang was an internal matter of China. "Pakistan's position is clear and consistent. We believe matters related to Xinjiang are China's internal affairs," she said. Some works of art inspire a passing glance. Others might encourage onlookers to linger a little longer, taking in all the details. But a rare few manage to actually draw in passersby for an extended period, enjoying the piece as an experience rather than just something to look at. For a piece lacking any video, audio, lights, or moving parts, that can be quite a feat. Sarah Sze's Artist Sarah Sze pulls this off with her fascinating photographic installations combining elements of collage, found objects, and kinetic sculpture. Her most recent work, Shorter than the Day, is a three-dimensional sphere consisting almost entirely of 1,000 photos of the New York sky. Sunrise, sunset, hazy clouds, and the full glare of the mid-afternoon sun hang above an atrium in Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport, all fastened to an enormous steel frame weighing five tons. Close-up of one of the photos that makes up Sze's new The photographic installation creates a sort of exploded view of the sky, as if Sze took a display featuring every gradient of blue, white, red, orange, purple, and black imaginable and blew it up, sending its fragments scattering into the air. The printed images are attached to the frame with alligator clips, all facing slightly different directions so you have to walk a full circle around it and stand beneath it to take it all in. Seeing it in its completion is actually impossible, since you cant hover overhead, so in that way, parts of it always remain a mystery. The piece was commissioned by LaGuardia Gateway Partners and Public Art Fund and measures 48 feet high, 30 feet wide, and 30 feet deep. The Public Art Fund describes it as an intricate constellation evoking the passage of time, charting a cyclical journey via the colors of the sky. As indicated by the title, Shorter Than the Day takes inspiration from the Emily Dickinson poem of the same name, which includes the line, We passed the Setting Sun / Or rather He passed us. Story continues Sarah Sze's Since the late 1990s, Sze has used a wide variety of media to explore the intersection of information, technology, materiality, and time, writes the Art Fund. In her sculptures, she engineers elaborate assemblages from everyday objects held together in a delicate balance, as though perpetually on the cusp of metamorphosis. Szes works are a study in contrasts plane and volume, stillness and movement, organization and chaos whose simultaneous opposition and attraction create a sense of magnetic tension. Sarah Sze's Though precisely constructed, her large-scale installations express an organic, kinetic feel, emerging like an evocative gesture across an expanse of space. Shorter Than the Day is Szes largest and most structurally complex sculpture to date. The work subtly conflates the ephemeral and the immutable while revealing traces of the fabrication process: the deckle-edged photographs themselves and the numbered fragments of yellow tape that demarcate their placement are both durable powder-coated metal facsimiles. In this way, Szes sculpture both considers the fluid nature of time and functions as a capsule of the works own creation. Sze lives and works in New York, NY. Check out more of Sarah Szes work at her website and the hashtag #SarahSze on Instagram. With two holes in his heart and tiny lungs, Brandon Leftault was born a fighter. "I've had Brandon since the second he came into the world but he crashed on me the first day and he crashed the third day of his life," said his mother, Diane Leftault, who adopted Brandon at birth. His resilience was something he carried with him throughout his childhood as his single mother battled cancer and the gruelling treatments that go along with the disease. Brandon Leftault's fight came to an end April 2 on a quiet street in the Goulds neighbourhood of St. John's. The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has deemed his death a homicide, and a spokesperson said Tuesday they have a suspect, though no charges have been laid. Submitted by Diane Leftault Brandon Leftault and his mother moved from El Paso, Texas, to Newfoundland in 2011, after visiting relatives. He enjoyed his time with cousins, riding on a four-wheeler and heading out into the Atlantic on a boat. But Leftault said the move was out of necessity. At the age of 10, her son had never been allowed in his front yard without having his mother present. "There was so much violence, I had to get him out of there, and now I have to deal with the fact that I brought my son to his death," she said. "Because, you know, it's the Goulds. Nobody gets murdered up here but my son did." A late-night visit from police Leftault said she has received little information from the police on what they know about what happened to her son, and is frustrated at the lack of communication. "I have had to, in the past four months, deal with people's conception of why hasn't it been solved yet," Leftault said. "They are asking me the exact same questions that I asked everybody else." The RNC were called to the area around 10:40 p.m., after receiving a report of a stabbing. On arrival, responding officers found Leftault near a home on Sunset Street. He was rushed to hospital. Story continues A police officer knocked on Leftault's door, and told her she'd need to go to the Health Sciences Centre. Never once, she said, did she think her son was seriously injured let alone killed. Ryan Cooke/CBC "When I got to the emergency room, I kept passing rooms, meaning where patients were, and this lady took me to a door and once she opened the door, which was an office, I knew right away," Leftault said. "I literally turned around and said to her, 'This isn't going to be good, is it?'" She was told her son had died after being stabbed in the leg. Having a background in health care, she assumed he was struck in an artery something the chief medical examiner confirmed for her later. Leftault said she begged and pleaded to see her son, but was told no. From rumour, I can tell you who killed him. From rumour, I can tell you who was driving. From rumour, I can tell you why it happened, but that and two dollars will get me a Tim Hortons coffee. - Dianne Leftault It wasn't until two days later, in the funeral home, that Leftault had her worst fear confirmed. "My cousin who went with me said, 'She needs to see her son because she hasn't seen him yet and she really can't believe it.'" The 5 Ws Leftault said details from the RNC have been scanty at best, adding she cannot get answers to what she considers simple questions. "'It's an ongoing investigation.' That's all I got. Oh, and, 'It looks good.' That's their verbatim response," she said. "They won't even confirm what I heard, who was with him or who wasn't with him. Nothing, nothing, nothing." Rumours, however, have been flying throughout the community, leaving Leftault left to try to attempt to separate fact from fiction. "From rumour, I can tell you who killed him. From rumour, I can tell you who was driving. From rumour, I can tell you why it happened, but that and two dollars will get me a Tim Hortons coffee," she said. Facebook "I have more than anyone else's right to know what is being done in my son's investigation. Don't give me names, I don't care, but give me answers to simple questions." RNC spokesperson Const. James Cadigan confirmed Tuesday for the first time publicly that there is a suspect in the Leftault homicide. "To date there have been approximately 70 interviews completed, and the RNC has completed an extensive and comprehensive canvass of the area where the incident occurred," Cadigan said. "Numerous hours of video were obtained and reviewed." Cadigan also confirmed there were other people present at the time of the stabbing, but did not elaborate on why or how many. "Homicide investigations are complex and in order to protect the nature and integrity of an ongoing homicide investigation the RNC [is] not releasing the number of people at the scene at this time." He said as per RNC policy a family liaison officer was assigned to Leftault during the investigation and the family has been provided updates. Lefault said she was contacted by the RNC following CBC's request for details. An intelligent mind lost Coping with an insurmountable loss during the pandemic has been hard, Leftault said. She is separated from friends and family in the U.S. and until recently was mourning alone, with the exception of her close friend. Leftault said she is devastated at the loss of such a bright mind who had entrepreneurial plans for the future. "My son was a very intelligent and I don't mean that as a mother proud of her son; he was tested," she said. "He had Asperger syndrome so I've always described Brandon as Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory. He was very intelligent, very imaginative, very, very smart. His weakness was in social skills, you know. When he wanted something it was his way." She is hoping for an arrest soon, and has a message for the person who stabbed her son. "I would like to tell the person who murdered my son you killed two people that night. You killed my son and you killed me. I hope to God you have nightmares. " Read more from CBC Newfoundland and Labrador WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will send "some" of the 9,500 U.S. troops he plans to pull out of Germany to Poland, but made no new commitment to increase the numbers of those permanently based there. In a Rose Garden news conference with visiting Polish President Andrzej Duda, Trump offered his first breakdown of what he intends to do with the withdrawn troops, totaling about one-third of current deployments in Germany. "Some will be going home, some will be going to other places in Europe. Poland will be one of those," he said without elaborating. Duda, the first foreign leader to visit Trump since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, also received an electoral boost from Trump. "He's doing very well in Poland. . . . People think the world of him," Trump said of Duda. "He will do very well with or without us. He's going to have a great success." Poles will vote on Sunday, and Duda is in an unexpectedly tight reelection race. His political party has openly speculated that his visit to Washington - where he has long been a Trump favorite - could put him over the top. Among critics of the timing of the invitation, former secretary of state Madeleine Albright said in a statement that it was "being used as a partisan tool in both countries." She joined human and civil rights groups in charging that Duda's right-wing governing party "is attacking the rule of law, independent media and minority groups." As the election has neared, Duda has tried to galvanize his base with attacks against the LGBTQ rights movement, branding gay and transgender rights as an "ideology" akin to communism. In Warsaw, government backers praised Duda for what Jacek Karnowski, editor of the newsweekly Sieci, called "a historical moment." Duda's "mutually beneficial relationship with Trump," he said, has elevated Poland "to a higher international league." Opponents noted the lack of new troop commitments and what they saw as Duda's kowtowing to Trump. "Actually, why did Mr. Duda go to Washington?" asked Pawe Zalewski, of the main opposition Civic Platform. "There is not even a declaration about increasing the U.S. contingent in Poland," he said, later adding that the gestures between the two presidents showed "the humiliating subordination of Polish to American." On other issues, both leaders suggested that medical and research cooperation with the United States on the coronavirus would mean that Poland would have early access to any vaccine discovered. Trump spoke of "taking care of the Polish people once we have a vaccine," which he predicted would happen "very soon." He has said he expects it to be available for Americans by the end of this year and that he will enlist the military to distribute it. Duda, speaking through an interpreter, said he was "working on this obvious assumption that by taking part in the research, and also by being in a sense co-creators . . . Poles will be able to count on these vaccines and therapeutics being available as soon as possible." Despite breathless coverage in some Polish media outlets in the days leading up to the meeting that cited specific military pledges, Duda left the meeting with no fresh commitments on troops levels. When they met in 2018, Duda asked for a complete U.S. division to be stationed in Poland, suggesting that it could be called "Fort Trump" and offering to pay $2 billion for it. Subsequent meetings last year whittled that down to a 1,000 troop increase in a 4,500 strong armored brigade that already rotates in and out of Poland as part of NATO's strengthening of eastern European defenses against Russia. Last year's deal also set out other enhancements for Poland, including plans for placement of a forward division headquarters in Poland, a joint-use combat training center and an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance squadron. Duda has long been a favorite of Trump, who praised Poland again on Wednesday for increasing its defense spending - including the purchase of expensive U.S. weapons systems - beyond the 2 percent of GDP goal set by NATO nearly six years ago. The planned withdrawal of U.S. troops from Germany, which Trump confirmed last week, is his latest salvo in an ongoing war of both rhetoric and substance against that government. At the news conference, he again criticized Germany for low defense spending, its refusal to cancel an energy pipeline from Russia, and what he has called unfair trade practices by the European Union. "We defend Europe, but Europe also takes tremendous advantage of the United States. . . . We're trying to work that out," Trump said. "I'm imagining they would rather wait until after the [U.S.] election, so they can deal with someone else," he said, "but after the election, they will have to pay even more." Despite Trump's suggestion Wednesday that some of the new facilities promised to Poland last year would include troops drawn from Germany, diplomatic and Defense Department officials have said no decisions have been made on which units will go where. Poland has angered other NATO members in its pursuit of Trump, with some diplomats saying that going directly to the White House and promising money in exchange for U.S. troops undermines Europe's collective security. The fear is that it makes U.S. defense commitments transactional rather than based on principle or strategy, and channels American military resources to the highest bidder. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke to Duda by phone on Monday, a measure of the alliance's desire for Poland to tread carefully, two diplomats familiar with the discussion said. At the White House, Duda was careful to say that while he would happily receive any troops that the White House decided to send his way, he had asked Trump not to "withdraw U.S. forces from Europe." Trump's order to the Pentagon to begin drawing up plans to move troops out of Germany has run into stiff head winds from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Dozens of House Republicans have sent letters to Trump, warning that the move would endanger U.S. security and was announced without consultation with allies. - - - Birnbaum reported from Brussels. The Washington Post's Dariusz Kalan in Warsaw contributed to this report. The leadership of a home for aging veterans in Massachusetts where nearly 80 residents sickened with the coronavirus have died packed dementia patients into a crowded unit as the virus spread. The move was one of several 'utterly baffling' decisions that helped the disease run rampant, investigators for the for the Governor of Massachusetts said in a report released Wednesday. The superintendent of the Holyoke Soldiers' Home, Bennett Walsh, was not qualified to run a long-term care facility and 'substantial errors and failures' he and his team made likely contributed to the high death toll there, investigators found. Among them was a decision prompted by staffing shortages to combine two locked dementia units, both of which already housed some residents with the virus. 'Rather than isolating those with the disease from those who were asymptomatic - a basic tenet of infection control - the consolidation of these two units resulted in more than 40 veterans crowded into a space designed to hold 25,' the report said. 'This overcrowding was the opposite of infection control; instead, it put those who were asymptomatic at even greater risk of contracting COVID-19.' The superintendent of the Holyoke Soldiers Home was not qualified to run a long-term care facility and 'substantial errors and failures' he and his team made likely contributed to the high death toll there, investigators found FIRED: Blame for the disaster at Holyoke has been placed mainly on the shoulders of Bennett Walsh (pictured), a well-connected former Marine who was appointed by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker in 2016 When a social worker raised concerns about the move, the chief nursing officer said 'it didn't matter because [the veterans] were all exposed anyway and there was not enough staff to cover both units,' the report said. One staffer who helped move the dementia patients told investigators she felt like she was 'walking [the veterans] to their death.' A nurse said the packed dementia unit looked 'like a battlefield tent where the cots are all next to each other.' Alleged failings of Holyoke Soldiers' Home: Packed dementia patients into overcrowded units - some of whom already had the virus Ignored staff concerns about the decision, insisting the veterans 'were all exposed anyway' Rather than working proactively to contain the spread, leadership - led by Bennett Walsh - prepared for scores of the residents to die After the first resident started showing symptoms on March 17, staff 'did nothing to isolate him' until his test results came back - allowing him to live alongside his three roommates and interact with other residents, exposing them After that test result came back positive, the management took away all protective masks from residents' rooms to preserve them Supplies at he veterans nursing home were also so depleted that staff were told to share intravenous morphine drips between the dying Discouraged staff from wearing protective equipment by their superiors in an effort to conserve their limited supply The chief of staff for Secretary of Veterans Services Francisco Urena said he 'knew Walsh was over his head' but allowed him to remain in his position Advertisement Others remembered the days in late March as 'total pandemonium' and a 'nightmare'. A social worker remarked how she felt 'like it was moving the concentration camp, we were moving these unknowing veterans off to die.' Another described sitting in a makeshift ward packed with sick and dying residents, some unclothed or without masks. 'It was surreal,' she said. 'I dont know how the staff over in that unit, how many of us will ever recover from those images.' As the virus took hold, leadership shifted from trying to prevent its spread, 'to preparing for the deaths of scores of residents,' the report said. On the day the veterans were moved, more than a dozen additional body bags were sent to the combined dementia unit, investigators said. The next day, a refrigerated truck to hold bodies that wouldn't fit in the home's morgue arrived. A social worker described listening to the chief nursing officer say 'something to the effect that this room will be dead by Sunday, so we will have more room here.' Another social worker recalled seeing a supervisor point to a room and say, 'All this room will be dead by tomorrow.' Since March 1, 76 veterans who contracted COVID-19 at the home have died, officials said. Another 84 veterans and more than 80 staff have also tested positive. The first veteran tested positive March 17. Even though he had been showing symptoms for weeks, staff 'did nothing to isolate' him until his test came back positive, allowing him to remain with three roommates, wander the unit and spend time in a common room, investigators said. Supplies at a the veterans nursing home were also so depleted that staff were told to share intravenous morphine drips between the dying. In at least one case as soon as a veteran died, his IV drip was unhooked and the half-full bag transferred to another resident. And even after the first veteran at the Holyoke Soldiers Home in Massachusetts had tested positive, the management allegedly took away all protective masks from residents' rooms to preserve them. 'It's been heartbreaking,' certified nursing assistant Kwesi Ablordeppey, 49, told DailyMail.com in May. 'When I try to sleep, I get nightmares. I see myself loading up a body bag and finding three more bodies in there.' Cleaners enter the Holyoke Soldiers' Home in Holyoke, MA on March 31, 2020 two weeks after the outbreak began Even after the first veteran at the Holyoke Soldiers Home in Massachusetts had tested positive, the management took away all protective masks from residents' rooms to preserve them Soldiers from the Massachusetts National Guard chat with residents of the Holyoke Soldiers' Home in Holyoke Army Spc. Chris DiCarlo, a medic with the Mass. National Guard Medical Command, and a staff member of the Holyoke Soldiers Home administer the COVID-19 test to a resident of the Soldiers Home Among the other disturbing revelations in the report was a claim that supervisors instructed social workers to call the families of sick veterans to persuade them to change their end-of-life health care preferences, so they wouldn't be transferred to a hospital. One social worker said she later refused to make anymore of the calls, saying 'it felt wrong in the pit of my belly and heart'. Staffers at the home also told investigators that they were initially discouraged from wearing protective equipment by their superiors in an effort to conserve their limited supply. Staff said the instructions left them feeling 'annoyed, paranoid and fearful for their lives because they could not find masks,' according to the report. 'In short, this was the opposite of infection control: Mr. Walsh and his team created close to an optimal environment for the spread of Covid-19,' the report says. The report also suggests that Mr. Walsh, who left the military after a distinguished 24-year career, was selected by the homes Board of Trustees in part because his family is politically powerful in western Massachusetts. An attorney for the superintendent, Bennett Walsh, said they dispute many of the investigation's findings and are 'disappointed that the report contains many baseless accusations that are immaterial to the issues under consideration.' The lawyer said in an emailed statement that 'Walsh reached out for help when the crisis erupted' and sought National Guard assistance. 'The failure of the Commonwealth to affirmatively respond to that request contributed to many of the problems outlined in the report,' the attorney, William Bennett, said. Walsh was placed on administrative leave March 30 and the CEO of Western Massachusetts Hospital, Val Liptak, took over operations. Susan Kenney made worldwide headlines when she scrawled 'Is My Dad Alive?' in blue grease crayon on the side window of her car when she drove to Holyoke to check on her father Charles Lowell (pictured together) Kenney's 78-year-old father died in April after contracting the virus at the home. She said she was horrified as she read details about veterans being denied basic care Susan Kenney, whose 78-year-old father died in April after contracting the virus at the home, said she was horrified as she read details about veterans being denied basic care. 'Action needs to be taken,' said Kenney, the daughter of Air Force veteran Charlie Lowell. 'We want this to never happen again.' She later told CBS Boston: 'Veterans that fought for our country just put together like cattle, it's unacceptable, it's horrible.' Her father would be turning 79 on Monday. She said her father's death was 'preventable for sure'. The report said officials with the Department of Veterans Services were aware of Walsh's 'shortcomings,' but failed to do enough about it. The chief of staff for Secretary of Veterans Services Francisco Urena told investigators they thought Walsh was 'in over his head' and did not spend enough time at the home. But Urena allowed Walsh to remain in his job. Urena told reporters late Tuesday he was asked to resign ahead of the release of the report. 'Im very sorry,' Urena told WCVB-TV. 'I tried my best.' Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, who hired former federal prosecutor Mark Pearlstein to conduct the investigation, called the details in the report 'nothing short of gut-wrenching.' Baker acknowledged that his administration did not properly oversee Holyoke or the home's superintendent. 'The loss of life is difficult to even think or speak about. The events that took place at the Holyoke Soldiers Home in March are truly horrific and tragic,' Baker told reporters at a news conference. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey is also investigating to determine if legal action is warranted, she said. And the U.S. attorney's office in Massachusetts and Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division are looking into whether the home violated residents rights by failing to provide them proper medical care. Starkey Spring Water, manufactured by grocer giant Whole Foods and sold by Amazon, contains 'concerning' levels of arsenic in its bottled water that is at least three times higher than some other brands, according to Consumer Reports. Recent tests conducted by Consumer Reports between February and May found that Starkey Spring Water was the only one out of 45 brands to exceed three parts per billion (ppb). The water brand, which is sold on Amazon for $1.99, showed arsenic levels between 9.49 to 9.56 parts per billion. Federal regulations require manufacturers to restrict the amount of arsenic in a water bottle to 10 parts per billion. Consumer Reports found that Starkey Spring Water (pictured), manufactured by Whole Foods and sold by Amazon, contained 'concerning' levels of arsenic in its bottled water Even last year, Starkey Spring Water was edging towards troubling levels of arsenic with samples ranging between 9.47 to 9.86. One bottle actually exceeded safety guidelines and tested at 10.1 parts per billion. Those findings are reportedly already cited in two pending consumer lawsuits over Starkey Spring Water's arsenic level. Earlier tests in 2016 and 2017 reportedly held similar levels, including one sample that came in at 12 parts per billion, that resulted in recalls. The latest numbers suggest that the arsenic levels even exceeded the legal limit for tap water in some states, but fall below official federal limits. Drinking a single bottle of Starkey Spring Water won't harm you, but can having lasting effects on longtime consumers, said James Dickerson, Ph.D., CRs chief scientific officer. Two lawsuits have been filed against Whole Foods over the arsenic levels in Starkey Spring Water and the company was forced to recall shipments 'But regular consumption of even small amounts of the heavy metal over extended periods increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and lower IQ scores in children, and poses other health issues as well,' he said in Consumer Report. A Whole Foods spokesperson told Consumer Reports that the company's 'highest priority is to provide customers with safe, high-quality, and refreshing spring water.' 'Beyond the required annual testing by an FDA certified lab, we have an accredited third-party lab test every production run of water before it is sold.' 'These products meet all FDA requirements and are fully compliant with FDA standards for heavy metals.' A FDA spokesperson said Starkey Spring Water's water bottle arsenic levels meet the agency's standard for heavy metal. They added that arsenic is a natural element and that 'it is not possible to remove arsenic entirely from the environment or food supply.' Amazon, under the direction of CEO Jeff Bezos (pictured), bought Whole Foods in 2017 and have moved grocer items onto its website The FDA has not updated its standards on bottled water in 15 years. 'Being fully compliant with FDAs allowable levels for arsenic is a claim that rings hollow when you consider its an outdated standard that is inferior to tap water in certain states,' said Brian Ronholm, Consumer Report's director of food policy and former head of the Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service. 'The FDAs standard needs to be updated to be more consistent with public health goals.' Whole Foods, which is owned by Amazon, introduced Starkey Spring Water in 2015 but has already been hit with recalls and two pending lawsuits. 'I think the average consumer would be stunned to learn that theyre paying a lot of extra money for bottled water, thinking that its significantly safer than tap, and unknowingly getting potentially dangerous levels of arsenic,' Erik Olson, senior strategic director of health and food at the Natural Resources Defense Council, told Consumer Report. The arsenic test results in 2016 and 2017 resulted in Whole Foods recalling more than 2,000 cases of the bottled water brand. David Berke, a California residents, was one of the consumers who filed a lawsuit against Whole Foods over its Starkey bottled water. Berke reportedly said he bought Starkey Spring Water based on Whole Foods' 'reputation and long-running multi-media campaign for sourcing and selling safe, wholesome, and healthy products.' Erik Olson: 'I think the average consumer would be stunned to learn that theyre paying a lot of extra money for bottled water, thinking that its significantly safer than tap, and unknowingly getting potentially dangerous levels of arsenic' The FDA said Whole Foods' Starkey Spring Water met agency standards, but the standards for water bottles has not been updated in 15 years. 'This is hardly what Whole Foods shoppers bargained for,' the lawsuit said, according to Consumer Report. 'Plaintiff and other purchasers of Starkey Water paid a hefty premiumespecially as compared to tap waterbecause they were and still are led to believe Starkey Water is the healthiest and least contaminated bottled water.' Whole Foods pushed back at Berke's claims in court and argued that he was attempting to 'use state consumer protection laws to regulate trace amounts of arsenic in Starkey.' A separate lawsuit by Illinois siblings Lorenzo and Vienna Colucci accused Whole Food of similar misleading practices. Lorenzo Colucci is a Stage 4 cancer survivor 'who is keenly aware of the dangers of carcinogens,' according to the lawsuit. 'Had he known the water contained arsenic in much higher amounts than other commercially available brands, he would not have purchased it,' the lawsuit read. Whole Foods has not responded to Colucci in court yet and did not disclose details because the company does not comment on pending litigation. Error. Page cannot be displayed. Please contact your service provider for more details. (27) GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- An officer driving an unmarked police cruiser escaped injury after multiple shots were fired at the vehicle late Wednesday, June 24. The cruiser was struck, but its not clear how many times. The officer was in the area of Pleasant Street SE and Cass Avenue about 10:30 p.m. when multiple shots were fired. The officer was able to flee the area and did not return fire. Police continue to investigate the incident and ask anyone with information about the shooting to call police at 616-456-3400 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345. More from MLive Michigan reports 353 new coronavirus cases, 19 new deaths Judge orders Enbridge Line 5 temporarily shut down US inmates got coronavirus relief checks, and IRS wants them back / A convicted child molester and kidnapper has been arrested as he tried to enter the country illegally through a ranch near Laredo College South Campus, according to U.S. Border Patrol. Authorities identified him as Juan Jose Perez-Biera, a 47-year old Honduran national in the country illegally. By Trend The ban on regular flights may be extended until the end of July due to the rapid increase in the number of new coronavirus cases in neighboring countries, Georgian Economy Minister Natia Turnava said, Trend reports citing Georgian media. According to the minister, the main task for the Georgian government is to strengthen the gains made in properly managing the epidemiological situation and protecting the population. "The government will be very careful with international visitors and tourists in July as well. We are waiting for the decision of the European Union, which has just opened borders between its member states and it will make decisions for non-member countries soon, too, said Turnava. As she noted, Georgia can prolong the ban on regular flights until the end of July, though the country will not restrict charter flights Meanwhile, Georgia has completely shut down air traffic in the country on March 21 in order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Since late March, Georgia has carried out over 60 charter flights to evacuate thousands of Georgians from abroad amid the coronavirus outbreak. Meanwhile, domestic tourism has already resumed in Georgia on June 15, and the country plans to reopen its airspace to international flights starting July 1. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Portland officials often tell protesters shot with less-than-lethal bullets, dispersed with chemical agents and subjected to other types of force to file any complaints about police conduct with a small city oversight office. In the dark of night, protesters gathered downtown often have no idea what police agency is behind the use of force. At least 11 different agencies have policed in Portland during the nightly protests since the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd in late May. Outside agencies are subject to Portland police leadership but likely are not governed by the same policies. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 03:05:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein (R) and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi attend a press conference in Baghdad, Iraq, on June 24, 2020. Ayman Safadi on Wednesday held talks with top Iraqi leaders over bilateral relations and cooperation in Baghdad. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood) BAGHDAD, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Wednesday held talks with top Iraqi leaders over bilateral relations and cooperation in Iraqi capital Baghdad. Iraqi President Barham Salih met Safadi and his accompanying delegation, and the two sides discussed the Arab and regional situations, as well as coordinating their stances in order to mitigate the regional crises, said a statement by the media office of the presidency. During the meeting, Salih said that Iraq "is looking forward to building advanced relations by promoting cooperation with Jordan in all fields to serve the common interests," the statement said. Salih stressed the need to unite efforts to exchange medical experience between Iraq and Jordan in order to reduce the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the statement. Safadi confirmed his country's intention to expand cooperation with Iraq in various fields, the statement said. Safadi also met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, as Safadi confirmed his country's desire to support Iraq in various fields and enhance bilateral relations, according to separate statements by the media offices of al-Kadhimi and al-Halbousi. During his visit, Safadi said in a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart Fuad Hussein that Jordan praises "Iraq's victory" against the Islamic State (IS) group. For his part, Hussein told the reporters that he discussed with Safadi the possibility of "holding tripartite talks that include Cairo, Amman and Baghdad, to build strategic relationships based on common interests." By Express News Service LUCKNOW: Farmers, especially those settled along India-Nepal border in Uttar Pradeshs Maharajganj district, are a worried lot due to the ongoing tension between the two neighbours. The situation has left the farms on both sides of the border barren in this season of paddy sowing. Many farmers own farms across the Nepal side of border, which is around 20 km from Maharajganj. The farmers and traders from Nepal share the same agony as they also own land in Maharajganj and come this side to do business. With the deployment of security personnel on both sides, there is no cross movement. The movement of residents is totally stopped for the last three months. My daughter is wedded there. She is unable to visit us. My farm is lying barren there as I have not sown anything due to restrictions, said a Maharajganj native. The situation is no different in nearby villages such as Rupendiha Khairaghat, Batai Diha, Khurwa Khurd, Bagahi, Bargadwa, Jamuniha and Chapiya villages. In a setback to Pakistan, the country will continue to remain on the "grey list" of global terror financing watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Pakistan will remain on the organisation's watch for failing to check the financial funding of terror groups Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). The FATF took the decision at its third and final plenary session held virtually on Wednesday due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pakistan is yet to conclude 13 out 27 items of its FATF action plan. The country's progress on the same would be assessed in the next FATF plenary meet slated for October 2020. "The FATF plenary decided continuation of Pakistan in grey list' till its next meeting to be held in October," an official privy to the development told PTI. Also Read: FATF Asia-Pacific Group blacklists Pakistan over non-compliance in terror financing The FATF decision comes on a day the US 'Country Reports on Terrorism' slammed Pakistan as a safe harbour for "regionally focused terrorist groups" and allowing LeT and JeM to operate from its soil. The US State Department report said Pakistan took modest steps in 2019 to counter terror financing and restrain India-focused militant groups from conducting large-scale attacks following the February attack on a security convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir linked to Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). "Pakistan took action against some externally focused groups, including indicting Lashkar e-Tayyiba (LeT) founder Hafiz Saeed and associates in three separate terrorism financing cases." "However, Pakistan remained a safe harbour for other regionally focused terrorist groups. It allowed groups targeting Afghanistan, including the Afghan Taliban and affiliated HQN, as well as groups targeting India, including LeT and its affiliated front organisations, and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), to operate from its territory," the report said. A strong Indian delegation with experts on money laundering and terror financing participated in the half-day FATF plenary. Also Read: Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list till June 2020 With Pakistan's continuation in the 'Grey List', it will be difficult for the country to get financial aid from the IMF, World Bank, ADB and the European Union, thus enhancing problems for the nation which is in a precarious financial situation. If Pakistan fails to comply with the FATF directive by October, there is every possibility that the global body may put the country in the 'Black List' along with North Korea and Iran. India has been maintaining that Pakistan extends regular support to terror groups like LeT, JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen, whose prime target is India, and has urged FATF to take action against Islamabad. Pakistan was placed on the 'Grey List' by the FATF in June 2018 and continues to be in the list since then as it has failed to comply with the tasks given by the FATF to stop terror financing. The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. It currently has 39 members including two regional organisations - the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council. India is a member of the FATF consultations and its Asia Pacific Group. NHS and care workers from BAME backgrounds have been treated like 'cannon fodder' during the Covid-19 pandemic, ministers have been told. Labour's Rushanara Ali said the Government has been 'inadequate in protecting' those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds as MPs debated calls by members of the public to reward health and care workers on the front line. She said: 'We know that BAME NHS workers and care workers have had the highest death rate and yet the Government has been inadequate in protecting them. 'To be frank, the Government has treated them like cannon fodder and the fact that it doesn't have proper recommendations is scandalous and they need to get a grip before more lives are lost. Labour's Rushanara Ali (pictured) said the Government has been 'inadequate in protecting' those from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds amid the Covid-19 pandemic 'If the minister thinks health workers and care workers should be protected she should act instead of saying appalling things about them, and I hope she'll apologise for the remarks she made recently about care staff.' Ms Ali also demanded an apology from care minister Helen Whately after it was reported she said student nurses in training are 'supernumerary and are not deemed to be providing a service'. 'Unison predicts that we'll need another million extra care workers by 2025, it is vital we learn the lessons now and make sure we have a resilient, well-resourced NHS where people are properly rewarded and recognised, where their skills and expertise are recognised rather than being treated shoddily which is what we've seen,' she said. 'We also need to make sure that junior doctors are properly rewarded. [The Government's] behaviour in recent years was appalling and yet these doctors, nurses and carers have been the people on the front line saving people's lives and protecting us.' Petitions relating to Covid-19 have received more than 4.6 million signatures, including 290,000 calling on the Government to 'reward those caring for us and our loved ones at this time of national need', according to Petitions Committee chairwoman and Labour MP Catherine McKinnell. Ms McKinnell said NHS workers needed a pay rise, or for student debt to be written off. Ms Ali also demanded an apology from care minister Helen Whately (pictured) after it was reported she said student nurses in training are 'supernumerary and are not deemed to be providing a service' She said: 'One NHS worker wrote to me to say "I've heard whisperings of NHS staff getting medals after the pandemic. '"Please don't let this happen, it's utterly ridiculous when we're working in understaffed and under-resourced settings. For money to be spent on medals is outrageous".' Meg Hillier, Labour chairwoman of the Commons Public Affairs Select Committee said: 'Medals don't put food on the table and there are many people working in our NHS and social care settings who work through agencies and are paid minimum wage or less.' Conservative MP Tom Randall highlighted one of his constituents suggested a medal for NHS workers, telling the Commons: 'I understand the Cabinet Office is looking into that measure.' Tory Alexander Stafford suggested a memorial event should be held in Whitehall to celebrate the heroism of health and social care staff. Mr Stafford told MPs: 'I believe this proposal merits serious consideration too and should be taken forward. 'Ultimately, it is of the uttermost importance that this House pursues all avenues, including looking at pay and rewards, in recognising and rewarding the heroism of our health and social care workers, and the selflessness of those who have helped the NHS both in Rother Valley and across the United Kingdom. 'Without them, we would not have been able to pull through this crisis.' Charles runs the duchy to provide an income for his charitable work and his family. (Getty Images) Prince Charless income from the Duchy of Cornwall estate rose by 3% in the last year, but is likely to be hit next year by the coronavirus pandemic, according to accounts released on Thursday. The surplus, which provides Charless annual income, rose to 22.2m in 2019-20, up from 21,627,000 in 2018-19. But the 617,000 increase comes with a warning not to expect the same again next year, as the estate will be hit by the coronavirus pandemic. Alastair Martin, the Duchys Secretary and Keeper of the Records, said: The lockdown resulting from Covid-19 was only in place for one week of the financial year that this report covers. There is therefore very limited financial impact on these results. As to 2020-21, it is too early in the new financial year to be able to say with any confidence what the impact on our financial performance will be, but, despite having a particularly well-diversified asset base, we fully expect the revenue surplus to be down by a significant amount, in large part due to our trading enterprises being closed. He added: We have not availed ourselves of the various government pandemic support schemes but have continued to pay all staff. Read more: Prince William praises fight against 'abhorrent' illegal wildlife trade in rare video message The report also reveals some of the charitable donations which were made from the duchy, mostly to charities in Cornwall. Among them was 25,000 to Islands Partnership, a body dedicated to the promotion of the destination of the Isles of Scilly and 12,000 to the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project. Prince Charles, 71, inherited the Duchy of Cornwall and took over running it in 1969. The duchy has existed since the 1300s and provides an income for the heir to the throne. Prince Charles at a reception to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of his chairmanship of the Duchy of Cornwall Prince's Council. (Getty Images) Prince William will inherit it when Charles becomes king. Charles, the Duke of Cornwall, does not have direct access to the capital value of the duchy and pays income tax on the surplus, which he uses to fund his familys work. Story continues Graham Smith, of the pressure group Republic, said: The Duchy is public property and this years financial report just underlines the need for the Government to take back control of the estate and stop letting Charles keep the surplus. Charless personal income from the Duchy is twice that of the BBCs top 25 earners combined and almost as much as the combined income of all the worlds heads of state and government. There is simply no justification for this ludicrous amount of money to be thrown at Charles when public services are stretched and local communities are impacted by the coronavirus. Its time the Duchy was rolled back into the Crown Estate and its income served the British people, not one prince. Prince Harry and Meghan were thought to receive 95% of their annual income from the duchy, via Charles, and are likely to be receiving help from him in LA too. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex used the money to run their offices. Read more: Prince William wears face mask to visit those testing coronavirus vaccine The duchy estate extends across 23 counties and has a net value of 909m. Charles is the longest serving Duke of Cornwall, marking 50 years last year. Early on in the lockdown, Charles offered his tenants a rent deferral, as they braced for a quiet spring with no tourism allowed. It came amid some criticism from tenants about an increase in their ground rent, but the Duke of Cornwall does not have a say on how the calculation is made. San Diego Police block the street in downtown San Diego, California, on May 31, 2020, as demonstrators gather to protest the death of George Floyd. Ariana Drehsler/AFP via Getty The video of George Floyd's fatal arrest has led many to question why the three other officers involved didn't intervene to stop Derek Chauvin from kneeling on his neck. Insider spoke to experts on police culture, including former officers, who explained the norms that empower some cops to use force, and others to let it happen without reporting it. Officers who intervene or report on their fellow cops are often ostracized and have their trustworthiness on the force questioned. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Video: 15,000 protesters march in support of Black trans lives What many people have found troubling about George Floyd's death is how the three other officers at the scene failed to intervene. Video of the fatal arrest shows now ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes, while two other officers held down the Black man's back and legs down and a fourth officer stood guard. Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder, while the three other officers have been accused of aiding and abetting second-degree murder. Clockwise from top left: Former Minneapolis police officers, Derek Chauvin, Tou Thao, Thomas Lane, and J. Alexander Kueng. Minnesota Department of Corrections and Hennepin County Sheriff's Office/Handout via AP Photo and Reuters Lawyers for two of the officers tried to explain their actions by saying they were just a few days into the job, and that they were unable to challenge Chauvin, their training officer and a 19-year veteran of the force. But there is a well-documented culture in the police field that may also explain why they didn't speak up. Insider spoke to experts in police behavior, who explained how this culture empowers some officers to use force, and prevents others from stepping in or reporting this behavior. A troubling pattern Police officers are often "ostracized" if they intervene when a fellow cop is using excessive force, or report on another officer for crossing a line, according to John Kleinig, an expert on police ethics at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. Story continues Kleinig says ratting on another officer, or simply calling out bad behavior, can lead to questions about that officer's trustworthiness. Trust is especially important in policing, where officers need to feel like someone has their back in dangerous situations, Kleinig said. Frank Serpico, right, testifies before a police corruption hearing in 1971. Jim Garrett/NY Daily News via Getty Images Perhaps the most famous case is that of Frank Serpico, a New York City police detective who became a pariah for blowing the whistle about NYPD corruption in the 1960s and 70s. He quit the force in 1971 when he was shot during a drug bust and fellow officers failed to immediately call for an ambulance. Serpico's story was turned into the 1973 Oscar-nominated movie "Serpico" starring Al Pacino in the title role. Floyd's death has also brought light to a more recent case illustrating the police culture of silence. The Buffalo Common Council recently passed a resolution asking the New York State Attorney General to look into the 2008 firing of Cariol Horne, a Black police officer who was punished after jumping on her white partner's back when he put a Black suspect in a chokehold during an arrest two years prior. Horne was reprimanded for the incident, told she put her fellow officer's life at risk, and fired one year before qualifying for her pension. The officer who performed the chokehold was later sentenced to four months in jail in connection to an unrelated case, in which he was accused of using excessive force while arresting four Black teens in 2009. Cariol Horne was fired from the Buffalo Police Department in 2008 for intervening when her white partner put a suspect into a chokehold. CNN How the system works There's also the case of Paul Manning, a police officer in Ontario, Canada, who on June 12 tweeted that he was punished for reporting on a colleague whom he saw punch a minor in the face, for seemingly no reason other than the fact that they had called him "a name." After making his report, Manning said he was punished for failing to communicate with his fellow officer. He said he was then moved away from his team, and officers started refusing to work with him or offer backup when he responded to calls. "My appraisal that year reflected incompetence and unworthiness of the position of constable. Every position or course I applied for I was refused. I continued to #whistleblow until the Chief told me 'You really have no concept of brotherhood, do you?'" he tweeted. Manning told Insider he decided to tell his story after hearing the public debate after Floyd's death. He said some people started bringing up a common metaphor to defend the police: that not all cops are bad and that the perpetrators in cases like Floyd's are just a few "bad apples." "I just want to show how the system works," he said. "To show that good apples don't have the opportunity to come forward. They don't have safeguards in place to protect them from reprisals." The 'Blue Wall of Silence' Kleinig said he believes something called the "Blue Wall of Silence" was at play in Floyd's arrest. The term refers to the act of officers not reporting bad behavior committed by fellow cops, including in cases of police brutality. It is a common feature of police culture. This extends to not questioning an officer's use of force in the middle of an arrest, Kleinig said. "They don't intervene because it indicates that you're not really one of us. You're an outsider, we can't trust you. You might turn against us," Kleinig said. Protesters hold up images of Floyd in Brooklyn, New York, on June 19, 2020. Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images Thomas Nolan, a 27-year veteran of the Boston Police Department who now works as a sociology professor, agreed that the blue wall of silence is prevalent in many police departments, but said what happened in Minneapolis was "inconceivable" and actually a violation of the police code. He said that while police officers almost never rat on each other, they should feel free to intervene when they think another officer is in the wrong. "What happened out on the street, that shouldn't have happened, because part of the cop culture is that while we won't speak about or second guess someone's use of force we would never do something that put another guy in trouble," Nolan said. "That's what Chauvin did in using excessive force in a public place. He put those other three cops in jeopardy and that's a serious violation of the code, as evidenced by the fact that the other three got fired. "I'm surprised and continue to be surprised and outraged that someone didn't just go over and pull this guy off, given the level of resistance or lack of resistance that Mr. Floyd was offering to the officers," he said. A memorial for Floyd on 38th and Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis, the site of his arrest, on June 4, 2020. Steel Brooks/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images 'Not what Robert Peel envisaged' Kleinig, Nolan, and Manning listed some potential changes that could help address this culture of silence and prevent deaths like Floyd's from happening in the future. "Ultimately, what needs to happen is we seriously consider reimagining the entire role we have historically seen police officers occupy in cities in the US," Nolan said. When asked about defunding the police an option being pushed by protesters and some city councilors that would involve redistributing part of police funding to other community organizations Nolan said: "I think it's fair to question the resources and tax dollars we have historically been allocating to the police without question or evaluation." Manning said defunding the police "is a really good idea." "We definitely need to change up the policing model. Kneeling on people's necks and killing them is not what Robert Peel envisaged," Manning said, referring to the Victorian-era British prime minister considered to be the father of modern policing. A protester organizer wears a mask that says, "Defund Police" in Cadman Plaza, Brooklyn for a peaceful protest and march across the Brooklyn Bridge on June 19, 2020. Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Kleinig said there should be "concrete protections" for whistleblowers, and that police departments should work more with other organizations who may be better equipped to deal with issues like homelessness. Kleinig also said police should be "trained to deescalate." "Deescalation has been far underused in police work. Deescalation often sounds like backing off and so police do not like to back off, because backing off means that somebody else has in some way succeeded in challenging their authority," Kleinig said. Backed by the union Kleinig also pointed to police unions as one of the biggest issues when it comes to the current culture of silence. In some departments, police unions have negotiated so that authorities have to wait 30 days before they can interview an officer involved in an incident under investigation, he said. "By which time of course, the police have had a chance to fix up their story," he said. Protesters surrounded police headquarters in Richmond, Virginia, to demonstrate against police brutality on June 14, 2020. Eze Amos/Getty While Kleinig said he supports police unions, he admits that some have grown too powerful. "What's happened, as sometimes happens with other unions, is they've increasingly expanded their range of interests and some of those interests are not in the interests of the public, who the police are expected to serve," Kleinig said. The future of the status quo Ultimately, Nolan and Kleinig were doubtful about the likelihood of real change, despite the widespread protests. Nolan said he "can't be convinced that it's possible" for the police culture to change. Kleinig said he fears that "all the hopefulness" for change in the current moment will "only very minimally be met." "It's very, very unlikely that some of the major changes that people want will occur," Kleinig said. Read the original article on Insider Ukraine will develop its tourism industry in accordance with the standards of the European Union. Head of the State Agency for Tourism Development Maryana Oleskiv stated this during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Olha Stefanishyna, the agencys press service wrote on Facebook. "It is important for European tourists to understand that the Ukrainian tourism sector meets EU standards. Changes do not happen immediately, we have to work on the adaptation of Ukrainian legislation and focus on the European experience in the hospitality industry," said Oleskiv. According to her, there are many real tourist "magnets" in Ukraine, which can be developed and at the same time to fulfill Ukrainian obligations under the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement. In turn, Stefanishyna stated about plans to ensure constant coordination in this area, because "the development of tourism in Ukraine is an unconditional priority." iy A Flagstaff, Ariz. man who was wrongfully arrested on suspicion of selling LSD has filed a federal lawsuit against the city, saying police ignored evidence that showed he wasnt a drug dealer. Tremayne Nez, who is Navajo, spent more than 30 hours in jail after being arrested last June as part of a multi-agency drug operation. Police have said his arrest was a case of mistaken identity and apologized. The Flagstaff Police Department declined to comment Friday on the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court. City spokeswoman Jessica Drum didnt immediately provide a response to questions. The lawsuit calls into question police department policies on identifying suspects, the timing of police reports and the accuracy of an internal database that showed Nez lived at the same address as the person police were seeking. A police task force has said it worked with a paid informant to purchase several tabs of LSD from a man named Trey in the parking lot of the apartment complex where Nez no longer lived. Police have said Nez and the actual suspect shared the same nickname, are in their early 20s, have similar physical features and are Native American, leading to the mistaken identity. Nezs attorney, Gary Pearlmutter, said his client never should have been arrested. He said police failed in their duty to properly investigate the suspected drug dealer, didnt use all available resources and didnt comply with department policies. Their investigation into the identity of the suspected dealer failed to meet basic objectively reasonable investigative standards for law enforcement, Pearlmutter wrote in the lawsuit. Along with the city, the lawsuit names three police officers as defendants. One was overseeing the drug operation and learned from his wife, who was Nezs direct supervisor at a hospital where he worked, that police had the wrong person a couple of days after Nez was arrested, according to the lawsuit. Before then, the officer had not watched recordings from the drug sale that showed the suspected drug dealer had longer hair than Nez and a tooth abnormality, the lawsuit contends. Nez also wears glasses and has a different phone number than the man ultimately arrested. Those details took a few hours to verify and would have spared Nez from being arrested, Pearlmutter wrote. Police spokesman Sgt. Charles Hernandez previously said the department reviewed its policies and procedures after misidentifying Nez. But he wouldnt say what changes have been made. Nez had offered in December to settle the matter with the city for $350,000. Pearlmutter said the city did not respond to a notice of claim, which is a precursor to a lawsuit, paving the way for this weeks action. The lawsuit seeks $350,000 in compensatory damages and other unspecified amounts to be determined at trial and attorney fees. Nezs attorney also wants the city to remove any incorrect information about Nez from electronic databases. Topics Lawsuits Law Enforcement Arizona Drugs Geojit's report on Agri Picks India received 47.2 mm rainfall in the week ended today, 5% above the normal of 45.0 mm for the period, the India Meteorological Department. Imports of sugar to China declined to 300,000 tn in May, 22.3% lower on-year, data from International Sugar & Sweetener Report showed. During Oct-May, the country imported 1.81 mln tn of the sweetener. The Union Cabinet today approved the setting up of the 150-bln-rupee Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund to incentive infrastructure investments in dairy, meat processing and animal feed plants. The output of all crops in Karnataka, barring sugarcane, is expected to increase in the 2019-20 (Jul-Jun) season due to higher acreage and yield, a senior official said. Export of tea by Sri Lanka fell over 15% on year to 22.6 mln kg in May, according to data released by Tea Exporters Association of Sri Lanka. For all commodities report, click here Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Read More WEST SPRINGFIELD -- While still planning to host a 2020 fair, The Big E is highly likely to close its Arena, a large outdoor theater venue with paid concerts, this year out of coronavirus concerns. And Eugene Cassidy, president and CEO of the Eastern States Exposition said Thursday hes already decided to close the dormitories where young people bunk overnight while exhibiting at the fair. The Big E also cancelled the daily 5 p.m. community parade and is also going to have fewer vendors to open space for social distancing, Cassidy said. The Mardi Gras Parade, held later in the evening when the fairgrounds is less busy, would go on according to this plan. Now sponsored by MGM Springfield, the Arena was recently sponsored by Xfinity. The Big E is just 90 days away set to run Sept. 18 to October 4. The Big E has already used The Colosseum indoor arena to host a drive-thru high school graduation during coronavirus. Each state will have to have a coronavirus response plan for its state building that meets or exceeds Massachusetts regulations and Cassidy said restroom facilities will get more scrutiny. As it stands now, the Big E's COVID-19 response plan calls for visitors to wear masks, but Cassidy said that could change. But will these new rules be enough to ally the fears of West Springfield officials and of the state? And if even if authorities can be convinced, how can the Big E itself know that enough people will want to attend to make the entire enterprise financially viable? Im planning with the utmost confidence, Cassidy said. Im not naive. 6/25/2020 -West Springfield- Gene Cassidy is the President and CEO of the Eastern States Exposition. (Don Treeger / The Republican) He said putting on the fair requires a $20 million investment from the Big E and a major risk for a nonprofit. If too few people attend the fair, it could imperil the Eastern State's future. "If I'm not confident of the lay of the land, then ultimately I'd be faced with having to make a drastic decision." He predicts that he fair, which drew more than 1.6 million people will draw a third less in 2020. Even at half-sized crowds, the Big would lose money but not as much as it would lose if it were cancelled outright, something that hasnt happened since World War II. "I recognize that the fair is not likely to make money, my goal is to run a fair that breaks even," he said. The Big E submitted the plan this week in response to a six-page list of questions from West Springfield authorities worried about the impact of the fair on public health in the age of coronavirus. Questions range from how the Big E will maintain state-mandated 25% occupancy in offices to contact tracing and quarantining of people who have symptoms. Both the Big E's preparedness team, active since March , and a 10-member city task force have scheduled a series of meetings Monday. Mayor William C Reichelt has said the city can block the Big E by denying it the permits required to open. And hes said he wants to make a decision before July 4 because the city starts ramping up preparation work in July and August. He doesnt want to go to the trouble if the Big E wont happen. On Thursday, Reichelt and City Council president Brian J. Griffin said they will hold off discussing the Big Es plans until the meetings Monday. Cassidy said the Big E plans to move ahead with shows in the Court of Honor Stage adjacent to the Colosseum because that area can allow for more distancing. The Arena has bleachers. And reserved tickets cost $29. Shows already booked for 2020 include Zach Williams and Sesame Street Live! C is for Celebration. 46 Seen@ the last day of the 2019 Big E season Cassidy said he cant go into more detail on the plans for shows because of contractual obligations. Cassidy said he doesnt now foresee limiting the numbers of people in buildings or limiting the m]numbers of people on the fairgrounds itself. The city is worried about crowds forming if people are denied entry or buildings getting overcrowded in inclement weather. Cassidy said the Big E might turn off air conditioning to exhibition buildings because there is some science that says doing so would stop the spread of the disease. He said food service plans will get a tryout this weekend at the Big Es drive-thru food fest showcasing 11 of the fall fairs favorite food vendors Saturday and Sunday. Cassidy said he's planning on having rides at the fair and following all the cleaning and hygiene protocols. But even the state's fixed amusements parks like Six Flags New England in Agawam are not yet open again. He wants to keep the agricultural displays and the livestock exhibits as close to normal as possible to showoff agriculture in whats been a trying time for farmers. But exhibitors will not be able to sleep overnight in the barns with their livestock because of coronavirus. With the dorms closed, the only overnight accommodations will be in RVs. But those RVs could be spaced out more this year in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Travel companies are urging the Government to map out its plans for air bridges as soon as possible (Matt Alexander/PA Wire/PA Images) The Government must release its plans for air bridges as soon as possible, travel companies have urged, warning that sending people on holiday is not like turning on a tap. In a bid to get the air travel industry kick-started ahead of the summer holidays, the Government is expected to announce next week the so-called air bridges, which will allow Britons to go on holiday to certain destinations without needing to quarantine for 14 days on their return to the UK. The first of these air bridges will allow holidaymakers to travel to low-risk European destinations, including France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Germany, from July 4, according to newspaper reports. The process of sending people on holiday is not like turning on a tap Abta The Government will finalise agreements in the coming days although Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has said no announcement will be made until Monday when the quarantine measures will be officially reviewed. He said air bridges would only be agreed with countries which have a coronavirus test and trace system of the same standard as that used in Britain. The aviation industry has been fiercely critical of the quarantine measures introduced on June 8 and has welcomed the air bridge plans. But the travel industry body Abta urged the Government to set out its plans as soon as possible to allow businesses and customers to plan ahead. An Abta spokesman said: The process of sending people on holiday is not like turning on a tap. As much advance notice as possible from the Government is required for travel companies to restart operations. The point is that Greece is a safe country Greek tourism minister Haris Theoharis Greek tourism minister Haris Theoharis said the country wanted British tourists to return when it opens to other European holidaymakers on July 1. The final decision, from the UK and our point of view, will be in place in the next few days and Im hoping the announcement will be positive from both sides, said Mr Theoharis, who indicated conversations with the UK Government over air bridges were going well. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme there was no need for those returning to the UK from Greece to be quarantined. The point is that Greece is a safe country we have proven that during this crisis and we will continue proving this in the exit stages of the health situation, he added. The International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG), which slammed the quarantine measures as illogical, said: Measures should be selective and stop travel from (Covid-19) hot spots but not from countries with lower rates than ours. This government must remove the quarantine now the impact on the aviation industry and jobs is devastating. Budget airline Ryanair branded the air bridge plan as idiotic rubbish and called for an end to quarantine measures. A Ryanair spokesman said it is operating 1,000 daily flights from July 1, adding: Thousands of British families are ignoring this useless quarantine as bookings to Europe from the UK for July and August are flooding into Ryanair. According to reports, air bridges will be announced in batches, with the second set of destinations including other European countries such as Denmark, Norway, Finland and Holland and low-risk Caribbean islands. A third set of air bridges for long-haul flights to destinations such as Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong is not expected before late summer, the Daily Telegraph reported. Meanwhile EasyJet has announced hundreds more international flights from 14 airports across the UK from July 1 to countries including France, Spain and Italy. SEYMOUR Former longtime Fire Marshal Paul Wetowitz has resigned from the Board of Finance following an alleged post made on his personal Facebook page that the first selectman said was inappropriate. First Selectman Kurt Miller said he accepted Wetowitzs resignation as an alternate on the board because of an inappropriate social media post. While Miller did not publicly name Wetowitz, several comments posted on the towns official Facebook page directed people to the Seymour Democratic Town Committees Facebook page. It was there that Wetowitz was named as the official who resigned, along with a photo with a meme allegedly posted by Wetowitz. Wetowitz, reached by phone Wednesday acknowledged he posted the meme image, and since deleted it. He said he regrets posting it, but never intended it to be racist. The black and white photo, whih is no longer on Wetowitzs page, depicted an image that implies it is showing the bodies of Civil War soldiers on a field, with a caption that suggests the white people who died in the war were never thanked. The intention was that hundreds of thousands of soldiers died in the Civil War to eliminate slavery in America, Wetowitz said. There was no racial intent behind it. In his resignation letter, Wetowitz wrote: Effective immediately, I am resigning as an alternate member of the Town of Seymour Board of Finance. I have attempted to do my best to serve all residents in the Town in that position where over 2,000 residents voted for me. I sincerely appreciate all of the voters who voted for me. I apologize again if I offended anyone. That was never my goal. Nothing that I have posted or stated was ever meant to be racist, Not in anyway, he wrote. I always have done my best to serve the Town for over 40 years of public service. I love this Town. It is best for the Town that I resign given the feelings that I may have created. During the public comment portion of Tuesday nights online finance board meeting, Seymour Democratic Town Committee Chairman Stephan Behuniak noted the Facebook post and said Wetowitz resign. Kwame Dunbar, a finance board member who is Black, agreed with Behuniak, saying I dont think theres any place for that.its really disgusting. On learning of Wetowitzs resignation, Behuniak said In this case the right outcome has been achievedcalling people out is not comfortable and should not be abused, but sometimes it is imperative that we find the courage to leave hateful and antiquated beliefs in the past. Wetowitz, 64, retired from his post as fire marshal in March 2019, following a 44-year career in emergency service, which included serving as volunteer firefighter, a supernumerary police officer and volunteer fire inspector. Washington, June 25 : US President Donald Trump has said that he would probably send some US troops from Germany to Poland during his joint press conference with visiting Polish President Andrzej Duda. Duda, the first foreign leader to visit the US since the coronavirus outbreak, said at the conference on Wednesday that there is a possibility of a further increase in American troops in his country, Xinhua reported. Such a move might further raise security concerns from Russia, which has repeatedly voiced opposition to NATO's military buildup near its border. "They (Poland) asked us if we would send additional troops... and we will probably be moving them from Germany to Poland," said Trump, stressing that Poland would pay for it. Trump praised Poland's fulfillment of its so-called "monetary obligation" under NATO while criticizing Germany's "delinquency" on military spending. "We gotta be reducing our forces in Germany, some will be coming home, and some will be going to other places, but Poland would be one of the other places," he added. Trump also noted that he looks forward to signing a defense cooperation agreement with Poland. A senior administration official said Tuesday that they were working on the legal details of the agreement, and the US Air Force plans to rotate an MQ-9 drone squadron into Poland and establish an aerial port there once the agreement is signed. Poland will hold its presidential election on Sunday, and the media widely reported that Duda was counting on the visit to give him a boost on his re-election campaign. Trump confirmed last week that his country would reduce the US troop level in Germany to 25,000, which raised speculations that some of the troops could be relocated to Poland. Washington and Warsaw have been strengthening their security and diplomatic ties. The two countries are on the same page on multiple regional issues such as Iran nuclear issue, alleged Russia's threat as well as the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. Poland, which joined NATO in 1999, has long sought the deployment of a permanent US military force on its territory. The US military has approximately 4,500 rotational troops in Poland. The Supreme Court will later today, Thursday, June 25 will bring to finality the consolidated case against the Electoral Commission [EC] on the compilation of a new voters' register. Ghana's largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is before the Court asking for a declaration on the existing voter ID card as a valid proof of identity for the purposes of voter registration. The party argues that the existing voter ID card remains a valid proof of citizenship per the Court's own earlier decision, as such cannot be excluded from the required documents one can rely on to register in the June 30 voter registration exercise. A private citizen, Mark Takyi-Banson is also, at the same time, asking the Court to declare as unconstitutional the exclusion of the birth certificate from the list of documents a qualified voter can rely on to enroll onto the electoral roll. He also wants the court to declare the Electoral Commission's decision to compile an entirely new voters' register as unconstitutional. The Court will be constituted by Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah as President, Justices Jones Dotse, Paul Baffoe Bonnie, Sule Gbadegbe, Samuel Marful-Sau, Nene Amegatcher, and Professor Ashie Kotey. ---citinewsroom Dubai, June 25 : A Pakistani man accused of killing an Indian couple here and injuring their daughter was arrested within 24 hours of the crime. Legal expert said if found guilty he could face the death penalty. The Indian couple from Gujarat was found murdered and their teenage daughter brutally injured by a Pakistani national here last week during a break-in and robbery bid. The couple -- Hiren Adhiya and Vidhi Adhiya, both in their 40s were killed on June 18, daijiworld reported. The Adhiyas were residing at a villa in Arabian Ranches. Their two children, aged 13 and 18, were at home when the incident took place. The elder daughter was stabbed when she came face to face with the accused, but escaped with minor injuries. Hiren was a senior director at a Sharjah oil and gas contractor. He along with his family had moved to Dubai around three years ago. They have relatives in India's Gujarat state. It is gathered that the accused was part of a maintenance team who worked on the family's home two years ago. The accused, later unemployed, had knowledge of the family's affluent position, and had returned to rob them of cash and jewellery. The Dubai Police said he gained access to the Indian family's home in Arabian Ranches through their unlocked verandah door last Thursday. While investigations are still ongoing, lawyers believe that the suspect will face multiple charges, including premeditated murder of the couple, attempted murder of their daughter and burglary. "He will be charged with premeditated murder of the couple and will be additionally charged with attempted murder of their daughter," said Dr Hasan Elhais, legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates, khaleejtimes.com reported. "The number of victims he killed being more than one, and the fact that the murder was associated with another crime - theft - the penalty as per Article 332 of the UAE Penal Code is death," said Dr Elhais. He explained that some circumstances of the crime are considered by law, which is a reason to stiffen the punishment. "The factors that the theft happened during night time and he did it while carrying a weapon, are recognised by law as elements that allow judges to stiffen the punishment against the defendant up to life in jail as per Article 383 of the penal code," added Elhais. He pointed out that according to the same law, there are five circumstances when life term jail is awarded for theft. These include when a theft happens at night; if it is committed by two or more people; offenders carry a weapon; if it is happened in an inhabited place by gaining illegal access and if it happened by the use of force or threat," Elhais added. In a first, IIT-Bombay will be starting its academic year without students on campus, as the institute has decided to scrap all of its real-time lectures for the rest of the year, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. After the announcement of Director Subhasis Chauduri, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Mumbai, Maharashtra, has become the first major educational institution in India to have let go of all face-to-face lectures in 2020. Chaudhuri said on Wednesday night that IIT-Bombay would now implement its teaching purely in the online mode", to not compromise on students safety, a report by the Indian Express stated. He said the institution had been made to rethink the way education was imparted to students, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The details of extensive" online class details will be given to students in due time, Chaudhuri said in a Facebook post, adding that IIT-Bombay wanted to ensure the beginning of the academic year without further delay. The director also appealed for donations to help bridge the digital divide, as a lot of students come from underprivileged and socially, economically weak families. The funds would be utilised to purchase laptops, internet data plans, the report states. Chauduri said that he did not want even a single student to miss out on their learning due to lack of finances. He said IIT-Bombay had estimated that an amount of Rs 5 crore would be needed for underprivileged students. He said that while the alumni had committed a good amount of support", it was not enough for all students. The heads of various departments have also sent emails to students to prepare a database of all those who dont have access to a computer/laptop and/or an internet connection. After the 62-year-old institutes decision, other IITs are also likely to implement virtual lectures for their autumn semester. Meanwhile, India witnessed the highest-ever single-day surge of 16,922 COVID-19 cases which pushed the countrys total tally to 4,73,105 on Thursday. The death toll climbed to 14,894 with 418 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry. Payments to survivors of the Troubles must be made now, the commissioner for victims has said. Judith Thompson made the call after a long campaign by victims for the support payments, which range from 2,000 to 10,000-a-year depending on the severity of the injury. MPs passed legislation last year to establish the scheme which had been due to open to applications on May 29, but its future has been thrown into doubt over two separate disputes. Stormont and the Government are at odds over who foots the 100m-plus bill. Separately, Sinn Fein are blocking the appointment of a Stormont department to oversee the scheme, due to a stand-off with the Government over eligibility criteria which would require former convicted paramilitaries to go before an independent panel to determine whether they should get the payment. Appearing at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee yesterday, Ms Thompson said she accepts the political decision that people injured at their own hand should be excluded from a Troubles Pension. She described the long running debate around the issue as unlikely to reach a helpful conclusion. Ms Thompson said it cant be held up by a small number of people who may or may not get it. It is simply not good enough and needs to be implemented immediately, she said. Ms Thompson told the committee that investigations into Troubles incidents should not be defined in terms of the number of prosecutions envisaged. The critical issue for families is access to information about the circumstances leading to the death of someone they loved, and acknowledge of wrongness and harm, she said. She paid tribute to Operation Kenova, led by former Bedfordshire chief constable Jon Boutcher, as showing new information and evidence can be uncovered and families who want answers can be better served. Ms Thompson added about current legacy proposals: My concern is that victims and survivors across these islands may now be faced with legislation driven through Westminster that does little for them. Processes can only work if there is consultation, engagement and respect. It remains the commissions view that legacy mechanisms as envisaged in the Stormont House Agreement remain the best opportunity to address the legacy of the past. A March spring break tour to a beach resort in Mexico led to a COVID-19 outbreak that involved over 64 people. However, with proper contact tracing, quarantine, and isolation, the situation was quickly contained. According to the Business Insider, 211, college students from the University of Texas-Austin traveled to Cabo San Lucas in Mexico from March 14 to 19. A week later, three of the vacationers visited their university's health center, where they were tested and found positive with coronavirus. Contact tracing efforts revealed the travelers used multiple commercial, charter, and private flights to return to the U.S. A review of the trip manifests led researchers to identify additional travelers who caught the virus. Ultimately, 60 students caught the deadly disease. Authorities also identified one household contact and three other community members who tested positive for the virus. A team at the University of Texas Health Austin (UTHA) health center said no one developed severe symptoms, but claimed the incident showed how fast young people could spread the virus into the community. Containment Efforts The UTHA trained medical and public health students to provide additional support to clinical and research staffers responsible for tracing all possible contacts. The team communicated with travelers and contacts via phone calls and text messages, informing them about potential exposure, CNN reported. During the phone calls, the contact tracers would encourage asymptomatic travelers and contacts to self-isolate. The patients were told to observe themselves for symptoms for two weeks. Those who showed signs received COVID-19 tests and were urged to self-quarantine until they obtain a negative test result. The investigation faced challenges as many of the traveler's shared rooms or apartments. Two hundred thirty-one people received tests, including more than 180 individuals joining the trip and their community contacts. Spring Break Trip The group of students employed the aid of a travel company called JusCollege to organize the trip. The company labeled itself a one-stop-shop for college trips. On April 1, 2020, the company website still advertised an event listing for a spring break trip to Cabo San Lucas from February 23 to April 10. Emails obtained by Austin television station KVUE urged the students to take the trip, assuring them Cabo was safe. In one of the emails sent by JusCollege on March 3, the company claimed their travel destinations are among the most reliable in the world amid the coronavirus pandemic. The travel company also claimed Cabo had seen 5,000 travelers who came back with no issues. Individuals who decided to cancel the trip the day after the World Health Organization declared the virus a pandemic requested for a refund. Many customers also posted complaints on the company's official Facebook page. However, JusCollege stopped allowing page visitors from posting. On April 14, weeks after the incident, the company posted a statement informing travelers that the remaining spring break trips were suspended until a later date. It also claimed Mexico was not under a federal travel advisory when the students departed for their trip. Want to read more? Charities are expecting a rise in calls from farmers dealing with mental health challenges as the closure of auction marts and cancellations of shows add to their rural isolation. Stephanie Berkeley from the Farm Safety Foundation highlighted how a limited ability for farmers to escape the farm this summer due to Covid-19 restrictions could yield an increase in mental health problems. Speaking on the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers' (RABDF) Milk Digest podcast, she said: When the sources and circles of the community are not there that is when we will start to see farmers struggling. "They have been through lambing, calving, silaging, and will be moving onto harvest, but where is their outlet? She said farmers must be encouraged to take some time off the farm to protect their own mental well-being even if it was just an hour to go for a walk. Ms Berkeley also encouraged farmers to get to grips with their mental health threshold. People should really start to look at what they can deal with and know their limits and what might bring them to the point to push them over the edge," she said. "Knowing this and realising the signs and symptoms are important. She added that if anyone had symptoms of depression for two weeks or more then it was important they contacted their GP for a clinical diagnosis. Ms Berkeley said: Its important to remember mental health is not just about depression. Bulimia, anorexia and OCD are all mental health conditions. Also speaking on the Milk Digest was Irish dairy farmer Peter Hynes, who emphasised the importance of farmers taking time away from the farm. The County Cork farmer first struggled with mental health 30 years ago and said it was something he had learned to cope with. It isnt ever something you recover from, but you learn the coping mechanism. It is vital you take time off the farm, even if that is an hour to go out for breakfast somewhere. "It is also important to understand you cant take on every challenge yourself, he said. Both Ms Berkeley and Mr Hynes are encouraging farmers to reach out through outlets such as their GP, farming charities like the Farming Community Network, social media or through family and friends. Ms Berkeley added; There is a lot of practical advice and support. Farmers are also very good at supporting each other. Information from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) found 83 people who worked in agriculture in England and Wales in 2018 took their own life. Globally, one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or neurological disorders at some point in their lives according to the World Health Organisation. LUND, Sweden, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hansa Biopharma, the leader in immunomodulatory enzyme technology for rare IgG mediated diseases, today announced that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has adopted a positive opinion, recommending conditional approval of IdefirixTM (imlifidase) for the desensitization treatment of highly sensitized adult kidney transplant patients with a positive crossmatch against an available deceased donor. Endorsement of the positive opinion by the European Commission is expected in the third quarter of 2020. "We are very excited to receive a positive opinion from the CHMP. This brings hope to the thousands of highly sensitized patients across Europe waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant and takes Hansa Biopharma one important step closer to becoming a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company," says Sren Tulstrup, President and CEO of Hansa Biopharma. "Today's decision by the CHMP further serves to validate the potential of Hansa Biopharma's proprietary drug development engine to develop approvable immunomodulatory drug candidates for rare and serious diseases and comes at a time when we are significantly expanding our activities into autoimmune diseases, gene therapy and oncology". The Marketing Authorization Application for imlifidase in kidney transplant was accepted for review by the European Medicines Agency on Feb. 28, 2019 based on data from four completed phase 2 studies across Sweden, France and the United States. Imlifidase met all primary and secondary endpoints in each study. Imlifidase was supported through EMA's PRIority MEdicines (PRIME) scheme, which provides early and enhanced scientific and regulatory support to medicines that have a particular potential to address patients' unmet medical needs. Imlifidase was granted eligibility to PRIME in May 2017. In the US, following overall agreement with the FDA, Hansa Biopharma submitted a study protocol to the FDA on June 17, 2020. The randomized, controlled clinical study is planned to be initiated in Q4 this year and could support a future BLA submission in the US by 2023, as communicated earlier. The Company aims to recruit 45 highly sensitized patients at 10-15 centers in the US for this study. Clinical pipeline Enrollment in the investigator initiated Anti-GBM study was completed at the end of January 2020 and the first data read-out is expected in the third quarter of 2020 as previously guided. In the AMR and GBS phase 2 studies, 4 of the targeted 30 patients have been treated with imlifidase in the respective studies. Enrollment in the AMR and GBS studies is expected to be completed in H1 2021 and H2 2021, respectively, as communicated previously. About imlifidase Imlifidase is a unique antibody-cleaving enzyme originating from Streptococcus pyogenes that specifically targets IgG and inhibits IgG-mediated immune response. It has a rapid onset of action, cleaving IgG-antibodies and inhibiting their activity within hours after administration. CHMP/EMA has adopted a positive opinion, recommending conditional approval of imlifidase for the desensitization treatment of highly sensitized adult kidney transplant patients with a positive crossmatch against an available deceased donor. Endorsement of the positive opinion by the European Commission is expected in the third quarter of 2020. Hansa has also reached an agreement with the FDA on a regulatory path forward for imlifidase in kidney transplantation of highly sensitized patients in the U.S. and has three ongoing phase 2 trials in autoimmune diseases and post-transplant indications. For further information, please contact: Klaus Sindahl, Head of Investor Relations Hansa Biopharma Mobile: +46-(0)-709-298 269 E-mail: [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/hansa-biopharma-ab/r/hansa-biopharma-receives-positive-chmp-opinion-for-idefirix-tm-imlifidase--for-kidney-transplant-in-,c3142206 The following files are available for download: SOURCE Hansa Biopharma AB Radio hams get ready for this weekend's Field Day The Chicago Tribune reports radio amateurs are getting geared up for Field Day 2020,' despite limits on big events, which takes place June 27-28 The newspaper says: Using an antenna, software, a generator and not much more energy than that in a few light bulbs, suburban residents Derick Bonewitz and Don Whiteman will be working together to communicate with other ham radio enthusiasts as much as thousands of miles away for an annual tradition, Field Day. Both men have been ham radio hobbyists for years. Bonewitz, 71, of Libertyville, became active in 2007 and Whiteman, 68, of Northfield, got involved and licensed in the 1970s. The circumstances for Field Day, though, are much different this year. What is usually a gathering of radio clubs will be a more solo venture due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bonewitz and Whiteman are two of the 200 members within the North Shore Radio Club. And this year, they will be operating from Bonewitzs backyard alone; a task Bonewitz said he is nervous about. Ive never operated under Field Day, Bonewitz said. Ive done contests ... but Im apprehensive. Were really trying to do this right and be prepared. Read the full story at https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/libertyville/ct-lbr-national-amateur-radio-contest-tl-0625-20200623-rqf2b5sqa5a3j k2edawbjsjdxa-story.html The chairman and three other members of Armenias Constitutional Court indicated on Thursday that they have no intention to resign despite government-backed constitutional changes mandating their replacement. They said that the amendments passed by the National Assembly on Monday cannot come into force because they run counter to another Armenian law. Armenias constitution barred Constitutional Court judges from serving for more than 12 years when it was previously amended in April 2018. The countrys former leadership made sure that this term limit does not retroactively apply to those judges who were installed prior to that. A transitional clause allowed them to retain their positions until reaching retirement age. The latest amendments drafted by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians My Step bloc and condemned by the Armenian opposition eliminated that clause. They call for the immediate dismissal of three of the nine judges who had taken the bench in the 1990s. They also require Hrayr Tovmasian to resign as Constitutional Court chairman and become an ordinary member of the countrys highest judicial body. The four judges were quick to question the legality of the amendments. In particular, Tovmasian said that the parliamentary majoritys refusal to send them to the Constitutional Court for examination before passing them in the final reading was unconstitutional. In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the judges argued that the authorities have not made similar changes to a separate law on the Constititutional Court which also exempts them from the 12-year term limit. The authorities should comply with that law and not transend the bounds of their legal powers, added the statement. One of the judges, Alvina Gyulumian, insisted that she cannot be relieved of her duties now when she spoke to RFE/RLs Armenian service earlier in the day. Show me the legal act with which you are dismissing me, she said, appealing to the authorities. Justice Minister Rustam Badasian dismissed the joint statement issued by Tovmasian, Gyulumian, and the two other judges: Felix Tokhian and Hrant Nazarian. He said that the constitution takes precedence over the law cited by them. The law will soon be brought into conformity with the constitution, added Badasian. For his part, Pashinian, the main driving force behind the constitutional changes, said that they were formally promulgated by parliament speaker Ararat Mirzoyan on Thursday and will therefore take effect from midnight. Tovmasian will cease to be Constitutional Court chairman while the three other judges will resign from the court altogether a few hours later, Pashinian wrote on Facebook. Hrachya Hakobian, a pro-government lawmaker and Pashinians brother-in-law, said that the four judges must be banned from entering the court building on Friday morning if they continue to defy the amendments. The amendments were passed at an emergency session boycotted by the two opposition parties represented in the National Assembly: Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) and Bright Armenia (LHK). The BHK tried to ask the Constitutional Court to declare them unconstitutional. But the LHK refused to provide signatures of its lawmakers needed by it. LHK leader Edmon Marukian on Wednesday attributed the refusal to the Constitutional Courts decision to open on July 7 hearings on the legality of coup charges brought against former President Robert Kocharian. Marukian claimed that appealing to the court now could be seen as taking sides in Kocharians standoff with the Armenian government. Kocharian responded on Thursday by instructing his lawyers to withdraw his own Constitutional Court appeal filed one year ago. However, the LHK remained adamant in opposing the BHKs court challenge against the dismissal of the judges. Its a wrong move because the case will be heard [by the Constitutional Court] anyway, Marukian told reporters. Other, more radical opposition forces not represented in the current parliament condemned the LHKs stance and accused Marukians party of helping Pashinian gain control over the court. Pashinians administration decided to amend the constitution after a yearlong standoff with the Constitutional Court and Tovmasian in particular. The prime minister has repeatedly accused Tovmasian and six other judges of maintaining close ties to the countrys former government and impeding judicial reforms. Tovmasian and opposition figures sympathetic to him have dismissed these claims, saying that Pashinian is seeking to install new judges loyal to him. Australia's former governor-general Dame Quentin Bryce has said reports of former High Court justice Dyson Heydon's alleged behaviour were disturbing and sexual harassment had lasting consequences for young women. Dame Quentin, the federal sex discrimination commissioner from 1988-93, said sexual harassment "has been a very serious issue in our community for as long as I can remember" despite numerous policies, programs and education campaigns aimed at stamping it out. Former governor-general Quentin Bryce. Credit:Paul Harris "We see again and again the high incidence in employment and education in particular," she said. "Much work still has to be done to eliminate this insidious form of sex discrimination." Sympathisers in their hundreds on Thursday evening stormed the private residence of former Oyo State governor, Abiola Ajimobi, located at Oluyole estate following the announcement of his demise. The mourners, many of who said they thought the death news was a rumour, were seen weeping at the residence. The sympathisers comprised political associates, friends and extended family members. Meanwhile, a family source said the corpse is expected to arrive Friday morning from the Lagos hospital, where he breathed his last. The source said arrangement for the burial was ongoing at the time of filing this report. Mr Ajimobi, an APC chieftain, died at a private hospital in Lagos after spending weeks in intensive care for coronavirus complications, according to Akin Alabi, a federal lawmaker and political associate of the former governors. He was 70. Mr Ajimobis passing came a week after he was rumoured to have died at the same private hospital. That rumour turned to be false. Mr Ajimobi was a senator from 2003 to 2007. After unsuccessful attempts, he was ultimately elected governor in 2011 and re-elected in 2015, becoming the first Oyo State governor to serve two terms. He was survived by his wife and children. Makinde mourns The current Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has directed that flags be flown at half-mast in the state to honour Mr Ajimobi. I was so sorry to hear the news of the passing away of the immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, which sad event took place earlier today, Mr Makinde wrote in condolence message sent to journalists. READ ALSO: I cannot begin to imagine the pain the family must be going through at this time because of the loss of their patriarch. It is my prayer that God grants them all the strength to bear this great loss. I join the good people of Oyo State as we mourn the death of a statesman. I have directed that flags fly at half-mast tomorrow in honour of our brother, friend and illustrious son of Oyo State. Surely, he will be remembered for leaving a blueprint for some of the activities that our administration is now undertaking. The Oyo State Government will be extending to his family, all the courtesies deserving of his personage. May his soul rest in peace. New Delhi: Budget hotels, restaurants and guest houses in the national capital and holy town Mathura Vrindavan have decided that they will boycott goods from China and not provide accommodation to its nationals amid border standoff. The Delhi Hotels and Restaurant Owners Association, which has more than 3,000 budget hotels and restaurants as members in the national capital, has written to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) informing about the decision and the grouping's full support to CAIT's boycott Chinese goods campaign. Likewise, the Mathura Vrindavan Hotel Owners Association, with 125 hotels and guest houses as its members, said it will also boycott goods from china and not allow accommodation to Chinese nationals. Against the backdrop of violent clashes earlier this month between India and China in eastern Ladakh that killed 20 Indian Army personnel, there has been a growing clamour in certain quarters for boycotting Chinese products. Delhi Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association General Secretary Mahendra Gupta said the members will not take bookings or serve Chinese nationals and have also decided to boycott using Chinese goods in their establishments. Around 3,000 budget hotels and restaurants are part of the association. These establishments get five to six per cent of their bookings from Chinese nationals, he said. "We are pleased to inform you that our association has decided to wholeheartedly support the campaign of CAIT and as such we have decided to boycott Chinese goods which are being used in our hotels and restaurants and henceforth we shall not be using any Chinese products in our establishments," the Delhi Hotel & Restaurant Owners Association said in the letter to CAIT. The Association said it has also decided not to provide rooms to "any Chinese national at a time when China is repeatedly in attacking mode on our brave Indian forces". While, the Mathura Vrindavan Hotel Owners Association said, "Our association has decided that we will not accommodate any Chinese nationals." Its General Secretary Amit Jain told PTI that the move was an expression of anger against the killing of Indian soldiers in clashes with Chinese troops in the Galwan valley. Further, the Delhi Hotels and Restaurant Owners Association said it will also contact hotel associations of other states to make a similar decision. "It is also to inform you that as a next step we shall also be contacting Star Hotels in Delhi and will impress upon them to join this movement," the Association said in its letter to CAIT. CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal while welcoming the decision of the Hotels Association said that with such a decision it is quite evident that people from all walks of life are more willing to join its campaign. He said CAIT will now make efforts to rope in other sectors like farmers, transporters, small industries, consumers, hawkers, self entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs, etc and make an appeal to them to join the campaign. The recently launched trailer of Johnny Depps much-awaited film, Waiting for the Barbarians features the actor in a never-seen-before avatar, as he plays the role of a colonel for the first time in his career. As seen in the trailer of Waiting for the Barbarians, Oscar winner Mark Rylance finds him playing the nameless magistrate of an isolated frontier settlement on the border of an unnamed empire. In the trailer, Marks character looks forward to an easy retirement, however, Colonel Joll (played by Johnny Depp) arrives to report the activities of the so-called barbarians, who are rumoured to be planning an attack against the regime. To get a clear picture of the Barbarians intentions with the regime, Joll conducts ruthless interrogations, which makes the Magistrate suspect Jolls loyalty to the empire. In the movie, actor Robert Pattinson plays the role of an officer, who is happy to uphold Jolls new status quo. Take a look at the trailer here: Also Read | Johnny Depp's Defamation Suit Adds A Scandalous Detail Involving Amber, Elon Musk & Cara Digital release confirmed Earlier in 2020, it was reported that Robert Pattinson and Johnny Depps much-anticipated film, Waiting For The Barbarians will now get a digital release in the US. The makers reportedly came to this decision due to the Coronavirus outbreak in the country. If the reports are to be believed, Samuel Goldwyn Films has acquired North American rights to Ciro Guerras feature film Waiting for the Barbarians, which stars Johnny Depp, Robert Pattinson, Mark Rylance, Gana Bayarsaikhan, and Greta Scacchi in the leading roles. Also Read | Arizona Doctor: Hospitals Seeing Massive Virus Surge Reportedly, Goldwyn said the film was originally slated for a theatrical release, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will be now released on digital platforms in August. The decision was taken due to the uncertainty on the reopening of theatres, as the country still fights Coronavirus. As per recent developments, it was confirmed that Waiting for the Barbarians will be released on VOD on August 7, 2020. Johnny Depp and Robert Pattinson on the work front: Johnny Depp is all set to reprise his role as Captain Jack Sparrow in the much-acclaimed Pirates of the Caribbean series. Speculations are also swirling that in the upcoming flick, a female actor would play the lead role and Depps Captain Jack will simply be a surrogate. Meanwhile, Robert Pattinson is currently gearing up for his next with Christopher Nolan's Tenet. Also Read | Johnny Depp Will Lend His Voice For The Lead In Animated Series Titled 'Puffins' Starring John David Washington, Robert Pattinson and Elizabeth Debicki in the leading roles, Tenet follows the story of a protagonist, who journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real-time. Helmed by Christopher Nolan, Tenet also stars Bollywood actor Dimple Kapadia in a prominent role. Slated to release on July 31, the film has been shot in Denmark, Estonia, India, Italy, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Reportedly, the movie is made on a budget of $20.5 crores. Also Read | Arizona Doctor: Hospitals Seeing Massive Virus Surge Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Pacific Western Bank announced today they are promoting Sean Lynden to President of their Venture Banking Group. With this promotion, Pacific Western amicably marks the departure of current longstanding President of our Venture Banking Group, Frank Tower. Frank is moving on from the Bank to become a Partner at Savano Capital Partners, a direct secondaries focused growth equity fund. Sean has been affiliated with the bank since 2015, and previously served as EVP, of Technology Venture Banking where he managed originations nationwide. During his tenure he also held roles in both credit and portfolio management. "Sean's extensive background in all aspects of venture banking make him well suited to take on this new role," said Mark Yung, EVP, and Chief Operating Officer. "He has earned the respect of his colleagues by being a leader who collaborates and listens to the needs of clients, while having a keen understanding the broader capital landscape and how it can impact success," Yung concluded. Mr. Lynden has over 28 years of experience in venture lending. Prior to joining Pacific Western Bank, he was a Founding Partner at venture debt fund Gold Hill Capital. He began his career at Silicon Valley Bank where he held various positions in their technology group, credit administration and in finance. He holds his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Stanford University. Pacific Western Bank is a commercial bank with over $26 billion in assets headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with executive offices in Denver, Colorado. The Bank has 74 full-service branches primarily located in California, with one branch located in Durham, North Carolina, and one branch located in Denver, Colorado. The bank provides community banking products including lending and comprehensive deposit and treasury management services to small and medium-sized businesses conducted primarily through our California-based branch offices and Denver, Colorado branch office. The Bank offers national lending products including asset-based, equipment, and real estate loans and treasury management services to established middle-market businesses on a national basis. The Bank also offers venture banking products including a comprehensive suite of financial services focused on entrepreneurial and venture-backed businesses and their venture capital and private equity investors, with offices located in key innovative hubs across the United States. For more information about Pacific Western Bank, visit www.pacwest.com . Media Contacts Kristen Mboijana | Pacific Western Bank | 301.634.6905 | [email protected] SOURCE Pacific Western Bank Related Links http://www.pacwest.com Twenty-five years ago this month, in June 1995, there was an event in Belfast City Hall to launch the Ulster-Scots Heritage Council. It was the culmination of a series of meetings that had taken place over the previous winter, with representatives from a number of organisations, as well as other interested individuals. The meetings were convened on the initiative of the Ulster-Scots Language Society and there were folk from the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association (Northern Ireland Branch), the Northern Ireland Piping and Drumming School, the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, the Presbyterian Historical Society and Burns Clubs, as well as the Ulster-Scots Language Society and Ulster-Scots Academy. The Ulster-Scots Language Society had been formed in 1992 and the formation of the Ulster-Scots Heritage Council in 1995 was another significant landmark. It preceded the Belfast Agreement and the creation of a cross-border language body and is now known as the Ulster-Scots Community Network. I was invited along to the meetings as someone with a broad interest in Ulster-Scots language and culture and became the first chairman of the USHC. They were exciting times as we sought to encourage a better understanding of the Ulster-Scots tradition and as we battled for recognition, respect and resources. Meanwhile, Dr Philip Robinson published an impressive Ulster-Scots Grammar in 1997 and James Fenton compiled another important resource, The Hamely Tongue. Professor Jack Aitken, from Scotland, described the grammar as being "of outstanding importance" and Tom Paulin described The Hamely Tongue as "a cultural treasure". There was a lot happening and, in the midst of it all, recognition was an important issue. In previous generations, there had been a better understanding of Ulster's cultural diversity and a greater appreciation of the Ulster-Scots as one strand of that diversity. At the time of the Festival of Britain in 1951, a Northern Ireland guidebook was produced and in it Professor Estyn Evans observed that in Belfast "three strands are woven into the human fabric of this city of linen and ropes": the English, the Scottish and the old Irish. He then added that the same three strands "enter into the composition of the province as a whole". The same truth was expressed in similar ways by a number of other cultural commentators. In 1953, Richard Hayward addressed an international conference in Belfast and described "the Ulster dialect as a piece of Donegal tweed. The main strands will be green for Ireland, blue for England and a kind of tartan twist for Scotland". Sadly, there was a point in the 1980s where the Northern Ireland Office set aside decades of cultural understanding and abandoned that pluralist approach. Much of the cultural Establishment followed their lead and the Ulster-Scots were airbrushed out and excluded. There were even some people who told us that the term "Ulster-Scots" was a new invention; something we had just made up. I always liked to direct them to a speech given by the late Gerry Fitt back in 1967, where he acknowledged, "they call themselves the Ulster Scots". We also directed them to The Ulster Scot, written in 1914 by a Presbyterian minister, Rev J B Woodburn. The book was reviewed in The Times newspaper on April 30, 1914 and the reviewer commented: "He is a mystery, this Ulster Scot. All other peoples Ireland tends to absorb." Indeed, going back further there was for many years in the 19th century a popular weekly column in a Belfast newspaper, written under the pseudonym "Ulster Scot". Significant progress was made and, indeed, as regards the language, in 2009 Seamus Heaney wrote warmly of "that tongue the Ulster Scots brought wi' them". A 25th anniversary is an occasion when most organisations and movements take time to reflect. There are seminars and conferences. You can look back at the past 25 years and look forward to the next 25 years. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has prevented that, but hopefully there will be opportunity later in the year for Ulster-Scots to meet and reflect on the way ahead. The truth is that it is impossible to understand the making of modern Ulster and the creation of Northern Ireland without understanding the role of the Ulster-Scots in the industrial, commercial, political and cultural life of this place we call "Hame". Image: Shutterstock There will never be an "Autonomous Zone" in Washington, D.C., as long as I'm your President. If they try they will be met with serious force! - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 23, 2020 Twitter Inc on Tuesday placed a warning notice on a tweet by President Donald Trump threatening "serious force" against protesters in the US capital, the second time it has used the label since it began challenging"There will never be an 'Autonomous Zone' in Washington, D.C., as long as I'm your President. If they try they will be met with serious force!" the president said in his tweet, which Twitter said violated its policy against abusive behavior.Trump posted the message after anti-racism protesters on Monday declared a "Black House Autonomous Zone" - referencing a Seattle area taken over by activists known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) or Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone - in front of St. John's Episcopal Church near the White House.Police cleared the White House area on Tuesday and blocked access to the site, where law enforcement had used violence to disperse protesters earlier this month.Twitter said it hid Trump's tweet behind its "public interest" notice because it included a threat of harm against an identifiable group. The label restricts distribution of tweets by public officials which violate Twitter's rules, while leaving them online to allow for scrutiny.A Twitter spokeswoman said teams within the company's safety division informed Chief Executive Jack Dorsey of the decision before applying the notice.Facebook, which has taken a more hands-off approach to speech by political leaders, left the same post untouched.At least 150,000 people had liked Trump's tweet and 33,000 retweeted it before Twitter restricted engagement, according to the most recent image captured by the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine. His post on Facebook received 12,000 comments.The warning escalated Twitter's challenge to Trump, who has used the platform unimpeded for years to rally supporters and deride opponents.After the company last month started applying labels to his messages, Trump announced plans to scrap or weaken a law that has protected internet companies in order to regulate social media platforms more aggressively.Twitter's first public interest notice against Trump also involved a threat of force against protesters, who have been demonstrating against racial injustice since the May 25 death of George Floyd, a Black man, in police custody.Trump had used the phrase "when the looting starts, the shooting starts" to threaten deadly force against protesters in Minneapolis, where Floyd died.Twitter said that message violated its rules against "glorifying violence." It has also appended fact-checking and manipulated media labels to Trump's tweets in the last month.In addition to this, Twitter has permanently suspended the account of a rightwing online personality for violating its copyright policy, a week after he posted a doctored video of toddlers that was tweeted by President Donald Trump.The doctored video was first posted by Carpe Donktum, an account known to support Trump. Twitter said early on Wednesday it had suspended the account indefinitely for "repeated violations" of its policy on posting copyrighted material.With inputs from ReutersOriginal Source: ATLANTA - Three white men have been indicted on murder charges in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man fatally shot while running in a neighbourhood near Georgia's coast. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 24/6/2020 (577 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. This booking photo provided by the Glynn County Sheriff's Office shows William "Roddie" Bryan Jr., who was jailed Thursday, May 21, 2020, in Brunswick, Ga., on charges of felony murder and attempted false imprisonment. A prosecutor on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 announced that three men have been indicted on murder charges in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery in coastal Georgia. Speaking to reporters outside the Glynn County courthouse, prosecutor Joyette Holmes said a grand jury has indicted Travis McMichael, Gregory McMichael and William Roddie Bryan Jr. on charges including malice and felony murder in the death of the African American man.(Glynn County Sheriff's Office via AP) ATLANTA - Three white men have been indicted on murder charges in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man fatally shot while running in a neighbourhood near Georgia's coast. Prosecutor Joyette Holmes announced Wednesday that a grand jury has indicted Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael and William Roddie Bryan Jr. on charges including malice and felony murder in Arbery's death. This is another positive step, another great step for finding justice for Ahmaud, for finding justice for this family and the community beyond, Holmes said at a news conference outside the Glynn County courthouse in Brunswick that was streamed online by news outlets. Arbery's death has often been invoked during protests against racial injustice that have broken out across the nation since George Floyd's death last month under a white Minneapolis police officers knee. Arbery's death also fueled a renewed push for a state hate crimes law in Georgia, which state lawmakers passed on Tuesday. Lawyers for the McMichaels have cautioned against a rush to judgment and have said the full story will come out in court. A lawyer for Bryan has maintained that his client was merely a witness. Arbery was slain Feb. 23 when the Greg and Travis McMichael, a father and son, armed themselves and pursued the 25-year-old Black man running in their neighbourhood. Greg McMichael told police he suspected Arbery was a burglar and that Arbery attacked his son before being shot. Arbery's family has said he was out for a jog. Bryan lives in the same subdivision, just outside the port city of Brunswick. Bryan said he saw the McMichaels driving by and joined the chase, a Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent Richard Dial testified earlier this month at a probable cause hearing. It wasnt until May 7 two days after Bryans cellphone video leaked online and stirred a national outcry that the McMichaels were arrested. Bryan was arrested on May 22, and an arrest warrant said he tried to confine and detain Arbery without legal authority by utilizing his vehicle on multiple occasions before Arbery was shot. Bryan told investigators that Travis McMichael cursed and said a racist slur as he stood over Arbery, moments after he fatally shot him, Dial testified. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case after the video surfaced. The state attorney general appointed Holmes, who's the district attorney in Cobb County near Atlanta, to prosecute after the local district attorney recused herself because Greg McMichael had worked for her and two other outside prosecutors also stepped aside. In addition to malice murder and felony murder charges, the McMichaels and Bryan each are charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count each of false imprisonment and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment. Under Georgia law, a felony murder charge means that a death occurred during the commission of an underlying felony and doesnt require intent to kill. Malice murder requires malice aforethought, either express or implied. Any murder conviction in Georgia carries a minimum sentence of life in prison, either with or without the possibility of parole. Court functions in Georgia have been severely limited in recent months because of a statewide judicial emergency declared by the chief justice of the state Supreme Court in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Holmes said they were able to call in a grand jury that had been impaneled prior to the judicial emergency. Attorneys for Arbery's mother and father issued statements applauding the indictment and stressing their desire to see the three men convicted and sentenced for his death. Bob Rubin, a lawyer for Travis McMichael, 34, said in an email that prosecutors choose the facts they want to present to a grand jury when seeking an indictment. The defence team has found other facts that are an integral part of the case, he wrote. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. To this indictment, Travis McMichael will plead not guilty, and we look forward to presenting all of the facts regarding this tragic death in a court of law, Rubin wrote. Attorney Kevin Gough, who represents Bryan, 50, spoke to reporters at the county courthouse right after Holmes announced the indictment. We welcome the action of the grand jury today,' Gough said. "While we disagree with it, its an important step in the process to moving this case closer to the speedy trial that Roddie has demanded. He said his client has committed no crime and has co-operated with law enforcement officers from the beginning. Lawyers for Greg McMichael, 64, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday afternoon. Even if Gov. Brian Kemp signs the state hate crimes legislation passed this week, it couldn't be applied retroactively to this case, Holmes told reporters. The U.S. Department of Justice has said it's assessing whether federal hate crimes charges are appropriate. The global car rental market size is expected to grow by USD 103.75 billion as per Technavio. 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. Request free sample pages This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005062/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Car Rental 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 car rental market - Download free sample report The market in focus is expected to have a negative impact due to the increasing cases of COVID-19 in various countries across the world. The extension of containment efforts from governments across the world will result in reduced economic activity, hampering the growth of the car rental industry. 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/car-rental-market-industry-analysis The market is driven by the incorporation of advanced digital technologies. In addition, the advances in rental processes are anticipated to boost the growth of the car rental market. Car rental operators are increasingly adopting the latest technologies to improve service convenience and to expand their business. With the use of technologies, operators can streamline their membership procedures and improve customer experience. Several vendors are offering solutions integrated with voice assistants such as Amazon Alexa that allow consumers to make car reservations, review current and past bookings, and request an e-receipt through voice commands. The increasing adoption of such advanced digital technologies will positively influence the growth of the global car rental market. 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 Car Rental Companies: Avis Budget Group Inc. Avis Budget Group Inc. owns and operates the business across segments such as the Americas and International. The company offers a range of car and truck rental services through brands such as Avis, Budget, and Zipcar. Carzonrent India Pvt. Ltd. Carzonrent India Pvt. Ltd. owns and operates the business across segments such as Outstation, Local, Airport Transfer, Self-Drive, and Business Travel. The company offers a wide range of car rental services that include Airport Transfer, Corporate Travel, and Self Drive. Enterprise Holdings Inc. Enterprise Holdings Inc. owns and operates the business across segments such as Neighborhood Network, Airport Travel, and Business Rental. The company offers car rental services under the franchise Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National Car Rental, and Alamo. Europcar Mobility Group SA Europcar Mobility Group SA owns and operates the business across segments such as Cars Vans and International Coverage, Low-Cost, and New-Mobility. The company offers a range of vehicle rental services through its Europcar, Goldcar, InterRent, Ubeeqo, and GoCar brands. Expedia Group, Inc. Expedia Group Inc. owns and operates the business across segments such as Core OTA, trivago, HomeAway, and Egencia. The company offers online car rental marketing and retail services through its brand, CarRentals.com. Register for a free trial today and gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports. Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Car Rental Type Outlook (Revenue, USD bn, 2020-2024) Economy cars Executive cars Luxury cars SUVs MUVs Car Rental Market Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD bn, 2020-2024) APAC Europe MEA North America South America Key leading countries 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/20200625005062/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/ European (left) and Baltic flounder are almost indistinguishable by appearance but they have different spawning behaviours and adaptations. Photo: Mats Westerbom (left), Alf Norkko (right). Credit: University of Helsinki Marine biologist Henri Jokinen investigated how and why flounder populations have decreased in Finnish waters over the past decades, and found that the story involves not one but two different flounder species, as well as environmental changes both at home and elsewhere. Flounders, the iconic flatfishes of the northern Baltic Sea, were once very abundant before their drastic decline. At first, the reason for the decline was not understood. Resolving the mystery of the dwindling flounder populations involved the recognition that there were in fact two different flounder species, instead of only one. "In the past, fishing nets were full of flounders, almost to the level of a nuisance for some. This is also seen from commercial fishery landings that plummeted over the past 40 years," says Henri Jokinen from the Marine Ecosystems Research Group at the University of Helsinki. The decline of flounders on the Finnish coast was verified by using data that did not depend on figures from commercial catches. The results show clear downward trends over the last 24 decades. It was first believed that the decline on the Finnish coast was a local phenomenon with local causes. However, genetics showed that instead of one population, flounders on the Finnish coast are a mix of two populations of different species; the European flounder (Platichthys flesus), and a new species, the Baltic flounder (Platichthys solemdali), a recently evolved species endemic to the Baltic Sea. This is interesting not only for taxonomists, but also because of the important differences between how the two species reproduce. Differences in reproduction The European flounder spawn eggs that develop in the midwater layer of deep offshore areas, whereas the newly described Baltic flounder spawn sinking eggs in shallower coastal waters. The decisive difference relates to salinity, which can be lower (>6 psu) for the Baltic flounder than for the European flounder (>11 psu). This means that only the Baltic flounder can reproduce along the shallow and less saline Finnish coast, while the closest spawning areas for the European flounder can be found in the deeper and saltier waters of the central Baltic Sea. Notably, the proportions of the two species change over time. In the early 80s, the European flounder occurred in higher proportions in the Finnish flounder stock, and dominated in parts of the coast until they nearly disappeared during the 90s. The likely cause for this was the ceased import of European flounder larvae from the more southern spawning grounds. This was due to worsening water quality for pelagic reproduction in these far-away areas. Moreover, local environmental conditions affected the continued local decline on the southern coast of Finland. Based on model simulations, the local living conditions of the Baltic flounder seem to have been variable, but generally poor during the past 45 decades. "We might not precisely know the past stock sizes, but now we understand much more about the dynamics and have a pretty good idea of why they need to sell Danish plaice smoked 'flounder' in the marketplace," says Jokinen. Importance of a better understanding of Baltic Sea flatfishes and ecosystems Understanding the implications of ecological adaptations might help to explain the observed population and ecosystem changes. A dominance shift between the two species described some of the observed decline, and both local and regional changes in environmental factors, including salinity, hypoxia, temperature and eutrophication, were identified as probable drivers. A combination of different descriptive/empirical, genetic and modeling approaches was used to achieve these findings. The thesis has great value for how we understand and investigate stock dynamics of flounders in the changing environment of the Baltic Sea. The results will be important for future management and conservation of these fishes. There is also clear societal relevance, as the flounder decline has caused the demise of local fisheries of these popular flatfishes. Eutrophication and, more pressingly, climate effects such as rising water temperature and declining salinity are among the greatest problems in the Baltic Sea. Studying how populations persist and change will help us to understand the system-wide ecological upheaval happening in the Baltic Sea. Explore further Flounders in the Gulf of Finland: Decline caused by the near disappearance of one species More information: Population dynamics of flounders in the northern Baltic Seadeclines, cryptic species andenvironmental drivers. Population dynamics of flounders in the northern Baltic Seadeclines, cryptic species andenvironmental drivers. helda.helsinki.fi/handle/10138/31454 Former Vice President Joe Biden speaks in Wilmington, Del., in March, left, and President Donald Trump speaks at the White House in April. Read more President Donald Trump has been mocking former Vice President Joe Biden for running a campaign while hiding in his basement. Now a New York Times/Siena College Poll shows Bidens subdued schedule may be the superior tactic in six battleground states, including Pennsylvania, where Biden has posted a 10-point lead. Trump has been eagerly escaping the White House and sparking controversy with what he says about the coronavirus crisis and nationwide protests and a public reckoning about racism. And the presidents support is slumping. Biden, with small coronavirus-correct events, benefits from Trumps troubles. Biden also had doubt-digit leads in surveys of Michigan and Wisconsin in the Times/Siena polling. In Pennsylvania, Biden led Trump 50% to 40% in the survey of 651 registered voters conducted from June 8 to 16, with a margin of error of plus or minus 4.2%. The same pollster found just a three-point spread in the state in October. But Bidens strength is really Trumps weakness. Among Trump supporters, 76% said their vote was about the president. Among Biden supporters, 54% said their vote was in opposition to Trump. That stands out to me in each state, said Don Levy, director of the Siena College Research Institute, which also polled in Arizona, Florida, and North Carolina. A significant portion of the Biden vote is not really for him. Its against the president. Rick Gorka, a spokesperson for Trump Victory, the joint effort between the campaign and the Republican National Committee, sees that as good news for the president. Voters have to vote for something, he said. Anger isnt a winning issue. Gorka touted the polls finding that a majority of voters in Pennsylvania trust Trump to do a better job on the economy and in dealing with China. Biden wins support for dealing with the coronavirus and health care, protests, race relations, unifying the country, and immigration. Levy wondered what issue will be front and center in October when persuadable voters are tuning in to the election. Biden also benefits by comparison on personal likability. But that doesnt mean the former vice president, born in Scranton, is overwhelmingly popular in the state. Trump was viewed unfavorably by 56% of those polled and favorably by 42%. Bidens numbers were split 50% favorable and 48% unfavorable. Trump defeated Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania in 2016 by just 0.7%, in an election where both candidates had strong unfavorable ratings. Levy noted that 13% of the voters in his poll stayed home on Election Day four years ago. Of that group, 63% would go for Biden and 32% for Trump. That could be a deciding factor if Pennsylvania has another squeaker Nov. 3, he said, provided those voters go the polls this time. The poll came out Thursday, as Biden spoke about the Affordable Care Act in Lancaster, his fourth trip to the state in June. Outside a Lancaster City recreation center, about a dozen Trump fans waved signs reading, PA Is Trump Country. Across the street, a group of people chanted, This is what democracy looks like, and flashed Black Lives Matter signs. Trump won Lancaster County by 20 points in 2016, though the city has had something of a progressive boom in recent years. Inside, Biden excoriated Trumps handling of the coronavirus pandemic to a small group. He called testing a double-edged sword, Biden said, quoting Trump. Lets be crystal clear about what he means by that. ... He thinks finding out that more Americans are sick will make him look bad. A GOP powerbroker bows out Bob Asher, a 22-year veteran of the Republican National Committee, dropped his bid this week for another term amid acrimony and infighting within the Pennsylvania GOP leadership over a plan to ease him out of the post. In an email to state committee members, Asher disputed claims from Pennsylvania Republican Party Chair Lawrence Tabas about an evolving unity resolution that would have had him share a new four-year RNC term with state party secretary Andy Reilly. Asher, of Montgomery County, told the committee members the process had become destructive, so he was dropping out for the sake of party unity and the reelection of Donald Trump as president. Tabas, of Philadelphia, has not publicly endorsed Reilly, a former chair of the Delaware County Republican Party. But his efforts in the negotiations were in support of Reillys candidacy. Clout hears Asher was open to splitting the term with Reilly, but his email said he rejected the mechanism Tabas proposed to make that happen. The first version Tabas pitched on May 27 would have had both Asher and Reilly elected to a single seat, with Asher serving until February, when Reilly would step in. The RNC last week said that violates party rules. The second version, proposed by Tabas last week, would have Reilly elected to a four-year term but then sign an irrevocable proxy allowing Asher to hold the seat for five more months. This is something I would not agree to as this would create too much confusion and too many questions about the process, Asher wrote. Reilly on Monday said he knew for a fact that Asher had agreed to the terms. Reilly said that if he wins, he will still offer the seat to Asher until February. He now expects Asher to decline. Asher, 82, a power in state Republican politics for four decades, did not respond to requests for comment. Vonne Andring, the partys executive director, declined to comment. Altnagelvin Hospital has moved to convert almost a third of its previously free disabled parking bays into pay and display spaces, the Derry News has learned. Local councillor Gary Donnelly has said the decision will seriously impact some of the most vulnerable members of the community and cause considerable disruption for disabled users. The Western Trust confirmed that the changes will affect 13 disabled spaces at South Wing and 16 at the Main Out Patients Entrance. The Trust will retain 60 free disabled car parking spaces on the site. A Western Trust spokesperson explained: Over the past number of weeks, as part of resetting our services, the Trust has recommenced a number of capital works schemes which were suspended in March 2020, including enabling works for car parking projects. The car parking works on the Altnagelvin site are aimed at increasing capacity and improving utilisation of all spaces on the site which is really important in terms of meeting the demand for parking on the site. These works include changes to enable allocation of free spaces for staff in the Multi-storey and Cancer Centre Car parks, increase in drop off/pick up spaces at South Wing Main Entrance as well as re-designation of spaces at hospital entrances will help ensure that these spaces are available for those who attend the site for appointments or to visit for short periods of time. This will help ensure turnover of these spaces and that they are available for our patients and visitors. Asked when this will come into effect and why was it deemed necessary, the spokesperson added: This has not yet come into effect but it is likely to be implemented in line with the Trusts timeline for reinstating paid parking on the site. The Trust is implementing these changes to help ensure these disabled spaces are available right up at hospital entrances for patients and visitors. The Trust has been monitoring the use of these spaces and it would appear these spaces are parked in all day by staff and this provision is now being relocated to the Multi-Storey and Cancer Centre car parks where the disabled spaces are currently under-utilised. The Trust does have in place a number of provisions to support our patients and visitors in terms of parking this includes free parking for those on benefits or low income and for those who are attending the hospital site very frequently and/or for lengthy periods of time. All of this information is available from our Support Services Team in the hospital. Derry City & Strabane District Councillor Gary Donnelly said the decision to remove free parking at these disabled bays has caused concern from both staff and visitors. He continued: The reasons offered by the Trust for this is far from clear and needs to be clarified. I have been contacted by staff who are concerned that a proper consultation process wasnt carried out. This will have a serious effect on some of the most vulnerable members of our community and will cause considerable disruption to disabled users. I would call on the Trust to reverse this decision immediately. Rook was jailed for 26 weeks for stalking and racially aggravated harassment A stalker who bombarded BBC DJ Gilles Peterson with death threats and racially abused his Japanese wife before scaling scaffolding at his house was jailed for 26 weeks. Sarah Jayne Rook, 44, repeatedly called Mr Peterson's wife Atsuko Moehrle a 'Hiroshima b***h' when she refused to open the door to her at the couple's north London home on 18 February. Rook screamed 'You will die' at Mr Peterson, 55, as he left BBC Broadcasting House in Portland Place, central London on 21 March. Two days later Rook stood outside the record label owner's north London home shouting 'c**t', 'rapist,' and 'paedophile,' Stratford Magistrates' Court heard.' Gilles Peterson has spoken of his terror after being allegedly stalked by a woman who said he would 'die' and shouted racist slurs at his wife, Stratford Magistrates Court heard She attended the home Mr Peterson shared with his wife in Stoke Newington, posing as a charity worker and attacked his car with a pole. Rook pinned a torn up photograph of the DJ's face to his car windscreen before leaving a Joker playing card followed by an Ace of Clubs. She stalked Mr Peterson while subject to bail conditions, preventing her from contacting the Frenchman. Rook also harassed the Radio 6 DJ - born Gilles Jerome Moehrle in Caen in 1964 - and his wife, Atsuko, 53, between 15 February and 16 March. She returned to Mr Peterson's family home while on bail and banged on his window while he watched terrified from behind his blinds. The traumatised DJ watched as Rook clambered onto scaffolding and began climbing up the outside of his house, the court heard. She remained there until police arrived and told her to leave. Rook also racially abused a police officer who arrested her, saying: 'She's not a real police officer, she's a Winnie Mandela.' Mr Peterson, who was awarded an MBE in 2004, has founded world famous record labels called Acid Jazz and Talkin' Loud. In 2006 he opened his current label Brownswood Recordings. Sarah Jayne Rook is accused of harassment, an alternative count of stalking, and two racially aggravated public order offences He is currently best known for his BBC Radio 6 weekend slots covering a wide range of genres, including soul, hip-hop, house, Afro, Latin and jazz. Last month the French DJ told the court of his 'very traumatic experience' as he was bombarded with death threats. He said he was in the middle of a live set at the Radio 6 studio when he spotted a tweet branding him a 'fraud' and a 'contrived c**t' and another threatening him with death. 'I saw a tweet (during the broadcast) saying 'F***ing kill him.' 'The other said: 'You sound like a contrived c***t right now, literally you are a fraud.'' Mr Peterson said the stalking continued on 16 March when Rook began knocking on the window of his home before alighting the house by jumping onto building work outside. He said: 'She was banging on my window trying to get my attention and then we were having building work done on the house and she climbed the scaffolding and sat at the top until police arrived. Gilles Peterson, a DJ for BBC Radio 6 Music, leaves Stratford Magistrates' Court, east London, where Sarah Jayne Rook appeared on charges of harassing and stalking him and his wife, June 1, 2020 'I knew it as a very traumatic experience for all of us. I was worried about the situation itself because it was escalating.' Rook, who described herself as a freelance journalist and photographer, did not give evidence saying it would be a 'waste of an exercise'. But she provided a written statement to the court in which she said she was conducting a 'freelance investigation' into the history of a jazz club owner linked to author John Steinbeck. Gilles Peterson performs at 'The Common Good And NTS Presents: In Aid Of Syria Relief UK' at Styx on October 23, 2015 in London, England Rook's statement referenced the novel 'To Kill a Mockingbird' where the protagonist attempts to prove the innocence of a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman in 1930. She also claimed she had worked with 'very high profile journalists who have links to Russians and Germans' and was receiving death threats.' District Judge Louisa Cieciora told Rook: 'This was an extremely serious offence. It took place over a prolonged period intended to cause maximum distress and very serious distress was caused to the victims. 'It took place over two months, it was in the presence of family members. You targeted multiple locations so the victims had nowhere they could go without fear of you being there. 'You pretended to be a charity worker. 'You shouted abuse outside their homes, you left items on their home, you sent tweets. This had a significant impact on the victims to the extent they are in significant distress. I also note one of the instances took place when you were on court bail. Rook is charged with stalking Mr Peterson at BBC Broadcasting House in Portland Place while subject to bail conditions, preventing him from contacting the Frenchman 'In respect of the offence of stalking it is so serious it warrants a custodial sentence. That sentence will be one of 22 weeks imprisonment. 'In respect of the racially aggravated harassment against Atsuko Moehrle which forms part of the same incident but due to the racial aggravated nature of the offence which involved a public degradation of Ms Moehrle due to her race I am applying an uplift. It will be 26 weeks imprisonment to run concurrent. 'For the racially aggravated matter against a serving police officer I would have fined you 200 had it been mere abuse, in light of the fact its racially aggravated and there were extremely derogatory terms used I'm going to fine you 400 for that. 'The total you will spend in prison is 26 weeks with time you have already served going towards that.' Earlier prosecutor Varinder Hayre tried to read the facts of the case only for Rook to interrupt her 23 times. The judge eventually removed Rook from court before inviting her back to hear her sentence. When Ms Hayre read a statement detailing the emotional impact of her racial slurs on PC Karling Richards, Rook interjected: 'I don't know why she would be offended by being called Winnie Mandela she was a pretty inspirational woman, was she not?' Rook interrupted: 'Can I go out while she goes through this evidence, it's rather upsetting. 'Is this another trial, we've gone through this already. Not another trial. 'This is untrue by the way.' When the judge invited her back into court to offer her mitigation Rook said: 'I think enough has been said by all parties, to be honest.' Earlier this week Rook had been segregated from other prisoners at HMP Bronzefield over fears she might 'go ape' if put in a room with other inmates. Rook, of Surbiton, was convicted of stalking, harassment and two counts of racially aggravated harassment. She was sentenced to a total of 26 weeks imprisonment, ordered to pay 200 to PC Richards and a contribution towards costs of 300 and handed an indefinite restraining order against Gilles Peterson, Atsuko Moehrle and their immediate family. She was also banned from entering Broadcasting House. NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN WHOLE OR IN PART IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA OR JAPAN Basel, Switzerland, June 25, 2020 Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN, the "Offeror") announces the publication of a partial repurchase offer of at least CHF 90 million and up to CHF 110 million in principal amount of its outstanding convertible bonds due 2022 (the "Repurchase Offer"). The Repurchase Offer price amounts to 100.50% of par plus accrued and unpaid interest. The cooling-off period during which no tenders are accepted commences on 26 June 2020 and ends on 9 July 2020. The tender offer period is expected to commence on 10 July 2020 and to expire on 16 July 2020 at 4pm CEST. The settlement date is expected to occur on July 28, 2020. The bonds are listed and traded at SIX Swiss Exchange (ISIN: CH0305398148; SSN: 30'539'814) (the "Bonds"). The tender offer is submitted after yesterday's successful launch, provisional allocation and pricing of CHF 125 million senior unsecured convertible bonds due 2027 (the "New Bonds"). The New Bonds serve to finance the Repurchase Offer. The New Bonds are not finally allocated and such allocation will depend on the successful repurchase under the Repurchase Offer. The Offeror may clawback New Bonds in an amount of up to CHF 25 million subject to the principal amount of Bonds tendered in the Repurchase Offer. Moreover, the conversion price of the New Bonds will only be determined in a delta placement of existing shares of the Offeror after the end of the offer period under the Repurchase Offer. The Repurchase Offer is therefore subject to: the delta placement resulting in a reference price, i.e. the price to which the conversion premium is added to obtain the conversion price; and the conversion price of the New Bonds being at least CHF 46.9993; and the placement of the New Bonds in the minimal amount of CHF 100,000,000 in principal amount and the valid tender of at least CHF 90,000,000 in principal amount of the Bonds. The Company will only accept for purchase Bonds up to a maximum of aggregate principal amount being the lower of (i) CHF 110,000,000 and (ii) the aggregate principal amount of the New Bonds minus CHF 10,000,000. Up to CHF 110 million of the Bonds due 2022 shall be repurchased and up to CHF 125 million New Bonds due 2027 shall be sold to allow the Offeror to improve its debt maturity profile. Whilst the transaction does not significantly change the total amount of outstanding debt of the Offeror, it shifts the maturity of approximately 50% of the total outstanding debt significantly beyond 2022. This Press Release is not an offer for the repurchase of the Bonds, but only discloses the most important terms of the planned repurchase offer. The Repurchase Offer is only addressed to eligible holders of the Bonds by the Notice of Repurchase Offer published on the website of the Offeror. About Basilea Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company, focused on the development of products that address the medical challenges in the therapeutic areas of oncology and infectious diseases. With two commercialized drugs, the company is committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative pharmaceutical products to meet the medical needs of patients with serious and life-threatening conditions. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Additional information can be found at Basilea's website www.basilea.com. Disclaimer This Repurchase Offer does not constitute an offer or an invitation to participate in the Repurchase Offer in any jurisdiction in which, or to any person to or from which, it is unlawful to make such invitation or for there to be such participation under applicable securities laws. The distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this press release comes are required to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions. No action has been or will be taken in any jurisdiction in relation to the Repurchase Offer that would permit a public offering of securities in any such jurisdiction. United States The Repurchase Offer is not being made, and will not be made, directly or indirectly, in or into, or by use of the mail of, or by any means or instrumentality of interstate commerce of or of any facilities of a national securities exchange of, the United States or to or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons as defined in Regulation S of the Securities Act (each a "U.S. person"). This includes, but is not limited to, facsimile transmission, electronic mail, telex, telephone and the internet and other forms of electronic communication. The Bonds may not be tendered for purchase pursuant to the Repurchase Offer by any such use, means, instrumentality or facility from or within the United States or by any persons located or resident in the United States as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or to U.S. persons. Accordingly, copies of the Repurchase Offer Notice and any other documents or materials relating to the Repurchase Offer are not being, and must not be, directly or indirectly, mailed or otherwise transmitted, distributed or forwarded (including, without limitation, by custodians, nominees or trustees) in or into the United States or to persons located or resident in the United States or to U.S. persons. Any purported offers to tender Bonds pursuant to the Repurchase Offer resulting, directly or indirectly, from a violation of these restrictions will be invalid, and any purported tender of Bonds made by a U.S. person, a person located or resident in the United States or from within the United States or from any agent, fiduciary or other intermediary acting on a non-discretionary basis for a principal giving instructions from within the United States or any U.S. person will not be accepted. Each Bondholder participating in the Repurchase Offer will represent to the Offeror, the Joint Dealer Managers and the Tender Agent that it is not located or resident in the United States and is not a U.S. person and is not giving an order to participate in the Repurchase Offer from within the United States or on behalf of a U.S. person. United Kingdom The communication of the Repurchase Offer Notice and any other documents or materials relating to the Repurchase Offer is not being made and such documents and/or materials have not been approved by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended. Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, are not directed at and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials as a financial promotion is only being made to persons within the United Kingdom falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order")) or falling within Article 43(2) of the Order, or to other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated (together "relevant persons"). The investment activity to which this document relates will only be engaged in with relevant persons and persons who are not relevant persons should not rely on it. European Economic Area In any Member State of the European Economic Area (the "EEA") or in the United Kingdom (each, a "Relevant State"), the Repurchase Offer is only addressed to, and is only directed at, qualified investors in that Relevant State within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the "Prospectus Regulation"). Each person in a Relevant State who receives any communication in respect of the Repurchase Offer contemplated in the Repurchase Offer Notice will be deemed to have represented, warranted and agreed to and with the Joint Dealer Managers, the Tender Agent and the Company that it is a qualified investor within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation. The Bonds have not been admitted to trading on a regulated market in the European Economic Area or in the United Kingdom. Switzerland and General This document and the Repurchase Offer Notice neither constitute a prospectus within the meaning of Articles 652a and 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations (as in effect immediately prior to the entry into force of the FinSA) nor a prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange, a prospectus within the meaning of the FinSA or under any other applicable laws. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Phone +41 61 606 1102 E-mail media_relations@basilea.com investor_relations@basilea.com This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com. Attachment 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. They appear like fairies from another world as they flit, dip, turn on a dime, perch for a second, then dart away. Close looks reveal a wide array of hues such as green, blue, brown, yellow, white, amber, red, and orange on their abdomens and thoraxes. The abdomen looks like a tail and has 10 segments, some with different colors and designs that can offer clues to identification. The abdomen is attached to the much shorter and broader thorax, also often bedecked in various colors and stripes. The thorax is attached to the head where two large eyes predominate. Odonates have three pairs of legs and two pairs of wings, each of which they can rotate independently giving them that amazing kamikaze-like flying ability. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has drawn a roadmap for the reopening of borders in the sub-region. Borders in the ECOWAS region have been closed for weeks due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. But after a meeting of the Ministerial Coordination Committee for Transport, Logistics and Trade of the ECOWAS, the sub-regional Bloc has taken a harmonised decision to reopen borders. The reopening would be done in phases as pointed out in a statement by ECOWAS after a four days videoconference. Phases A meeting of the Ministerial Coordination Committee for Transport, Logistics and Trade of the ECOWAS has just ended. It took place over 4 days by videoconference. The objective is to provide a coordinated response to the fight against the coronavirus and to examine the possibility of reopening the borders, the statement said. It added that Several options have been put forward with the opening of land and air borders according to a precise schedule. The first phase, called internal, consists of reopening domestic airports and lifting restrictions on land transportation within ECOWAS member states in late June 2020, it said. The second phase is based on widening the opening between member states to allow the free movement of goods and people. The proposed date is the first fortnight of July (July 15 at the latest), it noted. Finally, the ECOWAS offers the opening of air and land borders to other countries (excluding ECOWAS) that do not have very high levels of Covid-19 contamination rate from the second half of July (July 31, 2020 at the latest) ). This opening, specifies the organization, will be a function of the evolution of the pandemic within the member countries of the ECOWAS and of the other countries and will be the subject of a periodic evaluation. These are recommendations that will need to be endorsed by heads of state. Options considered 1) July 1 land borders 2) July 15 air borders: UEMOA / ECOWAS flights only 3) July 22 all African flights 4) August 1 all intercontinental flights. Source: daily guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video 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. After more than a decade of fighting for the right to bargain for better pay, California child care providers have started voting on whether to unionize. An estimated 43,000 ballots are in the mail to home-based providers who receive state funding to care for children from low-income families. "We do a lot for our community and sometimes we're not recognized," said Sylvia Hernandez, who owns Blossom to Success Child Care in San Fernando Valley. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill last year that paved the way for the election. Governors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown had previously vetoed similar legislation. 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 "Creating quality jobs for the child-care workforce makes economic and common sense," Newsom said in a statement at the time. "These workers care for our kids -- we need to take care of them." Providers are voting through July 22 on whether to approve representation by Child Care Providers United to negotiate future labor contracts with the state. The votes will be tallied on July 24. "I think there is some potential, with a collective voice, to get better reimbursement rates," said Marcy Whitebook, founding director of the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment at the University of California, Berkeley. But it won't be easy. The same providers faced 10% cuts to state payments for caring for children from low-income families in Newsom's May budget revision. The legislature rejected those cuts and the Governor has agreed to a budget that spares providers. 'WE DO NEED THIS CHANGE' Sylvia Hernandez opened her own business in 2007. (Courtesy Sylvia Hernandez ) The first child to arrive at Blossom To Success shows up at 4:30 a.m. -- her mom is a postal worker. Hernandez checks her temperature and lays her down on a cot to sleep. "It's very hard, but it's very rewarding," Hernandez said. She's worked with children since 1998 and opened her business in 2007. She earned an associate's degree in early education and is working on a bachelor's degree from Pacific Oaks College. "We work with a curriculum. So we teach them everything. They have a schedule or routine," Hernandez said. "It's like a little preschool, but in your home." Hernandez relies on state subsidies to serve low-income families and says after paying staff and buying supplies, she's making less than minimum wage. "Part of the reason the rates are kept as low as they are is you can serve more people," Whitebook said. When Schwarzenegger rejected legislation in 2007 that would have allowed providers to unionize, he wrote that changes to how providers are paid and trained "could come at the expense of the number of available child care slots." "Where do you make up the difference? You take it literally from the bodies of the people doing the work," Whitebook said, noting that many providers are Black and Brown women. Some families are also expected to pay fees in addition to the state subsidy, based on their income. Hernandez says when her families fall short, she offers alternatives like volunteering. Blossom To Success stayed open throughout the pandemic. Hernandez navigated sometimes confusing federal, state and local guidelines for operating safely and struggled to find basic supplies. Dozens of California child care providers rallied in Sacramento before dropping off signatures calling for a union election Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020. (Screenshot from the Child Care Providers Union Facebook Page) Hernandez said when she and other providers were shut out of special shopping hours for essential workers at stores like Target, the union stepped up with donated supplies and a letter they could show retail employees to prove their designation as essential workers. Child Care Providers United is a partnership between labor groups SEIU and AFSCME. In February, providers towed a red wagon full of signed cards in support of the union election through the streets of the state's capital. With social distancing in place, the get-out-the-vote effort is now being conducted through social media and with volunteers like Hernandez calling fellow providers to encourage them to return their ballots and vote yes. "We do need this change for a positive," Hernandez said. "Not just our lives but... it changes everyone, our communities, our staff, everyone." He recently revealed that they almost split in a row over Tupperware as they isolated together amid lockdown. But Jamie Laing proved he and Sophie Habboo were closer than ever as he donned her leopard print bikini in a fun TikTok video on Thursday, The Made In Chelsea star, 31, showcased his muscular physique in a tiny two-piece on Instagram stories as he and his co-star girlfriend, 25, larked around by the pool. Looking good! Jamie Laing proved he and Sophie Habboo were closer than ever as he donned her leopard print bikini in a fun TikTok video on Thursday The short clip saw blonde beauty Sophie looking stunning as she emerged from the swimming pool in the slinky halterneck bikini. Sophie, who shielded her eyes with a pair of dark sunglasses, did a little a little dance as she enjoyed the sunshine, before the camera suddenly cut to her boyfriend. Jamie was then seen wearing Sophie's leopard print swimwear as he too showed off his moves to Shania Twain's track Man, I feel Like A Woman, which was playing over the clip. The reality star was in his element as he shimmied and shook his hips after squeezing his toned frame into the swimwear. Fabulous: The short clip saw blonde beauty Sophie looking stunning as she emerged from the swimming pool in the slinky halterneck bikini Jamie looked back at the camera with a huge smile on his face before making his way back into the pool, captioning the clip: 'I think I've taken it too far this time @giswim_ @habboosophie.' The couple appeared happier than ever as they soaked up the sun on their holiday, with the pair also documenting a trip to the beach that day. Their holiday fun comes after Jamie revealed that they almost parted ways after an argument over Tupperware, while isolating together amid the coronavirus lockdown. Speaking on FUBAR Radio's Access All Areas recently, Jamie said: 'My girlfriend and I nearly broke up about 400 times. We nearly broke up over Tupperware. Over Tupperware! Fun times: The Made In Chelsea star, 31, showcased his muscular physique in a tiny two-piece on Instagram stories as he and his co-star girlfriend, 25, larked around by the pool Fun in the sun: The couple appeared happier than ever as they soaked up the sun on their holiday, with the pair also documenting a trip to the beach that day 'Stop putting stuff in Tupperware! Eat it. Stop putting it in Tupperware! What are you doing? No, I hate Tupperware! Get it away from me!' The Tupperware was far from the only thing that caused the pair to almost come to blows during lockdown. Recalling another squabble, Jamie said: 'Why is there brown marks on the towel? She's told me it's definitely fake tan and I'm like, "well why is it on the towel?" Why is it on the towel?' '"I don't know. It comes out in the wash." No it doesn't. it doesn't come out in the wash!' When asked if the solution was just to not speak, Jamie noted: 'Trying not speaking or breaking up. I don't know which one. I think breaking up is harder! Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian lashed out on Thursday at his political opponents accusing him of stifling dissent, mishandling the coronavirus crisis and failing to address its socioeconomic consequences. Pashinian said that they stand no chance of coming to power despite exploiting the pandemic for political aims. The political bacteria think that they have got a chance to revive themselves, he said, speaking in the Armenian parliament. Now they are talking of famine, social revolts You should be afraid of that social revolt because if it happens we have nothing to become victims of a social revolt. Its your illegally built mansions and Bentleys that will first and foremost become victims of a social revolt. Do you want a social revolt? Provoke a social revolt. Well see where you will end up as a result of that social revolt. Pashinian went on to predict that only those political forces that unequivocally support the values of the 2018 Velvet Revolution will be represented in Armenias next parliament, which is due to be elected in 2023. Although the premier did not name anyone, Gagik Tsarukian, the leader of the main opposition Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK), was clearly one of the targets of his harsh criticism. The parliament controlled by Pashinians My Step bloc last week allowed law-enforcement authorities to arrest and prosecute Tsarukian on vote buying charges rejected by him and his party as politically motivated. BHK lawmakers have seen boycotted parliament sessions in protest. Pashinian defended the indictment of Tsarukian, who called for the Armenian governments resignation earlier in June. He also said that vote buying by the BHK is a widely known fact. A senior BHK member, Mikael Melkumian, hit back at Pashinian later in the day, repeating Tsarukians claims that the government has failed in all spheres. Who is responsible for the [coronavirus-related] deaths of our fellow citizens: the opposition or the authorities? Melkumian added in a Facebook post. In his speech, Pashinian also rounded on Mikael Minasian, former President Serzh Sarkisians fugitive son-in-law also prosecuted on corruption charges. Minasian has repeatedly alleged in recent weeks that the premier and his relatives themselves are illegally enriching themselves. Since they want to carry out a revolution they want to portray me through free media as Serzh Sarkisian as a disgusting figure like them, stated Pashinian. There must be no doubt that we will subject that corrupt system, all of them in a single basket, to capitulation because there is only one thing behind us, on our minds and in our hearts: the truth, he added. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Toh Ting Wei (The Straits Times/Asia News Network) Thu, June 25, 2020 16:32 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661a17e6 2 News Changi-airport,Airport,Singapore,travel,Airlines Free Hundreds of transit passengers have passed through Changi Airport since June 11, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said Tuesday. The number of transit travelers is expected to rise in the coming weeks, as the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group starts to serve transit passengers from more locations in China, Japan and South Korea. The SIA Group comprises Singapore Airlines, regional arm SilkAir and budget carrier Scoot. These new locations, such as Hong Kong, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Osaka and Tokyo, were added to an approved list that includes cities in Australia and New Zealand. CAAS' director for airport economic regulation and aviation security Margaret Tan told The Straits Times that it approved transit flight applications by the SIA Group after it was "satisfied that the safety, health and well-being of transfer passengers, airport staff and public health in Singapore would be protected to the maximum extent possible". CAAS is evaluating applications from other airlines, she added. Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan, who visited the transit holding area at Changi Airport's Terminal 3 on Tuesday, said about 50 transit passengers from Christchurch in New Zealand transited through Changi Tuesday evening. These passengers had temporarily stopped in Singapore on their trips to Europe and other parts of the world. Mr Khaw said the designated transit area in Terminal 3 has good facilities - such as dedicated shopping, arcade consoles and a playground - to accommodate passengers. "We have implemented safety measures to protect both our staff and the transfer passengers," he added. "With each flight, we polish up our procedures to make passengers feel welcome and safe." Changi Airport Group had said that passengers flying through Changi will, upon arrival, be guided to the transit areas, which will be open only for transit passengers and authorized airport staff. Temperatures will be taken at the entrance and the areas will be deep-clean ed and disinfected regularly. Transit passengers waiting for their connecting flights must wear a face mask and follow safe-distancing markers, while airport staff working in the holding areas must use a face mask, face shield and gloves. Airlines worldwide are slowly restarting flights as travel restrictions start to ease slightly in some countries. Scoot said on Monday that it will restart flights to two more cities - Surabaya and Taipei - next month. Topics : This article appeared on The Straits Times newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post 25.06.2020 LISTEN Executive Director of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Ing May Obiri Yeboah has admonished stakeholders in the transport industry to educate their members on the new Legislative Instrument that is coming to regulate the transport sector. The purpose of the new regulations is to provide a framework for the coordination, regulation, implementation and enforcement of road safety procedures, standards and regulations. Ing May Obiri Yeboah noted that the new position assumed by the Authority to become a regulator would go a long way to streamline the transport sector. This she believes would help reduce carnages on the countrys roads. Ing Obiri Yeboah was speaking at a stakeholders consultative meeting on the highlights of the draft NRSA Legislative Instrument in Sunyani. The programme was attended by transport unions, garages, the Motor Traffic and Transport and Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service and representatives of the Ghana Highways Authority. Ing Obiri Yeboah added that the implementation of the new policy would need collective support and therefore called for support from all stakeholders during its implementation. It is my wish that representatives who are all stakeholders with us would go back and get their members involved to tell them all is about so that when Parliament approves of it and it becomes law we would not have the issue where people would now kick against it. Because, this is to help us as Ghanaians protect us on our roads so all of us should buy into it so that we implement it the laws that Ghana has given to us enforce them for us to have safe roads, Ing. Obiri Yeboah noted. The stakeholders consultative meeting is also taking place in the Ahafo and Bono East Regions to solicit the inputs of stakeholders as the Legislative Instrument is being prepared to be submitted to Parliament. Ing David Osarfo Adonten, Director of Planning and Programmes at the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) speaking at a similar stakeholder meeting at Goaso noted that some of the road accidents in the country could be attributed to tyres. Ing Adonten disclosed that vulcanizers would be trained and certified across the country. ---Daily Guide Chandigarh, June 25 : Five people, including four of a family, were murdered at Kairon village in Punjab's Tarn Taran district on Wednesday, the police said here on Thursday. The head of the family Brij Lal (65), also murdered, had been facing drug peddling cases. Brij Lal's two daughters-in-law -- Jaspreet Kaur and Amandeep Kaur -- his relative Daljit Singh and driver Gursahib Singh Saba were also murdered. Throats of victims were slit with sharp-edged weapons, the police said and suspected the involvement of at least four people in the crime. Brij Lal's wife had died a year ago while lodged in the Central Jail in Amritsar on drug charges. His two sons -- Bakshish Singh Sonu and Paramjit Singh Pamma -- are undergoing treatment at a de-addiction centre in Tarn Taran town. FRANKFORT, Ky. - Hundreds of people rallied at Kentuckys capitol on Thursday to urge action in the investigation of three officers in the fatal police shooting of a Black woman, Breonna Taylor, at her Louisville home. Taylors family, hip hop artists and civil rights lawyers addressed a large crowd on the steps of the capitol to mark 100 days since Taylor was killed. The 26-year-old woman was shot eight times by officers who burst into her Louisville home March 13, using a no-knock warrant during a narcotics investigation. The warrant to search her home was in connection with a suspect who did not live there, and no drugs were found inside. On Thursday afternoon, Taylors mother thanked the crowd for their support for her daughter. Without you all, I swear I dont know where I would be right now, probably crying at home still by myself, Palmer said. Know that she was full of love, full of life. Know that if it was one of you all, she would be out there (protesting). Louisville police have fired one of the three detectives who served the warrant at Taylors home. But protesters at demonstrations around the country have called for the three to be criminally charged. Taylor was killed in the sanctity of her own home, said civil rights lawyer Benjamin Crump, who is representing Taylors family. If you cant be safe in your own home, where can you be safe? The rally was organized in the state capitol to call attention to Daniel Cameron, Kentuckys first Black attorney general, whose office is reviewing the police investigation of the three officers. Many of the speakers urged Cameron to charge the officers, Myles Cosgrove, Brett Hankison and Jonathan Mattingly. Hankison was fired on Tuesday. Last week, Beyonce wrote an open letter to Cameron, urging him to move swiftly. Cameron has urged patience while a large-scale probe is being carried out. The FBI is also investigating the shooting. Other speakers Thursday included the rapper/actor Common and Jada Pinkett Smith, who told Palmer she wanted to keep shining a light on Breonnas name. We wanted to come here, show our love, and amplify your voice and amplify the voice of your daughter, Pinkett Smith said. Kenneth Walker, Taylors boyfriend, also appeared at the rally. Walker was originally charged with attempted murder after he fired a shot at one of the officers who came into the home. Walker has said he thought he was defending from an intruder. The no-knock search warrant that allows police to enter without first announcing their presence was recently banned by Louisvilles Metro Council. The International Monetary Fund has warned that the ongoing disconnect between financial markets and the real economy could lead to a correction in asset prices. In recent months, equity markets have rallied despite troubling real-world events. The world is grappling with the coronavirus health emergency that has taken the lives of almost 500,000 people, according to John Hopkins University data, and threatens to cause an unprecedented economic crisis. In addition, there is social unrest in many advanced economies as citizens demand a more equal society, which could hit investor confidence. Recent data indicates a deeper-than-expected downturn, the Fund added, but markets appear unfazed: the S&P 500 enjoyed its largest 50-day rally in history in early June. "This disconnect between markets and the real economy raises the risk of another correction in risk asset prices should investor risk appetite fade, posing a threat to the recovery," the IMF said Thursday in its updated Global Financial Stability report. A correction is defined as a 10% or more decline in the price of an asset or index. The Fund said that valuations currently looked stretched across many different markets. "According to IMF staff models, the difference between market prices and fundamental valuations is near historic highs across most major advanced economy equity and bond markets, though the reverse is true for stocks in some emerging market economies," it said. Triggers for a shift in market sentiment could include a second wave of coronavirus infections, further social unrest, changes to monetary policy and a resurgence in trade tensions, the Fund added. Three Philadelphia Community Groups Launch Digital Equity Helplines Report Evaluates IT Components of Philadelphias New Payroll System Local Stakeholders Call for Additional Federal Support of Disrupted Census Efforts A new initiative aims to essentially take the measure of how people feel about data reuse being deployed to combat COVID-19.This initiative is called The Data Assembly, and its starting by working within New York City. It is founded by The GovLab , a research group housed within the New York University Tandon School of Engineering, and it is supported by the Henry Luce Foundation. In order to understand the groups goals, one must first be familiar with the concept of data reuse, which in its simplest form means taking research data that was collected with the intention of accomplishing one purpose and using it to accomplish another.In a press release announcing this new initiative earlier this week, officials wrote, Understanding that policymakers often lack information about the concerns of different stakeholders, The Data Assemblys deliberations will inform the creation of a responsible data re-use framework to guide the use of data and technology at the city and state level to fight COVID-19s many consequences.In order to get a sense of how a given community feels about these issues, Data Assembly stakeholders also noted that their plans called for deliberating with civil rights organizations, the holders of key data, policymakers and members of the public at large. They will be doing this work through remote engagement, specifically citing the use of surveys and online town hall meetings. The intent is to include people from across different strata of society en route to determining how officials might exercise control over the flow of data while still using it to make decisions in the service of limiting COVID-19.Once the deliberations have been completed, plans also call for creating concrete paths to use data to solve other public challenges. The Data Assembly estimates that its work is the first such public-facing effort to deliberate on the benefits and drawbacks of data reuse, specifically in the service of COVID-19 response by the public sector.In terms of specifics, it is perhaps also worth noting that examples of data reuse in this context include using mobile data to measure the impact of social isolation, and the use of other data to improve disease treatment, identify supplies and generate further insights.Finally, the other notable bit in the press release announcing this effort is that those involved are aware of the complications.The work recognizes that policymakers must determine an appropriate balance between the potential benefits and costs of re-using data, officials wrote. This balance should take into account the different, and sometimes contradictory, needs and values of different stakeholders.Philadelphia has embraced a new digital equity approach to social distancing known as digital navigators , which means training staff to provide digital skills training and other tech support over the phone or other distanced communication methods.To support this, Philadelphias Digital Literacy Alliance (DLA) recently awarded grants to three community groups, aiming to fund their efforts to train staffers in digital navigator skills within their organizations. Earlier this week, the groups digital navigator hotlines went live.Now, Philadelphians who need help with technology can call these groups to get it. The three groups are the Community Learning Center, the ExCITe Center at Drexel University, and SEAMAAC. Digital navigators within these groups which were selected because they were already trusted digital inclusion groups within the community can provide Internet and tech support.Each of these groups understood the immediate technology challenges presented by COVID-19 and the importance of working toward digital equity in Philadelphia, said Andrew Buss, deputy chief information officer for innovation at the citys Office of Innovation and Technology, in a press release . The DLA is eager to test the digital navigation model in Philadelphia and adapt it to support our residents as they work and learn online.The digital navigators will also be available to help residents get access to the Internet, providing support for them to find and apply for affordable Internet connections or other low-cost tech access initiatives.Also in Philadelphia civic tech news, the city controllers office recently completed a report that evaluates the new OnePhilly payroll system for municipal employees, and the report found a number of shortcomings that need to be addressed.What it found, according to a press release, was multiple breakdowns in the systems functionality and controls that led to employees being paid incorrectly and inefficiencies across departments.As a result, the controllers office has now called on the mayor to halt proposed spending on a separate new accounting, procurement and contracting system until the city has guaranteed that all employees are being correctly paid through the payroll system. The idea is that the city should not engage in another large-scale IT overhaul project until ensuring the earlier project has been implemented free of additional hiccups.More information about all of this, as well as details about recommendations from the controllers office, can be found in the report. Nearly 150 national, state and local groups involved with the U.S. Census have called on the U.S. Senate to match a plan from the U.S. House of Representatives to give $400 million to the Census in the next federal COVID-19 relief bill.The money, the stakeholders stressed in a co-signed letter, would help replenish the U.S. Census Bureaus depleted contingency funds as it continues to deal with massive disruptions brought about by the advent of a pandemic. Census field operations in particular have suffered massive setbacks, with many involved worrying that the ongoing resurgence of COVID-19 could make things even worse.The signers of the new letter were varied, and the list of them includes the National Association of Towns and Townships, the National League of Cities, the U.S. Conference of Mayors and many others. Part of the request for the money is the fact that even with the pandemic aside, the effort to get the count completed faces other contingencies, among which the group cites potential IT failures.This decades count, it should be noted, is the first high-tech Census , with respondents encouraged first and foremost to fill out the necessary information digitally. This inherently means that the potential for IT setbacks has never been greater.Data collected by this years U.S. Census will be used over the next decade to determine federal funding allocations, political representation at the federal level, and information that the private sector uses to make business decisions. An inaccurate count has repercussions that are vast and wide-spanning. 'It will only get worse, definitely, for the next month and one-and-a-half months.' IMAGE: People carry the coffin of a victim who died from the coronavirus disease before burial at a cemetery in Mumbai, June 23, 2020. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters "We are equally in a mess," remarks a viral disease expert in Mumbai, who did not want to be named, when asked how the National Capital Region's situation compared with that of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. COVID-19 cases in Mumbai are going up and up. COVID-19 cases all over India are skyrocketing too. And Sunday was the world's highest jump in cases since the pandemic began, with 183,020 new cases being recorded in a 24-hour span, bringing total figures up to 9.35 million globally. We now all know of families who have COVID-19. Of people who have died of it. Of people fighting it tooth and nail at this very moment. As of June 23, India had 456,115 cases and an unfortunate 14,483 deaths*. In initial days, even as cases shot up, India took heart from the fact that the death toll was low. Why are the deaths now rising so fast? Vaihayasi Pande Daniel/Rediff.com spoke to a doctor in each of India's two largest metropolitan areas, for answers about the most worrying aspects of this dreaded disease -- a specialist in Gurugram (population: Approximately 3,100,000**), NCR, battling the disease on the frontlines and an infectious disease physician in Mumbai (population: approximately 20,359,000**). Dr Vikas Deswal, who qualified from the Kurukshetra University and MMU Mullana, both in Haryana, and the Christian Medical College, Vellore, is a consultant for infectious diseases for Medanta, Gurugram. Dr Trupti Gilada, who trained at the KEM and Nair hospitals, Mumbai, and spent three years doing her fellowship in infectious diseases at Harvard, is an infectious disease specialist at the Prince Aly Khan Hospital and the Unison Medicare and Research Centre in Mumbai. IMAGE: Asha workers visit home quarantine COVID-19 patients, guiding their family members before measuring their temperature, oxygen and pulse, in New Delhi, June 24, 2020. Photograph: ANI Photo Why is the mortality rate going up in India? Dr Deswal, NCR: When we first (started) seeing cases, initially, the mortality rate was pretty low. It was around 1 per cent in my hospital. And the same was in Gurgaon too. But now, the mortality rate has gone up to around 2 to 2.5 per cent. We are seeing more and more sicker cases and the majority of deaths are happening in elderly patients and those who have comorbidities, like diabetes, blood pressure or cardiac problems The four major risk factors for the disease and causing deaths are diabetes, blood pressure, cardiac diseases and age Definitely the rates of deaths have increased in the last one month. It is probably because of more community spread and more number of tests, which we are doing right now. IMAGE: Healthcare workers check the temperature of a resident of a slum in Mumbai, June 17, 2020. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Dr Gilada, Mumbai: The deaths are going up because there is more testing, but also because there is actually an increasing number of cases. In that entire graph of the disease we are still on the rise, still climbing up. When we are going to climb up, then the total number of cases increases -- then proportionately there are going to be more deaths. There will be many more deaths because our system is overburdened. And we are not able to provide the quality of care that we would have otherwise provided. If we had a system that wasn't so overburdened, we would have been able to concentrate on each patient's care much better. Right now, that's the most critical part of the epidemic: That our hospitals are overburdened. We are having a lot of mortality because of this overburdened health system. Mumbai is a very difficult city to handle. It's just got too many people in a very tight space. And with the lockdown opening up, this is something that we were expecting -- increasing number of cases. (On whether Mumbai is reaching a New York-like situation) I just hope we don't become like New York. New York had just way too many cases during that period. But let's understand that we still don't know when our peak is arriving and we don't know what our peak is going to look like. One thing clear is that our mortality is definitely lower more than most other countries. Total mortality. Even given that we aren't testing enough, our mortality is definitely lower, because our age structure, demographics is towards the younger population. What's worse for this city, at this point, is the onset of the monsoon, leave aside the COVID-19 situation. During the monsoon the BMC (BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation) hospitals are always full because we get with the monsoon all the diseases - dengue, leptospirosis, viral fevers, influenza and those diseases are still going to be there. It's not that those diseases have gone. So we will have these diseases that will be rising. In addition to which we have COVID-19. What we will be only documenting is COVID-19 testing and COVID-19 mortality. We might lose a lot of our patients to these non-COVID-19 illnesses, who we probably wouldn't have lost otherwise, just because hospitals are so over full. These are the patients who might not get the required care in the hospital (in the monsoon). So, the COVID-19 mortality goes way beyond just positive patients. What will really give us a good estimate of what is the COVID-19 effect on mortality is the all-cause mortality. People may be dying of a lot of other things, way more than what they would have died at other times or pre-COVID 19 times, only because they cannot get the required healthcare. That would actually tell us what the real effect of COVID-19 on the healthcare system is. IMAGE: A funeral in New Delhi, June 24, 2020. Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters The peak: Dr Deswal, NCR: It will only get worse, definitely, for the next month and one-and-a-half months. We will probably have the maximum number of cases per day around mid-July. Dr Gilada, Mumbai: We think it is going to be in the next four or six weeks. But, you know, these are all estimates. From all the epidemiological and modelling studies, that are becoming available, a lot of them say late July or early August. IMAGE: A banquet hall converted into a 100 bed COVID-19 care facility, New Delhi, June 24, 2020. Photograph: ANI Photo How full are hospitals and the availability of ICU beds? Dr Deswal, NCR: The situation in Gurgaon is also equally bad (as Delhi proper), though the administration is definitely, definitely working hard and the government is working hard. IMAGE: Dr Vikas Deswal IMAGE: Dr Vikas Deswal Both the government and private hospitals are flooded with patients. No doubt it is difficult to get a bed, but we are sort of trying to organise beds for patients and we are not turning away anyone as of now. Yes, we have ICU beds. In the hospital, where I work, we have four ICUs which are dedicated to COVID-19. There is not yet (a shortage of ICU beds or ventilators and other facilities in Gurugram). Compared to cities like Delhi, Bombay and Ahmedabad, the situation, at the moment, is better than those parts, but it is definitely going to get worse. We are seeing more and more cases every day. Most of the beds are full in Delhi in both government and private hospitals, so there is a lot of spillover to Gurgaon, because it is just only a few kilometres away; there is no difference between Delhi and Gurgaon actually, otherwise a single city you can say. Lot of spillover from Delhi, that is the problem here. There is a group called Gurugram COVID-19 Volunteers Group, which has come together, which includes doctors from all the major hospitals in Gurgaon, mainly led by Medanta, and a few multinationals also (Fortis, Artemis, Makemytrip, McKinsey, ReNew Power, SRL Labs, DLF etc). We have started a separate centre for COVID-19 patients, basically a private hospital (repurposing the earlier Medeor hospital at Manesar), which is run as a nonprofit organisation, and even a poor patient can go and seek treatment over there. It's a separate hospital which is a 125-bedded hospital that can be expanded to 200. IMAGE: Workers prepare a bed at a quarantine facility for patients in Mumbai, June 22, 2020. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters Dr Gilada, Mumbai: What definitely is the most difficult part right now in the epidemic is over full hospitals, overburdened hospitals and not being able to find ICU beds. And that is true across public and private hospitals. All ICU beds, at all times, are full. Because all the BMC hospitals are so overfull, from what I've learned from my colleagues, they are actually triaging patients (deciding order of treatment) based on who is the patient who actually should go onto the ventilator or into the ICU. In general, they are just running overfull, both in terms of the ward beds and the ICU beds. IMAGE: Dr Trupti Gilada IMAGE: Dr Trupti Gilada Doctors in the BMC hospitals have a very wide range of experience, and they are excellent in their clinical acumen and management. What is probably making it difficult at this point is just the number of cases. And the patient ratio in these hospitals. The entire healthcare system doesn't just depend on the doctor. It also depends on the nursing staff available, doctor-patient ration and the nurse-patient ratio. When that starts getting overwhelmed, then there is definitely an increase in mortality rates That's true across hospitals, even private hospitals. When they are so overwhelmed, when ICUs are full, there are critical patients also lying in your wards, who require equal attention -- then how much ever you try you are never able to provide the optimal care. And that's exactly what we feared when we said overburdened health system in the rising curve of the epidemic. So definitely we are there. IMAGE: Family members carry the mortal remains of a COVID-19 victim for the last rites at Nigam Bodh Ghat in New Delhi, June 22, 2020. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo Connection between an increased death rate and classification of deaths: Dr Gilada, Mumbai: There has been a lot of discussion about how the death certificates are filled because the data from the death certificates is what is taken to actually define the cause of death. I agree that there is a lot of concern that if you just put down acute cardiac arrest, without mentioning COVID-19 as the underlying disease, then it doesn't get counted as a COVID-19 death It's definitely not deliberate. I think it's because there isn't enough awareness among physicians who are filling in the death certificates about how this needs to be filled in, so that there can be right counting of the disease deaths - COVID-19 or any other disease. This is not just with COVID-19. This has been an issue for years together and off and on there is a discussion. When Dr Soumya Swaminathan was at (Delhi's) Indian Council of Medical Research (as director general), she really wanted to do work on this aspect of creating awareness amongst doctors about filling in the death certificate in the right way, so that the cause is definitely what they really want to count. You know, this is something that will not change overnight. It's such an ingrained habit (not taking care while) filling the death certificate and the cause of death. Not everyone understands the gravity of this entire situation: Of filling the death certificate correctly. This will need to be taken up by the government in a very big way. And there will have to be a lot of awareness amongst doctors to actually change this -- to make the filling of death certificates very specific. Dr Deswal, NCR: (On death rate going up because there's a better classification of deaths now) Probably. *Worldometers.info **Population.city.com Production: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com A former Birmingham police detective fired 15 shots from her service weapon killing a woman she found in a park with her detective-partner boyfriend, according to new court testimony in the case. Alfreda Fluker, 39, appeared before Jefferson County District Judge Alaric May Thursday on charges of capital murder in the April 10 shooting death of Kanisha Nicole Fuller and attempted murder of Mario Theodore White. Fluker and White were car partners on the Birmingham Police Departments Crime Reduction Team and also had been involved romantically for about a year. The shooting happened about 11:51 p.m. that Friday in Birminghams Germania Park. West Precinct officers responded to the park after the citys gunfire detection system, Shot Spotter, alerted them to shots fired. When they arrived on the scene, they learned the 43-year-old Fuller had been shot multiple times, including at least once to the head. Fuller was found unresponsive in an unmarked Birmingham police vehicle. She was taken to UAB Hospital where she was pronounced dead. That vehicle was assigned to White. Fullers white Jeep was found in the middle of a field at Germania Park. Investigators quickly identified the suspected shooter as Fluker, who had been with the department for about 15 years. She had been a detective for the past five years. Fluker was taken into custody at her mothers west Birmingham home. Fluker has since been fired from the department, and White has resigned. Fluker is represented by defense attorney Erskine Mathis. Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr is prosecuting the case, with assistance from deputy district attorneys Eric Hamilton and William R. McComb. Kanisha Fuller was shot to death in April 2020 in Birmingham's Germania Park. A Birmingham police detective is charged in her killing. (Contributed) New details were made public for the first time Thursday when Alabama Law Enforcement Agency SBI agent Chris Lampley testified in Flukers preliminary hearing which is held to determine whether there is enough evidence to send the case to a grand jury for indictment consideration. White told investigators he had gone to Bessemer that night to talk with family about a dying relative. He was on his way home when he received a text message from Fuller asking him to meet at Germania Park, which is in the 3000 block of Pearson Avenue. White told Lampley that he and Fuller parked next to each other and talked from the vehicles for about 15 minutes before she eventually got into his city-issued blue Dodge Durango. White told investigators Fuller was asking for his help handing out fliers for a catering business she was starting, and they talked about that for about 10 minutes when headlights appeared before them and gunfire erupted. White said he grew up in the area and knew the park well. There was only one way for him to exit to flee the shots, and he pulled off in that direction. Initially he said he didnt know who was doing the shooting, Lampley testified. White told Fuller to get down, and he took off. As White reached the parks exit, he remembered he had his gun in the back seat and stopped to retrieve it to return fire, Lampley testified. When he stopped at that intersection, a black Ford Ranger pulled up and Fluker got out of the drivers side. White told investigators that Fluker was holding a gun. He put his gun back in his car and then snatched Flukers gun from her. He checked the weapon to confirm that there were no bullets left. The two argued, Lampley testified, and White pushed Fluker to the ground. He said he didnt know whether she retrieved her gun, but Lampley testified that gun has never been found. A witness who lives near the park told authorities he heard a man and woman arguing and then heard gunfire. He went out on the porch to see what was going on and saw the two standing between their vehicles at the parks exit. He couldnt understand what they were saying, but He knew the female was very upset about something, Lampley testified. White told detectives he then ran to his vehicle to check on Fuller and it was during that time Fluker fled the scene. Lampley testified that 15 shell casings were recovered from the scene, all matching Flukers 9 mm service weapon. One of the bullets, authorities said, entered the right side of Fullers head and exited through the left side. The majority of the damage was on the passengers side of Whites vehicle where Fuller was sitting. The investigation showed that Flukers cell phone indicated she had been at Germania Park at the time the shooting took place. Fluker, according to testimony, went to her mothers house and told her mother she had just shot at White. They will be coming to get me soon,' Fluker told her mother. She surrendered without incident when police went to arrest her. Under cross examination by Mathis, Lampley testified that White at one point told Birmingham officers at the scene that he didnt know who was shooting at them or whether someone was trying to rob them. White had called another detective to the scene to come pick him up, testimony showed. Mario was allowed to go in and out of his vehicle at will, even though it was a crime scene,' Mathis said. At one point, he got a large satchel out of his vehicle and put it in a fellow detectives car but that car and satchel were seized as evidence as well, Lampley said. Another witness who knew Fluker identified her as being in the park arguing with White that night, testimony showed. White eventually picked Fluker out of a lineup as the person who shot at him and Fuller. Additionally, a license plate reader picked up Flukers car being in the area at the time of the shooting. Also under questioning from Flukers attorney, Lampley testified that White and Fuller were engaged in sexual activity at the time of the shooting, not just discussing a catering business. Fluker is charged with capital murder because the shots that killed Fuller were fired into a vehicle. At the end of testimony, Mathis asked the judge to consider sending the case to a grand jury on a charge of reckless manslaughter rather than capital murder and attempted murder. I urge the court to think seriously about what happened and how it happened, and the tales Mr. White told,' Mathis said. She was shooting at Mr. Whites car. She had no idea who was in that car and was not shooting at whoever got it. Carr disagreed. She knew he was in the park with someone else,' he said. She walked up and shot 15 times. Mathis also asked that Fluker, a mother of three, be released on bond. He had previously done so, but was that request also was denied. May said he would treat her no differently because she was a police officer and ordered that she remain held without bond. He said there was enough probable cause for the case to proceed on capital murder and attempted murder. Because of COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, only several family members of both Fuller and Fluker were allowed in the courtroom for the hearing. Multiple relatives of Fuller were at the courthouse, however, wearing purple shirts bearing her photo. They declined to comment but provided a copy of Fullers obituary which said she was a proud graduate of Wenonah High School who later attended Alabama State University on a full track scholarship. She later attended Lawson State Community College where she studied cosmetology. She left behind one son. She had a big heart and did things for the community like founding Alabama Nightmares Track Team where she reached out to inner city youth to keep them out of trouble,' according to her obituary. She did things like feed the homeless her Gritz and Itz breakfast meals. She got the name Nightmare from running track on the Alabama Striders Track Team. She earned many medals, trophies and accolades. DENVER - As protests continue across the U.S. against excessive police force against people of colour, Elijah McClains name has become another rallying cry on social media. McClain, a 23-year-old Black man in the Denver suburb of Aurora, died in August after police officers confronted him as he was walking to a store. Officers put him in a chokehold and injected him with a sedative. Investigations by Aurora police and a district attorney produced no charges. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, citing appeals from the public, appointed a special prosecutor on Thursday to examine the case. Heres what we know: WHO IS ELIJAH McCLAIN? McClain was a massage therapist who planned to go to college, his younger sister, Samara McClain, told The Denver Post. McClains friends and family said he was as a spiritual seeker, pacifist, oddball, vegetarian, athlete, and peacemaker who was exceedingly gentle, according to the Colorado Sentinel. Samara McClain said her brother often wore masks when he was outside because he had a blood condition that caused him to become cold easily. She also said that her brother was walking to a corner store to get tea for a cousin when someone contacted police to report a suspicious person wearing a ski mask on a warm evening and waving his arms as he walked down a street on Aug. 24. HOW DID HE DIE? According to a report by District Attorney Dave Young, Aurora officers responding to the report said McClain was unco-operative when they confronted him. They said they took McClain to the ground when he tried to grab one of their holstered guns. One of the officers then put him in a specialized control hold, pressing against his carotid artery. Police body camera footage shows McClain telling officers: Let go of me. I am an introvert. Please respect the boundaries that I am speaking. After McClain was kept 15 minutes on the ground, paramedics gave him 500 milligrams of Ketamine, a sedative, to calm him down. McClain subsequently suffered cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital and was declared brain dead on Aug. 27. He was taken off life support three days later. A forensic pathologist working for the Adams County Coroner could not determine what exactly led to his death but said physical exertion during the confrontation likely contributed. WHAT WAS THE RESULT OF THE INVESTIGATION? Three officers were placed on paid administrative leave while the incident was investigated by Denver and Aurora police, as well as the district attorneys office. District Attorney Young said in a letter to then-Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz that he could not find indisputable evidence that Aurora officers or others used unjustified force and that it was improbable for the prosecution to prove cause of death beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury. Aurora hired an attorney, Eric Daigle, to investigate, then terminated the contract when it was learned he had been a police officer in Connecticut. Auroras City Council is debating whether to hire another third-party investigator. Mayor Mike Coffman has set a July 6 deadline for the council to decide. WHY IS HIS CASE BEING BROUGHT UP NOW? Many citizens and activists and some lawmakers in Colorado have long protested the outcome. McClains case resurfaced during local and nationwide protests over the deaths of George Floyd and other Black men and women after confrontations with police. An Instagram account, justiceforelijahmcclain, has more than 150,000 followers and a hashtag with more than 17,000 posts. A change.org petition demanding justice for McClain had nearly 3 million signatures late Thursday. ___ Nieberg 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. A volunteer receives an injection from a medical worker during the country's first human clinical trial for a potential vaccine against the novel coronavirus, at the Baragwanath hospital in Soweto, South Africa, June 24, 2020. (Photo: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) As volunteers received injections developed at the University of Oxford in Britain, Africa's first participation in a COVID-19 vaccine trial began Wednesday, while health officials said the continent of 1.3 billion is just as important as the rest of the world. The massive experiment is being carried out in South Africa. The region has almost a third of Africa's confirmed cases with over 106,000, including over 2,100 fatalities. Africa late Tuesday disclosed its largest death toll of 111 in a single day. The African continent now has almost 325,000 cases, as nations relax restrictions for people who complain they must feed their families under economic pressure. Cuts in research materials and medical supplies remain a concern as Africa could emerge as the next hot spot in the world, health officials said. The contagion has been delayed in Africa "but is picking up speed very quickly," said on Wednesday by Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director John Nkengasong, with a steep increase in the number of cases and deaths, Cara Anna of AP reported, as posted on Yahoo News. South Africa has set about vaccinating 2,000 people with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. Fifty of the subjects have HIV. University of Witwatersrand vaccinology professor Shabir Madhi said during virtual media conference that they started screening the subjects for the Oxford 1 COVID-19 vaccine trial last week, and the first batch will be given shots this week. Brazil is also planning its own experiment with Oxford, while in a mass trial of up to 30,000 people the United States is preparing to study another vaccine. Wits is partnering in the South African trial with the University of Oxford and with the Oxford Jenner Institute. Hopes are that the participation of South Africa in vaccine trials will ensure that the region has access to an effective medication and is not left behind. South Africa is the second country outside the UK to take part in the trial in Oxford after Brazil launched its research on Wednesday. The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, also known as AZD1222, was initially developed by scientists at the University of Oxford, who now collaborate on development and manufacturing with AstraZeneca. There are more than 4,000 enrolled participants in the UK, with an additional 10,000 participants planned to be enrolled, the university said in a statement Wednesday. There are currently no approved drugs or treatments for the sickness caused by the new coronavirus, but over a dozen vaccines from more than 100 candidates around the world are being tested in humans. By Ba Do, An Phuoc June 25, 2020 | 04:00 am PT Police officers in Hoa Binh Province arrest Trinh Ba Tu for anti-state activities on June 23, 2020. Photo courtesy of Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security. Police have detained four people in northern Vietnam and another in the central province of Khanh Hoa for engaging in anti-state activities. Trinh Ba Phuong, 35, Trinh Ba Tu, 31, Nguyen Thi Tam, 48, and 58-year-old Can Thi Theu were arrested Tuesday in Hanoi and the nearby Hoa Binh Province. The four are being investigated for "making, storing, spreading information, materials, items for the purpose of opposing the State of Socialist Republic of Vietnam," Vietnams Ministry of Public Security said Thursday. Police accused them of "drafting, posting and distributing videos and articles with distorted content for the purpose of sabotaging the state." When police forces raided Phuongs home in Hanoi, he stood his ground inside the house, forcing the police to break down the door, the ministry said. Phuongs Facebook account, which had attracted more than 50,000 followers, carried distorted information and livestreamed comments about the clash that took place in Dong Tam Commune in My Duc District, 40 km (25 miles) south of Hanoi, police said. Three policemen and a civilian died in the confrontation. In another case, police in Khanh Hoa Province detained a 44-year-old woman identified as Nguyen Thi Cam Thuy on Wednesday for using Facebook to carry out anti-state propaganda. A raid of her home found 150 liters of gasoline in five plastic cans, bullets, four gas cylinders, many knives and machetes allegedly for use against the state's functional forces. Between April 29 and May 3, Thuy posted articles and videos with "distorted" content against Vietnam's Communist Party and the State, police said. Under Vietnams Penal Code, anti-government propaganda can be punished with up to 20 years in jail. Several people have been imprisoned for the offense in recent years. Prince William has sent a video message in support of those trying to end the abhorrent illegal wildlife trade. William, 38, is not often seen in front of the camera in this way, but he and his wife Kate have been embracing video messages more frequently since the lockdown prevented them carrying out regular engagements. Williams message came after a report was released by Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the money laundering and terrorism funding watchdog, which highlighted the global threat of criminal activity. In the report, the FATF said it is concerned about the lack of focus on the financial aspects of the major transnational crime, which it estimates to be worth between $7 and $23 billion (5.6 and 18.5 billion) per year. The FATF worked with the Duke of Cambridges United For Wildlife organisation on the report. The duke called the report a a pivotal moment in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade. Prince William and Lord William Hague ahead of the 2018 Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference. (Getty Images) Read more: Prince William wears face mask to visit those testing coronavirus vaccine He added: The work that has been done will help authorities trace the finances of the transnational organised crime gangs that facilitate this abhorrent activity. It underlines the need for us to work together to tackle the ill-gotten gains of wildlife poachers and traffickers and put a stop to this multi-billion criminal dollar enterprise. He said he was pleased the report would be used to educate governments around the world, and continued: This will help to improve and co-ordinate the public and private sectors to detect, disrupt and prevent this crime. Because it is only through prioritising this issue and following the money that we will stop these criminals in their tracks. Once again, I am grateful to you all for your continued efforts to end the illegal wildlife trade for good. The Duke and Duchess at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation in India. (Arthur Edwards) Read more: Prince William and Kate tell amputee, five, they're 'so proud' as he fundraises 1m for hospital The report found criminals are using legitimate wildlife trade as a cover to move and hide the proceeds from wildlife crime, and also rely on bribing officials, like rangers, customs agents, prosecutors and judges. Story continues Some examples in the report of illegally traded wildlife include juvenile glass eels, which can be worth as much as $6,000 (4,800) in Europe, ivory, rhinoceros horn and pangolin scales. The FATF said buyers and sellers make use of technology like VPN to hide their true locations. It has urged governments to engage in high-level political commitment to tackle the crimes. The illegal wildlife trade is something Prince William has been working to tackle for several years and has spoken at many conferences on. He founded United for Wildlife in 2013, which tackles the illegal trade in terms of better onsite protection and closing down illegal routes. Metrolinx is proposing an alternate alignment for the long-planned subway extension to Richmond Hill that would take the line east of Yonge Street and have it run above ground for a portion of its route, the Star has learned. The alternate alignment for the Yonge North Subway Extension is one of three options included in a business case for the project that will be discussed during a closed-door session of the Metrolinx board Thursday, according to a senior provincial government source with knowledge of the plan. The Yonge extension has been in the works for years and is politically charged. York Regions elected leaders consider it their top transit priority, and it was one of four projects Premier Doug Ford included in the $28.5-billion overhaul of provincial rail plans he announced in April 2019. According to previously released designs, the roughly seven-kilometre extension would run underground north from Torontos Finch station to Richmond Hill Centre, with as many as six new stations. The senior government source, to whom the Star agreed to grant anonymity in order to discuss plans not yet made public, said two of the options in Metrolinxs new report would keep the line underground. But under a third proposal, the extension would veer east of Yonge in the vicinity of Kirk Drive in Thornhill, and then run north above ground alongside the CN rail corridor that cuts through York Region. The partially above-ground option is being proposed in part to reduce the cost for the project. The price tag for the extension has been estimated at about $5.6 billion in provincial and City of Toronto reports, but according to municipal and provincial sources, prior to Queens Park uploading transit planning from the city last October, unreleased TTC estimates put the cost closer to $9 billion. The senior provincial source said in addition to lowering costs, the proposed new alignment might also have the benefits of serving emerging communities east of Yonge and providing improved connections to existing transit services in the region. If the line is built underground, Metrolinx is proposing to reduce costs by scaling back the size of stations and making design changes like building the bus terminal at the planned Steeles station at surface level instead of below ground. Metrolinx is expected to make the business case for the extension public later this summer. The possibility of building a portion of the Yonge extension above ground is likely to draw fire from York Region politicians, who have for years promised their constituents an underground subway north of Toronto. In an interview Tuesday, Markham Councillor Keith Irish said Metrolinx hadnt directly shared its plans with him, but he was concerned about rumours of potential changes. The extension would run through his ward. Id like to see it all underground, which is a traditional subway, which is what weve come to expect. I mean, we have a premier whos long made his position pretty clear: subways, subways, subways. We all know what he means when he says that, Irish said, referring to the slogan Premier Ford helped make famous when his brother Rob was mayor of Toronto. Irish also said it wouldnt make sense to build the subway somewhere other than under Yonge. The alignment is key. The alignment has to hug Yonge Street, he said. The senior provincial source said no final decisions have been made, and there are pros and cons within each of the options in Metrolinxs report. The source said the Ontario government is committed to working with York Region to determine what alignment option would best serve the community. The province and York Region have so far mostly moved in lockstep on the extension, and last month reaffirmed their commitment by signing an agreement to share the costs of the project. The extension is still not fully funded, however. The province is asking the federal government to contribute 40 per cent of the cost but has yet to receive a firm commitment. Metrolinx has said the target completion date for the extension is 2029 or 2030. The proposed changes to the Yonge extension mirror Metrolinxs approach to the Ontario Line, the $11-billion provincial project that replaced the TTC and City of Torontos designs for a relief line subway. The relief line would have been completely underground, but last July Metrolinx released new plans for the Ontario Line that brought the project above ground to run through existing GO Transit rail corridors. The agency said building the tracks above ground next to GO lines would be more cost-effective and allow the line to be extended further north and west than the relief line would have gone in its initial phase. The Star reported in August that Metrolinx had struck a panel to review designs for the Scarborough and Yonge North subway extensions, including looking at alternate alignments and above-ground routes. Ben Spurr is a Toronto-based reporter covering transportation. Reach him by email at bspurr@thestar.ca or follow him on Twitter: @BenSpurr Read more about: Gagik Tsarukians Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) and two other opposition groups have pledged to work together in challenging the government and restoring the constitutional order in the country. Tsarukian, the de facto head of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun), Ishkhan Saghatelian, and former National Security Service (NSS) Director Artur Vanetsian made the announcement after trilateral talks held on Wednesday. In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the three men said their parties will set up a working group tasked with drawing up a plan of joint actions and coordinating its implementation. The statement gave no details. Vanetsian, who leads the recently established Hayrenik (Fatherland) party, said that their cooperation is necessitated by the abnormal political situation in the country. The representatives of our political forces have common concerns over the political situation, Vanetsian told RFE/RLs Armenian service. He noted that he has regularly met with Tsarukian lately. There are many proposals and ideas but it will be wrong to talk about them until they are adopted by the governing bodies of the three parties, Saghatelian said for his part. We do not rule out the possibility of holding rallies but have made no such decision yet. Vanetsian suggested that the BHK, Hayrenik and Dashnaktsutyun will not hold joint anti-government rallies as long as there is a coronavirus-related state of emergency in Armenia. BHK representatives could not be reached for comment. Tsarukians party, which has the second largest group in the Armenian parliament, reached out to other opposition forces after its wealthy leader was indicted last week on vote buying charges strongly denied by him. Dashnaktsutyun and Hayrenik have also condemned the charges as politically motivated. Unlike the BHK, they are not represented in the current parliament. All three parties have called for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians resignation, accusing his government of mishandling the coronavirus crisis and its socioeconomic consequences. They have also strongly condemned government efforts to replace at least three of the nine members of the Constitutional Court. Pashinians political allies have dismissed these statements. Vanetsian was appointed as head of Armenias most powerful security agency just days after Pashinian swept to power in the Velvet Revolution of April-May 2018. He resigned in September 2019 and subsequently decided to enter active politics. Albert Williams was standing outside the Black Panther Partys Portland headquarters on Feb. 18, 1970, when a patrol car pulled to the curb in front of him. The 19-year-old, wanted on a petty-larceny warrant, turned and headed into the Panthers office. Williams pushed past Joyce Radford, a Panthers volunteer who was manning the front desk, and raced up to the offices second floor. He grabbed a rifle that had been stashed away for Radfords safety. The head of an Italian province has ordered the killing of a bear that attacked two people in the mountains. The move has been condemned by Italys environment minister, who called it an impulsive decision. Maurizio Fugatti, the leader of Trentino in countrys north, has signed an order telling officials to search the area of the attack and kill the bear who injured the two people. A father and son were wounded by the animal on a mountain in the Non Valley the day before. The 59-year-old and 28-year-old were both hospitalised after the attack on Monte Peller, according to the local authority. The men bumped into a bear on a path in the Trentino mountains, and then animal then jumped on the son who was walking in front. The father threw himself against the bear, injuring his leg, according to a statement released by Trentino province. Sergio Costa, Italys minister for the environment, said he has sent a letter to Mr Fugatti over the decision to cull the bear. He said he wanted to express his disapproval of the order which was sent out within 24 hours of the incident. Recommended Project Apollo bears fruit as NRL lifts off again I think it is an impulsive decision which does not favour studying the context of what happened, he said, adding it also makes tensions over how people can co-exist with wildlife in mountain areas even worse. Mr Fugatti, the member of the right wing Lega party, has said there is an estimated 80-90 bears living in the autonomous northern Italian province. These numbers call into question whether bears and men can live side by side, he said. Wampsville, N.Y. Frustrated by the governors changes to phase four of New Yorks coronavirus reopening plan, Madison County Chairman John Becker said hes taking a timeout from a specially appointed board that monitors Central New Yorks progress. Becker, a longtime Republican legislator in Madison County, is one of nine members of the Central New York Regional Control Group one of nine such boards set up in early May by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to usher regions through the various restart phases. Since May 11, the group has met online each day to make decisions that shape each phase of the four-part state re-opening monitoring the areas coronavirus cases and testing, and helping to decide what segments of the economy can reopen. At the time, Cuomo described the regional control groups as the first step in shifting power back to the local level during the restart. Today, after Cuomo announced some new changes to phase four, Becker said hes frustrated by the lack of input his group seems to have. Becker said hes going to skip participating in the conference calls for three days to make a point. While phase four was to be the final stage of the restart plan, certain businesses will still not be allowed to return, Cuomo said today. That includes gyms, movie theaters and malls like Destiny USA in Syracuse. I dont understand, Becker said. Our leaders, communities and businesses were led to believe that there were four phases to reopening. Now that does not seem to be the case. How many phases are there? Are there phases five, six, seven, eight, nine and 10? Becker said the group learned of the changes last night during the daily conference call. The Central New York Region, along with the Mohawk Valley, North Country, Finger Lakes and Southern Tier, are set to enter phase four on Friday. Our restaurants, malls, movie theaters, schools, gyms and more are ready to open, he continued. They have plans in place to protect their employees as well as patrons. Let us reopen. How does it make sense that a store that has an outside door to a mall can open, but the stores on the inside of the mall cannot? Other group members include Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh, and legislature chairs from Oswego, Cortland and Cayuga counties. The groups chairman is Matt Driscoll, a former Syracuse mayor who is currently executive director of the NYS Thruway Authority. Becker emphasized that he is not quitting the board, which also includes Randy Wolken, president of the Manufacturers Association of CNY and Ann Marie Taliercio, president of the CNY Labor Federation. We are withdrawing from the daily control room calls, he said. Recently they have become a waste of our time. All the state had to say is that the original phase four is on hold for right now. Instead, they are moving the goal post once again. No one wants a second wave of this horrible virus, but our community is ready. Becker said there are business owners in his county, and throughout the region, ready to file for bankruptcy, and rising unemployment to contend with. Im not trying to pick a fight with the governor, he said. But were trying to send a message were here for our businesses, and youve got to do something to get them going, soon. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Restarting NY, Phase 4: Museums, zoos can open; movie theaters, casinos remain closed Frustrations rise for bar owners who follow rules while others dont: A huge problem Restarting NY: State issues rules for youth and adult sports, skills camps, yoga, tennis Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com 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. NEW YORK, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Agio, a leading provider of cybersecurity and managed IT services for financial services has hired May Yoon as Chief People Officer, effective April 27. As Agio's first-ever Chief People Officer, Ms. Yoon is responsible for the perpetuation of the firm's culture and core values across its global staff. She will develop and execute Agio's end-to-end people strategy to deliver an exceptional employee experience to its cutting-edge cybersecurity and IT talent base. Ms. Yoon will report directly to Bart McDonough, Agio's Founder and CEO. "I'm thrilled to welcome Ms. Yoon to Agio. Her nontraditional HR background and dynamic blend of functional expertise, client services insights and business acumen made her the outstanding candidate for our newly-created Chief People Officer position," said McDonough. "Agio frames its business around three essential pillars growth, employee engagement and client loyalty. To ensure our success, this three-legged stool must mature in balance and harmony. As the firm scales over the long term, Ms. Yoon's arrival reinforces our commitment to maintaining this synchronization, positioning our employees for success." "Agio's deep commitment to empowering its talent and critical protection of the financial services sector presented a unique and compelling opportunity," said Ms. Yoon. "I'm excited to join a team that understands the importance of an engaged workforce in driving business growth and superior client service. Together, we will continue making Agio a destination workplace for ambitious minds pursuing a career in cybersecurity and IT." Prior to joining Agio, she served as Chief People Officer for CLEAR, a biometric identity company, where Ms. Yoon led the people function for more than 2,500 employees. She has also been VP of Customer Experience and Innovation at Canadian retailer Hudson's Bay Company and a Principal at Mercer, a leading human resources consulting firm. Ms. Yoon earned her MS in Management and Strategy from The London School of Economics and Political Science and BA in Psychology and International Relations from Wellesley College. About Agio Agio is a hybrid cybersecurity and managed IT organization equipping financial services with best-in-breed cyber protection and technology support. Specifically, across the alternative investment space, Agio has extensive experience building, maintaining, optimizing and securing IT infrastructure for the world's most prestigious hedge fund, private equity, and asset management firms. With more than 250 employees, our culture prioritizes frequent and timely communication to provide unrivaled service across all of our solutions including managed detection and response, 360 cybersecurity programs, virtual CISO (vCISO) support, technology hosting, monitoring, management, global service desk, desktop as a service, disaster prevention and recovery. Agio is headquartered in New York, NY, with additional offices in Raleigh, NC and Norman, OK. For more information, please visit www.agio.com. Contact Christine Detris Director, Content Marketing +1 610.762.4643 [email protected] SOURCE Agio Related Links agio.com The raging Covid-19 pandemic in the capital has brought a fresh set of concerns for the state government the safety of rescued children at government-run shelter homes. Alarm bells have started ringing in the state administration ever since 57 minors in a shelter home in neighbouring Uttar Pradesh tested positive for the virus on June 21. Back home, as the number of daily cases being reported from the city grows exponentially, the government is yet to formulate a protocol to test and safely house the newly rescued children who are placed in protection centres. Delhi has 27 shelter homes for children and women. Apart from their own facilities, the government has also roped in NGOs that run around 61 such centres. The caretakers of these packed facilities said that since the outbreak ,many shelter homes are struggling to ensure social distancing among its residents. However, the bigger problem now are the new entrants, where the background and exposure of children are not clear and to put them in direct contact with other minors in the protection homes could lead to more infections. Also read | Social distancing goes for a toss at Delhis RML testing centre We are already running at full capacity and this pandemic has caused quite a few management problems. We have tried to place beds at a distance to ensure social distancing and to ensure that interaction between residents and even staff members happens from a distance, so that there is a limited chance of any infection spreading. However, if even one case comes up here, then controlling it would be a problem, said the caretaker of one such government-run facility in west Delhi. He added, These children who are rescued, often live in dingy places during their time away from their families and often come in contact with a lot of people, putting them at a greater risk of contracting the infection. Many could also be asymptomatic carriers, but there is no space to put them in quarantine. A senior official at Nirmal Chhaya, a Delhi government shelter for children and women, said that on April 18, the administration had converted its short-stay home located on west Delhis Jail Road into an isolation centre for rescued children and women. However, new entrants are not tested for coronavirus and isolation rules are barely being followed. Testing all the rescued children who come here is not possible especially considering the low testing in the city. However, before being admitted children are put through a standard medical examination, which was followed even before the pandemic hit, and their temperature is recorded, said the official. Social organisations working for the rescue of trafficked children said these centres are already in poor condition, bursting at their seems and functioning beyond its capacity. The pandemic has just made things worse. Also read | Covid-19 crisis: Sero survey to cover 20,000 people across Delhis 11 districts Rishi Kant from Shakti Vahini, an NGO fighting against human trafficking which also partners with police and government agencies to rescue trafficked women and children said, The situation in these shelter homes was already bad. This virus has only strained the infrastructure more. There is a protocol that we must try that rescued children do not have to come to protection homes in the first place and are instead sent to their respective states and families immediately. But that is not happening. Delhi minister for women and child development Rajendra Pal Gautam said that surprise inspections are being conducted in the shelter and observational homes to ensure that what happened in Kanpur (where 57 minors tested positive) does not repeat in the Capital. We did a surprise inspection on Tuesday and found that the facilities were adequate. However, I have directed all officials to pay special attention to the health and safety of children and women. This is our priority, Gautam said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], June 24 (ANI): Telangana State Haj Committee has cancelled all applications for Haj 2020 after Saudi Arabia said only Muslims living in the country can take part in this year's Haj pilgrimage. Speaking to ANI, Mohammed Masiullah Khan, Chairman Telangana State Haj Committee said: "Saudi government has taken a decision in view of serious challenges of coronavirus pandemic and keeping in mind the health and wellbeing of the people. It has decided not to call Haj pilgrims from outside Saudi Arabia for Haj 2020." "As Saudi Arabia has decided not to call Haj pilgrims from outside their country, the candidature of Haj applicants for Haj-2020 stands cancelled automatically by default. The amount already paid by the applicants for Haj - 2020 will be refunded 100 per cent without any deduction into their Bank Accounts directly by the Haj Committee of India, Mumbai within one month. The applicants need not fill the cancellation form hereafter," he said. Earlier in the day, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi informed that India has honoured the decision of Saudi Arabia Government to ban international pilgrims to perform Haj. Muslims from India will not go to Saudi Arabia to perform Haj due to COVID-19 impact, he said. Naqvi informed that he had a telephonic conversation with Mohammad Saleh bin Taher Benten, Saudi Minister for Haj and Umrah who suggested not to send pilgrims from India to the pilgrimage this year due to coronavirus pandemic. (ANI) COLUMBIA, S.C. - A South Carolina prosecutor said Wednesday that he will not file charges against the white police officer who fatally shot a Black teenager who pointed a gun at the officer as he ran away. Josh Ruffin, 17, was an immediate threat to the safety of the officers and others when he stopped during the chase and pointed a gun at Columbia police Officer Kevin Davis, Fifth Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson said at a news conference. Davis had reason to chase the teen because he was outside during the COVID-19 shutdown order during and a neighbourhood leader had just reported suspicious activity in an area with a higher than average crime rate, Gipson said. The Ruffin familys lawyer, state Rep. Todd Rutherford, said they would have preferred for the officer face charges. They reviewed the body camera footage and werent convinced that the blurry video ever showed the teen point a gun at the officer. What we saw as a child running away from police. We saw no reason for arresting Josh, no reason to have stopped him, Rutherford said. The April 8 shooting had become a focal point of protests over racial injustice in Columbia since the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer who put a knee on Floyds neck for several minutes. Gipson, who is Black, opened the news conference speaking several minutes about historic injustices against Blacks by white police officers and society in general. There is no joy in this room having this conversation, Gipson said. The prosecutor said that after getting the text about young people messing with cars in the neighbourhood, Davis saw Ruffin duck behind a house as he drove by, then saw the teen come back into view with a bag on his shoulder, prosecutors said. The teen walked away as Davis stopped to talk, then started running, Gipson said. The prosecutor narrated body camera video that starts with Davis chasing the teen. The officers gun is not in his hands as he chases the teen for about 30 seconds. The video shows Ruffin stop, stoop down and pick up what Gipson said was a .45 calibre pistol. Davis then draws his weapon and demands that the teen drop the gun on the video. After one shot, Ruffin runs out of the videos frame and the officer fires nine more shots. Gipson said Ruffin was hit in the forehead, which shows he was turned toward the officer when he was struck. Ruffin never fired, authorities said. The footage showed a gun and a handbag on the ground beside a bleeding Ruffin as officers rushed up after the shooting. We cant tell you what Ruffins intentions were. But he was armed. He pointed the gun at the officer and he tried to evade the officer, Gipson said. Prosecutors stopped the body camera footage just as the officers ran up to Ruffin. The footage released did not show if they immediately gave him first aid. Ruffins family doesnt think the did and Rutherford said he doesnt know. Davis remains on administrative leave as the police department reviews whether he broke any of the agencys policies, Columbia police Chief Skip Holbrook said. Its a heavy burden that he carries for the rest of his life, Holbrook said of Davis, who has worked for the agency for more than four years. If he was standing here, he would say this is a tragedy. Holbrook defended his agency, saying it is transparent and accountable and he told as much as he knew about the shooting the day after Ruffin was killed. Their training is exceptional. Theyre professional. They treat people with dignity and respect. We value that sanctity of life, first and foremost, Holbrook said. Ruffins shooting has been brought up at several rallies to fight racial injustice in Columbia, with demonstrators shouting, Justice for Josh! ___ Follow Jeffrey Collins on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JSCollinsAP. "Our customers are our top priority, but as an employee owned company, we are constantly looking for ways to make improvements for our employees," states Chris Nelson, President of Pipeline Packaging. Nelson continues "The new location is a larger, more modern warehouse with higher ceilings, better lighting, and more centrally located off interstate 77." The new Charlotte location is conveniently located at 547 Kings Ridge Drive, Fort Mill, South Carolina. Phone numbers remain the same: 855.596.9909/704.392.9023 and fax: 704.392.9063. Pipeline Packaging and U.S. COEXCELL, are subsidiaries of the Cleveland Steel Container Corporation. Pipeline Packaging is the largest US distributor of industrial rigid packaging and a strong resource in the consumer packaging market. Founded in 1988, Pipeline has grown to 10 sales offices and warehouses. As a 100% employee-owned company, its success is attributed to a dedicated, people-centric vision that unites the best industry talent and respected manufacturers with a commitment to always consider "CUSTOMERS FIRST." Please visit our website at pipelinepackaging.com for more information or connect with us on our social channels: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube. SOURCE Pipeline Packaging Related Links www.pipelinepackaging.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Reuters) Hanoi, Vietnam Thu, June 25, 2020 13:46 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406618e6d4 2 News Vietnam,travel,tourism,foreign-tourists Free Despite successfully containing its COVID-19 outbreak, Vietnam has no plans to open up to international tourists yet over fears that doing so could lead to a second wave of infections, the Southeast Asian country's prime minister said on Wednesday. Thanks to an aggressive, targeted testing program and a centralised quarantine system, Vietnam has contained infections numbers to a relatively low 352 cases, most of whom have recovered. There have been no reported deaths. "There is no story of rushing to open the doors," Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said in a statement posted to the government website on Wednesday. "Vietnam is not yet ready to welcome back international tourists. Foreign experts, high level workers and investors into Vietnam are welcomed but will be closely monitored." Highly skilled foreign experts such as engineers have been allowed to enter Vietnam on special flights and quarantine at hotels in a bid to keep the economy afloat throughout the global pandemic. Phuc said the frequency of such flights should be increased. For over two months, Vietnam has reported no community transmission of the coronavirus. In early June, Vietnam said it was planning to resume flights to some virus-free countries that had registered no cases of coronavirus for 30 days or more. Other Southeast Asian countries with slowing infections are considering travel bubble arrangements in the months ahead, such as Malaysia and Thailand, to include countries such as China, South Korea and Japan. Thailand has been 31 days without a domestic transmission and will allow entry of some short-term business travellers and medical tourists from next month. When you need to warm up, what's your favorite winter comfort food? Scientists find that reducing levels of uric acid in the blood does not guard against kidney complications in people with type 1 diabetes MINNEAPOLIS, MN- June 25, 2020 Historically, half or more of people with type 1 diabetes develop kidney disease, which frequently progresses to kidney failure, requiring dialysis treatment or kidney transplantation for survival, according to a study in Diabetes Care. Development and progression of kidney disease in type 1 diabetes is associated with higher levels of a chemical in the blood called uric acid. A new study from the University of Minnesota Medical School found that allopurinol, an inexpensive generic drug that reduces uric acid levels, did not show benefits in protecting from loss of filtering function in the kidney. The findings were recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Previous studies suggested that allopurinol may be a promising treatment to slow kidney function, but the smaller size of the studies indicated the need for a more definitive, large-scale trial to answer this important question. Michael Mauer, MD, professor in the Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine and kidney specialist at the University of Minnesota Medical School, and his colleagues conducted an international, multi-institution, randomized clinical trial that enrolled 530 participants to study whether allopurinol would slow the disease. The study participants had type 1 diabetes and early to moderate loss of the kidneys filtering function. Mauer is the co-principal investigator of the study called, Preventing Early Renal Loss in Diabetes (PERL), along with his colleague, Alessandro Doria, MD, PhD, MPH, senior investigator in Joslin Diabetes Centers Section on Genetics and Epidemiology and professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Mauer has conducted studies of diabetic kidney disease for more than 40 years and has published extensively in this field. The PERL consortium consisted of 16 sites each led by excellent clinical scientists. Participants in the three-year, placebo-controlled and double-blinded trial received the current standard of care, including a renin-angiotensin system inhibitoran existing type of drug shown in the 1990s to slow kidney damage, albeit incompletely. The key outcome measurement of kidney function for PERL was glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a measure of how much blood is filtered every minute by the kidneys. GFR drops as kidney disease progresses, and when very low, requires dialysis or kidney transplantation for survival. Over the three years of the study, levels of uric acid was decreased, on average, by about 35% among people given allopurinol compared to those who were not. Despite the reduction in uric acid levels, the study showed there was no effect on GFR. PERL was a textbook example of using basic science, epidemiology findings and preliminary pilot studies to identify a treatment target, and then to design a study to answer an important question, Mauer said. In this case, we didnt get the result we were hoping for, but we got a clear answer to an important scientific question. This research was supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund. University of Minnesota co-investigators included Luiza Maria Caramori, MD, PhD, the U of M PERL site director; William Robiner, PhD, the PERL study psychologist, and Amy Karger, MD, PhD, the PERL laboratory director. Other co-investigators included Andrzej Galecki, Cathie Spino, Chunyi Wu and Rodica Pop-Busi, University of Michigan; Allison Goldfine and Sylvia Rosas, Joslin Clinic; David Cherney and Bruce Perkins, University of Toronto; Ildiko Lingvay, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School; Afshin Parsa, NIH; Peter Rossing, University of Copenhagen; Ronald Sigal, University of Calgary; Maryam Afkarian, University of California at Davis; Ronnie Aronson of LMC Diabetes & Endocrinology, Toronto; Jill Crandall, Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Ian de Boer and Irl Hirsch, University of Washington; Katherine Tuttle, University of Washington; Thomas Elliott of BCDiabetes, Vancouver; Jeehea Haw and Guillermo Umpierrez, Emory University; David Maahs and Sarit Polsky, University of Colorado; Janet McGill, Washington University; Mark Molitch and Amisha Wallia, Northwestern University; Marlon Pragnell, JDRF; Peter Senior, University of Alberta; and Ruth Weinstock, SUNY Upstate Medical University. ### About the University of Minnesota Medical School The University of Minnesota Medical School is at the forefront of learning and discovery, transforming medical care and educating the next generation of physicians. Our graduates and faculty produce high-impact biomedical research and advance the practice of medicine. Visit med.umn.edu to learn how the University of Minnesota is innovating all aspects of medicine. Contact: Kelly Glynn Media Relations Coordinator, University of Minnesota Medical School glynn040@umn.edu 414-758-3191 'It could have moved from the use of small arms to artillery fire.' 'Anything could have happened like what happens on the LoC.' IMAGE: General Manoj Mukund Naravane pins commendation medals on the brave Indian soldiers who fought murderous People's Liberation Army troops in the Galwan Valley on June 15/16. The chief of the army staff visited forward areas in Eastern Ladakh to review the operational situation on the ground, June 24, 2020. Photograph: ANI Photo "By not opening fire, we have restricted the space for LoC kind of activities," Lieutenant General S L Narasimhan (retd) -- a member of the National Security Advisory Board and Director General, Centre for Contemporary China Studies at the ministry for external affairs -- tell Rediff.com's Archana Masih. As someone with a deep understanding of China, you would have interacted with the Chinese military -- what would you say are the strengths and weaknesses of the People's Liberation Army? The PLA's strengths are: 1. Indigenous equipment; 2. The changed command/control and organisational structure for joint operations; 3. Modernisation and infrastructure; 4. Training and physical fitness of soldiers. Their weaknesses are: 1. The conscription system; 2. Centralised control; 3. Lack of battle and combat experience. They haven't fought a major war in a long time. You have said that 'If fire was opened that day, the Line of Actual Control would have become a Line of control similar to the one on the India-Pakistan border for perpetuity'. Could you elaborate on that? There have been violent incidents, but no firing across the LAC in many years. If troops had opened fire, all protocols agreed upon earlier would have broken. It would have opened the possibility for more such firings on the LAC in the future. An exchange of fire that day would have resulted in higher casualties. It would have changed the status of the LAC as being peaceful and it would have become volatile like Line of Control. Since the boundary with China is unresolved, we cannot afford an exchange of fire on the LAC. If troops had resorted to using guns, there would have been no stopping. It could have moved from the use of small arms to artillery fire. Anything could have happened like what happens on the LoC. By not opening fire, we have restricted the space for LoC kind of activities. Won't the incident open the possibility of more volatility on the LAC? On the contrary. By our response the Chinese might have a rethink because both sides have suffered casualties. No one would like to see an LoC-like situation, not only among the armed forces, but also for people living along the LoC. Both India and China understand that opening fire is not a viable option. How we manage the situation within that particular limit is something we need to think about and army headquarters will be studying that. How has this changed the nature of the LAC? The nature of LAC has not changed. We have enough standard operating procedures agreed upon by both countries. As long as we follow them, I don't think we will have a problem. Do you see any tactical changes in the way we deal with the Chinese on the LAC? India will have to expect that such incidents are likely to happen again. India troops will now be prepared for such incidents and will make whatever changes they need to do for their operational procedures. The Indian Army has changed rules of engagement along the Line of Actual Control with China, empowering field commanders to sanction use of firearms in rare cases. What difference is this likely to make? The forces were already taking operational decisions. The prime minister's statement saying that forces are at liberty to take a call has further boosted the hand of the forces on the ground and the morale of the troops. Contrary to media reports, nobody in government has changed the rules of engagement. What the government has said is that it supports the decision of the armed forces on the ground. The home minister said our troops were carrying weapons during the violent encounter on June 15. What weapons do soldiers carry while patrolling the LAC? Soldiers carry a personal weapon, but the understanding is that troops will not point it towards the other side so that soldiers on either side know they are not hostile to each other. For good measure even after casualties, the soldiers didn't open fire that day, but now our men will have to go prepared for such events with equipment like riot gear. Some military veterans have criticised the leadership of the Northern Command and the Leh corps that they took the eye off the ball. What would be your response to that criticism? That criticism is totally misplaced. People can sit in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and start commenting, they don't even know what happened. To say that the corps commander, divisional commander and army commander took their eyes off the ball is the biggest mistake we will make. They have been looking at it day in and day out and know anything that moves on the border. If they were sitting idle, how would they have given a fight to the Chinese? The misplaced comments that commanders were not doing their jobs is absolutely incorrect. The intelligence was available and actions were taken as per the professional judgement of those on the ground. When the PLA conducted its exercise on the Tibetan plateau, should we not have been alerted to their designs? Should the pandemic have prevented stationing our soldiers in the area? Pandemic or no pandemic, there were enough troops placed in that area. Whatever build-up the Chinese had, there was an equal and matching counter buildup from our side. There was no shortage of troops. We should not be finding fault in that. You are a China expert. Do you think we have enough China specialists in the Indian Army? At our training institutes like the NDA, IMA, DSSC, is the soldiers's curriculum very Pakistan-centric with not much emphasis on China? I would agree that this was so 15 years ago because of the wars we have fought with Pakistan in 1948, 1965, 1971 and 1999. After the 1962 War with China we have had peace on the LAC and focus has been on Pakistan. But with China growing in strength -- economically and militarily -- we started focusing on China 15 years ago. It is not as if we are waking up to China now. The China Study Group had sanctioned 72 roads in 2002 and those roads are getting completed now. It will be incorrect to say that we have not been looking at China because infrastructure development started 15 years ago and is continuing. Similarly, the number of troops serving on the Chinese border has also increased. To say that we don't give enough focus on China in terms of training, etc is wrong. How will the events of June 15-16 set back India-China relations? You cannot wish away a neighbour, neither can you select one. You have to co-exist. The whole bilateral relationship should not be held hostage to this setback. We should keep it going and implement what was decided on June 6. Chinese troops should go back to the positions held before May and thereafter adhere to already existing protocols. If you hold the bilateral relationship totally ransom to this incident, there will be no forward movement. The special representative talks, bilateral dialogue and economic relationship cannot be halted. Many are saying we need to boycott Chinese products, but that is impractical at this point of time. It may happen over a period of time and we need to start a process of indigenisation. Total ban may not be possible in the near term, but the process needs to start. We need to indigenise and be self-reliant. That's why the prime minister spoke about creating an Atmanirbhar Bharat. There was much reaction about the PM's statement that there was no intrusion. Could you please clarify that? How much into our territory did the PLA ingress and what is their position now? The PM's statement was in reference to the events of June 15 that there was no Chinese presence on our side of the LAC as a consequence of the actions of our soldiers that day. When our troops went into that area, they found a Chinese tent on the Indian side. They removed it which led to a violent confrontation. There is no intrusion in that area now and that is what the PM meant. People probably misunderstood him. The Chinesee have been pushed back there, but what about the Pangong Tso lake area? The reason for the June 6 talks between the military commanders of both countries was to resolve the issue, and the Chinese should go back to their previous positions. This process has to be competed. The aim is not to look at each position and nitpick, but to ensure that status quo ante is restored as it was in month of April. Production: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Winona Ryder has called for Mel Gibson to "accept responsibility" for his "hateful" words". The 'Stranger Things' star claimed in an interview over the weekend that the 'Braveheart' actor had used homophobic and anti-Semitic slurs in conversation with her and a friend at a party, prompting him to issue a denial about the remarks through his representative. And now Winona has hit back, insisting the pair will never "make amends" until Mel admits to his alleged actions. She said in a statement: "I believe in redemption and forgiveness and hope that Mr. Gibson has found a healthy way to deal with his demons, but I am not one of them. "Around 1996, my friend Kevyn Aucoin and I were on the receiving end of his hateful words. It is a painful and vivid memory for me. "Only by accepting responsibility for our behaviour in this life, can we make amends and truly respect each other, and I wish him well on this lifelong journey." A spokesperson for the 64-year-old actor had dismissed Winona's account as "100% untrue". They said: "This is 100 percent untrue. She lied about it over a decade ago, when she talked to the press, and she's lying about it now. Also, she lied about him trying to apologise to her back then. He did reach out to her, many years ago, to confront her about her lies and she refused to address it with him." In Winona's original comments, she claimed the actor branded her an "oven dodger" and was also homophobic toward her friend at the same party, but later tried to apologise. She had said: "We were at a crowded party with one of my good friends, and Mel Gibson was smoking a cigar, and we're all talking and he said to my friend, who's gay, 'Oh wait, am I gonna get Aids?' And then something came up about Jews, and he said, 'You're not an oven dodger, are you?'" The 'Beetlejuice' star had previously made the accusations against Mel in a 2010 interview with GQ magazine, when she said "no-one believed" her. She said at the time: "I remember, like, fifteen years ago, I was at one of those big Hollywood parties. And he was really drunk. I was with my friend, who's gay. He made a really horrible gay joke. And somehow it came up that I was Jewish. He said something about 'oven dodgers,' but I didn't get it. I'd never heard that before. It was just this weird, weird moment. I was like, 'He's anti-Semitic and he's homophobic.' No one believed me!" STOCKHOLM, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandvik will publish its second quarter results on Thursday, 16 July 2020 at approximately 11.30 CEST. A combined webcast and conference call for investors, analysts and financial media will be held at 13.00 CEST. The report will be presented in a webcast and conference call by Stefan Widing, President and CEO as well as by Tomas Eliasson, CFO. The presentation will be broadcasted live on our website home.sandvik Dial-in details for the conference call: SE: +46 (0) 8 566 426 92 UK: +44 (0) 333 300 92 63 US: +1 833 249 84 05 From about 12.30 CEST presentation slides will be available on our website home.sandvik For further information, contact : Anna Vilogorac, Investor Relations, phone: +46-70-616-50-19 or Martin Blomgren, Press and Media Relations Manager, phone: +46-70-577-0549. This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/sandvik/r/invitation---presentation-of-sandvik-s-report-of-the-second-quarter-2020,c3141877 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/208/3141877/1269730.pdf Invitation - presentation of Sandvik's report of the second quarter 2020 SOURCE Sandvik The Lexus LC F the high-performance variant of the LC luxury coupe was supposed to be that model, except that might not happen anymore after reports surfaced that the LC F project has been discontinued by Toyota in light of all the uncertainties brought about by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Its been a decade since Lexus unveiled the LFA supercar and punched its ticket as an accepted performance car brand. Toyotas premium brand has rolled out some impressive performance models in the ensuing years, but what it hasnt done is present the official successor of the mighty LFA. With the industry still reeling from the havoc the pandemic has caused, automakers even the biggest ones like Toyota have been forced to make a lot of tough business decisions, including canceling the development of upcoming models. The Lexus LC F appears to be the newest model to make that ignominious list of models that we wont get to see anymore, at least not anytime soon. Why is it important for the Lexus LFA to have a successor The arrival of the Lexus LFA was a flashpoint moment for Lexus. Before the supercar broke into the automotive scene, Lexus was largely seen as nothing more than Toyotas premium brand. It developed impressive luxury cars and SUVs, but it didnt capture the publics mind in ways that Toyota wanted. The Japanese auto giant wanted Lexus to make a splash, and in the companys mind, the best way to do that was for Lexus to go out of its comfort zone and roll out a halo model that would catch peoples attention. The Lexus LFA did that. It became one of the most talked-about performance cars of the entire decade, never mind the fact that its production run lasted all of two years from 2010 to 2012. But it left a lasting impact, reinventing Lexus identity in the process. Since then, Lexus has succeeded in rolling out performance models. None have come close to approaching the LFAs stature, and as the years continue to pile up, the cries for an LFA successor have grown louder. Lexus heard those cries, and the clamouring partly helped in bringing the LC luxury coupe to life in 2016. The plan was to use that model as the launching board for the successor of the LFA: the Lexus LC F. Lexus LF-A Specifications Engine: 4.8-liter turbocharged V-10 engine Horsepower: 563 horsepower Torque: 354 pound-feet of torque 0 to 60 mph: 3.6 seconds seconds Top Speed: 203 mph Curb Weight: 3,559 pounds (1,614 kilos) Power-to-weight ratio (US tonne): 316 MSRP Price: $375,000 Used-Car Price (average): $450,000 Whats the current status of the Lexus LC F? Sit down if you havent heard the news. This is going to be a tough one to swallow. Sure, Lexus has yet to confirm the existence of the LC F, even in prototype form. But rumors have been raging that the Japanese brand has been busy in the lab, cooking up plans to develop the LC F with the goal of promoting it as the successor to the mighty LFA. That was the plan, at least until the COVID-19 global pandemic brought the whole world to its knees. According to a report filed by Japans Carsensor, the Lexus LC F has been shelved, largely due to the uncertainty brought by the coronavirus pandemic. Its unclear if Toyota has plans to bring back the project in the near future, but as it is, the auto giant needed to reevaluate and make a decision on a lot of its projects. Unfortunately, the low production nature of the LC F, coupled with the expected minimal profits the automaker would rake in from the model halo models arent moneymakers contributed heavily in the decision to close down the project. Should we still expect an LFA successor to arrive? Never say never, especially in the auto industry, though, at this point, its hard to imagine Toyota giving Lexus the green light to bring the project back to the table soon. A lot of industries have suffered because of the pandemic, not the least of which is the auto industry. Its not just Toyota, either. A lot of other automakers have either scrapped upcoming projects temporarily or closed them down completely. Nissan , which is in far worse shape than Toyota, is reportedly shutting down its plans for the next-generation Z car, as well as the next-generation GT-R. Other car brands have made similar moves, and as long as the pandemic isnt controlled, its hard to imagine the industry returning to business as usual. That said, rumors of a successor to the Lexus LFA have persisted for the better part of the decade. At some point, hopefully not too far away, Lexus is going to bring back these plans. Its unclear what the plans will look like when it does happen, but just because the LC F project has been canned, that doesnt mean a new one isnt going to happen. Well just have to wait a little while longer to see whether the LFA does get a successor or not. Source: Car Sensor TDT | Manama Bahrain will be one of the first countries to book a vaccine to guard against the coronavirus (COVID-19), if and when one will be ready, Ministry of Health undersecretary and National Taskforce for Combatting COVID-19 member Dr. Waleed Al Manea assured yesterday. Dr. Al Manea was speaking during the National Taskforces press conference held at the Crown Prince Centre for Training and Medical Research at Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Hospital, where measures being taken to mitigate the spread of COVD-19 were highlighted. Also addressing the media were BDF Hospital Infectious Disease Consultant Lt. Col. Dr. Manaf Al Qahtani and Salmaniya Medical Complex Infectious and Internal Diseases Consultant Dr. Jameela Al Salman, both of whom are National Taskforce members. When asked about the Kingdoms plans to avail of a promising trial vaccine being developed by Oxford University, Dr. Al Manea said that once any vaccine is available and has proven to be effective, Bahrain will ensure that it will be among the first to receive a supply. He added that even before a vaccines release in the market, all measures are already being taken to be able to order a sufficient amount. He said that this is part of the strategy of the GCC countries in their coronavirus fight, while noting that the authorities have been informed that, if all goes as planned, a vaccine could be ready as early as September. Meanwhile, Dr. Al Manea highlighted strengthened precautionary measures undertaken by the Health Ministry to protect frontline workers and provide safe working conditions. Dr. Al Manea noted that safe working conditions are being provided by allocation of separate entrances and rooms for health workers, ensuring all front-liners have access to personal protective equipment (PPE), publishing updated guidelines, continuously disinfecting surfaces, and providing infection-control training. Dr. Al Manea said that frontline workers undergo COVID-19 testing regularly in order to prevent the transmission of the virus amongst responders and expressed his appreciation for their dedication and commitment. Turning to patient outcome, Dr. Al Manea explained that the recovery rate is currently at 74.66 per cent with a 0.29 per cent death rate. Isolation centre capacity stands at 8,303 beds, of which 3,811 beds were being occupied at the time of the conference, while 1,734 asymptotic cases were under optional home self-isolation after meeting the set criteria. Dr. Al Manea also revealed that plans are being studied to increase the capacity of the National Call Centre (444), as it continues to adapt to the large volume of calls it receives on a daily basis. He noted that there have already been three changes implemented previously. On his part, Dr. Al Qahtani emphasised the protective steps individuals are encouraged to take if they test positive and are quarantining at home. These persons must self-isolate in a separate room and use a separate bathroom while refraining from contact with others. In the event that it is absolutely necessary to be in contact with others, they must wear a facemask and gloves and maintain as much distance as possible with other people at home. They must also not share personal household items including plates, cups, towels, or bedding with other people, and regularly sanitise door handles and surfaces. When coughing or sneezing, they must cover their nose and mouth with tissues and ensure that the used tissues are disposed of in a closed, touchless trash can. These must be designated trash bins that use double-layered bags to prevent any leakages. These individuals must wash their hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitiser. Dr. Al Qahtani pointed out that those who have tested positive will be contacted within 48-hours of testing by the Health Ministry, adding that those who are not contacted should follow up by calling 444. Additionally, Dr. Al Qahtani reiterated that those who experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty in breathing, should immediately contact 444 and seek medical attention. For her part, Dr. Al Salman noted that the Health Ministry is continuously expanding COVID-19 testing capacity to identify, isolate and break chains of infection. Dr. Al Salman stressed that face masks must be worn at all times when in public settings, including during outdoor recreation, as well as when in close proximity to family members with underlying health conditions, or when in close proximity to elderly family members. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 03:48:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Video: "We are at a watershed moment," says UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on June 24, 2020, calling on Israel to scrap plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, a move that could occur as early as next week. (Xinhua) The UN envoy for the Middle East, Nikolay Mladenov, warned the Council that three decades of international peace efforts could be at stake. UNITED NATIONS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called on Israel to scrap plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, a move that could occur as early as next week. "We are at a watershed moment," the UN chief told a virtual meeting of the Security Council on the Middle East. "If implemented, annexation would constitute a most serious violation of international law, grievously harm the prospect of a two-state solution and undercut the possibilities of a renewal of negotiations. I call on the Israeli Government to abandon its annexation plans," he said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made annexation a major pledge during campaigning, ahead of the latest round of national elections held in March. The proposal would see sovereignty extended to roughly 30 percent of the West Bank, covering most of the Jordan Valley and hundreds of illegal Israeli settlements. In response, Palestinian leaders have cut ties with Israel and the United States, which backed the plan. Palestinian workers try to enter Israel through a checkpoint between the West Bank city of Hebron and Beersheva, March 22, 2020. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua) The UN envoy for the Middle East, Nikolay Mladenov, warned the Council that three decades of international peace efforts could be at stake. "Recognizing that both peoples have a right to live in their ancestral home, 27 years ago Israeli and Palestinian leaders agreed to embark on a noble but difficult road, to resolve the conflict through negotiations, without taking unilateral action, and in order to reach a final status agreement on a just peace," he said, speaking from Jerusalem. "Today we are further than ever from this goal." Mladenov reported that the Palestinian Authority has now stopped accepting taxes Israel collects on its behalf. The resulting 80 percent drop in monthly revenue has added to economic fragility caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, amid reduced donor support to UNRWA, the UN agency that assists Palestinians. He added that Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, who have been living under the control of extremist group Hamas, following a rift more than a decade ago, are especially vulnerable. "The UN and other international organizations are increasingly being asked to perform coordination responsibilities. While we are prepared to provide support on an emergency basis, the UN cannot replace the Palestinian Authority. It is critical that humanitarian and other assistance not be delayed or stopped," he said. Palestinians wearing face masks attend a mass rally organized by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah Movement to protest against Israel's annexation plans in the West Bank town of Jericho on June 22, 2020. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) In supporting the secretary-general's appeal to Israel, Mladenov feared annexation could trigger instability across the occupied Palestinian territory and even beyond. He urged the international community to work to get the parties to step back and continue the dialogue toward peace. "In the coming weeks, decisions may be reached that will do irreparable damage to Palestinian and Israeli societies, to the security and economic wellbeing of both peoples," he said. "This bleak vision, however, is not yet a fait accompli. The window is closing, but there is still time to avert chaos. It will require a concerted effort by all stakeholders and the will to take political risks to achieve peace," he said. China issues statement on border clash, proving Indian troops were fully responsible Global Times Source:Global Times Published: 2020/6/24 23:16:49 China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Wednesday issued a statement on the recent China-India border clash, providing three key points that prove responsibility does not lie with the Chinese side. Zhao Lijian, spokesperson of China's Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday that the rights and wrongs of the conflict are clear and that Indian border troops should bear full responsibility for the clash. First, Indian border troops were the first to illegally cross the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The Galwan Valley is located on the Chinese side of the LAC in the west section of the China-India boundary. For many years, Chinese border troops have been patrolling and on duty there. Since April this year, Indian border troops have been building roads and bridges at the LAC in the Galwan Valley. China has lodged representations and protests on multiple occasions. In the early morning of May 6, Indian border troops crossed the LAC by night, trespassing into China's territory. They deliberately made provocations and Chinese border troops were compelled to take necessary measures to strengthen management and control in the border areas. Second, India violated the agreement and made provocations first. Under China's diplomatic representations and military pressure, India agreed to withdraw their personnel who crossed the LAC and demolish the new facilities, and they have done so. On June 6, border troops of both countries held a commander-level meeting and reached consensus on easing the situation. The Indian side promised they would not cross the estuary of the Galwan River to patrol and build facilities, and the two sides agreed to set up observation posts on both sides of the Galwan River. However, Indian border troops breached the agreement and unreasonably demanded the Chinese side demolish the observation posts and once again crossed the LAC, triggering a brawl. Third, India was the first to breach international norms to launch attacks. 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 in deliberate provocation and violently attacked the Chinese officers and soldiers who went there to negotiate, thus triggering fierce physical fight and causing casualties. The 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. Based on the consensus reached during a phone conversation between State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on June 17, the two sides agreed to handle the severe situation of the Galwan Valley calmly, and to abide by the agreement reached during the commander-level meeting to ease tensions. From June 22 to 23, a second commander-level meeting was held and both sides agreed to take necessary measures to de-escalate the tensions and promote peace and stability. "We hope the Indian side will abide by the consensus the two countries have reached, and that India can work with China to take real actions to safeguard regional peace and stability", Zhao said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Photograph: Frederic J Brown/AFP/Getty Images California has seen a 69% rise in coronavirus cases in just two days, governor Gavin Newsom said on Wednesday, as the state continues to battle a surge of new infections and hospitalizations. The state has witnessed an alarming jump in cases as communities reopen from lockdown restrictions. Los Angeles county now leads the nation with more than 88,500 cases, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. Numbers have shot upward in recent days, rising from 4,230 on Sunday to 7,149 by Tuesday, according to public health data. The weekend also saw a record number of hospitalizations due to the virus. The state is currently at 30% of its ICU capacity. Related: San Quentin: outcry after Covid-19 cases at California prison triple in two weeks The news comes amid a surge in cases across the country, with the US recording a one-day total of 34,700 new Covid-19 cases, the highest level since late April. Last week, Newsom announced Californians must wear masks in most public settings to curb the spread of the virus, and said Wednesday that he would withhold pandemic-related funding from local governments that brush off requirements on masks and other anti-virus measures. Some parts of the state have resisted the new mask directive. Newsom, whose press briefings on the states response to coronavirus have become routine, said the state has conducted more than a million tests in the past two weeks with a positivity rate of 5.1%. Californians should expect more positives as testing increases, he said. Amid the rising numbers, some have begun directing their anger toward public health officials. This week, Los Angeles countys director of public health said someone casually suggested she should be shot during a Covid-19 briefing she was hosting on Facebook live. The Centers for Disease Control has warned that the nations death toll could rise from 121,746 to as high as 150,000 by 18 July. New cases in the US now account for 20% of new cases in the world. Story continues Record highs have been reported in Arizona, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas and Oklahoma. North Carolina and South Carolina each set hospitalization records. Texas, which began lifting lockdowns on 1 May, has seen hospitalizations double and new cases triple in two weeks. People got complacent, said Dr Marc Boom, the chief executive of the Houston Methodist hospital system, where the number of patients tripled in the last month. And its coming back and biting us, quite frankly. Public health experts are generally hesitant to attribute outbreaks to specific causes. In recent weeks, thousands of protestors have attended mass gatherings to protest racist policing. Warm weather has drawn people out of their homes, onto beaches and into parks. Regions have moved to reopen economies at an uneven pace, complicating a uniform approach to public health precautions. Californians need to remain vigilant and act responsibly, the California governor said in a series of Wednesday tweets. Covid-19 has not gone away. Do your part to slow the spread. Wear a mask. Agencies contributed reporting Getty Images Two broadband providers in Morgan and Jersey counties will receive grants as part of the states broadband expansion initiative known as Connect Illinois. A Mediacom project in Morgan County will receive $210,831 and Grafton Technologies in Jersey County will receive $1.48 million as part of $50 million in state funding that will by matched by $65 million in other funding across Illinois. Ireland and Luxembourg, European headquarters to Google, Facebook, Twitter and Amazon, need a substantial boost in resources to deal with data breaches by U.S. tech giants, a European Union report said. The report by the European Commission, seen by Reuters, sought to assess the effectiveness of the EUs landmark data privacy rules known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) adopted in 2018. GDPR requires companies to seek peoples consent before using their personal data or face steep fines. European Vice President for Values and Transparency Vera Jourova has previously lauded the rules as a compass to guide the EU into the digital age. The report said that data protection agencies across the 27-country bloc had increased staff by 42% increase and budgets by 49% between 2016-2019, but the Irish and Luxembourg governments needed to do more. Given that the largest big tech multinationals are established in Ireland and Luxembourg, the data protection authorities of these countries act as lead authorities in many important cross-border cases and may need larger resources than their population would otherwise suggest, the report said. The Irish watchdog has opened cases into Facebook, Facebook-owned Instagram and WhatsApp as well as Twitter , Apple, Verizon Media, Microsoft-owned LinkedIn and U.S. digital advertiser Quantcast. The report urged national watchdogs to launch joint investigations that would lead to more harmonized rules and approaches. It said some of the challenges were reconciling data privacy rights with the right to freedom of expression, and how to apply the rules to technologies such as artificial intelligence, facial recognition, blockchain and the internet of things. Enforcement continues to be the weak link, said Eva Simon at the Civil Liberties Union for Europe. There are still far too many governments, organizations and businesses flouting the rules, she said. (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee. Editing by Jane Merriman) Topics Europe An innovative disruptive start-up, Karoomba, is opened for business and aims to revolutionize the automotive trade with its customer-centric, zany, unconventional business model. Karoomba endeavors to offer an energetic fun experience, first for car sellers, and later in its second phase for car buyers as it expands its operations and geographic range! 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For more info about this service, check https://www.karoomba.com/ or https://www.karoombaautomotive.com/ Press Contact: Ryan, karoomba evangelist ryan@karoombaautomotive.com Islamabad, June 25 : Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has had a reputation of committing blunders at the global stage. And even after spending almost three years in power as the countrys premier, Khans habit of committing slipups at big stages has not stopped. In a latest slipup, Khan addressed the National Assembly of Pakistan on Thursday, detailing the performance of his government since it came to office, especially during the coronavirus outbreak. However, while speaking about the ongoing war on terror, highlighting how Pakistan suffered embarrassment being ally to the United States, Khan did the unexpected slipup, calling global terrorist Osama bin Laden a "Shaheed" (martyr). Speaking about the May 2, 2011 operation by the US Navy Seals taking out Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad city in the Khyber Pukhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, Khan referred to Osama bin Laden as a martyr, stating that the country suffered global humiliation and criticism being an ally to the US. "There was an incident of Osama bin Laden, in which US planes came into Pakistan and killed, martyred Osama bin Laden. And after that incident, the whole world abused and criticised Pakistan. It was astounding to see how their (US) planes came into our country, carried out their operation and even though we were ally to the US, we were criticized," said Khan during his speech in the Parliament. "We lost over 70,000 innocent people being US' ally in war on terror and yet we are always questioned, criticised and embarrassed," he added. Khan's blunder of calling bin Laden a martyr took minutes to trend on social media with widespread denunciation of the premier. Here are a few reactions: Syeda Trimzi tweeted, "Pak PM Imran Khan calls Osama bin Laden 'Shaheed' in the Pakistan National Assembly. AND NOW INDIA AND REST WORLD IS USING HIS WORDS TO PROMOTE THEIR AGenDa That 'PAKISTAN Supports TERRORIST'. I am Speechless." "Prime Minister Imran Khan says Osama Bin Laden is a shaheed (martyr) and Pakistan should never have taken part in 'war on terror'," tweeted Murtaza Ali Shah. "I hope Imran Khan would've chosen his words more carefully & elaborated it better, like he did here. But alas, haters will continue portraying him as an Osama Bin Laden sympathizer.. Shameful moment nontheless. Should issue a clarification again & apologize #PMImranKhan," tweeted a person from the handle @FitnayFatway. Khlyk Kohistani tweeted, "PM Taliban Khan is outloud for Osama Bin Laden Titled him as "Shaheed", He is the same guy who brutally Killed million kf Muslim, Killed, Vandalized Mosques, Girls Education, Imposed His own Shariat, APS attacked. His fathr Musharraf Put country in fire of Terrorism." "The United States martyred Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad. Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan #TalibanKhan," tweeted Ahmed khan from the handle @Shaforama. The opposition parties, who are taking dig at the premier for his blunder, are now also questioning Khan's slipup. "This man (Imran Khan) has called Osama bin Laden (OBL) a martyr... Osama bin Laden was a terrorist who brought terrorism into this country. And this man called him a martyr," said Khawaja Asif, senior leader of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). While there can be no justification for such a mistake by the Pakistan premier, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi was the first to come to Khan's rescue. When asked why Khan called Laden a martyr, he said: "Out of all the important topics that Imran Khan spoke, you could only find this?" He also asked to ignore the mistake as a slip of tongue. While it is still uncertain if Khan's declaration of calling a global terrorist a martyr is something that he believes or it was a slip of tongue, till that clarification comes through, social media will be fired up and filled with criticism against the Pakistan premier, making #OsamaBinLaden the top trend. John Boltons decision to take the money and run has all but drowned out the important revelations in his new book, The Room Where It Happened, which was published this week despite the Trump administrations best efforts to block it. To be sure, Bolton has garnered very few fans with his decision to cash in as he bails out, andas I argued last autumn, when we first learned of the book deal democracy simply cannot survive a bunch of egomaniacs running around building their tawdry brands in lieu of doing their duty. If COVID has taught us anything, its that commerce cant fix it. Advertisement But while I join the many vociferous critics of Bolton who deplore his decision to make a quick buck off his proximity to power, I think that in the fog of capitalism we may also have failed to name his original sin: Bolton first gave up on America, and he then also gave up on himself. The subheading on his book might just as easily have been Important Enough to Make a Profit but Not Important Enough to Make a Difference. That really isnt the moral lesson the nation needs to hear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That Bolton simply gave up on America doesnt bear much discussion. We all know that while he had material evidence about Donald Trumps unlawful and abusive conduct in officethat evidence forms the heart of his book after allhe refused to testify in the impeachment hearings without a court forcing him to do so, and he allowed his subordinates to take the professional and personal attendant risks of testifying instead. While Bolton now proclaims that the House Democrats who impeached Trump committed impeachment malpractice by limiting their inquiry to the Ukraine matter and moving too quickly for their own political reasons, and for failing to broaden their inquiry to include Trumps meddling around Turkeys Halkbank or Chinas ZTE, he himself sat back and allowed all that to happen. That is all information he had and chose not to divulge when the House impeachment proceedings were playing out. Now he derides America for not knowing enough about it. As Nancy Pelosi has put it, I dont want to pay money for a book that was a substitute for testifying before Congress about the well-being of the American people. 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. But even Boltons decision to hold himself above the formal constitutional system of checks and balances, to sit as omniscient Shakespearean chorus as impeachment proceeded without him, wasnt his true original sin. Boltons belief that Democrats failed to bring the impeachment case he would have brought and his conviction that this failure somehow zeroed out both Trumps lawlessness and his own moral obligation to participate are, after all, of a piece with the general pox-on-both-houses worldview that currently holds that government is the problem and therefore government cant possibly serve as the corrective. It allows one to both work in government while also disparaging democratic processes. That viewpoint is so thoroughly entrenched in this era that Boltons cynical decision to sit out impeachment and make some bank off his experience almost seems reasonable. Something should have stopped Trump, Bolton suggests, but it sure couldnt have been the Democratic impeachment process and it sure couldnt have involved John Bolton. Boy, howdy, government sure is broken. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The outcome was preordained by the number of Republicans in the Senate, or by their refusal to hear from witnesses, or by their fear of being primaried. Still, Boltons single greatest failing isnt his steadfast refusal to have done the right thing and helped rid the country of this president when he could. His greatest failing is the same one weve witnessed in virtually every other enabler around this president: Hes convinced himself that he just wasnt powerful or important enough to do anything. Bolton made this point explicitly in a Washington Post live event Tuesday when he acknowledged that it may have been a mistake not to challenge President Trump more aggressively during his tenure at the White House. But Bolton justified his refusal to directly contradict a president who was demonstrably uninformed and reckless because, as he explained Tuesday, Im not an investigator. I had plenty of stuff to do. I told other White House advisers of my concern [and] I tried to do my job. And then, as befits a cast member in the first-ever television presidency, Bolton compared himself to a decades-old television show about the presidency: Service in the White House is not like The West Wing, he explained, referring to the TV drama. There arent dramatic confrontations with the president. He went on to add that the Democrats were to blame for the partisan nature of the impeachment process, adding that because of that partisan quality, he did not think it would be worth it to jump off the cliff to serve their cause. Again, he seems utterly unaware of the irony: He could have made it nonpartisan but declined to do so. Thus the Democrats were to blame, not him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolton declined to testify before the House without being forced to and then agreed to testify before a Senate that decided not to hear him. Since then, Bolton has insisted that nothing he said would have made a difference anyhow. And oddly, this is the part I find unforgivable. Not the money-grubbing so much as the cowardice; the creeping nihilism and lack of agency that pervade this entire presidency, a nihilism that suggests that nobody should ever attempt to do anything because nothing could make a difference anyhow. Weve heard this refrain trotted out so frequently that it barely leaves an impression anymore. Its not merely that those who depart this administration claim that they couldnt have stopped anything but also the way the public responds to cowardice like Boltons. Theres a collective acceptance of the idea that, well, of course he shouldnt have testified in the impeachment process because it wouldnt have changed the outcome. The outcome was preordained by the number of Republicans in the Senate, or by their refusal to hear from witnesses, or by their fear of being primaried. Whatever it is, nobody is ever to blame for the decision to chicken out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bolton himself made the testifying-was-pointless claim in February and former National Security Adviser Susan Rice took him to task for it: I cant imagine withholding my testimony, with or without a subpoena, Rice told him at the time. I also cant imagine, frankly, in the absence of being able to provide the information directly to Congress, not having exercised my First Amendment right to speak publicly at a time when my testimony or my experience would be relevant. And, frankly, when my subordinates were doing their duty and responding in a fashion consistent with their legal obligations to provide information, Rice said. I would feel like I was shamefully violating the oath that I took to support and defend the Constitution. Saying that you failed to act because it wouldnt have changed outcomes is the last refuge for the cowards at the bottom of the food chain; it is inexcusable in leaders at the apex of their careers. Advertisement And that kind of cowardice, it appears, is contagious. Its not just that Bolton has convinced himself that he was too insignificant to directly challenge Trump (after all he had plenty of stuff to do), and its not just that he declined to testify before the House (after all it was partisan). Its that even after all this time, he has convinced himself that the testimony wouldnt have changed anything, and hes got millions of Americans parroting the same nonsense: Nobody has an affirmative obligation to stand up and do whats right. The outcome is preordained. Nobodys resistance matters. Advertisement Advertisement Its easy to see the Trump administration in conjunction with Mitch McConnells senate as a juggernaut that cannot be defeated by any action taken by anyone ever. But when Bolton complains that he couldnt have made a difference, its an insult to all of the people out on the streets protesting, and also an insult to every young lawyer at the Justice Department who is courageously testifying, and also an insult to the Alexander Vindmans and Fiona Hills as well as to every other, lower-ranking person who may have mattered less than John Bolton in the org chart but who stood up anyhow. Most of the people who are fighting cluelessness and authoritarianism and presidenting-for-profit will never be in the room where it happened, but they certainly wouldnt have the temerity to suggest that going higher up in Trump World makes your resistance matter less. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David French wrote this week about why the Bolton book wont make any difference. Its because the people closest to Trump understand and discern precisely the chaos that Bolton describes. To stop the worst mistakes one must be in the room where it happens, to quote Bolton, quoting the musical Hamilton. But to stay in the room, one must engage in the flattery and the loud public defenses Trump requires. In other words, people enter Trumps orbit knowing his limitations and deficiencies. They say nothing while in service to him, they flatter and pander to him, then they all leave and suggest they were powerless to stop him. They want credit (and royalties) for having had the best of intentions, while perpetuating the myth that nobody bears any responsibility for enabling Trumpism because its unstoppable. Advertisement Advertisement Thats the nihilism that seeps into public conversations about resisting Trump: Dont bother impeaching him if it wont end in removal, dont bother speaking out against him if it wont change anything, dont bother testifying because it wont matter. It is the language of abuse, every time. But it is not the language of democracy. The message, all told, is that since doing anything is futile, the heroes of the day are those who at least make money off of the doing nothing. And that is the central tragedy of Donald Trumps time in office. The maddening thing about Boltons book is his definition of the axis of adults who ostensibly populate this mythical room where it happened. It now seems that they are sufficiently adult to profit off that service but not grown up enough to safeguard a desperately faltering democracy. Citizens For Democracy (CFD) has condemned Haveri MP Shivakumar Udasi and Byadagi MLA V R Ballari for requesting Union and Centre governments to exclude some scattered areas from the boundaries of Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary notified area, saying that quarrying and mining mafia should not be allowed to function thereby doing so. CFD president S R Hiermath stated that Udasi and Ballari gave development and jobs in industries as reasons to de-notify some blocks of Kappatagudda region which is a treasure trove of medicinal plants. They have neglected study reports and court cases also, he lamented. Union Environment Minister Prakash Javdekar has given approval for some anti-nature projects, while some politicians in the region have kept an eye on the biodiversity of the Western Ghats itself, he charged. 'Justice Day' tomorrow Observing 'Day for Justice for Anand Teltumbde' who was arrested in connection with Bhima-Koregaon case, a rally would be taken out from Sadhanakeri to German Hospital in Dharwad on Saturday (June 27) at 11:00 am, to create awareness about the injustice being done to social activists, Hiremath noted. 'Justice Day' in favour of Dr Teltumbde has already been observed across the country on May 16. Noted personalities like Rajmohan Gandhi, Prashant Bhushan, Justices H N Nagamohan Das, A P Shah and Gopalgowda expressed support for this cause. Like Indira Gandhi introduced MISA and jailed several MPs, the NDA government is now misusing the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Hiremath opined. The fuel prices continue to increase across the country. On Thursday, oil marketing companies raised price of petrol by 16 paise a litre and diesel by 14 paise a litre. After the increase, petrol was retailing at Rs 79.92 in New Delhi and diesel was selling at Rs 80.02 a litre. The diesel price increased for 19th day in a row since the daily revision of prices started in June 7 after a gap of 82 days due to lockdown. The price of petrol was unchanged on Wednesday, after a gap of 17 days. Diesel prices in Delhi had shot past petrol prices on Wednesday for the first time ever. Chairman of state-run Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Sanjiv Singh, said that higher diesel price in Delhi was a result of a steep hike in Value Added Tax or VAT by the state government. He said VAT is lower in other cities which has meant diesel remains cheaper than petrol. The Delhi government had increased VAT on petrol from 27 per cent to 30 per cent and that on diesel from 16.75 per cent to 30 per cent on May 5, said Singh. State-owned fuel firms benchmark retail rates to Arab-Gulf international oil prices and a formula decides them, the IOC chairman said, adding that demand dropped drastically in the aftermath of lockdowns imposed across the globe to curb spread of coronavirus, sending oil prices plunging to multi-year low. This included oil futures falling below zero on one day in US trading. Reducing prices in line with that fall was not sustainable as cracks - the difference between crude oil (raw material) and petroleum product (finished goods) prices - were running negative, he said. Singh said the companies returned to revising rates after international markets stabilised. This included passing on the excise duty increase. The government has been facing the Oppositions ire over the fuel price increase. The Congress has directed state units to stage a dharna (sit-in protest) at all district headquarters across the country on June 29 against the rising prices of diesel and petrol. Left parties - Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist), Revolutionary Socialist Party and All India Forward Bloc - have also criticised the government over the fuel price hike. Provide Accurate data - Tolentino asks DOLE While he supports the institutionalization of assistance to disadvantaged and displaced workers, administration Senator Francis "Tol" Tolentino insisted that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) should have a clear data for it to be implemented properly. Tolentino stressed this point during the hearing of the Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development on Senate Bill No. 1456 submitted by committee chairman Senator Joel Villanueva. The measure, dubbed as Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantage/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Act, seeks to institutionalize DOLE's assistance program for displaced workers. During the hearing, Tolentino asked DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III with questions regarding accuracy of the department's data on the country's informal workers. "Senator Villanueva's bill apparently would necessitate an accurate database on the number of informal workers, but your very own Bureau of Workers and Special Concerns (BWSC) said in a news report that the Philippines may only be the ASEAN country left without any formal statistical indicator for informal sector workers," Tolentino told Bello. Tolentino said without an accurate figure regarding the country's workforce, there would be a problem in implementing TUPAD Act if it is enacted into law. "Lumalabas na nagagamit niyo ang self-employed workers na bahagi ng informal sector sa international standard that it should not be included with the informal sector if their business is registered with the government," said Tolentino. "Baka naman iyong figures natin ay mali-mali o baka malayo sa realidad kaya baka mali rin ang ating evaluation po dito," he warned. Bello allayed fear of any duplication, saying there is a data-sharing agreement between the Departments of Social Welfare, Agriculture and Labor. But Tolentino insisted that the DOLE should come up with an updated data relative to the number of informal sector workers, not just for database purposes, but for proper implementation of the program. A two-day renaissance festival will go on as planned this weekend with social distancing measures as the San Antonio area experiences a surge in coronavirus cases. The organizers of the fourth annual Masked Spring Renaissance Festival, which had to be rescheduled from May in response to the pandemic, said safety measures and capacity restrictions will be in place to ensure social distancing. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Jackson Ranch located at 8910 Callaghan Rd. The festival will monitor capacity to follow city and county orders that forbid outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people, according to event organizer Patrice Villastrigo. She said the event typically draws over 1,000 visitors annually. READ ALSO: San Antonio moves up on list of U.S. cities with quickest coronavirus growth Villastrigo said visitors and vendors must wear face masks and booths will be 6 feet apart. In addition, the outdoor event will have two hand-washing stations and disposable seat covers for its portable restroom that will be cleaned and sanitized regularly. The food court will be in a separate area on the 4-acre property. Tables will be 6 feet apart and guests cannot leave the area with food or drinks, Villastrigo said. "We are an exemplary example for safety for the community to have a place to go to feel safe so that they can have fun without worrying about everything," she said, adding that the festival will have monitors walking around to ensure groups of people don't get too close to each other. READ ALSO: Historic Hot Wells Hotel in San Antonio receives some love on TikTok There will be a range of renaissance-themed vendors such as an archery tag booth, a mystic jewels booth and a Viking emporium. Entrance is free with a donation to the San Antonio Food Bank. Canned goods are accepted. Without the donation, entrance is $5 per family. Groups more than 10 are not allowed, Villastrigo said. Guests are welcome to dress up as there will be a costume contest as well as a face mask contest. "We are doing everything we can do maintain a healthy environment for the public, however, people must take responsibility for the measures they take towards safety, meaning wearing their mask and maintaining their distance," Villastrigo said. Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre Kenmore, N.Y., is so close to Fort Erie you can practically see the small village from the shoreline of Lake Erie. But, for Tricia-Lynn Pascia, that distance is now immeasurable. Her fiance Nick Crawley lives in Kenmore and the couple has not been able to see each other in person since late March after the Canada-U.S. border was closed to non-essential travel due to the global pandemic. We joke that because we live along the river, if we attached a zip line from my house to his house, it would only be a minute ride, the Fort Erie woman said. The couple met in Canada several years ago. Crawley proposed last December. A fall wedding was planned, complete with a guest list of more than 400 people. Those plans fell apart, however, as the potentially deadly virus spread across the globe. The last time he was here, we didnt know it would be the last time we would see each other, Pascia said. The couple had expected the border closure would only be a temporary hiccup in their relationship. We thought it would all blow over soon, Pascia recalled. We knew it as out of our hands and there was nothing we could do. Three months later, however, the couple remain apart. Their wedding, originally set for September, has been postponed until fall 2021. Their communications are limited to FaceTime, phone calls and texts. Without technology, this would be much for difficult on us both, Crawley said. The federal government recently eased restrictions for cross-border families, however, Pascia and Crawley arent eligible as theyre not yet married. You just have to throw your hands up and try to make the best of it, Pascia. Crawley is optimistic theyll be reunited soon. At the end of the day, were lucky to be safe and healthy in such unprecedented times, he said. I try to stay positive and hope for the best that the border will reopen as scheduled in July and not be pushed back again. The border is expected to remain closed to all non-essential travel until at least the end of July. I think the prevailing winds right now are winds that would result in more criticism if they decided not to bring a case than if they brought a weak case and lost, said Charles James, who led the Justice Departments antitrust division in the early 2000s. Brianna Herlihy, a department spokeswoman, declined to comment on the tech investigations. In a separate statement, she said the agency strongly disagrees with the claims of politicization made at Wednesdays hearing. Julie Tarallo McAlister, a Google spokeswoman, said the company continued to cooperate with the Justice Department, and we dont have any updates or comments on speculation. The Google investigation began last year, shortly after the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission divided up responsibility for investigating antitrust complaints about the major tech firms. In addition to concerns about Googles control over the software that delivers online ads to consumers, the agency has been examining allegations that the company abused its dominance over search, several of the people close to the investigation said. The departments investigators have fanned out over the media, tech and advertising industries, gathering evidence from companies that compete with Google. Antitrust inquiries often take years, but this one has moved unusually fast under Mr. Barr. The agency recently hired 10 to 15 tech fellows to work on the investigation, one of the people close to the case said. The part of the antitrust office that is overseeing the inquiry, Technology and Financial Services, has been told that it will not be taking on any new matters, a sign that it has narrowed its focus to Google, one person said. June marks the 50th anniversary of Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ members within our communities and to commit to creating a more diverse, inclusive and tolerant society. At CO-OP, we believe this effort goes beyond simply eliminating workplace discrimination against age, disabilities, gender, race and ethnicity, and, of course, sexual orientation and identity. Which is why we launched our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Council, to commit towards fostering a workplace where every employee feels valued, respected, and connected. All year-round, our DE&I Council has helped create a dialogue and share information geared towards promoting equality in the workplace, including a webinar on gender and sexual identity earlier this month. Creating an inclusive environment helps to make sure that we get the best of people at work every day, said Cheryl Middleton Jones, Chief People Officer. Personally, I know that I function best in an environment that is inclusive and accepting of others, as well as accepting the ideas and thoughts of everyone. Diversity breeds inclusiveness, and better ideas. And data suggests that inclusiveness leads to better outcomes. According to Forbes, inclusive teams make better business decisions up to 87% of the time and twice as fast. The global death toll from the coronavirus is over 480,000, with more than 9.5 million infections confirmed, causing mass disruptions as governments continue to try to slow the spread of the respiratory illness. Here's a roundup of COVID-19 developments in RFE/RL's broadcast regions. Turkmenistan Secretive Turkmenistan has approved a World Health Organization (WHO) mission to the country as it grapples with coronavirus infections that the government says don't officially exist. A spokesperson from the UN health body told RFE/RL that a long-delayed mission to the Central Asian state is expected to occur in early July. "The mission has been approved and WHO and the Turkmenistan government have worked in the past weeks to overcome logistical challenges to reach the country," the spokesperson said. "We are hoping to get the WHO team on the ground in early July." In early May, the WHO was forced to cancel a much-anticipated visit to Turkmenistan after failing to receive an official invitation. Turkmenistan has not reported any COVID-19 cases, even as there are signs that the pandemic is sweeping through the population. Doctors in the country are not allowed to talk about the coronavirus, face masks are banned, and citizens are punished for talking about the global pandemic. Medics who were not authorized to publicly discuss the situation told RFE/RL this week that the outbreak is getting "out of control," with new cases being recorded in almost all regions. Meanwhile, the authorities have set up several quarantine zones around the country and taken other measures in a bid to prevent the spread of what officials call "infectious diseases." Borders were shut down, flyers distributed urging people to stay vigilant against unnamed respiratory illnesses, and regular disinfections began of public buildings and bus stops. Authoritarian Turkmenistan is one of the worlds most closed countries, with litte or no independent media or freedom of information. Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan's Health Ministry says the government in Bishkek will decide on June 25 whether to declare a state of emergency in two major cities and two provinces due to the resurgent coronavirus outbreak. Deputy Health Minister Madamin Karatayev said on June 25 that the government was particularly concerned about Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's second-biggest city of Osh, and the provinces of Osh and Chu. Under the previous state of emergency that ended in May, Kyrgyzstan locked down several cities and districts -- including the capital Bishkek, where a curfew had been imposed. Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov missed a June 24 parade in Moscow commemorating the end of World War II because two other people aboard his flight to the Russian capital tested positive for COVID-19 upon their arrival. Jeenbekov's office told RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service that the head of the presidential office's foreign-policy unit, Daniyar Sydykov, and a bodyguard had tested positive for the coronavirus. On June 25, Jeenbekov's office said that the COVID-19 test he took on his trip was negative. But it said Jeenbekov still would self-isolate and work remotely. Karatayev said on June 25 that authorities also are considering temporarily closing the shared headquarters of the president and parliament in Bishkek. According to a global tally maintained by Johns Hopkins University, Kyrgyz authorities had confirmed a total of 3,726 coronavirus infections in the country as of June 25 -- including 43 deaths. Ukraine Ukraines health minister has said that more hospitals will open to coronavirus cases as the institutions initially chosen to accept patients no longer have enough beds to cope with a surge in infections. Ukraine has nearly 40,000 confirmed cases and over 1,000 deaths. Menwhile, The WHOs Europe region continues to report close to 20,000 new cases and over 700 new deaths daily. WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge said on June 25 that warnings about the risk of a resurgence of the virus as countries ease restriction measures have "now become a reality." "Thirty countries/territories have seen increases in new cumulative cases over the past two weeks," he said. The 11 countries facing accelerated transmission are: Armenia, Sweden, Moldova, North Macedonia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, and Kosovo. With reporting by RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service and Reuters ALTON Ajay Pathak, president of OSF HealthCare Saint Anthonys Health Center in Alton, is leaving for a new leadership position with Mercy, a nonprofit Catholic health care organization within Greater St. Louis. Pathaks last day at OSF Saint Anthonys will be July 2. After 11 years serving our mission and our sisters, Ive accepted a new position, Pathak said. Its been a professional privilege for me to serve at OSF Saint Anthonys. Ive fallen in love with the Riverbend, he said. Ive fallen in love with Alton. Pathak said he plans to remain engaged and involved in the community by remaining on the American Cancer Society Madison County Leadership Board of Directors. Pathak has served as president of OSF Saint Anthonys for the past five years. Most recently, he guided the opening of the OSF Moeller Cancer Center. He also advanced the expansion of care in the area by adding a new primary care practice and an OSF PromptCare in Godfrey. Under Pathaks leadership, OSF Saint Anthonys received several successive Grade A safety ratings by The Leapfrog Group, a national organization that evaluates and rates patient safety. Pathaks tenure with OSF HealthCare began in 2009. He served other leadership roles within OSF before becoming Saint Anthonys president. Sister M. Mikela Meidl, F.S.G.M., executive vice president, OSF HealthCare, will serve as interim president for OSF Saint Anthonys. She is on the OSF HealthCare Board of Directors and has been stationed and working at the executive level of OSF HealthCare in Peoria since Saint Anthonys merger into OSF HealthCare in 2014. Prior to the merger, she was the CEO and president of Saint Anthonys. I am excited to be returning to the Riverbend during this time, Mikela said. God has given us the blessing of a great team at OSF Saint Anthonys. Partnering with our Community Advisory Board, Foundation Council and local organizations to understand and care for our community has allowed us to serve with the greatest care and love. Haiti - DR : More than 17,000 Haitians voluntarily returned to the country in 2 weeks Wednesday Josue Gastelbondo Head of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in the Dominican Republic declared that during the last two weeks 17,336 Haitians have returned voluntarily to Haiti which indicates a marked acceleration of return despite the fact that the Dominican Republic partially reopened its economy. Since the island's two nations closed their borders from March 16 to mid-June, 57,669 Haitians residing in the Dominican Republic have returned to Haiti, according to figures from the Dominican border authorities compiled by the IOM office. Gastelbondo said the IOM does not interview migrants on the exact causes behind their voluntary returns. However, he considers as possible causes that the construction sector, in which many Haitians work, has not fully recovered, especially in tourist areas, and the fact that trade remains difficult and customers are scarce. He also mentioned that many Haitians who ran out of money on the deposit (3 months) of their homes are starting to be evicted by the owners... Gastelbondo also pointed out that in recent weeks "the dynamics of border movements are intensifying" which means that more people linked to small businesses, cross the border line legally or illegally... According to IOM statistics in Haiti, last week 6,356 people went to the Dominican Republic and 11,811 people were registered at border crossings to Haiti, which represents an increase in the trend. Remember that these figures are not exhaustive, the IOM in Haiti only monitors the four official border crossings and 46 other illegal crossings out of more than a hundred... S/ HaitiLibre Description GIS 25 June 2020: All children around the world are entitled to the same rights and Government will ensure that the rights of each child of the Republic of Mauritius are respected, said the Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Kalpana Devi Koonjoo-Shah, this morning, in Belle Rose during a ceremony, held at the Shelter La Colombe, to mark the Day of the African Child 2020. The event was organised jointly by the Ministry of Gender and Family Welfare and the National Children's Council (NCC). A presentation on a Tree of Values was given by children from the Shelter. The tree was conceived by the young residents on the theme of the Covid-19 pandemic, and illustrated lessons learnt and experiences linked to the virus as well as the importance of families, harmony and protecting the society and the environment. Other activities comprised a poem recital and a singing act by the residents of the Shelter. In her address, Mrs Koonjoo-Shah expressed gratitude to the personnel of the Shelter and staff of her Ministry and the NCC for their resilience and efforts during the lockdown period and in ensuring the safety of children during these 72 dire days. It was indeed a difficult period for children, caregivers, families and the entire world, she observed. Furthermore, the Minister expressed conviction that all children are born with an innate special talent. The onus is on adults to discover and promote such talents and provide support to these children so that they become exemplary citizens and make their close ones, educators and Mauritius proud, she emphasised. The Ministry, Mrs Koonjoo-Shah reiterated, will provide the necessary assistance for the development and well-being of children. In turn, she added, children should be respectful and first and foremost make their country proud. The Day of the African Child The African Union and its Member States observe the Day of the African Child (DAC) every year on 16 June as a commemoration of the 16th June 1976 student uprising in Soweto, South Africa. During that uprising, students who marched in protest against apartheid-inspired education, were brutally murdered. The DAC serves to commemorate these children and the brave action they took in defence of their right. The DAC has been observed since 1991 and instituted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the then Organisation of the African Union. MUNICH (dpa-AFX) - Wirecard AG (WRCDF.PK) said the company's management board has decided to file an application for the opening of insolvency proceedings. The company is planning to file the application due to impending insolvency and over-indebtedness. Wirecard is currently evaluating whether insolvency applications have to be filed for subsidiaries of Wirecard Group. Wirecard was in talks with its lending banks with regard to the continuation of the credit lines, including the continuation of the current drawing coming due at the end of June. Earlier, the company stated that it is examining a broad range of possible further measures to ensure continuation of its business operations. Last week, Wirecard's auditor Ernst & Young had informed the company that no sufficient audit evidence could be obtained so far of cash balances on trust accounts in the consolidated financial statements in the amount of 1.9 billion euros, about a quarter of the consolidated balance sheet total. The company withdrew its preliminary results for the financial year 2019 and the first quarter of 2020. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. New Delhi, June 25 : A potential capital raise of $3 billion by ICICI Bank could be tofurther improve its margin of safety and to be better prepared to capitalize on potential growth opportunities. According to a research report by Morgan Stanley, ICICI Bank may look to raise capital for two reasons. To further improve its margin of safety, HDFC Bank and Kotak have much higher capital ratios and to be better prepared to capitalize on potential growth opportunities as the economy stabilizes amid weak competition. During its F4Q20 results conference call, the bank had mentioned that while its capital position is comfortable (CET 1 ratio at 13.4 per cent), it would look for opportunities to strengthen its balance sheet further. Against this backdrop, the bank has already reduced its stake in the two insurance subsidiaries (ICICI Prudential Life and ICICI Lombard), boosting capital ratios by 40bps. "In our view, the bank doesn't need to raise capital for potential NPLs," Morgan Stanley said. ICICI Bank is well placed among Indian banks and it could absorb up to 12 per cent of loans as potential NPLs, based on current excess capital/coverage. "This is 2X what we estimate would arise in a high stress scenario," it said. "In our base case, we are currently building in 3% annual slippages over F21-22 and credit costs at 245 bps and 120 bps, respectively, keeping NPL coverage high at 72 per cent as of end-F22. Despite this, we see CET 1 ratio above 13 per cent by end-F22," it said. "As of now, we project a 10 per cent loan CAGR over the next two years and still arrive at a F22 CET 1 ratio of 13.2 per cent excluding 40bps accretion from stake sales in subsidiaries. This implies that internal core equity generation will fund most of the incremental growth," Morgan Stanley said. "But if the bank believes that it can grow at a faster pace given the weak competition in the system, then capital consumption would be quicker. If it raises equity, we believe it would be a function of the growth it is targeting," it added. At current prices, a $ 3 billion capital raising would imply 10% dilution: This would add 300bps to CET1, taking F20 CET 1 ratio to 16.4 per cent (16.8 per cent including gains from stake sale in subsidiaries). A $3 billion capital raising is large and would further improve the bank's balance sheet but could weigh on the stock price in the near term and push out core ROE improvement. US, Russia Signal Progress in Nuclear Arms Talks By Lisa Bryant June 24, 2020 U.S. and Russian negotiators signaled progress Tuesday in talks on a possible replacement to a nuclear arms reduction treaty due to expire next February. But there are significant hurdles ahead including China's opposition to being included in the talks. At issue is the 2010 New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, or START, restricting the number of deployed nuclear warheads held by the U.S. and Russia, the world's two biggest nuclear powers. U.S. negotiator Marshall Billingslea says working group discussions may take place in late July or early August, paving the way for a possible second round of talks in Vienna. "We did indeed hold productive talks with Russia. Indeed, the talks were so productive that we found enough common ground to warrant the establishment of several technical working groups to dive further into the details of what a future trilateral arms control agreement should look like," Billingslea said. But there are major sticking points moving forward. Washington wants any new deal to subject China to restrictions and include all nuclear weapons, not just strategic weapons. Beijing, with an estimated fraction of the U.S. and Russian arsenal, has repeatedly refused to join the talks. The differences between Washington and Beijing were highlighted this week in clashing Twitter postings and official comments by the two sides. For its part, Russia says other nuclear powers, including France and Britain, should join future talks, but on a voluntary basis. Heading the Russian delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also noted progress in Vienna, according to Russia's TASS news agency, but also that "substantial differences" remained. The discussions in the Austrian capital are the first between Moscow and Washington on their nuclear arsenals after more than a year's break. President Donald Trump has withdrawn from several U.S. treaties with Russia, including those on overflights and intermediate-range nuclear forces. The New START treaty can be extended another five years, if both sides agree. Experts say that could pave the way for a wider-ranging and more stringent deal. Without the treaty, Washington and Moscow could be left without any significant limits on their nuclear weapons for the first time in decades. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Greek tourism minister has suggested that Britons could be allowed back to holiday hotspots in less than a week. (Getty) Brits could be welcomed back to holiday hotspots in Greece within a week, the countrys tourism minister has suggested. Haris Theoharis said the country wants UK tourists to return when it opens to European holidaymakers on 1 July. Speaking on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, he suggested that conversations with the UK government over so-called air bridges were going well and he expected a final decision in the next few days. Air bridges are hoped to help alleviate concerns from travel companies and airlines over the governments 14-day quarantine rule, which they have branded disproportionate and unfair and warned will have a devastating effect on the UKs aviation and tourism industries. Theoharis told the programme that there was no need for those returning to the UK from Greece to be quarantined. He said: The point is that Greece is a safe country we have proven that during this crisis and we will continue proving this in the exit stages of the health situation. We feel that the risk of someone contracting the disease in Greece is much lower than most of the countries in Europe and indeed the rest of the world. Read more: Patel defends quarantine plans as essential for arrivals to the UK The ministers comments come amid reports that British tourists will be able to visit any one of about 10 countries without having to quarantine, thanks to air bridges and travel corridors. According to some reports, air bridges with France, Spain, Italy and Turkey are close to being confirmed, alongside Greece, as part of plans set to be unveiled on Monday (June 29), with the first flights expected on 4 July. Other countries are expected to include Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Gibraltar and Bermuda, with speculation suggesting Portugal could also be on the list despite concerns over recent coronavirus outbreaks in the popular destination. Amid the ongoing India-China crisis, the Indian government is mulling several strategies to leverage its growing power sector in response against China. The wider plan comprises prodding Indian companies to consider ways of getting out of contracts signed with Chinese firms. This extreme plan of action was enunciated by Power Minister Raj Kumar Singh at a conference with industry leaders on Tuesday. Singh, who also helms the new and renewable energy ministry, expressed that "if possible", Indian companies shall look to explore ways to exit contracts inked with Chinese firms, as power is a critical and sensitive sector. Also Read: 200% rise in cyberattacks from China in a month; India tops hit list post Galwan face-off "The issue of exploring the possibility of getting out of contracts inked by Indian power firms with Chinese companies was discussed in the Tuesday meeting. It is very important to use equipment manufactured in India, as power is a strategic sector," a source told the Livemint. The strategies discussed at the meeting included ways to erect tariff barriers and other hurdles such as subsidising finance to encourage local power equipment manufacturers, and prior-permission conditions for imports from nations India is in conflict with. The development assumes significance as India's energy demand is poised to grow from the present per capita of around 1,149 kilowatt-hour (kWh). This is among the lowest in the world as compared to per capita consumption of 3,600 kWh globally. Also Read: Power Finance Corporation FY20 profit dips 25% to Rs 9,477 crore, revenue rises by 15% Moreover, India's electricity demand that had plunged during the lockdown period is slowly getting back to its pre-lockdown levels. Confirming the development, a power ministry official told the news daily that during Tuesday's meeting, the power sector players and union power minister stressed on the strategic significance of the sector. The officer added that "any malware attack on power infrastructure can lead to collapse of many other essential services that depend on power supply like communication, manufacturing, health, defence etc." Chinese companies are trying to grab a slice of the promising and lucrative Indian electricity sector across the conventional and clean energy space. So far, orders for nearly 48 giga watts (GW) of thermal power generation projects have been placed with Chinese companies. South Jerseys 2nd Congressional District was already expected to feature one of the nations hottest congressional races. Thats because angry Democrats promised an all-out fight against rookie Rep. Jeff Van Drew, who switched to the Republican Party after refusing to back Donald Trumps impeachment and then pledged his undying support for the president. Political pundit Brigid Callahan Harrison, a Montclair State University political science professor, quickly lined up the backing of six county chairs and state Senate President Stephen Sweeney, D-Gloucester, and entered the race. Then Amy Kennedy, wife of former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., and the most recent candidate from the iconic political family, also jumped in the July 7 Democratic primary. So theres indeed a street fight in this district a few months early. I dont think this primary would get as much attention if there wasnt someone named Kennedy in it, said Nathan Gonzales, editor and publisher of Inside Elections, which rated Van Drew as a slight favorite for re-election. Kennedy used campaign donations from her family to help surpass Callahan Harrison in campaign contributions, $566,253 to $158,345, through March 31. In addition, two super political action committees have spent more than $115,000 on her behalf. A political committee with ties to South Jersey powerbroker George Norcross is backing Callahan Harrison. She is making her first try for public office, though her father, Jerry Savell, served on the Absecon City Council. I had no indention of getting involved in politics, Kennedy said. I saw Jeff Van Drew switch parties and co-sign to everything that this administration is representing in terms of hate and rhetoric. To me, that was the time I decided I wanted to do more. Callahan Harrison had started first, saying she had been urged to run once she wrote an op-ed criticizing Van Drews opposition to an impeachment inquiry. When he voted against the impeachment inquiry, I was incensed, Callahan Harrison said. In 2018 he was elected as a Democrat. The most important issue that year was people, myself include, wanted a check on President Trump. When he voted against the inquiry, I viewed it as a failure of leadership and he failed the litmus test of a generation. While aiming most of their fire at Van Drew, the two leading Democrats have swapped vitriol with each other as well. I never had the luxury of a Kennedy last name, so I have received my support by not assuming things, by asking peoples support, and having the guts to call out Jeff Van Drew before anyone else did, Callahan Harrison said. Kennedy sought to tie Callahan Harrison to Norcross, a Sweeney ally who has feuded with Gov. Phil Murphy and who has been accused of profiting from lucrative tax incentives to help the city of Camden. Norcross endorsed Van Drew two years ago. She just received the endorsement of Murphy, who also has clashed with Sweeney. The same New Jersey machine that sent Van Drew to Congress as a Democrat doesnt want Amy to win this race, the campaign said in a recent fundraising email. Theyll pull out every dirty trick in the book to stop us and preserve their hold on New New Jerseys voters. Callahan Harrison countered with her endorsements from both of New Jerseys U.S. senators, Robert Menendez and Cory Booker, in addition to Sweeney. She has the organizational ballot line, a major advantage in New Jersey elections, in most of the counties in the congressional district. She also has gone on the attack, taking aim at Amy Kennedys campaign fundraising and spending, pointing out that Parity PAC, a political action committee that Patrick Kennedy co-chairs and he and his wife have contributed to, has supported Republican lawmakers. In addition, Patrick Kennedy contributed $500,000 to the Blue Organizing Project, its only donor, which in turn spent $75,000 against Callahan Harrison, its only expenditure. That led Callahan Harrison to file a complaint with the Federal Election Commission and Kennedy to disavow the PAC. At the same time, Kennedy was endorsed by End Citizens United, which supports stronger campaign finance regulations and helped rookie Reps. Andy Kim and Tom Malinowski oust Republican incumbents in 2018. And the Parity PAC supports lawmakers of both parties who support the Kennedy Forums goal for mental health and addiction treatment to receive the same health coverage as other illnesses. The forum was founded by Patrick, who has struggled with addiction, with Amy serving as education director. Especially as the coronavirus requires people to stay home, theres increasing rise in depths of despair around the country, Kennedy said. Its this tsunami thats building in terms of mental health issues. The pandemic primary has forced both candidates indoors and online rather than door-to-door, the closure of the districts casinos and beaches has elevated economic issues, and the death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police has heightened calls for overhauling the criminal justice system. Callahan Harrison called that a real sea change while Kennedy said that inequality must be at the front. Despite their clashes, the two see eye-to-eye on key issues. They support moving to 100% clean energy by 2050, banning oil drilling off the Jersey Shore, a $15 a hour federal minimum wage, allowing Medicare to negotiate for drug prices, providing a public option to the Affordable Care Act, and limiting corporate, union and individual spending on campaigns. Likewise, neither has embraced either the Green New Deal, which calls for 100% clean energy by 2030, or Medicare for All, which would replace private health insurance with a single-payer, government-run plan. Both have strong union support. Kennedy is backed by the New Jersey Education Association and the Communications Workers of America. Callahan Harrison has the endorsement of the American Federation of Teachers and Unite Here Local 54, which represents Atlantic Citys casino workers. And both said the attacks on each other wont prevent the party from unifying after the primary and are nothing compared to what they expect from the Republicans. We all know how important this election will be in changing the direction of the country, Callahan Harrison said. While we may disagree and have some personal differences, theres a bigger calling here for our district to stand up to this administration. The other Democrats seeking their partys nomination are Will Cunningham, a veteran congressional aide who lost to Van Drew in the 2018 Democratic primary; former FBI agent Robert Turkavage, who ran as a Republican for the seat two years ago; and John Francis, an environmentalist and professor. Callahan Harrison, Kennedy and Cunningham are scheduled to meet Thursday in an online debate sponsored by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University. Van Drew, rated as a slight favorite to win re-election this fall, faces a primary of his own against Bob Patterson, a former acting associate commissioner of the Social Security Administration under Trump. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. ST. LOUIS The latest coronavirus figures released Wednesday by St. Louis health officials show an increase in hospital admissions and people in intensive care, but they say the number of positive cases in the region is still trending downward. New hospital admissions increased by 10 patients, from 16 Tuesday to 26 on Wednesday, and the seven-day average for admissions rose from 16 to 18, according to the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force. Four additional patients were transferred to ICU, bringing the total number of patients receiving intensive care to 53, the task force said. The head of the task force, Dr. Alex Garza, said that although daily numbers can change, the historic trend of virus cases in the St. Louis region is the number to watch. And weve been trending down, he said. I try to not get too fixated on those day-to-day fluctuations, he said. The latest figures come after virus spikes have been reported in several states, including Arizona, Florida and Texas. Missouri has seen an increase in rural areas, particularly in the southwest region of the state. The spikes going on around the country are concerning, Garza told the Post-Dispatch. Many of the areas where those spikes are occurring are places where the economy was reopened and there werent as many restrictions as we had in St. Louis. Chris Prener, a sociologist at St. Louis University who closely tracks Missouri coronavirus trends, said daily hospitalization numbers can be eye-popping to someone not aware that total case numbers in the region still continue to decline. For the typical person, theyre looking for a simple story, Prener said. Are the numbers going up, down, staying the same? The trend line helps tell that story effectively. There were 63 new coronavirus cases in St. Louis County on Wednesday, bringing total county cases to 6,004. Missouri has recorded at least 18,868 total cases and 975 deaths, according to the state Department of Health and Senior Services. Case numbers for the city of St. Louis have not been updated in a few days. Mayor Lyda Krewson said Wednesday it was determined that the state and other entities were forwarding positive test results that were actually for cases outside the city. She said the city health department is reviewing test results to determine which ones are for city residents and which arent. Its not clear when that review will be completed. The bottom line is likely to be that our numbers are going to drop a tad, not enough to be significant or change any trends, Krewson said. The city as of Friday had recorded 2,139 cases and 154 deaths. 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. People stand on a roof of a house amidst debris of a passenger plane, crashed in a residential area near an airport in Karachi, Pakistan on May 22, 2020. (Akhtar Soomro/Reuters) Pakistan Plane Crashed After Pilots Distracted by Virus Fears: Minister The pilots of a Pakistan jetliner that crashed in May, killing all on board, were preoccupied with the CCP virus pandemic and were discussing the illness when they tried to land the plane with its wheels still up, according to an initial report about the incident. A Pakistan International Airlines plane crashed into a residential area near the Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on May 22, killing 98 people. It came days after Pakistan lifted CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus-related restrictions and resumed flights. Pakistans aviation minister said that human error was to blame in the accident, presenting the report in the countrys Parliament on June 24. According to the initial investigative report, the pilot and the [air traffic] controller both did not adopt the proper procedure, said Ghulam Sarwar Khan, according to Al Jazeera TV, a Qatari government-backed broadcaster. Khan said that the pilot and co-pilot were not focused and had been discussing the CCP virus, a novel coronavirus that emerged in China last year, when air traffic control first alerted them about their altitude. A security personnel stands guard beside the wreckage of a plane at the site after a Pakistan International Airlines aircraft crashed in a residential area days before, in Karachi on May 24, 2020. (Asif Hassan/AFP via Getty Images) Fire brigade staff try to put out a fire caused by a plane crash in Karachi, Pakistan, on May 22, 2020. (Fareed Khan/AP Photo) [The pilot] listened in haste and replied that he would manage it. And then returned to talking about corona, added Khan. There was an overconfidence, unfortunately, and that focus and concentration was not there. Investigators had found that the plane was more than double the correct altitude when it approached the runway, according to the report, as cited by The Guardian. The [virus] was on their minds. Their families were affected and they were having a discussion about it, Khan said. But the minister also faulted air traffic controllers during the failed landing attempt. The controller is also negligent that when he saw the aircraft touch down on its engines and saw fire coming out of the engines, he should have informed [the pilot], he said. But the control tower did not inform the pilot. Qasim Qadim, a spokesman for the Pakistan Airline Pilots Association, disputed the investigations findings. The greatest pilots with the best records have made mistakes. Humans make mistakes, he said, according to the newspaper. Khan said that when the pilots tried to land the plane without its wheels deployed, the friction with the runway caused sparks and flames, ultimately damaging the planes body and engines. The pilots then took off again and tried to circle back to the airport for another landing, but the engines were too damaged, causing the aircraft to crash into homes in the area, according to The Wall Street Journal. Long black stripes left by tires extend the length of a section of the parking lot in front of the Burlington Coat Factory at Route 59 and Aurora Avenue in Naperville. Naperville police say they've seen 200-300 car enthusiasts use the lot on weekend nights to show off their vehicles. The spectacle can devolve, police say, when drivers peel out and damage the parking lot asphalt. (Suzanne Baker / Naperville Sun) GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ARGUS International, Inc., a member of the SGS Group, today announces its release of the organization's analysis of the disruption caused by COVID-19 on business aviation flight activity. The publication titled "Is Business Aviation Cleared for Takeoff? A Look at COVID-19's Continued Impact," is available for immediate download on their website at https://www.argus.aero/covid-19-impact-business-aviation-activity/ and outlines the continued impact the global pandemic is having on the business aviation community and the longer-term predictions. "The COVID-19 pandemic is still having a dramatic impact on the aviation industry," said Joe Moeggenberg, CEO of ARGUS International. "Using real-time and historical TRAQPak flight tracking data, our aviation analysts took an objective, data-driven look into how this prolonged pandemic has altered business aviation traffic and provides a forecast for future activity." As this white paper outlines, May 2020 recorded an 84% increase in activity from April, in North America, which means we have already made up 1/3 of our losses from COVID-19 and June is looking just as strong. The white paper is a strong follow-up to the industry-leading webinar, "GROUNDED: Navigating the Continued Impact of COVID-19 on Business Aviation Flight Activity." "This white paper offers a unique opportunity for the business aviation industry to gain updated data and projections," said Travis Kuhn, Vice President of Market Intelligence at ARGUS International. "We believe this white paper will provide much-needed answers to the aviation industry during these uncertain times." Visit https://www.argus.aero/covid-19-impact-business-aviation-activity/ to download a complimentary copy of the "Is Business Aviation Cleared for Takeoff A Look At COVID-19's Continued Impact" White Paper. About ARGUS International, Inc. ARGUS International, Inc. (ARGUS), a member of the SGS Group, is the worldwide leader in specialized aviation services that allow organizations to improve their operational and business decision making with software solutions. ARGUS Market Intelligence offers custom aviation reporting with targeted data such as flight tracking, fleet intelligence, and aircraft activity analysis with TRAQPak. ARGUS provides a collection of safety audits for both the business aviation and commercial aviation sectors. ARGUS Charter operator ratings are the most recognized and requested independent source of overall operator quality in the business aviation space. ARGUS subsidiaries include ARGUS PROS, the leading provider of onsite safety audits, and PRISM, a worldwide leader in safety management systems, certification, and consultation services. ARGUS was founded in 1995 and headquartered in Colorado. To learn more about ARGUS International, please visit www.argus.aero SOURCE ARGUS International Related Links http://www.argus.aero Think drone deliveries are cool? It might soon become reality because Vodafone Idea is going to start drone trials with Zomato and will be providing LTE support to TechEagles dones. Vodafone Idea is reportedly working with food delivery platform Zomato and TechEagle Innovations for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone trails that will be organised by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The civil aviation regulator has shortlisted 13 consortia what have been given a green signal to start preliminary trials. Both Zomato and TechEagle come under the ClearSky consortium, one of the 13 shortlisted. Dunzo, Swiggy, Throttle Aerospace Systems, ShopX, Zipline, Spicexpress and Redwing are some of the other consortia that have received DGCA approvals to test drone-based deliveries. Under this partnership, Vodafone Idea will be providing LTE support to TechEagles drones. The drones will be using Vodafones 4G network and unlicensed bands to stay connected to the Internet during trials. According to people close to this development, these test drones will need to have a Vodafone Idea SIM card inserted and that will be used to talk to other drones in the vicinity and provide Internet access to the drone UTM. This is where Vodafone will be making money - by billing TechEagle for using its SIM card for data purposes. The test drones will also be collecting data such as airspace, weather updates etc while on the trail. This is not Zomatos first foray into drone tests. It had tested its first drone delivery in June last year. Zomato ended their relationship with TechEagle Innovations post that. Zomato had acqui-hired TechEagle in December 2018. TOKYOJapans top telecommunications company is taking a $600 million (U.S.) stake in a leading telecoms hardware maker, seeking to build a national champion that can take business from Chinas Huawei Technologies Co. Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp., whose Docomo unit is the leading cellphone service provider in Japan, said it would own nearly 5% of Tokyo-based NEC Corp., which makes equipment for fast fifth-generation wireless networks. The Trump administration is stepping up its campaign to block Huawei from supplying 5G technology to U.S. allies. Aside from Huawei, the main two makers of 5G equipment are European Ericsson AB of Sweden and Nokia Corp. of Finland. NTT Chief Executive Jun Sawada said the Huawei situation gave Japan an opportunity to gain global market share. Theres a strong chance that U.S.-China relations will continue to deteriorate, Mr. Sawada said. Amid this tough global situation, we want to become a leader. U.S. officials have also expressed interest in uniting American companies around new technology that would undercut Huaweis role. Companies in Japan, a U.S. military ally, have a tiny share of the global market for 5G equipment such as base stations that transmit data to telecommunications networks. As of 2018, Huawei claimed roughly 30% of the global base station market, followed by Ericsson with 27% and Nokia Corp. with 22%, according to IHS Markit. NEC and Fujitsu Ltd. had slightly less than 1% each. NEC and NTT said they would jointly develop wireless technologies including base stations. By 2030 they hope to get about 20% of the business of the worlds top mobile carriers, such as AT&T Inc. Currently the 5G market is dominated by companies benefiting from large economies of scale, said Mr. Sawada. We want to challenge this. The global market for base stations is expected to be worth roughly $105 billion by 2025, triple the market size in 2018, according to a February report from the Fuji Chimera Research Institute. The U.S. has been pushing allies to stay away from Chinese 5G equipment. In 2018, Japans government blocked Chinese vendors Huawei and ZTE Corp. from official contracts. Japanese operators swiftly followed. In January, the U.K. defied the Trump administration, allowing Huawei to build part of its 5G network. But following the latest U.S. restrictions imposed on Huawei in May, British security officials are reconsidering their stance. With NEC and NTT at the core, we want to partner with other trusted countries and players to create a new, open system of development, said NTTs Mr. Sawada. NECs chief executive, Takashi Niino, acknowledged his company, a core supplier to NTT for many decades, hasnt been successful in adapting its base stations for global markets. With the new alliance, he said, we really feel this is our last chance. Read more about: Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 03:32:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Palestinians clash with Israeli soldiers in Fasayil village in Jordan Valley, on June 24, 2020. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye reiterated on Wednesday that all forms of Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank lands are "unacceptable." (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua) RAMALLAH, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye reiterated on Wednesday that all forms of Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank lands are "unacceptable." Ishtaye made the remarks in a meeting with Jamie McGoldrick, UN humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, and Gerald Rockenschaub, head of the WHO office in the occupied Palestinian territories. "We reject annexation in principle either it is a small or a bid area of our lands," Ishtaye said, adding that the world "must be careful" of Israel's intentions to go for a gradual annexation "to contain the international rejection of the plan." According to a statement emailed to reporters, Ishtaye briefed the UN officials on the situation of the novel coronavirus in the Palestinian territories and the measures Palestine has taken to mitigate its outbreak. "The outbreak of coronavirus in Palestine came earlier than we expected. However, the situation is still under control," he said. During the meeting, Ishtaye explored the role of the UN agencies in backing the Palestinian government to overcome the mounting difficulties faced by Palestinians due to the severing of all forms of coordination with Israel, according to a Palestinian official who declined to be named. Last month, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced the breakdown of all agreements and understandings reached with Israel and the United States, and stopped all forms of coordination with Israel. The Palestinian leadership made this decision in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial plan of annexing parts of the West Bank. Currently, Netanyahu is pushing his plan to annex the Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley, a portion of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The Israeli prime minister set July 1 as the starting date for the beginning of the plan despite international condemnations. Mohammad Hussein (47) was working in Qatar for the last 20 years and was planning to return to India in May. In April, his family got a call from an organisation working among the expatriate community saying he contracted Covid-19 and his condition was serious. There was no news after this - a week later, his family in Kozhikode (north Kerala) got the photos of his burial. A substantial number of people from Kerala are working in the Gulf. According to the latest information, 296 people from the state died due to the coronavirus disease in the Gulf but activists working among expatriates say their number is more. Husseins family members at least got photos but others were not so lucky. And some families, who can afford, are keeping bodies of their dear ones in mortuary in the hope they can be brought back once the virus situation improves. My fathers body is in a morgue in Bahrain. And we are paying through our nose. We hope the body can be brought back once the situation improves, said the daughter of another deceased. The number of Kerala Gulf diaspora is estimated to be 18 lakh (2018 figure). And the remittances they sent that year was around 19 per cent of the total remittances sent by Indians abroad. In 2019, the figure jumped to Rs 1 lakh crore, the highest in the country, according to the state level bankers committee. The diaspora community has always helped the state government. They have loosened their purse strings in the times of disasters, but the community now feels it has been let down by both Centre and state governments during the Covid-19 pandemic. Union minister V Muraleedharan said that when the government started the flight services in May, the Centre was ready to fly at least 36 flights per day to Kerala. He said that the Kerala government restricted the number of flights to less than 12 saying they wont be able to handle so many flights. The state government has, however, denied this. The expatriates, meanwhile, say that many lives could have been saved if the members of the community were evacuated in early days of the pandemic. Even countries like Pakistan and the Philippines took their citizens in March-April and the country waited till the situation deteriorated. We lost golden hours. Many lives could have been saved if wed evacuated them in early months. Now the state government itself says expatriates can be super spreaders, said Reji Kuttappan, a writer and migrant rights activist. Their desperation was quite visible when the government-run non-Keralite resident association (Norka) opened a website in April for those who want to return and more than four lakh (4,56,431 to be exact) got themselves registered in two weeks. The state government said that 90,000 people have returned to the state but the Norka website puts the number at 55,905 till June 22. The expatriates say what really pained them is the fact that they were being stamped as super spreaders in many areas. Hate campaigns against those coming back to the state have been reported in north Kerala where 60 per cent of expatriates hail from. Even CM Pinarayi Vijayan said the state put restrictions on returnees to check super spreaders. His words sent a wrong message, said Mansoor Paloor, convenor of the Indian Overseas Congress. But Vijayan denied any laxity on the part of the state government and said there was a concerted move to array expatriates against the government. We never blocked any flights. We took some decisions to check super spreaders and community spreading. More than 90 per cent of the cases in the state are imported, people came from abroad or other states, he said. But Congress-led Opposition criticised the state government saying it was more interested in its records, not welfare of stranded people and that led to many deaths. The government could have brought them home and treated them here instead of leaving them to death abroad, said former chief minister Oommen Chandy. As the Centre and state spar over evacuation, the death rate in the expat community is steadily going up. There was a big outrage after the state made Covid-free certificates mandatory for returnees but the government stood its ground till the Centre rejected it saying tests were not feasible in embassies. At one point, the state said it was ready to send kits to test people before boarding flights but many expatriates feel the tussle and confusion cost them dearly. A former Conservative Party campaign manager has appeared in court today, charged with a string of offences relating to indecent images of children. Mark Andrew Lerigo appeared at Coventry Magistrates' Court on Thursday, charged with eight counts, including distributing indecent images of children. The 49-year-old gave no indication of a plea when he appeared before magistrates in the socially-distanced courtroom. Lerigo was suspended by the Conservative Party after the allegations came to light when he was charged following a National Crime Agency (NCA) inquiry. Former Conservative Party campaign manager Mark Andrew Lerigo, 49, (pictured) appeared at Coventry Magistrates' Court on Thursday, charged with distributing indecent images of children Lerigo, of William Bristow Road, Coventry, faces two counts of distributing indecent images of children, three counts of making indecent images of children, one count of possessing extreme pornography involving animals. The former Conservative Party Midlands regional press officer also faces a charge of possessing prohibited images of children, and one of publishing an obscene article, the NCA said. Magistrates granted Lerigo unconditional bail to appear at Warwick Crown Court on July 24. Wearing, a light blue checked shirt and dark blue trousers, Lerigo covered his face after he left court following the short hearing. Earlier this month, the Conservative Party confirmed that Lerigo had been suspended from the party with immediate effect, pending the outcome of judicial proceedings. Earlier this month, the Conservative Party confirmed that Lerigo had been suspended from the party with immediate effect, pending the outcome of judicial proceedings A Conservative Party spokesman said: 'Mr Lerigo has been suspended from the party with immediate effect, pending the outcome of judicial proceedings.' He was a campaign manager for the Conservative Party at the 2017 general election and for the Britain Stronger In Europe group during the EU referendum. Previously, a spokeswoman for the NCA said: 'A campaign manager for the Conservative Party has been charged with online child sexual abuse offences after a NCA investigation. 'Mark Lerigo, 49, of Coventry will appear at the city's magistrates' court on 25 June to face two counts of distributing indecent images of children, three counts of making indecent images of children, one count of possessing extreme pornography involving animals, one count of possessing prohibited images of children and one count of publishing an obscene article.' A budtender at the Basalt Roots RX peruses product behind the case recently, after fetching a few ReCreate tinctures. Thanks to a new partnership between the dispensary and ReCreate, the tinctures are available for $1 as part of a $100,000 COVID-19 relief program. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Budi Sutrisno (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 14:54 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066197eca 1 National COVID-19,coronavirus,Banjarmasin,surabaya,East-Java,covid-19-task-force,Jokowi,Joko-Widodo,Jakarta-administration,mortality,death-rate Free Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan and Surabaya in East Java have recorded the highest mortality rates while COVID-19 case numbers keep rising across the archipelago. Banjarmasins crude death rate stands at 14.3 per 100,000 people, while that of Surabaya stands at 12.7, according to the latest data presented on Sunday by the COVID-19 national task force. The two cities have dominated the chart since the previous count on June 7, when Surabaya was the city with the highest crude mortality rate at 9.8 deaths, followed by Banjarmasin at 9.4. Sundays data also showed that Central Jakarta replaced North Sulawesis Manado in the third place, with a rate of 11.8. We see death [rates] based on not only the number of deaths but also the number of positive cases and the population in a region, Dewi Nur Aisyah, an epidemiologist on the task forces team of experts, said during a press briefing on Wednesday. Central Jakarta has topped the crude mortality rates in the capital due to its lower population even though East Jakarta has dominated both the number of cases and the number of deaths as of Wednesday. Despite its large population, East Java, considered the new epicenter of the outbreak, has stood among regions with the highest crude mortality rates at the provincial level, besides its towering case fatality rate (CFR). The province also recorded the highest number of deaths in the country. In over a month, South Kalimantan and East Java have been among the hardest-hit provinces, with the former recording 2,775 cases and 168 deaths and the later 10,298 cases and 750 deaths as of Wednesday, according to the Health Ministry. All 13 regencies and municipalities in South Kalimantan have been designated red zones, but only two regencies and two cities, including Banjarmasin, have applied large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) that were lifted earlier this month. Greater Surabaya, which consists of Surabaya and its satellite regencies of Sidoarjo and Gresik, has also lifted the PSBB measures despite a spike in confirmed cases. Mayor Tri Rismaharini has dismissed calls from experts for the partial lockdown to be re-imposed and claimed that the second-biggest city in the country showed a downward trend in COVID-19 cases. Read also: COVID-19: PSBB unlikely to be reinstated as Surabaya mayor claims infections on 'downward trend' The mortality rates, however, might underrepresent the actual severity of the outbreak, given the lack of testing capacity that has led to many unconfirmed deaths, which the government has also refused to include in the official tally. Over the past two weeks, the government has increased its testing capacity, reaching the target of 20,000 specimens and 10,000 people tested daily several times, although the performance has been unsteady. Along with the increasing testing capacity, the national test positivity rate has escalated, at 14 percent over the first two weeks of June, up from 11 percent in the last week of May. It is far from the provision of below 5 percent to impose new normal measures. The speed of transmission is unchanged in Indonesia. We cant say that conditions are worsening. The conditions are unchanged, only now [we have] better testing capacity to prevent infection of the vulnerable, Dewi said. The chief of the national COVID-19 task force expert staff, Wiku Adisasmito, praised the cross-sectoral collaboration coordinated by the task force, saying it had contributed to the countrys ability to counter the pandemic, including its increased testing capacity. All hospital data are now connected to surveillance and laboratory data automatically, he said, reporting the dramatic increase of the number of hospitals from 250 to 1,687 in the past three months. Wiku explained almost 60 percent of regencies and municipalities in Indonesia were now at low or zero risks and allowed to reopen the economy. President Joko Jokowi Widodo appreciated local leaders and regional task forces that managed to contain the virus and said he was optimistic to see improving data, but he also asked for vigilance. With an integrated information system, we have scientific data, and every policy we take should be based on those. Always ask for advice from the scientists, the President said. Doneisha Posey heard from a young age that she would be a good lawyer someday. Posey, then a middle schooler in Wayne Township, started noticing some of the inequities around her. Some of her friends didnt even know what National Honor Society was, for instance, and their teachers certainly didnt encourage them to learn more about it. So Posey started asking questions of her teachers and school counselors to learn what was going on, as any good future lawyer would do. Now, skip ahead to present day, and Posey has made it her lifes work to make sure diversity and inclusion are priorities for institutions and agencies. Posey became vice president of diversity, equity and belonging at Ivy Tech in April. Before that, she was deputy director and general counsel of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission. She is also an adjunct law professor at Indiana University McKinney School of Law where she teaches classes about housing discrimination and segregation, as well as race and the law. Poseys experience also includes serving as legal advisor for the governors Commission on Minority and Women Business Enterprises, administrative law judge at the Indiana Civil Rights Commission and immigration litigation attorney in private practice. Doing all of that kind of shifted me to come to Ivy Tech, she said, where I could be more of a proactive participant in creating equity. When it comes to higher education, talk of diversity and inclusion is usually centered on students, but there is of course the leadership side from professors to academic advisors to chancellors. An institution can make inclusion a priority, but Posey said its best to consider what it means to feel like you truly belong somewhere as a next step. That can hinge on who works with students and if students see themselves reflected in leadership. Its a really big task, said Posey, whose job it is to make sure every Ivy Tech campus across the state have policies and procedures that include lenses to consider racial equity and diversity. Posey, who grew up in Indianapolis and went to Ben Davis High School, said the conversation should shift from equality to equity and equal opportunity. You cant talk about equal opportunity without talking about systemic inequities that create privilege for one group and not the other, she said. Posey was chosen for her new position out of a national pool of about 90 qualified candidates. We understand it is our responsibility to serve all Hoosiers and eliminate equity gaps for students and employees, Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech, said in a press release. I am pleased to have someone as qualified and respected as Doneisha Posey to lead our Colleges efforts and engage with the communities we serve across the state. Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick. Doneisha Posey (Photo provided) FULL STORY In the current issue of Communications Biology, Professor Jindrich Cinatl from the Institute for Medical Virology at Goethe University and Professor Martin Michaelis from the School of Biosciences at the University of Kent report on their investigations with nelarabine on different cell lines. "Nelarabine is the precursor of the drug, a prodrug, that does not become effective until it is combined with three phosphate groups in the leukaemia cell," explains Professor Cinatl. "In studies of various ALL cell lines and leukaemia cells from ALL patients, we have been able to demonstrate that the enzyme SAMHD1 splits the phosphate groups off so that the medicine loses its effect." Because B-ALL cells contain more SAMHD1 than T-ALL cells, nelarabine is less effective with B-ALL. advertisement These results could improve the treatment of ALL in the future. In rare cases, B-ALL cells contain very little SAMHD1 so that treatment with nelarabine would be possible. On the contrary, there are also rare cases of T-ALL exhibiting a lot of SAMHD1. In such cases, the otherwise effective nelarabine would not be the right medication. Professor Michaelis observes: "SAMHD1 is thus a biomarker that allows us to better adapt treatment with nelarabine to the individual situation of ALL patients." Tamara Rothenburger, whose doctoral dissertation was funded by the association "Hilfe fur krebskranke Kinder Frankfurt e.V," is satisfied when she looks back at her research. "I hope that many children with leukaemia will benefit from the results." The research was also supported by the Frankfurt Stiftung fur krebskranke Kinder. Additional members of the research group are Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitat Munich, and University College London. make a difference: sponsored opportunity Story Source: Materials provided by Goethe University Frankfurt. Note: Content may be edited for style and length. Journal Reference: Tamara Rothenburger, Katie-May McLaughlin, Tobias Herold, Constanze Schneider, Thomas Oellerich, Florian Rothweiler, Andrew Feber, Tim R. Fenton, Mark N. Wass, Oliver T. Keppler, Martin Michaelis, Jindrich Cinatl. SAMHD1 is a key regulator of the lineage-specific response of acute lymphoblastic leukaemias to nelarabine. Communications Biology, 2020; 3 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-1052-8 WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 16: U.S. Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Kamala Harris (D-CA) attend a Judiciary Committee hearing in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on June 16, 2020 in Washington, D.C. The Republican-led committee was holding its first hearing on policing since the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody on May 25. (Photo by Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images) Democratic Senate bellwethers on policing reform have thrown down the gauntlet, announcing they will oppose the Republican majority's proposed legislation scheduled for a procedural vote on Wednesday. "This bill is not salvageable and we need bipartisan talks to get to a constructive starting point," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senators Cory Booker and Kamala Harris wrote to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in a letter on Tuesday. Mr Booker and Ms Harris, the only two black Senate Democrats, have been leading voices on criminal justice and policing reform in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia, and other black people who have died in altercations with police this summer. Their decision to oppose the GOP bill proposed by Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, the only other black senator and the lone GOP black senator, is a strong indicator other Democrats in the chamber will also vote to torpedo the bill. Although Republicans control the Senate, they need 60 votes to block a filibuster and move the bill into the amendment phase. That means seven Democrats or Democratic-caucusing independents must vote with Republicans to keep the bill alive. Mr McConnell has needled his Democratic counterparts, accusing them of partisan gamesmanship to block what he believes is a good starting point for negotiations. I hope that whatever strange political calculations are making this difficult for our friends across the aisle will yield to common sense and to the American peoples hunger for progress," the majority leader said on Monday. But bipartisan cooperation to get Mr Scott's bill, the so-called JUSTICE Act, to the floor debate and amendment process appears less and less likely. "We will not meet this moment by holding a floor vote on the JUSTICE Act, nor can we simply amend this bill, which is so threadbare and lacking in substance that it does not even provide a proper baseline for negotiations," Mr Booker, Ms Harris, and Mr Schumer wrote to Mr McConnell on Tuesday. Story continues Chief among the Senate Democrats' concerns is that Mr Scott's bill reforms neither police departments' criminal nor civil liability when officers use violent or deadly force on people. "It is absolutely imperative that any meaningful policing reform contains accountability provisions to ensure that no one, including law enforcement officers, is above the law and the JUSTICE Act does nothing to meet that urgent need," the Democratic senators wrote. House Democrats, meanwhile, are expected to vote this week on their own policing reform legislation that Mr Booker and Ms Harris also helped to introduce. That legislation would reform qualified immunity laws to make it easier to sue police and other government agencies for misconduct, a proposal the Trump administration has dismissed as non-negotiable. Democrats' bill would also change the language of section 242 of title 18 of the US criminal code to make it easier to prosecute law enforcement officers for misconduct. At the national level, it would ban choke holds and no-knock warrants in drug cases, while incentivising state and local entities to institute similar restrictions in order to receive federal funding. And it would create a national database of police misconduct so problematic officers cannot simply move to a different part of the state or country and get a new policing job, among many other provisions. Senate Republicans' bill also attempts to curb choke holds by withholding funding for departments that do not institute restrictions. But those restrictions are more narrowly defined than the ones in House Democrats' bill. The Republican bill would not ban no-knock warrants, but it would compel law enforcement to report their use of no-knock warrants for oversight and transparency. Despite the frosty rhetoric in both parties, the Democratic and GOP bills overlap on many issues, which had sprung hope for a rare legislative compromise in a highly contentious presidential election year. Both bills include: an anti-lynching measure aimed at protecting minorities from hate crimes; provisions to either incentivise or mandate local law enforcement entities to report use-of-force incidents to a nationally centralised database at the Justice Department; and incentives for de-escalation and racial bias training. An executive order signed by Mr Trump this week calls for the DOJ to create a national database to track documented officer misconduct, a provision codified in the Democrats bill. Mr Booker, Ms Harris, and Mr Schumer ended their letter on Tuesday with a plea to Mr McConnell to bring "meaningful legislation" to the floor for a vote. "This is a serious challenge requiring serious solutions. Bringing the JUSTICE Act to the floor of the Senate is a woefully inadequate response," the senators wrote. Read more Trump says US 'did a great job on coronavirus' as deaths hit 122,000 Trump accuses Obama of treason without evidence Trump threatens long-term jail sentences for DC protesters 'I don't kid': Trump contradicts aides on Covid-19 testing Trump suggests second stimulus check to be included in new relief bill Orton Caswell Cas Walker would have to be described as one of the most unorthodox businessman, politician, and/or radio and television personalities. The stories about this East Tennessean have to be distinguished between fact and fiction but he was a public figure that lit up the skyline in his adopted hometown of Knoxville with his wild and unusual antics that were displayed in an open forum to an adoring number of citizens so the majority of them have to be true. Cas Walker was born in Sevier County, Tennessee on March 23, 1902, and quit school when he was 14 years old to start working in a variety of jobs in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Kentucky. When he had earned and saved enough money to go into business for himself, he returned to Knoxville in 1924 and established the first Cas Walkers Cash Store. From this beginning he developed and operated 27 stores in Tennessee and Kentucky which grossed over $60,000,000 in one year. He was famous for his low prices compared to his competitors, his aggressive marketing, and innovative advertising. His stores had as his logo a pair of shears indicating price cutting in his grocery locations. He threw thousands of discount coupons out of airplanes in the neighborhoods near any of his stores to advertise his weekly specials. One of his most outrageous stunts was to hire an individual by the stage name of Digger ODell (stolen from the undertaker in the popular Life of Riley radio program) to be buried alive in the parking lot of a Cas Walker Store on Chapman Highway in Knoxville for $100 a day with a pipe to breathe and a telephone to answer calls during the day or night. The intended underground entombment was supposed to be for 30 days. Because the gimmick was so successful with breaking crowds and grocery sales Cas refused to let Digger out before the scheduled 30 days. No way said Cas, sales were too good and a deal was a deal! Digger tried to get dug up by calling the newspaper claiming he was having a heart attack and that Cas was denying proper medical treatment. Cass solution to his complaints was to dress two women up who worked for him in nurse uniforms and station them above the grave selling barbecued chicken sandwiches. Another money providing gimmick was when Cas one Saturday started throwing live chickens off the roof of one of his stores with the announcement that if you could catch one, it was yours! This became a regular Saturday night event and drew crowds by the thousands and record grocery sales. Other sales promotions included greased pigs contests, free flea dips, and other promotions that ranged from the crafty to the ridiculous. In 1929 Walker created a variety of radio shows known as the Farm and Home Hour to help promote his grocery sales. In 1953 he went on television in Knoxville which aired until 1983. The show featured established county music performers such as Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, Jim Nabors, Chick Athens and others. It also launched the music careers of Dolly Parton who first performed on Cass show at the tender age of 10 in 1956 as well as the Everly Brothers who were regulars on the show in the mid 1950s and Barbara Mandell and Con Hunley. However, Cas fired the brothers when he claimed that they were beginning to play too much rock and roll and that jumpin' up and down music don't sell groceries." Cas also started a newspaper called the Watchdog that was distributed at his stores and was basically a rant by Cas as to what he was hacked off about at the moment. He loved to get on political rivals and police who he had seen hanging around his competitors while on duty. He also hated dog dealers and women who wore hot pants and then accused Cass friends of raping them. As to politics he projected himself as a hick, a redneck, and sometimes a just plain idiot. Cas was first elected to the Knoxville City Council in 1941 and was elected mayor in 1946 but after a few weeks of rowdy meetings and the firing of the city manager the other members of the council ousted him in a recall decision. Nevertheless, he was re-elected repeatedly until he retired voluntarily in 1971 and remained a political force and champion of the little people into the 1980s. One of his early mentors who turned political opponent and enemy was George Dempster who invented the Dempster Dumpster and served as city manager and mayor of Knoxville. After the relationship cooled and became bitter Dempster once said, If I ordered a whole carload of SOBs and they just sent Cas Id sign for the shipment. His most famous political stunt which got him in Life Magazine on March 19, 1956, occurred during a meeting of the Knoxville City Council when he exchanged punches with fellow councilman, J.S. Cooper, a former political supporter over tax rates and property assessments. In later years Cas was in a nursing home and he confided in reporter Betty Bean that it was a made-up fight between the two of them. Rumors about Cas putting ice in the hamburger meat to make it weigh more and chemicals in stale meat to preserve it longer also dogged Cas over the years but he managed to survive each allegation. The antics of Cas Walker are too numerous to cover in a short article! Many of the stories about his life are contained in a book entitled Cas Walker: Stories on his Life and Legend published by U.T. press in Knoxville and edited by Joshua Hodge, who at the time was a PhD student in the History Department but passed away while the book was in its final stages of completion. The book can be found at www.utpress.org/title/cas-walker. * * * 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 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. Victorian NRL and AFL fans will be banned from attending games in NSW and travellers arriving in the state from Melbourne will be encouraged to quarantine. The 'extra level of precaution' for travellers comes as Victoria desperately attempts to control a second spike in COVID-19 infections. NSW's health minister said only non-Victorians will be allowed into games of both codes in NSW, amid concerns over the spike in coronavirus cases in the state. Stadiums across NSW with a capacity of more than 40,000 people can host up to 10,000 fans at AFL and NRL games from July 1. A woman in a face mask arrives at Sydney airport after flying in from Melbourne on Wednesday (pictured) as travellers are encouraged to stay away Victorian NRL and AFL fans will be banned from attending games in NSW, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard (pictured on Friday) said But Mr Hazzard said Victorian residents would be barred from purchasing tickets in a move agreed by bosses of both codes. Mr Hazzard said he would 'leave it to (AFL and NRL heads) to explain' the details. 'They have actually put in place measures immediately and confirmed to me ... that they have the measures in place,' he told reporters on Thursday. 'And we're quite satisfied they can make sure that supporters from Melbourne and Victoria are not coming to our games. 'They're not getting tickets, that's the simple answer. 'They (the AFL and NRL) have satisfied me they have made all necessary measures and steps to ensure people who will be entering the stadium will be people who are from Sydney.' NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant urged travellers who had recently arrived in the state from Melbourne to take extra precautions. 'Anyone who has recently travelled from Melbourne, in particular the hotspots, should take some precautions about monitoring for symptoms, presenting early if you have symptoms,' she said. NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant (pictured on Thursday) urged travellers who had recently arrived in the state from Melbourne to take extra precautions NSW stadiums can host up to 10,000 fans at AFL and NRL games from July 1 (pictured, Sydney Roosters during their match against the Parramatta Eels on Saturday) VICTORIA'S SPIKE IN CORONAVIRUS CASES 25/6: 33 24/6: 20 23/6: 17 22/6: 16 21/6: 19 20/6: 25 19/6: 13 18/6: 18 17/6: 21 Source: Department of Health and Human Services Advertisement 'Do not visit any aged care facilities, hospitals or settings where vulnerable people might be. 'It is just prudent we take this extra level of precaution for those people that have returned from those hotspots.' The returned travellers should also "avoid gatherings outside their immediate household for a period of 14 days". NSW recorded four new coronavirus cases as of 8pm on Wednesday, including a seven-year-old from Lane Cove West Public School, who developed symptoms on Saturday. Mr Hazzard echoed calls from his state government colleagues, urging NSW residents not to visit Melbourne. 'I think Victoria and New South Wales have been in this together. We have worked very hard on these issues,' he said. 'But just for the moment it's clear that, and in the foreseeable future, it would be helpful if New South Wales residents were not travelling to the hotspots of Melbourne, not travelling to Melbourne if you can avoid it. 'Normally we welcome our Victorian cousins into New South Wales, very happy to have them. A woman in a face mask lands at Sydney Airport from Melbourne on Wednesday (pictured) Australians have been warned to stay away from six council in Melbourne: Hume, Casey and Brimbank, Moreland, Cardinia and Darebin 'Right now I have to see I am asking Victorians, particular those from the hotspots in Melbourne, to not come into regional New South Wales and not come to Sydney.' Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced 33 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday and declared there would be 'a suburban testing blitz' for the outbreak in suburban Melbourne over the coming days. Of Victoria's new coronavirus cases, there were seven in returned travellers, nine linked to known outbreaks, six from routine testing and 11 under investigation. Victoria has identified six COVID-19 hotspots in the local government areas of Hume, Casey, Brimbank, Moreland, Cardinia and Darebin. Mr Andrews said there are ten suburbs where authorities are planning to test 50 per cent of residents over the next ten days. A socially distanced crowd during the Port Adelaide Power and the Adelaide Crows match on June 13 (pictured) Green River resident Mike Burd has announced that he is running for Wyoming House District 60. The seat is held by Democrat John Freeman, who will be retiring. People are tired of seeing legislators spend all of their time focusing on issues that have little to do with what happens around kitchen tables in Wyoming, Burd said. Working families want good jobs with fair pay. They want their kids to have good schools to attend that are preparing them for the future. And we have to fix healthcare in Wyoming. Our insurance is the most expensive in the nation and our access to care is a... Error. Page cannot be displayed. Please contact your service provider for more details. (19) Proposed amendment to law would require journalists to reveal sources to government bodies including security agencies. Afghan media companies have rejected proposed changes to a media law that they say would be a setback for independent journalism in the country. The amendments to the legislation were sent to parliament for ratification on Wednesday, but recalled by the government for further review after an outcry from the media outlets. Among the proposals is a measure that would require journalists to reveal their sources to government bodies including the security services. We were surprised to learn the government has almost discreetly amended the media law with some quite shocking amendments, Lotfullah Najafizada, director of TOLOnews, Afghanistans largest private television station, told the Reuters news agency. Freedom of expression has transformed Afghanistan in two decades and any setback is a grave mistake. Sediq Sediqqi, spokesman for President Ashraf Ghani, said the government is committed to safeguarding press freedom, which is why the president had recalled the draft from parliament. Ghani tasked one of his vice-presidents to discuss the draft with the media companies, and meetings are expected this week. Afghan journalists seen after a bomb blast in Kabul on April 30, 2018 [File: Omar Sobhani/Reuters] 200530135932223 The media has flourished in Afghanistan after the 2001 fall of armed group the Taliban, which banned television. The group has frequently threatened and attacked journalists, warning the Afghan media last year to stop broadcasting what it called anti-Taliban statements. Last year, a journalist and a driver were killed when a bus carrying employees of an Afghan television station was hit by a roadside bomb in Kabul. Journalists have been threatened or attacked not only by the Taliban, but also by fighters from the ISIL (or ISIS) group, government officials and powerful local figures unhappy with news coverage. Afghanistan was labelled the deadliest place to be a journalist in 2018 by both the Committee to Protect Journalists, which cited 13 killings that year, and the International Federation of Journalists that counted 16 media deaths. Domestic media in Afghanistan grew after international outlets decreased their presence following a partial withdrawal of foreign troops in 2014. Journalists worry that gains towards media freedom could be jeopardised if the Taliban is again given a share of power in upcoming peace talks, after the United States reached an agreement to withdraw its remaining troops. Concern is growing that basic freedoms, including press freedom, could be sacrificed in the course of the international efforts to restore peace in Afghanistan, media freedom group Reporters Without Borders said in a report. A 10-year-old boy has died after getting into difficulty in a loch in Scotland. Police were called at 5.30pm on Wednesday to reports of a child experiencing difficult in the water at Loch Lubnaig, near Callander, in the Scottish Highlands. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, the young boy died. Officers are not treating the death as suspicious. A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: A 10-year-old boy has died following an incident in Loch Lubnaig, near Callander, on Wednesday June 24. Emergency services were called around 5.35pm to reports of a child experiencing difficulty in the water. Sadly, the boy died. There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman told the Daily Record: "We were called at 5.37pm on Wednesday, June 24 to reports of a person in the water in Callander. "Two appliances and two water rescue units were called to the town's Stank Road." Wednesday was the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 31C at Heathrow Airport. It seems he is another one of those white people who have good intentions but havent worked to fulfill our goals, said Cam Morris, an organizer of the D.C. chapter of Black Youth Project 100, which protested outside Allens home Wednesday evening. People are constantly talking about going through the system and elected officials and how this is supposed to work, and it hasnt worked that way. Coles has urged customers to remain calm as it reintroduces shopping limits on products in Victoria due to a spike in panic buying. Shelves have begun to be stripped bare as the state battles through a coronavirus outbreak, with 33 new cases on Thursday. The supermarket giant and its counterpart Woolworths announced on Wednesday shopping restrictions would be reimposed on several staple items like toilet paper and dry foods such as pasta. Coles' chief operating officer Matt Swindells has called on customers to stay calm and shop normally to ensure Victorians have equal to access essential supplies. Coles' chief operating officer Matt Swindells (pictured) has urged customers to remain calm and purchase only what they need 'There is no need for panic buying. We have all lived through the last six weeks with restrictions off. We bought what we needed when we needed it. Everyone got on fine with life,' Mr Swindells told Today. 'Let's do this in a collaborative way. Only buy what you need, treat each other with respect and we will be back on track before we know it. Don't let frustration get the better of you.' A Coles spokesman on Wednesday said the company is implementing a number of temporary measures to improve the availability of key food and grocery items in our Victorian supermarkets and to help our customers shop safely. The grocer has implemented a one-item limit on toilet paper and paper towel and a two-item limit on pasta, hand sanitiser, mince, long-life milk, flour, eggs, sugar and rice. The same day a Woolworths spokesman said the company had placed a two item limit on a number of essential items across its Victorian stores. Coles has reimposed a one-item limit on toilet paper and paper towel and a two-item limit on pasta, hand sanitiser, mince, long-life milk, flour, eggs, sugar and rice for its Victorian stores Shelves at Coles in Taylor's Hill, Melbourne, were stripped bare (pictured) on Tuesday as panic buying takes hold across Victoria amid a new outbreak of COVID-19 The limits apply to toilet paper, hand sanitiser, paper towel, flour, sugar, pasta, mince, life-long milk, eggs and rice. The limits will also apply to online orders. Mr Swindells said Coles had issued the restrictions proactively to prevent the supply chain being disrupted as seen during the panic buying hysteria earlier in the year, but this second round was not as extreme. 'We are being really proactive early on and introducing these restrictions so we can make sure all of our customers can get their fair share of groceries and we don't go back to those days we all remember of stripped shelves and panic,' he said. He said the regulations would be evaluated on a daily basis and would be lifted only once customers demonstrated they could shop responsibly. What are the limits in Victoria? Two items per person on items at Woolworths: Toilet paper Hand sanitiser Paper towels Flour Sugar Pasta Mince Long-life milk Eggs and rice Limits in items at Coles: Toilet paper 1 Pasta 2 Hand sanitiser 2 Mince 2 Paper towel 1 UHT milk 2 Flour 2 Eggs 2 Sugar 2 Rice 2 Advertisement Mr Swindells warned if panic buying surged once rules were relaxed, the company would again clamp down until it came under control. The move comes as concerned residents strip some stores of the essential items as they face the possibility of mandatory lockdown amid an outbreak of COVID-19 cases in outer-suburban Melbourne There was an additional 20 cases confirmed on Wednesday. An 80-year-old man also died on Tuesday night from COVID-19 in Victoria. Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director Claire Peters said the company understands many Victorians are anxious about the recent community outbreak. He said they can be assured their stores will remain open with plenty of stock. 'While we have healthy stock levels to draw on, we're taking this precautionary step to help prevent excessive buying and support appropriate social distancing in our Victorian stores. 'We have more than enough product for all of our customers if we all just buy what we need in our weekly shop. 'We'll closely monitor demand across Victoria in the coming days and look to wind back the limits as soon as we can.' The move is in response to 'significantly elevated demand seen over the past 24 hours in certain parts of Melbourne'. Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said they 'won't rule out' reintroducing stay at home orders for coronavirus hotspots. 'Our government has said that if the public health advice from our experts is to reintroduce stay at home legal directions, in particular locations we will consider doing that,' Ms Mikakos told ABC Radio National Breakfast. 'Clearly some people think the pandemic is over. It's not over. We want people to remain at a heightened sense of awareness about physical distancing.' On Tuesday, tensions were already on the rise in COVID-19 hot spots from Melbourne's west to east. One Brimbank resident told Daily Mail Australia he had heard about people stockpiling again on morning radio and had come down to the shops to grab some rolls before they vanished. Australians have been warned to stay away from six council in Melbourne: Hume, Casey and Brimbank, Moreland, Cardinia and Darebin A toilet paper shelf at Woolworths in Hillside was almost empty after shoppers scrambled to get their hands on a packet Reports spread quickly that a local shopping centre within the same municipality had already run out of the product. 'I'm not getting caught out again,' the man said. He could later be heard calling family members telling them to stock-up as soon as possible. Others worried when hoarders might start stockpiling other products. The six hotspots have been identified as the local government areas of Hume, Casey, Brimbank, Moreland, Cardinia and Darebin. Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said seven new COVID-19 cases are linked to known outbreaks, one was detected in hotel quarantine, nine were discovered through routine testing and three other cases are under investigation. Of the new cases, one was a Coles distribution centre worker. A woman carries a packet of toilet paper through Brimbank shopping centre on Monday Pictured: A long queue of cars wait at a drive-through COVID-19 testing site in Melbourne on Tuesday Mr Sutton said 241 cases in the state have been transmitted through the community. Mr Sutton said the elderly man died on Tuesday evening but he was unable to give further details in respect of the family's request for privacy. The death is the first in Australia in a month, taking the national toll to 103. Health Minister Greg Hunt said the message remained the same and that Australians should continue to keep their distance. 'It is vitally important. It can save your life, it can protect your life,' he said. panaji: The naked body of a renowned woman perfume specialist was found at her residence in a village near Panaji, with police suspecting that she was raped and murdered. We received information about the incident late last night. We found her body in naked condition while the flat was burgled, Police Inspector Rajesh Kumar, who is investigating the case, said. Monica Ghurde (39), the famed perfume specialist, was living in a rented three-bedroom flat in Sangolda village, about 10 km from here, since July after shifting from the adjoining Porvorim village, police said. Her hands and legs were found tied to a bed, they said. The house is burgled but we cant ascertain what things are stolen from the flat as she was living alone, Kumar said. The buildings watchman has been quizzed but he has no information about anyone entering her flat, he said. We have sent the body for postmortem. Only after the postmortem report is received we will be able to know the exact cause of death, the inspector said, adding suspicion of rape has not been ruled out and marks on her neck indicate that she was strangulated. Police have rounded up several persons from the village, which is about 5 km from the famous Calangute beach, in connection with the case. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. By ANI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan on Thursday raked up yet another controversy by calling a slain terrorist and 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden a "shaheed" (martyr) while addressing the National Assembly. A viral video clip showed how the PTI leader lashed out at the United States for how Laden had been killed in Abbottabad. Khan said, "shaheed kar diya". "We helped the Americans in 'war on terror' but the embarrassment we had to face for their allegations of Pakistan being a safe haven for terrorists is very terrible. Our ally is secretly coming into our country and killing a terrorist and we don't even have an idea," he added. #BREAKING : P.M of Pakistan, Imran Khan speaking in the parliament called the terrorist group Al-Qaeda's former chief Osama bin laden martyred. He said #Americans camed and martyred bin laden in #Abottabad and we did not even knew it. World gav'd bad words to us after that.. pic.twitter.com/jRKdrDzINL Sushmit Patil (@PatilSushmit) June 25, 2020 The clip, posted by journalist Naila Inayat on Twitter, seems to be from the Parliament of the country. Osama bin Laden was the head of the global terror group Al Qaeda and the brain behind the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States in 2001. Osama bin Laden was killed in a military operation by US Navy Seals in 2011 at the garrison town Abbottabad. He was accused of engineering a number of terror attacks worldwide, particularly targeting the American installations including the 9/11 incident of 2001 when close to 3,000 people lost their lives when five planes were hijacked to target American cities. This is, however, not the first time that Imran Khan has showed a soft corner for bin Laden. In September last year, during his US tour, Khan said Pakistan had informed the American security agencies about the presence of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad. But he stated that the US should not have undertaken a "covert" operation to kill bin Laden keeping Pakistan completely in the dark. The first healthy volunteer has received a small dose of a potential Covid-19 vaccine developed by researchers from Imperial College London. The participant, who has asked to remain anonymous, is reported to be in good health with no safety concerns after being injected on June 19. A second booster dose will follow within four weeks. Imperial now joins Oxford University in the UKs race to find an effective vaccine to stop the pandemic. Human trials for Oxfords ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine began in April, involving more than 1,000 participants. Professor Robin Shattock, from the department of infectious disease at Imperial, who is leading the research, said his teams work is an important step for their vaccine candidate. He added: We now eagerly await rapid recruitment to the trial so that we can assess both the safety of the vaccine and its ability to produce neutralising antibodies which would indicate an effective response against Covid-19. I look forward to our progress in the coming months. Fifteen healthy volunteers are expected to receive their first dose in the coming days as part of the initial phase of the trial. To assess safety as well as to find the optimal dosage, the researchers are starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it to higher doses for subsequent volunteers. Around 300 healthy participants are expected take part in this trial. Imperials RNA vaccine uses synthetic strands of genetic code based on the genetic material of Sars-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the pandemic. It works by delivering genetic instructions to muscle cells to make the spike protein on the surface of Sars-CoV-2. The presence of this protein provokes an immune response, offering protection against Covid-19. If the vaccine is safe and shows promising immune response, a further trial involving 6,000 people is expected to go ahead in October. Dr Katrina Pollock, from Imperials department of infectious disease and chief investigator of the study, said: We have reached a significant milestone in this ground-breaking study with the first dose of a self-amplifying RNA vaccine delivered safely. We are now poised to test the vaccine in the dose evaluation phase before moving forward to evaluating it in larger numbers. Imperial has also formed a new social enterprise called VacEquity Global Health (VGH) to develop and distribute its vaccine across the UK and worldwide. A healthcare worker administers a CCP virus test to a patient at the Lee Davis Community Resource Center in Tampa, Fla., on June 25, 2020. (Octavio Jones/Getty Images) US Sees Second-Largest Rise in New Coronavirus Cases Since Crisis Began The United States has recorded the second-largest increase in coronavirus cases since the health crisis began, with a rise of 35,588 new infections on June 23 as a dozen states see infections surge, according to a Reuters tally. Florida saw a record increase on Wednesday of over 5,500 new cases. On Tuesday, Arizona, California, Mississippi, and Nevada, had record rises. Texas set a record on Monday. While the United States appeared to have curbed the outbreak in May, leading many states to lift restrictions on social and economic activity, the virus is moving into rural areas and other places that it had not initially penetrated deeply. The surge in cases on Tuesday was the highest since a record of 36,426 new infections on April 24. The virus is also renewing its surge in states that opened up early to ease the devastating effect of the restrictions on local economies. White House adviser Kellyanne Conway on Wednesday acknowledged hot spot spikes were emerging as people return to work and gather in social settings but told reporters that nobody is talking about going into another economic lockdown. She said that the White House coronavirus task force planned to meet later on Wednesday. Overall cases rose 25 percent last week. The average number of tests has risen 7.6 percent over the last seven days, according to data from The COVID Tracking Project, while the average number of new cases rose 30 percent. The percentage of positive tests is also rising. At least four states are averaging double-digit rates of positive tests for the virus, such as Arizona at 20 percent. By contrast, New York, formerly the epicenter of the U.S. outbreak, has been reporting positive test rates of around 1 percent. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said in his daily briefing on Wednesday that he and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo have been discussing the possibility of quarantining people coming to the city from U.S. hot spots where infections are spiking. He said he would have more to say about that soon. The New York Times reported on Tuesday, citing documents it had obtained, that European Union nations were considering a ban on travelers from the United States, along with Russia and Brazil, as they reopen to tourists. Americans are unlikely to be allowed into more than 30 European countries for business or tourism when the continent begins next week to open its borders to the world, due to the spread of the coronavirus and President Donald Trumps ban on European visitors. More than 15 million Americans are estimated to travel to Europe each year, and such a decision would underscore flaws in the Trump administrations handling of the pandemic, which has seen the United States record the highest number of infections and virus-related deaths in the world by far. European nations appear on track to reopen their borders between each other by July 1. Their representatives in Brussels have been debating what virus-related criteria should apply when lifting border restrictions to the outside world, which were imposed in March to stop all non-essential travel to Europe. In recommendations to EU nations on June 11, the European Commission said travel restrictions should not be lifted as regards third countries where the situation is worse than the average in the 27 EU member countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. That is likely to rule out people living in the United States, where new coronavirus infections have surged to the highest level in two months, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University. After trending down for well over a month, new US cases have risen for more than a week. The US on Tuesday reported 34,700 new cases of the virus, bringing its total to more than 2.3 million cases and over 121,000 dead. The virus outbreaks in Brazil, India and Russia are remarkably high too, and its also unlikely that the EU will let their citizens in. In contrast, aside from a notable new outbreak tied to a slaughterhouse in western Germany, the viruss spread has slowed across the EU and particularly in the 26 nations that make up Europes visa-free travel zone known as the Schengen area. For the EUs executive arm, the key criteria for opening up to the outside world should include the number of new infections per 100,000 population the exact ceiling is up for debate and the countrys overall response to the pandemic, in terms of testing, surveillance, treatment, contact tracing and reporting cases. EU envoys are trying to agree on objective, scientific criteria so the decision to put a country on the admission list or not is based on facts and not political considerations. Southern European countries like Spain, Italy and Greece are desperate for tourists to return and breathe new life into their virus-ravaged economies. The bloc aims to revise the list of countries allowed to enter every two weeks based on developments, with new countries joining or possibly even denied access to Europe depending on the spread of the disease. The commission hopes that exemptions can be given to foreign students, non-EU citizens who live in Europe and certain highly skilled workers. But more than epidemiological criteria, any country being considered would first be expected to lift its own travel restrictions for people from all EU and Schengen nations, the commission said, adding it cannot be applied selectively. Brussels fears that opening up to countries outside in ad hoc way could lead to the reintroduction of border controls between nations inside the Schengen area, threatening once again Europes cherished principle of free movement, which allows people and goods to cross borders without checks. This principle of reciprocity on its own should rule out US citizens, at least initially. In a March 11 decree, Trump suspended the entry of all people from the Schengen area. More than 10 million Europeans usually visit the United States each year. The potential for undetected transmission of the virus by infected individuals seeking to enter the United States from the Schengen area threatens the security of our transportation system and infrastructure and the national security, Trumps proclamation said. A top French diplomat, speaking anonymously in line with the French presidencys customary practices, stressed that the EU decision will not be a political one. It will be made on a basis as objective as possible which is the spreading of the virus, the diplomat said. The official also stressed that Trump has taken very early measures consisting in preventing people coming from China, then EU countries, from entering the US. The EU commission also wants the bloc to be open as soon as possible after July 1 to the Balkans region, including citizens from Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Doing our part because we're in this together VAN NUYS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / Essential workers can't work if they can't see. A nurse with a high astigmatism was in tears because her glasses broke preventing her from returning to her COVID19 patients until her prescription arrived. Overnight Glasses was able to send her prescription in 24-hours so she can return to the frontlines. Overnight Glasses is now offering a 50% off discount on their next day delivery during the coronavirus pandemic. Story below. "We've been committed to 24-hour delivery of prescription glasses for years. It's why Overnight Glasses was founded. In this time of coronavirus, we are both humbled and proud to be a part of the fight by providing same day glasses delivery to people who need to get back to the frontlines - to save lives. And we're extending this discount to everyone from this point forward because we're ALL in this together. I'm both humbled and proud that my team and I can be a part of this fight in such an unexpected and supportive way." - Gideon, owner at Overnight Glasses. When a nurse called Overnight Glasses during peak COVID19 presence, she was in tears because her glasses broke. This was one of many calls we were getting, every day, from frontline workers and ordinary people who require vision correction. Optical stores are closed and most online shops are shipping from outside the United States. Because of COVID19, it could be weeks or longer before prescription glasses could deliver. Customers need vision correction fast because they cannot see or function without it. That is why Overnight Glasses is offering 50% off on overnight delivery charges on prescription glasses {use coupon code: nextday50}. "Thank you, Overnight Glasses. I can't tell you what a relief this is. As a nurse, reading is part of my job. If I can't read, mistakes could happen. If I can't work, lives could be lost. The Coronavirus pandemic has made this an especially important time, as you know. Fast delivery is what got me back on the frontlines. Your team is who kept me sane while I dealt with this frustration. Thank you for everything." Everyone needs reliable, trustworthy and fast access to vision correction. Overnight Glasses is making sure that's possible with overnight delivery of prescription glasses from California to anywhere in the contiguous United States. Additionally, they are providing a 50% discount, not just for frontline and essential workers, but for everyone, citing the 2020 pandemic phrase of solidarity, "we're all in this together." About Overnight Glasses: Overnight Glasses was created by experienced members of the optical industry to counter the established turnaround time that it takes to make a new pair of glasses. Located in Van Nuys California, we are committed to ship any single vision prescription in 24 hours and Multifocals in just 3 days! Contact info: Gidon Sadovsky, COO 855-830-3339 gidon@overnightglasses.com SOURCE: Overnight Glasses View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/594922/Overnight-Glasses-Supports-Coronavirus-Frontline-Workers Comprising multi-door and two-door refrigerators, top load and front load washing machines, washer-dryers, and water purifiers, Japanese conglomerate Toshiba has launched its 2020-21 range of home appliances in the Indian market. The company aims to satisfy the needs of Indian consumers by incorporating unique features such as convertible refrigerator, steel tank water purifier and more. With most of the consumer durable brands available across offline and online retail, Toshiba Home Appliances Business has consciously decided to go with the offline channel. "Consumers prefer to experience, have a look and feel before purchasing a mid-premium home appliance. Therefore, at the moment, our complete focus is on offline. That said, given the changing consumer behaviour due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our customers are opting for online purchase as well. To address demand, our partners who are in offline retail can also sell online, as this helps in maintaining price hygiene," says Pranab Mohanty, Vice President, Toshiba Home Appliance Business. Commenting on the market share Toshiba aims to acquire in home appliance category in India, Mohanty says, "We are expanding all across India. We did a soft launch in 2019 with the limited line-up, and within five-six months, we have managed to have a small presence across big cities including Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Gujrat, Bangalore, Chennai, Kerala. With the launch of the new range, we have big aspirations but at the same time will have to be realistic. Given the current situation and pandemic, we want to go slow and steady." To support the government's Make-in-India mission, Toshiba will manufacture brand products in India at the 'Toshiba Manufacturing Complex' located at SUPA Pune. "Going forward, we plan to manufacture Toshiba home appliances in India. The factory is already ready. As we are planning to manufacture our volume range of refrigerators and washing machines, we also need to expand our dealer network as quickly as possible," adds Mohanty. Currently, the new home appliance range is manufactured at and sourced from Toshiba global factories. Almost 80 per cent of these products are sourced from Toshiba's factory in Thailand and the rest 20 per cent of products are sourced from Toshiba factories across the world. Inspired by the Japanese Takumi spirit, Toshiba claims that the new range of home appliances are said to be designed, engineered and manufactured with uncompromising attention to the details that matter most to people. "Our new range of home appliances is an embodiment of Toshiba's meticulous product quality and design, guided by the Japanese 'Takumi' philosophy centered in highest level of craftsmanship," adds Mohanty. Priced at Rs Rs 1,49,990, the multidoor 650-litre refrigerator is said to be designed keeping in mind the Indian consumer storage needs and their evolving lifestyle. It features a convert zone offering complete flexibility to transform one of the 91-litre bottom-mounted freezer unit into a mini-fridge. Users can adjust temperatures setting from -18oc to 7oc to store vegetables, fruits, fish and meat within the same space. The two-door refrigerator is available in various capacities ranging from 252 litres to 661 litres, of which the top-end model features automatic ice maker. All Toshiba refrigerators feature Real Inverter technology to ensure optimum energy consumption translating into energy savings of 20 per cent. The 2020-21 range of Toshiba washing machines includes 4 top-loading and 6 front-loading SKUs starting from 7 kg up to 9 kg ranging between Rs 21,000 and Rs 80,000. This new range adopts safety and humanised design and is aimed to provide exclusive laundry care, along with quiet, more efficient, durable and a more stable motor. Toshiba's 11 kg front-load washer-dryer has been designed with anti-bacterial gasket and the cyclone mix technology that improves washing performance by using an impeller that is implanted in the drawer which increases detergent dissolution by 20 per cent. Priced at Rs 79,990, the washer-dryer also has a LED Drum Light for better viewing of clothes during washing or drying. Lastly, priced starting Rs 14,990, Toshiba Water Purifiers range includes four models featuring a UV Shield that kills 99.99 per cent of bacteria in the water using a cold cathode UV lamp, a Smart Interactive Display that informs the consumer about filter replacement, and UV function Highlighter; and a Replaceable Tank design with choices of a stainless steel or plastic tank. In this Feb. 27, 2019, photo, members of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering's (DSME) union stage a protest on Yeouido in Seoul to oppose Hyundai Heavy Industries' acquisition of DSME. Korea Times photo by Bae Woo-han By Nam Hyun-woo The Korean Metal Workers' Union (KMWU) will participate in a European Commission investigation on the planned acquisition of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) by Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering, the holding firm of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), according to industry officials, Thursday. Since the KMWU and its DSME chapter are opposing the proposed M&A deal, their participation into the investigation is expected to affect HHI's campaign of winning approval on the acquisition from six countries. According to the KMWU, it has recently received an official letter from the European Commission approving KMWU President Kim Ho-gyu to join the investigation as a "third party." This will allow the KMWU to access some "confidential data" relevant to the merger and raise its opinion during upcoming hearing sessions. Since December last year, the European Commission has been investigating the proposed acquisition keeping DSME under Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering because their monopolistic status in building very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and LNG carriers could impede fair competition between shipbuilders. Along with the European Commission, competition authorities in five countries Korea, Japan, China, Kazakhstan and Singapore are either reviewing or have already reviewed the proposal. If HHI fails to gain approval from any of those authorities, the merged firm will be prevented from operating in the disputed country, thus leaving no reason for the company to pursue a merger. The KMWU and the DSME chapter claimed it will harm the Korean shipbuilding industry and result in a massive layoff of both DSME and HHI employees. Union members staged multiple strikes when DSME chapter head Shin Sang-ki last year visited IndustriALL Global Union executive committee in Belgium to draw out the organization's resolution on the deal. Though it won a right to take part into the investigation, the KMWU is in a cautious stance, worrying over the "unfair criticism" that workers are eager to jeopardize the deal. "We are trying not to put excessive emphasis on joining the investigation," a KMWU official said. "In Europe, unions' participation in the investigation of such an M&A deal is oftentimes taken as granted, and we also believe this is a right that belongs to workers." The European Commission is scheduled to make its final decision on the deal by Sept. 3. Industry officials remain cautious in predicting the commission's decision as the commission said in a statement that there are "concerns that the proposed transaction may remove DSME as an important competitive force in the markets of large containerships, oil tankers, LNG and LPG carriers." In an interim report it delivered recently, the commission also said it will take a closer look on HHI's and DSME's market share in LNG vessels. The two companies' combined share in the LNG vessel market stands at 60 percent. Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Health Minister Arsen Torosian insisted on Thursday that the authorities are still able to cope with the continuing coronavirus epidemic in Armenia after the number of new infections there hit a fresh daily high of 771. The figure accounted for one-third of coronavirus tests carried out in the country of about 3 million on Wednesday. The total number of coronavirus cases rose to 22,488, up from almost 18,700 cases recorded as of June 18. The Ministry of Health also reported that 11 more people died from COVID-19 in the past day, bringing the official death toll to 397. The figure does not include the deaths of 131 other people infected with the virus. The ministry says that those deaths were caused by other, pre-existing conditions. Torosian noted the record daily number of new cases when he spoke during a weekly cabinet meeting in Yerevan. He said that the epidemiological situation in Armenia remains stable despite the continuing spread of the disease. The virus is now everywhere but we have no big outbreaks, said the minister. Infection rates among young people are not increasing but we have the opposite trend among elderly people: the higher the age the higher the infection rate. Since last Sunday the situation has been fairly good in terms of the hospitalization, he went on. As of nine oclock in the morning there were only 51 citizens who needed to be transferred to hospitals dealing the coronavirus. Torosian added that there are now several vacant intensive-care beds at those hospitals. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian again indicated that despite the high infection numbers his government has no plans to re-impose lockdown restrictions and will continue instead to put the emphasis on getting more Armenians to practice social distancing and wear face masks in public. The national police chief, Vahe Ghazarian, said in this regard that on Wednesday alone more than 1,700 people were fined for not wearing masks. The Armenian government issued stay-at-home orders and shut down schools, universities and most nonessential businesses in late March shortly after recording the first COVID-19 cases. But it began easing those restrictions already in mid-April and all but lifted the lockdown by the beginning of May. The number of coronavirus cases has risen substantially since then. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, including President Rodrigo Duterte, will discuss how the region aims to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic as they meet in a virtual ASEAN Summit on Friday. In a Palace press briefing Thursday, Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Robert Borje said that Duterte will be tackling capacity building plans with his counterparts in the region as a need to create a new normal arises. "President Duterte and his ASEAN counterparts will review current initiatives and explore new avenues for enhanced cooperation to strengthen the regions capacity to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19pandemic," an official statement read. Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that discussions in the summit are generally covered by executive privilege, including discussions on the South China Sea. The president has always been clear on the countrys position in the developments on the South China Sea and the objectives including the finalization of the Code of Conduct, Borje said. RELATED: Negotiations for South China Sea Code of Conduct a 'failed process,' expert says Aside from tackling COVID-19 response, Borje said that there will be special session on women empowerment in the digital age. The 36th ASEAN Summit will be held online due to the coronavirus pandemic. It was originally slated to be held in Vietnam from June 27 to 28. Rev Katie McAteer is not keen on being called a history-maker but it is a title she says she is prepared to accept. The 68-year-old has been appointed the first female canon of St Columb's Cathedral in Londonderry in its 400-year history. She says she is humbled and honoured by the appointment, announced on Thursday, and also "sort of excited". Katie was ordained within the Church of Ireland in June 2006. She spent her curacy across the border in Letterkenny before moving to the Christ Church, Culmore, Muff and St Peter's group of parishes in Derry, where she is now pastoral director. Katie is also the current Diocesan Chaplain of Derry and Raphoe Mothers' Union and editor of n:vision, the diocesan magazine. A native of Ellesmere Port in Cheshire, Derry has been home for Katie since 1970 when she came to the city to study English at Magee University. She went on to marry Fergus McAteer (74), an accountant, and the couple have four sons, four daughters-in-law and seven grandchildren. Prior to ordination, she taught in schools but after a fire in Christ Church in 1996, she became heavily involved in fundraising efforts. That led to a call towards ordination and the start of her training at the Church of Ireland Theological College in Dublin. Katie's appointment to the chapter of St Columb's was announced on Thursday by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, Rt Rev Andrew Forster. Rev Robert Boyd, rector of Glendermott and Newbuildings parishes in the city, has also been appointed a canon. By happy coincidence the news was revealed on the Feast Day of St John the Baptist - the anniversary of both new canons' ordinations. They will fill the positions left vacant following the departure of the Ferry brothers - Canon David, who has retired, and Canon Malcolm, who has moved to Agherton Parish in Portstewart. For Katie, she is following in the footsteps of her late father, Rev GVM Robinson, who was a Canon of Chester Cathedral. She said: "When Bishop Andrew first asked me, I was totally taken aback. "It was never on my radar, never in a million years - or even 400 years - would I have expected the bishop to ask me to accept this appointment. "I'm someone who likes to keep her head down and not to seek the limelight. "I'm happy in pastoral ministry and taking my place in the liturgy of the church. "Bishop Andrew is the real history-maker as he is the one who asked me but I have to accept that I am as the first female canon in the cathedral's 400 year history. "St Columb's, probably more than any other cathedral, has been a history-maker - the first cathedral built in these islands after the Reformation; playing a leading role as a place of reconciliation - and now another brick is being laid in its rich history." Explaining the differing emotions, Katie added: "I still keep thinking, 'No, not me. It can't be me'. It's exciting and quite daunting. I'm humbled and honoured. "Throughout ministry, whatever God calls us to do, we pray that He will give us 'the needful gifts of grace' to fulfil that ministry. I'm hoping that this is at God's direction; I can only do this in God's strength." While this is new territory for Katie, the second new canon is on familiar ground. Robert was a canon of St Patrick's Cathedral in Armagh until three years ago, a position he relinquished when he moved to Derry and Raphoe, where he is also Diocesan Director of Ordinands. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a date for their Service of Installation in St Columb's has yet to be fixed but it is hoped it will take place in the early autumn. Maharashtra Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Wadettiwar has said he is in favour of lifting the liquor ban in Chandrapur district once the Covid-19 crisis ends. The previous BJP-led state government banned sale and consumption of liquor in Chandrapur in April 2015. For latest updates and live news on coronavirus, click here Liquor is also banned in the state's Wardha and Gadchrioli districts. Talking to reporters on Wednesday, Wadettiwar, who is also the guardian minister of Chandrapur, claimed the number of kidney infections and cancer cases has increased in the district due to the consumption of "duplicate liquor" (fake brews of some brands) being smuggled here. It has also been found that school students are getting addicted to the MD (mephedrone) drug, he said. Liquor worth around Rs 120 crore has been seized by police here since the liquor ban, the minister further said. He claimed five times more liquor is being sold in the dry district since the ban came into force. "Due to the consumption of duplicate liquor, there is an increase in the number of kidney and cancer patients in the district. I am very positive about lifting the ban in the district. Let social activists and others burn my effigy after the ban is lifted," the minister said. Wadettiwar also said he will propose stalling of increments of the security personnel under whose police stations liquor consignments worth over Rs 10 lakh are seized. He claimed liquor ban has failed to bring the desired results in Gadchiroli as the brewing of alcohol from 'Mahua' flowers has grown manifold in the tribal district. While Mahua liquor brewing is allowed in Gadchiroli, there is a ban on the sale of foreign-made liquor, he said. OnePlus is planning to announce new, more affordable TVs really soon. Pete Lau, the CEO of OnePlus, got interviewed by Android Central, and he decided to share some details regarding those products. OnePlus CEO has been heavily invested in the design process of OnePlus products The companys CEO has been heavily invested in the design of OnePlus products since the get-go. In the interview, he said that he feels that design is the key aspect when it comes to a product, the main way the company can differentiate itself. The company is focusing on two key areas in order to differentiate, those areas are the design and user experience. Mr. Lau claims OnePlus is not making design compromises despite the fact these will be budget products. Advertisement The upcoming OnePlus TVs will be extremely thin, they will measure only 6.9mm in that aspect. Thats less than the OnePlus 8, for those of you who are keeping track. Pete Lau also said that the upcoming OnePlus TVs will feature an innovative acoustic speaker arrangement. The speakers will be rotated by 90 degrees, actually. This basically allowed OnePlus to fit two large, full-range speakers into these TVs. The companys CEO claims that the result is a 50-percent deeper bass, which sounds great. Advertisement New OnePlus TVs will offer a 95-percent screen-to-body ratio, says Pete Lau The companys CEO also confirmed that these TVs will offer a 95-percent screen-to-body ratio. Thin bezels are common in the premium segment, but not in the budget category. That is another way OnePlus TVs will differentiate themselves. It is also worth noting that the display with a 93-percent DCI-P3 color gamut is also made to stand out. These TVs will also sport a carbon fiber pattern on the back, similar to the OnePlus Q1 and Q1 Pro. Pete Lau did not reveal any specific features when it comes to software, but we can expect some. The OnePlus Connect service has been quite successful for the company, as did the OxygenPlay content curation platform. Advertisement OnePlus is always boasting about its community of users, and their ideas. Mr. Lau says that its users did play a role in designing the OnePlus TV experience, for sure. OnePlus will announce several new TVs on July 2. Based on the certification filling, were expecting to see three TVs. Well get 32-inch, 42-inch, and 55-inch OnePlus TV models this time around. These will be budget offerings, unlike the OnePlus Q1 and Q1 Pro last year. These TVs will become official in India, and it remains to be seen if theyll ship to other markets. The European healthcare regulator has recommended the conditional approval of Gilead Sciences Incs antiviral treatment, remdesivir, for use in Covid-19 patients, making it the first treatment to be on track to be green-lit in the continent. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said on Thursday its human medicines committee (CHMP) recommended the drugs use in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age with pneumonia who require oxygen support. The price of the drug in the region is not yet known. In the United States, it could be priced up to $5,080 per course, while Indian generic drugmakers will sell the treatment between 5,000 rupees to 6,000 rupees ($66.13-$79.35). The EMA endorsement, which comes just weeks after a speedy review, means physicians can prescribe the Gilead drug, to be branded Veklury, in Europe once approved by the European Commission, which usually follows CHMP recommendations. Also reads | Indias Hetero prices generic remdesivir for Covid-19 treatment at Rs5,400 per vial The EUs conditional marketing authorisation allows a treatment to be sold for a year in the 27-nation trading bloc before all necessary data on its efficacy and side-effects are available. Gilead has to submit final data by December. Demand for the drug soared after it became a front-runner following promise in trials. Gilead expects supply of remdesivir to exceed two million courses by year-end, double its previous target, and is planning to begin testing of an easier-to-use inhaled version of the drug, given intravenously as of now. Remdesivir has already been approved for emergency use in severely-ill patients in the United States, India and South Korea, and has received full approval in Japan. ($1 = 75.6105 Indian rupees) Seven police officers were injured in clashes with protesters during rallies over the control of a municipal assembly. Dozens of people have been arrested in Montenegro after seven police officers were injured in clashes with pro-Serb opposition protesters during rallies over the control of a municipal assembly. Riot police used tear gas to disperse dozens who rallied in front of the city hall in the Adriatic coastal town of Budva and outside the interior ministrys headquarters in the capital, Podgorica. The dispute in Budva began on June 17 when the mayor, who is loyal to the pro-Serb opposition, refused to hand over power to the ruling coalition despite losing his majority in the local assembly. Prime Minister Dusko Markovic said police were enforcing the law. If theres no room for reason, the state will solve this in 15 minutes, Markovic told the parliament. Police arrested 17 people in Budva after dispersing the protesters. Later in the day, hundreds gathered in other towns and started throwing rocks, bottles and other objects at police. At least 50 people were arrested at various locations. Upcoming elections Montenegros ruling coalition, led by the Democratic Party of Socialists of President Milo Djukanovic, faces a national election on August 30. The opposition, which wants closer ties with neighbouring Serbia and Russia, accuses Djukanovic, who has ruled as prime minister or president for nearly 30 years, and his party of corruption, nepotism and ties with organised crime. Djukanovic and his party deny the allegations. Since December, Montenegro has also been beset by protests by the Serbian Orthodox Church over a law that allows the state to seize some religious property. Authorities in Podgorica have accused Serbia and Russia, which are closely aligned with the church and the opposition, of undermining Montenegros independence. The Serbian Orthodox Church is the largest Christian denomination in Montenegro, a NATO member and a candidate to join the European Union. A Harris County felony judge who has detained hundreds of pretrial defendants on high bond filed a motion to join the historic lawsuit challenging cash bail. Saying the bail system perpetuates inequalities and can have devastating consequences on lives and livelihoods, State District Chuck Silverman of the 183rd Criminal Court filed paperwork Wednesday to intervene in the 2019 federal civil rights lawsuit brought on behalf of poor defendants stuck at the jail. In addition, fellow jurist Brian Warren, of the 209th Criminal Court, said he planned to file his own motion to join the case this week, with hopes of reforming the way judges handle with pretrial release. Silverman said he thinks the majority of his colleagues on the felony bench want to revise how PR bonds work and want to make the cash bail system obsolete or to make it work better. Like his colleagues on the bench, Silverman, a Democrat elected in 2018, is not a party in the lawsuit. He sought to intervene to ensure equal protection and due process rights are fairly administered, while protecting public safety. Silverman said in an interview that negotiations on the bail lawsuit had been moving slowly and he learned in his civil practice prior to becoming a judge that the best way to push it forward and accomplish true bail reform was to intervene. We need systemic change in the cash bail system because it disproportionately affects minorities and the poor, he said. The time to do something proactive was now. The unopposed motion argues that cash bail discriminates against people who cant access funds, often forcing them to settle for guilty pleas rather than await trial in lockup. Neal Manne, one of the lawyers for the indigent plaintiffs, applauded Silvermans courageous move and encouraged other judges to follow his lead. Any state judge looking in good faith at the cash bail situation in the felony courts in Harris County can see that the system is broken and requires reform, Manne said. I am delighted that Judge Silverman has acknowledged that the current situation violates the rights of poor people. In recent months, Manne, who works for Susman Godfrey LLP, and co-counsel from Civil Rights Corps in Washington, D.C., have pressed the court to release thousands of people from pretrial detention at the jail who are being held because they cant scrape together funds for bail. They argued that during the pandemic, bail was a life or death question. Silverman said the threat of COVID-19 and the recent demonstrations over racial injustice were the backdrop as he finalized his court documents. The county jail has been hard hit by the coronavirus, with 1,027 inmates and 336 jail staff testing positive. A series of conflicting orders from officials sought to mitigate a public health crisis. Since then, the jail population has crept back up. Silverman said he thinks the country is at a turning point and he is pushing for true felony bail reform including the adoption of a scientifically-based risk assessment tool and a more robust pretrial services division. He said, Im very optimistic this is a watershed event that will result in the majority of other judges joining to reform the system. gabrielle.banks@chron.com Islamabad, June 25 : In a much needed breather for Pakistan, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has extended the deadline for the country till the next plenary meeting, urging Islamabad to ensure compliance of 27-point action plan. The extension in deadline of review of Pakistan's progress to counter money-laundering and terror financing because of the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus pandemic, made it almost impossible for assessed jurisdiction and assessors alike to conduct on-site visits and in-person meetings. "The gravity of the COVID-19 situation globally and the consequent COVID-19 related measures that countries have adopted, such as confinement and travel restrictions, are making it impossible to assessors to conduct on-site and in-person processes. The FATF acknowledges these severe challenges that countries face at this difficult time", an FATF statement said. "The FATF Plenary has therefore agreed to temporarily postpone all remaining FATF mutual evaluations and follow-up deadlines." The next plenary meeting will be held after four months in October. The COVID-19 pandemic has come to rescue Pakistan this time as the Imran Khan led government is still falling short on compliance of the action plan, handed by the FATF to comply and curb the menace of terror financing and money-laundering. The Pakistan government is yet to pass amendments into its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Foreign Exchange Regulation laws from Parliament for complying with the FATF conditions. Pakistan is also yet to incorporate amendments related to Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), which would ensure recorded and presentable steps taken to satisfy FATF on its progress. As per government sources, "work is being done to being the required changes into different laws and the pending legislation bills vigorously". The FATF had placed Pakistan on the grey list in June 2018, placing at least 27 conditions for compliance review on September 2019. Since then, Pakistan has been given extensions at least thrice of three months each as Islamabad failed to comply with the conditions, required to ensure its name is removed from the grey list. As per latest updates on Pakistan's compliance, only 14 points out of the 27 point action plan have been fully complied while remaining 13 points are still pending that need compliance done within the latest extension of three months. The list of remaining 13 points still to be complied includes: *Pakistan will have to demonstrate effectiveness of sanctions including remedial actions to curb terrorist financing in the country. *Pakistan will have to ensure improved effectiveness for terror financing of financial institutions with particular to banned outfits. *Pakistan will have to take actions against illegal money or value transfer services (MVTS). *Pakistan will have to place sanction regime against cash couriers. *Pakistan will have to ensure logical conclusion from ongoing terror financing investigation of law enforcing agencies (LEAs) against banned outfits and proscribed persons. *Pakistani authorities will have to ensure international cooperation based investigations and convictions against banned organizations (list provided to Pakistan) and proscribed persons (list provided to Pakistan). *The country will have to place effective domestic cooperation between Financial Monitoring Unit (FMU) and LEAs in investigation of terror financing. *Prosecution of banned outfits and proscribed persons (list provided to Pakistan). *Demonstrate convictions from court of law of banned outfits and proscribed persons (list provided to Pakistan). *Seizure of properties of banned outfits and proscribed persons (list provided to Pakistan) *Conversion of madrassas to schools and health units into official formations (list provided to Pakistan). *To cut off funding of banned outfits and proscribed persons *Pakistan will have to place permanent mechanism for management of properties and assets owned by the banned outfits and proscribed persons (list provided to Pakistan). Fortunately, circumstances surrounding the pandemic this spring meant that very little money had been spent or committed on this years show. The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority awarded $200,000 to the event in March but later pulled that money back. The committee pulled all that money back to help pay for meals for employees, Chait said. They needed that money to help the community. It was the right thing to do. In a normal year, the show would have already committed to tenting and rental equipment, but that was held off while waiting for guidance from the state. Other costs wouldnt have been incurred until closer to the show. Were in pretty good shape, Chait said. We will begin preparing immediately for the August 18, 2021 show. Were looking now at civilian performers for next year. They love Atlantic City because were midweek, they love the hospitality and they love performing over the beach. A woman has faced a Sydney court after being extradited from New Zealand for the alleged murder of a man from central western NSW four years ago. Police say Robert Dickie, 71, was reported missing by family in June 2016, two days after he was last seen leaving his Elong Elong home. Detectives believe he has been murdered, but his body has not been found. On Thursday Kylie So faced Sydney's Central Local Court accused of Mr Dickie's murder. A 47-year-old woman has been extradited (pictured) from New Zealand and charged with murder after 71-year-old Robert Dickie was allegedly killed in 2016 The woman (pictured) was charged with Mr Dickie's murder after he went missing four years ago at Elong Elong, in New South Wales' Central West, in June Detectives believe Mr Dickie (pictured) was murdered but his body has not been found Detectives investigating the disappearance initially applied for an arrest warrant for So in 2017, only to later discover she was living in NZ, according to NSW Police. Detectives sought help from NZ Police, who arrested the now 48-year-old in Auckland in April this year. Her extradition was approved in Auckland District Court, pending COVID-19 travel restrictions, and she arrived in Sydney on Thursday. 'Due to the current public health orders for returning international travellers, the woman was detained at the airport while the arrest warrant was executed, and she was charged with murder,' NSW Police said in a statement. So didn't apply for bail when she appeared in court via video link on Thursday, and it was formally refused. She's next due to face Dubbo Local Court in August. Officers were granted an arrest warrant for the woman (pictured) in September 2017 and requested assistance from New Zealand Police when it was revealed she lived in Auckland A fossil that rewrote the history of Australian animal evolution has actually been discovered twice - once in a salt bed, and then again nearly 50 years later in a New York museum. The fossil is of a previously unrecorded ancient marsupial which is related to modern wombats, but it is not their direct ancestor; it's a cousin previously unknown to science. An artist's impression of Mukupirna. Credit:Peter Schouten The animal, which has been called Mukupirna, lived in the area around the northern end of South Australia up until 25 million years ago. Associate Professor Julien Louys, from Griffith University, said the animal was similar to a wombat but much larger, weighing up to 150 kilograms, and with different claws and teeth. Britain could drum up enough business to create one million jobs at an international trade exhibition next year, a report claims. The 2020 World Expo which traces its roots back to London's Great Exhibition in 1851 is due to be held in Dubai in October 2021 after it was postponed due to the virus crisis. It will be one of the first global trade events to take place in the wake of the pandemic and traditionally provides a platform for countries to show off their latest innovations. The last one was held in Milan five years ago, when 140 countries took part, with some 25m visitors expected. The Dubai Expo is the first world exhibition to be held in the Middle East and when it takes place it will be the largest event ever staged in the region. And because of the delay, the six-month event will now take place after the UK has completed its exit from the EU at the end of this year. This will give the UK an ideal 'launch pad' for post-Brexit trade, a report by Middle East-focused think tank Cornerstone says, and set the stage for lucrative deals. Its report advises the UK's Department for International Trade and the GREAT campaign, which promotes Britain overseas, to negotiate to expand its originally-planned presence at the Expo. In the report, London-based Cornerstone said: 'The Expo will be a once in a generation opportunity for the UK to show case what the country has to offer. 'The target partners in the Dubai Expo will not only be countries from the Middle East, but from around the world. 'A successful UK participation at the Dubai Expo 2020 could lead to the creation of hundreds of thousands of jobs in the UK. 'We estimate this could be between 500,000 and one million British jobs as a direct and indirect benefit in participating in the Dubai Expo. 'The United Kingdom should aim to use the Dubai Expo to emerge as a new global powerhouse of innovation in multiple sectors.' The UK's pavilion at the Expo is themed on a project by the late scientist Stephen Hawking, focusing on how humanity could communicate with an extra-terrestrial civilisation. It will explore everything from the commercialisation of space to artificial intelligence and has been designed by the set designer Es Devlin, one of the architects of the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony. The aim will be to present the UK as being at the forefront of innovation in sectors including artificial intelligence, machine learning and space. The Dubai Expo is the first world exhibition to be held in the Middle East and when it takes place it will be the largest event ever staged in the region. Dubai won the right to host the Expo in 2013, beating the Russian city of Yekaterinburg in a vote held in Paris. Cornerstone said UK relations with host nation the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were also currently 'at an all-time high'. The country is Britain's largest trading partner in the Middle East. Ghanem Nuseibeh, founder of Cornerstone and author of the report, said: 'The Dubai Expo is going to be on a scale we simply haven't seen before and it presents an enormous opportunity for the UK to showcase what it has to offer to the Middle East and the wider world. 'As we come out of the coronavirus pandemic, it's more important than ever that we turbo-charge our presence at this event.' Credit: Rebecca Wellard, Curtin University/Project Orca Researchers have uncovered more information about the numbers and habits of killer whales in south Western Australian waters, with a Curtin University study providing the first baseline assessment of the species' occupancy patterns in the Bremer Sub Basin area. Killer whales are known to congregate in the area, with the local marine environment providing them with a bountiful food source. Wildlife tourism vessels operating in the area were used to help collect the study data, a collaborative approach that allowed the researchers to learn more about the notoriously difficult to monitor cetaceans in the region, in a time and cost-efficient manner. Curtin University Adjunct Associate Research Fellow and Edith Cowan University Associate Professor Chandra Salgado Kent explained the aquatic mammals travel widely, and seasonally congregate in canyon-like areas that are not necessarily easy to access from shore. "Observational studies are expensive, and because of this, they are often limited. Wildlife-based tourism, however, is happening in this area. By having observers board regularly scheduled tourism trips, our research successfully combined the research with industry," Associate Professor Salgado Kent said. "This approach not only has the potential to save researchers money in future observational studies, but having access to more observational data of local cetacean populations could potentially also save the whales." Professor Christine Erbe, Director of Curtin's Centre for Marine Science and Technology, in the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, said while there had been limited studies of marine wildlife in the area done in the past, the new research added more comprehensive information, creating a detailed snapshot of killer whales in the region. "The Bremer Sub Basin is full of flourishing biodiversity, with its deep and biologically active submarine canyons being a seasonally preferred place for many cetaceans to call 'home,' including sperm whales, beaked whales and killer whales," Professor Erbe said. "Humans use the area too, for commercial fishing, transportation and other vessel traffic related to tourism, as well as past and potentially future seismic exploration. Human presence and the risk for associated impacts are growing in this area. Noting this, we set out to create a baseline study to gain a better understanding of what cetacean species were present in the area and what subsea features drive their occupancy, allowing future research studies to measure more accurately and project the potential impacts that these human activities may be having on local whale populations." Lead field researcher Curtin Ph.D. candidate Ms Rebecca Wellard explained the study was carried out over a three-year period in the summer and autumn seasons by experienced observers on a commercial wildlife tourism boat and a designated research ship. All voyages departed from Bremer Bay, following pre-determined routes that converged on the heads of the Hood and Henry canyons. Vessels did not exceed 15 knots, and all surveys were conducted during daylight hours. "We observers continuously scanned the surface of the water for cetaceans with the naked eye, and with binoculars, logging relevant sighting details such as the date, time, GPS position, group size, group composition and their behavioral state," Ms Wellard said. "The behavior state of the killer whales was assigned to one of four categories; we noted if they were traveling, foraging, socializing or milling around." A seven-day aerial survey was also undertaken over the Bremer Canyon during the research period, with one pilot and two trained observers in a twin-engine high-wing Cessna 337 aircraft, fitted with bubble windows. "Quantifying human-induced effects on whale populations is difficult, yet it is necessary, in order to implement optimal management strategies that can hopefully avoid species decline in the Bremer Sub Basin area," Ms Wellard said. "Now with the baseline study complete and in place, we hope to understand more about the South West's cetaceans and continue to monitor them, and ultimately attempt to save the mammals from any unintentional future environmental harm." The research paper, titled "Seasonal productivity drives aggregations of killer whales and other cetaceans over submarine canyons of the Bremer Sub-Basin, south-western Australia," is published in Australian Mammalogy. Explore further New research sheds light on the unique 'call' of Ross Sea killer whales More information: Chandra Salgado Kent et al. Seasonal productivity drives aggregations of killer whales and other cetaceans over submarine canyons of the Bremer Sub-Basin, south-western Australia, Australian Mammalogy (2020). Chandra Salgado Kent et al. Seasonal productivity drives aggregations of killer whales and other cetaceans over submarine canyons of the Bremer Sub-Basin, south-western Australia,(2020). DOI: 10.1071/AM19058 Petition urging removal of names of British colonial figures from streets and landmarks to be taken to Parliament. A campaign to rename street names in Ugandas capital has gained traction as the Black Lives Matter protests and decolonisation movement that erupted after the US police killing of George Floyd sweep the globe. Launched on June 9, the online petition urging the government to remove the names of British colonial figures from the streets, monuments and landmarks in Kampala has received more than 5,000 signatures. The campaigners say they will take the petition to Parliament on Friday, seeking action in the next 90 days. Almost 60 years after independence, streets across Uganda are still named after British colonial soldiers, including Major-General Henry Colville and Lord Frederick Lugard among others. The military figures were responsible for waging expeditions in the late 19th century to depose kings and impose authority over kingdoms that existed for centuries before British colonial rule (1894-1962). Hundreds, if not thousands of people, were killed during such campaigns and at least once a scorched earth policy was used to expand British territory at the height of Europes scramble for Africa. Exact numbers of people massacred are not known partly because the British government systematically destroyed records of colonial crimes to prevent the information from falling into the hands of post-independence governments. And today, many people walking along Kampalas streets are unaware that atrocities against their ancestors were perpetrated by people honoured with street names. The reality is that African history before colonial rule was mainly oral; it was not written, it was passed on from one generation to another and there are limitations presented by that kind of knowledge, Apollo Makubuya, a lawyer and chief petitioner to decolonise Ugandas streets, told Al Jazeera. But the little that exists is written either by European missionaries [or] explorers and colonial administrators, by conquerors. It is their lenses that we use to see part of this history and that history is airbrushed. The peritioners say colonial subjugators such as Henry Colville were notorious in their inhumane and degrading treatment of the colonized peoples in the Uganda Protectorate [Barbara Angopa/Al Jazeera] This is not the first time that there has been an attempt to get rid of colonial names from road signage in Kampala. During the government of former leader Idi Amin, who ruled Uganda from 1971 to 1979, many streets in the capital were renamed. Malcolm X Avenue after the Black liberation and civil rights leader and Nkrumah Road after the revolutionary figure who led Ghana out of British rule still survive to this day after being renamed in 1972. These changes happened against a backdrop of newly independent African countries reclaiming African or authentic names. 200521170959746 In what is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the name of the country, cities, street names and even names of people were changed to show increasing cultural pride in African names, in an ideology known as Mobutuism after the then-leader Mobutu Sese Seko. But often the new names were reversed with the failure of the regime. Makubuya said some of these attempts failed because there were no comprehensive guidelines to review the naming culture and objectives. Amin had a big fight with Britain, and Britain cut off diplomatic ties with Uganda one could say that his renaming of streets was a knee-jerk response to that situation, he said. Because it was a one-man drive, it missed critical aspects which would have made the naming more legitimate and more acceptable to people. There was no parliament in Amins time. He was ruling by decree. So it is understandable that the names he picked were not all popular [and] some of them were reversed. But now, increasing cultural confidence and receding memory of the colonial period appears to give new impetus to renaming streets in Kampala. Meanwhile, the May 25 killing of Floyd, an unarmed Black man, at the hands of white police in Minneapolis sparked major protests in the United States and elsewhere, including in the United Kingdom where demonstrators in Bristol toppled the statue of slave-trader Edward Colston. Social media has helped to bring this subject [renaming streets] to the fore, Makubuya said. It is not because of George Floyd that we are doing this, but our petition has been given a new momentum because of the world today. Lake Victoria is the largest in Africa and the second largest freshwater lake in the world [File: Khaled Elfiqi/EPA] But it is not only in the Ugandan capital where the legacy of British colonial rule is felt. Mountain peaks, waterfalls and other natural features continue to be known by colonial names including Lake Victoria, named after the former British queen and empress of India. It is the second-largest freshwater lake in the world and the largest lake in Africa shared by three African countries Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. Yet it does not have an African name. Ali Saidi Matano, executive secretary of the Lake Victoria Basin Commission, said name-changing discussions had reached an advanced stage at The East African Community Parliament until the coronavirus crisis earlier this year interrupted the process. 200516092442061 Lake Victoria was not Lake Victoria until such a time that it was named Lake Victoria by the colonialists it had Indigenous names, he told Al Jazeera. In Uganda, it was called Nalubaale, in Kenya Namulondwe and in Tanzania, Nyanza, according to Matano. Unfortunately after independence, after it was named Lake Victoria, not much was done to indigenise or to change the name until now. Back in Kampala, petitioners want to introduce a public education campaign so Ugandans know the full truth about their colonial history. They want colonial iconography placed in a museum and laws created to oversee the renaming of landmarks. Petitioners also want Ugandas school curriculum revised to make sure colonial figures are not glorified and those who resisted the colonial rule are not denigrated. Renaming Ugandas streets will not reverse colonial injustices but petitioners say it will begin a process to hold to account those who were notorious in their inhumane and degrading treatment of the colonized peoples in the Uganda Protectorate. Verenice Mendez, left, Leena Al-Basheer and Sascha Gutierrez have organized a Black Lives Matter protest for June 27, 2020, in Pen Argyl.Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com Talking about how to make a British cup of tea can be a sensitive issue: it no longer remains just a storm in a teacup when envoys of the United Kingdom and the United States spar on the issue, with the former calling in the military to make the point. There are many versions around the world of how to make a perfect cup of tea, but when a young American in London showed hers that involves mixing milk with powdered lemonade, cinnamon, cloves, sugar and Tang, adding a teabag, microwaving it and calling the concoction British tea, the Brits were rather furious. Tea had a key role in American independence remember the Boston Tea Party so the young Americans exertions on social media earlier this month resonated at many levels, prompting the British ambassador to the US to deploy the military to show the world how the perfect cuppa is brewed. I see theres huge interest in how to make a British cup of tea. So Ive called in my military advisers to get this in the record. The Anglo-American relationship is defined by tea. Weve had a number of requests to show how to make a real cup of tea, said ambassador Karen Pierce. She followed it up with brief footage of army, navy and air force personnel from the field explaining and showing to make the perfect brew. The army man said with understated contempt: You dont need a microwave to make a cup of tea. Thousands of Brits joined in to offer their views on the subject, many in strong terms. Not to be outdone, the US ambassador to the UK, Woody Johnson, responded on Wednesday, but he diplomatically side-stepped the issue and showed how he makes coffee, much to the horror of many Britons who prefer the traditional tea. Johnson said on camera from his kitchen: Im going to make an American cup of coffee, the way I do it every day. Responding to Ambassador Pierces perfect cup of tea and her instructions, and went on to add boiling water to instant coffee and some milk, calling it perfect. Italians who love the Bialetti way of making coffee were not impressed, suggesting that Johnson may have responded to Pierce, but may have opened another front in the brewing storm across the US and Europe. For the record, most of the tea consumed in the UK, US and elsewhere is grown in India, where chai is brewed in ways different to that in Britain and is reflected in popular culture and public discourse at many levels. Kerala board Class 10th, 12th Results date 2020: Kerala board SSLC exams also took place between 10 and 19 March, but had to be discontinued in view of the prevailing situations. The Directorate of Higher Secondary Education (DHSE), Kerala is expected to declare the results of Class 12 exams today (15 July). The Class 10 results were announced on 30 June. According to Hindustan Times, more than eight lakh students appeared for Kerala board Class 12 exams. The intermediate exams began on 10 March, but later some papers had to be postponed due to the outbreak of novel coronavirus. The pending papers were held from 27 to 30 May. Kerala board SSLC exams also took place between 10 and 19 March, but had to be discontinued in view of the prevailing situations. Later, the remaining papers were conducted from 26 to 30 May, reported The Times of India. The evaluation work has been completed and the education department is ready to release the result. Around four lakh students registered for Kerala board Class 10 exams this year, reported Careers360. Those who appeared for Class 10 exams will be able to check their result at sslcexam.kerala.gov.in, results.kite.kerala.gov.in, results.kerala.nic.in and prd.kerala.gov.in. Students who took Class 12 exams will be able to check their result at keralaresults.nic.in. How to check Class 10 or 12 results: Step 1: Go to one of the mentioned websites. Step 2: Click on the link for result. Step 3: Enter roll number to log in. Step 4: Result will be displayed on the screen. This year, results have been delayed due to the coronavirus lockdown. In 2019, Class 12 results were declared on 8 May, while Class 10 results were released on 6 May. Disclaimer: As has been observed over the course of the past few weeks, the dates and times of result announcements have been frequently changed around. The information above has not been independently verified by Firstpost. However, this article will continue to be updated to reflect official updates as and when they come in. By PTI LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI: Twenty Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers posted in Lucknow have tested negative for coronavirus after their samples were collected in the wake of an arrested accused in the Amrapali money laundering case being infected with the disease, officials said on Wednesday. The central probe agency's zonal office at Ashok Marg in Uttar Pradesh's capital city was thoroughly sanitised and sealed after Anil Mittal, the statutory auditor of Amrapali Group of companies, tested positive for the pandemic last week. He was arrested and produced before a special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) court in Lucknow on June 16. He is reported to have contracted the disease while in ED custody. Mittal was subsequently admitted to the KGMU hospital in Lucknow and has been sent to jail after recovery from the disease. Rajeshwar Singh, Joint Director of ED's Lucknow zone, confirmed the development and said all 20 officers of his unit have tested negative for COVID-19 and they have resumed office. "The directorate has started functioning in full swing with all prescribed precautions and hygiene," another officer said. He added that those officers, who came in direct contact of accused Anil Mittal, had their samples taken for the new coronavirus. The agency will soon approach the court seeking its permission to now grill Mittal and record his statement under the PMLA as he has "a crucial role in laundering of Amrapali funds", ED sources said. The agency had recently attached, as part of an order issued under the PMLA, more than Rs 187 crore funds of JP Morgan India Pvt Ltd kept in a bank branch in Mumbai in this case that is being monitored by the Supreme Court. The court later directed JP Morgan to transfer over Rs 140 crore plus interest from its bank accounts, that have been recently attached by the ED, to the escrow account maintained by the UCO bank saying this money would be used for completing the pending projects of Amrapali Group. The ED is investigating this case on charges of money laundering and alleged diversion of crores of rupees of home buyers who wanted to purchase a house in the Amrapali Group's real estate projects. The apex court, which is monitoring this case, had in December last year directed the ED to take charge of the investigation and asked Joint Director Singh to take action against JP Morgan under the anti-money laundering law and the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) and apprise it on a regular basis. It has also initiated detailed interrogation of JP Morgan India board members including a Chinese national along with Amrapali executives. The agency is also investigating the role of bank officials in granting loans on mortgaged assets, the role of Noida and Greater Noida authority officials in renewing leases and award of new projects to the group despite pending land dues and lease rentals that are stated to be over Rs 5,000 crore, the second official quoted above said. It is also probing if some flats were sold to officials at lower prices by taking cash payments, bogus and inflated purchases, he said. "Names of few officials who have benefitted has come to light during investigation," he said. In an affidavit submitted to the court recently, the ED has said that employees of JP Morgan India Ltd, who were on the board of various Amrapali real estate group companies, "laundered" deposits worth Rs 187 crore of home buyers and "diverted" them to the multi-national financial advisory firm's entities based in Mauritius and Singapore by undertaking sham transactions and using shell companies. BERLIN A spike of more than 1,500 coronavirus infections within days has dealt a sudden blow to Germanys efforts to reopen the country, calling into question the durability of what had been widely considered a success story in managing the contagion in Europe. The new clusters have been concentrated in slaughterhouses and crowded, low-income apartment blocks, which have been quarantined, but they are generating increasing concern that the infections could break out and spread among the broader public. This week, those concerns spurred the authorities in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia to impose lockdowns in two counties the first since the countrys broader reopening in May after hundreds of workers at the Tonnies meatpacking plant in Gutersloh county tested positive for the virus. Neighboring Warendorf county, where many plant workers live, was the second county locked down. The outbreak at the Tonnies slaughterhouse now stands as one the most severe in Europe, outside of Sweden, according to figures gathered by the European Union. Since then, several hundred workers from two other slaughterhouses have been isolated as well. FAIRFIELD When the killing of George Floyd spurred protests around the country and in Fairfield, First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said she thought it was time for the town to have a dialogue about race. It was for that reason, Kupchick said, that she appointed Selectwoman Nancy Lefkowitz to create and co-chair a task force on racial injustice and inequity. I just thought that Nancy would be a good fit, Kupchick said. Shes been an activist in the past, and I thought that this would be something very natural for her. Kupchick said several African American women in the community had shown interest in the task force, adding that she had asked Lefkowitz to pick one of them as co-chair. She said she and Lefkowitz are still hammering out the details for how many people will serve on the task force, how it will be structured and its overall mission. Im looking for the task force to first, have a lot of different dialogues with law enforcement, with our school administrators... and with our community, the First Selectwoman said. (Then the task force) will come with a list of recommendations. Lefkowitz said the task force would be a place to start conversations and for education, listening and understanding. She said its creation makes a statement that racial inequity is an issue the town cares about. Fairfield is a place where all should feel welcome, Lefkowitz said. While I think that there is a perception that thats the case, whats come to light is that maybe thats not the case for the Black and brown members of this community. The selectwoman said the task force may be able to begin dismantling institutionalized racism by making recommendations to reform policies that are inherently designed to maintain a racist status quo. Speaking to how the task force will be structured, Lefkowitz said it would be important for the group to have an odd number of members to prevent a tie when it comes time to vote on recommendations. She also said the task force would be bipartisan, and made up of Republicans, Democrats, people not affiliated with a party and people of color. The process for applications will be as with all boards and commissions, per the charter, she said. I would imagine it would have to have unanimous board of selectman approval. Id also like to see the (Representative Town Meeting) have to approve it just so there are checks and balances. Both Kupchick and Lefkowitz said there were a lot of people reaching out to them who were interested in joining the task force. Lefkowitz said she also hopes to have liaisons from the Board of Education, the Board of Finance, and the RTM. She said she thinks that is a good way to keep the community connected. We are sending out a survey to the community to get a better pulse on the perceptions of racism in the community but, also, what people would want, Lefkowitz said. I think that will inform some of what the mission is. Kupchick said the task force will help drive conversations that help people examine their biases. She said self- reflection is an important component of that work. My vision, or hope for it, is that it allows people to have open conversations in a safe environment, Kupchick said, adding that she hopes people learn from those discussions. I hope we can come up with some recommendations after listening to people. Lefkowitz said she has heard from residents who question if the task force is necessary. Some white residents, she said, dont understand that their experiences are not reflective of everyones reality. While that may be uncomfortable to confront, it needs to be addressed. Theres a lot of shame and hard work that comes from admitting that, she said. Not everybody is there. What we have to do is create a space where people can do some of that difficult soul work. Lefkowitz described herself as a perennial optimist, and said she sees this as a moment to create systemic and long-term change. She said that is why she is interested in doing the task force the right way. While this isnt going to be the end-all be-all solution, I see this as one opportunity to make a difference towards a more equitable and just community, Lefkowitz said. China Sends 8 Military Planes into Taiwan Airspace; Analysts See Move as Warning to US and Others By Ralph Jennings June 24, 2020 Taiwan says Chinese military planes have flown into its air defense space six times in a single week and eight times this month, so far. Although Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense escorts each aircraft away and alerts the public on an island that has long distrusted China, analysts believe leaders in Beijing are warning people as far away as Washington while helping to train their own troops in case of conflict in Asia. The U.S. government has saddled China with a 2-year-old trade dispute, accused it of ignoring COVID-19 for too long earlier in the year and sailed its navy vessels in Asian waters to check Chinese expansion. U.S. naval ships have sailed six times so far this year through the strait separating Taiwan from China, an irritant to Beijing. China claims sovereignty over self-ruled Taiwan and resents other countries for supporting it. The U.S. navy has also carried out four "freedom of navigation operations" in the South China Sea near Taiwan so far in 2020. "I don't think we can say it stops at Taiwan and then that's it," said Derek Grossman, senior defense analyst with the RAND Corp. research institution in the United States. "There's definitely some signaling to the U.S., as well," he said. "Anything they can do to try to signal to the U.S. that it should not be getting as cozy with Taiwan as it has been over past few years, that's an important thing." China also lacks military experience since its 1970s land war with Vietnam, experts say, and it wants to train for anything new that comes up. On paper China has the world's third strongest armed forces and has ruffled other Asian countries by placing military infrastructure on disputed islets in the South China Sea. "We should say it this way, that China has multiple goals, multi purposes," said Huang Kwei-bo, vice dean of the international affairs college at National Chengchi University in Taipei. The Chinese planes spotted this month had crossed over the outer reaches of Taiwan's air defense identification zone, according to Ministry of National Defense statements in Taipei. Taiwanese air force planes fly alongside each aircraft to make it leave. On Monday the ministry said a Chinese H-6 bomber and a Chengdu J-10 fighter jet had flown through the southwestern part of Taiwan's airspace. Chinese officials want Taiwan's president, Tsai Ing-wen, to endorse a "One China" policy as condition for further dialogue. Tsai rejects the condition and most Taiwanese have told government surveys they prefer at least today's degree of autonomy over Beijing's goal of unification. China has claimed Taiwan as its own since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s. Before this month and since Tsai took office in 2016, Chinese aircraft had passed near Taiwan only periodically and seldom crossed into Taiwanese airspace. The two sides lie 160 kilometers apart at their nearest point. China has accused Washington of trying to stop Chinese expansion at sea. Australia and Japan have sent their own vessels into the South China Sea to remind China the waterway is open internationally. Washington historically sees Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines as Asia Pacific allies against any conflict with China. U.S. senators are working this year on the Pacific Deterrence Initiative, a special budget for $1.4 billion in the plan's first year for U.S. military activity in Asia and $5.5 billion in its second year. The bill is expected to bolster especially U.S. naval forces in the Western Pacific. Pressure at home over the COVID-19 outbreak and offshore military moves directed at China are pressuring Chinese President Xi Jinping to show strength, said Huang Chung-ting, assistant research fellow with the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei. "Xi Jinping's attitude now is that he can't fail," the research fellow said. "He's got to show he's still got a lot of means. Whenever the external pressure goes up one point, he's got to answer by ramping it up two points." Taiwan has sent marines to the Pratas Islands, three features it controls in the South China Sea, in light of China's movements, domestic news media reported this week. China's planes have not approached Taiwan's main island and they probably leave the air defense zone shortly after crossing into it, Huang Kwei-bo said. "We should feel worried, but not over-worried," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Interior Minister Aryeh Deri began advancing draft legislation to strengthen the Chief Rabbinates grip over the conversion into Judaism process on June 18. This comes in response to the erosion of its monopoly in a series of Supreme Court rulings. Deris proposed legislation presents yet another landmine facing Israels new unity government. It is exactly why Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will attempt to temper and delay it for the next year at least. In this early stage of his term, he is facing two main challenges: annexing West Bank settlements and reinvigorating the Israeli economy, which suffered a devastating blow as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. What Netanyahu does not need at this stage is another conflict with his coalition partners in the Blue and White party. One thing that will likely help him is a clause in the coalition agreement stating that no controversial legislation will be brought before the Knesset in the immediate future. The question of conversion in Israel has plagued the national agenda since the 1970s. The main debate is between the Orthodox establishment, which demanded a monopoly over conversion, not only in Israel but in the rest of the world. The Chief Rabbinate remained stubborn in its refusal to recognize any other conversions, particularly when conducted by the Reform and Conservative movements. While these groups may not have much political influence in Israel, they represent a majority of American Jews. While the Reform and Conservative movements fought a stubborn political battle to get Israel to recognize their conversions, it took the Supreme Court to expand recognition of their conversions by the Israeli authorities. The courts ruling stated that non-Orthodox conversions conducted overseas would be recognized, when it comes to the Law of Return, which grants every Jew the right to immigrate to Israel. This means that a person converted into Judaism abroad is entitled to become an Israeli citizen when immigrating to Israel. Nevertheless, the Orthodox rabbinic establishment tried and more often than not succeeded in preventing these converts from being listed as Jews on their official identification cards and would not let them register for marriage. Israels Chief Rabbinate is the sole body legally mandated to register and officiate over marriage and divorce for the countrys Jewish population. The conflict almost caused a diplomatic clash in June 2016, when a rabbinical court rejected conversions conducted by Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, the Modern Orthodox rabbi of New Yorks Yeshurun Congregation. Ivanka Trump, US President Donald Trump's daughter, was converted with the help of Lookstein before she married White House senior adviser Jared Kushner. What this would mean in theory is she would be allowed to immigrate to Israel if she so desired and become an Israeli citizen. But she and her children would not be considered Jewish by the rabbinic establishment. Three years ago, the Supreme Court did recognize private Orthodox conversions. This decision, which continued to gnaw away at the rabbinates monopoly on conversion, came in response to a suit brought by a group that offers such services. When a political crisis over the ruling erupted, Netanyahu appointed former Justice Minister Moshe Nissim, the son of a former chief rabbi, to investigate the matter. Nissim recommended a complete overhaul of the conversion system, making it more moderate and inclusive. But these recommendations stayed on paper. Nothing was changed. What ultimately determined the current situation was the Supreme Courts ruling. Deri is not only minister of the interior, he also heads the powerful ultra-Orthodox Shas party and is considered particularly close to the prime minister. He has now decided that it is time to change the situation as it stands with some private conversions authorized by deciding that only conversions conducted by the Orthodox Chief Rabbinate would be considered official and legal in Israel. Advancing this proposed legislation could generate very volatile consequences, including a renewal of heated clashes between the Israeli authorities and Jewish communities and organizations in the United States. The relationship is tense as is because of the various iterations of the conversion crisis and the decision to overturn the agreement to provide Reform and Conservative Jews with an egalitarian prayer space at the Western Wall (as is found in Reform and Conservative congregations). But the proposed law would also impact unofficial Orthodox conversions, including those conducted by private ultra-Orthodox religious courts. One such court that could be impacted is headed by Rabbi Nissim Karelitz, a leader of the Lithuanian faction of the ultra-Orthodox sector. As a result, the ultra-Orthodox Yahadut HaTorah party is also opposed to Deris efforts to change the law. A source in the party told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, The proposal places difficulties before ultra-Orthodox religious courts that could prevent the state from recognizing their authority over other civil matters. We will need to discuss it with our rabbis, but we are likely to oppose the change, unless these courts are exempted from this law. Another group likely to suffer as a result of this new law are more moderate and inclusive Orthodox religious courts in Israel. These have become important players in Israels conversion process, largely in order to resolve the problem of immigrants from Eastern Europe, many of whom are not considered Jewish according to strict interpretations of Jewish law. Rabbi Seth Farber heads the group ITIM: The Jewish Life Information Center, and is a founder of Giyyur KaHalachah (Conversion According to Jewish Law) of the religious Zionist sector. He told Al-Monitor, We regret that there are those who want to legislate a separatist policy, disconnected from the reality of Israel, which will end up alienating thousands of our brothers and sisters. The religious Zionist Yamina party, which is not part of the coalition, is divided over the issue, with moderates like Knesset member Matan Kahana opposing the law. He told Al-Monitor, What Deris comments mean is complete and final deadlock over the conversion issue. The State of Israel needs an official conversion law, but it must be a law that brings resolution to hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens and will not block the path to Judaism for those who desire it. In a conversation with Al-Monitor about this issue, a senior member of the Blue and White party said on condition of anonymity that laws like this are one reason that the party joined the coalition in the first place, adding, Our role is to prevent further polarization and more damage to the principles of pluralism and equality, and we will do just that. No such proposed legislation will be advanced without discussing it with us first, and that will be done in the spirit of conciliation and cooperation. Blue and White Chairman Benny Gantz intends to advance a pact on issues of religion and state, focusing on the military service for the ultra-Orthodox he is willing to compromise with the ultra-Orthodox parties on this conversion, public transportation on the Sabbath, and more. Any legislation or moves pertaining to matters of religion and state will be made within the framework of the reconciliation guidelines that we will be advancing, the senior party member party said. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser is looking into claims by a state museum board member that a racist post attributed to her was not hers but the result of a hack of her Facebook account. Nungesser told The Advocate/Times-Picayune that he believed the board member, but as steward of the states often troubled history, he felt such comments were unacceptable. He needed to be sure of her story and was looking for evidence that her social media accounts had been breached. When youre a representative for a state board, you need to keep some comments to yourself, Nungesser said, adding that such comments, if actually made by the board member, would result in dismissal. I know this lady was an educator for 30 years. Ive only known her as a gracious lady, Nungesser said. Cajun musician, paramedic Jamie Bergeron under fire for his 'All Lives Splatter' online posts A celebrated Cajun musician for several days has been busy explaining his social media postings, some of which have been perceived as inflamma Were at a time right now when we have to sit down with people who are critical of the police and with the police, who I support, Nungesser said. Comments like these dont help pull us together. In addition to instances of police abuse, Louisianas history includes slavery, rebellion, and systemic efforts to limit African American access to voting, jobs, schools and housing. All of which is coming under scrutiny in the wake of ongoing nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. Throughout the South symbols of the old Confederacy and Jim Crow have been removed. New Orleans is renaming streets, such as Jefferson Davis Parkway. LSU is renaming campus buildings, such as the Troy Middleton Library. Statues are being brought down. Aleta Leckett, of Houma, sent fellow members of the Louisiana State Museum Board an email Tuesday claiming that she didnt write the racist Facebook post attributed to her. She attached part of an email from Facebook security alerting her that someone had signed into her account from a location she didnt usually use. CrossFit gyms in Baton Rouge, New Orleans leave company after CEO posts about 'Floyd-19' Several CrossFit-affiliated gyms in Baton Rouge and New Orleans joined others across the country by dropping their association with the compan I wrote FB a very stern letter and expressed my anger since I have gotten repercussions from all of this, she wrote her board colleagues. The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up My account was hacked, Leckett said Wednesday. That is not my view or the views of the board, she said about the post, which appeared sometime over the weekend. Leckett said she was restricted by her lawyer on what she could say about the matter. But she claimed Facebook had two accounts in her name, one of which she didnt know about and couldnt access. She wasnt quite sure what happened. Some board members spoke on condition they not be identified publicly and said the issue about what to do with Leckett has been about the only subject of conversation since the postings. They said the boards office in the Presbytere had received numerous calls complaining about the posts starting Monday morning, which Nungesser confirmed. But the Boards executive committee didnt return calls seeking comment over a two-day period. Admitted LSU student who went on racist rant in video won't be enrolled in fall, school says Drew Dollar, a confirmed admitted student at LSU from West Monroe who was shown recently in a racist video on social media, will not be enroll The postings included a screed against Democratic Party funder George Soros, a favorite target of some Republicans, claiming he and his family collaborated with the Nazis in their Hungarian homeland. But the post that attracted the most attention was one that questioned what privileged meant in todays world by listing such things as the unemployed wearing $200 sneakers and $300 headphones as well as living in public subsidized housing, receiving free health insurance and having access to college funding that supports only your race. Leckett, through her email account, has distributed numerous articles that support right-wing narratives. On May 27, for instance, she forwarded an article scolding the mainstream media for not reporting that the rightest government of Italy had turn communist because of COVID-19. In December 2019, she forwarded a YouTube video of a commentator who said the cost of dealing with undocumented immigrants in California would lead to the collapse of the United States economy. But none of the articles made racist comments as blatant as those found in the "privileged" posting that had her photo attached. The 21 members of the board oversee the state museums under the lieutenant governors authority, which include the Capital Park facility in the shadow of the State Capitol in Baton Rouge, the Cabildo and Madame Johns Legacy in the New Orleans French Quarter. Leckett was appointed in January 2011 by then Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne to represent the E.D. White Historic Site near Thibodaux. The site is the plantation home of a governor prior to the Civil War and his son, who served on the U.S. Supreme Court for 27 years mostly at the beginning of the 20th Century, the last 11 as chief justice. The three white men, who were accused of killing African-American Ahmaud Arbery, were indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday in Georgia. Ahmaud Arbery, 25, was fatally shot and killed, while out for a jog in Brunswick City, on February 23. He was accused of being one of the burglars in a series of local break-ins. Reports said suspects Gregory McMichael, and his son Travis McMichael, armed with guns, confronted Arbery, prompting him to run. Ahmaud Arbery ran past the truck of William "Roddie" Bryan Jr., who struck the victim with the side of his truck. After seeing the McMichaels pursuing Arbery in a pick-up truck, Bryan joined the chase. Eventually, the three men caught up with Arbery and three shots were fired. The three suspects were indicted on malice and felony murder charges, according to AP News. Additionally, each of the McMichaels and Bryan was also charged with aggravated assault and one count each of false imprisonment and criminal attempt to false imprisonment. Prosecutor Joyette Holmes said the decision of the grand jury is a big step in finding justice for Arbery, his family, and the Black community. What Does the Indictment Mean Under Georgia Law? A felony charge under the Georgia Law means that death occurred during the commission of an underlying felony and does not require an intent to kill. Meanwhile, malice murder requires "malice aforethought either it is express or implied." Moreover, murder conviction in Georgia carries a minimum sentence of life in prison, either with or without the possibility of parole. CNN News reported that it has been months that the case of Arbery was heard in the court due to the statewide judicial emergency declared by the U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice amid the global pandemic. Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd's Deaths Bring Changes in Communities The death of Ahmaud Arbery under the hands of three white men, and George Floyd last month under the police officers, sparked nationwide protests participated by people of different color and well-known celebrities as well. For Ahmaud Arbery, his case has pushed the Georgia lawmakers to pass the hate crimes law on Tuesday. The death of Floyd has ignited people across the country to end the systemic racism that has long existed in the country. Check these out! VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Choom (CSE: CHOO; OTCQB: CHOOF), an elevated adult use cannabis company that has secured one of the largest national retail networks in Canada announces that it has reached an agreement with an arms-length lender (the Lender) to amend the terms of its non-transferable unsecured convertible debenture issued in November 2018 and maturing November 2022. The convertible debenture bears interest at a rate of 6.5% per annum on the outstanding principal sum. Pursuant to the terms of an amended and restated convertible debenture dated June 24, 2020 (the Amended and Restated Debenture) Choom has agreed, among other things, to grant to the Lender a second ranking security interest over all of its present and after-acquired property. The security interest will be governed in accordance with the terms and conditions of a security agreement between Choom and the Lender dated June 24, 2020. Among other amendments, the Amended and Restated Debenture includes amendments reflecting (i) a 90-day exclusivity period during which the Lender has agreed not to sell, transfer or assign its indebtedness to any third party, (ii) a right of first refusal in favour of Choom in respect of any future proposed sale, transfer or assignment of the indebtedness by the Lender, and (iii) a reduction of the conversion price of the debenture from $1.25 to $0.65 per share. Choom is pleased to have reached a mutually beneficial agreement with our lending partner, Corey Gillon, CEO, states. We continue to receive the support of shareholders and convertible debenture investors who support the Company and its business plan. Choom is driving growth and expansion as we continue to execute on our business plan to become a leading national cannabis retailer in Canada. About Choom Choom is a fast-expanding retail cannabis company who has established one of the largest store networks in Canada. The Choom brand is inspired by Hawaii's Choom Ganga group of buddies in Honolulu during the 1970's who loved to smoke weedor as the locals called it, Choom. Evoking the spirit of the original Choom Gang, our brand caters to the Canadian market with the ethos of cultivating good times. Choom is focused on delivering an elevated customer experience through our curated retail environments, offering a diversity of brands for Canadians across a national retail network. Cautionary Statement: NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Forward-looking information This news release contains forward-looking information relating to the Company's proposed activities and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking information relates to management's future outlook and anticipated events or results and includes statements or information regarding the future plans or prospects of the Company. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. These factors include risks and uncertainties associated with or arising as a result of delays in obtaining or an inability to obtain required regulatory approvals, access to sufficient quantities of cannabis, the results of diligence investigations, the actions of third parties, the results of negotiations with third parties, developments in the cannabis sector, the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, reliance on key personnel, regulatory risks and delays and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the management discussion and analysis section of the Company's interim and most recent annual financial statement or other reports and filings, including those made with the CSE and applicable Canadian securities regulators. 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 statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information. Contact: Choom Holdings Inc. Corey Gillon, CEO T: 604.683.2509 F: 604.683.2506 Chris Bogart, President T: 604.683.2509 F: 604.683.2506 E: investors@choom.ca W: choom.ca 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. Even experts can be a little overwhelmed by complicated questions surrounding online platforms and speech. In recent weeks, weve seen a multitude of examples of the challenges that platforms face in balancing free speech with upholding their standards: a Trump campaign ad removed from Facebook for using Nazi symbolism, Trump tussling with Twitter over labels on tweets making false claims or encouraging violence, a judge ruling that Rep. Devin Nunes cannot sue Twitter over a parody account, and much more. There is so much in the news right now. Its hard to know exactly where to begin, Jennifer Daskalthe director of the Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Lawsaid during Tuesdays Future Tense web event, Whats a Gatekeeper to Do? . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conversation, which was part of the Free Speech Project, analyzed how platforms practice gatekeeping and what steps they should be taking to actively promote human rights in the digital world. According to David Kayea professor of law and the director of the International Justice Clinic at the University of California, Irvine and U.N. special rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expressionthe fundamental problem with current online gatekeeping standards for platforms isnt so much about specific outcomes, he said, referring to Facebooks decision to remove the Trump campaign ad that included Nazi symbolism. The broader issue is the lack of guiding principles to govern these kinds of decisions and the transparency of how they are made. Advertisement Kate Klonick, an assistant professor of law at St. Johns University Law School and affiliate fellow at the Information Society Project at Yale Law School, agreed, saying that Facebook has a long history of inconsistent decision-making, with different types of figures getting treated differently depending on the speech that theyre saying and depending on the speech that is being recapitulated online, she said. And with no solid rules or transparency on which political speech passes the platforms secret test, its difficult to create any sort of accountability within a platform. Advertisement Another challenge, Kaye said, is that platforms too often see only two options when a post violates their guidelines: keep it up or remove it completely. But increasingly, there are other options, as evidenced by Twitters recent flagging of President Trumps tweets making false claims. Twitter decided to keep the tweets up and tag them with links to correct information about mail-in voting. Daskal thought that Twitter made the right decision, and the public might agree. According to Klonick, a study of about 6,000 Twitter users found that users did not want falsified or harmful content taken downthey wanted the platform to provide context. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some cases, there might be good reasons for complete removal, Kaye said, like a world leader inciting violence, because a public figure has a much greater chance of amplification on a platform than an average user. The threat to free speech must be weighed with the potential harm that could be caused by such speech. Klonick pointed out that politicians and many public figures dont really need the help of platforms to have their voices amplified anywaytheir words and actions will be on the news regardless of whether they send a tweet. While discerning these rules for platforms, Klonick said, its important to keep in mind that you have a right to free speech, you dont have a right to be amplified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Too often, according to Kaye, these discussions overlook the fact that almost 90 percent of Facebook users are from outside of the U.S. and Canada, yet platforms adhere almost exclusively to the U.S. idea of free speech. One of the things that the platforms do pretty poorly is integrating public and community perceptions of the rules and their implementation around the world, Kaye said. Daskal noted, however, that there is real risk of other countries with more oppressive speech standards influencing the platforms. Kaye pointed to recent decisions made by French constitutional courts and the European Court of Human Rights that show there are places around the world that do value freedom of expression. Other countries just implement those values in different ways, he said. He added that Its not that its a better or worse way than ours and that American companies can learn from these developments in the European space. Advertisement Proper accountability among platforms will require more participation by users, Klonick argued. But its hard to know what that might look like. Direct democracy is not going to work: Facebook attempted a system of direct user voting on its community guidelines beginning in 2009, Klonick said, but only around 0.3 percent of users cast a vote, and it was seen as a colossal failure. Moving forward, she said, the answer may look more like the Facebook Oversight Board, which announced its first members earlier this year. The board will act much like a court of appeals for the platform, Klonick explained, and it will take on cases regarding how to handle controversial content on Facebook and Instagram. The board will also act in an advisory capacity, giving policy recommendations to the company. But Daskal asked, Is that going to really move the needle? Klonick acknowledged that The skepticism is completely warranted, pointing to the relatively small size of the board in comparison to the number of users on Facebook. The board is set to start taking on cases in September. While its impact will not be clear any time soon, Klonick and Kaye are looking forward to seeing its influence on the way platforms regulate speech. This is more my hope than anything else: Over time, the board will actually push the company to change the standards that it has, Kaye said. And perhaps that will inspire other social networks to follow suit. Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society. Striking a conciliatory tone after raising tensions in eastern Ladakh to a fever pitch, China on Thursday said it was ready to work with India to properly deal with the border standoff while noting that "suspicion and friction" was a wrong path that goes against the fundamental aspirations of people of the two countries. In an interview to PTI, Sun Weidongsaid India and China are able to properly manage their differences, and called upon New Delhi to avoid taking actions that may "complicate" the situation in eastern Ladakh. He went on to add that at present, the overall situation in the China-India border areas is "stable and controllable." "We hope the Indian side meets the Chinese side halfway, avoids taking actions that may complicate the border situation and takes concrete actions to maintain stability in the border areas," he said. The Indian and Chinese armies are locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for the last six weeks, and the tension escalated manifold after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a violent clash in Galwan Valley on June 15. The said "mutual respect and support" is a sure way and meets the long-term interests of both countries, but at the same time, largely put the onus on India to ease tension in the region. "China and India are both large developing countries and emerging economies with more than one billion people, and both have the historic mission of realising our own development and revitalisation," he said. He further said: "China and India are willing and able to properly manage differences. In the last few weeks, both sides have held a series of diplomatic and military talks to cool down temperature even as Chinese military has increased its presence in all sensitive areas along the 3,500 km Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de-facto border. At a weekly media briefing, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on Thursday said Chinese side departed from previously agreed understanding in respect the Galwan Valley area and sought to erect structures just across the LAC. "When this attempt was foiled, Chinese troops took violent actions on June 15 that directly resulted in casualties," the spokesperson asserted. He said the conduct of Chinese forces this year has been in complete disregard of all mutually agreed norms. The ambassador said:"Mutual respect and support is a sure way and meets the long-term interests of both countries; suspicion and friction is a wrong path and goes against the fundamental aspiration of the two peoples." "Under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, we are ready to work with the Indian side to properly deal with the current situation, jointly uphold peace and stability in the border areas, and ensure a sound and steady development of bilateral relations," Sun said. In their historic informal summit in Chinese city of Wuhan in 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in all areas of the India-China border region in the interest of the development of bilateral relations. The summit had taken place months after a 73-day military face-off between the two armies in Doklam that raised fears of a war between the two Asian giants. In the course of the interview, Sun repeated the Chinese government's stand -- which has been rejected by India -- that Indian troops are responsible for the Galwan Valley clashes, and indicated that the onus was on India to improve the situation in eastern Ladakh. "The onus is not on China. The Indian side crossed the LAC (Line of Actual Control) for provocation and attacked the Chinese border troops. The Indian forces seriously violated agreements on border issues between the two countries," he said. After the killing of 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan clashes, India called it "a premeditated and planned action by China" and sent a veiled warning to China saying "India wants peace but if provoked, India is capable of giving a befitting reply". Referring to talks between foreign ministers of the two countries on June 17, the envoy said both sides agreed to "fairly address" the serious situation caused by the Galwan conflict and vowed to jointly follow the consensus reached at the commander-level meeting on June 6 to ease the situation as soon as possible. Sun said China would not like to see a similar situation like the Galwan clashes, repeating Chinese foreign ministry's allegations that India was responsible for it. The Ambassador said the two sides kept peace for decades in Galwan Valley, adding since the beginning of 2020, the Indian side has built facilities at or the crossing of the LAC in the Galwan Valley, "constantly changing the status quo of ground control. On May 6, he claimed the Indian troops crossed the LAC in the Galwan Valley by night and trespassed into Chinese territory. "They resorted to violent means to create a standoff between the two sides and built infrastructures in an attempt to maintain a permanent presence," he alleged. India has been maintaining that Galwan Valley belongs to it and has strongly rejected China's claim of sovereignty over it. Sun said Chinese side lodged representations on multiple occasions to the Indian side through military and diplomatic channels following the incident and that India agreed to withdraw its personnel from the area. The two sides held Lt General-level talks on June 6 during which they agreed on disengagement of troops from all the standoff areas. The ambassador said the Indian side promised in the talks that they would not cross the estuary of the Galwan river to patrol and build facilities, adding the two sides agreed to build observation posts on either side of the Galwan river mouth. "However, after the commander-level meeting, when the situation on the ground was already easing, the Indian border troops copped out on the consensus reached at the commander-level meeting, demanded that China dismantle its observation post," he said. India has been consistently maintaining that Galwan Valley clashes had taken place on the Indian side of the LAC. The envoy said actions taken by the Indian side are not in consonance with the spirit of several agreements signed by the two countries. Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh chaired the Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (IAMM), the 21st ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC), and the 26th ASEAN Coordinating Council Meeting, which were held online in Hanoi on June 24. browser not support iframe. Representatives of the countries discussed regional and international developments and ASEAN external relations. They spoke highly of Vietnams efforts to prepare for the 36th ASEAN Summit slated for June 26 in the context of COVID-19, and agreed on the working agenda proposed by the host. They reiterated their Cohesive and Responsive spirit, adding that the pandemic could not undermine their solidarity, cooperation, activeness, and creativity. Ministers agreed that ASEAN has become a central force in curbing the disease and maintaining socio-political stability in the region, and held that it is time for the bloc to take new steps by strengthening prevention and control of the pandemics recurrence, and developing recovery and post-pandemic development plans. In this process, dialogues and cooperation are still needed, they suggested. Participants also expressed their support for and willingness to cooperate in implementing initiatives proposed by Vietnam such as completing the mid-term review of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025, evaluating the implementation of the ASEAN Charter, and building ASEAN's post-2025 development orientations. Exchanging views on regional and international issues, the ministers reaffirmed ASEAN's viewpoints on the East Sea, the Rakhine State (Myanmar), and the Korean Peninsula. Particularly, regarding the East Sea issue, ASEAN countries emphasised that peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the region should be taken as the top priority, especially as the international community is struggling against COVID-19. They underlined the importance of the practice of restraint without taking actions to complicate the situation, while upholding international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), fully implementing the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and quickly resuming negotiations for building an effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS. Six reports from the ASEAN Secretary General and community pillars submitted to the upcoming 36th ASEAN Summit were adopted at the 26th ASEAN Coordinating Council Meeting. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh highly valued ASEANs solidarity and cooperation spirit, describing this as a key factor to ensure peace and stability in the region, and a foundation for the bloc to overcome challenges posed by COVID-19. For the situation in the world and the region, Minh expressed concern on the recent development in the East Sea and reiterated the consistent viewpoints of ASEAN and Vietnam in particular. He called on ASEAN member states to promote responsibility, dialogues and cooperation for peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea. In this process, it is essential to uphold international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, exercise self-restraint, avoid militarisation and actions that complicate the situation, and fully implement the DOC and build an effective COC in line with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS, he added. Founded in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) groups 10 member countries, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam./. ASEAN urged to enhance resilience amid regional and intl challenges browser not support iframe. Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh has urged ASEAN member states to further strengthen intra-bloc solidarity and cohesion, and enhance resilience in the face of challenges in the region and the world. Minh made the statement while chairing the virtual 21st ASEAN Political-Security Community Council Meeting on June 24, which was attended by foreign ministers from the ten ASEAN countries and the ASEAN Secretary General. The meeting aimed to review the progress of the ASEAN Political - Security Community Blueprint 2025 and discuss ways to beef up political and security cooperation among member states in the time to come. The ASEAN must always be consistent in awareness and action, maintain a common voice, and promote the observance of law in the region, he said. Against a backdrop of rising strategic competition between global powerhouses, the bloc needs to maintain its centrality and at the same time improve existing cooperation mechanisms and processes to continue securing the engagement of and contributions from partners, Minh added. The Deputy PM went on to emphasise the importance of adopting a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach to effectively address increasingly complex security challenges. He called on ASEAN member states to improve the quality of the implementation of the ASEAN Political - Security Community Blueprint 2025 in order to make it contribute practically to regional peace and security and benefit the people. At the event, the ministers agreed that cooperation among ASEAN nations have been accelerated in various areas, including defence, counter-terrorism and fighting transnational crime, border management, anti-drug trafficking, trust building and preventive diplomacy. They shared a common view that ASEANs cooperation mechanism has played a significant role in strengthening concerted relief efforts to prevent the COVID-19 from spreading further. The ministers also held that the ASEAN is facing a range of complicated security challenges, including growing tensions in hotspots such as the East Sea, the Korean Peninsula and the Middle East, as well as emerging non-traditional security challenges such as health security, water security and cyber security. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) groups 10 member states, namely Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam./. browser not support iframe. Lao highly values Vietnam as ASEAN Chair browser not support iframe. Lao Deputy Foreign Minister Thongphane Savanphet has said Vietnam is performing well its role as the ASEAN Chair 2020, especially in leading the bloc to overcome challenges and difficulties posed by COVID-19. In an interview to VNA, the official, who is also head of the SOM ASEAN of Laos, said Vietnams role in the context of the pandemic is extremely important. He further added that Vietnam is playing the key role in organising the implementation of agreements reached by ASEAN leaders. On the adjustments of the agenda Vietnam has implemented for the chairmanship year, the Lao official highlighted that time has proven that measures taken by Vietnam are very good. As for the expectation on Vietnam as the ASEAN Chair in the rest of the year, he spoke highly of the theme Cohesive and Responsive raised by Vietnam, affirming that it is very suitable to the cooperation of ASEAN. The rest of the year will see many things to be done and Vietnam, as the ASEAN Chair, will have a very important role to play in pushing and organising the implementation of the initiatives as well as priorities, he said. The official also expressed his belief that under the leading of Vietnam, ASEAN will together advance to successes, and affirmed that Laos will always support and help Vietnam to complete its role./ Thai Prime Minister to attend 36th ASEAN Summit Thai Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha is scheduled to attend the 36th ASEAN Summit and relevant meetings chaired by Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on June 26. According to a report from the Thai government, with the theme Cohesive and Responsive, the event will be the first summit held in the form of a video conference. The summit will focus on enhancing cooperation among ASEAN member nations in responding to the COVID-19 outbreak, and discussing a post-pandemic comprehensive recovery plan for the region. PM Prayut will propose three post-pandemic approaches, including promoting ASEAN's true connection through accelerating the implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 (MPAC 2025); fostering ASEAN's strengths from the inside through economic integration and digital infrastructure investment; and promoting ASEAN's long-term immunity with building a post-COVID-19 recovery plan whereby sustainable public health, food and human security will be centered. In addition to the summit, the Thai leader will also attend the ASEAN Leaders Special Session on Womens Empowerment in the Digital Age and interface sessions with representatives from the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), ASEAN Youth, and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC)./. Indonesian scholar has high expectations for 36th ASEAN Summit The upcoming 36th ASEAN Summit, chaired by Vietnam on June 26, will be important and significant for the bloc, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic and regional security issues, an Indonesian scholar has said. In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency, Director of the ASEAN Studies Programme at Indonesias Habibie Centre Ahmad Ibrahim Almutaqqi said the summit offers the chance for ASEAN and its member states to show their importance in the development of the Indo-Pacific region. The summit will discuss not only measures to deal with COVID-19 but also those for post-pandemic economic recovery. It will also be an opportunity for ASEAN leaders to call on involved parties to ease tensions in Asia and focus on more pressing issues such as COVID-19. The Indonesian scholar said he appreciates the role Vietnam plays as Chair of ASEAN in 2020, as despite the impact of the pandemic it has carried out its tasks in an effort to ensure the proper functioning of ASEAN in this difficult year and in organising high-level meetings. Over the next six months, he went on, ASEAN members should seek measures to reopen their economies in a safe manner, prevent a new wave of the disease from spreading, and address the consequences of the pandemic to create solid foundations for 2021./. Laos supports ASEAN human resources development plan Laos supports ASEANs human resources development plan, the Vientiane Times reported, quoting a speech by Lao Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune at the 23rd ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council (ASCC) meeting on June 23. Laos supports the ASEAN Declaration on Human Resource Development for Changing the World of Work. I believe that this declaration will provide a greater opportunity for ASEAN nations to share their benefits and interests and bring more benefits to the people of Asean, Kikeo was quoted as saying at the meeting, which was held in the form of a video conference. He expressed his belief that the plan will produce effective outcomes and great success, especially in the fields of labour and education, and called on ASEAN member nations to work together in post-pandemic recovery. At the meeting hosted by Vietnam's Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs in its capacity as ASCC Chair 2020, participants shared their opinions on priorities and cooperation during the period of recovery from COVID-19, to set orientations for the ASEAN Communitys activities this year and the next five years, towards a cohesive ASEAN Community that is beneficial for all./. VNA Trump: Messianic or demonic? Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The most fervent of Donald Trumps supporters view him as a messianic-type figure who will save Judeo-Christian civilization. Many of Trumps detractors, ranging from pensive concern to outright hatred, see him as demonic, a spiritual danger. Thus, Professor Ron Sider, with twenty-nine other evangelical scholars, has produced a book, The Spiritual Danger of Donald Trump: 30 Evangelical Christians on Justice, Truth, and Moral Integrity. Trump is a man of extremes and inspires or incites extreme responses and reactions. Sider, in his Introduction, writes: We are evangelical Christians, pleading with other Christians, especially evangelicals, to allow biblical principles to shape all our political activity. Sider and his colleagues have undertaken a risky business since their book could be dismissed as a gaggle of academics instructing us deplorables about how to vote for president. That would be unfortunate because there are important concerns here that deserve a wide reading. I do not intend here a rebuttal. I summed up my own concerns in my newest book, Two Men From Babylon: Nebuchadnezzar, Trump, and the Lord of History. There I wrote that I wished Trump would: set a better example of personal morality be less adolescent be careful about setting precedent with respect to emergency powers not encourage a civil religion distinguish between authoritarianism, raw power, and true authority not stifle freedom of the press midst his efforts to point out fake news not fall into the trap of overwrought nationalism I wish Trump would abandon ad hominem attacks and focus on his policies, many of which have been major successes. Trump is a coarse man. According to Romans 1 there comes a point in humanitys rebellion against Gods holy character when the Lord removes His hand of guidance and protection and gives them over to what their actions prove they really want. In my seven decades of life I have never known such cultural coarseness as now. In a society where small children know and use the F-word, tragically, it should be no surprise that the national leader is the embodiment of the culture. But there are other concerns that should bring even greater alarm than coarseness: the right to life, preservation of the biblically defined family, freedom of belief and speech, and the opportunity to work and enjoy the fruits of ones labors. The numbers related to these issues reveal why so many, including conservative Christians, continue to support Trump. Consider the following from an Internet search: 60,000,000[1] This is the approximate number of babies who have died in Americas abortion chambers since 1973 and the Supreme Courts decision in Roe v. Wade. In the Christian Post interview Dr. Sider asked, rhetorically, What does God care about? He then answered his own question: God cares about the sanctity of life. If Joe Biden wins the White House because conservative Christians desert Trump, that staggering number of infant deaths will continue to climb. Biden will be under the sway of a Party that includes powerful politicians who want to push abortion all the way to birth. 5,000,000[2] At least this many jobs were added to the pre-COVID American economy during Trumps first term. Professor Sider identified as another of the things God cares about as justice for the poor. And that leads to another number. 4,500,000[3] This is the approximate number of minority hires in the Trump years prior to COVIDs impact on the economy. The jobless rate for Hispanics fell to 3.9 percent, and for African Americans, 5.5 percent. Many of these individuals were classed as poor. It is better to give those suffering poverty a job rather than a handout. 80 percent[4] This is the estimated proportion of the global population living in places where there is restriction on freedom of religion. President Trump recently signed an executive order implementing strategies to promote religious freedom worldwide, and an end to persecution of religious people and groups. Though I did not support Trump in the 2015 primaries I did vote for him in 2016. Considering the issues discussed above I plan to vote for Donald Trump in 2020. Often, I have wished that some more respectable leader were carrying the banner on these issues, but Trump is at the point on these concerns. Frankly, no one is perfect enough for the presidency. Both Biden and Trump are volatile men. Biden might sink his campaign with one disastrous senior moment. Trump may torpedo himself through his hubris so evident in Tulsa. Volatility can quickly deteriorate into campaign-destroying vulnerability. Professor Sider fears that Trump is causing the broader culture to develop a negative view of Christianity. One wonders how such a fret would have gone over in the first century church in Rome. Trump aside, shouldnt we expect the culture to hate us if we live and speak biblically regarding abortion, family, freedom of religion, productive work? Is being hated by the world not a mark of faithfulness to the values espoused by Christ? (Matthew 10:22) I get it: We must be hated for the right reasons. Siders scholars are right in calling Donald Trump and his supporters to biblical standards. Sider and his colleagues should continue to press Trump to model Christian character, especially if he is going to seek evangelical support for a second term. But they also need to look at the data and face the hard issue: If not Trump, who? Will Joe Biden or another Democrat or Republican behave more Christianly, fight abortion, build an economy that benefits poor as well as rich, encourage policies that help strengthen the traditional family, and take a strong stand for global religious freedom? If so, thirty PhDs ought to be able to tell us who it is. [1]https://www.lifenews.com/2020/01/10/61628584-babies-have-been-killed-in-abortions-since-roe-v-wade-in-1973/ [2]https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/jobs-unemployment-donald-trump-administration/2019/12/09/id/945121/ [3]https://www.westernjournal.com/study-reveals-u-s-minority-groups-made-historic-employment-gains-trump-administration/ [4]https://www.foxnews.com/faith-values/world-china-iran-russia-report-religious-freedom June 25, 2020 / 11:01 PM IST Coronavirus News highlights: Today is the ninety-third day since India implemented a nationwide lockdown, to curb the novel coronavirus pandemic. India has so far recorded 4,73,105 lakh cases, which includes 14,894 deaths. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Gujarat have reported the highest number of cases. However, the recovery rate is rising and now stands at 57.4 percent. A number of activities have been allowed to resume in a phased manner this month as part of 'Unlock 1.0' plan.Globally, there have been over 94.3 lakh confirmed cases of COVID-19. More than 4.8 lakh people have died so far. Catch the LIVE updates here: Rep. Liz Cheney is among the prominent congressional Republicans backing Israeli plans to annex significant parts of the West Bank, despite condemnation from the United Nations and the League of Arab States, who say the proposal would amount to a most serious violation of international law and elevate the potential for a religious war in the region. While annexation is opposed by most of the international community, the chief of the United Nations and by the Palestinians who fear it could kill any hope for an independent Palestinian state the move has been supported by President Donald Trump in his January peace plan as well as by scores of prominent Congressional Republicans including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Republican Whip Steve Scalise and Cheney, who each signed a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier this week supporting Israels annexation plans. We write to reaffirm the unshakeable alliance between the United States and Israel, to emphasize that Israel has the right to make sovereign decisions independent of outside pressure, and to express our support for you as you make such decisions in your capacity as Israels democratically-elected prime minister, the letter read. We are aware of and deeply concerned by threats being expressed by some to retaliate against Israel as it makes decisions to ensure defensible borders. Though Netanyahus plans quickly drew the ire of the international community Wednesday, Cheney who has been aligned with a number of pro-Israel groups throughout her tenure stood by her position, writing through a spokesperson that the United Nations has a long history of actions intended to isolate and delegitimize the state of Israel. Congresswoman Cheney stands unapologetically with Israels right to make sovereign decisions necessary to defend the security of Israel and her people, the statement read. The concerns of the foreign community were downplayed further by Trump adviser Kellyanne Conway on the White House lawn Wednesday, telling Al Jazeera that their fears were overblown and like recent decisions to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to the West Bank city of Jerusalem in 2017 would not lead to further escalation. Palestinian statehood remains a divisive subject among people in the United States. While more than half of all citizens support Palestinian independence, support is still highly galvanized on partisan lines. While Democratic support has long remained above 60 percent over the past two decades, Republican support for an independent Palestine currently sits at 44 percent, according to a recent Gallup poll. The West Bank a hotly contested territory between Israel and Jordan has been a catalyst in tensions since Israel first occupied the area during the Six-Day War. For Israel, the roughly 2,000 square-mile territory has a powerful religious symbolism, and has been seen by military leaders as a necessary security buffer. In recent years, Israelis have illegally begun building settlements in the West Bank. The regions Palestinian occupants, meanwhile, have pushed for recognition as a sovereign nation by the international community for decades, citing a distinct cultural and religious identity from Israel and ownership of land dating back to the time before Israels founding in 1948. These tensions have often culminated in violence in the region that, over the years, has led to a fracturing of the West Bank and created a so far unresolved geopolitical challenge for the international community and the Middle East. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 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. Reaching Within: What traditional art offers the heart As we come close to the middle of 2020, Im left asking What else will happen? Its been an eventful year so far, to say the least. Ive been thinking deeply about the events that have occurred this year, and I believe the time is ripe to reflect on ourselves and question what it means to be good human beings. I, myself, was encouraged to reflect when I came across the illustration by William Blake titled The Casting of Rebel Angels Into Hell, based on John Miltons Paradise Lost. John Milton and Paradise Lost John Milton was a 17th-century English author, whose greatest work is Paradise Lost, an epic poem about the conflict between God and Satan and its effect on human beings. He wrote with the help of an assistant after going completely blind. The second edition of Paradise Lost was published in 1674 and contained 12 books, which included prose arguments defending the ways of God at the beginning of each book. According to the Poetry Foundation website: In the first two books the aftermath of the War in Heaven is viewed, with Satan and his defeated legions of angels having been cast down into Hell, a place of incarceration where they are tormented by a tumultuous lake of liquid fire Book 6 describes the war in detail as the rival armies of good and evil angels clash God the Father empowers the Son to drive the evil angels from Heaven. Mounting his chariot, the Son, armed with thunderbolts, accelerates toward the evil angels and discharges his weaponry. To avoid the onrushing chariot and the wrathful Son, the evil angels, in effect, leap from the precipice of Heaven and plummet into Hell. In hell, the fallen angels give arguments for how they should proceed against God and heaven. Beelzebub, a chief lieutenant of Satan, suggests that the earth and its newly created inhabitants [human beings] should be assessed and then overcome by force or seduced by guile. To get back at God, Satan takes this mission himself and leaves hell to revive the possibility of victory on the middle ground of earth. In other words, Satan, believing direct war with God would result in defeat, decides to fight for the souls of Gods new creation: human beings. The Casting of the Rebel Angels Into Hell, from the Butts Set of Illustrations for Paradise Lost, 1808, by William Blake. Watercolor, illustration. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. (Public Domain) The Fall of the Rebel Angels William Blake was a religious 19th-century English author and artist who often had spiritual visions. As a mature artist, he illustrated spiritual stories from the Bible, and from works by Dante and Milton. In 1808, Blake created a series of watercolor illustrations for Miltons Paradise Lost, one of which is titled The Casting of the Rebel Angels Into Hell. The piece illustrates the war between God and the rebel angels thats described in Book 6 of Paradise Lost. Blake, however, interpreted the war a little differently than Milton described it. Blake did not depict the Son shooting thunderbolts at the rebel angels from a chariot. Instead, he divided the composition into upper and lower halves. The upper half contains the Son, who sits in a circle and aims an arrow at the rebel angels in the lower half. The Son is dressed in whitea color that denotes purityand is surrounded by angels on both sides, who watch him draw back the arrow on his bow. A total of seven figures are in the upper half of the composition, and the number 7, in a biblical sense, represents completeness and perfection, according to the website BibleStudy. In the lower half of the composition, there are 13 heads, and the number 13 is symbolic of rebellion and lawlessness against God. These 13 heads represent the rebel angels whom the Son casts down into the fires of hell. For those whose faces can be seen, all of them look frightened except one: the central figure, Satan, who looks intently below with his hands behind his head. Choosing Righteousness Milton tells a fascinating story about the battle between good and evil. By its mere presence, righteousness seems to frighten evil just as the righteousness of the Son caused the rebel angels to leap from the precipice of heaven in fear. Evil may momentarily scurry away, but it seems to use underhanded means to find its way back into an age-old war. For Milton, evil finds its way back through manipulating Gods new creation, the human being. With our hearts and minds, we human beings have the ability to choose righteousness or evil. But what does it mean to be righteous? According to the symbolism in Blakes illustration, righteousness would align with purity, completeness, and perfection. Righteousness also expels evil from the kingdom of heaven. Thus, if we are to be righteous, we mustwith our hearts and mindschoose to be pure, complete, and perfect in God, and only then will we expel the evil from our kingdom of heaven, for as Blake might say, the kingdom of God is within us. And what does it mean to be evil? The symbolism in the lower half of the composition would suggest that evil aligns with rebellion and lawlessness against God, that is, against righteousness. If the kingdom of God is within, then wouldnt rebellion and lawlessness against God really be rebellion and lawlessness against what we are innately, which, in this case, would be righteous? And what are the consequences for rebelling against the righteousness that we authentically are? We hurt ourselves by choosing the evil of inauthenticity. And what are we choosing for ourselves, now? In what direction are our hearts and minds going as individuals, as families, as a nation? Will we resign ourselves to the lower half of the composition, justifying the evil of our actions because we want to follow a herd into a lake of liquid fire we cant see? Or will we align ourselves with righteousness and bring forth the kingdom of heaven that lays dormant within us all? Art has an incredible ability to point to what cant be seen so that we may ask What does this mean for me and for everyone who sees it? How has it influenced the past and how might it influence the future? What does it suggest about the human experience? These are some of the questions I explore in my series Reaching Within: What Traditional Art Offers the Heart. Eric Bess is a practicing representational artist. He is currently a doctoral student at the Institute for Doctoral Studies in the Visual Arts (IDSVA). By Donald Kirk The timing of John Bolton's tell-all, "The Room Where It Happened," was positively diabolic. Could it be mere coincidence that it hit the book stores in a month of significant anniversaries? Few Americans know or care, but the book went on sale two days before the 70th anniversary of the invasion of South Korea by North Korean troops on June 25, 1950. That date, so important in modern Korean history, is as little remembered in the U.S. as the day the Korean War truce was signed on July 27, 1953. The "Forgotten War," however, may not be quite as forgotten by Americans now as it was for the first few decades after it ended. That's because North Korea's nukes and missiles remind the world of a threat that's not going away. While the dates for when the war began and ended may be meaningless for most of his readers, Bolton lets us know just how hopeless those three meetings were at which President Donald Trump pleaded with North Korea's Kim Jong-un, please give up your nukes. It's hard to believe it was two years ago, on June 12, 2018, that those two sat down for the first of those sessions in the most extraordinary blaze of publicity for the single non-event that I've ever seen. No, Bolton probably didn't time the book for that anniversary, but he provides plenty of reminders of how badly we were misled by all the hype. In Singapore writing about the whole show, I remember well how disappointing it was to see the long-awaited Trump-Kim joint statement promising nothing beyond a vague word or two about "denuclearization" of the Korean Peninsula. The biggest joke about Trump's understanding of Korea is he had no idea what the Korean War was all about in the first place, and that's no joke. Incredibly, as Bolton would have it, Trump did not know the war started on orders from Kim Il-sung, grandfather of Kim Jong-un, with whom he professed to have fallen "in love" from the moment they embraced. As Bolton lets us know, Trump "didn't understand why we had fought the Korean War and why we still had so many troops on the Peninsula, not to mention those war games," Bolton writes. His ignorance hasn't stopped him, however, from bargaining for South Korea to pay an outlandish sum for entertaining U.S. troops and bases. Nor did the danger of a second Korean war restrain him from his impetuous decision right after the summit to halt large-scale joint U.S.-South Korean war games without bothering to consult Jim Mattis, the former marine general who was his defense secretary. Trump's lack of knowledge of history, however, was not why the Blue House takes issue with much of what he writes on the standoff with North Korea. Interestingly, Chung Eui-Yong, President Moon Jae-in's chief of national security, blasted the book in much the same language as did officials at the White House. He was most upset by the "distorted" claim that he had told Bolton and others in Washington that Kim would surely be open to giving up his nukes in the spirit of CVID, "complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization." Bolton not only did not present "accurate facts," said Chung, he also violated confidences. In fact, Bolton may skew facts, quote out of context and engage in hyperbole, among other offenses, but Trump's bumbling unawareness of Korean sensitivities as well as basic history is indisputable. Besides having shown how little he knows, he's endangered U.S.-South Korean relations and U.S. security in Asia. "Let's get out," Bolton quotes Trump as saying, if South Korea persists in refusing to pay $5 billion dollars this year for the privilege of hosting 28,500 U.S. troops. In the spirit of "The Art of the Deal," Trump bases that demand on South Korea's trade surplus with the U.S. plus his confidence in his bargaining skills. His idea of the way to get the South to come to terms, as Bolton tells it, is "to threaten to withdraw all U.S. forces." It's hard to know what is more disturbing about these revelations, the arrogance of the man or the ignorance. That's a lethal combination at a time when tensions on the Korean peninsula again are getting scary. Trump after his failed second summit with Kim in Hanoi in February of last year still believed his negotiations prevented a war in which millions would die. Actually, as Bolton makes clear, Trump's diplomacy has only made matters worse. Donald Kirk ( ) writes from Seoul as well as Washington. Government Ready to Work with Ambition for Sensible Brexit Solution The Government says it notes that the referendum on the United Kingdom and Gibraltars continued membership of the European Union took place four years ago, and that today is the exact anniversary of the announcement of the result. That outcome was not supported by the vast majority of the people of Gibraltar, including all the political parties and the main representative organisations. The Government of Gibraltar considers that it was a bad result for Gibraltar, for the United Kingdom and for the European Union as a whole. However, even though the outcome was not to our liking, the Government says it fully respected the result of the referendum and set out to work in a constructive manner in order to protect the best interests of Gibraltar and its people. Despite the heavy workload arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government team has never taken its eye off the Brexit ball and has continued to monitor all developments and to take whatever action was necessary. The core Brexit team, which remains to this day, consists of the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister, the Attorney General and the Financial Secretary. The huge logistical exercise in respect of EU exit included many other public servants, countless documents and over five hundred meetings in Gibraltar, London, Brussels and Spain. There was a very real risk that Gibraltar would be excluded from the Withdrawal Treaty and from the transitional period. The Government says it successfully navigated those waters and, through a Protocol to the Withdrawal Agreement, four MoUs and a Tax Treaty, secured the inclusion of Gibraltar in the UK-EU exit arrangements including in the transition. There was a separate work-stream at the time which sought to prepare Gibraltar for the effects of a no-deal Brexit in the event that the United Kingdom and the European Union failed to conclude a Withdrawal Agreement. Some of the preparations for no-deal have proved to be very useful for Gibraltar in different scenarios, and will continue to be today, in the event that the UK and EU do not agree the framework for a future relationship. The Government, four years after the referendum vote, has started work on the future relationship also. This has covered many months of discussions and meetings with the United Kingdom. More recently Gibraltar attended a positive meeting in Malaga with the UK and with Spain, our nearest EU neighbour. It is no secret that there is considerable economic interdependence between Gibraltar and the region next door. There are some 15,000 persons who live in Spain and who work in Gibraltar, making us the second largest employer for the region of Andalucia, after their regional administration. Gibraltar residents spend over 70 million a year in goods and services in Spain. Gibraltarians with second homes in Spain make an annual contribution of over 62 million to the Spanish economy and Gibraltar imports over 1.5 billion euros a year from Spain. This makes Gibraltar the largest export market for the province of Cadiz, ahead of the United Kingdom and France. Indeed, the data suggests that Gibraltar contributes some 20% of the GDP of the Campo area next door. This means that decades of EU membership have created a close economic relationship between both sides of the border. It is important for all involved that this is not lost as we move forward to agree a future relationship with the EU. Indeed, in the right circumstances, the shared prosperity that already exists could be expanded and extended even further. It is in the interests of all sides to make sure that there is a sensible solution in place once the transitional period comes to an end. The Government says it is committed to work tirelessly on our future relationship with the European Union, with the same degree of ambition, energy and enthusiasm, that we have displayed in the past. Power minister RK Singh on June 25 said the government is considering imposing an import tax of 20-25 percent on solar modules and 15 percent on solar cells for a year beginning in August. India does not currently levy a customs duty on imports of solar cells and modules but has a safeguard duty to protect its local industry which expires in July. "In the second year, we are looking to impose a 40 percent tax on solar modules," R.K. Singh, India's Power Minister said in a virtual news conference on Thursday, adding that cells will be taxed at 25 percent in the second year. The energy hungry nation imports most of its solar cells and modules from China, in a bid to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi's target of installing 100 gigawatts of solar energy by 2022. Electricity generation from non-fossil fuel sources has been steadily rising and is expected to reach 40 percent by 2022, and over half of total output by 2030, Singh said. Tensions between India and neighbouring China have been rising since May. Soldiers from the nuclear-armed countries fought with rocks, metal rods and wooden clubs at the Galwan Valley this month after a weeks-long standoff. Major Indian traders have called for a boycott of Chinese goods, while some trade associations and stakeholders have argued that it may not be feasible. Singh also said that there was a "good case" to extend a deadline for emissions standards, which involve installing Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) units that cut emissions of sulphur dioxide - known to cause lung diseases. India's Supreme Court on Monday rejected a request by power producers to extend a deadline to install equipment to cut emissions by two years to 2024. Power producers had asked the government to join them in asking the supreme court for an extension earlier this month. The recent demise of Sushant Singh Rajput has left the country mourning the loss of one its finest actors. To commemorate his life and share his final masterpiece with millions of fans across India, Disney+ Hotstar will be premiering Dil Bechara on 24th July 2020. As Indias largest video streaming platform, Disney+ Hotstar will take this movie directly to hundreds of millions of fans throughout the country. A soulful love story, Dil Bechara has been directed by Mukesh Chhabra and produced by Fox Star Studios and will showcase late Sushant Singh Rajput in what is touted as one of his best works in Bollywood. Sushant Singh Rajput has had a long-standing relationship with the STAR & Disney India network, having started his career with the show Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil in 2008 to his Bollywood transition where he delivered some of his most memorable performances in M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story (2016) and Chhichhore (2019) both produced by Fox Star Studios. Mr. Uday Shankar, President The Walt Disney Company APAC and Chairman, Star & Disney India, We are humbled to be able to play a small part in sustaining the legacy of a fine actor like Sushant Singh Rajput. In celebration of his life and his extraordinary work, Dil Bechara will release directly on digital this July on Disney+ Hotstar; and will be available to all subscribers and non-subscribers across India. Our prayers and wishes to his family and loved ones Mr. Mukesh Chhabra, Director of Dil Bechara added, Sushant was not just the hero of my debut film as a director, but he was a dear friend who stood by me through thick and thin. We had been close right from Kai Po Che to Dil Bechara. He had promised me that he would be in my first film. So many plans were made together, so many dreams were dreamt together but never once did I ever imagine that I would be left alone to release this film. He always showered immense love on me while I was making it and his love will guide us as we release it Dil Bechara is the official remake of 2014 Hollywood romantic drama The Fault in our Stars based on John Greens popular novel of the same name. Mukesh Chhabra makes his directorial debut with this movie, with Hindi adaptation by Shashank Khaitan and Suprotim Sengupta. Dil Bechara will see late Sushant Singh Rajput in a leading role alongside debutante Sanjana Sanghi, and Saif Ali Khan in an interesting cameo. With a soulful musical rendition, music composer AR Rahman and lyricist Amitabh Bhattacharya bring to life the many emotions of this story. Dil Bechara is the story of Kizie Basu and Immanuel Rajkumar Junior or Manny and explores the funny, thrilling, and tragic adventure of being alive and in love. Together Kizie and Manny embark on an on-off-up-down-sad and sweet profound journey into the heart of that crazy little thing called life. It teaches them what it means to feel truly alive and fall in love. Celebrate the life and work of Sushant Singh Rajput in Dil Bechara, releasing on 24th July 2020 on Disney+ Hotstar Footage has emerged of one of Boston Dynamics' robotic dogs patrolling a spacex test site in the US. The video allegedly shows SpaceX using the $75,000 (60,000) robotic dog to inspect the aftermath of its test site in Boca Chica, Texas. SpaceX had just been conducting a cryogenic pressure test on the Starship SN7 dome tank prototype, according to Tesmanian. SN7 was filled with sub-cooled liquid nitrogen and it was intentionally pressurised to its capacity before it burst and collapsed on its side. The stainless-steel commercial spacecraft, once operational, will be capable of transporting passengers on long-duration voyages to the Moon and Mars. But until the launch vehicle is ready, Elon Musk's company appears to be employing a little help from a trusty robotic companion. In footage captured by Texas-based YouTuber LabPadre, the Boston Dynamics dog can be seen trotting through thick clouds of nitrogen next to the wreckage. Leaked pictures also supposedly show a bright red dog house for the robot dog to sleep in, showing it has been rechristened 'Zeus' by Musk's firm. Scroll down for video Footage from YouTuber LabPadre has emerged of the aftermath from SpaceX's intentional pressrure test. Eagle-eyed viewers spotted dog-like figure trotting through the nitrogen gas cloud The nimble, four-legged robotic dog, which goes under the product name 'Spot', has been under development by highly secretive US firm Boston Dynamics for years. But it was finally made available to purchase last week and it looks like Musk has been quick to snap up one of the litter. The robot, which is suited for indoor or outdoor use, can map its environment, sense and avoid obstacles, climb stairs and open doors. It can be charged with sniffing out hydrocarbon leaks, inspecting equipment, taking mechanical readings and completing inspections in areas that might be too dangerous for human workers. It's possible that the robot dog, which is equipped with cameras and sensors, is being used to explore environments that no human SpaceX worker can withstand. 'The combination of Spots sophisticated software and high performance mechanical design enables the robot to augment difficult or dangerous human work,' aid Marc Raibert, chairman and founder of Boston Dynamics in an earlier statement. 'Now you can use Spot to increase human safety in environments and tasks where traditional automation hasnt been successful.' Blurrier footage from LabPadre posted earlier in the month also appears to show Zeus at the SpaceX test site at a closer vantage point. Neither SpaceX nor Boston Dynamics have responded to MailOnline to confirm that the small dog-like figure in the video is actually a Spot robot. But it's likely the multi-billion-dollar company that is SpaceX would be unlikely to waste any time in buying such an anticipated piece of hardware. Elon Musk has even gone to the trouble of setting up a dog house for the new robotic SpaceX employee Spot, the quadruped robot has been developed by Boston Dynamics. Cognite and Aker BP have tested Spot's mobility in simulated oil and gas environments to ensure that it can access locations in these facilities too difficult to access through traditional automation Spot was announced by Boston Dynamics back in 2016 and underwent various trials before being released commercially on June 17. As part of a pilot phase last year, Boston Dynamics leased 150 Spot robots to domestic and businesses and research facilities to 'document construction progress, monitor remote or hazardous environments and provide situational awareness'. Singapore employed Spot to roam parks, broadcasting a message reminding pedestrians to keep their distance during the coronavirus outbreak. It's also been used to herd sheep on a New Zealand farm at speeds of up to three miles an hour. Massachusetts Police also used the dog to sniff out bombs as part of a three-month trial in return for feedback. Black Mirrors Metalhead was the fifth episode of the fourth season that was filmed entirely in black and white Boston Dynamics technology is probably best known for inspiring a standout episode of Charlie Brooker's dystopian Netflix series 'Black Mirror'. In the 2017 episode, called 'Metalhead', people in the near future flee from an army of robotic dogs that ruthlessly hunt down humans. But not to worry Boston Dynamics told The Verge that the company will not support uses of Spot that 'harm or intimidate' people which includes banning the attachment of weapons. 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 Canopy Growth and Acreage agree to amend plan of arrangement to provide potential additional upside for all shareholders Amended arrangement provides for up-front cash payment to Acreage shareholders and certain convertible security holders in the aggregate amount of US$37,500,000 Amended arrangement creates two classes of Acreage shares, including a new floating share that provides upside opportunity for Acreage shareholders that is not tied to fixed exchange ratio Provides capital for Hemp operations, allowing Acreage to participate in the burgeoning CBD market SMITHS FALLS, ON and NEW YORK, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Canopy Growth Corporation ("Canopy Growth") (TSX: WEED) (NYSE: CGC) and Acreage Holdings, Inc. ("Acreage") (CSE: ACRG.U) (OTCQX: ACRGF) (FSE: 0VZ), today announced they have entered into an agreement (the "New Agreement") to amend the terms of the arrangement agreement dated April 18, 2019, as amended on May 15, 2019, between Canopy Growth and Acreage (the "Arrangement Agreement"). Pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement, Canopy Growth agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of Acreage pursuant to a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) (the "Plan of Arrangement"), contingent upon the occurrence of changes in U.S. federal law to permit the general cultivation, distribution, and possession of marijuana (the "Triggering Event") and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions to closing as set out in the Arrangement Agreement. Acreage and Canopy Growth entered into the New Agreement to better align the terms of the Plan of Arrangement with broader market and economic factors, provide Acreage shareholders with an initial up-front payment in connection with the modification of Canopy Growth's rights, including the extension of the term, and give Acreage shareholders the ability to participate in upside potential upon the Triggering Event. KEY TRANSACTION HIGHLIGHTS & BENEFITS: Provides Up-Front Cash Payment. Canopy Growth will pay Acreage shareholders and certain convertible security holders an aggregate of US$37,500,000 (approximately US$0.30 per Existing Share (defined below) on an as converted basis, with the final amount to be received by each holder determined based on the number of Existing Shares into which all of the eligible securities are convertible at the close of business on the record date for the distribution). Canopy Growth will pay Acreage shareholders and certain convertible security holders an aggregate of (approximately per Existing Share (defined below) on an as converted basis, with the final amount to be received by each holder determined based on the number of Existing Shares into which all of the eligible securities are convertible at the close of business on the record date for the distribution). Attractive Valuation Premium. Acreage shareholders' new Fixed Shares (defined below), each of which represents 70% of an Existing Share, will be entitled to receive 0.3048 of a Canopy Growth Share (defined below) for each Fixed Share held, representing a premium of approximately 120% to the June 24, 2020 closing price of the Existing Shares (defined below) on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). Acreage shareholders' new Fixed Shares (defined below), each of which represents 70% of an Existing Share, will be entitled to receive 0.3048 of a Canopy Growth Share (defined below) for each Fixed Share held, representing a premium of approximately 120% to the closing price of the Existing Shares (defined below) on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). Provides Potential Upside with Floating Shares. Acreage shareholders will be entitled to participate in the long-term value created by Acreage, and in the U.S. cannabis industry generally, as a result of the Floating Shares (defined below) which Canopy Growth may acquire in the future upon the occurrence or waiver of the Triggering Event at a price based upon the 30-day volume-weighted average trading price of the Floating Shares on the CSE relative to the trading price of the Canopy Growth Shares on the NYSE at that time, subject to a minimum of US$6.41 per Floating Share. Acreage shareholders will be entitled to participate in the long-term value created by Acreage, and in the U.S. cannabis industry generally, as a result of the Floating Shares (defined below) which Canopy Growth may acquire in the future upon the occurrence or waiver of the Triggering Event at a price based upon the 30-day volume-weighted average trading price of the Floating Shares on the CSE relative to the trading price of the Canopy Growth Shares on the NYSE at that time, subject to a minimum of per Floating Share. Alignment with Economic and Financial Market Conditions. Considering the challenging economic environment and increasingly tighter and volatile financial market conditions, particularly for cannabis companies, Acreage determined that the New Arrangement represents the best available prospect that is compliant with the terms of the Arrangement Agreement to maximize potential value for Acreage shareholders. "The United States is going to be a core market for Canopy Growth and this New Agreement solidifies our path forward with Acreage," said David Klein, Chief Executive Officer of Canopy Growth. "I am excited to bring our relationship with Acreage back to centre stage in our U.S. strategy and look forward to a time when the laws in the United States permit us to finalize this transaction as we march toward bringing our exciting beverage products to the US." Table 1. Implied Value of Acreage Stock Upon Trigger Event 1. Fixed Share = CGC Share Price X Exchange Ratio CGC Share Price $ 16.71 * Closing Price, June 24, 2020 Exchange Ratio 0.3048 ---------- Value of Fixed Share $ 5.09 2. Value of Floating Share = Higher of Market Price or $6.41 Per Share Assume Minimum Floating Value 1 $ 6.41 3. Value to Current ACRG Shareholders = 0.7X Value of Fixed Share + 0.3X Value of Floating Share ACRG Share Class # of Share Price Value Current Shares (SVS) 1 $ 2.32 $ 2.32 Fixed Share (0.3048 Exchange Ratio) 0.7 $ 5.09 $ 3.57 Floating Share (Assume $6.41) 0.3 $ 6.41 $ 1.92 Value Per Current ACRG Share $ 5.49 Current ACRG Share price $ 2.32 % Upside from Current ACRG Price 137% 1 $6.41 Minimum Floating Share price applies only if CGC chooses to exercise the call provision terms as written in the amended agreement TERMS OF THE NEW ARRANGEMENT Under the terms of the New Agreement, subject to obtaining the requisite approvals as outlined below, the Plan of Arrangement will be amended (the "New Arrangement") in order to provide for the following: an up-front cash-payment to Acreage shareholders and certain convertible security holders in the aggregate amount of US$37,500,000 (approximately US$0.30 per Existing Share on an as converted basis, with the final amount to be received by each holder determined based on the number of Existing Shares into which all of the eligible securities are convertible at the close of business on the record date for the distribution); (approximately per Existing Share on an as converted basis, with the final amount to be received by each holder determined based on the number of Existing Shares into which all of the eligible securities are convertible at the close of business on the record date for the distribution); the creation of two new classes of shares in the capital of Acreage with each existing Acreage subordinate voting share (an "Existing Share") being converted into 0.7 of a Fixed Share and 0.3 of a Floating Share (with proportionate adjustments for the existing proportionate voting shares and existing multiple voting shares); the new subordinate voting shares (the "Fixed Shares") will have the same attributes as the Existing Shares and will continue to be listed on the CSE. The Fixed Shares will be subject to the terms of the existing call option in favour of Canopy Growth at an amended exchange ratio equal to 0.3048 (reduced from 0.5818 per existing full Subordinate Voting Share in the Arrangement Agreement) of a common share of Canopy Growth (each whole common share, a "Canopy Growth Share") to be received for each Fixed Share held, representing a premium, if Canopy Growth acquired the Fixed Shares as at the date hereof, of approximately 120% to the closing price of the Existing Shares on June 24, 2020 ; ; the new floating shares (the "Floating Shares"), which Acreage will apply to have listed on the CSE, will be subject to the terms of a new call right in favour of Canopy Growth, exercisable following the occurrence or waiver of the Triggering Event at a price equal to the 30-day volume weighted average trading price of the Floating Shares on the CSE, subject to a minimum call price of US$6.41 per Floating Share, payable in either cash or Canopy Growth Shares at Canopy Growth's option. If Canopy Growth does not exercise its option to acquire the Floating Shares before it expires, the minimum price will no longer be valid and the Floating Shares will continue to trade on the CSE; per Floating Share, payable in either cash or Canopy Growth Shares at Canopy Growth's option. If Canopy Growth does not exercise its option to acquire the Floating Shares before it expires, the minimum price will no longer be valid and the Floating Shares will continue to trade on the CSE; an aggregate share pool of up to 32,700,000 Fixed Shares and Floating Shares that allows for continued capital raises as well as share-based incentive compensation. Following the occurrence of the Triggering Event and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set out in the Arrangement Agreement (as modified by the New Agreement and including the revised covenants contained therein with respect to the business of Acreage), Canopy Growth will acquire all of the issued and outstanding Fixed Shares of Acreage to form a pre-eminent global cannabis company, which is expected to create long-term value for shareholders. At such time, Canopy Growth will also have the right, but not the obligation, to acquire all of the issued and outstanding Floating Shares. If the Triggering Event does not occur within 10 years from the date the New Arrangement is implemented, Canopy Growth's rights to acquire both the Fixed Shares and Floating Shares will terminate. LEADERSHIP TRANSITION In connection with the implementation of the New Arrangement, Kevin Murphy has announced today that he is resigning as Chief Executive Officer of Acreage and a search for his successor will commence immediately. Mr. Murphy will continue to act as Chairman of the board of directors of Acreage (the "Acreage Board") and contribute to the strategic direction of the company. Director Bill Van Faasen, former Chairman, CEO and President of The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, will serve as Acreage's Interim Chief Executive Officer until a permanent replacement has been identified. "On behalf of the entire Acreage Board, I sincerely thank Kevin for his passion and commitment to building a leading cannabis enterprise across the United States," said Douglas Maine, Chair of the Acreage Special Committee. "Kevin is a visionary entrepreneur and positioned Acreage for success in the U.S. cannabis industry. As we move forward with a renewed commitment by Canopy Growth and build upon the vision for the U.S., we are optimistic about the long-term growth prospects for our shareholders." "I am excited about this New Agreement and the creation of a pre-eminent and truly global cannabis company upon the occurrence of the Triggering Event. I believe the eventual federal permissibility of cannabis in the United States is inevitable and this New Agreement continues to allow our shareholders to become a part of a leading cannabis company following such changes. Moreover, as the largest shareholder of Acreage, I believe this New Arrangement allows all Acreage shareholders to participate in potential upside to their investments through the fixed exchange component of Canopy Growth stock and importantly the new Floating Shares" said Kevin Murphy, Chair of the Acreage Board. CORPORATE UPDATES As the cannabis sector in the United States continues to develop, Acreage will continue to focus its operations on its core profitable markets. In pursuit of growth opportunities in these markets, following the date of the New Agreement, Acreage will be permitted to issue up to 32,700,000 Shares, comprised of up to 12,400,000 Floating Shares (including 3,700,000 Floating Shares for share-based incentive compensation) and up to 20,300,000 Fixed Shares. THE LOAN In connection with the New Agreement, Canopy Growth has agreed to loan a wholly owned subsidiary of Acreage ("Acreage Hempco"), up to US$100 million pursuant to a secured debenture (the "Debenture"). Canopy Growth will loan Acreage Hempco an initial US$50 million on and subject to completion of the New Arrangement. The remaining US$50 million will be subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions by Acreage Hempco. The Debenture will bear interest at a rate of 6.1% per annum. The Debenture will mature 10 years from the date the New Arrangement is implemented or such earlier date in accordance with the terms of the Debenture and all interest payments made pursuant to the Debenture are payable in cash by Acreage Hempco. The Debenture is not convertible and is not guaranteed by Acreage. The net proceeds are expected to be used by Acreage Hempco for general corporate purposes and the funding of its U.S. hemp division. The funds cannot be used, directly or indirectly, in connection with or for any cannabis or cannabis-related operations in the United States, unless and until such operations comply with all applicable laws of the United States. REQUIRED APPROVALS The New Arrangement will require approval by holders of at least 66% of the Existing Shares present in person or represented by proxy, voting together as a single class at a special meeting expected to take place in August 2020 (the "Meeting"). Additionally, pursuant to: (i) Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions, the New Agreement requires approval by a majority of disinterested holders of the Existing Shares present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting; and (ii) OSC Rule 56-501 Restricted Shares ("56-501"), "minority approval" (as such term is defined therein) is required for the creation and distribution of the Fixed Shares and Floating Shares, which will be considered "restricted securities" within the meaning of 56-501. Certain directors and officers of Acreage holding approximately 84.6% of the voting rights attached to the Existing Shares have entered into voting support agreements pursuant to which they have agreed, among other things, to vote in favor of the resolution to approve the New Arrangement. In addition to shareholder approval, the New Arrangement is subject to applicable approvals by the Supreme Court of British Columbia and the CSE and certain other regulatory and closing conditions. Listing of the Fixed Shares and Floating Shares will be subject to satisfaction of the CSE's listing requirements. ACREAGE BOARD RECOMMENDATION The Acreage Board, on the unanimous recommendation of a special committee of independent directors of Acreage (the "Acreage Special Committee"), has unanimously approved the New Agreement and recommends that Acreage shareholders vote in favour of the resolution to approve the New Arrangement. In connection with making its recommendation to the Acreage Board, the Acreage Special Committee received a fairness opinion from Eight Capital that, as of the date of the opinion, and subject to the assumptions, limitations, and qualifications on which such opinion is based, the consideration to be received by Acreage shareholders pursuant to the New Arrangement is fair, from a financial point of view, to the Acreage shareholders. ADVISORS Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP and Paul Hastings LLP acted as legal counsel to Canopy Growth. Ernst & Young LLP (EY) acted as tax advisors to Canopy Growth. DLA Piper (Canada) LLP and Cozen O'Connor acted as legal counsel to Acreage. Foros acted as financial advisor to the Acreage Board and Eight Capital acted as financial advisor to the Acreage Special Committee. Wildeboer Dellelce LLP acted as legal counsel to the Acreage Special Committee. Additional details will be provided to Acreage shareholders in the proxy statement to be mailed to Acreage shareholders in connection with the Meeting. Here's to Future Growth. About Canopy Growth Corporation Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED,NYSE:CGC) is a world-leading diversified cannabis, hemp and cannabis device company, offering distinct brands and curated cannabis varieties in dried, oil and Softgel capsule forms, as well as medical devices through Canopy Growth's subsidiary, Storz & Bickel GMbH & Co. KG. From product and process innovation to market execution, Canopy Growth is driven by a passion for leadership and a commitment to building a world-class cannabis company one product, site and country at a time. Canopy Growth's medical division, Spectrum Therapeutics, is proudly dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners, conducting robust clinical research, and furthering the public's understanding of cannabis, and has devoted millions of dollars toward cutting-edge, commercializable research and IP development. Spectrum Therapeutics sells a range of full-spectrum products using its colour-coded classification Spectrum system as well as single cannabinoid Dronabinol under the brand Bionorica Ethics. Canopy Growth operates retail stores across Canada under its award-winning Tweed and Tokyo Smoke banners. Tweed is a globally recognized cannabis brand which has built a large and loyal following by focusing on quality products and meaningful customer relationships. From our historic public listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange and New York Stock Exchange to our continued international expansion, pride in advancing shareholder value through leadership is engrained in all we do at Canopy Growth. Canopy Growth has established partnerships with leading sector names including cannabis icons Snoop Dogg and Seth Rogen, breeding legends DNA Genetics and Green House Seeds, and Fortune 500 alcohol leader Constellation Brands, to name but a few. For more information visit www.canopygrowth.com . About Acreage Holdings, Inc. Headquartered in New York City, Acreage is a vertically integrated, multi-state operator of cannabis licenses and assets in the U.S.. Acreage is dedicated to building and scaling operations to create a seamless, consumer-focused branded cannabis experience. Acreage debuted its national retail store brand, The Botanist in 2018 and its award-winning consumer brands, The Botanist and Live Resin Project in 2019. Pursuant to the current Plan of Arrangement, the Acreage articles were amended to provide Canopy Growth with an option to acquire all of the Existing Shares, with a requirement to do so, upon the occurrence or waiver of the Triggering Event, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set out in the Arrangement Agreement. Acreage continues to operate as a stand-alone entity and conducts its business independently, subject to compliance with certain covenants contained in the Arrangement Agreement. Pursuant to the current Plan of Arrangement, upon the occurrence or waiver of the Triggering Event, Canopy Growth will, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions to closing set out in the Arrangement Agreement, acquire (the "Acquisition") each of the Existing Shares (following the automatic conversion of the Class B proportionate voting shares and Class C multiple voting shares of Acreage into Existing Shares) in exchange for the payment of 0.5818 of a Canopy Growth Share per Existing Share (subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Arrangement Agreement), until such time as amended in accordance with the New Arrangement. For more information about the current Plan of Arrangement and the Acquisition please see the respective information circulars of each of Acreage and Canopy Growth dated May 17, 2019, which are available on Canopy Growth's and Acreage's respective profiles on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Canopy Growth, Acreage or their respective subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release. Examples of such statements include statements with respect to the timing and outcome of the New Arrangement, the anticipated benefits of the New Arrangement, amount of the up-front payment payable per Existing Share, the anticipated timing of the Meeting, the occurrence or waiver of the Triggering Event, the Acquisition, the satisfaction or waiver of the closing conditions set out in the Arrangement Agreement, the satisfaction of the conditions set out in the New Agreement, the ability of Acreage to complete certain financing transactions, dispose of certain non-core assets and undertake a sale leaseback transaction, the expectation that the United States Is going to be a core market for Canopy Growth, the implied value of the Fixed Shares and Floating Shares, the formation of a pre-eminent global cannabis company, Acreage's continued focus on its operations on its core profitable markets, the anticipated renegotiation of the credit facility with IP Investment Company, LLC, the creation of long-term value for Acreage shareholders and the use of proceeds under the Debenture. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the occurrence of changes in U.S. federal laws regarding the cultivation, distribution or possession of marijuana; assumptions as to the time required to prepare and mail Meeting materials to Acreage shareholders; the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the necessary regulatory, court and shareholder approvals; the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the completion of the New Agreement; the likelihood of the Triggering Event being satisfied or waived by the outside date; the ability of Canopy Growth and Acreage to satisfy, in a timely manner, the conditions to closing following the satisfaction or waiver of the Triggering Event; in the event that the New Agreement is not adopted, the likelihood of completion of the Acquisition on the current terms; in the event that the New Agreement is adopted, the likelihood of Canopy Growth completing the acquisition of the Fixed Shares and/or Floating Shares; other expectations and assumptions concerning the transactions contemplated between Canopy Growth and Acreage; the available funds of Acreage and the anticipated use of such funds; the availability of financing opportunities for Acreage and the risks associated with the completion thereof; regulatory and licensing risks; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial and stock markets; risks related to infectious diseases, including the impacts of the novel coronavirus; legal and regulatory risks inherent in the cannabis industry, including the global regulatory landscape and enforcement related to cannabis, political risks and risks relating to regulatory change; risks relating to anti-money laundering laws; compliance with extensive government regulation and the interpretation of various laws regulations and policies; risk associated with divesting certain assets; public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry; and such other risks contained in the public filings of Canopy Growth filed with Canadian securities regulators and available on the issuer profile of Canopy Growth on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, including the Canopy Growth's annual report on Form 10-K dated June 1, 2020 and in the public filings of Acreage filed with Canadian securities regulators and available on the issuer profile of Acreage on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, including Acreage's annual report on Form 10-K dated May 29, 2020. In respect of the forward-looking statements and information concerning the anticipated benefits and completion of the New Arrangement and the anticipated timing for completion of the New Arrangement, Canopy Growth and Acreage have provided such statements and information in reliance on certain assumptions that they believe are reasonable at this time. Although Canopy Growth and Acreage believe that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and Canopy Growth and Acreage do not undertake any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking information or forward-looking information to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that the Acquisition, the New Arrangement, the occurrence of the Triggering Event or the acquisition of the Fixed Shares and/or the Floating Shares will occur, or that such events will occur on the terms and conditions contemplated in this news release. The New Agreement could be modified, restructured or terminated. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. The New Arrangement cannot close until the required shareholder, court and regulatory approval is obtained. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular of Acreage to be prepared in connection with the New Arrangement, any information released or received with respect to the New Arrangement may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. SOURCE Canopy Growth Corporation Related Links canopygrowth.com FMCG giant Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) has decided to drop the word 'fair' from its famous flagship brand 'Fair & Lovely' fairness cream. Not only this, but the company will also give the brand a new name in the next few months. "Taking forward the brand's journey towards a more inclusive vision of beauty, the company will stop using the word 'Fair' in the brand name 'Fair & Lovely'," the company has said in a statement. The new brand name has been submitted for regulatory approvals and would be changed soon, the company said. Though the company has not mentioned the reason behind the change in the brand name, it's likely that the decision has been taken in the wake of protests across the world, especially in the United States, seeking authorities and companies to discourage racism or actions that can lead to racism. Also read: George Floyd protests: 'We all have a role to play,' says Indra Nooyi Notably, the brand is being sold as a fairness cream for over four decades and is a leader in the face cream segment in India. "We are making our skincare portfolio more inclusive and want to lead the celebration of a more diverse portrayal of beauty. In 2019, we removed the cameo with two faces as well as the shade guides from the packaging of Fair & Lovely and the brand communication progressed from fairness to glow, which is a more holistic and inclusive measure of healthy skin," Sanjiv Mehta, chairman at HUL, said, reported The Economic Times. Also read: George Floyd death: Netflix, WarnerMedia, Ford, other brands take a strong stance Last week, Johnson & Johnson also decided to stop selling dark-spot reducers Neutrogena Fine Fairness and Clear Fairness. The debate over racism gathered worldwide momentum after George Floyd, a black man in the US, was killed by a white police officer, who put his knee on his neck. Floyd kept saying "I can't breath" but the cop didn't budge, leaving him dead after eight minutes. The officer, Derek Chauvin, 44, has since been charged with second-degree murder and three other officers with aiding and abetting Floyd's May 25 death. Also read: UK police launches probe after multiple stabbings reported in Reading For most of this race, much of Westchester Countys Democratic establishment doubted that I could win this election. And so I hope that these people will reconsider the next time they make assumptions about candidates like myself and our viability even as we outperform the competition by all conceivable measures, Jones said in an interview Wednesday. We have to cultivate diverse talent and support diverse talent and not push them to the side or marginalize them. 1 of 1 VTU offers various technical courses,explore your opportunities and check criteria khaskhabar.com : , 25 2020 4:24 PM The coronavirus may cause brain damage in as many as six in 10 critically-ill patients in hospital, a study has suggested. British researchers looked at 125 people hospitalised with the virus at the height of the UK's crisis in April - but they admitted the patients were selected by doctors and were likely to be some of the most severely-ill. Sixty-two per cent suffered a stoke during their hospital stay, while almost a third developed psychosis or dementia-like symptoms. Scientists from the universities of Liverpool, Southampton, Newcastle and University College London admit their study is too small to draw firm conclusions. But they say it provides a 'snapshot' of the lesser-known neurological damage that the respiratory infection may be triggering. Up to a third of people who fall severely ill with coronavirus develop dangerous blood clots, which can trigger deadly strokes if they migrate to the brain and cut off its blood supply. Scientists are struggling to pinpoint exactly why the clots form but they are thought to be caused by severe inflammation caused by Covid-19 infection. This inflammation in major arteries leading to the brain is thought to be behind the psychiatric problems seen in some patients. The coronavirus may cause brain damage in as many as six in 10 people, a small study of more than 100 patients has found (file) The latest study, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, found the most common brain damage was a stroke, which was reported in 77 of 125 patients (62 per cent). Of these, 57 patients had a stroke caused by a blood clot in the brain, known as an ischaemic stroke and nine patients had a stroke caused by a brain bleed. One patient had a stroke caused by inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain. Age data was available for 74 of the patients who experienced a stroke and the majority were over 60 years of age (82 per cent). WHAT'S CAUSING BLOOD CLOTS IN COVID PATIENTS? One in three people who fall severely ill with coronavirus develop dangerous blood clots, which scientists believe is contributing to their deaths. The clots can become fatal if they migrate to major organs, like the lungs, and cut off their blood supply. The blockages can trigger heart attacks, strokes, organ failure and pulmonary embolism, if they migrate to major organs. While experts are unsure why the virus causes the blockages, there are three main theories: CYTOKINE STORM The prevailing theory is that it is the result of a an immune overreaction called a 'cytokine storm'. Cytokines are chemical-signaling molecules which guide a healthy immune response. They tell immune cells to attack viral molecules in the body. But in some people, this resonpse goes into overdrive and immune cells start attacking healthy tissue as well, known as a cytokine storm. As blood vessels become damaged they can leak, causing blood pressure to drop and driving up the chance of clots forming. BYPRODUCT OF INFECTION Other scientists say the surge in strokes may be a byproduct of the way COVID-19 invades the human body. Professor Ian Jones, a virologist at the University of Reading, told MailOnline: 'Covid binds to an enzyme called ACE2 which is on the surface of the cell. 'It simply uses it as a way of attaching itself but in doing so the enzyme function of ACE2 is reduced. 'The consequence of this is an imbalance of hormones called Angiotensin I and Angiotensin II which together regulate blood pressure. 'It could be related to the increase in strokes reported.' VIRUS' UNIQUE SHAPE Dr Robert Bonow, a professor of cardiology at Northwestern University, said it may be the coronavirus' unique shape that is causing the bloodclotting issues. He said the virus' spikes, which latch onto receptors in cells, can also attach to blood vessels. Once they dock onto these blood vessel cells, the viral particles can trigger damage to these as well as to heart muscle, Dr Bonow says. Advertisement Meanwhile 39 patients showed signs of confusion or changes in behaviour reflecting an altered mental state. Nine had unspecified brain dysfunction, known as encephalopathy, and seven patients had inflammation of the brain, medically known as encephalitis. The remaining 23 patients with an altered mental state were diagnosed with psychiatric conditions. Only two of these patients had been diagnosed with a mental health problem prior to being hospitalised with Covid-19. But the researchers say they cannot exclude the possibility that these people were living with undiagnosed conditions beforehand. The 23 patients with psychiatric diagnoses included ten patients with a new-onset psychosis and six patients with a dementia-like syndrome. Seven patients had signs of a mood disorder, including depression and anxiety. Age information was available for 37 of the 39 patients with an altered mental state and of those, around half were aged under 60 years of age (49 per cent). Co-author Dr Benedict Michael, from Liverpool University, said: 'Whilst an altered mental state was being reported by some clinicians, we were surprised to identify quite so many cases, particularly in younger patients, and by the breadth of clinical syndromes ranging from brain inflammation (encephalitis) through to psychosis and catatonia. 'Clinicians should be alert to the possibility of patients with Covid-19 developing these complications and, conversely, of the possibility of Covid-19 in patients presenting with acute neurological and psychiatric syndromes.' But independent scientists say people should 'not worry too much' about the findings because they are 'probably relatively rare' in most Covid-19 patients. Michael Sharpe, professor of psychological medicine at the University of Oxford, said: 'This report describes often striking cases of neurological and psychiatric illness as being sometimes associated with severe Covid-19 in hospitalised patients. 'It reminds us that Covid-19 is more than a respiratory infection and that we need to consider its link to variety of other illnesses. 'However, because this is only a series of case reports of patients seen by certain types of hospital specialists, we cannot be certain that these illnesses were in fact caused by Covid-19 or were simply co-occurring. 'Additionally, we cannot estimate how common these illnesses are in the wider population of people who develop Covid-19. We do need to do research to address these uncertainties. 'However at present people in the general population should not worry too much about these possibly associated illnesses as they are probably relatively rare in those who become infected with this coronavirus.' Professor Paul Garner, an infectious diseases expert at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, said: 'I am concerned that it is too early for confident psychiatric diagnoses in patients with severe Covid-19 who are experiencing symptoms that are used in the diagnosis of long term psychiatric illnesses. 'My concern is that this [latest study] is a classic case of doctors putting things in boxes. 'People have symptoms and then doctors diagnose them against pre-existing understanding, but in this case we do not yet understand what is happening with patients with Covid-19, nor do we know the natural course of the Covid-19 neurological, psychological, or psychiatric symptoms. 'There are many more questions to be answered and studies to be done before we can confidently say if Covid-19 causes psychiatric disorders such as psychosis.' As many as 25 terrorists have been killed in an airstrike in northern Balkh province of on Wednesday night. The airstrike occurred in Dawlat Abad village in Balkh district, TOLO news quoted Munir Ahmad Farhad, spokesperson for the provincial governor, as saying. According to local sources, the airforce had targeted a farmer's house and during the strike four civilians, including a child and a woman, were killed. This claim, however, has been rejected by Farhad and other officials of the 209th Shaheen Military Corps. has not issued any statement on the matter. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In yet another controversy, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday called terrorist and 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden a martyr in the National Assembly. While addressing the National Assembly, he said, "There was an event in the past that was a matter of shame for us when Americans came to Abbottabad and killed and martyred Osama bin Laden." A video clip, posted by journalist Naila Inayat on Twitter, showed how the PTI leader lashed out at the United States for how Laden had been killed in Abbottabad. Khan said, "shaheed kar diya". After Khan's remark, PML-N leader Khawaja Asif slammed him, according to Pakistan media Dawn. "Imran Khan called Osama bin Laden shaheed. bin Laden brought terrorism to our lands, he was a terrorist through and through and he [premier] calls him shaheed?" Dawn quoted Asif. PM Pakistan Imran Khan considers Osama bin Laden a martyr. pic.twitter.com/tax0t3V5wg Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) June 25, 2020 According to Dawn, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) spokesperson Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar in a statement called Khan a "national security threat". "By labelling Osama bin Laden a martyr, Imran Khan has become a national security threat. If he is a martyr, then what is the status of those civilians and members of our armed forces who embraced martyrdom in the attacks by Al Qaeda? Thousands of civilians and youth were martyred in attacks by Al Qaeda," Dawn quoted him. Khokhar also questioned the lesson the prime minister was trying to teach the younger generation, reported Dawn. "Today Imran Khan has proven himself to be 'Taliban Khan' in parliament. The Imran Khan-Taliban nexus was evident from the meetings between the two. This is the same person who had called for the Taliban to open their offices in Pakistan," Dawn quoted Khokhar. Osama bin Laden was the head of the global terror group Al Qaeda and was killed in a military operation by US Navy Seals in 2011 at the garrison town Abbottabad. He was accused of engineering a number of terror attacks worldwide, particularly targeting the American installations including the 9/11 incident of 2001 when close to 3,000 people lost their lives when five planes were hijacked to target American cities. This is, however, not the first time that Imran Khan has showed a soft corner for bin Laden, according to news agency ANI. In September 2019, during his US tour, Khan said Pakistan had informed the American security agencies about the presence of Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, said ANI. But he stated that the US should not have undertaken a "covert" operation to kill bin Laden keeping Pakistan completely in the dark. Princess Tiana will soon move into Splash Mountain. The ride, long criticized for its association with the film "Song of the South," will be re-themed to bring in characters from the 2009 film "The Princess and the Frog." (Walt Disney Co.) Inspired by the animation in one of the Walt Disney Co.'s most misguided cinematic works, Splash Mountain and its imagery rooted in the dated and racist 1946 film "Song of the South" will soon be a thing of the past. Walt Disney Imagineering unveiled plans on Thursday to re-theme the ride to its 2009 animated work "The Princess and the Frog," a fairy tale that stars the company's first Black princess. Splash Mountain, its connection to a problematic text and its future have become a heated social media debate in this moment of cultural reassessment and nationwide protests following the killing of George Floyd. A recent online campaign even called for a "Princess and the Frog" makeover to the log flume ride that's been a park favorite in large part due to its 52-foot drop. Disney said it has long discussed a Splash Mountain reimagining and cited the need for the ride to embrace a fresh, "inclusive" concept. "The Princess and the Frog" was chosen as the new theme sometime last year, said Disney. The as-yet-unnamed refresh will be coming to Anaheim's Disneyland Park, where it will more closely tie into the nearby New Orleans Square. The change will also take place at the Magic Kingdom at Florida's Walt Disney World. The timeline is dependent largely on how slowly or quickly society can resume a sense of normalcy as the nation wrestles with the current COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday, Disneyland announced that its planned July 17 opening is now delayed. "The Princess and the Frog" project is largely being overseen by Carmen Smith, Imagineering's vice president of creative development and inclusive strategies, and Charita Carter, who was instrumental in the development of Mickey and Minnies Runaway Railway, which recently opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida. A version is under construction at Disneyland. We continually evaluate opportunities to enhance and elevate experiences for all our guests, Smith said in a quote provided by Disney. It is important that our guests be able to see themselves in the experiences we create. Because we consider ourselves constant learners, we go to great lengths to research and engage cultural advisors and other experts to help guide us along the way." Story continues The Splash Mountain log flume ride at Disneyland is based on the racist text "Song of the South." (Disney) This isn't, of course, the first time Disney has tinkered with an attraction due to outdated cultural representations. Pirates of the Caribbean has received multiple updates, most recently one that removed a bridal auction scene in which women were relegated to property. Disneyland, which will soon turn 65, serves as a reflection of American pop culture, referencing our history with nostalgia while consistently challenging itself to reflect modern views. Splash Mountain is arguably not the only Disneyland attraction in need of a rethink. With a movie inspired by the Jungle Cruise on the horizon, for instance, that ride's depiction of white America as colonialists and natives as savages will likely come under question. Also questionable are the exaggerated vocal caricatures of the Enchanted Tiki Room. But neither of those rides is connected to a lightning rod of a text such as "Song of the South," making this refresh more blatantly urgent in today's climate. Narratively speaking, the attraction will begin sometime after the end of "The Princess and the Frog" film. The twisting log ride will follow Princess Tiana and Louis, a plump, trumpet-playing alligator, as they head to a Mardi Gras concert. The nine-minute journey will take guests through winding caverns and elaborate show scenes before arriving at a post-drop grand musical finale. Although Imagineering said it's not ready to detail new show scenes, the stars of the film Anika Noni Rose as Tiana and Michael-Leon Wooley as Louis will reprise their roles, and their characters are seen in the concept art. Chief among the concerns of Disneyland's cognoscenti will be the fate of the ride's large number of audio-animatronic critters, many of which were rescued from the 1970s-era America Sings attraction. Imagineering is still in the process of determining how, where or if those creatures can be repurposed. Significantly more important, however, was ridding the attraction of its ties to its troubled past. Splash Mountain aims to avoid the least-savory aspects of "Song of the South" inspired by the works of author Joel Chandler Harris, who depicted stories of a Black slave from an idyllic, white perspective largely by avoiding the text rather than addressing it or attempting to reclaim it. Splash Mountain opened in 1989, and its connection to "Song of the South" at the time didn't necessarily draw national ire. A preview and review of the attraction in The Times failed to explore its ties to the controversial film, one that remains in the Disney vault and that the company's current executive chairman, Bob Iger, has stated is "not appropriate in todays world." Originally titled "Zip-a-Dee River Run," a reference to the popular song "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah," itself a work with connections to a minstrel past, Splash Mountain was born of another cultural era, its themes chosen in part due to its location in Disneyland currently Critter Country and as a way to reuse audio-animatronics from America Sings. Famed Disney Imagineer Tony Baxter, known for spearheading Big Thunder Mountain and his role in bringing the works of George Lucas into Disney parks, oversaw Splash Mountain's creation and has served as creative advisor to Imagineering on the project. Baxter voiced his support for the makeover in a statement provided by Disney. In the comment, Baxter argues that Disney in the early to mid-80s was often forced to look to the companys deep past for inspiration, as its own films of the era struggled to resonate on a larger cultural scale. When Splash Mountain came to life over 30 years ago, the wave of Disney Animation that started with 'The Little Mermaid' had not yet begun," Baxter said. "New stories would give us characters, music and wonderful places that now reside in the hearts of audiences everywhere. Following conversations with Imagineerings leaders about the new attraction's scope and resources, I had a great sense of reassurance the attraction will be one to be proud of ... bringing to life places, characters and music from the animated classic 'The Princess and the Frog.'" Although "The Princess and the Frog," like any Disney animated work that aims to stretch cultural boundaries, was met with its own debates about representation, the film seems to have become more beloved as it has aged. Princess Tiana preaches hard work over wishing upon a star and keeps her eyes largely focused on personal goals rather than romance. Though by today's standards the prince character of Naveen is borderline predatory in his early flirtations, Tiana doesn't hesitate to label him a "spoiled little rich boy." At this point, Disney hasn't said what other characters from the film may make an appearance. Imagineering's Carter cites Tiana's "courage and love" as the driving force of the new ride. Food poses little risk of spreading the coronavirus, health experts around the globe said, reassuring consumers after an outbreak in Beijing was blamed on imported fish. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it is "not aware of any evidence" to suggest that food can transmit the respiratory virus. The view was echoed by Kate Grusich, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who said the poor survivability of coronaviruses on surfaces means "there is likely very low risk of spread from food products or packaging." Chile, the top seller of salmon after Norway, sought to persuade China that its fish is safe to import after orders were canceled. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority also said there were no known cases of infection via contaminated food. Questions are being raised over the potential dangers of food after coronavirus infections were traced to the chopping board of a seller of imported salmon at a market in Beijing. Salmon has been taken off the shelves in major supermarkets while top experts are warning people not to consume the omega-3 rich fish. "There's no evidence so far showing salmon are the origin or intermediate hosts of the coronavirus," said Shi Guoqing, an expert with the National Health Commission, in a briefing in Beijing on Tuesday. Wu Zunyou, chief epidemiologist with the China CDC, said in an interview Monday with state television that a positive result from a salmon chopping board "doesn't indicate much," as it could have been contaminated by workers or shoppers spraying droplets. There are only a couple of examples of people having caught the coronavirus from animals. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations says that thoroughly cooked meat from healthy livestock is safe, but warns people to avoid raw meat from wild animals or sick livestock. Health experts have confirmed that transmission can occur indirectly, by touching a contaminated surface or object, though the U.S. CDC said in late May that pathway probably isn't the main way the virus spreads. It's unclear if the virus can be transmitted through frozen food that's later thawed. David Hamer, a professor at Boston University School of Public Health and a physician at Boston Medical Center, said that although there is no evidence that covid-19 can be transmitted through food, more research is needed. "That raises a whole lot of concerning prospects around the global movement of the food supply," he said. "This could set off a panic if people think their food could be a cause of infection." The three most populous states set records for new coronavirus cases daily and there are fears of "apocalyptic" surges in major Texas cities if the trend continues. Florida and Texas announced Wednesday that they'd recorded more than 5,000 new COVID-19 cases the prior day, a new daily record. California reported more than 7,000 cases, obliterating a record hit a day earlier. In Texas, if the current case trajectory continues, Houston could be the hardest-hit city in the U.S. with numbers rivaling those in Brazil. Infection numbers are also rising in Dallas, Austin and San Antonio, said Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, whose state was among the first to reopen, put off lifting any more restrictions and reimposed a ban on elective surgeries in some places to preserve hospital space after the number of patients statewide more than doubled in two weeks. Some Arizona hospitals also halted elective surgeries. Nevadas governor ordered face masks be worn in public, Las Vegas casinos included. The Latest Numbers Coronavirus has killed at least 124,000 people and infected 2.4 million nationwide as of Thursday, according to Johns Hopkins University. "The big metro areas seem to be rising very quickly and some of the models are on the verge of being apocalyptic," Hotez told CNN's Anderson Cooper. Models show that Houston could have a fourfold increase in the number of daily cases by July 4, he said, adding that states need to act to stop community transmission. "That is really worrisome and as those numbers rise, we're seeing commensurate increases in the number of hospitalizations and ICU admissions," he said. "You get to the point where you overwhelm ICUs and that's when the mortality goes up." Hotez is also a professor of pediatrics and molecular virology and microbiology and is working on a potential COVID-19 vaccine. Governors issue pleas to residents Florida, Texas and California account for 27.4% of the 328 million people living in the U.S., according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates. And while some politicians say the higher number of infections is due to increased testing, that is not the case, said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. As new cases and hospitalizations skyrocket, Abbott urged people to stay home. "Because the spread is so rampant right now, there's never a reason for you to have to leave your home," Abbott told KBTX. "Unless you do need to go out, the safest place for you is at your home." Officials encouraged mask wearing and social distancing in places like bars that are often overcrowded. Further state actions could be announced if the virus continues to spread at this rate, Abbott said. In the nation's most populous state, Gov. Gavin Newsom pleaded with Californians to think of others by wearing masks, keeping a safe distance and washing their hands regularly. He told residents to "love thy neighbors, like yourself, please" and urged younger people to be especially cautious. "Be careful about Mom and Dad, and careful about your mother-in-law, your father-in-law, your grandparents," he said. Economic impact The number of laid-off workers who applied for unemployment benefits fell to 1.48 million last week, the 12th straight drop and a sign that layoffs are slowing but are still at a painfully high level. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has attributed the rise to more testing, but others say community transmission is playing a key role as the state reopens. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said he'll ask the city commission to implement a civil fine of up to $250 for those not wearing a mask in public. Miami implemented an order requiring masks or face coverings in public this week. "Going out in public without a mask is like driving drunk," said Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist and professor of medicine at George Washington University. "If you don't get hurt. You might kill somebody else." How you can stop the spread While many Americans still debate whether or not to wear face masks, a new study found that face mask use has prevented thousands coronavirus cases. The study, published in the journal Health Affairs, estimates between 230,000 and 450,000 COVID-19 cases were prevented in states that required face masks between April 8 and May 15. Some states are extending restrictions Arizona is also seeing the highest number of new cases per capita of any state in the country. It's had more new cases per capita than any state has had besides New York or New Jersey, according to a CNN analysis of data from Johns Hopkins University. The state has added about 2,700 new cases per day over the seven days that ended Tuesday. Adjusted for population, that's about 38 new cases per 100,000 people per day. In Louisiana, Gov. John Bel Edwards said he plans to issue a new proclamation Thursday extending the Phase 2 restrictions under the current order for another 28 days. "Simply put, we're heading in the wrong direction. We have more cases than we can justify just by the fact that they're doing more testing," Edwards said. The Hardest-Hit States At least 26 states are seeing a rise in cases compared to the previous week, data from Hopkins show. Those states are Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. In recent days, city and state leaders have announced that cases seem to be shifting to younger groups. They highlighted instances including parties and bars as sources of recent clusters. Texas has temporarily suspended alcohol permits for at least 12 bars that violated coronavirus protocols. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Soaring hospital demand for the steroid dexamethasone, which British researchers say significantly reduces mortality among severely ill COVID-19 patients, is outstripping supply of the drug, but hospitals have so far been able to treat patients out of their inventories, according to Vizient Inc, a drug buyer for about half of US hospitals. Hospitals and other health-care customers advised by Vizient increased orders of the drug by more than 600 percent after the researchers announced their findings last week. Manufacturers were only able to fill around half of those orders, Vizient said. "What we're hearing from our members is that they are able to treat the patients who do require dexamethasone - they are treating them and they have product," Steven Lucio, vice president of pharmacy solutions at Vizient, said in an interview. "The concern is, Can the market continue to sustain this?" Vizient's data shows that hospitals are increasingly putting the drug into use to treat COVID-19 patients, confirming what several US. hospitals in hard-hit parts of the country told Reuters last week. According to Oxford University researchers, dexamethasone reduced death rates by nearly a third among COVID-19 patients requiring mechanical breathing assistance. 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 injectable version of dexamethasone has been in shortage in the US since February of last year, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. Still, German drugmaker Fresenius SE's Kabi unit - by far the largest supplier to the US market - says it has good inventory on hand of the steroid and is ramping up production in three of its US factories to meet the surging demand. "Fresenius Kabi is confident we can meet customers needs with COVID-related medicines such as dexamethasone," spokesman Matthew Kuhn said in an email. A Connecticut fisherman trapped in the entrance to a sluice pipe after falling into the water while crabbing was rescued by police after his wife managed to hold onto him while calling 911 using Siri, dramatic video shows. Footage released by the Guilford Police Department (GPD) shows officers lifting the man out of the raging waters in the early morning hours of Wednesday using rope. Officers responded to a 911 call from an area near 200 Leetes Island Road in Guildford, a small coastal town about 15 miles east of New Haven. A woman told police that her husband fell into the water while crabbing and that he was stuck in the entrance of a sluice pipe that runs underneath a roadway. Police in Guildford, Connecticut, rescued a fisherman who was in danger of being sucked into a sluice pipe early Wednesday morning The man had been crabbing in the area and fell as the tides and currents became stronger The man's wife held onto him while she called police using the voice-activated Siri feature on her iPhone The man was in danger of drowning due to the outgoing tide and powerful current, which threatened to suck him into the hole. Two police officers who responded to the scene used rope from their patrol vehicles. Video footage shows the officers wrap the rope around the man while his wife keeps holding on to him. They then lifted the man to safety using the rope as his wife held onto one of his arms. Police credited the mans wife with saving his life. Had she not been there to call 911, he likely would have been swept into the sluice pipe. The GPD said the man was wearing fishing waders, the waterproof boots that extend from the foot to the chest. The waders became filled with water, making it more difficult for the man to extricate himself from the pull of the current. Police said that if the man got sucked into the pipe, he almost certainly would have drowned since the pipe narrows under the roadway, making it unlikely he would pass through to the other side. His wife used the voice-activated Siri feature on her iPhone to call 911. The device was a significant distance away from where she was trying to save her husband and she could not let go of him, according to the GPD. The man's wife is seen in the bottom left of the image above. She is holding onto her husband's arm while police use rope to pull him out of the water The man is seen being pulled out of the water by police with the help of his wife When she shouted Siri, call 911, the phone immediately dialed and she was in contact with emergency dispatchers. Police then used a tracing system to pinpoint the womans exact location. It is important to note that many of these sluice pipes exist throughout the state along the shoreline and inlet areas, GPD said. When the tide is coming in or out, the sheer force of the current prevents even the strongest of swimmers from swimming to safety. According to police, the area on Leetes Island Road has seen at least three similar incidents in the last two years. Police are warning anyone who fishes, crabs, clams, or is doing any type of water activity to avoid these areas. Although there are signs posted warning against trespassing, police said the victim in this case fell and was swept into the area by the current. This was a job well done by the victim who stayed calm, his wife who was able to call 911 and hold on to him, and the swift efforts of Ofc. Dillon and Ofc. Mastriano who were able to pull him to safety, GPD said in a statement. Two North Central Iowa men have received lengthy federal prison sentences for dealing or conspiring to deal methamphetamine. Christopher Paul Hanson, 30, of Lakota, Iowa, was sentenced Thursday to 14 years after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute at least 1,500 grams of meth and possessing a firearm as a drug user. In his plea agreement, Hanson admitted to distributing the meth in and around North Central Iowa. In September 2018, a vehicle was stopped and in the vehicle was approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine, part of which was packaged for delivery to Hanson for re-distribution. On Sept. 26, 2018, Hansons residence was searched. Law enforcement seized drug paraphernalia, drug packaging materials, drug ledgers, marijuana, methamphetamine, and guns, including a rifle and a pistol, along with ammunition for both guns, according to a press release issued by the U.S. Attorney's office in Iowa. Hanson was sentenced to 168 months imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. Demetrius Johnson, 34, of Fort Dodge, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute meth and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and received more than 24 years in prison. Johnson admitted he was distributing meth from the fall of 2017 to on or about August 2019. In December 2019, Johnson sold meth on two separate occasions in Mason City, according to the U.S. Attorney's office press release. On Jan. 15, 2018, law enforcement searched Johnsons Mason City storage locker and apartment where they seized methamphetamine, large quantities of marijuana, and three handguns, one of which was loaded. Johnson left Mason City and moved to Fort Dodge, where he was hiding from law enforcement pending his parole violation for another drug dealing offense. On Aug. 1, 2019, Johnson was found in Fort Dodge. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement noticed a strong odor of marijuana which led them to search his residence finding approximately 4.5 pounds of pure methamphetamine, as well as another handgun. Johnson has three prior felony drug convictions and multiple convictions for violent offenses. Johnson was sentenced to 292 months on the meth charge and 120 months on the gun charges, to run concurrently. He must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal prison system. Love 6 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Composite Image: Failte Ireland's new Covid-19 safety charter, with the Cliffs of Moher (stock). Failte Ireland has unveiled a new, 1.5 million Covid-19 'safety charter' that hotels, restaurants and other tourism businesses can display in premises and online to reassure customers. To display the stamp, businesses must to adhere to its safety, sanitisation and social distancing guidelines, and all employees must undertake an Infection Prevention Control programme. "We want to get the tourist industry back open again, and to do that we've got to demonstrate to potential guests and visitors that it is safe to holiday in Ireland," says Jenny De Saulles, its Director of Sector Development. "It's going to be good for business, and good for health." The charter comes as the nation prepares for an end to domestic travel restrictions on Monday, June 29, with a 2.5m marketing drive - 'Ireland, make a break for it' - also set to launch this weekend. However, while bookings have been ramping up for July and August in popular locations and self-catering sites, Failte Ireland's research shows Irish home holidaymakers are still worried about safety. "Almost 9 in 10 (87pc) people want to ensure that the appropriate safety measures are in place when they take their break," De Saulles says. Read More Spot checks will be carried out by Failte Ireland and other state agencies like the HSA to ensure compliance with the new charter, she adds. Many hotel chains, airlines, associations and groups like the AA have published Covid-19 safety promises and accreditations, but a national certificate is seen as crucial in providing a clear message. In April, Portugal was one of the first countries off the mark to produce a 'Clean and Safe' stamp. It has since been signed up for by several thousand businesses. Spain has a similar 'Responsible Tourism' seal, and the UK announced a 'Good to Go' consumer mark this week. The 'Ireland, make a break for it' campaign will be revealed to the industry at a series of online events today, with staycation ads airing this weekend. A new Dublin for Dubliners campaign will also be unveiled. 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. Travelers who arrived at Newark Liberty Airport from some of the 8 states put under a coronavirus quarantine order by the tri-state governors said they didnt learn about it from any official sources. Those who were aware of it, said they found out from news reports or other people about the 14-day stay-at-home recommendation made by New Jersey, New York and Connecticut governors on Wednesday. They did not mention anything on the airplane or at the airport, said Katarina Sykes of New York, who arrived on a flight from Fort Walton Beach, Florida Thursday morning. I was aware of it. I will quarantine myself. When Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud introduced their first Chronometer in 2016, the brand had caused quite the stir. That year was not really one for top-of-the-line-brand introductions. But the project had been in the making for a good many years and was supported by a personal ambition from Karl-Friedrich Scheufele, founder and CEO of Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud as well as co-president of Chopard. Their momentum was strong and extremely selective. The gray gold Chronometre Ferdinand Berthoud CFB 1 David Chokron/WorldTempus Based on a movement with almost over-the-top finishings (hand-wound with a torque-limiting crown, one-minute tourbillon, central seconds' hand, power reserve with a cone feeler, force regulation with fusee and chain, Maltese-cross stop-work, 6-pillar structure), Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud had also introduced a design of their own : an octagonal modular case made of a central container, side panels, a separated lugs-piece and a case-side pierced with several portholes, an oblong opening on the dial which reveals the tourbillon and part of the gear train, hand-engraved dials...As the years went by, this movement has given birth to several variations. But it is so complex and painstakingly finished that those variations are few and far between, so much so that each one has become a model in and of itself. The construction principles of the CFB 1 case Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud uses the highly usual variation modus operandi : they change the case material and the dial color. Pink or gray gold, platinum, cemented steel, titanium or bronze for the former, shades of black, gray and gold for the latter. The hands, circlings and minute-tracks individual hues are the last brush-strokes that paint the most obvious deviations. The Chronometre Ferdinand Berthoud CFB1.L-4 David Chokron/Worldtempus But elements of design that aren't available elsewhere also contribute to these variations. The piece comprised of both lugs and a side-bar is generally manufactured in ceramics, but can also be done in the same metal as the case. The number of sapphire portholes on the case-side vary, and with it the number of viewpoints on the movement's inner workings. Then there are the movement's finishings. The standard finishings of the CFB movement David Chokron/WorldTempus Besides the silver-and-brass surfaces of the Chronometre Ferdinand Berthoud FB 1.1 and 1.2, the brand have also used a black nickel treatment on the Starry Night, a unique piece donated to Only Watch, and made good use of the bridges located on either side of the tourbillon. They have been known to bear an engraving, to have been altogether made of gold or even sapphire, like on the platinum ref.CFB 1.3 or the FB1.2-2 Edition Malaspina, a unique rose gold piece introduced at the 2019 SIAR. The very limited series called Oeuvre d'or have pushed the handcraft envelope even further with solid-gold and extensively hand-engraved grained dials and bridges. One of the five Oeuvre d'Or FB1.2-1 David Chokron/WorldTempus On top of all that, Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud have added a pair of references which are more than mere variations. Offered in cemented steel of a 5-piece limited edition in oxidized bronze, the CFB 1R model uses the regulator display in an original setting, based on works from Ferdinand Berthoud himself : central seconds, minutes at 12, hours at 2, a modified power reserve mechanism located on the dial surface and a full dial which now hides the tourbillon. The second reference is called CFB 1L and offers a moonphase display unlike any other, driven by a seesaw cam that's partly visible through openings in the dial. The pre-oxidized and stabilized bronze case of the CFB 1R.5 David Chokron/Worldtempus By regularly altering more or less visible components, Chronometrie Ferdinand Berthoud have managed to spin a total of 13 versions around a single movement, all of them with a distinct personality. But more than that, they have laid out their sense of design for the world to see, one that's rooted in what Ferdinand Berthoud used for his time-keeping scientific instruments. And there lies the foundation of all things to come... Kosovo president cancels US visit over war crimes indictment Iran Press TV Wednesday, 24 June 2020 6:36 PM Kosovo's President Hashim Thaci will not visit the United States over charges of crimes against humanity and war crimes in The Hague court. The announcement was made Wednesday by Richard Grenell, the special presidential envoy for Serbia and Kosovo peace negotiations. "The president of Kosovo has just informed us that he has canceled his trip to Washington, DC following the announcement made by the Special Prosecutors Office," Grenell wrote on Twitter. "I respect his decision not to attend the discussions until the legal issues of those allegations are settled." Despite the announcement, Kosovo's Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti and Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic are set to hold a meeting on Saturday. "We look forward to Saturday's discussions which will be led by President Vucic and Prime Minister Hoti," Grenell tweeted. The Hague unveiled an indictment against Thaci earlier in the day, long after it had been filed back in April. "Mr. Thaci and Mr. Veseli are believed to have carried out a secret campaign to overturn the law creating the Court and otherwise obstruct the work of the Court in an attempt to ensure that they do not face justice," the court said in a statement. "By taking these actions, Mr. Thaci and Mr. Veseli have put their personal interests ahead of the victims of their crimes, the rule of law, and all people of Kosovo." Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, after fighting a war in 1998-1999 that ended with a NATO intervention. Serbia, which refuses to accept its former southern province as an independent state, has so far blocked it from joining the United Nations (UN) and other international bodies. Kosovo is, however, recognized by many countries as an independent state, including the United States and most members of the EU. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address He moved the family to Hawaii after losing his job, when Ms. Duckworth was in her last year of high school. The family was forced to live in a low-rent hotel in Waikiki with the financial help of a 90-year-old woman who volunteered at the local American Legion, making do with food stamps, school lunches and her odd jobs. I learned about the kindness of people, she said. After graduating from the University of Hawaii, she headed to Washington to pursue a master of arts in international affairs at George Washington University, largely because she wanted to join the foreign service. While there, she joined the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps in part for the class credits. I didnt crave to join the military, she said. But I just absolutely fell in love with the Army. Even during basic training, I, many times, locked myself in the latrines to cry my eyes out. But because it was so hard in the Army, it didnt matter that I was a little Asian girl. It was all about, Can you shoot straight? Can you show leadership abilities? She moved to Illinois and joined the Illinois National Guard in 1996. Image Ms. Duckworth testified during a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing in 2005, after she was injured in Iraq. Credit... Chip Somodevilla/Reuters Her colleagues in the military described Ms. Duckworth as deliberate and serious when in uniform, but jovial and even silly during downtime. Youd be lying under the helicopter out in the sand, Mr. Milberg said, any subject could pop up and we would be making jokes and carrying on. In 2004, Randy Sikowski was an operations officer in the Illinois National Guard charged with finding commissioned officers for a mission to Iraq, and Ms. Duckworth was the first to raise her hand. The unit was stationed in Balad, known as Mortaritaville because of the constant incoming fire. The day of the event that would change Ms. Duckworths life forever was a pretty generic one, Mr. Milberg said. They buzzed around moving people and supplies, stopped at a base in Baghdad to pick up some Christmas presents, then had a milkshake before making one last-minute pickup. Click here to read the full article. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pearl Jams 2020 tour in support of its new album Gigaton was postponed before it began. But the Seattle band gave fans a first taste of what a live performance from Gigaton will sound like when it performed a socially distanced version of Dance of the Clairvoyants Wednesday night as part of the All In WA: A Concert for COVID-19 Relief livestream event. All In WA also featured performances from Dave Matthews, Brandi Carlile, Macklemore, Death Cab For Cuties Ben Gibbard, Ciara, Sir Mix-a-Lot and Allen Stone. It aired on Washington stations KREM, KING 5, KONG and KSKN, as well as on Amazon Prime. More from Variety In the video, which is available now on Pearl Jams YouTube channel, each member of the band performs his role in isolation, with Eddie Vedder swirling around a room adorned with psychedelic lights and other odd props, bassist Jeff Ament tapping out the main synth parts from the control room of his Montana home studio and guitarist Mike McCready jamming out while decorated in glow-in-the-dark paint. Vedders wife and daughters also make an appearance in the background of his scenes. Additionally, the performance featured contributions from former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who was set to open the aborted Gigaton tour with his new Pluralone project. This is the first time Klinghoffer has been prominently featured in a live Pearl Jam performance. Dance of the Clairvoyants was the first single released from Gigaton and turned heads with its new wave-flecked sound. Album producer Josh Evans told Variety earlier this year that at first, he was thrilled with the new direction but wondered, How could this be on a Pearl Jam record? Then Ed came in and sang his parts, and it became a Pearl Jam song. For me, it validated the way we were working. If we could do that, we could do anything. It felt like we cracked the code after this song. It was really inspiring, certainly for me. Story continues In other Pearl Jam news, the group earlier this week postponed its planned September appearance at Eddie Vedders Ohana festival in Doheny Park, Ca., with the event now set to take place Sept. 24-26, 2021. All of the previously confirmed performers will be on hand for the new dates, including Kings of Leon, My Morning Jacket, the Pretenders, Maggie Rogers, Sharon Van Etten and Vedder himself. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. - The suspects are set to be arraigned on Thursday, June 25, to face charges of flouting COVID-19 containment measures - Expanded Nairobi Metropolitan Area was put under containment to curb the spread of the respiratory disease - Other counties under containment are Mombasa and Mandera which as of Wednesday, June 24, had 1,304 and 18 cases respectively - As of Wednesday, Kenya had recorded 5,206 cases of COVID-19 out of which 130 were deaths and 1,823 recoveries Police have arrested at least 64 people who were attempting to bribe their way out of the expanded Nairobi Metropolitan Area. The suspects included 16 drivers and 48 passengers who were nabbed by detectives at the Blue Post roadblock in Kiambu county. READ ALSO: Vivo V19: First of its kind phone with dual punch hole camera launched for sale in Kenya for KSh 40,999 The suspects included 16 drivers and 48 passengers. Photo: Security Alert. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Moto mkubwa wateketeza soko la Gikomba Confirming the incident, Muranga County Police Commander Josephat Kinyua said the 64 had attempted to issue bribes to law enforcers manning the roadblock before they were arrested. They are expected to be arraigned on Thursday, June 25, and face charges of flouting COVID-19 containment measures which put the expanded Nairobi Metropolitan Area under containment. READ ALSO: Tanzanian father of 30 becomes overnight millionaire after selling two huge Tanzanite stones The suspects are set to be arraigned today. Photo: Security Update. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Kenyan newspapers review for June 25: Raila Odinga heads to Dubai for surgery One of the suspects, however, denied giving a bribe claiming that a banknote accidentally fell from his pocket as he was speaking with police. "I was trying to produce a letter showing I am an essential service provider. However, a KSh 200 banknote came from my pocket and fell on the ground. This made police think I wanted to bribe them," said the driver who was bundled in a police lorry alongside other suspects. READ ALSO: Bye to 2 weeks wait: Harambee Sacco members to enjoy instant Visa card-issue Expanded Nairobi Metropolitan Area was put under containment to stem the spread of COVID-19. Photo: Security Update. Source: UGC Their arrest came amid claims people were easily gaining access into and out of the capital city using unofficial routes while others were being given a green light by police after giving bribes. Other counties under containment are Mombasa and Mandera. The current containment measures that also slammed brakes on both domestic and foreign air travel are expected to be reviewed by President Uhuru Kenyatta on July 6. As of Wednesday, June 24, Kenya had recorded 5,206 cases of COVID-19 out of which 130 were deaths and 1,823 recoveries. 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. Fighting spirit husbands, Spirit wives and breaking soul ties with Pastor T | Tuko Talks | Tuko TV. Source: TUKO.co.ke - Former Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri launched a new outfit, The Service Party, on Wednesday, June 24 - The veteran politician said the new party would redefine Kenya's politics - Exiled lawyer Miguna Miguna congratulated the former CS stating it was time the country had vibrant political parties Exiled lawyer Miguna Miguna has congratulated former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri for launching a new political outfit, The Service Party (TSP), in Kenya. The combative advocate who is also an author hilariously coined a new name for the politician's party referring it to as "Tuko Sote Pamoja", a new slogan that had been adopted by Deputy President William Ruto and allies. READ ALSO: Majority of Kenyans think Governor Waiguru will survive impeachment: "A waste of time" Exiled lawyer Miguna Miguna argued it was time for Kenya to have more vibrant political parties. Photo: Miguna Miguna. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: I forgive you: Anne Waiguru's parting shot to Kirinyaga MCAs Taking to his Twitter page a few hours after Kiunjuri unveiled TSP, Miguna said it was time Kenya had more vibrant parties. "Congratulations Mwangi Kiunjuri for birthing a new political party, The Service Party (TSP). We need more vibrant political parties; not less. I've noticed the clever use of "TSP" - Tuko Sote Pamoja!. Uhuru Kenyatta doesn't own Kenya!," Miguna tweeted. Kiunjuri launched TSP on Wednesday, June 25, about half an year since he was unceremoniously fired from the Cabinet by President Uhuru Kenyatta in January. "I would like to introduce the entry of The Service Party of Kenya (TSP) into Kenyas politics We have made the commitment to bring forth a platform that will be unequivocal about service delivery to our people as our name suggests. Former Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri (third left) addressing members of the press on Wednesday, June 24, as he launched his new outfit - The Service Party. Photo: Lemiso Emmanuel. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Watu 64 wakamatwa wakijaribu kuvuka kizuizi cha Thika I promised in January that Id be back.I thank God for enabling me to keep this promise. As The Service Party we come full of hope in the believe that service to our people will redefine Kenyas politics. We believe impactful politics is not a reserve of the big parties ," said Kiunjuri. Here were some reactions to Miguna's tweet: "That's a clever observation, general,"lawyer Steve Ogolla wrote. "Miguna I am disappointed, what makes you happy and this man was implicated in many scandals, you are now becoming a despot also you should not support such things,"Nyatika Nyaosi noted. "That yellow colour and initials matches TSP "Tuko sote pamoja","Lizzet Lizito added. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. My mother did not want me, I was called a man eater - Antony Wanjiru | My Story | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Britain could reach its highest levels of UV radiation due to a lack of planes, coupled with clear blue skies and sweltering temperatures - a potent combination that increases the risk of skin cancer. Ultra-violet rays, which can also cause sunburn and cataracts, are expected to reach level 9 across parts of Devon and Cornwall on what is set to be the hottest day of the year in the UK so far. The mercury hit a sweltering 90.5F (32.5C) on Wednesday, while temperatures today could climb even further in the Midlands and Wales. West London is forecast to see temperatures peak between 32C (89.6F) and 33C (91.4F), while parts of Wales could see the mercury rise to 34C (93.2F). The Met Office's UV index does not often exceed 8 in the UK, while level 10 is common in Mediterranean countries, and 11 is considered extreme. Although air pollution has visibly dropped off due to flights being cancelled during the coronavirus lockdown, the dangers posed by high UV levels are substantial. Plane contrails are a contributing factor to high UV levels as they create clouds which reflect harmful UV rays away from Earth Recent warm weather saw families flock to beaches but a warning was issued over UV rays The situation has prompted leading forecasters and medics to advise people to take extra precautions to stay safe in the sun due to 'exceptionally high' UV levels over the next couple of days. Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said UV levels will be 'reaching eight across many places and will be reaching nine across parts of Devon and Cornwall today. That's about as high as it gets really in the UK. 'The sun is as strong as it gets at the moment because we're so close to the summer solstice. 'We've got peak sun strength, clear skies, plenty of sunshine - it's the perfect ingredients for high UV.' Dr Michaela Hegglin, associate professor in atmospheric chemistry at the University of Reading's Department of Meteorology, said Thursday could see some of the 'highest UV levels ever recorded' in Britain. Lack of vapour trails from planes has been labelled as a contributing factor in higher UV levels What is the Met Office UV Index? The aim of the index is to warn people of increased risk and encourage them change their behaviour in order to protect themselves against the risks of skin cancer and skin damage. UV index Index Exposure 1-2 Low 3-5 Moderate 6-7 High 8-10 Very high 11 Extreme Advertisement She said: 'This is because of a combination of factors. We are at the summer solstice, when the sun is almost directly overhead at one o'clock. 'UV levels this high are rare in the UK, so people with light skin should be very careful to avoid getting burnt. 'While UV is important for getting vitamin D and keeping us healthy, too much of it can cause skin cancer or eye cataracts.' The main factor in high UV levels was a hole in the ozone layer that opened earlier in the year, the Daily Telegraph reported. It comes as the Met Office raised the heat health alert level to three on Wednesday, as health authorities encouraged those most vulnerable - many of whom have been shielding during the lockdown - to protect themselves amid the 'exceptionally hot weather forecast this week'. Public Health England (PHE) said older people, those with underlying health conditions, and very young children were all more at risk from the higher temperatures. The amber level three, which was put in place for the West and East Midlands, requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups, according to the Met Office website. Sunbathers have been advised to keep cool and stay hydrated to avoid suffering in the heat Government officials have issued warnings over the expected rise in levels to the highest ever People have been advised to keep cool and stay hydrated where possible. Emer O'Connell, consultant in public health at PHE, said it was important that people kept checking on the vulnerable, as many continued to spend more time at home due to coronavirus. 'You will need to do things differently this year, for example keeping in touch by phone,' she said. 'If you need to provide direct care to someone at risk from hot weather, follow Government guidance on how to do this safely.' Health minister Jo Churchill said people could take simple steps to keep themselves safe. She said: 'Apply sunscreen regularly, stay hydrated, and protect your head from the sun. 'Look out for those who are vulnerable in the heat, and provide support where needed, continuing to follow social distancing guidance.' Meanwhile, thunderstorms are expected to form across the west of the UK this afternoon, bringing heavy rain, lighting and hail. The seven years in the life of the 30 June Revolution make up the most critical period in contemporary Egyptian history. In fact, we might dub the numerous and diverse battles Egypt has fought on different fronts during this period the new crossing. In 1973, the Egyptian armys crossing of the Suez Canal culminated in the liberation of Sinai. The current period we might dub the inward crossing; another liberation process that addresses crucial challenges on the home front starting from the need to rebuild a state that had been severely shaken by the political turmoil that erupted in 2011. The institutional reconstruction of the state and reinstitution of its civil character evolved into a comprehensive nation construction process involving national infrastructural development mega-projects hand-in-hand with an ambitious economic reform programme to revitalise the Egyptian economy and set it on the path to increased productivity and greater competitiveness. At the same time, it was essential to counter threats to the home front. The most serious was the terrorism that had begun to proliferate in Sinai and elsewhere. Our heroic army and police fought at the forefront of this battle, which Egypt has fought on behalf of the world. Egypt, since its June 2013 Revolution, has also fought to rebuild its status and influence in foreign affairs. In the process, Cairo struck a finely calibrated balance in its relations with the two superpowers, Russia and the US, based on the principles of mutual respect and appreciation, friendship and mutual support. A similar spirit prevails in its long-established relationship with the EU, Egypts most important trading partner which is bound to Egypt and the Arab region as a whole by long historic bonds. At the regional level, Egypt has taken a lead, again, in turning Arab relations into a force that safeguards Egyptian/Arab national security and that fends off the ill-intentioned designs of non-Arab regional powers from Turkey and Iran to Ethiopia and Israel. As always, Egypt is keen to help its fellow Arab nations reach solutions to crises in order to protect the security and territorial integrity of Arab countries. The Cairo Declaration, an Egyptian initiative to revive the political process in Libya, was the most recent example of Egyptian efforts in this regard. We continue to hope that Egyptian diplomacy will lead to firmer international resolve to bring peace to Libya and to stand up to the warmongers bent on exploiting the turmoil of the Libyan crisis and perpetuating the conflict to achieve their own ends. Egypt continues its long drive to develop its important and historic relations with China, India, Japan, South Korea and other Asian countries, and it is forever open to new relations with potential foreign partners on the basis of mutual respect and benefit. Egypt also continues to earn international respect and admiration as a model for the preservation of region security and stability. It stands firm in the face of destabilising designs, as is currently the case in its negotiations over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project, in which Egypt seeks to avert conflict with a fellow African nation, apply the principles of international law and ensure the fulfillment of the rights of all parties in a fair and equitable manner. A similar spirit applies to Egypts handling of the Palestinian cause, the central Arab cause in the defence of which Egypt has made enormous sacrifices. Currently Cairo is working with other Arab governments to prevent the Israeli annexation of more occupied Palestinian territory. Since President Al-Sisi took the helm six years ago, Egyptian diplomacy has been particularly active on the African front. In 2017, Egyptian-African relations entered an unprecedented period of blossoming as Cairo worked together with other African capitals to further inter-African cooperation and integration and African security and stability, as epitomised by Egyptian contributions to the Silencing of the Guns initiative and the establishment of the Aswan Forum as a regional platform for the exchange of ideas on security and strategy related issues. Egypt has defended African rights in numerous international forums from the Paris Climate Conference to major economic summits in which it urged for debt relief, investment drives and other urgent measures to support African economies and to alleviate economic hardship and unemployment in Africa, the chief causes of illegal migration. In July last year, when Egypt chaired the African Union, Egypt worked together with its fellow African nations to establish the African Free Trade Zone, a major landmark towards the realisation of African economic integration. Egypt has striven not just to fight threats to global and regional peace and security, it has also worked to build a nation with the power to protect the resources and capacities of the people, to protect national and Arab security, to support African countries and to forge solid partnerships with all countries of the world without discrimination and to work together with them individually and collectively to counter the threats posed by the meddling of certain regional powers in Arab domestic affairs. Egypt prays that its efforts in collaboration with brotherly Arab nations will reenergise the Arab position and bolster Arab national security strengths in the face of outside threats, and above all Iranian meddling in the Gulf and Turkish interventions in Libya, Syria and Iraq. The June Revolution made it possible to rebuild and revive the national economy. Not only did it become possible to launch the difficult but successful economic reform programme, it also generated conditions for nationwide infrastructural projects that included 7,000 kilometres of roads, a new administrative capital and a second Suez Canal; for the development of the oil and energy infrastructure and a modernised banking infrastructure; and for the establishment of new universities, the modernisation of the educational system and a crucial digitalisation drive in banking and other sectors. Thanks to all these advances, the Egyptian economy has been able to recover its robustness and dynamism, earning the appreciation and esteem of international financial institutions. However, the inspiration for all this progress and, indeed, the very heart of the 30 June Revolution is the Egyptian people. The national spirit expresses itself most explicitly in healthcare projects such as the 100 Million Healthy Lives initiative to eliminate the hepatitis C virus, the educational reform and modernisation drive, and renewed attention to culture and the arts. After all, health, education and culture and the arts are quintessential components of human development. As we celebrate this anniversary of the 30 June Revolution, we mark another year in the Egyptian peoples march to the future. We are working quickly to make up for years lost. But we are on course in our development as a nation capable of safeguarding its interests, protecting its region and advancing the cause of peace and security in this region and in the world. *The writer is former assistant foreign minister. *A version of this article appears in print in the 25 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Lopez Obrador has made it his number one priority, foreign policy-wise, to not get into a fight with Trump, to not make him angry. And he has been flawlessly disciplined in that regard, said Carlos Bravo Regidor, a Mexican political analyst. It has worked to his advantage as president of Mexico in some points, but it hasnt always been the best in terms of Mexicos national interest. Annie and Isabel seem to see Edward as a potential love interest. (This relationship structure a triangle of affection would be revisited in many of Alcotts later works.) At one point in the story, the girls attend a masquerade ball in costume as Night and Morning. Isabel in a black robe and veil spangled with silver stars and a crescent in her dark hair made a splendid Night, a little too cold and haughty but very beautiful notwithstanding, Alcott, as Nellie, wrote. Annie in snow white garments, pale rose-coloured veil, and wreath of dewy half blown buds was as fair a Morning as ever dawned in Ferndale. Orphans like Annie, a sincere and quiet heroine, often appear in Alcotts work, said Harriet Reisen, the author of The Woman Behind Little Women. She had distinguished relatives and she was from an old, established family, Ms. Reisen said of Alcott. I think this orphan thing had to do with having these wealthy relatives who couldnt give her what she needed. Alcotts work did not always borrow inspiration from her own life. She wrote poems, fairy tales, romances and dark, sensational thrillers. And then came Little Women, a novel about four sisters that was published in two volumes, in 1868 and 1869. It has since become an American classic and has been adapted for the silver screen multiple times, most recently by Greta Gerwig last year. Description GIS 25 June 2020 : The Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning, Mr. Louis Steven Obeegadoo, has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister and has also been given the portfolio of Minister of Tourism. With this reshuffle of Ministers in Cabinet positions, Mr. Georges Pierre Lesjongard, now has the portfolio of Minister of Energy and Public Utilities. This announcement was made, this evening, by the Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Home Affairs and External Communications, Minister for Rodrigues, Outer Islands and Territorial Integrity, Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, during a press conference held at the New Treasury Building in Port-Louis. Prime Minister Jugnauth stated that this change of portfolios allocated to Cabinet Ministers was brought forth by the revocation of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Energy and Public Utilities, Mr. Ivan Leslie Collendavelloo, from his post, following the alleged corrupt and fraudulent practices unfolded by the African Development Bank (ADB) concerning the tender for the redevelopment of the St Louis Power Station. He indicated that his decision was governed by the principles of integrity and the zero-tolerance policy against corruption. The Prime Minister indicated that according to a press release of the ADB dated 08 June 2020, in 2014 and 2015, Burmeister & Wain participated in tenders for the redevelopment of the St Louis power plant in Mauritius, a project financed by the ADB. He pointed out that the document indicates that an investigation conducted by the Banks Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption has concluded that it is likely that the company engaged in fraudulent and corrupt practices in the context of this project. Mr Jugnauth highlighted that evidence supports a finding that Burmeister & Wain, on a balance of probabilities, financially rewarded members of the Mauritian administration and others, through the intermediary of third parties. He pointed out that he had a meeting with Mr Collendavelloo on 08 June 2020 during which he was informed that the Central Electricity Board (CEB) was not yet aware of the issue, and referred the matter to the Independent Commission Against Corruption on 09 June 2020. He added that following the circulation of the press release of the ADB on 08 June 2020, the Prime Ministers Office was called upon to gather the necessary information while the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, and the Office of the Attorney General contacted the ADB. Following this, the Prime Minister explained that he took the following decisions pending further development and to ensure that an independent investigation is carried out: the Acting General Manager of the CEB was asked to step down and the Board was revoked. Mr Jugnauth pointed out that he received a summary of the investigation report compiled by ADBs Office of Integrity and Anticorruption , and took stock of its findings that clearly mentions irregularities regarding both tenders and made reference to the possible involvement of Mr Collendavelloo. He emphasised that the Office of Integrity and Anticorruption is an internationally recognised institution for its professional ethics and assured that Government will unflinchingly endorse its principles of honesty and integrity in the undertaking of the investigation . LOUD cheers and car honks from balloon-laden vans greeted Nyume Mahmoud as she delivered her valedictorian speech in the St. Maurice School parking lot. A drive-In graduation is held at St. Maurice High School, at 1639 Pembina Hwy. on Wednesday. The schools 44 grads watched her from physically distanced chairs placed on the concrete around the temporary stage. Behind the grads, rows of cars contained parents and siblings craning their necks. Families could leave their vehicle when their grad was on stage; until then, they had to listen through open windows. "Complaining is easy, but were about taking action," Mahmoud said in her speech. And action St. Maurice Schools staff and students did take. Faculty of the kindergarten-to-Grade 12 Catholic school had been planning a socially distanced convocation for more than a month. They tweaked their plans as health guidelines changed, Principal Bryan Doiron said. Students followed a new system to get their diploma. They entered the stage on the left and stood on a black box as a teacher spoke about their awards, future plans and favourite moments. On the black box, grads were elevated for more people to see. While each mini-speech went on, Doiron placed a diploma on the table so students could take it. Grads stepped off the podium, took their diploma, then stood on an X on the stage to get their photo taken with the principal still behind them. Thus, Grade 12s still got their grad picture with their diploma and principal. The grads then exited stage right and picked up a grad bag before heading off to a photo backdrop for family pictures. Valedictorian Nyume Mahmoud makes her way to the stage to give her speech to her fellow students on Wednesday. The pandemic-era convocation had many firsts. It was the schools first outdoor grad and its first live-streamed one. Doiron said he plans to live-stream future convocations. It was the first time grads received their caps, gowns and stoles before the ceremony so they could take pictures at home. It was also the first time Doiron wore white gloves to touch the diplomas. "I feel like a butler when Im serving your diploma to you," Doiron told grads during his speech. Graduates drove throughout the surrounding neighbourhood in a parade before the convocation. Gold, blue and silver star balloons decorated vans, as did signs and streamers. Winning speech A Winnipeg graduate whose valedictorian video pulled in perspectives from across the globe and garnered more than 16,000 views online has won a scholarship. Lauren Cogan won a Virtual Valedictorian Scholarship from the National Society of High School Scholars last week. She was one of 10 people to win a $1,000 scholarship after submitting a five-minute-long valedictorian address video. In the video, she shares footage from high school, and thank you messages and inspirational quotes from grads around the world. High school seniors from Qatar, Japan, South Africa, the United States, Thailand and 12 other countries participated in Cogan's video. click to read more A Winnipeg graduate whose valedictorian video pulled in perspectives from across the globe and garnered more than 16,000 views online has won a scholarship. Lauren Cogan won a Virtual Valedictorian Scholarship from the National Society of High School Scholars last week. She was one of 10 people to win a $1,000 scholarship after submitting a five-minute-long valedictorian address video. In the video, she shares footage from high school, and thank you messages and inspirational quotes from grads around the world. High school seniors from Qatar, Japan, South Africa, the United States, Thailand and 12 other countries participated in Cogan's video. "I didn't make the video necessarily to win a competition," Cogan, 17, said. She graduated from Oak Park High School this year. She said she made the video for her peers: students who've had their graduations turned upside down in the COVID-19 pandemic. In the video, high school seniors are reminded they're not alone. "If I could just help one (graduate), that'd be amazing," Cogan said. "You know, 16,000 is also great." Cogan posted an Instagram advertisement looking for graduates to submit video responses to questions such as what advice they had for other grads. She set the target audience to "international" and received more than 80 submissions. Cogan and her friend Reis Best spent hours sorting through footage and editing the video. Cogan shared the final product on Instagram and YouTube. After the video came out, Cogan's friend sent her information about the scholarship. She submitted it, and the rest is history. Cogan said she'll put the money toward her post-secondary education. She's set to attend Huron University College in London, Ont., to pursue a business degree. gabrielle.piche@freepress.mb.ca Close It wasnt all smooth sailing. Parents fanned themselves inside their cars there was no air conditioning as cars couldnt run during the ceremony. Part of the stages black backdrop fell down early on, causing someone to stand near it, propping it up, for the rest of the event. Nonetheless, graduates seemed happy. "Everything was like short notice, but the fact that its this grand is just unbelievable," said Sara Taddese, one of the graduates. Taddese had attended the school since pre-school. She said she was proud to watch her classmates get their diplomas. "Having everyone that you grew up with around you, and just having that faith and that trust in God, it definitely helped for sure," Taddese said. Stay informed The latest updates on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 delivered to your inbox every weeknight. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Mahmouds class voted her valedictorian as they took online classes at home. They still didnt know theyd have a parking lot grad; they only knew something was in the works. Not having a convocation was something Mahmoud said she tried not to think about. Shes a "lifer," having gone to St. Maurice School for 13 years. "I feel like each individual person is one of my closest friends," she said. Parents voiced appreciation that their children could celebrate with peers. "The fact that shes happy... is so important," said Mark Coates, the father of graduate Alyssa Coates. "I think it speaks to all the effort that the school went through. They really did a great job at putting this together." Staff plan to put on a dinner and dance banquet for the 2020 class in the fall. gabrielle.piche@freepress.mb.ca If you follow the news as presented by the mainstream media, you might well infer that America has lost its mind, at least insofar as policing is concerned. As depicted by the media, the current debate is between those who want to abolish the police and those who merely want to hamstring it. However, a new Rasmusssen poll indicates that, combined, these two positions abolish and hamstring have little public support. Americans are worried about too little policing, not too much. We havent lost our minds. Rasmussen says: Most Americans value the role of the police and worry that increasing criticism of cops will make their communities less safe. Black Americans are the most concerned. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that 63% of American Adults still regard being a police officer as one of the most important jobs in our country today, down only slightly from 68% three years ago. Twenty-six percent (26%) disagree, up from 19% in the earlier survey. Eleven percent (11%) are not sure. Sixty-four percent (64%) are concerned that the growing criticism of Americas police will lead to a shortage of police officers and reduce public safety in the community where they live. That includes 39% who are Very Concerned. But 33% dont share that concern, with 14% who are Not At All Concerned about the risk to public safety. Blacks (67%) are the most concerned about public safety where they live, compared to 63% of whites and 65% of other minority Americans. (Emphasis added) The public also agrees with President Trumps pro-police sentiments: Fifty-six percent (56%) of Likely U.S. Voters agree with President Trump when he said recently: Our police have been letting us live in peace, and we want to make sure we dont have any bad actors in there. [But] 99% of them are great, great people. Thirty percent (30%) dont agree, while 14% are not sure. What about cutting police budgets? According to Rasmussen, 59% are opposed to cutting their local police budget, while 14% are undecided. Do Americans consider cops to be racist? No. Sixteen percent (16%) of Americans think most cops are racist in the wake of George Floyds death in Minneapolis, up from 10% a year ago. But 67% still rate the performance of their local police as good or excellent. Interestingly, Americans see less racism among cops than they do among their fellow countrymen in general. Twenty-two percent (22%) believe most Americans are racist. So, American hasnt lost its mind. And unless Joe Biden gets wholeheartedly behind the police something I doubt hes capable of doing at this point President Trump holds a winning hand on a very important issue. LOS ANGELES, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Americorp Investments LLC, a company focused on acquiring, developing and commercializing innovative technologies, announced today that it has been awarded an additional patent by the United States Patent Office. This patent is the 36th U.S. patent granted to Americorp or its affiliate Arrow Gaming. Americorp and Arrow also hold 11 patents issued in Japan, South Korea and the Philippines and have 47 patent applications pending in the U.S., Europe and other countries and jurisdictions worldwide. U.S. Patent 10,425,426, "Customized View Of Restricted Information Recorded Into A Blockchain," provides users of decentralized blockchain stored data unprecedented control over the viewing of private information with customized and tiered access utilizing a broad range of access codes (passwords, PINs, facial recognition, biometric IDs, etc.) granting specified viewing rights. The patented invention eliminates the need for centralized gatekeepers, instead enabling users to intuitively administer their access in a more straightforward, efficient and secure manner, while permitting data to be stored in a format that supports compliance with regulations and privacy expectations. The invention allows technology companies to introduce a privacy first approach to customer data, thereby ensuring trust with their customers. With this invention, users may categorize data stored as blockchain entries from entirely publicly viewable to entirely inaccessible. Access levels may be varied by rules applicable to multiple users, by the type of user, or other variables. Americorp's patented technology offers considerable benefits for commercial and government uses, including gaming, military, logistics, financial, healthcare and defense. The invention can provide regulators confidence in the accuracy and integrity of blockchain transactions and enables compliance with, among other regulations, the Privacy Act, PCI, HIPAA, CCPA, GDPR, PSD2 and AML/KYC, while facilitating user privacy. Inventor Jordan Simons of Americorp explained: "By decentralizing access control to the end-user, U.S. Patent 10,425,426 gives users unprecedented flexibility, convenience and security when utilizing decentralized blockchain-based platforms and transaction architectures." Simons added: "Americorps's invention is a huge step forward in keeping information safely within the control of its users, delivering a blockchain system that provides government grade security, without the vulnerabilities of a centralized system. This invention works within Americorp's ecosystem, including, among other patented inventions, security and communication protocols that allow legacy databases to communicate with the blockchain via API, identity management, supply chain management for virtual and tangible goods, and payment controls." About Americorp Americorp Investments is a private holding company that develops, invests in, and manages assets and businesses, with a focus on intellectual property rights related to new technologies. Americorp and its affiliate Arrow Gaming have total of 101 issued patents and patents-pending worldwide. Editors and investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may affect business prospects and performance. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted and reported results should not be considered an indication of future performance. Potential risks and uncertainties may include economic, competitive, governmental, technological, or other factors. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Copyright Americorp Investments LLC. 2020. All Rights Reserved. Further information, contact: [email protected] SOURCE Arrow Gaming Related Links www.arrowgaming.com Editor's Note: Get caught up in minutes with our speedy summary of today's must-read news stories and expert opinions that moved the precious metals and financial markets. Sign up here! (Kitco News) - Pure Gold Mining (TSX-V: PGM) said Wednesday that its mine is ready to start production at its Red Lake located in Ontario in Q4 2020. A total of 1,285 metres of underground mine development has been completed. The PureGold Mine after-tax NPV at 5% is C$390 million with an after-tax IRR of 51%. The company said the mine is the highest grade development stage gold deposit in Canada today, and will be in the top 8 percentile globally when in production. We are now only months away from first gold pour at our new PureGold Mine, and our first step to building a long-life growth company in the heart of Red Lake, one of the worlds most prolific gold-producing camps, says Darin Labrenz, President and CEO. Our opportunity for value creation is tremendous: we are delivering our mine into a rising gold market, with the potential to benefit from a period of margin expansion unlike any we have seen in years. But we see this as just the beginning of establishing ourselves as Red Lakes next senior producer. On the cusp of production, we believe we have only scratched the surface and we are already working towards the next phase of our growth with the initiation of an aggressive 18-month exploration program. We look forward to becoming Canadas next gold mine and delivering on the strong organic growth platform that underpins our PureGold Red Lake Mine. State and local elected officials from across the political spectrum expressed outrage and disappointment Wednesday after Black Lives Matter protesters in Madison tore down the state Capitols iconic Forward statue and one of a Union Civil War colonel, assaulted at least two people including a state senator and set a small fire in a city building Downtown. Still unclear was whether Madison police would move to curtail any future violence after largely standing down while some activists and others have blocked traffic, harassed residents, defaced property, and smashed windows and looted businesses up and down State Street in the three and a half weeks since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis sparked anger nationwide over racism and police brutality. 'Strategic' or 'misguided'? Toppling of statues sparks latest debate on Madison protests Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway condemned Tuesdays violence during a Wednesday online news conference but said the notion police were told to back off protesters was a false rumor. She also declined to say whether she thought police responded appropriately and said she does not seek to micromanage police, who coordinate their response with other local law enforcement. There has been broad agreement amongst law enforcement that de-escalation and protecting people is the top concern and I defer to the experts here and dont wish to micromanage the situation, she said. Although I will say we have received some communications from police officers that make it sound like they would like us to, from the mayors office or from the council, to micromanage the situation. I dont think thats appropriate. Protesters tear down statues, punch senator, set small fire in Madison after arrest of Black activist In addition to two standing police oversight committees in Madison, the City Council has authorized five committees or work groups to examine Madison police policies and practices over the last five years, as well as authorized a $372,000 consultants report on the department that found it was far from a Department in crisis. Rhodes-Conway, elected in April 2019, has made the implementation of an independent police monitor and a separate citizens oversight committee priorities of her administration. Acting Police Chief Vic Wahl did not respond to requests for comment about his departments response to the protest Tuesday and others in recent weeks. State Capitol Police, who fall under the jurisdiction of the state Department of Administration, did not explain in a statement Wednesday where they were overnight Tuesday as protesters tore down the statues and assaulted Sen. Tim Carpenter, D-Milwaukee, other than to say they responded to attempts to breach the State Capitol last night, and were able to prevent any additional penetration of the building. In response to the protest, Gov. Tony Evers on Wednesday said he has activated the National Guard to support local police and they will serve in a limited authorization meant to make sure people can exercise their First Amendment rights while ensuring the safety of members of the public and state buildings and infrastructure. I want to be clear, he said. Violence against any person ... is wrong. It should never be tolerated. National Guard spokesman Capt. Joe Trovato said the Guard would provide site security for critical infrastructure but that the mission is still being determined. He declined to say how many Guard members were being deployed. During a press conference at the Capitol Wednesday morning, Republican legislative leaders lambasted the governors and city leaders response to protests. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, defended the right of people to peacefully protest, but said violent protest, where a mob forms and government refuses to act, is the exact opposite of how change will occur. Citizens all across the state are sick and tired of watching what happens around the state where protesters are not held accountable, he said. 'Save State Street': Businesses plead to city for changes The protest Tuesday stood in contrast to what happened May 30 and for two nights afterward, when largely peaceful protests ended but were followed by looting and destruction by a smaller group of people who left just about every window on State Street shattered. Police shot teargas and foam projectiles at protesters when they thought they were threatening them, but took little action against those causing property damage. After those first three nights, subsequent protests were largely peaceful, although protest marches routinely shut down major roads. But on Tuesday, protesters made clear from the beginning that they were not interested in peace, and those sympathetic to them, including at least one elected official, expressed little regret on social media Wednesday about the violence. Photos: Look back at Madison's 'Forward' statue through the years as protesters down Capitol Square replica Karen Reece Phiffer, vice president of research and education at Madisons Nehemiah Center for Urban Leadership Development, called Carpenters injuries unfortunate and collateral damage on Facebook and asked why Evers wasnt condemning racial disparities in incarceration and other quality-of-life measures in a state long known for having some of the largest such disparities in the nation. Ald. Rebecca Kemble, 18th District, said a hit-and-run accident that injured a Black woman Downtown early Sunday morning laid the groundwork for the violence Tuesday. Madison City Council blocks $50,000 for sponge-firing 'projectile launchers' police used against protesters In that case, the 24-year-old Madison woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries after being hit by a pickup truck around bar-closing time at University Avenue and Frances Street. Police say the truck appeared to have been driven by a white man and that there were reports some in the mostly Black crowd had been harassing him before he accelerated. Police said they briefly used pepper spray to stop some bystanders from interfering with their attempts to attend to the injured woman. Kemble on Facebook called the police/EMT response to her trauma ... racist and inhumane. The protest began late Tuesday afternoon after local Black activist Devonere Johnson, 28, was arrested for harassing diners at The Coopers Tavern on Capitol Square. With a bat and a bullhorn, he walked around the restaurants patio and inside, yelling political invective and calling a white customer a racist, according to bystander video. Johnson who also goes by the name Yeshua Musa and has three prior convictions, including one for felony theft resisted and it took officers several minutes to get him into a squad car, from which he escaped briefly before being recaptured. He was tentatively charged with disorderly conduct while armed, resisting arrest and attempted escape. Why Madison is marching: 'I feel like were not real citizens' Ald. Paul Skidmore, 9th District, one of the police departments strongest supporters on the City Council, said that while he believes in the existence of systemic racism and the need to address it, there are no data to support the notion that Madison police are racist or out of control. We crossed a line last night, he said, accusing protesters of mounting an insurrection. Skidmore said police have told him theyre walking a fine line, trying not to incite further violence by taking action against protesters in the moment and instead opting to identify and arrest them later. He said a lack of political support is also playing into their decisions. The police department is hesitant because they dont feel that the City Council and definitely the mayor has their backs, he said. In a statement, Dane County Executive Joe Parisi said a firebomb that was tossed through a window of the City-County Building landed near the countys 911 Center and started a small fire, which was quickly put out but forced the evacuation of staff and the activation of the backup 911 center. 'I'm feeling violated and angry': Downtown Madison businesses bearing brunt of community outrage Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney said the fire put some teenagers housed in the Juvenile Detention Center in danger and called those who set it anarchists. He called on leaders of local activist groups Freedom Inc. and Urban Triage who have organized many of the nonviolent protests to publicly disparage the violence Tuesday. He said police departments, including his own, need to take a deep look inside themselves to make reforms, but you dont beat innocent individuals and rob them to encourage law enforcement reforms. Rhodes-Conway said she has asked police to expedite their investigation into any criminal actions by protesters and people who reportedly drove through groups of protesters Tuesday, as well as to expedite Johnsons initial appearance before a judge. Johnson is on probation for a prior conviction and according to the Department of Corrections would remain in jail on a probation hold until DOC completes an investigation into whether he violated terms of his probation. On Wednesday night, a group of about 20 people was gathered at the Capitol near State Street with a couple of loudspeakers and a microphone. Music was playing in between some speeches and chants. They were joined around 10:30 p.m. by a group of about 50 others who marched over from the Dane County Jail, where they chanted outside and sat on Doty Street, the Sheriffs Office said. State Journal reporters Shanzeh Ahmad and Emily Hamer contributed to this report. Photos: See damage from Tuesdays protests near state Capitol Photos: See damage from overnight protests near the state Capitol Similar to other funds, Epstein's victims will have to meet what are called evidentiary requirements. "We are looking for corroborative information. If a victim has contemporaneous with the time of the abuses - or even afterwards - reported the abuse to law enforcement or a friend or a parent or teacher, we'll look to that kind of information," said Feldman, adding that sexual abuse is a complicated topic. Epstein accusers Annie Farmer, left, and Courtney Wild, right, outside a New York courthouse last year. Credit:AP "Just the very nature of this kind of abuse doesn't lend itself to heavy documentary evidence." Some information extracted by reporters over the past few years will prove useful. Fund administrators will look to so-called collateral sources to cross-reference dates and places, records such as Epstein's flight logs, and Customs and Border Patrol notations of his arrival and departure from the US. Once it is determined that a victim is eligible for compensation, then the question becomes how much. "This is the toughest question. First, we recognise that no amount of money is going to make this victim whole or erase their suffering," said Feldman, adding that factors can include the nature of the abuse, frequency, a victim's age at the time and the psychological impact on the victim. Virginia Giuffre, another alleged victim of Jeffrey Epstein, now lives in Queensland. Credit:Bloomberg Compensation is also measured through the lens of similar funds such as the Catholic Church fund, giving the Epstein fund administrators a benchmark. Epstein, 66, was arrested last July 6 and was found dead in his federal prison cell in Manhattan on August 10. New York's medical examiner ruled his death a suicide by hanging. A friend of US presidents, British royalty and business moguls, he was investigated in 2006 for allegedly molesting scores of underage girls at his Florida mansion. Loading Represented by top-tier lawyers, Epstein won an extraordinarily lenient sentence on state charges, getting immunity from federal prosecution and by 2010 returning to his fortune in the Virgin Islands. Unique to the Epstein compensation fund, US Virgin Islands Attorney-General Denise George insisted that a child sexual abuse expert be part of the compensation process. Marci Hamilton, who heads Child USA and is an expert on child sexual abuse issues, will assist Feldman as a sounding board on matters where she feels input is needed. "It's kind of premature to say under what specific circumstances we would be doing that kind of outreach. I have a feeling we'll know it when we see it," said Feldman, who co-administered the September 11 fund. West Palm Beach lawyer Spencer Kuvin, who said he represents four victims, scheduled a press conference to "educate" others who might want to step forward. "Epstein was able to perpetrate these horrific crimes for decades, thanks to his wealth and political connections, which eventually produced the now-infamous sweetheart plea deal for federal charges in 2009," Kuvin said. "The number of potential claimants could be in the hundreds." This is kind of the end of a long history for the victims. Jordana Feldman, fund administrator Some of Epstein's victims will skip the compensation fund and sue the estate directly. But those who wish to stay out of the spotlight now get a chance to make their claim without the adversarial atmosphere of a lawsuit. There is no monetary cap on compensation, and claims are settled on an individual basis without consideration of a sum of money set aside for the fund. No set amount has been offered, but one measure is that Epstein's estate was valued in the ballpark of $US560 million before the COVID-19 pandemic struck globally. Even though Feldman has helped design numerous high-profile funds, she thinks the Epstein Victims' Compensation Program will leave its own mark. Loading "I don't know that this is necessarily different, but based on what we know at this point about the victims, and conversations we've had with their lawyers, they've been repeatedly denied opportunities to achieve any measure of justice - either through people turning a blind eye or people refusing to acknowledge what is happening," said Feldman. "This is kind of the end of a long history for the victims." Meanwhile, federal prosecutors in New York are continuing to investigate claims that decades-long abuse was enabled by a network of co-conspirators. Epstein's former girlfriend, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, was described in a 2017 lawsuit as the "highest-ranking employee" of Epstein's alleged sex-trafficking enterprise. It said she developed plans to recruit victims and helped conceal the activity from law enforcement. In sworn statements, she has denied wrongdoing. Prince Andrew pictured with Virginia Roberts in 2001 at the townhouse of Ghislaine Maxwell, right, in London. Roberts, now Giuffre, says she was recruited as an Epstein sex slave by Maxwell. On Wednesday, lawyers for one of Epstein's accusers, Virginia Roberts Giuffre who says she was made to have sex with Prince Andrew as part of her employment by Epstein, argued in court papers that a transcript of a seven-hour deposition of Maxwell and other documents from a since-settled lawsuit should be made public. Maxwell's lawyers have told a Manhattan judge that portions of her deposition should remain sealed because lawyers tried to force Maxwell "to answer intrusive questions about her sex life" and the media would exploit the information. The Miami Herald, whose reporting in 2018 brought fresh scrutiny to Epstein's crimes, argued in court papers that Maxwell's fear of embarrassment shouldn't stop the public from learning of "the sexual abuse of young girls at the hands of the wealthy and powerful" Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) The Labor department says more than 3,000 establishments nationwide have permanently closed or cut back workforce due to the pandemic, leaving 90,000 workers jobless. Labor Assistant Secretary Dominique Tutay told CNN Philippines Newsroom Ngayon on Thursday that there are also 104,000 establishments who chose to implement flexible work arrangements or have temporarily closed, affecting 2.8 million workers. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased unemployment in the country as businesses were forced to stop operations with the implementation of community quarantines across the country mid-March. The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that there are 7.3 million unemployed adults in April, for an all-time high unemployment rate at 17.7 percent. To help these dislocations, the government has been giving out assistance to affected individuals. Tutay said the Labor department has so far given out P5,000 one-time cash assistance to 657,201 formal sector workers, while 337,000 workers from the informal sector were already assisted through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD. For those that will not be covered by these programs, Tutay said the Department of Finance, Social Security System, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue opened a facility to give out two tranches of assistance to more than 3.4 million formal sector workers. As for overseas Filipino workers, about 170,000 OFWs have received P10,000 cash assistance, she noted. This is part of the P2.5 billion allotted to help 250,000 OFW beneficiaries. Tutay noted that there are currently about 354,000 OFWs affected by the pandemic, including 191,000 who are still overseas. The Labor department also launched its OFW assistance information system, which targets to systematically record arriving OFWs, process their testing, and their travel back to their provinces. Tutay said this is to prevent the problem encountered with the first batch of OFWs whose test results took more than a month before release, further delaying their travel back to their provinces. LUDLOW Police continue to investigate a crash in the Big Y parking lot Wednesday afternoon that injured a woman and child and sent them to the hospital for treatment. The crash, reported by multiple callers, occurred shortly after 1:15 p.m. in the parking lot of the store at 433 Center Street, Fire Chief Ryan Pease said. The woman was trapped underneath the rear axle of the vehicle and fast-acting firefighters used air bags to lift it and rescue her. The child received medical treatment at the scene and both were taken to the hospital by fire department ambulances. Pease said both woman and child were conscious and speaking following the crash. He had no updated information on their conditions Thursday morning. Eight firefighters and several police officers responded to the scene. Pease praised their joint-effort to quickly free the woman and care for the child. They did an excellent job, he said. Police, who continue to investigate the crash, could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday morning. This is a developing story. Additional information will be reported as soon as it is available. Amid the ongoing controversy over Baba Ramdev's company Patanjali Ayurveda introducing a "cure" for coronavirus infection, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Thursday warned the yoga guru that the state government won't allow sale of 'spurious' medicines. Patanjali Ayurveda, while presenting the Coronil medicine on Tuesday had claimed that it has found a cure for coronavirus infection. "The National Institute of Medical Sciences, Jaipur will find out whether clinical trials of @PypAyurved's 'Coronil' were done at all. An abundant warning to @yogrishiramdev that Maharashtra won't allow sale of spurious medicines. #MaharashtraGovtCares #NoPlayingWithLives," the minister tweeted. Speaking to reporters later, Deshmukh said the Union AYUSH Ministry has not allowed the company to sell the product as the firm has not conducted clinical trials. "Complaints have been made in several states against their (Patanjali) advertisement (that the medicine cures COVID-19) when there has been no permission in the first place from the ministry or the Indian Council of Medical Science," he said. "An offence will be registered against them if they try to sell the medicine in Maharashtra or advertise that COVID-19 can be cured with it," Deshmukh said. Hours after the launch of Coronil on Tuesday, the AYUSH Ministry had asked the firm to provide the details, telling it to stop advertising it till the issue is examined. At the launch, the company had claimed that its medicine can cure the contagious disease within seven days. It said Coronil, taken along with another product developed by it, had shown a 100 per cent success rate in clinical trials on infected patients, except those on life support. Ramdev had said the medicines were developed by Patanjali Research Center, Haridwar in association with privately-owned National Institute of Medical Science, Jaipur. 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... Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The medical tourism market is anticipated to reach over USD 125.8 billion by 2026 according to a new research published by Polaris Market Research. In 2019, the orthopedic treatment dominated the global medical tourism market, in terms of revenue. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the leading contributor to the global market revenue in 2019. There has been a great demand for medical tourism in the years. Hence, attracting the international customers has been a great challenge for the companies to attract the medical travelers. These companies have potential strategies that help in creating number awareness in the target audience. This strategy has helped successfully building the brands and has influenced the market growth in the recent past. Furthermore, the patients travelling for medical to the developing countries due to affordability, better and higher level of quality of healthcare to also boost the medical tourism market in the coming years. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/medical-tourism-market/request-for-sample Considering, the cost factor for the healthcare in the U.S. continues to rise. According to the Visa and Oxford Economics, the figure of will grow up to 25% in coming years. Also, this increase would cover various treatment range like orthopedic surgeries, dental work, and cosmetic surgery. However, issues with the patient follow-up and post surgical complications, and different standards for the treatment in various countries would impede the medical tourism market growth. Asia-Pacific generated the highest revenue in the medical tourism market in 2017, and is expected to be the leading region globally during the forecast period. Increasing demand, accessibility of healthcare facilities, increasing number of medical facilities for international patients are the primary factors driving the market growth in this region. Additionally, decreased cost of various treatment procedures in the countries across Asia Pacific to also boost the market growth in coming years. Moreover, India is considered to be the leading market followed by Brazil in the medical tourism market during the forecast period. In addition to this, Turkey is considered to be strong contender in the market, owning to zero waiting time for the treatment with a quality healthcare facility. Complete Summary with TOC Available @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/medical-tourism-market The key players operating in the medical tourism market include Bumrungrad International hospital, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, KPJ Healthcare Berhad, Prince Court Medical Center, Raffles Medical Group, Fortis Healthcare, and Samitivej Hospital. 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. Medical Tourism Market Size and Forecast by Treatment Type, 2018-2026 Orthopedic Treatment Cardiovascular Treatment Neurological Treatment Cosmetic Treatment Dentistry Treatment Other Treatments Medical Tourism Market Size and Forecast by Region, 2018-2026 North America US. 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/medical-tourism-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. Contact us- Polaris Market Research Phone: 1-646-568-9980 Email: sales@polarismarketresearch.com Web: www.polarismarketresearch.com Former Northern Ireland secretary Owen Paterson has told of his "great sadness" after his wife was found dead at their family home. Police said her body was discovered in nearby woodland. The Conservative former cabinet minister said the loss of his wife Rose (63) had come as a "terrible shock" to the family. "It is with great sadness that I must inform you that my wife, Rose, has been found dead at our family home in Shropshire," he said. "Rose and I were married for 40 happy years. She was a wonderful, caring wife, mother and grandmother. "Her death has come as a terrible shock to us all. "I would ask the media to respect the privacy of myself and my family at this extremely difficult time." Mrs Paterson, the daughter of the fourth Viscount Ridley, was the chair of Aintree Racecourse. The couple married in 1980 and had two sons and a daughter. Mr Paterson, MP for North Shropshire since 1997, was Northern Ireland secretary of state between 2010 and 2012 before becoming environment secretary. West Mercia Police said in a statement that her death was being treated as "unexplained" although it was not thought that any third party was involved. "We can confirm the body of a woman has been found in woodland near Pant Lane in Sodylt in Ellesmere," the statement said. The proposal includes buying air rights from the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral that could be contributed toward zoning for a high-rise on the site, Suess said. The site is just north of the cathedral, and now includes a parking lot and a small residential building that would be acquired by Fifield and razed, Suess said. STOCKHOLM, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Friedrich ("Fritz") Neumeyer will join Syncron as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 Aug. 2020. He will succeed Anders Gruden, who is stepping down as CEO but will continue to serve in an advisory role. Dr. Neumeyer has extensive experience leading enterprise software companies and a proven track record of driving transformative growth, increasing vertical domain expertise and improving the customer experience. Most recently, he served as the CEO of German ERP vendor proALPHA for six years, where he led the company to a market-leading position, tripled revenue to more than 150 million and doubled the number of employees to more than 1,000. Prior to proALPHA, Dr. Neumeyer served in leadership roles at Software AG and SAP, after beginning his career at McKinsey. "On behalf of Syncron's Board of Directors, I am thrilled to welcome Fritz Neumeyer as the company's next CEO," said Leo Apotheker, Chairman of the Syncron Board. "His leadership experience in enterprise software for industrial manufacturers, his laser-sharp focus on customer satisfaction and his proven track record of outperforming the competition make Fritz ideally suited to lead Syncron in its next chapter." Dr. Neumeyer joins Syncron at a time when manufacturers are facing unprecedented changes and economic impact from the COVID-19 health crisis. As manufacturing executives identify areas that can offer financial stability, they are increasingly turning to after-sales service. After-sales service, which includes maintenance, repairs, spare parts and other services after the initial sale of a product, offers manufacturers a unique opportunity to differentiate from the competition, enhance the customer experience and increase financial performance. According to a Deloitte report, the average operating margin from after-sales service is about 2.5 times the operating margin for new equipment sales. And as manufacturers face declining new product sales and less demand, the service supply chain should be optimized to provide stability and create value in otherwise uncertain times. "I am excited to join the world-class Syncron team at this exciting time in both the company's history and the industry as a whole. I am confident the team, technology and market opportunity will enable us to fuel tremendous growth and success," said Dr. Neumeyer. "With an increased focus on after-sales service optimization, Syncron is uniquely positioned to provide the technology that drives manufacturers' success for years to come. I can't wait to join the immensely talented Syncron team as we lead manufacturers on this journey." The Board of Directors thanks Anders Gruden for his immense contributions to the success of Syncron, where over the past 16 years, he has led the company from its early beginnings to becoming an undisputed leader in SaaS solutions for after-sales service excellence. "It is a tribute to Anders' leadership that Syncron has become a truly global company, servicing a top-tier customer base around the world. He has been the architect of the platform that will be the launchpad for the next phase of our accelerated development," Apotheker added. Going forward, Gruden will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Syncron, sharing his insights and providing advice as required. "I'm extremely proud of what we have accomplished together to establish Syncron as a global market leader and I can't imagine a better choice than Fritz to lead the company on its continued growth journey," Gruden said. Dr. Neumeyer has lived and worked in Italy, Germany, Belgium and the U.S. He will relocate to Sweden and will be based out of the company's Stockholm headquarters. Dr. Neumeyer studied nuclear physics and has a Ph.D. from the Technical University of Darmstadt. About Syncron Syncron empowers the world's leading manufacturers to maximize product uptime and deliver exceptional after-sales service experiences, while driving significant revenue and profit improvements. From industry-leading investments in research and development, to providing the fastest time-to-value, Syncron's award-winning, cloud-based service parts inventory, price and uptime management solutions are designed to continually exceed customer expectations. Top brands from around the world trust Syncron to transform their after-sales service operations into competitive differentiators. For more information, visit syncron.com. SOURCE Syncron Related Links http://www.syncron.com As Americans watch some of our major cities ravaged by rioting, looting, and the vandalism or destruction of monuments to our nation's past with impunity, it is, for those of us of a certain age, a moment to reflect on the depredations of the French Revolution. But let us not be confused by the differences. The French Revolution took its cues from our own Revolutionary War for independence from England, but theirs went all wrong. The devastatingly poor of Paris were well and truly abused by the Parisian aristocracy. They were treated as less than human. Of course, the British aristocracy thought the same of the American colonists, but they were by an ocean removed, and the colonists were made of sterner stuff than the Brits sent to defeat them for England. The Jacobins of France in 1789 had good reason to set about murdering their abusers and got rabidly carried away, killing by guillotine every member of the aristocracy they could capture as well as anyone even remotely related to them, no matter how innocent. Sound familiar? Our rioters and looters of late have been gleefully knocking down statues of great or not so great men of our past with relish and abandon. The difference is that our monument-destroyers have no clue who the bronzed and marbleized men they are tearing down were or why they were memorialized. Sure, the Confederate generals are easy, but they are ruining countless statues of abolitionists, generals who fought slavery, men like Gandhi and Churchill. A woman in the U.K. who had defaced a statue of Churchill, when asked who he was, had no idea, none at all. Higher education has failed two generations of university students, for that is precisely who is showing up to "burn down the whole system" as a BLM "leader" Hawk Newsome in N.Y. told several gushing cable news hosts. They are going to "shove legislation down our throats." These violent rioters are insisting that their demands be met or else! Or else? It seems they actually think that 300+ million people are going to kneel down and cave to their accusations of racism when in fact this is the least racist nation on the planet. Unlike the French Revolution when masses of truly impoverished people rebelled against their self-appointed betters, this time, here in 2020, it is the self-appointed elites who are inciting the protesters for their own ends, their principal goal being to defeat President Trump. Black Lives Matter and Antifa are well funded Marxist groups whose intentions are absolutely to burn down America as founded. They are merely the latest incarnations of SDS and the Weather Underground and all the other sundry narcissistic anti-American organizations that see themselves as leading this century's cultural revolution. They've not been taught how badly these enterprises can end. Robespierre? Stalin? Mao? Who are they? As for men like Churchill, Eisenhower, and Reagan who saved Western civilization, these anarchists know nothing. They know only that they want to tear it all down because this country is so racist, so inequitable. The fact that our African-Americans, like all Americans, immigrant or native-born, have a better quality of life here than in any other country is not at all relevant to these malcontents. They thrive on anger. It's how they've been taught to see their world, as perennial victims. Identity politics has ruined the lives of all those who buy into this nonsense. For this we must blame the academics, who have so determinedly inculcated their students with either a victim mentality or a guilty-white-privilege mentality, and the parents who raised kids who were so unable to think critically they were easily indoctrinated with these late-20th-century maladies that have so damaged the American psyche. It is tragically clear that the childish "leaders" of CHAZ/CHOP in Seattle, of the anti-police movement, the monument-destroying thugs and the rest of the idle young who lack an ounce of gratitude for being born in the greatest nation ever founded are characterized by one thing above all: ignorance. This includes the idiot mayors and governors who support and defend these dissidents who take their cities hostage as they prostrate themselves before them. The delicious schadenfreude in all this is that among the violent protesters, there are no truckers, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, pharmacists, doctors, police, firefighters, grocery store workers, or other salt-of-the-earth Americans. Those people are busy keeping the rest of us up and running. They did not attend a prestigious university that taught them to hate the country of their birth or choice. They do feel gratitude for the blessings this country affords them. They are our heroes. As for the academics who inculcate anger and rage in their privileged students year after year, we should have contempt for them. As for the poor, ignorant and fatherless young people condemned to failing schools in Democrat-run cities who naturally succumb to the drug, gang, and crime culture promulgated by their elected officials, they are the tools of the Democrats who think their acting out will defeat Trump. The Democrats are shameless abusers of their most vulnerable supporters that they take for granted. The French people who rightfully, in the beginning, revolted against their oppressors, became like them in the end, murderous and callous in their lust for the guillotined heads of the ruling class that had so demeaned them. Our violent protesters are intent upon erasing vestiges of America's past. They are like spoiled children playing at a war they cannot and will not win. President Trump has so far left dealing with these minor but dangerous bullies to the Democrat mayors and governors who have given them free rein. If these wanna-be tyrants continue on their path of mindless destruction, he may have to act. The Dems are praying for a police or military intervention, a few dead at the hand of the National Guard, perhaps a Kent State redux. Make no mistake; actual lives do not matter to the left, no matter what their race, class or gender. Our American Democrats, like Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer, are an unrepentant bunch of pols. If dead Americans serve their purpose, they are all in. On Wednesday, Nancy Pelosi accused the Republicans of murdering George Floyd! How rich is that? Even that Minneapolis cop is a Democrat as is the governor, mayor and all but five of Minnesota's federal elected representatives. The America-hating Ilhan Omar is in favor of disbanding the city's police force. That is not going well, as any ten-year old might have predicted. We are not seeing a repeat of the French Revolution; not at all, no matter how righteous this band of rioters think they are. We are seeing something similar to what characterized the 1960s, even as the Republicans passed the Civil Rights laws against Democrat opposition. Domestic terrorists were the order of the day then; rich white people like Tom Hayden and Bill Ayers and their pals riled up the college students of yore in 1968 and Nixon was elected in a landslide. The people orchestrating the current violent and non-violent protests are users and abusers. The people they recruit (and often pay) to riot are not the victims of a classist aristocracy but of the ever-racist and power-mad Democrat party. Graphic credit: Pixabay. FRANKENMUTH, MI - Four mid-Michigan county clerks held a press conference Thursday to announce their support of VoteSafe Michigan, a bipartisan initiative that aims to ensure voter safety during the November elections. Saginaw County Clerk Michael Hanley, Midland County Clerk Ann Manary, Genesee County Clerk John Gleason and Isabella County Clerk Minde Lux spoke to media from a park in Frankenmuth. The clerks not only encouraged voting absentee as a safe, dependable option, but also sought to ensure in-person voting is conducted with proper protective equipment and procedures in place to make sure voters arent exposed to COVID-19. (This effort) is very simple: Its about protecting the public safety when they vote in August and November, whether they choose to vote at home or more difficultly in a polling place, Hanley said. We want to make sure that weve got the protective equipment for election workers and for voters to be able to vote safely, we believe that should be a right. Our elections are the bedrock of our country and theyre worth protecting. The group wants federal funding for local elections to help avoid a situation like Wisconsins primary vote in April, when at least 50 voters and workers were exposed to the novel coronavirus, Hanley said. As someone who is immunocompromised from a kidney transplant, Gleason also stressed the importance of making sure its safe for Americans with disabilities to vote, whether their disability is visible or not. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson estimated Michigan will need $40 million for the initiative, Hanley said. Securing the federal funding is important because Michigans counties are already under financial stress from handling COVID-19, Gleason said. We dont have the money, and we dont know where to get the money if we dont get it from Congress, Gleason said. Hanley said he expects a 200% to 300% increase in absentee ballots in November compared to previous elections. Counties already saw a high spike in absentee voting during the May primary elections. This spring, the secretary of state sent absentee ballot applications to all registered voters in the state. The flooding also creates unique challenges to Midland County, where many residents are displaced and might not be able to easily receive their mail. Manary said she predicts 65% of Midland County ballots will be absentee in November. Lux said there are several hurdles in place to stop any potential voter fraud through the mail, including that the signature on an absentee ballot has to match one already on file at the clerks office. Americans have voted by mail for many years, it is safe and secure and studies show voter fraud is extremely low and rare, Manary said. Nearly one in four Americans already vote by mail. VoteSafe is co-chaired nationally by Tom Ridge, former Republican governor of Pennsylvania; and Jennifer Granholm, former Democratic governor of Michigan. In Michigan, it is led by former Republican Congressman Joe Schwartz and Benson, a Democrat. Two of the clerks present at the Thursday press conference are Republicans and two are Democrats. VoteSafe Michigan has no desire to weigh in on political games, the stakes are too high, Manary said. This is a bipartisan effort, we support all voters. Read more: Michigan Senate backs bill to stop placing coronavirus patients in nursing homes Saginaw police neglect caused drunken-driving deaths of woman, infant daughter, federal suits say Michigan gyms and fitness centers wont reopen Thursday after all Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 25, 2020) - SLANG Worldwide Inc. (CNSX: SLNG) (FSE: 84S) ("SLANG" or the "Company"), a leading global cannabis consumer packaged goods (CPG) company with a diversified portfolio of popular brands, today announced the launch of Cookies-branded flower products in Oregon. Pre-packaged flower is now available in Gary Payton, Gelatti and other consumer favorites from the Cookies genetic library, including some of the most sought-after strains in cannabis. As first announced on February 13, 2020, SLANG has an exclusive agreement to distribute Cookies products in Oregon through its statewide distribution channels. "We are very excited to diversify our offering and enter the flower category with a great brand like Cookies," said SLANG CEO Peter Miller. "Both companies worked hard to get product on shelves less than six months after partnering in Oregon. Like each of our other recently-formed strategic partnerships, this launch aligns with our vision of building long-term, profitable relationships with like-minded teams. We expect to begin to see a revenue impact from several of these initiatives in the second half of the year." Oregon has recently been among the fastest-growing cannabis markets in the United States. In April, retail cannabis sales were up 35% over April 2019, while flower was both the largest and highest-growth category, up 61% over the previous year, according to BDS analytics. The Oregon market had retail sales of $810 million USD during 2019. SLANG considers Oregon to be one of its core markets, where its O.penVAPE Craft RESERVE and Bakked Dabaratus products are positioned as leading brands. The Company has invested in several growth initiatives in the state this year. In addition to its strategic partnership with Cookies, the Company announced the launch of its own District Edibles brand in Oregon in April. The Company also continues to work towards the final steps required to complete the previously announced acquisition of Oregon-based Lunchbox Alchemy. Story continues SLANG and Cookies are collaborating on further product development for the Oregon market. The companies have a similar partnership in place in Colorado, and continue to work together to evaluate additional opportunities in other markets where SLANG operates. Media and Investor inquiries Investors@SLANGworldwide.co About SLANG Worldwide Inc. SLANG Worldwide Inc. is a global leader in the cannabis CPG sector with a diversified portfolio of popular brands distributed across the United States. The Company specializes in acquiring and developing market-proven regional brands as well as launching innovative new brands to seize global market opportunities. SLANG is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the ticker symbol SLNG and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the trading symbol 84S. For more information, please visit www.slangww.com. About Cookies Cookies is more than a premiere cannabis company, it is a lifestyle. Founded in 2012 by Berner, the prolific Bay Area rapper and entrepreneur, and his partner Jai, Bay Area cultivator and breeder, the company built its identity by seamlessly combining new, top-tier genetics, the internet, and music. Backed by the music industry, social media, and the countless YouTube vlogs documenting the brand's growth and breeding projects, Cookies quickly built a grassroots cult following while remaining loyal to its brand promise; authenticity and innovative genetics. Today, Cookies is one of the most well-respected and top-selling cannabis brands in the United States. The company and its product are recognized globally, and offer a stable of over 50 cannabis varieties and product lines including indoor, outdoor and sungrown flower, pre-rolls, gel caps and vape carts. Cookies' overall vertical integration and seed-to-sale business allows for complete quality control at every step - from cultivation and production to retail experience. In addition to its selection of curated smoking supplies, the company also sells apparel and accessories for both men and women under the Cookies SF label. To learn more, please visit www.cookiescalifornia.com. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the distribution of the Cookies brand in Oregon, the revenue impact of strategic partnerships and the proposed acquisition of Lunchbox Alchemy. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management of SLANG at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to regulatory risks, risks related to the COVID-19 global pandemic, changes in laws, resolutions and guidelines, market risks, concentration risks, operating history, competition, the risks associated with international and foreign operations and the other risks identified under the headings "Risk Factors" in SLANG's final long form prospectus dated January 17, 2019 and "Risks and Uncertainties" in the management discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2019, as filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. SLANG is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/58548 Returning loved ones to the earth and laying them to rest in native bush could soon be a burial option in the Whakatane district. The council is consulting with the community on the option and if it receives a favourable response, natural burials could be available at the bush alongside the Hillcrest Cemetery within two months following an amendment to the cemeteries and crematoria bylaw. Natural burials were discussed at the Whakatane District Councils projects and services committee meeting this week with Mark Blackham, founder of Natural Burials New Zealand, invited to speak. He told of being inspired to advocate for natural burials after his daughter, Ceitein, died at birth and he was unable to say goodbye to her in the way he wanted. He wanted to bury her among trees but at the time natural burials were unheard of. It just seemed peaceful to me and I resolved then to make it an option." In 2008, he was successful in advocating for a natural cemetery in Wellington. Since then, a little girl called Hope was the first person under 10 to be buried in a natural way. She died of cancer and I cant tell you how much it meant to her parents to have her buried naturally rather than be cremated or laid to rest amongst cold stone. In response to questioning from councillor Gavin Dennis, Mark says natural burials can take place on hillsides and people generally wanted to see less infrastructure around them and are happy to wear their gumboots to visit their loved one. People also generally preferred them to be separate from more traditional cemeteries. Councillor Nandor Tanczos asked if people provided their own trees. Mark says usually trees are provided by the council as the first trees needed to be hardy, without need for the protection of canopy trees. After that, more varieties of trees would become available. He also says planting should not happen in summer. Councillor Lesley Immink questioned council staff as to why the proposed fee for a natural burial is higher than for a traditional burial. Community services general manager Mike Naude says this is because a natural burial needed far more space for tree roots and traditional burials allowed for a greater density of burials. Burials in the Whakatane district are cost neutral, but cremation remains the cheapest option at $560 for an adult cremation on a weekday. At the moment, 70 per cent of people choose cremation rather than burial. Although only favoured by a small percentage of the population currently, council staff anticipate natural burials will become increasingly popular so have visited several natural burial sites around the country to increase their understanding. At this stage, the council is considering placing natural burials in the bush alongside the Hillcrest Cemetery as it is a tranquil and accessible location. The Hillcrest Cemetery is expected to be at full capacity for traditional burials by 2029. The Domain Road Cemetery is already at full capacity so it not considered suitable but the Taneatua, Waimana and Galatea cemeteries may be considered in the future if there is local community demand. Some in the community passionate about natural burials have proposed a separate site at Karaponga Reserve, but the council is not yet investigating this option. Mayor Judy Turner says allowing natural burials at Hillcrest would allow them to happen for the short-term while longer term options, which would require resource consent, were explored. Natural burials are steadily rising in popularity as people strive to become more environmentally friendly, even in death. When buried naturally, a body will be placed in a shallow plot, in an environmentally friendly coffin made of soft, untreated wood or cardboard, or in a shroud. Compost will be placed with the body and a native tree planted on top. Eventually the natural cemetery will become native bush and a permanent living memorial to those buried there. Natural burials are considered better for the environment as they aid rapid decomposition and an uptake in nutrient release, whereas traditional post-death disposition practices are considered resource-heavy and can damage the environment through harmful processes such as embalming. The proposal cost of a natural burial at the Hillcrest Cemetery are: Natural burial plot: $2035 Interment fee: $1000 Tree: $150 Compost: $300 Total: $3485 ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- New York Health Forum (NYHF) will hold its 14th annual forum, "A Closer Look at Healthcare Investment: After COVID-19" at the Princeton Club of New York City on September 23, 2020. Over 100 individuals including investors, industry leaders, and physicians will attend this forum. The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked new conversations around investments in biotech, pharma, and healthcare, which is drastically changing the landscape of these industries. The upcoming forum will specifically discuss how to navigate the evolving trends of the healthcare industry in the post-crisis world. NYHF will host multiple expert panel discussions and provide forum attendees with the opportunity to meet new and current investors, such as private equity investors, venture capitalists, research analysts, and industry executives who seek business development opportunities in the life sciences. Dr. DoHyun Cho, the Chairman of the New York Health Forum, stated that "the NYHF intends to build connections among healthcare leaders and business developers and instigate collaborations to address the future needs of human health. And this upcoming forum will bring a new spotlight to the field of therapeutics after the COVID-19 pandemic subsides." W Medical Strategy Group (WMSG) operates the media division to provide an enriched platform to professionals in the healthcare industry. WMSG hosts the NYHF, where discussions on the latest trends and issues on healthcare take place. The NYHF successfully facilitates fruitful networking opportunities for physicians, industry leaders, bio companies, and investors. You can visit the NYHF website to register for the upcoming forum. About the New York Health Forum The New York Health Forum was founded to strengthen healthcare partnerships and knowledge sharing around the world by supporting innovation and collaboration in global medicine and life sciences. Following the motto, scientia potentia est ("knowledge is power"), the NYHF brings together knowledge from industry experts, academia, medical and research facilities, service providers, financial investors, and policymakers to expand the scope of healthcare. The accumulated knowledge has fueled the unparalleled development of the healthcare industry and has empowered the growth of one of the most rapidly changing fields of the 21st century. http://www.nyhealthforum.net About WMSG W Medical Strategy Group is a cross-border healthcare consulting firm that uses deep industry expertise and to help companies achieve optimal business results. https://www.wmedical.org Contact: Alice Kim Analyst [email protected] SOURCE W Medical Strategy Group Full-time workers at Incheon International Airport Corp. protest the company's decision to grant regular employment status to to 1,902 current contract or part-time security officers working at the airport, Monday. / Yonhap By Jun Ji-hye The presidential office defended the Incheon International Airport Corp.'s (IIAC) decision to change the status of 1,902 contract and part-time security officers working at the airport to regular workers, Thursday, signaling that there is no room for the airport operator to reverse the decision despite public criticism from certain areas. Hwang Deok-soon, senior secretary to President Moon Jae-in for employment, said the move was aimed at enhancing fairness in the labor market and better protecting irregular workers in accordance with Moon's election pledges, noting that it was not about fairness in the hiring process of state-run companies. The decision, announced Monday, has been drawing fierce criticism from young jobseekers and existing full-time workers. Jobseekers are claiming that they could be "victims" of the move as it would reduce the number of regular jobs at the IIAC at a time when many young people, mostly university graduates, are spending much time and money in trying to get a job there. The operator of the nation's main gateway has been one of the most popular public enterprises among jobseekers. Lucknow, June 25 : Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav is back into the election mode and that too without stepping out of house. He has started connecting with party workers, students, friends and common people through video calls. Yadav asks them about their problems, reminding them of the benefits of his regime and also the manner in which the present Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is ignoring them. The SP chief in the past few days has made video calls to party leaders and eminent citizens in Azamgarh -- his parliamentary constituency, Farrukhabad, Agra, Ghazipur, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Auraiyya, Kannauj, Varanasi and Barabanki. In Varanasi, he interacted with local weavers and discussed their problems. "The party president has also spoken to his contacts in the USA and the UK and took feedback on issues related to coronavirus and economy," said party spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary. He said Yadav also made video calls to journalists in Leh and Ladakh on Wednesday and discussed the prevailing situation there after the India-China face-off. Akhilesh, who had been observing lockdown since March, has got back to work. Though he is still not meeting party workers at the party office, he's interacting with them through video links. He is collecting information from every district and making organizational changes based on the feedback. Earlier, during the lockdown, when politics in the state was on pause, Yadav, according to sources, used his time for reading and listening to music. The SP president also kept monitoring food distribution being done by party leaders and workers. He also spent time with father Mulayam Singh Yadav who lives at a stone's throw distance from his house. Besides his morning and evening workouts, he spent time with wife Dimple and three children. Vernon Downs hosted two divisions of the New York Sire Stakes (NYSS) for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings on Wednesday (June 24), and a pair of Chapter Seven colts proved best in their respective races. Third Shift ($2.80, Ake Svanstedt) won the $59,000 first division impressively. Take The Credit (Andy Miller) took the early lead, but Bluffinner (Trond Smedshammer) found the front before hitting the first quarter in :28. He was followed by the coupled entry of Take The Credit and Third Shift as they hit the half in :58.2. Third Shift made his move from third as they headed for the last turn, and he got a clear lead before hitting three-quarters in 1:26.2 and pouring it on in the stretch for an easy win in 1:54.3, a lifetime best. Take The Credit came up to finish second, and Ballcapnbluejeans (Mark MacDonald) fired late to take third. Third Shift, a son of Chapter Seven owned by Melby Gard Inc. and trainer Svanstedt, now has four career wins. Berkery J ($13.60, Scott Zeron) charged late to capture the $58,000 second division. At the start they would be five wide as they went by the stands for the first time. Beerthirty K (Tyler Buter) won a five-way battle for the early lead, working his way clear through a :28.1 quarter. Barn Holden then took over and controlled middle splits of :56.4 and 1:25.4, but Berkery J made his move from third nearing the turn for home. He took over at mid-stretch and held off a late surge from Chaptiama (Trond Smedshammer) to win in a lifetime best of 1:54.2. Barn Holden settled for third. Berkery J, also by Chapter Seven, is owned by Kenneth Jacobs and trained by George Ducharme. He now owns four career victories. Live racing returns to Vernon Downs on Thursday (June 25), with a 13-race card at 4 p.m. (Vernon Downs) Ho Chi Minh city People's Committee Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong welcomes Swiss Ambassador Ivo Sieber. (Photo: SGGP) So said Nguyen Thanh Phong, Chairman of the city Peoples Committee, during his reception for Mr. Ivo Sieber, new Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam. According to Mr. Phong, Ho Chi Minh city has concentrated its efforts on building a smart city; making the city into a highly interactive innovation area; and building the city into a regional financial center. He expressed his hope that the Swiss Ambassador would connect the city with Switzerland in commercial investment activities, cooperate in building a smart city, introduce new technologies in the field of innovation, and enhance cooperation in exchange, culture, health and tourism. The city is also interested in wastewater treatment, renewable energy and green energy, which is Switzerland's strength, he said, urging the Swiss Ambassador to support the re-signing of the MOU between Ho Chi Minh city and Geneva city in the near future. He added that the year 2021 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This is also an important milestone in diplomatic relations and the two sides need to coordinate to organize the events, he went on to say. Impressed by the fight against COVID-19, Ambassador Ivo Sieber thanked Ho Chi Minh citys leaders for their support of foreign citizens, including Swiss citizens during the pandemic. Talking about the cooperation between Switzerland and Ho Chi Minh city, he said that the two sides have great potential for cooperation. He committed to support the city in re-signing the MOU with Geneva, and to work with the city in carrying out activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Switzerland. On the same day, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Phong received Mr. Gareth Ward, the UK Ambassador to Vietnam, in which he confirmed that the city would create favorable conditions for foreign investors and ensure preventive measures against COVID-19 for investors. Ho Chi Minh city People's Committee Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong receives UK Ambassador Gareth Ward. (Photo: SGGP) He also expressed his confidence that as the Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) came into effect, trade relations between the UK with Vietnam in general and with the city in particular will have new developments. Expressing his thanks to the city for protecting UK citizens' health in the COVID-19 pandemic, Ambassador Gareth Ward said that the Government and the British media were impressed by the quality of the Vietnamese health service during the treatment for the British pilot, bringing about surprisingly positive results. He also pledged that the UK would actively participate in developing urban construction projects, smart transport and flood prevention in Ho Chi Minh city while continuing to promote cooperation between the two countries./. With nearly 10 million Covid-19 patients across the globe and over 4.8 coronavirus fatalities, the need for a Covid-19 antidote becomes more urgent by the day. The University of Oxford and AstraZeneca Plc.s experimental vaccine, ChAdOx1-S, has become the first to enter the final stages of clinical trials against the coronavirus disease. But Oxford and AstraZenecas collaborative initiative is not the only one in the race to arrive at a potential Covid-19 vaccine. According to the World Health Organisations draft landscape of Covid-19 vaccines, there were 10 candidates in the advanced clinical trials and 115 in preclinical evaluation stages on June 12. On June 22, 13 experimental vaccines were there in clinical trials and another 129 in the preclinical evaluation stage. The latest WHO draft notifies 16 experimental vaccines to be in clinical trials and another 125 in the preclinical evaluation stage as of June 24. CanSino Biological Inc./Beijing Institute of Biotechnology; Moderna/NIAID; Wuhan Institute of Biological Products/Sinopharm; Beijing Institute of Biological Products/Sinopharm; Sinovac; Novavax; BioNTech/Fosun Pharma/Pfizer; Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences; Inovio Pharmaceuticals; Genexine Consortium; Gamaleya Research Institute; Clover Biopharmaceuticals Inc./GSK/Dynavax; Anhui Zhifei Longcom Biopharmaceutical/Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Imperial College London and Curevac are 15 other contenders who have their experimental vaccines in the clinical trials phase, WHOs latest draft landscape states. Spearheading the effort to formulate a Covid-19 vaccine are US-based Moderna Inc. and Chinas Sinovac Biotech - both will enter the final stage of trials next month. Beijing-based China National Biotec Group Co. is the latest to receive regulatory approval to conduct phase 3 trials of its Covid-19 vaccines in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday. Indian companies are also partnering to develop vaccine candidates that are currently in the preclinical trial stages.Serum Institute of India (SII) has partnerships with US-biotech firm Codagenix, Austrias Themis Bioscience and Oxford-AstraZeneca. Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad is working on three vaccine candidates. Delhi-based Panacea Biotec is partnering with Refana Inc. in the US to develop an inactivated whole virus vaccine. Zydus Cadila in Ahmedabad and Hyderabad-based India Immunologicals have also formed partnerships to develop Covid-19 vaccines. The decision was made at a government meeting. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says the Cabinet of Ministers has appointed Serhiy Shkarlet acting Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine. "We're appointing the acting Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine and the duties will be performed by Serhiy Shkarlet," he said at a government meeting on June 25. Read alsoUkraine doesn't make amendments to education law other than those recommended by Venice Commission FM Kuleba Shkarlet is a Doctor of Economics, professor, and was granted the title "Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine." He had been rector of Chernihiv National University of Technology since May 2010, the Novoye Vremya news outlet wrote on June 25. The newly appointed official declared UAH 513,000 (US$19,250) in income for 2019. He also indicated UAH 70,000 (US$2,627) and US$30,000, while his wife declared UAH 15,000 (US$563) and US$32,000 in cash. Shkarlet is not a real estate owner, while his wife owns a 76.9-square-meter apartment in the city of Chernihiv. The official has two cars: a 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser 200 and a 2013 Mitsubishi Pajero Wagon. His wife owns a 2012 Ford Kuga Titanium. There were accusations of plagiarism in Shkarlet's works, which he denies. He also believes that external independent testing for school graduates in Ukraine should remain in place, but he does not rule out its format may change. As UNIAN reported, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, on June 17 registered draft resolution No. 3675 to appoint the rector of Chernihiv National University of Technology to the post of Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine. On June 18, lawmaker from the ruling Servant of the People Party Oleksandr Kachura said that President Volodymyr Zelensky had asked the Servant of the People parliamentary faction to back Shkarlet's candidacy for the education minister's post. On June 19, Kachura announced that there were not enough votes in his faction for Shkarlet's appointment. The appointment of an acting minister does not require the vote in parliament. According to Ukrainian MP (from the Servant of the People faction) Iryna Vereshchuk, the Verkhovna Rada's relevant committee had questions about the alleged presence of plagiarism in Shkarlet's doctoral thesis and about his "political bias," as, according to some media reports, he had allegedly been a member of the then Party of Regions. The Education Minister's post had been vacant since March 4, 2020, after the Oleksiy Honcharuk government was disbanded and the then Education Minister Hanna Novosad refused to work in the new government. Prior to Shkarlet's appointment, the post was occupied by acting minister Yuriy Polyukhovych and then by acting minister Lubomyra Mandziy. Pakistan PM Imran Khan calls 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden 'martyr' International pti-PTI Islamabad, Jun 25: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday called slain al Qaeda chief and 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden a "shaheed" (martyr) and said that Islamabad faced "embarrassment" by taking part in America's war on terror. Speaking in parliament during the budget session, Khan said the American forces entered Pakistan and killed Laden without informing Islamabad after which everyone started abusing his country. "I don't think there's a country which supported the war on terror and had to face embarrassment for it. Pakistan was also openly blamed for US' failure in Afghanistan," Khan said. "For Pakistanis across the globe, it was an embarrassing moment when the Americans came and killed Osama bin Laden at Abottabad...martyred him. The whole world started abusing us after that. Our ally came inside our country and killed someone without informing us. And, 70,000 Pakistanis died because of US' war on terror," he said. Covid-19: CBSE and ICSE cancel class 10th and class 12th board exams | Oneindia News Bin Laden was killed by US Navy Seals in Pakistan's Abbottabad in May, 2011. Khan's remarks drew criticism from the Opposition. "Osama bin Laden was a terrorist and our PM called him a martyr. He was behind massacre of thousands," said Khawaja Asif of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. In his address the prime minister also defended his government's response to the coronavirus crisis, saying there has been no confusion or contradiction in official policies since the start of the pandemic. "They say again and again that there was confusion ... if there was one country whose government did not have confusion, it was ours," Khan was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper. People give the example of New Zealand when talking about social distancing, he said, adding that "New Zealand has social distancing already" with a low population density. "I said from day one we had a dual problem; we had to save the people from corona and hunger, and those dying from poverty," he added, acknowledging that his government had to face "a lot of criticism" at the start and there was pressure to implement a more strict lockdown as was done by India. Reiterating the "destruction" a sweeping lockdown could cause to a country, Khan said: "India's reports are in front of the world". The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan crossed 192,000-mark, while the death toll reached 3,903 on Thursday. Lawsuit is latest in series of legal challenges targeting fossil fuel firms for their alleged role in global warming. The state of Minnesota on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the American Petroleum Institute (API), Exxon Mobil Corp and Koch Industries for what it called a decades-long campaign to deceive the public about climate change. The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges by states, cities, and citizen groups targeting fossil fuel companies for their role in global warming. It is also the first naming the API, the nations main oil and gas industry lobby group, as a defendant. Attorney General Keith Ellison said the state believed the API, Exxon and Koch violated Minnesota laws barring consumer fraud, deceptive trade practices and false advertising. The complaint alleges the companies and industry body strategized to deceive the public about climate science to protect their business interests and accused them of a multi-pronged campaign of deception conducted during the last 30 years. The fraud, deceptive advertising, and other violations of Minnesota state law and common law that the lawsuit shows they perpetrated have harmed Minnesotans health and our states environment, infrastructure, and economy, Ellison said. He said the state has asked a Minnesota district court to require the defendants to fund an education campaign on climate change and pay for damages caused by global warming. Exxon spokesman Casey Norton called the lawsuit part of a coordinated, politically motivated campaign against energy companies. The API did not directly comment on the lawsuit, but said the oil industry had been working to provide affordable, reliable energy to US consumers while substantially reducing emissions and our environmental footprint. Any suggestion to the contrary is false, said API Chief Legal Officer Paul Afonso. In January, API launched an advertising campaign touting the role of natural gas in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A Koch official did not immediately respond to a request for comment. At least 15 other plaintiffs, including states, cities and youth and citizen groups, have filed similar lawsuits against the oil and gas industry, including Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. In December, Exxon prevailed in a case brought by New York that accused the oil major of failing to disclose the financial risks of climate change to investors. Abhishek Bachchan has been revisiting memories from the making of his various films while documenting his 20-year journey in Bollywood on Instagram. He has now shared information about his two 2012 releases: Players and Bol Bachchan. Sharing how wife Aishwarya had flown to join him on his birthday during the New Zealand schedule of Players, Abhishek wrote, We shot a lot of the film in New Zealand. I remember it was my birthday and @aishwaryaraibachchan_arb had flown down to be with me. The same evening New Zealand had also won the Rugby 7s tournament in Wellington. Needless to say it was a memorable night. Everybody was on the streets in celebration. It was amazing. In the middle of all this chaos. We all managed to bump into another desi there who was playing the dhol. You can imagine what we all did after that. Wellington was jamming to the beats of the dhol and the streets were filled with New Zealanders dancing the Bhangra thanks to the players. Players was the official Hindi remake of The Italian Job and was helmed by filmmaker duo Abbas Mustan. Abhishek said he had always wished to act in a film directed by them and thankfully got the opportunity with Players. The film boasted of a huge starcast including Vinod Khanna, Bipasha Basu, Sonam Kapoor, Bobby Deol, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Sikandar Kher, Omi Vaidya and Johnny Lever. Players was followed by Bol Bachchan six months later which also starred Ajay Devgn, Asin and Prachi Desai. Talking about the Rohit Shetty directorial, Abhishek wrote, Bol Bachchan was the reunion of team Zameen! It was so nice to see @itsrohitshetty grow and evolve from his first film-Zameen to the mega director of Bol Bachchan. @ajaydevgn and Rohit are like brothers to me. Very protective and loving towards me. I was so honoured to work with all the wonderful cast they had put together for this film. A cast filled with some of the best comedic talent we have in India. To be honest it was intimidating. You had the bring you A game to set everyday or these actors would have you for breakfast. So exciting. Also read: One could make a film about the corrupt practices of Bollywood: Abhay Deol posts on Shanghai A very challenging role and I hope I managed to fulfil Rohits vision for Ali/Abhishek. Rohit believes in treating his entire unit like one big happy family from everyone eating together to playing together to travelling together to making a super-hit together! What an experience! he added. Abhishek will now be seen in his debut web show, Breathe Into The Shadows on Amazon Prime Video. It will release on July 1. He also has a set of films in his kitty including Anurag Basus Ludo, Bob Biswas and The Big Bull. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON 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. ALBANY Health care and other "essential" workers will be exempted from an executive order signed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo late Wednesday that requires travelers who enter New York after visiting states with high rates of coronavirus infections to self-quarantine for 14 days. The quarantine order was also adopted by Connecticut and New Jersey on Wednesday. It's unclear how the mandatory quarantines will be enforced, or whether police or other enforcement agencies will track travelers or set up checkpoints at terminals, including airports and bus stations, or along highways as Florida did in late March when Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a similar quarantine order targeting New York and other northeast states where the virus was raging. On March 28, Cuomo criticized Rhode Island for setting up border checkpoints and stopping vehicles with New York license plates to question drivers about their travel plans, and to remind them to quarantine if necessary. "I don't think that's legal," Cuomo had said. "If they don't roll back that policy, I'm going to sue Rhode Island, because that clearly is unconstitutional. I understand the goal and I could set up my borders and say, 'I'm not letting anyone in until they take a test to see whether or not they have the virus.' But, you know, there's a point of absurdity, and I think that what Rhode Island did is at that point of absurdity." In an interview with CNN on Thursday, Cuomo said New York will not set up a "blockade" but offered no detail on how the quarantine will be enforced, although he implied there will be "random checks." "I don't believe a blockade is legal. The federal government at one time threatened to blockade New York, which means you couldn't come in, you couldn't go out," he told CNN. "I don't believe that's constitutional, but states do have the authority to regulate their own public health. The law is if you come in from another state you have to self-quarantine for 14 days. If you don't, and you get caught, you will have violated the law. You can be fined. ... But if you fly into New York, we'll have your name, we'll know where you're supposed to be staying, there will be random checks. You get pulled over by a police officer and he looks at where your residence is and says, 'How long have you been here?'" The state Health Department provided some guidance on its website early Thursday that laid out rules for someone returning to New York, including mandating that they remain in "separate quarters with a separate bathroom facility for each individual or family group." If it is a single family member who is quarantined, though, then the person must remain isolated from other members of the household and have food delivered to them. "A system for temperature and symptom monitoring must be implemented to provide assessment in-place for the quarantined persons in their separate quarters," the guidance states. "Nearby medical facilities must be notified, if the individual begins to experience more than mild symptoms and may require medical assistance. The quarters must be secure against unauthorized access." But the rules are murky for essential workers a long list of professions that are summarized on a different Health Department web page and includes jobs ranging from auto repair to convenience store clerks. It's unclear whether commercial truckers will be exempted, but the state's directive from late March determining essential workers includes "mail and shipping services" though it's unclear if that's a category that includes interstate truckers. The guidance also calls for "essential" transporters to remain in their vehicles and limit their contact with others if they are delivering goods to New York. There are other limitations for visiting essential workers, based on how long they are going to be in New York, that primarily require them to avoid contact with others, wear a mask and be tested for COVID-19 if they will be in the state more than 36 hours. But the guidance directive still leaves many questions unanswered. It does not, for instance, specify whether an essential worker who visits a high-risk state for a vacation or unofficial purpose would be exempted upon returning to New York and resuming their job duties. Someone who passes through a high-risk state, and may visit a few rest areas along the way or have a layover at an airport, they are not required to self-quarantine upon entering New York. In recent days, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo has said that state may also implement a new quarantine on out-of-state travel, as many other states have done, including Alaska, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont. The quarantine orders will affect potentially tens of thousands of business travelers and vacationing families who may visit states flagged as high-risk. It is also being implemented near the beginning of what in normal years would be the height of summer vacation season. Cuomo first suggested a quarantine period for visitors last week and doubled down on the assertions a few days ago saying residents of states where cases are on the rise, including Florida and Texas, could trigger a new spike in infections while visiting New York. "We have a calibration for the infection rate, and any state that goes over the infection rate ... will be subject to the quarantine," Cuomo said. "It's only for the simple reason that we worked very hard to get the viral transmission rate down, and we don't want to see it go back up." States will be included in the advisory if 10 per 100,000 residents or 10 percent of the total population tests positive on a seven-day rolling average, Cuomo said. States flagged by New York health officials as of Thursday include Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah and Texas. The mandate went into effect at 12:01 a.m. Thursday. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut governors said each state will enforce the order differently, but in New York, a person who violates the advisory could be subject to mandatory quarantine through a "judicial order" or fines of up to $10,000, Cuomo said. Each state will each update its respective website "regularly" with a list of states included in the advisory. Cuomo had suggested Wednesday that, in addition to police pulling over cars with out-of-state plates, hotel clerks could flag travelers breaking quarantine rules. "It's not impossible to enforce. States all across the country have been doing this for months (on) New Yorkers who would go to their state," Cuomo said. "It is hard to get 100 percent enforcement. You can't track down everyone who comes from these states, but that's not what enforcement is either. You never enforce every law 100 percent." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 13:50 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066191393 1 Lifestyle Social-Bella,Lilla-by-Sociolla,Sociolla,motherhood,family,personal-care,beauty Free Jakarta-based beauty technology company Social Bella launched on Thursday an e-commerce platform that focuses on mothers and family. Named Lilla by Sociolla, the new platform offers curated and Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM)-certified personal care, treatment and hygiene products for the segment, including for prenatal and postnatal periods. According to a statement, around 100 brands are available on the platform, with more to come. Social Bella public relations head Febrina Herlambang said the company aimed to encourage mothers in Indonesia to pamper themselves while taking care of their family. Wed like to say: Its OK, mom, you deserve to enjoy your me-time while being a mother, said Febrina in the statement. The homepage (left) of e-commerce platform for mothers and family, Lilla by Sociolla. (Lilla by Sociolla/File) According to Febrina, Indonesia lacks platforms for mothers to find references about personal care and beauty products. We hope that Lilla by Sociolla can help fulfill their needs of self-care. Established in 2015, Social Bella is mainly known for its beauty e-commerce platform Sociolla, with offline stores in Jakarta and Surabaya in East Java. Amid the epidemic, the company recently donated 1,100 packages of personal care products to medical workers in COVID-19 hospitals across the capital city. (wir/kes) READING, Pa. - For the kids, it's a cool way to live in the moment, but for Reading Mayor Eddie Moran, it's a cool way to go back in time. "It brought back some great memories of my childhood in New York City," said Moran. +8 PHOTOS: Wacky Water Wednesday: Pop-up spray park in Reading With Reading's lone swimming pool still closed, city children were treated to another way to cool off on Wednesday. Times have changed since the days people could crank their nearest hydrant loose on a hot summer day, but it's because the times have changed again at the hands of a pandemic that Reading Recreation Commission leaders decided to pour their hearts into "Wacky Water Wednesdays." It's an initiative that will crank a hydrant somewhere in the city every Wednesday through Sept. 2. "Since COVID-19, we've been stuck inside, so it's great," said Kemmy Francis of Reading. Pandemic delays opening of Reading's Schlegel Park Pool As of now, there is no target date for when the pool could be ready to open. Francis and her two kids used to spend their days at Schlegel Park Pool, but the pandemic, along with overdue repairs, have the pool closed for now. On this day, at the corner of South Third and Spruce streets, her kids are having just as much fun. "I know my kids are going to have fun this summer, because it's going to be every Wednesday," said Francis. With fire and police keeping an eye on the kids, the city will use water-conserving caps on the hydrants, bringing flow down from 1,000 gallons a minute to 25. "I'm delighted," Moran said. "I'm thrilled that we're able to make this happen for our little guys." Stocks to watch today: Here is a list of top stocks that are likely to be in focus in Thursday's trading session based on latest developments. Investors are also awaiting March quarter earnings that are scheduled to be released today. Companies set to announce their earnings are Ashok Leyland, IDFC, CONCOR, HAL, Apollo Hospitals, IOB, Bank of India, ION Exchange, Indiabulls Ventures, Endurance Tech, JB Chemicals, ICRA among others. Key highlights on share market; check the latest stock market news On Wednesday, Sensex closed 561 points lower at 34,868 and Nifty fell 165 points to 10,305. On the currency front, Rupee ended stronger at 75.72 per dollar as against the previous closing of 75.64 per dollar today On a net basis, FIIs bought Rs 1,766.9 crore while DIIs sold Rs 1,524.9 crore worth in equities on Wednesday Share Market LIVE: Sensex drops 280 points, Nifty at 10,234; Ashok Leyland, IDFC, Bank of India results today Tata Power: The company board has approved raising authorised share capital by Rs 200 crore to Rs 779 crore. BPCL: Company plans to raise Rs 3,000 crore during fiscal 2021 via NCDs. Bharti Infratel: Company said it has decided to extend the deadline for completion of merger with Indus Towers by over two months till 31 August. Canara Bank: Company reported a standalone net loss of Rs 3,259 crore for Q4FY20, as against a net loss of Rs 552 crore in the corresponding period of the previous financial year. GAIL: Company reported a 170% growth in its fourth-quarter net profit, as lower corporate tax rate offset lower petrochemical and natural gas prices. Prestige Estates: Company reported a 64% fall in its consolidated net profit to Rs 51.1 crore for the quarter ended March, as against Rs 141.9 crore in the year-ago period. India Glycols: Company board approved raising Rs 250 crore via equity. Embassy Parks REIT: Company said Blackstone Group has raised $302 million through after selling 6.7 crore units in Embassy Office Parks REIT at Rs 341 each. General Insurance Corp: Company reported near doubling of its net profit to Rs 1,197.4 crore for the March quarter,as against Rs 603.4 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal. Company's net premium rose to Rs 8,439.9 crore YoY as against Rs 5,774.8 crore. Reliance Industries: The Competition Commission has approved Facebook's proposed acquisition of 9.99% stake in Jio Platforms. Karur Vysya Bank: Company profit stood at Rs 83.70 crore in Q4FY20 as against profit of Rs 60 crore in a year ago period. Company's revenue came in at Rs 590.48 crore in Q4FY20 versus Rs 619.23 crore in Q4FY19. Earnings today: Ashok Leyland, IDFC, CONCOR, HAL, Apollo Hospitals, IOB, Bank of India, ION Exchange, Indiabulls Ventures, Endurance Tech, JB Chemicals, ICRA among others will report their Q4 results today. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 25, 2020) - Ely Gold Royalties Inc. (TSXV: ELY) (OTCQX: ELYGF) ("Ely Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed an independent Technical Report on SEDAR titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Jerritt Canyon Mine, Elko County, Nevada, USA" prepared by Behre Dolbear and dated May 8, 2020 (the "Technical Report"). The Technical Report conforms to National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The Technical Report can also be found on the Company's website in the Technical Documents. The Company currently has two producing royalties on the Jerritt Canyon Mine and Facilities: Jerritt Canyon Net Smelter Returns Royalty (the "NSR Royalty") The closing of a 0.5% purchase of the NSR Royalty on Jerritt Canyon from Eric Sprott ("Sprott") was announced on May 13, 2020. The NSR Royalty covers all current resources outlined in the Technical Report as well as the entire 119 square mile land package controlled by Jerritt Canyon Gold LLC ("JCG"). Ely Gold is pleased to announce that it has received its first NSR Royalty payment from JCG in the amount of US$156,632.00. The payment included royalties earned from February 3, to March 31, 2020 Jerritt Canyon Per Ton Royalty (the "PTR Royalty"). The PTR Royalty purchase closed on September 9, 2019 and included 100% of all rights and interests of the PTR on the Jerritt Canyon Processing Facilities from an arms-length third party. The PTR Royalty was granted in an Amended License Agreement dated May 19, 2015, granting a perpetual license for the patent to certain proprietary scrubbing technology involved in the removal of mercury from gas that is currently being used at the Jerritt Canyon Processing Facilities. The License Agreement entitles Ely Gold to receive a PTR Payment based on overall throughput from mining operations at the Jerritt Canyon Processing Facilities with increasing PTR Payments at higher gold prices. Ely Gold has received PTR Royalty payments from JCG to date in 2020 of US$71,826.30. PTR Royalties are calculated, in US$, as: $0.15 per ton if the gold price is less than or equal to $1,300 per ounce; or $0.225 per ton if the gold price is greater than $1,300 but less than or equal to $1,600 per ounce; or $0.30 per ton if the gold price is greater than $1,600 but less than or equal to $2,000 per ounce; or $0.40 per ton if the gold price is greater than $2,000 per ounce. About Jerritt Canyon Gold was first discovered at the Jerritt Canyon Mine in 1972, with the first gold poured in 1981. Between 1981 and 1999, mining was conducted via open pit. Underground operations began in 1993 with the opening of the SSX-Steer Complex and Smith mine. Since 2015, the Jerritt Canyon Mine has been operated by JCG, a private mid-tier North American gold producer. Its primary assets are the permitted and operating Jerritt Canyon processing plant and associated four gold mines located 50 miles north of Elko, Nevada. According to JCG LLC, since mining began at Jerritt Canyon, more than eight million ounces of gold have been produced. The mineral processing operation at Jerritt Canyon is designed to process highly refractory gold ores up to 4,000 tpd and the mill reported processing in excess of 1.1 million tons in 2017 and 1.2 million tons in 2018. Gold mineralization at Jerritt Canyon occurs in both upper plate and lower plate stratigraphy. While approximately 30% of the 119 square mile land package has experienced first- pass exploration, most of the property outside the mined areas, has not been explored to date. Lower plate rocks are known to occur at Jerritt Canyon at surface, near-surface and under valley fill. About Ely Gold Royalties Inc. Ely Gold Royalties Inc. is a Nevada focused gold royalty company. Its current portfolio includes royalties on the Jerritt Canyon, Goldstrike and Marigold, three of Nevada's largest gold mines, as well as the Fenelon mine in Quebec, operated by Wallbridge Mining. The Company continues to actively seek opportunities to purchase producing or near-term producing royalties. Ely Gold also generates development royalties through property sales on projects that are located at or near producing mines. Management believes that due to the Company's ability to locate and purchase third-party royalties, its strategy of organically creating royalties and its gold focus, Ely Gold offers shareholders a favourable leverage to gold prices and low-cost access to long-term gold royalties in safe mining jurisdictions. Qualified Person Stephen Kenwood, P. Geo, is a director of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Kenwood has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release. The Company does not intend to file a technical report supporting disclosure with respect to acquisition of this royalty interest. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Signed "Trey Wasser" Trey Wasser, President & CEO For further information, please contact: Trey Wasser, President & CEO trey@elygoldinc.com 972-803-3087 Joanne Jobin, Investor Relations Officer jjobin@elygoldinc.com 647-964-0292 FORWARD-LOOKING CAUTIONS: This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including, but not limited to, statements regarding completion of the Transaction, a possible exercise of a buy-down right attached to the Probe Royalty, and a right of first refusal granted to Ely Gold. 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 Company's inability to control whether the buy-down right will ever be exercised, and whether the right of first refusal will ever be triggered, uncertainty as to whether any mining will occur on the property covered by the Probe Royalty such that the Company will receive any payment therefrom, and the general risks and uncertainties relating to the mineral exploration, development and production business. 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 effect. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/58556 By Jerri-Lynn Scofield, who has worked as a securities lawyer and a derivatives trader. She is currently writing a book about textile artisans. Bayer agreed to a $10.9 billion settlement yesterday, which resolves much but not all of the litigation risk it assumed when in 2018 it acquired Monsanto, the original manufacturer of the glyposate-based herbicide Roundup, according to the WSJ, Bayer to Pay Up to $10.9 Billion to Settle Lawsuits Over Roundup Weedkiller. Plaintiffs allege its product causes cancer a claim the company vehemently denies and insists is not supported by scientific evidence (for background on the litigation, see my previous posts, here, here, here, here, and here.) The company has lost three multi-million dollar jury verdicts, and faced tens of thousands of pending suits. Investors have become increasingly nervous about just how much litigation risk the company had held until yesterday. Indeed, there was massive shareholder unrest over these liabilities, which spilled over to outright revolt last year. The settlement leaves open the possibility of future litigation. Per the WSJ: Wednesdays deal, which follows months of heated talks between Bayer and plaintiffs attorneys, doesnt change anything in Bayers view that glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, is safe and doesnt cause cancer. Bayer didnt admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement and continued to defend its decision to purchase Monsanto. The company will continue to sell Roundup. The agreement, however, leaves open the potential of more lawsuits being filed against the company in the future, an issue investors have been particularly concerned about. As part of the deal, Bayer said it has set aside between $8.8 billion and $9.6 billion to settle claims brought by lawyers representing some 95,000 plaintiffs, as well as some 30,000 more claims that havent yet agreed to the settlement. The company said it would set aside another $1.25 billion to work toward a resolution of future claims, including funding a panel to evaluate whether the product causes cancer. The findings from that panel are geared to help shape the outcome of litigation going forward. The company seeks in these future potential lawsuits to take the determination away from juries as to whether glyphosate causes cancer. Over to the WSJ: That Bayers Roundup products will continue to be sold, without a cancer warning label, leaves the company exposed to future lawsuits. It creates a unique legal conundrum for the company over how best to guard itself against potential future litigation. To attempt to resolve the key question of whether glyphosate is a carcinogen, Bayer is seeking court permission to create a class of future plaintiffs and fund a five-member scientific panel that will spend several years evaluating the link between Roundup and cancer. The panel will report its findings to U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria in San Francisco. A conclusion that the product doesnt cause cancer will essentially shut down any future cases. If the panel does find a link between Roundup and cancer, Bayer would have to fight plaintiff-by-plaintiff to prove the individuals cancer wasnt caused by the product, a point that unsettled some investors. Mr. Baumann said on a conference call Wednesday that while its not 100% certain, Bayer is confident the panel will back its view that glyphosate isnt carcinogenic. The company has previously said that hundreds of regulatory agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, and scientists have deemed the product safe. We need to take the decision about carcinogenicity of the product out of the hands of juries, said Mr. Baumann. The scientists on the panel, he said, would be selected both by Bayer and plaintiffs lawyers, to come to a fair and solid conclusion. The creation of such a court-overseen science panel is rare, said University of Georgia law professor Elizabeth Burch, and raises questions over whether future plaintiffs who may not be sick yet are getting a fair shot at pressing claims that Roundup caused their illnesses. Bayers Woes Not Confined to Use in US Glyphosate is currently licensed for use throughout the EU, accordimg to Deutsche Welle, Whats driving Europes stance on glyphosate. But this use is not uncontested, According to Deutsche Welle: The controversy surrounding glyphosate came to high drama in November 2017 when EU member states voted to extend the commercial license of the weed killer for a period of five years. The measure passed only narrowly and due to the yes vote of German Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt. Schmidts unilateral decision disregarded split opinions within Chancellor Angela Merkels cabinet that originally agreed Germany should abstain in the vote. Moreover, a European Parliament report issued in January 2019 found that EU regulators based their decision to relicense glyphosate on an assessment that was plagiarized from a coalition of pesticide companies, including Monsanto. The scandal has caused a number of countries in the bloc to introduce individual legislation banning or restricting the use of the substance. The state of EU public opinion is such that license is unlikely to be renewed, and many EU states have already banned its use. According to the Deutsche Welle account: In Europe, the shift in public opinion about glyphosate was illustrated by a 2016 poll in the five largest EU countries showing some 66% percent of respondents favoring a glyphosate ban. In 2017, over 1.3 million people signed a petition calling for a European ban of glyphosate, and putting pressure on Brussels to restrict or even ban the use of the herbicide. Two Additional Settlements At the same time as the gylphosate settment, Bayer agreed to two other settlements, including one relating to claims for another herbicide, dicamba. According to the Wall Street Journal: Bayer also said it would pay up to $400 million to resolve legal challenges and crop-damage claims to another of its herbicides, dicamba, which the company has marketed to kill weeds that have evolved to resist Roundup. Farmers and agricultural experts have blamed dicamba-based sprays for drifting on winds and damaging millions of acres of soybeans, peaches and other crops. For further background on this lawsuit, see this recent post and this update by the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting, In Roundup settlement, Bayer reaches $400 million deal with farmers over dicamba. The Bottom Line Within the US, Bayer will continue to try to settle glyphosate legal claims with plantiffs who have yet to sign onto the settlement. Bayer has not admitted Roundup causes cancer and indeed continues to insist otherwise and persists in defending its Monsanto acquisition. Roundup will continue to be sold without any cancer warning label. The leaked extracts of former national-security adviser John Boltons book have put into relief two sides of Donald Trump. The first is the charlatan. Theres nothing inherently wrong with a presidents thinking about his electoral chances while conducting foreign policy. In fact, American presidents are in an enviable position of doing so almost all the time. The preeminent global position of America on the world stage has a way of aligning Americas national interests with the electoral interests of the president. Win the war, win the election. Strike a deal thats a boon for the country, and its a boon for you too. And yet there are still ways of committing a kind of fraud in this enterprise. And if we believe the accounts Bolton has given of the presidents dealing with China, Donald J. Trump has done so. In Boltons account, Trump simply and slaveringly asked for Chairman Xis intervention to help him win in 2020. Bolton says Trump turned the conversation to the coming U.S. presidential election, alluding to Chinas economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure hed win. The specific request was increased agricultural purchases in key states for Trump. This request is, of course, a total betrayal of those who trusted Trump to rewrite our bad deals with China on trade. Trump promised to lower trade deficits, repatriate military-critical industry, and win back the kind of industry that would re-skill the American population and halt the downward mobility of our former industrial working class. Its also a wasted opportunity, as even Trumps phony trade war with China came at a very propitious time for American interests, and a difficult one for Chinese financial institutions. If Trump had patience and follow-through, he could have won lasting concessions. And we should have known. Trumps reluctance to criticize Chinas handling of COVID-19 in February was a worrying sign. The preliminary trade deal he had just announced with Chairman Xi had sent markets absolutely frothing as the election year began. And the markets were frothing. But COVID-19 has brought a wrecking ball through the planned 2020 narrative of the Trump campaign. Instead of successful management of the economy, we have a globally below-average management of a global pandemic. Story continues At the same time, Boltons book also reveals Trumps consistent reluctance to use massive force and his aversion to causing death. While Bolton argues for far more dramatic conventional military responses in North Korea and Iran, Trump wants to be a peacemaker, limit U.S. involvement, and limit the casualties. He would only target one airfield in Syria at a time when he was being backed into a leftover regime-change strategy by Bolton and others. He would target one terror mastermind in Iran, General Soleimani, not a major installation. An adviser convinces him to back off a planned response attack to Iran by saying it could lead to 150 casualties. Trump concluded immediately that the U.S. response favored by his staff was disproportionate. This is a contrast to predecessors. In elated moments, recent policymakers such as Barack Obama have said crass things like, Turns out Im really good at killing people. Or recall Hillary Clinton, weeks before Libya turned into a smoking ruin and the center of international human trafficking, bragging about the fish-gutting of Qaddafi: We came, we saw, he died. This reluctance has served Trump well. Unlike his more hawkish advisers, the one bit of foreign-policy wisdom Trump has might be a form of self-awareness: He knows that he should not be leading the nation into another major war. More from National Review An ongoing 100 per cent physical inspection of Chinese imports into India has taken a number of businesses by surprise, is leading to delays in the release of cargo, and is a major worry to the Indian smartphone industry in particular. Although there is a fair amount of tension between the two countries after a recent border skirmish, local news reports suggest that the new inspection regime was the result not of retaliatory action but of an IT system-based alert. Whatever the actual reason, ports and airports across the country have initiated physical checks on Chinese cargo since early this week. Not surprisingly, the mobile phone manufacturing industry has now stepped in, asking the Finance Ministry to stop 100 per cent examination at ports and airports. As the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association pointed out, production levels are down already and physical checks on items could make it difficult to sell items in the market when they have been handled. In the case of components packaged under certain temperature conditions, sales after inspection might even be impossible. The normal system allows goods to be cleared automatically without examination for regular importers recognised under AEO the Authorized Economic Operator system. At a time when demand for products is higher than supplies, sellers of a number of brands that operate on lean inventory levels are worried that sales will be badly hit. Component supply is also likely to be interrupted. China is a major sourcing base for Indias electronics industry, both in terms of components and a number of finished products. There have been some suggestions that this is a routine process that takes place on occasion, but the timing when demand is high after a major lockdown makes this a much more disruptive event than it might otherwise have been. On Tuesday, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the de facto end of what little remains of the lockdown he reluctantly and belatedly imposed in response to public demands to prevent the spread of COVID-19 The bulk of the UK economy, barring close proximity venues such as nightclubs, soft-play areas, indoor gyms, swimming pools and spas, will reopen July 4. All schools will reopen in September. Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street to attend his weekly Prime Minister Questions at the House of Commons, in London, Wednesday, June 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant) Johnson told MPs, Today we can say that our long national hibernation is beginning to come to an end and life is returning to our streets and shops. Social distancing was effectively ditched by Johnson. If people were unable be two metres apart, we will advise people to keep a social distance of one metre plus. The advice is meaningless. Everyone knows that social distancing is now over, as far as the government is concerned. The economy is being flung open, with millions being exposed to a still active and widespread virus. Wearing face masks is not being made mandatory, except on public transport. There is no scientific basis to any of this, with the pandemic still raging in Britain and claiming hundreds of lives every week. Johnson announced the end of lockdown on the day the UK recorded another 280 COVID-19 deaths and 921 fresh cases. On Wednesday, a further 154 deaths were announced. The real daily infection rate is many multiples higher than the 1,000 or so officially cited. Yesterday, Professor Anthony Costello, a critic of the governments homicidal herd immunity policy, tweeted, Leaked [Public Health England] document suggests 7000 new infections per day and R value possibly above 1. HuffPost UK exposed classified daily document released by Public Health England to health professionals across the UK. It wrote, The government is not certain that the coronavirus R [Reproduction] rate is below 1 in England, meaning the disease may not be under control even as lockdown restrictions are being lifted. For weeks, the government has claimed that the UKs R rate is between 0.7 and 0.9. Last Friday, the UKs COVID-19 alert level was downgraded from 4 to 3, meaning that the virus is no longer judged to be high or exponentially rising. HuffPost noted that there is uncertainty around the figure published by the government, which has been used to justify the lowering of the UKs alert levela copy of last Thursdays document, titled COVID-19 Situation Report and marked OFFICIAL SENSITIVE, states that because of uncertainty in how accurate the figure is we cannot preclude R being above 1 in England. The leaked PHE document states that the rate is believed to have risen recently, and explains: We believe that this is likely to be due to increasing mobility and mixing between households and in public and workplace settings Exposing government lies that the virus is on a downward curve, HuffPost reveals, The report also includes other data that have not been made publicmost notably that the daily estimate of the number of daily new infections last Thursday stood at 7,000. This is in contrast to the figure of actual positive tests reported for the same day, which was 1,346. Johnson announced the latest reopening measures even as he declared that further outbreaks of the deadly disease are a certainty, telling parliament that as we have seen in other countries, there will be flare-ups for which local measures will be needed and we will not hesitate to apply the brakes and re-introduce restrictions even at national levelif required. No such local lockdowns have been imposed as vast sections of the economy were reopened in recent weeks. This was despite the R value officially going above 1 in two regions of the countrywith a population of over 12 million. Outbreaks affecting hundreds of people have been recorded in recent days at food processing and meatpacking plants and in schools (see: Unite union facilitates cover-up of COVID-19 outbreak in UK meat processing plants). Johnson proceeded despite warnings from scientists that the full reopening of the economy risks a second wave of the pandemic. Moreover, the entire world, the UK included, is still being menaced by the first coronavirus wave, with fresh outbreaks everywhere and record daily increases worldwide. On Tuesday, more than 36,000 new cases were recorded in the US, the third highest number since May 1. In Brazil, there were nearly 30,000 new cases reported June 21, up 30 percent from two weeks ago. Speaking to Sky News Wednesday, Professor David King, who leads Independent Sagemade up of scientists concerned at the governments political misuse of scientific researchsaid, If we move too quickly, which is what I think is being proposed here, the risk of running into a second wave becomes very significant. I dont think theres anyone who can believe from the scientific point of view that this a wise move. On Wednesday, the presidents of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons, Nursing, Physicians and GPs signed an open letter in the British Medical Journal stating that the available evidence indicates that local flare-ups are increasingly likely and a second wave a real risk. The ruling elite across the UKs constituent nations are united in their determination to end the lockdown. Johnsons statement was followed Wednesday by Scottish National Party First Minister Nicola Sturgeon who said Scotlands lockdown will end with moves to reopen the rest of the economy between July 3 and July 15. From July 15, all holiday accommodation will open, along with indoor areas of pubs and restaurants and hairdressers and barbers. All museums, galleries, cinemas and libraries can open. Johnsons move was hailed in the media, with the Mail headlining, July 4 will be OUR Independence Day. The Daily Telegraph noted that some MPs had already dubbed the date Super Saturday, as restaurants, hotels, pubs and hairdressers will also be allowed to reopen, and air bridges established to save the summer holidays. The Sun, Daily Express and Metro all had front pages hailing the opening of pubs and photos of people carrying heavy trays of drinks. The ostensibly liberal Guardian editorialised that the direction of travel is welcome and Mr Johnson is justified in saying that the pandemic now appears to be under control. The Johnson government declared at the outset of the pandemic it was in favour of the infection of tens of millions of people to reach herd immunity. It was only prevented from carrying this out to due to public revulsion, with scientists insisting that it would lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths. The government imposed a lockdown, but this was months too late. As a result, this week the Financial Times gave a "cautious estimate" of 65,700 "excess UK deaths" due to COVID-19 up to June 22. This almost matches the 67,100 UK civilian deaths in World War II. Even the governments own highly manipulated figures record over 43,000 deadthe third highest death rate in the world behind the United States and Brazil. Johnson has only been able to survive in power and continue to recklessly endanger lives due to the unqualified support he receives from the Labour Party, which operates as a de facto national coalition. Responding to Johnson in parliament, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer did not even mention the horrific death toll and herd immunity policy, while reassuring Johnson, When I was elected leader of the Labour Party, I said that I would offer constructive opposition, with the courage to support the Government where they are doing the right thing. Therefore, overall I welcome the Prime Ministers statement. I believe that the Government are trying to do the right thing, and in that we will support them. Johnson could do nothing but reply that he was grateful for the spirit, the manner and the constructive way in which he [Starmer] has responded. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-26 01:50:24|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LJUBLJANA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Slovenia celebrated Statehood Day on Thursday to mark the 29th anniversary of the country's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia. On Thursday morning, Slovenian President Borut Pahor laid a wreath on the Monument to the Victims of All Wars and Victims Connected with Wars in Slovenia on Congress Square, and then he held an open doors day at the Presidential Palace. In a festive address on the eve of Statehood Day, Pahor highlighted the role of democracy and dialogue in Slovenia's further development. "I do not call for political unity. I call for dialog and cooperation," he said. He spoke highly of Slovenia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing that the country has managed to keep the death toll relatively low and it also acted in line with the rule of law, thus echoing the democratic values that had motivated the country's efforts to gain independence. Prime Minister Janez Jansa went down memory lane in his Statehood Day message, reminiscing about the nation's unity in the early 1990s. He said he wished that Slovenians would see the independence of their country as a gift and an opportunity for all. Enditem Im not afraid of dying. Im not scared of the coronavirus. What terrifies me is not being able to feed my three children. Like dozens of other migrants from Africa, 31-year-old Chikh Oumarov left Senegal to work as a fruit picker in the northeastern Spanish province of Huesca. On Monday, he was waiting on the sidewalk of a bus station in the town of Fraga. This is where farmers pass by in vans to hire workers to pick peaches and nectarines in nearly 40C heat for 5 an hour. This very area of Huesca, which borders Lleida in Catalonia, is the only place in Spain that has been forced to return to Phase 2 of the deescalation plan due to coronavirus outbreaks in the municipalities of Zaidin and Binefar. Fruit pickers in Fraga. JUAN BARBOSA (EL PAIS) Many of the farmers who arrive in search of workers come from these municipalities and part of the spike in infections is due to the difficulty fruit pickers have in maintaining safe distances and hygiene measures at work. In some cases, the workers sleep on top of cardboard or in overcrowded warehouses. But despite the risk of contagion, the coronavirus is not enough to deter these fruit pickers. They know of fellow workers who have contracted Covid-19 and have been isolated, but still they wait on the street, hoping for work. Black people suffer a lot, we are not afraid of poison, says Filiban, who is also from Senegal. Many of the fruit pickers arrived after agricultural associations warned that they would not be able to hire foreign workers with Spains borders closed due to the coronavirus lockdown. The news prompted hundreds of migrants, who were already in Spain working in the informal economy, to travel to the countryside. The fruit company Frutas La Espesa in Zaidin. JUAN BARBOSA (EL PAIS) Zaidin is one of the municipalities that has registered the highest number of coronavirus outbreaks, most of which were detected in the fruit company Frutas La Espesa. The mayor of Zaidin, Marco Ibarz, says the number of positive cases ranges between 18 and 20 people. The municipality lives from agriculture. There are 1,730 residents on the municipal register and we estimate that now there are 1,500 fruit pickers who are living on the farms or in houses in town, says Ibarz. The company [Frutas La Espesa] is meeting the safety obligations, but [the fruit pickers] go and work eight hours, and then live their lives in the other 16. A walk around Zaidin reveals a lot about the relationship between the fruit pickers and the local residents. In a sidewalk bar, several elderly patrons sit on one side of the street, while three workers sit at tables belonging to the same bar, but on the other side of the road. A car comes and drops off seven fruit pickers, even though the vehicle only has five spaces. I am from Mali, it is the first year that I have come here. Im good, says one of the workers. No one criticizes the companys security measures or conditions in the fields. Adria, the head of marketing at Frutas La Espesa, says the company is not to blame for the outbreaks: We have met all the protocols. According to the company representative, the spike in infections was caused by two issues. Fruit pickers who have said they are not sick so they can continue working combined with a group of girls who were at an outdoor drinking session in Binefar, where there were several cases, and later came to work, says Adria. It was a perfect storm and worse still, we are the ones who are paying the price. Afternoon falls on Fraga and more fruit pickers arrive. The difference between here and Lleida is that there are many more workers from Romania. We work better, jokes Salibah from Gambia. What is true is that not all of us can be happy in this world and it hasnt happened for us. Its okay, next week a boss will definitely hire us for a lot of days and pay us well, says Oumarov. After 10 years in Spain, he wants to return to his country. He had a ticket for mid-April but his flight was cancelled due to the coronavirus crisis. Now he is desperately looking for work in an area of Spain with no outbreaks. English version by Melissa Kitson. 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. Mosques across Egypt have ramped up precautionary measures against the coronavirus ahead of their reopening for daily prayers on Saturday. The government will lift a number of coronavirus restrictions, including a nightly curfew, from Saturday, part of a move to curb the economic impacts caused by the pandemic. Under the new rules, mosques and churches, which have been closed since March, will be allowed to reopen their doors, with new rules in place on hygiene. The religious endowments ministry, which is responsible for the county's mosques, announced on Thursday it was intensifying its sanitisation and disinfection measures in preparation for dawn prayers on Saturday. Photos released by the ministry showed new floor signs inside mosques that indicate social distancing rules. Other limits imposed include requiring worshippers to wear masks, bring their own prayer carpets, and perform their ablution, a cleansing ritual that worshippers complete before prayer, outside the mosque. Mosques will be able to host the five daily prayers, but not the weekly congregational prayer on Friday afternoon, in order to avoid crowding. Only large mosques will be allowed to reopen; small mosques, known as zawiya in Arabic, will remain shuttered. They will be only open ten minutes ahead of the call to prayer, and shut ten minutes after the prayers conclude. All mosques must close their doors 30 minutes at most after the call to prayer. Mosque bathrooms will remain completely shut, as will areas designated for women to pray. Funerals and marriage celebrations will remain suspended. Islamic shrines will be off limits under the new rules. The new measures will see restaurants, cafes, and sporting clubs open at a maximum capacity of 25 percent. Egypt has been witnessing steady increase in coronavirus cases, with total infections as of Thursday at 61,130 and deaths reaching 2,533. Search Keywords: Short link: Before winning the title of Miss America in 2014, Nina Davuluri had grappled with years of internalized colorism. On trips home to India for the summer, she remembers seeing advertisements for skin-lightening products on television and billboards, and she watched as critics heaped praise on Bollywood actresses with lighter complexions. She was just five years old when her family members told her not to spend too much time under the sun while learning to ride a bike or shed get too dark. Davuluris experience with colorism wasnt limited to her time in India. Before meeting her college boyfriends Indian parents in Ohio, she asked him if he thought they would approve of her. Davuluri was devastated when her ex-boyfriend implied his mom might consider her too dark. Not long after that experience, Davuluri reached a tipping point. After spending two years in training, she became the first woman of Indian descent to win Miss America. But instead of her family country rooting her on, she remembers reading articles that dissected her complexion. Thats when she decided to take the opportunity as a public figure to speak out against the deep-rooted discrimination that she had faced for far too long. I had the opportunity to really change what that conversation looks like, Davuluri tells Refinery29. The beauty queen-turned-activist focused her efforts on dismantling the skin-lightening industry, a rapidly growing market thats estimated to reach a valuation of $24 billion in the next decade. Skin lightening, also referred to as bleaching and whitening, reduces the amount of melanin or pigment in the skin through lasers, peels, creams, soaps, injectables, pills, and more. In recent years, countries have experienced dangerous skin-bleaching epidemics, with rates of use as high as 77% among women in Nigeria. Along with launching a docuseries called #COMPLEXion that unpacks these issues in detail, Davuluri recently started a petition calling to end the production of skin-whitening products and the toxic messaging behind them. Davuluris campaign garnered over 3,400 signatures in three weeks, and more petitions have emerged since then including one that has collected more than 13,000 signatures. Story continues ATLANTIC CITY, NJ SEPTEMBER 16: Miss America Nina Davuluri addresses media during the 2014 Miss America Competition Winner Press Conference at Boardwalk Hall Arena on September 16, 2013 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images) It didnt take long for changes to occur. This week, Johnson & Johnson announced that it will be discontinuing two lines of skin-lightening products Neutrogena Fine Fairness, which is only sold in Asia and the Middle East, and Clean & Clear Fairness, which is only sold in India. Johnson & Johnson claims that the brand had already planned to discontinue Neutrogenas Fine Fairness products and replace them with a Bright Boost line that focuses on even skin tone versus lightening. But the heightened conversations amid the Black Lives Matter protests made the change more urgent. Conversations over the past few weeks highlighted that some product names or claims on our Dark Spot Reducer products represent fairness or white as better than your own unique skin tone. This was never our intention healthy skin is beautiful skin, Kim Montagnino, Senior Director of Global Corporate Media Relations at Johnson & Johnson, tells Refinery29. While the company stresses that these lines represented fewer than 1% of Johnson & Johnsons global beauty sales in 2019, this move was pivotal and long-awaited. To see this happen, it feels a little surreal, says Davuluri. Now, consumers are calling on more global companies, including Unilever, LOreal, and Procter & Gamble, to follow suit. One of the most recognized lines on the market is Fair & Lovely, which sells in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. According to Euromonitor, and as reported by the Wall Street Journal, this line holds a 27% share of the skin-care category in India, which makes it the largest personal-care brand in the country. While Davuluri understands the financial impact of these decisions, she hopes brands will shift resources to make a difference. Im asking these companies to spend the billions of dollars from the revenue of these products and put the research into creating products that are inclusive for all skin tones and are socially impactful, she says. Its not about shutting down a company. Its about using their resources. Inspired by Johnson & Johnsons decision, Davuluri and other activists who have launched petitions including Marvi Ahmed, Anum Chandani, Hira Hashmi, Tejasvini Mantripragada, Shobia Ooruthirapathy, and Aritha Wickramasinghe came together to send an open letter to Alan Jope, CEO of Unilever. We implore you to take ownership as a company and recognize the social responsibility that you have to your consumers, particularly those without access to education & the opportunity to raise their voices, they wrote in a letter, which was shared with Refinery29. Unless companies and media take an active approach to dismantle the very core beliefs that they themselves have built, we cant break the cycle. nina Davuluri Davuluri remained hopeful that Unilever would make a move and they did. On June 25, Unilever announced that it was going to rename the Fair & Lovely brand in India. We are making our skin care portfolio more inclusive and want to lead the celebration of a more diverse portrayal of beauty, Sanjiv Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director of Hindustan Unilever, said in a press statement. This decision follows the companys removal of before-and-after images, which were intended to show the product results, on the packaging in 2019. The corporation also says it will be shifting its marketing efforts to feature women of different skin tones, representative of the variety of beauty across India. Unilever did not state any plans of halting production of the line, and it stands by its claim that the Fair & Lovely products have multiple skin health benefits and are not intended to bleach skin. The brand has never been and is not a bleaching product, read the statement. Skin-lightening products, which often contain hydroquinone or mercury, remain largely unregulated and researchers are still determining the full extent of the risks for people who use them. The World Health Organization has warned against these products, and they are currently banned in the European Union and in countries like Ghana, Japan, and Australia. We currently do not have enough studies that establish either the safety or effectiveness for any treatments for generalized skin lightening for the entire body, Annie Chiu, MD, board-certified cosmetic and general dermatologist in Los Angeles, previously told Refinery29. Earlier this year, the European Union announced that Fair & Lovely creams in particular were banned in Norway for containing mercury and hydroquinone. Hindustan Unilever denied these claims to an India-based publication, adding that the products examined could be counterfeit since the brands formulas do not contain those specific ingredients. DashDividers_1_500x100 While Unilevers decision is a sign of progress, Davuluri stresses that this is only the start and that all eyes are on large corporations now. This is a win, but its only the beginning, she tells us. How Unilever executes their rebranding strategy and new advertisement campaigns will be incredibly telling of their intentions. Given these recent changes, the activist also hopes to see a shift in Bollywood, which continues to peddle harmful messaging through casting and the endorsement of skin-whitening products by actors. Ultimately, the fight is far from done. Davuluri urges people to sign petitions, vote with their dollars, and to call on all markets to end campaigns that promote the idea that lighter skin is better. This is one piece of a much larger fight to end colorism, she says. Unless companies and media take an active approach to dismantle the very core beliefs that they themselves have built, we cant break the cycle. Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here? comment None of us envy the position government finds itself in at this juncture when all the negative forces seem highly-stacked against it from an economic, health and social perspective. We do expect tough decisions to be made and that these be well-informed and in the best interest of the country. Nobody would want to see people fall sick and die because of COVID-19. In the same vein, no family can bear to see people lose their jobs, go hungry and starve to death. And more importantly, none us wish to live in an economically ravaged country. We are at a stage where COVID-19 figures have risen sharply and so has the death toll. spike Alcohol has been placed at the centre of the current spike in cases and the latest ban seems aimed at buying time for government to slow the spread while recalibrating its strategy and response mechanisms, even if it means putting the livelihood of others at risk and spending more resources and personnel on controlling smuggling of liquor from across the border and brewing of illegal concoctions. The approach taken by government suggests it has taken all these factors into consideration and is prepared to deal with the consequences; though it is quite evident that the much-appreciated cash grants and the E25 million fund can only buy families a few days of relief. We can only warn that government cannot afford to dilly-dally about it as it is not only the thousands of people in the liquor industry who now face an uncertain future but an entire economy as some businesses may not be able to reopen. Sadly the country has very little alternative employment to offer. Time is, therefore, of the essence. The booze-loving public should also play its part by doing away with irresponsible behaviour that poses a great risk to others. It is time everybody took the responsibility to adhere to the safety precautions to get all sectors up and running so we can put all our energy into economic recovery initiatives. Our liberation is tied together. The Supreme Courts decision to keep the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program running was a victory for all immigrant youth across the country, not just those lucky enough to benefit from it, including myself. I arrived in the United States too late to qualify for DACA, a reality many undocumented youth, including my brother, have had to face and learn to accept. This obstacle has never ignited any sense of jealousy or resentment against my brothers and sisters who are DACA-mented. On the contrary, this victory has sparked hope in my fight for a permanent legislative solution because it proves that when we stick together and strategize in community, we can accomplish great things. I remain hopeful one day in the near future I will be able to take advantage of the same opportunities to be able to fund my higher education and allow me to build the future my mother has fought and worked so hard to give me. The fight goes on. Donald Trump has already announced that his fight to rescind DACA goes on as well. The xenophobia and racism surrounding his administrations political agenda continues to paint targets on the backs of our immigrant communities. As our nations highest court rules his administrations rescission of the program was arbitrary and capricious, it continues to search for a reason that proves otherwise, and during a global pandemic. Currently, thousands of DACA recipients are in the front lines helping in the fight against COVID-19. To take away the program making that possible would prohibit many medical professionals from helping in relief efforts. To provide a permanent legislative solution would add thousands, if not millions, to these relief efforts on many fronts. The time is now. In recent weeks our Black communities have come together, organized and taken action to demand justice for all those from their communities who have been killed and to put an end to it. Just like the police, ICE and CBP are rooted in the same white supremacy and anti-Blackness that fuels our current administrations agenda. We must push our elected officials to defund these agencies that are killing our people. Last weeks victory has shown us that when those from the directly affected community come together to organize and take action, change happens. The attacks on the rights and well-being of our immigrant and communities of color will continue, but so will our fight to protect those who we love the most, because our liberation is tied together. Michelle Murguia is an undocumented student at Central New Mexico Community College studying graphic design. It appears that John Dumelo, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary nominee for Ayawaso West Wuogon has not been truthful with his narration of how he got the controversial Land Cruiser V8 vehicle which later turned out to be a property the state. Dumelo in two separate interviews has given two different and contradictory accounts of how he acquired the vehicle. During his first narrative, three years ago, on Joy News, the actor stated that at a regular routine maintenance of the vehicle in question, he had a call from a National Security operative stating that the vehicle he had bought belonged to the state. In February, I had just gone for my routine maintenance, check-up, servicing and I went back home. I got a call and they were saying some people were by the car saying the car is for the state and I asked how is that possible? So I called the people I bought it from and I asked what was going onI went to the servicing area and they said the car is for the state and I said ok take it; they took it, went back for my money and that was the end of story, he narrated. But now on Citi TV, the actor cum politician says there were scratches on the vehicle so his mechanic advised that they spray the car to a different colour, to which he agreed. He explained that he was at home when he was called by his mechanic asking him to come over because some National Security operative had requested his presence. I got there and they said for this vehicle (sic), its for the National Security. I asked for an explanation and they entered the chassis number and then in the chassis number it read imported for the National Security John Dumelo told Citi News on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. He explained that he called the gentleman that sold the SUV to him and told him what the National Security operatives were saying. Then the seller replied that he would get back to him because he wanted to deal with the National Security first. Dumelo explained further that after that initial interaction with National Security, the security operatives began harassing him, then eventually, they took the vehicle away. The Actor said that at the point he was paying for the Toyota Land Cruiser; he was not told the vehicle belonged to the government of Ghana; All he was told was: John when you finish paying, we do the change of ownership. When the host asked whether he was benefiting from his association with the government at the time, Dumelo responded that he paid for the vehicle. When asked why he did not fight for something that he had paid for Dumelo explained that he spoke to the person that sold the vehicle to him who assured him that he will sort out the matter. After two to three months, I paid my balance and I bought a new car, he said. When asked if he does not believe that what he was doing was fraudulent, Dumelo stated emphatically: there was nothing fraudulent about it. Listen to you Ayawaso West Wuogon aspiring MP speak on the v8 he attempted to steal. A vehicle you @johndumelo1 claim you had not paid for in full, you were aware it belongs to the state and you tried to respray it. pic.twitter.com/a6uRg3y82r Rex (@RexOmarrr) June 24, 2020 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 Locusts are seen on plants, in Gran Guardia, Formosa, Argentina, on June 1, 2020. (SENASA/Reuters) Argentina, Brazil Monitor Massive Locust Swarm; Crop Damage Seen Limited BUENOS AIRES/SAO PAULOArgentina and Brazil are monitoring the movement of a 15-square-kilometer locust swarm in Argentinas northeast, though authorities and specialists said so far it had not caused significant damage to crops in the South American countries. Argentine food safety body SENASA said the swarm, which initially entered Argentina from Paraguay in late May, contained about 40 million insects. It is in the province of Corrientes, near borders with Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay. Argentina and Brazil are among the worlds largest soy and corn exporters. We are following the movement of the plague, Hector Medina, a coordinator at SENASA, told Reuters on Thursday. Due to the arrival of a cold weather front from the south, the movement of the locusts would be limited in the coming days, he added. The low temperatures will prevent them from moving and reproducing. The lethargy makes them stay still, Medina said. Winds could eventually push the cloud of locusts into a neighboring country, he added. Brazils agriculture ministry is also monitoring the swarm and has asked farmers in the south of the country to be on alert, although it has concluded that the locust cloud is unlikely to move into Brazilian territory for now. Nevertheless, Farming Minister Tereza Cristina Dias, declared on Thursday a phytosanitary emergency in the states of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina due to the swarm. A locust swarm is seen on a plant, in Gran Guardia, Formosa, Argentina, on June 1, 2020. (SENASA/Reuters) In Argentina, both SENASA and the Buenos Aires grain exchange said they were less worried by the locust swarm than issues of dry weather impacting crops. For now (the swarm) is not a problem, we are more concerned about the humidity issue for wheat planting than locusts, said Esteban Copati, head of agricultural estimates at the exchange, who added the swarm was moving over marginal farming areas. The pests have raised concerns in Brazil. A representative from the Aprosoja growers association in Rio Grande do Sul said they feared the locusts would enter the state where corn is still being harvested and wheat being grown. Eugenio Hack of the Copercampos cooperative in Santa Catarina told Reuters that if the locusts were to move to the state, producers would have to be trained to use the appropriate chemicals, which are different from those normally used. My grandfather dealt with locusts many years ago. Farmers used to dig ditches in the ground, cover insects with soil, and then set them on fire, Hack said. By Maximilian Heath and Ana Mano Technavio has been monitoring the annuloplasty rings market and it is poised to grow by USD 28.65 million during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of 3% 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/20200625005449/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Annuloplasty Rings 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 concentrated, and the degree of concentration will accelerate during the forecast period. Abbott Laboratories, BioStable Science Engineering Inc., Boston Scientific Corp., CORONEO Inc., Edwards Lifesciences Corp., Genesee BioMedical Inc., Kephalios, LivaNova Plc, Medtronic Plc, and Valcare Medical are some of the major market participants. The increasing prevalence of heart valve diseases 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. Increasing prevalence of heart valve diseases has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Annuloplasty Rings Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Annuloplasty Rings Market is segmented as below: Application Mitral Valve Repair Tricuspid Valve Repair Geography North America Europe APAC ROW To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR44060 Annuloplasty Rings 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 annuloplasty rings market report covers the following areas: Annuloplasty Rings Market size Annuloplasty Rings Market trends Annuloplasty Rings Market analysis This study identifies increasing preference of mitral valve repair over mitral valve replacement as one of the prime reasons driving the annuloplasty rings market growth during the next few years. Annuloplasty Rings Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of vendors operating in the annuloplasty rings market, including some of the vendors such as Abbott Laboratories, BioStable Science Engineering Inc., Boston Scientific Corp., CORONEO Inc., Edwards Lifesciences Corp., Genesee BioMedical Inc., Kephalios, LivaNova Plc, Medtronic Plc, and Valcare Medical. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the annuloplasty rings market are designed to provide entry support, customer profile and M&As as well as go-to-market strategy support. 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Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform Annuloplasty Rings Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist annuloplasty rings market growth during the next five years Estimation of the annuloplasty rings market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the annuloplasty rings market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of annuloplasty rings 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 Application Market segments Comparison by Application Mitral valve repair Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Tricuspid valve repair Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Application 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 ROW Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity by geography Volume drivers Demand led growth Volume drivers External factors Market challenges Market trends Vendor Landscape Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors Abbott Laboratories BioStable Science Engineering Inc. Boston Scientific Corp. CORONEO Inc. Edwards Lifesciences Corp. Genesee BioMedical Inc. Kephalios LivaNova Plc Medtronic Plc Valcare Medical 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/20200625005449/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/ Texas continues to set new daily records for cases and hospitalizations, and the state is now pausing its reopening efforts to "corral the spread," according to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. The U.S. reported more new coronavirus cases on Wednesday than on any single day before, according to a tally by NBC News, as the virus spreads to new communities and sparks outbreaks mostly across the American South and West. The coverage on this live blog has ended but for up-to-the-minute coverage on the coronavirus, visit the live blog from CNBC's U.S. team. Global cases: More than 9.6 million Global deaths: At least 489,372 U.S. cases: More than 2.42 million U.S. deaths: At least 124,415 The data above was compiled by Johns Hopkins University. ECB chief says euro zone has probably passed worst of coronavirus crisis 10:10 a.m. London time The president of the European Central Bank believes the worst of the economic fallout from the coronavirus crisis may be over, while urging authorities to remain vigilant against a possible uptick in Covid-19 infections. Speaking during an online event on Friday, Christine Lagarde said: "We probably have passed the lowest point and I say that with some trepidation because of course there could be a second wave." "We need to be extremely attentive to those that are most vulnerable," she added. Sam Meredith Consumers turn to comfort food during lockdowns 2:13 p.m. Singapore time Cooped up at home during the pandemic, consumers have been munching on snacks. That trend is boosting the sales of comfort food like instant coffee, biscuits and chocolates. Reports and data globally show that more people are turning to snacks as a form of comfort food. But economic uncertainty due to the fallout from the pandemic is likely to spur a rise in price conscious consumers who are trading down for cheaper products like instant coffee used in Dalgona coffee, said Fitch Solutions in a report. Huileng Tan Release of Christopher Nolan film 'Tenet' gets pushed back again 11:28 a.m. Singapore time For the second time, Warner Bros. is forced to postponed the release of Christopher Nolan's "Tenet" due to the coronavirus outbreak. The spy drama starring John David Washington and Robert Pattinson is now set to debut on Aug. 12, a Wednesday. It was originally scheduled for release on July 17, before the debut was postponed to July 31. Warner Bros. has also delayed the 10th anniversary release of Nolan's "Inception" from July 17 to July 31. Many movie theaters across the U.S. remain shut as cases of Covid-19 have continued to climb. On Wednesday, 12 U.S. states reported record spikes in daily new coronavirus cases. Sara Whitten Fed caps dividend payments for big banks over pandemic concerns 5:22 p.m. ET The Federal Reserve is suspending share buybacks and capping dividend payments for the big banks at their current levels through the third quarter of the year. The decision comes after an annual stress test of 34 banks found the coronavirus pandemic could push some institutions dangerously close to minimum capital levels. The Fed studied how major banks would fare in a quick V-shaped recovery, a more drawn out U-shaped recession and recovery, and a W-shaped double dip recession. Several banks "would approach minimum capital levels" under the harsher U- and W-shaped scenarios, the Fed found. The central bank didn't disclose which banks would have the most problems. Spencer Kimball, Hugh Son Florida governor says state has no plan of continuing its reopening Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards 4:41 p.m. ET When asked about Florida's reopening, Gov. Ron DeSantis said that the state doesn't have plans for continuing its step-by-step plan. He added that the state "never anticipated" to continue moving forward at this point. "We are where we are. I didn't say we were going to go on to the next phase," DeSantis said at a news briefing. His comments come shortly after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced he would pause reopening plans for his state as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to climb. Florida is averaging about 3,756 daily new cases as of Wednesday, which is about a 71% increase since one week ago, according to a CNBC analysis of data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. DeSantis has allowed retailers, restaurants, gyms and personal care services to reopen at reduced capacity. Noah Higgins-Dunn Record spikes in U.S. coronavirus cases push up hospitalization rates in 16 states Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards 4:28 p.m. ET The U.S. added more than 34,400 coronavirus cases on Wednesday, according to a CNBC analysis of Johns Hopkins University data, after health officials in California, Florida and Texas all reported record-high single-day spikes. As of Wednesday, the nation's seven-day average of daily new Covid-19 cases was 31,172. This number has increased more than 34% compared with a week ago, according to the analysis. Twelve states hit record highs in daily new cases, which include Arizona, Arkansas, California and Florida. Coronavirus hospitalizations are also rising in 16 states, according to a CNBC analysis of data compiled by the Covid Tracking Project. Jasmine Kim Gym chain CEO says industry could see 'small degradation' as people workout from home 4:20 p.m. ET Life Time Fitness CEO Bahram Akradi told CNBC that the gym industry could see a "small degradation" as more people opt for at-home workouts, although members seem even "more determined" to return to the clubs and join their communities as states begin to reopen. "It's like music, you can listen to any song for free on some app or something, but people still pay a large amount of money to go to a live entertainment," Akradi said. While not every state has since lifted restrictions on gyms, which health professionals warn could present a high risk for Covid-19 transmission, many have allowed fitness businesses to return at reduced capacity. He said the company will work with the government every way they can in states where coronavirus cases are surging. Noah Higgins-Dunn Delta to resume China service today 4:15 p.m. ET Delta Air Lines is resuming service to China after a nearly five-month break because of the coronavirus pandemic, becoming the first U.S. passenger airline to do so. United is also planning to restart China service but hasn't yet set a date. Delta's first flight back will depart Seattle Thursday night and arrive in Shanghai after a stop in Seoul. Airlines have drastically reduced their international service because of the coronavirus pandemic and are eager to resume those routes, which generally bring in higher fares than domestic service. Concerns over the coronavirus and travel restrictions have complicated those plans. The Trump administration earlier this month threatened to bar Chinese passenger carriers from flying to the U.S. raising pressure on Beijing to allow U.S. carriers to resume service, a plan it later scrapped. Delta said it would change the twice weekly flights to Shanghai to one a week from each Seattle and Detroit in July. Leslie Josephs The CDC could be coming to TikTok 4:06 p.m. ET As the coronavirus continues to infect more and more young people across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering tapping social media platform TikTok to stress the importance of practicing public health precautions to young Americans. CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield acknowledged Thursday that he is "concerned" about public health messaging reaching young people. "We may need to get out the message that young people are not somehow naturally immune to this virus, although they may be at lower risk of severe infection," CDC Deputy Director for Infectious Diseases Jay Butler said. "The tools that can be used include social media. We're exploring TikTok." Some public health specialists have criticized the CDC for not taking a more public-facing role during the pandemic. Dr. Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, wrote in an op-ed in April that "the CDC has been inexplicably absent, and Americans are suffering and dying for it." Will Feuer Grocery union calls for stricter mask requirements as new hot spots emerge MicKale Smith, who works as a security guard but has had to take time off to care for her son during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, wears a face mask as she shops with her son DaMier at the Tiger Market in Oxon Hill, Maryland, May 20, 2020. Jonathan Ernst | Reuters 3:48 p.m. ET One of the nation's largest labor unions says government officials and companies must require and enforce mask-wearing in public, especially as coronavirus cases rise in Florida, Texas and other states. The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents thousands of people employed by grocery stores, meatpacking plants and nursing homes, said workers face more risk as new Covid-19 hot spots emerge. The union called on employers to pay essential workers at least $15 an hour and reinstate "hazard pay" in all states where cases are rising. On a phone call with reporters, union members encouraged Americans to do their part, too. "If wearing a mask can save one life, why shouldn't one do it?" said Linda Robinson, a nursing home employee in Winter Haven, Florida. "Think of the elderly Americans who sacrificed so much for us. Is it really so much to ask that we wear a mask to protect the greatest generation that gave us so much?" Melissa Repko Bucks co-owner says NBA still plans to resume season despite coronavirus spikes in Florida 3:34 p.m. ET Milwaukee Bucks and Avenue Capital co-founder Marc Lasry said on CNBC's "Halftime Report" that the NBA will move forward with its plan to restart games despite an uptick of Covid-19 cases in Florida. "We'll see what happens over the course of the next two weeks," Lasry said. He added that for "players that don't want to go, I fully respect that" but also said, "every single one of our guys (Bucks players) is going to be down there." Around the country, coronavirus cases continue to spike in states that were among the first to reopen. Florida, Texas and California have all recently reported a record number of new coronavirus cases. Disney workers have petitioned the company and local government officials to reconsider the reopening of Disney World, where the NBA's season is set to resume, next month. Jabari Young Apple will re-close 14 stores in Florida, bringing total re-closures to 32 3:14 p.m. ET Apple said 14 stores in Florida will re-close due to Covid-19 conditions, as the state sees a sharp rise in cases. In total, Apple has re-closed 32 stores across five states in the past week. Only two Apple stores will remain open in Florida. Apple was one of the first companies to shut its stores in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. When it started to re-open stores in the U.S. with increased safety measures such as mandatory masking, it noted that it would not hesitate to re-close stores if pandemic conditions deteriorated. Kif Leswing New Jersey adds 1,900 probable deaths to coronavirus toll 3:08 p.m. ET New Jersey is counting an additional 1,854 deaths as likely stemming from the coronavirus, Gov. Phil Murphy said. This is the first time these deaths, which occurred over the length of the pandemic, have been counted among the Covid-19 toll on the state. A team at the Communicable Disease Service reviewed thousands of death certificates to determine New Jersey residents whose deaths could "with great reliability" be due to the virus. Murphy said the "currently known loss" from Covid-19 in New Jersey is 14,872, which includes the 1,854 probable deaths and 13,018 confirmed deaths in the state. "In one day, we are significantly adding to the already weighty toll this pandemic has had on our state, and on so many families," Murphy said via Twitter. "We report this out of nothing else than a solemn sense of duty." The state will report the "probable" death toll separately from the Covid-19 death toll on the state dashboard, Murphy said. Alex Harring VP Mike Pence will soon visit Texas and Arizona as states report rising Covid hospitalizations Vice President Mike Pence arrives at Orlando International Airport on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. Joe Burbank | Orlando Sentinel | Tribune News Service via Getty Images 2:47 p.m. ET Vice President Mike Pence said he will travel to Texas and Arizona next week to discuss coronavirus response efforts with leaders there, while acknowledging that more states are reporting rises in Covid-19 cases. Pence told reporters in Lordstown, Ohio, that while "we have rising cases and outbreaks in several southern states, I want to assure you: Our task force and our entire administration is working continuously with leaders in those states to respond." Pence will travel to Texas on Sunday to speak at a Dallas megachurch, a local NBC News affiliate reported. On Tuesday, Pence will head to Tucson, Arizona, to deliver remarks before meeting Gov. Doug Ducey in Yuma to discuss Covid-19 efforts, according to AZCentral. In an op-ed published in The Wall Street Journal last week, Pence asserted that the "panic" over the so-called second wave of the deadly virus is "overblown." The piece, which slammed the media for "fear-mongering," declared that the U.S. is "winning the fight against the invisible enemy." But as of Sunday, the seven-day average of new Covid-19 cases in the U.S. had increased more than 24% from a week before, according to a CNBC analysis of Johns Hopkins University data. Texas in particular has seen a massive spike in coronavirus hospitalizations, rising more than 84% since Memorial Day. The number of people hospitalized in Arizona jumped 29% compared with the prior week. Kevin Breuninger California Gov. Newsome declares budget emergency to provide more money for state's Covid-19 response A drive-in COVID-19 testing center is shown empty and abandoned as Los Angeles reports spike in positive tests amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Ingelwood, California, U.S., June 23, 2020. Mike Blake | Reuters 2:32 p.m. ET California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a budget emergency proclamation, making more resources available for the state's response to the coronavirus crisis. The proclamation targets funding for personal protective and medical equipment in case of potential hospital surges and opens up funding for necessary services to vulnerable populations. The proclamation will allow the California legislature to pass bills for the state to take from its rainy day fund. The coronavirus pandemic has already caused a $54.3 billion budget deficit in California. Suzanne Blake No evidence that quarantines for travelers work, CDC says 2:10 p.m. ET The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there is no "evidence-based data" to support quarantines for travelers, like those imposed by New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The comment by CDC Director Robert Redfield came a day after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that travelers arriving in the tri-state region from Florida, Texas and other states with spiking Covid-19 infection rates will be subject to a 14-day quarantine. According to the CDC's website, quarantines can help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease. Other leaders outside the tri-state region have imposed quarantines or travel restrictions meant to curb the spread of the virus. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an executive order in March requiring people coming to Florida from the New York City region to self-quarantine for 14 days. Berkeley Lovelace Jr. Airlines are cracking down on passengers without face masks Travelers wearing protective masks walk through Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, U.S., on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images 1:15 p.m. ET Airlines are warning travelers that if they refuse to wear a face mask on board they won't be able to fly, and in some cases are banning offenders outright. U.S. carriers started mandating masks for travelers last month to try to protect passengers and crews from Covid-19. "We take the requirement to wear a mask very seriously," Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said in a staff note. "Customers who choose not to comply with this or any other safety requirement risk losing their future flight privileges with Delta. So far, there have thankfully only been a handful of cases, but we have already banned some passengers from future travel on Delta for refusing to wear masks on board." Last week, American Airlines said one traveler who refused to wear a mask on board and was booted from the flight would be banned until masks were no longer required. The Department of Transportation says travelers should wear face masks on board according to Centers for Disease Control guidance but has stopped short of mandating them, leaving airlines to implement and enforce their policies. Leslie Josephs Texas pauses reopening plan as cases and hospitalizations rise 12:34 p.m. ET Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Thursday that the state will pause any further phases to open as it continues to report record increases in Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations. Businesses that were permitted to open under the previous phases can continue to operate at the designated occupancy, according to a statement. Many businesses in Texas were granted permission to reopen in May, such as restaurants, gyms, retailers, professional sports, bars and other venues, and it wasn't immediately made clear which businesses wouldn't be allowed to be reopen moving forward or when the order would be lifted. Texas is one of the states experiencing a recent surge in Covid-19 cases, reporting more than 5,500 additional cases on Wednesday, according to the state's health department. "The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses. This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business," Abbott said in the release. Noah Higgins-Dunn Feds sent $1.4 billion to people who are dead 12:05 p.m. ET Almost $1.4 billion in stimulus checks have been sent to deceased Americans, according to a new report from the Government Accountability Office. That includes about 1.1 million payments out of approximately 160 million sent. The $1,200 stimulus checks were authorized by Congress with the CARES Act. The IRS has made it clear that those who receive stimulus checks on behalf of the deceased need to return the money. The GAO report calls for taking further action to address the situation, including sending new letters with instructions on how to return the funds and more data sharing among government agencies to prevent future errors. Lorie Konish NYC set to move further into reopening as early as July 6, mayor says 11:26 a.m. New York City could begin its next phase of reopening as early as July 6, Mayor Bill de Blasio said on Thursday. The next phase would allow the city's restaurants to open their indoor dining spaces and reopen additional personal care businesses, like nail salons, spas, massage parlors and tattoo and piercing facilities with reduced capacity, according to New York state's reopening guidelines. Phase three reopening would allow various recreational areas throughout the city, including basketball, tennis and volleyball courts to operate, de Blasio said. New York City began its phase two reopening on Monday, which allowed for in-store shopping at retail stores, visits to hair salons and barbershops and outdoor restaurant dining with modifications. Noah Higgins-Dunn New York Gov. accuses states of playing politics with the virus New York Governor Andrew Cuomo exits a #7 Subway train in Manhattan on the first day of New York City's phase one reopening during the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in New York City, New York, U.S., June 8, 2020. Mike Segar | Reuters 11:09 a.m. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo accused conservative states that are seeing a rise in Covid-19 cases of playing politics early in the United States' outbreak. "You played politics with this virus and you lost," he told CNN. "You told the people of this state, you told the people of this country, the White House, 'don't worry about it. Go about your business. This is all Democratic hyperbole.'" The statement by Cuomo came after the U.S. reported more new coronavirus cases on Wednesday than on any single day before, according to a tally by NBC News. On Wednesday, Cuomo announced that travelers arriving in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut from Florida, Texas and other states with spiking Covid-19 infection rates will be subject to a 14-day quarantine. Berkeley Lovelace Texas postpones elective procedures as hospitalizations rise The doctor in charge of the COVID-19 unit at United Memorial Medical Center in north Houston, checks on COVID a patient who was hoping to be released this week. Carolyn Cole | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images 10:29 a.m. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered all licensed hospitals in counties that include major cities such as San Antonio, Dallas, Houston and Austin to postpone elective procedures in order to protect hospital capacity for Covid-19 patients. The order applies to all "surgeries and procedures that are not medically necessary to diagnose or correct a serious medical condition of, or to preserve the life of, a patient who without timely performance of the surgery or procedure would be at risk for serious adverse medical consequences or death...," according to an executive order signed by the governor. Texas is one of several states mostly across the American South and West experiencing a surge in coronavirus cases. There are currently 4,389 Covid-19 patients hospitalized statewide in Texas, up from 2,793 a week ago, according to the state's health department.Some hospitals in the Houston area, in particular, are nearing capacity. For example, Texas Children's Hospital in Houston said earlier this week it will begin to admit adult patients to alleviate burdened hospitals in the area. Will Feuer Virtual clinical trials gain popularity amid pandemic 10:13 a.m. ET Eager to streamline the drug development process during the pandemic, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and a handful of start-ups have started virtual clinical trials, also known as remote or decentralized trials. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration helped clear the path to virtual trials in March by issuing guidelines for these types of clinical studies. Whereas traditional clinical trials require participants to make frequent in-person visits to a clinic or hospital, virtual trials can allow researchers to recruit patients, gain consent, administer treatment, monitor safety and collect data without the subjects ever leaving home. According to research firm GlobalData, more than 1,100 clinical trials across the U.S. and Europe had been disrupted as of May 20.The new approach brings attention to the time and expense of the traditional model. The average cost of bringing a new drug to market has been estimated to be as high as $2.6 billion, with two-thirds of the cost going to clinical trials about 90% of which end in failure. Lori Ioannou Kentucky Derby to take place with spectators and safety measures Riders cross the finish line at the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 4th, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. Ian Johsnon | Icon Sportswire | Getty Images 10:01 a.m. ET Spectators will be able to attend the 146th Kentucky Derby, with safety provisions for Covid-19 in place, Churchill Downs Racetrack announced after consultation with Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and state public health officials. The race is set to be held Sept. 5 and will take place with reduced venue capacity. Guests will be encouraged to socially distance, wash their hands frequently and wear a face covering at all times unless in their reserved seat, according to a press release. "The impact of the Kentucky Derby extends well beyond the Twin Spires of Churchill Downs," the racetrack's president, Kevin Flanery, said in the release. "It is an incredibly important time for the City of Louisville and the Commonwealth of Kentucky both culturally, economically and with respect to our time-honored traditions. Both employees and guests are asked to take an active role in following all guidelines. We must all do our part to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience." Suzanne Blake Cowboys-Steelers Hall of Fame Game will be postponed to 2021 due to Covid-19 9:48 a.m. ET Pro Football Hall of Fame officials are expected to announce the postponement of the Aug. 6 Hall of Fame Game due to Covid-19, a source told CNBC. The contest was set to feature the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers in the opening preseason game for the 2020 season. Hall of Fame officials are also expected to postpone the Hall's enshrinement ceremony until next year. The National Football League will have a conference call on Thursday to discuss planning around the opening of training camps next month, as the league continues to monitor the pandemic. The league is also in talks with the National Football Players Association and health specialists on ways to lower risk of exposure to the coronavirus. Jabari Young Macy's to cut 3,900 corporate jobs in restructuring A view outside Macy's Herald Square during the coronavirus pandemic on May 13, 2020 in New York City. Noam Galai | Getty Images 9:32 a.m. ET Macy's announced it is cutting 3,900 corporate jobs or 3% of its total workforce to reduce costs as it struggles with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The department store chain said it expects to save about $365 million through the layoffs in fiscal 2020. It said it will save roughly $630 million on an annualized basis. "We know that we will be a smaller company for the foreseeable future, and our cost base will continue to reflect that moving forward," CEO Jeff Gennette said in a statement. Macy's is set to report its final first-quarter earnings on July 1, having already released preliminary figures. Lauren Thomas Target adds fresh, frozen foods to same-day services as more customers shop online Joe Raedle | Getty Images 9:20 a.m. ET Target customers can soon buy fresh and frozen groceries online and pick them up the same day at a nearby store. The national retailer already has same-day services that allow customers to pick up online purchases like paper towels and canned goods in stores or through curbside pickup. Now, it's adding hundreds of items like milk, bread and frozen vegetables to the offering. It will have an expanded assortment at over 400 stores by the end of the month and more than 1,500 stores by the holidays. That's roughly 80% of its 1,871 stores nationwide. Target already planned to add the items, but that's taken on new urgency as more Americans and more of its customers look for safer ways to shop during the pandemic. In the retailer's fiscal first quarter, use of its same-day services, including its home grocery delivery service Shipt, grew by 278%. Melissa Repko Initial jobless claims disappoint at 1.48 million, but total claims improve 8:51 a.m. ET The Labor Department's jobless report came in worst than expected as 1.48 million Americans filed for state unemployment benefits during the week ended June 20, marking the 14th straight week that filings remained above 1 million. Economists polled by Dow Jones had expected first-time applications to total 1.35 million. Though the weekly number did disappoint, the total number of those receiving benefits continued to fall. Total recipients of unemployment benefits, or continuing claims, fell by 767,000 to 19.52 million. Thomas Franck, Jeff Cox Olive Garden parent's sales fall 43% in its latest quarter 8:44 a.m. ET Darden Restaurants, which owns Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and The Capital Grille, said that its fiscal fourth quarter revenue fell 43% as the pandemic weighed on sales. The company's same-store sales fell 47.7% across all of its brands in the quarter ended May 31. But Darden expects business to pick up during its fiscal first quarter as dining rooms reopen. The company is projecting that its total sales will be about 70% of year-ago totals. Shares of the company were up about 2% in premarket trading. Amelia Lucas Chuck E. Cheese's parent company files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy A sign is posted in front of a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant in Newark, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images 8:39 a.m. ET CEC Entertainment, the parent company of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after pandemic-induced closures upended its business. In the quarter ended March 29, which is typically its busiest time of the year, same-store sales fell 21.9%. The company, which is owned by private equity firm Apollo Global Management, will continue reopening locations throughout the bankruptcy process. Nearly half of its company-owned locations have reopened as of Wednesday. CEC Entertainment said that it expects to use the bankruptcy process to continue talking with its financial stakeholders and landlords to restructure its balance sheet. Amelia Lucas More consumers are ordering breakfast online A delivery man wears a protective face mask while riding a bicycle in Kips Bay during the coronavirus pandemic on May 5, 2020 in New York City. Noam Galai | Getty Images 8:35 a.m. ET Consumers nearly doubled their spending on fast-food breakfast items ordered through third-party delivery services between the weeks of March 16 and April 13, Edison Trends found. Delivery services have provided an alternative for at-home breakfast amid the coronavirus pandemic, even as fast-food chains see overall decreases in segment sales. Edison Trends found consumers have spent more on McDonald's for breakfast than any other fast-food chain. Starbucks and Dunkin' have also seen upticks in breakfast sales since the pandemic began. Read more about order-in breakfast from CNBC's Amelia Lucas. Alex Harring Sotheby's auction will test art market during coronavirus 8:27 a.m. ET The global art market will be tested for the first time amid the Covid-19 pandemic on Monday as Sotheby's auctions off more than $300 million worth of art, including a single work for $60 million, CNBC's Robert Frank reports. Bidders will not be able to see the artwork in person, given visitor rules at Sotheby's New York headquarters, but they will participate in a virtual live auction with telephone and online bidding and an auctioneer in London. "We've been incredibly impressed over the last three months, despite all of the contextual backdrop, just how resilient the market has been," said Sotheby's CEO Charles Stewart. "I would say that in many ways, we're seeing actually increased engagement from our collectors." Since March, Sotheby's has successfully held more than 100 online sales, compared with 40 sales in the same period in 2019. New features to Sotheby's mobile app include an augmented reality tool so users can virtually place a painting on their wall. Suzanne Blake LabCorp launches new antibody test Adam Schechter, president and CEO of LabCorp, speaks about the coronavirus in the Rose Garden of the White House, Monday, April 27, 2020, in Washington, as President Donald Trump and Stephen Rusckowski, CEO of Quest Diagnostics. listen. Alex Brandon | AP 7:35 a.m. ET LabCorp announced a new test that can be used to assess the capacity of antibodies in patients' plasma to combat the coronavirus. The plasma from recovered patients is being explored as a potential treatment for the disease. Information from the new test could be used in the development of Covid-19 vaccines, the diagnostics manufacturer said. LabCorp said the antibody test will be available to bio-pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, blood banks and other plasma-screening facilities. "By leveraging our drug development and diagnostic capabilities, we are working tirelessly to find solutions to prevent and treat Covid-19," Paul Kirchgraber, head of LabCorp's drug development business, said in a statement Thursday. "The launch of this neutralizing antibody assay is the latest effort in our company's commitment to accelerate the evaluation of vaccine candidates so that a successful candidate may reach patients sooner." Holly Ellyatt WHO has 'all the support we need,' chief says Director-General of the WHO Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, attends a news conference on the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Geneva, Switzerland February 11, 2020. Denis Balibouse | Reuters Returning after a two-day trip to east Ladakh theatre, Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane today is expected to brief the political leadership about the situation on ground with belligerent Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) doing the elaborate dragon act along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In the past two days, Army Chief General Naravane had on the spot assessment about the four stand-off points with the PLA in east Ladakh apart from directing the troops to tighten patrolling of all the 65 points on the LAC with support of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP). In the past one week, more battalions of specialized forces trained for the Tibet theatre along with ITBP battalions have been inducted to ensure that any attempt by the bellicose PLA is foiled. Also Read: Satellite images capture Chinas PLA build-up in Ladakh It is understood that Gen Naravane will also brief the political leadership about the PLA deployment and its posture along the LAC. His assessment about the PLA posture on LAC will be critical for the political leadership if the matters go south. The Army Chief will also hold discussions with Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Air Force and Navy chiefs on the Indian posture to be adopted in the air as well in the sea. Besides, any force requirements on the ground will be handled by Gen Rawat and the Defence Ministry. Also Watch | Army chief meets soldiers at Ladakh hospital amid China tension With the Chinese propaganda machine firing on all cylinders and the Indian public flooded with satellite images of the theatre duly analysed by arm chair strategists, Gen Naravane will also have to answer questions on so-called new Chinese fortifications on Galwan sector. Also Read: Army chief awards commendations to troops who fought in Galwan Valley While the situation on ground remains tense in Ladakh, there have been no flare-ups on the LAC since June 22 senior military commanders meeting and a stalemate prevails in the area. Both sides are heavily deployed with the Chinese playing the carrot and stick move in military and diplomatic meetings. Although the Chinese diplomat in the border talks with Ministry of External Affairs blamed the Indian side for June 15 Galwan clash, fact is that this misunderstanding would have been prevented if PLA had agreed to a hotline between Indian Director General Military Operations and PLA Headquarters in Beijing. Instead of allowing a direct line to heart of Communist regime, the PLA wanted the Indian DGMO to talk to the Western Theatre Command that controls Tibet and Xinjiang province. Also Read: China finally admits casualties in Galwan clash, claims numbers not very high With significant force deployment on the front and in depth areas, it is evident that PLA wants to drive Indian Army to the wall and precipitate a crisis by continuously blaming India for Galwan flare-up. The same tactic was used by another paramount leader in the run-up to 1962 war. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Lan Mercado - regional director for Oxfam in Asia Before COVID-19, 73.57 million (11 per cent) of the 653.9 million people in the ASEAN were living in abject poverty in 2018. Millions more are at the cusp of falling into poverty with economies struggling to resume and full recovery remains a long way away. The pandemic has exposed grossly under-resourced public health and social protection systems, with more people needing healthcare to save lives and social protection to get them through the day with their work and incomes at a halt. Getting by has been tougher than ever for daily wage workers, small-holder farmers, women workers in precarious jobs, and many others. The nations in the region need more resources than ever to ramp up and maintain public goods like universal healthcare and social protection. Even before the pandemic, however, many countries in the region have been struggling to raise sufficient financial revenues for essential public services that have proven to promote the wellbeing of millions. That seven of the ASEAN member states have suffered persistent budget deficits for long periods highlights the regions fiscal woes. Malaysia, Myanmar, and Laos have been in the red throughout the past two decades while Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Philippines have only managed to avoid a deficit for at the most four years between 2000-2020. In 2018, six out of the 10 ASEAN countries had budget deficits, with some also burdened by high levels of public debt. On average, the ASEAN region saw a budget deficit of 1.5 per cent of GDP, with many country deficits escalating unsustainably. All ASEAN countries will likely face budget deficits in 2020 with an average of 4.2 per cent of GDP. Deficits and consequently public debt will increase further due to the additional resources mobilised to overcome the pandemic. Expected spending on COVID-19 responses is enormous: Singapore and Thailand will spend 13 and 9 per cent of GDP, respectively, as fiscal stimulus while the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam will put in about 3 per cent of GDP. At the same time, sharply falling tax revenues due to crippled economic activity will further erode the bottom lines. ASEAN nations have been unable to achieve desired domestic revenue mobilisation targets despite sustained economic growth and large foreign direct investment during the past two decades. For instance, overly generous corporate tax incentives offered without cost-benefit analysis have eroded the domestic revenue base. Due to such redundant and harmful tax incentives, essential revenues that can go into improving the lives of millions have been drained away. These tax practices have helped big corporations and the wealthy to prosper at the expense of other people. The results can be seen by the high-levels of inequality within and in-between nations of the region. Despite the ASEANs commitments to progress socially, culturally, and economically in the spirit of equality and partnership, the countries have often been embroiled in mutually harmful competition. The ASEAN needs to politically come together to stop this race to the bottom to promote the collective wellbeing of the community. That is essential to ensuring sustainable progress and overcoming interrelated challenges like climate crisis, widening inequality, and recovering from the COVID-19 crisis. In our report Towards Sustainable Tax Policies in the ASEAN Region, Oxfam and partners present three recommendations that will help the region increase national revenues. First, the ASEAN needs a whitelist and blacklist of tax incentives clarifying incentives that benefit equitable economic growth and that hinder such. All harmful tax incentives must be blacklisted, and a plan with a deadline must be put in place to phase them out. The list of harmful taxes may include profit-based tax incentives that offer a low tax rate for profits made like tax holidays, large tax exemptions, loss carry-backs, and preferential rates. In parallel, the ASEAN should agree on a whitelist of tax incentives to be allowed. The whitelist should include investment-based tax incentives focusing on the contributions to the community. Incentives should be monitored for their effectiveness, and abuses like super deductions or super tax credits should be prevented. A mechanism needs to be in place at the ASEAN level to monitor tax policy developments and to maintain the lists. It should be transparent, accountable, and have both political representatives and technical experts from administrations, civil society, and academia. Secondly, the ASEAN needs to agree on a common minimum tax standard to stop the race to the bottom. As international policy developments towards a worldwide minimum tax rate continue, the region should agree on a specific approach. ASEAN countries must agree that corporate tax incentives offered should not go below a minimum effective Corporate Income Tax rate. The rate to-be-agreed could range from 12.5 to 20 per cent. This will protect countries' domestic tax revenues and stop the beggar-thy-neighbour policy orientation. Finally, the ASEAN needs to agree on rules for the good governance of tax incentives. A tax good governance rulebook is needed, and all tax incentives should have a legal basis defined in the corporate tax code with clear criteria. No exemptions must be given arbitrarily to companies. Any tax incentive should have a clear time frame and end date by law. A cost-benefit analysis on potential tax incentive provisions should be carried out as a prerequisite to the approval of incentives. All countries in the ASEAN region should publish an annual tax expenditure report transparently along with the annual budget documents. For transparency and good governance, once tax incentives have been granted, tax authorities must monitor the impact and carry out the corresponding cost-benefit assessments. These recommendations will help the ASEAN to, as a cohesive and responsive community, raise revenue for public goods to make a difference in the lives of millions struggling to overcome the pandemic and poverty. Moving beyond, they will allow the region to achieve sustainable and humane progress, both economically and socially. His decision is critical, if only because Biden, who will turn 78 in November, would be the oldest person ever to become president. He carries an outsized risk of dying or becoming incapacitated in office. He cant have great confidence that his No. 2 would remain in the spare-tire compartment. So Biden ought to give the highest priority to finding someone equipped to take over the presidency at any moment. Only one contender meets that standard: Susan Rice, whose preparation puts her in a different league from anyone else in the running. During the Clinton administration, she worked on the National Security Council and served as assistant secretary of state for African affairs. She was Barack Obamas U.N. ambassador and national security adviser. Her background is a crucial asset in the area where a president has the greatest power, and where deep knowledge is the best safeguard against catastrophe. Rice would not need an education in dealing with Iran, North Korea, Russia, China, Israel or our NATO allies. Shes not only better equipped in foreign and defense affairs than the other vice presidential prospects, shes better equipped than any president since Richard Nixon. A Berks County man will spend the rest of his life registered as a sex offender, after spending up to 10 years in jail for the sexual abuse of a teen girl, the county District Attorneys Office announced Thursday. Michael Evans, 53, pleaded guilty to indecent assault, indecent exposure and corruption of minors, and will spend five to 10 years in state prison followed by four years of special probation, the Berks County DAs office said. Evans abused the girl between June 1, 2018 and August 31, 2018, the DAs office said. At one point, Evans asked a woman to take photos of the teen under the premise that he was going to submit the photos to a modeling agency. He also took photos of the teen including one occasion when she was only wearing underwear, the DAs office said. Evans then assaulted the teen by fondling her while he was sexually involved with the woman, the DAs office said. Evans is already serving two and a half to 5 and a half years in prison on another case, according to authorities. Pennsylvanias Sexual Offender Assessment Board determined Evans met the criteria to register under Megans Law as a sexually violent predator, which is defined as someone who has a mental abnormality or personality disorder that makes the person likely to engage in predatory sexually violent offenses, according to the Megans Law website. The designation means he will have to report state police four times a year for the rest of his life. Read more on PennLive: Chinas sophisticated and systematic strategy to embed itself in the global news landscape and build its discourse power beyond borders is one of the key findings of a new report launched today by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The China Story: Reshaping the Worlds Media explores the results from quantitative and qualitative survey data from 58 journalist unions spanning the Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe, Latin America, North America and the Middle East and casts a new light on the multilayered approach that China is taking to reshape the global news agenda. The global research was undertaken with IFJs affiliated unions and journalist representative associations around the world and indicates the significant and wide-ranging impact of Chinas moves to extend its influence through initiatives including journalism exchange programs, union cooperation, content sharing, training programs, media acquisitions and promulgation of Chinas grand infrastructure scheme, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The China Story: Reshaping the Worlds Media launched on June 25, 2020 in a Webinar moderated by IFJ deputy general secretary, Jeremy Dear, featuring the University of Melbourne senior lecturer Louisa Lim, print and audio journalist and researcher for the Little Red Podcast Julia Bergin, Erick Oduor the secretary general of Kenya Union of Journalists (KUJ) and Inday Espina-Varona, award-winning journalist and former chair of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines. The China Story is the second IFJ China research report, following 2019s Weaponising the free press? Chinas global media offensivethat broadly examined Chinas rapidly evolving media influence in the world. The research found one-third of the unions surveyed had been approached by, or were in discussion with, Chinese journalism unions or entities and 38 per cent of those - 14 per cent of the total - had registered Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). The IFJ data also shows that China is conducting a media outreach campaign in almost every continent, equally targeting both developed and developing countries. The IFJ, the worlds largest voice for journalists, said the survey clearly illustrates how Chinas media is increasing its global footprint in the worlds media and its strategy showed clear signs of targeting journalists to outsource its influence in developing countries with ineffective or repressive governments, yet also clearly cut across both the developed and developing world. The report also details how unions described a recent emphasis on organizing Chinese tours for Muslim journalists, even from non-Muslim countries, with some being taken to the north-western province of Xinjiang, where at least one million Uighurs are reported to be in political indoctrination camps, in an attempt to sway the global narrative. Almost half of all respondents in the IFJ survey (44 per cent) said Chinas role in their national media was positive with a significant level of support including tangible help such as the donation of computers and recording devices for journalism unions, as well as educational aid and MOUs for content sharing and training programs. In many African countries, China has expanded access to media by offering affordable packages to remote areas. Erick Odour, secretary general of KUJ said, The Chinese media has opened lots of opportunities for journalists and platforms for journalists to put out their content. Erick added It provides an opportunity to tell their stories and for journalists to reach out to different parts of the world using the Chinese platform. Chinese companies are more and more buying boats or building them by taking stakes in existing legacy companies or setting up digital joint ventures overseas, according to the report. One of Chinas biggest media plays in Africa is through the Chinese owned StarTimes satellite, based in Kenya, which boasts 25 million subscribers in more than 30 African countries. Through survey data and roundtable national discussions, the IFJ research found that hundreds of senior journalists from both developed and developing nations had taken part in government-sponsored trips. Three-quarters of respondents told the IFJ they believed the trips to be beneficial to their national media. While focusing on developing countries, Beijing continues to offer sponsored trips to China for senior journalists from strategic developed countries like Australia where the All China Journalist Association (ACJA) has organized programs including a partnership with the Australian China Relations Institute (ACRI) at University of Technology Sydney that has brought at least 28 Australian journalists to China since 2016. The report notes: The results have, in many cases, produced stories that faithfully echo Beijings position on issues ranging from the South China Sea to technological developments in China. Some journalists expressed concerns about the increasing role of Chinese propaganda in the media ecosystems of their own countries. In the Philippines, for example, journalists voiced suspicions that Beijings ultimate aim was to influence the Filipino government itself through close cooperation with the President Dutertes communications team. Inday Espina-Varona said: When we talk about the Philippines news agency for example seemingly projecting a more brazen and propagandist tone, its not so much about the outfits programs or even the scholarships in China. Its because our government is headed by a president (Duterte), who from day one has always upheld and pushed for Chinas interests. The report recommends that unions can play a greater role in educating and preparing journalists participating in Chinese-funded trips by providing information and training on Chinas global media strategies, the impact on content sharing agreements and media literacy programs to better educate the public on how to detect news bias. The IFJ said: This significant survey is the first of its kind undertaken by the IFJ and its affiliates. The data makes it clear just how extensive Chinese outreach campaigns have been to global journalism unions and to journalists from Europe to Africa and the Middle East. The IFJ sees this research as being a significant foundation for the IFJ and its member unions to play a greater role in educating and preparing journalists participating in Chinese-funded trips and creating response strategies on media influence operations. Particularly, journalist representative bodies are in a key position to discuss critical issues and share perspectives and expertise on issues impacting media including working conditions, wages and professional practice. The IFJ added:With increasing numbers of Chinese journalists working globally, it also provides an insight and understanding of the powerful place Chinas media now occupies and one that should not be underestimated. Read the report here. Read the report on issuu. Watch a recording of the Webinar here. For media inquiries please contact ifj@ifj-asia.org. Up to 10,000 care home residents and staff in England will get monthly coronavirus tests, the government announced today. Health officials have launched another surveillance scheme in hope of tracking how Covid-19 spreads through nursing homes around the country. Care minister Helen Whately who has come under fire for appearing to blame scientific advisers for the catastrophe that unfolded in care homes said the results will help plan to prepare care homes in the future. In the first wave of the UK's Covid-19 epidemic, care homes have been battered and more than 14,000 residents have died with the virus in England and Wales alone. Ministers were accused of overlooking care homes in a scramble to provide for the NHS and bosses have repeatedly called for regular testing in their facilities. The new testing programme will be carried out at 106 care homes run by Four Seasons, with thousands of residents and staff tested for past and present infection. It comes after it was reported today that health chiefs are planning to turn dozens of empty shops into walk-in coronavirus testing centres in Britain. Many people who don't drive are unable to use drive-in testing centres, leaving them with only an at-home test option unless they're in hospital - but these are in high demand. Around 10,000 care home residents and staff will have regular swab tests (pictured) over the next four months, and then blood tests over an 18-month period to see if they have had the coronavirus in the past The Department of Health is determined to diagnose more cases of Covid-19, with its average over the past two weeks around 1,200 per day but estimates suggesting between 3,000 and 4,000 people are catching the virus each day. There are only four walk-in test centres currently operating in England, in Leeds, Newcastle, Rochdale and London, according to the government - although there are also reports of centres in Leicester and Slough. Suspected patients at walk-in clinics will be tested in the same way, with a swab of the back of their throat and inside their nose. Samples are then posted to laboratories and patients get the results back within a few days. MailOnline has approached the Department of Health for comments on the plans to turn vacant shops into more walk-in testing centres, first reported in The Times. The Department revealed details of its care home surveillance testing this morning, saying it planned to track how the virus spread through England's homes. Around 400,000 people in England live in care homes, spread across approximately 21,000 facilities. The majority of them have dementia - around 60 per cent. Walk-in testing centres are being trialled around England for people who need to get tested but don't drive. Pictured: A walk-in centre in Rochdale, Manchester Because it would be unfeasible to test them all, the government has selected a representative sample of 10,000 staff and residents across 106 homes. WHAT COVID-19 SURVEILLANCE IS THE GOVERNMENT DOING? As well as trying to swab test everyone who has symptoms of the virus, as well as key workers, the government is carrying out regular testing of the population to get a better idea of where the virus has spread. These are some of its schemes: Office for National Statistics swabs The ONS is swab testing a selection of thousands of people (around 20,000 from 10,000 households) to work out what proportion of the population is currently infected. Its most recent estimate puts the prevalence of the disease at 0.06 per cent in England - around 33,000 people. Office for National Statistics antibody The ONS is also carrying out antibody testing to examine people's blood to work out what proportion of people have already had the coronavirus. Its most recent data included tests on blood from 1,757 people and estimated that 5.4 per cent of people in England (3million) have had the virus already. Public Health England antibody PHE is carrying out similar antibody surveys to the ONS but with larger samples of blood. It is focusing on regional differences in past infection levels across England, and estimates that exposure is highest in London, where 17.5 per cent of people appear to have antibodies to the disease, meaning their immune system has fought it off already. This varies wildly across the country, PHE data shows, with around 12 per cent of people exposed in the North West and 10 per cent in the East of England, but fewer than 10 per cent in every other region. Lowest are the South East and North East, where only around four per cent of people appear to have had the illness already. Advertisement They will be given swab tests - to see if they are currently infected - three times each over the next four months. And they will also be given antibody tests - which test the blood to look for signs of past infection - in three months' time. Those who test positive for antibodies, which could mean they are immune to reinfection, will be followed up after six months and then again after a year to see how long the antibodies last for. The study will reveal what proportion of care home residents and staff have caught the disease, and the swab testing will hopefully pick up any new or ongoing outbreaks. It is being run with the help of University College London. Professor Martin Green, the chief executive of the charity Care England, which represents homes around the country, welcomed the move. He said: 'Care homes are the front line and this opportunity is welcome. This study is absolutely critical if we are to win the battle against Covid-19. There is still so much to learn about this virus; why some care homes have tested positive whilst displaying no symptoms or deaths and others have felt the full force of the brutality of this silent killer. 'The Governments study will help us understand the way in which this virus operates thus enabling us to be better prepared today, tomorrow and in the future.' The study started on June 11 with some of the participants having blood tests done to see whether they have had coronavirus already. This service is not available to the public yet because scientists do not know whether it actually protects people, or if the same person can suffer from Covid-19 twice. Swab testing will then be used to check where the virus is actively spreading in care homes. Comprehensive swab testing is now vital for tracking the virus as Britain moves out of lockdown and the government has widened its criteria for who can get tested to include anyone with symptoms. Swab tests now feed into the NHS's test and trace system, which launched at the beginning of this month and contacts everyone who has been near an infected case. Number 10 has faced a barrage of criticism over its flagship Test and Trace scheme, which was finally launched three weeks ago. The system has been hailed as a necessity for getting out of lockdown and global health chiefs said functioning tracing programmes are vital for beating the virus. But shocking figures released last week showed only 10,000 Covid-19 patients have been asked to give details of all their close contacts. Separate government data suggests around 3,000 people are being infected each day in England alone because only a fraction are getting diagnosed. Many people with the virus don't get symptoms so don't realise they are ill, meaning they don't get tested. It comes after Boris Johnson faced a huge backlash yesterday as he claimed in the Commons that no country has a working Covid-19 tracing app. The PM dismissed criticism over the failed NHS software, which was abandoned last week despite being considered CRUCIAL. Health Secretary Matt Hancock originally promised the app which was trialed on the Isle of Wight would be rolled out nationwide in mid-May. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-26 05:31:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 25 (Xinhua) -- China supports an inclusive peace process in Afghanistan and is ready to provide a platform for intra-Afghan talks, said a Chinese envoy on Thursday. The Afghan government and the Taliban have prepared the ground for the start of intra-Afghan negotiations by releasing prisoners. China appreciates this move and calls on all factions to reach agreement on the arrangements for intra-Afghan talks on the country's future political architecture, said Zhang Jun, China's permanent representative to the United Nations. China has kept close communications with other partners, especially countries in the region, to promote the intra-Afghan dialogue process. China is ready to provide a platform for intra-Afghan talks and will continue to work with others through various mechanisms, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the China-Afghanistan-Pakistan dialogue, he told the UN Security Council. China supports Afghanistan in its efforts to safeguard national unity and political stability, and calls on all parties in Afghanistan to put national interests first and consolidate unity, said Zhang. China welcomes last month's political agreement between Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his political rival Abdullah Abdullah that ended the political impasse stemming from last year's presidential election. China expects to see the normal functioning of the government as early as possible, he said. "China encourages the main political forces in Afghanistan to seize the opportunity, bridge their differences, and break new ground in national reconciliation and reconstruction at an early date." China is concerned about the recent resurgence of violence in Afghanistan and calls on all factions to immediately cease hostilities, said Zhang. China encourages and urges the international community and all parties in Afghanistan to strengthen Afghanistan's security and counter-terrorism capacity, he said. China calls on the parties concerned to ensure the implementation of the U.S.-Taliban agreement so that the withdrawal of foreign troops in Afghanistan is conducted in an orderly and responsible manner without undermining the interests of Afghanistan or other countries in the region. The withdrawal of foreign troops should prevent the regrouping of terrorist forces, he said. China supports the development and reconstruction of Afghanistan and its integration into regional cooperation, said the Chinese ambassador. Lasting and sustaining peace and prosperity would be difficult to achieve without a solid foundation. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the pressure on Afghanistan's economic and social development, he noted. China calls for efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and connectivity, give play to the critical role of regional countries, especially Afghanistan's neighbors, and help Afghanistan recover its economic vitality, said Zhang. Enditem Prasanta Mazumdar By Express News Service GUWAHATI: In a huge relief to the BJP, the National Peoples Party (NPP) on Thursday confirmed its return to the BJP-led coalition government in Manipur that was reduced to a minority after nine MLAs, including all four from the NPP, had pulled out of the government. Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who is also the NPPs national president, confirmed this to journalists upon landing in Imphal from New Delhi along with the NPP MLAs and Assam Minister and BJPs troubleshooter in the Northeast Himanta Biswa Sarma. However, it is still not clear if Chief Minister N Biren Singh will be replaced. The NPP MLAs as well as the state leadership were miffed with his autocratic style of functioning which led to the withdrawal of support by the party. Sangma said BJP national president JP Nadda and Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured the NPP that they would personally address the various issues and grievances. We had a meeting yesterday (Wednesday) with BJP president JP Nadda and Home Minister Amit Shah. We expressed our grievances and concerns that we are having out here as a political party in this alliance. We expressed everything in details and both understood what the problem is. They have assured us that all issues will be addressed and taken care of. They will personally look into these issues. As such, we have decided that we will be withdrawing our resignations and the NPP will continue to support the BJP government, Sangma said. He informed that he, along with the NPP MLAs, would straightway go to Raj Bhawan and submit our letter to express our support once again to the BJP government. Sangma said the assurance by Nadda and Shah had given the NPP a lot of confidence. The four NPP MLAs will continue as ministers like before but with changes in their portfolios. We decided on continuing our support to the BJP keeping in mind the interests of Manipur and its people, the Meghalaya CM added. Opposition Congress, which had staked claim to form the government and moved a no-trust motion, adopted the wait and watch policy. The four NPP MLAs havent yet made any statement. The Congress and the people of Manipur are waiting to listen to them, a Congress leader said. The project started from the concept of "G-200," an ideal cluster including all the countries in the world . Globalization has indeed allowed the creation of always more interactions among different countries in terms of trade, finance, investments, diplomacy and culture. G-200 is a project promoting a future change from G-20 to a global economy with investments to all developed, emerging and frontier countries. With the last travel to Trinidad and Tobago, Lorenzo Riccardi has completed his own Grand Tour to every economy of the world visiting 200 countries and territories, including all member states of the United Nations (193) and carrying out the greatest business tour around the world. Over the years Riccardi has planned itineraries and collected economic data on a dedicated website ( 200-economies.com ), organizing conferences under the patronage of investment agencies and government organizations. Lorenzo Riccardi has been living in China, leader country of the emerging markets, for 14 years and decided to follow the new path of Chinese investments from the Great Wall to the entire world as a modern Marco Polo. A complex travel, in stages, along the Silk Road and the global market to catch all the newest economic trends under the influence of Washington and Beijing. After the pandemic the concept of travelling will probably change but the importance of global markets will not vary. To travel to different regions and in all the UN countries it takes a good organization, both from a logistic and bureaucratic point of view: there are many visas difficult to get such as the one for Equatorial Guinea and Turkmenistan. Also, many areas are not well connected by flights, like for example Kribati which is the most easterly country in the world or Nauru which is the least visited with only 180 visitors per year. It's also important to have a good knowledge of dangerous areas, where there are ongoing wars (Iraq, Syria, Lybia), or areas at risk of serious illnesses (such as Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yellow Fever in most parts of Africa and Covid today on a global scale). Moreover, different time zones and weather conditions, political systems and religious influences are important factors to be take into consideration when planning journeys and also to understand all the different regions. "To understand the global development, it's important to travel from China to the rest of the world," says the creator of the project "200 Economies" Lorenzo Riccardi. "In Southeast Asia, Thailand and Vietnam both represent the ideal partners for investments in that area with export trades towards West. In Africa the influence of Beijing is tangible: the new airport of Algiers, the railways along the coasts of Nigeria, the AU Conference Center and Office Complex in Addis Abeba and the biggest mosque of the continent have all been built by Chinese companies. Also, in Oceania, one of the regions most influenced by the US, the Belt and Road projects brought to the construction of new airports, roads and infrastructures connecting the Pacific area with Asia, both from an economic and geographic point of view." About Lorenzo Riccardi Lorenzo is an International CPA and the Managing Partner of RsA. Researcher at Shanghai University; has covered roles in the governance of institutions, nonprofit and multi-nationals, including some the largest luxury, mechanical and food groups. He is a regular speaker on emerging Asia and has multi-language publications, including: China Accounting Standards (Springer), Asia: Economia, fiscalidade e Investimento (Nova Delphi), Vietnam Tax Guide, (Springer), Investing in China through Free Trade Zones (Springer), Gli investimenti in Asia Orientale (Maggioli), Guida alla fiscalita di Cina, India e Vietnam (Il Sole 24 Ore). Previously Lorenzo Riccardi had travelled the entire Eurasian region overland. He's now one of the greatest travelers in the world, having visited every sovereign country and after this journey he won't stop and will seek new paths looking the world as a Western citizen based in Asia, exploring the opportunities offered by the globalization in each region. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1196439/Lorenzo_Riccardi_200_Economies.jpg Contact: Giulia Consiglio E: [email protected] M: (+39) 3462536872 SOURCE 200 Economies Related Links https://www.200-economies.com Queensland's Health Minister has admitted the state faced shortages of personal protective equipment during the height of the pandemic after authorities had earlier assured there had been no supply issues. Brisbane Times revealed in March that the state's supply of PPE, which includes gloves, gowns, eye shields and masks, were running "very low" but health authorities insisted there were no issues getting equipment into public hospitals. Health authorities assured there was sufficient supplies of PPE during the height of the pandemic Credit:Getty "I can certainly assure clinicians working in our Queensland public hospitals, that we have very significant stockpiles of PPE and are working hard to secure more," Health Minister Steven Miles said in March. In April, Queensland Health Director John Wakefield said: "I can confirm our supply and distribution system is working we have not at any point reached a stage where we have had difficulty getting PPE to [public] hospitals". Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Roxanne Liu and Se Young Lee (Reuters) Beijing, China Thu, June 25, 2020 10:40 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066181828 2 World China,military,coronavirus,COVID-19,COVID-19-drugs,COVID-19-vaccines,pandemic,SARS-CoV-2,human-trial,novel-coronavirus,virus-corona Free A Chinese military research institute has been approved to test its second experimental coronavirus vaccine in humans, the eighth candidate in clinical trials for China as it emerges as a front-runner in the global fight against COVID-19. No vaccine has been approved for sale against the virus that has killed over 470,000 people, but more than a dozen candidates have entered different stages of human test globally. The new drug is developed by the Academy of Military Science (AMS), a research institute affiliated with the People's Liberation Army, and was approved to proceed to human trial by China's National Medical Products Administration. AMS' latest candidate, named ARCoV, uses mRNA technology, an approach that is also used for candidates developed by Moderna Inc in the United States and German firm CureVac but has never been tested in China-based clinical trials, the institute said in its social media WeChat late on Wednesday. "The core raw materials and equipment are all domestically produced, and rapid production capacity ramp-up is achievable," Qin Chengfeng, a researcher responsible for the mRNA project, said in the statement. The Chinese Clinical Trial registry, without naming ARCoV, said a phase 1 clinical trial for an mRNA vaccine, sponsored by AMS, Yunnan Walvax Biotechnology and Suzhou Abogen Biosciences, would start on Thursday and evaluate the safety of the candidate. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=55524 Separately, Ad5-nCoV, a vaccine candidate co-developed by AMS and CanSino Biologics using a different technique, is under phase-2 clinical trial in China and has won approval to begin human testing in Canada. NORTH RIDGEVILLE, Ohio -- My cat, Ducky, has had quite the life. I got her two months into my time teaching English in South Korea. She had wandered onto the school grounds as a weeks-old kitten, completely alone. The school secretaries called me down to see her, and I was immediately concerned that she was so small and obviously abandoned. After school, I found her near where they had left her. With no other cats in sight, I decided to take her home and look after her. I called up a then-acquaintance to help me find kitty-care stuff, and we ended up being best friends ever since! If you were wondering, Duckys name came from the sound she made as a kitten, which was less like a meow and more like a quack -- hence, Ducky! She's kind of a grumpy cat, and not very friendly with anyone but me, but she has been a loyal companion for five years and counting. Visually, she is very interesting -- her tail ends in a stump, which sometimes happens when the mother cat is malnourished during pregnancy, but it just adds to her unique charm. When the coronavirus hit, I was already planning to leave South Korea, but I had to speed up my plans to make sure I could bring Ducky with me. She had to suffer through 50-plus hours in a crate or carrier during transit, but honestly, she was a complete angel and surprised nobody more than me by how well she took everything in stride. Now we're back in Ohio, enjoying some time with Ducky's grandparents and great-grandparents, and I get to see the family I've missed for five years. There isn't a ton of wildlife to see living in a South Korean apartment building, so Ducky has been absolutely living it up with all the birds, squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons and deer that regularly wander by the windows! She's a brat, ha ha, but I'm glad that we both made it back safe and sound. Kiah Watson, North Ridgeville MONTREALQuebecs public health director says the province has reached a turning point in its management of the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore authorities will no longer be releasing daily data related to coronavirus infections. Over the course of the past few weeks, the different indicators ... that weve been following closely regarding the number of cases, number of hospitalizations and deaths, are all down, Dr. Horacio Arruda told reporters Thursday. We are really in a total decline all over Quebec, even in the greater Montreal area. Arrudas explanation for the new policy on publishing data came as he announced that virtually all businesses, services and activities can reopen across the province, including bars, spas and casinos. He said he made the decision to switch to weekly updates despite his worry that Quebecers are taking the virus less seriously. Its not a question of transparency, Arruda said in Montreal. He said the overall decline in cases means daily numbers dont provide an accurate reflection of the situation in the province. Be assured that the moment when we think there is a change in the epidemiology, and people need to be informed, and it becomes pertinent we will do it. The province reported Thursday 142 new cases of COVID-19 almost triple the number from Wednesday as well as seven additional deaths attributed to the virus. Arruda said Thursdays jump is relatively small and he noted that hospitalizations continue to decline. The decision to end the daily updates announced quietly Wednesday on a provincial holiday came after Premier Francois Legault named a new health minister, Christian Dube, on Monday. Dube replaced Danielle McCann, who had led the department through the COVID-19 crisis. The disease has devastated the provinces long-term-care homes, where roughly 64 per cent of Quebecs 5,448 deaths attributed to the virus occurred. In Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and federal health authorities were cautious in their assessment of Quebecs decision to end daily updates. Trudeau told reporters every province makes its own decisions about how transparent it needs to be, but he noted that Quebec still has a significant number of cases every day, significant number of deaths, unfortunately, every single day. He added: I certainly hope that Premier Legault will continue to be transparent with Quebecers and indeed with all Canadians as he has been from the very beginning. Dr. Howard Njoo, Canadas deputy chief public health officer, told reporters Thursday that provinces should be regularly warning people to continue to follow health directives, such as regular handwashing and physical distancing. Federal Health Minister Patty Hajdu echoed Njoos statement, adding that whats most important is for provincial health authorities to rapidly share COVID-19 data with Ottawa. Its important for Canadians not to think this is over in any sense of the word, she said. Although we are out of the surge that we saw in March, we are putting out localized fires ... We still have an important role to play, no matter where we live, to make sure those fires dont reignite. Quebec now has a total of 55,079 cases, including 23,786 that are considered recovered. Arruda said Quebec has fully controlled its COVID-19 outbreak, even within long-term-care homes. And he said his office is now taking a different approach in announcing what parts of the economy can reopen. Starting today, rather than saying what we are reopening, we are saying what is staying closed, he said. With a few exceptions, every business, activity or service that had not reopened is now allowed to resume operations, Arruda said. The only exceptions are festivals and large gatherings, sleepover summer camps and combat sports. Those are still too risky because they encourage close contact, he said. Bars and clubs, he added, can reopen, but only for a seated clientele and no dancing will be allowed. And despite his good news for the many business owners who can now reopen, Arruda said he is still worried that Quebecers are dropping their guard and taking the virus less seriously. People still need to keep a two-metre distance from one another, wash their hands frequently and wear a mask in public, Arruda said. If they dont, he warned, were going to pay dearly. Either in the fall or maybe even before. Read more about: John Swinney's u-turn over a return to full time education has been welcomed by parents - but he is on a collision course with teaching unions - WPA Pool/Getty Local lockdowns could be imposed on communities around Scottish schools if coronavirus outbreaks occur among pupils when they return to classes in August, the Deputy First Minister has said. John Swinney also confirmed Covid-19 testing and temperature checks could be rolled out to staff and pupils, as he struggled to contain a growing rebellion from teaching unions over his overhauled plan for a return to schooling. On Tuesday, the Scottish Government performed a significant u-turn by saying all pupils were likely to return to school full time from August 11, just 10 days after Mr Swinney suggested a part time model would be in place for up to a year. While the move has been largely welcomed by many parents, who had been dismayed at plans that would see their children in classes for as little as one day a week, the countrys largest teaching union said it had significant concerns. Mr Swinney has said distancing between pupils will now not be required, assuming the virus remains suppressed, something the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) said may be unsafe. The union added that not following distancing rules in schools would make little sense if stricter requirements were in place elsewhere. An email is currently being sent out to members regarding yesterday's statement from the Deputy First Minister. A copy of the message is available on our website: https://t.co/Lr82zfJX0F EIS (@EISUnion) June 24, 2020 Mr Swinney admitted that individual schools could close again if outbreaks occur, with restrictions also potentially being imposed on surrounding areas. Under the Scottish Governments test and protect strategy, anyone who tests positive for Covid-19, as well as anyone they have come into close contact with, are told to self-isolate for up to 14 days. Story continues Asked what would happen if there was a school-based outbreak, which have occurred in other countries where schools have reopened, Mr Swinney said there was a possibility that it would be immediately shut down. He told the BBC: It is conceivable that a school or a particular locality might have to experience, in the future, some form of constraints similar to lockdown to make sure we could contain the extent of the virus as it presented itself in a particular part of Scotland. He added that testing of staff and pupils would be given serious consideration, as well as temperature checks for pupils. He said a basket of arrangements to increase safety would be put in place ahead of the August 11 start date, but he is yet to fully reassure teaching unions. In a letter sent out to members, Larry Flanagan, the EIS general secretary, said Mr Swinneys u-turn had caused debate, anxiety, frustration, confusion and even anger. The previous blended learning model, which required two-metre distancing between pupils, had been agreed following detailed discussion with unions and councils, but Mr Flanagan said there had been no consultation ahead of the shift. The education recovery group, which was set up to agree when schooling could resume, had met only last week and discussed support for the part-time model, he revealed. He said: The critical EIS red-line that a return to school, in any model, can only happen when there is demonstrable evidence that the virus is under control remains in force. The EIS is not convinced that no physical distancing between pupils is safe and we are absolutely certain that physical distancing between pupils and teachers remains essential. It may be that the actual distance, come August, will have been reduced from the current two metres if the level of infection has dropped further, but there cannot be a social distancing rule for outside of schools and a different one for inside classrooms. He also suggested the start of term could be delayed beyond August 11, as extra non-teaching days could be needed to carry out risk assessments and to put mitigation measures in place. Teachers are due to go on a six week summer holiday from next week. At Holyrood, there were angry clashes over education policy, with Nicola Sturgeon accusing Jackson Carlaw, the Scottish Tory leader, of grubby political opportunism during a national crisis. She pointed out that the Conservatives had called in late May for flexibility over schools reopening - which she claimed she had now delivered. On plans for safety measures that would be put in place for the new school year, she said there would be a big role for testing. She added: The detail of that is the work that we will now do, and which the Deputy First Minister will lead, to make sure that, before schools go back, teachers, parents and young people have confidence in the safety of their education. However, she faced renewed calls to publish the scientific advice that backed the move away from social distancing in classes. Beatrice Wishart, the Liberal Democrat MSP, said: "It will give teachers no comfort to hear that the plans for full time schooling were not agreed by the Government's own education group. They need to know that decisions are taken on the basis of sound science, not political expediency. Pregnant sociology student at Jamia Millia Islamia Safoora Zargar will walk out of Tihar Jail after 74 days. She had been booked under the draconian anti-terror Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). She may have been perfectly within her rights to take part in the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests, but her role is seen to have facilitated the disgraceful northeast Delhi riots by the government. Hence the governments unexpected humanitarian grounds concession that resulted in the grant of bail to her by the Delhi high court she had been denied bail three times before raises not a few questions. First, was it publicity and pressure from civil society and various national and international rights organisations that led to her bail? Pertinently, the Delhi police have gone on record to claim that Ms Zargars pregnancy does not dilute the gravity of her offence. Yet till the other day, they had been citing 39 deliveries inside the capitals prison facilities as proof that she would be well taken care of. What changed their minds? Second, did the police use the cover of the Covid-19 lockdown to crack down on CAA dissenters in the guise of the sham riots investigation? A large number of complaints filed by residents from northeast Delhi have been ignored these include the names of several BJP leaders, the most prominent of whom is Kapil Mishra against whom there is recorded evidence of instigating violence. But Jamia Millia Islamias Meeran Haider, Shifa-ur-Rehman and Asif Iqbal Tanha, and JNUs Umar Khalid and Natasha Narwal are in jail. Finally, the lower courts had denied Ms Zargar bail citing as grounds Section 43D(5) of the UAPA. Yet that section requires prima facie evidence of terrorist activity against Ms Zargar for the court to arrive at this decision. Of this there is none. Had this dubious concession not been made, would the high court have looked into the merits of her case? Did the government have a vested interest against the grant of bail to Ms Zargar on merits because it would have weakened their cases against Mr Haider, Mr Khalid and others and no longer let it obfuscate the facts behind the February riots? This newspaper raises that question. Healthcare CEOs of the Texas Medical Center said Thursday that a letter that was sent out to the community Wednesday regarding the hospital system's "increasingly stretched" ICU capacity level was "misinterpreted" and stressed the pandemic is not eclipsing hospital capabilities to care for COVID-19 positive patients as well as other patients. Following reports that TMC had reached 97 percent capacity, Dr. Marc Boom, Houston Methodist president and CEO, said ICU capacity percentages in the 80s or 90s is "completely normal." "We have the ability to go far higher than that in terms of the ICU beds we can utilize for COVID-19 patients," Boom said during a press conference. "...We have PPE (personal protection equipment) we have the capability, (and) we have learned enormous amounts about caring for people with COVID-19." Dr. Doug Lawson, St. Lukes Health CEO, said hospitals are actively planning for anticipated increases over the coming months, which includes bringing in contract nurses and clinicians from other parts of the country to help with surges and doubling critical care capacity. 'ABSOLUTELY HORRIFYING': Coronavirus expert warns of dire health crisis amid Texas surge "The reality is all of us have the ability to significantly expand capacity on a day to day, week to week, month to month basis," Lawson said. Boom said overall, hospitals are seeing younger COVID-19 patients, who stay for a shorter period of time, and fewer deaths. Thanks to active surveillance programs and quick turnaround testing times, Boom and Mark Wallace, Texas Childrens Hospital president and CEO, said a "relatively low number" of hospital employees have tested positive for the virus. Texas Children's started accepting adult COVID-19 positive patients this week and is currently operating at a 74 percent ICU occupancy, Wallace said. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Houston ICU capacity could soon be exceeded as COVID-19 hospitalizations worsen, TMC projects Dr. David L. Callender, Memorial Hermann Health System CEO, said the public needs to stay home if at all possible, wear face masks, practice social distancing and rigorous personal hygiene to "please help us help Houston." "We need the community to do the right things to help bend this curve right now," Boom said. rebecca.hennes@chron.com As cases of the novel coronavirus continued to be confirmed in Texas licensed child care centers, Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered new rules less than two weeks after the state dropped earlier emergency restrictions for providers. Child care centers, such as day cares, before- and after-school programs and registered homes, had not been required to enforce measures such as screening for illness since June 12, when providers were notified that the emergency rules were no longer in effect. Child care centers have been allowed to operate back at normal occupancy limits since June 3, under the governors reopening plan. Abbott directed Health and Human Services to enact new rules as COVID-19 cases surge and hospitalizations increase across the state. The governors order does not specify what the new standards will be. Kelli Weldon, a press officer for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, said the agency is still working on developing the new emergency rules. Though not obligated to, child care centers are being encouraged by the state to continue to follow guidance provided by Health and Human Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease control, which does recommend face coverings and social distancing measures. Just like any other person, children absolutely can contract coronavirus. In our clinic, we are seeing quite a few children who are now positive for coronavirus. As small as just a couple months old now, said Dr. Robert Sanders, pediatrician at PediExpress Urgent Care in San Antonio. He said a couple children at his clinic test positive every day for coronavirus. Sanders compared day cares to nursing homes and other indoor congregant settings with an increased risk of spreading the infection. There has never been a mask requirement for Texas child care centers. As of June 12, providers no longer were required to limit entry to staff, law-enforcement, licensing officials and children. Pick-ups and drop-offs were no longer required to be completed outside of operations and providers were no longer required to provide individual meals and snacks to kids to reduce the risk of spreading viral infections. In general we know the symptoms are a little less severe for children, Sanders said. But we have to remember, too, a lot of children can be completely symptom free, but still be very contagious to the people around them. In other words, implementing protections at day cares doesnt just protect the children it also protects their families. Rising rates As of June 16, 242 cases of COVID-19 at 203 child care operations were reported to Texas Health and Human Services. Of those cases, 167 were adult staff members and 75 were children. Children with chronic medical conditions like asthma and diabetes are at a higher risk of contracting the virus. And pediatricians are urging parents to also take into account whether family members in the household have similar conditions that put them at higher risk. Sanders said there was definitely a misconception that young people need not worry about the virus. You look at even our local San Antonio data where we see, unfortunately the majority o the mortalities of coronavirus are older, right? But that doesnt mean that a lot of young people arent getting really sick, he said. Some health experts say children over the age of 5 should be wearing masks in public spaces. Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, brought on by a COVID-19 infection, can inflame the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes or gastrointestinal organs, according to the CDC. The severe illness can show up to four weeks after the COVID-19 infection ends. Sanders said his clinic has seen a number of concerning potential cases of the syndrome, though they were not officially diagnosed. Two, in particular, seemed highly like to be that syndrome. The children were sent to the hospital. On Abbotts order, Sanders said Going back to the previous guidelines that were a little more tight are a step in the right direction. The effect on child care The pandemic has impacted the rate at which Texans use child care. There were 17,279 child care operations in the state in February, before COVID-19 was confirmed in the Lone Star State. Now, with 12,172 child care operations, 29.6 percent remain closed, according to Health and Human Services. Isabelle Revelli, director of the Little Academy of Humble, said the day care was immediately hit financially by the pandemic. Revelli said she had to lay off half of the staff because of the restrictions the state initially put on child care centers that only allowed the business to serve essential workers. There werent any relief funds or loans that applied to child care, she said. The parents who are still taking their children to day care are taking that risk because they have no other choice, Revelli said. Many work for the state government, as first responders or healthcare workers, she said. For many, its been a struggle to find day cares that are accepting new clients. Dr. Peter Jung, pediatrician and co-founder of Blue Fish Pediatrics in association with Childrens Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston, said parents should carefully vet out child care centers to ensure they are following proper hygiene habits, such as good air ventilation, low room density, increased disinfection and requiring employees to wear masks. Even if a provider follows CDC guidelines, there is no certainty that there wont be any transmissions, said Jung. Those measures will reduce the risk, he said. But theres no guarantee that everything in play is safe. Staff writer Silvia Foster-Frau contributed to this report. For one, with the number of cases in the state rising again, there is a strong health hazard that these students will have to contend with while leaving their homes for examination centres and appearing for their exams. Many of these centres are located in regions that have been classified as hotspots, due to the concentration of COVID-19 cases, and the risk of exposure is immense, wrote Tharoor. Similarly due to the rising number of cases, a number of steps have been taken by the state government and various district administrations in a bid to curtail the transmission of the virus, including reduced frequency of public transport, closure of internet cafes mandatory social distancing protocols and so on, which have also posed a strong obstacle for our students, he added. Also read: Class 10 and 12 board exams scrapped, CBSE tells top court Also read: IIT Bombay goes online, to hold digital classes from next semester With the majority of these students living with their parents and other elderly family members, there is naturally the worry of spreading the virus among high-risk groups. These challenges have cumulatively posed a strong impediment for our students to perform to their true potential, read the letter. While I recognise that it is important for us as a society to learn to live with the virus, we must also recognise that it is imperative that we continue to do our best to limit and reduce avoidable risks to the extent possible, wrote Tharoor.These exams should be postponed till such time as the current situation subsides or, alternatively, a substitute model for grading and evaluations must be considered and adopted keeping in mind these extraordinary conditions, he added. 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 TVS Srichakra Limited, Indias leading 2 & 3-wheeler Tyre Company, rolled out a social media campaign to celebrate Fathers Day 2020, honouring fatherhood and rejoicing paternal bonds. The campaign celebrates the contributions of fathers by showcasing different roles played by them in various life stages and talks about how fathers and their support remain constant in this ever-changing world. Commenting on the campaign Mr. P. Madhavan, EVP Sales & Marketing, TVS Srichakra Limited, said, TVS Eurogrip brings alive the relationship this generation shares with their fathers through a montage of video footages. This campaign is themed around the special and understated bond new age millennials share with their fathers. The campaign inspires people to share interesting stories reminiscing their times with their fathers. The video has struck a chord with the viewers and initial reports reveal that over a million views have been garnered on social media within a short span of time. You hear lots of complaints that members of Congress are too old in the Senate especially. What are voters doing about it? At the beginning of the current Congress, the average age in the Senate was 62.9 years old. Theres nothing wrong with having some older members stick around, but increasingly were getting almost nothing but aged senators. Its not representative of the nation. The issue is not the ones who stick around forever such as Vermont Democrat Pat Leahy (currently 80, first elected in 1974) or Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley (86, first elected in 1980). Turnover in Congress is actually at healthy levels these days. No, the problem is with incoming senators. The average age of new members elected in 2018 was 58.1 years old. That means a number of new senators are getting started when theyre already in their 60s or even their 70s. Given that many senators over the years have said it takes a full six-year term to get up to speed, were talking about people who will be in their 70s or 80s if they stick around for a second term. Of course, older politicians can still be highly effective. But the odds are that many of those who start their first terms when theyre already senior citizens will eventually wind up being little more than reliable party votes rather than active legislators. Its still relatively early in the 2020 election cycle, with several nominations still up for grabs; some contests that look potentially contested today will wind up being easy wins for the incumbent party. Still, its late enough in the political season so we have some idea of what the field will be. I looked at the 26 candidates most likely to become new senators. The average age of this group is about 54 years old, slightly lower than that for the previous incoming group (ages here are all as of Jan. 3, 2021, when the next Congress begins). The single most likely new senator, Wyoming Republican Cynthia Lummis, will be 66. Colorado Democrat John Hickenlooper (68) has a harder path to victory, but at this point hes still looking fairly likely to win his primary and defeat incumbent Republican Cory Gardner. Kansas will probably elect either Republican Roger Marshall (60) or Democrat Barbara Bollier (62). There are some younger Senate contenders. Democratic Representative Ben Ray Lujan, who will be 48, is likely to be elected in New Mexico. Representative Joe Kennedy III, who is now 39 going on 40, is facing Senate incumbent Ed Markey in the Democratic primary in Massachusetts. Neither of the two other younger candidates, Georgia Democrat Jon Ossoff (33) or Kentucky Democrat Charles Booker (36), are favored to win. Add it up, and there will likely be more new senators who are 60 or older than those who are under 50. Who is to blame? Mainly the political parties, at both the state and national level, who have a major say in determining congressional nominees. For whatever reasons perhaps theyre more risk-averse than they used to be? the parties seem to gravitate toward older candidates. There doesnt seem to be a big difference between the parties over the last 20 years. This cycle, the group of potential Republican senators I looked at are older than the Democratic crop as of now, but with several nominations still to be decided, its too early to know how it will play out. It wasnt always this way. The average age of incoming senators in 1995, 1981 and 1975 was below 50 years old, and new senators who were 60 and up were relatively rare before the last 20 years or so. The Senate back then, before Majority Leaders Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell both increased the top-down influence of party leadership, was also a more active body, with individual senators far more likely to get things done on their own instead of just doing whatever their party leadership told them to do. I cant prove that the two factors relative youth and less party control are connected, but my strong hunch is that they are. Its probably also not a coincidence that the parties likely didnt have as much sway over nominations back then. Im not talking absolutes. Its probably healthy to have the occasional senator who had a long career in some other profession and then entered politics, and that means having some older freshmen members. Jonathan Bernstein is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Saudi Arabia launches new commercial route Dubai-Egypt Strategy to boost Jeddah's port for large vessels (ANSAmed) - ROME, JUNE 25 - Saudi Arabia's port authority (Mawani) has launched the first direct commercial maritime connection between the port of Jebel Ali in Dubai and the port of Sokhna in Egypt with a stopover in Jeddah's port, Gulf News reports. The outlet said it is the fourth commercial line launched by Mawani and it is part of a commercial investment plan to launch Saudi Arabia as a connection hub for goods travelling between Europe and Africa. The plan includes strengthening the terminal for containers at the port of Jeddah and modernizing the port, which will also be able to host extremely large container ships, the largest in circulation. ''The direct line - commented Saad Alkhalb, president of the Saudi port authority - will connect Jeddah to more ports in the east and west, making it a central hub at a regional and global level. The line will also make trade easier, increasing the volume and frequency of ships on the Red Sea''. (ANSAmed). (ANSA). (Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of share dealings by London-listed company directors and managers announced on Thursday and not separately reported by Alliance News: Domino's Pizza Group PLC - Milton Keynes-based pizza delivery - Chief Executive Officer Dominic Paul buys 64,000 shares at GBP3.14, worth GBP201,088, on Wednesday. They are his only shares. Paul took over as CEO in May, replacing David Wild. Paul was CEO of coffee shop chain Costa Coffee before it was sold by Whitbread PLC to the Coca-Cola Co in 2019. Premier Foods PLC - St Albans, Hertfordshire-based food maker - Eight members of leadership team, including Chair Colin Day and CEO Alex Whitehouse, buy combined 497,316 shares at 65.0p, worth GBP323,255, on Wednesday. Polar Capital Holdings PLC - London-based active fund manager Non-Executive Director Brian Ashford-Russell sells 250,110 shares at 492.37p, worth GBP1.2 million, on Wednesday. National Express Group PLC - Birmingham-based bus and train operator - Beverley McGregor, associate of Chair John Armitt, sells 6,000 shares at 227.40p, worth GBP13,644, on Wednesday. Armitt now interested in 24,554 shares. Urban&Civic PLC - London-based master developer of large land sites - Director Alan Dickinson buys 11,111 shares at GBP2.14, worth GBP23,722, on Thursday. Jersey Oil & Gas PLC - oil & gas company focused on UK Continental Shelf of North Sea - CEO Andrew Benitz buys 14,800 shares at 100 pence and 102p, worth GBP15,076, on Wednesday and Thursday. Now has 641,942 shares. Transense Technologies PLC - Oxfordshire-based sensor systems - Executive Chair Nigel Rogers buys 20,000 shares at 65.65p, worth GBP13,130, on Thursday. Now has 100,000 shares. Surface Transforms PLC - Liverpool-based carbon-ceramic brake discs - Kerry Wood, safety, health, environmental & quality manager, buys 106,474 shares at 23.0p and 116,771 shares at 21.4p, together worth GBP49,478, on Wednesday. Now has 335,488 shares. Kape Technologies PLC - Isle of Man-registered digital security and privacy software - Ted Kim, head of North America and non-executive director, sells 127,597 shares at 200p, worth GBP255,194, to settle personal tax liability related to acquisition of Private Internet Access. Now holds 100,000 shares but will be issued 1.3 million more in December of this year and another 418,290 in December 2021. Wey Education PLC - London-based education services - Human Resources Director Tony Knowles sells 150,000 shares at 27.2p, worth GBP40,788. Now has 66,862 shares. Finance Director Barry Nichols-Grey sells 40,000 shares at 28.56, worth GBP11,424. Now has 43,633 shares. Both sales on Wednesday. Feedback PLC - London-based medical imaging technology - Non-Executive Director Adam Denning buys 1.5 million shares at average 0.98p, worth GBP14,940, on Wednesday and Thursday last week. They are his only holding. Scapa Group PLC - Manchester-based medical devices and industrial adhesives - Chief Executive Heejae Chae buys 19,899 shares at 100.0p, worth GBP19,899, on Wednesday. Now has 1.1 million shares, a 0.6% stake. By Tom Waite; thomaslwaite@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Graphene Nanoribbons might soon be much easier to produce. An international research team led by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the U.S. has succeeded in producing this versatile material for the first time directly on the surface of semiconductors. Until now, this was only possible on metal surfaces. The new approach also enables scientists to customise the properties of the nanoribbons. Storage technology is one of the potential applications of the material. The research team reports on its results in the upcoming issue of Science. For years, graphene has been regarded as the material of the future. In simple terms, it is a two-dimensional carbon surface that resembles a honeycomb. This special structure gives the material distinctive properties: for example, it is extremely stable and ultra-light. There is a particular interest in graphene nanoribbons as they are a semiconductor material that could be used, for instance, in the electrical and computer industry. "This is why many research groups around the world are focusing their efforts on graphene nanoribbons," explains chemist Professor Konstantin Amsharov at MLU. These ribbons, which are only nanometres in size, are made up of just a few carbon atoms wide. Their properties are determined by their shape and width. When graphene research was just beginning, the bands were produced by cutting up larger sections. "This process was very complicated and imprecise," says Amsharov. He and colleagues from Germany, the U.S. and Poland, have now succeeded in simplifying the production of the coveted nanoribbons. The team produces the material by joining together individual atoms, which enables the properties to be customised. The researchers have succeeded for the first time in producing the ribbons on the surface of titanium oxide, a non-metallic material. "Until now, the ribbons were mainly synthesised on gold surfaces. This is not only comparatively expensive, but also impractical," explains Amsharov. The problem with this approach is that gold conducts electricity. This would directly negate the properties of the graphene nanoribbons, which is why this method has only been used in basic research. However, the gold was needed as a catalyst to produce the nanoribbons in the first place. In addition, the nanoribbons had to be transferred from the gold surface to another surface - a very tricky undertaking. The new approach discovered by Amsharov and his colleagues solves this set of problems. "Our new method allows us to have complete control over how the graphene nanoribbons are assembled. The process is technologically relevant as it could also be used at an industrial level. It is also more cost-effective than previous processes," says Amsharov, in summary. There are numerous areas of application for the nanoribbons: they could be used in future storage and semiconductor technology and they play a crucial role in the development of quantum computers. About the study: Kolmer M. et al. Rational synthesis of atomically precise graphene nanoribbons directly on metal oxide surfaces. Science (2020). Doi: 10.1126/science.abb8880 ### hermosawave/iStockBy KELSEY WALSH and KENDALL KARSON, ABC News (WASHINGTON) -- Millennial real estate investor Madison Cawthorn won a Republican primary runoff for a western North Carolina congressional seat upsetting President Donald Trumps endorsed candidate on Tuesday evening. Cawthorn defeated Lynda Bennett, a real estate businesswoman in the district formerly occupied by Trumps current Chief of Staff Mark Meadows. In December, Meadows made a surprise announcement that he will not run for reelection allowing for a primary runoff for the seat. The president and Meadows both supported Lynda Bennet. If elected, Cawthorn, 24, would be the youngest member of congress. Cawthorn, a resident of Hendersonville, North Carolina, was nominated to the Naval Academy by Meadows. However, in 2014, Cawthorn's plans were altered when he was in a near fatal car accident that left him paralyzed. The accident is a prominent narrative in his run for office. In his first campaign video, Cawthorns family members tell the story of his accident and his main cover image on his campaign website is a photograph of him sitting in his wheelchair dressed in hunting gear with a rifle on his shoulder. Cawthorn declares himself a Trump supporter and constitutional conservative. He champions his youth and fights against liberal leftists. And I believe America is worth fighting for. Our faith, our freedoms, our American values are under assault leftists like Nancy Pelosi and AOC. Im pro Trump, pro life, and post Second Amendment. Im a fighter, like so many of you Ive known great adversity and Ill be a strong voice for faith, family, freedom, Cawthorn says in his campaign video. On Wednesday morning, Cawthorn was asked on Morning Joe why Meadows endorsed his opponent during the primary, All I know is Mr. Meadows had been very good to me throughout my life. I wish I could have had his endorsement early on, but it appears that we did not need it. Cawthorn also said Trump called to congratulate him Tuesday evening, called his victory "beautiful" and "impressive" and noted that the young candidates campaign was able to overcome so many obstacles. In November, Cawthorn will face Air Force veteran Morris "Moe" Davis. Davis was the chief prosecutor at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Cawthorn's campaign was boosted by a consulting firm created by a former aide to Vice President Mike Pence. First reported by The Hill, Bill Smith, who was Pence's chief of staff during his tenure as governor of Indiana and on Capitol Hill, posted on Facebook that his new consulting firm launched earlier this year, Sheridan Strategy Group, helped propel Cawthorn to his victory Tuesday. Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. MP has apologized for her colleague and told about the faction's reaction. Ukrainian MP with the Servant of the People parliamentary faction Olena Moshenets has explained the words of her fellow party member, Head of the Parliamentary Committee on Social Policies and Protection of Veterans Rights Halyna Tretiakova about children of "poor quality." "It seems Ms. Tretiakova cited a quote that could emphasize her idea, as far as I understand from context. I understand she meant children with a low level of education, but what she actually said was 'children of poor quality'," Moshenets told Ukraine 24 TV channel. MP has apologized for her colleague's comment and spoke about the faction's reaction. "I'd like to apologize on behalf ot Ms Tretiakova and our political force to all children and all Ukrainians. I think the issue [of dismissal from the post of the head of the parliamentary committee] will be decided during the faction meeting, there should be an apology and explanation of the wording she applied," Moshenets said. Read alsoRuling party leaders in Ukraine say hot mic gaffe opponents' dirty political trick As reported earlier, speaking in a stream posted by the Kyiv School of Economics on May 26, Tretiakova said the following: "When we demographically provide welfare that is used by families for anything but providing their child with equal rights and education, while giving birth to a child only to receive financial assistance. Then we get I'll say harshly children of very low quality, who also start feeding on public funds. Margaret Thatcher also spoke of this once," Tretiakova said, adding that the UK is tough on those who "don't work and don't protect". She went on to cite the example of Singapore where Li Kuan Yu reportedly told to sterilize women with no higher education. The relevant excerpt from the stream was posted by a Facebook public in late May and went largely unnoticed, but the row sparked after the Federation of Professional Unions of Ukraine on June 24 publicly called for Tretiakova's sacking from the post of Parliamentary Committee for Social Policies and Protection of Veterans Rights. First studio acquisition: a major step in the Group's EEE 1 strategic plan strategic plan Full ownership of Intellectual Property New bank financing of 46 million Regulatory News: FOCUS HOME INTERACTIVE (Paris:ALFOC) (FR0012419307 ALFOC), a leading French publisher of video games, announced the acquisition of 100% of share capital of Deck13 Interactive GmbH ("Deck13"), incorporated under German law. Deck13 Interactive is a leading German game development studio and long-time partner of Focus Home Interactive. Deck13 employs a team of 60 highly skilled workers and has developed over 20 games in the past 18 years. Deck13 Interactive has developed major successes such as The Surge franchise with Focus Home Interactive and achieved revenue of 5.5 million in the fiscal year ended 31st December 2019. Jurgen Goeldner, Chairman of the Management Board, declared: "We are very happy to welcome the team of Deck13 and look forward to working together to achieve our ambitious objectives. This acquisition marks a major milestone in our growth story and will strengthen our business model. This acquisition will be financed by the drawing down of the new bank financing of 46 million which will also support our other future developments". Jan Klose, Managing Director and co-founder of Deck13, added: "I am delighted to announce that Deck13 is now part of Focus Home Interactive. Our companies have been working together successfully since 2011, developing award winning brands such as The Surge. We are looking forward to leveraging the incredible capabilities of Focus Home Interactive to develop new successes". This acquisition fits the EEE strategic plan of the Group and will enable Focus Home Interactive to take full control of the Intellectual Property. In addition, Focus Home Interactive is acquiring its publishing service for indie-developments which will help the Group to explore new opportunities. FHI acquires 100% of Deck13's share capital for a total amount of 7.1 million (of which 6.5 million in cash from the new banking facility and 0.6 million in shares held in treasury) and a long-term incentive plan for Deck13 managers. The deal was closed today. As part of its development and acquisition strategy, Focus Home Interactive set up in early February 2020 a financing plan with five banks and Bpifrance Financement for a total amount of 46 million. This financing consists of several credit lines (23.5 million) and a revolving credit facility (15 million) and two credit lines (7.5 million) with Bpifrance Financement. This financing was signed at attractive terms and conditions and the duration of the lenders' commitment, over several years, once again demonstrates the credibility and the robustness of the Group's business model and the potential of long-term ambitions. About Deck13 Interactive GmbH Deck13 Interactive is one of Germany's leading developers with more than 18 years of experience. With over 60 employees located in Frankfurt, Deck13 Interactive has developed upwards of 20 titles, including major releases such as The Surge and Lords of the Fallen. In the past year the team worked on The Surge 2 and a new unannounced IP. Under the "Deck13 Spotlight" label the team established a publishing service to help independent developers bring their projects to wider audiences. Deck13 Spotlight is a growing division with an experienced team and access to the whole market. For more than 10 published games such as CrossCode, Deck13 managed Producing, Localization, QA, Marketing, PR Distribution. For additional information, visit www.deck13.com About Focus Home Interactive FOCUS HOME INTERACTIVE is a leading French publisher of video games. Its vocation is to support leading international studios in the development, production monitoring, marketing, sales and financing of their projects. As a publisher of strong brands such as The Surge, Vampyr, Mudrunner and Call of Cthulhu, the Group generated revenues of 143 million in 2019/20, up 13% compared to the previous comparable period. FOCUS HOME INTERACTIVE generates more than 90% of its sales internationally. For additional information, visit www.focus-home.com 1 Plan described in the press release dated November 27, 2018 available on the Company's website View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005656/en/ Contacts: Investor Relations FTI Consulting Cosme Julien-Madoni Arnaud de Cheffontaines Tel?: 33 (0) 1 47 03 68 10 Mail?: fhi@fticonsulting.com Press Relations FTI Consulting Emily Oliver Remi Salvador Tel?: 33 (0) 1 47 03 68 10 Mail?: fhi@fticonsulting.com The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the death of former Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, as a national tragedy. The party said this in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, on Thursday in Abuja. Mr Ologbondiyan said the death of the immediate former Acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was a huge loss not just to the APC but the entire nation. He said the deceased was an exceptionally brilliant administrator, outstanding legislator and a man of peace, who made immense contributions and sacrifices towards the unity, political stability and development of the nation. Sen. Ajimobi was an excellent administrator and broadminded Nigerian, who put the good of the nation ahead of other considerations in his political life. READ ALSO: Indeed, our party is still in shock and deeply saddened over the news of the death of Ajimobi, especially at this time, when our nation needed his wealth of experience and statesmanship the most. The PDP, according to Mr Ologbondiyan, commiserates with the Ajimobis family, particularly his widow, Florence Ajimobi, President Muhammadu Buhari, the national leadership of the APC, the government and people of Oyo State. He prayed God to grant the nation the fortitude to bear the loss and eternal repose to the faithful departed. (NAN) UNSW has threatened to call pest control to remove a fox on campus, as students rally behind the now beloved animal which bit at least three people earlier this month. In an email to staff, the university provided its update on what is being done about the fox, which has been sighted multiple times on its Kensington campus. "The preferred strategy is to encourage the fox to move away from campus on its own," the email read. "With more people returning and activity on campus increasing, it is likely the fox will move on and find a more suitable location." 6.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits New Zealands South Island Near Milford Sound New Zealands GeoNet service, which monitors the countrys geological hazards, reported a 6.0 magnitude earthquake near Milford Sound on June 25. It said that thousands of residents reported experiencing moderate shaking after the shallow quake struck at 10:32 a.m. local time just 35 kilometers (22 miles) west of Milford Sound. The epicenter of the quake was registered at 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) deep. Local media reported that residents in the lower part of New Zealands North Island also reported feeling the quake that lasted about 20-30 seconds. Te Anau Helicopters employee Helen Archer told the NZHerald.co.nz that she was left feeling sea-sick from the quake. We certainly felt it. Weve got cars out the front here and they were just rolling around in the carpark there. It wasnt a violent earthquake. It was just jiggling, she said. Were probably kind of used to earthquakes down here, but it was just rolling for a long time. It just kept going and were still feeling a bit yuck. The 6.0 magnitude quake was followed by another significant 5.9 magnitude quake at 10:34 a.m. M6.0 quake causing moderate shaking near Milford Sound https://t.co/vvq6A2c234 GeoNet (@geonet) June 24, 2020 A series of aftershocks have also been reported in the area. M3.7 quake causing weak shaking near Milford Sound https://t.co/crNFLnHLMb GeoNet (@geonet) June 25, 2020 The region affected by the earthquake lies on what is known as the Alpine Fault. This fault line, according to GNS Science, runs along New Zealands Southern Alps in the South Island and the east coast in the north. It is one of the worlds major tectonic features visible above sea-level and represents the meeting of the Pacific and Indo-Australian plates. The fault has ruptured four times in the past 900 years, each time producing an earthquake of about magnitude 8. When students across Massachusetts return to school this fall, class will not resume like pre-COVID times. State education officials released guidance Thursday offering a glimpse into what educators and families can expect for the 2020-2021 school year. Part of our responsibility as educators, administrators, and parents is to do all that we can to help our children in this difficult time, said Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey C. Riley. As we all know, there is no substitute for the attention and engagement that is only possible with in-person learning. We can mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19 for in-person school programs and prevent the significant consequences of keeping students out of school and isolated. It will take all of us working together to make this successful. The decision to reopen schools was based in part because of the lower infection rate of COVID-19 among children and the negative impact of keeping children out of the classroom. In a Suffolk University/MassLive poll released Wednesday respondents were split on whether they thought it was safe to send children back to schools for in-person learning, with 50.8% of respondents indicating they do not yet feel comfortable sending kids back to the classroom. With the return of in-person learning will come enhanced safety requirements. Face coverings: All staff and students in second grade and older will be required to wear masks, supplied by their parent or guardian. Students in kindergarten and first grade will be encouraged, but not required to wear masks. Face shields may be an option for those students with medical, behavioral, or other challenges who are unable to wear masks/face coverings, the guidance states. Transparent masks may be the best option for both teachers and students in classes for deaf and hard of hearing students. Breaks from wearing masks will be scheduled throughout the day when social distancing allows. Social distancing: Districts must also implement social distancing within schools. Schools are encouraged to space desks in the classroom at least 6 feet apart, though a minimum of 3 feet is mandated. Schools will be asked to turn to alternative spaces - including cafeterias, libraries and auditoriums - to allow for more social distancing. Students will eat breakfast and lunch in the classroom instead of the cafeteria or common areas. The guidance calls for students to spend as much time as possible with a single group of students, rather than shifting from room-to-room and mixing with other groups of students. If sick, stay home: State education officials will not mandate temperature checks on school grounds in the latest guidance, but will rely on families to screen their children prior to arrival at school. If a student exhibits COVID-19 symptoms during the school day, they will be moved to an isolation room until they can be picked up by a parent or guardian. The room will be separate from the school nurses office. Schools will implement an increased safety plan with regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces. Transportation: The 28-page guidance doesnt address student transportation to-and-from school, which state officials say will be outlined later this summer. Athletics and extracurriculars: Both will be addressed in future guidance issued by the state. As the number of coronavirus cases spread statewide in mid-March, schools were closed leaving educators to scramble to offer remote education through the end of the spring classes. There is a clear consensus from both education and medical groups: we must keep in mind not only the risks associated with COVID-19 for in-person school programs, but also the known challenges and consequences of keeping students out of school, Riley said. While remote learning has improved over the course of the school closures, there is no substitute for in-person instruction when it comes to the quality of students academic learning. In-person school plays an equally important role in our ability to support students social-emotional needs, including their mental and physical health, and in mitigating the impacts of trauma. We also recognize how disruptive school closures have been to families trying to maintain regular work schedules and manage household needs, including childcare, while also facilitating remote learning. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will mandate all districts prepare a reopening plan offering three learning models for the fall: in-person learning, a hybrid of in-person and remote learning and a continuation of remote learning. Districts will be required to submit their plans to state education officials in August. Districts are encouraged to prioritize the return to in-person learning but local leaders will ultimately decide if it is feasible for their district. A hybrid model would have students alternating between in-person and remote learning. For instance, students could switch between in-person and remote learning on alternating weeks or days of the week, the state guidance states. The state encourages prioritizing high-needs students - including including students with disabilities and English learners - for full-time in-person learning. It also recommends districts work with families who dont have internet access and/or a dedicated device they can use for remote learning. Districts and schools must be prepared to be flexible and ready to pivot if circumstances change significantly, Riley said. Districts should expect some students to not return to the classroom this fall due to underlying medical conditions and must offer remote learning, state education officials said. Families, in consultation with their medical providers, will ultimately make the decision as to whether their children will attend in-person instruction, or whether their children will continue with remote learning, Riley said. A second spike in COVID-19 could force widespread school closures and the need for all students to return to remote learning during the 2020-2021 school year. Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito will be joined by Secretary of Education James Peyser and Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey Riley during their noon press conference to discuss the guidance on Thursday. This plan will allow schools to responsibly do what is best for students bring them back to school to learn, said Baker. COVID-19 has presented numerous challenges for our schools, educators and students, but through collaboration with school officials and the medical community, we have developed both a comprehensive plan endorsed by the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a financial package to support schools throughout the Commonwealth. Related Content: Accra: Ghanas government has decided to remove a statue of Mahatma Gandhi from a university campus in Ghana after professors launched a petition claiming the revered Indian independence leader and thinker was racist. The statue will be relocated soon. The disputed statue of Gandhi was unveiled in June at the University of Ghana campus in Accra by President Pranab Mukherjee as a symbol of close ties between the two countries. But in September a group of professors launched a petition calling for the removal of the statue because they say Gandhi was racist and that the university should put African heroes and heroines first and foremost. It is better to stand up for our dignity than to kowtow to the wishes of a burgeoning Eurasian super-power, said the petition, which quotes passages written by Ghandi that say Indians are infinitely superior to black Africans. Ghanas ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement that it has followed the controversy with deep concern and that it wants to relocate the statue. The government would therefore want to relocate the statue from the University of Ghana to ensure its safety and to avoid the controversy, it said. While acknowledging that human as he was, Mahatma Gandhi may have had his flaws, we must remember that people evolve, said the ministry, emphasising that Ghana and India have championed the struggle for the liberation of oppressed peoples around the world. Statues on university campuses have recently sparked charged debates in Africa as students wrestle with the legacy of colonialism and history of racism on the continent. Last year, students in South Africa successfully campaigned for the removal of a statue of Cecil Rhodes, a notoriously racist mining magnate who died in 1902, from the University of Cape Town campus. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. The Trump administration has determined that top Chinese firms, including telecoms equipment giant Huawei Technologies and video surveillance company Hikvision, are owned or controlled by the Chinese military, laying the groundwork for new U.S. financial sanctions. Washington placed Huawei and Hikvision on a trade blacklist last year over national security concerns and has led an international campaign to convince allies to exclude Huawei from their 5G networks. A Department of Defense (DOD) document listing 20 companies operating in the United States that Washington alleges are backed by the Chinese military was first reported by Reuters. The DOD document also includes China Mobile Communications Group and China Telecommunications Corp as well as aircraft manufacturer Aviation Industry Corp of China. The designations were drawn up by the Defense Department, which was mandated by a 1999 law to compile a list of Chinese military companies operating in the United States, including those "owned or controlled" by the People's Liberation Army that provide commercial services, manufacture, produce or export. The Pentagon's designations do not trigger penalties, but the law says the president may impose sanctions that could include blocking all property of the listed parties. Huawei, China Mobile, China Telecom, AVIC and the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment. Hikvision called the allegations "baseless," noting it was not a "Chinese military company," and had never participated in any R&D work for military applications but would work with the United States government to resolve the matter. The Pentagon has come under pressure from lawmakers of both U.S. political parties to publish the list, amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over technology, trade and foreign policy. Last September, top U.S. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, Republican Senator Tom Cotton and Republican Representative Mike Gallagher penned a letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper raising concerns about Beijing's enlisting of Chinese corporations to harness emerging civilian technologies for military purposes. "Will you commit to updating and publicly releasing this list as soon as possible?" they asked in the letter. On Wednesday, Cotton and Gallagher praised the DOD for releasing the list and urging the president to impose economic penalties against the firms. The White House did not comment on whether it would sanction the companies on the list, but a senior administration official said the list can be seen as "a useful tool for the U.S. Government, companies, investors, academic institutions, and likeminded partners to conduct due diligence with regard to partnerships with these entities, particularly as the list grows." The list will likely add to tensions between the world's two largest economies, which have been at loggerheads over the handling of the coronavirus pandemic and China's move to impose security legislation on Hong Kong, among multiple points of friction that have worsened this year. Last week, China threatened retaliation after President Donald Trump signed legislation calling for sanctions over the repression of China's Uighurs. The list "is a start, but woefully inadequate to warn the American people about the state-owned and -directed companies that support the Chinese government and Communist Party's activities threatening U.S. economic and national security," Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who sponsored the Uighur bill, said in a statement. Mr Yovich has moved on to talking about the fibres recovered from the home environments of Jane and Ciara shortly after their disappearances. Jane Rimmer. He said it's common for fibres from areas habitually used by a person to be transferred to them, such as bedding fibres. Mr Yovich has pointed out there were no fibres recovered from the crime scenes that could be attributed directly to Mr Edwards, but rather simply a "class of persons" to which he fits. He said Operation Macro involved one of the largest, if not the largest, textile fibres investigation in the world resulting in a large number of fibres being recovered and analysed in relation to the crimes. Mr Yovich said the large number of comparisons undertaken made it more likely there would be some "chance matches" within the samples. He said other common fibres found on the women were regarded as likely being chance matches. "Some groups of fibres common to Ms Rimmer and Ms Glennon could be adventitious, if that is so, this conclusion bears upon the common fibres the state relies on, some of those are adventitious," he said. There were 1595 fibres recovered in relation to Mr Edwards' rape offence, two allegedly critical: 1363 were recovered from Jane's body and a hairbrush from her home 22 being critical and 2021 were recovered from Ciara, 61 being critical. None of the critical fibres were found in the homes of the murdered women. "The evidentiary value of that negative fact ... has to be assessed by reference to the degree in which their home environments were actually assessed for fibres," Mr Yovich said, adding the evidence at trial suggested most fibres found on a person represent their movements in the past six to 12 hours. Jane and Ciara had both been away from their homes for more than six hours when they went missing, Ciara more than 12 hours. On the day Jane disappeared, she had been at her Wembley unit, at her parents' house, at the hairdressers, at the Shenton Park Hotel, inside two taxis, at the OBH, and at The Continental Hotel. On the day Ciara disappeared, she had been at her parents' Mosman Park home, inside two vehicles, on a bus, at her office, in a Perth CBD cafe and retail store, and at The Continental Hotel. Mr Yovich said it was possible the women, on the days they went missing, could have had "non-crime related" contacts, which could have resulted in fibre transferred. He said people were "shoulder-to-shoulder" at The Continental Hotel, and Jane was seen on CCTV dancing with others and bumping into people. On the 45th anniversary of Emergency on Thursday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress traded accusations about lack of democracy in their respective political parties. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that the sacrifice made by the people who fought against the imposition of Emergency will never be forgotten, union home minister Amit Shah attacked the Congress, critiqued the concentration of power in one family, and said that the opposition party should ask why the Emergency mindset continues. The Congress, in turn, attacked Modi and Shah for hijacking the BJP, sidelining elder leaders, centralising all power, and leaving no space for others to express their views. On June 25, 1975, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had imposed the Emergency, which saw a suspension of fundamental rights, detention of political leaders, dismissal of a range of state governments, and significant constitutional changes. She announced elections two years later, which led to the defeat of the Congress for the first time in post-Independence India and the installation of the Janata Party-led government. The Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the political predecessor of the BJP, was a part of the umbrella Janata formation. Also read | 5 daughters for son: Congress leaders remark stirs row in MP In a series of tweets, Shah made a pointed reference to Tuesdays Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, where former union minister RPN Singh was reported to have called for restraint against direct attacks on PM Modi. Singh, who is the party in-charge of Jharkhand affairs, has argued that the Congress leaders should rather criticise the governments policies and raise people-centric issues. However, he was countered by other leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who praised former Congress president Rahul Gandhi for taking on Modi. For his part, Rahul Gandhi said he will continue to attack the Prime Minister, claiming that it is Modi alone who formulates policies and takes all decisions in the present government. Shah took a dig at the Congress leadership and the Gandhi family without naming it. During the recent CWC meet, senior members in younger members raised a few issues. But, they were shouted down. A party Spokesperson was unceremoniously sacked. The sad truth is leaders are feeling suffocated in Congress, he tweeted and attacked a link to a media report about the proceedings at the CWC. Shahs comment was in reference to the removal of Sanjay Jha as the partys spokesperson, after he criticised the partys functioning in an opinion piece. In a separate tweet, Shah said, As one of Indias opposition parties, Congress needs to ask itself: why does the emergency mindset remain? Why are the leaders who dont belong to one dynasty unable to speak up? Why are leaders getting frustrated in Congress? Else, the disconnect with the people will keep widening. The former BJP party president went on to say it was due to the efforts of lakhs of people that emergency was lifted, but is still missing in the Congress. Democracy was restored in India but it remained absent in the Congress. The interests of one family prevailed over party interests and national interests. This sorry state of affairs thrives in todaya Congress too! he tweeted. Also read | BJP-led govt in Manipur back in saddle as 4 NPP MLAs withdraw resignations While the Congress vehemently denied these allegations, Shah pinned the blame for the imposition on Emergency on the Gandhi family, without naming names. He said, On this day 45 years ago, one familys greed for power led to the imposition of the Emergency and turned the nation in to a prison. The press, the courts, free speechall were trampled over. Atrocities were committed on the poor and the downtrodden. Shahs comments drew a sharp response from the Congress leaders. Rajasthan chief minister and veteran Congress leader Ashok Gehlot hit back at Shah. I am not surprised to see that out of all opposition parties Mr Modi and Amit Shah are worried only about Congress. Their insecurities and fear is evident because everyone knows including Shah that only Congress under the leadership of Soniaji and Rahulji have the courage and strength to take on the tyranny of the current regime, he said. It is shocking that apart from 3/4 ministers, public does not even know who all are there in Modis cabinet. Gehlot alleged that Shah along with Modi had hijacked the BJP and NDA government with no breather for other leaders, and were not fit to question democratic values of Congress Party and CWC. It is no secret that for last three decades no one from the Gandhi family has held any position of power. They have always encouraged and empowered the cadre and ground worker of Congress party like me and if at all we are disconnected with public, why is Mr Shah so worried? Gehlot added. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted, And so spoke those, who occupied present positions by forcibly retiring & humiliating every patriarch & colleague who built them. And the list is long....Sh. L.K.Advani, Sh. M.M.Joshi, Sh. Keshubhai Patel, Sh. Kalraj Mishra, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Sh. Haren Pandya, Sh. Sanjay Joshi. Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and Rajya Sabha member Digvijaya Singh also questioned Shahs statement and said the Congress party considers the Gandhi family as a binding force. Who in Congress is opposed to Rahul ji or Priyanka ji? Name one senior leader? Whole Congress unitedly stands with Nehru Gandhi Family. They are the binding force. What is more important is the Ideological clarity among Congress leaders junior or senior which is harming the Party, he tweeted. June 25 (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co has signed a deal with Vodafone Group Plc to install a private 5G network at the car maker's electric-vehicle (EV) battery facility in UK's Essex, the companies said in a joint statement on Thursday. The project is part of a 65-million-pound ($80.87 million) investment in 5G backed by the UK government, according to Ford and Vodafone, and would be among the first of its kind in Britain. The private 5G network at Ford's facility will replace older Wi-Fi networks and help speed up the production of EV components, according to the companies. "For a single EV product, this could generate more than a half a million pieces of data every minute", the statement said, adding that the upgrade will provide faster and more accurate manufacturing control and analysis. Earlier this week, Toyota Production Engineering Corporation selected Finland's Nokia Oyj to install an industrial-grade 5G private wireless network at its manufacturing design center in Fukuoka, Japan. ($1 = 0.8038 pounds) (Reporting by Vishal Vivek and Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Ramakrishnan M.) In the Western Military Zone along Egypts border with Libya, while inaugurating the Gargoub military base earlier this week, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi delivered two essential messages. Addressing the rank and file of army and Air Force personnel, he stressed the need to be prepared for combat missions abroad to repel threats to Egypt and its people. The officers and soldiers affirmed they were ready. The second message was political and strategic. Explaining Egypts vision for addressing regional crises, especially the Ethiopian and Libyan crises, he made it clear that it was not a sign of weakness or wavering to show patience. However, in the case of Libya, in particular, it was now necessary to draw clear red lines. President Al-Sisi warned Turkey, and the extremist militias and mercenaries it backs in western Libya, not to embark on any military adventures beyond a line drawn from Sirte to Jufra. According to military experts, the Sirte-Jufra line demarcates a crucial buffer for Egyptian national security and any hostile steps beyond it would constitute aggression against Egypt. The fall of Sirte to Turkey and other hostile forces would have dangerous implications for Libya, for Egypt and for the Eastern Mediterranean as a whole. The area known as Libyas petroleum crescent contains Libyas largest oil reserves, its main oil terminals and important military bases. Not far away to the south is the Jufra air base, one of Libyas largest military bases. Sirte houses a major operations room for the Libyan National Army (LNA) and is a liaison centre between eastern and western Libya. Sirte airport and seaport are major outlets. Were Turkey to seize control of the petroleum crescent it would be a flagrant act of plunder on the part of a country that has made no secret of its appetite for others oil and gas resources. It would also benefit the radical militia groups in Tripoli and deprive the Libyan people of their natural wealth. President Al-Sisi alluded to this danger in his speech last week when he stressed the need for a just and equitable distribution of wealth among the Libyan people. Many sources have also reported on the huge amounts of money the Turkish military-industrial sector is raking in from Ankaras military intervention in Libya. The Libyan Review news site reported that leaked documents showed the Tripoli-based Minister of Interior Fathi Bashagha had instructed Central Bank Governor Al-Sadiq Al-Kabir to transfer 169 million euros to the account of SSTEK Defence Industry Technologies, a subsidiary of the Turkish Defence Industry which is closely linked to Erdogans inner circle. It should be noted that the Berlin process and the 5+5 military committee it created called for a return to the 4 April 2019 line, before the LNA launched its Flood of Dignity Operation towards Tripoli. Now that the balances are in their favour, the GNA camp is calling for a return to the 2015 lines, which means LNA withdrawal from the petroleum crescent and the Fezzan region in the south. Major General Mohamed Qashqoush, professor of national security affairs at the Nasser Military Academy, believes that Turkey has its sights set on controlling all of Libyas major military bases. It has taken control of Mitiga, Watiya and the Air Force College in Misrata and is now targeting Jufra. If it succeeds it will breach the Egyptian defensive buffer and legitimise Egyptian military action in exercise of the right to self-defence, he said, echoing President Al-Sisis remarks. It is important that everyone understands the composition of the Western Military Zone. There are special forces, paratroopers, commandos, artillery, etc, who can be deployed very quickly to form an advanced defence formation to hold the red line. Their hardware and equipment, which weve seen perform in numerous manoeuvres, is up to the task. In Qashqoushs opinion, the presence of radical militias in Libya has long posed a grave threat. The Turkish presence, and the transfer of jihadist mercenaries from Syria to Libya, has compounded that threat. No one can blame Egypt for suggesting it might resort to military force, including direct intervention, in order to protect its national security. After all, no one else is going to perform the task for Egypt. Many European states and regional powers support the Egyptian position on Libya, one which seeks to promote a ceasefire and a return to the political process. In this framework Egypt has called for a resumption of the military track initiated by the Berlin Conference in January. It appears that action has already been taken in response to this call. Whereas the UN Support Mission for Libya (UNSMIL) has called for a resumption of the 5+5 Military Committee, which includes five senior military officers selected by the GNA and five selected by the LNA leader Khalifa Haftar, in Geneva next month, a Libyan source involved in the discussions told Al-Ahram Weekly that the committee had already held a closed circuit teleconference on 22 June. He said the dialogue focussed on Egypts opposition to the current military escalation in Libya, and added that the participants would hold their next official meeting in the second half of July. On Monday, the Commander of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) General Stephen Townsend, and US Ambassador to Libya Richard Norland, met with GNA head Fayez Al-Sarraj. The meeting, which was unprecedented, concluded with an agreement on the need for a ceasefire. AFRICOM, headquartered in Stuttgart, is responsible for all US Department of Defense operations, exercises, and security cooperation on the African continent, its island nations, and surrounding waters. According to a source, the results of the meeting were consistent with the views of the US National Security Council which has stressed that Washington supports Cairos calls for a ceasefire, a return to the political process and the need to avert further military escalation. Such developments have not prevented the GNA and its media from escalating their propaganda campaign against Cairo. Many GNA officials have rejected the Egyptian position, with some going so far as to call it a declaration of war, while hawks have urged further military action to annex Sirte. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry released a sternly worded statement cautioning the GNA to realise its size when addressing Egypt. It also noted how the GNA is losing any legitimacy as one member after the other has resigned. The Foreign Ministry statement reiterated Egypts resolve to defend its national security. Egypt has demonstrated much patience. However, it will be very firm against attempts to encroach on, or attack, its interests and national security. While many sources the Weekly spoke to in Cairo and Libya believe that Turkey will not risk overstepping the red line directly, they do believe Ankara will attempt some ruse to test Cairos will. It might, for example, have some of its mercenaries take action to provoke an Egyptian response, a tactic it has used frequently to justify encroachments into Syria. They also note that the US appears determined to forestall such actions. Although the Egyptian Foreign Ministry has stressed that Egypt is not considering a military option over the crisis surrounding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), observers believe the tougher Egyptian stance towards the national security threats emanating from Libya extend to Ethiopian evasiveness in the GERD negotiations. Tensions peaked this week after Egypt appealed to the UN Security Council to intervene. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri said that Cairo would take a definitive step if Addis Ababa refuses to return to the negotiating table. The Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew responded that his country would not accept an agreement on GERD that denied Ethiopias future development rights on the Nile, according the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA). He accused Egypt of manipulating the negotiations as a pretext to restrict the Ethiopian rights and added that no domestic or foreign force will prevent Ethiopia from completing the GERD project. Egypt has engaged in negotiations with good faith for almost a decade, Shoukri responded, adding that Egypt is always prepared to negotiate to reach an agreement that serves the interests of all the parties involved. He then challenged Addis Ababa to resume negotiations immediately and to declare its commitment to its international pledges not to begin filling the dam unilaterally. Major General Mohamed Ibrahim, assistant director of the Egyptian Centre for Strategic Studies, explained that Egypts appeal to the UN Security Council came after innumerable negotiating rounds. Over the best part of a decade Egypt has shown flexibility. In response Ethiopia has only become more unyielding. We resorted to mediation which the US agreed to sponsor in collaboration with the World Bank. Yet Ethiopia refused to attend the signing session in which Egypt initialled the draft agreement. Then Sudan offered to mediate. Egypt accepted and negotiations were held over seven days this month, but to no avail. Egypt only turned to the Security Council after exhausting all other avenues. Egypts recourse to the Security Council is based on Article 35 of the UN Charter which gives member states the right to bring to the Security Councils attention any dispute or situation that might endanger international peace and security. The Egyptian memorandum focused on three main concerns: the need for negotiations to resume, the need to reach a just and equitable solution, and the need for Ethiopia not to take unilateral action. Above all, it stressed that Ethiopia must not start filling the reservoir in the absence of an agreement with Egypt and Sudan which would violate the Agreement on the Declaration of Principles that Ethiopia signed in 2015. Ibrahim believes the Security Council will issue a recommendation based on Chapter VI of the UN Charter calling on the parties to resume negotiations. *A version of this article appears in print in the 25 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: VANCOUVER, BC, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Aritzia Inc. (TSX: ATZ) will release its first quarter fiscal 2021 financial results after market close on July 9, 2020. A conference call to discuss the earnings results will follow. Conference Call Details: Date: Thursday, July 9, 2020 Time: 1:30pm PT / 4:30pm ET To participate in the conference call, please use the following dial-in information: 1-800-319-4610 ( North America toll-free) toll-free) 1-416-915-3239 ( Toronto and overseas long-distance) The call is also accessible via webcast at http://investors.aritzia.com/events-and-presentations/. A recording will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call. To access the replay, please dial 1-855-669-9658 and the replay access code 4772. An archive of the webcast will also be accessible on Aritzia's website. About Aritzia Aritzia is an innovative design house and fashion boutique. We conceive, create, develop and retail fashion brands with a depth of design and quality that provides compelling value. Each of our exclusive brands has its own vision and distinct aesthetic point of view. As a group, they are united by an unwavering commitment to superior fabrics, meticulous construction and relevant, effortless design. Founded by Brian Hill in 1984, Aritzia now has more than 95 locations in select cities across North America, including Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Chicago. We pride ourselves on creating immersive, human and highly personal shopping destinations, both in our boutiques and on aritzia.com with a focus on delivering truly world-class, memorable customer experiences. SOURCE Aritzia Inc. Related Links http://www.aritzia.com It was the most exciting moment when I saw the river Shyok flowing quietly in the Galwan Valley for the first time in my life. The river, surrounded by mountain peaks, virtually resembled a glacier. Slow-moving chunks of ice were floating down the river. The Shyok is exactly opposite in features compared to many rivers I have seen. Unlike the Shyok, many rivers, including the ones flowing through my native district Belagavi, flow rapidly carrying huge quantities of water. They quickly dry up during summer. The Shyok flows slowly as masses of ice melt. As they float, water beneath flows quietly. The Shyok's unusual features have been the epicentre of tragedies for thousands of families in the valley. Many people have lost their lives while attempting to cross over the river to reach Leh for emergencies. The river posed challenges equally even to the Indian soldiers guarding the country's frontiers. It was virtually impossible for them to cross the river and rush to their native places whenever their dear ones departed. The formation and troops across the river would be cut-off from the rest of India for nearly six months. It meant the soldiers could not cross the river for as many as 180 days. After lending ears to heart-rending tales of the soldiers, we vowed to construct the bridge across the Shyok. The project Himank for border security The Indian government decided to commission road and bridge projects under Project Himank and assigned it to the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) known as mountain tamers. The development of the road up to Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) and construction of the bridge across the river Shyok were major tasks. During the peak of the summer, the temperature in the region hovers around 10-20 degrees Celsius. The temperature during winter dips to minus 40 degree Celsius. Oxygen levels are 50% less at that altitude. Adverse weather conditions make the work possible only for four months a year. The BRO personnel were acclimatised through a tedious process and a lot of training was given before assigning the job. 255 km road project The DBO is India's northernmost corner and is located just 9 km away from the Indian perception of Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The distance between Leh and DBO is about 350 km. The DarbukShyok-DBO Roads length is about 255 km. The road, running parallel to the LAC connects Leh to the Karakoram Pass and divides Ladakh from Chinas Xinjiang province. This road between the Shyok and Karakoram Pass helps India manage the borders and the areas near Aksai Chin, Chip Chap River and Jiwan Nalla, besides ensuring the faster deployment of army troops in the area. It branches off towards the Galwan Valley and helps the Indian military to ensure its presence in the area. It was a Herculean task to construct the road in the terrain. Adopting the latest technology, the BRO utilised local materials and geocrete and constructed a cementitious base road which can withstand recurring snowfall and cold climate. Permanent bridge: The engineering marvel The daunting task was the replacement of temporary bridges with the permanent ones. The micro-piling technology, known as the great engineering marvel in the terrain, has been used to construct the permanent bridge. The bridge across the river Shyok, christened after Colonel Chewang Rinchen, the road up to DBO and various other bridges have reduced travel time between Leh and DBO from two days to just seven hours. The 400-metre-long all-weather permanent bridge built at an altitude of about 15,000 feet is located between the Karakoram and Chang Chenmo mountain ranges in eastern Ladakh. It is nearly 45 km away from LAC. The work for the bridge began in 2015 and completed in 2018. It has strengthened security in border areas such as Aksai Chin and Jammu and Kashmir facilitating quick movement of army forces. Built as an integral part of the strategy for the development of the border area, the bridge connects Darbuk with Daulat Beg Oldie, people of Ladakh and all interior areas of Jammu and Kashmir with other parts of the country giving scope for development and investment. The bridge with 10 spans of 140 feet each with 4.25 metre of width was built in 15 months. Its superstructure is called Extra Wide Bailey Bridge. World's highest motorable road ready The BRO constructed the worlds highest motorable road connecting Chisumle and Demchok villages in six years despite objections by China. It was commissioned in 2016. The road, at the height of 19,300 feet on Zero Line and passing through the Umlingla top, was constructed to meet the strategic requirements as part of three key links. The BRO has also constructed and repaired various helipads and Advanced Landing Grounds. The BRO's contribution in the development of the entire Leh-Ladakh region is immense. The projects have benefited locals and tourists boosting the economy. Shyok, the unusual river Shyok, a river of the Kashmir region in the northern part of the Indian sub-continent, rises in the Karakoram Range. A tributary of the Indus River, Shyok originates from the Rimo Glacier, one of the tongues of Siachen Glacier. It is fed by melted water from numerous glaciers on its journey through the range and flows generally north-westward. It enters Pakistan and joins the Indus River near Khapalu. The Shyok's length is about 550 km. Hazardous conditions make the river impossible to cross. The climate of the valley is semi-arid with annual precipitation averaging less than 8 inches (200 mm). The sediment load and the flow are highest between June and September. The glacial melted water reaches a maximum during monsoon. During winter, the minimum daily temperature dips below minus 10 degree C. The river has protected people of Ladakh since ancient times from foreign invaders. Many invaders and their cavalry attempted to cross the river but got drowned. Honouring Lion of Ladakh Col Chewang Rinchen Colonel Chewang Rinchen, known as Lion of Ladakh, was born on November 11, 1931, at Sumur village in Nubra Valley. He is one of the six soldiers of the Armed Forces to have been awarded the highest Indian gallantry award, the Maha Vir Chakra twice. He was the youngest ever recipient of the Maha Vir Chakra. He served in 1962s India-China war and played an important role in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 as he led the battalion to capture the Chalunka complex of the Pakistani Army and a strategic outpost of Turtuk. He demonstrated extraordinary acts of courage in defending the Leh and Partapur sector. Need for good infrastructure in Ladakh sector The China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) is building up a cluster of military infrastructure signalling a gradual shift in its training activities over a period of time. The PLA's major focus is centred around protecting the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), especially the area of Gilgit-Baltistan, where a China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is being commissioned. The four major road networks for the development of the Ladakh region include Leh-Dabruk-Shyok- Daulat Beg Oldi (DSDBO/Sub-Sector North road), Leh-Nyoma-Demchok (LND), Leh-Chalunka (LC) and Leh-Upsi-Sarchu-Manali (LUSM). Brigadier D M Purvimath: The Belagavi man Brigadier D M Purvimath, former Chief Engineer, Project Himank (2015-2018) Brigadier D M Purvimath, former Chief Engineer, Project Himank (2015-2018), hails from Yaragatti in Belagavi district. He joined the Corps of Engineers of the Indian Army in 1986. He served in northern and eastern borders. As commander of prestigious air force station of Central India, he was instrumental in constructing runway and biggest hangar. He was Deputy Director General (DGG) of NCC Directorate, Karnataka and Goa. He was honoured with the Prime Ministers Banner for Best Directorate on January 26, 2019. He has been decorated with VSM and Bar by the President of India twice. The Colonel Chewang Rinchen Sethu, under Purvimath's supervision, across river Shyok, was completed in 2018. The project has boosted the morale of the troops. (Translated and edited by Jagadish Angadi and Praveen Kulkarni) Technavio has been monitoring the fire sprinkler systems market and it is poised to grow by USD 2.97 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 6% 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/20200625005580/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Fire Sprinkler Systems 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. AI Fire LLC, Carrier Global Corp., Fire Life Safety America Inc., Grundfos Holding AS, Hochiki America Corp., Honeywell International Inc., Johnson Controls International Plc, Minimax Viking GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbH, and Siemens AG are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The decline in insurance expenditure has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Fire Sprinkler Systems Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Fire Sprinkler Systems Market is segmented as below: Product Wet Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems Dry Pipe Fire Sprinkler Systems Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems Pre-action Fire Sprinkler Systems Geography North America Europe APAC MEA South America End-user Commercial Industrial Residential 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=IRTNTR44138 Fire Sprinkler Systems 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 fire sprinkler systems market report covers the following areas: Fire Sprinkler Systems Market size Fire Sprinkler Systems Market trends Fire Sprinkler Systems Market analysis This study identifies the automation of fire safety systems as one of the prime reasons driving the fire sprinkler systems market growth during the next few years. Fire Sprinkler Systems Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of vendors operating in the fire sprinkler systems market, including some of the vendors such as AI Fire LLC, Carrier Global Corp., Fire Life Safety America Inc., Grundfos Holding AS, Hochiki America Corp., Honeywell International Inc., Johnson Controls International Plc, Minimax Viking GmbH, Robert Bosch GmbH, and Siemens AG. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the fire sprinkler systems 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 Fire Sprinkler Systems Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist fire sprinkler systems market growth during the next five years Estimation of the fire sprinkler systems market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the fire sprinkler systems market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of fire sprinkler systems 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 Product Market segments Comparison by Product Wet pipe fire sprinkler systems Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Dry pipe fire sprinkler systems Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Deluge fire sprinkler systems Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Pre-action fire sprinkler systems Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Product Market Segmentation by End-user Market segments Comparison by End-user Commercial Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Industrial Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Residential Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by End-user 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 MEA Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America 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 Competitive scenario Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors AI Fire LLC Carrier Global Corp. Fire Life Safety America Inc. Grundfos Holding AS Hochiki America Corp. Honeywell International Inc. Johnson Controls International Plc Minimax Viking GmbH Robert Bosch GmbH Siemens AG 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/20200625005580/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 repair on 13th Street appears to have gone wrong as a business in downtown Columbus was flooded Tuesday. Cork & Barrel, which is located in the basement of the Park Plaza Apartment Building, 1354 27th Ave., flooded again during a scheduled repair Tuesday, said building owner Beth French. It's a bit of deja vu as Cork & Barrel flooded this past November after a downtown water leak. French said the repair Tuesday was to take care of the pipe that burst during that time. French said the flooding occurred because the City of Columbus didnt turn the water off. The City told them it was off at a quarter to 8 a.m., she said, but then when the plumbers cut into the pipe around 9:30 a.m., it exploded and the shutoff valve popped off. The City was supposed to turn off the water at 8 a.m. and leave it off for four hours, which Chuck Sliva, Public Works director for the City, confirmed was the request. Sliva said it was unclear if the contractors checked to see if the water was completely shut off. He said he was was not on scene at the time Tuesday morning and that City officials are still looking into what happened. The Central City plumbers were down in a 9-foot hole. When they cut the old pipe it basically exploded. The shutoff valve popped off. There was a mass explosion of water. Within under one minute, the whole 9-foot hole filled, and the water was in my basement. It was unbelievable, French said. Ive never seen such fear in a face to get out of there. They were in disbelief. The delay in fixing the pipe was due to difficulty in finding a plumber, she noted. French said she is facing significant damage. Oh, theres a lot of damage. All the flooring again. My water heater, my boiler. Because we were here at the time that it happened we got pumps going right away. We were able to salvage all of Cork & Barrel's furniture because we got it up high enough, she said. But the flooring, some of the walls, were destroyed again. Last time, neither the City nor her insurance covered it, French said. Nicole (Saalfeld, Cork & Barrel's owner) and I absorbed the entire loss, she said. Im a little concerned. Im feeling hopeful were going to get some help this time. Im sure the City will do the right thing. Cork & Barrel is closed for at least a week to dry everything out again, French said, but Saalfeld is hoping to possibly open soon for carry out cocktails. My heart really hurts for her. Its been a rough 2020, all the way around with the businesses, especially small businesses, and then you throw this in twice, she said. I hope everyone will support Nicole to help her get back on her feet. She has worked so hard. Sliva said while the service line was being redone, one of the isolation valves wasnt holding or didnt shut all the way and the valve blew up, which flooded the street and the trench. He said they shut down a larger area. A line also broke in front of Tooleys. The City water crew is working that. We got a busted water line there. We dont know if its a private service or a main, Sliva said. The original plan was to shut down one block. We ended up going from 28th to 26th street. When the main gets jarred it is possible to break a line, said Sliva, but the break outside of Tooleys could be just a coincidence. They are investigating that right now, he noted. Owner Tim Tooley said apparently it started last night and somebody must have reported it to the City as crews were already working on it this morning. He said nothing in the store was affected. Right now its just bubbling up from the asphalt and going into the storm drain, Tooley said. The City employees are very responsive to keeping us informed of the situation. The 13th Street project was a private project, said City Engineer Rick Bogus, although there are other public construction projects going on as well as a couple more planned for the rest of the summer. The City is out there assisting because its our water line but its not a City project, Bogus said. Although COVID-19 has impacted sales tax receipts, only a couple of this years projects were impacted and Bogus said they have no plans as of now to seriously delay any future planned projects. Theres a lot of work in Columbus every summer so it might seem, you know a lot of work is being done in the downtown area, so it might seem like its a lot more, its kind of concentrated in one area. But we always do a lot of this type of work around town, Bogus said. So 15th Street is a total reconstruction from 27th Avenue to 33rd Avenue. We are replacing water lines that were old in the area. The road condition of that segment was in poor shape. The City is also widening 15th Street to allow for better passage of cars, Bogus said, and it should be substantially complete and ready by this fall. The City is also upgrading the sidewalks and the ADA ramps. The project is partially funded through a Community Development Block Grant and the rest of it is paid through City sales taxes and highway allocation money. The contract is through Gehring Construction & Ready Mix of Columbus, he said. The 12th Street viaduct is also still under construction and will be finished later this year, along with various other concrete patching and two asphalt overlay projects. One is on 14th Street from 23rd to 33rd avenues, which will involve new ADA ramps and curb work. The other is on Howard Boulevard. Both are scheduled to be done in July. The asphalt projects got moved from June to July because of COVID-19 delays regarding safety measures. Less is going on downtown, so there were no obstacles to rescheduling. Next year, there is a state project that is a total reconstruction on part of 23rd Street, Bogus said. There will be beautification work done as well. Most of it is paid for by the Nebraska Department of Transportation but the City pays some as well, he said. Its a pretty large project, Bogus said. Carolyn Komatsoulis is a reporter for the Columbus Telegram. Reach her via email at carolyn.komatsoulis@lee.net Love 0 Funny 2 Wow 1 Sad 3 Angry 6 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 James M. Dorsey The Trump administration's quest to curb relationships between its allies in the Middle East and China offers a preview of how big power rivalry in the region is likely to unfold. It also suggests the limits on the United States' ability to reduce its commitment to regional security. While much of the focus in recent weeks has been on Israel's relations with China, the real litmus test of the United States' ability to counter the People's Republic's growing footprint in the Middle East is likely to be in the Gulf. In talks last month with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Israeli leaders made clear that while wanting to maintain close relations with China they would not risk jeopardizing their long-standing ties to the United States, their closest ally and supporter of their controversial annexationist policies. Within days of Pompeo's visit, Israel awarded a tender for the world's largest desalination to an Israeli company rather than a competing Chinese firm. Similarly, Israeli officials say that Israel is unlikely to buy Chinese telecommunication giant Huawei's 5G offering because of security considerations of its own. The U.S. has been campaigning against integration of Huawei components into networks of its allies. The real Israeli test may come next year when China takes over the management of Haifa port that is often frequented by ships of the U.S. Sixth Fleet. U.S. officials have suggested that Chinese control of the port could impact the U.S. Navy's willingness to use Haifa's facilities. In contrast to Israel, the U.S. is likely to find the going tougher in persuading Gulf states to limit their engagement with China, including with Huawei, which already has significant operations in the region. Like Israel, the United Arab Emirates officials have sought to convey to the U.S. that they see relations with the United States as indispensable even though that has yet to be put to a test when it comes to China. "The United States is our single most important strategic partnership. Sometimes people, when they think of our relationship with the U.S., they just look at the political/military angle. But this relationship is really much, much wider," said UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash. Such a relationship, he added, is to be found in "IT, in business, investment, in soft power, in the presence of institutions such as NYU Abu Dhabi, in people like me who spent some of the best years of their lives in America." Gargash was speaking after Pompeo's visit to Israel and after a senior official issued a direct warning to Gulf states. "These states have to weigh the value of their partnership with the United States. We want our partner nations to do due diligence," said U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs David Schenker. Describing Chinese aid as "predatory," Schenker warned that Huawei's participation in 5G infrastructure in the Gulf would make it difficult for American and Gulf forces to communicate. Huawei has signed agreements with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain. "We're not forcing countries to choose between the United States and the PRC," Schenker said, referring to the People's Republic of China. "Countries can and should maintain healthy relationships with both, but we want to highlight the costs" that come with certain engagements with China. Earlier, an unidentified senior U.S. official warned that Gulf states "risk rupturing the long-term strategic relationship they have with the U.S." The U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet operates out of Bahrain while Qatar hosts the forward headquarters of the U.S. military's Central Command (CENTCOM). In a message to Israel that was also intended for the Gulf, U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman laid out U.S. concerns. "For two countries as close to each other as Israel and the U.S., when they cooperate and exchange intelligence and other secrets for their mutual protection on such a robust level, both countries need to be really careful about exposing that level of cooperation to a foreign power that may have a different agenda," he said. Friedman asserted that China uses investments and infrastructure projects to "infiltrate" countries. "These [Chinese] companies have the ability to flick various switches and gain access to the most sensitive communications." The ambassador asserted that China uses investments and infrastructure projects to "infiltrate" countries. The U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi, in a shot across the Gulf's bow, last month rejected a UAE offer to donate hundreds of coronavirus tests for screening of its staff. The snub was designed to put a dent in China's health Silk Road diplomacy centered on its experience with the pandemic and ability to manufacture personal protective and medical equipment. A U.S. official said the tests were rejected because they were either Chinese-made or involved BGI, a Chinese genomics company active in the Gulf, which raised concerns about patient privacy. The U.S. softened the blow when the prestigious Ohio-based Cleveland Clinic sent 40 nurses and doctor to its Abu Dhabi subsidiary. The Abu Dhabi facility was tasked with treating the UAE's most severe cases of coronavirus. The seemingly escalating U.S. effort to box in China is hampered by the fact that no U.S. company produces a 5G alternative. "5G is the future. To reconsider Huawei, the U.S. has to offer an alternative. So far, it hasn't done so," a Gulf official said. The same dilemma applies to the United States' desire to reduce its commitments in the Middle East. In its global rivalry with China, the U.S. cannot afford to create the kind of void that China and Russia would not be able or willing to fill in the short-term. "It's a toss-up," a Gulf analyst said. "The U.S. can't compete on 5G and China and Russia can't compete on security. This is a situation and a set of relationships that requires careful management. The problem is that big power leaders show little inclination to find a middle ground. That leaves Gulf states grappling for ways to hedge their bets." Dr. James M. Dorsey is an award-winning journalist and a senior fellow at Nanyang Technological University's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore. He is also an adjunct senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore's Middle East Institute and co-director of the University of Wuerzburg's Institute of Fan Culture in Germany. GREENWICH As Greenwich Hospital announced Thursday that Norman Roth is retiring as president and CEO, it also said Diane P. Kelly will take over as its new president effective immediately. Roth was named president in June 2015, after serving in an interim capacity since January of that year following the retirement of Frank Corvino. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve in one of the nations greatest health systems and be accorded the honor to lead one of the finest hospitals, said Roth, who was chief operating officer at Bridgeport Hospital from 2011 to 2014. It has been an extraordinary privilege to work with colleagues throughout Connecticut, but I would especially like to thank the medical staff, employees and board of Greenwich Hospital, as well as the entire community of Greenwich, for their incredible support. You are the reason we are here to serve. Kelly has been Greenwich Hospitals chief operating officer since 2018. Roth, 68, started his career in 1979 as an administrator in the Emergency Department at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven. He was promoted to vice president of administration and was instrumental in the construction of the Smilow Cancer Hospital that opened its doors in 2009. During his tenure at Greenwich Hospital, he expanded medical facilities, creating a large new operation at 500 W. Putnam Ave. Specialties and subspecialties were also upgraded under Roths leadership, and the relationship with Yale New Haven Health System was expanded, with personnel from the Yale operation setting up shop in Greenwich. The hospital expanded its staff for neuroscience, cardiology and pediatrics, among other specialties. The hospital also reconfigured its layout so that nearly every patient has a private room at the hospital, for one patient only. Praise for Roth First Selectman Fred Camillo had words of praise for the outgoing hospital executive. Over the years ... I have had the good fortune of being able to work with Norm. His dedication to the health care profession, and especially to the health and well-being of Greenwich residents is unparalleled, Camillo said in an email. I applaud his leadership and the efforts of his team, including COO Diane Kelly, as we grappled with the unknown impacts of the COVID-19 global pandemic. I wish Norm all the best as he embarks on a well-deserved retirement and look forward to working with Diane as she assumes the leadership of the hospital. Roth also had been working on a significant expansion of Greenwich Hospital that would make it more of a regional player in the field of cancer care. During the pandemic, however, Yale New Haven Health System announced that the $70 million project will be delayed due to financial losses due to the coronavirus. Roth and hospital administrators had laid out their vision earlier this year for an 80,000-square-foot cancer center to make Greenwich Hospital a destination for cancer treatment. The hospital would boost its capabilities in treating cancers of the prostate, kidney and bladder, among others. An upgraded emergency room is also envisioned. Roth holds a bachelor's degree in political science from the American University in Washington, D.C., and a master's degree in health care and hospital administration from George Washington University. In his free time, he is an avid golfer. I am so proud of the work we have done together to improve healthcare for all who need it, he wrote in a statement. He will continue working at the hospital until Oct. 2. Roth, who was was earning an annual salary in the $775,000 range, was praised for his work ethic and dedication. Norman has been an exceptional leader and has distinguished himself in each of the roles he has had throughout the health system, said Marna P. Borgstrom, CEO of Yale New Haven Health. Nobody works harder than Norm Roth and no one has achieved the array of success hes had through the years. His retirement after 41 years is well deserved but he will be sorely missed. The outgoing president and the administration faced significant challenges when the coronavirus pandemic hit New York and Connecticut. The hospital administration credited his leadership for making the institution stronger and more prepared than ever before. New administrator begins Roth had praise for his successor. Diane Kelly has been an extremely effective leader throughout her career, said Roth. Diane has demonstrated exceptional talent in guiding the hospital through a historic pandemic. I am confident that she brings the right commitment and expertise to successfully lead Greenwich Hospital well into the future. Kelly has served as Greenwich Hospitals chief operating officer since 2018. She began her career at the Berkshire Medical Center in western Massachusetts and worked in a variety of capacities, eventually as the chief operating officer there. Kelly received her doctorate in nurse practice from the University of San Francisco. She is a graduate of Western New England College with a master's degree in business administration, and she earned her bachelors degree in nursing from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Marc Kosak has been appointed as the new chief operating officer, replacing Kelly. Kosak served as senior vice president of Operations at Greenwich Hospital since 2015. Earlier this month, Greenwich Hospital graduated its latest class of medical residents. The hospital also announced it has put new safety procedures in place as it reopened all of its services. It also announced an anonymous donation had been made to establish a state-of-the-art unit of up to 30 beds specifically for patients with coronavirus or other infectious diseases. Greenwich Hospital announced the retirement of Dr. James Sabetta as chief of staff earlier this month. Sabetta retired after 36 years there, but will continue to work at his private practice. It also named Dr. Karen Santucci as its senior vice president and chief medical officer, beginning on Sept. 1. Santucci has 21 years of experience at Yale New Haven Hospital as a pediatric emergency medicine physician and has been Yales section chief of pediatric emergency medicine since 2006. Since 2017, Santucci has also been working at Greenwich Hospitals emergency department, where she has been praised for bringing 24/7 pediatric emergency specialists there and helping to develop the program. In her new role, Santucci will provide strategic direction for all Greenwich Hospital clinical and medical staff programs and services. rmarchant@greenwichtime.com WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump is planning a massive fireworks display at Mount Rushmore on July 3, despite a decade-long ban on pyrotechnics at the iconic spot because of concerns about public health, environmental and safety risks. Trump has wanted to stage fireworks at the national memorial in South Dakota's Black Hills since 2018, according to two individuals familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. But the idea was scuttled or delayed by a number of his advisers, these individuals said. The National Park Service stopped staging pyrotechnics at Mount Rushmore in 2010 out of concern that it could ignite wildfires under drought conditions. The memorial is surrounded by 1,200 acres of forested lands, including ponderosa pines, and lies next to the Black Hills National Forest's Black Elk Wilderness. Ian Fury, a spokesman for South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a Republican, said in an email that the National Park Service had concluded the event will not harm the environment and conducted a controlled burn earlier this month to reduce brush that could fuel a wildfire. "We are confident that the Rushmore Fireworks celebration can be conducted safely," Fury said, adding that organizers are monitoring weather forecasts. The Interior Department has positioned firefighting resources at the site, according to a senior department official. Neither federal nor state officials have imposed social distancing requirements as part of the gathering. The state tourism department, which is distributing 7,500 tickets for the event, has estimated that it has had requests for at least 125,000. One senior Interior official, who was not authorized to speak on the record, said the department is following state health guidelines and is taking steps to reflect recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This includes signs throughout the park urging visitors to wear a cloth face covering when it is impossible to keep six feet away from others, and providing face coverings for all of its employees. South Dakota's total number of coronavirus cases, 6,419, far surpasses those of North Dakota - which has 3,362 cases - although their populations are nearly identical. South Dakota's rate of 720 cases per 100,000 compares to a rate of 436 per 100,000 for its northern neighbor, according to the CDC. The county with the highest overall concentration of positive cases, Minnehana, with about 3,500, is on South Dakota's eastern border, far from the memorial near the western border. The celebration at Mount Rushmore is just one of several large gatherings the president has orchestrated this summer. In the past week he has held events in Oklahoma and Arizona, and he is also planning to hold a scaled-back "Salute to America" event honoring the military on the South Lawn on July 4. On Tuesday, Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious-disease expert and director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testified before a House committee that Americans should not participate in large-scale gatherings if they can avoid doing so, because such activities could widen the spread of the novel coronavirus. "Plan A: Don't go in a crowd. Plan B: If you do, make sure you wear a mask," Fauci told lawmakers. White House spokesman Judd Deere said in an email the White House's operations branch consulted with the physician's office and military office in planning the trip. "The President looks forward to taking part in the Independence Day festivities, hosted by Governor Noem, and celebrating the greatest country the world has ever known capped off with a magnificent fireworks display above the great faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln," Deere said. "The President takes the health and safety of everyone traveling in support of himself and all White House operations very seriously." Trump's reelection campaign is also leveraging the South Dakota trip to fill its coffers, according to fundraising invitations obtained by The Washington Post. Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and White House senior adviser Kellyanne Conway will appear as "special guests" at two high-dollar fundraisers in the days before the event in Rapid City, S.D., and Gallatin Gateway, Mont., along with Donald Trump Jr. and his girlfriend, campaign senior adviser Kimberly Giulfoyle. The retreat in Montana will run from June 30 to July 2 and features activities such as shooting and fly-fishing, according to the invite, while the "Rapid City Roundup" will take place from July 2 to July 3. Tickets to the events range between $250 for a single-day attendee in Rapid City and between $250 and $100,000 for access to both events. Cheryl Schreier, who served as the superintendent at Mount Rushmore National Park between September 2010 and May 2019, said in a phone interview that having so many people on a small tract of land posed "public health and safety risks, not only to the visitors but to employees." "It's a bad idea based on the wildland fire risk, the impact to the water quality of the memorial, the fact that is going to occur during a pandemic without social distancing guidelines and the emergency evacuation issues," Schreier said, adding that all other tourists will be barred from the park on July 3. "And you're closing off the memorial to visitors who might not normally have a chance to visit Mount Rushmore." This spring the Park Service issued an environmental assessment concluding the event would have "no significant impact" on the monument or surrounding public lands. Trump said in January that when it came to barring fireworks at Mount Rushmore, "nobody knew why, they just said environmental reasons." And he dismissed the idea that the event would pose any risks to the massive statue depicting the images of four U.S. presidents. "What can burn? It's stone," he said. But a former National Park Service fire management officer who oversaw seven national park sites in the area, including Mount Rushmore, said Trump is mistaken. Dry forest surrounds the venue, said Bill Gabbert. "My job was to put out the fires," said Gabbert, who worked in the area for three years, ending in 2001. "Internally in our discussions I recommended that people not shoot fireworks over flammable vegetation." In 2000 and 2001, Gabbert said, he recorded 17 fires ignited by fireworks. "Which is somewhat different from the environmental assessment by the Park Service," he said. "They said during the 11-year period only 20 fires were started." After the fireworks finale, Gabbert oversaw a platoon of firefighters who went to assigned areas and swept the steep, rocky forest for fires. In 2000, one fire grew so large that it burned overnight and required a 20-person crew and a helicopter to douse it, Gabbert said. "I think it's insane to explode fireworks over flammable material and ponderosa pine vegetation," Gabbert said. Fireworks shows had been held at the memorial between 1998 and 2009, until U.S. Geological Survey scientists determined the activities left high levels of a toxic chemical called perchlorate in drinking water used by 3 million people who visit the memorial annually. Agency analyses, including a December 2017 presentation obtained by The Post, suggest that resuming fireworks could pollute local drinking water supplies, pose possible safety risks and potentially damage the monument itself. The 2017 presentation noted that the memorial is accessed by a single two-lane road, constraining entrance and access to the grounds. Schreier said she was particularly concerned whether visitors would be able to leave quickly enough in an emergency, especially because so many people without entrance passes might end up parking on the side of the road to watch the display. "These are winding roadways, and if people are not familiar with Black Hills of South Dakota, it can be very challenging," she said. While the 2017 Park Service briefing said the agency "could find no direct evidence or link between ignition of fireworks and cracking of the sculpture," Schreier said her staff identified scorch marks on the memorial as well as some plastic remains from the fireworks' casings. "I actually saw a piece of plastic from fireworks embedded in the granite," she said. "That is something that will forever be ingrained in my mind." Former South Dakota governor Dennis Daugaard, a Republican, asked the Park Service to resume fireworks at the memorial in 2017, but the idea stalled after agency officials raised objections to the plan. Noem then asked Trump about the idea shortly after she took office in 2019. The Interior Department reached an agreement with the governor in May 2019 to resume annual pyrotechnics at the memorial, though last year's event was put off because of a rehabilitation project on the site. "I am pleased to inform you that THE BIG FIREWORKS, after many years of not having any, are coming back to beautiful Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. Great work @GovKristiNoem and @SecBernhardt! #MAGA," Trump tweeted on May 7. Russian Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35 fighter aircraft will be soon fitted with a new automated intelligent g-limit control system to help the pilots during extremely high g-limits during combat operations. According to the MiG Corporation, engineers involved in the development and production of MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35 fighters have been granted a patent for the intelligent system which will help pilots during high g-levels up to 9. Once the intelligent g-limits limit control is fitted in the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35 jets, their pilots will be able to push their highly manoeuvrable fighters to its limits without compromising on safety and be able to carry out aerial combat without worrying about the instrument panel. "Increasing of automation, ease of operation and flight safety is our priority for customers of existing and perspective MiG aircraft. The new automated intelligent g-limits control system is being integrated in our modern aircraft," said MiG Corporation Director General Ilya Tarasenko in a company press release. Both MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-35 are capable of 9 g-limit. At such high g-limits, the pilots can sometimes blackout or lose consciousness which can be fatal in a combat situation. As a fighter jet starts to push the g-limit, its pilot also has to monitor the instrument and panels in the aircraft while trying to be aware of any threat from the enemy. MiG Corporation claims the new automated system, combined with MiG helmet-mounted target designation system will enable pilots to concentrate on the enemy threat and combat mission while maintaining high manoeuvrability without bothering about the instrument panels and flight data. The new system also allows options of critical g-limit increase at the range of 1-2g by applying additional force on the aircraft control stick as well as the system temporary or complete switch-off. While the MiG-29M/M2 are 4++ Generation fighters and in service with the Russian Air Force in large numbers, the MiG-35 is the latest and most advanced jet from the famed family of combat aircraft and joined service only in June 2019. The MiG-29M is a single-seater combat aircraft and the MiG-29M2 is a twin-seater fighter. MiG-35, which has several 5th Generation technologies including extremely reduced radar signature, also comes in single-seat and twin-seat versions (MiG-35D). Coronavirus outbreaks in Oregon continue to persist in the same large workplaces weeks after the virus first reached the employers, according to new data from the Oregon Health Authority. Many of those employers are concentrated in the food processing industry. It can take weeks for the virus to fully circle through a workplace and for public health officials to identify all cases linked to it. The Oregon Health Authority reported 28 different workplaces have active outbreaks of five or more COVID-19 cases within the past 28 days. The Oregon State Penitentiary has consistently reported the most coronavirus cases, with 182 disclosed in the report issued Wednesday. Pacific Seafood in Newport remains the largest food processing outbreak in the state, more than two weeks after tests confirmed that the virus had infected many of its employees. The outbreak now totals 163 cases. The Newport outbreak has touched many facets of life in the coastal town. Now, three restaurants in Newport Local Ocean, Clearwater and a McDonalds have all reported cases, as well. Newport Mayor Dean Sawyer said in early June that Local Ocean and Clearwater decided to close their restaurants after the initial Pacific Seafood outbreak in hopes of mitigating the spread of coronavirus. Janell Goplen, the owner of Clearwater, confirmed in an email at the beginning of June the restaurant chose to close. Several of our employees lived with or were relatives of Pacific Seafood employees, Goplen wrote. Upon learning that they all were being tested we decide to close preemptively to limit any exposure to our staff and guests. This is a very small town filled with large families and close communities. Duckwall Fruit in Hood River, which had six cases at the end of May, now has 63 total cases linked to its pear-packing facility. Townsend Farms, which operates several sites in the Portland area, is still facing its second outbreak from late May. There are now 74 cases linked to its facilities in Troutdale and Cornelius. The outbreaks at Townsend Farms are what led the state to begin disclosing the names of workplaces with COVID-19 outbreaks in May. Multnomah County officials noted earlier this week that they are starting to see the tails of some workplace exposures. That spread has been going on slowly, and it just amplifies as cases add up over time, said Communicable Disease Director Kim Toevs. Bobs Red Mill, a popular Milwaukie company that produces and distributes popular grain products nationwide, had an outbreak that started in late May and now totals 54 cases. The most recent onset of cases was June 16. Another food processor, Teeny Foods in Gresham, is linked to the Portland areas third largest workplace coronavirus outbreak, with 24 cases. There are new outbreaks popping up across the state, as well. Most recently, a food products supplier in Umatilla County has led to an explosion of cases in the eastern Oregon county. Lamb Weston, in Hermiston, has an outbreak of 37 coronavirus cases. Since the start of the investigation into Lamb Weston on June 16, Umatilla County has recorded 153 new coronavirus cases 44% of its 344 total cases. The total number of coronavirus cases in the state is nearing 7,500, officials say. The Oregon Health Authority said at least eight people have died from infections linked to workplaces. -- Celina Tebor ctebor@oregonian.com @CelinaTebor A surge of absentee ballots in Tuesdays Democratic primary election in the 24th Congressional District has led to the highest voter turnout for a Central New York congressional primary in 38 years. All told, 47,189 Democratic voters have cast ballots in the election between Dana Balter and Francis Conole, about 31% of all eligible primary voters in the district, according to unofficial election returns. Thats the highest turnout for a Central New York congressional primary dating back to 1982, after redistricting reduced the number of House members representing Syracuse from two to one. What were seeing has been playing out across the nation said Dustin Czarny, Onondaga Countys Democratic elections commissioner. At its base, despite the pandemic and no real presidential primary race, Democratic voters are going to the polls. The 31% turnout in this years election tops the 1988 Democratic congressional primary, when 21% of eligible voters cast ballots as Rosemary Pooler defeated Stephen Bowman. Two years ago, 17% of Democrats in the 24th District voted in the primary election when Balter defeated Juanita Perez Williams. In 2016, about 9% of eligible Democratic voters made it to the polls for a three-way primary in the district won by Colleen Deacon over Eric Kingson and Steve Williams. In that race, 13,068 of the district's 140,065 Democratic voters showed up at the polls or voted by absentee ballot, according to state Board of Elections records Central New Yorkers had more options to submit a ballot this year than in the past. All eligible New York primary voters were given the option to vote by mail with absentee ballots because of the coronavirus pandemic. Voters also had the option to vote in person Tuesday and during a 10-day early voting period as part of a state law enacted last year. On Tuesday, 16,938 Democrats voted at polling places in the four-county 24th District, according to the state Board of Election. With 100% of the vote at the polls counted, Balter leads Conole 62-34%, the unofficial returns show. But the winner wont be known for more than a week because almost twice as many people decided to vote by mail than at the polls. As of Wednesday, 30,268 mail-in ballots for the election had been received, according to figures supplied by election officials in Onondaga, Cayuga, Oswego and Wayne counties. The mail-in ballot total could continue to grow. More than 44,000 voters requested mail-in ballots for the congressional primary. Those ballots will be considered valid if theyre postmarked by Tuesday and received by June 30. None of the ballots will be counted until the beginning of July. All eligible primary voters in the state were mailed absentee ballot applications with a pre-paid envelope, an exception made because of the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has not said whether he will continue to ease the absentee ballot restrictions for the November election. MORE ON 2020 NY PRIMARY Central New York Democrats unify to raise money for NY-24 primary winner Election Day 2020: NY primary voting results for Central New York Dana Balter opens wide lead over Francis Conole in Democratic primary George Phillips concedes to Claudia Tenney in 22nd Congressional District Joe Biden finishes night with big lead in CNY presidential primary vote Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 By Akbar Mammadov Azerbaijan's President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev has hailed the army building process in Azerbaijan, saying that this is a priority for the government. He also said that Azerbaijan has military superiority. Aliyev made this remark at the opening of the Defense Ministry's military unit in Mingachevir on June 25. Army building is a priority for us. This is natural, because we live in a state of war, and in this case, all issues related to the army are the main task. During the meeting with senior officials of the Defense Ministry, Supreme Commander-in-Chief was provided information on the new combat vehicles included in the air defence system. It was noted that the construction of the military unit with a total area of more than 11 hectares began two years ago and has already been completed with high quality. Dormitory buildings have been built for both officers and soldiers. The canteen building has all the conditions for feeding soldiers. A medical centre and other ancillary rooms equipped with modern equipment have been established. Aliyev said that the newly built military unit meets all high standards. In recent years, Azerbaijani standards have been applied in army building in our country, especially in the construction of military units, and these standards deserve the highest praise. There are many innovations, all opportunities have been created to provide a high level of service. Even air conditioners have been installed in the barracks, which shows that there is a lot of progress in this area. By my order, virtually all our military units, towns and military bases are being reconstructed. The president noted that according to the latest information, construction and reconstruction works have been almost completed in 90 per cent of the military units. I think that the remaining military units will be brought to this situation within a maximum of one and a half to two years. Because the service conditions of soldiers and officers increase their combat capability and, at the same time, allow them to perform any task, he added. The supreme commander-in-chief stressed that, this was another manifestation of the care shown by the Azerbaijani state to its army. I must also say that along with the improvement of the service conditions of the personnel, the household problems of the officers are also solved. Officers who have served in the army for 20 years are provided with flats by the state on my instructions, and this program is being implemented. This, of course, requires large funds, and we allocate these funds, Aliyev said. In this regard, he pointed out that so far, 1,700 officers have been covered by the program and provided with good flats. The president reminded that he recently ordered that the government provide flats to an additional 419 officers by the end of this year. Thus, to date, the maximum number of officers covered by this program has been provided. According to the latest information given to me, a little more than 200 officers are still on the waiting list. Their housing problems will also be solved. Aliyev emphasized that this is a very rare phenomenon in world practice. Here, Azerbaijan is also at the forefront, showing innovations. Because servicemen who serve the homeland faithfully and flawlessly must be provided with high security by the state. Housing is a very important issue in everyone's life, and we solve it. The care shown to our army does not end with these issues. The salaries of servicemen are regularly raised. In particular, I can say that distinguished servicemen are rewarded, added the president. Furthermore, touching upon the development of the army, Aliyev said that the Azerbaijani army is among the strongest 50 armies in the worldwide according to the reputable institutions that compile military rankings in the world. We have achieved this as a result of tireless work. Because in my capacity as a president, army building is in the first place, he noted. The president underlined that today, Azerbaijan is a country that relies on its own strength and does not depend on anyone. We live in a state of war, and at the same time, we see that today in the world, in the international arena, the factor of power comes to the forefrant. The norms of international law are grossly violated, they are not observed. Unfortunately, the principle of "those who are strong are right" prevails in international relations today. We see it, we observe it, and we must take steps accordingly. Because we have to take into account the real situation, the president said. Aliyev stressed that the violation of the international law should force each country to strengthen its military potential, and Azerbaijan has already started to do this. As a result, today the Azerbaijani Army has a very high level of professionalism. At the same time, upon my instructions, the supply of weapons and equipment to our army is being organized in recent years. Billions of dollars have been spent for these purposes, said Aliyev. The president added that today the Azerbaijani Army is among the strongest in terms of technical equipment. Our armoured vehicles meet the highest standards. Our air defence system has been modernized, and this is the task of this military unit, he noted. Aliyev highlighted the fact that Azerbaijan has received the state-of-the-art anti-aircraft devices from several countries. He emphasized that the integration of these devices to each other in Azerbaijan is not such an easy issue. Because our air defence systems - it's not a secret, this information has already been made public - are made in Russia, Belarus, Israel, as well as Soviet-era devices, and they have also been modernized, the president said. Aliyev noted that these devices need to be integrated and placed in such a way that all the country strategic facilities are protected from the air. Of course, it requires great professionalism and resources, added he. The president noted that Azerbaijans modern anti-aircraft devices enable to protect the country, including strategic facilities, and the Azerbaijani Army has strategic superiority in the frontline zone. In addition, he underlined that the supply of the army with modern weapons and equipment will continue. At the same time, our combat aircraft have been modernized, and we have more than a hundred military and military-transport helicopters. This is our great potential. Unmanned aerial vehicles are manufactured by the highest level manufacturers. The supreme commander-in-chief stressed that this production has also been provided in Azerbaijan. Regarding the national production, Aliyev said that by the presidential order, more than 1,300 types of military products are produced through the Ministry of Defense Industry, which was established 15 years ago. The president noted that today not only does Azerbaijan provide itself with various military products, but also has increased its exports geography. He added that the country exports the military product to dozens of countries. Therefore, all these factors - the care of the army, officers, soldiers, the improvement of living conditions, service and the supply of our army with weapons and equipment, and, of course, the increase of combat capability, these are the main factors, Aliyev said. Emphasizing the importance of patriotism, the president said that ideological education must be organized at a high level in each military unit. In this regard, Aliyev instructed the senior military officials to pay special attention to the ideological state in all military units. Every soldier and officer should have a full impression of the history of our country - both ancient and modern. The supreme commander-in-chief said that the main factor is the combat capability. All the other factors that I mentioned have a purpose, and that is to increase combat capability. Necessary steps are being taken in this direction. Then, President Aliyev touched upon the successful military operations of the Azerbaijani Army in 2016 and 2018. Thus, part of Fuzuli, Jabrayil and Aghdere regions were liberated from the occupation in 2016, and the Azerbaijani national flag was raised in those lands. In 2018, as a result of the successful Nakhchivan operation, the Azerbaijani Army liberated more than 10,000 hectares from the occupiers and reached the strategic heights, which allow the Azerbaijani Army to control and observe the road between Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Therefore, additional steps must be taken to increase our combat capability so that we are ready to restore our territorial integrity at any moment. Our territorial integrity must and will be restored so that no one can doubt it. We must constantly monitor the geopolitical situation. We need to properly analyze the changing situation in the international arena and gather more friends in the international arena. Today, the number of countries friendly to Azerbaijan in the international arena is growing day by day, Aliyev said. It should be noted that during his visit to Mingachevir, Aliyev also inaugurated inaugurated thermal power station in Mingachevir after its reconstruction as well as a new military unit during his visit to the city on June 25, the president's official website has reported. The 330 and 500 kilovolt open switchgears, 8 power blocks, Dispatcher Management Center, main and auxiliary areas, buildings and facilities of the Azerbaijan Thermal Power Station have been launched in Mingachevir after major overhaul. President Aliyev has also attended the opening of the Museum of State Symbols in Mingachevir. --- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Iowas workplace safety agency says an inspection did not uncover any violations at Tyson Foods largest pork processing plant, where several employees died after contracting the coronavirus. The Iowa Occupational Safety and Health Administration closed its inquiry into the Tyson plant in Waterloo earlier this month without sanctioning the meat company. County officials and workers have alleged that in March and part of April workers did not have adequate personal protective equipment to stop the spread of the virus and were not social distancing. The company says it has taken numerous safety steps since then, including requiring masks, screening for symptoms, and frequent testing. Black Hawk County has said that more than 1,000 of the Waterloo plants 2,800 workers had tested positive for the virus or antibodies by early May. The Associated Press has confirmed that at least five workers have died after getting the virus, most recently a 44-year-old maintenance worker who died on Memorial Day after a lengthy illness. The other deaths have included a 65-year-old laundry department worker, a 58-year-old Bosnian refugee, a 60-year-old Latino father and a refugee from Congo. Iowa OSHA says it inspected the plant April 20 after Democratic lawmakers filed a complaint alleging that unsafe working conditions caused the outbreak, which devastated the broader community. Within days, the plant suspended operations, reopening about two weeks later with new safety protocols. Iowa OSHA Administrator Russell Perry said in a letter dated June 11 that his agency found no violations of the Iowa occupational safety and health standards on the date of the inspection. You may have listed conditions on your complaint that were not within the scope of our jurisdiction or items did not exist during the inspection, he wrote to Rep. Ras Smith, a Waterloo Democrat who was among the complainants. Smith, whose district includes the plant and provided the letter to AP, said on June 23 he was baffled by the decision. He said the agency appeared to be protecting the company and not its workers. If they didnt find anything, why did Tyson feel the need to shut down and make some improvements? Smith said. It seems as though Iowa OSHA is either complicit or refusing to do the right thing. State Sen. Bill Dotzler, a Waterloo Democrat who also filed the complaint, said he was stunned. Its pretty clear that they couldnt find water if they were standing in a river, he said of Iowa OSHA. Iowas OSHA database also shows that the agencys recent inspections of Tyson pork processing plants in Columbus Junction and Perry have been closed without finding any violations. We appreciate the important role of Iowa OSHA and are pleased with the results of its investigations, Tyson spokeswoman Liz Croston said. She said that the number of active infections among its Iowa workers continues to decline. The Iowa Department of Public Health said in early May that 951 workers at the Columbus Junction and Perry plants had tested positive for COVID-19 after outbreaks in them. The company has acknowledged that at least two workers at Columbus Junction have died of coronavirus. Iowa OSHA said that it inspected those plants only in response to media referrals. The agency had declined to inspect the Perry plant in April after receiving a complaint, as the outbreak grew. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Workers' Compensation Iowa Kourtney Kardashian flaunted her bikini body in a throwback picture posted to her Poosh Instagram account on Wednesday. Wearing only a golden bikini she walked away from a crystal clear blue water. The 41-year-old reality TV star encouraged the brand's 3.5 million Instagram followers to get moving after weeks of coronavirus lockdown. Toned: Kourtney Kardashian flaunted her bikini body in a throwback picture posted to her Poosh Instagram account on Wednesday Kourtney looked fabulous the metallic string bikini as she walked away from the water, gathering her wet raven locks. 'Have your abs gone on a hiatus,' the caption read. 'Kick things back into gear with help from @amandaeliselee's top moves designed to poosh your pooch away.' It's unknown exactly what lavish trip the photo is from, but it appears to be from a trip in May 2018, as she posted a photo in the same bikini with the same ocean behind her. Kourtney was isolating at her Los Angeles home, with her three children, during the coronavirus pandemic. Throwback: It's unknown exactly what lavish trip the photo is from, but it appears to be from a trip in May 2018, as she posted a photo in the same bikini with the same ocean behind her She has since gone on vacation to Wyoming and posting pictures enjoying farm life. Recently, rumors circulated that she reconciled with her ex Scott Disick, after his split from Sophia Richie. According to a new report by People, Scott, 37, and Kourtney, are 'not back together' but are 'incredibly close'. Fans of the former couple, who split in 2015, will be disappointed to hear they're keeping things platonic after Scott left a flirty comment on Kourtney's Instagram photo this week. Just friends: Recently, rumors circulated that she reconciled with her ex Scott Disick, after his split from Sophia Richie, though People confirmed they are not back together Scott - who has three children; Mason, 10, Penelope, seven and Reign, five - with the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star shared a sweet snap with his only daughter on Tuesday. 'Lazy day with peep' he captioned the image of Penelope cuddled up on his lap. It came after Kourtney said she was grateful for her ex in a tribute to Scott on Father's Day. Alongside a photo of them posing as a family, Kourtney wrote, 'Happy Father's Day, thankful for you and these three special ones,' Special bond: On Sunday Kourtney said she was grateful for Scott in a tribute to her ex on Father's Day Scott and Kourtney, who dated from 2006 to 2015, went to Wyoming together last week with their kids, as well as Kourtney's sisters Kim and Kylie and their families. While there, Kourtney set tongues wagging as she shared a photo of herself wearing what appeared to be a flannel shirt belonging to Scott. Fans of the pair went wild with speculation they may be getting back together. In a cheeky nod to the rumors, Scott commented on another of Kourtney's Instagram photos of Monday, 'Cute shirt'. Credit union-supported candidates in Kentucky, New York and Virginia saw successes in Tuesdays primary elections, with 100% of credit union candidates winning races that have been called as of Wednesday afternoon. State credit union Leagues and CUNAs political action committee, the Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC) supported the candidates, each of whom is a dedicated credit union supporter. Tuesdays election results bring the number of successful credit union candidates around the country to 231 out of 235 races. South Africa: Government reviews impact of incarceration for low-risk crimes Government is carefully examining the criminal justice system in relation to incarceration for low-risk crimes, so that it does not become the only option for such crimes. The high number of those imprisoned for economic crimes has prompted us to ask ourselves whether incarceration should be the only option at our disposal, the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services, Ronald Lamola, said. Addressing the Portfolio Committee of Justice on Correctional Services on Wednesday, Lamola said short-term incarceration for low risk crimes does not give enough time for the correctional services system to reform and rehabilitate offenders. We will be reviewing some of our policies and we are looking forward to thoughtful contributions, which will emanate from public debates through the legislative process so that together, we can address overcrowding in correctional centres, the Minister said. He said the rate of imprisonment for awaiting trial offenders is increasing at a rate which requires South Africa to urgently interrogate the linkages in the criminal justice system. An analysis of the inmate population to date reveals that the bed space in correctional services currently sits at 118 572, whereas there is a total of 149 330 inmates, with 96 272 sentenced inmates and 53 058 remand detainees. This means that 55.1% of the inmate population have yet to have their day in court. These numbers cannot be viewed outside of the countrys socio-economic conditions. Our prison population is largely constituted by those from disadvantaged backgrounds, particularly young black males. Some are in our centres for economic crimes such as shoplifting, stealing and robbery. There are also those who have committed heinous crimes, Lamola said. Efforts to address overcrowding In the next five years, South Africa will create additional 3 000 bed space through upgrades and construction of new facilities. However, as I have said, experience has taught us that it is not possible for our infrastructure projects to outpace the rate of conviction due to our high crime rate in the country. This means the level of crime must significantly be reduced for us to avoid overcrowding, the Minister said. Government will continue to manage overcrowding through effective and appropriate use of conversion of sentence to community correctional supervision, release on parole for inmates and transfers between centres. We have the National Overcrowding Task Team, which works with regions and management areas to manage overcrowding through a multi-prolonged strategy. Overcrowding is a multi-dimensional challenge caused by various societal factors such as rampant criminality, unemployment, substance abuse and poverty, amongst others, Lamola said. Rehabilitation programmes The Minister has called on communities not to discriminate against released inmates, who have acquired skills to make an honest living. I want to emphasise that behind the walls of correctional facilities, we run rehabilitation programmes, which inmates are exposed to. We also transfer skills to inmates to enable them to contribute back to society positively and increase their prospects of being gainfully employed upon their release, the Minister said. In the last financial year, production workshops in Correctional Services in which inmates operate, produced the following: 3.7 million loaves of bread, 6.3 million litres of milk; 415 000 kg of fruits; 471 000 kg of red meat; 1.7 million kg of pork and 539 000 kg of poultry, and 1.4 million dozens of eggs. It is critical to note that some of the inmates, who will be placed on parole, possess skills to produce these items and many more. We appeal to the community to guard against discriminating and stigmatising the released inmates but rather allow them to use their newly gained skills to make an honest living, the Minister said. COVID-19 To date, Correctional Services centres have recorded 1 485 recoveries and it is attending to 497 COVID-19 active cases. Our sincerest condolences go to the families of 16 citizens in our centres, who have since passed on as result of COVID-19. In respect of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, we are still experiencing lower numbers, with 93 reported active cases and a total of three - two magistrates and a court clerk - have succumbed to COVID-19. We extend our sincere condolences to the families of these citizens as well, the Minister said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay high court disposed of a public interest litigation (PIL) which was initiated following reports of migrant workers undertaking dangerous journeys to go back to their hometowns. After the district administration informed the court that all migrants kept in 218 relief camps across the district had been repatriated to their hometowns and some of the camps were being converted into Covid care centres, the court expressed its satisfaction and disposed of the PIL. A division bench of justice SV Gangapurwala and justice RG Avachat, while hearing the suo motu PIL through video-conferencing, was informed by the state on Tuesday that every single migrant worker sheltered in the 218 relief camps across Marathwada and Aurangabad had been repatriated to their hometowns. The state further submitted that some of the camps were being converted into Covid care centres. In April, a bench of the Aurangabad HC had taken cognisance of the plight of migrant workers who were forced to undertake long journeys on foot to reach their hometowns after they lost their sources of income in Aurangabad and adjoining districts due to the lockdown. The court had initiated the suo motu PIL and appointed advocate Amol Joshi to inform the court of the suffering of migrant workers and the needy. The Aurangabad district administration was also directed to initiate immediate measures to address the issue. While the district administration set up temporary shelters to house migrants and needy persons where they were provided with basic essentials, medical facilities and protective gear, it came to light that health workers were being harassed by locals residents who feared that they may spread the virus. The administration informed the court that all the migrants had been put on the trains arranged by the state and sent back home and that the shelter homes were vacant. The bench had also directed the district administration to provide protection to doctors and health workers. Following this, local politicians and nongovernment organisations were roped in and health workers and doctors were provided with personal protective equipment. After hearing the submissions made by the authorities related to migrant and health workers, the court stated that the purpose of PIL was served and disposed of it. Following the arrest of Abu Malek al-Talli and Abu Hussam al-Britani, Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham have come under attack by other jihadi groups in the area reports Etihad Press. Violent clashes broke out late Tuesday night between armed factions in rural Idleb, after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham arrested Abu Malek al-Talli, a prominent leader of the Fathbutou Operations Room, as well as Abu Hussam al-Britani, a non-Syrian leader. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), the arrests indicate that Turkish intelligence instructed Tahrir al-Sham to get rid of all those who refuse the Turkish-Russian agreement that was signed in early March. Both light and heavy gunfire broke out in Idleb, the result of an attack by fighters from Hurras al-Deen, a member of the Fathbutou Operations Room, on Tahrir al-Sham checkpoints, west of the provincial capital. Fathbutou was able to seize the al-Kounserwa checkpoint on the western outskirts of Idleb city. Ambulances were heard near the location of the clashes, amid confirmed reports that there were casualties on both sides, according to SOHR. A woman was also lightly wounded as a result of the fighting. Hurras al-Deen, Ansar al-Deen and other jihadi groups have mobilized their forces and setup a number of checkpoints in the areas of Armanaz, Malas and Arab al-Saeed and rural western Idleb. Meanwhile, Tahrir al-Sham has been on alert within its headquarters across Idleb governorate following its arrest of Abu Maled al-Talli (the kidnapper of the Maaloula nuns) and Abu Hussam al-Britani. SOHRs director said that Tallis arrest came within the context of large sums of money he possess, which he used to fund the Fathbutou Operations Room and Hurras al-Deen. The conflict between these two sides is more financial than ideological, and the matter was passed from Turkish intelligence to Abu Muhammad al-Jolani, Idlebs de facto ruler. The process of the arrest indicates, according to SOHR, that there are arrangements between Tahrir al-Sham and Turkish intelligence, in order to get rid of all those refusing the Turkish-Russian agreement. Talli was close to the Islamic State, and helped kidnap the Maaloula nuns in order to free the former wife of Baghdadi, who had been detained by Syrian authorities. SOHR reported that Tahrir al-Sham arrested Britani in the Atma area of northern Idleb because of his support for Abu al-Eid Ashdaa, who had also been detained by the hardline group, and for his membership in the Fathbutou Operations Room. Britani is one of the most prominent figures working in the humanitarian aid sector in northern Syria, where he runs an organization and is the founder of schools and charities in displacement camps. 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. The Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee (GIPC) recently announced the creation of the Race and the Legal System Working Group to study the relationship between race and the legal system in the wake of a pandemic and civil unrest. The group is made up of two teams: a pro bono services team and a structural reform team. Karen Bravo, dean of Indiana Universitys Robert H. McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis, is the chair of the overarching working group, which oversees the two teams. Bravo was invited to chair the group after a statement she made regarding the death of George Floyd and the importance of lawyers speaking out against racial injustice was published by the Indiana Lawyer. This group came about because of these twin crises that we face, Bravo said in an interview. The pro bono team will work to address economic vulnerability brought about by the pandemic, including the issues stemming from the soon-to-be-lifted moratorium on evictions. The structural reform team, co-chaired by John Gaidoo of Cummins Inc., will examine public policy as it pertains to law enforcement. The team will look into best practices, funding models done by other cities that have reimagined policing, and well make recommendations to minimize and hopefully even eliminate discrimination, Gaidoo said. While there is no official timeline for recommendations to be made, Gaidoo said he expects it to be swift. Were not talking about a year from now, Gaidoo said. Were talking about a timeframe of weeks and months. Were using this opportunity to do thorough, thoughtful work, and the city needs an urgent response. Bravo said research and data collection done by both teams will pull from various sectors and fields to make informed proposals relevant to Indianapolis. Were going in with an open mind, Bravo said. There is a great deal of research in many disciplines, a lot of work on race and policing so there will be a lot out there for us to pull from. Gaidoo emphasized that proposals from the structural reform team will help everyone in the community, including police. I firmly believe that the same measures that are going to benefit the average Joe on the street are going to benefit the police officers, Gaidoo said. Really good common sense reforms can make the police officers job less stressful and the community will have a better relationship with the police. Im not naive, but Im pretty convinced that if we listen and do good research, well get a good, well-rounded perspective that will benefit everyone. Contact staff writer Breanna Cooper at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @BreannaNCooper. Karen Bravo Rep. Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the main opposition United Future Party, is welcomed by fellow lawmakers at the National Assembly in Seoul, Thursday, after returning from a nine-day retreat at temples to protest the ruling Democratic Party of Korea's unilateral election of chiefs of six standing committees at the Assembly. Korea Times photo by Bae Woo-han By Jung Da-min It appears unlikely that the National Assembly will soon pass the bill on the 35.3 trillion won ($29.2 billion) third extra budget, designed to respond to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, due to the continued conflict between ruling and opposition parties. While the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) and the government hope to see the bill passed before the end of June to provide timely support to financially strained people and businesses, the main opposition United Future Party (UFP) made it clear it would not cooperate with the DPK, in protest of the ruling party's unilateral formation of six standing committees. Since the launch of the 21st Assembly, the two major parties had been in a tug of war over how to form the 18 standing committees, with both sides looking to take the head positions of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee and the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, the most powerful committees for legislative activities for major policies. After failed negotiations, the DPK, which had taken up a supermajority at the 21st Assembly with 176 of the total 300 seats, unilaterally held a plenary session, June 15, and elected the heads of six committees including the legislation committee. Following the decision, UFP floor leader Rep. Joo Ho-young went on a retreat, visiting various temples for nine days as a show of protest against the DPK's unilateral decision. Although Joo returned to the Assembly Thursday, he reaffirmed the UFP's position that it would not cooperate with the DPK in forming the rest of the 12 committees, instead preferring to let the DPK take the chief positions of all 18 committees. "The DPK did not intend to cooperate with the UFP from the beginning, saying they could do whatever they want at the Assembly as they are a super majority," Joo said during the party's meeting at the Assembly. As to the government's third extraordinary budget bill, Joo implied the passage would not be easy as the opposition party would review it thoroughly. "The bill includes too many unnecessary plans, when the government's first supplementary budget has yet to be fully implemented," he said. "The 12 committees haven't been formed yet, so we cannot set the date for the review of the budget bill anyway." Technically, the DPK could unilaterally elect heads of the remaining 12 committees including the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, and review the budget bill. But political experts said the ruling party would face too much of a political risk and criticism for unilaterally operating the Assembly. The DPK could face even more criticism if it passes the bill in partnership with several minor liberal parties but the third extra budget fails to help the country overcome the economic crisis. DPK floor leader Kim Tae-nyeon criticized the UFP for "playing tricks" to delay the passage of the budget bill. He said the party would hold a plenary session, Friday, to elect heads of the remaining 12 committees, whether or not the UFP participates. COVID-19 Crisis Further Exposes Need to Invest in Alternative Education to Address Economic Injustice With our lives upended and few old certainties left standing, there is one thing we do know about this new era. The world, United States and Californian economies are in suffering. In the blink of an eye, some 5 million Californians find themselves out of work, many of them structurally unemployed and unsure of how to pivot their careers. All signs pointing to permanent shifts in what work and our educational system look like for Californians in a post COVID-19 world. The fragility of the post-2008 recovery, which many already knew as an everyday reality, has been laid bare for all to see. For the many millions both underemployed and underpaid, the illusion of growth was just that but COVID-19 has ripped the mask off, particularly for people of color. The need for reskilling, upskilling and career transitions are going to be essential for our economy moving forward. California is a perfect microcosm of the United States as a whole both the strengths and weaknesses of the nations economy are exaggerated here. California which is one of the richest in the nation, was also the most unequal in its income strata, and had the second-highest rate of underemployed people anywhere in the United States. ADVERTISEMENT Pre-COVID-19, in 2016, the typical white familys wealth nationally was $171,000. For Black families, median wealth was $17,600, just 10% that of white families. And for Latinx families, median wealth was $20,700, or roughly 12% that of white families. Even in employment, Black and Latinx workers were less likely to hold higher-paying jobs. Here in California, Black families were about twice more likely to be earning at low income levels than at high income levels. That was the reality of life in California, deeply precarious, deeply inequal. Then COVID-19 hit. We now risk a generation of chronic unemployment. The careers of millions who were underpinning the new convenience gig economy may be permanently damaged their wages terminally depressed, opportunities permanently out of reach. Data show that the COVID economy is most devastating to Californias communities of color. In just a few months, we have further cemented the divide of classes, with now 12.5% of our state unemployed. Much of the root of the economic injustice lies in educational disparity. Compton College services area includes the cities of Compton, Lynwood, and Paramount. Only 58.9% of residents in the city of Compton, have earned a high school diploma or higher, which is significantly lower than the rate in California (i.e., 82.2%), and 9.6% hold a bachelors degree or higher, which is one-quarter of the rate in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim Metro Area of 32.7%. The majority of the residents we serve in our district are people of color, 64% are Latinx and 14% are Black. Latinx students represent the largest ethnic group at Compton College, comprising 61% of the student population in 2018-19, an 11% increase compared to five years earlier. Black students represent 23% of the Compton College student population. Part of the solution lies in access to education. In 2013, white Americans were more than twice as likely as Black Americans to receive financial help from their parents for higher education, despite the fact that black parents were more likely to spend a larger share of their resources on their childrens education. And even in education, low-income students of color are more likely to face economic barriers to completing their qualification, disproportionately burdened by rising tuition fees. These students often have to drop courses, skip semesters, or takes jobs to cover expenses. Not to mention the housing and food insecurities and homelessness faced by students of color. The good news is that pre-COVID, in 2018, California took action and established Calbright, an online community college. The vision was to serve underemployed populations of adults working part-time or stuck in positions that dont pay a living wage, through self-paced online learning, enabling students to quickly earn industry-recognized credentials at any stage in their career. From my perspective, Calbright is well-positioned to provide students searching for additional opportunities to improve their economic mobility but the importance of distance learning opportunities in the current COVID-19 environment makes an even more compelling case for the model. As we return to work post-COVID-19, California will need a way for those who cannot afford a traditional college degree, whether because of financial burdens or because of time commitment to families and jobs, to upskill. Furthermore, as many are outraged, and mourning the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Sean Reed, and Tony McDade, and countless others. We find ourselves amidst a historical period where people across our community and the nation are demanding justice and an end to systemic racism. The tragic, premature, and unjust death of Black people across the country has become all too common. ADVERTISEMENT The twin crises we face, of public health and economic inequality, demand it. The question is do we, as Californians, want to continue to provide our underserved communities with a non-profit, public option? The answer surely must be yes. We need to double down our support for new learning models with a specific mission to reach people who are not currently being served. This is why, Compton College is proud to partner with Calbright to deliver their model to potential students in our community. Keith Curry, Ed.D., is the President/CEO of Compton College and Compton Community College District. The United States could be willing to extend its last remaining major nuclear weapons treaty with Russia but only under strict conditions, a senior official said Wednesday. The US and Russia held talks on the New START accord, which limits their nuclear warheads but expires in February 2021, in Vienna on Monday amid a row about China's refusal to take part. Marshall Billingslea, who is leading negotiations for the US, said Washington would not rule out even a short-term extension of the current agreement. "We are willing to contemplate an extension of that agreement, but only under select circumstances," Billingslea told reporters after briefing NATO on Monday's talks. Also read Russia says it's unrealistic for China to join US-Russo arms talks He said the US wanted to see progress in addressing what he called China's "incredibly worrisome crash nuclear programme" as well as "a number of greatly concerning Russian behaviours that have been engineered to occur outside of the New START treaty's constraints". "Above all, that we have in effect a verification regime that can restore some level of confidence that in fact there is compliance with the commitments undertaken by all three parties to a future agreement," he said. The US and its NATO allies insist that China must be part of global arms control agreements if they are to have any meaning, because it is rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal. US President Donald Trump has demanded China should be involved in discussions to extend New START because he says Beijing has had a free pass to develop weapon systems. Billingslea said China had "stood up the world" by refusing to take part in Monday's talks, but said the talks with Russia had been productive and a second-round could be possible in late July or early August. By Nandita Bose and David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two U.S. senators on Wednesday introduced legislation to reform part of a federal law that largely exempts tech platforms such as Facebook and Twitter from legal liability for the material their users post. The legislation, titled the Platform Accountability and Consumer Transparency Act, or PACT, from Democratic Senator Brian Schatz and No. 2 Senate Republican John Thune aims to provide more accountability and transparency for large tech platforms with respect to content moderation decisions. There are mounting calls to reform Section 230 of the 1996 Communications Decency Act at a time when legal immunity for tech platforms has come under severe scrutiny. "My own judgment is that the conversation in Congress about Section 230 has been stupid and polarized," Schatz told reporters on a media call. "Our approach is a scalpel rather than jackhammer," he said. The bill would require tech platforms to explain their content moderation practices in a way that is accessible to consumers, form a complaint system that notifies users of moderation decisions within 14 days and allows them to appeal such decisions. It would offer no immunity for known illegal content if companies are notified and when federal regulators pursue civil actions. Last month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order that seeks new regulatory oversight of tech firms' content moderation decisions and he backed legislation to scrap or weaken Section 230 in an attempt to regulate social media platforms. Trump's move came after Twitter Inc tagged the president's unsubstantiated tweets about claims of fraud in mail-in voting with a warning prompting readers to fact-check the posts. Schatz said he did not have any indication if the White House will support the bill. It includes one provision put forward by the Justice Department last week to reform Section 230. Another bipartisan bill, titled the Earn It Act, co-sponsored by the Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham, a Republican, and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, aims to curb the distribution of child sexual abuse material on tech platforms by threatening their Section 230 immunity. It will be taken up at a committee hearing on Thursday. (Reporting by David Shepardson and Nandita Bose in Washington; Editing by Steve Orlofsky and Leslie Adler) Full-page newspaper ads attacking teachers unions that were traced to a Vaughan lawyer with Progressive Conservative ties appear to have violated Ontario election laws. The controversial ads, published in the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, the National Post and the Toronto Sun in February, were an apparent contravention of the Election Finances Act. According to Elections Ontario, Vaughan Health Campus of Care, a company operating business as Vaughan Working Families, failed to register as a third party. The chief electoral officer has therefore reported this matter to the Ministry of the Attorney General, Kevin Thomas, the manager of compliance enforcement at Elections Ontario, said Wednesday. Once the chief electoral officer reports an apparent contravention, it may be investigated by a police service and, with the consent of the chief electoral officer, prosecuted by the Crown, added Thomas. There are fines of up to $5,000 for breaching the election law. Invoices for the ads were sent care of Loopstra Nixon LLP, where lawyer Quinto Annibale, whom the Tories appointed as vice-chair of the Liquor Control Board of Ontario last year, is a partner. Allan Ritchie, managing partner of the law firm, said Annibale resigned as a director of the Vaughan Health Campus of Care on Feb. 12 after the controversy erupted. Annibale did not return calls or emails from the Star. But lawyer Stephen Thiele, who represents Vaughan Working Families, said the group did not contravene the Elections Finances Act in any way whatsoever and was not required as a matter of law to register as a third-party advertiser during Ontarios two most recent by-elections. Thiele noted his client was doing the same thing as two teachers unions that took out ads at the same time and neither the Elementary Teachers Federation nor the Catholic teachers union is being investigated by Elections Ontario. It is imperative that any rule be applied equally to both sides of a position. At this point we have, curiously, had no response to our clients complaint, he said. During a 2019 confirmation hearing, Annibale testified that he was a member of the Conservative Party of Ontario, but had been a member of both the Liberal Party and the NDP in the past. The ads, which contained the phrases teachers unions are risking student success and children are not pawns, included a stock photo of a woman holding up a mock report card with a number of grammatical errors. They were placed in the four newspapers on the eve of strikes by three of the four Ontario teachers unions. Premier Doug Ford said his Tories had nothing to do with the advertising and insisted he had never even heard of Annibale. Im just telling you, honestly, if someone gave me a million dollars right now, I dont even know the persons name, said Ford. I appoint probably 3,400 (people) a year, they send me these pieces of paper, make sure they have done their due diligence, I sign off on it, and away it goes, he said. But NDP MPP Taras Natyshak (Essex), who filed the complaint with Elections Ontario, said the buck stops with the premier. Ontarians deserve to know who shelled out serious money for newspaper ads that attacked teachers amid ongoing labour disruption caused by Doug Fords cuts to education, said Natyshak. Im pleased to see that Elections Ontario has deemed these extremely fishy ads to be in violation of Ontario's Elections Finances Act. Ontarians deserve transparency, and third party advertisers need to play by the rules, he said. Doug Ford cant simply look away while his buddies use PC Party messaging to further Fords agenda of cuts. Toronto Catholic District School Board Trustee Norm Di Pasquale, who also filed a formal complaint, said he certainly wasn't expecting this things had gone quiet for quite some time. The law says anyone must register after having incurred expenses of a total amount of $500 for third-party political advertising during an election period. I was upset that a shadowy group could put out this ad attacking teachers without repercussions or without identifying themselves, said Di Pasquale. It goes against where I came from. It feels like some justice has been served here. Harvey Bischof, president of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation said the ads raise serious questions of potential impropriety. I hope an investigation will bring full transparency to who was behind them and how they were funded and published. Our democratic processes deserve that protection. Robert Benzie is the Star's Queen's Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie Read more about: I met Willie Dudley, a member of St. Anthony Foundations client safety services team, at the Curry Senior Center on Turk Street in San Franciscos Tenderloin. On that sunny morning in May, I watched as Dudley nodded patiently as a bedraggled man talked his ear off. The man didnt look like he was talking coherently, but it appeared Dudley understood him. Thats because Dudley, an East Oakland native, knows where people on the street are coming from. He was once homeless, roaming the Tenderloin streets searching for his next high. If I come from the love, the hate, the struggle, and I have this opportunity to turn my life around, I can tell you my experience in hopes that you do the same thing, Dudley, 35, said during an interview earlier this month. We need more people on the street like Dudley, who approaches his work with compassion and empathy. Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle The uprising against police brutality and white supremacy in America has compelled cities to address police practices and the financial resources consumed by police departments. This moment demands new models of public safety because calling the police doesnt ensure safety for everyone. This is an opportunity to do something equitable like divesting in policing and investing money in services to deal with issues the police arent equipped to handle. Like homelessness. Think about it like this: This country has been governed by force and subjugation since European settlers plundered indigenous lands to build this great nation with the labor of enslaved people. Systemic racism has always been preserved by force the whip, the noose, the poll tax, the officers knee on George Floyds neck. I know with certainty that police departments arent going to solve homelessness. Heres something else I know with certainty: Homelessness is inextricably linked to the historic racial injustices in education, housing and banking that can be directly traced to slavery. Today, many Black people cant afford to live in the country their ancestors slaved over. Scott Strazzante / The Chronicle Black people are roughly 13% of the U.S. population, but somehow accounted for 40% of the people experiencing homelessness in the country in 2019, according to a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development report to Congress. In this state, Black people are 6.5% of the population but account for 30% of the homeless population, according to the report. In Oakland, Black people are less than 30% of the population but make up 70% of the homeless population, according to an Alameda County survey. In San Francisco, Black people are about 5% of the citys population but, according to reporting by colleagues, more than a third of the citys homeless population 37% are Black people. Its just like me looking at the reflection of myself, said Dudley, who was raised on 70th Avenue in East Oakland, an area largely devoid of economic investment and opportunity since the General Motors assembly plant closed in 1963, driving white people to the suburbs. St. Anthonys is best known for the hot meals, free clothes, shelter and medical services it provides to homeless and low-income residents in the Tenderloin. But the foundations Father Alfred Center, a yearlong treatment program for men struggling with drug and alcohol addictions, is what got Dudley off the streets in 2018. Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle The Father Alfred Center also provides life skills and job training. About 40% of the St. Anthonys safety team, which provides support at several Tenderloin nonprofits, have benefited from St. Anthonys services. This is our moment to elevate this model as something that can be replicated, Jose Ramirez, St. Anthonys executive director, said. Weve really embraced this model of giving folks a second chance, especially folks that are from our community who understand our community. The model of employing people with street-life experience to interact with the homeless works better than police intervention. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. We find through research that they tend to do a much better job. Why? Because they can relate to the people who are out there, said Jason Williams, a Montclair (N.J.) State University professor and criminology expert. They understand the trials and tribulations. Also, theyre not trained to be punitive. Theyre not trained to engage in these very carceral, social control mechanisms. By redirecting a portion of police funding, cities could establish community engagement programs to address social issues like homelessness. Taking people to jail is not an effective solution to homelessness or mental illness, Daniel Nagin, a professor of public policy and statistics at Carnegie Mellon Universitys Heinz College, told me. The key is that the ultimate outcome for these situations should be that the person doesnt wind up in jail, but winds up getting the services they need. Liz Hafalia / The Chronicle When Dudleys not working, you can find him at Greater Grace Temple Church on East 14th Street in San Leandro. Dudley, who plays drums for Sunday services, lives in the back of the church. Instead of wanting to keep going with the street, I really do church, he said. Church took me away from all of it. Before the coronavirus, Dudley also regularly stopped by the Father Alfred Center to provide haircuts. Its so many people out here that get treated bad by other individuals, and so when they have an encounter with me, I want them to walk away feeling like they got that hope, Dudley said. Like, they know that I love them. San Francisco Chronicle columnist Otis R. Taylor Jr. appears Mondays and Thursdays. Email: otaylor@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @otisrtaylorjr The High Court has contacted more than 100 former associates who worked at the court during former justice Dyson Heydon's decade on the bench and invited them to speak to the investigator who concluded he had sexually harassed six of their colleagues. A spokesman for the High Court told the Herald the court had "reached out to former associates and invited them to speak" to former inspector-general of intelligence and security Vivienne Thom about their experiences at the court. Former High Court Justice Dyson Heydon has denied the allegations. Credit:Ben Rushton In the first tranche of emails 107 former associates were contacted, the Herald understands, 59 of whom were men and 48 women. The court is seeking to track down other associates. The spokesman said Dr Thom was "not conducting a further investigation and will not be". Caolan Smyth (pictured) is to go on trial for attempted murder of Hutch gang associate James Mago Gately A remand prisoner awaiting trial for the attempted murder of an associate of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch has lost a legal challenge over his detention in the segregation unit of the Midlands Prison. Caolan Smyth (28), of Cuileann Court, Donore, Co Meath, had issued judicial review proceedings against the governor of the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise, the Irish Prison Service and the Justice Minister over claims he was locked in a cell for 23 hours a day. Mr Smyth is due to go on trial in the Special Criminal Court in October on a charge of the attempted murder of James 'Mago' Gately at a Topaz garage in Clonshaugh, Co Dublin, on May 10, 2017. Threat He challenged the decision of the governor to have him segregated because the prison authorities had information that there was a threat to his life. However, the High Court ruled that Mr Smyth was not subjected to the restrictive regime he claimed. Expand Close James 'Mago' Gately / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp James 'Mago' Gately Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty said the decision by the prison authorities to make Mr Smyth a protected prisoner was "not arbitrary or irrational". "It was based on confidential information and there is no basis on which to quash that decision," she added. Mr Smyth claimed he was not aware of any threat to his life and did not believe the prisoners, who the prison authorities regarded as a threat, held any animosity towards him. He said the supposed threat was "a convenient mechanism for the governor to keep me on 23-hour lock-up", which was affecting his physical and mental health. An assistant prison governor provided an affidavit that he had received credible information that there was a serious, continuing and viable threat to the prisoner's life. He claimed the information needed to be treated as highly confidential. Lawyers for Mr Smyth had argued that the confidential information known to the prison authorities should be open to review, and he could not make meaningful objections without knowing the reason why he was being segregated from other prisoners. In her ruling, Ms Justice Gearty criticised Mr Smyth's lack of candour over his failure to state in affidavits that it was his refusal to mingle with certain other prisoners that formed the basis for his claim that he was being actively prevented from associating with others. Disciplinary The judge said he had been denied a request to meet with two specific prisoners. One request was refused because of disciplinary proceedings involving the other prisoner, and the second was due to the threat to Mr Smyth from associates of the second prisoner. Ms Justice Gearty said it was incorrect to classify Mr Smyth as a prisoner not permitted to associate with other inmates. "He chooses to remain apart from others," she said. She added that Mr Smyth now accepted he was not locked in his cell for 23 hours a day and that he was afforded at least two hours' daily recreation. The judge said he had not provided any evidence to show that he was not permitted to engage in structured activities and had not sought to see medical staff in relation to any health issues. India invests in its relationship with Russia, but increasingly in return for neutrality rather than support. Defence minister Rajnath Singh visited Moscow to help mark World War II Victory Day just after external affairs minister S Jaishankar attended a virtual Russia-India-China summit hosted by Moscow. The defence minister asked Russia to speed up its delivery of the first battery of the S-400 air defence system. He did not ask Moscow to reconsider its steadfast neutrality during the altercation along the Sino-Indian border. This should not come as a surprise. Russia is not the Soviet Union. Its economy is half the size of India and its enormous economic relationship with China is essential to its prosperity. The two have a crude geopolitical convergence in their common antagonism towards the United States. Moscow supplies arms and hydrocarbons to both India and China. Russia is powerful enough to maintain relationships with both, but not strong enough to choose between them. And Russia sees its interests in maintaining this position. Among other things it is profitable: China was its first customer for the S-400. New Delhi has already begun seeking to reset its relationship, especially as the defence element is starting to fade. Energy and strategic minerals are now rising in importance between the two countries and this is evident in the bilateral investment figures. Moscow still wields a veto in the United Nations and will remain a diplomatic partner in many areas. More differences will crop up, as is evident already over Afghanistan, as the knob on bilateral ties is turned down from special to normal. All this flows naturally from a changing global order and New Delhi should adjust its policies without sentiment. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong checks the company's home appliances at its home appliance division in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Tuesday. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics By Baek Byung-yeul Samsung Group is zeroing in on promoting what its de facto leader Lee Jae-yong is doing for the group, in an apparent move to emphasize his role at the nation's largest conglomerate amid a prosecution probe into suspicions related to his managerial succession from his ailing father Chairman Lee Kun-hee. Lee, who holds the vice chairman role in the group's flagship affiliate Samsung Electronics, is alleged by prosecutors to have conspired with other executives to lower the value of Samsung C&T and inflate that of Cheil Industries before their merger in 2015. Prosecutors suspect the merger was designed to help benefit Lee, heir to the Samsung Group throne. In a last resort to save the vice chairman, Samsung's lawyers requested prosecutors convene an independent committee to review the validity of the investigation into Lee and the other high-ranking officials. The outside panel is scheduled to issue its decision on Friday at the Supreme Court. While the vice chairman is waiting for the committee's decision, he is striving to qualify the importance of his role to the committee through a series of visits to the group's business sites to conduct on-site inspections. On Tuesday, Lee visited Samsung Electronics' home appliance business division in Suwon to discuss business strategy with top executives. This was his third visit in the past 10 days, following meetings with officials in the IT and Mobile Communications Division, which is in charge of Samsung's smartphone business, and the Device Solutions Division, which supervises its semiconductor business. Following the visits, Lee also delivered a message Wednesday that the group will strengthen its capability in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, appointing Sebastian Seung, a renowned guru in the emerging technology and a professor at Princeton University's Neuroscience Institute and Department of Computer Science, as head of the group's R&D unit, Samsung Research. Samsung said the new leader will oversee research projects conducted at the unit's 15 R&D centers and seven AI centers, which are located in 13 countries. "Appointing Seung as head of Samsung Research is the first example of scouting outside experts since Vice Chairman Lee announced his New Samsung Vision in May for which the group will actively try to recruit outstanding talent from outside the group," Samsung said. Lee's move can be explained as an effort to indirectly showcase how crucial his role as a leader of the group is to the panel. However it is also true that Samsung needs to find a breakthrough in its business slump as Samsung Electronics, the leading affiliate of the conglomerate, has been struggling with various uncertainties such as the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy along with U.S.-China and Korea-Japan trade disputes. "We are in a situation facing severe risk," Lee told researchers during his visit to Samsung Electronics' semiconductor research center in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, June 19. "Our survival depends on how fast we can secure future technologies. We do not have much time." The market consensus for the second-quarter operating profit for the tech giant is expected to be around 6.4 trillion won ($5.3 billion), slightly worse than that of the previous quarter, which was at 6.45 trillion won. Analysts said the estimated figure could be possible thanks to increased unit price of memory chips, which the company has kept a firm grip on. They added the company is still facing COVID-19 risks, and the operating profit of Samsung Electronics will be at around 9 trillion won in the third quarter with more contactless services being offered in the wake of the prolonged virus pandemic. "While the IT and Mobile Communications Division is expected to post decreased profits and its display unit is also forecast to record an increased deficit, Samsung Electronics is estimated to produce a better-than-expected earnings report thanks to rising unit prices of DRAM and NAND flash memory chips," Lee Seung-woo, an analyst at Eugene Investment, said. Metro Trains staff working at Flinders Street Station are angry they were not told a contract cleaner had tested positive to coronavirus until after they inadvertently found out a week later. Cleaning company ISS informed its staff that a cleaner who regularly worked at Flinders Street had been at the railway station while infectious on Monday, June 15. Metro officials say Flinders Street Station has been cleaned more often during the pandemic. Credit:Joe Armao The cleaner was immediately sent home after feeling ill, and later tested positive for coronavirus. But Metro Trains did not tell its workers at the station for more than a week. The rostering coordinator for ISS wrote in an email to cleaning staff: Please be aware the risk to you is very low as this staff [member] has only attended site for 30 minutes within the past 14 days. New Delhi: Actor Govinda's son Yashvardhan met with a car accident on Wednesday (June 2, 2020) night in Juhu, Mumbai. When the accident took place, Yashvardhan and his driver were inside the car, reportedly. The car which rammed into Yashvardhan's vehicle was later identified as belonging to Yash Raj Films (YRF). Fortunately, no one was injured in the accident. According to Juhu police, the matter was mutually settled and no formal complaint has been lodged against any party so far. Govinda and Sunita Ahuja got married on March 11, 1987. They have two children - Tina and Yashvardhan. On the work front, actor Govinda was last seen in 2018 releases 'FryDay' and 'Rangeela Raja'. He has been seen making several appearances on reality shows of late and encouraging the contestants through his words. A few days back, the family celebrated mom Sunita's 50th birthday together and posted pictures on social media. MasterChef's Sarah Tiong has just released her new cookbook, Sweet, Savory, Spicy: Exciting Street Market Food from Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and More. On Thursday, the 29-year-old lawyer shared several Instagram Stories gifting the culinary tome to some of her fellow Back To Win contestants in a genius stroke of marketing. The thrilled foodies included Poh Ling Yeow, Callum Hann, Jess Liemantara and Amina Elshafei, who all appeared to be overjoyed with the new gift. Getting a little help from her friends! On Thursday, Sarah Tiong surprised her fellow Back To Win contestants with her new cookbook in a genius stroke of marketing Fan favourite Poh, 47, clutched the hard copy book in excitement, while a 'dapper' looking Callum, 31, told Sarah he was 'so excited' to receive a copy. Sarah touchingly described the contestants as 'two legends I have always admired from afar and now am so lucky to call #friends'. Meanwhile, Jess, 22, seemed over the moon to receive her copy of the book. Thrilled! Fan favourite Poh, 47, (pictured) clutched the hard copy book in excitement, while a 'dapper' looking Callum, 31, told Sarah he was 'so excited' to receive a copy. In the footage, Sarah touchingly described the contestants as 'two legends I have always admired from afar and now am so lucky to call #friends'. Poh (left), Callum (right) 'Omgee I'm super proud of you darls! The happiest moment was holding the hard work you've done,' she commented on the post. Meanwhile, Amina happily showed off her copy of the book, and proved she's a woman of few words, telling the camera: 'I like.' It comes after Sarah appeared on The Project earlier this month, where she revealed who tidies up the MasterChef kitchen to host Waleed Aly. It's you! Meanwhile, Jess, 22, seemed over the moon to receive her copy of the book. 'Omgee I'm super proud of you darls! The happiest moment was holding the hard work you've done,' she commented on the post 'You made a real mess when you cook. That's a sign of a great cook to me. But who does the dishes? What happens there?' he quizzed. 'Oh look, there's an incredible team of people at MasterChef that, unfortunately for them, do the dishes. But they are just spectacular people,' Sarah replied. MasterChef continues Sunday at 7.30pm on Channel Ten The value of Saudi Arabia's oil exports dropped by 65.4 per cent in April when compared to the same month a year earlier, or a fall of about $12 billion, official data showed on Thursday. Compared to March, total exports - including non-oil exports of goods such as chemicals and plastics - decreased by 23.5 per cent, or about $3 billion, the General Authority for Statistics said. Amid a drop in demand and oil prices, in the first quarter the value of Saudi Arabia's oil exports plunged by 21.9 per cent year on year to $40 billion, corresponding to a decline of about $11 billion, official data showed earlier this month. The world's largest oil exporter could see its economy shrink by 6.8 per cent this year, the International Monetary Fund said this week. Also read: India's oil imports plunge to its lowest since October 2011 in May Father Sergei Romanov, a controversial, ultra-conservative Russian priest, has taken control of the Sredneuralsk convent outside the city of Yekaterinburg and challenged authorities to force him out. Romanov, a former policeman who reportedly spent 13 years in a prison colony for murder before repenting and dedicating his life to religion, has been very vocal about the social distancing measures taken in Russia in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, accusing church leaders of working with the forerunners of the Antichrist by closing churches. Because of his controversial rhetoric, the Russian Orthodox church suspended Romanov and prevented him from preaching, and in May he was forbidden to wear a cross, after he continued to encourage people to disobey public health orders. Last Tuesday, he entered the Sredneuralsk convent, which he helped found in the early 2000s, and seized control with the help of several armed militiamen. Im not going anywhere theyll have to chase me out with police and the National Guard, Father Sergei Romanov said after being warned to rectify the situation and repent by June 26, by the Russian diocese. The ultra-conservative clergyman now has hundreds of supporters, including dozens of armed Cossacks believed to be veterans of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. The Abbess of Sredneuralsk convent left shortly after the arrival of Father Sergei, in order to avoid unnecessary infighting, and Romanov told church authorities that they will have to storm the monastery if they want him gone. Father Sergei once changed his secular name to Nikolai Romanov, in honor of Russias last Tsar, Nicholas II, and is considered one of the leaders of the shadowy tsar worshipper movement within the Russian Orthodox Church. He reportedly accused President Putin of plotting to insert surveillance chips in people under guise of a Covid-19 vaccine, and billed the ongoing pandemic a Satanic, fascist plot. With over 500 supporters behind him, Father Sergei Romanov is said to be preparing for a drawn-out siege, and there are those who fear that the situation could turn into a new Waco. One thing is for sure though, despite the warnings of the Russian Church, Father Sergei Romanov will not stay silent. The diocese forbids me to serve, forbids me to speak. But I was blessed to speak, he told a journalist of Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta. Aurora founder and chairman Paul Melnuk made the announcement today. Low, an addictions clinician, treatment program developer and referral manager with over 30 years' experience in the treatment industry, became COO at Aurora in January. Just two months later, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, dramatically altering the way treatment is given across Canada. As staff and the leadership team adapted at Aurora, Low has been overseeing and implementing clinical and business model changes that have positioned the facility in a positive trajectory as the province and country begins to re-open from the pandemic. Melnuk believes Low is the right man at the right time. "My intention in becoming the owner of Aurora was never to be day-to-day. It is not my strength," said Melnuk. "Though I have a strong foundation in my own recovery, I understand enough about the medical, clinical side of addiction to realize how little I know. I am not a doctor or psychologist. Lives are at stake. That is why hiring experienced, knowledgeable people is paramount to the success of our facility." "In bringing on Steve Low, watching him settle in, seeing his plans and ideas for Aurora be put into action, even in the middle of this unforeseen pandemic, convinced me that now is the time to say, formally, he is our guy." Low, 53, says he is humbled and honoured to be given the opportunity. "From my first look at Aurora, I was excited in a way I had never been before. The facility, the staff, the potential. It's a gem. And the people of ManitobaI've never felt so welcomed by so many, ever in my life. What a special place to live, to work. Getting the chance to become part of the Aurora team was beyond humbling. Getting to be the leader? Amazing." Low's resume is extensive. Born in Quebec, raised in the Philippines and on Vancouver Island, he has counselled those suffering from substance use and process disorders in private practice and in large inpatient facilities in Western Canada for decades. Besides his extensive clinical experience, he has deep roots in Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Low has also developed relationships with the Canadian Armed Forces, police departments, major airlines, Alberta's College of Physicians and Surgeons, and many other prominent professional communities. Low worked closely with the original program developers at two of the country's top inpatient facilities: Edgewood Treatment Centre in Nanaimo, B.C. and Cedars in Cobble Hill, B.C. As Aurora heads into its fifth year of existence, they now have as President a man with deep connections in the national and global family of addiction medicine. As one who has supervised and directed clinical teams in multiple facilities, Low and his wife, Donna, a renowned clinician in developing family recovery programs, and their teenaged daughter are looking forward to continuing to spread the healing message of Aurora across the country. Low's philosophy of treatment can be summed up in one succinct message: he believes it to be futile to try and treat substance use disorders, or chronic conditions, in an acute care model. He is a strong believer in a minimum 24-month continuum of care model to build capital and improve the likelihood of someone achieving and maintaining recovery. "Recovery is a continuum. It is not just 'come here for 40 days and you're all better,'" he says. "That type of operation is just not effective. There are so many aspects to recovery. We have to treat the whole system of each person. The family. The work place. The on-going recovery so continuing care. That can be anything from extended care on site to sober living options. It can include stabilization programs or recovery enhancement courses, Intensive Outpatient Programs, aftercare meetings whatever is necessary to build up a person's recovery capital." The other key component of his philosophy relates to referrals and referral agencies who recommend and send patients to Aurora. "I have always worked with the philosophy of referral partners being an integral part of the treatment team," he said. "Connecting with them each week, updating them every step of the way, sometimes bringing them into case conferencing, working with them from early in the treatment process in designing the member's return-to-work plan. Collaborative partnerships have always, in my work, produced the best results." Aurora Recovery Centre is a world-class, 70-bed addiction treatment centre in Gimli, Manitoba. Both inpatient and outpatient services assist people recovering from addiction and mental health issues across Canada through its 24/7 on-site medical detox, personalized assessment and care, and comprehensive after-care solutions. SOURCE Aurora Recovery Centre For further information: Media enquiries: Barret Davies, Marketing and Sales Director, [email protected], (204) 894-3182 Related Links www.aurorarecoverycentre.com Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 10:57:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A damaged house is seen in San Juan Ozolotepec, state of Oaxaca, Mexico, on June 25, 2020. A powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca on Tuesday. (Photo by Max Nunez/Xinhua) MEXICO CITY, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from Mexico's 7.5-magnitude earthquake Tuesday rose to seven, and about 2,000 homes were damaged, local authorities said on Wednesday. Among the fatalities were two women and five men. Another 11 people were injured. The quake hit at 10:29 a.m. local time (1529 GMT), with the epicenter located 23 km south of La Crucecita, a seaside town along the southern state of Oaxaca's Pacific Coast. Oaxaca Governor Alejandro Murat said in a video message that 85 towns cross the state reported some degree of damage, but airports and hospitals attending to COVID-19 patients were operating as normal. Three federal highways, six state highways and two bridges that were affected by the quake have now been opened to traffic. Electricity was expected to be fully reestablished Wednesday, the governor said in the video posted on Twitter. In a separate statement, Murat said soldiers and National Guard troops were deployed in the southern mountainous area of Ozolotepec, given the "significant damage" caused by landslides blocking roadways. According to the national civil protection agency CNPC, the earthquake injured two people in capital Mexico City, and caused minor damage to 32 buildings there. Some 46 million people in 12 southern and central states felt the earthquake, which has been followed by 1,738 aftershocks, the largest with a magnitude of 5.5, according to the National Seismological Service (SSN). Oaxaca is one of Mexico's most quake-prone states, with 25 percent of all earthquakes in Mexico occurring there, according to a special report from the SSN. Enditem A teenager laughed and shrugged after throwing a six-year-old boy from a tenth-floor viewing platform at the Tate Modern and claimed he was on top of the world after the horrific attack, the Old Bailey heard today. Jonty Bravery, 18, suddenly picked the youngster who had skipped ahead of his parents on a trip to the famous tourist attraction and suddenly threw him over the railings on August 4 last year. The French boy, on holiday to London with parents, suffered brain injuries, broken arms and legs, and a fractured spine when he landed on a fifth floor roof at the gallery. Bravery claimed afterwards he had been planning the attack for weeks , believing he was not being properly treated for his mental health problems and hoped that if he killed a stranger he would be locked up for life. Describing the attack on the boy, prosecutor Deanna Heer said Bravery had been staring and smiling at other young children before approaching the six-year-old boy, who was looking at the view from the Tate Modern balcony with his parents. The Tate Modern gallery in London / AFP via Getty Images As they turned away from the railings and walked along the balcony, (the boy) wearing a blue t-shirt and shorts skipped a little way ahead, she said. Ahead of him and facing him was the defendant, who scooped him up and - without any hesitation - carried him straight to the railings and threw him over. Ms Heer said the boy plunged head-first down to a fifth-floor roof below, only surviving the horror fall because he struck side of the gallery on the way down. Bravery backed away from the railings and was swiftly confronted by the boys parents, as well as shocked and irate strangers. He could be seen to be smiling, he had his arms raised, she said. At one point he appeared to shrug and laugh. Jonty Bravery Bravery told the boys disbelieving father I am mad, and Ms Heer said he had a big smile on his face as an angry crowd began to surround him - sniggering when asked if he knew what he had done. After his arrest, Bravery who is autistic and had been living in supported accommodation claimed he planned the attack so that he would be locked up, believing he was not being properly cared for. He said he had to prove a point to every idiot who said he didnt have mental health problems, that he shouldnt be in the community, said the prosecutor. Bravery laughed when shown video of the attack again, and admitted to police he wanted it to be on the news and hoped people would hear about what he had done. The court heard Bravery had researched sulphuric acid, strangulation, news reports of an attempt to murder Sir Robert Malpas when he was pushed on to the Tube line, and the effects of shoving someone into the Thames. A court artist sketch of Jonty Bravery appearing at the Old Bailey in London / PA/ Elizabeth Cook To a doctor Bravery admitted he had narrowed down the attack he was planning to strangling a child, throwing a child in the river, or throwing someone off a tall building, and had originally been heading to the Shard on the day of the attack until he could not afford the admission price. Asked how he felt after the attack at the Tate Modern, Bravery admitted he felt indestructible and on top of the world. Doctors believe the injured boy will require round the clock care until at least 2022, and his parents said in a victim impact statement they are afraid to leave his side for long periods, calling the attack unforgiveable. More than 200,000 has been raised for the boys medical care, after he spent months unable to eat, speak, or walk. Bravery is listening to court proceedings over videolink from Broadmoor secure hospital, and has spent much of the hearing slumped in his chair with his head back. The court heard he has a history of attacking care workers and fellow patients but had never faced prosecution. He had been accused of a series of assaults at a Brighton Burger King at the time of the Tate Modern attack, but police had released him pending further investigation. Despite his history of violence and being under police investigation, Bravery was allowed out of his accommodation in Northolt unsupervised on the day of the attempted murder. Ms Heer told the court a doctor has warned that Bravery may be a danger to the public for the rest of his life. Bravery has admitted attempted murder and is due to be sentenced later today. The hearing continues. The head of the eastern Libyan parliament Aguila Saleh said on Wednesday that the Libyan people will request the military intervention of Egypt in Libya if armed militias infiltrate the strategic city of Sirte. Speaking to Egypt's state news agency MENA, Saleh said the Egyptian intervention "would be legitimate under the Libyan people's mandate to protect the Libyan and Egyptian security. "We will request the intervention of the Egyptian armed forces to support the Libyan army in case of the infiltration of Sirte, Saleh said. Earlier this week, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said his country has a legitimate right to intervene in Libya and ordered his army to be prepared to carry out any mission outside the country if necessary. He said any intervention by Egypt would mainly be aimed at protecting Egypts western border, achieving a ceasefire, and restoring stability and peace in Libya, stressing that crossing the Sirte-Jufra frontline is a red line for Egypt. Forces allied to eastern-based military commander Khalifa Haftar, who Egypt supports, have recently pulled back east towards Sirte and Al-Jufra airbase in central Libya after forces loyal to the rival government in the west extended control across most of northwest Libya and advanced further south. The Libyan people formally ask Egypt to intervene with military forces if needed to maintain the Libyan national security and the Egyptian national security, said Saleh, who is allied to Haftar. That would be legitimate self-defense if the terrorist and armed militias crossed the red line that President El-Sisi spoke about and attempted to go beyond the cities of Sirte or Al-Jufra." By doing so, Saleh said, Egypt will protect Libya's security while securing its own western borders and preventing militias from advancing into areas that pose a threat to Egypt's security. Saleh said he asked for the support of the Egyptian armed forces during his speech at the Egyptian parliament in January, a request he said had been accepted by Egyptian MPs. The oil-rich country is divided between two rival administrations in the east and west. Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Russia support Haftar, while the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) is supported by Qatar and Turkey. Earlier this month, Egyptian President Abedl Fattah El-Sisi announced an initiative that proposes a ceasefire and called for disbanding Libyan militias and the withdrawal of foreign mercenaries. The plan was accepted by Haftar, but dismissed by the rival western government in Tripoli. The initiative had been welcomed by Russia, the United States and a number of Arab countries. Saleh said the Libyan National Army (LNA) moved towards Tripoli last year with the aim of liberating the capital from the militias' grip". Militias and terrorist groups, Saleh said, are seeking to steal the countrys oil wealth, saying they should be eliminated and security institutions should take over. The LNA decided to withdraw from the capital Tripoli last month to avoid using more force after Turkey sent more than 15,000 mercenaries, adding that the move came in response to international calls for a ceasefire amid international initiatives, including Egypts proposal. Saleh said a ceasefire and peace talks have always been an Egyptian demand which is rejected by "colonial powers and some Libyans who seek to achieve their own interests". Saleh believes that a political dialogue should not exclude or marginalise any party, and that all regions should be represented in Libya's presidency and state authorities. "We will not disagree on wealth or power. We have rules for governance and we are partners in everything, Saleh asserted, adding that the countrys petroleum wealth is for all Libyans. Saleh stressed that the eastern Libyan parliament is the only elected authority that represents the Libyan people. He said there has been consensus among all sects of the Libyan society on supporting El-Sisi in implementing Cairo's peace initiative to achieve a ceasefire, resume an inter-Libyan dialogue and prepare for a legitimate military intervention to protect Libya from attempts by foreign powers to seize its resources. Saleh said that President El-Sisi was not biased and that Egypts interference would not be in support for one party over another. Rather, President El-Sisi always pushes all parties towards dialogue and a peaceful solution, and always calls for reconciliation, he said. Saleh had in the past provided support to the Libyan people, sent food and medicines, witnessed the establishment of the Libyan army in 1940, and backed the North African country in its endeavours to regain its independence . The parliament speaker said an arms embargo aimed at curbing the fighting in Libya was only implemented on the LNA as armed militias have continued to receive weapons, adding that the international community has failed to stop the arrival of mercenaries and weapons into the Libyan territories. Search Keywords: Short link: Theres this great photo of Yorgos Lanthimos at the 2011 Academy Awards: flanked on either side by wife Ariane Labed and star Angeliki Papoulia, faintly resembling the twin girls from The Shining, all three stand with dead-serious expressions on a patch of red carpet. The somber looks on their faces exude too much severity to register as the sexy vacuity A-listers assume once they step in front of the flashbulbs. Theyve situated themselves in an area thats clearly not a step-and-repeat intended for photo ops, and in the background to their left and right, crowds of fans look in the direction of people who are not them. They look out of place, because they were. They were there representing Lanthimoss third feature, Dogtooth, a film that stuck out from that years crop of Oscar contenders, much like the trio of well-dressed Greeks did on the big night. Sadistic, oblique and flatly affected, it wasnt the sort of picture that amasses the favor of Academy voters, even in the more open-minded category of Best Foreign Language Film. The journey to the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles had been long and unlikely, from a win at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2009 (Lanthimos brought home the Prix Un Certain Regard, the fests highest honor for an emerging filmmaker not yet in the main Competition) to a hotly anticipated U.S. run in June 2010 to the Oscar footlights the following February. Over those two years, the film gained a reputation as a critical darling still largely under the radar in a time before social-media saturation, which lent its inclusion in that slate of nominees an underdoggish air. It didnt matter that hed lose the statuette to Susanne Biers more anodyne In a Better World; getting there in the first place was a victory in itself. By the end of the decade, Lanthimos would transform from an unexpected Hollywood infiltrator into a Best Picture frontrunner at the helm of a grand studio production boasting a 10-nod ticket. No ones stock has risen so precipitously over the past 10 years, a prolific period during which the director has cranked out five feature-length projects (and one 30-second short for Radiohead!), all of them generally well-regarded. Dogtooth, which initially entered American theaters ten years ago today, planted the seed of a crossover success that would only grow as its creator made forays into the English language and began collaborating with uppermost-tier stars. Repeating one the most satisfying showbiz narratives of all, the outsider oddball bent the industry to his will. Pondering why Dogtooth connected to the global arthouse circuit when his previous works Kinetta and the co-directed My Best Friend languished in relative obscurity invites a chicken-egg conundrum: Did wider distribution breed public interest, or did market demand lead to more showings in worldwide cinemas? Either way, Dogtooth struck a chord in a way that the others hadnt, to the point where many incorrectly assume it was Lanthimoss debut. The strange tale of a family in isolation does have the feeling of a distinctive arrival, as if it could never be mistaken for anything but itself. Viewers got familiarized with Lanthimoss major idiosyncrasies, and quickly. One, that he favors dense metaphors about authoritarianism, in this instance a dictatorial father commanding the whole of his wife and childrens reality by cutting them off from the outside world. (Every film by Yorgos Lanthimos could be fairly retitled Please Dont Make Me Do That.) Two, a jet-black sense of humor often involving sudden bursts of shocking violence that put the dead in deadpan. Three, hyper-composed frames of modernist painterly beauty. His boldest creative tendencies were instantly understood as the sui generis trademarks of a singular artist. His next film, Alps, was fully in the can by late 2010, just as gatekeepers in the business were familiarizing themselves with the name of Lanthimos. As such, the portrait of a group providing emotional support to the grief-stricken by posing as their deceased loved ones for a final playacted goodbye comes off as somewhat minor. One standout sequence sees Labed performing a ribbon dance that conveys a tortured interiority that her blank-slate visage cant, a summarizing scene in the Lanthimos canon, and yet the film lacks the thunderstriking sense of revelation that accompanied Dogtooth. Let that be no ding on its quality, as attested by its win for Best Screenplay at the Venice Film Festival in 2011. But the next major phase of Lanthimoss career, Operation: American Invasion, commenced in earnest with The Lobster in 2015. By 2013, he had completed an ambitious screenplay envisioning a grand hotel in which residents must form compulsory couples in order to evade transmogrification into an animal of their choosing. It begins as an indictment of heteronormative romances rigidly assigned roles, but as hapless bisexual David (a mustachioed, potbellied, soft-spoken Colin Farrell) escapes into a colony of singles in the woods operating under rules just as stifling, it opens up into classically Lanthimosian meditation on power and its gross abuse. It inspired rapturous reviews, took the bronze medal that is the Jury Prix at Cannes, and returned Lanthimos to the Oscars once more, this time in the Best Original Screenplay category. More to the point, it established his films as a place name-brand actors can go for an unusual challenge. Farrell, Rachel Weisz, Lea Seydoux and an ensemble of others famed through Europe and North America relished the opportunity to adopt Lanthimoss house style of stilted delivery. Like doing Brecht, its a good stretch for the thespian muscles left to atrophy by most silver screen gigs. His next two films bring us up to the present, and suggest the outline of an auteur wrestling with his own success. He followed his most alienating film with his most accessible, via the wryly comic cruelty of The Killing of a Sacred Deer and the hysterical misbehavior of The Favourite, respectively. The former film, a parable in which a surgeon (Farrell, again) must choose which of his children to murder so that they dont both die, posed a test to newcomer audiences with interests piqued by The Lobster. It was as if Lanthimos, with some cachet to throw around, wanted to see just how far into darkness he could push an American film without losing his audience. Its his get on the bus or get off moment. In comparison, The Favourite signaled a slight softening of his stony ethic. We get one of the few genuinely sympathetic characters in his entire filmography with Queen Anne, portrayed as an vain and clueless older woman nonetheless taken advantage of by the courtiers out for her throne. Two such connivers (Emma Stone and a returning Weisz) strike up a game of competing sapphic desires in the gaudy finery of a costume drama, occasioning Lanthimoss first display of non-ironic affection to date. Its couched in a thicket of manipulations and deceptions and vengeances, but theres a kernel of humanity at the center that wasnt there before. The final shots see one character taking mercy on a rabbit, in flagrant defiance of Lanthimoss theretofore espoused philosophy that animal abuse will always be good for a sick laugh. It may have been the fusion of the perennially beloved pearls-and-furs genre with a wicked streak more attuned to today, it may have been a function of smart releasing and promotion, but something clicked. A whole new wave of devotees adopted Lanthimos as their new graven idol, bringing him as close to ubiquity as someone this polarizing could get. Tumblr and Twitter swelled with fan accounts and screenshots, and he soon rose to a level of recognition enjoyed by a select handful of directors. The aptest point of comparison may be Wes Anderson, a known quantity able to get his movies made his way for a loyal viewership that prize everything that makes him, well, him. The parallels run much deeper than that, all the way to the core of Lanthimoss appeal. Even those who dont fancy themselves cinephiles gravitate toward Anderson because he makes the hallmarks of auteurism easy to identify and understand. They both love snazzy typefaces, meticulous mise-en-scene, and acting that eschews naturalism. More perceptibly than most, Lanthimos conveys the impression that youre watching a movie made by someone with a clearly defined set of stylistic and thematic preoccupations, a Work by an Artist. His output is unmistakable in a way that makes the twice-a-year cineplex visitor feel discerning without dumbing down his techniques and losing the core base. Countless international filmmakers have attempted to make the jump to Hollywood and stumbled, either by submitting to compromise or staying true to themselves and failing to gain traction. Lanthimos (and, if he keeps it up at the current rate, Bong Joon-ho) represents the latest realization of the highbrow/mainstream ideal. As a talented obscurity who made his way into the spotlight just by doing his thing, hes living proof that sometimes, the system works. The post Looking Back at a Decade of Iconoclastic Director Yorgos Lanthimos appeared first on InsideHook. A senator, Ali Ndume, has given reasons why he agreed to be a surety for Abdulrasheed Maina who is being prosecuted for money laundering and pension fraud. Mr Ndume said Mr Maina is his constituent and also needed a serving senator to stand surety for him. While noting that it was a hard decision for him to take, Mr Ndume said he had to accept because he stood for the good, the bad and the ugly in Borno State, Vanguard Newspaper reports. He however, said if Mr Maina is found guilty of the offence, he should be sentenced. It took me over six months to agree to be his surety. First, the bail condition requires a serving senator and I happen to be the one. Second, his health condition is deteriorating and needs special medical attention. Third, his offence is bailable and lastly, I am not saying the court should discharge and acquit him. If he is guilty, he will be sentenced. It was a hard decision I had to make. I have a duty to represent the good, the bad and the ugly of Borno South. May Allah guide us to the right path, he said in a text message to Vanguard. The lawmaker had on Tuesday, agreed to stand surety for the ex-pension boss months after Mr Mainas lawyer, Afam Osigwe, complained that senators were reluctant to stand as surety for him. Background Mr Maina, a former chairman of the Pension Reform Task Team, is being prosecuted by the anti-graft agency, EFCC, on a 12-count charge bordering on money laundering, operating fictitious accounts and other fraudulent activities. He was in hiding for almost two years and was later arrested by the State Security Service (SSS). He was thereafter, handed over to the EFCC, which had declared him wanted for over a year. After being arraigned on October 25, he pleaded not guilty to the 12-count charge of N100 billion pension fraud brought against him. In November 2019, the court granted Mr Maina bail of N1 billion with two sureties in like sum. The judge held that the sureties must be serving senators with no criminal case pending in court and must own landed properties in Maitama or Asokoro, Abuja. Abdulrasheed Maina, Former Chairman of Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT) The judge added that the senators must attend proceeding at every adjourned date for the trial. Unable to meet those bail conditions, the former PRTT chairman, through his lawyer, appealed to the court to vary the bail conditions. His bail sum was thereafter adjusted to N500 million but he was ordered him to produce one surety with a landed property fully developed in Maitama, Asokoro, Central Business District, Wuse 2 and Katampe, all in Abuja. The surety, the judge said, must be a Nigerian and a serving senator, who must not be standing any criminal trial in court and must come to court with the defendant at all adjourned dates and sign the register. But even if the Osundairos had stood firm in their opposition to voluntarily testifying or if they waver again it might not be a death blow to Smolletts case. Prosecutors could still have issued subpoenas that would have compelled the brothers to appear in court or face legal consequences. Judges at the Leighton Criminal Court Building have even been known, in extreme circumstances, to keep witnesses in custody to ensure their presence at trial. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 10:11:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WINDHOEK, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Namibia needs the revival of industries, tourism and the economy through new technologies amid COVID-19, said Itah Kandjii Murangi, Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation on Wednesday. Namibia needs to address unemployment, particularly among the youth, strengthen its health system through new technologies, and develop a robust IT infrastructure, among others, the minister said during a UNESCO-Africa-China high-level virtual dialogue. COVID-19 has invoked desperation by upending the accepted visions and norms and pushed humanity into survival mode, she said, adding that it has also changed the way of living and reshaped daily routines. It is evident that African countries are at the mercy of societies that are more prolific and efficient in producing new knowledge, new products and new services, all of which are imported at a high cost to Africa, without empowering Africans through education, industrial development, and employment among others, Kandjii Murangi said. China's quick response and proactiveness in the use of advanced technologies in fighting the pandemic have made a difference and turned the tide of COVID-19, she added. Enditem Future historians with an eye for inflection points may well focus on the Wall Street Journal of June 12, 2020. A page 1 banner reads, Companies Pledge Actions to Promote Racial Justice and recounts how in response to the George Floyd killing, Apple and Google are pledging millions to promote racial inclusion. Less than a week later, Google was more specific: allocating $175 million to sharply increase the number of black Google executives (30% by 2025), upping the firms anti-racism efforts, $100 million for black owned start-ups, $15 million for improved training for black job applicants and $3 million to schools to close gaps in computer education and STEM fields. If Wall Street Journal readers flipped it over to the last page of Section A, they would have seen the banner, China Pours Funds Into Tech Push. The story told of Chinas trillion-dollar investments in computers to overtake the U.S. in cutting-edge technology. Now more than a dozen Chinese cities will launch projects ($935 billion), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technologys five-year program will invest $14 trillion in artificial intelligence, data projects, and communications. Private Chinese firms, notably Alibaba and Tencent, are similarly upping their high-tech investment. These figures of course tell only a partial story -- American firms are only putting millions into woke enterprises, but billions will continue to be invested in high-tech to match Chinese efforts. Also excluded are U.S. government-funded agencies such as DARPA and, conceivably, U.S. brainpower toe-to-toe will outperform the Chinese despite their lavish spending. Nevertheless, it is certainly fair to ask why these U.S. tech companies embrace million-dollar racial justice schemes when every similar past diversity effort has failed? Have Google, Apple, Oracle and others, unlike their Chinese rivals, recently discovered that a diverse workforce builds a better supercomputer? Might the Chinese Communist Party now send spies to infiltrate these Tech giants to acquire the secrets of diversity as they now steal advanced chip designs? Most important, does this divergence in priorities harbinger a slow decline in U.S. technological preeminence? Silicon Valleys diversity push began in 2014 when Jesse Jackson set up shop there along with other more community-based groups such as Hidden Genius, Kapor Center, and Greenlining coalition. Jackson and his allies enjoyed initial success -- Intel, for example pledged $300 million to help boost workforce inclusiveness while Apple donated $40 million to historical black college and universities. Google sent its engineers to black colleges to teach introductory computer science and help graduates find technology jobs. It also created a one-year residency at the firm for students at HBCUs. In 2017 Apple announced that it number of under-represented minorities had increased from 19% of its workforce to 23% and, of the utmost importance, 50% of its new hires were from these underrepresented groups. Oddly, the underlying premise of this pressured diversity contradicts the dog-eat-dog, innovate or die mentality dominating Silicon Valley. With billions at stake, and hungry startup rivals galore, everybody seeks an edge, and overlooking any advantage is suicide. Intel, for example, heavily invests in chip development in Israel. Successful firms routinely recruit talent from overseas. Surely if pools of talented minority software engineers existed, firms would uncover them with being pressured by social justice activists. Unfortunately for diversity devotees, however, a review of hiring in Wired reveals that such hidden talent is nearly nonexistent. In the all-important field of technical workers such as coders, the share of black and Latinx workers rose less than one percent since 2014 when the big bucks diversity push began (the proportion of women did, however, rise substantially). Yes, tech executives can tout progress, but this is deceptive since the burgeoning number of hires overall post-2014 means that the blacks and Hispanics workforce must be sharply expanded just to keep proportions steady (Facebook during this period quadrupled its workforce). Would employing workers from historically under-represented groups give U.S. firms an edge when competing against Chinese rivals? Alas, claims regarding the diversity benefit seem over-heated rhetoric. One data-free claim, for example, asserts that upping diversity would add an additional $400 billion in revenue to the tech industry. As these advocates put it, more diverse companies, we believe, are better able to win top talent and improve their customer orientation, employee satisfaction, and decision making, and all that leads to a virtuous cycle of increasing returns (italics added for emphasis). Yes, profitable companies may relish diversity but equally plausible is that ample profits versus being almost broke permits the luxury of diversity while polishing corporate images. Another advocate claims that More than ever, companies mired in culturally myopic ideas are finding it more difficult to get ahead in a society that has embraced different backgrounds and lifestyles. A further claim is that many potential employees cherish diversity and thus want to work in a diverse environment which, in turn, is a supposed recruitment advantage. Again, no hard evidence, and such claims would counsel company directors to fire current Tech executives for leaving billions on the table for ignoring diversity. If the past foretells the future, merit is in trouble over the long haul. Todays pressures are immense, and merit grows increasingly unfashionable. Diversity activists are attending stockholder meetings and harangue everybody with horror stories about working sans diversity. One female Google engineer explained how the absence of diversity and inclusion initiatives left many of us feeling unsafe and unable to do our work. She further added, The chilling effect of harassment and doxxing has impaired productivity and company culture. Keep in mind that Silicon Valley is in California, home of rampant ill-advised social engineering so compulsory diversity may arrive soon. Predictably, discrimination lawsuits have been filed by terminated Google employees who were queer or transgendered, a tactic whose likely real purpose is to prod Google into hiring by gender/sex quota to pre-empt future diversity discrimination. While it may seem impossible to imagine the demise of Google, Apple and other contemporary deep-pocket high-tech firms, the creative destruction of capitalism is relentless. Websites recount the demise of Alta Vista, Netscape, Infoseek, Webcrawler, and Zune. Not even Microsoft has made Bing a success or could save Explorer, and Google itself bombed with Nexus Q. AOL was once a multi-billion-dollar firm with a near web and e-mail monopoly. No firm can survive endless bad decision-making, and hiring people by skin color, not ability, surely invites failure. The university is the parallel -- diversity hiring began small but as additional diversicrats were hired and handsomely rewarded, racial bean counting exploded. Traditional merit became disparaged as white male standards whose devious purpose is to exclude historically under-represented groups. As todays universities drop the SAT in admissions, Googles bias against communities of color may eventually be eliminated. If so, white and Asian males will stop even applying for Big Tech jobs just as white males currently shun academic positions. If the diversity mania goes unchallenged, American Big Tech may slowly lose its edge as consumers gravitate to better software and communications gear built in China though engineered by Americans unable to advance up the Google or Apple career ladder. When you consider the stakes here, one can only suspect that China is secretly funding the diversity push. Lunch together was my mothers idea. I was 18 and had returned home briefly between trips to Israel and America on a gap year before university. How lovely, I thought. Perhaps this was a chance for us to get to know one another better, because although she hadnt been a bad mother, our relationship was not especially close. Now I was 18, and an adult, maybe we could forge that enviable bond Id seen with other girls and their mothers. But Mum had something else entirely on her mind. She had something to tell me ... and didnt she just. I think its time you learned about your father, and how you came to be ... she said. I was a love child (although Im not sure that she used that exact phrase). The product of an extra-marital affair between her and my father a dentist with a long-term partner and four children when she worked for him as a dental nurse at his practice in Surrey. The affair had broken up her marriage, but my father had remained with his family. They knew about me; Im guessing my father must have owned up and had been forgiven, but my half-siblings had wanted nothing to do with me. I, in turn, was told nothing about them or my fathers other woman. Until that fateful day. I was a love child (although Im not sure that she used that exact phrase). The product of an extra-marital affair between her and my father Id grown up assuming like many children from broken homes that Mum and Dad had simply had a relationship that didnt work out. I still saw him, sporadically, after-all. What I didnt know was that I was a dirty little secret. Something to be hushed up; not mentioned. And just like that, there it was. A grenade thrown into my life from which Ive never recovered. You may wonder why Ive chosen to share such a deeply painful and personal story now. Im a 56-year-old mother of two with a successful career as a business consultant. The term love child sounds so lovely, doesnt it? It has such romantic connotations a child of passion and intrigue. Yet the great irony is that very often children who are the product of an affair or illicit liaison actually dont feel loved at all. Time may have softened the opprobrium that used to be poured on those born and women who bore children out of wedlock, but the truth is, the stigma hasnt really gone away. After my mother dropped her bombshell, I believed I was unloveable, inferior or somehow sullied, that my entire existence was a thing to be regretted and with that came an all-consuming sense of shame. Sharing my experience so publicly is part of the process of finally freeing myself from that. My thoughts were brought into acute focus this week with the news that Steve Bing, the father of Liz Hurleys son Damian, jumped to his death from a Los Angeles apartment block. I dread to think what the emotional fallout will be for 18-year-old Damian. From what I can tell, Ms Hurley has done a remarkable job raising her son but the fact that Bing wanted nothing to do with his child for much of the boys life, and even forced them to endure the ignominy of a DNA test to prove paternity, is something Damian has grown up with. Katherine Locke is pictured near her home in Bridport, Dorset, with her mother Muriel and father Michael in 1968 The poor boy wrote on his Instagram page that he is experiencing a strange and confusing time. Yes, you are Damian, and sadly that isnt going to end any time soon. So why did my mother keep her shameful secret for so long even from me? I believe she thought she was protecting me. Shed thought the time was right to tell me because I was 18 and old enough to cope with it. In reality, there couldnt have been a worse time for her to offload her secrets and I began my adult life feeling utterly traumatised, which led to me having a breakdown. Suddenly, all those years Id spent with a nagging unease about my family life made sense. It explained why my biological father had wafted in and out of our lives meetings that were probably conducted surreptitiously and my mothers sense of detachment and sadness. Why she was never keen to talk about their past. Why, whenever I asked questions shed dodge them or get upset. Until that moment Id believed that my father had loved me, in his own way. Yet suddenly I knew there were other children hed loved more. His real children, if you like. I was absolutely devastated. So this is what I know: my parents began their affair in the summer of 1963 when she was 37, and married with a son my older half brother and my father was in his early 50s, with a partner and four children. There was another child too, a much older one hed fathered while at university and whose mother hed then married before moving on to have a new family. It was announced this week that Steve Bing (above), the father of Liz Hurleys son Damian, jumped to his death from a Los Angeles apartment block When my mother discovered she was pregnant, her own marriage ended and she fled to her older sisters home in London. For all the liberation in the Sixties, I imagine there was a lot of shame around the circumstances of her pregnancy. She gave birth to me in March 1964 and shortly afterwards moved us down to Devon, where my father lived with his family. I dont know the sequence of events, but I imagine hed moved there first and my mother followed, such was her longing for him to make an honest woman of her. At least I was an acknowledged love child he never denied I was his. His name is on my birth certificate and I have his surname. He was an incredibly charismatic man, a bon viveur and raconteur who flashed his wealth around, paying for me to go to private school and to have pony and swimming lessons, something I now perceive as him throwing money at his problem me. I have a memory of washing the car with him once and of him taking me to school a couple of times. But he was never around to read bedtime stories or for any of the important moments such as my birthdays or awards presentations at school. There were no family holidays or day trips to parks or the beach. My mother, though rather glamorous, wore her sadness for all to see. I rarely heard her laughing and she was deeply unhappy, although as a child I had no idea why. Now, I suspect its because my father chose to be with his other family, and her life had been ruined. But she remained desperate for him to marry her. Our relationship was difficult. She was a loving Mum, making clothes for me and ensuring I had lovely birthday parties, but there was something amiss. Then, when I was nine my father became very ill with lung cancer. I remember sitting in the kitchen of my aunts house in London in July 1974 when she and my mother told me that hed died. It was horrendous. My mother was bereft and I had a massive, spontaneous nosebleed brought on by shock. Neither of us went to his funeral, and I couldnt understand why when not being able to say goodbye was so painful. I assume now that his real family had arranged it and didnt inform my mother of the details. We werent welcome. Unbeknown to her, my father had married the mother of his four children the previous November, which meant that when he died everything was left to them and the financial support on which we relied, vanished overnight. All we had was a tiny cottage in Wales that my father had bought but had put in my mothers name, and 10 in her pocket. We spiralled into deep poverty and she got a job as an auxilliary nurse in a local care home, working long shifts, while I stayed at home, unable to afford the bus fare to my now state school for a while. Elizabeth Hurley had to endure the ignominy of a DNA test to prove Steve Bing's paternity to Damian Hurley. The mother and son are pictured together in 2018 She eventually met someone else, a very kind man, whom she married just as I was leaving home, and remained with him for 15 years until he died. It sounds odd, but although it wasnt a terribly happy marriage, it was still the happiest relationship shed had. Somehow we muddled through. A rather precocious child, I did well at school and had won a place at university. Then suddenly Mum dropped her bombshell and finally put me in the picture. The crux of my distress has never been that I was a love child as such, but the secrets, lies, half truths and shame this situation threw up. Had I grown up in full knowledge of the facts, the other children and other woman, it would have been a strange situation, but it would have been our situation and Id have coped with it. Soon after that life-changing conversation with my mother, I went travelling in America as planned, unable to cope with her neediness when I was so unwell myself. Theres a John Lennon quote that sums up my mental state at the time: The pain is so big, you feel nothing at all. Back from America, I started university where I observed other students partying and having fun while I found life a struggle and didnt understand my place in the world. Mental ill-health was taboo back then, and there werent the resources within the NHS to help me. I tried to talk to friends but it was more painful for me to share the story only for it to mean nothing to my confidantes, so I kept it to myself. Its unsurprising that Ive had an appalling record with relationships, lurching from one emotionally unavailable man to the next. I was three months pregnant with my daughter, whos now 28, when her father left me after a couple of years together. The cycle continued with me raising her as a single parent, although shes always had contact with him. Becoming a mother only exacerbated my bewilderment at how my own parents had broken my trust. I was a mess, desperate to be loved and to be in a normal, loving, stable relationship, but I didnt have the tools to make that happen. Katherine is pictured with her father Michael in 1965. Katherine was told she was a 'love child' when she was 18 I met my current partner 17 years ago and we had our son, whos now 14, and settled into family life in Dorset. But it hasnt been without its problems and marriage has eluded me, although Ive always longed for that commitment. Curiosity about my half siblings only surfaced eight years ago by which time I felt in a more stable place with a family of my own. Social media made it easy to track down the eldest son of my fathers other family as we share the same surname. We met, just once, at my house. But it wasnt a cathartic moment for either of us. On the contrary. Theres a lot of fantasy about family members meeting for the first time, but the reality for us was very different. He was told about me when I was a baby and he was a teenager and had vowed never to have anything to do with me something he felt guilty about in adulthood. I quickly realised that pursuing a relationship with my half siblings would have been detrimental to my state of mind. We havent kept in touch. When my mother died 15 years ago, I was sad, of course, but my first thought was, who am I going to be now? Suddenly, unshackled from her neediness, I didnt feel so entrenched in the past. Through years of counselling Ive experienced a certain amount of emotional healing and have realised that the shame wasnt mine, it belonged to my parents. Because only now, almost 40 years after Mum dropped her bombshell, am I finally starting to cast off the shame and stigma of being a love child thats blighted my adult life. Ive wanted to tell my story for a long time and I hope that by doing so now, perhaps Ill finally start to feel truly free of the past. AS TOLD TO SADIE NICHOLAS According to news published by the Daily Sabah website on June 23, 2020, the Turkish company FNSS has delivered 26 Kaplan tracked armored tank destroyer vehicles fitted with UMTAS turret to the Turkish army. This is the first combat vehicle that will be equipped with the UMTAS anti-tank guided missile turret designed developed by the local company Roketsan. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link FNSS Kaplan anti-tank tracked armored vehicle fitted with the Roketsan UMTAS anti-tank guided missile turret. (Picture source FNSS) Citing Daily Sabah, the FNSS Chairman Nail Kurt said that those 26 vehicles have been delivered to date within the scope of the weapon carrier vehicles project previously inked between the Turkish Defense Industries Presidency (SSB) and the FNSS. FNSS Chairman Nail Kurt added, that Pars 4x4 vehicles, which have also been developed under the scope of the same project are expected to be delivered with OMTAS missiles. The Kaplan is a tracked armored vehicle fully designed and developed by the Turkish Company FNSS. The KAPLAN is a new generation of armored fighting vehicle that has the ability to move together with main battle tanks, and has a 23 hp/ton power-to-weight ratio, taking into account the weight of the communication system and the automatic transmission. The Kaplan is motorized with a diesel engine coupled to a fully-automatic transmission system. It can run at a maximum road speed of 70 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 650 km. The vehicle is fully amphibious without any preparation and propelled in the water thanks to two rear-mounted water propulsion systems. The Kaplan ATVS (Anti-Tank Vehicle System) has been developed specifically to be used anti-tank armored vehicle and has successfully completed firing tests performed using KORNET and UMTAS anti-tank guided missiles launched from the FNSS Anti-Tank Remote Controlled Turret (ARCT). The UMTAS is an anti-tank missile developed ad manufactured by the Turkish Company Roketsan. It was primarily designed to be used on attack helicopters. The missiles Imaging Infrared Seeker permits its use at day or night, and in adverse weather conditions, and its RF data link provides it with flexible operational capabilities. The missile can be used in fire-and-forget or fire-and-update mode with lock-on before launch or lock-on after launch capabilities. The UMTAS turret mounted on the Kaplan armored vehicle is fitted with two ready to launch UMTAS missile launcher container. The UMTAS is an anti-tank guided missile that has a length of 1.8 m and a diameter of 160 mm and weighs 37.5 kg. The missile has the ability to operate in both fire-and-forget and fire-and-update operation modes. The fire-and-forget mode enables the weapon to travel on its own path after illumination of the target. The noose of the missile is equipped with imaging infrared (IIR) seeker or laser seeker providing high-target accuracy. Powered by an HTPB-based smokeless composite solid propellant, the UMTAS anti-tank missile has a firing range from 0.5 km to 8 km. Commuters wearing protective masks wait for a train at the Luz station in Sao Paulo. As the country shatters records and the contamination curve fails to flatten, President Jair Bolsonaro remains adamant about his crusade to reopen commerce and the economy. Pacific Press Lockdowns imposed across the world in an attempt to combat the coronavirus pandemic differed from country to country, ranging from partial to full restrictions on public life. But as those measures have been gradually lifted, some countries are seeing spikes in new coronavirus infections. The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases around the world now stands at over 9.4 million, according to Johns Hopkins University data, and over 480,000 people have died. The recent spikes in cases have led to growing fears of a "second wave" of the pandemic, as countries that seemingly passed the peak of infections some months ago experience new outbreaks. Here are some of the countries seeing a spike in infections: The U.S. The coronavirus continues to surge in certain U.S. states particularly those in the south and west of the country. The number of cases in the country hit a new record high on Wednesday, with 45,557 diagnoses reported, according to a tally by NBC News. Texas, Utah, Arkansas and Arizona are among the states seeing a rise in coronavirus hospitalizations, while California and Florida reported their biggest daily spikes in new coronavirus cases Wednesday, while Houston said its intensive-care unit beds are near capacity. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut states that were once the epicenter of the epidemic in the U.S. have ordered visitors from certain hotspot states, like Florida, to quarantine for 14 days. To date, more than 2.38 million coronavirus cases have been reported in the U.S. while at least 121,979 deaths have been reported, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards Germany Germany was seen as the poster-child for its approach to combating the coronanvirus epidemic in the country. Praised for implementing early widespread testing and contact tracing of anyone infected with the virus, it has managed so far to keep hospitalizations and the death toll low. However, it has struggled in recent weeks, with a handful of significant outbreaks at meat-processing plants. The largest has been the latest outbreak at a plant in the district of Gutersloh in North Rhine-Westphalia. Over 1,500 workers at the Tonnies meat-processing plant (the largest in Germany) have been confirmed to have the virus, out of around 7,000 total employees. The meat-processing industry has been widely criticized Germany for its poor working and living conditions. Another outbreak was reported at a smaller meat-processing plant in Lower Saxony on Wednesday. Soldiers of the Bundeswehr dressed in full PPE prepare to take throat swab samples from local residents in the village of St. Vit following a Covid-19 outbreak at the nearby Toennies meat packaging plant during the coronavirus pandemic on June 23, 2020 near Guetersloh, Germany. Sean Gallup The outbreak in Gutersloh led to the district being put back into lockdown on Tuesday, and a neighboring district was also shut down hours later, in order to contain any possible spread. Nonetheless, the outbreak (as well as other "major outbreaks" in nursing and retirement homes, asylum and refugee centers, some schools and an outbreak in a religious community) has been blamed for pushing up Germany's virus reproduction or 'R' rate up to 2.88 last weekend, its public health body, the Robert Koch Institute, said Wednesday. Germany currently has 192,871 confirmed coronavirus cases and has reported 8,933 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins. Brazil The number of infections surged last weekend in Brazil, a country that now has the second-highest number of coronavirus cases in the world, with over 1.18 million confirmed and almost 54,000 fatalities. Brazil's government under President Jair Bolsonaro has been accused of trying to cover up the country's coronavirus statistics and there was uproar earlier in June when Brazil's health ministry stopped publishing daily infection and death data. It resumed publications after a Supreme Court ruling. With nearly 55,000 new infections reported last Sunday, Brazil saw its largest rise in daily infections although this was in part due to a lag in reporting from the states of Bahia, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, thus compounding data from two days, the World Health Organization noted. Zoom In Icon Arrows pointing outwards On Wednesday, the daily number of new cases had declined but was still significant, with 42,725 new infections in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said, and 1,185 deaths. Supporters of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro protest outside the army headquarters, against the decision of Brasilia's Governor Ibaneis Rocha to prevent crowds from attending rallies, amid the new coronavirus pandemic, in Brasilia, on June 14, 2020. SERGIO LIMA India India reported a record single-day spike in cases earlier Thursday, with 16,922 new cases of the virus. This was higher than the previous day's record of 15,968 new cases. The virus has infected 473,105 people in India and killed at least 14,894, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Tweet Maharashtra, New Delhi and Tamil Nadu are the hardest-hit states, the data from India's Health Ministry shows, accounting for around 60% of all confirmed cases in India. The increase in cases in New Delhi, reportedly due to limited hospital and contact tracing capacity, is of particular concern. India has the fourth-worst coronavirus epidemic in the world, based on total number of confirmed cases, after the U.S., Brazil and Russia. Late Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput was undergoing schooling in Patna at St Karen's High School before his family shifted base to New Delhi. Sushant recently passed away leaving the entire film industry, his fans, friends and family shocked. While people are still reeling from the fact that he is no more amid us, Sushant's old school, St Karen's, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late actor who was one of their finest students. Sushant's pictures from his school days were shared as his alma mater remembered him in a moving post. In his memory, they wrote, "Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. I am the thousand winds that blow, I am diamond glints in the snow, I am sunlight on ripened grain, I am gentle autumn rain. As you awake with morning's hush, I am the swift up-flinging rush of quiet birds in circling flight. Do not stand at my grave. I am not there. I did not die." Check out Sushant's school St Karen's eulogy for the departed actor. Meanwhile, Sushant's post mortem report has confrimed that he passed away of suicide on June 14 and no foul play is suspected in his death. Investigation in the matter in underway and recently Rohini Iyer has been questioned by the Mumbai police in connection with Sushant's passing. 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 Major fire broke out in three different places in the city on Thursday a godown in Marol, a bank in Nariman Point and a commercial complex in Lower Parel giving a tough time to the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB). No casualties were reported in any of incidents. However, a fire brigade personnel who took part in the fire-fighting operation at Marol was found to be Covid-19 positive after he was taken to a hospital as he fainted. In the first incident, a level-two fire (medium intensity) was reported at Nand-Dham Industrial estate in Marol, Andheri around 12.50am. According to MFB, the fire was confined to the ground floor godown which was equipped with electric wiring, electric installation and contained wooden furniture, office window AC, office records, office files, hydraulic compressor machine and hydraulic cylinder. Five fire engines and seven jumbo tankers were pressed into service here. The fire was brought under control at around 4am. A fire personnel was taken to Nanavati Hospital after he fainted during fire-fighting operation and he tested positive for Covid-19. A senior fire official said, He has developed pneumatic patches in his lungs as it was observed in CT scan. His condition is stable and he is under observation. In the second incident, a level-two fire was reported at around 5.21am inside a bank at Jolly Make Chamber located in Nariman Point, according to MFB. Prabhat Rahangdale, chief fire officer of MFB, said, The fire is confined to electric wiring, electric installation, office furniture, computers, office records, important documents and false ceiling in an area about 4,000 square foot of Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait along with the server room on the ground floor of the commercial complex. Five fire engines and four jumbo tankers were sent to control the fire. Rahangdale said, No one was trapped inside as learnt from the public, and nobody is reported to be injured. The fire was brought under control at 7am, however cooling operations are ongoing. The fire at both the places were extinguished by noon. Just two hours after this, a major fire broke out at the ground floor of a ground-plus-two-storey commercial structure at Raghuvanshi Mills in Lower Parel around 9.28am. Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar after reaching the spot told media, The offices in the building where the fire broke out was shut for a long time and fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Fire officials are suspecting short-circuit since the building was vacant. Fire-fighters are now trying to find the place where the fire broke out as heavy smoke has logged all three floors. The intensity of this fire was the highest at level four. Fourteen fire engines and nine jumbo tankers were brought in to douse the fire and it was brought under control by 4pm. Rahangdale said they used thermal imaging camera to spot the exact area of the fire. Worli MLA Aaditya Thackeray said a strict audit would be carried out at Raghuvanshi Mills. He tweeted, The fire in Raghuvanshi Mills has been doused. Theres been no casualty as it was shut, but strict audit implementation will be carried out in all the buildings inside the compound. Removing toxic chemicals from water -- New environmentally-friendly method Researchers from Swansea University have developed a new environmentally friendly method for removing toxic chemicals from water. A newly invented machine, called the Matrix Assembly Cluster Source (MACS), has been used to design a breakthrough water treatment method using a solvent-free approach. The research, from The Institute for Innovative Materials, Processing and Numerical Technologies (IMPACT) within the College of Engineering at Swansea University, was funded by the EPSRC and led by Professor Richard Palmer. Professor Richard Palmer explains: "The harmful organic molecules are destroyed by a powerful oxidising agent, ozone, which is boosted by a catalyst. Usually such catalysts are manufactured by chemical methods using solvents, which creates another problem - how to deal with the effluents from the manufacturing process? The Swansea innovation is a newly invented machine that manufactures the catalyst by physical methods, involving no solvent, and therefore no effluent. The new technique is a step change in the approach to water treatment and other catalytic processes." Professor Palmer continues: "Our new approach to making catalysts for water treatments uses a physical process which is vacuum-based and solvent free method. The catalyst particles are clusters of silver atoms, made with the newly invented MACS machine. It solves the long-standing problem of low cluster production rate - meaning, for the first time, it is now possible to produce enough clusters for study at the test-tube level, with the potential to then scale-up further to the level of small batch manufacturing and beyond." The clusters are approximately 10,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair and have been of significant interest to researchers because of their unique properties. However, due to the inadequate rate of cluster production, research in this area has been limited. The new MACS method has changed this - it scales up the intensity of the cluster beam to produce enough grams of cluster powder for practical testing. The addition of ozone to the powder then destroys pollutant chemicals from water, in this case nitrophenol. On the future potential of this breakthrough technology, Professor Palmer summarises: "The MACS approach to the nanoscale design of functional materials opens up completely new horizons across a wide range of disciplines - from physics and chemistry to biology and engineering. Thus, it has the power to enable radical advances in advanced technology - catalysts, biosensors, materials for renewable energy generation and storage. It seems highly appropriate that the first practical demonstration of Swansea's environmentally friendly manufacturing process concerns something we are all concerned about - clean water!" ### The research team includes Dr Chedly Tizaoui at Swansea, collaborating with Profs Nikos Dimitratos and Stefania Albonetti in Bologna, Italy. The IMPACT operation is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and Swansea University. The research was published in Applied Materials and Interfaces. Notes to editors: The Institute for Innovative Materials, Processing and Numerical Technologies (IMPACT) is a state-of-the-art engineering research institute specialising in fundamental and applied research and innovation in advanced engineering, modelling and materials. The operation has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and Swansea University. As a Centre of Excellence, IMPACT supports the regional, the UK and global engineering economy with collaborative, fundamental and applied research. The Engineering North building, home to IMPACT, is based at Swansea University Bay Campus and forms part of the College of Engineering - offering a unique colocation facility for academia-industry partnerships within a transformative research environment. Completed in May 2019, the building comprises of two distinct areas - linked by the central, light filled atrium: a research office building and a laboratory block: with 1,600m2 open plan laboratory space. Together they house 80 single occupancy offices, provide hub space for over 150 researchers and colocation space for 50 industrial and academic collaborators. Externally, the north entrance features a large living wall of plants and flowers, approximately 114m2 square, promoting biodiversity, and providing year-round texture and colour. The ethos of IMPACT is to foster academia-industry partnerships, promoting cross-disciplinary fertilisation of ideas in the pursuit of new pioneering science and technology. This will be achieved by bringing together first-class expertise from the College, attracting leading talent and partnering with the World's innovative companies and regional partners. Designed to BREEAM* excellent standards, it will provide future proof highly specialised laboratories with a dynamic environment for collaboration of industry and academia. This unique operation aims to attract world leading expertise and significant research funding. *BREEAM is the world's leading sustainability assessment method for master planning projects, infrastructure and buildings. It recognises and reflects the value in higher performing assets across the built environment lifecycle, from new construction to in-use and refurbishment. http://www. swansea. ac. uk/ engineering/ impact/ @SU_engIMPACT Swansea University is a world-class, research-led, dual campus university offering a first-class student experience and has one of the best employability rates of graduates in the UK. The University has the highest possible rating for teaching - the Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) in 2018 and was commended for its high proportions of students achieving consistently outstanding outcomes. Swansea climbed 14 places to 31st in the Guardian University Guide 2019, making us Wales' top ranked university, with one of the best success rates of graduates gaining employment in the UK and the same overall satisfaction level as the Number 1 ranked university. The 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 results saw Swansea make the 'biggest leap among research-intensive institutions' in the UK (Times Higher Education, December 2014) and achieved its ambition to be a top 30 research University, soaring up the league table to 26th in the UK. The University is in the top 300 best universities in the world, ranked in the 251-300 group in The Times Higher Education World University rankings 2018. Swansea University now has 23 main partners, awarding joint degrees and post-graduate qualifications. The University was established in 1920 and was the first campus university in the UK. It currently offers around 350 undergraduate courses and 350 postgraduate courses to circa 20,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The University has ambitious expansion plans as it moves towards its centenary in 2020 and aims to continue to extend its global reach and realise its domestic and international potential. Swansea University is a registered charity. No.1138342. Visit http://www. swansea. ac. uk For more information: Kevin Sullivan, Swansea University Public Relations Office k.g.sullivan@swansea.ac.uk Follow us on Twitter: http://www. twitter. com/ SwanseaUni Find us on Facebook: http://www. facebook. com/ swanseauniversity This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Seasoned journalist, Kweku Baako has complimented former President, Jerry John Rawlings following his birthday celebration on Monday, June 22, 2020. Former President Rawlings turned 73 years this year and Ghanaians together with some high-profile personalities poured out their wishes. Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia sent a birthday message praying for long life for him. I wish the former President of the Republic, H.E Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings a happy 73rd birthday. May Allah preserve him and grant him good health to continue to help in nation-building, he wrote. Speaking on Peace FM's Wednesday's edition of 'Kokrokoo', Kweku Baako also packaged some beautiful words for Ghanas first President in the Fourth Republic. According to him, Mr. Rawlings is an affable and fantastic human. "It's his politics I detest but he's a fantastic social being. His personality, sense of humor and everything, you can't take that away from him. It's just the politics that I detest but it is so obvious, he is a fantastic human being. If you're with him or if you have known him, his sense of humor; you'll like that. Perhaps, politics was not good for him'," 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 companies will work together on the hyperloop prototype as Virgin Hyperloop moves toward a commercial design and creates a new global supply chain LOS ANGELES and WICHITA, Kan., June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Spirit AeroSystems [NYSE: SPR] has joined in partnership with Virgin Hyperloop as it prepares to move towards a commercial product. The collaboration will help to solidify the hyperloop prototype utilizing Spirit Aerosystems engineers, fabricators, builders, supply chain and certification experts, and technicians. "As one of the most credible aerospace-grade structures companies in the world, Spirit Aerosystems provides a strong fit for our team as we look to build out strong partners in the hyperloop ecosystem," said Josh Giegel, Chief Technology Officer of Virgin Hyperloop. Hyperloop is a new mode of transportation designed to eliminate the barriers of distance and time for both people and freight. It can travel at speeds approaching 700mph, connecting cities like metro stops -- and it has zero direct emissions. With hyperloop, vehicles, called pods, accelerate gradually via electric propulsion through a low-pressure tube. The pod floats along the track using magnetic levitation and glides at airline speeds for long distances due to ultra-low aerodynamic drag. The hyperloop supply chain is unique in the way it integrates existing technology with proprietary innovations to deliver a completely new transport experience. The pod is similar to an airplane fuselage in a low pressure environment, the columns similar to those of a pipeline, and the pressure management system similar to those used in industrial operations such as manufacturing semiconductors. "As a new form of mass transportation, hyperloop opens up a new segment of diversification for us in the transportation space. Our collaboration with Virgin Hyperloop is a prime example of our belief that this burgeoning industry is a game changer," said Keith Hamilton, Spirit Executive Director of Programs & Business Development. "Through leveraging our values and core competencies of designing and manufacturing aerostructures, many of the skills are transferable to produce the hyperloop bogie." This new transit mode will unlock exponential growth opportunities for cross-industry manufacturing and development jobs - across construction, aerospace, rail, automotive, aviation, electric vehicles, and autonomous control. As Virgin Hyperloop looks to create the first Hyperloop Certification Center in the United States, it will bring thousands of jobs for first movers of the technology and its partners. About Virgin Hyperloop Virgin Hyperloop is the first company in the world that has successfully tested its hyperloop technology at scale, launching the first new mode of mass transportation in over 100 years. The company successfully operated a full-scale hyperloop vehicle using electric propulsion and electromagnetic levitation under near-vacuum conditions, realizing a fundamentally new form of transportation that is faster, safer, cheaper, and more sustainable than existing modes. The company is now working with governments, partners, and investors around the world to make hyperloop a reality in years, not decades. They currently have projects underway in the US, India, and the Middle East. Learn more about Virgin Hyperloop's technology, vision, and ongoing projects here. About Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. Spirit AeroSystems designs and builds aerostructures for both commercial and defense customers. With headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, Spirit operates sites in the U.S., U.K., France and Malaysia. The company's core products include fuselages, pylons, nacelles and wing components for the world's premier aircraft. Spirit AeroSystems focuses on affordable, innovative composite and aluminum manufacturing solutions to support customers around the globe. More information is available at www.SpiritAero.com . On the web: www.spiritaero.com On Twitter: @SpiritAero Contacts: Media: Ryan Kelly Vice President of Marketing and Communications Keturah Austin Press release NNIT extends collaboration with PFA NNIT and PFA extends a more than a decade long strategic partnership with a new five-year agreement. Copenhagen, June 25, 2020 - NNIT, a leading provider of IT services and consultancy, announces that it has signed an extension of its agreement with PFA, the largest commercial pension company in Denmark with more than DKK 600 billion under management and 1.3 million customers. According to the agreement, NNIT will continue to deliver global IT-infrastructure, operations and consultancy to PFA that enables PFA to strengthen its digital customer service and its agile and digital transformation. Included in the new agreement, is an increased focus on regulatory compliance and security. Furthermore, the new contract also includes an increased focus on Hybrid Cloud, which supports PFA's requirements for increased flexibility in the digital development and automation of its operations. Senior Vice President at NNIT Jacob Hahn Michelsen says about the agreement: "We are proud to extend a more than a decade long partnership with PFA for another five years, where NNIT will continue to support PFA by delivering IT infrastructure and services, supporting their digital journey. The contract is a testament to our ability to constantly develop and support our customers' changing business needs." CIO at PFA Morten Bruun Steiner says about the agreement: "PFA is pleased to extend our strong partnership with NNIT. The new agreement creates a good foundation for our desire for increased standardization of our infrastructure and thus supports our journey towards becoming even more digital and efficient in the way we work with customer experiences." The renewed agreement marks the continuation of an eleven-year-long collaboration, which was initiated in March 2009. The estimated total value of the agreement amounts to a medium triple-digit million amount (DKK). The new five-year agreement replaces the existing agreement that were to expire in ultimo 2023. NNIT ?is one of Denmark's leading consultancies in IT development, implementation and operations. We supply services to clients from the public, enterprise and finance segments in Denmark as well as the international life sciences industry. NNIT A/S has more than 3,200 employees. ******** Contact for further information Investor relations: Jens Bluitgen Binger Head of Investor Relations Tel: +45 3079 9222 jblb@nnit.com Press: Kasper Ortvald Larsen NNIT Communications Tel: +45 30 77 94 65 kpoa@nnit.com About NNIT www.nnit.com About PFA https://english.pfa.dk/about-pfa/pfa-overview/pfa-in-brief/?icid=hero_pfainbrief_readmore Attachment WATERLOO The city will be getting more than $1.5 million for various community projects as a result of a bonusing provision reached with a developer for a new apartment building in the Northdale neighbourhood. The planned six-storey (21.4 metres) building will take the place of six single detached dwellings at the southeast corner of Albert and Hickory Streets, located within walking distance of local post-secondary institutions. The building will contain 185 residential units with 222 bedrooms (35 studio units, 113 one-bedroom units, and 37 two-bedroom units). A driveway off Hickory will provide access to 79 underground parking spaces and 56 bike spaces, city planner John Vos told council Monday. The proposed building has been designed so that each of these ground floor units facing Albert Street could be converted for commercial use for example, a small restaurant, Vos said. The building will also feature mezzanines and various indoor amenities, as well as private patios and balconies attached to some units. Matt Rodrigues, a planner with WSP Canada who represented a numbered Ontario company at the formal public meeting Monday, said the buildings design has gone through several iterations and will incorporate various materials and glazing in keeping with the citys urban design guidelines for the Northdale area. He said a number of architectural changes have been to balance out the ends of the building thats basically divided into three sections. There will be two main entrances to the apartments, with recessed entrances to ground floor units that compensate for setback reductions for the street. Because the number of bedrooms exceed what is permitted for that area, the developer will provide $1.5 million in community benefits to the city, including: a $700,000 contribution to the citys affordable housing grant program $400,000 for the construction of a new pedestrian connection between Lester and Philip streets, $300,000 to the Northdale Streetscape Master Plan for streetscape enhancements on Larch Street (a new woonerf/pedestrian street), and WASHINGTON - The District of Columbia sued Exxon Mobil and other large oil companies Thursday over their contribution to climate change, adding the nation's capital to a growing list of states seeking to hold the oil sector accountable. In recent years large oil companies have become increasingly vocal about the need to address climate change, but the suit tackles a long period when, despite warnings from their own scientists, oil executives openly questioned studies showing that greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels were warming the planet. "For decades, these oil and gas companies spent millions to mislead consumers and discredit climate science in pursuit of profits, Washington D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine said in a statement. RELATED: After Exxon victory, oil sector faces lengthy climate fight A spokesman for Exxon described the lawsuit, which also named Chevron, Royal Dutch Shell and BP, as part of a "coordinated, politically motivated campaign against energy companies. Both Shell and Chevron questioned what state attorneys general hoped to gain through the litigation. "Addressing a challenge as big as climate change requires cooperation between all segments of society, not lawsuits that masquerade as climate action and impede the collaboration needed for meaningful change," the Shell spokesman said. BP declined to comment. The D.C. lawsuit comes a day after Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed suit against Exxon, Kansas-based Koch Industries and the trade group American Petroleum Institute, adding to a years-long litigation campaign by Democratic attorneys general. Last year the industry managed to fight off claims that its alleged climate denial represented an attempt to defraud its investors, when a New York state judge ruled in favor of Exxon Mobil in a lawsuit brought by the New York Attorney General's Office. But with more and more states now claiming oil companies should pay for public costs associated with climate change, such as fighting wildfires and the construction of sea walls to prevent flooding, the industry's legal fight is far from over. Last month the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected arguments from Chevron, Exxon, BP, ConocoPhillips and Shell to move a climate lawsuit filed by eight California municipalities to federal court, where the legal bar for plaintiffs is harder to clear, while also overruling a lower court decision to dismiss lawsuits brought by San Francisco and Oakland. "A lot of potential plaintiffs were watching that case, and a month later we two get two new plaintiffs in two days," said Carroll Muffett, president of the Center for International Environmental Law. "It's all been really bad news for the oil industry." New Mexicos Executive Branch and activist groups continued their fight against a nuclear waste repository proposed to be built near the Eddy-Lea county line while supporters touted promises of economic benefits to the region and southeast New Mexicos role in addressing the nations nuclear waste. The debate came during a Tuesday virtual public hearing hosted by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to seek public comments on an environmental impact statement (EIS) issued by the NRC for Holtec Internationals application for a license to build a consolidated interim storage facility (CISF) that would temporarily hold spent nuclear fuel at the surface while a permanent underground repository is developed. The draft EIS issued in March found the project would have minimal impact on the environment if it was allowed to be built and operated. A second public hearing was scheduled via teleconference on July 9, with in-person meetings expected in August pending the COVID-19 health crisis. The 40-year license application represented the first phase of the project, including 500 canisters of waste, but the entire project could comprise of 20 phases holding up to 173,000 metric tons of waste when complete. All 20 phases were analyzed by the EIS, but not included in the first license application. Canisters would be positioned in tunnels about 40 feet deep, and would be gradually cooled, reducing radiation. Public comments already submitted during numerous 2018 NRC scoping meetings voiced concerns for transportation, the location near the Permian Basin oilfield, along with potential groundwater and soil contamination and the safety of the facility during an incident such as a fire or flood. The EIS noted that spent nuclear fuel held in the canisters would be made up of ceramic pellets with no liquid that could leak into the environment. The radioactive exposure to workers during impact-free transportation was below NRC standards, the report read, and the location was deemed to be safe. Overall, the NRC found only small or unnoticeable environmental impacts of the project. State officials and residents spoke at the meeting, with some voicing support as others cited grave concerns for the project they contended could become permanent although it was pitched as temporary. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham voiced opposition in the past, calling the proposal economic malpractice for the perceived risk it posed to local industries such as agriculture and oil and gas. Opposition cites environmental risk of more nuclear waste in New Mexico New Mexico Environment Department Cabinet Secretary James Kenney said New Mexico already holds risk associated with nuclear activities through Sandia and Los Alamos national laboratories along with the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and the URENCO nuclear enrichment facility near Eunice. He said vulnerable populations reside near the proposed sight, many minority groups also reliant on groundwater that could be impacted by the project. Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department Sarah Cottrell Propst voiced similar concerns as Kenney, that the project could unduly impact New Mexicans by foisting nuclear waste onto the state. New Mexicans have shouldered a disproportionate burden of the waste associated from nuclear weapons development. Holtec is asking the NRC to have New Mexico shoulder more burden with the waste from nuclear generators, Kenney said. The location suggested is in an area where people rely on groundwater and that is known for having sensitive karstic features. State Sen. Jeff Steinborn (D-36) of Las Cruces expressed concerns that the project could be in operation for much longer than the 40 years stipulated in the license application. He argued that the opposition from people outside of Eddy and Lea counties was valid as the transportation routes for the waste brought to the site passed throughout New Mexico and the nation. Other state senators and representatives, mostly Republicans representing southeast New Mexico districts, were supportive of the project. Steinborn introduced legislation during New Mexicos January Legislative Session to increase state oversight of nuclear projects, but the bill was defeated in committee. The draft EIS cannot adequately analyze the long-term impacts of the project as there is no permanent repository. The application is for 40 years, but clearly the facility could be there much longer, he said. And I have to take some exception when its characterized that outsiders opposition is not relevant. It is an issue for all New Mexicans. Camilla Feibelman, director of Rio Grande Chapter of Sierra Club said the project was not just an issue for southeast New Mexico to consider. She also argued that Holtec should be required to make financial assurances in case of an accident. We believe that this waste should be stored as close to its original site as possible, she said. New Mexicans should not be put at risk for any sum of money. Local leaders look to diversify economy through nuclear Numerous local officials from Eddy and Lea counties voiced their backing of the project, citing the economic benefits and safety of the facility. Carlsbad Mayor Dale Janway argued in support of the project, citing the diversification he said the nuclear facility along with the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant brings to the local economy known for heavy reliance on oil and gas production. With the oil and gas industrys recent collapse as prices plummeted below $0 per barrel for the first time in history in April amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Janway said the need for a diverse economy was obvious. One of the lessons weve learned is you always need to have a diverse economy, he said. It is clear our state also needs to have a diverse economy and we need to push for those alternatives. I strongly believe that this project will not harm any of our areas other industries including oil and gas and ranching. City Councilor Mark Walterscheid contended that opposition to the project was not local and based on emotion, not fact. The science backs it up. The local government backs it up, he said. We understand in Carlsbad that there are people from other parts of the country who are opposed to the project. Theyre opposed to it out of fear of nuclear. This is misguided. Eddy County Commissioner Ernie Carlsbad said the EIS proved that the Holtec facility would not be environmentally harmful and the project should be allowed to advance through the licensing process. It is our belief that the combination of nuclear, mining and oil and gas will bring our county to a better position during these turbulent times, Carlson said. I understand people have concerns, but the experts have already addressed these concerns and we need to move forward and let this project proceed. Lea County Commissioner Jonathan Sena said that although oil and gas has greatly benefited the region, growing the local nuclear economy could help protect the area from the boom and bust cycles of extractive industries. He also pointed to an estimated $3 billion capital investment the project could bring to the region and up to $25 million in revenue shared with the State of New Mexico. What has been communicated by the environmental impact statement has encouraged me in my support for the project, Sena said. This project should be allowed to happen. We need an interim storage facility in southeast New Mexico. We all know the oil industry is cyclical. A town cant be reliant on just one industry. Hobbs Mayor Sam Cobb said he and the City of Hobbs were involved in the project from its inception through the Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance (ELEA), a consortium of Eddy and Lea counties and the cities of Carlsbad and Hobbs that worked to develop and site the facility. Cobb said his work with ELEA and the NRCs report convinced him the project was safe. Ive heard a lot of criticism of the transportation of spent nuclear fuel. I understand them, but they are not based in fact, he said. The cask designs are robust and safe. All the waste is stored within multiple layers of steel and lead. This is a safe project. I urge the NRC to approve the license to operate this facility. 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. Police have flagged the potential for other people of interest to emerge as they investigate the death of a man whose remains were discovered in a suburban Melbourne paddock. Three people have already been charged with the murder of Zane Meyer, 26, whose remains were discovered at Lysterfield, in Melbourne's east last week. Zane Meyer was living in Melbourne at the time of his death. He had been missing for more than a month. Trent Pearson, 29, and Jarryd Kemp, 33, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday, after being charged two days earlier with Mr Meyer's murder. 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. Loyal Kmart customers have been sweating for weeks as ongoing supply chain issues see the retailers shelves remain empty. While Kmart has promised to have shelves stocked by the end of July, and cited unusually high demand as the reason behind the shortage, customers and experts alike say the retailers dependency on offshore manufacturing is the real reason youre struggling to get your hands on everything from yoga mats to homewares. Experts say Kmart's offshore factories are behind their empty shelves. Photo: Getty Images Kmart is famous for its budget alternatives to high-end products, and keeps prices low and quality relatively high by manufacturing most of its brand products in overseas factories, the majority in China. Now with coronavirus sweeping the globe, Kmart has seen stores wiped clean of those products. Its a business decision that experts say means they cant easily replenish stock, at least not for a while. Daniel Walton, the National Secretary of the Australian Workers Union told Nines A Current Affair that the retailer should use the shortage as an opportunity to invest in Aussie manufacturing jobs. We shouldnt completely be dependent on one nation to import a lot of cheap goods, and a future manufacturing industry doesnt have to rely upon cheap labour standards or dodgy working conditions in order to make good things, he said. Dick Smith told A Current Affair he thought the use of offshore factories was a financial decision. Photo: Nine Aussie businessman Dick Smith, a long time proponent of all-Australian products like the ones produced by his own company, reflected on the situation, calling it sad. [The] problem is our labour rates are high, we share the wealth here a lot better, so we have high minimum wages and high wages for factory workers and that means its hard to compete with China where some of them are getting just a few dollars an hour, he told the program. Customers clue into supply chain debacle Yawning shelves haven't escaped the notice of irate customers. Photo: Supplied Its something that consumers had already begun picking up on, taking to social media to share snaps of empty shelves long past other stores restocks, and to theorise that they are finally paying the price for their favourite cheap goods. Story continues One person wrote they were shocked after their recent visit to the store because of the lack of items on shelves. Went to a store yesterday for a browse after a two-month iso. Was gobsmacked at all the empty homewares shelves. Highlights how much stock comes from [overseas]. 90 per cent of the stuff would be from China and with no freight leaving there they will remain empty for a while I would say, was one persons comment. Kmart has been contacted for comment. The retailer last responded to the concerns in early June, when they promised the July restock, and gave their explanation for the ongoing shortage. Were experiencing unusually high demand for some of our product categories both instore and online, they said at the time. "We expect stock availability to improve soon and to normalise by late July. We appreciate your patience as our teams work hard to deliver the products you need, at the time you need them most." Where does Kmart manufacturer its goods? Kmart provides the full list of its factories as part of a commitment to supply chain transparency with consumers. The retailer has factories in Vietnam, Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, China, Cambodia and Bangladesh with the vast majority of factories in China. Despite publishing the locations of its factories, in Feburay 2019 an Oxfam report found that workers in Bangladesh and Vietnam manufacturing for Aussie brands including Kmart were not earning a living wage. The investigation has uncovered the widespread payment of poverty wages and the impact this is having on the lives of the workers, mainly women, making the clothes Australians love to wear, Oxfam Australia chief, Helen Szoke, told The Guardian at the time. In 2015 Kmart joined 'Action, Collaboration, Transformation' (ACT) an organisation dedicated to raising the wage of workers in disadvantaged communities. Got a story tip or just want to get in touch? Email us at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com San Francisco, June 25 : Google on Thursday launched a redesigned Photos that gives memories more prominence, bringing search front-and-centre with a new three-tab structure: Photos, Search and Library. The main tab contains all the photos and videos but users will see larger thumbnails, auto-playing videos, and less white space between photos. "At the very top, you'll also notice a larger Memories carousel. It's become one of our most beloved features, with more than 120 million people viewing Memories every month," informed Google. Google said it is putting search front and centre to give you quick access to the people, places, and things most important to you. "The library tab contains the most important destinations in your photo library, like Albums, Favorites, Trash, Archive and more. If you're in the US, EU or Canada, you'll also see our Print Store, where you can purchase printed products featuring your own photos," Google explained. As part of the new search tab, users will see an interactive map view of photos and videos. One can pinch and zoom around the globe to explore photos of his or her travels. "If you enable location from your device camera, Location History, or manually add locations, those photos have always been organized and searchable by place in Google Photos. Rolling out today, they'll also show up on the map view," said Google. Google has also moved automatic creations -- like movies, collages, animations, stylized photos and more -- from the "For you" tab (which is now gone) and into Memories. The company has also simplified the Google Photos icon, while retaining that familiar pinwheel shape to remind you of past memories. Australian vapers could see a reprieve of the government's move to ban e-cigarettes and refills - as two rogue politicians lead a revolt against the plan. Fines of up to $220,000 will be enforced from July 1 on people who are caught importing e-cigarettes or refills containing nicotine liquids or salts. Retailers and users of e-cigarettes had previously turned to buying the products from overseas after their sale was banned within Australia. Queensland MPs Matthew Canavan and George Christensen have launched a petition against the plan, saying they want to see the products regulated rather than banned. Australian vapers could see a reprieve of the government's move to ban e-cigarettes and refills - as two rogue politicians lead a revolt against the plan People turned to buying e-cigarettes (pictured) from overseas after their sale was banned in each state and territory The petition, citing evidence from the UK that vaping is a safer alternative to cigarettes, has received more than 40,000 signatures since being launched on Wednesday. The petition claims that prohibiting access to a 'commonly used' product could create more problems. 'Australians will be forced to use more dangerous legal alternatives, such as cigarettes. Others may resort to black market options with the potential for even more harmful outcomes,' the petition reads. 'Instead of outright banning vaping, we believe the Federal Government should regulate it - ensuring that it is sold safely, kept out of the hands of children and taxed in Australia.' Health Minister Greg Hunt who 'requested the Department of Health work with Australian Border Force' to implement the ban, according to the government's Office of Drug Control, has defended the move. Mr Hunt claimed on Tuesday there is evidence from the United States that vaping is a gateway to smoking. 'What we're seeing in the US is a 78 per cent increase in the number of high school children who are vaping,' Mr Hunt told 2GB radio. 'The FDA has been deeply concerned about what they've described as an epidemic.' Under the new regulations, Individuals would need to visit a doctor and be issued a prescription to purchase their nicotine containing e-cigarettes or refills. Even valid prescription holders would still be prohibited from purchasing the devices from overseas themselves. Vaporisers and refills containing nicotine would have to be imported by doctors or medical suppliers via a courier or cargo service with express permission from the Department of Health. Importing the equipment through international mail would not be allowed. The ban on importing nicotine e-cigarettes and refills would be in line with existing bans on their sale in each state and territory. The prohibition would last for 12 months while the government conducts a public consultation on the regulation of nicotine products by the Therapeutic Goods Administration. The regulation would see nicotine products added to the Poisons Standard making them prohibited permanently with the exception of tobacco cigarettes and products used to quit smoking such as gums and patches. A decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration is expected in early 2021. Local ferry operator, Carlingford Lough Ferry, has said they are adding one final date for their Lough and Lighthouse cruise, before the car ferry service resumes operations at the start of July. Last week, the company launched the new cruise, departing from Greenore only, explaining in a statement to the Democrat that the response was overwhelming with both cruises a sell-out. To facilitate the demand for additional dates and a departure from their Greencastle terminal, the company has now launched one final cruise date on Sunday June 28th , departing at 2pm from Greencastle and Greenore at 2.20pm where the cruise will commence from. Carlingford Ferry explained that these cruises are specifically designed to offer walk-on customers the opportunity to take a safe and socially distanced cruise on the iconic Carlingford Lough onboard its 45 meter ferry and offers a rare opportunity to sail to within 400 meters of the historic Haulbowline Lighthouse, guarding the entrance to Carlingford Lough. While onboard, passengers will listen to an audio tour that will offer insights into the myths and legends of this majestic Lough, its formation as a glacial fjord, and the abundance of wildlife and birdlife that make their home on one of the most ecologically important Loughs on the island of Ireland. Carlingford Lough Ferry say that their primary vessel - the Frazer Aisling Gabrielle- - features a large open main deck area with upper viewing decks on either side of the vessel. Passenger numbers will be strictly monitored and reduced to approximately 50% of the normal 240 passenger capacity. Passengers will be divided into two groups with seated positions on the vessels upper viewing decks and on the main deck area. Strict social distancing will apply with floor markings to ensure passengers are sufficiently spaced to the required outdoor recommendations. There will be regular onboard cleaning in line with Public Health Service Guidelines and hand sanitiser units provided at various locations through the vessel. Commercial Director with Carlingford Lough Ferry, Irene Hamilton, said: Were absolutely delighted with the response to these cruises and the feedback weve received from our guests since. These cruises allow the public to once again enjoy the magnificent Carlingford Lough after many weeks of staying at home and now that restrictions have eased, were pleased to be able to open them up and include boarding at our Greencastle Terminal also. These unique one-hour cruises can be booked online through the Carlingford Lough Ferry Facebook page under the Lough & Lighthouse Cruise or at https://loughandlighthousecruise.eventbrite.com The NSW governments new strategic statement on coal exploration and mining has been unveiled, just as COVID-19 accelerates the energy transition away from fossil fuels. The statement optimistically maintains that global demand for thermal coal will only drop by one-tenth by 2050. Furthermore, the government is expecting that Australian thermal coal exports will be protected from falling shipments to Japan, China and South Korea by rising demand from India. The Berejiklian government sees a bright future for the coal export market. This view contrasts strongly with that of Indias Central Electricity Authority and the Indian government. The CEA projects that renewable energy will make up 51 per cent of total generation capacity by 2030, by which time coal-fired power will have reduced to 33 per cent. And the Indian government clearly wants that fuelled by domestic coal, not imported. Significantly reduced demand for coal amid the COVID-19 economic downturn has mobilised the Indian government to step up its efforts to reduce dependence on thermal coal imports. This move to protect Indian coal mining workers has apparently come straight from the top Prime Minister Narendra Modi and does not appear to bode well for the future of Adanis Carmichael mine here in Australia. State-owned Coal India, the worlds largest coal miner, has been mandated by the government to replace at least 100 million tonnes of coal imports in fiscal year 2020-21. There were also claims and counter-claims that a large number of Chinese troops are back at patrolling point 14 in Galwan river Valley New Delhi: Even as India and China on Wednesday engaged diplomatically to try and resolve the standoff between the armies of the two nation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, there were reports of fresh Chinese incursions in Depsang and Daulat Beg Oldie areas. The Chinese are creating trouble for Indian patrols near PP-10 to PP-13 at Daulat Beg Oldie sector. In Depsang too, China has started a huge build-up of its troops and weapons. India has counter deployed its troops in the area. There were also claims and counter-claims that a large number of Chinese troops are back at patrolling point 14 in Galwan river Valley, the site of the June 15 clash. While some reports claimed that satellite images, taken by US satellite firm Maxar on June 22 when the corps commanders from the two armies were meeting in Moldo, were of Chinese soldiers near patrolling point 14 in Galwan river valley, sources in Delhi, speaking off the record, said that these images were of Indian soldiers. The satellite images shows trenches, fortification and the presence of a large number of troops. At the meeting between the ministry of external affairs joint secretary Naveen Srivastava and director general in the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs Wu Jianghao held through video conferencing on Wednesday, India conveyed its concern on the June 15 clash and both sides agreed to strictly respect and observe the LAC and to the expeditious implementation of the understanding reached between senior military commanders of the two sides on June 6 to ensure peace and tranquillity in border areas. But to complicate matters, reports from Beijing said that the Chinese defence ministry on Wednesday reportedly claimed sovereignty over Galwan Valley and the Chinese foreign ministry blamed India for the June 15 clash. While there was no reaction to this, the MEAs statement on the meeting said, The two sides discussed in detail the developments in the India-China border areas in particular the situation in Eastern Ladakh. The Indian side conveyed its concerns on the recent developments in Eastern Ladakh, including on the violent face off in Galwan Valley area on 15th June that had resulted in casualties. In this regard, it was emphasised that both sides should strictly respect and observe the line of actual control. The Chinese have continued their build up in Hot Springs and Gogra post, the Indian Army too has deployed its troops in the area. On the northern banks of Pangong Tso, which is the main issue of contention between the two sides, Chinese soldiers are reportedly continuing with their activities and trying to build structures in new positions. There is a large build-up of Chinese soldiers around finger 4 where they have constructed structures and bunkers there to prevent Indian soldiers to patrol in finger 4 to 8. Indian soldiers which have a base around finger 3 used to patrol till finger 8 area. System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
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Carsyn Davis, 17, of Fort Myers, contracted COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, earlier this month, and her health quickly deteriorated. Shortly after being admitted to a hospital, she was placed in the intensive care unit in critical condition. Four days later, Davis passed away. Her death comes as Florida reports record-high numbers of coronavirus cases - by 50 percent in one day - with increases in young people testing positive. Carsyn Davis, 17, of Fort Myers, Florida, was admitted to Golisano Children's Hospital on June 19 and was placed in the ICU on June 21. Pictured: Davis (right) with her mother The next day, Davis (left and right) was transferred to a different hospital for cardiac and respiratory support. On June 23, she passed away, making her the second teenager to die in the state According to a GoFundMe page, Davis was admitted to Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida, in Fort Myers, on June 19. Two days later, on June 21 - which was her 17th birthday - the teenager was transferred to the ICU in critical condition. Davis was placed on a ventilator but, the very next day, she was airlifted to another hospital for cardiac and respiratory support, the GoFundMe page says. She was hooked up to an Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machine, which pumps and oxygenates a patient's blood outside the body, allowing the heart and lungs to rest. On June 23, she died of complications from the virus. 'While her time here ended far too soon, many can attest that she was beyond her 17 years of age,' another GoFundMe page says. 'Her kindness, giving heart, and sweet laughter has been a blessing to each person she has met. 'Throughout her life, she has endured battles for her health with strength and grace. Her family is sound in that where she is now, she no longer has to fight and can live the heavenly life she has always deserved.' While the post seems to indicate that Davis had underlying health conditions, details about them are not immediately clear. Davis, who was a student at Cypress Lake High School, was a member of the school's orchestra and the vocal department. 'We are heartbroken for the loss of a young lady who brought so much light into the world,' the orchestra said in a post on Facebook. Over the weekend, Florida Gov Ron DeSantis said new cases are increasingly being seen in younger people with 37 being the median age of those testing positive. Davis is the second Florida teenager to die of coronavirus, which has killed more than 3,300 people. On Saturday, health officials reported that a 17-year-old boy from Pasco County was the state's youngest victim. Despite being reported over the weekend, his death was counted by Florida on April 18, the Health Department said. The boy was a rising junior at Wesley Chapel High School, but his identity has not been revealed. Florida's coronavirus report currently lists just four deaths in the 15-to-24 age group. The United States on Thursday blacklisted four companies in Iran's metals sector, as well as one German and three Emirati subsidiaries of Iran's largest steelmaker that Washington said generate millions of dollars for Tehran's metals industry. The Treasury Department said in a statement that the sales agents together generated tens of millions of dollars annually from the foreign sale of Mobarakeh Steel Company products, contributing to billions of dollars generated overall by Iran's steel, aluminum, copper and iron sectors. "The Iranian regime continues to use profits from metals manufacturers and foreign sales agents to fund destabilizing behavior around the world," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement. The sanctions are the latest US effort to slash Iranian revenues since US President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018 from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, exacerbating US-Iranian tensions. Thursday's action targeted Tara Steel Trading GmbH, a Germany-based subsidiary of Mobarakeh Steel Co; United Arab Emirates-based sales agents Pacific Steel FZE, Better Future General Trading Co LLC and Tuka Metal Trading DMCC, all majority-owned by Mobarakeh Steel Co; and Iran-based Metil Steel, also majority-owned by the company. Mobarakeh Steel Co, previously blacklisted by Washington, accounts for 1% of Iran's gross domestic product, the Treasury said. The Treasury also blacklisted Iran-based aluminum, steel and iron producers South Aluminum Company, Sirjan Jahan Steel Complex and Iran Central Iron Ore Company. Also designated was Global Industrial and Engineering Supply Ltd, which the Treasury said had addresses in China and Hong Kong and had in 2019 knowingly transferred graphite to a blacklisted Iranian entity. The sanctions freeze any US assets held by the companies and generally prohibit Americans from dealing with them. It did not appear Thursday's actions were related to companies cited in a Reuters report on Wednesday disclosing Iran's production of aluminum powder for use in missiles. Search Keywords: Short link: KITCHENER Motivated by fears around further privatization of health care in Ontario, members of the Waterloo Region Health Coalition held a rally Wednesday in Kitchener to sound the alarm over Bill 175. Starting at noon, more than 20 people spread out along King Street East near Kitchener South-Hespeler MPP Amy Fees office, carrying signs and voicing concerns over the legislation also known as the Connecting People to Home and Community Care Act. The bill was introduced in the legislature Feb. 25 and is currently undergoing a third reading. When first introduced, Health Minister Christine Elliott said the bill would modernize the 1994 Home Care and Community Services Act. The new legislation promised to increase opportunities for people to get care in their own homes and remove barriers between different providers to deliver services more quickly and with better co-ordination. Wednesdays rally was one of 14 held around the province outside of Conservative MPPs offices, organized through the Ontario Health Coalition. Local coalition co-chair Jim Stewart said now that the bill is undergoing its third reading, its likely too late to stop it from being pushed through. The focus of Wednesdays rallies was to raise public awareness of the bill and get a dialogue going. What really concerns me, is why are they pushing forward this legislation right now in the middle of a pandemic? he said. If passed, the bill will bring about big changes to how home care is provided across the province and the public needs to pay attention, he said. Stewart said the bill will transfer control of home-care services to private corporations that will be delivering home care. These organizations will be able to change the fee structures and they wont have to be accountable to the public, he said. This is not a meaningful improvement on health care. This is a further privatization of health care. Donna Evans, a retired nurse practitioner, was also lined up along the street waving a sign that read Stop privatized home care. Health care should not be something you profit from. As long as its privatized, profits will always be prioritized over the care to individuals, she said, adding the proposed bill is very concerning to her. Unless were passionate and fight for it, our health care system will disappear. The Ontario Nurses Association also has serious concerns about Bill 175. Vicki McKenna, president of the association, wrote in an email that the bill is being rushed through with limited input from stakeholders and the public. This legislation makes it easier for private-sector organizations to expand their role, it eliminates the Patients Bill of Rights for home and community care, and thus removes accountability, and also paves the way for private hospitals in Ontario to expand, increasing for-profit health care in Ontario. None of these changes would benefit those who depend on home and community care, she wrote. Efforts were made to speak to MPP Fee about the issues raised by protesters. She was not available for an interview but her office provided a statement: During this pandemic, it has been clear the need for improvements to the home care system. I have heard from a number of constituents on this issue and I continue to advocate for legislation alongside my colleagues, that would remove long-standing barriers and outdated rules that have kept home and community care in a silo within the health care system. Our priority is to strengthen the publicly funded health care system and make it better for patients, families and their caregivers. Kiehls, one of the leading skincare brands in India runs a social media campaign by Crosshairs Communication to keep the community positive and engaged online during covid times. Below is the campaign details. Agency: Crosshairs Communication Brand: Kiehls India Campaign: How to keep the community positive and engaged online Objective : Life is ever evolving. The only certainty is change. This quote by Alison Mcatee perfectly describes our Kiehls strategy during Corona times by Crosshairs Communication. For a high-end skincare brand like Kiehls it wasnt a very difficult task to evolve given the fact that they have a long-standing history of corporate social responsibility as its a family founded brand and they champion the welfare of the local communities. Kiehls has always been dedicated to giving back to the communities with three key causes - Childrens Welfare, Environmental Conservation and HIV/AIDS Awareness. As the lockdown hit everyone on Mar 24, 2020 shutting the entire country for an unpredictable period of time. Crosshairs Communication stepped up for Kiehls & for its audience around the world in giving more than Skincare Advice. We took the Kiehls social media platforms and restructured them into a mental health and wellness platform keeping a regular check with its community. Action Plan: Given the recent scenario, retail brands were one of the badly hit sectors of the industry where business had suffered. Overcoming all this, Crosshairs Communication planned on laying all the focus on digitalizing the brand and reconnecting with the audiences with more than just skincare. We collaborated with micro, macro and well established influencers from a variety of industries like Makeup Artists, Bakers, Fitness Experts, Dermatologists, Fashion Bloggers. The strategy was to get experts from different fields under one roof and keep the users engaged on the page. Initially we started with getting dermatologists on board for an informative Ask Me Anything session on Instagram where the audiences could ask away their skincare concerns virtually. We further incorporated our global concept of Kiehls Koncierge where the Kiehls Customer Representatives would answer the queries received from the audiences for them to feel nothing has changed and Kiehls is there to support the community virtually if not physically. As the days passed, we gave a more interactive twist to the page by getting Fitness Experts, Bakers, Nutritionists, Makeup Artists on board purely on a relationship basis for the greater good of the community. In addition to these activities, since the Kiehls stores all over the nation were shut, we also devised on creating a strategy for launching the ecommerce website for the brand with Influencers like House of Misu, Shereen Love Bug, Eisha Chopra, Guneet Virdi, Karishma Kotak and others for video content and swipe up stories leading straight to the newly launched Kiehls website. Result : By following the digitalization approach we garnered a combined reach of over 100K and we ended up associating with over 30 such collaborators over a period of 40 days during the lockdown. The brand was also recognized by Boston Consulting Group on Facebook as the Best Practice on Instagram Page during covid times, turning the Instagram page into a virtual Mental Health and Wellness Centre. In addition to this, Crosshairs ended up creating and executing over 800 Instagram stories that were engaging, informative and also brand centric. Read More LONDON - Police around the southern English coastal town of Bournemouth urged people to stay away Thursday as thousands defied coronavirus social distancing rules and flocked to local beaches on what was the U.K.s hottest day of the year so far. Amid widespread rule-breaking, a major incident was declared for the area, much of which is rural and only navigated by cars on narrow lanes. This gives additional powers to local authorities and emergency services to tackle the issue. Images of the crammed beaches appeared to prompt the British governments chief medical officer into issuing a rare warning on social media. Professor Chris Whitty tweeted that COVID-19 remains in general circulation and that cases will rise again if people dont follow the guidelines. Naturally people will want to enjoy the sun but we need to do so in a way that is safe for all, he said. Whittys intervention came after Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council said services were completely overstretched as people headed to the seaside on a day meteorologists confirmed as the hottest of 2020. The mercury hit 33.3 C (around 92 F) at Londons Heathrow Airport. Extra police patrols have been brought in and security is in place to protect waste collectors who the council said faced widespread abuse and intimidation as they emptied overflowing bins. Roads, which were gridlocked into the early hours, now have signs telling people the area is full, according to the council. Council leader Vikki Slade said she was absolutely appalled at the scenes witnessed on the beaches particularly at Bournemouth and Sandbanks over the past day or two. The irresponsible behaviour and actions of so many people is just shocking and our services are stretched to the absolute hilt trying to keep everyone safe, she said. We have had no choice now but to declare a major incident and initiate an emergency response. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave notice that a number of the lockdown restrictions will be eased from July 4, including allowing pubs and restaurants to open their doors. He also effectively announced that the two-meter (6.5-foot) social distancing rule will be reduced to a meter (around three feet) from that date, a move that is largely aimed at bolstering businesses. The relaxation has met with a lot of criticism, not least because the U.K. is still recording relatively high new coronavirus infections and deaths. On Thursday, the government said another 149 people who tested positive for the virus had died, taking the total to 43,230, by far the highest in Europe. Clearly we are still in a public health crisis and such a significant volume of people heading to one area places a further strain on emergency services resources, said Dorset Polices Sam de Reya. ___ Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak Pret a Manger is struggling to pay its rent after a slump in sales during the lockdown. The sandwich shop chain has offered to pay landlords only a third of what they are owed, it emerged yesterday. With sales languishing at around a fifth of normal levels, Pret does not expect to break even until September. On Monday a leaked video suggested the company, which is worth 1.5billion, is gearing up to slash jobs, and yesterday its boss said the firm was in the eye of the storm. Pret has most of its outlets near offices, catering for workers and commuters, as well as at airports. But many workers are not expecting to return to the office until the autumn, with some companies saying they will wait until next year before reopening premises fully. With sales languishing at around a fifth of normal levels, Pret a Manger does not expect to break even until September. Pictured, a barista handing over a coffee on May 28 In a letter to landlords seen by the Financial Times, Pret chief executive Pano Christou, said: We feel strongly that the Pret brand has every reason to believe it will thrive again, but we are currently in the eye of the storm. Pret has grown from a single UK cafe in north London in 1983 to a global chain of more than 500, but has been hit hard by the pandemic. It is trying to drive down rents on its outlets and, like many of its rivals, was forced to raise emergency funding from the bank. To combat the shutdown, Pret launched a range of coffee on Amazon and it will now trial click-and-collect through online delivery app Deliveroo. So far it has reopened 320 of its 434 UK stores. Troubles at the firm, widely seen as one of the winners in the food-on-the-go market, have raised concerns for the wider sector. Only half of food and drink businesses were expected to pay all their rent bill yesterday as companies hoard cash to see out the crisis. Shops fared even worse, paying only 1 in every 8 of rent owed, showing the depth of the crisis on the UK high street. Retailers believe the pandemic has accelerated the decline as shoppers have become used to buying online. Numbers using shops in the first week after lockdown were down by a half on normal, despite pent-up demand for shoes and childrens clothes. The likes of Cath Kidston, Laura Ashley and Debenhams have collapsed into administration during the lockdown, while Oasis and Warehouse have become online-only brands after being snapped up by web giant Boohoo. It is estimated that as many as 20,000 stores will close this year, up from 4,500 last year, resulting in the loss of 235,000 retail jobs. Pret has grown from a single UK cafe in north London in 1983 to a global chain of more than 500, but has been hit hard by the pandemic (file image) Restaurants, pubs and bars will suffer, too, after lockdown, saying this week they expect to reopen at a loss from July 4 due to social distancing measures and customers fears over Covid-19. Bosses say the new rules including bans on shouting, singing and loud music mean many will opt to stay home or head to the park. Families are not convinced the new one metre rule can be policed. There is also concern over privacy after the Government said businesses would have to collect customers names and phone numbers to help the NHS trace Covid cases. In New Zealand, where a similar data collection system was put in place, a woman was harassed by a Subway employee. Hundreds of restaurants have announced they will not reopen, including more than 100 Frankie & Bennys diners, two-Michelin-starred The Ledbury and two outlets run by celebrity chef Rick Stein. Industry leaders have called on the Government to extend help to struggling businesses until at least the end of the year. Error. Page cannot be displayed. Please contact your service provider for more details. (21) Some teachers and parents in South Africa's Western Cape province are demonstrating and demanding the closure of schools over the spread of coronavirus. A few principals have written an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa urging him to rethink the decision to open schools. They say that virus cases within the community are now affecting pupils and teachers. According to the Western Cape Education Department, over 300 staff members and 61 pupils had tested positive for coronavirus. Some teachers refused to report back to work after colleagues tested positive for the virus, Eye Witness News reports. The Western Cape is the worst-hit province in the country, with almost 50% of South Africa's cases. The morning demonstration was covered by local media. 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 Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Andrew Marszal (Agence France-Presse) Los Angeles, United States Thu, June 25, 2020 09:32 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406617a0ed 2 Entertainment Hamilton,musical,Disney,streaming-service,Racism Free "Hamilton" is bringing its groundbreaking blend of hip-hop musical numbers, color-blind casting and political revolution to Disney+ at a poignant moment in US racial history, its creator and original cast said. A filmed version of the Broadway stage phenomenon about the US founding fathers told through the lens of modern, multi-ethnic America lands on Disney's streaming platform on July 3. With theaters closed due to the pandemic and the initial cast having long ago moved on to other endeavors, the movie offers a rare chance to see the original run of a show that won 11 Tonys and has grossed $1 billion worldwide. Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda said his excitement had been piqued by witnessing the musical's influence on nationwide anti-racism protests that followed George Floyd's death in police custody last month. "I know that when I see a sign at a protest out in the street that says 'History Has Its Eyes On You,' or 'Tomorrow There'll Be More Of Us,' I know that the language of the show is connecting in a way that makes me incredibly proud," Miranda said, referring to popular lyrics from the show. "I can't even wrap my mind around (that)," he told an online press conference. The musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton and fellow founding fathers with rap and hip-hop numbers mixed in with traditional show tunes. Since its first Broadway run, the musical has been performed across the country and abroad, casted with mostly non-white actors. That diversity, and its message of risking everything for a noble cause, means its timing could not be more apt, said original cast member Renee Elise Goldsberry, who played Angelica Schuyler. "We get to remember what those young people felt like, at that time when 'laying down your life to set us free' meant something," said Goldsberry, referencing one of the musical's lines. "The diversity of this country can be claimed by all of the people that created it -- that's one of the many things this show celebrates and I think it's so needed right now," she added. Disney decided in early May to bump the movie forward by more than a year in order to fill a schedule emptied by coronavirus. Its release comes at a time when historic statues and monuments are being removed across the country, as Americans grapple with the legacy of racism. Fellow cast member Okieriete Onaodowan said he was excited "to see how this affects young black people today." In the musical, Hamilton berates a pro-British Loyalist who called the Revolution a "rabble," telling the crowd that "the revolution is comin'" and "I'd rather be divisive / Than indecisive / Drop the niceties!" "Young kids who are out there, who are upset and angry... can watch this and realize that they can put their energies through writing, through challenging the people who are telling you things that you don't like to hear, like Hamilton did," said Onaodowan, who played Hercules Mulligan and James Madison. 'Best piece of art' From its 2015 Broadway debut, "Hamilton" soared in popularity, driven by social media buzz, its catchy score, and celebrity fans including the Obamas. Then-first lady Michelle Obama famously called it "the best piece of art in any form that I have ever seen in my life." But its immense success drove ticket prices into the stratosphere, with resales fetching thousands of dollars each. "We always said we wanted to democratize the world seeing this company doing this show," said Miranda of the film. "Folks just could not afford the ticket," added Daveed Diggs, who played the Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson. "We were -- as a company and an entity -- in constant battle with the resale market," he added. Director Thomas Kail shot footage for the movie over three days in June 2016. The film melds two live performances -- in which cameras sat among and above Broadway audiences -- with closed-door renditions, in which "we were able to get on stage with a steady cam, or have a camera on a crane" for a greater sense of proximity. "This is not trying to be the show," Kiel said. "This is its own experience." Boston Mayor Marty Walsh announced on Thursday the creation of an Equity and Inclusion cabinet charged with tackling issues of systemic racism within city government. The new cabinet will work to dismantle systemic racism and to achieve racial equity in all city planning and operations, Walsh said during his daily press briefing. The cabinet will work in concert with the citys office of Resilience and Racial Equity, Diversity, Language and Communication Access, Womens Advancement, Immigrant Advance and Human rights, the Democratic mayor said. It will apply an equity lens to every single department and service, ensuring accountability to this lens in all of our city policies and practices, Walsh said. Walsh also announced the creation of the Boston Racial Equity Fund, which will provide financial support to non-profit organizations focused on the needs of communities of color in the city. The steps are in response to calls for political leaders to reform police departments across the country following the officer-involved killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25, which shed light on problematic police practices and racism within departments. I stood here and declared racism to be a public health crisis and, because yesterday's budget, we are making an initial investment of $3 million to fund public health strategies that tackle structural inequalities. https://t.co/DWZV14QVP0 Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) June 25, 2020 The move comes a day after Boston City Council voted to approve a $3.61 billion operating budget for the coming fiscal year, which had been re-submitted with a $12 million reallocation of police department overtime funds to a variety of social programs. This is only a beginning, Walsh said. Its a strong start, and were certainly not going to let up in the city of Boston. Walsh said on Sunday that officials have already had to cut $65 million from the budget because of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Earlier in the day, a group of protestors showed up at his Dorchester home calling for the Democratic mayor to remove police officers from Boston Public Schools and put a cap on the polices overtime budget. Related Content: CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story misnamed one of the appellate court judges. CINCINNATI, OHIO -- A last-minute appellate court decision published at 8:40 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, blocked the reopening of gyms and fitness centers across much of Michigan. Gyms were scheduled to reopen Thursday, June 25, based on a ruling issued by U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney last Friday. Attorneys for Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asked Maloney to delay the reopening until the matter could be appealed, but Maloney declined and the case was taken to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth District. U.S. Court of Appeals judges Julia S. Gibbons, Deborah L. Cook and Chad A. Readler issued an emergency ruling reversing Maloneys order and upholding the wishes of Whitmer and her administration to keep gyms and fitness centers closed, due to the potential risk of spreading the coronavirus if they were to operate. Today three Republican-appointed judges got it right: in the fight against a global pandemic, courts must give governors broad latitude to make quick, difficult decisions, Whitmer said in a statement issued following the ruling. The governor will continue to take the actions necessary to save lives. Whitmer allowed gyms to reopen in Michigans Upper Peninsula and portions of the northern Lower Peninsula on June 10. They remain closed throughout the rest of the state. We sympathize deeply with the business owners and their patrons affected by the governors order, the appellate ruling said. Crises like COVID-19 can call for quick, decisive measures to save lives. Yet those measures can have extreme costscosts that often are not borne evenly. The decision to impose those costs rests with the political branches of government, in this case, Governor Whitmer. Her motion for an emergency stay is thus granted. While both courts agreed Whitmers order temporarily banning gyms and fitness facilities didnt violate the Constitution, Maloney struck down portions of the order imposing a blanket ban on the reopening of workout facilities. 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. The appellate judges disagreed. Whitmers attorneys referenced portions of a Centers for Disease Control paper that said the danger of respiratory spread of the coronavirus is amplified when people congregate (even with social distancing) in a confined space and work out. The governor was not at all required to explain her decision to single out gyms for closure, let alone exhaustively, the appellate judges said. The idea that heavy breathing and sweating in an enclosed space containing many shared surfaces creates conditions likely to spread the virus is a paradigmatic example of rational speculation that fairly supports the governors treatment of indoor fitness facilities. Presumably for these same reasons, some similar establishments, such as dance halls and rock-climbing facilities, are also closed pursuant to the order. The judges said blocking Whitmers order, especially in a situation where an infectious disease can and has spread rapidly, causes irreparable harm. Rochester-based attorney Scott Erskine filed the lawsuit on May 22 on behalf of the League of Independent Fitness Facilities and Trainers and several other fitness facilities representing a total of nearly 180 Michigan gyms. At least the court recognizes that my clients have suffered immensely, since the governors attorneys have repeatedly argued that gyms, which have been shuttered for over 14 weeks, have suffered no harm, Erskine said in response to the ruling. Perhaps someday gyms will be valued by our Governor as much as she values strip clubs, hookah lounges, lottery sales, liquor stores and marijuana dispensaries. When asked if he planned to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court, Erskine said, we are exploring all options. The lawsuit is currently pending in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. Full appellate court 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: Judge denies Whitmer request to delay gym reopening Federal judge says gyms may reopen Mask rule places retailers in no-win situation Whos wearing masks, results from 37 Michigan stores Wirecard, the troubled German company that became embroiled in a scandal over a missing $2.1 billion, said on Thursday that it would file for insolvency. The electronic payments company said impending insolvency and over-indebtedness had forced it to file an application to open the court proceedings in Munich to deal with its debt. The filing will lead to negotiations between creditors and administrators over how much money they will be repaid. Shares of Wirecard have fallen 90 percent over the last week after the companys auditor, EY, refused to sign off on its annual report. That prompted Markus Braun, Wirecards longtime chief executive, to step down last Friday. He was then arrested this week by Munich authorities on suspicion of market manipulation. After his arrest, Mr. Braun was released on bail of 5 million euros, or about $5.6 million. His lawyer has not responded to requests for comment. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jun. 25 By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend: Alexei Tsoi has been appointed Kazakhstans Minister of Healthcare, Trend reports with reference to the press office of Kazakhstans president. Tsoi is appointed by the decree of Kazakhstans President Kassym Jomart Tokayev, published today, Jun. 25, 2020. He was appointed as Yelzhan Birtanov, now ex-Minister of Healthcare, was relieved of his duty. On Jun. 14, 2020, Birtanov tested positive for novel coronavirus infection. The first two cases of coronavirus infection were detected in Kazakhstan among those who arrived in Almaty city from Germany on March 13, 2020. The total number of coronavirus cases confirmed in Kazakhstan since the virus was first confirmed in the country amounted to 19,285 cases. This includes 12,048 people who recovered from the coronavirus, and 136 patients who passed away. --- Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh French virologist Didier Raoult denounced the government's 'archaic' virus testing and ban on an anti-malarial drug to treat Covid-19 patients at a parliament hearing on Wednesday. The doctor, who advocates the use of hydroxychloroquine to combat Covid-19, accused his critics of a conflict of interest with pharmaceutical companies. Didier Raoult was quizzed by lawmakers for over three hours on Wednesday, as they sought to evaluate the government's handling of the health crisis and Raoult's role in it. The head of a university hospital institute in Marseille, Raoult became France's best-known doctor in late February after announcing a potential i In March he joined the country's scientific council set up to advise the government on how to respond to the pandemic. Shortly after his appointment Raoult walked out. "This was not a scientific council," he told lawmakers, criticising the body's lack of experience. "I have one in Marseille, which is the envy of the whole world. It is not made up of guys who work amongst themselves and address each other informally in terms such as 'and you, what do you think ?'" he explained. Raoult reproaches the council's members for taking political decisions that did not concern them, including modelling the trajectory of the disease. "You have to be insane to think that you can predict the evolution of a virus that we don't know," he commented. Tests were possible What was also crazy in Raoult's opinion was the government's policy on testing. "I do not agree with the decision not to do tests," he explained. "From the month of March, the World Health Organization urged countries to test massively," Raoult told lawmakers. At the time, Health Minister Olivier Veran called for a "rational and reasonable use of tests," amid fears of a shortage of Covid-19 test kits. "There was a mechanism set up: since we can't do tests, tests are not important. But this was not true. We could carry out tests," he insisted, slamming what he described as the governments "archaic" organisation. Ban a mistake The ferocity of his attacks however were reserved for the state's ban on anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine, a related compound of chloroquine. "In 2019, 36 million hydroxychloroquine tablets were given out without a prescription!" Raoult said. "Then all of a sudden, we are no longer allowed to use it? The person who helped make this decision made a mistake." The French government banned the drug in May after the publication of a Lancet observational study of 15,000 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine, which showed the health risks were considerably greater. Raoult denounced the Lancet study as bogus. He told lawmakers that his hydroxychloroquine cure, combined with antibacterial drug, azithromycin, had been discredited by critics linked to American pharmaceutical company Gilead, in a bid to promote its own drug known as remdesivir. Conflict of interest The infectious disease expert said it was no coincidence that Gilead's shares had increased on the stock market on the back of the success of its clinical trial of the anti-viral treatment. "When I first talked about chloroquine, I was threatened several times by the man who received the most money from Gilead in six years," Raoult told lawmakers. "I recommend that you do an investigation on Gilead and remdesivir. If you look at its structure, it has very few products, and staff but a lot of influence." Pressed for precise details by lawmakers, Raoult referred them to the website Transparence Sante, which tracks potential conflicts of interest between companies and health workers. "Everything I'm telling you is on line, it's as simple as cabbage, you can verify everything," he said. Manchester, June 25 : Manchester United forward Anthony Martial felt a 'bit strange' with no crowds cheering his name when he scored a hat-trick in his team's 3-0 win over Sheffield United. But the France forward said he is happy with the knowledge that they must be delighted at his feat and the club winning even if it wass watching it from their home confines. The coronavirus pandemic has forced all sporting action to be held behind closed doors for the time being. Martial on Wednesday night became the first Manchester United player to hit a hat-trick in the Premier League for seven years. MUTV caught up with him post-match to discuss his link-up play with Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes, and whether he and Marcus Rashford are having a personal duel to reach the 20-goal mark. "It was real nice. The fans were happy... no, it was a little bit strange! I know they will be happy for me and it's good to play like this," he said as quoted by manutd.com, the club's official website. "I just want to score more goals. If I can score every game, it's a benefit for the team. I have to continue like this and to help the team win more games." On link up play with Pogba and Bruno, he said: "They're both good players. In training, we practise a lot to link up so, today, was a very good game. We created a lot of chances, so I'm happy." Martial said there is no competition with Rashford in terms of finding the back of the net. Both he and Rashford have 19 goals so far. "He gave me one or two assists today, so the most important (thing) is to win. I tried to give him a chance to score - no competition, we just want to win." Getty Images/David Ryder The burgeoning #StopHateForProfit social media campaign, which calls on businesses to cease advertising on Facebook and Instagram throughout July in an effort to "provide more support to people who are targets of racism, antisemitism and hate," has its latest big-name endorsement. Ben & Jerry's has declared that it, too, will pause all ad placement on the sister sites beginning July 1, joining the likes of Eddie Bauer, REI and Patagonia. In a statement on its website, the Unilever-owned, Vermont-based ice-cream giant announced: "We call on Facebook, Inc. to take the clear and unequivocal actions called for by the campaign to stop its platform from being used to spread and amplify racism and hate." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Minh Nguyen (Reuters) Hanoi, Vietnam Thu, June 25, 2020 17:15 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661a5865 2 SE Asia Vietnam,farmers,plants,rice,paddy-field Free Under a pitch-black night sky, a group of Vietnamese farmers planted rice this week in a paddy field on the outskirts of the capital Hanoi using head lamps to illuminate the water-logged ground in front of them. The farmers of the Tam Thanh commune say they have been forced to work at night in the fields to avoid searing temperatures that they say have got worse over the years. "Temperature are rising one or two degrees (Celsius) every year," said Le Van Ha, 40, who blames the felling of trees in the area for making temperatures more extreme. Ha, who doesn't want his children to follow his path into agriculture, said he now gets up at 2 a.m. to avoid having to cope with stifling daytime conditions. Even though working at night has slashed productivity, he says they can keep working much longer by avoiding the heat. Vietnam reportedly experienced its highest temperature on record last year at 43.4 degrees Celsius (110 Fahrenheit) in Ha Tinh province in central Vietnam. An official at Vietnam's National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said many parts of the country were suffering new heat waves this year, though temperatures so far were below last year's record highs. Temperatures in northern and central parts of Vietnam ranged between 35C and 40C on Thursday, according to the center. Another farmer, Thai Hong Ngoc, 50, said planting at night meant that far fewer rice plants wither due to the extreme heat and is grateful that they now have machinery to use for harvesting. "If I had to manually harvest crops like before, surely I would just leave it. It's just too hot," said Ngoc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 25, 2020) - Ateba Resources Inc. ("Ateba" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement (the "Definitive Agreement") with Glow LifeTech Ltd. ("Glow") to complete their previously announced business combination (the "Proposed Transaction") whereby the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Glow pursuant to a three-cornered amalgamation in accordance with Section 174 of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario). Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the securityholders of Glow will hold approximately 74% of the outstanding securities of the Company (the "Resulting Issuer"), and the Resulting Issuer will carry on the business of Glow. The Definitive Agreement supersedes the previously announced letter of intent entered into by the Company and Glow. A copy of the Definitive Agreement will be made available on the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Details of the Proposed Transaction Pursuant to the Definitive Agreement entered into between the Company and Glow, and upon the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set out therein, the following, among other things, are required to be prior to consummation of the Proposed Transaction: the Company will consolidate its issued and outstanding common shares (the " Consolidation ") on the basis of one (1) post-Consolidation common share for every 1.5 outstanding common shares in the capital of the Company; ") on the basis of one (1) post-Consolidation common share for every 1.5 outstanding common shares in the capital of the Company; issue 8,750,000 pre-Consolidation common shares to settle $175,000 of indebtedness outstanding (the " Debt Conversion "); "); change its name to "Glow LifeTech Corp." or such other similar name as the parties may agree (the " Name Change "); "); Glow will use its best efforts to complete a non-brokered private placement financing (the " Glow Financing ") of a minimum of 8,333,333 units of Glow (the " Units ") at a price per Unit of $0.30 to raise minimum gross proceeds of $2,500,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of Glow and one half common share purchase warrant exercisable at a price of $0.40 per common share for a period of two years from the date of issuance; ") of a minimum of 8,333,333 units of Glow (the " ") at a price per Unit of $0.30 to raise minimum gross proceeds of $2,500,000. Each Unit will consist of one common share in the capital of Glow and one half common share purchase warrant exercisable at a price of $0.40 per common share for a period of two years from the date of issuance; 2760626 Ontario Inc., a newly incorporated, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company formed solely for the purpose of facilitating the Proposed Transaction, will merge with and into Glow, pursuant to which, among other things, all outstanding common shares of Glow (the " Glow Shares ") and all securities convertible into Glow Shares shall be exchanged for replacement securities of the Resulting Issuer, one-for-one on a post-Consolidation basis, exercisable in accordance with their terms; and ") and all securities convertible into Glow Shares shall be exchanged for replacement securities of the Resulting Issuer, one-for-one on a post-Consolidation basis, exercisable in accordance with their terms; and the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer will be replaced with nominees of Glow as detailed below. The Proposed Transaction is subject to the conditions set out in the Definitive Agreement, including but not limited to obtaining the requisite approval of the Company's and Glow's securityholders, completion of the Glow Financing, and completion by the Company of the Debt Conversion, the Consolidation and the Name Change. Resulting Capitalization After completion of the Proposed Transaction, and assuming no further common shares are issued, an aggregate of 43,543,719 common shares in the capital of Ateba (the "Ateba Shares") will be issued and outstanding, with former securityholders of Glow holding 34,599,283 Ateba Shares, representing approximately 79% of the total outstanding Ateba Shares and the original shareholders of Ateba holding 8,944,436 Ateba Shares, representing approximately 21% of the outstanding Ateba Shares, on a partially diluted basis and not including any Ateba Shares issuable to Glow shareholders pursuant to the Glow Financing. Management and Organization Following the closing of the Proposed Transaction, it is anticipated that the Resulting Issuer will be led by Clark Kent, Chief Executive Officer, Chris Hopkins, Chief Financial Officer and Nancy de Oliveira, Corporate Secretary. The Resulting Issuer's board of directors (the "Board") is expected to be comprised of Clark Kent, Chris Irwin, Greg Falck and Medhanie Tekeste, all of whom will be nominees of Glow. Listing Statement and Caution Further details about the Proposed Transaction and the Resulting Issuer will be provided in a listing statement of the Company to be prepared and filed in respect of the Proposed Transaction. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the listing statement, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. About Ateba Resources Inc. Ateba is a reporting issuer in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec and its common shares are not currently listed on any exchange or market. About Glow LifeTech Ltd. Glow, in partnership with Swiss PharmaCan AG, is focused on the development of technology opportunities in the global cannabis and nutraceuticals sector. Glow recently acquired the exclusive North American rights for the manufacturing and sale of nutraceutical and cannabis-based products using an advanced, plant-based micelle encapsulation technology. This allows Glow to formulate cannabinoids and nutraceuticals with dramatically improved absorption, fast-acting onset, precise dosing and superior health benefits while using all-natural ingredients. About the Resulting Issuer Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Resulting Issuer will continue to carry on the business of Glow LifeTech. For more information, please contact: Ateba Arvin Ramos Chief Financial Officer Tel: (416) 271-3877 Glow Clark Kent President ckent@glowlifetech.com Forward Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements or information. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the closing of the Proposed Transaction, the conditions to completing the Proposed Transaction, completion and terms of the Glow Financing, timing and receipt of regulatory and exchange approvals, and other matters. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by management of the Company. As a result, there can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Although management of the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information since no assurance can be given that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. The forward-looking statements in this press release include the Company's intentions regarding the completion of the Proposed Transaction. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to continue operations if the Proposed Transaction is not completed, the Company's ability to raise further capital, the Company's ability to complete the Concurrent Financing, the Company's ability to obtain regulatory and exchange approvals, and the Company's ability to complete the Proposed Transaction. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/58577 Black-clad security forces armed with riot shields advance on a mass of peaceful demonstrators. Rubber bullets and gas canisters fly. The embattled head of state, flanked by his top prosecutor and general, emerges from his estate to stake a claim for order. The scene looked like something out of a banana republic, but it unfolded in Washingtons Lafayette Square on June 1. And soon after, an obscure nonprofit got a call from a state attorney generals office, asking the perennial questions of the Donald Trump era: Can he do that? How can we stop that from happening here? These are questions the nonprofit Protect Democracy was founded to answer. When the call came in (from a state the group declines to name), its lawyers got to work on an analysis of the Insurrection Act of 1807, aiming to equip local leaders to fight back if the Administration seeks to send in the military over their objections, as President Trump has threatened to do. And they began rounding up bipartisan signatories for a statement on behalf of Department of Justice veterans decrying Attorney General Bill Barrs conduct. Since the beginning of the Trump presidency, Protect Democracy has cast itself in the role its name suggests: defender of Americas system of government against the threat of authoritarianism. Started by two former Obama White House lawyers who were concerned that the new President would undermine the rule of law, the group has filed lawsuits to block Trumps retaliation against critics and to curtail his use of emergency powers. It has organized groups of civil servants to speak out against what they say is Trumps politicization of law enforcement. And it has built bipartisan congressional support to rein in presidential powers. Protect Democracy has notched some big wins. The groups lawsuits invalidated Trumps emergency declaration for the southern border and blocked the Administration from making it harder for low-income green-card holders to become citizens. They successfully argued in New York federal court that the Presidents retaliation against media outlets may violate the Constitution, and helped ensure that a defamation lawsuit brought by a former Apprentice contest could proceed in state court. Their advocacy has gotten states to reform election procedures and Congress to act to limit Executive power. Story continues Its an impressive record for a three-year-old startup. They are innovative, imaginative, energetic and extremely effective, says Benjamin Wittes, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and editor in chief of Lawfare, whose work with the group led to the release of the Watergate prosecutors road map that had been sealed for more than 40 years. The June 1 spectacle at Lafayette Square seems to have brought some reticent figures closer to Protect Democracys view of things. Former President George W. Bush and former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis were among those who spoke out in favor of the protesters. When you see military helicopters above the streets of D.C., using tactics from war zones, using tear gas on peaceful protesters exercising their First Amendment rights, says Ian Bassin, co-founder and executive director of Protect Democracy, these things so match what people imagine when they think of the toppling of democracies that it struck a chord. From the beginning, however, Protect Democracy has argued the onset of authoritarianism in America would come not with a flash-bang grenade but with the whimper of institutions gradually succumbing to the erosion of long-standing norms. Ideas that seemed far-fetched three years ago have become routine: a President who declares himself immune to congressional or judicial oversight; whose Attorney General seeks to exempt the Presidents friends from responsibility while prosecuting his political enemies; whose lawyers argue in open court that he could, in fact, shoot someone on Fifth Avenue without consequence. The events of recent days appear to validate the groups concerns, with Trumps former National Security Adviser accusing him of corrupting the electoral process and the Administration firing a U.S. prosecutor whose office was investigating the Presidents close associates. Trump continues to sow doubt about the integrity of the upcoming election, recently declaring on Twitter that it would be the most RIGGED Election in our nations history. As the election nears, Protect Democracy is focused on securing the Nov. 3 contests against foreign and domestic meddling. The group, which is officially nonpartisan, is funded by foundations and individual donors, including the LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman and Boston-based investor Seth Klarman, who before Trump was the GOPs largest donor in New England. Protect Democracy is lobbying and advising states on election procedure with an eye to ensuring a legitimate result. Yet the group is also looking beyond Trump, seeing him as a symptom of a system whose weakened defenses leave it open to abuse, and figuring out what can be done to strengthen American democracy in the future, regardless of who is in the White House next year. Trump tours a section of the border wall in Otay Mesa, Calif., on Sept. 18, 2019 | Evan VucciAP If you believed your government was slouching toward dictatorship, what would you do about it? The answer, to judge from Protect Democracys routine, can seem mundane. On a recent Monday, 55 people are assembled as squares on a screen in a Google Meet video chat. Long before COVID-19 turned nearly all white collar workers into video-chat adepts, Protect Democracy was a work-from-anywhere organization, its 66 employees scattered from coast to coast. (Bassin is based in the Bay Area, co-founder Justin Florence in Boston; the group maintains a lease on a WeWork space in D.C.) But the topics on such calls reach to the highest levels of government. Im working on a letter calling on the Justice Department inspector general to open an investigation into Barrs involvement in Lafayette Square, Justin Vail, a lawyer for Protect Democracy, tells the team. Vail, a former Obama White House and Democratic Senate aide, tells the group hes assembled more than a thousand signatories, former federal prosecutors from Republican and Democratic Administrations. These sorts of current and former government insiders are disdained by the President and his allies as the deep statepetty bureaucrats dedicated to undermining Trumps necessary disruption of the status quo. But a competent, nonpolitical civil service is an important component of democracy. In America, officials from the President to the lowest-ranking soldier swear an oath pledging loyalty not to any ruler, Administration or party, but to the Constitution itself. For many civil servants, that nonpartisanship has traditionally extended from one Administration to the next, and even past their time in government. Its hard to overstate how unusualbasically unprecedentedit is to have former career officials speaking out in this way, says Ben Berwick, who spent six years in the DOJs Civil Division during the Obama Administration. He left a few months after Trump took office, and became one of Protect Democracys earliest hires. The group has now massed hundreds of DOJ alums on a series of letters like the one Vail is preparing. Among the most high-profile was one stating that any ordinary American who committed the acts described in Robert Muellers Russia report would have been prosecuted for obstruction of justice, and another deploring Barrs extraordinary move to request a lighter sentence for former Trump campaign aide Roger Stone. The group says such letters have brought concrete changes. We have seen [current Justice officials] resign, withdraw from cases, object and file internal complaints as a result, Vail says. Its a reminder that people on the outside support them having the courage to stand up and continue to work with integrity. As the group was preparing its 2,500-signatory letter on the Stone case, Barr publicly distanced himself from the Presidenta sign, the group says, that he was feeling pressure in his ranks. The department subsequently backtracked on its sentencing recommendation. On June 23, a former prosecutor testified to Congress that Stones softened sentence had been the result of heavy pressure from the highest levels of the Department of Justice to cut Stone a break because of his relationship to the President. Protect Democracys founders, Bassin and Florence, both served in the White House counsels office during the Obama Administration. By the time Trump took office, both had left government and moved on to other thingsBassin to international antipoverty work, Florence to a comfortable gig at a top law firm. But as the new Presidents actions set off alarm bells, the two began corresponding. They realized that there was no single organization doing what they were talking about: safeguarding basic principles, like checks and balances, and the idea that no one is above the law, against a perceived threat to democracy itself. Bassin and Florence began consulting scholars who study authoritarianism abroad, hoping on some level that experts would say they were out of their minds. But the scholars shared the same worries. The scary thing was that no one rolled their eyes; nobody said, Oh, come on, really, youre being hysterical,' Bassin says. Experts pointed to places like Poland and Turkey, where authoritarian leaders won elections and turned their countries into what scholars of the region describe as Potemkin democracies by curtailing civil rights and undermining popular control of the government. Democracies today die in a much more subtle fashion than they used to, says Harvard political scientist Steven Levitsky, co-author of the book How Democracies Die. Its pretty rare to see the generals all at once seize power, dissolve the constitution, and imprison dissidents and the press. Instead you see elected leaders graduallyimperceptibly to many citizenstransform the machinery of government to protect their friends and harass and punish their enemies. Bassin recalls one early, telling example. Under Obama, one of his jobs had been to advise Executive Branch officials on how to follow rules set out in thick binders and handed down from Administration to Administration starting with President Eisenhowers in the 1950s. Many werent laws so much as norms and codes intended to embody the spirit of public service. Among the precepts, for example, is a 14-page memo dating to the Carter Administration that lays out specific rules for when and how White House officials could contact the Justice Department, to avoid the perception of politics influencing law enforcement. In February 2017, then White House chief of staff Reince Priebus contacted the FBI to ask the agency to publicly refute a New York Times report about contacts between Trump associates and Russian agents, and the White House openly acknowledged he had made the contact. It was already clear back thenbefore Trump fired FBI Director James Comey, before Mueller began his investigation, before Ukraine and impeachment and everything elsethat the new Administration was not interested in the binders and memos, the rules and norms, that had prevailed for generations. Bassin and Florence wanted their organization to be bipartisan. It really is something that Republicans and Democrats, all people of good faith, should be able to agree on, that the President is not a monarch who is above accountability of any kind, says Jamila Benkato, who joined the group after clerking for a federal judge in California. But most of the groups early hires were liberals. Even Trump-skeptical conservatives wanted to give the new President a chance to grow into the job. And the group has struggled to establish a public identity that transcends its liberal roots. Yet the mission has attracted some Republicans. Protect Democracys employees include a former GOP presidential campaign operative and consultant for the Koch brothers political outfit; a former clerk to the conservative federal judge Edith Brown Clement; and a former GOP Senate staffer and writer for the conservative Weekly Standard. In March, the group assembled 37 former Republican members of Congress and Administration officials to file a friend-of-the-court brief in Trump v. Vance, arguing that the Presidents accountants must comply with a subpoena for documents related to his hush-money payments to alleged mistresses. From a conservative standpoint, its clear to me that the President is offending the rule of law generally and the Constitution specifically, says Stuart Gerson, who headed the DOJs Civil Division under President George H.W. Bush. Gerson worked with Protect Democracy on its successful lawsuit in a conservative court in Texas, which thwarted Trumps attempt to build his border wall without permission or funding from Congress. Im an apostle of the unitary executiveI argued all the war-powers cases in the Bush Administration, Gerson says of the idea that the Constitution gives the President expansive powers over the workings of the Executive Branch. But that [doctrine] puts the President in charge of the Executive Branch, not the other two. Protect Democracy has organized former Justice Department officials to speak out against Barr, left, and President Trump | Doug MillsThe New York Times/Redux Sometime in the coming weeks, the Supreme Court is set to rule on Trump v. Vance and two related cases having to do with the validity of subpoenas into the Presidents private conduct. The cases will test the idea that no one is above the law, by resolving whether a President can be investigated and held accountable for any activities, even those that precede or have nothing to do with the office. Protect Democracys advocates say the cases are part of a broader set of questions about presidential power, which they have been fighting to constrain. One of Trumps first moves as President was the creation of an election-integrity commission, which sought to examine allegations of voting abuse, like his baseless claim that the 2016 election was tainted by millions of illegal votes. Working with other advocacy groups, Protect Democracy sued based on a technicalitythe Administrations failure to follow the Paperwork Reduction Act, which mandates the procedures for establishing such commissionsand informed states they were not required to provide the Administration with the voter data it sought. The commission, Protect Democracy argued, represented not a good-faith effort to secure the vote but an attempt to sow doubt based on a nonexistent problem. Within a few months, the commission was shuttered. Later that year, when Trump pardoned Joe Arpaio, the former Maricopa County, Arizona, sheriff convicted of contempt of court for racially profiling Latinos, Protect Democracy filed a brief arguing the pardon was unconstitutional. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit agreed to appoint a private attorney to argue the matter. And when the Administration released a report claiming that immigrants were responsible for most acts of terrorisminformation Trump cited in his 2017 address to Congressthe group sued based on an obscure statute, the Information Quality Act, thats typically used by Big Business to dispute environmental regulations. It was a legally creative approach to a vexing question: If the government decides to simply make up statistics, does the public have any recourse? While that litigation is still pending, the Justice Department admitted in court that the terrorism report was inaccurate. When the former Apprentice contestant Summer Zervos sued Trump for defamation in 2017 after he called her a liar for accusing him of sexual assault, Protect Democracy filed the only outside brief, arguing the President was not immune from civil lawsuits. It was a little-noticed case, but one the group thought could establish a dangerous precedent. In ruling Zervos suit could go forward, the court drew extensively on Protect Democracys arguments. It is the first time a court has ruled the President is subject to civil lawsuits in state court. In October 2018, Protect Democracy filed another lawsuit on behalf of PEN America, a journalists organization, arguing that Trump was violating the First Amendment by revoking press credentials to punish journalists and threatening media businesses bottom lines: stalling the proposed merger of CNNs parent company, raising postal rates on Amazon (whose founder, Jeff Bezos, owns the Washington Post) and threatening to revoke broadcast licenses. In March, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled the suit could go forward. Over the course of this presidency, Protect Democracy has broadened its purview, on the theory that threats to American democracy do not begin or end with Trump, and that many of the weaknesses he is exploiting predate him. Presidents of both parties have steadily expanded executive power, while Congress has willingly ceded more and more of its constitutional authorities. Protect Democracy has worked with both parties in Congress to reclaim some power from the Executive Branch, teaming up with GOP Senator Mike Lee on a bill putting new limitations on presidential emergency powers. The legislation advanced out of committee on a bipartisan 11-2 vote. Protect Democracy is also collaborating with advocates who have been working for years to reassert congressional authority over war powers; the group filed lawsuits to force the Administration to release the memos justifying its military strikes on Syrian chemical-weapons sites and the Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. In 2018, Protect Democracy broke away from its federal work and intervened in recounts under way in two states, Georgia and Florida, where candidates were overseeing elections in which they were also competing. In Georgia, their lawsuit helped prompt gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp to resign as secretary of state. Since then, the group has sought to find and fix weaknesses in voting systems, lobbying and advocating for new voting machines in South Carolina and Pennsylvania. It has also tackled voter suppression, using an old statute aimed at the Ku Klux Klan to stop a Trump ally from harassing Latino voters in Virginia and working with a North Carolina group, Forward Justice, to bring a lawsuit that would force the state to re-enfranchise felons. More than a year ago, Protect Democracy formed a bipartisan election task force to examine such threats and recommend responses. Ironically, one of the crises they originally decided not to plan for was a potential pandemic. Now, as COVID-19 has thrown states election plans into doubt, the group has made a set of recommendations for moving forward with mail balloting and other changes. For now, Protect Democracy says it wants to ensure that the November election is free and fair, producing a result that can be widely accepted as legitimate regardless of who wins. Whenever Trump leaves office, the group envisions a brief window for Congress to pass reforms, similar to the burst of legislation that followed President Nixons resignation. The organization has been gearing up for this with a 100 days agenda of recommendations for the next President, including changes to election systems, prohibitions on election interference and campaign-finance reform. In a democracy, the people are the ultimate check on power. Protect Democracys central argument is that institutions dont protect themselves; people have to be activated to use the tools the system provides. In a timely metaphor, the groups leaders compare authoritarianism to a virus sweeping the globe: first you treat the patient by activating the bodys immune system to fight off the illness; over time, you formulate a vaccine to provide immunity in the future. When Ian and I first started talking about this, we thought it would be an organization that lasted however long Trump was in office, then folded up shop, says Florence, the groups co-founder and legal director. What weve learned is that were seeing a moment that requires a generation-long response. Ultimately, weve got to rebuild our institutions to make our system more resistant to a future authoritarian-minded leader. With reporting by Leslie Dickstein and Josh Rosenberg Hong Kong: Kaito operators to get more aid The Transport Department said today an additional $20,000 subsidy will be provided to kaito operators for each vessel deployed in kaito services, involving about $1.8 million. The Government had announced earlier a series of measures to assist the transport sector in coping with the current economic environment amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Kaito operators who are owners of local commercial mechanised vessels are entitled to a oneoff nonaccountable subsidy of $10,000, a vessel licence fee waiver for one year and a oneoff survey fee subsidy. The pandemic, coupled with the anti-pandemic measures including strict boundary controls and social distancing, has reduced the overall patronage of kaito services and the operating circumstances of certain services may not be improved in the near future, the department noted. In this regard, the Anti-epidemic Fund will offer an additional one-off non-accountable subsidy of $20,000 to kaito operators for each vessel deployed in kaito services, it added. The department will issue letters to kaito operators in July to inform them of the application arrangements. There are a total of 72 kaito routes in Hong Kong. Most of the kaitos do not provide daily transport services for the public. Many of them are intended for tourism or recreational purposes. This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. More than 800,000 Virginians filed unemployment claims since state lockdowns started, officials with the Virginia Employment Commission told media on June 11. The reported the state had almost as many unemployment claims during the pandemic as in the last five years combined.Fortunately, prior investments in digital services left the state with some options. Before end of business on June 12, Virginia had launched a new online portal for handling job applications, along with a dashboard of data analytics.Built upon the states existing relationship with data analytics company Qlarion , the Virginia Career Works Referral Portal processes job applications and coordinates training and certifications for the thousands of suddenly-unemployed. Data analytics come in a separate Virginia Career Works Dashboard , a public database of charts and graphs about the state and regional labor markets, unemployment rate, wages, supply and demand, workforce program outcomes and other metrics.Qlarion CEO Jake Bittner said his company oversaw the project and built the data analytics component, while the front-end portal was done by Pairin , which makes skills-matching software, and the data trust component was done by the data networking company BrightHive Echoing a point in Virginias news release , Bittner said the government was able to simply fast-track the project because it had been under development for almost a year and a half.The ultimate goal was really to have this system be used by the workforce center workers, to help people who come into the center [building] itself and use it there, and then they were going to slowly roll it out over the Internet, he said. But of course those workforce centers were closed, because of the shutdown.In the news release, Virginias Chief Workforce Development Advisor Megan Healy stressed that to best serve people looking for work, the goal was to put the full spectrum of services theyd need behind a single virtual door.Technologically speaking, Bittner said Virginia was well-placed to do that because it had already done work on the key component: a data trust, a legal and procedural framework for how organizations would share data and work together.You have numerous agencies with different secretaries. They all have some component of it, whether its education, social services, employment, whatever it might be, he said. There are different organizations that have to somehow work together to provide a comprehensive program for residents, so it was that concept of a data trust where the data can flow back and forth between these organizations, in a governed way.Several states have reported such payoffs over the past few months from prior technological investments in digital infrastructure, enabling everything from telework to digital services unemployment processing , grant disbursal, job applications and skills-matching.Bittner said his company, which launched in 2011 and has many clients in health care and government across the mid-Atlantic and northeast, has been impressed with Virginias preparedness. He said without having done some of the heavy lifting in advance, particularly when it comes to the data trust, they would have had months of work to do instead of days or weeks.What Ive seen from our work in Virginia in the last two, three years or so is they were starting to think about these things, and do some things from a data perspective to get their house in order, he said. Its based on creating a governed structure thats around trust, which is not something you can buy. It has to be created and built over time. The sooner you get started, the sooner you can benefit from it.Bittner added that among his government customers, across the board, the pandemic has led to a higher interest in commercial cloud adoption.I think were seeing a mentality that, Were going to have to figure out how to make this happen, because its going to happen, he said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) 2020 Bar examinations chairperson Associate Justice Marvic Leonen reminded the new batch of lawyers in the country to resist injustice. Make it your passion to resist injustice Be better than us, Leonen said in the first-ever online oath taking of successful Bar candidates. The ceremony was done via video conferencing in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Quoting activist Lean Alejandro, Leonen said the line of fire is always a place of honor. Protect those who have less in life. Do not stand for abuse. Be accepting of different identities. Speak up against corruption, he said While its tempting to live comfortably, get rich, and succumb to the status quo, Leonen said there is always a choice to discover our courage, leave with the discomfort, critically examine our society and use our profession for a greater purpose that humanity not only survives, but thrives with social justice. The senior magistrate also pointed out that silence maintains the status quo and makes sure that others will also be victimized. The rule of law is always the rule of just law, he added. Your oath to the rule of law is not an oath of surrender to the unjust and oppressive elements of the status quo. It's license to further marginalize those who are disadvantaged, poor, and abused by power, Leonen said. He said the Bar is only a qualifying examination and not a basis to define a good lawyer. You are more than your degrees and your professional titles. They are your masks. Behind these masks and titles should still be authentic human beings," Leonen said. Air travel restrictions, which are set to be eased by the second week of July, will still apply to passengers arriving from Britain. Ministers decided to exclude Britain's plan to join 'air bridges' with other European countries despite fears it could impact on diplomatic relationships. In a memo given to a Cabinet sub-committee on the Covid-19 crisis, ministers were told it is "highly unlikely" Britain will be included in an approved list of countries which are safe for foreign travel. This was because Britain's attempt to tackle the virus has been "significantly poorer" compared to Ireland. The memo said Britain has "raised concerns" over the restrictions imposed on its citizens flying into Ireland. "Applications of further restrictions by Ireland to travel from Britain will add to those concerns, and may be seen as a unilateral suspension of the Common Travel Area by us," it added. Ireland was excluded from Britain's quarantine rules for foreign travellers. Meanwhile, the Government is set to make it mandatory to wear a face mask or covering on public transport in the coming weeks. Transport Minister Shane Ross will bring a memo to Cabinet making it compulsory to cover your face when travelling on buses and trains. Compliance The move follows increasing concerns about the lack of compliance among commuters and shoppers with public health guidance on covering your face while in public settings. The Cabinet is set to also sign off on the plans to begin easing air travel restrictions by the second week of July. After a lengthy Cabinet sub-committee yesterday, it was agreed Ireland should enter so called "air bridge" arrangements with other EU countries that have had similar or better success in tackling the virus. This will clear the way for foreign holidays to countries that are deemed to be safe for travel. However, concerns were expressed at the meeting over an increase in cases of the virus in Ireland from people who have travelled overseas. It was also noted there have been spikes in a number of EU countries where restrictions have been lifted. The Cabinet sub-committee memo said Ireland's approach to easing restrictions will be "partially based" on the EU approach. It will also "draw on" the Commission's approach for determining the success of a member state with the virus. "However, it is proposed that, at least initially, Ireland should adopt a more gradual, cautious approach in identifying comparable countries," it added. She is currently expecting her third child with husband, Michael Cameron. And as she nears the end of her pregnancy, Beverley Mitchell has revealed that she's 'not allowed to have contractions' during the birth. The 39-year-old shared that due to the health problems she'd experienced throughout her pregnancy, doctors found it to be too dangerous - so she'll rather be having a scheduled C-section at 37 weeks. Different pregnancy: Beverley Mitchell has revealed that due to health complications, she's not allowed to have contractions with baby number three. She will instead have a c-section at 37-weeks 'They're actually fearful of me rupturing so they have to deliver me before I even get close to my due date,' she told Us Weekly. 'I'm actually not allowed to go into contractions or anything. It's a little scary, but I think that's why they are extra cautious. So they'll take me at 37 weeks.' The 7th Heaven alum shared she is having a C-section due to her 'thin uterine wall' as well as a lengthy health battle with conditions including, placenta accreta and skin cancer. Not her first time! Beverley said she was at ease with her third pregnancy as she's already the mother to two young children At the start of Beverley's pregnancy, doctors believed she was suffering from placenta accreta - meaning if she did, she would have had to have an 'immediate hysterectomy.' While she didn't end up having the procedure, she was later victim to a skin cancer scare. '[I was] making sure I could get that removed while going through the pregnancy and going through [the COVID-19 pandemic],' she told the publication on Wednesday. But despite all the health setbacks, Beverley has revealed she's more at ease about her pregnancy this time round. Baby on the way! Beverley Mitchell of 7th Heaven fame revealed she was expecting her third child in March 'When it's your first, there are so many unknowns. It's so exciting. You're just wondering if we're doing things right,' she said. 'The third one, you're kind of like, 'Yeah, I think I remember this. I think it sounds about right.'' 'I have to keep reminding myself what I am in control of and then letting go of what I'm not. I think that has helped me get through everything. It's a super crazy time if you're, like, completely hormonal, emotional and big.' Beverley revealed she was pregnant with her third child in March 2020. The exciting announcement comes after she suffered from a miscarriage in 2018. She was expecting twins. Adding another little one: The star with husband Michael Cameron and their kids Kenzie, six, and Hutton, four (pictured 2019) Loss: Beverley has revealed that she suffered from a miscarriage in 2018. She was expecting twins (pictured 2019) 'We finally got our gold at the end of the rainbow!!!!' she said during a paid advertisement. 'We are pregnant with our rainbow baby! So happy to partner with @clearblue to announce that we are in fact PREGNANT! The road hasn't always been easy but it is so worth it! It is has been far but scarier this time around but just got a great checkup so we are feeling lucky!' Beverley became engaged to her now accountant husband, Mitchell Cameron on New Year's Eve in 2005. They married in October 2008 in Ravello, Italy. Former 7th Heaven castmates Jessica Biel and Mackenzie Rosman served as bridesmaids. The pair went on to welcome their two children, daughter Kenzie, six, and son, Hutton, five. Health Minister Salvador Illa (l) and the director of the Coordination Centre for Health Alerts and Emergencies, Fernando Simon, explain Spains epidemiological data on June 19, 2020. pool (Europa Press) On March 18, a Spanish man appeared on a database of people infected by the coronavirus: it was patient 217, a 22-year-old student who had been hospitalized in Singapore. Singapore was providing these and other details as part of their case-by-case data strategy, while in Spain, total numbers according to age had yet to be published. The story appeared in EL PAIS and three days later, patient 217 himself contacted the newspaper via a social network: Hello, I am the Spaniard who tested positive for the coronavirus on his return from Spain to Singapore, he said. The incident illustrates the disparities in the use of cutting-edge technology. The management of information in some Asian countries has been an example of modernity for better or worse while Spain and some of its neighbors are still languishing in the last century. The management of information and statistical data have been a big problem during this pandemic in Spain and in Europe, says Helena Legido-Quigley, an expert in health services and associate professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Clara Prats, a researcher in computational biology at Catalonias Polytechnic University (UPC), agrees. All European countries have had to deal with similar problems, some more serious than others, she says, adding that Spain lacked information systems that could cope. They had to be corrected, validated and optimized as they went along. Meanwhile, Angela Bernardo, a science journalist at Civio an organization that promotes transparency in public entities believes that information management and communication has been revealed as a weakness, and Saul Ares, from the Spanish National Research Councils (CSIC) National Biotechnology Centre, says it has been a disaster. One obvious lesson that can be drawn from this crisis is that the capacity to manage medical data must be improved for the sake of transparency but, above all, because having organized and detailed data helps fight epidemics. Why does data matter? Epidemiologists dont even know where to start when asked about the importance of the data. The quantitative is inherent in epidemiology, explains Miquel Porta, researcher and professor of Public Health at the Hospital del Mar Institute in Barcelona. Epidemiology emerged as a discipline after the 19th-century English physician, John Snow, used maps and statistics to prove that cholera outbreaks were caused by contaminated water. Epidemiologists are the original data scientists, says Miguel Hernan, professor of Epidemiology at Harvard. The significance of data was highlighted in February this year when the figures coming in from China triggered concern among experts. The epidemiological elite started talking about the possibility of a pandemic at the beginning of the month, says Hernan. By February 25, there was already a certain consensus among them. It was the data on the rate of infection, the lethality of the virus, the infectious capacity of people who were asymptomatic, the number of exported cases and signs of transmission outside of Wuhan that led to this conclusion. On February 14, Harvard epidemiologist Marc Lipsitch was interviewed several times, stating that a global pandemic was likely. They were telling us in January that there was a 50% chance, then at the beginning of February 70%, and at the end of that month 99%, Hernan explains. It is a new highly contagious pathogen, which can spread rapidly and should be considered capable of causing a huge social, economic and health impact anywhere. It is not SARS and it is not flu. The diagram shows the first confirmed coronavirus cases in a number of countries until March 16. EL PAIS As early as March, the figures suggested a consistently dismal outlook. The Johns Hopkins University website was anticipating which problems would emerge country by country, and those states where cases were flagged up subsequently saw massive outbreaks. Since then, the data has proved vital in pinpointing potential outbreaks, tracking contacts and locating clusters. It is data that has provided the information needed to allow us to protect ourselves. For example, we know to avoid poorly ventilated, enclosed spaces because a number of countries have collected the necessary data, investigating one office desk by desk. Below is a review of the problems experienced in Spain in terms of data management, many of which are shared with other countries. 1. Collapse of detection and control systems Early detection failed in February in Spain. The problem was due to the limited scope of the detection protocol. Until February 25, the only people allowed to be tested for Covid-19 were those coming from Wuhan. That made it impossible to detect local infections that were already on the rise. By the end of the month, when this protocol was relaxed, people testing positive surfaced so fast that epidemiological surveillance systems were overwhelmed. The clearest example of this is SiVies, the National Center for Epidemiologys (CNE) computer platform, which received information on each individual case from each autonomous region, including the patients age, place of residence, symptoms, and so on. This system was seen to be far from adequate. On March 9, only 140 cases out of almost 1,000 known cases in Spain (14%) had been reported and on March 16, only 700 out of 10,000 cases had found their way onto the database (8%). Public health services in the regions were passing on data very late. At the end of March, according to information from fact-checking and verification website Maldita.es, three regions had failed to notify SiVies of even 20% of their known cases (Galicia, the Basque Country and Catalonia) and one of the hardest-hit regions had not yet reported a single case (Castilla-La Mancha). A member of the Military Emergencies Unit (UME) disinfecting Malaga airport on March 16, after the state of alarm was declared. At that point, Spain had registered almost 1,000 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours. JORGE GUERRERO / AFP JORGE GUERRERO (AFP) The services that were supposed to monitor and control the epidemic were overwhelmed. They lacked qualified personnel, and were also technologically outdated. The public health service is terrible when it comes to IT systems, says Miquel Porta. They are completely disparate, weak and often incompatible. The ministry does not exercise the necessary leadership in epidemiological surveillance systems. Hernan believes this is the main reason why so many European countries have been slow to react compared to Asian countries: They already had both the public health infrastructure and public awareness there to defend themselves against the virus, he says. Another task that depended on the public health system was contact tracing. But if they didnt even have the time to record cases in SiVies, how were they going to locate and interview the people connected to those cases? They needed an army, one that still hasnt arrived One technician for every 3,000 people, explains Legido-Quigley. That would mean 15,000 trackers working across Spain, which, according to the ministry, now has just 1,554 people doing the job. Then theres the information systems. There has been a huge effort to collect the data, says Legido-Quigley. But it is complicated with 17 autonomous regions and with the scant investment that has been devoted to developing monitoring systems over the years. Experts highlight the effort made by public health professionals, but Hernans conclusion seems to be widespread among them that the consolidation of systems capable of dealing with the task at hand will require greater investment in terms of both money and personnel. 2. A health service without a database The Coordination Centre for Health Alerts and Emergencies (CCAES), led by Fernando Simon, has centralized the data provided by the Health Ministry on infections, hospitalizations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and deaths. But for months its management has appeared amateurish. Every day, figures from each region were recorded and summarized in a daily report a handful of sheets of paper in a PDF. The system was set up on the fly. Existing information systems were not integrated, and on March 15, the ministry requested that the regions report their data between 8 and 9pm, using a dozen general indicators. The request was rectified a month later in a bid for clarification. For weeks, the data on hospitalized and ICU patients had been added up differently, depending on the region. Madrid, Catalonia, Castilla-La Mancha and Galicia reported the people admitted daily, while the rest gave the total admissions to date. The confusion was not detected until April 2 and was not corrected until the end of that month. These problems were acknowledged by Science Minister Pedro Duque, in an interview with EL PAIS on April 23. We didnt have a roadmap for the pandemic, he said. Now we know; what we have to do is get a lot more people to collect data and compile it centrally. The data generated in a hospital goes first to a [local] department, then to the central government. These data have been slow in reaching us. The information received and disclosed by the CCAES gave an overview of all the cases in a region. It was not until May 12 that the ministry requested individualized information. Since then, it has required public health departments to report details on a case-by-case basis through SiViEs, to facilitate early detection. It is not clear when this information began to be channeled to the Health Ministry, but it started to be published at the end of May after the problematic transition. The IFEMA field hospital, where thousands of coronavirus patients were hospitalized. comunidad de Madrid (EL PAIS) 3. A black week for official data The change to individual data was potentially positive, but the transition has been a disaster and not even the Health Ministry has been able to adapt. Its Covid-19 Situation panel stopped updating on May 21 and didnt start again until June 10. Meanwhile, figures of the hospitalized and deceased have not yet been recovered. The hiatus has left many researchers without a clear picture. We stopped publishing the daily report on the regions during those weeks, explains Clara Prats. We are also being affected by the freezing of the series of Covid-19 deaths, since we cannot carry out any analysis of real case estimates. Similarly, Susanna Manrubia, a researcher at the National Centre for Biotechnology (CSIC), says: The data arrived late, and then we discovered that they were also unreliable. The change in criteria over the last month and a half, and the disappearance of around 2,000 deaths, is the tip of the iceberg. The other major setback came with data on the deceased. For weeks, the daily report has disclosed an inaccurate toll. On May 27, there was a column called total deaths but it was not the real total. A footnote explained that only cases whose date of death was recorded as the previous day were added up daily. This did not make sense as deaths take several days to be recorded. Consequently, the real figure was being permanently underestimated. A death that took place the day before yesterday and was known today would not be added to the total. Fernando Simon himself confirmed this was the case. EL PAIS wrote several reports about the confusion. Shortly afterwards, The Financial Times dedicated an article to Spains flawed data, and finally the problems became widely recognized. The week of May 27 to June 3, for example, the total increased by only 10 deaths, although the same report said that the ministry was aware of 63 deaths in the last seven days. Two excerpts from reports from the Health Ministry from May 27 to June 3. While the total number of deaths appears to have increased by 10, the second report states that there were at least 63 deaths in the last seven days. K. LL. / EL PAIS The unreliable total has resulted in chaos. Around June 3, there were days when no deaths were recorded, although the weekly figure still showed at least five or six a day and we now know that there were at least 20. It was a mistake to call something total that was not. And it was misleading to only record the deaths from the day before, if 90% of deaths take longer to make their way through the system. Fernando Simon acknowledged these problems, but the confusion was evident and even the prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, ended up claiming a zero death toll when it wasnt so. The debate has escalated, despite the fact that the truth is obvious: the government has not hidden the number of deaths, but neither has there been clear communication. It is not a case of the government hiding the figures because, if we know that there are more than 40,000 or 50,000 deaths recorded on the civil registers, it is precisely because that information is now published by the National Statistics Institute (INE). At the same time, the figures have clearly been contradictory. Firstly, because the wrong total was published during two weeks of a tricky transition. Secondly, because the official figure of confirmed deaths from Covid-19 was frozen at around 27,000 for more than three weeks. And thirdly, because the daily report could have provided more data to avoid clouding the issue. It is true that confirmed deaths are a standard measure used by many countries, but there was nothing to stop the ministrys reports from also publishing the deaths being recorded over and above those figures. Excess mortality data, according to civil registries. The red lines represent observed deaths and the blue area the average. More details can be found in this article. EL PAIS 4. Which data guided decisions? There are a number of key data on which decisions have been based and which have not been modified. For example, during the confinement, infections continued to occur, but their whereabouts were unclear. A more effective system would have targeted specific neighborhoods and residences, as in New Zealand, where outbreaks were reported in an old people's home in Auckland and a wedding in Bluff. Only a few regions in Spain provided this kind of detailed information. There are also doubts concerning the information on which the de-escalation is based. The April 28 strategy announced that the move from one phase to another would be based on objective criteria and public indicators according to province. A comprehensive list of indicators was drawn up which were to be ticked off in an automated, daily and individualized manner. But the list was never published. Some of these indicators were among those requested by the ministry from the public health departments on May 12, but they have only been partially published, and only since the end of May, which is after the May 8 and May 15 phase changes were decided. Another unknown has been the extent and success of tracking in each autonomous region. It was supposed to be fundamental to preventing outbreaks, but no information was published until the start of June; the number of trackers was unknown as was the number of contacts identified as infected or positive. Figures on tracking were published only after June 5, without any breakdown by region. 5. Unclear data, even for scientists The Health Ministry has offered very little clear data on the coronavirus. There are some exceptions, such as a number of series published in CSV format through the Carlos III Health Institute (ISCIII), but these have been rare and irregularly updated as the focus of communication has been on the PDF reports. The difference between the CSV and the PDF may seem like a technicality, but the CSV is accepted good practice everywhere. Transparency requires communicating data in a systematic way and in formats that can be reused and scrutinized. Without this, analysis becomes complicated, as Saul Ares, a researcher at the CSIC, explains. It is not only about the changes in criteria or the series that are discontinued, he says. It is about the fact that, until now, after fishing around to find some slightly less common piece of data, you finally get to the PDF. Tables on a PDF! I guess some people will not realize how ridiculous this is. An example of data in CSV format with the coronavirus cases in each region. K. LL. / EL PAIS Several organizations have asked for other data without success, such as the number of tests that were done in March. For many weeks, the numbers of diagnostic tests carried out were not reported, even though this indicator is crucial to knowing how the epidemic is being managed, says Angela Bernardo. Even today, we do not know how many people are being tested and what percentage are positive information that is being provided by countries such as Italy and the United States. In many places, there has been a lack of usable formats, although it is easy to find better practices on official websites in Iceland, Norway, Italy, the United Kingdom and some of Spains regions. Perhaps most seriously, access to the data is being restricted even among scientists. From the beginning, we requested information according to municipality and age from the Carlos III Institute, explains Manrubia. We were told this was being reviewed and would soon be made public. But it hasnt been yet. The lack of transparency in the data sounded like something was being hidden. Meanwhile, Diego Ramiro, from the CSICs Institute of Economics, Geography and Demography describes a similar experience after having requested data from the Carlos III Institute without success: They were not able to respond due to a lack of personnel, he says, adding that there is a price to pay for the barriers preventing access to information being experienced by the academics. We will likely have new outbreaks, as happened with the 1889 and 1918 flus; it would be convenient to analyze the behavior of Covid-19 before that happens, he says. Conclusions IT systems failed National information systems have proven to be inadequate. The CNE is trying to generate information for public health decision-making, but there have been long delays in data reaching them at key moments. The CCAES, whose function is to coordinate information management in health emergencies, has not always received the data automatically and it took months for it to request individualized information. There has been a lack of public health resources. The health services in each region have been quickly overwhelmed in the realms of monitoring and control tasks. There is a lack of personnel, especially in contact tracing, and the personnel there is may have had to fill in the gaps in the information systems manually. There may be a lack of professionals with quantitative profiles, such as data specialists. A culture of transparency is also needed. Some of the problems with management cannot be blamed on a lack of resources publishing a CSV is as easy as publishing a PDF. Recommendations Bringing the data into the 21st century Possibly what is needed is research to conceptualize the ideal management of this crisis and then try to work out what prevented that from happening. Experts offer clues. It is time to define protocols and facilitate their implementation, says researcher Saul Ares. When faced with an epidemic, data collection must be exhaustive and transmitted to the authorities quickly and reliably; and it must be published immediately, transparently, centrally and in formats that allow for rational technological treatment. The creation of new entities has also been suggested. Epidemiologist Miquel Porta believes that there has to be a state-run public health agency, which works on systemic problems. From the CSIC, Diego Ramiro suggests that a specialized agency similar to the INE should be set up for health statistics Focused on generating them and not on research, which would speed up the availability of data, he says. Finally, it is worth asking whether the famous data offices departments within the administration employing experts who know how to collect, analyze and disclose data would have helped. For years, it has been said that data is the 21st centurys equivalent to gold, but we almost always think of the companies that exploit it. We forget that public institutions can make use of data to improve peoples lives. Fighting a pandemic is a case in point. English version by Heather Galloway. ALTON A baker and restaurant chain recently struck a deal to not only help save a local business but also show UniTEA in diversity. Yvonne Campbell, current head baker and owner of My Just Desserts in Alton, recently accepted a deal with McAlisters Deli in which saved her from a potential financial crisis. This really has been a blessing, financially, Campbell said. Because of COVID, we have been operating at a third of capacity. The deal has also been about spreading awareness through a campaign promoted by McAlisters called Love Your Neighbor. The campaign seeks to find local, black-owned businesses to help spread a message of unity or as the campaign states #uniTEA during the nations current civil rights movement. For Campbell, her part of the deal was to produce 33,000 cookies for 17 locations across the bi-state area as well as in Iowa and Kentucky. But, there was one catch. Were famous for pies and brownies, we dont make cookies, Campbell said. While My Just Desserts normally doesnt offer cookies as an option, Campbell said she couldnt turn the work nor the message down so she had to get creative. To bake the cookies, she reworked her famous Toll House brownie recipe into a cookie recipe. It has worked better than I ever thought it could, she said. Campbell said that she is only a few deliveries short of finishing the entire order, but she does not plan on stopping there. It has worked so well. We could even see these cookies in our stores, she said. Campbell also has considered working with Schnucks as the grocer is offering goods made by local businesses as grab-and-go items. My Just Desserts, 31 East Broadway, has been located in Alton since 1986. Her first job in high school was at the bakery and cafe and after studying culinary arts, she moved back into the baking world. Now, Campbell will celebrate her second year as owner on July 2. My Just Desserts is currently open for curbside and outdoor seating and will expand to some indoor in accordance with Phase 4 guidelines on Friday. The bakery is currently open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Campbell added that if a steady flow picks up that her hours may expand to accommodate patrons. For those who want to try one of the 33,000 cookies, Campbell said McAlisters in Edwardsville is one of the 17 locations slated to receive the sweet treats. For more information on the bakery, visit: www.myjustdesserts.org or follow their Facebook page @AltonDesserts As early as next week, Israel proposes to forcibly annex up to a third of the Palestinian West Bank, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling it "another glorious chapter in the history of Zionism". Israel's incendiary move, paved by US President Donald Trump's "peace" plan, has provoked near-universal condemnation. It has been deplored as a grave violation of international law by the UK's Tory Prime Minister, most of Europe and the developing world, over 250 leading international lawyers, and an unprecedented 50 independent UN experts, and by 1000 European parliamentarians. Europe is considering sanctions. Israeli soldiers make one of several arrests of Palestinians last month after a soldier was killed by a rock thrown from a rooftop in the West Bank village of Yabad. Credit:AP Australia's position could not be more out of step with world opinion, as one of only two countries (with the Marshall Islands) to oppose a UN resolution this week condemning annexation. Just as extreme, Australia voted against resolutions recognising Palestinian self-determination and the illegality of the Israeli settlements. The Australian government rightly promotes a "rules-based international order". The Foreign Affairs Minister's recent speech affirms Australia's commitment to multilateral rules that "preserve peace and curb excessive use of power" and promote human rights and the rule of law. The Chief Executive Officer of Tema Metropolitan Assembley (TMA), Mr Felix Mensah Nii Anang-La, has disclosed that the assembly recorded 18 per cent growth in revenue generation in the 2019 fiscal year. This, according to him, was due to the deployment of robust revenue mobilisation techniques. Addressing the first ordinary meeting of the first session of the 8th assembly here yesterday, Mr Anang-La said the assembly raked in revenue of GH35,390,234.44 out of a budget of GH44,495,142.72. He explained that money collected was made up of internally generated funds of GH23,292,321.49 and Government of Ghana grants and other transfers amounting to GH12,097,912.95. Mr Anang-La said the assembly incurred an expenditure of GH35,703,387.62 on programmes and projects within the same period. He said to boost revenue mobilisation, the assembly would introduce mobile money payment system. He warned against the erection of structures without permits and hinted that the assembly would take steps to rid the area of slums. Mr Anang-La commended the metropolitan security committee for helping to reduce the crime rate in the area, and indicated that the security personnel would intensify patrols in communities and highways, to keep the metropolis safe. On health, he said records from the Tema General Hospital showed that upper respiratory tract infection, acute ear infections, skin infections and gynecological conditions were among the top 10 outpatient department conditions. The Assembly and the Department of Health Services have instituted measures to reduce the impact of these diseases in 2020. These include reduction of maternal mortality through capacity building in managing pregnancy induced hypertension, malaria and upper respiratory tract infection and equip five CHPS compounds with the needed logistics to provide healthcare at the community level, Mr Anang-La said. He said 80 per cent of refuse generated in the metropolis was evacuated to land fill sites. Mr Anang-La said the assembly was implementing plans to register waste service providers, inspect selected premises, increase awareness on hygienic practices, scale up screening of food vendors and enforce sanitation by-laws. He thanked individuals and organisations that supported the TMA Covid-19 Response Team to prevent the spread of the virus. The Tema Metropolitan Officer of the Electoral Commission, Manase Ofosuhene Asante, outlined the programme for registration of voters in the Tema Metropolis from June 30, 2020 to August 6, 2020. He said the programme to be executed in five phases would cover all the 268 polling stations in the Tema Metropolis. Mr Asante urged all Ghanaians aged 18 and above and of sound mind to visit their respective polling stations and register. He said a registration centre (District Registration Centre) would be set up at the district electoral office to cater for the needs of vulnerable people. Mr Asante advised all visitors to polling registration centres to follow hygiene protocols being rolled out by the EC, to prevent COVID-19 infections. 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 Young black and gay candidates were heading for electoral breakthroughs this week, turning the public clamor for racial justice and equality into likely primary upsets in New York, Kentucky and Virginia. Those results have revealed a resurgent left, which has pivoted from defeat in the Democratic presidential primary to a focus on down-ballot races. In safe blue seats, and in places where the party has tended to nominate moderates, a coalition of white liberals and nonwhite voters is transferring energy from the past month's protest movements into challenges of the party's establishment. "Let's allow this to be a moment where every single person in this district, and every single person in this country, feels like they are a part of our democracy," said Jamaal Bowman, 44, a former middle school principal who declared victory over 16-term Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y. "You know what Donald Trump is more afraid of than anything else? A black man with power." Bowman's likely win came during protests that upended American cities following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in Minneapolis police custody a month ago. Potential wins for two openly gay candidates came a week after the Supreme Court ruled that gay and transgender workers are protected from workplace discrimination under the landmark 1964 civil rights law, a major victory for the LGBT movement. The apparent victories of many of the candidates - the wait for hundreds of thousands of absentee ballots has delayed calls on the outcome - stretch from New York's Westchester County to Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. In Virginia, Cameron Webb - an African American physician, former White House fellow and health policy researcher - easily won the Democratic nomination in a sprawling House district that includes the city of Charlottesville. In Kentucky's Senate primary, black state legislator Charles Booker was running close with Amy McGrath, a retired Marine Corps fighter pilot and suburban mother backed by the national party. And in New York, nonwhite candidates were poised to capture nominations for House seats in majority-white suburbs, gaining ground in the sort of races where party machines had long resisted change. Engel, 73, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called Bowman's victory claim premature in a district that encompasses the northern Bronx and a southern swath of suburban Westchester County. But Bowman was already accepting congratulations from the national liberal groups that backed him. Wins in many of the primaries would be tantamount to capturing the seat in the heavily Democratic districts. And while these Democrats replacing Democrats will not be shifting the balance of power in the House, they represent a massive generational change that could pose a challenge to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and disrupt the more tradition-supporting Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus. "People are beginning to look at black candidates not through the lens of electability, but through whether they're the right person for the job," said Stefanie Brown James, the co-founder of Collective PAC, which spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in ads across the three states voting Tuesday. "I've known Mondaire Jones since high school, and to see him ascend from being an NAACP youth leader to, potentially, a congressman, is just crazy." Jones, 33, an attorney and former official in the Obama Justice Department, held a primary lead in a crowded field vying to replace retiring Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Lowey will turn 83 on July 5. If he wins, Jones would be the first openly gay black member of Congress, representing a district that includes Rockland and northern Westchester counties - home to Bill and Hillary Clinton. "For most of this race, much of Westchester County's Democratic establishment doubted that I could win this election. And so I hope that these people will reconsider the next time they make assumptions about candidates like myself and our viability even as we outperform the competition by all conceivable measures," Jones said in an interview Wednesday. "We have to cultivate diverse talent and support diverse talent and not push them to the side or marginalize them." Jones had the endorsement of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the unsuccessful Democratic presidential candidate, and other leading liberals as he backed several of their priorities, including the Green New Deal. "I was never running for Congress to make history, but the historic nature of this campaign is obviously not lost on me," Jones said. "And the power of representation in particular is something I could have benefited from directly growing up." In another New York district, Afro-Latino state legislator Ritchie Torres, 32, also led a crowded primary field to fill the seat of retiring 15-term Rep. Jose Serrano, a Democrat. Torres, who was 2 years old when Serrano first won his congressional seat, was the first openly gay elected official in the Bronx when he won a City Council seat. His father is from Puerto Rico and his mother is black. In a Long Island district, where Republican Rep. Peter King is retiring, Jamaica-born Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran Jackie Gordon held a commanding primary lead, unlikely to be reversed by absentee ballots. Bowman, Jones, and Torres all gained ground after the killing of Floyd sparked protests and calls for police restructuring across the country. That energy also reshaped 14-term Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney's reelection bid, which was far too close to call Tuesday night. After nearly 40,000 votes were counted, Maloney had just 42 percent of the vote against three challengers; Suraj Patel, who had lost to her handily in 2018, trailed by a few hundred votes, with thousands of absentee ballots left to count. While Maloney, 74, holds the gavel of the powerful House Committee on Oversight and Reform, clout she did not have in 2018, Patel honed a pitch of generational change. The combination of the coronavirus and the mass protests gave him an opening to criticize Maloney's past skepticism of mandatory vaccination, and her vote for the 1994 crime bill. "It's a change election, much more so than two years ago," the 36-year-old Patel said in an interview. "The generational piece of this race is so much more persuasive to a lot of people, because the systems all around us are broken. It's not abstract anymore, when 60 percent of coronavirus deaths in New York are in public housing." The results in New York came after years of recruiting and investment by the city's left-wing activists, supercharged by the 2018 victory of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. The 30-year old congresswoman easily defeated a former CNBC anchor while endorsing Bowman and Jones. She did not support Torres, but the shock of Ocasio-Cortez's first win had helped groups such as Justice Democrats and the Working Families Party recruit more candidates and earn more media attention, crucial to winning races where the novel coronavirus had put a halt to traditional campaigning. "It's like B.C. and A.D. - before AOC and after AOC," Torres said. "In the post-AOC world, incumbency is no longer an entitlement, no longer a guarantee of elected office." Pelosi has, so far, threaded the needle between the competing wings of her caucus, from the 30 Democrats sitting in districts Trump won four years ago to more liberal members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Now, these newcomers might link arms with Ocasio-Cortez, who upset Joseph Crowley, a lieutenant in Pelosi's leadership team at the time, to try to more aggressively push the caucus to the left on some issues. Ocasio-Cortez has at times fought lonely battles over legislation, sometimes with only a few allies from her self-declared "squad" of four young female Democrats, and sometimes she's the lone voice of opposition, as she was on the more than $2 trillion Cares Act in late March. In those moments, leaders of the Progressive Caucus, after pushing Pelosi as far as they thought they could go, mostly fell in line behind the speaker's legislative tactics. If the rising star from the Bronx can coax these potential allies to join her cause, they could become a bigger thorn in Pelosi's side next year. None of the Democrats defeated or replaced in New York were as conservative as Rep. Daniel Lipinski of Illinois, an antiabortion Democrat ousted by a primary challenge three months ago. But all of the challengers promised a shift to the left, and all linked themselves to protest movements that some Democrats had viewed warily. "The power of social movements is essential, but insufficient, to secure victories that these cries from the street demand," said Maurice Mitchell, the national director of the Working Families Party. "You need the power to govern, and you need to ensure that that power is accountable to social movements." As they voted on Tuesday, black voters who supported Kentucky's Booker said they were confident that he could run competitively against Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Danyle Washington, 43, cast ballots for "BB" - Booker and Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee - and said the state legislator would be a stronger candidate in November. "He's not changing minds of people who are racist," Washington said. "I think he's changing minds of people who are open." Athey Ajak, a 20-year-old college student, said he saw a strong connection between Booker's candidacy and the protests that had transformed the country's debate over policing and racial justice. "All of this protesting," he said, "means nothing if you don't vote." - - - The Washington Post's Eugene Scott in Washington, Paul Kane in New Jersey and Joe Wood in Louisville, Ky., contributed to this report. Sudan said in a letter to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Wednesday that it is deeply concerned about Ethiopias decision to start filling its controversial dam on the Blue Nile without prior agreement with downstream countries Egypt and Sudan. Egypt's southern neighbour urged the international body to "discourage" all parties from any unilateral action." In its three-page letter, which was seen by Ahram Online, Khartoum said the unilateral filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will put the operation of the Sudanese Roseires dam, whose reservoir is located 15 km away from the Ethiopian dam, and the lives of millions of people living downstream at "a very high risk." "Sudan is deeply concerned about Ethiopia's decision to start filling the GERD reservoir in the absence of an agreement," said the letter by Sudans Foreign Minister Asmaa Mohamed Abdallah. Khartoum said that despite the potential positive impacts of the Ethiopian dam on Sudan, including increased hydropower generation and better management of the countrys irrigation system, the project can carry substantial risks without an agreement regulating its operation and filling. Those negative impacts include threatening the operational safety of Sudanese dams and the flood-plain agricultural system of Khartoum as well as possible socioeconomic and environmental harms, it said. Khartoum believes "there has to be an agreement in place with Ethiopia on how it intends to fill and operate GERD, otherwise the GERD stands to cause substantial risks to Sudan." Sudan said the GERD "will completely change the flow regime of the Blue Nile" by flattening its hydrograph and with its gigantic size it "can poses substantial negative impacts on Sudan if not properly designed, constructed, filled and operated." The GERD's negative impacts on Khartoum also encompass the operational safety of the Sudanese dams, one of which is the Roseires dam that is located only 100 km downstream the Ethiopian dam. Such harmful impacts, Sudan says, would "threaten the lives and safety of millions of Sudanese citizens." Sudan's letter to the UNSC came after Egypt sent a letter to the Security Council on 19 June requesting its intervention to resolve the dam dispute with Ethiopia. Egypt's letter to the Security Council came after talks stalled last week and Addis Ababa declared it will go ahead with the filling of the dam in July, even without a deal. Khartoum told the UNSC a draft agreement it submitted on 14 June to Egypt and Ethiopia has successfully brought divergent views closer. The agreement was based on the consensus reached during Washington talks - that stalled in mid-February - as well as the output of previous discussions throughout the past years. Despite what Sudan sees as "significant" technical progress, it emphasised that divergence on some "fundamental legal issues" still persisted. Egypt, however, stated that disagreements were not merely related to the legal terms but also included technical issues, including regulating the operation of the dam during drought and extended drought. Cairo blamed Ethiopia's "intransigent positions" for the collapse of the talks. Khartoum proposed at the end of last week's negotiations the referral of pending legal issues to the prime ministers of the three countries to allow the negotiations to resume. Egypt accepted the proposal but blamed Ethiopia for objecting against it leading to a deadlock. Binding agreement Among the legal disputed terms that Sudan mentioned in its letter is the "binding nature of the agreement", Ethiopias insistence to include water-sharing issues in the agreement, and a lack of a binding dispute resolution mechanism. Khartoum called upon Cairo and Addis Ababa to adopt the draft agreement it proposed during talks earlier this month as a basis for finalising a deal. The agreement would regulate the filling and long-term operation of the GERD and adopt drought mitigation and safety measures. Khartoum's proposed agreement "ensured that the agreement to be signed will be legally binding and cannot be amended or terminated without the agreement of all three parties." However, Sudan's letter said Ethiopia proposed a document of "guidelines" that can be revised and in some cases terminated. Ethiopia's insistence not to commit to a legally-binding agreement was previously highlighted by the Egyptian irrigation ministry which said Ethiopia insisted on drafting guiding rules that [it] can unilaterally amend." Sudan urged the UNSC to call upon the three countries to demonstrate their political will and commitment by resolving the remaining issues and to conclude an agreement. "The draft is comprehensive, fair, and balanced and it paves the way for concluding a comprehensive and final deal," Sudan said describing its draft agreement, adding that with the political will and commitment from the parties "we can conclude this historic agreement." Search Keywords: Short link: KYODO NEWS - Jun 25, 2020 - 14:54 | All, Japan Japan has ditched plans to deploy an Aegis Ashore land-based missile interception system as a shield against high-tech projectiles such as those launched by North Korea, Defense Minister Taro Kono said Thursday. "After deliberations at the NSC, we have come to the decision to cancel the deployment in Yamaguchi and Akita prefectures," Kono told a panel of ruling party lawmakers, referring to Wednesday's closed-door meeting of the National Security Council chaired by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The decision followed Kono's abrupt announcement on June 15 that it had halted the process of deploying two U.S.-made batteries of the missile system, citing technical problems and increasing costs amid strong local opposition. At a meeting of Abe's Liberal Democratic Party, part of which was open to the media, Kono also said the Defense Ministry found it difficult to pick alternate sites. While Japan will continue to defend itself from the threat of North Korean ballistic missiles via existing Maritime Self-Defense Force Aegis-equipped destroyers, Kono said it is a bad idea to rely solely on these. Bearing in mind Beijing and Pyongyang's development of new ballistic missiles, which seem harder to intercept, the minister said Japan has to "consider what we will do (to respond to such threats) over the medium to long term." Kono also said the MSDF destroyers and land-based Patriot Advanced Capability-3 system -- designed to shoot down missiles that evaded interceptors fired from the ships -- will protect the nation "for the time being." The Aegis Ashore units were to supplement the MSDF destroyers, with one candidate site in the northeastern prefecture of Akita and the other in the western prefecture of Yamaguchi, both near the Sea of Japan coast. Later in the day, Kono told reporters the government will continue to discuss defense needs with ruling parties and the United States, in addition to talks at the NSC. However, Kono did not give a clear answer when asked if the ministry will explore the possibility of striking foreign bases, an idea proposed by some LDP members that has proved contentious given Japan's war-renouncing Constitution. "I'm relieved that anxiety among local residents has faded," Akita Gov. Norihisa Satake told reporters, adding Kono told him by telephone in the morning that central government "will not deploy hereafter" Aegis Ashore units in Japan. "But, I wonder what this two and a half years (since the Cabinet approval to deploy the batteries) were for," Satake said. Meanwhile, Yamaguchi Gov. Tsugumasa Muraoka told reporters he is "grateful" for the government's "quick decision". In December 2017, Japan decided to install two Aegis Ashore batteries after a series of ballistic missiles launched by North Korea, and U.S. President Donald Trump's push to sell more military equipment under the "Buy American" policy. The deployment was expected to begin in fiscal 2025 at the earliest. Tokyo and Washington have already signed a contract worth around 180 billion yen ($1.7 billion) related to the introduction of the Aegis Ashore system, of which Japan has paid 12.5 billion yen, according to the Defense Ministry. Kono has said the purchase of the units, combined with 30-year operational and maintenance costs, runs to an estimated 450 billion yen, and that the government will seek talks with the United States over the outstanding balance. The Defense Ministry had been under fire since June last year when it was found to have conducted an erroneous geographical survey in selecting Akita's Araya district as a candidate site for an Aegis Ashore battery. Kono said it had became difficult to fulfill its promise to ensure the rocket booster of an interceptor missile would land only in an SDF training area or the sea, unless the hardware is modified, when he announced the suspension of the deployment. The deployment plan had been unpopular with local residents concerned about the health effects of electromagnetic waves emitted by the system's radar, as well as the possibility of their communities being targeted in an armed conflict. Related coverage: Japan certain to struggle in seeking alternative to Aegis Ashore U.S. demanded Japan pay $8 bil. annually for troops: Bolton Japan to talk with U.S. over 180 bil. yen Aegis Ashore deal Hashim Thaci, the former rebel leader who fought for Kosovo's independence and has dominated the young democracy ever since, was hit Wednesday with charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. For nearly two decades President Thaci has played a central role in Kosovo's political scene, making his name during the 1998-1999 war with Serbia as political leader of the pro-independence ethnic Albanian Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). The tall, silver-haired 52-year-old, who also served more than seven years as prime minister, saw his popularity soar when former province Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 just three months after he won an election. But his image has been tarnished by a 2010 Council of Europe report that linked him to organised crime and organ smuggling during and after the war with Serbia -- charges he has always denied. On Wednesday special prosecutors in the Hague tasked with investigating those allegation announced a laundry-list of charges, including murder, enforced disappearance of persons, persecution, and torture. Thaci and other suspects "are criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders", the prosecutors said, adding that they were still seeking approval of the indictment from a pre-trial judge at the EU-backed court. - The Snake - Born on April 24, 1968 in the Drenica region of western Kosovo -- a hotbed of separatism among Kosovo's ethnic Albanian community ?- Thaci was involved in passive resistance to the Belgrade authorities from the early 1990s as a student. He later moved to Switzerland -- home to a large Albanian nationalist diaspora -- where he studied history. Together with ultra-leftists in the diaspora, he became frustrated by the policy of peaceful opposition to Belgrade's repression of Albanians followed by late Kosovo president Ibrahim Rugova. Instead, he corralled other like-minded ethnic Albanians into an underground guerrilla army, the KLA, to take on the forces of then Serbia strongman Slobodan Milosevic. Thaci earned the nom de guerre of "Snake" during the conflict, serving as the KLA's political leader. More than 13,000 lives were lost in the war that ended after NATO intervened in 1999, ousting Serb forces and establishing UN administration over Kosovo. Thaci then downed his guns and donned a suit, becoming known in the West as the "Gerry Adams of Kosovo" after his counterpart in Sinn Fein, the political wing of the Irish Republican Army. He won elections in November 2007 after the death the previous year of Rugova, who was regarded as the father of the nation and had proved unbeatable in all post-war polls. Three months later, under Thaci's leadership, Kosovo declared independence from Serbia. He has since remained at the heart of Kosovo politics, despite accusations of corruption and state capture by his critics. Recently he has devoted his energies brokering a deal with former foe Serbia, which still denies Kosovo's independence. He has always denied any wrongdoing during the war. In 2018 he told AFP he was ready to respond to the the war crimes tribunal "at any moment, under any circumstances" and "with all my capacity". "I have nothing to hide," he said. Hashim Thaci, pictured during an interview with AFP on February 3, was elected president of Kosovo on February 26, 2016 Newly elected President of Kosovo Hashim Thaci holds flowers during an extraordinary session in Pristina on February 26, 2016 ICS and OCIMF publish updated edition of ISGOTT The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), in conjunction with the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) have published an updated edition of the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT). The seminal text, which has become the definitive reference guide for the safe operation of oil tankers and the marine terminals they visit has been updated and enhanced to reflect current best practices and legislation and has been modernised to ensure ease-of-use by personnel on board and ashore. The Sixth Edition of ISGOTT encompasses the latest thinking on a range of topical issues including enclosed space entry, which continues to be an issue of significant risk on board tankers and at terminal facilities. It also addresses critical issues including gas detection, the toxicity and the toxic effects of petroleum products (including benzene and hydrogen sulphide), the generation of static electricity and stray currents, fire protection and the growing use of mobile electronic technology. Rob Drysdale, Director, OCIMF, comments: ISGOTT has become a vital tool for ensuring the safe operation of oil tankers and marine terminals, and use of the guidance has, I have no doubt, positively enhanced the safety of the marine industry. To build on this, we have joined with partners and multidisciplinary subject matter experts in what has been a collective effort to thoroughly review, enhance and refresh the guidance for the benefit of the entire industry. Chris Oliver, Nautical Director, ICS, comments: Alongside compliance with the International Maritime Organizations regulations and codes, publications such as ISGOTT provide an invaluable resource for our industry in sharing and supporting best practice. In updating ISGOTT, the opportunity was taken to include new topics and to significantly reappraise topics previously covered that have undergone a shift in emphasis since the last edition. For use in conjunction with ISGOTT, the Ship/Shore Safety and Bunkering Operations Checklists contained within the publication have been released to download free-of-charge, enabling both individual and joint responsibilities for the tanker and the terminal to be clearly and easily communicated before arrival, as well as when alongside. The new revision of ISGOTT updates and replaces the prior Fifth Edition that was published in 2006. Support has been provided by other industry associations including the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO), the Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF), the Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) as well as other industry specialists. In the Sixth Edition, significant emphasis has been placed on reflecting changes in the understanding of the impact of human factors in tanker and terminal operations and ensuring that the recommendations in ISGOTT are included in Safety Management Systems (SMSs) and procedures. Other key areas which have been updated include marine terminal administration and the critical importance of the tanker/terminal interface, alternative and emerging technologies, and bunkering operations, including the use of alternative fuels such as Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). ISGOTT is also aligned with OCIMFs recently revised Mooring Equipment Guidelines, and information covering maritime security and linkage to both the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code and industrys maritime security Best Management Practices (BMP) is also included. Ensuring the guidance is thorough, accurate and easy-to-follow without sacrificing on detail has been a critical concern for the authors. The Sixth Edition of ISGOTT is easier to navigate, available in digital format for quick reference, and includes updated visual references and guidance. The book and e-book are available to purchase from Witherby Publishing Group here: https://www.witherbyseamanship.com/isgott-6th-edition-international-safety-guide-for-oil-tankers-and-terminals.html The Ship/Shore Safety and Bunkering Operations Checklists can be downloaded from OCIMFs website, here: https://www.ocimf.org/publications/books/international-safety-guide-for-tankers-and-terminals-(isgott-6).aspx With the publication of this updated edition, International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals, Fifth Edition (2006) has been superseded and removed from distribution. After resisting Manitoba Hydro's cost-cutting demands for weeks, more than 2,000 members of the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers have agreed to take three unpaid days off over the next nine months. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 24/6/2020 (577 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. After resisting Manitoba Hydro's cost-cutting demands for weeks, more than 2,000 members of the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers have agreed to take three unpaid days off over the next nine months. The decision, taken in a membership vote on Monday, averts the layoff of 189 IBEW members for a four- month period. Hydro announced the layoffs earlier this month when the union executive refused to accept the unpaid days off. A clause in the union's contract requires three-months notice being given of any layoffs. Mike Espenell, business manager with IBEW Local 2034, was unavailable for comment Wednesday. However, documents obtained by the Free Press show the union accepted the three unpaid days after being assured that none of its members would be laid off -- with the exception of seasonal employees -- for the balance of the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Members were also given flexibility on how and when they can take the unpaid days off. IBEW represents the workers that ensure the lights stay on and power is restored when it goes out. During last fall's ice storm, they worked long hours, some away from their families for weeks, as power was restored to thousands of Manitobans. Hydro, which expects to show a profit of $47 million this year, asked for concessions from all its workers to meet government-mandated savings targets. Manitoba Hydro power lines are photographed just outside Winnipeg, Monday, May 1, 2018. Manitoba's Crown-owned energy utility is issuing temporary layoff notices to 200 workers as part of its cost-control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods Thousands of other Hydro employees, represented by several other unions and associations, had already agreed to the demand for three unpaid days. One union, Unifor, which represents workers in Hydro's natural gas unit, has refused to accept the unpaid days. As a result, 12 of its members have received temporary layoff notices. A Unifor official recently accused Premier Brian Pallister of misleading the public when he promised to protect front-line workers during the pandemic. 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 province has insisted on obtaining savings from Crown corporations, universities, colleges and provincial civil servants as it braces for a huge operating deficit due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hydro spokesman Bruce Owen said the corporation is pleased it was able to reach agreement on unpaid days off with IBEW. Temporary layoffs were not the corporation's preferred option, he said in an email. Owen said all corporation managers and executive members will take three unpaid days off as well. The pay reduction will be spread equally over 20 pay periods between June 25, 2020 and March 31, 2021. Previously, Hydro announced that close to 1,000 managers, executives and other non-union staff would take three unpaid days off. The corporation has also received agreement for the move from the Association of Manitoba Hydro Staff and Supervisory Employees (774 members) and the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 998, which represents 900 clerical and administrative staff. Twenty-eight CUPE-represented workers faced temporary layoff if the union had not agreed to the unpaid days. larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca More than 120,000 Michiganders haven't received all of their unemployment payments from the state. Dont fall for internet scams that promise a quick fix to getting your payments, Attorney General Dana Nessel said in a consumer alert on Thursday, June 25. "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," the alert said. There are a few scams to watch out for on social media, a news release from Nessel's office said. Don't fall for anything that offers to help you obtain your unemployment benefits for a fee. Michigan cut off unemployment for thousands of eligible residents. Its not the first time. If a stranger offers to help you through the process and asks for your personal information, this could also be a scam, the news release said. "This is likely an attempt to steal your personal information to commit identity theft and obtain the benefits that you are rightfully entitled to," the news release said. Other social media "quick fixes" may also be inaccurate and lead people down the wrong path potentially leading to further delays in getting benefits, denial of benefits or criminal penalties in the event of fraud, the release said. For official information, visit Michigans unemployment website. Claimants can also call the customer service line at 1-866-500-0017 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. The phone line has been useless for many Michiganders, however, as many who spoke with MLive have called hundreds or thousands of times and never received a response. The state flagged 540,000 cases for potential fraud earlier this month, leaving thousands without the unemployment pay they expected. Nearly 450,000 of the cases have been resolved, leaving about 90,000 accounts still unpaid as they seek to verify their identity with the Unemployment Insurance Agency. Through June 23, the UIA has paid out $14.3 billion in benefits to more than 2.1 million Michiganders. COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. RELATED STORIES Thursday, June 25: Latest developments on coronavirus Michigan cut off unemployment for thousands of eligible residents. Its not the first time. Unknown when many Michigan unemployment filers will have their claims resolved The mother of a primary school pupil has called for a clear policy from the Department of Education on school graduations for primary and secondary schools. Many teachers and parents have decided to mark the important occasion for Sixth Class or Leaving Cert pupils by organising their own 'Zoom graduations' or small, socially distanced events due to Covid-19 restrictions. But there have been no specific guidelines issued to school principals by the Department. Diana Maynard said there was no graduation event organised for the 6th Class in Scoil Bhride in Kill. The school was due to close this week for the summer. Diana said: "Unfortunately nothing was arranged for the 6th Class to mark the day. "The principle said he will arrange something at a later date when it's safe to do so." She added: "It's such a shame for the 6th Class children not to have closure. "The pre-school that runs out of Scoil Bhride had a drive-through graduation. Something that simple could have been done for the 6th Class to give them some sort of closure. "This is exactly why a clear policy around this issue needs to be set out." Penn Badgley has admitted he's "very troubled" by the sexual misconduct allegations surrounding his You co-star Chris D'Elia. The comedian and actor has denied accusations he attempted to groom and solicit photos from underage girls online, insisting he "never knowingly" pursued relationships with minors, and claiming he didn't know any of the females making allegations of inappropriate behaviour against him via social media. However, the scandal has led to him being dropped by his talent agents, and now Badgley - who worked with D'Elia in the second season of hit Netflix show You - has weighed in on the allegations. "The idea that a show like ours would indirectly, unwittingly be a haven for people who are abusive is disturbing. It's very disturbing," the 33-year-old actor told the Los Angeles Times' podcast Can't Stop Watching. "I was very troubled by [the accusations]. I am very troubled by it. I don't know Chris. I know that, if there's anything we need to do in this age, it's to believe women," he said. The pyschological thriller show You stars Badgley as a stalker and serial killer, while D'Elia features in the second season of the popular show as a stand-up comedian with a history of sexually abusing teenage girls. Badgley's comments come a day after streaming service bosses at Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Comedy Central decided to pull an episode of TV comedy Workaholics in which D'Elia played the role of a child molester. The instalment, titled 'To Friend a Predator', originally aired in 2011. Source: Newshub The government has been accused of not telling MPs that the EU has requested changes to the Brexit deal - including some relating to Northern Ireland. A report from the Commons European Scrutiny Committee, published yesterday, pointed out that on May 15, the European Commission published a proposal to amend the Withdrawal Agreement to address a number of "errors and omissions". The changes included "certain adjustments to the number and scope of EU laws on goods that will continue to be applicable in Northern Ireland beyond the end of the post-Brexit transition period", as per the Northern Ireland Protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement. At a Joint Committee meeting with Brussels officials on June 12, ministers did not ratify the proposed alterations affecting Northern Ireland - but did accept the other changes, the report stated. The MPs' scrutiny committee has now written to Cabinet minister Michael Gove, who has represented the UK on the Joint Committee, "seeking further clarification of the government's position" over the EU's Northern Ireland demands. Ahmed Alis long-standing plans for a March break trip to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, with his wife and two kids really went sideways. The Mississauga resident booked flights in June 2019 to visit the holy city in March 2020 as part of a pilgrimage that millions of Muslims do each year. He landed in Pakistan first and was originally planning to travel with his family to Saudi Arabia, before returning home within a week on March 22. COVID-19 and the subsequent cancellation of numerous flights led to Ali, who works as a contract teacher at the Peel District School Board, staying in Pakistan until May 3 and owing thousands to the federal government for emergency loans. The loans, on which repayment is due in the fall, paid for flights that the Canadian government arranged with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and were much more expensive than pre-COVID-19 fares. It's not fair, to be very honest, said Ali, who is hoping that he can work out a plan with the federal government if he cant pay the more than $6,000 owed for his familys airfare home. I'm thankful that the government of Canada helped me, but I have been listening to other people from the U.S.A., from England, and they didn't pay that much money to get back. In April, one-way flights for U.S. citizens travelling back from Karachi, where Ali and his family flew from, cost around $1,400. Tickets for flights from Islamabad to the United States cost around $2,042. British repatriation flights that same month from Pakistan to the U.K. approximately cost between $866 and $908. One-way fares for Ali and his wife Zahida Ahmed on their May 3 flight were around $2,286 each at the time of bookings. Flights back to Canada for Alis two children cost around $2,000 in total. Mississauga Erin-Mills MP Iqra Khalid said shes been advocating for lower prices, but that the airfares are set by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), not the government. Khalid also said she doesnt anticipate late penalties being tacked onto the loans and the governments focus has been to repatriate first, and worry about the cost later. I'm hopeful that those who have had to pay significantly more in order to repatriate to Canada, that they will find equity in their situation, she said. There were still 7,258 Canadians in Pakistan as of June 19, according to numbers from the federal governments voluntary traveller registry. Global Affairs Canada spokesperson John Babcock said that because the registry is voluntary, it doesnt provide a complete picture of the number Canadians currently in Pakistan. "A lot of people (were) basically discouraged to take these special flights because of the cost, said Salman Tariq, who came back to Mississauga with his wife, Kanwal Salman, and two children on an April 23 flight from Pakistan. Tariq, who ran against Khalid in the 2019 federal election, took the emergency loan for the flight, which cost over $10,000 for the four one-way tickets. He said wants to see the loans waived because many are already struggling with economic hardships due to COVID-19. In this pandemic environment people are already having financial troubles, so this is a big setback, he said. Of the more than 4,300 loans the federal government has approved through its COVID-19 emergency program for Canadians abroad, around 300 have been for travel from Pakistan, Babcock said. Another Mississauga resident, Arslan Razi, said he didnt get a loan from the Canadian government but borrowed money from family to get back from Pakistan, along with his wife and three children. He said he has since sold his car to help pay for his tickets. Ali, Tariq and Razi all said they have yet to be reimbursed for their original flights out of Pakistan that were cancelled. For Ali, he estimates total costs of the trip to be about $20,000 including accommodations and cancelled flights. It's not easy but I wanted to come back because things were not getting better (with COVID-19) in Pakistan, he said. Now it's getting worse. To date, COVID-19 case numbers are much higher in Pakistan than they are in Canada, but not if adjusted for population. COVID-19 cases in Pakistan have spiked recently, with more than 100,000 new infections reported in June alone, according to the Pakistan government. Canadas more than 8,400 COVID-19-related deaths are more than double those in Pakistan, which has reported more than 3,500 deaths in the country. Read more about: A police force has raised the Gipsy Roma Travelling flag sparking hundreds of complaints from the public Kent Police announced it was marking Gipsy Roma Traveller History Month and put out a picture of three members of staff with the colourful banner. But the social media post prompted over a thousand responses, with most of them negative. Kent has had to deal with a large number of illegal traveller sites in the past. Kent Police posted the flag on social media but received a hostile response from hundreds of users One web user accused the force of being out of touch, while others declared they should leave left wing woke politics behind. The Gipsy Roma Traveller Police Association who represent those from the travelling community said they had hundreds of officers and the flag recognised their contribution. The original posting from the police force was made on Wednesday just after 2.30pm and featured DCC Tony Blaker and PC Kate West Diversity and Inclusion Co-ordinator Suki Randhawa. The original message prompted a storm of criticism with the police force being accused of 'virtue signalling' and being asked if it was a joke Call the social media police! In October a top police officer was criticised for posting a 'ridiculous' video on Twitter highlighting 'International Pronouns Day'. Julie Cooke, the deputy chief constable of Cheshire police, told her 2,231 followers that the day was important to anyone who identifies as transgender or 'gender non-conforming'. In July police in London showed off an extravagant 130,000 hybrid car online, which would never be used for catching criminals. The eco-friendly BMW i8, was patrolled along the roads near the Met's headquarters just to prove it was obeying the city's new Ultra Low Emission Zone. In October 17 at least 18 officers from Humberside Police rode bumber cars at Hull Fair for photo opportunities. Chief Superintendent Darren Downs, posted a picture on Twitter and described having a fantastic afternoon at the fair. Advertisement It said: We're marking Gypsy Roma Traveller History month by raising the 'GRT' flag', helping to show our continued support for diverse communities. Kents history has a rich Gypsy & Roma heritage & we'll continue to work with all communities to ensure this is a welcoming county for all. Deputy Chief Constable Tony Blaker of Kent Police said: Kent Police employs staff from all strands of society, including people from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller backgrounds, and this flag was flown in response to a request from serving officers in Kent. British policing is by consent and Kent Police seeks to positively engage with all our communities, and in doing so we regularly show our support for other national and international events and religious festivals. But by Thursday afternoon over 1,300 had responded, most in disbelief. Bea Johanssen simply asked When's Crime-fighting Day? while another questioned Is this a joke? We do not pay the police force to support certain groups. They should police without fear nor favour. Twitter user Blue Geordie said: Virtue signalling that means nothing to no one but will undoubtedly p*** off a lot of people who just want the police to turn up when they call them and lock up the bad guys when they find them. Simple stuff. Simon Lord added: Dear Kent Police, as this week is Armed Forces Week, could you tell us how you intend marking this event? As Kent was full of famous RAF Stations such as Biggin Hill, whose brave pilots played a huge part in saving us from the Nazi's, will you be raising a flag for them? Another said: Dear God, give me strength. When are the police going to stop virtue signaling and doing what theyd paid to do and Police? Kent has had problems with travellers in recent years, with communities sitting up illegal sites. In 2019 the army turned up to turf out families who had rolled up on land in Folkstone, Kent is owned by the MoD. The GRTPA responded to some of the online outrage. It said: Nationally we have hundreds of Gypsy Roma and Traveller Officers. This flag is for us and the contribution we make every day to serving the public. Crawl spaces are often filled with strange critters. Still, the sight of a mountain lion climbing beneath Silvia Escobars Monrovia home shocked her. The cougar had been prowling around the neighborhood for the past week. Once it was cornered Thursday, officials with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife tranquilized and removed the big cat from below Escobar's residence. We did dart a mountain lion this morning, Tim Daly, a Fish and Wildlife information officer, said Thursday morning. The goal is to check its health and then release it as long as its healthy enough to be back in the wild. The male cougar has "pretty substantial" neck injuries and is heading to a veterinarian to be examined, Daly said. They said it probably had head trauma, and thats probably why it came down, Escobar said, referring to the animal's stroll into town. Daly suggested the mountain lion which was not tagged may have hailed from the nearby Angeles National Forest. Escobar said she first learned there was a big cat roaming the area on Tuesday night after returning from a trip to Idaho. Her brother showed her a picture of the mountain lion in his yard, which is attached to hers, and warned her to be careful. She said she called police after her husband spotted the mountain lion scooting beneath their home Wednesday night. Monrovia officers werent equipped to tranquilize the animal, so she locked her doors and checked them twice, Escobar said, noting that she couldnt sleep after hearing a growl from beneath her home in the wee hours. Fish and Wildlife officers arrived early Thursday, ready for the big cat. From her bathroom window, Escobar saw the tranquilized animal lying on the ground. It was later moved to a cage for transport, she said. I almost wanted to touch it, but I was afraid it might wake up, she said with a laugh. Authorities think the animal got into the crawl space through an opening along the home's exterior, she said. Story continues I hope they dont come back. Im sure tonight were going to cover up those holes. We dont want any more surprises, Escobar said. Mountain lion attacks on humans are very rare, but it has happened. Thats why we respond the way we do when a mountain lion starts appearing as comfortable as the one in Monrovia started to appear, Daly said. Wildlife officials noted that more than half of the state is mountain lion habitat. Because of that, residents are cautioned to keep an eye on small children and pets and to limit the attractions that might encourage the big cats to hang around. Amid the face-off in Ladakhs Galwan Valley, India is evaluating strategic implications of China occupying parts of Nepals territory. According to a report in The Economic Times, New Delhi is evaluating the exact location of Chinese encroachment in Nepal and its proximity to the border with India. India is also evaluating if this Chinese move was made with the approval of a section of Kathmandus political leadership or by taking the Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis government for a ride, the report adds. The newspaper report cites observers as saying that Olis closeness to Beijing, as part of his attempts to retain power at home, has overshadowed India-Nepal relations. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report. On June 18, the Nepal Parliament passed the New Map Amendment Bill (Coat of Arms), which shows Indian territories as part of Nepal. However, on the issue of the border tensions between India and China, Nepal has said that it is confident that both its "friendly neighbours" will resolve their stand-off at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) through peaceful means, keeping in mind the stability of the region and world peace. China is reportedly increasing road construction in Tibet to help encroach on Nepali land. The Chinese military could potentially set up border outposts in these areas, The Economic Times cites a Nepal government report as suggesting. Nepal agriculture ministrys Survey Department has reportedly shown 10 places that China has encroached upon, by diverting flow of rivers which act as a natural boundary. These make up about 33 hectares of land. Drilling for Gold to Commence at Liwa Creek Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 25, 2020) - Thunderstruck Resources Ltd. (TSXV: AWE) (OTC: THURF) ("Thunderstruck" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed an oversubscribed non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of $1,050,450.00, with lead order from Palisade Goldcorp Ltd. "We are ecstatic to have raised the funds necessary to commence exploration and drilling on our primary Liwa gold asset," stated Thunderstruck President and CEO, Bryce Bradley, 'Drill rigs have been approved for mobilization to site and drilling is set to commence shortly after their arrival. Myself and our entire team are thankful to all of our new and loyal shareholders and proud to be working in a country where strict policies have led to no new COVID cases for over two months. We will continue to work closely with authorities to ensure that our practices meet or exceed the high standard outlined by Fijian governing bodies." Liwa Creek is characterized by a series of coincident geochemical and geophysical anomalies extending over three kilometres in strike and open in all directions. Recent work by Thunderstruck (detailed in release dated June 8, 2020) has yielded surface trench results highlighted by 0.61 g/t gold over 71 meters at Liwa Ridge (see release dated February 13, 2018) as well as rock grab samples grading as high as 55.2 g/t gold at Jensen's Showing (see release dated October 11, 2019) and 42 g/t gold and 1,205 g/t silver at Lower Vatuvatulevu. An IP/Resistivity geophysical survey over four line-kilometers conducted last exploration season has detailed coincident anomalies at depth that will be targeted in this drill program (see release dated April 2, 2019). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2901/58546_07380cc6e40c0a15_001full.jpg Gross proceeds of $1,050,450.00 were raised through the sale of 17,507,500 units at a price of $0.06 per unit (each a "Unit"). Each Unit comprised one common share and one share purchase warrant. Each whole warrant entitles the holder to purchase a further common share at a price of $0.10 per share for five years. The Company has elected not to include an accelerated expiry option on the Warrants. The Company paid a total of $11,520.00 in finders fees in connection with the placement. All securities issued are subject to a hold period in Canada expiring on October 25, 2020. Additional restrictions may apply pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to U.S. investors. The private placement is subject to regulatory approval, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Insiders participated in the private placement acquiring an aggregate of 1,270,000 units on the same basis as other subscribers. The participation in the private placement by insiders of the Company constitutes a "related party transaction" as such term is defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements under MI 61-101. The Company relied on Section 5.5(a) of MI 61-101 for an exemption from the formal valuation requirement and Section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 for an exemption from the minority shareholder approval requirement of MI 61-101 as the fair market value of the private placement in so far as the private placement involved interested parties did not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. In other news, the Company has granted an aggregate of 1.7 million stock options exercisable at $0.08 per share to directors, officers, employees and consultants for periods of between three to five years. About Palisades Goldcorp Palisades Goldcorp is Canada's newest resource focused merchant bank. Palisades' management team has a demonstrated track record of making money and is backed by many of the industry's most notable financiers. With junior resource equities valued at generational lows, management believes the sector is on the cusp of a major bull market move. Palisades is positioning itself with significant stakes in undervalued companies and assets with the goal of generating superior returns. About Fiji Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji, has a long mining history. It is on the prolific Pacific Ring of Fire, a trend that has produced numerous large deposits, including Porgera, Lihir and Grasberg. The island of Viti Levu hosts Namosi, held by a joint venture between Newcrest and Mitsubishi. Newcrest published Proven and Probable Reserves for Namosi of 1.3 billion tonnes at 0.37% Cu and 0.12 g/t Au (5.2M ounces Au and 4.9M tonnes Cu). Namosi is now undergoing environmental assessment as part of the permitting process. Lion One Metals is now developing its Tuvatu Project, with Indicated Resources of 1.1 million tonnes at 8.17 g/t Au (294,000 ounces Au), and Inferred Resources of 1.3 million tonnes at 10.6 g/t Au (445,000 ounces Au). The Vatukoula Gold Mine has been operating for 80 years, producing in excess of 7 million ounces. About Thunderstruck Resources Thunderstruck Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration company that has assembled extensive and highly prospective properties in Fiji on which recent and previous exploration has confirmed VMS, copper and precious metals mineralization. The Company provides investors with exposure to a diverse portfolio of exploration stage projects with potential for zinc, copper, gold and silver in a politically safe and stable jurisdiction. Thunderstruck trades on the Toronto Venture Exchange (TSX-V) under the symbol "AWE" and United States OTC under the symbol "THURF". Qualified Person Statement Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC) Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, is a qualified person for the project as defined by National Instrument NI 43-101. Mr. Raffle has reviewed and approved the portion of the technical content of this news release as it relates to its Liwa gold prospect. For additional information, please contact: Rob Christl, Investor Relations Email: rob@thunderstruck.ca P: 778 840-7180 or, visit our website: http://www.thunderstruck.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange Inc. nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". Although Thunderstruck believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Thunderstruck's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Thunderstruck undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/58546 A night time industry boss says millennials are being forced into holding illegal raves because they are socially-starved by clubs and late-night bars being shut in lockdown. Michael Kill spoke after two impromptu parties in Brighton and Brixton spiraled out of control with police hurt as scenes turned nasty. Chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association(NTIA)Mr Kill, 47, said the Governments new easing of restrictions will do little to help youngsters desperate for a night out. Violent scenes exploded in Brixton last night as an illegal party sparked violence He urged the authorities to look at trying to balance safety with helping venues open up again. Mr Kill said: There is, under the guidance that was released yesterday, there is no avenue to open for live or recorded at all the moment which is very, very frustrating. As you can appreciate there is so much going on, our primary focus is obviously the safety of the public but we also have to balance that with whats going on in things like youth culture where we are seeing an uplift in illegal raves and things like this where youngsters, millennials, are socially starved. Weve got to look at starting to address this balance and the late-night economy is that access point for some of the youth culture which we are quite relevantly seeing pop-up up and down the country There are so many cross reference pieces when you can be a pub in the day time and a late bar in the evening and we have also got to recognise the predominance of revenue of these bars come in the late trade not the early trade. Many of the businesses we deal with as members and wider industry have decided now is not the time and they are looking to remain closed because the guidance and the way that it has been set out is just not financially viable. Police had to break up a Brighton gathering on Wednesday night as hundreds massed in the resort His comments, made to Radio 4s Today programme, come in the wake of a number of impromptu events police have struggled to control. Last night officers had to break up a huge Brighton seafront party sending home hundreds of youngsters home after scuffles broke out. Ten police vehicles were called to Hove Lawns, West Sussex at 8.40pm yesterday amid reports of 'pockets' of violence in the gathering. Hundreds of 'hippies' gathered in Derbyshire, breaking lockdown at the weekend to mark the Summer Solstice The youths chanted at the officers, with one eyewitness calling it 'like a stand-off between hundreds of youths and police'. In Brixton a street party also exploded into violence as fifteen officers were injured and revellers smashed up a patrol car and fought in the street. Footage circulating on social media had shown a large amount of revellers congregating near Cecilia Road, in south London, at around 7pm. Rules for pubs push mean clubs can't open Pubs and bars located near each other need to work together to make sure risk is not heightened by crowds congregating at their venues It has also been suggested they should reduce capacity and advise people not to arrive by packed public transport They also need to draw up plans in the event of bad weather, where people drinking outside can no longer go into the pub Loud music or TV is also outlawed so people do not have to shout to speak to each other Venues have to make sure the number of surfaces touched by staff and patrons are kept to a minimum Visitors have to give their names and details to management and book tables ahead of arrival Contact payment is also going to be in place to avoid physical money changing hands Advertisement Terrifying scenes showed the police beating a retreat after they were run out of the area by a mob, On Monday Avon and Somerset Police apologised after they failed to shut down nearly 1,000 people breaking lock-down for an all-night party in Stoke Croft, Bristol, over the weekend. Families were kept awake by the revellers who danced to music from a dub music DJ into the early hours. Officers had been told the event was going on, but by the time they attended three hours after their tip-off it had grown too large. The night before hundreds of 'hippies' defied police orders for an 'illegal rave' to mark the Summer Solstice at an ancient English Heritage site. Video showed hundreds of people, many appearing to be in breach of social distancing rules, gathered at the popular beauty spot in the Peak District in Derbyshire. Earlier this month a teenager was raped, three people were stabbed and a man killed by a suspected overdose in three illegal raves in the north of England. The female sex assault victim,18, was attacked at an illegal party of around 2,000 revellers in Greater Manchester on June 13. Meanwhile 4,000 party-goers held a 'quarantine rave', elsewhere in the city while another party was held near Leeds. On Wednesday Essex Police put in place a dispersal order for Southend-on-Sea front after chaotic scenes of youths partying ended with a car being driven at one group. 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. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted an eight-member committee of experts to probe the blowout, subsequent fire at an Oil India Limited (OIL) well at Baghjan in Assams Tinsukia district and the damage it has caused to humans, wildlife and environment. In an order passed via video conferencing on Wednesday, NGT directed OIL to deposit Rs 25 crore with the district administration as interim compensation for the damage. The well is located near the Maguri Motapung Wetland and Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve, which are among the few remaining habitats for several endangered and range-restricted species. The blowout led to the uncontrollable flow of oil from gas and caused extensive damage to biodiversity and wildlife in the region. The wildlife includes endangered hoolock gibbons and the Gangetic dolphins. The well caught fire on June 9 days after the blowout triggered an uncontrolled release of gas and oil condensate on May 27. The fire has claimed the lives of two firefighters and displaced 1,600 families residing close to the site. Justice (Retd) B P Katakey of the Gauhati High Court will head the panel, which will also include Tinsukias district magistrate. The panel will have members from the Central Pollution Control Board, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. The committee will look into the blowout cause, the extent of losses, and probe whether any contamination of the air, water, and soil has been caused. It will study the impact on Dibru-Saikhowa National Park and Maguri Motapung Wetland, assess compensation for those affected, and suggest preventive and remedial measures. The tribunal has directed the committee to submit its preliminary report as expeditiously as possible and not later than 30 days from the date of issue of the order. NGT will take up the matter next on July 29. In view of the prima facie case made out against OIL on the extent of damage caused to the environment and biodiversity, damage to both human and wildlife, public health and having regard to the financial worth of the company and the extent of damage, we direct OIL to deposit an initial amount of Rs 25 cr with the district magistrate Tinsukia and shall abide by further orders of the tribunal, NGT said in its order. OIL has said it will take experts about a month to control the fire and plug the blowout. Heavy rainfall in the area since Monday and the collapse of a bridge along the route to the well have hampered the work at the site. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Due to the rising tensions of India with the Chinese, people in India are moving away from using Chinese products in order to prevent giving their business to Chinese companies. There are many Non-Chinese mobile brands that one can use instead of buying phones that are made in China. Some of these are also Made in India mobile brands. While the integration of global supply chains and the pre-Covid nature of sourcing in the electronics industry is such that it is hard to state definitively that each and every component is made in India, in case of the below list, there is appreciable value-add within India's borders and profits arising from the sales of the products in question are not held by Chinese entities. Also Read | Made In India Refrigerators: Here Are Some Indian-made Fridges To Keep Your Food Cool Here is a list of Non-Chinese mobile brands Apple Inc Apple is one of the most popular brands when it comes to digital technology. It is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Cupertino, California. The company manufactures and sells consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. The company was founded in 1976 by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. In the year 2007, the company started selling the iPhone and thus started a legacy. Today, the latest models are iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone SE. Samsung Samsung is a Korean multinational conglomerate. It is headquartered in Samsung Town, Seoul. It was founded by Lee Byung-chul in 1938 as a trading company and entered the electronics industry by 1960s. The company is also one of the first companies that provided affordable smartphone handsets in India. Its latest models include Galaxy A51 along with Galaxy Z Flip. (Source: Samsung's Facebook) Also Read | Indian mobile companies: Here is a list of cell-phones that are 'Made in India' Nokia Corporation Nokia is a Finnish multinational telecommunications company. It was founded in the year 1865 and have its headquarters set up in Espoo. Nokia is also a famous brand when it comes to Indian consumers. Nokia gives some affordable as well as stylish products like Nokia 7 Plus and Nokia 6.1 Plus. (Source: Nokia's Facebook) Also Read | Indian TV Brands: Here is a list of TV sets that are 'Made In India' Micromax Informatics Micromax Informatics is the largest phone manufacturer company in India. It makes low-cost and affordable handsets and also has manufactured LED televisions and tablets. The companys headquarters are set up in Gurugram, Haryana. They started selling mobile phones in 2008. Mohit Sharma, Dewas and Rohit Patel are the co-founders of the company. Some famous models of Micromax are Canvas Infinity and Infinity N11. (Source: Micromax's Facebook) Lava International Lava International established its ground in India in the year 2009. Its Chairman and Managing Director Hari Om Rai started the company to empower people with giving the best in their hands. Lava was ranked as the Most Trustworthy Brand in the CMR Retail Sentiment Index 2018. It is also the only company that has complete design and manufacturing in India. (Source: Lava's Facebook) XOLO smartphones Next in the Indian Mobiles list is Xolo Smartphones. XOLO is a subsidiary of Lava International. Its headquarters is located at Noida. XOLO became the first company to launch a smartphone with an Intel processor, the XOLO X900. It's XOLO Black and XOLO Q series are also very famous. (Source: XOLO's Facebook) Also Read | Indian Laptop Companies: Here is a list of Laptops that are Made In India A 24-year-old man was arrested Wednesday in the fatal shooting Tuesday of a 44-year-old man in Tuscaloosa, authorities said. Omar Fowler was arrested in the murder of Henry McAlpine, said Tuscaloosa County Sheriffs Offices Violent Crimes Unit spokesman Capt. Jack Kennedy. Fowler and McAlpine were acquaintances, Kennedy said. Tuscaloosa police were called to DCH Hospital on a report of a shooting victim who arrived at the hospital by personal vehicle. Officers determined McAlpine was shot in the 3000 block of Elm Street in Tuscaloosa. McAlpine died at the hospital early Wednesday morning. Fowler was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail on $150,000 bond, Kennedy said. Provenance Properties Sales Lounge in The Residences at Seafire Whether [our] clients are acquiring properties for investment, vacation or permanent residency in the Cayman Islands we know that REALM will further enhance our ability to connect international clients with opportunities here. Provenance Properties Cayman Islands, the exclusive affiliate of Christies International Real Estate in the Cayman Islands, and REALM together announce that Provenance Properties has been extended an exclusive Cayman Islands membership in the worlds premiere luxury real estate membership network. At Provenance Properties, being trusted advisors to our clients seeking luxury real estate in the Cayman Islands is the cornerstone of our brokerage, says Sue Nickason of Provenance Properties. It is through our affiliation with Christies International Real Estate and our relationships with leading luxury real estate partners including, now, REALM - that we are able to offer bespoke service for property transactions. Whether these clients are acquiring properties for investment, vacation or permanent residency in the Cayman Islands we know that REALM will further enhance our ability to connect international clients with opportunities here. REALM is the luxury real estate technology community that is founded and inspired by leading luxury real estate professionals across the globe to leverage human connections and power agent productivity in the luxury sector through networking and insight. REALM offers its 200 members and their clients access to listings, elite global events, experiences and resources such as proprietary content and intelligence with the sole mission of adding unmatched value to the agent relationships. We are honoured to welcome Provenance Properties to REALM, says Julie Faupel, founder of REALM. The elite REALM membership experience is comprised of the worlds most trusted and respected real estate professionals who apply to the luxury community and are vetted by their peers. Members receive access to private listings to share with their clients, elite global events, experiences and resources such as proprietary content and intelligence with the sole mission of adding unmatched value to the agent relationships. REALM is the first membership community in real estate that is brand agnostic to create an unsurpassed experience connecting top agents from various real estate brands in service to their clients. Early adopters and collaborators with REALM include real estate professionals and industry leaders from across the United States, led by agents from Brown Harris Stevens, Strand Hill Properties, Richardson Properties, Hilton & Hyland, Slifer Smith and Frampton, Landvest and Compass. About Provenance Properties Provenance Properties is the exclusive Christies International Real Estate affiliate in the Cayman Islands, the sole real estate brokerage for Dart Real Estate and a member of the Cayman Islands Real Estate Brokers Association (CIREBA). Provenance provides access to a large and growing portfolio of private residences, condominiums, hotel residences and land in the Cayman Islands. In addition to premium entry to the Cayman Islands most desirable properties, Provenance leverages the experience and reputation of the regions premier real estate developer. For more information, visit provenanceproperties.com, keep up with the latest information on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. About REALM REALM is the first-ever collaborative, lifestyle-matching venture in real estate that enables its member-agents to greater productivity and relationship enhancement through the power of data. REALM connects discerning clientele and their advisors through a patent-pending matching platform and bespoke experiences customized to enhance relationships. REALM uses an open platform, which will work with various CRMs to optimize members client lists while working in a secure, encrypted environment. To learn more, go to https://www.realm-global.com. Nicole Kidman is known for her class, poise and elegance. But the Australian actress also has a cheeky side, which she showed off in a classic Jay Leno interview many years ago. Speaking to Vanity Fair this week, Russell Crowe revealed that Nicole once tricked Jay into saying the Aussie slang term 'crack a fat' on his late night talk show. Outrageous! Nicole Kidman once tricked Jay Leno into using the Australian slang term 'crack a fat' on his late night talk show many years ago. Pictured together in 2003 To 'crack a fat' means to get a full erection, but it seems Nicole told the American comedian it meant something else. 'She said it and Jay kept repeating it over and over again, and Nicole realised the hole she'd dug herself into,' Russell explained. 'Jay kept saying things like, "We'll be right back after this break to crack a fat with Nicole Kidman!" And that sent Nicole into giggles.' Hilarious: Russell Crowe revealed the incident during an interview with Vanity Fair this week. Pictured with Nicole in 2013 Russell was discussing Australian and New Zealand slang terms with Vanity Fair when he shared the hilarious Jay Leno story. The 56-year-old actor is currently promoting his road rage thriller, Unhinged. And in exciting news, there are currently rumblings of a sequel to Russell's most iconic film, Gladiator. Doug Wick, who produced the original 2000 film, recently said that director Sir Ridley Scott was attempting to make a sequel - but it was proving to be a challenge because nobody wanted to make another movie just for the sake of it. Cheeky! To 'crack a fat' means to get a full erection, but it seems Nicole told Jay it meant something else. Russell explained: 'Jay kept saying things like, "We'll be right back after this break to crack a fat with Nicole Kidman!" And that sent Nicole into giggles' He told ComicBook.com: 'Ridley would love to do it. It's really all about getting something on paper. 'Everyone [involved with the original] loves the movie too much to ever consider cheaply exploiting it and making something that's a shadow of it. 'It's just really a clear creative problem, working on a script, and if we can ever get it to a place... Ridley's working on it. It's really just a question of whether we can get it to a place where it feels worthy to make it. It's a real challenge.' A sequel would be challenging, of course, because lead character Maximus Decimus Meridius - played by Russell - is dead. Two brothers who cops allege Jussie Smollett paid to carry out a staged hate crime against him are now refusing to cooperate with the case because they're being treated like suspects. The Chicago Police Department claims Ola and Abel Osundario were paid $3,500 to jump the Empire actor in January 2019 before he claimed he was victim of a homophobic attack. The acting brothers agreed to help police in the case against Smollett but now their lawyer has said they have changed their minds because the police are treating them as suspects and withholding their belongings as evidence. 'It's been over a year and they need to give us our stuff back,' Abel Osundairo complained to CBS 2 on Wednesday. 'I would understand if we were defendants in the case, which we are not.' Two brothers had agreed to testify against Jussie Smollett (pictured) after police accused him of paying them to stage a homophobic attack in January 2019 Ola and Abel Osundario are pictured arriving to court in Chicago, Illinois on February 24 But Abel Osundairo filed a police report on Wednesday and complains that cops are withholding his belongings as part of evidence During a police raid, cops took a number of possessions belonging to Abel, who said that the bulk of the items he can't get back belong to his loved ones. 'Most of the stuff isn't even mine,' Abel said. 'They belong to my oldest brother, my mother, my sister. They even took my dog's toy.' But he's also concerned about his firearm. The authorities are in possession of his 9mm gun and ammunition inside a safe. 'Legally it belongs to me, and I want to know its whereabouts,' he continued. His attorney, Schmidt Rodriguez, has filed a court motion with a judge for the items to be returned. Abel also filed a police report on Wednesday as part of the administrative dispute. Police told CBS 2 that the weapon is still in the chain of evidence and they will comply with the order if appropriate. 'Of course I'm skeptical, because you are saying one thing one day and another thing another day,' Abel Osundairo said. 'It's just another thing we have to go through.' Police added they will cooperate with a judge's order to turn over or produce evidence if appropriate, with the Chicago PD telling CBS 2 that the handgun is being preserved as evidence in an evidence locker. He has a 9mm gun, ammunition, dog toy and other items that belong to his family still in the possession of Chicago police Earlier this month, a Cook County judge shot down actor Smollett's attempt have criminal charges against him dropped, telling the actor that the new charges against him do not violate his right against double jeopardy. Smollett's attorneys made the double jeopardy argument after a special prosecutor secured a six-count indictment on charges alleging that he lied to police about a racist and anti-gay attack that police say he staged himself. The new case came months after the county's state's attorney's office abruptly announced it was dropping charges against the actor, angering police and City Hall. The way Judge James Linn saw it, the only way double jeopardy would apply is if Smollett was legally punished for what had happened to him since he was charged in connection with the January 2019 incident in downtown Chicago. But Linn determined that the deal in which the state's attorney's office agreed to drop charges without requiring Smollett to admit any wrongdoing and Smollett agreed to forfeit his $10,000 bond did not add up to legal punishment. Smollett contends that early on January 29, 2019, he was walking home when two masked men approached him, made racist and homophobic insults, beat him and looped a noose around his neck before fleeing. Smollett contends that early on January 29, 2019, he was walking home when two masked men approached him, made racist and homophobic insults, beat him and looped a noose around his neck before fleeing. He originally told his story on GMA He said his assailants, at least one of whom he described as white, told him he was in 'MAGA country' - a reference to President Donald Trump's campaign slogan, 'Make America Great Again.' Weeks later, the story that already received international media attention took a shocking twist when police alleged that Smollett, who is black and openly gay, had paid two black friends $3,500 to help him stage the attack because he was unhappy with his salary as an actor on 'Empire,' a Fox series about that follows a black family as they navigate the ups and downs of the recording industry. Smollett was accused of using the scheme to drum up publicity for his career. Months after local prosecutors made their stunning announcement that they were dropping charges, a judge last August appointed Dan Webb, a former U.S. attorney, to look into why those original charges were dropped. Smollett was indicted again in February. He has maintained his innocence. It was not immediately clear when Smollett might stand trial. At the same time, Smollett is battling a lawsuit filed by the city seeking more than $130,000 for overtime paid to officers who were involved in investigating his report. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Bali Thu, June 25, 2020 11:39 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661840d9 2 News yogi,yoga,House-of-Om,Wissam-Barakeh,travel Free A Syrian yogi will be kicked out of Bali for holding a crowded gathering that violated the Indonesian holiday island's coronavirus restrictions, a justice official said Wednesday. House of Om, a holistic retreat in Bali's cultural hub of Ubud, found itself in a hot water after a video went viral showing at least sixty foreign yoga enthusiasts crammed together at a gathering last week. Few of the cross-legged participants wore masks or kept a distance from each other, sparking widespread anger in Bali where coronavirus infections have been on the rise. On Wednesday, the island's immigration department said it would deport retreat co-founder Wissam Barakeh, 45, to his native Syria for breaking rules that prohibit gatherings of more than two dozen people. Read also: Theres no place like Ubud for yoga "(He) didn't try to cancel the event even after the number of participants exceeded what's allowed by the government," said Jamaruli Manihuruk, the head of Bali's justice and legal office. "Holding this during the pandemic is dangerous," he added. Barakeh, in Bali on a temporary visa, is now being held at an immigration center until plans to return him to his war-torn homeland are sorted out, Manihuruk said. The volume of flights to and from Bali has plummeted in the midst of the global pandemic, crippling the island's key tourism sector. As of Tuesday, Bali has reported 1,158 confirmed coronavirus infections, with nine deaths. Standing for Nearly 170 Years, This Yangon Monastery Has Been a Key Site for Two Religions in Myanmar Contrary to Conservatives allegations, Champagne said that his obligations to the Bank of China did not compromise his work as a diplomat in service of the Canadian government. Neither of these mortgages nor any of my other liabilities have ever had a bearing on my function as a public office holder, Champagne said. In a statement to The Globe and Mail earlier this month, Champagne explained that he was living in the United Kingdom when he borrowed from the Bank of China in 2009 and 2013. At the time I purchased these apartments, the Bank of China (U.K.) Ltd. was one of a very limited number of banks providing residential mortgages for terms of more than 20 years to people residing in the UK on temporary worker visas, Champagne said. Critics remained unconvinced. Conservative MP Garnett Genuis said that Champagnes actions represented a strange about-face. If all goes well, scientists will defy the longest of odds and bring to market a vaccine, or multiple vaccines, to defeat the novel coronavirus by late 2020 or early 2021, years ahead of any vaccine clinical trial timetable in history. A select group of experts will then take the baton to confront an equally historic task: globally distributing billions of vials of lifesaving medicine, syringes, and other treatment tools quickly, reliably, and safely to a desperate world. The life sciences supply chain, composed of specialized professionals working in the world's most demanding vertical, has trained its whole life for this moment. Three leading firms interviewed for this story UPS Inc. (NYSE: UPS), Deutsche Post DHL, and Unitrans International Corp., a wholly-owned unit of AIT Worldwide Logistics have been involved in discussions with their manufacturing partners months before any vaccine would even be proposed for regulatory approval. In simple terms, a typical domestic vaccine shipment moves from the manufacturer via temperature-controlled truck to a packaging and labeling specialist. According to Andrew Schadegg, Unitrans' president, most domestic packaging is preconditioned at a temperature range to maintain those levels for a set number of hours. From there, the product is trucked by a specialized third-party logistics provider for delivery to hospitals, clinics, or other end users. The complexities are in the details. Still, executives are confident they have the expertise, experience, and resources to scale up fast and execute properly should the bell hopefully ring. "The way we would handle COVID-19 is similar to the way we would handle the distribution of a flu vaccine," said Wes Wheeler, president of UPS Healthcare, which operates under the auspices of the parent company. Marken, another life sciences subsidiary of UPS, has managed the logistics of 19 clinical trials involving vaccines, Wheeler said. Story continues Obstacles Ahead There will be obstacles. One is the availability of materials like glass needed to make vials. A published report over the weekend highlighted potential shortages of glass that could hinder vial manufacturing. Another factor beyond the logisticians' control is the speed that manufacturers can pump out vaccines without potentially compromising safety and consistency. In both cases, a supply chain is only as responsive as the production that goes ahead of it, they said. "You're not going to have 330 million doses administered in the U.S. in one day," said Schadegg, referring to the approximate U.S. population. Vaccine production will have an assembly-line feel to it, Schadegg said. Availability will be prioritized to ill patients and those with a high-risk profile before the vaccines are dispensed to the general population. The U.S. government's Operation Warp Speed program has set a goal of 300 million doses of a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine by January. Another challenge would be the lack of linearity. No one knows where paydirt will be struck, or who will strike it. The active ingredient at the heart of a vaccine may be produced in one location in the world and need to be shipped to a "finished dose" manufacturing site hundreds or thousands of miles away. It is possible that multiple vaccines will be approved and that manufacturing will occur simultaneously at many global points. Effective distribution outcomes will demand nimble, flexible supply chains with massive geographic footprints. There is also the unprecedented nature of vaccine development. Vaccines work by training the body to recognize and respond to proteins produced by disease-causing organisms such as a virus or bacteria. Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, which have never been approved for use against a coronavirus but are being developed to treat SARS-COV-2, the formal name for this coronavirus, trick the body into producing its own viral proteins by using mRNA, the molecule that essentially puts the body's DNA instructions into action. However, the shelf life and stability of mRNA vaccines likely would be short and extremely fragile, making effective shipping and handling a challenge. For example, a vaccine being developed by drug giant Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) likely could not be exposed to ambient air for more than 10 or 20 seconds before being rendered useless. This ultra-tight window would require careful handling as the product moves from dry ice in bulk to be packaged, labeled, and shipped, experts said. All vaccines are strictly temperature-controlled. Some now under development would be stored at between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius, considered a standard range. But other vaccines would need to be kept at minus 80 degrees, levels that would add complexity to the supply chain. UPS Healthcare is building freezer farms in Louisville, Kentucky, home of its global air hub, and in the Netherlands to accommodate these products, according to Wheeler. DHL Global Forwarding has handled vaccines at minus 60 degrees, said David Goldberg, CEO of the U.S. arm of DHL Global Forwarding, the DHL unit that is handling the project. Going colder than that would require "additional conversations" with stakeholders, Goldberg said. Governments generally don't get involved in vaccine distribution. However, the sense of urgency in developing and distributing a COVID-19 vaccine has changed the calculus, according to logistics experts. The Trump administration is working closely with private industry to develop a vaccine, and it is expected to be equally proactive if and when the efforts turn to distribution. Because government input in vaccine logistics is so uncommon and no one knows in what direction this White House will head, the supply chain needs to be prepared for anything, experts said. Layered on top of that uncertainty is a frayed geopolitical environment that may pit countries against each other in vaccine development and distribution, rather than governments collaborating toward a solution. Should distribution ramp up, it is likely airlines will be pressed into service first because of their speed-to-market capabilities. Typically, the bellies of the passenger aircraft would be an ideal conveyance for the vaccine. However, the pandemic has indefinitely grounded nearly all international passenger flights, taking the bellies with them. According to Schadegg of Unitrans, air cargo capacity, whether it be scheduled freighters, charters, or so-called passenger freighters passenger aircraft hastily reconfigured to carry main-deck cargo on seats or on cabin floors with the seats removed are fully committed. Schadegg's comments are supported by a story published earlier this month in the trade publication The Loadstar.The story cited data from a consultancy that global air "load factors," a key measure of demand, had hit their highest point last week since 2018. Goldberg of DHL Global Forwarding, the world's largest air forwarder, said that while global capacity is down about 25% from a year ago, the trans-Pacific trade lanes have more capacity year-on-year due to a large influx of charter aircraft deployed to replace the lost belly lift. It will take a lot of air capacity to move the projected volumes. Depending on factors such as the source of production and packaging requirements, it will require 7,000 to 8,000 dedicated Boeing 747 freighter flights to ship the equivalent of 1 billion doses, according to DHL Global Forwarding estimates. Goldberg said his unit's improved ocean freight capabilities could play a critical role, and not just as a secondary mode to respond once adequate inventories get built up. End-to-end deliveries by his unit's full-container-load sea freight service can be executed within 12 to 16 days, depending on the origin and destination points, he said. For example, a China-to-U.S. service would take 16 days from origin to destination. "We see ocean freight being used right at the start alongside of air," Goldberg said. No Time For Silos Vaccine logistics is not for the faint of heart. The orchestra has many instruments trucks, warehouses, aircraft, vessels, packaging, customs brokerage, technology which all must play in concert. Lives and billions of dollars are at stake. Real-time package tracking is critical, especially if companies like DHL and UPS use providers outside of their own networks. UPS' Marken subsidiary operates GPS equipment that can track shipments in real-time regardless of who is handling them, according to Wheeler. In delivering a COVID-19 vaccine, Schadegg of Unitrans said it is critical to building redundancies in every phase of the supply chain. Having a backup for every discipline, he said, will ensure there is a safety valve in case the primary provider is overwhelmed with demand or struggles to perform. "We always have contingency plans, and we make sure the system is robust," he said. Wheeler of UPS Healthcare advises drug manufacturers to bring their logistics partners further upstream into the operation than they normally do. For reasons ranging from the desire to have control of the total process to a project's sheer complexity, pharmaceutical companies prefer to handle as much as they can in-house. For the battle about to be waged, it should be all hands equally on deck, he asserted. "The whole world is watching," he said. Photo by Pixabay from Pexels. See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Lynne Sladky/AP Coronavirus tests will be free to Ector County residents at upcoming mobile testing initiative, according to a press release from the city of Odessa. Ector County will be administering 200 tests at each event. Testing schedule is as follows: -- 9-11 a.m. Tuesday at Sherwood Park --11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 2 at Woodson Park 11 --98-11 a.m. July 14 at Salina Park --9-11 a.m. July 16 at UTPB Park --9-11 a.m. July 21 at Lawndale Park --11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 23 at Floyd Gwinn Park --9-11 a.m. July 28 at Slaton Park --9-11 a.m. July 30 at Central Park For more information about the mobile testing initiative call 582-7969. *** Odessa mayor David Turner said he will be looking into how the city of Lubbock is going forward with possibly creating a mask requirement. Anything that is done to mandate masks in Odessa would have to be approved by the city council, he said Wednesday. Ector County Health Department reported that as of June 1 there were a total of 170 cases, 161 confirmed and nine probable cases. As of Wednesday, number of confirmed and probable cases stands at 670. Ector County has seen an increase of 500 cases over 24 days. Owner of 'Yachts o' Trouble' gets prison for secretly taping underage females ASHEVILLE A 51-year-old Cleveland County man was sentenced to 35 years in prison for secretly recording nude videos of underage females aboard his yacht, U.S. Attorney Andrew Murray announced on Thursday. William Richard Hilliard Jr., a former resident of Cleveland County and Cherryville currently living in Gastonia, received the sentence from Chief U.S. District Judge Martin Reidinger, who also ordered him to serve a lifetime of supervised release and to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. Reidinger also ordered Hilliard to pay $88,476 in restitution to five victims and imposed a $5,000 special assessment fee. According to court documents and statements made in court, Hilliard was arrested on June 11, 2018, by Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, law enforcement officers on charges of video voyeurism. Hilliard, the owner of a yacht called Yachts O Trouble, had been discovered secretly recording nude videos of unsuspecting females aboard his yacht, including minors and adult guests. Court records show that as a result of the events surrounding his arrest, the FBI coordinated an extensive multi-state and multi-agency investigation. Investigators discovered that, over the course of eight to ten years, he had secretly produced multiple secret recordings of at least 16 child victims at various locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama, including aboard his yacht, in his homes, in various hotel rooms, and elsewhere. Court records also show that, at times, Hilliard made secret recordings of victims he had hired as babysitters for his young children, and used multiple hidden devices to record his victims from different angles while they were using the shower and changing clothes. Some of the victims were as young as 5 years old. According to court records, also Hilliard engaged in sexual acts with one of the minor victims, which he secretly recorded. Hilliard pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography in April 2019. He is currently in custody and will be transferred to the custody of the federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In making the announcement, Murray thanked the FBIs Charlotte Division, the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the Horry County Police Department, and the Cleveland County Sheriffs Office for their investigation of this case with assistance from FBI Knoxville, FBI Birmingham, Homeland Security Investigations, the Cherryville and Gastonia police departments. The U.S. Attorneys Office in Asheville prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing online sexual exploitation of children. By combining resources, federal, state and local agencies are better able to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue those victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. The remains of 147 South Korean soldiers who died in North Korea during the Korean War returned home on Wednesday. They had been found by American excavators in North Korea and transported to the U.S. for identification. ABC chairwoman Ita Buttrose has lashed out at Communications Minister Paul Fletcher over the Morrison government's handling of its multimillion-dollar budget cuts and accused him of lying about the national broadcaster's efforts to collaborate with SBS. In a fresh war of words between the taxpayer-funded broadcaster and the Coalition government, Ms Buttrose has accused Mr Fletcher of twice failing to provide the ABC board and management with the critical data that informed an independent report proposing the closure of two broadcast channels and the sharing of back-office and support services with fellow public broadcaster SBS. Ita Buttrose said the government misrepresented the ABC's efforts to work closer with SBS. Credit:Jessica Hromas Ms Buttrose has also said the government misrepresented the ABC's efforts to work closer with SBS. In a strongly-worded letter to Mr Fletcher, seen by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, Ms Buttrose said the ABC's board had asked her to "convey its concerns" about Mr Fletcher's lack of response to correspondence between the pair in September last year. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 25, 2020) - Philippine Metals Inc. (TSXV: PHI) ("PMI" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a letter of intent dated June 22, 2020 with Bravo Zulu Drone Defense Inc. (or "Bravo Zulu") pursuant to which the parties will, inter alia, negotiate a plan of arrangement agreement whereby PMI will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Bravo Zulu in exchange for shares of the Company (the "Acquisition"). The Acquisition will constitute a reverse takeover ("RTO") of the Company. All currency figures quoted herein are in Canadian dollars. Information Concerning Bravo Zulu As its name implies, Bravo Zulu Drone Defense Inc. (www.bravozulusecure.com) is in the business of providing drone defence security solutions for the marine, defence and security industries. Bravo Zulu provides bespoke single-source solutions for clients seeking elegant, innovative products and software in security, intelligence and Electronic Counter Measures (ECM), as well as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), utilizing cutting-edge technology for detecting and jamming unwanted drones. It markets its distinctive design-customization and service process to customers in the military, special forces, secret service, marine industry, NGO's and multinationals, as well as anti-corruption committees, banks and security companies. Bravo Zulu's industry-leading technology is provided through an exclusive technology license and transfer, manufacturing, sales and marketing agreement with SCG Security & Counterintelligence Group, LLC ("SCG"), an industry leading developer of proprietary technologies including the Drone Ranger, Drone Rifle and Diomidis product ranges (collectively the "Products and Technology"). Under this partnership with SCG, Bravo Zulu has, inter alia: Exclusive right in North and South America, Australia and New Zealand and a non-exclusive right elsewhere worldwide to use, sell, advertise, distribute, develop, design, import and export SCG's Products and Technology and derivatives and improvements thereto; Exclusive worldwide right for marine and prison applications developed by Bravo Zulu which incorporate the Products and Technology; Exclusive right in North and South America, Australia and New Zealand and a non-exclusive right, subject to the consent of SCG (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld) elsewhere worldwide, in Bravo Zulu's discretion, to manufacture the Products and Technology and to develop and manufacture other products incorporating the Technology; Right to prosecute IP protection and share in future IP; and Right to provide all support services including training, servicing, warranty and maintenance. Story continues In 2016, Drone Ranger was selected as the Best Detection and Determination System and Best End-to-End System (a winner in 2 out of 3 total categories) in the MITRE Counter Unmanned Aircraft System ("C-UAS") Challenge. The MITRE C-UAS Challenge asked innovators from around the world to identify solutions that could: Detect small drones (under 5 lbs) during flight and determine which ones were threats based on a geographic location and flight trajectory; and Interdict small UAVs that were perceived as threats by forcing them to be recovered intact in a safe area. The Anti-Drone Market for detection and disruption is projected to be greater than US$1 billion in 2022 and surpass $1.9 billion in 2024, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate of 30.39% from 2018 - 2024 (Source: December 2018 :Markets and Markets Analysis Global Forecast to 2024"). Transaction Summary Pursuant to the Transaction, it is anticipated that PMI will consolidate its outstanding common shares on the basis of one new share ("New PMI Shares") for every four old shares. Consideration for the acquisition will be non-cash and will be in the form of the issuance of 26,250,000 New PMI Shares in exchange for 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Bravo Zulu (which currently has 36,000,000 common shares issued and outstanding). Additionally, Bravo Zulu is currently undertaking a $2,000,000 financing priced at $0.25 per unit totalling 8,000,000 units (the "BZ Private Placement), with each unit comprising one common share and one half of one common share purchase warrant. Each full warrant provides the holder the right to acquire one additional common share at a price of $0.35 per share for a period of twenty four months. Each unit issued in the BZ Private Placement will be exchanged for one New PMI Share and a half warrant to acquire a further New PMI Share at $0.35 per New PMI Share. As a result, it is expected that PMI will issue a total of 34,250,000 New PMI Shares. The final structure of the Transaction is subject to receipt of tax, corporate and securities law advice for both PMI and Bravo Zulu. The Company may seek a listing on an exchange other than the TSX Venture Exchange. The Transaction will be arm's-length and will not be a related party transaction, under applicable securities rules. No deposit or advance has been made, or is anticipated to be made, by PMI to Bravo Zulu in connection with the Transaction. The Company currently has 20,118,338 common shares issued and outstanding, as well as 1,000,000 stock options exercisable at $0.07 per share and 1,428,688 warrants to acquire PMI shares exercisable at $0.10 per share. As previously stated, the share capital of PMI will be consolidated on the basis of one New PMI Share for every four existing shares. The Transaction is subject to a number of terms and conditions, including, but not limited to: the parties entering into a definitive agreement with respect to the Transaction (such agreement to include representations, warranties, conditions and covenants typical for a transaction of this nature); the completion of satisfactory due diligence investigations by the parties on or before July 15, 2020; receipt of all necessary board and shareholder approvals; completion of the financing described above and receipt of the approval of either the TSX Venture Exchange or the Canadian Securities Exchange. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Trading in the shares of PMI is expected to remain halted until the Transaction has been completed. Further details concerning the Transaction (including additional financial information) and other matters will be announced if and when a definitive agreement is reached. Until the earlier of the termination date of the LOI and the closing date of the Transaction, each of the Company and Bravo Zulu agree to negotiate in good faith exclusively with each other in respect of the Transaction and shall not (and will not, directly or indirectly, permit any of their representatives to): (i) enter into, or continue, or do anything to facilitate or encourage negotiations with any other person that reasonably could be expected to lead to any Acquisition Proposal (as defined below) other than the Transaction; or (ii) directly or indirectly provide information to any person, solicit, or do anything to facilitate or encourage expressions of interest from any other person in respect of any such a transaction. Each of the Company and Bravo Zulu agree to promptly disclose to the other any unsolicited offer it receives for: (i) the purchase of their respective shares, or any portion thereof; (ii) the purchase of all or substantially all of its respective assets; or (iii) any amalgamation, arrangement, merger, business combination, take-over bid, tender or exchange offer, variation of a take-over bid, tender or exchange offer or similar transaction (an "Acquisition Proposal"), as applicable, made to its board of directors or management, or directly to its securityholders. A Finders Fee is being paid totalling 1,250,000 New PMI Shares in connection with this Transaction. Management and Board of Resulting Issuer Upon completion of the Transaction, it expected that the board of directors of the Company (the "Resulting Issuer") will be comprised of Darren Miller, Philip Reece, Patrik Eugster and two others to be named at a later date. Mr. Miller will be the Chief Executive Officer and Sheri Rempel its Chief Financial Officer. The current board and management of PMI will resign on or before closing of the Transaction. Brief biographies of the individuals anticipated to be involved in management and the board of the Resulting Issuer are provided below. Darren Miller, Chief Executive Officer and Director - Darren Miller is the founder of IndroCorp Inc. (www.indrocorp.com), the parent company of Bravo Zulu, and has over twenty-five years of experience in operations, manufacturing and development. He is the founding partner of a leading Canadian Risk Management company focused on corporate asset protection. Mr. Miller has been able to see early opportunities and pull together teams that can work together effectively to scale a business to profitability. His initial buy-in to Delphicom's utility meter technology (the predecessor to IndroCorp.) was no exception. He saw how the meter reading technology could easily be scaled to deliver better results. His early days in oil and gas, which had him working with small producers, has enabled him to understand the needs of gas co-operatives that IndroCorp started to serve. Today, with the addition of Indro Robotics and Bravo Zulu Drone Defense to the Indrocorp Group of Companies, Mr. Miller's visions of a global entity using airborne methodologies to implement up and coming technologies continue to flourish. The opportunities with IoT, urban mobility, and 5G are areas that Mr. Miller and the team want to develop to profitability. Randy Blott, President - Mr. Blott has twenty four years' experience in sales, sales training, sales management and business development in private capital markets. Mr. Blott's experience ranges from working with start-ups to multi-national companies in the areas of data technology, pharmaceuticals, water treatment and real estate. His key roles include business development, key client acquisition, and retention. Mr. Blott has a degree in Marketing from Mount Royal College. Sheri Rempel, Chief Financial Officer - Ms. Rempel has over 30 years of accounting experience working with companies in real estate development, restaurant management, mining, general financial services, and software development. Sheri founded and leads ARO Consulting, a 15-person firm, that specializes in providing accounting services to public companies listed across all three Canadian stock exchanges. Ms. Rempel's team also provides guidance and support for companies preparing to list on a Canadian stock exchange. Beyond accounting services to reporting issuers, Ms. Rempel serves in the capacities of either a Chief Financial Officer, Controller, or Director to several public companies in the mining, investment, and technology sectors. Phillip Reece, CTO & Director - Mr. Reece has twenty-five years' experience in the finance, technology, aviation and drone sectors. He is an advisor to Canadian regulators and the Founder and CEO of InDro Robotics (a sister company to Bravo Zulu and subsidiary of IndroCorp Inc.). Tim Houghton, Business Development - Mr. Houghton has thirty-five years of combined experience as a Senior Detective; commercially in Risk Mitigation, Corporate Security and Investigations. Mr. Houghton has provided risk mitigation for Fortune 500 companies across Canada and internationally. He is a specialist in highly regulated environments, including critical infrastructure, energy, pipeline, extractive, marine security and human safety. Patrik Eugster, Director - Mr. Eugster, a resident of Switzerland, is the Founder and Director of SCG Security & Counterintelligence Group ("SCG") and has more than eighteen years of experience in the defense technologies sector. Over his career, Mr. Eugster has worked with the United Nations Human Rights Council, International Committee of the Red Cross, Global Fund Geneva, as well as the Ministries of Defence, Ministries of the Interior, Presidential Guards, Police, Military, Special Services, and international agents worldwide. Mr. Eugster's desire to provide high-quality, innovative defense technology led him to found SCG Surveillance Consulting Group LLC of Geneva, Switzerland (SCG). Working with a small team, he designed and developed technologies for RF Jamming, video and audio surveillance, Interception on GSM-Sat signals, RF detection systems, encryption systems, drone countermeasures system, and reactive jamming systems. Governments, prisons, and military bases utilize SCG system technology as part of their defense systems. Mr. Eugster holds a Master of Science in Information & Communication Systems from the University of Geneva and has completed advanced studies in Law, Criminology & Security of New Technologies and Commodity Trading. He studied Physics at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (Federal Technical University of Lausanne) and holds a Certification of CEH Certified Ethical Hacker. Mr. Eugster speaks German, French, English, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Robert Burns, Advisory Board Member - As President of an internationally recognized Risk Solutions company, with national and international experience supporting clients locally and around the globe, Mr. Burns is one of the most respected executives in the industry. He leads the strategic direction and oversight of all divisions. Formerly the President & CEO of the largest risk mitigation and investigation company in Canada, Mr. Burns brings drive, experience and relationships to Bravo Zulu. Client-centric and passionate about innovative solutions to risk, he is an award-winning President & CEO, and an active member of Transparency International and ASIS, with extensive experience driving change to solve client problems and mitigate risk within challenging issues and environments. Mr. Burns has worked with "C-suite" clients that include some of Canada's leading global corporations in oil & gas, mining, petro-chemical, transportation, and communications, as well as Justice Departments and Foreign Governments. This includes management and oversight of some of Canada's largest and most sensitive risk, security, and investigative projects over the past two decades. International operations and projects include some of the most turbulent and politically challenging environments in the Middle East, Gulf, South East Asia, Africa, Mexico, Central and South America. Other Information Bravo Zulu is a British Columbia company incorporated on April 24, 2019. Its controlling shareholder is Indrocorp Inc., a widely-held, federally-incorporated company active in the drone industry under the names Stratocom Solutions, InDro Robotics and Bravo Zulu. Bravo Zulu is currently pre-revenue. From inception to December 31, 2019, Bravo Zulu recorded revenues of $nil and a loss of $260,061. At December 31, 2019, shareholders equity was $nil. However, subsequent to December 31, 2019, a financing of $520,000 was completed at $0.10 per share. All information contained herein is unaudited. Additional financial information will be forthcoming as it becomes available. All information contained in this news release relating to Bravo Zulu was provided by Bravo Zulu to the Company for inclusion herein. The Company has not independently verified such information and shall bear no liability for any misrepresentation contained therein. Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including, but not limited to, either TSXV or CSE acceptance to list the Company's common shares and the approval of Bravo Zulu shareholders. Where applicable, the Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of PMI should be considered highly speculative. Forward Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the transactions, concurrent financings or any contemplated change to the Company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations are risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. As a result, the Company cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will only update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Craig T. Lindsay" Chief Executive Officer For additional information, please contact: Craig Lindsay Tel: (604) 218-0550 Email: craig@agcap.ca Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This News Release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "US Securities Act") or any State securities laws, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to US Persons unless registered under the US Securities Act and applicable State securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/58572 The decision was made at a National Security Council meeting convened on Wednesday at which Kono officially told a meeting of Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) about retracting the plan to deploy the Aegis Ashore missile systems, reports Xinhua news agency. Tokyo, June 25 (IANS) Japanese Defence Minister Taro Kono said on Thursday that the government has decided to scrap a plan to deploy land-based missile defence systems, made by the US, at two sites in the country. "After deliberations at the National Security Council, we have come to the decision to cancel the deployment in Yamaguchi and Akita prefectures," Kono told LDP lawmakers. He also said the Ministry had struggled to find alternate sites for the two missile batteries. Kono had already indicated last week that the deployment of the Aegis Ashore missile systems in Yamaguchi and Akita prefectures would be halted owing to major technical issues and mounting costs. Japan first decided to deploy the two missile defence systems in 2017. Kono said on June 16, one day after he unexpectedly announced the plan was unfeasible, that the initial decision to deploy the two missile batteries was "correct at the time". But in a U-turn on the matter, Kono told a House of Representatives Security Committee that while the decision may have been the right one at the time, it can no longer "be deemed rational given the cost and time required to prepare for its operation". The 180-billion-yen ($1.7 billion) missile defence system, of which 12 billion yen has already been paid to the US, was supposed to be online in fiscal 2025 and aimed to operate in support of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) Aegis-equipped destroyers. Kono, however, said that guaranteeing the rocket booster of the system's interceptor missile would, after a launch, land in a designated Self-Defense Force training area or the sea, was no longer a promise the Defence Ministry could keep, without the hardware being further reconfigured. The costs involved in further modifying the Aegis Ashore's Standard Missile-3 Block IIA interceptor to address its technical issues, would equal the 200 billion yen and more than 10 years already spent in enhancing the technology, Kono said. The plan has, since its conception, has met with a myriad of problems, including a strong public backlash from residents in the two proposed sites. The Defence Ministry, in addition, has also come under fire for initially using flawed data to select sites for hosting the controversial land-based missile launcher systems. --IANS ksk/ A customer at a San Antonio home improvement store, upset because an employee told him he needed to wear a mask, got into a confrontation with County Judge Nelson Wolff, who just happened to be waiting in line nearby. The customer, whose name has not been released, could be facing criminal charges, said Sheriff Javier Salazar. It was an assault, Salazar said, Theres no excuse for it. The employees of the store were really just trying to help this gentleman. The judge was really trying to help him. Theres certainly no cause for assaulting a public servant thats trying to do his job, the sheriff said. On ExpressNews.com: Get the latest update on coronavirus and a tracking map of U.S. cases The county judge didnt give interviews but spoke of the incident at the daily city-county COVID-19 briefing. People have a lot of anger in em, and that certainly happened today, he said. I think he was having a pretty bad day, and he was angry. Wolff, who frequently goes to Lowes at Callahan and Interstate 10 to buy plants, issued the order that resulted in the mask requirement this week, something the 62, 240-pound, middle-aged obviously knew, the sheriff said. Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer According to store video and witness accounts, the customer was at one of the registers when an employee told him about the new order requiring everyone to wear masks. Now Playing: The Bexar County Sheriff's Office is investigating after a man hit Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff on the hand Wednesday over the face mask mandate at a Northwest Side Lowe's. Video: Courtesy Bexar County Sheriff s Office The gentleman became irate, Salazar said. Judge Wolff did intervene. It appears Judge Wolff was just trying to be helpful. Monica Ramos, public information officer for the county, said the confrontation was harsh but that Wolff was OK. The man started to become extremely belligerent, was verbally abusive to this cashier, Ramos said. The judge saw what was going on, went over there to try to defuse the situation, try to assist, tried to explain the order. The man didnt want to hear it. Wolff, 79, pulled out a business card to give the man, county officials said. On ExpressNews.com: Bexar County giving 1 million masks to businesses Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News / Staff photographer Salazar said the customer actually smacked the piece of paper out of Judge Wolffs hand. Wolff then called the sheriff and put the call on speakerphone. I could hear this suspect just berating the judge, Salazar said. He knew exactly who he was, he knew exactly who he was dealing with, and he knew he was in violation of the judges order. The man darted out of the store, but Wolff followed him and wrote down his license plate number. The county judge said he understands some people are angry over the mask mandate. We have to realize we're in a real tough time right now and try not to let that anger get away from you, Wolff said. Try to be understanding that the purpose of the mask is to save other people. Austin-area political consultant Colin Strother said the incident is typical of many that are likely to occur because some politicians and pundits have dismissed COVID-19 as a serious health threat, even as hospitalizations have spiraled in Texas, and questioned the effectiveness of masks. Its very strange, Strother said. In my own personal network, Ive found that overwhelmingly, the people that oppose masks from day one have not believed the severity or possible intensity of this disease. They somehow equate wearing a mask to being denied some type of freedom. Wolff has been a champion of face coverings from the early days of the pandemic, sporting a new bandanna at nearly every city-county coronavirus briefing. He has said he prefers a bandanna or scarf because its easier to handle, and often thanks the person or group who gave him the one hes wearing that day. But he and Mayor Ron Nirenberg had only had a mandatory face-covering requirement in place for a week when Gov. Greg Abbott issued an updated statewide order April 27 that prohibited local authorities from assessing a penalty on individuals who didnt comply. Then Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton warned local authorities in May that a mask requirement would run afoul of Abbotts orders, which encouraged the use of masks but barred cities and counties from legally mandating them. But as the number of cases and hospitalizations jumped after Memorial Day, Wolff saw an opening in Abbotts latest order this month. Wolff and Ron Nirenberg implemented orders that took effect Monday, mandating businesses to require all employees and customers age 10 and older to wear face coverings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonians mostly complying with new mask rule That leaves the first line of enforcement in the hands of store employees. In his remarks to reporters, Salazar noted, store employees have been putting up with this kind of stuff since the onset of the pandemic. Its a lot to put on a 20-year-old cashier or a 19-year-old waiter, or a retired greeter at Wal-Mart, Strother agreed. What are they going to do? Physically stop them? Do they have to call the police? Even Wolff himself has said hes worried about assaults breaking out over the mask rule. At an Express-News editorial board meeting Monday, he said he didnt want store employees to get into a fight with customers who are among a lot of people that are against this. That could turn real nasty, Wolff said Monday. Thats what they want. They want a confrontation. On Wednesday, he said Lowes employees handled the situation the best they could, telling the man he should be wearing a mask in the store and warning they would have to notify the citys 311 call center. He recommended employees explain the rule, but avoid arguments with customers who resist. We knew this was a flash point. If a company tried to enforce it, and you run into somebody thats pretty belligerent, we knew that. And quite frankly, I thought I was going up there to solve something, and it didnt work out so good, Wolff said with a rueful smile at the briefing. Strother called for stronger leadership from the governor, and more responsible rhetoric from our elected officials. This is a public health and safety issue, period. We cant let this become a partisan issue, Strother said. shuddleston@express-news.net | Twitter: @shuddlestonSA About Doug Miller Carpet Sales | Carpet and Flooring | Kannapolis, NC Operating since: 1986 Doug Miller Carpet Sales of Kannapolis, North Carolina has your flooring and tile needs covered. Check out a great selection of carpet, hardwood and more today! Located at 1224 South Main Street in Kannapolis, NC, Doug Miller Carpet Sales is your reliable community leader that specializes in name brand carpeting, vinyl, hardwoods, laminates, remnants and tile for every room in your home or office. With a complete line of products, Doug Miller Carpet Sales staff offers helpful tips about which style to use and what's the best value for your money. Financing is available through OneMain Financial at Doug Miller Carpet Sales Doug Miller Carpet Sales is a member of The Better Business Bureau. They offer free estimates and have been the leading carpet dealers in the region since 1986. Brad Benson is the Digital Marketing Expert of North Carolina. Accepts: American Express Cash Check Discover Financing Options MasterCard Visa Over 500 signatories include Asian leaders Shirin Ebadi and Jose Ramos-Horta, the former Secretary of State Albright, and actor Richard Gere. The health emergency is a "formidable global challenge". The fight against coronavirus exploited to repress freedoms. The Philippines case: in the pandemic Duterte has strengthened its powers. The accusations to China. Bangkok (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Democracy is one of the victims of the global Covid-19 pandemic with some governments exploiting the fight against the new coronavirus to "strengthen the grip on power", deeply undermining basic rights and civil liberties. This is the warning contained in an opened letter signed by over 500 political leaders, intellectual activists and Nobel laureates, including Shirin Ebadi, Lech Walesa and Jose Ramos-Horta, by the former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and by the actor and activist Richard Gere. The health emergency, the authors warn, constitutes a "formidable global challenge to democracy". Already in recent weeks the United Nations had raised the alarm, speaking of "exploitation" of the fight against Covid-19 to repress democratic and personal freedoms. Now the warning is being taken up by hundreds of leading figures from the worlds of politics, culture and activism that "democracy is under threat, and people who care about it must summon the will, the discipline, and the solidarity to defend it. "At stake are the freedom, health, and dignity of people everywhere." - continues the text. The letter, which aims to raise "awareness and mobilize citizens", was created on the initiative of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International Idea), an organization based in Stockholm, Sweden. The pandemic has already led to "serious consequences" on an "economic and social" level, they continue, and "it is very likely that it is already having profound political consequences", says Secretary General Kevin Casas-Zamora. Casas-Zamora pointed to "cases like Hungary where basically the emergency powers invoked by the government had no expiration date." Those powers were lifted however by a unanimous vote in parliament on June 16 that took effect the following day. Then there is the case, adds Kevin Casas-Zamora, of the Philippines of President Rodrigo Duterte who strengthened his powers with the pandemic and, in Salvador, the use of detention centers for the sick. The special powers, the activist warns, are "part of the arsenal" of weapons that can be used to counter the spread of the virus but must be "proportional" to the emergency. The document does not quote China by name, but at certain point, referring to China, says: It is not a coincidence that the current pandemic began in a country where the free flow of information is stifled and where the government punished those warning about the dangers of the viruswarnings that were seen as spreading rumors harmful to the prestige of the state. When voices of responsible citizens are suppressed, the results can be deadly, not for just one country but for the entire world. Helioseismology was used to measure the Sun's meridional flow (in miles per hour). This flow controls the evolution of the global magnetic field and the number of sunspots. Credit: MPS (Z.-C. Liang). The sun's magnetic activity follows an 11-year cycle. Over the course of a solar cycle, the sun's magnetic activity comes and goes. During solar maximum, large sunspots and active regions appear on the sun's surface. Spectacular loops of hot plasma stretch throughout the sun's atmosphere and eruptions of particles and radiation shoot into interplanetary space. During solar minimum, the sun calms down considerably. A striking regularity appears in the so-called butterfly diagram, which describes the position of sunspots in a time-latitude plot. At the beginning of a solar cycle, sunspots emerge at mid-latitudes. As the cycle progresses, they emerge closer and closer to the equator. To explain this "butterfly diagram," solar physicists suspect that the deep magnetic field is carried toward the equator by a large-scale flow. "Over the course of a solar cycle, the meridional flow acts as a conveyor belt that drags the magnetic field along and sets the period of the solar cycle," says Prof. Dr. Laurent Gizon, MPS Director and first author of the new study. "Seeing the geometry and the amplitude of motions in the solar interior is essential to understanding the sun's magnetic field," he adds. To this end, Gizon and his team used helioseismology to map the plasma flow below the sun's surface. Helioseismology is to solar physics what seismology is to geophysics. Helioseismologists use sound waves to probe the sun's interior, in much the same way geophysicists use earthquakes to probe the interior of the Earth. Solar sound waves have periods near five minutes and are continuously excited by near surface convection. The motions associated with solar sound waves can be measured at the sun's surface by telescopes on spacecrafts or on the ground. In this study, Gizon and his team used observations of sound waves at the surface that propagate in the north-south direction through the solar interior. These waves are perturbed by the meridional flow: they travel faster along the flow than against the flow. These very small travel-time perturbations (less than 1 second) were measured very carefully and were interpreted to infer the meridional flow using mathematical modeling and computers. Because it is small, the meridional flow is extremely difficult to see in the solar interior. "The meridional flow is much slower than other components of motion, such as the sun's differential rotation," Gizon explains. The meridional flow throughout the convection zone is no more than its maximum surface value of 50 kilometers per hour. "To reduce the noise level in the helioseismic measurements, it is necessary to average the measurements over very long periods of time," says Dr. Zhi-Chao Liang of MPS. The meridional flow, visualized here by moving corks, sets the period of the Sun's magnetic cycle by transporting the magnetic field around the convection zone in 22 years (two sunspot cycles). Credit: MPS (Z.-C. Liang). The team of scientists analyzed, for the first time, two independent very long time series of data. One was provided by SOHO, the oldest solar observatory in space which is operated by ESA and NASA. The data taken by SOHO's Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) covers the time from 1996 until 2011. A second independent data set was provided by the Global Oscillation Network Group (GONG), which combines six ground-based solar telescopes in the USA, Australia, India, Spain, and Chile to offer nearly continuous observations of the sun since 1995. "The international solar physics community is to be commended for delivering multiple datasets covering the last two solar cycles," says Dr. John Leibacher, a former director of the GONG project. "This makes it possible to average over long periods of time and to compare answers, which is absolutely essential to validate inferences." Ionized gas inside the Sun moves toward the poles near the surface and toward the equator at the base of the convection zone (at a depth of 200 thousand kilometres or 125 thousand miles). Credit: MPS (Z.-C. Liang). Gizon and his team find the flow is equatorward at the base of the convection zone, with a speed of only 15 kilometers per hour (running speed). The flow at the solar surface is poleward and reaches up to 50 kilometers per hour. The overall picture is that the plasma goes around in one gigantic loop in each hemisphere. Remarkably, the time taken for the plasma to complete the loop is approximately 22 yearsand this provides the physical explanation for the sun's eleven-year cycle.Furthermore, sunspots emerge closer to the equator as the solar cycle progresses, as is seen in the butterfly diagram. "All in all, our study supports the basic idea that the equatorward drift of the locations where sunspots emerge is due to the underlying meridional flows," says Dr. Robert Cameron of MPS. "It remains to be understood why the solar meridional flow looks like it does, and what role the meridional flow plays in controlling magnetic activity on other stars," adds Laurent Gizon. Explore further New sunspots potentially herald increased solar activity More information: Gizon et al., Meridional flow in the Sun's convection zone is a single cell in each hemisphere. Science (2020). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi 1126/science.aaz7119 Journal information: Science Gizon et al., Meridional flow in the Sun's convection zone is a single cell in each hemisphere.(2020). DOI: 10.1126/science.aaz7119 ABIDJAN, Cote d'Ivoire, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Publish What You Fund has ranked the African Development Bank fourth out of 47 global development institutions on its Aid Transparency Index. The Index is the only independent measure of aid transparency among the world's major development agencies. The index places the Bank in the highest category of transparency along with other world class institutions such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and UNDP. "We congratulate the African Development Bank - Sovereign Portfolio on achieving 4th place in the 2020 Aid Transparency Index. As large quantities of aid are being reallocated to deal with the COVID-19 emergency, the transparency of international aid is more important than ever," said Gary Forster, CEO of Publish What You Fund, which has produced the index each year since 2011. Publish What You Fund ranked the Bank 'very good' - The highest of the five categories used to assess organisations' transparency. The ranking is based on several criteria, including finance and budgets, basic information data, organisational planning and performance. In the new Index, which covers the 2019 year, the African Development Bank scored 95.5 out of 100 on transparency - A significant improvement on its score for 2018. "It is promising to see an increase in the quantity, quality and timeliness of aid data now being shared by a broad cross section of the world's major aid agencies. As we work together to fill the gaps in the aid data landscape, we look forward to exploring how we can best meet the demand for data and data engagement," said Gary Forster, CEO of Publish What You Fund. The institution's commitment to total transparency is illustrated by MapAfrica- A web-based platform that maps the Bank's investments across Africa. "I am absolutely delighted with this achievement!" said Swazi Tshabalala, Acting Senior Vice President for the African Development Bank Group. "It crowns this institution's commitment to transparency at a time when it has never been so important. With such large volumes of funding now being assigned to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, it is crucial for our citizens to know how much, where and when the African Development Bank is investing in Africa's development." Shasta County health officials say a man showing coronavirus symptoms attended a "large family gathering," now a cluster of a dozen confirmed cases. The man, who is in his 20s, attended the party a few weeks ago. Afterward, he went in for a COVID-19 test and learned he had the virus. The county health department asked 20 people at the party to self-quarantine. As of June 21, 12 party-goers have now tested positive and most are showing symptoms, health officials said. Large indoor gatherings are prohibited by the California stay-at-home order. Although Shasta County still has a relatively small number of cases, its numbers have soared in June. After an April and May where rarely more than one case was confirmed each day, June has consistently had multiple positives per day. The county health department says it's at an overall alert level of 3 out of 4, designating "many cases including community spread, with undetected cases likely." The county now has 86 confirmed cases, 25 people in quarantine, two hospitalizations and four deaths. MORE CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE: Sign up for 'The Daily' newsletter for the latest on coronavirus here. Katie Dowd is the SFGATE managing editor. Email her: katie.dowd@sfgate.com | Twitter: @katiedowd Ukraine counts on the constructive role of France in helping the Russian Federation take the same constructive position and so that it will also be set to move forward with the goal of ending the war and de-occupying the Ukrainian territories, said Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba. "We need to move forward. We look forward to the constructive role of France in helping Russia take the same constructive position and so that it will be also set to move forward with the goal of ending the war and de-occupying our territories," he said at a joint briefing with Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto on the results of the fourth meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Hungarian Commission on Economic Cooperation in Kyiv on Thursday. As reported, a video conference of the presidents of Russia and France, Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron, will be held on Friday during which they will discuss the situation in Ukraine. PHILADELPHIA, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) announced today that it has launched FMC Ventures. The new venture capital arm of FMC Corporation is targeting strategic investments in start-ups and early-stage companies that are developing and applying emerging technologies in the agricultural industry. "At FMC, we are investing in the future of agriculture," said Mark Douglas, president and chief executive officer at FMC. "Through FMC Ventures, we are able to quickly identify, assess and invest in emerging, sustainable technologies that will complement our technology portfolio and deliver strong return on investment." FMC Ventures evaluates emerging technologies of relevance to the agricultural industry and will invest in those that create unique competitive advantage for FMC. Agriculture's most pressing challenges are being addressed through advances in artificial intelligence (AI), genomics, robotics, precision agriculture, biopesticides, synthetic biology and other innovations. As progress in these disciplines converge, they will radically alter how crop inputs are developed, sold and applied. The new venture capital arm of FMC will initially focus investments in these advanced technology areas. Investment in Trace Genomics FMC Ventures announced its first portfolio investment in Trace Genomics, Inc. With operations in Burlingame, CA, and Ames, IA, the start-up combines DNA sequencing with machine learning that not only explains how soil diseases emerge, but also identifies beneficial microorganisms that can be developed into biological products that counter harmful pathogens. Trace Genomics' technology can identify bacteria, fungi, nematodes and pathogens, as well as their interactions with each other and the plant. An in-depth analysis of microbial diversity and its impact on crops are critical data sets needed by agronomists to recommend the right biological products. "Trace Genomics' superior sequencing and analytical approach to managing soil data will complement the growth objectives for our biological portfolio," said Amar Singh, managing director of FMC Ventures. "Understanding the important role of soil biology and accurate prediction of disease risk in fields will be increasingly important as the adoption of sustainable, biological crop protection products continues to accelerate around the world. Soil tests on the market today are insufficient to answer all the right questions in detail. Trace Genomics technology changes that." Trace Genomics was recently selected as one of the World Economic Forum's Technology Pioneers, which recognizes the world's most promising start-ups and scale-ups that are at the forefront of technological and business model innovation. "FMC has deep roots in the food production system worldwideI know because I've worked with their products and technologies for over four decades," said Trace Genomics CEO Dan Vradenburg. "Having a global leader like FMC in our corner validates our investments to change how we nurture soil, our most important agricultural asset. To create a future where this planet can feed 10 billion people, we need to collaborate across the food and agriculture system. All stakeholders in agricultureand certainly solution providers like FMCwant science-backed soil intelligence to unlock the full potential of our living soil. We look forward to collaborating with them as we expand agricultural practices and solutions to help improve farm productivity in a more sustainable manner and restore our living soil." FMC Corporation will retain a minority equity stake in Trace Genomics. Additional terms of the agreement were not disclosed. About FMC FMC Corporation, an agricultural sciences company, provides innovative solutions to growers around the world with a robust product portfolio fueled by a market-driven discovery and development pipeline in crop protection, plant health, and professional pest and turf management. This powerful combination of advanced technologies includes leading insect control products based on Rynaxypyr and Cyazypyr active ingredients; Authority, Boral, Centium, Command and Gamit branded herbicides; Talstar and Hero branded insecticides; and flutriafol-based fungicides. The FMC portfolio also includes biologicals such as Quartzo and Presence bionematicides. FMC Corporation employs approximately 6,400 employees around the globe. To learn more, please visit www.fmc.com. FMC, the FMC logo, Rynaxypyr, Cyazypyr, Authority, Boral, Centium, Command, Gamit, Talstar, Hero, Quartzo and Presence are trademarks of FMC Corporation or an affiliate. Always read and follow all label directions, restrictions and precautions for use. Products listed here may not be registered for sale or use in all states, countries or jurisdictions. Hero insecticide is a restricted use pesticide in the United States. About Trace Genomics Trace Genomics has developed the first analytics engine that learns as it maps the living soil. Founded in 2015 by two Stanford PhDs, Poornima Parameswaran and Diane Wu, Trace Genomics helps agricultural industry professionals including agronomists and growers maximize the value of every acre. The company is building the largest, most actionable body of soil intelligence, making their customers experts on what's underground. Working collaboratively across the agriculture ecosystem, Trace Genomics has operations in Ames, Iowa and Silicon Valley. Dan Vradenburg joined the company in 2019 as CEO, bringing four decades of farming knowledge and business expertise. Positioning the company for scale and success, Vradenburg has appointed an experienced and accomplished leadership team. The company has raised over $35 million in funding. Statement under the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains forward-looking statements, which are based on management's current views and assumptions regarding future events, future business conditions and the outlook for the company based on currently available information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. These factors include, among other things, the risk factors and other cautionary statements included within FMC's 2019 Form 10-K filed with the SEC as well as other SEC filings and public communications. FMC cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the above cautionary statement. FMC undertakes no obligation, and specifically disclaims any duty, to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which they were made, except as otherwise required by law. SOURCE FMC Corporation Related Links http://www.fmc.com New UW School of Pharmacy Course Examines Preparing for the Next Pandemic David Brushwood Students from many programs of study across the University of Wyoming campus likely took part in class discussions this past spring that focused on the economic, medical, nutritional and physiological impacts of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Implications of the current pandemic, and how individuals and organizations can better prepare for the next pandemic event, are the focus of a new UW School of Pharmacy elective course, titled Pandemic Preparedness Policy (PHCY 5160-48). Scheduled for fall 2020, the course is for upper division -- junior and senior -- undergraduate students, professional students and graduate students from all disciplines. UW School of Pharmacy Lecturer David Brushwood will teach the course Sept. 13-Dec. 6. The 11-week course will be presented through WyoCourses, the platform for UW online instruction. Students from any academic discipline, even those from other universities, are invited to explore pandemic preparedness. We are all in this together. This course is open to any student at any university who wishes to take it in a non-degree-seeking status and transfer credits back to their home institution, Brushwood says. We hope to attract a diverse group of students -- geographically and demographically -- to stimulate the discussions based on differing perspectives. Learning objectives of the policy course include looking at the role of federal agencies -- including the U.S. Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Health and Human Services, and branches of the federal government -- in the development and implementation of pandemic preparedness policy. Students also will examine the societal effects of local, state and federal directives on social distancing; orders to quarantine during illness; and community perceptions on public gatherings. For students majoring in the health sciences or similar degrees, the course also will examine how health care providers will address future patients on changes in health care. The focus will explain to patients how new drugs and vaccines are developed and approved to assure safety and effectiveness, and to evaluate a patients need for drug therapy or treatment during a pandemic. We want to look at how health care professionals can participate effectively in local and national meetings that consider the challenges presented by a global pandemic and the role pharmacies can play in meeting those challenges, Brushwood adds. Students interested in learning more about the Pandemic Preparedness Policy course can visit www.uwyorxonlineelectives.org/. For more information, email Brushwood at dbrushwo@uwyo.edu. President Emmanuel Macron was surveying a glacier in the French Alps on a visit in February when an aide forwarded a video that had just been posted online, showing his choice for Paris mayor masturbating.Benjamin Griveauxs campaign was already floundering, a month out from the first round of the election, and his naivete in falling for a simple sting meant Macron had to choose: back a loyal and trusted ally, or sack him. Be there for him, Macron told advisers, according to a member of his inner circle. And if he decides to press on, circle the wagons.Macron has consistently rewarded the early backers of his 2017 bid for the presidency, party insiders say. But within 48 hours, Griveaux had stood down, leaving Macrons hopes of winning the capital in tatters. Interviews with more than a dozen ministers, presidential aides and party insiders who spoke on condition of anonymity reveal how miscalculations cost him dear, and portray a leader who can put loyalty before competence and fail to judge character.Macron had hoped that local elections would provide the grassroots base that his young centrist party, LaRem, lacks ahead of his 2022 re-election bid. And Pariss City Hall, long in the grip of the left, seemed there for the taking.The capital welcomed the former investment banker into the Elysee Palace with open arms in 2017. One in three Parisian voters backed LaRem in last years European elections. And a year ago, before Griveauxs nomination, incumbent Socialist mayor Anne Hidalgo was deeply unpopular for her efforts to reduce traffic in the capital, and surveys showed a Macron candidate beating her. TURNING GOLD TO LEAD Now, three days before Sundays nationwide municipal elections, Macrons stand-in candidate, former health minister Agnes Buzyn, is polling more than 20 points behind Hidalgo, seemingly having lost ground since the first round in March.One disgruntled LaRem lawmaker put it simply: We had gold in our hands and we turned it to lead. LaRems campaign crumbled with the sting on Griveaux, but the seeds of defeat had been sown months earlier, with Griveauxs selection.The 42-year-old was one of the Macron Boys, the clique that helped propel the president to power. In July 2019, a LaRem committee picked him over Cedric Villani, an eccentric maths genius known for his spider brooches and silk cravats. But many saw Griveaux, who served as Macrons first government spokesman, as arrogant and patronising.When the video was posted - by a Russian protest artist whose girlfriend had lured Griveaux into sending the video - few in the party rallied round him. He wasnt liked. Neither by the public, nor by party members, said an official inside LaRem. The time has come when you have to say it like it is. MATHS MAVERICK To be sure, Macrons own popularity had slumped during months of anti-government yellow vest protests in early 2019, which were driven by public anger at a leader seen as aloof. It fell again last winter during weeks of demonstrations against pension reforms, and transport strikes. But Macrons confidant compared the loyalty to Griveaux to an alliance forged in war.Its like (French wartime resistance leader) De Gaulle and the Communists: They had nothing in common but, 20 years later, once he was in the Elysee, the General still took calls from those who had been with him in London. Macron also underestimated Villani, winner of a Fields Medal, mathematics equivalent of a Nobel Prize.Villani had entered politics, and parliament, in 2017 with LaRem but, after being rejected as its mayoral candidate, decided to run as an independent, and ate into Griveauxs support. Party officials urged Macron to offer Villani an incentive to drop his maverick campaign, reminiscent of Macrons own rise to power, or eject him from the party.But the president held back, telling a small group of reporters that emulation was a positive. Socialist and conservative rivals gleefully pointed to the disunity. Two sources close to Macron said he had believed Villanis bid would naturally fade. It was only in January, when Griveaux slipped to third in surveys, with Villani further behind, that Macron summoned the mathematician. Even then, he failed to change Villanis mind. As one government minister put it: Weve done almost everything we shouldnt have done. It could end up as a handy guide: How to lose an election. Traffic stops are how most citizens encounter the police, so over the past 20 years Texas law enforcement reform advocates have pushed for information to analyze a basic measure of the fairness of their work: whether officers treat black and white motorists differently during traffic stops. Researchers say the information to do that isnt complicated. A department needs report why each traffic stop was made, whether the driver was searched and what if anything was found - separated out by the race of the driver. The most recent update to the effort, 2017s Sandra Bland Act, was supposed to do exactly that. But the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, the agency in charge of collecting the information, left out one part the drivers race. Its too bad we lost out on the racial part of the racial profiling bill, said Scott Henson, director of Just Liberty and a longtime Texas criminal justice analyst. The result: After two decades and three separate laws, efforts to identify which of the states nearly 2,000 law enforcement agencies have glaring racial disparities in their policing have largely failed, yielding only a patchwork of numbers with widely varying degrees of usefulness. Experts say the statewide information gathered by TCOLE provides little utility to researchers, elected officials and the public. Thats like a crime against public records requests, said Frank Baumgartner, a political science professor at the University of North Carolina and author of numerous racial profiling studies. How well agencies track and analyze their policing practices by race is much more than a matter of good public record-keeping. The death of George Floyd after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes has prompted yet another national soul-search into the question of how and why law enforcement agencies continue to treat minorities differently than whites. Studies across the country have shown that police stop, search, arrest, use force on and kill black people in numbers disproportionate to their population representation. Police say numbers alone dont tell the whole story, and often there are sound law enforcement explanations behind what appear to be biased behavior. Officers may be directed to more aggressively patrol high-crime areas where minorities live in greater concentration, for example. Researchers also agree aggregate numbers showing unbalanced treatment by race in a department dont necessarily prove bias. Yet at the very least, they say, identifying which agencies seem to be unfairly targeting minority motorists is a crucial starting point. Changes depend on somebody shining a clear light on the patterns in a way that helps the broader public to understand the patterns and their significance, said Charles Epp, a professor at the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration and author of Pulled Over: How Police Stops Define Race and Citizenship. Texas, however, seems almost intent on not allowing an examination of that question. What happens after the stop Houstons population is less than a quarter African American. Yet more than a third of the traffic stops police made last year were of black drivers. That may seem like clear evidence of racial profiling policing based on the assumption certain races are more likely to be criminals. Yet police say and researchers agree that simply comparing the two percentages is not a good measure of whether a department disproportionately targets minorities during traffic stops. Typically, more than half of cars pulled over by police departments are out-of-towners, making comparisons with the local population meaningless. Officers also say they seldom know the race of the driver before a stop. In 2018, the first year Texas police departments were required to report the information, most agencies said officers were aware of drivers skin color prior to pulling them over less than 10 percent of the time. Studies have raised questions about their truthfulness. In May, Stanford University researchers found the number of black motorists police stopped dropped after daylight when a veil of darkness masks ones race, suggesting bias in stop decisions. Jon Shapley, Staff photographer / Staff photographer The study observed the pattern at the Texas Department of Public Safety, whose officers last year reported knowing the race of drivers in only 2 percent of their stops. In a written response, the agency said it took profiling seriously and pointed to an audit by researchers at the University of North Texas concluding the department did not profile drivers by race. Even if they dont report seeing a drivers skin color, however, police can anticipate it, Baumgartner said. We live in segregated cities, he said. So police can sit on the black side of town and pull everyone over, and not go at all to the white side of town. Houston NAACP President James Douglas said police concentrated their patrols in Fifth Ward, Third Ward, Sunnyside places heavily populated by African Americans. If you spend most of your time in areas populated by African Americans, it stands to reason you will arrest them more frequently. So many researchers have concluded the best way to test racial bias is to examine what occurs after a stop, when police have no doubt of a drivers race. Clear differences in how people are treated on the side of the road could signal bias. How many of those traffic stops turn into a ticket? Houston Councilmember Letitia Plummer asked. And then how many of those turn into a more serious issue? How many of those stops end up putting people in the criminal justice system? Baumgartner said the most reliable test is a comparison of how motorists are searched, a decision often left up to officer discretion. Last year in Paris, northeast of Dallas, black motorists were searched at double the rate of whites. In Houston and Travis County, outside of Austin, sheriffs deputies searched blacks at about 2 times the rate of white motorists. The disparities mirror a 2005 study, which found two-thirds of Texas police departments searched blacks and Hispanics at higher rates than white drivers. Texas isnt alone. Baumgartners research found departments nationwide almost uniformly search minorities at higher rates. In Nebraska, which has collected comprehensive statewide data for nearly 20 years, the reports consistently show blacks and Hispanics both stopped and searched more often than whites. Police and their supporters have argued no useful conclusion can be drawn without knowing what the searches uncover. Even when black drivers are searched at a higher rate than whites, if police discover contraband at the same rate on all the searches it demonstrates solid police work, not bias. Jon Shapley, Staff photographer / Staff photographer As a result, analyzing search hit rates by race comparing what the searches turn up has become the meat and potatoes of the evaluation, said Alex del Carmen, a criminal justice professor at Tarleton State University who trains police how to comply with Texas law. The Sandra Bland Act was intended to provide this final piece of missing information. Bland, a 28-year-old African-American woman, was stopped in 2015 by a Department of Public Safety trooper for failing to signal. The stop, captured on the troopers dash camera and Blands cell phone, escalated into a verbal, then physical confrontation. Bland committed suicide at the Waller County jail. Among other changes aimed at keeping police more accountable, the new law was intended to compel departments to report on what their officers found when they stopped and searched motorists, said Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston), who sponsored it. While some Texas departments had done it on their own, many did not. Criminal justice reform advocates celebrated. Starting next year, well find out how often these consent searches are productive and whether the results are racially disproportional, Henson wrote at the time. No race data from searches But in the time between when the Sandra Bland Act passed and went into effect, TCOLE determined not to ask police departments to separate the search and contraband information by race the key to any analysis. I wish I knew what happened, said Dwight Steward, an Austin economist and researcher who has studied racial profiling in Texas police departments. What the commission produced, he said, is useless for measuring search disparities by race and thus for identifying departments whose patterns suggest profiling. Coleman said he, too, was baffled. I dont know why they didnt do it the way we wanted it done, he said. We were pretty clear. [TCOLE] should have known exactly what we meant. Gretchen Grigsby, in TCOLEs Office of Government Relations, said the law enforcement commission did its best to interpret the intent of the Sandra Bland Act based on the information we had at the time. We are certainly willing to work with the Legislature on any changes that need to be made to the report, she added. Until then, many Texas police departments will continue to escape a meaningful analysis of their work as envisioned by the law. The states reporting requirements yield only hints of behavior in need of further examination. Jon Shapley, Staff photographer / Staff photographer In Tyler, nearly a third of all vehicle searches are discretionary a high number, said Epp, the Kansas researcher. Yet who is searched, and what is found by race is unavailable. A spokesman for the department said its only racial profiling analysis was what TCOLE requested. In 2018 in Brooks County, between Laredo and Corpus Christi, four out of five motorist searches conducted by sheriffs deputies were discretionary yet fewer than 10 percent of the searches yielded any contraband, according to its TCOLE report. How that divides up among different races, however, is not required information. Sheriff Urbino Martinez did not respond to a request for comment. Former Department of Public Safety commander Patrick OBurke helped oversee reforms after the 1999 Tulia scandal, when police in the Panhandle town arrested dozens of black residents based on a single informant later shown to be lying. Detailed traffic stop profiling data could have been very helpful, but it didnt ever achieve its full potential, he said. Instead, Its just a perfunctory exercise. Other racial profiling components of the Sandra Bland Act also have had little impact. While the new law requires departments to make it easy to file a racial profiling complaint, departments differ in their approach. A review of reports that publish complaint information shows a tiny number with scant detail. A Caucasian officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with a Hispanic driver and Native American passenger due to the vehicles expired registration, according to the Plano Police Departments 2019 report. The officer greeted the two individuals and when the driver asked how the officer was doing he stated, good, as long as you dont call your friends to come shoot us up. If two white women were in the car instead he might not have made that comment, the complaint said. The officer was cleared of racial bias. There is no single place to analyze racial profiling complaints, but a review of individual department reports yielded none that was upheld; advocates and legal aid organizations said they were unaware of any sustained traffic stop racial profiling complaint in Texas. Disparity, or bias? Experts say even when armed with the best data demonstrating a police department conclusively treats minority drivers differently, proving bias is a challenge. A departments numbers may be skewed by the behavior of a few officers. It is not difficult to measure whether there is disparity between racial/ethnic groups in stops made by police, said Don Arp, executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement, which collects and analyzes state data. The difficulty comes in identifying the causes for the disparity and whether or not it is based on race. Over the past decade, no Nebraska racial profiling allegation has been upheld, according to the reports. Still, Matt Simpson of ACLU of Texas said comprehensive numbers at least offer a starting point for deeper examination of a local departments policing. People think this is going to be used for litigation, he said. But were really talking about adjusting policies and training. Jon Shapley, Staff photographer / Staff photographer Grigsby, the TCOLE spokeswoman, said it wasnt the agencys role to analyze or act on the profiling data it collected. Thats left to local elected officials, whose interest varies widely. In Austin, the Office of Police Oversight last year asked the police to perform a deeper analysis than required by the state. It showed clear racial disparities across stops, searches and arrests none of it a surprise to the citys minority residents, said Director Farah Muscadin. They said, Youre telling us what we experience. Following the report, the oversight office invited citizens and police to meet. It later presented a dozen recommendations to the city manager, starting with an acknowledgment that racial disparity exists and is worsening and that previous methods of measuring the gaps were inadequate. It proposed statistical benchmarks to eventually close the stop and search disparities. The report they had been doing was only what the state required, Muscadin said. We needed to ask for more to really look at what the data said. eric.dexheimer@chron.com taylor.goldenstein@chron.com st.john.smith@chron.com In the wake of the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police, streets all over the country filled with people of all ages, races, and creeds calling to defund the police. But the call to defund police does not mean defunding safety. Instead, it should mean rethinking who is in charge of helping Philadelphians feel safe. With proper funding, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation could contribute one piece of that puzzle by reinvigorating the Fairmount Park Guards program. In 1868, Philadelphia formed the Fairmount Park Guards to maintain security on park grounds. The guards were unarmed and worked decentralized, out of small guardhouses throughout the park. During their peak they were the third-largest police force in Pennsylvania, just behind the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Police Departments. In a 2014 article on the preservationist website Hidden City, Philadelphia author and certified tour guide Harry Kyriakodis described the guards like this: [They] patrolled the park by foot, horseback, and even bicycle to provide information and security to Fairmount Park visitors. They also kept watch over the parks greenery and its collection of mansions, statues and fountains, all while routinely returning lost children to parents. Furthermore, the guards patrolled the Schuylkill River to prevent accidental drownings and to provide assistance whenever someone fell through the ice when the river froze. Many Philadelphians have fond memories of seeing the guards ride through the parks on horseback, maintaining order and cleanliness in the park. However, in 1972, Mayor Frank Rizzo absorbed the guards into the Philadelphia Police Department, further increasing the PPDs budget. The time is now to undo Rizzos work. Philadelphia Parks and Recreation has one of the oldest and largest park systems in the country, yet today, the citys budget shows there are fewer than 30 guards for more than 10,000 acres of parkland. And in spite of the countrys recent civil uprising and ongoing issues around climate change, Mayor Jim Kenney chose to reduce their budget by 20%. The mayor and City Council should reinvest in the citys parks, including the reestablishment of the Fairmount Park Guards. The guards, who are unarmed, would be ideal candidates for a safety force to help protect the public health and safety of our city, which includes keeping people safe as well as maintaining our green spaces and watersheds. Guards would be a welcome addition to the parks for many reasons. First: Most issues that arise are pretty minor, such as littering, destruction of property, dumping, children injured while playing, and dogs off leashes. They do not require armed police to intervene. But with few alternatives, people often do call 911 to deal with these types of issues. In my experience, cops often do not even bother to come out when these calls come in. When they do, it often escalates the issue. If the guards were already patrolling the park, they could use green-space-friendly vehicles such as electric vehicles, bicycles, on foot or horses to quickly come to the scene of any issues and resolve them without force. Second: Some of the citys most beloved annual events happen in parks where admission is free such as races and regattas. Yet these events come at a hefty price for the city budget, largely due to the cost of police overtime. The guards, however, could already be assigned to these duties, as part of their normal work shifts. This would free up resources on the police force as well as provide experienced safety officers at crowded events. Third: The city needs to focus on job creation in Philadelphia, as we face recession-level unemployment following the coronavirus-related economic downturn. The Fairmount guards have already been a proven way to get people into jobs. In the 1990s, during a brief revival of the guards, they established a workforce development program with Temple University. For many Philadelphians, the guards provided a stepping-stone into a life of public service. This could happen in 2020, and could even include working with local public high schools or Community College of Philadelphia to develop a new workforce development program to teach public safety techniques like deescalation and first aid alongside park-specific training on wildlife and nature conservancy. 2020 could be a pivotal moment for a true revival of the Fairmount guards as citizens seek out new ways to bring safety to public spaces. But like most city services, without funding, this type of expansion isnt possible. Dena Ferrara Driscoll is a mother of two who lives in South Philadelphia and works in nonprofit communications and development. @bikemamadelphia By Diane Bartz WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Attorney General William Barr ordered unneeded probes into the cannabis industry because of his opposition to pot, a Justice Department attorney testified Wednesday in a stormy congressional hearing on allegations of politically-motivated overreach by Barr. John Elias, a career Justice Department antitrust attorney who served as the division's chief of staff, testified under oath that since March 2019 the Barr Justice Department investigated 10 mergers in the cannabis industry, even though the industry is not concentrated. Democrats and Republicans jousted over the propriety of those probes. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, a Democrat, said it was "unacceptable that he (Barr) would order the Antitrust Division to initiate pretextual investigations into industries that he and the president do not like." Republican Representative Louie Gohmert dismissed Elias' concerns as a "side show," adding, "It's a shame we don't have a serious hearing." Elias criticized the marijuana industry investigations as "very burdensome." In one proposed marijuana merger, the antitrust staff calculated post-merger market share at 0.35 percent, far below the double-digits, which normally causes antitrust concern, Elias said in written testimony. At one point, staff discontent was so marked that Makan Delrahim, who heads the division, addressed the issue at a staff meeting in September 2019, according to Elias, who quoted him as saying the investigations were being done because "the fifth floor," where Barr's office is, does not like the industry. Barr said in his confirmation hearing in early 2019 that he disagreed with a decision by former Attorney General Jeff Sessions to reverse a policy easing federal enforcement of marijuana laws but would "not go after companies" that had relied on Obama-era guidance. Representative Doug Collins, a Republican, pointed out that the Justice Department's Office of Professional Responsibility had found the cannabis probes to be appropriate, and said that Elias had sought to work for the committee Democrats. Story continues "The credibility of this is going down quickly here," he said. Elias also said that a probe of four automakers began the day after Trump tweeted on Aug. 21 that he was angered that the companies negotiated with California about air quality emissions standards. The investigation deterred other automakers from joining the California agreements, according to industry officials. (Reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Aurora Ellis) I have yet to hear one person that says, Yes, thats it, Lightfoot said. I know they exist, because there are some people who truly believe reform is not possible and we are wasting our time. I dont share that belief. But most people Ive engaged in conversation with around this question are really saying, Dont starve us for resources, and I agree with that. A Jalandhar resident was looking forward to marrying his Pakistan-based fiancee this month. However, Covid-19 threw a wrench in his plans. The couple has now appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help them get visas. 32-year-old Kamal Kalyan, a resident of Basti Bawa Khel locality, had got engaged to 35-year-old Sumaila on January 30, 2018, online. We had decided to get married this year and I had applied visas for my family members and me on March 21. However, the government announced a lockdown and we could not send documents to Pakistan, said Kalyan. All my family members were excited because my fiance is also my distant relative. This marriage would have sent a message of peace to our two countries, he said. I have approached the Indian and Pakistan embassies but due to the lockdown my file is under process and they have not cleared it. I do not know how long it will take and I want to get married soon, he said, adding that he had sought help from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I have appealed PM Modi to grant visa to Sumaila and her family so that they can travel to India for our marriage, he said. Sumaila is the daughter of my father Om Parkashs cousin Asiya. I have not met her and only communicated over the phone and through video calls but now we both want to live together, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ICSE class 10, 12 exams cancelled: SC to pass order tomorrow on assessment scheme India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 25: The ICSE has decided to cancel the class 10 and 12 board exams. CBSE cancels remaining board exams for classes 10th & 12th, results this month | Oneindia News The ICSE, however, did not agree to give students an option to write the exams later, Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court. The ICSE would follow the CBSE pattern of grading students on the basis of internal assessments. CBSE Class 10 exams cancelled, assessment scheme for Class 12 students Meanwhile, the CBSE Class 10 exams have been cancelled. While the Class 12 exams also stand cancelled, an option has been given to either sit in the exams at a later date or accept the scores on the basis of the last three internal assessments. The Supreme Court has asked the CBSE to detail the assessment scheme in its notification on Class 10 and 12 exams. The Solicitor General told the court that the notification will be out latest by tomorrow. The parents pleaded before the SC to have the CBSE declare the assessment results by the end of the month. They told the court that the entrance exams are lined up. The court then told the CBSE to specifically mention in its notification when the assessment results will be declared. The court however said that it cannot direct and the CBSE has to take a call on the matter. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that for Class 12, students can opt for an assessment scheme to be notified by the CBSE or they can opt to appear in the exams when the conditions become conducive. Earlier, Delhi, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu conveyed their inability to conduct the CBSE exams. The court asked, 'So exams for other courses will have to be rescheduled. There has to be a clarity in the notification.' The court also sought to know from Mehta as to when the atmosphere would be conducive for the Class 12 exams. Who will decide on this? Will it be the Centre or the State, the court also asked. To this, the SG said that the Centre would take a call on the same. The government has been told to file a detailed affidavit on the assessment scheme for class 12. The court said it would pass the final order tomorrow at 10.30 am. Amid bitter tension between India and China and security threat over Huawei's 5G technology, United States' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has called Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio a "clean telecom company" while thrashing Huawei for being "tools of the CCP (Communist Party of China) surveillance state". "The tide is turning toward trusted 5G vendors and away from Huawei. The world's leading telecom companies-Telefonica, Orange, Jio, Telstra, and many more-are becoming "Clean Telcos." They are rejecting doing business with tools of the CCP surveillance state, like Huawei," Pompeo tweeted. The tide is turning toward trusted 5G vendors and away from Huawei. The worlds leading telecom companiesTelefonica, Orange, Jio, Telstra, and many moreare becoming Clean Telcos. They are rejecting doing business with tools of the CCP surveillance state, like Huawei. Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) June 24, 2020 Pompeo's statement comes in the backdrop of US opposition to Huawei, which aims to lead the 5G race in several countries, including India. Also read: India-China conflict: Power firms nudged to exit Chinese contracts Notably, of the total 11 recent investments in Mukesh Ambani's Jio Platforms, seven are from the US, with the largest stake of 9.99 per cent sold to Mark Zuckerberg-led Facebook Inc. Since April 22, 11 tech investors have pumped in Rs 1.15 lakh crore into Jio Platforms considering its huge potential to catapult e-commerce and tech space in India. JPL's subsidiary Reliance Jio is the fastest-growing telecom network in India with over 38 crore subscribers. RIL Chairman Mukesh Ambani had earlier also said that Reliance Jio was the only telco in the world that didn't use Chinese equipment. In a bitter tussle with China, the US has declared 20 Chinese companies, including Huawei and video surveillance company Hikvision, as Chinese military-controlled corporations posing a security threat to nations. The US Department of Defense document, which contains the list of these companies, includes China Mobile Communications Group and China Telecommunications Corp as well as aircraft manufacturer Aviation Industry Corp of China, Reuters reported. The US not only has asked its companies to avoid doing business with Huawei but is encouraging its allies, including the UK and India, to look for transparent companies to upgrade their 5G networks. Also read: Infographic: Can we boycott China? Washington had placed both Huawei and Hikvision on a trade blacklist last year over national security concerns. Meanwhile, the US is now considering imposing economic penalties against these firms, Reuters reported. Pompeo's statement is also significant in the wake of heightened tension between India and China over the Line of Actual Control. Both the sides are engaging in military-level talks to disengage the troops from the disputed areas but there's a growing tension after 20 Indian soldiers and several Chinese troops were killed in recent clashes. Also read: At least 20 Indian soldiers killed in clash with PLA troops in Galwan Valley TDT | Manama Bahrain participated in the coordination meeting of permanent representatives to the Arab League, through video conference. Bahrains Ambassador to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League Hesham bin Mohammed Al Jowdar took part in the virtual session, which was chaired by Jordanian Ambassador to Egypt and its Permanent Representative to the Arab League, Ali al Ayed. The meeting was held to prepare for the ninth session of the Ministerial Meeting of the Arab-China Cooperation Forum, which is scheduled to be held on July 6 in Jordan via video conference. During the remote meeting, the participants adopted the draft agenda for the Ministerial Meeting of the Arab-China Cooperation Forum and planned its schedule. They discussed the draft of the Amman Declaration to be issued by the Forum, to develop a unified Arab position on all issues and topics raised before the Forums work. They also agreed to hold another meeting in the near future to hold more discussions about the declaration and the draft executive programme of the Forum 2020-2022, after taking the notes of the member states into consideration. TOTOWA, N.J., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Many families in Livingston, New Jersey are currently in search of a new caregiver for their senior loved ones as they return to work. Home care is preferable to long-term care facilities, as the latter arrangement exposes seniors to the risk of contracting the virus. Fortunately, skilled home health aides at The Senior Company provide compassionate and respectful home care in a safe and comfortable environment. The Senior Company Seniors can get New Jersey skilled care administered by The Senior Company regardless of their scheduling needs. The company meets them all with live-in care around the clock or part-time, full-time, temporary or permanent care. Since The Senior Company hires fully-licensed nurses in Livingston, they can administer a wide range of services including: Bathing and dressing Grooming Housekeeping Errands Monitoring vital signs Providing feeding tube support Meal assistance Managing medication on a weekly basis Caring for wounds Providing catheter support Administering IV therapy and injections Providing hospice care support Hospital transfers Dementia support Incontinence care The Senior Company takes the well-being of patients very seriously. To that end, the company's home health aides in New Jersey follow safety protocols such as the following: Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Getting screened before entering a patient's home for the first time and when they return to work after taking time off. Giving PPE equipment to seniors and their families, as well as hand sanitizer, germicidal wipes, digital thermometers and more Home care protects seniors from getting exposed to the large staff typically found at facilities and to fellow residents. The Senior Company assigns a dedicated caregiver to each patient. "With the families of seniors returning to work, they need the comfort of knowing their loved one is in good hands. When families entrust The Senior Company with their care, they can rest assured we will look after them as if they were a member of our own family," said Calvin Bynum, Executive Director at The Senior Company. Schedule a Free Consultation About The Senior Company The Senior Company is a trusted New Jersey home health care agency that provides 24/7 home care services for the elderly. As a full-service New Jersey Home Health Care Agency, The Senior Company specializes in providing support for seniors who may need full-time home care assistance, live-in home care assistance or part-time home care assistance at home or in a facility after transitioning from the Hospital or Skilled Nursing Facility in their local area. The Senior Company is a Dual Licensed, Dual Accredited, Bonded & Insured Certified Home Health Care & Certified Help Firm practicing in the North New Jersey area. The Senior Company provides Personal Care as well as Skilled Nursing Care services that are available to help seniors and families who are in need of assistance with activities of daily living. Some of these "ADLs" include bathing, toileting, dressing, light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, hospice care and other personalized hourly or live-in home care services. The Senior Company is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Home Care for meeting the industry's highest recognized standards of care in The State of New Jersey. The Senior Company Totowa: 973-355-6336 Hackensack: 201-355-5209 Related Images image1.png SOURCE The Senior Company Related Links http://www.theseniorcompany.com By Giuseppe Fonte ROME (Reuters) - Italy has approved a decree offering state guarantees for a 6.3-billion euro ($7.1 billion) loan to Fiat Chrysler's (FCA) Italian unit, the Treasury said on Wednesday, paving the way for the largest crisis loan to a European carmaker. The formal announcement follows an endorsement by the country's audit court and brings to an end a lengthy approval procedure for the loan, which has drawn criticism in Italy. By providing state support, Rome 'aims to preserve and strengthen the Italian automotive supply chain,' Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri said in a statement By Giuseppe Fonte ROME (Reuters) - Italy has approved a decree offering state guarantees for a 6.3-billion euro ($7.1 billion) loan to Fiat Chrysler's (FCA) Italian unit, the Treasury said on Wednesday, paving the way for the largest crisis loan to a European carmaker. The formal announcement follows an endorsement by the country's audit court and brings to an end a lengthy approval procedure for the loan, which has drawn criticism in Italy. By providing state support, Rome "aims to preserve and strengthen the Italian automotive supply chain," Economy Minister Roberto Gualtieri said in a statement. FCA's Italian division has tapped Rome's COVID-19 emergency financing schemes to secure a state-backed, three-year facility to help it weather the crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. The aid will also help Italy's broader car sector, in which about 10,000 businesses operate. The loan will be disbursed by Italy's biggest retail bank Intesa Sanpaolo, which has already authorised it pending the approval of guarantees the government will provide on 80% of the sum through export credit agency SACE. The request for state support sparked controversy because FCA is working to merge with French rival PSA and the holding company for the Italian-American carmaker is registered in the Netherlands. FCA's global brands include Fiat, Jeep, Dodge and Maserati. Gualtieri said FCA would have to meet commitments on investments and jobs, but declined to say whether the Treasury had imposed conditions affecting FCA's planned 5.5 billion euro extraordinary dividend, a key element in the merger with PSA. Italian politicians have called the dividend into question, although it should be compatible with the terms of the financing, because it is not due until 2021 and would be paid by FCA Italy's Dutch parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV. FCA, whose stock fell 4.4% to 8.665 euros on the Milan bourse, had no immediate comment. ($1 = 0.8853 euros) (Reporting by Giuseppe Fonte; Editing by Alex Richardson and Mark Potter) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. MIAMI, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Admired journalist, writer, TV personality and life and business strategist, Ismael Cala, begins production of the new season Cala Mundos - his international travel show. The 2020-21 season initiates a vigorous travel itinerary with a highly updated, positive and inspiring thematic peculiarity: CALA MUNDOS: "Safe Travel Edition". The comprehensive travel initiative combines a weekly Television program, together with all of Cala's social media platforms, travel experts interviews, bloggers, influencers, conferences, and blogs, reaching millions of viewers and users around the world. "This new CALA MUNDOS "Safe Travel Edition", it's a supporting testimony to the tourist hoping to take vacations and in need to be well informed of all the new guidelines and precautions for safety this way, we can go back to those popular destinations we enjoy the most in the world" commented Ismael Cala. CALA MUNDOS launches the "Safe Travel Edition" with a new production and marketing alliance. Cala Enterprises has joined forces with Miami's base production company, RealFiction Group and its Producer/Director David Barski, and Miami-Houston-based marketing company Sigma Analysis Group - and its Director of Marketing and Marketing Strategy, Rita Hernandez. "This initiative is very close to Cala's heart. Future travelers will appreciate the distinguished journalistic work, as well as the optimistic and positive vision of Cala highlighting first-hand on measures and changes around the world adapting to the new reality. We are very pleased with the number of national and international brands joining us throughout the journey" commented Rita Hernandez. "Working with Ismael Cala and Rita Hernandez is a privilege. Ismael, besides being one of the most important and respected journalistic figures in Latin America and the USA, is a creative, perfectionist, and studious and investigative machine" commented D. Barski The main purpose of this special season is to feature destinations that are already prepared to welcome tourists in a secure manner. Some of the destinations for this season are: Europe, the Dominican Republic, Thailand, Canada, Costa Rica, Argentina, Australia, Iceland, Patagonia, Greece, Israel, Colombia, Mexico and seven cities in the USA. CALA MUNDOS: "Safe Travel Edition" will premiere September 2020 on US TV channels, and will be also distributed throughout Latin America and Europe. RealFiction Group David Barski, Founder, Executive Producer and Creative Director of the RealFiction Group, based in Miami, Fl. Mr. Barski is winner of multiple Emmys, with more than 20 years of experience in the production, creation and development of content and television programs for the US Hispanic market, Projects and formats of different genres including, quiz show, comedy, drama series, "talk shows", "reality shows", travel shows and movies for TV. Sigma Analysis Group Rita Hernandez CMO has transformed into one of the most successful Marketing agencies with a combined 35+ years of hands-on industry knowledge with experienced players in the market and extensive experience - multi-award-winning professionals (Emmys, Clios and American Advertising Awards, among others) initiating thousands of Original Content, Marketing Strategies, Global brand studies and AI / Digital content leading multidisciplinary business solutions worldwide. SOURCE Cala Enterprises Collecting guide: 10 things to know about Jean Royere The French designer turned his playful creations into a serious business, winning admirers who have ranged from Middle Eastern royalty to Kanye West and Jennifer Aniston. Illustrated with works offered at Christies In 1947, Jean Royere (1902-1981) designed a sofa that embodied both his own emerging style and the joie de vivre of the post-war period an elegantly rounded beast in soft white velvet that came to be known as the Ours polaire (Polar Bear). The sofa and the armchairs that went with it have since become collectors items: in 2017, a cream sofa sold at Christies for 439,500; a pair of pale-gold armchairs (below) for almost double that. Jean Royere 1902-1981, pair of Boule (Ours polaire) armchairs, 1947. Reupholstered oak. 68.5 x 96 x 93 cm (27 x 37 x 36 in). Sold for 847,500 on 20 November 2017 at Christies in Paris. Artwork: ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2020 On 30 June, a Polar Bear sofa and chairs, still in their original burnt-orange velvet, will be offered in the Design sale at Christies in Paris alongside other Royere classics, including a pair of Oeuf chairs, an Elephanteau armchair and two pairs of Liane wall sconces. All 19 lots consist of items that were commissioned directly from the designer in 1962 for an apartment in the affluent Paris suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine; unusually, they are in pristine condition. None of Royeres designs are unique, says Pierre Martin-Vivier, Vice-President of Christies France and the author of Jean Royere (Norma, Paris, 2017). What is difficult to find is pieces in such an exceptional state of conservation. 1. Royere was self-taught Royere had no formal design education. Born in 1902, he was the only son of a high-ranking civil servant from Brittany and his French wife, who had been raised in Vienna and was related to Charles Darwin and the founders of Wedgwood ceramics. He grew up in a cultivated and cosmopolitan environment in the Champs-Elysees district of Paris, later attending balls with the bourgeois and aristocratic elite, and frequenting a circle of intellectuals who revolved around the writer and philosopher Paul Desjardins, says Martin-Vivier. I'm against furniture, declared Jean Royere enigmatically in 1963. Photo: Paris, musee des Arts decoratifs. MAD, Paris After studying classics at Cambridge University, Royere worked with his uncle, a powerful figure in the import-export trade in Le Havre. In 1931, however, at the age of 29, he gave it up to become an interior designer. For his father, it was a disaster, says Martin-Vivier. He considered the job of an interior designer to be that of a flaneur. It took the intervention of Louis Metman, a family friend who was also the director of the Museum of Decorative Arts, for Jeans parents to give in. 2. Royere used modern materials such as metal tubing and Bakelite After two years as an apprentice furniture-maker in Paris, Royere entered a competition to design the Brasserie Carlton on the Champs-Elysees and won. Featuring modern materials including metal tubing and Bakelite, the project was covered by Art et Industrie magazine and brought him to the attention of Pierre Gouffe, a well-known maker of period furniture, who hired him to develop his contemporary line. This led to Royeres first appearance at the Salon dAutomne. At the Salon des Decorateurs five years later, he showed three designs that would become Royere classics: a Champignon (Mushroom) standing lamp, a Trefle (Four-leaf clover) chair and an Elephanteau (Elephant calf) armchair (below). Royere would continue to show at national and European design fairs for the next 25 years, adapting the designs he showed in his interior projects. 3. Royere refused to conform to a single theory In the early days, Royere was impressed by the quality and elegance of Jacques-Emile Ruhlmanns furniture, says Martin-Vivier, and enamoured of the metal furniture, new materials and simple, pure forms advocated by the great figures of the Union des Artistes Modernes, presided over by Robert Mallet-Stevens. He was also influenced by the architect and designer Djo Bourgeois, who shared the modernists vision. As a self-taught designer, however, Royere defended his freedom to create. Ill never be attached to one school or one theory, he said. 4. Royere experimented with materials ranging from raffia to ponyskin Later, Royere would detach himself from functional aesthetics and the modern discourse to experiment with decoration and a wide range of materials, from raffia and rattan to ponyskin and zebrawood. Often, as in his Flaque straw marquetry coffee table of 1954 (below), it was the materials that provided the decoration. Jean Royere (1902-1981), Flaque low table, circa 1954. Straw marquetry, oak. 25.4 x 125.8 x 63.5 cm (10 x 49 x 25 in). Sold for $300,000 on 20 June 2018 at Christies in New York. Artwork: ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2020 5. Royere hid French Jews during the Second World War Initially mobilised in the Second World War, Royere returned to work alongside Gouffe during the Nazi occupation, using his trade as a cover to hide French Jews and English pilots. In 1942, he opened his own design studio in the 8th arrondissement, and in 1947, while redesigning an apartment for his mother on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, he introduced the Boule later nicknamed Ours polaire sofa. 6. Royere had a sense of humour The designs that followed including his Hirondelle (Swallow) wall lamps, Oeuf (Egg) chairs and Flaque (Puddle) table were similarly biomorphic and endearing. His playful imagination found expression in his other designs, too, such as his Yo Yo serving tables and Ski standing lamp. 7. Royere opened showrooms in the Middle East and South America Royere had worked in Cairo before the war and in 1946, he opened a showroom there, followed by offices in Beirut and Tehran. In 1955, as the political situation in the Middle East deteriorated, he opened a gallery in Lima, followed by another, two years later, in Sao Paulo. But the designer, who was a polyglot, also worked extensively in Europe. For downtime, he had a fishermans house in Saint-Tropez, a houseboat in the Foret de Marly and a villa in Mallorca. His travels proved a rich source of inspiration, as illustrated in an article, Travel notes from a French designer in Scandinavia, which he wrote for Le Decor daujourdhui in 1949: I saw living rooms in which ivy is wreathed several times around walls, zigzagging around the paintings and mirrors, and dining rooms where Virginia creeper tumbles down into chandeliers. 8. Royere designed for royalty Royere undertook more than 1,000 decoration projects during his career, many of them highly prestigious. He designed interiors for Prince Faisal and King Saud of Saudi Arabia, furniture for King Hussein of Jordan and both for the Shah of Iran and his family, documenting his experiences in 1970 in a book, Harems et Pieds Dores (Harems and Gilded Feet). Other large-scale projects included the French Consulate in Alexandria, the Senate building in Tehran, and international hotels such as the Shepheards and Semiramis in Cairo and the Bristol in Beirut. Back on his native soil in 1961, he designed the captains quarters of the ocean liner, SS France. 9. Royere grew to dislike ornamentation By 1962, Royeres vision was growing increasingly minimalist. He left the walls white, creating impact with a minimum of furniture in economical shapes and contrasting colours a grass-green carpet, burnt-orange chairs, a black Formica and painted-zinc table. Im against furniture, he wrote a year later. I think we should eliminate it as much as possible. Sign up today Christies Online Magazine delivers our best features, videos, and auction news to your inbox every week Subscribe 10. Royeres devotees include Jennifer Aniston and Kanye West Royere stopped designing in 1971 and in 1980, he moved to California to join his partner. A year later, he died in Pennsylvania, leaving his archives to the Museum of Decorative Arts (MAD) in Paris. The market for his work went quiet for while, but since 1999, when the MAD staged a major exhibition of his work, and 2008, when Parisian gallerists Patrick Seguin and Jacques Lacoste organised a show at the Sonnabend Gallery in New York, Royeres star has been in the ascendant again. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Medical experts in China now are cautioning that people who have coronavirus (COVID-19) antibodies might still contract the virus a second time and spread it to others. Researchers from Chongqing Medical University examined the immune systems of 74 people diagnosed with COVID-19, of which half were symptomatic and the other half were asymptomatic, according to the study. The antibodies lost their effectiveness in as little as two months in 40% of the patients without symptoms and 13% of those showing no symptoms. Experts who conducted the study say that despite the small sample size, the results should be taken as a precaution against so-called immunity passports for anyone who has tested positive for antibodies. In May, the federal governments Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported testing for immunity has not been perfected and was producing a significant number of false results. Free coronavirus antibody testing has been offered across the city, including a site on Staten Island at the former St. John Villa Academy in Arrochar. UPDATE: Late Thursday, Norwalk removed the Christopher Columbus statue NORWALK With protests looming, Mayor Harry Rilling announced Thursday the city will remove the Christopher Columbus statue from public property. Rilling said the city was in discussions to relocate the statue when the Columbus Memorial Fund, a group that dedicated the statue to the city in 1940 and continues to maintain it to this day, expressed concerns about the possibility of vandalism or outright destruction. They asked the city to assist with moving the statue and we agreed, Rilling said. We felt this was the best outcome. The city did not say if the statue would be removed permanently or relocated. Thats a decision that rests with the Columbus Memorial Fund, who owns the statue, said Josh Morgan, the citys communications manager. Representatives of the Columbus Memorial Fund could not be reached Thursday for comment. The statue remained standing late Thursday in Thomas C. OConnor Park on West Avenue, across the street from Lockwood-Mathews Park. City officials declined to say when the removal was going to happen. The decision to remove the statue from city property came just two days before a scheduled protest. Earlier this week, a group called CT Youth Activists started an online petition calling for the statue to be removed, saying it represented violence, racism, marginalization, and the continued denial of the genocide of indigenous people. The group called for the statue to be replaced by a monument to Norwalks original inhabitants, the Wappingers and Lanopes. The petition garnered nearly 300 signatures in only a few days. Alejandro Vasquez, the 18-year-old recent graduate of Brien McMahon High School who started the petition, called the citys decision a step in the right direction. I hope that Norwalk will begin to honor properly the indigenous people that were on the land before it was occupied by European and subsequently turned to the Norwalk we all love, Vasquez said. Even though this shouldve happened a long time ago, my generation will not stop until we make a future where we all can succeed by abolishing outdated ways of governing. Victoria Verderame, corporate communications manager for the Connecticut Knights of Columbus, said it was unfortunate the statue was removed, but the organization supports the communitys right to make that decision. (W)e are open to an examination of the life and impact of Columbus, and a respectful dialogue about how he should be remembered, Verderame said. The Norwalk statue was built by a Fairfield sculptor and dedicated to Columbus Magnet School by The Columbus Memorial Fund when the school opened on Oct. 12, 1940. The monument, which was relocated to Heritage Wall in 1983, features a statue of Columbus atop a base containing images of the vessels and the words, Erected by Italian-American People of Norwalk Sponsored by The Columbus Memorial Fund Inc., October 12, 1940 A.D. The calls for the statues removal follow a similar trend in other Connecticut communities. On Wednesday, New Haven took down a Columbus statue from its nearly 130-year-old perch in Wooster Park after a public outcry calling for its removal. Officials in Hartford, Middletown and New London have also recently decided to permanently remove statues dedicated to Columbus from their cities. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) A new batch of 778 COVID-19 cases were reported by the Department of Health on Thursday, as the national case count reached 33,069. The DOH said 415 of the newly-reported cases are fresh or were detected in the last three days, with 250 coming from Metro Manila. The other 363 are late cases or were part of the validation backlog. The department also noted that four duplicates were removed from the total case count. It said cases reported may be subject to change as the numbers undergo constant cleaning and validation. The tally of recoveries also rose to 8,910, after 255 more beat COVID-19. The country has been registering over 200 recoveries daily in the past two weeks. Meanwhile, the DOH added eight to the death toll, which now stands at 1,212. According to the latest update, a total of 452 or more than half of the new cases came from the country's capital region, while Central Visayas logged 106. The remaining 220 were recorded in other regions across the country. Health Spokesperson Ma. Rosario Vergeire said in a virtual media briefing that the spike in cases may be due to the easing of quarantine restrictions in most areas nationwide, as well as the country's increased testing capacity. Vergeire on Wednesday said the DOH was able to conduct around 12,000 tests daily in the past week. Citing an advisory issued by the World Health Organization, she also clarified that there is still no evidence that those who have recovered from COVID-19 are already immune to reinfection. The WHO said in a scientific brief that "people who assume that they are immune to a second infection" may become complacent and disregard public health advice, which may then result in increased risks of continued transmission. Among Filipinos abroad, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the total number of cases went up to 8,361 on Thursday, with 10 more contracting the virus. The DFA also counted four additional survivors and one fatality, for a total of 5,076 recoveries and 513 deaths. Over 9.4 million people worldwide have been infected with the viral illness, with some 480,000 deaths and more than 4.7 million recoveries. Graduate student Ubadah Sabbagh placed a cold glass slide on the microscope. It was getting late and the lab was quiet. He adjusted a few settings, and traced along the optic tract before zooming in on the brain's thalamus. What he saw surprised him: two adjacent stripes of glowing spots, each dot denoting a cell body. At that point, two decades had passed since scientists reported that a small area in the brain's visual thalamus had unique characteristics that set it apart from nearby regions. Previous studies led by other researchers showed that the region, called the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus, connects to neural circuits involved in regulating circadian rhythm and mood. But little was known about the region's cellular architecture -- until now. In a new study published online this week in the Journal of Neurochemistry, Virginia Tech scientists identified more than 40 genes expressed in the vLGN and discovered more than half a dozen brand new neuron subtypes, each expressing unique molecules and clustered in tightly packed striped layers. "The 'wow' moment for me was when Ubadah showed me the image of the two cell subtypes aligning in adjacent layers," said Michael Fox, the study's senior author and a professor at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC. "It struck us because when we see layered groups of neurons, it usually means that brain area is segregating different types of information. Now we have a more precise tool kit to help us understand what specific cell types in the vLGN do." The vLGN spans just a few hundred micrometers in mice and receives signals from the eye via the optic nerve. But unlike some other visual brain regions, it is not associated with classical image-forming. advertisement Neuroscientists initially studied this brain region by destroying its cells and documenting the effects. In the process, however, they also interrupted collateral brain circuits. This led to significant behavioral changes and made it harder to discern which effects were linked to the vLGN. Researchers have since developed more precise, less invasive genetic tools that let them see what happens when a specific cell type's activity is turned on or off. Fox wanted to apply these modern techniques to understand the vLGN's function and downstream connections, but first he needed to determine which cell types to target. Sabbagh, then a second-year graduate student in Virginia Tech's Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health graduate program, set out to develop an atlas describing the vLGN's cellular structure as part of his doctoral thesis. It wasn't long before they found the first clue that the vLGN might be organized by cell type in segregated layers, which the researchers described in a 2018 study. In that study, Fox's team revealed two types of specialized lattice-like structures, called perineuronal nets, that wrapped around distinct types of inhibitory neurons. When the scientists stained these perineuronal nets, they discovered that different populations of neurons covered by these nets were distributed in distinct stripes across the vLGN. "That was our first hint that there could be layers, but we still needed to identify more cell types to see if they also aligned in non-overlapping domains," Fox said. advertisement Over the next year, Sabbagh tested roughly 70 different riboprobes to map out the vLGN's cellular landscape. Riboprobes are segments of ribonucleic acids (RNA) that bind to complementary segments of RNA. Scientists add fluorescence genes borrowed from other organisms and viruses to the probe, so when a segment of RNA meets its matching sequence, the targeted molecules light up. The researchers combined these tools to visualize cells producing specific genetic molecules in the vLGN, with each molecule glowing in a different color under the microscope. This method revealed distinct layers on the scans, but the scientists wanted to be sure. Sabbagh coded a computer program to scan pictures of the vLGN and measure probe signals, which verified their findings and showed distinct layers. But a question lingered: Where were these cells getting their information from? The researchers used a nonhazardous viral tracing tool to determine which neurons in the vLGN communicated with the neurons lining the eye's retina. It took a month for the virus to travel a few millimeters between the retina and the thalamus, but it was worth the wait. The virus revealed that cells in each of the vLGN's main layers received direct visual signals from retinal neurons in the eye. Next, collaborators at the University of Louisville analyzed the communications properties of those connections. Together, these insights help describe how visual information is processed in the vLGN. "This is an exciting find. We still have more work to do to fill in gaps, but I expect we'll find more cell types, and maybe even more layers as we continue to find more biomarkers," said Fox, who is also a professor in Virginia Tech's College of Science and was recently named director of the College's School of Neuroscience. His team has started analyzing gene expression in individual cells, using a process called single cell RNA sequencing. Fox says that once they know more about specific cell types, they can trace the circuits and begin revealing how the vLGN's neurons engage with other brain regions. "We suspect the vLGN has numerous functions, including regulating mood, but now we'll be able to analyze how specific cell types contribute to those functions with greater precision," said Sabbagh, who was recently awarded a six-year $390,000 National Institutes of Health award to support his research. This research also raises questions about brain evolution and comparative biology. As mammals evolved into larger species, their vLGNs shrank relative to the rest of the visual thalamus. By revealing the vLGN's complicated architecture in mice, Fox hopes to shed light on how these genetic instructions might cross over in other species. This study was supported by the National Institutes of Health. Syria air defenses repel Israeli strike on Hama Iran Press TV Wednesday, 24 June 2020 8:33 AM Syrian air defenses have repelled an Israeli airstrike in the western-central province of Hama, only a few hours after they confronted similar acts of aggression elsewhere in the country. Syria's official news agency SANA cited an unnamed military source as saying that the Israeli military carried out airstrikes at several locations in the cities of Salamiyah and al-Sabboura at 00:45 a.m. local time on Wednesday (21:45 GMT Tuesday). The Syrian air defense systems intercepted a large number of the missiles before they could reach their targets. SANA said the Hama strike did not cause any casualties but caused material damage in the areas hit. Late on Tuesday, Syrian military positions were targeted by Israeli strikes in the eastern province of Dayr al-Zawr and the southwestern province of al-Suwayda. The Syria Defense Ministry confirmed that two Syrian army soldiers had lost their lives and four others had sustained injuries during these strikes. Early on Tuesday, Syrian air defense units also managed to intercept an unknown drone attack over the city of Jableh, south of the strategic western city of Latakia. The unidentified aircraft had made an unsuccessful attempt to hit a Russian airbase in the region, according to Press TV's correspondent there. The Israeli strikes on Syria are viewed by observers as an attempt to weaken the Damascus government as it increasingly gains the upper hand in its fight against foreign-backed militant and terrorist groups. Foreign-backed militancy started in Syria in March 2011. Syrian government forces have taken back many of the areas once controlled by the terrorist groups. The government and allied forces are currently fighting last clusters of militants in the northwestern province of Idlib and the neighboring Aleppo Province. The Syrian government says the Israeli regime and its Western and regional allies have been aiding Takfiri terrorist groups. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NORRISTOWN A Norristown man is on his way to state prison after he admitted to sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in the borough. Tony Boyd Jr., 24, of the 400 block of East Oak Street, was sentenced in Montgomery County Court to 41/2 to 9 years in a state correctional facility after he pleaded guilty to felony charges of rape by force and unlawful communication with a minor in connection with incidents that occurred at a borough residence in August 2018. Judge Todd D. Eisenberg also ordered Boyd to complete three years probation following parole, meaning Boyd will be under court supervision for 12 years. Boyd also faces a lifetime requirement to report his address to state police in order to comply with Pennsylvanias Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. Eisenberg ordered Boyd, who was represented by defense lawyer Megan Elizabeth Schanbacher, to have no contact with the victim or her family as conditions of the sentence. An investigation of Boyd began on Aug. 7, 2018, when the mother of an 11-year-old girl reported to Norristown police that her daughter was sexually assaulted by Boyd, according to the criminal complaint filed by Norristown Police Corporal James Angelucci and Detective David Crawford. Boyd knew the victims family. The girl subsequently confirmed for social workers and police that she was assaulted by Boyd while she was in Boyds company at a borough residence. Boyd was 22 years old at the time. Detectives alleged that the investigation determined that on two separate occasions between Aug. 6 and Aug. 7 Boyd forcefully and without consent sexually assaulted the girl. When questioned by police, Boyd confessed to having sexual contact with the girl, according to court papers. Other charges of rape of a child, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, statutory sexual assault and indecent assault of a child were dismissed against Boyd at time of sentencing. Woody Allens new film Rifkins Festival will open the 68th annual San Sebastian Film Festival in September, organizers of the Spanish festival announced Thursday. The romantic comedy, written and directed by Allen, stars Elena Anaya (Wonder Woman), Louis Garrel (An Officer and a Spy), Gina Gershon (The Insider), Sergi Lopez (Pans Labyrinth), Wallace Shawn (Marriage Story) and Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds). Allen shot the film last summer in and around San Sebastian, a town located in the mountainous Basque region of northern Spain. The story follows a married American couple who go to the San Sebastian Festival and get caught up in the magic of the event, the beauty and charm of the city and the fantasy of movies. She has an affair with a brilliant French movie director, and he falls in love with a beautiful Spanish woman who lives there. Also Read: Spike Lee Apologizes After Interview Defending Woody Allen Amid 'Cancel' Culture: 'My Words Were Wrong' Mediapro Studio, Gravier Productions and Wildside produced the film, which is the first Allen film since 2004s Melinda and Melinda to open at San Sebastian. The premiere is set for Sept. 18 in the citys Kursaal Auditorium. The festival runs through Sept. 26. The film will be distributed in Spain by TriPictures, and the Mediapro Studio Distribution will look after its international sales. Finding U.S. distribution for the film may be more problematic. Allens standing as a filmmaker has fallen since his daughter Dylan Farrow resurfaced accusations that he molested her in the early 1990s when she was 7. Amazon Studios dropped plans for the 2018 release of the Timothee Chalamet-Elle Fanning romance A Rainy Day in New York and returned U.S. rights to Allen last year. That film still has not premiered in the U.S. Allen, who was never charged with a crime after two separate police investigations in the 1990s, has repeatedly called the accusations a total fabrication, including in a new memoir Apropos of Nothing published earlier this year. Read original story Woody Allens New Film Rifkins Festival to Open San Sebastian Film Festival At TheWrap Scientists from the Center for Photonics and 2D Materials of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), the University of Oviedo, Donostia International Physics Center, and CIC nanoGUNE have proposed a new way to study the properties of individual organic molecules and nanolayers of molecules. The approach, described in Nanophotonics, relies on V-shaped graphene-metal film structures. Nondestructive analysis of molecules via infrared spectroscopy is vital in many situations in organic and inorganic chemistry: for controlling gas concentrations, detecting polymer degradation, measuring alcohol content in the blood, etc. However, this simple method is not applicable to small numbers of molecules in a nanovolume. In their recent study, researchers from Russia and Spain propose a way to address this. A key notion underlying the new technique is that of a plasmon. Broadly defined, it refers to an electron oscillation coupled to an electromagnetic wave. Propagating together, the two can be viewed as a quasiparticle. The study considered plasmons in a wedge-shaped structure several dozen nanometers in size. One side of the wedge is a one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms, known as graphene. It accommodates plasmons propagating along the sheet, with oscillating charges in the form of Dirac electrons or holes. The other side of the V-shaped structure is a gold or other electrically conductive metal film that runs nearly parallel to the graphene sheet. The space in between is filled with a tapering layer of dielectric material -- for example, boron nitride -- that is 2 nanometers thick at its narrowest (fig. 1). Such a setup enables plasmon localization, or focusing. This refers to a process that converts regular plasmons into shorter-wavelength ones, called acoustic. As a plasmon propagates along graphene, its field is forced into progressively smaller spaces in the tapering wedge. As a result, the wavelength becomes many times smaller and the field amplitude in the region between the metal and graphene gets amplified. In that manner, a regular plasmon gradually transforms into an acoustic one. "It was previously known that polaritons and wave modes undergo such compression in tapering waveguides. We set out to examine this process specifically for graphene, but then went on to consider the possible applications of the graphene-metal system in terms of producing molecular spectra," said paper co-author Kirill Voronin from the MIPT Laboratory of Nanooptics and Plasmonics. The team tested its idea on a molecule known as CBP, which is used in pharmaceutics and organic light emitting diodes. It is characterized by a prominent absorption peak at a wavelength of 6.9 micrometers. The study looked at the response of a layer of molecules, which was placed in the thin part of the wedge, between the metal and graphene. The molecular layer was as thin as 2 nanometers, or three orders of magnitude smaller than the wavelength of the laser exciting plasmons. Measuring such a low absorption of the molecules would be impossible using conventional spectroscopy. In the setup proposed by the physicists, however, the field is localized in a much tighter space, enabling the team to focus on the sample so well as to register a response from several molecules or even a single large molecule such as DNA. There are different ways to excite plasmons in graphene. The most efficient technique relies on a scattering-type scanning near-field microscope. Its needle is positioned close to graphene and irradiated with a focused light beam. Since the needle point is very small, it can excite waves with a very large wave vector -- and a small wavelength. Plasmons excited away from the tapered end of the wedge travel along graphene toward the molecules that are to be analyzed. After interacting with the molecules, the plasmons are reflected at the tapered end of the wedge and then scattered by the same needle that initially excited them, which thus doubles as a detector. "We calculated the reflection coefficient, that is, the ratio of the reflected plasmon intensity to the intensity of the original laser radiation. The reflection coefficient clearly depends on frequency, and the maximum frequency coincides with the absorption peak of the molecules. It becomes apparent that the absorption is very weak -- about several percent -- in the case of regular graphene plasmons. When it comes to acoustic plasmons, the reflection coefficient is tens of percent lower. This means that the radiation is strongly absorbed in the small layer of molecules," adds the paper's co-author and MIPT visiting professor Alexey Nikitin, a researcher at Donostia International Physics Center, Spain. After certain improvements to the technological processes involved, the scheme proposed by the Russian and Spanish researchers can be used as the basis for creating actual devices. According to the team, they would mainly be useful for investigating the properties of poorly studied organic compounds and for detecting known ones. ### The MIPT Center for Photonics and 2D Materials, which incorporates the Laboratory of Nanooptics and Plasmonics, pursues global leadership in the fields of active plasmonics, 2D-material optoelectronics, and quantum optoelectronics. The center's primary objectives are developing and implementing a brand-new type of nanosized optoelectronic devices and components with a broad range of applications: electronic components, nanosensors, biosensors, nanolasers, quantum communication lines, energy efficient optical devices, etc. The center is headed by Valentyn Volkov (nano@phystech.edu). Header Image. Plasmons on graphene. Credit: Daria Sokol/MIPT Press Office Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden delivers remarks after meeting with Pennsylvania families who have benefited from the Affordable Care Act on June 25, 2020 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Jim Watson | AFP | Getty Images Finance executives are now bracing for Joe Biden to potentially win the presidency as Donald Trump slides in national and swing-state polls. Various current and former Wall Street financiers, analysts, lobbyists, lawyers and political advisors with banking clients spoke to CNBC about how the industry is bracing for a possible Biden win. Some spoke on the record, others decided to discuss on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly on the issue. The changes in tone and expectation and, in some cases, preparation for a Biden presidency represent an about-face for many executives who privately cheered on Trump's cuts in corporate and income taxes, along with his rollback of regulations. Many of them have traditionally projected more moderate leanings in public settings. Michael Novogratz, an investor and philanthropist, said he has noticed a change from many of his wealthy finance friends who were convinced that Trump would win because, at the time, the economy was humming and the market was consistently soaring. Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, millions of people in America were forced into unemployment, and the market, while it recovered from its steepest losses, remains in flux. "Five months ago I had a dinner with 10 of the best investors. I was the only guy that thought Biden would win. Eight were for Trump, one undecided and one Biden supporter," Novogratz said Thursday. "I think if you polled that group today it would be a 50 to 50 split or 60 to 40 for Biden." The preparation for a Biden presidency ranges from privately warning clients and affluent friends that their taxes will soon be going up, to veteran executives speaking to people linked to Biden out of hopes they can have access to the White House. Others are donating more to Biden's campaign. A Wall Street bundler with ties to former President Barack Obama and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, has recently noticed a surge in calls being returned by uncommitted finance executives to now give to Biden. This person has also pitched donors that if they donate, they may have a better chance at seeing their philanthropic initiatives supported by a Biden administration. Economic anxiety Coronavirus concerns Some on Wall Street are slowly changing their bets to Biden, despite their financial successes under the Trump administration, is the president's handling of the coronavirus. Trump has come under scrutiny and withering criticism by lawmakers and activists for being what they see as either too slow to react to the pandemic or for not doing enough to help states. Finance executives have become infuriated watching what they believe is the U.S. struggling to overcome the pandemic while their political and business allies in Europe have had more success in combating the virus. Data cited by The Hill shows that there are now close to 30,000 new cases per day in the United States while in the European Union there are close to 3,000 cases each day. "It's an article of faith among Wall Streeter's to know that the U.S. is structurally superior to Europe. Watching Europe outperform us on Covid-19 burns them," said an analyst at an asset management firm. Robert Wolf, the founder of 32 Advisors, a holding company which includes the direct investing arm 32 Ventures, told CNBC that since the coronavirus started spreading through the U.S., he's been emailing close to 175 influential people, including CEOs and politicians, giving his take on the pandemic, markets, the election and how he sees Biden standing above Trump. Wolf is a former CEO of UBS Americas, previously an advisor to Obama and a current Biden supporter. He wrote to his email list just after Memorial Day that taxes were going to be raised under Biden, but he justified the idea because, as he puts it, fighting the coronavirus is the equivalent to how a government goes to war. Taxing the rich, then, is a necessary decision, according to Wolf. "Everyone must do their part. Our medical professionals, front line workers, first responders and business owners who were forced to close their shops have certainly done so," Wolf said in a email titled "War & Taxes." "We will need the wealthy and high income earners to do their part financially, as they've done following previous wars," the email said. Money flowing from Wall Street to Biden Actor Shah Rukh Khans daughter, Suhana Khan, has endorsed Hindustan Unilevers decision to rename its fairness cream. The product that used to be called Fair & Lovely will now no longer include the word fair. In a statement, HU said, Were committed to a skin care portfolio thats inclusive of all skin tones, celebrating the diversity of beauty. Thats why were removing the words fairness, whitening & lightening from products, and changing the Fair & Lovely brand name. Suhana took to Instagram stories to repost the news. The controversy around fairness creams in India was reignited after the death of George Floyd sparked off Black Lives Movement protests across America and several other nations. Shah Rukh in a 2018 interview had described Suhana as dusky. Ill be honest; my daughter is sanwli (dusky), but shes the most beautiful girl in the world. And nobody can tell me otherwise, he said. After several Indian celebrities tweeted in support of the movement, actor Abhay Deol was among the many who asked them to look at systemic oppression in their own backyard, and not promote the use of fairness creams. Also read: After slamming woke Indian celebrities, Abhay Deol asks if theyll stop endorsing fairness creams now Do you think Indian celebrities will stop endorsing fairness creams now, he shared, adding data about search trends. Abhay continued, Over the years these companies have turned their attention towards the Indian Men, who are now trying to be fair and handsome, and have dedicated power white ranges for them too. The actor also shared brand-specific data. Actor Priyanka Chopra, who used to endorse fairness products, had said in 2015 that she stopped endorsing them because she felt really bad about it. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON GOOD TIMES When I left school in 1978 I got the first job I wanted - to train as a nurse in St Vincent's. It was immensely good fun living onsite for 18 months with 24 other girls from all over Ireland. To be a good nurse I learned you need a sense of humour, a strong work ethic, unlimited kindness and resilience. I loved it, but at times it was so difficult. The night of the Stardust fire on Valentine's Day 1981, I was working in intensive care and I remember the horror like it was yesterday. In 1985, I moved to Africa for two and a half glorious years with my husband Conor, who was seconded to Lesotho with KPMG. Our daughter Aifric was born there. We were part of a fun expat community and travelled a lot - it was like an extended honeymoon. I worked in Bloemfontein, in the university hospital on the oncology ward, and I thoroughly enjoyed the work. I had no idea then how cancer would shadow my own life. PICKING MYSELF UP In 1987, we moved back to Ireland, and a year and a half later Conor was diagnosed with a brain tumour and, despite a good prognosis, was dead within two and a half years. Aifric was five and her sister Philippa was three, and I don't know how I got through. I was completely knocked off my perch during that dark time but knew I had to earn a living for my children so, with the help of family and friends, I slowly got myself together. In 1992 I started working as a helpline nurse two days a week for the Irish Cancer Society. This helped me as it took me outside my grief. I then took up a second job in Our Lady's Hospice in Harold's Cross as a research nurse working with the palliative care team on research examining the quality of life of cancer patients and their carers compared with the quality of life of Aids patients and their carers. I was visiting and interviewing patients and carers across all social divides and I learned a lot about life, and about myself. In 1994 I applied for a job-share in the fundraising department in the Irish Cancer Society and stayed until 2008. My boss, James Cassidy, was inspirational for me. This was my launching pad into fundraising - I found I was in my element and thrived on the challenge. In 2008, I got more experience working on the fundraising team at the Niall Mellon Township Trust and, during this time, returned to college to do a Masters in management. Unfortunately, on my graduation day from DCU I was in St James's Hospital as I had been diagnosed with leukaemia and had undergone a stem-cell transplant. CRITICAL CARE I used ARC before I joined the charity in 2011 and to say I landed my dream job is an understatement. I know first-hand how timely our services can be - often people just need someone to listen and many don't want to show their distress to family and friends and then others prefer to bring their loved ones along. Nothing that anyone does or says would surprise me now. When you get a cancer diagnosis it feels your life is no longer in your control and coping with what lies ahead can seem impossible - I have walked in those shoes. ARC was set up in 1994 by Professor Des Carney, an oncologist at the Mater who saw a gap in cancer care provision for patients and their loved ones. With more people living with and beyond cancer we are needed more than ever. FRESH START I'm up and out at 6.30am for a brisk walk by the sea in Monkstown, breathing in the salty air. Then home to breakfast, emails and the papers. Before Covid, I'd be in the car at 6.45am, and at my desk in the city centre for 8am, aiming to leave at 4pm. I never clock off and will be on the phone at all hours to corporate sponsors, high net worth individuals and volunteers - when you are asking people to do things for you, you need to be accommodating. Working from home now, I am still at the desk at 8am and there's a Zoom call at 9.30am to discuss ideas. We have a flat hierarchy, all 11 employees in ARC are listened to equally and my team will often take me to task. Later, I'll fit in some yoga or pilates - online at the moment - and do some work for my writing group and practice my cello. I took it up after my diagnosis and it makes me happy. THE BUSINESS OF GIVING When I started with ARC it was in trouble but, with the help of an engaged board, we managed to turn our fortunes around. We are a small charity but we put on big events and aim high and Irish people are so generous. There are so many charities in Ireland and Covid-19 has had a devastating effect on the sector with events cancelled. Our ability to raise income has been severely curtailed, although we have got creative with fundraising with events like a virtual cuppa and an initiative from designer Helen Cody where she gives a painting for donations. Working in fundraising, just like nursing, having a sense of humour is invaluable. At ARC, we are deadly serious about what we do but we have fun doing it and cannot wait to reopen our doors and provide our physical services to those that are counting on us. ROME - The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has chosen to start its drive to 'Restart Tourism' after the coronavirus lockdowns in Italy. Italy is one of the world's top travel destinations and it is also one of the countries hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. UNWTO Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili will be in Italy on July 1, when the Schengen area's external border reopens. Accompanied by UNWTO Europe Director Alessandra Priante, an Italian, Pololikashvili will visit Rome, Milan and Venice and will meet government figures, including Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio and Culture Minister Dario Franceschini. "I am very happy that Italy is UNWTO's first destination since the start of this global crisis," said Pololikashvili. "It is one of our strong allies and a world tourism leader. "The sector provides millions of jobs in Italy and protects and valorizes the country's unique cultural heritage, from art to gastronomy". TOKYO, June 25, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - NTT Corporation and NEC Corporation today agreed to form a capital and business alliance for the purpose of joint research and development and the global rollout of ICT products utilizing innovative optical and wireless technologies. The companies aim to improve their corporate value by expanding sales of products applying jointly developed technologies through this alliance. In addition, through these initiatives, the companies will contribute to enhancing industrial competitiveness of Japan and further ensuring safe and reliable communication infrastructure, playing leading roles in working with numerous communication equipment vendors.BackgroundLooking ahead into the world of Society 5.0 and Post COVID-19, social and industrial digital transformation (DX) is accelerating, and communications infrastructure, which is the foundation for connecting vast amounts of data that connect people and things, is expected to increase capacity and become more sophisticated. This communication infrastructure is also required to be more safe and reliable as a core infrastructure. Such trends are common in countries around the world, and various players have entered the field as they conduct business activities globally.Under these circumstances, NTT is promoting innovative research and development that promotes transformation of the world based on its medium-term management strategy, "Your Value Partner 2025". Specifically, NTT has launched its IOWN initiative as a future research and development vision, and is working with global partners on innovation through, among others, developing game-changing technology.NEC is focusing its efforts on Solutions for Society, and creating new business models and services through co-creation with various partners, utilizing network technologies such as 5G and digital technologies, including AI, biometrics and security.Through this alliance, NTT and NEC will jointly develop cutting-edge technologies and globally competitive products that utilize both companies' strengths and originate from Japan, as they collaboratively form an optimal sales framework in order to further roll out such technologies and products to the global market.Overview of Capital and Business AllianceTo promote open architectures such as O-RAN and to realize the IOWN initiative, NTT and NEC will set up a research and development structure at an early stage of their alliance, and will focus their efforts on the following objectives.(i) By development and utilization of cutting-edge technologies, the companies will develop and sell globally a compact Digital Signal Processing (DSP) circuit -- featuring both world leading performance and low power consumption, as well as quality that meets market needs and greater value from the customer point of view -- plus optical transmission equipment incorporating this DSP circuit.(ii) Working with global operators and communication equipment vendors, the companies will promote O-RAN Alliance specifications while developing and selling globally competitive products compliant with such O-RAN specifications. In the future, the companies aim to attain top global market shares under NEC's leadership. Through development, the companies will realize ultra-high speed processing, ultra-low latency and ultra-low power consumption in these products at a level that has never been attained before, by applying innovative devices utilizing optical and wireless technologies to base station equipment.(iii) The companies will develop innovative technologies and optical/wireless devices contributing to the realization of NTT's IOWN initiative. As part of the development, the companies will enable greater capacity, higher functionality and lower costing submarine cable systems, large capacity, low latency and automatic/autonomous space communication, and more sophisticated technologies to ensure infrastructure network security.Since the joint research and development ranges over various areas and requires medium-to-long-term research and development, NTT and NEC have determined that it is important to create an amicable and cooperative relationship by which both companies are able to enjoy long-term benefits, to set up a joint research and development structure at an early stage of their alliance, and to aim for the acquisition of and acceleration in efforts to develop products, services and intellectual properties that can gain a global competitive advantage; therefore,NTT will acquire 13,023,600 shares of NEC's common stock through the issuance of new shares and disposition of treasury stock by way of third-party allotment conducted by NEC (4.8% of its outstanding shares after the third-party allotment).For more information, visit https://www.nec.com/en/press/202006/global_20200625_04.html.About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com.Source: NEC CorporationCopyright 2020 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. New data from a landmark study by Monash University researchers raises concerns that even short-term exposure to low level air pollution can affect gene expression, leaving us at risk of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. It has long been known that exposure to air pollution, including the widespread smoke events of the last Summer in Australia, can lead to short term health problems such as respiratory distress. It is also known that, longer term, exposure to air pollutants leads to oxidative stress and issues like an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Now the American Lung Association has warned that there is a risk of increased infections if and when a region's pollution spikes - as happened when the Summer bushfires occurred in Australia. The study, published in the PLOS Medicine, provides the first evidence that exposure to even very low levels of air pollution can change gene expression that are the hallmark of diseases such as cancer. Led by Associate Professor Yuming Guo from the Monash School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, and colleagues at Nagasaki University in Japan and Cambridge University in the UK, the study involved blood samples from 266 pairs of twins (192 identical and 74 non identical) as well as 165 parents in Brisbane over periods from 2005 to 2010. The volunteers are part of the Brisbane System Genetics Study. The periods when the blood samples were taken were matched to data from seven air quality monitoring stations around Brisbane at that time, to measure the levels of exposure to PM2.5 (the main particulate matter in smoke) and sulphur dioxide (the main gaseous pollutant). The researchers studied expression in six genes associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, which have long been considered important features of disease processes initiated by pollutants and found that even the low levels of air pollution experienced in Brisbane led to change of gene expression associated with morbidity and mortality in the longer term. The latest study is further evidence that exposure to air pollutants, even at low levels, has long term health consequences, which has real life implications for the current the COVID-19 pandemic according to Associate Professor Guo. " This is the first evidence as to how exactly exposure to low levels of air pollution actually alters our gene expression which in turn impacts our health. Combined with the global consequences of COVID-19 and its impact on respiratory health there is even a greater need to be conscious of limiting our exposure to air pollution." Yuming Guo, Associate Professor, Monash School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine ARLINGTON (dpa-AFX) - BAE Systems plc (BA.L) said, as anticipated, the pandemic has impacted the business in the second quarter, with sites in the Air and Maritime sectors and US commercial avionics business being most affected. The productivity levels in June have improved within the Group's defence businesses. Sales for the half year are expected to be broadly stable year on year whilst half year profit is expected be approximately 15% lower than last year. The Group said the demand for its capabilities remains high with order intake in line with its original expectations for the year. The Group said its liquidity remains strong. Operating business cashflow in the half-year remains broadly in line with expectations and, excluding the one-off 1 billion pounds injection into the UK pension scheme, is likely to be consistent with the first half cash profiles seen in the last two years. BAE Systems also announced that, with effect from June 25, Revathi Advaithi has decided to step down from her role as a non-executive director. 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. Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) and Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) in "Gone With the Wind." (New Line Cinema) "Gone With the Wind" has returned to HBO Max after it was pulled from the streaming service this month. The 1939 Academy Award-winning film has come under criticism for the way it depicts the antebellum South, denies the horrors of slavery and perpetuates stereotypes of enslaved people devoted to their masters. On HBO Max the movie now opens with a roughly 4 1/2-minute introduction by African American Turner Classic Movies' host Jacqueline Stewart, who discusses its history and its racism. "Eighty years after its initial release, 'Gone With the Wind' is a film of undeniable cultural significance," Stewart says. "It is not only a major document of Hollywood's racist practices of the past but also an enduring work of popular culture that speaks directly to the racial inequalities that persist in media and society today." Along with Stewart's introduction, HBO Max viewers have access to additional videos, one featuring a panel discussion on the movie's complicated legacy and another about actor Hattie McDaniel, who in 1940 became the first African American to win an Oscar, for her portrayal of the film's enslaved "Mammy." Filmmaker John Ridley wrote earlier this month in a Los Angeles Times opinion piece that WarnerMedia should consider removing "Gone With the Wind" from its streaming service. "It is a film that glorifies the antebellum south," Ridley wrote. "It is a film that, when it is not ignoring the horrors of slavery, pauses only to perpetuate some of the most painful stereotypes of people of color." After Ridley's comments, WarnerMedia, which oversees HBO Max, removed the movie from its service and said that it planned to return "Gone With the Wind" after adding further information. These racist depictions were wrong then, and are wrong today, and we felt that to keep this title up without an explanation and denouncement of those depictions would be irresponsible," the company said in a statement earlier this month. In her introductory video, Stewart acknowledged that "watching 'Gone With the Wind' can be uncomfortable, even painful." "Still, it is important that classic Hollywood films are available to us in their original form for viewing and discussion," Stewart said. "They reflect the social context in which they were made and invite viewers to reflect on their own values and beliefs when watching them now." Tamer al-Shihawi has thanks Walid al-Muallem for his remarks and highlighted the strong political and historical bonds that Egypt and Syria share reports Sham Times. In an exclusive comment, Egyptian member of Parliament, Gen. of Military Intelligence Tamer al-Shihawi expressed Egypts appreciation for the statements of Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Muallem, in which the latter affirmed Damascus preparedness to support Cairo. Shihawi, a member of the Defense and National Security Committee in Egypts House of Representatives, said that the two peopleEgyptian and Syrian have been entwined for many years, and cooperated in the Arab-Israeli conflict. He added that, Egypt considered the stability and unity of Syria to be pillars of Egyptian and Arab national security alike. Even if there are sometimes differences of opinion due to the political calculations of each country, there remains a historic bond that ties these two large regional Arab countries together, which at one time were united as one state under one flag and one army, and shared one destiny. Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis, Egypts stance has been to not recognize any unilateral decrees regarding seizing Syrias right to the Golan. Egypt has also taken in hundreds of thousands of Syrian brethren fleeing from embattled areas, without considering them guests, but rather, according to President Sisi, as our people. He concluded, The statement of the Syrian foreign minister is expected from the Syrian brethren. I am not surprised, because Damascus also knows Cairos value, and the value of its stability, and the challenges and threats that it faces on various strategic fronts. Therefore, the official Syrian position is greatly appreciated by Egypt, with all its political and popular dimensions. Muallem said on Tuesday that Damascus confirms its support for the Libyan National Army, which is led by Khalifa Haftar, and for Cairos moves regarding the situation in Libya. 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. Centre Street in Niagara Falls, between Victoria and Ellen avenues, will be closed to vehicle traffic to allow businesses to install patios and generate extra revenue during COVID-19. On Tuesday, city council approved the request by Victoria Centre Business Improvement Association. As we know, any restaurant during Phase 2 of the (provinces) reopening plan can only open if they have an outdoor patio, wrote Eric Marcon, chair of the BIA, in a June 22 letter to council. Most businesses in Ontario are using street parking, sidewalks and other areas attached to the business or in front/behind the businesses as patio space. Some are expanding their existing patios if possible. He said Centre Street restaurants do not have this option due to limited space. These businesses, like all of us, are struggling and takeout is not making ends meet. The business owners have suggested they use Centre Street as a temporary aid for them to install patios on the street and sidewalk area. During a meeting between BIA and city officials June 16, Marcon said some business owners wanted to see how the street closure would work on a trial run, while others were opposed to the idea. He said after a week of phone calls and discussions from business owners, a letter was drawn up from the BIA and distributed to Centre Street members requesting their comments. Marcon said correspondence was gathered and sent to the BIAs board of directors. Since there is no date for Phase 3 (the opening of restaurants), businesses on Centre Street are left with no business income, Marcon wrote to council. Once Phase 3 is announced, then they will only be allowed 50 per cent capacity. This could take the rest of the tourism season to happen, thus forcing some of these businesses into bankruptcy. The BIA requested council approve, in principle, the street closure with the following conditions: The City of Niagara Falls and Niagara Region install signage informing vehicle traffic about detour routes, and tourists that all businesses on Centre Street are open, that the closure will be re-evaluated once business owners can open inside after Stage 3 commences, and that the road be closed 24 hours per day, as reopening a road in the evening is cost-prohibitive and confusing for tourists. City council agreed to the conditions. I think the change that theyre recommending here can only be a positive thing, said Coun. Chris Dabrowski. I think it will create a festive atmosphere. He said while some businesses voiced concern people may find it difficult to locate them if the street is closed to vehicle traffic, technology such as GPS and Google should negate that worry. Dabrowski said there is also plenty of easily accessible parking lots in the area. Coun. Mike Strange said he believes the closure, as was similarly done on a section of Queen Street, will help businesses. Ive travelled to Europe and its so nice to go to Italy, Portugal, Spain and you go down those little squares where youve got the piazzas and you park your car and you could just walk and not worry about your car for the day. Mathew Bilodeau, the citys manager of transportation engineering, said municipal staff will ensure the street closure is safe for patio occupants within the closed section by installing jersey barriers in the area. Well also have to re-time the traffic signals and close down lanes on Victoria Avenue and Clifton Hill that lead to Centre Street. Bilodeau said in discussions between city staff and businesses, the patios can remain in place until around Canadian Thanksgiving. If the direction from any BIA where there is a road closure and theyre not operating acceptably, we would take that recommendation from them and reopen the road, he said. The reason for the duration is because it is quite an expense and effort for both the city and private business owner, and I think it would be beneficial for them to get some value out of installing the patio. The government is recommending that Michael Chatfield be sentenced to a guideline range of between 14 years and 17 and a half years for his role in the "Cream Scheme." Attorneys for Chatfield are seeking house arrest or probation. Chatfield is due to be sentenced in Winchester by Judge Sandy Mattice on July 23. Chatfield was found guilty of 19 counts of wire fraud, eight counts of mail fraud, five counts of money laundering, four counts of payment of illegal remuneration, one count of receipt of remuneration, one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud, and one count of healthcare fraud. Attorneys for Chatfield objected to the loss amount attributed to him by the pre-sentence report, objected to an enhancement for over 10 victims, and objected to an enhancement for his role as a leader or organizer of the criminal activity. Chatfield objected to the specific loss amount by claiming the government did not prove that each and every claim attributed to him was fraudulent, and he should be treated the same as George Striker, "whom he speculates was sentenced based on his amount of gain." Prosecutors said Striker got a break for pleading guilty and testifying against Chatfield. Prosecutors Perry Piper and Franklin Clark wrote, "The United States suggests that a lengthy sentence of incarceration is warranted, one which captures the harm perpetrated by the defendant. . . The United States submits that the advisory guideline range as calculated by the Probation Office is correct and the government respectfully requests that the Court adopt it as the advisory guideline range." The pre-sentence report attributes over $11 million in loss to Chatfield. This figure includes $8,623,589.88 from various private insurance companies, $2,032,942.60 from Tricare, and $954,273.64 from the Hamilton County Department of Education. The prosecutors said, "The entire purpose behind this scheme was to unjustly enrich Chatfield and his co-defendants. The fact that some people who ordered the creams might have had some tangential 'need' for the products does not change the fact that it was still a scheme to defraud. If the motivating factor behind the supposedly non-fraudulent transactions was to sell beneficial products to people who needed them, then Chatfield and the other defendants could have sold the $10 ingredients from WalMart directly to the patients. Instead, they picked and chose individuals with specific health insurance plans, selling creams they knew would be reimbursed at grotesquely inflated prices." They said Chatfield was second in command "with more than 10 downlinks. He issued all of the checks to his downlinks. He personally instructed individuals on how much to pay to customers and which customers to target. He also instructed his downlinks to set up shell entities to receive their money obtained as a result of this scheme. "Upon learning that George Striker was contacted by federal agents looking into this matter, Chatfield did not merely encourage Striker to refrain from speaking to law enforcement. Rather, Chatfield encouraged Striker to lie to federal agents, and he even assisted in suggesting and developing a specific lie designed to conceal his participation in the crime. Striker questioned Chatfield regarding what he should say to law enforcement regarding who referred him for the creams. Chatfield responded say someone from work told you. Say I cant remember say one of my customers told me (IA). Its been months ago. I dont remember. A large number of testimonials were submitted in behalf of Chatfield. Prosecutors said, "It must be pointed out that a substantial portion of the praise Chatfield receives in these testimonials is tainted by the personal financial gain the authors received as a result of Chatfields fraud. Authors of character letters receiving money from Chatfield as part of this scheme include: Jacob Burgess $17,000 Matthew Tyler Burgess $118,900 Brandon Chatfield $81,700 Grayson Chatfiel $19,000 Hal Chatfield $484,300 Brendan Hawks $5,000 Derrick Hogans $81,000 Michael Rimer $9,800 "Additionally, the following letter writers insurance companies were billed as part of the fraudulent scheme: Jacob Burgess $119,548.66 Matthew Tyler Burgess $125,247.92 Brandon Chatfield $112,021.50 Grayson Chatfield $27,744.02 Michael Rimer $78,447.10 Melissa Archey $206,824.93 Garrett Fuller $27,744.02 Natalie Chatfield $108,184.25 Davis Eldridge (Kelley, Ruben and Rufus) $284,570.47 through Willow $234,770.81 through Central $63,438.22 through Soothe Michael Rimer $66,597.76. "Particularly troubling is the letter from Hal Chatfield, who praises his son. This is to be expected. However, Michael Chatfield (as part of the scheme through Top Shelf) paid his father $480,000, through Core Enterprises, LLC, a company Hal Chatfield created to receive his ill-gotten gains. Hal would not inculpate his son while testifying in the grand jury, but when pressed on what he did to earn this money, Hal admitted on at least five occasions that he did absolutely nothing. Perhaps a more objective letter from Hal Chatfield would have included the fact his son paid him nearly half a million dollars, for doing nothing, with proceeds from the fraudulent scheme." The number of cases of Covid-19 infection at an emergency shelter run by the Cruz Roja (Spanish Red Cross) in Malaga had reached 90 by Saturday, regional minister Elias Bendodo confirmed. The Malaga case is the largest of nine isolated outbreaks in Andalucia, according to Bendodo. The president of the Junta de Andalucia, Juanma Moreno, said on Saturday that while the outbreak at the Red Cross centre in Malaga was "alarming", it was "controlled and confined". Of the 83 cases confirmed on Thursday, 74 were young migrants currently living at the centre and nine were members of staff and volunteers. The building, located in the citys Avenida Ortega y Gasset, has been sealed off and more than a hundred people are being quarantined inside. They have been divided into sections according to their condition: those who are healthy, those who have no symptoms but have been in contact with patients infected; and those who have fallen ill. The centre is being guarded by National Police officers. The alarm was raised on Sunday when a young woman living at the shelter was taken to hospital with symptoms similar to those of coronavirus. The PCR test confirmed she had the virus, she was isolated and her contacts traced. On Monday a second positive case at the shelter was confirmed, followed by seven more on Tuesday. By Thursday at midday SUR was able to confirm that at least 83 people had tested positive at the shelter. Among those found to have the virus is a worker who travelled to Gran Canaria on 14 June. On 19 June he returned to Malaga via Madrid and Seville. It appears that when he went to the Canaries he was already infected but was unaware of his condition as he had no symptoms. All of his contacts, including passengers on the flights he took, are being traced and tested according to established protocol. Sources consulted by SUR stressed the speed with which the positive cases had been diagnosed and contacts isolated. Most of the people in the centre who have tested positive are young migrants and none has been admitted to hospital. The regional governments delegate in Malaga, Patricia Navarro, said on Thursday that there was no cause for alarm, that the building was closed and guarded by the security forces. She described the cases as a cluster rather than an outbreak and confirmed that more than 100 people were in isolation but none hospitalised. We are prepared for the new reality, she said. "I think that the idea of achieving economic development on a comprehensive basis is a big challenge for our country, because the failure to resolve previous problems has made us very vulnerable in this crisis," she expressed. The minister stated that most structural problems that had not been resolved in the past years made Peru vulnerable to the crisis. "For example, four in every ten Peruvians have a bank account. We had this big problem of financial inclusion, which has caused many problems," the Cabinet member said. "We have introduced a large-scale money transfer program to disburse around US$220 to each of nearly 7 million households . We generated a great response, but we had problems with its implementation," she added. In the roundtable "Debt in emerging markets: a path beyond COVID-19," organized by Bloomberg, Alva commented that Peru has a very challenging agenda to solve informality. "In the short term, we have implemented a program of almost 1% of GDP to create temporary jobs and solve basic infrastructure issues . By doing so, we are trying to increase household income through these fiscal programs," she added. The high-ranking official highlighted that Peru has a solid economy because the country has done a good job in terms of macroeconomic achievements, as well as in the microeconomic aspect. (END) CAN/RMB/MVB The Massachusetts State Police are among nearly two dozen state-level law enforcement agencies to receive nearly $42 million from the U.S. Department of Justices Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) to combat the illegal manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and prescription opioids. The Massachusetts State Police received close to $4 million in funds, the top award among 14 states, through the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program (AHTF), and $1 million through the Anti-Methamphetamine Program (CAMP). The COPS Office awarded more than $29.7 million in grant funding to 14 state law enforcement agency task forces through the AHTF program. According to a DOJ release, the program provides three years of funding directly to state-level law enforcement agencies with what it calls multijurisdictional reach and interdisciplinary team structures, in states with high per capita rates of primary treatment admissions for heroin, fentanyl, carfentanil, and other opioids. It said the funding also supports the location or investigation of illicit activities through statewide collaboration related to the distribution of heroin, fentanyl, or carfentanil or the unlawful distribution of prescription opioids. Other top grantees includes New Jersey Department of Law and Public Safety and Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission. The COPS Office awarded $12 million, or $1 million each, to 12 state law enforcement agencies, including ones in Kentucky and Indiana, through CAMP. The release said the state agencies receiving CAMP funding have demonstrated numerous seizures of precursor chemicals, finished methamphetamine, laboratories, and laboratory dump seizures. The agencies are being awarded three years of funding through CAMP to support the location or investigation of illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine trafficking. During the five-month period between October 2019 and February 2020, according to the release, current AHTF program grantees reported the seizure of over $4 million in cash and 1,213 firearms; CAMP grantees reported seizures of more than $7 million in cash and 1,577 firearms. In the first three months of 2020, there were 112 confirmed opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts, according to the latest figures from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, which estimates that there will be an additional 319 to 393 deaths. Preliminary data from January through March 2020, according to those estimates, show there were 467 confirmed and estimated opioid-related overdose deaths, an estimated 28 fewer deaths, which the DPH says is a 5.7 percent decline compared to the first three months of 2019. Among the 1,873 opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts in 2019 where a toxicology screen was also available, 1,752 of them, some 94%, were said to have a positive screen result for fentanyl. Massachusetts has been among the states with the highest rates of opioid-involved overdose deaths, but has one of the lowest rates of opioid prescribing levels, according to government statistics. By Laila Kearney NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell 6% on Wednesday after U.S. crude storage hit another record and coronavirus cases rebound in countries like Germany and surge in heavily populated areas of the United States By Laila Kearney NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell 6% on Wednesday after U.S. crude storage hit another record and coronavirus cases rebound in countries like Germany and surge in heavily populated areas of the United States. Mounting coronavirus cases in the United States, which had its second-largest rise in new infections since the crisis began, China, Latin America and India have unnerved investors and pressured oil prices. "These are all important oil demand centers. A second wave of infections and lockdowns will derail the global economic recovery and with it, oil demand and prices," said Stephen Brennock of broker PVM. Brent crude was down $2.52, or 5.9%, to $40.11 a barrel by 12:33 p.m. (1633 GMT) a day after hitting its highest levels since early March, just before the pandemic and Saudi-Russia price war hit the markets. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell $2.56, or 6.3%, to $37.81 a barrel. U.S. crude oil inventories swelled last week by 1.4 million barrels, exceeding analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 299,000-barrel rise, the Energy Information Administration said, citing rising production. [EIA/S] That marked the third straight record for crude in U.S. storage. "The thing I was most concerned about was the rebound in domestic production and it was up - as a standalone it was capable of doing some damage to the market," said Bob Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho. The International Monetary Fund said the coronavirus is causing wider and deeper damage to economic activity than first thought, and it slashed its 2020 global output forecasts further. India's oil imports in May hit the lowest since October 2011 as refiners with brimming crude inventories cut purchases. China, the world's top crude importer, is also expected to slow imports in the third quarter, after record purchases in recent months. (Additional reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin in London, Laura Sanicola in New York and Yuka Obayashi in Tokyo; editing by David Gregorio and Nick Zieminski) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. by Sumon Corraya Thousands of women have been forced by the economic crisis to quit their jobs in the city and go home and work in the farm. Many are ethnic Garo Christians. Dhaka (AsiaNews) - Santa Rema is a beautician who used to work in Dhaka. Two months ago, she returned to Jalchatra parish, in Tangail. I worked at a well-known beauty salon in Dhaka, the 30-year-old Catholic woman said. In March, I lost my job and went home to Jalchatra. Now I work on a farm as a day labourer." She says she used to work with air conditioning in the beauty salon, but now she works in the open air in the rain and sun. For her, it is difficult to work. Nipa Sangma is also a beautician with a story to tell. To change life, she and her three brothers worked at several beauty salons in Dhaka, but after the coronavirus pandemic began, they were all out of work. They returned to the village of Jalchatra and are now working in the fields to survive. To change our fortune, we learnt to work in a beauty parlour, which is now closed due to the coronavirus, she explained. That's why we couldnt stay there. To survive, we are working in the fields. Now she wants the government to help until the coronavirus crisis is over. These stories are not just about Nipa and Santa, but about thousands of women. Protap Rema, who heads the Nokmandi Community Centre, a Garo rights group, explains that after the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Garos have found themselves in inhuman conditions. He is worried by unemployment in the Garo community. Of the 30,000 Garo Christians live in Dhaka, 90 per cent are unemployed. To survive, many have had to return home to their village. As far as I know, in the city of Dhaka, more than 4,000 Christian Garo women were employed in beauty salons, he noted. In addition to supporting their family in Dhaka, they also sent money to the village, but are now out of work. Many beauticians are returning to the village because they cannot bear the costs of living in Dhaka. However, since many Garo children study in Dhaka, their parents cannot go home so as not to affect their childrens education. Beauticians are having a very difficult time. Protap Rema says that there are about 110 beauty salon owners in Dhaka who are in a bad situation, because all beauty salons are closed and without revenue. He noted that the famous Persona beauty salon chain employs 2,500 Garo women. According to Varitia Parishad, president of the Baharan Sultan Bahar organisation, some 50,000 people left their rented dwellings in Dhaka during the coronavirus pandemic. Many others have stayed in Dhaka with family, but, because of lower revenues, others are sending family members back to the villages. Jubair Ahamad, a street food vendor, is one of them. "I sent my wife and two children back to the village of Natore, he explained. I left the house I rented because my income dropped by 50 per cent. I couldn't have survived if I hadn't sent my family to the village. Now Jubair is staying at a cheap mens hostel. COLUMBUS, Ohio - After saying he will address a rise in new coronavirus cases, Gov. Mike DeWine will update the public on the states response to COVID-19. Each day over the past eight days, the number of new cases has exceeded the 21-day average, indicating there is an uptick. On Wednesday, the Ohio Department of Health released positivity rate for testing, which remains at between 4% and 5% -- much lower than the states in the Sunbelt and out West that are experiencing the pronounced spikes at this time. DeWine said on Tuesday he would address it during todays briefing. Watch the Ohio Channels live broadcast below at 2 p.m. As of Wednesday, the state had at least 46,759 coronavirus cases, and 2,755 deaths. More coverage: Ohio has had 46,759 coronavirus cases, up 632: Wednesday update Ohio board may allow medical marijuana for cachexia. What is it and could cannabis help? Majority of Ohio voters agree with Gov. Mike DeWines pace of lifting coronavirus restrictions, poll finds Ohio Supreme Court blocks Toledo from using traffic camera appeals process Northeast Ohio vehicle traffic, which can precede coronavirus spikes, down 20% (Screenshot from Fortune website) Trumps threat of a complete decoupling from China remains an unappealing prospect as global appetite for Chinese assets continue to grow, US media outlet Fortune reported on Monday. Citing a new report by the Rhodium Group, a global consultancy, the article argued that despite the chorus of political decoupling and economic re-shoring talk, as long as China represents a sizable share of global growth, foreign appetite for assets in China will remain robust. Since two years ago, US President Donald Trumps administration has stepped up pressure on China with tariffs, and the COVID-19 outbreak has strained US-China relations even further. Trump took to Twitter last Thursday to threaten China with complete decoupling. However, over the past 18 months, we have recorded levels of foreign M&A into China that were not seen in the previous decade, said the report. The report also finds that foreign investment in China remains resilient. According to Chinas Ministry of Commerce, foreign direct investment into the Chinese mainland, in actual use, expanded by 7.5 percent year-on-year to 68.63 billion yuan in May. The reports authors, Hanemann and Rosen, argue the big factor behind the global appetite for Chinese assets is that foreign firms are betting on the secular rise of Chinas middle class, using for example of Pepsis $700 million acquisition of Chinese snack brand Be & Cheery in 1Q 2020. It also helps that Beijing has loosened restrictions on foreign ownership in key sectors including auto and financial services, enabling global firms to buy shares in their own joint-ventures. In addition, the report pointed out another factor behind the investment trend is that in some industries, Chinese businesses have now become leaders partly through the rise of start-ups and government policy support. For the first time, therefore, it is attractive for foreigners to buy technology and industrial assets rather than build from scratch, the authors wrote. The market in China is very big and lots of these foreign (corporate) investors, they are looking at the long-term business development in China, Martin Wong, managing partner of the insurance sector for the financial services industry at Deloitte China, told CNBC. Even during the COVID-19 outbreak, foreign investment in China has been rising steadily since January and that so far this year the value of foreign M&A deals in China exceeds the value of Chinese outbound dealsthe first time thats happened in a decade. The article attributed the rising investment to Chinas effective response to the virus. China has been far more effective in containing the virus than Western economies, the China-based operations of global businesses have been able to reopen quickly than operations in North American and Europe, the article said, adding that China's economy is expected to post solid growth in the second half of this year. All of which means that decoupling, however sure-fire an applause-getter on the campaign trail, remains an unappealing prospect in many boardrooms, it said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-24 22:37:44|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TOKYO, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The head of Japan's largest business body on Wednesday expressed concern over the United States' decision to halt the issuance of certain work visas this year that temporarily blocks some foreign workers from working in the United States. The visa halt "poses a serious problem to business operations," said Hiroaki Nakanishi, chairman of the Japan Business Federation known as Keidanren. He said in a press conference in Tokyo that the group is asking the governments of the two countries to take measures to prevent disruption to Japanese companies' operations. Nakanishi expressed his concern over the U.S. move but said he believes it's part of U.S. President Donald Trump's election tactics. The Trump administration has said it aims at making sure that American workers are first to get jobs amid a high unemployment rate in the country in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. "We need to make the case that (the visa halt) definitely has a negative effect on the U.S. economy," said Nakanishi, who is also chairman of Hitachi Ltd. He said that his company's employees currently working in the United States may be forced to cut their stay short. He added that his group plans to urge both the Japanese and U.S. governments to work to improve the situation. Enditem Customers will be under more surveillance every time they walk into a 7-Eleven but the reason for the new CCTV isn't to stop theft. The convenience store chain has rolled out facial recognition software at more 700 than stores across Australia to be used to verify customer feedback rather than as an anti-theft measure. The software is connected to Rate It, an online customer experience platform that runs on a tablet device in-store. 7-Eleven confirmed the installation of the new technology after a growing number of eagled-eyed customers noticed new signs at store entrances in recent weeks. The new technology has been rolled out at more than 7-Eleven 700 stores across Australia 'Site is under constant video surveillance. By entering the store you consent to facial recognition cameras capturing and storing your image,' the sign reads. 7-Eleven insists the software is 'not used for any other purpose' other than verifying customer feedback and says stores won't have access to the encrypted data. 'The use of facial recognition within the Rate It tablet is to ensure that the feedback is accurate and valid, and given customer feedback is so important to us we don't want the system being 'gamed,' a spokesperson told 7news.com.au. The data captured by the tablet will be an encrypted agorithmic representation of the image recorded, which will be stored by Rate It for a week before it's permanently destroyed. 7-Eleven confirmed the rollout of the facial recognition software after customers noticed these new signs at store entrances 'If a customer doesn't use the feedback tablet, their image won't be recorded,' the spokesperson added. Daily Mail Australia has contacted 7-Eleven for further comment. NSW Council of Civil Liberties has raised concerns about the software and claimed its use information gathering should be illegal. 'Its certainly against good privacy practice and principles,' treasurer Stephen Blanks said. [June 25, 2020] Xerris Achieves AWS Advanced Consulting Partner Accreditation Calgary software engineering company joins an elite group of consulting firms CALGARY, Alberta, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ -- Today, Xerris announced that it has reached the second-highest tier in Amazon Web Services (AWS) partner network AWS Advanced Consulting Partner. AWS is the largest provider of cloud computing services in the world. "We are incredibly proud of earning the AWS Advanced Partner status," said Jonathan McCracken, CTO at Xerris. "This accreditation demonstrates our expertise and focus on cloud-native microservices and infrastructure as code on AWS." The accreditation also speaks to Xerris's track record of successfully migrating digital applications from static hosting environments to a fully managed cloud infrastructure. Xerris played a key role in delivering a world-class last-mile delivery solution for BURNCO Landscape Centres Inc allowing it to accelerate its order delivery and tracking platform. "Xerris continues to be a leader in the technology and digital transformation space bringing in high-quality talent, attention to detail, and a drive to put their client's vision first in all of their deliverables," said Morgan Martel, President of BURNCO Landscape Centres Inc. The advanced partner accreditation allows Xerris to work more closely with AWS, ensuring the Calgary-based consulting group continues to develop its expertise and deliver high-quality architecture on the AWS Cloud. About Xerris Xerris works with its clients to craft innovative cloud-focused solutions to complex business problems. They specialize in cloud migration, digital transformation, and microservice deployments leveraging the AWS cloud platform. Contact: Jeremy Tooley, CEO Xerris Inc. Phone: 587-327-9997 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.xerris.com Related Files xerris-one-page-brochure.pdf Related Links Lets Talk SOURCE Xerris Inc. Hyderabad: Public participation is very important to control Sars-Cov2 virus according to a study of 100 days of Covid-19 in India. The study shows that breach of the lockdown led to a spurt of cases in India. The study, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, has found that from March 25 to April 7, there were 331 cases, from April 8 to April 30 there were 1,211 cases and from May 1 to May 10 this had increased to 2,989 cases. In the initial days of the lockdown of 21 days, there was a visible impact and the virus could be contained, the study says. Before the lockdown, the doubling time was 3.4 and it improved to 7.5 by April 19. It further improved to 12.9 by May 13. Despite these efforts and the extended lockdown, the number of cases has risen in India, as the last 10 days of the 100-day period shows a major breach with heavy movement of people from one part of the country to another. This large scale human movement allowed for proliferation of the virus. Scientists in their evaluation term SARS Cov 2 as a rudimentary virus whose genetic structure is proving to be more experienced and intelligent than entire humanity. Its ability to strike humans in unknown ways has made it a potential virus with an ability to cause greater disruption and destruction. This observation is because the virus has acted differently in different locations in the world and also in India. The effect of the pandemic has not been uniform in India because testing, which is a main way of identifying the virus, is poor due to lack of kits and laboratories. For this reason, too, reports from rural areas are very limited and exact number of cases is not clear. According to data of the ministry of health and family welfare, the mortality rate in those with heart ailments is 10 per cent and in those with diabetes, seven per cent. Public participation in understanding an infectious disease is very important to contain it. Dr Kiran Madhala, a senior doctor explained, Public participation is most important in controlling a pandemic. There is a need for non-pharmaceutical interventions such as educating people about prevention and protection. Hand and respiratory hygiene and social distancing must be practised for the next few months. This is the only way forward and that has to be told to people repeatedly to protect them from the virus. With cases rising, compliance of people is vital to contain the virus and the rules must be followed strictly if the spread is to be controlled, stated experts. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Coronavirus cases reported by the state of Ohio are trending up after weeks of decline, but the same turn for the worse is not showing up for ICU hospitalizations and deaths. These trends have unfolded while testing has increased. What does all this mean? Heres a rundown of some of the key questions. Q: Are Ohios case numbers up? A: Yes, at least for the number of known cases. Not only do the latest numbers show what Gov. Mike DeWine described as a big increase in cases, they have been trending up for days. Over the last eight days, Ohio reported anywhere from 531 to Thursdays 892 new cases daily. This immediately followed a 12-day stretch when the newly reported cases were much lower - ranging from 300 to 434 a day. A good way to look at the trend is the seven-day rolling average. That smooths out the data to account for delays in processing tests or paperwork. The seven-day average on June 12 hit its lowest level in nearly two months at 381 a day. The average is now up significantly, at 647 a day over the last seven days. This is the highest point since April 25. And, for a single day, Thursdays 892 newly reported cases were the most since intensive prison testing caused the numbers to peak above 1,000 for three days in mid-April. Whats always been an unknown, however, is how many cases exist that the state does not know about. Q: Does this mean more Ohioans are getting the virus? A: It appears so. It looks like there is an increase in cases. How much is related to the increase in testing, I dont think we can tell yet, Dr. Michael Roizen, chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic, said during a telephone interview. What I look at really closely is ICU admissions and deaths. They are both staying low and continuing to trend low, which means if more Ohioans are getting infected that the elderly either are protecting themselves or being protected. Dr. Richard P. Lofgren, president of UC Health in Cincinnati, said during the governors televised news briefing on Thursday that tracking in Greater Cincinnati found a sharp increase in not only cases, but positive test results for people in their 20s and 30s. This is indicative that increased numbers of cases we are seeing is not just because we are doing more tests, Lofgren said. It really does in fact show that there is more disease, and more disease is spreading in our community. DeWine said much the same, based on his conversations with multiple health officials: We have increased testing. But no analyst that I have talked to believes that the total increase is due to that at all. Q: How much has testing increased? A: Ohio in the last week has reported 99,325 new coronavirus tests. This is up from 87,176, 75,091 and 76,886 the previous three weeks. In mid-May, the seven-day total was closer to 61,000. DeWine has said that anyone who wants a test can now get one, though there may be some limits for privately administered tests. This wasnt always the case. Early on, Dr. Amy Acton, then the head of the Ohio Department of Health, said the limited available tests were being largely reserved for the sickest patients, the elderly and health care workers. Younger people were being turned away if they were not extremely ill. Q: Is the percentage of positive tests remaining steady? A: Yes, at least generally so. Positive test rates have been reported by the state at either 4% or 5% each day going back to June 9. Earlier higher positive rates included 8% on May 20, 9% on May 7, 12% on April 20 and, at the height of prison testing, 37% on April 19. Q: What does the rate of positive tests mean? A: That depends. Roizen said it is difficult to draw meaning from such information that is not drawn from a random sampling of the population. And he said it is difficult to compare Ohio to another state, such as Arizona, where the positive rate has been reported at 22%: Either they are not doing as many tests or they dont have as many infections. You cannot tell which. Random sampling would be a better indicator of the spread, or lack of spread, of the virus. I havent figured out why we havent done large random sets of the population of the country, he said. They (positive rates) are not meaningless but they are not as important as the number of hospitalizations and the number of deaths, and doing your own protection. But Lofgren said one trend in Greater Cincinnati was meaningful - increasing rates of positive tests among young people while the rates for older individuals remained in the 5% range. Lofgren said that, coupled with other data, demonstrated an increase in the virus among young people. Q: Are hospital beds filling up, or is the demand steady? A: The number of coronavirus patients in intensive care units has generally gone down or has been steady for the last several weeks. These are the serious cases watched most closely. The Ohio Hospital Association reported 206 ICU patients from reporting hospitals on Thursday. Thats about where this number has been for more than a week, and much better than earlier. There were 323 ICU patients on June 1, 411 on May 1 and a high of 535 on April 16. The number of ICU patients has proved manageable. Back in late March, Acton spoke of the state having 1,300 vacant ICU beds at the time and the need to avoid surpassing capacity. As for total hospitalizations, however, they have increased five days in a row from 513 on Saturday to 624 on Thursday. There were 760 patients on June 1 and 1,067 on May 1. COVID-19 hospital stays until recently had been trending down in Ohio. This chart shows the number of patients on a given day, as reported by hospitals to the Ohio Hospital Association. Out-of-state patients are included. Totals for the most recent day or two may be revised later.Rich Exner, cleveland.com Q: Are hospitalizations and deaths following the case trends? A: It may be too early to tell. It can be days before someone is sick enough to go to the hospital and a person could have the virus weeks before dying. Acton had mentioned this more than once when she provided daily updates with the governor. Roizen said hospitalization generally comes five days to two weeks after infection. The trends for deaths often follow hospitalizations by another five to eight days, he said. Obviously there is a lag, so you worry about whether there will be a problem, Roizen said, adding so far deaths trends have not turned up. Looking at the data up until now, it looks like the elderly are doing a better job of protecting themselves. The number of coronavirus deaths by day in Ohio peaked at 64 on April 28. The number of deaths has not topped 40 since May 23. Numbers for more recent dates will increase as more information becomes available.Rich Exner, cleveland.com Sixty-four Ohioans died with the coronavirus on April 28, the worst day for deaths. On a few other days about then, deaths were 55 or higher. There hasnt been more than 40 deaths reported for a single day since May 23. If deaths do not eventually follow the recent increase in cases, there is another possible explanation. Younger people with the virus are more likely never to be hospitalized or die. Yet, that doesnt make the concern go away, Lofgren said, pointing out that some young people can get very sick and all can contribute to the spread of the virus. Weve clearly seen a shift in terms of younger people who really are driving this increased number of cases, Lofgren said. Rich Exner, data analysis editor for cleveland.com, writes about numbers on a variety of topics. Follow on Twitter @RichExner. See other data-related stories at cleveland.com/datacentral. Read related coverage See coronavirus cases by day for each Ohio county Ohio reports 1,860 nursing home patients now dead with coronavirus Ohio reports 892 new coronavirus cases; biggest increase in 2 months 1-in-20 Ohio coronavirus tests are coming back positive, state reports Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/25/2020 -- The COVID-19 outbreak has marked one of the most challenging times for many people across the world, especially those who suffer from dementia and Alzheimer's. Dementia is a medical condition characterized by a decline in cognitive function. Almost 10.5% of the U.S. population, aged 65 and older, have dementia and experience symptoms such as memory loss, impaired judgment, difficulty utilizing problem-solving skills, loss of motor function, confusion, and more. As a result, dementia patients often undergo personality changes and struggle to cope with the ever-changing world around them. That being said, a lot of changes have taken place due to COVID-19. At CareGivers America, health and safety protocols have increased more than ever. All caregivers, nurses, and other aides are equipped with the personal protective equipment necessary to continue providing the best private home care services to their patients. Furthermore, the state of Pennsylvania imposed a stay-at-home order, which is now slowly being lifted, requiring that all residents, apart from essential workers, isolate themselves indoors as much as possible. This caused a separation between dementia patients and their loved ones. Most people have slowly adapted to life during COVID-19. However, dementia patients have a harder time acclimating to a changing environment due to their impaired cognitive abilities. Therefore, the most important step is keeping a regular routine. Any abrupt changes may make loved ones feel out of control, confused, and alone. The next most important step is creating a backup plan. Since COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease that can affect almost anybody, it's smart to have an alternate caregiver available at all times. This is a precautionary measure that can save a lot of stress and frustration in the future. Caregivers and family members of dementia patients should also routinely practice health and safety measures, not only for themselves, but also for their patients or loved ones. Memory loss is the most common symptom of dementia, so safety precautions such as wearing masks and gloves, frequent sanitation, and social distancing, should become part of a dementia patient's everyday routine. To learn more, visit the CareGivers America website at https://caregiversamerica.com/caregivers-america/. This home care agency proudly serves many areas of Pennsylvania, from Philadelphia County to Susquehanna County. About CareGivers America CareGivers America has been providing Pennsylvania residents with outstanding health care services since its start in 2002. Their mission has always been to promote independence and enhance the quality of life of their patients through various caregiving services, such as in-home care, ongoing nurse care, adult daycare, and much more. Since becoming part of the Simplura Health Group, CareGivers America has been able to broaden its horizons and improve patient's lives more than ever before. All interested parties can reach a CareGivers America representative at info@caregiversamerica.com. Young American voters appear to favor presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden over President Donald Trump, according to newly released national polling data. The survey released Wednesday by the New York Times and Siena College shows Biden leading Trump among registered voters aged 18-34 by 34 percentage points. By comparison, in 2016, Hillary Clinton on election day won 55% of the vote among young voters to Trump's 37%a lead of 18 points. In total, the poll shows Biden ahead of Trump by 14 points, with particularly strong leads among Black and Hispanic voters. Trump leads Biden by 19 points among White people without college degrees. Since the 2018 midterm elections, trends have shown both an uptick in youth voter participation and their tendency to vote for Democrats. Millennial voting nearly doubled between 2014 and 2018from 22% to 42%according to demographer Richard Fry at the Pew Research Center in Washington. Thirty percent of Gen Zers eligible to vote turned out in the first midterm elections of their lives. And for the first time in a midterm election, more than half of Gen Xers reported they had voted, Pew reported. In the 2018 midterm elections, two-thirds of all young voters aged 18-29 supported the Democratic candidate for Congressthe widest party gap in the past 25 years, according to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement based at Tufts University in Massachusetts. Kathleen Struck contributed to this report. Click here to read the full article. MILAN The COVID-19 pandemic is leaving in its wake a trail of casualties, but a new white knight is taking shape here. Private equity Antares Advisory is launching a new fund aimed at supporting luxury and lifestyle companies dented by financial problems and non-performing loans and classified as UTP, or Unlikely to Pay. The focus of the fund is industrial rather than financial, explained Giovanni Mannucci, partner and in charge of the operative team of the Luxury and Lifestyle Fund. As the economy is rocked by the coronavirus pandemic, impacting companies of all sizes, Antares will provide not only private capitals but also a team of experienced managers and specialized professionals. Mannuccis background includes extensive experience at Italys storied mens wear brands as a former chief executive officer of, successively, Isaia, Boglioli and Pal Zileri, which he exited in 2018. While it is still being formed, Antares team at the moment also includes Gaetano Sallorenzo and Guido Vesin. Sallorenzo is also no stranger to the fashion world. He was previously ceo of Miroglio Fashion and before that, was ceo of Les Copains under BVM SpA. Other former positions include ceo of Stuart Weitzman; ceo of Replay; ceo of Calvin Klein Jeans and Sportswear for Europe and Asia; president North America at Giorgio Armani; executive vice president of Ralph Lauren Europe, and president of Liz Claiborne Europe and then International. Sallorenzo said Antares strategy is to leverage potential synergies within the companies in the portfolio, as well as the strong managerial experience in this sector, which will allow us to analyze the companies and take action quickly. The goals of the fund include enhancing the value of the brands and their production processes; the creation of clusters; the strengthening of companies; the digitalization and the injection of new technologies, and protecting and enhancing the value of the territories and the prestige of Italian craftsmanship. Story continues Only 10 percent of small and medium-sized companies here sell online, its an enormous delay, Mannucci lamented. We must invest in digitalization and create a new vision as weve seen a huge fear of change. Mannucci said one of the objectives it to create stronger Italian companies with improved creditworthiness and, as a consequence, positive effects on the banking system. The management of UTP credits has become increasingly more of an issue. At the end of the first quarter last year, defaults estimated by the Italian banks totaled around 79 billion euros, further worsened in the last few months by a decline in gross domestic product, impacted by the COVID-19. The fund, with an expected duration of six years, aims to accrue capital of 300 million euros, of which 50 million euros will be newly financed by private investors and 250 million euros of UTP credits from the banks, said founding partner Vesin. The approach to each company would be tailor-made, said Vesin, who is a board member of Isaia and a former managing director of Banca Akros. Creativity, good taste, attention to details are distinctive elements of fashion and Italian style recognized and desired around the world, Mannucci said. The Art of Beauty meant as a lifestyle experience is the basic element we want to strongly enhance and protect in a global context that is going through major changes that require new models, innovative organizational structures, flexibility and communication skills mindful of tradition yet looking at the future in an ongoing evolution. The luxury and lifestyle industry in Italy is made up of more than 66,000 companies that generate total of 95 billion euros through 500,000 employees, observed Mannucci. Protecting the pipeline is a priority, he said. It can be strengthened through more investments in technology, distribution channels and sustainability for example, Mannucci said. We will take into consideration those companies whose economic sustainability, even more than financial, in the context of changed market conditions, have a logic and solid foundation. Protecting employment is a sensitive issue now, as it is protecting the territory and the districts, the executive continued. In a country fragmented into a web of small and medium-sized, mainly family-owned companies, aggregation is also a goal to help build production and distribution platforms. More mass will help gain market shares and be more resilient in the face of international competition, Mannucci observed. The sector has played defense but it needs a system and it needs investments. Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's warning that Egypt could intervene militarily in neighboring Libya if Turkish-backed government forces were to advance on the eastern Libyan city of Sirte has drawn mixed reactions from the parties to the conflict in Libya. The Libyan Parliament affiliated with eastern commander Khalifa Hifter welcomed Sisi's remarks. According to a statement released by the House of Representatives on June 21, speaker of the eastern-based parliament Aguila Saleh had called on Cairo in January to assist the Libyan armed forces in their war against terrorism and to thwart the foreign invasion. The UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, meanwhile, called Sisi's warning a declaration of war and an attack on its sovereignty. It further stated that the GNA is the sole legitimate representative of the Libyan state. Any direct intervention from the Egyptian state has now acquired international legitimacy, Sisi said June 20, citing the threat posed by "terrorist militias" to Libya's security and stability in reference to the more than 2,000 fighters from the Free Syrian Army (FSA) deployed by Turkey to support the GNA against Hifter. Sisi stressed the necessity of protecting Egypt's porous western border against infiltration by armed militants from Libya. His remarks came in an address to Egyptian troops at the Sidi Barrani air force base in Matrouh, a western governorate on the border with Libya. Thanks to Turkey's support, forces loyal to the GNA have made significant military gains in recent weeks, pushing back Hifter's forces and thwarting a 14-month offensive by the LNA against the Libyan capital Tripoli. The Turkish-backed forces of the GNA have meanwhile been threatening to advance on the strategic city of Sirte and al-Jufra air base, but Sisi's warning that Sirte and Jufra are a red line appears to have foiled those plans, halting the GNA forces march eastward at least temporarily. Sisi's warning came just days after 23 Egyptian laborers allegedly detained and tortured by forces allied with the GNA were repatriated to Egypt. They were shown on a number of Egyptian satellite channels arriving in Matrouh, some draped in the Egyptian flag. Earlier, a video had circulated on Egyptian social media purportedly showing the workers facing abuse and being forced to stand on one leg with their hands in the air. Sisi's comments were received at home with a variety of responses including surprise, skepticism, dismay and a great deal of patriotic sentiment, as was evident from the widely circulated images of the Egyptian flag and the Long live Egypt slogan on social media. Some saw the warning as a distraction from government failures such as the response to the coronavirus pandemic and the deadlock in talks with Ethiopia over the Great Renaissance Dam Project. Skeptics like Hassan Nafaa, a professor of political science at Cairo University, dismissed Sisi's warning, arguing that it is highly unlikely that Egypt would enter a direct war in Libya. Cairo, however, will not tolerate an eastward expansion of GNA forces, as it would consider this a victory for Turkey, perceived by Egypt as an 'enemy state' owing to Turkey's support for the Muslim Brotherhood, Nafaa told Al-Monitor. Turkey offers a safe haven to exiled leaders and members of the Islamic opposition group, considered a terrorist organization by Egypt since late 2013. Nafaa went on, President Sisi has made it clear that he rejects Turkey's expansionist goals and has warned he will stop at nothing to deter Turkey from gaining control over Libya. If the GNA repeats the same mistake made earlier by Hifter when he had opted for a military solution rather than a political settlement of the crisis, then we can expect to see Cairo extending further support to Hifter's forces, equipping and arming them and the Libyan eastern tribesmen fighting alongside the LNA with sophisticated weapons. Sisi and Gulf allies the UAE and Saudi Arabia have been supporting Hifter all along but according to Nafaa, that support will no longer be covert nor discreet. Nafaa recalled Hifter's refusal to sign a January cease-fire agreement brokered by Turkey and Russia in Moscow and the repeated violations by LNA forces of another deal struck in Berlin a few weeks later. At the Berlin international conference on Libya in February, global powers and regional actors pledged their support for a cease-fire and an arms embargo in Libya. They also vowed to throw their weight behind the UN-facilitated political process. All promises were thrown to the wind by Hifter. My fear is that the pro-GNA forces may choose to ignore the calls for a cease-fire, prompting a further escalation of the crisis and more bloody confrontations, he added. Other analysts like Maj. Gen. Samir Farag, senior strategist at the Security and Defense Advisory Board of Egypt, perceived Sisi's warning as very serious. Egyptian military intervention in Libya is imminent if pro-GNA forces fail to respect the cease-fire, he told Al-Monitor. President Sisi has thrown a stone into still waters, Farag said, adding, His remarks have prompted similar calls from regional and global powers, including from the Pentagon and NATO (which back the government in Tripoli), for respect of the arms embargo and the cease-fire announced by Cairo earlier this month. On June 6, Sisi called for foreign fighters to exit Libya and for peace talks to be held in Geneva as part of an initiative to end the nearly decade-long civil war. Cairo's peace plan won approval from Hifter, who was still licking his wounds after his militia had been forced to retreat from Tripoli but was rejected by the GNA, which continued its onslaught against LNA forces, inching closer to Sirte. An emergency Arab League meeting held on June 23 produced a formal rejection of all illegitimate foreign intervention in Libya and echoed Sisi's call for the withdrawal of all foreign forces. The virtual meeting, held at Egypt's behest, also called for peace talks to end the conflict in the war-ravaged country. Addressing the Arab League ministerial meeting by video conference, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said Egypt will not hesitate to take every possible measure to prevent Libya from falling under the control of terrorist groups. Citing the initiative announced by Sisi, he added that Cairo was involved in various international initiatives and was keen to achieve a political resolution to the crisis. It is clear that Egypt would prefer to exhaust all diplomatic channels and if possible avert military intervention. The ball is in the court of the GNA; its actions will decide which path Egypt will take," Farag told Al-Monitor. The risk of terrorist militias from northern Syria crossing the border from Libya into Egypt is not the only cause for concern. The possibility of Turkey gaining a foothold in eastern Libya close to Egypt's western border and setting up military bases is another reason for Cairo's alarm. But Farag pointed to another, even greater bone of contention: a maritime deal signed between Turkey and the GNA in November 2019 that gives Turkey rights to natural resources in the disputed zone demarcated in the agreement. Turkey has already announced plans to begin drilling for gas and oil in the coming months with Tripoli's blessing, much to the chagrin of Egypt and other Mediterranean states (namely Cyprus, Greece and Israel), which fear the deal could hinder their plan to export natural gas to Europe through a pipeline or on LNG vessels. Earlier this week, Kim Kardashian promoted her Summer Sleep collection for SKIMS, which included comfy pieces perfect for the warmer months ahead. And two days later, the entrepreneur shared a sneak peek at an upcoming collection from her brand - called the SKIMS Butter Collection. The 39-year-old star shared racy snaps of herself wearing the neutral hued pieces, highlighting her slim waist and her hourglass figure. Gorgeous: Kim Kardashian shared a sneak peek at an upcoming collection from her brand - called the SKIMS Butter Collection on Thursday Kim posed in a low-cut bralette with high-waisted shorts in one image, with long brunette tresses and glossy pink lips beneath smokey brown shadow eye makeup. The brunette beauty also posed in a low-cut taupe hued one-piece, as well as a darker toned tank top and underwear in the same material. The last image showed Kim posing with a high-neck top and high-cut underwear in the same tone. The mother of four posed over pieces from the new collection - called SKIMS Butter Collection, which is a line of 'ultra soft and smooth summer basics that melt to your body,' she wrote in her Instagram caption. Vibes: The 39-year-old star shared racy snaps of herself wearing the neutral hued pieces, highlighting her slim waist and her hourglass figure Stunning lady: Kim posed in a low-cut bralette with high-waisted shorts in one image, with long brunette tresses and glossy pink lips beneath smokey brown shadow eye makeup Smart, business savy and gorgeous: The mother of four posed over pieces from the new collection - called SKIMS Butter Collection, which is a line of 'ultra soft and smooth summer basics that melt to your body,' she wrote in her Instagram caption Kim revealed that it 'can be worn both indoors and out' and that its available in three colors, with sizes XXS-4X. The SKIMS Butter Collection is set to be released on Tuesday, June 30 at 9 AM PT/ 12 PM ET on SKIMS.COM. On Tuesday, the businesswoman shared a series of sultry snaps while rocking the newest SKIMS collection, called Summer Sleep - soft and stretchy sleepwear and loungewear for hot summer days. Kim chose the $22 Summer Sleep Brief, which is a mid-rise, high-cut underwear, with the $32 Summer Sleep tank - both in black. She finished off her lounge look with her $78 Summer Sleep Robe, also in black. Strike a pose: On Tuesday, the businesswoman shared a series of sultry snaps while rocking the newest SKIMS collection, called Summer Sleep - soft and stretchy sleepwear and loungewear for hot summer days Kim posed in the look while on the phone in her bathroom - as she snapped a picture with her smart phone. The mother of four then posed on her bed, with her ample cleavage and her hips on full display. One day later, Kim glammed it up for Instagram as she posed up a storm in a purple and cream patterned halter top with fringed trousers and large hoop earrings. Snack time: Kim posed in the look while on the phone in her bathroom - as she snapped a picture with her smart phone Comfortable: The mother of four then posed on her bed, with her ample cleavage and her hips on full display Casual: Kim also posted snaps of herself in the gray version of the tank with the $52 Summer Sleep rib leggings The star, who captioned it with a cowboy emoji, set pulses racing with a snap of her pert derriere rocking the fitted bottoms. The dark haired beauty showcased her tiny waist in the corset-style top, which featured a criss-cross halter top. Kim is wearing Charlotte Knowles' Anti Top; the piece features traditional English checks and plaids re-imagined through bleach. She paired the number with high-waisted cream hued trousers that included a fringe detail along the sides; the bottoms were tight fit along her waist and hips with a straight-cut leg. Cowgirl chic: One day later, Kim glammed it up for Instagram as she posed up a storm in a purple and cream patterned halter top with fringed trousers and large hoop earrings Mrs. West: The star, who captioned it with a cowboy emoji, set pulses racing with a snap of her pert derriere rocking the fitted bottoms The businesswoman and reality star has been staying at her and her husband Kanye West's $14 million Wyoming ranch. Kim shared a family snap on Sunday in honor of Father's Day as they posed at their ranch. The star looked glamorous in a brown leather cut-out bodysuit with matching bottoms, adding a blue leather trench with futuristic sunglasses and large gold earrings. Kim held on to their youngest child, son Psalm, 13 months, with North, seven, Saint, four, and Chicago, two, near her - as well as husband Kanye, 41, who wore a leather jacket and pants and a yellow T-shirt. She also shared a snap of Kanye with his sons Saint and Psalm and his father Ray West. She was in Los Angeles earlier this month to celebrate Scott Disick's 37th birthday with a small birthday party that included Scott, Kourtney Kardashian, their kids Mason, Penelope and Reign, Kylie Jenner and daughter Stormi, Khloe Kardashian and daughter True, Kim's kids and Kris Jenner - with just a handful of friends. Kim looked incredible in a baby blue JBD Apparel crop top, called the Ion 2.0, pairing it with high-waisted denim and heels with her hair pulled half up, half down. Family is everything: Kim shared a family snap on Sunday in honor of Father's Day as they posed at their ranch The West's: She also shared a snap of Kanye with his sons Saint and Psalm and his father Ray West Birthday fun vibes: She was in Los Angeles earlier this month to celebrate Scott Disick's 37th birthday with a small birthday party that included Scott, Kourtney Kardashian, their kids Mason, Penelope and Reign, Kylie Jenner and daughter Stormi, Khloe Kardashian and daughter True, Kim's kids and Kris Jenner - with just a handful of friends Stunning family: Kim looked incredible in a baby blue JBD Apparel crop top, called the Ion 2.0, pairing it with high-waisted denim and heels with her hair pulled half up, half down United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that the Chinese threat to India and Southeast Asian nations is one of the reasons America is reducing its troop presence in Europe and deploying them to other places. Pompeo made the remarks in response to a question at the Brussels Forum that he had addressed virtually. When asked why the US had reduced the number of troops in Germany, Pompeo said that if US troops were no longer there, it was because they were being moved to other places. He said the actions of the ruling Chinese Communist Party meant there were 'threats to India, threats to Vietnam, threats to Malaysia, Indonesia and the South China Sea challenge'. "We are going to make sure the US military is postured appropriately to meet the challenges," he said. Last week Pompeo criticised the Chinese Army for 'escalating' the border tension with India and militarising the strategic South China Sea. He also described the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) as a 'rogue actor'. In a scathing attack on the Chinese government, Pompeo said that the Communist Party of China wants to undo all the progress the free world has made through institutions like the North-Atlantic Treaty Organisation 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 the PLA troops at the Galwan Valley in Ladakh on June 15. Earlier this month, Pompeo has that China's actions, be it on the India border, or in Hong Kong or in the South China Sea, have been part of the behaviour of the ruling Communist Party in Beijing in the recent past. China has been fast expanding military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific region, triggering concern in various countries of the region and beyond. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Beijing has built up and militarised many of the islands and reefs it controls in the region. Both areas are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources and are vital to global trade. More than 60% of commercial flights in and out of Beijing have been cancelled as the Chinese capital raised its alert level against a new coronavirus outbreak and other nations confront rising numbers of illnesses and deaths. The resurgence in China highlighted calls for vigilance as many nations are easing virus restrictions to revive their economies. The prevention and control situation in the city was described as extremely grave at a meeting of Beijings Communist Party Standing Committee led by the citys top official, Cai Qi. This has truly rung an alarm bell for us, Mr Cai told participants. (PA Graphics) The website of the Communist Partys Global Times said 1,255 flights to and from the capitals two major airports had been scrapped by Wednesday morning. Beijing Capital Airport is traditionally the worlds second busiest in passenger capacity. No official public notice on a change in regulations has been issued by Chinas civil aviation authority or by Beijing Capital Airport or Beijing Daxing International Airport, but Beijing Capital said it expected to handle 500 flights on Wednesday, sharply lower than recent days. The cancellations are among a number of limits on travel in and out of the city. Beijing had essentially eradicated local transmissions until recent days, but has had 137 new cases since late last week. On Wednesday, the city of 20 million people raised its threat level from 3 to 2, leading to the cancellation of classes, suspended reopenings and stronger requirements for social distancing. China had relaxed many of its coronavirus controls after the ruling Communist Party declared victory over the virus in March. India which has the fourth-highest caseload after the US, Brazil and Russia added more than 2,000 deaths to its tally, after Delhi and Maharashtra states included 1,672 previously unreported fatalities. Its death toll of 11,903 is now eighth in the world. Story continues Health workers in New Delhi (Manish Swarup/AP) India has been reporting 10,000 new infections and more than 300 deaths each day over the last two weeks. Adding the previously unreported deaths drove the fatality rate from 2.9% to 3.4%. In other coronavirus news: New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern assigned a top military leader to oversee the border quarantines after health officials allowed two New Zealand citizens who had recently returned from London to leave quarantine before being tested. After the women tested positive, New Zealand began tracing their potential contacts to ensure the virus is contained. Canada and the US will extend to July 21 an agreement to keep their border closed to non-essential travel, with many Canadians fearing cases arriving from the US. Australia deepened a diplomatic spat with China by accusing Beijing and Moscow of using the heightened anxiety around the pandemic to undermine Western democracies by spreading disinformation online. The US death toll exceeded 116,900, according to Johns Hopkins University. That surpasses the number of Americans who died in the First World War, when 116,516 were reported killed. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 18:15:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned a recent "terrorist" attack near Turkey's border with Iran, during which a mortar shell hit Iran's territory, Tasnim news agency reported on Thursday. According to Turkish media reports, on the evening of June 23, an armed clash took place between "terrorist" groups and Turkish military forces near the Iranian border. In the incident, two Turkish border guards were injured, one of whom died later. Abbas Mousavi, spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, expressed regret over the incident and extended sympathy with the victims. He also condemned the "terrorist elements" moving between the two countries and their attack on the border and military forces which have led to the death of forces in both countries. Mousavi said that as a result of Tuesday clash, a mortar shell hit the territory of Iran, which had no casualties. The outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the EU, has claimed responsibility for attacks on Turkey's security forces and for a number of sabotage acts on energy pipelines from Iran to Turkey. It has fought a 30-year war against the Turkish government, claiming the lives of more than 40,000. Enditem Government has yet to decide whether they can stay or will be forced back out to sea. Nearly 100 Rohingya refugees are waiting to hear their fate after being rescued by fishermen off the Indonesian coast. The men, women and children have been at sea for weeks. But the government there has yet to decide whether they can stay or will be forced back out to sea. Al Jazeeras Jessica Washington reports from Jakarta. In many cases, the parties involved only know about domestic violence after marriage. By establishing an inquiry database, partners can know beforehand and consider whether to marry, Zhou Danying, vice chairman of the Yiwu Womens Federation, one of the government bodies involved in the program, told The Paper, a Shanghai-based news website. The purpose is to prevent and reduce the likelihood of domestic violence. China, like other countries, has long grappled with domestic violence, and the coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the problem. With millions placed under lockdown, the police say theyve seen a rise in cases of men abusing their partners, according to the news website Sixth Tone. Across the United States, doctors and activists say they have seen signs of an increase in violence at home as cities and towns have imposed limits on movement and lockdowns. More accounts of people lashing out, particularly at women and children, have rolled in, according to domestic abuse hotlines and law enforcement agencies. The Chicago Police Department, for example, said that domestic-violence-related calls increased 12 percent during a period from the start of the year through mid-April, compared with the same time period in 2019. In other cities like Los Angeles and New York, the police have reported a drop in calls, but the authorities have said they believed that victims were in such close quarters with their abusers that they were unable to contact the police. In April, the United Nations called for urgent action to combat the worldwide surge in domestic violence what some experts call intimate terrorism amid the pandemic. I urge all governments to put womens safety first as they respond to the pandemic, Secretary General Antonio Guterres wrote on Twitter. The Lizzie McGuire reboot at Disney+ stalled earlier this year with the showrunner departing and star Hilary Duff asking Disney to put it on Hulu. But it doesn't seem there are any plans to get the reboot back up and running as Hollywood productions resume after shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Hulu's head of original content Craig Erwich said the streaming network was not in discussions with the show's star to move the reboot over while speaking with Variety on Wednesday. Stalled: Hulu's head of original content Craig Erwich said the streaming network was not in discussions with the Lizzie McGuire star Hilary Duff to move the reboot over from Disney+ while speaking with Variety on Wednesday 'I appreciate her fandom,' Erwich said. '[But] we have not had any conversations with Hilary Duff around her show.' Back in February, Duff broke her silence on the creative differences that put the new Disney+ series on hold. She asked Disney to move the show to their other streaming service Hulu all while speaking to her dedication to the role. '[I] was incredibly excited to launch "Lizzie" on D+ and my passion remains,' she wrote. 'However, I feel a huge responsibility to honor the fans' relationship with LIZZIE who, like me, grew up seeing themselves in her.' No talk on reboot: 'I appreciate her fandom,' Erwich said. '[But] we have not had any conversations with Hilary Duff around her show' From 2001 to 2004, Duff starred in the title role of the show which followed Lizzie, her two best friends Miranda and Gordo (Adam Lamberg who was expected to return), as they navigated middle school tackling bullies, crushes and everyday life. In her post, Duff expressed her desire to keep the same authenticity the series had nearly two decades ago in the reboot. 'I'd be doing a disservice to everyone by limiting the realities of a 30 year old's journey to live under the ceiling of a PG rating,' the Younger star wrote. Adding: 'It's important to me that just as her experiences as a preteen/ teenager navigating life were authentic, her next chapters are equally as real and relatable.' Lizzie speaks: In February, Duff asked Disney to move the show to their other streaming service Hulu and spoke of her dedication to the character, a leaked script later showed the show focused on 'sex with cheating' storyline Fighting to be relatable: '[I] was incredibly excited to launch "Lizzie" on D+ and my passion remains,' she wrote. 'However, I feel a huge responsibility to honor the fans' relationship with LIZZIE who, like me, grew up seeing themselves in her' A version of the Lizzie McGuire script leaked revealed that 'sex with cheating' was a main storyline in the show's revival, according to The Hollywood Reporter. With a desire to still do the show, through an authentic experience Duff asked the show be moved to Hulu, as the upcoming Disney+ show Love, Victor recently was. 'It would be a dream if Disney would let us move the show to Hulu, if they were interested, and I could bring this beloved character to life again,' she said on the post imply captioned 'Lizzie McGuire.' On Tuesday, Duff shared a news clip announcing Love, Simon (a spinoff of the film) was cancelled on Disney+ but recently premiered on Hulu under the new name Love, Victor. The latest: Duff said 'It's important to me that just as her experiences as a preteen/ teenager navigating life were authentic, her next chapters are equally as real and relatable,' and asked the show be moved to Hulu Along with the clip, the mother-of-two wrote 'Sounds familiar,' hinting at the troubles with her own show. After her simple comments drew attention, the original creator Terri Minsky finally broke her silence after being fired from the reboot in January. Minsky created the original series and was set to serve as show runner on the reboot. 'I am so proud of the two episodes we did,' Minsky told Variety 'Hilary has a grasp of Lizzie McGuire at 30 that needs to be seen. Its a wonderful thing to watch.' Rings a bell: On Tuesday, Duff shared a news clip announcing Love, Simon (a spinoff othe film) was cancelled on Disney+ but will move to Hulu under the new name Love, Victor, Duff said the cancellation for not being 'family friendly' sounded 'familiar' She also hoped the show would be moved to Hulu so along with Duff, their more adult version of Lizzie could be seen on screen. Minsky added: 'I would love the show to exist, but ideally I would love it if it could be given that treatment of going to Hulu and doing the show that we were doing. Thats the part where I am completely in the dark. Its important to me that this show was important to people. I felt like I wanted to do a show that was worthy of that kind of devotion.' No showrunner has been named to replace Minsky yet and Disney has only made a few comments regarding the differences. At the time production was halted in January, and Minsky was fired, the studio said 'We paused production on "Lizzie McGuire" a few weeks ago to allow time for some creative re-development.'' On hold: Just days after teasing the highly-anticipated Lizzie McGuire revival in a Disney Plus trailer, the show was put on hold in January and showrunner and creator Terri Minsky was fired Sentimental: 'Fans have a sentimental attachment to Lizzie McGuire and high expectations for a new series,' a Disney spokesperson said Adding: 'Our goal is to resume production and to tell an authentic story that connects to the millions who are emotionally invested in the character, and a new generation of viewers too.' Production has been put on hiatus as the streaming service searches for a new showrunner. The original series ran from 2001 to 2004 with two seasons spanning 64 episodes, following Duff's McGuire as a teenager. The series also starred Adam Lamberg as Gordo, who was also confirmed to return in November, though it isn't known if other series regulars like Lalaine are returning. It also spawned 2003's The Lizzie McGuire Movie, which grossed $55.5 million worldwide from a $17 million budget. New series: The original series ran from 2001 to 2004 with two seasons spanning 64 episodes, following Duff's McGuire as a teenager and the reboot was expected to follow Lizzie in her 30s living in NYC The new series is expected to follow Duff's McGuire as a 30-year-old navigating her life in New York City, though the differences stem over the content of her life. Like the original, the show will also feature an animated version of Lizzie McGuire, who pops up from time to time to reveal what Lizzie is really thinking. Duff first revealed the new series herself while on stage at Disney's D23 Expo in Anaheim, California last August. She gave fans something to hold them over in May when she reunited with her co-stars via Zoom for a surprise virtual table read, which she posted to Instagram. By PTI ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday expressed its disappointment over the US State Department's report which described the country as a "safe harbor" for regionally-focused terrorist groups. The State Department, in its Congressional-mandated 2019 Country Reports on Terrorism, said on Wednesday that Pakistan remained a "safe harbor" for regionally-focused terrorist groups and that the suspension of US aid to the country remained in effect throughout 2019. "Pakistan is fully aware of its responsibilities as a sovereign state. We reject any insinuation about any safe haven. Pakistan will not allow any group or entity to use its territory against any country," the Foreign Office said, commenting on the report. It said the report was self-contradictory and selective in its characterization of Pakistans efforts for countering terrorism and terrorist financing. While the report recognizes that al-Qaeda has been seriously degraded in the region, it neglects to mention Pakistan's crucial role in decimating the terror group's network, thereby diminishing the threat that the terrorist group once posed to the world, the FO said. ALSO READ: Pakistan gets breather as FATF extends deadline "Similarly, the report acknowledges the sharp decrease in the incidence of terrorist attacks in Pakistan but neglects to explain that this was only possible because Pakistans resolute counter-terrorism operations have targeted proscribed groups and outfits without discrimination," it added. The FO said that Pakistan was still facing the threat of terrorism from externally based and foreign sponsored groups, like the TTP, ISIS-K and others and pointed out that the report was either silent or vague on the origins and locations of these terrorist groups. "Pakistan remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the UNSC 1267 sanctions regime for the freezing of assets and denial of funds and economic resources to all designated entities and individuals," it said. The UN 1267 Sanctions Committee designated Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar as a global terrorist in May last year, slapping an arms embargo, asset freeze and travel ban on him, 10 years after Indias first move to have him blacklisted at the UN. In recent months, Pakistan has prosecuted and convicted the leadership of several proscribed groups, which has been acknowledged by the United States elsewhere but only merit a passing mention in the report, it rued. It said that Pakistan "continues to implement the Financial Action Task Force Action Plan, and has undertaken wide-ranging and systemic reforms to that end but the report failed to recognize our consistent and sustainable actions which have also been recognized by FATF. The report failed to acknowledge the full extent of Pakistans support for the Afghan peace process, which has created a historic opportunity for lasting peace in the region, it said and hoped that future US reports would fully acknowledge the entire spectrum of Pakistans counter-terrorism efforts. With China pushing ahead with the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong, the residents are making preparations to flee to Taiwan and other countries fearing persecution. Since last year, the number of applications for police certificates required to migrate to some other country has soared almost 80 percent to nearly 21,000 in the latter half of 2019 from a year earlier, The Washington Post reported. The protesters fearing persecution are also seeking refuge in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. You dont know what they can accuse you of under the new lawWould joining a strike be considered a subversion of state? The Washington Post quoted Ho, a nurse at a hospital rehabilitation ward in Hong Kong. Not fearing retaliation, she had joined a protest urging the pro-China government to close its borders with China amid coronavirus pandemic. The strong-faced lady, however, now has to flee Hong Kong due to the impending national security law. The family will be migrating to Taiwan via its programme for foreign professionals.Her husband who is uncertain about his future in Taiwan, as it lacks a good financial sector, was quoted as saying that he is ready to even work in a restaurant because Having my freedom of speech is worth more. Also read: Galwan face-off: India urges China to strictly respect LAC Also read: US report claims Pak serves as a safe haven for terrorism In many ways, it feels like we are refugees, fleeing a war, he added. While Taiwan is welcoming the fleeing Hong Kongers with open arms, China has warned Taipei of serious retaliation for offering protection to rioters, Al Jazeera reported. Recently, Hong Kong Free Press quoted Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen as saying: The Executive Yuan will propose a comprehensive and concrete plan as soon as possible. The plan includes Hongkongers right of abode and settlement..If the situation in Hong Kong worsens, and its autonomy and human rights are further suppressed, we will resolutely voice our concerns We will continue to support Hongkongers determination to strive for democracy and freedom which are paramount to its peace and stability. The NHK World reported that the Taiwan government will be setting up a dedicated officer to support the Hong Kong citizens migrating to Taipei for political or other reasons. The office will help cover living expenses for needy people, give consultation services for schooling, job-hunting, and starting businesses. Reacting to this, the Chinese government was quoted as saying in a statement, Providing shelter for and taking onto the island the rioters and elements who bring chaos to Hong Kong will only continue to bring harm to Taiwans people. Also read: UK urges India, China to engage in dialogue to resolve worrying standoff Taiwan says Chinese military airplanes have flown into its air defense space six times in a single week and at least eight times this month. Some observers believe that Chinese leaders are using the flights to warn people as far away as Washington of the countrys power. They also say the military operations are helping to train Chinese forces in case of a conflict in Asia. U.S.-China relations The United States has been closely watching China and its leadership in recent years. The U.S. government blames China for a trade dispute between the two sides. U.S. officials also accused China of ignoring the new coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease it causes, earlier this year. U.S. naval ships have sailed six times this year through the strait separating Taiwan from China, a move that angers Chinese leaders. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and criticizes other countries for supporting the islands right to self-rule. The U.S. navy has carried out four freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, near Taiwan, this year. I dont think we can say it stops at Taiwan and then thats it, said Derek Grossman, a defense expert with the RAND Corporation, a U.S.-based research group. Theres definitely some signaling to the U.S., as well, he said. Anything they can do to try to signal to the U.S. that it should not be getting as cozy with Taiwan as it has been over the past few years, thats an important thing. Chinas military power China is said to have the worlds third strongest armed forces. But the Chinese military lacks experience since its 1970s land war with Vietnam, experts say. They believe it wants to train for anything that comes up. We should say it this way, that China has multiple goals, said Huang Kwei-bo of the international affairs college at National Chengchi University in Taipei. Taiwans Ministry of National Defense said the Chinese planes observed this month had crossed over the outer parts of Taiwans air defense identification zone. Taiwanese air force planes fly alongside each Chinese aircraft until it leaves the area. On Monday, the ministry reported that a Chinese H-6 bomber and a Chengdu J-10 fighter jet had flown through the southwestern part of Taiwans airspace. One China policy Chinese officials want Taiwans president, Tsai Ing-wen, to support a One China policy as the condition for future talks. Tsai rejects the condition and most Taiwanese have told government researchers they want at least some form of self-rule, not Chinas goal of unification. China has claimed the island as its own since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s. China has accused the United States of trying to stop Chinese expansion at sea. Australia and Japan have sent their own ships into the South China Sea to show China the waterway is open internationally. U.S. officials historically consider Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines as allies against any conflict with China. The U.S. Senate is working on a plan known as the Pacific Deterrence Initiative. The bill includes a special budget of $1.4 billion in the plans first year for U.S. military activity in Asia and $5.5 billion in its second year. If passed, the measure is expected to provide money for U.S. naval forces in the Western Pacific. Pressure at home over COVID-19 and military moves directed at China are pressuring Chinese President Xi Jinping to show strength. That is the opinion of Huang Chung-ting of the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei. Xi Jinpings attitude now is that he cant fail, Huang said. Hes got to show hes still got a lot of means. Whenever the external pressure goes up one point, hes got to answer by ramping it up two points. Taiwan has sent its marine forces to the Pratas Islands, in the South China Sea, because of Chinas movements, news media reported this week. Chinas planes have yet to fly near Taiwans main island and they probably will leave the air defense zone shortly after crossing into it, Huang Kwei-bo said. We should feel worried, but not over-worried, he added. Im Alice Bryant. Ralph Jennings reported this story for VOANews.com. George Grow adapted his report for Learning English. Mario Ritter, Jr. was the editor. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story sovereignty n. power cozy adj. providing a feeling of warmth; restful multiple adj. having or involving several parts attitude n. a settled way of thinking about someone or something We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. Job Title: IT Associate Organisation: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Duty Station: Uganda Vacancy Notice: Internal/ External Vacancy notice no. 011/2020 Position Number: 10026406 Position Grade: GS-6 About US: The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCRs mandate under the Statute of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is to lead and co-ordinate action for international protection to refugees; seek permanent solutions for the problems of refugees and safeguard refugee rights and well-being. UNHCR has an additional mandate concerning issues of statelessness, as it is given a designated role under Article 11 of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. Job Summary: The IT Associate provides reliable and timely IT services on the application and infrastructure of UNHCR standard IT services in the Area of Responsibility (AoR). S/he normally receives technical guidance from a (Senior) IT Officer for the Telecom/IT infrastructure in the region in which the field or emergency operation exists. In offices where there is no IT Officer, direct supervision may be exercised by the (Snr) Admin Officer as applicable in the duty station. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Assist in on-site needs assessment and installation and maintenance of UNHCR Telecommunications and IT equipment. In consultation with the supervisor, establish the IT requirements in field operations, considering the overall IT and Telecom strategy of the region, the operational needs and the security constraints. Install and configure the most appropriate type of UNHCR IT and Telecommunications systems (HF, VHF, UHF, Microwave Links, Telephony, and satellite systems) to meet the field and emergency operations immediate IT needs. Ensure that the equipment under his/her responsibility is in good working condition, by inspecting regularly the hardware and installations. If required, arrange promptly repairs or replacement as necessary according to established procedures. Maintain records of the installations and repairs/replacements done and keep the supervisor fully informed on the status of the equipment. Provide each office, where equipment is installed, with full information for their asset management records. If applicable, keep a proper inventory level of all sites spares and return spare parts for repair/replacement. Monitor and maintain the LAN, Network Servers, Printers, LAN points, Hubs, Patch pane, etc. to prevent faults occurring. Add or remove users from the Network. Assist in the maintenance of accurate records of users and usage of the Network. Carry out minor hardware maintenance. Provide Technical Briefing/Training on the equipment to local IT resources and users, including IPs, ensuring that they are able to maintain/use the equipment. Assist in the development and configuration of IT and Telecom Equipment/Kits used in field operations and emergencies. Decide on appropriate resolution to incidents / problems. Escalate issues to supervisor if incident / problem cannot be resolved with scope of responsibility. Perform other related duties as required. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: The ideal candidate for the United Nations UNHCR IT Associate job placement should hold a High school diploma. Required. At least three years of relevant work experience is required. Experience relevant to the function or particularly on HF/VHF radio or IT systems, PAMA satellite systems, PABX, Cisco routers and satellite modems is required. Knowledge of English is required. Certificate in Information Technology or related field is desirable. Hands-on experience with wireless and VoIP systems, electricity, generators, lightning protection an asset and previous experience in Emergencies is desirable. Analytical Thinking Innovation and Creativity Technological Awareness How to Apply: All interested Ugandan nationals who wish to join the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the aforementioned capacity are encouraged to click on the link below and follow the application instructions after reviewing the job details. Click Here Deadline: 25th 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 BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 25 Trend: Despite that situation with COVID-19 has improved in Europe, globally it is not encouraging, Head of the WHO office in Azerbaijan Hande Harmanci said. Harmanci made the remark in Baku at a briefing of the Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers, Trend reports on June 25. One vaccine is being tested and it is expected to be available till late 2020, head of the WHO office in Azerbaijan added. A batch of personal protective equipment was supplied to Azerbaijan and two more batches will be supplied. A 4,000 mile-long dust plume, which traveled the 5,000-mile journey from Saharan Desert, has arrived in Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and Cuba and is expected to hit the Gulf of Mexico, Texas to the lower Mississippi River Valley Thursday and Friday and finally Washington this weekend. The plume, known as the Saharan Air Layer, or SAL, is a yearly phenomenon that develops over the Saharan Desert from late spring to early fall and travels through the Atlantic Ocean to the southern United States. The dust plume stays typically intact as it moves across the oceans and would often dissipate upon reaching the Caribbean. This year's dust plume, however, is more resilient than usual: the dust is so opaque and thick that the International Space Station can see the dust from space. Previous dust plumes appeared ghostly and faint from above. The plume is already in Puerto Rico, Hispaniola, and Cuba. It is expected to hit Texas and Louisiana on Wednesday and Thursday. U.S. Virgin Islands was also hit by the plume on Monday. The visibility was reduced to three miles at the St. Croix airport in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Experts say this is rare as dust plumes usually are found higher in the atmosphere and do not affect the surface visibility. Gabriel Lojero, a meteorologist of San Juan National Weather Service, said San Juan typically has 10-miles plus of visibility on a normal day. The dust plume has caused the visibility to drop to five miles in San Juan. "The sky is a white appearance. It's milky," Lojero noted. CHECK THIS OUT: [NASA Satellite Image] Subtropical Depression Turns Into Tropical Storm 'Dolly' in One Day The dust plume causes more sunlight to scatter, leaving a more vibrant orange and red hue of sunset and sunrise. While the pictures of the sunlight and sunset would look good on your camera, exposure to dust plume triggers certain health problems. According to Dr. Sandro Galea, dean of the Boston University School of Public health, "This can be an allergen that is uncomfortable with asthma or reactive airways." The particulate matter of the dust plume contains more silica and poses a hazard to those with an underlying health condition. Healthy people may also be affected by irritation from the dust particles. Wearing masks and air filters and avoiding outdoor activities is recommended, a pulmonary specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City warned. WOW: The US Department of Energy Invests in New National Laboratory to Advance Fuel Cell and Hydrogen R&D According to the National Weather Service, the dry layer of air brought about by the dust plume suppresses the development of tropical storms: thunderstorms and development of clouds are limited, but these are essential elements for a tropical cyclone to advance. Another positive contribution of the dust plume is that it improves the condition of ecosystems. A study in 2006 showed that dust plumes from single Saharan Valley, known as the Bodele Depression, contributed to almost half of the nutrients that fertilized Amazon Forest. Scientists also claim that SAL provided the carbon and minerals necessary to support the diverse marine life and coral reef of the Bahamas. However, severe dust plumes can pose danger to the coral reefs as a substantial amount of nutrients are deposited in the ocean, encouraging poisonous algal blooms from toxic agricultural contaminants mixed in with the dust. READ NEXT: The Year 536 Has Been Tagged as the Worst Year Ever (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co has signed a deal with Vodafone Group Plc to install a private 5G network at the car maker's electric-vehicle (EV) battery facility in UK's Essex, the companies said in a joint statement on Thursday. The project is part of a 65-million-pound ($80.87 million) investment in 5G backed by the UK government, according to Ford and Vodafone, and would be among the first of its kind in Britain. The private 5G network at Ford's facility will replace older Wi-Fi networks and help speed up the production of EV components, according to the companies. "For a single EV product, this could generate more than a half a million pieces of data every minute", the statement said, adding that the upgrade will provide faster and more accurate manufacturing control and analysis. Earlier this week, Toyota Production Engineering Corporation selected Finland's Nokia Oyj to install an industrial-grade 5G private wireless network at its manufacturing design center in Fukuoka, Japan. (Reporting by Vishal Vivek and Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Ramakrishnan M.) Photo credit: NASA From Popular Mechanics NASA announced Wednesday it would rename its Washington, D.C. headquarters after Mary W. Jackson. Jackson was NASA's first Black female engineer. Jackson's work, along with contributions by Dorothy Vaughan and Katherine Johnson, was celebrated in Margot Lee Shetterly's 2016 book Hidden Figures, as well as the 2016 film of the same name. NASA's Washington, D.C., headquarters is getting a brand-new name. On Wednesday, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine announced the agency will pay tribute to its first Black female engineer, Mary W. Jackson, by naming the facility after her. Margot Lee Shetterly's 2016 book Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race celebrated the pioneering work of Jackson as well as her colleagues, the mathematicians Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan. The book was adapted into the 2016 Academy Award-nominated film of the same name. [NASA's headquarters] appropriately sits on Hidden Figures Way, a reminder that Mary is one of many incredible and talented professionals in NASAs history who contributed to this agencys success," Bridenstine said in a press statement. Jackson was born in Hampton, Virginia in 1921 and graduated from Hampton Institute with degrees in mathematics and physical sciences in 1942. After working as a math teacher, a bookkeeper, and an Army secretary, Jackson was recruited by the National Advisory Committee for AeronauticsNASA's predecessorin 1951. Both Jackson and Vaughan worked as human computers in the segregated West Area Computing Unit at the agency's Langley Research Center. Encouraged by her supervisor, Jackson took engineering courses and became NASA's first Black female engineer in 1958. She conducted experiments in a 60,000-horsepower wind tunnel, coauthored critical reports on aviation and aeronautics, and joined NASA Langley's Federal Women's Program in 1979. Story continues Throughout her career, Jackson worked tirelessly to uplift and promote women and people of color across NASA. She retired from the agency as an aeronautical engineer in 1985. In 2005, Jackson passed away at the age of 83. In recent years, NASA has recognized the achievements and contributions of its early pioneers. The agency named a research facility at Langley after Johnson in 2017, as well as its Independent Verification and Validation facility just days before her death in 2019. We are honored that NASA continues to celebrate the legacy of our mother and grandmother Mary W. Jackson, Jackson's daughter, Carolyn Lewis, said in the statement. She was a scientist, humanitarian, wife, mother, and trailblazer who paved the way for thousands of others to succeed, not only at NASA, but throughout this nation. You Might Also Like City Hall reflected on the Los Angeles Police Department headquarters in downtown L.A. (Nick Agro / Los Angeles Times ) Convening the Los Angeles City Council's special committee on police reform Wednesday, Councilman Herb Wesson Jr. cited the ongoing national movement for enhanced police accountability as an opportunity to reshape the Los Angeles Police Department. "Instead of us dismissing or denying what's going on in this country, I say let's embrace it. Let's let it take us as far as it can take us," Wesson said. "If we are serious about being impactful, if we are serious about making real change, then this is our moment." Then, for the next hour, Wesson and the rest of the committee listened as members of the public called in to say that the committee wasn't going far enough with the slate of reform measures before them and should instead focus on defunding and abolishing the police force altogether. Most callers said they backed a motion by Wesson and others to limit police responses on incidents involving people experiencing mental health crises, but only as one step toward removing police from the streets entirely. They said police actions during recent protests must be examined but that a motion leaving that review to the LAPD itself was outrageous. "This is not good enough. We need to defund the police," said one caller. "Defund the police, or you will get voted out," said another. The exchanges mirrored others between the civilian-run Police Commission and local residents during a meeting of that panel on Tuesday, where LAPD commanders walked commissioners through a plan to increase officer training including by providing additional de-escalation and anti-bias instruction before callers castigated the commanders and the commission for pushing costly new measures instead of meeting protesters' demands to cut police expenses. "We expect you to defund police, not spend more money to train them," said one caller. Both meetings continued a broader trend in government locally and across the country in which officials have increasingly offered up police reforms, even ones long sought and never won before, and activists have pushed back to demand more. At the national level, Democrats and Republicans in the Senate are sparring over which police reforms to advance. Story continues On Monday, the City Council's Budget and Finance Committee agreed to cut more than $133 million from the LAPD budget, an amount that would have stunned longtime city observers a month before. Activists who pushed a separate Peoples Budget," which would slash the LAPD's roughly $3 billion annual budget by about 90%, said the cut fell far short. Callers into Wednesday's police reform committee meeting repeatedly raised the People's Budget as their preferred option for "reimagining" public safety in the city as well. The same term was used during a special meeting earlier this month between criminal justice reform advocates and council members to discuss the People's Budget, where Melina Abdullah, co-founder of Black Lives Matter-L.A., told officials that the public is saying "defund the police" but also "reimagine public safety. Theyre saying we dont want a system of policing that puts targets on the backs of Black people especially, but also is a regular assailant and traumatizer of our entire community," Abdullah said at the June 15 meeting. Instead of revisiting the People's Budget, however, the committee on Wednesday pushed forward with the more modest measures its members and other council members had advanced. One motion would have the LAPD work with other city and county agencies that handle health and homelessness issues to "develop an unarmed model of crisis response that would divert non-violent calls for service away from LAPD to the appropriate non-law enforcement agencies and related matters." Shifting responsibilities for responding to calls for service away from police and to other agencies is a key concept behind the "Defund Police" movement, but activists took issue Wednesday with any involvement of the LAPD in overseeing that shift. Several other motions called for reviews of the LAPD's response to recent protests, including one that directs the LAPD to report back to the council on how it will investigate allegations of misconduct and what discipline will be imposed on officers who used excessive force against protesters. Another motion would require more officers to wear body cameras, which critics questioned for its potential cost. Another would make it illegal to use the 911 system for frivolous or false emergency claims based on racial bias. The panel voted to push all of the motions to the full council. On Tuesday, the Police Commission took the LAPD's new plan for officer training through 2020 under review but did not approve it. The decision to table the plan came after Commissioner Dale Bonner raised concerns about approving a large, multifaceted training program at a time when the city is considering a fundamental change of course around policing and how it is funded. "There are going to be questions about how this fits into that broader paradigm," Bonner said. "I just want to make sure that we are all grounding this conversation not only in reality but that we are setting ourselves and the whole process up for success and are doing what the community is demanding we do." At the meetings Tuesday and Wednesday, officials said that they know a new day has come and that they are doing their best to usher in changes including a diminished role for police in non-violent incidents. But they also at times pushed back against the notion that police should play no role in the city's future. Councilman John Lee said the LAPD has made a lot of improvements over the years, but there is still a need to "reshape and reimagine how we respond to certain non-violent issues in the city." Councilman Paul Koretz, who sits on the police reform committee, said he supported all of the reform measures before the committee but believes efforts to defund or abolish the police would be "a step too far." "If we did what is being asked to do and we defunded the police, and in a week they were gone, I think that would be the worst decision the city council has ever made," Koretz said. "I think the city would look a little bit like the movie 'Purge.'" Koretz said he believes many citizens who don't call into council meetings feel the same way. One man was shot dead and another injured when gunfire rang out at a California cemetery as multiple suspects fled the scene, according to authorities. A large group of people reportedly gathered near grave sites at the Santa Ana Cemetery on Wednesday evening when shots were unexpectedly fired. Authorities rushed to the scene around 6:30pm to find two victims of the double shooting still inside the cemetery. The Orange County Register reports that one unidentified man in his 20s or 30s was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Officers arrived to the Santa Ana Cemetery on Wednesday to find one man shot dead and another injured A second unidentified man was wounded and taken to a local hospital for treatment. He reportedly has at least one wound in his lower body, but it is not considered life threatening. The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle before officers arrived. Police reportedly detained and interviewed several possible witnesses at the cemetery. A witness named Gari Aldridge told Fox 11 that he was preparing a barbecue when he heard 'six or eight shots.' 'I was getting ready to start a barbecue then I heard gunshots, some gentleman were here in the cemetery, 5 or 6 males,' said Aldrige. The Santa Ana Police Department descended onto the scene at the cemetery and opened an active investigation into the matter A witness said he heard 'six or eight gunshots' on Wednesday and said he saw a gunman chasing after at least three people Authorities warned residents to stay away from Santa Ana Cemetery as the homicide investigation continues 'One guy started shooting, he ended up shooting one man, two other guys got away. 'There were some loud voices, but not a whole lot of yelling. The guy who was shooting was chasing two guys away and a third one, who was actually hit, went to the ground.' Homicide detectives meanwhile set up an investigation into the incident and were pictured at the cemetery yesterday. It's unclear what caused the shooting, the exact number of suspects involved and if the victims knew each the gunman. Evidence markers appeared to show several cases of beer and alcohol at the shooting scene (pictured) Evidence markers set by investigators at the scene appeared to show several cases of beer and alcohol left near where the victim's dead body was found. Other evidence markers were reportedly spotted near grave sites, three folding chairs and in the roadway. Authorities warned residents to avoid the area as the investigation continues. DailyMail.com reached out to the Santa Ana Police Department for further comment. The list of prominent people who think Justin Trudeau should do something different to address China's detention of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor continues to grow. The question for the prime minister and for all those who have attached their names to one proposed course of action or another is how much worse any alternative would be. The easiest proposals for Trudeau to dismiss are the ones demanding that his government "get tough" with China. Prominent Conservatives have been adamant that the prime minister should impose sanctions and cancel investments. A dozen senators have now called on the Liberal government to charge Chinese officials under the Justice for Victims of Corrupt Foreign Officials Act. Ben Nelms/CBC During its dispute with the Trump administration in the United States, the Trudeau government repeatedly stated that it would not act to escalate a diplomatic conflict. It has taken a similar approach with China. But it was Michael Kovrig's wife, Vina Nadjibulla, who in an interview with CBC News most succinctly explained why attempting to engage in tit-for-tat with a superpower is unlikely to end well. "We cannot win a race to the bottom with China," she said. However "tough" Canada might get, China can always get tougher. In addition to whatever might be happening privately between Canadian and Chinese officials, the Liberals have tried to rally Western allies to publicly condemn China's detention of Kovrig and Spavor. Such efforts might at least ensure that China's international reputation won't come away from this unscathed. Maybe someday, with enough pressure, China could be convinced to retreat. A rift in the Liberal camp over China But for as long as Kovrig and Spavor are imprisoned, it's still fair to ask whether the Liberals are doing enough unless you think the best approach is to move in the exact opposite direction. For months now, there have been calls from some quarters for the Liberals to effectively trade the freedom of Meng Wanzhou, the Huawei executive now facing extradition, for the release of Kovrig and Spavor. Story continues It was Canada's decision to apprehend Meng, in response to an extradition request made by the United States, that prompted China to apprehend and imprison Kovrig and Spavor. Soon after the two Canadians were seized, John Manley, a former Liberal cabinet minister, suggested the Trudeau government should have found an opening to let Meng get away. Justin Tang/The Canadian Press Jean Chretien was reported to be "floating" the idea of dropping the extradition case in June 2019. Six months later, Chretien's closest adviser in power, Eddie Goldenberg, made the case for a prisoner swap in an op-ed for the Globe and Mail. In addition to her interviews this week, Nadjibulla released a legal opinion that explained how Justice Minister David Lametti could lawfully withdraw the order to proceed with Meng's extradition case. Yesterday, two dozen former officials including two more Chretien-era ministers and former NDP leader Ed Broadbent released a remarkable open letter calling on Lametti to do just that. The problems of a middle power in 2020 Both the argument made in that letter and the decision facing Trudeau now can be framed by a series of events that seem to have led the prime minister to this moment. First, in 2016, Trudeau was faced with the kidnapping of two Canadian citizens John Ridsdel and Robert Hall in the Philippines by Abu Sayyaf militants. Trudeau publicly stated that Canada would not pay a ransom that to do so would amount to painting a target on the back of every Canadian abroad. Both Ridsdel and Hall were killed. Site Intelligence Then the international order began to wobble as the United States abandoned its traditional position of leadership and the Trudeau government found itself struggling solo to defend Canada against hostile actions by both China and Saudi Arabia. In January 2019, about a month after Kovrig and Spavor were detained by Chinese authorities, I interviewed the prime minister and asked him whether Canada's problems were connected to the new disposition of the United States. He agreed that had something to do with it but he also argued that an international rules-based order has to endure somehow even when American power isn't there to back it up. "I think there was always going to be a moment where people have to sort of put up or shut up. Either you're standing for the rules even as it gets awkward and difficult, and people are unhappy with you because you're applying the rules, or you don't," Trudeau said. "I am very, very serene about Canada's positioning in this and our history that leads us to this ... [about] our vision for the future that says if we don't follow rules and we accept that might is right in the international rules-based order, then nobody's going to do very well in the coming decades." Justin Tang/Canadian Press In the government's handling of Meng Wanzhou's case, you can see elements of both Trudeau's position in 2016 and his comments in January 2019. "If countries around the world, including China, realize that by arbitrarily arresting random Canadians they can get what they want out of Canada politically, well, that makes an awful lot more Canadians who travel around the world vulnerable to that kind of pressure," Trudeau said today. (Chrystia Freeland said something similar in June 2019.) What compromise could cost us In other words, allowing China's detention of Kovrig and Spavor to dictate whether Meng is extradited risks sending the message that hostage diplomacy is a good way to get Canada to do what you want that might does, in fact, make right. Those who signed this week's open letter do not ignore the possibility of setting such a precedent. They describe China's actions as "repugnant" and liken it to "bullying" and "blackmail." But then the letter's authors speculate creatively about how it might get worse anyway. "[R]esisting China's pressure is no guarantee that it will never be applied again in the future," they write. "Indeed, if Canada resists the pressure arising from the detention of the two Michaels, China might well decide that next time it will need to escalate by detaining more than two Canadians." Readers can judge for themselves whether resisting China's pressure is likelier to result in more or fewer Canadians being imprisoned. The letter's authors might have been better off putting their argument more simply, though by saying that while the risk of encouraging future bad actions is real, Canada should take that chance. That principles are nice, but sometimes they have to be set aside. If there is an argument to be made for refusing the extradition, it should be built upon the actual facts of Meng's case. If a judge or the justice minister sees credible grounds for letting Meng walk free beyond the welfare of Kovrig and Spavor it might be possible for Canada to bring its citizens home while keeping its principles intact. In the meantime, it's worth remembering that this is an election year in the United States. It's hard to know what the current American administration will do next, who will be the president come next spring, and what, if anything, that might mean for Meng and the international order. Today, Trudeau categorically dismissed the idea of a prisoner exchange. It was an opportunity for the prime minister to assert that his approach is based on principles. But Kovrig, Spavor and their families are still suffering and China isn't the only one bearing some responsibility for that. It's up to Trudeau to demonstrate that he is making a full and reasonable effort to bring them home. Every day that the government fails to take observable action is a day when Trudeau risks looking weak. Principles are good and important. But they can also be cold comfort even when the alternatives seem worse. Brussels: Americans are unlikely to be allowed into more than 30 European countries for business or tourism when the continent begins next week to open its borders to the world, due to the spread of the coronavirus and President Donald Trumps ban on European visitors. More than 15 million Americans are estimated to travel to Europe each year, and such a decision would underscore flaws in the Trump administrations handling of the pandemic, which has seen the United States record the highest number of infections and virus-related deaths in the world by far. European nations appear on track to reopen their borders between each other by July 1. Their representatives in Brussels have been debating what virus-related criteria should apply when lifting border restrictions to the outside world, which were imposed in March to stop all non-essential travel to Europe. In recommendations to EU nations on June 11, the European Commission said travel restrictions should not be lifted as regards third countries where the situation is worse than the average in the 27 EU member countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. That is likely to rule out people living in the United States, where new coronavirus infections have surged to the highest level in two months, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University. After trending down for well over a month, new U.S. cases have risen for more than a week. The U.S. on Tuesday reported 34,700 new cases of the virus, bringing its total to more than 2.3 million cases and over 121,000 dead. The virus outbreaks in Brazil, India and Russia are remarkably high too, and its also unlikely that the EU will let their citizens in. In contrast, aside from a notable new outbreak tied to a slaughterhouse in western Germany, the viruss spread has slowed across the EU and particularly in the 26 nations that make up Europes visa-free travel zone known as the Schengen area. For the EUs executive arm, the key criteria for opening up to the outside world should include the number of new infections per 100,000 population the exact ceiling is up for debate and the countrys overall response to the pandemic, in terms of testing, surveillance, treatment, contact tracing and reporting cases. EU envoys are trying to agree on objective, scientific criteria so the decision to put a country on the admission list or not is based on facts and not political considerations. Southern European countries like Spain, Italy and Greece are desperate for tourists to return and breathe new life into their virus-ravaged economies. The bloc aims to revise the list of countries allowed to enter every two weeks based on developments, with new countries joining or possibly even denied access to Europe depending on the spread of the disease. The commission hopes that exemptions can be given to foreign students, non-EU citizens who live in Europe and certain highly skilled workers. But more than epidemiological criteria, any country being considered would first be expected to lift its own travel restrictions for people from all EU and Schengen nations, the commission said, adding it cannot be applied selectively. Brussels fears that opening up to countries outside in ad hoc way could lead to the reintroduction of border controls between nations inside the Schengen area, threatening once again Europes cherished principle of free movement, which allows people and goods to cross borders without checks. This principle of reciprocity on its own should rule out U.S. citizens, at least initially. In a March 11 decree, Trump suspended the entry of all people from the Schengen area. More than 10 million Europeans usually visit the United States each year. The potential for undetected transmission of the virus by infected individuals seeking to enter the United States from the Schengen area threatens the security of our transportation system and infrastructure and the national security, Trumps proclamation said. A top French diplomat, speaking anonymously in line with the French presidencys customary practices, stressed that the EU decision will not be a political one. It will be made on a basis as objective as possible which is the spreading of the virus, the diplomat said. The official also stressed that Trump has taken very early measures consisting in preventing people coming from China, then EU countries, from entering the U.S. The EU commission also wants the bloc to be open as soon as possible after July 1 to the Balkans region, including citizens from Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. New Delhi: Russia will deliver defence equipment in two to three months on India's request and is waiting for an official list to be handed over from New Delhi. During Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's Russia visit earlier this week, India had requested for defence supplies, mostly daily requirements for the armed forces. Russia was positive on the request and assured of early delivery. The Russian government sources said, "We will soon get the exact list and we will try our best to deliver at earliest, most probably within 2-3 months." While the request is for daily requirement defence equipment, the sources said that there was no urgent request from India for the delivery of S-400 Triumf missile system or Sukhoi Su-30MKIs. The Russian side has already "sped up" the delivery "as much as possible" but for that kind of a "sophisticated system, we are making it as early as we can, because India's Ministry of Defence long back requested us to speed up," the source explained. During the visit, Singh had met the Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Borisov. After the meeting, Singh had said, "All our proposals have received a positive response from the Russian side. I am fully satisfied with my discussions." The Russian side also assured that the ongoing contracts "will be maintained and not just maintained, in a number of cases will be taken forward in a shorter time", he added. The Defence Minister was on a three-day visit to Moscow from June 22 at the invitation of the Russian Defence Minister to attend the 75th Anniversary of Victory Day Parade. The parade saw the participation of 75 members of the Indian contingent. REUTERS Congressional Republicans have largely rejected what John Bolton has to say in his newly released memoir about his time working for Donald Trump. Whats less clear is whether theyll reject Boltons money. Bolton, the ultra-hawkish former national security adviser to Trump, is a longtime fixture in Republican politics, and for years hes used a personal political action committee to direct campaign money to politicians whose values align with his own. Since the 2014 election cycle, Boltons PAC has doled out $1.6 million to a number of sitting GOP lawmakers. Two out of every five current GOP senators have cashed a check from Bolton at some point in the last six years, and dozens of U.S. House members, former lawmakers, and candidates have, too. For the 2020 election, Bolton has backed three GOP senators up for re-electionSens. Tom Cotton (R-AR), Cory Gardner (R-CO), and Thom Tillis (R-NC)as well as two House members, Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Lee Zeldin (R-NY). Each has received the maximum $10,000 contribution from his PAC. In addition to those contributions, Boltons sister super PAC ran a handful of Facebook ads in late 2019, seemingly designed to build up its voter contact list with petitions to defend Ambassador John Bolton from the radicalized liberal Left. But both the PAC and super PAC have remained largely dormant so far this year. If Bolton decides to reactivate his political operation, though, it will have a significant war chest at its disposal. All told, the PAC and super PAC are still sitting on roughly $2.5 million in cash, largely raised during previous election cycles. Boltons plans for the two groups and the substantial sums they still command arent yet clear. A spokesperson for the PACs did not respond to questions about their activities going forward. Bolton Says Jared Kushner Was the Most Important Person in the White House When Boltons book dropped and alleged that Trump had, among other things, attempted to persuade Chinese President Xi Jinping to help him win re-election by buying U.S. exports from farm states, Tillis told reporters that he agreed with the blistering response from Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), who said Bolton was unpatriotic for putting his testimony in a book instead of under oath during Trumps impeachment trial. I got a long reading list ahead of me, and its not going to go to the top of the stack, Tillis said of Boltons book. Cotton, meanwhile, said on Fox News that he found Boltons claims to be simply implausible. Story continues All five of Boltons current endorsees for this election cycle were contacted by The Daily Beast; none indicated theyd return Boltons money. Asked directly on Capitol Hill if hed considered returning Boltons contributions, Cotton declined to comment. A spokesman for his campaign later told The Daily Beast in an email, Were keeping the contribution and will be using it to run ads against Joe Biden for his failure to stand up to the woke liberal mob. The apparent reluctance among Republican politicians to cut all ties with Bolton, especially supportive ones, may speak to the power of lingering good feelings toward the GOP stalwart, even as he derides the leader of their party as unfit for the presidency. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), who took $10,000 from Boltons PAC in 2016, said hed take a check from him again. He's been a valued adviser on foreign policy for a long time and he's helped a lot of Republicans running for office, Blunt told The Daily Beast on Tuesday. He established a PAC just to do that. And I suspect that will continue to be the case. Per federal campaign finance records, however, Boltons PAC has been quiet since Sept. 23, 2019, two weeks after he left the White House on poor terms with the president. On that day, the PAC dropped $50,000 to support its five initial endorsees for 2020, but no disbursements have been made since. As recently as May 2020, the PAC has continued to spend money on overhead such as fundraising expenses, rent, and payroll. Boltons super PAC has been spending money on similar things through March, though it has not directed any money toward ads or other communication yet for the 2020 cycle. If holding onto Boltons money hasnt proven thorny for the Republicans who already have it, its unclear what might happen if he decides to spread the wealth to more candidates, just as he has in the last three election cycles. In particular, several of the candidates Bolton has supported in the past find themselves in tough elections in which some extra dollars would be welcomebut Boltons imprimatur might not. Sen. Martha McSally (R-AZ), for example, has long been one of Boltons favorites. His PAC has given $35,000 to her campaigns since 2014that year, her successful bid to unseat a Democratic House incumbent was actually the first that Boltons PAC officially endorsed. McSally, a former fighter pilot and a strident hawk, has previously been effusive in her praise for the former national security adviser, calling Bolton a true patriot in 2018. But McSally, whos seriously at risk of losing the seat she was appointed to after Sen. John McCains death, has hugged Trump closely. Her campaign did not respond to a question from The Daily Beast about whether shed return any of Boltons money or welcome it again in the future. Tillis, whose re-election battle in North Carolina could be among the hardest-fought in the country, has received $20,000 from Bolton over the years. In 2014, Boltons super PAC spent $1.3 million on ads boosting Tillis first successful bid for Senate. Two other top Democratic targets, Sens. David Perdue (R-GA) and Steve Daines (R-MT), also received Bolton contributions during their 2014 campaigns. Another current Bolton-supported candidate, Zeldin, is a marginal Democratic target in the House but maintains close ties with Trump and Trumpworld. He was a vocal defender of the president during the impeachment inquiry, and traveled with Trump on Air Force One to his recent rally in Oklahoma. A frequent tweeter, Zeldin has not mentioned Boltons allegations since they were revealed on June 17. 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. System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28:
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So papaano po ito? Kung ready na po yung 40 percent papaano po yung 60 percent? DEPED Director - your honour that's why I mentioned earlier that the National Education Academy of the Philippine (NEAP) will conduct the massive training this July your Honour. FNT - so your saying by July maco-cover po itong 60 percent? DEPED Director - thats part of the plan of the NEAP your Honour but it think our Usec Diosdado San Antonio can talk more about this Usec Diosdado San Antonio - we hope to be able to provide the training for our fellow teachers this coming July the remaining 60 percent, let it also be known that the in addition to the training being done by ICTS there are also local initiatives from the division offices, regional offices the teachers are also being given training activities, in fact a few schools have also been doing the trains of their teachers they have requested me to render a video messages for their own service training so the one that has been cited was the data from the ICTS that trained the teachers in terms of teaching them on how to convert light materials into a ebooks and digital formats and all other things po your honour FNT - so Usec and sinasabi mo matatapos itong remaing 60 percent this July at the same time we have to recon with two factors na hindi pa natin napapagusapan, una lumulobo po yung population ng mga estudyanteng nag eenrol, 13.75 million ang ini-expect ninyo hindi pa natin napapag usapan dito yunggaling ng private schools na lilipat sa public schools dahlia medyo magkakaroon tayo nang economic downturn, pangalawa hindi pa ho natin napapagusapan yung content ng training modules na binigay nyo sa mga teachers, sa 40 percent, ano laman nito baka no offence, baka nappat usapan lang doon pappans i-off, pappans i-on hindi pa napapag usapan dito yung technological support na naitanong ko noong hearing, papaano pag nag bug down yung computer ng isang estudyante, sino ang magbibigyan ng technological support? Hindi kaya ni nanay, hindi kaya Tatay, hindi rin kaya nuna estudyante, palagay ko hindi rin kaya no teacher dahil ang trinain natin kay teacher ay kung papaano i-operate at papano mag deliver ng classroom instructions utilising technology. Tama po ba yun Usec? Usec San Antonio - Senator Tolentino we'll submit po the content of the different training programs to your office because the details right now are submitted to the office of Sen. Gatchalian so that you can take a look at what we are offering for our fellow teachers to be ready for the opening of the school year including po the mechanisms in terms of providing technical support, we'll provide you the existing protocols send out by our ICTS FNT - Usec Umali and the other resource persons listening, reality check, right now DEPED has submitted that only 40percent of the teachers are trained number 1, number 2 we have 13 million plus, 13.75 million new enrolees for this coming year, number 3 the mapping issue raised by Senator Binay will only be addressed after the completion of the enrolment which probably would be finished by the end of July, and you have a little less than 1 month before the August 24 school opening that's number 3, for the information of other resource persons there is a pending law which probably will be signed by the President giving the President thru the Secretary of Education the discretion to extend the School opening as requested by the other sectors ULAP, some private schools beyond August 24, why am I saying this? Reality check number 5 I have a study here with me, which came out May 7, 2020 this year in another jurisdiction and I quote that typical planning preparation and development for a fully inclined force is normally 6 to 9 months before the course is delivered faculty is usually more comfortable teaching online by the second or third iteration of their online courses, it will be impossible for very faculty member to suddenly become an expert in online teaching and learning in this current situation in which lead time range from a single day to a few weeks. Your saying Usec Umali that after the completion of the enrolment we'll have the mapping? But right now you have admitted that you still have to print the required materials and prepare the contents papano po tayo mag oopening sa August 24,kung mhabang panahon pala ang kailangan para maka-develop ng tamang online course and this is probably also applicable to CHED so sa loob ba ng isang buwan matatapos natin yan? Usec Umali? Given the lack of preparation we have right now? Usec Umali - printing of materials mr. Chair usually it takes 30 to 60 days including deliveries Mr Chair, ang tanong po kung hands na po ba itong mga materials na po ito? Usec. Dods will answer po that particular question. Yung mapping po Mr, Chair hindi po yan end of July ang siansabi laming po naming ay the mapping of really capturing the fact which of our learners which portion of the Philippines that are capable doing online, ano po ba yung kanila focus of self modules, malalaman po after June 30, kasi yun po yung huling araw na makakalap po namin lahat ng survey ng lahat ng mag aaral hindi po namin papaabutin yan ng pagkatapos po ng July, and without even waiting tulad po ng nabanggit ko Mr chair, na nangyari itong mapping nato eh nagsasanay na po kami as we speak, kaya nga po nabanggit ko kanina that we have an existing 40percent na po and its on going we will not wait to finish the survey SFNT Just one quick reaction to the statement made by the honorable chairman, relative to the plan Valenzuela, to distribute cellphones to the pupils of Valenzuela. Na hindi yata nasagot nang daretso ni Usec. Umali dahil ang DepEd noong June 8 ay nag-issue ng memorandum na kailangan merong specifications yung gadget. Ang gusto ng DepEd e 13 inches yung size ng screen. So ang ibig sabihin, hindi na po pupwedo yung telepono. So kailangan na bilhin na ng mga parents ng bata, ng mga LGUs gaya ng Valenzuela, e talagang laptop na ho ito. Dahil 13 inches, napakalaking telephono na yun. So Usec. Umali, bakit po nag-issug ng guidelines na hindi pa natatapos itong mapping, hindi pa siguro alam yung kakayahan nung ibang mga LGUs na gustong tumulong. Paano po lumabas itong guidelines? Is this a unilateral memorandum issued by DepEd without consultation? Medyo mahal poi tong 13 inches 8GB RAM ang memory, ang storage dapat ay 512GB, medyo may kamahalan po ito. Can you answer than Usec. Umali? - Mr. Chair, that issuance po was the result of various sectors, including LGUs and partners, inquiring from DepEd, kung magdodonate po sila ng laptop or gadget, ano ba yung preference po ng DepEd. Ano po ba yung technical specifications. So that I believe, Mr. Chair, if you're referring to the same document that I have in mind right now, the used key word there is 'recommended' not 'required'. So dahil po may humingi, ano po ba yung amin pong palagay na mga technical specifications, kaya lamang po nilabas yan. Yan po ay resulta, I'll try to get the consultation process that this instrument went through, but my understanding is it also considered some factors like if the child has no access to internet connectivity, and then we will just upload our materials, ano po ba yung magandang memorya po nito. Honestly, Mr. Chair wala po akong kinalaman sa instrumento na yan, sinasabi ko lamang po yung proseso. So I do not have personal knowledge on the thought process that they went through when they come up with that issuance, which makes a lot of sense Mr. Chair, kasi kung ia-upload lamang po at mahina halimbawa yung memory, e baka hindi rin po kaya. So this is again to be clear, recommended, but it is not a requirement. Mr. Chair and Usec., ang nakalagay dito sa memorandum dated June 8, e ito yung minimum specification. So napakarami hindi ko pa nga nabanggit kanina, kailangan may keyboard, mouse, headset, touchpad, power adapter, kailangan may mga ports, camera, audio. Pero ibig ko sabihin, di naman sa palakihan ng gadgets yan. May maliliit ngang gadgets, siguro ito yung tinutukoy ni Sen. Gatchalian, yung sa kahit sa cellphone, na kayang magkaron ng ganong laman. So kung magkakaron tayo ng mga headset, karagdagang gastos pa yun. So I think Mr. Chair, siguro ito dapat reviewhin din ng DepEd, kailangan ba talaga na desktop? Baka naman pupwedeng telepono lang na malakas-lakas. So having said that Mr. Chair, I think it would take further consultation for this to materialize. Salamat po Mr. Chair. - Naiintindihan ko po yung sinabi ni Sen. Tolentino. There are all valid concerns po. Pagtutuunan po natin lahat. I will coordinate po with the specific strand or office of DepEd which issued that particular instrument and we will submit the answers. And we heard our good senator Tolentino that if any clarifications are necessary, I will discuss this with our good Secretary at ng lahat po nung gumawa noong issuance. Salamat po. SFNT I'm looking at the programs of UNICEF and very interested with you discussing the UNICEF's learning passport program is applicable here. It's a global learning platform launched by UNICEF, with the help of Microsoft. My question is can it be applied here? And looking at the profile of your country, I think you have your own Plataforma Unica, your single learning platform as well in Peru. So what you're doing right now in Peru, is a combination of internet, WhatsApp and the utilization of TV and radio programs. And your Ministry of Education announced the distribution of 800,000 tablets to children in rural areas of Peru. Costing 177 million in US dollars. We don't have that right now in the Philippines. Similar to the intervention of Korea 215 million US dollars. So given your experience here, my question is will the learning passport program of the UNICEF be applicable in the Philippines? Your experience in Peru? Would you recommend? I'm now having a leading question here. Would you recommend that PTV4 be specific and focused on grade schools and IBC13 be focused on high school students as well? So can you have a brief response to that sir? - Of course senator. So let me explain very briefly the context of learning passport and I'm very glad to hear that you are very informed about this important initiative that is having good results in other countries. The learning passport is an initiative by UNICEF and other partners. Mostly focused on countries that needed half online platforms. So we discussed with DepEd about the learning passport but in the case of Philippines there was already an online platform which is 'Commons' so in the case of countries that already have this government platform, it is better to use them and strengthen them. So that is what we discussed and we found that it's even better to use what is already existent in the country and improve it. So now, if we have an ongoing call, issue with the DepEd and we will support and make them the most and the best with this Commons platform. I think in the case of the Philippines, this is a very good initiative and we are very honor to provide support to this. So the learning passport is used in other countries that didn't have any government learning platform which is not the case in the Philippines. In this case, it is better to strengthen what is already developed by the country. That considered already the characteristic and the context of the country. Senor, one question, is the learning passport program of UNICEF offered to various countries for free? Is there any amount that will be spent by the receiving country? I am referring to the cost, and Commons is more expensive than the learning passport program. - It is more expensive because there are other, to implement a new program, of course this can be provided for free but implementing it would require some investment too so in terms of capacity building, adapting the resources to the country and etc. so if you have already an online platform in the country, it is better to strengthen it than to start and try to build another one. And we know that Commons has already in very well received by the country. They have millions of users so it is better to strengthen it and to continue this very good initiative than trying to bring another one. What we can do is try to extract lessons from other country, using the learning passport, also maybe to identify what resources might be helpful to the Philippines and to offer these to DepEd. So this is something that UNICEF is happy to provide support. But not in replacing what is already established and very well received. SFNT The purpose of the bill, is really to integrate existing effort, which are relatively scattered today. So the existing bureaus, the Bureau of Learning Delivery, BS Services and Information, Communications Technology Service. The functions will now be more or less integrated into just one bureau, to make it more sustainable and even past COVID era, we will be looking at online distance education and further technological developments as a prime function of DepEd. So scattered resources will have probably be integrated and we are looking at more optimal solutions to problems that would be confronted by the country especially the disasters, etc. We really meant to provide a platform that would be ready and long-standing. Because right now, if we look at what is happening, all of these, permutated because of invention of the internet. The invention of the internet came as early as 1983. Developed into a world wide web: www., early 1990s. So what we have now, we are about in the 20th year of the internet, what we are looking at right now is a farther development. We are looking right now at blockchain technology, and blockchain technology is not just a wave in the future, it is happening now. It is now quote to quote "peer to peer blockchain technology". We are now talking of less ___, we are now talking about cryptocurrencies. We'll be in quantum technology, years from now. So the creation of a bureau that would address this, would mean that we have a permanent institutionalized office within the DepEd that would address all of these. It is not going to be an adhoc committee that will address. A Usec probably that will be tasked to develop a module, etc., a committee, but a permanent bureau addressing science-based concerns, adept to technological changes, etc. That is the purpose of the bill. Thank you Mr. Chair. - Sen. Tolentino, at the moment, DepEd has established the Office of Alternative Education Futures. Perhaps we can harmonize all these efforts and of course look closely into your bill because I think that is a very very important initiative. Thank you Mr. Senator. FILE PHOTO: The phased reopening from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions in Toronto By Nichola Saminather TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada's financial capital, Toronto, staged a cautious restart of its economy on Wednesday following a three-month pandemic-driven shutdown as several of its biggest employers kept staff working from home to avoid the spread of the coronavirus. At the usually bustling Union Station, spitting distance from the city's financial core and the intersection of Toronto's subway, the regional train system and bus network, staff outnumbered commuters. Downtown Toronto streets, normally gridlocked on pre-pandemic weekdays, were mostly free of traffic during what would have been the morning rush hour in the country's most populous city. Most people out on the streets wore masks. The PATH, a 30-kilometer (18.6 miles) below-ground pedestrian walkway connecting about 75 buildings, and the world's largest underground shopping complex, remained silent, devoid of office employees and many retailers still closed. Andy Voelker, manager of a Second Cup coffee franchise in the PATH, said he hadn't seen an increase in customers on Wednesday. The store, which remained open throughout the shutdown, lost about 90% of its business, but the return of construction workers three weeks ago revived some sales, he said. "The return to normal probably won't happen till sometime next year," he added. Ontario, the biggest province by population, started gradually reopening its economy this month, but much of Toronto, which has suffered more than 1,000 deaths, was left off the initial list. Canada's three biggest lenders, Royal Bank of Canada, Toronto-Dominion Bank and Bank of Nova Scotia, and life insurer Sun Life Financial said they don't intend to bring staff back until at least September. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce said employees will continue to work remotely "for an extended period of time." Brookfield Asset Management, which has reoriented desks and reduced meeting-room capacity, plans to bring employees back gradually, a spokeswoman said. Even so, high-rise office buildings in Toronto stood ready. Story continues Brookfield, one of the biggest downtown landlords, has disinfected buildings, and cleaned and tested air distribution systems and water supply tanks, the spokeswoman said. Cleaning and security staff dotted office lobbies, wiping down common areas and ensuring what little foot traffic there was followed signs to maintain distance and move in certain directions. Elevators sported stickers limiting the number of riders. "It's sad that the hustle and bustle of downtown is gone," said Meghan Wilton, who works at Medisys Health Group in Toronto, which opened at reduced capacity three weeks ago. (Reporting By Nichola Saminather; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Andrea Ricci) Burnley players reinforced their support for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement in the aftermath of a controversial plane stunt organised by some of their fans which was condemned by the club's captain Ben Mee. The Premier League club wanted to demonstrate their anger at the 'White Lives Matter Burnley' banner flown over the Etihad Stadium during their 5-0 Premier League defeat by Manchester City on Monday. Fans holding 'Black Lives Matter' placards were shown on giant screens inside the stadium before the players took a knee on the pitch on Thursday night. Burnley and Watford players took a knee after kick-off of the league game at Turf Moor Players and club officials were appalled by the stunt over Manchester City's stadium before kick-off on Monday night. After the 5-0 defeat an emotional Mee made it clear that the entire squad were disgusted and embarrassed by the decision to fly the banner over the ground. He said: 'I'm ashamed, embarrassed that a small number of our fans have decided to put that around the stadium. Burnley players reinforced their support for the 'Black Lives Matter' movement on Thursday 'We have a group of lads in there who are embarrassed. 'These people need to come into the 21st century and educate themselves. They completely missed the point and don't represent what we're about. 'It's a small minority of people.' Burnley issued a statement during the match on Monday that condemned the banner and vowed to ban for life those supporters responsible. Fans holding 'Black Lives Matter' placards were shown on giant screens inside the stadium The Burnley fan behind the 'White Lives Matter' banner stunt was sacked from his job at an engineering firm on Thursday. Jake Hepple, 24, was dismissed from his role as a welder at Lancashire-based Paradigm Precision, with the company saying it 'did not condone or tolerate racism in any form'. And his girlfriend Megan Rambadt, 21, wept after being fired from a beauty salon in the town, it was reported. Players, fans and club officials wanted to send a powerful message on Thursday night It came as Mr Hepple used an interview with MailOnline to announce he did not regret the stunt, and tried to excuse his use of the word P*** online by saying he sometimes gets 'a bit coked up and uses offensive language'. He said: 'I'm not racist. I know people are trying to make out to be one but I'm not. 'I've got lots of Black and Asian friends and this banner was actually inspired by the Black Lives Movement. 'We were not trying to offend the movement or black people. I believe that it's also important to acknowledge that white lives matter too. That's all we were trying to say.' A plane carrying a banner reading 'White Lives Matter Burnley' was flown over the Etihad stadium ahead of the team's match with Manchester City on Monday evening As the Caesar Act tightens around the Syrian economy, the regime is looking to it's foreign embassies to bring in money from Syrians abroad reports Zaman Al-Wasl. While the Caesar Act is supposed to act as a pressure factor regulating the Syrian regimes finances and resources, Bashar al- Assads regime is preparing to obtain an amount of approximately one billion Syrian pounds within a few days. This amount is expected to be obtained through one of the regimes embassies in Europe, as financial aid for its war against the Syrians. In early July, the regime will open its first Embassy in Sweden, where hundreds of thousands of Syrians live. The embassy will open funds to receive an amount equivalent to 344,000 dollars, the value of which ranges, at the current exchange rate, between 900 million and one billion pounds. The sums that the regime will receive through its embassy in Stockholm consist of cash allowances to be paid by 43 Syrians residing in Sweden. These sums are paid as compensation for their absence and non-participation in military service. The regimes embassy provided a list of the names of 43 people who have been called to pay, without stating the purpose behind this selection. In addition to other regulations for those whose service/ payments are postponed, and those who were excluded from the reserve service. Since the summer of 2014, in an effort to alleviate the erosion of its revenues, the regime has ordained every Syrian who has resided in an Arab or foreign country for a period equal to or greater than 4 years, to pay the cash allowance, in exchange for being exempted from compulsory service in the Assad army. The decree, issued at the time, specified the amount of the cash allowance per capita at 8,000 dollars. The amount of money is, also, to be paid in dollars, not in Syrian pounds. The allowance is reduced to 2,500 dollars, in cases where the Syrian is born within an Arab or other European foreign country and in cases where he or she has been permanently residing there until the age of 18 (the military assignment age) The regimes annual income from these allowances is still unknown. Considering the number of Syrian males pursued for military service, however, the regime must be receiving millions of dollars. Revenues from issuing passports, collecting military service allowances and executing consular transactions represent a huge financial support, which the regime uses to make up for its deteriorating economy, caused by the expensive costs of war, as well as by the decline of major production sectors (oil, agriculture, industry), and especially by the loss of human resources with the flight of millions of Syrians abroad. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-26 04:49:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The top UN envoy for Afghanistan on Thursday expressed optimism about the peace prospects in Afghanistan, saying talks between the government and the Taliban could begin in July. "I am cautiously optimistic that the talks between the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban negotiation teams will indeed start in the next few weeks in Doha, during the month of July," Deborah Lyons, the UN secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan, told the Security Council. "As the two sides embark on what will likely be a long and complex series of talks, I have encouraged them to show the necessary flexibility and foresight, the commitment to peace and most importantly, compassion for their people, that will be needed to bring these negotiations to a successful conclusion," she said. The announcement of a three-day Eid al-Fitr cease-fire by the Taliban and the Afghan government led to a welcome and much-needed reduction in violence, which is essential to an environment conducive for peace talks and will pave the way for an eventual permanent cease-fire. But the recent spiraling levels of violence threaten this process, she noted. Lyons saw encouraging commitment by the two sides on the issue of prisoner releases, which is an important confidence-building measure that has created momentum toward the negotiations. "As I am speaking to you now, we are in the final stages, and it is noteworthy that both sides have agreed that the (peace) talks could start within a week of the completion of the prisoner releases. But again, this must be commensurate with a reduction in violence," she said. Lyons recognized the efforts of the United States, Qatar, and a number of other regional countries in bringing the Afghan government and the Taliban to this point. "We all look forward to the formal commencement of the negotiations. The United Nations stands ready to support these direct talks, as required, and I have been in discussion with both sides to identify and address their needs going forward. We are working now very closely with a number of countries to build a network of support for the talks and for the parties, as needed." The best chance for a durable settlement rests on a broad consensus, reflecting the aspiration and concerns of all citizens, she said. Both sides have reached out to various constituencies to seek their views on peace. It is indeed crucial to develop inclusive structures for peace talks that allow the meaningful participation of women, youth, minorities and victims of war. It is important that the rights of victims are addressed during the negotiations and approaches for reconciliation are considered, said Lyons. She was encouraged by a strong resolve from the regional countries to support Afghanistan in its quest for a peaceful settlement. "The region's active engagement and support to the peace process will be essential, as they, in addition to the Afghans, have much to gain from peace and stability," she said. "I have already held a series of engagements with partners from the region and beyond, and am confident that together we will foster a constructive atmosphere for the peace process." Support from the region is also available to advance strong economic and trade cooperation and connectivity as Afghanistan moves into a new period of stabilization and toward greater self-reliance, she said. Lyons voiced concern over the impact of COVID-19 on the livelihood of Afghans. "At the same time as peace rises out there on the horizon, COVID-19 is casting a huge shadow over Afghan daily life," she said. The socio-economic impact of weeks of lockdown, reduced economic activity and loss of remittances will be deep and long-lasting. Afghanistan faces the daunting challenge of seeking continued international financial support at a time of unprecedented financial uncertainty, including in many of the traditional donor capitals, she noted. The global pandemic also poses unique challenges for the operational posture of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, which Lyons leads, and has limited its ability to fully deliver on its mandate, she said. In light of the scale of the crisis and the crippling economic consequences, the UN humanitarian response plan for Afghanistan has been updated to incorporate the COVID-19 requirements for 2020. In total, 1.1 billion U.S. dollars is now required, she said. Enditem Salim Shaikh and Victor Sangle, both, on September 25, 2019, drove towards the Bairobha nallah bridge linking Camp with Wanowrie. The city was under a torrential downpour. The nallah had burst its banks and the bridge was under water. Neither knew of the scenario. Both drove into the flood. Neither survived. The flash floods of 2019 claimed 26 lives in Pune. Two families, nine months on, believe the lives of Salim and Victor could have been saved Nobody from our family uses the bridge anymore Software professional Salim Shaikh was employed with nVidia Software. He was returning home from work on September 25 and drove towards Wanowrie, in his way to NIBM road, where he resided. Shaikh was unaware the bridge at Wanowrie was engulfed by the overflowing Bairobha nallah, courtesy the 100mm of rain the city had received in two hours; and which had not yet eased. Shaikh, driving his car, never made it across the bridge. Salim Shaikhs body was found in Ahmednagar District, some 95 kms from Pune. Sangale family had searched his body for many days after the incident but with no avail. The family had received the compensation from district collectors office on completion of the official procedures. Taher Shaikh, Salim Shaikhs brother, said Ever since the incident, our family has decided not to commute from the Bairobha nallah bridge ever again. None of family members travel via that route. There is a need for strong safety railings at the bridge and there should have been a protective wall at the bridge. After the incident, we expected the government to increase safety standards at the bridge. Zakir Khan, a friend of Shaikh, said We have been demanding that Bairobha nallah be brought under round the clock CCTV surveillance during all seasons and a flood-alert system (automatic) be installed, where an SMS alert is sent directly to the fire brigade and the police. Currently, the bridge is unsafe and needs lot of safety measures to be completed. There are no street lights on the bridge and there is only one light installed at one end of the road which is inadequate. Every day, we still hope for news Victor Sangle was the die-hard survivor. By the age of 26, he had survived cancer. Had had survived an amputation and lived a full life with a prosthetic limb. Prior to September 25, 2019, he had just returned from a bicycle expedition in Arunachal Pradesh. On the evening of September 25, he drove in his car from Kalyani nagar, where he stayed, towards Wanowrie. He was going to see his cousins who lived there. The rain was torrential. Pune had already received 100mm in two hours. As Sangle drove towards Wanowrie what he did not know was that the Bairobha nallah had breached its banks and a bridge connecting Camp to Wanowrie was under water. Sangle drove through it and as far as the official records of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the Pune fire brigade and the Pune police go, he never made it. Victor Sangle driving his car, was washed away. Nine months since, no rescue agency has been unable to recover his body. The search, involving the NDRF and the fire brigade, extended 200 kilometres along the Mula-Mutha river, into which the Bairobha nallah flows. Prashant Ranpise chief fire officer said, According to our records, he is still missing. He could not be traced despite the search. Sangles immediate family declined an interview with HT, but said this much, Every day, we still hope for news. Rajesh Bansode, an extended relative of the Sangle family said that last month a call came in from an unknown person who claimed to have Sangles documents, like the Aadhar card. However, there has been no response from the said number since. How these unidentified people called the family after such a long time needs investigation, as it is very suspicious. Because of the Covid situation, it became difficult for us to go to the police. The call came in from the Beed district of Maharashtra, said Bansode. He went back for the dog... came under the wall and was washed away From left: Kusum Shinde, great grandmother, and Rukmini Shinde, grandmother of Rohit Amle who died in flash floods of 2019. (Pratham Gokhale/HT Photo) Fifteen-year-old Rohit Amle lived in the Ganga Teerth Society, Tangewala colony, Sahakarnagar. The Ambil Odha (stream) flowed by the society. On September 25, 2019, the Ambil Odha was not flowing; it had burst its banks and caused a flash flood. Rohit Amle was about to get away, when he remembered his pet dog was still in the house. He went back to save the dog. As he was exiting the society, the wall between the odha and the society collapsed . Rohit Amle and the pet dog, both perished in the flood waters. Rukmini Shinde (53), Rohits is grandmother, recounts the tragic events. He had been staying with us ever since my daughter passed away. He did not inform us and came under the wall and was washed away. This is indeed tragic and we have received compensation. It was his birthday on June 18. It is a very painful experience we will have to undergo it for our lifetime, she said. Rohit was a Class X student of Vidya Vikas School. Swapnil Shinde, his uncle, said, We have very fond memories to share. Rohit was creative and intelligent. We did not expect that he will be no more with us. PCB blames PMC Amit Kumar, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), under whose jurisdiction the Bairobha nallah falls, said The PMC had committed to make the bridge safe for commuters and it was given permission to carry out the repair and reconstruction work. However, things on the ground are different and the PMC must honour its commitment made to the board. The onus of repairs and other important things lie with the corporation, he said. Covid closure for monsoon? The Bairobha nallah bridge in question has been in and out of quarantine since the Covid-19 pandemic began. Currently it is inaccessible, again, given its proximity to areas under lockdown. With the monsoon here, it may well be that no one will be allowed to access the bridge for some time. It is almost a truism that political discourse in India has hit a new low. You dont need much to persuade you. Just switch on the TV, go to any news channel and watch party spokesmen scream, shout and abuse each other. The coarsening of the discourse is a phenomenon of the last ten years. There were always politicians who would cross the line but they were the exceptions not the rule. Often their words were couched in attempts at humour. When I edited Sunday magazine and Mani Shankar Aiyar was a columnist, he would regularly take on LK Advani who was then at the zenith of his power. Aiyars strategy (in those days) was to ridicule rather than abuse. So Advani, who posed as a common man driven to anger by the injustices heaped upon Hindus, was always referred to as Uncle Walrus, a reference to both his moustache and his attempt to portray himself as an avuncular figure. Oddly enough, though other columnists regularly attacked Advani with more vigour, this was the nickname that got his goat. Various emissaries were sent to me to ask me to either persuade Aiyar to hold back or to censor his column. A certain amount of invective is usually a part of political discourse everywhere. But it only works if it is backed up by policies or ideology and stops short of outright, pointless abuse. In the US, Donald Trump routinely abuses opponents (and various former administration officials who have turned against him) on Twitter and other public platforms. No US President in history has ever behaved so crassly and all the polls suggest that the tactics are backfiring on Trump. In India, the BJP IT cell learned long ago that ridicule is more effective than outright attacks. It has spent nearly ten years plugging away at the theme that Rahul Gandhi is a joker, a figure of fun, a pappu who cannot possibly be taken seriously, let alone entrusted with any responsibility. Even Subramanium Swamy, who routinely portrays Sonia Gandhi as an agent of evil sent to Earth by Satan, dismisses Rahul as buddhu. Of course the ridicule is unfair and not based on fact. But the truth is that the Sangh Parivar has done such an effective job of belittling Rahul that everywhere you go, even apolitical people who have no knowledge of what Rahul is really like, will assume that he is a duffer. In recent years, the BJP has followed a two-pronged strategy. The Prime Minister (who once said, while he was Chief Minister of Gujarat, that Rahul would find it hard to get a job as a driver) now adopts a lofty tone and rarely attacks or abuses his enemies. His minions, however, keep up the attacks. The Congress has struggled for years to work out how to counter this strategy and to handle this level of discourse, especially on TV debates. It tried attacking Narendra Modi directly many years ago, during a campaign for the Gujarat assembly, when Sonia Gandhi went for the jugular. When that yielded no returns, she abandoned that approach and has been more reasoned in her rhetoric. Rahul, however, has been much more direct. At the last General Election, he would encourage crowds to chant Chowkidar Chor Hai at rallies. The chanting went well. The election did not. The Congress went down to one of its most humiliating defeats ever. Since then the party has been engaged in a constant internal discussion about how best to oppose the government in an age when political discourse is at its lowest level. Rahul seems to believe that the Congresss election campaign would have worked if more leaders had joined him in attacking the Prime Ministers personal integrity. At a post-mortem after the results, he berated Congress leaders for not joining in his chor campaign. Most remained silent and only Amarinder Singh said that he did not believe that this was an effective tactic. The issue is back on the forefront. At the last Congress Working Committee Meeting, a similar exchange took place One member questioned the wisdom of making personal attacks against the Prime Minister over the China issue. Rahul stuck to his position that direct attacks were necessary. The Congresss dilemma is that no matter what it does, polls suggest that Narendra Modis popularity is currently unassailable. There is little doubt (in my view) that the Covid lockdown was badly handled and it is as clear that the government has failed to effectively control the pandemic. Yet polls show that the vast majority of respondents believe that the Prime Minister handled all this very well. So it is with China. It seems clear, that despite Narendra Modis efforts to develop a relationship with China, relations between India and China are at their lowest point in several decades. It is also clear that the governments messaging on the clash in the Galwan valley is flawed. The PMO had to issue a hasty clarification on the Prime Ministers remarks after the Chinese treated them as a vindication of their position. A recent C-Voter-IANS survey showed that a majority of respondents believed that the China issue had been mishandled. But heres the thing: the Prime Ministers personal popularity was intact and a majority believed that the opposition would not have done a better job of handling the issue. So how can the Opposition effectively attack a Prime Minster whose personal popularity is unaffected by the reverses his government suffers? In this age of coarse political discourse, it may seem that calling Narendra Modi names is the only way to oppose the government. But is it? We have been down this road before in the aftermath of demonetisation all the way to the last General Election. Unfortunately for the Congress, the personal attacks did nothing to damage the Prime Ministers popularity. It may be a tempting strategy for a demoralized opposition but in an age where political discourse is so cheapened, nobody pays much attention to the name calling any longer. So, have diminishing returns set in now that we are at the height of the age of abuse? I am beginning to think that they might have. I suspect that the Congress gains less and less from the personal attacks it launches. Nor is there any benefit in sending spokespeople to TV debates where the anchors are already advocating an anti-Congress point of view. Perhaps the answer is to go back to the old ways, to a gentler era when people discussed the issues without abuse. When AB Vajpayee was Prime Minister, he never once said anything that was beneath the office of the PM nor did he allow his party to introduce filth into the discourse. Its worth remembering too that Sonia Gandhi rarely, if ever, launched any personal attacks on AB Vajpyaee. She restricted her criticism to the level of ideas, spotted the one chink in the BJPs armour (the reforms had not reached those at the margins of our society) and consistently hammered away at it. Ultimately, despite lacking the stature, experience and oratory of Vajpayee, she beat him and led the Opposition to victory. Narendra Modi is more popular than Vajpayee was. He also has a cult-like following among the faithful that Vajpayee lacked. To keep calling him names seems more and more pointless. It is better surely, for the Congress to hammer away at the governments policy failures rather than to turn this into a Rahul versus Modi battle given that Modi has decisively won two such battles before.Why attack the BJP at its strongest point (surveys suggest that Modi is more popular than his party) when you can more effectively question its record in government? The problem with complaining about the level of political discourse and comparing it to the heyday of Vajpayee (let alone Jawaharlal Nehru) is that we need to accept that news channels and social media have changed the rules. If you play their game, you end up like a mosquito repeatedly hurling its body against a marble statue. Far better surely to rise above that fray and to operate in an area where you have not already been written off. The Congress should take inspiration from its election victories (as part of a coalition) in 2004 and 2009. It cast itself then as a party of good sense, not as the party of abuse. There is now so much abuse all around us, such regular cheapening of the discourse and so much name calling that more and more people are getting tired of it. Voters realise that it is always easier to call someone names than it is to chip away at the issues. Ultimately, common sense will reassert itself. People will get fed up of the shouting and the abuse. And when that happens, India will be a much cleaner and happier place. To read more on The Taste With Vir, click here Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Washington, June 25 : The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised down its forecast for the global economy amid mounting COVID-19 fallout, warning of record debt levels in both advanced and emerging markets and developing economies. Global output is projected to decline by 4.9 per cent in 2020, 1.9 percentage points below the IMF's April forecast, followed by a growth at 5.4 per cent in 2021, indicating a grimmer economic outlook as the pandemic continues to ripple across the globe, Xinhua news agency reported. "Compared to our April World Economic Outlook forecast, we are now projecting a deeper recession in 2020 and a slower recovery in 2021," IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath said in a virtual news conference on Wednesday, noting that these projections imply a cumulative loss to the global economy over two years of over $12 trillion from the crisis. "The downgrade from April reflects worse than anticipated outcomes in the first half of this year, an expectation of more persistent social distancing into the second half of this year, and damage to supply potential," Gopinath said. The multilateral lender is projecting a synchronized deep downturn in 2020 for both advanced economies, and emerging market and developing economies, noting that over 95 per cent of countries are projected to have negative per capita income growth this year. Advanced economies are projected to contract 8 percent this year, 1.9 percentage points lower than the forecast in the April WEO, according to the updated report. The US economy is expected to shrink 8 per cent, the Euro Area is on track to contract 10.2 per cent, and the Japanese economy could decline 5.8 per cent. Emerging markets and developing economies, meanwhile, are projected to shrink by 3 per cent this year, 2 percentage points below the April WEO forecast, the report showed. Brazil and Mexico are projected to contract by 9.1 and 10.5 per cent respectively, while India's economy could see a contraction of 4.5 per cent. The latest report also showed that global growth is projected at 5.4 per cent in 2021, which would leave the 2021 GDP some 6.5 percentage points lower than in the pre-COVID-19 projections made in January 2020. "The unprecedented global sweep of this crisis hampers recovery prospects for export-dependent economies and jeopardizes the prospects for income convergence between developing and advanced economies," Gopinath said. The Chief Economist also noted a high degree of uncertainty surrounds this forecast, with both upside and downside risks to the outlook. On the upside, better news on vaccines and treatments, as well as additional policy support, could lead to a quicker resumption of economic activity, she said. On the downside, further waves of infections could reverse increased mobility and spending, and rapidly tighten financial conditions, triggering debt distress, Gopinath said, adding that geopolitical and trade tensions could damage fragile global relationships at a time when trade is projected to collapse by around 12 per cent. Warning that the crisis will also generate medium-term challenges, Gopinath said that public debt this year is projected to reach the highest level in recorded history in relation to GDP, in both advanced and emerging markets and developing economies. Over 75 per cent of countries were now reopening at the same time as the pandemic was intensifying in many emerging market and developing economies, and several countries have started to recover, Gopinath told reporters. "However, in the absence of a medical solution, the strength of the recovery is highly uncertain and the impact across sectors and countries highly uneven," she said. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / GREAT ATLANTIC RESOURCES CORP. (TSXV.GR)(FRA:PH01) (the "Company" or "Great Atlantic") is pleased to announce it is commenced the 2020 exploration program at its Keymet Precious Metal - Base Metal Property, located in northeast New Brunswick. The 2020 program will focus on gold exploration in the southwest to central regions of the property. The Company has identified exploration targets in these regions based on historical work. Reported historic highlights in these regions include a reported trench chip sample of 2.5 grams / tonne (g/t) gold over 6.1 meters length, rock grab samples up to 4.3 g/t gold and soil samples of 217 and 325 parts per billion (ppb). The Company has commenced prospecting and rock - soil geochemical sampling in the southwest to central regions of the Keymet Property to define trenching and drilling targets. Geophysical surveys are also planned for these regions during 2020 to further define exploration targets. Company management have evaluated historical public records and have identified targets for focused 2020 gold exploration in these regions of the property. Reported historical highlights for these regions include: 2.5 grams / tonne (g/t) gold over 6.1 meters and 1.9 g/t gold over 1.5 metes in historical trench (1980s). 3.3 g/t gold over 0.60 meters in historical trench and 4.3 g/t gold in grab sample (Alcida East Gold occurrence). Gold soil geochemical anomalies were reported during 2005, including reported high values for gold of 217 and 325 ppb. Three gold deposits with reported mineral resources are reported west of the southwest region of the Keymet Property within adjacent mineral claims. Great Atlantic has no interest in these adjacent mineral claims. These deposits, referred to as the West Gabbro Zone, Discovery Zone and South Gold Zone, are reported within 2 kilometers of the Keymet Property southwest boundary. Micon International Limited reported 43-101 compliant mineral resources for the West Gabbro Zone (WGZ), South Gold Zone (SGZ) and Discovery Zone (DZ) in Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate for the Elmtree Gold Property (Effective Date: 4 March 2011) for CNRP Mining Inc. and Gorilla Resources Corp. The reported resources include: WGZ: Indicated Resources: 1,611,000 tonnes @ 1.91 g/t gold WGZ Inferred Resources: 2,053,000 tonnes @ 1.67 g/t gold SGZ: Inferred Resources: 2,237,000 tonnes @ 0.74 g/t gold DZ: Inferred Resources: 741,000 tonnes @ 1.18 g/t gold As reported by Micon International Limited, the resources were estimated using a three-dimensional block modelling approach. For each mineralized zone, wireframe models were built up from intersected geologic limits. Grade interpolation for the WGZ was conducted using the inverse distance cubed technique while interpolations for the DZ and SGZ were conducted using the nearest neighbour technique due to limited drill hole information. The cut-off grade used was 0.5 g/t gold. Readers are warned that mineralization at the West Gabbro Zone, South Gold Zone and Discovery Zone on adjacent mineral claims west of the Company's Kemet Property is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Keymet Property. Great Atlantic is also planning exploration during 2020 in the northwest region of the Keymet Property with the focus being gold. Since acquiring the property, the Company has discovered gold bearing float and gold in bedrock (in drill holes and trenches) in this region of the property as well as veins containing high grade zinc, lead, copper and / or silver (see news releases on the Company's website). This included high grade gold in one boulder sample, which returned 51 g/t gold. Planned work in the northwest region of the property include prospecting, rock - soil geochemical sampling and geophysical surveys to define trenching and drilling targets. The southwest - central regions will be the main focus during 2020. The Keymet Property hosts the historic Keymet Mine, located in the northwest region of the property. The Keymet Mine operated during the mid-1950s, producing copper, lead, zinc and silver. Production at this mine was terminated due to a fire at the site. Readers are warned that historical records referred to in this News Release have been examined but not verified by a Qualified Person. Further work is required to verify that historical records referred to in this News Release are accurate. David Martin, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and VP Exploration for Great Atlantic, is responsible for the technical information contained in this News Release. Historic Keymet Mine (1950s) Access to the Keymet Property is excellent with paved roads transecting the property, including a provincial highway. The property covers an area of approximately 3,400 hectares and is 100% owned by the Company. On Behalf of the Board of Directors "Christopher R Anderson" Mr. Christopher R. Anderson "Always be positive, strive for solutions, and never give up" President CEO Director 604-488-3900 - Dir Investor Relations: Please call 604-488-3900 About Great Atlantic Resources Corp.: Great Atlantic Resources Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on the discovery and development of mineral assets in the resource-rich and sovereign risk-free realm of Atlantic Canada, one of the number one mining regions of the world. Great Atlantic is currently surging forward building the company utilizing a Project Generation model, with a special focus on the most critical elements on the planet that are prominent in Atlantic Canada, Antimony, Tungsten and Gold. This press release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address future exploration drilling, exploration activities and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. 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: Great Atlantic Resources Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/595191/Great-Atlantic-Resources-Begins-2020-Exploration-Program-at-Its-100-Owned-Keymet-Precious-Metal-PropertyNortheast-New-Brunswick Prince William has visited Oxford Universitys coronavirus vaccine development facilities to learn more about researchers work there. The royal was given a tour Wednesday of the manufacturing laboratory where the experimental vaccine has been produced. He also looked at a laboratory where samples from the clinical trial are being examined by researchers. The trials began April 23 and 10,000 people in the U.K are in the process of being vaccinated to assess the potential success of the treatment. Trials also began this week in Brazil and South Africa. Britain's Prince William talks to staff during a visit to the manufacturing laboratory where a vaccine against COVID-19 has been produced, at the Oxford Vaccine Group's facility at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, England, Wednesday, June 24, 2020. (AP) Oxford has agreed a global licensing agreement with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, which has struck deals with the U.S., U.K., the European Union, among others, to produce and supply the potential vaccine. Britain's Prince William, center, wears a mask as he meets scientists during a visit to the manufacturing laboratory where a vaccine against COVID-19 has been produced, at the Oxford Vaccine Group's facility at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, England, Wednesday, June 24, 2020. (AP) Researchers aim to eventually make the vaccine available globally on a non-profit basis, including to low-income countries. Other vaccines are also in development and undergoing trials elsewhere, including in the U.S. and France. Britain's Prince William talks to a patient participating in the Covid-19 vaccine trial during a visit to the manufacturing laboratory where a vaccine has been produced, at the Oxford Vaccine Group's facility at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford, England, Wednesday, June 24, 2020. (AP) William was briefed by researchers leading the vaccine development and trial, and he also spoke with those who were taking part in the trial. On Tuesday, the royal spoke via video call to representatives from AstraZeneca and Oxford University and heard about the role of British science in the global response to the pandemic. (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 Courtesy of The Howard Hughes Corp. The Howard Hughes Corp. has promoted chief financial officer, David O'Reilly, to president, expanding his role as the real estate company transitions its business to focus on core assets, including The Woodlands, Bridgelands and other planned communities. He will remain CFO. In his new role, O'Reilly's base salary will increase to $550,000 from $500,000 and his annual target bonus is now $990,000, up from $900,000, according to his amended employment agreement. His annual stock incentive has been increased to $1.32 million, up from $1.2 million. Poor weather seems to have it out for spacex storms delayed the firm's historical mission to the International Space Station and now they threaten the next Starlink satellite launch. The company is set to send its tenth batch June 26, but forecasts show the Falcon 9 has just a 40 percent chance of taking off from Kennedy Space Center. Isolated storms a predicted to rip through the area with heavy cloud cover and possible lighting, which could keep the Falcon 9 grounded. The mission brings the space-based internet constellation to nearly 600 and will also carry two 110-pound observation satellites as part of the SpaceX rideshare program. Scroll down for video SpaceX is set to send its tenth batch June 26, but forecasts show the Falcon 9 has just a 40 percent chance of taking off from Kennedy Space Center SpaceX has accelerated its efforts over the past month, sending dozens of Starlinks to orbit every week to create its global internet network. The Elon Musk-owned aerospace company is also inviting those interested in the service since up 'to get updates on Starlink news and service availability in your area,' according to SpaceX. The beta is expected to open up in later this summer or in early fall and will have about 800 satellites in total. 'Private beta testing is expected to begin later this summer, followed by public beta testing, starting with higher latitudes,' SpaceX said in an email sent to those who signed up The Elon Musk-owned aerospace company is also inviting those interested in the service since up 'to get updates on Starlink news and service availability in your area,' according to SpaceX The mission brings the space-based internet constellation to nearly 600 and will also carry two 110-pound observation satellites as part of the SpaceX rideshare program Friday's launch brings SpaceX one-step closer to beaming high speed broadband down from space and into the homes of people across the globe. If all goes well, the launch is set to kickoff at 4:18pm at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral Florida. Along with the new batch of Starlink devices will be two other satellites developed by Seattle-based BlackSky, which offers imaging and global monitoring services. BlackSky has four satellites in orbit from launches in 2018 and 2019 that were built in-house by Spaceflight Industries. The company hopes to have 16 satellites in low Earth orbit by early 2021. BlackSky is taking advantage of SpaceX's rideshare program, which acts like Uber but for payloads into space. Companies reserve a spot on the Falcon 9, which cost as low as $1 million. Poor weather conditions plagued the NASA-Space X mission in May, which brought American astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station SpaceX recently boasted on Twitter that it has more than 100 spacecraft have signed up to fly on the Falcon 9. Poor weather conditions plagued the NASA-Space X mission in May, which brought American astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station. The Launch America mission was set to take place on May 28, but the threat of lightning forced the team to delay launch until May 30. However, on Saturday, the Falcon 9 had just a 50 percent chance of heading into orbit. About 45 minutes to launch, all requirements went from red to green and a SpaceX official said 'weather is a go.' Ikpme Ikpeme, chief medical director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), says a patient tested positive for COVID-19 ... Ikpme Ikpeme, chief medical director of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), says a patient tested positive for COVID-19 in the hospital. The government of Cross River has maintained that the state is free of COVID-19 despite the symptoms shown by some patients in the state. Last week, Godwin Akwaji, lawmaker representing Obudu constituency at the Cross River house of assembly, died at UCTH after showing symptoms of COVID-19. In a circular circulating online, Ikpeme asked staff to avoid exposing themselves to the disease. He said a patient had tested positive during random tests carried out within the hospital. Ikpeme said the patient, whose identity was not disclosed, had been discharged after recovering from the disease. With recent developments, it does appear that the state may not be free of Covid-19 as generally believed. A recent rapid test carried on a patient came out positive Prof. Ikpeme said in a circular addressed to the hospital management, staff and patients, read the circular dated June 25, 2020. However, the patient had recovered and discharged from our isolation center last week . The UCTH management had been in direct contact with the director general of NCDC and NCDC had approved the hospital as an independent test centre. He advised the staff of the hospital to adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and ensure proper precautionary measures are taken to stay safe. When contacted, Beta Edu, the state commissioner for information, said she had seen the circular. However, she dismissed it, saying COVID-19 test is not done at a rapid test centre. The EU's top competition authority approved the massive bailout of Lufthansa by the German government on Thursday, saving one of the world's biggest airlines from bankruptcy, but under conditions. The European Commission said an injection of 6.0 billion euros by Berlin to keep the company afloat was allowed, but that Lufthansa would have to make room for rivals at the Frankfurt and Munich airports to ensure fair competition. The overall rescue comes to nine billion euros ($10 billion) with Lufthansa also receiving three billion euros in public loan guarantees. "This substantial amount of aid will help Lufthansa weather the current coronavirus crisis, which has hit the airline sector particularly hard," EU competition commissioner Margrethe Vestager said. Low-cost archrival Ryanair swiftly criticised the EU, saying it would challenge the state aid decision in the bloc's general court. "Lufthansa is addicted to state aid," Ryanair Chief Executive Michael O'Leary had complained last month. Germany's plan for Lufthansa is part of an overall rescue that became a reality on Wednesday, after a billionaire shareholder reversed course and backed the plan. Heinz Hermann Thiele, who owns 15.5 percent of Lufthansa's stock, had repeatedly voiced scepticism about the deal -- to the dismay of Lufthansa management, employees and unions. In the massive rescue, the German government is taking a 20 percent stake in the company, though thousands of jobs across the company will be lost. Lufthansa also owns Austrian, Swiss and Brussels Airlines, making it a linchpin of European travel. Search Keywords: Short link: MEMOIR THE BOY WITH TWO HEARTS by Hamed Amiri (Icon 16.99, 288pp) In 2001, when Hamed Amiri was ten years old, his mother made a speech declaring that women have the same rights as men. In Taliban-ruled Herat, Afghanistan, this was a radical statement, and a dangerous one: that night, the Mullah called for her execution. The Amiris Hamed, his two brothers and their parents had to flee the country in search of a better life. Hameds idea of a better life was simply somewhere with no AK47s. But his parents had one particular destination in mind, the one country where the eldest brother Hussein, who had a rare heart condition, could receive the life-saving treatment he so desperately needed: the UK. For them, it was life or death. Hamed Amiri reflects on his family's journey from Herat, Afghanistan to the UK in a gripping memoir. Pictured: Brothers (l to r): Hussein, Hessam and Hamed This enthralling memoir describes their journey here. Its a terrifying insight into what its like to be a refugee travelling without documentation, knowing that at any moment you could be discovered and sent back. The family had to rely on handlers, who only spoke one language: money. The father would haggle over group discounts and per person rates as if he were booking an all-inclusive holiday. Once they were robbed of all their money at gunpoint; all five of them worked 15-hour shifts at a pizza place to earn it back. They travelled across Europe, hidden in car boots, lorries and shipping crates, unsure when they were next going to eat or have a toilet break. At times, they didnt even know which country they were in, only realising they had arrived in the UK because cars were driving on the wrong side of the road. Hameds recollections provide fascinating insight into the handlers tricks of the trade. They would flag down lorries, asking for papers, while another trafficker would hold a ladder up against the back of the vehicle. Refugees would then scramble up the ladder armed with knives, slash a hole in the roof and jump in. In shipping containers they held their breath at checkpoints, as the security guards had machines which measured the carbon dioxide levels. The Amiri family arrived in the UK in a shipping crate from Calais, knowing only a few words of English the most important was refugee. Transferred to a compound in Cardiff, they were overwhelmed by the kindness of the volunteers. After depending on greedy traffickers for so long, they were stunned that so many people wanted to help us for free. THE BOY WITH TWO HEARTS by Hamed Amiri (Icon 16.99, 288pp) Husseins heart was weakened by the year-long journey, however: he was experiencing arrhythmia abnormalities in his heart rate more frequently. At 20, he desperately needed heart surgery and Dr Haw at Southampton Hospital was the only surgeon in the world who could perform the necessary procedure. The operation, which lasted 14 hours, 32 minutes, was a success. After this, Hussein and Hamed thrived in the UK, both graduating from the University of South Wales. Hussein set up his own successful IT consultancy firm and Hamed became an application analyst. Hussein was so popular with staff at one hospital where he had been treated that he was appointed as a governor. He wanted to make people feel at home there. But after all the near-misses, you fear their luck is about to run out and eventually, sadly, it does. A few years after the operation, Hussein died of heart failure, the doctors unable to save him this time. This book is a love letter to the NHS, whose staff renewed Hameds faith in humanity. The family couldnt believe the level of care we were shown, given that we werent from the UK. But most importantly, its a love letter to his big brother the funniest, the smartest, the most alive. Hussein was the boy with two hearts, his physical one breaking while his metaphorical one grew bigger every day. Now a motivational speaker in the education sector, Hamed is proud to call the UK home. But he also knows that home isnt where you live, its the people youre with. And you can take them anywhere. Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) and US President Donald Trump attend their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka on June 29, 2019. The UAE is not alone in its concerns about the "hostile confrontation" between the U.S. and China, the Gulf country's minister of state for foreign affairs told CNBC Wednesday. "Every time we see confrontation between Washington and Beijing, the markets actually tremble," Anwar Gargash told CNBC's Hadley Gamble in Abu Dhabi. "And clearly I would say that competition between these two giants will continue, and to a certain extent, it will be natural. But I think we have an interest that this competition is more nuanced, and that it, at the same time, does not shake what is already a very weak international system." The conversation, spanning geopolitics, the global economy and the fight against the coronavirus, took place against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between the world's two largest economies. The administration of President Donald Trump has blamed China for the spread of the coronavirus, which Beijing has forcefully rejected. As the U.S. approaches its presidential election in November, and anti-Chinese rhetoric from parts of Washington grows louder, the painstakingly-negotiated trade deal between the two powers hangs in the balance. Just on Monday, U.S. futures fell on the back of a Fox News report that quoted White House trade advisor Peter Navarro saying the China trade deal was "over." Navarro later denied making the statement and said his words were taken out of context, adding that the phase one trade deal remains intact. Markets recouped their losses on that news. "I was simply speaking to the lack of trust we now have of the Chinese Communist Party after they lied about the origins of the China virus and foisted a pandemic upon the world," Navarro said in a statement that day, signaling that while the trade deal may not be broken, trust was. Later on Monday, Trump tweeted, "The China Trade Deal is fully intact. Hopefully they will continue to live up to the terms of the Agreement!" The precarious state of U.S.-China relations remains a point of concern for the UAE, which has strong ties with both countries: A long-held military and diplomatic alliance with the U.S., as well as a growing economic relationship with China, which in 2016 became the world's top investor in the Middle East. Trade between the U.S. and China is of great importance to the global economy, from international supply chains and economic growth to the costs of basic goods. "I would say that the UAE's concern over this hostile confrontation is a global concern. And we're not alone here," Gargash said. "Almost everybody has huge financial, investment and trade relations with China. Like many, many countries in the world, we all recognize that America has the largest network of allies in the world and we consider ourselves an important ally of the United States. So clearly we see this confrontation, and it worries us. We would like to see a more cooperative relationship between Washington and Beijing." But the minister was sober about the challenges ahead. "We will have to balance and manage, and it is very difficult. I would say right now, perhaps we are managing like many other countries, but more and more, we look at that and see this will be a major, major issue." Economists don't see the U.S. and China reaching phase two of the trade deal anytime soon, and have warned that continued tensions and tariff threats could stunt the much-needed economic recovery from the coronavirus shutdowns. Phase one of the deal was signed in January, pausing the trade war that had been raging for more than a year. But even that could fall apart if relations worsen in the coming months, experts have warned. Gargash is well aware of this and its potential impact on the UAE, which enjoys strong trade relations with both countries and whose currency is pegged to the U.S. dollar. "This is a balancing act the majority of (the) countries in the world have to deal with," he said. "And we are hoping that there is a certain stability in this very important relationship between Washington and Beijing." Upcoming political events in the Bay Area. Events take place online unless otherwise noted: FRIDAY Global Pride: An opportunity for the LGBTQIA+ community to come together, featuring speeches, performances, film and other content from Pride celebrations around the world. A 24-hour livestream starting at 4 p.m. More information is here. SATURDAY S.F. Pride: A day of online Pride events and celebrations, starting at 1 p.m. Complete information is here. SUNDAY S.F. Pride: A day of online Pride events and celebrations, starting at 2 p.m. Complete information is here. MONDAY Arts organizations role in fighting systemic racism: A discussion with arts organization and thought leaders on combating racism. Hosted by the Commonwealth Club. 5 p.m. More information is here. TUESDAY California women and the vote: A virtual preview of Unladylike2020, chronicling the lives of women who made significant changes in California. Followed by a discussion with writer, director and executive producer Sandra Rattley and Susan Anderson of the California Historical Society. Hosted by KQED. 6 p.m. More information is here. WEDNESDAY Clearing land mines: Heidi Kuhn, a former CNN reporter and producer, discusses her transformation to peace activist and creator of Roots of Peace, which removes land mines and replaces them with vineyards and orchards. Hosted by the Commonwealth Club. 11:30 a.m. More information is here. How Russia rigged democracy: A discussion with former CIA director John Brennan and David Shimer, author of Rigged: America, Russia, and One Hundred Years of Covert Electoral Interference. Hosted by the Commonwealth Club. 3 p.m. More information is here. THURSDAY High courts year: Ben Feuer, chairman of the California Appellate Law Group, analyzes the U.S. Supreme Courts recently concluded session. Hosted by Mannys. 6 p.m. More information is here. To list an event, please email Chronicle politics editor Trapper Byrne at tbyrne@sfchronicle.com San Antonio police are seeking information from the public about the death of a man at a Northeast Side construction site. Jesus "Jesse" Solis, 48, was found shot to death in a pickup truck by a co-worker in the 5600 block of Tranquil Dawn on the morning of Jan. 13. Solis worked for Legacy Sitework as part of a crew that constructed roads in newly developed subdivisions. The co-worker told investigators that Solis was often the first one to arrive at the job site between 5 and 5:30 a.m. READ MORE: Death of man found shot at Northeast Side construction site ruled homicide Solis was found unresponsive and slumped over in a pickup on his second day of work at the site. Officials ruled the death a homicide. At this time, the motive is believed to be robbery, according to police. Someone close to the shooter may have noticed they had an unexplainable amount of cash on them immediately after the murder. Police said Solis had contact with many people daily, some of whom may not have known his name but might recognize his truck. Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information which leads to the arrest of the suspect or suspects responsible for the shooting. Dozens of Secret Service officers and agents who were in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday for President Donald Trump's rally were told to self-quarantine on their return. Staff who were on-site at last weekend's rally received the quarantine order after two of their colleagues tested positive for coronavirus, The Washington Post reported Wednesday. According to the Post, the two Secret Service agents who tested positive did not attend the rally but had been at a Friday planning meeting with other agents. Those agents continued to work at the rally even though they may have been exposed. It emerged Wednesday that dozens of Secret Service officers and agents who were in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday for President Donald Trump's rally were told to self-quarantine The Washington Post reports that agents working at the rally had attended a Friday planning meeting with two other agents who tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday 'No COVID-positive staffers or anyone in immediate contact will be at today's rally or near attendees and elected officials,' campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh had claimed Saturday. Yet, the Secret Service warned all employees who worked in Tulsa to isolate after they returned from the weekend trip. The Post reports that the Secret Service's field office in Tulsa established testing for local staffers on Tuesday to determine if they had contracted coronavirus while working on the rally. The two secret service staff identified as having coronavirus were among six who tested positive just hours before the rally was set to begin. Two more staff members tested positive once they returned to the White House Sunday. According to CNN, the positive cases from Tulsa caused the Secret Service to decide to test agents involved with presidential trips for the next couple of weeks. It's reported that an email was sent out to agents Wednesday telling them they must now be tested 24 to 48 hours before a presidential trip. The mandatory testing will remain in place until July 4. 'We want to make sure that we have a healthy workforce and that we are protecting our people,' an official told CNN. 'This is good common sense.' 'The U.S. Secret Service remains prepared and staffed to fulfill all of the various duties as required,' Secret Service spokeswoman Catherine Milhoan said in a statement to the Post after news of the mass quarantine emerged. 'To protect the privacy of our employees' health information and for operational security, the Secret Service is not releasing how many of its employees have tested positive for COVID-19, nor how many of its employees were, or currently are, quarantined,' she added. US President Donald Trump arrives for a campaign rally at the BOK Center in Tulsa on Saturday. Secret Service staff who worked at the event have now been told to quarantine 'The President takes the health and safety of everyone traveling in support of himself and all White House operations very seriously,' added White House spokesman Judd Deere. 'When preparing for and carrying out any travel, White House Operations collaborates with the Physician to the President and the White House Military Office, to ensure plans incorporate current CDC guidance and best practices for limiting COVID-19 exposure to the greatest extent possible.' Yet former agents told the Post that the positive tests in Tulsa showed the extent to which those working to protect the president are being placed at risk of infection. Trump had hoped that the Tulsa rally in loyal Oklahoma would work to reignite his campaign as he suffers badly in the polls because of criticism over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the Black Lives Matter protests. Yet the rally was marred in controversy. It was first rescheduled from Friday to Saturday after outrage that it would clash with Juneteenth celebrations. United States Secret Service snipers are seen positioning on a rooftop prior to a campaign rally for President Donald Trump in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday The Trump campaign was also forced to fight off lawsuits calling for it to be called off or for social distancing and masks to be mandatory because of fears over the spread of coronavirus. In the end, only 6,200 people attended Saturday's rally causing embarrassment for the Trump campaign. With attendees not required to wear face masks or practice social distancing, they were asked to sign a waiver agreeing not to sue the campaign if they contracted coronavirus, acknowledging the 'inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present'. 'By attending the Rally, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Donald J. Trump for President, Inc.; BOK Center; ASM Global; or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury,' read the disclaimer to which attendees agreed. Attendees were not the only ones maskless with several administration officials not wearing one. Concerns over the effect the rally would have on coronavirus cases numbers in Oklahoma were not helped after it emerged that Trump staffers were testing positive just hours before supporters were to fill the BOK Center. Case of coronavirus in Tulsa have been on the rise even before Trump's rally and it is not yet certain what effect the event may have had on infection rates in the city or in the state. Bruce Dart, the director of Tulsa's Health Department, said in a press conference Wednesday that there were 259 new confirmed cases that day, a record for the county. He added that the number of confirmed coronavirus cases had already risen 92 percent in the week leading up to the Trump rally and hospitalizations rose 133 percent among people ages 18 to 35. He could not say if other cases linked to the rally had yet been confirmed but the Tulsa Health Department is encouraging those who attended, or went to the protests that day, to get tested. Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, a Republican continued to downplay the potential effect the rally could have, stating on Wednesday that the current spike was not yet linked. 'It's not from people going to protests or to rallies, it's from people going to weddings and funerals and family gatherings and bars and other things like that, that are causing this uptick,' Bynum said. He added that the city officials are discussing imposing new restrictions on gatherings and rules about wearing masks as cases in the city continue to increase. 'We're finding that the reality's actually worse than what the models were showing us could possibly happen,' he said. Pete Skelly directed exceptional performance of Mattamy's US business; search for new leader underway ORLANDO, Fla, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Pete Skelly, CEO of Mattamy Homes US, has announced his intention to retire from the company, effective in the fall of 2020. Mr. Skelly joined Mattamy in July 2018 and has worked collaboratively with our team members to grow our business while improving performance and success in the company's US operations. "We have been very fortunate to have an individual of Pete's background and experience leading Mattamy's US business," says Larry Nicholson, Executive Chairman of Mattamy Homes. "During his two years at the helm of Mattamy Homes US he has led the US business to record results and has set us up for a significantly brighter future. We will definitely miss Pete's leadership and wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement. He will certainly be hard to replace, and we are looking forward to finding the right individual to build on the progress and success of our US team." Prior to joining Mattamy, Pete held a number of executive leadership roles at large US homebuilders, including Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with CalAtlantic (the 5th largest homebuilder in the US) and The Ryland Group. The search for a new CEO for Mattamy Homes US is currently underway. About Mattamy Homes Mattamy Homes is the largest privately owned homebuilder in North America, with more than 40 years of operations history across the United States and Canada. Every year, Mattamy helps more than 7,000 families realize their dream of home ownership. In the United States, the company is represented in 10 markets Charlotte, Raleigh, Phoenix, Tucson, Jacksonville, Orlando (where its US head office is located), Tampa, Sarasota, Naples and Southeast Florida and in Canada, its communities stretch across the Greater Toronto Area, as well as in Ottawa, Calgary and Edmonton. Visit www.mattamyhomes.com for more information. SOURCE Mattamy Homes Limited Related Links mattamyhomes.com No laughing matter: Donnovan Jester, 28, from Florida, has been charged with stealing, crashing and abandoning a $900,000 yacht in March A Florida man has been charged with grand theft vessel after allegedly taking a $900,000 yacht on a joyride and crashing it. Donnovan Jester, 28, was arrested last week thanks to a thumb print left on the wrecked luxury boat. According to an arrest affidavit, Jester stole the 46-foot 2019 Jeanneau Leader with a value of $899,179 back in the early hours of March 20 in St Petersburg, Florida. The alleged boat bandit cruised off, but slammed into four channel-marker pilings and quickly abandoned the yacht, leaving it to drift into an oyster bed. The vessel sustained about $60,000 in damage resulting from the crash. The affidavit indicates that during an investigation, Pinnellas County Sheriff's deputies found a left thumbprint on the cabin door that was matched to Jester. The 28-year-old initially denied being on any vessel, but he later admitted to being on the boat. Officials say Jester took the 46-foot 2019 Jeanneau Leader with a value of $899,179 for a joy ride in St Petersburg, Florida (a similar Jeanneau Leader yacht is pictured above) Jester allegedly slammed the boat four channel-marker pilings and abandoned it, leaving the vessel to drift into an oyster bed. He was arrested last week thanks to a thumbprint Jester, who was described as a transient from Clearwater, was booked into the Pinnellas County Jail on $50,000 bail. Court records indicate that Jester has a lengthy criminal history dating back to at least 2008, which includes a slew of serious charges, including domestic battery, battery by strangulation, aggravated battery, attempted burglary, discharging weapons and resisting officer, among others. On different social media platforms, Jester variably described himself as a coder, a meteorologist and a 'Pokemon Trainer.' Even as the city grapples with the rising number of Covid-19 cases, the crime rate in Navi Mumbai has reported a 76% decline in April and May. According to the Navi Mumbai Police department, the first information reports (FIRs) registered in April and May dropped to 211, as against the 891 cases filed during these two months in 2019. The police have attributed the decline in the crime rate to empty roads, restrictions in movement and heavy police presence on roads. They have also claimed that the fear of contracting Covid-19 has kept criminals at bay. There is heavy police presence on the streets and regular patrolling is being conducted even on internal roads. Criminals are aware that they will be caught immediately if they commit offences, said Ashok Dudhe, deputy commissioner of police, zone 2. The police however, have said that with the emerging financial crisis, the department is expecting a spurt in robberies in the coming days. Overall, crimes, especially vehicle thefts and street crimes have reduced. In the first phase of unlocking, we have noticed some cases of robberies and vehicle thefts, owing to the relaxation of restrictions and movement of people, said Pravin Patil, deputy commissioner of police, crime branch. For the first time in police records, there had been no reports of chain snatchings and daylight robberies in Navi Mumbai for two consecutive months. The robberies have also reduced significantly, with only two cases being reported in April and May, as against the 23 reported last year. A slump has also been witnessed in the break-ins reported at night. Overall, between April and May this year, only 14 burglaries were committed, while the same period had seen 67 cases last year. Dudhe said that there has been a drop in the crimes against women also, owing to the fear of speedy arrests. During the two months of complete lockdown, 11 rape and 19 molestations cases were registered. Last year in April and May, 30 cases of rape and 41 molestations had been reported. As 95% of offenders in cases of rapes are known to the women, a majority of people are also mindful of the nakabandis in their vicinity, said Dudhe. Though vehicle thefts continue to be a reason for worry, the police have said that the cases have come down to 41 from 101 thefts reported in April and May last year. According to the police data, 47 of the 94 cases registered in April had been solved, at a detection rate of 50%. In the same period last year, the police had solved 272 of the total 410 cases registered (66% detection rate). In May, the detection rate had been 63%, as 74 of the total 117 cases were solved. This is a rise from the 53.8% detection rate recorded last year for the same month, with 259 of 481 cases detected. While investigations had slowed down a little owing to reduced staff, we are still managing and focusing on urgent matters. Heinous crimes are on top priority and the lockdown is not being taken as an excuse to not investigate cases, said a Panvel police station officer requesting anonymity. Earlier, the state had decided to release some prisoners to curb the spread of Covid-19 in prisons but senior police officers said that the development did not have a major effect on the crime trend in Navi Mumbai. Local police stations have been tasked with the monitoring of undertrials or convicts who have been out on bail or parole and we are following up on them regularly. Those with criminal records know they will immediately be arrested if they commit a fresh crime, said an officer from NRI police station requesting anonymity. Crime April and May 2020 April and May 2019 Chain snatching 0 20 Robberies 2 23 Burglaries 14 67 Rape 11 30 Molestations 19 41 Vehicle thefts 41 101 Total 211 891 SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday listed Reliance Jio as among the "Clean Telcos" of the world for shunning doing business with Chinese companies like Huawei. "The tide is turning toward trusted 5G vendors and away from Huawei. The world's leading telecom companies - Telefonica, Orange, Jio, Telstra, and many more are becoming 'Clean Telcos'. They are rejecting doing business with tools of the CCP surveillance state, like Huawei," Pompeo said in a tweet. The US Secretary of State has been fiercely criticising the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government in recent days. In an earlier tweet, Pompeo said: "The Chinese Communist Party is behaving in ways that fundamentally put the American people's security at risk. The @realDonaldTrump Administration is the first in decades to take this threat seriously," he said. "China's contributions to fighting the Covid-19 pandemic are paltry compared to the financial and human cost of its cover-up," he said in another tweet. Huawei has been called a security threat in some countries and with the 5G telecom network, there is a view in some countries like companies like Chinese companies like Huawei should not be allowed to participate. India is also taking tough action against Chinese vendors. WASHINGTON A judge has ruled that Rep. Devin Nunes has no right to sue Twitter over statements made by a fake Internet cow, someone parodying his mother and a Republican strategist. Judge John Marshall said in a decision Friday that Twitter was immune from the defamation claims of Nunes, R-Calif., due to federal law that says social media companies are not liable for what people post on their platforms. Nunes seeks to have the court treat Twitter as the publisher or speaker of the content provided by others based on its allowing or not allowing certain content to be on its internet platform, Marshall wrote. The court refuses to do so. Nunes sued Twitter, the two parody accounts known as Devin Nunes Cow and Devin Nunes Mom and strategist Liz Mair in March 2019. He alleged the latter three had defamed him online, ruining his reputation and causing him to win his 2018 election by a narrower margin than normal. He accused Twitter of being negligent for allowing the alleged defamation. Twitters lawyers, in their motion to dismiss the suit, argued that Twitter was immune from the lawsuit due to federal law. The law, known as Section 230, says that social media companies such as Twitter are not liable for what third parties post on their platform. The only exception is if Twitter personally helped develop or create the content. Both Twitter and Nunes agreed the company did not do that in this case. Nunes lawyer, Steven Biss, argued that Twitters actions in allegedly favoring more liberal content over conservative content and allegedly promoting tweets that made fun of Nunes meant that Section 230 protections should not apply. Judge Marshall disagreed with Nunes and Biss arguments, saying previous court cases had already settled that Section 230 applies even if the company does show bias in what content it allows people to post. Marshalls ruling does not mean this case has been dismissed. Rather, Marshall is removing Twitter as a defendant on the case, leaving the case pending against the two parody Twitter accounts and Mair. But its a blow to Nunes nonetheless, as he was trying to push Twitter into revealing the identities of the two accounts, who have been mocking him online anonymously. Twitters lawyer, Patrick Carome, made it clear in a hearing earlier this month that they have no intention of sharing identifying information the company has on the accounts. Twitter has declined to comply with Nunes requests for information so far. Twitter praised Marshalls decision in a statement to McClatchy, with a spokesperson saying it strongly believes the court made the right decision today. Twitter enforces the Twitter Rules impartially for everyone who uses our service around the world, regardless of their background or political affiliation, a Twitter spokesperson said. We are constantly improving our efforts to serve the public conversation and will continue to be transparent with the public. Mair, the only one remaining in the lawsuit who has been identified, told McClatchy in a statement Wednesday that Nunes lawsuits against her remain an assault on the First Amendment and the core American principle of free speech. Representative Nunes took an oath to support and defend the Constitution all of it and not just the bits he likes and I hope he will take the opportunity to reflect on that fact again today and proceed accordingly, she said. The author behind Devin Nunes Cow declined to comment. The author behind Devin Nunes Mom and Nunes lawyer, Biss, did not return requests for comment. Nunes lawsuit against Twitter and others is one of six active lawsuits Nunes has filed. In each one, he alleges people have defamed him, conspired to harm his reputation or both. He is suing four news organizations: CNN; The Washington Post; Hearst, the owner of Esquire Magazine; and McClatchy, the owner of the largest newspaper in Nunes district, The Fresno Bee. He is also suing Fusion GPS, the political opposition research firm responsible for the so-called Steele dossier on President Donald Trump. Kate Irby of McClatchy Washington Bureau wrote this story. 2020 McClatchy Washington Bureau Visit the McClatchy Washington Bureau at www.mcclatchydc.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. House Democrats are poised to approve Washington, D.C., becoming the nation's 51st state in a historic vote scheduled for Friday. Washington the 'District of Columbia' would be no longer, the bill's language says, as the new state would be referred to as 'Washington, Douglass Commonwealth' - swapping out Italian explorer Christopher Columbus for Maryland-born abolitionist Frederick Douglass. 'And what an appropriate name: George Washington and Frederick Douglass, joined together in support of citizenship, what an appropriate name it seems to me for the capital of America,' remarked Rep. Steny Hoyer, the House's No. 2 Democrat who represents nearby Maryland. 'To honor two of its citizens: one white, one black, both committed to the union and committed to citizenship.' House Democrats and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (leftt) gathered on Capitol Hill Thursday to preview a historic Friday vote that aims to make Washington, D.C. the nation's 51st state House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (left) of Maryland explained that Washington, District of Columbia would be changed to Washington, Douglass Commonwealth after Maryland-born abolitionist Frederick Douglass (right). Virginia and Maryland gave land to create Washington, which was named for a Virginian, President George Washington Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D.C.'s non-voting member of the House, indicated she was OK with the bill only passing the House this Congress, as she suggested Republicans would lose control of the Senate and White House in November, allowing the bill to become law in 2021 And presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden tweeted Thursday afternoon that he believed D.C. should receive statehood, removing any kind of veto threat should he win the White House over President Trump in the 2020 election D.C.'s statehood plight has gotten attention recently amid the back-and-forth between D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (pictured) and President Trump, as he's insisted on militarizing the area around the White House due to 'Black Lives Matter' protests After protesters were tear gassed in front of St. John's church in advance of President Trump's controversial photo-op, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser had 'Black Lives Matter' painted in large yellow letters on 16th Street N.W. 'Frederick Douglass was one of the great spokespersons for "Black Lives Matter,"' Hoyer added. Douglass was also chosen because he was a Marylander, as Washington was a Virginian. Those two states originally gave up the land to create the District, though Virginia took its portion back. Hoyer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the city's non-voting member of Congress and Mayor Muriel Bowser, among others, gathered on Capitol Hill Thursday to preview the vote. The bill is expected to pass the majority-Democrat House, though go nowhere in the Republican-led Senate this cycle. Holmes Norton signaled she was OK with that because Senate control looked ripe for the picking, as new polling data showed Republican candidates struggling in several key states moving toward the 2020 election. 'Speaking even more loudly are what the polls tell us about the president of the United States,' Holmes Norton said at the presser Thursday. 'The reason he's going around spreading coronavirus - I've never seen such irresponsibility on the part of even an ordinary citizen, much less an elected official - is that his poll numbers are so low that his presidency is so threatened.' If Trump lost the White House there would be no veto threat as presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden tweeted Thursday that 'DC should be a state. Pass it on.' Republicans have been averse to giving the city of 706,000 Americans statehood because it would mean giving Holmes Norton, a Democrat, a vote and then there would be two new senators. In 2016, about 91 per cent of D.C.'s voters selected Democrat Hillary Clinton for president, while just 4 per cent chose President Trump. With the current demographic makeup of the city, there'd be practically no chance for a Republican senator to be elected from the new Washington, Douglass Commonwealth. The District currently has two Democratic 'shadow' senators - Paul Strauss and Mike Brown. The city also has a 'shadow' representative, which is a different role than that of Holmes Norton, who's referred to as a 'non-voting delegate.' The Democrats' bill would also move to swiftly repeal the 23rd Amendment to the Constitution, which gives D.C. its Electoral College votes. The D.C. statehood issue has been made more prominent by Trump's recent battle with the city's Mayor Muriel Bowser. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has also been fighting with President Trump over Twitter, sending out this message Saturday night after he tore into her at his rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma Trump suggested Bowser's mismanagement of the city created the chaos in front of LaFayette square on the heels of the death of George Floyd, a black Minneapolis man, by a white police officer. Dealing with the mass protests in D.C. has become a fraught tug-of-war between the federal and local government - with Trump ordering outside forces in. And the federal government has more power to overrule the will of city officials because of the District's unique status. Bowser made that point at a press conference in mid-June explaining that with state-hood D.C. could refuse National Guard members from other states coming into the city without local official's consent. Sans statehood, Bowser has had to use creative means to thumb her nose at Trump. The morning after protesters were tear gassed on H Street moments before the president posed with a Bible in front of St. John's church, Bowser had 'Black Lives Matter' painted in yellow on 16th Street, which runs in front of the church to the north. That street also got a new name - Black Lives Matter Plaza - complete with black street signs. More recently she's used Twitter to clap back at Trump. 'I see @AOC and I are living in his head, and apparently there's a lot of empty room in there ... just like tonight's half empty Tulsa arena,' Bowser tweeted on Saturday after Trump tore into her at his Oklahoma campaign rally. The White House ordered the Department of Agriculture Wednesday to provide financial assistance to lobstermen in Maine, who have been hurt by President Trumps trade war with China and the European Union. The funds will come from the $30 billion bailout program the Trump administration has created to aid farmers caught up in the conflict. In a tweet Wednesday evening, the president falsely claimed that President Barack Obama had destroyed the lobster and fishing industry in Maine. The White House memorandum on protecting the United States lobster industry makes it clear, however, that Maines lobster industry is being hurt by retaliatory tariffs from China, imposed in response to Trumps tariffs on Chinese imports to the U.S. In a celebratory tweet, trade adviser Peter Navarro who was crowned the lobster king by Trump earlier this month for his role in negotiations with the European Union, which currently imposes tariffs on American lobsters paid tribute to the president, saying he was the real crustacean sovereign. Promises made, promises kept by the true Lobster King. @POTUS signed a historic executive order to provide relief for our GREAT American lobster fishermen. Stay tuned! Like what you're reading? Sign up for our free newsletter. [June 25, 2020] Award-Winning Asset Managers, Strategists & Essential Advisors Recognized During Envestnet Advisor Summit On-Demand CHICAGO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Envestnet, Inc. (NYSE: ENV) and Investment Advisor magazine announced the winners of the 2020 Asset Manager and Strategist of the Year Awards during the digital presentation of the Envestnet Advisor Summit On-Demand (https://envadvisorsummit.com/). Now in their 16th year, the Asset Manager and Strategist of the Year Awards recognize high-conviction portfolio managers that embody investment management best practices. In addition to the winners in the seven categories, T. Rowe Price Investment Management was chosen from among the honorees as the overall Manager of the Year, a special award honoring firms that symbolize excellence in investment management. All award recipients will be featured in the July 2020 issue of Investment Advisor. As in previous years, the winners in each category were selected from thousands of portfolio managers using the systematic, proprietary, and multi-factor methodology developed by Envestnet's Portfolio Management Consultants group, Envestnet | PMC (https://www.investpmc.com). The extensive qualitative and quantitative criteria taken into consideration include firm profile, performance, tax efficiency, investment process and style, composite, and customer service. "Giving advisors a clear idea of what to look for when evaluating active managers is key to helping them improve outcomes for their clients," said Tim Clift, Chief Investment Strategist of Envestnet | PMC. "In partnership with Investment Advisor, we are providing industry intelligence that empowers advisors to identify top-performing managers whose strategies can potentially bring their clients closer to achieving overall financial ellness." To be eligible for an Asset Manager and Strategist of the Year Award, managers must have at least $200 million in assets under management and three years of experience. Managers' strategies must also be broadly available on the Envestnet platform, and open to new investors. "We congratulate the winners of this year's Asset Manager and Strategist of the Year Awards for outstanding performance and commitment to investors," said Janet Levaux, Editor-in-Chief of Investment Advisor. "They serve as role models for others in the investment management industry, and we are proud to work with Envestnet to recognize them for the best practices they consistently exemplify." In addition, Envestnet announced the winners of the fourth annual Essential Advisor Awards during the Advisor Summit On-Demand. These awards recognize four advisors who embody the values outlined in The Essential Advisor (https://www.envestnet.com/essentialadvisor). This year's Essential Advisor Award winners are: Garret S. Wong , ChFC , Financial Advisor, AmeripriseAnchorage, Alaska Emmy Mastel and Jeff Benson , Financial Planners, Prudential AdvisorsSt. Louis Park, Minn. Martin James , CPA/PFS, President, Martin James , CPA, PC and Managing Member, Martin James Investment & Tax Management, LLCMooresville, Ind. The 2020 Asset Manager and Strategist of the Year Award winners are: Large Cap Equity Brown AdvisoryLarge Cap Growth Parnassus InvestmentsCore Equity Fund Small/SMID/Mid Cap Mid Cap Wells Fargo Asset ManagementSpecial Mid Cap Value Small and SMID The London Co.SMID Managed Account Strategy Global, International, and Emerging Market ClearBridge InvestmentsInternational Growth ADR SMA Fixed Income T. Rowe Price Investment ManagementBank Loan Strategy Impact Breckinridge Capital AdvisorsIntermediate Sustainable Tax Efficient SMA Liquid Alternatives Eaton VanceGlobal Macro Absolute Return Strategy Strategist Capital GroupAmerican Funds Core Models About Envestnet Envestnet, Inc. (NYSE: ENV) is transforming the way financial advice and wellness are delivered. Our mission is to empower advisors and financial service providers with innovative technology, solutions, and intelligence to make financial wellness a reality for everyone. Over 103,000 advisors across more than 4,900 companies including 16 of the 20 largest U.S. banks, 46 of the 50 largest wealth management and brokerage firms, over 500 of the largest RIAs, and hundreds of FinTech companies, leverage the Envestnet platform to grow their businesses and client relationships. For more information on Envestnet, please visit www.envestnet.com, subscribe to our blog, and follow us on Twitter (@ENVintel) and LinkedIn. About Investment Advisor and the Investment Advisor Group With a qualified circulation of 80,000, Investment Advisor is now in its 40th year of serving independent and independent-minded investment advisors and financial planners across the U.S. through its monthly magazine and online at ThinkAdvisor.com. The Investment Advisor Group of ALM consistently produces the premier digital and print news, analysis and resources that the community of professional financial advice-givers needs to serve clients, stay compliant and maximize growth. For more information about Investment Advisor and ThinkAdvisor, click here. About ALM ALM is the leading business-to-business information and intelligence media company serving the legal, financial services, benefits, consulting, property and casualty insurance, and commercial real estate industries. ALM serves a community of more than 6 million business professionals via 30+ media brands, 65+ global events, and more than 250 research and intelligence resources. Please visit www.alm.com for more information. Please follow us on Twitter at @ALMMedia. Investment Advisor and Envestnet are separate and unaffiliated entities, and are not responsible for each other's services or policies. This release should not be construed as a recommendation or endorsement of any particular product, service, or firm. Media Contact Dana Taormina JConnelly for Envestnet 973.850.7305 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/award-winning-asset-managers-strategists--essential-advisors-recognized-during-envestnet-advisor-summit-on-demand-301084046.html SOURCE Envestnet, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Advertisement The researchers identified 4 themes:provoking and exacerbating undue trauma (fear of the unknown, denoting impending death, despair in having incurable or untreatable disease, premature labeling and assumptions, judgment, stigma and failure of self);frustrated by ambiguity (confused by medicalized language, lacking personal relevance, baffled by imprecision in meaning, opposed to obsolete terms);making sense of the prognostic enigma (conceptualizing level of kidney function, correlating with symptoms and life impact, predicting progression and need for intervention); andmobilizing self-management (confronting reality, enabling planning and preparation, taking ownership for change, learning medical terms for self-advocacy, educating others).The authors noted that some patients despised the term "pre-dialysis" because it was unnecessarily precipitating the need for dialysis--"it assumes you know what the future holds." Others interpreted kidney "failure" to mean that their "physical existence is failing," or they had "done something wrong." Some also perceived the term "end-stage" to mean the "end of a healthy life, the end of a positive mindset," and initially thought there was "nothing you can do about it."Using consistent and meaningful language that patients can understand may help to improve patients' health and satisfaction.An accompanying editorial by Paul T. Conway (American Association of Kidney Patients) addresses kidney specialists, stating, "If our shared agenda is to have more patients to participate in clinical trials and research, take better care of themselves, and become more involved in advancing policies that support innovation and research--ask yourself a simple question: did the last conversation I have with a patient inspire confidence that their kidney disease is manageable and that their unique patient insights are valuable and needed in the fight to help save other patients?"Source: Eurekalert By Matthias Blamont PARIS (Reuters) - Sanofi is considering cutting hundreds of jobs and will discuss potential steps with staff representatives over the coming days, five sources said on Thursday, the latest move by the French drugmaker's chief executive Paul Hudson to cut costs. Management will meet staff representatives on Friday and Monday next week to outline a restructuring plan, five sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. They declined to be identified as the plan is still confidential. The reorganisation could involve several European countries and possibly others outside the region, as well as all the divisions of Sanofi except the vaccines and rare diseases unit Genzyme, the sources said. Three sources said around 1,000 jobs in France were at risk. One of the sources said the cuts would take place over a three-year period, with no forced redundancies. Sanofi said strategy matters would be discussed at two meetings convened for June 26-29. "Information will be shared with staff representatives first and no redundancy plan will be presented then," the company said in an e-mailed statement. The discussions come after Hudson announced in December plans to cut 2 billion euros ($2.24 billion) in costs by 2022. He joined the company in September from Novartis . "The COVID-19 (pandemic) had slowed the announcement, but (the measures) are part of the CEO roadmap," one of the sources said. Hudson has pledged to commit resources in areas where he believes Sanofi can secure leading positions. Since his arrival, the company ended research in diabetes and cardiovascular, an area where Sanofi had lost ground over the years, narrowed the number of its divisions and set out higher profit targets. The group has also been bulking up, including in the lucrative field of cancer drugs. It announced a deal last year to buy U.S. biotechnology firm Synthorx for about $2.5 billion. Story continues Vaccines are also a top priority and the company is currently working on two candidates to prevent COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus that has killed more than 483,000 globally, one in partnership with GlaxoSmithKline and another with U.S. Translate Bio . Sanofi said on June 16 it would invest 610 million euros at two French sites to turn them into a hub dedicated to research, development and production of vaccines, with some 200 new jobs expected to be created on one of the locations. (Reporting by Matthias Blamont; Writing by Josephine Mason; Editing by Edmund Blair/Jon Boyle/Jane Merriman) Governor Gavin Newsom View Photo Sacramento, CA Governor Gavin Newsom declared a budget emergency on Thursday, allowing for nearly $8 billion to be taken from a state reserve account to help plug a large budget deficit brought on by the coronavirus. Later in the day, the state Senate is set to vote on the budget and the Assembly the next day. It will take effect on July 1. The COVID-19 pandemic quickly drained the budget surplus that California began the year with as the state delayed tax collections, businesses suffered, and spending soared to fight the virus. That left the state with a $54.3 billion deficit. Newsom had to declare the emergency to legally be able to take $7.8 billion from the states rainy day fund as proposed in the budget, which is about half of that fund. The rest of the shortfall will be made up through a combination of pay cuts to state workers and delayed payments to public schools, internal borrowing, spending cuts, and temporary tax increases on businesses. To avoid some of those measures, Newsom is looking to the federal government for money. In an emergency proclamation, found here, the governor stresses that money is needed to help pay for coronavirus related expenses like the purchasing of personal protective equipment, medical supplies, and services for vulnerable Californians. It was the final piece required to balance a spending plan of over $202 billion. 'Four National People's Party (NPP) ministers who resigned from Manipur Government will withdraw their resignations,' Conrad Sangma said. Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday said that four National People's Party (NPP) ministers who resigned from Manipur Government will withdraw their resignations and support the government led by BJP's N. Biren Singh in Manipur. "Four National People's Party (NPP) ministers who resigned from Manipur Government will withdraw their resignations and support the government led by BJP's N. Biren Singh," NPP chief Conrad Sangma said. Earlier in the day, while speaking about the political crisis in Manipur and when asked about NPP MLAs, BJP National General Secretary Ram Madhav had said, "They have submitted their resignation and voted against our Rajya Sabha candidate. Yesterday night we got to know through social media that they reached out to central leadership and wanted to support the government again. No communication has reached the government from their side. Let them come back and withdraw their letters given to Raj Bhavan and talk to our leadership and then the issue will be discussed." Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar, at a council meeting in 2014, is facing a racketeering charge in a federal corruption case. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) As she watched the TV coverage of the FBI arrest of Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar, Isela Gracian felt her heart sink. Gracian, a former executive with the nonprofit East Los Angeles Community Corp., spent a decade working with Huizar on efforts to build affordable housing, adopt anti-pollution measures and make life better for sidewalk vendors. On Tuesday, Spanish-language Univision was talking about bribes and showing stacks of cash seized from the councilman's home. "I can't find a deeper word than disappointed," she said. "It's just mind-blowing the depth and extent of it." Federal prosecutors charged Huizar on Tuesday with felony racketeering, alleging he wrested cash bribes, lavish casino trips and five-figure campaign donations from businessmen who needed his help at City Hall. Huizar has yet to enter a plea and, so far, his lawyers have said little, arguing that allegations should be discussed in court, not in the media. But for some, the federal corruption case has dealt a crippling blow to the reputation of a politician whose life story had been an inspiration, not just on the Eastside but across the city. Huizar, 51, came to the United States as a boy from Zacatecas, Mexico, grew up in the working-class neighborhood of Boyle Heights and made his way through a series of top-tier colleges UC Berkeley, then Princeton University and finally UCLA School of Law. "To achieve all that, coming from the neighborhood, is really hard," said Raquel Zamora, owner of Zamora Bros. restaurant on Cesar Chavez Avenue, and a former council candidate herself. "It was like wow, we can do this. Anybody here can go to college, go to a big university, and come back here and give back" to their community. Zamora, who lives in Boyle Heights, said Huizar's life story helped spur her to enroll at USC. Now, following months of allegations about illicit payments, she says she feels let down. Story continues "At one point," she said, "he was good." Restaurant owner Raquel Zamora says of Jose Huizar: "At one point he was good." (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Huizar was elected to the school board in 2001. Four years later, he won a council seat with major backing from then-Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. His career trajectory meant something to the district's immigrant families, said political consultant Javier Gonzalez, a consultant on a number of political campaigns on L.A.'s Eastside. Gonzalez said that in recent years, he occasionally walked with Huizar to a taco truck on Cesar Chavez Avenue, not far from the councilman's home. On those evenings, Huizar's constituents would shout out his name, greet him on the street and sometimes pepper him with questions, Gonzalez said. "You know when somebody has status in a community," he said. "You can tell." For some Huizar supporters, that status has been diminished. Boyle Heights resident Frances Sandoval said she voted for the councilman in each of his elections and now, she's angry. "We trusted him," she said. Sandoval said city workers should move quickly to remove the sign that bears Huizar's name in front of his Boyle Heights field office at 1st and Chicago streets. "He's an embarrassment to the community," she added. Atanacio Simiano, 82, seated on a nearby bus bench, agreed that the allegations against Huizar were terrible. But he said he is reserving judgment. "We're just going to have to be patient about determining if he truly did commit a crime," said the Boyle Heights resident. Huizar, whose district takes in such neighborhoods as downtown, Eagle Rock and El Sereno, has spoken regularly of his humble origins. He has discussed his mother's job at a meatpacking firm, and how his father, after working a regular work week, would head to the strawberry fields in Orange County to pick fruit. In one video interview conducted by the Immigrant Archive Project, Huizar said he made sure to remember what it meant to lack the money to pay for basic life necessities. "I try not to forget how [easy] it was to join gangs when I was growing up, how easy it was to get into a life of crime, how easy it would have been to get involved in things that would have a negative long-lasting effect on our lives," he said in the interview. In federal filings, prosecutors have portrayed Huizar as the head of a criminal enterprise, the recipient of about $1.5 million in improper financial benefits in a scheme involving developers and other businessmen. In one instance, they said, a Chinese billionaire provided $600,000 in financial assistance to help the councilman settle a sexual harassment lawsuit. Some who know Huizar personally have struggled to reconcile the sordid allegations with their own experiences. Margarita Amador, a former member of the Boyle Heights Neighborhood Council, said the Huizar she knows checked in on her regularly while she was battling cancer. The Huizar she knows visited another community activist after she became terminally ill. Amador said Huizar made the neighborhood cleaner and safer, renovating parks, adding more low-income housing and constructing a new police station on 1st Street. No matter what happens in court, the case is "not going to change my perception of who he is," she said. Im still going to be there for him and support his family," she said. As the corruption case progressed, Huizar's influence at City Hall has steadily waned. After FBI agents searched his home, he was removed from several council committees, including the powerful panel that reviews and approves major real estate projects. Huizar stopped attending council meetings in recent weeks, following calls for his resignation from his colleagues. And on Tuesday, while he was still in custody, the council unanimously suspended him, opening the door to the selection of a temporary replacement. Residents of Huizars 14th District have not had a council member casting votes as L.A.'s political leaders debate budget cuts, relief for renters and strategies for ending police brutality. Some in the district have voiced alarm over that situation, saying they are being denied representation. Still, others have greeted Huizar's arrest as a cause for celebration. On the day of Huizar's arrest, one group of activists gathered outside the councilman's Boyle Heights home, taping an eviction notice to his garage door. "The community won't forgive, they won't forget" said the anti-gentrification group known as Defend Boyle Heights, in a message on Twitter. Dublin, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Shore Power Market by Installation (Shoreside, Shipside), by Connection (New Installation, Retrofit), Component (Transformers, Frequency Converters, and More), Power Output (Up to 30 MVA, 30 to 60 MVA, Above 60 MVA), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The shore power market size is projected to reach USD 1.4 billion by 2025 from USD 1.1 billion in 2020, at a CAGR of 6.7%. Rising adoption of new technologies for limiting carbon emissions in the developed regions is the key driver for this market during the forecast period. Shoreside installation is expected to be largest market during forecast period The market has been segmented, by installation, into shoreside and shipside installations. The shoreside segment is expected to be the most shore power market, by installation, during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the high cost of components that need to be installed in shoreside shore power systems. Also, some additional components are required on the shoreside to make the shoreside shore power system more flexible and meet the power requirements of different types of vessels. New installation segment is expected to be largest in the shore power market, by connection, during forecast period The shore power market, by connection, has been segmented into new installations and retrofit. The new installation segment is expected to be the largest in the shore power market, by location, during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the increase in the number of stringent environmental norms by various countries. All under-construction ports and upcoming vessels are being installed with shore power systems during construction or beforehand. This procedure also reduces the cost of implementation. Frequency converters segment is expected to hold largest share of shore power market, by component, during forecast period The market has been segmented, by component, into transformers, switchgear devices, frequency converters, cables and accessories, and others, including safety grounding equipment and plugs. Frequency converters enable the shoreside shore power system to supply frequency matching the vessel's operating frequency. North America is expected to lead in global shore power Though the Asia Pacific is the fastest-growing market during the forecast period, North America is the largest shore power market, followed by Europe and the Asia Pacific. It is expected in North America that there will be maximum adoption and implementation of shore power systems owing to the favourable regulations in multiple states across the countries. Major countries in this region include the US and Canada. The North American region experiences significant vessel movement owing to the sea-bound trade of commodities. Additionally, the US and Canada are among the top oil producers in the world who export this oil to other parts of the world. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 4.1 Attractive Opportunities in Shore Power Market 4.2 Shore Power Market, by Region 4.3 Shore Power Market, by Installation Type 4.4 Shore Power Market, by Connection 4.5 North American Shore Power Market, by Installation Type and Country, 2019 4.6 Shore Power Market, by Component 5 Market Overview 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Covid-19 Health Assessment 5.3 Market Dynamics 5.3.1 Drivers 5.3.1.1 Growing Noise and Air Pollution from Port Operations 5.3.1.2 Increasing Number of Cruise Passengers 5.3.1.3 Rising Government Initiatives to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Ports and Supportive Shore Power Regulations 5.3.2 Restraints 5.3.2.1 High Capex Investments 5.3.3 Opportunities 5.3.3.1 Retrofitting Older Ships and Ports With Shore Power Technology 5.3.3.2 Integrating Shore Power With Offshore Wind, Floating Solar, and Other Renewables 5.3.4 Challenges 5.3.4.1 Low Fuel Costs and Minimal Returns 5.3.4.2 Operational Difficulties and Technical Challenges 5.4 Impact of Covid-19 5.4.1 Impact on Shipping Industry 5.5 Technology Analysis 5.5.1 Wireless Shore Power 5.6 Value Chain Analysis 5.6.1 Shore Power Manufacturers and Providers 5.6.2 Port Authorities 5.6.3 Shipping Industry 5.6.4 Government Regulations 6 Covid-19 Impact on Shore Power Market, Scenario Analysis, By Region 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Impact of Covid-19 on Gdp 6.2.1 Scenario Analysis of Cargo Shipping and Cruise Liner Industry 6.2.2 Optimistic Scenario 6.2.3 Realistic Scenario 6.2.4 Pessimistic Scenario 7 Shore Power Market, by Installation Type 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Shoreside 7.2.1 Emphasis on Curbing Carbon Emissions Creating Requirement for Shoreside Installations 7.3 Shipside 7.3.1 Low Cost of Deployment and Seamless Integration of Port Operations Boosting Market for Shipside Installations 8 Shore Power Market, by Connection 8.1 Introduction 8.2 New Installation 8.2.1 Stringent Government Regulations and Low Installation Cost Foster Market for New Installations 8.3 Retrofit 8.3.1 Increased Need to Minimize Carbon Emissions and Noise Levels from Old Ships Encourages Adoption of Retrofit Solutions 9 Shore Power Market, by Component 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Transformers 9.2.1 Growing Transformer Requirement for Smooth Operation of Shore Power Systems 9.3 Switchgear Devices 9.3.1 Rising Need for Switchgear Devices to Ensure Reliable and Safe Shore Power Operations 9.4 Frequency Converters 9.4.1 Surging Demand for Frequency Converters to Match Shipside and Shoreside Frequencies 9.5 Cables and Accessories 9.5.1 Growing Necessity for Cables and Supporting Accessories for Proper Transmission of Power 9.6 Others 10 Shore Power Market, by Power Output 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Up to 30 MVA 10.2.1 Requirement for Low Capex, Coupled With Their Compact Dimensions, Boosting Demand for Shore Power Systems Having Power Range of Up to 30 MVA 10.3 30 to 60 MVA 10.3.1 Focus of Shipbuilders to Construct Large and Extra Large Ships to Drive Demand for Shore Power Systems With Power Output Ranging from 30 to 60 MVA 10.4 Above 60 MVA 10.4.1 Ability to Supply Multiple Ships Parallelly to Propel Growth of Market for Shore Power Systems Having Power Output of Above 60 MVA 11 Shore Power Market, by Region 11.1 Introduction 11.2 North America 11.2.1 Impact of Covid-19 on North American Shore Power Market: 11.2.2 Us 11.2.2.1 Growing Shipping Industry With Increasing Tourism and Trade to Boost Demand for Shore Power Systems 11.2.3 Canada 11.2.3.1 Increasing Investments in Oil & Gas Projects to Promote Shore Power Setup at Ports 11.3 South America 11.3.1 Impact of Covid-19 on South American Shore Power Market: 11.3.2 Brazil 11.3.2.1 Growing Oil Export Activities in Brazil to Create Need for Shore Power Systems 11.3.3 Argentina 11.3.3.1 Increasing Trading of Mined Minerals to Be Beneficial for Shore Power Market in Future 11.3.4 Rest of South America 11.4 Middle East & Africa 11.4.1 Impact of Covid-19 on Middle Eastern & African Shore Power Market: 11.4.2 Uae 11.4.2.1 Increasing Oil Trading and Tourism Activities to Generate Need for Shore Power 11.4.3 Saudi Arabia 11.4.3.1 Increasing Trading Activities of Oil and Natural Gas to Create Favorable Conditions for Shore Power Market 11.4.4 Egypt 11.4.4.1 Rising Focus on Implementing Shore Power Systems on Multiple Ports to Foster Market Growth 11.4.5 South Africa 11.4.5.1 Growing Trading-Related Activities of Oil and Natural Gas to Encourage Utilization of Shore Power Technique on Ports 11.4.6 Rest of Middle East & Africa 11.5 Europe 11.5.1 Impact of Covid-19 on European Shore Power Market: 11.5.2 Sweden 11.5.2.1 Surging Requirement for Importing Goods and Growing Cruise Ship Tourism to Propel Shore Power Market Growth 11.5.3 Germany 11.5.3.1 Rapidly Growing Maritime and Shipping Industries to Accelerate Demand for Shore Power Systems 11.5.4 UK 11.5.4.1 Thriving Shipping Industry in Country to Fuel Installation of Shore Power Systems 11.5.5 Russia 11.5.5.1 Increasing Sea-Bound Trade to Boost Shore Power Demand 11.5.6 Netherlands 11.5.6.1 Enhancing Maritime Industry in Country Stimulating Need for Shore Power to Minimize Pollution 11.5.7 Norway 11.5.7.1 Rising Focus on Deployment of New Technologies Such as Shore Power to Reduce Carbon Footprint 11.5.8 Rest of Europe 11.6 Asia-Pacific 11.6.1 Impact of Covid-19 on Shore Power Market in Asia-Pacific: 11.6.2 China 11.6.2.1 Increased Vessel Movement With Growing Trading Activities to Propel Growth of Shore Power Market 11.6.3 Japan 11.6.3.1 High Emphasis on Reducing Carbon Emissions, Coupled With Expanding Trading Activities, to Spur Shore Power Demand 11.6.4 South Korea 11.6.4.1 Rapid Growth of Shipbuilding Industry Requires Country to Be Well Equipped With Shore Power Systems 11.6.5 India 11.6.5.1 High Government Focus to Make Country Cleaner and Greener, Along With Thriving Maritime Industry, to Support Adoption of Shore Power Technology 11.6.6 Australia 11.6.6.1 Trading of Fuels and Growing Shipbuilding Industry to Create Opportunities for Providers of Shore Power Systems 11.6.7 Singapore 11.6.7.1 High Emphasis of Government on Utilization of Green Solutions to Reduce Carbon Emissions Likely to Encourage Implementation of Shore Power Solutions 11.6.8 Rest of Asia-Pacific 12 Competitive Landscape 12.1 Overview 12.2 Competitive Leadership Mapping (Overall Market) 12.2.1 Star 12.2.2 Emerging Leaders 12.2.3 Pervasive 12.2.4 Other Players 12.3 Market Share, 2019 12.4 Revenue Analysis of Top 5 Players 12.5 Competitive Scenario 12.5.1 Contracts & Agreements 12.5.2 Partnerships & Collaborations 12.5.3 Investments & Expansions 12.5.4 Product Launches 12.5.5 Mergers & Acquisitions 13 Company Profiles 13.1 Siemens 13.2 Schneider Electric 13.3 Cavotec 13.4 Wartsila 13.5 Vinci Energies 13.6 Danfoss 13.7 Abb (Hitachi) 13.8 Esl Power Systems 13.9 Igus 13.10 Blueday Technology 13.11 Cochran Marine 13.12 Preen 13.13 Smartplug 13.14 Piller Power Systems 13.15 Power Systems International 13.16 Ratio Electric 13.17 Sydney Marine Electrical 13.18 Ocean Electrics 13.19 Conntek Integrated Solutions 13.20 Patton and Cooke For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ter1uq Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Indias prime office rentals are expected to remain stable over next 12-months, said Knight Frank With a slew of companies deciding to focus on work-from-home on account of challenges posed by the coronavirus contagion and commercial lease agreements worth Rs 6,860 crore for 77 million sq ft expiring in the next 12 months, the impact on the commercial real estate space across the country is anybodys guess. According to CRE Matrix, over 40 million sq ft of Grade A commercial office space is leased by top three tenants in Indian metro cities and over a half of it is out of the lease lock-in. This means that these corporate tenants have completed the lock-in period as per their contracts and can move out by serving a notice period. This also means that there may be enough room for them to reassess and renegotiate terms with their landlords and exit in case of financial and COVID-19-related compulsions. Real estate experts say that, while these companies may consider reassessing space take-up, they may not exit long-term leases immediately. As per the CRE Matrix report, the total commercial leasing book in India across top eight cities is about Rs 43,932 crore for 468 million sq ft of space which means that this is the amount that landlords across eight metro cities received as rentals every year. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show Around 249 million sq ft of office spaces across India have either gone past their lock-in expiry dates or do not have any such clause and it amounts to Rs 23,228 crore of annualized rent receivable to the landlords. This means that almost 50 percent of companies are outside their lock-in period currently. Around 219 million sq ft of office space across India has a lock-in expiring in the next 12 months or beyond and it amounts to Rs 20,704 crore of annualized rent receivable to the landlords, the CRE Matrix report has said. It may be a few quarters before top corporates decide to take drastic measures such as reducing their footprint. Large corporates can absorb three months of pain as they are sitting on large reserves and revenues are still flowing but if this pain were to continue into September or October, there may be layoffs and if that happens they would look at cutting real estate costs simultaneously, says Abhishek Kiran Gupta, the chief executive officer of real estate intelligence firm CRE Matrix. He does not see big corporates moving out in a hurry. They will strategise, look at the cost cutting advantage, take a global call and then an India call, he says, adding if they were to negotiate, prices of commercial real estate are most likely to come down. He also points out that compared to 21 percent of people working from home in the US, primarily white collar workers, only about 1 percent in India are currently working from home. The work-from-home component may not go up more than 4-5 percent and would be limited to some segments over the next five years, says Gupta. Will rents fall? The commercial rental market is also divided into institutional landlords such as Blackstone, Brookfield and individual landlords. The big institutional landlords of late may have at best deferred payments for their tenants. It is the individual landlords who may have given discounts ranging from 10-50 percent on rentals, say experts. In post-COVID-19 times, it is the local landlord who has rented out a 5,000-10,000 sq ft office and where lock-ins have expired, who would be most vulnerable far more than institutional ones. From an institutional perspective, the fall in rentals would be anything between 5 to 7 percent based on who is threatening to leave. A concession may be offered based on old relationships rather than force majeure but at an individual landlord level, the cut could be as high as 20 percent also, says Gupta. Sharad Mittal, CEO - Motilal Oswal Real Estate Fund, is of the opinion that it may take at least three quarters up to March 2021 for the real impact of COVID-19 on commercial office space to be clearly understood. By March 2021, it would be clear as to how many companies have given guidance on WFH, are actually able to do it and the number of leases that are up for renewal. Until then, it would remain in a flux. Not too many people will take a call on expansion. Vacancies and a call on whether to launch a new REIT will also be pushed to the third quarter, he says. Assets under REITs may be impacted As for assets under REITs, those would be impacted in the same way as commercial buildings. A REIT is a company that manages a pool of rent-yielding assets and allows developers to monetise them. Technology firms occupy a major portion of these top grade commercial real estate assets. There are three components associated with a REIT one is rental paid out on a regular basis, there is an escalation in rentals built into the contract which is generally 3- 5 percent per annum and a yield compression that is expected to be around 8 to 8.5 percent. Post the pandemic, these have been impacted like any other office building, he explains. Several companies have said that plan to have a certain percentage of employees to work from home even post the lockdown and many are considering deferring new leases, reducing the size of the rented properties corporates in a bid to save real estate cost. A recent report by JLL titled India Real Estate Market Update Q12020: Offices, net absorption of office spaces fell 30 percent in the March quarter from the peak seen in the same period last year. Completion of new properties, too, were affected due to delay in obtaining requisite approvals from the government in the beginning of March, which led to a 40 percent dip in new office constructions to 8.6 million sq. ft. in the March quarter from a year ago. Recent media reports have said that some professional services firms and IT companies such as Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY, Accenture and Cognizant are considering surrendering a part of their rented office space as they look to implement work from home for their employees even post lockdown. NBFC Clix Capital is planning to vacate half of its office space. A report in the Economic Times has also suggested that global IT firm IBM may be looking at reassessing and exiting half of its long-term tenancies in India. Tata Consultancy Services, Indias largest IT services firm, has said that at least three-fourths of its employees would be working from home by 2025, with only a quarter of them occupying office space regularly. Among large banks Axis Bank was working on a plan to implement regular work-from-home guidelines for two-three days of the week. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 25 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Poland is ready for cooperation with Azerbaijan in many spheres apart from the energy sector, Press Office Director at Polands Foreign Ministry Andrzej Fafara told Trend. "It can be important in diversifying the Azerbaijani economy. We see the potential to further develop the cooperation in the agricultural sector, including in trade of food products, raw materials, machinery and exchanging the experiences under the twinning projects. Polish manufacturers offer modern, quality equipment at competitive prices and have been delivering agricultural machinery to your country. Our ministers for agriculture met in Baku last year. Poland is a partner in three EU member states consortium in the project dedicated to strengthening the institutional capacity for implementing effective state support measures in agricultural sector and rural development of Azerbaijan. Under this twinning project we are sharing our knowledge on the evolution of the state support schemes within the European Union, best practices and provide advice for Azerbaijani colleagues bearing in mind all the differences and various conditions," he said. Fafara pointed out that there is still a potential in cooperation regarding public procurement. "I believe we would all like to see more companies from Azerbaijan and Poland participating in transparent public tenders on both markets. Poland sees the importance of cooperation in medical and pharmaceutical sector as well. Your institutions, business associations and entities were already informed on the Anti-COVID Offer by Polish Business platform, that contains examples of products and solutions offered by Polish entrepreneurs and researchers which can help better respond to the coronavirus crisis and its impact," he said. Fafara noted that Poland is also delivering equipment to be used in the battle against COVID to Eastern Partnership partners, including Azerbaijan. "The Polish and Azerbaijani companies develop effective contacts in transport and logistics sector, machine industry and chemical industry, but as well in IT, shipbuilding, tourism and electronics," he added. --- Follow the author on Twitter:@Lyaman_Zeyn "Endurance" Worlds First Electric Pick-up From Lordstown Motors Revealed In Ohio USA Plant See Also Official Press Release See Also Official Endurance Details, Comparisons, Specs and Prices See Also Electric Vehicles Solution or Diversion? LORDSTOWN, OH - June 25, 2020: Lordstown Motors, showed off its pre-production version of its electric pickup truck in a recently renovated recently former GM Plant. Popular Nigerian crossdresser, Bobrisky said he will never regret changing his gender from male to female because as a girl, he enjoy a lot of freebies. In a post on his Instagram page, the crossdresser lamented that men suffer so much in life while women only sit down idle to enjoy the wealth of men. The male barbie said he doesnt regret changing his identity from being a man to a woman, because the hustle has been footing his bills ever since he took a bold step to become a pretty chick. One thing I never regret is changing my gender. Girls we dey enjoy. Men na hustle go kill una, he wrote. Girls we they enjoy, especially d hot one men go full our dm begging to date us. Our own is just to slay, cook for dis men and open leg for them at night . The following day we send them out to hustle. Im happy I join d girls gang. Meanwhile, a Nigerian prophetess had prophesied that Bobrisky will be incurably sick if he doesnt repent and change his abominable ways. Egyptian journalist and human rights advocate Nora Younis was arrested on 24 June by security forces for running an unlicensed website. The IFJ calls on the government to release Younis and to stop immediately the crackdown on media. On 24 June, at least eight undercover officers raided the offices of news outlet Al-Manassa in Cairo and arrested editor-in-chief Nora Younis without an arrest warrant and searched her laptop. Authorities accused her of running a website without proper licensing, a common strategy of President al-Sisis regime to silence critical journalists and close down independent media in Egypt. Media organisations in Egypt need the government's permission for their activity Younis had followed all of the necessary legal steps in 2018, but, like many other media, never received a reply from the Higher Council for Media. Fattah al-Sisis government has been using different strategies to target, harass and silence critical journalists, including accusations of spreading fake news. Younis became one of them after she denounced human rights violations and police brutality in Egypt, for which she received an award in 2008. Her website, like at least 500 others, has been blocked since 2017. In recent months Egyptian authorities have increased their pressure on media. In May, journalist Lina Attalah was arrested while interviewing the sister of an imprisoned activist. The IFJ said: We urge the Egyptian government to immediately release Nora Younis and to put an end to the current large scale repression of independent journalists. This is unacceptable, especially in the midst of a pandemic when a free and independent press is essential. While the coronavirus has put some judicial proceedings on hold, a state appeals court says the outbreak doesnt justify ignoring legal deadlines for a preliminary hearing, where a judge decides whether prosecutors have enough evidence to keep a defendant in custody and go to trial. Under California law, a defendant is normally entitled to a preliminary hearing within 10 court days of being arraigned on a felony charge or pleading not guilty. Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, using her legal authority, extended that deadline twice in March, to 15 and then to 30 days, because of court closures and other obstacles created by the pandemic. Courts can follow that extended timetable but cannot use COVID-19 as a rationale for further delays in preliminary hearings, unless they have evidence of a need for a postponement in a specific case, the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco said Wednesday in a case from Contra Costa County. Allowing judges to put off the hearings risks detaining the defendant for a prolonged period on a groundless complaint or charge, Justice Mark Simons said in the 3-0 ruling. The ruling wont help the defendant in the case, Dyjuan Bullock, because he reached a plea agreement while the ruling was pending and pleaded no contest to a felony charge of pimping. But county Public Defender Robin Lipetzky, whose office represented Bullock, said the decision could affect many other cases and would add a layer of protection that we did not have before. This reminds courts that due-process considerations that are so important cant just be brushed aside using the pandemic as an excuse, Lipetzky said in an interview. Bullock was charged March 3, pleaded not guilty the next day and was scheduled for a preliminary hearing March 16, eight court days later. On that day, the county closed its courthouses because of the coronavirus, and Cantil-Sakauye issued an emergency order increasing the hearing deadline statewide from 10 to 15 days. Bullock remained in custody, and his hearing was rescheduled for March 25, the last day under the new deadline. No hearing was held, and his lawyer moved to dismiss the charges. Superior Court Judge David Goldstein refused, citing Cantil-Sakauyes March 30 order extending the deadline to 30 days. At the hearing April 9, another judge, Anita Santos, found enough evidence to proceed with the prosecution, and said the postponements were justified by the major public health emergency. 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 appeals court said the emergency did not justify across-the-board delays of critical proceedings in which a defendant is legally entitled to present evidence, question witnesses and contest the charges. The court also said Cantil-Sakauyes March 30 order was not retroactive and that Bullock should have gotten a hearing within 15 days of his arraignment. Simons noted that another division of the San Francisco court, in a June 9 ruling, had upheld postponement of a trial date and cited a separate order by the chief justice putting jury trials on hold for 90 days. But there is a greater need during a pandemic to postpone trials, which present a higher risk of spreading infection because they involve more witnesses and large numbers of potential jurors, Simons said. He said preliminary hearings generally do not pose the same risks and noted that, even during the closure, the court in Martinez had kept one department open for urgent proceedings. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko Qantas boss Alan Joyce says tapping investors for $1.9 billion through its first capital raising in over a decade will allow it to move faster through the painful COVID-19 recovery process and emerge in a stronger position when international borders reopen. The equity injection announced on Thursday is part of a three-year COVID-19 recovery plan that will also include Qantas laying off 6000 employees - 20 per cent of its workforce - while grounding about 100 aircraft including most of its international fleet for up to 12 months. "We have to position ourselves for several years where revenue will be much lower," Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said. Credit:AAP The airline's current cash-burn is around $40 million a week. Qantas also said it would revoke its 13.5 first-half dividend to save it $201 million. Mr Joyce in early May ruled out the need for an equity raising after Qantas raised $1.55 billion in debt secured against its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, because the airline had another $2.7 billion in unencumbered aircraft it could use to access further loans. An uncle has been jailed over the horrific sexual abuse of his niece and nephew after he used a pen and a wooden stick to rape the little girl. The Queensland man, 29, assaulted the children, both aged six, while they were under his care between 2017 and 2019. Details of the vile abuse he inflicted on the children were revealed in the Mackay District Court this week. An uncle has been jailed over the horrific sexual abuse of his niece and nephew after he used a pen and a wooden stick to rape the little girl (stock image pictured) The court heard the man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, used objects to rape the small girl, the Daily Mercury reported. He also forced her to touch him, forced oral sex and attempted to have sex with the girl. The man also sexually assaulted his nephew. The sexual assaults against both children would often happen when other people were nearby, the court heard. The man, who was 27 when the offending began, pleaded guilty to 24 charges including rape, attempted rape, 17 counts of indecent treatment of children under 12, and possessing child exploitation material. The Queensland man, 29, (stock image pictured) assaulted the children, both aged six, while they were under his care between 2017 and 2019 Defence barrister Matt Heelan said his client's 'judgment was impacted at the time' due to an existing psychiatric condition. A clinical psychologist gave a provisional diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, Mr Heelan said. The man was sentenced to nine years behind bars and will be eligible for parole in February 2022. The US has imposed sanctions on five Iranian nationals working as captains of an Iranian tanker, for delivering about 1.5 million barrels of Iranian gasoline and other related components to Venezuela. A US Department of State statement said the continuous Iranian support for Venezuela is another example of Iran's squandering of its people's resources on wrong external adventures that prolong the suffering of Iranians. A U.S. government report has noted that despite some counterterrorism measures, Pakistan still remains a sanctuary for Islamist militant groups focused on attacks inside its South Asian neighbors. Pakistan remained a safe harbor for other regionally focused terrorist groups, noted the U.S. State Departments Annual Country Report on Terrorism 2019, which was released on June 24. It allowed groups targeting Afghanistan, including the Afghan Taliban and affiliated HQN [Haqqani network], as well as groups targeting India, including LeT [Lashkar-e Tayyiba] its affiliated front organizations, and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), to operate from its territory, the report added. Islamabad, however, rejected the findings. We are disappointed, said a June 25 statement by the Pakistani Foreign Affairs Ministry. [The report] is self-contradictory and selective in its characterization of Pakistans efforts for countering terrorism and terrorist financing. The U.S. report noted that despite committing to ensure that no armed militias are allowed to function in the country, under its counterterrorism National Action Plan, Islamabad has done little to prevent LeT, JeM, and the Haqqani network, the Afghan Talibans most dangerous militant wing, from operating from its territory. The government and military acted inconsistently with respect to terrorist safe havens throughout the country, the report said. Authorities did not take sufficient action to stop certain terrorist groups and individuals from openly operating in the country. The report said that Islamabad failed to act against known terrorists. JeM founder and UN-designated terrorist Masood Azhar and 2008 Mumbai attack project manager Sajid Mir, both of whom are believed to remain free in Pakistan, it noted. The State Department acknowledged that while Pakistan faced some terrorist attacks their overall number and the casualties from them continued to decline compared with 2018. Pakistani military and security forces undertook counterterrorism operations against groups that conducted attacks within Pakistan, such as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), ISIS-K [Islamic State Khorasan], and the Balochistan Liberation Army, the report said. In recent years Islamabad has consistently struggled with pressure and demands from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global financial watchdog, which keeps Pakistan on its gray list. Pakistan made some progress toward meeting the Action Plan requirements for the FATF, allowing it to avoid being blacklisted, but did not complete all Action Plan items in 2019, the report said. The report also noted some modest steps Islamabad took last year to restrain the LeT and JeM from launching attacks in India by going after their finances. Pakistan took action against some externally focused groups, including indicting Lashkar e-Tayyiba founder Hafiz Saeed and associates in three separate terrorism financing cases, the report noted. Washington also highlighted Islamabads contribution to the ongoing Afghan peace process in neighboring Afghanistan. Pakistan] did make some positive contributions to the Afghanistan peace process, such as encouraging Taliban reductions in violence, it said. Islamabad, however, challenged the reports findings. We reject any insinuation about any safe haven. Pakistan will not allow any group or entity to use its territory against any country, the Pakistani foreign office said. On the contrary, it is Pakistan that faces the threat of terrorism from externally based and foreign sponsored groups, like the TTP, ISIS-K, and others. In January 2018, Washington suspended most of its security assistance to Islamabad over its failure to adequately address the threat posed by militant and terrorist groups operating on Pakistani soil. The aid remained suspended last year. I along with many others were disappointed when Lebanon did not receive permission to move into the green phase;. However I put the failure to do so on our local republican politicians. Their decision to move Lebanon into the yellow phase before our numbers indicated that we should do so was a mistake. No wonder our numbers havent stabilized. By putting their political agenda (does anyone really think they would be taking this stance if Gov. Wolf was a Republican) before the health and safety of our residents shows a lack of responsibility. Recently, these same politicians showed up at a local restaurant that was opening without permission to offer support; therefore giving other restaurants, etc. that it was OK to do so. One politician even stated that he would not wear a mask and that he would even shake hands or hug people in the crowd. If he wants to play macho man and take this risk, be my guest, but for a politician to encourage others to do so shows complete ignorance. In Sundays Lebanon Daily news the same politicians stated that Lebanon should ignore Gov. Wolfs orders because he has lost all credibility. I ask who has lost credibility - politicians who play politics or perhaps just want to get their name or their photo in the paper above our health or a person who does what he feels is necessary to keep all Pennsylvanians safe. Thank God for Gov. Wolf and Dr Levine. Fred Murren, Lebanon, Pa. The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Professor Kwasi Opoku Amankwa, has asked the public to disregard news making round that some senior high schools in the country have recorded cases of COVID-19. According to him, the news being circulated and purported to be coming from the schools were not only fake, but also intended to cause unnecessary fear and panic among the public. No one has contracted anyone to conduct any test for the students and no student returned to the school with a test result showing he or she had been tested for COVID-19. Similarly, the students returned just two days ago, and some are yet to return. So when was the test conducted and by whom? he queried. Speaking to the Ghanaian Times on the telephone in Accra yesterday, he said the circulation of the fake news formed part of the propaganda agenda meant to derail the effort of government. The media, both social and traditional, for the past two days have been washed with news that some schools had recorded positive cases of COVID-19, even though government has not instituted mass testing yet. For example, it was reported that 50 students from Mawuko Girls Senior High School in the Volta Region had tested positive. Also, 13 girls, 20 boys, and three boys from Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School, Opoku Ware Senior High School and Adisadel College respectively had all tested positive to COVID-19. However, the Director-General said he was surprised at the turn of events since no testing had been done for any student. He, therefore, called on the media to disregard such stories and support the government in fighting the pandemic. Prof Amankwa said enough measures had been put in place to safeguard the well-being of the students and the government would further continue to promote the safety of all students in the country. 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 A regular at a Manchester Township convenience store has avoided prison for secretly taking photos of other mens genitalia inside a store bathroom. James Allen Blymire, 45, of Cherry Street in Columbia, Lancaster County, was sentenced Tuesday in York County Court to two years' probation, according to the York County District Attorney's Office. A jury convicted him March 10 of two misdemeanor counts of invasion of privacy, according to court records. Court documents filed by Northern York County Regional Police state that male employees caught Blymire taking photos of them inside the men's room at Sheetz, 215 Arsenal Road (Route 30) about 11:30 a.m. March 6, 2019. Officers were called to the scene after an employee using one of the urinals spotted a cellphone come out from under the stall, then get pulled back in, documents state. He told a second male employee, who went into a stall and also saw a cellphone being pointed at him, according to police. Watched stall: The two employees told a third co-worker, also a man, to stand outside the stall and see who came out of it. That third employee recognized the man as Blymire both because Blymire was a regular customer there and because his name was on his food order form, documents state. Employees told officers that Blymire worked at a business nearby, according to police. Blymire grabbed his drink and walked out after being told police were on their way, documents state. Officers then tracked him down at his place of work. He denied taking the photos inside the men's room, saying he had misplaced his phone while in Sheetz and that someone else must have done it. He gave his personal and work phones to investigators to be analyzed, police said. On April 5, police were provided security footage from the store, which showed Blymire was in the men's room from 11:24 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., during which time 10 other males used the restroom and walked out, according to court documents. The footage confirmed the accounts given by the three employees, police said. Not a big deal: Blymire submitted to a formal police interview on April 9, where he eventually admitted to taking photos of mens genitalia at the Sheetz on that occasion as well as on prior occasions. "Blymire said he did not believe it was a big deal since he was just taking pictures of the men's penises and not their faces," court documents state. He told investigators he deleted all the photographs of men's genitalia that he had taken, according to documents. Blymire's public defender declined comment on Wednesday. Liz Evans Scolforo of The York Dispatch, Pa., a senior crime reporter, wrote this story. You can her at levans@yorkdispatch.com or on Twitter at @LizScolforoYD. 2020 The York Dispatch (York, Pa.) Visit The York Dispatch (York, Pa.) at www.yorkdispatch.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. An online petition demanding Justice for Elijah McClain, a young black man who died last year after being detained by Colorado police, has reached more than two million signatures. Sign this petition to bring justice for Elijah. Demand these officers are taken off duty, and that a more in-depth investigation is held, the Change.org petition reads. The 23-year-old died three days after he was put in a chokehold and then later sedated while being detained by police, The Sentinel Colorado reported. On 24 August 2019 a man called 911 to report a sketchy looking man wearing a ski mask waving his arms around at approximately 10.40pm, the outlet reported. The man who called police reportedly told officers that he did not feel that he was in any danger. The young man was said to have been walking home from a store to get bottled tea for a family member when he was confronted by officers, Denver7 reported. Colorado police approached McClain to question him and a struggle quicky ensued, reports said. An officer alleged that during the conflict the 23-year-old attempted to grab one of their holstered guns, The Sentinel reported. His family later told Denver7 that McClain would wear an open-face ski mask because he had anaemia and would sometimes get cold and was wearing earphones. He was not armed or suspected of committing a crime when he was stopped and later pinned to a nearby lawn, where he reportedly proceeded to repeatedly vomit and sob while handcuffed. At one point during the incident, an officer told McClain: If you keep messing around, Im going to bring my dog out and hes going to dog bite you, a comment which Police Chief Nick Metz later called unprofessional. When fire paramedics arrived, the young man was injected with 500 milligrams of ketamine to sedate him, a move that Aurora Fire concluded was appropriate based on the circumstances of the emergency scene, Aurora Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Stephen McInerny said. The Adams County Coroners Office could not determine the exact cause of McClains death, reports said. George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Show all 30 1 /30 George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Police spray mace at protestors to break up a gathering near the Minneapolis Police third precinct after a white police officer was caught on a bystander's video pressing his knee into the neck of African-American man George Floyd, who later died at a hospital, in Minneapolis Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester holds a sign with an image of George Floyd AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters demonstrate against the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester throws a piece of wood on a fire in the street just north of the 3rd Police Precinct Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets People in other US cities also protested the murder, like Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A police officer lobs a canister to break up crowds Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester is treated after inhaling tear gas Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Two police officers stand on the roof of the Third Police Precinct during a face off with a group of protesters Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters outside a Minneapolis police precinct two days after George Floyd died EPA George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters run from tear gas Reuters George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Demonstrators gather to protest in Los Angeles AP George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Police remove barricades set by protesters AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A fire burns inside of an Auto Zone store near the Third Police Precinct Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Flowers, signs and balloons are left near a makeshift memorial to George Floyd near the spot where he died AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A policeman faces a protester holding a placard in downtown Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A couple poses with a sign in Los Angeles AFP via Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 27: A man is tended to after sustaining an injury from a projectile shot by police outside the 3rd Police Precinct building on May 27, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Four Minneapolis police officers have been fired after a video taken by a bystander was posted on social media showing Floyd's neck being pinned to the ground by an officer as he repeatedly said, "I cant breathe". Floyd was later pronounced dead while in police custody after being transported to Hennepin County Medical Center. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) Stephen Maturen Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets A protester reacts after inhaling tear gas Getty George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Getty Images George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters use shopping carts as a barricade Getty Images George Floyd death: Minneapolis protests erupt in the streets Protesters clash with the police as they demonstrate against the death of George Floyd AFP via Getty Images According to The Sentinel, the three officers who were involved were placed on administrative leave, but have since been reinstated to their regular positions. In November, District Attorney Dave Young announced that no criminal charges would be brought against the officers or medics involved in the arrest. It should not have escalated from a suspicious call to my son dying, Lawayne Mosley, McClains father told Denver7 at the time of his sons death. The renewed attention on the case comes in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, a black man who died while in Minneapolis custody after a white police officer pinned him to the ground by his neck for a prolonged period of time. The unnecessary death of Floyd and other black Americans such as Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor at the hands of law enforcement has sparked national civil unrest across the US and the world, with massive demonstrations taking place protesting police brutality against black Americans, systemic racism and racial discrimination. The new petition seeks to gather three million signatures to demand justice for McClain. Prosecutor Young has recently said he does not intend to re-examine the case, The Sentinel reported. The newspaper also said that the citys public safety committee has requested a neutral, independent review of the encounter, which officials have said is forthcoming. The shuddering halt of the cruise sector due to Covid-19 is expected to cost Belfast's economy 14m by the end of the season. Prior to the pandemic, Belfast was set to receive 129 cruise calls between March and October, bringing an estimated 310,000 cruise visitors and generating around 108,000 per cruise. The growth in visits has been one of the biggest success stories of Belfast's modern economy and arrivals have sky-rocketed from two liners in 1999 to 117 in 2018. Last December, Belfast was named the best port of call in the UK and Ireland for cruise ships by a global panel of experts. It followed a record-breaking cruise season for the city, with 149 cruise calls and 280,000 visitors to Northern Irish shores. Between 2015-19 alone, the city's cruise market grew by a remarkable 136%, bringing a significant number of international and first time visitors. However, these figures do not include the regional supply chains that benefit from maritime activity, such as manufacturing, hotels, laundry, taxi drivers and other suppliers. Cruise tourism is also highly effective at generating repeat visits and according to Cruise Ireland, 76% of cruise travellers said they would be "very" or "quite" likely to return for a non-cruise holiday. Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts said a loss of 14m is a huge blow to Belfast's economy. "This will be directly felt by the city's retail and hospitality sectors who are already reeling from the loss of trade from Covid-19," he said. "We have a long road ahead toward economic recovery and government must do more to support the cruise and tourism sector as a whole in these challenging times. "Belfast has done well in attracting so many cruise ships over the past few years and we must do every we can to get them back." A spokesperson for Visit Belfast added: "Driving footfall and spend, cruise tourism has become increasingly vital in supporting the 65,000 people employed within the Northern Ireland tourism sector - every effort is being made to see a safe return of cruise tourism. "Visit Belfast with Belfast Harbour are working closely with cruise operators, shipping agents, excursion companies and visitor attractions on recovery plans - this multi-agency and destination wide approach will be informed by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) safeguarding regulations, ongoing liaison with public health agencies and port authorities in line with government guidance to ensure the safety of the local community and cruise visitors." Maritime UK chairman Harry Theochari said: "Belfast and the UK has become a global centre for cruise, providing great commercial opportunities for British companies and opportunities for our young people to see the world with a career at sea. "Globally, the cruise industry is in suspension. "There is no 'quick fix' and the situation is causing a domino effect on communities that are reliant on cruise tourism. "For the millions who rely on the cruise industry, we're calling on government to support cruise when the time is right as a critical part of the recovery process, not least to help in supporting growth in our coastal communities." Some teachers at the Northern School of Business located in Tamale on Thursday dispelled social media posts that suggested that two students of the school had tested positive for COVID-19. The teachers, who did not want to be named, told the GNA in Tamale that all their final year students, who arrived at the school so far, had not shown any signs of the disease and none of them had also been tested for the disease. They, therefore, urged members of the public to disregard the social media posts, saying they were not true. There were social media posts on Wednesday, which suggested that two students of NOBISCO tested positive for COVID-19, a situation, which got some people alarmed. Meanwhile, as at Wednesday, June 24, the total COVID-19 case count of the region stood at 95 with 61 recoveries and six deaths. 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 E asyJet is to launch hundreds more international flights from across the UK next week. It comes as the airline also secured a major cash injection to bolster its finances in the face of the pandemic. From next Wednesday, holidaymakers will be able to fly from 14 airports across the UK to a number of countries including France, Spain and Italy. On June 15, it restarted a small number of flights for the first time since its aircraft were grounded in March. EasyJet said it plans to fly around half of its 1,022 routes in July, before increasing to around 75% in August. The announcement follows reports that air bridges will be available from next week to allow Britons to take holidays in other countries without quarantining for 14 days. The Government will finalise agreements in coming days to allow people to travel from the UK to a small number of countries including Spain, France and Greece, according to reporting by The Times, The Sun and The Daily Telegraph. Robert Carey, chief commercial and strategy officer, said: We are really pleased to be relaunching even more of our flights from 1 July and starting to get customers away on their much-needed summer holidays. Of course, the safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew remains our highest priority. This is why we have implemented a number of measures enhancing safety at each part of the journey from disinfecting the aircraft to requiring customers and crew to wear masks. It came as the budget airline raised 419 million from investors to help it withstand the continuing impact of coronavirus. N ew York, New Jersey and Connecticut are imposing a two week quarantine on eight US states after a "disturbing surge" of coronavirus cases in the south. The three states including the US capital are asking people travelling from areas where Covid-19 cases are rising to go into self-isolation for 14 days. The eight states subject to the quarantine are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Utah. People coming from those states into New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will have to self-isolate for two weeks or risk paying fines of up to $1,000 (800) rising to $5,000 for repeated violations. "This is a smart thing to do," said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. "We have taken our people, the three of us from these three states, through hell and back, and the last thing we need to do right now is subject our folks to another round." Washington had initially been included in the list of eight states but New York Governor Andrew Cuomo's press secretary Caitlin Girouard said this was due to a data reporting error. Healthcare workers prepare for testing at a 'walk-in' and 'drive-through' coronavirus testing site in Miami Beach, Florida / AFP via Getty Images While newly confirmed infections have been declining steadily in early hot spots such as New York and New Jersey, several other states set single-day records this week, including Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas and Oklahoma. Some of them also broke hospital admission records, as did North Carolina and South Carolina. The US recorded a one-day total of 34,700 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, the highest level since late April, when the number peaked at 36,400, according to the count kept by Johns Hopkins University. Dr Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease expert said on Tuesday that there was a "disturbing surge of infection" in many southern and western states. Maria Gomez washes her hands at a portable hand washing station as she and Barry Molett enjoy a day on Miami Beach / AP The virus has claimed the lives of more than 120,000 people in the US the highest toll in the world and more than 2.3 million confirmed infections nationwide. On Wednesday, the widely cited University of Washington computer model of the outbreak projected nearly 180,000 deaths by October 1. California reported over 7,100 new cases, an all-time high. Floridas single-day count surged to 5,500, a 25 per cent jump from the record set last week and triple the level from just two weeks ago. In Texas, which began lifting its shutdowns early on, on May 1, hospital admissions have doubled and new cases have tripled in two weeks. A couple walks past a sign asking people not to visit Miami Beach / AP Governor Greg Abbott said the state is facing a massive outbreak and might need new local restrictions to preserve hospital space. The Houston areas intensive care units are nearly full, with coronavirus patients filling about one in four beds, and two local public hospitals are running at capacity, mayor Sylvester Turner said. In Arizona, emergency rooms are seeing about 1,200 suspected Covid-19 patients a day, compared with around 500 a month ago. If the trends continue, the state will probably exceed its hospital bed capacity within the next several weeks, said Dr Joseph Gerald, a University of Arizona public health policy professor. We are in deep trouble, said Dr Gerald, urging the state to impose new restrictions on businesses, which governor Doug Ducey has refused to do. Additional reporting by the Press Association. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's first public use of the phrase "kung flu" - during a campaign rally in Tulsa, Okla., last weekend - drew broad political backlash as a racist slur against Asian Americans. Within three days, however, it was also something else: a rallying cry for his supporters. Trump's appearance before a crowd of several thousand enthusiastic young people at the Dream City Church in Phoenix on Tuesday showed how his casual use of a demeaning phrase - one that even some White House aides rejected three months ago - has swiftly morphed into a staple of his reelection message amid tumbling poll numbers. The president hadn't even used the words in Phoenix before audience members, presumably primed from having heard his riff on the "many names" of the coronavirus at the Tulsa rally, beat him to the punchline and began shouting out "kung flu" - prompting Trump, with a grin, to repeat it. "Kung flu - yeah," Trump said, eliciting cheers. "Kung flu." The episode laid bare how, despite attempts from White House aides to justify Trump's rhetoric as a way to pin the blame for the coronavirus pandemic on China, where it originated, the president appears more interested in juicing his conservative base. "The fact that he got the crowd so riled up was just chilling," said Chris Lu, a Chinese American who served as cabinet secretary in the Obama administration. "In that really primal desire to get a rise out of the crowd and get that affirmation he wants, he went to this place that has such bad consequences for Asian Americans broadly and for Asian American kids in particular. It's a joke to him but not to us." Lu was among a number of prominent Asian Americans, including actor George Takei, former U.S. attorney Preet Bharara and tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang, who denounced the president's language as racist on social media. The president's weaponized language around the pandemic this week marked a clear escalation of his previous use of "Chinese virus" and "Wuhan virus" to demonize the Chinese. Those terms also drew condemnation from Democrats as offensive and xenophobic, prompting Trump in late March to publicly express support for Asian Americans and state that "the spreading of the virus is not their fault in any way." His use of "kung flu" coincides with polling that shows low public support for his handling of both the coronavirus, which is spiking in many states, as well as his response to the nationwide protests for racial justice, in which he has denounced protesters and called for a militarized police response. White House aides this week struggled to explain the president's latest rhetorical shift. On Wednesday, Kellyanne Conway, a counselor to the president, defended Trump by telling reporters he was trying to make clear that the "virus originated in China." Yet she grew defensive after Weijia Jiang, a CBS News correspondent who is Chinese American, asked her to explain the connection between Trump's language and holding Beijing accountable. "How do you know people aren't anticipating that or not connecting that?" Conway responded. The exchange represented an about-face for Conway. In March, Jiang reported that a White House official, whom she did not name, used the phrase "kung flu" during a conversation with her. At that time, Conway had called the language "highly offensive" and "hurtful," noting that her children are Asian American because her husband, attorney George Conway, a prominent Trump critic, is of Filipino descent. "Kellyanne now out there proving once again that having an Asian spouse isn't a racism vaccine," Jeff Yang, an author and columnist who writes about race and culture, said on Twitter. In an interview, Yang said white Americans have long used the Anglicized term "kung fu" as a catchall to describe a range of Chinese martial arts that they have internalized through popular culture - but one that frequently has been used to stereotype Asian Americans as foreign or culturally exotic. Trump's use of "kung flu" has effectively created a "schoolyard taunt" that is being mimicked by the president's supporters, he added. "The framing around 'kung flu' is uniquely problematic because it's not simply attaching a geographical moniker to the term - which was their original excuse - to make clear where this came from," said Yang, who co-hosts a podcast on Asian American issues called "They Call Us Bruce," named for martial arts icon Bruce Lee. Trump's appearance in Phoenix came at a conference for Turning Point Action, the 501(c)(4) political arm of founder Charlie Kirk's nonprofit organization of young conservatives. Though the White House listed the event on Trump's official schedule, it took on all the trappings of a campaign rally - from warm-up remarks from the president's son Donald Trump Jr. to the use of his campaign music. The crowd was mostly young and overwhelmingly white, and most attendees did not wear face masks as they filled most of the church, violating federal safety guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to protect against the spread of the coronavirus. Arizona is one of more than 30 states that are experiencing a spike in infections, and it is among seven reporting new highs in hospitalizations for the disease it causes. Among those in the audience was Kimberly Yee, a Republican who became the first Asian American to serve in the Arizona legislature and now serves as state treasurer. She also is a co-chair of Asian Americans for Trump, a group that Trump's reelection campaign announced last month. "As an Asian-American, I'm much more concerned about the media and Democrat's refusal to acknowledge China's lack of transparency and culpability in the spread of this terrible disease than I am with the president's reference to it," Yee said in a statement. In the 2016 election, Democrat Hillary Clinton won 65% of the Asian American vote to Trump's 27%, according to exit polls, but Trump's rhetoric and policies could be further eroding his standing with the small but fast-growing voting bloc. In the 2018 midterms, 77% of Asian Americans backed Democratic candidates in the House elections, up from 49% in the 2014 midterms. This week, Trump signed an executive order to extend restrictions on foreign workers and some family members of U.S. citizens during the coronavirus, a policy that restricts a popular program used by many Asian immigrants. John Yang, president of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, said his organization has registered a spike in reports of violence against Asian Americans since the outbreak began, having tracked 2,300 incidents since late March. He said Trump was seeking to distract the public "from his own abysmal record" in overseeing the federal response to the virus. Yang noted that the World Health Organization, which formally named the pandemic "covid-19," and the CDC "made clear that referring to the 'Chinese virus' was an effort to stigmatize and was not helpful to the medical community. To suggest 'kung flu' is somehow better in any way is ludicrous." Abbott High School's Top 2020 Graduates Recognized Abbott High School has recognized its top two honor graduates of the Class of 2020. This year's valedictorian is Lauren Elizabeth Gerik, daughter of John and Molly Gerik of Abbott. Gerik will attend Texas A&M University to study English with the goal of becoming a teacher. In high school, the valedictorian was active in one-act play, Student Council, UIL academics and was the co-founder and member of the high school book club. Her awards and honors in high school include two-time one-act play state champion; one-act play state first runner-up; A Honor Roll; academic UIL regional qualifier in literary criticism, editorial writing and current issues and events; and National Honor Society. She said her advice to next year's seniors would be, "In addition to working hard in the classroom, remember to have fun and enjoy the time you have left in high school." This year's salutatorian is Allyssann Noel Cook, daughter of Brad and April Cook of Hillsboro. She will attend Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, where she plans to study theatre with the goal of becoming a director. Cook's activities in high school included one-act play, UIL competitions, cheerleading, Spanish Club and Student Council. Her high school awards and honors include: two-time one-act play state champion; academic excellence awards in algebra, geometry and English; and subject area awards in accounting, chemistry, geometry and English. "Cherish the time you have left," Cook said to the Class of 2021. "Make the most of it." BART is looking into what could be an unprecedented chapter in the police reform movement: bringing in the mother of someone killed by its own officer to train its department in implicit bias. Although BART staff are only beginning their search for a possible trainer, Board President Lateefah Simon has someone in mind. Shed pick the mother of Oscar Grant, a 22-year-old man shot to death by a BART police officer in 2009. The training is among a string of reforms announced last Friday, as protests against racism and police brutality jolted the Bay Area and cities throughout the nation. With emotions still raw from the widely viewed, slow-motion killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, many cities are contemplating plans to defund or even dismantle their police departments. For BART, the phrase defund the police starts controversy the department has long suffered from vacancies as it struggles to address drug use and crime on the system. Even so, Police Chief Ed Alvarez and General Manager Bob Powers joined Simon last Friday to roll out a proposal that would shift about $2 million intended for sworn officers and fare inspectors, instead spending it on unarmed ambassadors and a community based, anti-racism training course. Officials called for those reforms as they grapple with the enduring symbolism of Grant. He was shot in front of bystanders who recorded the moment on cell phones and uploaded it to YouTube a form of citizen documentary that would later mobilize the Black Lives Matter movement. Grant inspired Fruitvale Station, the movie named for the station where he was shot, in the back, while being held facedown on a cold platform. His name still appears on protest signs. Grants mother, Wanda Johnson, recently called BARTs Police Citizen Review Board which investigates complaints of officer misconduct to pitch such a course. The state Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training requires all law enforcement academies to do some form of implicit bias curriculum, though some critics say its not enough. The agency intends to meet with Johnson or one of her representatives soon, said BART spokeswoman Alicia Trost. BART officials also worked with Johnson on a mural to commemorate Grant at Fruitvale Station, where they named a small roadway after the slain man. Jessica Christian / The Chronicle Johnson said in an interview Tuesday that she aspires to train police departments throughout the Bay Area with the Oscar Grant Foundation, an organization she formed in 2010. She settled a wrongful death and civil rights lawsuit with BART for $1.3 million in 2011. Separately, the agency paid $1.5 million to Grants daughter, Tatiana. Were trying to do as many police departments as we can, Johnson said. We want them to be able to see faces and let them know that these lives matter. She said she has talked to police officials in Oakland and hopes to pursue trainings with that department as well. She would work with a co-facilitator, the Rev. Anthony Woods, who is designing a curriculum. It would probably focus on defusing conflicts, identifying mental illness and understanding nonverbal communication, among other things. We dont ever want to be in the position of telling BART how to police, Woods said. We do need police. But we also need better outcomes. Don Cameron, a retired BART police officer who went on to teach use of force in many academies, found the idea of hiring Johnson interesting. Still, he cautioned that shell have to know all the intricacies of police law to devise an educational program. Shell have to know the ramifications of the law and what the officers can and cant do, he said. And any trainer would have to be fluent in BART policies, he added. Trost stressed that BART had not put a contract out to bid for the anti-racism training course, which would have to go through a public procurement process. Some BART officials estimate the agency has $400,000 to spend on the course. Trost and Officer Keith Garcia, the head of BART police union, expect the money to be spread among several organizations, rather than spent on a single consultant. It wouldnt be accurate to say we are partnering with Wanda, Trost said. If the board approves the $2 million reform package in its budget, then BART would set requirements for the training, issue a request for proposals and review all the applications, Trost said. Nonetheless, Simon said she has spoken with Alvarez, the police chief, about the possibility of collaborating with Johnson on trainings. 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. When we mentioned Wanda wanted to do trainings with us, he said, I want to meet with her face to face and develop a training, Simon recalled. Alvarez did not return a phone call or text message left Tuesday. And Johnson reiterated her offer during a board meeting Thursday, in which Alvarez went over reforms the transit agency has adopted since Grants death, including mandatory body cameras and an independent police auditor to investigate complaints. It really lets me know that Oscars death was not in vain, Johnson said. We as a foundation are prepared to come in and do some training for police officers. Retired Santa Clara Superior Court Judge LaDoris Cordell worried that Johnson and BART police simply have too much baggage to engage in a productive antibias training. It seems inconceivable to me that a woman who has lost her son at the hands of a BART police officer could overcome her pain, anger, resentment try as she might to engage meaningfully with these officers, Cordell said. She added that the officers may also be defensive or even inhibited from expressing their feelings, lest they offend Johnson. Cordell, however, favored the idea of Johnson speaking to officers as part of a larger antibias program. Board Director Janice Li said she has an open mind about collaborating with Grants family on trainings. The fact that Wanda has shown up time and time again it shows how far shes willing to be engaged, Li said. I think its powerful. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 18:30:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Tafara Mugwara HARARE, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe's biggest talent search competition, the Dreamstar, has shifted to digital platforms in search of young artists who wish to compete at this year's edition of the talent event. The show, which is now in its seventh session, will for the first time accept submissions from performers online due to the coronavirus pandemic. The talent search showcases young contestants between ages of 12 and 40, performing a variety of acts including singing, dancing, stunts and magic. Auditions, which are already underway, will close on August 27, with the grand finale scheduled for November. Dreamstar is organized by the China Africa Economic and Culture Exchange Research Center, the Jacaranda Culture and Media Corporation (JCMC) in partnership with the Chinese Embassy and the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe. This year's top winner will pocket a cash prize of 4,000 U.S. dollars, while the first and second runner up will get 1,500 dollars and 750 dollars respectively. Aside from the prize money for the top three winners, finalists will also travel to China where they will showcase Zimbabwean talents on some of the biggest platforms in the Asian country. While the organizers of the show are expecting more contestants this year, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a sudden and substantial impact on their preparations. Dreamstar director Zhao Ke (Steve Zhao) said in response to the disturbances caused by the pandemic, they had to find alternative ways of continuing the show. "Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had to change our plans, we also changed our strategies. So we thought we can still do the Dreamstar auditions, but we will do it online," he told Xinhua in an interview Thursday. Zhao said since its inception in 2014, Dreamstar has aimed at promoting and nurturing young Zimbabwean artists through the provision of platforms to showcase their talent. "The strategy of Dreamstar is that we find talent in the culture industry in Zimbabwe then we set up a platform for young people, we help them go out. "We have a lot of young artists now coming out, so we set up a platform for them, to bring them back to the community, to let the community appreciate their talent," he said. Zhao said the show, which has become very popular among youngsters, fully demonstrates the creativity of Zimbabwean artists, adding that Dreamstar has become the flagship project of China-Zimbabwe cultural exchange. "We always believe that culture is the soul of the nation. Even during this COVID-19 pandemic, people can see that we need to work together, because we are in one world. "So we thought it is very important for people to understand each other. Culture is made by people, and without people we can't talk anything about culture. So we think cultural exchange is very important," he said. Apart form scouting for talent across the country, Dreamstar also provides scholarships for its participants to study in China. Last year the Chinese government provided full scholarships to six artists who were selected from the previous session of Dreamstar talent search. Enditem Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Galih Gumelar (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 16:17 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661a0b98 1 National Jiwasraya,OJK,Financial-Services-Authority,Fakhri-Hilmi,korupsi-Jiwasraya Free After around six months of investigation, the Attorney Generals Office (AGO) has named 13 asset management companies and a Financial Services Authority (OJK) official suspects in a case of alleged corruption and money laundering surrounding state-owned insurer PT Asuransi Jiwasraya. Jiwasraya is accused of mismanagement when it invested its premium revenue from the JS Saving Plan, one of the companys insurance products, in multiple assets. As a result, it failed to pay out Rp 16 trillion (US$1.1 billion) in matured policies due in February to its policyholders. AGO spokesman Hari Setiyono said that the OJK deputy commissioner for capital market monitoring, identified only as FH, was a new suspect in the case. The office accused him of abuse of power, which allegedly paved the way for Jiwasraya's investment mismanagement during FHs tenure as OJK department head of capital market monitoring from 2014 to 2017. The department head of capital market monitoring at the OJK from 2014 to 2017 was Fakhri Hilmi. Despite being a suspect in the case, we havent arrested the OJK official as of now, Hari said during a press conference on Thursday. Hari also announced that 13 asset management companies were named suspects in the case. The AGO accused the companies of mismanaging or laundering the premium revenue collected by Jiwasraya from 2014 to 2018. The companies allegedly caused state losses amounting to Rp 12.35 trillion, 73.46 percent of the total Rp 16.81 trillion in state losses incurred by Jiwasrayas investment mismanagement as audited by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) from 2008 to 2018. The 2001 law on corruption crimes allows Indonesian legal authorities to name companies suspects. However, the AGO has yet to name any executives of the companies suspects as the investigation is ongoing. The AGO is also looking into possible reasons as to why Jiwasraya decided to entrust the companies with managing its funds. We accuse all suspects of violating laws for their personal interests, as stipulated in Article 2 of the 1999 Corruption Crime Law, Hari said. We also allege that the companies committed money laundering. Prior to the announcement, the AGO had named six suspects in the case including three former Jiwasraya executives, namely former president director Hendrisman Rahim, former finance director Hary Prasetyo and former finance and investment division head Syahmirwan. The office also named three other suspects: publicly listed property firm PT Hanson International president director Benny Tjokrosaputro, publicly listed mining company PT Trada Alam Minera president commissioner Heru Hidayat and PT Maxima Integra director Joko Hartono Tirto. The suspects are now defendants, having undergone their first hearing on June 4. The naming of new suspects follows the AGOs move this month to track down the flow of investment by Jiwasraya. The office has questioned almost 30 witnesses, ranging from asset management executives and OJK officials to former Indonesia Stock Exchange executives, from June 2 to June 23. The questioning is part of the AGO's investigation of the case after issuing a letter ordering the start of the investigation on Dec. 27, two months after former State-Owned Enterprise Minister Rini Soemarno filed a report regarding alleged fraud at the state-run insurer with the AGO in October. Indonesian Anticorruption Community Coordinator (MAKI) Boyamin Saiman said he had already suggested that the AGO focus its investigation on OJK officials roles in the case through several formal meetings, as he accused the agency of being negligent in allowing Jiwasraya to promote the JS Saving Plan to the public. Boyamin, who also reported alleged fraud in Jiwasraya to the AGO in Jakarta in 2018, said the public should appreciate any progress made by the AGO regarding the case. However, Trisakti University criminal law expert Abdul Fickar Hadjar said it was too early for him to gauge the offices success in probing the case, adding that the public should see how much of the alleged state losses from the case could be recovered by the AGO. He went on to say that the prosecutors had also yet to announce the charges that would be brought against the defendants on trial, making it hard for him to assess the AGOs seriousness in settling the case. The state pays AGO officers to conduct investigations and name suspects, so there is nothing special about the AGOs performance in resolving the Jiwasraya case for now, Abdul said. The following is a list of the 13 companies that were named suspects: 1. PT Dhanawibawa Manajemen Investasi/Pan Arcadia Capital 2. PT OSO Manajemen Investasi 3. PT Pinacle Persada Investasi 4. PT Milenium Danatama 5. PT Prospera Aset Manajemen 6. PT MNC Aset Manajemen 7. PT. Maybank Aset Manajemen 8. PT GAP Capital 9. PT Jasa Capital Aset Manajemen 10. PT Pool Advista Asset Management 11. PT Corfina Capital 12. PT Treasure Fund Investama Indonesia 13. PT Sinarmas Aset Manajemen The trend has been recorded nationwide. In Syracuse, N.Y., police say they received 1,000 complaints about fireworks this year through Tuesday more than 10 times as many as they had by the same point last year. Police in Hartford, Conn., say they went from getting a few calls about fireworks each night to about 200 recently. Denver police said that during one week in June, they received 750 calls about fireworks, more than 10 times as many as they received during the same period last year. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 18:43:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VIENTIANE, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Laos reported no new case of COVID-19 for 74 consecutive days, although Lao government has urged people countrywide to remain vigilant and continue to implement preventive measures to stop the spread of the virus. Deputy Director General of the Department of Communicable Diseases Control under Lao Ministry of Health Latsamy Vongkhamsao, told a press conference in Lao capital Vientiane on Thursday that no new case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Laos for 74 consecutive days, but people countrywide must continue their efforts in implementing preventive measure to prevent a second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. The National Taskforce Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control has urged everyone to continue to regularly wash their hands with soap, and to wear a face mask when going outside their homes and in crowded places. People must also continue to practice social distancing. As of Thursday, Laos has tested 13,883 suspected cases with 19 cases tested positive, and all of them have been discharged from hospitals. Laos announced its first two COVID-19 confirmed cases on March 24, and the last patient was discharged on June 9. Enditem This obituary is part of a series about people who have died in the coronavirus pandemic. Read about others here. During the heyday of boy bands, Dream Street was created to become the next Backstreet Boys or N Sync. Its five tweenage members, who sported baggy pants and frosted hair tips, bathed in the attention of their young fans for three years before breaking up in 2002. Each member had an image. Chris Trousdale, a child actor who was scouted from Broadway, was considered the fashion plate of the group. Mr. Trousdale died on June 2 at a hospital in Burbank, Calif. He was 34. His sister-in-law, Tracey Pask, said the cause was complications of the coronavirus. The suspicious disappearance of a South Australian man who was last seen at a Hells Angels bikie clubhouse in Melbournes north is being probed by detectives, who raided three properties on Thursday, as his family pleads for answers. Kerry Giakoumis, 29, drove to Melbourne on June 5 with two people police believe are associated with the Hells Angels, one of them an Adelaide man who is a patched member. Police execute a warrant at the Thomastown clubhouse of the Hells Angels. Credit:Victoria Police Mr Giakoumis told his family he was going to Melbourne to work as a concreter and spoke daily to his mother, who he is very close to, while in the city. His mother booked a ticket home for Mr Giakoumis for June 10 but he never boarded the flight and has not contacted his family since. Change and progress never comes as fast as wed like, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-12th District) said during a conference call with the media announcing a new act that she sponsored to build new infrastructure and help prevent drunk driving. The Moving Forward Act comprehensive legislation to rebuild Americas infrastructure includes provisions to advance technologies to reduce drunk driving deaths. Based on Dingells HALT Drunk Driving Act, the provisions direct the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to commence rule making on advanced, passive drunk driving prevention technology. The act is supposed to be considered on the House floor next week. My family and I are so grateful for Congresswoman Dingells unwavering support during the most difficult time of our lives, Abbas Taylor said. Her leadership, support, and steadfast commitment to helping ensure other families dont endure such unimaginable loss in the future has given us hope that a meaningful difference can come from our immense loss. It is healing to know that this historic day is in honor of my only sibling and sister Rima, my brother-in-law Issam and their three beautiful children Ali, Isabella and Giselle. The Halt Act is a direct response to the crash last January that killed all five members of the Abbas family, formerly of Dearborn, when they were traveling through Kentucky on their way home from Florida. Dingell has worked to stamp out drunk driving for decades, even before coming to public office, but was reinvigorated in the fight following the crash last year. U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Senator Tom Udall (D-NM), Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) National President Helen Witty, and ACCESS Communications Director Rana Abbas Taylor also spoke. No family should have to suffer the loss of a loved one to drunk driving, Schakowsky said. But for decades, drunk driving accidents have plagued the nation inflicting death and destruction at intolerable, unacceptable levels. I am proud to support my friend and colleague Debbie Dingell to ensure that no family suffers the tragedy the Abbas family has suffered. To the Abbas family, to the countless victims and victim families, and to all of those who wish to end the epidemic of drunk driving crashes, House Democrats hear your call for action. And with the Moving Forward Act, we have a bold response: no more victims. Dingell, who has been outspoken against drunk driving even named the HALT (Honoring Abbas Family Legacy to Terminate Drunk Driving) after the Abbas family. Drunk driving has brought pain to my community in Dearborn and the country. We have a responsibility to take steps to make sure what happened to the Abbas family and others across the country never happens again, said Dingell. We need the installation of advanced drunk driving prevention systems in all passenger vehicles. For decades, working together with MADD and other advocates weve pushed for legislation. Including my drunk driving legislation in House Democrats comprehensive infrastructure package is a huge step forward in curbing drunk driving on American roads. In January 2019, the family Issam, Rima, Ali, Isabelle, and Giselle Abbas were tragically killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver while returning from a family vacation. The wrong-way driver in the crash had a blood alcohol content (BOC) of .306, which is more than three times the legal limit. Dingell honored their lives on the house floor and pledged action by introducing the Abbas Stop Drunk Driving Act which requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to set a federal motor vehicle safety standard that would require all new vehicles to be equipped with an ignition interlock device. DOT would have to complete this standard within one year. Part of the new act which will be voted on during July, the most deadly for drunk driving in the U.S., includes a mandate for the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADDS) Program is a private-public partnership is developing and testing technology that would not require any additional action such as blowing into an interlock device to prevent a drunk driver from starting a vehicle. The goal of the DADDS program is to develop technology that is accurate and precise at stopping drunk drivers while being unobtrusive and not creating any inconvenience to a sober driver. 10,000 Americans are killed every year from drunk driving. These tragic losses can be stopped, Udall said. Ive been in this fight a long time since serving as New Mexicos Attorney General in the 1990s-and technology has evolved since then to put us within reach of saving so many lives. Lets honor the families who have needlessly lost loved ones, and get this legislation across the finish line in the House and the Senate. TDT| Manama Foreign Minister, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani attended video conferences to discuss various crucial international issues yesterday. Among these were two Arab League Council sessions on Libya and on the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. He also attended a ministerial level conference for donors to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Arab League Council session on Libya Addressing the virtual session on Libya, he said that the current situation is regrettable and worrying, reflecting the state of division in the Arab world. He emphasized that regional polarization and international conflicts have a negative impact on Libya, its people, neighbouring countries and Arab national security. He stressed Bahrains support to the unity, territorial integrity and stability of Libya, backing all efforts aimed at rebuilding the Libyan state while actively tackling forms of terrorism. Ethiopian Renaissance Dam Addressing the second remote session regarding the Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, he said that it represents a major challenge to Arab water security, an essential to maintain Arab national security. He underlined the risks and potential impact of operating the dam without reaching a fair and balanced agreement with Ethiopia on the rules for filling the dam. Dr Al Zayani affirmed Bahrains rejection of any violation of the historical rights of Egypt and Sudan in the waters of the Nile River, and urged Arab-Arab solidarity against this challenge, which affects Egypt and Sudan. Palestinian Refugees He urged the international community to build a peaceful, comprehensive, fair and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, which will guarantee the rights of the Palestinians as stipulated in the UN resolutions. He affirmed Bahrains appreciation of the UNRWA-led role in supporting Palestinian refugees and providing relief and development aid to nearly five million people in the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. Bahrain has been a permanent contributor to UNRWAs core programs since 2000 through the Royal Humanitarian Foundation, said Dr Al Zayani, regarding many development projects established in the Gaza Strip Phone call with Azerbaijani counterpart The Foreign Minister also received a phone call from his Azerbaijani counterpart, Elmar Mammadyarov yesterday. They both stressed their keenness to bolster cooperation between the two friendly countries and people. They also reviewed efforts to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and discussed regional and international is- Dr Al Zayani sues. New Delhi, June 25 : Commonwealth leaders, comprising Indian representatives, have agreed on solutions to combat the impact of COVID-19. They held a virtual meeting on Wednesday to share solutions and ways of working that can help minimising the effects of the pandemic. Many member countries are facing unprecedented challenges due to the global health emergency and its economic and social ramifications, the Commonwealth secretariat told IANS in a statement. These issues combined with the long-term threat of climate change and the ongoing cyclone, and impending hurricane season, means that COVID-19 is seen as a substantial "tipping point" threat that has the potential to push member states into a period of significant crisis if swift and coordinated action is not taken. The meeting was held after the Commonwealth Secretariat received significant support for such a meeting from a majority of member states. The meeting saw participants from across the Commonwealth explore and exchange solutions on issues as diverse as technological tools that have helped in combating the COVID-19 and the role of good governance in supporting the fight against the disease. The issues include accelerating cooperation on trade and finance so as to mitigate against the economic impact of COVID-19, urgent action to tackle the acute and long-term impacts of climate change and for the Commonwealth to take the lead in building a "vision for a freer more equal kinder and collaborative world". The meeting also observed that when the Commonwealth family acts together that "our joint action changes the lives of our people forever". It noted that multilateral approaches are required to address all of these challenges and especially to support more vulnerable members such as the least developed countries, landlocked developing countries and small island developing states, in light of the specific challenges they face. The whole Commonwealth has been affected by COVID-19. As of June 24, there are more than 1.37 million confirmed cases in the Commonwealth. Seven member countries are among the world's 12 nations that have not reported any cases. The Commonwealth has developed a COVID-19 tracker that shows daily cases in member countries. The tool is designed to monitor and understand how the virus is impairing Commonwealth countries and which countries will need the most help. The tracker identifies risks, gaps, and key areas where the Commonwealth can add value in supporting the fight against the virus. Health ministers from across the Commonwealth virtually met on May 14 for their annual summit and agreed to coordinate their response in tackling the pandemic. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) A third of all pilots in Pakistan are flying with fake licences after paying people to sit their exam for them, it has been revealed. Ghulam Sargar Khan, the country's aviation minister, announced the shocking find Wednesday amid a probe into the Karachi plane crash which killed 97 people in May. Out of 860 pilots currently licenced in Pakistan, investigators identified 262 who 'did not take the exam themselves' and 'don't have flying experience', he said. A third of all pilots in Pakistan are flying with fake licences they got by paying other people to take their exam for them, investigators probing a crash in Karachi which killed 97 people have said (pictured, the doomed plane moments before it came down) Pakistan International Airlines, the airline which operated the crashed plane, has today grounded 150 of its pilots who are suspected of having cheated their way through their exam. Abdullah Hafeez, a spokesman for Pakistan International Airlines, said the airline is now in the process of sacking the pilots. Sajad Gull was flying the plane which crashed, though it is not yet clear whether his licence was legitimate 'We will make it sure that unqualified pilots never fly aircraft again,' he said. Khan made the revelation about licences while presenting preliminary findings to parliament of a probe into the Airbus A320 crash last month. Pakistan Airlines flight 8303 flight from Lahore crashed as it attempted to land in Karachi on May 22. The pilots had aborted one landing and were going around for a second attempt when the aircraft dropped into a residential area, killing 97 of the 99 on board. Announcing the results of a preliminary investigation Wednesday, Khan said 'overconfident' pilot Sajjad Gull had attempted to land with the wheels up. He said Gull and his copilot were 'distracted' and talking about coronavirus during the botched landing. Investigators say Gull was 'distracted' by a conversation he was having during the landing - meaning he descended too fast and with the wheels up. The plane then scraped the runway, damaging both engines, before attempting another landing. On the go-around the engines failed, causing the crash 'The [virus] was on their minds. Their families were affected and they were having a discussion about it,' Khan said. The pair had turned autopilot off and ignored repeated warnings from air traffic control that they were descending too fast and from too great an altitude. Previous analysis of black box recordings also suggest Gull ignored alarms that were sounding in the cockpit as he made the failed landing. Air traffic control saw the plane's engines scrape the runway, leaving them damaged, but did not warn the pilot before the plane pulled back into the sky, Khan said. Both engines then failed, causing the crash. The report found that the aircraft itself was '100 percent fit for flying', despite being grounded for 46 days prior amid coronavirus lockdown. Khan did not say whether Gull and his copilot were among those holding fake licences. The crashed plane had been grounded for 46 days before the crash, but investigators said it was '100 per cent fit to fly' and the fault lay with the pilot Gull had been a pilot for 24 years and had a total of 17,000 hours of flying experience, including 4,700 at the controls of an Airbus A320. He was thought to be among Pakistan Airlines' most experienced pilots. As part of the preliminary report, Khan revealed for the first time that a young girl who was on the ground when the plane crashed was killed. Two other people who were also on the ground were injured. It was previously thought that nobody on the ground was hurt. The crash in Karachi marked Pakistan's worst air accident in eight years. A general view of the Seattle Skyline and Mount Rainier from Kerry Park in Seattle, Washington, on June 9, 2019. (Donald Miralle/Getty Images for Rock'n'Roll Marathon) Seattle City Council Votes to Drop Drug Traffic, Prostitution Loitering Laws The Seattle City Council on June 22 unanimously voted to repeal its drug traffic and prostitution loitering laws. The twin bills will go next to Mayor Jenny Durkan for signing, but a spokesperson said the mayor had not yet had the opportunity to review the legislation, according to The Seattle Times. The bills seek to drop ordinances from the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) that help address loitering by suspected drug dealers and prostitutes. The prostitution loitering ordinance (pdf) reads, A person is guilty of prostitution loitering if he or she remains in a public place and intentionally solicits, induces, entices, or procures another to commit prostitution. The drug-traffic loitering ordinance (pdf) reads, A person is guilty of drug-traffic loitering if he or she remains in a public place and intentionally solicits, induces, entices, or procures another to engage in unlawful conduct contrary to chapter 69.41, 69.50, 69.52 RCW [Revised Code of Washington]. The Seattle City Attorneys Office has filed fewer than 300 charges on both drug traffic loitering and prostitution loitering counts since 2009, according to an analysis by The Seattle Times. Recommendations from Workgroup The Seattle Reentry Workgroup, a workgroup convened by the city mayor and the Seattle Office for Civil Rights to develop policies and strategies to help formerly incarcerated individuals reenter society, recommended the ordinance repeal in 2018. The groups 2018 report (pdf) said that the City Council should remove drug traffic loitering and prostitution loitering from the Citys criminal code. The bill to repeal the Seattle drug-traffic loitering ordinance was introduced by Democratic Councilmember Andrew J. Lewis (District 7) and Seattle City Attorney Peter Holmes. The bill to repeal the prostitution loitering ordinance was introduced by left-leaning Councilmembers Lewis, Alex Pedersen (District 4), and Tammy J. Morales (District 2). Related Coverage The True Origin of Left and Right Lewis said in a statement that the drug traffic loitering ordinance has a racist history and historically criminalized hanging out simply because someone looked like they were trafficking drugs, allowing racial profiling and the criminalization of communities of color. Were in a different time where lawmakers are no longer participating in war and drugs policies, and instead looking at drug addiction through a public health lens, Lewis added. A Seattle council announcement on June 15 reads, The Drug Traffic Loitering law was adopted in the 1990s in response to the War on Drugs and an incarceration-centric handling of drug use and trafficking. An arrest for Drug Traffic Loitering would occur when a suspect was in a public place and was thought to be soliciting another person to violate felony drug laws, but when apprehended, did not have drugs in their possession, the announcement continues. Without evidence of the underlying offense, the police would instead arrest a person for loitering. In a separate announcement on the Seattle Councils website on June 22, Lewis said that the prostitution loitering ordinance has a discriminatory legacy that impacted primarily people of color, women, and our LGBTQ community. Morales said in a statement that by repealing the citys prostitution loitering ordinance, we are assured that drug offenders and sex workers will be treated humanely and not criminalized. The Seattle Reentry Workgroups 2018 report said that the citys prostitution loitering ordinance targets individuals in the commercial sex industry, a group already at high risk for trafficking, abuse, and other exploitation. The workgroup contends that bringing such people into the criminal legal system will only exacerbate any underlying unmet needs and exposes them to further physical and sexual harm caused by incarceration. The group said in its report that in other cities with similar ordinances, data has shown that these ordinances disproportionately impact people of color. New Delhi: The pending examinations for Classes 10 and 12 have been scrapped, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) said on Thursday, announcing an alternative assessment formula that will grade students based on their performance in subjects for which tests were held before the lockdown came into effect in late March. The decision was first disclosed at a hearing in Supreme Court, where a petition against the July 1-15 examination schedule was filed by a group of parents who said that going ahead with the tests would expose their children to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19). Later in the evening, the board the countrys largest by number of students announced the decision to cancel the exams, citing requests received from various state governments and the changed circumstances as on date. Appearing for the Centre and CBSE, solicitor general (SG) Tushar Mehta told the Supreme Court that Delhi, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu had expressed their inability to conduct the examinations. At least 23 subjects were pending for Class 12 students. The seven pending papers for Class 10 students were only for students in north-east Delhi schools, where communal riots earlier in the year forced the process to be pushed back. The fate of the school-graduating examinations is tied to the college admissions process across the country, which students and experts expect to be delayed this year due to the pandemic. Internal Assessment Scheme According to the CBSE notification, results will be announced by July 15 with scores based on the new assessment formula. While Class 10 students will not have any option to take a retest, students in the school-graduating twelfth grade can opt for an examination at a later date if conditions become conducive. According to the notification, the automatic assessments will work in the following way: If a student appeared for more than three subjects before the examinations were suspended, an average score will be calculated taking into account the three subjects in which the student scored highest. This will be allotted to the remaining subject. For those who appeared in fewer examinations, the average will be based on the two highest scoring subjects and allotted to the remaining papers. Candidates whose results will be declared based on the assessment scheme will be allowed to appear in the optional examinations to improve their performance, if they wish so. However, the marks obtained by a candidate in these optional examinations will be treated as final, the notification added. The Council for Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE), appearing in a related PIL in the apex court, agreed to adopt the decision of CBSE to cancel its Class 10 and 12 examinations scheduled for July 2-11. However, it is yet to decide on giving an option for Class 12 students to take the remaining exam on a future date. The bench of justices AM Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari and Sanjiv Khanna remarked that the plan for an examination in the future includes many uncertainties. Conditions may vary from state to state. How will you decide when the time is conducive to conduct the test across the country? Will the Centre take this decision or will you leave it to the states? Some time-frame must be specified, say after a month, to take this decision. It cannot be left to states, justice Maheshwari said. Mehta clarified that the decision to hold exams will be taken by the Centre. The court posted the matter for orders on Friday and directed CBSE to file a better affidavit. The petitioners lawyer Rishi Malhotra told the court that for the subjects where the practical examination is over and theory was left, the former can be the basis for assessment. The bench refused, saying, These nuances have to be worked out by CBSE. Once the scheme is notified and [if] its defective, it can be challenged in the court, the judges said. I am happy that todays decision was taken in the best interest of students and providing relief to parents, Delhis deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, said in a tweet on Thursday. Sisodia had written to the Union human resources department ministry on June 17, requesting the pending Class 10 and 12 papers be cancelled keeping in mind the spike in Covid-19 infections. Experts said the decision was the decision to scrap the exam was justified by how the outbreak was growing. There could be some dissatisfaction among students really keen on taking exams. If some provision is made allowing them to sit for exam at a later date, probably this can be addressed to an extent. The important aspect is that the method chosen to mark students is a fair and equitable one, said former University Grants Commission member Dr Inder Mohan Kapahy, adding that gatherings due to exams could lead to more cases. (With inputs from Amandeep Shukla in New Delhi) The Chinese telecom giant will remain in Singapore through small local operator. The city-state does not want to take sides in the Sino-US technology row. For the Trump administration, Huawei is controlled by Chinas military. The number of countries excluding the Chinese company is growing. Singapore (AsiaNews) Singapore's biggest telecom operators will not use Huawei's 5G network technology. The Chinese telecom giant has been accused by the United States of spying on behalf of China. Singapores Minister for Communications and Information S. Iswaran announced today that Singapore Telecommunications (Singtel) and StarHub have picked Ericsson and Nokia - two European providers - to develop the countrys telecom network. Huawei still has a presence in the Singapore market through TPG Telecoms smaller, local network system. Singapore did not exclude any company from being vendors for the countrywide roll-out of high-speed 5G technology, and the decision by its companies were based on market requirements. For analysts, the city-state has been careful not to take sides in the conflict between the United States and China. Following US accusations against Huawei, many countries have reassessed buying its 5G system. Reuters has reported that the Trump administration has placed Huawei on a list of 20 Chinese companies owned or controlled by Chinas military. The report was recently sent to Congress. Now the US president can impose new financial sanctions against the telecom giant, including freezing its assets in the United States. At present, Huawei cannot sell on the US market or do business with US companies. Washington has also introduced sanctions against foreign companies that sell technology, especially microchips, to the Chinese telecom. Japan, Taiwan and Australia have already banned Huawei from their 5G systems. Like Canada, New Zealand is moving in the same direction, and appears poised to develop high-speed internet bandwidth with the help of European companies. The United Kingdom is also considering excluding Huawei. British authorities initially stated that they plan to limit the use of Chinese technology to peripheral elements of its future 5G network. Police in the central province of Nghe An on Tuesday seized a man carrying dozens of animals which were allegedly smuggled from Laos to Vietnam for consumption in Chau Binh Commune, in the provinces Quy Chau District. Police seize the suspected wildlife trafficker Vi Van Vuong and animals. The suspected trafficker Vi Van Vuong, born in 1988, of Chau Binh Commune, drove a motorbike on which there were two chamois weighing a total of 53kg, 11 bamboo rats and four foxes weighing about 17.2kg, according to the police's announcement on Wednesday. The seizure is part of the local polices investigation into wildlife trafficking which was launched early this month when Vietnam resumed business and allowed travelling along border lines and via border gates after the COVID-19 was brought under control. The case is under further investigation. VNS Craters & Freighters (http://www.cratersandfreighters.com), an international provider of specialty freight solutions, is marking the 30th anniversary of its founding. Formed on June 26, 1990, the company has grown steadily across three decades and today has more than 60 brick-and-mortar locations nationwide. Its really amazing to look back at our humble beginnings as a small specialty crating, packaging and shipping company and then to see where we are today, said Craters & Freighters Founder and CEO Diane Gibson. Were now a national company and market leader with an extensive network of business partners that enables us to assist customers around the world. Im truly grateful to our franchisees throughout the U.S. and to all of our team members. The company owes its longevity and track record of success to their hard work and dedication. Craters & Freighters was a pioneer in the specialty crating and shipping industry in the 1990s and continues to be a recognized leader today. The company specializes in handling large, fragile, expensive and hard-to-move assets for businesses in a wide range of sectors including telecommunications, IT, aerospace, biotechnology, government, healthcare and industrial. Craters & Freighters also serves residential customers. Its been a challenging year for our customers around the world and for our company, but as a government-defined essential business, were continuing to assist organizations and individuals with their crating, shipping and logistics needs, said President and CFO Matt Schmitz. Were thrilled to have reached this remarkable milestone, but given the ongoing concerns about COVID-19, we wont be holding any large-scale celebrations this year. Instead, were looking forward to saluting 30 years of excellence with our franchisees at a gathering in Denver slated for April 2021. About Craters & Freighters Founded in 1990, Craters & Freighters is a leader in specialty freight solutions. From its headquarters in Golden, Colorado, the company has expanded through franchising since 1991 and now has over 60 brick-and-mortar locations nationwide. A full-service, worldwide logistics provider, Craters & Freighters offers customized crating, packaging and shipping solutions for commercial and residential clients. The opening of these new sites reflects the company's commitment to meeting ongoing demand for testing, as well as expanding testing capacity to respond to a surge in new COVID-19 cases. The nearly 200 additional test sites opening across the country this week are among the more than 1,400 locations CVS Health has opened since May and expand the company's testing capacity to more than 1.5 million tests per month, subject to availability of supplies and lab capacity. In addition to the drive-thru sites, CVS Health has partnered with a number of community organizations to open eight rapid-response community testing sites across the country, including a site at St. Vincent de Paul's Virginia G. Piper Medical & Dental Clinic in Phoenix, which aim to increase access to testing for uninsured and underserved populations who are at highest risk for COVID-19. "One of our greatest strengths as a company is our local presence in communities across the country, which enables us to uniquely expand people's access to safe and effective COVID-19 testing options and respond to a need for increased testing capacity," said Larry J. Merlo, President and CEO, CVS Health. "We continue to be grateful for the commitment of our frontline colleagues who make these testing sites possible and whose dedication has allowed us to keep our stores open for customers seeking supplies and patients who need care." Nearly sixty percent of the company's 1,400 test sites across the country, including all sites in Arizona, are in counties that serve communities with the greatest need for support, as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Social Vulnerability Index. The index tracks a variety of census variables including poverty, lack of access to transportation and crowded housing that may weaken a community's ability to prepare for and recover from hazardous events like natural disasters and disease outbreaks. Self-swab tests will be available to individuals meeting CDC criteria, in addition to state and age guidelines. Patients must register in advance at CVS.com to schedule an appointment. Patients will be required to stay in their cars and will be directed to the pharmacy drive-thru window or a location in the parking lot at a few stores, where they will be provided with a test kit and given instructions, and a CVS Pharmacy team member will observe the self-swab process to ensure it is done properly. Tests will be sent to an independent, third-party lab for processing, and the results will be available in approximately three days. Testing will not take place inside any retail locations, and CVS Pharmacy, HealthHUB and MinuteClinic will continue to serve customers and patients. The additional new testing sites in Arizona include: CVS Pharmacy, 5400 East Carefree Highway, Carefree, AZ 85377 85377 CVS Pharmacy, 2371 East Guadalupe Street, Gilbert, AZ 85234 85234 CVS Pharmacy, 5125 West Olive Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85302 85302 CVS Pharmacy, 9856 West Peoria Avenue, Peoria, AZ 85345 85345 CVS Pharmacy, 6650 West Lower Buckeye Road, Phoenix, AZ 85043 85043 CVS Pharmacy, 3210 East Union Hills, Phoenix, AZ 85032 85032 CVS Pharmacy, 2406 East Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85216 85216 CVS Pharmacy, 3610 West Anthem Way, Phoenix, AZ 85086 85086 CVS Pharmacy, 28635 North Valley Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85085 85085 CVS Pharmacy, 7552 Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 85251 CVS Pharmacy, 7111 East Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85254 85254 CVS Pharmacy, 1424 West Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283 85283 CVS Pharmacy, 7740 North Cortaro Road, Tucson, AZ 85743 85743 CVS Pharmacy, 1900 West Valencia Road, Tucson, AZ 85746 85746 CVS Pharmacy, 1555 South Avenue B, Yuma, AZ 85364 A complete list of CVS Pharmacy drive-thru test sites can be found here. More information on steps CVS Health has taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including support for health care providers and clinicians facing financial and administrative strain, is available at the company's frequently updated COVID-19 resource center . For downloadable COVID-19 testing media assets, including photos, video and interviews with CVS Health executives, please visit the Media Resource Center. About CVS Health CVS Health employees are united around a common goal of becoming the most consumer-centric health company. We're evolving based on changing consumer needs and meeting people where they are, whether that's in the community at one of our nearly 10,000 local touchpoints, in the home, or in the palm of their hand. Our newest offerings from HealthHUB locations that are redefining what a pharmacy can be, to innovative programs that help manage chronic conditions are designed to create a higher-quality, simpler and more affordable experience. Learn more about how we're transforming health at www.cvshealth.com Media Contact Monica Prinzing, (831) 241-8294 [email protected] SOURCE CVS Health [June 25, 2020] SignUpGenius Joins Technology Leaders to Launch New Group Management Platform SignUpGenius, a leader in online sign ups, announced the launch of Lumaverse Technologies ("Lumaverse"), a platform of leading group management solutions focused on nonprofits and K-12 schools. Lumaverse expands the power of SignUpGenius by coupling it with technologies that solve volunteer, member, event and fundraising management challenges. Lumaverse is backed by Providence Strategic Growth ("PSG"), the growth equity affiliate of Providence Equity Partners (News - Alert), a premier global asset management firm with over $45 billion in aggregate capital commitments. The vision for Lumaverse was inspired by SignUpGenius customers, which numbered over 130 million in 2019. As people discovered new ways to use sign ups over the years, the company sought to expand its core offering. Working with PSG, SignUpGenius identified best-in-class solutions to form a powerful software platform that includes the following suite of solutions: Volunteer, Member, Donor and Fundraising Management via NonProfitEasy, an intuitive, enterprise, all-in-one CRM via NonProfitEasy, an intuitive, enterprise, all-in-one CRM Online Appointment Scheduling via TimeTap, which boasts enterprise scalability and HIPAA, GDPR and SOC 2 compliance via TimeTap, which boasts enterprise scalability and HIPAA, GDPR and SOC 2 compliance Crowdfunding (P2P) via Fundly, which requires no minimum fundraising fees to get started via Fundly, which requires no minimum fundraising fees to get started PTA & PTO Member Management via Membership Toolkit, an all-in-one solution that includes website management, accounting, fundraising and communications via Membership Toolkit, an all-in-one solution that includes website management, accounting, fundraising and communications PTA & PTO Member Directory services via AtoZConnect, with mobile and print options services via AtoZConnect, with mobile and print options Course and Event Registration via Learning Stream and GoSignMeUp, focusing on Continuing Education (CE) and Professional Development (PD) As part of Lumaverse, the companies will continue to operate as stand-alone brands within the Lumaverse platform while being increasingly integrated as a suite. Lumaverse solutions are currently used by some of the largest school districts in the United States, tens of thousands of schools and nonprofits ranging from local hospitals to The United Way. "Lumaverse is a unique, data-driven platform comprised of a range of solutions that make essential activities within communities easier and more intuitive," said Matthew Stone, Principal at PSG. "We look forward to leveraging our deep experience investing in technology-based companies to support the Lumaverse team as it seeks to expand its family of companies and fuel future growth." About Lumaverse Technologies We empower people to change the world, together. Focused on nonprofits and K-12 schools, Lumaverse expands on the power of SignUpGenius by coupling it with technologies that solve volunteer, member, event and fundraising management challenges. Lumaverse builds simplicity into software solutions that light the way to increased engagement, data-driven insights, and streamlined group management. By coordinating people and events, our solutions help organizations build lasting connections. Lumaverse Technologies is comprised of SignUpGenius, NonProfitEasy, TimeTap, Fundly, Membership Toolkit, AtoZConnect, Learning Stream and GoSignMeUp. The companies operate as stand-alone brands within the Lumaverse platform while being increasingly integrated into a suite. For more information, please visit www.lumaverse.com. About Providence Strategic Growth Capital Partners L.L.C. Providence Strategic Growth ("PSG") is an affiliate of Providence Equity Partners ("Providence"). Established in 2014, PSG focuses on growth equity investments in lower middle market software and technology-enabled service companies. Providence is a premier global asset management firm that pioneered a sector-focused approach to private equity investing with the vision that a dedicated team of industry experts could build exceptional companies of enduring value. Since the firm's inception in 1989, Providence has invested in more than 200 companies and is a leading equity investment firm focused on the media, communications, education and information industries. PSG is headquartered in Boston, MA, with offices in London and Kansas City. For more information on PSG, please visit www.provequity.com/private-equity/psg, and for more information on Providence, please visit www.provequity.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005173/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has found himself in hot water over a controversial 1 billion development, but who is the Cabinet minister now facing calls to resign? The 38-year-old father-of-three, who grew up in Shropshire, is a trained solicitor who worked in corporate law at leading international law firms in London and Moscow. He then turned his attentions to business, working in senior commercial management at the world-famous global art firm Christies. According to Mr Jenricks website, his last role was as an international managing director of the company, managing sales and staff in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Hong Kong and New York. Wolverhampton-born, Mr Jenrick entered the Commons as MP for Newark in Nottinghamshire in a 2014 by-election, and took up his first ministerial post as Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury in 2018. Expand Close Robert Jenrick (left) with then Chancellor Philip Hammonds Treasury team in 2018 (David Mirzoeff/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Robert Jenrick (left) with then Chancellor Philip Hammonds Treasury team in 2018 (David Mirzoeff/PA) He was appointed Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government in July last year. His website proudly displays photographs of him with former Conservative prime ministers David Cameron and Theresa May, as well as broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough. Not long after the lockdown began, Mr Jenrick found himself having to explain his actions after travelling for more than an hour to visit his parents, despite warning the public they must stay at home. Expand Close Prime Minister David Cameron welcomes newly elected Newark MP Robert Jenrick to the Houses of Parliament in 2014 (Stefan Rousseau/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prime Minister David Cameron welcomes newly elected Newark MP Robert Jenrick to the Houses of Parliament in 2014 (Stefan Rousseau/PA) He also faced criticism for driving 150 miles from his London property to his Herefordshire home, a 17th century manor house, from where he then travelled to his parents in Shropshire. But he defended himself, saying he went to deliver food and medicine to his isolating parents, and was backed by Boris Johnson, whose official spokesman said he was confident that Mr Jenrick had complied with the social distancing rules during the visit. In this latest controversy he has once again been backed by the Prime Minister, with the head of the Civil Service saying Mr Johnson considered the matter closed. Manchester, June 25 : Former Manchester United forward Robin Van Persie congratulated Frenchman Anthony Martial after the latter netted a hat-trick during their Premier League encounter against Sheffield United on Wednesday. Martial scored all three goals as the 'Red Devils' ran out comfortable 3-0 winners at Old Trafford. Martial also became the first Man Utd player to score a league hat-trick since Van Persie in the 2013 season. The Dutchman scored a hat-trick against Aston Villa during Alex Ferguson's last season at helm and Martial now becomes the first player to net three goals for them in the league in the post-Fergie era. Van Persie took to social media to congratulate Martial and wrote on Twitter: "It took a while...but happy that someone has taken the baton after seven years. Congratulations on your hat-trick @AnthonyMartial #MUFC. Martial took note of the messages from RVP and replied: "Thank you legend @Persie_official." Following the end of the match against Sheffield, Martial said he felt weird as there was no one in the stands to cheer his hat-trick. All matches are being played behind closed doors in the wake of coronavirus pandemic. "It was real nice. The fans were happy... no, it was a little bit strange! I know they will be happy for me and it's good to play like this," he said as quoted by manutd.com, the club's official website. "I just want to score more goals. If I can score every game, it's a benefit for the team. I have to continue like this and to help the team win more games." LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / Jozef "Jos" Opdeweegh, a seasoned C-suite executive with over 20 years of experience developing, leading, and growing public and private global companies reflects on how to find more lasting solutions to aiding those in need: The face looking at me from the newspaper is perhaps six years old. It's a young boy in a makeshift tent, mud on his cheeks, hands clasped as if in prayer. The caption tells me he's lost his home, and that winter may take his life. I think it's his eyes that move me most, speaking of a horror that no child should bear. My palms feel sticky as I pick up the phone, text "HELP", and make a donation to the Syrian refugee appeal. Fundraisers like these have become part of the fabric of our lives - they are in our magazines, on TV, even posters on the subway. So commonplace are the images that we learn to filter them out. In the newspaper I was reading there were similar appeals for cancer research, wildlife conservation, homelessness, and victims of domestic abuse. At times, it seems there's no end to the call on our goodwill. And that should not be surprising, for the urge to alleviate suffering is surely part of our humanity. Indeed, to have no sympathy for the pain of others is a mark of a psychopath. And yet we cannot credibly respond to every cry for help. In the United States there are estimated to be 1.5 million registered non-profit organizations; in the UK around a third of that number, with a similar proliferation of social ventures across the developed world. This third sector' as it's sometimes called has become a significant part of our social infrastructure, and in many ways, it's as competitive for our attention as the mainstream economy. We choose our causes and from the natural disorder of what is effectively a market for our hearts', there emerges a growing wealth of charity in the broadest and most generous sense of that term. Or so the theory goes. Story continues The notion of charity as the desire to eliminate suffering is sometimes contrasted to a broader vision of philanthropy and the quest to find lasting solutions for the root causes of our problems. We tend to think of philanthropists as a rich few, often historical figures with a social conscience. In liberal democracies, much of their role is now given over to the State, with non-profits filling the gaps and addressing more immediate and particular needs. To me, the distinction is somewhat academic. All of us are aware that the problems in Syria or Somalia - or even our neighborhood - are the result of forces that ought to be fixed. But we also know that hungry bellies need feeding and traumatized children will not survive winter in a tent. Those caught in the crosswinds of circumstance are deserving of both our immediate attention and our efforts to make a greater and longer-lasting change. And mostly, the two approaches go hand in hand. Very few larger charities are focused only on the here and now, and yet understandably, they will seek to leverage our more visceral responses to raise funds and build awareness - just as they will lobby the rich and famous, be they individuals, governments or corporations, for larger donations that offer the promise (and reflected aura) of a legacy difference. But for many of us, all of this can seem somewhat removed. This is surely why so many smaller organizations still thrive in the face of what's become a quasi-corporate competition for our sympathies. Winston Churchill once famously said that we make a living by what we get - but make a life by what we give. I think it's that truth which lies behind our desire not only to donate cash - which good though that it is, can feel like conscience appeasement - but to volunteer and campaign for causes which, although they may seem peripheral to others, are closest to our hearts. I recall a colleague complaining to me, not unkindly but in frustration, about the fundraisers at his local school. They were so inefficient, he said; hours spent baking cakes and running raffles, when frankly if everyone who cared has simply donated twenty dollars they'd have raised twice as much in half the time. He was probably right, but of course, he misses the point of the exercise. Just as we get our children involved in community work as much for the lessons it teaches them as the difference they can tangibly make. Of course, the definition of community is wider now than ever. For some, it remains rooted in their neighborhood, their church, or school. For others, that sense of belonging might come from their workplace, their hobbies, their ethnicity even. This is a good thing, for the diversity of interests leads ultimately to richer lives for us all- and I would argue, a voluntary sector that better reflects our needs and concerns than any interventionist design could hope to do. Which is why, wearing my corporate hat for a moment, we should resist calls for overregulation of the non-profit sector. Instead, we should encourage involvement and giving of different sorts - awarding tax breaks and stipends to those who volunteer, for example - and promoting new models of contribution that draw on our collective efforts as well as our cash. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege to work with many gifted individuals and have seen the progress that their flair makes possible. It's common for the churches of many different faiths to ask their followers to gift a percentage of their income, but consider the impact if we all of us offered a percentage of our talents. For some that might mean baking cakes - and it's good that they do - but for an academic say, it could be directing a percentage of their research at social issues, or for executives like myself, advising on strategies and governance. In the US and the UK, non-profits are typically seen as a substitute to State funding, but there are other approaches that we can learn from. I've already mentioned the roles of the churches and faiths which are prominent in many cultures. Across much of mainland Europe, there is often a more social-corporate model, with close cooperation and even contracting between the State and charities. In Scandinavia and the Netherlands, where high taxes and high-quality services are the norm, the emphasis is on volunteering and participation. The pool of our talent is limitless - and it is here, I believe, where the potential for a modern philanthropy lies. Lasting social solutions are seldom designed from above, rather they evolve through an iterative process of progress and refinement, underpinned by care for the outcome. This asks more of us than the adverts and appeals that surround us, and it requires leaders to step forward and encourage others to do the same. But here's the thing: it pays us back in spades. Short of utopia, there will always be a role for larger organizations, and thank goodness they are there, but to have a wider, more caring society we need to bridge the gap between ourselves and those in need with something more tangible than simply texting "HELP". CONTACT: Website - https://josopdeweegh.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jos-jozef-j-opdeweegh-13986b70/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_D7qf0sQsSzQeDFqAYjgLQ Twitter - https://twitter.com/jos_opdeweegh SOURCE: Jozef Opdeweegh View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/595219/Jozef-Opdeweegh-Reflects-on-Bridging-The-Gap-to-Those-in-Need Sesa Sen By Express News Service Mounting global outrage over brands pushing products promoting skin colour-based discrimination has pushed some of Indias biggest brands to hastily re-brand or take down these offerings. On Thursday, the countrys largest consumer goods company HUL, announced that it would rebrand its Rs 2,000 crore fairness cream brand Fair & Lovely and stop using the word Fair in the brand name. HULs is just the latest in a series of rollbacks by some of Indias most popular brandsincluding matrimonial site Shaadi.com and Johnson & Johnson. The latterwhich sells Neutrogena Fine Fairness and Clear Fairnesshad said last week that it would no longer sell certain products that are advertised as dark-spot reducers. In the global market, oral care major Colgate has already said that it would review a top-selling Chinese brand called Darlie, whose name translates to 'black person toothpaste'. Food and beverage major PepsiCo will rebrand its 130-year-old syrup called Aunt Jemima in the US market, while Nestle, too, plans to rename a number of its international confectionery labels. The global FMCG giant plans to go through its 25,000 products to eliminate marketing that contains racial stereotypes. Closer to home, one of the countrys largest matrimonial sitesShaadi.comhad taken down a skin colour filter which allowed its members to sort prospective alliances based on skin colour. The sites filter, the likes of which have been common in Indias colour-conscious wedding market in the past, had attracted global outrage after a petition was floated on Change.org by US-based Hetal Lakhani. "We demand that Shaadi.com must permanently remove its skin colour filter to prevent users from selectively searching for matches based on their preferred skin colour," the petition had said. However, a Shaadi.com spokesperson said that there was no skin color filter on Shaadi.com, on any of its platforms and that the object of the outrage was a several-year-old product debris left-over in one of its advanced search pages. This feature, it said, was non-functional and barely used and hence it did not come to (its) attention. When a user highlighted this, we were thankful and had the remnants removed immediately as it was a non-functional aspect of the product which very few users even stumbled across. Since there was no user impact and product debris is a fairly common occurrence in tech companies, we took it in our stride accordingly. We do not discriminate based on skin color and our member base is as diverse and pluralistic as the world today is," the spokesperson said. Snowballing outrage The moves come in the wake of mounting global outrage worldwide after an African-American US citizen George Floyd was killed by police officers while unarmed. The death, the latest in a series, sparked off massive protests across both the US and the world against racial discrimination. HULs move to drop the word Fair from its popular product came after activists campaigning on Change.Org called for the company to drop the brand or its name. Nida Hasan, Country Director, Change.org India, said, "It is hard to ignore the role of Fair and Lovely advertisements in shaping colourism in India. "The decision by HUL is a much needed acknowledgment of Indias diversity. Just recently, Johnson & Johnson announced a similar move based on a citizen driven petition." HUL, on its part, said on Thursday that it was committed to celebrating all skin types. We are making our skin care portfolio more inclusive and want to lead the celebration of a more diverse portrayal of beauty," said Sanjiv Mehta, chairman at HUL. The new name, however, is awaiting regulatory approvals, said the company, adding that packs with the revised name will be available in the market in the next few months. In 2019, we had removed the cameo with two faces and the shade guides from the packaging of Fair & Lovely and the brand communication progressed from fairness to glow which is a more inclusive measure of healthy skin, Mehta added. In the future, HUL said it will continue to evolve its advertising, to feature women of different skin tones, representative of the variety of beauty across India. Parent firm Unilever said the rest of its skin care portfolio will also reflect the new vision of beauty. We recognize that the use of the words fair, white and light suggest a singular ideal of beauty that we dont think is right, and we want to address this, said Sunny Jain, president of Unilevers beauty and personal care division. Domestic competitors may tarry In India, HUL dominates the fairness cream market, a high margin business. Analysts say the move is positive from an Environmental Social Governance perspective. However, it remains to be seen if its domestic peers such as Emami (Fair and Handsome) and Dabur (Fem Fairness bleach), too, make a similar move or focus on higher margins in an already subdued market caused due to the pandemic, Abneesh Roy, senior vice-president, institutional equities, Edelweiss Securities, said. Other brands operating in the segment include LOreal and Procter & Gamble Co. Over the years, advertising regulator Advertising Standards Council of India has also been vocal about the need for change. But most companies, while vocal about taking a holistic approach to beauty products, had been silent so far. However, the gaining momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement, triggered by incidents of police brutality against African-American citizens in the US, has pushed companies to reassess their marketing for signs of discrimination. Theres something about governments rush to respond to calls for policing reforms that begs some serious thinking. Not that reforms arent warranted. They are. They are overdue. And its clear the need stems from abuse disproportionately directed at people of color. But what reforms, from tinkering to defunding police, get done? And how? Russia's ongoing aggression in eastern Ukraine, increased shelling and minelaying have led to child deaths and physical and mental health problems. 147 children were killed during the ongoing Russian armed aggression against Ukraine launched in February 2014 and thousands of children need assistance with physical and mental health problems, reads the statement by Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations H.E. Mr. Sergiy Kyslytsya at the UN Security Council Open Debate on Children and Armed Conflict on June 24, 2020. As the diplomat noted, Ukraine is among the most severely affected places in the world for casualties because of landmines and other explosive remnants of war. This is one of the main causes of conflict-related child casualties, leaving many children with lifelong disabilities, Kyslytsya emphasized. He also noted that an increase in shelling in eastern Ukraine had resulted in numerous child casualties and damaged schools in the region, making life even more unbearable for the approximately 430,000 children. The gravity of the situation is clear only during one week in May six children were injured at home after their villages came under shelling, Ukraines Permanent Representative to the United Nations said. According to him, more than 750 educational facilities have been damaged or destroyed due to hostilities and there have been nine attacks on schools since the beginning of 2020, five occurring in April alone. Under the pretext of quarantine measures, the armed forces of the Russian Federation and its proxies have severely impeded delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population, including children. In addition, the real state of the epidemiological situation in the temporarily occupied territories is obscured by distorting data on the actual number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, Kyslytsya said. As reported, Ukraine again called on the Russian occupation authorities to provide full access for international humanitarian organizations that would provide an objective assessment of the epidemiological situation in the region. ol Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-26 04:49:28|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The death toll of COVID-19 in Iran passed the threshold of 10,000 on Thursday. Meanwhile, the tally of confirmed coronavirus cases in Saudi Arabia surpassed 170,000. The death toll from the virus in Iran climbed to 10,130 after 134 more fatalities were reported overnight, said Sima Sadat Lari, spokeswoman for Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education. Over the past 24 hours, 2,595 new cases were registered in Iran, raising the total confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country to 215,096. So far, 175,103 patients have recovered and 2,899 others remain in critical condition. Saudi Arabia registered 3,372 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total infections in the kingdom to 170,639, while the death toll soared to 1,428 after 41 more deaths were added. The recoveries from the virus rose to 117,882 with 5,085 new recovered cases, the Saudi health ministry tweeted. Turkey reported 1,458 new coronavirus cases and 21 more fatalities in the past 24 hours, taking the tally of infections to 193,115 and the death toll to 5,046, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca said. Meanwhile, 1,472 patients recovered, bringing the total recoveries to 165,706. Turkey is currently treating 941 patients in the intensive care units, with 369 others intubated. Turkish Interior Ministry announced that the 65-year-olds and above will be allowed to travel for tourism purposes if they obtain permission from the authorities. Turkey has gradually eased the stay-at-home order for the elderly people since June 1, when the government stepped up the normalization process after two-month lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19. Iraq reported 2,437 new coronavirus cases and 107 more fatalities, raising the total number of confirmed cases to 39,139 and the death toll to 1,437. Kuwait recorded 909 new COVID-19 cases and two more deaths, increasing the tally of infections to 42,788 and the death toll to 339. Kuwait decided to start the second phase on June 30 to return to normal life, said Tareq Al-Mezrem, the Kuwaiti government spokesman, at a press conference. The second phase, which will last three weeks, is part of a five-phase plan to gradually return to normal life after the COVID-19 pandemic, and reopen the economy completely by mid-September. Egypt's total number of COVID-19 cases surged to 61,130 with 1,569 new cases, while the death toll climbed to 2,533 after 83 more patients died from the virus, Egyptian Health Ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said. He added that 403 patients were completely cured and discharged from hospitals, increasing the total recoveries in the country to 16,338. EgyptAir, the flagship carrier of Egypt, announced on Thursday it will operate non-stop flights to more than 29 destinations starting July 1. Qatar's Health Ministry announced 1,060 new COVID-19 cases, increasing the total confirmed cases in the Gulf state to 91,838. Meanwhile, the death toll rose to 106 after two more fatalities were recorded, while the number of recoveries increased to 74,544 after 1,461 more patients recovered. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced 430 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total confirmed cases in the country to 46,563. UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention said 760 more patients fully recovered from the virus, taking the tally of the recoveries to 35,165. It also confirmed one more death, pushing up the country's death toll to 308. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that his country will cooperate with the UAE to halt the coronavirus outbreak in the region. The rare collaboration between the two countries, which have no official ties, will focus on the research and development. Morocco announced 431 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total number of confirmed cases in the North African country to 11,338. The number of recovered patients increased to 8,500 with 32 new recoveries, while the death toll rose to 217 as one new fatality was recorded. Morocco started on Thursday relaxing pandemic restrictions by allowing people to travel inside the country and reopen the cafes and restaurants. Lebanon's number of COVID-19 infections increased by 18 cases to 1,662, while the death toll remained unchanged at 33. Tunisian Ministry of Health reported two new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total infections in the country to 1,162, including 50 deaths and 1,023 recoveries. Enditem Former Aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode said President Muhammadu Buharis backing for Victor Giadom as the acting chairman of the All Progressives, does not bode well for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. In a tweet on Wednesday, FFK said Buhari may just have ended Tinubus political career at the centre by throwing him under the bus. First Oshiomole is kicked out by the Court of Appeal. Then his preferred replacement, Ajimobi, falls into a coma. Then his arch rival, Giadom, is recognised by Buhari as Nat. Chairman. Conclusion: it is over for Tinubu. He has been thrown under the bus & retired from politics!, FFK said. Throwing Tinubu under the bus, means he has been betrayed by President Buhari. Tinubu had fused his party Action Congress of Nigeria with Buhari CPC and the All Nigeria Peoples Party and a breakaway faction of the PDP to form the APC in 2014. After two elections, with Buhari as the beneficiary, the APC may be heading into an internal crisis, with Adams Oshiomhole, a known Tinubu supporter kicked out of the party. Also majority of the members of the NWC, linked to Oshiomhole and Tinubu, may also lose their seats if the scheduled NEC meeting dissolved the body. Sources told P.M.News that Buhari did not consult widely to political stakeholders before supporting Victor Giadom. He merely listened to some four governors, including Kayode Fayemi and the Federal Attorney-General, before making his decision, said an Aso Rock source. Related A Beaverton man already doing time for child sexual abuse was convicted Monday of 17 additional sexual abuse charges. Benito Juarez-Hernandez, 40, was convicted in 2014 and sent to prison for abusing a minor. While he was in prison, three more victims came forward. Juarez-Hernandez was found guilty Monday of nine counts of first-degree sexual abuse, two counts of using a child in display of sexually explicit conduct, four counts of first-degree sodomy and one count of first-degree unlawful sexual penetration. Juarez-Hernandez, his brother and his brothers ex-wife were accused of abusing several children in Beaverton and Aloha during a 15-year-period. They were all indicted in April 2019. The brother, Cupertino Juarez-Hernandez, 34, was sentenced earlier this year to 55 years in prison on multiple charges of child abuse and sodomy. The brothers ex-wife, Diana Rodriguez, 36, is set to go on trial in October. --Alex Hardgrave | ahardgrave@oregonian.com | @a_hardgrave Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Press Release June 25, 2020 Drilon supports more loans to fund COVID-19 response Senate Minority Leader Franklin M Drilon said the government should borrow more money to continuously fund response to COVID-19 pandemic and shore up the economy. "Ako po ay sumusuporta, hindi baleng mangutang tayo at mawala yung ating credit rating pero kailangan mangutang tayo para mabigyan natin ng stimulus ang ating mga kababayan at maibalik ang sigla ng ekonomiya," Drilon said in an interview with Teleradyo Thursday. Drilon said "the government has no choice but to borrow money since the tax collections are down." "Our present financial standing is not sufficient for us to cope with the pandemic situation. The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over," Drilon said. "We need to hire thousands of contact tracers, incentivize doctors and nurses so they wont leave their posts, purchase PPEs to protect our healthcare workforce, provide stimulus funds to businesses, and bring back home thousands of OFWs," he added. Drilon issued the statement amid serious concerns that some agencies, including the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), might go bankrupt if the situation worsens and continues up to next year. The OWWA, upon questioning of Drilon during a Senate hearing on Wednesday, expressed concerns that their remaining P18.8 billion trust fund would go down to P1 billion by the end of 2021 if the situation worsens. The OWWA said it would spend around P4.5 billion to repatriate all 150,000 displaced overseas Filipino workers. Drilon said if the money is made available, the Congress can appropriate more funds to reimburse OWWA in order to keep it financially viable. The minority leader said the government should use its good credit standing to take advantage of credit financing facilities available worldwide. "Ang problema ay ang willingness ng gobyerno lalo na ang Department of Financepara dagdagan ang ating utang kasi wala tayong choice. Walang collection. Kailangan ibalik ang ating ekonomiya para magkaroon ng collection ang BIR," Drilon said. The DOF had earlier announced its COVID-19-related borrowings have so far reached $4.83 billion from four international agencies to fund the local COVID-19 response and half of has been disbursed. Among those which extended loans to the Philippines are the Asian Development Bank with $2.6-billion, the World Bank with $1.2 billion, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank with $750 million, and Agence Francaise de Developpement with $275.7 million. "Kailangan umutang tayo wala tayong magagawa. Lahat ng bansa tumataas ang utang kasi lahat apektado hindi lang naman tayo," Drilonsaid. "If that is the only way we can help our countrymen begging for help, including our modern day heroes, then we should borrow more and give them to the people. If that is how we can survive this pandemic, then be it. Hindi tayo dapat mahiyang mangutang," he said. Japanese experts go through disinfection at the Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh Province, June 25, 2020. Photo courtesy of the Van Don Airport. 150 Japanese experts landed in northern Vietnam Thursday afternoon, signalling a relaxation of Covid-19 related travel restrictions between the two countries. The Vietnam Airlines fight VN311, organized with support from the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) in Vietnam, landed at the Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh Province at around 2 p.m. An airport representative said they expect two more flights from Japan this week, carrying around 300 more Japanese experts. All 150 experts arriving Thursday wore protective suits and informed authorities of their medical status upon entry. Their body temperatures were scanned and their luggage was sanitized. They will be quarantined for the next 14 days per existing Covid-19 prevention protocol. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Tuesday that Japan would partially ease travel restrictions to Vietnam, with flights between the two countries permitted from June 25-27, Reuters reported. Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said last week that an agreement has been reached with Japan to gradually relax travel restrictions between the two countries. Vietnam has been in talks with China, Japan, South Korea and some other countries and territories on gradually recommencing travel, first for experts, managers and skilled workers. Vietnam banned entry of foreign nationals and suspended international flights in late March. But it has been receiving special flights which repatriated Vietnamese citizens from around the world and carried foreign experts and workers needed in major economic projects. Many of these flights ended up in Van Don, which is not far from Hanoi. Since February, the Van Don Airport has served 31 flights carrying around 5,000 foreign experts, including those South Korea, Japan and Taiwan, either from and to Vietnam. The airport has also received 37 repatriation flights to bring home around 6,100 Vietnamese. Japan meanwhile has an entry ban in place for 111 countries and territories to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. Japan was Vietnam's fourth largest investor in 2019 after South Korea, Hong Kong and Singapore in terms of registered capital, and its largest labor market, welcoming around 80,000 Vietnamese last year. As of Thursday, Japan had recorded over 18,000 coronavirus cases and nearly 1,000 deaths. Vietnam has confirmed 352 cases, with just 23 remaining active. There has been no Covid-19 death in the country. Company now boasts 165 customers with global implementations and has hired heads of EMEA customer success and GTM strategy BOSTON and LISBON, Portugal, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Salsify , a product experience management (PXM) platform that helps brands win on the digital shelf, today announced senior appointments in GTM and customer success roles in the EMEA region. Having opened EMEA headquarters in Lisbon in October 2018, Salsify made these new appointments to oversee and scale the local team to match growth in new customer acquisition and market demand. To support the expansion of the EMEA customer base, Salsify has named Max Cordeiro as Head of Customer Success, EMEA. Cordeiro will lead EMEA customer success operations for Salsify and is tasked with building out local success and support infrastructure for anticipated continued growth. Cordeiro brings more than 15 years' experience in customer service, customer experience, and account management roles, having most recently served as Global Head of Philips.com at Philips, along with customer experience and account management leadership roles at Adidas and Digitas UK. Cordeiro is joined by Christian Hassold, who has been named VP of EMEA at Salsify. Hassold will direct GTM efforts for the EMEA region, including sales execution, marketing, and market development. An experienced ecommerce entrepreneur, prior to Salsify Hassold co-founded two venture backed B2B SaaS startups, both with successful exits. Most recently he served as Director of Strategy and Corporate Development at ChannelAdvisor. Both Cordeiro and Hassold will be based out of Salsify's Lisbon office. "Now more than ever, brands need to ensure that they can effectively scale efforts to provide shoppers with an exceptional and engaging experience across all online channels," said Jason Purcell, Salsify co-founder and CEO. "We are excited to welcome Max and Christian to the team to ensure that our growing EMEA customer base can do just that through the unique benefits Salsify provides to win on the digital shelf." Salsify now boasts more than 165 customers leveraging the platform on a global scale, which includes brands such as Coca-Cola, L'Oreal, and Mars. Europe has shown to be a particular hotbed of digital shelf activity, where, according to 2019 J.P Morgan research , several countries were forecasted to achieve double-digit ecommerce growth by 2021. Those numbers are assured to only accelerate due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where the share of European consumers that do more than half of their total purchases online has increased by upwards of 80 percent since the pandemic outbreak, according to data from Detail Online and Kantar. Having recently been named a Cool Vendor in Digital Commerce by Gartner , Salsify has doubled EMEA headcount over the past year, representing more than 40 out of the company's 400 total employees across the globe. Local headcount is predominantly located in the company's Lisbon office, where Salsify has also signed a new lease agreement to double the size of its current office footprint to accommodate more than 100 employees. "In terms of both customer success and market demand, we are very pleased with the results of our initial investments in Europe," said Purcell. "We are looking forward to continuing to accelerate efforts in the region, especially in this new era of ecommerce, where brands' ability to acquire new customers and retain existing ones will be even more dependent on their digital shelf efforts." To learn more about how Salsify helps brands optimize their presence on the digital shelf, visit https://www.salsify.com/problem-we-solve . About Salsify Salsify empowers brand manufacturers to win on the digital shelf by delivering the product experiences consumers demand anywhere they choose to shop online. The world's biggest brands including Coca-Cola, Bosch, GSK, Rawlings, and Fruit of the Loom use Salsify every day to stand out on the digital shelf. To date, Salsify has raised a total of $98.1 million in funding, led by Greenspring Associates, Underscore VC, Venrock, Matrix Partners and North Bridge. For more information, please visit: http://www.salsify.com. Media Contact Jason Fidler Director of Communications, Salsify jfidler@salsify.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/607125/Salsify_Horizontal_Logo.jpg Disinfection company officials disinfect a food court at a department store in Daejeon, Thursday, after one of the employees there tested positive for COVID-19. / Yonhap By Jun Ji-hye The government eased the standard for releasing COVID-19 patients from hospitals on Thursday amid growing concerns about a possible lack of beds for critically ill patients following a string of infection clusters that have continued to occur here since May. Under the new standard, the health authorities began allowing asymptomatic patients to be released from quarantine although they show an initial positive test result, if they have no symptoms associated with the coronavirus, such as a fever, for 10 days from the day of the initial COVID-19 diagnosis. For patients with symptoms, the new standard calls on them to be released from isolation under two conditions 10 days have passed since the diagnosis, and they have shown no symptoms and without taking a fever-reduction medication for three days in a row. Previously, patients were released from quarantine only when they were symptom-free and had two negative test results on two consecutive days. The patients released from the special hospitals under these conditions are allowed to return home or moved to community treatment centers that have served as temporary hospitals to treat patients with minor symptoms, in accordance with their condition. The government said the new standard was designed to secure sufficient hospital beds for those severely affected by the disease and help medical staff focus better on treating them. The health authorities said applying the new standard is expected to alleviate the burden on "special" hospitals by about one third. "The number of days of hospital treatment for COVID-19 patients is expected to decrease to 13 from 28 on average under the new standards," senior health official Yoon Tae-ho said in a briefing. According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), the country added 28 new cases 23 local and five imported ones, Wednesday, raising the nation's total to 12,563. One more death was reported, raising the death toll to 282. The daily number of new cases fell back to below 30, but the authorities are still on high alert over fears of a second wave of infections amid continuous sporadic infection clusters in the greater Seoul area and other regions. The KCDC said 13 more cases traced to door-to-door sales companies in the southern city of Daejeon were reported as of noon Thursday, raising the total number of related cases to 71. A new infection cluster also occurred involving a social club meeting of car enthusiasts, the KCDC said, noting that at least five patients were traced to the recent gathering of the club near the Han River. Boise, ID and Louisville, KY, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Boise, ID and Louisville, KY June 24, 2020 The Idaho Board of Pharmacy announced their statewide initiative to integrate Idaho Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (ID PDMP) data into approved electronic health record (EHR) and pharmacy systems throughout the state, using Appriss Healths PMP Gateway solution. PMP Gateway is the nations leading managed service platform enabling the integration of PDMP information within real-time care team workflow to help providers and pharmacists make more informed clinical decisions at the point of care. The statewide integration of PDMP data into EHRs and pharmacy systems at the point of care increases the ease of access and use of prescription information to help healthcare providers make critical clinical decisions, including the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances, as well as patient care and safety. Prior to this integration initiative, Idaho prescribers and pharmacists had to log in to a separate system to query patient information, which took important time away from patient care. Now, healthcare providers and pharmacists will have the ability to initiate a patient query through an EHR or pharmacy system. The query will return the patients controlled substance prescription records directly within the clinical workflow inside the EHR. Teresa Anderson, Idahos Prescription Monitoring Program Information Coordinator, said the Idaho Board of Pharmacy is covering the license fees associated with the integration service to connect providers EHR and pharmacists to PMP Gateway to ensure broad adoption, and to help providers with state mandates and policies regarding the prescribing of controlled substances. Access to prescription drug monitoring data at the point of care enhances providers clinical decision support, patient engagement, and care coordination, said Anderson. By partnering with Appriss Health to make integration available across the state, we are delivering an invaluable tool to the states prescribers and pharmacists and addressing substance use disorder and overdose head on. PMP Gateway integration has enhanced our pharmacists ability to complete medication history review in a more efficient manner using existing workflow, said Dorothy Maziarz, PharmD, Pharmacy Regulatory Systems and Affairs Manager with Walgreens. Streamlining this process helps pharmacists support safe prescription management for patients, allows more time for meaningful patient interactions, and demonstrates care for our communities in addressing the larger issues around the opioid crisis. Appriss Health has delivered PDMP services for the Idaho Board of Pharmacy since 2014. The system managed 2.88 million controlled substance prescriptions in 2019 and currently has more than 15,250 users. Through the Idaho Board of Pharmacys efforts to improve access to the PDMP, utilization has increased more than 70% each year for the past two years. Appriss Health has developed and widely-deployed its infrastructure to enable healthcare entities to rapidly deliver integrations across the U.S. More than 130 of the nations largest EHR systems and nearly every pharmacy management system and pharmacy chain have integrated PDMP information directly into their clinical workflow via PMP Gateway. Twenty-five states, including Idaho, have aligned with Appriss Health to sponsor statewide adoption of PDMP integrations for prescribers and pharmacists. More than 630,000 prescribers and pharmacists at nearly 92,000 facilities across the U.S. access PDMP data via PMP Gateway. We are proud to continue to support Idaho, and its prescribers and pharmacists, in maximizing the states PDMP effectiveness in the fight against the opioid epidemic, said Rob Cohen, President, Appriss Health. The addition of PMP Gateway enhances the states aggressive, multi-pronged approach to curbing the opioid crisis. About Appriss Health Appriss Health provides the nations most comprehensive platform for opioid stewardship and the early identification, prevention, and management of substance use disorder (SUD). We provide state government agencies with the most advanced repository of controlled substance dispensing data and deliver real-time clinical decision support, critical insights, and interventions to physicians, pharmacists, and care team members. Our solutions help prescribers and dispensers assess and manage clinical risk by providing access to critical information at the point of care for hundreds of millions of patient encounters each year. Appriss Health provides the platform for PDMPs and access to non-PDMP data, analytics, tools, and resources from PDMPs, across state lines, and integrated within care team workflows. Sharing #knowledgeforgood, our solutions are improving patient safety and outcomes. For more information, please visit www.apprisshealth.com. About Idaho PDMP Idahos Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, or PDMP, is a database of all Schedule II - V controlled substances dispensed in the state of Idaho or shipped from a mail-service pharmacy to an Idaho resident. The PDMP is a tool providers can use to prevent and intervene against misuse and/or diversion of controlled substance medications. The database is a free online service to assist practitioners and pharmacists in providing better care to their patients. Practitioners and pharmacists are encouraged to access the database for their existing patients, and prior to prescribing, or dispensing, controlled substances to new patients. These patient profiles and the monthly Unsolicited Reports sent by the Board enhance the ability of providers to coordinate care and make more informed prescribing decisions. Summer storms on Wednesday brought at least four reported tornadoes in parts of the South, including an EF-1 tornado with winds up to 110 mph in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The National Weather Service office in New Orleans says there were several small tornadoes in the area on Wednesday and storm surveys are still ongoing. The storms also brought flash flooding where there were reports of water covered roads. Training thunderstorms, just north and west of the Houston metro area, have already brought up 3 to 6 inches of rain Thursday morning, and some flooding is ongoing in the region. There are still flash flood alerts for parts of southern Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi for the slow-moving thunderstorms that will continue to fire up Thursday. PHOTO: There are still flash flood alerts for parts of southern Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi for the slow-moving thunderstorms that will continue to fire up Thursday. (ABC News) Meanwhile, in the Midwest, a new system will straddle the U.S.-Canadian border through the Great Lakes over the next few days, and the associated cold front will spark off thunderstorms from the Midwest to the Northeast. The first severe weather threat in the region will be Thursday from Nebraska to western Minnesota. The threat shifts south and east on Friday from northeast Kansas to Michigan, which could impact cities like Chicago, Milwaukee and Detroit. The storms will slide over on Sunday to parts of the Northeast, including New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. PHOTO: The storms will slide over on Sunday to parts of the Northeast, including New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. This mainly looks to be a damaging wind threat, but a couple of brief tornadoes will be possible as well. (ABC News) This mainly looks to be a damaging wind threat, but a couple of brief tornadoes will be possible as well. The result of both of these ongoing summer storm systems will bring a good amount of rainfall in the slowest moving storms. Locally 2 to 3 inches of rainfall will be possible in any slow-moving storm, and therefore flash flooding remains a concern. Additionally, high pressure moving into the Gulf of Mexico will bring quite a bit of heat to parts of Florida Thursday and Friday, with the heat index expected to soar well over 100 degrees, and locally as high as 110 degrees. Even by Florida standards, this is hot, and a few records will be possible on the western coast of Florida this week. Story continues PHOTO: Additionally, high pressure moving into the Gulf of Mexico will bring quite a bit of heat to parts of Florida Thursday and Friday, (ABC News) Moving west, Thursday will be peak heat for much of the region, with temperatures well above 100 degrees in parts of the Desert Southwest, and temperatures near and above 100 degrees in the central California Valleys. Relatively cooler air will arrive in the next few days. For the most part, the fire threat has subsided in parts of Arizona, with only an elevated risk Thursday for fire spread. Unfortunately, the low pressure responsible for the relative cool down this weekend will also bring gusty winds, and a Critical Fire threat looks to be in sight for parts of Nevada, Utah and Arizona this weekend. Severe weather threats in forecast for Midwest, Northeast originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Local lockdowns not feasible if workers only receive statutory sick pay This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jun 25th, 2020 Local lockdowns will only be feasible if those forced out of work and into self-isolation receive more than the statutory sick pay, an MP has claimed. During Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday, Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts called for a new support scheme for those forced out of work when local outbreaks of Covid-19 occur. The Welsh Government has not ruled out the possibility of a local lockdown on Anglesey if its proven that the virus has spread into the wider community, which would see the island and possibly a wider area subject to stricter restrictions than other parts of Wales. Wrexham.com asked the Health Minister about lockdowns closer to home you can read his remarks here. 2 Sisters has announced that all staff at its Llangefni poultry processing plant, which have been asked to self-isolate following a Covid-19 outbreak affecting 200 people, will be paid throughout the planned two week closure. But Ms Saville Roberts said that self-isolating employees who cannot work would only legally be eligible for 95.85 per week in Statutory Sick Pay, comparing the situation to Germany where self-isolating workers generally receive sick-pay worth 100% of their salary. This, she said, meant that people would be forced to choose between putting food on the table and the need to self-isolate, leading to local lockdowns being undermined if people are forced to ignore the need to self-isolate if they simply had to work to keep their families fed and housed. In response the Prime Minister noted that nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing. Addressing the Commons the Plaid Cymru Westminster leader said: Covid-19 has now broken out in three Welsh food factories with 200 cases in Llangefni, 70 in Wrexham and 34 in Merthyr Tydfil. A plant in Germany has also seen 1,500 workers test positive. The difference there of course is that German employees get sick pay worth 100% of their salary. Here, workers get sick pay will on average 20% of their salary, they will lose 80% of their salary. These are low-paid workers. For any future local lockdown to succeed people need to be supported. Will he now commit to local furlough-like schemes for self-isolating workers. In response, Prime Minister Boris Johnson pointed to the massive commitments already provided to the countrys workforce such as the job retention schemes and expansion of Universal Credit, adding: I stress that if we have to move back, and obviously we dont want to, to local or national lockdowns then nobody should be penalised for doing the right thing. After the session, Ms Saville Roberts added: The Prime Minister must not show the same complacency as he did at the start of this crisis. If he wants to move to the next phase, new schemes to support new ways of managing the disease must also be put in place. A scheme which means that those forced to self-isolate can keep the greater part of their salaries is not only a matter of fairness, but also one of health security in ensuring that local lockdowns are effective. By Gareth Williams BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme) The Indian unit of the top consumer giant Unilever announced on Thursday it would rebrand its skin-lightening cream 'Fair and Lovely', which has received considerable backlash for perpetuating negative stereotypes related to darker skin tones. Hindustan Unilever said it would drop the word 'Fair' from the product and added that a fresh name for the cream was awaiting regulatory clearances. We are fully committed to having a global portfolio of skin care brands that is inclusive and cares for all skin tones, celebrating greater diversity of beauty. We recognise that the use of the words fair, white and light suggest a singular ideal of beauty that we dont think is right, and we want to address this," Sunny Jain, President Beauty & Personal Care, said in a statement released on the company's website. It added given that the company is evolving, its important for them to "change the language". Unilever's announcement came as rival Johnson & Johnson said this month that it would stop the sale of skin-whitening creams. News agency Reuters earlier reported that Unilever had been mulling this move as backlash against such products mounted on social media. "The branding exercise will require a massive change and we're working on this," the source said. "Words like 'skin detox', 'skin rejuvenation,' and 'skin vitality' are being considered instead of 'skin-lightening'", a Unilever source in South Asia was quoted as saying. Unilever's 'Fair & Lovely' brand carries significant weight in the market in South Asia. As Black Lives Matter protests gained steam in recent days, several companies have been slammed for marketing products promoting colourism. Appeals to stop marketing Fair & Lovely have been around for years, but the movement received a shot in the arm recently. This month, over half a dozen petitions on Change.Org received scores of signatures, aimed at Unilever and its Indian unit Hindustan Unilever. Unilever owns a 67% stake in Hindustan Unilever, its India unit. The companies also sell the popular Dove and Knorr range of products. In India, fairness products have long been endorsed by leading Bollywood celebrities, as well as other popular youth icons. Advertisements have regularly featured two faces showing skin tone transformation, as well as shade guides to show "improvement". Hindustan Unilever said it had moved from that line of advertising in 2019, and "will continue to evolve its advertising to feature women of different skin tones, representative of the variety of beauty across India." The brand name change is subject to regulatory approvals, the company said in a filing to the exchanges. It did not specify what the new name would be. A source in the parent company told Reuters that alternatives like "Dare & Lovely, "Care & Lovely," or "Fresh & Lovely" were being considered, but products with the old brand name will not be recalled. "A recall is done when the product has a problem, please bear in mind the quality is not under the scanner, the name is," the source said. This month activists started petitions on Change.Org, drawing thousands of signatures, including one by Nina Davuluri, who in 2014 became the first Indian American to be crowned Miss America. Separately, a source at L'Oreal in India said the French cosmetics company was also having discussions in view of the backlash. "Words such as skin brightening, whitening, lightening could soon become a thing of the past on all labels and product sales pitches," the source said. L'Oreal India declined to comment. L'Oreal in France did not respond to an e-mail seeking immediate comment. (With inputs from Reuters) President Donald Trump caused a stir when he said at his rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, last weekend that he wanted less testing for COVID-19. While aides denied that, it didn't help when on Wednesday the administration announced it would cut off federal funding for a number of state testing sites, including several in Texas, which is in the midst of a large spike in cases. Meanwhile, in non-coronavirus news, the Trump administration won a round in its effort to require hospitals to make the prices they charge public, although that case is far from over. And as the administration submits its brief for the Supreme Court case that could invalidate the Affordable Care Act, Democrats on Capitol Hill unveil their bill to shore up the health law. This week's panelists are Julie Rovner of Kaiser Health News, Margot Sanger-Katz of The New York Times, Paige Winfield Cunningham of The Washington Post and Kimberly Leonard of Business Insider. Among the takeaways from this week's podcast: Federal officials denied that the cutback in coronavirus testing sites announced this week was related to the president's recent comments. The Department of Health and Human Services said the closings were long planned and part of an effort to move testing responsibility to local health officials. That kerfuffle, however, is emblematic of the Trump administration's decision not to set up a national testing strategy and generally leave states on their own. Thus, as some states now find themselves facing rising coronavirus case numbers, they can't rely on adequate national resources or help from other states. The growing number of cases among young adults has startled public health officials, who had focused in previous months on the devastating effects of the disease among seniors. Although death rates may be lower among these younger patients, this group likely has a big impact on the spread of the disease. The Trump administration won the opening skirmish this week in a legal battle with hospitals over a federal rule requiring them to post the rates they negotiate with different insurers for procedures. Barring a reprieve from an appeals court, the rule is set to go into effect Jan. 1. It's unclear what would happen if Trump doesn't win reelection and whether a Democratic administration would seek to carry on the policy. House Democrats went on the campaign offensive this week by offering a bill that would enhance the Affordable Care Act by rolling back some of the policy changes implemented by the Trump administration and enhancing subsidies for consumers. It does not, however, seek to expand Medicare eligibility, a provision endorsed by the presumptive presidential nominee, former Vice President Joe Biden. Also this week, Rovner interviews Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel of the University of Pennsylvania. He's a former Obama administration health policy adviser with a new book out: "Which Country Has the World's Best Health Care?" Plus, for extra credit, the panelists recommend their favorite health policy stories of the week they think you should read too: Julie Rovner: KHN and USA Today's "Fractured Skulls, Lost Eyes: Police Often Break Own Rules Using 'Rubber Bullets,'" by Liz Szabo and Jay Hancock of KHN, and Kevin McCoy, Donovan Slack and Dennis Wagner of USA Today Margot Sanger-Katz: ProPublica's "The Trump Administration Paid Millions for Test Tubes and Got Unusable Mini Soda Bottles," by J. David McSwane and Ryan Gabrielson. And ProPublica's "He Removed Labels That Said 'Medical Use Prohibited,' Then Tried to Sell Thousands of Masks to Officials Who Distribute to Hospitals," By J. David McSwane Kimberly Leonard: Business Insider's "We Combed Through the Political Donations of 75 Top Healthcare Companies. They Reveal Execs Are Making a Surprising Choice in How They Give Their Cash," by Kimberly Leonard Paige Winfield Cunningham: The New York Times' "'They Just Dumped Him Like Trash.' Nursing Homes Evict Vulnerable Residents," by Jessica Silver-Greenberg and Amy Julia Harris To hear all our podcasts, click here. And subscribe to What the Health? on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play, Spotify, or Pocket Casts. Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide newspaper, Kweku Baako has supported the call by Majority Leader in Parliament, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu that there should be a mechanism to protect experienced Members of Parliament (MPs). The Majoriy Leader was worried that some competent MPs lost their seats during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries on Saturday, June 20, 2020. Forty (40) sitting Parliamentarians lost their seats during the primaries and to the Majority Leader, it's a setback as it impedes the effectiveness of work in the House of Legislature. He has therefore called on the NPP to institute an in-built mechanism to protect experienced MPs and hopes the situation would strengthen the democratic dispensation. The longer one stays in Parliament, the better a material he or she becomes, he said. Kweku Baako, also speaking on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'' on Wednesday, shared the sentiments of the Majoriy Leader as he equally believes retaining sitting MPs with rich experience in Parliamentary affairs will help improve the House. According to him, he doesn't subscribe to the notion that experienced legislators should be ousted from Parliament for competition sake. "Parliamentary experience, expertise can and must be retained to a balance. Because it's a democratic competition, it's a tight rope that we're walking . . . I'm not one of those that because it's competition, just go out there ensure that the experience that has been gathered can be completely lost because of one election. No! Every serious political party must begin to find ways and means of walking this tight rope and do it well. Do it long before primaries, create certain structures, create certain understandings and retain some experienced legislators. It's critical." He noted that in some legislative jurisdictions, Parliamentarians stay as long as 40 years or more and added that drafting laws is a skill that is not developed in a day. "Already we have a problem with this executive fusing with the legislator; we already have that problem. Then, when you have a situation where experienced legislators leave, an overbearing executive will have much more room to manipulate the legislature. [2] Drafting laws is a skill and that also could suffer," he said. 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 Last week, Austrias lower house of parliament voted to make Covid vaccines mandatory for almost everyone 18 and over. They did so because they are concerned about the low rate of vaccinated people in their country. Do you know their vaccination rate is about 71 per cent and they are this concerned? Our rate is just over 48 per cent. In the last couple of days, we have had over 1,000 new cases daily. 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. The Niger State government on Thursday said it spent N41 million to reactivate its moribund web portal to enable it to carry on government businesses online. The state Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Baba Aliyu, disclosed this during a press briefing in Minna. The Niger State Government approved the sum of N41 million to reactivate our web portal which had not been functional. We have reactivated the site and upgraded it to function fully, he said. Mr Aliyu, a professor, said the site would serve as a link between the state, Nigeria and the world. He said the government had trained some personnel of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state on how to access and use the portal. Rifkatu Chidawa, the state Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, said the state government had concluded arrangements with a South African firm to develop the Gurara Water Falls in Gurara LGA of the state, to an international tourism site. Mrs Chidawa said that the Public/Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement on the tourism site would involve building, operate and transfer to government. She said that 1,515 hectares of land had been mapped out for the development of the site. (NAN) Grinding Masterclass For this session, attendees gathered to examine best-practice grinding for the cement industry. Industry experts discussed topics relating to the entire spectrum of grinding technology. Read a summary of the session here. Download all the presentations here. Speakers included: A power-saving grinding media solution for cement ball mills: Elite Yang, Topnewer (China) In 2015, under Mr Yangs leadership as general manager, Topnewer started introducing the application of ceramic grinding media to the industry. The top 20 ball mills that introduced ceramic grinding balls are registered under the companys name. The CGB technology was a breakthrough for the ball mill grinding sector and, thanks to its remarkable power saving performance, this technology become a highlight for the Chinese cement industry from 2015-2017. The application of roller press finish grinding technology in the steel slag and cement industries: Pan Pei, Sinoma TCDRI (China) Mr Pei is responsible for the sales and market development of the roller press grinding system at Sinoma. He has been active in the east African market, selling a raw material roller press grinding system to Kenya in 2017 and later signing an EP project in 2018 with the same client, which includes a grinding station and a 5000tpd clinker production line. Efficient match Combined grinding with ball mill and HPGR: Tim Nowack, Christian Pfeiffer (Germany) From 2013 to 2017, Mr Nowack operated as the Cement Division Manager for Christian Pfeiffer. Since 2017, he has been the head of the process team as well as the leader for research and development projects. As a result of commissioning work and numerous audits relating to cement plants around the world, he has gained comprehensive experience in the area of grinding and separating cement. MVR mill technology with active redundancy: Bernd Henrich, Gebr Pfeiffer (Germany) Mr Henrich has been involved in the cement industry since 1992, with experience in project execution, marketing and sales, as well as R&D, computerised simulations and source finding processes. He is currently the area manager for the Indian sub-continent within Gebr Pfeiffer and has been active for nearly 30 years in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. My game is strong! Padma Lakshmi, award-winning cookbook author, host and executive producer of Hulus new series Taste the Nation My game is strong, boasts Padma Lakshmi, award-winning cookbook author, host, and executive producer of Hulus new series Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi, in the opening credits of her new, sizzling and surprisingly political series about food and the people that create it. Lakshmi is best known for being one of the hosts of the reality competition cooking show Top Chef for over a decade. Hulus Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi, will be Lakshmis first solo show. Lakshmi put both of her proverbial feet into this series that explores much more than just-food. Our passionate and empathic host takes audiences on a journey across America, exploring the rich and diverse food culture of various immigrant groups, seeking out the people who have so heavily shaped what American food is today. ADVERTISEMENT From indigenous and often forgotten communities to recent immigrant arrivals dealing with prejudice and government changes, Lakshmi breaks bread with Americans across the nation to uncover the roots and relationship between our food, our humanity and our history ultimately revealing stories that challenge notions of identity, belonging, and what it means to be American. In the first episode entitled Burritos at the Border Lakshmi takes a journey through El Paso which was once a part of Mexico. Its border location defines the regions identity and the complexity of Americas political landscape. Keeping an open mind, heart, and mouth, Padma eats her way through this border city while discovering the origins of one of Americas most beloved cuisines. Pressing into our shared humanity and using food as our connector, one El Paso customer remarked that its hard to believe that people are going to accept my tortillas before they accept my cousins. Who am I?, asks the James Beard award-winning writer, culinary historian, and educator Michael Twitty in episode four entitled The Gullah Way. In this gripping episode, Twitty describes being just eight generations removed from his ancestorial home in Serone Leone, Africa, his ancestors brought to South Carolina, which was one of the largest markets for enslaved people. Many enslaved Africans were chosen because of their special abilities, and here they were specifically brought to harvest rice (a difficult crop) eventually turning Carolinas swampland into a thriving business for their White masters. Today, hard to believe but the Gullah Geechee people of South Carolina are fighting to preserve the traditions passed down from their West African ancestors. Not afraid of hard work, Lakshmi catches and cracks crab working aside these people who are working towards reclaiming their heritage. Can you feel their energy, Twitty asks earnestly of Lakshmi in which she responds that she does. So did I. So will you. ADVERTISEMENT In each of the ten episodes Burritos at the Border, The All American Weiner, Dont Mind if I Dosa, The Gullah Way, What is Chop Suey Anyway?,Where the Kebob is Hot, The Original Americans, Dancing in Little Lima!, The Pad Thai Gamble and Zen and the Art of Poke Lakshmi, dives into each culture not afraid (at all) to get her hands dirty. To wit in Honolulu, which is deeply influenced by the Japanese culture, she slings fish and rolls sushi while listening to stories on what happened when the Japanese immigrants first docked on Hawaiis shores. As they say in West Africa, if you sit at my table and eat with me, you will know who I am, reminded Michael Twitty. Taste The Nation with Padma Lakshmi executive produced by Padma Lakshmi along with Part2 Pictures David Shadrack Smith and Sarina Roma is inclusive, culturally aware, entertaining, and wonderfully educational. It reminded me of Thomas Kellers quote about our souls connection to food, saying this: A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe. Taste The Nation with Padma Lakshmi episode descriptions: EP 101 Burritos at the Border El Paso was once part of Mexico. Its border location defines the regions identity and the complexity of Americas political landscape. Lakshmi eats her way through this border city while discovering the origins of one of Americas most beloved cuisines. EP 102 The All American Weiner Hot dogs, hamburgers, pretzels Many think these foods are quintessentially American, but their origins are German. In Milwaukee, Padma meets descendants of early German immigrants who hold onto their heritage by celebrating and reclaiming it. EP 103 Dont Mind if I Dosa Lakshmi asks family, friends, and those she admires how they hold onto Indian culture and pass it to the next generation. In NYC, she cooks the dishes that remind her of her original home and tastes Indian foods near her current home. EP 104 The Gullah Way The Gullah Geechee people of South Carolina are fighting to preserve the traditions passed down from their ancestors, West Africans forced into slavery. Lakshmi catches and cracks crab with new friends and old, all working towards reclaiming their heritage. EP 105 What is Chop Suey Anyway? Chinese food is one of the most popular cuisines in the U.S. but the flavors of a vast country have been simplified over time. In San Francisco, Padma explores how Chinese immigrants and Chinese-Americans are broadening our understanding of this cuisine EP 106 Where the Kebob is Hot Lakshmi tastes her way through Los Angeles, sampling one of her favorite cuisines: Persian food. The community opens up about the misconceptions some Americans have about Iranians, one kebab at a time. EP 107 The Original Americans What is the original American cuisine? Lakshmi travels to Arizona to eat food that is indigenous to this land. She tries some surprising dishes and explores how Native Americans seek to reestablish a connection to the past to protect their future. EP 108 Dancing in Little Lima! Peruvian cuisine hasnt quite had its moment on the American food scene, but Lakshmi knows the power of a great bowl of ceviche. She visits Paterson, New Jersey, a Peruvian enclave, for a deeper look at this vibrant culture. EP 109 The Pad Thai Gamble Las Vegas is home to one of the largest groups of Thai immigrants in the country, many of whom were women who came here after marrying American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Lakshmi hears their stories over delicious food Pad Thai is just the start. EP 110 Zen and the Art of Poke Lakshmi dives into Japanese culture, ubiquitous in Honolulu, to understand just how far their cultural footprint reaches. She slings fish and rolls sushi where a century and a half ago Japanese immigrants first docked on Hawaiis shores. By Express News Service KOLKATA: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday sent a letter to West Bengal government and warned that many, who availed flights under Vande Bharat mission and landed at Kolkata airport from overseas, skipped seven-day mandatory quarantine norm and returned home. The MHA asked the state government to ensure seven-day quarantine for all of those returning from other countries in the special flights. According to the norms laid down by the MHA in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic, those willing to avail Vande Bharat flights will have to fill up a form at the source airports stating that they will directly go to quarantine facilities after landing at their destinations. In Kolkata, the state government made arrangements at six hotels near the airport where returnees, who will not prefer to go to the state-run facilities, can pay and spend seven-day quarantine period. On last Tuesday, 168 persons returned to Kolkata from Kuala Lampur and 140 of them went home straight from the airport. Most of the returnees had gone to Malaysia to work as labourers. "They filled up forms before boarding the flight from Kuala Lampur declaring that they would quarantine themselves at private hotels in Kolkata for seven days. But after landing at Kolkata airport, they refused to go to private quarantine centres saying they had no money. When the representatives of the state government asked them to go to the state-run quarantine centres, they refused. The argument continued till 2 am and only 28 of the passengers agreed to go to hotels while the rest left for home from the airport," said an official of Kolkata airport. On June 19, 143 persons returned from Kyrgyzstan and all of them went home. "Most of them were medical students. All of them said they had no money to spend seven days in hotels. But the brands of the cars that arrived from the airport to receive them did not corroborate their money crunch theory," said the official. In the letter, the MHA mentioned three more occasions on June 4, 8 and 10 when returnees went home straight from the airport. On the scheduled day of Vande Bharat flights arrival, officials of the health department and the department of small and medium scale industry present at the airport along with police personnel. "We conduct medical examination of returnees and try to trace whether any of them have Covid-19 symptoms," said a health department official. When asked, an official of small and medium scale industry department which has been assigned to ensure seven-day quarantine of the returnees said, "We are preparing a list of those who skipped quarantine norm and went home. The state government will take steps in this regard." On Thursday, police were seen cordoning off the area outside the airport and none of the relatives was allowed to meet those who returned from foreign countries. Vehicles were kept ready and returnees had no option to go on his own as a special corridor was in place using guard-railings that leads to state governments vehicles from the airport exit. Two terrorists were killed by security forces in an encounter in Sopore area of Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday (June 25) morning. A Jammu and Kashmir police officer said that an operation was launched on Wednesday night after receicing a credible input about the presence of terrorists in the area. He added that contact was established with terrorists on Thursday morning. A joint team of Police, 22 RR and CRPF launched a cordon-and-search-operation in Hardshiva. As the joint team tightened the cordon near the suspected hideout of terrorists thet started firing on the security forces. The fire was retaliated by the joint team, triggering off an encounter, said a police officer. A total of 108 terrorists have been eliminated by security forces in Kashmir in 2020 so far and most of these terrorists were killed in South Kashmir. After launching several successful operations in South Kashmir, forces have now shifted their focus North Kashmir. Sources said that over 100 terrorists are active in the region and most of them are foreigners. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) On both sides of the world's most heavily armed border Thursday, solemn ceremonies will mark the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of a war that killed and injured millions, left large parts of the Korean Peninsula in rubble and technically still continues. This anniversary may be especially bitter for South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who'd hoped that an unprecedented swirl of engagement and diplomacy between the rivals over the last two years could fundamentally change their relationship. Amid renewed threats of violence from Pyongyang, Moon's ambitious engagement plans are fading fast. North Korea has shown mixed signals in recent days. In a fit of symbolic rage, it blew up an empty liaison office with the South last week. But this week it appeared to shift speed by suspending purported plans to take unspecified retaliatory action against South Korea. Whatever the North's intentions, the promising flurry of diplomacy that saw North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meet multiple times with U.S., Chinese and South Korean leaders in a high-stakes play to settle a disarmament-for-aid deal has been replaced by a revival of ideological warfare. Seoul is now desperate to prevent relations from spiraling into crisis but also seems short on ideas on how to do so. North Korea over the past week has threatened to abandon a military agreement aimed at reducing tensions, and censured the South over lack of progress in bilateral cooperation and for failing to stop activists from floating anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. The Norths recent steps follow months of frustration over Seouls unwillingness to defy U.S.-led sanctions over its nuclear weapons program and resume inter-Korean economic projects. Moon has proposed joint anti-virus efforts against COVID-19 and offered to send humanitarian aid, but that's unlikely to satisfy Kim as he struggles to keep afloat an economy crippled by sanctions and a pandemic that has hampered exchanges with China, the Norths main ally and economic lifeline. Story continues The North may want a South Korean commitment to resume operations at a shuttered jointly-run factory park in the North Korean border city of Kaesong, which was where the liaison office was located, or to restart South Korean tours to the Norths Diamond Mountain resort. But Seoul can't take such steps without rattling the international sanctions regime against the North and hurting the South Korean alliance with Washington, which has stuck to a hard line. South Korea doesnt have many options, said Nam Sung-wook, a professor at the Souths Korea University who formerly headed a think tank affiliated with Seouls main spy agency. We are the same Korean people but also (war) enemies. Achieving reconciliation and cooperation between the Koreas is not as easy as you might think. Moon, the son of North Korean war refugees who preaches that the South should lead international efforts to deal with the North, had been credited with coordinating a diplomatic push to settle the nuclear standoff. His envoys shuttled between Pyongyang and Washington to help set up the first meeting between Kim and President Donald Trump in Singapore in June 2018. But he has faced criticism of over-optimistically misreading Pyongyang's signals. Seoul ran into credibility problems once it became clear, during negotiations, that Kim had no intention of easily dealing away the nukes he likely sees as his strongest guarantee of survival. While Moon insisted that progress in inter-Korean relations could help create nuclear breakthroughs between Pyongyang and Washington, the North doesnt seem to see much value in Seoul if the South fails to squeeze concessions from Washington on Pyongyang's behalf. It remains to be seen whether Kims decision this week to reverse his purported decision on an unspecified military action affects the Norths plan to resume propaganda warfare. If Kim does opt for military action, it may be a resumption of military exercises or an order to have vessels deliberately cross the disputed western maritime border between the Koreas, which has seen bloody skirmishes in the past. However, any action is likely to be measured in a way to avoid a full-scale retaliation by the U.S. and South Korean militaries. Condemning Seoul over North Korean refugees in the South floating anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border, the North said Monday it printed 12 million of its own propaganda leaflets to be dropped over the South in what would be its largest ever anti-Seoul leafleting campaign. The North has a history of escalating provocations before pulling away from the brink and offering diplomacy aimed at extracting concessions from the South. A provocative run of nuclear and missile tests in 2017 saw Kim and Trump exchange crude insults and threats of nuclear annihilation. Tensions eased after Kim used the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea to initiate diplomacy with Moon and Trump. The Korean leaders met three times that year and issued vague pledges for a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula without describing when and how it would occur. They also vowed to restart South Korean tours to Diamond Mountain and operations at the Kaesong factory park when possible, expressing hope that sanctions would end. Those projects remain shelved amid stalled negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang, which began to implode after the second Kim-Trump meeting last year in Vietnam, where the Americans rejected North Koreas demands for major sanctions relief in exchange for a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities. It would require major concessions for Moons government to save its diplomacy with the North, said Hong Min, an analyst at Seouls Korea Institute for National Unification. Suspending South Koreas summertime military exercises with the United States and legally punishing anti-Pyongyang activists for leafleting, which will trigger freedom of speech debates in the South, would barely get the North interested. Others question whether the recent diplomacy is worth saving amid fading denuclearization prospects. South Korea needs to quickly shift its focus from developing inter-Korean relations to managing inter-Korean hostilities, said Cheong Seong-Chang, an analyst at South Koreas Sejong Institute. If North Korea takes a hard swing (at the South), we should also sternly respond to make them realize they suffer too when inter-Korean relations turn hostile. With the Kentucky Derby moving to Sept. 5, Los Alamitos will have two Kentucky Derby prep races for the first time this year. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) Los Alamitos, which steps in to fill holes in the near year-long Southern California horse racing schedule, picks up as usual with a two-week season starting Friday, although no spectators will be allowed. It will run three days this week and four days next week before the meet closes July 5. Next Thursday will mark the first time since Dec. 12, 2019, that live racing was held in Southern California on that day. The card was also held at Los Alamitos. Racing has mostly been three days a week, unless there is a holiday Monday card. Del Mar opens July 10 and will run three days a week plus Labor Day. Most trainers will send the majority of their horses directly to stable at Del Mar starting today at 9 p.m. and over the next few days. Horses will be allowed to work on the track starting Sunday morning. Because the Kentucky Derby was moved to Sept. 5, Los Alamitos will have two Kentucky Derby prep races for the first time this year. The Grade 3 $150,000 Los Alamitos Derby on July 4 is a lower level prep race worth 20-8-4-2 points. It would join the Los Alamitos Futurity in December, which would be qualifying for next years Kentucky Derby. There is an additional stakes July 4 with the Grade 2 $200,000 Great Lady M. Stakes for fillies and mares. The remaining stakes race in the seven-day meeting is Saturday with the $100,000 Soi Phet for Cal-breds 3 and older going a mile. The race, formerly known as the Bertrando Stakes, was named for Soi Phet, who retired from racing last year at 11. He won the race four times. Post every day is 1 p.m. Enable institutions to meet international students' needs for flexible payment options Make tuition costs more manageable for students and families facing financial hardship Available to institutions worldwide with large populations of international students BOSTON, June 25, 2020, a high-growth vertical payments company, announced new enhancements to its market-leading digital education platform that help improve tuition affordability. Flywire's new international payment plan options empower institutions worldwide to provide students more flexible funding options to help them better manage their education expenses during a period of unique financial constraint. As part of Flywire's comprehensive receivables solution, this functionality builds on Flywire's existing offerings and is customized to meet the needs of institutions around the world with a high ratio of foreign students.[1] International students are significant cultural, academic and financial contributors to the global knowledge economy. The U.S. alone hosted more than one million international students during the 2018/2019 academic year, and they contributed nearly $41 billion to the economy, according to IEE and NAFSA. As the middle class grows in emerging regions like Asia and Latin America, universities are attracting international students from broad socio-economic profiles who face the same financial pressures that so many domestic students do when it comes to paying for higher education. Due to the ongoing rise in education costs, many foreign students cannot afford to pay their tuition and fees in full upfront prior to starting or returning to school. COVID-19 is exacerbating this affordability crisis, placing unprecedented financial strain on students, many of whom remain on campus due to the high cost of returning home at the outset of the pandemic. As more institutions plan to reopen for the 2020-2021 academic year, foreign students' re-enrollments are jeopardized by their inability to pay their education costs. Flywire's international payment plan options address the needs of students and families to make education costs more manageable with capabilities that include: Preferred payment options: Institutions may offer their international students or authorized users payment plans with the ability to pay their tuition and fees using their preferred payment method each time through Flywire's vast global payment network. Each institution has the ability to decide the payment methods to offer based on student demand. Institutions may offer their international students or authorized users payment plans with the ability to pay their tuition and fees using their preferred payment method each time through Flywire's vast global payment network. Each institution has the ability to decide the payment methods to offer based on student demand. Flexibility of choice: International students or authorized users have the option to switch back and forth between payment methods each month as needed based on exchange rates or other financial considerations. For instance, if they pay via an international bank transfer the first month, they can change to a card payment the following month. International students or authorized users have the option to switch back and forth between payment methods each month as needed based on exchange rates or other financial considerations. For instance, if they pay via an international bank transfer the first month, they can change to a card payment the following month. Personalized installment options: To help students and families quickly adapt to unplanned scenarios, such as COVID-19, Flywire gives institutions the ability to customize plan terms and payment options, such as offering temporary lower installments as well as the ability to pause plans to better support unique financial situations. "When COVID-19 hit, we heard from many of our higher education clients about the new financial burdens their international students faced, and how this might jeopardize their re-enrollment," said Sharon Butler, EVP of Education, Flywire. "Flywire's international payment plans, which will now be available to universities around the world, are critical to allowing students to pay on a schedule and in the method that works best for them, so they can resume their studies on time and without further distraction." Resources Flywire is leading a campaign to help international students obtain and extend visas so they can safely return to the U.S. to study, in accordance with public health guidelines. To support international students in light of COVID-19, please sign our petition: Save Overseas Studies (https://www.change.org/p/everyone-sos-save-overseas-studies). Flywire developed a framework to help institutions drive enrollment for the 2020-2021 academic year. To glean insights, please visit: Planning with Confidence in the COVID-19 Era (https://flywire.drift.click/planning-with-confidence). To learn more about Flywire's payment plan options for higher education, visit: Flywire Education (https://www.flywire.com/industries/education). About Flywire Flywire is a high-growth vertical payments company trusted by organizations around the world to deliver on their customers' most important moments. Unlike other companies, Flywire is proven to solve vertical-specific payment and receivables problems for organizations that deliver high-value services. Whether in education, healthcare, travel or technology, Flywire has vertical-specific insight and technology that allows organizations to optimize the payment experience for their customers while eliminating operational challenges. To date Flywire has processed over $16 billion in total payments volume for over 2,000 clients around the world. The company is headquartered in Boston, MA, USA and has offices around the world. For more information, visit www.flywire.com . Follow Flywire on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook . [1]The availability of our products and services, and our product and service descriptions, will vary subject to applicable law and geographic location. The implementation scope and timing of international payment plans varies by geographic location. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange attempted to recruit hackers at conferences in Europe and Asia who could have stolen info for his anti-secrecy site, states DoJ. US Department of Justice claims Julian Assange tried to recruit hackers at conferences in Europe and Asia to steal classified information on his behalf and that could have been published on his anti-secrecy website. According to the authorities, one of the hackers was an FBI informant. The US Department of Justice has filed a superseding indictment against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, it does not contain additional charges beyond the 18 counts unsealed last year by DoJ. The new indictment does not add additional counts to the prior 18-count superseding indictment returned against Assange in May 2019. It does, however, broaden the scope of the conspiracy surrounding alleged computer intrusions with which Assange was previously charged. DoJ said in a press release. According to the charging document, Assange and others at WikiLeaks recruited and agreed with hackers to commit computer intrusions to benefit WikiLeaks. The indictment broadens the original charges to include more serious accusations against Assange. According to the DoJ, the WikiLeaks founder conspired and tried to recruit Anonymous and LulzSec hacker to steal confidential and secret data on his behalf. In 2010, Assange gained unauthorized access to a government computer system of a NATO country and years later he contacted s LulzSec leader who was working for the FBI and provided him a list of targets. In 2010, Assange gained unauthorized access to a government computer system of a NATO country. In 2012, Assange communicated directly with a leader of the hacking group LulzSec (who by then was cooperating with the FBI), and provided a list of targets for LulzSec to hack. With respect to one target, Assange asked the LulzSec leader to look for (and provide to WikiLeaks) mail and documents, databases and pdfs. In another communication, Assange told the LulzSec leader that the most impactful release of hacked materials would be from the CIA, NSA, or the New York Times. WikiLeaks obtained and published emails from a data breach committed against an American intelligence consulting company by an Anonymous and LulzSec-affiliated hacker. According to that hacker, Assange indirectly asked him to spam that victim company again. states DoJ. In addition, the broadened hacking conspiracy continues to allege that Assange conspired with Army Intelligence Analyst Chelsea Manning to crack a password hash to a classified U.S. Department of Defense computer. The US authorities also accuse Assange of having conspired with Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to crack a password hash for an Army computer to access classified documents that were later published on the WikiLeaks website. In April 2019, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been arrested at the Ecuadorian Embassy in London after Ecuador withdrew asylum after seven years. In 2012 a British judge ruled WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange should be extradited to Sweden to face allegations of sexual assault there, but Assange received political asylum from Ecuador and spent the last years in its London embassy. In May 2019, the WikiLeaks founder has been sentenced to 50 weeks in prison for breaching his bail conditions in 2012 and finding asylum into Ecuadors London embassy for more than seven years. A few weeks later, the United States Department of Justice charged Assange with 18 counts on the alleged violation of the Espionage Act. Assange is currently detained in the United Kingdom on an extradition request from the United States. Assanges extradition to the United States is being handled by the Department of Justices Office of International Affairs and UK authorities, including the Home Office and the Crown Prosecution Service for England and Wales. concludes the DoJ. Pierluigi Paganini (SecurityAffairs Assange, Wikileaks) Share this... Linkedin Share this: Twitter Print LinkedIn Facebook More Tumblr Pocket Share On Healthy veterans sitting near neighbors showing COVID-19 symptoms. A nurse admonished for wearing a face mask while treating a sick veteran. And a superintendent with no clinical care experience who was not present when middle management made a fatal error and combined two units full of residents. This is the picture painted by a 174-page report published Wednesday examining the response to the Holyoke Soldiers Homes COVID-19 outbreak that began in March. The results of the probe, led by attorney and former federal prosecutor Mark W. Pearlstein, describes tensions between former Soldiers Home leadership and state officials, questionable hires, high turnover and internal clashes over personal protective equipment and care as the coronavirus spread at the facility. The Pearlstein report documents in excruciating detail a lack of leadership at the Holyoke Soldiers Home, Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders said after the report was released Wednesday afternoon. Superintendent Bennett Walsh, who was placed on administrative leave on March 30 and fired Wednesday, said the report is filled with misrepresentations that he didnt get a chance to refute. Pearlstein and a team of investigators conducted 111 interviews over the past three months, reviewing more than 17,000 documents. Here are six takeaways from the report, which details the catastrophic and utterly baffling decisions made during a COVID-19 outbreak that claimed the lives of 76 veteran residents and infected dozens of others. Soldiers Home slow to test, isolate The first veteran, referred to as Veteran 1 in the report, was tested on March 17 after showing COVID-19 symptoms beginning in late February and testing negative for the flu. Soldiers Home managers waited to test other residents in the same unit who started showing symptoms until Veteran 1s results returned. His results came back positive four days later. Testing guidelines at the time authorized testing only of suspected COVID-19 cases, but the report states that leadership shouldnt have held off on testing other residents. There is no justification for this delay, particularly where Dr. Clinton had concluded earlier at the time Veteran 1 was tested on March 17 that the whole unit had likely been exposed to COVID-19, the report states, referring to Dr. David Clinton, the facilitys former medical director. Instead, this delay appears to be additional evidence of the leadership teams failure to confront the reality that a number of the veterans at the Home were likely infected with COVID-19. Other veterans who tested positive for COVID-19 were kept in their units instead of being isolated. It wasnt for lack of space: the Soldiers Home has negative-pressure isolation rooms that it has used, and staff later emptied a hospice unit to convert it into an isolation space. According to the report, the rooms were never used. The single worst mistake came in late March when managers combined two locked dementia units, squeezing 40 veterans into a space designed for 25 people. Some were healthy, while others lay dying from complications related to the coronavirus. Chief Nursing Officer Vanessa Lauziere announced the move in a staff meeting. When a social worker asked about the risk of spreading COVID-19, Lauziere reportedly said it didnt matter because [the veterans] were all exposed anyway and there was not enough staff to cover both units. Clinton, the medical director, said he was not involved in or consulted on the decision and that he disagreed with it. The report states, We find this not to be credible, and at the very least, that Dr. Clinton was aware (or should have been aware) of the move and did nothing to stop it. Terrifying detail in the Holyoke Soldiers Home report. When a social worker raised concerns about combining two locked dimentia units, squeezing 40 ppl with mixed COVID-19 statuses into a room meant for 25, an official said it didnt matter because they were exposed, per report. pic.twitter.com/mT0cI33hXt Steph Solis (@stephmsolis) June 24, 2020 Walsh wasnt at the meeting. According to the report, Walsh was home caring for his wife, who was recovering after being treated for a serious illness. Walsh said he was advised of the decision in a short phone call and did nothing to determine whether it was the right move, the report states. Clinton, who told trustees in May that he would resign as soon as a replacement could be found, told investigators that he assumed the whole unit should be considered contaminated because Veteran 1 had walked around the unit. If in a long-term care facility with a capacity for 248 veterans, there were a staff shortage that made it impossible to comply with public health guidance and isolate one veteran, this would have been the time for Mr. Walsh and his team to sound the alarm and seek more staff, the report states. They did not do so until much later. A sign outside the Holyoke Soldiers Home on May 1, 2020.Greg Saulmon / The Republican Staffing shortages preceded COVID-19 For years, Walshs predecessor and other officials have raised concerns about low staffing levels and state funding disparities between Holyoke Soldiers Home and the Chelsea Soldiers Home. In fiscal 2014, the Holyoke facility received $6.8 million less than Chelsea even though the facility had 100 more beds filled than its Eastern Massachusetts counterpart. The report attributes at least $2.6 million of that gap to salary. Paul Barabani, Walshs predecessor, had no health background he spent 32 years in the military but relied on the expertise of those around him to understand the facilitys needs. He convinced state legislators in a meeting to increase funding for the Holyoke facility, according to the report. Barabani said his advocacy came at a price. He told investigators he was placed on a gag order by the Department of Veterans Services under Secretary Coleman Nee. In 2015, the Baker administration announced a hiring freeze and an Early Retirement Incentive Program across state government. Barabani said that program dealt a blow to the Soldiers Home staff: the facility lost 46 employees, including the chief social worker, the chief nursing officer and 28 other nurses. Barabani, who grew frustrated, announced his resignation later that year. Cheryl Poppe, the superintendent of the Chelsea Soldiers Home, served as interim director in Holyoke before Walsh was appointed. Poppe took stock of staffing issues: the lack of a superintendent and a deputy superintendent, the new chief financial officer and facilities director, the sudden death of the nursing director and the lack of full-time doctors on site. Staffing troubles continued after Walsh became superintendent, according to the report. While those positions were filled, one analysis cited heavy turnover at the facility. Another researcher said workers reported feeling overwhelmed and bullied by management, according to the report. One issue workers raised was the use of mandation, where workers assigned to one shift would be forced to stay through the end of the second shift if no one else was available. The researcher described practice as deeply unpopular and disruptive and noted it is rarely used at the Chelsea facility. The facility was short-staffed when Lauziere decided to combine the two dementia units in March. She said 40 clinical care workers had called out and refused to work, according to the report. Workers floated across units, struggled with PPE A disciplinary letter sent to Kwesi Ablordeppey on March 20 calls him disruptive and inappropriate. The reason? The certified nursing assistant wore a face mask while treating a patient who was vomiting and had diarrhea in mid-March, according to the report. Both are symptoms of COVID-19. Your actions are disruptive, extremely inappropriate and have caused unnecessary resources to be deployed that may be needed in the future. Your behavior unnecessarily disrupted and alarmed staff, the report states. We expect more from you as a seasoned employee of the Soldiers Home and perceived leader. The report says this incident is a clear example of managers discouraging the use of face masks, even after state guidance was issued encouraging staff wear face masks around sick residents. Vanessa Gosselin, an infection control nurse at the Soldiers Home, hid surgical masks from the floors in early March, according to the report, which says the masks didnt reappear after the states guidance was sent out. When staffers asked about the hidden masks on March 13, two days after the state guidance was issued, Gosselin said employees have to ask her or another supervisor for a mask, according to the report. Staff members started bringing in masks from home. While the managers tried to conserve their supplies in Holyoke, Walsh authorized sending a box of 60 N95 masks to the Chelsea Soldiers Home. According to the report, Walsh told Veterans Services Secretary Francisco Urena who resigned this week ahead of the reports release that he had been keeping the same staff on the same unit since mid-March. But staff members, including Ablordeppey, said they were floated from one unit to the next. Eighty-three employees tested positive after the outbreak in the Holyoke facility. In the months since the COVID-19 outbreak, employees at the facility have been retested. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services says all are clinically recovered. Bennett Walsh speaks at a 9/11 ceremony in September 2019. (Don Treeger / The Republican) Walsh, lacking clinical experience, was an outside man Urena told investigators that over the years he and Sudders worried Walsh wasnt spending enough time at the facility. Urena said Walshs schedule would be inundated with free lunches and ways of promoting the Home. Urena also recalled that former Deputy Superintendent John Crotty, who resigned in June 2019 after clashes with Walsh and another official, said Walsh considered himself the outside man and considered Crotty to be the inside man at the Soldiers Home. Before 2016, Walsh had never worked in a clinical setting. The Springfield native, a decorated Marine Corps combat veteran, was seeking a position in management and security consulting. He applied for a job at MGM Springfield before vying for the superintendent role at the Soldiers Home, according to the report. Walsh told investigators John Velis, a state representative who became a state senator after a special election in May, reached out to him about a job posting for the Soldiers Home and told him clinical experience wasnt required. Velis refuted the account in Pearlsteins report. While the new senator conceded he met with Walsh before he was hired, Velis said it was Walsh who reached out through a constituent. He agreed to meet for a coffee. It was one coffee at a Friendlys restaurant in Westfield. I couldnt have reached out to Bennett Walsh because I didnt even know Bennett Walsh at the time, the Westfield Democrat said in an interview with The Republican / MassLive. He had been a Marine all over the world, and I was a new state representative. We had a coffee, and I walked away from the meeting being impressed with his military career and thinking he seemed like a really, really nice guy. Velis, also a veteran, said he merely told Walsh the prior two administrators had no clinical background. I just said that it wasnt mandatory, based on the track record at the Soldiers Home. I did suggest that his deputy director should have a clinical background and thats exactly what happened. John Crotty was hired, Velis said, referring to the onetime deputy director with a nursing background who served under Walsh until June 2019. Walsh was appointed in 2016 with overwhelming support from the Board of Trustees. He was paid $122,299 last year, according to state payroll records. Investigators heard some staff members say Walsh was passionate about veterans, while others characterized his leadership style as one rife with bullying and retaliation. Walshs attorney, William M. Bennett, released a statement late Wednesday in response to the Pearlstein report, saying it was filled with inaccuracies he didnt get to respond to before its release. We are also disappointed that the report contains many baseless accusations that are immaterial to the issues under consideration, said Bennett, Walshs uncle and the former Hampden County district attorney. We are reviewing the report and will have more to say in the days ahead. Health and Human Secretary Marylou Sudders discusses the Pearlstein report on the Holyoke Soldiers' Home's COVID-19 outbreak. Gov. Charlie Baker held a State House news conference Wednesday to discuss a report on the deaths of at least 76 veterans with COVID-19 at the Soldiers' Home.Sam Doran/State House News Servi State officials struggled to communicate with Walsh Several state officials said they had trouble working with Walsh, from Urena to Human Services Undersecretary Catherine Mick. The report states that Walsh sought to control the flow of information he once asked Sudders to bar Urena from visiting the Soldiers Home without giving him prior notice and that information he shared was inaccurate or incomplete, especially in the response to the COVID-19 outbreak. After the first veteran was tested, Walsh notified state officials and requested the National Guard to go to the Soldiers Home two days before Sudders made the same request. Walsh said he was denied at the time. Yet state officials interviewed in the Pearlstein investigation say the Soldiers Home leadership painted the picture of a stable situation. The miscommunications are laid bare in the reports timeline of March 29, as Sudders juggled phone calls with the governor, other state officials and the Soldiers Home managers. It was Gov. Charlie Baker who informed Sudders that the death toll had climbed to eight. Baker learned from Holyoke Mayor Alex B. Morse, who made his concerns public after his inquiries about the COVID-19 outbreak went mostly unanswered. Sudders had heard about two deaths from Daniel Tsai, who became acting secretary after Sudders was tapped to lead the COVID-19 command center. Tsai relied on information from Executive Office of Health and Human Services officials who were in contact with Walsh. Urena, who was in direct contact with Walsh, said the superintendent told him there were four deaths. At 9 p.m. on the night of March 29, Urena texted Walsh asking if Holyoke had eight deaths. He asked Walsh to hop on a conference call with EOHHS. According to the report, Walsh replied, Is this because of the mayor of Holyoke. I hope not. During a tense conference call, Sudders asked Walsh to explain how the death toll dramatically rose. She asked for the accurate numbers. Walsh hesitated and then said eight. Urena said Walsh reported four deaths earlier that day. The report states, Mr. Walsh tried to explain that the Soldiers Home was not counting deaths of pending cases in its reporting, but Secretary Sudders shut down this conversation. Sudders asked Lauziere, the chief nursing officer, for the numbers. Lauziere put the group on hold for a few minutes and eventually confirmed there were eight deaths. Sudders reprimanded Walsh, expressing her outrage and disappointment, according to the report. She left the conference call to tell the governor what she learned. Francisco A. Urena, secretary of the state's Department of Veterans Services, speaks at a 2017 event in Agawam.File photo / Frederick J. Gore, Special to The Republican Failures extended to the executive branch Its not just Walsh and Lauziere who come under scrutiny in the Pearlstein report. The Baker administration failed to oversee Walsh and address key job vacancies, it says. The Executive Office of Veteran Services never filled a vacancy for executive director of Veterans Services, a position created in 2016, according to the report. Urena said the Legislature never funded the position. The report notes that the Soldiers Homes annual reports to the Legislature show no mention that the role was unfunded and unfilled. The Soldiers Home also went nearly a year without a deputy secretary after Crottys departure. David Laplante was appointed deputy superintendent by the Board of Trustees, despite criticisms from Walsh, but he didnt appear to start until March 30 the day Walsh was placed on administrative leave. Laplante quit several weeks later. Urena resigned after a meeting with Sudders. Baker and Sudders said introduced a series of reforms on Thursday, including changes to the hiring process at the Soldiers Home, new qualifications for the superintendent, a permanent schedule and plans to improve labor relations. The Republicans Stephanie Barry contributed to this report. Related Content: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern continues to hold a sizable lead over the opposition ahead of an election in September, though recent bungles at the border may have eroded some of her support, a new poll shows. Arderns Labour Party was on 50% in a 1News/Colmar Brunton poll published Thursday in Wellington, down from 59% in the same survey just over a month ago. The main opposition National Party was on 38%, up from 29%, after it changed its leader. The election will be held Sept. 19. Arderns support may have been hurt by recent revelations that New Zealands border controls have been too lax, allowing two women with Covid-19 to exit quarantine early to attend a family funeral without being tested. Nationals change of leader to Todd Muller from Simon Bridges is also helping to rekindle its support. Still, if the poll results were replicated on election night Arderns party could govern alone. That is an unlikely outcome in New Zealands proportional representation electoral system, which lends itself to coalition governments. Labours current coalition partner New Zealand First was on 2%, well below the 5% required to return to parliament. However, its ally the Green Party was on 6%, giving the center-left a robust margin over the center-right. The poll was conducted June 20-24 and had a margin of error of 3.1%. Ekiti state governor, Kayode Fayemi has accused the special adviser to the president on political matters, Babafemi Ojudu of being behind the report of his failed mission to the presidential Villa on Wednesday. According to the report, Fayemi had gone to the presidential villa to win president Muhammadu Buhari over for Victor Gaidom, the deputy national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The report claimed that the visit was futile as the duo couldnt see Buhari despite spirited attempts. However, shortly after the report, Buhari backed Gaidom as the acting national chairman of the party. Advertisement Read Also: Fayemis Failed Mission To Villa With Giadom Fayemi speaking via a statement by his spokesman, Yinka Oyebode, accused Ojudu of sponsoring the report so as to tarnish his image. Statement below, The attention of the general public is being drawn to a misleading publication with headline Fayemis failed mission to Villa with Giadom, published in the online edition on Wednesday, June 24th, 2020, the statement read. The falsehood, we gathered reliably, was fabricated by a senior aide of the Presidency and a former Senator, Babafemi Ojudu, and planted in The Nation Newspaper, after it was rejected by some State House Correspondents, who rebuffed the former Senator for the misleading and malicious story. It is on record that Senator Ojudu, in his desperate bid to rubbish Governor Fayemi, had told his close associates that he would battle Governor Fayemi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) with falsehood and cheap blackmail in his nefarious attempt to destabilize APC in Ekiti State. For the purpose of clarity, it is important to state that the Nations report was clearly a misleading one designed to cast aspersion on the person of Governor Fayemi and create an impression that the NGF Chairman is an unwanted visitor at the Villa. The largely unsubstantiated report was filled with bile, childish and unexplainable fury that signified nothing, just like a tale fit only for the tabloids. In setting the record straight, we hereby state unequivocally that Governor Fayemi had no plan nor reason to see Mr President on Tuesday late afternoon as maliciously presented in the Nations report. The Governor, had earlier seen Mr President at noon in company of three of his colleagues Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Governor Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Governor Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa). Also present at that meeting were the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari and Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. Governor Fayemi was in the villa later in the afternoon to see the COS and State Chief of Protocol (SCOP). The Ekiti State Governor was never denied any opportunity to see President Buhari as he did not ask to see the President and neither did he go with Chief Giadom. Governor Fayemis position on the APC crisis has been to consistently subsume his views in the position of the Progressives Governors Forum as expressed by the Chairman. He has not spoken on the party crisis in any public forum but continue to urge all members and lovers of the party to exercise restraint and support the leader of the party, President Mohammadu Buhari and other leaders desirous of resolution to give peace a chance. Ojudu neither responded to calls nor replied text messages sent to him as of the time this report was filed. Meanwhile, Buhari will attend the national executive committee (NEC) meeting of the APC which Giadom fixed for Thursday. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 09:54:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ROME, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Lazio's chase for the Serie A title was dealt a blow on Wednesday as they suffered a 3-2 away defeat to Atalanta. The Biancocelesti had created an all-time club record with a 21-game unbeaten run to sit just one point behind leaders Juventus before the 27th round of matches. Lazio surged into a 2-0 lead after just 11 minutes thanks to an own goal from Marten de Roon and a rocket from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. However, Atalanta, who have scored the most goals in the current Serie A season, fought back later on, as Robin Gosens, Ruslan Malinovskyi and Jose Luis Palomino scored to help the home side claim a strong comeback win. The defeat, coupled with Juventus's victory on Monday, extended Lazio's gap to the Bianconeri to four points. Third-placed Inter Milan's Scudetto hopes were also dealt a blow after they were held to a 3-3 draw with Sassuolo. With the two sides deadlocked at 2-2 after 85 minutes, Borja Valero's tap-in at the back post helped the Nerazzurri restore their lead, only for Giangiacomo Magnani to equalize three minutes later. Inter Milan ended the match with ten men as defender Milan Skriniar collected a second yellow card in the dying minutes. Inter now trail Juventus by eight points. In the day's other fixture, Edin Dzeko bagged a brace, helping Roma come from behind to beat Sampdoria 2-1. Enditem RTHK: Huawei gets go ahead for US$1.2bn UK centre Huawei said Thursday it will invest US$1.2 billion in a chip research and manufacturing centre in Britain that has been strongly opposed by the United States. The privately-held Chinese technology giant said it received planning permission in Cambridge, eastern England, to erect a 50,000 square metre compound over 3.6 hectares. "Ultimately, we want to help enshrine the UK's leading position in optoelectronics and promote UK tech on a global scale," Huawei said in a company statement. The announcement comes in the middle of a UK government review of its contested decision to plug the firm's technology into Britain's speedy 5G data network. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing growing pressure from his own Conservative party to reassess Britain's entire range of relations with China. US officials argue that Huawei could spy on Western communications or simply shut down the UK network under orders from Beijing a charge the company furiously denies. British security agencies are more worried that some of Huawei's equipment has vulnerabilities that could be potentially exploited by nefarious state actors and hackers. Huawei's position has been complicated further by the US administration's decision to roll out a new wave of sanctions aimed at crippling the company's production of the chips used in 5G. The firm said its new centre in central England would not manufacture anything liable to US sanctions. It said the project would create 400 local jobs a promise that the local planning authority took into account when it gave Huawei the formal go-ahead. "In considering this application, the council can only consider the planning merits of the proposals and not the proposed occupier and user," Greater Cambridge planning service member Chris Carter said. (AFP) This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - President Donald Trumps plans to kick off Independence Day with a showy display at Mount Rushmore have angered Native Americans, who view the monument as a desecration of land violently stolen from them and used to pay homage to leaders hostile to Indigenous people. Several groups led by Native American activists are planning protests for Trumps July 3 visit, part of Trumps comeback campaign for a nation reeling from sickness, unemployment and, recently, social unrest. The event is slated to include fighter jets thundering over the 79-year-old stone monument in South Dakotas Black Hills and the first fireworks display at the site since 2009. But it comes amid a national reckoning over racism and a reconsideration of the symbolism of monuments around the globe. Many Native American activists say the Rushmore memorial is as reprehensible as the many Confederate monuments being toppled around the nation. Mount Rushmore is a symbol of white supremacy, of structural racism thats still alive and well in society today, said Nick Tilsen, a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe and the president of a local activist organization called NDN Collective. Its an injustice to actively steal Indigenous peoples land, then carve the white faces of the colonizers who committed genocide. While some activists, like Tilsen, want to see the monument removed and the Black Hills returned to the Lakota, others have called for a share in the economic benefits from the region. Trump has long shown a fascination with Mount Rushmore. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said in 2018 that he once told her straight-faced that it was his dream to have his face carved into the monument. He later joked at a campaign rally about getting enshrined alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. And while it was Noem, a Republican, who pushed for a return of fireworks on the eve of Independence Day, Trump committed to visiting South Dakota for the celebration. Some wildfire experts have raised concerns the pyrotechnics could spark fires, especially because the region has seen dry weather this year. Firefighters called in crews from two other states to help Thursday as a blaze consumed approximately 150 acres (61 hectares) about 6 miles (10 kilometres) south of the monument. The four faces, carved into the mountain with dynamite and drills, are known as the shrine to democracy. The presidents were chosen by sculptor Gutzon Borglum for their leadership during four phases of American development: Washington led the birth of the nation; Jefferson sparked its westward expansion; Lincoln preserved the union and emancipated slaves; Roosevelt championed industrial innovation. And yet, for many Native American people, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, Omaha, Arapaho, Kiowa and Kiowa-Apache, the monument is a desecration to the Black Hills, which they consider sacred. Lakota people know the area as Paha Sapa the heart of everything that is. As monuments to Confederate and Colonial leaders have been removed nationwide, some conservatives have expressed fear that Mount Rushmore could be next. Commentator Ben Shapiro this week suggested that the woke historical revisionist priesthood wanted to blow up the monument. Noem responded by tweeting, Not on my watch. The governor told Fox News on Wednesday, These men have flaws, obviously every leader has flaws, but were missing the opportunity we have in this discussion to talk about the virtues and what they brought to this country, and the fact that this is the foundation that were built on and the heritage we should be carrying forward. Tim Giago, a journalist who is a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe, said he doesnt see four great American leaders when he looks at the monument; he sees four white men who either made racist remarks or initiated actions that removed Native Americans from their land. Washington and Jefferson held slaves. Lincoln, though he led the abolition of slavery, approved the hanging of 38 Dakota men in Minnesota after a violent conflict with white settlers there. Roosevelt is reported to have said, I dont go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of every 10 are ... The monument has long been a Rorschach test, said John Taliaferro, author of Great White Fathers, a history of the monument. All sorts of people can go there and see it in different ways. The monument often starts conversations on the paradox of American democracy that a republic that promoted the ideals of freedom, determination and innovation also enslaved people and drove others from their land, he said. If were having this discussion today about what American democracy is, Mount Rushmore is really serving its purpose because that conversation goes on there, he said. Is it fragile? Is it permanent? Is it cracking somewhat? The monument was conceived in the 1920s as a tourist draw for the new fad in vacationing called the road trip. South Dakota historian Doane Robinson recruited Borglum to abandon his work creating the Stone Mountain Confederate Memorial in Georgia, which was to feature Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and Stonewall Jackson. Borglum was a member of the Ku Klux Klan, according to Mount Rushmore historian and writer Tom Griffith. Borglum joined the Klan to raise money for the Confederate memorial, and Griffith argues his allegiance was more practical than ideological. Native American activists have long staged protests at the site to raise awareness of the history of the Black Hills, which were seized despite treaties with the United States protecting the land. Fifty years ago, a group of activists associated with an organization called United Native Americans climbed to the top of the monument and occupied it. Quanah Brightman, who now runs United Native Americans, said the activism in the 1970s grew out of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. He hopes a similar movement for Native Americans comes from the Black Lives Matter movement. What people find here is the story of America its multidimensional, its complex, Griffith said. Its important to understand it was people just trying to do right as best they knew it then. The White House declined to comment. Advertisement An annual Milky Way photography competition has unveiled 25 spectacular images showing off our galaxy in incredible rarely-seen detail. The stunning photographs, released by travel photography blog Capture The Atlas, show the stars beautifully framing trees, tents and even a monastery. The astonishing shots have been nominated for the website's annual Milky Way photographer of the year compilation, held each June to coincide with the peak of the Milky Way season. The images range from all over the world, including the Spanish mountains, a national park in Namibia, a salt lake in Australia and an air base in the Antarctica. 'Winter Milky Way' by Dr. Nicholas Roemmelt. Marmolada, Dolomites Italy. This climbing route is located on the south face of the Marmolada, the 'Queen of the Dolomites'. 'When I saw this glacial gate, it instantly reminded me of a gigantic shark,' Dr Roemmelt said 'Double Arch by Pablo Ruiz Garcia. Picos de Europa Spain. This arch-shaped rock formation is located in 'La Hermida' gorge, in the Picos de Europa mountain range in Spain. Pablo Ruiz Garcia said: 'At first, my initial idea was to capture the galactic center inside the arch, but finally, I decided to shoot the two arches overlapped at this time of the year (late spring) when the Milky Way is still not too high in the sky' 'To help you find inspiration for planning and executing your Milky Way shots, weve gathered the best Milky Way images taken around the world, as we do every year,' Capture The Atlas says on its website. 'Buckle up because this trip is going to take you from the far American Wild West to the unfamiliar landscapes of Antarctica, passing by spectacular deserts, glaciers, mountains, beaches, always with the Milky Way shining in the sky.' 'Enchanted Monastery' by Ramon Morcillo. Avila Spain. This image captures the Milky Way arch above a bell tower. Morcillo, who is pictured in the tower, said: 'The monastery was an Augustinian convent founded in 1504 and called the Monastery of Our Lady of the Crag. A few hundred miles drive followed by a long walk and a challenging climb and bushwhack ended in this beautiful and magical place. The icing on the cake was to subtly illuminate the upper part of the bell tower and place myself in one of the windows to create this panorama composed of 14 sky/ground photographs and get a very special result' 'A Night at the Caves' by Sam Sciluna. Ta Marija Cave Malta, a remote location that required a 45-minute hike across a huge boulder field. Sciluna said: 'We got to the location about an hour before sunset, explored the area, and looked for all the possible compositions. We shot through sunset and blue hour, and then cooked some dinner as we waited for the Milky Way to be in the perfect spot. We spent several hours shooting the Milky Way that night, trying different compositions, and even some panos' The quality of the image, the story behind the shot and overall the inspiration people can get from the photograph are the main factors for selecting the images, which have been whittled down to the final 25 'most inspiring' pictures of our Milky Way. Most of the images in the article were taken during the 2019 and the current 2020 Milky Way season, which runs from about March to November each year, Capture The Atlas told Forbes. 'Even though the Milky Way can be photographed throughout the year, the Galactic Centre, which is the Milky Way core and the area with more interest, is only visible during the commonly known as Milky Way season,' said Editor Dan Zafra, who curates the exhibition. 'This season ranges from late March to early October in most of our planet and the peak with more hours of visibility takes place in June.' 'Base Camp' by Giulio Cobianchi. Dolomites Italy. Cobianchi said he shoots the Milky Way 12 months of the year but especially loves capturing shots during the winter season. He said: 'It fascinates me even more, probably because the Milky Way has cooler colours that combine perfectly with the snow, and also because shooting under these conditions is much more challenging' 'Nightmare' by Michael Goh, a self-portrait captured at Dumbleyung Lake, a salt lake located in Western Australia. The trees in this picture trees have died due to the salt levels. Goh said: 'For this image, the dead trees gave me the idea of capturing them clawing up at the sky the fish-eye panorama turned out better than expected, as the trees almost looked like tentacles. The location is very dark, so with no moonlight available, I used my self-portrait style with the figure holding the light (now a bit cliched) to create more depth in the image as a solitary figure standing amongst the dead trees. Alien Eggs' by Debbie Heyer. Badlands of New Mexico, US, which is full of mysterious eroding rocks. This shot, reminiscent of a scene from Ridley Scott's 1979 cinematic masterpiece Alien, was taken in October 2019 on a two-week photo tour through the Southwest of the US. Heyer said: 'The Badlands of New Mexico are otherworldly and mysterious. They resemble an alien planet. If you dont believe in aliens, you will after seeing this place. This is not an easy terrain to navigate, and it is very easy to get lost' Capture the Atlas hopes the competition also helps and inspires people to learn more about the galaxy. 'Besides the timing, the other fundamental requirement to see the Milky Way are dark skies away from light-pollution,' said Zafra. 'This is something more and more difficult to find nowadays in the most populated areas of our planet.' 'Alone & Together in the Stardust' by Marco Carotenuto, taken in the Sahara desert, the largest hot desert in the world. Carotenuto said: 'Staying in the middle of nowhere hundreds of miles away from civilisation and with no electricity, cellular network, or water, certainly puts you to the test' 'Deadvlei' by Stefan Liebermann. Namib-Naukluft National Park Namibia. The trees in Deadvlei have been dead for over 500 years. The saplings pictured grew after local rivers flooded because of severe rainfalls, but died after the sand dunes shifted to section off the river 'Elemental' by Miles Morgan. Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii USA. Kilauea - located on Hawaii, the US state's largest island - erupted nearly continuously from 1983 to 2018. Morgan said: 'Around 3-4 am, many of the planetary elements would be aligning around the plume at the Halemaumau crater. When I woke up in the middle of the night, a casual glance outside andwham! Stars. Trillions of them. Crystal clear skies. This is mainly one image, but the base of the plume and the moon were slightly blown out, so a second darker exposure was blended into those two areas.' 'Milky Way over Parque Nacional del Teide' by Mehmet Ergun. Tenerife Spain. 'The night sky over Tenerife is renowned worldwide for its excellent conditions for stargazing and astrophotography,' Ergun said 'Gran Firmamento' by Jorgelina Alvarez. This image was taken at Marambio Base in Antarctica, which is located on the Peninsula Antarctica 'Heavenly Throne' by Ryan Smith. Southwest USA. Smith was testing out new equipment when he captured this image - the EOS Ra. This astrophotography camera with a built-in infrared-cutting filter allows much higher transmission of deep red infrared rays emitted by nebulae 'Desert Nights' by Peter Zelinka. Alabama Hills, California USA. Alabama Hills are a formation of rounded rocks and eroded hills set between the jagged peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Zelinka said: 'This is one of the most iconic locations in the western USA, with its incredible snow-capped Sierra Mountains, unique rock formations, and dusty roads. In June 2019, I spent a few nights camping in the desert beneath the stars. Once the Milky Way was shining brightly overhead, I wandered through the brush and found this unique arch' For the full set of images and list photographers' quotes visit the Capture The Atlas online gallery. The website also has a list of helpful tips on how to catch the best shots of the Milky Way 'like an expert'. New Delhi, June 25 : The Delhi High Court on Thursday reserved its order over a petition filed by former JNU student Sharjeel Imam challenging the trial court's order granting more time to complete the probe against him, and also seeking default bail in a case pertaining to giving inflammatory speech during the anti-CAA protests. A single judge bench of Justice V Kameshwar Rao who heard the matter through video conferencing reserved its order after witnessing a long course of arguments from both sides. The court has also asked the prosecution and defence to file written submissions by Sunday evening. Sharjeel Imam by way of his plea filed through senior advocate Rebecca John and advocates Bhavook Chauhan, Surabhi Dhar and Ahmed Ibrahim had also sought the court's direction to release Imam on default bail under section 167(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). During the course of hearing, Additonal Solicitor General (ASG) Aman Lekhi appearing for the Delhi Police contended that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, investigation has been badly hampered. "Investigation doesn't happen through video conferencing. The seizures, searches, movement, almost every part of the probe has been hit badly due to the pandemic," Lekhi argued. Senior advocate Rebecca John who was appearing for the JNU scholar opposed the submissions of the ASG and submitted that due to the delay in investigation, her client is suffering. "There is no parity between them (police) and me, I am the one who suffers consequences," John argued. On June 5, the Delhi Police filed its response before the high court opposing the present petition filed by the former JNU scholar. In its affidavit, the police claimed, "Imam by way of his speeches was addressing a particular religious section of the society and creating disaffection towards government established by the law by creating unfounded fears in their minds regarding CAA and the process of NRC, which is yet to be implemented in any manner throughout the country barring Assam." "The accused by way of his speeches was also spreading falsehood about genocide in Assam. He through his speeches was instigating a particular religious section of the society to disrupt/block the access to North-East region of India from rest of India," the affidavit read further. Recently, Delhi's Patiala House Court dismissed the bail application filed by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Imam in a matter pertaining to giving inflammatory speech, asserting that it is bereft of merit. Sharjeel Imam was in the eye of a storm for his "inflammatory" speech in Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) on December 13 and subsequently on January 16 at Aligarh Muslim University, where he allegedly threatened to "cut off" Assam and the rest of the northeast from the country. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jan Hennop and Ismet Hajdari (Agence France-Presse) The Hague, Netherlands/Pristina, Kosovo Thu, June 25, 2020 15:00 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406619841e 2 World Kosovo,Hashim-Thaci,war-crime,crimes-against-humanity,tribunal Free Kosovo President Hashim Thaci has been charged with 10 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity for his role in the country's conflict in the 1990s, a tribunal in The Hague said on Wednesday. Wartime intelligence chief and former parliamentary speaker Kadri Veseli is also accused of war crimes by specialist prosecutors before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. Veseli has denied the accusations. The charges against both men were brought on April 24 but not revealed publicly at the time, prosecutors said in a statement. "The indictment alleges that Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli and the other charged suspects are criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders," the statement added. The accused are also facing other charges such as enforced disappearance of persons, persecution and torture. The crimes alleged in the indictment "involved hundreds of known victims of Kosovo Albanian, Serb, Roma, and other ethnicities and include political opponents". Prosecutors said they decided to make the accusations public because Thaci and Veseli had made "repeated attempts" to obstruct the KSC. The charges will now be put before a pre-trial judge at the KSC for a decision to confirm them, the prosecutors said. Wartime atrocities Thaci was preparing for a summit at the White House on Saturday with Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic and local media reports suggested he had already left for the US. But US special envoy to Serbia and Kosovo Richard Grenell, who organized the White House meeting, said in a tweet that Thaci had cancelled going to the summit following the charges in The Hague. "I respect his decision not to attend the discussions until the legal issues of those allegations are settled," Grenell said. Talks will now go ahead with Kosovo's new Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti, who has moved to ease friction with Serbia. Thaci's office did not specify his whereabouts. But before the charges were announced he gave an interview in Albanian capital Tirana and was headed from there to Frankfurt, the journalist who interviewed him told AFP. The EU-backed tribunal was established in 2015 to investigate crimes by independence-seeking ethnic Albanian guerrillas against mainly Serb civilians during the 1998-1999 war. The conflict pitted Kosovo Liberation Army guerrillas seeking independence for the southern Serbian province of Kosovo against Serbia's forces, who withdrew from the territory after an 11-week NATO bombing campaign. The tribunal was created after a Council of Europe report tied former guerrilla leaders, including Thaci, to atrocities. The court announced earlier this year that it had handed down its first indictments against high-ranking Kosovo officials without naming them, but speculation was already rife that it included Thaci. Asked in April whether he would resign if he was charged, Thaci told local media he was not even thinking about it and would "respond positively" if he was asked to appear at the tribunal. 'Serious indictments' News of the indictment was met with caution by many in Pristina. "This court, if it works properly, will clean up the KLA's war [record], because it is extremely certain that no KLA soldier who has worn the uniform has committed crimes against Serb civilians," Skender Musa, a lawyer told AFP. These are "very serious indictments. I hope they are not true and we will prove our clean war," added Ermal Emini, an economist. Kosovo's ex-prime minister, Ramush Haradinaj, resigned last July after being summoned by the prosecutor for interrogation as a suspect. Veseli said in November he had been summoned by the court to be questioned. "The allegations raised are completely untrue and do not hold. There is also no basis for the accusations that we were impeding the work of the court," Veseli said in Pristina. The KSC opened its doors in The Hague as the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was winding down after almost 25 years of prosecuting crimes committed in the Balkans after Yugoslavia's break-up in the early 1990s. Haradinaj was acquitted of war crimes by the ICTY in 2012. Kosovo's independence war claimed around 13,000 lives, the majority of whom were ethnic Albanians. The territory unilaterally declared its independence in 2008 with backing from the United States and most of the West. But Serbia and its allies China and Russia have never accepted the move, and the status of Kosovo remains a major source of tension in the Balkans. tvN's Hotel Del Luna is getting an American remake! The Korean drama's production companies, CJ ENM and Studio Dragon, signed a partnership with Hollywood production company, SkyDance Media, back in February. It will be a joint venture, producing and investing in worldwide content for dramas and films. SkyDance has produced Hollywood blockbuster films, such as Terminator 6 and Mission Impossible, as well as Underground, which was headlined by famous Hollywood celebrities. Dramas like Grace and Frankie and Altered Carbon are among the dramas they have worked on. This unique joint production will have Studio Dragon take the lead in the planning of the drama, production, and other related projects. Even with the ongoing pandemic, the three firms have not stopped working and have been video conferencing weekly to plan the upcoming project. While doing so, Studio Dragon was able to establish its own branch in the United States. Alison Schapker, the executive producer for the second season on Netflix's Altered Carbon, will write the American remake. Among her works are ABC's Scandal and Fox's Fringe. Park Hyun, head of Studio Dragon Global Division, stated that they are pleased to be collaborating with the world-famous SkyDance and the talented Alison Schapker, and they are looking forward to their project. He added that the first project of their joint collaboration is Hotel Del Luna of Studio Dragon IP shows that their work is globally competitive. They went on and said that they will lead the project to success and become a premium studio not only in Korea but around the world. They aim to create more international dramas that people can enjoy and, at the same time, enhance and improve the Korean content. SkyDance TV CEO, Bill Bost, concluded that Hotel Del Luna is a spectacular visual fantasy drama, based on the story of human life and lost love. He is very excited to be able to share Hotel Del Luna's colorful visual fantasy with the viewers around the world, in partnership with Studio Dragon and Alison Schapker. From webtoons to drama series and from drama series to getting a remake, the Korean drama industry has a long stretch of fans worldwide. Thanks to its unique, subtle, and heart-warming shows, people have loved and appreciated them. Although, you have to read the subtitles, fans all over the world are hooked on what the K-dramas offer to its viewers. Netflix, which has millions of subscribers worldwide, may have probably helped promote Korean dramas and films. Hence, a number of its original Korean series have been surfacing lately, and a long list of K-dramas and movies have been included on the large streaming app. In the early 2000s, Japanese horror films were popular and got a lot of American remakes. Now, K-dramas are experiencing it, thanks to its great storylines and cinematography. ABOUT HOTEL DEL LUNA Hotel Del Luna is a hotel for the ghosts, run by Jang Man-Wol (IU) as the CEO. The hotel is in the downtown of Seoul and looks very old. Jang Man-Wol got stuck overlooking the hotel because of a big mistake she did many years ago. She is accompanied by the youngest assistant to have worked in the hotel, Koo Chan-Sung (Yeo Jin-Goo). On the day marking 45 years of Emergency, Home Minister Amit Shah took to Twitter to lash out at the Congress party. Referring to the Gandhis, Shah said that one family's greed for power led to the imposition of Emergency 45 years ago that turned the country into a prison overnight. He said that the Emergency was lifted due to the efforts of people. He criticised the party and said that even though democracy was restored in India, it still remains absent within the Congress party. "Why does the Emergency mindset remain? Why are leaders who don't belong to 1 dynasty unable to speak up?" he asked the Congress. "On this day, 45 years ago one family's greed for power led to the imposition of the Emergency. Overnight the nation was turned into a prison," said Amit Shah. He added that free speech, press and courts were all trampled over and that the poor and downtrodden had to face a lot of atrocities. On this day, 45 years ago one familys greed for power led to the imposition of the Emergency. Overnight the nation was turned into a prison. The press, courts, free speech...all were trampled over. Atrocities were committed on the poor and downtrodden. Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 25, 2020 Shah added that the Emergency was lifted due to the efforts of thousands of people. "The interests of one family prevailed over party interests and national interests," he added. Due to efforts of lakhs of people, the Emergency was lifted. Democracy was restored in India but it remained absent in the Congress. The interests of one family prevailed over party interests and national interests. This sorry state of affairs thrives in todays Congress too! Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 25, 2020 Referring to the removal of spokesperson Sanjay Jha after he wrote an article critiquing the Congress, the Home Minister said, "During the recent CWC meet, senior members and younger members raised a few issues. But, they were shouted down. A party spokesperson was unceremoniously sacked." He continued his criticism of the Congress party and posed a few questions to them. He said Congress needs to ask itself why the Emergency mindset exists within the party. Shah said unless they answer these questions themselves, their disconnect with the people will keep on widening. As one of Indias opposition parties, Congress needs to ask itself: Why does the Emergency mindset remain? Why are leaders who dont belong to 1 dynasty unable to speak up? Why are leaders getting frustrated in Congress? Else, their disconnect with people will keep widening. Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 25, 2020 The Emergency period was imposed for 21 months from June 25, 1975 to March 21, 1977 by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The order issued by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed allowed the Prime Minister to rule by decree and to suspend elections in the meantime. Civil liberties and the press were also restricted. The move to impose the Emergency was taken as the government believed there were internal and external threats to country. Also read: Days after bloody clash, Chinese come up with new build-up at Galwan Valley Two private companies from the United Arab Emirates will work with two Israeli companies on medical projects, including those to combat the new coronavirus, the UAE's state-run news agency WAM said on Thursday. Earlier on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel and the UAE would cooperate in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Search Keywords: Short link: By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lordstown Motors Corp unveiled its future electric pickup truck at an event on Thursday as the startup seeks to begin producing vehicles at a former General Motors factory in northeastern Ohio. Lordstown Motors, which hopes to start delivering the electric pickup to customers by January 2021, will face significant competition from other automakers. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence was driven on stage in the pre-production Endurance vehicle on Thursday in the politically important state. "After a heartbreaking day in 2019, to see this kind of a comeback - I hope you see it's a testament to the confidence the people of this company have in the people of this community," Pence said. "It's a nice ride. I'm a truck guy." Also on Thursday, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co announced a strategic relationship with Lordstown Motors and said it would acquire new Endurance vehicles for its fleet. Lordstown Chief Executive Steve Burns said the company would "beat everyone to market" with the first EV truck. Pence said Lordstown has presold 14,000 vehicles. The sprawling GM plant's fate became a political lightning rod after the largest U.S. automaker announced its planned closure in November 2018, drawing condemnation from President Donald Trump and many U.S. lawmakers. On Thursday, the campaign of Trump's presumptive Democratic rival in the November election, former Vice President Joe Biden, said "Trump and GM abandoned Ohios union workers." The campaign cited a 2017 Trump speech in nearby Youngstown, Ohio, in which Trump said jobs were "all coming back and urged residents: Dont move. Dont sell your house." As recently as 2016, the GM plant employed 4,500 workers. Its March 2019 closure was devastating to the area. Lordstown Motors has to date hired just 70 employees and about 100 contractors. Lordstown Motors, which is 10% owned by Workhorse Group Inc, bought the former GM plant and equipment for $20 million as part of its ambitious plan to begin delivering electric pickup trucks to customers by year end - a goal which has since been delayed to January. Story continues Other firms are preparing to enter the electric truck sector. GM plans to build its first electric pickup truck in 2021. Tesla Inc plans to start building its electric Cybertruck in 2021, while Nikola Corp plans to build an electric truck by 2022. Electric vehicle startup Rivian plans to build an electric pickup truck starting in late 2020, while Ford Motor Co will introduce an electric F-150 truck in 2022. In December, GM and South Koreas LG Chem said they would invest $2.3 billion to build an electric vehicle battery cell joint-venture plant near the Lordstown plant. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Nick Zieminski) Chinese web users have accused an aquarium worker of animal cruelty after he shared a video of him riding a beluga whale onto social media as a 'show-off'. The trending footage shows the animal trainer climbing onto the back of the giant mammal before riding the white whale around the pool. The clip has angered tens of thousands of Chinese web users who are calling for a boycott against such animal performances. Chinese web users have accused an aquarium worker of animal cruelty by 'flaunting himself riding a beluga whale' in a video. The pictures above are screenshots of the viral footage The viral clip has angered tens of thousands of Chinese web users who call to boycott animal performances. The picture shows a screenshot of the controversial footage in an aquarium The aquarium later explained to the local media that their workers and animals often have such interactions as part of their regular shows. The controversial video was originally uploaded by the animal worker, who remains unnamed, at the Luoyuanwan Sea World in Fuzhou, Fujian province. The 50-acre aquarium in south-eastern China is known for hosting a variety of animal performances with dolphins, beluga whales and even sharks, according to its social media page. The clip became viral after being shared by an animal welfare account on Chinese Twitter-like Weibo on Tuesday. The post accused the aquarium worker of mistreating the beluga whales. The 50-acre amusement park in south-eastern China is known for hosting a variety of animal performances with dolphins, beluga whales and even sharks, according to its social media The picture released by the animal park in Fuzhou shows two beluga whales at the aquarium The post read: '[He] often flaunts himself standing on top of the beluga whales by posting videos on a live-streaming platform. '[The videos] have extremely terrible social impact and [we] hope relevant departments pay close attention.' The shared clip has sparked outrage as ten of thousands of web call to boycott the animal performances in zoos and aquariums. One commenter wrote: 'Reject animal performance! This is imprisonment and cruelty towards animals!' Another one replied: 'Whales and dolphins are supposed to live in the sea but are now confined in small prisons. They are forced to perform and work for aquariums every day. It's all cruelty and torture!' The aquarium worker is believed to have deleted the original clip and similar videos from his social media page following the controversy. The picture is a screenshot of another clip he uploaded on his Douyin page, a Chinese TikTok-like video sharing platform, of him with a whale The aquarium worker in China previously posted other footage in which he is seen training and feeding the giant mammals before he was accused of animal cruelty by Chinese web users The aquarium worker is believed to have deleted the original clip and similar videos from his social media page following the controversy. But he has previously posted other footage in which he is seen training and feeding the giant mammals. A spokeswoman from the animal park claimed that such interactions between the animals and trainers are part of the performance. She told Pear Video: 'We do have performances with dolphins and beluga whales. They are interactive. '[Trainers] might dance with them under the water or stand on top of them to demonstrate the strength [of the animals]. 'We are a legit company and our animal keeping is legal,' the staff member added. MailOnline has contacted the aquarium for further comments. The escalating coronavirus pandemic has shed a light on the issue of animal welfare in China as officials scramble to establish laws to protect wildlife. Similar events in relation to mistreatment towards zoo animals have recently been exposed by web users in the wake of the health crisis. A heart-wrenching video showing a captive tiger appearing to be depressed as it walked in circles non-stop inside a tiny enclosure at a Beijing zoo was revealed in April. Another appalling video shows Chinese visitors using fishing poles to feed captive tigers in a so-called 'interactive programme' offered by a wildlife zoo in south-eastern China's Yunnan province. Five women born in the former Belgian Congo in the 1940s and forcibly taken from their mothers are suing the Belgian state for crimes against humanity, according to legal documents seen Thursday by AFP. The women, all children of black Congolese mothers and white fathers, were put into a Catholic mission by the Belgian colonial administration, like thousands of other mixed-race children. The case comes as Belgium grapples with its brutal past in Congo, with protests inspired by the US Black Lives Matter movement targeting statues of Leopold II, the king who oversaw bloody colonial exploitation in Africa. This was child abduction, organised by the Belgian state and carried out with the help of the Church, the women, now aged between 70 and 74, say in their complaint. Some of them were born to fathers declared unknown on their documents, when he was not, the complaint says, pointing out that the principle was to remove the mixed-race child from any influence from their mother, against a backdrop of strict separation of white and black people. The complaint was filed this week, just days before the 60th anniversary of Congos independence from Belgium on June 30, 1960. A spokeswoman for the Brussels court said no date has been set for a hearing. The Belgian state is also accused of having abandoned the children at independence, leaving them vulnerable to militia fighters. The complaint refers to sexual abuse and rape. We were the children of sin, we were unhappy, one of the five women, Lea Tavares Mujinga, told Belgian broadcaster RTBF. Lawyers for the women say the crime against humanity charge is justified by the fact they were the victims of an institutionalised state system. They are demanding provisional damages of 50,000 euros each as well as the appointment of an expert to assess the psychological damage they suffered. In April 2019, Belgiums then-prime minister Charles Michel apologised on behalf of the state for the injustices and suffering endured by mixed-race children forcibly removed from their communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is considering tapping social media platform TikTok to encourage more young Americans to practice public health precautions as coronavirus cases surge among younger people, officials said Thursday. Data indicates that the new infections seen across the country "are targeting younger individuals," CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield said on a conference call with reporters. Redfield said that while young people face a lower risk of severe disease and death due to Covid-19, a high rate of infection among young Americans increases the chances that they go on to infect older, at-risk people. Young people might not be taking the pandemic as seriously as older Americans, CDC's deputy director for infectious diseases, Jay Butler, said on the call. "We may need to get out the message that young people are not somehow naturally immune to this virus, although they may be at lower risk of severe infection," he said. "The tools that can be used include social media. We're exploring TikTok." Operated by Beijing-based tech giant ByteDance, TikTok, is a social media platform focused on short-form video. The app uses an algorithm to determine what kind of videos a user likes and delivers them on a scrollable page. Organizations can also pay to place short-video advertisements on users' pages. The app has exploded in popularity, especially among young people, in recent years. Representatives of TikTok were not immediately available to comment on whether the CDC has been in touch about a public health campaign. "That is something we're looking into and I'm of the age that I have to stop and think what is a TikTok, but I've learned that over the past month," Butler added. Beyond TikTok and other social media strategies, Butler said the CDC might issue public service announcements to urge Americans to practice physical distancing and to wear a mask. Multiple officials in states with expanding outbreaks have attributed the rise in cases to young people failing to practice social distancing at bars that are overcapacity. In Florida, the average age of an infected person has continued to decline in recent weeks. On Wednesday, the state reported that the average age of patients was 33 years old, down from over 65 years old in March. Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis has pointed to the decreasing average age of patients as evidence that the state is effectively protecting its most vulnerable residents. However, White House coronavirus advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci warned Tuesday that scientists are seeing "more and more" complications with Covid-19 in young people. DeSantis as well as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott have both attributed rising cases in their states to young people failing to practice social distancing, especially in bars. While young people infected with the coronavirus who are otherwise healthy face a lower chance of dying or being hospitalized than older individuals, "there is some risk of severe illness, including among younger people," Butler said. Scientists are also still researching the long-term health effects of getting infected with the coronavirus, which could lead to quality-of-life issues for young patients later in life. Now, as the virus continues to spread widely among younger people, putting many people throughout the country at risk and setting back the country's response to the pandemic, Redfield acknowledged the public health messaging has to be more effective. "Whereas the impact and consequences of Covid infection on them may not be highly associated with hospitalization and death, they do act as a transmission connector for individuals that could in fact be at higher risk," Redfield said of young people. "I remain concerned about trying to understand effective public health messaging that we need to get to those individuals that are under the age of 45, under the age of 30." Some public health officials have expressed frustration that the CDC remained largely quiet through March and April as the virus took hold, mostly in New York and the Northeast. It wasn't until June that the CDC resumed regular news briefings after a hiatus that began in March. Dr. Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute, for example wrote in an op-ed in April that "the CDC has been inexplicably absent, and Americans are suffering and dying for it." The Ukrainian authorities have sent a note of protest to Russia's Foreign Ministry. Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs says by holding a so-called "military parade" of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol, as well as a "parade" of Russian armed formations in the occupied cities of Donetsk and Luhansk, the Russian Federation violates Ukrainian and international law. "We consider the fact that the so-called 'parades' of the units of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation in the temporarily occupied territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, as well as the armed forces of the Russian Federation in temporarily occupied territories in Donetsk and Luhansk regions on June 24, 2020, on the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazism were held without coordination with the Ukrainian side is a frank disrespect by the Russian side for the current legislation of Ukraine and international law, including UN General Assembly resolution A/Res/68/262 of March 27, 2014, 'Territorial integrity of Ukraine,'" the ministry said in a statement on June 24. Read alsoDonbas invaders follow Moscow's suit, stage military parade amid COVID-19 pandemic (Photo) The ministry says the current act of provocation once again confirms that Russia deliberately continues escalating tensions in Ukrainian-Russian relations and does not want to resolve the issues caused by its armed aggression and occupation of part of the sovereign territory of Ukraine. Ukrainian diplomats believe that by staging of so-called "military parades" in the Russia-occupied cities of Donetsk and Luhansk and demonstrating 155mm 2A65 Msta-B howitzers, 122mm 2S1 Gvozdika howitzers, BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers, and other military equipment, including Strela-10 surface-to-air missile system, T-72 tanks, BTR-80 armored personnel carriers, BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, Russia has flagrantly violated its obligations as a party to the Minsk agreements. "We regard the demonstration by the Russian Federation of the military equipment during the so-called 'military parades' in the temporarily occupied territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol as a continuation of Russia's policy of militarizing Crimea, which poses a serious threat to European security. The involvement of minor children by the Russian occupying administrations [in the events] for militaristic purposes looks especially cynical," the Foreign Ministry said. At the same time, Ukraine demands that Russia immediately cease internationally unlawful acts against the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and take comprehensive measures to end the occupation of part of the sovereign territory of Ukraine, including by withdrawing all its armed formations, military equipment and fighters. In this regard, the corresponding note of protest was handed over to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Twenty-four members and associates of several Boston gangs have been charged in connection with a cocaine bust following a joint investigation dating back to November 2018, federal prosecutors said on Wednesday. The charging documents allege that the defendants stored, cooked, packaged and sold drugs out of a Brighton public housing development, formerly known as Fidelis Way, according to U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling. During the course of the investigation, authorities seized roughly 1.7 kilograms of cocaine and cocaine base, 27 pounds of marijuana, approximately $200,000 in cash, more than 200 rounds of ammunition and 11 firearms, prosecutors said. On Wednesday, 17 search warrants were executed today in Brighton, Dorchester, Roxbury, Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Randolph, Holbrook and Braintree, which resulted in the seizure of roughly 30 firearms, a half kilo of cocaine and $350,000. The second part of the investigation focused on large scale drug suppliers and their associates, which included Boston street gang members, prosecutors said. Prosecutors allege that these gang members sold cocaine and cocaine base during the coronavirus shutdown in Massachusetts. One defendant, Eric Davis, even traveled to California in April in an effort to obtain kilograms of cocaine. Lelling said the multi-jurisdictional investigation included help from the Massachusetts State Police, the Boston Police Department and several other local police departments. In case anyone needed it, this investigation is yet another reminder that our law enforcement officers are committed to protecting the residents of our communities from harm, said Lelling said, in a statement. Despite a pandemic and constant, nationwide criticism of police officers, these agents and officers risked their own safety to take two dozen alleged gang members and drug traffickers off the street, seizing over two dozen firearms, narcotics and cash along the way. Popular Nigerian actor, Anayo Modestus Onyekwere popularly known as Kanayo O Kanayo has reacted to being called a ritualist on social media. The actor who is famously known for his money ritual roles in Nollywood movies has cautioned Nigerians to stop calling him a ritualist as everything begins and ends in his movies. The 58-year old actor who hopped on the viral dont leave me challenge created by popular Nigerian comedian Josh2Funny has blasted trolls who flood his page calling him a ritualist unprovoked. In an Instagram Live video, Kanoyo O. Kanayo described the trolls as unfocused people who come to his page to distract his real fans from enjoying his contents. He sent a stern warning of blocking anyone that he calls him ritualist again or constitute nuisance in the comment section. Watch video below. Kanayo O Kanayo is tired of those calling him ritualist because of his #DontLeaveMeChallenge pic.twitter.com/7ZNAXrpgij Funny Africa (@FunnyAfrica) June 23, 2020 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Citywide Photo: Shanise M./Yelp 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 Thursday, June 25. Hear about the future of queer gathering spaces, check out a collective of creators and activists working to amplify the voices of LGBTQ prisoners, join a discussion with Supervisor Aaron Peskin, and more. The Changing Times: A conversation with Supervisor Aaron Peskin and Joe Eskenazi Image: Telegraph Hill Dwellers/Facebook District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin will talk with Joe Eskenazi, managing editor at Mission Local, about issues and politics in the city and his district, which includes North Beach and Chinatown. At the end, there will be time for some audience questions. When: Thursday, June 25, 5:30 p.m. How to join: RSVP online Price: Free Manny's LIVE: The Future of Queer Gathering Spaces What is the future of queer gathering spaces? Two people at the forefront of this question, Honey Mahogany of the recently closed The Stud and Grace Towers of Shelter in Grace, will talk about that question during the event, hosted by Mission-based community space Manny's. Hear about what will bring people together in the future. Will there be a renaissance of the gay bar? What will the physicality of queer space of the future look like after shelter-in-place? When: Thursday, June 25, 6 p.m. How to join: Via YouTube Price: Free, donations are welcome Full-Spectrum Science: Rainbows Learn from Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman about the rainbow in all its glory. Hear about its meaning in the Pride flag, the optics of rainbows in nature, and rainbows in art and popular culture. Since joining the Exploratorium in 1971, Hipschman has worked as an exhibit developer, author, teacher, and webcast host. He is currently also busy with the Exploratoriums Environmental Initiative. Story continues When: Thursday, June 25, 7 p.m. How to join: Via YouTube. This event is intended for audiences aged 13 and over. Price: Free Virtual NightLife, Vol. 6: Pride Image: California Academy of Sciences/Facebook Over in Golden Gate Park, the California Academy of Sciences is joining this years virtual Pride celebrations with a special edition of the 10th-annual Pride NightLife, hosted by drag queen Heklina. Heklina will perform classic songs throughout the evening, bringing the glam straight from her home to yours. Then, enjoy a cocktail demo, watch a screening of "How To Respect Gender Pronouns" by Imani Outen, or get a virtual tour of ABO Comix's gallery. ABO Comix is a collective of creators and activists who work to amplify the voices of LGBTQ prisoners through art. When: Thursday, June 25, 7 p.m. How to join: Via YouTube Price: Free Juli Delgado Lopera and Myriam Gurba in conversation Image: San Francisco Public Library/Facebook Join an evening with Juliana Delgado Lopera and Myriam Gurba, in celebration of Lopera's latest book "Fiebre Tropical: A Novel published by The Feminist Press." The multilingual debut novel features a Colombian teenager's coming-of-age and coming out, in a tale spanning from Bogota, Colombia to an ant-infested Miami townhouse. Lopera is an award-winning Colombian writer, historian, speaker and storyteller based in San Francisco. Gurba is a writer and artist, and author of "Mean," a true crime, memoir and ghost story about coming of age as a queer, mixed-race Chicana, ranked by O, the Oprah Magazine, as one of the best LGBTQ books of all time. When: Thursday, June 25, 7 p.m. How to join: Via Zoom Price: Free The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) on Thursday said that in 2018-19 out of the 23 regional parties which had declared receiving donations, 16 parties declared 728 donations worth Rs 40.42 crore (17.54 per cent) without their PAN details. The parties include--DMDK, PMK, NDPP, NPF, and JMM and have not provided PAN details of even a single donor in their donations statements, the ADR said in its latest report on analysis of donations received by regional political parties. Political parties rely heavily on donations for contesting elections and running their daily affairs. They receive huge sums of money in the form of donations or contributions from corporates or business houses, trusts and individuals. Section 29C of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 mandates that political parties submit their contribution details in excess of Rs 20,000 received from any person or a company to the ECI annually, in such form as may be prescribed, in order to enjoy 100 per cent tax exemption. As per rule 85B of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, the Contributions Report is required to be submitted in Form 24A, before the due date for furnishing a return of its income of that financial year under Section 139 of the Income-Tax Act, to the ECI. Details of the contributions received by parties which are to be provided as per Form 24A include name, address, PAN, mode of payment and amount contributed by each donor who has made donation above Rs 20,000 in their submission. An analysis of donations statements filed by parties with the ECI shows that there is incomplete, incorrect or non-disclosure of PAN information of donations in some cases as declared by political parties each year. Similar observations were made after the analysis of donations received by Regional Parties for FY 2017-18, FY 2016-17, FY 2015-16 and FY 2014-15. During the period from FY 2014-15 to 2018-19, regional parties whose donations statements are available on ECI website declared receiving total donations (above Rs 20,000) of Rs 699.15 crore. Of these, total donations with undeclared, incomplete or incorrect PAN details amount to Rs 185.596 cr (26.55 per cent). This report analyses 40 Regional Parties that declared receiving donations (above Rs 20,000) between FY 2014-15 and 2018-19. Year-wise donations (above Rs 20,000) with undeclared, incomplete or incorrect PAN details of donors: Between FY 2014-15 and 2018-19, Regional Parties declared donations (above Rs 20,000) having undeclared, incomplete or incorrect PAN details, amounting to a total of 16,628 donations worth Rs 185.596 crore. During this period, Regional Parties declared a total of 16555 donations worth Rs 184.69 cr (99.51%) without PAN details. A total of 73 donations worth Rs 90.61 lakhs (0.49%) were declared by Regional Parties in their Contribution Reports, submitted from FY 2014-15 to 2018-19, with incomplete or incorrect PAN information. During the FY 2014-15 when Lok Sabha Elections were held, Regional Parties declared the highest amount of donations without PAN details worth Rs 56.85 cr or 30.78% (8177 donations) while the highest amount of donations with incomplete/incorrect PAN details of Rs 37.67 lakhs or 41.57% (16 donations) were declared during FY 2016-17. Party-wise donations (above Rs 20,000) declared without PAN details of donors: Between FY 2014-15 and 2018-19, Regional Parties declared maximum donations without PAN details worth Rs 56.85 cr (30.78%) for FY 2014-15 followed by Rs 51.67 cr (27.98%) for the FY 2015-16. Of the total donations declared by Regional Parties without PAN details during FY 2014-15 to 2018-19, DMK declared the highest donations amounting to Rs 48.90 cr (26.48%), followed by BJD which collected donations worth Rs 45 cr (24.37%) and AAP with such donations worth Rs 42.784 cr (23.17%). During FY 2015-16, DMK declared maximum donations without PAN details in their Contribution Reports, amounting to Rs 44.77 cr while BJD declared maximum donations without PAN details worth Rs 27 cr during FY 2018-19. Party-wise donations (above Rs 20,000) with incomplete/incorrect PAN details of donors: Of the total such donations, maximum donations having incomplete/incorrect PAN worth Rs 37.67 lakhs or 41.57% were declared by Regional Parties for FY 2016-17, followed by Rs 23.17 lakhs or 25.57% collected by parties in FY 2015-16. AAP collected the highest donations worth Rs 49.42 lakhs (54.54%), having incomplete/incorrect PAN details of donors during this period. 56.64% or Rs 27.99 lakhs of its total donations having incomplete/incorrect PAN were collected in FY 2016-17. LJP did not declare complete/correct PAN of donations worth Rs 11 lakhs (12.14%), second highest during the period from FY 2014-15 to 2018-19. 100% of its total such donations worth Rs 11 lakhs were collected in FY 2015-16. Types of non-disclosure of donations (above Rs 20,000) with incomplete/incorrect PAN details of donors: A total of 73 donations worth Rs 90.61 lakhs have incomplete/incorrect PAN details of donors from FY 2014-15 to 2018-19, with AAP collecting the highest number, 46 donations, followed by DMK collecting 7 donations. Regional Parties declared a total of 48 donations worth Rs 45.21 lakhs (49.90%) having incorrect arrangement of alphabets and numbers in PAN. AAP and LJP declared 33 donations worth Rs 21.65 lakhs and 1 donation worth Rs 10 lakhs respectively, having incorrect arrangement of alphabets and numbers in PAN details. Between FY 2014-15 and 2018-19, Regional Parties declared a total of 25 donations of Rs 45.40 lakhs (50.10%) having missing alphabets and numbers in their PAN. Sector-wise donations (above Rs 20,000) declared with incomplete PAN details of donors: During this period, 6 donations collected by Regional Parties from corporate/business houses having incomplete PAN details of donors worth Rs 23.11 lakhs (25.50%) while such donations from individuals amounted to Rs 67.50 lakhs (74.50%) or 67 donations. AAP collected the highest amount of donations with incomplete PAN details from corporate/business houses worth Rs 17.50 lakhs (75.72%) from 2 donations followed by BJD which collected 1 donation of Rs 3 lakhs (12.98%). From individual donors, AAP declared 44 donations worth Rs 31.92 lakhs having incomplete details of PAN followed by LJP which collected 2 such donations from individuals worth Rs 11 lakhs. Child Care of the Berkshires' President and CEO Anne Nemetz-Carlson, seen at the agency's annual meeting in February, has been recognized as a 'Commonwealth Heroine.' Child Care Leader Recognized by State Women's Commission Jane Winn, seen in this file photo, was also nominated as a Commonwealth Heroine for her environmental efforts. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The COVID-19 pandemic presented unheard of challenges for non-profit service agencies. North Adams-based Child Care of the Berkshires faced more issues than many. But it had a leader who was more than up to the task. "It is one thing to handle an $1.8 million construction project but to do it during a pandemic with a staff working remotely it's been remarkable the way she has been able to keep up the morale, keep up the energy and keep the contact with some of the most vulnerable people in the county," CCB Board Chair Liz Costley said Wednesday of agency President and CEO Anne Nemetz-Carlson. For her decades of devotion to children and families throughout Berkshire County, Nemetz-Carlson was recognized Wednesday as a member of the 2020 Class of Commonwealth Heroines by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. "Anne is a proven leader and most worthy of this recognition as she has had a positive impact upon hundreds of children and families in Berkshire County," said Rep. John Barrett III, D-North Adams, who nominated Nemetz-Carlson for the honor. She is one of three Berkshire County residents recognized in the 17th year of the Heroines program. Dalton's Cheryl Rose was honored for her work on town committees and non-profits that promote environmental protection, equality, justice and empowerment of all people. "She participates in our democracy in a way that is very rarely seen. She engages with elected officials at all levels and tries to understand the political and legislative process completely," according to the nomination from Rep. Paul Mark, D-Peru. Jane Winn of Pittsfield is the executive director of the Berkshire Environmental Action Team, but her achievements go above and beyond even what one thinks of as conventional environmentalism. " She understands that people suffer similar loss of livelihood, health, and habitat at the hands of powerful interests and she works hard to recruit from and include this population in BEAT's effort to achieve an equitable and sustainable future," according to the nomination from Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield. Nemetz-Carlson, a resident of Williamstown, has been the leader of Child Care of the Berkshires since 1983. In addition to her professional service to the community, she has volunteered as a member of the Williamstown School Committee and with non-profits the Massachusetts Association of Day Care and the Children's Trust Fund. At Child Care of the Berkshires, she oversees a staff of 70 and a budget of nearly $5 million. The agency provides child care services in North Adams, Adams and Pittsfield and provides families with parent education, home visits from trained staff and a Healthy Families program designed for parents 20 and under. Nemetz-Carlson's steady leadership at the helm of CCB has never been more vital than it has in the last four months, Costley said. "We spent the last few months doing whole new online/virtual childcare and family programs, and now we're trying to transition to a whole new normal,' which has its own set of anxieties and expenses," she said. "Change is just constant right now, and uncertainty is constant. With her calm, determined manner, people are starting to realize we're going to do this in a safe, thoughtful kind of way." Costley said that Nemetz-Carlson would be the first one to deflect credit for her accomplishments to her staff but agreed that it's worth noting much of that staff was hired and trained by Nemetz-Carlson over the last four decades. "I can't say enough about her administrative team, and she can't either, but she's involved with those choices and the fact that people stay," Costley said. "In a child care agency, turnover is usually pretty great, but, in general, we're able to retain people." Stability across the board gives Costley and her board more confidence in an unstable time. "The idea of bringing back children in this situation is a little daunting," she said. "But we just had a board meeting yesterday, and it's incredible the amount of thought that Anne and her team are putting into this. The state has guidelines, but everyone is still figuring it out on their own. It's been phenomenal to see her team at work. "We're all nervous, but nervous is a good energy too, because people care so much and want it to go so well." (Alliance News) - Kibo Energy PLC said Thursday it has agreed a GBP1.0 million investment from a consortium consisting of several high net worth entities and individuals, including two of the company's largest shareholders. The term sheet, Kibo said, will allow the firm to continue development of its "diverse" energy project portfolio comprising 1255 megawatts generation capacity approaching commercialisation. The investors have the option to convert part or all of the facility provided to the company, Kibo said, with a floor price of 0.15 pence. Shares in Kibo Energy were trading 18% lower in London on Thursday afternoon at 0.23 pence each. In Johannesburg, the shares were 8.3% lower at ZAR0.11 each. Chief Executive Louis Coetzee said: "Following the recent extraordinary general meeting, some of the of the major shareholders in Kibo entered into discussions with the company regarding the projects that Kibo have within its portfolio and the costs associated with the further development of these. These discussions delivered strong support for the Kibo project portfolio and development strategy." The deal will be over four tranches, consisting of two GBP300,000 and two GBP200,000 tranches each. Kibo said its primary focus is on Benga project in Mozambique, where it hopes to deliver 350 MW to 400 MW. "This compelling endorsement from a consortium of highly experienced investors-existing long-term shareholders, will enable the continued development of our projects, which are all approaching commercialisation," Coetzee continued. He added: "In particular, our project in Mozambique is making vast strides forward, where we realistically expect the delivery of two PPAs before the end of 2020 for up to 400 MW; at the start of this year our expectation was for one PPA for 150 MW. There is a lot of work still to be done, but our team is focused on delivering on it and we look forward to providing further updates in due course." By Paul McGowan; paulmcgowan@alliancenews.com Copyright 2020 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. Iran's Deputy Minister of Health announced June 24 that "forty percent of residents in the provinces of Qom and Gilan have contracted the coronavirus, while the number in Tehran is about fifteen percent. At the same time, the spokeswoman of the health ministry, Sima Sadat Lari, announced that 9,996 have so far died of COVID-19. She also announced the official number of people infected by the deadly virus has reached 212,501. However, Irans official COVID-19 figures have been repeatedly questioned by some members of parliament and other officials. They have asserted that the real coronavirus-related death toll in Iran is much higher than what the health ministry releases as official figures. If 15 percent of people in Tehran are infected, that alone means more than a million cases. The health ministry officials did not explain the contradiction between the official numbers and their warning about such a high rate for the pandemic. Meanwhile, officials from the Ministry of Health have refused to provide separate statistics on the COVID-19 victims for different provinces since they started to report to the public. Soon, the provincial authorities were also banned from reporting their local numbers. On the same day, Iran's Deputy Minister of Health, Alireza Raeesi, announced that in some provinces, such as Qom and Gilan, "about forty percent" of people, and in Tehran, nearly "fifteen percent" of the residents were infected with the coronavirus. Raeesi told a video conference at the Ministry of Health that the extent of the pandemic in other provinces was between four to five percent. At the same time, Raeesi denied the start of the second wave of coronavirus in Iran, arguing that the country had not reached the "downward trend" of the first stage to experience the second wave. Iran's Deputy Health Minister also stressed that the government, under U.S. sanctions, could not extend the lockdown while people are economically suffering. "The United States has allocated $ 114 billion and Britain $ 22 billion to fight coronavirus," Raeesi lamented, adding that, for the same purpose, the government was promised to receive one billion euros (approximately $1.1 billion) from the country's National Development Fund. Nonetheless, he disclosed, "We should be realistic. Five months after the coronavirus outbreak, the government has only received thirty percent of the promised money." Moreover, Raeesi called on the people to respect health and hygiene regulations and announced that using face masks in public places will become compulsory in the coming days. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Kyodo News) Tokyo Thu, June 25, 2020 17:31 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661a632c 2 Food Starbucks,Japan,coffee-shops,sign-language Free Starbucks Coffee Japan Ltd. said Wednesday it will open its first store in the country with sign language ability for hearing impaired customers. The store will open on Saturday in Kunitachi, western Tokyo, with 19 hearing impaired employees among 25 staff members. The new outlet will be the fifth "signing store" globally run by the US coffee chain Starbucks Corp., as it is stepping up efforts to create stores with focus on diversity and inclusion. Read also: Starbucks Indonesia to stop providing plastic straws in all outlets The coffee chain offers services in sign language at four stores in Malaysia, the United States and China at present. Some hearing impaired employees in Japan had sought to open their own signing store after the first such store opened in Malaysia in 2016. "I want everyone, people with or without hearing disability, to enjoy our coffee casually," Eri Otsuka, who engaged in the opening of the new store, said in sign language during an online press conference. To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, the new store will hand out numbered tickets for customer entry, with only takeout offered for the time being. Lightning strikes Bihar, leaves 83 dead; PM Modi expresses anguish at loss of lives India oi-Madhuri Adnal Patna, June 25: Thunderstorms and lightning have wrought havoc in Bihar over the past two days, claiming 83 lives, leaving many injured and causing widespread damage to property, the state disaster management department said here on Thursday. According to a statement put out by the department, the deaths in lightning strikes happened in 23 districts of the state, with Gopalganj accounting for the maximum number of casualties at 13. Deaths have also been reported from: Nawada and Madhubani (eight each); Siwan and Bhagalpur (six each); East Champaran, Darbhanga and Banka (five each); Khagaria and Aurangabad (three each); West Champaran, Kishanganj, Jehanabad, Jamui, Purnea, Supaul, Buxar and Kaimur (two each); and Samastipur, Sheohar, Saran, Sitmarhi, Madhepura (one each), it said. Reports from districts said more than 20 people were injured and admitted to hospital. The lightning has also caused widespread damage to houses and belongings of the residents. Expressing grief over the incident, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar directed a payment of Rs 4 lakh as ex gratia to next of the kin of each deceased. Meanwhile, the weather department has predicted that the inclement weather could persist for some more days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar due to heavy rains and lightening. He said the two state governments are carrying out the relief work with promptness. "Received tragic news about death of several people in some districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar due to heavy rains and lightening. The state governments are engaged in relief work with promptness," he tweeted in Hindi. The prime minister expressed his condolences to the families of those killed. An IMD release said thunderstorms are likely to lash all the 38 districts of the state over the next few days along with "heavy to very heavy rainfall" in the northern, flood-prone districts, bordering Nepal. Kumar appealed to the people of the state to remain alert and vigilant stay indoors as far as possible during bad weather conditions. He also asked people to follow advisories issued by the Disaster Management Department in this regard. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 25, 2020, 22:21 [IST] Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 24) The Bureau of Immigration is now looking into the travel history of former Wirecard chief operating officer Jan Marsalek, who may still be in the Philippines. BI acting spokesperson Melvin Mabulac said Thursday that they will submit the findings of their investigation on Friday, as instructed by the department's Commissioner Jaime Morente. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Wednesday ordered the BI and the National Bureau of Investigation to look into individuals reportedly involved in the Wirecard scandal that emanated in Germany, allegedly resulting in the disappearance of 1.9 billion or $2.1 billion cash. "The commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration already directed our intelligence chief Fortunato Manahan Jr. to conduct an investigation regarding the travel history of the subject," Mabulac told CNN Philippines' New Day. "The commissioner already gave the deadline to the Intelligence Division to be able to submit the report, that will be by Friday, tomorrow," he added. Mabulac said they were given 48 hours to submit their findings. "I have no info on whether Wirecard is operating in the Philippines," Guevarra said Wednesday. "As to Marsalek, we found something curious in the BI database." Guevarra said Wednesday that there are "indications" that Marsalek may have returned to the country after he came to the Philippines on March 3 and supposedly departed on March 5. "When [Marsalek] came [in] March, it seems that he came during the time when there was no travel restrictions yet," Mabulac said. The firm's board suspended Marsalek until the end of the month, while long-time CEO Markus Braun resigned last Friday. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said over the weekend that the missing billion dollars worth of cash did not make any entry into the Philippine financial system. John Dumelo and the V8 has been one of the most told political stories since the 2016 General Elections. The actor turned politician was accused by members of the current government of colluding with the John Mahama government to fraudulently take a V8 vehicle that belonged to the country. However, John Dumelo has always maintained that it was not the case. According to the John, he was paying for the vehicle when he took it to be sprayed. That was when National Security operatives impounded the vehicle claiming that the actor was trying to steal the vehicle. However, John maintains that he was legally acquiring the vehicle and that when that specific vehicle was taken from him, the individual he was dealing with replaced it with another of which he had full payment for. John, who is currently the NDC parliamentary candidate for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, was explaining himself and the V8 saga in a conversation with Citi FM. You can watch him talk about the V8 in the video below: Listen to you Ayawaso West Wuogon aspiring MP speak on the v8 he attempted to steal. A vehicle you @johndumelo1 claim you had not paid for in full, you were aware it belongs to the state and you tried to respray it. pic.twitter.com/a6uRg3y82r Rex (@RexOmarrr) June 24, 2020 John Dumelo in 2019 said that "he went back for his money after the V8 was taken from him, end of story". Yet in 2020, same John Dumelo is saying that he added his balance for the private company who initially sold the State V8 to him to give another V8. pic.twitter.com/1RKyHQGzeS Israel Emmanuel Ahedor (@israel_catalyst) June 24, 2020 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video By Lee Gyu-lee Actor Woo Do-hwan will start mandatory military service on July 7, according to his agency KeyEast. The agency announced his enlistment on Wednesday, saying the location and time of his boot camp entrance will not be disclosed. "Due to the safety and health issues (The actor) will not be holding any fan events or press conference for a farewell," it said. Woo, 27, also posted a handwritten letter on his social media the same day, telling fans of his acting career's temporary hiatus. "Thank you for standing by and supporting me through my 20s," he said. "It couldn't have been happier." Woo, who debuted in 2011, garnered attention for his work as the lead in cult thriller series "Save Me" in 2017. He has starred in several TV dramas and movies, including his latest series "The King: Eternal Monarch" this year. When Harry Britt was appointed to replace the assassinated Harvey Milk on San Franciscos Board of Supervisors in 1979, he never tried to be the same type of charismatic gay leader as his friend and mentor. But during his 14 years on the board, Britt, who died Wednesday at the age of 82, helped to solidly entrench the gay and progressive communities into the mainstream of the citys politics, pushing issues and leading causes that resonated across a changing state and country. Harry Britt was a pioneer in the LGBTQ communitys entry into electoral politics, said San Francisco Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener. He deeply understood that while our allies are essential, we must have our own seat at the table. Harry helped create political space for people like me to serve in elected office. Britt, a onetime Methodist minister, authored the nations first comprehensive domestic partners legislation in 1982 and fought for more than a decade before it was finally approved in San Francisco. But beyond his signature support for gay rights and the fight against the AIDS epidemic, Britt was also at the forefront of battles for expanding rent control, increasing civilian oversight of the police and limiting downtown growth. The good thing about this job is human beings working together on stuff that is important to them and winning some of the time, he told supporters when he left the Board of Supervisors in 1993. Harry was progressive before the word became vogue, said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who as mayor appointed Britt to the board. He was a powerful advocate for the gay community who never took no for an answer. Strong, passionate advocates like Harry have done so much for San Francisco and the country, and Im glad to have known him. But Britt, a longtime member of Democratic Socialists of America, was an unabashed progressive, which often set him at odds with more moderate politicians like Feinstein, future House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and many members of what was a much more conservative Board of Supervisors than the one today. Almost everything he does makes me mad, Lee Dolson, who was on the board with Britt, told The Chronicle in 1987. Britts attempts to allow domestic partners of city workers to collect fringe benefits and to expand rent control to vacant apartments were vetoed by Feinstein, leading him to say in 1988 that its been very frustrating for me to be in office all these years and have a mayor who kept putting up obstacles. Tom Levy/The Chronicle But that didnt stop Britt from trying, even if it made him more political enemies. When Democratic Rep. Sala Burton died in 1987, Britt ran for her seat in Congress even though, on her deathbed, Burton had endorsed Pelosi, a wealthy Democratic Party leader who had never run for office. In an argument that would have flummoxed Republicans who years later would attack Pelosi as the leader of the socialist left, Britt argued that Pelosi would be a tool of the rich and powerful, and someone far too conservative for San Francisco. I plan to push issues like peace and AIDS to the edge, he said. I want to have the most progressive agenda in the Democratic Party not one for socialites. Britt ran a strong campaign, picking up endorsements from the Sierra Club, the firefighters union and the Service Employees International Union, which represents city workers. But Pelosi won the Democratic primary, 36% to 32%, and went on to win the seat in the general election. Britt was a leader who carried forth the mission of Harvey Milk while building his own beautiful legacy of progress for all people in our city, Pelosi said Wednesday. Harrys courageous leadership made a difference, as he worked tirelessly to lift up LGBTQ representation in politics and ensure that more LGBTQ Americans could take their seat at the decision-making table. Britt was born June 8, 1938, and grew up in Port Arthur, Texas. A graduate of Duke University, he married the daughter of a Methodist minister, studied theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and the University of Chicago, and was an ordained minister who served in two churches in Chicago. But that all changed dramatically. The year I turned 30 1968 was a disaster, Britt told The Chronicle in 1988. I was divorced, I left the church, I was smoking four packs of cigarettes a day and I was a very unhappy, frustrated person. I found out 10 years later that I needed to acknowledge that I was gay. Steve Ringman/The Chronicle By 1975, Britt was openly gay and working with Milk on his campaigns for supervisor and other progressive causes, including the organization of the San Francisco Gay Democratic Club, later renamed the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, which remains a political power in the city. Britt was working as a night auditor at the Miyako Hotel on Nov. 27, 1978, when former Supervisor Dan While shot and killed Milk and Mayor George Moscone in City Hall. In a tape recording found after his death, Milk named Britt as one of four people he recommended for the job. Feinstein appointed him to the board on Jan. 8, 1979. The new job wasnt the greatest fit, Britt admitted, who said he was dragged into politics kicking and screaming. Im a lousy fundraiser, I hate publicness, I dont get gratification from seeing my name in print, he told The Chronicle in 1988. I would have never in a zillion years have chosen this for a career. But he was good at it. In 1988, Britt was re-elected with the largest vote total of any supervisor, making him the boards president for the next two years. It was an important milestone for the citys gays and progressives. This was a good message to our (gay) community that the city respects gay people as leaders and contributors to our community, Britt said at the time. It means a lot to gay people in other parts of the country, too, where we are not so well integrated. Britt was an intellectual who was never comfortable with the glad-handing, back-slapping ways of the traditional politician or even an untraditional one like Milk. It was like pulling teeth to get him to go out to political events, said Tim Wolfred, a longtime friend of Britts who worked as his City Hall aide. But he was a coalition builder, bringing together labor and progressive groups with the gay community to boost their political clout. Britt also was a race track regular. He loved to play the horses, Wolfred said. That was his biggest diversion, using handicapping as an intellectual escape from the serious business of politics. After leaving the Board of Supervisors, Britt went to work for New College of California, retiring when the college closed in 2008. Britts later years were plagued by physical problems, many related to diabetes, Wolfred said. He entered Laguna Honda Hospital in September 2018 and died there Wednesday. Because of the coronavirus restrictions, no plans have been set for a memorial service, Wolfred said, but there definitely will be one. There will be a memorial sometime in the future, he said. Harry was just too important a part of the city. John Wildermuth is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jwildermuth@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jfwildermuth The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), the flagship health insurance scheme of the Central government, has just reached the one-crore treatment landmark. The total cost has been around Rs 14,000 crore so far. Launched 20 months ago, the scheme - a partnership between Centre and states - provides Rs 5 lakh a year health cover to 10.74 crore poor families. Dr Indu Bhushan, CEO, National Health Authority, which implements the AB-PMJAY, talks to Joe C. Mathew about how the AB-PMJAY cover can help the poor fight the Covid-19 emergency. Edited excerpts. Private hospitals are complaining that their footfalls have fallen considerably during the lockdown. What has been the experience of PMJAY-empanelled hospitals? In the last two months, or after March 23, we have seen a significant drop in admissions. Before March 23, we were doing 25,000-30,000 hospital admissions/treatments per day, but after the lockdown, we are down to 12,000-13,000. This is more than a 50 per cent drop. The drop has been more in some states as compared to others. We have also seen that the drop has been more in private sector hospitals rather than public sector hospitals. Why So? We are looking at the reasons. The fear factor is one obvious reason. People don't want to go to hospitals for elective procedures as they are afraid they may get infected. Also, because of lockdown, mobility is restricted. The third reason is that many hospitals, including government ones, have become Covid-only (no admissions for other treatments), and in many private hospitals, footfalls have fallen so much that they have scaled down operations. It's a vicious circle. Some have closed OPDs, because of which footfalls have fallen further. So, there are three reasons - fear factor, mobility, and fall in supply. Has it impacted all treatment packages under the PM-JAY? Not all. In some critical packages like chemotherapy, dialysis, which cannot be postponed, we have seen a decline of 15-20 per cent, not 50 per cent. It is good news. How can we address the problem? We have embarked on a drive to have more hospitals on board, for both Covid and non-Covid treatments. Most importantly, we need more hospitals for non-Covid patients as number of Covid patients is not much compared to people who need chemotherapy or dialysis or surgery. Since April 1, we have empanelled more than 1,000 hospitals. Now, we have close to 22,000 hospitals. We have also launched an express way to empanel hospitals. Even hospitals that do not fully comply with our eligibility criteria are being taken on board temporarily, for three months, to improve quality and access to services. On one side, you are de-empanelling hospitals that are not up to the standards, and on the other, adding more hospitals. Is this creating more problems? We have been de-empanelling hospitals based on fraud and abuse. We are still maintaining zero tolerance of fraud and abuse. The relaxation is on other parameters. For instance, we have criteria for minimum number of beds, infrastructure, space, etc. These are parameters than can be waived off. When the AB-PMJAY completed one year, you had over 18,000 empanelled hospitals. In the next eight months, you have added only 4,000, of which 1,000 were added in less than two months. Is this fast enough? The 18,000 empanelled hospitals at that time included over 1,000 hospitals from West Bengal. Those have been taken out after they (West Bengal) withdrew (from PM-JAY). But frankly, 4,000 additional hospitals is not a small number because these are mostly private hospitals. Are these from smaller towns? How many more such hospitals can you tap? They are mostly from Tier-II and Tier-III towns. We believe that by the end of this year (2020), we should have around 25,000 hospitals. How are you reaching out to new hospitals? We have asked our state agencies to expeditiously dispose pending applications and send mailers to hospitals to get empanelled. We have a hospital empanelment module (HEM). It is paperless. They have to apply online. We have launched a module - HEM Lite - which requires lesser information, so that even if hospitals do not have all certificates, they do not take too much time to furnish the information. We have shortened the process. Earlier, there was a district-level empanelment committee where the DC or the Collector first gave his or her approval. Then, at the state level, the state empanelment committee approved it. Now we have delegated powers to one person. All this is being done to expedite empanelment of hospitals. Your focus is primarily tertiary care. Are all these tertiary care hospitals? We largely focus on tertiary care. But we also take some secondary care. The hospitals will be a mix of both. For Covid treatment, we need hospitals which are 100 per cent dedicated to Covid. It should not be a part-Covid facility because of fear of cross-infection. Though most hospitals providing Covid treatment are government hospitals, now we have empanelled some private hospitals. The number of treatments seems to have more than doubled in eight months. But the number of e-card holders is still a fraction of the beneficiary universe. How do you see this growth? Not everyone is interested in e-cards and e-card is not essential before coming for treatment. E-card only helps you know beforehand that you are eligible for the services. So, we are undertaking a drive to provide e-cards. Because of the lockdown, we have reduced emphasis on e-cards. If and when the situation improves, we will start it again. Active Covid cases may not be huge but are steadily increasing. Do you foresee an emergency situation in the coming weeks and is this drive based on any such advance planning? Right now, much of the load, 90 per cent and more, is being taken by government (hospitals). But if there is a huge surge, then, of course, these hospitals will not be enough. In that case, we will be looking to private hospitals as dedicated Covid hospitals. The Ayushman Bharat PMJAY is going to help. We have now established packages in most states. The remaining states should also be finalised soon, so that, we proceed with private hospitals providing Covid care as well. At the moment, how many patients have come through this route? Very few, as in government, it is free for everyone, whether they are Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries or not. We have done about 300 Covid treatments, mostly in private hospitals, till now. @joecmathew Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 18:58:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 2 million women in the Philippines between ages 15 to 49 years old will get pregnant this year, a population commission said on Thursday, warning of an additional 214,000 unplanned births this year amid the restrictions to contain the COVID-19 epidemic. The Philippine Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) said that 10 percent of the births will be among women below 20 years of age, with an additional 5,000 pregnancies. "An additional 214,000 pregnancies would push the number to almost 1.9 million in 2021," the commission said in a statement. According to POPCOM, the highest number of births in the country since 2000 was 1.790 million, and the number has since been declining. There were 1.668 million births in 2018, it added. POPCOM said the "alarming numbers" were the projection made by the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The study revealed that among women 15 to 49 years old, there are about 3,099,000 with unmet need for family planning exacerbated by COVID-19. "With family-planning services impeded due to the nationwide implementation of community quarantines, an additional 590,000 might be added to the figure, bringing the total to 3,688,000 - a 19 percent jump," the commission added. From an initial estimate of 163,000 adolescents with unmet need for family planning, it said "the lockdown will swell this number to 15,000, aggregating the entire set at 178,000, or a surge of 9.3 percent." Meanwhile, POPCOM said the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) for modern family planning methods - the percentage of women who use any method of modern contraception - is projected to decline by 2.2 percent. "This means over 400,000 women will drop out of the country's family planning program," the commission added. "Looking at these numbers, we foresee that because of the restrictions of movement as well as the reduction of access of women and men to family planning supplies, there will be at least one pregnancy for every three women with an unmet need for family planning," said Juan Antonio Perez, POPCOM's executive director and undersecretary. "Those are just some of the adverse impacts of the community quarantine to the welfare of our families, which further aggravates the situation of the ongoing health crisis," Perez added. "While the numbers are staggering, this should sound the alarm for everyone that as the pandemic rages on, family planning should still be top-of-mind for everyone," he added. Aside from offering home delivery of three months' worth of supplies such as pills and condoms for those enlisted to the family planning program, he said that health centers are also open to taking in women who wish to avail of injectables and sub-dermal contraceptive implants. The Philippines remains under varying levels of COVID-19 quarantine restrictions after the government imposed a lockdown in mid-March to halt the spread of the virus as people are urged to stay at home. Enditem Since ancient times, storytelling has been an effective way of sharing history down through the generations. African culture is deeply rooted in oral tradition and the world knows us for our rich storytelling. We tell stories to pass on traditions, codes of behaviour and to maintain social order. As specialist brand storytellers and champions of storytelling, we reflect on what the Class of 2020 can learn from the Class of 1976, lest we forget. Yaw Dwomoh, chief executive officer for Idea Hive About Idea Hive Every year, Youth Month presents an opportunity to transform South Africa's image as a global leader in the fight against poverty and inequality and as an advocate for empowering youth. But, there is the temptation to see what happened on 16 June 1976 as a memory disconnected from our reality, causing us to reminisce without changing our actions.For brands, there is the risk that without taking the time to listen to the stories of the past or even to their customers, their marketing teams may deliver tone-deaf brand messaging and communications just to tick the social media boxes.On 16 June 1976, a group of students from Morris Isaacson High School and surrounding high schools in Soweto, Johannesburg planned a peaceful protest against a system that would teach most school subjects in Afrikaans.The late photojournalist Sam Nzimawas covering the march for the newspaper, when he captured the iconic image of Hector Pieterson's lifeless body being carried through the streets of Soweto with Hectors sister Antoinette by his side. Today, this photograph symbolises the power and importance of this youth uprising and the struggle against Apartheid.But todays youth need more than images to remind them of how relevant history is still for us today.We owe it to the Class of 2020 to share the stories, not to incite hatred, but to help our youth (and ourselves) remember that:The Covid-19 lockdown period in South Africa laid bare the stark differences between the resources available to children in the country and to the schools they attend. Its estimated that only 20% of scholars could continue some form of learning online since 26 March 2020, further exposing a chasmic digital divide.Brands came to the party and certain learning sites were zero-rated during the time, meaning that students could access them data-free, while the government used public broadcasting channels to bridge the learning gap.When schools were reopened, many worried that it was too soon, but considering that education is such a hard-fought-for constitutional right, the Department of Education was resolute about making it happen.It is still too early to say whether schools opened too soon, but this should be all of our problem. Our childrens education affects our society.Patricia Bosman, senior graphic designer at Idea Hive, says: Knowing what happened on 16 June, I am grateful for the educational opportunities it has afforded me. I believe the Soweto youth uprising gave birth to a cultural and technological landscape that has allowed the youth of today to express them in ways I cannot fathom. I salute the youth of 76.Towards the end of 1975, the then apartheid government issued an instruction to the Department of Education to teach half of all subjects in standard five in Afrikaans. Parents and schools immediately opposed this instruction and from the beginning of 1976, Soweto schools were in protest leading to the day of the massacre.Sadly, inequalities still exist today. From the difference between the haves and the have-nots, to the total disregard for the value of the lives of women and children.Corporate diversity and inclusion expert and part-time Gibs faculty member, Seth Naicker of IndiAfrique, says it is our responsibility to teach our children about their history: In my role, as a dad, I have chosen to explore the story of 16 June with my children and share the story of struggle against social injustices, racism and prejudice of any kind. When my children see Youth Day and celebrate Youth Month, they must know our history to appreciate our here and now, and what future we together will create of justice and equitability and human dignity for all.The Soweto uprising caused international revolt and further comprehensive punitive sanctions and that wasthe age of globalisation. Just think of the possibilities for our youth to effect change with the platforms available to them.Ask most people which name comes to mind when you mention 16 June and it will most likely be that of 12-year-old Hector Pieterson or of Hastings Ndlovu, the 15-year-old boy believed to be the first to have died that day.We often forget the role of women (or girls as they were) on the day, though. Sibongile Mkhabela, the only woman who was an executive member of the SSRCand general secretary of the SASMthat planned and organised the uprising, is least spoken aboutand less known. Her contributions to and sacrifices for the liberation project are unknown to many of todays youth and so are those of many of the women who protested that day.In 2020, we were met with a flood of violent acts against women and girls during and before lockdown. Women need to be heard now more than ever. Yet, in the corporate world, the gender pay gap and glass ceiling are still the daily reality.As a young black woman in South Africa few opportunities are readily available to you. I have had to work twice as hard as my male counterparts. The greatest lesson I learnt from the class of 76 is to pursue my dreams without fear and against all odds. For that I am grateful. - Keletso Nkabiti, head of brand communications strategy at Idea Hive.Yaw Dwomoh, chief executive officer for Idea Hive, says: Producing stories and experiences that are deeply in line with the lived experience of today's customers and followers are important. So is relaying the stories of our shared past, with integrity and authenticity. We cannot underestimate the power of the youth to build a world that is more just, equal and at peace.At Idea Hive, we create and execute pioneering brand storytelling solutions to illuminate your brands power. We apply a strategic framework which extracts and aligns all the key components of your brands story.Our team of curious, creative, driven and critical thinkers mould all the elements into a cohesive brand storytelling solution that will change how the market sees and experiences your brand.We craft and execute heartfelt and character-driven brand storytelling campaigns that position your brand/and or organisation to achieve its full market potential.We offer an array of tailormade solutions around our services, which includes branding, design, influencer marketing, visual content and communications. All solutions are anchored in ensuring that each brand story is told exceptionally, uniquely and to the right audience.Imagine a world where brands defeat normal and ideas inspire change.When we change, we change the world around us. Thunderstorms and lightning have wrought havoc in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh over the past two days, claiming 110 lives, leaving at least 32 injured and causing widespread damage to property, officials in the two states said on Thursday. IMAGE: Family members of victims who were killed in lightning strikes, mourn near their mortal remains, in Madhubani, on Thursday. Photograph: PTI Photo The lightning strikes were more devastating in Bihar, where 83 people have lost their lives since Wednesday, according to the figures released on Thursday by the Disaster Management Department in Patna. More than 20 people have been injured in these incidents and hospitalised, they said. Meanwhile, in the neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, at least 24 people died when they were struck by lightning on Thursday, while 12 were injured, officials said in Lucknow. Three had perished to lightning strikes in the state on Wednesday, they said. Coming back to Bihar, the state's Disaster Management Department said that Gopalganj district accounted for the maximum number of casualties at 13. Other deaths were reported from: Nawada and Madhubani (eight each); Siwan and Bhagalpur (six each); East Champaran, Darbhanga and Banka (five each); Khagaria and Aurangabad (three each); West Champaran, Kishanganj, Jehanabad, Jamui, Purnea, Supaul, Buxar and Kaimur (two each); and Samastipur, Sheohar, Saran, Sitmarhi, Madhepura (one each), it said. The lightning has also caused widespread damage to houses and belongings of the residents. In Uttar Pradesh, nine people were killed in Deoria, six in Prayagraj, three in Ambedkar Nagar, two in Barabanki, and one each in Kushinagar, Pratapgarh, Balrampur and Unnao, an official report released in Lucknow said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives. 'Received tragic news about death of several people in some districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar due to heavy rains and lightening. The state governments are engaged in relief work with promptness,' he tweeted in Hindi. Expressing grief over the deaths, the two chief ministers announced a payment of Rs 4 lakh as ex gratia to the next of the kin of each deceased in their respective states. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar appealed to the people of the state to remain alert and stay indoors as far as possible during bad weather conditions. He also asked them to follow advisories issued by the Disaster Management Department in this regard. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also directed officials to provide best healthcare facilities to those injured. Meanwhile, the weather department in Patna has forecast that inclement weather could persist for some more days. An IMD release said thunderstorms are likely to lash all the 38 districts of the state over the next few days along with "heavy to very heavy rainfall" in the northern, flood-prone districts, bordering Nepal. The Met department in Lucknow has forecast heavy rain at isolated places over east UP on June 26. At Proctorio, we are fully committed to increasing access to quality education, and with our team of instructional designers, lifelong learners, and former faculty members that lead our company and develop our products, we are well-positioned to deliver on that commitment EdTech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence organization that recognizes the top companies and solutions in the global educational technology market, today announced that Proctorio, a market leader in fully-automated AI remote proctoring solutions, has been selected as the winner of its Online Proctoring Solution of the Year award in the second annual EdTech Breakthrough Awards program. Proctorio is a highly-scalable remote proctoring solution designed to protect integrity and student privacy at each layer of the platform. Proctorio's Learning Integrity Platform works with all learning management systems and can be custom fit to work on any test delivery platform. With this seamless integration, there are no additional logins to remember and test taker data stays with the testing institution and not Proctorio. Serving over 6 million exams since the start of the spring semester, Proctorio has been able to successfully scale to support exponential growth during the Coronavirus pandemic. The platform can be found in the digital classrooms of over 811 institutions across the globe. Earlier this month, the District Court in Amsterdam ruled in favor of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) administering all proctored exams and quizzes to their students remotely through Proctorio's learning integrity platform. This case was brought to Court by the Central Student Council of UvA, arguing that UvA students should have the right to refuse using Proctorio during online exams. The Courts decision was a win for Proctorios industry-leading approach to test taker privacy and set a precedent for remote proctoring software that is both privacy centric and GDPR compliant. Proctorio is the only privacy-centric remote proctoring solution on the market. Although both GDPR compliant, other remote proctoring solutions like ProctorU and Examity may utilize third-party programs to monitor their exams, collect biometric data, and sell or share exam-related data. Proctorio is the only proctoring solution that uses zero-knowledge encryption to deny access to individuals or parties from outside of the institution to protect student privacy. Proctorio is pioneering a new category around learning integrity that goes beyond traditional online proctoring solutions with impressive breakthrough technology and end-to-end data security that ensures learning integrity, said James Johnson, managing director, EdTech Breakthrough. As remote education continues its exponential adoption, Proctorios focus on academic integrity will be critically important in order to securely deliver high-quality learning to more people than ever before. We are thrilled to name Proctorio a 2020 EdTech Breakthrough Award winner and look forward to further advancements from them in the EdTech space. The mission of the EdTech Breakthrough Awards is to honor excellence and recognize the innovation, hard work, and success in a range of educational technology categories, including Student Engagement, School Administration, Adaptive Learning, STEM Education, e-Learning, Career Preparation, and many more. This years program attracted more than 1,750 nominations from over 15 different countries throughout the world. At Proctorio, we are fully committed to increasing access to quality education, and with our team of instructional designers, lifelong learners, and former faculty members that lead our company and develop our products, we are well-positioned to deliver on that commitment, said Mike Olsen, Founder & CEO of Proctorio. We understand academic integrity and are working every day to expand educational opportunities throughout the world. This 2020 EdTech Breakthrough Award is a strong validation of the success and we are proud to receive this industry recognition. The Proctorio platform is the first and only of its kind to utilize zero-knowledge encryption to protect student privacy. This unique encryption scheme means that all data is protected in transit and at rest, and no one - other than approved individuals at the students institution - is able to access it. Proctorio also uses a privacy-by-design approach to data security. The platform ensures end-to-end learning integrity before, after, and during the exam, along with instantaneous results for the instructor to review. By automating proctoring and originality verification, Proctorio ensures the integrity and value of distance learning and online certifications and degrees. About EdTech Breakthrough Part of Tech Breakthrough, a leading market intelligence and recognition platform for global technology innovation and leadership, the EdTech Breakthrough Awards program is devoted to honoring excellence in educational technology products, companies and people. The EdTech Breakthrough Awards provide a platform for public recognition around the achievements of breakthrough educational technology in categories including e-learning, student engagement, school administration, career preparation, language learning, STEM and more. For more information, visit EdTechBreakthrough.com. About Proctorio Proctorios Learning Integrity Platform is a live & fully automated, remote proctoring service that provides a scalable, cost-effective solution to validating test-taker identities, activity and originality during online exams. Proctorio ensures the integrity of distance learning and online certifications while protecting institutional accreditation, increasing the value of online degrees & credentials, and helping institutions grow their programs. Proctorios customizable, secure exam settings, recording options and live ID verification allow institutions to set-up unscheduled, on-demand proctoring specific to their assessment needs. Proctorio ensures fairness for test-takers by increasing accountability, securing exam content, deterring cheating, and promoting a culture of integrity while improving learning outcomes. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. 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"As scheduled, the 3-hour exam in English was conducted from 10:30 am in 3,179 centres across the state, as per the guidelines. About 8.5-lakh students registered to appear for the board exams till July 4," Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board Director V. Sumangala told IANS here. The state government has called for an all-party meeting of legislators from this tech city on Friday to discuss measures to be taken to contain the rising Covid cases in the city after consulting health experts. "Though Covid cases have been rising, we have to take a pragmatic view of them as we have reopened the economy under unlock 1.0 since June 1. The cases are rising for various reasons, including influx of outsiders with infection,' said state Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai on the occasion. On the demand for re-imposing lockdown by the Congress and the Janata Dal-Secular, Bommai said the opposition parties have been inconsistent, as they opposed lockdown when it was extended and want it again when it has been lifted and unlock began since June 1. "It is not a question of opposition's demand or not but what is the need of the hour. We are consulting health experts and have called for an-all party meeting on Friday to assess the overall situation," asserted Bommai. The state government has already re-imposed lockdown in 5 civic wards in the city since Tuesday till July 1 to contain the corona virus spread. "We will discuss all aspects of the Covid cases rising in the city and elsewhere to decide continuing with the containment strategy or enforce lockdown again," reiterated Bommai. Death rate has also gone up in the city and state due to ILI cases, which are common in this (rainy) season. Of the 397 Covid cases reported across the state on Wednesday, 173 were from Bengaluru, taking its tally of positive cases to 1,678 and active to 1,124. The city also accounted for 78 of the 164 deaths in the southern state although 475 were cured and discharged from the designated hospitals in the city. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 25 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Canadian Zenith Energy company has handed over the Contract Rehabilitation Area to Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR, Trend reports with reference to Zenith Energy. As a result of the handover, Zenith has ceased all oil production operations in Azerbaijan and all field production personnel, approximately 170 employees, have been transferred to a division of SOCAR, reads the message from the company. The company confirmed that its Azerbaijan subsidiary has recently received a payment for oil production of approximately $508,000 from SOCAR. In view of Zenith's strategic focus on pursuing large-scale oil production and development opportunities in Africa, the company earlier decided to hand over the Contract Rehabilitation Area to SOCAR. Earlier, the Zenith Energy said that after the completion of the handover process, its sole operational focus in Azerbaijan will be in relation to performing exploration activities. Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR and Zenith Aran Oil Company signed a REDPSA in March 2016 for a block that includes the Muradkhanli, Jafarli and Zardab oil fields. Zenith Energy Ltd established its subsidiary company Zenith Aran Oil Company Ltd for production operations in these three fields. Production under the agreement began in August 2016. The total area of the Muradkhanli, Jafarli and Zardab fields is 642.2 square kilometers, and according to the contract, it is divided into rehabilitation and exploration territories. The Muradkhanli-Jafarli-Zardab block is located in the Yevlakh-Agjabadi oil and gas region of Imishli district of Azerbaijan. The Muradkhanli field was discovered in 1971, Jafarli - in 1984, and Zardab - in 1981. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn The man accused of physically assaulting Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff over a face mask mandate at a local Lowe's was issued a citation for disorderly contact for using profanity in a public place, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales said in a statement Thursday. Terry Toller, 47, turned himself into local authorities Thursday morning and was originally charged with assault on a peace officer/judge, a second-degree felony, according to Gonzales. Those charges have since been reduced to a disorderly conduct charge, a class C misdemeanor. Gonzales said the assault charge was rejected at magistration per Wolff's request. If the defendant is found guilty of the disorderly conduct charge, he faces a fine of up to $500. Toller was allegedly in a verbal altercation at a Northwest Side Lowe's on Wednesday with a cashier over his refusal to wear a face-covering inside the store, which was mandated Monday after an order handed down by Wolff last week. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox Wolff intervened and attempted to give Toller his business card so the two could discuss the mandate at a later time, said Bexar County Manager Monica Ramos. The man then allegedly slapped the judge on the hand while trying to knock away the business card, Sheriff Javier Salazar said. "What's scary is that this could have been an assault on one of the cashiers or another customer," Salazar said. "Look, we don't like wearing masks. Not even I like wearing it, but it is what we have to do. COVID-19 is rampant in this community right now." Toller fled from the store in a vehicle, but Wolff was able to get the license plate number. Salazar said they knew Toller's identity and asked him to turn himself in. He was arrested around 7 a.m. Thursday and has since been released, according to former Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood, who said he is representing Toller. Surveillance footage from Lowe's caught the altercation. "Mr. Toller is in the position that he didn't do anything wrong and we agree with him," LaHood said. "We do have the truth and we can see now that some of the context originally was lost." "The video speaks for itself and it is obvious that the sheriff overreacted. The lack of investigation led to terrible results for Mr. Toller," LaHood added. LaHood also thanked the District Attorney's Office for reducing the charges after viewing the tape. "Wearing a face covering is a sign of respect to the people around you," Gonzales said in the statement. "While this issue has become divisive and political, it is my hope that everyone will follow the order voluntarily." Darryl Pinckney, novelist and essayist Among the books I have gone back to in this historic moment are: DARKWATER: Voices From Within the Veil (1920), by W.E.B. Du Bois, because of his thoughtful insights 100 years ago into the very matters that now call people into the streets at some risk; and DARKNESS OVER GERMANY: A Warning From History (1943), by E. Amy Buller, because of what she tells us about the mass psychology of fascism. Tressie McMillan Cottom, sociologist and essayist Race is a living, breathing thing that morphs across time and context and even our own understanding; so the most important books that have shaped my understanding of race are tied to who I was at the time that I read them. The list will change as I change, and that is as it should be. I read Anne Moodys COMING OF AGE IN MISSISSIPPI (1969) as a child, before I knew what memoir was. But still the book resonated with me, as I already understood what it meant to be a Black girl in a world where race and gender circumscribed who we could become. As a young adult, I read A FINE BALANCE (1996), by Rohinton Mistry, and for the first time understood that racism in the United States has genealogies other than the global slave trade. (I immediately signed up for courses on South Asian studies at my historically Black college.) As an adult, I think of Derrick Bells science-fiction story THE SPACE TRADERS (1992) at least once a week, mostly wishing everyone else had also read it so that we could stop reliving its message. Finally, there is no book more important to understanding the underpinnings of race, racism and uprisings right now than a new book by William A. Darity Jr. and A. Kirsten Mullen, FROM HERE TO EQUALITY (2020). Part history and part social policy, it takes economic reparations for Black Americans seriously. I wish we could say the same for America. Henry Louis Gates Jr., historian and literary critic Few reading experiences on the history of race in America have been as profound for me as the works of Eric Foner. From RECONSTRUCTION (1988), his definitive study of the era, to last years tour de force on the trio of constitutional amendments that established THE SECOND FOUNDING after the Civil War, no one has done more since W.E.B. Du Boiss BLACK RECONSTRUCTION IN AMERICA (1935) to refute the racist fabrications of previous generations of Lost Cause scholars. In rescuing the facts about the promise and violent overthrow of our countrys most thrilling experiment in interracial democracy, Foner has proved that no one set of historians has the final word. The slave went free; stood a brief moment in the sun; then moved back again toward slavery, Du Bois wrote succinctly, poetically and so very sadly of the period of Reconstructions nakedly racist rollback (perversely named Redemption) that ushered in nearly a century of Jim Crow. Im also inspired by a new generation of scholars from Kimberle Crenshaws CRITICAL RACE THEORY (1995) to Martha Joness VANGUARD (2020) who are shining a light on this crucial chapter in our story, pointing out its harbingers in earlier efforts to circumvent the 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments (especially voter suppression). As dark and unsettling forces attempt to roll back the gains of what historians sometimes call The Second Reconstruction of the 1960s, and as tyrannical impulses seek to curtail our most foundational and sacred constitutional rights, let us look to these examples of great scholarship, which preserve the noble tale of the triumphant determination of black people to rise undiminished out of the ashes of racial repression, violence and lynching. Los Angeles Police Department officers at the 7th Street/Metro Center subway station. (Los Angeles Times) Four years ago, Metro was facing a serious problem. Voters overwhelmingly passed the Measure M sales tax measure to expand transit service, and the agency hoped to triple ridership. But the number of people actually riding the buses and trains was falling. And in surveys and forums, passengers and would-be passengers repeatedly expressed the same concern: They were scared to ride public transit. In response, Metros governing board voted to dramatically increase spending on policing, splitting the responsibilities among the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department and the Los Angeles and Long Beach police departments. That move nearly doubled the number of armed officers on the system. Today, however, theres a very different conversation happening at Los Angeles Countys transportation agency. Following weeks of protests over police brutality and racial injustice, Metros governing board will vote Thursday on a proposal to begin replacing law enforcement officers with homelessness outreach workers, mental health professionals, transit ambassadors and other unarmed service providers. If approved, Metro would be expected to develop a new approach to public safety before 2022, when the current contracts with police agencies expire. Los Angeles City Councilman Mike Bonin said the proposal is partly a response to long-standing complaints of racial bias in the policing of the system, particularly from young Black and Latino riders. They often have a very different perception of and relationship with law enforcement, and they may not feel safer when an armed officer steps on their bus or train. The proposal is also part of a now-nationwide effort by Black Lives Matter and other activists to force government agencies from city councils to school boards to transit agencies to rethink public safety. Its an overdue assessment. For years, police have been the default solution to any public safety issue. But even many police officers would agree that they are not the right people to respond to societal issues that aren't primarily matters of public safety, from mental health crises to subway fare evaders. Now, theres a broader recognition that the mere presence of an armed law enforcement officer can inflame a situation or turn it deadly. Story continues But Metro has a particular challenge. The success of public transit and the willingness of people to ride a bus or train depends on passengers feeling safe and secure. Several years ago, almost 30% of the former riders surveyed said they left the system because they did not feel safe. Respondents said the lack of security was a bigger deterrent to using transit than speed, reliability and accessibility. The fear was particularly strong among women, and for good reason. Nearly 30% of women passengers surveyed said they had experienced sexual harassment on the system. Just 20% said they felt safe riding Metro at night. Last year, in a report on how women use the transit system, more than half of the women surveyed said there were not enough officers patrolling the system. Metro leaders said violent and serious crime on the system has decreased 17% since the agency ramped up the police presence and hired more security guards. At the same time, Metro leaders argue theyve tried to adopt a less confrontational, more community-oriented policing model, including having unarmed guards not police officers check fares and issue $75 administrative citations rather than misdemeanor charges. The agency has also contracted with social service agencies to have homelessness, mental health and substance abuse specialists respond to nonviolent incidents. Thats a good model, and it should be expanded. Metro cannot and should not eliminate law enforcement officers from its transit system. There are still violent incidents on the regions buses and trains, and you need a cop on the scene quickly in a dangerous situation. Every week there are two to three assaults on bus drivers, from getting spat on to punched, the agency says. But Metro, like all agencies, should use this moment to rethink how it ensures public safety. It's clear that riders want security on transit. The questions are who should provide it and how Metro can make all passengers feel safer. RUSSIA - Designed to lift his unusual rating drop, President Vladimir Putin assessed an astonishing Red Square military parade on Wednesday and according to critics, it is the patriotic display that will extend his reign until 2036 on the eve of a nationwide vote. The Russian President observed as the intercontinental ballistic missile launchers rolled while nuclear-capable bombers patrolling the skies, and tanks plus 14,000 troops aligned wherein some of them are from allied China who also marched past under the heat of the sun. Marking the 75th anniversary of the World War Two victory by the Soviet Union over Nazis, the parade was postponed from May 9 due to the COVID-19 outbreak wherein Russia currently ranked 2nd in terms of the highest number of infections worldwide prompting critics to question the event as they claim that it is irresponsible to still continue it, the Moscow Times reported. Dismissing the assertion, the Kremlin stated that the current daily infections, though still in the thousands, based on them the country is on the wane, as they cited the Russian capital, the original epicenter of the nation's outbreak but they emphasized that all safety precautions were taken. Volunteers dispersed in the Red Square gave masks and gloves to the people watching the event and encouraged them to sit two seats apart. Read also: Trump Reveals Next Stimulus Package Will Be Generous, Announcement Will Be Made Soon Flanked by veterans in the event, Putin did not wear a mask, as he secured beforehand that people around him had been tested for the COVID-19, which also includes veterans who are quarantined in an outside Moscow resort. Thousands of people packed the streets of Moscow as they watch tanks and soldiers line up in the middle of the city on the public holiday. Despite his previous complaints about the alleged attempts by some European countries in rewriting the history, now Putin spoke with a conciliatory tone towards the West. According to France 24, Putin emphasized that Moscow would never forget the contribution made by the wartime allies of the Soviet Union especially their opening of a second front in the year 1944. The Russian leader also added an indirect reference to his desire that includes the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to hold a summit as an initial step in tackling the current problems of the world. Putin shared that they are (leaders) open to dialogue and cooperation regarding the most current questions that the international scene needs. He also added that among them is the creation of a reliable and general system of security, which the fast-changing modern world needs. Putin also pointed out that together we can defend the world from the rise of new dangerous threats. Before the rise of the global health crisis, The Russian president hoped to host the leaders of China and France at the parade. During the event, around 10 world leaders are present and the majority of them are from former Soviet countries. The Kyrgyzstan president back out at the last minute from the event after two people from his delegation tested positive for coronavirus upon their arrival in Moscow. Related article: Kim Yo Jong Authorizes Using Nuclear Weapons Against the US With Kim Jong-Un's Support @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Even if omicron peak nears, Long Beach cases and hospitalizations will still be up for weeks, official says Advertisement A Filipino architecture firm has unveiled its vision for houses anchored to the sea bed that can rise and fall with the tides. Manila-based Dada Design say their 'Currents for Currents' housing project could combat the vulnerability of waterfront areas in the face of harsh natural disasters. They add that the floating houses could also address the lack of reliable power infrastructure in far-flung regions. The Manila-based architecture firm believe these dwellings, anchored to the sea bed, could be the answer to rising climate change-related disasters and population increase Pictured: A concept view of a sea-based dwelling devised by the Manila-based architecture firm. DaDa Designs believe these dwellings, anchored to the sea bed, could be the answer to rising climate change-related disasters and population increase Pictured: A series of sea-anchored dwellings, which could solve the issue of overpopulation, according to the design company Pictured: A concept for an interior of one of the sea-based dwellings dreamed up by Manila-based architecture firm DaDa Designs Each of the housing units would be anchored to the sea bed, using solar and tidal energy to power themselves. The design company boasts that the moulded plastic anchor would mean the dwellings could be constructed across the world. 'Coastal communities are caught in the cross fire between the scarcity of land and resources, and the rising tides and storm surges brought about by the sea,' the company said in a press release. Pictured: A concept for an interior of one of the sea-based dwellings dreamed up by Manila-based architecture firm DaDa Designs Pictured: Image shows how the sea dwelling could be anchored to the sea bed. The design company says the choice of plastic as the anchor material would make it easy to produce and install 'They are forced to live in the most volatile conditions, therefore they are in dire need of safe and sustainable shelters, creating room for an innovative solution bringing architecture and the sea together.' 'With blue as the new green as the design philosophy, the currents for currents project can provide resilient, flexible living structures that can adapt to the sea's ever-changing conditions.' South East Asia is particularly prone to natural disasters, with the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam all listed within the top-five most vulnerable countries. In October 2010 a typhoon hit the Philippines causing $193million-worth of damage. Volcanic eruptions are also frequent on the archipelago and in surrounding waters. The pandemic has forced one of San Franciscos most popular Mexican restaurants to close but its owners are already plotting something new. Nopalito, from the same team behind perennial Chronicle Top 100 restaurant Nopa, has permanently shuttered its Inner Sunset location. The expansion effort opened in 2012 to instant critical acclaim bigger than the original Nopalito on Broderick Street, but with the same stellar carnitas, mole and fresh corn tortillas from chef-owner Gonzalo Guzman. That larger size ultimately made it tougher for Guzman and partners Jeff Hanak, Allyson Jossel and Laurence Jossel to imagine keeping the restaurant alive. Itd be really tough for us to reopen because it was more of a dine-in restaurant, Guzman said. That restaurant doesnt do as well as Broderick on to-go and it just takes more to be open more staffing, more everything. It was also home to Nopalitos catering operation and all the events on Nopalitos schedule this year have been canceled. That really hurt us financially, Guzman said. The original Broderick Street location remains open for takeout, but the kitchen is too small to fulfill catering orders whenever demand returns. So the team is moving into a commercial kitchen space shared with cooking school 18 Reasons in the Mission District at 3690 18th St., steps away from Dolores Park. It also has a small takeout window, which Guzman hopes to open in mid-July. He doesnt have a specific menu in mind yet, but hes contemplating totopos con chile, fresh tortilla chips coated in spicy salsa, and carnitas by the pound with tortillas on the side. That way, people could walk over to the park and make their own tacos. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. This window will hopefully help us survive until we get events back, Guzman said. Janelle Bitker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: janelle.bitker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @janellebitker 3 Warning Signs That Signal Your Dividends May Be at Risk Everyone loves receiving dividends. Many companies, such as Haw Par Corporation Ltd (SGX: H02) and Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (SGX: S63), have been paying out a regular, steady dividend for many years. Others, such as retail and industrial REITs, have even increased their dividends over time. However, investors need to be aware that the level of dividend paid out is a product of how well the business is performing. Simply put, if the business does well, the dividends it pays out can be expected to either increase or stay the same. When the business falters, management may also decide to cut or eliminate the dividend to conserve cash. Unlike coupon payments for bonds, dividends are not a contractual obligation for the company. Therefore, investors should expect that dividends may fluctuate from time to time, depending on the economic situation as well as business performance and prospects. With that in mind, here are three warning signs that you should take note of that may indicate that a company is about to cut its dividends. A decline in net profits or incurrence of a loss Many companies have a dividend policy that states that a certain percentage of profit will be paid out as a dividend. This percentage, called the payout ratio, usually hovers between 40% to 60% depending on how much cash the business needs to retain for growth. For companies such as United Overseas Bank Limited (SGX: U11), it paid out 50% of its net profit for the fiscal year 2019. If profits are at risk of falling, dividends could correspondingly decline as well, assuming the payout ratio stays the same. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have experienced plunging sales and net profit. As a result, numerous companies have slashed their dividends in line with this sharp decline. Businesses that have reported a loss (as compared to a profit a year ago) are also unable to pay out a dividend as it has no profits from which to declare them from. Story continues A recent example was Singapore Airlines Limited (SGX: C6L). The national carrier reported a full fiscal year 2020 net loss of S$212 million, a sharp reversal from the S$682.7 million net profit a year ago. No final dividend was declared by the group, as compared to a final dividend of S$0.22 declared in the prior fiscal year. Negative free cash flow A business needs to generate consistent free cash flow to sustain its dividend payments. Although profits are a welcome sight, it is cold, hard cash that pays the bills and for investors, dividends. Free cash flow is computed by taking operating cash flow and deducting it from the capital expenditures incurred to maintain and run the business. Companies that routinely pay a dividend, such as Haw Par and Boustead Singapore Limited (SGX: F9D), have a history of generating consistent annual free cash flow. Investors need to be alert for signs of negative free cash flow, as it may imply that the business has trouble keeping up with its dividend payments. Reasons could include a fall in net profit due to a worsening of business conditions (resulting in negative operating cash flow), a heavy reliance on bank loans to fund the business, or a sharp increase in capital expenditures needed to maintain the same level of business activity. Any of these red flags is worth investigating as it may result in persistent negative free cash flow. This could be a prelude to future dividend reductions. Pay-out ratio exceeds 100% The reason pay-out ratios usually hover between the 40% to 60% region is that most companies are not willing to pay out a substantial portion of their earnings. A portion of a companys profits needs to be retained for reinvestment to grow the business. If a company does end up paying out more than 100% of its net profit, there are two options it can take. One is to dip into its cash reserves to top up the amount of dividend that exceeds net profit. The other, simpler option is to simply reduce the dividend to a more sustainable level. StarHub Ltd (SGX: CC3) used to pay out an annual dividend of S$0.16 in FY 2017, but its earnings per share (EPS) had declined that year to S$0.155. Its pay-out ratio for that fiscal year amounted to around 103%, which was not sustainable. By FY 2019, StarHubs EPS had fallen to S$0.103. Following this, the telco then slashed its annual dividend from S$0.16 to S$0.09, dropping the pay-out ratio to below the 100% level. With share prices battered to multi-year lows, many attractive investment opportunities have emerged. In a special FREE report, we show you 3 stocks that we think will be suitable for our portfolio. Simply click here to scoop up your FREE copy before the next stock market rally. Click here to like and follow us on Facebook and here for our Telegram group. Disclaimer: Royston Yang owns shares in Boustead Singapore Limited. The post 3 Warning Signs That Signal Your Dividends May Be at Risk appeared first on The Smart Investor. Trade (Image: Reuters) Boycotting Chinese goods may not be feasible as India is dependent on Chinese imports but New Delhi should try to reduce its dependence on Chinese products, the chief of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations said on June 25. After a border clash with China in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, there are growing calls in India to shun Chinese products. India's customs officials at Chennai, one of India's biggest ports, have held shipments originating from China for extra checks. The Last Tree which has been compared to Moonlight because of its three-act structure, distinct visual language and focus on boyhood ambitiously tackles complicated themes in a short period of time, but the most interesting questions raised are about freedom and family. As immigrants living in London, Yinka and Femi are haunted by the effects of how, where and with whom they can be free. Freedom drove Yinka to come to Britain and to desperately fight for a better life, but chasing it also alienates her from her son. And freedom especially to express himself impacts how Femi moves, speaks and relates to those around him. Even Amoos aesthetic choices are marked by capturing that constrained mobility. However, as a result of this ambition, the film feels at times like it is trying to take on too much plotlines are rushed, relationships feel unearned or not explained. Still, I cant help but be impressed by Amoos attempts to direct a familiar narrative with such a complicated set of questions. The Last Tree Not rated. Running time: 1 hour 38 minutes. Watch through virtual cinemas. To stay in Grey List or downgrade to Black List: Key FATF decision on Pak this week Pakistan will implement FATF's new action plan in 12 months: Minister after country retained on 'grey list' Pakistan's continuation in FATF grey list vindicates India's position: MEA India pti-PTI New Delhi, Jun 25: India on Thursday said Pakistan's continution in the "grey list" of global terror financing watchdog, FATF, vindicated its position that the country has not taken any appropriate action against terror networks operation from its soil. It vindicated our position that Pakistan has not taken appropriate action against terror outfits, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said during an online media briefing. Pakistan to remain in 'grey list' of FATF after failure to check funding to terror groups LATEST HEADLINES AT 9 PM| 25th JUNE FATF on Wednesday decided to keep Pakistan in the "grey list" as it has failed to check flow of money to terror groups like the LeT and the JeM. The decision was taken at the Financial Action Task Force's third and final plenary held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the Trump administration's decision to suspend H1B visas, Srivastava said India is assessing its impact on Indian industry. [June 25, 2020] Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo Completes Second Flight from Spaceport America Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) ("Virgin Galactic" or "the Company") today announced the successful completion of the second SpaceShipTwo test flight from Spaceport America. This flight follows the completion of the first test flight from the Company's commercial headquarters in New Mexico on May 1, 2020, and marks another important milestone as the team progresses toward the launch of Virgin Galactic's commercial service. On SpaceShipTwo Unity's flight deck were Mark 'Forger' Stucky and Michael 'Sooch' Masucci. Both pilots are commercial astronauts, having each previously flown Unity into space on different flights. Piloting the Company's carrier aircraft, VMS Eve, were Nicola Pecile and CJ Sturckow. This glide flight, flown at higher speeds, allowed the team to continue to evaluate systems and vehicle performance in advance of future rocket-powered space flights from the Company's new operating base in New Mexico. Flying VSS Unity in glide configuration at higher speeds enables certain vehicle systems to operate close to the environment seen during phases of rocket boost on a spaceflight. The spaceship achieved a glide speed of Mach 0.85 after being released from the mothership VMS Eve at an altitude of 51,000 ft. Unity completed multiple test-points before touching back down smoothly for a runway landing at Spaceport America. Forger and Sooch performed a series of maneuvers with Unity designed to gather data about performance and handling qualities while flying at higher speeds. This data will be verified against similar maneuvers that were performed in the previous glide flight to enhance aerodynamic modelling. The test flight was conducted under a set of stringent operational protocols to ensure safety against COVID-19. These protocols include changes to the work areas and procedures to enforce social distancing as advised by state guidelines as well as universal mask usage. Last weekend, the Company's Spaceship and Propulsion teams completed a full 'wet dress' rehearsal designed to check out the new facilities and equipment at Spaceport America. During this rehearsal, the teams positioned the spaceflight system on the runway and loaded VSS Unity with active propellant. Pending the completion of an extensive data review of this flight, the team will start preparing for the next stage of our flight test rogram - powered spaceflights from Spaceport America. In addition to the data review, we have several steps to complete, including final modifications to the spaceship customer cabin and detailed inspections of the vehicle and systems. Virgin Galactic would like to express its thanks to New Mexico Spaceport Authority (NMSA), the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Albuquerque Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), and the FAA Air Traffic Control Center in Albuquerque for smooth coordination and efficient integration. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said: "I'm excited by the continued progress Virgin Galactic has made in New Mexico and confident in their work going forward. Our state has the opportunity to be a leader in commercial spaceflight, and partners like Virgin Galactic are leading the way." George Whitesides, CEO of Virgin Galactic and The Spaceship Company said: "I am thrilled with the team's hard work to complete today's test flight successfully. It was an important test that, pending data review, means we can now start preparing the vehicles for powered flight. Our focus for this year remains unchanged on ensuring the vehicles and our operations are prepared for long-term, regular commercial spaceflight service." You can download all press materials including images and broll from the Virgin Galactic Press FTP. About Virgin Galactic Virgin Galactic is a vertically-integrated aerospace Company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers, as well as a manufacturer of advanced air and space vehicles. Using its proprietary and reusable technologies and supported by a distinctive, Virgin-branded customer experience, it is developing a spaceflight system designed to offer customers a unique, multi-day, transformative experience. This culminates in a spaceflight that includes views of Earth from space and several minutes of weightlessness that will launch from Spaceport America, New Mexico. Virgin Galactic and The Spaceship Company believe that one of the most exciting and significant opportunities of our time lies in the commercial exploration of space and the development of technology that will change the way we travel across the globe in the future. Together we are opening access to space to change the world for good. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws with respect to Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (the "Company"), including statements regarding the Company's spaceflight systems, markets and expected performance. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by words such as "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," and similar expressions. Forward looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this presentation, including but not limited to the factors, risks and uncertainties regarding the Company's business described in the documents filed by the Company from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC (News - Alert)"). These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005869/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Two New York City groups have cut ties with World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit founded by chef and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Jose Andres, after learning that the humanitarian organization has benefited occasionally from law enforcement agencies that have been accused of brutality against African Americans or inhumane treatment of undocumented immigrants. The groups also accused the organization of aligning itself with gentrifiers in the fast-emerging South Bronx neighborhood where WCK is feeding vulnerable residents, the very ones who could be displaced by gentrification. La Morada, an Oaxacan restaurant in the South Bronx, left WCK's Restaurants for the People relief program on May 8, posting its reasons for the split days later on its website and social media accounts. Last week, the North Bronx Collective - which describes itself as a mutual-aid group led by queer, black and indigenous people, people of color and women - aired its grievances with WCK in a public post on Medium. The groups say that by allowing officers with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to distribute food in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria in 2017, using members of the New York Police Department to deliver meals during the pandemic and working with developers and gentrifiers who they say are aligned with President Donald Trump and his agenda, WCK is supporting a system of discrimination and injustice against immigrants and people of color. "It wasn't until a lot of activist friends from various parts of the world, and also from Queens, reached out to us and told us that World Central Kitchen worked very closely with ICE in Puerto Rico that it really raised the red flag," Yajaira Saavedra, a second-generation owner of La Morada, told The Washington Post. "It was actually the final straw for us to end our relationship with them." Saavedra is also an activist and organizer who fights for the rights of undocumented people in the United States, including some members of her family who run the restaurant in South Bronx. Saavedra was referring to WCK's work in Puerto Rico after the devastating hurricane, which wiped out the power grid and numerous roads, making parts of the island almost impossible to reach for small relief organizations. Some HSI agents who learned about WCK's work feeding people in Puerto Rico said they could help distribute sandwiches in their vehicles. "They said we could bring food, so we began giving them food," Andres told The Post in 2017. "They began taking thousands of sandwiches." Nate Mook, chief executive of WCK, calls the ICE allegation a "purposeful mischaracterization of the situation" in Puerto Rico, one designed to "create conflict." HSI is an investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security and falls under the organizational umbrella of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, which conducts deportation raids and has been accused of mistreating immigrants in detention centers. But after the hurricane, HSI was working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct wellness checks in hard-hit areas, Mook said, and not in any other capacity. "We in no way support or condone or have any relationship [with ICE], but when taken out of context, I think the situation in Puerto Rico was purposely misconstrued to claim that World Central Kitchen had some sort of relationship with ICE," Mook said. Mook added that WCK has never collaborated with police agencies. Some of the groups that WCK supports may have existing relationships with law enforcement, and officers may sometimes assist in meal deliveries. This was apparently the case in New York, where the city's public housing authority works with the police department. "If the NYPD was involved in distributing the food, it was through local community partners," Mook said. In the weeks since George Floyd died at the hands of Minneapolis police, hundreds of protesters have filed complaints against NYPD officers alleging excessive force. An NYPD officer was recently suspended for placing a black man in a chokehold just days after the city and state passed laws banning the practice. WCK has posted a statement on its website in response to La Morada's allegations, disputing them point by point, including charges that the organization withheld personal protection equipment from front-line restaurant workers and that it paid barely enough money per meal to cover the cost of ingredients. WCK's public statements have not satisfied the owners of La Morada or the North Bronx Collective, at a time when Americans are calling for abolishing ICE and defunding the police. A spokeswoman for North Bronx Collective texted to say that "not working with ICE is not enough." The group remains upset with WCK's efforts to feed furloughed federal workers last year during the partial government shutdown. "Again, would Jose Andres have fed Franco's soldiers and police?" the spokeswoman texted, echoing a question in the collective's Medium essay. "I feel really upset at how World Central Kitchen has aligned themselves and not held themselves accountable for playing a part in all the gentrification and in all the mistreatment of the black and brown community," Saavedra told The Post. She said that WCK works with a number of restaurants in the gentrified part of South Bronx. The North Bronx Collective wrote in its Medium post: "We see WCK's position as an NGO as part of the problem as they capitalize on tragedy without critical analysis of what they are doing. As such, they inevitably become instruments of capital domination where even caring becomes a profitable business." La Morada and the North Bronx Collective say they believe in mutual aid, the principle of volunteering to share your resources and services for the mutual benefit of all. They say WCK's work does not fall under the definition. "It's not mutual aid when you have a lot more to give and you hold back, especially with some people who need it the most," Saavedra said. Mutual aid is giving "without receiving any glory from it," she added. "Once you start asking for glory and recognition, that's charity work. That's vanity." Saavedra said she has not seen Andres taking part in any acts of civil disobedience on behalf of undocumented people, nor has she seen him denounce politicians other than Trump. (Trump and Andres sued each other after the chef reneged on his plan to operate a restaurant in the Trump International Hotel in Washington. Andres pulled out of the hotel after Trump made racist comments on the campaign trial about Mexicans. The parties settled out of court in 2017.) Andres has championed issues and aligned his company, ThinkFoodGroup, with developments that have come under criticism. He campaigned against Initiative 77 in the District, which would have phased out the tipped minimum wage and helped ease poverty among the city's lowest-paid workers, advocates said at the time. (The initiative passed but was later repealed by the D.C. Council.) The chef also has a sprawling Spanish market inside Hudson Yards, a $25 billion project on the West Side of Manhattan that was partially financed through a program originally designed to combat urban poverty. Andres is in his native Spain, where WCK has set up relief kitchens, and could not be reached for comment. But Andres, a naturalized U.S. citizen, has used his sizable platform to raise awareness about the temporary protected status of Salvadoran immigrants, to teach Americans about the important roles immigrants are playing in the coronavirus response and to show what the world of business would look like without immigrants. "To think that Jose Andres would somehow be anti-immigrant and anti-undocumented is unfathomable because it's in the core of his being," Mook said. "He fights for rights for immigrants and pushes for rights for undocumented individuals and families in this country. He got into a very public fight with the president and got sued over it because of the comments that the president made." The whole point of the Restaurants for the People campaign, Mook said, is to keep money in local restaurants, not in the hands of developers and large chains. The program pays restaurants a fee for each meal they produce, and then WCK coordinates with local authorities and companies to distribute those meals to the most vulnerable populations. Mook said that WCK works with 150 restaurants in New York and has served 7 million meals in the metro area. Mook said he has no hard feelings that either group bowed out of the program. Nor does he think it's his job to get everyone to like Andres, the face of World Central Kitchen. "The real question is, how much of this is sort of being leveraged for attention?" Mook said. "We live in a world where it's about attention. Our president knows attention the best, and that's why the media buys into all of this and they give it to him." "At the end of the day, we don't want to get into the personal, and I know Jose doesn't, either," Mook added. "It's about the work. It's not about us." CLEVELAND, Ohio Civilian complaints against Cleveland police officers and employees have doubled so far in June, including one complaint against a dispatcher accused of calling the Black Lives Matter activist group a terrorists organization in a Facebook post. The increase in complaints coincides with widespread protests, pushing to end police violence against Black residents after a Minneapolis police officer killed George Floyd by kneeling on his neck for nearly nine minutes. The COVID city: Class, physical isolation, and virtual connection At the time of writing this we are all experiencing what the classical sociologist Emile Durkheim would call a social fact something that cuts across all individuals and exerts social control on each of us. Today this solidarity-in-separation encompasses almost the whole world (Davies 2019). We are also enduring a between-betwixt period, what Durkheims contemporary Arnold van Gennep might refer to as a collectivized experience of communitas, but ironically because we are not a community of equals. We fearfully check news feeds on the mounting rates of infections and death in the hope of learning how to cope with our life as liminal creatures not yet in the new-normal-COVID-19-world yet still lingering in the pre-COVID-19-old-world, paranoid, anxious and suspicious of others. In this urgent and critical context, a central intellectual figure who can help us shed some light into our current psychological, emotional, and social apprehensiveness is Georg Simmel (1858-1919), who thought intensely about the struggles of individuals with social and technological processes evolving from expansive European metropolises. The 19th century experiment of the modern (imperial and colonial) cities brought fundamental changes to the process of self-formation and the experience of individuation. Larger sociological and philosophical trials and errors emerged from densified living in interaction with other human beings as urban life in the Metropolis (and imperial destruction in the colony) threatened individuals with overstimulation, or else led them to apathy. Simmels preoccupations with the effects of metropolises and money economies on mental life, and with the defensive tactics of secrecy, publicity, and concealment among urban dwellers over a century ago, now speak in uncanny ways to our liminoid/paranoid COVID-present. For Simmel, writing at the beginning of the 20th century, the massive scale of urban life brings a central paradox: what is public becomes ever more public, the private ever more private (2009: 331). Individuals become anonymized and depersonalized in cities as they attempt to secure an island of subjectivity, a secret closed-off sphere of privacy (2004: 474). The COVID-19 crisis has intensified the urban experience of self-isolation through social distancing in ways that have arguably exacerbated myriad other crises of this current neoliberal hetero-patriarchal ecocidal capitalism. Under the renewed politics of COVID-19 austerity (with different levels of state support), individuals and groups become targets of structural violence and racism, climate refugees flee warned down ecosystems, or undocumented migrant workers suffer from disproportionately high rates of infection and mortality. As quarantined individuals enter a liminoid/paranoid state, their status as potential carriers and spreaders of the virus leave them increasingly de-anonymized, their secrecy turned public as a matter of public health. As the pandemic began to emerge in January, China, South Korea, Taiwan and other Southeast Asian countries that had historical/medical/legal precedent in carrying out these surveillance processes from SARS in 2003 deployed multiple forms of monitoring to contain the first wave of the spread of the virus. Now, the task of singling out, notifying, and tracking people who might have come in contact with a person who has been diagnosed with (or is suspected of) contracting COVID-19 has been taken up by scientists and governments in their attempts to manage the different phases of the pandemic. Through a combination of classic epidemiological approaches (contact tracing) and biotechnical surveillance (including e-tracking through credit cards), different countries have tried to contain the spread of the virus by disclosing private information. For Albert Camus and countless other writers, the city has always been the place of infection (as imagined coming from the outside), and thus a site to flee from (carrying their plagues with them). Quarantined individuals in the 21st century city became virtually hyperconnected and physically disconnected. Besides the impossibility of avoiding physical proximity, political inaction (deregulation, lack of public health preventive measures, absence of pandemic preparedness) has allowed enclosed institutions such as long-term care facilities, prisons, factories, hospitals, or meat processing facilities as well as subways, trains, supermarkets in dense cities have become breeding grounds of infection and death. The mental life in the city has been infected. One of Simmels key observations is that individuals must navigate between secrecy and publicity in the city by concealing parts of their private self while disclosing others. By self-isolating and social-distancing, individuals in lockdown are not only protecting themselves (and their circles) by disrupting the exponential transmission of the virus (and buying time for the healthcare system), but also subverting Simmels point by making public their self-isolation. Paradoxically, those who are incapable of avoiding close proximity to other human beings have a higher chance of being at risk. Regardless of our capacity to avoid others, we are expected to stay home and behave as if we are all COVID-19 positive: to protect our individual self, we need to protect others (and vice versa). We become hyper-alert to the smallest details. (Is this a sore throat? Am I losing my sense of smell? Should I touch that door knob?) We become sociologists of the infinitesimally small (as Pierre Bourdieu once described the work of Erving Goffman). An underlying sense of unrest (both personal and political), an awareness of the uncanny gives rise to a sense of (un)homeliness. Those who oppose lockdowns yell to the cameras that this is not normal as a heightened domesticity and a general sense of COVID-induced loss and grief are experienced differently in the vacated city, as we quickly run errands in the rush to come back home (if we have one), and in the re-occupy city as we march in the streets with face masks searching for social justice. The stranger within: The viral other as vector of disease In his short piece The Stranger, Simmel describes the experience of those who live at the margins of society, almost invisible and often anonymous but also integral to life in the metropolis as they navigate the borders of privilege and oppression, inclusion and exclusion. The stranger is potentially a kind of inside enemy, an abject subject, remote and close at the same time (keep in mind how ideas about the stranger have been orientalised). Simmel describes the stranger as someone who comes today and stays tomorrow, an outsider within who dwells at the centre of modern society (1971: 143-44). One can wonder who the stranger is in the times of COVID-19, when everyone is a suspected virus-carrier and when COVID-19 itself comes today, stays tomorrow. How does the virus affect our mental life and the likelihood of becoming a stranger not just to others but to ourselves? One of the most striking aspects of the pandemic is that potentially anyone can get infected and die (not only the elderly, immunocompromised or those experiencing co-morbidities), and each of us can be the medium through which an elderly mother becomes ill without even knowing it (while adult children fear for their kin members in long-term care homes). Nervously, those we have to fear the most are those who show no signs of it: the asymptomatic. But even those who have more resources at their disposal are not necessarily protected from the virus, while members of racialized and marginalized groups die at proportionally higher rates in the US, Brazil, Canada, UK, and many other countries. The virus is a stranger roaming around the immuneless human world as it attacks the weaknesses of the individual body and the most vulnerable institutions of the body politic, such as deregulated prison systems and long-term care facilities. The virus also hits those in the medical fields, including GPs, nurses, and first respondents, hardest due to their constant exposure. Indeed, the line between privilege and oppression as well as that between inclusion and exclusion becomes blurrier by the day, especially in countries or regions where medical professionals do not have adequate protective equipment, are overworked, and therefore feel anxious and unsafe every time they go to work. Even greater uncertainty emerges when the politico-medical advice is confused or confusing (one example: the use of face masks). Here in Canada, some regions with a good handle on the pandemic (as in British Columbia, where I live) are reopening (gradual deconfinement), while others (Quebec and Ontario) hesitate as hundreds of new cases and high death-rates are recorded daily. With the intrinsic unpredictability of the pandemic (and illegibility of the virus), it is becoming clear that there will be second (and third, even fourth) waves of infection and that we will move back and forth between confinement and deconfinement phases. Leaving aside places where now (June 2020) the pandemic is escalating at hellish proportions (such as part of Brazil, the US, Russia, Chile, UK, Peru, and the list will evolve), how are we to understand expanding the bubble, as British Columbians are calling their gradual de-isolation? What does socially-distanced schooling, shopping, camping, and socializing entail? As Simmel notes, the stranger in the modern world renders racial and class tensions as more visible and spatialized in the urban grid. In the current context, as the virus spread outside China and Southeast Asia, among the first who became infected and brought the virus back home to many parts of the Western world were those from globalized middle-upper classes who were traveling abroad. They then transmitted the virus to their employees and other people with whom they were in contact with, a sort of top-down viral transmission through racial and class vectors. In order to contain the virus, Italy, Spain, New Zealand and other countries enforced mandatory lockdowns (while others like the UK waited longer, and Sweden never enforced it), eventually transforming everyone into strangers, no one experiencing inclusion or exclusion but only seclusion, and no one living either at the margins or the centre of society. Everyone is an other, a potential vector of disease, an alien in ones own society, a foreigner living secluded and concealed, at least insofar as someone has the privilege of a shelter to stay in, a job to go to, or an income and the possibility of working from home (different governments have stepped up and supported citizens financially and by other means). Of course, there are degrees of strangeness if we consider (un)documented citizenship and the access to healthcare. When I first wrote this piece (in May 2020), I added: No one can wander as we become the stranger who comes home today and stays tomorrow, the next day, and the day after that. But now (in June 2020), after the murder of George Floyd and the BLM and other massive demonstrations for social justice, I wonder how the othering and becoming-foreigner in ones own society is reinterpreted under the toxic combination of COVID-19 racialized infection rates and the police murdering of BIPOC bodies at plain sight. Despite different degrees of lockdown in different places, people have been asked to remain immobile inside their homes, if they have one. Those who became even more estranged in this context are often victims of multiple forms of abuse, especially women, children, and gender and sexual minorities. Mandatory social isolation has exacerbated and visibilized social inequities, including multiple forms of domestic abuse and racialized violence. In the efforts to avoid contagion, the inequalities that reproduce strangers among intimate dwellers have also become contagious. At the same time, many of those who enjoy the class luxury of the quarantine self, have discovered more positive sides of their persona since slowing down, as the hermit-self creates spaces of inner estrangement in which time does not move forward but rather inward (more books are read, new dishes are cooked, scarfs are knitted, stories are written). New networks of kin-making and horizontal care are engendered, as caregivers get to know their children better (and vice versa), people check in on their neighbours, and strangers on the street make new connections. Over/understimulation and the blase attitude: The Syllabus project A key aspect of metropolitan mental life for Simmel lies in the tension between overstimulation and the blase attitude, or more precisely, how the latter forms a kind of protective organ in response to overwhelming assault of the former (1997: 175). This stance of detachment is itself a strategy of self-preservation in the city (Kemple 2018). More recently, Byung-Chul Han (2015) has argued that our technology-obsessed late capitalism promotes an excessive positivity and a corresponding incapacity to manage negative experiences. As Han notes, we are overstressed, exhausted, burnt out, technologically dependent, and apathetic as our hectic urban life, with its constant boosts of sensation and incitement, often leaves us saturated and indifferent. The constant chatter about overstimulation and our blase attitude to COVID-19 is itself a way of talking about the relationship we create with reality and our relations with others as we struggle to come to grips with what is happening. To cultivate a coping strategy while remaining socially isolated and physicallydistanced, we rely on the Internet, with its tired oversaturation of corporate-deployed advertising algorithms. In this localized virtual place, we become commodities of late capitalism and distracted consumers of information flow (clicking, clicking, clicking). Meanwhile, this crisis has made the richest people in the world immensely richer. In May 11, 2020 (in one day!) the eight wealthiest men of the world made a combined net worth of $6.2B (see: shorturl.at/ipFS5). From Zuckerberg to Page to Gates and Bezos, the wealthy richest men on earth give thanks to the Internet for their wealth as those of us who rely on it become poorer, anxious, more socially isolated, or indifferent. We need an antidote not just to the virus, but also to the corporate-deployed advertising algorithms colonizing our attention and demoralizing our efforts at mutual care. One such antidote is The Syllabus (the-syllabus.com), the brainchild of Evgeny Morozov (2012, 2013). This amalgamate of algorithmic and human organized sources using criteria of relevance and taxonomies is a kind of anti-algorithmic algorithm that attempts to break with the hectic speed of clickbait. Morozov has produced a counteragent against what often saturates mental life under quarantine, encouraging us instead to find the needle in the haystack of over-information, oversaturation, delaying or derailing our descent into the blase attitude. With a critical mass of editors and cyberflaneurs, The Syllabus pre-digests texts, audios, and videos from academic and non-academic sources. (A special edition is updated daily for COVID-19 crisis.) The selection of sources (curation is their term) attempts to break the logic of the algorithm-based and clickbait political-economy of the Internet, with its secret aim to monopolize platforms while preaching democratization. If we are going to develop more inclusive forms of mutual support during the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to quickly figure out the most efficient ways to collectively maneuver these mounting crises while curating a kind of protective organ of critical thinking against both overstimulation and the blase attitude. The saturated quarantined self in the city is under the command of constant transformation, a kind of liquification and aeration as we move through the pandemic phases of self- isolation, social distancing, and virtual connection in the hope that this will all be over soon but without ever actually knowing when. Late capitalism is based on acceleration and overstimulation, and, perhaps, discussions about the role of the state are becoming more prominent because we are seeking protective mechanisms against falling into a blase state. Debates about social, reproductive, and ecological justice, migrant worker rights, access to health care as a human right, as well as racial, gender, ableist, and domestic forms of violence, to mention a few, are also ways to de-blase our forms of care. In many cities, regular cheers to health care and other essential workers to the sounds banging pots and pans have become a nightly ritual. Individuality and interdependency with others (at micro and macro-levels) become more entangled while new-born grandchildren cannot be hugged by their grandparents and lullabies are sung via Zoom. Beyond the blase attitude Finding ways to de-blase our attitude to other peoples suffering, to recognize and resist oppression, and to become more inclusive despite (or precisely because of) the COVID-19 crisis will require us to rethink how our institutions are organized and how human-non-human relationships are made on planet earth. In Regarding the Pain of Others Susan Sontag points out that Nobody can think and hit someone at the same time (2003: 118). We need more thinking; we need this crisis to be a way forward rather than a way back to normal. Pushing the idea of liminality even further, Arundhati Roy (2020) imagines the pandemic as a portal: we knew it was coming, since the late capitalist globalized world-system based on exclusion, austerity, and affluence has always been a broken, rotten patchwork of privilege and oppression. Roy reminds us that often cataclysmic pandemics become catalytic breakthroughs for (re)imagining new worlds. In the past few months, many of us have felt a kind collective effervescence (using Durkheims term) as the COVID crisis confronts us with the terms of our liminal existence (van Gennep) in ways that may hopefully help us avoid descending into the blase attitude (Simmel). The virus separates people, but it is also and always a relationship: The relations we create out of this pandemic will determine who lives and who dies. Lets choose relations organized around collective care and joy, and, choosing, resist oppression (Shotwell 2020). From the liminoid/paranoid self we are today, perhaps we can create a crack, a threshold that would help us imagine a new world. Acknowledgements Thanks to Tom Kemple, Jon Beasley-Murray and Ana Vivaldi for helping me clarify my thoughts; especially thanks to Tom for his editing and huge guidance on Simmels ideas. Rafael Wainer is a Lecturer in the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Sociology at the University of British Columbia. His research interests are childrens experience of cancer treatment, end-of-life and palliative care, medical assistance in dying, chronicity and disability, and resilience and hope. References Davies, William (2019). Society as a Broadband Network. London Review of Books, 42 (7) 2 April: https://lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v42/n07/william-davies/society-as-a-broadband-network Han, Byung-Chul (2015). The Burnout Society. Stanford: Stanford University Press. Kemple, Thomas (2018). Simmel. Cambridge, UK: Polity Press. Morozov, Evgeny (2012). The Net Delusion: The Dark Side of Internet Freedom. New York: Public Affairs. Morozov, Evgeny (2013). To Save Everything Click Here: The Folly of Technological Solutionism. London & New York: Allen Lane. Roy, Arandhuti (2020). The Pandemic is a Portal. Financial Times (online version April 3, 2020: https://www.ft.com/content/10d8f5e8-74eb-11ea-95fe-fcd274e920ca). Shotwell, Alexis (2020). The Virus is a Relation. Upping the Anti. May 5: https://uppingtheanti.org/blog/entry/the-virus-is-a-relation Simmel, Georg (1971). The Stranger. In On Individuality and Social Forms. Edited by Donalk N. Levine. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. Pp. 143-49. Simmel, Georg (1997). The Metropolis and Mental Life. In Simmel on Culture. Edited by D. Frisby and M. Featherstone. London: Sage. Pp. 174-84. Simmel, Georg (2004). The Philosophy of Money [1900/1907]. Translated b y T. Bottomore and D. Frisby. London: Routledge. Simmel, Georg (2009). Sociology: Inquiries into the Construction of Social Forms, 2 volumes [1908]. Edited by H. Hlle, translated by A. J. Blasi, A. K. Jacobs, and M. Kanjiranthinkal. Leiden: Brill. Sontag, Susan (2003). Regarding the pain of others. New York: Picador. Share this: Share Email Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr LinkedIn [view academic citations] [hide academic citations] For the struggling restaurant industry, the hard knocks keep coming. An increasing number of Houston restaurants, allowed to increase capacity to 75 percent on June 12, are temporarily closing due to staff testing positive for or being exposed to COVID-19. To avoid spreading the novel coronavirus, ahead of any employees falling ill, some business owners are electing to offer food and drinks to go only to protect their staff and the dining public. Its the same business model they pivoted to in March after Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a stay-at-home order, the impact of which has had a disastrous economic effect. On HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Some Houston restaurants wont say if their employees have COVID-19. And they dont have to. David Cook, managing partner and general manager at Prego in Rice Village, said he based his decision on the spike in coronavirus cases, along with hospital system projections that the intensive care capacity at Texas Medical Center could be exceeded as soon as Thursday. It has become clear to me that the virus is attacking and raging our community, specifically in the hospitality industry, said Cook. It makes sense to step back. What's important is the safety of our staff and those in the community that dine here." With the shift to takeout only, Cook estimates the restaurant, which reopened after the shutdown on May 22 as Gov. Greg Abbott increased occupancy to 50 percent, will lose 50 percent of its current revenue. Weve seen incremental growth week to week. It felt so promising, said Cook. It is a shame to have momentum building, and then see the number of cases coming out of the Texas Medical Center. It is alarming. Cook said he plans to re-evaluate the situation after the Fourth of July holiday. For now, Prego is offering meal kits and wine specials to go. The dining room at Nancys Hustle in East Downtown has remained closed since March's stay-at-home order. We want to reopen the restaurant for dining service. But watching the infection rates in our area, we feel like it is safer for our team and guests to stick with curbside take-out, said co-owner Sean Jensen. We want to encourage people to stay at home and away from other people and opening right now would do the opposite. After an executive order issued by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo mandating businesses in Harris County to require their customers to wear face masks took effect on Monday, Federal Grill owner Matt Brice has opted to return to takeout, curbside and delivery only. On PREVIEW.COM: Do Houston diners have to wear masks at restaurants? We are simply not willing to police others' choices, nor do we want to risk hurting anyone, he said in a news release issued on Wednesday. When Brice opened the doors to his Hedwig Village restaurant for dine-in service on April 24, he defied Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgos stay-at-home order forcing the closure of restaurants and other businesses. At that time, the restaurateur told the Houston Chronicle that Federal Grill had lost more than 80 percent of its business under the order. Its not only restaurant owners who are returning to takeout only. Russell Thoede, who co-owns Lei Low with his wife Elizabeth Thoede, has closed the Heights area bar for onsite patronage in favor of offering cocktail kits to go. The rise in the cases speaks volumes, said Thoede. It is the people who work here that make the place special, and trying to do what is right for them has been tough. The lack of guidance from state, county or city agencies with responsibilities for public health was also a factor for Thoede. Were telling people what to do more than we want to. Its created a situation where people feel uncomfortable. Its no longer hospitable, he said. Thoede isnt sure how long Lei Low will keep the takeout-only policy. In the meantime, he said hell pay his staff an hourly wage and hope to hold on. We are all working-class people. We cant afford to get sick. It was a hard decision to make because we also all need (to make) money, said Thoede. We will see how long we can sustain this before we have to decide another hard decision. Married At First Sight's Davina Rankin may have appeared on the dating show back in 2018, but she remains to this day one of the most unforgettable brides. The 28-year-old, who regularly posts sweet photos of her baby girl, Mila Mae, on Instagram, is the most-followed MAFS star on the social media platform, with more than 345,000 followers. Davina was partnered with 'husband' Ryan Gallagher on the fifth season of MAFS, which is widely considered the year when the social experiment took a darker turn. Revealed: Married At First Sight's Davina Rankin (pictured) may have appeared on the dating show back in 2018, but she's still the most-followed MAFS star on Instagram Davina infamously cheated on Ryan but he was forced to stay in their 'marriage' for weeks after discovering her betrayal. She tried to leave him for another groom, Dean Wells, but he eventually ran back to his assigned spouse, Tracey Jewel. Martha Kalifatidis, who appeared on season six of the show in 2019, has also proved to be a popular bride with more than 333,000 followers on Instagram. The 31-year-old brunette has become an influencer since leaving the experiment, and has landed many lucrative endorsements. Controversial: Davina was partnered with 'husband' Ryan Gallagher (left) on MAFS in 2018, which is widely considered the year when the social experiment took a darker turn Speaking to Daily Mail Australia recently, Martha said 'never in her wildest dreams' did she believe that creating sponsored posts at home would become her full-time job, and expressed her surprise at how financially viable it is. 'It is surprising. I worked as a makeup artist for so long and I knew that big brands turn over so much, and the number one thing that they all invest in is marketing,' she said. Although Martha did not reveal the exact figure she charges for branded content, it's estimated she makes anything up to $3,000 for a single sponsored selfie. Followers: Martha Kalifatidis (pictured), who appeared on season six of the show in 2019, has also proved to be a popular bride and has more than 333,000 Instagram followers Some brands likely pay even more for multi-post deals, or to exclusively sign Martha up as the face of their campaigns across different platforms. In third place is Sarah Roza, who appeared on the fifth season of the show in 2018. The 39-year-old, who recently underwent a drastic slim down, now has more than 332,000 followers on Instagram. Justice Stephen G. Breyer, joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, agreed with the court that Thuraissigiams claims were too vague to make a credible case for asylum. But they said there was no need for the court to make additional pronouncements that would seal off the courts from others who might have stronger cases. Neighbors were still reeling Tuesday as news spread through the quiet of South Jacksonvilles Hall Drive about the deaths of high school sweethearts pulled from their burning house the day before. It was the second marriage for both Henry and Patty Bugg, who died within a half hour of each other, but their story began in high school. They were high school sweethearts, daughter-in-law Rosalie Bugg said Tuesday. After graduating, they went their separate ways but found each other again later in life. Henry, 73, and Patty, 72, were married in the mid-1980s and had lived in the neighborhood since 2016. They were separated by time, Rosalie said. But once reunited, the couple never missed an opportunity to spend time with family. They would come over every weekend. Were a close family we just saw them Fathers Day, Rosalie said. They just wanted to be close to their children. Firefighters found them sleeping inside about 9:30 a.m. Monday after smoke was seen coming from the retired couples house at 609 Hall Drive. They were taken to Passavant Area Hospital, but died a few hours later. Rosalie said she admired her father-in-law and how intelligent he was. Henry was so intelligent, he was one of the most smartest man I knew, she said. He loved to take walks with Patty and loved a good meal not just a meal but a good meal, Rosalie said. He had a passion for politics and solving problems. He wasnt a social person, but he loved talking one on one, Rosalie said. Patty, a retired beautician, enjoyed finding bargains and would spend hours at markets and craft shows. She loved to bargain and she loved going to the (Prairie Land Heritage Museum) Steam Show she loved to negotiate, Rosalie said. She also loved babies. They didnt have to be family all babies. The couples son, William Bugg, is broken over the loss, Rosalie said. His dad was pretty much his best friend, she said. Neighbor Troy Zoellner and his son were among the many who called 911 after noticing smoke. There was smoke coming out of the main window. The window on the back corner was blown out and I yelled in to it, Zoellner said. South Jacksonville Fire Department, South Jacksonville Police Department, Jacksonville Fire Department and LifeStar Ambulance were on the scene. I saw the amount of smoke there was and those guys showed up and didnt hesitate, Zoellner said. They just went straight in. The cause of the fire has not been determined. South Jacksonville Fire Department Fire Chief Richard Evans Jr. said it could have started from something electrical and there is no evidence of foul play. Evans said it underscores the importance of smoke detectors, especially when people are asleep. We didnt find any working smoke detectors, Evans said. It was a cautionary note not lost on Zoellner. When they were all on scene, I took my boys out for lunch then we bought new batteries for all of our smoke detectors, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 22:21:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ANKARA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkey on Thursday pledged to construct 50,000 briquette houses near the Turkish border in northwestern Idlib province of Syria. Some 50,000 briquette houses will be constructed in the region by the end of this year, Turkish Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said at a consultation meeting on Idlib organized by Turkey's disaster agency AFAD. A total of 717,063,102 Turkish Liras (about 104,610,000 U.S. dollars) were collected as part of an aid campaign for Idlib that has been launched on Jan. 13, the minister said. Some 1,146,527 Syrians are subject to the campaign, he noted. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also attended the meeting via telephone and said "currently, this effort that we are doing along the border of our neighbor is of great importance." Earlier this year, Turkey launched an aid campaign to prevent nearly 1.5 million Syrian refugees from fleeing their homes in Idlib to Turkish border. Turkey seeks to prevent a new influx of migrants to its territories as the country already hosts more than 3.6 million refugees. Enditem Facing mounting complaints about abusive behavior and unfair treatment of Black staff members, the chief executive of Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, Laura McQuade, has been ousted from her job. The organizations board of directors had supported McQuade as recently as last week. On Tuesday, however, the group reversed course, sending an email to staff members saying the board had parted ways with her the previous day. The move came after hundreds of former and current employees signed a series of public letters over the past week faulting McQuade for what they said was an autocratic, abusive leadership style ill-suited to any organization, let alone one known for its progressive credentials. The letters accused McQuade of berating and humiliating employees; presiding over a system that paid Black staff members unequally and kept them from advancing in their careers; and supporting layoffs and furloughs for nearly a third of the organizations employees amid the COVID-19 crisis without cutting her own pay or that of other top officials. Writing under the name Save Planned Parenthood Greater New York, the current and former employees also accused McQuade of squandering a financial surplus and steering a call-center contract to a former Planned Parenthood executive whom the group described as a friend of McQuades. We reject what we view as McQuades Trumpian leadership style, one of the letters said, comparing McQuade to the president, and envision a Planned Parenthood where all our staff, in particular our black and other staff of color, are honored for their expertise and included in the decision-making process. McQuade, in an interview Tuesday, called the allegations against her false but she said that this is not the time to refute them. I feel nothing but good will toward the organization, and I want them to succeed, she said. The work that we have undertaken over the last three years together has been some of the most important work of my life. A statement from the organization sought both to acknowledge McQuades efforts and to move on. During Lauras tenure, PPGNY made some important operational changes, the organization said in the statement. But growing concerns raised by our staff made her continued leadership untenable. Our employees are on the front lines of some of the most critical health care work in the country, the statement continued, and we recognize we must make some changes to ensure our clinicians and center staff continue to feel supported in meeting the needs of all patients. Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, which formed in January when five chapters in the state merged, had around 900 employees as of early this year, making it the largest affiliate of Planned Parenthood, the national reproductive rights, abortion provider and service organization. In the email to staff members, the organization said it would be run by a group of senior officials while it conducted a search for a new leader. Before the merger, McQuade was the chief executive of Planned Parenthood of New York City, a job she took in 2017 after leading Planned Parenthood Great Plains, an affiliate that served Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. The open letters, signed by at least 350 current and former employees, included a litany of concerns. Topping the list were complaints about the harsh way that McQuade interacted with employees. Dozens of staff members have witnessed McQuade yell, berate, slam her fists, verbally abuse, humiliate, and bully employees, often brutally shaming staff members in internal meetings in front of their colleagues, one letter stated. People could hear her down the hallway screaming and berating people, said a current New York staff member, who, like nearly all of those who signed the letters, did so using his initials and spoke anonymously for fear of retaliation. The complaints about McQuade came during a period of consolidation for the organization that included changes some staff members opposed strongly. After she was hired in 2017, McQuade spearheaded multiple changes, including lengthening clinic hours to 9 p.m., ending a popular practice of giving employees who work Saturday the day off on holiday weekends and demanding higher patient-visit numbers and greater efficiency, according to letters sent to the board last year. In a setting where sensitive sexual issues are discussed and abortions are conducted, the pressure being exerted by McQuade was pushing clinical staff to rush through what is, at the end of the day, a very sensitive clinical experience, one letter stated. 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. To increase bargaining power with insurance companies and to streamline the organizations operations, she oversaw the merger of Planned Parenthood New York City with the Nassau County, Mid-Hudson Valley, Mohawk Hudson and the Southern Finger Lakes chapters. But employees said she squandered a healthy surplus and made poor financial decisions, including laying off all of the employees at the organizations internal call center and giving the work to a group run by another former Planned Parenthood executive, said the staff member who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The coronavirus outbreak brought matters to a head. In April, McQuade announced layoffs and furloughs affecting 250 employees, and she closed health centers in Queens and the Bronx even as they served minority women who were disproportionately affected by the disease, according to another public letter outlining staff members concerns about equity. McQuade, the letter recounted, said at a staff meeting in May that she did not support reducing her salary or those of other senior staff members because it would not have let us keep the strongest people with us moving forward. In 2018, the most recent tax year available, McQuade received $428,000 in total compensation, public tax filings show. Building on the push for organizations across the United States to address issues of systemic racism, one of the letters said that racism at the organization went well beyond McQuade, though it stated things had worsened under her tenure. White and non-black employees are still given more pay and more advancement opportunities than their black colleagues, the letter said. While the board defended McQuade and her record on racial equity in a June 19 response, it appeared to rethink that stance after other Planned Parenthood leaders took notice of the outrage. Robin Chappelle Golston, the president and chief executive of Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts, the lobbying organization for the state's Planned Parenthood chapters, said in a letter of support that she had witnessed the aggressive and disrespectful attitude of PPGNY leadership toward my colleagues and experienced it myself. In a separate statement, Alexis McGill Johnson, the acting president and chief executive of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, expressed her support for the staff uprising. The allegations are serious, she wrote, and we expect the Planned Parenthood Greater New York board of directors to hold themselves accountable to their mission and values. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. June 24, 2020 Release Joint Statement in Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the Outbreak of the Korean War by United States Secretary of Defense Dr. Mark T. Esper and Republic of Korea Minister of Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo Today, the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK) recognize and commemorate the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. On this day in 1950, the U.S.-ROK military alliance was born of necessity and forged in blood, as brave U.S. and ROK service members from a world apart banded together based on shared values and common purpose. This formidable force was soon augmented by service members from 16 partner nations who answered the call to preserve freedom and democracy under the auspices of the newly-formed United Nations Command. Seven decades later, the U.S.-ROK Alliance remains the linchpin for security, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the Northeast Asia region. On behalf of their grateful nations, Secretary Esper and Minister Jeong pay tribute to the sacrifice, bravery, and legacy of those who laid down their lives in defense of a free, democratic, and prosperous ROK. The Secretary and the Minister also salute the members of the armed forces, past and present, who have maintained an allied presence on the Korean Peninsula since the 1953 Armistice Agreement. Additionally, both leaders reaffirm their commitment to a combined defense posture that ensures lasting peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the ROK Ministry of National Defense (MND) remain firmly committed to defending the hard-fought peace on the Korean Peninsula, to include supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts for the complete denuclearization of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) consistent with multiple United Nations Security Council Resolutions. Both leaders call on the DPRK to meet its commitments in alignment with the Singapore Summit Joint Statement, the Comprehensive Military Agreement, and other relevant agreements. In the spirit of shared sacrifice, Secretary Esper affirms the United States' ironclad commitment to the defense of the ROK, and the two leaders commit to strengthening and adapting the alliance to meet present and future challenges. Additionally, the two leaders affirm the importance of the rules-based international order and adherence to international rules and norms, including those of freedom of navigation, and overflight. The Secretary and Minister agree on the necessity of increased coordination given complex global and regional security dynamics, and will seek to strengthen coordination and cooperation on a diverse range of issues. The two leaders will also continue to seek synergies in U.S. and ROK regional strategies in order to maintain the peace and security of the Northeast Asian region through trilateral and multilateral security cooperation. DoD and MND will continue to promote peace and stability in the region through information sharing, high-level policy consultation, and combined exercises. The Secretary highlighted the ROK response to COVID-19 as the model for effectiveness and transparency; DoD and MND will continue to cooperate closely to deal with this global pandemic. The U.S.-ROK Alliance is built on mutual trust and shared values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In that spirit, both leaders remain committed to deepening the breadth and depth of bilateral cooperation to strengthen our security relationship and build on the legacy of our combined force long into the future. As the U.S.-ROK Alliance motto goes: "Katchi Kapshida! We go together!" https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Releases/Release/Article/2231102/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mazda USA is recalling certain units from the 2020 model year of its CX-30 and Mazda3 for possible brake issues. According to the Japanese car maker, 16,233 CX-30s and 7,803 Mazda3s are included in the recall, as the units may suffer from a manufacturing assembly process error where the brake caliper mounting bolts may have been tightened improperly. Left attended, the faulty bolts can loosen, causing metal-on-metal friction between the loose caliper and the wheel. Ultimately, the loosening can result in the bolts lost during travel, reduced braking performance, and reduce vehicle control, which increases the risk of collision. https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/ Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) filed the defect notification with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The recall has been given the code number 4420F for easy reference. Mazda car owners may hear abnormal grinding or rattling noises coming from the wheels due to the brake caliper rubbing against the wheel and other vehicle components. With the recall announcement, Mazda is giving the vehicle owners the option to either bring their car to their nearest Mazda dealer for inspection or tighten the bolts themselves according to the manufacturers specifications. Mazda USA reports that no accidents or injuries have occurred as of the date of the recalls announcement. https://insidemazda.mazdausa.com/ The 2020 CX-30 is also being issued a separate recall for a possible fuel leak issue. Under Mazdas recall number is 4520F, certain 2020 CX-30 models equipped with AWD may have the fuel evaporative vent hose disconnected to the fuel sender unit due to an improper manufacturing process at the fuel tank manufacturing plant. When fully refueling the vehicle, liquid fuel will eventually fill the charcoal canister, resulting in a leak. A fuel leak from the canister in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of a fire. Mazda estimates that approximately 12,097 2020 Mazda CX-30 units are affected in the US. Story continues As with the earlier recall, Mazda claims that no accident or injury have been reported as a result of this defect. Mazdas cars destined for the North American market are built at its manufacturing plants in both Japan and America, which means Philippine-market CX-30s and Mazda3s are not affected by the recall as our units come from Mazdas factories in the Southeast Asian region. Meanwhile, Mazda Philippines head honcho Steven Tan assured that the local counterparts are not affected to customers need not to worry. "Japan already notified that our cars from Japan are not affected by the recall. Only US cars built in Mexico," Tan told CARMUDI PHILIPPINES. With report from Ruben Manahan IV Photos from Mazda USA Also read: Mazda is now 100 Years Old 2020 Mazda Miata MX-5 Gets Enhanced Features, More Standard Tech Patna, June 25 : At least 13 people were killed by lightning in Gopalganj district of Bihar, while many people were reported to be injured as heavy rain and thunderstorms lashed several areas of the state on Thursday, a government official said. Gopalganj District Collector Arshad Aziz told IANS that according to information received so far, 12 to 13 people have died in lightning strikes in the district. He appealed to the people to remain indoors during the rain and not to stand under trees if outside. Aziz said Mustafa Ahmed (30) and Afroz Alam (28) died when lightning struck in Narayanpur village in the Thave police station area, while Krishna Kumar (21) died in Luhasi village and Azim Alam (40) in Nautan Haraiya village. Ganesh Sahu, a resident of Sheikh Parsa village in the Manjha police station area, and Ajmeri Khatoon (10), a resident of Chakhani Tola, Vijayapura, also died due to lightning, he added. The dead also included Reena Devi (35) and Rajaram Yadav (45) of Khajuria village in Bakhraur under Barauli police station area. Most of the people who died were working in the fields. The injured have been admitted in hospitals. Heavy rain with thunderstorms and lightning has lashed various parts of Bihar even before the onset of the monsoon in the state. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Des Smith is accused of demanding money with menaces A man has been accused of calling to a woman's home and using threats to demand payment of a debt owed by her ex-partner. Des Smith (21) is alleged to have told the woman: "You have a child with him and someone will have to pay." He was granted bail and had the case against him adjourned when he appeared before Dublin District Court. Mr Smith, of The Island Apartments, Chapelizod, is charged with demanding money with menaces. Objecting to bail, the prosecuting garda cited the seriousness of the allegation. He told Judge Michael Walsh it was alleged the accused went to the woman's home in Dundrum on June 10 and demanded money which was owed by her former partner. The garda said the maximum sentence on conviction on indictment was 14 years. He was concerned that if granted bail the accused would interfere with prospective witnesses. Strict Applying for bail, defence barrister Joseph Mulrean said the complainant had not yet made a statement. The garda replied that an appointment had been made to take a statement from her. Asked if he would be amenable to strict bail conditions, the garda said it was a matter for the court. Judge Walsh granted bail on condition the accused stays out of the Dundrum and Sandyford areas and has no contact directly or indirectly with the alleged victim or any witnesses. He is to sign on daily at Kilmainham Garda Station, provide gardai with a mobile phone number, be of good behaviour and not commit any offences. He is to notify gardai of any change of address and keep his phone switched on at all times. Mr Smith nodded when the judge asked if he undertook to abide by the bail conditions. The judge told the prosecuting garda that if there was any breach of bail, he could apply for a warrant to arrest Mr Smith and bail would be revoked. He remanded the defendant on bail, to appear in court again in October, for the directions of the DPP. A dramatic surge in the number of coronavirus cases in Texas is straining local hospitals to the breaking point. Over the past 12 days, the average number of cases and hospitalizations in the state reached record highs. Last weekend, the number of new daily cases surpassed 4,000 for the first time. On Tuesday, Texas confirmed over 5,000 cases for the first time. Along with the sheer quantity of cases is the rise in the number of cases so severe that they require hospitalization. According to state officials, at least 4,092 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 across the state by Tuesday afternoon. It marked the 12th straight day of rising hospitalization rates and the first time Texas hospitals held more than 4,000 coronavirus patients. Healthcare workers process patient information at a United Memorial Medical Center COVID-19 testing site in Houston. Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) On the same day, the number of new confirmed cases reached 5,489. Texas has experienced an exponential rise in cases over the past two weeks. June 10 was the first time the state reported more than 2,000 new cases in a day. A week later, on June 17, there were more than 3,000 new cases. On June 20, Texas recorded more than 4,000 cases for the first time. The number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in the state has more than doubled since the beginning of the month. North Texas currently has at least 1,074 people hospitalized in the region. Tarrant County saw a 20 percent increase in patients, rising from 268 people to 318. Dallas County reported 470 patients. A third spike occurred in Amarillo, which experienced an outbreak at a meatpacking plant, filling ICU capacity in less than five days. Houstons Texas Medical Center, the largest such facility in the world, has reached 97 percent of its normal ICU bed capacity. The medical center can create an additional 1,000 ICU beds if it implements emergency measures, but experts worry that hospitals throughout the Houston area will be overwhelmed soon. On Monday, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner reported 1,789 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the citys total to 14,322. If current trends continue, experts worry that Houston, the countrys fourth largest city, will become an epicenter on the scale of New York City, which had seen 213,000 cases, of whom more than 30,000 died. Dr. Peter Hotez, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, said that Houston could become the worst impacted city in the US. The number of COVID-19-positive hospital patients in Harris County, which includes Houston, has nearly tripled since the end of May. We are potentially facing a very serious public health threat, he told local news outlet ABC 13 News. The Texas Medical Center anticipates its ICU capacity could be exhausted in two weeks. Houstons Texas Childrens Hospital, the largest pediatric hospital in the US, announced that it would admit adult patients across its campuses to alleviate pressure on other Houston hospitals. What we had before was a ripple compared to what were about to experience, Dr. David Persse, health authority for the Houston Health Department, told the Texas Tribune . The number of ICU patients exceeded bed capacity at Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, and some had to be temporarily moved to other hospitals. According to a Harris Health System spokesperson, 76 percent of ICU beds were full as of Monday. City officials have suggested local convention centers and stadiums could be used as temporary overflow facilities. The uptick in cases comes weeks after Governor Greg Abbott relaxed social distancing measures and allowed businesses to reopen in May. Texas was one of the first states to reopen after the Trump administration pushed its back-to-work campaign. In the past, Abbott insisted Texas had the capacity to contain any new outbreaks but then was forced to implement new health and safety measures. But on Tuesday he held a press conference at which he urged the states residents to stay home, avoid going out unnecessarily, and follow public health protocols. He had lifted state restrictions by allowing cities to restrict public gatherings of more than 100 people. Amid the spike in cases, the Trump administration is ending support for 13 coronavirus testing sites across the country, including seven in Texas. Local officials and medical experts are asking for funding for the sites to be extended, warning of catastrophic cascading consequences. Four of the testing sites are in Houston and Harris County. According to the Houston Chronicle, two of these sites conduct more than 500 tests per day and make up the backbone of the citys testing capacity. WASHINGTON Yearning for change, a group of progressive Black Democratic congressional hopefuls is rushing toward the national stage, igniting rank-and-file enthusiasm in a party dominated by aging white leaders. Charles Booker, 35, a first-term Kentucky state legislator who grew up poor, is vying for a Senate nomination against a rival whos outraised him 40 to 1 and is backed by national Democratic leaders. Jamaal Bowman, 44, an educator and political neophyte, is seeking a New York congressional seat held by the House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman, whos endorsed by Hillary Clinton and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. They and others ran in Tuesdays Democratic primaries in New York, Kentucky and Virginia, and it remains unclear how many of them will win. But the days message was clear: A fresh set of candidates of color wants to steer Democrats leftward, even as presumed presidential nominee Joe Biden sets a more centrist course to woo moderate voters this November. The leadership of the party has to catch up with public opinion, which is largely progressive, Mondaire Jones, whos fighting for a vacant seat from a tony district in New York Citys northern suburbs, said in an interview. Jones said he enthusiastically backs Biden but the former vice president must advance a vision of America that is more progressive than what hes set forth if he wants to energize liberal voters. The world has changed, Bowman said in a statement. Congress needs to change, too. As election officials count boatloads of mail-in ballots prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, The Associated Press hasnt declared winners in many close primaries. But one victor was Cameron Webb, a Black physician and lawyer who defeated three white rivals in a GOP-held Virginia district Democrats hope to capture in November. Tuesdays primaries occurred in a Democratic Party led by Biden, 77, Pelosi, 80, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, whos 69. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist and progressive leader who lost his bid for the presidential nomination this year, is 78. But another hero of the left, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is only 30. And in one indication of the partys sensitivities, Biden has already said he will choose a woman as his vice presidential running mate and faces pressure to pick a person of color. Booker, Bowman and Jones have gained momentum from the Black Lives Matter movement and the nationwide protests following last months killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Their strong showings have spotlighted that candidates who can tap into that energy can garner significant votes from African Americans and white progressives. While each has emphasized social justice, they and others say their appeal goes beyond racial issues. All, for example, have supported the Green New Deal and Medicare for All proposals dear to many liberal voters. Sean McElwee, a political analyst for progressive candidates, says liberal-leaning millennials are entering the age when people tend to vote more often. That produces increasingly successful progressive candidates, especially people of color who can appeal to liberal and minority voters, he said. Were a little bit over white male progressive candidates, McElwee said. Sochie Nnaemeka, New York state director of the progressive Working Families Party, said candidates of color also gain appeal from their authenticity. They have lived experiences, Nnaemeka said. Theres no translation needed for Jamaal Bowman to talk about the crisis of police brutality. Bowman, challenging 16-term veteran Rep. Eliot Engel in a district covering parts of the Bronx and Westchester County, grew up in public housing in New York. Despite Tuesdays races, Rep. Daniel Lipinski, D-Ill., one of Congresss most conservative Democrats, is the only Democratic incumbent to lose this year. And moderates dispute that Democrats are becoming controlled by progressives and that Black voters inevitably skew to the left. They note that the moderate Biden decisively clinched the presidential nomination over Sanders with lopsided support from African American voters. They say the dozens of Democratic freshmen elected in 2018, giving them House control, included centrist lawmakers of color such as Reps. Colin Allred, D-Texas, and Xochitl Torres Small, D-N.M. There is a new generation coming thats very diverse, said Jim Kessler, an executive vice president of the centrist Democratic group Third Way. But it would be a mistake to say the next generation only represents the far left of the party. According to AP VoteCast, a survey of voters, about 2 in 10 people who voted for Democratic candidates in 2018 were Black and about 1 in 10 was Hispanic. About half identified as liberal, including 2 in 10 who said they were very liberal, with most of the rest moderates. Booker is seeking the Democratic nomination for Senate in Kentucky against former Marine combat pilot Amy McGrath. Schumer has backed the centrist as his partys best chance to defeat Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in the GOP-heavy state. Other candidates of color seeking Democratic congressional nominations Tuesday included Ritchie Torres, a New York City council member running for an open seat from a diverse Bronx district. Suraj Patel is a businessman trying to oust 14-term Rep. Carolyn Maloney in New York City. Former Rep. Steven Israel, D-N.Y., who ran House Democrats campaign committee, largely attributed progressives energy to the antipathy in the party to President Donald Trump. Trump has unleashed a tremendous intensity and energy among activists, and they have no patience in waiting their turn to run for higher office, Israel said. ___ Associated Press writers Alan Suderman in Richmond, Va., Karen Matthews in New York and Emily Swanson and Stephen Ohlemacher in Washington contributed to this report. FORT HOOD The family of Pfc. Vanessa Guillen, a Fort Hood soldier missing for two months, angrily denounced the Armys initial response to her suspicious disappearance after meeting with the posts deputy commanding general and learning that investigators believe she is a victim of foul play. I begged them to go out to look for my daughter, and they didnt, they never did. I begged them to close that base, to investigate room by room, barrack by barrack, building by building, Gloria Guillen told reporters Tuesday. They never did. Flanked by a Tampa, Fla.-based attorney and a Houston congresswoman, Guillens family held an emotional news conference outside Fort Hoods main gate after meeting with commanders and the Army Criminal Investigation Command, commonly known as CID. Guillen, 20, of Houston was last seen between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on April 22 in the parking lot of her 3rd Cavalry Regiments engineer squadron headquarters. Her car keys, barracks room key, ID card and wallet were found in an armory room where she had worked earlier in the day. Search teams that have combed lakes, rivers and rugged rural areas from near Belton to Fort Hood now expect to find a body not rescue her alive. I think right now were looking at recovery, said Tim Miller, founder and director of Texas EquuSearch, a Dickinson-based organization that has supplied volunteer searchers in the hunt for Guillen since late April. Ive been wrong before, and I hope Im wrong this time, but I dont feel as though I am wrong. U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston, said a CID investigator told the family that foul play was involved, but little was said about what might be done next. They just said that they were going to keep investigating and that theyre looking at a number of things, but thats all we could get out of them. But the fact that theyre saying foul play now tells us a lot. Guillen grew up in southeast Houston, an area represented by Garcia, and graduated from Cesar Chavez High School. Records show she joined the Army on June 11, 2018. Efforts to find her have become a national cause, prompting actress Salma Hayek to post a photo of the GI in civilian clothing with the message, Bring Us Back Vanessa in English and Spanish. Now Playing: Pfc. Vanessa Guillens mother, Gloria, her sister, Lupe, and US Rep. Sylvia Garcia talk with the media at Fort Hood. Video: San Antonio Express-News Garcia and the missing womans family met with Maj. Gen. Scott Efflandt a day after volunteers and Fort Hood investigators searched a stretch of river 23 miles to the southeast. EquuSearchs Miller said three dozen volunteers using sonar and other devices also have scoured lakes on Fort Hood that are about a quarter of a mile from where she vanished. How to help find Pfc. Vanessa Guillen The Army Criminal Investigation Command is offering a reward of up to $25,000 for credible information leading to the whereabouts of Pfc. Vanessa Guillen. Anyone with information can contact Army CID at (254) 495-7767. They also can also anonymously submit tips at https://www.cid.army.mil/report-a-crime.html. See More Collapse Despite the search efforts, which began nine days after Guillen disappeared and have been conducted repeatedly since, Lupe Guillen told reporters that she no longer trusted the Army and believed her sister had been sexually harassed. My sister is not the first or the last victim. This is going to keep coming for other young women that are just trying to serve and protect the country, so I want justice and I want answers, she said, sobbing. Someone kidnapped her, and shes missing after two months, and shes still not with me, and I want her, and I want her alive. Because she entered that base alive, and I want her back like that. I want her alive, and I want her still with me. Havent quit looking Initial searches included more than 500 soldiers per day who combed parts of training areas, barracks and other sections of Fort Hood. Helicopters from the 1st Cavalry Division have flown 100 hours on and off post. The search Sunday and Monday, in an area by the Leon River south of Temple, was the fifth that had been done in parts of Central Texas in a 25-mile radius of the post, Miller said. In one case, searchers used sonar to penetrate the depths of Lake Belton but turned up nothing. We havent quit looking, Fort Hood spokesman Tyler Broadway said. The family has insisted that Guillen was the victim of sexual harassment by a sergeant who walked in on her as she showered. Lupe Guillen said Tuesday that 200 soldiers had gone missing at Fort Hood over the years, while another sister, Mayra Guillen, alleged on a Go Fund Me page that the soldier was being held against her will. The page Monday reported raising $73,730. Broadway, the post spokesman, said 74 GIs had gone absent without leave since 2020 and that 53 of them had returned to duty. He said he didnt know if Guillens chain of command had been notified of a sexual harassment complaint before she vanished. The regiments commander, Col. Ralph Overland, ordered an investigation of the incident Thursday. An investigating officer will report back him. The allegation triggered a series of testimonials on the #FindVanessaGuillen Facebook page from women who said they had been targets of sexual harassment and sexual assaults while in the military. One commenter, Meli Cordello, contributed $40 and said that as a veteran, she was sure Guillen had been sexually harassed, adding, That type of unwanted attention happens all the time. Elizabeth Guillen donated $50 to the Go Fund Me site, saying she was a soldier at Fort Hood who had been confused with the missing woman when she used the Armys Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention program, or SHARP. I too had a SHARP situation, she wrote. I know how scary and alone one can feel during a sexual harassment situation. I know the feeling of thinking you can fix it on your own. My heart goes out to the family of my sister in arms. I pray for her, and hope she is found soon. Sexual assault an issue The problem has persisted for years throughout the services. Just last month, the Pentagons latest study on sexual assault and harassment revealed a persistent pattern of rising incidents. The number of sexual assault reports in the armed services rose 3 percent last year, with the Air Force showing the sharpest jump 9 percent from the previous year, a continuation of a long-term trend. The Pentagon said 6,236 reports were filed by service members in fiscal year 2019, which ended Sept. 30. It was 6,053 in 2018. The family had many questions about what had happened, with Garcia saying no one had yet produced a timeline of events. The attorney, Natalie Khawam, said the family doesnt know who Guillen was reporting to on the day she disappeared, but pointed to text messages that aroused their suspicion, containing the serial number of a weapon she was supposed to inspect. Why would she put that in a text message? That seems like it defeats protocol, so were wondering if he used her phone to text himself and make it look like she was working, Khawam said. Thats our suspicion; we hope we brought light to that. Why would you use your personal cell phone when youre supposed to write things down in a book a lot of it doesnt connect. In an emotional statement to reporters in Spanish, Guillens mother contended the Army hadnt searched hard enough for her daughter. The Army had to do more to find her, she said, adding, I demand that they investigate their houses, their ranches, their rooms, their cell phones, that they take away (their cell phones) from them until they tell me where my daughter is! While the family made it clear they want a joyous reunion with Guillen, Garcia said theyre also beginning to grapple with the possibility it isnt going to happen. I think the familys beginning to I know the father today shared with me that he thinks somethings gone wrong, she said of Rogelio Roger Guillen, who was at the post Tuesday but did not speak. So I think the family is slowly beginning to wrestle with that, and I think its weighing on them very heavy. WASHINGTON, DC, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NEWMEDIAWIRE -- Xalles Holdings Inc. (OTC: XALL), a fintech holding company providing technology and financial services solutions, today announces that it has executed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire 100% of 1Rivet DRC, Inc., which is in the process of being renamed to become 1Rivet Global Inc. (1Rivet Global), and provides eGovernment solutions to developing countries. 1Rivet Global was previously a division of 1Rivet, which included 1Rivet US Inc., an award winning North American based consulting organization. 1Rivet US Inc. will continue to focus on their domestic clients in North America. Xalles Financial Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Xalles Holdings Inc., will acquire all of the common shares of 1Rivet Global and its 2 wholly owned subsidiaries. 1Rivet Global is based in Washington, DC, and services international clients. 1Rivet Global, through its proprietary 1Rivet PublicWorks Platform "1RPP"TM provides eGovernment and payment services to developing and emerging markets. 1Rivet Global will continue to focus its short-term sales and deployment efforts in Africa. 1RPP combines open source frameworks and Microsoft technology for deploying quick-start / leapfrog eGovernment solutions. 1RPP contains rich functionality and best practices from 1Rivets years of experience deploying large-scale, complex public sector management information solutions across North America. 1RPP allows 1Rivet Global to implement solutions immediately without governments needing to have capital budgets, so that benefits can be realized while 1Rivet Global generates recurring revenue. 1Rivet Global will be led by two Managing Partners, Charlie Clavelli and John Patrick (JP) Foley. Mr. Clavelli brings 20+ years of U.S. and International IT Management Consulting and Professional Services experience specializing in Business Development, Operations, and Strategic Talent Acquisition. For the past 3 years, he has helped create and manage 1Rivet Globals portfolio of international opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa focused on Revenue Modernization and Acceleration transforming and greatly expanding emerging governments ability to increase revenue, promote transparency, and control fraud. This expansion led to the creation of 1Rivet PublicWorks Platform. Prior to founding 1Rivet US Inc. in 2005, Charlie was the Vice President, Business Development for a regional staffing firm building and deploying high performing teams in the Telecommunications and eCommerce sectors. Mr. Foley is a global technology industry veteran with over 25 years of executive leadership and entrepreneurial experience founding, leading and growing consulting companies. JP is the former co-founder of Dominion Consulting, Inc. (acquired by TeraThink), an award-winning company headquartered in Washington, DC. Under JPs leadership from 2009 through 2017, Dominion was recognized by Consulting Magazine in 2012 and SmartCEO Magazine in both 2015 and 2016 as an innovative public sector consulting leader. Dominion was also recognized in 2014 - 2016 by the Inc. Magazines Inc. 5000. Prior to founding Dominion Consulting, JP was the co-founder of Washington Consulting, Inc., an award-winning IT company headquartered in the DC area, from 2003-2009 (acquired by Alion Science and Technology in 2006). JP began his career at Andersen Consulting in 1992 following graduation from Virginia Tech. 1RPP will digitize revenue-generating activities and provide a centralized, secure integrated payment gateway supporting: Royalty collections and recovery e-Citizen services Corporate and individual tax revenue collection Import and export taxes and tariffs ePayment gateway 1RPP will provide modernization of administration, development of e-Government, and revenue generation. It will provide several benefits to the government, including: Increased productivity and administrative performance (back office), from administrative management using paper to full paperless electronic management Strengthening intra- and inter-government communication to optimize administrative channels and decision-making processes Improving the services provided to citizens and businesses Real-time monitoring of revenues generated by public and private operators 1Rivet Globals Managing Partner, Charlie Clavelli, stated, The 1Rivet Globals team is excited to be working with the Xalles team to fully realize our vision. Millions of dollars were invested into the 1RPP solution and Xalles fintech and payment systems experience will allow us to deploy a solution that can result in tremendous financial benefits for each client government. JP Foley, 1Rivet Globals other Managing Partner, also commented, 1Rivet Global, through the 1RPP system, will streamline public sector interactions with citizens and businesses. Each member of the public sector financial ecosystem will benefit. Our team has sales goals to make 1Rivet Global a dominant solutions provider in Africa and within other emerging regions. Acquiring 1Rivet Global and its vast potential for strategic revenue dramatically helps Xalles in its goal for rapid growth, stated Thomas Nash, Xalles Holdings CEO. He added, 1Rivet Globals business connections and its world-class fintech system, 1RPP, will revolutionize the way emerging markets conduct government business. Mr. Nash continued, A recent Forbes magazine article reported that fintech in Africa was up 60% over the previous 2 years. With nearly 66% of the population unbanked, you can see why business leaders such as Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey spent over a month meeting with tech entrepreneurs and had planned on moving to Africa for 6 months prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since 2005, the government of China has invested over $300 Billion in Africas infrastructures such as utilities, telecommunications, port construction and transportation. It is no longer a secret that Africa is potentially the next big global opportunity and the 1Rivet Global acquisition will strategically allow Xalles to have a larger footprint within this emerging ecosystem. The acquisition agreement defines the closing date for this transaction as on or before July 31, 2020. Details of the agreement include Xalles acquiring 100% of 1Rivet Global in exchange for 25,000,000 of Xalles restricted common shares. The 1Rivet Global shareholders will also be eligible for profit-sharing. 1Rivet Global has a pipeline of over $250 million and is expected to generate $8 million in revenue in the first year after the closing date. About Xalles Holdings Inc. (OTC: XALL) Xalles Holdings Inc. is a holding company that focuses on acquisition and support of disruptive fintech companies. The company actively seeks targets in which it can partner with or acquire to accelerate growth, targeting companies with solid management teams and business models, large total attainable markets (TAM), and lucrative exit opportunities. The company places an emphasis on leveraging blockchain technologies to provide industry-leading financial reconciliation and auditing solutions, which, over time, will allow for the capture of recurring revenue streams. For more information visit: http://Xalles.com About 1Rivet Global 1Rivet Global is an international consultancy focused on Revenue Modernization and Acceleration transforming and greatly expanding emerging governments ability to increase revenue, promote transparency, and control fraud. 1Rivets multi-million-dollar investment in research and development on its proprietary 1Rivet PublicWorks Platform (1RPP) will directly benefit international emerging government clients and help pave the way for tremendous socio-economic benefits for the citizenry of these countries. For more information visit https://www.1Rivet.com/International-Consulting Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainty and other factors that may cause our results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. This press release should be considered in light of all filings of the Company that are contained in the Edgar Archives of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov and in OTC Markets at www.otcmarkets.com Investor Relations Contact: Info@Xalles.com www.Xalles.com 202.595.1299 Office Corporate Communications: NetworkNewsWire (NNW) New York, New York www.NetworkNewsWire.com 212.418.1217 Office Editor@NetworkWire.com Doctors Back Up State's Guidance for School Reopening Dr. Lloyd Fisher, a pediatrician, discusses the reasoning behind some of the health measures recommended for reopening schools this fall. BOSTON, Mass. All over the world, temporal thermometers are part of the strategy for reopening economies from the COVID-19 pandemic. But they will not do much good when it comes to reopening schoolhouse doors, Gov. Charlie Baker said on Thursday. The commonwealth came very close to requiring daily temperature checks for students returning to school in the fall, but ultimately decided against the move because those checks would not yield any useful information, he said. "With kids, there are way too many false positives and false negatives to not only not make it worthwhile but to create potential issues with respect to what people believed to be true," Baker said. "Many kids don't ever become symptomatic. They will test negative, because they don't have a temperature. Many other kids may have a temperature because they've been running around in the school yard before they went in. They won't actually be sick but they'll be sent home. "The overwhelming message we got from the health care community was, with respect to kids, temperature checks will actually provide people with a lot of the wrong information with respect to the status of those kids when they show up to school, and that will create more problems than simply having a really aggressive program with respect to face coverings, hygiene, hand-washing and an appropriate management of the school building." When Baker and state education officials Thursday rolled out the commonwealth's guidelines for school districts, they were sure to bring backup from the health-care community. Worcester pediatrician Dr. Lloyd Fisher and Dr. Sandra Nelson, an infectious disease specialist from Massachusetts General Hospital, were on hand to explain the rationale behind the guidelines. "We are quite pleased with the recommendations and are happy to endorse these guidelines," Fisher said on behalf of the Massachusetts chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics. One of the most eye-catching parts of Thursday's memo from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education was its call for a minimum of 3-foot "social distancing" in schools, a departure from the now familiar 6-foot standard that Massachusetts residents have been hearing from state officials for months. While DESE "encourages" schools to aim for 6 feet, Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley said there is "growing research that says the [difference] between 3 and 6 foot is somewhat negligible." Nelson expanded on that sentiment. "We do support the CDC recommendation of 6 feet when possible," Nelson said. "But we acknowledge that's not always possible in a school setting. And when we started this, we learned that many other countries and also the World Health Organization have endorsed a distance of 3 feet as the minimum distance for separation. "This is based on the distance that respiratory droplets travel, and respiratory droplets are the major means of transmission of COVID. The medical literature is still learning about COVID and transmission, but several modeling studies have been done which looked at 3 feet of distance versus 6, and in settings where the transmission risk is low, such as what we would expect in a school classroom, the incremental difference in transmission risk between 6 feet and 3 feet is not very high. "On top of it, we're not relying solely on distance." Embedded in the DESE guidelines are requirements that all faculty, staff and students older than first grade be required to wear face coverings. Schools also are encouraged to design schedules so that students can remain in "cohorts" throughout the day and not intermingle with other kids. Fisher, the pediatrician, was asked whether it was reasonable to expect 8-year-olds to spend the day in masks. He noted that guidelines do specify that schools should build in "mask breaks" during the day, preferably outside and with social distance. But he also argued that elementary school pupils are more compliant than one might think. "We have some good experience in my own office that yes, children of all ages have had some good successes wearing masks," Fisher said. "Are all children going to be successful? No. And we know that children with certain developmental disabilities, certain behavioral concerns, are going to struggle with it. "That being said, the more that are able to wear a mask, the more we reduce the transmission. And as has been said by Dr. Nelson and others, we look at all of these mitigation efforts as a package, and we need to combine the mask wearing with the physical distancing and with hand-washing and hygiene and all of the other mitigation efforts that we talked about." State officials on Thursday were clear that the focus of their guidance was to get as many kids into schools as safely as possible for as much time as possible. And Fisher said COVID-19 is not the only health risk at issue in this process. Keeping children out of school has its own public health consequences. "While for most children, COVID-19 has not had the devastating and life-threatening physical health effects that have occurred in adults, the negative impact on their education, mental health and social development has been substantial," he said. "The school experience provides so much more than academic learning. And the relationships that children form with their teachers, other school personnel and their peers are critical to their emotional health and well-being. "In my day-to-day interactions with children and their families over the last few months, it has become clear that, for many, the remote learning experience has been a challenge." Roshne Balasubramanian By Express News Service CHENNAI: During the wee hours of March 30, 1987, 10-year-old Malarmagal, waited in anticipation to welcome her father, who had been away for several days, getting treated for an ailment at a local hospital in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. A few minutes past 5.50 am, Malar could hear a thunderous sound tearing through the morning silence. My elder brother, who was asleep, winced. My heart sank. My mother held her breath. By 7 am, the news reached us. The hospital had been attacked by militants and the bombing had claimed the lives of many, including appas. Udal sedhanju appa veettuku vandhange (My fathers corpse reached home, completely obliterated), recalls Malar. Three years later, amid the unrest caused by the civil war, a spate of violence and riots, and constant fear for safety, Malars mother Kamalambal decided to flee war-torn Sri Lanka along with her two children. It was a journey thatll never be erased from my memory. I was 13...I remember walking through treacherous forests for many kilometres, taking multiple boats, halting in the unlikeliest of places and most importantly, living in fear, narrates the 43-year-old, who landed on the shores of Tamil Nadu in July 1990 seven years after the Black July riots that set off the Sri Lankan Civil War. After spending a few years in the Mandapam transit camp, near Rameshwaram, the family made its way to Chennai to rebuild their lives from scratch. I joined an NGO in Egmore, studied class 10 through a tutorial school and worked part-time. I remember my first salary was `650. Since then, I have been the breadwinner of my family. I also went on to complete diploma courses in fashion designing, beauty and make-up and thats my full-time profession now, shares Malar, one of the one lakh Sri Lankan Tamils living as refugees in and outside of camps in the state. Having spent a large slice of her life fighting uncertainties, nightmares of her past and a lack of identity, Malar thought she had seen it all. That was until the coronavirus outbreak. For over two decades, we have been trying to build a livelihood for ourselves with limited aid and opportunities. A lot of people like me were largely dependent on the foreigners who used to visit the city for weddings, other occasions and tourism. From arranging guest houses and lodging; taking care of catering, video and mandapam arrangements; clothing and make-up to acting as guides, our jobs used to cover the whole spectrum. Now with the travel ban, our livelihoods have been strained. Most Lankan Tamils living outside of camps are struggling to pay house rents and some cant afford food and medical essentials, rues the resident of Valasaravakkam, who along with Sivapuram Charitable Trust has been working towards appealing to the government to provide citizenship and immediate remedies for those in distress both in and outside camps. For those living outside, the lack of ration cards and other vital identification proofs have been a cause of concern. One cannot avail of even government relief packages without it, she explains. Looking for sustenance For Sujatha, who lost her husband during the riots, Chennai, has become her home. The former nurse taught herself the art of tailoring and has been taking up garment stitching works on an order basis for the past decade. But now, the virus has stymied the job opportunities for many like Sujatha. The orders we received from foreign clientele used to be our primary source of income. I used to earn anything between Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000 a month enough for the rent and my day-to-day expenses. Now, the virus has jolted our lives. Since the pandemic has affected everyone, even those kith and kin who used to help us from other parts of the world have had to be close-fisted with the money, shares the non-camp refugee. Mahendran*, who had been driving an Ola cab on a rent-basis, has been home without a job for the past three-odd months after having to surrender the vehicle to the cab aggregator. I have had nothing to do in these months. We received some essential supplies and rations from a few NGOs working for the welfare of refugees. It will last us for another month. But with no permanent source of income, how long can we go? As it is, it has been tough to get any job, procure assets or avail of loans without citizenship. We only have an Aadhaar card for identity, says the father of two, who made his way from the island nation to Batlagundu camp in Dindigul district, along with his family in 1990. The glimpses of war and its consequences of bombs going off around them, reaching the Gulf of Mannar, getting vaccine injections on arrival and being transferred to numerous camps are still fresh in his memory. My father and mother were farmers. They somehow managed to pay the money (`4,000 per head) to put the whole family including my seven siblings on a boat that would take us to a land of freedom. After almost a week of travelling through forests and the sea, we reached the Batalgundu camp. I got married here in Tamil Nadu and now have two children. They have no idea of how Lanka looks like. Its been 30 years since I came here. Innum evalo naal agadhigala vazharadhu? (How long can we live as refugees?), he asks. But with an income deficit prompted by the virus, and the future prospects and education opportunities for his children seemingly bleak, Mahendran says he would go back to his second home if given a chance. We have no money to pay for our house rent. The schools have issued the challan for fee payment. In this situation, it looks like going back to Lanka is a better option. My mother-in-law lives there; at least, we wont have to worry about rent and other expenses. I can work in our farm...where my father ploughed. But travelling too comes with its own set of issues. For refugees, acquiring travel papers is a process too, he says. Fears & concerns As Malarmagal, Sujatha and Mahendran paint a picture of the prevailing conditions of the 30,000-odd refugees living outside, a few who have been living in the congested lanes and closely located 1010 homes within camps list the concerns plaguing the 60,000-odd refugees sharing this fate. Common toilets, shared house walls, hand pumps used by multiple people, lack of basic supplies and challenges involving physical isolation have been some of the major concerns, details Mageswari*, a single mother to three children, who has been living in the Valavanthankottai refugee camp in Tiruchy. My husband passed away a few years ago and I have been living here for almost 30 years. The camp is disinfected with chlorine powder once or twice a month. But since the houses in the camps have been built in such a way that there is not a lot of space for distancing, families with senior citizens and children are concerned about a looming threat. If anyone in the camp contracts the virus, it will easily spread to everyone. We dont have masks or gloves either. All we can do is keep our surroundings clean and safe, says the 42-year-old, who sells nighties for a living. Theres no business now. And we are uncertain about how the future will look. But since we are registered members, we do get the provisions from the government, she shares. Living in mortal fear, Saravanan*, a resident of a camp in Vellore, says that he feels stuck. From the outside, it may look like we are complaining about our life. But, we have survived a war and are living a refugee life. After all the struggle, I dont want to lose my life because of a virus. We ask for citizenship, we ask for help to improve our conditions during the pandemic. The virus is a potential danger and we want regular medical check-ups and screenings in the camps. There are refugee families living in unimaginable conditions...this includes living in a godown space, he shares. File pictures from refugee camps in Tamil Nadu Doing their bit Though a common thread of fear and concern prevails, refugees at several camps have also stepped in to lend a hand to their ilk by setting up action committees. From distributing kabasura kudineer, pooling money to improve their conditions, creating awareness videos to teaching the residents about the importance of social distancing and sanitisation, refugees in camps like Madurai and Thoothukudi, among others, are paving a new way for the 18, 000-odd families living in the camps. We are being given provisions by the government. Indha naadu engale vazha vechiruku (This state has helped us live). We should do our bit by helping ourselves and the community. But the government needs to step in too, says Suresh*, a camp resident of Okkur in Sivagangai, adding that funds are also being pooled in by those who can contribute for relief funds. Most of us are painters and daily-wage labourers but we still try to contribute, he adds. A coordinator at the Organisation for Eelam Refugees Rehabilitation tells CE that around five residents from different facilities, including the camp in Virudhunagar, Anaiyur and Thiruvannamalai, who tested positive for COVID-19 were cured after early intervention. Since many refugees returned to the camps from different parts of the state after losing their jobs, there was a scare of spread. The camps are being disinfected regularly and our healthcare volunteers are keeping an eye on the works round the clock. We are also in talks for distributing masks to the refugees in all the camps. The government has also been taking a special interest because if theres a spread in the camps, it cannot be easily contained, says the coordinator of OfERR. Since the end of the civil war in 2009, over 10,000 refugees have already made their way back to the politically simmering country. But for many like Malarmagal, despite their displaced lives, dismissed pleas of citizenship and fear of deportation looming large, their hearts and home are in Tamizh Nadu. My mother is now 74 and people here take care of her as their own. We have been given a second chance here and I will always be grateful for it. All I ask is this while the government has many other priorities, some focus on our requirements will help us. We are tired of battling wars and running from them. Now a pandemic has waged another war. Where do we flee? asks Malarmagal. *Names changed Helping themselves Despite the bleak order of things, residents of several refugee camps have taken things into their own hands arranging kabasura kudineer, creating awareness about social distancing and sanitisation, and even going so far as contributing as much as they can for relief funds. For Sri Lankan Tamils who had to escape a war and its consequences, a virus now stands in their way threatening the safety of their still makeshift homes, and destroying their livelihoods. Despite the dangers, relief is nowhere in sight. The monorail passes an entrance gate to the Disneyland amusement park in Anaheim, Calif., on March 13, 2020. (Mario Tama/Getty Images) Disneyland Cancels Planned July 17 Reopening ANAHEIM, Calif. (CNS)Disneyland officials on June 24 scrubbed the planned July 17 reopening of the Anaheim theme park, citing a delay in the release of state health guidelines and the time it will take to bring all of its employees back to work. A new opening date was not immediately announced. The state of California has now indicated that it will not issue theme park reopening guidelines until sometime after July 4, according to a statement from Disneyland officials. Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart our business, we have no choice but to delay the reopening of our theme parks and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials. Once we have a clearer understanding of when guidelines will be released, we expect to be able to communicate a reopening date, the statement said. Our Downtown Disney District will reopen on July 9 as previously announced with health and safety protocols in place for our cast members and guests. The opening of our Downtown Disney District has been previously approved in line with restaurant and retail openings throughout California. The Master Services Union, which represents our retail cast at this location, previously signed an agreement for members to return to work. While blaming the delay in reopening the Disneyland and California Adventure theme parks on the state, Disney officials also conceded that they need to work to get the support of all employee unions. Some unions and employees have been expressing safety concerns about the reopening plans. Some union members had been planning to conduct a protest parade on June 27 in opposition to the July 17 reopening plan. Disneyland officials in their June 24 statement said, In order to reopen our theme parks, we need to negotiate agreements with our unions to return employees to work. Park officials said they have had positive discussions and reached agreements with 20 union affiliates, including the Master Services Council that represents more than 11,000 workers. The signed agreement details plans that include enhanced safety protocols that will allow us to responsibly reopen, and get thousands of our cast members back to work, according to Disney. Disneyland has been closed since March 14 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Orange County health officials reported their highest one-day total of deaths from COVID-19 on June 24, announcing 26 fatalities, along with 354 newly confirmed cases. The numbers bring the countys totals to 11,016 cases and 299 deaths, and continue the recent trend of increased cases and fatalities as more sectors of the local economy are reopening following three months of lockdown orders. 'The BJP's constitution promises allegiance to India's secularism and socialism.' 'This is the oath that it makes all its members sign,' observes Aakar Patel. IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party National President Jagat Prakash Nadda pays floral tribute to Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who founded the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, the BJP's parent, on his 67th death anniversary, at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, June 23, 2020. Photograph: PTI Photo The National Democratic Alliance crossed 100 Rajya Sabha seats last Friday, June 19, further consolidating the Bharatiya Janata Party as India's dominant political force in its 40th year. The BJP was formed in April 1980, after its members were expelled from the Janata Party, the joint force that was launched three years earlier to counter an authoritarian Indira Gandhi. One of the components of the Janata Party was the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, launched in 1951. According to its own record, the Jana Sangh was the result of three events. First, Vallabhbhai Patel's death in December 1950; second, Syama Prasad Mookerjee's resignation from the Jawaharlal Nehru government the same year; and the election also in 1950 and subsequent forcing out of Purshottam Das Tandon as Congress president. Tandon was seen as a Hindu conservative opposed to Nehru's secularism and after Patel's death, Nehru forced Tandon to resign. Another event, also acknowledged by the Jana Sangh as being important to its formation, was the banning of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh after Mahatma Gandhi's murder in January 1948 and the arrest of the RSS's then sarsanghchalak, Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar. The RSS was not registered as a political organisation and the ban was lifted in 1949, on the condition that the RSS adopt a constitution, which it agreed to do. At this point, inside the RSS, and published in its mouthpiece the Organiser, there began a series of articles arguing why the RSS should participate in politics. Golwalkar's solution was to not make the RSS itself a political body, but to allow workers to set up a party. They joined Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who had been previously the head of the Hindu Mahasabha, and the Bharatiya Jana Sangh was formed with Mookerjee as its leader. Golwalkar asked some of his people to join the party's structure, including Deen Dayal Upadhayay, who was an RSS pracharak in Uttar Pradesh. Later Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Kishenchand Advani, who was writing film reviews for Organiser, were also asked to join the Jana Sangh. The RSS was already a quarter century old at this point and had spread well beyond Nagpur. It was thus able to provide the necessary frame for the Jana Sangh to be present in several states at the point of its launch. Mookerjee was a former Cabinet minister, but had a base only in Bengal. Mookerjee's death in 1953 meant that the RSS could take control of the party. In India's first elections the Jana Sangh won only a handful of seats and this continued to be the case till the 1970s when under Vajpayee it merged into the Janata Party with the rest of the Opposition. When the Jana Sangh members were expelled and had to form a new party in 1980, Vajpayee rejected the call to rename it the Bharatiya Jana Sangh. He said they had learned from the experience of being part of a larger group. The two changes that came from this was that first, the Bharatiya Janata Party (as it was named by Vajpayee) would expand its cadre and take non-RSS individuals. Second, the BJP's constitution would be different from the Jana Sangh's and it would promise allegiance to India's secularism and socialism. This is still a unique feature in both the BJP's constitution and the oath that it makes all its members sign. This party also did not do well and won only 2 seats in the 1984 elections in which the Congress under Rajiv Gandhi demolished the Opposition. What changed the fortunes of the party was a movement launched by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to be allowed to pray at the Babri Masjid, where two idols of Ram and Sita were placed in December 1949. The oath to secularism was ignored and under its new president Advani, the party adopted the VHP demand, though Ayodhya had been on the manifesto of neither the Jana Sangh, which was formed the year only months after the idols were placed inside the mosque, or the BJP up to that point in time. The polarisation that Advani produced in Indian society with his decision to pursue the Ayodhya project finally gave the RSS the sort of success they would looking for and the BJP won 85 seats in the 1989 elections. They took part in another coalition called the Janata Dal, but this time supported it from outside. When the government collapsed, Advani returned to the Babri issue, finally leading a mob to demolish it in December 1992. 2,000 Indians died in the riots that followed the demolition. After the demolition and the violence, the BJP increased its popularity further and under Vajpayee, who was back in charge, it doubled its tally to 182 in the 1998 election. It got stuck here, winning 180 in the next one in 1999 and then slipping to 138 in 2004. The BJP had moved away from its Ayodhya and anti-Muslim positions substantially when in power. What changed was the riots in Gujarat in 2002 after which Vajpayee tried unsuccessfully to oust Modi as chief minister. What happened next was the classic example of what takes place in ideological parties. The leader is always vulnerable to the person who is more extreme than he is and is charismatic. Thus, after Vajpayee failed to wrestle Modi down, the writing was on the wall. Modi's acceleration of the BJP away from its constitutional promise of secularism produced a profit and the BJP doubled again to over 300 seats in 2019. The story of the party seems complex, but in many ways it is quite simple. And the story, which began in Bengal with Mookerjee, is poised to return to that state very soon. Aakar Patel is a columnist and writer. You can read Aakar's columns here. Production: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Impact's PPE Supplies Were Sent to Those In Need "We put our crisis communication skills to use and shored up a portion of the PPE supply chain for those in need. It only made sense. We did what we could to help others save lives. - Impact President and CEO Cheryl McCants Impact Consulting Enterprises (Impact), an award-winning minority and woman-owned strategic communication, marketing, and public relations firm, took a hands-on approach to help others when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States. When COVID-19 struck the New York and New Jersey area in March, Team Impact diverted their focus from marketing, website design, and development, and dedicated themselves to helping others. Impact President and CEO Cheryl McCants activated her supply chain to temporarily join the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) network. McCants quickly began searching for reliable national and international suppliers. Impact did not waste a moment and soon acquired masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, wipes, and other PPE for hospitals, schools, utility companies, and other organizations in need. When I learned of the many challenges that procurement officers faced in identifying legitimate suppliers for masks, gloves, and other types of PPE, we instinctively jumped in to help, said Impact Consulting Enterprises CEO and founder Cheryl McCants. While we are not doctors, grocery workers, or first responders, Team Impact consists of great researchers and crises managers. We put our crisis communication skills to use and shored up a portion of the PPE supply chain for those in need. It only made sense. We did what we could to help others save lives. Highlights of Impacts tremendous efforts include: 50,000 masks to Newark, NJs University Hospital 12,000 masks to Princeton, NJs Eden School for Autistic Children 10,000 gloves to Massachusetts Veterans Administration Hospital Nearly 300,000 sanitizing wipes to utility companies Hundreds of masks to various NJ-based cleaning companies Reliability, efficiency, and expediency reigned. Robert Sharbaugh, University Hospitals acting director of Supply Chain Management, explains, We had an immediate need for additional PPE supplies. Impacts Newark office is located less than a mile away from University Hospital, so working with Cheryl and her team was an easy, trustworthy and close-to-home solution for the hospital. The team worked diligently behind the scenes to source reliable PPE for those on the frontlines in the battle against COVID-19. And, Impact certainly did not make this pivot for profit, as their PPE engagement yielded significantly lower earnings than their standard communication work. As the need for PPE sourcing settles down McCants looks forward to resuming her teams focus on marketing. Impact continues to leverage their multitude of connections to help those in need and speak out against injustice everywhere. About Impact Consulting Enterprises Impact Consulting Enterprises, found on the web at https://www.eimpactconsulting.com is a minority, woman-owned strategic communication, marketing, public relations, website design and development firm founded in 1989 by business strategist and communication professional, Cheryl McCants. Foundations, corporations, small businesses, and government agencies partner with Impact to tell their untold stories to diverse audiences including women, millennials, genZers, baby boomers, Latino-, Asian- and African Americans. Impact, A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau, is HUBZone, WBE, WOSB, SBE, MBE, and 8A certified. We tell your stories! Editor's Note: Get caught up in minutes with our speedy summary of today's must-read news stories and expert opinions that moved the precious metals and financial markets. Sign up here! (Kitco News) Thailand saw its gold shipments jump 735% on an annual basis in May while overall exports tumbled 22.5% due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to the commerce ministrys data. People in Thailand rushed to sell gold to take advantage of higher prices amid a dire economic situation in the country amid the COVID-19 pandemic, local media reported. This trend is unlikely to go away any time soon as gold continues to trade near 7.5-year highs. At the time of writing, August Comex gold futures were trading at $1,769.90 an ounce, down 0.29% on the day. Increased gold exports have been putting upward pressure on the Thai baht, said the Bank of Thailand (BOT), which is considering new measures to limit the impact. Some of the measures could include more relaxed fund outflows rules, additional trading options, or limited gold activity, Reuters quoted analysts and traders as saying. The BOT wants to control gold traders forex transactions during night sessions, Tanarat Pasawongse, chief executive officer of Hua Seng Heng Group, told Reuters. The market is more volatile during such periods. The BOT said back in November that it was already preparing to allow gold futures trading in foreign currencies. The surge of people trying to sell their gold in Thailand was first reported in April as gold prices recovered after their mid-March sell-off. Sellers said they wanted to get their hands on some much-needed cash during the COVID-19 crisis. Mays total exports were the lowest in more than 10 years, the commerce ministry said on Wednesday. Excluding gold, exports were down 27.8% on an annual basis. Exports are not expected to fall much further but a recovery is likely to take a long time, ministry official Pimchanok Vonkorpon said on Wednesday. Shipments could be looking at a decline of 5% in 2020, Vonkorpon added. So far this year, total exports are down 3.71% Tour scores prestigious Centenary Prize HOUSTON - (June 24, 2020) - Rice University chemist James Tour has won a Royal Society of Chemistry Centenary Prize. The award, given annually to up to three scientists from outside Great Britain, recognizes researchers for their contributions to the chemical sciences industry or education and for successful collaborations. Tour was named for innovations in materials chemistry with applications in medicine and nanotechnology. The prestigious award, established in 1947, comes with a 5,000-pound (about $6,260) cash prize and a medal. Winners are invited to undertake a lecture tour of the United Kingdom, but the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed that until 2021. Additional winners this year are Teri Odom, the chair and Charles E. and Emma H. Morrison Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern University, and Eric Anslyn, the Welch Regents Chair and University Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of Texas at Austin. Tour is the T.T. and W.F. Chao Chair in Chemistry as well as a professor of computer science and of materials science and nanoengineering at Rice. "Receiving the Royal Society of Chemistry 2020 Centenary Prize is an enormous honor," Tour said. "The award recognizes the accomplishments of my research group over a period of 32 years. I am greatly indebted to a host of students, postdocs and collaborators that have carried the weight of this research endeavor. "We have sought to use chemistry to extend the boundaries of new materials development for use in medicine, electronic devices, nano-enhanced structures and renewable energy platforms," he said. "It is a joy to realize the work done by this array of people in and with my laboratory has afforded such advances that are being recognized by this Centenary Prize." Work by Tour and his group in recent years includes the development of versatile laser-induced graphene, flash graphene from waste material, light-activated nanodrills that destroy cancer cells and "superbug" bacteria, silicon-oxide memory circuits that have flown on the International Space Station, the development of graphene quantum dots from coal, asphalt-based materials to capture carbon dioxide from gas wells, and the use of nanoparticles to quench damaging superoxides after an injury or stroke. "We live in an era of tremendous global challenges, with the need for science recognized now more so than ever -- so it is important to recognize those behind the scenes who are making significant contributions towards improving the world we live in," said acting Royal Society of Chemistry chief executive Helen Pain. "In recognizing the work of Professor Tour, we are also recognizing the important contribution this incredible network of scientists makes to improve our lives every day." The society noted 50 winners of RSC awards have gone on to win Nobel Prizes. ### This news release can be found online at https:/ / news. rice. edu/ 2020/ 06/ 24/ tour-scores-prestigious-centenary-prize/ Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews. Related materials: Royal Society of Chemistry Centenary Prizes: https:/ / www. rsc. org/ ScienceAndTechnology/ Awards/ CentenaryPrizes/ Tour Group at Rice: http://tournas. rice. edu/ website/ Department of Chemistry: https:/ / chemistry. rice. edu Wiess School of Natural Sciences: https:/ / naturalsciences. rice. edu Image for download: https:/ / news-network. rice. edu/ news/ files/ 2020/ 06/ 0629_TOUR-1-web. jpg CAPTION: James Tour. Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,962 undergraduates and 3,027 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is just under 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for lots of race/class interaction and No. 4 for quality of life by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Voting has begun across Russia on proposed constitutional reforms that would allow Vladimir Putin to rule until at least 2036. The vote is being brought to Russians via impromptu polling booths on park benches, on buses, in the boots of cars, in theatres and factories, and even in hot zones of Covid-19 hospitals. Voting will continue for an unprecedented seven days, and every day will see a lottery draw, raffling anything from supermarket vouchers to cars and apartments. Authorities insist that such creativity is a necessary response to the challenges posed in the era of the coronavirus. Opponents say the extraordinary measures to increase turnout demonstrate the unpopularity of Mr Putins decision to prioritise a power grab during a pandemic. The vote, which was originally planned for 22 April before being rescheduled to this week, will ask Russians for a yes or no answer on over 200 new amendments to the countrys constitution. The most important of these proposed changes the resetting of presidential term limits has been routinely under-emphasised in voting literature, and in one case was even omitted. Official messages have concentrated instead on populist measures such as cementing marriage as a union of man and woman, emphasising the role of God, and guaranteeing indexation of pensions and other social payments. The vote is not a referendum per se; the amendments have, in fact, already been passed by both parliaments. Pro-democracy groups say that the unclear classification of the vote is no accident. In a referendum, both sides are officially allowed to agitate for and against, and are entitled to airtime and finance. Not so in this campaign. Recommended Russia holds Victory Day parade despite coronavirus fears The vote was specially set up to avoid any debate, says Grigory Melkonyants, co-chairman of the independent Golos election monitoring group. The government can de facto agitate for a yes vote with their campaign literature, but activists campaigning for a no vote are being arrested as we speak. There have been several early reports of manipulations. Some of the claims related to age-old techniques: for example, evidence of forced voting at large enterprises, where vulnerable, low-paid workers are asked to vote under management supervision. But there were examples of newer tricks too. Earlier this month, a reporter at the liberal Dozhd television network exposed a fraudulent scheme that registered the details of pensioners on electronic voting websites, with the aim of then voting on their behalf. The reporter was summoned by state investigators for his trouble. In the early hours of Thursday morning, another reporter for the same channel managed to vote twice electronically and in person. That reporter would be fined 30,000 roubles (350), election authorities confirmed. The wide array of voting methods being employed during the week-long vote will make assessing its fairness difficult. Not only is electronic voting possible in two cities Moscow and Niznny Novgorod but mobile voting at home and at work is being allowed without extenuating circumstances for the first time. There will be limited scope for independent oversight; monitors will only be permitted from regional divisions of the Public Chamber, a quasi-governmental organisation. The vote is deliberately being held in the grey zone, says Mr Melkonyants. Those who want to cheat have a huge number of options, and it will be impossible to catch them. Authorities at all levels, and across Russias 11 time zones, understand the importance of securing good numbers for the president. Acceptable figures vary according to the levels of cynicism of individual actors, says Tatyana Stanovaya, director of political analysis firm RPolitik. For some, like Moscows mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, the target for yes votes is likely 70 per cent. For others, like Chechen president, Ramzan Kadyrov, the target will be nearer 100 per cent. Overall, there is a sense that any result below 65 per cent would be a bad result, Ms Stanovaya suggests. It seems a stretch to believe that the president would reach those figures in an entirely free election. A recent poll by the independent Levada Centre indicated that of those who were sure they would vote, 55 per cent would support the presidential amendments. But that figure drops below 50 per cent when it takes in all voters. Another poll by the same organisation suggested that just 25 per cent of Russians would vote for the amendments if they had a chance to vote for alternatives. Levada Centre is not the only polling organisation to register a haemorrhaging of support away from Russias president over recent years. Recommended How 20 years of Putin has shaped Russia and the world At the peak of his ratings, a year after the annexation of Crimea in June 2015, Mr Putin was supported by nine out of every 10 Russians. The same closed question elicits a positive answer from only 59 per cent today, and just 8 per cent of youngsters. In open polling, where respondents are asked to name the politicians they most trust for themselves in what is considered most indicative of a free choice Mr Putin was named by just 29 per cent of Russians. Sociologists at Levada registered the biggest falls following Mr Putins decision to push through unpopular pension reforms in 2018. Ms Stanovaya, however, traces the roots of an erosion of trust to 2017, when focus groups began to indicate growing disillusionment with the Kremlins focus on foreign campaigns in Syria and Ukraine. The new challenges of the pandemic, low oil prices, and the constitution are catalysts for a process of erosion that began much earlier, she says. Judging by the rush to get the vote done in the face of the pandemic, the fear among many in power would seem to be that the position is about to get even worse. This is essentially a special operation from Putin, and special operations are all about reducing risks and mobilising quickly, says Ms Stanovaya. Waiting until the autumn would have meant inviting instability, the risk of a second coronavirus wave and social unrest that no one really knows how to deal with. BOSTON - When the U.S. Senate gathered to debate a major, bipartisan bill aimed at spending nearly $3 billion on conservation projects last week, just two senators failed to cast votes. One was Sen. Edward Markey, who is locked in a tough re-election primary battl e against a fellow Democrat U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III. Only Markey and Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington state missed the vote. It was one of many Markey missed during the prior month and a half as the coronavirus pandemic raged and both he and Kennedy struggled to come up with ways to campaign without holding traditional rallies or shaking hands with voters. Of 42 Senate votes in May and the first half of June, Markey missed 34 or about 80%, according to information from GovTrack, an independent clearinghouse for congressional data. Of those missed votes, one of the more notable for Markey was last weeks vote on the Great American Outdoors Act. Markey has touted his support of environmental efforts during his decades in Congress, including the Green New Deal resolution he introduced last year with New York Democratic U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. The bill, which passed on a bipartisan 73-25 vote vote, would spend $3 billion on conservation projects, outdoor recreation and maintenance of national parks and other public lands. Supporters say it would be the most significant conservation legislation enacted in nearly half a century. Giselle Barry, an aide to Markey, said most of the votes hes missed have been for judicial or executive nominations and other measures expected to pass decisively in the Republican-controlled chamber. When it matters, hes definitely in town, Barry said, adding that Markey hasnt missed a debate where his vote would have decided the outcome. She pointed to a close vote in May on an amendment that would have added restrictions to the governments ability to conduct searches of internet browsers and search histories under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The amendment needed 60 votes but fell short by a single vote. Markey was on hand to vote for the amendment. Other votes that Markey missed included a confirmation vote on President Donald Trumps appointment of a director of national intelligence, former Republican U.S. Rep. John Ratcliffe. Fellow Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren voted against Ratcliffe, who was confirmed on a partisan 49-44 vote on May 21. Markey also missed the Senate confirmation vote of Brian Miller, Trumps appointee to become inspector general to oversee the pandemic recovery fund. Miller was also confirmed on a largely partisan vote of 51-to-40 on June 2. Barry said Markey considers it important to be in the state as much as possible, particularly during the pandemic. He believes that the moment and the crises that face Massachusetts requires that he be here, she said. He is working for Massachusetts in Massachusetts. An aide to Kennedy said he has been present for all U.S. House votes during the coronavirus pandemic, driving back and forth to Washington multiple times when necessary. The last votes in the House had been on May 28. Congressman Kennedy takes his responsibility to be present during the Houses COVID response efforts seriously, said Kennedy aide Emily Kaufman. On May 15, the House voted to allow members to vote by proxy on floor votes without travelling to Washington. Both Kennedy and Markey say they will be in Washington this week to vote on policing legislation as Congress grapples with the nationwide protests over the deaths of George Floyd and others. Markey typically has a much lower voting absentee record. In all of 2019, Markey missed just 19 of 428 votes or less than 5%. During the same year, Kennedy missed 14 of about 700 votes or less than 2%. Markey wasnt the only senator to miss votes in the first part of the year. Warren also missed about half of votes in the Senate during the first three months of the year. And during the last three months of 2019 a critical stretch in the Democratic presidential primary when she was still a candidate Warren missed virtually all Senate votes, 113 out of 115. Both candidates have also recently found themselves wrapped up in the issue of race at a time of protests sparked by the deaths of Black people during encounters with police. Markeys digital communications director Paul Bologna said on Twitter that he was embarrassed and ashamed for liking a tweet that he said promoted a racist trope, while Kennedy said in a post on Facebook last week that he had formally disaffiliated from Kappa Alpha, a fraternity he belonged to at Stanford University. Kennedy said that while the Stanford chapter of the fraternity was an incredibly diverse and eclectic group, the national organization has racist roots and a record of racist actions to this day. Markey, 73, has served in Congress for decades first in the House and later in the Senate. The 39-year-old Kennedy, who currently represents the states 4th Congressional District, is a grandson of the late Robert F. Kennedy. The primary is Sept. 1. Arshad Khan By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Owing to Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown, housing sales between April-June (Q2 2020) in India's top 7 cities fell by 72 per cent to just 12,740 units as against 45,200 units sold in Q1 2020. On year-on-year basis, sales declined by 81 per cent from 68,600 units in Q2 2019 to just 12,720 units in Q2 2020. Not only demand, Covid-19 significantly impacted supply. New launches fell by 98 per cent y-o-y during the period with merely 1,390 units getting launched this quarter. New launches account for just four projects - two in Bengaluru and one each in Pune and Kolkata. Interestingly, limited new launches helped unsold inventory in the top 6 cities to shrink by 5 per cent on a y-o-y basis from more than 6.34 lakh units in Q2 2019, it dropped to just over 6 lakh units in Q2 2020. Anuj Puri, Chairman - ANAROCK Property Consultants said, "A massive drop in both new launches and housing sales were, of course, expected on the back of a complete lockdown for most of this quarter. Interestingly, MMR one of the most COVID-19-affected cities witnessed maximum housing sales of nearly 3,620 units among all cities, followed by Bengaluru with approx. 2,990 units. Technology adoption has played a big role in housing sales of late, with many developers now strengthening their digital sales capabilities. Region wise, no new launches took place in MMR, NCR, Hyderabad and Chennai in Q2 2020. Bengaluru added approximately 590 units (in 2 projects) in Q2 2020, witnessing a yearly decline of 95 per cent. Pune added around 750 units (in only one project) in Q2 2020 compared to 10,700 units in Q2 2019. Kolkata added only one project consisting of approximately 50 units in Q2 2020, declining by 98 per cent on y-o-y basis. Recently in a separate report, Anarock had said that coronavirus outbreak is expected to delay the delivery of 4.66 lakh reality units by 2020-end in the top seven cities. 4.12 lakh units which were likely to be completed in 2021 will probably also get delayed. Construction activity had zeroed down in April and May owing to the lockdown and now the developers are facing acute shortage or migrant labourers to complete the project. To push sales and provide support to the sector, the government and the RBI came up several schemes such as cutting down repo rates and asking state RERAs to give six month extension on previously committed timelines. Union Railways and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal even asked builders to cut prices and clear unsold inventory. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / Granite Creek Copper Ltd. (TSXV:GCX) ("Granite Creek" or "the Company") announces the receipt of a ten-year Class 4 exploration permit for physical work on the Company's Stu Copper-Gold Project ("the Permit") in the Yukon's Minto Copper District, and the mobilization of field exploration crews. The Permit, which covers approximately 68 square kilometres, including the priority A and B zones, allows for up to 100,000 meters of diamond drilling and 60,000 meters of RC drilling, in addition to trenching, road construction and upgrading. This new permit, together with an existing permit over the southern part of the property, means that over 95% of the Company's claims are permitted for exploration activities (see Figure 1 below). Tim Johnson, President and CEO of Granite Creek Copper, stated, "Receipt of this permit covering the northern part of the Stu property including the A and B zones is an important milestone for the Company as it gives us the ability to maximize the efficiency of our programs for this year and subsequent years by enabling our teams to immediately work on our highest priority target areas. We are excited to review the internal geological model and use that model to drive future programs as we uncover new information from across the property." Figure 1 - Permit outline, target areas, and high-grade mineralized zones 2020 Field Exploration Program Granite Creek has begun mobilising crews to undertake a field program that will consist of re-sampling of historic core, multi-element soil sampling to determine the precious metal response in soils, and identifying drill sites for a follow up diamond drilling campaign, potentially later in the 2020 season. Prior operators selectively sampled 20-30% of the core from the highly prospective Zone A using an in-house lab and very high precious metals detection limits based on the technology available at the time, resulting in incomplete information. (See selected drill intercept table below). As part of internal 3D modeling and review of historic drilling, Granite Creek has outlined a core re-sampling program that will include full multi-element analysis with industry standard detection limits for base and precious metals in order to ensure the proper, accurate inclusion of the full suite in core assays. In addition to assays, other core measurements such as magnetic susceptibility and spectral analysis will be taken to assist with alteration mapping and identification of other prospective areas of the property. The program is designed to provide a primary data set to be used to advance the area of historic drilling towards a formal National Instrument 43-101 compliant resource and assist in drill targeting efforts to qualify and expand the same. Table 1 - Highlight Drill and Trench Results Hole from To Length** Cu % Au g/t *** Ag g/t Cu Eq %* Au Eq %* 80-08 45.17 59.44 14.26 0.27 trace 1.95 80-09 41.15 60.96 19.81 2.52 1.64 12.84 3.1 4.77 Incl 47.24 60.96 13.72 3.44 2.10 14.71 5.36 6.35 80-11 183.79 192.63 8.84 0.27 Trace 0.83 80-11 195.38 199.58 4.21 0.58 Trace trace 80-12 140.51 152.25 11.73 0.48 Trace 10.76 0.60 80-14 13.35 34.44 21.09 2.39 2.00 13.27 4.22 4.99 Incl 22.25 34.44 12.19 3.87 3.09 22.71 6.72 7.94 80-14 85.40 91.62 6.22 0.31 Trace 2.57 80-14 94.18 117.96 23.77 0.25 Trace 1.02 80-15 18.59 32.61 14.02 0.24 Trace trace 80-15 81.29 93.57 12.28 0.24 Trace 0.52 80-15 169.96 187.45 17.50 0.49 Not assayed 6.43 80-16 46.02 64.31 18.29 0.41 Trace 2.46 80-16 184.22 199.55 15.33 0.40 Trace 0.70 80-16 217.02 232.56 15.45 0.47 Trace 1.02 80-18 53.16 79.07 25.91 1.65 2.36 12.06 3.77 4.46 Incl 66.75 79.07 12.31 2.85 4.28 24.50 6.47 7.95 80-20 38.13 54.86 16.73 0.32 Trace 0.56 *Total Copper Equivalent calculations reflect total gross metal content using metals prices as follows (all USD): $2.50/lb copper (Cu), 18.00/oz silver (Ag), and $1,450/oz gold (Au) and . Values have not been adjusted to reflect metallurgical recoveries. Total metal equivalent values include both base and precious metals. In terms of dollar value, 0.25% copper equates to a gold value of 0.30 g/t gold or a silver value of 23.81 g/t, using the above metal values. **Widths are composite samples from drilled intercepts and the true thickness is unknown. *** Completed in 1980 at an previous operator's lab using a higher than is typical for modern labs, lower detection limit for Au Trench ** From To Length * Cu % Au g/t Ag g/t 2015-800W 0 10.8 10.8 0.33 0.17 1.71 600W 64.30 80.00 15.7 0.22 0.04 0.91 14-01 0 6.0 6.0 0.55 0.27 1.90 14-02 1.5 5.0 3.5 0.49 0.33 2.23 14-04 0 4.0 4.0 0.36 0.16 1.32 * Widths are composites of surface samples and the true thickness is unknown ** Completed between 2014-2015 using modern multi-element ICP using a standard lower detection limit for Au. About the Stu Copper-Gold Project The Stu Copper-Gold project is part of the Minto Copper Belt, a linear stretch of intrusion hosted Cu-Au-Ag mineralization in the Dawson Range, south-central Yukon Territory. Centered on the Minto Mine the belt extends from north of the Yukon/Pelly River confluence southeast to the community of Carmacks. The Minto Copper Belt has been proven productive, with one operating copper mine and one deposit advancing towards production. The Stu property lies on strike between the two deposits, displays the same styles of mineralization, and has shown preliminary copper values of a similar calibre. To date the Company has identified 4 multi-kilometre exploration targets (see figure 1). Copper, gold, and silver mineralization is contained in foliated to gneissic granodiorite (see Figure 2 below for Zone A geology), hosted within a large granodiorite intrusion. Historic drilling at Zone A in the centre of the property returned copper grades of 2.4 to 3.4% over 14 to 20 m widths in drill core from higher-grade mineralized zones dominated by copper sulphide (chalcopyrite, bornite and lesser copper oxide) mineralization. Mineralization has been confirmed as deep as 380 m below surface. Surface grades from trenches and upper levels of drill holes range from 0.18% to 0.55% Cu over widths of up to 20.0 m. Shallower mineralization is dominated by copper oxides (malachite, tenorite and azurite) with the underlying sulfide mineralization typically returning higher grades. Figure 2 - Zone A detail Live Webinar - July 2, 2020 Granite Creek Copper will be hosting a live webinar on Thursday, July 2 to discuss the most recent developments with the Company and the 2020 exploration season. Click here to register or contact us at info@gcxcopper.com. Canadian Mining Symposium Replay Granite Creek participated in the recent Canadian Mining Symposium hosted by The Northern Miner. An archived recording of our video presentation and follow-up Q&A with President & CEO, Tim Johnson, is available on the Metallic Group YouTube Channel. About Granite Creek Copper Granite Creek Copper is a Canadian exploration company focused on the advancement of its 100%-owned Stu Copper-Gold project located in the Yukon's Minto Copper District. This 115-square-kilometer property is on trend with Pembridge Resources' high-grade Minto Copper-Gold Mine to the north and the Carmacks Copper-Gold-Silver project to the south The Stu project has excellent access to infrastructure with the nearby paved Yukon Highway 2, along with grid power within 12 km. More information about Granite Creek and the Stu Copper-Gold Project can be viewed on the Company's website at www.gcxcopper.com. About the Metallic Group of Companies The Metallic Group is a collaboration of leading precious and base metals exploration companies, with a portfolio of large, brownfields assets in established mining districts adjacent to some of the industry's highest-grade producers of platinum & palladium, silver and copper. Member companies include Granite Creek Copper in the Yukon's Minto copper district, Metallic Minerals in the Yukon's Keno Hill silver district and Group Ten Metals in the Stillwater PGM-Ni-Cu district of Montana. The founders and team members of the Metallic Group include highly successful explorationists formerly with some of the industry's leading explorer/developers and major producers and are undertaking a systematic approach to exploration using new models and technologies to facilitate discoveries in these proven historic mining districts. The Metallic Group is headquartered in Vancouver, BC, Canada and its member companies are listed on the Toronto Venture, US OTC, and Frankfurt stock exchanges. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Timothy Johnson, President & CEO Telephone: 1 (604) 235-1982 Toll Free: 1 (888) 361-3494 E-mail: info@gcxcopper.com Website: www.gcxcopper.com Quality Control and Quality Assurance Ms. Debbie James, P.Geo., a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. Forward-Looking Statements Forward Looking Statements: This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization, historic production, estimation of mineral resources, the realization of mineral resource estimates, interpretation of prior exploration and potential exploration results, the timing and success of exploration activities generally, the timing and results of future resource estimates, permitting time lines, metal prices and currency exchange rates, availability of capital, government regulation of exploration operations, environmental risks, reclamation, title, and future plans and objectives of the company are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although Granite Creek Copper believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include failure to obtain necessary approvals, unsuccessful exploration results, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, results of future resource estimates, future metal prices, availability of capital and financing on acceptable terms, general economic, market or business conditions, risks associated with regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, uninsured risks, delays in receiving government approvals, unanticipated environmental impacts on operations and costs to remedy same, and other exploration or other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the companies with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral exploration and development of mines is an inherently risky business. Accordingly, the actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on Granite Creek Copper and the risks and challenges of their businesses, investors should review their annual filings that are available at www.sedar.com. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: Granite Creek Copper Ltd. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/595195/Granite-Creek-Copper-Receives-Exploration-Permit-for-Stu-Copper-Gold-Project-and-Announces-Start-of-Exploration SIOUX FALLS, S.D. President Donald Trumps plans to kick off Independence Day with a showy display at Mount Rushmore are drawing sharp criticism from Native Americans who view the monument as a desecration of land violently stolen from them and used to pay homage to leaders hostile to native people. Several groups led by Native American activists are planning protests for Trumps July 3 visit, part of Trumps comeback campaign for a nation reeling from sickness, unemployment and, recently, social unrest. The event is slated to include fighter jets thundering over the 79-year-old stone monument in South Dakotas Black Hills and the first fireworks display at the site since 2009. But it comes amid a national reckoning over racism and a reconsideration of the symbolism of monuments around the globe. Many Native American activists say the Rushmore memorial is as reprehensible as the many Confederate monuments being toppled around the nation. Mount Rushmore is a symbol of white supremacy, of structural racism thats still alive and well in society today, said Nick Tilsen, a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe and the president of a local activist organization called NDN Collective. Its an injustice to actively steal Indigenous peoples land then carve the white faces of the conquerors who committed genocide. While some activists, like Tilsen, want to see the monument removed altogether and the Black Hills returned to the Lakota, others have called for a share in the economic benefits from the region and the tourists it attracts. Trump has long shown a fascination with Mount Rushmore. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said in 2018 that he had once told her straight-faced it was his dream to have his face carved into the monument. He later joked at a campaign rally about getting enshrined alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. And while it was Noem, a Republican, who pushed for a return of the fireworks on the eve of Independence Day, Trump joined the effort and committed to visiting South Dakota for the celebration. Some wildfire experts have raised concerns the pyrotechnics could spark fires, especially because the region has seen dry weather this year. Firefighters called in crews from two other states to help Thursday as a blaze consumed approximately 150 acres (61 hectares) about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of the monument. The four faces, carved into the mountain with dynamite and drills, are known as the shrine to democracy. The presidents were chosen by sculptor Gutzon Borglum for their leadership during four phases of American development: Washington led the birth of the nation; Jefferson sparked its westward expansion; Lincoln preserved the union and emancipated slaves; Roosevelt championed industrial innovation. And yet, for many Native American people, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, Omaha, Arapaho, Kiowa and Kiowa-Apache, the monument is a desecration to the Black Hills, which they consider sacred. Lakota people know the area as Paha Sapa the heart of everything that is. As monuments to Confederate and colonial leaders have been removed across U.S. cities, conservatives have expressed concern that Mount Rushmore could be next. Commentator Ben Shapiro this week suggested that the woke historical revisionist priesthood wanted to blow up the monument. Noem responded by tweeting, Not on my watch. Tim Giago, a journalist who is a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe, said he doesnt see four great American leaders when he looks at the monument, but instead four white men who either made racist remarks or initiated actions that removed Native Americans from their land. Washington and Jefferson both held slaves. Lincoln, though he led the abolition of slavery, also approved the hanging of 38 Dakota men in Minnesota after a violent conflict with white settlers there. Roosevelt is reported to have said, I dont go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of every ten are.. The monument has long been a Rorschach test, said John Taliaferro, author of Great White Fathers, a history of the monument. All sorts of people can go there and see it in different ways. The monument often starts conversations on the paradox of American democracy that a republic that promoted the ideals of freedom, determination and innovation also enslaved people and drove others from their land, he said. If were having this discussion today about what American democracy is, Mount Rushmore is really serving its purpose because that conversation goes on there, he said. Is it fragile? Is it permanent? Is it cracking somewhat? The monument was conceived in the 1920s as a tourist draw for the new fad in vacationing called the road trip. South Dakota historian Doane Robinson recruited Borglum, one of the preeminent sculptors at the time, to abandon his work creating the Stone Mountain Confederate Memorial in Georgia, which was to feature Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and Stonewall Jackson. Borglum was a member of the Ku Klux Klan, according to Mount Rushmore historian and writer Tom Griffith. Borglum joined the Klan to raise money for the Confederate memorial, and Griffith argues his allegiance was more practical than ideological. He left that project and instead spent years in South Dakota completing Mount Rushmore. Native American activists have long staged protests at the site to raise awareness among the history of the Black Hills, which were taken from them despite treaties with the United States protecting the land. Fifty years ago this summer a group of activists associated with an organization called United Native Americans climbed to the top of the monument and occupied it. Quanah Brightman, who now runs United Native Americans, said the activism in the 1970s grew out of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. He hopes a similar movement for Native Americans comes from the Black Lives Matter movement. What people find here is the story of America its multidimensional, its complex, Griffith said. Its important to understand it was people just trying to do right as best they knew it then. The White House declined to comment. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. According to a new report published by Polaris Market Research the worldwide Automated Fare Collection (AFC) market is anticipated to reach around USD 13,594 million by 2026. In 2017, the smart cards segment dominated the global market, in terms of revenue. In 2017, North America accounted for the majority share in the global automated fare collection market. The increasing need to automate ticketing systems for public and private transportation majorly drives the market growth. Organizations are gradually adopting automated fare collection systems to increase efficiency, and easy management of high volume of commuters. The growing need to reduce frauds in public transportation further accelerates the adoption of the AFC systems. Other factors driving the market growth include growing need to reduce operational costs, increase profitability, and enhance traveler experience. New emerging markets, increasing acceptance of cashless payments, and growing need to reduce environmental pollution are factors expected to influence the market in the coming years. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/automated-fare-collection-market/request-for-sample The increasing investments in R&D and rapid development of public infrastructure in developing countries of Asia-Pacific and Latin America support the growth of automated fare collection systems. Governments across the world are collaborating with leading market players for installation of AFC systems in airports, and railways. Technological advancements in electronic payment, Near-Field Communication (NFC), and contactless payment technologies provide numerous growth opportunities in the global market. Market players are introducing affordable and highly efficient automated fare collection systems in the market to cater to the growing market demands. North America is expected to lead the global AFC market during the forecast period. Significant investment by governments to improve the public transport infrastructure coupled with stringent regulations regarding transportation drive the growth of automated fare collection in this region. Technological advancement and introduction of advanced systems by the market players has increased their acceptance in the region. Asia-pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is due to economic growth in countries such as China and India, and increasing investments in public infrastructure. Expansion of global players into these countries to tap market potential boosts the market growth. The various types of technologies used in automated fare collection system include Near-Field Communication (NFC), Optical Character Recognition (OCR), smart cards, and magnetic strips. The smart cards segment is expected to lead the market during the forecast period owing to increasing popularity of cashless transactions. NFC is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Complete Summary with TOC Available @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/automated-fare-collection-market The well-known companies profiled in the report include Thales Group, Longbow Technologies S/B, Cubic Corporation, Advanced Card Systems Holdings Limited, Atos SE, Indra Sistemas SA, UL Transaction Security, Siemens AG, Samsung SDS Co. Ltd., GMV Innovating Solutions, Masabi Ltd., and Omron Corporation among others. These companies introduced new technologies and collaborate with other market leaders to innovate and launch new products to meet the increasing needs and requirements of the consumers. Automated Fare Collection Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Component Hardware Software Services System Integration Consulting Managed Services Training, Support & Maintenance Automated Fare Collection Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Technology Near-Field Communication (NFC) Smart Cards Magnetic Strips Optical Character Recognition (OCR) Others Automated Fare Collection Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by End-User Public Transport Authority Private Transport Authority Others Automated Fare Collection 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/automated-fare-collection-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 The Coronavirus pandemic has driven leaders to rethink the way that we do things, and although the threat to our health has placed many obstacles in our path, the world has pulled together with determination to address and eventually eliminate the virus. In the same manner, businesses around the world are finding the current unprecedented climate a challenge but they are finding new ways to handle the crisis while tackling the slow down to business. The current situation more than anything has caused restrictions to peoples movement and during such an unforeseen event such as COVID-19 when peoples safety is paramount, it is the technology that comes to the rescue by ways of innovation and opportunity. The NetEvents [email protected] virtual international media event Whats Hot in Networking & Analyst Views, held last week brought together a panel of several senior specialists for an informed discussion about the technology sectors business outlook during this difficult time. The panel was chaired by Jeremiah Caron, Global Head of Research & Analysis, Technology Group, GlobalData. As a world-leading data and analysis company, GlobalData provides for 4,000 of the worlds largest companies to help them to make better and more timely decisions through their unique data, expert analysis, and innovative solutions delivered through a single platform. A unique data-driven, human-led, and technology-powered approach creates the trusted, actionable, and forward-looking intelligence you need to predict the future and avoid blind-spots, GlobalDatas website says. An experienced senior executive with a strong history of leading research and analysis teams, and driving client value through real-time, actionable insights and advice, Jeremiah Caron on shared advanced data from current research on IT buying trends from 4,200 Enterprises at this event, Caron also discussed the trends that they are seeing due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Obviously, healthcare workers, and the, the emergency services teams, and people working in supermarkets and people who are doing things that make the world run, like garbage collection and all these things - they're the real superstars of this COVID-19 situation that we're all in, but I would add to that, IT and networking, alongside them, Caron said. What has happened in terms of the rapid and instant shift to the way businesses operate and also the shift or acceleration of the way we work, we deal with our personal lives and interact with our friends and family, all have never depended upon technology more than they did the past couple months, and the performance was outstanding. I think we all should be really proud to be a part of an industry that was so integral to us getting along as human beings, not just from a business perspective, during this crisis. GlobalDatas mission is to help clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative. Over the years, they have become one of the largest data and insights solution providers in the world. One of the things I'll point out is a shift in priorities, Caron continued. During the past couple of months, before COVID-19 when we asked, what are your key priorities? Unsurprisingly, that far leader was sales, let's bring in the money, you know, and contract delivery and the things and looking at new markets and all that these were the priorities before COVID-19 but then there was a sudden shift in all of that, the most important thing that businesses, business leaders were thinking about was first and foremost, employee safety. And secondly, survival - business continuity, just getting things done. Further down and this will, this will kick into gear, as we move forward next quarter and the quarter after that, things like sales growth and whatnot were not priorities, there were bigger fish to fry as the saying goes, and it'll be very interesting to watch to see how that evolves as some of the environments and societies, open up a bit. Over time, there's still some way to really tell what the true impact of COVID-19 will be. In the critical months of March and April, there was a spike in spending in some areas for sure, as they move their employees to working from home or also building out their security, support and moving applications to the cloud, etc., Caron added. But generally, if you think about most businesses, now they're looking forward and going we don't know what the economic situation is going to be. So, it's not surprising to see that they're expecting to spend less overall. In terms of priorities over the next two years and again, this is information taken very recently. So, it is COVID-19 impacted, if you will, you know, not surprising that this sort of, there's interest in all these areas, obviously. And, and again, trying to project two years, what they're gonna have money to spend on is difficult, but clearly collaboration, the need to really make that robust, make it business class, make it somewhat permanent. You know, one of the things that we've observed is a lot of what we're what we're seeing now, that represented a sudden shift for some business will become permanent, or at least partially, and businesses are thinking about that and also thinking about Automation may be accelerating their efforts to automate processes. Interestingly, while we saw the expectation that IT budgets were going to be less throughout the rest of this year, Caron concluded. Actually, the vast majority said that on networking they expect it to be at least flat or increase. And I think that's for pretty obvious reasons to the extent to which they're going to recover and support their employee base they're going to have to invest in networking, at the very minimum they may not invest in a lot of other things other than collaboration, for example, but networking is one area that they do expect to see increased investment in. The panel, which included, John Apostolopoulos, VP & CTO for Enterprise Networking Business, Cisco; Mansour Karam, President & Founder, Apstra; Bob Friday, CTO, Juniper Networks (and co-founder of Mist, a Juniper Company); and Kevin Deierling, SVP Marketing, Networking, NVIDIA exchanged views and explored the hottest technologies and trends which included the new developments in wireless technology for Enterprise and Edge; the advances being made in Cloud by optimizing the application experience; the latest developments on Intelligent Network Automation through Intent-Based Networking (IBN) enabling increased automation and analysis across all elements of the network, and more. Edited by Maurice Nagle MARYLAND The number of Maryland workers who applied for first-time unemployment benefits increased slightly, to 47,801 last week, according to data released Thursday by the state's labor department. The latest figure which covers the week ending June 20 represents a 13.9 percent increase from the 41,941 jobless claims that were filed the prior week. It also pushes the total number of claims to more than 848,500 since coronavirus shutdowns began. Prior to the pandemic, first-time unemployment filings in Maryland hovered between 2,000 and 6,500 per week. During the public health crisis, however, these numbers have fluctuated between 2,090 and 109,263. Of the 47,801 workers who applied last week, 14,538 filed for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) a federal program for gig workers, contractors, and other self-employed people who otherwise are ineligible for regular jobless benefits. The jurisdiction with the most PUA claims was Prince George's County, according to state data. The total: 2,132. Claims filed for Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) a federal program that provides an additional 13 weeks of pay to workers who've exhausted their other benefits was 1,319. The most PEUC claims were filed in Baltimore City. The total stands at 231. Here's how many people in each county filed unemployment claims last week: Graph: Patch / Source: Maryland Department of Labor Here's how many people filed statewide over a 14-week period: Graph: Patch / Source: Maryland Department of Labor This article originally appeared on the Silver Spring Patch Five Korean crewmen were kidnapped by unidentified assailants in waters off the Republic of Benin in West Africa on Wednesday. The armed group attacked the Ghanaian fishing vessel Panofi Frontier near the country's Contonou Port. A total of 30 crewmen were on board, but only five Koreans and one Ghanaian were abducted. The Foreign Ministry said Thursday that it is working closely with relevant authorities to secure the return of the abductees, whose whereabouts remain unknown. This letter is in response to a recent article printed in the Napa Valley Register titled, Illumination Technologies Pitches Emergency Sirens to Napa County (May 23). The article described a proposal by Illumination Technologies CEO Chris Canning to the Board of Supervisors to place 32-40 60-foot monopoles disguised as trees and equipped with sirens on public land throughout the county to warn residents of a wildfire. However, the article did not explain that at the same meeting, Napa County Sheriff Robertson made a presentation regarding the imminent roll-out of a high-low audible warning sound to be used by emergency vehicles solely for the purpose of notifying the public of an immediate evacuation in an emergency, which he said should be ready by January. Even more interesting, Sheriff Robertson explained that they are in the testing phase of being able to put an audible message in multiple languages into a computer, which could be downloaded into the public address system of patrol cars throughout the county in a few minutes, which would provide residents with targeted information, such as the nature of the emergency and actions to take. He mentioned that this new system could be implemented at a minimal cost to the county of about $300 per patrol car. Sheriff Robertsons presentation is important because it provides an alternative to Mr. Cannings proposal-- one that has many benefits and without the risks. Based on our research, a siren-only system is an outdated one. Modern systems use integrated voice/siren installations, exactly what Sheriff Robertson described. According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Information is of utmost importance to the public during disasters, especially for those under imminent threat. Without information, and more specifically, without the right information, people are often left to fill in the gaps of what is going on and how to protect themselves. The NIST states that the most effective warning messages should include the name of the agency delivering the warning, the nature of the emergency, a description of the location and level of risk, and instructions to evacuate or shelter in place. According to Mr. Canning, the sirens purpose would be to direct people to their cellphones for more information. However, we know that in disasters, cellphone towers often go down. Therefore, reliance on a siren-only system would provide residents with a false sense of security and needlessly expose residents to life-threatening risks. In addition, the system Sheriff Robertson described would have little to no environmental impact. On the other hand, the environmental impact of Mr. Cannings proposal would be significant, both due to the visual blight, created by the monopoles themselves, and from the unknown and potentially large increase in man-made electromagnetic pollution, since Mr. Canning would recoup the cost of the monopoles, plus profit by leasing them to wireless companies. During Mr. Cannings presentation, he implied that everyone in the county has at least 2G cellular service, which is enough to receive a call or a text, and, therefore, enough to get the countys emergency Nixle alerts. In terms of access to internet services, two former telecom industry insiders discovered that the telecoms owe states billions of dollars to install fiber optic to all premises and won a court case that will allow states to collect the money owed (Irregulators v. FCC). The County of Napa can work with the state to access that money to provide free, safe high-speed internet to homes and businesses in need. Finally, there are risks involved with a local government entering into such an agreement with a private entity-- risks that local taxpayers would bear. What if Illumination Technologies failed to maintain the monopoles and upgrade them as new and better technologies became available? What if the corporation went bankrupt or out of business? Would the county lose its ability to regulate what are destined to become cell towers to protect the environment and public health, as well as taxpayers from liability? What if there were complaints about them? Who would be responsible-- Illumination Technologies or the county? What would happen to the value of the property near them? While we advise against it, if the Board of Supervisors still wants to consider a proposal for an emergency warning system by a private corporation, versus the public system described by Sheriff Robertson, we ask the same thing that Angwin resident Kellie Anderson asked during public comment-- that the process be competitive and transparent with an opportunity for the public to weigh in. Valerie Wolf and Suzanne Bauman, Coordinators Napa Neighborhood Association for Safe Technology New York: A 41-year old Sikh-American IT specialist was brutally attacked by some men, who knocked off his turban and allegedly cut his religiously-mandated unshorn hair with a knife, prompting a civil rights organisation to demand a hate crime investigation into the incident. Maan Singh Khalsa, a father and IT specialist in California, was driving home on the night of September 25 when a group of men in car threw a beer can at his vehicle. Khalsa drove away from the scene but the men followed him and assaulted him through his open car window, knocking off his Sikh turban and hitting his face repeatedly, according to a statement from The Sikh Coalition, the nations largest Sikh civil rights organisation. Khalsa said there were five to six white males in their late 20s to early 30s who abused him and three of them then attacked him physically. Shouting that Khalsas hair should be cut off, the men pulled his head out of the window, and cut a fistful of his religiously-mandated unshorn hair with a knife, the complaint alleged. Khalsa sustained injuries to his fingers, hands, eye and teeth. The Sikh Coalition has written to the Richmond Police Department and the Contra Costa County District Attorneys Office on behalf of Khalsa, urging authorities to conduct a hate crime investigation and prosecution in the case. The attackers caused physical injuries and deep harm when they targeted my Sikh faith, Khalsa said in a press statement released by the Sikh Coalition. I urge a thorough investigation so we can address the tide of violence and bigotry in this country. Sikh Coalition Legal Director, Harsimran Kaur urged authorities to fully investigate this hateful attack on Khalsa and his Sikh identity. The purpose of a hate crime investigation and prosecution is to ensure that our government and communities accurately account for the problem of bias in our society, Kaur said. The Sikh Coalition said that in the 15 years that have followed 9/11, Sikhs remain hundreds of times more likely to be targeted in cases of profiling, bigotry and backlash than the average American. We need to acknowledge hatred so that we commit the resources necessary to stem bias-based violence, Kaur said. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Wearing a face mask to reduce the chance of transmission of the novel coronavirus, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) arrives at the U.S. Capitol for a vote May 18, 2020 in Washington, DC. Sen. Elizabeth Warren has written to the CEO of private equity lobbying group the American Investment Council demanding more information about the organization's efforts related to the federal government's multitrillion-dollar coronavirus relief law. In a letter to Andrew Maloney, which was delivered Wednesday and obtained by CNBC, Warren demanded information about the group's communication with the Treasury Department and White House officials, including Jared Kushner, whose family real estate business has financial ties to private equity firm Apollo Global Management. She also questioned how the industry plans to protect the employees of the companies in which they invest. "I am particularly concerned that the private equity industry you represent may exploit this crisis to continue extracting value out of struggling companies, lining the pockets of wealthy firms at the expense of workers and communities struggling to respond to this pandemic across the country," wrote the Massachusetts Democrat. In a statement given to CNBC through a spokesperson, Maloney said, "Senator Warren's home state of Massachusetts is a booming private equity success story." "Our industry employs over 240 [thousand] workers there, invested over $31 billion in 2019 alone, and recently delivered over 18% returns for the local pension program," he noted. "I will respond to Senator Warren's letter and we will also soon release a new report that shows how private equity is meaningfully investing billions of dollars in states and congressional districts across America. These investments support millions of jobs and help the economy rebound from the COVID-19 downturn." Warren's letter comes as the coronavirus recession has brought the role of private equity in the economy back into the spotlight. Several companies that were acquired through leveraged buyouts, such as Neiman Marcus and J. Crew, have fallen into bankruptcy under the pressure of the economic slowdown. More are expected. Meantime, private equity firms sitting on a record $1.5 trillion in cash have been scouting for deals in the market as valuations have been clipped. The private equity industry joined scores of others in pushing through lobbying efforts for federal aid from the CARES Act to buffer their businesses as the coronavirus pandemic devastated the economy. While private equity firms pushed for small business loans offered as part of the program, those efforts were largely rebuffed with "affiliate rules" restricting cash for companies with outside investors. The Garment Manufacturer Association in Cambodia requested the Ministry of Labor to delay the minimum wage determination process for 2021, which starts in July, on account of the fragile and uncertain nature of the sector amid the COVID-19 pandemic. On Tuesday, the association, which represents a majority of garment-exporting factories, asked the Labor Ministry to postpone the annual tripartite wage negotiations process, which sets the minimum wage for the garment and footwear sector. The garment manufacturers group, also known by its acronym GMAC, said the sector was facing a long recovery after factories had to suspend their operations because of the economic slowdown initiated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Manufacturers have said that international brands have halted orders, or that some werent accepting or paying for existing orders. Delaying the minimum wage negotiations will be a mechanism to support the sector to stay alive as well as maintain employment for workers, read the June 23 statement. The statement points to the Law on Minimum Wage Article 5 and the Labor Laws Article 107 which states that the profitability of the sector is one of the seven factors used to determine the wage. It does not talk of the remaining six factors or the economic effects being faced by workers, one of which is the needs of workers and their families. The current minimum wage is $190 a month for 2020, up from the $182 workers were paid per month in 2019. Workers get seniority payments every six months, which has also been suspended this year, as well as overtime payments. The tripartite discussions started in 2014 and wages have nearly doubled since, from $100 in 2014 to $190 in 2020. The discussions include the government, private sector and worker unions, with pro-worker unions a small minority in this process, and usually culminates in September or October. Ken Loo, secretary-general of the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia said the current situation warranted the postponement of the minimum wage talks. How do this harm workers' benefits? Or do [unions] think that the wage can be increased next year? he said. I think that it can't be increased if we look at the formula of seven points. Ken Loo did not have figures for factories that have temporarily suspended or shut down their operations, or even the job loss numbers for workers in the sector. Pav Sina, president of the Collective Union of Movement of Workers (CUMW), said the wage negotiation should go ahead so that the tripartite group can ascertain the COVID-19 consequences for the factories but also the effects faced by workers. He added that employers needed to be honest about their production activity, suggesting that layoffs and work suspensions were not linked to lower levels of orders. Audtakorn Sutarmjam / EyeEm For some investors, getting a piece of a legal settlement can happen without ever being part of a lawsuit. It comes from investing in so-called litigation finance a strategy that generally involves providing cash to litigants or attorneys to fund their cases in exchange for a portion of any awarded damages if the case is won. If experts are right, it's a market poised for growth: As investors search for returns uncorrelated to the markets, this small and largely unknown slice of the investment world may beckon. Additionally, demand from plaintiffs or law firms in search of funding also could rise as coronavirus-related economic fallout leads to more lawsuits something that's common in downturns and more need for private funding. More from Personal Finance: Here are some tips for choosing a 'Medigap' policy Where to get your tax return done for free Helpful work-from-home tips from a telecommute pro However, not everyone can access litigation-finance funds or similar options you generally must be an "accredited investor." That is, you must have at least $200,000 in annual income, a net worth above $1 million (excluding your home's value) or joint annual income with a spouse of more than $300,000. And, there is a lot of risk. Among them: potential eye-popping returns that end up being a mirage. Here's what to know. The basics Generally speaking, firms that provide litigation financing have a team composed of attorneys who can assess the merits of a case and its chance of success along with investment professionals who handle the finance side of things (i.e., structuring each deal). "Most are set up like a private equity fund they raise capital and have a certain deployment period to put it to work," said Charles Agee III, CEO of Westfleet Advisors, which serves as an advisor to law firms and plaintiffs in need of litigation funding. Commercial cases currently grab most of the action. That could include providing cash to a company suing another business for, say, patent infringement or breach of contract. In those cases, the litigation financing goes to the plaintiff that's dealing with the cost of litigation for things like expert witnesses and their attorneys. Or, the money could go to law firms directly, which often spread the funding among several cases. Sometimes those firms are working on a partial contingency basis; they charge the client a reduced rate and then take a percentage of any awarded financial damages. There are roughly 40 entities involved in U.S. commercial litigation financing, with assets under management of $9.5 billion, Westfleet research shows. While there are a couple of public companies that do these types of transactions including Burford Capital and Omni Bridgeway, both headquartered overseas most are privately held. Before the financial crisis of 2008-2009, there were just six dedicated litigation finance firms, according to LexShares, which entered the market six years ago. Since its 2014 inception, LexShares has invested in 103 cases, according to the firm. Of those, 43 have been resolved with a 70% win rate and 60 remain outstanding. The median annualized return for resolved investments after fees and expenses is 52%, said Jay Greenberg, cofounder and CEO of LexShares. By comparison, the S&P 500 has returned an annualized 8.7% since January 2014. You either hit a home run or you lose all your money. Jeffery Nauta chief compliance officer of Henrickson Nauta Wealth Advisors In contrast to the large number of funds that largely target institutional investors and come with minimums of $1 million or more, LexShares has an online marketplace for investors both accredited and institutional to pick and choose which cases to invest in. The minimum investment can be relatively low: $5,000 or $10,000. And while there is no management fee, you'd pay 30% of profits in so-called carried interest to LexShares. And, of course, if the case or cases you invested in don't pan out how you hoped, you lose your entire investment. "If the case doesn't settle in your favor, it can be a complete loss," said certified financial planner Jeffery Nauta, principal and chief compliance officer of Henrickson Nauta Wealth Advisors in Belmont, Michigan. "You either hit a home run or you lose all your money," Nauta said. You also may be able to invest in a fund that holds many cases in its portfolio, although the minimums can be steep. For instance, it's $250,000 for a fund launched by LexShares earlier this month. It's also more expensive: a 2.5% annual management fee, as well as carried interest of 25% (again, of profits). The fund has attracted $35 million of its targeted $100 million, said Greenberg of LexShares. "This enables investors to make one investment in a [fund] and then be diversified among all the individual cases that we post to our site," Greenberg said. Other considerations Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE Who has the authority to remove the obelisk that stands at the center of Santa Fes historic Plaza remains clouded. Mayor Alan Webber last week called for the Civil War-era obelisk known as the Soldiers Monument and two other monuments near Plaza Park to be removed. But no one seems to know who has the final say about removing the obelisk not even the states Historic Preservation Division, whose mission is to protect, preserve and interpret the unique character of New Mexico by identifying, documenting (recording), evaluating and registering prehistoric and historic properties throughout New Mexico. Debra Garcia y Griego, secretary of the state Department of Cultural Affairs, declined an interview, and calls to the departments general counsel this week and last were not returned. Daniel Zillmann, a department spokesman, said in an email that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams office had previously provided the Journal with a statement and that there was little else to add. The governors spokesman said last week, and reiterated Tuesday, that nobody knows who owns the 33-foot spire. Its very vague, the governors spokesman, Tripp Stelnicki, said Tuesday. The state can find no documents identifying ownership. Stelnicki also again said reports that state contractors tried to remove the obelisk one night last week were false, saying the workers were there only to assess what it would take to remove it after the governor offered the city state support. Yet the tip of the obelisk was removed out of safety concerns in advance of a demonstration led by Native American groups last Thursday. Webber told a news conference Monday that city officials were looking into what is required to have the monument removed. I think were going to look at the law and the issue of authority, and also as quickly as possible stand up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission so we can get to the point where were not just addressing works of art and monuments individually, but having a more comprehensive conversation about the history, the art, the culture of northern New Mexico and how best to protect it, he said. In an emergency proclamation he signed last week, the mayor called for the formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to make recommendations about the future of the citys statues and monuments. He also called for the removal of an obelisk honoring Indian fighter Kit Carson, which is on federal property outside the U.S. District Courthouse, and a statue of Don Diego de Vargas, the Spaniard who led the resettlement of northern New Mexico after the Pueblo Revolt. That statue has already been removed from Cathedral Park and is being stored for safekeeping. In 1866, nearly 50 years before New Mexico became a state, New Mexicos Territorial Assembly voted to erect a Soldiers Monument in front of the Palace of the Governors. Built two years later, the obelisk honors Union soldiers who fought Civil War battles in New Mexico, but one side of the monument was inscribed to honor the heroes who died in battles with savage Indians. The offensive word was removed by an anonymous man in the 1970s. Native Americans have been calling for the removal of the obelisk for decades, and early Monday, it was vandalized for a second time, this time with messages such as Tewa Land and End the Genocide written in spray paint. In his email to the Journal, Zillmann said Plaza Park is a National Historic Landmark and is on several other historic registries. He said there are formal processes for taking actions that may affect such historic sites. The city has indicated they are aware there is a process and will be reaching out to the (Historic Preservation Office) soon. The process/guidelines depend on what is proposed, and which state and federal laws apply to it, he wrote. Monuments and statues all over the country have come under scrutiny lately amid racial tensions escalated by the Memorial Day killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. BOGOTA, June 25 (Reuters) - Colombian President Ivan Duque on Thursday appointed Diego Mesa as the Andean country's new minister of mines and energy, replacing Maria Fernanda Suarez. Previously, Mesa served as the vice minister for energy in the same department. Suarez resigned the role for personal and family reasons, Duque said in a video address. "I assume this challenge and great responsibility to keep following policies concerning the energy transition and to ensure this sector continues to be the engine of the Colombian economy," Mesa said of his appointment. Crude is one of Colombia's top exports and sources of foreign exchange. Mining, particularly for coal, is an important industry for the country's economy. (Reporting by Julia Symmes Cobb and Oliver Griffin; editing by Grant McCool) A week and a half before George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer, sparking weeks of nationwide protests and soul-searching about policing in America, an incident in Manlius perfectly illustrated the root of the issue: a deep resistance to transparency and accountability. On May 16, 2020, Manlius police, Onondaga County sheriffs deputies and State Police responded to a 911 call from a house on North Street. A man with a gun had fired a shot and was threatening to kill himself. His family escaped as police arrived. For four hours, they tried to negotiate with the man, William Barrett, establishing contact just once before he went silent. Then, the police packed up and left. One officer was left behind to stand watch outside the house. Later that night, they went inside and discovered Barrett had taken his own life. It was a tragic end, but not uncommon in police standoffs with armed individuals. What was uncommon unprecedented, even was the way police abandoned a troubled, armed man. A Syracuse.com survey of 76 police standoffs over the past 30 years found zero similar outcomes. In every case, police stayed until contact was made with the person inside dead or alive, by a police officer, SWAT team member or a robot, after 40 minutes or 30 hours. Its standard operating procedure, according to experts in police tactics. Leaving a disturbed man with a gun to his own devices put him and others at risk of harm. Thats just common sense. Why did the sheriffs crisis negotiators give up on Barrett? Why didnt the department send in its robot to establish contact or determine if he was injured or dead? Does it have something to do with the fact that Barrett was a Manlius village judge, thus someone who was well-known to local police? Lots of questions, but no answers. The blue wall of silence has gone up around this case. Sheriff Gene Conway does not respond to our inquiries. His spokesman declines to comment on matters of such a sensitive nature. Manlius Chief Crowell says police followed best practices and procedures though the actions of his officers clearly contradict best practices and procedures. Manlius Town Supervisor Ed Theobald texts a bland statement of support for town police and wont respond to questions. Yes, suicide is a matter of a sensitive nature. Our inability to talk about it openly only compounds the agony for survivors. Knowing that the police gave up on a disturbed man with a gun makes it that much worse. Barretts family deserves answers. So do members of the public. Conway, Crowell and Theobald answer to you theoretically, at least. Their failure to account for the unusual way they handled this case abuses the public trust. We wont forget it, and neither should you the next time they ask for your vote. Where to get help If you or a loved one are feeling suicidal and need help, call: Contact at (315) 251-0600 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 Health and Human Resources Referral Line at 211 Loading About Syracuse.com editorials Editorials represent the collective opinion of the Advance Media New York editorial board. Our opinions are independent of news coverage. Read our mission statement. Members of the editorial board are Tim Kennedy, Trish LaMonte, Jason Murray and Marie Morelli. To respond to this editorial: Submit a comment through the Google form above, or submit a letter or commentary to letters@syracuse.com. Read our submission guidelines. If you have questions about the Opinions & Editorials section, contact Marie Morelli, editorial/opinion leader, at mmorelli@syracuse.com Marinette has not been a hotbed of the virus, with just a few dozen cases and three deaths. Thirteen employees at the shipbuilder have tested positive for COVID-19, but they have all recovered and are now back to work, Dent said. Everyone who enters the facility is now screened, he said. North Korea Removing Loudspeakers From Border With South - Report Sputnik News 03:50 GMT 24.06.2020 SEOUL (Sputnik) - North Korea has started removing propaganda loudspeakers at the border with the South, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported citing sources. "Around 10 newly installed loudspeakers near Cheorwon were being taken down from earlier today", a military source said, as quoted in the report. Previously, the agency said the North Korean military had installed around 20 loudspeakers in the demilitarized zone, despite the agreement to stop any hostile actions, including propaganda broadcasting on the border. On 23 June, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly suspended anti-South Korea military plans during a preliminary meeting of the Central Military Commission. Earlier this month, North Korea blew up the joint liaison office in its border town of Kaesong, a de-facto embassy in the absence of diplomatic relations and a communication channel. Inter-Korean relations have deteriorated since Kim's second meeting with US President Donald Trump in Vietnam in February 2019. The summit ended with no agreements regarding North Korea's nuclear weapons program or United Nations sanctions against the country. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We believe that products should keep your information for only as long as its useful and helpful to you, Google CEO Sundar Pichai said in a blog post, adding that the changes were designed to keep less data by default. (Photo | AFP) San Francisco: Google has begun auto-deleting new users search data and location history on a rolling 18-month basis, CEO Sundar Pichai announced, as the tech giant moves to tighten privacy settings. The tweak was introduced Wednesday and is the latest attempt by a big online firm to boost public trust after hefty fines were levied against Facebook and Google for privacy violations in recent years. We believe that products should keep your information for only as long as its useful and helpful to you, Pichai said in a blog post, adding that the changes were designed to keep less data by default. When creating a new Google account, your activity data will be automatically and continuously deleted after 18 months, rather than kept until you choose to delete it, he explained. Current users can already opt in to auto-delete their data every three or 18 monthsa setting that has not changed, although existing users will be reminded of the option to do so. Smartphone location technology has been in the spotlight as governments study or implement app-based initiatives to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, despite concerns over privacy and civil liberties. Pichai, also head of Googles parent company Alphabet, asserted that privacy is at the heart of everything we do in his blog post. He detailed other changes including easier access to privacy settings within apps and to the more secure incognito mode. New users of Googles subsidiary YouTube will also have their search data auto-deleted after 36 months, Pichai said. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. (Reuters) - Moderna Inc said on Thursday it was partnering with contract drugmaker Catalent Inc to prepare an initial 100 million doses of its coronavirus vaccine for the United States, starting in the third quarter of this year. Catalent will fill and package doses, support production and provide additional staffing for around-the-clock operations to produce the vaccine, which is still in clinical trials. The vaccine, among the first to be tested in humans in the United States, was found to produce protective antibodies in a small group of healthy volunteers last month. Moderna is preparing to begin the final stages of testing in July to evaluate the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing the respiratory illness in around 30,000 adult trial participants. The company previously struck deals with the U.S. government for funds to ramp up manufacturing, and a 10-year collaboration with Swiss contract drugmaker Lonza Group AG, with the aim of 500 million doses a year and 1 billion doses beginning 2021. Catalent will also provide other packaging and labeling, storage and distribution services at its facilities to support Moderna's late-stage vaccine trial, which is expected to begin in July, Moderna said on Thursday. (https://reut.rs/384fCLt) Drugmakers including Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca Plc have also signed agreements to boost manufacturing capacity for their experimental vaccines even before having adequate evidence of their efficacy. There are no approved treatments or vaccines for COVID-19, with vaccines by other drugmakers including Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi and AstraZeneca Plc in various stages of development. Both Moderna and Catalent are also in talks for producing hundreds of millions of additional doses, the vaccine developer said. Israel in June signed an agreement with Moderna for the future purchase of its potential COVID-19 vaccine, without disclosing financial details. (Reporting by Saumya Sibi Joseph in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Arun Koyyur) Apple iPhone owners in South Africa can get a discount on the companys newest devices by trading in their old handsets at iStore South Africa. Devices that can be traded in include Apples smartwatches, iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, Macs, and iMacs. Many of these devices may have received some damage over the years, which would have an impact on their trade-in value. For this reason, traders are required to visit a tech desk at an iStore to get the device evaluated. Once a trade-in amount has been determined, they can get an instant discount on a new purchase in-store or a gift card loaded with the trade value, valid for up to three years. Those who want to trade in their iPhones can choose to do the entire trade-in process online. After requesting the trade-in via the iStores online chat feature, the unit will be assessed by a consultant, who will ask several questions about the device and perform a remote diagnostics test on it. The consultant will provide an indicative trade-in value subject to further physical diagnostics. If the owner accepts this, a courier will be arranged to pick up the device, and once it arrives at the trade-in centre, it will undergo a hands-on diagnostics test before a final offer is made, which can be accepted or denied. Online trade estimation iStore South Africa offers an online tool for estimating the value for all of the devices that are eligible for trade-in. Users can search for their device model by name, serial, or IMEI number to see what they stand to get for a trade-in. Once the device is selected, they will be provided with a set of simple questions around the condition of that particular item. For example, getting an estimate for a MacBook laptop trade-in will present the following questions: Does the unit power on? Is the screen fully functional and without physical damage? Does the operating system boot up? Is the computer physically ok? Working/undamaged adapter included. Is the activation lock removed? Based on the users responses, an estimated trade-in value for the device is calculated. Comparing new and trade-in value iStore South Africa claims its trade-in values are higher than the market values of the devices. While market prices for these devices are difficult to pin down, comparing the trade-in values with the new prices showed that iStore South Africa generally offered less than half the price of the new device. This included models which were less than a year old. We asked the company how it calculates these values, but it did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication. The table below shows the new prices of several Apple devices when bought from the iStore, compared to the estimated trade-in values as shown on its calculation tool for several Apple devices. iStore Estimated Trade-in Values Device New Trade-in iPhone iPhone 7 32GB R7,999 R3,600 iPhone 8 64GB R9,999 R5,000 iPhone 8 128GB R11,499 R5,000 iPhone XR 128GB R17,199 R6,000 iPhone 11 64GB R18,499 R7,159 iPhone Xs Max 256GB R18,999 R9,000 iPhone 11 Pro 256GB R30,499 R11,715 iPad iPad mini 64GB (5th gen) Wi-Fi R8,699 R3,375 iPad Air 256GB (3rd gen) Wi-Fi + Cellular R13,699 R6,701 iPad 128GB (7th gen) Wi-Fi + Cellular R12,499 R4,311 Apple Watch Apple Watch Series 3 38mm GPS (Silver aluminium case, white sport band) R4,999 R1,500 Apple Watch Series 3 42mm GPS + Cellular (Space Grey aluminium case, black sport band) R7,499 R1,534 Apple Watch Series 5 40mm GPS + Cellular (Gold aluminium case, pink sand sport band) R12,499 R4,037 Mac 13-inch MacBook Air (Intel Core i5 1.8GHz, 128GB storage) R16,999 R2,877 13-inch MacBook Pro (8th-gen Intel Core i5 , 8GB RAM, 256GB storage) R28,999 R13,993 27-inch iMac 3.0GHz (8th-gen Intel Core i5 3.0GHz, 8GB RAM, 1TB storage) R42,999 R17,830 Now read: Apple reveals iPadOS 14 KANKAKEE, Ill., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- Aqua Illinois, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc., is proud to announce expanded relief options for customers impacted by COVID-19. Aqua Illinois temporarily suspended disconnections and will reconnect residential customers whose service was interrupted for non-payment between June 18, 2019 and March 18, 2020. Customers who were disconnected during this period and who have not already been reconnected should contact Aqua Illinois for restored service and to determine their eligibility for waived reconnection fees and customer assistance programs. "We are deeply committed to supporting our customers in these unprecedented times," said Craig Blanchette, President, Aqua Illinois. "We are pleased to expand our relief options, and to offer customers the flexibility they need to recover financially in the wake of COVID-19." Aqua Illinois encourages any customer whose service was disconnected between June 18, 2019 and March 18, 2020 to contact a customer service representative soon. Aqua Illinois will reconnect service for up to 60 days after the day on which all Restore Illinois Health Regions enter Phase 4 (Revitalization) of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's May 5, 2020 Restore Illinois plan. Aqua Illinois will also waive reconnection fees for qualified customers for up to six months after all regions enter Phase 4. Previously disconnected customers may also partner with Aqua Illinois to explore customer assistance plans, such as Deferred Payment Arrangements (DPA). Aqua Illinois is proud to offer extended DPAs, including options with no down payment, for up to six months after all regions enter Phase 4. Residential customers may also qualify for a grant through Aqua's COVID-19 Bill Payment Assistance Program, which builds upon Aqua Aid. "Each day, Illinois makes steady strides towards economic recovery," added Blanchette. "Communities can count on us to provide uninterrupted service while we find a way forward together." To request reconnection following a service disruption for non-payment that occurred between June 18, 2019 and March 18, 2020, please contact the Aqua Illinois Customer Service team immediately at 877.987.2782. About Aqua Illinois Aqua Illinois is a subsidiary of Essential Utilities, Inc. Founded in 1886, Aqua Illinois currently provides customers in 69 communities and 13 counties with water and wastewater services. To learn more, please visit https://www.aquaamerica.com/our-states/illinois.aspx SOURCE Aqua Illinois Related Links https://www.aquaamerica.com The number of Laredoans who have been hospitalized with COVID-19 continued to surge on Thursday, with 42 people being cared for between Laredos two hospitals, 20 of whom are in the ICU. This number has risen sharply every day since Monday, when only 16 people were hospitalized. The intensive care unit capacity for COVID-19 patients at Laredo Medical Center is technically 20 and at Doctors Hospital it is eight. But several patients had to be transferred Wednesday from Laredo Medical Center to Doctors since LMC is short on staffing, thus reducing its capacity. At 10 p.m. Wednesday, LMC was at capacity and Doctors was near it. Laredo Health Authority Dr. Victor Trevino reached out to Dr. Beth Hellerstedt, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, and Laredos state Rep. Richard Raymond. After several city task force conversations that occurred throughout the night, our State of Texas Assistant Request program the STAR program was expedited because of our emergency situation, Trevino said. An immediate response group of 18 nurses and technicians arrived in Laredo in the middle of the night and early morning, he said. Another group of 10 registered nurses and eight respiratory technicians will be replacing them soon and will stay as long as they are needed, Trevino said. At this point, it has become a crisis more than a surge, especially to our intensive care units, the health authority said. Officials did not say precisely where patients will go if LMC and Doctors Hospital hit their capacity again and more people need to be hospitalized. Trevino said the citys task force is looking at using local resources like Laredos standalone hospitals. Patients cannot easily be transferred to hospitals in other parts of the state, as would be typical, because these facilities are likewise saturated, he noted. They are also looking into establishing offsite tents near both hospitals for overflow or COVID patients. This would be a proactive measure, Trevino said. Even though at this point we dont need them, but we have to plan ahead, Trevino said. There is still space for non-critical covid patients at both hospitals. LMC has 30 non-critical beds, 14 of which were occupied as of Thursday morning. Doctors has 35 non-critical beds, eight of which are filled. The actual number of available beds changes frequently and is dependent on the number of available health care workers in each unit, the City of Laredo notes. Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa, who has been posting status update videos to Facebook throughout the coronavirus crisis, said in a video posted Thursday morning that Tuesday was absolutely the worst day hes experienced and that Wednesday was equally as difficult. Weve had patients coming into our emergency rooms on an hourly basis. With respect to staffed COVID beds at both hospitals, we are full, he said. ... We have the ability, and we have rooms, but we dont have staffing for those rooms. He praised Trevino and the citys efforts for coordinating with the state to bring down these additional health care professionals during this crisis. Local hospitals must now send a daily report to the citys Health Department with key indicators including available ICU beds and the number of unused beds at the hospital that could be converted for COVID-19 patient care, Mayor Pete Saenz stated in a press release later Thursday afternoon. This is not a joke. People are dying and infection is spreading. This may get worse unless we all act to stop the spread of this virus, Saenz continued. I have seen too many residents make unsubstantiated arguments for not wearing a mask while in public and many continue to gather in groups even while Laredo is currently at Level 4 - Highest Risk in our alert system. Julia Wallace may be reached at 956-728-2543 or jwallace@lmtonline.com Egypt detected 1,569 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, bringing the total infection tally to 61,130 since the outbreak was first reported in the country in February, the health ministry has announced. The ministry also reported 83 new deaths caused by the pandemic, bringing the total fatalities to 2,533. Thursday infection toll is up from 1,420 cases detected on Wednesday; yet remains lower than Egypt's daily record high of 1,774 detected last week. The statement said that 403 patients have been discharged from hospitals, with the overall number of recoveries standing at 16,338. Health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said that the number of people whose test results have turned from positive to negative, including the new recoveries, has now reached 17,841. The steady increase in cases comes as Egypt is phasing out its overnight coronavirus curfew as of Saturday, along with mitigating some other precautions in a move meant to coexist with the super-spreading disease and contain economic impacts caused by the contagion. Starting Saturday, Egypt will reopen restaurants, cafes, and sporting clubs at maximum capacity of 25 percent during what the government has said is the first stage of reopening. Cafes and restaurants will now be allowed to open until 10pm, while shops will be required to close at 9pm instead of the current 6pm. A shisha ban will remain in place. Religious venues will be allowed to host daily prayers under certain conditions, with postponing holding mass prayers to a later stage. The country also is resuming receiving and operating international flights at all its airports on Wednesday, but foreign tourists will only be allowed into three coastal governorates: South Sina, Hurghada, and the Red Sea. Search Keywords: Short link: In an unimaginable turn of events, Ukraines official Twitter handle called Russia its "toxic-ex" on Tuesday. This comment by the country came after Russias official handle shared a set of photos from the time when Ukraine was a part of it. Sharing a set of four photos, out of which three are black and white and one is coloured, Russia said, "Many #Ukrainians still remember the good ol' days, when #Soviet Ukraine was the #USSR's breadbasket, as well as a popular health #tourism destination & industrial center. A lot of that, and much more, is available in #Russia's #Crimea today". Many #Ukrainians still remember the good ol' days, when #Soviet Ukraine was the #USSR's breadbasket, as well as a popular health #tourism destination & industrial center. A lot of that, and much more, is available in #Russia's #Crimea today. https://t.co/lgQ44LeWQI pic.twitter.com/C0kCT5REqW Russia (@Russia) June 23, 2020 Quoting this tweet by Russia, Ukraine wrote, "toxic ex here". toxic ex here https://t.co/zU7EEYoreg Ukraine / (@Ukraine) June 23, 2020 This exchange between the two countries has left many Twitter users laughing out loud. Some people, however, have commented upon how terrible things were when Ukraine was a part of Russia. A person, who seemed to be affected by the way in which Russia treated present-day Ukraine in the past, said, "Not really an "ex", more like a guy who kidnapped you and kept in his basement for years until you managed to break free. Now reappearing to remind you how much fun you used to have together." Not really an ex, more like a guy who kidnapped you and kept in his basement for years until you managed to break free. Now reappearing to remind you how much fun you used to have together. Kirill Slavetski (@eril) June 23, 2020 Another one, compared Russia to a car thief, said, "Thats kind of like a car thief taunting his victim, saying "remember the good old days when you still had a car, before I threatened you with an gun, before I forced your friends and relatives to move from their homes?" Good luck making friends that way, Russia (sic)." Thats kind of like a car thief taunting his victim, saying remember the good old days when you still had a car, before I threatened you with an gun, before I forced your friends and relatives to move from their homes? Good luck making friends that way, Russia. Dag ien (@dagoien) June 23, 2020 One more person, who seemed clearly pissed off with Russias doings, said, They actually can't see anything wrong with it. It's the worst sort of imperial attitude: "We treated you like sh*t, but only because we were trying to help you be more like us. I mean, it's so obvious we're your superiors." Many people have also shared GIFs in the reply section to express their opinion. Take a look at some other reactions on the post in which people have not shied away from expressing their opinion: They remember the Holodomor, secret arrests and imprisonments, exiles to gulags, suppression of individual rites and religious freedom. All of these things are in the collective memories of Ukrainians. Olga Sadowy (@OSadowy) June 23, 2020 There are very few legit "holy crap!" moments on this toxic hellsite, but this is genuinely one of them. Kergeey (@kergeey) June 23, 2020 Originally, Ukraine was a part of the Soviet Union, but it became an independent country in the year 1991. Subsequently, in 2004 Russia annexed Crimea in which more than nine thousand people were killed over a period of many years. Haiti - News : Zapping... Work stoppage at P-a-P Prosecutor's Office The Prosecutor's Office of Port-au-Prince announces a 2-day work stoppage this Thursday 25 and Friday 26 June in order to protest against the assassination, Friday, of the Substitute of the Government Commissioner, Me Fritz Gerald Cerisier https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31072-haiti-security-assassination-of-me-fritz-gerald-cerisier-substitute-for-the-government-commissioner.html . This movement will have no impact on the permanence of the prosecution. PNH South : 144 arrests... 144 individuals were apprehended by the Police in the South during the various operations carried out from May 13 to June 24. They are accused, inter alia, of homicide, murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, rape, conspiracy and illicit drug trafficking. Installation of the Presidential Commission on the Financial Inclusion Strategy Wednesday at the National Palace, President Jovenel Moise in the presence of Prime Minister Jouthe Joseph, the Governor of the Central Bank and senior executives of the Public administration, proceeded to the installation of the Presidential Commission on the Financial Inclusion Strategy whose mission is to coordinate exchanges and actions between private and public sector actors in order to promote financial inclusion in Haiti. Death of Corporal Joseph Causon "I learned the sad news of the death of Demobilized Corporal Joseph Causon father of Thamara Kendia Polo (50127) soldier in the Haitian Armed Forces. To Soldate Thamara Kendia Polo and the family of the deceased, I offer my deepest condolences," Jean Walmard Dorneval, Minister of Defense. Food distributions continu As part of the fight against the new Covid-19, the Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES) continued this week the distribution of food kits : Square Sainte-Anne, Canape-vert (Port-au-Prince); NBois neuf, Carrefour-Vincent, Raquette (Cite Soleil); Immaculee, Bellevue, Colline (Gressier) are the main areas that have been targeted for the delivery of dry rations which continues to take place door-to-door. HL/ HaitiLibre June 25 (Reuters) - Tesla Inc plans to build a battery research and manufacturing facility in Fremont, California, to be operated around the clock, under a project dubbed Roadrunner, documents from the city government showed. The plan signals the U.S. electric vehicle (EV) maker's efforts to make its own automotive batteries, EVs' most expensive components. Tesla, which said it currently has a "small-scale" battery manufacturing operation in Fremont, applied for city government approval to build an expanded battery operation. It estimated construction of the project, including the installation of all manufacturing equipment, can be completed in around 3 months. Workers assigned to the facility would total 470, of which 400 would "work in shifts, such that there are 100 employees working at manufacturing and production operations at any given time, all day, every day." Tesla did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. Chief Executive Elon Musk earlier this week said it will give a tour of Tesla's battery cell production on Sept. 15, the tentative date for what the automaker has dubbed Battery Day. Tesla currently produces batteries with Japan's Panasonic Corp at the so-called Gigafactory near Reno, Nevada. It also has battery contracts with South Korea's LG Chem Ltd and China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd . (Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin in Seoul; Editing by Christopher Cushing) A County Derry primary school has been received the Eco-Schools Green Flag award for the fifth time from the Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful charity. St Columbas Primary School, Kilrea have been able to display their Green Flag award for ten years now, with each cycle lasting two years. Nicola McGuckin, who leads the Eco-Schools programme, said the children in the school really engage with the programme. It keeps the children interested in it, you dont just get it and forget about it, they all want to be on the Eco-Team, she told the County Derry Post. Its awarded every two years, so weve been doing it now for ten years. There are a lot of extra activities that you have to keep an eye on and make sure the children are engaging. Because weve been doing it for years, so its a matter of maintaining all of that in the school and then you pick three more to move on another little bit for the next year. The Green Flag is the highest award given to Eco-Schools and symbolises excellence in the field of environmental activity. Nicola says the children took part in a wide range of activities to qualify for the award. In the first term, so it was all about safe travel to school. We did a whole two weeks of the Superhero challenge, where the children had to make ten active journeys, she said. It gets the parents and all out walking to school, which is really lovely, especially when the weather is good. After Christmas, we did a fundraiser for the Australian bush fire fund. The children were concerned about the animals that were being killed. We had a second-hand book sale and raised around 204, which was sent to the Red Cross charity to help with the fires. Then, we were trying to reduce the amount of single-use plastic and were making the plastic promise, although we got cut short with Covid. The Eco-Schools programme was established in 1994 and has been implemented throughout the world, with Northern Ireland ranking sixth out of 67 participating countries. The Pentagon has published a list of 20 Chinese companies it says are backed by the military, in the latest instance of a running tit-for-tat economic battle between Washington and Beijing. Telecom giant Huawei -- which has been dogged by allegations of stealing American trade secrets and aiding China's espionage efforts -- and video surveillance giant Hikvision are among the firms named in the list, according to Bloomberg. "As the People's Republic of China attempts to blur the lines between civil and military sectors, 'knowing your supplier' is critical," said Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Rath Hoffman. The list covers firms "owned by, controlled by, or affiliated with Chinas government, military, or defense industry," Hoffman said in a statement. "We envision this list will be a useful tool for the U.S. Government, companies, investors, academic institutions, and likeminded partners to conduct due diligence with regard to partnerships with these entities," he added. Tensions have been mounting between Beijing and Washington on a number of fronts -- including trade. US President Donald Trump has pursued a bruising trade war with China, and warned last week of "complete decoupling" between the world's top two economies despite both sides pledging to move forward on a trade deal. 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. Huawei did not immediately respond on the publication of the list but has previously denied ties with the Chinese government. A Hikvision spokesman said it "strongly opposes" the US move, calling its inclusion in the list "baseless" and saying details of its ownership are publicly available as a publicly traded company. "Hikvision has never participated in any R&D work for military applications," said the spokesman of the firm, which has been accused of contributing to human rights abuses. AFP has reached out to other companies on the list, including China Telecom and China Mobile, for comment. burs-bys/qan By Ted Gover Pyongyang's June 16 destruction of the inter-Korean liaison office in Gaeseong, preceded by threats and fiery talk from Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong, smacks of desperation on the part of Pyongyang. While the Kim Dynasty is intent on creating a crisis to pressure Seoul to exact sanctions relief and other concessions from Washington, this attempt is futile amid President Trump's bid for a second term in office. As the presidential campaign intensifies heading to Election Day on Nov. 3, Kim's calculus may be that the remaining four and a half months are an opportune time to manufacture a catastrophe for the White House. Such a scenario, presumably, would force Mr. Trump to engage in partial sanctions relief in order to defuse tensions, making him look weak during the last few months of the campaign. This on top of the past few months being a politically sensitive time for the White House as public opinion polls give Mr. Trump low marks for his handling of the coronavirus and current social unrest. Yet, Mr. Trump would almost certainly seize upon such a gambit by Kim, using the occasion to justify ramping up pressure on North Korea, rally American public opinion behind him and work to project an image of a strong commander-in-chief. This outcome would make it difficult for Mr. Trump's challenger, former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, to criticize his actions without coming across as unpatriotic. Clearly, the North remains disappointed with the Trump administration's views on the needed scope of denuclearization as a condition for possible sanctions relief. Its recent bellicosity indicates its resentment of Trump's refusal to rid of sanctions and provide economic aid. South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who brokered the 2018-2019 summits between Trump and Kim, is also in Kim's crosshairs for failing to persuade Washington to ease sanctions. These developments point to Kim's dashed expectations from his prior meetings with Mr. Trump, indicating surprise and disappointment from a failure to exact concessions from Washington as his father did masterfully with past U.S. administrations. It also shows that the Trump administration is pursuing a measured and deliberate approach that protects both U.S. and allied interests amid North Korean provocations. If the North and the US are unable to come to agreeable terms in their negotiations, President Trump needs to be prepared to settle for a sustained policy of sanctions, containment and deterrence while leaving the door open for talks. President Trump appears cognizant of this reality. Signs indicate that his administration is on guard for the strategic deception commonly engaged in by the Kim dynasty during negotiations. Mr. Trump's refusal to give in to Kim's excessive demands and his maintenance of the "maximum pressure" campaign frustrates Kim and leaves him with limited options. This firm yet necessary approach allows Washington and Seoul to negotiate denuclearization from a position of strength and must be maintained amid the North's increasing provocations as Election Day approaches. Ted Gover, Ph.D., writes on U.S.-Asian relations and foreign policy, and is Director of the Tribal Administration Program at Claremont Graduate University. 1. Yes. Too many kids are staying home. They need a virtual learning option to keep up. 2. Yes. Teachers are out sick and subs cant handle the load. Online learning is needed. 3. No. Its too late in the school year to make a wholesale switch in teaching platforms. 4.No. Many parents arent in a position to stay home while their kids learn virtually. 5. Unsure. It may seem like a good idea from a health standpoint, but it has shortcomings. Vote View Results New pictures from Sushant Singh Rajputs prayer meet, featuring Bhojpuri actor Akshara Singh and Bhojpuri actor-turned-politician Manoj Tiwari, have surfaced online. The two are seen paying tribute to the late actor at the prayer meet held at his Rajiv Nagar residence in Patna on Sunday. A heartbreaking picture of Sushants father KK Singh sitting next to a framed photograph of the late actor at the prayer meet is also going viral. Sushant died by suicide on June 14 and his last rites were performed at the Pawan Hans crematorium a day later, in the presence of family and a select few from the film and television industry. His ashes were immersed in the Ganga river on June 18 by his father, two sisters and other family members, as a priest chanted mantras. The post-mortem report listed the cause of death as asphyxia due to hanging, according to an India Today report. No foul play was found. There were no struggle marks or external injuries on Sushant Singh Rajputs body. His nails were clean, the report noted. The police are still investigating the case and have recorded the statements of more than 20 people so far. They are also probing the professional rivalry angle and asked for a copy of his contract with Yash Raj Films. Also read: Sushant Singh Rajputs final film Dil Bechara to release on July 24, Disney+ Hotstar makes it free for all as tribute Meanwhile, Sushants final film, Dil Bechara, will get a direct-to-digital release on Disney+ Hotstar. The film marks the directorial debut of casting director Mukesh Chhabra and is an official adaptation of John Greens novel The Fault In Our Stars. Sanjana Sanghi will make her debut in a leading role with the film. It also features a cameo by Saif Ali Khan. To honour Sushants legacy, Disney+ Hotstar will make Dil Bechara available to non-subscribers as well. In a statement, the director said that he never imagined that he would release the film without his leading man being around. Sushant was not just the hero of my debut film as a director, but he was a dear friend who stood by me through thick and thin. We had been close right from Kai Po Che! to Dil Bechara. He had promised me that he would be in my first film. So many plans were made together, so many dreams were dreamt together but never once did I ever imagine that I would be left alone to release this film. He always showered immense love on me while I was making it and his love will guide us as we release it, he said. 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 The number of COVID-19 cases at Amazon warehouses in San Antonio is rising, and some employees are frustrated with the companys response and worried about potential exposure to the novel coronavirus. At least seven workers at Amazons DSX3 facility on North Foster Road have contracted the novel coronavirus since early June, according to text messages from Amazon managers shared with the San Antonio Express-News. Employees are notified via text message when someone tests positive for the virus, but they are not told where in the facility the person was working or what shift he or she was on. I get confidentiality I wouldnt want my business being spread either, said one DSX3 employee, who asked to remain anonymous. But I definitely think they should let people know who are on that shift to go get tested. Billy Calzada /San Antonio Express-News Amazon operates several facilities in the area, including a fulfillment center on Foster Road on the East Side and a sorting center on Callaghan Road on the West Side. Employees said there have been multiple COVID-19 cases at both facilities. Its unclear how many employees work at the two facilities. Company spokesman Jen Crowcroft said Amazon is supporting the individuals who are recovering and expects to invest about $4 billion companywide through June on coronavirus-related measures such as providing pay increases, more protective equipment and enhanced cleanings. Workers concerns come amid a surge in business. As the pandemic has swept across the country, customers many of them under stay-at-homer orders until recently have flooded the online retail giant with orders. Coronavirus cases also are spiking in San Antonio. Bexar County reported 347 new confirmed COVID-19 cases Wednesday, bringing the total to 7,814 since March. The notifications shared by employees indicate when the infected person was last on site. If employees had been in close contact with the infected co-worker, according to the text messages, Amazon will contact them individually to advise them of possible exposure. The text messages also say the company has implemented social distancing, requires workers to wear face coverings, conducts temperature checks and frequent cleans the facility. But workers at the Foster Road center say its impossible to remain 6 feet apart because some tasks, with orders moving at a fast pace, require employees to work in close proximity. Rushing to complete their tasks, workers frequently bump into each other, and sometimes pull down their masks to breathe more easily, said another DSX3 worker who also asked to remain anonymous. Managers, the worker added, are reluctant to report the conditions in audits because theyre afraid of retaliation by Amazon. Billy Calzada /San Antonio Express-News The whole process is not conducive to being safe, the person said. Its a process that was implemented when this was not an issue. Now coronavirus is an issue, and the process really hasnt changed. Both DSX3 employees said management isnt using the thermal device to check workers temperatures. One said cleanings have increased but arent thorough, and that the facility isnt air-conditioned. They added that Amazon ended its unlimited unpaid time-off policy after April. I am just fearful of getting sick, one said. I feel like Amazon should be taking better precautions. At the Amazon facility on Callaghan Road, there have been at least three confirmed cases in June so far, according to voicemails notifying workers. Managers enforcement of social distancing is patchy and people often are working close to one another, said one employee who asked to remain anonymous. Were scared, the worker said. Were very close together. Crowcroft said the allegations of nonthorough cleanings and forgoing air conditioning at facilities are simply untrue. Billy Calzada /San Antonio Express-News Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our employees, and we are doing everything we can to keep them as safe as possible, Crowcroft said. Since the early days of this situation, we have worked closely with health authorities to respond proactively, ensuring we can continue to serve communities while taking care of our associates and teams. The company is consulting with local and federal health officials and medical experts on how to handle building closures for cleanings. Our process evaluates where the employee was in the building, for how long, how much time has passed since they were onsite, and who they interacted with, among other items, in determining how to appropriately handle the situation, Crowcroft said. Amazon has been inundated with orders during the pandemic, with its warehouse workers and delivery drivers handling the unprecedented surge in business. As grocery stores ran out of goods and government officials rolled out shelter-in-place orders, people turned to Amazon to stock up on food, toilet paper, cleaning supplies and other items. Billy Calzada /San Antonio Express-News Facing overwhelming demand, the company prioritized shipments of household goods and medical supplies, and hired 175,000 workers in its fulfillment and delivery network. The company eliminated group in-person meetings during shifts, provided millions of masks and gloves to facilities and added hand-washing stations, temperature checks and janitorial staffers, among other safety measures. It also set up a relief fund for drivers and is temporarily offering a child-care benefit to employees. Employees diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed under quarantine will receive up to two weeks of paid time off, on top of their other paid and unpaid time-off options, the company said. Amazon offered workers unlimited time off until May 1, and recently stopped paying workers an extra $2 an hour in hazard pay. The company has faced criticism for conditions at its warehouses for years, and during the pandemic workers have staged walk-outs and protests to demand better treatment and benefits. Thats included providing more protective equipment and shutting down facilities for cleaning. News reports indicate the number of cases at the companys warehouses across the U.S. continues to rise. At least 88 workers at an Amazon fulfillment center in Shakopee, Minn., tested positive for COVID-19, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported Tuesday. Thats on top of another 99 infected employees at other Amazon facilities in the area. madison.iszler@express-news.net Even before the carnage-infested Fathers Day weekend was finished, the predictable emails from readers began to flow in. Wheres Black Lives Matter now? they asked in so many words. The surge was predictable. At least 106 people were shot in Chicago, 14 of them fatally, over the Fathers Day weekend, the highest number of shootings in one weekend since at least 2012, according to the Chicago Tribune. Catching the most attention among the deaths, 3-year-old Mekhi James in the West Sides Austin community was fatally shot in a drive-by police said appeared to be intended for his dad. And again we are shocked. Chicago has had lots of gun-related crime shocks in recent years. And as in other cities, some of these have been protested by the Black Lives Matter movement, formed to push back against police shootings of unarmed African Americans. Im not a big fan of the movement, although as a Black man Im happy when anybody thinks we matter. The movements name, for starters, is too vulnerable to distortion and demonization by its critics and opponents who want to cast the group as promoting Black supremacy. Its leaderless resistance-style of organizing also leaves it vulnerable to hijacking of its mission and public image by people who dont have the movements interests in mind, except perhaps to make it a scapegoat for right-wing or racially tinged rage. All Lives Matter, go the anti-BLM factions, supposedly claiming the moral high ground. To which I, as an African American who pays attention to such things, respond, true, but too often Black lives dont matter enough. The leading example these days is George Floyd, whom the world has watched on video choking to death with the knee of Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin on his neck, uninterrupted for more than eight minutes by three other officers standing by. All four have been fired and charged in connection with the death. Suddenly the grotesqueness of the image and the officers casual expression as Floyd helplessly choked out, I cant breathe and called out for his mother struck a nerve that transcended borders. Suddenly with this particularly horrendous video, skeptics around the world seemed to understand with new clarity what Black Lives Matter protesters had been chanting about. Public approval of the movement roughly doubled, according to the Pew Research Center and other pollsters. Two-thirds of American adults surveyed said they support the movement, with 38% saying they strongly support it. Besides Black Americans, among whom support was particularly strong, 60% of white Americans, 77% of Hispanic Americans and 75% of Asian Americans also expressed support. But supporting Black Lives Matter only begins another very necessary debate about other crimes against Black people, most of which are committed by Black criminals. Contrary to the impression given by some conservative pundits and Twitter trolls, Black people do get out and march against Black-on-Black violence in their communities. But, sad to say, Black-on-Black protests dont get as much media attention outside the African American press as those that cross racial lines. We say Black lives matter, said the Rev. Ira Acree of Greater St. John Bible Church at a Chicago street corner gathering on Sunday afternoon to mourn Mekhi James and other children killed in weekend violence. But were here to say Black baby lives matter more. So why have we Americans argued for more than a half-century about urban crime when we agree on so much? Unfortunately it has been easier for some people to cling to spurious and often partisan excuses for inaction. Its easy to criticize or ridicule Black Lives Matter. Its tougher but more rewarding to actually produce programs and policies that can reduce the problems that Black Lives Matter is protesting about. Like Black power, Black Lives Matter is a slogan in search of an agenda. For instance, I think we need to improve the police, not abolish the police, as another misleading slogan goes. At a news conference, Chicagos new police Superintendent David Brown, the former Dallas chief who has been in his new job for only a couple of months, said he would push for changes that include more street outreach to improve community relations and cooperation with the civilians whom the police are sworn to serve. He also asked for just a little help from other partners in the criminal justice system to deal with such problems as violent felons released from jail to reduce coronavirus spread. No need to be modest. Police need a lot of help from all of us in fighting crime, and we, the public, need their help to. Clarence Page is a member of the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board. Readers may send him email at cpage@chicagotribune.com. The advent of COVID-19 has adversely impacted the housing sector in the fight to reduce the national housing deficit, Mr Samuel Atta Akyea, Minister of Works and Housing, has said. He said foreign-investor engagements with the Ministry in the critical area of affordable housing roll-outs which has a real likelihood of boosting national efforts at reducing their deficit of two million housing units has stalled in the wake of the international travel ban; due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He said added to this, redevelopment undertakings in the Roman Ridge and Labone enclave comprising 444 housing units which were scheduled to commence in the first quarter of this year are yet to commence. Mr Atta Akyea said this on Wednesday in Accra when he took his turn at the Meet the Press Series, which was organised by the Ministry of Information. The Minister said the programme would be implemented in two lots with Lot one entailing the construction of 176 four-bedroom executive townhouses and 150 three-bedroom apartments; while Lot two entails the construction of 22 four-bedroom executive townhouses, 84 three-bedroom apartments and 12 two-bedroom apartments. The Ministry is, however, hopeful that as the restrictions that have come with the global pandemic are gradually eased, these critical housing undertakings will resume in bringing the necessary relief to the housing subsector of the country, Mr Atta Akyea said. He said housing is very important in any economy as it provides core security to families, societies and communities. Without doubt, housing is vital and the nation cannot ignore its provision in our development, Mr Atta Akyea said. He said its overall importance to sustainable health and livelihood has been further heightened during this period of the novel coronavirus pandemic. He said the unfortunate inability of the housing delivery system via the private sector underpinned by the requisite support from government to meet effective demand over the years has created a huge housing deficit in Ghana, currently estimated to be in excess of two million units. He said with the extrapolation that in Ghanas cultural set-up, a household is made up of five individuals, over 10 million Ghanaians do not have access to safe, secured and decent dwelling homes. He said with a population close to 30 million, a staggering 1/3 of Ghanaians have accommodation challenges; adding that furthermore, statistics reveal that 60 per cent of Ghanas urban population would need some form of Government intervention to support them get access to safe, secured and affordable shelter. He said 35 per cent would not be able to access housing even with Government support in terms of subsidy, with only the remaining five per cent of the population being able to support themselves in accessing housing. Mr Atta Akyea said this calls for a massive drive to provide for housing targeted at the 60 per cent urban population in the short to medium term and the remaining 35 per cent in the long term. He said it was against this background that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Government in 2006 initiated the Government of Ghana Affordable Housing Programme with the objective of providing accommodation for the low-to-middle income workers of the country, creating jobs and improving incomes. He said the project commenced in six locations namely: Borteyman - Accra, Kpone - Tema, Asokore Mampong Kumasi, Koforidua, Tamale and Wa; these projects however stalled in 2008. The Minister said arrangements put in place by the previous government for the completion of the stalled affordable housing units had seen Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) completing the 1,464 housing units at Borteyman and most recently, the 1,027 housing units at Asokore Mampong. Adding that similarly, the TDC Development Company Limited had continued the construction of 312 housing units out of the 1,584 units at Kpone-Tema. "Currently, the 312 housing units are 90 per cent complete and plans are far advanced towards completing the remaining 1,272 housing units by TDC Development Company Limited. That notwithstanding, no arrangements were put in place for the completion of the 686 housing units at Koforidua, Tamale and Wa by the previous government." 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 CUMBERLAND, Maine, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Reconnect is pleased to announce the close of their latest round of funding, and the addition of exciting new investment partners. Reconnect, based in Cumberland, Maine, is dedicated to building technology for accountability, starting with the Criminal Justice industry. Reconnect's mission is to use technology to fight incarceration, recidivism, and addiction which collectively cost the US over one trillion dollars annually and have a tremendous impact on communities nationwide. With the close of this convertible note, Reconnect has raised $3.7 million in 2020 to continue their important work. The funds will further the development of data driven software and hardware designed to improve outcomes for individuals in the justice system. Several institutional investors have joined Reconnect including San Francisco-based Yes VC, Philadelphia-based SustainVC, Knoxville-based 6ixth Event, and Maine-based entrepreneur and investor David Shawfounder of Idexx and Vets First Choice. This has been a busy year for Reconnect, as their technology enables probation and parole departments to operate remotely. They have added over 100 new jurisdictions since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and now have customers in 35 states. They have also been named a finalist for Fast Company's 2020 World Changing Ideas Awards Reconnect's Founder and CEO, Sam Hotchkiss, stated, "There has never been a timelier moment for the criminal justice system to embrace true change. The solutions created by Reconnect are proving to be part of that change. Our solutions are data-based and accountability-driven, something research has shown time and time again are significant factors for success in our field. We welcome our new partners and their contributions as we move forward." Managing Principal Eric Chapman shares why early stage impact investor SustainVC decided to invest: "At this pivotal moment in history when the BLM movement is highlighting inequities in the Justice system, we are excited to support Reconnect and welcome them to our portfolio of companies empowering and serving marginalized communities. Reconnect's demonstrated deep understanding of the complexity of creating long-term impact in the prison space and strong recommendations from their customers made this a compelling investment for us." SOURCE Reconnect Related Links https://reconnect.io/ Indie author Tim Westover has won the first-ever Selfies U.S. Book Award for The Winter Sisters, as announced during a virtual ceremony at the American Library Associations annual conference on June 24. The Selfies Book Awards were originally launched by BookBrunch in the UK in 2018, in collaboration with IngramSpark and the London Book Fair. The Selfies U.S. are sponsored by IngramSpark, Ingrams -ebook and print self-publishing platform, and Combined Book Exhibit, and run in association with BookBrunch. Before announcing Westovers win, the ceremony also honored the shortlisted authors for this years award: Athenas Choice by Adam Boostrom; A Murder of Ravens by Paty Jager; The Ladys Jewels by Perpetua Langley; and A Thread So Fine by Susan E. Welch. Jo Henry, managing director of BookBrunch and a juror for the awards, called The Winter Sisters a brilliantly realized depiction of the conflict between new scientific theories and traditional herbal remedies, set in a small 19th-century community under threat of rabies. Westover spoke about the challenges and merits of self-publishing and shared that the proceeds from the sales of The Winter Sisters are going to the Atlanta Children's Hospital Child Life Department. Additional coverage of Westovers win will be featured in the BookLife Report email newsletter. With a fund size of EGP 100 million, Flat6Labs Accelerator Company has so far groomed and funded 106 startups Flat6Labs Cairo, a startup accelerator in Egypt, announced the graduation of eight new start-ups from its first cycle of the fiscal year 2020 during its Spring 2020 Demo Day. Flat6Labs Cairos spring 2020 cycle commenced 16 February and welcomed eight teams, filtered from around 1,000 applications, who are now ready to launch their businesses to the general public. This cycle has entrepreneurs coming from all across Egypt and the startups are working across various industries, from home automation, health tech, logistics, and SaaS, to artificial intelligence, on-demand car services, freelance marketplaces, and biomaterials, offering innovative technological solutions set to disrupt the market, according to a statement. Flat6Labs Cairo fosters and invests in Egyptian entrepreneurs which have cutting-edge ideas, and supports them by providing access to a vast network of local and international investors, industry experts, partners and corporations. With a fund size of EGP 100 million, Flat6Labs Accelerator Company (FAC) aims at investing in up to 100 early-stage startups and plus 300 entrepreneurs, during its five years investment period. Every six months, Flat6Labs Cairo provides seed capital to eight to 10 new startups. Each company receives from EGP 500,000 to EGP 750,000 in funding for up to 10 percent equity. Flat6Labs Cairo has so far groomed and funded 106 startups. Our startups have been extremely resilient through a cycle that overlapped with Covid-19. They have developed and adapted their solutions to the pandemic, Flat6Labs Cairo managing partner Marie-Therese Fam said. The eight graduating startups including: 3atlana, a mobile application that offers car services on the go and connects users to trusted service providers; Bosla, a voice analytics software that analyses human behaviour; CreditGo, a payment aggregator for small businesses; Inploy, an online marketplace that connects businesses to premium freelance talent and SMEs; and Mycelium, transforming agricultural waste into new material that replaces plastic and synthetic wood. They also included Opio, a digital women's fashion brand; Tayar, a fleet management SaaS powered by AI to automate and optimise home delivery operations for businesses; and Wedel, an on demand shipping and delivery hailing mobile application. Search Keywords: Short link: Three months after a new recruitment drive was unveiled to entice former members of the Defence Forces to rejoin, not one of the 646 applicants is back in uniform. Just 12 have been chosen so far to be re-inducted, but there is still no date available for when this might happen. The whole exercise has been described as ridiculous by a senior Naval Service Reserve (NSR) officer who himself applied to rejoin the full-time force. There is growing frustration across the military at the slow pace, especially as Defence Forces numbers have fallen to their lowest in more than 50 years. They are currently short more than 1,000 personnel and the Naval Service is suffering most. It has tied up two ships already because of manpower shortages and third may soon follow. Eddie Mulligan, a former highly-experienced officer in the Naval Service, and who currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Service Reserve (NSR), was one of those who applied to rejoin. He was rejected on age grounds, even though he maintained he was young enough to rejoin and carry out a three-year contact. He even offered to take a drop in rank from Lieutenant Commander to Lieutenant. Mr Mulligan, who is also deputy mayor of Waterford, said like many others he wanted to rejoin in the country's hour of need and aid the battle against Covid-19. In the meantime, he did just that, volunteering to man LE Eithne during her 90-day deployment to help the HSE in the Cork region. He was the first enlisted man in the history of the naval service to become an officer. He qualified as a watchkeeper (who controls a ship) at the British naval college in Dartmouth and as a diving officer trained in anti-mine warfare. He has been involved in numerous drug seizures and fishery patrols. The 52-year-old knows the Naval Service are really stretched for manpower and wanted to do his bit on a full-time basis. He was rejected because he would reach the retirement age before the contract would expire. The retirement age in the Naval Service is sooner than in the NSR, which is 57 for someone of his rank. He has written back to the Defence Forces appealing the decision. Naval patrol vessel L.E. Orla silhouetted against the rising Sun while at anchor near the Old Head of Kinsale Co. Cork. Picture David Creedon / Anzenberger We're supposed to be a single force concept now. It is ridiculous, and that's whether I'm accepted or not. This was part of a plan to help in a national crisis. The British and American navies are extending retirement ages to 60 so they can recruit more people," he said. While the re-recruitment drive wasn't specifically designed to provide the Defence Forces with the manpower necessary to aid the country's fight against Covid-19, it was nevertheless billed as a Your Country Needs You rallying cry at the onset of the global pandemic. A large number of those who applied to rejoin did so because of the virus threat. Other applicants have told the Irish Examiner they are deeply frustrated at the delay. The Irish Examiner has learnt that of the 646 who applied 377 were deemed to be ineligible for various reasons, including age. In the mean time 20 withdrew their applications. A source said a total of 237 are still in the system, meaning their applications are still being assessed. Three months on 12 are said to be at the finish line but are still awaiting induction. Toyota is recalling about 752,000 gas-electric hybrid vehicles worldwide because the engines can lose power and stall. The recall covers certain 2013 to 2015 Priuses and 2014 to 2017 Prius v hybrids. The company said in a statement that the hybrids are designed to go into a fail-safe mode if there are faults in the hybrid system. But in rare instances, they may not go into fail-safe and the engines could lose power and stall. Toyota said that power steering and braking would function, but at higher speeds, the stalling could raise the risk of a crash. June 25 (Reuters) - Canadian pipeline operator Enbridge Inc has to halt Line 5 operations and disclose information related to the recent damage caused to a part of the oil pipeline, a Michigan circuit court judge ordered on Thursday. The company has been asked to keep the damaged east line of the pipeline shut and also close the currently operating west line within 24 hours of receipt of the court's order https://www.michigan.gov/documents/ag/Order_Granting_Motion_for_TRO_in_Nessel_v_Enbridge_Energy_et_al_19-474-CE_695012_7.pdf. Both legs would remain closed pending the outcome of a hearing to be held next Tuesday, according to the order. "Enbridge has failed to provide the State with information about the cause of this significant development involving Line 5," Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said https://bit.ly/3eAfKoC adding, Thursday's ruling, while significant, was only a short-term fix. "If the lines are put back into operation, one mismanaged incident or accident would result in a historic catastrophe for our state." Nessel has been attempting through the courts to permanently shut down the portion of the 67-year-old Line 5 that passes across the Straits' lakebed, fearing any leak would pollute the Great Lakes. The line, a part of the vast North American Mainline network, travels through the Straits of Mackinac between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Enbridge shut down both legs of Line 5 on last Thursday after the damage to the east leg, but resumed operations at the west leg after two days. The company did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment on the order. (Reporting by Shanti S Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli) Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 13:27:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NEW DELHI, June 25 (Xinhua) -- India's federal health ministry Thursday morning said 418 new deaths due to COVID-19, besides fresh 16,922 positive cases, were reported during the past 24 hours across the country. It took the number of deaths to 14,894 and total cases to 473,105. This is the biggest single day spike in terms of new infections in the country so far. On Wednesday morning the number of COVID-19 cases was 456,183, and the death toll was 14,476. According to the officials, so far 271,697 people have been discharged from hospitals after showing improvement. The number of active cases in the country right now is 186,514. Enditem Mumbai: A Pune-based political activist has moved the Bombay high court (HC) seeking postponement of elections to Maharashtra legislative council for Pune, Nagpur and Aurangabad constituencies, citing poor registration of graduate and teacher voters. The petitioner, Laxman Chavan, the president of Prajasattak Bharat Paksha, has also sought a direction to the Election Commission of India (ECI) not to hold elections till at least of 50% of graduates from these constituencies are registered as voters. The public interest litigation (PIL), filed through advocate Asim Sarode, cited that on September 5, 2016, ECI had issued instructions to all chief electoral officers to make special efforts to ensure that each and every eligible voter is duly enrolled. They were ordered to facilitate the online filing of the application forms, give wide publicity to the process of revision of electoral rolls, and set up special counters for the collection of applications. They were instructed to use voter registration centres for assembly elections and also get voters enrolled for legislative councils. Chavan complained that these instructions were not followed in Maharashtra because of which the ratio of registered voters to the population of the constituencies has remained abysmally low. The petitioner gave examples in his plea to bolster his argument. Though the population of Pune graduates constituency, comprising all five districts of western Maharashtra, is 2.34 crores, including 1.94 educated people, the corresponding figure for registered voters is 3.08 lakhs, or 1.58% of the constituencys total population, the plea stated. Similarly, in Nagpur constituency barely 1.22 lakh graduates, or 1.23% of the total population of 1.17 crores, are registered as voters. While in Aurangabad constituency the percentage of voters to the population is 2.48. In Aurangabad, 3.55 lakh graduates are registered as voters, even though the total population of the constituency is 1.87 crores, including 1.43 crore educated people. The PIL stated that in 2014, when elections were held in these three constituencies, 60.14% of the registered voters of Nagpur had exercised their franchise. Both Pune and Aurangabad had reported a poor turnout of 25.78 and 34.03, respectively. Chavan blamed the authorities concerned for their lack of initiative to ensure registration of graduate and teacher constituencies, despite the fact that the revision of voters list is always a work in progress. He cited the inordinate delay in the publication of the new electoral list, even though the terms of the members elected from the three graduate constituencies would end in July. In Maharashtra, out of the 78 members of the legislative council, 31 are elected by members of the legislative assembly (MLAs), 21 by elected representatives from local authorities, 12 are nominated by the Governor and seven each are elected by graduates and teachers from Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Konkan, Aurangabad, Nagpur, and Amravati constituencies. The PIL will come for the next hearing on Friday. The investment promotion conference themed Hanoi 2020 Investment Cooperation and Development will be organised on June 26. - Photo hanoimoi.com.vn The proposed MoUs were expected to be signed at the upcoming investment promotion conference themed Hanoi 2020 Investment Cooperation and Development scheduled for June 26. Among them, 23 proposals were from domestic companies and 13 from foreign enterprises and organisations. At the conference, the capital city would call on investment for 116 projects with a total capital of more than VND339 trillion ($14.6 billion). These projects were mainly in urban housing, office buildings, tourism-services and industry, technical infrastructure and finance and banking sector. The city would also call for investment in 282 projects which failed to find investors at previous conferences with a total capital of VND483 trillion. According to Hanoi Promotion Agency, about 540 enterprises already confirmed their participation in the conference, while 120 of them were foreign-invested. The conference was expected to attract 1,500 participants. Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Vuong Dinh Hue said that the conference would send a strong message that Vietnam and Hanoi were safe and attractive investment destinations for both domestic and foreign investors. Through the conference, Hanoi wished to show the determination of becoming a pioneer in post-COVID-19 economic recovery and development. The capital city also strived to strengthen administrative reform and improve its investment climate to accelerate economic growth. The city targeted to achieve an economic growth rate 1.3 times higher than the countrys average. Statistics of the Foreign Investment Agency showed that Hanoi attracted more than US$1.17 billion in foreign investment in the first five months of this year with 258 new projects and 66 projects increasing their capital. Domestic investment was estimated at more than VND9.1 trillion in January May. The capital city has so far attracted $37 billion worth of foreign investment in more than 6,200 projects as of May 20, ranking second among 63 provinces and cities nationwide in terms of attracting foreign investment. More than 12,260 new firms were set up in the capital city in the first five months of this year with total registered capital of VND181 trillion, a drop of 10 per cent in volume but a rise of nine per cent in registered capital over the same period last year. Fast facts - Published in Science, the paper explains how NYUAD researchers used the method of helioseismology to measure the meridional flow (the flow of plasma in the latitudinal and radial directions) in the Sun's interior, which controls the solar cycle. - Over the course of the 11-year solar cycle, the number of sunspots - dark patches on the surface of the Sun - reaches a maximum, and the latitudes at which sunspots emerge drift toward the equator. - Helioseismology is the study of the solar interior using observations of sound waves on the Sun's surface, much like seismology is the study of the earth interior using earthquakes. - According to a popular dynamo model, the meridional flow sets the period of the solar cycle and explains the drift of latitudes at which sunspots emerge. In a newly-published study, researchers from the Center for Space Science at NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) and colleagues used helioseismology and analyzed several data sources to find that the Sun's meridional flow is a single cell in each hemisphere that carries plasma toward the Sun's equator 200 thousand km below the surface. The meridional flow carries the solar plasma from the Sun's equator to its poles at the surface and back again towards the equator at the bottom of the convection zone, a process that determines the characteristics of the sunspot cycle. The researchers' findings support the flux-transport dynamo model, which relies on the meridional flow to explain the 11-year duration of the sunspot cycle and the latitudinal drift of the location where sunspots emerge. Lead author Laurent Gizon and co-author Chris Hanson of the Center for Space Science at NYUAD report in the paper Meridional flow in the Sun's convection zone is a single cell in each hemisphere published in Science how they utilized helioseismology to infer the meridional flow (in the latitudinal and radial directions) over two solar cycles covering twenty-three years. Two data sources agree during their overlap period of 2001-2011 that the meridional flow is a single cell in each hemisphere, carrying the plasma toward the equator at the base of the convection zone at a speed of less than 10 MPH. The Sun's magnetic field is generated by motions of the convecting plasma below our star's surface. The latitude at which the magnetic field emerges through the solar surface (as sunspots) drifts toward the equator over the course of the 11-year solar cycle. During the solar cycle, the Sun's magnetic field builds-up in the solar interior, rises up, and leads to the formation of sunspots where it pierces the solar surface. "We set out to reinforce our understanding of how sunspots, which are magnetized regions on the Sun, are formed during a solar cycle," said Gizon. "Our analysis supports the flux-transport dynamo model to explain the period of the sunspot cycle and the latitudes at which sunspots emerge." ### The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has filed civil High Court proceedings against CLSA Premium New Zealand Limited (CLSAP NZ) for allegedly breaching the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Act. The FMA claims that the CLSAP NZ failed to conduct sufficient customer and enhanced customer due diligence on multiple occasions. The company also allegedly failed to terminate business relationships, report suspicious transactions, and keep records per the AML/CFT Act. Under the AML/CFT Act, reporting entities are required to come up with a compliance programme, have a written risk assessment, and designate a compliance officer to administer and maintain the programme. The monetary penalty for the alleged breaches could reach $2 million for a company. We are excited to work with ATD and enhance their ability to master, manage, and govern data, said Kerry Young, Vice President and General Manager of Winshuttle EnterWorks. Winshuttle, the provider of industry leading EnterWorks Master Data Management (MDM) and Product Information Management (PIM) solution, announced today it has been selected by American Tire Distributors, Inc. (ATD) to fully upgrade the tire distributors data governance systems, processes, and functions across customer and product data. ATD is Americas leading tire distributor with more than 140 locations, over 5,000 associates and an operating fleet of 1,400 trucks. ATD will leverage the EnterWorks Multi-Domain MDM platform to optimize processes for customer and product data management. ATD features 40,000 SKUs and serves 80,000 customers across four primary channels: Core, Auto Dealer, Corporate and eCommerce customers. Winshuttle EnterWorks will support ATDs redesign of data management processes and help move the company from a conceptual business strategy into an MDM solution that provides clear, simple insight into all of its internal business process, data analytics and transactions. We are excited to work with ATD and enhance their ability to master, manage, and govern data, said Kerry Young, Vice President and General Manager of Winshuttle EnterWorks. Leveraging our multi-domain MDM solution will give ATD the flexibility it requires to support its grouping and hierarchies, create relationships based on specific business need, and provide the granular visibility of data needed to run the business. ATD selected the Winshuttle EnterWorks MDM platform to employ best practices that optimize customer and product data and meet its needs to ensure data quality between systems. The solution will also allow customer and product workflow standardization and audit control. We are looking forward to implementing the EnterWorks Multi-Domain MDM platform because it can evolve with our changing business strategies and simultaneously give us greater ability to leverage third-party resources, said Lalit Thakur, Senior Vice President and Chief Data Officer of ATD. Not only will we have new capabilities to streamline and improve the user experience, the solution will also allow us to better manage frequency and a number of product changes. Employing the Winshuttle EnterWorks platform, ATD will enhance its capability to automate business processes to improve efficiency and productivity. Additionally, the MDM solution provides a single, golden record of all data with cross domain intelligence that will support customer communication, customer record maintenance and enrichment, while providing seamless integration with internal and external systems and processes. About EnterWorks Winshuttle EnterWorks is a Multi-Domain MDM & business process automation solution provider that powers 2400+ brands including Fender, GSK, Thomson Reuters, Mary Kay, IDEA, US Foods, Ecolab, Carhartt, Rich Products, and many more. The EnterWorks platform is highly ranked by industry analysts as a Multi-Domain Master Data Management hub with deep Product Information Management (PIM) and Digital Asset Management (DAM) capabilities. Our flexible platform enables customers to deliver high-quality data and experiences across systems, channels, and audiences. Learn more at http://www.enterworks.com. About Winshuttle There is a class of business processes you must digitize to thrive in todays increasingly competitive environmentone where process and data are interdependent. This is where Winshuttle excels. We empower business teams to make their processes faster and their data better. And while that may sound simple, it takes just the right combination of process automation and data management capabilitiesand weve been perfecting that combination since 2003. Over 2,400 enterprises across the globe trust Winshuttles SAP automation, product information management (PIM), and multi-domain master data management (MDM) software to drive business results at scale, become more agile and transform digital into a competitive advantage. Discover how at http://www.winshuttle.com. About American Tire Distributors American Tire Distributors is one of the largest independent suppliers of tires to the replacement tire market. It operates more than 140 distribution centers, including 25 distribution centers in Canada, serving approximately 80,000 customers across the U.S. and Canada. The company offers an unsurpassed breadth and depth of inventory, frequent delivery and value-added services to tire and automotive service customers. American Tire Distributors employs approximately 5,000 associates across its distribution center network, including approximately 800 associates in Canada. For more information, visit http://www.atd-us.com. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Toh Ting Wei (The Straits Times/Asia News Network) Singapore Thu, June 25, 2020 14:00 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066192220 2 News Singapore-Airlines,travel,Airlines,Scoot Free More customers who booked trips with Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its budget arm Scoot will now be eligible to get refunds. The two carriers said on Wednesday that they have extended their refund policy to cover trips departing before the end of August. The policy previously covered trips departing before the end of July. Passengers must have booked the tickets on or before March 15 in order to qualify. The move comes with mass travel looking unlikely to resume anytime soon due to the ongoing pandemic. Read also: Singapore Airlines to resume flights to more destinations, increase flight frequencies Eligible SIA passengers can either get a full cash refund or flight credits, which will give them a bonus value of between S$75 (US$54) and $500. Scoot passengers can request a full refund via their original method of payment or a 120 per cent refund in Scoot vouchers, valid for 12 months. More information on the refund policy can be found on the airlines' websites. Topics : This article appeared on The Straits Times newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post Book said to detail events and family patterns that created the damaged man who currently occupies the Oval Office. A New York City judge has dismissed a claim by President Donald Trumps brother that sought to halt the publication of a tell-all book by the presidents niece. In a ruling handed down on Thursday, Judge Peter Kelly said the Surrogates Court a court that normally handles probates, estates and the affairs of decendants lacked jurisdiction in the case. Ted Boutrous, a prominent First Amendment lawyer who represented Mary Trump, praised the courts decision in a statement. The court has promptly and correctly held that it lacks jurisdiction to grant the Trump familys baseless request to suppress a book of utmost public importance, Boutrous said. We hope this decision will end the matter. Democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, Boutrous added, and neither this court nor any other has authority to violate the Constitution by imposing a prior restraint on core political speech. The court has dismissed the Trump familys lawsuit seeking to block Mary Trumps book. https://t.co/izuAA49SBW. My statement: The court has promptly and correctly held that it lacks jurisdiction to grant the Trump familys baseless request to suppress a book . . . 1/2 Ted Boutrous (@BoutrousTed) June 25, 2020 In court filings, Robert Trumps lawyers argued that Mary and others had signed a settlement agreement in the late 1990s that included a confidentially clause explicitly saying they would not publish any account concerning the litigation or their relationship, unless they all agreed. The settlement agreement related to the will of Donald Trumps father, New York real estate developer Fred Trump. Mary is the daughter of Fred Trump Jr, the presidents elder brother, who died in 1981. An online description of her book, Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the Worlds Most Dangerous Man, says it reveals a nightmare of traumas, destructive relationships, and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse. She explains how specific events and general family patterns created the damaged man who currently occupies the Oval Office, including the strange and harmful relationship between Fred Trump and his two oldest sons, Fred Jr. and Donald, the description says. Robert Trump was seeking an injunction to prevent Mary and the books publisher, Simon & Schuster, from releasing it, as scheduled, in July. His lawyers said on Thursday they would continue their legal efforts by filing a lawsuit in the New York State Supreme Court. The cliffhanger elections on Tuesday night in Kentucky and New York didn't just leave the candidates and voters in a state of suspended animation wondering who had won. Election officials, lawyers and political strategists in both parties said the lack of results was a bracing preview of what could come after the polls close in November: No clear and immediate winner in the presidential race. With the coronavirus pandemic swelling the number of mailed-in ballots to historic highs across the nation, the process of vote-counting has become more unwieldy, and election administrators are straining to keep up and deliver timely results. The jumble of election rules and deadlines by state, including in presidential battlegrounds like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, all but ensure that the victor in a close race won't be known on Nov. 3. And top election officials are warning that if the race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden is anything but a blowout, the public and the politicians need to recalibrate expectations for when the 2020 campaign will come to a decisive conclusion. "I don't think it matters when you go to bed you can stay up as late as you want, you won't have an answer," said Chris Thomas, who served for 36 years as the state director of elections in Michigan. Already in this primary season, state after state has seen it take longer than usual to tally enough votes to project winners. New York and Kentucky are just the latest, vivid preludes for the general election: Record numbers of absentee ballots that are more labor intensive to count; regulations that delay the counting process; fears about in-person voting because of the virus; and legal maneuvering around how late people can vote, including allowing ballots to be postmarked all the way up to Election Day. In November, a significant delay would not just test the nation's resolve and patience, especially if late-counted votes reverse the early tally in a pivotal state, as has often happened in statewide and congressional contests. But a holdup could play into the hands of Trump, who has been on a tear recently to undermine trust in fairly conducted elections, such as his baseless accusations that mail-in ballots are somehow systemically "rigged." While the virus is almost certain to make the November election the most unusual since the hanging chads of 2000, any drawn-out or disputed vote count could provide Trump with an opening to fight results he did not like and shake trust in American democracy. Matt Masterson, a senior adviser on election security for the Department of Homeland Security, said the greater number of mail-in ballots this fall would make results take longer to tabulate than in the past, but he was hesitant to even use the word "delay." "That suggests something's wrong," he said. "The need to take a longer time to process and count these ballots is a sign of the process working," Masterson added. "It is in no way an indication of anything malicious." In the presidential race, the vote margins in most places are expected to be wide enough to allow media organizations, such as The Associated Press, to project winners of individual states even before all the votes are tabulated. But delays are widely expected in at least some key states, which could leave the country in momentary political limbo if neither candidate has reached the 270 electoral votes required to win the presidency. David Scott, deputy managing editor for the AP, said how long it takes to call the presidential race in November will depend on the closeness of the race and whatever rules states impose between now and Election Day. The AP will have to account for the huge wave of mail-in votes, especially after incorrectly declaring two races in Georgia were headed to runoffs this month. In a sign of its cautious approach, the organization has not yet declared that Rep. Eliot L. Engel, D-N.Y., lost on Tuesday, even as he trails his challenger, Jamaal Bowman, by nearly 27 percentage points. "I've been saying to anyone who will listen that I do not think we will know who won the presidential election on Nov. 3," said Matthew Weil, director of the elections project at the Bipartisan Policy Center, a think tank. Weil pointed to three states in particular he expected to be hot spots for slow counting trouble: Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Those three states, which were key to Trump's victory in 2016, are seen by both the Trump and Biden campaigns as linchpins to the path to victory. And all three of those states in the upper Midwest have one rule in common: They do not currently allow the tabulating of mail-in ballots until the day of the election, though election officials are pressing to relax those restrictions. 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. In Pennsylvania, 2020 is also the first presidential election in which all voters will be allowed to cast ballots by mail. That, combined with the pandemic, drove absentee ballot requests during the June primary to 1.8 million 17 times more ballots than 2016, according to the secretary of state's office. A winner in the statewide contest for auditor was not declared for more than a week. In Michigan, local clerks and the secretary of state, Jocelyn Benson, a Democrat, have pleaded with state legislators for months to allow them to begin processing absentee ballots before Election Day, given the expected surge of mail votes. A bill carried by a Republican state senator who is the former secretary of state has stalled because of opposition from her own party. At a hearing in Lansing on Wednesday, Republican legislators criticized Benson for sending all Michigan voters absentee ballot applications, echoing a complaint Trump himself has made, rather than addressing the logistical challenges of counting the vote in November. "Look, everything about the way this president behaves when it comes to voting causes me concerns," said Marc Elias, a top Democratic elections lawyer. "I can only imagine what he'll be like after Election Day." Bob Bauer, an attorney and senior Biden adviser who works on the campaign's voter protection and election security programs, urged Americans to vote "through all available means" even if "some states could take longer than usual to report final official results." "If the people speak, they will be heard, and there is nothing Donald Trump can do about it," Bauer said. The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Not every battleground state is predicting a November slog. "We fully expect to be reporting our unofficial results on election night, as we have in the past," said Karen Brinson Bell, the executive director of the North Carolina board of elections. Her state, unlike some other battlegrounds, allows election officials to open and process ballots before Election Day. State lawmakers just extended that processing period by two weeks, she noted. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-24 16:46:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BISHKEK, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday reported 207 new COVID-19 cases, taking the nationwide tally to 3,726. Of the new cases, 25 patients were medical workers, bringing the total number of infected medical workers to 629, the country's Deputy Health Minister Mademin Karataev said at a news briefing. He also reported one new virus-related death, raising the nationwide fatality toll to 42. Karataev said that 28 people were discharged from hospitals over the past day, bringing the total number of recoveries to 2,082. Meanwhile, 623 people are currently in hospitals, 42 of whom are in serious condition, while 12 patients are in intensive care units. The official said that the health ministry has taken additional measures to counteract a sharp deterioration of situation in the country. He added that the majority of the new cases were residents in the capital city of Bishkek and Chui Oblast, calling on citizens to stay at home. Enditem Regulatory News: Total (Paris:FP) (LSE:TTA) (NYSE:TOT) and Sonatrach have signed an agreement to renew their partnership in the field of liquefied natural gas (LNG). This agreement notably allows to extend the existing supply contracts for 3 additional years in order to provide 2 million tons per year of Algerian LNG to the French market, primarily through an LNG terminal at Fos Cavaou. The agreement also includes the sub-charter of an LNG tanker of Total by Sonatrach. "This agreement is part of the long history of cooperation between Total and Sonatrach. Thanks to the quality of our relationship we were able to conclude it in an extremely volatile market environment. This new contract further enhances the flexibility of Total's LNG portfolio and strengthens our position as a major partner of Sonatrach," said Laurent Vivier, President Gas of Total. Total in Algeria Total has been a historic player in the energy sector in Algeria for almost 70 years. The group is active in oil and gas exploration and production (participating interests in the TFT II and Timimoun gas fields and in the oil fields of the Berkine basin), as well as in liquefied natural gas through supply contracts with Sonatrach. The group is also active in the marketing of lubricants and bitumens. In addition, Total and Sonatrach have launched engineering studies for a petrochemical project in Western Algeria. Total, 2nd Largest Private Global LNG Player Total is the second-largest private global LNG player, with an overall portfolio of around 50 Mt/y by 2025 and a worldwide market share of 10%. With over 34 Mt of LNG sold in 2019, the Group has solid and diversified positions across the LNG value chain. Through its stakes in liquefaction plants located in Qatar, Nigeria, Russia, Norway, Oman, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Australia or Angola, the Group sells LNG in all markets. About Total Total is a broad energy company that produces and markets fuels, natural gas and low-carbon electricity. Our 100,000 employees are committed to better energy that is more affordable, more reliable, cleaner and accessible to as many people as possible. Active in more than 130 countries, our ambition is to become the responsible energy major. Cautionary Note This press release, from which no legal consequences may be drawn, is for information purposes only. The entities in which TOTAL S.A. directly or indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. TOTAL S.A. has no liability for their acts or omissions. In this document, the terms "Total", "Total Group" and Group are sometimes used for convenience. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TOTAL S.A. nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005403/en/ Contacts: Total Media Relations: +33 1 47 44 46 99 l presse@total.com l @TotalPress Investor Relations: +44 (0)207 719 7962 l ir@total.com By Ayya Lmahamad Azerbaijans Prosecutor-General Kamran Aliyev and Ambassador of Germany to Azerbaijan Wolfgang Manig have discussed the relations between two countries at a meeting held on June 24. During the meeting, the Prosecutor-General gave detailed information on judicial and legal reforms implemented in the country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. Talking about large-scale reforms, Aliyev emphasized the importance of cooperation with international organizations specializing in fighting crime, especially in combating corruption, as well as with specialized agencies of European countries. Moreover, he noted that a great importance is attached to the development of bilateral relations with German state bodies and educational institutions. In turn, ambassador highly appreciated the work carried out in the country, namely the judicial and legal reforms, the activity of the new departments created in connection with structural changes in the Prosecutors office, as well as the procedure of admission. He emphasized that he will make every effort to develop relations in the interests of two countries and to develop Germanys cooperation with law enforcement agencies of Azerbaijan, including the Prosecutor's Office. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz OTTAWA Manitobas federal cabinet minister has chided the Pallister government again, this time saying the province should boost financial supports to businesses instead of fretting about federal COVID-19-related benefits. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 24/6/2020 (577 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA Manitobas federal cabinet minister has chided the Pallister government again, this time saying the province should boost financial supports to businesses instead of fretting about federal COVID-19-related benefits. Dan Vandal was responding to questions about the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit on Wednesday, one day after Premier Brian Pallister said he would give Manitobans the same amount as CERB if they return to work. He promised not to claw back the $2,000 monthly stipend, which he said discourages some Manitobans from returning to work. "Im not sure that getting people off CERB should be the No. 1 priority for Winnipeg and for Manitoba," Vandal said in a videoconference with the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs. Time to 'get back to work': Pallister Click to Expand Premier Brian Pallister announced the Manitoba Job Restart program on Tuesday. The program will pay people $2,000 over six weeks to get back to work and stop collecting the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit. (Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press) Posted: 12:32 PM Jun. 23, 2020 Premier Brian Pallister's plan to pay Manitobans to stop collecting federal emergency benefits and return to work is drawing polite applause from some, and raised eyebrows and criticism from others. "We'd like you to get back to work," Pallister said during a conference call with reporters Tuesday. Read Full Story "I know there are some programs that could be improved in Winnipeg and Manitoba, if the province were to step up a little more to help the businesses." The premier's office asked for clarity over what business supports Vandal was referring to; his office did not specify. "If the (federal government) has any specific concerns with the programs that Manitoba is providing in the wake of COVID-19, the prime minister is welcome to raise and discuss them on the weekly call with Pallister and his fellow premiers," Pallister's spokeswoman, Olivia Billson, wrote. AMC Grand Chief Arlen Dumas said he was glad CERB arrived, because his reserve of Pukatawagan had struggled after the 2008 recession, in which he said private industry had ample support. "That shouldnt be their worry, that CERB is somehow going to cause (economic) demise," Dumas said. Despite his comments, Vandal insisted Wednesday that both levels of government need to work together. "A pandemic is not the time to get into partisanship. I have a good relationship with many provincial MLAs, and were going to keep working together," he said. Two weeks ago, Vandal blamed Manitoba for slowly rolling out infrastructure funding, specifically, a cost-shared program for northern and rural projects. "We need to also put the onus on the provinces and the cities, to make sure that theyre doing all they can to bring those projects forward," he told a local business group on June 10. A pandemic is not the time to get into partisanship. I have a good relationship with many provincial MLAs, and were going to keep working together. Dan Vandal Jen Zoratti | Next A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. The Pallister government has said it intends to submit projects to Ottawa by "late spring" and it is in the process of consulting. The premier has said the Liberals have been constructive in responding to the pandemic. Vandal also said Wednesday hed look into whether COVID-19 funding is flowing fast enough to Winnipegs Indigenous groups. The federal government put up money for urban-Indigenous groups to weather the lockdown, through two phases of funding applications. Dumas said the first phase of funding, for which applications were due in mid-April, was received by Winnipeg groups affiliated with the AMC in early June. "Wow, that's too long," Vandal said, adding hed raise the issue with his colleagues. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca 25.06.2020 LISTEN What at all is wrong with some Ghanaian prophets and mallams who are only best at predicting election results and the death of celebrities but are unable to predict pandemics that come to kill many people and ground the world economy as it is with the current novel coronavirus (Covid-19)? In most cases, their prophecies are conditional hence such prophets and mallams coming across as false. One acclaimed Ghanaian numerologist and philosopher, Mallam Sham-una Uztaz Jibril, has been predicting that the NDC and former President John Dramani Mahama are comfortably going to win election 2020 regardless of whatever anyone does. He goes on to insinuate that the NPP are in bed with the Electoral Commission to rig election 2020 but no amount of manipulation can save NPP from defeat. https://www.modernghana.com/news/...-and-mahama-leading-mallam.html He is claimed to have successfully predicted with accuracy the victories of then-presidential candidates Trump and Buhari in year 2015 and that of Nana Akufo-Addo in 2016. By this, he is held in high esteem by many a Ghanaian who just swallow his predictions hook, line and sinker (to believe something completely). I beg to differ here because my search on the internet has turned out one contrary result against him. He predicted the 2019 re-election defeat against the Nigerian President, His Excellency Mohammudu Buhari. It could be verified from the web link below. https://www.ghanaweb.com/...ll-be-one-term-Presidents-Islamic-cleric-541644 However, President Buhari went to the re-election poll and won comfortably with over three million votes difference between him and his presidential contestant, Atiku Abubakar. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-47380663 What could have gone wrong with Mallam Jibril's prediction? Was he predicting according to a revelation made to him by God (Allah), or his prediction was based on his cognizance of the prevailing conditions on the ground at the time? One thing I know is God does not lie, and if at all God had told him, but He (God) had changed His mind, did He make it known to Mallam Jibril and if yes, why did he not come back to inform the world? If God did not make His change of mind to Jibril about the success of Buhari's re-election, why not? Do the NDC believe him and his predictions? If yes, why are they trying all means possible to prevent the Electoral Commission from compiling a new credible voter register for election 2020? Does Jibril take the afresh registration of the Ghanaian electorate for the EC and the NPP trying to rig election 2020 in favour of NPP? How are the NPP and the EC trying their hardest to rig election 2020? Jibril is not making any sense to me here and his predictions are not foolproof. Look at Prophet Nigel Gaisie. He came out to prophesy victory for NDC and then President cum presidential-candidate John Dramani Mahama at election 2016. When it went against them, he was quick to say the NPP had rigged the election. Opposition party rigging election in its favour to culminate in the defeat of the incumbent government? Indeed, wonders will never cease. Little did we know that Nigel Gaisie's prophesies in favour of former President Mahama were all false. They were based on information fed to him by the alleged four women himself and the president were both having an affair with. They were supplying Nigel secret or personal information on the president as they gathered from him. Once passed on to Nigel, he used them as prophetic revelations to fool the president to extract money and other benefits from him. From the ongoing criminal revelations against Nigel, could his prophecies have come from God? Be a judge yourself on this. Again, look at Prophet Badu Kobi, another criminal who was prophesying election results in favour of President Mahama. An alleged murderer, womaniser and a thief who was privy to many of the things about the president, comes out to pronounce favourable tidings about the president in order to be well liked by him. Could his predictions about the president have come from God? No, from the devil if not from his own knowledge of things going on in the home or in the life of the president. These fake prophets and mallams only cause confusion in the country in their aspirations to court fame and popularity. Fellow Ghanaians, these guys' predictions are not from God. They are all try and error. This is why they make them conditional so that whichever way the revelations go, they still claim credit for the results. NDC faithful, please don't worry yourselves about the election since Jibril says you will win it regardless of whatever transpires. Please, cease your criminal intentions and plots to kill, insult, kidnap and set markets ablaze because you are in a comfortable lead and will win the election even if the heavens beckon on the NPP, come 7 December 2020 with the EC compiled a credible new voter register. Would Mallam Jibril please explain why his re-election defeat prediction against the Nigerian President Mahammudu Buhari failed? His defeat prediction against the Buhari rather became a victory for him! What went wrong, "Election" Mallam Jibril? Rockson Adofo Thursday, 25 June 2020 Striking a conciliatory tone after raising tensions in eastern Ladakh to a fever pitch, China on Thursday said it was ready to work with India to properly deal with the border standoff while noting that "suspicion and friction" was a wrong path that goes against the fundamental aspirations of people of the two countries. In an interview to PTI, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidon said India and China are able to properly manage their differences, and called upon New Delhi to avoid taking actions that may "complicate" the situation in eastern Ladakh. He went on to add that at present, the overall situation in the China-India border areas is "stable and controllable." "We hope the Indian side meets the Chinese side halfway, avoids taking actions that may complicate the border situation and takes concrete actions to maintain stability in the border areas," he said. The Indian and Chinese armies are locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for the last six weeks, and the tension escalated manifold after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a violent clash in Galwan Valley on June 15. The Chinese ambassador said "mutual respect and support" is a sure way and meets the long-term interests of both countries, but at the same time, largely put the onus on India to ease tension in the region. "China and India are both large developing countries and emerging economies with more than one billion people, and both have the historic mission of realising our own development and revitalisation," he said. He further said: "China and India are willing and able to properly manage differences. In the last few weeks, both sides have held a series of diplomatic and military talks to cool down temperature even as Chinese military has increased its presence in all sensitive areas along the 3,500 km Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de-facto border. At a weekly media briefing, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on Thursday said Chinese side departed from previously agreed understanding in respect the Galwan Valley area and sought to erect structures just across the LAC. "When this attempt was foiled, Chinese troops took violent actions on June 15 that directly resulted in casualties," the spokesperson asserted. He said the conduct of Chinese forces this year has been in complete disregard of all mutually agreed norms. The ambassador said:"Mutual respect and support is a sure way and meets the long-term interests of both countries; suspicion and friction is a wrong path and goes against the fundamental aspiration of the two peoples." "Under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, we are ready to work with the Indian side to properly deal with the current situation, jointly uphold peace and stability in the border areas, and ensure a sound and steady development of bilateral relations," Sun said. In their historic informal summit in Chinese city of Wuhan in 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in all areas of the India-China border region in the interest of the development of bilateral relations. The summit had taken place months after a 73-day military face-off between the two armies in Doklam that raised fears of a war between the two Asian giants. In the course of the interview, Sun repeated the Chinese government's stand -- which has been rejected by India -- that Indian troops are responsible for the Galwan Valley clashes, and indicated that the onus was on India to improve the situation in eastern Ladakh. "The onus is not on China. The Indian side crossed the LAC (Line of Actual Control) for provocation and attacked the Chinese border troops. The Indian forces seriously violated agreements on border issues between the two countries," he said. After the killing of 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan clashes, India called it "a premeditated and planned action by China" and sent a veiled warning to China saying "India wants peace but if provoked, India is capable of giving a befitting reply". Referring to talks between foreign ministers of the two countries on June 17, the envoy said both sides agreed to "fairly address" the serious situation caused by the Galwan conflict and vowed to jointly follow the consensus reached at the commander-level meeting on June 6 to ease the situation as soon as possible. Sun said China would not like to see a similar situation like the Galwan clashes, repeating Chinese foreign ministry's allegations that India was responsible for it. The Ambassador said the two sides kept peace for decades in Galwan Valley, adding since the beginning of 2020, the Indian side has built facilities at or the crossing of the LAC in the Galwan Valley, "constantly changing the status quo of ground control. On May 6, he claimed the Indian troops crossed the LAC in the Galwan Valley by night and trespassed into Chinese territory. "They resorted to violent means to create a standoff between the two sides and built infrastructures in an attempt to maintain a permanent presence," he alleged. India has been maintaining that Galwan Valley belongs to it and has strongly rejected China's claim of sovereignty over it. Sun said Chinese side lodged representations on multiple occasions to the Indian side through military and diplomatic channels following the incident and that India agreed to withdraw its personnel from the area. The two sides held Lt General-level talks on June 6 during which they agreed on disengagement of troops from all the standoff areas. The ambassador said the Indian side promised in the talks that they would not cross the estuary of the Galwan river to patrol and build facilities, adding the two sides agreed to build observation posts on either side of the Galwan river mouth. "However, after the commander-level meeting, when the situation on the ground was already easing, the Indian border troops copped out on the consensus reached at the commander-level meeting, demanded that China dismantle its observation post," he said. India has been consistently maintaining that Galwan Valley clashes had taken place on the Indian side of the LAC. The envoy said actions taken by the Indian side are not in consonance with the spirit of several agreements signed by the two countries. (Natural News) Los Angeles County is reportedly seeing a sudden increase in new cases of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), and the area health department says that the George Floyd protests are more than likely to blame not Trump rallies, as some fake news outlets are now claiming. During a recent press conference, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health explained that there really is no other explanation for this uptick other than the protests because Los Angeles has been under heavy lockdown for months. What we havent really been able to do because we have such a high volume of cases coming in is really pinpoint whether or not the exact source of an exposure was a protest, stated Barbara Ferrer, director of DPH. I do want to say that its highly likely, given the increased numbers that were seeing, that some of this is, in fact, people who may have been in a crowded situation at one of the protests where there was spread. All public gatherings of pretty much any size have been prohibited in Los Angeles County for a while now, the only exception being when roving hordes of people began to flood the streets with protests, rioting and looting. Since the county stood down and allowed this destruction to take place, the apparent consequence was more cases of the virus. While some of this may be due to lags in reporting, the numbers do tell us that were seeing an increase in community transmission, Ferrer went on to state. Listen below to The Health Ranger Report as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks with Sheriff Mack about a so-called second wave of lockdowns, and how Americans are prepared to resist it: Despite increase in cases, hospitalizations remain steady As of Monday, Los Angeles County health officials reported 2,571 new cases of the virus, marking the third day within a week that officials recorded more than 2,000 new cases in a single day. In response, Ferrer is urging Angelinos to stay home whenever possible to avoid exacerbating the reported surge. And anyone who attended a protest, riot, or looting event within the past two weeks is being especially encouraged to avoid spending time around others. If youve been out of your home and in crowded spaces, please stay away from anyone in your life who is older or has underlying health conditions as much as possible, she said. Of the nearly one million people in Los Angeles County who have been tested for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), only eight percent of them showed positive results. A much smaller fraction of these are having to be hospitalized, with rates of hospitalization remaining steady despite this increase in cases. As of Monday, less than 1,500 Los Angeles County residents have had to be hospitalized for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), while about 400 of these were admitted to intensive care units. Only about 275 of known Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Los Angeles County have been prescribed ventilators. Other than the protests, the only other source of exposure that Ferrer mentioned were the handful of workplaces that have opened up since the lockdowns began. Because many of these environments bring people into close contact with each other, there is a chance that this, too, may have contributed to the uptick. Amazingly, there are more than 560 active investigations currently underway to determine all sources of exposure. Meanwhile, only a few thousand people in Los Angeles County have died after testing positive for the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), and the vast majority of these patients were very old and had other underlying health conditions. For more related news about the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19), be sure to check out Pandemic.news. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com NaturalNews.com WATERLOO The University of Waterloo has signed an investment charter pledging more responsible investment decisions with its $400-million endowment fund to help address the threat of climate change. The Investing to Address Climate Change charter, spearheaded by the University of Toronto and McGill University, includes more than a dozen other Canadian universities and will take a broad set of environmental, social and governance factors into account when managing their portfolios. The charter calls on members to regularly measure the carbon footprints of their investments, set meaningful targets to reduce them over time, and engage with companies to encourage them to reduce emissions as well. This shows good stewardship, said Blair Feltmate, a professor at the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development at UW, and head of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation. It conveys to portfolio managers that you care about this. The charter also implores signatories to evaluate their progress regularly and share those assessments publicly. Universities also agree to ensure the performance evaluation of investment managers take into account their success in achieving these objectives. As stewards of long-term investments, we have a responsibility to manage our capital in ways that accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and protect our stakeholders from the growing risks associated with climate change, the charter states. A local climate change activist is disappointed, however, saying it doesnt go far enough to make a meaningful impact on emissions or the looming climate crisis. We cant be satisfied with this now. Maybe 10 years ago, said Laura Hamilton, a founding member of Divest Waterloo, a group that encourages local governments, institutions, businesses and individuals to shift investments away from fossil fuels and toward low-carbon options. She said the charter could be used to deflect criticism by allowing institutions to say they are taking meaningful steps to reduce the carbon impact of their investments, even though there are no clear targets or timelines built into the document. In the short term what theyre doing will hurt divestment, and in the long run it hurts us all, Hamilton said. To keep the world within a habitable 1.5 C temperature rise, annual emissions need to plummet, she said. Every year we delay, it gets harder and harder. Wilfrid Laurier University did not sign the charter, but in a statement to The Record said, Lauriers practices are consistent with the principles outlined in the charter recently signed by several Canadian universities, and our ongoing work to strengthen ESG (environmental, social and governance) risk management strategies is publicly reported every year. Lauriers endowment is worth approximately $95 million. Conestoga College did not respond to an interview request. In April, the University of Guelph also announced a five-year plan to divest fossil fuels from its endowment investment fund. It was among the first universities in Canada to make such a commitment. Feltmate said moving UWs $400-million fund away from fossil fuels is symbolic compared to the tens of billions managed by other funds, such as the $410-billion Canadian Pension Plan endowment. Nevertheless, it is significant to have 15 universities McGill University, Universite de Montreal, University of Toronto, University of Ottawa, University of British Columbia, Queens University, Dalhousie University, Simon Fraser University, University of Guelph, University of Victoria, Universite Laval, University of Waterloo, University of Manitoba, Western University and McMaster University agree to change their investment patterns. If one coalition of universities thinks that way, it gets paid attention to by other corporations, said Feltmate. He also said portfolios focused on more environmental or social investments tend to match or even outperform traditional investment plans. We do not expect a notable change in the value of the fund as we move to implement the charter, said UW spokesperson Rebecca Elming. In a news release last week, the University of Toronto said eliminating all investment in oil and gas companies would reduce the carbon footprint of its portfolios by about 13 per cent. By signing this charter, the University of Toronto and other universities across Canada are setting an important standard for others to follow, U of T president Meric Gertler said in the release. We very much hope that other institutions will join this effort, now that the charter has been launched. While Feltmate would have preferred to see the push to more sustainable investment practices become more prevalent 10 or 15 years ago, it was extremely difficult to get anyone to pay attention to this, he said. Now that our backs are against the wall, people are getting on board. James Jackson is a Waterloo Region-based reporter focusing on business and technology for the Record. Reach him via email: jjackson@therecord.com Read more about: Whether a kid can still be a kid is now up to a federal bankruptcy judge. The parent company of Chuck E. Cheese, which used the slogan "where a kid can be a kid" to promote its national chain of pizza-and-amusement venues, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection late Wednesday. The move came after the coronavirus pandemic forced the company to temporarily close locations. The chain has also been weighed down by debt it accumulated in a private equity buyout several years ago. Parent company CEC Entertainment, which also owns the Peter Piper Pizza chain, said it hopes to use the Chapter 11 process to cut debt, negotiate concessions with landlords and emerge as a more sustainable entity. CEC David McKillips issued a statement calling the pandemic "the most challenging event in our company's history" and said the company hopes to "get back to the business of delivering memories, entertainment and pizzas for another 40 years and beyond." COVID-19 relief: Think that extra $600 in unemployment will last until the end of July? Think again. J.D. Power: These are the 26 highest-quality cars, trucks, SUVs of 2020 CEC said franchised locations are not part of the bankruptcy. Known as a destination for birthday parties, arcade games and pizza, the company and its franchisees collectively operate more than 600 Chuck E. Cheese locations and more than 120 Peter Piper Pizza venues in 47 states and 16 other countries or territories. It was not immediately clear whether CEC plans to close any locations permanently in bankruptcy. The company said it's attempting to negotiate lower rent payments, a process that leaves open the possibility of permanent closures. As of Wednesday, 266 company-run locations had reopened following temporary closings due to COVID-19. Another 282 company-run locations remain closed. A sign is posted in front of a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant on January 16, 2014 in Newark, California. "Subject to ongoing negotiations with its landlords, the Company expects to maintain ongoing operations in these locations throughout the Chapter 11 process, providing dine-in, delivery and carry-out services, hosting birthday parties during dedicated hours, and supporting fundraisers and events in the coming weeks and months," CEC said in a statement. "The Company also plans to continue opening additional locations each week, steadily bringing more employees back to work." Story continues In its bankruptcy petition, CEC listed $2 billion in debt and $1.7 billion in liabilities. CEC Entertainment is owned by private equity firm Apollo Global Management, which acquired the company in a leveraged buyout in 2014. In 2019, Apollo announced that it would combine CEC with Leo Holdings in a deal that would make Chuck E. Cheese publicly traded. But that deal was later scrapped. Follow USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chuck E. Cheese bankruptcy: Parent company files for Chapter 11 The number of homeless people in Ireland has dropped for the fourth month in a row, latest figures show. Figures released by the Department of Housing for the month of May show that there were a total of 8,876 people homeless, including 2,787 children and 6,089 adults. The biggest number of homeless people remains in Dublin at 4,164, followed by Cork 371 and Galway at 280. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy called the continuous drop encouraging. Significantly there are fewer families in emergency accommodation today than at any point in the last three years, he said. The good work of those in homeless services has continued throughout the Covid-19 crisis. Nevertheless, our entire focus must remain on those who need our help to secure a permanent home. However, homelessness charity Simon Community urged caution that the figures will spike post-pandemic once the ban on evictions is lifted. We also have to include words of caution, we cannot underestimate the impact that the emergency legislation that prevented evictions over this period has had on the number of people in emergency homeless accommodation, it said in a statement. There is a concern that while we are seeing a fall in the number of people in emergency accommodation there remains a significant number of individuals and families who were in precarious living condition prior to the Covid crisis and with the pressure brought about by the Covid crisis that number is growing. Peter McVerry CEO Pat Doyle said that the figure has dropped due to a "significant increase" in access to housing. "We have seen a significant increase in housing opportunities and been able to continue to progress people into housing throughout the Covid-19 restriction period," he commented. "We need to continue to ramp out the delivery of social housing units, particularly for single person households, as there are still acute challenges in securing the number of necessary one bedroom homes. "The collapse of the short term holiday let market in our cities and large towns has brought many small scale property owners and larger investors to us with options on these types of units. "However, we need a sustained and long term supply of the one and two bedroom homes if we are to reduce homelessness over the longer term as Covid-19 emergency measures are phased out," Mr Doyle added. The opening of these new sites reflects the company's commitment to meeting ongoing demand for testing, as well as expanding testing capacity to respond to a surge in new COVID-19 cases. The nearly 200 additional test sites opening across the country this week are among the more than 1,400 locations CVS Health has opened since May and expand the company's testing capacity to more than 1.5 million tests per month, subject to availability of supplies and lab capacity. In addition to the drive-thru sites, CVS Health has partnered with a number of community organizations to open eight rapid-response community testing sites across the country, including a mobile site together with Medical Mission Adventures, which will be providing testing in Arleta, Sylmar and San Fernando to increase access to testing for uninsured and underserved populations who are at highest risk for COVID-19. "One of our greatest strengths as a company is our local presence in communities across the country, which enables us to uniquely expand people's access to safe and effective COVID-19 testing options and respond to a need for increased testing capacity," said Larry J. Merlo, President and CEO, CVS Health. "We continue to be grateful for the commitment of our frontline colleagues who make these testing sites possible and whose dedication has allowed us to keep our stores open for customers seeking supplies and patients who need care." Nearly sixty percent of the company's 1,400 test sites across the country, including 81% of sites in California, are in counties that serve communities with the greatest need for support, as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Social Vulnerability Index. The index tracks a variety of census variables including poverty, lack of access to transportation and crowded housing that may weaken a community's ability to prepare for and recover from hazardous events like natural disasters and disease outbreaks. Self-swab tests will be available to individuals meeting CDC criteria, in addition to state and age guidelines. Patients must register in advance at CVS.com to schedule an appointment. Patients will be required to stay in their cars and will be directed to the pharmacy drive-thru window or a location in the parking lot at a few stores, where they will be provided with a test kit and given instructions, and a CVS Pharmacy team member will observe the self-swab process to ensure it is done properly. Tests will be sent to an independent, third-party lab for processing, and the results will be available in approximately three days. Testing will not take place inside any retail locations, and CVS Pharmacy, HealthHUB and MinuteClinic will continue to serve customers and patients. The additional new testing sites in California include: CVS Pharmacy, 1676 W. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802 92802 CVS Pharmacy 11300 Ming Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 93301 CVS Pharmacy 9628 Rosedale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311 93311 CVS Pharmacy 1745 South Imperial Avenue, El Centro, CA 92243 92243 CVS Pharmacy 3340 North Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533 94533 CVS Pharmacy 5995 East Kings Canyon Road, Fresno, CA 93727 93727 CVS Pharmacy 574 West Lacey Boulevard, Hanford, CA 93230 93230 CVS Pharmacy 2539 11th Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230 93230 CVS Pharmacy 3208 East Florence Avenue, Huntington Park, CA 90255 90255 CVS Pharmacy 800 Palm Avenue, Imperial Beach, CA 91932 91932 CVS Pharmacy 82-270 Highway 111, Indio, CA 92201 92201 CVS Pharmacy 4345 West Century Boulevard, Inglewood, CA 90304 90304 CVS Pharmacy 5030 Long Beach Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90805 90805 CVS Pharmacy 906 E Street, Marysville, CA 95901 95901 CVS Pharmacy, 16995 Walnut Grove Drive, Morgan Hill, CA 95037 95037 CVS Pharmacy 23791 Washington Avenue, Murrieta, CA 92562 92562 CVS Pharmacy 1101 Hidden Valley Parkway, Norco, CA 92860 92860 CVS Pharmacy 1520 East F Street, Oakdale, CA 95361 95361 CVS Pharmacy 1205 South Oxnard , Oxnard, CA 93030 , 93030 CVS Pharmacy, 3999 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton, CA 94588 94588 CVS Pharmacy, 6750 Bernal Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566 94566 CVs Pharmacy, 3010 Bernal Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566 94566 CVS Pharmacy 800 North Westwood Street, Porterville, CA 93257 93257 CVS Pharmacy 1810 Main Street, Ramona, CA 92065 92065 CVS Pharmacy 1771 Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Roseville, CA 95747 95747 CVS Pharmacy 347 E. Alisal Street, Salinas, CA 93901 93901 CVS Pharmacy 6265 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92115 92115 CVS Pharmacy, 821 The Alameda , San Jose, CA 95126 , 95126 CVS Pharmacy, 1800 Saratoga Avenue, San Jose, CA 95129 95129 CVS Pharmacy, 124 De Anza Boulevard, San Mateo, CA 94402 94402 CVS Pharmacy 1599 Tiburon Boulevard, Tiburon, CA 94920 94920 CVS Pharmacy 2175 East Bardsley Avenue, Tulare, CA 93274 93274 CVS Pharmacy 1395 East Prosperity Avenue, Tulare, CA 93274 93274 CVS Pharmacy 14426 Palmdale Road, Victorville, CA 92392 92392 CVS Pharmacy 3619 West Caldwell Avenue, Visalia, CA 93277 A complete list of CVS Pharmacy drive-thru test sites can be found here. More information on steps CVS Health has taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including support for health care providers and clinicians facing financial and administrative strain, is available at the company's frequently updated COVID-19 resource center . For downloadable COVID-19 testing media assets, including photos, video and interviews with CVS Health executives, please visit the Media Resource Center. About CVS Health CVS Health employees are united around a common goal of becoming the most consumer-centric health company. We're evolving based on changing consumer needs and meeting people where they are, whether that's in the community at one of our nearly 10,000 local touchpoints, in the home, or in the palm of their hand. Our newest offerings from HealthHUB locations that are redefining what a pharmacy can be, to innovative programs that help manage chronic conditions are designed to create a higher-quality, simpler and more affordable experience. Learn more about how we're transforming health at www.cvshealth.com Media Contact Monica Prinzing, (831) 241-8294 [email protected] SOURCE CVS Health Related Links https://www.cvshealth.com France reopened the Eiffel Tower to tourists on Thursday after three months of closure because of the coronavirus, ramping up attempts to return to normality even as the WHO warned the disease was resurgent in Europe and continued its rampage through the Americas. Europe saw an increase in weekly cases for the first time in months last week, according to the World Health Organization's regional office, which warned that health systems in some countries would once again be pushed to the brink. But the number of new cases in Europe is dwarfed by the Americas, where Brazil and the United States recorded almost 80,000 infections between them on Wednesday. While some US states have moved to reimpose lockdowns, Brazilian expert Domingos Alves warned that his country was sending people "to the slaughterhouse" by reopening its economy too soon. Graphic highlighting the countries with the largest number of COVID-19 cases and deaths since the start of the outbreak.. By (AFP) Governments are still struggling to balance public health needs of fighting a virus that has infected almost 10 million people and killed almost 500,000 with the damage that lockdown measures are doing to their economies. The International Monetary Fund is the latest to quantify the economic damage -- predicting that global GDP will plunge by 4.9 percent this year and wipe out $12 trillion over two years. It said many countries would face recessions twice as severe as those caused by global financial crisis in 2008-2009. 'Tears of joy' In the face of the grim news, a few dozen mostly French tourists braved scorching heat in Paris to climb the Eiffel Tower's iron stairs as the lifts were deemed too small for social distancing. The US state of Florida has reopened its economy but still faces a surge in cases. By CHANDAN KHANNA (AFP) "I'm tearing up, but they're tears of joy. I'm going to climb, but slowly," said Therese, 60, from the southwestern city of Perpignan. "And if I don't make it, it's no big deal!" But the joyous reopening of an iconic tourist site was dampened by a new warning from the WHO that the virus is not yet done with Europe. Some 30 European countries have seen increases in the past two weeks, said WHO regional director Hans Kluge. "In 11 of these countries, accelerated transmission has led to very significant resurgence that if left unchecked will push health systems to the brink once again in Europe," he said. China, where the disease was first detected last year, declared that it had controlled an outbreak in Beijing that had briefly raised fears of a second wave. By WANG ZHAO (AFP) But illustrating the desperate dilemma posed by economy-shattering lockdown measures, the decimated airline industry suffered more bad news. Australia's Qantas announced it was cutting 6,000 staff -- one fifth of its workforce -- in a $10 billion cost-cutting blitz. European airlines are faring little better -- the European Union gave its backing to a $10 billion state rescue of German airline Lufthansa, although the deal still faces a possible shareholder backlash as well as litigation from competitors including RyanAir. In Britain, the Royal Mail postal service said it would axe 2,000 management jobs even though the COVID-19 had sparked as jump in demand for parcel delivery. 'Completely out of control' The Americas is bearing the brunt of the human toll of the virus at the moment, with new cases in the south and west of the United States on an upward trend. White House adviser Anthony Fauci warned the next two weeks would be "critical" to assess the country's ability to cope with surges in Florida, Texas and other states. A postponed referendum on constitutional changes that could see Russian President Vladimir Putin stay in power until 2036 kicked off across 10 times zones on Thursday. By OLGA MALTSEVA (AFP) Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the state, which was one of the most aggressive about reopening, could see new restrictions. "If it's not contained in the next couple of weeks, it will be completely out of control, and Texas will have to ratchet back," said Abbott, an ally of President Donald Trump. The total number of deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean surpassed 100,000 on Wednesday, with Brazil the hardest-hit country. Beijing 'under control' While the situation in Europe and the Americas continued to cause global concern, other more localised outbreaks in Asia and the Middle East also raised alarm bells. Iran confirmed its death toll had surpassed 10,000 on Thursday, with health officials recording more than 100 daily deaths for the seventh consecutive day in the region's worst-hit nation. China, where the disease was first detected late last year, declared that it had controlled an outbreak in Beijing that had briefly raised fears of a second wave and prompted restrictions and several million tests. China's giant neighbour Russia, however, was making intense efforts to get back to normal life. A postponed referendum on constitutional changes that could see President Vladimir Putin stay in power until 2036 kicked off across 10 times zones on Thursday, with masks and disinfectant gels on offer in polling stations. burs-jxb/txw Irelands Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has put his name forward to become next president of the Eurogroup. Mr Donohoe became Finance Minister in June 2017 and his name has been circulating as one of the forerunners for the role. It comes as a new Government is set to be formed this weekend if the memberships of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Green Party vote to approve the draft programme for the Government deal on Friday. This would see Mr Donohoe retain his job as Finance Minister in the next Government. Just submitted my nomination paper for President of the #Eurogroup . As one of the longest serving EU Finance Mins & members of the Eurogroup, it would be a tremendous honour to lead the group through the challenges& opportunities that present in yrs ahead https://t.co/M4Xqg5SQQl pic.twitter.com/QfuvfiLX8e Paschal Donohoe (@Paschald) June 25, 2020 Mr Donohoe tweeted: Just submitted my nomination paper for President of the #Eurogroup . As one of the longest serving EU Finance Mins and members of the Eurogroup, it would be a tremendous honour to lead the group through the challenges and opportunities that present in yrs ahead. The Eurogroup is the body through which finance ministers of the 19 euro area member states take decisions on policy issues relating to management of the economy. Announcing his submission, Mr Donohoe said a strong European economy, with the euro at its heart, is essential for recovery, growth and job-creation in Ireland and across the EU. Ireland has long been a bridge builder, he added. If elected, I will work to chart a common way forward on building the European recovery, strengthening the eurozone economy, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth for member states and their citizens. The vote will take place at a meeting of the Eurogroup on July 9, during which a new president will be elected by a simple majority for a two-and-a-half year term. Thunderstorms are set to affect much of the country today as temperatures reach into the high 20s in places. A Met Eireann Status Yellow Thunder Warning for Ireland comes into effect at 4pm today and remains in place until 9am on Friday. Met Eireann is warning that heavy thunderstorms are expected to develop later on Thursday and Thursday night with some severe downpours, hail and spot flooding. Due to the localised nature of thunderstorms some parts of the country will remain dry. Whilst many places will be dry or see little rain, thunderstorms may cause flooding and disruption in a few places. Northern Ireland Warnings Separately the UK Met Office has issued a Status Yellow Thunderstorm Warning for Northern Ireland also from 4pm until 9am. The weather forecast for Ireland for Thursday from Met Eireann states that today will be dry and warm with sunny spells. As the heat builds through the day there's a risk of thunderstorms developing towards evening. Afternoon temperatures generally between 22 and 25 degrees are expected to reach as high as 28 degrees in Leinster and Ulster. Winds will be light, northerly or variable in direction. Protesters march through the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) in Seattle, Washington, on June 24, 2020. (David Ryder/Getty Images) Seattle CHOP Leaders Urge Protesters to Go Home, Continue Struggle Online Protesters at Seattles Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) zone are being encouraged by community leaders and an activist whose brother was fatally shot by city police in 2016 to leave the occupied protest zone. A Twitter account, which claims to be the official account for CHOP, posted a statement on Wednesday addressed to comrades in the struggle, encouraging protesters to leave the area that was established earlier this month in the wake of Black American George Floyds death in police custody. The CHOP project is now concluded, the message said. While we expect a very small handful of holdouts may try to remain in the CHOP, no further organizing will be occurring to support this presence and the number on-site will be too small to be more than an annoyance for pedestrians rather than a zonal blockade. It is unclear who runs the Twitter account, however, the statement was signed as from the Capitol Hill Solidarity Committee. Last night, Solidarity Committee received notice from some of our trusted partners that persons in the park were in danger. We immediately implemented our emergency relocation plan, successfully evacuating most of the park. Thankfully, no danger materialized. However, we are now left with the reality that very few people remain in our beloved CHOP, the message continued. Free food station for those in the zone: pic.twitter.com/SkfeI9SMLZ Bowen Xiao (@BowenXiao_) June 12, 2020 It called on protestors occupying the zone to continue the struggle through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat, adding: We have held city officials accountable and can continue to do so in a way that is safe for everyone. The message then called on supporters to vote for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden, to reelect Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D), and Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan (D). It comes after Durkan announced on Monday that officials were working to dismantle the blocks-long span of city streets that President Donald Trump asserted was run by anarchists, after a shooting left one person dead over the weekend. Three other shootings have been reported in the area in recent days. I spent nearly 1 week inside #CHAZ interviewing different people and documenting what I saw. Heres what I found: https://t.co/TqnaXyxZbR Bowen Xiao (@BowenXiao_) June 17, 2020 Durkan said at a news conference that the violence was distracting from changes sought by thousands of peaceful protesters seeking to address racial inequity and police brutality. The cumulative impacts of the gatherings and protests and the nighttime atmosphere and violence has led to increasingly difficult circumstances for our businesses and residents, she said. The impacts have increased and the safety has decreased. Dozens of protestors, however, are reportedly refusing to budge despite increasing calls to do so. They say their demands to slash police budget by 50 percent and distribute funds to community efforts have not been met. Our demands arent met, one man who had set up his tent outside the Seattle Police Departments abandoned East Precinct building told The Seattle Times. Why would we leave? As part of the 2020 and 2021 budget, we will be looking at @SeattlePDs culture and budget. Police should not always be first people on the scene to deal with every call for help. Not every 9-1-1 call requires someone with a firearm to show up. Mayor Jenny Durkan (@MayorJenny) June 23, 2020 Durkan on Wednesday submitted a Budget Rebalancing document (pdf) that seeks to cut $20 million from the citys police department budget in a bid to address a series of challenges that include a movement to demand anti-racist action, to divest and rethink policing, and end institutional racism. The mayors proposal for a $20 million cut amounts to a 5 percent cut, according to The Seattle Times. The earliest scheduled vote on the rebalancing legislation and amendments is on July 1, according to an official committee meeting schedule. Not This Time founder Andre Taylor, whose brother Che Taylor was shot by Seattle police four years ago, said the violence in the occupied zone distracts from key messages about racial injustice. If there was no violence, you shouldve stood there for as [long as] you wanted to stay there, but the violence creates a different narrative where the people in authority have to look at it differently, he told KING-TV. Our community does not support the violence, he added. Last year, the local county prosecutor overseeing Taylors case said that charges against the police officers who opened fire on Taylor would not be filed after a majority of jurors said they believed the officers thought Taylor posed a threat of death or serious bodily injury. Andre argued that he believes the officers internalized their fear in the lead up to the confrontation as they observed Taylor from afar. The statement from CHOPs official Twitter account said they were told that the zone would be dismantled no later than early next week. [It] will be preceded by the removal of barriers and the reopening of streets to traffic, the statement said. Tom Ozimek and the Associated Press contributed to this report. The current National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been dissolved. This formed part of decisions taken on Thursday at the meeting of the APC National Executive Council at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The party took the decision to dissolve its NWC based on the recommendations of President Muhammadu Buhari. The President also called for the immediate suspension of all pending litigations involving the party and its members, as well as the ratification of the partys governorship primary election recently conducted in Edo State. Advertisement He condemned the recent crisis within the party, stressing the need for members to enforce party discipline. Life during lockdown has been as busy as ever for Irelands animators as they service broadcasters, film companies, and advertising, writes Esther McCarthy For artist Aria Ungerer, life during lockdown and working from home have given her a special opportunity - to focus on a project planned with her late father, Tomi Ungerer. Working from her East Cork home, Aria has founded Pictor Productions to develop her first animation series for TV, an adaptation of her dads famous childrens novel, Flix. She also manages his estate and curates his exhibitions, but as that work became delayed, she was able to focus fully on the show. Like many working in the corona-proof animation sector, bringing cartoon characters to the world via their spare rooms, she has been busy and industrious. Working remotely is very animation-industry friendly, while a global shutdown of live-action filming meant that demand for animation from streamers has soared. For months, it was the only form of large or small-screen production carried out in Ireland. I think having things to be focused on and busy with was very helpful in this time of not knowingness, says Ungerer of the project she first developed with her dad before his passing last year. I found it very helpful, work-wise, just not to be coming and going all the time. You can really get stuck into something and not be distracted in the same way. I think the only challenge about working from home at the moment is that your home is then 100% of the time, your hub for everything - living, working, relaxing. She is just one of thousands of people in Irelands thriving animation industry who are continuing to be creative while working in backrooms and bedrooms across the country. Unlike so many other sectors of the economy, animation lends itself to distance working and is still a viable industry despite the current crisis, says Ronan McCabe of Animation Ireland. Our industry has long had a reputation for collegiality and by its very nature is co-operative on an international scale. Development continues apace and new shows and characters are being created. The fact that Irish animation is in such rude health also helped when it came to diversifying fast. The sector has been in rapid growth for the past number of years, last year accounted for almost 50%of all production spending here and is a major global player. For John Rice and his team at Jam Media, Covid-19 came at a crucially busy time. Jam was just about to deliver the final 20 episodes of its award-winning series, Jessy and Nessy, for Amazon Prime, and deadlines loomed. The Kerryman also had to cancel his beloved Dingle Animation Festival just a week before it was due to begin in early March, as restrictions looked more likely. We've delivered our Amazon Prime series, Jessy and Nessy, by way of people's bedrooms, really, he says. We were a completely virtual studio. And the amazing thing is that it came in on time and on budget and it really has me scratching my chin, wondering why do I need two city centre studios. It's certainly feasible to have people working from home, part of the production is certainly achievable. You'll always be in a room and collaborating on developments and visualising a show, but I think the actual production of it in animation terms could be carried out in people's back rooms. We've got a great head of technology here and he's able to work with everybody to get the whole remote studio setup. We have a piece of software that's easily distributed that we created ourselves that everybody could feed into using the cloud. I mean, it was disruptive, but everybody caught up in the end and we hit the deadline. A blend of animation and live action, Jessie and Nessy tells the story of a little girl who has a magic pair of glasses. When she puts them on, her imaginary friend The Loch Ness Monster appears, and her whole world is transformed. They set out to find the answers to questions like how to airplanes stay in the sky? They rarely come up with the right answer. It's often the wrong answer, but it's the journey, says Rice. It's all digital. The whole pipeline is digital. It's probably not too much of a difference in the sense that an animator will come into a studio and be sociable, then sit down and put on their headphones and listen to great albums. You kind of lose yourself as an animator. Sitting around, listening to music, making things move, that's what it is. When you break it down, you're given a scene and you've got to complete that scene. The direction has been already worked out. So you just follow the direction that you're given and then it gets composited and coloured up and the effects are laid out over it. Has the pandemic accelerated an already mammoth demand for stories? Oh yes. I think I reached the end of Netflix the other night. Red balloons came down from the ceiling! Stories are really just being consumed across all demographics - preschoolers, pensioners. It is a time where demand has certainly has been accelerated because of the virus. But all the networks have seen ad spending decrease. Even though more people are watching an awful lot more, there's less money around to fund it. Other studios have taken on projects directly as a result of the pandemic. We finished an ad campaign for An Post, about staying connected and sending letters, says Dale Robinson of Treehouse Republic. They wanted to get that out as soon as they possibly could and obviously you can't get film crews to shoot anything at the time so they turned to animation. A lot of advertising that weve seen on TV has been animated. Dale Robinson Hungry Bear Tales He and his team are currently developing a series for Czech TV and RTEjr called Hungry Bear Tales, about two bears who are always looking for something to eat, and who frequently end up in crazy situations. We took it seriously from the get-go because we were starting a new project and just didn't really want to have to do all this (move) right in the middle of it. So we took the initiative. For Robinson, the only potential pitfall to working from home has been an amusing one - when young eyes catch sight of his latest creation. The kids come in and go: What are you drawing? Can I draw as well? When they see colourful characters, he smiles. Animation Nation: Upcoming projects Irelands animation studios and houses have been busy developing stories coming to a screen near you soon. Here are just some of their upcoming projects. Cardel Animation: Pistacho (for pre-school). Pistacho is a shy and awkward eight year-old-boy who is passionate about dinosaurs. One day while playing hide and seek with his friends, he finds magic sunglasses that allow him to see people as animals. Giant Animation: Remy & Boo. This will be the third series produced at Giant, and is being made in conjunction with Industrial Brothers and BoatRocker Media for NBC. The series is slated for release this year across traditional and on demand platforms. Wolfwakers from Cartoon Saloon is due for release later this year. Cartoon Saloon: Wolfwalkers (2020) The newest animated film from Cartoon Saloon and Melusine Productions, created and directed by Tomm Moore (The Secret of Kells) and Ross Stewart, will debut around the world later this year in theatres and as part of Apples premium film lineup. Its a tale of witchcraft, wolves and an unlikely friendship. My Father's Dragon, a 2D animated family feature film from Oscar-nominated, Cork-born director Nora Twomey is in production for Netflix. It tells of a young runaway on an adventure to find a dragon. Distillery Films: Sullivan Sails, developed with support from Screen Ireland. It encourages a love of adventure, exploration and imagination in young audiences, while introducing them to incredible facts about geography, the environment, and international cultures. Ink & Light Films: Royals Next Door. A comedy series about Princess Stella and her family adjusting to 'normal' life after having to move out of their castle and downsize. Pink Kong Studios: The Dead Hands of Dublin. Sometimes the only thing between life and death is a snap of your fingers. Narrated by Jim Norton. Magpie 6 Media: The Wee Littles. Like their young audience, the characters are very small, living, loving, and sharing in a great big world. The Wee Littles overcome lifes obstacles by using their imagination, positive support, and as always, humour. Brown Bag As one of the worlds most successful animation studios, with teams in Dublin, Toronto, Manchester, New York and Bali, Brown Bag was well placed to go remote when corona chaos hit. Led by VP of Production Technology John Brady, they managed to support 1,100 staff working remotely as the pandemic struck. With several projects on the horizon, including a new series of Vamparina for Disney and Chico Bon Bon for Netflix, timing was crucial. Chico Bon Bon by Brown Bag. We've had no let up in our work, no let up in our productivity. We had people scheduled to start working, having to onboard them without them never getting inside the premises. Not meeting their peers, team building via Microsoft Teams. It's been bizarre really, he says. In fact, it was because they were staffing up that they had a head start in terms of planning. At the end of last year, we saw that we were going to exceed the headcount for the building. We had to plan a solution, we had to find a way of people working remotely. Our industry is very project specific. We will have 18-month projects, and roughly eight of them going simultaneously, so the times when we peak in staff can be quite short-lived. We investigated into how to connect people remotely. We explored all those things and along comes the pandemic and it forced us to roll it out straight away and not just roll it out for a select few, but for everyone. The key was organisation and flexibility. Ungerers Flix Aria Ungerer's Flix, which she began with her late father, Tomi Ungerer. Aria Ungerer says its been a labour of love adapting her late father, Tomis, work during the lockdown. We started working on this concept together back in 2015, she says. We came up with this idea of how we could adapt the book. In the book you have the whole life story of this little pug dog who is born to cat parents, so he is the only dog in Cat Town. The book tells his whole life story, he ends up becoming the mayor and marrying another poodle from across the river in Dog Town. It's all about their adventures. It's really all about celebrating difference. We really want to, in a very fun, light-hearted, comedy driven way, celebrate being the odd one out. And we think that's a theme that all kinds of communities can relate to. A university has threatened to put down a beloved fox dubbed 'Frankie' that has bitten three students on campus. Two UNSW students were taken to hospital earlier this month after being attacked by the fox at the Kensington campus in Sydney's south-east. UNSW told staff and students on Thursday it was considering various ways to remove the fox, nicknamed 'Frankie' by students, including calling in pest control. UNSW told staff and students on Thursday it was considering ways to remove the animal, nicknamed 'Frankie' by students, from the grounds after it bit three students earlier this month 'The preferred strategy is to encourage the fox to move away from campus on its own,' the email read. 'If people continue to engage with the fox, including feeding it, the fox may become desensitised and we may see more incidents that present a safety threat to students, staff and visitors. 'If this happens, the health and safety of our students, staff and visitors will be the highest priority and the fox will be removed by pest control experts.' The email to staff and students said the university would try to try to remove food and trash from the campus to lure the animal away In 2014 foxes were officially classified as pests in NSW, which means they cannot be re-homed once they are captured. Toms Pest Control owner Paul Cederman told Daily Mail Australia they were bound by law to kill all foxes they caught. 'In all cases we have to euthanise the foxes, we dont always like to tell the customer that though,' he said. Earlier this month three students were bitten by the fox with two attending the hospital for a tetanus shot He said this could be done by shooting, baiting or other methods. The university said it would be working to clean up the fence line of the campus by removing rodents and rubbish that could draw the fox. As more people return to physical learning at the campus, staff hope the fox will run away on its own. Despite the attacks, many students have taken a shine to the fox and have even called for Frankie to become the university's new mascot, according to Sydney Morning Herald. The university's clothing store, The Grad Shop, announced a limited run of Frankie stuffed animals on Wednesday for those 'who wanted to pet the fox without getting bit'. Sydney Fox and Dingo Rescue have started a petition to save any foxes on the campus which has collected over 1,400 signatures. Many students have taken a liking to the fox nicknamed Frankie, with the university clothing chop even offering limited edition stuffed animals and branded tee shirts The victim of the first attack, Kevin Wang, shared footage earlier this month of the fox sniffing at his fingers before it bit him on the hand. The second victim, Liz Willer, 20, a computer engineering student, said she was bitten after patting the fox which she thought was 'really sweet and gentle'. 'Silly me, [I] did pat him for a bit then he chomped me when I pulled away my hand...I have since been informed you shouldn't pat a fox,' she wrote in a university Facebook group, UNSW's Newsworthy reported. A third victim was bitten after she sat next to the fox thinking it was a cat. Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/25/2020 -- Aging comes with a lot of expected and unexpected changes. For many senior citizens, learning to deal with new physical limitations or medical conditions can be challenging. To deal with these changes, many older adults choose to retain their independence by living alone. This helps them maintain control over their lives and introduces a sense of achievement. However, living alone can also pose certain safety risks for senior citizens. As seniors continue to age, they become more prone to falling and injuring themselves. One in four older Americans has suffered from a fall in the last year. Some even pay a visit to the hospital as a result. However, that's not the only emergency situation older adults have to worry about. Cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer in America. Strokes and heart attacks caused by heart disease are abrupt and require swift medical intervention. For senior citizens who choose to live alone, the chances of these dangers proving fatal are even higher, since they don't have someone to contact emergency authorities. So how can they continue living alone while prioritizing their safety? The solution is a personal emergency response system. A personal emergency response system, better known as a life alert system, is a life-saving device that all seniors should utilize. This device is actually a small button that alerts emergency personnel when it's pressed. The emergency personnel will notify emergency contacts, dispatch medical responders (if necessary), and stay on the line until help arrives. Medical alert systems are incredibly user-friendly devices, lightweight, and easy to carry. Senior citizens can choose one of two options: either wear it around the neck or as a bracelet. The portable design of these devices also means they are on the person at all times and don't get left behind during an emergency situation. Utilizing a medical alert system can provide 24/7 emergency assistance and peace of mind to older adults. All parties interested in purchasing a personal medical alert system for their loved ones in Pennsylvania are encouraged to contact CareGivers America, a leading private home care provider throughout Pennsylvania, including the Philadelphia and Northumberland counties. CareGivers America offers medical alert devices for the low price of $29.95/month, which may be 100% covered by some government funding programs. To learn more, please visit the CareGivers America site at https://caregiversamerica.com/. About CareGivers America CareGivers America has been providing Pennsylvania residents with outstanding health care services since its start in 2002. Their mission has always been to promote independence and enhance the quality of life of their patients through various caregiving services, such as in-home care, ongoing nurse care, adult daycare, and much more. Since becoming part of the Simplura Health Group, CareGivers America has been able to broaden its horizons and improve patient's lives more than ever before. All interested parties can reach a CareGivers America representative at info@caregiversamerica.com. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal The historic Santa Fe Plaza might look a little different this summer. Santa Fe city councilors approved a resolution Wednesday night allowing the temporary closure of streets around the Plaza. Seven councilors approved the resolution, with Councilors JoAnne Vigil Coppler and Michael Garcia voting against it. Mayor Alan Webber, who first introduced the resolution, said the measure would help restaurants increase the amount of customers they could serve under the state governments COVID-19 restrictions. Councilors were also scheduled to possibly approve an ordinance to allow restaurants to serve alcohol on city sidewalks and streets. The street resolution will allow closures only from July 1 to October 31, although it is not yet clear which specific streets will be closed. Businesses are also not allowed to operate on the street from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. The idea of closing these streets particularly San Francisco has been controversial since its introduction to the citys governing body. Nearly 50 business owners, many of whom own jewelry stores and art galleries, signed a petition advocating for San Franciscos closure to allow restaurants to set up tables in front of their locations to accommodate more diners. However, many residents and some councilors voiced their opposition to the idea. We have enough controversy in this city, Vigil Coppler said during the meeting. Vigil Coppler and Garcia supported an amendment to the resolution that would have prevented the closure of any part of San Francisco Street. Garcia later altered the language to allow small portions of the street to be closed, which was defeated on a narrow 5-4 vote. Ultimately, the council determined that San Francisco is eligible for closure. You guys went against the voice of the community, Garcia said after the council rejected his amendment. Other councilors said they had received calls from constituents who voiced support for closing streets around the Plaza. Acting Public Works Director John Romero estimated 1,700 cars travel on San Francisco every day and that it would not cause delays if alternate routes are provided on other sides of the Plaza. Several times, Webber said approval of the resolution does not guarantee the closure of San Francisco, but it does not prevent it. Former City Councilor Ron Trujillo wrote in a counter petition with more than 2,700 signatures that closing the street caters more to tourists than it does to residents. Anyone who knows me knows I do not like when people who are not from here come into our city, and try to make it look and act like the city they were born and raised in, Trujillo wrote. More than 70 people had signed up to participate in public comment, although many addressed controversial monuments located in Santa Fe. When Lincoln County issued a June 17 order requiring residents to wear masks in public, commissioners made one notable exemption. People of color who were worried about harassment and racial profiling did not have to wear masks. The coastal Oregon county issued a new statement Wednesday rescinding that exemption. County officials said their attempt to prevent discrimination toward people of color had instead led to more racist comments and harassment after the policy generated national attention. We are shocked and appalled at the volume of horrifically racist commentary we have received regarding this policy exception, said a statement on the county website, signed by the countys Board of Commissioners and top managers. The expressions of racism regarding the exception has created a ripple of fear throughout our communities of color. The very policy meant to protect them is now making them a target for further discrimination and harassment. County officials said they received calls from community leaders of color asking them to revise the policy to protect people of color from being targets for more racism and hate. Commissioners said they agreed to discontinue the public health directive, and asked people to continue to wear face coverings. The county is home to one of the largest workplace outbreaks of coronavirus. More than 163 cases have been linked to a single Newport employer, Pacific Seafood. In their statement, Lincoln County officials chastised locals and other people who had sent derogatory emails and calls complaining about the exemption that was meant to protect. We would encourage you to think less about the possibility of your rights being violated and think instead of the heightened feelings of risk that people of color in your neighborhoods daily endure, the statement said. The statement said Lincoln County leaders are working on a broader plan to address systemic racism in the community. Lincoln County officials could not immediately be reached for comment. Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. New study: The more interactions and connections firm's social media marketing strategy generates, the more customer engagement value it brings The more interactions and connections firm's social media marketing strategy generates, the more customer engagement value it brings. In the new study, Fang Fang Li and Jorma Larimo from the University of Vaasa and Leonidas Leonidou from the University of Cyprus look at the strategic use of social media from firm perspective, and systematically consolidate and extend present knowledge on social media marketing strategies. The study was recently published in one of the world's leading journals in marketing field - Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science (ABS 4*). - Despite widespread understanding among marketers of the need to integrate social media into firms' marketing strategies, relatively few firms have strategized their social media appearance and involvement. For most companies, the ongoing challenge is not to initiate social media campaigns, but to effectively and strategically use social media in order to engage customers and build valuable relationships with them, say professor Jorma Larimo and doctoral student Fang Fang Li from the University of Vaasa. To gain insights from both academics and practitioners, the authors interviewed 15 decision makers from China, Finland and Sweden and conducted two separate surveys, first participated by 52 marketing managers from USA and the second one received inputs from 43 social media marketing international scholars. The study shows that the mere use of social media alone does not generate customer value, but rather, the connections and interactions between the firm and its customers - as well as among customers themselves - can be used strategically for resource transformation and exchanges between the interacting parties. - Interacting with customers via social media provides tremendous opportunities for firms to learn more about their customers and opens up new possibilities for product or service co-creation, says Fang Fang Li. Another key result is that the in the study four distinctive social media marketing strategies were identified, namely social commerce strategy, social content strategy, social monitoring strategy, and social CRM strategy, representing progressing levels of strategic maturity in social media use. Their adoption does not follow a sequential pattern, but is highly depended on the firms ability to identify and leverage customer-owned resources, as well as firms willingness to allocate resources in order to foster collaborative conversations, develop appropriate responses, and enhance customer relationships. - Actively interacting with customers using social media should be a never-ending process, which, with proper monitoring and right incentives, can help favorably influence customer behavior, says professor Jorma Larimo. The results offer fresh insights into the nature, conceptualization, and types of social media marketing strategies. Furthermore, the findings have important implications for social media marketing scholars and practitioners in identifying social media resources and capabilities. Authors also present several fruitful future research directions. ### Li, F., Larimo, J. & Leonidou, L.C. Social media marketing strategy: definition, conceptualization, taxonomy, validation, and future agenda. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science.(2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11747-020-00733-3? U.S. President Donald Trump listens to Poland's President Andrzej Duda during a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S., June 24, 2020. (Carlos Barria/Reuters) US, Poland to Expand Economic, Security Cooperation Based on Shared Values of Freedom, Rule of Law President Donald Trump held a meeting with Polish President Andrzej Duda at the White House on Wednesday to expand their nations centuries-old cooperation in trade, security, energy, defense, and health based on shared values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberties and freedoms, and free, fair, and reciprocal trade, read their joint statement. Before the meeting, Duda paid tribute to a Polish-American hero who, after dedicating his life assets to freeing slaves, had his statue devastated by riots in May. Then, both nations during the talks stressed the need to invest in defense and deterrence capabilities, especially toward the security for NATOs Eastern Flank, which includes Poland, the joint statement said. They both affirmed their commitment to fair burden-sharing, which means that each ally should spend 2 percent of its GDP on defense, as agreed to in principle by all NATO members. Only eight allies and the United States comply with this requirement and Poland is among them, Trump told reporters after the meeting. Some US Troops To Move from Germany to Poland U.S. soldiers walk alongside M1 Abrahams battle tanks from the U.S. 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, in Bremerhaven, Germany, on Feb. 21, 2020. (David Hecker/Getty Images) Trump said that some of the American troops that the United States will withdraw from Germany would be relocated to Poland because Poland fulfils its financial obligation to NATO and will pay for these troops. Germany, on the other hand, spends only a little more than 1 percent of its GDP on defense. Trump welcomed Polands long-term contracts with U.S. companies for the purchase of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and mentioned establishing a partnership for building nuclear power plants in Poland using American nuclear technology. Both initiatives will enhance Polands energy security and independence. A liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker. (AFP/Getty Images) Trump also congratulated Poland for its leadership in the Three Seas Initiative, which is designed to provide a reliable source of energy for Eastern Europe [so] it will be free from the threat of foreign extortion. The initiative also focuses on expanding and modernizing the infrastructure between nations in Central and Eastern Europe, especially along the North-South axis, as well as digital interconnectivity in the region. Duda said that Poland is going to increase the capacity of its existing LNG regasification terminal and also build a new one. The purpose is not only to provide gas deliveries to Poland but also to countries in Central Europe as many of them are still dependent on Russian gas. Trump also told reporters of his talks with Poland: Our nations have also collaborated on protecting our critical infrastructure and technology. Thats why weve signed a 5G joint declaration. And Poland is leading the way in Europe by using trusted providers provider equipment and supply chains for its 5G network. American Investments in Poland The logo of Google is seen in Davos, Switzerland on Jan. 20, 2020. (Arnd Wiegmann/Reuters) Google will invest up to $2 billion in a data center in Poland to deal with cloud services, the Polish daily newspaper Puls Biznesu announced on Wednesday. Region Google Cloud in Warsaw is the biggest investment in the infrastructure of this type in Poland, Magdalena Dziewguc, Google Clouds business development director in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe, told the paper. We are getting ready for it to be operational at the beginning of 2021. The Microsoft sign is shown on top of the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, California on October 19, 2018. (Mike Blake/AP-File) Microsoft announced a month ago a $1 billion dollar investment in Poland that will fund the building a new data center to provide cloud services to businesses and government institutions in Poland. Microsoft has a nearly 30-year track record of successful cooperation with more than 6,000 Polish local partners, and this investment will create upskilling and learning opportunities for about 150,000 Polish employees, partners, and students, the tech giant said in a statement. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki previously said that his country has ambitions to transform into a technological hub for the region of Central and Eastern Europe. Health Trump and Duda pledged to continue their cooperation in research efforts of therapeutics and vaccines to combat COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of transparency and information sharing in the prevention of future pandemics, the joint statement from both presidents said. Both nations have made joint efforts to combat the outbreak of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as the novel coronavirus. The United States sent Poland millions of personal protective equipment (PPE) items in addition to millions donated by private businesses and American citizens around the world, senior administration officials said. The Polish Ministry of Defense, in turn, sent a team of doctors to Chicago to treat American patients and saved countless lives, officials said. The leader of this team, Captain Jacek Siewiera, joined both presidents in the White House on Wednesday. Trump thanked the captain and his team for fighting the coronavirus alongside American doctors. Siewiera, before coming to Chicago, led a Polish medical mission in Italy to treat COVID-19 patients there. Polish President Pays Tribute to Polish-American Hero Duda also took time to lay a wreath at the monument of Thaddeus Kosciuszko in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to pay tribute to the Polish hero who fought in the American Revolution. The Kosciuszko statue was vandalized by riots that erupted in the United States in May after the death of Black American George Floyd in police custody. Polish Ambassador to the U.S. Piotr Wilczek said on Twitter, I am disgusted and appalled by the acts of vandalism committed against the statue of Thaddeus Kosciuszko in D.C., a hero who fought for the independence of both the U.S. and Poland. I am disgusted and appalled by the acts of vandalism committed against the statue of Thaddeus Kosciuszko in DC, a hero who fought for the independence of both the US and Poland. I implore @WhiteHouse & @NatlParkService to quickly restore the statue to its original state. https://t.co/5VuB33svpp Piotr Wilczek (@AmbWilczek) June 1, 2020 The monument has been renewed by the United States. Duda thanked Trump for the restoration. Kosciuszko was a Polish military engineer and military leader who joined Americas fight for independence against the British in the 18th century. He was made a chief engineer of West Point, New York. General George Washington appointed him as a Brigadier General and awarded him with the Cincinnati Order Medal for his achievements. Kosciuszko bequeathed all of his American assets to buy freedom for enslaved Africans, educate them, and provide them with land so they could support themselves. Protection of Shared Belief in Family, Faith, Law, Liberty Trump and Duda expressed their administrations commitment to protecting the common values shared by the United States and Poland. Free, fair, and reciprocal trade has enabled our nations and the world to grow prosperous, has powered innovation and development, and has created millions of jobs. We commit to jointly fight against abusive trade practices. We will also continue to promote increased trade and investment, especially in modern technologies, the joint statement read. Both countries will join their efforts to combat disinformation, especially distortion of historical truths relating to World War II, the joint statement said. The American and Polish people have been true friends and trusted partners for almost 250 years. Were forever united by our shared belief in family, faith, law, liberty, democracy, and justice. As the old polish motto goes, we will stand together in the name of God for our freedom and for yours, Trump said. Reuters contributed to this report. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday called al Qaeda chief and 9/11 mastermind Osama bin Laden a "shaheed" (martyr) and said that Islamabad faced "embarrassment" by taking part in America's war on terror. Speaking in parliament during the budget session, Khan said the American forces entered Pakistan and killed Laden without informing Islamabad after which everyone started abusing his country. "I don't think there's a country which supported the war on terror and had to face embarrassment for it. Pakistan was also openly blamed for US' failure in Afghanistan," Khan said. "For Pakistanis across the globe, it was an embarrassing moment when the Americans came and killed Osama bin Laden at Abottabad, martyred him. The whole world started abusing us after that. Our ally came inside our country and killed someone without informing us. And, 70,000 Pakistanis died because of the US war on terror," he said. Bin Laden was killed by US Navy Seals in Pakistan's Abbottabad in May 2011. Khan's remarks drew criticism from the Opposition. "Osama bin Laden was a terrorist and our PM called him a martyr. He was behind massacre of thousands," said Khawaja Asif of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. In his address, Khan also defended his government's response to the coronavirus crisis, saying there has been no confusion or contradiction in official policies since the start of the pandemic. "They say again and again that there was confusion ... if there was one country whose government did not have confusion, it was ours," Khan was quoted as saying by the Dawn newspaper. People give the example of New Zealand when talking about social distancing, he said, adding "New Zealand has social distancing already" with a low population density. "I said from day one we had a dual problem; we had to save the people from corona and hunger, and those dying from poverty," he added, acknowledging that his government had to face "a lot of criticism" at the start and there was pressure to implement a more strict lockdown as was done by India. Reiterating the "destruction" a sweeping lockdown could cause to a country, Khan said: "India's reports are in front of the world". The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan crossed 192,000-mark, while the death toll reached 3,903 on Thursday. aTypical Wednesday (Gravitas Ventures) With cinemas soon to open again in the US and the UK, Hollywood has hosted it first movie premiere since lockdown. Comedy drama aTypical Wednesday took a bow last night in in Los Angeles at the Montalban Theater Rooftop Cinema, off Hollywood Boulevard. Read more: Cineworld staff petition over protective equipment According to Variety, attendance was limited to 60 people at the 200-capacity venue, with various safety measures in place. All those invited were subject to having their temperature taken and wore face masks. Writer, director and star of the movie J Lee said: The premiere kind of happened out of nowhere. aTypical Wednesday (Gravitas Ventures) The theatre said they got approval from the city as long as we keep it to a certain number and gave everyone a lot of space. I was just thinking, How can I celebrate the win because its so hard to get anything made and how can I do it safely and smartly? Read more: First Hamilton trailer Most people responded with, Hell yeah! I want to get out of the house. Before I pulled the trigger I was nervous that people wouldnt feel comfortable doing it so I took the temperature first, no pun intended. Most people said they wanted to support me, and the fact that it was outdoors on rooftop made it work. The last premiere to take place in Hollywood was Vin Diesel action movie Bloodshot, which took place on 10 March. Jaipur, June 25 : With rising voices of dissent among parents and protests being staged outside various schools demanding the implementation of "No School, No Fee" after the nationwide lockdown kicked in late March, Rajasthan Education Minister Govind Singh Dotasara on Thursday told IANS that schools should desist from demanding complete fees from parents at least for sometime. "Parents should not worry as all their concerns shall be addressed. When there have been no schools running since mid-March, how can the school management demand a complete fee," he said. "Ever since exams were held in March during the last academic session, schools have not been opened. "Earlier, we have debarred parents from paying three months fees from March 15-June 15 as there were plans to reopen the school on July 1. However, till date, there has been no decision taken by either the Government of India or states about the school reopening. We shall soon be deciding on this issue. "Once we decide on school reopening issue, all matter related -- fees payment, social distancing, mask distribution, syllabus cut and all other such matters shall be discussed and due decisions will be taken up. "Till then, parents and students need not worry," he said talking exclusively to IANS. Parents have been staging protests carrying placards in their hands demanding "No School, No fee". They have also been demanding to stop online classes for primary students. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The Ghana Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists (GAMLS) has urged the government to expand the Covid-19 testing centres by utilising the GeneXpert equipment which can test a huge number of samples in the shortest possible time. According to the GAML, using the equipment is the surest way to identify Covid-19 cases and readily isolate them to prevent further transmission of infections to others. GAMLS indicated that the country stands at high risk of putting health workers involved in testing for the disease in danger looking at the limited number of testing centres the country has amidst the constant spike in the number of infections. The leadership of GAMLS is very much concerned about the continuous increase and spread of the SARS COV-2 infection in Ghana as the situation poses a risk to Ghanaians including medical laboratory professionals who provide COVID-19 testing, routine and additional complementary testing to manage COVID-19 patients in our hospitals. They are directly and frequently exposed to the virus in high concentration, the GAMLS said in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer (PRO), Dr. Denis Adu-Gyasi. It said although President Akufo-Addo promised to recalibrate 100 regional and district tuberculosis GeneXpert laboratories across the country to help ensure that we have a minimum situation of one testing centre per region in his national address on April 19, nothing has been done yet. Expressing disappointment in the lack of commitment from the authorities to heed professional advice, the GAMLS called on authorities to, as a matter of urgency, take steps to get the Covid-19 cartridges and to use the GeneXpert equipment as well as enough reagents for the established Covid-19 testing centres to operate. The GAMLS is also asking the government to take immediate steps to engage the services of the qualified but unemployed professionals to augment medical laboratory services in our health facilities. The National Reference Lab (Korle-Bu), VSD (Accra, Kpong, Tamale) and the Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) are among the new testing centres set up by the government in recent times. Source: daily guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Prime Minister Hun Sen on Wednesday launched a new government project to spend $25 million a month to support IDPoor households affected by the novel coronavirus pandemic. The program will facilitate cash transfers to households identified by the government as part of the Identification of Poor Households Program, often referred to as IDPoor. The prime minister said around 560,000 families will be the beneficiaries of the program, which he said was funded by the state budget and was only a temporary measure. This is not the state feeding people. But it is huge social assistance, said Hun Sen, who was speaking at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh. This is a responsibility of a poor state, but the poor state is still trying to help the poor. He said vulnerable and poor households would not be allowed to starve by his government, which he reminded the audience was run by the Cambodian Peoples Party. He said such support would continue if economic distress from the COVID-19 pandemic persisted, but asked people to find jobs to support themselves. The prime ministers request to find jobs comes amid one of Cambodias worst economic slowdowns in nearly 30 years. The Asian Development Bank projected the economy will shrink 5.5 percent this year, and the World Bank estimates growth will register negative 2.9 percent, under its worst-case scenario. The IDPoor program has been used to identify poor households, regularly update their progress, and use this data to target services and assistance. Households are identified using multiple criteria, such as land ownership, potential earning members, size of households, and possession of motorcycles or agricultural equipment. Before the cash transfer scheme, IDPoor households were only provided free healthcare from the state. The programs database is also used by other donors to target their assistance. According to the program documents, rural IDPoor households will get 80,000 riels, around $20, for each family, with each family member getting $6 for very poor families, who are classified IDPoor1. For IDPoor households on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, a family will get around $30, with each family member given an additional $10 for IDPoor1 families. In Phnom Penh, families will receive $30, with IDPoor1 family members getting an additional $13 each. Those who have more children will get more. Those will have old people, they will get more as well, Hun Sen said at the launch event. The government is also providing garment and tourism workers around $40, but has not extended the assistance to other worker sectors. In a press release on Wednesday, the Australian and German embassy in Phnom Penh said they support the program as historic cash transfer for poor households. We are proud of our longstanding support for the Ministry of Plannings Identification of Poor Households (IDPoor) Program, which will enable the implementation of this important initiative, read the joint release. The IDPoor database is updated regularly and currently, 560,000 households, around 2.3 million Cambodians, are eligible for the new cash transfer, according to the two embassies. The statement said that an additional 50,000 families have been added to the database as of June. Chum Savorn, Sambo commune chief in Kratie province, said he had submitted 57 new families to be added to the existing 507 IDPoor families registered in 2018. Of the 57 families, 39 households had been granted IDPoor status, he said, with other families frequently requesting for assistance. Currently there are one or two families requesting [for IDPoor cards] a day and we interview them. Whether they are eligible or not depends on the system, he added. Treab Sarob, the 56-year-old villager in Siem Reap province, said her family was facing financial problems because three of her children had lost their jobs. Two worked as migrant workers in Thailand and one worked as a waitress in Siem Reap. I am now in desperate condition. Even a little money, it will help, said the mother of 10 children, who need to pay microloan provider Hattha Kaksekar around $250 a month to pay back a loan. I depend on my childrens incomes and now they dont have work; it is very difficult, she said. India conveys concerns to China on violent face-off in Galwan Valley area on June 15. It has further been advised that both sides should strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control. India on Wednesday conveyed its concern to China on the recent developments in Eastern Ladakh including on the violent face off in Galwan Valley area on June 15 and emphasised that both sides should strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control. The two sides discussed in detail the developments in the India-China border areas, in particular the situation in Eastern Ladakh, during the meeting of 15th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs on Wednesday. The Indian delegation during the meeting held through video-conferencing was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) while Director-General of the Department of Boundary and Oceanic Affairs of the Chinese MFA led the Chinese delegation. An External Affairs Ministry release said, the two sides discussed in detail the developments in the India-China border areas, in particular, the situation in Eastern Ladakh. Also Read: Hong Kong religious leaders at risk of extradition to China under new security law: US-based watchdog Also Read: Ladakh standoff: China continues military build up along LAC The Indian side conveyed its concerns on the recent developments in Eastern Ladakh, including on the violent face-off in Galwan Valley area on June 15 that had resulted in casualties. In this regard, it was emphasised that both sides should strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the release said. The two sides also agreed to maintain communication both at the diplomatic and military level, including under the framework of WMCC, to resolve the existing situation peacefully. The release said the two sides recalled the conversation last week between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi and reaffirmed that they should sincerely implement the understanding on disengagement and de-escalation that was reached by the Senior Commanders on June 6. The two delegations agreed that implementation of this understanding expeditiously, in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols, would help ensure peace and tranquillity in border areas and the development of the broader relationship between the two countries. Also Read: 6500 Pakistanis operating as terrorists in Afghanistan: UN report Also Read: China warns US against deploying intermediate-range missile in Asia-Pacific region In this context, they also took note of the discussions in the second meeting of the Senior Commanders held on June 22, the release said. Indian Army 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh and his Chinese counterpart on Monday held a meeting that lasted about 11 hours at the Border Personnel Meeting Point at Moldo to reduce the tensions between the two countries. The commander-level talks were held after a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in Ladakh on June 15. India lost 20 of its soldiers in the violent face-off and 10 Indian soldiers also were held captive and later released. Indian intercepts have revealed that the Chinese side suffered 43 casualties including dead and seriously injured. India has said that the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side. Following the face-off, Chinas Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui and Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Misri met in Beijing on June 16. Also Read: Looking forward to Putins visit to India: Rajnath Singh Jaishankar held telephonic talks with Wang on June 17 and conveyed that what happened in Galwan was a pre-mediated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties. ANI had reported on Monday that along with military-level talks, both sides are planning to engage at diplomatic level soon. For all the latest World News, download NewsX App (CNN) A Facebook executive acknowledged Tuesday that the social media giant faces a "trust deficit" amid a widening advertiser revolt over misinformation and hate speech on the platform. On a call with about 200 advertisers Tuesday, Facebook's head of trust and safety, Neil Potts, made the comment after being asked why companies should risk "our brands' reputation by staying on your platform," according to a person familiar with the matter. "There is a trust deficit," Potts conceded on the call, which was convened by the Interactive Advertising Bureau of Canada. "You try to make a decision and people disagree and maybe that builds that deficit even deeper." Asked for comment about the call, Facebook spokesman Andy Stone told CNN Business: "It's normal for us to have conversations with advertisers and discuss issues, including policy matters. This is something we do routinely and will keep doing." Potts' remarks were first reported by the Financial Times. The conference call, and Potts' remarks on it, are perhaps the clearest signal yet that Facebook's leadership is now grappling with a mounting pressure campaign from advertisers. The boycott, which was organized by civil rights groups, began earlier this month in the wake of Facebook's inaction on incendiary posts by President Donald Trump, including one comment during an earlier protest that "looting" would lead to "shooting." In recent days, major brands including Ben & Jerry's, Patagonia and Magnolia Pictures have announced plans to pull ads from Facebook and Instagram. In recent weeks, Facebook has confronted pushback from employees and politicians over its inaction on Trump's posts, but the growing advertiser boycott could pose a unique threat to its core business. The vast majority of Facebook's roughly $70 billion in annual revenue comes from advertising. Still, Potts told the group on the call that Facebook is working to close the trust gap. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has vowed to review the company's policies on content relating to the state use of force as well as voter suppression. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Facebook exec admits there is a 'trust deficit' as advertiser boycott accelerates." Amazon said it's going to get tough on counterfeiters selling phony products on its platform. The company announced the formation of a Counterfeit Crimes Unit consisting of 'former federal prosecutors, experienced investigators, and data analysts' that will be responsible for holding bootleggers to account. Specifically, the division will attempt to facilitiate civil lawsuits, help brands in their investigations, and also partner with law enforcement in their separate efforts to combat counterfeiters. Amazon has created a special division assigned to weeding out countefeit products on its platform through investigation and civil lawsuits (stock) 'Every counterfeiter is on notice that they will be held accountable to the maximum extent possible under the law, regardless of where they attempt to sell their counterfeits or where theyre located,' said Dharmesh Mehta, Vice President, Customer Trust and Partner Support at Amazon. The introduction of a new unit devoted to stopping counterfeiters is no coincidence. Amazon has struggled to deal with phony products on its platform, leading some major retailers to stop selling goods through the company. In November, Nike stopped selling products on Amazon's platform saying that unlicensed distributors were a major factor. The company has also invested heavily into attempting to stop counterfeit products from being sold. According to a statement, in 2019, Amazon invested more than $500 million and had more than 8,000 employees devoted to fighting fraud and abuse, including counterfeit. It also said that it blocked more than 2.5 million suspected bad actor accounts before they were able to sell a single product in addition to blocking over 6 billion suspected 'bad listings' in 2019. This image from surveillance video shows Natalie White on June 13, 2020. (Courtesy of Atlanta Fire Rescue via AP) Wendys Arson Suspect Released on Bond as Attorney Says She Knew Rayshard Brooks The woman facing a first-degree arson charge after police said she was captured on video starting a fire that consumed an Atlanta Wendys was released on $10,000 bond on Wednesday. Natalie White appeared via teleconferencing in front of a judge in Fulton County, Ga., and was released on bond. Video footage showed White being released from Fulton County Jail just before 8 p.m. into the custody of her mother. Drew Findling, Whites lawyer, wanted the judge to grant signature bond, which requires only a signature and no money. Theres no criminal record, Findling told the judge. Shes 29 years old. My phone is blowing up with people who would like to assist them. The family didnt have the funds to meet the bond, he added. RIP Rayshard is spray painted on a sign as as flames engulf a Wendys restaurant during protests in Atlanta, Ga., on June 13, 2020. (Brynn Anderson/AP Photo) The judge declined. If someone is alleged to have set fire to a building with other people around, whether or not the building was occupied or unoccupied, that would present a danger to firefighters if they were able to get to the scene, the judge said. That Wendys is right next to a gas station, and so when you have fire right next to a gas station, thats a volatile combination. And so, I dont find a lack of a criminal record that persuasive, he added. White is required to stay at home with an ankle monitor and cannot use social media. Before her arrest, the Fulton County Sheriffs Office described White as a dangerous fugitive. She was tracked down by Gwinnett County sheriffs deputies, who alerted U.S. Marshals and Fulton deputies. Findling said his client didnt burn the Wendys down. She did not put that building on fire, he said. The Wendys restaurant that was set on fire by rioters after Rayshard Brooks was killed is seen in Atlanta, Ga., on June 17, 2020. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Wendys Torched The Wendys was torched on June 13 after a crowd gathered outside the restaurant. Chief fire investigator James Oliver told reporters Tuesday that the fire was started by several people, using items that included fireworks and a homemade blowtorch. Oliver said there are multiple suspects in the case and that investigators only have quality photos of two of them, adding that he believes both suspects are white females. The Georgia Arson Control Board is offering $10,000, bringing the total reward to $20,000 for information leading to the arrest of the second suspect. The Wendys parking lot is where a man named Rayshard Brooks was shot twice in the early hours of June 13 by a police officer after resisting arrest. Rayshard Brooks (C) struggling with Officers Garrett Rolfe (L) and Devin Brosnan in the parking lot of a Wendys restaurant, in Atlanta, Ga., on June 13, 2020. (Atlanta Police Department via AP) The officer, Garrett Rolfe, was charged with felony murder. In body camera footage released by the Atlanta Police Department, Brooks can be heard speaking about White. You know, Natalie White, shes my girlfriend. She left. I said, Baby, Ill get Wendys and then Ill go back ' Brooks tells the responding officers before they try to arrest him and he resists, triggering a scuffle. Findling told news outlets that White and Brooks knew each other but declined to characterize their relationship. Attorneys for Brookss widow said in a statement this week, We are unaware of any connection between the Natalie White that was arrested today for arson and the Natalie White mentioned by Rayshard Brooks in the bodycam video. The only person who could answer questions regarding any connection they may have had is Natalie White. The family of Rayshard Brooks is still grieving his loss, they added. He will be greatly missed by his widow Tomika Miller and their children, as well as his many family and friends. Tom Ozimek contributed to this report. The Artemis program plans to attain a sustainable presence on the moon by being able to mine its water ice reserves; this will be able to sustain human outposts by providing drinking water as well as oxygen and maybe even rocket fuel. Water ice was already detected in shadowy crater depths, although it remains to be seen if the areas are, in fact, rich in water. In order to sustain a human lunar presence, two fundamental and significant factors must be determined: the amount of ice available, and how feasible it is to extract. The coming years will see NASA dispatching many spacecraft to obtain data on water-ice areas for sustaining the planned Artemis Base Camp and more extended human exploration of the moon. Many spacecraft will be placed in the Artemis I rocket that is expected to launch in 2021. CubeSats are spacecraft that have Lunar Flashlight designed to study lunar ice. Also included is the Lunar IceCube spacecraft built for searching the moon for ice and other needed resources and determine water and other volatiles' distribution. Meanwhile, the LunaH-Map or Lunar Polar Hydrogen Mapper will map regions for hydrogen in the moon's south pole's shadowed areas. The Lunar Trailblazer will study and quantify lunar water. It will not launch together with the other spacecraft and Artemis I. It is designed to produce maps that chart water abundance, distribution, and form, and determine environmental conditions that favor lunar water. It discerns the craters which have large deposits of water ice from the "empty" craters or those that have ice, which is hard to extract. It may launch by 2024, together with the IMAP or Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe. Last June 11, NASA announced a contract of 199.5 million US dollars awarded to Astrobotic Technology to deploy the VIPER or the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover using its Griffin Lander. VIPER is set to examine lunar environments also to search for water ice; it is equipped with a drill that can reach up to one meter below the lunar surface. Even if these spacecraft have redundant functions, NASA believes that even more of such spacecraft are required because of the enormity of the task. Now, only probes that sense and remotely measure the lunar water ice have confirmed water's existence. Colorado School of Mines Center for Space Resources director Angel Abbud-Madrid says that the water is only "inferred" and not proven to be enough for NASA's purposes. If NASA is to depend on knowledge that water is in enough quantities, then a more orchestrated and comprehensive survey is needed, particularly spacecraft with impactors and trenching and drilling capacities, along with robotic rovers. This effort is required in order to move forward with longer-term colonization plans, according to Missouri University of Science and Technology geological and mining engineer Leslie Gertsch. University of Central Florida postdoctoral researcher Kevin Cannon says that determining the quality and amount of water ice will need actual site surveying by humans and robot probes. He also says that the efforts should not be all about science, but also economic potential. NASA's Acting International And Interagency Relations Associate Administrator Mike Gold says that we do not know what the unknowns are, and we have only begun to gain the knowledge of the geology and physics, as well as the opportunities, present in our moon. He says there are sure to be significant revelations and surprises that await. In response to the Global COVID-19 Pandemic, the United States Department of Education adopted a policy to suspend all federal testing requirements for the 2019-2020 school year. This included all 50 states as well as the District of Columbia and the Bureau of Indian Education. Health experts believe that the spread of the COVID-19 virus will continue into the fall of 2020, although the impact will vary by community and location. Most school districts in the state are still planning for another unusual year, deciding between traditional in-person learning, remote learning, or a hybrid of both. Along with the uncertainty of the level of preparedness by school districts, Professional Educators of Tennessee believes that the state should request a waiver of all federal testing requirements for the year 2020-2021. It said the state should request a waiver from all federal testing requirements, or at a minimum allow districts to petition the state to be exempted from standardized tests for 2020-2021. The state could also consider letting districts grant parents the right to opt-out of standardized tests for this school year. The neighboring state of Georgia has already submitted a waiver to the U.S. Department of Education to suspend standardized testing for 2020-2021. This issue may become a campaign issue in the 2020 federal elections, as well as state elections. If the state does cancel testing for the 2020-2021 year, they could reinvest those savings to help shore up other COVID-related education expenses, including guidance counseling and addressing food insecurity. This could be at least partly dependent on the states assessment contract, which should be accessible and available for public record. Everything we do this year must be done with the health and safety of students, teachers, staff, and the community as the priority, said Professional Educators of Tennessee. "We should anticipate and be prepared for public schools to have a disruption of services at some point during the 2020-2021 school year," said Executive Director JC Bowman. "If the state does decide to move forward with testing in the interest of gathering data on how student learning is impacted by COVID-19 and changes to their learning environments, we believe that it is imperative that it is time to finally end the high-stakes connection between statewide assessments and educator accountability measures," says Professional Educators of TN COO Audrey Shores. The Professional Educators of Tennessee membership generally believes that Tennessees assessment program is not serving student needs, especially this academic year. Most importantly, teacher accountability measures that are tied to state assessments will be a serious issue if the state moves forward with testing. "If the state does decide to move forward with testing in the interest of gathering data on how student learning is impacted by COVID-19 and changes to their learning environments, we believe that it is imperative that it is time to finally end the high-stakes connection between statewide assessments and educator accountability measures," said Ms. Shores. For more information on this or any other education issue, please call (615) 778-0803. New Delhi/Beijing, June 25 : China on Wednesday attempted to pacify the aggrieved families of the Chinese soldiers who were killed in clashes with Indian troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh's Galwan valley, without any official recognition from Beijing. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) regime's mouthpiece, The Global Times, written by its editor Hu Xijn claimed that "the dead have been treated with the highest respect in the military, and that the information will eventually be reported to society at the right time, so that heroes can be honored and remembered as they deserve." The editorial came two days after a video emerged from China showing that the families of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) personnel were outraged by the fact that unlike Indian soldiers, their martyrs had received no honor and no acknowledgment. The video went viral on social media. Though the Global Times has admitted that "less than 20" PLA soldiers were killed in the violent face-off in Ladakh, the Xi Jinping government has remained tight-lipped about them. Paying "high tribute to the PLA officers and soldiers", Hu wrote, "China's security and the tranquility of China's borders depend upon them. Thus far, the Chinese military has not released any information about the deceased. As both a former soldier and current media professional, I understand that this is an expedient move with the aim of not irritating public opinion in the two countries, especially in India. This is Beijing's goodwill." Lamenting that the Indian media claimed that at least 40 Chinese soldiers were killed, and India has handed over the bodies of 16 Chinese soldiers, the Global Times editor in his long piece called them "unchallenged rumors". Bragging about the violent face-off in Ladakh, he wrote,"The PLA has taught a lesson to the Indian side, which has always misjudged Chinese people's determination and advantages. The PLA has demonstrated its strength and determination to use force when necessary, which is a strong deterrent to the Indian side, especially their frontline troops. The PLA not only showed its ability to bring the situation under control, but also gained a psychological advantage over the Indian army on the ground." Some in India, he said, preach that the PLA, which has not fought a war for more than 30 years now, is an army that does not know how to fight. "Their arrogance is frivolous. It is now clear who is the egg and who is the rock," he wrote. Threatening India, the Global Times editor said, "Don't mess with the PLA. That is our stern warning to those who want to take advantage of changes in the international situation to challenge China's core interests." The PLA, he revealed, has made a "strong deployment and is ready to hit the hysterical intruders hard." At the same time, this deployment aims to avoid the occurrence of greater conflicts, he added. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The top diplomat says the issue of purported leaks lies within the competence of law enforcement. Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba says the United States has not sent any inquiries regarding the leaked recordings of what purportedly is communications between the then-President Petro Poroshenko conversations and former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. The issue of the so-called "tapes" lies within the competence of law enforcement agencies, Kuleba told a joint press conference with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Kyiv. "I've received no inquiries from the American side in this regard," Kuleba said, according to UNIAN correspondent. Read alsoTrump's personal attorney Giuliani meets with Ukrainian MP Derkach in Kyiv (Photo) As UNIAN reported earlier, on June 22, MP Andriy Derkach convened a press conference to release what he said were leaked recordings he allegedly got from "investigative journalists" of communications between ex-President Petro Poroshenko and ex-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, which, in his opinion testify to "international corruption" and Ukraine being "governed" from beyond. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked that his country be left out of November's U.S. presidential election after a Ukrainian MP Andriy Derkach published tapes apparently intended to embarrass Joe Biden. Read alsoZelensky: Ukraine mustn't be dragged into U.S. election process over leaks Volodymyr Zelensky denied involvement in the first portion of leaks last month of conversations between ex-U.S. Vice President Joe Biden and former President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko, his predecessor, and told the Telegraph he did not want the scandal to undermine Ukraine's strategic alliance with the United States. "Why is it necessary to drag Ukraine into this, again?" Zelensky told the Telegraph in an interview over Skype. "Now we are enjoying bipartisan support in the United States both in Congress and the Senate. We have the support of the president. These tapes are not a priority." Read also Poroshenko-Biden calls: Ukraine starts probe into illegal interception of communications media Audio quality and background noises in leaked tapes of what MP Derkach says are phone conversations between Petro Poroshenko and U.S. officials suggest they were recorded on the Ukrainian side, in the office where Poroshenko held talks with his counterparts. Investigation has been launched into eavesdropping on presidential communications. Seven ex-ambassadors of the United States of America to Ukraine have addressed politicians of both countries over the opening of proceedings regarding alleged meddling by the then U.S. Vice President Joe Biden in the then Ukrainian Prosecutor General Viktor Shokin's activity. "We strongly condemn these efforts to divide our two countries and call on officials in both to avoid steps that will only erode the bilateral relationship and alienate our countries from one another," they said in a joint statement posted by the Atlantic Council on May 26. By Brad Brooks LUBBOCK, Texas (Reuters) - The governor of Texas temporarily halted the state's reopening on Thursday as COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations surged in the state and new daily cases around the country climbed to a near-record high. Texas, which has been at the forefront of efforts to reopen devastated economies shut down in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, has seen one of the biggest jumps in new cases, reporting over 6,000 in a single day on Monday By Brad Brooks LUBBOCK, Texas (Reuters) - The governor of Texas temporarily halted the state's reopening on Thursday as COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations surged in the state and new daily cases around the country climbed to a near-record high. Texas, which has been at the forefront of efforts to reopen devastated economies shut down in the face of the coronavirus pandemic, has seen one of the biggest jumps in new cases, reporting over 6,000 in a single day on Monday. "This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business," Governor Greg Abbott, a two-term Republican, said in a statement. Texas has also set record hospitalizations for 13 days in a row. Abbott has suspended elective surgeries in the Houston, Dallas, Austin and San Antonio areas to free up hospital bed space. Texas' rising numbers are part of a nationwide resurgence in states that were spared the brunt of the initial outbreak or moved early to lift restrictions on residents and businesses. Also reporting record rises in cases this week were Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Wyoming. While some of the increased numbers of cases can be attributed to more testing, the percentage of positive results is also climbing. More than 36,000 new U.S. cases were recorded on Wednesday, a few hundred shy of the record 36,426 on April 24. The Trump administration has tried to soften nationwide concerns about the pandemic even as a dozen or so states see worrisome increases. "We're working aggressively with states and local leaders in this situation but it's important for the American people to know this is a localized situation," U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar told Fox News in an interview. The counties that are in hotspots are 3% of American counties." Government experts believe more than 20 million Americans could have contracted the coronavirus, 10 times more than official counts, indicating many people without symptoms have or have had the disease, senior administration officials said. People who have COVID-19 but show no symptoms are capable of spreading the disease, health experts say. PANDEMIC SHIFTS TO SOUTH, WEST The focus of the pandemic has moved to the U.S. West and South, including more sparsely populated rural areas, from the early epicenter around New York, where more than 31,000 deaths have been recorded, more than a quarter of the country's total. Oregon and Utah have also paused or slowed lifting the restrictions. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, declared a budget emergency due to the pandemic. Nearly 5,350 people tested positive for the coronavirus in the past 24 hours, fewer than Wednesdays record of 7,149. But the number of Californians becoming very ill continued to rise, using about 34% of the available intensive care beds in the state, up from 29% on Wednesday. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut on Wednesday ordered travelers from eight mostly Southern states, as well as tri-state residents returning from those areas, to self-quarantine for two weeks on arrival. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Thursday that New York reached a new milestone as the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 fell to 996, the first time since March 18 the number fell below 1,000. Cuomo, a Democrat who has been sharply critical President Donald Trump's handling of the pandemic, during an interview on CNN appeared to blame Trump and other Republicans for the surges in other states. "You played politics with this virus and you lost," Cuomo said on CNN. Apple Inc said on Thursday it would close 14 stores in Florida due to the rise in coronavirus cases, following an earlier round of re-closures in Texas, Florida, Arizona, North Carolina and South Carolina. Shares of Walt Disney Co fell 2% on Thursday after it delayed the reopening of California theme parks and resort it receives approval from state officials. Disney's stock price made back much of that loss in later trading. (Open https://tmsnrt.rs/2WTOZDR in an external browser for a Reuters interactive) (Reporting by Brad Brooks in Lubbock, Texas; Additional reporting by Peter Szekely in New York, Doina Chiacu in Washington and Sharon Bernstein in Sacramento; Writing by Sonya Hepinstall and Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Bill Tarrant) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The blaze erupted at Nanddham industrial estate at around 12.45 am on Thursday. Mumbai: Two godowns were gutted in a fire at an industrial estate in Marol area of suburban Andheri, a fire brigade official said on Thursday. While no casualties were reported in the incident, a deputy fire officer fainted while battling the flames and was recuperating at a hospital, the official said. The blaze erupted at Nanddham industrial estate at around 12.45 am on Thursday and it was confined to two godowns in the ground floor of the premises, he said. The fire brigade was immediately pressed into service and flames were doused at around 4.45 am, the official said. The two godowns containing some electrical equipment, furniture and hydraulic compressor machine were completely gutted, he added. Growing voices of dissent among the Chinese diaspora are increasingly dotting the general tone of political discussions on a wide variety of online platforms. While the obvious tone on Chinese state-controlled platforms, as well as open platforms for foreign-dwelling China nationals, is anti-India, there is a considerable amount of murmur against the practices of the Chinese government, too. These voices have been fuelled by China's actions against India at the Galwan valley. Such anti-government voices have been picked up in a yet-unpublished survey of over 75,000 posts by Seclabs & Systems, a cyber security and sentiment analysis firm. Talking to News18, Shesh Sarangdhar, the chief executive of Seclabs & Systems, was quick to underline that such sentiments have also been spotted among Chinese nationals who work in association with think tanks backed by the government of China. This would be a significant happening, since the Chinese government typically censors and monitors all online activity on a stringent note. Genuine voices of dissent Explaining the findings of his report, Sarangdhar says, "Mathematical analysis of social networks reveal degree centrality of above 0.576 on average within the community, eigenvalue of around 0.48 within the community, and betweenness centrality of less than 0.03 within the entire network of open source community that was analysed. To simplify these terms, degree centrality shows how many people a person is connected to above the average count of a social circle. Eigenvalue centrality defines the quality of these connections. Take for example, if one person is connected to 500 people and another person is connected to 400 however, if these 400 connections have better network amongst them, the Eigenvalue of the latter is higher than the person with more connections. Lastly, betweenness centrality defines how interdependent, or connected, two social posts are. Explaining the major protest voices, Sarangdhar states, The first group of noted individuals is a bunch of Chinese diaspora journalists, who are not happy with the border standoff. This also suggests the existence of the invisible third party, United States of America, in this entire narrative a party whose impact the Chinese administration must consider. Apart from them, Sarangdhar further states that there are pro-democracy activists and supporters of Hong Kong and Taiwan, who have raised anti-government voices as well. The people speaking out Prominent among these voices are Deng Yuwen and Hu Ping. Deng Yuwen has over 34,000 followers on Twitter, and is a Chinese journalist, writer and commentator on current events. He is also reportedly a member of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang. Hu Ping has over 221,000 followers on Twitter. Deng Yuwen has written about how this border dispute with India reflects poorly on Chinese leadership, and Hu Ping too is quoted to be speaking in view of the current Sino-Indian border conflict. A political commentator, Yuwen believes that if the war between China and India was basically impossible in the past, it will not be ruled out now. But, China will not take the initiative to fire the first shot. He also raises the point that in this conflict between India and China, an invisible third party is America. 33 https://t.co/duwJVHqSNw (@gowKE4HReZ7ZBc5) June 23, 2020 Apart from them, there are tweets from China too, which talk about the countrys internal feud. A Chinese citizen, Wang Qianqian, tweeted, China's internal fighting rumors continue. There are even recordings out there, the internal meeting of the Communist Party of China has been clamoring for "retrospection" and "strike! (Tweet translated from Mandarin using Google Translate) Over the past 12 hours, this tweet has been taken down from Twitter. Another Twitter account, which goes by the handle @gowKE4HReZ7ZBc5, tweeted that India's urgent purchase of 33 fighter jets from Russia proves that its relationship with Russia is better than that of China, striking at the heart of Chinese diplomacy. Each of these posts reflect that even the heavily censoring Chinese government could not prevent some voices of dissent from rising, and slipping through their censor filter. What this means for China From these examples, what can be inferred from this survey is that such posts are neither organised and nor orchestrated. These murmurs of dissent are more than just murmurs they are coming from strong and well-regarded sources, and not just random users. They are also disjointed, suggesting that most resistances are independent opinions, not reliant on each other. Lastly, the individuals have followers that are well connected, hence lending further credibility to these voices. While many may consider that this is only isolated opinion, and hence not a quantifiable narrative, Sarangdhar explains why it is actually not so. He says, In social network theory, a revolt is something that happens sporadically, unless they are manufactured or doctored. It gets connected only when it is either growing, or there is an actor which is prompting these revolts. Given the nature of Chinese state-sponsored censoring, such an instance is not surprising. On this note, Sarangdhar further adds, It has also been seen that pro-democracy voices of China, pro-autonomy voices of Hong Kong and Taiwanese social figures are found using this crisis (the India-China border stand-off) as a rallying point, and urging the world to hold China to task. The low betweenness centrality (among these different clusters) is particularly important to note, since it typically demonstrates whether a protest is manufactured (hence at times fake), or authentic. Such an instance was noted during sporadic protests that rose in Arab Spring, which later grew into a revolution as the sporadic voices unified. The low centrality here reflects the sporadic angst of Chinese nationals, both inside the nations system or settled outside, who are attempting to speak up not necessarily for India per se, but definitely against the Chinese government. Gov. Gavin Newsom during a visit to Los Angeles on June 3. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Gov. Gavin Newsom issued another warning to Californians about the growing spread of the coronavirus as the state again reported increases in hospitalizations. The governors Thursday news conference marked the third time this week that he has urged people to take more precautions as he disclosed troubling new highs. I cannot impress upon people more the importance at this critical juncture, when we are experiencing an increase in cases that we have not experienced in the past, to take seriously this moment, Newsom said. If we do, we can mitigate and we can bend [the curve] and we ultimately can rebound and become more resilient still in the future. As of Thursday, Newsom said patients hospitalized because of COVID-19 jumped 32% in the last two weeks to 4,240, double the two-week increase of 16% that he had reported on Monday. After growing earlier this week, the rate of positive cases remained steady at 5.1% over two weeks compared to Wednesday, he said. The governor has pleaded with Californians to wear face masks and maintain a physical distance of six feet from one another. He advised those over the age of 65 or with chronic medical conditions to remain at home. But beyond telling Californians to heed the states mask requirement, the governor has not reinstated any of the restrictions he began easing in early May or demanded that counties experiencing surges shutter businesses again. Fifteen counties in California, including Los Angeles, have reported an elevated transmission of the disease, increased hospitalizations or a limited hospital capacity that doesn't meet the states guidelines. Newsom said Thursday that he would consider toggling back and issuing restrictions again if healthcare needs begin to exceed capacity. When our system cannot absorb, when theres a capacity consideration or limitation, thats when we obviously have alarm bells that are raised, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 03:30:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The ruling Mongolian People's Party (MPP) won a landslide victory in the regular parliamentary elections on Wednesday, according to the preliminary results from Mongolia's General Election Commission (GEC). Preliminary voting results showed the MPP took 62 seats out of 76 in the parliament. Two coalitions, Right Person Electorate Coalition and Your and Our Coalition, won one seat each. Former Mongolian Prime Minister Norov Altankhuyag, who ran for the parliamentary elections as an independent candidate, got one seat. The opposition Democratic Party won the remaining seats, according to the preliminary results. Voter turnout in the parliamentary elections reached 73.64 percent, which was 1.54 percentage points higher than the 72.1 percent of the 2016 general elections, according to the GEC. "I would like to thank all the voters who actively cast their votes. The official results of the parliamentary elections will be announced within Thursday," said Choizon Sodnomtseren, chairman of the commission. Mongolia's State Great Khural, or parliament, is unicameral and consists of 76 lawmakers, whose term lasts four years. Enditem By Jan Strupczewski and Belen Carreno BRUSSELS/MADRID (Reuters) - Finance ministers of Spain, Ireland and Luxembourg are in the running to chair meetings of the powerful Eurogroup of euro zone finance ministers, with euro zone officials saying it is likely to be a close race between the Spanish and Irish contenders. The chairman sets the agenda at monthly meetings of finance ministers of the 19 countries sharing the euro and works out compromises on key policies. He or she will be instrumental to economic recovery policies after the coronavirus crisis. The Eurogroup president also chairs the board of the euro zone bailout fund which saved Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain and Cyprus from bankruptcy during the sovereign debt crisis. The job is for 2 1/2 years, a term that can be renewed. On July 9th euro zone finance ministers will choose between Nadia Calvino of Spain, Pascal Donohoe of Ireland and Pierre Gramegna of Luxembourg -- the three ministers put forward by their respective governments by Thursday's deadline. "This excellent pool of candidates shows the relevance of Eurogroup today," the outgoing chairman Mario Centeno of Portugal said on Twitter. The successful candidate must get the support of at least 10 out of the 19 finance ministers around the table. Each country has one vote, so the voice of the biggest, Germany, counts the same as that of the smallest, Malta. The job is part of the broader horse-trading of top posts in the EU that seeks to keep a balance between positions taken up by centre-right and centre-left parties, the north and the south, east and west as well as large and small EU countries. Calvino, 51, is a technocrat, economist and former head of the European Commission's community budget who also serves as a deputy prime minister in Spain's minority left-wing coalition. Centre-right Donohoe, 45, is valued for his experience and seen as a "bridge builder", but his candidacy could be complicated by Friday's vote by his Fine Gael and two other Irish parties on a new government deal following an inconclusive February election. A 'no' vote by either party could trigger new elections. Story continues ALLEGIANCES Brussels officials said that while the Spaniard now appeared to have more support than the Irishman, much depended on whether the centre-right European People's Party, which has the majority in the Eurogroup, would require all centre-right ministers to vote for one of their own -- Donohoe. "Calvino is highly competent ... It makes sense to have the Eurogroup chair come from the south ... Last but not least, she is a woman, and it's about time to break also this glass ceiling," one senior euro zone official said. But others said smaller countries might not want to vote for someone from a large country like Spain, especially given that Madrid was likely to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the EU's recovery plan. (Reporting by Nathan Allen, Belen Carreno and Emma Pinedo in Madrid, Jan Strupczewski in Brussels, Padraic Halpin in Dublin; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Gareth Jones) The preliminary report found that the pilots of the May 22 flight from Islamabad to Karachi had overconfidence and lack of focus and did not follow set procedures for landing aircraft. PIA spokesman Abdullah Hafeez told Dawn that about 150 pilots are being grounded. The company is checking their licenses to see if they fit global standards to man flights- both domestic and international. Those found at fault will be terminated from service after following a due process, he said. Probe into ATR pilots credentials began after the plane skidded off Panjgur runway in 2018. He said that the investigations into dubious licenses issued by the aviation regulator were highlighted by the PIA itself in the aftermath of the incident that occurred in Panjgur in November 2018 where an ATR skidded off the runway. Also read: US report claims Pak serves as a safe haven for terrorism Also read: Galwan face-off: India urges China to strictly respect LAC The decision to ground the pilots was taken after Minister for Aviation Ghulam Sarwar Khan said in the National Assembly that many commercial pilots were found with dubious licenses, Dawn newspaper reported. The PIA spokesman addressed the findings of the preliminary investigation report that was shared with the parliament by the aviation minister on the plane crash and reaffirmed PIAs resolve for further improving safety standards within the company using the findings of the report as guiding principles, the Dawn report said. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom expects number of coronavirus cases worldwide to touch the 10 million-mark in the coming week, as per a Reuters report. Backs restricting Haj pilgrims He also said during a media briefing that he supported Saudi Arabia's decision to ban pilgrims from abroad from performing Haj to prevent risk of infection. He added that WHO is backing several nations to obtain oxygen concentrators to help COVID-19 patients breathe more easily. Reuters "Demand is outstripping supply," he said. Coronavirus has not yet peaked Dr Mike Ryan, who heads WHO's emergencies programme, said it has not peaked completely and is "still intense". "I would characterise the situation as still evolving, not having reached its peak yet, and likely to result in sustained numbers of cases and deaths in the coming weeks," he said. AP The new normal Worldwide coronavirus has affected over 9500,000 people and over 485,000 are dead. Nearly 5200,000 have recovered. AFP The virus which originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019 has held the world hostage for the better part of 2020. Our way of life has been disrupted and for the moment this is the new normal. Things are not going back to the way they were anytime soon. Some nations are easing out of the lockdown, but it is only a start. It will be some time before we can resume life the way we used to. Till then, one needs to follow protocol and keep oneself and one's loved ones safe. Update: Read full details of the plan here. Massachusetts state officials are set to announce guidelines under which K-12 schools can reopen for the 2020-2021 school year. The announcement will be held at noon with Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito joined by Secretary of Education James Peyser and Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey Riley. The Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance reveals some of what Massachusetts families can expect this fall. In discussions with infectious disease physicians, other medical advisers, and the COVID-19 Command Centers Medical Advisory Board, we were heartened to hear that based on current data and research the medical community supports the return of our students to in-person learning, with appropriate health and safety guardrails in place, the guidance states. Masks will be a common sight in school buildings - a mandate for all adults and students in second grade and older. Students can expect to spend more time at social-distanced desks apart from one another, with breakfast and lunch served in the classrooms. Our goal for the fall is to safely bring back as many students as possible to in-person school settings, to maximize learning and address our students holistic needs,' the document said. There is a clear consensus from both education and medical groups: we must keep in mind not only the risks associated with COVID-19 for in-person school programs, but also the known challenges and consequences of keeping students out of school. While remote learning has improved over the course of the school closures, there is no substitute for in-person instruction. Massachusetts health officials on Wednesday announced another 48 coronavirus deaths, bringing the statewide count to 7,938. Of the 48 deaths, 6 are considered probable COVID-19 deaths. Officials also confirmed another 172 cases of the virus, including 61 probable cases. Thats based on 7,369 molecular tests and 532 antibody tests reported on Wednesday. There are now at least 107,611 cases of the virus in Massachusetts, according to the states Department of Public Health. Massachusetts has reported a steady decline in COVID-19 cases as the United States hit a new single-day record this week. 38,115 new infections were reported by health departments across the U.S. on Wednesday, beating the past record set in late April. California, Florida and Texas as reported more than 5,000 new cases within each state. Earlier this month, Massachusetts education officials announced the following components of the reopening plan, based on federal and state guidance. Staying home if sick: As part of the social compact of re-opening, students and staff must stay home if they are feeling sick or have any symptom associated with COVID-19. This means that schools will need to have enhanced protocols in place for managing staff and student absences. Face coverings and masks: Students and staff must wear face coverings or masks, with exceptions only for those students or staff for whom it is not safe to do so due to age, medical conditions, or other considerations. In cases in which face coverings or masks are not possible, social distancing of 6 feet is required, unless not feasible due to the personal situation. Parents will be responsible for providing students with face coverings or masks. Schools must have backup disposable masks available for students who need them. Staff may choose to wear their own mask or one provided by the school. Frequent hand washing and hand sanitizing: All students and staff must engage in frequent handwashing, including upon arrival, before and after meals, after bathroom use, after coughing or sneezing, and before dismissal. Protocols must be established for effective handwashing in which individuals use soap and water to wash all surfaces of their hands for at least 20 seconds, wait for visible lather, rinse thoroughly, and dry with an individual disposable towel. If handwashing is not available, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol content can be used. Maintaining 6 feet of separation at all times: All students and staff must maintain a social distance of 6 feet to the greatest extent possible. Desks must be spaced at least 6 feet apart and facing the same direction, and protocols must be developed to maintain this distance when students are entering and exiting the building and moving through the school (including to and within restrooms) when feasible. Isolation and discharge protocols for students who may become ill during the day: Schools must develop protocols for isolation and discharge of students who become sick during the school day. A specific room must be maintained for students with COVID-19 symptoms that is separate from the nurses office or other space where other ailments are treated. Smaller, isolated groups of students assigned to one teacher: Successfully implementing 6 feet of social distancing will require significantly smaller class sizes and reduced staff-to-student ratios. Furthermore, where feasible, programs should isolate individual groups of students with one consistently assigned teacher, and groups should not mix with other students or staff. At this time, group sizes are restricted to a maximum of 10 students, with a maximum of 12 individuals, including students and staff, in each room. Regular cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, and disposal protocols: Schools will need to undertake new protocols and routines to ensure that facilities and surfaces are regularly cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected in accordance with health and safety guidelines and that hazardous materials are disposed of properly. Entry screening and other facility operations: While additional information about symptom screening and other facility operations will be provided in the coming weeks, after discussions with the COVID-19 Command Centers Medical Advisory Committee, it is not recommended to temperature check students at entry due to the significant number of both false positive and false negative results. Specifically for this document, we used the following basic assumptions to develop the required supply items and initial recommended ordering quantities: Students will bring their own face coverings or masks to school, but schools will have a backup supply of masks on hand for students who do not have them, or if their masks become otherwise not useable during the school day. Schools will provide face coverings or masks for all teachers and staff who do not bring their own. Students and staff will engage in frequent hand sanitizing. Custodians will need to be equipped with appropriate masks, gloves, and a proper waste disposal medium. Nurses and health providers will need additional specialized supplies to properly isolate and discharge suspected COVID-19 positive students. Related Content: As Coronavirus-induced lockdown foiled the wedding plans of Pakistan-based Sumaila and Kamal Kalyan from Indias Jalandhar, the couple has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention in securing visas for the would-be bride and her family for their wedding. The duo who got engaged online in 2018, had planned to get married in March, but the ceremony was delayed in the wake of COVID-19. Now, Sumaila has requested Prime Minister Modi, through the media, to allow visas for herself and her family members. The couple plans to get married as soon as the Indian government grants them visas. READ | Newly Married Man Meets Wife After Defeating Coronavirus "Kalyan has prepared the papers for visa sponsorship. But he was unable to send these papers to Pakistan due to the lockdown. I urge the Government of India to issue visas and open the borders to we can be married soon," said Sumaila. Meanwhile, Kamal Kalyan from Jalandhar also appealed to PM Modi to grant a visa to Sumaila so she can come to India and they can get married. READ | COVID-19: Rules Relaxed For Weddings In Indore And Bhopal Couple never met each other before Kamal and Sumaila have not met each other as yet. They have only communicated over the phone. Their families arranged their relationship on January 26, 2018, after which got engaged through a video call. Kamal's father Om Prakash said that Sumaila is the daughter of his cousin Asiya. "Sumaila is the daughter of my cousin Asiya so I decided to fix this relationship. My son got engaged but he could not get married due to lockdown," he said. Watch | Social Distancing Norms Violated At Wedding Of Congress MLA's Son In Bellary Wedding celebrations get Coronavirus twist Wedding planners are adapting to changing times and adapting themselves to provide the best possible services to their clients, amid the relaxations in the Coronavirus induced lockdown. Wedding planners have come with innovative trends for their clients so that their wedding day becomes a memorable one. From matching masks to outfits to live streaming of weddings to the guests who could not attend the wedding due to the restrictions. All this becoming the new normal by following and maintaining safety protocols. READ | Covid Weddings Get Innovative With Matching Masks, Streaming, 'aangan Ceremonies' & More (With inputs from ANI) (Image for representation) JSC Ukrzaliznytsia has said that the decision of the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court on the succession of the debts of state-owned enterprises of the railway industry, in particular SOE Donetsk Railway, by Ukrzaliznytsia threatens national security and the economy of Ukraine, the company said on its website in a statement. Ukrzaliznytsia has already appealed to the President, the Prime Minister, the Verkhovna Rada and other government bodies with a request to take all possible measures to protect the rights and interests of society and the state. By decision of the Grand Chamber of the Supreme Court, Ukrzaliznytsia was recognized as the legal successor, in particular, of SOE Donetsk Railways since October 21, 2015. "Such a position of the court, at least, puts counterparties of enterprises and institutions of railway transport, including those located in the temporarily occupied territory and territory of the anti-terrorist operation, the succession of obligations of which, according to the position of the Supreme Court, came to Ukrzaliznytsia, in more favorable conditions in lawsuits," the company said. According to Ukrzaliznytsia, from now on it will be deprived of the opportunity to reasonably object or provide evidence to refute the claims of such companies due to the absence of any primary documents from the company, since all information and documents with the start of the anti-terrorist operation remained in the structural units in the occupied territories. "Moreover, such a decision of the Supreme Court actually means that Ukrzaliznytsia will be obliged to pay off all the debts of Donetsk Railways without receiving any property from the latter in the charter capital," the company said. According to the Ukrzaliznytsia, now in the territories of Luhansk and Donetsk regions temporarily beyond the control of Ukraine there are more than 20,000 Ukrzaliznytsia's freight cars, almost 6,000 cars of other owners, almost 6,000 passenger cars and more than 300 locomotives. "Of particular note is the fact that, according to rough estimates, the amount of financial obligations of Donetsk Railways to creditors exceeds UAH 6.5 billion, including enterprises owned by the entities which are residents of the Russian Federation, in particular, Sberbank in the amount of UAH 3.5 billion, VTB Bank in the amount of UAH 1.2 billion, and others," the company said. Ukrzaliznytsia said that such a decision jeopardizes the financial condition and stability of the company's functioning, since paying off such a large amount of debt without actually obtaining assets of Donetsk Railways could destabilize the payment situation of the company, which is already complicated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The company asked the president and public authorities to intervene in this situation and take all possible measures to protect the rights and interests of Ukrzaliznytsia and prevent unjust and unlawful recovery, in particular by initiating appropriate legislative changes. Investments Focused on Safety and Capacity to Strengthen Rail Network, Help Reduce Emissions, and Support Economic Growth MONTREAL, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (CNR.TO) (CNI) announced today that it plans to invest approximately $235 million (CAD) across Quebec in 2020. The investments include various information technology projects, Positive Train Control, the replacement of rail and ties, as well as the maintenance of level crossings, culverts, signal systems and other track infrastructure. We take our essential role in the North-American economy seriously and these investments in Quebec are a key part of our strategy to support growth. The Company remains committed to help enable supply chains that fuel Quebecs growth as we are a critical part of getting everyday goods to markets and consumers. Safety is a core value at CN and by investing in the maintenance and expansion of our track and capacity, we are providing customers with a safe and reliable solution at a time when fluid supply chains are more critical than ever. - Derek Taylor, Vice-President, Eastern Region at CN Remaining committed to supporting Canadian businesses, our government continues to invest in Canadas economy to encourage economic growth. We are pleased to see companies such as CN do their share by investing in improving safety, growing its capacity and enabling trade through a safe and reliable rail network. Rail safety is one the priorities of our government. CNs investments in Quebec are aligned with these priorities as they will ensure the safe movement of goods through infrastructure upgrades and improved level crossings. - The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, Government of Canada These major investments are excellent news for the Quebec economy. They will strengthen intermodality, particularly through the Canadian National Railways extensive rail network. In addition, by modernizing its infrastructure, CN will help improve the efficiency of the Quebec logistics chain, in which it plays an essential role. - Charles Milliard, President and CEO, Federation des chambres de commerce du Quebec The Companys investments will create greater capacity, which supports reductions in its customers transportation supply chain GHG emissions, by encouraging the use of rail for long haul needs. This reduces emissions, traffic congestion, accidents and burdens on public transportation infrastructure as one freight train can replace over 300 trucks from roads. Moving freight by rail instead of truck reduces GHG emissions by 75%. The Company will also continue to invest in important safety-enhancing technologies, such as the Autonomous Track Inspection Program, and Automated Inspection Portals. Story continues Maintenance program highlights include: Replacement of more than 20 miles of rail Installation of approximately 140,000 new railroad ties Rebuilds of 47 road crossing surfaces Maintenance work on bridges, culverts, signal systems, and other track infrastructure Quebec in numbers: Capital investments: More than $ 1.8 billion in the last five years Employees: approximately 3,925 Railroad route miles operated: 2,041 Community partnerships: $3.2 million in 2019 Local spending: $2.1 billion in 2019 Cash taxes paid: $211 million in 2019 CNs extensive rail network stretches across Quebec. Montreal is home to CNs headquarters and over 3,000 employees as well as a major rail classification yard and repair shops. CN serves the Port of Montreal, where the Company handles growing numbers of import/export containers. Other CN facilities in Montreal include an intermodal terminal, logistics park, forest products, automotive and metals distribution centres, and a CargoFlo bulk handling facility. Quebec City boasts access to a deep-water port as well as metals, automotive and forest products distribution centres. Quebec City also has a large rail classification yard. CN, Hutchison Ports and the Port of Quebec are working together to pioneer a new intermodal container terminal. This new, state-of-the-art terminal is set to become a cornerstone of the deep-water, year-round Port of Quebec. The new terminal will have capacity for 700K TEUs and will be exclusively served by CN. The opening is scheduled for spring of 2024. Forward-looking statements Certain statements included in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and under Canadian securities laws. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Company cautions that its assumptions may not materialize and that current economic conditions render such assumptions, although reasonable at the time they were made, subject to greater uncertainty. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terminology such as believes, expects, anticipates, assumes, outlook, plans, targets, or other similar words. Forward-looking statements reflect information as of the date on which they are made. CN assumes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect future events, changes in circumstances, or changes in beliefs, unless required by applicable securities laws. In the event CN does update any forward-looking statement, no inference should be made that CN will make additional updates with respect to that statement, related matters, or any other forward-looking statement. CN is a true backbone of the economy, transporting more than C$250 billion worth of goods annually for a wide range of business sectors, ranging from resource products to manufactured products to consumer goods, across a rail network of approximately 20,000 route-miles spanning Canada and mid-America. CN Canadian National Railway Company, along with its operating railway subsidiaries serves the cities and ports of Vancouver, Prince Rupert, B.C., Montreal, Halifax, New Orleans, and Mobile, Ala., and the metropolitan areas of Toronto, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Calgary, Chicago, Memphis, Detroit, Duluth, Minn./Superior, Wis., and Jackson, Miss., with connections to all points in North America. For more information about CN, visit the Companys website at www.cn.ca . The department said in a statement that officers from Matteson and the Illinois State Police also responded to the shooting scene to assist in corralling a large crowd that had gathered there. Prior to NPC Standing Committee session, central government solicits local opinions in HK Global Times Source:Global Times Published: 2020/6/24 9:50:31 Twelve symposiums to discuss legislation on safeguarding China's national security in Hong Kong were held on Tuesday throughout the special administrative region (SAR), so that China's central government could collect widespread local opinions on the draft law. A total of 120 representatives from various sectors and organizations in Hong Kong attended the symposiums to express their views. "The Legislative Affairs Commission under the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council and the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region [HKSAR] held 12 symposiums on Tuesday to hear opinions from Hong Kong society on the draft law on safeguarding national security in the HKSAR," a statement on the Liaison Office website reads. Voicing firm support for the national security legislation and calling for early promulgation of the law in the SAR, the attendees said the law will plug loopholes in Hong Kong's legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding China's national security in Hong Kong, help maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and ensure the enduring development of the "one country, two systems" principle. China's top lawmaking body has reviewed the draft law on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong, according to Xinhua News Agency last Saturday. Hours after the draft law's details were revealed to the public, the top legislature announced that it will convene for its 20th session from Sunday to next Tuesday in Beijing. Observers said that top lawmakers are expected to vote on the law during the 20th session of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Read what is in the news today: Politics Six reports from the ASEAN secretary general and community pillars submitted to the upcoming 36th ASEAN Summit were adopted at the 26th ASEAN Coordinating Council Meeting, held online on Wednesday and chaired by Vietnams Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh. Society Vietnam confirmed three new imported cases of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from Kuwait on Wednesday evening, bringing the national tally to 352 with 329 recoveries and no death. Nearly 700 Vietnamese citizens were brought home from Taiwan and Japan on two separate repatriation flights on Wednesday. Vietnams borders will remain shut to foreign tourists, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said while addressing a meeting on COVID-19 on Wednesday to reaffirm the guiding viewpoint of fending off the second COVID-19 wave in order to pursue the dual goal of pandemic containment and economic recovery. Business Vietnams exports to the EU will be provided with the Certificate of Origin (C/O) form EUR 1 and enjoy preferential tariffs in line with the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) from August 1, according to a circular stipulating the C/O in the EVFTA newly issued by the Ministry of Industry and Trade. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has agreed to suspend the implementation of the master plan for socio-economic development of the special administrative economic zone of Bac Van Phong in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa. Authorities in the southeast Cambodian province of Kandal have decided to ban the import of cabbage, broccoli, okra, lemon, pumpkin, and chives from Vietnam after they found harmful substances in six fruits and vegetables, following a recent inspection of more than 20 Vietnamese farm products. Vietnamese shares fell on Wednesday as a surge in profit-taking hit stocks in key sectors and investors were cautious due to the unpredictability of global markets, the Vietnam News Agency reported. Lifestyle A total of 143 artworks by Vietnamese artists of different generations will be auctioned worldwide on Saturday via the Drouot Digital platform in Paris, according to the Vietnam News Agency. World news The novel coronavirus has infected over 9.51 million people around the world while killing more than 483,800, according to the Vietnamese Ministry of Healths statistics. Over 5.16 million patients have recovered from COVID-19. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! [June 25, 2020] Tulsa Innovation Labs Identifies City's Top 5 Opportunities for Economic Growth Tulsa Innovation Labs (TIL), the new technology-led economic and workforce development organization pioneered by George Kaiser Family Foundation (GKFF) released its report identifying the city's five most promising tech opportunities: This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005803/en/ Tulsa Innovation Labs and the George Kaiser Family Foundation have committed an initial $50 million to catalyze growth in Tulsa across these five interconnected areas.(Graphic: Business Wire) Virtual Health Energy Tech Drones Cyber Analytics The report evaluated multiple tech industries to identify the highest growth and most contestable areas for Tulsa. As part of the study, TIL engaged over 100 stakeholders, and their perspectives were invaluable as TIL looks to drive its work through industry and community partnerships. McKinsey & Company (News - Alert), the global management consultancy, provided analytical support to the study. TIL launched in early 2020 and is working to establish Tulsa's tech niche by creating new programs and projects to support local talent, startups, and academic innovation aligned to the five tech clusters above. Through its work, TIL aspires to create the nation's most inclusive tech community in Tulsa. "We're excited to work with forward-thinking partners across sectors as we transform Tulsa into a tech hub and leader in the future of work," said Nicholas Lalla, co-founder and managing director of TIL. "The playbook for action we created will enable us to catalyze growth in five tech clusters and provide new opportunities to Tulsans. Especially today, as we struggle to adapt to market diruptions and worker displacements caused by the pandemic, we believe now is the time to think about the future and build an equitable and diversified economy for Tulsa." TIL is funded and supported by GKFF, a Tulsa-based charitable organization. Ken Levit, executive director of GKFF, said: "GKFF's core focus is early intervention in the cycle of poverty. But we know that to provide long-term opportunities for Tulsa's families, we need to invest in our local economy and prepare Tulsa for the jobs of the future. That's why we're excited about supporting Tulsa Innovation Labs. TIL is going to be instrumental in creating a thriving and inclusive economy that creates new opportunities for Tulsans." Two programs sit within the TIL strategy already: a doctoral fellowship in cyber and a coding academy. TIL is partnering with the University of Tulsa to bring a leading cyber venture creation company, Team8, to Tulsa. Founded in Tel Aviv, with a large New York City office, Team8 is collaborating with 10 PhD students each year to create cyber-related companies from their research projects. The fellowship provides incentives for participants to stay in Tulsa upon graduation and pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions. "The University of Tulsa is known for its excellence in cyber," says Nadav Zafrif, founder and chief executive officer of Team8. "Taking academic research and leveraging that to create new businesses will feed Tulsa's burgeoning innovation economy. This type of partnership, between the university, Tulsa Innovation Labs, and Team8 represents a new model for commercializing innovation and spurring economic growth." The Holberton School, a software engineering academy based in San Francisco, also launched its third U.S. campus in Tulsa in January, and is key to TIL's efforts to building an inclusive tech community in Tulsa. At scale, Holberton will graduate 500 software engineers each year. "Having diverse backgrounds and experiences in the workplace makes for better business decisions, more responsive products, and a more inclusive ecosystem," said Libby Wuller, executive director of Holberton School, Tulsa. "As Tulsa strives to build a tech-enabled economy, we must do so with a diverse workforce! At Holberton, our deferred tuition model and living assistance program aim to create pathways to the software engineering profession regardless of an individual's circumstances." New programmatic and project opportunities in phase one of TIL's multi-phase work will be announced later this year. TIL plans on prioritizing its virtual health and workforce activities in cyber and analytics in phase one. While Oklahoma has leaned on oil and gas as an economic staple, in recent years, other innovations have come to the surface that are diversifying Tulsa's economy. Entrepreneurship has exploded with multiple co-working spaces, incubators, and successful startups throughout Tulsa. The city is also home to a thriving arts scene. "Tulsa has made incredible strides reinventing its economy around remote work, arts and culture, and quality of place with one of the greatest open spaces in modern memory, Gathering Place. Now, the region is taking the next crucial step in building its innovative and entrepreneurial startup economy with the launch of Tulsa Innovation Labs," said urbanist and author Richard Florida. "This cutting-edge new initiative will help attract global talent, retain local talent, and power the economy of the future." About Tulsa Innovation Labs Recognizing that the jobs of the future are rooted in a thriving innovation economy, the George Kaiser Family Foundation pioneered Tulsa Innovation Labs to develop a city-wide strategy that positions Tulsa as a tech hub and leader in the future of work. Through a diverse coalition of public and private partners, TIL is creating economic development programs that seek to make Tulsa the nation's most inclusive tech community. For more information, visit: www.tulsainnovationlabs.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005803/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 25, 2020] The Future of Colorectal Cancer Care is Precision Medicine WASHINGTON, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Doctors and researchers are abuzz about the field of precision medicine as it alters the landscape of cancer care. Precision medicineand knowledge about tumor changes known as biomarkersis already having life-saving impacts. In response, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (Alliance) today launched its Personalized Biomarker Patient Education Campaign to empower patients and caregivers with information about how precision treatment planning in colorectal cancer through biomarker testing can help improve survival. Biomarker testing analyzes the genetic makeup of a patient's tumor. Test results provide patients and their medical teams with important information about what kind of treatment could work best for the patienthence the term "precision medicine." "Until recently, the standard of care for colorectal cancer was essentially a one-size-fits-all approach, with surgery followed by chemotherapy and possibly radiation," said Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Alliance. "Precision medicine, and biomarker testing specifically, opens the door to personalized treatments that will change outcomes and save lives. This is the future of cancer care." Colorectal cancer patients are already benefiting from biomarker testing. Numerous pharmaceutical companies have active clinical trials aimed at identifying the most effective combination of treatments to target specific biomarkers, such as KRAS, BRAF, and MSI-H. These are the names of a few biomarkers, or tumor changes, that can be found with appropriate tumor testing. The Alliance's education campaign lives on its website here (https://www.ccalliance.org/colorectal-cancer-information/biomarkers) and includes detailed information about 12 commonly identified colorectal cancer biomarkers, an introduction to biomarkers, and an explanation about how the "sidedness" of a tumorleft or rightshould impact treatment planning. "Our goal is to change the landscape of care so all patients can get tested and, with their doctors, choose the best treatments," said Andrea Goodman, Vice President of Patient & Family Support at the Alliance. "We know that making personalized treatment decisions based on biomarker tests can save lives while reducing unnecessary side effects." Knowledge of precision medicine and biomarkers is limited among patients. A recent Alliance survey of young-onset colorectal cancer patients and survivors showed that only 54% received biomarker testing before treatment and 21% never completed testing. The Alliance's Personalized Biomarker Patient Education Campaign is made possible with support from Amgen, Pfizer Oncology, Merck, Genentech, and Foundation Medicine. About the Colorectal Cancer Alliance The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is a national nonprofit committed to ending colorectal cancer. Working with our nation of passionate allies, we diligently support the needs of patients and families, caregivers, and survivors; eagerly raise awareness of preventive screening; and continually strive to fund critical research. As allies in the struggle, we are fiercely determined to end colorectal cancer within our lifetime. For more information, visit ccalliance.org. Media Contact Steven Bushong Senior Manager of Strategic Communications, Colorectal Cancer Alliance (330) 957-0484 [email protected] Related Images colorectal-cancer-alliance-logo.png Colorectal Cancer Alliance Logo Related Links Colorectal Cancer Alliance Colorectal Cancer Biomarkers View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-future-of-colorectal-cancer-care-is-precision-medicine-301083924.html SOURCE Colorectal Cancer Alliance [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] It was one of those moments when a leader looks decisive but really had no choice. The more Keir Starmer thought about Rebecca Long Baileys tweet, Maxine Peake is an absolute diamond and the more he studied the interview in todays Independent to which the tweet referred the less choice he thought he had. There seems to have been some confusion about what happened next. Long Bailey tried to distance herself from the comments in Peakes interview with another tweet. I retweeted Maxine Peakes article because of her significant achievements and because the thrust of her argument is to stay in the Labour Party. It wasnt intended to be an endorsement of all aspects of the article. The wording of that second tweet was approved by Starmers office, she said. The leaders office then asked her to delete both tweets, she said. She asked to discuss it with Starmer, but the Labour Party press office put out a statement saying he had asked her to step down from the shadow cabinet. In between, Starmer will have read and re-read Peakes words in the interview: Systemic racism is a global issue. The tactics used by the police in America, kneeling on George Floyds neck, that was learnt from seminars with Israeli secret services. There is no getting away from the absurdity of that sentence, that it would occur to a police officer in Minneapolis to kneel on someones neck only if taught to do so by Israeli secret services. There are Labour supporters, as there are people across society, who are so steeped in anti-Israeli conspiracy theories that they find it hard to see the danger of possibly sliding into antisemitism by making spurious connections. All members of the party leadership and the shadow cabinet know that it has been a particularly sensitive issue. Long Bailey was an awkward fit in Starmers shadow cabinet, where she took the education brief vacated by her friend Angela Rayner. Rayner had used it creatively to build herself up to the point where she became deputy leader. Long Bailey seemed unable to make anything of such an important post. Recently she caused Starmer problems when she welcomed the government rowing back from full school reopening plans before summer. The Labour leader wanted to attack the government for failing to deliver a good education to pupils. Whether it was a forced choice or not, Starmer has suddenly solved two problems at a stroke. He has removed an underperforming member of his shadow cabinet. But more importantly he has delivered decisive leadership, making clear that when he says restoring trust with the Jewish community is a number one priority, as he put it in the statement sacking Long Bailey, he means it. Any party member or member of the front bench who thinks they can argue over whether something is or is not antisemitic, or whether they did or did not approve of it, knows where they stand. Party discipline has just tightened a notch. Some of the Corbynites who feel strongly about it will resign their party membership. For Starmer, there are no downsides. It sends a message to the voters that he is a strong leader, a simplistic but important quality; that he is different from Corbyn; and that his politics are different from Corbyns despite winning the leadership on a platform of all of Corbyns policies. This now gives Starmer the chance to build on his impressive personal popularity by winning support across the centre ground from voters disillusioned with Boris Johnson. From the way youth see it, business as usual just wont cut it. Consider the staggering statistics: According to a survey done in 2014 by the World Economic Forums Partnering Against Corruption Initiative and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, 72 percent of millennials between 18 and 34 believe corruption is holding back their country. An equal number think it is causing lost opportunities for their generation. Not much has changed since that survey was done, but now add to this mix the spectre of COVID-19. One potential risk is an increase in corruption and fraud, further affecting already weakened economies. Young social entrepreneurs are particularly at risk from these threats. If they are not equipped with tools and guidance on how to succeed with integrity, in a difficult business environment, our economies will be poorer for it. The Asia-Pacific region is home to more than 60 percent of the worlds youth, about 700 million young people. It is estimated that they account for half of the jobless people in the region. Entrepreneurship offers a way out, and many are already taking this route. The region has one of the highest young startup rates across the globe, and 40 percent of these startups are creating jobs. In Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, small businesses account for more than 70 percent of private sector jobs. It is by no means an easy journey, so it is critical to guide them through this tough business terrain, especially during the pandemic. Even under normal circumstances, young social entrepreneurs and social innovation startups can be vulnerable to complicated bureaucracy, corruption, and fraud. They have little experience with navigating red tape, usually not much of a cash cushion to tide them through lockdowns and have not built up the business depth to sustain it during an extended shock. The crisis has further heightened this vulnerability. In March, Youth Co:Lab, a project co-led by UNDP and Citi Foundation, surveyed 410 young social entrepreneurs across 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Nine out of 10 reported that COVID-19 had negatively affected their businesses. Only 9.5 percent reported that their business had received a tax break, loan, grant, subsidy, or other form of support. While authorities have been taking measures to alleviate the economic impact of the pandemic, the rapid escalation of the crisis has forced them to act faster. In doing so, safeguards in the form of compliance, oversight, and accountability measures have been temporarily relaxed in some countries. This has made economic stimulus packages vulnerable to corruption and fraud. In other cases, these stimulus packages have only been directed toward big businesses. So young entrepreneurs miss out on initiatives that could help sustain their businesses. While shuttering a business can happen quickly, reopening is a hard road back. For young social entrepreneurs, temporary measures put in place to restrict movements, and in some cases limit information or access to financial instruments, can also jeopardize recovery. While public health standards, social distancing and contact tracing remain necessary, the way in which they are implemented is critical. There has to be care taken to protect civic rights and data privacy, as well as to extend support through business credits and social protection to tide them over. Poor governance, a lack of transparency and inadequate attention to the needs of micro and small entrepreneurs erodes trust in leadership and public institutions and exacerbates inequalities. It also increases the risks and costs of doing business. We must also value that it is the young business owner, investor and worker who are often the more socially and environmentally conscious than their older peers, and want to pursue more sustainable ways of producing and consuming that are better for people and the planet. Investing in them through this crisis is an investment in the next generation of investors and job creators. A reputation of integrity and doing the right thing influences how a business is perceived by its own employees, as well as consumers and investors. Ethically run and socially conscious enterprises have a positive impact on employees and business partners, contributing to decent jobs and dignified working conditions. Engaging young people in advocacy and educational programmes that inculcate these values and ways of doing business, at an early stage, is one of the best ways to change business culture. UNDP has developed a Business Integrity Toolkit for Young Entrepreneurs, to aid them in developing and sustaining ethical businesses that can survive and thrive, by embracing strong values and principles, as espoused by the UN and the Sustainable Development Goals. Given the high rates of startups in the Asia-Pacific region, and their drive for innovation and enterprise, there is little doubt that these young entrepreneurs will play a key role in the COVID-19 socio-economic recovery. By supporting them in ensuring business integrity and encouraging sustainable business, we will contribute not only to rebuilding our economies, but also to achieving a societal culture that puts a premium on protecting a more sustainable future for all. This article was originally published here. Yves here. It is over my pay grade to assess the legal merits of Keith Ellisons climate lawsuit. Having said that, my laypersons understanding is that advertising fraud is a well-settled area of law, and advertisers are liable for false claims. So I would anticipate that this suit ought to survive a motion to dismiss and be able to get to the discovery phase, which alone would be plenty damaging to these companies. So the open questions would be how to establish and set damages for false statements with broad societal impact (which makes it more challenging to tie to clearly quantifiable economic damage) and if the companies can drag the suit out long enough to outlast Ellison, on the hope his successor wont be as committed to a big complicated suit he didnt launch. By Andrea Germanos, staff writer at Common Dreams. Originally published at Common Dreams Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit Wednesday against ExxonMobil, Koch Industries, and the American Petroleum Institute for mounting a 30-year campaign of deception related to the climate crisis. There are no more worthy targets of a climate fraud lawsuit than Exxon, Koch Industries, and API: the unholy trinity of climate denial, said Richard Wiles, executive director of the Center for Climate Integrity, in a statement. The lawsuit, based on the states consumer protection laws, targets the companies for deliberately undermining the science of climate change, purposefully downplaying the role that the purchase and consumption of their products played in causing climate change and the potentially catastrophic consequences of climate change, and for failing to fully inform the consumers and the public of their understanding that without swift action, it would be too late to ward off the devastationactions they took while reaping billions in profits. According to Ellison, The fraud, deceptive advertising, and other violations of Minnesota state law and common law that the lawsuit shows they perpetrated have harmed Minnesotans health and our states environment, infrastructure, and economy. To remedy the great harm and injury Minnesotans have suffered as a result of the companies actions, the lawsuit is asking for the companies to disclose all their climate-related documents; fund a corrective public education campaign in Minnesota relating to the issue of climate change, administered and controlled by an independent third party; pay restitution to the state for harms incurred; and for the companies to disgorge all profits made as a result of their unlawful conduct. The consequences of the climate crisis, the attorney general said, have not been felt equally. Impacts from climate change hurt our low-income residents and communities of color first and worst, said Ellison. The impacts on farmers in our agricultural state are widespread as well. Holding these companies accountable for the climate deception theyve spread and continue to spread is essential to helping families to afford their lives and live with dignity and respect. Its only fair that, as our complaint states, the parties who have profited from avoiding the consequences and costs of dealing with global warming and its physical, environmental, social, and economic consequences, bear the costs of those impacts, rather than Minnesota taxpayers, residents, or broader segments of the public.' Environmental advocacy groups praised the filing. MN350 executive director Sam Grant, who was at Ellisons news conference announcing the lawsuit, called the legal action a long overdue step toward forcing these industries to pay for the damage theyve done by misleading the world. Reckoning with the crimes of this industry is also the start of building the clean energy infrastructure and more humane society well need to mitigate the disaster theyve made. This is the start of a better Minnesota and a planet where everyoneno matter their skin color, zip code, or incomecan thrive, said Grant. Marco Simons, general counsel for EarthRights International, said, Communities in Minnesota and elsewhere are paying the price for Exxons deception. In state after state, we see the same story unfold: Climate change driven by reckless fossil fuel development is costing communities millions of dollars a year as they are forced to repair essential infrastructure systems damaged by floods and other signs of climate change. The global crisis is also blamed for significant public health damage, through heat waves, increased air pollution, and insect-borne diseases, he said. Earthrights is also leading legal action against Exxon in Colorado, which Simons referenced in his statement. It is unconscionable that communities in Minnesota, Colorado, and around the world should be forced to pay for the destruction brought on by the rampant extraction and burning of fossil fuels. We stand in solidarity with the people of Minnesota and applaud this latest lawsuit against Exxon and its cronies, said Simons. Theres ample evidence of fossil fuel companies harms, said Rachel Licker, a Midwest-based senior climate scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists. The science linking the burning of fossil fuels to climate change is as settled as the link between smoking and cancer, she said. Even ExxonMobils own scientists warned their managers more than 40 years ago of potentially catastrophic events as a result of continued fossil fuel production and use. A physicist shared similar concerns at an API-organized 100th anniversary party for the U.S. oil industry as far back as 1959. But rather than alerting the public or taking action, ExxonMobil, Koch Industries, API, and its peers funded decades-long disinformation campaigns designed to cast doubt on the science and delay climate action. As the Center for Climate Integritys Wiles noted, Ellisons lawsuit wont mark the first time the state has stepped up for justice. Minnesota led the nationwide fight against Big Tobacco, and now, by taking on Big Oil for lying about climate change, the state is once again on the right side of history, said Wiles, adding that the oil industry is facing similar suits from other government entities, including the states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Minnesotas, however, is the first climate deception suit to target Koch Industries role. With more than a dozen pending climate change lawsuits, the walls are closing in on the fossil fuel industry, he said. Big Oil knew, Big Oil lied, and in the end Big Oil will have to pay. A healthcare worker speak with drivers at a coronavirus testing site in Pasadena in May. (Los Angeles Times) The U.S. stumbled badly at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when it came to testing. So few test kits were available, officials couldn't keep up with the infections emerging across their communities. And with no way of knowing where or how much the virus was spreading in their states, governors were forced to take drastic measures, most notably ordering people to stay home lest individuals with the disease overwhelm the healthcare system and die in numbers not seen since the 1918 flu pandemic. The devastating consequences of those decisions will reverberate for years. And everyone agrees that we cannot afford to return to such a dark time. But as COVID-19 roars back in record numbers, that's starting to seem like a very real, and terrifying, possibility. So its bewildering that the federal government would even consider pulling funding and support for 13 federally financed COVID-19 testing sites in five states next week. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said Wednesday that it was planning to do just that at the end of June. Have we already forgotten the initial testing debacle after just a few months? The news broke about the testing sites even as a resurgence of coronavirus cases has raised alarms across the Southern and Western United States. On Wednesday, the U.S. recorded the third-highest total of new COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began, and several states, including California, are seeing record levels of new infections. Things are particularly grim in Arizona (which hosted a rally for President Trump on Tuesday in which hundreds of unmasked people sat side by side yelling support), Florida and Texas. Seven of the testing sites scheduled to lose funding are in Texas, which is experiencing what Gov. Greg Abbott no coronavirus alarmist termed a massive outbreak of COVID-19. Things have gotten so bad there, Abbott urged Texans to stay home. Two of those seven sites are in Houston, where so many people infected with COVID-19 have been hospitalized that the city has almost no intensive care beds available for others who desperately need care. They rest of the testing sites are in Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Story continues It should be obvious that now is not the time to hamper testing in any way, no matter what Trump thinks about it. At a campaign rally in Tusla, Okla., Saturday, Trump said that he had asked aides to slow down testing to keep cases low. Later his handlers explained it as a joke, but Trump contradicted them, saying I dont kid and later continued to voice his displeasure with testing, tweeting: Cases up only because of our big number testing. Mortality rate way down!!!" Well, no, cases don't go up just because you confirm their existence with a test. Not looking for cases just makes it harder for public health officials to target resources. In fact, not testing people is a great way to ensure many more cases by leaving infectious but undiagnosed people out in their communities. Trump is not wrong about the nation's mortality continuing to decline, but that's not dispositive. It can take several weeks for an infection to result in death, so a surge in confirmed cases this month could mean a surge in deaths next month. Granted, the decision to pull funding for the testing sites doesn't seem to be the result of the president's recent complaints. Federal officials have been planning for a while to shift more of the cost of testing onto states and private parties. Nevertheless, it highlights how the Trump administration has continually failed to lead during the pandemic, leaving states largely on their own to protect their residents. What the federal and state governments should be doing is investing more dollars millions, if not billions, more into testing, tracing and isolation programs, while also putting into place a national pandemic strategy that moves away from trying to stamp out COVID-19 outbreaks after they flare up and instead seeks to prevent individual infections from blossoming into large-scale outbreaks in the first place. That way we might be able to get ahead of the virus until there's a vaccine and better treatments widely available. Yes, it will be expensive, but continuing to lose the fight against COVID-19 costs orders of magnitude more in economic activity and in lives. More than 45 million Americans have lost their jobs during the pandemic and more than 120,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. And we know testing pays off. The countries that have contained their own coronavirus outbreaks, such as New Zealand, Iceland and South Korea, were aggressive and strategic on testing, tracing and isolating in a way in which the U.S. has not been. Indeed, instead of pulling back on testing, the nation needs to double down on it. This is how we beat the invisible enemy, of which the president speaks. Not by covering our eyes and pretending it isnt there. Mumbai, June 25 : Maharashtra's Covid-19 cases again jumped sharply from Wednesday's highest of 3,890 to a new peak of 4,841 on Thursday while the deaths in Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) shot past the 5,000 mark to 5,065, health officials said. The state's fatalities again catapulted from the June's lowest of 62 to 192 on Thursday, down from the previous day's highest death figure of 248 on Tuesday. On June 16, the state had reported the highest 1,409 fatalities taking into account, reconciliation of earlier deaths, which drastically escalated the toll. With the latest fatalities, the state death toll climbed to 6,931 and total cases shot up to 147,741 till date, both being the highest in the country. Thursday's figures work out to roughly one death recorded every 8 minutes and a staggering 202 new cases notched every hour. For the third consecutive day, the recovery rate again improved and went up from 51.64 per cent to 52.42 per cent, while the mortality rate stood at 4.69 per cent. The Health Department said of the total number of cases declared till date, 63,342 are active cases. Of Thursday's deaths, Mumbai alone accounted for 98 - pulling up the city death toll past the 4,000 mark to touch 4,062 now, while the number of Covid-19 positive patients here went past the 70,000 level by 1,350 cases to touch 70,878 now. There were 37 deaths in Thane, 22 in Pune, 10 in Aurangabad, six in Jalgaon, four each in Palghar and Solapur, two in Akola and Palghar, one each in Raigad, Satara, Yavatmal, Nashik, Buldhana, and two from other states. On the positive side, a total of 3,661 fully cured patients - the second highest till date - returned home on Thursday, taking the number of those discharged to 77,453 now. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday made a shocking allegation that around 1,000 out-of-hospital Covid-19 deaths in Mumbai were suppressed. In a letter to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Fadnavis questioned the purported lapse and demanded a reconciliation of the figures, though the state government and BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation have not yet reacted. "It is wrong to suppress figures...in case of death because of Covid-19,A the figure should reflect within a maximum 72 hours," the BJP leader said in his letter. The MMR (Thane Division) remains a hotspot with a total of 5,065 Covid-19 deaths, and the number of positive cases touching 107,714. Thane - with 29,488 cases and 810 fatalities - has emerged as the second worst-hit district after Mumbai in the state. Pune district comes third with 18,015 patients and 659 deaths till now. But Pune Division ranks second (after MMR) with 21,346 patients and 937 deaths. The next major region of concern is Nashik Division with 463 deaths and 6,935 positive cases, followed by Aurangabad Division with 228 fatalities and 4,851 cases, and finally Akola Division with 119 deaths and 2,384 cases. Kolhapur Division has notched 46 deaths and 1,813 patients, Latur Division had 35 deaths and 837 cases, and finally Nagpur Division recorded 15 deaths and 1,740 cases. Interestingly, each of these three important divisions (Kolhapur, Latur and Nagpur) had no fresh deaths on Thursday, though there was a spurt in positive cases. Meanwhile, the number of people sent to home quarantine decreased to 556,428, while those in institutional quarantine increased to 33,952. As part of its ongoing stoush with the US, China has repeatedly pointed to American domestic politics as proof of its mishandling of the pandemic. "According to US media reports, the country is witnessing paltry efforts on handling COVID-19, an economy falling into recession, serious systemic racism, social disturbances, drug abuse and frequent mass shootings," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Wednesday. China has also followed through on its threat to use its economic might to punish Australia for uniting the international community on an inquiry into the source of the virus. Brandis said the behaviour showed that the ideological contests won by liberal democracies in the 20th century had morphed into a "contest of efficacy" and an "attack upon the efficacy of our systems of government in protecting our citizens". But he said China did not understand that public debates were a strength of democracies and not a weakness even when they appeared untidy. "Of course, pluralism will always look more untidy than conformity," he said. "Democracies such as ours, for whom the right of citizens to freely criticise their governments and challenge the wisdom of their leaders, will never have or wish to have the apparent unity which authoritarian governments prize. "None of this is weakness; our freedom is our great strength. "Yet, particularly in a time of crisis, it can be misrepresented as confusion." Democracies need to work together to protect themselves Brandis said China's attacks showed how vigilant liberal democracies had to be in defending themselves. He singled out Beijing's proposed national security law for Hong Kong, which Britain says would violate the territory's autonomy which was guaranteed in international law. Loading The former attorney-general called for democratic countries to work more closely in all vectors - including trade, intelligence sharing and defence, as "protection from those actors which do not share our values and will on occasions act in ways inimical to our interests". He said the primary focus of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing nations, comprising Britain, the US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, was to combat the "massive growth" in hostile intrusion into domestic affairs. He said this took place in the form of cyber-intrusion, intellectual property theft, interference in democratic processes by seeking to influence the outcomes of elections, infiltration of political parties, strategic acquisition of critical infrastructure and assets, covert interference in government decision-making, interference both covert and often overt - in universities, and disinformation campaigns through the media and social media. He said the foreign interference laws that he passed through the Australian parliament in 2017 as attorney-general were aimed at combating some of these intrusions and designed for international adoption. Prime Minister Scott Morrison at a recent press conference on cyber attacks. Credit:Mick Tsikas "The advice of Australias intelligence agencies is that it has been effective in reducing the level of hostile state activity within Australia," Brandis said. "There are many in the national security community who wish to see a similar scheme adopted here. "The Australian foreign interference legislation and Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme were developed by Australia explicitly as a Five Eyes project, in consultation with the four other governments, so as to produce a worlds best practice model which could be readily adopted by others." Veerle Nouwens, a research fellow with the Royal United Services Institute's Asia Studies, said Brandis' lecture posed important questions for Boris Johnson's government as it forges its new China policy after Brexit. China argues its political structure aided a swift response to the pandemic. Credit:Getty Images "The UK is currently pursuing more free-trade agreements, including with China, and is in the midst of defining its wider foreign policy as part of the integrated review process," Nouwens said. "While allies and partners will feature prominently in the UKs foreign policy moving forward, a question remains over how it will balance its relationship with Beijing." Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Showers this evening becoming less numerous overnight. Low 17F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Showers this evening becoming less numerous overnight. Low 17F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%. A second Coles worker at the supermarket's Melbourne distribution warehouse has tested positive to coronavirus. Victoria's Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton confirmed on Thursday there are now two cases at the Laverton distribution centre in the city's south-west. The first case was confirmed in a statement from Coles on Tuesday, saying the worker was self-isolating. 'Coles conducted contact tracing and a small number of team members identified as having had close contact have been instructed to self-isolate and be tested for COVID,' a statement read. Victoria's Chief Health Officer said on Thursday there are now two cases at the Coles distribution centre in Melbourne Melbourne has been hit with a wave of new COVID-19 cases in June 2020 prompting a testing blitz (pictured) The staff member at the Laverton distribution centre (pictured) in the city's south-west is self-isolating along with other workers who were in close contact with them The two cases are understood to be part of a cluster of 19 cases linked to family gatherings in Keilor Downs in Melbourne's north-west. 'The response to that is underway and there will be a number of people that will require quarantine,' Mr Sutton said on Thursday. He said while the size of the warehouse did not require close interactions between workers the cases were still concerning. 'It's a pretty large area and so there has not been a lot of close engagement between the staff there, but we have to take a precautionary approach because it's a big workforce.' Meanwhile, Victoria has recorded another 33 COVID-19 cases, prompting a suburban testing blitz in 10 localities to regain control of the spread of the deadly virus. The blitz will target 50 per cent of residents in Keilor Downs, Broadmeadows, Maidstone, Albanvale, Sunshine West, Hallam, Brunswick West, Fawkner, Reservoir and Pakenham. 'The first three days are solely focused on Keilor Downs and Broadmeadows, but we will move to the balance of those suburbs over the course of a 10-day period,' Premier Daniel Andrews said on Thursday. The areas of Melbourne identified as COVID-19 hotspots where there have been confirmed cases 'The response to that is underway and there will be a number of people that will require quarantine,' Mr Sutton (pictured) said on Thursday People leave Flinders Street Station while while wearing face masks as a preventive measure against the spread of novel coronavirus COVID-19 in Melbourne, Sunday, June 21, 2020 The suburbs were selected for their high rates of recent community transmission cases and the risk that undetected cases were circulating. Some 10,000 residents a day will be tested in the 10 locations by a fleet of 800 crew in mobile testing vans. Of Victoria's new cases, seven are returned travellers, nine are linked to known and contained outbreaks, six emerged after routine testing and the origin of another 11 cases are under investigation. Seven Victorians are in hospital, and two of those are in intensive care. Thursday's figure is the highest daily number of new cases in Victoria since the surge started last week. Victoria's active cases jumped from 58 to 143 in the period June 17-24, while the rest of the country combined only had an increase of 20. More than 1000 troops are coming to Victoria to help the state fight a growing coronavirus problem. Aside from Australian Defence Force personnel, the state will also get assistance from NSW, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland to process tests for the virus. Victoria has currently been processing 18,000 tests a day, but now 25,000 tests a day will be processed with the help of the other states. 'Whilst we're going to have this targeted blitz in those worst-affected suburbs, our overall statewide surveillance, the tests that we will do in non-hot-spot communities, will remain very, very strong,' Mr Andrews said. A handful of ADF staff have been helping out at Victoria's state control centre for several months, but the contingent will now drastically ramp up. 'Defence has been providing support to Victoria since April and I'm pleased we're able to rapidly increase our assistance to help Victoria respond to its current COVID-19 circumstances,' Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said in a statement. A cashier works behind a plexiglass shield as a measure to protect against coronavirus at a Coles supermarket Healthcare employees work in a COVID-19 testing facility at Northland shopping centre in Melbourne, Australia, 22 June 2020 Up to 850 ADF members will provide support to hotel quarantine monitoring and about 200 personnel will provide logistical and medical support for coronavirus testing. The agreement will be in place until the end of July. Community engagement in the local government areas of Brimbank, Casey, Cardinia, Darebin, Hume and Moreland has also ramped up after they were identified as coronavirus hotspots. There's 1000 health staff doorknocking in those local government areas to raise awareness. These areas have large migrant populations, with many speaking languages other than English at home. Information about the virus has been translated into 55 languages but the government has conceded it has to work harder to reach people. Since the spike in new cases, drive-through testing sites have experienced extremely high demand while panic buying has also returned, with Coles and Woolworths reinstating purchase limits on items like toilet paper. 25.06.2020 LISTEN ABANTU for Development and the African Womens Development Fund has called on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) to expedite processes to get Ghanas Affirmative Action Bill into Parliament. The groups again called on Ghanas Legislature to pass the Affirmative Action Bill with urgency in order to ensure an increased womens representation in the 2020 General Elections. The called was made on Wednesday, June 24th, 2020 in a press statement released by the organization on the need for the passage of Ghana's Affirmative Action Bill into Law. Below is the press statement released by ABANTU for Development and the African Women's Development Fund. The Need for the Passage of Ghanas Affirmative Action Bill into Law: An Affirmative Action is the act of supporting or recommending a cause of action to remedy an imbalance. An Affirmative Action is a temporary measure that is often instituted to redress the effects of past and current discrimination that is regarded as unfair and unjust. Affirmative Action is therefore used to correct issues regarding discrimination in the political, social, economic and cultural lives of any people. Ghanas Affirmative Action Bill defines Affirmative Action as A set of measures adopted by the Government, public and private institutions to address a history of systemic discrimination and exclusion of women and to encourage their efforts towards addressing political, social, cultural, economic and educational gender imbalance in the public and private sectors in accordance with clause (4) of article 17 of the Constitution. The Bill seeks to promote a progressive increase in active participation of women in public life from a minimum of 40% to a parity of 50% by 2030 in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ghanas Affirmative Action Bill when passed into Law, will ensure that a critical number of women are in key positions in governance and public life and in decision-making spaces that will improve the lives of women generally and will also lead to consequential changes in existing laws and policies to improve the lives of women. Though various efforts have been made in Ghana to balance political representation and participation between women and men, these efforts have not yielded desired results, mainly due to the low commitment and the political will to back such initiatives. Ghana began its quest for an Affirmative Action Law as far back as 1998, where guidelines on the Law were passed by the Cabinet. However, as at June 2020, the Bill has still not been passed. This is due to the low commitment on the part of stakeholders towards pushing for the passage of the Bill into Law. This low commitment has been realised because the purpose, relevance and benefits that we stand to gain as a country have not been clearly spelt out and disseminated to all citizens. This article therefore provides us insight into the basis for the passage of the Bill and the need for its passage. Ghana is signatory to several international and national protocols and laws such as, the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), Beijing Platform for Action, Solemn Declaration for Gender Equality in Africa, which set out the need to push for gender equality and govern womens equal participation. However, despite the ratification of these protocols, equal representation of women and men, is yet to be realised in the country. There are currently only thirtyeight (38) women, representing, 13.8% in Ghanas Parliament out of a total of two hundred and seventy-five (275) Members of Parliament. At the ministerial and ambassadorial levels, womens representation stands below 25%. In Ghanas Local Governance system, the situation is worse, as women constitute less than 5% of the elected. This low representation of women is in spite of the fact that women form 51.2% of Ghanas total population. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the passage of an Affirmative Action Law to address these inequalities. According to the United Nations, without the active participation of women and the incorporation of womens perspective at all levels of decision-making, the goals of equality, development and peace cannot be achieved and development interventions and planning will not achieve sustainable results. Womens participation and representation will bring about sustainable development which will improve the lives of all citizens. Furthermore, an Affirmative Action law in Ghana will promote equality in participation and representation in decision making processes which will enable women to protect and promote their rights and the country as a whole. With gender equality in participation and decision making, women will bring on board alternative development, their experience, knowledge and expertise in key areas of governance, such as education, child care and health issues as well as improve the delivery of social services in remote areas. Higher gender inequality in decision making is also associated with slower development of a country. Women account for approximately 50% of Ghanas labour force and are found in almost all kinds of economic activities in the country. When women are inadequately represented in decision making process, it is very unlikely, that that their needs and suggestions would be treated with priority which inadvertently affects the economic development of the country. This is because womens labour, experience, expertise, knowledge and best practices will not be considered in any decision relating to economic development. Thus, 50% of the population are likely to remain underdeveloped. The Affirmative Action law will therefore guarantee for equal representation of women and men in decision making spaces which will result in gender balanced policy making at all levels of governance. Research has shown that institutions and companies greatly benefit from increasing employment and leadership opportunities for women, which has shown to increase organisational effectiveness and growth. With an Affirmative Action law in place, more women would have the opportunity to hold managerial positions, which will increase organisational performance. An Affirmative Action Law will also increase womens interest in public and political office and would make a valuable contribution through their participation in decision making and will address socio-cultural prejudices against women. Finally, gender equality in decision making is a top priority, not only because equality between women and men is an important development goal, but also because womens participation in decision making process is vital for growth, peace and national stability. Having both men and women involved in decision-making broadens the perspectives, diversifies the pool of talents and competences, as well as improves the process of decision-making. The absence of women from positions of leadership is at odds with the strategy of exploiting human resources to promote business and performance. ABANTU for Development and the African Womens Development Fund are therefore calling on the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) to expedite processes to get Ghanas Affirmative Action Bill into Parliament. We are also calling on Ghanas Legislature to pass the Affirmative Action Bill with urgency in order to ensure an increased womens representation in the 2020 General Elections. Finally, we call on all stakeholders including civil society, political parties, traditional and religious leaders and all citizens to collectively increase the ongoing advocacy towards the passage of the Bill into Law. Assam Board Class 12 Result 2020 | In case, the official website resultsassam.nic.in is down or unresponsive, students can check their scores via these alternative platforms Assam Board Class 12 Result 2020 | The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) released the Class 12 result today (Thursday, 25 June) at 9 am. The Assam Board announced the Class 12 result on the official website resultsassam.nic.in. More than 2.3 lakh students appeared for the Class 12 board exams this year in Assam. Out of which, around 1.75 lakh took exams in the Arts stream, 40,500 in Science, and 18,000 in Commerce. The AHSEC had conducted the examination for Class 12 from 12 February to 14 March earlier this year for Science, Arts and Commerce streams. Considering as many students will be checking their scores on the official website, chances are that the portal might run slow or become unresponsive. In such cases, students are advised to avail third party-websites such as examresults.net, indiaresults.com as well as via SMS and downloading the Android app suggested by the board. How to check results on examresults.net Step 1: Visit the website: examresults.net Step 2: Select the state board, in this case Assam Step 3: Look for the link that says HS results 2020 and click on it Step 4: Fill in your roll no. and other credentials and Submit Step 5: Check your result, download and take a print out of it for future use. How to check results on indiaresults.com Step 1: Visit the indiaresults.com website Step 2: Select the state board, in this case, Assam Step 3: Look for the link that says HS Results 2019 and click on it Step 4: Fill in your roll no. and other credentials as per your admit card and click on Go to log-in Step 5: Check your result, download and take a print out of it for future use. Result via SMS In case the websites are slow, students can also avail their result via SMS service. To receive your Class 12 scores on SMS, students should send the message ASSAM12ROLLNUMBER to 56263. Result via Android app Apart from that, students can also check their scores through a result app suggested by AHSEC named Upolobdha. Candidates can download the Upolobdha app from Google Play Store and enter their mobile number to register. Registered candidates can then tap on the Assam Board HS Result 2020 link and enter their roll number to view the result. How to check AHSEC Class 12 board result on official website: Step 1: Go to the official website resultsassam.nic.in. Step 2: Click on the link for the Class 12 result. Step 3: Click on the link, which reads, "HS Final Year Examination Results 2020". It will open on a new webpage with a link that reads HS Final Year Exam Results 2020. Click on it to access the result webpage. Step 4: Enter your roll number and other required credentials required for logging in. Step 5: A page will open with your name, roll number, and subject code, name and marks obtained. Step 6: Download and take a printout of your result for future reference. About AHSEC The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) established on 1 June, 1984, regulates, supervises and develops the system of Higher Secondary Education in the state of Assam. The Board is also responsible for conducting the annual Higher Secondary Examination for all the three streams, ie, Arts, Commerce, and Science. Shaun King says he's received death threats after calling 'white Jesus' 'tool of oppression' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Controversial activist Shaun King on Tuesday said that hes received death threats after calling for churches to remove all depictions of Jesus, the Holy Family and the apostles as white European because he sees such depictions as a form of white supremacy. On Monday, King, a political activist who introduced Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., at the democratic socialists presidential campaign kickoff rally in Brooklyn last year, tweeted about the toppling of statues across the United States before he demanded that churches follow suit by removing all images of Jesus that depict Him as white. By Tuesday morning, King said hed received about 20 death threats in the past 12 hours since I said that statues of white European Jesus are a tool of oppression for white supremacy and should be taken down. In a series of Twitter posts through Monday evening, he wrote: Yes, I think the statues of the white European they claim is Jesus should also come down. They are a form of white supremacy. Always have been. In the Bible, when the family of Jesus wanted to hide, and blend in, guess where they went? EGYPT! Not Denmark. Tear them down. Yes. All murals and stained glass windows of white Jesus, and his European mother, and their white friends should also come down. They are a gross form white supremacy. Created as tools of oppression. Racist propaganda. They should all come down. Experts have long since said this is likely the most accurate depiction of Jesus. White Americans who bought, sold, traded, raped, and worked Africans to death, for hundreds of years in this country, simply could not have THIS man at the center of their faith. King, who has 1.1 million followers on Twitter, responded to the alleged death threats and reiterated his argument against Christian whiteness." The Christian Post reached out to King to request to view the threats and will include those details when a response is received. I am a practicing Christian. I am an ordained minister and was a Senior Pastor for many years, he tweeted. If my critiques of the white supremacy within the Christian world bother you to the point of wanting to kill me, you are the problem. Christian whiteness has ALWAYS been dangerous. Some of Kings Twitter followers agreed with his push for churches to remove all stained glass windows and other images depicting Jesus with fair skin. Others, however, posited whether hed fully thought through his argument since Jesus, Mary and other biblical figures have been depicted with different skin tones, styles of clothing as well as non-European characteristics in countries throughout the world. Fox News noted Monday that Ethiopian churches have long depicted Jesus as black. Throughout Asia, artwork has depicted Him and the Holy Family as Asian. In a previous interview with The Christian Post, Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz, who created the "Jesus the Homeless" statue and presented his sculpture A Quiet Moment to the late Pope John Paul II at the Vatican in 2004, said artists are frequently commissioned to create works that depict Jesus and biblical figures to look like a particular ethnicity and community. Joan Taylor, a professor of Christian origins and Second Temple Judaism at King's College in London, noted in a 2015 article titled What did Jesus really look like? that some of the familiar depictions of Jesus actually comes from the Byzantine era, from the 4th Century onwards. In 2001 forensic anthropologist Richard Neave created a model of a Galilean man for a BBC documentary, Son of God, working on the basis of an actual skull found in the region. He did not claim it was Jesus's face. It was simply meant to prompt people to consider Jesus as being a man of his time and place, since we are never told he looked distinctive, she added. Neave, a retired medical artist from the Unit of Art in Medicine at the University of Manchester, used a first century skull from a department of forensic science in Israel to reconstruct what Jesus might have looked like. These features included a large face, broad nose. Mark Goodacre, a professor of New Testament at Duke University, used third-century images from a synagogue to determine that Jesus skin color would have been an olive tone, not black or white. For all that may be done with modelling on ancient bones, I think the closest correspondence to what Jesus really looked like is found in the depiction of Moses on the walls of the third century synagogue of Dura-Europos, since it shows how a Jewish sage was imagined in the Graeco-Roman world, Taylor added. King, who has co-founded two political action committees, Real Justice PAC and The Action PAC, previously worked as a pastor at Total Grace Christian Center in DeKalb County, Georgia. He founded Courageous Church in 2008 but later resigned in 2012. He received an Oprah Winfrey Scholarship and graduated from Morehouse College, a historically black college in Atlanta. In 2015, King was accused of falsely portraying himself as black after media reports indicated that his birth certificate showed that both of his parents are white. A family member also told media outlets that he was lying about his race. This led CNN opinion host Don Lemon to ask a panel whether King is Rachel Dolezal 2.0 after he refused to answer the cable networks questions about his personal history and the race listed on his birth certificate. While King refused to answer questions about his birth certificate, Lemon said King did say that he is biracial. In response to media inquires about whether he was passing himself off as a black man, King wrote a piece for the Daily Kos in 2015, saying: I have been told for most of my life that the white man on my birth certificate is not my biological father and that my actual biological father is a light-skinned black man. My mother and I have discussed her affair. She was a young woman in a bad relationship and I have no judgment. King has also been mired in several controversies surrounding the accounting of money he managed for social justice causes and his relaunch of Frederick Douglass abolitionist newspaper, The North Star. While The Daily Beast noted hes never faced criminal or civil charges related to the accusations of wrongdoing, professor and author Keisha N. Blain said in a post on Twitter that she was warned about King. Blain claimed that she learned through personal experience that he is a liar and a fraud. Additionally, King has been accused many times of trying to spark racial unrest. Last year, he falsely identified a white man in the fatal shooting of 7-year-old Jazmine Barnes, who was killed by two black men in a drive-by shooting in Houston, Texas. Following the police-involved death of George Floyd on May 25, King shared a video clip on his Instagram account showing Minneapolis police officers attempting to get a handcuffed Floyd into a squad car. King claimed the officers were beating the s*** out of Floyd. An extended video shows Floyd struggling to stand up outside the vehicle before he entered and then exited the opposite side and fell to the ground where two officers restrained his legs and back, and Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes before he died. Chauvin is now facing second-degree murder charges for his actions. A new poll shows one in three Portland voters dont know whether theyll vote for incumbent Mayor Ted Wheeler or challenger Sarah Iannarone in November if they vote at all. The poll, paid for by Iannarones campaign and conducted by North Carolina-based Public Policy Polling last week, found that 35% of 992 Portlanders were up in the air. The remaining voters were split with 33% saying they would vote for Wheeler and 32% for Iannarone. The margin of error was plus or minus three percentage points. The poll provides a first look at what could be a close mayors race and shows that Wheeler and Iannarone both have plenty of people to win over to sway their race their way. The general election is Nov. 3. The pair faced off for the second time to be Portland mayor during the May 19 primary, with Iannarone finishing second after a third-place finish against Wheeler four years earlier. In a field of 19 candidates on the ballot, Wheeler received 49% of the vote and Iannarone received 24%, leading to the November runoff. [Read the poll results] John Horvick, political director for Portland-based DHM Research, who played no role in the mayoral poll, said the high proportion of undecided voters it found isnt unusual five months before a city or statewide election. Lower undecided percentages, around 10%, are typically more common in presidential races, he said. He noted in October 2014, in a poll for OPB just weeks before the general election, his firm asked 516 likely voters to name the Democratic and Republican candidates for governor and U.S. Senate. He said 62% correctly identified then-incumbent Governor John Kitzhaber, 34% named then-gubernatorial challenger Dennis Richardson, 46% identified incumbent Sen. Jeff Merkley and 42% could name senatorial challenger Monica Wehby. All of which is to say that 35% undecided in the mayors race today isnt surprising, Horvick said. He did call it a real surprise if support for Wheeler really did drop from 49% at the time of the May primary to 33% in mid-June, when the poll was taken. Only 51% of eligible Multnomah County voters cast ballots in the May primary, whereas the poll sampled the whole pool of registered voters, many of whom sat out the primary and may not vote in the fall. Do I think he lost that much support in a month? Its possible, major events have happened, Horvick said. If that 33% number is real and indicative of the population as a whole, that is something for sure. Katherine Patterson of Public Policy Polling said in a memo about the poll that the high percentages of undecided voters and those without a strong opinion of Iannarone provided the mayoral challenger with an opportunity to grow support further as her name recognition improves. Iannarones campaign also noted she has far out-fundraised Wheeler in the weeks since the primary. This election is not just about who should lead us through our COVID recovery but whos got the tools to help us realize the future Portlanders want, Iannarone said in a statement, reflecting Wheelers pre-primary appeals to vote for steady leadership in the face of the pandemic. We deserve visionary leadership that believes in us, with the life experience to understand what were going through, and with workable solutions for the problems my opponent has failed to solve. Amy Rathfelder, Wheelers campaign manager, said the mayor is focused the citys coronavirus recovery and addressing racial justice in the city and that his leadership on those issues are critical to building the kind of inclusive, safe and equitable community we all deserve. We emerged from the primary in a very strong position and will continue to pursue forthright conversations with voters, rooted in action, through the November election, Rathfelder said in a statement. The poll also found that 41% said they disapproved of Wheelers job performance as mayor, 61% said they werent sure if they had a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Iannarone and 63% said they generally supported reallocating funding from the police bureau budget to investments for Portlands communities of color. It found 22% opposed to the idea and 15% who said they werent sure. The majority of participants, 66%, said they were most concerned about the citys recovery from coronavirus (24%), police issues (22%) and housing and homelessness (20%) The poll was conducted June 17 and 18. The majority of the interviews, 60%, were conducted via text and the rest by phone; 53% of the respondents identified as women; 64% of participants were between the ages of 30 to 65; and 64% said they were registered Democrats. Participants between 18 to 29 made up 14% of those polled and people older than 65 made up 22%. Of those surveyed, 74% identified as white, 7% as Hispanic or Latino, 7% as Asian, 5% as African-American and 8% as a race other than the options listed. Meanwhile some have called for a write-in mayoral campaign for the third-place finisher in the May primary, community organizer Teressa Raiford, who received 8.5% of the vote. Raiford, whose nonprofit organization Dont Shoot Portland is among those whove recently sued the city over police use of tear gas and other tactics during downtown demonstrations, has said on social media that she isnt part of the write-in campaign but applauded the effort. -- Everton Bailey Jr; ebailey@oregonian.com | 503-221-8343 | @EvertonBailey Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Italy and Interpol on Wednesday launched a drive to stop the 'Ndrangheta, the southern Italian mafia, from cashing in on the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic. Eleven countries will coordinate to track down and arrest suspects trying to tap into public money being released to rescue economies hit by effects of the lockdowns. They will also try to trace attempts by organised crime to infiltrate legitimate businesses. "COVID-19, which for the whole world represents the most tragic and sudden pandemic of the modern era, could become an extraordinary opportunity for 'Ndrangheta -- and for organised crime in general -- to conquer new markets and launder money," said Italys Chief of Police, Prefect Franco Gabrielli. The I-CAN project was designed to head off that threat, he said. Police chiefs from all 11 countries met in a video conference Wednesday to begin mapping out the movement of fugitives across their borders, said a statement from Interpol. The 'Ndrangheta's vast reserves of cash mean they can offer help to businesses struggling after the coronavirus lockdowns, giving the criminal group an entry into the legitimate economy, said Interpol. "The 'Ndrangheta is an invisible threat and a dangerous criminal business partner," said Interpol chief Juergen Stock. "This is how their cycle feeds itself across more than 30 countries. A cycle we must act to stop -- now." Last month, Italian police announced they had broken up an 'Ndrangheta operation involving public works tenders valued at over 100 million euros ($110 million), including EU funds. They identified 63 people in the network, including 11 public officials. They are preparing cases for alleged public tender fraud, abuse of office, and bribery. The 11 countries taking part in I-CAN are Australia, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United States and Uruguay. The 'Ndrangheta, centred in Calabria region, has surpassed Sicily's more famous Cosa Nostra to become Italy's most powerful mafia group, operating across the world. A major police sting in December against the group resulted in the arrest of 334 people, including a police colonel and a former MP. The coronavirus pandemic killed nearly 35,000 in Italy, which is only just emerging from a nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the outbreak. A new model from NASA scientists supports the theory that the interior ocean in Jupiter's moon Europa would be able to sustain life. In addition they have calculated that this water, believed to be an ocean under the surface ice shell, could have been formed by breakdown of water-containing minerals due to either tidal forces or radioactive decay. This work, which is not yet peer-reviewed, is presented for the first time at the virtual Goldschmidt conference, and may have implications for other moons in the Solar System. Europa is one of the largest moons in the solar system. Since the flybys of the Voyager and Galileo spacecraft, scientists have held that the surface crust floats on a subsurface ocean. However the origins and composition of this ocean have been unclear. The researchers, based at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, modelled geochemical reservoirs within the interior of Europa using data from the Galileo mission. Lead researcher Mohit Melwani Daswani said "We were able to model the composition and physical properties of the core, silicate layer, and ocean. We find that different minerals lose water and volatiles at different depths and temperatures. We added up these volatiles that are estimated to have been lost from the interior, and found that they are consistent with the current ocean's predicted mass, meaning that they are probably present in the ocean". The researchers found that ocean worlds such as Europa can be formed by metamorphism: in other words, heating and increased pressure caused by early radioactive decay or later subsurface tidal movement, would cause the breakdown of water-containing minerals, and the release of the trapped water. They also found that this ocean would originally have been mildly acidic, with high concentrations of carbon dioxide, calcium and sulfate. "Indeed it was thought that this ocean could still be rather sulfuric" said Mohit Melwani Daswani, "but our simulations, coupled with data from the Hubble Space Telescope*, showing chloride on Europa's surface, suggests that the water most likely became chloride rich. In other words, its composition became more like oceans on Earth. We believe that this ocean could be quite habitable for life." He continued, "Europa is one of our best chances of finding life in our solar system. NASA's Europa Clipper mission will launch in the next few years, and so our work aims to prepare for the mission, which will investigate Europa's habitability. Our models lead us to think that the oceans in other moons, such as Europa's neighbor Ganymede, and Saturn's moon Titan, may also have formed by similar processes. We still need to understand several points though, such as how fluids migrate through Europa's rocky interior". The researchers have now teamed up with groups in Nantes and Prague to try to identify if seafloor volcanoes may have contributed to the evolution of the chloride-rich water on Europa. NASA has recently released new high-resolution photos of Europa, showing possible exploration sites to test these findings. https://www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/newly-reprocessed-images-of-europa-show-chaos-terrain-in-crisp-detail. Commenting, Professor Steve Mojzsis, Professor of Geology at the University of Colorado, said: "A long-standing question over whether a "cloaked ocean" world like Europa could be habitable boils down to whether it can sustain a flow of electrons which might provide the energy to power life. What remains unclear is whether such icy moons could ever generate enough heat to melt rock; certainly interesting chemistry takes place within these bodies, but what reliable flow of electrons could be used by alien life to power itself in the cold, dark depths? A key aspect that makes a world "habitable" is an intrinsic ability to maintain these chemical disequilibria. Arguably, icy moons lack this ability, so this needs to be tested on any future mission to Europa". Professor Mojzsis was not involved in this work, this is an independent comment. With a diameter of 3,100km, Europa is slightly smaller than the Earth's Moon. As Europa orbits Jupiter around 780 million km from the Sun, the surface temperature never rises above minus 160 Celsius; the ocean temperature is still unknown. Galileo is credited with discovering Europa, along with 3 larger moons of Jupiter, on January 8th 1610. The Goldschmidt conference thanks the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory for their cooperation in the production of this material and use of photograph. For more information on the Europa Clipper mission, see https://europa.nasa.gov/ The Goldschmidt conference is the world's main geochemistry conference, hosted by the Geochemical Society and the European Association of Geochemistry. Held annually, it covers such material as climate change, astrobiology, planetary and stellar development and conditions, chemistry of Earth materials, pollution, the undersea environment, volcanoes, and many other subjects. For 2020 the scheduled Hawaii congress has been moved online, and takes place from 21-26 June, see https://goldschmidt.info/2020/index. Future congresses are in Lyon, France (2021) and the rescheduled Hawaii congress (2022). ### See reference Sodium chloride on the surface of Europa; by Samantha K. Trumbo, Michael E. Brown, Kevin P. Hand; Science Advances 12 Jun 2019 : eaaw7123; https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/5/6/eaaw7123] Tens of thousands of residents are beginning medical careers as a new wave of coronavirus patients threaten to overwhelm hospitals and the doctors who care for them. Its not quite what these new doctors signed up for or expected when they entered medical school four years ago. But they are providing reinforcements to a stretched corps of health care providers desperate for help as cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, surge in Texas. Dr. Rachel Boren, a pediatrics resident at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, heard the stories about doctors falling ill and, in some cases, dying from the coronavirus. Like many of her fellow residents, who graduated in May, she is nervous about entering the medicine when doctors and nurses are at high risk of contracting the disease. At the same time, said Boren, 26, who graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine. I don't see another way because I think that all these patients need the best health care they can receive. Boren and other new doctors are beginning careers at a particularly uncertain period for their profession and the health care industry. Not only must they contend with a global pandemic in the short term, they also face the long-term prospect of working in health care systems stressed by a shortage of physicians. The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage between 46,900 and 121,900 physicians by 2032 as the U.S. population grows at a faster rate than new doctors enter the health care system. At the same time, the nations aging population will require more care. For patients, that would mean longer wait times for medical specialists, such as pulmonologists who focus on respiratory systems, and a worse shortage of doctors in rural and low-income communities, said Dr. Janis Orlowski, chief health care officer at the Association of American Medical Colleges. UNINSURED RATES: Report: 1.6 million Texans lost employer-sponsored health insurance Help wanted During the pandemic, hospitals are seeking all the help they can get. Texas loosened medical licensing requirements in March to allow retired nurses and doctors and medical practitioners with out-of-state licenses to treat patients. The recently graduated residents are also boosting the local health care workforce, as infection rates rise in Houston, said Dr. Richard Hamill, who oversees the Baylor College of Medicines internal medicine residency program. Hes divided his residents into three groups: the first as clinical workers on the front lines treating patients; the second as backup in case residents or attending doctors get sick; and the third on standby, mostly studying for their board certifications and taking online classes focused on technical and policy issues in health care. In the three months since the pandemic broke out, a handful of his doctors have contracted COVID-19 as well as other illnesses unrelated to the virus, leaving gaps in care for patients. Thats where the residents can fill in, he said. Hamill said he sees parallels to his own residency, which he completed during the height of the AIDS/HIV pandemic in the 1980s. At the time, those doctors had few clues how HIV was transmitted or when a drug treatment or vaccine would be available. None of the residents have backed off, Hamill said. A lot stepped up. A lot are stepping up now. Dr. Daniel Bajwa, who in mid-June started his residency in internal medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, sees the pandemic providing an on-the-ground training experience that he would have never gotten otherwise. He expects his residency to be a long course in patient safety, giving extra care to prevent transmitting COVID-19 infection to patients who come the hospital for other reasons. Bajwa, 28, also expects to encounter COVID-19 patients when he begins his rotation in the emergency room in July in the emergency department. He admitted hes worried about catching the virus. At least for my sanity, I try not to dwell on that, he said. Dr. Amy Engler, who began her residency as an internal medicine physician in mid-June, sees the opportunity to help when doctors are needed more than ever. Engler, 29, finished her medical school requirements at the Baylor College of Medicine in March, and will stay at Baylor to complete her residency. I feel the responsibility to my community to take care of my patients and be there for my city, she said. NEW GRADS: Pompless circumstance: Houstons graduating class of 2020 Many other new and aspiring doctors feel the same way. Researchers at the Association of American Medical Colleges at one time worried that COVID-19 would scare students from the profession, worsening projected physician shortages. But the number of people applying to take medical licensing exams hasnt declined. Nor has the number of students wanting to become doctors. People take a look at what we are doing, said Orlowski, the associations president, and theyre saying, You know, I want to have a profession like that. I want to be able to serve people, I want to be able to help them. gwendolyn.wu@chron.com twitter.com/gwendolynawu Former Post Office boss Paula Vennells caused outrage yesterday after trying to shift the blame for an IT scandal that ruined the lives of more than 1,000 postmasters. The part-time priest, 61, insisted she did not approve prosecutions of her staff and was misled by computer experts. She said she was told the IT system was like 'Fort Knox' by the boss of operator Fujitsu in a letter to the MPs' business select committee. Mrs Vennells also blamed postmasters for collapsing a mediation scheme and taking the case to court. Hundreds of workers were sacked, made bankrupt or wrongly convicted after cash appeared to vanish from their tills between 1999 and 2015. Former Post Office boss Paula Vennells (pictured) caused outrage yesterday after trying to shift the blame for an IT scandal that ruined the lives of more than 1,000 postmasters It was later ruled that shortfalls were the result of flaws in the Post Office's IT system Horizon. Yesterday it also emerged that the Government, which owns the Post Office, knew about issues with the programme from 2012. Mrs Vennells' comments provoked fury among MPs yesterday. Labour's Karl Turner, a former shadow attorney general, said: 'The obfuscation in her evidence is an utter disgrace. Vennells has chosen to throw everybody under the bus to save her own skin. She is responsible for ruining postmasters' lives and she ought to face up to some responsibility.' Mrs Vennells (right) also blamed postmasters for collapsing a mediation scheme and taking the case to court Tory MP Andrew Bridgen added: 'Paula Vennells has treated MPs and postmasters with contempt and derision. If she's not responsible as chief executive for this massive miscarriage of justice then who is? Her claims are ludicrous and, if true, would constitute a gross dereliction of her duty as head of the Post Office.' Conservative peer Lord Arbuthnot said parts of her evidence to MPs were 'obviously rubbish'. Mrs Vennells broke her silence for the first time in more than five years in the written evidence to MPs. 100m bill for taxpayers The Post Office's legal battle against its staff has cost taxpayers more than 100million. The Government-owned company fought more than 550 postmasters in a High Court case over two years before agreeing a 57.75million settlement. Yesterday boss Nick Read said the legal fees totalled 43million. He said an additional 560 postmasters have applied to a new scheme for compensation. The cases of 47 staff given criminal convictions after being accused of crimes due to flaws in the Horizon IT system have been sent to the Court of Appeal to be reconsidered. Another 900 prosecutions are being reviewed. Advertisement She said: 'I remember being told by Fujitsu's then CEO when I raised it with him that the system was 'like Fort Knox'.' Mrs Vennells went on to blame her own staff, saying it was the responsibility of the Post Office's top lawyer to oversee prosecutions. The former chief has been accused of covering up the scandal and driving postmasters into a court battle to prove they were wrongfully accused. In December, former staff won a 58million settlement after the Post Office capitulated and apologised. Three separate inquiries have now been launched to find out how an arm of the state was allowed to persecute its own staff for so long. The Daily Mail has led the way in exposing the scandal as part of the Save Our Post Offices campaign. The Government has resisted an inquiry, which could root out ex-ministers' role. Mrs Vennells joined the Post Office in 2007 and took the top job last April. The married mother-of-two, who was paid 4.5million during her tenure, was made a CBE for services to the Post Office last year. In her statement to MPs, Mrs Vennells added: 'I am deeply sorry for those... who have suffered, for their families and colleagues, and for what they have been through.' Nick Read, the new chief executive of the Post Office, said bosses 'got some things wrong' and now need to focus on the best way forward. Fujitsu said it takes the concerns raised 'very seriously'. Mrs Vennells joined the Post Office in 2007 and took the top job last April. The married mother-of-two, who was paid 4.5million during her tenure, was made a CBE for services to the Post Office last year ROYAL MAIL PLEA TO AXE PRICE PROMISE By James Salmon City Editor for the Daily Mail The boss of Royal Mail has pleaded for an overhaul of 180-year-old laws requiring it to deliver post anywhere in the UK for the same price. Chairman Keith Williams said the postal service is battling for survival and the decline in letters being sent has accelerated during the coronavirus crisis. He believes this makes it impossible to be viable without looking again at its so-called Universal Service Obligation. The rules legally require Royal Mail to deliver post to any address in the country for the same price from Monday to Saturday. They have been in place since the Penny Black the worlds first postage stamp was launched in 1840. Royal Mail, which yesterday announced plans to slash around 2,000 management jobs said it has become increasingly unprofitable. It has also allowed rivals such as DHL and Hermes to become more dominant in the parcels business. In an open letter to ministers, Mr Williams, 64, revealed the postal service was losing 1million a day and letter volumes had slumped by a third during the lockdown. He said it was impossible to achieve sustainability without looking at our Universal Service Obligation. But James Daley, of consumer campaign group Fairer Finance, said: It keeps every corner of Britain connected and is a lifeline for many rural communities. It would be an absolute travesty if it was axed. Royal Mail must provide the service until at least next year. Ofcom said it is under review. DKSH Business Unit Technology and Bruker have extended their distribution agreement in China. Last year in April, the two companies strengthened their partnership in Asia by adding a business cooperation in China with the distribution of the Bruker XRF products S2 PUMA and S2 POLAR. With the extended agreement, DKSH will also provide marketing, sales and after-sales services in China for the Bruker 3D X-ray Microscopy product line. DKSH aims to bring 3D X-ray Microscopy to customers across a range of material science industries, including geology, oil & gas exploration, polymers & composites, batteries & energy storage, pharma & packaging, automotive & aerospace, 3D printing and electronics. Timothy Cline, Bruker AXS Vice President Global Sales, commented: We are more than happy to announce the extension of our partnership with DKSH. DKSH has been a reliable business partner for us and has successfully grown our key products in local markets. Their wide access to industry segments, excellent market knowledge and coverage as well as their customer-centric mindset make them the right partner for us. Oliver Hammel, Managing Director, Business Unit Technology, DKSH China, added: We are very pleased to extend our partnership with Bruker AXS in this promising high-tech segment. The extension of this strategic partnership proves that the state-of-the-art products and applications from Bruker paired with the unmatched sales coverage of DKSH can increase market participation and market share. This collaboration will enable us once more to enrich our product portfolio with more innovative and high-quality products and become an even more important solution provider to our customer base in China. As small businesses in Toronto continue to close for good, advocates are renewing their call for an overhaul of how the province assesses commercial property taxes. In the area covered by the West Queen West BIA from Gladstone Avenue to Bathurst Street nearly half of the businesses have permanently closed, said Djanka Gajdel, the areas Business Improvement Association treasurer. Another 20 per cent arent sure theyll be able to hold on much longer. COVID-19 has a lot to do with that, of course. But Gajdel said years of skyrocketing property taxes that dont reflect buildings current use have resulted in financial fragility for the areas small businesses, making them more vulnerable to a crisis like COVID-19. City councillor Brad Bradford, who represents Beaches-East York, says the model assesses properties for their potential use, not their current use. So an older building in downtown Toronto may be assessed as if it were a condominium tower, he said. Gajdel said this has resulted in businesses that are less resilient. It wasnt the pandemic that killed our small businesses. It was the commercial taxes. Rob Sysak, executive director of the West Queen West BIA, said he believes many more businesses will close when the commercial eviction freeze lifts. Its a bloodbath, he said. Torontos property taxes are assessed by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC), a crown corporation. Gajdel said MPACs assessment model results in arbitrary tax bills that dont reflect buildings current usage. In an emailed statement, a MPAC spokesperson said the corporation does not speculate on the future use of a property but uses sales of similar properties nearby and permitted uses of the land to make its assessments. Joe Cressy, city councillor for Ward 10, Spadina-Fort York, has been a vocal advocate for the assessment model to be overhauled. He said property taxes have become an issue for small businesses right across the city, and that city council has made a number of calls for the province to address the problem. In 2017, Toronto Mayor John Tory wrote a letter to then-finance minister Charles Sousa, calling MPACs assessment model often distorted. He pointed to news of rising tax bills that were forcing some businesses to shut their doors. We require a fairer model of assessing property taxes for our small businesses, and I would encourage you to review options, Tory wrote. Two years later, the conversation was still ongoing. The owner of a Wellington Street West restaurant said his taxes had been hiked more than 500 per cent since 2007: to $203,710 in 2019 from $31,276. Sysak said the skyrocketing vacancies caused by business closures will also cause many smaller landlords to sell their properties instead of facing the property taxes. As part of their rent, businesses pay whats known as TMI: taxes, maintenance and insurance. In West Queen West, Gajdel said property taxes account for 50 to 70 per cent of many businesses monthly costs. And she doesnt blame the landlords, many of whom are small businesses themselves passing down the cost to the tenant, she said. Gajdel said it would be insanity to continue under this system post-COVID-19, and that changing the system now could really help more small businesses emerge intact from the pandemic. She said its time the city found a more diverse set of ways to gather revenue. Bradford agrees. Reforming the commercial tax system is something weve needed prior to the pandemic. But its become more important, more acute and more urgent now. Bradford said one source of untapped revenue for the city is in online commerce. As businesses have increasingly moved online, with many shuttering their brick-and-mortar locations during COVID-19, the provincial and federal governments are gathering tax on these businesses while municipalities are not. We dont see a dime, and yet were the ones that are left with the burden of vacant storefronts and small businesses that are failing. In an emailed statement, Rocco Rossi, president and CEO of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, said many small businesses that had their property tax up for renewal were offered grace periods or extended renewal periods by their municipalities. He said the OCC is researching municipal revenue opportunities for an upcoming report that will help both cities and businesses thrive. Bradford said there are four key components to easing the tax burden on small businesses, most of which involve the province adjusting tax bands, rate capping, overhauling the assessment model and creating a vacant-storefront tax. Some of these changes are already underway, said Cressy, but the one that would have the biggest impact the assessment model overhaul has not been addressed. Businesses require tax fairness, and tinkering around the edges is not going to solve it. Rather, this broken tax assessment model is the piece that needs to be fixed, he said. Cressy doesnt think overhauling MPACs tax assessment model would necessarily create a lack of revenue shifting some of the burden onto large buildings would make up for it, he said. Bradford believes MPAC understands the challenges faced by small businesses due to the current assessment model, but that their hands are tied by government policy. Its a fundamentally flawed tax model that was urgently needed to be fixed by the province prior to this. And if they dont fix it soon, far too many businesses are at risk of closing because of it. Scott Blodgett, a spokesperson for Ontarios Ministry of Finance, said in an email that properties in Ontario are assessed based on their current value and that MPAC has regard for the current permitted uses of properties, not speculative or hypothetical uses. He said in 2019, the province announced a review of the property assessment and taxation system, and added that municipalities have tools to mitigate property taxes such as adjusting tax ratios and a business property tax capping program, which Toronto is using. With regards to COVID-19, Blodgett said the government has postponed the 2020 tax assessment until 2021, and that some municipalities are allowing property tax payments to be deferred. Sysak has hope the governments assessment could lead to change, but in the interim businesses will continue to suffer. Hed like to see a reassessment taking the pandemic into account, but doesnt think that will happen. He said it will be up to the city to help mitigate the damage until businesses can get back on their feet. Though businesses needed to have their property taxes drop years ago, its better late than never, Sysak said. Cressy agrees. The right time was five years ago. The right time was two years ago. The right time was yesterday. With files from Sahar Fatima, Gilbert Ngabo and Betsy Powell BENI, Congo - Eastern Congo marked an official end Thursday to the second deadliest Ebola outbreak in history, which killed 2,280 people over nearly two years, as armed rebels and community mistrust undermined the promise of new vaccines. Thursdays milestone was overshadowed, though, by the enormous health challenges still facing Congo: the worlds largest measles epidemic, the rising threat of COVID-19 and another new Ebola outbreak in the north. We are extremely proud to have been able to be victorious over an epidemic that lasted such a long time, said Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, who co-ordinated the national Ebola response and whose team also developed a new treatment for the once incurable hemorrhagic disease. The announcement initially was set for April but another case emerged just three days before the Ebola-free declaration was expected. That restarted the 42-day waiting period required before such a proclamation can be made. The epidemic, which began in August 2018, presented an unprecedented challenge for the World Health Organization, Congos Health Ministry and international aid groups because it was the first Ebola epidemic in a conflict zone. Armed groups posed such a risk that vaccinations sometimes could only be carried out by small teams arriving by helicopter. But much of the risk to hospitals and health workers came from the communities, often angered by the presence of outsiders and the amount of money being spent on Ebola as far more people died of perennial killers like malaria. Some suspected the epidemic was a political scheme, a theory that grew after then President Joseph Kabila cancelled the national elections in Ebola-affected areas. Only a few years earlier, West Africas Ebola epidemic killed more than 11,000, as at that time there was no licensed vaccine or treatment. By the time of the eastern Congo outbreak there was not one but two new experimental vaccines to ward off the disease that kills about half its victims. After more than a quarter century of conflict, though, distrust of government health workers and other outsiders was exceptionally high in eastern Congo. Many residents initially outright refused the vaccine, fearing it would harm them. New treatment options also offered promise, and the aid group ALIMA even developed a way for patients to feel less isolated. A transparent enclosure for individual patients allowed visitors to still see their loved ones who were undergoing treatment. Yet fear of dying alone still kept many people from going to medical facilities until it was too late. Ultimately two different experimental vaccines were made available in eastern Congo on a compassionate use basis one manufactured by Merck, the other by Johnson & Johnson. Those vaccines later received regulatory approval and now are expected to be used again in Congos northern Equateur province where a new outbreak already has claimed 11 lives. That area also had an outbreak in 2018 that killed 33 people before it was brought under control within months. And with the arrival of COVID-19, health teams in eastern Congo are once again trying to persuade people that a virus theyve never heard of before could still kill them. The COVID-19 outbreak in the region has been minimal so far, but the challenges of Ebola underscore how fraught it could be to test and treat those in areas under the control of armed rebels. Some, though, are hopeful the region can weather coronavirus people here already know how to social distance. Schools, churches and mosques are already armed with hand-washing kits. Ebola has changed our culture, said Esaie Ngalya, whose grandmother died from the virus. Now I go to see my uncle but we dont shake hands. In our culture that is considered disrespectful but now we have no choice because health comes first. ___ Larson reported from Dakar, Senegal. Asssociated Press writer Jean-Yves Kamale in Kinshasa, Congo contributed. Senegalese President Macky Sall has self-isolated himself for two weeks as a precaution after coming into contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, the presidential office said on Thursday. Seydou Gueye, the presidents adviser in charge of communications, said that Mr Sall had taken the COVID-19 test after being exposed to coronavirus. The results came back negative. However, following the doctors recommendations on this issue, the president has been isolated for two weeks, starting on Wednesday, June 24, Gueye said in a statement posted on the offices Twitter account. According to the Senegalese Health Ministrys latest update, the West African country has so far registered 6,129 COVID-19 cases, 93 deaths and 4,072 recoveries. (Sputnik/NAN) I was doing some recent research for a book on the early Troubles and I studied the record of a key event. In September 1971, a month after the introduction of internment, the British Prime Minister, Edward Heath, met the Taoiseach, Jack Lynch, at Chequers and both were joined by the Northern Ireland Prime Minister, Brian Faulkner. They had as their joint concern the ending of the violence. Faulkner wanted to preserve internment and claim it as a success. Heath wanted a security-based response to the trouble, but with political reform, and Lynch wanted to drum it into the heads of the other two that the key problem was partition. A few things come out of a reading like that which startle the modern mind with its reasonably well informed grasp of our history. One is the way in which the Catholic/nationalist/republican community is routinely referred to as "the minority". At this stage, no coherent political position is attributed to "the minority". Faulkner wants to make space for some of "the minority" in Stormont, so long as they are unionists. Lynch wants to argue that all of "the minority" want a united Ireland. He carries a message from the SDLP that "the minority" can be separated from the IRA so long as political reform is granted. Lynch had wanted to bring in internment himself. In fact, at Chequers, when Lynch got uppity about internment, Heath reminded him that he had had a seat in De Valera's cabinet that interned the IRA in 1957 and that, only a year before, he had wanted to intern republicans. Lynch had come up against the argument that internment would be in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights. The British disagreed. Both wanted the trouble over by Christmas, so that they would not carry the dispute between them into the EC. Lynch then brought up the violence of the British Army in the handling of internees. What is interesting from our perspective today is that he made no mention of the killings in Ballymurphy, now remembered as the Ballymurphy Massacre, or the other killings of Catholics and Protestants by the Army around Belfast in that week. Read More I have also seen the briefing paper from the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin to equip Lynch (right) with arguments against Faulkner and Heath. This does not mention the Army killings, either, apart from those of Desmond Beattie and Seamus Cusack in Derry, which had prompted the SDLP withdrawal from Stormont. It's amazing how, when you look at how events were considered at the time, they were given a whole different balance of importance than they are now. We live in a phase of the "conflict". And that word was never used to describe the Troubles until the 1990s, when John Hume found a way of describing the turmoil that allowed for negotiation out of it. Read More This phase is the contest over history. So, Bobby Storey dies and republicans race to social media to assert that "to know him was to love him", as Michelle O'Neill said. It is not strictly true that everyone who knew Bobby Storey loved him. I didn't love him. I feared him. I was not alone in that. The contest over our history is engaged in by republicans, who want to argue that the Irish were oppressed by the British and that the bombing and killing of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s was part of a legitimate endeavour to cast off that yoke. There are other angles into the story. For instance, one could ask why so many young republicans in the early years blew themselves up, or got shot in training accidents. There was much talk of the Provos as a seriously competent fighting machine. Even some in the Army said as much. When half of all IRA casualties at that time were self-inflicted, you have to wonder if they were inept, or if they were using children who were not mature enough to handle the weapons they carried. And there were children armed on all sides. The Army decided, after early losses, not to put soldiers younger than 18 on the streets, but they had done at the start. Read More One loyalist, who was active at 15 and later served time for murder, told me that he had believed that the machine-gun fire from the Falls in August 1969 was the IRA shooting at the Shankill. He was only put right on that when he was in Long Kesh and talked to republicans. So, you have to ask not only how we have misremembered our past, but how contemporaneous misunderstandings dictated behaviour. I have also been reading security assessments written in the early 1970s and I am amazed at how poorly the Army understood what it was dealing with. They genuinely believed, by November 1971, that they had killed 36 IRA gunmen in active combat. The only way you can get that number from the records is if you count all killings by the Army and treat every one of them as an IRA gunman. The Army also believed that the IRA was secretly burying some of its dead and sent patrols into Milltown cemetery to look for recently disturbed graves. But if the IRA had been interested in hiding its own dead, it would surely have given priority to the accidental dead, the kids, like 15-year-old Michael Sloan (below), who got shot in a house in New Barnsley while being shown how to use a gun. At 15! The others in the house panicked and ran away, leaving the guns behind. That is part of our history. The truth is that people from the top of politics to the children on the street were blundering into something awful and finding their way. Worse, they did not even know the context in which they were operating. People will recall that, at 17, Bobby Storey was an IRA man. He himself looked back on those years with pride and was active in generating the myth of a revolutionary army that took on the Empire. It's baloney. They were kids scrambling against an army and a government that had little better grasp of events than they had. So, here's a suggestion. Name a street after Michael Sloan, the boy soldier who was found in a house with a bullet wound in his chest and a clatter of guns. And remember that there is no one story of the Troubles that honours one group, or one side, and that those who dramatise the past as heroic have already forgotten it. Malachi O'Doherty is the author of Fifty Years On: The Troubles and the Struggle for Change in Northern Ireland (Atlantic Books) Twenty million Americans may have had COVID-19 as new cases surge US officials believe as many as 20 million Americans have contracted the coronavirus, suggesting millions of people have had COVID-19 and never knew it. The figure is nearly 10 times as many infections as the 2.3 million cases that have been confirmed, and comes as the Trump administration works to tamp down nationwide concern about the pandemic. Medical workers wait under a tent as it rains at a COVID-19 testing site in Houston this week. Credit:AP "Our best estimate right now is that for every case that's reported, there actually are 10 other infections," CDC Director Robert Redfield said. Twenty million infections would mean about 6 per cent of the nation's 331 million people have been infected, leaving a majority of the population still susceptible to the virus. Previously, officials at the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the nation's top infectious-disease expert, Dr Anthony Fauci, have said that as many as 25 per cent of infected people might not have symptoms. The new estimate is based on CDC studies of blood samples collected nationwide. Many infections were not caught in early testing, when supplies were limited and federal officials prioritised testing for those with symptoms. Redfield and another top official at the CDC said that young people were driving the surge in cases in the south and west. They attributed that to the broader testing of people under 50. "In the past, I just don't think we diagnosed these infections," he said. Texas halts reopening as cases surge It comes as Texas Governor Greg Abbott halted his state's phased economic reopening on Thursday in response to a jump in COVID-19 infections and hospitalisations, as the number of new daily cases around the country climbed to a near-record high. Texas has seen one of the biggest surges in new coronavirus cases in the US, reporting a record of more than 6000 new cases in a single day on Monday. The state has set record hospitalisations for 13 days in a row. "This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business," Abbott said. Texas' rising numbers are part of a nationwide surge concentrated on states that were spared the brunt of the initial outbreak or moved early to lift restrictions aimed at curbing the virus' spread. For the second consecutive day, Florida also reported more than 5000 new confirmed cases on Thursday. More than 36,000 new cases were recorded across the country overall on Wednesday, a few hundred shy of the record 36,426 on April 24. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar played down the rise as "localised". Loading "So we're working aggressively with states and local leaders in this situation but it's important for the American people to know this is a localised situation, the counties that are in hotspots are 3 per cent of American counties," Azar told Fox News. "That's not to minimise the situation. It's really important that we get to the bottom of why we're seeing the surge in cases." The focus of the pandemic has moved to the west and south of the US, including more sparsely populated rural areas, from the early epicentre around New York, where more than 31,000 deaths were recorded, more than a quarter of the country's total. The numbers in the north-east dropped after governors imposed severe lockdown measures, some of which remain in place in hardest-hit New York City. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Thursday that his state reached a new milestone as the number of people hospitalised with COVID-19 fell to 996, the first time since March 18 below 1000. "Together we bent the curve," he said on Twitter. "And we arent stopping now." The number of daily deaths in New York also has been in a long-term decline, dropping to 17 on Wednesday from a high of more than 1000, Cuomo said earlier on CNN. Eiffel Tower reopens The Eiffel Tower reopened to visitors on Thursday after its longest closure in peace time: 104 days. Tourists who are trickling back to Paris were delighted to find the landmark open while some other attractions remain closed. The Louvre Museum will open on July 6. "We've seen a lot of Paris people enjoying their city, enjoying their parks without all the tourists," said Annelies Bouwhuis, a 43-year-old visitor from the Netherlands. Lifts that usually whisk visitors up the 324-metre tall wrought-iron Eiffel Tower remain closed, so people are taking the stairs. Of the tower's three decks, only the first two reopened. The number of deaths in France from the new coronavirus has risen by 21 from the previous day to stand at 29,752, the country's health department said on Thursday. France has the fifth-highest coronavirus death toll in the world, although the number of casualties has steadily decreased from peaks reached in March and April, which has allowed the government to gradually reopen businesses and some schools. Two people hug on the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Credit:AP Austrian ski resort hit hard A study has indicated more than 40 per cent of residents in the Austrian ski resort of Ischgl, an early European hotspot, likely were infected with the coronavirus. The Austria Press Agency reported that 1473 people - nearly four-fifths of Ischgl's population - took part in the survey conducted by the Medical University of Innsbruck between April 21-27. It concluded that 42.4 per cent of the town's population have antibodies for the virus and 85 per cent of those who were infected didn't notice at the time. Dorothee von Laer, who led the study, says it's likely the virus was circulating in Ischgl in the second half of February. The first case in Ischgl wasn't confirmed until early March. Skiers who picked up the virus there spread it as far afield as Iceland. Indonesia's infections surpass 50,000 The number of coronavirus cases in Indonesia surpassed 50,000 on Thursday as the government allowed businesses to reopen amid increasing economic pressure. Scepticism remains over the ability of the government to conduct enough tests to determine the true spread of the virus in the Southeast Asian nation of more than 270 million people living on thousands of islands. Loading A government task force said on Thursday the coronavirus is confirmed to have infected 50,187 people and killed at least 2620, the highest number of cases and fatalities in the region, up from just two confirmed cases in early March. Testing remains a major limitation of Indonesia's fight against the virus. The country has tested fewer than 430,000 people, according to government data. That's far from the World Health Organisation's recommendation of testing 1 per cent to 1.5 per cent of the country's population, said Laura Navika Yamani, an epidemiology expert at Airlangga University. Nepal tests at borders Nepal is increasing quarantine facilities and testing at border points to prepare for the expected return of thousands of workers from neighbouring India. Nepal has reported 11,162 cases and just 26 deaths in a population of 29 million. It was among the first countries in South Asia to report a case, but a lockdown imposed in March helped to control the outbreak. Deputy Prime Minister Ishwar Pokhrel said that coronavirus cases were expected to increase as workers returned home from India, where millions of Nepalese are believed to be employed and where coronavirus cases are surging. "We are very aware of the number of coronavirus cases in India. That is why we are monitoring and controlling entry of people and at the same time increasing quarantine facilities and testing at border points," Pokhrel says. India has reported 473,105 cases and 14,894 deaths. Loading With hospitals overwhelmed in New Delhi, Indian troops provided care at medical wards fashioned from railroad cars. The Pallister government has slowed Manitobas freedom-of-information system to a crawl as departments fret over the political implications of giving data to the public that it is entitled to receive. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 24/6/2020 (577 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Pallister government has slowed Manitobas freedom-of-information system to a crawl as departments fret over the political implications of giving data to the public that it is entitled to receive. To make matters worse, only a skeleton crew handles records from the most important areas of government. The conclusions are in a damning audit by the Manitoba ombudsman this month. It was done for the provincial NDP, who shared the results with the Free Press. "The FIPPA process is one of the best levers we have to keep government honest, and keep government accountable," said NDP Leader Wab Kinew. "The Pallister government has no respect for this, and treats it like a joke, like an inconvenience, rather than being a super-important part of our democracy." Government department officials insist theyve turned a corner and take their obligations seriously. The provincial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act gives citizens, media, lobbyists and opposition politicians the right to access records about decisions and spending made by public bodies. Departments, Crown corporations and school administrations are supposed to provide records within 30 calendar days, unless they can provide reasons to extend that deadline. "The FIPPA process is one of the best levers we have to keep government honest, and keep government accountable." NDP Leader Wab Kinew In mid-2018, the provincial NDP asked Manitobas ombudsman to look into multiple problems with 16 FIPPA requests, which were all handled by the office that processes requests for four crucial government departments. In October 2018, the independent watchdog deemed there was enough of a problem to merit an audit into "reoccurring patterns of delay () which may be affecting the rights of other applicants." The results were finally published this month. The ombudsman examined the 120 requests received on behalf of four central departments from December 2017 to May 2018. It found those departments failed to meet the legislated deadline in 78 per cent of the files; half the audited files took longer than two months. The reasons for those delays arent clear, because the audited FIPPA office doesnt centrally track its work, such as whom theyve asked for records, when, and the date of the response. "There was not enough documentation about the processing of a request to identify where delays may be occurring in responding to requests," reads the audit. FIPPA staff members store data on shared network drives, individual email accounts and chart files on hard drives. Such an approach could be one source of delay. Another possible cause: FIPPA staff wringing their hands over "issues management," the bureaucratic term for trying to anticipate controversies and mitigate them. Those discussions, with panels of senior bureaucrats, arent being put into records. "Public bodies advised that an issues-management meeting occurs regularly where FIPPA matters (for example, scope of the request and the search for records) are discussed with the panel. However, the decisions made during those meetings, and actions to be taken, are not documented," reads the audit. The FIPPA employees say they dont have enough staff. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES "It looks like the premier is purposely keeping this understaffed," said Wab Kinew. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files) Requests to the four central departments finance, the executive council, the Civil Service Commission and Crown services are processed by two full-time staff, two student workers and one supervisor, who signs off on all files. That means five staff two of whom are rotating student employees handled 543 requests in 2017. That compares to seven FIPPA staff who work for the health department and 13 for the families department both of which had half the caseload of the four combined central departments that rely on a team of just five. (The justice department has 12 FIPPA staff but the 2017 caseload was not reported.) The four central departments are the only ones to hide their phone number from the public, the ombudsman noted. Staff in that section reported being overworked and having high turnover. The ombudsman is asking the government to adequately staff the office, and proactively release documents to cut down on delays. In its response, which was published in the report, the government pledges to review its processes, but makes no promise about more staff. "It looks like the premier is purposely keeping this understaffed," said Kinew. "It certainly makes our job much more difficult." The four bodies take far longer to respond to requests from media and the provincial NDP and Liberals, than to requests from organizations and businesses. A FIPPA request from a business is answered within an average of 46 days, compared with 81 days for political parties and 88 days for journalists. "Youre talking about almost three months where Manitobans are being left in the dark," said Kinew. The ombudsmans report does not specify whether there is evidence that media and opposition MLAs are being stonewalled, or if their requests tend to take longer than those submitted by businesses. However, the audit did note that FIPPA staff inform departments of the type of applicant, which the ombudsman advised not disclosing because that can help departmental staff deduce who has made the request. Jen Zoratti | Next A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. In its official responses to the ombudsmans recommendations, the province said it is "assessing the current processes associated with FIPPA requests towards implementing improvements to comply with legislated time limits." That includes a review of "process and legislation" to deal with a growing complexity and number of requests, and "electronic case-management tools." When asked to "not reveal the type of applicant" making a request to a department, the province only replied it "will exercise discretion, to ensure the applicant cant be identified." The province touted its new "Open Government" portal, which it intends to use to divulge information thats frequently requested under FIPPA. The ombudsman will audit the four same FIPPA offices in the 2021-22 fiscal year to see if anything has changed. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca The 40-year-old man, who was admitted at ICU in the Maharao Bhim Singh (MBS) hospital in Kota in northern India, was suspected to be suffering from coronavirus. File photo A man on life-support in a hospital in India has died after his relatives unplugged his ventilator in order to use an air cooler. The 40-year-old man, who was admitted at ICU in the Maharao Bhim Singh (MBS) hospital in Kota in northern India on June 13, was suspected to be suffering from coronavirus after reporting breathing difficulties. Two days later, he was transferred to an isolation ward as a safety measure after another patient in the ICU tested positive for the disease, according to Indian Express. The daytime temperature was reportedly 41 degrees Celsius, or around 106 Fahrenheit that day. The patients family members brought their own air cooler without informing hospital staff, who had deactivated the isolation wards air conditioners to prevent the spread of coronavirus. On finding no socket for the air cooler, they allegedly unplugged the ventilator. Dr Navin Saxena, medical superintendent at the MBS Hospital told Vice News that the ventilators battery reportedly ran out of power almost 30 minutes after being unplugged but the mans relatives didnt inform the hospital staff that they had unplugged the ventilator. The patients condition immediately deteriorated after the power ran out. His family informed doctors and medical staff, who administered CPR upon the patient, but he died. Following his death, his coronavirus test report came out negative. Hospital authorities said a three-member committee will probe the incident. We have set up a committee with the deputy superintendent of the hospital, nursing superintendent, isolation ward staff and Chief Medical Officer to file a report that details what happened, says Dr Saxena, adding that the cause of death would also be confirmed in the report. MUSKEGON, MI A Muskegon nursing home will close this summer after resident numbers and hospital referrals have declined due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Sanctuary at the Park, 570 Harvey St., notified staff, residents and families Thursday, June 25, that the facility will close on Aug. 24, according to a news release issued by the nursing home. There currently are 43 residents at the 99-bed skilled nursing facility. Sanctuary at the Park is owned by Trinity Health Senior Communities and is affiliated with Mercy Health Partners. This decline in residents and reduced hospital referrals due to COVID-19 make it unsustainable to continue operations, said facility administrator Julie Winkle in a prepared statement. Sanctuary at the Park provides nursing and rehabilitation to residents recovering from short-term illness or surgery. It also is a home for residents needing long-term care. The facility will not be accepting new admissions. Its residents will be given options for other facilities in the area, including its sister facility Sanctuary at McAuley, 1380 E. Sherman Blvd., the release said. While we are saddened at having to close Sanctuary at the Park, we take pride in our history of providing quality, compassionate health care to thousands of residents and their families over the years, Winkle said. The facilitys management also will work with staff to find new employment at other facilities, according to the release. Sanctuary at the Park reported seven confirmed coronavirus cases, which includes two residents and five employees of 120 employees tested, according to the Muskegon County Health Department. There have not been any deaths linked to the virus at the facility. Michigan health officials have seen a surge in coronavirus cases in nursing homes after instituting a policy to send still-recovering patients to nursing homes hubs across the state in order to open beds for new patients in hospitals. Nursing homes currently represent 34 percent of all coronavirus deaths in Michigan, according to the states health department. State data shows there have been 102 COVID-19 cases and 13 deaths among residents and staff of five Muskegon County nursing homes through June 23. Those include 66 cases and six deaths at SKLD Muskegon, 1061 W. Hackley Ave., and 28 cases and seven deaths at Roosevelt Park Nursing Center,1300 W. Broadway Ave. Lake Woods Nursing and Rehabilitation, 1684 Vulcan St., had five confirmed cases and no deaths, Hillcrest Nursing Center, 695 Mitzi St., had one confirmed case and no deaths, and Sanctuary at McAuley had two confirmed cases and no deaths. Because of the surge in case at nursing homes, the state announced last week that every nursing home in Michigan must complete at least one round of testing by July 3. Weekly testing will then be required for all residents and staff in nursing homes located in most of the Lower Peninsula. The testing regimen will continue until two weeks have passed with no positive tests. Even then, new or returning residents will require ongoing testing. More on MLive: Coronavirus cases, deaths in Muskegon County dropping but nursing homes still a concern Michigan mandates testing after confirming nearly 2,000 coronavirus deaths in nursing homes Why is Michigans coronavirus death rate so high? - Peter Maranga has served as a commercial pilot at Kenya Airways from 1989 and he flew his last flight last week before he retired - He started loving aeroplanes when he was about four years old and was attracted to a small plane owned by a farmer in his village - Before retirement flight, Maranga has been flying with his son Emmanuel who is a First Officer on the B787 fleet - Kenya Airways changed the call sign of the last aircraft he flew from KQ 2319 to Maranga 2319 to honour him as a father who has nurtured a son in the cockpit Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in As the world went into a frenzy of celebrating Father's Day on Sunday, June 21, by sending fathers and father figures warm messages and gifts, national carrier Kenya Airways (KQ) decided to do it in a different way. The airline changed the call sign of its KQ 2319 to Maranga 2319 to honour one of its pilots who has for years now been nurturing his son in the flight deck. READ ALSO: COVID-19 is a satanic agenda to prevent people from going to church - Agyin-Asare Peter Maranga has been a commercial pilot at KQ since 1989. Photo: Kenya Airways. Source: UGC To ensure this year's Father's Day remained memorable, KQ granted Pilot Peter Maranga chance to commandeer his last flight with his First Officer son Emmanuel Maranga. According to Maranga, having flown with the airline since 1989, his retirement flight with Emmanuel was both emotional and exciting since he was passing the baton to the youngster. "I will be turning 65 (retirement age) in the next two weeks. After that, my license will no longer be valid. I am flying with my son. Right now I feel like I am passing on the baton and Indeed I am. Every parent wishes that their children will grow to exceed them. That is what I want for my son...to exceed me. I want him to receive every piece of ability within me...It should all go to him," said Maranga shortly before he flew cargo flight KQ 2319 to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Pilot Peter Maranga (r) with his son Emmanuel Maranga (l). Photo: Kenya Airways. Source: UGC READ ALSO: Ghanaians on Twitter go gaga as fan proposes to Jackie Appiah with portrait The pilot said his urge to become a pilot began burning within him while he was still a young boy back in his village. Maranga said he started yearning to be a pilot when he was still a young boy. Photo: Kenya Airways. Source: UGC He was attracted to planes every time he saw a light aircraft belonging to a farmer fly above their village. Maranga's flew his last flight to UAE with cargo onboard. Photo: Kenya Airways. Source: UGC Owing to his love for the aeroplane, his father nicknamed him Peter Mweria. Mweria was the farmer who owned the small plane. "I was about three or four years old when I became fascinated with planes and flying. There was a small aircraft that used to pass above our village and my father told me it belonged to a farmer called Peter Mweria. My father called me Peter Mweria. This validated my dream of being a pilot. That gave me the energy, strength and belief that I could do it," said Maranga. A previous photo of pilot Maranga (l) landing an aircraft at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Photo: Peter Maranga. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Ghanaian lady makes breakup song for her ex after she got a 'better' man when he dumped her His son Emmanuel said his greatest experience in the flight deck was the privilege of being able to fly and gain experience under the tutelage of his father. "I am very happy and grateful for this chance...to be able to fly with him today on his last flight... I can't wait," said Emmanuel who flies the B787 fleet. All smiles. Father and son greet each other shortly before flying to UAE. Photo: Kenya Airways. Source: UGC The pilot's daughter, Dawn Maranga, described his father as an indomitable man who never gives up on anything he embarks on doing. "It is one trait that he has always portrayed since I was a kid until today when I am an adult," said Dawn. Pictures of Maranga with his family. Photo: Kenya Airways. Source: UGC In other news, Vee Kativhu, a young brilliant black lady who is also a popular YouTuber has gained admission to study her master's at Harvard University after graduating from Oxford. Narrating her story in different posts sighted by YEN.com.gh on her Twitter handle, Vee indicates that she was raised by a single parent from Zimbabwe and went through many struggles. When Vee's father passed on, the young woman had to leave her home country, learn English, attend disruptive state schools and work long hours to help her mother. Enjoy reading our stories? Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news! "Ghanaian women don't wear underwear lately" - Market woman speaks out | #Yencomgh Get interactive via our Facebook page. Source: YEN.com.gh Haiti - Justice : Criteria for release to unclog prisons in Haiti Earlier this week, Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe chaired a virtual meeting with representatives of human rights organizations around the criteria for detainees to benefit from exceptional release measures to relieve congestion in prisons of the country, and fight against the phenomenon of prolonged preventive detention faced the evolution of Covid-19. To this end the Government on the instruction of President Moise took a set of measures. Additions will be proposed to take account in particular of the detention of minors. With regard to social reintegration, support measures will be taken in collaboration with all social and legal actors with a view to combating recidivism. In addition, to ward off any discrepancy in the level of the presidential pardon granted by decree to 415 prisoners from 17 penitentiaries https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31101-haiti-politic-415-prisoners-pardoned-by-president-moise.html Jouthe announced vigilance measures to guarantee the impartiality of this act, in strict compliance with the laws and international conventions relating thereto. List of criteria used to benefit from a release (for both sexes) : Having served at least 60% of their sentence; Being detained due to insolvency, weakness and/or administrative failings; Be over the age of 60; Suffering from a serious illness declared before the onset of the pandemic and confirmed by a medical certificate accepted by the Directorate of Penitentiary Administration; Being in pre-trial detention for at least 5 years for crimes other than kidnapping, rape, armed robbery, murder, trafficking in persons and illicit drug trafficking; Being in preventive detention for at least 2 years for attempted murder not committed with a firearm; Be in preventive detention for at least 1 year for criminal association, even if this offense is associated with another correctional offense other than the illegal possession of firearms or ammunition; Having committed offenses considered as minor and remaining in preventive detention beyond 6 months; Be a 6-month pregnant woman or breastfeeding a 6-month-old infant; Being a minor in detention for a correctional offense. Download the presidential decree and the names of the 415 prisoners already pardoned (PDF) : https://www.haitilibre.com/docs/grace-19-06-2020.pdf HL/ HaitiLibre Despite record oil exports in April as Saudi Arabia flooded the market with excess oil, the value of the Kingdoms crude exports plunged by US$12 billion from April 2019 levels as the lowest oil prices in years hit revenues. In April, the value of Saudi Arabias oil exports plummeted by 65.4 percent, or by US$12 billion (45.3 billion Saudi riyals), dragging down the value of the total merchandise exports of the worlds top oil exporter, data from Saudi Arabias General Authority of Statistics showed on Thursday. The value of Saudi oil exports plunged by 23.5 percent compared to March, the statistics office said. The share of oil exports in total exports fell from 77.4 percent in April 2019 to 64.7 percent in April 2020. China was Saudi Arabias main trading partner for merchandise trade in April 2020, with Saudi exports to China valued at US$1.9 billion (7.16 billion riyals). Saudi Arabia made good on its promise to flood the market with oil after the collapse of the previous OPEC+ deal in early March, exporting a record 10.237 million barrels per day (bpd) in April 2020, up from 7.391 million bpd in March, data from the Joint Organisations Data Initiative (JODI) showed last week. OPECs largest producer also saw oil export revenues fall in Q1 2020, by 21.9 percent to US$40 billion, when Brent Crude prices fell by as much as 60 percent. Under the OPEC+ deal sealed in April, Saudi Arabia is reducing its oil production to 8.5 million bpd in May, June, and July, restricting exports to some customers in Asia, and significantly cutting shipments to the United States. Even though oil prices are now higher than they were in April, reduced oil shipments are set to continue impacting Saudi oil revenues, a main source of income for the Kingdoms budget. Saudi Arabias economy is set to shrink much more this year than initially expected, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said earlier this week in an update of its projections from April. According to the IMF, the Saudi economy will crash by 6.8 percent this year, compared to an initial estimate of a 2.3-percent decline, as disruptions due to the pandemic, as well as significantly lower disposable income for oil exporters after the dramatic fuel price decline, imply sharp recessions in Saudi Arabia as well as in its key partner in the OPEC+ deal, Russia. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The COVID-19 pandemic is anticipated to impact the global medical tourism market in a negative way. Neurological treatment type will rise with healthier rate of revenue in the global market share. In light to region, Europe region has dominated the global market share PUNE, India, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The world is facing a surprising change and many of the industries are experiencing thought provoking situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 outbreak has negatively impacted the medical tourism market. People around the world are seeking better quality healthcare facilities at optimized rate. In addition, people tend to take medical tourism due to the accessibility of medication in other countries. For instance, in U.S. or U.K. people have to wait for long time to undergo medical treatment due to deny of approval by healthcare regulating authorities. But in medical tourism, people tend to get priority and gets treatment in less time. These are the factors responsible for the growth of the market in the forecast period. During this coronavirus crisis situation, we are helping our clients in understanding the impact of COVID-19 on the global medical tourism market. Our report includes: Technological Impact Social Impact Investment Opportunity Analysis Pre- & Post-COVID Market Scenario Infrastructure Analysis Supply Side & Demand Side Impact INQUIRE FOR COVID-19 IMPACT ANALYSIS REPORT: https://www.researchdive.com/covid-19-insights/248/global-medical-tourism-marketmyQueryForm According to a new report published by Research Dive, the global medical tourism market is predicted to harvest a revenue of $142.2 billion by 2026, at a CAGR of 11.7% in the forecast time from 2019 to 2026. The global medical tourism market is segmented on the basis of treatment type and region. The report provides detailed information about drivers, opportunities, restraints, segmental analysis and competitive players of the market. As per our analysts, growing interest among people for better quality healthcare treatment and rising technology advancements for treatment without facing complications are fueling the market growth in the forecast period. However, language barrier, quality of staff members, and risk associated to travel after surgery are the factors restraining the market growth in the forecast period. Cancer Treatment Type has Dominant Market Share Based on treatment type, the global medical tourism market is fragmented into dental, cosmetic, cardiovascular, orthopedic, neurological, cancer, fertility, and others. Among these, cancer treatment type dominated the market shares in the year 2018 and is expected to register a revenue of $7.3 billion in 2026 with a CAGR of 13.4%. Cancer is the most life-threatening disease when contrasted with other diseases. Many countries such as Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Americas have top-class oncologist and latest technology for the cancer treatment. For instance, Quironsalud clinic located in Spain has best cancer treatment in the European region. This factor has dominated the market share of cancer treatment in the forecast period. Request to Download Sample Report: https://www.researchdive.com/download-sample/248 Regional Outlook and Major Market Players Global medical tourism market is analyzed across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. Europe region has dominated the global market share and is estimated to reach up to $32.3 billion till 2026 with a CAGR of 12.1%. This dominance is attributed due to the presence of top-class healthcare facilities in the European countries such as France, Spain, and Italy. For instance, in 2014 European government initiated to allow people for treatment in the parts of Europe. Thus other European countries such as Romania, Poland, and The Czech Republic have gained popularity for medical tourism. Who are dominating market players in Medical Tourism? The most prominent players in the global medical tourism market are: Shouldice Hospital Bangkok Hospital Prince Court Medical Centre Gleneagles Global Hospitals Group Anadolu medical Centre Clemenceau Medical Centre and other. Access Varied Market Reports Bearing Extensive Analysis of the Market Situation, Updated with the Impact of COVID-19: https://www.researchdive.com/covid-19-insights About Research Dive Research Dive is a market research firm based in Pune, India. Maintaining the integrity and authenticity of the services, the firm provides the services that are solely based on its exclusive data model, compelled by the 360-degree research methodology, which guarantees comprehensive and accurate analysis. With an unprecedented access to several paid data resources, team of expert researchers, and strict work ethic, the firm offers insights that are extremely precise and reliable. Scrutinizing relevant news releases, government publications, decades of trade data, and technical & white papers, Research dive deliver the required services to its clients well within the required timeframe. Its expertise is focused on examining niche markets, targeting its major driving factors, and spotting threatening hindrances. Complementarily, it also has a seamless collaboration with the major industry aficionado that further offers its research an edge. Contact: Mr. Abhishek Paliwal Research Dive 30 Wall St. 8th Floor, New York NY 10005 (P) +91-(788)-802-9103 (India) +1-(917)-444-1262 (US) Toll Free: 1-888-961-4454 E-mail: support@researchdive.com Website: https://www.researchdive.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/research-dive/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ResearchDive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Research-Dive-1385542314927521 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/997523/Research_Dive_Logo.jpg Rivers state Governor Nyesom Wike pulled out of Peoples Democratic Partys reconciliation effort in Edo state which according to him, became necessary to save his integrity. The Rivers state Governor was accused of being responsible for an order restraining Governor Godwin Obaseki from participating in the PDP primary election ahead of the governorship poll in Edo state. The Governor lashed out at members of the national working committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and described them as tax collectors. In a statement released by Rivers state commissioner for information and communication Paulinus Nsirim on Tuesday June 23, Wike queried the NWC for not consulting with governors in the case of Bayelsa state and further alleged that they are blackmailing him. Wike said; Akhilesh Yadav has alleged that the UP government is not conducting enough number of Covid-19 tests and therefore the claims regarding successful management of the disease were misleading. The former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh also questioned the UP governments data on the number of beds available to treat coronavirus patients. Coronavirus disease will never peak in the state of Uttar Pradesh because the honourable chief minister of the state is not getting enough tests conducted. How is it possible to assess when the disease is going to peak if enough tests are not conducted. Look at Delhi, they are going to conduct tests, Akhilesh said drawing a comparison. Earlier this month, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Aditynath had told Hindustan that the state, as of June 5, had 32 labs in both private and public sector hospitals to test Covid samples. The state was testing around 12,000 people every day on an average and aimed to increase it to 20,000 by the end of June, he had said. Also Read: Need to know the truth: Akhilesh Yadav doesnt agree with PM Modis statement on China Akhilesh also contested Adityanaths claim that work on several new medical colleges in the state was in progress. Akhilesh said the state government should name the new medical colleges it has built during its tenure. The government must tell us if they have built any new medical college in the state. All they have done is to change the name of existing medical colleges, the former UP CM said during an exclusive interview with Hindustan editor in chief Shashi Shekhar. On June 5, UP CM Aditynath had said that his government had managed to double the number of government hospitals in the state in the last three years. There were only 12 government hospitals in the state since 1947 but the current UP government, since 2016, has started or is in the process of starting 30 new medical colleges, there are two functional AIIMS in UP right now-- in Gorakhpur and Rae Bareli, Adityanath had said. Also Read: Adityanath directs officials to provide registration facility to migrant workers through mobile apps Akhilesh also questioned the state governments claims on the number of beds available for the treatment of Covid cases. BJP government claims to have readied one lakh beds for treatment of Covid patients. I am wondering how they reached the landmark after initially claiming to have only 36,000 beds, Akhilesh asked. He suggested that there were only a few large medical hospitals in the state and therefore the claim of 10,000 Covid beds appeared to be out of sync with the reality. Uttar Pradeshs biggest medical colleges include KGMU and Ram Manohar Lohia institute in Lucknow and there are a few others including one in Saifai, Agra and Meerut. I want to know how many beds are ready in Lucknow alone, Akhilesh said. SAGINAW, MI -- The Saginaw City Council this week voted to push back the sunset clause that would automatically repeal an ordinance blocking marijuana businesses from operating in the city. The city announced in January it planned to review its rules and allow marijuana businesses, workshopping draft ordinances in a meeting with residents and city officials. Council initially opted out of Michigans recreational marijuana system in July 2019, but the sunset clause in the ordinance they approved stipulated that the block on city-based marijuana businesses would automatically end in a year if the city took no steps to do so during that time. So the ban would have expired in a few weeks. Instead, the clause is now set to take effect Tuesday, Nov. 17. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the council to conduct meetings over video calls, members have expressed concern over a lack of public input. Many meetings had no public comment, including when the 2021 budget was approved Monday, May 18, despite dozens of residents regularly attending the councils in-person meetings. At Mondays meeting, Councilmember Jamie Forbes said the delay is to give the city time to properly involve the public in designing the new marijuana ordinances. "The reason that we are doing this is to make sure that we can have the necessary conversations to do this in the right way, in person, as much as possible, and to not have all of these meetings digitally," Forbes said. Council also discussed when they might next meet in person, ultimately deciding not to press the issue until later in the summer. Michigans reopening has progressed at a time when cases are spiking in states that reopened early, including Texas, Arizona and Florida. Read more: Saginaw reviewing rules to allow marijuana businesses in the city Michigan reports 323 new coronavirus cases, most of any day in June Coronavirus lag time makes it hard to identify superspreader events [June 25, 2020] New IDC Survey Examines COVID-19's Impact on Enterprise Networking, Assessing New Buying Behaviors and Future Investments The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a mixed impact on the enterprise networking market. While most companies report downward pressure on their IT budgets, supporting a suddenly remote workforce and enabling contactless operations has created new demand for network capabilities. A new study from International Data Corporation (IDC) looks at how investments in various networking technologies have changed since the global pandemic began and how investment priorities for the rest of the year will continue to shift. "The novel coronavirus has forced enterprises across the globe to rapidly and dramatically shift their operations. In doing so, enterprises are relying more heavily on networking technology, from enabling secure connectivity to supporting increased demand for collaboration platforms," said Rohit Mehra, vice president, Network Infrastructure at IDC (News - Alert). "At the same time, COVID-19 has forced enterprises to prioritize spending habits. IDC has conducted primary research to gain detailed insights into enterprise spending habits and buying criteria across key networking technologies. This data showcases how spending habits have changed in recent months and details enterprise priories for future investments." IDC's network infrastructure team fielded a study of U.S.-based enterprise networking leaders and decision makers in May and June of 2020 to assess the impact of COVID-19 and collect quantitative data on future spending habits. The study focused on the following topics: How investments in key enterprise networking technologies have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic began. op challenges enterprises face in managing employees working from home and analyzing what networking technologies enterprises have increasingly relied on to support remote workers. Which vendors are best positioned to address enterprise networking needs post-COVID-19. Technology-specific data across key enterprise networking domains including datacenter networking, enterprise campus networking (wired and wireless local area networking), wide area (including software-defined networking), network management, and unified communications and collaboration (UC&C). Enterprise networking investment trends across key verticals including education/government, finance, IT, health care/life sciences, manufacturing, transportation/utilities, retail and services. Enterprises report planned increased investments in UC&C tools, network management, and datacenter networking since the pandemic began. Respondents report decreased spending in the enterprise campus and wide area networking. Almost half of respondents (48%) reported they will be increasing investments in UC&C tools, compared to 32% reporting increased investments in datacenter networking, and 31% increasing investments in network management. More than half of respondents (51%) reported that employees cannot access applications from their home internet connection multiple times a week. A majority of respondents said employees do not primarily use a virtual private network (VPN) while working from home. Additional results from the study will be presented in an IDC webinar to be held July 9th at 12:00 pm U.S. Eastern time. IDC analysts Rohit Mehra, Brad Casemore, Brandon Butler, and Mark Winther will present highlights and implications from the enterprise networking survey and analyze key market trends for 2020. Details and registration for this webinar are available at https://bit.ly/2YwTVzt. 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005131/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Despite assurances from the Ministry of Education and Technical Education that it had heightened precautionary measures to prevent the coronavirus from spreading to grade 12 high school students taking the Thanaweya Amma exams, the first of the finals held on Sunday saw many complaints from both students and parents. Many students also came down with the virus. On Monday, Mohamed Dahi, head of the General Health Insurance Authority, said there were many cases of coronavirus detected among students in the exams. Twenty-nine students who showed symptoms, including high temperature and diarrhoea, had to take their exams in designated isolation rooms in schools or had been transferred to isolation hospitals. There were at least three confirmed cases of students in home isolation after they were diagnosed with the virus, but they decided to take the exams despite having the option of postponing them. With almost 650,000 students sitting for the Arabic exam, anxious families had asked for a postponement of the exams but assurances by Minister of Education Tarek Shawki as well as senior officials in both the health and education ministries about precautionary measures had somewhat allayed their concerns and left them believing that a safe examination environment was in place. A few days before the exams, Shawki had said students would have their temperature taken and would wear personal protection before entering the school building. Before entering the schools, students would pass through a cabin spraying disinfectant for their safety. He also asserted that the ministry will be distributing 16,575 temperature measuring devices, 33 million facemasks for students and all staff members, seven million gloves for invigilators and teachers, and 33 million plastic shoe covers. Also, the Ministry of Education coordinated with the Ministry of Health to provide schools with special medical teams to check students temperatures and to ensure that physical distancing rules were being observed and protective facemasks worn by all students before entering the school premises and their classrooms. However, only a few schools seem to have adopted these measures, leading to massive complaints from parents and students from the governorates regarding the lack of some or all of Covid-19 precautionary measures. During a tour conducted by Al-Ahram Weekly in several schools in Cairo, many failed in maintaining social distancing as students and parents were seen assembling in masses in front of schools before and after the exams. Omnia Harhash, a Thanaweya Amma student in 6 October City, said the school had applied the ministrys Covid-19 precautionary measures. A sterilisation cabin was at the school entrance, and there were supervisors distributing facemasks and hand sanitiser sachets, one for each student. Though the sachet was not enough for anything, it was better than nothing, said Harhash who added that although all the students and supervisors entered the classroom wearing facemasks, many of them took them off because of the hot weather. Sterilisation cabins were not operating properly in most schools and some schools did not have them at all. Nor did they have facemasks or plastic covers for shoes. Nivan Omar, another Thanaweya Amma student, said that while the cabin was working properly when she walked through it, she was told by her classmates who went after her that the spray nozzles were not working. There were neither cabins, facemasks nor gloves. If I did not have my own facemask, I would have entered the school without any precautionary equipment. Many of my friends were not wearing facemasks, depending on what the ministry said about providing them, Omayma Fikri, who sat for her exam in the low-income Imbaba district, said. Another student, Mohamed, noted that the class where he took the Arabic exam was full of dust as if it had not been cleaned for a year. I doubt very much these classes have been even mopped, let alone sanitised, he said. Spokesman for the Ministry of Education and Technical Education Mahmoud Hassouna denied claims that some schools were lacking Covid-19 precautionary equipment. Ministry of Education officials were supervising the distribution of material to the countrys schools, confirmed Hassouna, while adding that classrooms were thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli, along with the minister of education and technical education, toured several schools in New Cairo where they inspected the application of Covid-19 precautionary measures. They did not see any deficiency in applying the ministrys precautionary measures, Hassouna told Al-Ahram Weekly. Ali Adel, a Thanaweya Amma student in an Alexandria school, noted that students gathered outside schools for at least half an hour before going in. After entering the school premises, we had to wait in the sun for another hour and a half before entering the classrooms. We were standing very close to each other, just a few centimetres between us. Because it was very sunny and hot we stood close to each other under the trees for shade, Adel said. Mohamed Adel, a Thanaweya Amma teacher and exam supervisor, said precautionary measures were better in some schools than others while schools in remote areas lacked them. The ministry is exerting its utmost efforts, but the load is huge, Adel said. He pointed out that the worst three days in the exams are the three subjects common among all students: Arabic, English, and a second language. The rest of the exams, he said, will see a fewer number of students and thus a lower risk. Reda Hegazi, deputy to the minister of education, was disappointed that some schools did not abide by social distancing due to their inability to control the parents and students. Parents and students must be aware that applying these measures is for the students welfare as well as staff and families as a whole, Hegazi said while adding the ministry has set up emergency hotlines to report any complaint. He said people must take into consideration the fact that Sunday was the first day of the exams. Inefficiency is expected in the first trial as neither parents nor students are used to these newly introduced measures, adding that in the next few days matters will be more organised. Everything is under control, according to Hegazi, and if ministry officials feel that matters are out of control, it will resort to Plan B: asking the help of security forces to maintain order while queuing to enter schools. Search Keywords: Short link: Riverdale star Camila Mendes has defended her co-stars after they were falsely accused of sexual assault by anonymous sources on social media. Mendes, who stars on the teen drama based on the Archie comics, appeared on SiriusXMs The Jess Cagle Show on Tuesday and spoke about the recent accusations made towards her co-stars through an anonymous account. According to Lili Reinhart, an investigation found that the stories were all "fabricated" and the account has since been deleted. Someone saying to me that somebody would do such a thing to prove a point? It seems so trivial, she said. She added: You really went to that extent? To damage not only the integrity of the #MeToo movement, but to potentially damage the careers of these people and their lives? To do that in order to make a point about how easily people believe things, its so backwards to me. (Instagram ) / Instagram This wasn't her first time speaking out - she also defended her co-stars on Monday with a message on her Instagram stories. She posted, Its incredibly destructive to falsely accuse people of sexual assault. Whatever point this person was trying to make about how quickly people believe what they read, it was not worth damaging the integrity of the me too movement. Recently, her co-stars Lili Reinhart, Cole Sprouse and KJ Apa have all faced anonymous sexual assault allegations on social media. Getty Images One woman accused Reinhart, 23, of groping her while they took a fan photo together. Reinhart previously dated co-star Cole Sprouse and recently came out as bisexual. She tweeted her support for Sprouse in a thread on June 21, as well as the fact that the account was created to "create false stories about me and my cast." Reinhart responded by tweeting, It invalidates the men and women who are brave enough to come forward with the truth. This kind of lie can ruin lives and careers and I can call it a lie because the person who made the allegations already admitted that the stories were fabricated. Reinhart added, I have always taken sexual assault allegations seriously. But it was proven that this account was created specifically to create false stories about me and my cast. I cant think of something more twisted than lying about sexual assault. Indian Space Research Organisation chairman K Sivan on Thursday said startups and companies will be enabled to build rockets and satellites as well as provide launch services as India looks to open up the space sector to private players. Private sector can provide space services, including building rockets and satellites, he said at a briefing that was live-streamed on ISROs website, adding that this will put India in the league of very few countries with an efficient mechanism for private sector, leading to an improvement in access to space services. Seeking to expand on the Union Cabinets decisions of Wednesday, where the government announced the setting up of a regulatory body for participation of private firms in the space sector, the ISRO chairman said private industries can also be a part of science and inter-planetary activities and projects of ISRO, besides having opportunities to undertake research and development in the sector. While the private sector has for many years now collaborated with ISRO in supplying components and materials, the chairman said that a larger role than just that of a supplier is being envisaged with the unlocking of the sector. This has great opportunity for large-scale employment in the tech sector. The potential of the entire country can be utilised to scale up space technology. It will result in accelerated growth of the sector. The first reform is enabling the private sector to carry out end-to-end space activities," he said. Leading space-faring nations such as the US and China, besides the European Space Agency, have been encouraging private companies to be part of their space programme. On May 30, history was created by SpaceX when NASA astronauts were launched into orbit by the first-ever commercially-built rocket and spacecraft. India, however, had kept its core activities within ISRO while sourcing components for rockets and satellites from private companies. But that is all set to end. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced on May 16 that the government will open up space and atomic energy sectors to private players, levelling the playing field in space-based services. On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet announced the formation of a new board, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (In-SPACe), which will be an extended arm of ISRO and will be in charge of promoting and guiding space activities of the private industries. While In-SPACe will have representatives from industry, academia and the government, the focus will be on ease of doing space business. ISRO will share its technical expertise as well as facilities wherever feasible. Though it may take about three to six months for the Centre to become operational, private companies can start sending their proposals to the space agency. The City of Melbourne will unseal the findings of a report into allegations of sexual misconduct against former lord mayor Robert Doyle after a two-year police investigation ended with no charges being laid. The criminal investigation against Mr Doyle was based on the sworn testimony of three women who independently allege they were sexually assaulted by the one-time Liberal Party leader in separate incidents spanning 40 years. Robert Doyle at lunch in South Melbourne in October last year. Credit:Jason South The investigation ended after the Director of Public Prosecutions, Kerri Judd, QC, reviewed the evidence and assessed there was no reasonable prospect of a conviction. Mr Doyle, who was not interviewed by police about the allegations due to ill health, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He could not be reached for comment. Pyramarts one-of-a-kind automated data warehousing platform empowers business data teams to build and maintain their own data marts. We believe this patent solidifies Pyramart as the leader in the AIDW space, and further affirms that we are able to empower business data teams to build and maintain their own powerful data marts, without requiring data warehousing expertise. Pyramart, the leading artificial intelligence data warehousing (AIDW) company, announced they were awarded United States Patent 10430299, titled System and Method to Audit Data Systems to Discover Changes and/or Discrepancies Among Elements. The patent supports Pyramarts one-of-a-kind automated data warehousing platform which empowers business data teams to build and maintain their own data marts. The patented system is one piece of the Pyramart Intelligence Engine which looks at the data entered into the system, compares it with the data warehouse, and flags any differences for the user to correct or note. Traditionally, this task would have taken a human being weeks to do, an extremely laborious and time-consuming task, especially depending on the size of the data being compared. The piece of the Pyramart technology that this patent focuses on cuts the manual work out of the equation and reduces the time needed to complete the task from weeks to hours. We are proud of our product and methodology being recognized with a U.S. patent, says Dan Bruns, founder and principal of Pyramart. We believe this patent solidifies Pyramart as the leader in the AIDW space, and further affirms that we are able to empower business data teams to build and maintain their own powerful data marts, without requiring data warehousing expertise. The patent is specifically for Pyramarts system and computer application that audits data structures for changes. The auditing process includes comparing data in an actual state metadata storage area with a projected state metadata storage area. The results of the audit may be presented as a list of items that need to be reconciled with the actual state metadata storage area. Through a web management interface, a user may execute one or more of the lists of items until the data structures in the actual state storage match the data structures in the projected state storage. Pyramart exists to provide a simple, powerful, automated data warehousing solution that addresses goals that are represented on both the I.T. and business sides. Pyramarts solution is automated data mart software for everyone, with no data warehousing experience required to get the optimal experience of data automation. To learn more about Pyramart, please visit http://www.pyramart.com/. Readers can also view the United States Patent in full here. ABOUT PYRAMART Pyramart is artificial intelligence data warehousing (AIDW) technology that makes data warehousing and data creation and maintenance fast and easy. The AI-driven data management software handles all the hard parts of data warehousing automatically. Pyramart empowers business data personnel to build and maintain their own powerful data marts, without requiring data warehousing experience. Based in Salt Lake City, the company works with medium to enterprise-sized companies nationwide. Find them at http://www.pyramart.com/. # # # The Punjab and Haryana high court on Thursday ordered status quo in the operation of Dadumajra garbage processing plant. The order came on the plea of the Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) that had challenged the June 19 decision of a Chandigarh court allowing plants operation by the Jaypee group, a private operator. The MC had taken the plants possession on June 19 evening before the court order reached it. The high court has also appointed an arbitrator in the proceedings. The detailed order is awaited. With the plant running much below its full capacity, resulting in dumping of the garbage in the open, the MC General House had terminated the contract with the firm and directed MC officials to take its possession in February this year. The civic body had issued a termination notice on March 5, asking the firm to hand over the plant within a week. On this, the firm moved a Chandigarh court that ordered a stay for three months on March 12. After the period elapsed on June 12, MC issued a 24-hour notice on June 18, and took over the plant on June 19. The firm had moved a trial court on June 20 for restoration of possession. But the court refused to interfere. In high court, MC argued that it had taken control of the plant, hired approximately 80 employees of the firm and waste was being processed. The court was told that after taking over of the plant, they had found that approximately 20,000 metric tonnes of waste was lying on the premises, increasing likelihood of pandemic-like situation during the rainy season. In the last six months, the firm had processed only 60-70 metric tonnes per day on an average, despite clear directions of the National Green Tribunal to process 450 metric tonnes per day. As a result, the unprocessed waste was either being discarded in the dumping ground outside or being collected on the plants premises, the court was told by MCs counsel, Deepali Puri. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has hit back at the ABC after it blamed job cuts on a government funding freeze, saying bosses needed to 'get their heads out of Ultimo'. The broadcaster announced on Wednesday it would axe up to 250 jobs, with no division of its operations spared from the restructuring as it tries to save $40million under a five-year plan. Australia's public broadcaster, which is funded by taxpayers, will also cancel its flagship 7.45am radio news bulletin as part of the changes. The ABC's managing director David Anderson blamed the cuts on the government freezing operational funding to the organisation - leading to a budget shortfall of $84million. But Mr Morrison said government funding for the ABC as a whole was increasing every year - adding the network was the 'safest place to be' for journalists in Australia. He also encouraged the ABC to continue its push to become more regionally-focused and 'get their heads out of Ultimo' where its headquarters are based in inner-city Sydney. The ABC is axing up to 250 jobs within the business - blaming the cuts on a freeze in operational funding from the federal government (pictured, ABC's offices in Ultimo) Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured on Thursday) hit back at the criticism - saying there were no cuts to ABC funding and the broadcaster was 'the safest place to be' for journalists 'There are no cuts... The ABC's funding is increasing every year,' he said on Thursday. 'If you are a journalist today, the safest place for you to be is actually the ABC because your revenue is guaranteed by the government. 'For journalists working in so many other media companies, they are doing it really tough and I think we need to keep that in perspective.' The media organisation will still receive $3.2billion over the next three years, including $1.062billion in 2019-20, from the federal government. The organisation announced as part of its plan a strategy to ensure three-quarters of its content-producing staff were based outside of Ultimo. Communications Minister Paul Fletcher reinforced the need to move ABC's operations into regional areas, saying: 'Sydney is not Australia and Ultimo is not Sydney. The ABC needs to be responsive to the needs of all Australians.' The five-year strategy has been designed to reallocate funding to ensure the ABC is more relevant to more Australians. ABC Life will be re-branded, ABC Comedy re-purposed and under-performing news programs reviewed. Staff travel budgets will be reduced by a quarter and $5million will be shaved off the independent production budget. The changes are part of the national broadcaster's five-year strategy, which would see funding reallocated to ensure the ABC is more relevant to more Australians Its travel budget will be cut by 25 per cent. ABC Life will become ABC Local, which will cost half of staff their jobs as content is sourced from across the broadcaster. ABC Life editor Bhakthi Puvanenthiran shared on Twitter she would lose half her team under the change. The ABC's property portfolio will also go under the microscope, with management hoping to relocate or lease unused office space. (Newser) A judge has delivered a blow to California Rep. Devin Nunes in ruling that he can't sue Twitter over insults posted by a fake internet cow. In a Friday decision, Judge John Marshall of Virginia wrote that Twitter was "immune from the defamation claims" under a federal law stating social media companies aren't liable for what third parties post on their platforms, per the Los Angeles Times. A lawyer for Nunes argued Twitter was liable as it allegedly promoted the insulting tweets. But to be held liable, Twitter would've had to have helped create the content, which Republican Nunes admitted it didn't. Twitter will now be removed from the case. It proceeds with other defendants: parody account Devin Nunes' Cow; the similar Devin Nunes' Mom, which has been suspended; and Republican strategist Liz Mair. story continues below Nunes sued all four for defamation in March 2019, alleging that attacks by Mair and the parody accounts had caused him to win his 2018 election by a smaller-than-normal margin. He demanded $250 million in damages and that Twitter reveal who was behind the anonymous accounts. The company has refused. Of the verdict, a spokesperson says Twitter "strongly believes the court made the right decision," per McClatchy. In a Wednesday statement, Mair calls Nunes' lawsuit "an assault on the First Amendment and the core American principle of free speech." She adds Nunes "took an oath to support and defend the Constitutionall of it and not just the bits he likes." Devin Nunes' Cow responded, too, per CNN. "I have some good moooos for you," @DevinCow tweeted at Nunes. "Oh, wait, it's good for me and not for you." (Read more Devin Nunes stories.) After the coronavirus put the breaks on Asbury Parks popular e-scooter sharing program in March, the two-wheeled personal transportation devices could be back on the streets as early as this fall if theyre deemed not to threaten public health, city officials said. Asbury Parks transportation director, Michael Manzella, said officials hoped to issue a request for proposals this fall from e-scooter program operators. Were hoping for sometime in the fall, Manzella said Thursday. After the citys initial pilot program began last summer, e-scooter use immediately eclipsed the citys bike-sharing program by far, according to ridership figures, with the programs popularity continuing into the winter months, Manzella said. Mayor John Moor, who had opposed the the original deal with the citys former e-scooter program operator, Zagster, because it did not share e-scooter revenues with the city, said he would support resuming e-scooter service under a new agreement if it involves revenue sharing. The scooter program was working well last year, Covid-19 struck, and it was put on hold, Moor said. Once were able to able to get a handle on Covid-19, its a program I would be willing to support. The city suspended its e-scooter service in March out of concern that sharing e-scooters could spread the coronavirus. At that time, the e-scooter program was operated by Zagster, with the scooters themselves supplied by another company, SPIN. Like many businesses during the coronavirus outbreak, however, Zagster did not survive the cure that is, the shutdown order intended to prevent the spread of the virus. When Zagster went out of business, another so-called micro-mobility company, Superpedestrian, acquired its assets, including Zagsters operating agreement with Asbury Park. Superpedestrian, a firm largely known for its Copenhagen Wheel e-bike technology, has its own e-scooter, and last month announced the formation of a subsidiary, known as LINK, to operate e-scooter programs for local governments. On Wednesday, LINK issued a press release announcing that Asbury Park would be among several cities where its e-scooter operations would begin in the coming months. We are thrilled to offer residents access to our state-of-the-art vehicles as cities across the country continue to re-open, Assaf Biderman, CEO of Superpedestrian, Links parent company, said in a statement. As we expand LINKs footprint, were part of a new era of mobility that is engineered to increase rider safety, enhance compliance, and committed to building long-term partnerships with cities and universities. Shared eEscooters operated by a new company, LINK, are tracked using global positioning technology to know where scooter anc rider are at all times and apply the brakes automatically and gradually when speeding.LINK Other cities partnering with LINK include Columbus, Ohio, Knoxville, Tennessee, and Provo, Utah. Superpedestrian had hoped to resume Asbury Park e-scooter service in early July under the existing operating agreement the company had inherited from Zagster. But with City Council having failed to authorize the resumption of service at its meeting Wednesday night, that goal became impossible to meet. I think we were all hopeful that it would happen, but given all thats going on in the city, its just too much to bring it back this summer, Manzella said. And with the one-year agreement due to expire in August, before city officials envision issuing a request for proposals, the company will likely be forced to submit a proposal along with any other would-be operators. A spokesperson for Superpedestrian issued a statement Thursday expressing disappointment that the council had failed to reauthorize the program the night before. We are disappointed as we were ready to launch and really excited to provide LINK scooters in Asbury Park specifically, the statement read. Superpedestrian says its scooter enhances safety by incorporating global positioning technology to know where rider and scooter are at all times and what the speed limit is and automatically applying the brakes, gradually, if speeding. The company says its scooters would be cleaned and sanitized at least once a day. Asbury Park was New Jerseys second city to adopt an e-scooter program, after Hoboken launched a popular pilot program last year with a different operator, Lime. And E-scooter use seemed to accelerate, when Elizabeth adopted the states third program after that, with Jersey City taking steps toward adoption of its own program. Then e-scooters seemed to stall just as quickly. In November, Hoboken declined to renew its agreement with Lime, ending the program, after officials cited policing problems and the threat to pedestrians posed by the largely unregulated scooters, which the law essentially treats as bicycles as long as their top speed doesnt exceed 20 mph. Currently, there are no immediate plans to revive e-scooters in Hoboken, Vijay Chauduri, a city spokesman, said Wednesday. Due to the pandemic, unfortunately, scooters havent been a top priority for the city, Chauduri said. Elizabeths program also ended in November, rescinded by the City Council after a 16-year-old boy riding a scooter was struck and killed by a truck. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Businesses that are open | Homepage And then the coronavirus shut down the last of New Jerseys sharing program in March, when Asbury Park ended its program amid coronavirus concerns. Before the coronavirus outbreak, Asbury Park officials viewed e-scooters as a convenient, environmentally friendly form of transportation that cut down on automobile traffic and helped alleviate the citys acute parking shortage. For a fee of $1 per ride, plus an additional 15 cents per minute, the scooter program logged 15,169 trips last August, its first month in operation, according to figures Manzella provided at the time. Those rides helped avoid an estimated 5,056 car rides. Officials said the scooter program even provided an inexpensive link between the citys bustling waterfront and its West Side, historically a community of color that has not experienced the same economic gains that other areas of Asbury Park have over the past two decades. Orange e-scooters provided by Spin had been in use in Asbury Park until March, when city officials cancelled the popular scooter sharing program out of concern it would spread the coronavirus. City of Asbury Park Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Steve Strunsky may be reached at sstrunsky@njadvancemedia.com. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that the elevation of the Kushinagar airport to the status of an international airport would open new avenues for the development of the Purvanchal region. The chief minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for sanctioning international airport status to the Kushinagar airport at a Union Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday. He said that the Jewar international airport would ensure air connectivity to west UP and the Kushinagar airport to the eastern part of the state. He said that the Kushinagar airport getting international status would also help in developing the Buddhist circuit which includes Kushinagar, Sarnath, Shravasti, Kapilavastu, Kaushmabhi, Sankisa, Lumbini and Bodhgaya. The chief minister said that this would also give a major boost to international tourism. "Air travel to and from Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Taiwan and other countries would be made easier," he said. Also Watch: The chief minister further said that this would generate employment opportunities in the state and give a boost to economic activities in the region. The airport project is spread across 590 acres of land and about 95 per cent of the work on the project has been completed. Actress Maxine Peake has condemned racism after she was accused of making anti-Semitic comments today in an interview with The Independent. The 45-year-old Shameless star has come under fire after claiming Israeli secret forces taught US police tactics which killed George Floyd. Peake, a Jeremy Corbyn supporter, also called for the overthrow of 'capitalist, fascist dictators' and 'systemic racism' by violent revolution. Her comments have led to a political backlash, with Rebecca Long Bailey being sacked from the Labour frontbench after sharing the article. Earlier today the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism group condemned Peake, saying that her 'views have no place in decent society'. The actress has now issued a clarification, insisting that she was 'inaccurate in my assumption of American Police training & its sources'. Actress Maxine Peake has condemned racism after she was accused of making anti-Semitic comments today in an interview with The Independent Actress Maxine Peake condemned racism today after she was accused of making anti-Semitic comments in an interview with The Independent Rebecca Long Bailey was sacked from the Labour frontbench after sharing the article Peake said she finds 'racism & antisemitism abhorrent & I in no way wished, nor intended, to add fodder to any views of the contrary'. However, her statement, released nearly 12 hours after the Independent article was published, did not contain an explicit apology. 'I feel it's important for me to clarify that, when talking to The Independent, I was inaccurate in my assumption of American Police training & its sources,' she tweeted. 'I find racism & antisemitism abhorrent & I in no way wished, nor intended, to add fodder to any views of the contrary.' In her interview with journalist Alexandra Pollard, Peake called 'systemic racism' a 'global issue' and called for the overthrow of 'the establishment'. She then alleged: 'The tactics used by the police in America, kneeling on George Floyd's neck, that was learnt from seminars with Israeli secret services.' This statement has been denied by Israeli authorities. Her comments were criticised as appearing to be a variation on the 'blood libel', where Jews are held responsible for the death of others. Rebecca Long Bailey was sacked from the Labour frontbench by Keir Starmer today after retweeting a link to the article with the caption 'absolute diamond'. Labour leader Keir Starmer (pictured left with Ms Long Bailey in April) has been trying to rebuild trust with the Jewish community after the Corbyn era The Campaign Against Anti-Semitism said: 'Maxine Peake's disgraceful promotion of a conspiracy theory tying Israel to the racist killing of George Floyd is unacceptable. 'Moreover, her attempt to shame those who felt threatened by the prospect of Jeremy Corbyn, an antisemite, becoming Prime Minister, is also outrageous. 'It is regrettable that Rebecca Long-Bailey and another Labour MP retweeted the interview but it is to their credit that they later clarified or deleted their tweets, recognising... that Ms Peake's views have no place in decent society.' Jewish groups including the Board of Deputies of British Jews backed Keir Starmer's sacking of former party leadership candidate Ms Long Bailey. Board of Deputies President Marie van der Zyl said: 'I would like to thank Keir Starmer for backing his words with actions on anti-Semitism. 'After Rebecca Long Bailey shared a conspiracy theory, we and others gave her the opportunity to retract and apologise. To our surprise and dismay, her response was pathetic. Her position as Shadow Education Secretary was therefore untenable. 'There can be no space for this sort of action in any party and it is right that after so many challenging years Labour is now making this clear under its new leader.' Jonathan Goldstein, chair of the Jewish Leadership Council (JLC), told MailOnline: 'Today we saw significant action from Sir Keir Starmer in ensuring there is zero tolerance for anti-Semitism within the Labour Party. 'His actions show he understands the severity and harm that anti-Semitic conspiracies do to our politics. 'We welcome this decisive leadership and firm action.' The 45-year-old Shameless star has come under fire after claiming Israeli secret forces taught US police tactics which killed George Floyd Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge, who is Jewish and was a leading critic of Jeremy Corbyn, said: 'This is what zero tolerance looks like.' Jewish groups also lined up behind the move 'We're being ruled by capitalist, fascist dictators. It's entrenched, isn't it?' she said. 'We've got to the point where protecting capital is much more important than anybody's life. How do we dig out of that? How do we change? Calls for BBC to end Maxine Peake's contract after latest in string of controversy for Corbynista former Shameless star who called for a violent revolution The BBC was today facing calls to end Maxine Peake's contract after the latest in a string of controversies for the Corbynista Shameless star who has flaunted with Communism and once called for a violent revolution. Peake, 45, used an interview with the Independent to share an 'anti-Semitic conspiracy theory' that US police learned 'neck-kneeling' restrain techniques used on George Floyd from Israeli spies. The comments - which led to Rebecca Long-Bailey being sacked from Labour's Shadow Cabinet after she shared the article - are not the first time Peake has aired radical views that have prompted mainstream criticism. The actress was born in Bolton to a lorry driver father and care worker mother, but her parents separated when she was nine and she later moved in with her grandparents. BBC bosses were told to sack Peake after an interview with The Independent Peake rose to national attention while playing Twinkle in Dinnerladies, a BBC sitcom that ran from 1998 to 2000. Since then, she is best known for playing Veronica Ball in the hit comedy Shameless, and barrister Martha Costello in legal drama Silk. She appeared in a revival of Alan Bennett's Talking Heads, a role she said that she accepted 'straight away' before 'spending the next few weeks in a state of high anxiety'. Advertisement 'With what's happening in America at the moment, it's about financial control. It's about keeping the poor in their place. 'I don't know how we escape that cycle that's indoctrinated into us all. Well, we get rid of it when we get rid of capitalism as far as I'm concerned. That's what it's all about. The establishment has got to go. We've got to change it.' Peake campaigned for Labour at the December election, and also turned her fire on traditional Labour voters who felt unable to back the party under Corbyn. 'Those people who were normally Labour supporters who felt they couldn't vote Labour? Well I'm sorry, they voted Tory as far as I'm concerned,' she told the newspaper. 'And it breaks my heart, because you know what? I didn't like Tony Blair, but I still voted Labour because anything's better than the Tories. 'There's a lot of people who should hang their heads in shame. People going, 'Oh, I can join the Labour Party again because Keir Starmer's there', well shame on you.' She also managed to throw in a backhanded jibe at Sir Keir himself, saying: 'I think people will get behind Starmer, won't they? He's a more acceptable face of the Labour Party for a lot of people who are not really left wing. But that's fine. Whatever. As long as the Tories get out, I don't care anymore.' In her interview with The Independent, Peake also praised the role of actors in the world, adding: 'I'm not saying we are the saviours of the human race, but a lot of people have a television.' Rebecca Long Bailey was sacked from the Labour frontbench by Keir Starmer today after retweeting a link to the article with the caption 'absolute diamond'. After her sacking, Ms Long Bailey said she had merely 'retweeted an interview that my constituent and stalwart Labour Party supporter Maxine Peake gave'. 'Its main thrust was anger with the Conservative government's handling of the current emergency and a call for Labour Party unity,' she said. 'These are sentiments are shared by everyone in our movement and millions of people in our country.' 'I could not do this in good conscience without the issuing of a press statement of clarification,' she said. 'I had asked to discuss these matters with Keir before agreeing what further action to take, but sadly he had already made his decision.' Sir Keir justified his action, telling the BBC: 'The sharing of that article was wrong, because the article contained anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.' A spokesman for Sir Keir said: 'This afternoon Keir Starmer asked Rebecca Long Bailey to step down from the shadow cabinet. The article Rebecca shared earlier today contained an antisemitic conspiracy theory. 'As Leader of the Labour Party, Keir has been clear that restoring trust with the Jewish community is a number one priority. Antisemitism takes many different forms and it is important that we all are vigilant against it.' Peake has frequently railed against the 'crippling austerity measures' and in 2017 backed the use of violence to install Corbyn as Prime Minister. Asked if she wanted a peaceful or violent revolution, she replied 'both': 'You can't have a peaceful revolution now. Terrible thing to say. But we need a coup!' In 2019, she co-signed a letter backing him in the election, lauding the former Labour leader for his stance against 'far-right nationalism, xenophobia and racism'. The Ik, a small ethnic group in Uganda, are not incredibly selfish and mean as portrayed in a 1972 book by a prominent anthropologist, according to a Rutgers-led study. Instead, the Ik are quite cooperative and generous with one another, and their culture features many traits that encourage generosity, according to the study in the journal Evolutionary Human Sciences. "The Mountain People," an ethnography by anthropologist Colin M. Turnbull, made a big splash for an academic work. The New York Times and Time magazine reviewed the book, which inspired a stage play, and physician Lewis Thomas included an essay about the Ik in his bestselling book "The Lives of a Cell: Notes of a Biology Watcher." The Ik live in the far northeast corner of Uganda, near its borders with Kenya and South Sudan. A Rutgers-led team of scientists studied them as part of The Human Generosity Project, a transdisciplinary effort to better understand generosity and other forms of cooperation among people around the world. The scientists included the Ik in their project because of Turnbull's claim that, far from being generous, the Ik were extraordinarily selfish and mean. He attributed the selfish behaviors he witnessed to a culture of selfishness. Lead author Cathryn Townsend, a former Rutgers post-doctoral scientist and faculty member now at Baylor University, spent 2016 with the Ik and returned briefly in 2017 and 2018. She discovered that their culture includes many traits that encourage generosity. For example, a favorite Ik saying is tomora marang, which means "it's good to share," and many Ik believe that Earth spirits called kijawika monitor people's behavior, punish those who fail to share and reward the very generous. Townsend also documented Ik generosity quantitatively using an experimental game, finding they're no less generous, on average, than any of the hundreds of other groups of people in the world who have played the same game. Why, then, did Turnbull observe so much selfishness among the Ik? Although Turnbull was aware that they experienced a severe famine while he was there, he failed to appreciate the impact starvation has on human behavior. Instead, he followed a common tendency among cultural anthropologists to attribute all human behavior to culture. "One implication of Townsend's work is that we must always consider the possibility that factors other than culture, including but not limited to starvation, can also shape human behavior," said senior author Lee Cronk, a professor in the Department of Anthropology in the School of Arts and Sciences at Rutgers University-New Brunswick. "Another implication is that we can no longer use the Ik as an example of a society that has embraced selfishness. Far from being an exception, the Ik are just as cooperative and generous as other people around the world. They do not deserve the reputation they have been given by Turnbull's book." Townsend plans to return to the Ik to continue her studies of how they cooperate. She will be looking in particular at how they are interdependent with one another. ### Coauthors include Athena Aktipis at Arizona State University and Daniel Balliet at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Chief Executive Officer of Event It Ghana, Ricky Anokye has opined that people within the Ghanaian Creative Arts industry are not wise and that they always allow people in government to deceive them. Ricky who is currently the Director for Class TV said that if the industry does not begin to tell the government the truth, its stakeholders will surely regret it because it will go a long way to affect them. Speaking about the New Patriotic Partys failed promises to the creative arts monitored by Journalist and Blogger Attractive Mustapha , he said that to him it is not just about NPP government but all successive government. He noted that the creative industry is the development vehicle that can enhance the Ghanaian economy, education system, and society. What I fault Akufo-Addo on is the fact that when he is going outside the country he wears a suit but he wears kente and African prints whiles in Ghana. He advised people within the art to start holding governments accountable and stop allowing themselves to be deceived all the time A dangerous tick-borne disease fatal to dogs may have gone undetected in Australia for years, a leading vet has warned. A recent outbreak of ehrlichiosis among dogs across the Northern Territory and Western Australia prompted the urgent warning on Thursday. 'All dog owners are strongly encouraged to have their dogs on a tick control program,' a government statement read. Northern Territory's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Sue Fitzpatrick has urged pet owners to check their dogs after a recent outbreak of the exotic tick-borne disease, ehrlichiosis, was found in Australia (dogs pictured in the Northern Territory) Ehrlichiosis is transmitted to dogs by the brown dog tick (pictured) but until recently it was thought the disease did not exist in Australia 'Regularly check dogs for ticks, and be on the lookout for signs of the disease.' NT Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Sue Fitzpatrick said ehrlichiosis had been found in five dogs in the territory and a small number in Western Australia. Symptoms in infected dogs include enlarged lymph nodes, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss and if left untreated, death. The illness, which originated in South Africa in the 19th century, is caused by the bacterium, Ehrlichia canis, mostly transmitted to canines by the brown dog tick. However many of the symptoms are the same as those from more common tick-borne diseases which complicates the diagnosis. 'The difference with ehrlichiosis is we're seeing some bleeding disorders, such as nose bleeds, or sore eyes and the eyes can go a little bit cloudy,' Dr Fitzpatrick said. Fears the exotic-disease may have gone undetected for years came after a cluster of dogs in Halls Creek and Kununurra, Western Australia, were diagnosed in May. Department of Primary Industries Chief veterinary officer Michelle Rodan told ABC News they were stumped as to how the disease got to the area. Symptoms in infected dogs include enlarged lymph nodes, fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss and if left untreated, death (pictured, an Australian Kelpie in Northern Territory) 'We haven't detected what the original source is any dog that entered Australia which is infected and has been bitten by a tick could be a source of the outbreak,' she said. 'Once it's in the tick population, it's very difficult to control. So the first stage is defining how widespread the distribution is.' The Northern Territory Government has launched a community awareness campaign and is working with veterinarians to co-ordinate surveillance for the disease. The disease was widely tested for at the start of the century and the results at the time seemed conclusive. A 2001 study published in the Australian Veterinary Journal tested 316 dogs from Western Australia to Queensland and found no evidence of ehrlichiosis. 'Northern Australia would appear to remain free of this obligate parasite,' the study concluded at the time. Ehrlichiosis is a nationally notifiable disease, so owners must report to a local vet if they suspect their dog has the illness. Last Thursday, the Supreme Court saved more than 700,000 immigrants from the Trump administrations nativist buzz saw. The court ensured that these immigrants, who were brought to the United States by their undocumented parents as children, would continue to be protected by an Obama administration policy called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, sparing them from deportation to countries many could not even remember. The court split 54, with Chief Justice John Roberts throwing his lot in with the liberals to find that Donald Trumps rescission of DACA had been unlawfullargely because it had been carelessly effectuated, defended pretextually, but also because hundreds of thousands of young people had altered their lives in reliance on the promise that they would be immune from deportation. Advertisement In a key section of the majority opinion, Roberts highlighted the humanity of these young undocumented people, as well as the hopes and dreams of their families: Since 2012, DACA recipients have enrolled in degree programs, embarked on careers, started businesses, purchased homes, and even married and had children, all in reliance on DACA, Roberts wrote, quoting from briefs in the case. The consequences of the rescission 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. The chief justice evinced frustration that the Trump administration seemingly took none of those very human interests into account. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One week later, on Thursday morning, the high court proved that its sympathies for immigrants seeking better lives are limited. In a 72 ruling, the justices approved the Trump administrations draconian interpretation of a federal law that limits courts ability to review deportation orders. This time around, the court did not note immigrants contributions to the nation or acknowledge their humanity in any way. Having last week treated one class of immigrants like actual people, the court on Thursday pivoted back to callous cruelty. All of the chief justices kind words about DACA recipients seemingly do not apply to immigrants whoaccording to the executive branchdo not deserve asylum. Thursdays case, Department of Homeland Security v. Thuraissigiam, involves an asylum-seeker from Sri Lanka named Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam who faces likely death if he is deported because he is Tamil. Thuraissigiam was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol while trying to cross at the southern border in 2017. After an asylum officer and immigration judge rejected his claims, Thuraissigiam was slated for expedited removal. Federal law bars courts from reviewing that deportation order. But the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the law unconstitutional as applied to Thuraissigiam under the Constitutions suspension clause, which limits the governments ability to restrict habeas corpusthe centuries-old right to contest detention before a judge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the Trump administrations request, the Supreme Court reversed the 9th Circuit, with Justice Samuel Alito writing a maximalist majority opinion for the five conservatives and Justices Stephen Breyer and Ruth Bader Ginsburg proffering a narrower concurrence. Justice Sonia Sotomayor penned a lengthy, vivid dissent joined by Justice Elena Kagan that accused the majority of flouting more than a century of precedent and purg[ing] an entire class of legal challenges to executive detention. (In his own opinion, Alito dismissed Sotomayors criticisms as mere rhetoric.) Advertisement Advertisement This outcome strips due process from immigrants seeking asylum, who now have even fewer rights to a fair adjudicatory process under an expedited system that already afforded them minimal protections. It will also embolden the Trump administration to speed up deportations for thousands of people with no judicial oversight. Under this now court-approved system, immigrants fleeing their home country must undergo a credible fear interview, at which they must explain to a federal officer why they qualify for asylum. (The Trump administration has allowed Customs and Border Protection agentsnot trained asylum officersto conduct credible fear interviews.) If the officer finds no credible fear of persecution, their supervisor reviews the determination, as does an immigration judge (who is not a traditional judge but rather an employee of the executive branch appointed by the attorney general). If these individuals find no credible fear, the immigrant is thrown into expedited removalthat is, swiftly deported in a matter of weeks. They may not contest the governments credible fear determination before a federal court. It is this extreme rule that Thuraissigiam challenged as a violation of habeas corpus and due process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alito breezily dismissed Thuraissigiams individual claims by stripping a broad swath of constitutional rights from unauthorized immigrants. First, he declared that habeas corpus does not protect an immigrants ability to fight illegal deportation orders. Sotomayor fiercely contested this claim, citing an entrenched line of cases demonstrating that habeas has long protected the right of individualsincluding immigrantsto challenge illegal executive actions in court. Second, Alito held that unauthorized immigrants who are already physically present in the United States have not actually entered the country. Thus, they have no due process right to challenge the governments asylum determination. Sotomayor noted that this holding departs from more than a century of precedent by imposing distinctions drawn by modern immigration laws on the ancient guarantee of due process. Advertisement Advertisement Alito not only waved away these galling consequences; he seemed to laugh at them. The upshot of the decision will mean almost certain death for Thuraissigiam and others like him. Thuraissigiam faced brutal persecution in Sri Lanka, a fact Alito did not seem to understand at oral arguments. Various officials in the executive branch shrugged off that persecution. Thuraissigiam just wants an opportunity to prove to a federal judge that these officials violated the law by denying his asylum claim. Now, thanks to the Supreme Court, he cannot. Nor can the many immigrants thrown into expedited removal by the Trump administration, which has used the process as a tool to speed up deportations across the country. Just two days ago, a federal appeals court cleared the way for the government to expand expedited removal beyond immigrants intercepted near the border to those apprehended anywhere in the nation. The administration has shown little interest in carefully considering whom its deporting; now many of those decisions will be rubber-stamped by executive officers and left unscrutinized by the federal judiciary. Advertisement Advertisement Alito not only waved away these galling consequences; he seemed to laugh at them. Not for a moment does he appear to believe that asylum-seekers may be genuinely in fear for their lives. Among the many bon mots dropped by Alito in his opinion, he wrote: While [Thuraissigiam] does not claim an entitlement to release, the Government is happy to release himprovided the release occurs in the cabin of a plane bound for Sri Lanka. Given that Thuraissigiam claims he will likely be tortured to death if he is sent back to Sri Lanka, its not clear that line means what he thinks it does. Throughout the opinion Alito refers to Thuraissigiam as either alien or respondent and appears simply incapable of imagining that his claims are truthful. Advertisement Its easy to miss the massive erosion of asylum-seekers rights in the victory last week around the triumph of DACA. But in some ways, its the most American outcome in the world to view DACA beneficiaries as more human because they have gone to school here and birthed children here, while scoffing at asylum-seekers, who, as part of a lengthy tradition under both constitutional and international law, simply ask the U.S. government to save their lives. Roberts, who seemed so attuned to the hardships of DACA recipients, joined Alitos merciless opinion in full; in fact, the chief justice assigned the opinion to Alito, who has become the courts staunchest crusader against immigrants rights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The courts split shows that a majority of justices think immigrants like Thuraissigiam are not the productive young people of the DACA case, with financial and familial ties to all that makes America great, but rather faceless masses cynically manipulating Americas generous asylum policy and overwhelming its immigration system. They believe these people do not deserve an iota of sympathy, let alone due process. That is already how many border agents viewed these immigrants: not as humans with rights, but as fraudulent parasites. The Supreme Court has now transformed that vision into lawand, in the process, allowed the executive to send more persecuted people to their deaths without even a meaningful day in court. ANNAPOLIS, MD The Maryland Department of Health launched a social media campaign Thursday to promote wearing masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. MDH said it anticipates a spike in summer activity, prompting the need for a reminder to stay safe. The campaign will also remind Marylanders when they should wear a mask and explain how to wear one properly. The posts will use the hashtag "#MasksOnMaryland." "Summer is here and we understand wanting to be out and about with family and friends, especially after staying home for such a long time," MDH Secretary Robert Neall stated in a press release. " We've made great progress, but we need to remember we're not out of the woods yet." The campaign kicked off the same day that Maryland announced its 3,000th coronavirus-related death. The state has had 65,777 confirmed cases of the virus. Maryland continues to ramp up testing, as Gov. Larry Hogan is pushing to test 10 percent of the state. Officials said that 8.3 percent of Marylanders have been tested as of Thursday. The positivity rate reached a new low on Wednesday, with 4.38 percent of coronavirus tests returning positive. The state has conducted 603,000 tests, as of Thursday. "To keep the curve flat and prevent a second wave of infections, we need everyone to do their part," MDH Deputy Secretary for Public Health Fran Phillips said in a press release. "Practice social distancing and wear a face covering in public spaces. By doing so, you can help prevent the inadvertent infection of others." The social media campaign will continue throughout the pandemic and does not have an end date set. RELEASE: Today, @MDHealthDept launched an expanded #MasksOnMaryland campaign encouraging Marylanders to continue to wear face coverings. Read more: https://t.co/VEnpolTkB3 pic.twitter.com/q93MVopO1n Maryland Department of Health (@MDHealthDept) June 25, 2020 Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news. This article originally appeared on the Annapolis Patch Realme is going to launch some new products for its Indian consumers today. The company will be launching the Realme X3 SuperZoom and Realme X3 smartphones as well as a new pair affordable of true wireless earphones called Realme Buds Q. The launch event is going to be online-only and is scheduled to begin at 12.30PM IST. The new Realme X3 SuperZoom was launched earlier this year in Europe while the Buds Q were launched in China. The Realme X3 is going to be a completely new handset. The company will host the launch event on its official YouTube channel or you could directly watch live stream below: REALME X3 SUPERZOOM SPECIFICATIONS We already know the specification of the X3 SuperZoom so expect a 6.6-inch full-HD+ (1080x2400 pixels) display with 120Hz refresh rate. Notably, this will be an LCD panel and not an AMOLED panel. The handset will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ SoC along with up to 12GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. There is a quad rear camera setup highlighted by a 64-megapixel primary camera along with an 8-megapixel sensor and periscope-style lens with 5x optical zoom and 60x digital zoom. There will be an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera and 2-megapixel macro camera as well. At the front there will be a dual selfie camera setup with a 32-megapixel sensor and an 8-megapixel sensor. The handset is also going to pack a 4,200mAh battery with support for 30W Dart Charge. REALME X3 SUPERZOOM EXPECTED SPECIFICATIONS The Realme X3 is expected to come with a 6.57-inch full-HD+ (1080x2400 pixels) display with a hole punch for the front camera. It is expected to be powered by the same Snapdragon 855+ SoC with up to 12GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. It is also expected to feature a quad rear camera setup but the primary sensor could be a 48-megapixel along with an 8-megapixel secondary shooter. The front camera is also expected to have a dual setup but with a 16-megapixel primary sensor and a 2-megapixel secondary sensor. The battery could be smaller on this device, rated at 4,100mAh. REALME BUDS Q FEATURES As we mentioned, the Realme Buds Q have already launched in China and the company has also published a dedicated page on its India website. The Buds Q look similar to Xiaomis Redmi Earbuds S. They are claimed to offer a battery life of 4.5 hours and a total of 20-hours with the case. They also include 10mm large boost bass drivers and will be IPX4 water and dust resistant. Connectivity options include Bluetooth v5 and a microUSB port to charge the case. The earbuds will also come with touch controls to control music and attend calls as well as a Gaming Mode that offers 119 milliseconds of Super Low Latency. Occidental Petroleum expects to book after-tax impairments of up to US$9 billion of its oil and gas assets in the second quarter due to the collapse in oil prices earlier this year, the company said in an SEC filing on Thursday. Like all other oil firms everywhere in the world, Occidental is struggling with the weak oil and gas prices, which impact the value of its proved and unproved oil and gas reserves. The impairment estimate is primarily attributable to the expected prolonged period of lower commodity prices brought on by lower oil demand as a result of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to the worldwide economy, the company said. Currently, Oxy estimates that this impairment will range between US$6 billion and US$9 billion after-tax in Q2, but warned that further write-offs could be considered if the current weak prices and macroeconomic conditions persist. If the macro-economic conditions that exist as of the date of this prospectus supplement continue or worsen, our oil and gas properties may be subject to further testing for impairment, which could result in additional non-cash asset impairments, and such impairments could be material to our financial statements, Occidental said in its announcement. Oxy warned that if current market conditions persist for an extended period of time, it might not be able to complete planned divestments on favorable terms, in a timely manner or at all. Earlier this month, Occidental was said to be considering a sale of oil and gas assets in Oman to reduce its debt burden. Last month, Total backed out of buying Occidentals assets in Ghana, after a snag in the sale of assets in Algeria as part of the Occidental-Anadarko deal last year. The collapsed deal was another blow to Occidental, which was relying on the sale of Anadarkos African assets to receive a total of US$8.8 billion that could partially reduce the huge debt it had accumulated to buy Anadarko in what analysts now see as an ill-timed decision to pursue such a huge and leveraged transaction. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: HALIFAXThe walnut-sized teeth taken from northern bottlenose whales slaughtered in the 1960s and 70s are proving to be storehouses of knowledge that raise awareness about the fragile future of the endangered species. Dalhousie University researcher Laura Feyrer found she and other researchers could only observe the elusive mammals from rare sightings far off the coast of Nova Scotia, when their distinctive bulbous foreheads and beak-like mouths occasionally emerged from their deep dives. It wasnt sufficient to properly observe the whales behaviour, or to enhance the scant knowledge of their life patterns. But Feyrer and her collaborators came up with a technique to probe the life stories of the whales through a box of teeth taken from the animals by whalers off the coast of Labrador and Iceland, and retained by scientists at the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research for future study. Using a small drill, the researchers selectively extracted samples of the tooths dentin that is deposited in annual growth layers, like tree rings, indicating what the animals were eating when they were alive. The results published this week in the journal PLOS ONE showed the whales were nursing an average of three to four years before breaking away from their mothers. That meant the whales ability to reproduce was much slower than previously thought, altering scientific understanding of their vulnerability to human impacts on their population. Previous studies suggested that northern bottlenose whales weaned when calves were one year old, which was based on what whalers found in the stomach of one northern bottlenose whale calf, said Feyrer, a doctoral candidate at Dalhousies marine biology department. What I was able to see from their stable isotope profiles of their teeth was ... on average, they were still nursing at age three. So thats an extra two years more than what was previously used to build reproduction models. The lead author said this helps assess the species ability to rebound from disease, or mass stranding events that can occur due to mid-frequency sonar from naval ships. She said this could means that naval forces or seismic research vessels probing for oil and gas can use this added knowledge to assess their potential impact on the whales. Itll give them more information with which to judge the risk of an activity. The population of the bottlenose whales that inhabit the Scotian shelf off Nova Scotia were listed as endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act in 2006. At the time, it was noted that threats to this species included acoustic disturbance, oil and gas activities, entanglement in fishing gear, contaminants, changes to food supply, and vessel strikes. The story of how the innovative research method occurred is one of those moments of scientific serendipity which combined good fortune, collaboration and ingenuity. When Feyrer began her doctoral work in 2015, she was primarily interested in doing genetic analysis by looking at the preserved gum material of the northern bottlenose whale. The lab had a collection of the cone-shaped teeth in a large box provided by the Norwegian researchers who had preserved them after their harvest. A scrap of paper, spotted in the container, helped change Feyrers approach. We were given this box of teeth by a previous collaborator in the lab and there was a little note in there written by a previous post-doctoral student that said, stable isotope analysis? recalled the biologist. The biologist started to wonder if a mass spectrometer could be used to analyze the stable isotopes of nitrogen or carbon, potentially giving her key information on the food the animals ate. She then found a collaborator whod done similar work with another whales teeth, and who could help with the method. I discovered my collaborator Corey Matthews, who is with the Arctic federal Fisheries Department, who had published a paper looking at the annual rings in beluga teeth and had discovered their weaning age, she said. Beaked whales only have two teeth, and in the females they remain embedded in the gums during their lives, but each of them is a life record. Theyre not much to look at, but theyre a real treasure trove of information, said Feyrer. As she works with the teeth, the researcher said she feels sadness as she recalls the way the animals were slaughtered, but she said the teams work is attempting to turn the tragedy into useful knowledge. We owe it to these animals that were sacrificed to learn as much about them as we can. Read more about: The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, led by Hilliard Eta, has rejected the outcome of the National Ex... The National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC, led by Hilliard Eta, has rejected the outcome of the National Executive Committee, NEC, meeting of the party The NWC reiterated its earlier position that Chief Victor Giadom, a former National Secretary of the party, has no authority to convene a National Executive Committee meeting. In a statement on Thursday in reaction to the outcome of the meeting, the sacked APC NWC said it has begun consultation of stakeholders and lawyers for necessary court action . The NWC of the APC was dissolved on Thursday The decision was taken at the NEC meeting attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, embattled Deputy National Secretary of APC, Victor Giadom and some members of the APC National Working Committee, NWC Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has been appointed as Caretaker Committee chairman of the APC. See attachment: Just two officers are swamped with the overwhelming job of monitoring almost 200 child sex offenders in a Queensland regional city, according to alarming new figures. The population of registered child sex offenders living in Townsville has increased by 10 in the last year to 180. There are now calls for more officers to be deployed to Child Protection Offender Registry investigation units in regional areas after the new figures were released this week. Just 22 officers across the state are specifically dedicated to tracking the movements of 3000 convicted paedophiles, the Townsville Bulletin reported Townsville (pictured) is home to 180 registered child sex offenders, according to new figures Townsville Child Protection and Investigation Unit officer-in-charge Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Miles told the publication his unit was one of the busiest in the state which dealt with nine cases on a daily basis. Former child protection detective turned Police and Counter Terrorism opposition spokesman Dan Purdie has spoken out about the enormous pressure overworked and understaffed officers face in the CPOR system, which he says is broken. He spoke from experience, claiming CPOR officers aren't provided with work cars and are forced to use their own vehicles or hope a police car was free. There has been no change in the number of CPOR officers in the Townsville Police District in last five years, according to Mr Purdie. One officer was reassigned due to stress, leaving the other solely responsible for tracking the moves of every convicted paedophile in the entire district. Former child protection detective turned Queensland politician Dan Purdie described the Child Protection Offender Registry as broken (stock image) Police Minister Mark Ryan addressed staff numbers in a Question on Notice in parliament this week, saying there was more than 510 CPIU officers 'available in locations across the state to monitor offenders listed on the CPOR'. 'We have the strongest laws in the nation when it comes to sex offenders and we recently boosted the resources to the Queensland Police Service by $27 million to support their work monitoring these offenders,' Mr Ryan told the publication Mr Purdie hit back, arguing that CPOR officers had enough on their massive workloads and previously backed a call for a child sex offender registry, which was voted against by the Queensland government. Shainu Mohan By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There is no doubt that the global pandemic has brought people a lot closer to each other. For this six-member team of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, giving dignified burial for three Covid-19 victims in the state capital, who were near strangers till a few days back, is a big responsibility. Every time a Covid-19 death happens, the civic authorities summon this young team that has been fighting on the frontlines ever since the first case was reported in the state. They put their lives on the line to ensure the patients and families, who are mostly ostracised by the society, get the respect they deserve. When the first Covid-19 death occurred, and the discussion about their burial came up, we were wondering, what if this happened in our own home? People are hesitant to get involved in the process out of fear of contracting the infection. But, the moment we started empathising with the family, all their fears disappeared. This is no time to be passing the buck. We are proud that we were able to give all three of them a safe and respectful burial, says Jayakumar J, a contract sanitation worker of the civic body. The six-member burial team of the corporation All six members are part of the 24-hour emergency response team formed by the corporation. Our main responsibilities involve disinfection of quarantine centres and public places including bus stations. We did all three funerals following religious rituals. Its really heartbreaking that the family and loved ones cannot even be at the funeral. The support we got from the higher authorities is also commendable. They were with us at every step, to give us moral support, says 36-year-old Jayakumar. For 32-year-old Shaiju S, another member of the team, Covid-19 has taught him many life lessons. People and families are getting ostracised and neighbours shun them. Many people behave like that with us too, and they discourage us from doing what we do now. And as a sanitation worker, this is my duty, says Shaiju. We also have families. The government is only asking us to follow social distancing norms, not to attack or ostracise anyone. When we go to homes of infected persons to carry out disinfection, we speak with the family. This is the least one can do, says Shaiju. The team involved with Covid-19 funerals comprises health officer Sasi Kumar, officers including Anoop Roy, Sujith Sudhakar, Shaji M S and Saiju. According to health standing committee chairman I P Binu, the corporation staff are working day and night to contain the pandemic. We are working as one unit to fight this and are prepared to deal with any kind of situation. People should become more compassionate any one of us can catch the disease. People get agitated or come up with protests against the burial of Covid-19 victims. This happens because of a lack of awareness, Binu adds. Team spirit The team involved with Covid-19 funerals comprises health officer Sasi Kumar, officers including Anoop Roy, Sujith Sudhakar, Shaji M S and Saiju and Jayakumar. All the six members are part of the 24-hour emergency response team formed by the corporation OFX Daily Market News Posted by OFX USD United States Dollar A unique index tracking rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities reached its highest point since November, and it quadrupled since May. The Baltic Dry index tracks and reflects rates for ships transporting iron ore, coal, grains and many other commodities. It tracks 23 shipping routes and the cost to move goods through those routes. Its an important bellwether for the global economy and reflects the shifting demand of economies as they open back up. The Baltic Dry index dropped below 400 points in mid-May at the height of the global lockdown. Yesterday, the Baltic Dry index surpassed 1000 for the first time since December. Positive flash PMIs out of the Eurozone aided a jump in the Euro, with EUR/USD breaking above 1.1310 to touch an intraday high of 1.1348, its highest level since June 16. Key Movers Although yesterdays sessions finished with a positive risk, yesterday was a wild ride for risk assets. Investors shed risk assets during Asian trade when headlines surfaced that White House trade advisor Peter Navarro, informed news outlets that President Donald Trump had made the decision to terminate the China trade deal. This saw risky currencies like the AUD and NZD sold off aggressively and US equity futures much lower. Having since back tracked from his comments and after a raft of better than expected flash PMIs out of Europe, risk assets recovered to finish the day in positive territory. Expected Ranges USD/CAD: 1.351 1.360 GBP/USD: 1.242 1.253 EUR/USD: 1.126 1.132 USD/AUD: 1.436 1.456 Posted by OFX The post Commodity shipments reach 7-month high appeared first on . Dublin commuters in the city centre this morning were overwhelmingly in support of a proposal for mandatory facemasks for people using public transport. The plans are being discussed by the Government today in a move to allow more people access buses, trains and trams as the country exits lockdown. Read More Here some commuters give their reaction to the news: Edita Gutaitiene: I use the Luas every day and I wear a face mask. I think everybody should, especially if there are going to be more people allowed on public transport. I would feel more comfortable if everyone was wearing face covering. I have noticed that on the Luas people are sitting in the seats which are sectioned-off as the trams get full. It is a bit scary because they are not supposed to use those seats. I dont have a choice in using public transport. I have to use it to get to the city from Stillorgan. Siobhan Farrell: Expand Close Siobhan Farrell from Ballyfermot. Pic:Mark Condren 25.6.2020 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Siobhan Farrell from Ballyfermot. Pic:Mark Condren 25.6.2020 Im a regular Luas user, and it wouldnt matter to me if I had to wear a face mask if it kept everyone safe. I sometimes wear one, but if it was a situation where I couldnt use the Luas without one then I would wear one. Kauany Abreu: Expand Close Kauany Abreu from Brazil. Pic:Mark Condren / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kauany Abreu from Brazil. Pic:Mark Condren I wear a face mask every day on the Luas, and I wish everybody would. I see a lot of people using face masks in Ireland, which is good, but they should all wear them on public transport. I do feel at risk if there are people on the Luas not wearing them, and I do see people using the seats that have signs on them telling passengers they are not in use. I would get off a tram instead of sitting in one of those seats. Barry Byrne: I live in the city and use the Luas every day, and I think everybody should wear a face mask.I wear one myself and Ive taught my kids to use them too. Im not happy with the number of people being allowed on Luas trams and sitting in seats they shouldnt be in. I tell people to move. Id be happier if everybody wore a cover on their face. Eamon Rice: Expand Close Eamon Rice Dorset St in Dublin. Pic:Mark Condren 25.6.2020 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Eamon Rice Dorset St in Dublin. Pic:Mark Condren 25.6.2020 I use the bus regularly. I have the free pass, and I would agree that everyone on public transport should wear a face mask. I usually wear a mask and gloves too, it makes sense. I would agree with a policy that makes face masks mandatory. Shannon Monko and her mother Linda: Expand Close Shannon Monko with her mother Linda from Ashbourne. Pic:Mark Condren 25.6.2020 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Shannon Monko with her mother Linda from Ashbourne. Pic:Mark Condren 25.6.2020 We travelled in from Ashbourne on Bus Eireann and it was the first time on a bus in a long time. There was hardly anybody on it, but I had a face mask with me as a precaution. Anyone can get Covid, so I think a rule to make everyone wear a mask on public transport is a good one, especially if more people are going to be allowed on buses and trains. Id feel safer. An 85-year-old Bankstown man has died with COVID-19 and NSW health authorities are expecting more cases, as linked to a seven-year-old student at Lane Cove West Primary School who tested positive. On Thursday Chief Health Officer advised people returning to NSW from Victoria's virus hotspots to self-isolate for two weeks as the state prepares to allow crowds of up to 10,000 people in NRL and AFL stadiums, but Melbournians aren't welcome. Australia's death toll rose to 104 with the death of an Opal Aged Care, Bankstown resident on two months ago now deemed to be coronavirus-related. Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the man passed away on April 27 and had been reclassified as a COVID-19 death. The resident was part of a cluster of COVID-19 cases at an Opal Aged Care, Bankstown. BETHESDA, Md., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Walker & Dunlop, Inc. today announced the acquisition of Beler Advisory Group, an independent real estate advisory firm based in New York City. The firm's key principal, Mo Beler, joins Walker & Dunlop as Senior Managing Director of the New York City Capital Markets Debt and Equity Team led by Aaron Appel, Jonathan Schwartz, Keith Kurland, and Adam Schwartz. Mr. Beler will focus on sourcing and structuring equity capital transactions and debt financing for all commercial real estate asset classes nationally, as well as expanding Walker & Dunlop's client base and capital markets capabilities. The Beler Advisory Group is a boutique, real estate advisory firm with a national reach, offering commercial real estate debt solutions, including joint venture equity placement and structured finance. Established in fall 2019, Beler Advisory Group is independently owned and operated by Mo Beler, a 15-year industry veteran with over $6 billion of multi-sector and multi-risk investing and advisory experience across the capital stack. "We are thrilled to welcome Mo to Walker & Dunlop," commented Chairman and CEO Willy Walker. "Mo has been consistently recognized as a leader in the debt and equity advisory space, and his addition will further strengthen our New York Capital Markets presence. This acquisition will immediately benefit Walker & Dunlop through Beler Advisory's deep client relationships, strong deal flow, and long-standing partnership with our New York City Capital Markets Debt and Equity Team." Prior to founding Beler Advisory Group, Mo served as a Vice Chairman within JLL Capital Markets. While at JLL, Mo was directly involved in commercial transactions totaling more than $2 billion. Before joining JLL, Mo was Principal and Head of investments at Innovo Property Group, and earlier served as a vice president within Rockwood Capital's acquisition group. Mr. Beler stated, "I am looking forward to being united with my past partners, which in conjunction with the industry-leading capabilities of Walker and Dunlop, creates extraordinary synergy resulting in a very powerful combination for our clients." Walker & Dunlop is a leader in the commercial real estate finance industry, ranking as the top Fannie Mae DUS multifamily lender, the 3rd largest Freddie Mac Optigo multifamily lender by volume, and the 3rd largest HUD lender based on MAP initial endorsements in 2019. The company has also achieved dramatic growth in its brokered loan origination volumes, which increased 23.4 percent from 2018 to 2019. This has largely been due to the company's successful hiring and integration of talented bankers and brokers. Since the beginning of 2019, Walker & Dunlop has added 52 bankers and brokers to the platform. About Walker & Dunlop Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD), headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of the largest commercial real estate finance companies in the United States. The company provides a comprehensive range of capital solutions for all commercial real estate asset classes, as well as investment sales brokerage services to owners of multifamily properties. Walker & Dunlop is included on the S&P SmallCap 600 Index and was ranked as one of FORTUNE Magazine's Fastest Growing Companies in 2014, 2017, and 2018. Walker & Dunlop's 850+ professionals in 40 offices across the nation have an unyielding commitment to client satisfaction. SOURCE Walker & Dunlop, Inc. Related Links http://www.walkerdunlop.com Help.org, a trusted online resource for individuals who struggle with addiction and their loved ones, has announced the Best Rehab Facilities in Fort Worth, Texas for 2020. The informational guide recognizes the top 21 rehab facilities based on cost, treatment options, location, accompanying services and more. According to recent studies, drug overdose is the leading cause of death among people under age 50. In Fort Worth, deaths related to opioid abuse increased significantly from 2011 to 2015. Substance abuse among adolescents is also escalating in Fort Worth with 55 percent of high school students reported using alcohol, 38 percent reported using marijuana, 8 percent reported using prescription drugs without a valid prescription, and 2 percent reported using heroin. With the growing need for accessible and high-quality rehab programs, Help.org has developed a unique ranking process to help connect individuals with treatment providers that meet their needs. The Help.org research team analyzed thousands of facilities across the country and then identified the most cost-effective and highest rated programs in larger cities like Fort Worth. Each facility was evaluated based on rehabilitation services, treatment approaches, cost, special programs for unique demographics and ancillary services. The website also provides information about drug use and side effects as well as educational articles. For a detailed listing of the Best Rehab Facilities in Fort Worth, Texas please visit https://www.help.org/drug-and-alcohol-rehab-centers-in-fort-worth-tx/ 2020 Best Rehab Facilities in Fort Worth, Texas (in alphabetical order) Arise Recovery Centers 6115 Camp Bowie Boulevard, Suite 220 Fort Worth, TX 76116 817-381-0633 Burning Tree Ranch 2837 County Road 101 Kaufman, TX 75142 855-678-5827 Cenikor Foundation 2209 South Main Street Fort Worth, TX 76110 888-236-4567 CleanSlate Outpatient Addiction Medicine 2912 Kraft Street, Suite 30 Arlington, TX 76010 817-522-5138 Dallas Counseling and Treatment Center 4144 North Central Expressway, Suite 850 Dallas, TX 75204 972-865-8782 Enterhealth Addiction Treatment 8222 Douglas Avenue, Suite 375 Dallas, TX 75225 800-388-4601 Greenhouse Treatment Center 1171 107th Street Grand Prairie, TX 75050 972-848-0262 Homeward Bound, Inc. 5300 University Hills Boulevard Dallas, TX 75241 214-941-3000 MedMark Treatment Centers Fort Worth 5201 McCart Avenue, Suite H Fort Worth, TX 76115 817-207-8700 Mesa Springs 5560 Mesa Springs Drive Fort Worth, TX 76123 817-678-1261 MHMR of Tarrant County 3840 Hulen Street, North Tower Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-569-4300 Nexus Recovery Center, Inc. 8733 La Prada Drive Dallas, TX 75228 214-321-0156 Phoenix Associates Counseling Services, Inc. 3001 West 5th Street Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-338-0311 Recovery Resource Council 2700 Airport Freeway Fort Worth, TX 76111 817-332-6329 Riverwalk Ranch 6960 Dick Price Road Mansfield, TX 76063 877-863-3869 Starlite Recovery Center 230 Mesa Verde Drive Center Point, TX 78010 877-540-5703 Stonegate Center 7510 FM 1886 Azle, TX 76020 817-993-9733 Texas Treatment Services 4801 Brentwood Stair Road Fort Worth, TX 76103 817-492-9383 The Magdalen House 1302 Redwood Circle Dallas, TX 75218 214-764-0793 The Treehouse 6950 Shady Lane Scurry, TX 75158 866-840-6487 Volunteers of America Texas 300 East Midway Drive Euless, TX 76039 817-529-7300 ABOUT HELP.ORG Help.org is an online resource for individuals who struggle with addiction and their loved ones. The website provides the latest research through scientifically proven methods, community recovery resources as well as information about local financial assistance. Help.orgs team of researchers, activists and writers work together with addiction counselors and other professionals to offer useful and accurate resources to help individuals seeking recovery. To learn more, visit https://www.help.org/. Pushed by Pandemic, Navy Ships Break Endurance Record COVID-19 was still a mystery Chinese pneumonia when the crew of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower last set foot on land in Norfolk, Virginia. Five months later, afloat on the balmy Arabian Sea, they have yet to leave the aircraft carrier, which has now broken the Navys record for the longest period of time at sea, along with its escort guided-missile destroyer. The ships have now been at sea for 161 days straight, not pulling in to shore in order to keep the crew safe from the pandemic. Although Naval History and Heritage Command does not specifically track continuous days underway for naval vessels, it has two modern documented days-at-sea records, both of which are now broken, said a Navy statement. The previous record, at 160 days, was held by the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), during a post-9/11 response back in 2002. The earlier record of 152 days, picked up during the Iran hostage crisis in 1980, was also held by the Eisenhower. The Eisenhower and its escort, the San Jacinto, departed their homeport of Norfolk on Jan. 17 for the strike groups Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and follow-on deployment to the U.S. 6th and 5th Fleet areas of operation. In March, I suspended liberty port visits to reduce the chance of spreading and contracting the virus across the Fleet, said Vice Adm. Jim Malloy, commander U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, U.S. 5th Fleet, and Combined Maritime. Throughout this pandemic, maintaining the Fleets warfighting readiness while ensuring the safety and well-being of our Sailors has been my top priority. According to the Navy, the ships also had a rest & reset period at sea, coming off-station for a short period of time to allow the crew to relax and reenergize with morale events such as swim calls and steel beach picnics. But the ships arent heading home just yet. Weve made it this far and Im incredibly proud of the crew for all their hard work, said Capt. Edward Crossman, commanding officer of San Jacinto, which has accompanied the carrier throughout. The fact of the matter is our work isnt done. We arent headed home yet, and were on path to blow the previous record out of the water. The guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) fires its 5-inch gun during a live fire exercise in the Arabian Sea, April 25, 2020. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Maxwell Anderson/Released) The U.S. Navy has been adapting to the challenges brought by the pandemic, taking lessons from the outbreak on board the USS Theodore Roosevelt, which was sidelined for two months in Guam. The Pentagon is prioritizing making sure crews are virus-free when they head out on deployment, which means concentrating testing and quarantine in the time window just before deployment. North Korean leader suspends plans of military action against South Iran Press TV Wednesday, 24 June 2020 5:23 AM North Koran leader Kim Jong-un has suspended "military action plans" against South Korea, in an effort to de-escalate rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Kim suspended plans to resume military exercises and deploy more troops near the heavily fortified border with the South in a meeting of the governing party's Central Military Commission on Tuesday, the official KCNA news agency said on Wednesday. In the meeting, held through video conference, members "took stock of the prevailing situation" before deciding to suspend the military plans, the report said, without elaborating. They also discussed documents outlining measures for "further bolstering the war deterrent of the country," it added. The two Koreas were on a path of rapprochement beginning in January 2018 before US intransigence to relieve any of the sanctions on the North effectively killed diplomacy. In recent weeks, North and South Koreas were headed toward an escalation over Seoul's failure to stop North Korean defectors from sending anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets over the border. Pyongyang recently cut off all communication lines with the South and blew up a liaison office building near their joint border to signal its displeasure with the propaganda leaflets. On Tuesday, a South Korean military official said North Korea's military was seen setting up loudspeakers near the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that separates the two Koreas. About 40 such systems had been removed after Pyongyang and Seoul reached an agreement in 2018 to cease "all hostile acts." South Korea's Yonhap news agency said on Wednesday that after Kim's new decision, the North Korean military was seen removing the newly-installed loudspeakers on DMZ. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address [June 25, 2020] NASA and HeroX Launch Lunar Loo Challenge to Find Way for Astronauts to Poop on the Moon HOUSTON, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- HeroX , the social network for innovation and the world's leading platform for crowdsourced solutions, today launched the crowdsourcing competition " Lunar Loo " on behalf of the NASA Tournament Lab (NTL) and NASA's Human Landing System (HLS) Program. NASA is preparing to return to the Moon by 2024 and needs to develop a new way for astronauts to urinate and defecate in microgravity and lunar gravity. The crowdsourcing challenge calls on the global community of innovators to provide innovative design concepts for fully capable, low mass toilets that can be used both in space and on the moon. Competitive toilet designs will align with NASA's overall goals of reduced mass and volume, lower power consumption, and easy maintenance. Selected designs may be modified for integration into Artemis lunar landers. This effort is all part of NASA's Artemis program to return astronauts to the moon in 2024. $35,000 in prizes. "As NASA astronauts prepare to set their boots on the Moon in 2024, we're turning to the global network of problem solvers to design the next-generation lunar toilet," said Mike Interbartolo, project manager for the Lunar Loo Challenge in the HLS Crew Compartment Office at NASA's Johnson Space Center. "As we prepare for this extraordinary event, we can't forget about the ordinary needs of our astronauts." "NASA's previous challenge, Space Poop , went viral, demonstrating how effective the power of the crowd is to solve galactic problems," said Christian Cotichini, CEO, HeroX. "It's always an honor helping solve 'number two' challenges." The Challenge: NASA is calling on the global community to submit their novel design concepts for compact toilets that can operate in both microgravity and lunar gravity. These designs may be adapted for use in the Artemis lunar landers that take humanity back to the Moon. Although space toilets already exist and are in use (on the International Space Station, for example), they are designed for microgravity only. NASA is looking for a next-generation device that is smaller, more efficient, and capable of working in both microgravity and lunar gravity. Getting back to the Moon by 2024 is an ambitious goal, and NASA is already working on approaches to miniaturize and streamline the existing toilets. But they also want ideas from people that will approach the problem with a mindset different from traditional aerospace engineering. This challenge hopes to attract radically new and different approaches to the problem of human waste capture and containment. And, to encourage the next generation of solvers, there will also be a Junior category for innovators under 18 years of age. The Prize: The challenge will award $35,000 in prizes to the authors of the three most compelling design concepts. In addition to the awards, design winners will have the opportunity to talk directly with NASA engineers about their proposed toilet designs. The top three participants in the Junior category will each receive public recognition and an item of official NASA-logoed material. How to Become a Solver: The prize is open to anyone aged 18 or older participating as an individual or as a team. Individual competitors and teams may originate from any country, as long as United States federal sanctions do not prohibit participation (some restrictions apply). To submit to the Junior category, you must be younger than 18. To accept the challenge, visit https://www.herox.com/lunarloo ABOUT HEROX HeroX is a social network for crowdsourcing innovation and human ingenuity, co-founded in 2013 by serial entrepreneur, Christian Cotichini and XPRIZE Founder and Futurist, Peter Diamandis. HeroX offers a turnkey, easy-to-use platform that supports anyone, anywhere, to solve everyday business and world challenges using the power of the crowd. Uniquely positioned as the Social Network for Innovation, HeroX is the only place you can build, grow and curate your very own crowd. Explore the latest challenges at www.herox.com Media Contact: Alexandra Pony [email protected] 250.858.0656 View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-and-herox-launch-lunar-loo-challenge-to-find-way-for-astronauts-to-poop-on-the-moon-301083564.html SOURCE HeroX [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] MOUNT PLEASANT While the Wisconsin, U.S. and world economies are still sifting through the fallout of the widespread economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, a third-party analysis by the Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Policy Forum views the financial condition of the Village of Mount Pleasant with cautious optimism given its calculated risk with the ongoing and evolving Foxconn development. Wisconsin Policy Forum President Rob Henken summarized the studys final report at the Monday meeting of the Mount Pleasant Village Board. Research for the report, arising out of the Resilient Communities Initiative, spearheaded and funded by The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, was initiated by the policy forum last fall and largely completed prior to the Wisconsin onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March. Foxconn and TID 5: A Calculated Risk While the village has taken on a hefty load of debt $120 million in 30-year revenue bonds and $83 million in short-term debt to fund Tax Incremental District 5 in support of the Foxconn development project, Henken noted that the village had taken a calculated risk, to capitalize on the economic development potential of Foxconns high tech Wisconn Valley project. I dont think theres any question that having $200 million worth of debt in a time this uncertain is a precarious place to be, Henken said. Its not because the decision to issue the debt was a mistake in the first place nobody could have predicted the onset of a global pandemic and what would happen to our local, state, national and global economy as a consequence. He added that $200 million would be a big number even without a pandemic, but it comes with a huge potential for development. While the Foxconn project was originally envisioned to encompass a 20,000,000-square-foot facility for manufacturing large-panel liquid crystal display, or LCD panels, plans have since shifted. There are decreased job estimates, with a wider and more flexible mix of activities including smaller-panel LCD products and networking and server equipment. While Foxconns development plans have adjusted, Henken noted that significant development is nevertheless underway in TID 5, including a 1,000,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility nearing completion, with manufacturing production planned to start this summer. Three additional buildings, including a 260,000-square-foot smart manufacturing facility, are expected to be up and running by the end of the year. As it already stands, Foxconn is the largest property taxpayer in the Village of Mount Pleasant, paying $1.1 million in property taxes and $7.3 million in special assessments in the 2019 tax year. We see the progress that has been made in terms of construction at the TID, we see how the property values have already increased and we certainly see encouraging progress, putting aside the pandemic, Henken said. Protective backstops put into place Given the scale of the proposed development and the inherent risks assumed by the village in its debt for TID 5, a 3,921-acre industrial district created in 2017 to pay for public infrastructure, land acquisition and other expenses needed to facilitate construction and operation of the Foxconn development, Henken noted that some very sound backstops had been put in place to protect the village. Were not attorneys, were not prophets, he said. You dont know what could happen, but we think that your taxpayers should be reasonably reassured that there are appropriate protections in place, so if you dont get the valuation that you need to get within that TID to capture increment to service that debt, there are protections in place that would not cause a financial disaster for your government. The WPF reported there are several elements that substantially reduce the financial risk for Mount Pleasant should a $1.4 billion benchmark valuation by the end of 2022 not be reached or should the eventual valuation not be sufficient to generate the property tax revenues required to pay off debt and address other elements of the plan. Among the various backstops, the contract with Foxconn requires the company to make property tax payments to the village as if the property within Area 1 of TID 5 was valued at $1.4 billion, even if the actual assessed value does not hit that mark. Unknowns remain With or without the COVID-19 pandemic, Henken said a variety of unknown variables remain in regard to TID 5 and the Foxconn project. What we cannot predict is whats going to happen, both in terms of the pace and extent of development that will still occur within that TID, he said. Thats a longterm issue anyway. He added that being in the Milwaukee-Chicago corridor would remain attractive for investment. As a global high tech manufacturer, another unknown is the effect of the global COVID-19 pandemic on Foxconns worldwide operations. There are global consequences here and what, if any, impact that may have on their commitment to the region and the state, Henken said. Pandemic or not, he noted the village faced risks with the Foxconn TID. Im not telling you anything you dont know, Henken said. You had risk before the pandemic. Arguably, theres more risk now that the pandemic has occurred. Report available online Mount Pleasant Village Administrator Maureen Murphy thanked Henken and the Wisconsin Policy Forum for their very thorough work with the village on creating the report, calling it a guidepost for the village moving into the future. The Policy Forum is known for being fact-based in providing unbiased answers, she said. Theres clearly some work that we need to do, but all in all its a good report. To have these few red lights is something very significant. As we move forward, its going to be important that all of us balance the community needs with what the taxpayers can afford, and thats our mantra as we move forward. Free public access copies of the full 43-page fiscal analysis report, as well as a 5-page executive summary, are available online from the Wisconsin Policy Forum at wispolicyforum.org and on the Village of Mount Pleasant website at mtpleasantwi.gov/2490/WI-POLICY-FORUM-FISCAL-ANALYSIS. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 1 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. UPDATE (6/26): Pa. coronavirus cases hit 84K. Lehigh Valley enters green phase. Last yellow county will transition July 3. What comes next? UPDATE: Gov. Tom Wolf has officially signed the order confirming 12 counties, including the Lehigh Valley, will enter the green phase at 12:01 a.m. The story below has been updated to reflect this. Pennsylvania coronavirus cases rose by 579 on Thursday, the most new cases in a single day in almost two weeks. The state now totals 83,770 cases and 6,557 deaths from COVID-19 since the coronavirus was first identified here March 6, according to Thursdays daily report from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. (Cant see the map? Click here.) However, the Lehigh Valley, Scranton, Erie and the Philadelphia suburbs remain on track to enter the green phase of reopening at 12:01 a.m. Friday. They are among the last counties in the state to make the transition to the third tier of Gov. Tom Wolfs three-step reopening plan. But it will not be a complete return to normal: Masks and social distancing are still required. Here are your Pennsylvania coronavirus updates for June 25, 2020. Green-phase reopening Twelve counties will enter the green phase overnight. They are Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Erie, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Susquehanna. The transition was announced last week and made official Thursday afternoon when Gov. Wolf and Health Secretary Rachel Levine signed an amended order adding the above counties to the green phase effective just after midnight. Gov. Tom Wolf last week announced 12 more Pennsylvania counties will enter the green phase of coronavirus reopening on June 26, including the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia and Scranton. Only Lebanon County will remain in the yellow phase.lehighvalleylive.com staff While Philadelphia will officially be in the green phase, local officials there will maintain some additional restrictions until July 3. By Friday, only Lebanon County will still be in the yellow phase. County leaders there decided to reopen in May. The county is now seeing an upswing in cases. The criteria for entering the green phase include declining case rates, sufficient hospital capacity and the ability to trace the contacts of new patients. Wolfs administration usually goes over the data with health officials on Thursdays and formalizes transitions by amending a standing order. While the green phase lifts the strictest requirements of the shutdown, life will not be what it was before the pandemic. Businesses will be open, but there will be capacity restrictions in place. Working remotely is encouraged wherever possible. Places like salons and massage parlors are being told to operate by appointment only. Bar patrons are to be separated by barriers. And residents are still instructed to wear masks when venturing out. (MORE: What the green phase means, and why its not a full reopening) Coronavirus in Pa. Coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania have been climbing over the last week, though the rate still remains far below its peak in mid-April. (Cant see the chart? Click here.) The health department has said the latest rise is likely the result of increased testing, both at the states nursing homes and of patients who may not have previously shown any symptoms. In Pennsylvania, the majority of hospitalizations and deaths have been in residents 65 and older, according to state data. Residents of long-term care facilities account for 17,454 cases of COVID-19, about 21% of the states total, and 4,471 deaths, 68% of Pennsylvanias death toll. The health department estimates that 78% of Pennsylvania coronavirus patients have recovered. To date, 621,031 tests have come back negative. (Cant see the table? Click here.) Coronavirus in the Lehigh Valley As of Thursday, the Lehigh Valley has recorded 7,516 total coronavirus cases and 547 deaths, with 47 cases and four deaths reported in the last day, according to state data. That breaks down to: 4,164 cases and 285 deaths in Lehigh County. 3,352 cases and 262 deaths in Northampton County. The two Lehigh Valley counties, like the state at large, saw their case rates peak in mid-April. Theyve declined since and seen small rises in the last week. (Cant see the chart? Click here.) Among the last areas of Pennsylvania to enter the green phase, the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas have seen the highest density of coronavirus cases in Pennsylvania over the duration of the pandemic. Pennsylvanias first COVID-19 death was in Northampton County. Lehigh and Northampton counties are two of five to date that have seen more than 1,000 cases per 100,000 residents. The others Philadelphia, Delaware and Berks are all in this corner of the state. (Cant see the map? Click here.) Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Astronomers have discovered the second-most distant quasar ever found using three Maunakea Observatories in Hawai'i: W. M. Keck Observatory, the international Gemini Observatory, a Program of NSF's NOIRLab, and the University of Hawai'i-owned United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT). It is the first quasar to receive an indigenous Hawaiian name, Poniua'ena, which means "unseen spinning source of creation, surrounded with brilliance" in the Hawaiian language. Poniua'ena is only the second quasar yet detected at a distance calculated at a cosmological redshift greater than 7.5 and it hosts a black hole twice as large as the other quasar known in the same era. The existence of these massive black holes at such early times challenges current theories of how supermassive black holes formed and grew in the young universe. The research has been accepted in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. Quasars are the most energetic objects in the universe powered by their supermassive black holes and since their discovery, astronomers have been keen to determine when they first appeared in our cosmic history. By systematically searching for these rare objects in wide-area sky surveys, astronomers discovered the most distant quasar (named J1342+0928) in 2018 and now the second-most distant, Poniua'ena (or J1007+2115, at redshift 7.515). The light seen from Poniua'ena traveled through space for over 13 billion years since leaving the quasar just 700 million years after the Big Bang. Spectroscopic observations from Keck Observatory and Gemini Observatory show the supermassive black hole powering Poniua'ena is 1.5 billion times more massive than our Sun. Poniua'ena is the most distant object known in the universe hosting a black hole exceeding one billion solar masses," said Jinyi Yang, a postdoctoral research associate at the Steward Observatory of the University of Arizona and lead author of the study. advertisement For a black hole of this size to form this early in the universe, it would need to start as a 10,000 solar mass "seed" black hole about 100 million years after the Big Bang, rather than growing from a much smaller black hole formed by the collapse of a single star. "How can the universe produce such a massive black hole so early in its history?" said Xiaohui Fan, Regents' professor and associate department head of the Department of Astronomy at the University of Arizona. "This discovery presents the biggest challenge yet for the theory of black hole formation and growth in the early universe." Current theory holds the birth of stars and galaxies as we know them started during the Epoch of Reionization, beginning about 400 million years after the Big Bang. The growth of the first giant black holes is thought to have occurred during that same era in the universe's history. The discovery of quasars like Poniua'ena, deep into the reionization epoch, is a big step towards understanding this process of reionization and the formation of early supermassive black holes and massive galaxies. Poniua'ena has placed new and important constraints on the evolution of the matter between galaxies (intergalactic medium) in the reionization epoch. "Poniua'ena acts like a cosmic lighthouse. As its light travels the long journey towards Earth, its spectrum is altered by diffuse gas in the intergalactic medium which allowed us to pinpoint when the Epoch of Reionization occurred," said co-author Joseph Hennawi, a professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. METHODOLOGY Yang's team first detected Poniua'ena as a possible quasar after combing through large area surveys such as the UKIRT Hemisphere Survey and data from the University of Hawai'i Institute for Astronomy's Pan-STARRS1 telescope on the Island of Maui. In 2019, the researchers observed the object using Gemini Observatory's GNIRS instrument as well as Keck Observatory's Near Infrared Echellette Spectrograph (NIRES) to confirm the existence of Poniua'ena. "The preliminary data from Gemini suggested this was likely to be an important discovery. Our team had observing time scheduled at Keck just a few weeks later, perfectly timed to observe the new quasar using Keck's NIRES spectrograph in order to confirm its extremely high redshift and measure the mass of its black hole," said co-author Aaron Barth, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Irvine. Gone with the Wind has returned to HBO Max after a temporary hiatus from the streaming platform, with an introduction providing historical context surrounding the film. Jacqueline Stewart, a film professor and co-host of Turner Classic Movies, appears in the introduction that now precedes the movie, which was released in 1939 and remains the highest-grossing film of all time. "You are about to see one of the most enduringly popular films of all time," Stewart says in the new introduction. Stewart goes on to explain that although the movie, an adaptation of Margaret Mitchell's novel of the same name, won numerous awards and was a touchstone is cinematic history, it "was not universally praised." "The film has been repeatedly protested, dating back to the announcement of its production," she says. "From its prologue, the film paints the picture of the Antebellum South as a romantic, idyllic setting that's tragically been lost to the past... The film follows the lead of Mitchell's novel, presenting the Antebellum South as a world of grace and beauty without acknowledging the brutalities of the system of chattel slavery upon which this world is based." "The film represents enslaved Black people in accordance with longstanding stereotypes as servants notable for their devotion to their white masters, or for their ineptitude. And the film's treatment of this world through a lens of nostalgia denies the horrors of slavery as well as its legacies of racial inequality." Getty Hattie McDaniel RELATED: Gone with the Wind to Return to HBO Max with New Introduction from Black Film Scholar Stewart explained that Black cast members were not allowed to attend the movie's premiere in Georgia and that Hattie McDaniel who became the first African American to win an Academy Award for her role was not allowed to sit with her costars at the awards ceremony. "Watching Gone with the Wind can be uncomfortable, even painful," Stewart says in the introduction. "Still, it is important that classic Hollywood films are available to us in their original form for viewing and discussion." Story continues She pointed out that old movies "reflect the social context in which they were made, and invite viewers to reflect on their own values and beliefs when watching them now." "Classic films have been and continue to be a major influence on popular views of history. Gone with the Wind in particular with its landmark production values, signature scenes, and iconic characters has shaped the way generations of viewers worldwide have pictured slavery and the reconstruction period that followed." RELATED VIDEO: HBO Max Temporarily Removes 'Gone with the Wind' Due to Its 'Racist Depictions' HBO Max Temporarily Removes 'Gone with the Wind' Due to Its 'Racist Depictions' "These racist depictions were wrong then and are wrong today," said the streaming platform "80 years after its original release, Gone with the Wind is a film of undeniable cultural significance," Stewart continues. "It is not only a major document of Hollywood's racist practices of the past, but also an enduring work of popular culture that speaks directly to the racial inequalities that persist in media and society today." Stewart previously wrote an op-ed for CNN that watching the film could be an educational experience for viewers. "For me, this is an opportunity to think about what classic films can teach us," Stewart wrote in the essay. "Right now, people are turning to movies for racial re-education, and the top-selling books on Amazon are about anti-racism and racial inequality. If people are really doing their homework, we may be poised to have our most informed, honest and productive national conversations yet about Black lives on screen and off." "Some complained that taking the film down was a form of censorship. For others, seeing Gone with the Wind featured so prominently in HBO Max's launch felt like salt rubbed into wounds that have never been permitted to heal," the scholar wrote. "These wounds are reopened with every act of anti-Black violence, every delay in justice and every failure to acknowledge the extent of Black suffering." SELZNICK INTERNATIONAL PICTURES/Ronald Grant Archive/Alamy Gone with the Wind RELATED: Gone with the Wind Is Still the Biggest Film of All Time with Inflation Over Avengers: Endgame "But it is precisely because of the ongoing, painful patterns of racial injustice and disregard for Black lives that Gone with the Wind should stay in circulation and remain available for viewing, analysis and discussion," she added. In a statement to PEOPLE earlier this month, an HBO Max spokesperson said "Gone With The Wind is a product of its time and depicts some of the ethnic and racial prejudices that have, unfortunately, been commonplace in American society." "These racist depictions were wrong then and are wrong today, and we felt that to keep this title up without an explanation and a denouncement of those depictions would be irresponsible," the statement added. HBO Max has not edited the movie to remove its racist depiction, the statement said, because amending it "would be the same as claiming these prejudices never existed." "If we are to create a more just, equitable and inclusive future, we must first acknowledge and understand our history," the statement concluded. Gone with the Wind is now streaming on HBO Max. To help combat systemic racism, consider learning from or donating to these organizations: Campaign Zero (joincampaignzero.org) which works to end police brutality in America through research-proven strategies. ColorofChange.org works to make the government more responsive to racial disparities. National Cares Mentoring Movement (caresmentoring.org) provides social and academic support to help Black youth succeed in college and beyond. Mike Flynn was a career Army intelligence officer who served in Afghanistan and Iraq and was still in uniform as a three-star general when he became Barack Obama's head of Defense Intelligence in July 2012. But he fell out badly with the Obama administration, was forced out in July 2014 and moved into private intelligence consulting. 2015 December 10: Flynn is paid to travel to Moscow and sits beside Vladimir Putin at dinner celebrating propaganda outlet RT (right). His consulting business has Russian clients 2016 February: Flynn signs up to provide national security advice to the Trump campaign; in the next few months he is floated as a possible running mate July 20 : Flynn leads 'lock her up' chants at the Republican National Convention and claims Obama concealed the actions of Osama bin Laden July 31: FBI open counter-intelligence investigation Crossfire Hurricane into group of Trump aides, including Flynn, for possible Russian influence. In 2014 an FBI informer had told agents he saw Flynn spending time at a dinner in the UK with a Russian woman with ties to Kremlin intelligence; the information is included in their investigation. Flynn is code-named Crossfire Razor November 4: Trump wins the election, and meets Obama who advises him not to hire Flynn. Trump ignores the advice and makes him national security adviser designate November 30: Obama's ambassador to the United Nations, Samantha Power, makes the first of what will be 48 requests by Obama and Obama-eras officials to 'unmask' a redaction from intelligence reports which covers up Flynn's name December 2016 Flynn meets Russian ambassador Sergei Kislyak (right) at Trump Tower and exchanges calls and messages throughout the month. December 29: Hours after Obama announces sanctions on Russia for election interference, they speak and Flynn says it will be 'reviewed' when Trump takes power. The call is heard by intelligence agents who monitor Kisylak's calls and details are included in intelligence reports. The next day Putin says Russia won't retaliate for the sanctions 2017 January 4: FBI drafts report saying there is 'no derogatory information on RAZOR [Flynn].' But 20 minutes later FBI counterintelligence agent Peter Strzok tells case agent 'don't close RAZOR,' and '7th floor involved' meaning FBI leadership. He also emails lover Lisa Page, a senior FBI lawyer, about the Logan Act - a never-enforced 1799 law banning private people from interfering in foreign relations. 'Razor still open,' he writes and calls news 'serendipitously good'. 'Phew, but yeah, that's amazing that he is still open. Good I guess,' Page replies. Strzok respond: 'Yeah, our utter incompetence actually helps us. 20% of the time I'm guessing :)' January 5: Obama holds Oval Office briefing on Russian election interference with Joe Biden, CIA director John Brennan, FBI director James Comey, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and deputy attorney general Sally Yates. He asks Comey and Yates to stay behind and says he has 'learned of the information' about Flynn's call to Kislyak. Comey mentions the Logan Act January 6: Obama's top intel figures - Brennan, Clapper and Comey - give the Trump team including Trump a briefing on Russia at Trump Tower January 10: Joe Biden is most senior Obama official to request an 'unmasking' of an intelligence report which reveals Flynn's name January 12: Bombshell Washington Post report reveals Flynn's call to Kislyak on December 29, 'according to a senior U.S. government official' saying: 'What did Flynn say, and did it undercut the U.S. sanctions?' It mentions the Logan Act January 14: Flynn tells Pence he did not discuss sanctions; in coming days Trump officials repeat this on television - including Mike Pence the following day January 20: Trump is inaugurated; Flynn becomes national security advisor January 22: The Wall Street Journal reveals Flynn is subject to a counter-intelligence investigation over links to Russia January 23: Strzok and Andrew McCabe the FBI Deputy director exchange messages planning to interview Flynn January 24: Two FBI agents - Peter Strzok and one whose name remains secret - go to the White House and interview Flynn in his West Wing office. Their notes say he denies talking about sanctions with Kislyak and said 'if I did I don't remember' January 26 and 27: Yates tells White House counsel Don McGahn that Flynn has lied to Mike Pence and other officials, is therefore compromised, could be blackmailed by Russia, and other aspects of his conduct are worrying which she can't tell McGahn because they are classified January 28: Flynn sits in the Oval Office to take part in Trump's first call with Putin February 9: Washington Post reveals Flynn did discuss sanctions and publishes interview in which he repeats denial 'categorically.' After the story is published, he tells the newspaper a different version - that he may have discussed sanctions February 10 and 11: Trump says he will 'look into' Flynn but the aide is at Mar-a-Lago dinner with Shinzo Abe February 13: Washington Post reveals that McGahn was warned about Flynn by Yates. Flynn resigns admitting he 'inadvertently' misled Pence, prompting Pence to mislead on Face the Nation in January February 14: Trump meets Comey and says Flynn is 'a good guy' and 'I hope you can see your way to letting this go.' March 30: Flynn offers to testify to Congress - at the time both House and Senate are Republican-controlled - or the FBI on Trump-Russia in exchange for immunity from prosecution; nobody takes up the deal offer May 9: Trump fires Comey, and on May 17 Robert Mueller is appointed special counsel May 10: Senate Intel Committee subpoena Flynn for his contacts with Russia; he cites Fifth Amendment; they later subpoena in more detail, and by early June he turns over documents voluntarily November 5: Mueller's investigators revealed to be ready to indict Flynn and his son Michael Jr. on multiple charges. They are looking at his foreign lobbying and even whether he plotted to kidnap a Turkish cleric from the U.S. and deliver him to Turkey - but are also wiling to strike a deal to let his son off if he flips November 16: Mueller team interview Flynn for first time November 22: Flynn withdraws from 'joint defense deal' with Trump, suggesting a deal is in the works December 1: Flynn signs a plea deal with Mueller; he will plead guilty to lying to the FBI at the White House interview. In exchange his son gets out of charges, and Flynn himself escapes charges of failing to register his lobbying for foreign entities. He appears in court and admits under oath lying to the FBI and affirms that he understands the deal. 'I recognize that the actions I acknowledged in court today were wrong, and, through my faith in God, I am working to set things right,' he says. The White House says: 'The false statements involved mirror the false statements to White House officials which resulted in his resignation in February of this year.' December 2: Trump tweets: 'I had to fire General Flynn because he lied to the Vice President and the FBI' 2018 January: Flynn is repeatedly interviewed as he cooperates with Mueller and sentencing is repeatedly deferred June 7: Obama deputy national security advisor reveals in book that Obama administration first learned of Flynn's December 2016 communications with Kislyak from Trump transition team members and not from 'unmasking' his name in intelligence reports December 18: Flynn appears in court for sentencing hearing; Mueller's recommendation is little or no jail time. But Judge Emmet Sullivan says 'arguably you sold your country out' and asks why he was not charged with 'treason.' Sentencing is deferred 2019 June 12: Flynn fires Covington & Burling, his white shoe law firm, and hires new lawyer Sidney Powell, who had told him on Fox News to ditch his plea deal August 30: Flynn files motion accusing prosecutors of conning him into a guilty plea by withholding exculpatory material while other parts of the government trying to 'smear' him as a Russian agent December 16: Judge rejects Flynn's motion after reviewing Intel Inspector General report into the FBI and DOJ actions before the 2016 election and sets sentencing date for January 28 2020 January 7: Prosecutors say they want up to six months for Flynn; a week later he files to ask to withdraw his guilty plea 'because of the government's bad faith, vindictiveness, and breach of the plea agreement.' A week later he asks for probation if he can't get out of his deal. Sentencing is deferred until February 20 February 14 Attorney General Bill Barr appoints political appointee Jeffrey Jensen, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri, to examine Flynn's prosecution April 29 New notes released by Jensen show Strzok discussing keeping Flynn as a target on January 4 2017. They also show an unnamed FBI official's notes from around the interview with Flynn on January 24 2017, saying: 'What is our goal? Truth/Admission or to get him to lie, so we can prosecute him or get him fired?' Trump starts a tweet storm which lasts into the next day, saying: 'What happened to General Michael Flynn, a war hero, should never be allowed to happen to a citizen of the United States again!' May 7 Department of Justice says it is withdrawing support for prosecuting Flynn saying the interview in the West Wing was 'untethered to, and unjustified by, the FBI's counterintelligence investigation into Mr. Flynn' and that it was 'conducted without any legitimate investigative basis.' But career prosecutors who have led the case quit just before the move is announced May 12 Judge Emmet Sullivan puts a hold on prosecutors dropping the case and the next day appoints a 'friend of the court,' former Mafia prosecutor and retired federal judge John Gleeson to argue against the DOJ's motion to dismiss, causing uproar among Flynn's supporters May 13 A series of senior Obama officials are named as having asked for 'unmaskings' of intelligence reports which resulted in Flynn's name being uncovered, in newly-declassified documents. But it later emerges intelligence report of his call to Kislyak used his full name so people with access to it could understand who the Russian was speaking to, which also means leaking his name is not a crime May 21 Three-judge appeals panel orders Judge Sullivan to explain legal basis for not accepting prosecution request to drop Flynn's conviction May 22 FBI director Christopher Wray launches 'after-action review' of bureau's investigation June 24 Federal appeals judges rule 2-1 that Sullivan has to dismiss the case. Trump takes a victory lap, tweeting 'Great!' July 4 Flynn tweets a video of himself taking 'the oath,' a bizarre ceremony linked to the QAnon conspiracy theory, which ends the Oath of Allegiance by saying 'where we go one, we go all,' a QAnon slogan July 9 Judge Sullivan asks the entire D.C. appeals circuit to hear the case 'en banc' and overturn the order to dismiss. An unnamed member of the appeals circuit made the same request and the judges voted to hear it 'en banc' August 31, legally ignoring Sullivan's request August 31 Entire D.C. appeals circuit rules against Flynn, sending the case back to Sullivan and allowing him to hold an inquiry into DOJ handling of the prosecution September 29 Sullivan holds hearing where Flynn's lawyer reveals she briefed Donald Trump personally on the case and asked him not to pardon her client November 25 President Trump announces the night before Thanksgiving he has granted Flynn a 'Full Pardon,' calling it a 'Great Honor' and wishing him and his family 'Congratulations' December 12 Judge Sullivan formally dismisses the case on the grounds that the pardon renders it moot WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange sought to recruit hackers at conferences in Europe and Asia and conspired with members of hacking groups including LulzSec and Anonymous to obtain government secrets, the United States Justice Department has said. The new allegations against Assange were outlined in an updated indictment on Wednesday. The superseding indictment does not contain additional charges beyond the 18 counts the Justice Department unsealed last year. But prosecutors said it underscored Assanges efforts to procure and release classified information, allegations that form the basis of criminal charges he already faces. Beyond recruiting hackers at the conference, the charging document accuses Assange of gaining unauthorised access to a government computer system of a NATO country in 2010. Two years later, he conspired with the leader of LulzSec and asked to be provided with documents and databases, the Justice Department said. In another communication, Assange told the LulzSec leader that the most impactful release of hacked materials would be from the CIA, NSA, or the New York Times, it said. Assange also published on WikiLeaks emails from a data breach of a US intelligence community consulting company by a hacker affiliated with LulzSec and Anonymous, it added. The 48-year-old Assange was arrested last year after being evicted from the Ecuadorian embassy in London and is at the centre of a continuing extradition tussle over whether he should be sent to the US. Abuse of power The Justice Department has already charged him with conspiring with former US Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in one of the largest compromises of classified information in US history. Prosecutors say the WikiLeaks founder damaged national security by publishing hundreds of thousands of classified documents, including diplomatic cables and military files on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, that harmed the US and its allies and aided its adversaries. Assange maintains he was acting as a journalist entitled to First Amendment protection. His lawyers have argued the US charges of espionage and computer misuse are politically motivated and an abuse of power. Assanges lawyer, Barry Pollack, said in a statement that the governments relentless pursuit of Julian Assange poses a grave threat to journalists everywhere and to the publics right to know. While todays superseding indictment is yet another chapter in the US Governments effort to persuade the public that its pursuit of Julian Assange is based on something other than his publication of newsworthy truthful information, he added, the indictment continues to charge him with violating the Espionage Act based on WikiLeaks publications exposing war crimes committed by the US Government. The allegations in the new indictment centre on conferences as far back as 2009, in locations including the Netherlands and Malaysia, at which prosecutors say he and a WikiLeaks associate sought to recruit hackers who could locate classified information, including material on a Most Wanted Leaks list posted on WikiLeaks website. According to the new indictment, he told would-be recruits that unless they were a member of the US military, they faced no legal liability for their actions. At one conference in Malaysia, called the Hack in the Box Security Conference, Assange told the audience, I was a famous teenage hacker in Australia, and Ive been reading generals emails since I was 17. President Muhammadu Buhari has granted approval of the tertiary education trust fund to increase the National Research Fund (NRF) to N7.5 billion for the year 2020 from its initial N3 billion. This was made known by Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, executive Secretary of TETFund, during a retreat in Abuja on Wednesday. He added that the approval would give an opportunity for the establishment of twelve A new report has indicated that the governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi failed in his bid to see President Muhammadu Buhari along with the former Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress(APC) Victor Giadom on Tuesday. According to reports, the visit is aimed at winning Buhari for Gaidom who has been parading himself as the acting national chairman of the party. The Nigerian government says it will not fight dirty with its Ghanaian counterpart over the demolition of a building at the Nigerian high commission in Ghana. Advertisement Speaking with newsmen on Wednesday, the presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu stated that matters like this would rather be dealt with diplomatically. He made the comment following calls from some quarters that a retaliation is necessary. He further lauded the president of Ghana, Nana A new report has emerged that no fewer than N43.5 million was spent in buying governorship form for the embattled governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki. The cost covers his forms while in the ruling All Progressive Congress as well as the Peoples Democratic Party. A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has delayed an accelerated hearing on a suit to stop Godwin Obaseki, Edo State Governor, from contesting the primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The court stood down the matter for three hours following appeal by the lawyer to the plaintiff, Ferdinand Orbih that they should be given a brief period to explore an out of court settlement. Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike has labelled some members of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) National Working Committee(NWC) as tax collectors. Speaking via his official Twitter handle on Tuesday, he said these members are the ones who connived with a popular newspaper outlet to make a false publications about him. A former minister for aviation, Fani Kayode has described wife of the president, Aisha Buhari as the only ray of light in the presidential Villa. Speaking via his official Twitter handle on Wednesday, he further said outside of the place is shrouded in darkness. Rotimi Amaechi, the minister for transportation says he has decided to stay mute over the crisis rocking the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC). The former governor of Rivers state added that he does not know why the crisis rocking the party continues to linger when members are all adults and can resolve their differences. He further noted that he does not know what responsible for the crisis. Somewhere along the way, outrage over George Floyds slaying turned into a larger plea for more recognition of African-Americans in areas ranging from the arts to corporate boards to the big screen. Demands for policing reform and greater accountability were only ploys to extract something more from society, like a diversion used in a casino caper. The narrative of police punishment unfairly meted out on minorities became a tail used to wag the dog for a loftier goal. That goal is vengeance mixed with monetary restitution. In a word, reparations. Popularized by writer Ta-Nehisi Coates, the bumptious James Baldwin epigone, reparations are less a racial subsidy and more of an ideology fixated on abstract compensation for the historic mistreatment of blacks. Citing the 68 case of Contract Buyers League -- an assembly of black homeowners who brought a suit against suburban, mostly white real-estate predators -- Coates broadened reparations to mean more than cutting a check for financial damages. [Contract Buyers League] were charging society with a crime against their community. They wanted the crime publicly ruled as such[a]nd they wanted restitution for the great injury brought upon them by said offenders. The cause was no longer appealing to the government simply for equality, Coates reasoned, but for the grander recompense of reparations. For a quarter century, Detroit-area Rep. John Conyers Jr., introduced a bill every congressional session that convoked a commission to study the lingering effects of black bondage and issue a list of appropriate remedies. This was colloquially viewed as a reparations bill. After being chased from Congress due to sexual harassment allegations, Conyerss once abstruse campaign was relayed to Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee. Now its au courant with progressive lawmakers. Corey Booker, the genial New Jersey senator and also-ran presidential hopeful, introduced his own reparations edict in the Senate, with nearly half the Democratic caucus as cosponsors. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has called the proposed commission on white-guilt payments not a good idea, making it a legislative dead letter for the near future. President Trump described the discussion of reparations as a very interesting debate, but one he [doesnt] see... happening. But, bill or no bill, reparations are happening. Instead of a subvention Uncle Sam stands for, theyre taking the form of voluntary penance payments. Following the protests and riotous affrays over Floyds demise, a passel of corporations pledged charity remittances to black communities, including Bank of America, Nike, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Comcast, Walmart, Yum! Brands, and Johnson & Johnson. Black Americans are too canny to be fooled by the PR stunt of NYSE-listed concerns offering a pecuniary permyriad of their market value, passed through the holdings of second, third, and fourth parties, before hitting the till of the local Y. So, theyre bypassing the pro-forma commercial sops for more direct remuneration. And public reproach is the shakedown weapon of choice. One example: a letter to the well-endowed Poetry Foundation from 1,800 black verse-scribblers demanding every cent in the organizations coffers be passed to those whose labor amassed those funds. The petitioners also called for the resignation of Foundation President Henry Bienen and Willard Bunn, chairman of the board of trustees, for the misstep of issuing a supporting message not solicitous enough toward Black Lives Matter. Bienens and Bunns scalps were handed over; no word yet on the ransom. As Coates showed, expiating payoffs arent always in duckets. It comes in prestige and exposure. This fame is a reparation that, by any other name, is just as profitable. Matt James was just cast as the new lead in The Bachelor, a move up that, in turn, lowers blacks to the level of white bougie drivel. The Minnesota rioters will no doubt take solace in this inspiring uncultured levelling. Minnesota senator Amy Klobuchar upped the reparation ante by voluntarily withdrawing from the Democratic vice-presidential race, asking Joe Biden to select a woman of color instead. This noble sacrifice is made less noble by the uncomfortable fact that the state Klobuchar represents was the provenance of the latest wave of racial strife. Bidens consideration of her ended the second Floyd gave up the ghost. Reparations also come in the form of stock options. Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian resigned from his creations company board, beseeching members to fill his seat with a black man or woman. Michael Seibel of venture-capital giant Y Combinator was the lucky recipient of the affirmative-action sinecure. This soft extortion (pay up or youll be branded a racist) sends a blunt message: racial justice wont come to America until every black person sits under his or her own vine and fig tree. De jure equality be damned. Forget about more deference from law enforcement. Or even drop the pretense of wanting dignifying work above burger-flipping. Its all about lucre as an emollient remedy for centuries in manacles. When you riot... corporations will send you millions, Tucker Carlson recently inveighed in a barbed monologue. The gnostic theory of white supremacy was really just a guise for drawing reparations out of guilt-addled Americans. But, to paraphrase Thatchers mot on socialism, the trouble with reparations is that you eventually find that no amount of restitutional funds heals historic injustice. Too many businesses and institutions may run out of their own money before the shame baiters accept that fact. Whitefish, Montana--(Newsfile Corp. - June 25, 2020) - CFN Enterprises Inc. (OTCQB: CNFN), owner and operator of CFN Media, the leading media network dedicated to the global legal cannabis, CBD and psychedelics industries, today announces an article discussing the increasing demand for cannabis and Israel's only publicly-traded cannabis pure-play, Isracann Biosciences, Inc. (CSE: IPOT) (OTC Pink: ISCNF). Figure 1: Isracann Biosciences Inc. To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6612/58514_febeb1cfb45c1952_001full.jpg Oregon cannabis sales topped $100 million for the first time since legalization despite the impact of COVID-19, according to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. While COVID-19 has impacted nearly every part of the economy, cannabis businesses have remained open as essential businesses in the United States and other parts of the world. Canadian demand is also expected to be robust. While the country closed many retail shops, the system has long relied on mail delivery as a primary means of distribution. The re-opening of retail outlets over the past few weeks could also help pave the way for an increase in revenue as customers start to venture back out into society. In Europe, pharmacy-based distribution models may limit demand to some extent, but the region still faces a severely constrained supply and enormous pent-up demand. Prohibition Partners estimates that the market could be worth north of $136 billion by 2028, or about four times larger than the projected value of the U.S. cannabis market. Gearing Up for a Rebound The Israeli Ministry of Economy signed a Free Export Order on May 13, 2020 that implements an earlier decision to approve cannabis exports. The order is scheduled to go into effect in June and will allow licensed producers of medical cannabis in Israel to apply for an export permit to ship products to international markets-including Europe. Story continues Figure 2: Isracann Biosciences Inc. To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6612/58514_febeb1cfb45c1952_002full.jpg "Supply in both the domestic and European markets is lagging behind demand, especially in Europe, as more countries work on less restrictive regulations," says Isracann Biosciences Inc. (CSE: IPOT) (OTC Pink: ISCNF) CEO Darryl Jones. "Our marketing strategy aims to leverage Israeli-branded products as fundamentally superior." In June, Israel's Police Minister also backed the easing of enforcement of existing laws following a joint statement by the Prime Minister and Defense Minister outlining their intent to advance legislation "to resolve the issue of decriminalization and legalization"-ostensibly referring to recreational cannabis use in the country. While the statements didn't provide any specific timetable for the moves, experts believe that it could take about four months to advance legislation. The new rules could permit cannabis use for adults over 21 and cannabis sales would take place in designated shops. As in other markets, advertising would be restricted and an educational fund would be set up. Isracann Biosciences, Israel's only publicly-traded cannabis pure-play, has already tasked regional consultants with ensuring applications for an export permit will be made as soon as possible. Management believes that the country's unique environment, advanced agro-economics and history of cannabinoid innovations will drive adoption. "We are incredibly pleased by the recent news and are highly supportive of the initial proposals moving towards medical and recreational reform," said Mr. Jones in a recent press release following the support for recreational legalization. "We look forward to building on this legislative framework as we continue to execute our strategic plans in the region." Finding the Best Opportunities Canada's cannabis market experienced a tumultuous couple of years. After U.S.-based demand failed to meet expectations, Canadian companies are hoping that the move into edibles, beverages and other "Cannabis 3.0" product formats will help spur domestic demand and pave the way for greater demand over the coming quarters. The U.S. market continues to experience strong demand-even during the COVID-19 crisis-but the legal framework remains uncertain. While some states have legalized cannabis, there are high barriers to entry when it comes to licensing in some states and a chronic oversupply of the market in other states. Europe remains one of the most promising bright spots for cannabis over the coming years. As legalization unfolds, investors may want to look for opportunities on the ground floor rather than trying to play catchup in more established markets. Countries like Israel could also see opportunities given their proximity to European end markets. Looking Ahead The COVID-19 crisis has impacted many parts of the global economy, but cannabis demand remains relatively stable. With many parts of the global economy opening back up, consumers are likely to return to medical and recreational cannabis markets and lawmakers may continue to explore opportunities to liberalize their drug laws. Isracann Biosciences Inc. (CSE: IPOT) (OTC Pink: ISCNF) is well-positioned to take advantage of the recovery as European end markets open up and export laws are liberalized to permit exports and the possibility of recreational legalization appears to be on the horizon. With existing operations in place, the company's experienced management team is capable of scaling into new markets with innovative products. For more information, visit the company's website at www.isracann.com. Isracann Company Contact: Darryl Jones CEO Djones@isracann.com About CFN Enterprises Inc. CFN Enterprises Inc. (OTCQB: CNFN) is a digital media and ecommerce company focused on advancing businesses and brands in highly regulated emerging industries across the globe. CFN connects investors with new market opportunities while helping consumers find innovative products that enhance their lives. Learn more at www.cfnenterprisesinc.com. CFN Enterprises Inc. Media Contact: CFN Enterprises Inc. +001 (833) 420-CNFN investors@cfnenterprisesinc.com FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT Use of Forward-looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements from CFN Enterprises Inc. within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and federal securities laws. For example, when CFN Enterprises Inc. describes the potential acquisition of BarNone assets and the related benefits, its pursuit of M&A opportunities, growth in CBD sales and spending on affiliate marketing, and uses other statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will" and similar expressions, CFN Enterprises Inc. is using forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the management of CFN Enterprises Inc. only, and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: regulatory and licensing risks; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; the regulatory landscape and enforcement related to cannabis, including political risks and risks relating to regulatory change; changes in applicable laws; compliance with extensive government regulation; public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry; we may be unable to retain or attract key employees whose knowledge is essential to the development of our products and services; or, loss of market share and pressure on pricing resulting from competition, which could cause the actual results or performance of CFN Enterprises Inc. to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, CFN Enterprises Inc. undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For a more detailed description of the risk and uncertainties affecting CFN Enterprises Inc., reference is made to CFN Enterprises Inc.'s reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/58514 Gov. Greg Abbotts order to halt elective surgeries in Harris, Dallas, Bexar and Travis counties is good news for Montgomery County because it will help hospitals here avoid capacity issues. Abbotts action comes as COVID-19 cases surge across the state, including Montgomery County, and hospitalizations of people with the virus increase. Additionally, Abbott paused his phased plan to reopen Texas amid the rising case numbers. These four counties have experienced significant increases in people being hospitalized due to COVID-19 and todays action is a precautionary step to help ensure that the hospitals in these counties continue to have ample supply of available beds to treat COVID-19 patients, Abbott said. Leaders of Houstons Texas Medical Center said during a Thursday press conference that despite rising cases and hospitalizations, the system is well-prepared capacity-wise and stressed the pandemic is not eclipsing hospital capabilities. According to the Montgomery County Public Health District, as of Thursday there were 58 new cases bringing the countys total cases to 1,889. Of the 1,889 cases, 763 cases were active with 15 of those people hospitalized. The total number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Montgomery County was 112, with 22 of those patients in intensive care units. On Tuesday, Montgomery County commissioners took steps to be prepared for a surge in the Texas Medical Center and purchased a portable hospital shelter that would add 75 more beds in Montgomery County. Executive Director of the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Jason Millsaps said Abbotts order on elective surgeries will help free up beds in Harris County which will help Montgomery County hospitals avoid capacity issues, specifically with critical care beds, as well. It will relieve pressure on our hospitals, he said noting when the Texas Medical Center fills up, patients are sent to Montgomery County. We are the next biggest medical center. Millsaps said local leaders continue to monitor the situation as the numbers continue to increase. 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. cdominguez@hcnonline.com Airports, resorts, and hotels on the Red Sea coast are readying to reopen to inbound After months of lockdown as part of measures to halt the spread of the Covid-19, Egypts coastal resorts are ready to reopen to international tourism. Starting next week, airports and the Red Sea, South Sinai, and Matrouh beach resorts are to open to international travellers in the hope of salvaging this years tourism season and easing an anticipated recession caused by the lockdown to halt the spread of the coronavirus. Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypts most popular holiday destinations on the Red Sea, are now ready to welcome international travellers and holidaymakers, who flock to their scores of luxury hotels to enjoy the sunny weather, endless beaches, and world-class diving, surfing, safaris and other activities that have made both resorts favourite vacation spots. To ensure the safe return of inbound tourism, the government has introduced hygiene safety regulations in compliance with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Hygiene safety certificates are pre-requisites for all hospitality establishments, tourism activities, archaeological sites and museums to resume their operations and receive visitors. In cooperation with the relevant Tourism Chambers and international consulting firms specialising in health and safety, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is conducting regular inspections of certified hospitality establishments to ensure the efficient implementation of the regulations. Starting in July, Egypt will receive inbound tourism at certified hotels and resorts located in the coastal governorates of the Red Sea, South Sinai and Matrouh, with maximum occupancy rates of 50 per cent. These three governorates have had excellent epidemiological results, in addition to having fully-equipped public and private hospitals, Khaled El-Enany, the minister of tourism and antiquities, told Al-Ahram Weekly. He said that trips overland between these destinations and others in the Nile Valley were still banned until further announcement. Other tourist destinations such as in Luxor, Aswan, and Cairo will be reopened gradually. To inspect the implementation of the regulations in the costal beach resorts that will be reopened to tourists starting in July, the ministers of tourism and antiquities and civil aviation embarked on a trip to Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh this week. Before resuming inbound tourism to Egypt, strict preventive measures are being taken from the beginning of peoples trips in their source country until their departure from Egypt, El-Enany told the Weekly. He said that before travelling to Egypt and prior to receiving an airline boarding pass, all passengers would need to fill in a travellers declaration including a questionnaire on information on trips undertaken in the 14 days before coming to Egypt and a confirmation that passengers have shown any symptoms of Covid-19 or knowingly been in touch with coronavirus patients. He said that all travellers would need to have international medical insurance covering their stay in Egypt. The declaration forms are available at Egyptian tourism companies and their international counterparts, as well as on the Internet. Travellers arriving from countries declared by the WHO as severely infected with Covid-19 up to the epidemic level are required to submit a recent PCR test result upon entry to Egypt. The test must be done in the source country in a maximum of 48 hours prior the travel date. The list of the countries concerned will be announced on a regular basis on the WHOs website. AIRLINE MEASURES: Mohamed Mannar, the minister of civil aviation, explained that national flag carriers are rigorously disinfected before each flight, and the wearing of face masks inside the aircraft is mandatory for passengers and flight attendants. Dry meals and canned drinks only are served, and universal protection kits containing disinfectants, gloves, and facemasks are available with spare quantities with the flight crew. Printed publications such as newspapers and magazines are prohibited on-board. To serve passengers with chronic diseases who are unable to wear a facemask for long periods of time, Mannar said a specific area of the aircraft would be allocated to them. The last two rows of seats in the aircraft would be allocated to any passengers showing symptoms of illness during the flight. A flight attendant will be assigned to attend them, and there will be a separate toilet for their use, Mannar said, adding that all necessary preventive measures had also been taken at Egyptian airports, including their regular sterilisation and disinfection, with all employees and staff members following all health and safety regulations. The wearing of face masks is mandatory inside airport facilities, physical distancing is maintained, and the temperature of all travellers and airport staff is checked and luggage is disinfected before being placed on conveyor belts. El-Enany said the government had been working to prepare for the reopening of Egypts tourist resorts since last month, when it began licensing hotels to receive domestic tourists at reduced occupancy levels. Since mid-May, the permissible occupancy rate has been only 25 per cent of capacity, increasing to 50 per cent in June. Some 280 out of around 1,400 hotels and resorts in Egypt have thus far received a hygiene safety certificate after meeting the health and safety regulations published by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and approved by the cabinet in accordance with the standards of the WHO. The regulations oblige hotels to space out restaurant tables and restrict elevator capacities, apply physical distancing, and sanitise rooms and air them for 12 hours after guests departures. Parties and other events are prohibited. Regular monitoring of hospitality establishments is carried out by joint committees among the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the relevant tourism chamber, and international consulting firms specialising in health and safety. Any establishment breaching hygiene regulations will have its authorisation revoked, El-Enany asserted. The ministry stopped the operation of three resorts in Hurghada after the operation of local tourism was restarted after they breached the regulations, with the licences of their managers being withdrawn. Should a tourist begin to show mild symptoms of Covid-19 during a holiday in Egypt, he or she will be quarantined in the same hotel and will receive medical treatment on site, El-Enany said. All hotels have agreed to designate a specific wing or floor to such cases to ensure their isolation. Severe cases will be transported to hospital, and the government will meet the costs of any treatment needed. During his tour this week, El-Enany inspected a collection of certified hotels and resorts as well as a certified diving centre. Diving has its own regulations in order to enhance the safety of equipment. The minister inspected the regular and efficient cleaning and disinfection of furniture and fabrics, public places, and touching points in hotels and resorts. Hand sanitisers are provided in these in different areas, while proper ventilation is maintained in compliance with the requirements of the ministry of health and population regarding central air conditioning. The safe disposal of waste is carried out according to the guidelines of the ministries of health and population and the environment, and the disinfection of laundry facilities is carried out daily. SAFE TRAVEL: The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has approved Egypts regulations for the resumption of tourism and awarded the country its Safe Travel Stamp on Saturday. The WTTC designed the stamp to enable travellers to identify destinations and businesses that adopt its hygiene and safe travel protocols. Gloria Guevara, WTTC president and CEO, said that she was delighted to see major countries and destinations such as Egypt joining the list of global destinations adopting the protocols. This not only showed the success of the WTTC Safe Travel Stamp, but also demonstrated its importance to travellers and those who work in the sector, she said. We thank these destination countries and cities for working with the WTTC at this time which is the time for cooperation, Guevara said. This is a milestone in our bilateral cooperation with the WTTC, El-Enany said. The WTTC decision reflects Egypts commitment to the safe resumption of inbound tourism with strict hygiene safety measures to its superb, sunny, and healthy beaches, he added. Egypt is looking forward to welcoming you soon to its resorts in the Red Sea and South Sinai governorates and the Mediterranean coast in the Marsa Matrouh governorate, he said. To promote tourism in the international market, the Ministry of Tourism and antiquities has launched a promotional video as part of its campaign called the Same Great Feelings. The video, entitled A Tourists Journey in Egypt, is published on Egyptian, Arab, and international social-media platforms. This video is one of the many ways that Egypt is preparing for the return of tourism in July, said Tarek Hosni, the ministers advisor for marketing and communication. It was produced as part of the Egyptian Tourism Authoritys promotional campaign, which in its first phase is being advertised on the social-media platforms of the main inbound tourism markets to Egypt, including in Asia, the Arab Gulf states, and European nations including Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Ukraine. The video will also be posted on several Arab and international TV channels such as CNN and the Discovery Channel. The video campaign is funded by the Egyptian Tourism Authority, and its production was funded by the Egyptian Tourism Federation and tourism investors. The goal of the campaign is to reach Arab and international audiences with news of the ways Egypt has prepared for the return of tourism after having taken all the necessary precautionary measures to make their stay both pleasant and safe. HURGHADA MUSEUM: During his visit to Hurghada, El-Enany inspected the precautionary measures being taken at the Hurghada Museum and announced its re-opening to the public starting in July. The museum was opened in February as the first museum of antiquities in Hurghada and one linking cultural to leisure tourism. It is the citys newest tourist attraction, the first of its kind on the Red Sea coast, and the most prominent project implemented by the ministry in partnership with the private sector. It is a leading example in Egypt linking maritime and leisure with cultural tourism, El-Enany said, adding that the ministry was set to copy the experience at the Sharm El-Sheikh Museum, which is scheduled to open soon. He said the government had not shouldered any financial costs in the construction of the Hurghada Museum, which had cost LE185 million. The financing was provided by the ministrys partner company, which had also provided showcases, the interior design of the galleries, and state-of-the-art lighting and security systems equipped with surveillance cameras and alarms. The revenues from the new museum will be equally divided between the ministry and the company. The Supreme Council of Antiquities [SCA] is the sole authority responsible for the management and security of the Hurghada Museum collection, as well as anything related to antiquities, such as the exhibition halls and the maintenance and restoration labs, El-Enany said, explaining that private investors would be responsible for the museums facilities and services. The decision by the ministry to operate the new museum in partnership with the private sector was taken with the aim of promoting tourism in Hurghada, linking culture to leisure and maritime tourism, and mobilising private resources in the establishment of the project. The museum is a one-storey building designed according to the highest international standards, covering 3,000 square metres and exhibiting a collection of 1,791 artefacts brought from various storehouses in the Red Sea area and beyond. Under the title Beauty and Luxury, the museum displays artefacts showing the beauty and luxury of the ancient Egyptian civilisation through its different dynasties, said Mahmoud Mabrouk, advisor to the minister of tourism and antiquities for exhibition design. The star of the exhibition is a beautiful bust of queen Merit Amun, daughter of king Ramses II, discovered at her temple in the Ramesseum near Luxor. It was put on show after its discovery at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and now it is one of the main attractions at the Hurghada Museum. The museum displays artefacts that show off the domestic items and cosmetics used by the ancient Egyptians, such as hair accessories, wigs, creams, perfumes and jewellery. Sports like hunting and fishing and musical instruments and scenes from dance and musical performances from the Pharaonic era to modern times are also on show. A model showing how perfume was made in ancient times and how the ancient Egyptians decorated their tombs is also on show. A large collection from the former ruling Mohamed Ali family is on show, including a collection of awards, cosmetics, and jewellery. The private partner of the museum, Khaled Mahfouz, told the Weekly that it highlighted the role that the government was playing to support investment in Egypt. He said the idea had been to link leisure to culture tourism and to provide another attraction for tourists in Hurghada, encouraging them to prolong their stay. The museum also has a commercial area with shops selling replicas, handicrafts, jewellery, and books. Mahfouz said that modern sales systems were in place at the shops, meaning that products were identified with barcodes and could be paid for easily with cards. An open-air area with an amphitheatre has been built outside the Museum where musical and art performances are planned. Sharm El-Sheikh Museum: In Sharm El-Sheikh, El-Enany visited the Sharm El-Sheikh Museum to inspect work being done in preparation for its opening. The Sharm El-Sheikh Museum is the second to be run in partnership with the private sector after the Hurghada Museum. Construction work began on the museum in 2006 but stopped in 2009 due to architectural problems and then the lack of a budget in the aftermath of the 2011 Revolution. Work resumed early this year with a budget of LE300 million. Moemen Othman, head of the Museums Sector at the SCA, said the Museum was originally a one-storey building with several halls, but after its redesign it was divided into two large galleries on two levels. The first is 1,200 square metres in area and displays a collection of ancient Egyptian artefacts illustrating life and the afterlife in ancient Egypt as well as the relations of the ancient Egyptians to animals. The second hall will put on show objects from Egypts different civilisations, as well as the ancient Silk Roads that once linked East Asia to Europe. Among the most important artefacts, Othman said, were the Hathour Column, which will be the core of the museum, as well as a head of the Pharaoh Tuthmoses II and a collection of mummified animals. The area outside the Museum has been allocated for landscaped areas, bazaars, and restaurants and cafeterias to attract tourists to the coastal city in the evening. A centre to produce and display Sinai handicrafts will also be established. Othman said that the Museum would be equipped with a state-of-the-art security system with surveillance cameras monitoring it minute-by-minute over 24 hours. Mahmoud Mabrouk, the designer of the museum displays, said that it would provide a light cultural meal for tourists in its two halls. He said that pieces would be carefully selected according to the highest standards in order to reflect the way the ancient Egyptians lived thousands of years ago. The museum would display domestic items such as beds and dining tables, he said. Jewellery and the ornaments of kings, priests, and citizens would also be displayed. Cosmetics would be shown through a collection of wigs and other items. Mabrouk said that part of the hall would be dedicated to the afterlife through a collection of funerary furniture. A complete example of a tomb would be on show to explain to visitors the idea of the afterlife and what it represented for the ancient Egyptians. Wildlife and the ways the ancient Egyptians respected animals will also be on show, Mabrouk told the Weekly, explaining that animal mummies discovered at the end of last year at the Saqqara Necropolis outside Cairo, such as cats, hawks, eagles, crocodiles, rats and cobras, would be on show. He said that tourists visiting the museum would have a good idea of how the ancient Egyptians had lived and how life had developed through the different ages. The second hall will include items from all the civilisations that Egypt has hosted through its long history and be called the Hall of Civilisations. It will include artefacts from the Graeco-Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Periods, in addition to civilisations that did not settle in Egypt, but passed through on the ancient Silk Roads, such as the Chinese civilisation. Mabrouk said that a complete Roman bath would be displayed. When the Romans came to Egypt in the first century BCE, he said, they set up popular baths, including steam rooms, discussion rooms, and bathtubs, and these had survived into the later Islamic era. A model of an Ottoman room will also be on show, along with a display of desert life including Bedouin tents from Sinai and Siwa. *A version of this article appears in print in the 25 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Three people wear protective masks while sitting on the lawn in Bryant Park in New York City, N.Y., on May 22, 2020. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images) White House: Trump Wont Follow Quarantine Order in New Jersey The White House has indicated that President Donald Trump will not be quarantined for 14 days when he visits New Jersey over the weekend. The president of the United States is not a civilian, White House spokesman Judd Deere said in a statement to The Hill on Wednesday. Anyone who is in close proximity to him, including staff, guests, and press are tested for COVID-19 and confirmed to be negative, Deere added. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said on Wednesday that visitors from states that have significant cases of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, a novel coronavirus, will have to undergo quarantine. The three states experienced a surge of virus cases but are now recovering. This is the smart thing to do. We have taken our people through hell and back, Murphy told reporters on a call Wednesday. Cuomo on the same call added, We worked very hard to get the viral transmission rate down. We dont want to see it go up because a lot of people come into this region and they can literally bring the infection with them. Trump went to Arizona, which has seen an increase in virus cases, earlier in the week. People ride bikes while wearing face coverings during the CCP virus pandemic in New York City, New York, on May 20, 2020. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images) With regard to Arizona, the White House followed its COVID mitigation plan to ensure the President did not come into contact with anyone who was symptomatic or had not been tested, Deere added on Thursday, according to The Hill. Anyone traveling in support of the president this weekend will be closely monitored for symptoms and tested for COVID and therefore pose little to no risk to the local populations. Earlier this month, in mid-June, Vice President Mike Pence, the main coordinator of the White House pandemic task force, stressed that there isnt a second wave of the virus. Lost in the coverage is the fact that today less than 6 percent of Americans tested each week are found to have the virus, he said. Cases have stabilized over the past two weeks, with the daily average case rate across the U.S. dropping to 20,000down from 30,000 in April and 25,000 in May. And in the past five days, deaths are down to fewer than 750 a day, a dramatic decline from 2,500 a day a few weeks agoand a far cry from the 5,000 a day that some were predicting. The carefully built and nurtured framework of cooperation with competition with regard to the India-China relationship in the past two decades has been demolished in the wake of the clash in Ladakhs Galwan Valley and Chinas attempt to coerce India through massive military deployment in Aksai Chin. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh famously said, in December 2006, that a fast-growing India and China can each pursue their respective ambitions despite inevitable competition. My own view is that the world is large enough to accommodate the development ambitions of both countries, Singh told Japans Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper. That was the Hu Jintao era in China. Fourteen years later, Hus successor, President Xi Jinping clearly doesnt believe in either cooperation or competition. As Chinas self-appointed supreme leader for life, Xi has ambitions to make China the unchallenged hegemon. He has long abandoned the widely-quoted 24-character dictum of Deng Xiaoping, who told the Chinese Communist Party, Observe calmly; secure our position; cope with affairs calmly; hide our capacities and bide our time; be good at maintaining a low profile; and never claim leadership. Xi, instead, feels Chinas time has to claim global leadership has come. And, to achieve this, he would not mind using a combination of coercion, inducement and brinkmanship. No matter how the current border stand-off with India gets resolved, it is difficult to envisage the India-China relationship returning to the old normal that we saw in the first 19 years of this century. Admittedly, the power differential between China and India has grown over the years. Beijing has cleverly been using this period to make inroads both into the Indian market and Indias traditional geopolitical backyard even as New Delhi took its eyes off the ball. The bilateral trade deficit has grown alarmingly; Indias influence in South Asia now has to increasingly compete with Chinas inducement-laden policies in smaller countries in the neighbourhood. With a more assertive and reckless China determined to open new fronts across the globe, India will have to draw some lessons from countries with similar problems. It is noteworthy that China today has a dispute with Japan in the East China Sea, and is locked in territorial contestation with Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia in the South China Sea, besides the long-standing unresolved boundary issue with India. In each of these cases, China employs the same playbook: Make a claim, establish some kind of a presence, withdraw, and then cite that precedent in future negotiations in addition to invoking some vague historical reference and miraculously producing ancient maps to buttress its claims. In this backdrop, India will have to devise a new strategy to deal with Xis China. This will have to be multi-pronged and calibrated. It should include ways to restrict the dominance of Chinese products and raw materials, prevent Chinese tech giants such as ZTE and Huawei from gaining entry into projects under the national security matrix, and limit Chinese investment in Indian unicorns and start-ups. Some steps in this regard are already visible and should start showing results down the line. However, India will have to make haste slowly, lest these measures hurt Indian entities in the short-term. On the military-strategic front, New Delhi is still trying make sense of the immediate reason for Chinas unprecedented show of strength in Aksai Chin. Various theories have been advanced. One is that the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) is testing its own military deployment and mobilisation effectiveness; another is that it is a message to India, warning it against any alignment with the United States (US). It could be a combination of the two, but there is also a likelihood of PLA implementing a long-term strategy of two steps forward, one step backwards, wherein it tests the adversarys response to a sudden crisis, restores status quo ante and attacks again with a larger force to deal the final blow. The Indian military in all its four dimensions land, air, water and space/cyber will have to be ready for a far bigger confrontation in the not-too-distant future. New Delhi will have to assess the current episode carefully and then undertake a comprehensive review of its strategic approach to China in the defence and foreign policy domains. While there is no choice but to stand up to China, Indian policymakers will have to come up with a grand strategy that seeks to engage Beijing at the highest politico-military level, even as it builds capabilities that serve as a credible deterrence against a China determined to become the most dominant world power by 2049 which is one of its stated aims. In doing so, India will have to be pragmatic and practical, taking into account the reality that in dealing with China, it stands alone, no matter which alliances and groupings it becomes a part of. Quad (India, Australia, US and Japan), Quad plus three, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec), and the Solar Alliance are good diplomatic platforms to work with. But the worlds longest and most-contested border between India and China will have to be settled bilaterally. In this effort, India should not expect anyones support. Nitin A Gokhale is founder and editor-in-chief, StratNewsGlobal.com and BharatShakti.in The views expressed are personal Simon Property Group, Inc. SPG recently unveiled Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok. The move comes as part of the companys strategy of enhancing the companys portfolio of premium outlets in thriving regions across the world. Developed by Siam Piwat Simon, a joint venture (JV) between Simon Property Group and Siam Piwat, owner and operator of retail developments in Thailand, this center will offer international and local brands at everyday savings. Also, it marks the first Premium Outlet center in Thailand by the JV. This premium outlet is positioned within a 15-minute drive from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and a 45-minute drive from central Bangkok. The property is anticipated to draw a high footfall, given the airport served more than 65 million travelers last year and the metro area has a population of more than 14 million. The retail property offers a collection of luxury designer brands, rolling out their outlet retail concept in Thailand, including Burberry, Balenciaga, Montblanc, Bally and Breitling. Also, international fashion brands like Furla, Hugo Boss, American Eagle, CK Calvin Klein among others are debuting at the center. kate spade NEW YORK, and Sketchers SKX outlet stores also joins the tenant roster. Apart from these, there is a stand-alone, 13,000-square-foot store opened by adidas and a 14,000-square-foot premium retail store by Nike NKE. Siam Premium Outlets Bangkok also offers Asian and Western food and beverage options, apart from Starbucks SBUX, BreadTalk and other concepts for shoppers. The property also features several amenities aimed at offering retreat for urban dwellers and tourists. Simon Property has been making efforts to make its property stand out from the rest, investing billions to transform the companys portfolio focused on creating value and boost footfall. The transformational plans included addition of hotels, restaurants, residences and luxury stores. Simon Property has been enjoying market leadership with a stellar history of generating significant cash flows and a decent liquidity position. However, the retail real estate sector has been battling store closures and tenant bankruptcies and Simon Property is not immune these. Also, there is likely to be no respite in the near term as the tepid environment will likely prevail with dwindling footfall at retail properties amid social-distancing mandates and higher e-commerce adoption. Hence, rent collections, occupancy and pricing power are likely to bear the brunt. In response to the pandemic and its impact on business, Simon Property has substantially reduced all non-essential corporate spending, as well as property operating expenses. In addition, the company has suspended or eliminated more than $1 billion of redevelopment and new development projects. Nonetheless, for some redevelopment and new development projects in the United States and internationally that are nearing completion, construction continues. Due to the gloomy retail real estate market environment, Simon Property has underperformed its industry over the past year. Shares of this Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) stock have depreciated 56.5% compared with the industrys decline of 22%. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Story continues Today's Best Stocks from Zacks Would you like to see the updated picks from our best market-beating strategies? From 2017 through 2019, while the S&P 500 gained and impressive +53.6%, five of our strategies returned +65.8%, +97.1%, +118.0%, +175.7% and even +186.7%. This outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. From 2000 2019, while the S&P averaged +6.0% per year, our top strategies averaged up to +54.7% per year. See their latest picks 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 NIKE, Inc. (NKE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Skechers U.S.A., Inc. (SKX) : Free Stock Analysis Report Simon Property Group, Inc. (SPG) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. That release could not be found. President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with Speaker of the House of Representatives, Olufemi Gbajabiamila, on his 58th birthday. He joined the Speakers family members to celebrate years of outstanding leadership, inspired by his personal attributes of courage, humility and loyalty. The presidents congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement released by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, in Abuja on Thursday. Mr Buhari felicitated with the 9th National Assembly, friends and political associates of the lawmaker, who was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2003. The president noted that Mr Gbajabiamila has steadily expanded his profile and influence across the country by always placing the interest of the people, and the nation, above all else, particularly on issues of health, education and infrastructure. He extolled the Speaker for the maturity in the lower chamber in tackling national issues, and the speed in passing bills that directly affect the livelihood of Nigerians, appreciating his support in handling the affairs of the country, and the governing political party, All Progressives Congress. Mr Buhari said he believed that Mr Gbajabiamilas years of experience working as a lawyer within, and outside the country, had been brought to bear on the leadership of the legislature, commending him for the sacrifices of time and resources. He prayed that the Almighty God would continue to uphold the Speaker and his family in favour, granting him good health, strength and more wisdom to serve the country. (NAN) MURRAY, Utah, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Recovery Ways is pleased to announce that Jaime W. Vinck, MC, LPC, NCC has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Recovery Ways and will be joining the Company in July. Jaime has most recently been CEO of the Sierra Tucson Group, where she led the rebranding of Sierra by the Sea and Sunrise Ranch. As CEO of Sierra Tucson, Jaime introduced groundbreaking outcomes measurement and recovery programs that earned Sierra Tucson top recognition within and outside of the industry. Jaime has been recognized for her exceptional leadership ability, being named one of the top leaders in AZ in both Healthcare and Behavioral Health. In 2019 she was named one of Arizona's Most Influential Women by AZ Business Magazine. Jaime is often sought out for her expertise by local and national publications, and in 2019 was asked to speak on marijuana and addiction treatment at the Parliamentary Committee Meeting at the House of Commons in London. Jaime also serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, and in 2020 was appointed to the Collaborative Advancement of Recovery Excellence (C.A.R.E.) Advisory Board. Board Member Patrick J. Kennedy, Founder of the Kennedy Forum added, "Recovery Ways has established itself as one of the nation's leading providers for clinically integrated, evidence- based care for mental health and addiction. Adding a recognized industry leader with Jaime Vinck's experience and vision positions Recovery Ways to reach more families and patients with critically needed quality care." Greg Kazarian, Executive Chair of Recovery Ways Holdings stated, "During these dynamic times, we identified and sought out a leader with a unique vision, talent and experience to enable Recovery Ways and its leadership team to advance our mission of expanding access to quality, evidence-based care. Jaime Vinck's track record of success and strong voice as an industry leader made her our first choice. We are thrilled to have her join our team." About Recovery Ways Recovery Ways is a recognized Center of Excellence for the treatment of substance use disorders and mental health offering a full continuum of care including outpatient services, medication assisted therapy, residential care and detox care. Recovery Ways is an in-network service provider with most national payors including United Healthcare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna and Tri-Care. Its evidence-based care model integrates medical care, clinical care, comprehensive case management, recreational and occupational therapy in comprehensive, patient-centered care model. For more information please contact Greg Kazarian at [email protected]. Contact: Ryan Sturdevant Recovery Ways (612) 275-8440 [email protected] SOURCE Recovery Ways When Ben Dunn first saw his comic book creation brought to life on the small screen, it was like his prayers had been answered. Which is rather fitting, considering his character is a superpowered nun. I was very excited, said Dunn, whose comic book Warrior Nun Areala was first published in 1994 by Antarctic Press, which he founded in San Antonio. His creation raises all sorts of hell in Warrior Nun, a new Netflix series that debuts July 2. Inspired by the manga-style comic, Warrior Nun centers on Ava (Alba Baptista), a reckless 19-year-old whos haunted by dreams of her own death. They seem to have come true when she wakes up in a morgue with a divine artifact embedded in her back. The object turns out to be a halo-like calling card for the Order of the Cruciform Sword, a sisterhood of nuns that fights demons on Earth to prevent hell from rising and heaven from falling. Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer with habits and tactical gear. Antarctic Press published Warrior Nun until about 2003. Dunn sold the rights to the character and name to Avatar Press, which has whipped up some new Warrior Nun comics ahead of the Netflix series release. Nonetheless, Warrior Nun show runner Simon Barry invited Dunn to the writers room via video conference and, later, in person to the filming of the first episode in Spain, where Dunn drew caricatures of the cast and crew and gave out Warrior Nun sketches as gifts. I wanted Ben to be sort of invited in, said Barry, whose credits include the Syfy series Van Helsing and Ghost Wars. We wanted to honor Bens contributions to the process. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio teen Paulina Chavez is Netflixs newest star on The Expanding Universe of Ashley Garcia Dunn said he really wasnt involved much in the production of the live-action series beyond just recommending characters and stories. Still, hes confident it will be faithful to the tone and feel of his comic. They all read the comi,c and they were all very excited about doing the project, he said. And I knew that their enthusiasm and sincerity would make this a really fantastic series. Warrior Nun kicks off with 10 episodes, each using a Bible verse as a title. The first is 2 Corinthians 10:4. (The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.) Barry originally worked on Warrior Nun when it was in development as a feature film, but he convinced producers to distill its more than 200 issues of comic mythology into a television series instead. That meant introducing audiences to the relatively obscure universe of Warrior Nun through fresh eyes, specifically the eyes of Ava, an original character who does not appear in the comics. Really for us, Ava represents the audience in a way, Barry said. Because it is a bit of a crazy world, this secret sect of fighting nuns. Dunn said he originally conceived Warrior Nun Areala as a good-girl response to all the busty bad-girl comic characters of the 1990s, though Dunns creation looks a lot like those leggy characters, just with a habit and a sword. His heroine was named Sister Shannon Masters, a nun chosen to become the next Areala, a mighty Valkyrie who abandoned Odin for God. Areala created an order of warrior nuns, along with magic priests, to fight evil forces from down below for the Lord above. While Ava has replaced Sister Shannon in Netflixs Warrior Nun, fans of the original comic still can expect plenty of gun-toting and blade-swinging action from characters they are familiar with. Those include Shotgun Mary (Toya Turner) and Sister Lilith (Lorena Andrea), though Lilith is now a nun, not a demon princess. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio girl returning to Netflix series Raising Dion No matter how the Netflix series tweaks Dunns original work, it maintains its devil-may-care attitude. Case in point: a sassy, action-packed trailer with the tagline (Expletives) given. Nun. We were directly inspired by the attitude of the books, Barry said. Its a bit raunchy, its a bit raw, its a bit in your face. We still want to give the personality and the sort of attitude that the books have. We took that more in a spirit form than a literal translation. Over the years, Netflix has hit the comic shop for plenty of source material. In addition to Daredevil, Luke Cage and other series based on Marvel heroes, the streaming service adapted Dark Horse Comics The Umbrella Academy, which returns for its second season July 31. Meanwhile, Antarctic Press is celebrating 35 years of publishing comics, including the long-running Gold Digger adventure series by writer and artist Fred Perry, as well as Dunns other creation, Ninja High School. Dunn said Antarctic Press will not reprint any of its old Warrior Nun material, but readers still can look for those works on Amazon and eBay, and of course in the back-issue bins of their neighborhood comic shop. And while Dunn said he misses having Warrior Nun to call his own, he has no regrets about selling the property and wishes both Avatar Press and Netflix plenty of success. So Im at peace with the whole situation, he said. Especially now that his prayers for Warrior Nun have finally come true. Rene Guzman is a features reporter in the San Antonio and Bexar County area. He writes about pop culture and what makes San Antonio so uniquely puro San Antonio. To read more from Rene, become a subscriber. rguzman@express-news.net | Twitter: @reneguz The headquarters of Wirecard AG, an independent provider of outsourcing and white label solutions for electronic payment transactions is seen in Aschheim (Reuters) - Wirecard said on Thursday it was filing for insolvency after disclosing a $2.1 billion hole in its accounts only a week ago, capping a swift demise for a company that expanded rapidly over two decades to become a member of Germany's blue-chip share index. Following are some key facts about the company and pivotal dates in its recent history: * Founded in 1999, Munich-based Wirecard has 5,800 employees in 26 countries around the world. It processes digital payments for both consumers and businesses and reported revenues of more than 2 billion euros ($2.3 billion) in 2018, more than triple the figure from 2014. * Wirecard's expansion was driven by its long-serving chief executive and leading shareholder Markus Braun, an Austrian who led the company since 2002 until he resigned last Friday. The company was promoted to Germany's blue chip index in September 2018 when it ousted Commerzbank. At its peak it had a market valuation of around $28 billion. * In Feb. 2019, Singapore police said they were looking into reports by the Financial Times of alleged financial irregularities at Wirecard's local office, allegations that had driven its shares sharply lower. * In Oct. 2019, Wirecard rejected any impropriety after the Financial Times published documents on the company's accounting practices which it said appeared to indicate an effort to inflate sales and profits. * An independent investigation by auditor KPMG published in April this year found Wirecard did not provide sufficient documentation to address all allegations of accounting irregularities made by the Financial Times. Wirecard said the KPMG audit had not uncovered any incriminating evidence to support allegations it manipulated its accounts and it would not restate its accounts for the years 2016 through 2018. * On June 5, Munich prosecutors searched Wirecard's headquarters and opened proceedings against the payment company's management board as part of a market manipulation probe initiated by financial regulator BaFin. Story continues Prosecutors said the company was suspected of having issued misleading information which may have impacted Wirecard's share price between March 12 and April 22. * On June 18, Wirecard's auditor EY refused to sign off its 2019 accounts over the missing $2.1 billion, sending its shares down more than 60% as the company warned the delay could cause billions in loans to be called in. * CEO Braun quit on Friday, June 19, as the search for the $2.1 billion of missing cash hit a dead end at two banks in the Philippines and the company scrambled to secure a financial lifeline from its banks. * Wirecard's crisis deepened when it said on Monday that the missing sums it had booked in its accounts likely never existed. Chief operating officer Jan Marsalek is fired. * Former boss Braun was arrested on Monday night on suspicion of falsifying Wirecard's accounts after Munich prosecutors issued a warrant. Braun was released on Tuesday after posting 5 million euros ($5.7 million) in bail. ($1 = 0.8885 euros) (Compiled by Keith Weir; Editing by Edward Taylor) #13; A jittery London market fought to stem the recent flow of losses on Thursday, despite no let-up in fears over a second spike of Covid cases in the United States. The defiance of the FTSE 100 index followed a slide of more than 3% yesterday and an initial dip to within 30 points of the 6,000 threshold early today. The top flight was later less than one point lower at 6,123.27, having been near to 6,500 at the start of this month as the emergency support of central banks encouraged investors into more share buying. Their optimism has been replaced by worries about a resurgence of coronavirus cases in the United States, with seven states in the country seeing numbers increase at record rates and Houston appearing to be a new Covid hotspot. Some familiar names from the pandemic sell-off returned to the top of the FTSE 100 fallers board, with Rolls-Royce dropping 3%, or 9.7p to 290.5p. Caterer Compass, which has seen about 50% of its business temporarily shut due to various country lockdowns, fell back 43p to 1,070p not far from its March low of 1,002p. Also on the blue-chip index online car dealer Auto Trader was 5.4p lower at 520.4p, despite reporting a strong rebound in enquiries since showrooms reopened at the start of the month. It warned it still remains difficult to provide guidance for the coming months. Low-cost airline easyJet was off 5.5%, or 40.8p at 699.2p after last nights announcement of a rights issue. The group has been scrambling resources together to strengthen its finances in the face of the absence of traffic over the past four months. It raised 419 million. A discounted fundraising by London pub group Youngs was also met with a share price fall. Shares in the company dropped more than 13%, or 175p, to 1115p after tapping investors for 88.4 million. It priced the share placing at 1,160p, compared with last nights 1,290p. Youngs will use the proceeds to restart investment in its pub estate, as well as strengthen its balance sheet. Meanwhile, trading has continued to improve at online fashion chain N Brown, although product sales are still down 21% in the past three weeks compared to the prior year. Shares in the Jacamo and SimplyBe owner have recovered sharply from their April low of just 10p, but were down 3% at 37.75p today. Small-cap spotlight Locked down gamers have transformed the fortunes of video gaming stocks during Covid-19, with Sumo Group among those to benefit. The AIM-listed firm revealed ahead of today's annual meeting that it continues to trade comfortably in line with market expectations. Its latest offering on Apple Arcade is Little Orpheus, a new adventure from its BAFTA award-winning studio The Chinese Room. The shares edged up 1p to 197p, having already risen 50% since mid-March. Her New York City home boasts original artwork from Andy Warhol and Keith Haring from her early days as a modelturnedactress. Brooke Shields looked as if she was on the hunt for new art on Thursday when she visited an art gallery in Southampton on Long Island. The 55-year-old actress kept her look casual and comfortable with a flowing white blouse and a pair of high-waisted jeans. Collecting: Brooke Shields, 55, looked as if she was on the hunt for new art on Thursday when she visited an art gallery in Southampton on Long Island Guess who! Brooke was seen wearing a Hasbro game-themed face mask for the trip out Brooke wore a pair of beige clog sandals and had her brunette locks swept back to reveal her playful white mask, which read, 'Guess Who?' using the same typeface of the classic Hasbro board game. She blocked out the sun with lavender-tinted square aviator sunglasses and carried along red folders in one arm. In 2017, the Suddenly Susan star spoke with The New York Times about her nascent art collection. Though she had never been to a professional auction at the time, her home was filled with works from important artists and photographers who gave them to her as a token of their friendships from her early days as a model. No fuss: The actress kept her look casual and comfortable with a flowing white blouse and a pair of high-waisted jeans Famous friends: Brooke spoke with The New York Times in 2017 about her art collection, which including Keith Harings and Andy Warhols given to her by the artists from her time as a model After mentioning some art that she didn't buy because of its prohibitive price, she joked that she could always sell off the pieces artists gave her as gifts. 'I have thought at times when I havent been working or when things are a little thinner "Thank God my mom kept that Haring, because if it got rough and I needed to, you know "' Since then, Brooke has gone onto curate exhibitions of alumni from the New York Academy of Art for Miami Art Week Solo mission: Missing from Brooke's art outing was her husband Chris Henchy, as well as her daughters Rowan, 17, and Grier, 14 Too cute: Brooke shared a sweet tribute to her screenwriter husband on Father's Day featuring some adorable photos of their daughters Missing from Brooke's art outing was her husband Chris Henchy, as well as her daughters Rowan, 17, and Grier, 14. Henchy, 56, is a screenwriter and producer best known for his many collaborations with Will Ferrell. Brooke shared a sweet tribute to him on Father's Day featuring some adorable photos of their daughters. 'Happy Fathers Day. Thank you for being my partner on this parenting journey, you lead by example and have such a big heart. Our girls are lucky to have you!' she gushed in the caption. Does not compute: Somehow, the Blue Lagoon actress still had affectionate feelings toward her children, despite a TikTok prank her eldest daughter pulled on her last month Ouch: Rowan was participating in the viral car bag prank, in which people film themselves hitting someone in the face while trying to throw a bag in the backseat of their car Somehow, the Blue Lagoon actress still had affectionate feelings toward her children, despite a TikTok prank her eldest daughter pulled on her last month. Rowan was participating in the viral car bag prank, in which people film themselves hitting someone in the face while trying to throw a bag in the backseat of their car. Though plenty of TikTokers try to keep a straight face, Rowan burst out into laughter after slamming her mother in the face. She seems to have gotten a taste of her own medicine in a video from later last month when her dog smacked her in the face with a toy. By Ali Kucukgocmen ISTANBUL (Reuters) - A Turkish court on Wednesday ordered the release of three journalists and three others to be remanded while they stand trial on charges of revealing state secrets in their coverage of the deaths of Turkish intelligence officers in Libya, a lawyer said. The eight defendants in the case, six of whom have been in jail since early March pending the trial, are accused of revealing the identities of two members of the National Intelligence Agency (MIT). Turkey has provided military support and training in Libya to the internationally recognised Government of National Accord, helping it fight off a 14-month assault on the capital Tripoli by eastern Libyan forces led by Khalifa Haftar. The charges against the seven journalists in the case centre on articles and social media posts published shortly after President Tayyip Erdogan said in February that Turkey had "several martyrs" in Libya. The eighth defendant, a municipal worker in the western Turkish town of Akhisar, is accused of supplying pictures to the journalists of the funeral of one of the dead intelligence officers. The court ruled on Wednesday that defendants Baris Terkoglu, from OdaTV website, as well Ferhat Celik and Aydin Keser, both from Yeni Yasam newspaper, should be released, lawyer Celal Ulgen said. "It is deeply disappointing and incomprehensible that all six were not released," said Milena Buyum, Turkey campaigner for Amnesty International, on Twitter. The next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 9. According to the indictment, Murat Agirel, a reporter for Yeni Cag newspaper, was the first to reveal the identities of the intelligence officers, sharing names and photos on Twitter and referencing Erdogan's comments. The indictment accuses the defendants of revealing information related to state security, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years, by revealing the missions as well as the identities of MIT members. Story continues They are also accused of revealing documents and information related to intelligence activities, which carries a sentence of up to 10 years. The defendants deny the accusations, saying they were doing their jobs as journalists. The independence of the judiciary and pressure on journalists have been debated in Turkey, especially since a crackdown after an attempted coup in 2016. Critics say the government used the crackdown as pretext to quash dissent, while Erdogan and his AK Party say the measures are necessary given the security risks Turkey faces and that courts make independent decisions. (Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen; Editing by Dominic Evans and Angus MacSwan) By Express News Service BENGALURU: Karnataka swept past the 10,000-mark of Covid-19 cases on Wednesday, with the days caseload of 397 pushing up the tally to 10,118. The State recorded the highest number of 14 Covid deaths in a day, with the death tally now at 164. The number of discharges was 149, while the total discharges are 6,151. Among the 14 deaths, Bengaluru Urban reported five deaths four women aged 50, 54, 59 and 70, and one man aged 68 all diagnosed with Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and with symptoms of fever and breathlessness. Some had comorbidities like diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Ballari recorded four deaths male patients aged 59, 73, 43 and 28. The cases were diagnosed with SARI and ILI. Two male patients died in Ramanagara, aged 53 and 60, diagnosed with ILI and having symptoms of cough and breathlessness. Kalaburgi district had two deaths male patients aged 78 and 55, diagnosed with SARI, cough and breathlessness, who expired on June 22. In Tumakuru, a 56-year-old male with SARI was admitted on June 22 and died the next day. Among the 397 new cases, 75 were interstate passengers and eight were international ones. Bengaluru Urban recorded 173 positive cases, among which were 71 ILI cases, besides returnees from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Bihar, and those who had travelled to Chitradurga and Tumakuru. Three patients returned from Qatar, while others were contacts of previous patients. Ballari with 34 cases had five cases of ILI, one SARI, seven cases of contact under tracing and the rest contacts of previous patients. Kalaburagi recorded 22 cases, including 11 Maharashtra returnees and two SARI cases. Ramanagara recorded 22 cases with 5 ILI cases, and travel history to Bengaluru. Udupi with 14 cases had nine Maharashtra returnees. Nine of 13 cases in Yadgir had returned from Mahrashtra, and four from Jammu and Kashmir. Dakshina Kannada with 12 cases had 7 ILI cases, one SARI and four travellers from Sharjah. According to Coherent Market Insights, the global fetal and neonatal monitoring market is estimated to be valued at US$ 8,101.1 million in 2020, and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period (2020 2027). Key Trends and Analysis: The fetal and neonatal monitoring market is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period owing to product approvals by regulatory bodies. For instance, in September 2018, Koninklijke Philips N.V., a company having expertise in health technology, announced that the Philips Avalon beltless solution, the latest addition to Philips comprehensive obstetrical care (OB) solution, has received CE mark approval. This system allows continuous fetal and maternal monitoring that automatically streams patient data to the EMR through Philips' obstetrical information management system, IntelliSpace Perinatal. Furthermore, key players in the market are focused on strategic collaborations to commercialize their products and to increase their market presence. For instance, in April 2019, Henry Schein Medical, the U.S. medical business of Henry Schein, Inc., and MindChild Medical, Inc. announced the signing of an exclusive distribution and supply agreement for the MERIDIAN M110 Fetal Monitoring System. The MERIDIAN M110, currently available to Henry Schein customers, is an intrapartum fetal monitor that externally measures and displays fetal heart rate (FHR), maternal heart rate (MHR), and uterine contractions (UA). As part of the agreement, Henry Schein Medical will distribute the monitor to obstetricians and pediatric cardiologist customers in the U.S. Request for Sample copy https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/1319 Technological advancements such as wireless fetal monitor, integrated fetal monitors, and electronic fetal monitoring in fetal and neonatal care devices are driving the adoption of fetal and neonatal care equipment. For instance, in 2017, Biotricity, Inc. received ethics approval to conduct a study that is expected to investigate and validate a mobile wireless fetal heart rate variability (HRV) monitor. Key Market Takeaways: The global fetal and neonatal monitoring market is projected to witness CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period (2020 2027) owing to merger-acquisition strategies adopted by the key players. For instance, in March 2017, GE Healthcare expanded its Maternal-Infant Care business with the acquisition of Monica Healthcare, a U.K.-based monitoring technology company. This acquisition has enhanced GE Healthcare's mobile and digital offerings by providing clinicians and patients around the world innovative solutions for labor, delivery, and home care. Among region, Asia Pacific is expected to witness significant growth in the fetal and neonatal monitoring market owing to the growing birth rates and neonatal deaths in Asian countries such as Japan, India, and China. For instance, according to the WHO, in 2012, Asia accounted for 40% of the global neonatal deaths owing to the high mortality rate in the South-central Asia sub-region. Company Profiles Becton, Dickinson and Company* Fujifilm SonoSite Inc. Medtronic Plc Dragerwerk AG Co. KGAA Cooper Surgical Getinge AB Natus Medical Incorporated GE Healthcare Siemens Healthcare GmbH ArjoHuntleigh Inc. Neoventa Medical Koninklijke Philips N.V. Analogic Corporation Spacelabs Healthcare Inc. Smiths Medical Masimo Buy-Now this Research Report https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/1319 Market Segmentation: By Product Type: Fetal Monitoring Devices Heart Rate Monitors Uterine Contraction Monitors Pulse Oximeters Others (Fetal ECG, Doppler, and Continuous Monitors) Neonatal Monitoring Devices Cardiac Monitors Capnographs Blood Pressure Monitors Pulse Oximeters Others (X-ray, CT Scans, and MRI) By Portability: Portable Monitoring Devices Non-portable Monitoring Devices By Method: Invasive Monitoring Devices Non-invasive Monitoring Devices By End User: Hospitals Nursing Homes Specialty Clinics Ambulatory Surgery Centers By Region: North America U.S. Canada Europe U.K. Germany Italy Spain France Russia Rest of Europe Asia Pacific Australia India China Japan ASEAN South Korea Rest of Asia Pacific Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Rest of Latin America Middle East GCC Israel Rest of Middle East Africa South Africa Central Africa North Africa About Us: Coherent Market Insights is a global market intelligence and consulting organization focused on assisting our plethora of clients achieve transformational growth by helping them make critical business decisions. We are headquartered in India, having sales office at global financial capital in the U.S. and sales consultants in United Kingdom and Japan. Our client base includes players from across various business verticals in over 57 countries worldwide. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005483/en/ Contacts: Mr. Shah Senior Client Partner Business Development Coherent Market Insights Phone: US: +1-206-701-6702 UK: +44-020-8133-4027 Japan: +81-050-5539-1737 India: +91-848-285-0837 Email: sales@coherentmarketinsights.com Website: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com Follow Us: LinkedIn Twitter The Deputy Foreign Minister has condemned the work of the Investigation and Identification Team, claiming their work is untrue and politicized writes Al-Watan. On Wednesday, Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mikdad confirmed that what Syria did after joining the Chemical Weapons Convention in September 2013 is proof of its credibility and desire to fulfil all the requirements of the accession process. He stressed that the report by the so-called Investigation and Identification Team is false, politicized and unrealistic. According to the Foreign Ministrys official Facebook page, Mikdad said during a meeting called with ambassadors and heads of missions in Damascus that Syria has, and still does, cooperate completely with the technical secretariat of the organization to carry out all obligations, because Syria and its leadership are known for heeding obligations, promises and contracts. Mikdad explained that Syria has realized since the beginning of the war that American policy is built on lies and attempts to demonize Syria and its army. Accusations were therefore leveled at the Syrian government, and evidence was fabricated. He added, Everyone knows that the timing of the announcement is theatrical. The timing always comes against the backdrop of the armys advances against terrorists. He pointed out that the US and its allies were in a state of panic, fearing the exposure of the terrorists who use these weapons. He explained that the US was waging aggression against Syria and the Syrian army under the pretext of fighting chemical weapons usage. He asked, If the Syrian army is advancing well against terrorists, then why would we need chemical weapons? He stressed that Syria does not possess any chemical weapons and that it never used them because it no longer has them. The US and its allies has worked to form the so-called Investigation and Identification Team, which is unlawful and violates the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention, he said. He added, This illegal team has played the role given to it. He pointed out the facts and evidence, and the size of the lies and misconceptions included in the teams report, and how the US and a number of other Western countries are promoting this team and the report it issued. 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. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 01:36:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close File photo taken on Oct. 15, 2019 shows International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief economist Gita Gopinath speaking during a press conference in Washington, D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) China is expected to grow by 1 percent, the only major economy that could see growth this year. WASHINGTON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday revised down its forecast for the global economy amid the mounting COVID-19 fallout, projecting a 4.9-percent contraction in 2020. The latest projection is 1.9 percentage points below the World Economic Outlook (WEO) forecast released in April, indicating a grimmer economic outlook as the pandemic continues to ripple across the globe. "Compared to our April World Economic Outlook forecast, we are now projecting a deeper recession in 2020 and a slower recovery in 2021," IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath said in a virtual news conference, noting that these projections imply a cumulative loss to the global economy over two years of over 12 trillion U.S. dollars from the crisis. "The downgrade from April reflects worse than anticipated outcomes in the first half of this year, an expectation of more persistent social distancing into the second half of this year, and damage to supply potential," Gopinath told reporters. People do shopping at the Macy's flagship store in New York, the United States, on June 22, 2020. New York City, the largest city of the United States, entered phase two of reopening on Monday, marking a major milestone of the city's fight against COVID-19. As Mayor Bill de Blasio said, the transitioning is "a giant step for this city" with the largest chunk of New York's economy reopening in phase two, including barbershops, hair salons, real estate, vehicle sales and rentals. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) Advanced economies are projected to contract 8 percent this year, 1.9 percentage points lower than the forecast in the April WEO. The U.S. economy is expected to shrink 8 percent, the Euro Area is on track to contract 10.2 percent, and the Japanese economy could decline 5.8 percent. Emerging markets and developing economies, meanwhile, are projected to shrink by 3 percent this year, 2 percentage points below the April WEO forecast, according to the updated report. Brazil and Mexico are projected to contract by 9.1 and 10.5 percent respectively, while India's economy could see a contraction of 4.5 percent. China is expected to grow by 1 percent, the only major economy that could see growth this year. People purchase goods at a night fair in east China's Shanghai, June 6, 2020. Shanghai, one of China's national central cities, kicked off a night festival on Saturday to boost the city's night economy. A number of bars, museums, bookstores, shopping malls and landmark commercial complexes joined the festival with extended business hours and themed activities like night tours, shopping, dining, reading and live shows. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang) The latest report also showed that global growth is projected at 5.4 percent in 2021, which would leave 2021 gross domestic product (GDP) some 6.5 percentage points lower than in the pre-COVID-19 projections made in January 2020. Warning that the crisis will also generate medium-term challenges, Gopinath said that public debt this year is projected to reach the highest level in recorded history in relation to GDP, in both advanced and emerging markets and developing economies. "Countries will need sound fiscal frameworks for medium-term consolidation, through cutting back on wasteful spending, widening the tax base, minimizing tax avoidance, and greater progressivity in taxation in some countries," she said. File photo taken on April 13, 2020 shows a man crossing a road in the rain near the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Headquarters in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Liu Jie) The IMF chief economist noted that a high degree of uncertainty surrounds this forecast, with both upside and downside risks to the outlook. On the upside, better news on vaccines and treatments, as well as additional policy support, could lead to a quicker resumption of economic activity, she said. On the downside, further waves of infections could reverse increased mobility and spending, and rapidly tighten financial conditions, triggering debt distress, she said, adding that geopolitical and trade tensions could damage fragile global relationships at a time when trade is projected to collapse by around 12 percent. Noting that global cooperation is more than ever "so important" when dealing with a truly global crisis, Gopinath said that every effort should be made to resolve trade and technology tensions while improving the multilateral rules-based trading system. Positive people used to be released for self isolation at home but a new Government directive requires all of them to be isolated away from home. It was realised that most of those in self isolation at home were violating rules of movement. French authorities have closed two schools in Paris as a precautionary measure after the discovery of coronavirus cases but they have not been classed as potentially dangerous clusters, authorities said today. France, unlike some other European countries which have taken a much more cautious approach, on Monday resumed obligatory schooling for all pupils after the coronavirus shutdown. Some schools had already been open at least partially for several weeks after the initial easing of the lockdown. But a school in the 12th district of Paris with 180 pupils has been closed until the end of the week after three cases were discovered, the local health authority told AFP. However the timescale of the infections spread over the start of June to Monday indicates that this is not a cluster, it added. Another Paris school, in the 4th district and with 200 pupils, has been closed until July 7 after one case was discovered. However, the local authority said there were no other schools closed in Paris due to COVID-19 cases. Life across France has now returned to a semblance of normality after the lockdown, albeit with many people still working from home and wearing masks on the street. Officials are wary of a second wave but say there has been no evidence of this yet despite the relaxation measures. According to the latest figures published late Tuesday, 29,720 people in France have died from the virus with 161,267 positive cases registered. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates Panaji, June 25 : Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday directed the police to strictly enforce social distancing norms and wearing of masks, as the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state crept close to 1,000. "Police are working well, but sometimes they do not get cooperation from the people. I have directed them to strictly enforce social distancing norms and wearing of masks, especially in the market areas," Sawant told reporters, after taking a review of the crime situation and enforcement undertaken by the police in view of the corona pandemic. Goa was a Covid-free state for more than a month until late May, when the number of infected cases started piling up. Sawant said that he was particularly concerned about people not wearing masks in markets and other open areas, including in public transport, which he said could spread infections further. "We are dealing with corona control, but people sometimes do not understand," Sawant said. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Photo: The Canadian Press A New York City judge has dismissed a claim by Donald Trumps brother that sought to halt the publication of a tell-all book by the presidents niece. In a ruling handed down on Thursday, Judge Peter Kelly said the Surrogates Court lacked jurisdiction in the case. Mary Trump is the daughter of Fred Trump Jr., the presidents elder brother, who died in 1981. An online description of her book, Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the Worlds Most Dangerous Man," says it reveals a nightmare of traumas, destructive relationships, and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse. The motion filed earlier this week sought an injunction to prevent Mary Trump and the books publisher, Simon & Schuster, from releasing it, as scheduled, in July. Robert Trumps lawyers filed court papers arguing that Mary Trump and others had signed a settlement agreement that would prohibit her from writing the book. The settlement decades ago included a confidentially clause explicitly saying they would not publish any account concerning the litigation or their relationship, unless they all agreed. The agreement related to the will of Donald Trumps father, New York real estate developer Fred Trump. But the judge said the issue was not one for surrogate's court, where disputes over estate matters are settled. Mary Trump's attorney, Ted Boutrous Jr., said the court was correct in its decision. We hope this decision will end the matter. Democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, and neither this court nor any other has authority to violate the Constitution by imposing a prior restraint on core political speech, he said in a statement. The White House did not have an immediate comment Thursday. Refugee Resettlement Dwindling as Needs Hit All-Time High, IRC Warns By VOA News June 24, 2020 The International Rescue Committee warned Wednesday that a record number of refugees need permanent resettlement, even as resettlement is on track to dip for the fourth year in a row in a world ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus delayed resettlement for about 10,000 refugees, according to the IRC, which encouraged countries to restart resettlement programs as soon as is safe and prioritize previously approved refugees. "The COVID-19 pandemic must not be used as justification to permanently restrict or reduce programs," said IRC President and CEO David Miliband in a statement Wednesday. "It is imperative that existing programs are resumed as soon as possible additional delays will only leave vulnerable refugees in limbo for longer." Miliband specifically called on the United States to prioritize refugees whose resettlement was delayed by the pandemic. Last year, the U.S. was the largest receiver of U.N.-facilitated refugees for resettlement. The IRC statement came days after U.S. President Donald Trump extended a freeze on new green cards and suspended new work visas, which he said was meant to help the U.S. economy recover from pandemic shutdowns. About 1.4 million of the nearly 26 million refugees worldwide are particularly vulnerable to violence, according to Amnesty International, and need immediate resettlement. In 2019, only 64,000 of these at-risk refugees were resettled through the United Nations Refugee Agency, or 4.5%. That is less than half the number resettled in 2016, a program high. Resettlement could sink even lower this year, according to the U.N. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bhubaneswar, June 25 : The Product Application and Development Centre (PADC) set up by the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) to support the development of polymer industry was inaugurated in Odisha's Paradip on Thursday. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the centre through a video conferencing. Built on 5 acres of land with a capital expenditure of Rs 43 crore, the PADC is the sixth centre of its kind in the country and second in eastern India. "This centre is not only perform a pivotal role in developing new materials and innovative applications but will also provide support to investors in setting up manufacturing units in the plastic and polymer sectors," said the Chief Minister. He said it should emerge as one of the centres of excellence in the field of polymer applications. Pradhan said it will help in creation of polymer-based industrial clusters across Odisha and facilitate several downstream industries. He said it will facilitate and support the development of polymer industry in Odisha and eastern part of the country. PADC is also a recognised laboratory of Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) under the Ministry of Science and Technology. It will be working on development of newer grades from Paradip and curtail polymer imports through substitution. The centre will identify area of development of applications of polymeric material and products for enabling India as self reliant promoting indigenous manufacturing. The centre would also act as a supporting technical centre for polyester yarns and fabrics for the upcoming textile downstream units in Bhadrak and Dhamra. The issue is, do we matter? Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina asked, echoing the words of the Black Lives Matter movement. Read more WASHINGTON With a policing overhaul stalled in the Senate, House Democrats are returning to Washington for a daylong debate and vote on their sweeping proposal to address the global outcry over the death of George Floyd and other Black Americans. The House is set to vote Thursday evening on the Justice in Policing Act, perhaps the most ambitious proposed changes to police procedures and accountability in decades. Backed by the nation's leading civil rights groups, it is a legislative effort that tries to match the moment of massive demonstrations filling city streets for weeks. It has almost zero chance of becoming law. On the eve of the vote, President Donald Trump's administration signaled he would veto the bill. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has also said it will not pass the Republican-held chamber. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has summoned lawmakers who have been working from home during the COVID-19 crisis to the Capitol for a day that will almost certainly resonate with symbolism, one month after Floyd's death. After Senate Democrats blocked the GOP policing bill Wednesday, Trump shrugged. If nothing happens with it, its one of those things," Trump said. "We have different philosophies. Congress is now at a familiar impasse despite polling that shows Americans overwhelmingly want changes after the deaths of Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others in interactions with law enforcement. But in the stalemate, Democrats and Republicans are blaming each other as a generational crisis over racial injustice and police tactics sweeps the country. The parties are settled into their political zones. Republicans are lined up squarely behind their effort, led by Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the lone Black GOP senator, a uniquely credible voice with his personal experience of racism at the hands of police. Democrats, led by Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, are standing with progressive and civil rights activists rejecting the Republican bill as insufficient and pushing for more. Now, Congress appears to be leaving it to voters to decide in the fall election that will determine control of the presidency, the House and the Senate. I'm frustrated, said Scott after his bill was blocked by Democrats. The issue is, do we matter? he asked, echoing the words of the Black Lives Matter movement, during an impassioned Senate speech that drew applause from his colleagues. We said no today. But Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., a coauthor of the Democrats package, brushed aside his bill as inadequate crumbs that dont respond to a movement that stretches through U.S. history from Emmett Till to Rodney King to today. We are part of a movement that started a long time ago and this movement will not be deterred, Harris said. She urged colleagues to let the beginning be today and start new talks toward a better bill. Both bills share common elements that could be grounds for a compromise. They would create a national database of use of force incidents, restrict police chokeholds and set up new training procedures. The Democratic bill goes much further, mandating many of those changes, while also revising federal statute for police misconduct and holding officers personally liable to damages in lawsuits. As talks potentially continue, Democrats are trying to force Republicans to the negotiating table. The two bills, the House and Senate versions, would ultimately need to be the same to become law. Neither bill goes as far as some activists want with calls to defund the police and shift resources to other community services. Republicans and Democrats brought their bills forward as a starting point in the broader debate over how best to change policing practices. Scott insisted he was open to many of the broader changes proposed by Democrats. But the depth of Democrats distrust of McConnells leadership in running the Senate is deep, and most Democratic senators were unwilling to take that chance. Instead, Senate Democrats are withholding their votes as leverage, believing once the House Democrats pass their bill, Senate Republicans facing the groundswell of public sentiment will have no choice but to negotiate. With just a few months before the fall election, that seems increasingly unlikely. _____ Associated Press writers Laurie Kellman, Andrew Taylor and Jill Colvin contributed to this report. The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby is just around the corner and with racing taking place behind closed doors, its time to start planning your Derby Day party at home. The Curragh wants everyone to join with them to celebrate the running of Irelands greatest race next Saturday by organising their own Derby Day party at home. Light up the barbecue, crack open the champagne and dress to impress in the comfort of your own home. The big race will be shown live on RTE as the highlight of a two hour programme from 6pm to 8pm, while Racing TV will show all races live over the three days. RTE will also televised the features TRM Summer Fillies Handicap and extra.ie Apprentice Derby on Friday and four races on Sunday including the Alwasmiyah Pretty Polly Stakes, Weatherbys Ireland Greenlands Stakes, Paddy Power Rockingham Handicap and Finlay Volvo Race The racecourse will also host a Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby webinar next Wednesday with special guests. Following the very positive feedback the weekend before last, the Curragh will publish their own digital racecard on all three days which is designed and produced by Weatherbys. Keep an eye out for details on all the Curraghs social media platforms for details of all the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby activities and throughout Derby Weekend for all the latest news. The Curragh will be sharing Derby party recipes and delicious culinary creations that you can make at home, childrens colouring pack, interviews with famous faces. There will also be a competition where you can win hospitality for you and 10 guests to the Curragh for Longines Irish Champions Weekend in September and membership for 2021. The OBrien family will have a very strong challenge in this years Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby with Aidan likely to have multiple runners as he tries to win the race for the 14th time, while son Joseph who landed the race with Latrobe in 2018 expecting to be represented by Crossfirehurricane recent winner of the Coolmore Ten Sovereigns Gallinule Stakes and owned by US based businessman Scott Heider. Jim Bolger, who has won the race with both Trading Leather and St Jovite, expects to be represented while three trainers expect to have their first runners. Chiricahua is set to give trainer Ger Lyons his first runner in the race while King of the Throne and Sunchart could be first runners for trainers Emmett Mullins and Andy Slattery. The Curragh has been very grateful for the support of sponsors during these challenging times. Dubai Duty Free will continue to sponsor the Irish Derby having first added their name to Irelands premier race in 2008. Other sponsors include Paddy Power, DMG Media, GAIN Equine Nutrition, Comer Group International, Irish Stallion Farms and Barronstown Stud, while County Kildare based businesses including Finlay Volvo, Hanlon Concrete, TRM and Weatherbys Ireland will all continue to be part of the biggest weekend of racing in the Irish racing calendar. San Antonio police are seeking information from the public about a deadly shooting on Loop 1604. Frederick James Nesloney, 42, was shot and killed while driving through San Antonio en route to the oil fields of West Texas for work. Nesloney and his wife were traveling westbound, approaching the O'Connor Road exit on the North Side, just after midnight on June 16. He was driving a blue 2015 Dodge Ram pickup towing a travel trailer. READ MORE: SAPD: Man shot dead while driving on Loop 1604 As they approached the exit, they were about to enter a construction zone that limited traffic flow to one lane. Just before they entered the lane closure, a pickup truck passed them on the driver's side and fired a gunshot into their vehicle, police said. Police said it's unknown at this time why the victims were targeted. The bullet struck Nesloney, who died instantly. His vehicle went out of control and crashed into an off-duty police officer's vehicle who was working the lane closure. The officer was able to get away from his vehicle before the collision. Nesloney was pronounced dead at the scene and his wife was transported to a local hospital, where she was treated for minor injuries sustained in the crash. Crime Stoppers (210-224-7867) may pay up to $5,000 for information which leads to the arrest of the suspect or suspects responsible for the shooting. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-26 00:06:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong police Thursday said they had arrested 14 people suspected of unlawful assembly. On Thursday afternoon, some protestors unlawfully gathered at YOHO Mall in Yuen Long of the New Territories, creating nuisances to shoppers and resulting in closures of shops, and the police therefore entered the mall for enforcement and dispersal action, the police said in a press release. As at 8:30 p.m local time, nine males and five females aged between 14 and 55 were arrested for unlawful assembly. The police said that they do not condone any illegal act and will take resolute action to enforce the law. Enditem PORT HURON TWP, MI Investigators with the St. Clair County Sheriffs Office are trying to piece together what led to an incident in Port Huron Township that left one person dead and three other people injured. Deputies from the St. Clair County Sheriffs Office were sent out around 4:15 Wednesday, June 24 to the area of 25th and Dixon for a felonious assault complaint with a victim thatd been stabbed several times. A 21-year-old Port Huron Township man was found on the ground with multiple stab wounds. He was able to speak with police and tell them information about the people involved in the assault before he was transported to a local hospital by Tri-Hospital EMS. A Be On the Lookout was put out by police for a red Cadillac with four or five people inside. The vehicle was spotted by officers with the Port Huron Police Department and stopped at Military and Reid streets approximately 15 minutes after the original call. A 19-year-old Mt. Clemens man was found deceased inside the vehicle from what is believed to be a stab wound, police said. A 21-year-old Washington Township man also inside the vehicle was transported to a local hospital with lacerations. Three other people -- a 19-year-old Roseville man, an 18-year-old Burtchville Township man, and an 18-year-old Warren woman -- were all transported to the St. Clair County Intervention and Detention Center for questioning. Officers from the Marysville Police Department also assisted in the initial investigation, which has been turned over to the St. Clair Sheriffs Office Detective Bureau. Police said the incident may have been a drug deal gone bad, but the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the incident may contact the St. Clair County Sheriffs Office at 810-987-1700. The mother of 12-year-old Tamir Rice who was shot and killed by police while playing has said the recent killings of black men by cops has taken her to 'a dark place'. Tamir would have turned 18 on Thursday. Instead, his mother Samaria finds herself thinking about what could have been. 'You don't get over nothing like this,' she told USA Today. 'It's an empty feeling of loss when you don't have your puzzle complete.' She said the recent spate of police killings and racist murders had hit her hard. Samaria Rice has spoken out to mark what would have been her son's 18th birthday Tamir Rice, aged 12, died in November 2014 - shot dead by police while playing with a toy gun When Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black man, was killed by two white men as he jogged through a Georgia neighborhood, she said she could not sleep or eat. George Floyd's killing on May 25 by a white cop in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor's March 13 shooting in Louisville, Kentucky, took her to a 'dark place', she said. 'I'm sick mentally, physically, emotionally,' she said. 'It's just messed up.' She said she thinks about the hurt Arbery's mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones, must be feeling since his February 23 murder. On Thursday three men - Travis McMichael, his son Greg, and William Bryan - were indicted by Glynn County's Grand Jury on charges including malice and felony murder. 'I can definitely know what she's going through,' Rice said. 'The pain, the sickness, the confusion, the fogginess.' And after the death of Rayshard Brooks, who was fatally shot by an Atlanta police officer after running off with the officer's Taser, she said police need better training. 'It's a damn shame that even a routine traffic stop can end up in a death,' she said. Tamir was shot dead at this playground in Cleveland, Ohio, in November 2014 Rice said she had been encouraged by the protests in the wake of their killings, and hoped the pressure was maintained. 'I think people need to speak up more,' Rice said. 'Keep speaking out, don't just be silent.' Rioting and looting solved nothing, though, she said. 'Let's go to the (legislators), let's go to the Supreme Court because those are the powers that be.' She said she relies on comfort from her three other children and four grandchildren to press forward. She still has Tamir's favorite teddy bears, his drawings and the Hot Wheels cars he loved. She said she wants her son to be remembered as a happy child with an infectious smile who liked to eat chicken nuggets, play video games, go swimming and ride his bike around the neighborhood. 'People ask me all the time, "How are you standing up?" 'I'm telling them I do know that it's through the grace of God.' Tamir was fatally shot by a Cleveland Police officer while carrying an Airsoft pellet gun on November 22, 2014. Officer Timothy Loehmann fired on the child at Cudell Recreation Center playground after witnesses told police that they saw the African-American boy waving around the gun that appeared authentic. Protesters proclaim Tamir's name during a demonstration in New York City on May 29 Tamir's death has been a rallying call for protesters seeking police reform The Cleveland Division of Police eventually deemed the shooting 'reasonable and within guidelines.' Loehmann was eventually fired from the department in May 2017 for lying on a portion of his hiring application. In 2016, Rice founded the Tamir Rice Foundation, which advocates for police reform. Two years later, she purchased a building in Cleveland and named it the Tamir Rice Afrocentric Cultural Center. It will house after-school programs focused on tutoring, mentoring, arts, music and dancing for inner-city young people. She hopes to start renovations on the building this summer. 'I am building his legacy,' Rice said. 'To show people my strength and to show people I have not given up. I have to do this for him, I am his voice.' Its tough to get an endorsement from the Democratic Socialists of Americas New York City chapter. The process is lengthy, involving a detailed candidate interview and questionnaire and multiple rounds of meetings and votes within the party. Thats because its an endorsement with teeth, the organization says. It comes with volunteers, data, a fundraising network and enviable branding at least among the left-wing activists who can dominate in Democratic primaries. The real value of the DSA endorsement isnt just the name recognition, Matthew Thomas, a Queens DSA chapter member and communications director for Assembly candidate Zohran Mamdani, told City & State. A lot of it is the campaign staff and volunteers and people that are able to do the work of a campaign in a really effective way. Initial primary election results reveal a lot about the DSA effect: a powerful mobilization of young, progressive, digitally savvy college graduates who live in gentrifying neighborhoods. Of the seven candidates officially endorsed by New York Citys socialist organization, state Senate candidate Jabari Brisport, incumbent state Sen. Julia Salazar, Mamdani and incumbent Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez all had promising leadsafter polls closed Tuesday night. Assembly candidate Phara Souffrant Forrest trailed close behind establishment candidate Walter Mosley. Congressional candidate Samelys Lopez and Assembly candidate Marcela Mitaynes appeared likely to lose in crowded fields. Vote tallies from the ballots cast in person are by no means final, and they likely wont be until next month. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, between 50% and 75% of the votes in some races will be cast via absentee ballots, according to an estimate from Matthew Rey, a political consultant with Red Horse Strategies. More than 700,000 New York City residents requested ballots in the mail, compared to 471,000 ballots cast in person for the Democratic presidential primary which was also held on Tuesday. In individual districts, the proportion of ballots coming by mail might be even greater. In the 36th Assembly district in Western Queens, which Mamdani hopes to represent, 7,884 in-person votes were counted on Tuesday, according to the city Board of Elections, while 15,580 absentee ballots were requested from voters in that district, though not all of those absentee ballots even reached the voter much less got to them early enough to be returned with a postmark by Election Day. Grassroots campaigning, which normally relies on in-person contact with door-knocking and public gatherings, was forced to shift online. And on Election Day, reports of ballot confusion at polling places and missing absentee ballots filled social media. Despite being unable to canvas in person, in several races the DSA replicated its feat from 2018 of mobilizing more voters than is typical for a congressional or state legislative primary. The two state Senate races with city DSA-backed candidates had the highest in-person voter turnout of all state Senate Democratic primaries. The DSA advantage was most apparent in Mamdanis race against Assembly Member Aravella Simotas, where Mamdani leads the incumbent by more than 7 percentage points with 91% of the in-person votes counted. DSA-backed Brisport also has a big lead in the race to replace retiring state Sen. Velmanette Montgomery in the 25th Senate district in Brooklyn. Brisport, a public school teacher, is leading current Assembly Member Tremaine Wright 52% to 41% with 93% of the in-person votes counted. A third candidate, Jason Salmon, has 7%. Brisport and Mamdani could still lose, however. Absentee ballots have historically skewed toward older voters who are more likely to vote for establishment candidates, but Thomas of the Queens DSA said this election might be different. Traditionally, progressive campaigns are a little nervous about the absentee vote, but this is a very different year, he said. The largest age cohort that requested absentee ballots in our district was 25-34 years old. The two 2018 success stories both easily dispatched challenges from the right. Ocasio Cortez garnered 70% of the vote in the 14th Congressional District in Queens and the Bronx, easily defeating her nearest opponent, former CNBC news anchor and former Republican Michelle Caruso-Cabrera. Salazar, the first Democratic Socialist to serve in the state Legislature after an upset victory in 2018, won more than 80% of the vote in her Brooklyn state Senate district in a decisive victory over Andy Marte, a former legislative aide to the longtime Brooklyn Democratic Party leader Vito Lopez. In Assembly District 57 in Central Brooklyn, Forrest, a DSA-backed activist and a nurse, trails incumbent Mosley, but by only about three points. Mosley, a former district leader and Assembly staffer whose mother, Marilyn Mosley, has also served as district leader, was an ambitious target for the DSA. Forrests campaign has refused to concede the election. While my opponent has declared victory, we are optimistic that the absentee ballots will break in our favor when the paper canvass is conducted next week, the candidate wrote in a statement. A Mosley campaign representative said they are confident about the absentee vote outcome, but acknowledged that this year is unusual. Two DSA-backed candidates, Mitaynes, a tenants advocate, in Brooklyn Assembly District 51, which covers Red Hook and Sunset Park, and Lopez, a housing activist, in the crowded race to replace retiring Rep. Jose Serrano in the South Bronx, are likely to lose. Mitaynes trails incumbent Felix Ortiz by eight points, though she has a significant lead among the three progressive challengers in that race. In the closely watched Bronx congressional race, Lopez, a first-time candidate, came in fourth with 13% of the in-person vote. Though he didnt receive the city DSAs endorsement, middle school principal Jamaal Bowman, who seems likely to unseat longtime Rep. Eliot Engel in Congressional District 16, touted endorsements from the national DSA and from Ocasio-Cortez. Mondaire Jones, who aims to take over retiring Rep. Nita Loweys seat in the Lower Hudson Valley, was also endorsed by AOC, and also looks likely to be heading to the general election in November. Correction: This story has been corrected to reflect that the DSA is an organization, not a party. President Donald Trump on Thursday toured a shipyard in northeast Wisconsin that recently won a Navy contract, touting his administration's "colossal" increase in military spending in a swing-state his senior advisers believe he must win in order to be reelected. The trip is part of the president's upcoming major offensive to win in Wisconsin, which Vice President Mike Pence also toured this week. Senior aides to the president have been discouraged by internal and public polling out of neighboring and more racially diverse Michigan, according to three White House and campaign advisers who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share internal thinking. Trump won Michigan and Wisconsin in 2016. Trump's advisers are planning for the president and vice president to travel repeatedly to Wisconsin, where they believe they have a better shot at beating presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden than in Pennsylvania or Michigan, these people said. In 2016, Trump took Michigan by 0.2 percentage points and Wisconsin by 0.8 percentage points. Those upset victories may be difficult to re-create in 2020, with Trump as president now overseeing a series of economic crises in the Midwest, including some tied to his administration. In the western part of Wisconsin, farmers have been hammered by a crisis in the dairy industry exacerbated by Trump's trade war and have shown signs of leaning toward Democrats. Trump has, thus far, fallen far short of his promises to rebuild the Rust Belt's manufacturing base. Unemployment has skyrocketed to 12 percent in Wisconsin amid a similar rise in the rest of the country because of the coronavirus pandemic. Black voters in Milwaukee particularly hurt by the economic downturn are expected to turn out in more substantial numbers than they did in 2016. A Marquette Law School poll released Wednesday found Biden up 8 points in Wisconsin. A recent New York Times-Siena College poll from this month found Biden leading the state by 11 points. "Biden is not going to ignore Wisconsin like Hillary [Clinton] did. Biden probably plays better in the Midwest than Hillary did. He's going to have to go to Wisconsin a lot," said one top adviser to the president, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to frankly discuss internal strategy. Trump's advisers believe polling suggests he is running competitively with Biden in Wisconsin. Some allies note a Marquette poll from August 2016 found Clinton leading in the state by 15 points after the Democratic convention. Trump could lose Pennsylvania and Michigan and would still have a lead in the electoral college over Biden if the president again wins Wisconsin, Florida, Ohio, North Carolina and Arizona, all of which Democrats say they plan to contest. After several months of largely being confined to the White House amid the pandemic, Trump tried to build momentum for his 2020 campaign in Wisconsin by visiting Fincantieri Marinette Marine in the northeastern part of the state. The president toured the plant for about 30 minutes, viewing a model of the Navy ship being built here and speaking with four company executives, all of whom wore masks although the president did not, according to a pool report. Trump tied the new contracts for the shipyard to the $2.2 trillion increase in military spending approved under his administration, although Democrats say they deserve credit for the shipyard's renewed prospects. "You're going to be building your hearts away ... And it's all going to be built, right here, in Wisconsin," the president said at the shipyard on Thursday. "Some people would say that's out of the budget, but let me tell you something: There is no budget when it comes to the military." The shipyard, run by a U.S. subsidiary of an Italian-owned conglomerate, was just a few years ago facing a halt in production that threatened thousands of jobs in Wisconsin and Michigan. Saudi Arabia stepped in with a $2 billion purchase of ships that will keep these workers employed, something Trump said Thursday he played a role in securing. "We felt very strongly this is where it should be," Trump said. "We gave them a strong recommendation, and they followed it." In May, the Navy also awarded an $800 million contract - the first order in a program worth up to $5.5 billion - to the shipyard for a new class of warships that are expected to provide a long-term lifeline and propel the region's economic development. Trump will almost certainly need to win Wisconsin's northeast, including the Fox Valley region and Marinette, if his path to reelection rests with Wisconsin. In 2018, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., successfully flipped the heavily agricultural western part of the state hurt by Trump's trade war into the Democratic column. Baldwin also performed better than Clinton in the wealthier suburbs surrounding Wisconsin's cities. If those trends persist, Trump will need to run up large margins in the state's predominantly blue collar, overwhelmingly white northeast, where Baldwin also made inroads, analysts say. Democrats acknowledge the shipyards' new federal contracts could help the president's case. "Of the people I talked to, a lot of them are giving [Trump] credit" for the shipyard contract, said Karl Jaeger, a Democrat on the Marinette County Board of Supervisors. "It brings jobs in, it brings money in. On the local Facebook groups, there's a lot of talk about it and people really do think he is responsible." Jeager and other Democrats think Trump is overstating his role in securing the deals. Wisconsin's congressional delegation, including Baldwin, have for years fought for long-term contracts for the shipyard. The Saudi arms deal was cleared by Congress in 2015, under the Obama administration, although it took four more years to arrive at an agreement specifically for the Marinette plant. The White House is not supposed to interfere with the Navy's contracting process, especially for political reasons. "People in Wisconsin know Trump is just coming for the news release," Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., said. Biden's campaign released a statement Thursday saying the Obama administration was responsible for the shipyard deal and accused Trump of trying "to paper over the fact that Wisconsin has been bleeding blue-collar manufacturing jobs" over the past several weeks. Senior White House economic adviser Peter Navarro, who joined Trump at the shipyard, told The Washington Post that its contracts are a result of the tremendous increase in military spending and defense production that the president prioritized over the course of his term in office. The White House also deserves credit for "jump-starting" the process that led to the contract by making a broader arms deal with the Saudis in 2017, Navarro said. Critics say U.S. military sales to Saudi Arabia help fuel a humanitarian crisis in Yemen. "There would have been no contract award without President Trump dramatically increasing the defense budget," Navarro said. "The president certainly deserves a Wisconsin victory lap for that." The White House said in a statement it had no involvement in the Navy's decision to choose the Wisconsin shipyard over competing options in Maine, Virginia, Mississippi and Alabama. Navy spokesman Capt. Danny Hernandez said preserving jobs in Wisconsin did not motivate the award decision, which he said focused on getting the best product for the best price. "Fincantieri beat out four other tough competitors with a project that combines the genius of Italian artisans with the historically high craftsmanship of a Wisconsin shipyard long known for its quality and expertise," Navarro said. "It will sail the seas of Asia and the Arabian Sea as one of the most versatile and important ships in the American arsenal of democracy." But even with Fincantieri beginning to create jobs in the area, other parts of the president's economic pitch to Wisconsin face significant challenges. More than 2,000 of Wisconsin's 9,000 dairy farms went out of business during the first three years of Trump's administration, a record since the 1980s, according to Darin Von Ruden, president of the Wisconsin Farmers Union. The state is on pace for a similar if not greater number this year. Farmers have grown suspicious of Trump's promises that China will soon be buying large amounts of agricultural products from the Midwest as part of the "Phase One" trade deal signed in January. "There was a lot of hope among independent farmers in 2016 that Trump would change the system, or bring around changes that would be positive," Von Ruden said. "Trump many times has said, 'We're over the hump,' or, 'The worst is behind us,' and it has not been true. So there are a lot of farmers who are skeptical now of what he is saying or what he will do." The president has also fallen short of achieving his promises to rebuild the Rust Belt's manufacturing base, even before the pandemic hit. More than 2,000 people were granted assistance for federal retraining programs because their jobs had been outsourced from Wisconsin in 2017 and 2018, according to federal data, a small decline from the end of the Obama administration. That number probably represents a small fraction of total jobs lost to outsourcing in the state, because many workers don't know about the program. Manufacturing in the state has shown some signs of improvement but is largely on its trajectory from before the Obama administration. In 2015 and 2016, Wisconsin had roughly 470,000 manufacturing jobs - a number that rose slightly to around 484,000 in 2019. Manufacturing employment in Wisconsin at no point in Trump's presidency has recovered to its levels before the Great Recession. This May, manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin fell sharply to 2009 levels. Trump has also lavished praise in 2018 on Foxconn, a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer in southeastern Wisconsin, as the "eighth wonder of the world" and said it would revitalize the region. CNBC reported in April that the company has missed the hiring requirements necessary to qualify for millions in state subsidies. The Wisconsin Economic Forecast, a state report, said Wednesday it could take two years for the state to recover to pre-coronavirus employment levels, with personal income growth projected to fade dramatically this year and next. The president's allies argue that with unemployment nationally above 10 percent, he will have to convince Wisconsin and other areas that he is better positioned to push the economy in the right direction. Internal polls show the president leads Biden on few issues - but he retains an advantage on handling the economy. The trips to Midwest states are part of a broader effort to tout an "American Comeback," campaign and White House officials say. "Before our booming economy was artificially interrupted by the coronavirus, President Trump's pro-growth policies, tax cuts, and deregulation brought Wisconsin 56,000 new jobs, including 15,000 new manufacturing jobs and more than 12,000 construction jobs," said Ali Pardo, a campaign spokeswoman. Some major decisions were taken at the just-concluded meeting of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the presidential villa in Abuja. The meeting was attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, state Governors and some members of the National Working Committee of the party. Below are the highlights of the meeting: 1) Following the recommendation of President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party (APC) was dissolved. This means the Adams Oshiomhole-led leadership of the party was sacked. 2)A Caretaker/Extraordinary National Convention Committee was then appointed to be led by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State. Mr Buni was national secretary of the APC until his election as governor in 2019. He was quoted as saying after the meeting, Nobody is happy with the situation under which the party has been operating. This decision was taken by NEC to address these issues, nobody is being targeted and its against nobody. As a former two-term National Secretary, I know the party very well, and its all about doing justice to every member of the party. Without justice, there wont be peace. If you dont manage crisis obviously crisis will manage you. 3) Other 12 members were also appointed for the Caretaker Committee. They are: 1. Governor Mai Mala Buni (Yobe) Chairman 2. Governor Isiaka Oyetola (representing South West) 3. Ken Nnamani (South East representative) 4. Stella Okorete (Women Rep) 5. Governor Sani Bello (representing North-Central) 6. Dr James Lalu (Representing Physically Challenged) 7. Senator Abubakar Yusuf (Senate Representative) 8. Hon. Akinyemi Olaide (representing House of Representatives) 9. David Leon (representing South-South) 10. Abba Ari (representing North West) 11. Prof. Tahir Mamman (representing North East) 12. Ismail Ahmed (Youth Representative) 13. Sen. Akpan Udoedehe- Secretary 4) The new Caretaker Committee is to conduct a National Convention to elect new leadership for the APC within six months. 5) The APC governorship primary in Edo State, which produced Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu as the partys governorship candidate, was ratified. 6) A resolution was reached for APC members to discontinue all litigations involving members of the party, which are connected to party matters. In making a case for this resolution, President Buhari told participants, The directive had been issued before, unfortunately, some members failed to heed the directive. Thus, at this time, it must be made a Resolution of the Party which must be effectively enforced with dire consequences for members who choose to ignore the directive. The APC has been rocked by endless crises at the national and state levels which recently culminated in a court-ordered suspension of its National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and the exit of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State from the fold. The Deputy Governor of Ondo State also left the party, citing irreconcilable differences with his Governor Rotimi Akeredolu as the reason for doing so. Despite todays NEC meeting, the APC remains deeply divided with some of its most influential chieftains sidelined in the decisions leading to the convening of the meeting. Party sources said former Governors Bola Tinubu and Bisi Akande were not consulted before the meeting. Both men are not members of APC NEC. Mr Tinubu had expected to be made chairperson of the partys Board of Trustees, which would have made him an automatic member of NEC. But internal wrangling has made it impossible for the APC to constitute its BOT. Sukhbir Badal announces party candidate from Pirthi Ram Meghwal from Balluana With the 12th list, AAP announces candidates from all 117 seats Apple made waves in the enterprise space with the acquisition of small device management vendor Fleetsmith. Why Apple acquired Fleetsmith Apples on-going enterprise push includes larger enterprises and major partners like IBM, SAP, Jamf, Accenture, Oracle and others. These large-scale firms can help key clients with broad Apple hardware deployments. The other strand of the companys reach into business computing is at the SME end of things, where over half of businesses now support Macs. In that space, Apples clients have become used to providing their own tech support. But as soon as this goes beyond a handful of seats, the task of managing all that Apple kit becomes more time-consuming and onerous. Its this piece of the jigsaw that I think the Fleetsmith acquisition fits. If Im right, Apple will be able to extend its existing Device Management offering with an integrated solution designed to make it much easier for smaller enterprises to better manage devices and onboard new employees. [Also read: WWDC: 12+ announcements for the Apple enterprise] Remote work is the new office The need for a solution such as this was made transparently clear at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, when enterprises of every size were forced to rush to deploy the tools required to support remote working. In the enterprise market, businesses everywhere have been making the transition to working remotely, Apple CFO Luca Maestri said during the most recent Apple fiscal call. We've created content to assist our customers in this transition, including an on-demand video learning series focused on topics like remote deployments of iPads and Macs and security. We have also realigned our own retail business and enterprise teams to provide timely and relevant support to customers as they navigate new work environments. It seems these efforts exposed some weaknesses in Apples current offering. Maestri noted that Apples New York teams worked with Peloton to deploy an entire fleet of Macs overnight so their employees could work remotely during the pandemic. It might have been better if Peloton had been able to use tools Apple provided in order to make such a deployment itself. Thats what the Fleetsmith purchase should help resolve, as it should provide Apple Business Manager with a set of tools for effective remote provisioning of devices and employee on-boarding on an application level. Raising the bar Having said that, its unlikely Apple will want to take over this entire MDM space on the back of this one offering, as the needs of enterprise professionals are so varied. Third-party specialized system and device management firms are vital to serve this wide field. So, for example, the tens of thousands of iOS devices purchased by the Bank of America early in the pandemic will probably require more sophisticated support. All that changes is that Apple raises the bar and makes it easier for enterprises to get new equipment and employees up and running fast, which should act to increase the number of Apple devices deployed. It should also underpin future employee choice schemes. What happens next? The move is broadly in line with Apples continued expansion in the enterprise space. That it now plans to provide a more extensive selection of fleet management tools may turn out to be the catalyst for further market share gains. The effect? Put it this way: enterprise markets are becoming increasingly Apple-friendly, and everything Apple does that makes it easier to deploy its devices in that space should translate into wider adoption. The size of Apples enterprise fleet should grow. I spoke with Fleetsmith co-founder Zack Blum in 2018, when he observed: Apple has played a leading role in enterprise trends such as BYOD, the future of work, and the consumerization of IT. Now it seems, Apple is going hard to take leadership of the new world of remote working. Please follow me on Twitter, or join me in the AppleHolics bar & grill and Apple Discussions groups on MeWe. In a step towards 'Carbon Neutral Ladakh', the Union Territory administration has ordered a ban on the use of plastic bottles and objects made of plastics in government offices and other institutions. The target and timeline for phased ban would be 100 per cent of plastic bottles by July 15 and 100 per cent of plastic files and folders by July end, the spokesman said, quoting an order issued by Commissioner Secretary Finance and General Administration Department, Ladakh, Rigzian Sampheal on June 23. All government offices, boards, corporations, autonomous bodies or units, educational institutions including universities would dispense with the use of plastic water bottles in their respective offices and make alternate arrangements for safe drinking water that does not generate plastic waste. The plan is the implement eco-friendly measures and substitutes made of biodegradable products for all purposes. 3RManagement "Only multi-use water bottles, dispensers, containers will be allowed in government offices and water bottles of alternative materials like glass, steel, aluminium shall be used," the spokesman told news agency PTI. Ladakh, the trans-Himalayan region of India, has been attracting tourists, which has also led to a massive garbage and plastic problem in the area. Unfortunately, infrastructure in terms of waste disposal and management is still lacking. AFP Roadside litter, glass bottles, plastic on the lakeside and along the barren landscapes are a common sight. The tourist boom has undeniably created employment opportunities but the waste problem has increased manifold. The rising piles of garbage, traffic pollution has already set off the alarm bells. The city produces upto 50 tons solid waste per day and so far all is thrown across hills leading to dangerous pollution and threat to vegetation and fauna in the region. Reids selection is indicative of NES Financials thought leadership in economic & social impact tracking, IRS compliance monitoring, and fund security within the Opportunity Zones sector. Reid Thomas, Chief Revenue Officer and Managing Director of specialty financial administrator NES Financial, a JTC Company (LON: JTC), was recognized by Opportunity Zone Magazine in two categories: as one of the Top 25 OZ Influencers Overall and as a Top Professional in Specialized Fields. We are thrilled for Reid to be recognized alongside other Opportunity Zone colleagues across the country, said Michael Halloran, CEO of JTC Groups ICS USA region. Reids selection is indicative of NES Financials thought leadership in economic & social impact tracking, IRS compliance monitoring, and fund security within the Opportunity Zones sector. Reid personifies our commitment to shaping industry best practices within this desperately needed stimulus initiative through the delivery of purpose-built Opportunity Zone solutions that help to ensure that the initiative does the good it was intended to do. NES Financial is a financial technology company that provides industry-leading specialty financial administration, including fund administration and loan administration. The company is the market-leading administrator in the rapidly growing Opportunity Zone marketplace, the dominant infrastructure provider to the heavily regulated EB-5 visa sector, and the nations largest independent provider of 1031 tax deferred exchange services to private equity, commercial real estate, and Fortune 1000 clientele. Headquartered in San Jose since 2005 and with major operations in the Boston area, the company is recognized for its leadership in best practices and transactional security across the sectors it serves. As a result, company management is frequently sought out as media contributors and presenters throughout the country at events such as OZ Expo, SALT, Novogradac, and IIUSA, while also hosting informational webinars featuring a broad range of industry experts and topics. This past April, NES Financial was acquired by JTC Group, a publicly traded multi-jurisdictional provider of fund, corporate and private client services. The Opportunity Zones Magazine Top 25 list includes professionals in five categories: attorneys, fund managers/developers, tax specialists, policy influencers and professionals in specialized fields. Candidates were evaluated based on their vision, influence and industry experience. About NES Financial NES Financial, a JTC Company, is a multi-jurisdictional provider of fund, corporate and private client services. The company administers more than $130 billion in assets and employs more than 900 people worldwide. A leader in specialty financial administration, NES Financial serves markets characterized by high administrative complexity, elevated transaction security needs and challenging compliance requirements. As the North American division of JTC, NES Financial is the leading provider of third-party administrative solutions to US impact investment sectors, including Opportunity Zones and EB-5 visa funding, as well as to US private equity and 1031 exchanges. The companys technology-driven solutions streamline new best practices in these markets by simplifying specialized financial transactions, reducing back-office overhead, curtailing fraud and abuse, and ensuring security, transparency and regulatory compliance during each step of an investments life cycle. For more information, visit nesfinancial.com. With the phased reopening of Texas, small businesses across the state are facing a pivotal moment. The decision to reopen and consideration of how to do safely is all-consuming for small-business owners, many of whom are fighting for financial survival. Even as they are facing these day-to-day decisions, there is another challenge looming for many of them in the form of forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP, loans they received to keep them afloat the last several months. To date, more than 4.6 million small businesses nationwide are able to keep their doors open and employees on the payroll thanks to loans received under the Small Business Administrations PPP. Here in our great state, this includes more than 370,000 small businesses. Loans made to Texas businesses have averaged just over $108,000, indicating they did reach the smallest of businesses across our state, as was intended by Congress, the Treasury Department and the SBA. In a rule issued late last month, the SBA prescribed an extremely complicated process by which borrowers must calculate, document, prove and certify their loan forgiveness amount. The smallest businesses face an onerous task to navigate the waters of loan forgiveness. Before you say these businesses should have known what they were getting into, I would tell you there is no way they could have. When they applied for the program, the forgiveness process was not yet defined. For some of the earliest applicants for these loans, the forgiveness process was outlined a full six weeks after the borrower received loan proceeds. The Treasury and SBA have performed a monumental task in implementing the PPP. However, it would be difficult even for officials of those agencies to deny that the goal posts have shifted several times throughout the implementation. As president and CEO of the states trade association of community banks, I have talked to many of the financial institutions in Texas that made loans as small as $300 to $1,000. The idea that these businesses, which are simply trying to make ends meet in a difficult and stressful operating environment, would have their lives consumed by PPP forgiveness calculations is simply unacceptable. They cant do it. Community banks are concerned for the viability of their small-business customers. They know that many businesses do not have the time or sophistication to follow the process as it has been prescribed. To accomplish this task, the Independent Bankers Association of Texas is advocating that all borrowers with loan amounts of less than $350,000 have access to a highly simplified loan forgiveness process. In a recent survey by the National Federation of Independent Business, nearly 75 percent of small businesses reported confusion over the terms of their PPP loan. The forgiveness process, as currently defined, does nothing to bring clarity or simplicity to these borrowers. As Congress continues the push for various fixes for the PPP program, simplification of the forgiveness process for most borrowers must be top priority. As a nation, we decided to save small businesses and the financial well-being of their employees through the PPP. If we now bury them under a mountain of red tape, our efforts and federal expenditures will have been for naught. Christopher Williston is the president and CEO of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas, the largest state community banking association in the nation. It represents more than 2,800 community banks and branches throughout Texas. Ranchi, June 25 : A Jharkhand education department circular on Thursday disappointed parents in the state. The parents association has condemned the education department circular which says that "there will be no hike of tuition fees during lockdown". Many states have issued guidelines that private schools will not charge tuition fees during the lockdown period. Jharkhand Abhiwak Sangh president Ajay Rai said " We were demanding to waive off the tuition fee of lockdown period but the state govt buckled under pressure of the private schools. The state govt decision has given a weapon to private schools and demoralised the parents." The Bharatiya Janata Party has also criticised the Jharkhand government move. "The Hemant Soren government is insensitive towards education and students of the state. It is playing in the hands of the private schools otherwise such decisions would not have been taken" said BJP leader Rabi Bhatt. The education department circular says "there will be no hike in school tuition by the private schools, The tuition fees will be charged as taken previously. No student admission will be cancelled in case of non payment." The circular has exempted the parents from paying bus charges for the lockdown period. The Jharkhand Education Minister had held a meeting with the parents association and private school managements regarding fees. WASHINGTONWith U.S. economy struggling, Canada and other countries risk being collateral damage as President Donald Trump swings wildly to show his supporters that hes trying to spur an economic comeback. Thats been apparent twice this week, on issues that seem custom-designed to signal to Trumps supporters hes playing his greatest hits: on immigration Monday, with an executive order temporarily suspending certain types of new work visas, and then on trade Tuesday, with reports the U.S. might reimpose tariffs on Canadian aluminum. The only policies that Trump has been consistent on are supporting higher tariffs and lower immigration. This is something he actually believes, says Alex Conant, a Republican strategist who has worked for Sen. Marco Rubio. Hes less than five months from an election and currently losing. He needs to shore up his base after a couple of really tough weeks. The ban announced Monday on certain work visas will have a dramatic impact on many skilled workers and executives. In the lead-up to the announcement and immediately following it, thousands of Canadians were concerned about being banned, though some immigration lawyers are now saying they interpret the new order as leaving Canadians essentially unaffected. A request for clarification from U.S. border and immigration authorities went unreturned Wednesday. Tariffs on aluminum, however, obviously target Canadians directly. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer raised the subject Friday with Canadas ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, and a Bloomberg reported Tuesday that the tariffs could be imposed by July 1, just as the new trade deal to replace NAFTA is due to come into effect. Although some American aluminum companies are lobbying to reimpose tariffs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce senior vice-president Neil Harrington said their return would be like a bad horror movie and most of the U.S. aluminum sector opposes them, and theyll hurt American manufacturers who use aluminum as an input. Experts say an apparent surge in Canadian aluminum exports is a byproduct of the coronavirus-related shutdown of auto and other sectors that use aluminum. Smelters cannot easily or safely shut down their production facilities, so theyve changed to making a different, easily warehoused product sold in futures contracts. The resulting spike in exports doesnt meaningfully impact the actual trade picture. Its the wrong thing, the wrong way, at the wrong time, for the wrong reasons, says Jean Simard of the Aluminum Association of Canada, who notes that tariffs would not only hurt the Canadian industry, but also the U.S. consumers who would ultimately pay them. Simard and other industry leaders suggest that if the U.S. does impose tariffs, Canada would likely retaliate. But Canadian authorities arent engaging in any sabre-rattling yet. Spokespeople for the Canadian Embassy in Washington and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland sent identical statements, saying We will always defend Canadas aluminum sector and its workers, and, We firmly believe that our aluminum exports do not harm the U.S. market. We are emphasizing this in our ongoing conversations with our American partners. Some experts I spoke with suggested tariffs may not even come back, despite headlines this week. Lighthizer will report to the White House, and then the president will decide what to do. In my view, theres still a lot of runway to go before we would see the tariff plane take off here, says trade lawyer Dan Ucjzo of Dickinson Wright, who doesnt sense a strong appetite among the industry or the public for a return to tariffs. These would have a negative impact on an economy that is much more fragile than it was a year ago, with a Congress that would be more willing to take on a president, who is much more fragile than he was. Flavio Volpe, president of Canadas Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, agreed, saying its a purely political move that wont pay off. I think its more likely than not that they formally trigger something this week, he says, and then, having triggered it, its more likely than not theyre gonna back off. Conant says moves like this arent a good sign for the Trump campaign, which needs to broaden its support. If I was advising him, Id say, Look, your base might like the crackdowns on immigration and more tariffs, but thats not working with independent voters and that is the more urgent concern right now. Conant says political headwinds might see the issue go away. Hes got a lot of problems in front of him, ranging from the economy, coronavirus, police issues, plus his own political problems this would be picking another fight that he really doesnt need at this moment. But that doesnt mean Canadians can relax. Anything is possible with Trump, Conant says, which is all the more reason why Canadians should be concerned when they when they hear these sorts of policy balloons being floated. Read more about: All of those deals, which have not previously been reported, are being held up by lawmakers over questions about how the items will be used. Under the current system, the State Department gives informal notification to relevant foreign policy committees in Congress of proposed arms sales. The lawmakers then give input to administration officials, which helps agencies in making adjustments to ensure the sales get approved by Congress as a whole. Under this informal process, lawmakers can hold up sales, which is what both Republican and Democratic senators have done with arms sales to Gulf Arab nations. Once any differences are resolved, the administration gives Congress formal notification of the arms sales, which then starts a 30-day period when lawmakers can object. If the administration scraps the informal notification process, it would tell Congress of proposed arms sales only through the formal process. That framework allows members of Congress to introduce and vote on resolutions to disapprove of certain sales. But to actually block a deal, a measure would require support from two-thirds of both chambers to overcome an inevitable presidential veto. Any decision to end the informal process would further alienate lawmakers from both parties, current and former officials said. This is not just a thumb in the eye to Democrats, this is a thumb in the eye to Republicans and to all of Congress, said Max Bergmann, a senior adviser at the State Department during the Obama administration who had helped oversee military sales. The way the arms sale process has worked is one of the rare bipartisan mechanisms that has existed no matter who controls the White House and Congress. Mr. Menendez, the Democratic senator, said ending the informal notification system would make the process harder for all sides. The American public has a right to insist that the sales of U.S. weapons to foreign governments are consistent with U.S. values and national security objectives, he said. The COVID-19 pandemic has cancelled public celebrations like this one, in 2011, that honored Philadelphia students who enlisted in the Armed Services upon high-school graduation. Read more Four months ago, Ken Hartman told his wife he was quitting his job as a vice president at Rowan University. He said he had more important things to do. Hartman set out to create America Salutes, a virtual tribute to the Class of 2020 high school seniors who plan to enlist in the military immediately after graduation. I felt like with the state our country is in, we needed something like this more than ever, said Hartman, an internationally known educational consultant who recently was president of Drexel University Online. Set to stream over social media on July 4, the one-hour production will include performances by recording artists such as Lee Greenwood, Prince Royce, and Natti Natasha as well as video tributes from second lady Karen Pence, actor Michael Imperioli of Sopranos fame, Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo, and shock-rock pioneer Alice Cooper, among others. Even a NASA astronaut Christopher Cassidy, a captain in the U.S. Navy SEALs will send congratulations from aboard the International Space Station. Were getting tributes from as far away as outer space, Hartman said. The response has been overwhelming. The virtual tribute will air multiple times in July and August. Following a July 28 airing, Hartman has arranged for a live, national, virtual career fair for veterans. So many of our younger veterans are among the millions of unemployed, Hartman said. This was an opportunity to combine the virtual tribute with information and resources for veterans. Hartman, himself a military veteran, is the founder of Our Community Salutes, a national, nonprofit organization he created in 2009 to help communities recognize, honor, and support high school seniors who plan to enlist in the Armed Services after graduation. At the time, I was serving on the Cherry Hill school board, said Hartman. We were doing nothing to recognize these kids [who were planning to enroll in the military after graduation]. So he organized a dinner and ceremony in their honor. Soon afterward, he said, he was contacted by a woman in Pittsburgh who hoped to do the same thing in Western Pennsylvania. We created Our Community Salutes Pittsburgh, and it just grew organically from there, Hartman said. We now have groups as far away as Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Each year, the Philadelphia chapter of Our Community Salutes has held a recognition ceremony for the graduates, traditionally at the Union League in Center City. There have also been annual events in Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Burlington, and Gloucester Counties. But with restrictions on large gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hartman looked for another way to honor the class of 2020 seniors. The result is the July 4 virtual America Salutes recognition ceremony. One of the lessons learned from the military is, Its all about the mission, Hartman said. It would have been easy to say, Well, well start up again next year. But the Class of 2020 is special. Its the first class where all the students were born after 9/11. Hartman said he received immediate buy-in from military officials in support of the virtual extravaganza. Comcast, which is serving as a sponsor, helped connect him with celebrities who will make cameos during the tribute. As word spread, Hartman said, he heard from NASCAR drivers, musicians, actors, military veterans, and Pence, a Blue Star mother with a son in the Marines. Its really been humbling, Hartman said. He is working with Philadelphia-based Helm Creative Studios to produce the show. The [virtual salute] is near and dear to my heart, said Helm president Ashlee Hollis. My family has a military-service history, and I understand firsthand the dedication and sacrifice thats required to ensure the freedoms that I often take for granted. Hartman said around 150,000 graduating high school seniors typically enroll in the military immediately after graduation, less than 1% of the class. He added: These are kids who are putting their country in front of themselves. (America Salutes will stream on July 4th at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. To watch, go to AmericaSalutes.us.) Army Gen. Robert Abrams, head of U.S. Forces Korea, donned the retro but newly authorized "greens" uniform Thursday for a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. "Now, some of you are already inquiring -- what uniform is Gen. Abrams wearing? Some have accused me already of being a Korean war reenactor," he said to laughter at the commemoration ceremony at Camp Humphreys, headquarters of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK). Read more: F-35A Joint Strike Fighters Banned from Flying Near Lightning over Explosion Concerns "This is the newly approved Army green service uniform and will be required for service members to wear in the next few years," Abrams said of the olive jacket and pinkish trousers. "It was approved on the first of June. I've been waiting for the right opportunity for it to make its debut, and here it is," said Abrams, who is also head of United Nations Command and the Combined Forces Command. News of the ceremony was posted on Camp Humphreys' Facebook site and first reported by Stars & Stripes. The new uniform, modeled on the World War II-era "pinks and greens," was officially chosen by the Army in 2018 to replace the Army Service Uniform (ASU). But the new version is known as just "greens," instead of the older nickname. The phase-in for soldiers is expected to be complete by 2027, but senior leaders, drill sergeants and others have already been authorized to wear it. In his remarks, Abrams noted the continued strength of the U.S.-South Korea alliance and honored the fallen of the 1950-53 war. The alliance was "forged in the crucible of war and hardened by blood spilled together," he said. "Together, together, we fought a brutal three-year war to push back the forces of tyranny." More than 245,000 South Korean soldiers, 36,000 U.S. troops, and 3,000 United Nations Command forces were killed, Abrams said. "Since the [1953] armistice, over 300 South Koreans and 62 Americans have been lost in the ongoing mission of deterrence and defense," he added. "We remain ready to defend the Republic of Korea at a moment's notice." -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Related: Korean War: 70 Years Later 'Forgotten' Conflict Still Fresh for Veterans A company has issued a statement after it came to light an employee was fired due to the racist locals at a Sydney cafe. Ayokunle Oluwalana, who goes by Ayo for short, was working at XS Espresso in Bondi until he was abruptly fired by a manager who insisted it was due to locals being a bit racist. A video of Mr Oluwalana speaking about his experience was shared on Twitter, and people pledged to boycott the Bondi store and called for the manager in question to be fired on XS Espressos Instagram account. The manager at the Bondi XS Espresso branch has been sacked after he fired Ayokunle Oluwalana. Source: Instagram Mr Oluwalana, who hails from London, said on Instagram after the incident he was not angry, but more so pleased and proud of the response shown, that gives me faith in the world in these current times. In the wake of the ordeal, XS Espresso has announced the manager who fired Mr Oluwalana has been sacked by the company. In our meeting with Ayokunle, we discussed our mutual disappointment in the fact the manager, who is a person of colour himself, didnt stand up against discrimination, XS Espresso said in their post, adding action was taken immediately. The Bondi store manager no longer works for the company. The store is currently under management of head office. So the manager at Bondi XS Espresso fired an employee due to his skin colour saying that the locals are racist and like their coffee made by the other barista (yt of course). Anyways boycott the Bondi store xx pic.twitter.com/OVBV6ACfva emz (@emilyphvm) June 18, 2020 The statement also said Mr Oluwalanas firing happened on his fifth shift at the cafe and the eatery was reportedly in contact with Mr Oluwalana hours after he was fired. Mr Oluwalanas visa expired in November, the company said, and he has been offered further employment opportunities within the company for the remainder of his time in Australia. The company said they met with Mr Oluwalana on Saturday after the video he made was widely shared on social media and thanked him for his time and believing the company was not racist. Story continues XS Esperesso also reaffirmed its stance on multiculturalism. It is the core element of our brand, across our store locations, as XS lives amongst a range of multicultural communities, XS Espresso said. Mr Oluwalana, who is also a journalism graduate, wrote a powerful article for HuffPost Australia, explaining why he spoke out about being fired for being black. Black people are tired of being treated differently for just being black, he wrote, explaining how he has experienced racism in Australia. The firing happened amid Black Lives Matter protests around the world, in response to George Floyds death at the hands of a white police officer. Mr Oluwalana said the Black Lives Matter movement gave him hope, and believes Australia and the world can eradicate racism. XS Espresso also quoted Mr Oluwalanas article in their statement, and said the ordeal has been a massive learning opportunity. In the statement, XS Espresso also said since the unjust firing of Mr Oluwalana, hate speech, threats and violence had been directed towards the team members at XS Espresso. The company called for the media and the public to help assist in stopping the threats and harassment. We need your support to ensure we spread love and not hate, XS Espresso said. 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. Ken Ofori-Atta 25.06.2020 LISTEN The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, is challenging the Auditor General (AG), Daniel Yaw Domelevo, for appointing two of his staff onto a committee mandated to ensure proper and effective financial management practices of his office. Mr. Ofori-Atta believes the AG does not have the power to make such nominations on behalf of the Audit Service since he was not the Principal Account Holder, as defined in Section 102 of Act 921. In a letter dated May 29, 2020, the minister indicated that the Principal Account Holder was either the sector minister or political head of a covered entity and therefore, the nominations by the AG, as the Principal Spending Officer, were not consistent with the provisions of Act 921 (sic). He has, therefore, directed the Audit Service Board to reconstitute the audit committee since the nominees ought to be members of the governing board. The committee, which has representations from the Internal Audit Agency, Institute of Charted Accountants and the Principal Action Holder of the Audit Service, is mandated to ensure proper and effective financial management practices in accordance with Section 86 of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921). Singular Action The two persons appointed by Mr. Domelevo are Judith Kwaaku and Benjamin Codjoe. They are reportedly representing the Audit Service on a five-member audit committee to audit the accounts of his office, without recourse to the Audit Service Board (ASB), which has compelled the board to complain to the Finance Minister. In a letter dated March 17, 2020 and signed by chairman of the board, Prof. Edward Dua Agyeman, the board accused the AG of breaching Section 18.2.3 of the Guidelines for the Effective Functioning of Audit Committees published by the Ministry of Finance in August 2017. When the AG was asked to explain the reason for ignoring the guidelines in making the appointment of representatives of the Audit Service onto the committee, he informed the board that his nomination was based on the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019, L.I.2378, without quoting the appropriate section which he relied on (sic), the letter indicated. The board consequently requested the intervention of the Finance Minister to put things in order and stop Mr. Domelevo from fortifying the said infractions. Domelevos Response However, the AG insists he has done no wrong in nominating the two officers to represent the Audit Service on the committee, insisting that it is within the right of the AG to appoint representatives of the Audit Service as the head of the ASB is not fit to be called a sector minister or political head as defined in Section 102 of Act 921. The ASB is appointed by the President and likewise the AG. If the appointment by the President makes an individual or a board a sector minister or a political head, then it may be argued that the AG by virtue of his appointment by the President in accordance with Article 70 is also a sector minister or a political head. I disagree with you on the suggestion that the board is the Principal Account Holder because it is neither the sector minister nor the political head of the Office of the Auditor General, adding my opinion remains unchanged and my view is fortified by the provisions of the 1992 constitution as stated above, as well as numerous provisions of the Audit Service Act. Public Office The AG continued, Clearly, it means we have the office of the Auditor General, which is a constitutional independent public office; the Audit Service of Ghana, which is part of the Public Service; and the Audit Service Board. Furthermore, the functions of the Audit Service Board are not the same as those of other boards or councils created by the constitution. You may wish to compare Article 189 for the Audit Service Board to Article 186(2) for the Statistical Service Board and 202(2) for the Police Council and you will notice the difference. On the issue of the guidelines on the effective functioning of Audit Committees issued by your good self, I wish to say that these are guidelines, as so stated and not laws, so far as I know. I have not found any section(s) of Act 921 mandating the Minister of Finance to issue guidelines except (i) Sections 20 which provides that the minister may issue guidelines for preparation of annual budget and (2) Section 61(2) which provides that for the purpose of subsection (1), the minister shall, by regulations, or rules or guidelines published in the Gazette, regulate the format and criteria for the auction and the procedures for participation, bidding and allocation in auctions (emphasizes mine). Key Directives With regard to directives, Mr. Domelevo said Section 4(2) (k) of Act 921 provides how directives and instructions are to be made by the minister and it states unequivocally that for the purpose of subsection (1) and subject to the constitution and any other enactment, the minister shall issue directives and instructions necessary for the effective implementation of this Act. At the minimum, your directives and or instructions given in the letter and or the guidelines must meet the requirements of Article 11(7) in order to have the force of law as suggested. In the light of the forgoing, I urge you, honorable minister to ignore the complaints from the Service Board of whom I am a member. The Audit Committee will continue to function as a properly constituted committee. Animosity between the AG and the ASB has continued to rise at a time when cooperation is critical, with the growing rift spilling over to the Ministry of Finance. ---Daily Guide WASHINGTON - A federal prosecutor's testimony Wednesday that he was pressed by supervisors to offer a more lenient sentencing recommendation for a friend of President Donald Trump's capped a remarkable four-month stretch in which Attorney General William Barr has seemed to repeatedly bend the Justice Department to Trump's political interests - generating significant controversy but no personal consequence, legal analysts said. Since February, Barr has intervened in two criminal cases to the benefit of those who once advised Trump, ousted a U.S. attorney who is investigating Trump's personal lawyer, and dutifully implemented Trump's vision for a forceful crack down on demonstrators in the District of Columbia protesting police violence. Democrats and legal observers have decried the moves, calling on Barr to resign or be investigated by his agency's internal watchdog. Morale at the Justice Department has plummeted, according to several department employees who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter frankly. But lawmakers, who already held Barr in contempt last year for defying congressional subpoenas, seem to have little in the way of practical recourse. Republicans, who control the Senate, would short-circuit any bid to impeach and remove Barr, who they have asserted is drawing ire because he is trying to ferret out corruption of his Justice Department predecessors in a Democratic administration. "I think Barr's conduct has made it clear that he is not acting as the attorney general for the people of the United States, but as a private attorney to protect the interests of the president," said former U.S. attorney Barbara McQuade. "What can be done about William Barr? I really think the only thing that can be done is impeachment. And I think that this Republican Senate has shown it doesn't really have any appetite for that." The tension over allegations of Barr's malfeasance reached new heights Wednesday as the House Judiciary Committee took testimony from two current prosecutors, including one who had worked on the team of special counsel Robert Mueller. The hearing came just as an appeals court panel dealt a blow to Barr's critics, siding with the Justice Department and ordering a reluctant lower court judge to immediately drop the criminal case against former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI, as Barr had sought. Aaron Zelinsky, who formerly worked for Mueller and is now an assistant U.S. attorney in Maryland, said political leadership had pressured him and other career prosecutors to issue a lighter sentencing recommendation for Roger Stone, a longtime Trump friend convicted of lying to Congress. Zelinsky made clear that he thought the reason for the pressure was inappropriate. "What I heard repeatedly was that this leniency was happening because of Stone's relationship to the president, that the acting U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia was receiving heavy pressure from the highest levels of the Department of Justice and that his instructions to us were based on political considerations," Zelinsky said. Zelinsky's testimony was buttressed by a different prosecutor, who works on antitrust matters and said Barr had personally intervened to spur investigations of mergers in the marijuana industry, even when career officials thought such work was unnecessary. The prosecutor, John Elias, said the reason seemed to be Barr's personal distaste for the marijuana business. He also said the Justice Department's antitrust division was made to investigate deals between California and four automakers to limit emissions, a day after Trump tweeted his displeasure about the arrangement. "Personal dislike of an industry is not a valid basis upon which to ground an antitrust investigation," Elias said. House Democrats said that the prosecutors' testimony showed that Barr has politicized the Justice Department to help Trump and his friends. In a strident opening statement, Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., called Barr "the president's fixer." "The cancer that we must root out is his decision to place the president's interests above the interests of the American people," Nadler said. Legal analysts said the hearing itself was remarkable: prosecutors such as Zelinsky are virtually never permitted or willing to speak to Congress at all, let alone to describe the deliberations surrounding a particular criminal case. They negotiated their appearances independently of the Justice Department, but their lawyers conferred with department officials about limits on their testimony. "Mr. Zelinsky's courageous testimony makes more painfully explicit and shocking the brazenness with which the attorney general and other Justice Department officials now readily manipulate cases to serve the president's political ends," said David Laufman, a former Justice Department counterintelligence official now in private practice. "And it also indicates how impervious these officials think they are to any meaningful accountability and consequences for their wrongful conduct." Republicans countered that Barr was appropriately focused on rooting out corruption in the FBI investigation of possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia that Mueller would come to take over. Their witness, former attorney general Michael Mukasey, said Barr was motivated by "the evenhanded application of law so as to achieve justice." "I think we're fortunate to have a person of his temperament, talents and convictions in office during this difficult time in history," Mukasey said. Justice Department representatives had criticized both men's testimony, noting that Zelinsky's information was secondhand and that the department's Office of Professional Responsibility already had looked into the antitrust division's handling of marijuana company mergers and found no wrongdoing. Barr served as attorney general in the George H.W. Bush administration, and though he was confirmed on a mostly party-line vote in February 2019, many inside the Justice Department were optimistic about his taking over. Barr was seen as unlikely - because of his age and previous accomplishments - to blindly obey Trump. Barr's defenders note that he has at times disappointed or questioned the president. His Justice Department declined, for example, to bring charges against former FBI director James Comey and former FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe, despite referrals from the Justice Department's Office of Inspector General about possible crimes. The president has publicly suggested that both men, whom he considers political rivals, should be charged. Barr is a strong proponent of executive power, and observers say his vision often lines up neatly with Trump's. In Barr's first months on the job, Mueller's team delivered to the attorney general its final report, and Barr stepped fully into controversy. Instead of quickly releasing the report's executive summaries, Barr condensed the findings into a four-page letter he sent to Congress. The letter declared that Mueller had not found evidence to substantiate a conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia to influence the 2016 election, and had not reached a conclusion on whether Trump had obstructed justice. Barr said he had evaluated that question himself, and determined that Trump had not. The bare-bones description so infuriated the special counsel team that Mueller sent a letter to Barr complaining that the attorney general "did not fully capture the context, nature, and substance" of the investigative report. Barr ultimately pushed to make public a largely unredacted copy of Mueller's entire report, though on the day of its release, he gave a news conference characterizing it in a way that closely mirrored Trump's talking points. In recent months, critics have alleged that Barr has sought to undo the special counsel's work. Zelinsky testified that career prosecutors initially won their fight over Stone's sentencing recommendation and filed essentially the request they wanted. But early the next morning, Trump tweeted his displeasure, and Barr directed that a new memo be filed, prompting Zelinsky and three other career prosecutors to withdraw from the case. Barr has said he did not discuss the case with the president and that his intervention was not a result of the president's tweet. In the episode's aftermath, he gave an interview saying Trump's social media missives "make it impossible for me to do my job." Barr asked U.S. Attorney John Durham in Connecticut to review the FBI's Russia investigation and U.S. Attorney Jeff Jensen in St. Louis to review the Flynn case - unusual moves that critics say are meant to fuel Republican attacks on an inquiry that dogged Trump's presidency. Last month, at Jensen's recommendation, Barr had the Justice Department move to walk away entirely from the prosecution of Flynn, who pleaded guilty in 2017 to lying to the FBI's about his dealings with the Russian ambassador to the United States. Ryan Fayhee, a former Justice Department prosecutor now in private practice at Hughes Hubbard & Reed, said Barr had "clearly participated in the systematic undoing of the Mueller investigation," noting that - in part because of coronavirus-related releases - none of those Mueller charged are currently in prison. "It's thinly veiled and troubling to say the least," Fayhee said. "Bill Barr is very bright, capable, and ran a Department of Justice that didn't look anything like this the last time around - and didn't act like this the last time around. The only different factor is the person in the White House." Critics have noted that Barr, too, has taken other steps that have fallen in line with the president's interests. Like Trump, he has voiced skepticism about mail-in voting, telling The New York Times Magazine that it could be susceptible to a foreign operation, even though current and former election officials dispute that. At Trump's request, he led the law enforcement response to recent protests in D.C. over police violence and controversially ordered the pushing back of protesters from outside of Lafayette Square near the White House on June 1. That led to police using chemical irritant and horses against largely peaceful demonstrators, just before Trump walked across the square for a photo op at St. John's Episcopal Church. Barr has said the events were not related. Last week, Barr moved to oust Geoffrey Berman as the U.S. attorney in Manhattan. Berman's office has been investigating Rudy Giuliani, a personal lawyer to Trump, though the Justice Department has disputed that Berman's removal is related to any particular case. A spokesman for Barr said Wednesday that Barr had agreed to appear before the Judiciary Committee on July 28; he has not made such an appearance since Democrats took over the House majority in 2019. Although analysts note that he is unlikely to face any legal consequences for his recent moves, he still has to answer to his peers, the public and his own department. Thousands of Justice Department alumni have endorsed various letters calling for Barr's ouster, and this week a group of professors at the George Washington University law school, from which Barr has a degree, condemned his actions. At some point, said McQuade, the former U.S. attorney, you lose the room. Voter suppression isnt only about official activities like states limiting polling places and their hours. It happens on social media too. And Facebook, which Russia notoriously used to spread misinformation during the 2016 election cycle, continues to be a problem, former Facebook manager Yael Eisenstat wrote this week for the think tank Brookings Institution. In 2018, after Facebook underwent a civil-rights audit, company CEO Sheryl Sandberg wrote that the social-media giant had updated our policy to expressly ban misrepresentations about how to vote, such as claims that you can vote using an online app, and statements about whether a vote will be counted. Other misinformation related to voting -- including false claims of polling place closures, long lines and wait times -- is proactively sent to third-party fact-checkers for review. The revised policy also prohibits threats of violence related to voting or voter registration. Eisenstat, who was a head of elections integrity at Facebook at the time of the audit, says this policy update wasnt enough. She says she left the company in November 2018, after she became convinced I would not be empowered to perform my job effectively. She criticizes Facebook founder Mark Zuckerbergs refusal to remove content from candidates even when that content is demonstrably false. But Facebooks modus operandi is even worse than that, Eisenstat insists. Facebooks targeting tools offer political advertisers the means to target vulnerable populations with messages that the broader public wont see and potentially dissuade that population from voting, she wrote. These tools have become even more concerning since Facebook instituted its infamous policy stating that politicians would not be subject to Facebook fact-checking rules and their ads would be allowed to run even if they contained falsehoods. She admits theres no easy answer here for Facebook or any social-media company, pointing out that [t]he business of what content to fact-check, what to flag, what to downrank or remove is extremely complicated. That said, she has concluded that social-media companies no longer should be allowed to police themselves, that the federal government needs to provide basic rules for social-media companies to follow. Here, in short, is what she recommends: -- Provide greater transparency about who a political advertisement is targeting, how the social-media-platform algorithm amplifies an ad and who exactly is paying for an ad. -- Add digital advertising to existing campaign-finance laws, which would subject such ads to the same regulatory standards as those that run on TV and radio and would allow the Federal Election Commission to more accurately track political-advertising spending. -- Restrict the ability of political advertisers to target users in ways that violate the tenets of the Voting Rights Act, such as, for example, messages that might dissuade people of a certain race from voting. She calls on her former employer to change its ways and fast, declaring that if Facebook continues to allow blatant lies about our elections system continue unabated, they will be on the wrong side of history. -- Douglas Perry @douglasmperry Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Google is launching a new expansion for Search and Maps messaging services to include more business types and an easier UI. Thats based on recent reports stemming from the companys announcement of the expansion for Business Messages. At least part of the expansion is a bid to help users deal with ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and concerns. The company points explicitly to Australias Woolworths, noting that customers can search for products and see availability and aisle information. But that they can also get details about hours and updates related to the disease for easier shopping. A similar experience can now be had at Walmart too. Advertisement DISH, meanwhile, has worked with its partner [24]7.ai and the new features to reduce the service handling time in Business Messages by 22-percent. And, in India, MyGov has partnered with Amplify.ai to provide help and answer live questions from Indian citizens. Especially as that pertains to hours, COVID-19 helplines, and ways to volunteer and donate, for more than 11,000 food and night shelters across India. All of these experiences are being driven by new features in the service, added by Google. The company has added smart replies, product carousels, and unique welcome messages to start. And thats undoubtedly helping drive lower response times, better up-to-date information, and more. But it also stacked in changes to make moving from automated responses to a real customer service specialist easier. Advertisement Whats in store for Maps, Search messaging in the future? Google is also reportedly working on bringing Business Messages to mobile websites outside of Maps. And, of course, that will involve changing how and where its surfaced. That could, theoretically, lead to other changes too. Namely, the tool could make its way into other apps too via direct integration, if Google chooses to go that route. Integration with customer service platforms, conversely, is part of its plan moving forward. And that could, potentially, lead to the type of in-app integrations mentioned above. That would allow Google to compete more directly with platforms such as WhatsApp and Snapchat, which offer business-direct messaging. But, combined with its current mapping data and other business tools, that could be more localized. More details about exactly what Googles plan for the integration are will undoubtedly be revealed as it finalizes changes. Advertisement In the meantime, the search giant is additionally working to provide support in languages other than English. Thats presently the only supported language but it says others are planned, at the very least. When is all of this going to be available? Google messaging services in Search and Maps has been available since 2018, long before this most recent expansion. But the newest updates to the service are rolling out now. That means that users should be able to log into either Googles primary search website or to Google Maps directly, search up a business, and start messaging with the new features. If its not already available, because this is a server-side change, it will be sooner than later. Advertisement But where, precisely, the above-mentioned features are available might vary from business to business. As with quite a few changes Google has announced, both in and outside of maps, the search giant is responsible for the additional expansion on the tool. But its ultimately the businesses that are responsible for implementing it. So the changes should appear quickly but not necessarily everywhere at once. Email Sign Up For Our Free Weekly Newsletter (PORTLAND, Ore. - June 25, 2020) -- One of downtown Portland, Oregon's historic buildings is going on the market. The iconic Glisan Building at 112 SW 2nd Ave. has been listed with John Kohnstamm, principal broker, SIOR, with Capacity Commercial Group of Portland. The two-story Glisan Building offers 9,000-square-feet plus a basement. It has been seismically upgraded, has a modern elevator, and breaks up well for two tenants. The building has been lovingly and passionately restored and maintained by its current owners, the McAleese Family of Portland. Built in 1889 and named after Dr. Rodney L. Glisan, the building features Queen Anne Italianate style architecture with a flat roof line, pedimented doors, projecting eaves and tall, arch-headed windows. It is famous for being the last structure in Portland to use cast-iron pilasters and columns. Portland is home to the second largest collection of cast-iron architecture in the United States, just behind New York City's historic Soho District. Currently home to the renowned Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub, the building has been in the McAleese Family since 1990. The upstairs originally served as the offices for Dr. Glisan, while the main floor hosted a creamery. It also served as a location for Chown Electric Supply Co. in the 1960s. The building is a City of Portland Historic Landmark within the Portland Skidmore/Old Town Historic District, which was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977 for its historic importance as a major 19th century West Coast port and for its collection of cast-iron commercial architecture. Sellers Gerard and Lucy McAleese plan to stay on as tenants and continue to operate their famous Irish restaurant and bar. They've chosen to sell in order to make their world a little simpler and focus their energy on operating the restaurant, its sister brewery on NW 21st Ave., and their farm in Wilsonville. "These past few months we've taken a long look at our life and which direction we want to go, and it's time to pass the baton," explained Gerard McAleese. Added Lucy McAleese, "We are choosing to focus on our family, friends and the farm." Interested parties are encouraged to contact John Kohnstamm directly at john@capacitycommercial.com or at 503-542-4355; or Nick Diamond at ndiamond@capacitycommercial.com or at 503-222-2655. View more photos at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1DTFgbOdbUk9QxIZcRuHTmNOIv7d4NWqN?usp=sharing. Sign Up Free | The WPJ Weekly Newsletter Relevant real estate news. Actionable market intelligence. Right to your inbox every week. Go Thank you for your interest! You will now be receiving our Weekly Real Estate Newsletter. BERLIN, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- - @ quarterly online Berlin Green Investment Summit, 25 June 20, 16h - 16h45: - Climate change, a far graver threat than COVID-19, can be reversed profitably - Long-term divest-invest strategies have delivered 10% financial returns p.a. - eg. Climate Endowment Hydropower Fund targets > 100x less CO2, 8-14% IRR - Citizens', pensions' & insurances' traditional asset allocations offer mediocre returns - Investors, businesses, citizens need CO2 price reflecting externalities - German Federal Environmental Agency estimates externalities at 640/ton of CO2 - 27 Nobel Prize laureates call for CO2 tax & border duty, redistributed per capita - Under EU Green New Deal: all finance must be climate-goal compliant - Blended finance offering preferred returns needed to address market failures quickly In the absence of sufficient action from governments to address climate change, the global impact investor network 'Toniic', the Institutional Investor Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) whose members manage 30 Trillion, the German business network supporting the Paris goal, 'Stiftung 2 Grad', family office and climate impact investment adviser Wermuth Asset Management GmbH, cohost the 5th Berlin Green Investment Summit (BGIS), in the form of 45-minute webinars at tea time - 16h CET on each quarter's last Thursday - until we meet again - on 'How to close the climate finance gap' During 'virtual high tea' sessions, treat yourself to a cup of tea, some scones with clotted cream and strawberries, learn from great speakers, participate in Q&A and break-out sessions and commit to act to address the greatest challenge and opportunity facing humanity. The 25 June, 2020 webinar starts with Jochen Wermuth, climate impact investor and investment committee member of Germany'sSWF KENFO stressing the urgency of the climate finance gap to be closed, the profitability of divest-invest strategies, and the need for a CO2 price reflecting externalities. Laurence Tubiana, CEO, European Climate Foundation & Chair of the Board of Governors, French Development Agency will provide updates on the EU's Green Deal, on the UNFCCC COP26 finance track led by Mark Carney and France'sConvention citoyenne pour le climat. Those will be discussed by Peter Damgaard-Jensen (Chair, IIGCC), given key demands by IIGCC to G20, Phillipe Desfosses (Co-Founder Climate Endowment & ex-CEO, 40bn pension fund ERAFP), given the climate finance gap and disparity between the returns of large endowments (10%) and EU pension funds (3%), Dr. Gilbert Frizberg (former Chairman of the board of Verbund AG) given the launch of the Climate Endowment Hydropower Fund with >100x less CO2 emissions and 8% target returns, and Astrid Manroth, Director of Climate Finance, European Climate Foundation, given the need for blended finance initiatives to tab into the 150 trillion global debt & equity capital markets and to offer decent returns to citizens. "Pension funds might not to be able to match their liabilities over the next 20 years without substantial changes to their asset allocation strategy. They can both lift returns and abate climate change by moving to alternatives with lower CO2 footprints," says Phillipe Defosses, co-founder of the Climate Endowment. Join via: www.eventbrite.com/e/berlin-green-investment-summit-high-tea-webinar-series-tickets-107695712776 Background info on key subject and institutions mentioned: The Climate Finance Gap:https://www.ceres.org/initiatives/clean-trillion The Ceres Clean Trillion highlights the need for an additional $1 trillion per year in clean energy investment [as estimated by the International Energy Agency and the International Renewable Energy Agency] to limit global temperature rise to below 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Global clean energy transition is both essential and irreversible, and it will generate tens of trillions of dollars of clean energy investment opportunities over the decades to come. Energy market dynamics have shifted in favor of clean energy such as wind and solar, which increasingly out-compete new fossil fuel and nuclear power sources. As the clean energy market continues to mature and expand into a mainstream, large-scale market, there is a growing and diversifying array of investment opportunities. Achieving the Clean Trillion is eminently feasible, and our most recent research points to the significant opportunities for investors to scale up their clean energy investments while meeting their risk-return requirements. Companies likewise are realizing the economic benefits of shifting to clean energy as they make commitments to meet their energy demands with renewable energy, energy efficiency, and electrification of vehicle fleets. Toniic:https://toniic.com/ We are a global community of asset owners seeking deeper positive net impact across the spectrum of capital. Our members consist of more than 400 high net worth individuals, family office, and foundation asset owners who are deepening their impact across the spectrum of capital and personal resources in more than 25 countries around the world. Institutional Investor Group on Climate Change: www.iigcc.org Investors taking action for a prosperous, low carbon future: Our mission is to mobilie capital for the low carbon transition and to ensure resilience to the impacts of a changing climate by collaborating with business, policy makers and fellow investors. The investor voice on climate change: The Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) is the European membership body for investor collaboration on climate change and the voice of investors taking action for a prosperous, low carbon future. IIGCC has more than 240 members, mainly pension funds and asset managers, across 15 countries, with over 33 trillion in assets under management. IIGCC's mission is to mobilize capital for the low carbon transition and to ensure resilience to the impacts of a changing climate by collaborating with business, policy makers and fellow investors. IIGCC works to support and help define the public policies, investment practices and corporate behaviours that address the long-term risks and opportunities associated with climate change. Stiftung 2 Grad: https://www.stiftung2grad.de/ Our mission: The most important aim of Foundation 2 - German Businesses for Climate Protection is in the name: to limit average global warming to well below two degrees Celsius. The exclusive and immediate aim of the foundation is to promote climate protection and the sustainable use of natural resources and natural ecosystems. We are working to support politicians in establishing free-market framework requirements for climate protection, and to activate German businesses to find solutions for climate protection. Cross-Industry Platform for Active Collaboration: Foundation 2: Foundation 2 is more than just an alliance between businesses. It is a platform for active collaboration in which businesses from different industries work together in a solution-oriented manner to find answers to questions of corporate climate protection. Under the umbrella of a not-for-profit, independent foundation, the supporting businesses can work toward more open outcomes and on more complex issues of climate policy than would be possible in individual businesses. In addition, the supporting businesses consciously form a small and flexible group which can react quickly to political and economic trends and developments. Wermuth Asset Management GmbH, https://wermutham.com/ Incubated as the principal family's single family office adviser in 1999, WAM has evolved into a climate impact investment adviser with a focus on high risk-adjusted financial returns alongside positive climate impact across all asset classes. Our Green Growth Funds invest in "exponential organizations" as defined by Singularity University, companies with the potential to solve a major problem of humanity (climate change in our case) profitably and grow exponentially. Our forestry strategy turned operations covering 1m hectares, or 4x the size of Luxemburg, into a Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) compliant profitable operation. Our long/short divest-invest strategy has returned some 10% per annum long-term. Through the Climate Endowment Group we aim to offer institutional investors the ability to invest across all asset classes with positive impact on climate abatement. The ultimate aim is to also to "democratize" long-term alternative and climate impact investments by listing the assets, which the Climate Endowment Fund will hold, allowing any citizens to participate in this long-term endowment-style investment vehicle. Climate Endowment Group, https://climate-endowment.com/ Climate Endowment is a climate-focused investment company employing the multi-asset class endowment style, pioneered by Yale and Harvard university endowments. We aim to achieve both solid long-term risk-adjusted returns and a significant reduction of CO2 emissions. It was launched by experienced investment professionals and entrepreneurs as an urgent response to the Climate Crisis and to the European voters' demand for a Green Revolution. We seek lower risk and lower return investments than most of the private equity industry and aim to cater to the risk profile of more conservative investors. Climate Endowment focuses on investments in scalable platforms with infrastructure / hard asset characteristics based on proven technologies with significantly lower CO2 emissions. Climate Endowment Hydropower Fund The "Climate Endowment Hydropower Fund" will be the first product of the Climate Endowment Group. The fund will be launched as an open-ended Luxemburg RAIF to professional investors this summer. The fund aims to achieve 8% IRR through investments in green- and brown-field mid-sized run-of-river hydropower plants. "Run-of-river" implies that there is far less negative environmental impact than for larger hydropower plants that close off whole valleys with large barrages. Hydropower plants have a typical live of 80 to more than 100 years, generate stable cash flows and produce power at less than 1/100th the CO2 footprint per kilowatt-hour produced than the average for EU power production. Media Contact: Alina Mohaupt info@wermutham.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1196414/Company_Logo_Logo.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1196413/Wermuth_BGIS.jpg WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange sought to recruit hackers at conferences in Europe and Asia who could provide his anti-secrecy website with classified information, and conspired with members of hacking organizations, according to a new Justice Department indictment announced Wednesday. The superseding indictment does not contain additional charges beyond the 18 counts the Justice Department unsealed last year. But prosecutors say it underscores Assanges efforts to procure and release classified information, allegations that form the basis of criminal charges he already faces. Beyond recruiting hackers at conferences, the indictment accuses Assange of conspiring with members of hacking groups known as LulzSec and Anonymous. He also worked with a 17-year-old hacker who gave him information stolen from a bank and directed the teenager to steal additional material, including audio recordings of high-ranking government officials, prosecutors say. Assanges lawyer, Barry Pollack, said in a statement that the governments relentless pursuit of Julian Assange poses a grave threat to journalists everywhere and to the publics right to know. While todays superseding indictment is yet another chapter in the U.S. Governments effort to persuade the public that its pursuit of Julian Assange is based on something other than his publication of newsworthy truthful information, he added, the indictment continues to charge him with violating the Espionage Act based on WikiLeaks publications exposing war crimes committed by the U.S. Government. Assange was arrested last year after being evicted from the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he had sought refuge to avoid being sent to Sweden over allegations of rape and sexual assault, and is at the center of an extradition tussle over whether he should be sent to the United States. The Justice Department has already charged him with conspiring with former U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in one of the largest compromises of classified information in U.S. history by working together to crack a password to a government computer. Prosecutors say the WikiLeaks founder damaged national security by publishing hundreds of thousands of classified documents, including diplomatic cables and military files on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, that harmed the U.S. and its allies and aided its adversaries. Assange maintains he was acting as a journalist entitled to First Amendment protection. His lawyers have argued the U.S. charges of espionage and computer misuse were politically motivated and an abuse of power. Assange generated substantial attention during the 2016 presidential election, and in investigations that followed, after WikiLeaks published stolen Democratic emails that U.S. authorities say were hacked by Russian military intelligence officials. An investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller revealed how Trump campaign associates eagerly anticipated the email disclosures. One Trump ally, Roger Stone, was found guilty last year of lying about his efforts to gain inside information about the emails. Assange, however, was never charged in Muellers Russia investigation. The allegations in the new indictment center on conferences, in locations including the Netherlands and Malaysia in 2009, at which prosecutors say he and a WikiLeaks associate sought to recruit hackers who could locate classified information, including material on a Most Wanted Leaks list posted on WikiLeaks website. According to the new indictment, he told would-be recruits that unless they were a member of the U.S. military, they faced no legal liability for stealing classified information and giving it to WikiLeaks because TOP SECRET meant nothing as a matter of law. At one conference in Malaysia, called the Hack in the Box Security Conference, Assange told the audience, I was a famous teenage hacker in Australia, and Ive been reading generals emails since I was 17. Nearly $1.4 billion in coronavirus stimulus payments were sent to almost 1.1 million dead people, according to an independent watchdog. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported the numbers Thursday. We already knew dead people had wrongly received payments, and the federal government gave instructions on how heirs should repay the money. But we never before knew the scope of the error. The GAO, which reports directly to Congress, said the data on the payments came from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and includes the time period up through April 30. The GAO issued the data as part of a report on the massive coronavirus relief bills that were passed in March and April, totaling nearly $3 billion. The report was first featured by The Washington Post. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage The Treasury Department was supposed to check Social Security death records before it made payments, but the records may have a lag. The IRS repeatedly said it didnt expect people to return the money if errors were made, but then President Donald Trump and the Treasury Secretary said the money indeed needs to be returned. A payment made to someone who died before receipt of the payment should be returned to the IRS by following the instructions about repayments. Return the entire payment unless the payment was made to joint filers and one spouse had not died before receipt of the payment, in which case, you only need to return the portion of the payment made on account of the decedent, the IRS said on its website. If the payment was a paper check, you should write void in the endorsement section on the back of the check, and mail the check, with a note, to the correct IRS office. Those who live in New Jersey should send the check to: Kansas City Refund Inquiry Unit, 333 W Pershing Rd., Mail Stop 6800, N-2, Kansas City, MO 64108. If you already cashed the check, you can send a personal check or money order to the same address. Write on the check/money order made payable to `U.S. Treasury and write 2020EIP, and the taxpayer identification number (Social Security number, or individual taxpayer identification number) of the recipient of the check, it said. Include a brief explanation of the reason for returning the EIP. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Karin Price Mueller may be reached at KPriceMueller@NJAdvanceMedia.com. Haiti - FLASH : Delmas, the most contaminated commune in the country The Ministry of Public Health informs that 105 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Haiti (last report: +113, for a total of 5,429 cases throughout the national territory (40.4% women and 59.3% of 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 ). With 1,048 confirmed cases, the commune of Delmas is the most contaminated in the country (19.3% of the national total). Deaths : 3 new deaths 2 in the West and 1 in the Artibonite bringing the national total to 92. Healings : 512 people (+76), the day before (+412 first update from the Ministry since May 31, 2020 (22 days) Active cases : (less death and recovery) 4.825 (+26), the day before: (-300 update healing for 22 days) Number of suspected cases investigated since March 19 : 11,125 cases (+300 in 24 hours), last report: (+163) All the details by department and municipality, plus diaspora: USA, Quebec, Dominican Republic, France, Caribbean and Latin America, in our daily report of 11:00 a.m. See also : COVID-19, new definitions in Haiti: https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31110-haiti-covid-19-daily-report-june-24-2020.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-31104-haiti-flash-436-people-recovered-in-haiti.html https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30319-haiti-health-origin-of-the-first-2-cases-of-covid-19-in-haiti.html S/ HaitiLibre China has withdrawn some of its troops from the front-line. India claims the scuffle could have been avoided if China had stuck by agreements discussed at the higher level. In the ongoing dispute along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh sector, China has moved back some of its troops and vehicles to depth areas in Galwan Valley following the meeting with the Indian side on June 22, sources said. On June 22, the Chinese side had given assurance that they will move back troops from front to the depth areas. In this regard, some troops and vehicles were moved back by them in the Galwan area. The step was taken by both the sides as they wanted to avoid a repeat of June 15 violent face-off as the troops were in close vicinity. The June 22 meeting between Indian Armys 14 Corps Commander Lt Gen Harinder Singh and his Chinese counterpart took place at Moldo after which there was a consensus for mutual disengagement. The commander-level talks were held after a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in Ladakh on June 15. India lost 20 of its soldiers in the violent face-off and 10 Indian soldiers were also held captive and later released. After the clash, Indian intercepts had revealed that the Chinese side suffered 43 casualties including dead and seriously injured. Also Read: Our arms not to hatch eggs: Adhir Ranjans provocative remark on LAC standoff Read Also: UK urges India, China to engage in dialogue to resolve worrying standoff India has said that the situation could have been avoided if the agreement at the higher level been scrupulously followed by the Chinese side. Following the face-off, Chinas Vice Foreign Minister Luo Zhaohui and Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Misri met in Beijing on June 16. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also held telephonic talks with Wang on June 17 and conveyed that what happened in Galwan was a pre-mediated and planned action that was directly responsible for the resulting violence and casualties. India on Wednesday conveyed its concern to China on the recent developments in Eastern Ladakh including on the violent face off in Galwan valley area on June 15 and emphasized that both sides should strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control. Read Also: Galwan face-off: India urges China to strictly respect LAC For all the latest National News, download NewsX App ANN ARBOR, MI The University of Michigan Board of Regents on Thursday voted down a proposed budget that included a tuition increase. A majority vote was required for the budgets to pass, but the regents were split on the vote, 4-4. Regents Michael Behm, Mark Bernstein, Ron Weiser and Katherine White voted in favor of the proposed budget, while Regents Jordan Acker, Paul Brown, Shauna Ryder Diggs and Denise Illitch voted against the proposed budget. UM President Mark Schlissel said he has never been in this position before the university will not have a budget as of July 1, the start of its fiscal year but a new budget will be presented at the July 16 regents meeting. Well bring back at our next meeting a budget again for UM, hopefully one that can achieve majority support, Schlissel said. Until then, well live in further uncertainty and instability. The proposed budget included a 1.9% tuition increase for both in-state and out-of-state students, as well as a 1.9% increase to room and board. The tuition increases would have added $290 per year for in-state undergraduate students and $966 per year for out-of-state or international students. Along with the tuition increase, Senior Associate Vice President for Student Life Simone Taylor said student life was seeking a COVID-19 dedicated fee of $50 per student, per term, which will be used for protective measures for students like masks and sanitizers. Regents discussed the proposed tuition increase for several minutes, and Illitch called the proposed tuition increase tone-deaf, especially surrounding the uncertainty of even finishing the fall semester. If we are even able to complete this semester in Ann Arbor, it will be a semester with a very high percentage of the educational experience being remote, and many experiences and services compromised, Illitch said before the vote. ... We cannot fail our students and their families at this most critical and dire moment. Regent Mark Bernstein said the university uses a small proposed tuition increase to keep college affordable for students who need the most help. The university must also be responsible, disciplined and thoughtful about how it spends money, he said. I just believe fundamentally that those who can pay more should pay more, so that those who cant pay more, dont have to pay more, Bernstein said. To not raise tuition in a very modest way, at this moment, deprives the university of the resources to spend that money and desperately needed financial aid for the students who need it. After the vote, Diggs explained her decision to vote against the consolidated budget, specifically saying she was not in favor of increasing tuition while families are facing economic uncertainties of possible furloughs, unemployment, illnesses and household responsibilities. With that, along with the pandemic and its economic impact, compelled me to believe that this tuition increase for the Ann Arbor campus is not the best interest of the institution, nor the people of the state at this time, Diggs said. UM announced its plan to offer in-person classes for the fall semester in what officials have called a public-health-informed fall semester. But, both students and regents are uncertain of what will come of the fall semester in terms of the coronavirus pandemic. University of Michigan will offer in-person classes for fall semester Marianna Smith, a second-year masters student at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, is concerned students wont get opportunities to have face-to-face discussions in class, spend downtime in computer labs and go to the gym on campus, which all come with fees. We are afraid that this semester will be an extension of the inadequate education experience of last semester, and you cant guarantee us any different, Smith said. How can you justify a full-price service youre not delivering on? Other schools such as Grand Valley State University and Eastern Michigan University have increased tuition as many universities are facing losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. Michigan State University, Central Michigan University and Wayne State University each chose to freeze tuition for the upcoming academic year. The next UM Board of Regents meeting is scheduled for July 16. READ MORE: University of Michigan cancels plans to host presidential debate Cancellation of presidential debate case of being too cautious, University of Michigan College Republicans say Blue Ridge Returns to Yokosuka Navy News Service Story Number: NNS200624-09 Release Date: 6/24/2020 10:09:00 AM By Petty Officer 3rd Class Ethan Carter, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) Public Affairs YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) returned to Yokosuka, Japan, June 24 to begin scheduled maintenance after a five-month patrol throughout the Indo-Pacific. During this patrol, Blue Ridge enhanced relationships with allies and partners and conducted operations with the America Expeditionary Strike Group, Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group, and USS Asheville (SSN 758). "Over the past five months Blue Ridge's crew and embarked 7th Fleet Staff have shown outstanding resiliency and teamwork. We have taken this extended time at sea to further our training, enhance our underway capabilities, and increase qualifications in preparation for the next underway period," said Capt. Craig Sicola, Blue Ridge's commanding officer. "COVID-19 has brought many challenges, but we have remained fully operational and continued to solidify our ties with our host nation of Japan and partnered allies throughout the region." Blue Ridge, the flagship for U.S. 7th Fleet, is the oldest operational ship in the Navy, and is responsible for fostering relationships within the Indo-Pacific region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BOSTON, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- FinMason, a FinTech firm and investment analytics provider that enables WealthTech platforms to accelerate development and time-to-market, today announced that it has launched the second phase of its fixed income analytics offering municipal bond analytics for the retail wealth management and asset management communities. "Municipal bonds have always been a challenge for analytics providers," said Saeid Hoseinzade, PhD, Head of Fixed Income at FinMason. "Consuming, cleaning, and analyzing pricing and terms and conditions for a million municipal bonds requires a reliable and powerful infrastructure, which typically comes at a high cost. FinMason's modern calculation platform enables delivery of accurate and comprehensive daily analytics on the entire muni universe at a reasonable cost." FinMason's municipal bond rollout covers the entire municipal bond universe across all 50 states, DC, and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, the U.S Virgin Islands, and Guam. It includes more than 30 analytics, calculated daily, on over a million municipal bonds. Last month, FinMason launched coverage of the entire global government and corporate bond universe. With today's launch, FinMason is now able to provide sophisticated fixed income analytics on virtually all individual fixed income securities typically found in the retail wealth marketplace roughly one and a half million individual bonds. The fixed income initiative also extends to producing institutional-grade fixed income analytics on mutual funds, ETFs, UCITS, and SMAs. "We are positioning ourselves to be the vendor of choice when it comes to fixed income analytics for the retail wealth community, something that is badly needed as investors stretch for yield in this environment," said Kendrick Wakeman, CEO of FinMason. "We know that relatively few prospects or clients have individual bond positions, so our API solution enables platforms to analyze these bonds only as needed. This allows you to service all prospects and clients affordably." This launch closely follows the announcement that RiskPro, a leading provider of risk solutions to the RIA community, has selected FinMason to enhance their sophisticated fixed income risk calculations. ABOUT FINMASON FinMason, one of the world's largest investment analytics engines for financial services platforms, enables WealthTech platforms to accelerate development and time-to-market while retaining control of their user experience. Built with speed, flexibility, and scalability in mind, the financial technology firm calculates and delivers more than 700 analytics on every publicly-traded asset in the world via one simple API. For more information, visit www.finmason.com. SOURCE FinMason Related Links http://finmason.com/ When Jackie Byers started advocating for police-free schools in Oakland, Calif., nearly a decade ago, she set a goal of eliminating the citys school police force by 2020. On Wednesday, following years of activism in Oakland and a wave of recent protests against police brutality across the country, the school board voted to do just that, calling it a historic moment. The unanimous vote exemplified the current momentum in the movement by students and activists across the country to cut ties with police departments and remove officers from schools following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minneapolis. We knew that this was not going to be an easy battle. When we started this, there were a lot of folks who thought that was way too radical, says Byers, executive director of the Black Organizing Project (BOP), a community group that advocates for racial justice and led the effort for the resolution that passed on Wednesday. She says that in 2011, when the organization launched a campaign to address over-policing of Black youth, even people who were working on tackling the achievement gap or school discipline werent trying to have conversations about law enforcement in schools. We knew that we were kind of on the margins of the conversation, but we decided to continue to push, she says. And here we are in 2020. About 45% of public schools had at least one school resource officer working on campus during the 2017-18 school year. Many school districts have contracts with local police departments to provide security, but Oakland is one of hundreds of districts with its own police department, an internal force of nine sworn police officers and about 45 unarmed school security guards, who serve only the school district. (Ten of the countrys 25 largest school districts run their own police departments, Chalkbeat reported.) But in response to several high-profile examples of police violence against Black people, more activists are arguing that police officers dont belong in schools, and Byers thinks more people have started to acknowledge that the problem is systemic. Story continues The resolution to eliminate the Oakland school police force, which costs the district more than $6 million each year, gained support from the local teachers union and school superintendent, students, who rallied outside the district headquarters in the days before the vote, and the school police chief, Jeff Godown, who expects to be out of job as a result. Lets try something different. I think its time to make some changes. I assume when you talk to a lot of police and chiefs, they probably tell you that the worlds going to come to an end and everythings going to be horrible if we dont have police in schools, says Godown. My answer to you is theyre wrong. In a sign of the recent shift in attitudes toward school policing, in March, a resolution to cut three officer positions from the school police force failed by a 4-3 vote, despite vocal advocacy from students and activists. On Wednesday, the George Floyd Resolution to Eliminate the Oakland Schools Police Department passed 7-0. The district will eliminate its police department by the end of the year and hire more social workers, psychologists or restorative justice practitioners. In the coming months, the district will work with students, parents, teachers and the BOP to create a new school safety plan. Our schools do not need police. We need mentors to help guide us through school and to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline, says Denilson Garibo, a student representative on the school board and a recent graduate of Oakland High School. On days when he was late and running to school, Garibo, who is Afro-Latino, says he would slow down if he passed a school police car outside the building, worried that an officer might think he was running away from something or doing something wrong. That shouldnt even be a thought that should be happening inside a school, he says. That shouldnt cross my mind. In her remarks before the board on Wednesday, Byers mentioned Floyd, saying he brought us to a moment in this country, where we could no longer wait. And she invoked the name of Raheim Brown, a 20-year-old Black man who was shot and killed in 2011 by an Oakland school police officer who confronted him as he sat in a car outside a city high school. The case fueled the Black Organizing Projects campaign to eliminate the department. Proponents of school police officers say theyre important for safety and can help build positive relationships between the community and law enforcement. But theres not clear evidence that school resource officers actually improve safety, and their presence disproportionately impacts students of color. Nationally, Black students are far more likely than white students to be suspended, expelled and arrested in school. In Oakland public schools, Black students have made up 73% of school arrests since the 2015-16 school year, but 26% of enrollment, according to data cited in the resolution, which notes that, such a deeply embedded and institutionalized form of preemptive policing has extremely significant consequences, foreclosing opportunities toward graduation, college, and employment for Oaklands Black youth. Oakland Schools Police chief Jeff Godown (R) speaks to school staff during an active shooter training session on Feb. 16, 2018 in Oakland, Calif. Godown supported the school district's decision to disband the police force, even though it could end his job. | Justin SullivanGetty Images The school police officers are not assigned to patrol specific schools, but they respond to about 1,000 calls for help each semester, and Godown says about 700 of those calls are for incidents that dont require police intervention and could be better handled by a teacher, counselor or social worker. Moving forward, in emergency situations that require police involvement, the district would call the Oakland Police Department instead. There shouldnt be a school district, there should not be an institution of learning anywhere in the United States of America, where you need an armed policeman on that property. Because if that is the case, youve got bigger problems than just having police walking the hallways, Godown says. A lot of chiefs of police wont agree with me, but the reality is listen, weve been policing in this country for hundreds of years, and weve been doing it the same way, and it hasnt worked, so I think its drastically time for a change. The public school board in Minneapolis voted unanimously on June 2 to terminate its contract with the citys police department in response to Floyds death. Schools leaders in Portland, Ore.; Denver and Seattle have since made similar decisions. But such proposals have had less success in other parts of the country, notably in the countrys largest school districts. On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education voted against a plan to cut 90% of the budget for the Los Angeles School Police Department, the largest school police force in the country. A closely divided Chicago Board of Education on Wednesday rejected a proposal to cut the school districts $33 million contract with police, despite weeks of protests from students and teachers. And responding to calls to remove New York Police Department officers from schools, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said officers have consistently made our schools safer. I appreciate that there are some who think school safety should be taken out of NYPD, he said at a recent press conference. I dont think theyre right. The recent steps to remove school officers in places from Minneapolis to Oakland come as a surprise to some experts, given that police officers have been a growing presence in schools over the past 20 years, in part as a response to school shootings. I am shocked. I never wouldve bet a month ago or two months ago that school boards would vote that way, says Christopher Mallett, a Cleveland State University professor, who studies the role of schools in juvenile justice. Its an incredibly surprising, significant step and one that should influence other school boards who have been concerned, who know there are issues around [school resource officers]. While the role of police officers in schools has long been an issue of debate, removing them entirely has seemed like a long shot to advocates. It was kind of like off the table. No one even wanted to hear about it, says Pedro Noguera, a distinguished professor at UCLAs Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, who has studied racial inequity in schools. I think this moment is forcing people to start asking questions, he says. This is one area where we really need to rethink what weve been doing. While Byers worked with other advocacy groups fighting for police-free schools over the years, she says its different to see some school leaders and more community members be receptive to the idea in mainstream conversations now. In terms of there being centered conversations about defunding police and removal, that is an absolute shift. That is a huge shift, she says. Its like when the moment meets the years of work. She now plans to focus on fighting for more cultural change within the school district to support Black students, working with teachers and school staff to resist the urge to involve law enforcement, for example. And she hopes Oakland becomes a model for other schools. Its not just a cutting of a contract, she says, but also a changing of a culture. Prices for deep-sea origin steel scrap imported into Bangladesh fell over the past week after a new sale from the United States closed at lower numbers, market sources told Fastmarkets on Thursday June 25. A Bangladeshi mill purchased a bulk cargo from the US Pacific Northwest region comprising 13,000 tonnes of an 80:20 mix of No1 and No2 heavy melting scrap at $275 per tonne cfr and 24,000 tonnes of shredded at $280 per tonne cfr. The deal came to light on Monday June 22 but was closed late on June 18. One seller source told Fastmarkets he heard that the same mill was in talks to purchase a further bulk cargo from the US West Coast, and said he would expect a price of $270 per tonne cfr Bangladesh for HMS 1&2 (80:20) if a deal was clinched. As a result, Fastmarkets price assessment for bulk cargoes of steel scrap, HMS 1&2 (80:20), deep-sea origin, import, cfr Bangladesh was $270-275 per tonne on Thursday, down by $15 per tonne week on week. Prices moved down in Bangladesh amid declining activity in the Turkish market, together with rapidly weakening demand in the Bangladeshi finished steel market, sources said. Exporters try to keep a $20-per-tonne gap between the Turkish market and the Chittagong market, the seller source said. Turkish mills are trying to buy US-origin HMS 1&2 (80:20) at below $255 per tonne cfr, so sellers would accept prices for HMS 1&2 (80:20) at $275 per tonne cfr Bangladesh, he added. A South Asian trader said he was bearish on the market outlook for Bangladesh. There is a lot of downward pressure. The Indian Subcontinent and Turkey is in radio silence, he said. Vietnam already bought too much scrap, so [US West Coast] deep-sea sellers have nowhere to go. He added that finished steel sales and prices were being hampered by Bangladeshs ongoing Covid-19 crisis, thus reducing demand for scrap at mills. Bangladesh has recorded 119,198 cases of the virus and 3,412 deaths as of June 24, according to the World Health Organization, up from 94,481 cases one week before. Another major Bangladesh mill was said to be out of the market for deep-sea cargoes given that it has ample scrap inventories and recently dipped into the market to procure Shindachi busheling from Japan and containerized scrap from Australia. A second South Asian trader was equally bearish on the current market climate. The trend is going [down], he said, adding that he entered a short position on scrap last week in the expectation of lower prices in the short term. He said the lower bulk sales prices, together with more stable containerized scrap prices, showed that there were panic sales taking place in the market. Fastmarkets heard sales at $268-272 per tonne cfr for Australia-origin HMS 1&2 (80:20) in containers over the past week, largely flat compared with prices of $270 per tonne cfr last week. Offers for Japan-origin Shindachi busheling and plate and structural scrap were heard at $300 per tonne cfr over the assessment week. More information about Fastmarkets expanded Asian scrap coverage can be found on our new Asia Steel Scrap Spotlight. Sign up today for free price and news alerts. Fastmarkets is hosting a webinar, US Steel Supply Chain: Sunny days ahead? on June 30. Click here to sign up. Authorities are searching for three young men wanted in the shooting death of their friend in Bessemer. Kenderous Rudolph Abercrombie, 20, Khari Herbert, 22, and Christopher Cobb, 21, are charged with felony murder, according to Bessemer police Lt. Christian Clemons. None of the suspects fired the shots that killed 20-year-old Corey Dewayne Alexander, but police said their actions led to their friends death. Alabama's felony murder law says a person can be charged with murder if they are participating in a felony crime that results in death, whether or not that person actually pulled the trigger. The fatal shooting happened Thursday, June 4. Authorities said the ordeal began when Alexander drove past a house in the 1600 block of 25th Street in Bessemer while en route to visit family in the area. As Alexander passed that residence, there was some type of verbal altercation between Alexander and people who were at the home, Clemons said. Someone at the home fired a shot that struck Alexanders tire and he left the scene. Later that day, Clemons said, Alexander and four friends went back to the area and drove past the same house. There were five or six people at that house. They told police they all had weapons because they were filming a rap video. When Alexander and his friends returned, there were a shootout with more than 100 shots fired from an estimated five different weapons. Initially police said the shootout may have taken place over a woman. Alexander, Abercrombie and one other person in the car were all struck in the gunfire. They drove to UAB Medical West to seek medical treatment. Alexander was then airlifted to UAB Hospital downtown where he was pronounced dead. One person at the 25th Street home was also wounded. His friends drove him first to UAB West but changed their destination when they realized the other victims were already there. They then drove their friend to UAB downtown. Clemons said no one who was at the house has yet been charged with any crime, but it appears they fired in self-defense, but the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Rudolph or Herbert is asked to call Bessemer police at 205-425-2411 or the tip line at (205) 428-3541. Once in custody, they will be held on $75,000 bond each. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form UKs national carrier, British airways will resume long-haul flight to Dubai from July 17 as air travel I industry is gradually bouncing back. Our current schedules show the LHR to DXB route will operate every other day from the 17th, and then daily from August 1, a spokesperson for the airline told The National. The first flight will be operated by a Boeing 777-200ER, Arabian Business reports citing aviation website Routes Online. The announcement comes as UAE authorities indicated that tourists and visitors will be able to travel to the emirate from July 7. International tourists must meet requirement to enter Dubai. Several other airlines are considering resuming flights to Dubai also next month. Turkeys national carrier, Turkish Airlines is set resume its weekly flights from Istanbul to Dubai in July. Oludayo Tade, University of Ibadan Six years ago, a cashless policy became fully operational in Nigeria. The aim was to encourage electronic transactions with a view to reducing the amount of physical cash in the economy. The logic was that this would minimise the risk of cash-related crimes. But a major downside of the policy has been pervasive electronic banking fraud (e-fraud). Although the cashless banking system was designed to foster transparency, curb corruption and drive financial inclusion, its threatened by the growing perpetration of fraud. About N15.5 billion was lost to bank fraud in 2018. About 60% of the fraud was perpetrated online owing to available internet-based and tech-rated banking services. Our research investigated dimensions of electronic fraud in Nigeria. We found three: internal fraud carried out by banking staff; external fraud carried out by ordinary Nigerians; and collaboration between fraudsters and banking staff. We found that inefficient supervision, non-performance of oversight by regional heads of banks, and poor follow-up on customers addresses (Know Your Customer) accounted for the fraud that took place. Our study provides the banking industry, banking public and investors with critical pointers on how to reduce fraud. Different types Our study involved collecting data as well as conducting interviews with 30 people. These included victims of bank fraud, bank customers who did not subscribe to the cashless policy and fraud detectives at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These were the common patterns we uncovered. Insider fraud: By insider, we mean those working with banks or those in a relationship with account holders. Here, the fraud was exclusively executed by members of staff in the banking system who exploited the strategic position they held in the system and their grasp of how it works. Banking institutions and customers were their victims. An example we came across during our research was the case of a N90 million (US$452,261) fraud perpetrated by an account officer of a major eatery in Lagos State. The job of this account officer was to collect the eaterys takings and deposit them at the bank. A fraud detective told us that: As the account officer he would collect money on a daily basis and was expected to credit the companys account. However, he would collect money on Monday and lodge it and collect on Tuesday and not lodge it. He was missing one day out. He did this continuously until he was able to rake in N90 million. At this time, when the eatery management raised the alarm on their account, he ran away and could not be found. We however used his sister to arrest him. We were only able to recover N8 million naira from him. He had used part of the money to organise his wedding, had a baby and almost completed a four-bedroom bungalow at another area in Lagos. Bank fraud is often successful because many Nigerians dont subscribe to transaction alerts. The eatery management trusted their account officer but did not know that he was dishonest. Outsider fraud: These perpetrators were external to the banking system. They thrived on their internet skills and sometimes on their understanding of the victims routine and identity. READ ALSO: An example we came across was the fraudulent use of bank verification numbers (BVN). These were made compulsory by the Central Bank of Nigeria in 2014. All bank account holders had to undertake biometric registration. The intention was to ensure security and check fraud. But fraudsters have found a way to cheat the system by sending bank customers false emails asking for their bank verification details. As one victim explained to us: I needed to make some transactions and I headed for my bank. I had called my account officer ahead of time. On getting to the bank, I connected my computer and got a mail from a supposed same bank. I was asked to click on a link and supply my BVN details for update of my account or face service suspension on the account. I just clicked the link and supplied my details and behold, N1 million debit alert came on my phone within five minutes! I was shocked and devastated but before we could do anything they had withdrawn everything. Collaborative fraud: This involved collaboration between bank staff and fraudsters outside the banking system. Banks and individual account holders were the victims. For example, bank staff could provide account details of customers to the collaborating fraudster. Governance gaps Despite this weak governance architecture, which is still not fraud proof, bank executives reported having in place mechanisms which had limited the incidence of fraud. One was sending out information to customers who subscribed to electronic alerts. Through this, banks contact and send anti-fraud messages to their customers. Owing to reputational risk, banks try to refrain from public prosecution of erring staff. We found that banks adopted shaming as a mechanism for instilling discipline within their organisations while attempting to ease out bad eggs through flagging of their images on computers and across the banking industry. There is a need to check fraud through customer awareness and financial literacy education. While fraudsters continue to design new ways of working on customers vulnerabilities, Nigerian banks need to use the Cybercrime Act to prosecute offenders as a way to boost confidence in the banking sector and deter fraud in the future. Oludayo Tade, Researcher in criminology, victimology, electronic frauds and cybercrime, University of Ibadan This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The conversation Chinese and Indian military reinforcements are building up along their disputed Himalayan border after soldiers there had their worst clash in decades last week. As tensions threaten to boil over, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh used a visit to Moscow this week to urge Russia the countrys biggest weapons supplier to speed up delivery of its powerful S-400 Triumph air defence missile system, according to Indian media reports. Combined with Indias aircraft designed for high-altitude combat, the defence system could pose a threat to Chinas military, according to observers. India was supposed to take delivery of the US$5.2 billion missile system by December 2021, but it has been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic. Both China and India have the S-300 system an earlier and inferior version of the S-400. But China already has the S-400 air defence system, with the last delivery in late 2018. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (left) attends the 75th anniversary Victory Day parade in Red Square on Wednesday, during his visit to Moscow. Photo: Twitter Escalating tensions between China and India over the border dispute had spurred New Delhi to step up its air defences to match Beijing, according to Collin Koh, a research fellow from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Singapores Nanyang Technological University. Moscow claims the S-400 is a cutting-edge air defence system that can detect and shoot down targets including ballistic missiles, enemy jets and drones up to 600km (373 miles) away, at altitudes of between 10 metres and 27km (33 feet and 17 miles). The border dispute between China and India last flared in 2017, when Indian and Peoples Liberation Army troops had a two-month stand-off over Chinese road-building in Doklam, near a tri-junction border area that is claimed by both China and Bhutan, an ally of India. But last weeks confrontation in the Galwan Valley part of the disputed Ladakh region in Kashmir was the worst in decades, with at least 20 Indian soldiers killed and an undisclosed number of Chinese casualties, and it has raised fears of a further escalation of the conflict. Story continues China has been expanding its arsenal on the border since the Doklam stand-off. That includes its J-20 stealth fighter jets, Z-20 helicopters, modified J-10C and J-11B fighter jets, Wing Loong II multi-role drones, Type 99A and Type 15 light tanks that can handle high altitudes and its Dongfeng missiles. China has been building up its arsenal on the border since the Doklam stand-off, including J-20 fighter jets. Photo: Xinhua Hong Kong-based military expert Liang Guoliang said although the S-400 might be able to detect and shoot down Chinas J-10C and J-11B fighter jets, it would not be able to deal with the J-20 stealth fighters or other hypersonic weapons. The S-400 is unable to knock down Chinas DF-10 and Changjian-100 land-based cruise missiles, or the DF-17 road-mobile hypersonic ballistic missiles, Liang said. Its biggest contribution might be to protect the area near the capital New Delhi if a war breaks out. But Song Zhongping, another military commentator in Hong Kong, said if India also had the S-400, it would pose a threat to the PLA. The S-400 system has a longer operating range and more accurate hit rate, and the Indias Russian Su-30 fighter jets and American Apache helicopters that are all designed for mountain and high-altitude battle shouldnt be underestimated, Song said. Actually, the Indian military has a lot of mountain combat experience from skirmishes with Pakistans military over the years, but the PLA hasnt engaged in battle for decades. While India has tried to push the development of arms at home, more than half of its weapon systems are imported. The latest data on international arms transfers from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute show that India accounted for 9.2 per cent of total global arms imports over the past four years, after Saudi Arabia the largest importer at 12 per cent. China ranked fifth at about 4.3 per cent. Unlike India, almost all of the weapon systems the PLA has deployed in high-altitude areas have been developed in China. Comparing the military strength of the two countries, Koh in Singapore said it was difficult to assess based on weapons alone. This comparison has to consider the human factor, doctrine and the ability of different armed services and branches to operate in an integrated fashion as well, Koh said. Based on this I think its safe to say both the Indian and Chinese militaries have strengths to tout, and weaknesses they need to overcome when it comes to fighting a war along the Himalayan border. Sign up now for a 50% early bird discount on the 100+ page China Internet Report 2020 Pro Edition, which includes deep-dive analysis, trends, and case studies on the 10 most important internet sectors. Now in its 3rd year, this go-to source for understanding China tech also comes with exclusive access to 6 webinars with C-level executives. Offer valid until 30 June 2020. More from South China Morning Post: This article India seeks to boost air defences to match China amid rising border tensions first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. A McDonald's worker in Melbourne has tested positive for coronavirus as Victoria battles to deal with an outbreak of the disease. Staff at the McDonald's restaurant in Mill Park in the city's north were sent an email on Friday informing them the worker was self-isolating. 'When we were informed we immediately reviewed which Crew/ Managers have been in close contact with this employee over the last 14 days,' a letter to staff read. 'We have contacted these employees personally and have directed them to self-isolate. They are not working in the restaurant.' The restaurant was closed for a 'deep clean' and has since re-opened. The individual is currently self-isolating at home and all potential workplace close contacts have been instructed not to return to work for 14 days,' McDonald's said in a statement. It comes just weeks after a delivery driver linked to the Fawkner McDonald's store, 10 minutes west of Mill Park, sparked a coronavirus outbreak in the area after infecting a worker at a Craigieburn store. Staff at the McDonald's restaurant in Mill Park in the city's north were sent an email on Friday Hundreds of McDonald's workers were forced to isolate and a dozen restaurants across Melbourne's north were closed as the fast food giant scrambled to get the situation under control. Victoria recorded another 33 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, giving new impetus to a testing blitz, which aims to reach 50 per cent of residents in 10 virus hotspots. Among those to reportedly test positive was a cleaner at Melbourne's Flinders St Station. The cleaner had only spent 30 minutes at the station in the past two weeks, their employer said in an email quoted by the Herald Sun. Keilor Downs, Broadmeadows, Maidstone, Albanvale, Sunshine West, Hallam, Brunswick West, Fawkner, Reservoir and Pakenham all have high rates of community transmission. 'The first three days are solely focused on Keilor Downs and Broadmeadows, but we will move to the balance of those suburbs over the course of a 10-day period,' Premier Daniel Andrews said on Thursday. About 10,000 residents will be tested each day in the 10 suburbs by 800 staff in a fleet of mobile testing vans. It comes the day after Victoria announced a testing blitz after 33 COVID-19 cases (stock) The premier said the government did not want to impose local lockdown, but it was important to get an idea of how the virus is spreading. Victoria has been processing 18,000 tests a day, but that will ramp up to 25,000, with NSW, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland helping to process the virus tests. 'This is a public health bushfire and when it comes to the bushfires, we always work together,' Mr Andrews said. Of the 33 new cases, seven are returned travellers, nine are linked to known and contained outbreaks, six emerged after routine testing and the origin of another 11 cases are under investigation. Thursday's figure was the highest daily number of new cases in Victoria since the surge started last week. Community engagement in the local government areas of Brimbank, Casey, Cardinia, Darebin, Hume and Moreland has also been ramped up after they were identified as coronavirus hotspots. (Newser) For the first summer in 30 years, Rick Steves is home instead of savoring Europe. It's an adjustment. He doesn't know what's next for travel after the pandemic any more than the rest of us do, he told the Washington Post in an interview. But he knows what the future of travel isn't, at least for him. "I'm not going to morph into something else," Steves said. "I'm not going to start doing gourmet river rafting tours in Idaho." Social distancing has no place in his brand of travelthe "Rick Steves kind of Europe," he called it. "I dont want to take people to Amsterdam and have them eat in little bubbles," he said. "You go to an Irish pub to sit next to a stranger and drink beer. You go to France to have your cheeks kissed." Steves expects his kind of Europe to return, but if it doesn't, "people staying six feet apart and wearing masks is not my idea of travel." story continues below Given the issues the nation is wrestling with, Steves said, we could all use a bit of travel now. "We gain understanding when we travel," he said, adding, "If everybody traveled, we would be able to celebrate diversity instead of being afraid of it." The host of TV's Rick Steves Europe is riding out the pandemic at home near Seattle. One way he's filling time is by learning to cook, per Rewire. "It's amazing that I haven't made rice or pasta for 40 years," he said. "I've had an oven for 10 years in this house and never turned it on." And he's playing his piano more. At sunset, Steves performs a lockdown ritual all his own. "I get out my trumpet and I stand out here on my little balcony, overlooking my town, and play taps," he said. "It's an eccentric thing to do. And every night, all over the town, people clap." (Steves decided to charge his company a carbon tax.) The mother of an "ER" actress who was fatally shot by police in 2018 is accusing the officers involved of acting in a "militaristic, menacing and threatening" manner in a lawsuit filed this week against the city of South Pasadena in California. The suit was filed Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court by Delia McElfresh, whose daughter, the actress Vanessa Marquez, died on Aug. 20, 2018, after a friend called the South Pasadena Fire Department because Marquez was experiencing seizures. The lawsuit says that "even though the call was for medical assistance and specifically requested response by paramedics with the South Pasadena Fire Department, several fully armed police officers" from South Pasadena responded instead. The suit states that the officers entered Marquez's home "without probable cause or exigent circumstances," and tried to get her to go to the hospital. When she refused, the officers tried to remove her from the home. ER (Alice S. Hall / NBCU Photo Bank) The suit states that one of the officers "falsely claimed Ms. Marquez pointed a gun at him and then at herself" during the confrontation, which ended with police fatally shooting the actress. Police later stated that Marquez had brandished a BB gun. "Their armed presence, coupled with the attempted removal of Ms. Marquez from her home against her will, was a militaristic, menacing, and threatening response to a frail and visibly debilitated woman who was exercising her right to remain in her home," reads the suit, which seeks unspecified damages. "Ms. Marquez's death was the result of overreaction, excessive use of force, and gross mishandling of the situation." In March, Los Angeles County prosecutors announced they would not file criminal charges against the two police officers who shot Marquez, Gilberto Carrillo and Christopher Perez, saying that they acted legally and in self-defense. Shannon Presby, head deputy Los Angeles County district attorney, wrote in a memo that the evidence demonstrates that Carrillo and Perez actually and reasonably believed Marquez posed an imminent threat of great bodily injury or death." Story continues McElfresh's attorneys had filed a $20 million claim against the city in 2019, but did not receive a response from the city, according to her attorneys. One of her attorneys, Vicki Sarmiento, told NBC News that McElfresh did not want to file a suit at first, but decided to do so after "the DA went on record saying the officers did nothing wrong and that everything the police did was justified." "It's our position the investigation was completely distorted and biased by the police. The DA set forth an analysis that had so many holes in it and lacked pertinent information," Sarmiento said. "It's indicative of the internal processes that fail people who are victims of police violence. They leave us with no other option but to pursue a lawsuit." Terri Highsmith, city attorney for South Pasadena, declined to comment on the lawsuit, saying that the city had not been served nor seen a copy of it as of Thursday morning. The lawsuit comes amid increased scrutiny about police use of force and calls for police reforms. Such calls have erupted after a spate of officer-involved killings, including that of George Floyd, who died May 25 after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for about eight minutes. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to NBC News' request for comment. The office this year has released reports on approximately 40 officer-involved shootings dating from various years. "Ms. Marquez should not be dead at the hands of a police officer," Sarmiento said. "That should bother anyone. The training and aggression that exists in police departments needs to seriously be evaluated." Marquez, who was 49, appeared in a number of "ER" episodes over three seasons as the nurse Wendy Goldman. She made headlines in 2017 when she alleged that her ER co-star George Clooney had caused her to be blacklisted after she complained of racial discrimination and sexual harassment, according to Variety. Clooney denied the allegations and said he had no control over hiring. A seven-year-old boy in California has been rescued after he was found with his wrists and ankles bound with zip ties and his father was arrested for child endangerment. Neighbors in Bakersfield reported seeing the child bound and hopping until he fell on Saturday morning, according to the Kern County Sheriff's Office. When deputies arrived to the home on the 100 block of Beardsley Ave around 9.30am they found the child bound and detectives from the Special Victims Unit were called in. An investigation revealed the alleged heinous abuse that took place behind closed doors where the father, 32-year-old William Davis, repeatedly bound his son for up to 10 hours at a time when he left the house for work, KBAK reports. A seven-year-old boy has been rescued after he was found with his wrists and ankles bound with zip ties and his father 32-year-old William Davis was arrested for child endangerment on Saturday in Bakersfield, California. Scene were incident took place above An investigation found the child was regularly bound, beat with a cord, and left alone at home for up to 10 hours at a time when his father went to work Neighbors also reported seeing the child rummage through a nearby dumpster for food on multiple occasions. Officials said the father beat the child with a cord. 'Through the investigation, it was discovered the juvenile was consistently bound by his father and locked alone in the residence while the father went to purchase marijuana or went to work for up to 10 hours at a time,' the Sheriff's Office said. 'While at home, the father would repeatedly strike the juvenile with an unknown type of cord. It was determined that the juvenile lived alone with his father at the residence,' the office added. Davis was arrested on Tuesday and booked on charges of child endangerment, false imprisonment, and torture and booked into Kern County Jail. 'I cant let this go. Its not right. Its a little boy,' a neighbor said to KBAK. Neighbors also reported seeing the child rummage through a nearby dumpster for food on multiple occasions. Officials said the father beat the child with a cord 'He fell down and I looked at him. I went over and he couldnt get up. He had his feet tied with straps and his hands behind also, also with straps. So I went over there, picked him up, brought him over this way and called the Sheriff,' the neighbor said. Another neighbor said she saw the child looking for food in a dumpster once and she helped him with a meal. 'If you find out theres a little boy eating out of a trash can, doesnt that give you a red flag? Theres something going on. Hes not being fed right. Then go and find out whats going on inside of that home,' she said. Neighbors said they reported the father to Child Protective Services weeks ago but nothing was done. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at (661) 861-3110. An illegal street sign is put up in Belfast by a Lasair Dhearg member The PSNI is investigating a controversial campaign by republicans to rename streets across Belfast. Signs honouring deceased republicans - including Maire Drumm, Bobby Sands and 1916 Easter rising leader James Connolly - were erected around Belfast on Monday. Lasair Dhearg, which was formed in Belfast in July 2017, changed the name of Queen's University to Mairead Farrell University - with signage erected across its prominent front gates in tribute to the former student and IRA member shot dead in Gibraltar in 1988. The group said its campaign highlights British state colonialism, and historic figures associated with it, in Ireland. The streets surrounding Belfast City Hall, including May Street and Donegall Square, were also renamed after three hunger strikers - Joe McDonnell, Bobby Sands and Kieran Doherty. The actions were criticised by Ulster Unionist councillor and former Belfast Lord Mayor Jim Rodgers, who branded it appalling and sickening. He told the Belfast Telegraph that the move was illegal and urged the PSNI to probe the incidents. Yesterday, Inspector Natalie McNally said officers were making inquiries after the PSNI had received a report in relation to "footage on social media showing people erecting temporary signs". Sinn Fein's "silence" on the issue has been described as "smacking of double standards" by a member of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council. DUP councillor Mark Baxter made the comment after his proposal for a new leisure centre in Craigavon to be renamed in honour of Northern Ireland's centenary was blocked by Sinn Fein Mayor Kevin Savage. Mr Savage's party colleague Liam Mackle had branded the DUP proposal a "publicity stunt from start to finish". Mr Baxter said: "It smacks of double standards. It's typical of Sinn Fein. What we wanted in the chamber was to have an informed, adult debate - and Sinn Fein accused us of a political stunt. "But there's no more of a political stunt than what has happened in Belfast with the street signs, yet Sinn Fein are completely silent on that." Sinn Fein was asked to comment on whether the party believed the actions by Lasair Dhearg were also a "publicity stunt", but a response had not been received at the time of going to press. Robert Trump, Mary Trump and the other family members who settled in 2001, agreed to jurisdiction of future disputes in the Surrogates Court of Queens County, New York, Harder said. This matter therefore was filed in that court. Today, the Surrogates Court ruled that it does not have jurisdiction over the dispute. Therefore, Robert Trump will proceed with filing a new lawsuit in the New York State Supreme Court. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 17:16:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Marwa Yahya SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Located in the Red Sea's most famous resort, Sharm el-Sheikh Museum is expected to promote the integration of cultural and beach tourism. Covering 190,000 square meters, the museum is divided into two large galleries with six displaying halls, administrative building, cafeteria, restaurants, stores, bazaars, open-air theatre and rest house for the security men, said Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. "So far 5,120 pieces have been transferred to the museum and the whole work continues apace ahead of the official partial opening in a few weeks," Waziri told Xinhua. The museum is expected to display 6,000 pieces from ancient Roman and Chinese civilizations along with some modern artifacts of Egypt's desert life, he highlighted. The council's top official explained that the work has been resumed over the past three years after it was suspended in 2011, adding that the construction so far has cost 600 million Egyptian pounds (nearly 37 million U.S. dollars). The most important pieces in the museum are the granite head of King Tuthmosis II, two wooden boats belonging to King Senusret III from the Middle Kingdom, mummies of lions' cubs, mongoose, scarab, and birds. "The museum aims to encourage foreign visitors to see our heritage and old civilization without heading to the capital or Upper Egyptian cities," said Mahmoud Mabrouk, advisor to the minister of tourism and antiquities for exhibition design. Mabrouk stressed that the museum is distinguished because it narrates the old daily activities of ordinary people rather than the lives of kings and queens. "The exhibition scenario in the museum will illustrate the daily life of the ancient Egyptian during the New Kingdom," Mabrouk said, noting that the museum focuses on displaying ancient Egyptian's interest in the wildlife and respect for animals. He added that there is much interest given, with regards to the display scenario, to other civilizations that passed through Egypt like the Greek-Roman which stayed here for 973 years. "Some 33,000 baths, that were resembling clubs, have been discovered in Egypt, so we chose to build the same model and fill it with the Greek famous sculptures," he said. He explained that other pieces from the Othmanian empire and the desert life of Sinai tribes will be exhibited in the new museum, asserting that "zigzag glass boxes illustrating the Chinese Silk Road are designed to connect all these civilizations together." He indicated that the Silk Road has provided the world with secrets of printing, silk, and drawing on plates. "The Chinese ancient road was linking Asia with Europe through Egypt and trading splendid types of faience and ceramic," according to Mabrouk. The civilizations were not living in isolation. Each one has been integrating with another, he added. During a recent inspection tour to the Red Sea's resorts of Sharm el-Sheik and Hurghada, Egyptian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Khaled al-Anany, also visited the Hurghada museum to follow the anti-COVID-19 precautionary measures ahead of its reopening in July. Egypt will resume its international air traffic across the country and tourism in three provinces from July 1, after more than three months of international flight suspension over COVID-19 concerns. Enditem The rapper Travis Scott has purchased a pricey property in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, Variety reported. The Houston nativewhose given name is Jacques Berman Webster IIreportedly paid $23.5 million in cash for the spec home. Built in 2019, the extremely modern, ultra-luxe spread offers 16,700 square feet of interior space, with seven bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. Perched on a hilltop, the massive mansion features 180-degree views from downtown L.A. to the Pacific Ocean. Those sparkling vistas can be enjoyed from almost every room in the house, according to the listing details. Travis Scott's new pad realtor.com Entry with carved wood sculpture realtor.com Great room with stone fireplace realtor.com Dining space and kitchen realtor.com Bar realtor.com Glass-walled wine room realtor.com One of the seven bedrooms realtor.com Terrace with views realtor.com Pool realtor.com The front entryway opens to an eye-catching carved wood sculpture by the Japanese carpenter Toshi Kawabata, Architectural Digest notes. A great room, with living and dining areas, includes a stone fireplace and wet bar. The adjacent kitchen features black marble counters. Glass walls within the main living area can retract and completely disappear, leaving the space open to the patio outside. The lower level features high-end amenities including a glass-walled wine cellar, home theater, gym, sauna, and a game room. The home also boasts an Italian marble driveway, a 20-car auto gallery, and two elevators. Set on over an acre, the grounds feature multiple patios and lounge areas, and a flat backyard graced by an infinity-edge pool. The curvy residence was designed and built by the father-and-daughter team of de Loren & Associates, Variety notes, and was created with the ultimate Southern California lifestyle in mind, according to the listing description. Scott scored a bargain, given the home's initial asking price. It landed on the market in June 2019 for $42 million. The price was subsequently cut to $36 million last September, and then to $30 million in April this year. In addition to this newly purchased property, the rapper and his on-again, off-again flame, Kylie Jenner, who have a child together, reportedly still co-own a $13.5 million home in Beverly Hills. For her part, the beauty mogul recently made real estate headlines with a $36.5 million purchase in nearby Holmby Hills. The brand-new, 19,250-square-foot compound includes seven bedrooms, two guesthouses, and a guardhouse. If there isn't any traffic, it's about a 20-minute drive to from Kylie's mansion to Scott's new place, on the west side of the the I-405 freeway. Fredrik Eklund and Marcy Roth with Douglas Elliman represented the seller. Carl Gambino with Compass represented the buyer. The post Astroworld Expands! Travis Scott Buys $23.5M Mansion in L.A. appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Derry City and Strabane District Council has agreed to give its highest honour to a nurse who recently died of COVID-19. Pat McManus, who died in April, had been working as a nurse in Staffordshire in England. The 60-year-old, who was originally from Strabane, is believed to have been the first healthcare worker from Northern Ireland to die from COVID-19. Independent Paul Gallagher this evening brought a motion before the monthly meeting of the local council asking that Mr McManus be granted the 'freedom' of Strabane. Cllr Gallagher was told that for the 'freedom' award to be presented, it would have to incorporate the entire council area. Cllr Gallagher agreed to this amendment but stressed that he would liked to have seen Strabane come first as Mr McManus was from the town. A number of councillors spoke in support of the motion and paid tribute to the work of the deceased nurse and other healthcare workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Cllr Gallagher's motion was passed unanimously. He said the honour would not fill the gap left by Mr McManus's death for his family, but that it would show the council cared. LUO JIE/CHINA DAILY US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo often proclaims to be a "devout evangelical Christian". On the surface, he seems to be one. Pompeo is a Capitol Hill patron and member of the White House Bible study group, studying the Bible with a pastor every week. During his recent visit to Egypt, he publicly said that he keeps the Bible on his desk to remind him of "God, God's words and the truth". As a Christian who has God in his heart, follows the path of God, and pursues the Gospel, Pompeo should be a devout student of the teachings of Jesus Christ. And the most basic tenet of the Bible is honesty, integrity and moral purity, "putting away lying, speak the truth" to all, and to not "bear false witness" against anyone. Yet since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, some US politicians, due to their self-interests in the presidential election scheduled for November, have sacrificed people's lives and health by repeatedly making the wrong decisions, which has worsened the pandemic situation in the United States. Instead of reflecting on their failure to contain the pandemic, Pompeo, among other US politicians, has tried to create a web of lies, saying China covered up the facts of the outbreak to cheat the world, in an attempt to shift the blame for the pandemic on China. Would a Christian who really believes in "love" spread such falsehood? As a former director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Pompeo has confessed that the CIA "lies, cheats, steals, and has a class to teach these". Now, as US secretary of state, Pompeo, more than ever, is using the same tricks to fool the American public and people in the rest of the world. Which are not in conformity to the beliefs of a Christian. China has made painstaking efforts to prevent and control the spread of novel coronavirus. But the US administration and politicians have politicized the pandemic right from the beginning, by first claiming media reports on the impact of the virus on the US were "politically motivated", fake news and/or overreaction. And after the epidemic situation in the US spiraled out of control, they tried to shift the blame on China to divert domestic public attention and cover up their failure to contain the virus. But the fact is, the US administration's efforts to downplay the severity of the pandemic led to the devastating situation that we see in the US today. The virus has infected more than 2.24 million people and killed over 119,000 people in the US. What Pompeo and other US politicians have said and done in recent monthsas Christiansare not intended to save the lives and ensure the well-being of their "brothers and sisters" and ordinary American people, but to return to power so they can safeguard their personal and political interests. To achieve their goals, they have used a series of lies and slanders to pass the buck to China, in order to mislead public opinions. Pompeo's words and deeds definitely are not those of a Christian; instead, he has sacrificed his faith and integrity, if he had any, to achieve his political goals. His self-proclaimed devotion to the Christian faith and dedication to political pragmatism have limited his ability to bear witness to Christ and the Kingdom of Heaven. He cannot serve God and Mammon both. And if Pompeo keeps lowering his moral standards, he would be causing further harm to his faith. Pompeo's remarks and actions are certainly not befitting of a Christian. The Bible tells people to do justice and show mercy to manifest God's glory and promote amity. But by blaming China for the pandemic, claiming Wuhan to be the source of the virus and calling the novel coronavirus a "Chinese virus", Pompeo has contributed to the increase in racial discrimination and violent crimes against Asian Americans, Chinese Americans in particular, in the US. One wonders whether Pompeo, who has spread rumors and created panic, has read Jesus' Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." As far as the coronavirus outbreak is concerned, there are still many unknowns, including realistic and potential threats and fears. As such, governments and peoples of all countries need to help each other in such difficult and uncertain times. The fight against HIV/AIDS and the Ebola epidemic has taught us that rumors, stigmatization, discrimination, exclusion and shirking of responsibilities are not the will of God, instead they are damaging to human dignity, which will only contribute to the spread of the novel coronavirus. In such a situation, Christians should preach the truthbased on factsfight against discrimination, and spread hope and love, so as to bring some comfort to the lives of ordinary people across the world. In its fight against the coronavirus outbreak, China has given top priority to people's lives and health, directed resources in the service of the people, made extraordinary efforts and sacrifices, and achieved positive results. Even the World Federation of Christian Churches, World Union of Evangelicals, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and churches and Christians in many countries have offered prayers for and support to China in its fight against the virus. This is the kind of love and care, responsibility and action a Christian should exhibit. But what we have heard from Pompeo are lies, because he is so caught up in his own and the US administration's subterfuges and conspiracies that he has come to reject the truth, the backbone of the Christian faith. Pompeo is just like any other politician who pretends to be a true Christian but in actuality has no interest in religion except to manipulate and exploit it to fulfill his own goals. The author is a Beijing-based commentator. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rizki Fachriansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 13:51 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066191fad 1 National yoga,Denpasar-Bali,COVID-19-bali,Deportation,Immigration-Office,COVID-19,coronavirus,virus-korona-indonesia Free The Denpasar Immigration Office in Bali is set to deport a Syrian national for holding a mass yoga gathering in Ubud amid public health concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. The Syrian citizen, identified as Barakeh Wissam, was reportedly responsible for organizing an event at the House of Om Community Center on June 18 that was attended by more than 60 people, mostly foreigners. According to the immigration office, Wissam violated a 2020 Health Ministry regulation on large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) as well as a 2020 Bali gubernatorial decree on COVID-19 prevention and mitigation. The latter stipulates that public events are limited to a maximum of 25 participants. Wissam, the founder of House of Om, is in Indonesia under a temporary stay permit (KITAS) valid until Nov. 11, 2021. The immigration office has revoked his KITAS and he is currently being held at the Denpasar Immigration Detention Center. The mass yoga event did not have permission from the local village, Denpasar Immigration Office spokesperson Arvin Gumilang said in a statement on Wednesday. Read also: Government won't open Bali yet: COVID-19 task force The event violated [Balis] COVID-19 health protocol because [the participants] failed to apply physical distancing measures and wear face masks. Wissam and House of Om gained notoriety when photos of the mass yoga gathering circulated on social media, triggering outcry among netizens who slammed the apparent lack of compliance with prevailing health procedures. Writer Jenny Jusuf shared on her Twitter page a series of images taken from the event, along with a remark criticizing the participants alleged disregard for public health in the region. The number of people [contracting] COVID-19 in Bali continues to increase. Do they even care? @jennyjusuf wrote in the caption on Saturday. social distancing? masker? kurang dari 20 orang? lokasi? ubud. ada orang indonesia di sana? kalau dari foto2 sih kayaknya nggak. jumlah orang terinfeksi #COVID19 di bali makin meningkat. apakah mereka peduli? cc @BaleBengong @ditjen_imigrasi @imngurahrai @Indounik pic.twitter.com/in2lFaSwgQ Jenny Jusuf (@JennyJusuf) June 20, 2020 In an accompanying thread, Jenny posted a screenshot of a written statement published by the Instagram page @houseofom.bali, in which Wissam called the event a big mistake. However, the statement has since been taken down and replaced with an apology. According to House of Oms official website, Wissam founded the community center in 2016. The community has since grown into an international movement with branches in Bali, Syria and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 19:23:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SINGAPORE, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said he would not stand in the upcoming general elections after 44 years as a member of Parliament. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a Facebook post on Thursday that he has accepted Goh's decision of retiring from politics before the forthcoming general elections dated on July 10. Calling Goh a dear mentor, colleague, comrade, and friend, Lee said that they have worked alongside each other for nearly 40 years. Lee said that he was glad Goh has found a successor as Chairman of the Marine Parade Branch of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP). The 79-year-old Goh announced his decision in a letter to Prime Minister Lee on June 24. Goh said it has been his greatest honor and privilege to have served the PAP, residents of Marine Parade, as well as Singapore and Singaporeans over the past 44 years. He added that he will continue to contribute in other ways. In his reply letter made public on Thursday, Lee thanked Goh for a lifetime of distinguished service, on behalf of all Singaporeans. Enditem Laverne Cox opened up to Al Roker about the experience of being Black and transgender in America today and the intersectionality of those identities. "I think it's really important that in all of our movements for social justice we cannot leave anyone behind," the actress and activist said during their conversation Thursday on the 3rd hour of TODAY. "Just because you are LGBTQIA+, I am still Black. I still experience structural racism. Trans folks still experience that on top of transphobia, on stop of sexism ... on top of classism." The 48-year-old serves as an executive producer on the new Netflix documentary "Disclosure," which shines a light on the portrayal of transgender people in film and television over the past century. In discussion with Al, she reflects on how the film's release, pegged to Pride Month, also coincides with the massive movement protesting racial injustice, specifically demonstrations sparked by the recent killings of two Black trans women: Riah Milton in Ohio and Dominique Remmie Fells in Pennsylvania. So far in 2020, the Human Rights Campaign says at least 16 transgender or gender-nonconforming people have been fatally shot or killed by other violent means. Many times this number is a low estimate, since these cases are often misreported or not reported at all. According to the HRC, transgender women of color particularly Black trans women are disproportionately affected by fatal violence, impacted by the intersections of racism, sexism, homophobia and transphobia. The issues facing trans people are often erased or minimized from within power structures, including the news media and the broader Black Lives Matter movement. The recent fatal police shooting of Tony McDade, a Black transgender man in Florida, had brought this to the forefront. "Throughout the protests the stories Black trans people who were victims of police violence, like Tony McDade, got lost in the larger conversation around Black Lives Matter," Nicole Cardoza wrote in the newsletter Anti-Racism Daily. Centering those that are most vulnerable is critically important in movement work, because a specific communitys distinct pain can be minimized when lumped in with others. Story continues "When we say all Black lives matter, we mean ALL," Black Visions Collective, a Minneapolis-based advocacy group working for racial justice, tweeted as a response to McDade's killing. In her conversation with Al, Cox spoke about how the documentary highlights the way trans narratives in media have been harmfully constructed around problematic stereotypes, further stigmatizing public perception of an already marginalized community. "The history of cinema and trans people, we were there from the very beginning. We look at through the memories of all trans people on screen, how those representations affect the ways in which we see ourselves and how other folks see us," Cox explained. "I think it's important to note that 80% of Americans, according to GLAAD, report not personally knowing someone who's trans. So the information that folks get about trans people in the media is what most Americans will have. For our community, media representations are so much more crucial." And while "Disclosure" focuses on trans narratives, race is brought up often to highlight further myopic and harmful depictions. Cox spoke with Al about the erasure of Phillip Devine in the Oscar-winning film "Boys Don't Cry." Based on a true story, the fictionalized account of the 1993 death of Brandon Teena, a transgender man in Nebraska, neglected to include Devine, a disabled Black man who was also murdered the same night as Teena. Related: "Disclosure" examines 100 years of how trans people have been depicted on screen. "Our film (is) so intersectional," Cox explained. "We look at the way race and gender constantly intersect in the history of film." Cox quoted the acclaimed lecturer Brene Brown to shine a light on why storytelling is crucial to fighting racism and transphobia in today's society. "She says about story, 'When we deny our story, the story defines us. When we own the story, we can write a brave new ending,'" Cox said. "With trans folks and sexism and certainly around race in America, we haven't fully owned the story yet. There are so many people who are in denial of the legacy of slavery, Jim Crow, mass incarceration of the lives of Black folks." On what she hopes people take away from her documentary, she told Al, "I always want people's hearts to be opened and their minds to be opened. That's what I always wanted. "I think 'story' has the possibility to do that. That is why I love doing what I do." Cruzeirinho, a small indigenous village of wooden shacks deep in the Amazon, is nearly empty these days -- all but five of its 32 families have fled into the rainforest to escape the coronavirus pandemic. A week's trip by boat from there, the inhabitants of the Umariacu indigenous reserve are trying a different strategy against the virus. "Attention: indigenous land. Closed for 15 days," says a hand-painted sign next to a roadblock at the entrance to the reserve, a 5,000-hectare (12,000 acres) territory in northern Brazil near the Peruvian and Colombian borders. As the new coronavirus has ravaged Brazil, the country with the second-highest death toll after the United States -- 51,000 and counting -- it has hit particularly hard among indigenous peoples, who have a tragic history of vulnerability to outside diseases. Isolated tribes have been decimated in the past by diseases such as measles and influenza. Now, there is widespread fear of the new coronavirus in the Amazon region, one of the areas hit hardest in Brazil. More than 7,700 indigenous people have contracted the virus in Brazil, and nearly 350 have died, according to the Brazilian Indigenous Peoples' Association (APIB). It accuses the government of far-right President Jair Bolsonaro of having "done nothing" to prevent the relentless spread of coronavirus among Brazil's 900,000 indigenous people. Many indigenous groups are taking matters into their own hands. - Barrier gestures - At the Umariacu reserve, the Ticuna people banned outsiders and put up a makeshift roadblock at the entrance to their territory, which sits on the outskirts of Tabatinga, a border city of 65,000 people. It was a difficult choice, but a necessary one, given the reserve sits near a triple frontier with heavy traffic, said its chief, Sildonei Mendes da Silva. "This pandemic has been very damaging," he told AFP, wearing a black face mask printed with the words "indigenous health." "We're 15 minutes from Colombia, and people from there come here to buy our fish, fruit and other things" -- a business that ground to a halt with the self-imposed quarantine. Unfortunately, the measure did not stop the virus entirely. Twenty-four people have been infected on the reserve, and two have died. At the entrance to the reserve, home to 7,000 inhabitants, the man coordinating Tabatinga's response to the pandemic, Weydson Gossel Pereira, was monitoring traffic. "If anyone comes to the roadblock without a mask, we invite them to go back and get one," he said. On the reserve, however, masks are rare, and crowds of people could be seen before a mass at the local church, apparently unconcerned with social distancing. APIB urged younger indigenous community members Monday to stay home when possible, to avoid spreading the virus to older relatives. "The virus is killing chiefs, elders and traditional healers," it said. "The pandemic could cause irreparable damage to our communities' knowledge of our culture, oral history and natural medicine." - Into the forest - Far up the Javary river, a tributary of the Amazon, the remote village of Cruzeirinho took a different approach. Rather than lock the world out, most villagers have fled into the jungle. "There are five families here in the village who didn't want to leave for the forest. The rest want to take care of themselves and don't want contact with anyone," said resident Bene Mayuruna. A lone pair of chickens roamed behind him in the otherwise silent village, where people subsist mainly on cassava and fish from the river that forms the border with Peru. The refugees in the forest are not alone. "We are hearing reports from Peru, Indonesia, Colombia and Brazil of indigenous people fleeing from the coronavirus," Oyvind Eggen, the head of the Rainforest Foundation Norway, said in a statement in April. "The corona crisis is creating additional pressure on what is already a very difficult situation for rainforest inhabitants." The Brazilian army recently deployed a team of health workers to Cruzeirinho to provide care for the remaining members of the local tribe, the Mayuruna. Working with interpreters, they help community members combine their traditional remedies with modern medicine. The diagnosis in Cruzeirinho was a hopeful one, for now: no COVID-19 cases were found. The Senate on Wednesday voted 52-48 to confirm Cory Wilson, a conservative state court judge in Mississippi, to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit. Why it matters: Under the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the GOP-led chamber has confirmed 200 of President Trump's appointments to the federal judiciary. Wilson is Trump's 53rd appointment to a federal appeals court. Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) was the sole Republican "no" vote. The landmark achieves a Republican goal of filling every appeals court opening by the end of the year. The big picture: The federal courts carry significant weight in almost every area of policy, and have been a priority for Republicans during Trump's presidency. The milestone illustrates how President Trump has reshaped the federal judiciary with young, conservative judges during his first term. What they're saying: Following Number 200, when we depart this chamber today, there will not be a single circuit court vacancy anywhere in the nation for the first time in at least 40 years, McConnell said on Wednesday, according to the New York Times. Its a victory for the rule of law and for the Constitution itself. Nokia and Ericsson have been chosen as Singapore's main 5G network providers, telecom operators said, leaving Huawei with only a minor role as the Chinese tech giant faces growing US pressure. Huawei has been dogged by allegations of stealing American trade secrets and aiding China's espionage efforts, with Washington pushing countries to bar the company from involvement in their next-generation networks. Huawei has denied ties with the Chinese government. Singtel, one of the city-state's main telecom operators, said Wednesday it had chosen Sweden's Ericsson to build its 5G network after the government gave final approval. A joint venture that includes the country's two other major telecom operators, M1 and StarHub, announced it had opted for Nokia to build its main 5G infrastructure. However, both M1 and Starhub said that other firms, including Huawei, could have some involvement in the project. Huawei only won the contract to be a provider for a smaller, local network system, operated by TPG Telecom, a more minor player. The Southeast Asian city-state tries to maintain good relations with both the US and China, and Information Minister S. Iswaran insisted that no company had been excluded in the selection process. "We have run a robust process spelling out our requirements in terms of performance, security and resilience," he said, adding that mobile network operators also had their own criteria. "There is a diversity of vendors participating in different parts of the 5G ecosystem, and... there remain prospects for greater involvement in our 5G system going forward." Iswaran said the 5G investments will run into "billions of dollars". - 'Knowing your supplier' - Singapore is aiming to have ultra high-speed internet coverage for half of the country by the end of 2022, and expand it to cover the entire island by the end of 2025. The US government launched a worldwide campaign against Huawei, the world's largest supplier of telecom network equipment and the planet's number two smartphone maker, about 18 months ago. Washington essentially banned Huawei from the US market last year, although earlier this month it let the firm back into the fold when it comes to companies working together to set standards for 5G networks. The Pentagon has published a list of 20 Chinese companies it says are backed by the military, in the latest instance of a running tit-for-tat economic battle between Washington and Beijing, and Bloomberg reported Huawei is one of them. "As the People's Republic of China attempts to blur the lines between civil and military sectors, 'knowing your supplier' is critical," Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Rath Hoffman said in Washington. The list covers firms "owned by, controlled by, or affiliated with China's government, military, or defense industry," Hoffman said in a statement. "We envision this list will be a useful tool for the U.S. Government, companies, investors, academic institutions, and likeminded partners to conduct due diligence with regard to partnerships with these entities." Huawei did not immediately respond on the publication of the list. By PTI NEW DELHI: India on Thursday hit out at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation over one of its contact groups discussing Kashmir, asserting that the grouping has no locus standi on matters strictly internal to the country. Pakistan had on Monday urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to "step up its efforts" to resolve the Kashmir issue. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had made the remarks during a virtual meeting of the OIC Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir held "on the request of Pakistan", according to the Pakistan Foreign Office. Asked about the discussion by the OIC contact group, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, "Our position is consistent on this matter and has no ambiguity. OIC has no locus standi in matters strictly internal to India, including that of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. "We have in the past also reiterated that OIC should refrain from making unwarranted references on India." The Jeddah-headquartered bloc, which is the second-largest intergovernmental body after the UN, has usually been supportive of Pakistan and often sided with Islamabad on the Kashmir issue. Pakistan has been unsuccessfully trying to drum up international support against India for withdrawing Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5 last year and bifurcating it into two Union territories. India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 of the Constitution was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda. SAV Information Filter by Category All Company Announcement - General Additional Listing AIM Admission AIM Notice Base Rate Change Block Listing Interim Review Capital Reorganisation Change of Name Conversion of Securities Drilling/Production Report Final Announcement Released Geographical Distribution Intention to Float Issue of Debt Issue of Equity Joint Venture Net Asset Value Portfolio Update Price Monitoring Extension Product Launch Publication of a Prospectus Publication of Final Terms Research Update Restoration Rights Issue Stabilisation Notice Statement Suspension Tender Offer Trading Statement Treasury Stock All Mergers, Acquisitions and Disposals Acquisition Merger Form 8 (DD) Form 8 (OPD) Form 8.3 Form 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI) Form 8.5 (EPT/RI) Form 8.6 Rule 2.9 Announcement Offer By Offer For Offer Update All Results and Trading Reports 1st Quarter Results 3rd Quarter Results AGM Statement Annual Report Final Results Half-year Report Notice of Results Result of AGM Result of EGM Result of Equity Issue Result of General Meeting Result of Tender Offer Syndicate Results All Dividends Dividend Declaration Dividend Currency Election All Executive Changes Directorate Change Change of Adviser Change of Registered Office All Directors' Dealings Director/PDMR Shareholding All Advance Notice of Results Notice of AGM Notice of GM Notice of EGM Notice of Results All Non-Regulatory News All Transaction in Own Shares All Holding(s) in Company Total Voting Rights Notification of Major Holdings Police say a man was driving drunk when he t-boned another vehicle, splitting it in half, and killing the driver last week on the West Side. Enrique Rivera, 36, is charged with DWI-related vehicular homicide in the June 13 crash that killed Edgar Falcon-Linares. According to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court: Officers responded around 8:45 p.m. to the crash near 90th and Central NW. They found a blue Dodge Charger with front end damage and a Pontiac that was split in half. The driver of the Pontiac, Falcon-Linares, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses told police it looked like Rivera was racing another vehicle when he t-boned Falcon-Linares. At the hospital, Rivera told police he ate chicken and had two beers prior to driving. Rivera said he didnt remember the crash or know what happened to the passenger that was with him. Rivera smelled of alcohol and was slurring his words before he failed a sobriety test, revolving around the alphabet and counting backwards, given by an officer. NASA, the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency unveiled a dashboard on Thursday to show the economic, agricultural and environmental impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. Globally, the dashboard looks at indicators for greenhouse gases and air quality -- carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide -- and regionally it looks into factors that include tracking ships at ports, the number of new vehicles parked near automobile factories and agriculture production. In Germany, for instance, the COVID-19 lockdown affected the movement of seasonal agricultural workers. Harvesting asparagus, in particular, is a labor-intensive activity. Below shows a drop in the cultivated area of asparagus fields in the German federal state of Brandenburg. NASA, the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency In China and Singapore, the graphic below shows fewer new vehicles parked at an automobile factory near Beijing Airport in China (left) and the density of new cars and containers at a container terminal at the port in Singapore (right). Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and European Space Agency In San Francisco, a satellite produces images at night that help monitor light intensity to estimate energy use and economic activity. Below shows how the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center brightened from January to April. NASA and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency Along the Eastern United States, a drop in air pollutant nitrogen dioxide can be seen below, corresponding with reductions in fossil fuel emissions. NASA and the European Space Agency Fossil fuel combustion emits more carbon dioxide than nitrogen dioxide, but it's harder to measure reductions in carbon dioxide emissions because it stays present in the atmosphere for longer. According to the dashboard, it will take more time and studies to determine whether temporary reductions in carbon dioxide emissions are significant enough to contribute to the overall lowering of the worlds carbon footprint. However, initial studies suggest COVID-19-related emission reductions will slow the speed at which CO2 accumulates in the atmosphere but will not reduce the overall atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide. This is just the first version of the dashboard. It's expected to be updated with new information. The Kerala police on Thursday formed a special investigation team (SIT) to probe an extortion complaint filed by the father of south Indian actor Shamna Kasim even as two other models filed similar complaints against the four accused who were arrested on Wednesday. Kochi police commissioner Vijay Sakhare said Deputy Commissioner of Police Poonguzhali will head the team. Police said they suspect that the four men who were arrested are members of a thriving gold smuggling and sex racket based in the port city. Two other models have filed separate complaints and one of them later told reporters that she was locked up in a flat in Palakkad for eight days in March and forced to go to West Asian countries to smuggle gold from there. She said though she filed a police complaint in March about the incident no investigation was carried out. She also said eight models were there in the flat and all kept silent out of fear of bad publicity. She said she was let off on the ninth day after signing on a white paper and said she was not aware of the plight of the others. Commissioner Sakhare said the models complaint will also be part of the probe and strict action will be taken against officials if any lapses were found. He said five more people have been identified and they will be arrested soon. Police had arrested four persons on Wednesday for allegedly threatening and extorting money from Shamna Kasim. Her father in his complaint alleged that the extortionists were threatening to release some video clips of his daughter if they were not given money. Police were able to make arrests by tracking the calls made to the actor and her father. Meanwhile, the state women commission said it will provide all support to the actor and others. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Seventy years after North Korean founder Kim Il Sung (1912-94) launched the June 25, 1950 surprise attack on South Korea that sparked the Korean War, Kims grandchildren, Kim Jong Un and his younger sister Kim Yo Jong, are in charge in Pyongyang and embroiled in conflict with Seoul and Washington over nuclear weapons and economic sanctions. Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, 36, has been the face of the country since he inherited power on the death of his reclusive father Kim Jong Il (1942-2011), holding historic summits with U.S. President Donald Trump and other leaders, and trying to end Pyongyangs pariah status in world affairs. Kim Yo Jong, meanwhile, has emerged as the face of North Koreas belligerent campaign against Seoul for allowing anti-North Korean activists based in the South to send balloons carrying anti-Kim leaflets across the border. Earlier she played a prominent role in summit diplomacy with South Korea. Kim Yo Jong, 32, appears to be on a short list of potential successors to her brother, whose disappearance from public view for three weeks in April 2020 raised health questions and speculation about who would be next in line. When Kim Jong Un emerged smiling at a staged event at a fertilizer factory on May 1, 2020, he put to rest wilder speculation that he was dead or incapacitated. But no explanation for his absence was offered, and his relatively few public appearances since then have kept alive the question of who will succeed him at the helm of an impoverished, nuclear-armed country that has been ruled by one family since it was set up with help from the Soviet Union in 1948. Some North Korea watchers see Kim Yo Jong performing the confidante role with her brother that her father, Kim Jong Il, once played for Kim Il Sung as he accumulated experience in a long apprenticeship from the 1970s to the early 1990s. Some analysts say recent state media use of the term Party Center without specifying any individual follows the pattern Kim Jong Ils early political rise. North Korean hagiography holds that Kim Jong Il was born on Mount Baekdu, a sacred mountain on the Sino-Korean border that was the birthplace of Dangun, the mythical first Korean. Sharing the so-called Mount Baekdu Bloodline would help Kim Yo Jongs prospects as successor, some observers believe. If Kim Jong Un insists on keeping leadership in the family, he doesnt have many choices beyond his sister. Kim Jong Ils 65-year-old half-brother, Kim Pyong Il, a retired diplomat, has been mentioned, but lacks his nieces public profile. An elder half-brother named Kim Jong Nam was assassinated in a bizarre chemical attack at a Kuala Lumpur airport in 2017, for which North Korean agents were blamed. A U.S. Congressional Research Service analysis published after Kim Jong Uns absence from public view in April said Kim Yo Jong is among the most likely choice of successors, adding but analysts wonder whether a woman could become the leader, particularly if not designated as successor by her brother. WASHINGTON, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission is excited to announce that a forthcoming national memorial in Lorton, Virginia, honoring the activists who fought for women's right to vote will include a historic section of the White House fence in front of which they protested over 100 years ago. Suffragists first began picketing outside the White House gates in January 1917, the first group ever to do so. On June 22, 1917, just 103 years ago, police began arresting the picketers on charges of obstructing sidewalk traffic. Historical photos and renderings of the memorial are available here. Through a formal agreement, the National Park Service (NPS) will loan a section of the historic White House fence to NOVA Parks, the organization that operates the land on which the memorial will be built, to include in the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial in Lorton, VA. This section of the fence, which was along Pennsylvania Avenue during the original suffrage pickets, was removed in 2019 as part of the White House fence replacement project. NPS historic preservationists are currently completing conservation work on these fence panels, which date to the late 1800s. The NPS has cared for the White House and its grounds since 1933. The loan of this section of the White House fence to the memorial is a collaboration among the NPS, the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission (WSCC), Turning Point Suffragist Memorial (TPSM), and NOVA Parks. The memorial, which the TPSM Association is building in partnership with the WSCC, will stand as a tribute to American suffragists, with a special focus on those who were imprisoned at the Occoquan Workhouse for protesting for the right to vote outside the White House gates. The memorial will honor these brave women and provide awareness and education about how their courage, methods, and commitment led to the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920. "One of the commission's major goals during the 2020 suffrage centennial is to address the lack of monuments and memorials acknowledging the suffragists, who led the longest social movement in U.S. history," said Susan Combs, WSCC Chairwoman and the Department of the Interior's appointee to the commission. "We are thrilled that not only will the Turning Point Suffragist Memorial indicate a major step forward in memorializing women's contributions to our democracy, but that it will also include this authentic piece of suffrage history. The commission is grateful to the Department of the Interior and the National Park Service for recognizing the importance of including this genuine artifact from the suffrage demonstrations outside the White House as part of the memorial." "The Turning Point Suffragist Memorial will serve as a visual symbol and educational tool to elevate to their proper place in history the millions of little-known women who engineered the greatest expansion of democracy the world had ever seen," said Pat Wirth, Director and CEO of the TPSM Association. "Including this section of the historic White House fence, in front of which the suffragists stood over 100 years ago, will allow visitors to the memorial to feel even more in the presence of these courageous trailblazers." "We hope that those who stand in front of the White House fence at the Turning Point Memorial will feel inspired by the determination and sacrifice of the suffragists," National Park Service Deputy Director exercising the authority of the Director David Vela, said. "The National Park Service is committed to telling the full story of our nation, and lending this piece of history to the memorial is an important way to honor women's important roles in advancing our democracy." The Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission (WSCC) was formed by the U.S. Congress to coordinate the nationwide commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment, which was officially ratified and signed into the Constitution on August 26, 1920. Led by a bipartisan group of 14 women leaders, the WSCC has a nonpartisan mission to ensure that Americans in every state across the country have the chance to participate in the centennial and to learn about this important but often overlooked history. For more information about the WSCC, its initiatives, and commemorative events across the country throughout 2020, visit www.womensvote100.org. Contact: Kelsey Millay Email: [email protected] SOURCE Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission Related Links https://www.womensvote100.org Economist/Policy Analyst, Paris, France Organization: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Country: France City: Paris, France Office: OECD Paris, France Closing date: Wednesday, 15 July 2020 Economist/Policy Analyst ( Job Number: 13664 ) Application Closing Date: 15-07-2020, 9:59:00 PM The OECD is a global economic forum working with 37 member countries and more than 100 emerging and developing economies to make better policies for better lives. Our mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. The Organisation provides a unique forum in which governments work together to share experiences on what drives economic, social and environmental change, seeking solutions to common problems. The Public Governance Directorate (GOV) works to help governments at all levels design and implement strategic, evidence-based and innovative policies to strengthen public governance, respond effectively to diverse and disruptive economic, social and environmental challenges and deliver on governments commitments to citizens. We provide a forum for policy dialogue and exchange, common standards and principles, comparative international data and analysis to support innovation and reform across the OECD. GOVs Governance Indicators and Performance Evaluation Division (GIP) develops, gathers and disseminates governance statistics to monitor the performance of governments and to better understand the contribution of governance to development and inclusive societies. The Division is responsible for the publication OECD Government at a Glance, as well its regional editions. GOV/GIP is looking for an economist/policy analyst to contribute to the GOV work on measuring governance, the determinants of public trust and the results of public governance reforms on economy and society. The selected candidate will work under the supervision of the Head of the GIP Division. Main Responsibilities Research, Policy Analysis and Drafting Co-ordinate and participate in the development of the conceptual framework and indicators for Government at a Glance and its regional editions, both on public sector practices (institutional coordination, budget and human resources management, digitalisation, participation, etc.) and governance outcomes. Contribute to advancing the measurement of citizens trust in public institutions and its determinants. Develop policy relevant analysis of links between public sectors values (integrity, openness, participation, capacity to deliver public services) and citizens trust. Contribute to other horizontal projects within the Directorate, such as the development of measures of the impact of open government on people and business; the work on measuring citizen and user satisfaction with access to public services, and opportunities offered by digital governments; new indicators of public integrity and anti-corruption. Provide guidance and original analysis on the use of outcome metrics in the different phases of the policy cycle to strengthen evidence-informed policy making. This will include the application of performance measurement and management for public governance, such as SDGs, wellbeing models, and priority budgeting. Take lead responsibility for drafting substantive documents as necessary, including: reports, papers, synthesis of expert discussions, seminar proceedings, missions reports, briefs, consultant contributions and country case studies and fact sheets. Contribute to the formulation of practical recommendations and guidelines based on the research and analysis of information and data collected from a wide range of sources. Liaison, representation and dissemination Communicate the results of the OECD work to a wide audience of policymakers, the media and other audiences, including contributing to the development of a communications plan for Government at a Glance. Develop and maintain contacts with officials responsible for governance statistics and evidence in national administrations to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and information. In particular develop and maintain strong relations with the Government at a Glance Steering Group, and stay attuned to the priorities of and opportunities for working with member and non-member countries. Provide high quality support, including capacity building activities, to GOV colleagues in developing indicators to monitor implementation of Public Governance Principles and Recommendations. Develop and maintain networks with experts and academics to stay abreast of governance measurement developments. Ideal Candidate Profile Academic Background Tags anti corruption economist human resources human resources management public administration public institutions public sector public services sdgs wellbeing Advanced university degree in economics, statistics, public administration, applied sciences, or any other related fields with training in applied research methods and statistics. Professional Background At least three, preferably five to seven years experience in applied economic or policy research, at least partially in international context. A strong track record in carrying out economic and statistical analysis in a field relevant to performance of public sector and measurement of impact of governance. Experience with the analytical and policy uses of governance statistics. Proven ability to draft quality documents. Extensive experience in the handling of data sources, econometric techniques and the use of statistical software (Stata, E-views, R or others). Experience with experimental, innovative statistical methods would be a plus. Languages Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level. Core Competencies For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important: Achievement focus, Analytical thinking, Original thinker and risk-taker, ability to communicate, orally and in writing, technical subjects to high-level officials; political sensitivity, drafting skills. Please also refer to the level 3 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies . Contract Duration Two year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal. What the OECD offers Depending on level of experience, monthly salary starts at either 6,130 EUR or 7,563 EUR, plus allowances ased on eligibility, exempt of French income tax. Selection Process For retained candidates, written tests/video-recorded interviews are foreseen in September and panel interviews are planned for October 2020. Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant. The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates [who are nationals of OECD member countries ]*, irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities. The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal. Anniversary 2020 Glasses Giveaway To help customers see better, Eyemart stores are giving away more than $24,000 with a 2020 Glasses Giveaway promotion. Customers who make a purchase in stores will automatically be entered to win a $2020 gift card that can be used on new frames, sunglasses, lens treatments, and accessories. One lucky customer will be selected each month through December 31, 2020. Store Associates "Pay It Forward" to Enrich Local Communities Eyemart Express is inviting store associates to honor the company's mission to improve lives starting on June 26 with "Pay It Forward" cards. The cards give an additional $25 discount on in-store purchases of $50 or more. Eyemart Express associates can give the cards to a person of their choosing, including a friend, family member, or customer, in hopes that the card recipient will then pay it forward and improve the life of another person with a small act of kindness. "Our associates are the heart of our business, so it was imperative that we include them in our anniversary festivities," said Paula Puleo Blomquist, Eyemart Express Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer. "We look forward to seeing how acts of kindness, be it volunteering or holding the door for someone, enrich local communities and make a lasting impact on someone's day, or even more powerful, a life." Improving Lives with Charitable Giving Over the last 30 years, Eyemart Express has developed strong relationships with vision-focused philanthropies. The optical retailer has donated thousands of frames over the last twelve years, most recently in February, to Cedar Springs Vision, a nonprofit that operates an eye clinic in partnership with the University of Houston College of Optometry. The organization serves residents in need from other community outreach programs such as Dallas Housing Authority, Interfaith Family Services, and Salvation Army. Eyemart Express has also helped underserved school districts by donating vision screeners to assist with annual student screenings. "Acting with compassion and philanthropy are fundamental elements of our corporate culture," said Ms. Blomquist. "It is truly powerful when you reflect on all the lives our brand has touched over a thirty-year timespan." Other philanthropic causes near to the optical retailer include the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Unmet Needs Fund, Stand Up To Cancer, and Petfinder Foundation. Seeing Better with 30 Year Commemorative Collection Eyemart Express is dedicated to helping its customers see some of life's greatest moments and is commemorating this 30-year legacy with the launch of a new limited-edition anniversary frame collection. The collection includes two frame styles that the Eyemart Express merchandising team selected from their archives of best-selling designs from exclusive in-house collections that were released over the last three decades. Both 30th Anniversary Edition styles feature a polished metal design paired with accents of a pearl acetate in timeless oval and square shapes. Sophisticated design elements like the anniversary motto "Bringing Clarity" is engraved on the insides of the frames and featured in the luxe felt case they are packaged in. The 30th Anniversary Edition frames start at $99.95 and will be available, while supplies last, online at EyemartExpress.com starting today and in stores nationwide by July 6. 30 Years of Access to Affordable, High-Quality Eyewear The first Eyemart Express store was founded in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1990 by optometrist Dr. Doug Barnes. His goal was to provide people with access to affordable, quality eyewear with same-day speed. Today, Eyemart Express provides customers with the fastest glasses in the industry. Onsite labs allow 90 percent of glasses to be ordered and received on the same day some in as little as 30 minutes. All Eyemart Express stores carry a robust selection of more than 2,000 frames for the whole family from brands such as Longchamp, Columbia, Ray-Ban, Disney, and Nike. "The ability to see clearly is life-changing, and our anniversary highlights how we have helped our customers over the last three decades with our robust product selection at competitive prices," said Ms. Blomquist. "We look forward to celebrating many more." Thirty years and 220 stores later, Eyemart Express is ranked in the top 10 on Vision Monday's 2020 list of the Top 50 U.S. Optical Retailers. The optical retailer continues to expand its footprint and contributes to local economies nationwide by creating jobs and developing career paths for associates. For additional information about Eyemart Express and the company's 30th anniversary, visit https://www.eyemartexpress.com/30years. About Eyemart Express Eyemart Express, a leading national optical retailer and the fastest provider of quality prescription eyewear in the industry, celebrates 30 years of serving customers with affordable and same-day eyewear. With 220 stores in 40 states, Eyemart Express ranks among the Top 10 optical retailers in the country with its family of brands: Vision4Less, Visionmart Express, and Eyewear Express. The company operates under its motto of Right Glasses. Right Price. Right Now: a unique mix of value, style and timely service. Each store carries more than 2,000 frames from brands such as Michael Kors, Longchamp, Columbia, Disney, and Nike. On-site labs allow 90 percent of glasses to be delivered on the same day. Learn more about Eyemart Express at EyemartExpress.com. SOURCE Eyemart Express Related Links http://www.EyemartExpress.com Polls opened across Malawi on Tuesday, in what appears to be a historic moment for the southern African country and potentially democracies across the continent. For the first time ever, the country is redoing its presidential election following the annulment of last years election results due to irregularities. Ever since the Malawi Electoral Commission announced Peter Mutharika as winner in last years election, the political climate in the country has been tense with months of protests calling for the removal of the then Electoral commission chairperson Jane Ansah and her commissioners for incompetence. Two opposition parties, the Malawi Congress Party and the UTM party which came second and third respectively petitioned the constitutional court to thoroughly examine the election citing serious irregularities as some voting sheets had correction fluid used to erase figures. On Feb. 3, the constitutional court ordered the Malawi Electoral Commission to hold fresh elections citing serious irregularities in 2019. However, since the annulment, there has been a growing tension between the executive and the countrys judiciary. President Peter Mutharika, a former law professor has repeatedly expressed his dismay over the court ruling describing the verdict as a serious miscarriage of justice has appealed but the Supreme Court upheld the ruling. Last week, Mutharika, who turns 80 next month, attempted to force chief justice Andrew Nyirenda to retire. The move was quickly halted by the Malawi Human Rights Defenders Coalition, Association of Magistrates and the Malawi Law Society. Mutharikas efforts of trying to forcibly retire the judge faced widespread backlash and a protest from lawyers in the countrys major cities. The president has also faced criticism from analysts for trying to stall the electoral process by refusing to sign bills that would have paved the way for the fresh vote and also trying to stop the adoption of the majority vote of 50% +1. Story continues Coronavirus fears But the redo of the election is happening at unprecedented time with the strike of Covid-19. Social distancing isnt being observed at some polling centers in the country and few people have masks. The electoral commission advised people to bring their own pens from home used for voting to avoid contracting the virus. In March, Mutharika declared a state of national disaster closing schools and banning large gatherings in the process as concerns around coronavirus spiked. However, despite the ban on large gatherings, political parties have been campaigning with large public rallies as usual. The country has so far recorded 803 cases of coronavirus and 11 deaths. Opposition Malawi Congress Party leader Lazarus Chakwera in Feb. 4 rally, before coronavirus restrictions. Since this years election is being done with the electoral rule that says the winner should have a majority of 50% plus one vote, alliances have taken center stage, Mutharikas Democratic Progressive Party has joined forces with Atupele Muluzis United Democratic Front. Muluzi is Mutharikas running mate, he came fourth in last years election. He is the son of former president Bakili Muluzi. On the other hand, the opposition Malawi Congress Party and UTM party who also contested on separate tickets last year have this time around formed an alliance. Lazarus Chakwera is the presidential candidate and leads an alliance of nine political parties with Saulos Chilima who is the countrys vice president as his running mate. If the parties perform as they did last year, they would expect to gain 55.7%. In 2019 Mutharika thought he had won the election with 38.6% ahead of Chakwera who got 35% and vice president Saulos Chilima with 20%. There are only three candidates competing, the other is little known Peter Kuwani of Mbakuwaku Movement for Development, but its widely expected to be a two-horse race between Peter Mutharika and Lazarus Chakwera. Malawi is only the second African nation in recent years to redo an election over irregularities. The other country was Kenya which held its do-over in the October 2017. Sign up to the Quartz Africa Weekly Brief here for news and analysis on African business, tech and innovation in your inbox Sign up for the Quartz Daily Brief, our free daily newsletter with the worlds most important and interesting news. More stories from Quartz: President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said while most countries are suffering from COVID-19, Sri Lanka has achieved a remarkable victory through collective efforts, but the virus is yet to be eradicated. In a tweet on Tuesday, he said the peoples negligence could make room for the virus to spread again. I call upon all citizens to take stringent measures based on health guidelines, he said. According to information released by the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venoms and AH-1W Super Cobras assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and attached to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) participated in a live-fire training exercise in Bize, Albania, June 22, 2020. According to information released by the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venoms and AH-1W Super Cobras assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and attached to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) participated in a live-fire training exercise in Bize, Albania, June 22, 2020. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link A U.S. Marine Corps AH-1W Super Cobra assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (reinforced), 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), prepares to engage a target during routine sustainment training June 22, 2020. (Picture source U.S. DoD) Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. The exercise was planned alongside Albanian allied forces and consisted of aviation ordnance-delivery training aimed at increasing readiness and reinforcing the partnership between the U.S. and Albania. Venoms and Super Cobras, commonly referred to as H-1s, are essential to sea-based air power and air superiority. H-1s, when coupled together, have the ability to provide close-air support, casualty evacuation from remote or austere locations, and transport Marines and Sailors from ship to shore all from over the horizon. By utilizing the overland ranges in Albania, UH-1Y Venom and AH-1W Super Cobra pilots assigned to the 26th MEU were able to become more proficient in conducting live-fire tactical maneuvering in a challenging, mountainous environment. The AH-1W Super Cobra is an attack helicopter used by the U.S. Marine Corps since 1985. This helicopter can be armed with both TOW and Hellfire anti-tank missiles and it was the first attack helicopter qualify to fire both the Sidewinder air-to-air missile and the Sidearm anti-radiation missile. The AH-1W Super Cobra can also fire the Hydra family of unguided 70mm rockets or the larger 127mm Zuni rocket bombs. A three-barrel 20mm Gatling gun is mounted under the nose used for close-combat engagement with a maximum firing range of 2 km. The UH-1Y Venom also called Super Huey is a twin-engined, medium-sized utility helicopter, built by Bell Helicopter under the H-1 upgrade program of the United States Marine Corps. The UH-1Y Venom is a modernized version of the UH-1 design. It features a four-blade, all-composite rotor system designed to withstand up to 23 mm rounds. A 530 mm fuselage extension just forward of the main door has been added for more capacity. This helicopter is also upgraded with new engines and transmissions, a digital cockpit with flat-panel multifunctional displays, and an 84% parts commonality with the AH-1Z. Compared to the UH-1N, the Y-model has an increased payload, almost 50% greater range, a reduction in vibration, and higher cruising speed. ARG/MEUs (Amphibious ready groups/Marine expeditionary units) operate continuously across the globe and provide the geographic combatant commanders with a forward-deployed, flexible and responsive sea-based MAGTF. The blue-green team is fully capable of conducting operations across a full spectrum of conventional, unconventional and hybrid warfare. Training such as this strengthens the execution of mission-essential tasks alongside NATO allies. Bataan ARG (Amphibious Ready Group) and 26th MEU consist of more than 4,000 total Sailors and Marines, who are operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. The logo of NTT is displayed at the company office in Tokyo By Makiko Yamazaki TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese telecoms company Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) will invest 64.5 billion yen ($560 million) in NEC Corp to beef up efforts to develop fifth-generation (5G) wireless technologies, the two firms said on Thursday. The investment, to be made on July 10, will give NTT a 4.8% stake in NEC as its main network equipment supplier hopes to crack the dominance of Huawei Technologies, Ericsson and Nokia in 5G network infrastructure. NEC and NTT also said they plan to work together on post-5G technologies, including all-photonics networking and computing technologies being developed by NTT. Japan started its 5G service this year, lagging behind the United States and China, among other industrialised nations. Previously state-owned NTT, which has wireless carrier NTT DoCoMo Inc under its wing, has strong preference for domestic suppliers for core networks, as it is involved in government projects. Japan has effectively banned government purchases of equipment from Huawei in efforts to boost national security. But Japanese network equipment companies, such as NEC and Fujitsu, have limited global presence, with little cost competitiveness compared to overseas rivals. NEC CEO Takashi Niino told reporters that the company aims to leverage the latest alliance to boost its negligible share in the global base stations market to 20% by 2030. NTT is actively seeking capital alliances globally in key areas of technology, such as self-driving and smart cities. With Toyota Motor Corp, it has mutually invested about $1.8 billion on developing smart cities. The company and Mitsubishi Corp have jointly taken a stake of 30% in Dutch digital mapping company HERE Technologies. ($1=107.1300 yen) (Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Chang-Ran Kim and Clarence Fernandez/Emelia Sithole-Matarise) Space station commander Chris Cassidy and Robert Behnken plan to float outside Friday for the first of up to four spacewalks needed to complete the replacement of aging batteries in the lab's solar power system. NASA managers hope to get the work done in time for Behnken and crewmate Douglas Hurley to return to Earth aboard their Crew Dragon capsule around August 2, officials said Wednesday. When the SpaceX capsule blasted off atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket May 30, NASA managers had not specified a return date. But flight controllers now are "looking at landing in the early August timeframe," Steve Stich, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, told reporters during a spacewalk preview teleconference. "The earliest would be around the second of August," he added. "We're working those opportunities with the space station program." A camera on the International Space Station captured a view of the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule after its autonomous docking at the lab's forward port on May 31. / Credit: NASA An early August splashdown for the SpaceX capsule would give engineers time to thoroughly evaluate the spacecraft's first piloted test flight, known as Demo 2, before clearing the decks for an operational, full-duration mission with four astronauts in the mid-September timeframe. That flight is known as the Crew One mission. "Right now, we think we need about six weeks of time to review all the data from the landing and the undocking, and then go through the review process to get to the Crew One launch," Stich said. "So there's kind of a six-week iron bar, if you will, between the Demo Two landing and the Crew One launch, and that's going to be a factor as we look at launch dates later on for Crew One." Since docking at the space station the day after launch, the Crew Dragon has spent most of its time powered down in a sort of electronic hibernation. But flight controllers wake it up every Wednesday to collect engineering data and evaluate its performance. So far, 25 days into its mission, the capsule is performing in near flawless fashion. Story continues One question mark going into the flight was how the spacecraft's solar cells might be affected by atomic oxygen in the space environment. Engineers expected their performance to degrade over time but as it turns out, the system has been performing above pre-flight predictions. "The vehicle is doing extremely well," Stich said. "We're learning a lot about the vehicle. Nothing that's of any concern, learning how to manage the systems, the heaters and thermal performance as we go through the changes in the orbit. Also, we've been watching the power generation (and) Dragon's generating more power than we expected." Hurley and Behnken will end their mission with NASA's first ocean splashdown since the Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975. Going into the flight, NASA was focused on landing zones off Cape Canaveral or Jacksonville with a backup site in the Gulf of Mexico near Pensacola. Stich said mission managers now are evaluating additional sites off Panama City, Tallahassee, Tampa and Daytona Beach to provide more options in the event of stormy tropical weather. The Crew Dragon carries enough on-board supplies for about three days of flight after leaving the space station. Stich said depending on when the ship actually departs and which landing site is selected, the trip home could be as short as six hours or could stretch to a full day or even longer. "It looks like the first opportunity to undock and come home would be around August 2," Stich said. "We'll just have to sort of see how the EVAs go." Astronauts Chris Cassidy and Robert Behnken plan up to four spacewalks to replace aging batteries used by the International Space Station's right-side outboard solar arrays. The first spacewalk is on tap Friday. / Credit: CBS News/NASA The space station's four huge solar wings feed power into eight electrical channels, originally relying on 48 nickel-hydrogen batteries, six per power channel, to supply electricity when the station is not in direct sunlight. In a multi-year project, spacewalking astronauts have replaced 36 of the 48 older batteries, installing 18 smaller and more efficient lithium-ion powerpacks and circuit-completing adapter plates in their place. Behnken and Cassidy, who launched to the station April 9 aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, plan two spacewalks, one Friday and the second next Wednesday, to install three of the final six new batteries and adapter plates in power channel 1B and to store the six batteries they will replace. Two more EVAs will be needed to install the final three batteries in channel 3B. Minneapolis police union leaders on "horrific" video of George Floyd's death, racism in policing Massive Saharan dust cloud makes its way to Southern states still battling coronavirus Bubba Wallace on federal investigators' announcement of no charges, advocating for change Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Editorial Board (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 08:30 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406617137e 1 Editorial #Editorial,KPK,Nurhadi,Supreme-Court Free The capture of former Supreme Court secretary Nurhadi earlier this month should give the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) a sense of relief. This is not only because the once powerful figure within the countrys highest court had been on the run for four months but also because the antigraft body was desperately seeking an achievement to regain public trust. The KPK indeed deserves praise for arresting Nurhadi, who fled justice after the commission named him a suspect for allegedly accepting bribes from businessman Hiendra Soenyoto in connection with three cases the Supreme Court had heard between 2011 and 2016. Besides Nurhadi, the KPK wanted list includes Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) cadre Harun Masiku, who remains at large. Arresting Nurhadi was by no means an easy job; he had a vast network. The KPK investigators, led by Novel Baswedan, reportedly searched for him at 12 different places on the island of Java, including his houses in South Jakarta and Bogor, West Java, and the homes of his family members in Surabaya and Tulungagung, East Java. They eventually captured Nurhadi and his son-in-law in Simprug, South Jakarta. Now that Nurhadi is in custody, the KPK can pick some low-hanging fruit; it can unveil the whole truth behind the bribery case, which revolved around a legal dispute involving Hiendras firm, and can dig into the alleged corruption in the judiciary. Former KPK deputy chief Bambang Widjojanto has dubbed Nurhadi the dark prince of injustice given his power and control over all transactions within the court during his tenure. This is why Bambang hopes the bribery case involving Nurhadi will put the KPK on the scent of further corruption in the countrys justice system and allow it to catch even bigger prey. Read also: KPK tracks wealth, possible money laundering in Nurhadi graft investigation Despite improvements in its commitment to transparency, the Supreme Court has never been immune to allegations of backroom deals to buy decisions. One of the most glaring examples is the dishonorable discharge of Justice Achmad Yamanie in 2012 for conspiring with the Supreme Courts registrar to cut a drug dealers life sentence down to 12 years. However, no criminal investigation into the cases alleged falsifications has ever been launched. In fact, Nurhadi is the most prominent Supreme Court figure to face prosecution for alleged corruption. Before Nurhadi was declared a graft suspect, there were several attempts to reveal corruption involving Supreme Court justices, but they all ended with the whistleblowers being convicted of defamation. Thanks to the KPK, a number of judges from district and high courts have faced justice for accepting bribes. This shows that the Supreme Courts internal supervision mechanism, established 20 years ago in a set of judiciary reforms, has not worked as intended. The KPK must now present incriminating evidence to the Corruption Court for it to find Nurhadi guilty of accepting bribes. But the antigraft body must not stop at this case, which is, perhaps, only the tip of the countrys judicial corruption iceberg. The KPK must seize this golden moment to win back the nations trust. Another 60,000 Americans are estimated to die from coronavirus in the next three months but widespread mask wearing could reduce predicted deaths by nearly 33,000, according to leading forecast model. The University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation has updated its COVID-19 model to include death toll projections based on people wearing masks. Previously, the model - often cited by the White House - only gave broad projections for the number of coronavirus fatalities. According to its latest predictions, an estimated 179,106 deaths are likely to occur across the United States by October 1. Those numbers will drop to 146,047 if at least 95 percent of people wear masks in public, the model shows. The University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation has updated its COVID-19 model to include death toll projections based on people wearing masks. According to its latest predictions, an estimated 179,106 deaths are likely to occur across the United States by October 1 According to its latest predictions, an estimated 179,106 deaths are likely to occur across the United States by October 1. Those numbers will drop to 146,047 if at least 95 percent of people wear masks in public, the model shows 'There is no doubt that even as states open up, the United States is still grappling with a large epidemic on a course to increase beginning in late August and intensifying in September,' said IHME Director Dr. Christopher Murray. 'People need to know that wearing masks can reduce transmission of the virus by as much as 50 percent, and those who refuse are putting their lives, their families, their friends, and their communities at risk.' Infections across the US have been surging for more than a week after trending down for over six weeks. Currently, the US has recorded more than 2.3 million coronavirus cases and more than 122,000 Americans have died from the virus. The new forecast is lower than the forecast of 201,129 deaths released on June 15. California and other states have seen over the past several weeks increasing case numbers, but deaths are not yet rising at the same rate - a trend which could change in the coming weeks. Researchers from the institute say the next two weeks will show whether a surge in deaths will result from the current uptick in cases. New cases and hospitalizations have been spiking to record levels in states like Arizona, Texas, California and Florida. Currently, the US has recorded more than 2.3 million coronavirus cases and more than 121,000 Americans have died from the virus 'States reporting the ages of confirmed cases suggest there are more cases being detected in younger people who are at substantially lower risk of death than older people,' Murray said. 'It remains to be seen how this will unfold over the next few weeks, and if transmission continues to go up, we may see increasing infections in at-risk populations.' The current coronavirus surge has sent infections to dire new levels across the South and West with hospital administrators and health experts warning on Wednesday that politicians and a tired-of-being-cooped-up public are letting a disaster unfold. While newly confirmed infections have been declining steadily in early hot spots like New York and New Jersey, several other states set single-day records this week, including Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas and Oklahoma. Some of them also broke hospitalization records, as did North Carolina and South Carolina. Dr Peter Hotez, an infectious-disease expert at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, said he worries that states will squander what time they have to head off a much larger crisis. 'We're still talking about subtlety, still arguing whether or not we should wear masks, and still not understanding that a vaccine is not going to rescue us,' he said. More than a dozen US states and some major cities have mandatory face-covering rules when out in public. California Governor Gavin Newsom last week told residents to wear masks at nearly all times outside the home. CALIFORNIA: In California, cases have surged nearly 70 percent in just two days. The state reported over 7,100 new cases on Wednesday, up from 4,230 on Sunday CALIFORNIA HOSPITALS: Hospitalizations have also reached record highs across the state in the past week TEXAS CASES: Rapidly worsening coronavirus numbers in Texas continue to reach bleak new milestones with the state recording more than 5,550 new cases in a single day TEXAS HOSPITAL: In Texas, which began lifting its shutdowns on May 1, hospitalizations have doubled and new cases have tripled in two weeks TEXAS DEATHS: The state recorded an additional 29 deaths on Wednesday compared to the record 58 on May 15 Newsom has said he will withhold pandemic-related funding from local governments that brush off state requirements on masks and other anti-virus measures in response to the soaring numbers. Washington Governor Jay Inslee on Tuesday ordered residents to wear face masks in public and Nevada's Governor Steve Sisolak said residents will have to wear masks or face coverings out in public beginning Friday. A handful of states, including hard-hit New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, have mandated face masks since April. It comes as health officials warn coronavirus cases are climbing rapidly among young adults in a number of states where bars, stores and restaurants have reopened - a disturbing generational shift that not only puts them in greater peril than many realize but poses an even bigger danger to older people who cross their paths. In states like Florida, Texas and Arizona, young people have started going out again, many without masks, in what health experts see as irresponsible behavior. 'The virus hasn't changed. We have changed our behaviors,' said Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. 'Younger people are more likely to be out and taking a risk.' Health experts say the fact that younger people - who are less likely to be hospitalized - are now accounting for a large number of the new cases could have have an impact on the death toll in several weeks. They point to the fact that young people could currently be infecting their elderly relatives and other at-risk people, which could drive up hospitalizations and deaths. FLORIDA: Florida recorded a record high 5,508 new cases (left) on Wednesday, up from the previous record of 4,049 on June 20. Forty four new deaths (right) were recorded across the state on Wednesday ARIZONA CASES: Arizona reported 1,795 new cases on Tuesday, down from the record 3,591 new infections a day earlier ARIZONA HOSPITALS: The number of people admitted to Arizona hospitals with COVID-19 or suspected of having coronavirus on Tuesday was at 2,200 Kutztown University has announced its plan for bringing students back for the fall of 2020 while maintaining precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The biggest change appears to be with regard to the academic calendar face-to-face classes will start as planned in August but end before Thanksgiving. The semester will finish online. We have studied the recommendations of the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the framework provided by our State System of Higher Education. Our primary focus is to complete our mission of providing a quality education for our students, and doing everything possible to provide a nurturing environment for all those who work and learn on our campus, President Kenneth Hawkinson said in an email. Resident halls will open on Aug. 19 and classes will begin Aug. 24. Fall break is Oct. 12-13. Face-to-face classes will end on Nov. 20. All classes will resume online on Nov. 30. The semester ends on Dec. 11. The university said it will institute Pennsylvania Department of Education guidelines with regards to social distancing in classrooms, the use of face masks, capacity limits of classrooms and the need for students to wipe down desks, keyboards and computer mouses before using them. There will be more trash cans on campus as well as hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. Dormitory housing will be provided. The two-year residency requirement will be made flexible for high-risk students. Residential students will be required to complete a health and wellness services document and must have a safety plan in place in the event they come in contact with someone with the coronavirus. As for face masks, the university said, Students and employees must wear masks in classrooms, public areas and common spaces; when two or more people are in a vehicle; when riding in an elevator; in high-volume customer service areas, or where recommended social distancing cannot be maintained to support those at high risk. All of the details of Kutztowns plan can be found here. 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. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 24, 2020) - East West Petroleum Corp. (TSXV: EW) ("East West" or the "Company") is pleased to provide this further update regarding the sale of its 30% interest in Petroleum Exploration Permit 54877 and Petroleum Mining Permit 60291 (the "Cheal Permits"), to an arm's length private New Zealand company (the "Purchaser"), on the terms previously announced in a news release of the Company dated June 24, 2019 (the "Transaction"). In a news release of April 23, 2020 the Company provided an update on closing and commented that it was uncertain when closing could occur. At this time, due in part to Covid-19 issues and regulatory issues of the 70% owner which have now been resolved, limited progress has been made in regards to securing the Government's consent, as required, by June 24th 2020 and agreement has been reached that provides for an initial extension of up to 30 days. Further news will be announced as it becomes available. About East West Petroleum Corp. East West Petroleum Corp. (www.eastwestpetroleum.ca) is a TSX Venture Exchange listed company established in 2010 to invest in international oil & gas opportunities. The Company has its primary focus on two key areas: New Zealand, where it has established production and cash flow and Romania where it is carried to production on an exploration program. In Romania the Company has exploration rights in four exploration concessions covering 1,000,000 acres in the prolific Pannonian Basin of western Romania with Naftna Industrija Srbije ("NIS"). The Company does not own the acres but has exploration rights. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release are "forward-looking statements" which reflect the Company's current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that it believes might affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "might", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "indicate", "seek", "believe", "estimates", "predicts" or "likely", or the negative of these terms, or other similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. Whether actual results, performance or achievements will conform to the Company's expectations and predictions is subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors, including without limitation, those risks and uncertainties discussed elsewhere in the Company's filings on SEDAR. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date hereof and is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Nick Demare ndemare@chasemgt.com Tel: (604) 685-9316 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/58510 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo voiced hope Wednesday for a resolution in the coming weeks with Sudan, which said it expects soon to be delisted as a state sponsor of terrorism. Pompeo said he spoke Wednesday by telephone with Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, a civilian whose near year-old government has been pushing to remove the designation by Washington that severely impedes foreign investment. "We're working very closely with him to try and come to a solution so that we get the right outcome for their new leadership and for the Sudanese people," Pompeo told reporters. "I'm hopeful that that will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead," said the secretary, when asked about the terrorism designation. In a later statement, Pompeo also promised Hamdok to step up US assistance during talks of Sudan's major economic supporters Thursday in Berlin. Sudan's Foreign Minister Asma Abdalla told AFP on Tuesday that the government was finishing a deal to compensate victims of the simultaneous 1998 bombings of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. Once the deal is complete, she said she expected the United States to move ahead with the delisting of Sudan "as soon as possible." Washington first blacklisted Sudan in 1993 as strongman Omar al-Bashir turned toward Islamism. He welcomed Osama bin Laden and Sudan was accused of aiding the jihadists who carried out the bombings, which killed 224 people and injured around 5,000, almost all of them African. Bashir was ousted by the military in April last year following months of protests and the new transitional government has sought to repair Sudan's international standing. Pompeo was speaking at the launch of an annual US report on terrorism, which credited the new government's work with the United States and distancing itself from extremist groups. The report, however, said that militants from the Islamic State group appeared to have an active "facilitation networks" in Sudan. Khartoum recently finalized a deal compensating families of victims of the 2000 USS Cole bombing in Yemen's Aden harbor, for which Al-Qaeda also claimed responsibility. Sudan always denied any involvement but agreed to the settlement to fulfill US conditions. She is on a mission to promote self-love and body confidence. And Malin Andersson looked radiant as she shared a candid swimwear snap to her Instagram on Wednesday. The Love Island star, 27, admitted in the caption that she has 'shame and guilt' from eating despite the fact it's feeding her life. Gorgeous: Malin Andersson looked radiant as she shared a candid bikini snap to her Instagram on Wednesday while eating an ice lolly Malin also spoke about 'accepting ourselves' as she stressed that beauty lies in people's souls not their exteriors. Admitting that it took her a while to be 'comfortable in her own skin' the star vowed to continue her healing journey and enjoy summer. In the photo, Malin showcased her incredible curves in a peach bikini as she posed on her sofa eating an ice lolly. The star looked radiant as she appeared to go makeup-free and left her brunette locks loose into a wavy hairdo. Keeping it real: The Love Island star, 27, admitted in the caption that she has 'shame and guilt' from eating despite the fact it's 'feeding her life' Posting a heartfelt caption, the star penned: 'Where does the shame and guilt stem from every-time we bite into something thats feeding our life? Who told us we have to look or be a certain way to be accepted - and loved? 'So many questions, yet the answer lies within us. The answer to truly accepting ourselves is by searching deeper and understanding that our beauty is in our souls. The person that we are - not our exterior. 'It took me a long time to be comfortable in my own skin, I would always seek external things to make myself look better.. yet I would feel happy for a few days and then Id be back at square one. 'Im asking you to search a little deeper, whats the root cause of your low self-esteem? What triggers you? What has hurt you in the past to make you resent yourself? Cheery: Earlier this week, Malin appeared in great spirits as she laid a brick wall in the sunshine while wearing an animal print bikini 'Start the healing journey, accept yourself for who you are and how you feel.. and then work on yourself. Bit by bit. Go enjoy your Summer, I will be.' Earlier this week, Malin appeared in great spirits as she laid a brick wall in the sunshine while wearing an animal print bikini. Malin's social media activity came after she led tributes to her late Love Island co-star Sophie Gradon over the weekend, two years after her death aged 32. Sharing a throwback snap from their stint on the show in 2016, the mental health campaigner wrote: 'Always right beside me. Then, now. Forever. I know you're dancing with my girls. Love you Soph.' On June 20 2018, Sophie took her own life following a cocaine and alcohol binge hours after revealing she was 'struggling with the world'. Malin's reference to 'her girls' in the post is a nod to her late mother and daughter - after her mum passed away in November 2017 following her third struggle with breast cancer and her premature daughter Consy died in January last year. The brunette has been incredibly candid about Sophie's death and has criticised ITV for their handling of aftercare. Last month, she claimed reality TV causes mental health problems as she discussed being trolled online. ITV's aftercare policy was updated last year following the deaths of Sophie, Mike Thalassitis, and host Caroline Flack. Sony Corporation has now started its own version of the PlayStation bug bounty program that is opened to the public. If you have skills in looking for irregularities, hacker methods, and such on specific PlayStation Network and PlayStation 4 console, you may apply for the bounty program. Guess how much you'll earn once you find a bug. Guess how much Sony will pay you once you find a PS4 bug On Wednesday, June 24, Sony company announced the opening to the public of its PlayStation bug bounty program. Like Apple, Google, and Netflix, the bug bounty program serves as a medium for gamers to earn money by finding PS4 and PlayStation network discrepancies. Sony will be partnering with bug bounty page HackerOne that will help run the program. All entries-- from small irregularities to huge hacking stunts-- that will be submitted on the platform will bee rewarded with specific bounty. Unfortunately, Sony will be unable to "award a bounty to researchers who reside in a country that is subject to United States export sanctions or trade restrictions." "We believe that through working with the security research community, we can deliver a safer place to play," said PlayStation. "We have partnered with HackerOne to help run this program, and we are inviting the security research community, gamers, and anyone else to test the security of PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Network." READ ALSO: Persona 4 Golden Guide: How to Get All Endings, Including the True (Best) Ending So, how much are we talking about? READ ALSO: Republicans are Pushing Tech Giants Like Facebook to Allow Access to Encrypted Data With New Bill Every irregularity costs an amount of bounty for each bug hunter that will join the program. HackerOne reported that low priority issues on PlayStation Network will be rewarded with $100-- the minimum amount Sony pays its bug hunter. On the other hand, critical issues on the network will be given up to $3,000. For PS4 gamers, the minimum prize for low bug irregularities cost as low as $500. Other prizes involve medium issues that cost $2,500, high issues worth $10,000, and those critical problems on PS4 that may cost as high as $50,000 will be rewarded to its hunters. Since the program involves a lot of money, Sony and HackerOne also want to make sure all entries are legit and not self-inflicted on their software and hardware. Here are the requirements to join: Act in good faith Don't publicize what you find out (before Sony receives your entry) Don't view, use, alter, transfer, or access any data (personal or otherwise) within Sony's environment Don't intentionally disrupt, and avoid and minimize the impact, degradation or harm to performance and operations of their system. Sony reserves the right to refuse and terminate the program as needed. Within the last 90 days, Sony already received 120 reports, 88 reports resolved, and 41 hackers joining the program. An estimated total of $170,000 was already paid on bug hunters. ALSO READ: Upcoming Games 2020: PS5 Confirms More Than 70 Games and Crash Bandicoot 4 on PC 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Congress has used the claims of a ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader about Chinese intrusions in Arunachal Pradesh to attack the government on the border standoff with China, asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come clean on the remarks of his party colleague. The opposition party played a video of BJP leader Tapir Gaos speech in Lok Sabha in November 2019, when he said Chinese forces had intruded into Indian territory in his home state of Arunachal Pradesh. But the government remained silent on the issue, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari told a virtual news briefing. He said Gao had claimed in a recent TV interview that China has occupied areas on both banks of Subansiri river in Arunachal Pradeshs Upper Subansiri district and on the Indian side of the McMahon Line. Will the prime minister and his government come clean on the claims made by the BJP MP? Tewari asked. BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said: Instead of resorting to a daily questionnaire for seeking media attention and for political relevance, perhaps the Congress party may wish to see how other political parties prefer reposing faith in the capabilities of the armed forces, which have been valiantly trying to protect the borders. Following a meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party has stepped up its attack on Modi and his party despite senior leader RPN Singh calling for a refrain on direct attacks on the premier. Singh was countered by other Congress leaders, who insisted that the attack should be calibrated and not by former Congress president Rahul Gandhi alone. Asked about the differences on the issue in the CWC, Tewari retorted: Unfortunately, when speculative stories start being taken as gospel, we run the gauntlet of actually arriving at wrong conclusions. The CWC is not divided on the mishandling of the Covid-19 pandemic, as to how that mishandling has crippled the Indian economy and on the question of Chinas intrusion, aggression abd occupation of Indian territory. CWC is a democratic deliberative body where everybody has a right to articulate their views but there has been no dissent. He said the same pattern was seen during the UPA government but is missing during the NDA rule. Tewari said ever since reports about Chinese incursions into Indian territory emerged, the government has been walking the extra mile to downplay these reports and was trying to obfuscate the facts on the ground. Flanked by party colleague and Lok Sabha member Gaurav Gogoi, he sought to know from the government if what Gao, a former Arunachal Pradesh BJP chief, was saying was right or not. What is the truth behind what Tapir Gao is saying? There should be an immediate clarification from the government, Tewari said. The Congress also said the government should give a strong reply to China as regular dialogues would not work, and use other means to take it on. Gogoi said India cannot afford to have another Doklam-like situation in Ladakh and needs to look at other forms of leverage such as trade to have successful negotiations with China. Indian and Chinese forces were engaged in a 73-day stand-off in Doklam near Sikkim in 2017 after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese army. The government should not look at whats happening in Arunachal Pradesh or Ladakh as isolated incidents. These are grand designs and need to be responded strongly, Gogoi said. China needs a strong response from India, as regular dialogues wont work. Despite all meetings, the Chinese launched a strong, premeditated attack. China has learnt one thing from the Doklam episode, that the Modi government is willing to settle for a military disengagement, he added. Gogoi said the pattern of the Chinese army shows that they are gradually encroaching on Indian territory across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the responsibility of protecting Indian territory lies solely with the government of India. Tewari said Gao has also claimed that the army has set up another base called new Majha, deeper in Indian territory after Chinese aggressions. We do know something with regard to Galwan Valley, Pangong lake, and Hot Springs area in the western sector, and with regard to Chinese intrusion in Naku La in the central sector. But facts continue to remain opaque on the eastern sector which is perhaps most disputed, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 18:10:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LAGOS, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Authorities in Nigeria's Borno state said 2,000 former combatants have completed social integration in the northeast state worst hit by the Boko Haram insurgency. Zuwaira Gambo, commissioner for women affairs and social development in the state, told reporters in Maiduguri, the state capital on Wednesday that many of the ex-combatants, who were trained on various skills, were discovered to be innocent civilians picked up during mass arrests by security agencies. The official, who said the waging of war against insurgents has been on the front burner of the state administration, added that a total of 2,000 ex-combatants have been rehabilitated and reunited with their families to practice skills learnt over the years and live life as responsible citizens. "Therefore de-radicalization, rehabilitation and reunification of former insurgents have received great attention through the provision of adequate food, shelter and psycho-social support to former members of the dreaded sect at the Bulumkutu rehabilitation center," she said. Since 2009 when Boko Haram launched its first attack in Nigeria, the terrorist sect has remained a significant security and economic threat to the countries of the Lake Chad region. Enditem The federal judge presiding over the yearslong reform of the Albuquerque Police Department ruled against the police union earlier this month in a move that the city says will allow it to enact a more stringent standard for when officers can use force. At issue was a sentence in the departments new use-of-force policies, implemented in January, that reads: Supervisors and (Force Investigation Section) detectives shall consider the facts that a reasonable officer on scene would have known at the time the officer used force in evaluating whether the force was in compliance with department policy. In a motion filed last year, the Albuquerque Police Officers Association argued, among other things, that the sentence was vague and undefined and its difficult to determine what facts a reasonable officer would have known. It asked for the sentence to be replaced with: The determination of objectively reasonable is based on the totality of the circumstances and the facts known to the officer at the time of the incident. But U.S. District Judge James Browning overruled the unions objections, saying he can only amend the use-of-force policy if it violates the constitution, federal law or the court-approved settlement agreement between the city and the Department of Justice. He found it did not. He said the language in the use-of-force policy is consistent with the objective-reasonableness standard laid out by the U.S. Supreme Court in the Graham v. Connor case, which defines when an officer can legally use force and how much force can be used. For instance, the determination whether a reasonable officer would have known that the offender suffered from mental illness is not based on whether it surfaces after the situation that the offender suffered from mental illness, Browning wrote. Instead, the determination is based on whether a reasonable officer at the crime scene would have known from the circumstances that a person suffered mental illness. It took the city years to revise APDs use-of-force policies in a manner consistent with the court-approved settlement agreement. The city entered into the agreement after a Department of Justice investigation found APD had a pattern of excessive force against citizens. A key component of the Settlement Agreement with the DOJ and the work to repair APDs relationship with the public was an overhaul of the departments Use of Force Policies, city spokeswoman Jessie Damazyn wrote in a news release about Judge Brownings ruling. An independent monitor overseeing the reforms has generally been complimentary of the city and APD since Mayor Tim Keller took office, saying there has been a change in attitude and level of cooperation. However, he has also pointed to a culture in the mid-level management that continues to resist reform. One of Australia's highest-earning CEOs, who started his career as a pizza delivery boy has snapped up a multi-million dollar property on Australia's Glitter Strip. Domino's Pizza boss Don Meij, 51, rose through the ranks to the chain's top job after starting his career as a delivery driver for Silvios Dial-a-Pizza at Redcliffe. Mr Meij, who earned more than 435 times the average Australian salary in 2018 has reportedly forked out $5.35million for a full-floor apartment on the Gold Coast. One of Australia's highest-earning CEOs Don Meij (pictured) who started his career as a pizza delivery boy has snapped up a multi-million dollar property on Australia's Glitter Strip Mr Meij, who earns more than 435 times the average Australian salary has reportedly forked out $5.35million for a full-floor apartment on the Gold Coast The apartment is in the eight-story Main Beach SEA building and spans 367 square metres featuring three ensuite bedrooms. two living areas and a study, reports the Gold Coast Bulletin. Other high flyers who have owned property in the apartment block include VIP Pet Foods founder Tony Quinn, cotton farmer Alan Frost and car dealer Greg Eastment. The father-of-four wouldn't' comment on the sale but a spokesperson said he had 'long been an admirer of the beauty of the Gold Coast.' The apartment is in the eight-story Main Beach SEA building and spans 367 square metres The property was purchased by cotton farmer Alan Frost for $5million last year before selling it for only a small profit. Dominos Pizza is one of several Australian businesses which has actually profited during COVID-19, due to a surge in take-out and home delivery. The company's share price topped $68AUD on the Australian Stock Exchange this week. Mr Meij's remarkable rise to the top began when he was delivering meals for Silvio's Dial-a-Pizza - at the same time juggling a university degree with dreams of becoming a teacher or a policeman. His delivery job turned into a management position and, in 1993, Silvio's brought the Domino's brand to Australia from the US. It features three ensuite bedrooms. two living areas and a beach view Three years later, Meij purchased his own Domino's franchise with his then-wife Esme Meij, and within five years he owned 17 stores across the country. In 2001, the father-of-four and another franchise owner, Grant Bourke, merged their stores and bought a quarter share of Domino's Australia, with Meij taking up the chief executive role. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Dominos Australia for comment. Photo: The Canadian Press FILE - In this April 21, 2020, file photo Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin speaks about the coronavirus in the James Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington. The Trump administration has abruptly dropped on Friday, June 19, its insistence on secrecy for a $600 billion-plus coronavirus aid program for small businesses. Mnuchin refused to do so at a Senate hearing last week, saying the data was Auproprietary information.Au (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File) Nearly 1.1 million coronavirus relief payments totalling some $1.4 billion went to dead people, a government watchdog reported Thursday. Legal and political issues hang over the misdirected taxpayer funds, the latest example of errors in massive aid being dispensed at crisis speed. As of May 31, about 160 million so-called economic impact payments totalling $269 billion were sent to taxpayers as part of the $2.4 trillion coronavirus relief package enacted in March. The Government Accountability Office, Congress' auditing arm, cited the number of erroneous payments to deceased taxpayers in its report on the government programs. While the government has asked survivors to return the money, it's not clear they have to. It also may be a politically sensitive gambit for the Treasury Department to aggressively seek to claw back the money, especially because some recipients may have died in the early months of this year from COVID-19. When billions in aid are rushed out the door in a crisis, these are the kinds of things that happen," said Lisa Gilbert, executive vice-president of advocacy group Public Citizen. Gilbert acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue. But, she added, "it's a big number, particularly at this moment when our economy is in free-fall. It's a large amount of taxpayer money that's not doing what it was intended to do." The errors occurred mainly because of a lag in reporting data on who is deceased. It's a lapse that tax experts say is almost inevitable. The revelation of more than $1 billion in public money erroneously paid out shines a light on the part of the government's massive relief program with which most ordinary Americans are most familiar. It follows disclosures that several major restaurant chains and other publicly traded companies had received emergency loans under the $670 billion program for the nation's struggling small businesses. GAO found that more than $1 trillion in taxpayer funds have already been obligated including more than $1 billion to deceased individuals with little transparency into how that money is being spent," Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee, said in a statement. The IRS didn't use death records to prevent payments to deceased individuals for the first three batches of payments because of the legal interpretation the agency was operating under, the GAO report says. The IRS asked in May for the money back from the deceased taxpayers' survivors. Some legal experts have said the government may not have the legal authority to require that it be returned. Spokespeople for the Treasury Department and the IRS didn't return requests for comment Thursday on the report. Treasury pointed to its current guidance, indicating that the government's position remains that the survivors must return the money to the IRS. The payments were by paper check, direct deposit or debit card. All adults earning up to $75,000 in adjusted gross income annually were entitled to $1,200; that amount steadily declined for those earning more and phased out for people earning over $99,000. Up to $500 per qualifying child also was paid. Former Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson has said there is nothing in the law prohibiting payments from going to the deceased. Nor is there anything in the law requiring people to return the payments. She notes that the language used on the IRS website does not say that returning the payments is required by law. The relief payments were made to taxpayers based on the information filed on their 2019 or 2018 taxes. But it is considered a rebate on 2020 taxes. The government used the previous tax forms to help speed along payments to the public to offset some of the economic devastation from the coronavirus pandemic. But some people who filed those taxes may no longer be alive. Those payments are sent to an heir or executor of their estate. If the payment is based off a final tax return completed after their death, an economic impact payment check may even denote, next to that person's name, that the individual is deceased. I think the IRS will do little or nothing to pursue collection of these payments, Keith Fogg, clinical professor at Harvard and an expert in tax law, said Thursday. The cheapest way for the IRS to collect is offset of a future refund. That avenue will not exist for these taxpayers. I dont think the IRS will take the somewhat difficult steps to pursue the heirs for this amount of money. A correction's officer allegedly beat a Florida prison inmate to death while being restrained with handcuffs. Christopher Howell, 51 years old, was reportedly serving a four-year sentence at Lake County's Lake Correctional Institution during the incident. Beaten to death The report also stated Howell was in handcuffs when the officer beat him to death. The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC), however, declined to give comments on the case while saying the victim was pronounced dead in a hospital on Friday, as reported by CBS News. One spokesman for the department said they are not able to release the names of involved officers in the investigations but revealed that the officers had been placed on administrative leave. The inmate was two years into his sentence after he was arrested for the robbery of four cell phone chargers and a holding knife worth $8. Arrest warrants wrote that Howell was sentenced to four years in prison for charges of theft and assault using a deadly weapon. It was also revealed that he returned two of the stolen chargers to the store he got them from. When asked about the other two chargers, he threatened the store personnel with his knife. On Friday night, the department released a statement that named no one and said that it would look into the case and if any employee was found to have acted out of conduct or with illegal intentions, they would face appropriate punishment including dismissal and arrest. According to the Miami Herald, the FDC does not tolerate its staff's misconduct and those that go against their core values. Howell was locked in prison one month before the suspected officer involved in the killing was hired. Howell was planned to be released from prison on June 3, 2022. Also Read: Police Arrest 16-Year-Old For Allegedly Killign 4 People Including Pregnant Woman Used As Human Shield The affidavit of Howell's arrest also noted he was labelled as "disabled" and had a juvenile disposition. He was, however, not under the influence of alcohol or drugs during the encounter with police officers. The officer suspected of the murder allegedly beat Howell after the inmate refused orders from corrections personnel while two others watched without intervening. Not the first time The incident is not the first time that FDC encountered alleged violence in its institution with the involvement of its employees. In a youtube video last year that was allegedly recorded from inside the institute showed a group of officers punching an inmate in the head in turns, as reported by Daily Mail. The Office of the Inspector General of the department along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has conducted an investigation into the death of Howell. On Tuesday, advocates are set to protest along with the office of Lake County State Attorney Brad King and will demand to have the officers involved be charged. The officer in question had not been arrested as of Monday afternoon. Tampa Democrat Dianne Hart, who spoke several times with Howell's family had called for the arrest of the officer. Hart added that since August 2019, there had been more than 60 arrests of correctional officers, contract workers, and medical personnel made over different illegal activities. She questioned if the FDC was building up for future illegal activities. Related Article: Blood Bath in NYC: 125 Shootings Recorded in 72 Hours, The Worst Streak in 24 Years @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 25, 2020 | 04:19 PM | FRANKFORT Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary, Eric Friedlander, announced that beginning Monday, the state will allow visitation at assisted living facilities and personal care homes. The new guidance allows for group activities of ten or fewer, communal dining, and off-site appointments. Beginning July 15, visitation will resume in nursing homes and in intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. As of Thursday there are 280 new cases of the virus across the state. There have been at least 375,636 Kentuckians tested for the virus, with 14,617 testing positive. Beshear reported eight new deaths, bringing the total number of deaths to 546. The deaths include a 69-year-old man from Christian County. At least 3,719 Kentuckians have recovered from the virus. During his Thursday update, Governor Andy Beshear provided the latest COVID-19 numbers and announced new guidance for assisted living facilities. 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 Narrowing of Price Range of its Initial Public Offering Liege, Belgium June 24, 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 the narrowing of its price range from between EUR 10.00 and EUR 11.50 to between EUR 10.75 and EUR 11.50 per Offered Share, following the launch of its initial public offering on 17 June 20201 and in accordance with the possibility provided for in the Information on the Offering chapter of the Prospectus dated 16 June 2020. The maximum size of the offering is fully covered throughout this revised range. 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 "Joint Global Coordinators") 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. 1 Please also see the press release in relation to the launch of the Offering, dated 17 June 2020; the press release in relation to the covering of the base offering throughout the price range, dated 18 June 2020; and the press release in relation to the covering of the maximum size of the offering at the midpoint of the price range, dated 19 June 2020. Privately-held Chinese technology giant Huawei said it received planning permission in Cambridge, eastern England, to erect a 50,000 square metre compound over nine acres (3.6 hectares) Huawei said Thursday it will invest $1.2 billion in a chip research and manufacturing centre in Britain that has been strongly opposed by the United States. The privately-held Chinese technology giant said it received planning permission in Cambridge, eastern England, to erect a 50,000 square metre compound over nine acres (3.6 hectares). "Ultimately, we want to help enshrine the UK's leading position in optoelectronics and promote UK tech on a global scale," Huawei vice-president said in a company statement. The announcement comes in the middle of a UK government review of its contested decision to plug the firm's technology into Britain's speedy 5G data network. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is facing growing pressure from his own Conservative party to reassess Britain's entire range of relations with China. US officials argue that Huawei could spy on Western communications or simply shut down the UK network under orders from Beijinga charge the company furiously denies. British security agencies are more worried that some of Huawei's equipment has vulnerabilities that could be potentially exploited by nefarious state actors and hackers. Huawei's position has been complicated further by the US administration's decision to roll out a new wave of sanctions aimed at crippling the company's production of the chips used in 5G. The firm said its new centre in central England would not manufacture anything liable to US sanctions. It said the project would create 400 local jobsa promise that the local planning authority took into account when it gave Huawei the formal go-ahead. "In considering this application, the council can only consider the planning merits of the proposals and not the proposed occupier and user," Greater Cambridge planning service member Chris Carter said. Shrinking advantage Johnson's government promised in January to cut Huawei out of the most sensitive element of 5G and limit its involvement in all the new UK networks to 35 percent. He is also reportedly considering whether it is feasible to root out Huawei from the network entirely by the end of 2023. Huawei managed to establish a huge lead over global rivals by producing relatively inexpensive but advanced equipment on a mass scale in the past 10 years. But some experts believe that its advantages are slowly shrinking due to its struggles with restricted access to US chips and research. Johnson has been pushing the United States and technologically advanced nations in Europe and Asia to form a global allianced focused on joint 5G development. The head of Ericsson's Europe division said Thursday he was confident that his Swedish firm could replace all of China's 5G equipment in UK networks should the government order it to be stripped out. "We are not betting our financial plan on the UK government making certain decisions which benefit Ericsson," Arun Bansal told Sky News. "But my hope is that with the government's ambition, we canas a partner in the ecosystemmake the UK the leading country in 5G," he said. 2020 AFP Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Kyodo News) Yokohama, Japan Thu, June 25, 2020 15:09 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406619aab4 2 Lifestyle Japan,smartphone,walking,Yamato Free Yamato on Thursday became the first municipality in Japan to attempt to stop people using their smartphones while walking outside in public places. Following the passage of a draft ordinance in the city's assembly in Kanagawa Prefecture, the rule will come into effect next Wednesday. It does not, however, carry any penalties for those who ignore it. The city said it hopes people will recognize that "smartphones should be used when not in motion." According to the ordinance, pedestrians should stop at a place where they are not obstructing traffic if they want to use their smartphones in public spaces, such as on streets and in parks. In January, the city conducted a study at two locations, observing a total of about 6,000 pedestrians, and found that roughly 12 percent of pedestrians were using their smartphones while walking. Following the survey, the draft ordinance was submitted to the city's assembly on June 1. Topics : Japan smartphone walking Yamato "Where available, Google will also offer to pay for free access for users to read paywalled articles on a publishers site. This will let paywalled publishers grow their audiences and open an opportunity for people to read content they might not ordinarily see." "Today, we are announcing a licensing program to pay publishers for high-quality content for a new news experience launching later this year," Google News' vice president of product management Brad Bender said. The $US978 billion ($1.4 trillion) company, which has long resisted paying publishers for news, announced a new licensing program in a blog post late on Thursday afternoon and revealed it had signed partnerships with publishers in Germany, Brazil and Australia. Google has bowed to global pressure from regulators and lawmakers and agreed to pay some publishers for news content in a major strategic shift by the search advertising giant. Industry sources said the search giant was in advanced talks with Antony Catalano's Australian Community Media, which owns more than 100 regional titles, while Schwartz Media, publisher of The Saturday Paper, Private Media, publisher of Crikey and Solstice Media's InDaily and InQueensland have already signed deals with the company. Specific details of how the program will work have not been disclosed, but the decision to license content is a strong pivot away from Google's public stance on the value news brings to its search engine. Google closed its news service in Spain in 2014 after legislation was introduced requiring it to pay publishers. When France attempted to make Google pay for publishers content last year, the tech giant said it would change the way articles appear in search results. The change in stance from Google comes as Australia's competition regulator prepares to announce a compulsory code that will force the tech giants to pay local publishers for the use of news content. Google Australia's boss Melanie Silva has been vocal about the tech giant's refusal to pay for content and has argued that news adds little value to the platform ever since the Morrison government announced the code would be mandatory in April. "The direct economic value Google gets from news content in Search is very small. Google last year generated approximately $10 million in revenuenot profitfrom clicks on ads against possible news-related queries in Australia," Ms Silva said last month. "The indirect economic value Google gets from news in Google Search is also very small." Policing can be grueling work that often wears on the people doing it, in part because of the nature of the job and its life-or-death decisions, according to experts and officials. Many officers across the country say they feel under attack because of the actions of a few, but activists and protesters argue that systemic racism, abuse and brutality within police departments has been overlooked and allowed to go on for far too long. Click here to read the full article. Taraneh Alidoosti, star of Asghar Farhadis The Salesman and one of Irans most popular female actors, is set to receive a five-month prison sentence on charges of anti-government activism, BBC Persia has reported. The BBC Persia report cited Alidoostis lawyer Kaveh Rad who tweeted that the sentence has been suspended for two years and would be officially announced in July 1. The news was also confirmed to Variety by Iranian actor Babak Karimi who co-starred with Alidoosti in The Salesman and, like Alidoosti, appears in several other Farhadi films. More from Variety Karimi added that Alidoosti was at home. He called the sentence an act of intimidation by Iranian authorities after she shared a video on Twitter of a member of Irans plainclothes morality police insulting and attacking a woman on the street for not wearing the hijab headscarf. In January, Alidoosti sharply criticized Iranian authorities when she told her 5.8 million followers on Instagram that we are not citizens, we are captives, millions of captives, in a post that was subsequently removed. London-based Iran International TV reported that on Jan. 21, Alidoosti was summoned to Branch 9 of the Culture and Media Prosecutors Office, charged with propaganda activities against the state and released on bail. Alidoosti, who is described by some as Irans Natalie Portman, has previously used social media to express her outrage. In 2017, she boycotted the Academy Awards ceremony, where The Salesman scooped the best foreign language film Oscar. She also declared Donald Trumps visa ban at the time racist via Twitter. Story continues She previously caused an uproar in Tehran in 2006 when, during the Cannes press conference for The Salesman, a woman power symbol of a raised fist emerged sticking out from under her sleeve. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives Aguila Saleh said his country will need the backing of the Egyptian Armed Forces in the war against terrorists and mercenaries. Speaking to Extra News TV channel on Thursday, he stressed that the Egyptian initiative to settle the Libyan crisis and the call for a ceasefire has led to a radical change as regards the uncontrolled arming of the warring parties in the Arab country. Saleh praised the stance of the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and the recent warning on the war in Libya. He said that the Libyan people nationwide support all efforts exerted by Sisi for reaching a ceasefire in Libya and preserving Libyan national security. In an interview with MENA, he added that the Libyan House of Representatives is the only elected authority that is representing the Libyan people. The Libyan factions are all supporting efforts by president Sisi to end the Libyan crisis including the Cairo Declaration on a ceasefire and resuming political dialogue along with Egypt's readiness for military intervention in Libya in a legitimate way to support the Libyan people and preserve their resources against attempts by foreign powers to control these resources, he added. The Libyan speaker expressed appreciation for president Sisi for his stances supporting the Libyan people. The Libyans will never forget the stances of President Sisi, he confirmed. President Sisi, he added, has never been biased to any party against another and Egypt's intervention in Libya is not for supporting one party against another party. Egypt is always calling on all parties concerned to engage in dialogue and work for reaching a peaceful solution, he pointed out. Saleh also expressed appreciation for the Egyptian people who have always been supporting Libya throughout history. He pointed out that Egypt has never interfered in the internal affairs of any other country. Rather, Egypt is always working for the establishment of peace and is calling on all Libyan parties to work for reaching a peaceful solution to the Libyan crisis, he noted. The Libyan speaker said he delivered a speech in January at the Egyptian House of Representatives and underlined that the Libyan people would need the support of the Egyptian Armed Forces. The Libyan people are officially asking Egypt to intervene, when necessary, with armed forces in Libya to preserve the Libyan national security and the Egyptian national security, he pointed out. The Egyptian intervention in this case will be a legitimate self-defence if terrorists trespassed the red line set by President Sisi, he added. "If the red line of Sirte is trespassed by terrorists, we will ask for the intervention of the Egyptian Armed Forces for supporting the Libyan army and in this case the Egyptian intervention will be for protecting its rights and will be according to a mandate by the Libyan people", he noted. Answering a question on the Libyan army's movement in Tripoli, he noted that the army moved after Turkey had sent more than 15,000 mercenaries into the Libyan capital. Therefore the army moved in response to international calls for a ceasefire and according to international initiatives including the Cairo Declaration Initiative that was announced on June 6 under the auspices of President Sisi. As for the stance of the international community on the recent developments in Libya, he said that there is a total agreement by the international community that the Egyptian initiative is the only solution to end the Libyan crisis. As for the international arms embargo on Libya, he said that this embargo is imposed only on the Libyan national army while arms are flowing to the militiamen. Search Keywords: Short link: More Vietnamese nationals repatriated due to Covid-19 Hundreds of Vietnamese people from Japan and Taiwan have been brought home on June 24 due to Covid-19 concerns and prevention. 360 people return to Vietnam from Japan 361 people including 40 children and the elderly, 72 people with grave illnesses, 119 pregnant women, 20 people with expired contracts, and students and relatives with expired visas and three Japanese people landed in safety at Danang International Airport. All passengers had their temperature checked and brought to the quarantine areas. All procedures were carried out carefully at the airport to avoid any accidents. 343 people return from Taiwan On the same day, the flight carrying 343 Vietnamese people from Taiwan also landed at Tan Son Nhat Airport in HCM City. The flight was organised by the Vietnam Economic and Culture Office in Taipei, Vietnam Airlines, and the authorities in Vietnam and Taiwan. The Vietnam Economic and Culture Office in Taipei has supported everyone in need to board the flight and sent employees to work with Vietnam Airlines to help the passengers at the airport. Vietnam Airlines said they had strictly followed all protocols to ensure everyone's safety before, during and after the flight. The passengers have been checked and sent to quarantine areas. Wisconsin school leaders say they are facing significant financial, logistic and regulatory hurdles for returning students to classrooms in the fall and asked state lawmakers for help Wednesday navigating an education system turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic. During a nearly seven-hour Assembly Education Committee hearing on schools reopening, legislators probed recently released guidelines from the state Department of Public Instruction on how to return students to the classroom in the fall. We expect schools to reopen in the fall, Jennifer Kammerud, senior policy analyst at DPI, said at the committee hearing, which was billed as an opportunity for schools to respond to DPIs reopening guidance. How they reopen will be dependent on local school districts. At the same meeting, public school administrators implored lawmakers to spare education spending if lower-than-expected tax revenues mean the state needs to cut its own budget in the form of a budget repair bill. Heads of private schools asked for flexibility with regulatory red tape they said makes it difficult to get necessary pandemic-related waivers. And public and private school leaders alike advocated for expanded broadband access and to give legal immunity to schools if students or staff become infected with the coronavirus. Well open schools as safely as we can in an environment we cannot predict, Superintendent Josh Robinson said over video chat from his office in the Frederic School District. Your support and trust will go a long way in opening as safely as we can. Guidance sought During the hearing, Kammerud clarified a recommendation from DPI of class sizes of 10 or fewer students included in the guidance dubbed Education Forward was not intended to be a gold standard. She said several references to the 10-student class size in the 87-page guidance document, which offers suggestions on a range of topics to be considered before reopening, will be revised after fielding questions from several school districts following its release Monday. The guidance is not a mandate, and DPI officials have said it will be ever-evolving. Education Committee Chairman Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt, R-Fond du Lac, said the guidance was a comprehensive tool for reopening, but his main disappointment was not seeing enough emphasis on attending school five days a week. The guidance includes several examples of modified schedules that districts can consider for a hybrid model of education with both in-person and online learning, such as an A/B schedule where students are divided into two groups and attend classes every other week. There is nothing in there for that kind of school, Thiesfeldt said of full-week, in-person classes. I would think we should start with the most minimal interruption to the school day and if we have to make changes going forward, we would do that. Kammerud said a lot of DPIs recommendations, such as classroom modifications for physical distancing and other safety precautions, are applicable to districts that decide to go fully in-person, as well as others who take a hybrid approach. If they want to go five days, they should go five days, she said. Regardless of what you do, these are things you should think about. School input The hearing brought speakers both in person and over video chat from DPI and eight organizations representing school sports, rural districts, private schools and school boards to speak to the challenges theyre facing and plans to reopen. Most people stressed the academic importance and broader societal importance of reopening school in the fall, particularly with the pandemic exacerbating existing disparities once schools were ordered closed in mid-March to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Kim Desotell, president of GRACE, a group of private Catholic schools in the Green Bay area, said her schools intend to hold classes five days a week with rigorous instruction to respond to the knowledge crisis caused by the pandemic. She said DPIs guidance is light on suggestions of how to provide rigorous coursework. This 87-page plan, really heavy, really long, doesnt contain a lot of direction on how we do teaching and learning well, Desotell said. Thats a miss. We need to do that better, and we need to make sure to get really good guidance on that as well. But Jeff Weiss, superintendent of the South Milwaukee School District, said he never expected to see DPIs guidance speak to academic rigor, saying thats a subject for which school leaders are responsible. What was helpful was the different array of options and how can we get back in the fall, Weiss said about the guidance. Rural concerns When rural school district administrators spoke, they highlighted challenges with internet access and a lack of school nurses critical components to educating students remotely or assessing a students health. Superintendent Ben Niehaus said his small Florence School District in far northeastern Wisconsin has no dedicated school nurse for either its elementary or shared middle and high school buildings. Robinson, superintendent of the Frederic School District, said his rural northwestern district needed to buy $10,000 worth of mobile internet hotspots, but he said not every student has access to internet and the hotspots dont supplement reliable broadband internet. Already facing increased costs and fearful of spending cuts, school administrators told the Education Committee they want statutory changes to provide legal immunity from civil liability if someone gets sick from the coronavirus in school. The Legislature approved a similar measure for health care providers earlier this year. What was helpful was the different array of options and how can we get back in the fall. Jeff Weiss, superintendent of the South Milwaukee School District Seoul: Pirates kidnapped five South Koreans and a Ghanaian after boarding their fishing vessel off Benin, Seoul's foreign ministry and the International Maritime Bureau said Thursday. The Ghanaian-flagged Panofi Frontier with 30 crew on board was attacked on Wednesday about 60 nautical miles south of the Beninese capital Cotonou, they both said. Seoul's foreign ministry said five of its nationals were seized along with a Ghanaian, and that the vessel had 24 more crew members on board. "Currently, the identity and the whereabouts of the kidnappers have not been identified," it said in a statement, adding it was working with the relevant countries to secure the Koreans' release. The International Maritime Bureau in Kuala Lumpur confirmed the attack by "armed pirates" and issued a warning to seafarers. "All vessels are advised to maintain a vigilant anti-piracy watch and measures including at anchorages," it said in an alert. The incident comes about a month after eight foreign crew members kidnapped from a Singapore-owned container ship off Cotonou were freed. Benin lies at the heart of the Gulf of Guinea, which stretches 5,700 kilometres (3,500 miles) from Senegal to Angola. Coastal waters in the centre of the vast region have become an epicentre of pirate attacks, lootings and kidnappings for ransom. Many of the pirates come from Nigeria. The perpetrators are "increasingly seeking to target vulnerable vessels in waters beyond the traditional heartland of the Southern Niger Delta," said Dryad Global, a British maritime intelligence firm. While an investigation into the death was started right away, Magnus said the footage of the incident was not immediately reviewed by him or other department leaders. To address this issue, he said that a new policy requires that at least two assistant police chiefs view any footage involving an in-custody death within 48 hours. I accept responsibility for both these serious missteps, although I believe neither was the result of any sort of malevolence or deliberate attempt to hide anything, Magnus said. But I realize, given the times were in, any mistakes of this kind are viewed with great suspicion and contribute to the lack of trust in the police. According to Magnus, this is the 12th in-custody death that has occurred with TPD over the last 10 years. Seven of those deaths were determined to be suicide and the remaining five people died after being restrained. Each case was carefully reviewed and no officers in prior cases were found to be criminally responsible, he said. Rightfully outraged During the news conference, Romero emphasized the need to make changes that support the safety of the community. Shares of Beyond Meat fell 7% in morning trading after the CBC reported that McDonald's stopped testing a burger made with its patties in Canada. In a tweet to a consumer asking about the burger, McDonald's Canada said that the test ended April 6. The chain has no plans to bring back the item at this time. McDonald's stock was trading down 1%. "We can only comment generally and share that we were pleased with the test," a Beyond spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC. Beyond Meat CEO Ethan Brown told analysts in early May that the test concluded "for no negative reason at all." "I mean, we feel very good about our relationship with McDonald's. And what's going to be happening both, there and potentially elsewhere," Brown said. "So, by the nature of it being a test, it had a beginning and an end." In September, McDonald's joined the push for more meat alternatives in North America when it started testing the meat-free P.L.T. burger in southwestern Ontario. The test expanded to another 24 locations in January for a 12-week test. McDonald's said in a statement that there has been no change to its relationship with Beyond Meat. "We're evaluating learnings from our recent test to inform future menu options. As we look ahead, we will plan to bring plant-based options to the menu at the right time for customers in individual markets," the company said. Other international McDonald's markets have found more success with meatless burgers. Restaurants in Germany, for example, have added veggie burgers made by Nestle to their menus. In the United States, McDonald's has yet to test a vegan burger. The coronavirus pandemic led the chain to streamline its menus temporarily and to push back product launches, including a new chicken sandwich. Rival Burger King has been serving an Impossible Whopper nationwide for nearly a year. The Restaurant Brands International chain recently announced that it will be adding a meat-free breakfast sandwich to national menus. Beyond's stock, which has a market value of $8.9 billion, has risen nearly 84% so far this year. Shares of McDonald's, which has a market value of $140 billion, has fallen 8% in 2020. Technavio has been monitoring the automotive off-road lighting market and it is poised to grow by USD 3.84 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 7% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005385/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Automotive Off-road Lighting 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. C.G. Motorsports Inc., Grote Industries LLC, Guangzhou Teehon Electronics Co. Ltd., Hella GmbH Co. KGaA, KC HiLiTES Inc., Lazer Lamps Ltd., Oracle Lighting, OSRAM Licht AG, Truck-Lite Co. LLC, and Valeo SA are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. Introduction of electric off-road vehicles has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Automotive Off-road Lighting Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Automotive Off-road Lighting Market is segmented as below: End-user Aftermarket OEMs 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=IRTNTR44035 Automotive Off-road Lighting 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 automotive off-road lighting market report covers the following areas: Automotive Off-road Lighting Market size Automotive Off-road Lighting Market trends Automotive Off-road Lighting Market analysis This study identifies innovation in automotive lighting for off-road vehicles as one of the prime reasons driving the automotive off-road lighting market growth during the next few years. Automotive Off-road Lighting Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of vendors operating in the automotive off-road lighting market, including some of the vendors such as C.G. Motorsports Inc., Grote Industries LLC, Guangzhou Teehon Electronics Co. Ltd., Hella GmbH Co. KGaA, KC HiLiTES Inc., Lazer Lamps Ltd., Oracle Lighting, OSRAM Licht AG, Truck-Lite Co. LLC, and Valeo SA. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the automotive off-road lighting 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 Automotive Off-road Lighting Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist automotive off-road lighting market growth during the next five years Estimation of the automotive off-road lighting market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the automotive off-road lighting market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of automotive off-road lighting 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 End-user Market segments Comparison by End-user Aftermarket Market size and forecast 2019-2024 OEMs Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by End-user Customer Landscape Overview 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 Overview Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors C.G. Motorsports Inc. Grote Industries LLC Guangzhou Teehon Electronics Co. Ltd. Hella GmbH Co. KGaA KC HiLiTES Inc. Lazer Lamps Ltd. Oracle Lighting OSRAM Licht AG Truck-Lite Co. LLC Valeo SA 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/20200625005385/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/ Fewer Black executives were added to the boards of S&P 500 companies at a time when corporate America has made diversity a top priority. While CEO action plans after last month's police killing of George Floyd and the subsequent protests against racial inequalities may take time to effect change, a new analysis shows that Blacks only accounted for 11% of new directors over the past year; down from 13% representation in the same period a year ago. According to the 2020 S&P 500 Board Diversity Report from executive search firm Spencer Stuart, nearly all of the top 200 publicly traded firms have minority directors. However, people of color make up only 20% of all board members at those firms; up just 1 percentage point from last year. Painfully slow board turnover is one of the main culprits, said Julie Hembrock Daum, who leads Spencer Stuart's North American board practice. "In any given year, there's about 8% board seats that turn. This year, there were fewer than there were last year, so there are just fewer opportunities to bring new people into the boardroom. And think that has a lot to do with the slow change for both women and minorities," Daum told CNBC. Minority women made no progress, with board representation stuck at 10% in 2020. The latest findings raise an important question: Can companies prioritize diversity if it's not reflected in the boardroom where the big decisions are made? "I think people understand now that it's important, and it's not going to go away and all of us are going to be looking at companies and what they do at their boards and at their management team," Daum said. Minority board representation tends to vary among different sectors. "Utilities, energy and real-estate are infrastructure-heavy businesses, with long capital investment cycles, and more business-to-business customers, which face lesser pressures of consumers who may value diversity and its resulting innovation benefits more," R. Paul Herman told CNBC. He's CEO of HIP Investor, a San Francisco firm that rates companies based how they handle environmental, social and governance issues. One hopeful piece of Spencer Stuart data shows that diversity leads to more diversity, with 71% of companies with minority directors having two or more. Companies led by a person of color are also most likely to have more diversity in the boardroom. Many experts believe that companies should define diversity as a metric when evaluating a manager's success. Microsoft is doing just that, with CEO Satya Nadella unveiling plans to assess senior executives for promotion based on their efforts to promote diversity. "I think most people do believe that there should be metrics within the company to encourage diversity, hiring, promotion, training, all of that. And that the board should be asking questions about that, and holding management responsible for those metrics, just like they hold them responsible for their financial metrics," Daum said. In fact, companies lagging in gender and ethnic diversity were less likely to achieve above average profitability, according to McKinsey. Researchers at the consulting firm found that companies with more diverse executives were 33% more likely to see above average profits. If you really want to honour him, implement his inclusive ideology: SC Bose's grandnephew PM Modi to launch 'Atma Nirbhar UP Rozgar Abhiyan' on Friday India pti-PTI New Delhi, Jun 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Friday launch the 'Atma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rozgar Abhiyan, which seeks to promote local entrepreneurship and create partnership with industrial associations to provide employment opportunities. According to an official statement issued here, the Uttar Pradesh government envisaged the Atma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rozgar Abhiyan (self-reliant UP employment campaign) to dovetail central and state government's programmes, while also creating partnerships with industry and other organisations. India trusts Modi to handle China, but want befitting reply: Survey CBSE cancels class 10 and 12 remaining board exams amid Coronavirus pandemic | Oneindia News "This Abhiyan is intensely focused towards providing employment, promote local entrepreneurship and create partnership with industrial associations and other organisations to provide employment opportunities," it said. The COVID-19 pandemic has had an adverse impact on workforce in general and migrant workers in particular, it noted. The challenge of containing COVID-19 was compounded by the need to provide basic amenities and means of livelihood to migrants and rural workers, the statement said. Nearly 30 lakh migrant workers returned to their homes in Uttar Pradesh, it observed, adding that 31 districts of the state have received more than 25,000 returnees. At the virtual launch on Friday morning, Modi will also interact with villagers from six districts of Uttar Pradesh. Villages across all districts of the state will join the event through Common Service Centres and Krishi Vigyan Kendras. H John Voorhees III / Hearst Connecticut Media BETHEL Public hearings will be held next week on two controversial affordable housing projects, one of which another commission has already approved. One project calls for 11 apartments to be built at 9 Good Hill Road, while the other proposes 9 apartments at 47 Shelley Road. KUNGALV, Sweden, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- New Wave Group AB held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 25 June 2020. Due to the spread of the coronavirus, the AGM was carried out through postal voting without physical attendance, pursuant to temporary legislation. - The income statement and balance sheet as well as the consolidated income statement and the consolidated balance sheet were adopted. The AGM resolved that no payment of dividend will be made and that the entire amount available will be carried forward. - Each Board Member and the CEO were discharged from liability for the fiscal year 2019. - The fees payable to the Board and the Audit Committee remain unchanged. The fee payable to the Chairman of the Board will be SEK 380,000 and the fee payable to each of the other Board Members who are not employed by the company will be SEK 180,000. The fee payable to the Audit Committee will be SEK 110,000, to be distributed within the Audit Committee. - Olof Persson, Torsten Jansson, Mats Arjes, Christina Bellander, M. Johan Widerberg, Jonas Eriksson and Magdalena Forsberg were re-elected as Board Members. - Olof Persson was re-elected as Chairman of the Board. - Ernst & Young AB was re-elected as Auditor. - Guidelines for executive remuneration were adopted in accordance with the Board of Directors' proposal. - The Board of Directors was authorized to resolve, on one or several occasions, to increase the share capital with not more than SEK 12,000,000 by issue of not more than 4,000,000 shares of class B, with or without prescription regarding new issue in kind or new issue by way of set-off or otherwise on such terms and conditions as referred to in Chapter 13, Section 5, point 6 of the Swedish Companies Act. The authorization includes a right to decide on deviation from the shareholders' pre-emption rights, except if the decision on new issue of shares prescribes payment entirely in cash. The reasons for deviation from the shareholders' pre-emption rights are that the newly issued shares shall be utilized to finance acquisitions or part thereof. - The Board of Directors was authorized to resolve, on one or several occasions, to raise financing according to Chapter 11, Section 11 of the Swedish Companies Act. - New Articles of Association were adopted in accordance with the Board of Directors' proposal. Minutes from the AGM including complete resolutions will be available on the company's website www.nwg.se. New Wave Group AB (publ) The Board of Directors For further information, please contact: Torsten Jansson President and CEO Phone: +46 (0)31-712-89-01 Goran Harstedt 1st Senior Vice President Phone: +46 (0)703-62-56-11 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/new-wave-group/r/annual-general-meeting-of-new-wave-group-ab--publ-,c3141730 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/932/3141730/1269634.pdf Press release (PDF) SOURCE New Wave Group South Africa will carry out the continent's first COVID-19 vaccine trial next week, Oxford Jenner Institute said as the nation grapples with Africa's highest number of cases. The vaccine is already being tested in Britain, where 4,000 participants signed up for the trial produced by the university leading the pilot. Volunteers have also started being immunized with a separate United Kingdom coronavirus vaccine as part of a trial at Imperial College London. Vaccine trials to start in South Africa, U.K. South Africa has set about vaccinating 2,000 people with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. Fifty of the candidates have HIV. "We began screening participants for the South African Oxford 1 COVID-19 vaccine trial last week," University of Witwatersrand (Wits) vaccinology professor Shabir Madhi told a virtual press conference. He added the first participants will be vaccinated this week. Brazil is planning its own experiment in a mass trial of up to 30,000 people. The United States is preparing to develop another vaccine. Witwatersrand University (Wits) is working with the University of Oxford and the Oxford Jenner Institute with the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine trial. Meanwhile, about 300 people in the United Kingdom will get the vaccine at Imperial College London as part of a trial led by Prof. Robin Shattock and his colleagues. Animal testing suggests the vaccine is safe and will trigger an effective immune response, BBC reported. The trials are among many worldwide-roughly 120 vaccine programs that are underway. After this first test, further experiments involving 6,000 participants are scheduled for October. The Imperial team expects that from early 2021. The vaccine will be administered in the U.K. and overseas. ALSO READ: COVID-19: All Monkeys in Oxford Vaccine Trial Were Infected By Coronavirus COVID-19 continues to devastate South Africa South African officials implemented a strict nationwide lockdown on March 27, Al Jazeera reported. Still, containment measures are gradually being phased out in recent weeks to allow businesses to pick up and limit the damage to an already ailing economy. "As we enter winter in South Africa and pressure increases on public hospitals, now more than ever we need a vaccine to prevent infection by COVID-19," Madhi said, describing the vaccine trial as a "landmark moment". "Our scientific estimation is that 60 to 70 percent of our population may be infected by a coronavirus," the minister said, adding that hospitalization rates remained lower than anticipated. Health minister Zweli Mkhize reiterated Madhi 's fears, warning that South Africa was experiencing a "devastating climate" predicted to peak "in the cold winter months." In cooperation with the German development agency and carmaker Volkswagen (VW)-the largest German investment in South Africa- the new field hospital was built. In the southern city of Port Elizabeth, a total of 3,300 beds were installed at a disused VW plant. Mkhize praised the collaboration between the public and private sectors and the health workers "fighting the virus." Since the start of the pandemic, more than 3,500 doctors and nurses around the world have contracted COVID-19, the highly infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and at least 34 have succumbed to the respiratory disease. Since the start of the pandemic, more than 3,500 doctors and nurses worldwide have contracted COVID-19, the highly infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus, and at least 34 have succumbed to the respiratory disease. ALSO READ: COVID-19 Update: Scientists Trial TRV027 Experimental Drug That Targets Blood Clots Linked to Coronavirus 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Oncologist professor John Crown has said that there has been a reduction of between 50 per cent and 70 per cent in the number of breast biopsies, breast procedures and breast cancer diagnoses during the time of Covid-19. This means there will be a pent up demand for cancer services, he told RTE radios Morning Ireland. The health service now has to unwind from the strictures imposed by Covid and it was very important that screening services resume, he added. What was of great concern to him was the patients who were sitting at home with symptoms not seeking treatment. There needs to be a strong message to those people to see their GP who will refer them for diagnosis, he added. With cancer most diagnoses are made by surgeons, patients are referred by their GP for investigation, a biopsy removal or a lump or an abnormal sore or some other area by a surgeon and when the diagnosis of cancer has been established they get sent on to us and to other colleagues in radiation and other specialities for treatment. At the moment what is happening is the number of new patients coming through has dropped dramatically. I was conferring with my breast surgery colleagues, getting some numbers from them last night, basically what we have had is a 50-70 per cent reduction in the number of breast biopsies, breast procedures and breast cancer diagnoses during the time of Covid. So it is certain that there is pent up demand, that there are patients there who have either not gone to their GPs yet or who are waiting to access the next point which is from GP to biopsy which is not happening as quickly as it normally does. Inevitably as we open up we're going to find that there's going to be an increased demand. Prof Crown said that the pandemic had highlighted the fact that Ireland has a very, very public hospital system with the smallest number of specialists, the smallest number of intensive care beds, many things which were uncovered by Covid, things which did not happen in the heat of the emergency, things which had been allowed to fester for 15, 20 and in some cases 30 years. I do hope Covid is a wake up call to people that they will need to understand that we need to have the fundamental reform of the health system. Shreya and Saffron Patel usually FaceTime their grandparents in England every weekend, but during the novel coronavirus pandemic, they have typically reached out each day. Their grandmother on their mom's side hasn't left her apartment in nearly four months. She lives alone and can no longer socialize at the gym. Some of her younger friends have stopped by, and she leans out her kitchen window to chat. One friend sends handwritten letters. When the Patel sisters, who live in Boston, spoke to their grandmother, they noticed her mood improve. She texted them about the cards and showed them to her teenage granddaughters during their video calls. "We wanted to share that joy she was feeling with other seniors," said Saffron, a 16-year-old who recently finished 10th grade. They started Letters Against Isolation in early April with a plan to send cards to seniors at care centers, where residents have lost in-person contact with their family and friends because of the coronavirus. Shreya, 18, who will begin her freshman year at Washington University in St. Louis this fall, reached out to a few local nursing homes, expecting maybe one to respond and ask for 10 cards. Instead, several agreed and hoped to receive a combined 200 cards. "We can't do that on our own," Shreya said. "We can't do that on our kitchen table." The sisters reached out to others asking for help. As the network of volunteers continued to grow through the spring, so did the ability to connect with seniors. The organization has sent more than 14,000 cards and has partnered with 26 care centers across the country. It has become a sophisticated and well-organized operation, with about 1,400 volunteers around the world writing letters. Early on, Shreya researched how people find volunteer work. She posted about Letters Against Isolation on a few volunteer boards and in a letter-writing forum on Reddit. About a week after the sisters began, the website had a sudden uptick in traffic and hundreds of people signed up. The form on the organization's website asks how volunteers heard about this opportunity. Many referenced a Country Living article. The sisters didn't know a news story about them existed, so Saffron began searching. Nearly a month before Saffron's school newspaper wrote about the letter-writing organization, Country Living published a list of five ways to volunteer virtually during the pandemic. The story included opportunities such as transcribing historical documents for the Smithsonian and helping the Library of Congress organize its digital archives. The article also explained Letters Against Isolation's mission in two sentences and linked to the website. With the base of volunteers growing each week, residents of every state except North Dakota have participated. Volunteers from 12 other countries, including Australia and Pakistan, have sent letters to these self-isolating seniors. Companies such as United Airlines and Pepsi have worked with Letters Against Isolation for internal volunteer events. "You see all this stuff on the news and you want to do something," Shreya said. "I think that's why we had so many people sign up and say: 'Yes, this is how I'm going to help. This is how I'm going to make a difference right now.'" Shreya initially responded to hundreds of emails each day and matched volunteers to care centers. One week, the sisters assigned a group to a nursing home that had asked for about 40 cards. The group sent 400 letters, "so we decided we needed a better system," Saffron said, laughing. Saffron streamlined the process with a sign-up form on their website. Volunteers receive an automatic response with details about how it works. They gain access to a spreadsheet where they log the letters they send each week. A nursing home may receive 20 cards from one group and another 10 from a different family, but now the sisters can ensure the care center receives the correct number. Volunteers choose the center to which they would like to send letters, so they can pick one nearby or in their home states. Some have even recommended the organization partner with facilities where their family members live. Saffron keeps a blog on the website to give volunteers inspiration for their letters. She offers ideas for what they could include: Describe how the weather is changing in your town, or make a list of joyful moments you've had lately and ask the recipient to also reflect on recent days. Saffron interviews some of the seniors, then writes about them and their reaction to the letters. "It's just lovely to talk with them and learn about their life story," Saffron said. The sisters still write a few letters and send a batch about once per month. But with the growth of their organization, their work has mostly focused on communicating with volunteers and care centers while keeping the system running smoothly. They didn't expect this project, briefly a two-person venture, to expand so much, but they see its future stretching beyond the pandemic. The coronavirus helped the Patels better understand the problem of senior loneliness, but they know that even after its risks have diminished, there will be residents at care centers across the country who would benefit from a cheerful letter. "I think it's still important to tell seniors that we're thinking of them," Saffron said, "and someone cares about them." Three white men have been charged after the death of the black Joggers Ahmaud Arbery in the American state of Georgia four months ago, among other things, for murder. A Grand Jury had indicted each in nine points, said the Prosecutor of the district of Cobb County, Joyette Holmes, on Wednesday (local time) at a press conference. "This is another great step in order to gain justice for Ahmaud," said Holmes. Arbery was Jogging on the 23. February in the town of Brunswick killed. The investigation came after more than two months later, when the case gained by a disturbing cell phone Video wide attention. at the beginning of may, the 64-year-old Gregory M. were and be taken 34-year-old son Travis firmly. According to investigators, the suspects Arbery had followed initially with their vehicle, and then with firearms confronted. The autopsy report, according to Arbery of two shots was hit with Buckshot at close range in the breast, a third shot grazed his right wrist. The third Suspect has filmed the act, according to the Criminal GBI. Updated Date: 25 June 2020, 07:19 Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 23:34:32|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Another 149 COVID-19 patients have died in Britain as of Wednesday afternoon, bringing the total coronavirus-related death toll in the country to 43,230, the British Department of Health and Social Care said Thursday. The figures include deaths in all settings, including hospitals, care homes and the wider community. As of Thursday morning, 307,980 people have tested positive for the disease in Britain, a daily increase of 1,118, according to the department. As of Thursday morning, there have been 8,710,292 tests of the novel coronavirus in the country, with 167,023 tests on Wednesday, said the department. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced Tuesday that the current 2-meter social distancing rule will be loosened from July 4 to "1 meter plus" in England so as to further ease the coronavirus lockdown. Johnson also announced that from July 4, pubs, restaurants and hairdressers, among others, will be able to reopen, providing they adhere to COVID-19 prevention guidelines. However, some experts have warned that the chances of catching COVID-19 are going up in Britain. "The difference from three months ago is now there are lots more carriers or people just walking with it on the streets -- we are opening a possibility for transmission, such as pubs and elsewhere where there are confined and close spaces. It's a perfect breeding ground," Dr Konstantin Blyuss, reader in mathematics at Sussex University and co-creator of a COVID-19 model, told Sky News. "So, there is a much higher chance that actually infection will pick up again very quickly," Blyuss said. Enditem Credit: CC0 Public Domain Privately educated students are more likely to experience bullying, start drinking earlier and take more risks than their state school counterparts, a new study has found. The study, led by the University of York, looked at whether going to private school benefitted young people's emotional and social development, once family background and prior educational achievement had been taken into account. The researchers found that attending a private school was of little benefit and actually had a negative impact on some aspects of development. While private school children are less likely to have behavioral problems, the study found they are 15% more likely to experience bullying over course of secondary school education; 24% more likely to take risks, and are younger when they have their first alcoholic drink, than students attending state schools. Educational resources In the UK, seven percent of secondary school children are privately educated. In 2019, tuition fees cost an average of 18,000 per year for day students or 35,000 for boarders. In the same year, the median household income in the UK was 28,400. Lead author of the study, Professor Sophie von Stumm, from the Department of Education at the University of York, said: "Private schools expend greater educational resources than state schools for their pupils, including higher-qualified teachers and better pastoral care. Because of this difference in support, we expected much more positive outcomes for private school studentswe thought that they would exceed their state-school peers in areas such as volunteering, practicing safe sex and self-control, which require being considerate of others and the consequences of actions. "In fact we found little difference between private and state school students in these areas and when it came to bullying, risk taking and early consumption of alcohol, private school students fared worse. "Our study adds to a growing body of evidence that many of the alleged benefits boasted by private schools are actually a product of their selective intake of students rather than the value that the schools add. "Parents naturally want the best for their children, but for those who would struggle with the astronomical fees, our message is not to feel guiltyprivate school is not a necessity." Wellbeing across adolescence The study looked at data from 2,682 individuals who took part in a large cohort study2,413 attended state schools and 269 attended private schools. The researchers analyzed data on family background and prior educational achievements as well as information gathered from questionnaires (conducted with participants between the ages of 12 and 21) on factors including wellbeing, peer victimization, sexual behavior, substance use and anti-social behavior. The findings of the study suggest that, when it comes to overall wellbeing across adolescence, private and state school students do not differ. Privileged family background Professor von Stumm added: "In the wider population we often assume that a private education will have a very positive impact on a child's development. Our study suggests we have unrealistic expectations of the virtues of a private education, when in reality many of its benefits result from the legacy of a privileged family background. "Interrogating the role of private schools in Britain is important because we live in a country where the majority of leaders in politics, business and in the arts were privately educated." Explore further Study casts doubt on usefulness of Ofsted ratings More information: Sophie von Stumm et al. Does private education make nicer people? The influence of school type on social-emotional development, (2019). Sophie von Stumm et al. Does private education make nicer people? The influence of school type on social-emotional development,(2019). DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/73gzd BH MACRO Limited (an authorised closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a company with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registration number 46235) (The "Company") LEI Number: 549300ZOFF0Z2CM87C29 25 June 2020 RESULT OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 25 June 2020, all Ordinary Resolutions set out in the Annual General Meeting Notice sent to Shareholders dated 28 May 2020 were duly passed. Details of the proxy voting results which should be read along side the Notice are noted below: Ordinary Resolution For Discretion (voted in favour) Against Abstain 1 11,872,103 0 4,413 5,493 2 11,871,783 0 4,733 5,493 3 11,871,783 0 4,733 5,493 4 11,872,103 0 4,413 5,493 5 11,755,951 0 120,565 5,493 6 11,871,980 0 4,413 5,616 7 11,868,413 0 8,103 5,493 8 11,753,631 0 122,885 5,493 9 11,871,783 0 4,733 5,493 10 11,868,290 0 8,103 5,616 Special Resolution For Discretion (voted in favour) Against Abstain 11 11,872,103 0 4,413 5,493 12 11,871,980 0 4,413 5,616 Note -A vote withheld is not a vote in law and has not been counted in the votes for and against a resolution. The above figures aggregate the proxy votes received on the US Dollar shares and Sterling shares in accordance with the respective voting rights applicable to each US Dollar share and Sterling share on a poll, being 0.7606 votes per US Dollar share and 1.471 votes per Sterling share. The Special Resolutions were as follows: Special Resolution 11 IT WAS RESOLVED that the Company be and is hereby generally and unconditionally authorised in accordance with the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008, as amended (the "Companies Law"), to make market acquisitions (as defined in the Companies Law) of each class of its shares (either for the retention as treasury shares for resale or transfer, or cancellation), PROVIDED THAT: a. the maximum number of shares authorised to be purchased shall be 374,512 shares designated as US Dollar shares and 2,213,951 shares designated as Sterling shares (respectively being 14.99 per cent. of the shares of each class in issue as at the latest practicable date prior to the date of publication of this document (excluding in each case shares held in treasury)) ; b. the minimum price (exclusive of expenses) which may be paid for a share shall be one cent for shares designated as US Dollar shares and one pence for shares designated as Sterling shares; c. the maximum price which may be paid for a share of the relevant class is an amount equal to the higher (a) 105 per cent. of the average of the middle market quotations for a share of the relevant class on the relevant market for the five business days immediately preceding the date on which the share is purchased; and (b) the higher of (i) the price of the last independent trade for a share of the relevant class and (ii) the highest current independent bid for a share of the relevant class at the time of purchase; and d. the authority hereby conferred shall expire at the annual general meeting of the Company in 2021 unless such authority is varied, revoked or renewed prior to such date by a special resolution of the Company in a general meeting. Special Resolution 12 IT WAS RESOLVED THAT in accordance with Article 6.4 of the Articles, the Directors be empowered to allot and issue (or sell from treasury) 249,841 shares designated as US Dollar shares and 1,476,952 shares designated as Sterling shares(respectively being 10 per cent. of the shares in issue of each class as at the latest practicable date prior to the date of this notice (excluding shares held in treasury)) for cash as if Article 6.1 of the Articles did not apply to the allotment and issue (or sale from treasury) for the period expiring on the date falling fifteen months after the date of passing of this Resolution 12 or the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company, whichever is the earlier, save that the Company may before such expiry make offers or agreements which would or might require shares to be allotted and issued (or sold) after such expiry and the Directors may allot and issue (or sell) shares in pursuance of any such offer or agreement notwithstanding that the power conferred by this Resolution 12 has expired. Enquiries: Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited The Company Secretary Trafalgar Court Les Banques St Peter Port Guernsey GY1 3QL Tel: 01481 745001 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday the Chinese threat to India and Southeast Asian nations is one of the reasons America is reducing its troop presence in Europe and deploying them to other places. He made the remarks in response to a question at the Brussels Forum that he had addressed virtually. China and India were involved in violent clashes earlier this month in Eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley in which at least 20 soldiers from the Indian Army were killed. While the Chinese suffered casualties, the numbers are still not known. When asked why the US had reduced the number of troops in Germany, Pompeo said if US troops were no longer there, it was because they were being moved to other places. He said the actions of the ruling Chinese Communist Party meant there were "threats to India, threats to Vietnam, threats to Malaysia, Indonesia and the South China Sea challenge". "We are going to make sure the US military is postured appropriately to meet the challenges," he said. Last week Pompeo criticised the Chinese Army for "escalating" the border tension with India and militarising the strategic South China Sea. He also described the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) as a "rogue actor." In a scathing attack on the Chinese government, Pompeo said the Communist Party of China wants to undo all the progress the free world has made through institutions like the 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 had said a day after he expressed deep condolences to India on the death of the 20 soldiers. Earlier this month, Pompeo has that China's actions, be it on the India border, or in Hong Kong or in the South China Sea, have been part of the behaviour of the ruling Communist Party in Beijing in the recent past. China has been fast expanding military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific region, triggering concern in various countries of the region and beyond. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Beijing has built up and militarised many of the islands and reefs it controls in the region. Both areas are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources and are vital to global trade. Pompeo said he would open a dialogue with the European Union on China and voiced hope it would lead to tougher action. Pompeo said he had accepted a proposal for a dedicated channel on China policy with the 27-nation bloc as recommended by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell during virtual talks with him on June 15. Pompeo acknowledged divergent views on China within the EU, where some nations have developed strong trading links with the Asian power, but hoped the dialogue could serve as a "catalyst for action." "Once we're confident that we have a shared understanding of the threat that is posed by the Chinese Communist Party, then we can begin to take action," Pompeo told the think tank's Brussels Forum, held virtually due to the coronavirus. "We will work to make sure we have a shared set of facts and then create a set of proposals for things that we can do together." Pompeo has sought with limited success to press other nations to shun Chinese telecom giant Huawei, warning that it poses risks to national security and personal privacy. President Donald Trump's top diplomat has also been at the forefront of promoting a theory, discounted by mainstream scientists, that the virus behind COVID-19 originated in a Chinese laboratory. (With inputs from agencies) It appears the market is at a critical juncture. Federated Hermes' Phil Orlando warns there are three near-term risks that could drag stocks into a correction. His biggest concern surrounds the spike in coronavirus cases in several states. "The situation with the surge in infections is disconcerting because we've been led to believe that we had peaked in sort of the middle of April, and had been rolling over," the firm's chief equity market strategist told CNBC's "Trading Nation" on Wednesday. "Right now, we've got a lot of questions with not a lot of answers." Orlando, who came into this year as one of the market's biggest bulls, also sees Wall Street getting more skittish about the November presidential election. "Trump's poll numbers have cratered here over the last couple of weeks," said Orlando. The fear on the Street, according to Orlando, is Joe Biden wins the presidency and the Democrats win the Senate. If that happens, there's speculation many of the President Trump business-friendly policies could end. "The reality is we could pull back another 10% here over the next six weeks or so," Orlando said. Besides political risks, Orlando sees second quarter earnings season creating uncertainty. "Who's to say that the difficult data that we see next month is not contained to the second quarter," he added. "The market to some degree may be worrying that the recession extends into the second half of the year." This is Orlando's second pullback warning in the last month. He told "Trading Nation" in late May there was a high probability of a "cleansing correction" striking stocks. His S&P 500 level to watch right now is 2,800 to 2,850. On Wednesday, the index fell 2.6% to close at 3,050. "We had an 8% correction in the middle of the month. We had a little bit of a rally off of that. It looks like we're going to see some more weakness," said Orlando, who's responsible for almost $606 billion in assets. His best advice for investors: Stay diversified, and don't do anything drastic. "Maybe you want to play defense a little bit," Orlando said. "You want to be a little cautious here because the market could experience a continuation of this June swoon over the course of the next few weeks." Disclaimer GAZA - Israel's annexation plans in the West Bank are a ''declaration of war'', the spokesman of the armed group of Hamas, Abu Odeida, told reporters on Thursday. Hamas has been declaring for days that it is on the verge of making an announcement. Abu Obeida then stressed that Hamas is unwilling to soften its stance for a prisoners' exchange. Israeli authorities, he added, ''will have to release our great leaders'', including those who participated in attacks, he said. ''Israel will have to pay a complete price, whether it likes it or not'', he concluded. Through indirect contacts entertained with Hamas over the past months, also through Egypt, Israel has sought to recuperate, with the release of Palestinian detainees, the remains of two soldiers who died in Gaza in 2014 and two civilians who entered the Gaza Strip at their own initiative. There has been no news of them since then. Over the past few days, according to Israeli media, the army conducted several drills next to the Gaza Strip to be ready to react against a possible resumption of Palestinian rocket launches against the main cities of the country. A Seaside man who set his house on fire and then shot himself in February has now been identified as the suspect in the murder of a Kelso man in November. Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office said Wednesday that Stephen Penwarden is believed to have entered the Kelso home of Rick Huckaby and shot him as many as six times on the evening of November 12. Three months later, Penwarden set fire to his Seaside home. The fire engulfed the two-story home and threatened several surrounding homes. Crews could not immediately get inside the home because of the fires intensity and the instability of the structure, and only discovered Penwardens remains several hours later. The sheriffs office said they connected the two deaths after they found a pistol and bullet casing in Penwardens home, and found that it was the same gun that had been used to kill Rick Huckaby. Witnesses also said they saw a car similar to Penwardens Subaru Forester on the street where Huckaby lived around the time the shooting happened. Huckabys wife was in the home, but told investigators she did not recognize Penwarden. According to the sheriffs office, Penwarden had stayed at the Huckabys home several times, and sheriffs deputies did not immediately specify why Rebecca Huckaby did not recognize Penwarden. Investigators did say Penwarden matched the physical description that she gave. Police said in a press release that the two men had been close friends for many years, and that Huckaby was one of the few friends Penwarden had. According to the report, Huckaby and his wife had stayed with Penwarden at his Seaside home several times. But their friendship ended about six years ago when, according to investigators, Penwarden had some mental health issues that led him to blame Huckaby for several personal issues, such as the loss of his job and his divorce. Investigators did not say if there was a more recent incident that led Penwarden to shoot Huckaby. The sheriffs office said they believe Penwarden acted alone, and because he was the only suspect, they consider the case closed. Jayati Ramakrishnan; 503-221-4320; jramakrishnan@oregonian.com; @JRamakrishnanOR Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign rally at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020, in Phoenix. Read more As European Union countries rush to reopen their borders July 1, they have readied lists of feckless countries whose citizens will be unwelcome. Those countries all have leaders who have failed to contain COVID-19. Guess who tops the list? Travelers from the United States, where case numbers are soaring (and not just due to increased tests), will be banned because of fear they will spread the virus. Even more humiliating, Americans are lumped together with citizens of Russia and Brazil, the club of COVID-19 losers that leads the world in infections, with the United States taking an enormous lead. Citizens of China, Vietnam, and Cuba, on the other hand, are among the many countries now controlling the virus that will be welcome in Europe. Meantime, Beijing stands ready to capitalize globally on signs of American incompetence. No one should underestimate the blow to U.S. prestige of our continued failure to test, trace, and contain the virus. The Europeans recognize the global threat posed by Americas COVID-19 chaos and by a U.S. president who thinks the virus will magically vanish. Once admired around the world for scientific prowess, our country stumbles, leaderless, in full sight of an unbelieving world. In a sane world, the European ban would shock GOP leaders into finally pressing President Trump and recalcitrant governors to take basic steps toward containing the virus like mandatory masking and a national testing and tracing strategy, with adequate federal funding. But we may have to wait for November to try to restore sanity, along with a coherent national effort to control the virus. That wait will guarantee thousands of unnecessary virus deaths and a much harder economic recovery, along with a further drop in U.S. influence abroad. READ MORE: While Asia and Europe reopne from COVID-19, U.S. sets global example of doing it wrong I Trudy Rubin Either way, it is essential to recognize what the Europe ban on Americans reveals. The reaction there is largely one of astonishment that the U.S. could be so inept. I certainly would not feel safe traveling to the U.S., a columnist for Italys La Repubblica told Bloomberg News, echoing what Ive heard from colleagues in Europe. Think about that. Not safe visiting the USA, and not just due to gun violence, but because we cant cope with a pandemic that most European nations have controlled for now. And then there is astonishment at American behavior. A Bloomberg columnist in Singapore wrote: Hovering over all this is incredulity that the U.S., which most here still see as a great nation and important counterweight to China, is engaged in a culture war over something so straightforward as wearing a mask. It is particularly shameful for the United States to be grouped with Brazil and Russia as the worlds leading virus threesome. Not so surprising when you consider the similarities between Trump and two leaders he admires, Brazils Jair Bolsonaro and Russias Vladimir Putin. These three populists who mobilize followers with attacks on opposition traitors all have a hard time coping with a real virus enemy they cant see. Bolsonaro, a staunch Trump ally who has two sons under investigation for corruption, has spent months disparaging the threat of the virus. Refusing to mask, he was just ordered by a judge to wear one when he appears in public. He labeled the virus a measly flu and tried to suppress data on Brazils surging death toll (nearly 53,000) until Brazils Supreme Court forced him to cease. He fired a popular health minister, replacing him with a general. He has hinted hed like a military takeover, as infections surge out of control. Meantime, Putin just presided over a massive military parade celebrating the 75th anniversary of Russias victory over Germany the kind of martial military display of Trumps dreams. Thousands of soldiers marched shoulder-to-shoulder without masks. Putin himself, who often poses as macho man, was of course unmasked. (Although he has been hiding out for months at his country dacha, no doubt to avoid contagion.) European leaders stayed away from this virus petri dish of a parade, but Putin no doubt hoped it would eclipse growing public concern over more than 600,000 cases in the worlds third-hardest-hit country. Experts disparage Russias minimal death statistics (around 8,500 deaths) as totally unreliable, with a surge in deaths attributed to other causes. READ MORE: Trump blame game with China can't disguise massive coronavirus failures I Trudy Rubin Reminds one of Trumps critique of testing because youre gonna find more cases. The neon-lit message from the European ban is that we dont want to be in the club of badly behaved nations, just as we shouldnt be atop the statistics for coronavirus cases and deaths. There is no reason America should be behaving like Brazil or Russia. As Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio put it, Everyone should just wear a damn mask. That is the sane response. But so long as Trump mocks masks at rallies, and GOP governors like Floridas Ron DeSantis refuse to order masking, we will deserve to be banned from Europe. And so long as Trump rejects his own science advisers along with any national testing strategy, we will top the global list of shame, until November at least. Delhi High Court on Thursday directed Central and Delhi government to take strict action against hospitals that are not providing real-time updates on the availability of beds for the treatment of Covid-19 patients. The court said that any communication gap between the government and hospitals should be reduced. The court has also asked the Kejriwal government to appoint dedicated officers for the same. Earlier this month, Delhi HC had directed the Centre and the Delhi government to update data in real-time on the availability of beds and other healthcare facilities provided to the Covid-19 patients. Delhi High Court asks Delhi Govt to appoint "dedicated officers" so that there should be no communication gap between the government and hospitals. https://t.co/smKuneWmgb ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2020 The courts directions came after hearing a plea it had initiated itself. It was contested that the Delhi Corona Mobile Application, developed by Delhi government, is not being updated regularly and that there exists a mismatch of the facts and data released by the government and private hospitals in Delhi, especially concerning the availability of beds and ventilators. A bench of chief justice DN Patel and justice Prateek Jalan had also directed the Centre and the Delhi government to carry out testing as far as far as possible, subject to availability of testing kits with priority being given to the persons approaching for test on the recommendation of a doctor. Meanwhile, State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) will hold a meeting today evening to discuss home isolation rules for Covid-19 patients in Delhi. The Kejriwal government has categorically opposed the current format of home isolation rules for coronavirus patients and a decision on it is likely to be taken during in the meeting today. A restaurant serves customers seated at outside tables as the city moves into Phase 2 of re-opening following restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus pandemic in New York City on June 22, 2020. Phase 2 permits the reopening of offices, in-store retail, outdoor dining, barbers, and beauty parlors and numerous other businesses. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images) 44 States Re-open Dine-In Services Around the country, 44 states are allowing or will soon allow restaurants to offer dine-in service of some kind, according to the Eater. As part of their security measures, states are limiting the dining capacity in the restaurants to ensure social distancing. Restaurants in Texas can reopen their dining rooms to 25 percent capacity while Arkansas and Kentucky can re-open with 33 percent, Delaware with 30 percent, Colorado, Indiana, Florida, Lowa, Michigan, Mississippi, and Connecticut with 50 percent, and Montana with 75 percent. There are varied guidelines and the CDC and NRA have offered supplementary advice. The CDC has classified the risk at restaurants and bars into four types depending upon the level of interaction. The lowest risk is posed by drive-through and takeout facilities. More Risk is by dining on-site but limited to outdoor seatingseating arrangements that are 6 feet apart. Even More Risk is by on-site dining with outdoor as well the indoor seating with 6 feet distance between the seating tables. The highest risk is on-site dining with both indoor and outdoor seating. Seating capacity not reduced and tables not spaced at least 6 feet apart. Meanwhile, the CDC has offered hand hygiene and respiratory etiquettes and cloth face covering. Face coverings are most essential in times when physical distancing is difficult, noted the CDC. A restaurant in Chelsea serves customers seated at sidewalk tables as the city moves into Phase 2 of re-opening following restrictions imposed to curb the coronavirus pandemic in New York City on June 22, 2020. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images) Guidance by the NRA The National Restuarant Associations guidance document offers best practices for reopening and touches upon food safety, cleaning and sanitizing, employee health monitoring, personal hygiene, and social distancing. Where salad bars and buffets are permitted by local/state officials, they must have sneeze guards in place. Change, wash, and sanitize utensils frequently and place appropriate barriers in open areas. Alternatively, cafeteria-style (worker served) is permissible with appropriate barriers in place, the NRA outlined in its Reopening Guidance (pdf). It asks operators to avoid using sharing objects like menus, condiments, and food orders. Use disposable or digital menus; toss disposable menus after each use. Opt for single-use condiments. Use no-touch trash cans, they said. The NRA also asked operators to use disposable food service items like utensils and dishes. If disposable items are not feasible, ensure that all non-disposable foodservice items are handled with gloves and wash according to FDA Food Code requirements, said the NRA. The founder of Glastonbury Michael Eavis has warned that the festival could go bankrupt if it is not staged in 2021 because of coronavirus. Sir Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar had been due to headline this weekend at the world-famous festival in Pilton, Somerset. But Glastonbury organisers announced in March that the event would be cancelled amid increasing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. Glastonbury Festival founder Michael Eavis surveys his empty farmland on what would have been the opening day of the famous extravaganza yesterday Speaking to The Guardian to mark the festival's 50th anniversary, Michael, 84, said: 'We have to run next year, otherwise we would seriously go bankrupt It has to happen for us, we have to carry on. 'Otherwise it will be curtains. I don't think we could wait another year.' His daughter Emily Eavis, who is a co-organiser of the festival, added that they would be in a 'very serious situation if we had to cancel next year's event.' 'But then the whole live industry will be hanging in the balance if we have another summer without festivals, and we don't know what level of government support there will be for this industry'. However she said that she was 'optimistic' and that the festival had always found ways to 'evolve and survive'. The BBC is still holding a 'virtual festival' this week, broadcasting a selection of the best performances since the event was first televised in 1997. The opening day of the Glastonbury Festival in 2019. Glastonbury organisers announced in March that the legendary festival would be cancelled amid increasing concerns over the coronavirus pandemic Music fans who had secured tickets were given the chance to roll their 50 deposit over to the next year and guarantee a spot at Glastonbury 2021. Mr Eavis said that without the income from 2020, and with charity commitments - including the building of low cost housing in Pilton - needing to be funded, the festival's financial reserves would struggle to withstand another cancellation. Emily added that the government needs to step up and support the British arts more broadly otherwise many aspects of our culture could disappear forever. Michael Eavis and Emily Eavis at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset. The BBC is still holding a 'virtual festival' this week, broadcasting a selection of the best performances since the event was first televised in 1997 Mr Eavis said that they have several plans in the works with regard to holding the festival safely next year. One of the options would be to create a testing scheme that will allow ticket holders on site after they've been shown to be virus-free. Mr Eavis was snapped at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset yesterday - surrounded by empty fields. Glastonbury was first held in 1970. Last year's festival was headlined by Stormzy, The Killers and The Cure. A Welland man will spend the next five years and three months in a penitentiary for his role in a drug-trafficking scheme that netted police more than $85,000 in drugs, close to $40,000 in cash and five firearms. Chris Arnoczki, 35, pleaded guilty Thursday in Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines to several drug and firearm offences. Niagara Regional Police in November 2019 launched an investigation into the trafficking of drugs in St. Catharines, Thorold and Welland. On Jan. 2, court heard, search warrants were executed at an addresses in Thorold and Hamilton as well as the defendants Kent Street apartment. All told, police arrested five people three from Welland and two from Thorold and seized more than $34,000 in crystal methamphetamine, $29,000 in fentanyl, $20,000 in cocaine and $2,500 worth of hydromorphone and a quantity of cash. Numerous firearms were located throughout Arnoczkis residence, including a loaded a .22-calibre rifle and an assault rifle, and a large amount of fentanyl. Fentanyl is highly dangerous and highly addictive and is often fatal even in small doses, Crown prosecutor Michelle Colacarro told court. This was a dangerous and high risk situation for the police to walk in to given the firearms that were also in the residence. Court heard Arnoczki has a lengthy criminal record. This is the record of someone who is equally addicted to the substances, said defence counsel Alison McArthur. Selling these drugs became a way to fund his lifestyle and a way to fund his own addiction. In that way, he is also a victim of these substances. City Council passed legislation Thursday aimed at strengthening oversight of the Philadelphia Police Department, diversifying its ranks, and curtailing the unlawful use of stop-and-frisk policing. Lawmakers overwhelmingly approved the three pieces of legislation, which were fast-tracked following the protests over George Floyds death in Minneapolis, in the final session before their annual summer vacation. Councilmember Brian J. ONeill, a Republican whose Northeast Philadelphia district is home to many police officers, cast the lone dissenting vote against the oversight and police diversity measures, but supported the stop-and-frisk legislation. In addition, lawmakers decided in a unanimous voice vote Thursday to hold hearings on the police response to the protests. Councilmember Helen Gym, who proposed the hearings, said that after seeing officers conduct during the demonstrations, including firing tear gas at peaceful protesters and detaining journalists, it was necessary to conduct a review separate from those promised by Mayor Jim Kenneys administration. It is essential that, while I recognize there are multiple investigations going on, that at least one of them is public, she said. We need a truth-and-reconciliation process. Council members will tackle two additional police accountability bills when they return in the fall. One proposal, by Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson, would require a public hearing on the citys initial proposal to the police union during contract negotiations. The other, by Councilmember Kenyatta Johnson, would codify and clarify the departments ban on officers using choke holds and other dangerous tactics to restrain subjects. Also on Thursday, Council approved a $4.8 billion budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 that includes last-minute changes to Police Department funding. Responding to protesters urging leaders to defund the police, the lawmakers and Kenney last week struck a deal that cut $33 million from the mayors original proposal for the PPD, nixing a planned $19 million in additional funding and shifting $14 million by moving crossing guards and public safety enforcement officers to the Managing Directors Office. Activists, however, have cast the budget moves as window dressing and said they will not diminish the citys reliance on policing as opposed to investing in disadvantaged communities as the citys primary means of providing public safety. At $727 million, the departments budget will still be the citys largest, and Kenney has said he will spare the police force from the hundreds of layoffs other departments will suffer due to the economic recession caused by the coronavirus pandemic. One of the bills approved Thursday would require new city employees, including police officers, to have lived in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to their hiring. Council President Darrell L. Clarke, who championed the legislation, has said it is aimed at making the Philadelphia Police Department more diverse. The department is 57% white in a city where the white non-Latino population is 34%. Critics have said the measure, which applies to the entire municipal workforce and not just police, will limit the talent the city can attract. But Councilmember Cherelle L. Parker, who carried the bill on Clarkes behalf, said that argument ignores the talent available to the city from its own residents. If what youre saying is that we cannot find Philadelphia residents, out of our 1.6 million population, with all of the institutions of higher learning that we have here, to fill positions in the city of Philadelphia, then that is shame on us, she said. The people policing the city of Philadelphia should look like the city of Philadelphia. The approval of the bill, which essentially restores a Civil Service residency requirement that Council eliminated in 2008, settles an old score between Clarke and Kenney. In 2001, then-Mayor John F. Street, Clarkes mentor, vetoed an attempt to eliminate the one-year residency rule. But in 2008, Kenney, who was on Council at the time, pushed through the elimination of the rule during the beginning of former Mayor Michael Nutters administration. Clarke this week faced significant behind-the-scenes opposition for attempting to restore the requirement. But after a show of unity by Council leadership in a statement supporting the measure Wednesday evening, lawmakers on Thursday sided with Clarke in a veto-proof 16-1 vote. Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr. authored the legislation approved Thursday that will place a referendum on the November ballot that, if approved, would create a Citizens Police Oversight Commission. While less powerful than oversight boards in some other cities, such as New York, the proposed new body would have more independence to investigate alleged police misconduct than the current Police Advisory Commission, which it would replace. When it comes to our police, we have to have the confidence of the citizens of Philadelphia in a process that if you feel wronged that there is an honest arbitrator that will allow your grievance to be heard, Jones said. Another measure, by Parker, will let voters weigh in on the debate around stop-and-frisk, a strategy in which officers are allowed to frequently question and search subjects they have a reasonable suspicion of being involved in criminal activity. Parker said Philadelphia will be the first major city to let voters tackle the issue. The November ballot question will ask whether voters want to call on the Philadelphia Police Department to end unconstitutional stop-and-frisk. Although unconstitutional applications of stop-and-frisk are, by definition, already illegal, analyses of Philadelphia police officers incident reports have shown that many continue to stop subjects without having established reasonable suspicion of criminal activity and disproportionately stop racial minorities. Online retail giant Amazon has signed leases for 14 delivery stations in New Jersey with plans to open them this year, an Amazon Logistics spokeswoman told NJ Advance Media on Wednesday. Packages from Amazons fulfillment centers are transported to Amazon delivery stations, where theyre sorted. The packages are then delivered from there to customers. Leases have been signed for the following 14 locations in New Jersey: Paddock St., Avenel International Dr. South, Budd Lake Moonachie Ave, Carlstadt, Washington Ave., Carlstadt, Thomas McGovern Dr., Jersey City Court South, Edison Central Ave., Kearny Logistics Dr., Kearny Lower Rd., Linden Center Square Rd., Logan Township 555 Macarthur Blvd., Mahwah (opened early May) Delancy St., Newark North St., Teterboro Forest Parkway, West Deptford The spokeswoman said the 14 delivery stations will be hiring for full-time and part-time positions. Pay will be at least $15 per hour and include benefits. The jobs have not yet been posted but eventually will be listed on Amazons job portal. Amazon has more than 150 delivery stations in the U.S. RELATED STORIES ABOUT RETAIL: Kohls massive summer sale features items up to 70% off. Here are the best deals. Zinburger permanently closing all locations except 3 N.J. spots Who sells face masks? Where to buy disposable or reusable styles online Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Nicolette Accardi can be reached at naccardi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter: @N_Accardi. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips KITCHENER A 33-year-old Kitchener man faces various charges after police were called to Lancaster Street West for a report of a disturbance involving a gun. On Wednesday at about 5:40 p.m. police received a call of a disturbance involving a man with gun. No one was hurt. Police seized a loaded firearm, ammunition, pepper spray and fentanyl. The man is charged with pointing a firearm, assault with a weapon, weapons dangerous, and utter threats to cause bodily harm. Protests flared overnight in Northeast Portland, resulting in confrontations between police and protesters, property damage and fires set in trash bins. Portland police said they used CS gas, a kind of tear gas, to disperse crowds amid a volatile demonstration early Friday. Several people were arrested, police said, and businesses were damaged. Demonstrators set a fire in a bin on the north side of the Portland Police Bureaus North Precinct and broke windows of some businesses, according to police. The protest, which was among others held Thursday in Portland on the one-month anniversary of George Floyds death, drew hundreds of marchers to the precinct on Killingsworth Street. Video footage shared on social media showed several people addressing the crowd while other protesters stood behind a short wooden barricade across from several officers. It was unclear who constructed the barricade, however protesters reinforced their side with dumpsters and other objects. By 10:30 p.m., hundreds remained near the precinct, and some people called for an all-night occupation. The demonstration blocked traffic on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard south of Killingsworth Street. Some officers in riot gear looked onto the crowd from the roof of the precinct building. Some demonstrators later rammed dumpsters into large garage doors on the precincts west side and barricaded exit doors, police said. Police said that by midnight, someone in the crowd started yelling over a bullhorn that they were going to burn the building down presumably in reference to the precinct. Officers notified the crowd about 1 a.m. Friday that an unlawful assembly had been declared. They started dispersing the crowd about 20 minutes later. Police said demonstrators fought with officers and shot them with paintball rounds. A mortar was launched onto the precincts roof about 1:40 a.m., according to police, who said they used unspecified crowd control munitions against demonstrators. Video footage posted at 2 a.m. shows officers marching through the street, which is overcome with white smoke. Police said demonstrators had set the trash-bin fire on the north side of the precinct about 2:15 a.m. and that they used tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several demonstrators threw gas canisters back at officers, according to police. A damaged building is seen in a photo provided by Portland police.Portland Police Bureau Most of the crowd had dispersed by 3:30 a.m. Police also said in a statement Friday morning that demonstrators had looted and set fire to businesses. The extent of the alleged looting wasnt immediately clear, though a photo disseminated by police shows merchandise strewn outside a store. The only fire damage evident Friday morning to area businesses was a scorched exterior wall near a salon. Police said numerous officers suffered minor injuries and that one was taken to a hospital with a more serious injury. The officers are expected to fully recover. This image, provided by the Portland Police Bureau, shows a damaged storefront with merchandise strewn outside.Portland Police Bureau The demonstration was notably more raucous than other recent Portland protests. The dynamics of the demonstrators during this incident were more aggressive and violent than those seen in past weeks, police said in a statement. The protest also marked a return of the use of tear gas by Portland police. Portland Police Deputy Chief Chris Davis said officers had some trouble clearing the area where a fire had been set in a trash bin that was pushed up against the west side of North Precinct. Officers were trying to enable firefighters to get in to put out the blaze. At that point, where they had set the fire and we couldnt get the crowd to move, yeah we had to use CS gas finally after some warnings, Davis said. That was clearly a life-saving need.' There were officers inside the precinct, as well as four people who were in custody at the time, Davis said. In the early days of Portlands ongoing protests, police used tear gas frequently as they confronted protesters, but, earlier this month, Mayor Ted Wheeler called for a ban on the use of tear gas after it was repeatedly used on demonstrators in downtown protests. The nonprofit Dont Shoot Portland and two protesters sued the city, seeking to ban the Portland police use of tear gas to disperse large crowds. A federal judge issued on June 9 a 14-day court order barring the launching of the riot-control agent except when a life is at risk. The judge extended the temporary order through July 24, at the acceptance of both sides. During a community video conference meeting Friday morning, Nike Greene, director of Portlands Office of Youth Violence Prevention who is based at the North Precinct, condemned Thursday nights vandalism to the precinct and nearby businesses. "You attack lives and try to kill them and that's not OK any day of the week,'' Greene said. The chief and community members are planning a news conference at 2 p.m. at the intersection of Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Killingsworth Street to speak out against it. Remnants of the night of protests remained midmorning near Killingsworth and MLK. A dumpster still smoldered in an OReilly Auto Parts parking lot. A Wells Fargo Bank had a broken window. Graffiti crews were busy removing graffiti, which was mostly on the backside of the Walnut Park Shopping Center. One of the trash-bin fires set the night before caused some damage to the side of Mid-K Beauty Supply. Mayor Ted Wheeler was in the area Friday morning and denounced the damage as criminal activity. This completely distracts from the importance of the movement, Wheeler said. Police Sgt. Brad Yakots was also in the area Friday morning. Yakots said, judging by what he heard from protesters on bullhorns the night before, that he believed they thought they were graffitiing the Portland Police Bureau Precinct, which is nearby but blocked by fences. Thursdays demonstrations started at Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland. People marched from there to City Hall, joining other protestors that included the family of Patrick Kimmons, a Black man who was fatally shot by Portland police officers in 2018. A Multnomah County grand jury declined to criminally charge the two officers who fired on Kimmons, who was 26. Letha Winston, Kimmons mother, said she wants her sons case reexamined. She urged protesters to apply pressure to Mayor Ted Wheeler and other elected officials to launch a second review of her sons killing. At one point, Winston called out for the mayor to come out of City Hall and personally answer her questions about what happened to her son two years ago. Im going to get justice and Im going to get it now, Winston told a crowd of about 60 people. Wheeler never emerged from City Hall, and it wasnt clear the mayor was there during the demonstration. Winston later led the group on a march to Southwest Fourth Avenue and Harvey Milk Street, roughly where her son was killed, and called for a permanent memorial to her son. A separate group also gathered Thursday outside the Multnomah County Justice Center, the downtown jail where crowds have converged every night and sometimes clashed with police. Livestream video showed someone in the crowd used a projector to display messages such as Dismantle white supremacy on the jail. Dozens of people remained at the downtown demonstration as of midnight. Shortly after midnight, those gathered downtown lay together on Southwest Third Avenue in memory of Floyd. A man associated with the demonstration, Jaden Trea Peterson, was jailed after allegedly firing a gun into the ground near the Justice Center early Friday, according to Portland police. No one was hurt. Multnomah County Sheriffs Office Sgt. Brandon White said an object launched toward the jail during the previous nights protests smashed some windows on the third floor of the building, which is also where some early criminal court appearances are held. As a result, some court hearings were moved to the county courthouse Thursday, he said. County officials also boarded up windows on the lower floors of the building. Regional transit services TriMet, Portland Streetcar and the Clark County transit agency C-Tran also observed a moment of silence at 7:25 p.m. in observance of the one-month anniversary of Floyds death. TriMet officials said MAX train operators planned to pause briefly at stations, and bus and paratransit drivers would pull over. -- Jim Ryan and Alex Hardgrave Kale Williams and Maxine Bernstein of The Oregonian/OregonLive staff contributed to this report jryan@oregonian.com; ahardgrave@oregonian.com Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. A wannabe drug lord who thought he had made the score of his life was allegedly loading half a ton of ice - hidden in instant noodle and spice packets - into the back of a ute while police watched on. But what Van Chung Tran didn't know was that the Australian Federal Police had swapped the illicit drug shipment with ordinary Asian noodles, and that he was under surveillance. Cunning investigators then captured the incredible moment the would-be drug kingpin stared directly into the long lens of a police camera without realising. Van Chung Tran is snapped by a Australian Federal Police camera loading a ute full of noodles packets he though was the drug ice, police allege Tran, who is set to appear in Sydney's Downing Centre District Court on Friday, is now staring down the barrel of life in prison, along with his co-conspirator Stephen Tran who is of no relation. Both stand accused of importing 495kg of meth in Australia from California during 2018, the Daily Telegraph reported. The sophisticated plot used boxes of mushroom seasoning and Indo Mi spicy Mi Goreng noodles to hide the dangerous drug, police allege. But when the air freight arrived in Sydney in July, Australian Border Force agents discovered anomalies. Upon closer inspection, the white crystals substance was determined to be methamphetamine. The Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force, Department of Home Affairs and the New South Wales Police and Crime Commission, then began a massive joint investigation to locate the intended recipients. The sophisticated plot used boxes of mushroom seasoning and Indo Mi spicy Mi Goreng noodles to hide the dangerous drug, police allege Once it was determined where the consignment was supposed to be delivered, Operation Geonosis carried out a 'controlled delivery' under the watchful eye of federal police. The packages arrived at Stephen Tran's house in Canley Vale on August 9 and Van Chung Tran unloaded the goods in full view of authorities and their cameras. Van Chung Tran then drove the decoy product to a Bonnyrigg home where he was arrested. Stephen Tran was also taken into custody by heavily armed officers in Canley Vale. Both were refused bail and have remained in custody for over two years. Police estimate the value of the shipment to be approximately $1000 per kilogram. During the pandemic we have virtual conferences, virtual meetings, virtual fitness sessions and virtual pints with friends. A virtual Brexit may be next. Commentators in the UK have noted a definite change of tone from British prime minister Boris Johnson following what just so happened to be a virtual meeting with senior figures from the EU side last week. According to British newspaper reports, the British government will hammer out a new plan this week aimed at getting failed Brexit negotiations going by identifying areas where they believe they can compromise. Up to now the main sticking points - and they are very big points - have been around the role of the European courts in any disputes, ensuring a level playing field between the UK and the EU around standards, state aid and labour laws. The EU is not prepared to give up on its principles of no free trade without a level playing field on standards. But Johnson has injected a new element to the dialogue aimed at breaking the stalemate. It first appeared in 'The Spectator' magazine, which he used to edit from 1999 to 2005: Allow the UK to reserve the right to diverge from EU standards, but if it actually did diverge it would then have to pay tariffs. Is this the basis for some kind of breakthrough and what might it mean for Ireland? Firstly, the suggestion implies it is more important for the Brexit Tories to retain the "right" to do something than to actually do it. There may be some basis in this as Johnson's government wants something it can sell to the British public. If it comes up with a formula which enables it to tell voters they have won their freedom from EU standards, courts and regulations, it just might work, even if in reality it chooses to adhere to most of those rules and standards all the same. Take fishing, for example, which accounts for 0.2pc of British GDP. It is tiny but is symbolic and tangible. Any kind of win here or rhetoric which says we have taken control of our fishing waters is job done, even if there isn't a whole lot different afterwards. When it comes to the EU side, fishing rights is one area in which the EU is likely to compromise from its position of maintaining all existing access. Brexit negotiations have been all about the art of the possible up to now. Johnson has been forced to give ground on the big issues. The UK needs a trade deal with the EU, its largest trading partner. The EU wants a trade deal with the UK mainly for sectoral interests such as financial services and German car exports. But there are numerous problems with the "virtual Brexit" solution. The EU doesn't trust the Johnson government and therefore would have to put in place very complex governance measures to verify no deviation from standards which, if they occurred, would warrant the introduction of tariffs. The British may want to cherry pick on the tariffs they would end up paying. So, for example, they diverge from EU standards on certain issues knowing it would trigger tariffs on their exports to the EU on specific products, and they are prepared to take that hit. The virtual Brexit solution won't strike the EU side as solid and stable, but more likely as fluid and uncertain. It might also look too attractive for other would-be leavers of the EU. Most of all, it lobs a grenade into UK trade talks with other countries such as the US, Australia or China. What impact would this adherence to EU standards, while retaining the right to diverge at a cost, have on the UK's ability to strike new trade deals with other countries? That would all have to be worked out. Few people actually believe Brexit was ever really about freedom to trade with other countries but rather Brexiteers taking back control of their own waters, borders, courts and regulations. Once they have established that, they may well choose to leave most things as they are. Such an outcome would be good for Ireland. It would ensure quota and tariff-free exports to the UK. It would minimise the disruption of Brexit and deliver a much better outcome than a no-deal crash out in December. Johnson is on the back foot. The shine has gone off his landslide election win and he is now under pressure on his handling of the pandemic, Dominic Cummings, the economy and lots more. The UK borrowed 62bn in April alone. Suggestions that Johnson would simply opt for a Brexit transition extension were wide of the mark. Suggestions that he is ready for a no-deal crash-out, because Covid-19 has already delivered the economic shock, are also looking wide of the mark. Johnson is desperate for a deal. The mood is changing. And it might be an OK outcome for us. The Catholic Church of the Philippines has called on the government to investigate the deaths of more than 350 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia, who allegedly died of natural causes. By Vatican News A Filipino bishop and an overseas organization of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are demanding the truth behind the recent deaths of more than 350 expatriates in the Arab kingdom. Adnan Alonto, the Philippine ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said on June 22 that there were at least 353 corpses of Filipino workers, 200 of which needed to be brought back to the Philippines. He said, They died of natural causes mostly. There were only a few deaths related to coronavirus. There were a few-crime related deaths. But most of the non-Covid-related deaths are due to natural causes, the ambassador said in an interview. Bishop Santos However, Bishop Ruperto Santos of Balanga, head of the Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), is not convinced that most of the deaths were due to natural causes. He suspects there is something wrong with the whole picture that deserves immediate attention by the government to safeguard Filipino workers rights in the Middle East. There should be an investigation for the specific causes of death to prevent and avoid future loss of life, Bishop Santos said in a statement. Migrante International Migrante International, an alliance of OFW organizations that fights for the rights and welfare of Philippine overseas workers, has also called for more transparent reporting and data gathering from the Philippine embassy in Saudi Arabia. The relatives of our deceased Filipino workers deserve to know the cause of death of their loved ones. The government cannot simply say they died due to natural causes. There must be medical records to support the claim, Migrante International spokesman Francisco Buenaventura told UCA News. Discrimination Bueventura also spoke out against alleged discrimination suffered by Filipino medical workers in hospitals or health facilities in the Middle East. He said he had received reports that Filipinos who tested positive for Covid-19 were not prioritized because of their religious affiliation. Christians and Muslims, he said, must receive the medical attention needed for our workers to recover from the virus. Our nurses are taking care of Muslim patients. May they also get the kind of medical attention they deserve, he added. The Philippine ambassador said Saudi health and foreign affairs officials have assured him there is no discrimination or triaging in hospitals and clinics based on religion or ethnicity. Their facilities are full, he said, adding that Indian and Bangladeshi embassies have also had the same experience. Last rites Ambassador Alonto earlier said that Saudi Arabia had ordered that Covid-related victims be buried in the Gulf state within 72 hours from the time the embassy or consulate was informed about the deaths. Bishop Santos opposed the arrangement saying it is proper that the remains of the deceased Filipinos should be brought back home so their loved ones can pay them their last respects. We, Filipinos, have high respect for the dead. We honour the dead. They are sacred to us. It is just and proper to give them a proper, dignified burial, he added. Alonto cited the Saudi government's rules that the bodies needed to be buried since morgues are full to capacity. Bishop Santos has asked the Philippine government to help the families of the deceased OFWs. Remittances The Philippine economy depends heavily on remittances from overseas Filipino workers OFWs. Last year, migrant workers sent a record $33.5 billion, or about 9 per cent of the countrys gross domestic product. That was 3.9% higher than the $32.2 billion recorded in 2018. This year, the Philippines stands to lose up to $6 billion in remittances, or 20 per cent, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has already rendered some 400,000 OFWs jobless. Senator Joel Villanueva, chairman of the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment, and Human Resources Development urged the government on Tuesday to take urgent action to help nearly 50,000 stranded OFWs who have already been repatriated. The government must help them find an alternative source of income, the senator said. By ANI PATNA: As many as 22 people have died due to thunderstorms in Bihar in the last 24 hours, the State Disaster Management Department informed. RK Jenamani, Senior Scientist, IMD, said, "Over the next three days, heavy to very heavy rainfall warning has been given to Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim. There are also chances of flooding so we have informed State and the central government." The Nitish Kumar-led government in the state had earlier asked the district authorities to take "suitable precautionary measures" as the rain may result in the "inundation of low lying areas." This scanning electron microscope image shows SARS-CoV-2 (yellow)also known as 2019-nCoV, the virus that causes COVID-19isolated from a patient in the U.S., emerging from the surface of cells (blue/pink) cultured in the lab. Among the many steps that could be taken and should to address racial inequities in Connecticut, we single out one that could happen quickly with bipartisan support. Make Juneteenth a state holiday. The will is there. State Senate Democrats made it part of their encompassing list of action items to target racial inequities, highlighted in the past month by protests and peaceful marches across the country. The outcry was in response to the death of George Floyd after a Minneapolis policeman pinned him down, knee to the back of his throat for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Floyds death was a month ago, on the 25th, and if anything marches and rallies have increased. This is a pivotal moment in history where substantive change can happen. Reform must be broad, from policies on policing to education, employment, housing, health care access, criminal justice and other quality of life issues. Making Juneteenth a state holiday does not address any of those important issues, we acknowledge. But it demonstrates respect and a willingness to confront our nations history. Juneteenth celebrates the final end of slavery in the U.S. on June 19, 1865. On that date, union soldiers came to Galveston, Texas to tell the last pocket of slave holders that the Civil War was over with the surrender of Gen. Robert E. Lee two and a half months earlier. The Confederacy that fought to keep slaves was no more; President Abraham Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation, effective Jan. 1, 1863, declared that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states are, and henceforward shall be free. For the past 155 years, Juneteenth was a day of celebration, primarily in Black communities, with parades and gatherings, speeches and barbecues. While Juneteenth has long been significant to Black culture, the date was not widely known among white people, by and large it was not mentioned in school history lessons. This finally can be rectified. Last year the state Legislature enacted a bill to require African American and Latino studies be taught in public schools by 2022; the curriculum is being developed and should include the actual end of slavery on June 19, 1865. In 2003 Connecticut declared recognition of Juneteenth Independence Day. It is 48th in the list of such days that include Ukranian-American Day (Aug. 24), School Safety Patrol Day (the last Wednesday in September) and Family Day (the second Sunday in September). Texas was the first to make it a state holiday, in 1980, and this year New York followed and Virginias governor will propose legislation. Connecticut should do the same. One anticipated argument is that state employees would gain another holiday, but this could be a negotiating point and not an obstacle. As an official state holiday, June 19 could become a day to celebrate African American freedom and achievement, and, adhering to its roots, to encourage self-development and respect for all cultures. That would be a good starting point. Research COVID-19 Puts 2019 Higher Ed Challenges in Stark Relief Graduation rates? Workforce readiness? Competitive pressures? None of these shows up in a recent ranking of the top three major issues faced by university and college executives. Still, in a survey done pre-pandemic among members of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, researchers found that many of the big challenges cited by higher education leaders then are the same ones they're grappling with today, in an era of COVID-19: Government funding (listed by 77 percent of respondents); Student mental health and well-being (68 percent); and Diversity and inclusion of students, faculty and staff (63 percent). Each of those topics gets coverage in a new report issued by the APLU, which was developed in partnership with Blue Moon Consulting Group, a higher ed crisis management consultancy, and SimpsonScarborough, a marketing firm focused on higher ed. Declining government funding has two root causes, according to the report: a decline in the "belief of higher ed as a 'public good'" and an "inability to quickly adapt." The first plays into a painful cycle. As government support drops, schools increase tuition, forcing people to reconsider the value of postsecondary education, generating less political support and so on. Countering that, members told the APLU, would require greater public advocacy on the contributions made by higher ed, creation of political action committees for more lobbying and continued attention on finding "alternative sources of funding." The second, slow adaptation, was questioned as an assumption. As the researchers pointed out, "COVID-19 has certainly forced almost all institutions to adapt extremely quickly, particularly in the area of moving to online education, perhaps suggesting the perceived inability to adapt is only partially true." Among the suggestions offered by respondents: to incentivize faculty "to engage with business/industry" and to encourage universities to "think big, think entrepreneurially [and] move nimbly." Challenge two, support for students' mental health, is only getting harder under COVID-19, the report noted. "Not only is there increased need around access to and support for an online environment, but there is increasing concern about students who are facing additional anxiety as a result of the disease itself," the authors stated. Presidents "uniformly" said their institutions have seen a "three-fold increase in funding" for student support programs and counselors in the last five years. However, since many of those are funded by auxiliary fees (generated through housing and dining), fees that are currently at risk, school leaders are concerned that they'll be unable to maintain "let alone expand" those programs. Challenge three, diversity and inclusion, will become even more pressing, the authors asserted, due to the "uneven impact" of COVID-19 on communities of color, in terms of infection rates and treatment, as well as financial stress. "We can easily foresee dramatic reductions in the number of minority and first gen students who will be able to return to school next year due to family conditions," they wrote. At the same time, they noted, public opinion "is shifting significantly on the subject of entrenched racism," ensuring that "the issue will be more prevalent this year," showing up on campus in many forms: protests, both peaceful and disruptive; antagonism among student groups; and professors sharing their political opinions to the dismay of at least some portion of their class. "We can expect a tumultuous start to the new school year," the report noted, "that will likely put campus leadership under intense scrutiny." Coronavirus has added a solid veneer of crisis to all of the issues faced by institutions, the researchers concluded, putting schools' reputations and viability at risk. The question is, they asked, whether "things will remain as they have been" or whether campus leaders will be able to "find the opportunity amidst the crisis." The report is openly available on the APLU website. Salvador Sciaraffa, 88, Nicholas Nanez, 89, and Ernesto Sanchez, 91, have two things in common. They are all veterans of the Korean War, and they are some of the few surviving and healthy members from the Laredo area. The Korean War was a conflict fought between June 25, 1950 and July 27, 1953 that resulted in mass casualties and featured many servicemembers from the Laredo area. Sanchez, a former Martin High School teacher, was one of those members and now serves as a spokesman for the conflict. Since on Thursday (June 25) it is the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War conflict, the date was commemorated at Highway 59 where we have a sign by having several of us veterans from that war participate, Sanchez said. The event was very beautiful because we had about four to five Sheriffs Department deputy vehicles, and they had their lights on and everything and it was very beautiful. Although Sanchez was honored to be commemorated for his service, he believes the event serves better as a memorial for all those who lost their lives in the war and whose whereabouts have still not been discovered. From Laredo we actually have six members who were never brought home and 24 servicemembers who died in the conflict from the area, Sanchez said. Thus, we have at least 30 members which we must commemorate on this important date. To Sanchez, knowing that six families continue to not know the whereabouts of their loved ones is something he wholeheartedly feels bad about as the families cannot find closure. However, he hopes the families will one day get the remains of the fallen soldiers as it happened to a local Laredo solider/ Ricardo Castor was missing in action, but his remains were identified in Hawaii years ago. The event is also meaningful for the survivors. According to Sanchez, Laredo has eight living members that served during the Korean War, but only half of them are able to attend the events. Once in a while we get together, but because we are just very few, as we used to be 55 and now only eight service members from that conflict, and only three or four of us can walk and are healthy enough to attend such events, our events are pretty small, Sanchez said. In efforts to get the voices of the other veterans out to the community, Sanchez said they have a program called Tell America in which the veterans present their experiences and stories about combat to high school and college students for a first-hand account about the war and military life. He believes the program allows for students and the people to not forget the Korean conflict and all of the sacrifice that servicemembers, locally and nationally, made for the country. The event was also beautiful for the veteran because it offered him a chance to reminisce on those days when he and his fellow soldiers fought of the North Korean and Chinese excursion into South Korea that wanted to turn the whole Korean peninsula communist. According to him, had the Chinese and North Koreans succeeded, he believes the Philippines and other countries around the area would have become communist as well. He served as a platoon commander in the conflict, and it was the coldest war that the United States has ever fought with the temperature reaching more than 30 degrees below zero. He talked about how during the war he saw many of his fellow service members get killed in action, and he developed a tradition of not asking anybody for their names as he would feel bad if they would get killed. However, every time I lost a friend in the conflict, it went worse for the enemy as we would respond by taking down 50 of them for every one of our men that died, Sanchez said. However, I felt really bad and cried for the enemy as well as they were also our human brothers and their lives matter as well. Although often termed The Forgotten War by historians, Sanchez believes the Korea War has not been forgotten and is ongoing. The war has not ended, Sanchez said. The war continues to be fought as there are skirmishes from time to time, and the United States continues to have more than 25,000 military servicemembers in the area in case of any new attacks. I meet some young veterans who are very, very young, and they have already served in Korea as well. The only thing that stopped was the shooting due to a cease in military action. Sanchez said he is saddened the conflict continues after many decades as he believes many lives and resources are being wasted. I am saddened about the war as it has resulted in the suffering and wasting of immense amounts of money and lives as many lives are not just lost in battle or in an attack but also in accidents for working in hazardous zones, Sanchez said. I just think it is a waste of time and money. He believes the North Koreans will never again orchestrate a conflict like the one in the early 1950s as the country does not have the means to fight off the United States and other regional powers in the area. As for how he is handling the pandemic, Sanchez said he is enjoying quarantining at home safely as he has been able to do many paintings and express his creativity. The event marked the only official event being held in Webb County and in Laredo for veterans of the Korean War. According to City of Laredo Public Information Officer Rafael Benavides, there are currently no planned events or ceremonies as of now. We must never forget all veterans as they have left to serve in anther country and have also given their lives for us, which is why we should never forget them as they are all the children of families, and they lose everything in the conflict even when they come back, Sanchez said. If you see a veteran in the streets, please salute them and tell them thanks. A couple of days back, there was strong buzz doing the rounds that a sequel will be soon planned for Vashu Bhagnanis Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. The film starred Dia Mirza, Madhavan and Saif Ali Khan. Rumours also said that the sequel will reunite Dia Mirza and Madhavan and it will continue the story. However today Madhavan took to his social media account to refute the rumours. Madhavan said that he has no clue about the sequel however he has his fingers crossed and hoping that someone has the right script which will be age-appropriate for the actors. He tweeted saying... # RHTDM ..Guysss ...been reading rumors about the sequel .. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAand hoping its true-cause I have no idea about this AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA.. just praying that someone somewhere has an age appropriate script for Dia and I -varna aAAA a madhav shastri aaaa aaAAA hathi aAAAaAAA aAAAaaAAAaaAAA aaaaaaAAA ke aaaaa aaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAa pic.twitter.com/dKYOMEcccA Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) June 24, 2020 Well, while this tweet surely leaves us in splits and the actors wit got us cracking, were also disheartened to know that nothing concrete seems to be happening on the sequel front. Fans and netizens really got excited last week when they thought they would get a reboot version to the film. It all began when a fan had asked Dia Mirza on an Instagram Q and A session if they will reunite for RHTDM 2 or for any other film, an elated Dia answered and said, @ActorMaddy and I love this question! And we are both waiting for it to be answered. RHTDM is a satellite-hit and garners a lot of eyeballs on television. Read More - Dia Mirza and R. Madhavan to reprise their roles in Rehna Hai Terre Dil Main 2 WASHINGTON (AP) Sen. Kamala Harris of California says that Democrats need to listen to young voters seeking change and that she won't be played" by Republicans when it comes to police reform legislation. She's a top contender to be presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden's running mate. But she won't directly address whether she thinks Biden should choose a Black woman as his vice president. Harris spoke Tuesday with The Associated Press about her efforts and the Democratic Party's relationship with Black voters. The following Q&A has been edited for clarity and length. AP: Do you think that swift compromise is still possible (on police reform legislation)? And if you do have to compromise, what do you think are the pieces in your bill that have the most potential to save lives? HARRIS: The problem is that we have American lives that have ended at the hands of excessive force and police brutality. And we need to address it, and (Democrats') bill, the Justice in Policing Act, is frankly quite narrowly tailored to specifically address the need for accountability and consequences when there is the situation where police officers have broken the rules and broken the law. You have the Republican leader, (Mitch) McConnell, essentially saying that he is not going to invite any kind of conversation or discourse before a vote (on the Republican bill) Wednesday. The two lead senators on the Justice in Policing Act, Sen. Cory Booker from New Jersey and myself, both serve on the Judiciary Committee. The Judiciary Committee was designed just for this type of issue. So if there was an intent to have a meaningful dialogue and discussion toward real solutions that have teeth, it should have gone there. And instead it's Were in leadership, we hold all the cards, you take it. You take what were offering you even if its crumbs on the table." Well, were not going to go for that. And frankly, I will speak for myself, Im not going to be played that way. Story continues AP: Some of these things that are in the Justice in Policing Act are things that are either still allowed in California or were only recently reformed. Could you have pushed harder for some of these things to happen earlier in California? HARRIS: The point of your question actually speaks to the issue at hand, which is even in a state like California, which has been a leader on reforming the criminal justice system, we still arent where we need to be. And it speaks to the fact that I know well that there are a lot of folks and a lot that is invested in the status quo, it is deeply rooted. Within the system, there is a real hesitance, if not hostility, to reform and change. One of the greatest, I think, counterforces to that status quo ... has been Black Lives Matter and the brilliance of that movement and its leaders. That has created this kind of counterforce, so that those who are within a system can have greater leverage to force or compel change. But theres still so much more to do and that speaks to exactly our bill, the Justice in Policing Act, which is these are the things we need to institute at a national and at a federal level. AP: Vice President Biden has overwhelming support among older Black voters, but hes struggled to gain more widespread support from young Black and Latino progressive voters. What do Democrats need to do to get those voters energized and come out in November? HARRIS: We need to listen. The strength and the beauty of this movement around policing is, I think, an extension of what I know from being on the campaign trail for a year, which is that there are a lot of issues that are impacting so-called younger voters that have gone unaddressed. One of the best ways to actually address those issues is to listen and let the people tell you their needs and tell you what they want. We have to listen to them, and we have to respond to their needs in a way that we provide them with their rightful role of leadership as opposed to expecting them to just follow. AP: Beyond policing, what do you think needs to be done to address inequalities that have been laid bare in the Black community as a result of the COVID-19 crisis that we're in? Do you think that the Democrats need a more robust agenda when it comes to Black America? HARRIS: Theres a lot that needs to be addressed, and it relates to everything from public health and long-standing disparities based on race. It is about what we need to do around the economy, it is about what we need to do around education. It's about environmental policy and environmental justice and a number of other issues. One of the things that we need to do is obviously fight to keep the Affordable Care Act. But we also need to address the long-standing disparities that exist when we know that African Americans are 20% more likely to have asthma, 40% more likely to have high blood pressure, that Black women are three times more likely to have lupus than white women, when we know that Black women are three to four times more likely to die in connection with childbirth than other women. So theres a lot of work to do there, and it is about accessibility, it is about affordability, it is about bias in the health care delivery system racial bias, institutional and systemic racism. I have proposed the Racial Disparities Act. It would track where these disparities exist as we continue to deal with the coronavirus pandemic because we still are at a place where hundreds of people are dying in our country a day. AP: A lot of voices in your party have begun to say Biden needs to have a Black woman on the ticket. Do you think that is what is necessary to kind of rise to the occasion of this moment? HARRIS: I will tell you and I say this with all sincerity and honesty and candor: I want Joe Biden to pick whoever is going to help him win. Period. He has to win. There is too much at stake in our country right now. Donald Trump has been a failure as a president on almost every level. He came into office trying to sow hate and division among us. He has been dishonest with the American people tens of thousands of times. He has failed to lead on the greatest public health crisis and therefore economic crisis weve seen in generations, where he was in abject denial and then basically tried to muzzle the health care experts and mislead the American people. We need a president of the United States who has in their DNA the ability and the desire to lift up the condition and the spirit of the American people. And I know Joe Biden can do that, and he needs to win. ___ Ronayne reported from Sacramento, Calif. Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Marine Expeditionary Unit Aviation Assets Conduct Live-Fire Training in Albania Navy News Service Story Number: NNS200624-10 Release Date: 6/24/2020 10:13:00 AM From 26th MEU Public Affairs Office BIZE, Albania (NNS) -- U.S. Marine Corps UH-1Y Venoms and AH-1W Super Cobras assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and attached to the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BATARG) participated in a live-fire training exercise in Bize, Albania, June 22, 2020. The exercise was planned alongside Albanian allied forces and consisted of aviation ordnance-delivery training aimed at increasing readiness and reinforcing the partnership between the U.S. and Albania. "The BATARG and 26th MEU are excited about the opportunity to build on the live-fire exercise conducted by the U.S. Navy's Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28, Det. 1, with our Albanian partners less than two months ago," said Capt. Lance Lesher, commodore of Amphibious Squadron 8. "This important training, this time with 26th MEU aircraft, continues to reinforce familiarity and interoperability with our Albanian partners, reaffirming our commitment to not only this enduring relationship, but security and stability across the region. This valuable ARGMEU training ensures that along with the Albanian military, we maintain peak mission readiness in any environment, including the challenges associated with combat operations during a pandemic." Venoms and Super Cobras, commonly referred to as H-1's, are essential to sea-based air power and air superiority. H-1s, when coupled together, have the ability to provide close-air support, casualty evacuation from remote or austere locations, and transport Marines and Sailors from ship to shore all from over the horizon. "This training evolution was a great opportunity for our H-1 crews to integrate with a NATO ally through extensive coordination and combined planning, all while physically distributed from our Albanian counterparts aboard our sea-based platform," said Capt. Casey Low, an AH-1W Super Cobra pilot. "The evolution tested and demonstrated our ability to project power ashore utilizing air-delivered fires from the MEU's Aviation Combat Element to support combined NATO forces." By utilizing the overland ranges in Albania, UH-1Y Venom and AH-1W Super Cobra pilots assigned to the 26th MEU were able to become more proficient in conducting live-fire tactical maneuvering in a challenging, mountainous environment. "As a sea-based Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF), we are able to bring combat power ashore utilizing assets from our Aviation Combat Element to include UH-1Y Venoms and AH-1W Super Cobras," said Col. Trevor Hall, commanding officer of the 26th MEU. "We are grateful for this opportunity to conduct live-fire training in Albania and demonstrate this unique capability. Being able to train in a NATO-allied country improves overall coordination with our allies and partners in the region, which ultimately ensures a free and peaceful Europe." ARGMEUs operate continuously across the globe and provide the geographic combatant commanders with a forward-deployed, flexible and responsive sea-based MAGTF. The blue-green team is fully capable of conducting operations across a full spectrum of conventional, unconventional and hybrid warfare. Training such as this strengthens the execution of mission-essential tasks alongside NATO allies. Bataan ARG and 26th MEU consist of more than 4,000 total Sailors and Marines, who are operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Release 25 June 2020 TORONTO, - Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world's leading luxury hospitality company, has expanded its award-winning App and Chat platforms with enhanced residential features, giving Four Seasons Private Residence homeowners and residents the ability to connect with their designated residential teams from their phones, tablets or computers. Advertisements The new residential digital experience, integrated with both the Four Seasons App and fourseasons.com, has been introduced to enhance and further customise the Four Seasons residential lifestyle experience, allowing residents to securely manage and maintain their home, connect with their designated Four Seasons team members, and request services with ease and convenience. The Four Seasons App and Four Seasons Chat are a key pillar of Lead With Care, the new health and safety program developed in response to COVID-19. Along with heightened cleanliness and disinfection measures, social distancing, and employee training, Four Seasons is leveraging technology in order to limit face-to-face interactions while maintaining the highest levels of personal service. Lead With Care was developed with guest, resident, and employee health and safety at top of mind. With 44 residential projects around the globe, and one third of development projects including a residential component, the residential extension of the Four Seasons App and Four Seasons Chat will be integral in delivering safe, secure and contactless service to residents around the globe. "We've already seen great success in enhancing the guest journey through the award-winning Four Seasons App and Four Seasons Chat, leveraging technology with a distinctly human approach. We're using the same state-of-the-art technology, while tailoring it further to be relevant to our homeowners," said Christian Clerc, President, Global Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. "In times like these, when contactless service is paramount, this digital experience will be incredibly important in allowing us to stay connected with our residents, while never compromising on our legendary service." Easy Living with Four Seasons Four Seasons has been a leader in branded residential and property management since 1985, now offering the finest real estate in the best locations in urban city centres, tropical vacation destinations, and mountain escapes. Led by a designated Director of Residences and a team of dedicated employees, Four Seasons acts as the ongoing property managers for residents and their homes to offer a one-of-a-kind, luxury lifestyle marked by genuine and compassionate care and service excellence. Using the Four Seasons residential App and Chat platforms, residents can make everyday tasks, hosting family and friends, and general upkeep of their home even simpler by connecting with their designated Four Seasons team. Expecting visitors? Residents can grant secure access to visitors by sending their photo and arrival details to the concierge, allowing for a warm and safe welcome to family and friends. In need of dry-cleaning or housekeeping? Seamlessly request services from a phone or tablet that will be responded to by the onsite team in minutes. Seamlessly request services from a phone or tablet that will be responded to by the onsite team in minutes. Taking advantage of onsite amenities? Request a custom menu from the on-property executive chef to be prepared in the comfort of home or book a private yoga lesson in the state-of-the-art fitness facilities, connecting with onsite teams to personalise these offerings to fit one's needs. Looking to connect with fellow residents? The Residential App and Website provides access to information and social events for the local Home Owners Association and for fellow residents at the property. The Four Seasons residential digital experience has been tailored to reflect each individual Four Seasons property, ensuring that every resident has access to services and amenities that are customised to their own location. Residents can also effortlessly access reservations at any Four Seasons around the world, while also maintaining their home through the same platform. The residential digital experience is live at 31 properties globally, with rollout at six additional properties by end of June 2020. About the Four Seasons App The Four Seasons App connects anyone, anywhere with every Four Seasons hotel in destinations all over the world, simply by downloading from Google Play or the App Store to any mobile device. Functions and features include the ability to make and manage reservations, request luggage pickup, airport transfers, room service, restaurant and spa reservations, tee times and much more. Wait-free check-in and check-out is also offered, while Four Seasons Chat integration offers instant translation of 100+ languages and industry-leading response times. In 2018, the Four Seasons App was awarded the Hotel Visionary Award from Hospitality Technology and is regarded as best in class in the industry. About Four Seasons Chat Since launching Four Seasons Chat in October 2017, guests can send and receive instant messages with property teams before, throughout and after their stay via multiple channels. In addition to WhatsApp, guests can use the Four Seasons App, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, KakaoTalk, LINE, Apple Business Chat and SMS. Four Seasons Chat is currently available in all Four Seasons hotels, resorts, residences and the Four Seasons Private Jet. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nina A. Loasana (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 19:43 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661a8d62 1 National COVID-19,East-Java,COVID-19-in-East-Java,coronavirus Free Indonesia recorded 1,178 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the total number of confirmed infections nationwide to 50,187 as new epicenter East Java continues to record the highest daily number of cases. "We tested 19,510 specimens [on Thursday], 1,178 of which were positive," said the Health Ministry's disease control and prevention director general, Achmad Yurianto, "So the total [number of confirmed cases] is 50,187 people." East Java, the second largest province in Indonesia in terms of population, has replaced Jakarta as the new epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak following a surge of new cases starting from the end of May. The home to some 39 million people recorded the highest number of new confirmed cases on Thursday with 247, followed by the country's capital with 196 cases and South Sulawesi with 103 new cases. The new cases brought East Java's total number of infections to 10,545, closely trailing behind Jakarta where some 10 million of the nation's 268 million population reside with 10,600 total cases. Read also: Jokowi gives East Java two weeks to control virus Indonesia thus remains the country with the highest number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Southeast Asia to date, followed by Singapore with 42,736 cases as of Thursday. Authorities have so far tested 708,962 specimens from 427,158 people. Yurianto said the high transmission rate was because many residents still maintained close contact without adhering to prevention protocols. "[They] did not maintain physical distance and wear masks." The central government also announced 47 new fatalities linked to COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the death toll to 2,620. "We recorded 791 new recoveries, bringing the total number of people who have recovered to 20,449," Yurianto added. He went on to say that 17 provinces reported less than 10 new cases, with five of them namely Bangka Belitung, Jambi, West Kalimantan, Southeast Sulawesi and East Nusa Tenggara reporting zero new cases. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jun. 25 By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend: Active and target-oriented work is currently underway to develop 'green energy' in Kazakhstans Karaganda region, a representative of the regional akimat (administrative center) told Trend. The official said that the overall renewable energy generation volume in the region amounted to 54 million kWh in 1Q2020 compared to 22 million kWh in 1Q2019. The official also noted that the overall renewable energy generation was 176 million kWh in 2019. "We are witnessing a significant and a clear increase in output across all renewable energy sources in the region. Undoubtedly, a high level of renewable energy development in the Karaganda region can be noted," the representative said. The official also said that current high level of renewable energy development in Karaganda region is associated with active construction and operation of solar power plants. Thus, a total of four new solar plants the total capacity of which is 200 MW were put into operation over the course of 2019. "The solar parks were put into operation in Saran city (100 MW), Gulshat settlement in Aktogai district (40 MW), Agadyr settlement of Shet district (50 MW), in Zhezkazgan city (10 MW)," the official said. The official also noted a number of biogas stations (total capacity of 1.1 MW) and mini hydropower plants (0.6 MW) operating in the region, which also count as renewable energy sources. Based on some estimates, countrys potential for solar energy production ranges from 3.9 to 5.4 billion WH per year, whereas the ceiling of wind power is 920 billion kWh per year. As of the end of 2019, 90 RES (renewable energy source) facilities of 1,050 MW of capacity were operating in Kazakhstan including 19 wind parks (283.8 MW), 31 solar parks (541.7 MW), 37 hydropower plants (222.2 MW) and three biopower plants. This year, the number of RES facilities is to be increased from 90 to 108 with the total capacity of 1,655 MW. --- Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh One day before the one-month anniversary of George Floyds death in Minneapolis, the Pennsylvania General Assembly took swift decisive action to strengthen police hiring practices, record law enforcements use of force, and other reform measures. While none of the four bills have passed both chambers, all received unanimous support and could wind up on Gov. Tom Wolfs desk as early as next week. Lawmakers in both chambers made a point of saying the reforms they approved are a first step toward responding to the cries of protesters around the state demanding police reforms and addressing racial injustice. The House passed two bills, which immediately were considered and approved by the Senate Law & Justice Committee with no debate. The full Senate is expected to vote on these bills next week. House Bill 1841 would require employers to disclose employment information to a law enforcement agency that is conducting a background investigation of an applicant; free a previous employer from civil liability for sharing that information with a police department; and create an electronic database containing separation records of law enforcement officers for use by other law enforcement agencies when hiring. House Bill 1910 would strengthen training of officers on interacting with individuals of diverse racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds; implicit bias training; recognizing and reporting child abuse; and annual training on the use of appropriate force. In addition, the bill would establish better access to mental health evaluations for law enforcement officers. The bill would require police officers to be tested for post-traumatic stress disorder every two years and within 30 days of any lethal use-of-force incident. The Senate passed legislation that addressed use of force policies and restrictions. Senate Bill 459 would mandate all police departments maintain records of use of force incidents that detail the reason for the use of force and injuries, death or property damage that resulted; police departments would forward those records to the Pennsylvania State Police. Senate Bill 1205 would ban chokeholds when used to detain an individual and require municipal departments to have a use of force policy, to publish it, and train officers to know it. State Attorney General Josh Shapiro, who championed the effort to establish a database of police misconduct, applauded the legislative action on that initiative, calling it a key reform sought by advocates and a down payment on the changes we need to make. The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, along with other police organizations, also are in full support of the statewide registry and training requirements. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rob Kauffman, R-Franklin County, said the bills passed Thursday are meant to support police officers across the commonwealth by targeting those in their ranks who are not qualified or have gone rogue. This is an effort to make sure that communities across Pennsylvania are able to have the full disclosure and the knowledge that they are hiring the absolute best for their communities; those who have their communities and the law and order of their communities at heart, Kauffman said. House Democratic Whip Jordan Harris of Philadelphia said Floyds death demands action on a multitude of other issues, including the arbitration system that controls police officer discipline, banning chokeholds, use of force reporting and other systemic issues. Harris, among other members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, forced police reforms to the top of the chambers agenda. They helped make their case with an unscheduled peaceful floor demonstration on June 8 prior to the start of the House session. Speaking on Wednesday during a one-sided debate on the House bills, Harris said, This is a small deposit in a bank account that has been empty for far too long for Black and brown people in our communities This is a deposit to say to the mother who fears for her childs life every time that child walks out the door because of a possible interaction with police, to say: We hear you. Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Philadelphia, said the reality is Black and brown individuals are more likely to have encounters with the police that turn deadly, as was the case of Floyd in Minnesota, Breonna Taylor in Kentucky, and Antwon Rose in Pittsburgh. But the House bills are the beginning of an arduous process to try to ensure there are no more George Floyds, Breonna Taylor and Antwon Rose. We have an opportunity to do that and the fact that we havent had this justice is why we are so often reminding folks that Black lives matter, Kenyatta said. Sen. Sharif Street, D-Philadelphia, in advocating for his chokehold ban bill, said this legislation is one that is really past due. It is legislation that will send a message that Pennsylvanians wish to have law enforcement responsibly use their force of power. Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa of Allegheny County called all the bills that saw action on Wednesday important steps forward to alleviate some of the concerns that protesters across the state have expressed. Im proud of the steps Pennsylvania is taking in this space, Costa said. Floyd, a Black man, died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, authorities said. The officer was fired and has been charged with second-degree murder. Three other officers on the scene were charged with aiding and abetting murder and lost their jobs. 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. By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, June 25 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate voted 90-7 on Thursday to debate the annual National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, setting the stage for a battle between Democrats and President Donald Trump's Republicans over changing the names of military bases named after Confederate generals. The $740 billion NDAA, which sets policy for the Pentagon, is one of the few pieces of major legislation passed by Congress ever year. This year would be the 60th in a row that the bill has passed. Members of Congress seek to use it for a wide range of policy measures, not just governing what arms and equipment the Pentagon purchases and how much the troops are paid, but for a wide range of broader policy issues. This year's bill likely will include measures intended to move more of the U.S. manufacturing supply chain from China, bar the use of the military against peaceful protests and programs to respond to the coronavirus pandemic. Trump has promised to veto the bill if it passes Congress with a plank that would rename military bases named after Confederate generals within three years, backed by some of his fellow Republicans. Democrats responded by proposing that such names be changed within one year. The issue has come to the fore in recent weeks amid the protests against the police killing of Black man George Floyd in Minneapolis The Senate is expected to consider the NDAA next week, hoping to pass its version of the bill before the July 4 Independence Day holiday. The House of Representatives is working on its own version of the legislation. The versions from the Republican-led Senate and Democratic-led House must be reconciled before a final version can pass and go to the White House for Trump to sign or veto. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle Editing by Alistair Bell) A 14-year-old girl fought off two rapists in India but was burned to death when her attackers became enraged at her resistance. The middle school student was admitted to hospital in Raipur with burns covering 80 per cent of her body. She told police the identities of her attackers on her deathbed yesterday. Police said the two accused attacked the teenager when she was just 650ft away from her home, looking after the family goats in a field in the town of Bemetara, Chhatarpur. They 'tried to force themselves upon her' but the girl 'resisted with all her strength', Bemetara Superintendent of Police Divyang Patel said. After failing to rape her, the pair - angered at her resistance and fearing she would report them - doused her in kerosene and set her alight. A 14-year-old Indian girl fought off two rapists but was set on fire after they became angered at her resistance, according to police. Burns covered 80 per cent of the youngster's body when she died yesterday The accused include another 14-year-old and a 22-year-old man named Sharad Jaiswal, the Times of India reported, adding that the two fled the scene leaving the girl engulfed in flames. 'The two accused have been taken into custody and their interrogation was underway. Further action will be taken accordingly,' Patel said. It wasn't until her parents returned home that they found her unconscious in the field with seared skin from the blaze. The family rushed her to hospital in Raipur but medical staff were unable to save her from the burns which covered 80 per cent of her body. Earlier this month, the raped body of a four-year-old girl was dumped in a well after she was raped and murdered in the same city of Chhatarpur. There were some 40,000 rapes reported in India in 2016, according to the most recent official figures available. Indians protest against rape and sexual violence in December following the case of a 27-year-old vet who was gang-raped and murdered in Hyderabad In 2018, the Indian government buckled under public pressure and approved capital punishment for repeat offenders and for individuals who rape children under the age of 12. Activists claim the 40,000 number is just the tip of the iceberg as many victims are afraid to report the crimes due to threats by perpetrators or the social stigma attached to sexual assaults. Before the coronavirus outbreak, a string of violent sex attacks prompted outrage and nationwide protests. One Shenandoah police officer has tested positive for COVID-19 and is recovering at home, city officials confirmed Thursday. Kathie Reyer, the city administrator for Shenandoah, said only one of the citys 26 police department staff had tested positive and any other employee that interacted with the person was quarantined until they tested negative for the coronavirus. Related: Woodlands officials: 15 firefighters in quarantine; no positive COVID-19 tests First responders have the greatest exposure to the public and are therefore at a higher level of risk. Weve been very fortunate so far. Weve had only one police officer test positive and that officer has been at home recovering for the last couple of weeks. As soon as the officer tests negative, they will return to work, Reyer said in an email. Anyone exposed to the officer has tested negative and city facilities were immediately disinfected. The identity of the officer was not revealed. Any who were exposed to the officer that tested positive were sent home until test results came back. All tested negative and returned to work after a short time, Reyer added. Related: Shenandoah cuts assistant police chief position, plans to hire new officer The Woodlands Fire Department, which services Shenandoah under an agreement between the city and township, has had as many as 22 firefighters in quarantine in May. On June 27, Fire Chief Palmer Buck verified three Woodlands firefighters had tested positive for COVID-19 and eight others were in quarantine.. New officer introduced A new police officer joined the citys police department Wednesday, receiving her badge and being sworn in during the City Council meeting. ShaKethia Turner, a mother of two from the Huntsville area, was introduced to the council and city staff. She graduated from Cold Spring High School received two degrees from Prairie View A&M and finished the University of Houston peace officer degree. Turner previously worked for eight years as a Texas Department of Criminal Justice state prison guard. Interim Police Chief Troye Dunlap pinned Turner and conducted the Oath of Office swearing in. Mayor Ritch Wheeler expressed his appreciation of Turner joining the police department. We recognize the fact that you just chose that youre entering into a job that protects us, Wheeler said, as the five council members agreed and also said thanks. I cant tell you how much we appreciate that. jeff.forward@chron.com The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu has disclosed that he has a problem with Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the national chairma... The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu has disclosed that he has a problem with Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the national chairman of the All Progressive Congress political party. Channels Television programme Politics Today. Shuaibu described Oshiomhole as a dictator whilst speaking on aChannels Television programme Politics Today. He stated that he has no problem with the ruling party but with the suspended National Chairman of the APC. According to him, the rival party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) resolve their issues easily and this makes operation flow better than in the APC. I suffered to build APC if I look back and see what I have laboured for. But what I am happy about is that I am happy to consolidate and make history on the issue of godfatherism in Edo State. One thing I found in PDP is that they have a way of quickly resolving issues, what I have seen with them is completely different from where I am coming from (APC). Jaipur, June 25 : After Home Minister Amit Shah's 'dynasty jibe' on the Congress, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, here on Thursday, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shah of hijacking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. The tweet war has triggered between the two leaders over Emergency, which was imposed over 45 years ago by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. To attack the BJP duo, Gehlot dragged former BJP president L.K. Advani into the picture. "Shah along with Modi has high-jacked the BJP and the NDA government with no breather for other leaders. They are not fit to question democratic values of the Congress and the CWC. As Advani once said in 2015 'forces that can crush democracy are stronger', I don't have the confidence it (Emergency) can't happen again," Gehlot said. Firing another tweet, Gehlot said, "I am not surprised to see that out of all opposition parties, Modi and Shah are worried only about the Congress. Their insecurity and fear are evident because everyone knows, including Shah, that only the Congress under the leadership of HCP Soniaji and Rahulji have the courage and strength to take on the tyranny of the current regime." Earlier, in a series of tweets Shah had said, "As one of India's opposition parties, the Congress needs to ask itself: Why does the Emergency mindset remain? Why are leaders who don't belong to 1 dynasty unable to speak up? Why are leaders getting frustrated in the Congress? Else, their disconnect with people will keep widening.". In another tweet he said, "Due to the efforts of lakhs of people, the Emergency was lifted. Democracy was restored in India, but it remained absent in the Congress. The interests of one family prevailed over party interests and national interests. This sorry state of affairs thrives in today's Congress too!" In response, Gehlot tweeted, "It's no secret that for the last three decades no one from the Gandhi family has held any position of power. They have always encouraged & empowered the cadre and ground workers of the Congress, like me, and if at all we are disconnected with the public, why is Shah so worried?" "It's the Congress which has built, protected and nourished the democracy of this nation. India is the only robustly functioning and flourishing democracy in the South Asian region. Thanks to the magnanimous role played by the Congress in the 70 years of history of this Nation." Gehlot went on to add, "Sacrifice is inherent in the Congress DNA - Right from Nehru till date. Late Indiraji sacrificed her life for the Nation and her contribution in creating Bangladesh a new nation will always remain India's greatest diplomatic victory and will be remembered for generations to come." Remembering the contributions of Rajiv Gandhi, Gehlot wrote, "Late Rajivji also laid his life for this great nation - and his contributions are historical milestones that continue to make this nation still stronger like 73rd and 74th Amendments - Panchayati Raj and Right of franchise for youth at the age of 18. This is their contribution to the democracy of this Country." Taking on the BJP, the Rajasthan Chief Minister said, "It has merely been 6 years of the BJP and we can see how they have dismantled the democratic, ethnic and social fabric of this nation. May we know why there is no one beyond Modi-Shah in the BJP? It's shocking that apart from 3/4 Ministers, public doesn't even know who all are there in Modi's cabinet." County attorney instructs Planning Board not to reject emails on asphalt plant Aerial photo shows site of a proposed asphalt plant at the corner of Spartanburg Highway and the westbound off ramp of the U.S. 25 connector. [Photo courtesy of AerialPhotoPros.com] Rebecca Grounsell wrote an impassioned email to members of the Henderson County Planning Board on June 10 imploring them to reject an asphalt plant near her home on Candlestick Drive, where she lives with her husband, Lee, 6-year-old daughter Alice and rescue dogs Griz and Gunny. We love the neighborhood, we love the fresh air, and we love the accessibility to the Village of Flat Rock, the Green River and the Green River Game Lands, she said. Now, we are at risk of losing everything. The proposed asphalt plant would be located less than a mile (as the crow flies) from our home. The response from one Planning Board member, Baird Blake, stunned her. Direct communications with a Planning Board member is wholly inappropriate, wrote Blake. Please see the attached notice for the appropriate way to voice your concerns. Blake, who developed the Reserve at Heron Pond in Cummings Cove, sent the same response to others who had been bombarding Planning Board members, county commissioners and the county planning staff with emails imploring officials to reject the asphalt plant, which Southeastern Asphalt Co. owner Jeff Shipman wants to build on a six-acre tract of wooded land at the northwest corner of the Spartanburg Highway-U.S. 25 connector. I would assume it would be OK for us to do that, Grounsell, a childrens services social worker in the Spartanburg area, said. I would not have known any reason why not. It would make sense that those are the people that need our input as they go about making those decisions. After asking commenters not to contact him, Blake told Planning Director Autumn Radcliff that the emails were wholly inappropriate. It is clearly not the forum for public comment. The actual meeting is the where public comment is supposed to be made, he said. I just wanted to register my displeasure with this practice and I intend to address it during the meeting. Blake never got the chance to present his complaint because he was roundly pushed back. His emails created a kerfuffle that caused an attorney for the asphalt plant opponents to write to Radcliff demanding that she let Planning Board members know they must receive the emails. County Attorney Russ Burrell agreed. Responding to a public records request from the attorney, John Noor, Burrell directed Planning Board members to send him all the correspondence they had received about the rezoning case. The asphalt plant has become an issue of tremendous public concern due to the environmental, health, and economic impacts the proposed plant would have on surrounding neighbors, marginalized populations, and the Flat Rock community, said Noor, who represents homeowners opposing the rezoning. "When they reached out to the Planning Board, the homeowners received the response that their input was wholly inappropriate. Additionally, this same Board member stated to another member of the public that her decision to email the board member could do more harm to your cause than good. These responses are very concerning, Noor said in his letter to Radcliff. He cited the peoples right to petition the government under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and articles of the North Carolina Constitution plus Planning Board rules ensuring the public the opportunity to comment on rezoning cases. I hope that the above-quoted statements by the Planning Board member were unintentional misstatements, he said. These responses could be construed as attempts to dissuade the public from exercising their right to contact Planning Board members and insinuate that retaliatory action might be taken against those who provide direct input or that Board members might hold some prejudice against those who exercise their right to petition. He called on Radcliff and the planning office to provide each Board member with clarification on their obligation to accept input from the public as part of their review of the application and remind them that they are legally prohibited from retaliating or acting adversely to anyone based on the publics decision to provide feedback on the pending application. County Attorney Russ Burrell agreed with Noor that people are entitled to write directly to Planning Board members. He forwarded Noors public records request to Planning Board members and directed them to comply. Note that the ownership of any email account you may use does not change whether or not the items requested are public records, under Chapter 132 of the North Carolina General Statutes, he said. This includes emails between any of you, or with or from any other person. Board members can often expect to be lobbied on an issue. And responses to such lobbying are permitted. All such communications are public records. Blake said in an interview that he wanted in the worst way to tell about what happened and why he responded as he did but I have to say no comment. At the tail end Thursdays Planning Board meeting, John Mitchell, the countys director of community and business development, reminded board members that the rezoning case had been postponed at the applicants request until Aug. 20. Mitchell also told people watching the meeting via Zoom, Planning staff remains available to answer any questions you have and we do encourage public comment. Planning Board Chair Steve Dozier reminded the advisory board that public input is one of the things they signed up for when they agreed to serve. We are a public board and thats one of the joys of serving on a public board, he said. Ive received probably 10-12 calls. I've taken a neutral stand on each one of them, telling them we have not had a ton of time to review it. In an interview, Mitchell said the county is making sure people can engage with the planning department, Planning Board and Board of Commissioners. Clearly as part of the process, we as county staff encourage all people to exercise their ability to comment, he said. In fact, thats what this process is all about. We actually have been encouraging people (to comment). Weve got links on our web page, they can call our offices, email any of the people listed on the website. Its interesting to note the Planning Board wont be making the final determination on this. Their role in this is to advise the board of commissioners. Noor, the attorney for the asphalt plant opponents, asked a Technical Review Committee last week to force the applicants to refile the rezoning application because they had not listed conditions they planned to set on the operations. The committee said no, and sent the request on to the Planning Board along with comments about issues around water runoff, traffic and other factors. Grounsell, the Candlestick Drive homeowner who sent the email about the proposed plant, listed numerous factors the Planning Board should consider. We have so many concerns about pollution, air quality, health problems, and property values, she said. Not to mention the concerns about how this would impact our tourism industry. People come from all over to enjoy this area for the clean water, clean air, outdoor experiences, and to escape their concrete jungles...not to step outside and take a big, deep breath of polluted and foul-smelling air from the asphalt plant just down the road from their vacation rental. I don't care how many precautions the plant says they will take. If I were a tourist looking for a place to go on vacation, tube down a river, hike, etc., I would not choose anywhere that is close to an industrial plant, and neither would anyone else that I know. The U.S. Senate National Defense Authorization Act includes $250 million in security assistance for Ukraine, and half of funds are designated specifically for lethal assistance. U.S. Senator Rob Portman, co-founder and co-chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, announced that the Senate FY 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) includes $250 million in security assistance for Ukraine to fund additional training, lethal and non-lethal equipment, and advisory efforts for Ukraines forces, reads the press release on the official website of the Senator. As noted, $125 million is designated specifically for lethal assistance, an increase of $75 million from FY20. In addition, the bill includes a Portman proposal to require DoD to develop a new, multi-year strategy to support the development of Ukraines military forces, increasing its capability and capacity and providing a resource plan for US security assistance. This report will better synchronize and prioritize future US security assistance to Ukraine by identifying gaps and shortfalls that need to be addressed. Furthermore, Senator Portman looks forward to filing an amendment to congratulate Ukraine on its ascension into NATOs Enhanced Opportunity Partner program, a crucial step toward Ukraine achieving full NATO membership, the statement reads. This bill sends a clear message that America stands with the Ukrainian people in their struggle to secure a democratic, prosperous, and independent future in the face of Russian aggression, Portman said. ol 8 Incredible People to Replace Racist Statues With With all these statues coming down, many have asked who should replace them? Should we even have statues? Whats the purpose of them? Many say its for history, but museums are for history. Statues are not for history, theyre for recognition. Most of the confederate statues were put up during the Jim Crow era and the Civil Rights Movement as a way to strike fear and put people in their place. Thats why theyre so easy to take down, they were put up quickly with little to no regard about who they were really putting up. As a way to confront some of the long-held institutions in America, many have also tried to change town names. Recently, Rhode Island proposed to change its name from the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations to just Rhode Island. Theres even a petition for Columbus, Ohio to change its name to Flavortown as an ode to famous chef Guy Fieri. So, as we address our racist history, we should also recognize incredible Americans that advocated for change and deserve recognition. Heres a list of eight people who actually deserve a statue: ADVERTISEMENT New York, New York The statue of Major General Philip Schuyler in front of City Hall was ordered to be removed by Mayor Kathy Sheehan, who noted Schuyler was reportedly the largest slave owner in Albany. We recommend a statue of Sojourner Truth, famous abolitionist and womens rights activist who penned the famous piece, Aint I A Woman, should be erected in its place. She was born in Swartekill, New York and later moved to New York City. She was born into slavery but was able to escape with her daughter and later went to court for her son, making her the first black woman to win a case against a white man. The statue of Theodore Roosevelt outside the American Museum of Natural History has also been ordered to be removed. We think that a statue of famous writer, feminist, and civil rights activist, Audre Lorde, should be put in its place. She was born in Harlem and describes herself as black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet. Both Truth and Lorde are perfect examples of amazing people who used their art to protest for change. Alexandria, Virginia In Alexandria, Virginia, the Confederate statue, Appomattox, which depicted a Civil War soldier, was removed from an intersection. A forgotten hero of the civil rights movement in Virginia, Samuel Tucker should get the recognition he deserves. He was born in segregated Alexandria and became an attorney who represented African Americans in civil and criminal cases. Tucker attended and led many peaceful protests, sit-ins. He also became the leading attorney for the NAACP in Virginia. Tucker was an incredible man who played a big role in the civil rights movement in Virginia. Birmingham, Alabama A statue of Confederate officer Charles Linn was taken down by protestors on June 2. Mayor Woofin plans to remove a Confederate Sailors and Soldiers Monument. In the place of the statue of Charles Linn, civil rights activist Angela Davis should have a statue. Davis was born in Birmingham and is an activist, philosopher, Marxist feminist. She was a member of the Black Panther Party and has written many books on class, race, feminism and the US Prison System. Recently, Davis philosophies and ideas have been taken much more seriously. Dallas, Texas A Texas Ranger statue that went by the name One Riot, One Ranger, was removed from Love Field Airport on June 11. A statue of Texas Native Juanita Craft, activist and politician, should be put in its place. She participated in sit-ins and peaceful protests. Craft also served as a member of the Dallas City Council and helped a black student enroll at North Texas State College. She played a big role in Civil Rights Movement in Texas and has been praised by many. Sacramento, California A work crew lifted the statue of John Sutter, a 19th century man who enslaved Indigenous people, off its pedestal in Sacramento, California. In his place, we think a state of actor LeVar Burton should be placed. Famous for his work on Roots, Star Trek and Reading Rainbow, Burton is both an incredible actor and director. Hes donated to many organizations and is on the board of directors for the AIDS Research Alliance. Jacksonville, Florida A statue honoring fallen Confederate soldiers was removed from Hemming Park in Jacksonville, Florida. The statue had been at the park since 1898. We think a statue of A. Phillip Randolph should be put there instead. He was labor unionist, activist and politician. Randolph led the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first predominately black labor union and was the head of the March on Washington. Born in Jacksonville, Randolph was an incredible leader and activist and deserves to be celebrated. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania The statue of former Mayor of Philadelphia Frank Rizzo was removed June 2. Rizzo has been accused of mistreating members of the Black and LGBT communities during his two terms in the 1970s. We propose that Questlove, musician and music journalist, should replace Rizzos statue. He is an activist for the issues and has definitely made an impact on culture. Nashville, Tennessee A statue of politician Edward Carmack, a known critic of Tennessee civil rights journalist Ida B. Wells, was taken down outside the state capitol. In his place why dont we put Ida B Wells. Although there has been talks of giving Wells a statue in Chicago, she should also get a statue in Tennessee. She was an investigative journalist, teacher, activist and one of the founders of the NAACP. While many have said that Dolly Parton should have her own statue in Tennessee, and we agree, we should first give one to Ida B. Wells. She was an incredible woman who deserves a monument to her hard work and activism. Header image courtesy of Cville dog via WikiCommons. More from BUST Kristen Stewart Set To Play Princess Diana In Upcoming Biopic Spencer Apparently Americans Were Much Happier 50 Years Ago 5 Black Womxn Artists You Should Be Following On Instagram Georgia is a journalism student at The New School in Manhattan who loves writing, watching cartoons and intersectional feminism. She is an avid napper and cat lover. Because she is behind on the times, follow her only recently made twitter @georgiagrdodd. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on India and China to engage in dialogue to sort out their border issues as he described the escalation in eastern Ladakh as a very serious and worrying situation which the UK is closely monitoring. The first official statement of Johnson came during his weekly Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs) in the House of Commons here on Wednesday. Responding to Conservative Party MP Flick Drummond on the implications for British interests of a dispute between a Commonwealth member and the world's largest democracy on the one side, and a state that challenges our notion of democracy on the other, he described the escalation in eastern Ladakh as a very serious and worrying situation, which the UK is "monitoring closely". Perhaps the best thing I can say is that we are encouraging both parties to engage in dialogue on the issues on the border and sort it out between them, the Prime Minister said. In a statement in New Delhi on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India and China have agreed that expeditious implementation of the previously agreed understanding on disengagement of troops from standoff points in eastern Ladakh would help ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas. During the diplomatic talks between India and China, the situation in the region was discussed in detail and the Indian side conveyed its concerns over the violent face-off in Galwan Valley on June 15. Twenty Indian Army personnel were killed in the clash. The talks were held in the midst of escalating tension between the two countries following the violent clashes in Galwan Valley on June 15. The Indian and Chinese armies are engaged in the standoff in Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh. A sizable number of Chinese Army personnel even transgressed into the Indian side of the de-facto border in several areas including Pangong Tso. South Sudanese community leader Ring Mayar has slammed the Andrews government's 'box ticking' coronavirus information for ethnic communities, which is written in a tribal language many cannot read African community leaders in Melbourne have slammed authorities for producing coronavirus health advice in a tribal language few people can actually read - instead of coming to talk to them. It comes amid escalating fears a 'second wave' has arrived in Victoria's capital and is striking suburbs with big populations of overseas migrants and refugees. Community sources said state and Federal governments have translated their COVID-19 health advice into the Dinka language for the state's South Sudanese population. But while Dinka is a popular language, many migrants - especially women - can't read it as they weren't allowed to go to school. 'No one is able to read them,' said David Wani, the secretary-general of the Federation of Equatoria Community Association. 'It doesn't have to look like a box-ticking exercise,' said Ring Mayar, the president of the South Sudanese Community Association in Victoria, who said the community was being 'gravely neglected'. Both the Victorian and Federal governments are under growing criticism they did not do enough to stop the sudden clusters springing up in migrant communities in Melbourne's suburbs. One of the biggest family clusters involves 14 people who are believed to have contracted the virus at an end-of-Ramadan celebration in Coburg, in the city's north, last month. A local woman wears a mask in Coburg on Thursday - the site of a new coronavirus cluster, apparently following an Eid feast celebrating the end of Ramadan at the end of May There have been reports of a return to panic-buying of toilet paper in Melbourne supermarkets as a result of the fresh outbreaks (left). Another Coburg local, on right, wears a protective face mask The Coburg Islamic Centre (above) has been strictly practising social distancing (door conditions on left, and hand sanitiser on right) and were unaware of reports of a cluster from an Eid feast in the same suburb. The mosque is not related to the cluster The development has sparked alarm at local mosques with a spokesman for the Coburg Islamic Centre saying the spike in cases locally was 'very worrying'. The centre requires all worshippers to socially distance, bring their own mats and only pray for 10 minutes at a time, the spokesman said. The mosque was unaware of the nearby cluster before the Daily Mail called, and is not related to it. MELBOURNE CORONA OUTBREAK: THE LATEST Thirty-three Victorians tested positive in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday - the biggest spike in months following on from daily double digit surges. Seven were returned travellers, nine were linked to known outbreaks, six discovered in routine testing and 11 remain under investigation. Premier Daniel Andrews said his government has launched a suburban testing blitz, with 50 per cent of Broadmeadows and Keilor Downs, the two suburbs with the highest number of community transmission cases, to be tested in the next three days. Tests will then move on to the suburbs of Maidstone, Albanvale, Sunshine West, Hallam, Brunswick West, Fawkner, Reservoir and Pakenham. Advertisement 'The (prayer) mats are two metres apart, they bring them from home and take it with them once they've prayed on it. That's when we disinfect,' the spokesman said. But the messages about how to prevent the spread of coronavirus aren't getting through to others. The National Health and Research Advisory Committee, an expert panel monitoring the nation's response to the virus, told the Federal Government last month there had been a 'missed opportunity' to work with high-risk migrant groups. And South Sudanese community leaders Mr Wani and Mr Mayar have given a stunning example of what is going wrong in the suburbs. Mr Wani told Daily Mail Australia governments have shared COVID-19 pamphlets written in the Dinka language with the South Sudanese community. But while many migrants speak the language, they are also illiterate and can't read the language. 'A lot of the community they are actually not literate - especially the woman. a lot of the women migrated as single mothers,' he said. Many female migrants were banned from going to school during their youth in South Sudan and therefore cannot read the messages. Mr Wani said: 'They (the authorities) are only using one language which is the Dinka language, which is only one language spoken in South Sudan, which has 64 tribes. 'And the translations the are actually making in Dinka, a lot of the people who speak Dinka here cannot read Dinka at all. No one is able to read them'. Mr Mayar, the president of the South Sudanese Community Association in Victoria, said his community was being 'neglected' by governments in the fight against COVID-19. Ring Mayar, the chairman of the South Sudanese Community Association in Victoria, with that state's premier Daniel Andrews, says the government's efforts were just a 'box ticking' exercise An example of the Dinka language coronavirus health advice on the A COVID-emergency drive through testing centre at the Melbourne show grounds was crammed with cars today as the Premier announced a testing blitz The suburbs of Broadmeadows and Keilor Downs are the target of the Victorian government's new testing surge He criticised the government's online resources as 'box-ticking' and said basic messages about avoiding large gatherings are not getting through. VICTORIA'S SPIKE IN CORONAVIRUS CASES 25/6: 33 24/6: 20 23/6: 17 22/6: 16 21/6: 19 20/6: 25 19/6: 13 18/6: 18 17/6: 21 Source: Department of Health and Human Services Advertisement Mr Mayar explained: 'There was a young man stabbed two days ago, nearby. 'Culturally, there's no way we can just call each other and say, 'I'm sorry about what has happened.' We don't operate that way. 'You would see the entire community converge on that house and comfort that family. 'That is my worry here - you'd see people turn up in huge numbers and we're not given that authority by the state government to say, no, don't gather in huge numbers'. Mr Mayar said governments need to 'talk to people at their level' instead and empower leaders in the community like him to drill messages home. A Victorian Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said the agency has been in regular contact with multicultural groups throughout the pandemic 'to ensure people from all backgrounds understand the symptoms to look out for, where to get tested and how to keep their families safe. 'These efforts have been stepped up further this week with outreach teams, doorknocks and phone calls in coronavirus hotspot areas - all of which are being delivered in a range of languages to help support culturally and linguistically diverse communities.' The agency said it holding a roundtable with South Sudanese community leaders and that information had been distributed in resource packs in the Dinka and Nuer languages. It's understood advertisements were also broadcast about coronavirus and Ramadan. 104 Australians have died in total as a result of COVID-19 infections, with the death toll rising by two this week - after a month of zero deaths. This sounds like the old motto of the 1859 Colorado gold rush, Pikes Peak or Bust! But regardless of potential riches, Net Zero by 2050 has become the unofficial environmental motto of much of the utility and fossil fuel industry. The list of corporations aiming for net zero carbon emissions in thirty years includes BP, Royal Dutch Shell, Total, and Repsol, as well as US and foreign electricity producers CMS Energy, DTE, Dominion Resources, Duke, Enel, Iberdrola, National Grid, Pinnacle West, Public Service Energy Group, Southern Co. and XCEL. A few companies are aiming to reach this environmental target sooner while two major holdouts, ExxonMobil and Chevron, have yet to commit. Keep in mind that these senior managers who today commit their organizations to this path do not say that they will stop producing or using carbon emitting fuels. No oil wells are being prematurely abandoned or power plants shuttered. The key term for us today in the net zero phrase is the net part. This implies that the carbon polluters or emitters will not cease their activity by 2050. Instead they promise to fully offset the greenhouse gases they produce in some manner. There is a certain magical thinking characteristic to the notion of environmental offsets. Emitted CO2 remains in the atmosphere cumulatively for perhaps thousands of years. Todays carbon emissions may still be influencing the climate 500 or 1,000 years from now. While methane as a greenhouse gas is pernicious albeit for briefer periods. But what does an offset really mean when these pollutants once emitted cant easily be removed? Lets use an analogy. Imagine a corporate polluter instead as a sinner with a guilty conscience in church. But facing a priest with a certain flair for negotiation. Our executive confesses to business crimes and asks forgiveness. The priest suggests a rather large charitable donation to the childrens hospital and orphanage in the amount of the ill gotten gain. Is this a true offset? We are not metaphysical accountants but the environmental movement has the same problem with the fossil industry. Are good deeds like saving a portion of the rain forest an adequate or even appropriate carbon offset? Up until now our policy makers have been rather generous with their dispensation of offsets. Related: Oil May Never Hit $100 Again Lets go back to church. CO2 emitters are like the executive in confession expressing a desire to keep sinning albeit with appropriate charitable recompense or offsets. But at some point the ethically problematic activity in question, CO2 emissions in this case, typically comes up for closer scrutiny. In other words conceptually offsets at best are a crude stop gap. Governments permit ongoing environmental degradation while forcing polluters to pay or otherwise perform charitable acts. At some point however the policy focus becomes the pollution itself and the activity (oil drilling, power production from fossil fuels) begins to cease although this process can occur rapidly or over decades. Why the recent interest in declaring a net zero goal? The goal to decarbonize by 2050 was agreed to in the UNs climate conferences by governments around the world. Second, energy investors have become increasingly skittish about the role of the fossil fuel industry in a low CO2 emissions climate future. And finally environmentally oriented investors have decided to opt out of companies and industries not perceived to be sustainable. The fossil fuel producers and users need to show that they are aware of the risk and sustainability issues and are doing something about them. Thus the need to make a declaration and set a date in order to assuage this growing group of investors. Without a date, they would not seem serious. Why 2050? The obvious answer is that 2050 is the year targeted by many countries to reach zero carbon emissions. Much of the fossil fuel and energy industry have implicitly agreed to comply by then. Corporate managements may favor a 2050 carbon compliance date for other more practical reasons. First is what was cynically referred to as the IBGYBG rule Ill be gone, youll be gone. That is present senior managers are making promises that their successors decades in the future will have to make good on. The second appeal of the faraway 2050 date is from an asset and accounting perspective. Stated broadly most business assets are fully depreciated within thirty or forty years. A 2050 target date suggests no need for any accounting unpleasantness in the form of asset write downs. We would not underestimate the power of asset impairment and its avoidance. Related: Iraq Considers A String Of Massive Oil Deals With China Lets stay with the notion of depreciation. Depreciation of assets, like many accounting principles, although stated with mathematical precision is at its core simply an estimate, and our estimation of the useful lives of certain assets in the energy industry are now changing and shortening. These shorter asset lives means faster depreciation which in turn implies greater near term corporate cash flows. And here we come to a managerial crossroads. Managers who only sees a dead end for the business might repurchase stock, pay exorbitant dividends but in general not invest in what they perceive as a business with very limited prospects. An optimistic manager, with a long term perspective might take the opposite action: end stock buybacks, severely curtail or eliminate stock dividends and aggressively redeploy cash into new, profitable businesses. To sum up, net zero emissions by 2050 might really mean business as usual now and for the foreseeable future. But as weve pointed out there may be lots of optionality in the deployment of cash flows. We would look closely at proximate corporate capital spending forecasts for hints of a shift away from emissions heavy activities. Now for the real question. Will the world wait as fossil fuel companies transition to greener activities on their own leisurely schedule or will substantial action, less clement from an accounting perspective, be required? None of us knows and this uncertainty embodies the risks facing the fossil fuel industry. Maybe an energy transition occurs within a far bumpier fifteen year horizon rather than the leisurely thirty years currently wished for. Managements and investors cannot know how fast climate change will occur or whether new technology offers CO2 mitigation that rescues the fossil fuel industry. Present behavior suggests considerable comfort with the status quo and a long thirty year environmental compliance runway. This is also the time for certain managers to attempt to exploit first mover advantages. Energy investors face a period of elevated risk. The difference is that now we could begin to see them offered different paths to the zero carbon promised land. By Leonard Hyman and William Tilles for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: When Joe Biden came to Pennsylvania last week, President Donald Trump was watching. He tweeted a photo of Biden speaking at the Darby Borough municipal building in Delaware County, which appeared to show only two people in attendance. Joe Bidens rally. ZERO enthusiasm! Trump wrote. In reality, it wasnt a rally, and only 25 people were allowed inside the gymnasium due to coronavirus precautions. Since the campaign spaced chairs six feet apart for social distancing, only two people were in the frame. Bidens speech was livestreamed and broadcast on several cable networks. It made me sick to see it used like that, said Kirsten Hess, whose husband and daughter are in the photo. Hess, a bookstore owner in Lehigh County, had been invited by the Biden campaign. Earlier in the day, she met with him and three other small-business owners. It obviously was not a rally, she said. And I was happy about that. I felt safe. As Trump resumes his signature campaign rallies, Biden has done the opposite, holding more modest gatherings, including three in the past month in and around Philadelphia. They showcase one of Bidens strengths: his personal warmth. But theyre also limited in their reach and not always photogenic. Visuals from the events have been weaponized by the Trump campaign. An appearance at Carlettes Hideaway, a neighborhood barbecue restaurant and bar in Yeadon, teed up sarcasm from Trumps campaign. Hidin Biden, spokesman Tim Murtaugh said, had crawled out from his basement for a rally at a bar. But Bidens events have also telegraphed how hes approaching the coronavirus pandemic and the kind of president he says hed be: cautious and responsible. No individual photos with Biden are allowed, attendees must sit six feet apart, and journalists have their temperature taken before entry. READ MORE: Joe Biden, in latest visit to Pa., says Trump is surrendering to coronavirus If each of us could have taken personal pictures with him, that reach of our circles and of our circles circles, thats exponential in campaigning for Joe Biden, Hess said. The staff knows thats a missed opportunity, but theyre making the decision to keep him and everyone he interacts with safe. Theres a growing sense in Democratic circles that what Biden is doing is working, for now. Polls show a wide swath of voters are wary of a quick reopening of the economy, a caution reflected in how Biden campaigns. And while Biden has at times faded to the background, with Trumps leadership the primary focus of the campaign right now, Biden is rising in the polls. A New York Times/Siena College poll released Wednesday found Biden leading Trump by 14 points nationally. Because the gatherings are so controlled, theyve also shielded Biden from interactions with angry protesters or news conferences in which reporters could pepper him with unexpected questions. The Trump campaign now emails daily reminders of how long its been since Biden held a news conference 83 days by its count. The Biden campaign countered that the former vice president has done dozens of one-on-one interviews. By controlling that size of the event, you probably are minimizing gaffes, said Scott Richardson, a caterer from Swarthmore who met Biden at last weeks small business round table. But I also believe that he is a vulnerable part of our society 77 [years old] and you know, if hes going to be possibly our future president, they got to keep him safe. In the last three weeks, Biden met briefly with elected officials at City Hall before delivering a speech on protests over the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. He used a visit to West Philadelphia to debut his plan for reopening the economy safely, and he met with the small business owners last week in Yeadon. Hes scheduled to meet with a handful of voters Thursday in Lancaster to talk about health care. Why so much attention for the region? Philadelphia is close to Bidens home in Wilmington, and Pennsylvania is a key state in November. READ MORE: Democrats hope Joe Bidens VP choice can help him win Pa. But who can do that? None of the Philadelphia-area voters said they knew how they were chosen for the events this month, but they all in some way reflect either the Biden campaigns messages or its electoral strategies. Three are African American business owners. Hess owns a book shop in Lehigh County, a battleground part of the state. Richardson, who is 64 and lives in Swarthmore, said he voted for Trump but no longer supports him. Given the scaled down campaign, theyve had more direct access to Biden in the last month than almost anyone outside his staff. Im going to be honest, I have no idea how I got picked, said Tiffany Easley, who owns NV My Eyewear in West Philadelphia. She found Biden surprisingly personable. You know, Im not a person who really gets into politics too much, but hes funny, she said. Hes a hilarious guy. Easley said she also found him helpful. She brought up how hard its been keeping her store afloat during the shutdown. At the end of the meeting, after cameras stopped rolling, Biden followed up with her, suggesting several grant programs. I think he handles people well, Easley said. He adapts to who hes speaking with. Being a business owner in customer service, I see thats actually what hes doing customer service. Being able to adapt and sympathize with people is the most important because youre not always going to agree but you can relate. Hess said she was struck by Bidens ability to listen to people discuss an array of topics for long stretches, and then succinctly repeat back to them the crux of what they were trying to say. I was... Ill say it, babbling, she said. He was able to pull what I was saying into a concise statement and say it back at me so well that I said Bingo, and pointed at him afterward, which is highly embarrassing, she said with a laugh. So that tells me hes not only paying attention to me but his intellect is there, as some people seem to claim its not, Hess added. Three months of virtual campaign moments include several of Biden staring silently at a rolling camera and other instances of awkward behavior or technical glitches. These, too, have been shared widely by Trump supporters, who question Bidens health, stamina, and mental acuity. But those people who have sat down with Biden lately described a tuned-in, empathetic candidate. Does he fire at the speed he used to fire at? asked Richardson. Probably not, but older can be wiser. READ MORE: Pennsylvanias primary election results are finally in. Heres what they mean for November. Tamika Anderson was unsure of what to expect at the Biden event she was invited to at the Enterprise Center in West Philadelphia this month. Shed been laid off from her job as a cleaner in March, trying to support herself, her son, and two grandsons on unemployment benefits. Her father died of coronavirus complications in April, but she was unable to visit him in his nursing home or at the hospital. The discussion topic was the virus impact. She had plenty to say about that but didnt want to be a pawn in a political stunt. When the discussion started, she said it was Biden, seated to her right, who put her at ease. A lot of the things he talked about were things on my mind, she said. From what I know, and Im still learning, it didnt feel fake. He seemed sincere. He wasnt in a rush. You could tell if we asked more questions he would have sat there and answered. PITTSBURGH, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- "I found trying to block the sun from my cell phone to be unsafe while I was driving," said an inventor from Las Vegas, Nevada. "This inspired me to develop a means to prevent the glare of the sun from the screen for enhanced visibility." She developed the PHOENIX to block sunlight glare on the cell phone screen to allow the user to interpret important information. This invention could provide enhanced safety and peace of mind by ensuring that the driver could fully concentrate on traffic and the road. Additionally, it would feature a lightweight, affordable and user-friendly design. The original design was submitted to the Las Vegas sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 18-LVT-274, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com. SOURCE InventHelp Related Links http://www.inventhelp.com During the WWDC 2020 special keynote, Apple detailed its plan to move its Mac lineup from Intel processors to its own, in-house ARM-based processors. While performance was the aspect that Apple talked about the most during the keynote, many Mac users were asking whether this move would jeopardize Boot Camp, a utility that lets you install Windows on Macs. When Apple moves to ARM-based Macs, the x86_x64 version of Windows would be rendered useless. Theoretically, users would need to install the ARM version of Windows 10 on ARM-based Macs. However, Microsoft doesnt sell the ARM version of Windows 10 yet, so consumers were wondering if Microsoft would start selling Windows for ARM separately. A new statement from Microsoft to The Verge hints towards the end of Boot Camp and the ability to install Windows on Macs natively. A Microsoft spokesperson explained that the company currently licenses Windows 10 for ARM to manufacturers. Unlike Windows for x86_x64 technologies, Windows 10 for ARM cant be purchased and installed directly by consumers. When The Verge asked if Microsoft has any plans to change this policy to allow Boot Camp on ARM-based Macs, the company said, we have nothing further to share at this moment. Microsofts statement was vague and forced people to think that Microsoft might change the policy in the future. During John Grubers WWDC Talk Show, Craig Federighi confirmed that Apple will not allow direct booting of an alternate operating system. The Senior Vice President of Software Engineering at Apple mentioned that if consumers want to experience other operating systems on ARM-based Macs, they would have to use virtualization tools (like Parallels). He also said the hypervisors could be very efficient, so the need to direct boot shouldnt really be a concern for users. Apples Rosetta software, which will be used to translate software to make it compatible with ARM-based Macs, doesnt support virtualization software tools like Parallels. So, developers that make virtualization software would need to rebuild their tools for ARM-based Macs. If youre someone who needs to run Windows on a Mac, you should better stick to Intel-based Macs for the next couple of years. [Source: The Verge , Via: iMore Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) The countrys COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force is likely to approve the proposal to temporarily stop sending locally stranded individuals to Eastern Visayas amid the sudden spike of COVID-19 infections in the region. Officials from Regional IATF earlier submitted a resolution to Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano asking for a possible two-week interval before LSIs and returning overseas workers can head back to their respective localities. Officials said the move will allow local governments to recover from human fatigue and will likewise give them time to replenish supplies and prepare their respective quarantine and isolation facilities. But while a final decision has yet to be made, Ano said the task force is inclined to green light the move. We will make sure na madiscuss yan and we are inclined to approve that, para magkaroon ng pagkakataon makapagprepare ang mga LGU, maayos muna yung mga quarantine and then ready agad to receive the next group of quarantine, Ano said in a media briefing during his visit to the region on Wednesday. [Translation: We will make sure it will be discussed, and we are inclined to approve that, so that LGUs will have time to prepare quarantine facilities.] In a separate briefing on Thursday, Ano said those individuals heading to the region will be assisted by concerned agencies for two weeks while they await transport to their hometowns. Meanwhile, Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez said separately that officials are looking at the possibility of suspending the incoming trips at least for his area in Leyte from July 1 to 15, citing a recent conversation with the Interior chief himself. I think thats good, because we will have enough time to let the other returnees to graduate, well be able to disinfect our facilities, we will be able to rotate our medical staff. It will give us ample time to prepare for the next batches that will be coming in Ormoc City, Gomez said in an interview with CNN Philippines The Source. Gomez added the influx of returnees may overwhelm some local governments in the provinces, with some localities opting to resort to home quarantine measures instead. However, the mayor sounded the alarm over this move, as the risk of spreading infection inside homes remains high. If that will continue, if that will persist, theres a big chance na magkaroon talaga ng (that there will be a) community transmission in Leyte, the mayor stressed. Several areas in the region Ormoc City, Southern Leyte, Leyte, and Samar were recently tagged by the Health Department as some of the emerging hot spots for COVID-19 in the country. Officials earlier cited the Hatid Probinsya program as one primary source of the rising virus infections in the provinces. As of Wednesday, the Eastern Visayas region has reported a total of 445 confirmed cases, majority of which are LSIs who came from Cebu and Metro Manila. Prior to the entry of returning residents a month ago, the region reported only 40 cases of the infectious disease. The alarming spike prompted some lawmakers to seek a review of the Hatid Probinsya programs protocols, noting how returnees should be subject to strict health and safety precautions before travelling. Malacanang, for its part, maintained it found no lapses in the implementation of the scheme. Nationwide, the country has logged over 32,000 cases of the viral disease. Stringer Wilmark Amazona contributed to this report. Bengaluru: The police did not rule out murder as they began their investigation into the suspicious death of IAS officer B M Vijay Shankar (59), who was found dead at his residence in Jayanagar locality of Bengaluru on Tuesday night. The 59-year-old officer was being investigated for his role in what has come to be known as the I Monetary Fund (IMA) scam in which several powerful politicians are also alleged to be involved. When a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up to probe the scam he was named as accused 16. However, after transfer of the case to CBI he was made accused number 4. What lends intrigue to the case is the fact that several of those politicians have defected to the ruling party BJP. Sources added that political leaders were shielded from the investigation while the bureaucrat was left to face the brunt of it. During the probe, the names of politicians including former minister and political heavyweight Roshan Baig, former minister Zameer Ahmad Khan, and senior IPS officers and others cropped up. They were accused of honnobbing with the kingpin of the IMA scam, Mohammed Mansoor Khan, who is alleged to have cheated people out of thousands of crores of rupees. What happened? Vijay Shankar was out on bail and is said to have been summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to him to appear before it for questioning. The agency had twice served summonses on him. Sources said that prima facie this could have been the trigger for a suicide, but there still was the possibility of foul play. Vijay Shankar was deputy commissioner of Bengaluru Urban district when the allegations surfaced against him in June 2019. The Reserve Bank of India had directed the state government to conduct a probe into shady transactions in the IMA in 2018. The government appointed Vijay Shakar to look into the matter. It was found in the investigation that IMA kingpin Mansoor Khan had contacted Vijay Shankar through an accountant Manjunath and Bangalore North Divisional officer Nagaraj and paid him Rs 1.5 crore as a bribe to get a clean chit. Vijay Shakar allegedly demanded Rs 5 crore for the same. Vijay Shankar had completed his law degree in 2001 and was selected to the Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) and later promoted to the IAS cadre. He was residing in Jayanagar 4th T Block 36 Cross house with his family. The incident took place on Tuesday night when his wife, mother and two children had gone to a relative's house. When they came back they found his body on the floor of the house. Depression DCP Srinath Joshi visited the spot. Sources say they did not find any suicide note from the spot. The Tilaknagar police booked a case of unnatural death and recorded statements from the man's wife and daughter. The body has been sent for a post mortem. Vijayshankar was charged with receiving a Rs 1.50 crore bribe to give a clean chit to the company named in the IMF scam. He was arrested on July 8, 2019 but obtained bail after spending 20 days in prison. He had been suspended from service while under the SIT probe. He was reinstated after obtaining bail. Meanwhile, sources said the CBI was getting ready to file a chargesheet against him. Vijay Shankar allegedly requested the government not to give consent to the chargesheet but got no response. Tel Aviv University researchers destroy cancer cells with ultrasound treatment An international research team led by Dr. Tali Ilovitsh of the Biomedical Engineering Department at Tel Aviv University developed a noninvasive technology platform for gene delivery into breast cancer cells. The technique combines ultrasound with tumor-targeted microbubbles. Once the ultrasound is activated, the microbubbles explode like smart and targeted warheads, creating holes in cancer cells' membranes, enabling gene delivery. Conducted over two years, the research was published on June 9 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). Dr. Ilovitsh developed this breakthrough technology during her post-doctorate research at the lab of Prof. Katherine Ferrara at Stanford University. The technique utilizes low frequency ultrasound (250 kHz) to detonate microscopic tumor-targeted bubbles. In vivo, cell destruction reached 80% of tumor cells. "Microbubbles are microscopic bubbles filled with gas, with a diameter as small as one tenth of a blood vessel," Dr. Ilovitsh explains. "At certain frequencies and pressures, sound waves cause the microbubbles to act like balloons: they expand and contract periodically. This process increases the transfer of substances from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissue. We discovered that using lower frequencies than those applied previously, microbubbles can significantly expand, until they explode violently. We realized that this discovery could be used as a platform for cancer treatment and started to inject microbubbles into tumors directly." Dr. Ilovitsh and the rest of the team used tumor-targeted microbubbles that were attached to tumor cells' membranes at the moment of the explosion, and injected them directly into tumors in a mouse model. "About 80% of tumor cells were destroyed in the explosion, which was positive on its own," says Dr. Ilovitsh. "The targeted treatment, which is safe and cost-effective, was able to destroy most of the tumor. However, it is not enough. In order to prevent the remaining cancer cells to spread, we needed to destroy all of the tumor cells. That is why we injected an immunotherapy gene alongside the microbubbles, which acts as a Trojan horse, and signaled the immune system to attack the cancer cell." On its own, the gene cannot enter into the cancer cells. However, this gene aimed to enhance the immune system was co-injected together with the microbubbles. Membrane pores were formed in the remaining 20% of the cancer cells that survived the initial explosion, allowing the entry of the gene into the cells. This triggered an immune response that destroyed the cancer cell. "The majority of cancer cells were destroyed by the explosion, and the remaining cells consumed the immunotherapy gene through the holes that were created in their membranes," Dr. Ilovitsh explains. "The gene caused the cells to produce a substance that triggered the immune system to attack the cancer cell. In fact, our mice had tumors on both sides of their bodies. Despite the fact that we conducted the treatment only on one side, the immune system attacked the distant side as well." Dr. Ilovitsh says that in the future she intends to attempt using this technology as a noninvasive treatment for brain-related diseases such as brain tumors and other neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. "The blood-brain barrier does not allow for medications to penetrate through, but microbubbles can temporary open the barrier, enabling the arrival of the treatment to the target area without the need for an invasive surgical intervention." ### American Friends of Tel Aviv University supports Israel's most influential, comprehensive and sought-after center of higher learning, Tel Aviv University (TAU). TAU is recognized and celebrated internationally for creating an innovative, entrepreneurial culture on campus that generates inventions, startups and economic development in Israel. TAU is ranked ninth in the world, and first in Israel, for producing start-up founders of billion-dollar companies, an achievement that surpassed several Ivy League universities. To date, 2,500 US patents have been filed by Tel Aviv University researchers -- ranking TAU #1 in Israel, #10 outside of the US and #66 in the world. This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Israel's newest member of parliament said on Wednesday he would fight for same-sex marriage and LGBT+ surrogacy rights, after his swearing in took the number of gay lawmakers in the country to a record high and one of the highest percentages globally. Yorai Lahav Hertzanu, a member of centrist opposition party Yesh Atid, became the Middle Eastern country's sixth openly gay member of the 120-seat Knesset when he was sworn in on Monday. "I'm gay and I'm proud of being gay and I'm very proud to be a gay lawmaker in Israel," 31-year-old Lahav Hertzanu, who also served in parliament in 2019, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone. Israel has the fifth-highest share of LGBT+ MPs globally, with Britain taking the lead at 8%, followed by Liechtenstein, Scotland and New Zealand, said Andrew Reynolds, a political scientist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It is among the most liberal countries for LGBT+ rights in the region and one of a handful - along with Jordan and Bahrain - that allow same-sex relations, which are punishable by the death penalty in some Middle Eastern states. Lahav Hertzanu - who won his seat because another lawmaker in his alliance resigned from parliament after being appointed a minister - said he felt lucky to live in a relatively tolerant country but there was still more to be done. "I entered politics in order to make sure that we will no longer stay inferior under the law," said Lahav Hertzanu, who previously led the youth wing of Yesh Atid. "I can't marry the love of my life and we can't have children here, because surrogacy is not available as it is available to straight couples." Same-sex marriages are not illegal, but neither are they legally recognised in the country of 9 million, many of whom belong to socially conservative Orthodox Jewish and Muslim communities. Israel recognises same-sex weddings performed abroad and children adopted overseas by, or born to surrogates for, gay parents. Adoption within Israel is nearly impossible for gay couples, according to advocates. Since a new government took office in May, Israel now has two openly gay ministers, Amir Ohana and Itzik Shmuli. Neither were available for comment. LGBT+ advocates welcomed the election of more role models for young gay Israelis, but said that representation needed to extend to lesbian, bisexual and trans people. "Women earn less and have less opportunities ... so you see less lesbian and transgender women in politics," said Chen Arieli, the lesbian deputy mayor of Tel Aviv, Israel's commercial capital. By Ayya Lmahamad Banks in Azerbaijan do not apply any new rules regarding the implementation of foreign currency exchange transaction, the country's Banks Association reported on June 22. No documentation from the Central Bank have been received regarding the establishment of any new procedures, the message reads. The association stated that recently some social networks spread false information on alleged restrictions by the banks regarding currency operations within the new requirements of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan. Despite the relevant restrictions within the quarantine regime in the country, banks continue to serve citizens, ensure maximum customer satisfaction and fully meet the needs of citizens in all types of banking services, including foreign currency, in accordance with the recommendations of the Operational Headquarters, the association said. Moreover, at present, as part of the measures taken to combat the shadow economy and ensure transparency in country, banks ensure the full implementation of tasks assigned to them by the legislation in force. Additionally, it states that citizens can carry out exchange operations in any bank in full according to requirements of the current legislation, without any additional restrictions and obstacles, according to requirements of the quarantine regime established by the Operational Staff under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Azerbaijan Republic. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Mortality cages with mosquitoes next to an air sampling device for the spatial repellency study at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Hanoi, Vietnam. Credit: Duke-NUS Medical School and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Hanoi Malaria causes almost a half-million deaths every year worldwide. While the majority of people affected by this mosquito-borne parasitic infection are in Africa, a smaller percentage of cases are also found in Southeast Asia. This is the only region where the most common malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, has shown confirmed resistance to a widely used combination drug therapy. However, we may now have another solution to counter these hard-to-eliminate parasites. A study led by Duke-NUS Medical School (Duke-NUS) scientists has found that treating fabric with an insecticide, transfluthrin, can incapacitate and kill mosquitoes found in Vietnam that transmit malaria to humans. Together with a global team of scientists from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Hanoi, and the Naval Medical Research Unit TWO, Duke-NUS published findings in the Malaria Journal earlier this year that show tremendous promise toward the prevention of malaria, as adapting these findings in the usage of mosquito nets and repellents could serve as an effective protection against malaria infection. "Many studies have been conducted on spatial repellents, but they often focus on single mosquito species, are conducted in the field with unknown mosquito populations, or compare multiple species separately. Our team from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Hanoi, and the Naval Medical Research Unit TWO team developed a controlled study for testing the ability of an airborne insecticide, called transfluthrin, to incapacitate or repel Anopheles dirus and Anopheles minimus, the two primary malaria vectors in Vietnam. Our findings showed that both species are sensitive to transfluthrin, but Anopheles dirus was more susceptible," explained Dr. Ian Mendenhall, Principal Research Scientist from the Emerging Infectious Disease (EID) programme at Duke-NUS, who led this study. Dr. Ian Mendenhall preparing the taxis cages inside the testing enclosure at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Hanoi, Vietnam. Credit: Duke-NUS Medical School and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Hanoi Transfluthrin is a synthetic insecticide that acts as a spatial repellent, evaporating from treated materials into the surrounding air and is of low toxicity to mammals. The team hung a large piece of transfluthrin-soaked burlap fabric at one end of an outdoor enclosure over nine days. Mosquitoes were placed in two different types of cages for this study. Spray cages were used to monitor mortality and metal-framed cages (taxis cages) were used to examine if mosquitoes were attracted or repelled by the chemical. Mosquitoes were exposed for one hour and depending on the direction of movement toward or away from the hanging fabric, mosquitoes were classified as being attracted to, neutral to, or repelled by the airborne transfluthrin. Mosquitoes in spray cages were observed for 24 hours for mortality. The team found that the highest rates of mosquito knockdown and mortality occurred closer to the fabric, at two and four meters away, and were greater at floor level and 1.5 meters height, compared to three meters height. The scientists also found that An. minimus was the more susceptible of the two species to knockdown. "The results of our study are promising because it shows that spatial repellents can be a relatively inexpensive approach to minimize contact between humans and vectors, driving down transmission rates. There is potential to widely adapt these findings and implement treated bed nets and curtains into an integrated mosquito management program that could help drive down malaria infections," added Dr. Mendenhall. A taxis cage to monitor repellency of mosquitoes used in the spatial repellency study at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology (NIHE) in Hanoi, Vietnam. Credit: Duke-NUS Medical School and the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Hanoi "This work being done in Southeast Asia bodes well to better understand disease hosts, such as the Anopheles dirus and Anopheles minimus mosquitoes, and how to counter them. Duke-NUS' EID programme is building up much needed expertise in a world where infectious diseases threaten to disrupt and endanger communities and economies," said Professor Patrick Casey, senior vice dean for Research at Duke-NUS. The team recommends further studies to understand the different responses of the two species to airborne transfluthrin and its potential impacts on developing insecticide resistance and disrupting mosquito-biting behaviours. Explore further Tracking the spread of mosquito insecticide resistance across Africa More information: Martin, N.J., Nam, V.S., Lover, A.A. et al. The impact of transfluthrin on the spatial repellency of the primary malaria mosquito vectors in Vietnam: Anopheles dirus and Anopheles minimus. Malar J 19, 9 (2020). Journal information: Malaria Journal Martin, N.J., Nam, V.S., Lover, A.A. et al. The impact of transfluthrin on the spatial repellency of the primary malaria mosquito vectors in Vietnam: Anopheles dirus and Anopheles minimus. Malar J 19, 9 (2020). doi.org/10.1186/s12936-019-3092-4 A more recent publication of this set of statistics is available. Latest publication: Air transport 2021, December Published: 25 June 2020 Number of passengers at Finnish airports decreased by 98 per cent in May 2020 Altogether 44,970 passengers flew through Finnish airports in May 2020, which was 98 per cent lower than one year before. There were 36,225 passengers at Helsinki Airport and a total of 8,745 passengers at other domestic airports. Helsinki Airport accounted for 81 per cent of all passengers at domestic airports. In May 2020 the number of passengers at Helsinki Airport decreased by 98 per cent and the combined number of passengers at other Finnish airports went down by 97 per cent compared to May 2019. Sixty-five per cent of the passengers were from international flights and 35 per cent from domestic flights. Of the passengers at Helsinki Airport, 80 per cent were from international flights. Ninety-eight per cent of the passengers at Helsinki Airport flew on scheduled flights and two per cent on chartered flights. At the other domestic airports, one per cent of the passengers flew on chartered flights. Number of passengers at Finnish airports in January to May 2020 In the January to May period of 2020 altogether 5.0 million passengers flew through Finnish airports, which was 53 per cent lower than one year before. Seventy-one per cent of the passengers were from international flights and 29 per cent from domestic flights. There were 3.9 million passengers at Helsinki Airport and a total of 1.0 million passengers at other domestic airports. Helsinki Airport accounted for 79 per cent of all passengers at domestic airports. In the January to May period of 2020 air freight and mail transports amounted to 60,444 tonnes in total, and 98 per cent of the tonnes were transported through Helsinki Airport. Ninety-nine per cent of the tonnes were transported between Finland and foreign countries. Altogether 33,604 tonnes of the goods were outgoing and 26,840 tonnes were incoming. Source: Transport and Tourism, Statistics Finland Inquiries: Sami Lahtinen 029 551 3207, Matti Kokkonen 029 551 3770, matti.kokkonen@stat.fi Director in charge: Mari Yla-Jarkko Publication in pdf-format (165.6 kB) Updated 25.06.20020 Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Air transport [e-publication]. ISSN=2670-1847. May 2020. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 23.1.2022]. Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/ilma/2020/05/ilma_2020_05_2020-06-25_tie_001_en.html Accel-KKR and ParkerGale backed ATP in its acquisition of FlightDocs, a provider of maintenance tracking software for the business aviation industry. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. Founded nearly fifty years ago, ATP provides aircraft maintenance information, predictive diagnostics, and troubleshooting software to over 6,700 aviation customers worldwide. ParkerGale, a technology-focused buyout fund based in Chicago, acquired ATP in 2015 and subsequently added on CaseBank Technologies in 2016. While ParkerGale retains majority ownership of ATP, Accel-KKRs minority investment comes from Accel-KKRs growth capital fund as well as credit financing from Accel-KKR Credit Partners. With Flightdocs joining the ATP family, the combined company will become a leader in the aviation industry by providing a comprehensive range of technical publications, troubleshooting, diagnostics and maintenance workflow solutions under one umbrella. The combined company now supports 75,000 maintenance professionals across more than 7,500 customers in 137 countries. FinSMEs 25/06/2020 Canara Bank slumped 5.44% to Rs 103.50 after the bank reported net loss of Rs 3,259.33 crore in Q4 March 2020 as against net loss of Rs 551.53 crore in Q4 March 2019. Total income rose 1.6% to Rs 14,222.39 crore in Q4 March 2020 over Rs 14,000.43 crore in Q4 March 2019. Pre-tax loss stood at Rs 3,334.51 crore in Q4 March 2020 compared with pre-tax loss of Rs 2,550.04 crore incurred in Q4 March 2019. The Q4 result was announced after market hours yesterday, 24 June 2020. Provisions and contingencies slipped 2.68% to Rs 5,375.38 crore in Q4 March 2020 over Rs 5,523.50 crore in Q4 March 2019. The provision coverage ratio of the bank was at 75.86% as on 31 March 2020. Gross non-performing assets (NPAs) stood at Rs 37,041.15 crore as on 31 March 2020 as against Rs 36,644.97 crore as on 31 December 2019 and Rs 39,224.12 crore as on 31 March 2019. The ratio of gross NPAs to gross advances stood at 8.21% as on 31 March 2020 as against 8.36% as on 31 December 2019 and 8.83% as on 31 March 2019. The ratio of net NPAs to net advances stood at 4.22% as on 31 March 2020 as against 5.05% as on 31 December 2019 and 5.37% as on 31 March 2019. Non-Interest Income (NII) jumped 16.8% to Rs 2,175 crore as at Q4 FY20 over Q4 FY19. The bank has opened 76.38 lakh accounts under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) and mobilised Current Account-Savings Account (CASA) deposits of Rs 2874 crore as at March 2020. As on 31 March 2020, the bank has 6,329 number of branches (Rural: 1,826, Semi Urban: 2,004, Urban: 1,226 & Metro: 1,273 and 8,850 number of ATMs). In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, 97% of the bank's branches were operational during the nationwide lockdown period. The total number of e-transactions were at 23.94 crore with an amount of Rs 5,16,217 crore during the lockdown. The bank accelerated Business Correspondent (BC) services with 119 lakh transaction & Rs 3,792 crore business during 31 March 2020 to 15 June 2020. It introduced CANARA CREDIT SUPPORT as part of Emergency Credit Line Facilities to COVID-19 affected customers. Loans worth Rs 1,571 crore has been disbursed to 73,031 accounts under MSME so far. It has also unveiled Guaranteed Emergency Credit Line (GECL) for eligible MSME customers with loans worth Rs 2,755 crore disbursed to 1,77,343 accounts. Canara Bank is a state-owned commercial bank with headquarters in Bangalore. The Government of India held 78.52% stake in the bank as of 31 March 2020. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Launch marks milestone in nation's space effort People's Daily Online (China Daily) 08:33, June 24, 2020 The final satellite to complete the third-generation network of China's Beidou Navigation Satellite System was launched on Tuesday morning, marking a milestone in the nation's space endeavor. As the countdown ticked down to zero at 9:43 am at the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province, eight engines on the first stage and four boosters of a Long March 3B carrier rocket spat orange flames as they lifted the 19-story-tall vehicle and the satellite into cloudy skies. About 30 minutes later, Zhang Xueyu, director of the Xichang center, announced at the command and control hall that the satellite, the 59th in the Beidou family and the 30th in the third-generation series, had been placed in a geostationary orbit in a normal state and the mission was a complete success. The launch was originally scheduled for June 16, but the mission command decided to postpone it several hours before the ignition due to a technical problem in the rocket. The deployment of the satellite marked the completion of the in-orbit construction of Beidou, one of four global navigation networks, along with the United States' GPS, Russia's GLONASS and the European Union's Galileo. Dozens of medical workers from across Sichuan province who have fought against COVID-19, and Li Lanjuan, a top epidemiologist who has played a major role in China's anti-coronavirus efforts, were invited by the space authorities to witness the launch. The launch was broadcast live by China Central Television, becoming the first Beidou mission to be on live TV and also the first televised launch at the Xichang center in a decade. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs sent a congratulatory letter on Tuesday to China's space authorities, appreciating Beidou's contribution to global economic and social development as well as the peaceful use of space and international cooperation in space. After a period of in-orbit tests, the new satellite will begin to work with other Beidou satellites, allowing users around the globe to access high-accuracy navigation, positioning and timing services, according to the China Satellite Navigation Office. The spacecraft, which was transported by rail to the Xichang center on April 4, was designed and manufactured by the China Academy of Space Technology, a subsidiary of the State-owned space conglomerate China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. Based on the DFH-3B satellite platform, it is designed to work in orbit for at least 12 years, according to the academy. Since 2000, a total of 59 satellites, including the first four experimental ones, have been launched from Xichang on 44 Long March 3-series rockets, and some of them have already been retired. Following Tuesday's launch, there are 30 third-generation Beidou satellites in three types of orbit24 in medium-Earth orbit, three in inclined geosynchronous satellite orbit and three in geostationary orbit. There are also some second-generation Beidou satellites in operation offering regional services. "Compared with the second-generation satellites, the third-generation models have higher accuracy and stability, a clearer signal and more state-of-the-art technologies such as inter-satellite links, satellite-based augmentation and global emergency search capability," said Chen Zhonggui, chief designer of the third-generation satellite at the China Academy of Space Technology. Chen said that the third generation is 10 times stronger than the second generation in terms of overall service capability. In addition to optimized navigation and positioning capabilities, the third-generation model allows a user in areas with poor conventional communication signals to send 1,200 Chinese characters in a single message to receivers, while previous models can send only 120 characters, he added. Beidou not only has tens of satellites but also a vast ground-based network that includes dozens of stations, more than 200 subsystems and over 30,000 sets of equipment. More than 300,000 scientists, engineers and technicians from more than 400 domestic institutes and enterprises have been involved in Beidou's development and construction. Beidou began providing positioning, navigation, timing and messaging services to civilian users in China and other parts of the Asia-Pacific region in December 2012. At the end of 2018, Beidou started providing global services. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / On the afternoon of June 24th, the 10-day "China's First Online Grinding Exhibition" hosted by Abrasivestocks & China Abrasive Network concluded successfully. Relying on the "Grindtec Online" platform, this event uses digital technology to show people online virtual exhibition halls, introduce enterprises and products, and also show the positioning of Grindtec Online: Serve the upstream and downstream industrial chain of grinding tools, so that enterprises can participate in the exhibition regardless of time and place, and provide channels for domestic and foreign suppliers and buyers. More than 30 grinding tools enterprises participated in this online live grinding exhibition. Make online promotion for the enterprise by displaying the online exhibition hall of the enterprise, video link and inviting the person in charge of the enterprise to communicate in the live broadcast room. Dozens of experts from the grinding industry were invited to the live broadcast room to share cutting-edge technologies. From ordinary abrasives to superhard abrasives, from industrial ceramics to cubic silicon carbide, from accessories to equipment, from powder technology to abrasive wheels and abrasives, every exhibition of products and new technologies has increased people's confidence in grinding industry. In addition, this event also set up a special session for grinding enterprises in Hubei to publicize and promote them free of charge, hoping to help the follow-up development of grinding enterprises in Hubei. During the live broadcast, the online audience exceeded 20,000, and the discussion area was also very lively. Explore the market, the price, the technology ... Before launching this activity, Abrasivestocks has recommended the information of the live grinding exhibition to the target customers of the Overseas English Version of China Grinding Suppliers Directory by E-Mail. The live broadcast adopts the way of live broadcast on many platforms, such as Xiaoe, Yizhibo, Tik Tok and Facebook, and is promoted on the Internet at home and abroad. The online grinding exhibition project is aimed not only at domestic upstream and downstream enterprises of grinding tools, but also at grinding tools enterprises all over the world. Therefore, Rex, the North American representative of Abrasivestocks, and Song Yuning, the manager of overseas business department, delivered the project information to overseas grinding enterprises in English and Japan respectively. What is Grindtec Online ? Grindtec Online (www.grindtec.com.cn) is an online virtual exhibition, which breaks through the restrictions of region, time, space and cost, makes full use of the advantages of internet plus, narrows the distance between merchants and provides more opportunities for cooperation. What are the advantages? No need to prepare before the exhibition, saving manpower and expenses, online 365 days a year. The platform is rich in exhibitors and products, which can also solve the problem of inconvenient offline transportation. The system accurately matches high-quality customers according to the information filled in by enterprises. Provide explanations in Chinese, English, German and Japanese for booths of more than 72 square meters, so that enterprises and exhibits can face more overseas buyers. It can support online display of commodity information in the form of pictures, texts and videos. Instant messaging technology can realize cloud negotiation, and do business and place orders without leaving home. One-click visit to the factory allows users to truly understand exhibitors anytime and anywhere. Even if the user can't visit the factory, they can be clear at a glance. The system automatically matches according to the supply and purchase information of enterprises, which is convenient for enterprises. Introduction of exhibition area Grindtec Online is divided into 7 exhibitions and 1 area, including grinding exhibition, refractory exhibition, tool exhibition, ceramic exhibition, machine tool exhibition, superhard exhibition, powder exhibition and purchasing area, with a total of 8,000 booths. Grindtec Online project has attracted wide attention from the industry since its launch on March 14th, and has been upgraded to version 2.0 in order to continuously optimize the use experience. New functions of Grindtec Online version 2.0 Access and search are more convenient; Intelligent recommendation of suppliers; Thumbs Up function to increase corporate exposure; Increase the business card section to facilitate push and make customer contact faster; Enterprise and product introduction are more intuitive; Grindtec Online certified by enterprises can directly connect with buyers, making it more convenient to recommend and communicate. At the end of this activity, project leaders such as Yang Heng, CEO of Abrasivestocks, and Bai Ning, General Manager, gave a further explanation and summary of this event. Abrasivestocks will increase overseas promotion efforts, and invite more overseas enterprises to settle in Grindtec Online. Grindtec Online is committed to creating the most professional online exhibition in the global grinding industry, serving more upper, middle and lower reaches grinding enterprises in China and overseas, allowing buyers to enter the exhibition halls of manufacturers, visit the online factories of manufacturers, know the strength of manufacturers, and do the business of "customers looking for me". The arrival of 5G will certainly help the development of Grinding Exhibition Online, accelerate the process of internet plus in China's grinding industry, and make information more open and procurement more convenient. Especially in the depressed market environment, it will create more business opportunities for Chinese grinding enterprises. Media Contact: Grindtec Online Dever Yang info@abrasivestocks.com SOURCE: Grindtec Online View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/595232/The-First-China-Online-Grinding-Exhibition-Concluded-Successfully--Grindtec-Online-Creates-a-New-Global-Online-Exhibition "We know that education is the key to success," said Marissa Fisher, a second-generation McDonald's franchisee with four restaurants in southeast Louisiana. "With many college students uncertain of returning to classes in the wake of COVID-19, we understand HBCU students will be most impacted. As a brand with roots that run deep in communities, McDonald's has been part of these students' lives while growing up and is the place where many received their first jobs. We want to help ease some of the stress caused by this pandemic as they plan to return to school." According to TMCF, supporting HBCUs is increasingly paramount. These institutions face challenges of supporting a large percentage of low-income students (up to 90% at some schools), while managing unexpected costs related to shifting to an online education infrastructure. "This year, donations to HBCUs are even more critical, as students continue dealing with the impacts of COVID-19 and, now, civil unrest and demands for Black equality," said Harry L. Williams, Thurgood Marshall College Fund President & CEO. "Black students, with allies from across the globe, are calling for companies to do more than issue statements and run ads. That's why TMCF is excited to further our commitment with McDonald's to help keep more Black students in college." Commemorating a 20-year partnership with the ESSENCE Festival of Culture: Unstoppable Virtual Experience, McDonald's is also embarking on a collaboration with the ESSENCE Girls United HBCU initiative, powered by Black & Positively Golden. The multi-week program kicks off this fall with inspiring virtual events for student entrepreneurs. Through this program, McDonald's will also award seed capital and exclusive mentoring opportunities to select participants. These initiatives are natural extensions of the company's longstanding commitment to advancing education, as previously demonstrated through its partnership with TMCF and its Archways to Opportunity program for restaurant crew and managers. On a mission to supporting communities nationwide, McDonald's strives to be a catalyst of change by funding scholarships, leadership training and dream building. "I often tell my employees that McDonald's is more than burgers and fries," said Fisher, who began working as a crew member in her parents' McDonald's restaurants prior to becoming a franchisee. "I'm proud to be part of a global brand that is stepping up to help America's Black future leaders continue their education during such a challenging time." Viewers will hear more from Fisher on McDonald's upcoming program with Girls United during the ESSENCE Festival of Culture: Unstoppable Virtual Experience. The announcement will take place during a Girls United panel, which will bring together actresses Lexi Underwood and Lovie Simone for a powerful "Checking In On Our Girls" discussion, slated for Saturday, June 27 at 3:50pm EST. The vibrant duo will have a transparent conversation on topics, including how young Black girls are managing their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being in the wake of global unrest; community activism; healthy self-esteem; the impact of social distancing and resources to help them rehabilitate through it all. Visit ESSENCE Studios now to register. HBCU students can apply for a Black & Positively Golden scholarship now through August 3, by clicking here. For more information on McDonald's Black & Positively Golden movement, follow @wearegolden on Instagram. About Black & Positively Golden Launched in 2019, McDonald's Black & Positively Golden movement is designed to uplift communities and shine a brilliant light on Black excellence through empowerment, education and entrepreneurship. It highlights all things positive and focuses on stories of truth, power and pride. The campaign movement is a natural extension of the brand's longstanding commitment to the African-American consumer. About McDonald's USA McDonald's serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to more than 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com , or follow us on Instagram at @WeAreGolden and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds. To learn more about the Black & Positively Golden initiative, visit www.mcdonalds.com. About Thurgood Marshall College Fund Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation's largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit: www.tmcf.org. SOURCE McDonalds USA Related Links http://www.mcdonalds.com Here in the middle of an exhausting 2020, America has been battered by a pandemic, yet to be brought under control, and widespread fury at how often encounters between Black people and an armed police escalate toward the death of an undeserving citizen. In Donald J. Trump, the nation has a president widely seen as disinclined towards, or incapable of, empathy and whose scorched-earth rhetoric sees compromise as a dangerous manifestation of weakness. Trumps America hardly celebrates the pluralistic point of view nor is it encouraging of critical thinking among the citizenry its a vision of heroes and villains, winners and losers, friends and enemies, all sparring within the nation itself. Sudhir Suryawanshi By Express News Service MUMBAI: In the last three months, Maharashtra government has received over 4,000 domestic violence complaints while 25,000 phone calls to government helpline to get help. According to Maharashtra women and child development department, the domestic violence complaints increased exponentially during the lockdown and were mainly related to financial crisis, and starvation due to lack of accessibility to food. ...The pandemic situation and losing jobs were the major reason behind this domestic violence. The consultants separately called the husband and wife to understand their issues and then addressed them. All issues were sorted out amicably, while very few issues went to court, a report read. We also started the consultancy centres at local help to give the proper advice in this difficult phase. Many people were mentally disturbed mainly, migrant workers. Some of them faced the financial crisis in lockdown, said Yashomati Thakur, minister of Women and Child Welfare. She also said that various technique and physical exercises like Yoga and meditations were used to address the anxiety and emotional trauma of the people. We have also roped in various social organisations and activists so that government's assistance can reach to most people..," Thakur said. Compared with other historical monuments that have been targeted lately, Queen Victoria's larger-than-life statue in front of the Manitoba legislature survived relatively unscathed. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 24/6/2020 (577 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Compared with other historical monuments that have been targeted lately, Queen Victoria's larger-than-life statue in front of the Manitoba legislature survived relatively unscathed. A graffiti-removal company was called Wednesday morning after the Queen Victoria monument was defaced. CAROL SANDERS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Late Tuesday night, a vandal or vandals scaled the enormous statue of Queen Victoria to deface it. It appeared to have white paint poured over its head, with a smear of red paint across its mouth. The 116-year-old statue was cleaned up by mid-morning but the image left an indelible mark at an unprecedented time in history. "I think it's a reminder right now that people are rightfully engaged in a very substantive conversation around history," said Ry Moran, director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba. "This is something that's not isolated to Winnipeg. It's happening worldwide." Simmering outrage at racial injustice boiled over following the May 25 death of George Floyd, an unarmed and handcuffed Black man. A Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck for about eight minutes. People took to the streets in demonstrations across the globe to demand an end to police brutality. Symbols of racism and oppression became a target. In England, the statue of a 17th-century slave trader was dumped into Bristol's harbour. In Antwerp, the monument to a Belgian king who brutalized Congo was burned and then removed. In the U.S., Confederate statues have been toppled. In Miami and Kenosha, Wis., statues of Christopher Columbus were doused with red paint. "All these statues are put up to remind us of higher ideals or virtues theyre virtue-signalling devices," said Moran, who will become the first associate university librarian for reconciliation at the University of Victoria in the fall. "It becomes very plainly obvious that, viewed through the eyes of presently marginalized groups, there are some very questionable aspects of (the statues) past virtues." MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The 116-year-old statue was cleaned up by mid-morning. In Winnipeg, more than 15,000 protesters gathered at the legislature on June 5 for a peaceful demonstration. Subsequent rallies have taken place outside the legislature and other buildings downtown. All have proceeded without incident. Late Tuesday night, a vandal or vandals scaled the enormous statue of Queen Victoria to deface it. A spokeswoman for the province said the act was reported to police. She wouldn't comment on whether it was caught on security cameras that surround the building, or if security will be beefed up. "Staff are unaware if this type of situation has taken place in the past, and are always looking at ways to respect the safety of people on site and ensure the safety of the site itself," she said. The president of the Monarchist League of Canada said he was disappointed a statue to the "Mother of Confederation" whose name adorns streets, schools, beaches and cities was targeted. "Queen Victoria was the monarch at the time of Confederation, and she obviously holds an important place in Canada's history," said Robert Finch in Oakville, Ont. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Winnipeg NDP MP Leah Gazan said people have to be careful about assuming who defaced the Queen Victoria statue, but she understands the sentiment that may be behind it. "Of course, people have legitimate concerns and genuine grievances, but vandalizing a statue of the country's first Queen isn't the way they should be expressing their dissatisfaction," said Finch. "I suspect the vast majority of Canadians, while willing to lend a sympathetic ear, do not approve of this sort of thing and quite frankly find it appalling." House Speaker Myrna Driedger said she doesn't think such acts help. "Destructive vandalism doesnt fix things," she wrote in an email Wednesday. "It doesnt solve problems and could even escalate them. It is not the way to resolve issues," said Driedger. "Our history cant be erased but, hopefully, we can learn from it to make things better." 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. Winnipeg NDP MP Leah Gazan said people have to be careful about assuming who defaced the Queen Victoria statue, but she understands the sentiment that may be behind it. "We have a country built on a colonial history that was a violent colonial history, rooted in many human rights violations," said Gazan, a member of the Wood Mountain Lakota Nation in Saskatchewan. "We can never ignore that history in terms of the symbols we choose to represent it." Especially not when theyre doused in white paint. "I think it demonstrates clearly many Canadians are ready to have critical discussions about this country," Gazan said. She called on the government to respond to the calls to action in reports by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca Google Maps Two people died Wednesday after a car crashed into a business in north Harris County, authorities said. The business was located at Kuykendahl and Spring Cypress. Life Flight has been called to the scene. On Tuesday afternoon, Dan Hall left his home on Plantation Street in Worcester, climbed onto his 1998 Honda Valkyrie motorcycle, and headed off to work at a local liquor store. Minutes later, he was hit by a car trying to make a turn from the other direction and critically injured. My boss called me and said Hey, I cant get a hold of your son. Hes late for his shift. Hes never late, his mother, and co-worker at the liquor store, Sue Hall said. And right away we all kind of knew something was up. Dan has already been through multiple surgeries at the UMass Medical Centers Intensive Care Unit in Worcester. He lost at least part of his left arm and doctors are desperately trying to save his right one, all while trying to keep the rest of his devastated body together. The entire crash was captured on his helmet-mounted GoPro camera. It shows on the video that Dan, at the last minute, sees this guy turning into him and Dan accelerates to try to get away from him but it just wasnt quick enough, his mother said. Dan almost held it together. He almost kept that bike upright because hes such an experienced rider, but sadly, he lost it and Dans body rode the guardrail thats there, and it ripped him apart. The GoPro was a gift from his younger brother, Alex Hall, who refused to let Dan ride without it. The family hasnt seen the video, but they say Worcester police relayed what it showed. Perhaps the biggest tragedy is how close Dan came to escaping. They literally said if he had a millisecond more time to respond, he probably would have got out of it and had a lot less injuries, Alex said. Police say the elderly driver who hit Dan initially drove off, but was later stopped. Its unclear at the moment what charges that driver may face. His identity has not been released and the accident remains under investigation. Dan, whose mother describes as a fun-loving 31-year-old nerd who never grew up, has a passion for motorcycles. The bike he was riding at the time was his pride and joy. His love for riding motorcycles is so strong, he hasnt bought a car. He lives on his bike, his brother said. The only time he gets off is if theres a thunderstorm or if its too cold for him. He goes to the beach on it, he takes his friends on it, he could live on that thing. I feel like if he had all the money in the world, hed still only get motorcycles. I cant even describe his love not only that bike in general, but just riding as it is. That passion was passed on down from older to younger brother years ago. At 15, Alex faced his own life-threatening fight when he suffered heart failure. The family rallied around Alex through sleepless nights at Boston Childrens Hospital. It was then Dan made a promise to his younger brother. When I was in the hospital, he said if you get better, you can have my bike, Alex said. To me, it meant so much and it was my motivation to not only start riding but get better. And he did it. He gave me his bike once I got better. Ever since then Ive been riding. Thats whats making this so hard for me, because hes the reason I started riding. His mother added, Dan was so desperate to save his brothers life that he was willing to give away his most prized possession, and gave up his life to spend a month at Boston Childrens Hospital bedside by his brother. He gave up school and his life, and its time somebody gives back to Dan, because Dan is always giving. Dans outgoing, sarcastic personality has endeared him to just about everyone who met him, whether it was at the liquor store he was working in during the COVID-19 pandemic, or his usual job as a bartender at the 99 on West Boylston St. He met his girlfriend behind the bar there, and now shes keeping vigil by his bedside, hoping to help him pull through. Dan might not be alive at all had it not been for the people who jumped in to help him on Tuesday however they could. Some comforted him with prayers until the paramedics arrived. Others tried to help prevent his already horrific injuries from getting worse. Some chased down the driver to make sure he didnt disappear. His mother says theyre all heroes to her. The people who helped catch this man who took off and the people who stopped are what my priorities are. To thank them personally, she said. I want to look them in the eye and thank them personally. I want them to meet Dan when Dan gets out of this and theyre going to know that they stopped and helped an amazing young man who is always giving back. The family has started a GoFundMe to help pay for what will surely be extraordinarily high medical bills, including, eventually, a prosthetic arm. It has already raised more than $32,000. Halls fight is far from over. Doctors on Friday will try once again to save his right arm. His internal injuries are massive, and he has several broken bones, all of which still put his life at risk. This family has already been through enough, Sue said. I want the community to think about something else instead of rioting and COVID and whos better than who. I want them to rally around my son. I know its a lot. I want another miracle. The government has supported the introduction of e-residency in Ukraine, according to Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov. "The government has given the green light to e-residency! I told you about this project back in September. And we work on its implementation every day," he wrote on his Telegram channel. Fedorov stressed that the project "can make Ukraine a powerful Eastern European IT hub." According to the minister, without the need to visit Ukraine and fill out papers, foreigners will receive online: a Ukrainian qualified electronic signature, registration number of the taxpayer record card, the opportunity to open an online account in a Ukrainian bank and simplified access to administrative services in Ukraine. "We are creating this project for representatives of the creative industry - IT, marketing, advertising, and gaming. We see foreign IT specialists working for Ukrainian companies as the first e-residents, as well as specialists from the Asia-Pacific region and near abroad countries, for whom the status of e-resident of Ukraine will help to cooperate effectively in the European market, he explained. iy Berlin, June 25 : Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund have signed a new one-year extension with sporting director Michael Zorc until 2022. The 57-year-old, who has been at BVB since 1978 and overseen the club's sporting affairs since 1998, has prematurely extended his contract, which was due to expire in 2021, until June 30, 2022, the club has announced. "A few weeks ago, I made a personal request to Michael Zorc to stay with us for an extra year. We at BVB are all happy and thankful that he has complied with our request," said chief executive officer Hans-Joachim Watzke. "Michael is a true Borusse and, as such, he was prepared to continue overseeing sporting matters at a time that is challenging for us all, and during which it is difficult to plan and tough to predict developments. This continuity will do us good." Zorc, who is still BVB's record appearance-maker in the Bundesliga, declared: "We're facing a period that will present significant challenges. It goes without saying that, during such a phase, I will stand by my club and make my contribution as we strive to put Borussia Dortmund on the best-possible footing together." California reported record new daily coronavirus case counts this week and a surge in hospitalizations, as the state continues to reopen businesses and allows for more outdoor and indoor activities. But what about in the Bay Area? Cases here have nearly doubled in the past month, and sharp spikes this week indicate an alarming trend. But a Chronicle analysis of county-by-county data shows that the Bay Area has not been among the biggest contributors to the statewide surge thus far, with cases-per-capita remaining below the state average for the past 14 days and well below the hot spots driving the surge. Across the state, increases in case counts can be partially attributed to more widespread testing, but other factors appear to be at work. Outbreaks continue to be a problem at prisons and nursing home facilities. Activities on Mothers Day and Memorial Day may also account for some spikes, as well as reports of large social gatherings, increased meetings among friend and family groups, workplace outbreaks, and weeks of protesting against police brutality. Gov. Gavin Newsom warned that troubling signs have developed in the data. Those that suggest were out of the woods, those that suggest this somehow is going to disappear, these numbers tell a very, very different and sobering story, he said. The state has said it is keeping a close eye on counties that fail to meet certain benchmarks, including case rates, hospitalizations and the percentage of tests that are positive. We took a look at data in those three areas to see how the Bay Area compares to other hot spots, particularly those in Southern California. Case rates In the Bay Area, Marin County soars above the others, reporting 200 cases per 100,000 residents over the past 14 days. Officials attribute the surge to outbreaks at workplaces, including a waste management company. Another major outbreak in Marin is at San Quentin State Prison, where a bungled inmate transfer has led to more than 450 cases. Todd Trumbull In Southern California, daily case counts in Los Angeles continue to rise. The citys health director said social events and reopened restaurants likely are partially responsible for the increase. While protests in recent weeks have not yet been linked officially to escalating cases overall, infections within the Los Angeles Police Department have spiked, and police officials are attributing those cases to the demonstrations. San Diegos case rate over the past two weeks is below the state average, but a rash of recent community outbreaks led county officials last week to hit the brakes on reopening more businesses. Positive test rates As the pandemic wears on, officials are watching the percentage of people testing positive as a sign of how much the virus is still spreading. The state is looking for counties to keep that statistic below 8%. For those counties above that threshold, the benchmark to meet regarding case counts then becomes much more strict. Todd Trumbull All Bay Area counties are below the 8% positive testing threshold, and all except Marin are below the statewide average of 5%. Close by, in Stanislaus County and San Joaquin County, about 9% of tests are positive, far above the state average. Stanislaus health officials recently declared it a coronavirus hot spot, The county recently reported more than 90 hospitalizations, which previously didnt rise above 20 hospitalized patients before reopening began. And in San Joaquin County, officials say social gatherings, and many people flouting mask orders and social distancing measures, have led to an increase in coronavirus cases. 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. In Southern California, Riverside County also recorded a high percentage of people testing positive. The county set records for daily new cases and hospitalizations this week, and has the second highest coronavirus cases in the state. Hospitalizations San Bernardino County saw a nearly 60% increase in hospitalizations over the past 14 days, and on Tuesday reported its highest ever one-day increase. The county, which also withdrew its mask policy before the statewide mandate, has seen outbreaks at workplaces, county jails, hospitals and other facilities. Orange County, meanwhile, is also reporting a dramatically higher hospitalization rate and recently had its deadliest week in the pandemic, with nearly 50 deaths. The county made the news for its contentious handling of its mandatory mask order. Former county Health Officer Dr. Nichole Quick issued the mandate in late May as businesses began to reopen, which drew swift outrage from the community and eventually led to her resignation. The order was rescinded on June 11. Todd Trumbull Hot spot: Imperial County The Southern California county on the Mexican border is one of only a handful of counties still in the early stages of reopening. Imperial Countys case rate is 10 times the state threshold, and the positive test percentage is twice the guideline. Hospitalizations have remained relatively steady with only a small increase. Health officials say the proximity to Mexicali, a coronavirus epicenter in Mexico, is partly to blame for the uptick. Other factors are large family gatherings, high instances of preexisting conditions and bad air pollution in the area. The quality survey comes on the heels of widespread complaints about quality in Tesla's new Model Y, a hatchback version of the Model 3 sedan. Above, CEO Elon Musk unveils the Model Y in 2019. (Frederic J. Brown / AFP/Getty Images) Tesla has finally been added to the annual J.D. Power survey of new car buyer satisfaction unofficially. The maker of electric cars did not do well. Out of 33 automobile brands measured, Tesla came in rock bottom. The results are unofficial, J.D. Power said, because Tesla did not cooperate with the market research company, whose surveys draw intense interest among auto industry executives and car buyers. Tesla has consistently refused to grant J.D. Power permission to survey owners in 15 states, a requirement to participate, said the company, which has conducted the quality survey for 34 years. Nonetheless, J.D. Power surveyed 1,200 Tesla owners without the companys cooperation, and Dave Sargent, vice president of automotive quality, said hes highly confident of the results accuracy. Most customer complaints, Sargent said, did not involve batteries and electric motors. The challenge Tesla faces is with the sort of basic manufacturing of the vehicle, Sargent said in a prepared statement. Theyre fairly new to volume manufacturing, and its not easy. Many of the flaws reported in the survey were "things that other automakers would have had maybe 10 years ago, but have solved, such as faulty exterior parts, Sargent said. J.D. Power quality survey 2020 The survey, released Wednesday, comes on the heels of widespread complaints about quality in the companys new Model Y, a hatchback version of the Model 3 sedan. Those complaints include unaligned body parts, seats not attached to the base, bumpers falling off in the rain, water leaks in the cabin, and door seals that allow dirt particles to get inside and coat the interior. Also on Wednesday, Business Insider, quoting internal Tesla emails, revealed that Tesla may have knowingly installed defective cooling tubes prone to leakage in Model S sedans. The issue involves model years 2012 through at least 2016. The story noted that glycol coolant that comes into contact with a hot battery can result in fire. The Times has also reviewed internal Tesla emails that show Tesla employees discussing the tube leakage problem. Story continues Tesla did not respond to a request for comment. Dodge tied with Kia for first place on the quality list, the first domestic brand to reach the top spot. The Dodge models surveyed include the Challenger, Charger, Journey, Grand Caravan and Durango. The fact that these cars have not be redesigned for many years helped, Sargent said, but "Theyve done a really good job of improving their quality. Its not a fluke that they did well. The survey polled 87,282 buyers and lessees of new 2020 models. Quality problems were tallied and ranked. Dodge and Kia had 136 problems per 100 vehicles. Tesla had 250. More problems were reported for all models this year, J.D. Power said, mainly because more questions were asked about issues with infotainment systems and other technologies. STOCKHOLM, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The press conference, held in connection with the publication of SCA's interim report for the second quarter of 2020, will be available via webcast or by phone. The interim report will be published on July 21, 2020, at approximately 08:00 CET. The subsequent web cast press conference will be held at 10:00 CET. At the press conference, President and CEO Ulf Larsson and CFO Toby Lawton will present and answer questions regarding the report. The press conference will be webcast live at www.sca.com. It is possible to participate in the press conference by telephone: Sweden: +46 (0) 8 5069 2180 United Kingdom: +44 (0) 2071 928000 USA: +1 631 510 7495 Call in good time before the conference starts. Provide the code "SCA" or the conference ID 3341528. The core of SCA's business is the forest, Europe's largest private forest holding. Around this unique resource, we have built a well-developed value chain based on renewable raw material from our own and others' forests. We offer paper for packaging and print, pulp, wood products, renewable energy, services for forest owners and efficient transport solutions. 2019 the forest products company SCA had approximately 4,000 employees and sales amounted to approximately SEK 19.6 bn (EUR 1.9 bn). SCA was founded in 1929 and has its headquarters in Sundsvall, Sweden. For more information, visit www.sca.com For further information, please contact: Bjorn Lyngfelt, SVP Communications, tel. +46 70 626 82 23 Josefine Bonnevier, Investor Relations Director, tel + 46 73 525 99 06 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/sca/r/invitation-to-sca-s-q2-2020-press-conference-july-21--10-00-cet,c3141595 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/600/3141595/1269560.pdf Press release (PDF) SOURCE SCA Japan Scraps Plan for Land-Based US Missile Defense System TOKYOJapans Defense Ministry said on June 22 that it has decided to stop unpopular plans to deploy two land-based U.S. missile defense systems aimed at bolstering the countrys capability against threats from North Korea. Defense Minister Taro Kono told reporters that he decided to stop the deployment process of the Aegis Ashore systems after it was found that the safety of one of the two planned host communities couldnt be ensured without a hardware redesign that would be too time-consuming and costly. Considering the cost and time it would require, I had no choice but to judge that pursuing the plan is not logical, Kono said. The Japanese government in 2017 approved adding the two missile defense systems to bolster the countrys current defenses consisting of Aegis-equipped destroyers at sea and Patriot missiles on land. Defense officials have said the two Aegis Ashore units could cover Japan entirely from one station at Yamaguchi in the south and another at Akita in the north. Prime Minister Shinzo Abes government will now have to reconsider Japans missile defense program. The plan to deploy the two missile defense systems already had faced a series of setbacks, including questions about the selection of one of the sites, repeated cost estimate hikes that climbed to 450 billion yen ($4.1 billion) for their 30-year operation and maintenance, and safety concerns that led to local opposition. Critics have claimed that the systems were to intercept long-range North Korean missiles from hitting Guam or Hawaii rather than for Japans self-defense, possibly interfering with the countrys war-renouncing constitution. Kono said that Japan had already spent 180 billion yen ($1.7 billion) for the systems, but that not everything will go to waste because the system is compatible with those used on Japanese destroyers. It was ultimately the inability to guarantee the safety of the community in Yamaguchi that was the deal-breaker. Defense officials had promised that any boosters used to intercept a missile flying over Japan would fall only on a military base there, and ensuring a safe fall of boosters to the base was proving impossible with the current design of the systems, Kono said. Japan chose Aegis Ashore over a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, system because of its versatility and lower cost. The deployment of THAAD in South Korea triggered protests from China, with Beijing seeing it as a security threat. The United States has installed the land-based Aegis Ashore in Romania and Poland, and Japan was to be the third country to host the system. By Mari Yamaguchi Milan Italy is close to unveiling the approval of guarantees for a 6.3 billion euro ($7 billion) financing of Fiat Chrysler (FCA), two sources familiar with the matter said, paving the way for the largest crisis loan for a European carmaker. FCAs Italian division has tapped Romes COVID-19 emergency financing schemes to secure a state-backed, three-year facility to support the groups operations in the country as well as Italys car sector, in which about 10,000 businesses operate. The loan would be disbursed by Italys biggest retail bank Intesa Sanpaolo, which has already authorised it pending the approval of guarantees the government will provide on 80% of the sum through export credit agency SACE. The two sources said the government would soon unveil its green light, following work to finalise the terms. FCA and Italys Treasury declined to comment. Il Sole 24 Ore daily said on Sunday that the final terms of the FCA loan included a slight increase in the companys planned investments in Italy to 5.2 billion euros from 5 billion. Crisis loans in Italy are subject to a number of conditions, including a temporary dividend suspension. The newspaper said, however, that the conditions would allow FCAs Dutch holding company to pay a 5.5 billion euro extraordinary dividend to shareholders once the carmakers planned merger with Frances PSA goes through. The extraordinary dividend has been a focal point of discussions in Italy about the large state-backed loan. Il Sole said the freeze on dividends, which applies until Dec. 31, 2020, could be extended for the duration of FCAs loan if it is responsible for any delays in industrial projects which are part of its commitments. NGO says its workers were distributing food when unidentified gunmen drove in and forced the victims to follow them. Unidentified gunmen have abducted 10 humanitarian aid workers as they were distributing food in a village in southwestern Niger, their NGO said in a statement. Kadidiatou Harouna, of the Action and Impact Progress (APIS), said on Thursday the assailants drove into the village in the Tillaberi region on Wednesday afternoon on a motorbike and told the victims to follow them. She told the AFP news agency APIS, a partner of the UN World Food Programme, had worked in the volatile region near the borders with Burkina Faso and Mali without problems in the past year. A German aid worker and an Italian priest were abducted in the region in 2018. Gunmen in the area have previously stolen several vehicles of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres, or MSF) in the region. One of the MSF vehicles was used in May 2019 in a failed attack on a high-security prison near the Niger capital, Niamey, where fighters were being held, according to the authorities. Fighters with links to al-Qaeda and the ISIL (ISIS) group have increasingly mounted attacks across the Sahel in recent years despite the presence of thousands of regional and foreign troops in the region. The violence has hit Mali and Burkina Faso the hardest, rendering large swaths of those countries ungovernable, but it has also spilled into Niger, which shares long and porous borders with its two neighbours. Some 4,000 people were killed in such attacks in the three poor, mainly desert countries, last year, according to the UN. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 19:16:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The total fatalities over the novel coronavirus in Iran hit 10,130 on Thursday after the registration of 134 death cases overnight, Sima Sadat Lari, spokeswoman for Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education, said during his daily update on Thursday. Over the past 24 hours, 2,595 new cases were registered, taking the total confirmed novel coronavirus cases in the country to 215,096, Lari said according to the state TV. So far, 175,103 cases have recovered and 2,899 remain in critical condition, said Lari. According to the spokesperson, 1,530,437 lab tests for COVID-19 have been carried out in Iran as of Thursday. 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 delivered several shipments of medical supplies to Iran. On Feb. 29, a five-member Chinese medical team arrived at Iran for a month-long mission to help Iran fight the pandemic. Enditem A former Bexar County Sheriff's deputy was charged with tampering with evidence after turning off another deputy's body camera during an assault on a jail inmate, the sheriff's office said in an email Thursday. Brandon Lee Doege, 27, was fired from the department on April 27 of this year after an investigation into a May 2019 use-of-force incident that was caught on camera. In the video, Doege can be seen reaching up and switching off another deputy's body camera, Sheriff Javier Salazar said. "Not acceptable, just not acceptable that he did that in an effort to keep evidence from being captured," Salazar said. FIND OUT FIRST: Get San Antonio breaking news directly to your inbox "There is no way he can claim an accident, it was pretty clear cut what he did in attempting to turn it off," the Sheriff added. The BCSO Public Integrity Unit conducted a separate internal investigation and charges were filed in July 2019 with the Bexar County District Attorney. On Wednesday, a Bexar County Grand Jury returned two indictments in the case: tampering with evidence, which holds a penalty of two to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine, and official oppression, which holds a penalty of up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine. Doege was arrested without incident at the Bexar County Satellite Court on Thursday. Salazar said the former deputy is in the process of trying to get his job back, but the sheriff has "zero intention" of allowing it. The department also filed cases with the District Attorney Officer for tampering with a governmental record, for assault and for official oppression. Taylor Pettaway is a breaking news and general assignment reporter for MySA.com | taylor.pettaway@express-news.net | @TaylorPettaway Karl Popper once said, A theory that explains everything, explains nothing. John Boltons forthcoming memoir of his 17-month stint as Donald Trumps national security adviser, The Room Where It Happened, offers a corollary: A book that tells all, yet somehow manages to tell nothing. Bolton writes that Trumps Ukraine quid pro quo was bad policy, questionable legally, and unacceptable as presidential behavior. We knew that. He writes that Vladimir Putin had to be laughing uproariously at what he had gotten away with in Helsinki. Knew that. He writes that, for Trump, obstruction of justice [is] a way of life. Knew that, too. Bolton writes that Trump tried to bend the criminal justice system to do favors for Chinas Xi Jinping and Turkeys Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Not surprised. He writes that Mike Pompeo, obsequious with Trump in public, privately thinks his boss is so full of (expletive). Not surprised. He writes that, in the midst of a trade negotiation, Trump pleaded with Xi to help ensure hed win the 2020 election. Not surprised. He writes that Trump thought that Chinas construction of concentration camps for ethnic Uighurs was exactly the right thing to do. Appalled but not surprised. Bolton writes that he is hard-pressed to identify any significant Trump decision during my White House tenure that wasnt driven by re-election calculations. Yep. He writes that Trumps thinking was like an archipelago of dots leaving the rest of us to discern or create policy. Sounds right. He writes that Trump seemed not to know that the U.K. was a nuclear power and wondered whether Finland was part of Russia. And on it goes: One knockout revelation after another, ultimately revealing little. If by now you havent concluded that Donald Trump is erratic, irrational, foolish and stunningly uninformed among the epithets Bolton applies to the president this book isnt likely to convince you. But the larger question looming over Boltons book isnt about its subject. Its about its author and everyone else who joined the administration without illusions, participated in it without defiance and exited it without shame. How do people like Bolton, Reince Priebus, Gary Cohn, Rex Tillerson or (when he eventually departs) Pompeo justify their witting, willing service to this president? In a superb essay in The Atlantic, Anne Applebaum draws on the inspiration of Czeslaw Miloszs The Captive Mind to address the question. There is the relief, and pleasure, of political conformity. There is the allure of power or proximity to it. There is a profit motive. There is a kind of savior complex, in which officials like the Anonymous New York Times op-ed writer from 2018 claim to form part of a secret resistance within the upper reaches of government. All true. And all eminently applicable to Bolton. But theres an additional factor at work, described by Hannah Arendt in The Origins of Totalitarianism. How do demagogues get away with their nonstop lying even with those who at some level understand they are being lied to? Arendt observed a curiously varying mixture of gullibility and cynicism with which each member, depending upon his rank and standing in the movement, is expected to react to the changing lying statements of the leaders and the central unchanging ideological fiction of the movement. A similar mix seems to explain Boltons behavior. It took cynicism to work for a president whose character he disdained and whose worldview he opposed. It took gullibility to think he could blunt or influence either. It took cynicism to observe the president commit multiple potentially impeachable offenses and then sit out impeachment on the pathetic excuse that Democrats were going about it the wrong way and that his testimony would have made no meaningful difference. It took gullibility to assume his book would have any effect on Trumps reelection prospects now. It took cynicism to reap profits thanks to a president he betrayed and a nation he let down. It took gullibility to imagine hed be applauded as a courageous truth-teller when his motives are so nakedly vindictive and mercenary. Above all, it took astonishing foolishness for Bolton to imagine that his book would advance the thing he claims to care about most a hawkish vision of U.S. foreign policy. That vision will now be forever tarred by its association with him, a man considered a lunatic by most liberals and a Judas by many conservatives. I write all this as someone who shares many of Boltons hawkish foreign-policy views. Im also someone who urged Bolton, while he was still in office, to resign on principle. Its a shame he didnt do so while he still had a chance to preserve his honor, but it isnt a surprise. Only the truly gullible can act totally cynically and imagine they can escape historys damning verdict. Bret Stephens is a columnist for The New York Times. DPRK seen removing loudspeakers from border with S. Korea: media People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:32, June 24, 2020 SEOUL, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was seen removing loudspeakers set up from Sunday afternoon in the border areas with South Korea, multiple local media reported Wednesday. An unnamed government source was quoted as saying that the DPRK was seen withdrawing loudspeakers in the morning from the eastern inter-Korean border area that had been redeployed since Sunday afternoon. The two Koreas removed propaganda loudspeakers from frontline areas after South Korean President Moon Jae-in and top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un agreed to the removal during their first summit in April 2018 at the border village of Panmunjom. Amid the rising tensions between the two Koreas over anti-DPRK propaganda leaflets distributed across the border by South Korean civic group activists, the DPRK has cut off all communication lines with South Korea and demolished the inter-Korean joint liaison office building at the DPRK's border town of Kaesong. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DANBURY Vowing to put prayer into action, more than 50 protesters marched alongside area pastors and local chiefs of police to mark the one-month anniversary of George Floyds slaying on a Minneapolis street. Were not here because were hopeless, were here because we have hope, said the Rev. Chuck Bonadies, of Ridgefield Baptist Church, who invoked Jesus teaching to love our neighbor. When I hear the word neighbor, I dont just think about people who live next door and I certainly dont just think about people who look like me and sound like me, but all people created in the image of God are my neighbor. The crowd participated in a noon prayer walk on Thursday from police headquarters to City Hall to protest systemic racism and police brutality against people of color. Man can change systems and policies but only God can change hearts, said the Rev. Leroy Parker, pastor of New Hope Church, who led the prayer walk. We gather as a faith community to say not again not on our watch. Floyd is the Black man who died while in police custody on May 25 in Minneapolis, when a white officer kept his knee pinned on the mans neck. Bystanders captured Floyds dying pleas for help on video. The death has led to the arrest of the officer and three of his colleagues, and provoked a month of protest and civil disobedience across the country and in Europe. Speakers at City Hall called for building up the Danbury area rather than tearing down institutions, a theme embodied by the faithful who protested. Heres why some protesters said they participated in Thursdays demonstration: Roger Birch, 35, of New Milford I am out today because of hope, that we can all be together and united. So that we can walk together and realize that all lives matter Black lives matter, white lives mater but at the end of the day if we really think about it, black and white is just a color. We are all human beings. Edmund Hurdle, 18 of Danbury I just turned 18 so I am out to support the cause of voting. I think that voting is really important. You need to use your voice, because your voice matters. Cheryl Price, a mother of four from Danbury At this point in my life when I am able to make a difference, this is the time that I should. If we just sit back and watch what is happening and dont get involved in any kind of way, then I have no excuse for what happens. Just like if I dont vote, I dont have a right to complain. This is my opportunity to do my part for an outrageous crime that we all watched happen. Payge Shaw, 17 of Danbury I truly believe that being here and standing up for our rights and getting up with everybody in the world is important. If we want to make a difference, it starts now. We have to put in the time and the effort and we have to start now. Joe Young, 79, of Danbury I am following the shepherd. He called for his flock to come out, and I am one of his flock. Thats why Im here. Denali Burton, 19, of Danbury Weve seen the injustice that has been going on all over America. Weve seen the videos. People have died because peoples civil rights were violated. Its a marathon; its not a race. Everybody needs to keep on going, because (change) is not going to happen overnight. Gary Stanford, minister at New Hope Baptist Church What we need is reconciliation of hearts and minds. We have to break through the separation separation breeds ignorance. Thats what its all about. Sharon Turner, 61, of Danbury Im here for justice and equality. Its been a long time that weve been fighting, and its time that we get the results that were looking for. We will keep on fighting and our voice will be heard. We will get change, because we need change. Esther Clement, 84, Danbury Im out because we have a chance now to be counted and make a change. We did the same thing when Martin Luther King was killed. We keep trying. And maybe we can do it. Mamie Page, a mother of three from Stamford My friend and I drove from Stamford to be in this walk. A lot of action comes from prayer. Prayer gives us the strength to make action happen that works. rryser@newstimes.com 203-731-3342 On Wednesday of June 17, President Trump extended existing U.S. sanctions on North Korea for another year. North Korea and South Korea were experiencing tensions when North Korea blew up the inter-Korean liaison office and threatened to redeploy troops to the Mount Geumgang tourism zone and the Gaeseong Industrial Complex. North Korea justified its actions including the demolishing of the inter-Korean liaison office by claiming Seoul was violating the 2018 agreement to stop flying propaganda balloons filled with anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets. President Trump sent a notice to Congress stating that he will continue the "national emergency with respect to North Korea" declared by Executive Order 13466. Executive Order 13466 first declared on June 26, 2008 calls for sanctions on North Korea for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Trump explained his reason for his decision to extend the national emergency beyond June 26, 2020 in his routine notice to Congress, "The existence and risk of proliferation of weapons-usable fissile material on the Korean Peninsula and the actions and policies of the Government of North Korea continue to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States." Trump added that the North Korean government's actions and policies "destabilize the Korean Peninsula and imperil United States Armed Forces, allies, and trading partners in the region." By law, the national emergency declaration would be automatically terminated unless the president renews it within 90 days ahead of its anniversary date. Analysts presuppose that North Korea is trying to create friction to possibly gain more concessions from the US. President Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un have already met three times in the past two years to agree on a deal to dismantle North Korea's nuclear program only to fail at coming to an agreement at their second summit in Vietnam in February 2019 over differing views. WASHINGTON - The White House is intensifying an effort to hire Pentagon personnel with an undisputed allegiance to President Donald Trump as his relationship with Defense Secretary Mark Esper has become strained, current and former officials said. The changes in mid-level leadership are poised to create a more avowedly political Defense Department and could erode the influence of Esper, who spoke out against Trump's proposed deployment of active-duty troops to quell unrest in U.S. cities after the killing of George Floyd in the custody of Minneapolis police. White House officials are now redoubling efforts as Trump complains to aides that he has never had a defense secretary who is fully aligned with his foreign policy views and accuses Pentagon officials of trying to undermine him, according to a senior administration official. The selection of candidates with connections to the president or White House is a sign of an increasingly assertive approach to personnel matters across the administration, with Trump purging confirmed and acting inspectors general at five Cabinet agencies, sending more-provocative nominees to the Senate for confirmation and sidelining officials he saw as betraying him during the impeachment process. The personnel shake-up comes as the two top research officials at the Pentagon, Michael Griffin and Lisa Porter, depart for what they called an opportunity in the private sector, and amid tension between the White House and Pentagon brass over whether Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, an Army officer and former White House official who testified during the impeachment proceedings, should be promoted to colonel. Officials said the shift in personnel decision-making coincided with the appointment in January of Trump's former body man, John McEntee, as director of the White House's Presidential Personnel Office, which controls political appointments. Given a mandate by the president to curb "leakers" and others who are opposed to him, McEntee has taken a more aggressive role in hiring and firing and now is one of the most influential officials in the White House, according to current and former administration officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal personnel dynamics. McEntee, who was fired by then-White House Chief of Staff John Kelly, was rehired and became the director of the personnel office as the impeachment process drew to a close. The move put a subordinate Politico described as a college senior in position to handle defense appointments. Trump has accelerated McEntee's effort in recent months to examine the Pentagon for "non-loyalists," according to the senior administration official. Chief Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said Esper had worked closely with the White House on recent nominations. "We are pleased with the quality of candidates that have been identified for DoD positions and the pace of their on-boarding," he said in a statement. A senior defense official said that Esper had been trying since last year to fill lower-profile vacancies, including deputy assistant secretary of defense positions, and had handpicked some leaders, including new Navy secretary Kenneth Braithwaite. Given that Esper and Trump "are aligned on major defense policy matters, there tends to be agreement on staffing key positions within the department," the official said. The turnover occurs as the Defense Department's record on diversity faces new scrutiny. After the recent protests, African American military leaders have spoken out about discrimination in the armed forces. Esper last week announced several new initiatives designed to foster greater diversity in leadership positions across the military and at the Pentagon. Earlier this month, the Senate voted to confirm Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown to lead the Air Force as the military's first black service chief. But the department's civilian and uniformed leadership remains overwhelmingly composed of white men. None of the 22 people tapped by the White House for the highest-level civilian political positions at the Pentagon since Esper took control of the department are African American; three are women. The stakes are high for Esper at a moment when White House officials have affirmed the president's frustration with him and as the former Army officer and U.S. Military Academy graduate seeks, at times unsuccessfully, to keep the military out of the polarized politics in which Trump thrives. The shift at the Pentagon also reflects a White House that has grown more confident in its foreign policy preferences. Because Trump did not come into office with a large foreign policy team, officials said, his first defense secretary, Jim Mattis, had a somewhat freer hand. Several current and former administration officials said there was not enough focus early in the administration on personnel. "No secretary of defense gets 100 percent of who they want, even people as strong as Cheney and Rumsfeld," said Arnold Punaro, who has acted as an adviser on the congressional confirmation process, referring to former Vice President and Defense Secretary Richard Cheney and former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. Still, current and former officials describe a White House focused on loyalty to Trump in selecting political appointees at the Pentagon. The new Pentagon personnel advanced by the White House include Anthony Tata, a retired general and frequent Fox News commentator. His nomination to become the Pentagon's top civilian policy official is facing a challenge from Democratic lawmakers who have raised concerns about his past statements related to Islam and a tweet in which he described President Barack Obama as a "terrorist leader." As the White House has pushed Tata's confirmation, the Pentagon has announced the resignation of several high-level civilian leaders who officials said had been subject to White House scrutiny over questions about their loyalty. Earlier this year, the White House announced its intent to nominate Katie Wheelbarger, a senior Pentagon policy official, to a top intelligence job but never sent her nomination to Congress. Wheelbarger stepped down last week after former White House aide Bradley Hansell was nominated for the job. Officials said the White House had viewed Wheelbarger as aligned with her onetime boss, the late Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a critic of the president. "There is no duty more important than securing our nation, and no responsibility greater than ensuring the thoughtful employment of military power," Wheelbarger told Trump in her resignation letter, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Post. Earlier this month, Elaine McCusker announced plans to leave her role as acting Pentagon comptroller. McCusker's nomination to be confirmed in that position was withdrawn after she questioned the legality of the White House's delay of Ukraine military aid - a hold that Trump ordered and that figured prominently in his impeachment. The Government Accountability Office, a nonpartisan watchdog that reports to Congress, found that the White House broke the law in withholding the aid. Eric Edelman, who served as undersecretary of defense for policy at the Pentagon under President George W. Bush and has been critical of Trump, said top Pentagon appointees at the Defense Department should be selected for their expertise. "It's not just treated as a place where you put people in on some kind of political litmus test," he said. The new White House personnel team's first major Pentagon move was to dismiss John Rood, who was selected by Mattis as undersecretary for policy. Rood, a former defense industry executive, had clashed with members of the White House National Security Council staff. The White House then gave Esper two choices to replace him in the Pentagon's top policy job: Tata and Douglas MacGregor, a retired Army colonel. Tata was chosen. Tata, who has little policy experience and was the subject of an Army probe of extramarital affairs before his retirement, is serving as an adviser in Esper's office pending his confirmation to the post. David Trulio, a Rood deputy who was expected to be picked for another senior policy role at the Pentagon, left the department shortly afterward. Rood's departure also paved the way for a number of candidates with White House links to take on key policy positions, some that do not require Senate confirmation. Those include Michael Cutrone, a CIA analyst who previously served as a White House aide. Another person now under consideration for an influential position at the Pentagon, according to three current and former officials, is Rich Higgins, a former NSC official who was fired after he circulated a memo claiming that corporate globalists and "deep state" operatives were scheming to remove the president. Higgins later penned an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal titled "The White House Fired Me for My Loyalty." Some officials selected in recent appointments have relevant government experience as well as connections to the Trump White House. Ezra Cohen-Watnick joined the Pentagon as deputy assistant secretary of defense for counternarcotics and global threats this spring. In 2017, he served as senior director for intelligence at the NSC but had previously been associated with the Pentagon as a clandestine officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency, run by Michael Flynn - Trump's future national security adviser - from 2012 to 2014. Cohen-Watnick received attention in the media when Trump accused Obama, without evidence, of having wiretapped phones at Trump Tower during the presidential campaign. Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., then the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said he had proof that Trump's communications were swept up by U.S. intelligence during surveillance of foreigners. Cohen-Watnick was accused in a New York Times article of providing that intelligence to Nunes. Cohen-Watnick was removed from his NSC post in mid-2017. His attorney, Mark Zaid, told The Post in 2018 the accusation that he provided the information to Nunes was "completely untrue." Simone Ledeen, who previously served as a principal director in the Pentagon's Special Operations office and worked in the Middle East and Afghanistan, became the lead for the department's Middle East policy. Her father, Michael Ledeen, co-wrote a book with Flynn. Louis Bremer, a former Navy SEAL who was nominated to become an assistant defense secretary last month, had received backing from the previous team at the Pentagon, but his nomination stayed on track because he was seen as loyal at the White House. Bremer has worked at Cerberus Capital Management, whose co-founder Stephen Feinberg is close with Trump. His confirmation hearing has not been scheduled. - - - The Washington Post's Julie Tate contributed to this report. Freshmen entering Rowan University this fall will have an unprecedented option: the chance to learn remotely for the entire year and save a few bucks. The university announced Rowan@Home this week, a virtual learning program that allows freshmen to take online classes in 15 majors across the fields of business, communication, health, humanities, sciences and liberal arts. It also offers scholarships up to $5,000. Since March, all New Jersey colleges have held classes remotely due to the coronavirus pandemic that shuttered schools across the nation. Many students said the distance learning offerings did not justify full tuition costs, and some have filed class-action lawsuits seeking refunds. But the schools, economically ravaged by the virus, say they do not have the cash on hand to do so, after already refunding prorated room and board fees. As the threat of COVID-19 lingers, some students remain reluctant to start college away from home, or to begin paying for classes when they do not know if they will take place in person or not. Colleges have said they have three options: open fully, continue remotely or create a hybrid system, with students taking classes both online and in-person to ease crowds on campus. Rowans new plan would fall under the hybrid scenario. The university said it could benefit students whose families are struggling financially due to the crisis. The program is a flexible, convenient, affordable new path for students who wish to complete their freshman year online, said Jeffrey Hand, senior vice president for enrollment, in a statement. The students can still live on campus and join campus activities or use facilities like the library and rec center. The program offers scholarships of up to $5,000, based on need and academic performance, according to the school. Students can apply through Aug. 1 and are not required to include SAT or ACT scores. Despite the remote aspect of online learning, the university plans to treat the students as a group. Having students together as a cohort will help us track student success and gauge where they require support, Hand said. At the end of their first year, students can choose to continue learning remotely or take part in in-person campus instruction. But if they choose to take classes on campus, the scholarship will end, according to the university. Tuition at Rowan costs just over $14,000 a year for New Jersey residents and about $23,000 for out-of-state students, according to the universitys website. Rowan announced in May it faces a $33 million budget shortfall due to state cuts. However, the university also said it would freeze tuition and fees, keeping them at last years rates. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Amanda Hoover may be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. The fashion retail business, like many other industries, is experiencing unprecedented pains due to the coronavirus pandemic. But it's not stopping many store owners from getting creative about how they do business and how they present style. Now Playing: On this week's The Joy Hour, boutique owners Jay Landa and Shannon Hall talk about surviving during a pandemic by getting creative and maintaining connections with customers. Video: Joy Sewing After 23 years in Rice Village, Jay Landa, owner of J. Landa jewelry, relocated to a tony River Oaks location, and Shannon Hall, owner of Sloan/Hall, kicked off 2020 celebrating 25 years in business. Havas Launches B2B Strategy Agency in SE Asia Marcoms group Havas has launched a B2B agency called Langoor Havas Enterprise in South East Asia, to help clients with digital transformation, strategy and execution. Headquartered in Singapore, the new agency will build on services offered by group companies such as media planning business Havas Media, digital transformation agency Langoor Havas and user experience consultancy Think Design. Services will focus on enhancing the customer journey through storytelling, content, targeting, and the delivery of performance metrics that drive business outcomes, delivered by a team of creative technologists, marketing and media specialists. Langoor Havas Enterprise is led by Ravi Shankar (pictured), who has more than twenty years of experience and previously served as SVP Langoor Digital, managing the business in India and the Middle East. Havas Group India and SEA Chairman & CEO Vishnu Mohan comments: 'We are delighted to add B2B expertise to our portfolio through our brand Langoor Havas Enterprise'. Web site: www.langoorhavas.biz . By Ayya Lmahamad Some 145,740 taxpayers affected by COVID-19 in Azerbaijan, have applied for state support, the Ministry of Economy reported on June 24. As of June 23, a total of 145,740 taxpayers applied to the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan for financial support, including 28,709 taxpayers affected by the coronavirus pandemic for the payment of a certain part of the salary to employees and 117,031 private (micro) entrepreneurs. As part of the payment of part of salaries to employees, applications from 24,492 entrepreneurs covering 210,152 employees have been reviewed and approved. To date, the volume of financial support on the approved appeals amounted to AZN 96.28 million ($56.63M), of which the funds envisaged for payment on the second stage amounted to AZN 48.14 million ($28,31M). As of June 23, the State Treasury Agency of the Ministry of Finance has ensured payment of AZN 92.54 million ($54,43M) for the salary of 205,137 employees of 24,017 taxpayers. As part of the program to provide financial support to private (micro) entrepreneurs, 117,031 taxpayers' requests were received, out of which 109,283 were examined and approved. The volume of financial support on the approved appeals is AZN 62.91 million ($37.01M). As of June 23, State Treasury Agency of the Ministry of Finance ensured transfer of AZN 62.68 million ($36.87M) to the bank accounts of 105,052 private (micro) entrepreneurs. It should be noted that the results of applications under the financial support program and notifications on transfer of funds to bank accounts are sent to electronic offices of taxpayers in the Internet tax inspection (www.e-taxes.gov.az) and mobile phones in the form of SMS. In case of any questions, people can contact the call center "195" of the State Tax Service and the local tax authorities where they are registered. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano State says it has arrested 565 suspects in the past one-year in the state. Ibrahim Abdul, the NDLEA Commander in the state, made the disclosure at a news conference to commemorate the 2020 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Mr Abdul disclosed that the suspects comprising 16 females were apprehended between June 2019 and June 2020; during various operations conducted by operatives of the agency in the state. He said the agency had intercepted 7873.937 kilogrammes of illicit drugs within the period under review, adding that over 1.2 tonnes of narcotics were also seized in May. The commander explained that the seized drugs included 4374.629 kg of Cannabis sativa; 699.213 kg of psychotropic substances, 87 kg of cocaine and 8kg of heroin. Mr Abdul said the agency also seized a vehicle loaded with compressed suspected dried weed weighing 283 kg at Wudil on transit to Bauchi State during the COVID-19 lockdown. While another vehicle conveying 300 parcels of compressed Cannabis sativa weighing 223 kg was intercepted on Kano-Zaria Expressway. A syndicate of drug baron dealing in cocaine was unbundled by our team, and a male and female suspects apprehended with cocaine weighing 100 gramme. We have so far secured conviction of 85 suspects while six other cases are pending before the Federal High Court, Kano. During the period under review; 34 regular clients were counseled and rehabilitated, while 723 other suspects referred for intervention, he said. Mr Abdul lamented that the agency recorded a surge in drug abuse in the state during the COVID-19 lockdown, noting that the lockdown had affected its operations. He described shortage of manpower and logistics as well as inadequate accomodation facilities for clients, and lack of community engagement in the campaign against drug abuse, as some of the challenges militating against smooth operations of the agency in the state. The commander noted that proactive measures were imperative to address the challenges and enhance its operations. While commending the Kano State Government, community leaders, sister security agencies, media and other stakeholders for their support, Abdul called on the people to cooperate with the agency to enable it discharge its constitutional mandate effectively. (NAN) COLUMBUS, Ohio A Democratic Ohio senator is refusing to return to Columbus until Republican Senate leadership develops an agreed upon health and safety protocol, after a legislative staffer tested positive for COVID-19. State Sen. Theresa Fedor, of Toledo, said she is angry she learned about the positive result through her staff, who told her about it on Monday, and not through official channels. Instead of coming to Wednesdays committee hearings and Senate session, Fedor got a coronavirus test in Toledo. The results came back negative on Thursday. Fedor, who is 64 and falls into a more vulnerable category for COVID-19, said she decided, after talking with her family, to close her office and told her staff to work from home until they can get tested. She does not plan to come back until Senate leaders present a plan that shes comfortable with, she said. I will not put my life and my staffs lives into their denying hands, she said. Especially when some Senate Republicans refuse to wear a mask and protect me and my staff from a deadly virus. Like in general society, face masks have become something of a political flashpoint in the Ohio legislature. Generally, all Democratic members have worn them while many Republicans have not, although more Republicans tend to wear them in the Senate than in the House. House Republicans voted down a Democratic proposal in May that would have required masks to be worn in legislative chambers and committee rooms during official House proceedings. Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, has encouraged all Ohioans to wear a mask while in indoor, public spaces. John Fortney, a spokesman for Senate President Larry Obhof, a Medina Republican, said Ohio Senate leaders dont comment on medical issues affecting employees. Ohio Department of Health guidelines have been followed by the Senate since the beginning of the COVID-19 threat, he said. This includes social distancing and how committees and sessions are conducted, to how the potential for a positive test with an employee is handled. Giulia Cambieri, a spokeswoman for Senate Minority Leader Kenny Yuko, a Euclid Democrat, declined to comment. Sen. Nickie Antonio, a Lakewood Democrat, said her understanding is the staffer was physically in the Senate building with other staff, but not on a day when elected senators were there. Senate offices are in the Statehouse, while most House staff and members work in a state office tower across the street. Recommended procedures were then followed for the folks that came into any kind of contact with this person, she said. Sen. Sandra Williams, a Cleveland Democrat, said she didnt know about the staffer until Fedor informed her on Wednesday. Williams said she has an autoimmune disorder, and is considering not coming to Columbus next week. I have to decide if its important enough for me to risk my life and go to Columbus for a vote, or just stay at home, she said. Sen. Matt Dolan, a Chagrin Falls Republican, said hes confident in the safety protocols adopted by Senate leadership, include cleaning microphones used by witnesses during committee hearings and the computers and work stations that senators use. I think the protocol in place in the Statehouse is very good, and I feel safe, said Dolan, who wore a mask on the Senate floor Wednesday. Ohios legislative staff returned to the office late last month after months of working from home following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Read recent stories from cleveland.com: Ohio Senate resumes hearings on resolution declaring racism a public health crisis Ohio House to require diversity training for staff in upcoming session Gov. Mike DeWine says state troopers will prevent future damage to Ohio Statehouse After Statehouse vandalism, Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder leans into condemning insurgent demonstrators Mayor Eric Garcetti Hosted Reform Round Table with Representative Karen Bass Discussing Remnants of George Floyd Justice in Policing Act Change is in the air, as people from all over the globe marched for weeks in the name of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and many more lives that were taken inhumanely. The streets cried for justice and protection reform, Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti spoke with Representative and Chair of Congressional Black Caucus Karen Bass and together they explored what needs to actively change within the community to meet the needs of the people. June 23 also commemorates another life being laid to rest too early, Rayshard Brooks life ended by the hands of a policemen. His funeral was live from Atlanta on Tuesday, the mayor described this meeting as no better way to honor Brooks homecoming. Its our job to take this debate over justice and policing out of a partisan lens and bring it to the ground level, to ask where do we go from hereand start answering with action. Garcetti acknowledge the tough history between the black community and police force, he shared that there has been progress but there is still milestones ahead. There progression was shown within daily protocol for law enforcement, banning of chokeholds, de-escalation training, and oversight surveillance for the police department. The mayor stated, Its not enough, but its a start. ADVERTISEMENT Tuesday, local and national leaders examined ways to build trust between the community and policing efforts. Looking at law enforcement in its entirety, the mayor is planning steps to divide social emergencies from the police force, when the situation calls for more mental health assistance. Garcetti has a goal for law enforcement to be the guardians of the city, not emergency social workers. Mayor Garcetti reiterated current alterations within the city budget, he announced the adjustment on June 10. Garcetti has vowed to review and funnel 250-million dollars from the city budget to be adjusted towards prioritizing underserved communities. Were changing our budget to make investments where we need them, 250-million dollars to start, in communities of color, for youth, for folks who are underbanked, and those who dont have the same healthcare, to deal with mental health. There is a vision to co-create public safety, the mayor described community leadership bringing in diverse perspectives together to the table, in hopes of designing a shared language that influences future decisions about the neighborhoods infrastructure. Karen Bass stated, L.A. is leading the way along with many other cities in already banning things that should be banned, such as the chokehold, the No-Knock Warranty. Bass explained there should be a national registry for problematic police officers, recent death of Tamir Rice could have been prevented. .We think of several of the incidences that have happened over the last few years, if we had clear accountability, if we were able to upgrade policing and if you think about it, police should be accredited, there should be national standards. Representative Bass presented the significance of the current bill in process, the George Floyd Policing in Justice Bill looks to provide grants for communities. Those funds will be put towards the reconstruction of public safety. The bill also looks at qualified immunity, Bass stated, You saw the slow torturous murder of George Floyd that Provided the catalyst for this new movement. That officer looked straight at the camera with his hand in his pocket with complete impunity, that should never happen. Representative Bass stated the Justice in Policing Act will challenge immunity standards for prosecuting, taking willful intent to reckless. Looking at willful intent critically, there is no accuracy in measuring what may be in someones mind. Wednesday the senate will vote on whether to discuss the bill. The Justice for George Floyd and all lives that follow him continues through the house on Thursday, to push for the bill to reach the Presidents Desk. A popular brand of Woolworths nappies will no longer be made in China and instead be produced in an Australian factory as the supermarket vows to support homegrown businesses. The supermarket giant's line of own brand nappies, Little One's, will now be made in Eastern Creek in Sydney, and will even be sold at the same price. The local supplier Ontex will produce 185 million nappies per year for the Australian and New Zealand markets. Woolworths' nappies were previously made in a Chinese factory. The supermarket giants popular line of own brand nappies, Little One's (pictured), will be manufactured in Eastern Creek in Sydney The Little One's nappy brand (pictured) will be produced in Australia and not China to support local businesses Woolworths FoodCo Managing Director Guy Brent said the move shows the company's commitment to supporting local businesses. 'As a proudly Australian brand, we are big supporters of Australian manufacturing and producers,' he said. 'We're thrilled to relaunch Little One's so customers can rely on a new and improved nappy, produced right here in Australia, for the same affordable price.' The change comes as Australia faced shortages in producing and distributing products due to the coronavirus pandemic, with supplies from China running low. Shelves at popular stores such as Kmart have sat empty thanks to production lines in China grinding to a halt, with huge amounts of their stock being made overseas. Trading tensions between China and Australia have also escalated, with the communist government introducing crippling tariffs on meat and barley. Woolworths FoodCo Managing Director Guy Brent explained that the move shows the company's commitment to supporting local businesses (stock image) Ontex Australia's director Rod Evans welcomed the support from Woolworths as they work on serving Australians and local businesses. 'The decision by Woolworths to partner with us recognises our ongoing joint commitment to Australian manufacturing and serving Australian families with locally produced, high quality baby care products,' he said. 'Woolworths' support of Australian manufacturing, and specifically Ontex at Eastern Creek, greatly assists in the ongoing viability of our local business, provides employment opportunities and helps nurture the well-being of Aussie families.' The nappies will also boast a new design, including 12 hour absorbency, a softer breathable inner lining, a fit indicator to ensure the nappy is secure and comfy, and a wetness indicator to signal when a nappy might need changing. They cost $10 for a pack of 56 nappies. The nappies (pictured0 mwill also boast a new design, including 12 hour absorbency, a softer breathable inner lining and a wetness indicator to signal when a nappy might need changing Furious customers have taken to social media to question the empty shelves at Kmart (pictured) which much of its stock made in China Woolworths' decision comes as retail giant Kmart comes under pressure for its over-reliance on cheap, Chinese-made products. Kmart has attracted legions of fans with on-trend products and low prices for everything from marble tables to heated rugs and $69 air fryers. The chain's more-for-less popularity saw its sales jump 7.6 per cent in the second half of last year, even as its sister company Target hit dire straits. But there's one reason why Kmart is able to sell a whole coffee machine for $89 - all the products its fans rave about are made in China. Kmart is so reliant on cheap Chinese labour that entire aisles across stores are empty until at least July after coronavirus ripped through Asia, and millionaire Dick Smith is not impressed with the store. The electronics chain founder said it was 'very sad' all the products are being made in China. The lack of stock (pictured) was prompted by overseas manufacturing and production in China shutting down for several weeks amid the coronavirus pandemic So reliant on cheap Chinese labour is Kmart that entire aisles across its stores are empty until at least July after coronavirus ripped through Asia 'Very sad. When I was young, something like the bed lamp - we made all our lamps, the toaster - we made all our toasters in Australia,' he told A Current Affair. 'But the problem is our labour rates are high, we share the wealth here a lot better, so we have high minimum wages and high wages for factory workers and that means it's hard to compete with China where some of them are getting just a few dollars an hour.' National Secretary of the Australian Workers Union Daniel Walton told the program he hoped the pandemic would lead to change in chains such as Kmart. 'Maybe we should take a different approach, maybe we should use this crisis as an opportunity to say let's give some support back to our Australian manufacturers,' Mr Walton said. 'Let's get them out here making some of the things that we need, and let's get our aisles filled right across the country with decent Australian products.' Mr Walton said Australian stores should not be completely dependent on another nation to import cheap goods and it was possible to have a home-grown 'decent manufacturing industry'. Shelves are completely bare in many parts of its stores like this one in Parramatta in western Sydney Retail experts said production in China was increasing and products would begin to arrive at Australian department stores (Kmart pictured) in July The Rocky Mountain ADA Center (RMADAC), is honored to be the first member of the National Network of ADA Centers to have its online, virtual and customized in-person training curriculums be accredited by The Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). RMADAC is now approved as a SHRM recertification provider for a two-year term: June 6th, 2020 through June 30th, 2022. As RMADAC offers a variety of online, virtual and in-person training options, it will begin providing SHRM professional development credits (PDCs)for HR knowledge and competency programs related to the SHRM to professionals requiring training from any location in the nation. The Rocky Mountain ADA Center is elated to have our training programs accepted by SHRM, said Emily Shuman, Deputy Director of RMADAC. Our fully customizable-virtual and online training programs can be leveraged by any HR professional in the nation along with our customized in-person training options for those working in the Rocky Mountain Region. HR professionals now have a trusted source to earn their required PDCs and we look forward to working industry-wide with partners to ensure they have the critical ADA training required over the next two years. Human resource professionals who would like to schedule training with RMADAC, please click here. About the Rocky Mountain ADA Center: The Rocky Mountain ADA Center provides information on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to individuals and organizations throughout Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The Rocky Mountain ADA Center is a member of the National Network of ADA Centers and is funded by National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR grant number 90DP0094-01-00). Our center is powered by and is a project of Meeting the Challenge, Inc., a CP&Y company located in Colorado Springs, CO. The centers staff members represent a diverse and dynamic group of individuals who are dedicated to the driving spirit of the ADA as well as the complex standards behind the law. To connect with the Rocky Mountain ADA Center on social media, click here. The Rocky Mountain ADA Center is available to assist with any of the following areas: Material Dissemination,Technical Assistance on the ADA, Training, Referrals and Research. Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/25/2020 -- Silver & Silver, home to the leading Social Security Disability lawyers in the Philadelphia area, is excited to announce that co-founder Mike Silver and attorney Joe Silver have once again been honored by Super Lawyers for their professional excellence. Mike was named to the Super Lawyers' list of the top-rated practicing attorneys in Pennsylvania for 2020. This is his 17th consecutive selection, having received this prestigious distinction every year since 2004 and continues to be the only disability attorney in Eastern PA to earn the Super Lawyer designation. Joe was named to the 2020 Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for the second consecutive year. Super Lawyers recognizes only the top 5 percent of attorneys practicing in each state. Rising Stars recognizes the top 2.5 percent of attorneys in each state who are either 40 years old or younger or who have been in practice for less than 10 years. This is a tremendous honor for both Mike and Joe, and for the firm they've helped to elevate to one of the most respected Social Security Disability and workers' compensation law firms in the nation. Super Lawyers uses an extensive evaluation process in selecting its annual honorees, and inclusion on this year's list is a hearty endorsement of Mike and Joe as outstanding attorneys whom clients can trust to provide effective legal counsel. Individuals who need an attorney to help pursue disability benefits in Philadelphia or any of the surrounding communities are encouraged to contact Silver & Silver today to schedule a consultation. More information is available on the firm's website at https://www.silverandsilver.com/. About Silver & Silver For over forty years, the legal team at Silver & Silver has been representing clients in Philadelphia and the greater Delaware Valley region. Our attorneys focus mainly on disability and personal injury cases, as well as workers' compensation and employment litigation. They work closely with doctors, physical therapists, accountants, life care planners, and other experts to help win your case. To learn more, visit http://www.silverandsilver.com/ today. Camper fire claims the life of two people in Marshall County WA Police have apologised to a fly-in, fly-out worker who was ordered to self-isolate at home after they falsely thought he arrived at Perth Airport from interstate. The mining engineer, who works at Citic Pacific's Sino Iron operation in Cape Preston, disembarked from a flight from the states North West on June 1. Citic Pacific's Min Chen and Matt Blechynden are angry about a police direction ordering Mr Chen to self-quarantine for no reason. But Min Chen, an Australian citizen originally from China, joined a queue of interstate passengers. He said when he tried to explain he had a travel exemption he was unable to get authorities to listen to him. Advertisement By Bill Hughes Jun. 24, 2020 | WESTERN KENTUCKY By Bill Hughes Jun. 24, 2020 | 06:17 PM | WESTERN KENTUCKY Tuesday's primary election went smoothly according to several county clerks in western Kentucky. The process was new for everyone since Secretary of State Michael Adams and Governor Andy Beshear put new guidelines in place because of the coronavirus pandemic. Voters didn't go to their normal precincts on Tuesday, and many voted early or requested mail-in ballots. Calloway County Clerk Antonia Faulkner said turnout was very good, and, "the day went superbly," considering the changes and the unknowns that accompanied them. Faulkner said, "The turnout was about what I expected. I'd say we'll end up having half in-person voting and half mail-in ballots." She said there were no problems during the voting process on Tuesday. Marshall County Clerk Tim York said he was prepared for a larger turnout than he saw, with about 1,600 people voting in person. "We voted almost 1,000 people walk-in absentee, and then we sent out 6,000 mail-in ballots. We've gotten back about 4,800 so far," York said. Graves County Clerk Kim Gills said she expected turnout to be a little lower, but, "it went excellent. Most of my comments and calls have been that they loved it. They got in and out faster than they did their normal precincts, so I've had lots of good, positive comments." She said her in-person voting may turn out to be about 20 percent of the total vote. Gills said she had about 60 people who came in and said they did not receive their paper ballot, but wanted to vote. "We would scan their license and the machine tells us they already had an absentee ballot. So I had to go in and cancel that, and then let them vote manually," Gills said. McCracken County Clerk Julie Griggs said she had some voters with similar concerns, but they were able to vote in person. Griggs told West Kentucky Star that in those situations, any of those mail-in ballots that are opened get kicked out by the system and are not scanned, preventing multiple votes by the same person. Griggs said two ballots that were opened Wednesday were kicked out for that very reason. One McCracken County voter refused to wear a mask, which was required by Judge-Executive Craig Clymer to enter the courthouse. Even though Griggs offered to bring an absentee ballot outside for him to vote, he refused and left without voting. All four clerks will be receiving mail-in ballots through Saturday, and said they will certify and release their totals on Monday evening or Tuesday, which is the state-wide deadline. RTHK: Appeals court orders end to Flynn prosecution A US appeals court on Wednesday directed a federal judge to drop a criminal case against US President Donald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI, handing a victory to the Justice Department and effectively ending the politically charged case. In a split decision, a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of Flynn and the Trump administration in preventing US District Judge Emmet Sullivan from exercising his discretion on whether to grant the department's motion to clear Flynn, who twice pleaded guilty. The ruling prevents Sullivan from hearing arguments at a July 16 hearing from retired judge John Gleeson, whom he appointed as a "friend of the court" to argue against dropping the case. "In this case, the district courts actions will result in specific harms to the exercise of the executive branchs exclusive prosecutorial power," wrote Judge Neomi Rao, who was appointed by Trump. "The contemplated proceedings would likely require the Executive to reveal the internal deliberative process behind its exercise of prosecutorial discretion," she added. Judge Robert Wilkins, an Obama administration appointee, dissented. Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general, was one of several former Trump aides charged under former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation that detailed Moscow's interference in the 2016 US presidential election. Flynn twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his conversations with Russia's then-ambassador, Sergey Kislyak. He switched lawyers to pursue a new scorched-earth tactic that accused the FBI of entrapping him, and asked the judge to dismiss the charge. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Kansas woman counsels women who struggle with porn addiction TONGANOXIE, Kan. - 41 Action News recently completed a series of stories on addiction. Specifically, the series addressed how the pandemic and subsequent stay-at-home orders meant new addictions for some, or finally coming to terms with long-term addictions for others. In that series, we talked about pornography addiction with a man who counsels other men. Amid the digital age, more ladies now have access to pr0n without risking their own safety. However, this talker argues against the digitally addictive practice for a great many reasons that might be correct but also totally underestimate healthy, natural, human curiosity . . . Read more: United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday reiterated his attack on Chinese telecom company Huawei, calling it one of the tools of the Chinese Communist Party's surveillance state and said that the tide is turning toward trusted 5G vendors and away from Huawei. He listed Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio as among the "Clean Telcos" of the world for refusing to do business with Chinese companies like Huawei. 'They are rejecting doing business...' "The tide is turning toward trusted 5G vendors and away from Huawei. The worlds leading telecom companiesTelefonica, Orange, Jio, Telstra, and many moreare becoming Clean Telcos. They are rejecting doing business with tools of the CCP surveillance state, like Huawei," Pompeo said in a tweet. The tide is turning toward trusted 5G vendors and away from Huawei. The worlds leading telecom companiesTelefonica, Orange, Jio, Telstra, and many moreare becoming Clean Telcos. They are rejecting doing business with tools of the CCP surveillance state, like Huawei. Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) June 24, 2020 In another tweet, he said CCPs behaviour could put American peoples security at risk. The Chinese Communist Party is behaving in ways that fundamentally put the American peoples security at risk. The @realDonaldTrump Administration is the first in decades to take this threat seriously. Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) June 24, 2020 According to media reports, Huawei has filed over 3,100 patents for 5G tech and claims to have secured over 90 contracts for 5G installations globally. Despite its successes, Huawei faces significant pushback from governments in the EU, the U.K., and, particularly, the U.S. 'Free nations deal in true friendship' Earlier this month, China reportedly threatened to punish British bank, The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), and to break commitments to build nuclear power plants in the United Kingdom unless London allows Huawei to build its 5G network because UK questioned its role in the handling of the Coronavirus pandemic. Coming to the UK's defence, Pompeo had slammed China saying the nation's browbeating of London-headquartered HSBC bank to pressurise the UK for its projects should serve as a cautionary tale. In a statement, he said Shenzhen-based Huawei is an extension of the Chinese Communist Party's surveillance state. READ | Mike Pompeo slams China's aggressive behaviour, uses Galwan valley face-off as reference "The US stands with its allies and partners against the Chinese Communist Party's coercive bullying tactics. The Chinese Communist Party's browbeating of HSBC, in particular, should serve as a cautionary tale, Pompeo said. "The United States stands ready to assist our friends in the UK with any needs they have, from building secure and reliable nuclear power plants to developing trusted 5G solutions that protect their citizens privacy. Free nations deal in true friendship and desire mutual prosperity, not political and corporate kowtows, he said. READ | After issuing threats, China now wants Mike Pompeo to address domestic affairs first Facebook-Jio deal gets CCI's nod Meanwhile, in India, the Competition Commission on Wednesday said it has cleared Facebook's proposed acquisition of 9.99% stake in Jio Platforms, the digital arm of Reliance Industries. The USD 5.7 billion (Rs 43,574 crore) deal -- the single largest FDI in the technology sector in India -- was announced in April. The US social-networking major had set up a separate entity Jaadhu Holdings LLC for making the investment. READ | Mike Pompeo says US stands with Canada against China's arbitrary detention of its citizens READ | Mike Pompeo says vote on policing and race in US marks a 'new low' for UNHRC (With PTI inputs) As tents pop up in parks and public spaces across Toronto, Premier Doug Ford is urging the homeless to break up their campsites and return to city shelters. Ford, whose Progressive Conservative government has earmarked about $22 million to the city of Toronto for emergency shelter spaces, emphasized people are not allowed to camp in municipal parks. I understand you want to stay outside in a tent. Its probably better living quarters, but thats an ongoing issue. Just dont hang out in the parks, he told reporters at Queens Park. His comments came after the Star revealed Wednesday that a homeless woman died recently under the Gardiner Expressway of an apparent drug overdose. Some 20 people are now illegally camping in Trinity Bellwoods Park. There are also encampments in Dufferin-Grove Park, Little Norway Park, and green spaces in the Beach, among other places. The premier stressed that he understood why some would rather camp out than stay in shelters. Im going back to the days when I was a councillor and no matter what administration is in there, especially in the summer, people dont want to go into these shelters, said Ford, a city councillor from 2010 to 2014 when his late brother, Rob Ford, was mayor. They dont like the shelters. They dont like staying there. They say some people get beat up. Their stuff gets stolen. Theyd rather put a tent out in a park. But, guys, you cant do it in the public park, you just cant, he said. And you cant be doing it underneath the Gardiner. It looks terrible. We have tourists from around the world, not now, but when we did before (the COVID-19 pandemic). You know, you just cant do that, the premier said. I wish I could tell you where to hang out, but I know its tough in these shelters. In the winter they have to go in the shelters just to make sure that they stay warm. But were giving the money to the municipalities and were going to be giving more money to the municipalities to help out. According to city bylaws, no person shall dwell, camp or lodge in a park and no person shall place, install, attach or erect a temporary or permanent tent, structure or shelter at, in or to a park unless they have a permit. In the legislature, Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark said the death of the unidentified woman who was living under the expressway is a tragedy. I want to express my deepest sympathy to the family of not just this tragic death in our system, but the other tragic deaths that have taken place in the shelter system because of COVID-19, said Clark. One death in the system is one too many. Well continue to work with the city of Toronto and well help them with the necessary monies and assistance to ensure that no Ontarian is left behind, he said. Weve provided the city of Toronto almost $22 million, which theyve invested in emergency shelter solutions. Theyve expanded shelters. Theyve used hotel and motel rooms. They have provided extra funds, some $2 million in the rent bank. But NDP MPP Faisal Hassan (York South-Weston) said the homeless womans death has jolted the entire city. The Star reports that, tragically, her death went unreported and unnoticed for weeks. In an epidemic, the fact that no one was there for this woman in her time of need makes our failure that much louder, Hassan told the house Wednesday. During the pandemic, it is those without homes who are exposed to some of the biggest risk. If you do not have a permanent roof over your head, how are you expected to isolate or distance yourself from others? the New Democrat said. If you catch the virus, where are you supposed to go while you are waiting to get better? This is why we need to be doing everything we can to ensure that everyone who needs it has a home to call their own, he said. Toronto already has a housing and homelessness crisis. It is clear from the stories of the deaths like this unnamed woman that this government has chosen to make things worse. As of earlier this week, seven city shelters reported COVID-19 outbreaks, with between three and 48 cases per facility. Michael OHare and Jason Hollis, who have been squatting in Trinity Bellwoods Park for almost two weeks, told the Stars Victoria Gibson that they have not been pressured to leave. This despite the fact that Toronto police officers on bicycles and city bylaw enforcement officers patrol the park every day, handing out tickets to people drinking beer or gathering in large groups deemed unsafe during the pandemic. I know there are much worse places to be homeless, said OHare. It could be worse, added Hollis. Representative image Tove Danovich Brianca Hadnots high school students in Houston started writing letters the day after George Floyd was killed. They felt unheard, Hadnot, 30, said. They cant vote. As protests gained momentum around the country, she worried about them attending and possibly being tear gassed or shot with rubber bullets. Writing, she said, was another way the students could take action against police brutality. A letter is one of the most undervalued but important ways of expressing yourself, said Hadnot, who teaches sophomore literature and writes under the name Brianca Jay. It doesnt have to be perfect or written with the best grammar and semantics and flowery prose. It just has to be you. 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 students, with help from other community members, have written 75 letters so far, addressed to elected officials including local legislators and the president of the United States. Snail mail has taken on fresh resonance in this period of isolation, grief and unrest. Sympathy cards are selling out as the coronaviruss toll continues to rise. Constituents are mailing in primary election ballots and addressing handwritten notes to local officials with compliments and complaints. (In some cities, they may also be sending letters to the police.) Many more are writing postcards to friends and loved ones, and calling for the U.S. Postal Service to be saved from its dire financial straits. Follow our LIVE Updates on the coronavirus pandemic here First-class mail has been a declining category for the Postal Service for more than a decade. It will be a few months before the service publishes statistics on mail volumes for April and May, but it did see significantly higher product sales of items including stamps in April, according to a representative. A Postal Service survey whose results were published in May found that 1 in 6 consumers had sent more mail to family and friends during the pandemic. Kenzie Myer, 21, said that she wasnt a letter writer before the pandemic, which forced her to leave a study-abroad program in London and return to her home in Pennsylvania. I came back and hadnt seen any of my friends from my home school, Myer, a rising senior at Arcadia University, said. I started sending them letters. Most of them open with a disparaging line about her garbage handwriting, she said, then become more personalized. For a friend whose 21st birthday passed in lockdown, she wrote about how she couldnt wait to celebrate in person. For her partner, who lives in Australia, she writes a lot of sappy stuff and smears the page with roller-ball perfume. She posts her correspondents responses on her bedroom wall near her desk. Even though I cant see the people that I love, theyre sending love back my way, Myer said. Justin Hodges, 46, moved to Chicago three years ago and soon received a postcard from a local candidate. This was not some soulless mass production, he said. Someone took the time to spell my name correctly and draw stars and hearts. Its more personal. Eventually Hodges, a former flight attendant and now self-described stay-at-home cat dad, started writing postcards for her campaign as a volunteer and then for an organization that encourages people in swing states to vote. Over the last month, he has written 500 postcards that will be sent to Wisconsin voters closer to the general election in November. The coronavirus has made many people realize just how important the Postal Service is, Hodges said, even as it feels like its under siege. Weve gone to this online society, but letters encourage voter turnout and civic engagement. Theyre warm and personal tangible. When Laura Stanfill, 44, is ready to send out her weekly batch of letters, she and her 12-year-old daughter walk to the mailbox near their home in Portland, Oregon. Weve made this just the two of us walks. We wear our masks, and she complains about her mask and we talk, she said. On April 13, Stanfills best friend of more than 30 years died of complications from COVID-19. She sent out sympathy cards. Then I wanted to send more, said Stanfill, who is a writer and the publisher of Forest Avenue Press. She started collaging cards with paper scraps and magazine clippings and sending them to friends, family and acquaintances alike. All this letter writing and card making is a way forward in my grief, Stanfill said. In addition to the cards, shes also exchanging letters with a pen pal by filling up a single notebook passed back and forth across the country. Were centered at home, and to be able to share something and send something to a person we cant see feels really important. That sentiment seems to bridge generations. In Los Angeles, Ronan Bowie, 4, has enjoyed receiving riddles from his grandmother in Tucson, Arizona, by mail. Wed have to wait a few days for the answer to arrive, said Ronans father, Soren Bowie, 37. That got him excited about the mail in a way hed only been with packages before. Ronan started exchanging letters with his best friend from school. I miss you may be the only text in these letters, which are full of a lot of drawings and stickers. They see each other on Zoom sometimes, said Soren Bowie, who is a writer. But for a child, I think theres something much more tangible to a thing you hold and have to find a place for in your house. c.2020 The New York Times Company Coronavirus LATEST Updates: The Union health ministry on Thursday said that a central team led by health ministry joint secretary Lav Agarwal will visit Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana on 26 and 29 June. Auto refresh feeds West Bengal's tally of COVID-19 cases climbed to 15,173 with 445 fresh infections on Wednesday, while the death toll rose to 591 as 11 more people succumbed to the disease, health department officials said. Amid spiralling COVID-19 cases in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced the extension of the lockdown till 31 July with the continuance of the existing relaxations. The ongoing lockdown was to end on 30 June. Americans are unlikely to be allowed into more than 30 European countries for business or tourism when the continent begins next week to open its borders to the world, due to the spread of the coronavirus and President Donald Trump's ban on European visitors, reports AP. World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom yesterday said he expects the global COVID-19 case tally to reach one crore next week. The number of COVID-19 cases across the world is currently at about 93.3 lakh. The WHO chief reiterated the urgent need to use all tools to suppress the transmission of the novel coronavirus. With over 23.4 lakh reported cases to date, the United States is the worst-affected country in the world. The US is followed by Brazil, Russia, India, and the United Kingdom. The total confirmed cases of COVID-19 across the world stand at 93.3 lakh, according to the Johns Hopkins University CSSE. This figure includes COVID-19 patients who have recovered and the overall global death toll which stands at 4.7 lakh. India records 16,922 new infections, taking the overall count to 4,73,105. The toll rose to 14,894 with 418 new deaths. This is by far the biggest single-day rise in the number of new cases. With 1,42,900 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far, Maharashtra remains the worst-affected state in the country, followed by Delhi (70,390) and Tamil Nadu (67,468). As many as 65,000 ASHA workers in Maharashtra are likely to get a monthly pay hike of Rs 2,000 as an incentive for their hard work during the time of the COVID-19 crisis, a government official said. The Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers) have so far been earning about Rs 10,000 per month, he said. A group of army personnel had returned to Jakhama garrison from different parts of the country last week and were put under strict quarantine as per the military SOP rules within the camp jurisdiction, officials said. Twelve Army personnel have tested positive for COVID-19 in Nagaland's Kohima district, officials said on Thursday. Health and Family Welfare Department officials said 12 Army personnel of Jakhama army camp quarantine centre tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday. The Union External Affairs Ministry made the submission in a counter-affidavit on a petition by the DMK seeking details on bringing Tamils stuck abroad because of COVID-19 and suspension of flights. The Ministry said 45,242 repatriation requests were received from people of Tamil Nadu stranded in different countries. The Centre has informed the Madras High Court that 17,701 people from Tamil Nadu stranded in various countries due to travel curbs following the COVID-19 pandemic were brought back through 50 flights. The outcome of the case will also have a bearing on the pending exams of the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). The board has said the remaining exams, put on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak, will be held in July but has given students the option of not writing the papers. The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its order on a plea seeking cancellation of the remaining Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 12 examinations on Thursday. In a Facebook Post last night, IIT Bombay Director Professor Subhasis Chaudhuri said the decision was made "after a long deliberation", reports NDTV. According to reports , The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Mumbai has become the first major educational institution in the country to scrap all face-to-face lectures for the rest of the year due to the COVID19 pandemic. While the district authorities put the number of infected at 33, Defence sourcessaid 'some' of the sailors, mostly who had arrived here recently on postings, have been affected with the virus. They said that as per standard protocol, such personnel are quarantined and tested for the contagion in which 'some' of them have tested positive. Over 30 personnel attached to Naval Air Station INS Parundu here have tested positive for coronavirus, district officials said on Thursday, but the forward operating base was 'operational', Defence sources in Chennai said. Three officers were among the 54 personnel who have so far succumbed to the viral infection since its outbreak in the state, he said. As of now, more than 4,200 police personnel have been infected with coronavirus. Of these, over 3,000 have recovered, the official said. Three Maharashtra Police personnel, including an officer, died of COVID-19 in the last 24 hours, taking the toll in the state force to 54, an official said on Thursday. Out of the 54 victims, 34 were from the Mumbai Police force, he said. The State Disaster Management Authority will meet on Thursday evening in the Capital to discuss the coronavirus situation, ANI reports. A decision will also be taken on the current format of home isolation rules for Covid-19 patients in the city. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said that 75,60,782 samples were tested for COVID-19 in the county till yesterday. Of these, 2,07,871 samples were tested in the last 24 hours. Arunachal Pradesh has recorded its first COVID-19 fatality after a 43-year-old woman succumbed to the disease, while two new coronavirus cases have been reported, taking the northeast state's tally to 160, officials said on Thursday. Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan today launched the 'eBloodServices App', an initiative by the Indian Red Cross Society. "Those in need can get registered on the app and know where they'll get blood. They can also demand up to four units of blood. The Indian Red Cross Society's blood banks will wait up to 12 hours for them. We -urge voluntary blood donors to continue donating blood in these times," he told ANI. The Maharashtra government on Thursday has decided to take legal action against Yoga guru Ramdevs Patanjali, if they try to advertise or sell the drug they claim can cure the coronavirus, in the state, Home Minister Anil Deshmukh said reports ANI. The Ministry of Human Resource Development has informed the Supreme Court that pending CBSE Class 10 and 12 examinations stand cancelled, reports Bar&Bench. Class 10 CBSE exams are now cancelled completely, amid the coronavirus outbreak in the country, the HRD ministry told the Supreme Court on Thursday. Results of both Class 10 and 12 will be published by schools on 15 July. Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta said, "The result on the basis of the assessment for the basis of both Class 10 and 12 will be published by 15 July." We will declare the assessment results at once, the ICSE told the court. Later, we may hold the board exams. ICSE board also to cancel class 10 and 12 board exams. However, ICSE doesn't agree to give option to students to write exam later, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informs Supreme Court. ICSE had earlier told SC that it would follow CBSE's decision on the matter. The Supreme Court has asked CBSE to submit fresh draft notification and affidavit tomorrow morning to court. The Supreme Court on Thursday did not pass its order on CBSE, ICSE board exams' cancellation. The apex court has sought more clarity on aspects of optional exam for Class 12, the publication of results, state board exams and the start of the new academic year. It also sought further clarity on the issue of option between internal assessment and exam. The Supreme Court will hear the matter again at 10:30 am on Friday, Bar and Bench reported. The Supreme Court on Thursday did not pass its order on CBSE, ICSE board exams' cancellation. and is likely to announce its order by tomorrow. The Gujarat Home Department has asked the state Director General of Police (DGP) and other senior officers not to grant any leave to the police personnel, saying that their presence was necessary for the effective implementation of Unlock-1. A notification issued on Thursday by the home department said that the presence of all the available police force was necessary for the implementation of the Centre's guidelines for the phased re-opening of coronavirus-induced lockdown or Unlock-1 that came into effect from June 1. The police found that no social distancing norms were followed in the premises and further probe revealed that people had not gathered for prayers, but were there for some discussion, he said. The DN Nagar police received a call that some people had assembled at Eidgah Masjid in Andheri in the morning, following which a team was sent there, an official said. A case has been registered against five persons, including the trustees of an Andheri- based mosque, for allegedly violating the COVID-19 lockdown norms after a group of people assembled in the premises on Thursday, police said. "The team will interact with the State officials and coordinate with them to strengthen ongoing efforts for management of COVID-19," the statement said. The Union health ministry on Thursday said that a central team led by health ministry joint secretary Lav Agarwal will visit Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana on 26 and 29 June. Delhi LG Anil Baijal said that only COVID-19 patients who "do not have adequate facilities at home to ensure physical segregation and do not have other medical conditions would require to be shifted to COVID-19 Care centres and other facilities." Earlier on Thursday, the Supreme Court also passed orders about the Class 10 and 12 CBSE exams and ICSE exams. Union human resources development minister Ramesh Pokhriyal on Thursday said that the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) examination to be conducted by CBSE on 5 July has been postponed in view of the present circumstances. "The team will interact with the State officials and coordinate with them to strengthen ongoing efforts for management of COVID-19," the statement said. The Union health ministry on Thursday said that a central team led by health ministry joint secretary Lav Agarwal will visit Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana on 26 and 29 June. Citing an increase in cases, Health Minister B Sriramulu on Tuesday had said the government may have to think about imposing lockdown in the city if the situation continues. "COVID-19 pandemic is increasing, we are making all efforts and we have even sealed some areas. Today afternoon at Krishna (the CM's home office) I have called a meeting with Ministers and officials and will discuss the strict measures to be taken to control COVID-19," Yediyurappa said. Amid talks about re-imposing lockdown in the city following the recent spike in cases, the chief minister said he will hold discussions on Thursday and Friday regarding the strict measures that need to be taken to control the virus. Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa on Thursday asked people to cooperate by following the measures put in place for the control of COVID-19 if they don't want another lockdown or sealing in Bengaluru. "For the effective implementation of Unlock-1, it is necessary that police personnel remain active in the field. Therefore, all the police officers as well as lower rung police personnel are hereby advised not to demand leave unless it is for medical or any other unavoidable reasons," the notification said. A notification issued on Thursday by the home department said that the presence of all the available police force was necessary for the implementation of the Centre's guidelines for the phased re-opening of coronavirus-induced lockdown or Unlock-1 that came into effect from 1 June. The Gujarat Home Department has asked the state Director General of Police (DGP) and other senior officers not to grant any leave to the police personnel, saying that their presence was necessary for the effective implementation of Unlock-1. According to KSEEB officials, as many as 8,48,203 students would take up the examination at 2,879 exam centres. The Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) on the directions of the state government decided to conduct the SSLC or the 10th standard board exams amid Covid-19 fears. The Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exams began in Karnataka on Thursday amid tight security and rigid precautions amid the coronavirus scare. Of the tower's three decks, only the first two reopened. Those who made the climb Thursday were rewarded with far-away views and a light breeze in scorching summer weather. Lifts that usually whisk visitors up the 324-meter (1,063-feet) tall wrought-iron Eiffel Tower remain closed, so for now people have to take the stairs. "It's very special, very special because it's only the Paris people," said Annelies Bouwhuis, a 43-year-old visitor from the Netherlands. "We've seen a lot Paris people enjoying their city, enjoying their parks without all the tourists." Tourists who are trickling back to Paris were delighted to find the landmark open when some other attractions in the French capital remain closed. The Louvre Museum isn't reopening until 6 July. Marking another milestone in France's recovery from coronavirus lockdown, the Eiffel Tower reopened to visitors Thursday after its longest-ever closure in peace time: 104 days. The Bombay High Court on Thursday "sought an affidavit from the Centre detailing steps taken by the Railways towards converting coaches into isolation/quarantine centres, as well as on the viability of ICUs onboard," Bar and Bench reported. Health deptt to deploy a robust surveillance mechanism. Only those COVID positive cases who do not have adequate facilities at home to ensure physical segregation and do not have other medical conditions would require to be shifted to Covid Care centres and other facilities. Delhi LG Anil Baijal said that only COVID-19 patients who "do not have adequate facilities at home to ensure physical segregation and do not have other medical conditions would require to be shifted to COVID-19 Care centres and other facilities." Earlier on Thursday, the Supreme Court also passed orders about the Class 10 and 12 CBSE exams and ICSE exams. Union human resources development minister Ramesh Pokhriyal on Thursday said that the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) examination to be conducted by CBSE on 5 July has been postponed in view of the present circumstances. "Besides, a total of Rs 2,825 crore worth assistance had been released to the state till June 14 through various welfare scheme components of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, she told BJP's Tamil Nadu unit workers addressing a virtual rally," the report added. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the Centre has provided Rs 6,600 crore to Tamil Nadu since April for "procurement of medical equipment to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic," News18 reported. "The hair salons will reopen. However, the use of sanitisers and face-masks will be mandatory for the hairdresser and the customer. Similarly, the cloth or towel used for one customer shall not be used for others," he said. Hair salons in Maharashtra will be allowed to reopen from June 28, after over three months of downing shutters due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown, a state minister said on Thursday. State Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Vijay Wadettiwar said that during the state cabinet meeting held on Thursday, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray agreed to allow the salons to reopen with adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) about hygiene and cleanliness. Coronavirus LATEST Updates: The Union health ministry on Thursday said that a central team led by health ministry joint secretary Lav Agarwal will visit Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana on 26 and 29 June. "The team will interact with the State officials and coordinate with them to strengthen ongoing efforts for management of COVID-19," the statement said. The Supreme Court will hear the matter again at 10:30 am on Friday, Bar and Bench reported. The Supreme Court on Thursday did not pass its order on CBSE, ICSE board exams' cancellation. and is likely to announce its order by tomorrow. The Centre on Thursday told the Supreme Court that CBSE has come up with a scheme in which marks scored in past three exams will be taken in account for announcing the board results, in order to do the evaluation, Bar and Bench reports. For Class 12, exams will be conducted as soon as situation is conducive, it says. However, for Class 10, there will be no option for Board examinations. The Ministry of Human Resource Development has informed the Supreme Court that pending CBSE Class 10 and 12 examinations stand cancelled, reports Bar&Bench. ICSE likely to follow suit, as it had told SC that it would follow CBSE's decision on the matter. Arunachal Pradesh has recorded its first COVID-19 fatality after a 43-year-old woman succumbed to the disease, while two new coronavirus cases have been reported, taking the northeast state's tally to 160, officials said on Thursday. The ICMR has said that 75,60,782 samples were tested for COVID-19 in the county till yesterday. Of these, 2,07,871 samples were tested in the last 24 hours. According to reports, The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Mumbai has become the first major educational institution in the country to scrap all face-to-face lectures for the rest of the year due to the COVID19 pandemic. In a Facebook Post last night, IIT Bombay Director Professor Subhasis Chaudhuri said the decision was made "after a long deliberation", reports NDTV. India records 16,922 new infections, taking the overall count to 4,73,105. The toll rose to 14,894 with 418 new deaths. This is by far the biggest single-day rise in the number of new cases. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom yesterday said he expects the global COVID-19 case tally to reach one crore next week. Meanwhile, amid spiralling COVID-19 cases in West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday announced the extension of the lockdown till 31 July with the continuance of the existing relaxations. India on Wednesday recorded its highest single-day spike of 15,968 new COVID-19 cases and 465 fatalities, taking the nationwide tally to 4,56,183 and the toll from the novel coronavirus to 14,476, the Union health ministry said. Given the rise in number of cases, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee ordered lockdown in the state to be extended till 31 July with relaxations continuing outside containment zones. Meanwhile, the Chandigarh administration said that it was mulling a stricter lockdown on weekends if there was a drastic rise in cases while Tamil Nadu re-introduced curbs on inter-district travel for six days. Recovery rate reaches 56.71% According to news agency PTI, India registered over 14,000 cases for the fifth day in a row with 2,65,648 infections (58 percent of India's current tally) been reported from 1 June till 24 June, with Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh remaining the top five contributors. The number of active cases stands at 1,83,022, while 2,58,684 people have recovered and one patient has migrated, according to the figures updated by the ministry at 8 am on Wednesday. "Thus, around 56.71 percent patients have recovered so far," an official said. The total number of confirmed cases include foreigners. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a cumulative total of 73,52,911 samples have been tested up to 23 June with 2,15,195 samples being tested on Tuesday. Of the 465 new deaths reported till Wednesday morning, 248 were in Maharashtra, 68 in Delhi, 39 in Tamil Nadu, 26 in Gujarat, 19 in Uttar Pradesh, 11 in West Bengal, nine each in Rajasthan and Haryana, eight each in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, four each in Punjab and Madhya Pradesh, three in Telangana, two each in Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha and Uttarakhand. Kerala, Bihar and Puducherry have reported one COVID-19 fatality each. Of the total 14,476 deaths reported so far, Maharashtra accounted for the highest with 6,531 fatalities, followed by Delhi with 2,301 deaths, Gujarat with 1,710, Tamil Nadu with 833, Uttar Pradesh with 588, West Bengal with 580, Madhya Pradesh with 525, Rajasthan with 365 and Telangana with 220 deaths. Maharashtra has also reported the highest number of cases at 1,39,010, followed by Delhi at 66,602, Tamil Nadu at 64,603, Gujarat at 28,371, Uttar Pradesh at 18,893, Rajasthan at 15,627 and West Bengal at 14,728, showed the health ministry data. The number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 12,261 in Madhya Pradesh, 11,520 in Haryana, 10,002 in Andhra Pradesh, 9,721 in Karnataka and 9,553 in Telangana. "Our figures are being reconciled with the Indian Council of Medical Research," the ministry said, adding 8,141 cases are being reassigned to states. Total lockdown in West Bengal's containment zones till 31 July After an all-party meeting, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said that lockdown in the state had been extended till 31 July. There will be complete lockdown in only the containment zones, while elsewhere the relaxations allowed earlier will continue. Banerjee said all educational institutions will remain shut till 31 July. Government offices will function in a "segregated manner" with 70 percent attendance on any given day. Metro and suburban train services will remain suspended. Shopping malls, restaurants and other similar establishments had resumed services in Bengal on 8 June after a gap of over two months, with the state government allowing relaxations as part of 'Unlock-1', the first phase of a calibrated exit from the coronavirus lockdown across the country. Places of worship and private offices were also allowed to open with reduced attendance. The state registered 445 fresh infections and 11 deaths on Wednesday, taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to 15,173 and fatalities to 591. In Tamil Nadu, which reported 2,865 new cases and 33 deaths, chief minister K Palaniswami said that the system of travelling without an e-pass in a zone comprising of many districts had been temporarily cancelled as officials said it made contact-tracing more difficult. People can now only travel within a district without a pass and inter-district bus services too have been withdrawn for six days. The chief minister in a statement also said that rice ration card holders in Madurai will get the second round of Rs 1,000 cash assistance in view of the week-long complete lockdown enforced there from Wednesday to check rising cases. Meanwhile, the Chandigarh administration said it was mulling imposing stricter restrictions on the weekends, like those imposed in Punjab. If there is a drastic rise in the number of cases or if the residents continue to violate social distancing norms, Chandigarh could opt for weekend closure of markets or curfew on weekends as has been done in Punjab and other states, PTI quoted an official release as saying. Chandigarh has been witnessing a rise in the number of coronavirus cases. With six fatalities due to the infection, the city has reported 420 COVID cases so far. However, in Mumbai, where the case count rose to 69,625 with 1,144 new cases, civic officials said that shops in municipal markets will now be allowed to operate on odd-even basis. In a circular issued on Wednesday, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said shopkeepers will have to take adequate precautions to prevent the spread of the viral infection and only two people would be allowed to work inside each shop. However, eateries and hotels in these markets will continue to remain closed. In order to speed up testing, the BMC said it will purchase one lakh antigen testing kits as part of its 'Mission Universal Testing'. Delhi overtakes Mumbai as new response plan kicks in Delhi overtook Mumbai as the worst-hit city on Wednesday after COVID-19 cases soared by 3,788 to touch 70,390. The National Capital reported 64 fatalities in the last 24 hours, the Delhi health department bulletin said, pushing the toll to 2,301. The updated figures came even as the state government announced a new COVID-19 response plan, which includes screening every house in containment zones till 30 June and in the National Capital by 6 July, a News18 report said. Additionally, a serological survey will be conducted with 2o,ooo tests across all districts and age groups, reported PTI. Contact tracing will be stepped up by the use of Aarogya Setu app coupled with an IT-driven tool, under the new plan. The state government also roped in Army Medical Corps (AMC) to manage healthcare at the Railways' COVID-19 care centre at the Shakur Basti station where the first two patients were put up in isolation coaches. In the meantime, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police(ITBP) took over a 10,000-bed capacity centre in Delhi for coronavirus patients, officials said. A team of officials from the border guarding force visited the Radha Soami Beas facility and held discussions with the Delhi government and other stakeholders who will be partners in running the centre, an ITBP officer said New cases in Maharashtra, Kerala Many states including Maharashtra, Kerala and Rajasthan reported an increase in cases. As many as 3,890 new COVID-19 cases were registered in Maharashtra on Wednesday, taking the count of patients to 1,42,900, a health department bulletin said. The state also reported 208 fatalities, taking the toll to 6,739. As many as 572 new coronavirus positive cases and 25 deaths were reported in Gujarat, taking the overall case count to 29,001 including toll to 1,736 deaths, reported ANI, quoting the state health department. Kerala reported the highest single-day spike of 152 cases pushing the infection count to 3,603, officials said. Rajasthan registered 10 deaths and 382 new patients on Wednesday, reported ANI, quoting the state health department. The total number of cases in the state climbed to 16,009 and the toll rose to 375. ICMR expands testing criterion Day after announcing the 1,000th COVID-19 testing laboratory in the country, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Wednesday said that "access to testing still remains a huge challenge in a large country like India". "There is a definite need to increase the outreach of testing by introducing rapid point of care diagnostic tests," the ICMR noted in its advisory issued late on Tuesday. Expanding the testing criterion for coronavirus, the ICMR said it should be made widely available to all symptomatic individuals across the country. "Since test, track and treat' is the only way to prevent the spread of the infection and save lives, it's imperative that testing should be made widely available to all symptomatic individuals in every part of the country and contact tracing mechanisms for containment of infection are further strengthened," it said in an advisory on 'Newer Additional Strategies for COVID-19 Testing' . The apex health research body has also advised authorities to enable all government and private hospitals, offices and public sector units to perform antibody-based COVID-19 testing for surveillance to help allay fears and anxiety of healthcare workers and office employees. The earlier advisories on rapid antibody testing focused only on testing in clusters (containment zones), large migration gatherings/evacuees centers and testing of symptomatic ILI individuals at facility level. Besides, the ICMR also recommended deployment of rapid antigen detection tests for COVID-19 in combination with RT-PCR tests in all containment zones, all central and state government medical colleges and government hospitals, all private hospitals approved by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare (NABH), all NABL-accredited and ICMR approved private labs, for COVID-19 testing. "ICMR advises all state governments, public and private institutions concerned to take required steps to scale up testing for COVID-19 by deploying combination of various tests as advised," the advisory added. With inputs from agencies PHILIPSBURG:---The Government of St. Maarten has been informed of a series of manifestations that have been ongoing this week. Permission for these manifestations was requested and they have been granted. The government was also informed concerning the willingness of union members to partake in these meetings and manifestations. During the past two days, Prime Minister Jacobs responded to two emails received in relation to the manifestations, including requesting a meeting to follow up and clarify any pending questions. Prime Minister Jacobs commends the unity being displayed by the workers across the board. In an invited comment she stated, It is good to see that the people of St. Maarten can stand and have manifestations in a peaceful manner, also taking into consideration the current health situation while maintaining proper social distancing. In the various meetings between the Council of Ministers and the unions that are included with the WICLU, it was made clear that the unions are in solidarity with the challenges we as Caribbean countries in the Dutch Kingdom have been facing over several years. These sentiments come amidst the conditions that are being imposed by the Kingdom Government for liquidity support in this COVID-19 reality, whereby, economies around the world have been negatively affected. Due to further actions continuing, the organization is assessing all correspondence and minutes to ensure that all questions asked in writing, duly receive a response in writing. In responding to notification of manifestations, Prime Minister Jacobs responded, I hope that the information could be disseminated in a more timely fashion so that proper planning could be made in the event that persons would be negatively impacted. I have requested a meeting with the unions and look forward to further dialogue. I believe dialogue is one of the ways in which together we can provide clarity and come to solutions that would see all hands on deck, concluded Prime Minister Jacobs. By Express News Service 26 civil society organisations and public health activists have criticized the rates fixed by the Karnataka government for COVID-19 treatment in private hospitals. Deeming it unaffordable, they also called the government out for not consulting them, leading to a lack of transparency. The decision on the rates was made after discussion with private hospitals only, excluding public health professionals, patients' groups, civil society etc, the statement said. The government notification states that 50 percent of private beds shall be reserved for patients referred by public health authorities, including general ward, high dependency units, ICU beds with and without ventilator categories. In response to this, the groups in their statement issued on June 25, wrote, "The notification has not provided the specific number of beds that will be made available in each hospital under each category. This provides leeway for private hospitals to reserve the more expensive and profitable beds, i.e. the ICU beds with and without ventilator support." The fixed rates do not cover the costs of unforeseen complications, surgeries, other comorbid conditions and pregnancy. This is highly problematic because the patients who are most at risk in COVID-19 are those with comorbidities, the statement reads. "The bills for patients with comorbidities are often the highest because of severe manifestations of COVID-19 which may require critical care interventions such as oxygen and ventilator support, high end medicines and extensive stay in hospitals," it says. An additional 10% may be charged for twin sharing and 25% for single rooms. There will be no ceiling for suites, the government said. "Based on this, if patients are told that general or multi share wards are not available, they will be forced to pay more for single rooms or twin sharing wards," the statement said. The groups demanded that a nodal officer be appointed for monitoring the functioning of private hospitals and address grievances. They also demanded that fixed rates be extended to patients covered by private insurance, which is not the case now. "The government needs to ensure that differential quality of treatment is not provided to patients referred by the government, those paying fixed rates out of their pocket and those paying full rates through their private insurance," they said. The groups include Naavu Bharathiyaru Karnataka, All India Drug Action Network, Campaign for Dignified and Affordable Healthcare, Drug Action Forum-Karnataka among others. WASHINGTON American Special Operations forces used a specially designed secret missile to kill the head of a Qaeda affiliate in Syria this month, dealing the terrorist group a serious blow with a weapon that combines medieval brutality with advanced technology. American and Qaeda officials said on Wednesday that Khaled al-Aruri, the de facto leader of the Qaeda branch, called Hurras al-Din, perished in a drone strike in Idlib in northwest Syria on June 14. He was a Qaeda veteran whose jihadist career dates to the 1990s. How he died was even more striking. The modified Hellfire missile carried an inert warhead. Instead of exploding, it hurled about 100 pounds of metal through the top of Mr. al-Aruris car. If the high-velocity projectile did not kill him, the missiles other feature almost certainly did: six long blades tucked inside, which deployed seconds before impact to slice up anything in its path. The Hellfire variant, known as the R9X, was initially developed nearly a decade ago under pressure from President Barack Obama to reduce civilian casualties and property damage in Americas long-running wars on terrorism in far-flung hot spots such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Syria, Somalia and Yemen. A pair of 'super Earth' planets orbiting 'just within the habitable zone' of a nearby red dwarf star half the size of the Sun have been discovered by astronomers. The star these potentially rocky world's orbit is called Gliese 887 - it is 11 light years away from the Earth and one of the brightest red dwarf stars in the night sky. As the planets are on the 'inner edge' of the habitable zone - that is the region where liquid water can remain on the surface - they may be too hot to sustain life. The new planets were found using a high-precision, planet-finding instrument on the European Southern Observatory's 3.6-metre telescope at La Silla in Chile. Astronomers from Australia, who discovered the planets, were working with the international RedDots team that hunts for terrestrial planets around red dwarf stars. Called GJ 887b and GJ 887c, the planets 'could be rocky worlds' like Earth but are very likely to be 'tidally locked' to their star meaning one side will always face the star and be in perpetual daytime while the other always night. As the planets are on the 'inner edge' of the habitable zone - that is the region where liquid water can remain on the surface - they may be too hot to sustain life. Artists impression The discovery was made by an international team, including those from the University of Hertfordshire, Open University and Queen Mary University of London. The scientists used a technique known as Doppler wobble, which enabled them to find the planets by measuring their gravitational interaction with GJ 887. As a planet orbits, it causes its parent star to wobble by a tiny degree and astronomers can see the signature of this effect in the light emitted by the star. The researchers believe both GJ 887b and GJ 887c lie close to the inner edge of habitable zone and may be too hot to maintain liquid water on their surfaces. They estimate the surface temperature of GJ 887c, which takes 21.8 days to circle its host star, to be around 70C (158F). GJ 887b, meanwhile, is much closer to the star, with an orbital period of 9.3 days. As this is a red dwarf with a lower surface temperature the habitable zone is closer to the star - which is why with a 9.3 day orbit , GJ 887b is still 'just' in that area. In comparison, Mercury, which is well outside the habitable zone of the Sun has an orbit of 88 days and the Earth - which is inside it - has a 365 day orbit. The researchers say GJ 887 is less active than other red dwarfs, so the newly discovered worlds may be spared from strong stellar winds - outflowing material from the star which can erode a planet's atmosphere. Hence, the team are keen to learn more about this super-Earth system. Dr John Barnes, an astrophysicist at the Open University and one of the authors on the study published in the journal Science, said: 'Close orbiting planets like these have a high chance of being tidally locked to their host star.' 'This means that as the planet orbits its star, the same hemisphere always faces the star,' the lead author explained. 'For the planets orbiting GJ 887, half of the planets would be in perpetual daytime and the other half in perpetual night time. 'So, it could be much cooler on some parts of the planets than others.' The researchers also detected an unconfirmed signal, raising hopes of a third planet with a more 'temperate' orbit, but they are 'cautious' about the finding. 'If the signal is a planet, it would orbit every 51 days,' said Barnes, adding that we have already seen signals with similar periods we know are coming from the star. 'This is why we are currently unable to say that the third signal is actually a planet.' If subsequent observations do confirm it as a planet, it would lie just within the habitable zone of this system Writing in a related comment piece, Melvyn Davies, professor of astronomy at Lund University in Sweden - who was not involved in the research, said if a third planet is detected in the habitable zone this would become a major study target. RedDots discovered two more interesting facts about GJ 887, which turn out to be good news not only for the newly discovered planets but also for astronomers. The first is that the red dwarf has very few starspots, unlike our Sun. If the star was as active as our Sun, it is likely that a strong stellar wind - outflowing material which can erode a planet's atmosphere - would simply sweep away the planets' atmospheres. The new planets were found using a high-precision, planet-finding instrument on the European Southern Observatory's 3.6-metre telescope at La Silla in Chile This means that the newly discovered planets may retain their atmospheres, or have thicker atmospheres than the Earth, and potentially host life, the team wrote. The other interesting feature the team discovered is that the brightness of GJ 887 is almost constant. 'In the era of space-based exoplanet-hunting telescopes like NASA's Kepler and TESS, this result shows that astronomy from the ground continues to play a crucial role in our understanding of planets in our local neighbourhood,' said Dr Simon O'Toole, a co-author on the study from Macquarie University. It will be relatively easy to detect the atmospheres of the super-Earth system due to the stable and relatively inactive host star. This makes it a prime target for the James Webb Space Telescope, a successor to the Hubble Telescope that is due to launch in the next year. Dr Sandra Jeffers, from the University of Gottingen and lead author of the study, said the planets provide the best possibilities for the study of signs of alien life. 'The exciting thing about these planets are that they orbit a star so close to the Sun, and so very bright,' said UNSW-based planet hunter Prof Chris Tinney. 'We now know of thousands planets of Super-Earth-mass, or smaller. But most of those planets orbit distant and faint stars,' he said. 'Planets orbiting nearby stars are key for searches with future telescopes for both explanatory atmospheres, and eventually evidence for life.' 'If someone had to live around a red dwarf, they would want to choose a quieter star like GJ 887, writes Davies in his related Perspective article. The findings were published in the journal Science. KYODO NEWS - Jun 25, 2020 - 20:25 | World, All, Coronavirus Travel from Japan to Vietnam resumed Thursday in a first step after the easing of travel restrictions imposed to fight the novel coronavirus. The chartered flight carrying 150 passengers, mainly businesspeople, left Narita airport, east of Tokyo, for Van Don International Airport near Ha Long, northern Vietnam. "There's a chance that travel conditions will improve, but I wanted to return as soon as possible," said Takako Omi, 50, who works at a Japanese sewing factory in Vietnam. "I'd like our expatriate employees there to take a break." Omi said she had been unable to fly back after temporarily returning to Japan in March. Japan and Vietnam have recently agreed to gradually ease restrictions on travel between the two countries. Vietnam initially did not allow foreign travelers to enter, but has agreed to ease restrictions on the basis of visitors taking a polymerase chain reaction test upon arrival and a two-week quarantine in a hotel, according to the Foreign Ministry. Check-in counters at the Japanese airport were overflowing with passengers and family members seeing them off. Travelers wore protective clothing designed to prevent the spread of the virus that they were given as they boarded the plane, according to Vietnam Airlines, which operated the flight. "It seems that the spread of the virus has been stemmed (in Vietnam), but I'm worried about another wave," said a 33-year-old businessman, adding that his job transfer to the country had initially been postponed. As of earlier this week, Japan had an entry ban in place for 111 countries and regions, with foreign travelers that have been to any of the areas within 14 days of their arrival being turned away. Conversely, 177 countries and regions had imposed restrictions of some kind on entry from Japan, according to the ministry. Japan is now in talks with Australia, New Zealand and Thailand to mutually ease travel restrictions on the condition that travelers test negative for COVID-19 before departure and upon arrival as well as submit an itinerary detailing where they will visit during their stay. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-26 03:07:11|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TRIPOLI, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) on Thursday reiterated its call for "accountability for crimes targeting women" in Libya. "Twenty five years following the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, which represented a turning point for the global agenda on gender equality, and as we approach the 20th anniversary of the landmark UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the public space for Libyan women to voice their opinions and take an active role in the political life and post-conflict reconstruction is rapidly shrinking," UNSMIL said in a statement. UNSMIL revealed lack of protection and support for the women in Libya to actively participate in the public space without the fear of reprisals. "Incidents of conflict-related sexual violence by armed groups remain severely underreported as a result of fear, intimidation and stigma related to underlying discriminatory gender norm," the statement said. "The Mission remains committed to empowering and strengthening the role of Libyan women in public life and securing equal participation in peacebuilding and reconciliation processes," it added. Libya has been plagued by escalating violence and political instability ever since the fall of the late leader Muammar Gaddafi's regime in 2011. Enditem Image of the ultrastructural morphology exhibited by the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Credit: CDC The European Medicines Agency said Thursday it has recommended authorising the use of the anti-viral drug remdesivir to treat the new coronavirus. "Remdesivir is the first medicine against COVID-19 to be recommended for authorisation in the EU," the agency said. It said the recommendation still needs approval from the European Commission, which is due to make a decision in the coming week. At least two major US studies have shown that remdesivir can reduce the duration of hospital stays for COVID-19 patients. Washington authorised the emergency use of the medicinewhich was originally intended as a treatment for Ebolaon May 1, followed by several Asian nations including Japan and South Korea. EMA's human medicines committee said it has recommended granting a conditional marketing authorisation to remdesivir for the treatment of COVID-19 in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age who are suffering pneumonia and require extra oxygen. It said its assessment was based mainly based on data from a study sponsored by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). The research, published in the leading journal the New England Journal of Medicine in May, showed that injections of remdesivir speeded patient recovery compared with a placebo. On average it reduced patients' hospital stays from 15 days to 11. One study published in The Lancet, however, found no "significant clinical benefit" from treating coronavirus patients with remdesivir. "Taking into consideration the available data, the agency considered that the balance of benefits and risks had been shown to be positive in patients with pneumonia requiring supplemental oxygen; i.e., the patients with severe disease," the Amsterdam-based EU agency said. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2020 AFP Mayor Jim Kenney and Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw hold a press conference regarding the June 1 police response to the demonstration on I-676. Read more After weeks of defending the decision to let Philadelphia police use tear gas, pepper spray, and rubber bullets on protesters gathered on I-676, Mayor Jim Kenney and Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw abruptly apologized Thursday, calling the use of force that day unjustifiable and admitting that they had offered incorrect and uncorroborated explanations for why officers resorted to the tactics. In a remarkable news conference outside Police Headquarters, Kenney and Outlaw said videos that surfaced since the June 1 demonstration clearly contradicted their initial version of events, in which they said protesters had thrown rocks at unnamed officers and threatened a state troopers car before authorities began using what they called less than lethal force to clear the highway. In particular, Kenney and Outlaw each cited a nine-minute video posted Thursday by the New York Times that featured a host of footage from the scene showing police firing clouds of gas and pepper spray toward a peaceful crowd even as the people tried to escape and were trapped on a steep embankment. Outlaw said she was extremely disturbed and quite frankly sickened beyond description by the compilation. The comprehensive video largely confirmed what protesters, journalists, and neutral observers have reported for weeks that there was no evidence of the type of aggressive action toward law enforcement that officials said prompted police to fire upon the crowd. Asked why she was apologizing Thursday, Outlaw said the Times video account had more detail than she had previously known. The second I find out as the leader of this department and organization that theres contradictory information to what I personally came out and said its important for me to come out and clarify what now Ive seen, she said. Kenney said the Times video displayed tactics that were completely unacceptable, and he apologized for his statements in the wake of the incident in which he justified the use of tear gas: I now know that my statements were based on inaccurate information being relayed from the scene. He did not say who gave him that information. READ MORE: Video has changed police accountability. Now citizen filmmakers are getting organized. The apology from two of the citys top officials came as Outlaw announced other changes in response to the handling of the protest. The commissioner said she was placing a moratorium on the use of tear gas to disperse crowds. She also said she would suspend and seek to fire a Philadelphia SWAT officer captured on video ripping down protesters masks and pepper-spraying them as they knelt in the middle of the highway. She did not name the officer, saying the disciplinary process would not begin until Friday. District Attorney Larry Krasner said his office is investigating possible charges. Outlaw also said Dennis Wilson, the deputy commissioner who authorized the use of tear gas on 676, was being demoted to the rank of chief inspector. Wilson was not only present for that announcement he participated in it, standing before Outlaw to tell reporters that he had acted unilaterally in approving the gassing of protesters without first seeking her consent, as he was supposed to do. I didnt call the commissioner. I gave the approval. And it was me and me alone, he said. For violating the rules of engagement and the commissioners trust, Im going to take a voluntary demotion. Despite the admitted breach of protocol, Wilson continued to participate in protest responses for weeks, and was on scene at a demonstration as recently as Tuesday. The news conference was the latest fallout from the Police Departments bungled response to several days of protests earlier this month in the wake of Minneapolis police killing George Floyd. Earlier Thursday, City Council members announced public hearings to examine the departments response to the unrest, which had also featured a lack of preparation for the first day of demonstrations, tear gas deployment that wafted into residential neighborhoods in West Philadelphia, and officers allowing violent, armed mobs of white men to roam the streets of Fishtown, where they allegedly assaulted a WHYY journalist. READ MORE: Why arent you arresting them? Philly officials investigate police after assaults against Fishtown protesters. Kenney has previously said the city made a mistake in allowing the men carrying bats and hatchets in Fishtown to roam freely, especially after curfew. And on Thursday, he said he also regretted his decision to green-light the use of tear gas in West Philadelphia, where police confronting what the mayor called violence, arson, and looting fired gas that ended up affecting some residents, including children. Wilson, the deputy commissioner, also sought to use force in that situation, but said he had cleared the decision with Outlaw. I ignored what my instincts told me, Kenney said. I have never believed tear gas was an effective tool when Ive seen other cities use it in protests. It always seemed to me to make situations worse. And it has. That explanation did not sit well with everyone. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier said on Facebook that she was beyond frustrated that the use of tear gas and other munitions on 52nd Street a residential Black neighborhood is not receiving equal attention. READ MORE: This West Philly neighborhood had been struggling to rebuild. Then the looting started. We need to parse through the events that took place that day, Gauthier said. We need to review the use of force policies. Before Thursday, Kenney and Outlaw had repeatedly defended the use of tear gas on 676. In a statement issued late the night of June 1, Outlaw said protesters surrounded a State Trooper, who was alone and seated in his vehicle, and began rocking the vehicle, with the trooper having no safe means of egress. She also said, Members of the crowd began throwing rocks at the officers from the north and south sides, and from the bridges above the officers. The crowd also began rushing toward the officers. Deana Gamble, a spokesperson for Kenney, said in late-night text messages on June 1 that the information about protesters throwing rocks came from firsthand accounts of high-ranking police commanders who witnessed the incident. Some were [hit] and one in particular remembers because he didnt have a helmet on so he needed to duck, she said. The next day, the mayor and commissioner again defended the use of gas, calling it a last resort and reiterating that protesters had flooded an open highway, surrounded a state troopers car, and thrown rocks at officers. But they did not provide evidence of those events. And protesters, neutral observers, journalists on the scene, and TV news helicopter footage showed nothing resembling that level of aggression. On Wednesday, dashcam video released from a State Police SUV stationed on I-676 the day of the demonstration also did not appear to show any rock-throwing or threatening behavior by protesters. And though someone spray-painted the SUVs windshield, the video seems to indicate that the trooper had left his car by the time protesters began walking past it. Nothing on the video indicates that protesters shook the car. But moments later, distant shots can be heard in the background and protesters begin to scream. Nev. church fighting state limits on worship gatherings not imposed on casinos, gyms Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A congregation in Nevada has filed a request for relief from state-imposed restrictions on in-person gatherings that only apply to faith communities and not secular entities. Calvary Chapel Dayton Valley, a church based in Lyon County, filed an injunction request with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Monday. At issue are restrictions imposed by Gov. Steve Sisolak that limit gatherings at houses of worship to 50 people while allowing secular entities like casinos and gyms to operate at 50% capacity. The church hopes to also be allowed to hold worship services at 50% capacity, which would be around 90 people per in-person indoor gathering. The risk of COVID-19 exposure is greater at a restaurant than it is at a house of worship like Calvary Chapel that practices social distancing, eliminates coffee and snacks, and passes nothing person-to-person, the lawsuit states. Courts agree that assemblies at restaurants and houses of worship are comparable. Yet the governors directive limits all religious gatherings to 50 people regardless of seating capacity, social distancing, or any other pertinent factor. The appeal also argues that Sisolak has been inconsistent in his enforcement of the restrictions, noting that the governor openly supported recent large-scale protests. When hundreds of protestors gathered in packed throngs in blatant violation of the directives ban on gatherings over 50 ( 10), the Governor and Attorney General tweeted their support, the suit adds. They took no action to impose the directive or enforce social-distancing rules. Calvary Chapel supports protestors right to free speech; it just wants to live by the same rules. Calvary Chapel is being represented by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative law firm that frequently handles religious liberty litigation. ADF Senior Counsel Ryan Tucker said in a statement released Monday that he believed the Nevada government should not show favoritism to secular entities over churches. The government can certainly prioritize public health and safety, but it shouldnt be able to play favorites by moving businesses and non-religious activities to the front of the line for reopening and push churches to the back, Tucker said. Earlier this month, District Court Judge Richard Boulware II ruled against the church, arguing, in part, that the church failed to prove that it was being discriminated against. Boulware noted that the 50-person cap has not been strictly enforced by Lyon County officials and entities like casinos have put in new restrictive measures of their own to curb the spread of the virus. It is difficult to establish a pattern of selective enforcement directed toward places of worship when new, more restrictive measures have been imposed against secular activities and no similar restrictions were imposed on religious activities, he wrote. Plaintiffs requested relief would require the court to engage in potentially daily or weekly decisions about public health measures that have traditionally been left to state officials and state agencies with expertise in this area. According to The Associated Press, 96% of the approximately 14,000 cases in Nevada are concentrated around Las Vegas and Reno, with Lyon County having only 24 active cases. Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 8:18AM Right now, when you use Google Assistant's Broadcast feature, it's an all-or-nothing affair. It will broadcast your message to all Google Assistant-supported speakers your account is linked to. But Google seems to be testing a way that it'll just broadcast to a specified room. 9to5Google reports that this seems to be an A/B test of the feature. Users will need to say something like, "Hey Google, broadcast a message to living room, the food is ready." And then Google will broadcast this message to the speakers located in the living room. It'll be handy for things like calling your kids down for dinner. But since it's being tested, the feature isn't available widely yet. Here's to hoping Google rolls this one out soon. Course Materials Florida A&M Signs with Cengage to Increase Textbook Affordability Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) has set up an inclusive access model for its students, to encourage them to purchase textbooks and class materials as a bundle deal. The institution signed on with Cengage for the company's Cengage Unlimited offering. According to the two organizations, students will pay less than $123 each academic year for a subscription that grants them access to ebooks, study guides and access codes, covering many of the programs offered at the institution. The university reported that in 2019, the average cost of textbooks and supplies annually for students at FAMU was $1,138. To participate in the new program, students must purchase the subscription through the campus' official bookstore. The program will be available beginning in fall 2020 through a link on the bookstore's webpage. The decision follows on an action plan set up by the Florida Board of Governors to encourage each university and college in the state to reduce the costs of textbooks and instructional materials. The new partnership with Cengage is one of FAMU's many initiatives to address textbook affordability, which includes a bookstore price-matching guarantee program with Barnes & Noble College, which hosts the bookstore; development of open education resources; the use of "first-day" programs, which give students access on the first day of class to the materials they'll need; and $7 textbook rentals. "The partnership with Cengage allows FAMU to help students significantly reduce costs associated with obtaining the required textbooks for their courses," said Sundra Kincey, assistant vice president of program quality for the university, in a statement. RIDGEFIELD A cave in the Ridgebury neighborhood hid fugitive slaves as a stop on the Underground Railroad before the Civil War, according to a local historians research. Jack Sanders began researching the little-known stop, run by a Black couple named Uncle Ned and Aunt Betsey Armstrong, in December after coming across a 1879 newspaper story about the discovery of a skeleton in a cave on Neds Mountain in Ridgefield. Kept secret from contemporaries and undiscovered by historians, a station on the famous Underground Railroad apparently once operated in Ridgefield, Sanders wrote in his research published in Uncle Neds Mountain, An Underground Railroad Station and Home for Civil War Soldiers from Near and Far. The June 9 article can be found on the Ridgefield Librarys website. According to his research, the stations site went on to be the home of at least five men of color who fought in the Civil War, two of whom died while in the service and two others who were wounded. Uncle Ned and Aunt Betsey Armstrong, a popular Black couple in the first half of the 19th century, risked arrest and imprisonment as they sheltered slaves who were fleeing from bondage in the South and seeking freedom in the North, Sanders wrote. Two of their Ridgefield-born grandchildren went on to fight slavery via the Civil War, and one became among the last victims of the conflict. Sanders came across the information about the Armstrongs and their Underground Railroad stop while reading a 140-year-old newspaper. I was doing research for a study of 18th-century African Americans and their contributions to Ridgefield, especially their service in the Revolutionary War, he said. While digitally digging through old newspapers, he said he came across a New Haven Register story from 1879 that mentioned a skeleton being found in a cave in Ridgefield, and reporting that the cave was once used by a black couple, Uncle Ned and Aunt Betsey, to hide fleeing slaves as part of the Underground Railroad. I was astounded, Sanders said. I had never heard of this, though I had heard of Ned through my research into place names; he was the source of the name, Neds Mountain. But Underground Railroad? Wow. No history of Ridgefield or Connecticut had even hinted of that. More research uncovered a New York Tribune article, also in 1879, that gave more details, including Ned and Betseys surname. From there it was more digging through newspapers, land records, probate court documents, church records, census data and cemeteries. Well hidden cave The Armstrongs station was in Ridgebury section of Ridgefield, near the top of a namesake hill still called Neds Mountain. The stop included a well-hidden cave where runaways could elude pursuing slave-catchers, Sanders wrote. The 1879 article from the New York Tribune was contributed by a writer identified only as S someone who lived in Brooklyn, N.Y., but clearly knew Ridgebury and its people, Sanders wrote. Uncle Ned, wrote S, was a man who devoted a life to an idea, the freedom of his colored brothers of the South, and so well did he plan and execute, that to this day, Captain John Rockwell, Smith Keeler, George Bouton, and other near neighbors only knew Uncle Ned and Aunt Betsey as good, kind colored people, handy to have around to assist with the house or farm work. According to the article, behind the Armstrongs house was a cave that furnished a hiding place and shelter for the weary liberty-seekers, and there Uncle Ned and Aunt Betsey supplied food and clothing until, rested and refreshed, under darkness of night, they would flee from this land of freedom to Canada. The 1879 Tribune article may have been prompted by the skeleton being found in the cave, as reported in the New Haven Register article Sanders came across: The discovery of a skeleton in a cave at Ridgefield is causing some speculation, the Register reported June 17, 1879. Many years ago, Uncle Ned and Aunt Betsey, a colored couple, and most diligent agents of the underground railway, lived nearby, and many a fugitive slave, traveling from the South to Canada, found a refuge with them. These guests were always hidden in the cave, an inclosure about twenty square feet, with a very small opening, and some people think the skeleton may have belonged to one of them. Sanders, however, is skeptical of the Registers speculation. The skeletons belonging to a runaway slave seems unlikely since the Armstrongs were, by this and the Tribune accounts, devoted to helping slaves and would hardly have left a dead or dying person in their cave, he wrote. Little noticed Other than the 1879 Tribune and Register articles, the African-American couples activities harboring fugitive slaves seem to have left little other surviving notice, according to Sanders. None of Ridgefields many histories even hints that the town may have had an Underground Railroad stop, much less one operated by an African-American couple living in a remote part of Ridgebury. Nor have statewide studies of the Underground Railroad mentioned any Ridgefield activity, he said.Thats not unusual since so many of the stations were kept secret from slave-chasers, authorities and sometimes-unsympathetic neighbors. White men and women who operated stations were at risk of arrest or at least public censure, but a black couple providing shelter faced serious threats from not only law enforcers but also racists. Six children Sanders research, some of it old census records, found both Edward and Betsey Armstrong were born in Ridgefield in the later 1700s its not clear whether either was born enslaved or free. They married and had a family that included three boys and three girls. The Armstrongs were likely living on Neds Mountain by the 1830s. The exact location of their home is not certain, but tradition and one land record suggest it was off the east side of Neds Lane, a short, dead-end road running off the southern end of todays Neds Mountain Road, Sanders wrote. Nearby was the cave where, according to at least two accounts, the slaves escaping from the South could be temporarily hidden and housed on their journey north. By 1850, Sanders said, there appeared to have been at least three houses in the Neds Lane compound, occupied by 13 African Americans, most of them Armstrong grandchildren. Related research Sanders related research discusses the history of Blacks in Ridgefields history. African Americans have been part of Ridgefields history since at least the 1730s, yet little has been written and even less documented about their lives and their contributions to the community and the nation during the towns first century, Sanders wrote in Farmers, Soldiers and Slaves, African-Americans in 18th Century Ridgefield, Connecticut. Ridgefield records in the 1700s rarely mention non-European residents, be they free blacks, slaves or native American Indians. ... Even African Americans who were free landowners here werent considered full citizens, prevented by Connecticut tradition and laws from voting or holding office. Among Sanders findings is that seven Blacks who lived in Ridgefield fought in the American Revolution. Sanders has published Racism in 20th Century Ridgefield, which reviews three episodes the beating of an African American by a drunken white man in 1922, the burning of a cross on a multiracial couples law in 1978, and the difficulties Black entertainer Godfrey Cambridge encountered upon moving to Ridgefield in 1974. The piece documents the long record of work for equality left by the Rev. William Webb, an African-American who moved to Ridgefield in 1934, was one of the founders of the Ridgefield Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1951. He was ordained a minister in 1969, leading African Methodist Episcopal congregations in Danbury, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Norwalk and Branford while living in Ridgefield on Knollwood Road. In Ridgefield, he was also active in leading efforts to bring affordable housing to town; he often spoke at meetings to promote the need for lower-cost apartments, Sanders wrote of Webb. He served in the Ridgefield Clergy Association and on the board of directors of Danbury Hospital. A World War II veteran, he belonged to the American Legion and VFW posts. Webb died in 1991. Significant contributions A historian who is white and grew up in Danbury in the 1950s and 1960s, Sanders presents his research on Black history in Ridgefield as a part of the past too often overlooked. The Armstrongs and their compound on Neds Mountain are just part of a larger, important and fascinating story of African Americans in early Ridgefield and their many contributions to the community, Sanders said. Virtually nothing has ever been written about their lives and their contributions, so people are left with the impression that Ridgefield was settled by white people and that only white people served their country in the Revolution and even in the Civil War. And yet, African Americans contributed significantly to the first two centuries of the town. Its all part of Connecticuts history and the history of Black enslavement and emancipation in America. Although Connecticut began taking steps in the 1780s to do away with slavery, it was in fact the last New England state to abolish the practice; that was in 1848, Sanders said. Massachusetts had banned slavery a half-century earlier. Learning that there were slaves in Ridgefield often surprises people, Sanders said. Slaves were here very soon after the towns founding in 1708. Free blacks began buying land here in the 1730s, he said. So far Ive found 33 enslaved and 26 free African Americans in Ridgefield in the 18th century. Those 33 included more than a dozen children born here, and being born of a slave woman meant you were a slave from your very first breath. Jack Sanders is a former longtime reporter and editor for The Ridgefield Press I. Introduction 1. Purpose of this Policy. We understand that privacy is very important to our visitors. 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This privacy policy only addresses the use and disclosure of information we collect from you. Other websites that may be accessible through our website have their own privacy policies and data collection, use and disclosure practices. If you link to any such website, we urge you to review the website's privacy policy. We are not responsible for the policies or practices of third parties. Finally, you are solely responsible for maintaining the secrecy of your passwords and/or any account information. Please be careful and responsible whenever you are online. II. What Information Does The Buffalo News Collect? 1. When you register on a Buffalo News website, we collect the following information from you: Email address Name, address and telephone number 2. In addition to information obtained through registration, The Buffalo News may also obtain information from you when you purchase advertising, start a newspaper subscription, or sign up for contests, notices, email alerts or promotional offers. This information may include, but is not limited to, your name, address, telephone number, and email address. 3. We may also use industry standard technologies like pixel tags and web beacons to track use of our website pages and promotions, or we may allow our third party service providers to use these devices on our behalf. Pixel tags and web beacons are tiny graphic images placed on certain pages on our website, or in our emails, that allow us to determine whether a specific action has been performed. When these web pages are accessed or an email is opened or clicked on, pixel tags and web beacons generate a non-personally identifiable notice of that action. Pixel tags allow us to measure and improve our understanding of visitor traffic and behavior on our website, as well as give us a way to measure our promotions and performance. We may also utilize pixel tags and web beacons provided by our affiliates and/or marketing partners for the same purposes. 4. Furthermore, The News website uses other industry standard technologies that collect information from visitors like the uniform resource locator ("URL") of the website visited before coming to our website, the URL of the website visited after leaving our website, the type of browser being used and the Internet Protocol ("IP") address of the visitors computer. Computer IP addresses identify computers and the networks or Internet service providers to which they are connected. The Buffalo News tracks computer IP addresses to help with system administration and to compile information about traffic patterns on the site. We, and/or our authorized third party service providers and advertisers, may automatically collect this information when you visit our website through the use of electronic tools like cookies (see Section III, later in this Policy), web beacons and pixel tags, as described in the preceding paragraph of this Policy. We use this information to troubleshoot, administer the website, analyze trends, gather demographic information, comply with applicable law, and cooperate with law enforcement activities. We may also share this information with our authorized third party service providers and our marketing partners in order to measure the overall effectiveness of our online advertising, content, and programming, and to identify and target potential customers. 5. We monitor Buffalo News websites to gather statistical information, including the number of visits to the site, the pages visited, which domains visitors come from and the browsers used to visit the site. We may use marketing partners or other third parties to gather, collect and report on this information. This statistical information enables us to evaluate the effectiveness of the services we provide, to monitor site performance and to make it easier for visitors to use the site. 6. From time to time, The Buffalo News will conduct surveys on its websites for research purposes. When you participate in a survey, the information you provide about yourself and your responses are collected by The Buffalo News. We will always inform you how we will use this information. 7. If you contact The Buffalo News, we may keep a record of your correspondence. Children should always get their parents' permission before providing any Personal Information about themselves over the internet. The Buffalo News will not collect any Personal Information from any person who indicates they are 13 years of age or younger. The News will not transfer or sell to third parties any Personal Information of a person who indicates they are 16 years of age or younger unless that persons parent or guardian has authorized the transfer or sale. III. Cookies and How The Buffalo News Uses Them A cookie is a small amount of data that is transferred from a web server through your browser and stored on the hard drive of your computer. The cookie contains your user name and password so that when you log on, the web server recognizes you. Using a mobile communication device to photograph a QR code may also result in some information being transferred from the mobile communication device to the source of the QR code. Some advertisers on Buffalo News websites may use their own cookies. When you click on an advertisement, visit an advertiser's website, or make a purchase from an advertiser, that company may use cookies according to their own policies. Advertisers' cookies are not covered under this Policy. In addition, we may use third party advertising companies to display advertisements on our website. As part of their service, they may place separate cookies on your computer. We have no access to or control over these cookies. You do not have to permit the use of cookies. You can, through the options in your web browser, choose to accept all cookies, choose to reject all cookies or choose to receive notification when a cookie is being delivered so that you can make a decision whether to accept each cookie on a case-by-case basis. If you refuse all cookies, The Buffalo News websites will no longer remember you when you return, which means that you will have to log in each time you visit the site. Please note that if you decline or delete these cookies, some parts of the website may not work properly. IV. How Does The Buffalo News Use the Information It Gathers? Information collected on Buffalo News websites, including traffic patterns and user behavior, is used primarily for the following purposes: Internal research. The Buffalo News is continuously assessing how visitors use our websites. This data assists us in making decisions about how to improve the sites and to better serve our users. We may share research with our advertisers or marketing and business partners. As previously mentioned, The Buffalo News may use your information to contact you to ask for your participation in a focus group, survey, or some other type of research effort. To customize your experience on Buffalo News websites. As The Buffalo News improves its service, it may offer users more opportunities to customize content and other aspects of the site. Information provided by you may be used to assist in the customization process, if you elect to participate in these features. Page views are not guaranteed to any individual. An IP address is used as a base for metering. To tailor advertising efforts. Advertisers prefer to target their communication toward audiences who are most likely to be interested in their products. The information gathered on Buffalo News websites helps us advise advertisers and marketing partners about certain aspects of site visitors (e.g. how visitors use the site, general demographic attributes of visitors, usage patterns on various parts of our site, etc.). This information helps both The Buffalo News and its advertisers and marketing partners make better decisions about where to place advertising. Visitors who choose to conduct financial transactions with advertisers on Buffalo News websites may also provide specific data to those advertisers during the process of their transactions. Additionally, any information provided during the purchase of Buffalonews.com or The Buffalo News products or services will result in the collection of certain information required to complete the transaction. To use third party service providers. We provide some services and products through third parties. These third party service providers may perform functions on our behalf, like sending out and distributing promotional emails. We may share your Personal Information with such service providers as necessary to allow those service providers to fulfill orders, send mail or email, administer contests or sweepstakes, remove repetitive information on customer lists, analyze data, provide marketing assistance, provide search results and links, process credit card payments, operate the website, troubleshoot, or provide customer service. and may share your information with service providers to accomplish our administrative tasks. For example, when you order a service, the third party payment processor we use releases your credit card information to the card-issuing bank to confirm payment for the service. The use of your Personal Information by these third parties is governed by the privacy policies of these third parties and is not subject to our control. More specifically, here is how The Buffalo News may use information you provide: Email addresses. If you supply The Buffalo News with your email address, either by registering on one of the sites, by communicating with us via email, or signing up for promotional offers or emails, we may, from time to time, send you information that we believe would be of interest to you via email. This information may be from The Buffalo News, or sent by us on behalf of one of our quality advertisers. Note: If we send you email on behalf of another company, your Personal Information is not disclosed to that company unless you purchase a product or service from that company in which case it may need your information to fulfill your purchase. Rather, the company provides us with the information it wants to send, and we prepare and send the email directly to you. We may use a third party service provider to manage or send emails on our behalf, but that third party is only authorized to use your information as necessary to send our email to you and it is not authorized to sell or transfer your information. If The Buffalo News sends you an email, the email will allow you to opt of any further emails from The Buffalo News. If you supply The Buffalo News with your email address, either by registering on one of the sites, by communicating with us via email, or signing up for promotional offers or emails, we may, from time to time, send you information that we believe would be of interest to you via email. This information may be from The Buffalo News, or sent by us on behalf of one of our quality advertisers. Note: If we send you email on behalf of another company, your Personal Information is not disclosed to that company unless you purchase a product or service from that company in which case it may need your information to fulfill your purchase. Rather, the company provides us with the information it wants to send, and we prepare and send the email directly to you. We may use a third party service provider to manage or send emails on our behalf, but that third party is only authorized to use your information as necessary to send our email to you and it is not authorized to sell or transfer your information. If The Buffalo News sends you an email, the email will allow you to opt of any further emails from The Buffalo News. Postal addresses. If you supply The Buffalo News with your postal address, we may send you periodic mailings with information on new products, coming events, surveys or other research materials, or other information we think might be of interest to you. If you supply The Buffalo News with your postal address, we may send you periodic mailings with information on new products, coming events, surveys or other research materials, or other information we think might be of interest to you. Telephone numbers. If you provide your telephone number or cell phone number, The Buffalo News may call or text you regarding orders you have placed, to tell you about new products, services, or coming events, or to offer other information that may interest you. Additionally, The Buffalo News, or one of its agents may call you for research purposes. If you provide your telephone number or cell phone number, The Buffalo News may call or text you regarding orders you have placed, to tell you about new products, services, or coming events, or to offer other information that may interest you. Additionally, The Buffalo News, or one of its agents may call you for research purposes. Sale transaction information. From time to time, we provide offers from our advertisers who, as part of their offer, request information on customers who purchased their offer in order to allow the advertiser to fulfill the purchase. In those cases, we share some of your Personal Information with that advertiser. Sharing this Information may allow that advertiser to market directly to you should it choose to do so. However, we will only share Personal Information with an advertiser if you provide us that information and enter into a transaction with that advertiser on or through our websites. We are not responsible or liable for the actions of such advertiser. From time to time, we provide offers from our advertisers who, as part of their offer, request information on customers who purchased their offer in order to allow the advertiser to fulfill the purchase. In those cases, we share some of your Personal Information with that advertiser. Sharing this Information may allow that advertiser to market directly to you should it choose to do so. However, we will only share Personal Information with an advertiser if you provide us that information and enter into a transaction with that advertiser on or through our websites. We are not responsible or liable for the actions of such advertiser. Business transfer. We may also share your information in the event that our business is sold or transferred. If this occurs, the successor company would acquire the information we maintain, including Personal Information. We may also share your information in the event that our business is sold or transferred. If this occurs, the successor company would acquire the information we maintain, including Personal Information. Web usage information. As discussed earlier in this Policy the News tracks usage of our website pages and other websites by visitors, and collects other information, like the type of browser and the visitors IP address. The News shares this information with its business and marketing partners in order to tailor its advertising efforts and identify and target potential customers. V. Disclosure of Personal Information The Buffalo News may divulge a visitor's Personal Information to a third party in certain circumstances. For example: If we believe in good faith that the law requires such disclosure or we are compelled to do so by a court of competent authority. If we need to disclose the information in order to enforce the provisions of Buffalo News Terms of Service, or to stop or prevent damage or interference with The Buffalo News' legal rights or, to stop or prevent harm to Buffalo News users or others. In the event The Buffalo News contracts with an outside research firm, we may provide them with your contact information. The research firm will only be authorized to use the information to contact you to request your participation in surveys, focus groups or other research activities that will help us improve Buffalo News products and services. Your participation in any such research project is strictly voluntary. The research firm will be bound by its contract with The Buffalo News to use your information strictly for Buffalo News research purposes, to keep your information confidential, and to adequately secure or delete your information when the research is complete. As discussed elsewhere in this Policy, The News may disclose Personal Information to our advertisers and business and marketing partners in order to improve our online advertising, content, and programming, and to identify and target potential customers. Credit card information provided directly to The Buffalo News is required to be secured in accordance with federal, state and local laws, and payment card industry data security standards. Often times, a third party vendor handles financial information on our behalf and the financial information is not accessible by The Buffalo News. In such case, the third party vendor is required to secure the information in accordance with federal, state and local laws, and payment card industry data security standards. VI. Your Rights Regarding Your Personal Information You have certain rights with respect to your Personal Information under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as described in this Section. 1. Right to Request Disclosure of Information Collected or Transferred. a) You have the right to request that The Buffalo News disclose to you the following: The categories of Personal Information it has collected about you, and the sources of the collected information, The categories of Personal Information with whom The News shares Personal Information, or to whom The News has sold or transferred Personal Information for a commercial or business purpose, The business or commercial purpose for collecting or selling your Personal Information, The categories of third parties to whom The News has sold or transferred Personal Information for a commercial or business purpose, and If feasible, the specific pieces of Personal Information that The Buffalo News has collected about you. b) The categories of Personal Information that the News collects are listed in Section I.4(b) of this Policy. c) You can request this disclosure by sending an email to digital@buffnews.com or by calling (toll free) 1 (800) 777-8640. In most cases, The Buffalo News will respond within 45 days of your request. The disclosure will cover information collected during the 12 months preceding the date of the request. You may not request such a disclosure more than twice in any 12 month period. d) The Personal Information we will disclose will not include information collected for a single, one-time transaction if, in the ordinary course of business, we do not retain that information. 2. Right to Opt Out of Certain Transfers of Personal Information. As discussed in this Policy, The Buffalo News discloses Personal Information to its marketing partners and other third parties in order measure the effectiveness of its online advertising, content, and programming, and to target potential customers. You have the right to opt out of the sale or transfer of your Personal Information. To do so, click on the Do Not Sell My Personal Information link on the Buffalo News website. 3. No Discrimination. The News will never discriminate against an individual because the individual exercised any rights under the CCPA, by denying goods or services, charging different prices for goods or services (including through the use of discounts) , or providing a different level or quality of goods or services to the individual. 4. Do Not Track (DNT). Your browser setting may allow you to automatically transmit a "Do Not Track" (DNT) signal to websites and online services that you visit. There is no consensus among industry participants as to what DNT means in this context, and some browsers automatically apply DNT signals by default and therefore do not necessarily reflect our visitors choice as to whether they wish to receive advertisements tailored to their interests. As a result, like many websites and online services, we do not alter our practices when the Service receives a DNT signal from a visitor's browser. To find out more about DNT, please visit http://allaboutdnt.com. VII. What if I don't want The Buffalo News to contact me? You may opt out of any or all contacts from The Buffalo News at any time. All emails sent to you from The Buffalo News will allow you to opt out of any further email from us. You may email us at subscriberservices@buffnews.com to opt out of our email programs. You may also write or call us at the following address and phone number to notify us regarding use of your information: One News Plaza, P.O. Box 100, Buffalo, NY 14240; (716) 849-4444. VIII. Security Technologies The Buffalo News uses industry-standard encryption technologies when transferring and receiving consumer data exchanged with our site. When we transfer or receive certain types of sensitive data, such as financial information, we will redirect you to a secure server. We have implemented appropriate security measures in our physical facilities to protect against the loss, misuse or alteration of information that we have collected from you. Unfortunately, no data transmission over the Internet or any wireless network can be guaranteed to be secure all of the time. We employ commercially reasonable security measures to protect data and seek to do business with companies which do the same, but we cannot guarantee the security of any information transmitted to or from our website, and are not responsible for the actions of any third parties that may receive any such information. IX. Making corrections to your information Upon request, you may review all information that we maintain in your record, including unique identifier, Personal Information (name, address, phone number, email), or any other information we may keep in your record. You may also request that inaccuracies be corrected in any information that we maintain in your record. Submit your request by contacting The Buffalo News via email, postal mail, or telephone, as described in the next Section. X. Contacting The Buffalo News If you have any questions about our privacy policy or the privacy practices of this site, please contact us at digital@buffnews.com. You may also telephone us at (716) 842-1111, toll free at 1 (800) 777-8640 , or write to us at: Buffalonews.com One News Plaza, P.O. Box 100 Buffalo NY 14240 Attention: Compliance Officer The Treasury Department gave COVID-19 stimulus dollars to nearly 1.1 million dead Americans, to the tune of $1.4 billion, an internal non-partisan government report found. The Government Accountability Office, which is Congressionally mandated to keep an eye on where the money from the CARES Act went, found that haste, a clumsy reading of the law and government entities not talking to one another led to the payments to dead people being made. On March 27, Congress passed the CARES act to boost the economy as the coronavirus pandemic cratered it. The Treasury Department gave COVID-19 stimulus dollars to nearly 1.1 million dead Americans, to the tune of $1.4 billion, a new report from the Government Accountability Office found Haste, a clumsy reading of the CARES Act and government entities not talking to one another allowed the money to dead people to flow out from the Treasury Department's Bureau of Fiscal Service The law gave Americans who made under $75,000 adjusted gross income a $1,200 check, with smaller amounts doled out for those who made between $75,000 and $99,000 per person or $198,000 for couples. The CARES Act mandated that these 'Economic Impact Payments' were to be delivered as 'rapidly as possible.' Thus the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury moved quickly to disburse 160.4 million payments, which totaled $269.3 billion, the report found. The Treasury Department and the IRS did not match up death records to stop payments when the first three batches went out. The GAO found out that this happened because 'of the legal interpretation under which IRS was operating.' The IRS counsel determined that because the CARES Act directed payments to taxpayers filing a 2018 or 2019 return they did not have the legal authority to deny any payments 'even if they were deceased,' the report read. Treasury officials also used the 2008 stimulus rollout as a model, which also failed to utilize death records to filter payments. The GAO report pointed out, however, that in 2013 the GAO pointed out this problem and made recommendations to the IRS to fix it. 'Bypassing this control for the economic impact payments, which has been in place for the past 7 years, substantially increased the risk of potentially making improper payments to decedents,' the report read. Another problem, which the GAO advised Congress to act upon, is that while the IRS has access to the Social Security Administration's full set of death records, Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service does not. And it was Treasury's Bureau of Fiscal Service that distributed the stimulus payments. As of May 31, those three batches account for 72 per cent of all Economic Impact Payments made. A fourth batch that went out accounted for deaths. It was the Treasury department's Inspector General for Tax Administration who found that payments were made to nearly 1.1 million dead Americans as of April 30. The report also said that the IRS 'does not currently plan to take additional steps to notify ineligible recipients on how to return payments.' However on May 6, the IRS announced on its website that the payments should be returned. One of the top three recommendations for executive action to come out of the whole report was for the IRS head to consider 'cost-effective options' to notify family members their late relative received an ineligible payment. Ford Motor Company F recently vowed to become carbon free by 2050, a target that will put the automaker into line with the expectations set by the landmark Paris climate agreement. To fulfill its commitment, the company will work with California to shrink its greenhouse gas output and find ways to eliminate pollution. The company will focus on three key sources that make up to 95% of its carbon dioxide emissions, including emissions from the vehicles it sells, emissions from its factories, and suppliers. In 2019, the firm extended its climate strategy approach to find more efficient ways to combine people's desires and needs with the industry, together with technological possibilities, by incorporating human-centered design-thinking. A cross-functional Ford team from around the world, including the United States, Europe and China, created a carbon-neutral approach, after reviewing information on the environment, consumers, infrastructure, regulations, energy, strategic strategies, life-cycle analyses and other factors. Ford has also made considerable strides toward this target, with total carbon emissions from its plants dropping by more than 14% in 2019, which is roughly equal to having 138,000 motor cars off the road for a year. However, their cars and trucks' combined fuel economy flatlined the same year, suggesting that making changes to their biggest source of carbon emissions is a major challenge. Ford is accountable for increasing the planet's CO2 emissions from people driving their vehicles. The cars it produces generate 135 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, which emits almost as much as 35 coal-fired power plants in a year. Meanwhile, Ford is committed to spending more than $11.5 billion in investment into its electric vehicles (EV) through 2022, by introducing zero-emission versions of some of the companys popular vehicles, including the Mustang Mach-E, which will arrive in dealerships this year, as well as the Transit Commercial EV and full-electric F-150 coming in 24 months. Story continues Ford has also set a target of completely powering all its manufacturing plants by 2035 with locally-sourced renewable energy, which indicates that energy would be derived only from sources like hydropower, geothermal, wind or solar. Zacks Rank and Stocks to Consider Ford currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Shares of the company have declined 36%, year to date, compared with the industrys rise of 38.7%. Some better-ranked stocks are Niu Technologies NIU, Tesla TSLA and AngloGold Ashanti Limited AU, each carrying a Zack Rank of 2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here. Shares of Niu have surged 73.5% year to date, as against the industrys decline of 11.9%. Shares of Tesla have gained 129.7%, year to date, compared with industrys rise of 38.7%. Shares of AngloGold have rallied 27%, year to date, compared with the industrys rise of 24.2%. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was hand-picked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in 2020. Each comes from a different sector and has unique qualities and catalysts that could fuel exceptional growth. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Ford Motor Company (F) : Free Stock Analysis Report Tesla, Inc. (TSLA) : Free Stock Analysis Report AngloGold Ashanti Limited (AU) : Free Stock Analysis Report NIU TECHADR (NIU) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research MINNEAPOLIS, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Caravel Autism Health is hosting grand opening events at three new autism therapy centers in the Twin Cities metropolitan area this week. These centers are specifically designed to serve children with autism and their families. They are staffed by specialists who provide diagnostic evaluations, evidence-based treatment, and family guidance and counseling. The centers are located in Plymouth, Lakeville, and Shakopee. One in 54 children in the U.S. has autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Minnesota, one in 44 children has autism. As Caravel Autism Health CEO Mike Miller explained, "We have seen overwhelming demand from Minnesota families who want access to autism health specialists who can provide both diagnosis and treatment. Our new centers will help close this provider shortage gap by reducing wait times and giving families access to the therapy their children need." "Autism can be reliably diagnosed in children under two years of age," explained Jackie Vick, Vice President of Minnesota Clinical Operations for Caravel Autism Health. "Having access to specialists is critical because the earlier we can begin intensive therapy, the better positioned children are to make the greatest gains possible." Vick's team specializes in creating and leading Applied Behavior Analysis ("ABA") treatment plans that help children with autism develop skills, create connections, and gain confidence. Parents in the Twin Cities region can call 507-322-7752 to schedule appointments with Caravel's autism health specialists. The three new centers are located at: Lakeville : 10450 185th Street W, Suite 100 : 10450 185th Street W, Suite 100 Plymouth : 3007 Harbor Lane North : 3007 Harbor Lane North Shakopee : 4201 Dean Lakes Boulevard Caravel Autism Health has already opened the doors to autism therapy centers in White Bear Lake, Woodbury, Mankato, and Rochester. For a complete list of Caravel Autism Health's seven Minnesota locations, visit https://caravelautism.com/locations/. About Caravel Autism Health Since 2009, Caravel Autism Health has been devoted to helping families navigate the challenges of childhood autism. Caravel's team of autism health experts specializes in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of children on the autism spectrum. Caravel's research-based programs help children with autism reshape their development and embrace new ways of interacting with the world. SOURCE Caravel Autism Health Related Links caravelautism.com A row over an upcoming Malayalam film on the 100-year-old Malabar rebellion is taking a political twist with the BJP alleging that the movie that glorifies an 'anti-Hindu' leader as CPM's plot. Many Hindu outfits have strongly come up against the movie 'Vaariyamkunnan' based on the life of Malabar rebellion leader Variyamkunnath Kunjahammed Haji who was killed by the British in 1921. Filmmaker Ashik Abu, who is a left fellow traveler, is making the film with Prithviraj Sukumaran doing the lead role. Prithviraj made the announcement about the film on social media the other day. The BJP and Hindu Aikya Vedi maintained that Kunjahammed Haji was an anti-Hindu leader as it was Hindus who were killed in the Malabar rebellion, which also resulted in communal riots. They also claimed that Communist leaders like E M S Namboothiripad had even said so. But the left camps maintained that Haji was a legendary leader. Even Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that Haji was a leader who strongly fought against the British and he was well respected for that reason. Veteran historian M G S Narayanan said that the Malabar rebellion was not anti-Hindu, but was against the British and the landlords. Since the majority of the landlords were Hindus, the majority of the victims also turned out to be Hindus, he said during a discussion over the issue. BJP state vice-president A P Abdullahkutty alleged that the film was a political ploy of Pinarayi Vijayan to appease the Muslim community. The government's stand against NRIs over COVID has caused strong resentment against the left front mainly from Muslim community members who forms a major chunk of the NRIs. Hence the film glorifying an anti-Hindu Muslim leader was being brought out by a left fellow traveler, he said. Meanwhile, the BJP and Hindu outfits have been making all-out efforts for a Hindu polarisation in Kerala right from Sabarimala women entry issue and the fresh row was also widely considered as another such bid. In the backdrop of the row, filmmaker Ali Akbar, who is a BJP supporter, announced that he would also bring out a movie on the topic, while another left supporter and filmmaker P T Kunju Muhammed also announced a similar project. Noted Malayalam playwright Ibrahim Vengara is also bringing out a film on the topic to mark the centenary. China Names 50 New Undersea Features in East China Sea By Drake Long 2020-06-24 -- China has released a list of Chinese names for 50 new underwater features in the East China Sea, heightening tensions at the same time as an exercise between the United States and Japan in the South China Sea. China and Japan have a long-running territorial dispute over the Senkaku Islands, which China calls the Diaoyu Dao. The uninhabited islets sit in the deep south of the East China Sea, and are a recurring flashpoint between the two countries. China's Ministry of Natural Resources published a list identifying and locating 50 undersea features near the Senkakus late Tuesday, similar to its announcement in late April of 55 new undersea features in the South China Sea most of which were in the exclusive economic zone of another neighbor, Vietnam, and appear to match the location of previous Chinese survey ship activity in the area. Tensions between China and Japan have ratcheted up in recent weeks. A Chinese submarine was spotted near Amami Oshima Island, inside the 24 nautical mile boundary known as the contiguous zone, by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) on June 18, according to a press release from Japan's Ministry of Defense. On the surface, the Japanese Coast Guard released data Monday showing China has maintained a constant presence around the Senkakus since mid-April, and the number of Chinese government vessels and coastguard ships entering Japanese waters throughout 2020 have reached a record high. Altogether, Chinese government vessels have crossed into the Senkakus' contiguous zone 495 times since Jan. 1, according to Janes, an information company specializing in defense and national security. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet conducted a bilateral exercise Tuesday with close ally Japan in the South China Sea. "The opportunity to operate with our friends and allies at sea is incredibly important for our combined readiness and partnership," said Rear Adm. Fred Kacher, in a statement released by the 7th Fleet. "Executing complex maritime skills with our Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force allies allows both of our teams to build on our interoperability and readiness as we maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific." The exercise involved the USS Gabrielle Giffords, a littoral combat ship that has sailed repeatedly in the South China Sea in recent weeks, and two JMSDF training vessels. The drill focused on bilateral communications and precision maneuvering, according to the statement, which said the goal was to build interoperability between the U.S. Navy and the upcoming cohort of Japanese naval officers. It's unclear whether the U.S.-Japan exercise prompted China to announce the naming of the 50 new undersea features. China listed 80 new features including the 55 undersea ones -- in the South China Sea in April in an apparent effort to strengthen its claim over the area and show off its knowledge of the undersea topography in the disputed waters. While China has claimed "historic rights" to the waters and seabed of the South China Sea, a position never upheld by international law, it has not made the same claim to the East China Sea. Regardless, an International Court of Justice case from 2001 ruled that the name of an undersea feature has no basis when determining sovereignty or territorial claims to the seabed. 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 Jodhpur: After his cross-border wedding ran into the headwinds of rising tensions between India and Pakistan, a youth in Jodhpur has approached External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who, on Friday, assured him of help. Jodhpur resident Naresh Tewani and Karachi-based Priya Bachchani, who are planning to tie the knot exactly a month from now, were facing anxious moments as the Indian embassy in Pakistan had not granted visas to the brides family and relatives. According to the groom, despite having applied for visas in the prescribed time and format, no one from the brides side has been issued the documents so far. Seeing no headway in the process, Tewani had reached out to External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Twitter for help. Swaraj today responded to his plea saying that the visas would be issued to them. Pl do not worry. We will issue the Visa (sic), she said on Twitter. Tewani said, The applications for visas for the family of the bride were filed well in time about 3 months back. We assumed that the documents would be issued in time. The grooms family had said wedding preparations had come to a standstill as all their efforts were being directed towards ensuring that the brides family gets the documents. The minister has been quite responsive to tweets by people in trouble and they have received aid from her. Seeing her willingness to resolve the troubles of those in need, we knocked on her twitter account, Tewani said. It was my long-cherished dream to have a Pakistani bride for my son since my visit to Pakistan in 2001, considering the resemblance in culture and traditions between the two countries. But given the circumstances, I was afraid that the realisation of this dream might take longer, the grooms father Kanhaiya Lal said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. He always wanted kids and I want her to know that, she said. I want her to know how much she is loved and how much he would have loved her because he was a loving and caring person. What 'Planet of the Humans' gets wrong about renewable energy Posted on 25 June 2020 by dana1981 This is a re-post from Yale Climate Connections Like an earthquake rumbling down the San Andreas Fault, Jeff Gibbs and Michael Moores controversial film Planet of the Humans tore a rift through the environmental movement, a rift its leaders would not yearn for in an election year. After activists have spent decades painstakingly building popular support for climate policies focused on developing and deploying low-carbon technologies, the film and its defenders dismiss these as false solutions, saying the focus should instead be on curbing population, consumption, and economic growth. Both those factions agree that, as the IPCC has concluded, human civilization must cut its carbon emissions to zero within a few decades to avert a climate crisis. Is there a scientific way to determine which group is right about the best way to achieve that goal? As a matter of fact, there is. In 1990, Japanese energy economist Yoichi Kaya developed a simple and elegant formula called the Kaya Identity that can help answer the question: F is human carbon emissions, P is human population, G is economic activity as measured by gross domestic product (GDP), and E is energy consumption. Only one plausible solution: zero emissions For carbon emissions (F) to reach zero, just one of the four terms on the right side of the formula must be zero. So either human population (P), per-person economic activity (G/P), the energy consumed to power the economy (E/G), or the carbon footprint of energy (F/E) must be zero. Common sense gives us the answer to the debate: clean energy is the only plausible route to zero emissions. And were in luck. Clean energy would not destroy humanity or human civilization, which would be the result of zeroing the population, economy, or energy use. Contrary to the false claims in Planet of the Humans, carbon emissions from energy can plausibly reach zero. In fact, a new report from the University of California, Berkeley concludes that U.S. electricity could be supplied by near-zero emissions sources (like wind, solar, hydro, nuclear, and geothermal, plus storage) in short order. About 40% of American electricity is supplied by clean sources as of 2020, and the report concludes that this number could feasibly be scaled up to 55% by 2025, 75% by 2030, 90% by 2035, and 100% by 2045. If an energy-devouring economy like that of the United States can do it, one might argue, the rest of the world can too. The Berkeley report also concludes that replacing fossil fuels with clean energy sources would prevent 85,000 premature deaths caused by air pollution and create half a million permanent jobs (mostly associated with manufacturing and construction of clean energy infrastructure), while electricity rates would only be 12% higher than business-as-usual (and cheaper than todays rates). A good idea whose time has come? And this might be the ideal time to accelerate the transition to clean energy. Consider that coronavirus has triggered a recession, cost millions of jobs, and led to the worst health outcomes in areas with high air pollution. Those areas are disproportionately communities of color struggling to achieve racial, environmental, and climate justice. The report lists numerous policy mechanisms to help achieve this goal most importantly through clean energy standards that can be set by Congress, governors, state legislatures, public utility commissions, or through an equivalent rulemaking by a new administrations EPA. Under current business-as-usual policies, just 55% of U.S. electricity will come from clean energy sources in 2035, so accelerating the transition to zero emissions will require implementation of the types of policies outlined in the report. Electricity accounts for 25% of carbon emissions globally and 28% in the U.S., so achieving net-zero emissions would require additional policies addressing other sectors, for example, electrification of vehicles and building heating sources to power them with clean electricity. Emissions from agriculture, deforestation, and industry processes would also need to be reduced to zero in coming decades. Environmental groups, clean energy advocates, and some political leaders have developed plans and programs that can accomplish all these goals if the public and policymakers get on board. Why curbing growth isnt enough The Gibbs-Moore Planet of the Humans film includes interviews with numerous individuals expressing their concerns about human population growth. But the Kaya Identity illustrates why halting or even reversing that growth cannot be the answer to achieving zero emissions. The term P is not population growth; rather, it represents the total human population. Zero population would mean human extinction surely an outcome everyone wants to avoid. Even halving the population like supervillain Thanos in the Avengers films which is not plausible or even desirable would only halve carbon emissions. In fact, global population growth has steadily declined from 2% per year in the late-1960s to just over 1% per year today. And most of the growth is happening in developing countries where citizens have small carbon footprints. The climate solutions experts at Project Drawdown note that improving education in developing countries will slow population growth further yet. That will help slow carbon emissions growth, but it cannot achieve the goal of reaching zero emissions. The second term on the right side of the Kaya Identity, global per capita GDP, has grown at around 2% per year in recent decades, and periods in which it declines represent economic depressions. While curbing excessive consumption in wealthy countries in a shift toward greater sustainability can help slow climate change and other adverse environmental impacts, zero GDP would represent a total collapse of the global economy. Like zero population, it is not achievable if we hope to avoid catastrophe. Bottom line: Curbing population, economic, and consumption growth can only curb the growth in carbon emissions. Imagine that carbon emissions are the water level in a bathtub thats filling up. Curbing growth is akin to turning down the water faucet. Thats a start, but not nearly enough to get the water level down to zero; we need to turn off the faucet and unplug the drain. Clean technologies provide the solutions The third and fourth terms on the right side of the Kaya Identity represent the energy intensity of the economy (E/G) and the carbon footprint of energy (F/E). The third term has been and is expected to continue declining as energy efficiency improves and as inefficient fossil fuels are replaced by more efficient clean technologies. However, because running the economy will always require energy, this metric also cannot reach zero. Unlike efforts to curb population and consumption growth, policy solutions that focus on developing and deploying clean technologies can achieve the zero-emissions goal needed in the coming decades to avert a climate crisis. Curbing economic growth can help slow climate change, but only if it doesnt come at the expense of solutions that can achieve the zero-emissions goal and also benefit communities that have long suffered from racial, environmental, and climate injustices and whose voices are conspicuously absent from Planet of the Humans. As Mustafa Santiago Ali, vice president for environmental justice at the National Wildlife Federation, told the House Energy and Commerce Committee earlier this month: This article is part of Business Buzz, a series designed to feature small businesses that make a big impact on the community. Participants featured will include all the locally-owned businesses that make up the fabric of Big Rapids and the surrounding area. BIG RAPIDS Having worked at different health food stores since he was 16, Big Rapids native Clinton Zimmerman has always been passionate about people's well-being. Now the owner of Red Fox Market in downtown Big Rapids, Zimmerman said he has loved bringing healthy, local products to the people of his hometown. "When I moved back to Big Rapids I wanted to bring something to the community that I knew people were looking for and needed," he said. Zimmerman said he was thrilled to celebrate the business' fourth anniversary on Tuesday. "The best part for me is doing something I love to do every day," he said. "It sounds a little cliche, but it's true. This is my passion and that is what keeps me going back to work day after day." As a naturopathic doctor, Zimmerman said he is committed to bringing the best products to the community. He explained the small grocery store contains items food items such as meat, eggs, vegetables and milk, as well as supplements and other novelty items. "We focus a lot on Michigan-based products," he said. "We believe in building the local economy." For Zimmerman, one of the most important parts of owning a business in the town he grew up in is making sure he is doing his part in helping the community grow and prosper. "One of the most challenging parts is being a local cheerleader," he said, adding he tries to educate and encourage people to shop at family-owned businesses when possible. "Whenever someone spends their money locally, it goes back into the community," he said. Zimmerman added he usually participates in Big Rapids Downtown Business Association events and tries to stay involved in area activities. Although the outbreak of the coronavirus earlier this year and continued concerns about preventing the spread of the virus has caused the cancellation of many events, Zimmerman said he still tries to stay active through the Red Fox Market. "We always try to do community-oriented things and bring people together," he said. In addition to being active in Big Rapids, Zimmerman said he has many other plans for the business, including starting the Red Fox Deli at the store. He explained his original goal was to have the deli up and running by June or July, but the coronavirus put a temporary halt on the progress of this project. "We are now aiming for September or October if everything goes as planned," Zimmerman said. Despite setbacks this year, Zimmerman said he is looking forward to continuing his career in Big Rapids. "The people in Big Rapids are very kind and have been very open to us as a business," he said. By PTI MUMBAI: Actor Manoj Bajpayee says the film industry's nepotistic culture will change only when established people work towards making Bollywood a more inclusive place for new talents. Bajpayee believes the structural shift that everyone in the industry wants to see will begin once the powerful abolish the "insider-outsider" divide. The debate around outsiders finding it hard to move up in the industry is back in the discourse after the tragic death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput on June 14. Bajpayee, an outsider himself, said it was the responsibility of everyone in the industry to make the film industry a 'fraternity'. "The whole functioning of the industry, nepotism has been in the debate for a few years now. It'll change only if each and every individual who is positioned well, who is established and powerful start making efforts to make it healthy and democratic for all the talented people who are coming in." "This whole term 'insider-outsider' should vanish immediately. It isn't the right way to define the industry. We will have to work very hard to turn this industry into a fraternity where each and everyone is welcomed," Bajpayee told PTI. Like Rajput, Bajpayee made his way to Bollywood from Bihar, getting his break with Shekhar Kapur's "Bandit Queen" in 1994 and bursting onto the scene four years later with Ram Gopal Varma's cult, "Satya". The National Award-winner has seen tremendous acclaim in his career with films like "Shool" in 1999, Anurag Kashyap's 2012 gangster drama "Gangs of Wasseypur" and Hansal Mehta's poignant "Aligarh". He has also featured in mainstream affairs like Akshay Kumar starrer "Special 26", Milap Zaveri's "Satyameva Jayate" and "Baaghi 2". Yet, it's his unconventional choices that have made him stand out as an inspiration for outsiders who came after him. When asked if the industry still reminds him of his outsider roots despite him owning space for himself over all these years, Bajpayee said he never felt it. "Maybe because they know you can't mess with me! I don't know but I never felt it. I don't think in any way anyone tries to remind me that I'm an outsider. They must be thinking that but never let me know." The 51-year-old actor observed that the slotting and division of people as insider-outsider started about two decades ago. "Only in the last 15-20 years, some people started talking about it within their gangs, lobbies and started dividing the industry. I never felt that because I never looked for validation from anywhere else. I wanted to achieve what I wanted to achieve. I pushed my way through." What Bajpayee did face was undercurrents of projected insecurities of the established, who felt threatened by him. The actor said he battled the inner politics and "discrimination", which isn't necessarily filmed industry-specific. "When you come in the industry and start getting noticed, there are always people who think you're a threat to their position or you suddenly may come into the competition. This is the kind of politics and competitiveness which happen in every industry. I don't mind it." Bajpayee said he remained unfazed by how people perceived him. "You have to work your way through. I never shied away from having that kind of competition. Everyone feels discriminated, I don't mind it. As long as your resolve, your goal is clear, you can go on chasing that without caring about any kind of competition and ill feelings towards you." The actor is now gearing up for the release of his film "Bhonsle", set to stream Sony LIV from June 26. Directed by Devashish Makhija, the feature narrates the story of a police constable (Bajpayee), who tries to help migrants fight against local politicians. "Bhonsle", which premiered at Busan International Film Festival in 2018, traveled to several festivals and also bagged Bajpayee his second best actor trophy at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards after "Aligarh" in 2016. Bajpayee said it took more than four years for the film to be made, and the decision to travel to festivals was in the hope to generate buzz for the independent movie. "We decided to take it many film festivals to gain credibility because independent films don't have many mentors here, they don't find distributors and exhibitors easily. It was better for the film to keep traveling to festivals, be in the news so that someone somewhere gets interested." "In the end, it was quite a tumultuous task to sell the film to a corporate house which could mentor and distribute it. So we decided to release it ourselves in March-April but then the lockdown happened and Sony LIV came as a blessing to us." The "Family Man" star hopes the film finds its audience. "I hope and I'm sure the journey we started five years ago proves worthwhile in the end. We are very hopeful that 'Bhonsle' is going to leave a mark with the audience," he added. Paris, June 25 : The iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris reopened on Thursday to visitors after a three-month closure, the longest since World War Two, due to the COVID-19 pandemic But the Paris monument isn't returning to normal operations just yet, said a BBC news report. Visitor numbers will be limited, face coverings mandatory for anyone aged over 11, and everywhere above the second floor will be closed to the public. To soak in the sights of the iconic monument, visitors will also have to use the stairs since lifts are out of use until July 1. The tower completed in 1889, hosts around seven million visitors every year, approximately three-quarters of them from abroad, according to its website. Meanwhile, one of the French capital's other famous landmarks, the Louvre is slated to reopen on July 6. France lifted travel restrictions at European borders on June 15. As of Thursday, France has reported a total of 197,885 COVID-19 cases, with 29,734 deaths. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) Home to numerous beaches and other attraction sites, Palawan had lost hundreds of billions in pesos in tourism due to travel restrictions in light of the coronavirus pandemic, said Governor Jose Alvarez on Thursday. "Ang total revenue natin dito sa turismo na nawala kasama ang Puerto Princesa City ay kulang-kulang 150 billion. Yung ang nagpapaikot ng ekonomiya ng Palawan. Eh kung mawawala yun nang tuluyan at maga-apat na buwan na tayong naka-medyo heightened alert?," the official explained in the regular Laging Handa briefing. [Translation: The total revenues we lost in tourism, including Puerto Princesa City, is more or less 150 billion. It keeps Palawan's economy running. What would happen if we will be on heightened alert for nearly four months already and we actually lose it (tourism) completely?] Alvarez added that unlike Boracay, Palawan cannot open its doors to tourism yet as the province is very wide and its sites are spread out, making it hard to manage. Boracay had reopened on June 16 to tourists from Western Visayas, with minimum health standards in place. However, the official assured that the province is ready to bring back tourism activities, adding it is just waiting for the national government's go signal. RELATED: DOT: Domestic travels to 'trigger' PH tourism activities for the rest of 2020 "After June 30, we will have an announcement together with the national (government's) announcement na kung pwede na tayo magbubukas dahan-dahan para naman syempre eh matugunan natin lahat yung health protocols at yung si Mr. COVID ay ma-minimize natin yung epekto sa mga population natin, sa business at tsaka dun sa ating total ekonomiya kasi gusto din namin maka-contribute sa national economy, " said Alvarez. [Translation: After June 30, we will have an announcement along with the national government's announcement on whether we will be allowed to slowly open up so that we can address all health protocols and minimize Mr. COVID's effect on our population, businesses, and total economy because we want to contribute to the national economy, too.] Alvarez added that the province might only be accommodate local travellers for the meantime should tourism be allowed again. "In the next ten years, sana umabot uli kami ng 5 million tourists. From 2 million kami ngayon eh. Yung 5 million tourists, that is almost three times revenue nating 150 billion. That is the economy of Palawan," he added. [Translation: In the next ten years, hopefully we will be able to host 5 million tourists. Our latest figure is 2 million. 5 million tourists will bring in almost three times our 150 billion revenue.] RELATED: COVID-19 pandemic: More tourist destinations eyed to reopen, but some LGUs hesitant for now DOT Local and international travel bans aimed to curb the spread of the coronavirus forced local tourist spots to cease operations earlier this year. S ir Keir Starmer has sacked Rebecca Long-Bailey from the shadow cabinet after sharing an article containing an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. Party leader Sir Keir Starmer took action after Ms Long-Bailey tweeted a link to an interview with the actress Maxine Peake in which she claimed the police linked to the death in the US of George Floyd had learned their tactics from the Israeli secret services. Rebecca Long-Bailey had been the Shadow Education Secretary under Sir Keir. She ran against Sir Keir for Labour leader, and was seen as the continuity candidate following Jeremy Corbyn's leadership. The Labour party was dogged by claims of anti-semitism during Mr Corbyn's tenure. Ms Long-Bailey shared an interview with the actress Maxine Peake, where Ms Peake claimed: "Systemic racism is a global issue The tactics used by the police in America, kneeling on George Floyds neck, that was learnt from seminars with Israeli secret services." Ms Long-Bailey was close to Mr Corbyn / Getty Images Ms Long-Bailey shared the interview on Twitter with the caption: "Maxine Peake is an absolute diamond." A spokesman for Sir Keir Starmer said: This afternoon Keir Starmer asked Rebecca Long-Bailey to step down from the Shadow Cabinet. The article Rebecca shared earlier today contained an antisemitic conspiracy theory. As leader of the Labour Party, Keir has been clear that restoring trust with the Jewish community is a number one priority. Antisemitism takes many different forms and it is important that we all are vigilant against it. Rebecca Long-Bailey tweeted that she "in no way" intended to endorse every sentiment of the interview when she shared it. Today I retweeted an interview that my constituent and stalwart Labour Party supporter Maxine Peake gave to the Independent", she said. "Its main thrust was anger with the Conservative governments handling of the current emergency and a call for Labour Party unity. These are sentiments are shared by everyone in our movement and millions of people in our country. I learned that many people were concerned by references to international sharing of training and restraint techniques between police and security forces. In no way was my retweet an intention to endorse every part of that article." The move has been slammed by left wing campaigners, including journalist and activist Owen Jones. Mr Jones said: "Sacking Rebecca Long-Bailey for sharing an interview in *the Independent* with one of Britain's most celebrated actors because of a sentence uttered by Maxine Peake which the Independent initially justified with a link to an Amnesty International report is an absurd overreaction." Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell also tweeted in support of Ms Long Bailey. Loading.... He said: Throughout discussion of anti-Semitism its always been said criticism of practices of Israeli state is not anti-Semitic. I dont believe therefore that this article is or @RLong_Bailey shouldve been sacked. I stand in solidarity with her. Governor Andrew Cuomo's order to stop visitors from states where new coronavirus infections are surging may not be enforceable, according to experts. The governor's order also may prove unconstitutional since Americans have a right to travel between all 50 states, say the experts. The new quarantine applies to states where the infection rate has reached a rate of 10 infections per 100,000 people on a seven day rolling average, or 10 percent of the total population testing positive. The restriction currently impacts people from Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas. Governor Andrew Cuomo's order to stop visitors from states where cases of the coronavirus have started reaching higher levels may not be enforceable, according to experts. Governor Andrew Cuomo's order for visitors to self-quarantine for 14 days if they come from certain states where cases of the coronavirus have spiked may not be enforceable, according to experts. Travelers are pictured boarding flights that originated in Texas, one of the affected states, Wednesday The mandate, which aligns with similar orders from the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut, went into effect Wednesday night at midnight. Violators face fines of up to $10,000. The order also comes after Cuomo previously threatend to sue Rhode Island when it wante to impose a similar two-week quarantine requirement of all visitors from New York earlier during the pandemic. At the time, Cuomo deemed using Rhode Island State Police to stop motorists from New York would would have been illegal and was able to persuade Gov. Gina Raimond to reverse the decision after threatening legal action. Experts told NBC News that the new order from Cuomo and his counterparts Phil Murphy of New Jersey and Ned Lamont of Connecticut also may be seen in a similar light. 'I don't know how you enforce something like this,' said Brian Higgins, an expert on crowd management security at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. 'People are always going back and forth between states like New York and Florida, and if they're not flying, they're driving.' 'I suppose if they really wanted to, they could start tracking people through E-ZPass,' says Higgins, a former chief of police in Bergen County, New Jersey. 'But I just can't imagine they would go that far.' Cuomo's order also comes after he threatened legal action that persuaded Gov. Gina Raimond of Rhode Island (pictured) to reverse her decision on a similar quarantine of New Yorkers entering her state earlier during the pandemic So far, there have been more than 389,000 confirmed cases in New York of the coronavirus, which has been blamed for close to 25,000 deaths. Across the country there have been more than 2.3 million confirmed cases and close to 122,000 deaths that have been blamed on COVID-19. Under the order in New York, cops will stop cars with license plates from the affected states to ask the person why they are not quarantining and how long they have been in the state for. Hotel clerks also will be asked to point out violators who fail to quarantine. If a person is caught having traveled to New York from one of the high risk states and they are not quarantining, they can be fined $2,000. If they are caught a second time, the fine is $5,000 and if they are found to have 'caused harm', they face a fine of $10,000. Experts doubt that New York will go so far to enforce the restriction. 'The U.S. is not China. We're not going to order a military lockdown,' Sadiya Khan, an epidemiologist at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, told NBC. 'It is sound advice to ask people from states with high levels of infection to self-isolate for two weeks. But I'm skeptical of how these restrictions can be forced.' Cuomo said New York's slow reopening plan had been 'vindicated' by the fact its numbers continue to decrease while other states are seeing spikes. Forcing people to quarantine from other, high risk states, he said, was 'just common sense'. 'We do not want the virus coming in on a plane again,' he said. For the last three days, the average number of people dying across the state was 17. At its worst in April, the number was nearly 800. There are now 1,071 people in the hospital with COVID-19. At the height of the pandemic, that number was more than 18,000. Lamont was more vague in describing enforcement in Connecticut. Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont was more vague about describing enforcement in his state 'What we are going to do is every single airport throughout our region, people will be noticed that these are the rules, you must self-quarantine if you haven't had a test within 72 hours, something like that,' Lamont said told Fox Business. 'We are going to notify hotels and Airbnbs that these are the rules so that people will know what the rules of the road are and they'll follow them.' Polly Price, who teaches law and public health at Emory University in Atlanta, pointed out that it would be highly unlikely that the restrictions can prevent a person from exercising their constitutional right to move freely between states. 'What these states are doing is imposing conditions on that travel. When it goes from 'we're going to request that you self-quarantine for a period of time' to 'we're going to arrest you or fine you if you don't,' that's when constitutional issues become tricky,' she tells NBC News. Twenty-seven states are still seeing rising coronavirus case numbers and rising hospitalization numbers. Seven states hit their highest coronavirus hospitalizations this week. Cuomo shared a slide showing the states where coronavirus numbers continue to rise Just over 820 Americans died from coronavirus on Tuesday, bringing the total death toll to more than 121,000. It is the highest number of daily deaths recorded in the past week after fatality rates started declining nationwide New cases in the US have been surging for more than a week after trending down for over six weeks. Nearly 35,000 new cases were reported on Tuesday, which is down from the record 36,000 infections that were logged on April 24 Texas, which was one of the first states to start reopening back in April, has also reached an all-time high of new cases leading Republican Governor Greg Abbott to backpedal on efforts to get back to business as usual and tell people not to leave the house unless they need to. In Florida, where new cases surged 87 per cent last week, Governor Ron DeSantis warned Tuesday he will be cracking down on bars and restaurants that flout social distancing guidelines, after reports of large parties across the state. A similar hard line is being adopted in New Jersey, where Murphy said Monday, in response to images circulated on social media which showed large crowds gathering at newly reopened bars and restaurants. Experts are warning that the nationwide increase in infections is largely coming from a spike in cases among young people who are ignoring social distancing measures and testing positive for the virus. 'You are putting people's lives in jeopardy,' Cuomo said of the states that reopened 'too early'. At least one commentator noted that Cuomo also may be pushing his order as payback for when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also imposed a two week quarantine on New Yorkers who were coming to visit his state when COVID-19 cases were spiking. DeSantis had taken a jab at the New York media for 'blowing a gasket,' over the restriction. 'Instead of taunting New York, Florida's leaders would have been better off emulating New York's response to the community spread of the virus,' wrote Frank Cerabino, a columnist for the Palm Beach Post. Carly Fiorina says she plans to cast her ballot for Joe Biden in November as she urges other anti-Donald Trump Republicans to follow their morals over politics. 'I've been very clear that I can't support Donald Trump,' Fiorina told The Atlantic in an interview published Thursday. Donald Trump said in a tweet that he is not concerned with losing her vote. 'Failed presidential candidate (thank you President Trump!), Carly Fiorina, said she will be voting for Corrupt Joe Biden. She lost so badly to me, twice in one campaign, that she should be voting for Joe,' Trump posted Thursday. He added: 'No complaints!!!' Fiorina, failed 2016 Republican presidential candidate, said that those Republicans who say they oppose Trump but are unwilling to vote for Biden are not being honest about their intentions. 'And elections are binary choices,' she asserted, making it clear she believes if people do not vote for Biden, they are voting for Trump. When pressed on whether her comments meant she was voting for the former vice president, Fiorina said 'yes,' but added that the general election is 'not till November' signalling her decision could change. Trumps reference to beating Fiorina two times could likely be referencing the period of time she was being floated as Senator Ted Cruzs running mate. This never came to fruition as he dropped out of the race only one week after tapping Fiorina. Failed 2016 Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina said she is voting for Joe Biden in November, claiming the election is a 'binary choice' Trump suggested he wasn't bothered with losing Fiorina's vote, claiming they he beat her two times likely referencing her short-lived prospect as Ted Cruz's running mate after dropping out in 2016 Many conservative Republicans, including former National Security Advisor John Bolton, have said they will either write in a name for their preferred candidate or potentially cast their vote for a third-party candidate. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski has also voiced her doubts about supporting Trump, claiming she agrees with former Defense Secretary James Mattis that Trump is a threat to the Constitution. Murkowski, a Republican, said she is 'struggling' with whether to vote for Trump, and Fiorina claimed she is putting politics over principle. During her interview with 'The Ticket' podcast, Fiorina, who voted for Trump in 2016, revealed that she struggled with the decision to switch her vote for Biden and was wary on whether she wanted to go public with her conclusion. 'As citizens, our vote is more than a check on a box,' Fiorina said. 'You know, it's a statement about where we want to go, and I think what we need now actually is real leadership that can unify the country.' 'I am encouraged that Joe Biden is a person of humility and empathy and character. I think he's demonstrated that through his life. And I think we need humility and empathy everywhere in public life right now. And I think character counts,' she continued, claiming those who don't like Trump but support him because of certain policies or judicial nominations need to hear her justification. Fiorina, who previously served as the CEO of Hewlett-Packard before launching her failed political campaigns for Senate and the White House, has already expressed her contempt with the 2016 victor, claiming in 2019 while facing potential removal from office that his impeachment was 'vital.' She also divulged in an interview with The Bulwark podcast last month that she would not vote for Trump, but did not say at the time that she planned to instead vote for Biden. Fiorina voted for Trump in 2016 despite the then-candidate mocking her physical appearance, saying: 'Look at that face! Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?' Fiorina dismissed Trump and his comments about her at the time, calling him the 'Kim Kardashian of politics.' She told The Atlantic that she doesn't care if and what Trump tweets about her. A white woman was filmed angrily confronting two black police officers at a protest in Washington D.C. Tuesday, telling them that 'they are part of the problem'. The video of the protester, filmed by Henry Rodgers, a senior congressional correspondent for The Daily Caller, went viral after she went on a fiery rant about how being white did not stop her from criticizing the black cops. The woman faced off with at least three black officers during a protest at Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House which lasted late into the night. In the video, the unidentified woman - wearing black leggings and a crop top with a printed face mask and hat - stands in front of two black male cops holding a sign reading 'Police the Police'. This white woman was seen telling a black police officer to 'smile for Breonna Taylor' and telling two other black officers 'they are a part of the problem' at a D.C. protest on Tuesday She held up a up a sign saying 'police the police' as she confronted a police line during a protest on a section of 16th Street that has been renamed Black Lives Matter Plaza 'Why don't you take off your uniform? Are you afraid of police?' she asks but the officers do not respond and continue looking straight ahead. Rodgers then interjects and asks the woman: 'I have a question for you. You're white and you're telling this to two black police officers? Don't you see the problem with that a little bit?' The protesters whips round to face Rodgers and declares that she can 'fight for justice' even if she is white. 'No, I don't,' she says to Rodgers' question. 'Just because I'm white and I haven't experienced racism myself doesn't mean I can't fight for justice.' 'They're a part of the system. They're a part of the problem,' she continues, pointing at the officers. 'Just because they're black doesn't mean they're not a part of the problem. I'm allowed to say this to whoever. Because I'm white, racism is a white person's problem. 'Racism is my problem. I need to fix this. That's why I'm here. I'm talking to all of them. Black, white, f****in' brown, purple. I don't give a sh**'. Henry Rodgers, a senior congressional correspondent for The Daily Caller, asked the woman, pictured above, why she as a white person was criticizing the black cops to which she said 'they're a part of the system' and that she could still 'fight for justice' if she is white The woman had asked these black officers 'are you afraid of police?' during the protest in D.C. As of Wednesday evening, the video had been viewed more than 2.7million times. A second video of the same woman showed her confronting a third cop at the same protest. Posted on Twitter by Emily Jashinsky, a culture editor for conservative online magazine, The Federalist, she wrote that 'a white woman (in lululemon) tells a black cop' to 'smile'. The second video sees the protester standing directly in front on the female officer and holding her phone in her face, telling the cop to 'Smile for Breonna Taylor'. The unidentified protester also held her camera up to this black officer at Tuesday's protest and said to 'smile for Breonna Taylor'. The cop did not respond to the white woman Smile, a white woman (in lululemon) tells a black cop. pic.twitter.com/GkmH8QJLmW Emily Jashinsky (@emilyjashinsky) June 23, 2020 The protesters steps back a moment to look at her phone before returning to stand in front of the cop. The officer does not respond but slightly shifts on her feet. According to Newsweek, 15.5 percent of U.S. law enforcement officers are Black. Protests continued throughout Tuesday night in Washington D.C. angering President Trump after demonstrators were seen burning an American flag and vandalizing street signs on Black Lives Matter Plaza. He called those in question 'lowlifes' and said that Congress should act to stop them. Rodgers posted other videos of the protesters Tuesday in which fireworks were shown just blocks from the White House. Another group of protesters gathered in Lincoln Park vowed to return Thursday night to tear down the Emancipation Memorial which depicts a freed slave kneeling at the feet of President Lincoln. Protesters set fire to an American flag at Black Lives Matter Plaza near the White House, amid racial inequality protests in Washington D.C. on Tuesday night. Smaller protests continue, centered around statues protesters believe should be removed Workers remove part of the cannon at the base of the equestrian statue of President Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square Park in front of the White House on Wednesday Concrete barriers were also installed around the White House in an effort to protect a statue of Andrew Jackson which police had prevented protesters from bringing down on Monday. On Wednesday, hundreds of National Guard members were deployed to stand guard at the Capitol's monuments, Fox News reported. US Defense officials confirmed the Interior Department requested assistance earlier this week after demonstrators targeted statues and established a so-called 'Black House Autonomous Zone' near the White House. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the government sources said the number of National Guard troops mobilized is in the low hundreds and none have been deployed to the streets yet. It comes after President Donald Trump pledged to take a hard line on anyone destroying or vandalizing U.S. historical monuments and threatened to use force on some protesters on Tuesday. Netflix has announced isolation anthology series Homemade, a collection of short films created by celebrated filmmakers around the world. Confined at home as a consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak, filmmakers created personal stories that capture our shared experience of life in quarantine. Produced by The Apartment Pictures, a Fremantle company, and Fabula, Homemade is a celebration of the craftsmanship of filmmaking and the enduring power of creativity in the face of a global pandemic. Filmed using only equipment found at home, the stories range from intimate diaries of the filmmakers day-to-day life to short tales of fiction across multiple genres, offering a magnifying glass over how the lockdown impacted different countries and lives around the world. Lorenzo Mieli, CEO of The Apartment, Fabulas Juan de Dios Larrain and Pablo Larrain have rallied filmmakers from all around the world to join the project. Behind the camera is a diverse and globe-spanning roster of some of the most acclaimed filmmakers of today, including: Ladj Ly (Les Miserables) short filmed in Clichy Montfermeil (France) Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty, The New Pope) short filmed in Rome (Italy) Rachel Morrison (Black Panther, Mudbound) short filmed in Los Angeles (USA) Pablo Larrain (El Club, Jackie) short filmed in Santiago (Chile) Rungano Nyoni (Kuuntele: I am not a witch) short filmed in Lisbon (Portugal) Natalia Beristain (She does not want to sleep alone) short filmed in Mexico City (Mexico) Sebastian Schipper (Victoria, Roads) short filmed in Berlin (Germany) Naomi Kawase (True Mothers, Sweet Bean) short filmed in Nara (Japan) David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water, Outlaw King) short filmed in Glasgow (Scotland) Maggie Gyllenhaal (The Kindergarten Teacher / The Honourable Woman) short filmed in Vermont (USA) Nadine Labaki & Khaled Mouzanar (Caramel, Capernaum) short filmed in Beirut (Lebanon) Antonio Campos (The Devil All The Time) short filmed in Springs, New York City (USA) Johnny Ma (Old Stone; To live to sing) short filmed in San Sebastian del Oeste, Jalisco (Mexico) Kristen Stewart (Clouds of Sils Maria / Come Swim) short filmed in Los Angeles (USA) Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham; Blinded by the light) short filmed in London (UK) Sebastian Lelio (Gloria Bell, A Fantastic Woman) short filmed in Santiago (Chile) Ana Lily Amirpour (A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night; The Bad Batch) short filmed in Los Angeles (USA) Lorenzo Mieli, CEO of The Apartment: This project is a beautiful way to send a strong message of unity and resilience throughout the international creative community. I want to thank Netflix as well as all our directors for taking this challenge and proving that, even in such a complicated time, we can all try to move forward on exciting and unbeaten paths. Juan de Dios Larrain, CEO Fabula: Homemade is an invitation to a group of directors to explore creativity under the same conditions. Its quite democratic. This is not about resources, this is about the craft of filmmaking. Pablo Larrain, Director : Wonderful chance to work with people I admire. And also a very extraordinary chance to keep working, thanks to Netflix and its amazing team, in days so confusing and unique. Teresa Moneo, Director Original Films at Netflix: Seeing the stories of others can open hearts and minds and make us all feel more connected. This is why, in these unprecedented times, we are humbled to work with this incredible ensemble of diverse filmmakers and to bring their personal stories to our members around the world. A donation in honor of each filmmaker will be made from Netflixs Hardship Fund to third parties and non-profits that are providing emergency relief to out-of-work crew and cast across the broader TV and film industry. Tuesday June 30 on Netflix. As the country was under lockdown, all the production houses were asked to shut down. After a long gap of almost three months, the shooting for movies and shows have finally started to begin. Shashi Sumeets production shows Barrister Babu and Shubharambh have also begun shooting. Read ahead to know more- Also Read | Barrister Babu Written Update March 27: Trilochan Sends Bondita Home With Her Mother Barrister Babu and Shubharambh shooting commences Recently, Shashi Sumeet had shared a video of the cast and crew of these shows starting the shooting of Barrister Babu and Shubharambh on a positive note. A special aarti was held before they started shooting. All the crew members present on the floor folded hands and prayed for a smooth shooting spree on the sets. Also Read | 'Barrister Babu' Takes A Leap; Makers To Cast Devoleena Bhattacharjee As Grown-up Bondita? Barrister Babu is an Indian social drama television series that premiered February 11, 2020, on Colors TV. The show is produced by Shashi Sumeet Productions and stars Aurra Bhatnagar and Pravisht Mishra among others. The show is also aired in the United Kingdom, on the channel Colors Rishtey. The plot of the show revolves around a child bride Bondita Das who married Anirudh Roy Choudhary in her childhood and how Anirudh fights society for her education and helps make her a barrister. The plot of the show revolves around Anirudh Roy Choudhary's returns to his hometown Tulsipur after completing his studies in London and becoming a barrister. He is deeply concerned about the stereotypical and regressive rituals and customs that make India a backward country. Bondita Das is a curious and anxious eight-year-old girl who has her own perspective of viewing the world. However, her point of view is not accepted by her family. Also Read | Devoleena Bhattacharjee Will Not Be Seen As Lead In 'Barrister Babu', Confirms Producer Shubharambh is an Indian science fiction action television series produced by Shashi Sumeet Productions. It premiered on December 2, 2019, on Colors TV and stars Mahima Makwana and Akshit Sukhija as lead characters. The plot of the show revolves around Raja Reshammiya, a son from a wealthy family who lacks self-confidence and Rani Dave, a sharp girl, from a poor family. Raja meets Rani when she gets hired to stand as a mannequin when he helps her. They meet again in a dandiya competition when Raja helps Rani to win. Rajas mother Asha thinks of Rani to be from a rich family at first but realised that she is from a poor family. Also Read | Shehnaaz Gill Opens Up On Her Bond With Sidharth Shukla After Bigg Boss 13 Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. The epic fantasy book series, which served as the basis for HBO's multiple award winning show Game of Thrones, awaits the final two books The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring that the author had announced long back but has not yet penned. Los Angeles: Author George RR Martin says he has made "steady progress" in writing The Winds of Winter, the long-pending penultimate instalment of his A Song of Ice and Fire saga. The epic fantasy book series, which served as the basis for HBO's multiple award winning show Game of Thrones, awaits the final two books The Winds of Winter and A Dream of Spring that the author had announced long back but has not yet penned. In his latest blog post, Martin said he spent several months on lockdown in a cabin in the mountains and that "the enforced isolation has helped me write". "I am spending long hours every day on The Winds of Winter, and making steady progress. I finished a new chapter yesterday, another one three days ago, another one the previous week," the 71-year-old author said. "But no, this does not mean that the book will be finished tomorrow or published next week. It's going to be a huge book, and I still have a long way to go," he added. Martin further said that he was "heartbroken" after having to cancel his trip to Wellington, New Zealand, for the 78th World Science Fiction Convention. However, he now hopes to visit Wellington next year when hopefully "both COVID-19 and The Winds of Winter will be done". "Of late I have been visiting with Cersei, Asha, Tyrion, Ser Barristan, and Areo Hotah. I will be dropping back into Braavos next week." "I have bad days, which get me down, and good days, which lift me up, but all in all I am pleased with the way things are doing," Martin said. France wants to divide war-torn Libya in attempt to go back to old colonial times, Turkey FM Mevlut Cavusoglu says. Turkey has criticised Frances remarks on Ankaras support for the internationally recognised government in Libya, saying Paris aims to restore old colonial rule in the North African country. The biting comments came days after French President Emmanuel Macron launched a furious verbal attack on Turkeys conduct in war-ravaged Libya, accusing it of playing a dangerous game that can no longer be tolerated. In an interview on Wednesday, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said: France is attempting to divide Libya. It wants to go back to old colonial times. The oil-rich country is split between rival administrations in the east and west, with the conflict recently attracting increasing foreign involvement. Turkey backs the Tripoli-based, UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. France, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Russia support the eastern-based House of Representatives allied with renegade military commander Khalifa Haftar. Positive reflection Criticising Frances support for Haftar, Cavusoglu accused Paris of itself playing a dangerous game in Libya, saying its role contradicts UN resolutions and its position as a permanent member of the Security Council. Many countries have started to take sides with the UN-recognised legitimate government. This is a positive reflection of our cooperation [with the GNA], he said. Libya has been torn apart by violence drawing in tribal armed groups and foreign actors since the 2011 toppling and killing of former ruler Muammar Gaddafi in a Western-backed uprising. Turkey has intervened decisively in Libya after launching Operation Peace Storm in March, providing air support, training and weapons to help the GNA repel a year-long assault by Haftar on the capital, Tripoli. The GNA has in recent weeks regained control over strategic locations, including Tarhuna, Haftars final stronghold in western Libya. On Tuesday, Turkeys foreign ministry spokesman accused Macron of losing reason. Due to the support it has given to illegitimate structures for years, France has an important responsibility in dragging Libya into chaos, Hami Aksoy said. The people of Libya will never forget the damage France has inflicted on this country. Turkeys EU membership Meanwhile, France on Wednesday demanded a discussion without taboos within the EU on its relationship with Turkey, which officially remains a candidate to join the bloc despite a stalled membership process. Already strained ties between NATO allies France and Turkey have worsened in recent days as the two sides exchanged accusations over the Libya conflict. Turkey has been seeking to join the European Union for more than half a century, although its bid has faltered in recent years particularly over the crackdown that followed a 2016 failed coup. France considers it essential that the European Union very quickly opens a comprehensive discussion, without taboos and naivety, on the prospects for its future relationship with Ankara, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told the French Senate. The European Union must firmly defend its own interests because it has the means, he said. Returning to the topic of Turkeys role in Libya, Le Drian said: Clarifications are needed on the role that Turkey plans to play in Libya. Summertime can be about more than just sun and fun. It can also be a time to improve your knowledge. And it doesn't have to cost you a thing. There are thousands of online college courses available for free if you audit them or listen in according to Class Central, an online education clearinghouse. You may have to pay to earn a certificate. However, if you have been laid off from your job, you may be able to earn course certificates for free on Coursera, which ranks No. 4 on CNBC's 2020 Disruptor 50 list. "Any national, state or local government can offer our partners' courses at no cost to unemployed people impacted by Covid through the end of the year," Coursera CEO Jeff Maggioncalda recently told CNBC. "It really is 3,800 courses in computer science, data science, job-skilling [and] career search courses that are available to help people get re-skilled during this down time." Photo: BC Gov BC Labour Minister Harry Bains. The Province of British Columbia has decided to extend the temporary layoff time period through August after outcry from businesses around the province, including multiple chambers of commerce in the Okanagan. On Tuesday, Labour Minister Harry Bains said the province was standing firm on ending the temporary layoff period at the end of June, which would have meant businesses had to pay those employees severance. Under the B.C. Employment Standards Act, employees laid off for more than 13 weeks are automatically deemed to be terminated, and eligible for severance. The B.C. government extended that period to 16 weeks, and on Thursday, announced a further extension to 24 weeks ending Aug. 30. "We heard loud and clear from employers that they need this extension," Bains said. "We also know it is important to ensure that workers know that they have to be involved in the agreement with the employer to extend the temporary layoff and have a right to decline the layoff and accept the compensation for length of service which they are entitled to." In the Okanagan, Vernon, Kelowna and Summerland's chambers of commerce were all vocal in pushing for the extension, sending letters to ministry. Executive director of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce David Hull called it "a great win" and "a great relief to the business community." "Maybe the Summerland Chamber of Commerce letter is what put it over the top!" Vernon's Chamber president Krystin Kempton sent a public letter of thanks to the ministry. "Through the extension, employers will be able to focus on rebuilding their businesses and still have the ability to recall skilled and experienced employees essential to reopening. It also benefits employees who are committed to supporting their families and communities," Kempton wrote. The provincial chamber network was similarly thrilled. "This is a clear BC Chamber network win," reads a press release from the BC Chamber of Commerce issued after the announcement Thursday. "Thank you to all chambers and members who brought their voice to this urgent conversation and for your stellar leadership. Extending the temporary layoff provision will save countless businesses from going bankrupt if they had to pay out severance to their employees who have been temporarily laid off due to COVID-19. In the majority of cases, we know employers want to bring back their teams but they just need more time." FBI: China is Biggest Threat to US, Over 2,000 Investigations Tied to Communist Regime FBI Director Christopher Wray on June 23 singled out Beijing as the biggest threat to the United States, revealing that the law enforcement agency currently has more than 2,000 active investigations that trace back to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Wray told Fox News that over the past decade there has been a roughly 1,300 percent increase in economic espionage probes with links to the Chinese regime. He accused the CCP of trying to interfere in U.S. politics and of spying on Fortune 100 companiesthe top 100 companies in the country as ranked by their employees. Theres no country that presents a broader, more comprehensive threat to Americas innovation, to our economic security, and to our democratic ideas than China does, Wray told Fox Newss Breit Baier in an interview that aired Wednesday. The FBI has over 2,000 active investigations that trace back to the government in China, Wray said, claiming that the bureau is opening a new counterintelligence investigation that ties back to China every 10 hours. The Department of Justice (DOJ) in late 2018 launched the China Initiative program to crack down on state-sponsored theft of U.S. trade secrets and Beijings foreign influence activities. He noted that the CCPs campaign of economic espionage relies not just on traditional government officials, but also on nontraditional collectors such as businessmen, high level scientists, high-level academics, who are incentivized to steal sensitive information, U.S. technology and innovation to bring back to China. Its everything from Fortune 100 companies to startups. Its agriculture, its high tech, its aviation, its healthcare, he said. This is not about the Chinese people or Chinese Americans, Wray emphasized. This is about the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party. Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange while the price of Alibaba Groups initial price offering (IPO) is decided, in New York City on Sept. 19, 2014. (Andrew Burton/Getty Images) Wray previously told a conference hosted by Washingtons Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank that the economic threat from China was diverse and multilayered, noting that the bureau was, as of February, conducting roughly 1,000 investigations into Chinas attempted theft of trade secrets. Every FBI field office was working on trade-secret theft cases involving China, with potential victims spanning almost every sector and industry, he said in February. The DOJ and the FBIs initiative to counteract the offensive by the CCP has, in recent months, ramped up to a historic scale. According to a review of DOJ press releases, the department has brought more indictments related to Chinese infiltration since 2019 than during the entire eight years of the Obama administration. John Brown, an assistant director at the FBI, during a Feb. 6 conference echoed Wrays remarks that no country poses a greater threat to the United States at present than communist China. From our vantage point, the United States has not faced a similar threat like this since the Soviet Union and the Cold War, Brown said. The CCP made its ambitions public five years ago upon the announcement of its Made in China 2025 plan, a whole-of-society push to make China the world leader in information technology, robotics, green energy, aerospace, and other industries. According to senior U.S. officials, Chinas progress toward the goal has primarily relied on theft of innovation from the United States. Wray added that the CCP is attempting to interfere with U.S. politics, by trying to shift them in a more friendly pro-China, pro-Chinese Communist Party direction. Ivan Pentchoukov contributed to this report. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- MTVs Jersey Shore will outlive us all. The reality TV series consisting of Paul Pauly D DelVecchio, Jenni JWoww Farley, Ronnie Ortiz-Magro, Nicole Snooki Polizzi and S.I. natives Vinny Guadagnino and Mike The Situation Sorrentino are slated to return to Jersey Shore: Family Vacation for a fourth season, according to Deadline. The next installment of the Jersey Shore legacy was announced after the series season three finale last week. Jersey Shore: Family Vacation is the revival of the series that lasted six seasons, detailing the lives of 20-somethings who moved in to a shore house in Seaside, New Jersey. The show has taken the New Jersey and New York based reality TV stars to Miami and Italy during its MTV run. This season of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation will not feature Nicole Snooki Polizzi. Her departure came after the drama that transpired over the last season of the MTV series. Angelina Pivarnick, a Staten Island native, will be returning to the Jersey Shore: Family Vacation cast after having an on-and-off appearance on the show since the first Jersey Shore season. The series has led to multiple spin-offs featuring the fist-pumping characters, including Double Shot at Love with Vinny and Pauly D. Pauly D and Vinny will also co-host a prank war show on the network, airing Thursday, June 25 at 8 p.m. Jersey Shore Family Vacation is produced by MTV, SallyAnn Salsano and 495 Productions. An airdate and time for Jersey Shore: Family Vacation has not been officially announced. Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav is back into the election mode and that too without stepping out of house. He has started connecting with party workers, students, friends and common people through video calls. Yadav asks them about their problems, reminding them of the benefits of his regime and also the manner in which the present Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is ignoring them. The SP chief in the past few days has made video calls to party leaders and eminent citizens in Azamgarh -- his parliamentary constituency, Farrukhabad, Agra, Ghazipur, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Auraiyya, Kannauj, Varanasi and Barabanki. In Varanasi, he interacted with local weavers and discussed their problems. "The party president has also spoken to his contacts in the USA and the UK and took feedback on issues related to coronavirus and economy," said party spokesman Rajendra Chaudhary. He said Yadav also made video calls to journalists in Leh and Ladakh on Wednesday and discussed the prevailing situation there after the India-China face-off. Akhilesh, who had been observing lockdown since March, has got back to work. Though he is still not meeting party workers at the party office, he's interacting with them through video links. He is collecting information from every district and making organizational changes based on the feedback. Earlier, during the lockdown, when politics in the state was on pause, Yadav, according to sources, used his time for reading and listening to music. The SP president also kept monitoring food distribution being done by party leaders and workers. He also spent time with father Mulayam Singh Yadav who lives at a stone's throw distance from his house. Besides his morning and evening workouts, he spent time with wife Dimple and three children. On Nov. 20, 2020, Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip will be celebrating their 73rd wedding anniversary. While it looks like their marriage has withstood the test of time and surpassed every scandal and controversy thrown at the royal family, the couple also suffered major infidelity issues. The minute Queen Elizabeth II ascended the British throne, her relationship with the Duke of Edinburgh has always been the subject of public scrutiny. Many people praised their half-a-century long marriage and even consider it as one of the strongest relationships these days. But despite having an image of a perfect marriage, the 94-year-old monarch and her 99-year-old spouse also had their fair share of cheating scandals that almost rocked their relationship. While the Buckingham Palace has debunked all the cheating allegations over the years, the couple's unfaithful rumors continue to resurface, especially after the hit Netflix series "The Crown" bravely tackled these cheating claims during the series' second installment. Prince Philip's Lad's Holiday Rumors of infidelity on Prince Philip's part started back in 1956 when the then-father of two (to Prince Charles and Princess Anne) embarked on a five-month journey aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia to open the Olympic Games in Melbourne, Australia. During the trip, Prince Philip's private secretary Mike Parker was already having trouble with his marriage after his wife filed a divorce, citing unfaithfulness issues. Parker's marriage problems opened up the rumors that the Duke of Edinburgh could be taking advantage of the royal tour to mingle with different women. The Duke was also linked to a dancer and actress Pat Kirkwood, whom he met back in 1948. Cheating rumors started after Philip took the dancer out to dinner. According to royal experts, while the duo denied the rumors, the cheating issues have always hunted the golden royal couple. Queen Elizabeth's "Porchey" However, it looks like Prince Philip is not the only one tainted with infidelity issues. An episode of "The Crown" featured the close relationship of Queen Elizabeth II to her childhood friend, whom she fondly called "Porchey" or short for Lord Porchester (Henry George Reginald Molyneux Herbert ) The Queen and Porchey shared the same interest in equestrian and breeding horses. Porchey became Her Majesty's racing manager in 1969 and was considered one of the few people that could speak directly to the Queen about her horses. Speaking to People, British historian Robert Lacey described Porchey as a "quiet man" who shares the same wavelength with the Queen when it comes to her passion for horses. While there haveb been plenty of rumors that Queen Elizabeth had an affair with Porchey after Philip returned from his Britannia adventures, the royals have ignored the malicious reports that suggested that the BFFs were more than friends. Lord Porchester has a happy love life on his own, as he was married to Anglo-American Jean Margaret Wallop in 1956. They shared three children, including the current Earl of Carnarvon, George Reginald Oliver Molyneux Herbert. READ MORE: Royal Disaster: Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip To Blame For Prince Andrew Scandal What Is Causing South Sudan's Inter-Communal Fighting? By Waakhe Simon Wudu June 24, 2020 Hundreds of people have been killed in inter-communal violence raging in South Sudan's Jonglei state in recent weeks, and the cycle of attacks and revenge attacks is only going to continue if the national government fails to establish a rule of law that holds cattle raiders and other criminals accountable, according to one Juba-based analyst. On Tuesday, President Salva Kiir issued a presidential decree forming a committee to resolve ongoing inter-communal violence involving the Dinka Bor, the Lou Nuer and Murle tribes in Greater Jonglei. In his decree, Kiir said he expects the panel to ensure that stability is restored in the area within the next 21 days. Vice President James Wani Igga will head the committee. Interior Minister Paul Mayom Akec and other senior officials have been appointed to the panel. The panel's formation is a good first move, but stacking it with senior politicians in Juba may not solve the problem, said Abraham Kuol, professor of political science at the University of Juba. "The committee is composed of major politicians and secondly, the people that might represent those communities might also come from Juba, and as a result of that, there is going to be superficiality," Kuol said to VOA's South Sudan in Focus. He suggests appointing community leaders and paramount chiefs from the affected areas to the panel so that the root problems driving the inter-communal violence will be addressed, not the least of which is the absence of justice for past crimes committed. "The government does not make the people who are culprits responsible for their mistakes and as a result of that it encourages them because the government is not doing anything. So, apart from the committee, there should be serious laws that should be put in place that should be able to deter people from such practices," Kuol told VOA. In the past, the government has initiated campaigns to disarm civilians but they have failed to end the escalating cycle of violence in Greater Jonglei and Lakes and Warrap states. In 2018, Vice President Taban Deng Gai was sent to the region to try to mediate between communities involved in cattle raids and other inter-communal attacks. He met with traditional chiefs and political leaders in hopes of finding ways to reconcile the warring communities. Gai failed on his diplomacy mission in part because he was talking to the wrong people. "He was dealing with intellectuals and political perspectives of how to resolve these problems and as a result of that, that is why it failed. Some of the conferences need not be done in the major towns, they need to be done in the villages, let's say the most remote areas of these communities; not in Pibor, not in Bor town, not in Juba, but in a very local place like payams [villages] so that the people affected should be part and parcel of the peace process," Kuol told VOA. The ongoing violence in Greater Jonglei is driven in no small part by an endless competition for resources, according to Kuol. "One of the major resources that are bringing the problem here is both the cattle resources and the human capital. The cattle resources is that people would wish to own as much cattle as possible and the second issue is that there are people who don't want to take care of their own children and keep their biological children but they want to make sure they take other people's children," said Kuol. Kuol said Greater Jonglei needs a program that will come up with concrete solutions to end the clashes once and for all which he said must include the proper administration of law and order. Carol Van Dam Falk contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Texas Department of Public Safety on Tuesday arrested Keegan Dalton Godsey, 23, of Austin, for allegedly causing damage to the Texas Capitol during a May 30 protest. Godsey, who authorities say was arrested without incident, was charged with felony criminal mischief, riot and interference with public duties, and booked into the Travis County Jail. His was the first arrest related to damage to the Capitol and grounds that occurred May 30. An 81-year old farmer told a court today that but for the fact that he was on consecrated ground, he would have been killed instantly when assaulted by a man armed with a slash hook in a graveyard. At Gort District Court today, John Connolly told the court of what he called the ferocity of the attack on him by graveyard owner and farmer, Martin OShaughnessy (68) of Killina, Gort on October 1st last. During the assault, Mr OShaughnessy told Mr Connolly Im going to cut the f**king head off you in the row over burial plots. In the case, Mr OShaughnessy has pleaded guilty to the assault on Mr Connolly at the graveyard at Killinny, East Kinvara on October 1st last. In a victim impact statement read out by Judge Patrick Durcan, Mr Connolly stated: The incident has been a great distraction in my life and has caused me great mental anguish It took a few days for the ferocity of this attack to sink in. He added: Ever since I have been haunted by the vision of the blade in his hand less than 12 inches from my bare head. But for the grace of God and the fact that we were on consecrated ground, Im convinced that I would have been killed instantly. After reading out those lines, Judge Durcan commented: This is the stuff of John B Keane. Solicitor for Mr OShaughnessy, Colman Sherry stated that he would challenge much of what is in the statement but Im leaving it to the court to make its own judgment Mr Sherry stated: The blade (of the slash hook) never came near the head of that man. It was the handle. In recalling the assault in his victim impact statement, Mr Connolly stated: I managed to get a grab a hold of the slash hook handle. My life was saved. I had got a burst of energy and eventually wrenched the slash hook from Mr OShaughnessy. He fell back on the grass and I grabbed it off him. He added: We both got to our feet and Mr Shaughnessy went to his jeep, came with a strimmer and proceeded to strim the grassy grave. He stated that: Three days later I was working on my farm with two other men and Mr Shaughnessy came and he apologised for what he did and said and that he was 100pc wrong. Providing background to the assault previously, Sgt Daithi Cronin stated that there had been an ongoing dispute with Mr OShaughnessy and Mr Connolly and other people in relation to burial plots at the graveyard. Sgt Cronin stated that what occurred was a technical assault and it was all over within a matter of seconds. Mr Sherry told the court: In cases like this, the less said the better. There is history and suffice to say there are very few burial plots left. Mr Sherry stated that three generations of Mr O'Shaughnessy's family have been buried in the graveyard and that his client has looked after the graveyard all his life. Mr Sherry stated: He pleaded guilty on the very first day. He has no previous convictions. He is extremely contrite and has apologised to all of the parties He commented: The only person who got injured was the defendant himself when he fell back. Mr OShaughnessy has lived in Killina for 20 years and has had no issue with any of those neighbours Mr Sherry stated that Mr OShaughnessy travelled to South Africa on two separate occasions with the Niall Mellon organisation to build houses. Judge Durcan told Mr Connolly that he was going to strike out the case against Mr OShaughnessy. Judge Durcan told the man: What happened was something that shouldnt have happened. You had a very bad experience. He stated: You have heard the phrase seed, breed and generation when rows go on and they get deeper and deeper and there is a winner and a loser. Judge Durcan stated that justice has been done in this case and that it was to Mr OShaughnessys credit that he had apologised within three days. Mr Connolly stated that he accepted Mr OShaughnessys apology. Judge Durcan told the two: One or other of you will have to follow the other into the graveyard and hopefully one of you will be able to walk after the other. And not too long after that, the other will be brought in and there you will rot together - thats life." Judge Durcan added: I am not going to have the good name of the community there to be damaged by criminality. This case is over. Justice is done. This battle is over now. I'm striking the case out." He added: I want to wish you both well and commend the good work ye have done for the community and live a peaceful life. MINNEAPOLIS, MN / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / Custom software development firm MentorMate has been named one of the best places to work in both Minnesota and Bulgaria. The company received recognition from Minnesota's largest newspaper, the Star Tribune, as well as the Career Show Index in Bulgaria. "Company culture is central to who we are and our company's success at MentorMate," said Bjorn Stansvik, MentorMate Founder and CEO. "Seeing our company be recognized as a top workplace in both Minnesota and Bulgaria speaks to the strength of MentorMate's culture. Even though we're based in Minneapolis and most of our team is in Bulgaria, our company culture of open communication and investing in employee growth doesn't have a border." The Career Show Index is a compilation of various business awards companies in Bulgaria have garnered over a three year period. MentorMate ranked sixth for all employers in the entire country thanks to its strong training programs, company-wide green initiatives, and top-notch technology for employees. "It's an honor to be recognized as one of the very top employers in all of Bulgaria," said Stefan Tzanev, VP of Operations. "Our growth and success in Bulgaria is only possible if we can attract and retain top technical talent. With over 500 team members and five offices throughout the country, we pride ourselves on investing in our team members because their career success is our company's success." About MentorMate: In 2001, MentorMate began developing mobile apps. In the years since, MentorMate's robust list of services has grown to include strategic consulting, experience design, cloud services, project management, web development, quality assurance, continuation engineering, and, of course, mobile development. MentorMate delivers innovative software solutions that tackle tech challenges in healthcare, manufacturing, finance, education, and more. With teams in Minnesota, Sweden, and Bulgaria, MentorMate constantly pushes the boundaries and remains at the forefront of emerging technologies. Learn more at mentormate.com. Contacts Matt Erickson Public Relations Manager Matt.Erickson@mentormate.com 3036 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55405 Work: 612-823-4000 mentormate.com SOURCE: MentorMate View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/595147/MentorMate-Recognized-as-A-Top-Workplace-in-Minnesota-and-Bulgaria White House national security advisor Robert O'Brien gave a searing speech in Phoenix, Arizona on Wednesday, in which he criticized the Chinese Communist Party's totalitarian vision for China and its growing influence around the world. Why it matters: This is the first in a string of speeches on China from top Trump administration officials. It highlights the administration's emphasis on China as a campaign issue, but also stems from bipartisan concern about the growing power of the world's largest authoritarian country. O'Brien warned about the Chinese Communist Party's far-ranging attempts to manipulate and coerce Americans, including: Policing speech at U.S. universities and organizations such as the NBA; Spreading propaganda on social media and through broadcast media; Hacking Americans' personal data; Influencing international organizations. What he's saying: "Together with our allies and partners, we will resist the Chinese Communist Partys efforts to manipulate our people and our governments, damage our economies, and undermine our sovereignty," O'Brien said. "The days of American passivity and naivety regarding the Peoples Republic of China are over." "Let me be clear we have deep respect and admiration for the Chinese people. The United States has a long history of friendship with the Chinese nation. But the Communist Party does not equal China or her people." O'Brien also quoted John Garnaut, a former Australian government official who helped lead the international discussion about the nature of China's political influence and interference around the world. In Classical Chinese statecraft, there are two tools for gaining and maintaining control over the mountains and the rivers: the first is wu, weapons and violence, and the second is wen, language and culture. Chinese leaders have always believed that power derives from controlling both the physical battlefield and the cultural domain," O'Brien said, quoting Garnaut. What to watch: O'Brien explained that in the coming weeks, senior administration officials including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Attorney General Bill Barr and FBI Director Christopher Wray will also speak publicly on challenges posed by the Chinese Communist Party. Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Thursday made Revenue Minister R Ashoka in charge of the Covid-19 affairs in Bengaluru, the state capital where cases have been rising. With the Covid-19 problem increasing in Bengaluru day by day, I have been made in charge of fighting the pandemic in Bengaluru, Ashoka said in a late Thursday night tweet. I thank CM Yediyurappa for giving this responsibility. I seek everybodys cooperation in discharging my work effectively. Ashoka replaces Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar, who was put in charge of the Covid-19 management in Bengaluru. Sudhakar is currently under home quarantine after some of his family members tested positive. Of late, Ashoka was visible in the decision-making process related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The former deputy chief minister was also heading a group of ministers constituted by the CM to oversee the public distribution system, or ration, in Bengaluru. Politically, this is seen as a significant move for Ashoka. Ever since the BJP came to power, Ashoka was said to be sulking as he felt sidelined. He was also not content with the revenue portfolio early on. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Gisela Swaragita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 17:34 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661a698d 1 Entertainment Shaggydog,online-concert,pandemic,COVID-19,music,coronavirus,concert Free Yogyakarta-based ska band Shaggydog will celebrate its 23rd birthday with an online show titled 23LOAD Concert on June 27 at 8 p.m. The online concert, supported by IT companies Citraweb and Citranet, will feature live music and a reunion talk with past crew and managers, as well as a collaboration with Yogyakartan rap unit NDX and German reggae artist Dr. Ring Ding. Shaggydog will play a total of 12 songs in the two-hour concert. We will also play new songs from our upcoming album, Shaggydog vocalist Heru told the press during an online press conference on Thursday. The original plan was actually to launch the album at our 23rd birthday party, but due to the pandemic we have had to postpone the album's release. The pandemic has also affected their schedule as performing artists, with shows in Japan and Kalimantan as well as a book release being postponed. Read also: Yogya-based rock band belts out about sensitive issues, social injustice We were scheduled to play in Nagoya, Osaka and Tokyo in Japan in March, but we've postponed the concerts to November. We hope the situation is already normal by then, Heru said. This online concert is to welcome the new normal, or maybe the new crazy, which is more fitting, Shaggydog bassist Bandizt said with a humorous note. Tickets for the 23LOAD Concert are available on the band's official website until June 27 with prices starting from Rp 40,000 (US$2.81). A gold ticket priced at Rp 200,000 includes a T-shirt and CD, while the Rp 500,000 diamond ticket includes a T-shirt, CD and special action figure made in collaboration with visual artist Arya Pandjalu. Founded in 1997 in Yogyakarta, Shaggydog blends influences from reggae, ska and jazz musicians such as Cherry Poppin Daddies, Hepcat, Bob Marley and Song Beach Dub Allstars. With six studio albums under their belt and hit singles such as Sayidan and Kembali Berdansa, Shaggydog is known as one of the busiest bands in the country, with regular tour dates. The band has also toured the Netherlands and Australia and performed at the renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in the United States in 2016. (wng) Good news for investors: Your broker-dealer is going to have to disclose a lot more about what he or she is advising you to buy or sell. Regulation Best Interest, or Reg BI, is coming into effect June 30 after more than two years of controversy and discussion. It requires broker-dealers those who buy or sell securities on behalf of clients to act in the best interest of their clients and to identify conflicts of interests, including financial incentives they may have with the products they are selling. Critics contend that the measure does not go far enough and that regulators have missed an opportunity to require broker-dealers to adhere to the same fiduciary standards that financial advisors are required to adhere to already. "Reg BI" came out of a perceived gap in investor protection standards. Under the old rules, broker-dealers were held to what was called a "suitability standard." This meant they had to recommend investments that were "suitable" for their clients, but not necessarily in their clients' best interest. The rule changes became necessary because broker-dealer responsibilities have changed. In the past, they mostly executed trades, but now many provide financial advice as well. Financial advisors who provide financial advice on everything from investment management to tax planning to estate planning are already required to act as fiduciaries, which means they are already required to act in the best interest of their clients. Here's a breakdown of what the new rules require: Disclosure: Broker-dealers must disclose the capacity in which the broker is acting, the fees, the type and scope of services provided. Broker-dealers must disclose the capacity in which the broker is acting, the fees, the type and scope of services provided. Standards of care: The broker-dealer must be able to articulate the risk, rewards, and costs of what they are doing for the client, and they must make a recommendation in the retail customers' best interest. The broker-dealer must be able to articulate the risk, rewards, and costs of what they are doing for the client, and they must make a recommendation in the retail customers' best interest. Conflict of interest: Broker-dealers must develop policies that identify and mitigate conflicts of interest. Ken Bentsen, CEO of SIFMA, says the new regulation is a major advance for investor protection: "This is a very strong rule, something the firms have taken very seriously, and there is no question this is a higher standard" than the previous suitability standard, he said. Still, critics have pounced on what they perceive to be shortcomings in the rule. The biggest complaint is that it sets up two sets of rules for those on Wall Street: a fiduciary rule, where financial advisors have a legal and ethical responsibility for managing money in their clients' best interest, and a fuzzier "best interest" rule for broker-dealers that is not clearly defined. "This does very little to change the prevailing suitability standard," Steve Hall, legal director and securities specialist for Better Markets, said. "It's the suitability rule with a little extra disclosure and a new title. We know that disclosure is not an effective way to protect investors. It is misleading investors into believing they are getting more protections than they really are. This falls far short of what it could and should have done." What could they have done? Hall says the Securities and Exchange Commission should have imposed a uniform fiduciary duty, which he says is what Congress said it wanted. Bentsen notes that investors will get substantial protection under the new regulation: "It has all the hallmarks of a fiduciary standard including obligations of care, best interest, disclosure, and conflicts management and mitigation." So what's the difference? Thomas Gorman, an attorney with Dorsey Whitney, is one of the country's pre-eminent experts on SEC enforcement and insider trading. He noted the difference was largely around how long the broker-dealer was required to act in the best interests of the client. "A fiduciary has the obligation to act in your interest continuously," he said. "Reg BI does not it says in these limited circumstances, when you are making the recommendation, you have to act in their best interest, but once it's done, it's done. It only applies in a narrow circumstance when you are making the recommendation." Given all the confusion, why did the industry oppose a fiduciary standard? Gorman feels much of the concern was over potential lawsuits, including something as frivolous as whether a broker-dealer has an obligation to recommend the lowest-cost funds. Reg BI doesn't specifically require brokers to routinely recommend the lowest cost funds. Cost is one factor among several that can be considered. Gorman said he disagreed with those concerns: "The idea you will have lawsuits does not make any sense to me. If broker-dealers take on a fiduciary obligation, there is no reason to think they would face any more lawsuits than financial advisors who already have a fiduciary obligation." What's next? The law is under challenge in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and the court has agreed to an expedited hearing. After that, inspection and enforcement of Reg BI will be largely up to the SEC and FINRA, the regulatory agency that oversees broker-dealers. And that, Gorman says, is where this regulation will be defined: "You will get it defined around the case law that develops around this. You will hear the lawyers say Reg BI is not the same as a fiduciary duty and they're going to try to water it down." Still, Gorman says getting Reg BI on the books is a big deal for the SEC and particularly for Chairman Jay Clayton, who made it one of the centerpieces of his administration. "Reg BI is a significant accomplishment for Clayton because he has partially filled the gap between the standards that govern brokers and the standards that govern investment advisors." The bottom line, according to Gorman: "This is better than the old rule, but it's very confusing." Larry Kessler is a retired local news editor and a member of the Greater Attleboro Relay For Life volunteer organizing committee. He can be reached at larrythek65@gmail.com. Number 10's 'ad hoc' Covid-19 test, track and trace scheme relies too heavily on private companies and will have missed thousands of cases, leading doctors fear. In a letter published in the British Medical Journal, three public health experts questioned why ministers chose to create a new system when a 'straightforward' one already existed. Professor Allyson Pollock and Dr Peter Roderick of Newcastle University, and Professor Alison Macfarlane of City, University of London, admitted they were concerned by 'failings in this parallel system'. And they called for the disease control scheme in place before the crisis to be overhauled so it is ready for any potential future outbreaks. The trio called for Public Health England - which has faced a barrage of criticism for its handling of the outbreak - to be stripped of control over regional organisations. Instead they said contact tracing should be left in the hands of local directors of public health, who work directly with their council all the time. Researchers said the UK's testing and contact tracing system should be run by councils and local medical teams, not a central model based on private contractors hired by the Government (Pictured: Paramedic staff carrying out swab tests in Bristol) The experts wrote: 'The abysmal response of the government to the epidemic has served to underline the need to rebuild and reintegrate a strong local communicable disease control system.' They called the notification system - the way officials handle reports of the disease - 'inadequate' and said it 'seems to have been mishandled from the beginning'. Their paper said it took a month for the government to include Covid-19 in its surveillance system - with the virus being recognised as a threat on February 10 but only added to the system on March 5. And the medics said many suspected cases of Covid-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, 'will have been missed' as a result of the oversight. And the system did also not require either GPs or Public Health England to re;port suspected cases of the disease to local councils, instead operating a centralised system where doctors went straight to PHE. Professor Pollock, Dr Roderick and Professor Macfarlane were also concerned that outsourced private testing services have been given the bulk of government business. FEWER THAN HALF OF COVID-INFECTED BRITS GIVE INFORMATION TO CONTACT TRACERS Fewer than half of people referred to NHS Test and Trace after testing positive for coronavirus have given any details of their close contacts, shocking data revealed today. Of the 20,968 people assigned to England's 25,000 contact tracers, only 10,058 have actually given information that the tracers could follow up (48 per cent). In its report this week, the Department of Health said the people who were unable to give contact details were ones who had only come into contact with complete strangers, such as on the bus. The staggering number suggests that an app - which automatically links people's phones so it can alert people who don't know one another - may be necessary for contact tracing to work perfectly. From the infected people who have been successfully contacted themselves, two thirds of them were able to give details of one or more close contacts. Between June 17 and the system's launch at the start of the month, 15,225 confirmed coronavirus patients have been successfully reached by contact tracers. But more than one in three - 5,167 people - were 'not able' to give details of a single person they may have come into close contact with. A further 5,062 people who tested positive could not be reached at all by contact tracers - who phone, text and email someone 10 times a day to get hold of them. Today's update revealed that a total of 134,893 people - people who have tested positive, and their contacts - have been in touch with NHS Test and Trace in three weeks. One scientist said the statistics today were 'worrying' and could only be solved with better co-operation from the public - not by the Government. Advertisement Serco a scandal-hit firm of the centre of the government's contact tracing efforts has already been forced to apologise for handing accidentally sharing the email addresses of 300 recruits. The medics warned that private firms have 'no clear public health standards' and added: 'There is also a lack of clarity on where the results are being sent. 'It is unclear what happens to many test results. Several hundred thousand tests are reported not to have been linked to NHS records, missing confirmed cases.' The Test and Trace system, also run by private contractors, has been hit by claims it is poorly managed, with employees revealing they worked for weeks with nothing to do. Insiders said the operating system used did not work properly and they had to repeat training as a result, while some were left sat in queues of more than 300 people waiting for technical help. It today emerged that a quarter of all 21,000 people referred to NHS Test and Trace have not successfully been reached by contact tracers. And of those who have, only two thirds gave useful details of contacts - just half of all the people who have tested positive since the service began in early June. Justin Madders MP, Labours Shadow Health Minister, said today that its performance is 'not good enough'. 'It is staggering that hundreds of people are not submitting their details into the system in the first place. Surely that should be one simple thing that can be fixed,' he said. 'Ministers need to level with the public about how they are going to tackle these real and serious issues as a matter of urgency.' Professor Pollock, Dr Roderick and Professor Macfarlane wrote England's system of disease control historically relied on close cooperation between local health services and authorities. But they argued that the system which involves GPs, the NHS and local public health officers has 'gradually been eroded over several decades'. In the letter they said: 'Erosion began after NHS reorganisation in 1974 and continued when the Public Health Laboratory Service Board was abolished in 2003.' 'In 2012, the Health and Social Care Act abolished locally based bodies in England and carved public health functions out of the NHS. 'Public Health England was set up as an executive agency to fulfil the governments duty to protect the public from disease, with only nine laboratories and eight regional centres.' And instead of rebuilding the system, which the researchers said has been 'weakened', the government has made a new one which steers patients away from the traditional proven methods. They said local GP surgeries should take back control of assessing patients' symptoms, and that contact tracing and testing should be managed by local councils. This infectious disease control should be ingrained into existing medical facilities, the researchers said, which have permanent staff and the ability merge it into routine. Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious disease specialist at the University of East Anglia, was not involved with the research but said: 'The lack of an integrated system of management of infectious disease notification and contact tracing for Covid-19 will hinder our ability to cope with the second wave. 'If we do have a second wave, which seems likely, we will sadly have more deaths and yet more impact on our economy and society.' Dr Bharat Pankhania, of the University of Exeter, added: 'Time is of the essence and it is important to take heed and immediately change course, engage with local experts, and have a much more robust approach to testing, contact tracing an outbreak management.' "Coronil can cure Covid-19 in 14 days," said Ramdev, founder of Patanjali Ayurved Ltd, stirring up a hornet's nest on Tuesday. The yoga guru launched the product this week in a much-publicised press conference , going to town with his ayurvedic drug, announcing that a patient need not take any other medicine if he takes Coronil. A few hours later, the government of India, with a slight rap on Patanjali's knuckles, sought answers from the ayurveda giant on how a claim of this nature was made without keeping the ministry of Ayush in the know. This reaction from the government, described by many as mild, raises more questions than it gives answers. Here is why. Speaking to CNN-News18, Shripad Yesso Naik, minister of state for Ayush, claimed that Arsenicum Album 30, a homeopathic concoction pushed by his department, will keep Covid-19 at bay. "I assure you, take Arsenicum Album, and Covid will not touch you," he said. While the ministry has sought answers from Patanjali on Coronil, the minister himself did not answer questions on why the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has not endorsed the claim on Arsenicum Album 30. "This has been used for the treatment of cholera as well," Naik said. This homeopathic medicine had been recommended by the ministry of Ayush as early as March this year. The result? In many places like Mumbai, this medicine was bought and distributed in large quantities in containment zones. So far there has been no evidence that this medicine, given for a broad spectrum of respiratory illnesses, is truly beneficial. Dr Anant Bhan, researcher in bioethics and global health, and member of the Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, says this reflects poorly on the Ayush ministry. "This can be misleading. This medicine has got little scientific data to back it and to then claim that it has benefits to cure Covid-19 can give a false sense of assurance," Bhan said. The fact that the ICMR is not talking about this drug indicates a disconnect between the health ministry and the Ayush ministry. "They need to improve the interdepartmental coordination and regulation," said Amulya Nidhi, of the Jan Swasthya Abhiyan. However, the ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR), has started clinical trials for testing formulations of four ayurvedic herbs in fighting the novel coronavirus. The medicines are ashwagandha, guduchi, yashtimadhu, peepli, and another formulated drug, Ayush 64. While the results of all of these are awaited, the push for ayurvedic medicines to boost immunity has come from Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself. In fact, a task force was set up for scientific validation of ayurveda for treatment of Covid-19. Experts say claiming that a drug is going to keep you safe from the pandemic can get people to just consume that medicine and throw caution to the wind. The Ayush ministry and ministry of health and family welfare should clarify the difference between immunity booster and Covid-19 treatment drugs, they say. Right now, the advice for Arsenicum Album says this is for patients with mild symptoms of Covid-19. "Ars Alb 30 or Camphor 1m. These both preventive medicines for Covid ( 4 pills, three times, three days)", was a message that did the rounds in posh Mumbai high-rise apartments for days in the month of May. The claims by Ramdev are also similar. Here, the Uttarakhand government has also stepped in. "As per Patanjali's application, we issued them a licence. They didn't mention coronavirus, we only approved the licence for immunity booster, cough and fever. We'll issue them a notice asking how they got permission to make the kit," said YS Rawat, licence officer, Uttarakhand ayurveda department. The Ayush ministry has said that advertising will have to stop till the time the claims of Patanjali Ayurved are verified. The company also faces charges under the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act. Last year, LG managed to make its first pair of true wireless headphones stand out by adding a germ-killing UV light to the charging case that came with the earbuds. What was a nifty feature then is probably something a lot of people are thinking about now that sanitation has become top of mind. So it's interesting then to see LG go with a slightly different strategy for its latest Tone Free earbuds. This time around, the company plans to sell two different models of the headphones: the HBS-FN6 and HBS-FN4. LG The main difference between the two is that the 150 FN6 earbuds come with a germ-killing charging case, where the 100 FN4 do not. LG claims the case can eliminate 99 percent of E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. However, you'll still need to wipe down the earbuds to clean stuff like ear wax. As for the headphones themselves, LG has gone with a new canal-type design the company claims makes the updated models more comfortable to wear. A byproduct of the new look is that the FN6 and FN4 look more like AirPods than their predecessor did, but that's not a bad thing. The flat design of headphones like the HBS-FL7 and WF-1000XM3 can make for an awkward fit for some people. LG Battery life is comparable to the original model. On a single charge, both earbuds deliver about six hours of playback. The regular and UVnano charging cases can provide 18 hours of battery life across three full charges. Both headphones create enough of a seal to isolate sound, but neither features active noise-cancellation (ANC). What they do include is an ambient sound mode to help you hear what's happening around you. Touch controls on the sides of both headphones allow you to control playback, as well as adjust the volume. Theres support for Google Assistant and Siri, if thats more your thing. Both headphones are also IPX4-certified against splashing water, rain and sweat. The HBS-FN6 and HBS-FN4 will launch in the UK and the US next month. We don't have US pricing at the moment. However, we've reached out to LG for more details, and we'll update this article when we hear back from the company. Authorities are investigating after two men were wounded in a double shooting Wednesday night in East Boston, police said. Officers responded around 10:53 p.m. to a shooting on 300 Condor St., according to Sgt. John Boyle, a spokesman for the Boston Police Department. The two victims, whose ages are 18 and 23, were hospitalized with injuries that were not considered life-threatening, according to the police sergeant. They were taken to a local hospital, Boyle told MassLive. Police have yet to arrest a suspect, according to Boyle. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Ex-director of USSR People's Artist gets 3.5 years in jail for $505k embezzlement RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 16:40 25/06/2020 MOSCOW, June 25 (RAPSI) Moscows Zamoskvoretsky District Court on Thursday sentenced Ksenia Rubtsova, ex-tour manager of the People's Artist of the Soviet Union Elina Bystritskaya, to 3.5 years in penal colony for 35 million-ruble embezzlement, the courts press service told RAPSI. The court also granted in part a civil lawsuit filed by an injured party and recovered 34.7 million rubles from the defendant. According to the investigation, between July 2017 and August 2018, Rubtsova embezzled the money rubles from the actors accounts using a letter of trust signed by Bystritskaya. The United States Patent and Trademark Office was established in 1790, and since then the federal office has issued over 10 million patents for all sorts of inventions. Virtually every patent is available to the public, either on paper or microfilm, or digitized and searchable on the Internetexcept the first ten thousand patents. They went up in smoke exactly 184 years ago. At that time, the Patent Office was housed inside the Blodget Hotel Building, in Washington, along with the post office. It was the only government building that survived the burning of Washington during the War of 1812, due to the efforts of William Thornton, the Superintendent of the Patent Office, who successfully pleaded with the British troops to spare the building. The first patent issued by the US Patent Office on July 31, 1790 to Samuel Hopkins. The story goes that after the British had captured the city of Washington and destroyed all government buildings, Thornton put himself before a loaded cannon trained at the Patent Office and exclaimed: Are you Englishmen or only Goths and Vandals? This is the Patent Office, a depository of the ingenuity of the American nation, in which the whole civilized world is interested. Would you destroy it? If so, fire away, and let the charge pass through my body. Fearing condemnation from future generations, the red coats turned away. Under William Thorntons leadership, the Patent Office underwent steady growth. It goes without saying, the countrys inventive minds played no small a part in the office's success. In 1836, with ten thousand patents and seven thousand patent models housed inside the Patent Office, the government decided that a bigger office was needed, and authorized the construction of a new building. That same year, a disastrous fire destroyed the current building, and all the patents and models in it, with the exception of one bookVolume VI of the Repertory of Arts and Manufacturers, which an employee of the office happened to have taken home with him. The Blodget Hotel Building was the office of the US Patent Office until 1836. The Congress immediately passed a law allowing the patents to be reissued, and an effort was made to piece together the lost files. After ten years of work, about two thousand patents were recovered, mostly from their original inventors. But finding out who the inventors were was difficult when all the records were destroyed. Often times, the record themselves were incomplete and they frequently lacked specifications and drawings. Also, these patents were not numbered and were referred to only by the name of the inventor and the issue date. This was changed on July 13, 1836, about five months before the fire, and the current numbering system was adopted that employs sequential numbers. To distinguish the new patents from the ones that were lost in the fire and subsequently restored, the old patents were given different numberingan X followed by an arbitrarily assigned number in the sequence in which they were issued. Thus the very first patent, issued on July 31, 1790, to Samuel Hopkins for an improvement in the making of Pot ash and Pearl ash by a new Apparatus and Process became X000001. These patents are known as X-patents. Effort was made to keep the sequence in order, but sometimes patents were recovered out of order, and when that happened, the recovered patent was given a fractional number such as 1/2 or 1/4 or even 7/8. Patent No. 1 issued to John Ruggles for a new rail-road wheel. Although the work was wrapped up within ten years of the fire, lost and forgotten patents continue to surface to this day. About eight hundred more have been discovered since the Patent Office threw in the towel, thanks mostly to the work of amateur investigators. In 2004, fourteen patents turned up in the library of Dartmouth College. Ten of those belonged to Samuel Morey, a well known inventor who had built an early internal combustion engines and was a pioneer in steamships. His family had donated the patents to the library. Many lost patents have ended up in historical archives and academic institutions. Others are in private collections. The X-patents are out there, Sabra Chartrand wrote in The New York Times, it just takes a little faith and a lot of persistence to find them. References: # The New York Times, https://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/09/business/patents-earliest-us-patents-went-up-smoke-but-few-are-still-being-recovered-even.html # Harrison Henri dos SantosNascimento et al, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0172219017301138 # George W. Evans, https://www.jstor.org/stable/40067122 # https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/ac/ido/oeip/taf/issudate.pdf # Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office, Volume 12, https://books.google.co.in/books?id=rxFLAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA588-IA16&lpg=PA588-IA16 # Office of the Historian, Foreign Service Institute, https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/buildings/section22 A woman was pushed to the ground by police at a heavily-guarded Black Lives Matter protest near the White House last night. Footage showed the white woman being blocked by a wall of cops as she moved towards a roadblock by St John's Episcopal Church. One of the masked officers appeared to use both hands to push her away, sending the woman sprawling to the ground. The scuffle led to angry shouts from bystanders, and the officers appeared to back away as one man started loudly berating them. A woman was pushed to the ground by police at a heavily-guarded Black Lives Matter protest near the White House last night It was not clear what led to the confrontation, or where the woman was trying to go when she walked towards the line of police. The clash took place by St John's Church with the White House in the background and the Washington Monument visible behind that. After the woman was knocked over, several police officers slowly retreated while another man helped her back to her feet. She did not appear badly hurt but it was not clear whether she continued protesting. Lafayette Square and the surrounding area have been the scene of ongoing protests since the death of George Floyd on May 25 triggered worldwide anger over racism and police brutality. The unarmed Floyd died in Minneapolis after a white officer knelt on his knee for nearly nine minutes while arresting him. The protests in Washington led officials to install a fence around Lafayette Square to keep demonstrators away from the White House. 75-year-old protester Martin Gugino was previously pushed to the ground by police in Buffalo (pictured). Donald Trump later promoted the conspiracy theory that it was a set-up On June 1, protesters were cleared with tear gas shortly before Donald Trump theatrically walked across the square on a visit to St John's Church. Trump was widely criticized for the stunt, and one of his entourage - army general Mark Milley - has since apologized for taking part. Trump also embroiled himself in controversy about another incident where police pushed a protester to the ground, this time in Buffalo. The 75-year-old protester, Martin Gugino, was hospitalized after being shoved by Buffalo cops who were subsequently suspended and charged. Trump touted an unfounded conspiracy theory on Twitter that Gugino was a 'provocateur' and that his fall was a set-up orchestrated by Antifa. Last week Gugino's lawyer said the 75-year-old had received death threats and would continue recovering in an 'undisclosed location' when he left hospital. Trump has vowed to declare Antifa a terrorist organization, although how this would work is less clear because the movement is largely disorganized. In the first months of 2020, the office segment remained resilient in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City admit the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Alex Crane - Managing director Cushman & Wakefield Vietnam Figures from Cushman & Wakefield show that in the first quarter, net absorption in office space in Ho Chi Minh City was modest at 3,300 square metres, equivalent to 15 per cent that of the first quarter of 2019 and largely occurring in a recently completed building, Lim Tower 3. However, overall occupancy remained at a healthy 95 per cent, unchanged on-quarter. No new supply was recorded in this period. Rents meanwhile continued to trend upwards, increasing by 3 per cent on-year due to higher rentals at existing buildings such as mPlaza and President Place, as well as new completions in 2019 such as Sonatus Building and Lim Tower 3. In general rents remained unchanged on a quarterly basis, remaining at $39.4 per sq.m per month. In May alone, Cushman & Wakefield leased more than the first quarter amount in office relocations, hopefully signalling signs of robustness in the southern hub. Entering a new normal, we have successfully completed an above-average number of transactions, which in total was more than the entire market absorption in the first quarter of this year. We would not announce the specific names of transactions; however, the deals closed were of an interesting range of sectors and were all multinational occupiers. Manufacturing fast-moving consumer goods and new headquarters for one of the worlds largest retailers were all completed, as were multiple lease renewals. Meanwhile in Hanoi, two new grade B offices were completed in the first quarter of this year, raising overall stock by 2 per cent on-quarter and 9 per cent on-year. Effective pre-leasing strategies resulted in high occupancy levels for new completions, with both registering occupancies at over 90 per cent. Overall occupancy remained at a healthy 92 per cent. Absorption in the first quarter of 2020 was only a fifth of that of the previous quarter, and about 41 per cent of the same period last year. Average rent remained unchanged on-quarter but rose moderately by 1 per cent on-year, mainly due to higher rentals at existing buildings such as IPH, TNR Tower, and PVI Tower. Caution and restraint Cushman & Wakefield, which works with some of the largest global companies in over 60 countries, however, heeds caution and restraint. There is no doubt that Vietnam has led the world in the fight against COVID-19, but some of our biggest trading partners in the United States and Europe are still struggling with containment. With many multinational companies headquartered in these areas, they are likely going to hesitate making big decisions when their home environments are still being hit hard. While we hope the initial signals in the Ho Chi Minh office market are positive, there are some challenging times to come for landlords to incentivise global firms to make a move to their building. There will still be a competitive edge to the market and good deals on the table for tenants. The outbreak moreover is expected to negatively impact market performance in the next few quarters, exerting downward pressure on asking rents in Hanoi. Hanoi is about to receive significant supply in the second and third quarter of this year, so our belief is that rents will be harder hit by this than the pandemic. CapitalPlace, launching 90,000sq.m of office space, is going to take grade A vacancies from about 5 per cent to 20 per cent which will add significant pressure on rents. Regarding the movement from companies to Vietnam, obviously before the pandemic, Vietnam had been an attractive destination for companies. We believe this will accelerate in the post-coronavirus environment as enterprises will seek to diversify supply chains With the highly effective containment of the pandemic, arguably the best in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is considered a leading destination for foreign investors to base their manufacturing operations. Apple is shifting some of its AirPod production to Vietnam. At the same time, Samsung has also considered moving some of its high-end smartphone production lines to Vietnam. Japan also announced an initiative to set up a fund of $2.2 billion to encourage companies to move out of China, and Panasonic has shifted some production here from Thailand. Optimism, therefore, has prevailed with regard to office relocations to Vietnam. New generation of space Vietnam still has a limited number of offices which are up to international standards with modern and environmentally-friendly facilities; however, this number has been increasing almost daily. The country still has some way to go until the market reaches the heights to match others in the region, but we are catching up at quite some speed as all eyes in the region are now firmly fixed on Vietnam. As more investors look towards our market and so long as supply reverts to trailing behind the demand as we saw pre-pandemic we can look to expect to welcome more green buildings in the future. However, for now, occupiers will just have to look to the next best options available that meet their business vision and requirements, but we are anticipating to see a brand new LEED-certified 15,000sq.m building, OfficeHaus, coming to the market very soon in the northern part of Ho Chi Minh City very near Tan Son Nhat International Airport. We are excited to see how this very pragmatic, affordable, elegantly, and sensibly designed building will perform as it will be attractive to the IT, tech, logistics, and manufacturing industries, which we expect to be the most active in the office sector in the next 12 months. The shortage of space for offices for lease in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City may look like a bit of a disadvantage on the surface, but it does not mean that there are no comparable options in the market. Occupiers should explore the market for alternative grade A options which are setting new benchmark standards for future grade A buildings and certified green buildings. We have returned to the office market with a bang closing a number of transactions and with other occupier projects now given the go-ahead by regional and global levels to resume their business. Decisions naturally showed during the brief semi-lockdown, but thanks to leadership taking clear and supportive decisions, we can now really see the benefits reaped as a result and this is reflected in the sentiment of investors and occupiers. We see our market picking up speed as we go into the second half of the year and continue this momentum through to the end of the year. Our market was one of the first to reopen up in the world and we are seeing businesses given full attention to it while they are quickly re-evaluating their existing offices and operations. Now is the perfect time to go out to the market and go shopping for a new building and office. In the future taste of occupiers, we expect that grade A occupiers will want to remain headquartered in downtown business districts but will wish to have higher quality grade A options to be able to shortlist and select from. Companies will look towards overtime-friendly building options. Most important will be the facilities, amenities, technology, and building management improvements to satisfy the worlds new normal which include new etiquette regarding social distancing, access control and cleanliness. VIR Alex Crane Donald Trump warned New York Mayor Bill de Blasio on Thursday over his plan to put a "Black Lives Matter" mural across from Trump Tower in Manhattan, tweeting that the city's police force is "furious." The president, as he was descending into Green Bay, Wisconsin to tape a Fox News campaign town hall event, fired off two tweets about ongoing protests over perceived racial inquiry and unfair treatment of black people by police officers. One accused those protesting and calling for changes of being guilty of "treason" and other federal crimes. Mr de Blasio's office says the major intends to install the mural on Fifth Avenue between 56th and 57th streets, which is indeed across from Mr Trump's building where he lived and worked for years. "Told that @NYCMayor Bill de Blasio wants to paint the fabled & beautiful Fifth Avenue, right in front of Trump Tower/Tiffany, with a big yellow Black Lives Matter sign," he tweeted. The president then appeared to issue a warning to both the mayor and the protesters, writing: "'Pigs in a Blanket, Fry 'Em Like Bacon', referring to killing Police, is their chant. NYC Police are furious!" Protesters in some cities have been using that chant, according to media reports and videos posted online. Meantime, the president escalated his feud with those leading the "Black Lives Matter" movement as he accused them of some of the country's most serious federal crimes, saying they have betrayed their country. "Black Lives Matter leader states, 'If U.S. doesn't give us what we want, then we will burn down this system and replace it,'" he wrote. "This is Treason, Sedition, Insurrection!" The president appeared to be reacting to comments made on Thursday by Hawk Newsome, the Black Lives Matter organisation chairman, on Fox News. "And I could be speaking figuratively," he said. "I could be speaking literally. It's a matter of interpretation." Mr Trump, trailing former Vice President Joe Biden by double-digits in most national polls, is all too eager to interpret those and other remarks in a way he can try revving up his base. With the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee also leading the president in most key swing states, even if narrowly, political operatives in both parties say he will need a big turnout from that very conservative base to pull off a second win. For his part, Mr Biden tweeted on Wednesday evening for his supporters to "ignore the polls," with a link to register to vote. As Mr Trump was taping the town hall in a state he won by less than 1 percentage point in 2016, Mr Biden was talking health care with voters in another key swing state: Pennsylvania. "I've been a significant consumer of health care myself, my family. I don't think people really fully understand that there's 100 million people with pre-existing conditions ... that if the president wins this case" at the Supreme Court against the Affordable Care Act, "he keeps saying he'll cover pre-existing conditions," Mr Biden said. "But he hasn't figured out any way it's possible to do that absent what we've done." KITCHENER A man charged in a fatal shooting in Cambridge pleaded guilty to manslaughter on Thursday. Adam De-Gannes, 25, of Cambridge originally faced a charge of second-degree murder in the death of Bradley Pogue but it was later downgraded to manslaughter. Pogue, 24, of Cambridge was shot on Nov. 19, 2018, in a plaza parking lot. He was the father of a young daughter. All of the facts of the crime were not read into the record in court on Thursday. That will happen when De-Gannes is sentenced. The date will be set on July 31 in assignment court. A 17-year-old male who cant be identified faces a second-degree murder charge in the shooting. Standing near four white caskets, differing in size, Connie Ciasullo delivered the heartbreaking eulogy at the funeral for her sister-in-law Karolina and her three young daughters. To say there are no words is not an entire truth, Connie told mourners at St. Eugene de Mazenod Parish in Brampton on Thursday afternoon. There are words. Words that describe the happiness they brought to our lives and the places they held and will forever hold in our hearts. Karolina Ciasullo, 37, an elementary school teacher with the Dufferin Peel Catholic District School Board, was killed in a crash on June 18 in Brampton. Her daughters Klara, 6, Lilianna, 4, and Mila, 1, also died. Karolina, Klara, Lili and Mila were Micheles girls, Connie said of her brother. They were his entire world. At the service that was streamed online, Connie shared memories of trying to steal hugs and kisses from Lili. She spoke of premature phone calls about Christmas planning in October, and she said shell miss Klaras smile as the six-year-old would run up to her and say, Hi Zia. If we could live every day knowing that we could lose someone at any moment, we would love that person fiercely, Connie said. So please, make that call, forgive that mistake, say those words, hold their hand, cherish that smile, hug their shoulders and kiss those cheeks you really dont know when everything will be taken from you in an instant. Speakers were set up outside the church for mourners to attend the funeral. Connie thanked everyone for their support, including the first-responders who attended the crash scene. She spoke on behalf of Michele, the now-widowed husband and father. They say that God gives his toughest battles to his strongest soldiers, and that is exactly what Michele is, she said. He is one of the strongest people I know and it is the memory of his girls and the need to have others honour their memory that will be his strength and purpose as he moves ahead. The funeral was held one week after the devastating crash that is being investigated by Ontarios Special Investigations Unit. The familys van was heading north on Torbram Road at around 12 p.m. when it was struck by a driver in a blue Infiniti travelling east on Countryside Drive, according to the SIU. Klara was pronounced dead at the scene. Karolina, Lilianna and Mila were rushed to Brampton Civic Hospital, where they died. The 20-year-old driver of the Infiniti sustained injuries and was transported to hospital as well. On Thursday afternoon, police charged Brady Robertson, 20, with four counts of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death. The SIU invoked its mandate because a Peel Region police officer had observed the blue Infiniti before the crash occurred. David Venn is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @davidvenn_ Read more about: OTTAWA Finally. Clarity from Beijing. As pressure grows on Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government to drop the U.S. extradition case against Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, China has publicly dropped any pretense around the fate of two Canadians that it jailed after Mengs arrest. On Wednesday Chinas Foreign Ministry pointed to a legal opinion commissioned and released by former justice minister and United Nations ambassador Allan Rock, former Supreme Court judge Louise Arbour, and Vina Nadjibulla, wife of Michael Kovrig, one of the Canadian detainees in China. Written by lawyer Brian Greenspan, it urged Justice Minister David Lametti to exercise his legal discretion and drop the extradition case against Meng in order to secure Chinas release of Kovrig and fellow Canadian Michael Spavor from Chinese jails. It makes the case that Lametti not only can but should release Meng, and lists the political considerations he should rely on to do so. Citing that high-profile legal advice on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said, Such options are within the rule of law and could open up space for resolution to the situation of the two Canadians. It was a stunning acknowledgment that the fates of the two men are tied to Mengs freedom. Despite months of publicly denying any link, Zhaos statement made utterly clear that Kovrig and Spavor are hostages, imprisoned for no other reason than to pressure the Canadian government to withdraw extradition proceedings against Meng. It suggests there is no evidence against them, no basis for spying charges to proceed, and no so-called independent judicial organ that will protect their rights, only the whim of Chinas Communist Party rulers, subject to negotiation of a resolution or not. On the other hand, U.S. prosecutors from the Eastern District of New York have at least compiled evidence to support the laying of fraud charges against Meng whether Canada or China likes it or not. It is evidence that a Canadian court judge said in a preliminary ruling last month would amount to a basis for a fraud case in Canada, meeting the first legal test double criminality for extradition. And its a package of evidence that an independent U.S. judicial system will scrutinize to ensure basic justice is rendered if the extradition goes ahead in a system Canada recognizes and respects. Meng, Huaweis chief financial officer and deputy board chair, is wanted on fraud charges tied to what U.S. prosecutors allege was the companys attempt to avoid American sanctions against doing business in Iran. She has hired security guards and a crack legal team, and has two other legal challenges to her extradition pending. Meanwhile she is out on bail, living in one of her two luxury Vancouver homes. Now China is urging Canada to act on a legal opinion that suits its purposes: to put pressure on Lametti and the Trudeau government to allow Meng to get on a plane and out of North America. In an interview with the Star, Greenspan denied he has told the government how to act, but only outlined the factors Lametti could weigh in exercising his political discretion. Its a familiar list. He argues the U.S. evidence against Meng is weak and speculative. He cites the political undertone of the American pursuit of Huawei and Ms. Meng as part of the American governments larger trade war with China. He says Canada did not endorse the U.S. sanctions at the heart of the case (an argument set aside by the B.C. judge last month). And he says any global reputational consequences of letting Meng go would be lessened because Canada has its own foreign policy goals of normalizing relations with China and upholding the multilateral Iran nuclear disarmament deal that U.S. President Donald Trumps sanctions tried to undo. Theres been no shortage of advice when it comes to the Meng extradition. Lamettis got a small army of legal and political advisers, cabinet colleagues, a couple of former prime ministers (Brian Mulroney and Jean Chretien) and former Liberal ministers, former judges and many Opposition MPs all volunteering opinions. And now, China. Greenspans opinion states what few people understand but nobody has ever denied outright: that the Extradition Act explicitly allows the justice minister the discretion to intervene at any time in an extradition proceeding to withdraw the case. But since he became justice minister in January 2019, Lametti has muddied the waters on his role in this extradition. When asked questions about the case, he has recited talking points that confuse law and policy decisions, and insisted he only has a role after the judicial system decides whether the U.S. has met the threshold for extradition. In fact, he does have legal authority to weigh in now, as Greenspan wrote. It is merely a policy choice to delegate the decision on whether to take the extradition request to a Canadian court to the Justice Department. In theory, that lessens any perceived conflict between Lamettis dual roles as the attorney general, whose officials present the U.S. case for extradition in a Canadian courtroom, and the justice minister, who is responsible for weighing the broader legal and political factors. The bigger question is whether Canada should withdraw the extradition request now, rather than wait the several years it could take before the legal case wraps up in the B.C. court. David Mulroney, a former Canadian ambassador to China, told the Stars Douglas Quan that it would be wrong to end the extradition process now. Doing so, he said, would simply show China that Canada will capitulate, and confirm hostage diplomacy as an effective tool for managing us, and might also tempt China to detain Canadians in China as leverage to get us to ship back to China people on their lengthy wanted list. Mulroney also fears that it would make everyone less safe because other lawless states will learn from China that kidnapping Canadians is the single best way to secure our capitulation. We effectively cede control over our national interest to other states. Lametti still refuses to comment, according to a statement from his office, because the case remains before the courts, and the Minister of Justice has a direct role in the extradition process. Meanwhile, it said, the release of Kovrig and Spavor remains a top priority for the government. We cannot imagine the pain and emotional toll that this entire ordeal has had on them, on their families, and on their loved ones. We continue to call for their immediate release. Read more about: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The U.S. economy officially entered a recession in February as the viral pandemic started its sweep across the nation. Francis Diebold and Jesus Fernandez-Villaverde share why this one is unprecedented, and what to expect in the coming months. The U.S. economy officially entered a recession in February as the viral pandemic started its sweep across the nation. That determination earlier this month by the National Bureau of Economic Research officially ended the longest economic expansion in American history. Penn Today spoke with economists Francis Diebold and Jesus Fernandez-Villaverde to learn about recessions, what makes this one unique, and what to expect in the coming months. What exactly is a recession? Fernandez-Villaverde: A recession is a situation where the economy is producing fewer goods and services than under normal circumstances. So, it's not about, for example, asking why Mexico in 2020 is poorer than the U.S. in 2020. It's about why the U.S. in 2020 is going to be poorer than the U.S. in 2019 and trying to understand that. Diebold: A recession is a period of negative growth in real economic activity, broadly observed across many indicators, including GDP, personal income, industrial production, sales, various employment indicators like payroll, initial jobless claims, and so on. Accurate recession tracking requires blending those indicators to separate the "signal" from the "noise." What is unusual about this recession? Diebold: The speed with which it hit, and the intensity of the shock, were largely unprecedented. In just three weeks in late March and early April, initial jobless claims rose by roughly 15 million people. Fifteen million people. That's almost unfathomable. With near certainty the pandemic recession will wind up being the deepest on record. Not the longest, but the deepest. Fernandez-Villaverde: Recessions that we have seen in the U.S. after World War II were usually demand recessions. Demand recession are situations where the demand of consumers for goods and services falls below normal, and then we don't produce the services. But this recession we are in is a supply-side recession. Basically, businesses cannot supply the goods and services because of the virus, and it was very sharp and very sudden. However, these types of supply-side recessions tend to be much easier to recover from. Some experts say it could be brief? Is that realistic? Diebold: Yes, actually. There's massive uncertainty, of course, but there's some evidence that the U.S. resumed positive growth by late May as the economy started reopening. If so, the pandemic recession would be the shortest in history. On the other hand, the U.S. has performed poorly (compared to the eurozone, say) in flattening the COVID curve, which might put a long-lasting drag on recovery. It's not just the U.S. in a recession, but there's a global recession as well. As countries reopen for business and Europe reopens its borders will we see some relief? Fernandez-Villaverde: Economic activities coming back in Europe relatively fast is going to help, but it's not going to be a silver bullet for the U.S. At the end of the day, the main problem in the U.S. is that many economic activities are not feasible because of health restrictions. It's very difficult to produce. In addition, as the crisis continues a lot of households and firms are going to be very cautious with their decisions. Things like hiring freezes will slow down the economy. Once the health crisis is over, it will probably lead to a relatively fast recovery, but it's not going to happen overnight. It will take a few months, but that's why I think many economists think that if the health crisis is over in the next few months, the recovery in 2021 should be relatively fast. Is there anything the average American should be doing differently now? Fernandez-Villaverde: The best we can do is to follow all the health recommendations because the faster we are able to control the virus, the faster we can come back to normality. Taking seriously social distancing and everything related with the control of the virus not only has an impact on your own personal health and on the health of the people that you contact, it also has an aggregate effect of controlling the damage in the economy and helping it recover as soon as possible. Diebold: With respect to the COVID crisis and the ensuing economic crisis, it's important to remember that there's really no such thing as an "average American." There's a huge amount of heterogeneity, and it needs to be respected in a smart reopening. What's right for New Jersey isn't necessarily right for North Dakota. But I think the single most important prescription is universal: Eliminate/avoid "super-spreader" eventslarge gatherings of almost any kind. Unfortunately, super-spreader events tend to be fun events, like parties, concerts, weddings, and parades. Leave it to economists to argue for moving to a "no-fun economy," but it's the right prescription at present. What can the government do to alleviate the pain from the recession? Diebold: The federal government's response to COVID-19, which caused the recession and will continue to drive its progress, has been poor. At present we have a nearly complete leadership vacuum at the federal level, and that vacuum needs to be filled. The public needs to hear continuously: Avoid super-spreader events, wear masks, keep six feet apart, and trust science. Fernandez-Villaverde: The countries that have been doing very, very well are countries that are professional and politically independent. So, New Zealand and Denmark are countries that have made the most progress in really eliminating the virus. Their institutions are doing a great job at looking at the evidence and making decisions that make a huge difference. Nobody's perfect and, when you're making decisions in real time with limited information, sometimes you make mistakes. That's impossible to avoid. But when I look at the track record on what the [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] has done, I see serious lack of judgment. The U.S. should also be able to run all the agencies in the same way. What is your outlook for the next few months or years? Fernandez-Villaverde: The issue will be how good places like Texas, Arizona, and other states particularly in the West are able to control the epidemic. What people sometimes forget is that the U.S. economy is so large that it amounts to a continent. We have the situation where some states are not handling the epidemic well right now, as opposed to Pennsylvania and New York, for example, which, as far as we can tell given data as of today, are getting it under control. So, because the East Coast, I think, has made more progress in controlling infections, I imagine that the second half of 2020 will be relatively benign for areas east of the Mississippi. The West is going to have a harder time. Diebold: There is a huge amount of uncertainty regarding how quickly and with what pattern we will emerge from the recession. But we will eventually emerge, GDP will eventually recover, and so on. Perhaps more interesting is how the "new normal" will look in terms of the composition of that GDP and the input mix used to produce it. New Jersey health officials reported probable coronavirus deaths for the first time on Thursday bringing the statewide total to 14,872 fatalities with more than 170,000 positive tests since the outbreak began. The updated death toll includes 1,854 deaths deemed likely from COVID-19, though not confirmed by a test. The state reported 26 new confirmed deaths, pushing the confirmed fatality number to 13,018. The state also reported 406 new positive tests. Were not the only state which has been grappling with how best to draw a complete picture of COVID-19s impacts, Gov. Phil Murphy said during his coronavirus update in Trenton. And, in one day, we are significantly adding to the already weighty toll this pandemic has had on our state, and on so many families. And, as I noted, we report this out of nothing else than a solemn sense of duty. The probable deaths fall into three categories: a fatality that involved a less specific coronavirus test, a review of death certificates and deaths during known outbreaks where a person had coronavirus symptoms, particularly in settings like long-term care facilities. The long-term care facilities accounted for just under one-third of the new probable deaths reported Thursday, according to Dr. Edward Lifshitz, medical director for the state Department of Health. Roughly two-thirds came from reviewing death certificates, which Lifshitz said is the most time-consuming of the three categories. The state plans to provide updates on the probable deaths weekly going forward, Lifshitz said. The news comes a day after Murphy joined New York and Connecticut officials in a travel advisory asking travelers from nine other states where cases have spiked are to observe a 14-day quarantine upon arrival. While coronavirus cases are surging elsewhere in the country, New Jerseys new cases have fallen significantly since peaking in April and remained relatively flat for weeks as testing has expanded. The state hit a one-day high in deaths, 468, on April 30 and a one-day high in new cases, 4,305, on April 3. The number of coronavirus patients at New Jerseys 71 hospitals also remains well below the peak of more than 8,000 in mid-April. There were 1,182 patients as of Wednesday night, down slightly after two days of increases that state officials said they were tracking closely. Murphy, however, noted coronavirus transmission rate has increased in 16 of New Jerseys 21 counties over the past week - with six counties rising at least 50%. The latest statewide transmission rate - meaning the number of new cases from each infection - has increased to .88, up from .70 earlier this month. Hospitalization rates as of 6/24 Murphy has said the steady declines have given officials confidence with continuing Stage 2 of the states reopening plan. State education officials are expected to reveal on Friday how New Jerseys 2,500 schools could reopen in the fall with restrictions. The education plan follows a week of reopening news from Murphys administration. On Wednesday, bowling alleys, libraries, indoor arcades and museums were given the green light to reopen on July 2, the same day casinos, amusement parks and boardwalk rides can resume operations. Murphy urged people to continue social distancing and get coronavirus tests. Everyone should go out and get tested, Murphy said. If you were at a crowded bar or restaurant, you should get tested. If you were at a protest, you should go get tested. The county-by-county number of cases and deaths include: Bergen County: 19,167 with 1,716 deaths Hudson County: 18,775 with 1,273 deaths Essex County: 18,637 with 1,774 deaths Passaic County: 16,819 with 1,025 deaths Middlesex County: 16,667 with 1,107 deaths Union County: 16,334 with 1,141 deaths Ocean County: 9,508 with 868 deaths Monmouth County: 9,030 with 704 deaths Mercer County: 7,595 with 535 deaths Camden County: 7,212 with 427 deaths Morris County: 6,685 with 643 deaths Burlington County: 5,084 with 376 deaths Somerset County: 4,828 with 443 deaths Cumberland County: 2,917 with 126 deaths Atlantic County: 2,787 with 192 deaths Gloucester County: 2,518 with 173 deaths Warren County: 1,224 with 144 deaths Sussex County: 1,183 with 154 deaths Hunterdon County: 1,065 with 67 deaths Salem County: 751 with 67 deaths Cape May County: 704 with 63 deaths Another 706 cases are under investigation to determine where the person resides. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage Murphy also said Wednesday more than 230 new contact tracers are currently being on-boarded to supplement the between 800 and 900 tracers at local departments of health already in the field. The governor has cited them as integral as the state reopens. The hope is they will be able to quickly identify and isolate future positive clusters, he said. The coronavirus outbreak has now infected nearly 9.4 million people globally with more than 483,000 deaths, according to a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University and Medical Center. The United States has reported more than 122,000 deaths, the most of any country. New Jersey ranks second in the United States for deaths after New York. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. The coronavirus crisis is set to wipe 10trillion off the global economy as it triggers a deeper recession than previously feared, according to the International Monetary Fund. The Washington-based watchdog warned just ten weeks ago that the pandemic would lead to the worst global economic downturn since the Great Depression. But as stock markets around the world tumbled again, it predicted the fallout would be even more 'severe'. Recession fears: The IMF yesterday warned that the fallout from the pandemic would be even more 'severe' than its earlier forecasts The outlook for much of the world including Britain was downgraded. But the IMF said the UK would fare better than most major economies in Europe, suffering more than Germany but less than France, Italy and Spain. The fund also warned the UK would borrow more than 400billion over the next two years as the cost of dealing with the outbreak spirals. The IMF now expects the global economy to suffer a 10trillion hit this year and next. Slashing this year's growth forecasts for all 16 countries listed in the report, including the UK, France, Germany and the US, it also warned of a 'catastrophic' effect on jobs. A crisis like no other: IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath It referred to estimates from the International Labour Organisation that the decline in hours worked in the first half of the year was equivalent to the loss of more than 300m jobs worldwide. Overall the IMF said the global economy will shrink 4.9 per cent this year, compared with a 3 per cent contraction it had forecast in April. The recovery will be slower than it had thought, as longer lockdowns, social distancing and 'greater scarring' from businesses going bust or cutting jobs take their toll Gita Gopinath, the IMF's chief economist, said: 'The pandemic put economies into a Great Lockdown which helped contain the virus and save lives but triggered the worst recession since the Great Depression. 'This crisis is a crisis like no other, and the recovery will be a recovery like no other.' She said that in the absence of a medical solution a vaccine or effective treatment the strength of recovery is 'highly uncertain'. The watchdog predicted the UK economy will shrink 10.2 per cent this year, significantly worse than the 6.5 per cent fall it forecast two months ago, before bouncing back 6.3 per cent next year. But it also offered some scant consolation, indicating that Britain should no longer be singled out as the sick man of Europe. It predicted the UK will fare significantly better than France and Italy, which both are expected to contract 12.5 per cent this year, and Spain heading for a 12.8 per cent decline. Damage to the UK this year would be on a par with that experienced in the eurozone. This is at odds with a separate report released by the Paris-based OECD two weeks ago, which warned Britain would suffer the worst recession of the world's leading economies. It predicted UK GDP would shrink 11.5 per cent this year, assuming there is no second wave of infections. The damning report was seized on by opposition parties, which pointed out that Britain had one of the worst death tolls and infection rates, while also facing the biggest economic hit. The IMF's previous global outlook was issued in mid-April. Since then official figures have laid bare the damage inflicted, with Britain hit by a record 20.4 per cent fall in GDP in April and more than 600,000 people falling off the payroll between March and May. Carried out between May 22 and June 15, the survey published on Wednesday by the Venice-based International Center for Studies on Tourism Economics (CISET), involved over 130 professionals with managerial roles in the industry, reports Xinhua news agency. Rome, June 25 (IANS) Diversifying offers, rediscovering minor locations, and investing in small groups of travellers will be crucial steps for Italy's tourism sector to recover after the COVID-19 crisis, a survey has reveled. Some 88.72 per cent of those involved are currently employed in the domestic market, and 11.28 abroad. Tourism is a key industry for Italy's economy overall, accounting for over 5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and 6 per cent of national employment, according to 2019 data by the Bank of Italy (central bank). A key assumption at the base of the study was that "tourism has changed its face in a few months due to the coronavirus pandemic, accelerating structural changes that were already in the air", CISET stated after unveiling the results in an online conference. Outlining good strategies, and adapting to a changed reality was the only way to secure recovery in the post-COVID-19phase, considering the possible heavy losses. The survey showed that some 30 per cent of professionals involved expected their annual turnover to decrease by between 50 to 75 per cent in 2020, and another 24 per cent of them feared a loss higher than 75 percent. A very different scenario had been expected ahead of the pandemic: international tourist arrivals in Italy were in fact expected to rise by 3.1 per cent annually in 2020, according to projections by CISET in early January. Among the priorities outlined were the need to focus the offer on less crowded and more livable destinations, to try to limit mass tourism flows in order to privilege groups smaller than 50 people, and to sharpen the attention and services offered to customers. "There are at least two ways to put this strategy into practice," CISET director Mara Manente told Xinhua. The first would be enhancing secondary destinations, she explained -- small yet attractive places under a historical, artistic or environmental point of view, most of which were still "off the beaten track". Boosting secondary destinations was also among the priorities highlighted in the Strategic Plan for Tourism 2017-2022 launched by the Italian government in 2017. The survey also suggested aspects such as "being flexible with booking, the safety measures implemented, and the actions put in place to monitor and manage visitors during their staying" would become increasingly decisive for businesses to succeed in the post-pandemic holiday planning. Finally, the survey showed that boosting the presence of high-skilled figures in the market, such as "project managers, performance managers, and cost analysts" would also help Italy's tourism businesses develop and face new challenges. In 2019, some 65 million foreign tourists visited Italy, growing by almost 3 million, according to data by the Bank of Italy. They spent 44.3 billion euros ($49.8 billion), a year-on-year increase of 6.2 per cent. One of the hardest hit in Europe, Italy has reported a total of 239,410 COVID-19 cases, with 34,644 deaths. --IANS ksk/ Crews searching rubble for survivors of 2017 earthquake that hit near Mexico City. A powerful earthquake struck south-central Mexico Tuesday, and the death toll has risen to six since FreightWaves first reported on the tremor Tuesday afternoon. "We lost everything in one moment to nature." Vicente Romero, earthquake survivor and business owner in Mexico. The fatalities were near the quake's epicenter in Oaxaca, a mountainous state known for its coffee, mescal and Spanish colonial architecture. The 7.4-magnitude quake struck late morning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Its epicenter was along the Pacific coast about seven miles southwest of Santa Maria Zapotitlan, near the beach resort of Huatuco, and shook buildings hundreds of miles away in the country's capital of Mexico City. This one is impressive#earthquake #Mexico#sismocdmx pic.twitter.com/gf9q5S8keE Ernst (@motsenre) June 23, 2020 The USGS estimated that 2 million people felt strong or moderate shaking and another 49 million felt weak or light shaking. Reuters reported that rockfalls blocked mountain roads in the region, cutting off isolated villages where people were injured. Houses were scarred by wide cracks across walls. About 200 houses in the area were damaged, including 30 that were badly impacted, a local official told Reuters. "We lost everything in one moment to nature," said Vicente Romero, an owner of a stationery store whose house was damaged. "This is our life's work." Rockfalls blocked winding mountain roads between the state capital of Oaxaca City and the coast. Rescue workers reported three people were seriously injured in the remote hill village of Santa Catarina Xanaguia, a state official said. Federal civil defense authorities reported the death of a worker at the state-run oil company, Pemex. During the earthquake, the man died after he fell from a refinery structure. Pemex officials also said the quake caused a fire at its refinery in the coastal city of Salina Cruz, near the quake's epicenter. One worker was injured and the flames were quickly extinguished. Story continues "There will be aftershocks," USGS seismologist Paul Earle told the Associated Press. "It is not unexpected to see a magnitude 6 at this point and a number of smaller ones." SONAR Critical Events: Mexico earthquake, Tuesday, June 23, 2020 The earthquake also prompted the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Pacific Tsunami Warning Center to issue a tsunami threat message Tuesday. This message indicated the potential for hazardous tsunami waves within approximately 600 miles (1,000 kilometers) of the epicenter, including forecast increasing wave heights of less than a foot high in Hawaii. Tuesday's earthquake was not the first strong one to jolt the south-central region in recent years. In September 2017, an 8.1-magnitude quake struck off the southern coast of Mexico, killing at least 60 people. The U.S. Geological Survey said that Tuesday's earthquake was "near the northern end of the aftershock distribution" of the 2017 event. Tuesday's tremor hit a quake-prone region where four underground tectonic plates come together. In the past 35 years, this area has been hit by at least seven magnitude 7 or greater earthquakes, killing around 10,000 people most of them in a 1985 8.0 quake. Click here for more FreightWaves articles by Nick Austin. See more from Benzinga 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. USS Indiana Conducts Safe Haven Port Visit in Rota, Spain Navy News Service Story Number: NNS200624-08 Release Date: 6/24/2020 9:54:00 AM From U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs Office NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain (NNS) -- The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Indiana (SSN 789) completed a Safe Haven port visit in Naval Station (NAVSTA) Rota, Spain, June 22, 2020. NAVSTA Rota is designated as a safe haven port for U.S. 6th Fleet (C6F) ships and submarines during the coronavirus pandemic. The base is equipped to resupply naval vessels while pierside, protecting ships and service members from COVID-19, while enabling resupply and designated liberty areas for the crew. Indiana is on a scheduled deployment to the C6F area of responsibility to support national tasking and NATO allies and partners from the Mediterranean Sea to the High North. "Indiana's presence here sends a message to our regional allies and partners that the U.S. Navy is here and that we are open for business," said Capt. Ted O'Harrah, commander, Task Force 69. "During this challenging time, we must ensure we protect the force, while also allowing them to get a much-deserved break in port. Safe havens provide resupply and protection to our units and service members, which are invaluable to our force readiness." Indiana was commissioned Sept. 29, 2018, and is one of the newest Virginia-class submarines to join the fleet. The submarine is the sixth Block III Virginia-class submarines and features a redesigned bow, which replaced 12 individual Vertical Launch System tubes with two large-diameter Virginia Payload Tubes. These design changes, along with other modifications, reduced the submarines' acquisition cost while maintaining their outstanding warfighting capabilities. As the most modern and sophisticated fast-attack submarines in the world, this class of submarines can operate in both littoral and deep ocean environments to present combatant commanders with a broad and unique range of operational capabilities. Indiana is a flexible, multi-mission platform designed to carry out various missions including anti-submarine warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. C6F, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Director general of the IATA Alexandre de Juniac has stressed on the need for alternatives to quarantine measures at destinations of international travel. He urged all governments to reach a common solution. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged governments to avoid quarantine measures when re-opening their economies. Instead, the apex body representing some 290 airlines is promoting a layered approach of measures to reduce the risk of countries importing COVID-19 via air travel and to mitigate the possibility of transmission in cases where people may travel while unknowingly being infected. Imposing quarantine measures on arriving travelers keep countries in isolation and the travel and tourism sector under lockdown, said IATAs Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac. Fortunately, there are policy alternatives that can reduce the risk of importing Covid-19 infections while still allowing for the resumption of travel and tourism that are vital to jump-starting national economies. We are proposing a framework with layers of protection to keep sick people from travelling and to mitigate the risk of transmission should a traveler discover they were infected after arrival, he said. Also Read: India to ease international travel restrictions for US, European airline carriers? IATA urges governments to implement a layering of bio-safety measures to reduce the risk of imported #COVID19 cases via #airtravel and mitigate risk in cases where an infected person travels, avoiding the need for quarantine measures. More details https://t.co/G2z9Rj2OCU pic.twitter.com/aCYCwbBAr7 IATA (@IATA) June 24, 2020 Also Read: IATA provides standard basis for Covid-19 testing of airline passengers IATA encourages a layering of bio-safety measures in two areas: reducing the risk of imported cases via travelers and mitigating risk in cases where an infected person does travel. Juniac said quarantine measures may play a role in keeping people safe but they will also keep many unemployed. The alternative is to reduce risks through a series of measures. Airlines are already offering flexibility so there is no incentive for sick or at-risk people to travel. Health declarations, screening and testing by governments will add extra layers of protection. If someone travels while infected, we can reduce the risk of transmission with protocols to prevent the spread during travel or when at the destination. Effective contact tracing can isolate those most at risk without major disruptions, he said. Data transmission required for health declarations, testing and tracing raise privacy concerns. Mutually recognized standards will be needed for testing. Governments have a common interest in finding solutions. The rapid agreement by governments to ICAOs Take-Off guidelines demonstrates that progress on complex issues is possible where there is the political will to do so, said de Juniac. There is every economic incentive to make a layered approach work. The World Travel and Tourism Council estimates that travel and tourism account for 10.3 per cent of global GDP and 300 million jobs globally (direct, indirect and induced economic impact). Mandatory quarantine measures stop people from travelling. Recent public opinion research shows that 83 per cent of travelers will not even consider travelling if quarantine measures are imposed on travelers at their destination. An analysis of trends during the lockdown period shows that countries imposing quarantine saw arrivals decrease by more than 90 per cent an outcome that is similar to countries that banned foreign arrivals. Quarantine is a lop-sided solution that protects one and absolutely fails at the other. We need government leadership to deliver balanced protection, said de Juniac. Also Read: Post Covid, were launching new features on our travel platform Headout, says CEO Varun Khona Fans and well-wishers of Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput are still in shock over his untimely demise. His death by suicide has now stirred a debate on nepotism and bullying of stars who come from outside the film industry. Recently, Malayalam actor Neeraj Madhav called out nepotism in Mollywood. In a post shared on Facebook, the actor revealed some of the unwritten rules and regulations of the industry, and discrimination that divides the senior and the junior actors. Well now, celebrated costume designer and stylist Vasuki Bhaskar's recent tweet has surprised many as she revealed that there are many Sushant Singh Rajputs' in the Tamil film industry. Also, cousin of filmmaker Venkat Prabhu and music composer Yuvan Shankar Raja, Vasuki talked about the struggles of artists in the industry who suffer silently without even getting proper recognition and income. She also cited an example of Ajith for the newcomers to learn from. Her tweet read, "There are many a #SushatSinghRajput in our Tamil film industry who get no payment, no support, no recognition yet they put a brave front n smile to the camera. Few speak to me, few remain silent in pain 2 suffer humiliation in a different form. To so many such, remember thala Ajith then n now."(sic) There are many a #SushantSingRajput in our tamil film industry who get no payment ,no support,no recognition yet they put a brave front n smile to e camera.few speak 2me few remain silent in pain 2suffer humiliation in a diff. form. To so many such,remember thala Ajith then n now https://t.co/L3wCUZSVVd vasuki bhaskar (@vasukibhaskar) June 20, 2020 Her bitter revelation about the industry has come as a surprise to many. Well, we will have to wait and watch if any of the artists who have gone through such instances, open up to the world to share his or her ordeal in the industry. For the unversed Vasuki Bhaskar has earlier worked with Ajith in Mankatha and Billa 2. On a related note, Ajith will next be seen inValimai directed by H Vinoth which is halted for now due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Ajith Turns Hero In Real Life; He And His Team Spray Disinfectant With Drones In Red Zone Areas Valimai Starring Ajith Will Not Have A Direct-To-OTT Release, Confirms Boney Kapoor The Government of Ghana has promised to rebuild the demolished building in the Nigeria High Commission. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, announced this. Onyeama expressed satisfaction with the steps taken by Ghana on the issue. He said they have taken responsibikity and agreed to restitute. The Minister however did not spare Nigeria officials in Ghana for not obtaining the necessary documents for the land despite making payment since 2000. He said the High Commission did not have the title deeds for the land neither did it obtain approval for the demolished building. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates M axine Peake has apologised for making incorrect assumptions in an interview after she was accused of sharing an anti-semitic conspiracy about the death of George Floyd. The actresss comments came after Labour leader Keir Starmer sacked his education spokeswoman Rebecca Long-Bailey for sharing a link to the interview. Ms Peake had claimed police linked to the death of Mr Floyd in Minneapolis had learned their tactics from the Israeli secret service. On Thursday evening she tweeted: "I feel its important for me to clarify that, when talking to The Independent, I was inaccurate in my assumption of American Police training & its sources. I find racism & anti-Semitism abhorrent & I in no way wished, nor intended, to add fodder to any views of the contrary. Ms Long-Bailey, one of Sir Keir's challengers in the recent Labour leadership contest, had earlier tweeted a link to the piece describing Ms Peake as "an absolute diamond". After announcing his decision to send Ms Long-Bailey to the back benches, a spokesman for Sir Keir sad that "restoring trust with the Jewish community is a number one priority." Ms Peake, an outspoken supporter of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, had told the Independent that "systemic racism is a global issue The tactics used by the police in America, kneeling on George Floyds neck, that was learnt from seminars with Israeli secret services." An article published by Amnesty International that discussed trips by American law enforcement officials to Israel had been used to justify Ms Peake's comments. But the charity today clarified that it has never reported that neck kneeling is a technique taught by the Israeli secret services Ms Long-Bailey tweeted that she "in no way" intended to endorse every sentiment of the interview when she shared it. Today I retweeted an interview that my constituent and stalwart Labour Party supporter Maxine Peake gave to the Independent," she said. "Its main thrust was anger with the Conservative governments handling of the current emergency and a call for Labour Party unity." The Labour leader's spokesperson said: This afternoon Keir Starmer asked Rebecca Long-Bailey to step down from the Shadow Cabinet. The article Rebecca shared earlier today contained an antisemitic conspiracy theory. Keir Starmer (Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images) / Getty Images As leader of the Labour Party, Keir has been clear that restoring trust with the Jewish community is a number one priority. Antisemitism takes many different forms and it is important that we all are vigilant against it. Ms Long-Bailey tweeted that she "in no way" intended to endorse every sentiment of the interview when she shared it. Today I retweeted an interview that my constituent and stalwart Labour Party supporter Maxine Peake gave to the Independent," she said. "Its main thrust was anger with the Conservative governments handling of the current emergency and a call for Labour Party unity. These are sentiments are shared by everyone in our movement and millions of people in our country. I learned that many people were concerned by references to international sharing of training and restraint techniques between police and security forces. In no way was my retweet an intention to endorse every part of that article." The move has been slammed by some Labour MPs, including former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell and Nadia Whittome, as well left wing campaigners like journalist and activist Owen Jones. Mr McDonnell said in a tweet: Throughout discussion of anti-Semitism its always been said criticism of practices of Israeli state is not anti-Semitic. I dont believe therefore that this article is or @RLong_Bailey shouldve been sacked. I stand in solidarity with her. He later shared a petition calling on Sir Keir to reinstate her to the shadow cabinet. Ms Whittome said she was "saddened" by the sacking of Ms Long-Bailey, who she called "incredibly intelligent" and "hardworking". Loading.... She added in a tweet: Rebecca Long-Bailey's departure from the front bench is a loss for our party, particularly at a time when she was very effectively holding the government to account over its multiple failures in education during COVID-19. Guardian columnist Mr Jones added: "Sacking Rebecca Long-Bailey for sharing an interview in *the Independent* with one of Britain's most celebrated actors because of a sentence uttered by Maxine Peake which the Independent initially justified with a link to an Amnesty International report is an absurd overreaction." Google is taking steps to bring privacy and incognito mode to the forefront across a number of mobile apps at a tap or with a quick search. Thats based on recently reported changes announced by the company. To begin with, the company is planning changes that make at least some privacy tools available with a search. In the future, Google users who are signed in will be able to simply search to check just how secure their account is. By asking is my Google account secure or Google Privacy Checkup for example, users will be able to gain quick access to that latter tool. Google Privacy Checkup will appear in a card at the top of search results, viewable only by the user. That card grants access to data saved by the company and other related privacy controls. Password checkups will additionally be added to that page as well, falling in line with its future removal as a standalone extension. Advertisement Aside from privacy checkups, Google will soon release an update to its Maps and YouTube apps, for example, that will make getting to Incognito Mode easier. In effect, users will be able to simply long-press on their profile picture to switch over. Better still, Google is working on a way to ensure that users stay in the associated incognito mode across all services until they exit the mode. No clear timeline has been given though for any of the changes, although iOS users can already enter incognito mode with a long-press. Google is also making timed account history deletion automatic Looking past changes to how Google handles privacy and how incognito mode will work in the future, Google also revealed that it plans to make account history deletion automatic. At least for new users, starting from today. Advertisement For clarity, this refers to Location, Web & App Activity, and YouTube histories. Those are typically saved by the company in order to give users more personalized experiences. Not everybody loves that idea. Privacy advocates and those who are concerned about security, in particular. Now, Google allows users to delete that data. And they can even set up the data to be deleted automatically after a set period. After the changes made today, new users will have those features turned on by default. The timeframes here will be a bit different too, in terms of how long the company keeps the data. It isnt going to be deleted immediately. For location data tracking, that will be automatically deleted after 18-months. Thats if users choose to turn on the tracking. Web & App Activity will be saved automatically for the same period, whereas it was previously saved indefinitely. YouTube History will be saved for double that length of time by Google and then deleted. Advertisement Some new Google privacy and incognito features wont apply outside of mobile, for now There doesnt appear to be any plan in place to move the quick-access features outside of Android and iOS. Or at least when it comes to the long-press action for incognito mode. That could change in the future but its not immediately apparent how Google would implement it. Especially since touchscreen computers arent ubiquitous and not all of the apps it will arrive for are available there either. Setting aside incognito mode, the change in favor of privacy via automatic data deletion also isnt necessarily going to be as great as might be hoped. Now, previously, deleting account data was a much more arduous task. It required a list of actions to get to the appropriate settings menu. And, in some cases such as Chrome, stopping long-term tracking was not something that was easy to figure out how to do. That is not necessarily changing here. Automatic deletion in its most recent form only happens every three or 18 months. Thats at the users discretion and otherwise, the data was saved indefinitely. Now, data will be saved as described above. And it only applies to new accounts. Current users may still need to go through the above-mentioned steps to turn it on. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Ambulance workers who took part in a University of Manchester led study have told of the complex challenges they face in responding to suicide without adequate training and support. The qualitative interview study by experts at Manchester and Keele University, funded by the National Institute for Health Research is published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology. The ambulance workers told the research team that as first responders to the scene of a death by suicide: they are exposed to many distressing suicides during their working lives, including the suicide of colleagues, and all had been personally bereaved by suicide; they are often faced with managing distressed friends and relatives of the deceased with little professional training in how to respond to those bereaved by suicide; there is little acknowledgement in the workplace that suicides may be traumatic, opportunities for staff debriefing are rare, and staff are reluctant to access work-based support services due to potential stigmatisation Though limited by a relatively small sample of 9 people from one English ambulance service in 2014, its themes, say the researchers, may be relevant in other parts of the UK and beyond. "We know ambulance staff are exposed to suicide related incidents on almost a daily basis. However, we fail to identify, acknowledge and address their unmet needs dealing with this issue, despite our awareness that exposure to suicide, is a known risk factor for further suicide," said Dr. Sharon McDonnell, Honorary Research Fellow at The University of Manchester, Managing Director of Suicide Bereavement UK and PI of the study. "All participants in the study reported losing at least one colleague to suicide. This finding alone highlights the urgency of future research, exploring the magnitude of this problem." She added: "Ambulance staff reported feeling helpless, hopeless, ill-equipped and unsupported in the workplace, when exposed to suicide. This issue was especially pertinent when they encountered intense grief reactions from those bereaved by suicide. The urgency of providing high quality care, support and training to assist and empower staff to manage these profoundly distressing circumstances cannot be underestimated." Explore further GPs' uncertainty at dealing with those bereaved by suicide revealed More information: Pauline A. Nelson et al. 'We're the First Port of Call' Perspectives of Ambulance Staff on Responding to Deaths by Suicide: A Qualitative Study, Frontiers in Psychology (2020). Journal information: Frontiers in Psychology Pauline A. Nelson et al. 'We're the First Port of Call' Perspectives of Ambulance Staff on Responding to Deaths by Suicide: A Qualitative Study,(2020). DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00722 Whats new: Pascal Cagni, chairman of Business France, a French government agency that tries to attract foreign investment, wooed Chinese investors in an interview with Caixin by touting the countrys substantially transformed business environment. Cagnis efforts illustrate how France is trying to alter the traditional perception in China that the European countrys strict labor protections make it a tough place to do business. He said that Chinese investors perceptions of Frances business environment were five years behind the times. He added that they would miss good opportunities in France by choosing Germany and Britain as their top investment destinations in Europe. The background: Cagni said that reforms undertaken by French President Emmanuel Macron in 2017 have been the driving force behind changes in the countrys labor market. Macron introduced a series of employer-friendly policies, including lowering requirements for employers to dismiss employees, setting limits on employee compensation, and allowing more flexible employment contracts. In the wake of Britains departure from the European Union, France has for the first time overtaken Britain and Germany as the top foreign investment destination in Europe, according to a survey released in May by accounting firm Ernst & Young. Of all Chinese investment in Europe, about 20% goes to Germany and 12% to Britain, Cagni said. Less than 10% ends up in France. Quick Takes are condensed versions of China-related stories for fast news you can use. Contact reporter Lu Zhenhua (zhenhualu@caixin.com) and editor Michael Bellart (michaelbellart@caixin.com) The worst-ever outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has officially been declared over, almost two years after it began. No new cases of the disease have been reported in the north-east of the country, where dozens of armed groups operate, since 27 April. Some 2,280 people died since the outbreak began in August 2018. The deadliest outbreak on record was in West Africa between 2014 and 2016 with more than 11,000 deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) said the end of the outbreak in the east, where insecurity is also endemic, was a cause for celebration as it had a been a tough and often dangerous two years for those involved in fighting it. However, DR Congo, which is the size of mainland western Europe, is dealing a fresh Ebola outbreak in the north-west of the country. The case in Mbandaka was announced on 1 June where 13 people have since died. Genetic analysis shows it is a different strain of the virus to that found in the east. The WHO in DR Congo has told the BBC the situation in Mbandaka - the country's 11th outbreak - is nearly under control. But new Ebola outbreaks are to be expected given the existence of the virus in animals in many parts of DR Congo, the WHO says. For an outbreak to be declared over, there has to be a 42-day period since the last positive case was tested negative and discharged from hospital. Why did it take so long to end? The outbreak in eastern DR Congo was the 10th to have hit the country since 1976, when the virus was first discovered by a group of scientists who decided to call it Ebola after a local river. Health Minister Eteni Longondo described it as "the longest, most complex and deadliest" in the DR Congo's history. Decades of conflict in the east have led to widespread mistrust of the authorities, which has made it harder for health workers to treat sick and at-risk people. BBC health reporter Rhoda Odhiambo says there had been more than 420 attacks on health facilities in the region by armed groups since 2018, which greatly hampered efforts to contain the spread of the disease. Another challenge in tackling the eastern outbreak was its geographical span across 1200km (475 miles) and three provinces - North Kivu, Ituri and South Kivu, she says. Fear of the deadly Ebola virus - which sees patients suffer gruesome symptoms and rules out customary burial rites - has been another challenge. How was it achieved? WHO's regional director to Africa says the end of the outbreak was only possible because of collaboration. "This is a sign of hope that with solidarity and science epidemics can be controlled," Dr Matshidiso Moeti said. The largest-ever Ebola vaccine campaign was a key factor in containing its spread. The introduction of two experimental vaccines saw more than 320,000 people inoculated. Health workers and Congolese authorities have mostly succeeded in preventing the spread to neighbouring countries. 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 Huawei, Chinas first global tech brand, is the biggest maker of network equipment and the No. 2 smartphone brand. It is a leader in 5G, along with Finlands Nokia Corp. and Swedens LM Ericsson. (Photo | Wikimedia Commons - Henozuxj) Beijing: The United States is willing to help other countries finance purchases of next-generation telecom technology from Western providers so they can avoid Chinese tech giant Huawei, which Washington sees as a security threat, an American official said Thursday. Washington is lobbying European and other allies to exclude Huawei Technologies Ltd. as they upgrade to 5G networks. Australia, Japan and some others have imposed restrictions on Chinese technology, but Huaweis lower-cost equipment is popular with developing countries and is making inroads into Europe. Giving Huawei even a small 5G role would allow Beijing to expand its surveillance state by eavesdropping on phone and other network-based systems, said Keith Krach, a U.S. undersecretary of state for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment. Theres lots of financing tools and those kinds of things that I think many countries like us are willing to help provide, because we recognize this danger, Krach said on a conference call with reporters. Huawei, Chinas first global tech brand, is the biggest maker of network equipment and the No. 2 smartphone brand. It is a leader in 5G, along with Finlands Nokia Corp. and Swedens LM Ericsson. Washington is in talks with Brazil over possible financing of 5G equipment purchases by its phone carriers, the newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo reported this month, citing the American ambassador to Brazil, Todd Chapman. Chapman said Washington also was talking with other countries. Krach gave no financial details but cited South Koreas Samsung as another potential vendor of trusted communications equipment. The pressure on Huawei comes at a time of increasingly rancorous U.S.-Chinese relations over the coronavirus pandemic, a security law imposed on Hong Kong and Beijings recent border clash with Indian soldiers. Huawei denies U.S. accusations it facilitates Chinese spying or is controlled by the ruling Communist Party. Its founder, Ren Zhengfei, told reporters in January 2019 that he would reject official demands to reveal its customers secrets despite a Chinese law that requires companies to hand over any information demanded by the government. 5G is intended to expand networks to support self-driving cars, power plants, remotely controlled medical equipment and other futuristic applications. That makes it more intrusive and politically sensitive. Everything is connected to it, said Krach. Its an interconnected system, and you are only as strong as your weakest link. U.S. export controls imposed last year block Huaweis access to most American components and other technology. Washington tightened restrictions this year by barring companies outside the United States from using American technology to produce processor chips and other components for Huawei without U.S. government permission. Washington wants other governments to remove earlier generations of Huawei technology as well, Krach said. If countries are choosing their 5G systems, this is definitely the time to do a rip-and-replace transition, he said. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. A new report from the Connecticut Juvenile Justice Alliance calls on state and city leaders to eliminate racial inequities in housing and unemployment and fund mental health support services. Such an investment, the report says, would address root causes of crime and ensure children living in under-resourced neighborhoods grow up to live healthy lives free from the confines of a prison cell. The proposals arent necessarily new, but what stands out is who made them: young people whose lives have intersected with the juvenile or adult criminal justice systems. The young peoples voices provided critical context needed to understand how current policies impact peoples lives, said Simone Davis, one of the alliances Justice Advisors. Most politicians have no idea what that looks like. The alliances Justice Advisors led the study. For roughly two years, the advisors young people between the ages of 18 and 25 who have been in the justice system or have justice-involved family members led vision sessions with 150 youth and community members. They talked with young people and their families about the resources their communities need, the ways the juvenile justice system has helped or hurt them, the factors that propelled them or their peers into the justice system, and how people should be treated to ensure those who break the law are rehabilitated and those who are victimized are healed. The reports 10 recommendations echo the demands made by activists following the recent police killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and go beyond criminal justice reforms. They seek to make life in Connecticut more equitable for those who live in marginalized communities under the theory that providing necessary resources will prevent young people from running afoul of the law, the report argues. The real question is why would you not put dollars into trying to avoid an issue rather than trying to solve it after it happens? asked Iliana Pujols, the alliances director of community relations and the primary author of the report. The most surprising aspect of the community conversations for Pujols was how much they reminded her of growing up in New Haven and how out of the ordinary they seemed to people who didnt grow up in cities like Bridgeport, Hartford and Waterbury. I feel like these are things that happen on a Tuesday, Wednesday for me, Pujols said. This is stuff Ive grown up around regularly, so its normal to me. Realizing its not really normalized to everyone else was shocking. The report is the basis for the Juvenile Justice Alliances Invest in Me CT campaign, an initiative dedicated to building communities where all young people and families can access the resources they need to succeed. Their calls to action are based on seven inequities commonly experienced by youth of color living in marginalized communities. These root causes lead to young people committing crimes and becoming involved in the justice system, the report says. These systemic issues include: economic and housing insecurity, a lack of hope, equal opportunity and trust in the system, a need for more credible messengers and positive role models, and trauma within communities. One demand is familiar: remove all children from prison-like environments in the juvenile and adult justice systems. The Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee has been moving toward this for years. Reforms have shrunk the number of children incarcerated in adult prisons, and officials are trying offer secure treatment through community-based providers for children in the juvenile justice system, though their progress has been delayed. Of particular concern is reducing persistent racial disparities in the justice system. State data shows justice reforms are helping white children more than they are benefitting children of color. The number of minors arrested each year has fallen, but the declines are greatest for white children. Incarceration begins with an arrest, the report notes, so it is important to reduce the contacts children of color have with the front end of the criminal justice system. When justice advisors talked with young people about how to handle youth who have committed serious offenses, they suggested sending them to smaller facilities that offer individualized programs, stressing rehabilitation, not punishment. They recommended staffing the facilities with people who have similar life experiences, and creating a system based on positive reinforcement that allows them to gain privileges while teaching them how to hold themselves accountable. A lot of kids told us, Nobody has ever asked me what I need to not come back, Pujols said, noting that such a system would be more restorative than a place like Manson Youth Institution, which is currently under federal investigation. The only positive thing Ive heard [about Manson] is, Its so bad in there Ill do anything not to come back. Pujols said individualized programs with an emphasis on restorative justice would better serve children when theyre older. Many dont consider how incarceration will affect them in the long term, she said how it will make it harder for them to get an apartment or a job, how it will affect their adult lives. Other suggestions in the report include funding community programs like after-school initiatives, holding police officers accountable for misconduct and training them to better assess community needs and creating a plan to address racial inequities in housing and employment. The juvenile justice alliances study adds emotional depth to the many updates that state officials give on Connecticuts justice reform efforts, Davis said. Seeing the data and the charts take away from some of that empathy that politicians might have for youth experiencing this. A Tanzanian miner and father-of-30 has become a millionaire overnight after he discovered two huge gemstones worth 2.4million. The government handed Saniniu Laizer a cheque for 7.74 billion Tanzanian shillings (2.4million) for the two dark violet-blue stones, each about the size of a forearm, during a trading event in the northern region of Manyara yesterday. Laizer discovered the chunks in one of the tanzanite mines in the north of the country which are surrounded by a wall to control cross-border smuggling of the valuable mineral. Saniniu Laizer is pictured during a trading event in Manyara, northern Tanzania yesterday, holding two slabs of Tanzanite that made him a multimillionaire overnight Pictured: The two slabs of Tanzanite discovered by artisanal miner Saniniu Laizer, which earned him 2.4million at a trading event yesterday 'There will be a big party tomorrow,' Laizer, who has four wives and 30 children, told the BBC. The 52-year-old said that he would slaughter a cow to celebrate his good fortune. He vowed to use some of his earnings to build a school and a shopping mall in his community, adding that many locals can't afford to pay for their children's education. But he insisted that his lifestyle would not change and that he would continue to look after his herd of 2,000 cows. A locator map shows the region artisanal miner Lazier discovered the two huge slabs of Tanzanite What is Tanzanite? The ultra-rare gemstone Tanzanite is only found in northern Tanzania. It is possibly the rarest mineral in the world, found in an area just 2.5 miles wide and 1.2 miles long at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The stones are priced depending on the rarity of their colour and clarity. Tanzanite slabs are often exported to India to be polished and transformed into decorative objects. Local geologists predict its supply could be depleted within 20 years, the BBC reported. The gemstone was named after its country of origin by luxury jeweller Tiffany & Co. Advertisement The first gemstone weighed 20lb while the second weighed 11lb, a mines ministry spokesperson said. Before Laizer dug out the chunks last week, the largest Tanzanite stone recorded was seven pounds. Tanzanite is an ultra-rare gemstone found only in a small northern region of the East African nation. Laizer was pictured on Tanzanian television being presented with a large cheque after the Bank of Tanzania bought the gemstones in a ceremony yesterday. President John Magufuli phoned to congratulate Laizer live on television. 'This is a confirmation that Tanzania is rich,' Magufuli told minerals minister Doto Biteko. Tanzania last year set up trading centres around the country to allow artisanal miners to sell their gems and gold to the government. Artisanal miners are not officially employed by any mining companies and usually mine by hand. Magufuli inaugurated the wall around tanzanite mining concessions in northern Tanzania in April 2018, in an attempt to control illegal mining and trading activities. At the time he said 40 per cent of tanzanite produced there was being lost. Job Title: Grants Coordinator Organization: CARE International Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda About US: CARE is a global leader within a worldwide movement dedicated to ending poverty. We are known everywhere for our unshakeable commitment to the dignity of people. CARE works around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty and achieve social justice. We seek a world of hope, tolerance and social justice, where poverty has been overcome and all people live with dignity and security. We put women and girls in the centre because we know that we cannot overcome poverty until all people have equal rights and opportunities. CARE has been working in Uganda for 50 years and in 2019/2020, we improved the lives of 2.6 million people (60% women). Our goal for the next five years is to reach ten million people, through our gender transformative, resilience building, and lifesaving programs Job Summary: The Grants Coordinator will ensure the programmes appropriate grant management, both the donor contract management and compliance (ensuring donor rules are applied and respected, donor reports are prepared and submitted timely and with the needed accuracy, other donor requirements are met, etc) and the sub grants management and oversight, as per CARE relevant policies. The staff will work with respective CARE units both in CARE Uganda, Regional Management Unit (RMU) as well as CARE USA headquarters and other CARE International Member Partners (CMPs). The job holder will support assigned initiatives to run an efficient budget management and guide the programme staff and finance on donor requirements/guidelines and rules of managing donor Grants. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: The applicant for the CARE International Grants Coordinator job must hold a bachelors degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or BCOM and/ or Professional Accounting qualification like CPA, CIMA, and ACCA Level At least three years of experience from financial management of development projects or at a middle or senior management level in accounting, auditing and grant management. Experiences with working in a partnership approach and supporting civil society. Good verbal and written communication skills in English. Computer skills (email, word processing, spreadsheets, financial management systems). Highly motivated to maintain a regular dialogue with CAREs partner organizations. Skills in team work, facilitation and training. Knowledge of INGO operations and sub-grantee management is an added advantage. Sensitive and committed to Gender Equity and Diversity. How to Apply: All interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications and CVs including the names, daytime telephone contacts and email addresses of three work related referees to ugarecruitment@care.org. Please indicate job title in your email subject line. Deadline: 3rd July 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 Jay Clayton is not withdrawing his nomination as the next federal prosecutor in Manhattan, but he doesnt plan to give up his day job as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission anytime soon. I recognize that the nomination process is multifaceted and uncertain, and it is clear the process does not require my current attention, Mr. Clayton said on Thursday during previously scheduled testimony on Capitol Hill. In short, I am fully committed to and focused on my role at the S.E.C. Mr. Claytons nomination last Friday to be the next United States attorney for the Southern District of New York set off a controversy as soon as it was announced by Attorney General William P. Barr. Mr. Barrs announcement said Geoffrey S. Berman had stepped down from the position. Mr. Berman issued his own statement saying he had not resigned, but agreed to leave the next day after Mr. Barr notified him in a letter that President Trump had fired him and Mr. Bermans deputy would take over in the interim. While ramping up the international campaign against Chinese telecommunications manufacturer Huawei, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has declared Reliance Jio a clean network for not using Huaweis equipment, keeping it safe from Beijings intelligence intrusions. Listing Jio among the worlds leading telecom operators, Pompeo told reporters on Wednesday that it was one of the Clean Telcos for spurning Huawei, which he called a part of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) infrastructure. Stopping Huaweis incursions into next-generation 5G networks has become a priority for President Donald Trump and he has personally appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other world leaders to ban the company that the US has linked to Beijings intelligence gathering capability. With a series on sanctions against Huawei that seek to bar other countries sharing US technologies with the Chinese company, Washington is pressuring them to ban it. In a later statement he outlined the makings of a virtual global alliance against the Chinese company in a world troubled by the Covid-19 pandemic originating in China and Beijings efforts to take advantage of it strategically and economically. The tide is turning against Huawei as citizens around the world are waking up to the danger of the Chinese Communist Partys surveillance state. Huaweis deals with telecommunications operators around the world are evaporating, because countries are only allowing trusted vendors in their 5G networks, he said. Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani had told Trump during his February visit to India that Jio was the only network in the world to not have a single Chinese component. Jio is reportedly trying the swadeshi route for 5G and has applied to the Department of Telecommunications for permission to carry out lab tests for the technology without third-party participation. Facebook announced a $5.7 billion investment in Jio in April. While speaking to the media before the release of the State Departments annual terrorism report, Pompeo said that Jio along with some other Canadian, British and French telecoms was disconnecting from the Chinese Communist Party infrastructure by not using Huawei equipment. They are rejecting doing business with tools of the CCP surveillance state, companies like Huawei, he added. He listed eight European countries, most of them from the former Eastern bloc, that have barred Huawei and said that in Canada public opinion was overwhelmingly against Huawei making operators choose other companies for 5G rollout. The US has not been able to persuade the big European nations, Germany and France, to restrict Huawei, while the UK, which has resisted Washington, is now reexamining Huaweis involvement in its networks. According to US National Security Adviser Robert OBrian, Huawei is able to access sensitive and personal information wherever its equipment is installed and by law, must comply with directives of the Chinese Communist Party making networks using it vulnerable to Beijings surveillance. Trump had brought up the security concerns with Modi during the February visit in a bid to stop Huaweis inroads into Indias 5G networks. Trump told reporters after meeting Modi: We discussed the importance of a secure 5G wireless network and the need for this emerging technology to be a tool for freedom, progress, prosperity, not to do anything with which it could be even conceived as a conduit for suppression and censorship. The Trump administration has put a series of sanctions on Huawei to cut off its access to US technology to develop or manufacture its systems. In the latest action against it, Washington barred the use of US equipment and software by companies anywhere to produce components for Huawei. This pits the US against several countries whose companies have ties to Huawei and could increase pressure on them to make a choice. Pompeos statement indicated that Samsung, Nokia and Ericsson were alternatives. The U.S does not have comparable manufactures of 5G equipment. Short for fifth generation cellular network, 5G is capable of being more than 25 times faster than the 4G network and it has applications in manufacturing and in future technologies like self-driving cars. Heather Murphy, right, who leads Temple Universityas Water, Health, and Applied Microbiology Laboratory, and Shannon McGinnis, left, a recent PhD graduate from Temple's College of Public Health. Read more Each household in Philadelphia flushes up to 20 gallons of sewage per day down the toilet, amounting to millions of gallons flowing through 3,000 miles of sewer lines toward treatment plants. And that sewage might help Philadelphia to detect a sudden rise in coronavirus. The citys health and water departments have teamed up with Temple Universitys Water, Health, and Applied Microbiology Laboratory for a pilot program that will determine if testing Philadelphias wastewater can provide valuable information ... [to] better predict the occurrence of COVID-19 in the citys population, according to a statement by officials with the two departments. Heather Murphy, director of the Temple lab and an assistant professor at the schools College of Public Health, said that although there is an agreement in place, a contract has not been signed, so she could not yet offer many details. Broadly, heres how it works: People can shed the virus in their stool. Though it doesnt appear that the virus can survive intact through the water treatment process, its RNA, or genetic material, will. The testing looks for RNA of SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Italian scientists announced last week that they found traces of the coronavirus in wastewater collected from Milan and Turin in December 2019 -- well before China reported the first cases. Murphy said this type of testing could become an early warning system. To conduct the tests, the Temple lab has been collecting one liter samples of untreated wastewater at a city treatment plant for about six weeks. Those samples are sent to Michigan State University, which performs the assay to detect the presence of the RNA. Its really kind of preliminary research right now, Murphy said Wednesday. There are a lot of researchers globally and across the U.S. that are looking at sewage monitoring for the coronavirus as a potential tool. She hopes that the Temple lab can start analyzing the results in the next week or two. Well work with the city on interpretation of the results, and how to potentially communicate those results, she said. Were not really sure what theyre going to show for Philadelphia. Murphy, who has a Ph.D. in environmental engineering, stressed that there is not information to suggest that anyone has become sick with COVID-19 because of exposure to wastewater. The city processes sewage at two plants along the Delaware River and one on the Schuylkill, and fully treated wastewater is released into the rivers. The citys drinking water is pulled from the same two rivers, but upstream from where treated wastewater is discharged. The virus is unlikely to last long in water, based on whats currently known about it. In addition, the drinking-water treatment plants filter all water and disinfect it with chlorine, which would kill any virus. Murphy said testing sewage to trace pathogens is not new. But, she said there are no baseline data yet for SARS CoV-2 testing and what types of concentrations to look for. However, she said that by taking weekly samples, the lab should be able to show changes over time. Other cities are conducting similar tests to explore whether levels of RNA in sewage correlate with outbreaks. FAQ: Your coronavirus questions, answered. For example, about 400 cities are using Biobot, a start-up that analyzes viruses, bacteria, and chemical metabolites that are excreted in urine and stool and collected in sewers. In April, New Castle County, Del., began using Biobot to help it gauge coronavirus infections. Theoretically, you should be able to look at these changes in signal and maybe understand a few days before possibly that your cases are climbing, Murphy said. That could be well before positive tests in humans show up, because so many might be asymptomatic that they dont know to be checked. So its another mechanism that epidemiologists and public health practitioners and wastewater utilities are looking at as a surveillance tool, Murphy said. Virgin Australia administrator Deloitte says it has agreed to sell the bankrupt airline to American private equity giant Bain Capital, after rival bidder Cyrus Capital Partners withdrew its rescue offer due to a "lack of engagement". Cyrus - which was a founding investor alongside Richard Branson in Virgin America - said on Friday morning that it was pulling out of the sale because Deloitte had stopped returning phone calls or replying to its emails. Virgin Australia went into voluntary administration in April with debts of $6.8 billion. Credit:AAP Deloitte said in a subsequent statement that it had entered into a sale and implementation deed with Bain that will result in the sale and recapitalisation of Virgin. Joint administrator Vaughan Strawbridge said in a statement that Bain had presented a "strong and compelling bid" for Virgin that would "secure the future of Australias second airline". However, neither Deloitte nor Bain would reveal the size of the bid, how many jobs will be lost or how much would be paid to creditors, which are owed $6.8 billion. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has turned to partner states and headquarters of international organizations for help in overcoming the consequences of a natural disaster in the west of the country. Separate appeals have been sent to the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance. "The Mission of Ukraine to the EU and the Mission of Ukraine to NATO appealed to the EU institutions and Alliance structures to activate the EU civil defense mechanism and to attract the NATO Euro-Atlantic center for responding to natural and man-made disasters," the ministry's press service quoted Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba as saying on Thursday. Its not the economy anymore, stupid. If it were, Donald Trump would be a lot closer in the polls to Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. But hes not. Mr Biden was leading the incumbent president in six battleground states Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and North Carolina and had a double-digit advantage in half of those, a new set of Siena College polls of registered voters in each state found. Thats despite more than half of those surveyed in each state saying they trust Mr Trump more than they trust Mr Biden on the economy. Its his only potential saving grace, and its what GOP insiders in Washington are hanging their hats on as the presidential campaign trundles towards November. But on virtually every other issue except the oddly ambiguous cross-tab for China, Mr Biden wiped the floor with the presidents undone red tie, the Siena polls found from coronavirus, health care, and immigration to the handling of protests against police brutality, race relations, and unifying America. Only Florida broke for Mr Trump over Mr Biden on coronavirus. These six key states may decide the election in November. Right now, Biden is ahead in each. But which issue will be most important when voters make their decision? Right now, if it is the economy, voters lean towards re-electing the President. But if voters decide on virtually any other issue, Biden stands to benefit, said Siena College Research Institute Director Don Levy. Based on whom voters have said they would choose today, they seem to be prioritising the whole body of issues, not just the economy. Nationally, Mr Biden led Mr Trump by 14 points, 50 per cent to 36 per cent, Siena found, well outside the surveys margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points. And while Mr Trump sought to cast doubt on the phony Fake Suppression Polls on Thursday, Sienas polling operation has an A+ rating from FiveThirtyEights Pollster Ratings database and historically skews slightly towards Republican candidates. The results of the individual state and national polls from Siena arent a revelation. Theyre consistent with surveys from earlier this month by Fox News and CNN, two highly reputable polling outfits despite the perceived ideological slants of their news coverage. And Mr Biden has won all 11 major national polls in June, with an average gap of 10 percentage points, per RealClearPolitics. The new political reality in America is that the electorate even the white electorate is not singularly obsessed with the thickness of its wallet. Just look at what happened in the 2018 midterm elections, when the Trump macroeconomy was still humming along. Democrats razed longtime Republican strongholds in the suburbs of California, Virginia, Illinois, and elsewhere, with the GOPs handling of health care and its lack of oversight on the Trump administrations myriad corruption allegations being two of the defining issues in many of those races. Midterm elections historically skew away from the incumbent president, of course, but the Blue Wave was real: Democrats now control 31 House seats in districts that broke for Mr Trump in 2016 and will have to fend off Republican attempts to claw them back to keep their majority. 'Long way to go' To be clear, the president is not dead in the water. Its June. Over four long months remain until Election Day on 3 November. As one Washington Republican insider told a colleague at The Independent earlier this week, there's a long, long way to go before the finish line. But other GOP operatives have told The Independent that anecdotal evidence from focus groups with crucial swing voters in states like Arizona and Pennsylvania support recent polling there showing Mr Biden with a distinct edge. Those voters, many of whom cast ballots for Mr Trump in 2016, expressed grave concerns about the presidents leadership during the coronavirus crisis before they even mentioned anything about the economy, health care, or other mainstay political issues. Those anecdotal accounts track with Sienas polling, which found that registered voters in each of the six states overwhelmingly believe the federal governments priority should be to limit the spread of the coronavirus, even if it hurts the economy. And despite Mr Trumps predictions that Covid-19, which has killed more than 120,000 Americans and infected more than 2m, would just fade away, other US health officials have warned the virus will be with us for some time yet. The virus is not going to disappear, Anthony Fauci, the USs top infectious disease expert, told Congress earlier this week, citing a disturbing surge of new cases in many parts of the country including Florida, Texas, and Arizona as evidence that Americans must continue taking the virus seriously. As long as coronavirus remains in the headlines, so will Mr Trumps handling of it. And if the last few months of polling are any indication, that does not bode well for the presidents campaign. (The Siena polls were conducted from 8 to 16 June via telephone calls in English and Spanish to 3,870 registered voters across six states. Each states margin of error ranged from +/- 4.1 per cent to +/- 4.6 per cent.) MIAMI, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Azamara the no-cruise, boutique cruise line kicked-off its first-ever virtual Tour Operator Conference yesterday, hosting over 100 companies and more than 200 participants to discuss Destination Immersion experiences for Azamara guests. The webinar consisted of results from the global tour operator's COVID-19 survey, a panel discussing Azamara consumer insights, and the winners of its first Destination Immersion experiences awards: Tura Turizm as 'Tour Operator of the Year' and Viajes Buemes as 'Outstanding AzAmazing Evening Event of the Year.' The accolades honor the tour operator's efforts in delivering the best experience in their destination. Next year, Azamara will add another category dedicated to innovation to its list of accolades, in which criteria will be shared later this year. "We are excited to start a new brand tradition in celebrating the tour operators that bring Destination Immersion to life for our guests," said Carol Cabezas, Azamara's Chief Operating Officer. "Our land product development team is committed to always looking for new and enhanced experiences ashore to deliver authentic travel moments and Tura Turizm and Viajes Buemes exceeded our expectations, from the little details that make the experience so special to their commitment to the Global Sustainable Tourism Council." Tour Operator of the Year With a commitment to traveling deeper, shore excursions are at the heart of the Azamara experience. The winner of this award was determined based off guest surveys where a tablet was provided with a list of questions following the excursion about the guide, tour content, duration, transportation, value for money and overall experience as well as onboard shore excursion managers, hotel directors, and the land development team, asking which tours and operators performed the best. The best performing tour scoring a perfect record was Tura Turizm's 'Sirince Village & Lunch at a Turkish Home.' The experience starts at a hilltop village outside Kusadasi, Turkey where Turkish and Greek cultures mix and typical Greek architecture can be admired. Fine fruit wines and olive oil are also produced in the village, which can be sampled throughout the tour. Guests are then invited to visit a family home and treated to a traditional Turkish lunch, where the conversation is sure to provide insight on the culture, cuisine, and local life. Outstanding AzAmazing Evening of the Year Exclusive and complimentary to Azamara guests, AzAmazing Evening Events (AEE) are designed to connect guests to the local culture of a destination, featuring local talent, performances, and cuisines, and in many occasions hosted in historic venues. Following each event, guests are provided with a survey to rate their AEE experience. Azamara's target for each event is 87 out of 100, yet one experience repeatedly scored in the 90s, which was Viajes Buemes's Uruguay Carnival, which takes place in the port of Montevideo. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by lively street performers and given their own Carnival mask. On UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the show tells the history of Carnival in Uruguay and weaves in its culture with music performances and vibrant costumes. Considered one of the most energetic shows, with acting, singing and dancing to the beat of the drums with the performers, Viajes Buemes provides an evening of fun-filled traditions in the Solis Theatre, dating back to 1842. Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Certification: A major factor considered when selecting the winners of each award is GSTC certification. The GSTC certification is organized around four main themes: effective sustainable planning, maximizing social and economic benefits for the local community, enhancing cultural heritage, and reducing negative impacts on the environment, in which Viajes Buemes and Tura Turizm meet all the criteria. Azamara, along with its parent company Royal Caribbean Cruise Ltd. ("RCL"), is actively working with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council to further their efforts in sustainable tourism. Azamara has committed to its chairman, Richard Fain, that 90% of their tour operators will be GSTC certified by the end of 2023. About Azamara Azamara is an upmarket cruise line and the leader in Destination Immersion, with three mid-sized ships sailing to all seven continents of the world. The boutique-style ships allow them to reach marquee ports around the world and dock in smaller less-visited hidden gems. Azamara's commitment to creating immersive experiences for travelers to connect with local cultures, allows guests to travel deeper with longer stays, more overnights, and night touring. Most recently, Azamara debuted the largest selection of pre-and-post-voyage land programs in the cruising industry, reinforcing its commitment to Destination Immersion beyond cruising. Guests can experience a boutique hotel at sea with inclusive amenities such as gratuities, beverages, AzAmazing Evenings an exclusive, bespoke event designed specifically for Azamara guests to immerse themselves in their destination and more. Azamara holds prestigious awards, further exemplifying the line's commitment to Destination Immersion, including 2019 USA Today Readers' Choice for "Best Boutique Cruise Line" and 2018 Cruise Critic Editor's Picks Awards for "Best Shore Excursions." Additional information can be found on www.azamara.com. SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Related Links http://www.rclcorporate.com TORONTO, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeedMD Inc. (TSX-V:WMD) (OTCQX:WDDMF) (FSE:4WE) (WeedMD or the Company), a federally-licensed producer and distributor of medical-grade cannabis, is pleased to report record preliminary unaudited revenues of $12 million(1) for the three month period ended March 31, 2020. The Company will report record sales growth representing the first full quarter of integration with Starseed Holdings Inc. (Starseed) following its acquisition in December 2019. WeedMD will file its first quarter 2020 financial results after market on Tuesday July 14, 2020 and host a conference call with management the following day. Driven by Color Cannabis brand recognition, customer acquisition initiatives and a substantial sale of our outdoor-cultivated biomass, our first quarter 2020 net revenues of $12 million represents record-high sales from all channels an increase of 325% quarter-over-quarter, said Angelo Tsebelis, CEO, WeedMD. With the benefits of our fully-integrated business model, scaled-up cultivation and production capabilities combined with our strong distribution channels, WeedMD is uniquely positioned for continued growth and a clear path to profitability. We are looking forward to sharing more during our conference call in July. Q1 Conference Call: The Company will host a conference call with management on Wednesday July 15, 2020 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its financial results. The call will be hosted by Angelo Tsebelis, CEO and Lincoln Greenidge, CFO. Management will be available for analyst and media questions following opening remarks. Call Details: Date: Wednesday July 15, 2020 Time: 10 a.m. Eastern Time Dial-in Number: Canada/USA: 1-800-319-4610. International Toll: 1-604-638-5340 Participants, please dial in and ask to join the WeedMD call Replay Dial-in: Canada/USA: 1-800-319-6413. International Toll: 1-604-638-9010 Replay Access Code: 4771 Available after 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time, until August 15, 2020. Check here for upcoming corporate events and to access WeedMDs latest Investor Presentation and latest Corporate Update Video . About WeedMD Inc. WeedMD Inc. is the publicly-traded parent company of WeedMD RX Inc. and Starseed Medicinal Inc., federally-licensed producers of cannabis products for both the medical and adult-use markets. The Company owns and operates a 158-acre state-of-the-art greenhouse, outdoor and processing facility located in Strathroy, Ontario as well as CX Industries Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary which specializes in cannabis extraction from the Companys fully-licensed 26,000 sq. ft. Aylmer, Ontario processing facility. With the addition of Starseed, a medical-centric operator based in Bowmanville, Ontario, WeedMD has expanded its multi-channeled distribution strategy. Starseeds industry-first, exclusive partnership with LiUNA, the largest construction union in Canada, along with other employers and union groups complements WeedMDs direct sales to medical patients. The Company maintains strategic relationships in the seniors market and supply agreements with Shoppers Drug Mart as well as six provincial distribution agencies where adult-use brands Color Cannabis and Saturday are sold. Follow WeedMD, Color Cannabis & Starseed: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weedmd/ LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/weedmd Twitter: https://twitter.com/WeedMD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weedmd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/callitcolor/ & Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/starseedca/ For further information, please contact: For Investor Enquiries: Valter Pinto Managing Director KCSA Strategic Communications 1-212-896-1254 weedmd@kcsa.com For Media Enquiries: Marianella delaBarrera VP, Communications & Corporate Affairs 416-897-6644 marianella@weedmd.com Notes: (1) Preliminary and unaudited financial results are subject to customary financial statement procedures by the Company and its auditors. Actual results could be affected by subsequent events or determinations. While the Company believes there is a reasonable basis for these preliminary financial results, the results involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These preliminary fiscal results represent forward-looking information. See "Forward Looking Information". Forward Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation which are based upon WeedMD's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs and views of future events. Forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expect", "likely", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "anticipate", "potential", "proposed", "estimate" and other similar words, including negative and grammatical variations thereof, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "would" or "will" happen, or by discussions of strategy. The forward-looking information in this news release is based upon the expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and views of future events which management believes to be reasonable in the circumstances. Forward-looking information includes estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, targets, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Forward-looking information in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to internal expectations, expectations with respect to actual production volumes, expectations for future growing capacity and the completion of any capital project or expansions. Forward-looking information necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; loss of markets; future legislative and regulatory developments; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; the cannabis industry in Canada generally; the ability of WeedMD to implement its business strategies; the COVID-19 pandemic; competition; crop failure; and other risks. Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and, except as required by law, WeedMD does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for WeedMD to predict all such factors. When considering this forward-looking information, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in WeedMD's Annual Information Form dated June 21, 2019 (the "AIF") and other disclosure documents of WeedMD filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR at www.sedar.com . The risk factors and other factors noted in the AIF and other disclosure documents could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information. Financial Outlook This press release contains a financial outlook within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The financial outlook has been prepared by management of the Company to provide an outlook for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and may not be appropriate for any other purpose. The financial outlook has been prepared based on a number of assumptions including the assumptions discussed under the heading Forward Looking Information above and assumptions with respect to market conditions, pricing, and demand. The actual results of the Companys operations for any period will likely vary from the amounts set forth in these projections and such variations may be material. The Company and its management believe that the financial outlook has been prepared on a reasonable basis. However, because this information is highly subjective and subject to numerous risks, including the risks discussed under the heading "Forward Looking Information" above, it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE New Delhi, June 25 : Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) will stop using the word 'Fair' in the flagship brand 'Fair & Lovely' with a "more inclusive vision of beauty". The brand is committed to celebrating all skin tones, HUL said. HUL announced on Thursday the rebranding of its flagship brand Fair & Lovely. Taking forward the brand's journey towards a more inclusive vision of beauty, the company will stop using the word 'Fair' in the brand name 'Fair & Lovely'. The new name is awaiting regulatory approvals and HUL expects to change the name in the next few months. The brand is committed to celebrating all skin tones. The Fair and Lovely brand has been criticized by some sections for promoting fairness as a symbol of beauty in an Indian milieu where diversity of skin tones is prevalent. In a statement, it said over the last decade, Fair & Lovely's advertising has evolved to communicate a message of women's empowerment. The brand's vision is to adopt a holistic approach to beauty that cares for people, that must be inclusive and diverse - for everyone, everywhere. In early 2019, the brand's communication moved away from the benefits of fairness, whitening and skin lightening, towards glow, even tone, skin clarity and radiance, which are holistic measures of healthy skin. HUL also removed from Fair & Lovely's packaging, words such as 'fair/fairness', 'white/whitening', and 'light/lightening' that could indicate a fairness-led transformation. The cameo with two faces showing shade transformation, as well as the shade guides were removed from the packs. The Company will continue to evolve its advertising, to feature women of different skin tones, representative of the variety of beauty across India. Sanjiv Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, HUL said, "We are making our skin care portfolio more inclusive and want to lead the celebration of a more diverse portrayal of beauty. In 2019, we removed the cameo with two faces as well as the shade guides from the packaging of Fair & Lovely and the brand communication progressed from fairness to glow which is a more holistic and inclusive measure of healthy skin. These changes were very well received by our consumers. "We now announce that we will remove the word 'Fair' from our brand name Fair & Lovely. The new name is awaiting regulatory approvals, and the pack with the revised name will be available in the market in the next few months." HUL said Fair & Lovely is based on pioneering technology that has made multiple skin health benefits available to millions of consumers at an affordable price. The brand has been progressively changing its formulation, and includes other vitamins like B6, C & E, allantoin, known to improve skin health and protect the skin from external aggressors, UV rays and environmental pollution. The product is designed to improve skin barrier function, improve skin firmness and smoothen skin texture - all of which help enhance radiance and glow holistically. "The brand has never been and is not a bleaching product. In addition to the changes to Fair & Lovely, the rest of our skin care portfolio will also reflect the new vision of positive beauty," it said. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., speaks as House Democrats gather for a press event on the House steps ahead of the vote on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 on Thursday, June 25, 2020. "The Justice in Policing Act is a bill for human rights in our country," Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Karen Bass , D-Calif., said of the legislation Thursday morning. The measure the House passed Thursday evening would make it easier for victims of abuses to sue police and for officials to fire and prosecute officers. It would ban chokeholds and "no-knock" search warrants at the federal level, and tie funding to state and local governments to them barring those tactics. It would also require bias training and more data sharing about police use of force. On Wednesday, Senate Democrats blocked a separate Republican plan that they said did not go nearly far enough to root out systemic racism and violence in policing. Democrats in the chamber approved the legislation with little Republican support by a 236-181 margin. Three GOP lawmakers voted for it. The House passed a Democratic police reform bill Thursday as Congress struggles to find a consensus on how to respond to overwhelming public demand for law enforcement overhaul. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) applauds as Rep. Karen Bass (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), speaks during a press event ahead of vote on the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 on the East Front House Steps on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., June 25, 2020. As Democrats cast the measure as a first step toward addressing the discrimination and abuses Black Americans face from police, it remains to be seen whether the full Congress can pass reform legislation. The Senate is unlikely to approve the proposal, as President Donald Trump and his GOP allies oppose a provision to roll back "qualified immunity" for officers, among other parts of the plan. When Democrats voted not to move forward with the Senate Republican bill on Wednesday, they argued the chamber should form a bipartisan group to come up with a compromise plan. So far, the Senate has not committed to doing so, and Congress risks failing to respond to the loudest public call to root out police abuses in decades. Sen. Tim Scott, a South Carolina Republican who led the legislation, contended Thursday that Democrats "walked away" from police reform in the Senate. He had urged them to allow debate on the bill and then propose amendments, a process Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said would not resolve the proposal's issues. Tim Scott tweet Unlike the Democratic legislation, the GOP bill would not roll back qualified immunity protections for police or make it easier to prosecute officers who commit abuses. The chokehold ban in the Republican plan is more narrow, and it calls for collecting data on no-knock warrants rather than banning them. Neither bill meets the demands many activists have outlined since police killed 46-year-old Black man George Floyd in Minneapolis late last month, setting off weeks of protests around the world. Demonstrators have called for governments to cut at least some funding from police departments and redirect it to social services to address inequities in the job market, education and health care. The federal government has only limited authority over the changes state and local governments can make to their police departments. It comes in part from its ability to tie conditions to funding and grants that states and municipalities receive from Washington. But certain state and local governments have already started to take their own steps to reform policing practices. Some have passed chokehold bans or measures to improve transparency, or pledged to cut funding from their departments. A majority of the Minneapolis City Council went as far as to pledge to replace the city's police department entirely. While the House legislation does not go as far as many would like it to, Democrats repeatedly described it as an initial step toward a major law enforcement overhaul. On Thursday, Bass said the House was "embarking on a journey toward a new vision of policing in America." Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. Britain's Prince William on Wednesday visited the Oxford-based scientists who are working to develop a viable vaccine for COVID-19 as well as trial participants who are helping to determine whether or not it works. The vaccine, originally known as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, was originally developed by scientists at the University of Oxford, and they are now working with AstraZeneca on development and production. It is already in human trials, with preliminary trials on pigs and monkeys showing some encouraging signs for the experimental vaccine, which is also known as AZD1222, in giving protection against COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus. William, Queen Elizabeth's grandson and second-in-line to the throne, met researchers working for the Oxford Vaccine Group, including the vaccine's developer Sarah Gilbert and the leader of the clinical trial team Andrew Pollard. He also spoke to AstraZeneca Chief Executive Pascal Soriot, and officials from Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and international vaccine alliance Gavi via a video call. AstraZeneca has signed deals with Britain, the United States and European countries to supply the vaccine. Soriot has said that trial clinical results are expected in August or September, with deliveries possible from October, adding that he expects the vaccine, if it works, to protect against COVID-19 for about a year. As government support schemes for businesses wind down, the survival of many firms still hangs in the balance over the summer, a leading business group has warned. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said most firms affected by the coronavirus crisis cannot wait until autumn for more help. Job retention schemes have been a lifeline for many businesses but despite the gradual reopening of the economy, recession is a certainty and unemployment is rising, it said. Further action was needed to ensure firms survive, including extensions of grant support schemes for smaller companies and business rates relief in England, the CBI added. It also recommended that the deadline for the Coronavirus Business Loan Scheme should also be extended for a further three months beyond August. CBI director-general Dame Carolyn Fairbairn said: The governments support of business during the crisis has saved countless firms, but the rising number of redundancies and benefit claimants shows just how hugely damaging this pandemic has been for our economy. The survival of many businesses in hard-hit sectors still hangs in the balance over the summer as schemes begin to wind down. These firms cannot wait until the autumn for further action. The government has already shown its ability to be bold and decisive. By getting ahead of this tidal wave of economic damage at scale, at speed, targeted support, it can help businesses survive. Additional reporting by Press Association Health bosses must not reduce care home inspections again in the event of a second Covid-19 surge, it has been warned. Keith Gray, whose 73-year-old mum is a care home resident, took a judicial review against the decision to scale back inspections of care facilities during the height of the crisis. The case was settled out of court this week after the Department of Health told Northern Ireland's health watchdog to resume its normal inspection routine. The Department of Health has not provided any assurances that the work of the RQIA will not be restricted again if a second surge comes. Mr Gray said: "I will be right back to the High Court if they try and reduce care home inspections again. There are some very good care homes out there, but I spent 20 years as a care assistant and I know how the system works. "You never see a home cleaner or better-run than when there is an inspection and I have no doubt that standards dropped in a lot of homes when the inspections weren't happening." Mr Gray also raised concerns over the rationale for scaling back visits by RQIA inspectors during the pandemic while care homes were being asked to admit residents who had been diagnosed with Covid-19 - a controversial policy which has been heavily criticised by experts. Mr Gray called for family members of care home residents to be part of the new RQIA board. On the discharge of patients with Covid-19 into care homes, the Department of Health said: "At all times the priority has been to place patients in the most appropriate setting, be that in hospital or otherwise, to care for their particular needs." For Breonna Taylors mother, firing one of the officers who took her daughters life is just the beginning. The shooting death of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor is among cases to have sparked outrage in the US. Taylor was killed by police after officers entered her house looking for drugs and found nothing. One of the officers involved has been fired, but Taylors mother says that is not enough. Al Jazeeras John Hendren reports from Louisville in the US state of Kentucky. KALAMAZOO, MI -- Three staff members from Lakeside Academy will be charged with homicide in response to the death of Cornelius Fredericks, the 16-year-old who was restrained at a local youth facility and later died. Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting authorized multiple charges against Michael Mosley, Zachary Solis and Heather McLogan. Mosley and Solis were charged with involuntary manslaughter for knowingly causing Fredericks harm by laying across his abdomen. Each were also charged with second degree child abuse and a second count of second-degree child abuse for a child care organization violation causing death. Both men were physically involved in the restraint, Getting said. McLogan, who was a nurse at Lakeside, is charged with involuntary manslaughter for gross negligence and failure to perform her legal duty to obtain medical care. She is also charged with second-degree child abuse charge for a child care organization violation causing death. Involuntary manslaughter is a felony offense that can result in up to 15 years in prison. Second-degree child abuse is a felony offense punishable by 10 years in prison. Related: Death of student at Kalamazoo facility subject of wrongful death lawsuit The family of Fredericks is now suing Lakeside Academy for $100 million claiming negligence leading to wrongful death. The civil suit was filed Monday, June 22, in Kalamazoo County Circuit Court. Detroit-area attorneys Jon Marko and Geoffrey Fieger are representing the teens family. Parallels between Fredericks death and George Floyds have drawn national attention to the case. Fredericks was found unresponsive at Lakeside Academy when Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety arrived on Wednesday, April 29. Police confirmed the teenager was restrained after throwing a sandwich in the cafeteria. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services investigation found that seven staff members were involved in the restraint on Fredericks. Based on video footage, the state claims the restraint lasted 12 minutes. Video footage shows it took 12 minute before nurses and staff members began CPR and called 911, according to the MDHHS report the department released to MLive on Monday, June 22. Related: Lakeside Academy students death ruled homicide While Fredericks was unresponsive, staff members tapped him, splashed water on his face and lifted his head before checking his pulse. Some staff interviews indicate Fredericks was foaming at the mouth and appeared to be choking on his tongue, according to the MDHHS report. Fredericks was eventually transported to Bronson Methodist hospital. He died two days later from cardiac arrest. MLive received and reviewed a copy of the written investigation, which references information from video footage, incident reports, law enforcement reports and interviews with staff and residents. Video footage of the incident was not released by MDHHS in response to a request from MLive. A spokesperson for the department explained the reason was the footage was also part of the criminal investigation. Sequel Youth and Family Services is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. The company has faced legal and legislative scrutiny in at least three states. After the lawsuit was filed, Sequel offered the following statement: We cannot comment on pending legal matters. That said, we are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Cornelius and acted quickly to terminate all staff involved. Additionally, we have removed the former executive director of Lakeside from the organization. We have been in regular contact with law enforcement and state officials to help ensure justice is served and have accelerated the work that was already underway across our organization to move to a restraint-free model of care. We take our obligation to meet the significant behavioral health needs of all our students incredibly seriously and remain focused on our mission of providing the absolute best care and treatment possible for our clients. Sequel said 11 employees have been separated from the organization, counting the facilitys executive director and director of nursing among those. Related: Teens death comes after pattern of improper restraints at now-closed facility, investigation shows Staff and students during the investigation lay out a pattern of improper restraints at the facility, and inconsistent answers from staff about related policies. When asked how many people should be involved in a restraint, many staff members responded that they did not know if there was a limit. In the investigation, MDHHS states improper restraints are a repeat violation at the facility. The report details an incident from January involving Fredericks, where seven staff members pushed and forced Fredericks onto a couch and then the ground. All seven restrained him, including some who laid across his body. The report says this went on for an excess of 30 minutes. In the wake of the students death and the MDHHS probe, the state has suspended Lakeside Academys license and started the legal process to revoke it. Additionally, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a statement saying she directed MDHHS Director Robert Gordon to take every step necessary to ensure Sequel Youth and Family Services no longer provides services for facilities licensed by the department. Sequel staffs one other facility in Albion, Michigan. That facility, Starr Commonwealth, is placed under a provisional license, which means the facility is under heightened scrutiny and must create and implement a corrective action plan. Failure to secure appropriate administrative management that ensures child safety and well-being may be a reason to terminate MDHHSs contract with Starr and revoke their license. Whitmer called Fredericks death intolerable and heartbreaking. In the wake of the incident, MDHHS announced it will eliminate the use of restraints against youth in its care, and review and reform its policies to prevent future tragedies. Kalamazoos PAACT board, made up of parents, students, educators and community stakeholders, is hosting a virtual discussion surrounding Fredericks death on Thursday evening. On the Facebook page for the event the board lists demands for justice for Fredericks case and dismantling the for-profit system for the states youth. Prosecutor rules on criminal charges tied to teen's death after being restrained at Kalamazoo youth facility Posted by Kalamazoo Gazette on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 More on MLive: Family of Lakeside Academy student seek answers about his death Students removed from Lakeside Academy after 16-year-olds death 37 students, 9 staff members test positive for coronavirus at Lakeside Academy Nothing like this has happened before, Lakeside Academy board chair says of student death The Anglo-Dutch conglomerate, Hindustan Unilever (HUL), clocks about Rs 4,100 crore ($550 million) in annual sales from the flagship brand Fair & Lovely in India alone, analysts told Moneycontrol. There is no specific data on the size of the fairness cream industry but as per FMCG analysts, it could be between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000 crore. Of this, Fair & Lovely may hold as much as 80 percent market share. HUL has not disclosed any detail on the brands revenue or its market share. The Indian fairness cream market is dominated by HUL, Procter & Gamble and Garnier (L'Oreal). Fair & Lovely brand was HULs most successful lines, which it is also sold in Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the rest of Asia. HUL on Thursday said it will rename its skin-lightening brand to make it more "inclusive and diverse". The new name is awaiting regulatory approval and we expect to change in the next few months, the company said in a press statement. The decision comes at a time when the company and other such product sellers have come under fire for reinforcing racial stereotypes. HUL had faced criticism and recently an online petition was circulated to stop its sales. Sanjiv Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, HUL, said in a press release: We are making our skin-care portfolio more inclusive and want to lead the celebration of a more diverse portrayal of beauty. In 2019, we removed the cameo with two faces as well as the shade guides from the packaging of Fair & Lovely and the brand communication progressed from fairness to glow, which is a more holistic and inclusive measure of healthy skin. These changes were very well received by our consumers. We now announce that we will remove the word Fair from our brand name Fair & Lovely. The new name is awaiting regulatory approval, and the pack with the revised name will be available in the market in the next few months. Recently, Johnson & Johnson , the US healthcare and FMCG giant, decided to discontinue its skin-whitening creams amid the Black Lives Matter protests. The ruling Democratic Party's chairman Lee Hae-chan was more enthusiastic, saying "Peace on the Korean Peninsula can only guarantee the survival of the Korean people" and urged the two Koreas to "sit down face to face again for constructive dialogue." Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo told lawmakers that North Korea will have to "completely call off" its threats before any progress can be made and the government will "monitor" the situation. South Korea reacted cautiously on Wednesday to an announcement by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un that he was calling off a military buildup at the border. Kim issued the order to stand down in his first public appearance in 16 days as walls of propaganda loudspeakers that had been re-installed along the heavily armed border were dismantled. North Korean state media also took down their most vociferous attacks on South Korea from the last few weeks, when Kim let his sister Yo-jong play the bad cop and threaten fire and fury. State media reported that Kim ordered a halt to military action plans against South Korea during an online meeting ahead of a big Workers Party gathering. Earlier in the week, the North had vowed to re-deploy soldiers to the Mt. Kumgang resort, Kaesong Industrial Complex and guard posts along the demilitarized zone as well as sending its own propaganda leaflets to South Korea. The sudden U-turn prompted some head-scratching among North Korea watchers, although they are used to North Korean brinkmanship. Nam Sung-wook at Korea University said the North "achieved its goal of quelling public discontent by whipping up emotions against South Korea and getting the South to crack down on activists who send propaganda leaflets across the border." Kim also succeeded in capturing the attention of the international community. The U.S., which was slow to respond to the North's threats as it was preoccupied with the coronavirus epidemic and mass protests over the police killing of George Floyd, finally responded on June 9 and had deployed three aircraft carriers and nuclear bombers to the western Pacific. China may also have intervened in the unfolding crisis with signs of a surge in cross-border trade last month. One former high-ranking diplomat said, "North Korea may have achieved some urgent results but still faces international sanctions. It will always hold South Korea hostage because it is the weakest link." Dublin, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Calibration Services Markets. Strategies and Trends with Forecasts by Type of Calibration, by Industry and by Country. Includes Custom Analysis and World Metropolitan Area Market Sizes. 2020 to 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This 2020 edition of the industry-standard report provides valuable information and insight. The report doesn't just look at market size. It examines key operational principles and industry best practices provided by industry veterans. Look at acquisition and divestiture opportunities. Revise pricing and service terms. Develop new service packaging and offerings. Consider integrated marketing programs. A growing market. Key growth drivers. An industry protected from economic cycles. An industry-driven forward by increasing global regulations and security. The future of the calibration services industry is explored with detailed market forecasts and strategic analysis. This latest version of the report includes the Major Metropolitan Market Size Table 2019. If their country is not already listed purchasers can request Individual Country Market Size information, or other customization, without additional charge. All the important facts are here. Industry growth rates. Geographic, instrumentation and industry breakdowns of market size. Explore the potential of the industry and gain an appreciation of the big picture for a relatively new industry that is expanding onto a global stage. All report data is available in Excel format on request. Make investment decisions and valuations with confidence using the latest data. Key Topics Covered: Calibration Services Market - Strategic Situation Analysis & COVID Impact Guide for Executives, Marketing, Sales and Business Development Staff Guide for Management Consultants and Investment Advisors 1. Introduction and Market Definition 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Market Definition 2. Market Overview 2.1 Manufacturer Practices 2.1.1 Difference Between Manufacturer and other Vendors 2.1.2 Difference Between Electronic and Mechanical Segments 2.3 Accreditation 2.3.1 Accreditation Recognition 2.3.2 Two Tiered Accreditation Standard 2.4 Segments and Capability 2.4.1 An Overview of Segmentation Practice 2.4.2 Segmentation by Company Size 2.4.3 On-site Service as a Segment 2.5 Industry Structure and Participants 2.5.1 The International System of Measurement - A Primer 2.5.2 Current Industry Participants 2.5.3 Industry Structure 2.6 Geographic Influences 2.6.1 Geographic Preference 2.6.2 Implications for Laboratory Management 2.6.3 Growing Demand for On Site Service 3. Market Trends 3.1 Factors Driving Growth 3.1.1 Impact of Climate Change 3.2 Factors Inhibiting Growth 3.2.1 Recalibrate Versus Replace 3.3 The Changing Role of the Manufacturer 3.3.1 The Position of Trust 3.3.2 Customers Have an Equipment Management Need 3.3.3 Effect on Repair Demand 3.3.4 Manufacturer's Rethink Service and Support 3.4 Services Packaging 3.4.1 Services Packaging Today and Tomorrow 3.4.2 Reduced Services Play a Role 3.4.3 Basic Calibration Changes 3.4.4 The Role of On Line Value Added Services 3.4.5 Change in Demand for Accreditation 3.4.6 Pricing for On Site to Change 3.4.7 Contract Agreements to Change 3.5 Technology Development 3.5.1 Three Important Technology Developments 3.5.2 Calibration Services Look to Installed Base 3.5.3 Calibration Intervals Change 3.5.4 Impact of Self Calibration 4. Pricing and Business Development 4.1 Calibration Service Pricing and Plans 4.1.1 Variable Factors in a Calibration Service 4.1.2 Fee Based Pricing 4.1.3 Approaches to Pricing 4.1.4 Pricing and Geography 4.1.5 Surcharges 4.1.6 Limited Calibration 4.1.7 Volume Discounts 4.1.8 Mobile Pricing 4.1.9 Service Plans 4.1.10 Asset Management 4.1.11 Customer Commitment 4.1.12 Personnel Rental 4.2 Promotion 4.2.1 Sales Promotion Practice 4.2.2 A Calibration Services Marketing System 4.2.3 Services Marketing Program Tools 4.2.4 Company Website and Marketing Strategy 4.3 Customer Service 4.3.1 Customer Service Measurement 4.3.2 Teamwork in Customer Service 4.3.3 The Role of Leadership 4.4 Merger and Acquisition 4.4.1 Economies of Scale 4.4.2 Caveats and Factors Unfavourable to Merger Activity 4.5 Competition 5. Industry Segmentation Analysis 5.1 Aerospace/Defense 5.2 Agriculture and Food Production 5.3 Automotive 5.4 Biomedical/Pharmaceutical 5.5 Communication 5.6 General Manufacturing 5.7 High Technology 5.8 Material Production 5.9 Other 6. Recent Market Activity Recent Developments - Importance and How to Use This Section Importance of These Developments How to Use This Section Vision Engineering's Cal Lab Attains ISO 17025:2017 NMI Metrology is Expanding Calibration Services across Nigeria Mitutoyo America Corporation Introduces New Processor Package with Profile Projector Transcat Acquires TTE Laboratories, Inc Michigan State Police launch investigation of breathalyzer calibration Endress+Hauser builds new Calibration Laboratory Transcat acquires Infinite Integral Solutions Inc Keysight opens new calibration facility Transcat Acquires Gauge Repair Service Trescal Announces 3 Aquisitions Newbow Aerospace Expands Calibration Laboratory Instron's Calibration Laboratory goes global Trescal Acquires QTI and QTI Validaciones Trescal Announces 2 Acquisitions Cross Company Acquires J. A. King Trescal Acquires Diamond Technical and Acteam Boonton Electronics and Noisecom Receive ISO 17025: Accreditation Transcat Acquires Angel's Instrumentation Inc Trescal and Stahlwille UK sign partnership agreement Laboratory Testing Inc. Acquires TAC Technical Instrument Trescal Acquires Metriccontrol Keysight Technologies Acquires Thales Calibration Services Transcat Acquires NBS Calibrations 7. Key Players ABB Ametek Beamex Bruel & Kjaer Consumers Energy e2b calibration Emerson Endress & Hauser ESSCO Calibration Laboratory Fluke GE Kaye Innocal (Cole Parmer) Instron J. A. King Keysight Technologies Lockheed Martin Mettler-Toledo/Troemner Micro Precision Calibration Optical Test and Calibration Rhode & Schwarz SGS Siemens Simco Technical Maintenance Inc Tektronix Teseq Tradinco Instruments Transcat Trescal 8. The Global Market for Calibration Services 9. Global Calibration Markets - By Type of Calibration 9.1 Electrical Calibration 9.1.1 Table Electrical Calibration - by Country 9.1.2 Chart - Electrical Calibration Growth 9.2 Dimensional Calibration 9.2.1 Table Dimensional Calibration - by Country 9.2.2 Chart - Dimensional Calibration Growth 9.3 Mechanical Calibration 9.3.1 Table Mechanical Calibration- by Country 9.3.2 Chart - Mechanical Calibration Growth 9.4 Thermal Calibration 9.4.1 Table Thermal Calibration - by Country 9.4.2 Chart - Thermal Calibration Growth 9.5 Other Calibration 9.5.1 Table Other Calibration - by Country 9.5.2 Chart - Other Calibration Growth 10. Global Calibration Markets - By Industry 10.1 Calibration Market Aerospace & Defence 10.2.1 Table Calibration Market Aerospace & Defence - byCountry 10.2.2 Chart - Calibration Market Aerospace & Defence Growth 10.2 Calibration Market Agro & Biomedical 10.2.1 Table Calibration Market Agro & Biomedical - by Country 10.2.2 Chart - Calibration Market Agro & Biomedical Growth 10.3 Calibration Market Electronic & Communications 255 10.3.1 Table Calibration Market Electronic & Communications - byCountry 10.3.2 Chart - Calibration Market Electronic & CommunicationsGrowth 10.4 Calibration Market Industry & Manufacturing 10.4.1 Table Calibration Market Industry & Manufacturing - byCountry 10.4.2 Chart - Calibration Market Industry & Manufacturing Growth 10.5 Calibration Market Other Industry 10.5.1 Table Calibration Market Other Industry - by Country 10.5.2 Chart - Calibration Market Other Industry Growth 11. Market Sizes and Forecasts World Metropolitan Areas 11.1 World Metropolitan Areas Datatable. 2019 Market Size Forecasts For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/unbvu1 Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. A study out of Singapore that was published in the journal Nature late last month also found that patients shed high loads of the novel coronavirus into the air and on surfaces during the first week of their illness, regardless of the severity of their symptoms. That study examined 30 patient rooms, though air was sampled from only three. Researchers found that the amount of the virus detected on surfaces decreased significantly after the first week of the illness. As Dauphin County prison officials boost testing amid a COVID-19 cluster they already have found seven additional positive cases in one day. County officials said Wednesday that 33 inmates have tested positive and 11 staff members. Twenty-eight of the inmates were not showing symptoms and four had minor symptoms, according to Corrections Director Brian Clark, who provided an update during a prison board meeting held via conference call. One inmate required hospitalization and has been returned to prison to continue his recovery, Clark said. Clearly we have a COVID spread inside the prison, Clark told board members on the call. The figures represent an uptick from Tuesday, when county officials said 27 inmates and 10 staff members tested positive. All residents of cell blocks A, B and C have been tested, and officials still are awaiting results while testing begins in other blocks. The testing eventually will cover all 1,050 inmates, employees and contracted employees, officials said. Inmates who test positive are isolated in the same housing area of the prison for 21 days Clark said. Several positive inmates may be housed together, he said. The positive inmates are checked at least once per day for respiratory issues, according to Todd Haskins, chief operating officer for PrimeCare Medical, which provides medical care and treatment in the prison. PrimeCare also is doing the mass testing. Inmates who were in close proximity to someone in prison who tested positive are being placed in quarantine for 14 days, Clark said. Entire housing units of 60 to 70 inmates will be tested at one time, but no one is moved until officials get test results back, and it can take several days to get results, Clark said, addressing a concern that positive inmates were not being segregated. The prison also tests every new inmate when they are admitted, Haskins said. In addition, anyone exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms would be placed in quarantine or isolated status and tested, he said. Prison officials issued a no move order last week to try to contain the spread, Haskins said. Prison officials are trying to trace where the cluster started and how. Once prison officials have a full picture of the amount of spread, then they can finalize their plans with how to deal with it, Clark said. Clark admitted the prison has a higher number of positive cases than many other prisons across the state, but said thats because Dauphin County is among the few doing facility-wide testing. This round of mass testing is the second undertaken by the prison. The first was in May and resulted in 21 positive cases, all of whom were asymptomatic. The prison also was dealing in recent weeks with a water issue, that took some time to track down and solve, Clark said. But he said inmates were not without water for any time, and the facility was not completely lacking hot water. Instead, he said, there were some issues back and forth, until they identified the problem was with a mixer, that mixes hot and cold water. The problem has been repaired, he said. The problems with hot water and COVID-19 at the prison have prompted fear and concerns from some inmates and their loved ones. One inmate who tested positive wrote to family members for help Wednesday saying he can barely breathe and the prison wasnt doing enough to help him. A relative posted his note on a Facebook community page. Prison officials were not immediately available Wednesday to respond to questions about his situation. A woman concerned about how the inmates are being treated is planning a protest outside the prison 501 Mall Road in Swatara Township at 10 a.m. Saturday READ: Dauphin County sewage shows surge in COVID-19 virus in late May A pedestrian passes by Bithumb headquarters in Seoul in this file photo. / Korea Times file By Park Jae-hyuk Bithumb's planned initial public offering (IPO) could face a setback as it has yet to announce details as to how it plans to address some outstanding issues that could prevent it from achieving a successful IPO filing here, mostly related to recent cryptocurrency taxation issues. Bithumb Korea, the trading platform operator, has begun preparing for a possible stock market launch with Samsung Securities taking an underwriting role, according to report. If Bithumb's IPO actually happens, it would become the country's first cryptocurrency exchange operator listed on the stock market. Regarding the possibility, the company declined to confirm whether or not reports were true; however, the possible IPO by Bithumb has widely been interpreted as a fact, according to officials. "It has yet to be ascertained whether the attempt was made deliberately following the settlement of the dispute over the company's management rights or whether it was made suddenly amid the government's move to tax cryptocurrency trading," a stock market expert said on condition of anonymity. Bithumb Holdings board chairman Lee Jung-hoon recently tightened his grip on the cryptocurrency exchange operator, after Vidente CEO Kim Jae-wook, one of the major shareholders of Bithumb Korea, unloaded his shares. In addition, the Ministry of Economy and Finance plans to announce the specifics of the country's taxation plans toward cryptocurrency trading in July in line with its move to put the industry under its control. Market officials expect this would help the market set proper valuations of cryptocurrency exchanges here when pursuing IPOs. Bithumb earlier filed a complaint with the National Tax Service claiming that the imposed $69 million tax bill is "baseless" given that taxation of cryptocurrencies has yet to be legalized in the country. Cryptocurrency investors welcomed the news that Bithumb seeks to go public, because the IPO will oblige the cryptocurrency exchange operator to disclose the company information transparently. Stock market experts, however, warned that Bithumb's IPO will take a long time and the company may fail to fulfill the strict requirements to become a listed firm. Bithumb's governance structure is shrouded in secrecy. According to its regulatory filing, Bithumb Korea's largest shareholder is Bithumb Holdings that had a 74.1 percent stake as of the end of 2019. Although the largest shareholder of Bithumb Holdings is Vidente holding a 34.2 percent stake, board chairman Lee is considered the "de facto owner," as he is presumed to hold a significant amount of shares in DAA and BTHMB Holdings collectively having a 40.7 percent stake in Bithumb Holdings. Lee is also being investigated by the police over his alleged violation of the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act. Given that financial authorities strictly review the largest shareholder's eligibility before approving an IPO, the Bithumb listing may end in failure unless the company addresses these pending issues. Bithumb's previous personal information leakage and its questionable sustainability are cited as additional factors that could cause difficulties for its attempt to go public. In 2018, Bithumb Korea posted 391.6 billion won ($324 million) in sales and 265.1 billion won in operating profits, and suffered a 205.7 billion won net loss. Although its sales and operating profits respectively declined to 144.6 billion won and 67.7 billion won in the following year, the company turned a profit, posting 37.2 billion won net income. Half of all new coronavirus infections in Oregons recent record-breaking week can be traced to just 14 ZIP codes stretching across the state, according to an analysis by The Oregonian/OregonLive. Infections surged in the La Grande area because of an outbreak at a church, representing the single largest jump in cases. They also spiked elsewhere, from Newport on the Oregon Coast to Hermiston near the Columbia River Gorge to Klamath Falls in southern Oregon. Almost one-third of people living in Victorias quarantine hotels are refusing testing, the state's Deputy Chief Health Officer has revealed. In response to a question this morning, Deputy Chief Health Officer Annaliese van Diemen said about 30 per cent of returned international travellers were not agreeing to the tests. This likely means a number of coronavirus cases are missing from official Victorian and national tallies. At the moment, there is not a requirement that they must undertake testing, Dr van Diemen said. Everyone is offered testing on multiple occasions throughout their stay. Of the 30 new cases detected in Victoria, five are in hotel quarantine. A spokesman for the firm that owns Pegasus, NSO Group, has denied the software has been used against civil society groups and journalists and says it sells to states only to fight crime and terrorism. The firm says it conducts due diligence before deciding to sell its product to a country but then does not have control over it. Syracuse, N.Y. Syracuse University will waive its SAC/ACT requirement for students seeking admission in the fall of 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic. In a press release, the school said that it made the change to help students across the country and world who have limited access to testing facilities due to the coronavirus. The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the lives of countless college-bound students and introduced tremendous stress and uncertainty into the college admission process, said Syracuse Dean on Admissions Maurice Harris. Test dates have been canceled. Social distancing requirements and other issues have constrained testing capacity. By making the submission of test scores optional, we hope to alleviate some of the stress on applicants to Syracuse University. Many colleges and universities across the country have made the change over the past two months including Cornell, which made a similar announcement in April. The University of California wont require the test scores through 2024. The school said it will still accept those test scores from students that provide them but that a lack of scores wont be a disadvantage in admission or receiving merit-based scholarships. As they have always been, standardized test scores are just one component of our holistic review process, Harris said. Now, we will place greater emphasis on other required application credentials, including academic performance, the rigor of coursework and co-curricular engagement. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Restarting NY: Whats open, whats closed in phase four New York, NJ, CT order 14-day quarantines for travelers from some other states Daily update: Onondaga County has 16 new cases of Covid-19 Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com Contact Chris Carlson anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1639 Im feeling a bit confused. Maybe it has something to do with the Pandemic, maybe it has to do with the waterfall of bad news every day, maybe it has to do with me locked at home for the last 97 days (and counting), but I am attending a digital event, and that event had a virtual happy hour mixer. My response was skeptic, almost negative how do people will organize a networking party with everyone quarantined? I was not planning to go. Really. The problem is that would go against one of my vows for this mind-blowing scenario we are living in: to be open to virtual business development experiences, without prejudice. Then, I saw myself in a clear prejudice-situation: only because there is no in-person gathering and free booze, it would not work. Again, I recalled a recent trending discussion about harassment and excessive alcohol drinking in business parties, mixers and events. As you may conclude with me I was worthy to give it a try. The great think is that I was able to tag along some great wing men and wing women from the office. They were eager to try this to-be-weird situation with me. We signed up and waited. The mixer house arrived and was a click away. We closed our eyes andclick. We were baffled with what we encountered. A nice virtual space set in birds eye POV, where sponsors had their small sofa-and-chairs spaces on the corners, and a lot of virtual tables. We were scattered automatically around the place, but just two clicks and we were all together again filling table number 7. Our event-platform pictures were used to show who we were, and, when joined a table, immediately a horizontal layer of small videos screens appeared, literally if you would have done this in person. Some people were drinking their own alcohol, which is fine but note much less people were drinking. No open bar, obviously. I got a coke from the fridge just to look cool (right?). Soon, the situation was pretty much understood, and we decided to start choosing other tables to talk to people and mingle. It worked wonderfully well. I need to mention that the space colors and setup were excellent, a very good job by the organization. It was a very classy party. I was expecting to stay for just an hour, maximum. I left about 4 hours later, with a bunch of new contacts and after lots of great moments and laughs, all on camera. I feel bad and ashamed about my reluctance and about my preconceptions. Organizers put a lot of work into these virtual events and need to be recognized for it. The room was still full when I left, event with attendees from all over the world (there was this nice lady that was based in South Africa, and although it was only 11PM for me, it was 5AM for her! Party haaaaaard.). I hope this gives a note of appreciation for these virtual gatherings, definitively a breath of fresh air in these confined times. Like CardiB, I liked it. E-commerce platforms have urged the government to give them a few months to comply with the latest labelling norms as asked by the Centre. The 'country of origin' labels that the government has asked e-commerce companies would help the customer discern between a local and foreign-made product. The decision to label items came amid calls to boycott Chinese goods in the wake of the India-China border clash. Online retailers such as Flipkart and Amazon sought a window of 4-5 months to comply with the order during a virtual meeting with the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Reliance Retail, Jio Platforms, Tata Cliq, Snapdeal, Swiggy, Zomato, BigBasket and Grofers representatives were also present at the meeting, according to a report in The Economic Times. The government has asked the companies to give feedback within a fortnight about the modalities after discussing them with the sellers. Also read: 70% 'Made in China', eh? Centre to ask Flipkart, Amazon, others to disclose 'origin' A senior executive present at the meeting said that online marketplaces are not liable for product listings and that their liability is in building the technology that allows sellers to mention the country of origin. Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) and small manufacturers under the banner of Federation of Indian Micro and Small & Medium Enterprises (FISME) had proposed to make displaying the country of origin mandatory for online platforms while giving suggestions on e-commerce policy. The bodies claimed that 70 per cent of items sold on Amazon and Flipkart are of Chinese origin. They believe that the e-commerce boom is not benefiting the local manufacturers. The government had also made it mandatory for sellers on government e-marketplaces to display the country of origin of the items. It said that products will be removed from the GeM if the sellers fail to update the field. Not only that the government is also mulling colour codes for desi and foreign-made products. This will be along the lines of green for vegetarian and red for non-vegetarian food items colour codes. Also read: Now, 'country of origin' mandatory for products on govt's e-marketplace Also read: Colour codes for desi, foreign products? New rules to show country of origin live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Healthcare major Apollo Hospitals Enterprise on Thursday reported an over two-fold jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 209.60 crore for the March quarter, mainly on account of one-off gains. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 72.80 crore in the corresponding period of the preceding fiscal, Apollo Hospitals said in a statement. Consolidated revenue from operations stood at Rs 2,922.43 crore for the quarter under consideration. It was Rs 2,499.50 crore for the same period a year ago, it added. The company, after meeting the closing conditions for sale of investments in its associate Apollo Munich Health Insurance Company to Housing Development Finance Corporation in the quarter ended March 31, 2020, has recorded a profit of Rs 198.30 crore, which has been disclosed under exceptional items, it said. For the full fiscal 2019-20, net profit of the company came in at Rs 431.80 crore, as against Rs 200.16 crore in the previous fiscal year. Revenue from operations stood at Rs 11,246.80 crore for the fiscal, compared to Rs 9,617.44 crore in 2018-19. "The financial year 2020-21 will be challenging due to the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID has affected not just the Indian healthcare sector but also other sectors and the global economy," Apollo Hospitals Chairman Prathap C Reddy said. The short-term may see an adverse impact on aspects such as medical value travel or medical tourism, but in the longer term, "healthcare being a resilient industry will bounce back to its normal growth," he added. On a different note, Reddy said the second decade of the 21st century was supposed to herald automation, artificial intelligence and robotics into healthcare and improve the quality of healthcare delivery. "Recognising this, we floated a global tender, and after several rounds of selection, chose DXC as our partner in this digital journey. They have already made a significant impact on our health-checks and in bringing about perfection in our medical practice, which is helping all our doctors," he added. Shares of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise closed at Rs 1,437.85 per scrip on BSE, up 1.96 percent from its previous close. Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], June 25 (ANI): Congress leaders staged a protest outside state secretariat here on Thursday against the state government's decision to make PPE kits mandatory for those returning from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and COVID-19 negative certificates for returnees from other Gulf countries. "This is a major issue, many Malayalee pravaasis are living in Gulf countries. They are living amid misery and panic situation because of the Kerala Government's attitude," said Mullappally Ramachandran, KPCC President. "Kerala government had promised that once they return to Kerala, these people will be welcomed by the government but unfortunately government did not do anything. At the initial stage they said that arrangements are being made to accommodate the pravaasis at institutional quarantine but when they started coming, this government has again taken a new stand," he added. Kerala on Wednesday issued a set of new guidelines for expatriates from the Gulf countries returning to state by Vande Bharat Mission flights and chartered aircrafts. (ANI) CEDAR FALLS, Iowa, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tom Penaluna (Chairman and CEO, CBE) announced today that CBE has donated to establish a fund, in conjunction with the Waterloo Community Foundation, to which contributions can be made in support of the Waterloo Police's efforts to improve race relations in our local community. These funds will be directed towards the City of Waterloo, Iowa with the goal to assist the City in improving race relations between the Police Department and the Black Community. The City of Waterloo's new Police Chief, Joel Fitzgerald, has proposed sweeping changes to give officers the very important and relevant training needed to perform their duties in the following areas: Procedural Justice/Implicit Bias/Reconciliation Training Critical Incident Team Training De-escalation Instructor Training First Line Supervisor Training Penaluna commented, "Earlier this week, I shared CBE's corporate commitment with our staff to do our part and address social injustices and racism. When our leadership team made those commitments, we understood that government leaders, corporate leaders, and other influencers must move beyond just saying politically correct statements and must take actions to address the decades of discrimination that Black Americans have had to face. CBE strongly believes that everyone has a right to live freely without discrimination, and we stand together to make real and lasting change to impact Black lives. More importantly, we have been listening to those in our local communities on how to best initiate change, and we want to share the initial steps CBE will take toward our commitments. It is our hope that this additional support will lead to improved race relations between the Police Department and Black Community. Our goal is to raise $250,000.00 to assist with this vital community need. We invite other businesses and citizens of Waterloo to join us in donating to the fund. Again, we know these are initial steps and there is so much more listening, understanding, and action that needs to take place for real change to occur. Many Black Lives have been lost needlessly, and it's up to every one of us to commit, to act, and to create a better future." Donation Information Racial Equality Training Fund Waterloo Community Foundation P.O. Box 1253 425 Cedar Street Waterloo, IA 50704 For media inquiries, please contact Whitney Nosbisch by phone at 319-830-1127 or by email at [email protected]. SOURCE CBE Companies [June 25, 2020] StakerDAO Distributes Its Security Token, STKR, to Investors, Becoming First Company to Move "Tokenized Equity" on Tezos Today StakerDAO announced the distribution of the Staker token (STKR), designed specifically for governing financial assets in a secure, decentralized, and compliant manner. The STKR tokens distributed today represent the equity of investors in StakerDAO's Seed Round and the first closing of their Series A round, co-led by Polychain and Lemniscap. Based on the current value of $13.30 per token, STKR has a market capitalization of $20M. STKR is a security token that governs all decisions related to financial assets and receives all associated profit. Governance is transparent and open to the public on the governance site - https://governance.stakerdao.com/stage. "The distribution of the STKR token is a major milestone in StakerDAO's path towards truly secure and decentralized asset management," said Jonas Lamis, Founder and CEO of StakerDAO. "The STKR token and the associated governance process provides a launch pad for future financial products and next generation innovations in compliance for all token holders." The StakerDAO community builds and manages products for on-chain governance, cross-chain synthetics, and tokenized real-world assets. StakerDAO is a new kind of organization: it is both a corporation - Staker Services Ltd based in the Cayman Islands - and a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). The STKR equity token is built on the FA 1.x token standard on Tezos. Actions taken by StakerDAO are transparent and managed on the Tezos blockchain. Everyone can see the results of every proposal that is submitted and every vote the StakerDAO Council makes. The five members of the StakerDAO Council are elected annually through a Tezos on-chain vote of STKR token holders. Current StakerDAO council members include Olaf Carlson-Wee, Polychain; Luke Youngblood, Coinbase Custody; Shaishav Todi, Lemniscap; Spencer Noon, DTC Capital; Jonas Lamis of StakerDAO. The governance process runs every month and is fully transparent on the Tezos blockchain, which was chosen because of a broadly decentralized validator pool ofover 450 validators, strong proof that on chain governance works for evolving the protocol, and a well-endowed foundation for long-term ecosystem growth. "We are excited that StakerDAO has become the first company to tokenize their equity on Tezos," said Hubertus Thonhauser, Chairman of the Tezos Foundation. "The fact that they are using a tokenized DAO model to govern the launch of financial assets on Tezos illustrates the tremendous potential for community-controlled asset creation and management." The Staker Operations Team serves as the R&D arm of the StakerDAO Council and will package the best community selected ideas into formal proposals for governance. Under the direction of Staker token holders, StakerDAO intends to launch and manage a growing collection of decentralized financial products, all secured by the Staker Agora governance process. "I believe that every asset will be managed on blockchains. From stocks and bonds to real estate and fine art, everything that can be tokenized, will be," said Jonas Lamis, founder and CEO of StakerDAO. "DAOs are an essential tool to decentralize organizational management, yet they also need to provide incentives for participants to collaborate. For-profit DAOs are the future of decentralized finance." The first product by StakerDAO, Blend (BLND) launched at the end of May 2020 on CoinList and is generating traction that will, in turn, accrue value to STKR token holders. BLND is a synthetic ERC 20 token that tracks a governed basket of PoS tokens. At this time US persons may not buy blend and US individuals may not access the Blend site, www.blendtoken.com.* For more information on StakerDAO, visit: www.stakerdao.com About StakerDAO** StakerDAO** is a platform for governing financial assets in a decentralized, secure, and compliant manner. The StakerDAO community builds and manages products for on-chain governance, cross-chain synthetics, and tokenized real-world assets. STKR holders have the primary responsibilities of discussing proposal ideas and electing members of the Staker Council. The StakerDAO Council governs decisions about the various assets that StakerDAO manages using the Staker Agora governance process. The StakerDAO Ops Team solicits and develops proposals for the Staker Council to vote on and implements proposals approved by the StakerDAO Council. STKR, the governance token for StakerDAO, is built on the FA 1.2 token standard on Tezos. STKR tokens are decentralized, secure, and compliant with required entities. StakerDAO was founded in 2019 by Jonas Lamis, with financial backing from Polychain Capital. For more information, visit: www.stakerdao.com *This notice does not constitute an offer of any securities for sale. BLND is not offered and may not be sold to or for the benefit of any "U.S. person" as that term is defined under U.S. securities law. If you are a U.S. person you may not purchase BLND. **StakerDAO is a tradename of Staker Services Ltd., a Cayman exempt corporation. References herein to StakerDAO are to Staker Services Ltd. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005181/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Starting this fall, Lysol aims to reach 50% of Title 1 schools with its Healthy Habits program, expanding to 100% by 2022. At Lysol, we know that the best weapon against germs is knowledge, which is why in 2012 Lysol created the Healthy Habits Program in partnership with the National Education Association (NEA) and National PTA. The Healthy Habits Program includes downloadable activities for teachers and parents of children grades K-5 to help them build illness prevention habits. "Having resources to conduct rigorous sanitizing processes as well as to teach children healthy habits is essential to help schools reopen safely and successfully amid the COVID-19 pandemic," said Leslie Boggs, president of National PTA. "National PTA is pleased to continue our longstanding collaboration with Lysol to help bring these resources to schools and help keep our children healthy." "It's more important than ever that companies like RB lean in where we can with our brands and our expertise to help support a return to the classroom," said Rahul Kadyan, EVP North America for RB. "In addition to the Healthy Habits program, Lysol will be furthering our efforts to create a clean and healthy environment for students and teachers when in-person instruction resumes across the country with a product donation program and expansion of its partnership with Kinsa on the smart thermometer donation program, FLUency." "NEA is excited to be a part of the Lysol HERE for Healthy Schools program that is dedicated to curbing the spread of illness in classroom. By educating students on the importance of healthy habits, the program's mission is to reduce absenteeism in the classroom and help students thrive and grow," said Karen White, Deputy Executive Director, National Education Association (NEA). HERE for Healthy Schools is part of RB's Fight for Access efforts to improve access to health, hygiene and nutrition for all. To learn more about HERE for Healthy Schools, visit: www.hereforhealthyschools.lysol.com. *As provisioned by the U.S. Elementary and Secondary Education Act, schools with high percentages of children from low-income families are eligible to receive federal funding and other assistance, known as Title I funding, to support successful education outcomes. ABOUT HERE FOR HEALTHY SCHOOLS In 2013 Lysol created the Healthy Habits Program in partnership with the National Education Association (NEA), National PTA, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Healthy Habits Program includes downloadable activities for teachers and parents of children grades K-5 to help them build illness prevention habits. As a part of Lysol's mission to curb the spread of illness in classrooms, Lysol expanded the program and created the HERE for Healthy Schools initiative. Every year 60 million school days are missed by children nationwide due to preventable illnesses like cold and flu, taking away the lasting experiences and learning they gain in the classroom. By educating on healthy habits, funding research, and working with partners, Lysol is sharing its mission to help kids miss less school so they are able to learn and grow and thrive. For more information visit: hereforhealthyschools.lysol.com ABOUT RB 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. RB is proud to have a stable of trusted household brands found in households in more than 190 countries. These include Enfamil, Nutramigen, Nurofen, Strepsils, Gaviscon, Mucinex, Durex, Scholl, Clearasil, Lysol, Dettol, Veet, Harpic, Cillit Bang, Mortein, Finish, Vanish, Calgon, Woolite, Air Wick and more. 20 million RB products a day are bought by consumers globally. RB's passion to put consumers and people first, to seek out new opportunities, to strive for excellence in all that we do, and to build shared success with all our partners, while doing the right thing, always is what guides the work of our 40,000+ diverse and talented colleagues worldwide. For more information visit www.rb.com *RB is the trading name of the Reckitt Benckiser group of companies SOURCE LYSOL Related Links https://www.lysol.com Good morning, Bay Area. Its Thursday, June 25, and illegal fireworks are booming across the Bay Area. Heres what you need to know to start your day. A huge spike in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations in California this week may force some counties to reconsider their plans to reopen businesses and relax shelter-in-place orders as the crisis worsens. California reported 6,377 new COVID-19 infections on Tuesday nearly twice the number of new cases on Sunday alone, and up from the 6,284 new cases reported Monday, according to county data compiled by The Chronicle. This week marked two straight days with more than 6,000 new cases in a 24-hour reporting period, raising fears across the state that the coronavirus is getting out of control. The Bay Area numbers are equally alarming. The upward trend is concerning and could affect our reopening timeline, said Will Harper, spokesman for the Contra Costa County health department. Read more from Peter Fimrite. Paul Chinn / The Chronicle More: The coronavirus outbreak at San Quentin State Prison could pose a threat to the entire Bay Area, UC health experts say. Gov. Gavin Newsom threatens he might withhold financial relief from local governments in the upcoming state budget if they do not follow guidelines he says are necessary to tamp down a spike in coronavirus cases in California. A San Mateo County supervisor urges $500 fines for repeat mask scofflaws. Illegal fireworks booming across Bay Area Paul Kuroda / Special to The Chronicle A non-stop barrage of illegal fireworks has bombarded the Bay Area for weeks, sending complaint calls soaring. The East Bay seems to be seeing the biggest boom. Richmond police have received 1,157 calls so far this month compared with 205 in June 2019. As of June 22, San Francisco police said they had received more noise complaints for the month than in all of June 2019. The Alameda County Sheriffs Office fielded 380 complaints about fireworks through the first 23 days of June. The fireworks seem to be bigger, louder, stronger, said Sgt. Ray Kelly, a sheriffs spokesman. Whats behind the booms? Most officials surmise its a combination of people tired of being stuck at home and blowing off a little steam. With the outbreak of COVID-19 and protests over police brutality and racial inequities, theres a sense that the national unrest has given people more reason to detonate fireworks. Read more from Michael Cabanatuan, Shwanika Narayan and Alejandro Serrano. Voters to weigh in on affirmative action ban California voters will be asked whether to reverse the states prohibition on affirmative action, allowing public universities to consider race in admissions and government to give preference to businesses owned by women and people of color when awarding contracts. The state Senate voted Wednesday to place a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot to reverse Proposition 209, which voters approved in 1996. The proponents of the initiative, ACA5, said making the state color-blind was a question of fairness. Repeal advocates argue that the initiative has limited diversity at University of California campuses and cost businesses owned by women and people of color billions of dollars. Read more from Dustin Gardiner and Alexei Koseff. A new chapter for BART? BART is looking into what could be an unusual chapter in the police reform movement: bringing in the mother of someone killed by its own officer to train its department in implicit bias. Although BART staff are only beginning their search for a possible trainer, Board President Lateefah Simon has someone in mind: the mother of Oscar Grant, the 22-year-old man shot to death by a BART police officer in 2009. The training is among a string of reforms announced Friday, Rachel Swan reports, as protests against racism and police brutality jolted the Bay Area and cities throughout the nation. With emotions still raw from the widely viewed, slow-motion killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, many cities are contemplating plans to defund or even dismantle their police departments. Also: The Oakland school board voted unanimously Wednesday to eliminate the districts police department, and the San Francisco Board of Education voted unanimously late Tuesday to withdraw from an agreement with the citys Police Department, joining school districts across the country in cutting ties with local law enforcement amid national protests against police brutality. In a tense 5-1 vote, the Oakland City Council passes a budget that includes a modest cut to its police force. Video exclusive: A Navy veteran who died eight days after his arrest by Alameda police in 2018 was pinned and tased multiple times. Court showdown over ride-hail drivers Lea Suzuki / The Chronicle California plans to go back to court to compel Uber and Lyft to reclassify their drivers as employees in a matter of weeks. The companies said that could jeopardize their businesses, possibly forcing them to shut down service in California or raise prices dramatically. Attorney General Xavier Becerra and the city attorneys of San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego sued Uber and Lyft in May. They argued their drivers were misclassified as independent contractors when they should be employees under AB5, the states gig-work law that took effect Jan. 1. As part of that suit, Becerra and the city attorneys said Wednesday they now plan to seek a preliminary injunction forcing Uber and Lyft to treat drivers as employees before the case is heard. The judge set a hearing on that motion for Aug. 6. 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. Read more from Carolyn Said. Also: Ride-hail drivers caravan to the San Francisco home of Ubers CEO to protest the companys coronavirus safety program. Around the Bay Plea deal: San Francisco contractor and permit consultant Walter Wong, previously implicated in alleged schemes tied to former Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru, agrees to plead guilty to federal fraud charges and cooperate with the FBIs investigation into corruption at City Hall. Parolees and elections: The California Senate voted Wednesday to place a constitutional amendment, ACA6, on the ballot to restore the voting rights of all felons after theyve completed their state or federal prison terms. Something to look forward to: The canceled Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in Golden Gate Park is rescheduled for Aug. 6-8, 2021, with the Strokes, Lizzo and Tame Impala headlining - and tickets going on sale today. Weed killer settlement: After three big verdicts, the owner of Roundup herbicide agrees to settle 125,000 lawsuits by ailing U.S. users for $10 billion. New report: Proposition 47, the 2014 ballot measure that lowered penalties for many property and drug crimes in California, has reduced but not eliminated the gap between African Americans and whites in arrests and jailings. Jolted again: A 5.8 magnitude earthquake followed by several aftershocks Wednesday morning rattled the Eastern Sierra, the latest quakes in recent days to strike California. Compromise offer: PG&E outlines new wildfire safety measures it is willing to accept instead of the more sweeping requirements a federal judge sought to impose. Sushi shutdown: The popular Ichi Sushi in San Franciscos Bernal Heights permanently closes due to the coronavirus pandemic. A political pioneer mourned Gina Gayle / The Chronicle When Harry Britt was appointed to replace the assassinated Harvey Milk on San Franciscos Board of Supervisors in 1979, he never tried to be the same type of charismatic gay leader as his friend and mentor. But during his 14 years on the board, Britt, who died Wednesday at the age of 82, helped to solidly entrench the gay and progressive communities into the mainstream of the citys politics, pushing issues and leading causes that resonated across a changing state and country. Harry Britt was a pioneer in the LGBTQ communitys entry into electoral politics, said San Francisco Democratic state Sen. Scott Wiener. He deeply understood that while our allies are essential, we must have our own seat at the table. Harry helped create political space for people like me to serve in elected office. Read more from John Wildermuth. 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. Mask-wearing has become the latest partisan division in an increasingly politically divided pandemic. Why it matters: It's becoming increasingly clear that wearing even a basic cloth mask is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But whether or not people are willing to wear one has less to do with the risk of the pandemic than their political affiliation. By the numbers: Results from months of the Axios-Ipsos coronavirus polls show a clear and growing political divide between Democrats and Republicans on mask-wearing habits. Nationally, the percentage of Democrats who reported wearing a mask all the time when leaving home rose from 49% between April 10 and May 4 to 65% between May 8 and June 22. During the same time period, the percentage of Republicans who reported constant mask-wearing rose from 29% to just 35%. Context: The political divide Americans are reporting on mask use echoes one seen within nearly all levels of the government. President Trump has not been seen to wear a mask, and he told Axios last week that attendees at his Tulsa campaign event on June 20 should "do what they want" on masks, which were not required at the rally. Governors in many red states like Nebraska have refused to mandate facial masks in public, even as cases have begun to rise in recent weeks. At the same time, leaders in blue states especially those that grappled with large outbreaks of COVID-19 have urged residents to wear masks, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom mandating their use last week as cases in the state passed 4,000 a day. The situation is even more divided at the local level, with leaders of red towns in blue states pushing back against mask mandates, and vice versa. Flashback: Some of the blame for the divide can be traced back to muddled public health messaging on mask use in the early stages of the pandemic, when Americans were urged not to go out and buy masks in bulk because of concerns that there wasn't enough personal protective equipment for front-line health care workers. Those fears were real, as government virus expert Anthony Fauci pointed out in congressional testimony on Tuesday. And public health officials worried that pushing masks would inadvertently encourage Americans to continue going out in public at a moment when lockdowns demanded they stay inside. Like the divide among experts on whether mass protests would increase coronavirus cases, just the perception that health advice might be based on politics rather than science gives cover to those who would forego masks, especially since the outbreak itself initially seemed like a blue state problem. Health experts now know that cloth masks are most effective not so much at protecting individuals from infection as protecting the community from infected individuals. But that makes masks as much about social signaling as they are about public health. Conservatives who prize individual autonomy over social responsibility experience "a massive pushback of psychological resistance" when presented with mask mandates, says Steven Taylor, the author of "The Psychology of Pandemics." That reaction is reinforced "if leaders like Trump downplay the significance of COVID-19 or if they won't wear masks," says Taylor. As a result, wearing a mask in conservative communities means visibly going against public opinion, while the opposite is true in communities where mask use is common. The Axios-Ipsos data reflects this reality, showing that while Republicans in blue states use masks less than Democrats, they wear them at higher rates than Republicans in red states, just as Democrats in red states use masks at lower rates than Democrats in blue states. What to watch: The one factor that seems capable of breaking the political deadlock is the outbreak itself. As cases have skyrocketed in red states like Arizona recently, there's been a significant increase in Google searches for masks. Lucknow, June 25 : Troubling is brewing in the Lucknow University with students and teachers demanding postponement of the examinations in view of the corona pandemic. The examinations are scheduled to begin from July 7. The Lucknow University Associated College Teachers' Association (LUACTA) has also announced its decision to boycott examinations if they are not postponed. A delegation of Lucknow University Teachers' Association (LUTA) has also met Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma in this connection. LUTA president Neeraj Jain said that cases of coronavirus are on the rise and in such a situation, conducting examinations would pose a threat to the health of students, faculty as well as non-teaching employees. In the memorandum of the demands handed over to the Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the higher education portfolio, the teachers said either the examination should be postponed until pandemic subsides or arrangements should be made in such a manner that physical presence of students is not required. LUTA general secretary Vineet Verma said, "All faculties and students are not in support of examinations. Teachers, students, and their parents are in great stress ever since the undergraduate and postgraduate examination schedule was announced. The examination should be postponed since it would be difficult to maintain social distancing during examination." Though the Lucknow University does not have an elected students' union at present, the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha and the NSUI members have also held demonstrations against the holding of the examinations. A 43-year-old Easton man, sought for the better part of a year on charges he punched a city patrol officer who was trying to arrest another man, was taken into custody early Thursday afternoon in Wilson Borough. Wilfredo Santiago, of the 900 block of Ferry Street, was seen by an off-duty Easton police officer midday outside District Judge Richard Yetter IIIs court in Wilson Borough, borough police Chief Chris Meehan confirmed. Santiago walked away but was found minutes later by Wilson police and taken into custody without issue, Meehan said. Easton police about 7:10 p.m. July 27 responded to a noise complaint involving a large party in the road and on the sidewalk in the 900 block of Ferry Street, court papers say. As Orialis Figueroa-Colon was being arrested by Patrolman Aaron Kinnel on a disorderly conduct count, Santiago grabbed, pushed and pulled the officer, police said. Santiago struck the department-issued Taser from Kinnels hand as the officer was acting within the scope of his duties, police said. Santiago then punched Kinnel in the face, causing the patrolman to fall down several steps and strike his head on the ground, police said. Kinnel went to a hospital for medical treatment, but months ago returned to work. Figueroa-Colon was initially charged in the assault on the officer, but the incident was caught on video and the actions of Santiago were captured, police said. Charges were not dropped against Figueroa-Colon, who was released on 10% of $35,000 bail, but the case hasnt progressed in Northampton County Court, records show. His attorney Robert Goldman, who was out of the office, did not immediately return a phone call on Thursday. Goldman in September -- after Santiago was charged with aggravated assault, riot, simple assault, obstructing law enforcement, hindering apprehension, recklessly endangering another person and disarming a law enforcement officer -- said, We certainly knew these were bogus charges against my client (Figueroa-Colon). Now that they acknowledge that, they should immediately dismiss the charges. ... Its clear to me now that they realize they charged an innocent man. Rather than prolong the injury to him by this false arrest, they should immediately dismiss the charges. Assistant District Attorney Patricia Fuentes Mulqueen said of Figueroa-Colon in September that, We believe he is still guilty of aggravated assault because of his actions that day. On Thursday, she said the original charges were still pending. Four other people were also charged in the incident, police said. Santiago was arraigned Thursday afternoon before District Judge Daniel Corpora, who set bail at $75,000, records show. Santiagos preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled 9 a.m. July 9 in Corporas court on the citys South Side. Court papers dont show an attorney for Santiago. 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. A North Carolina police department has dismissed three officers whose racist comments referenced the slaughtering of black Americans in a civil war. Police in Wilmington announced on Wednesday that Cpl. Jessie Moore, James Gilmore and Kevin Piner had all been terminated over misconduct and extensive conduct violations. The Wilmington Police Department also published an internal document on Wednesday which summarised the investigation into the three mens actions. Why are we releasing this information this way and at this time? Because it is the right thing to do, said police chief Donny Williams, who said the case was the most exceptional and difficult he had seen. When I first learned of these conversations, I was shocked, saddened and disgusted, continued the police chief. There is no place for this behaviour in our agency or our city and it will not be tolerated. The police documents described how Piners extremely racist comments were heard when a police sergeant audited his in-car audio, and reviewed his in-car video. Among the worst comments made were Piners statement to Moore that called on white Americans to start a civil war which would wipe em [black Americans] off the map. We are just going to go out and start slaughtering them f*****g n*****s. I cant wait. God, I cant wait, said Piner. Thatll put em back about four or five generations. The police document added that Moore told Piner, who was on the phone, that he would not do that. That conversation came after Piner complained to Gilmore that the police departments only concern was kneeling down with the black folks. The pair then continued to discuss nationwide demonstrations against police violence and systemic racism, to which Gilmore commented that he had seen a video which showed a fine looking white girl and this punk little pretty boy bowing down and kissing their [black Americans] toes. Recommended NYC mayor to install Black Lives Matter mural outside of Trump Tower Gilmore added: Its almost like they think theyre their own God? The ex-cops were also said to have used racial slurs, homophobic slurs, and misogyny in addition to criticism against senior Wilmington police personnel. All three later admitted that their voices were those on the video, and did not deny the content. Wilmingtons police department added that their actions would be reviewed by an attorney, to determine whether any crimes were committed, and that all three men would be blocked from working for the city again. In an attempt to take necessary steps to limit the environmental damage and commence the post-pandemic world with relevant actions, Socio Story organised a virtual session on Re-Imagining Nature- COVID and Beyond on June 20. The discussion of the panel laid emphasis on the future course of actions that are required by various stakeholders of the environment especially businesses to take necessary steps to limit the environmental damage and commence the post pandemic world with relevant actions. With the theme Transitioning Towards New Normal: Actions Required to Limit Environmental Damage, the virtual session witnessed many eminent personalities sharing their opinion on the topic. Padma Shri awardee and well-known environmentalist from Uttarakhand, Dr Anil Prakash Joshi advocated the need for introducing the concept of Gross Environmental Product (GEP) to indicate overall health of the environment in India while speaking during the online session which was organised on June 20. Hawa, Mitti, Jungle, Paani- Jaan hai humari Dr Joshi said while adding that along with Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which indicates economic health, the country and the states should collect data on forests, water sources, quality of air and soil and measure the GEP to know the health of our ecosystem. Dr Joshi who is a botanist turned activist and founder of Himalayan Environmental Studies and Conservation Organisation (HESCO), an NGO in Uttarakhand is known for his connection with the field and the capacity to address the environment issues. He stated, When the lockdown was announced during the covid-19 crisis, it was observed that nature revived back. It took only 21 days to see the difference in our ecosystem. So, if we come together and work for reviving nature, we can make our mother Earth a sustainable one. Ramanan Ramanathan, Mission Director- Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, stated, Since India is an agrarian based economy, the need of the hour is to introduce innovative and intelligent ways of agriculture without destroying the environment. Adding that a sustainable planet is required for progress, Ramanan, said, The main purpose to set up the Atal innovation mission by the Government of India was to promote the culture and spirit of innovation and innovative thinking in people. Since innovation needs to be tapped from the younger generation, we have introduced Atal tinkering labs for school children where they are encouraged to bring out innovative ideas. He also said through Atal New India Challenge, the government promotes innovative ideas for products and technologies and provides funds to start-ups and MSMEs to grow further. Manoj Pachauri, Founder of Socio Story, said, The lockdown enforced due to Covid-19 pandemic has brought positive changes in the environment in terms of air quality, water quality and biodiversity among others. Post Covid-19, there will be a shift in the behavioural pattern of our actions on how we interact with the environment. We all need to come forward together to save planet Earth. It is not a responsibility of a single person but the entire community as a whole. The other panellists who were a part of the successful session include Akanksha Sharma, Head-CSR & Sustainability- Sterlite Technologies Ltd, Manisha Singh, Head-CSR, South Asia, Schneider Electric, Dr. KK Upadhyay, Mentor- Socio Story, Rishi Pathania, Head-CSR- UPL Group, Vijay Singh, Head-CSR- PI Industries, and Praveen Karn, Head-CSR, Spark Minda. The session was hosted & anchored by Shweta Padda, an acclaimed bollywood actress & director. An 81-year old farmer told a court today that but for the fact that he was on consecrated ground, he would have been killed instantly when assaulted by a man armed with a slash hook in a graveyard. At Gort District Court today, John Connolly told the court of what he called the ferocity of the attack on him by graveyard owner and farmer, Martin OShaughnessy (68) of Killina, Gort on October 1st last During the assault, Mr OShaughnessy told Mr Connolly Im going to cut the f**king head off you in the row over burial plots. In the case, Mr OShaughnessy has pleaded guilty to the assault on Mr Connolly at the graveyard at Killinny, East Kinvara on October 1 last. 'The blade (of the slash hook) never came near the head of that man. It was the handle.' In a victim impact statement read out by Judge Patrick Durcan, Mr Connolly stated: The incident has been a great distraction in my life and has caused me great mental anguish...It took a few days for the ferocity of this attack to sink in." He added: Ever since I have been haunted by the vision of the blade in his hand less than 12 inches from my bare head. But for the grace of God and the fact that we were on consecrated ground, Im convinced that I would have been killed instantly. After reading out those lines, Judge Durcan commented: This is the stuff of John B Keane. Solicitor for Mr OShaughnessy, Colman Sherry stated that he would challenge much of what is in the statement but Im leaving it to the court to make its own judgment. Mr Sherry stated: The blade (of the slash hook) never came near the head of that man. It was the handle. John Connolly at Gort Court. He added: We both got to our feet and Mr Shaughnessy went to his jeep, came with a strimmer and proceeded to strim the grassy grave. He stated that: Three days later I was working on my farm with two other men and Mr Shaughnessy came and he apologised for what he did and said and that he was 100% wrong. Providing background to the assault previously, Sgt Daithi Cronin stated that there had been an ongoing dispute with Mr OShaughnessy and Mr Connolly and other people in relation to burial plots at the graveyard. Sgt Cronin stated that what occurred was a technical assault and it was all over within a matter of seconds. Mr Sherry told the court: In cases like this, the less said the better. There is history and suffice to say there are very few burial plots left. Mr Sherry stated that three generations of Mr O'Shaughnessy's family have been buried in the graveyard and that his client has looked after the graveyard all his life. Mr Sherry stated: He pleaded guilty on the very first day. He has no previous convictions. He is extremely contrite and has apologised to all of the parties. He commented: The only person who got injured was the defendant himself when he fell back. Mr OShaughnessy has lived in Killina for 20 years and has had no issue with any of those neighbours. Mr Sherry stated that Mr OShaughnessy travelled to South Africa on two separate occasions with the Niall Mellon organisation to build houses. Judge Durcan told Mr Connolly that he was going to strike out the case against Mr OShaughnessy. Judge Durcan told the man: What happened was something that shouldnt have happened. You had a very bad experience. He stated: You have heard the phrase Seed, breed and generation when rows go on and they get deeper and deeper and there is a winner and a loser. Judge Durcan stated that justice has been done in this case and that it was to Mr OShaughnessys credit that he had apologised within three days. Mr Connolly stated that he accepted Mr OShaughnessys apology. Judge Durcan told the two: One or other of you will have to follow the other into the graveyard and hopefully one of you will be able to walk after the other. And not too long after that, the other will be brought in and there you will rot together - thats life." Judge Durcan added: I am not going to have the good name of the community there to be damaged by criminality. This case is over. Justice is done. This battle is over now. I'm striking the case out." He added: I want to wish you both well and commend the good work ye have done for the community and live a peaceful life. In less than 20 years, communities around the globe have been hit by a string of major disease outbreaks: SARS, MERS, Ebola, Zika and now, COVID-19. Nearly all emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from microorganisms that are harbored by wildlife and subsequently jump, either directly or indirectly for example, through mosquitoes or ticks to humans. One factor driving the increase in zoonotic disease outbreaks is that human activities including population growth, migration and consumption of wild animals are leading to increased encounters with wildlife. At the same time, genetic mutations in viruses and other microbes are creating new opportunities for disease emergence. But humans remain largely ignorant of our planets biodiversity and its natural ecosystems. Only two million species about 20% of all the estimated species on Earth have even been named In our view, this fundamental ignorance of nearly all aspects of biodiversity has resulted in an inefficient, poorly coordinated and minimally science-based response to key aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We have diverse backgrounds in plant and mammal evolution and emerging infectious diseases. In a newly published commentary that we wrote with colleagues from across the U.S. and in six other countries, we identify a largely untapped resource for predicting future pandemics: natural history collections in museums around the world. These collections preserve specimens of animals, plants and other organisms that illustrate the diversity of life on Earth. They are reservoirs of information and samples that can help scientists identify likely pathogen sources, hosts and transmission pathways. We believe that leveraging collections in this way will require more resources and more collaboration between biodiversity scientists and disease outbreak sleuths. Archives of life on Earth Research shows that zoonotic diseases have increased due to human intrusion into animal habitats. In particular, destruction of tropical rain forests throughout the world has brought us face to face with microbes that occur naturally in wild animals and can cause disease in our own species. Earths biodiversity is connected through a family tree. Viruses, bacteria and other microbes have evolved with their hosts for millions of years. As a result, a virus that resides in a wild animal host such as a bat without causing disease can be highly pathogenic when transmitted to humans. This is the case with zoonotic diseases. Unfortunately, national responses to disease outbreaks are often based on very limited knowledge of the basic biology, or even the identity, of the pathogen and its wild host. As scientists, we believe that harnessing centuries of biological knowledge and resources from natural history collections can provide an informed road map to identify the origin and transmission of disease outbreaks. These collections of animals, plants and fungi date back centuries and are the richest sources of information available about life on Earth. They are housed in museums ranging from the Smithsonian Institution to small colleges. Together, the worlds natural history collections are estimated to contain more than three billion specimens, including preserved specimens of possible hosts of the coronaviruses that have led to SARS, MERS and COVID-19. They provide a powerful distribution map of our planets biodiversity over space and through time. Preserved pathogens How can researchers channel these collections toward disease discovery? Each specimen say, a species of pitcher plant from Florida or a deer mouse from arid New Mexico is catalogued with a scientific name, a collection date and the place where it was collected, and often with other relevant information. These records underpin scientists understanding of where host species and their associated pathogens are found and when they occurred there. Connecting the site of a disease outbreak to potential pathogen hosts that occur in that area can help to pinpoint likely hosts, sources of pathogens, and pathways of transmission from hosts to humans and from one human to another. These natural history collections are connected worldwide through massive online databases, so a researcher anywhere in the world can find information on potential hosts in far-off regions. But thats just the beginning. A preserved specimen of a rodent, a bat or any other potential host animal in a collection also carries preserved pathogens, such as coronaviruses. This means that researchers can quickly survey microbes using specimens that were collected decades or more before for an entirely different purpose. They can use this information to quickly identify a pathogen, associate it with particular wild hosts, and then reconstruct the past distributions and evolution of disease-causing microbes and hosts across geographic space. Many collections contain frozen samples of animal specimens stored in special low-temperature freezers. These materials can be quickly surveyed for microbes and possible human pathogens using genetic analysis. Scientists can compare DNA sequences of the pathogens found in animal specimens with the disease-causing agent to identify and track pathways of transmission. For example, museum specimens of deer mice at the University of New Mexico were key to the rapid identification of a newly discovered species of hantavirus that caused 13 deaths in the southwest United States in 1993. Subsequent studies of preserved specimens have revealed many new species and variants of hantaviruses in other rodents, shrews, moles and, recently, bats worldwide. Equipping museums and connecting scientists Natural history collections have the potential to help revolutionize studies of epidemics and pandemics. But to do this, they will need more support. Even though they play a foundational role in biology, collections are generally underfunded and understaffed. Many of them lack recent specimens or associated frozen tissues for genetic analyses. Many regions of our planet have been poorly sampled, especially the most biodiverse countries near the tropics. To leverage biodiversity science for biomedical research and public health, museums will need more field sampling; new facilities to house collections, especially in biodiverse countries; and expanded databases for scientists who collect the samples, analyze DNA sequences and track transmission routes. These investments will require increased funding and innovations in biomedical and biodiversity sciences. Another challenge is that natural history curators and pathobiologists who study the mechanisms of disease work in separate scientific communities and are only vaguely aware of each others resources, despite clear benefits for both basic and clinical research. We believe now is the time to reflect on how to leverage diverse resources and build stronger ties between natural history museums, pathobiologists and public health institutions. Collaboration will be key to our ability to predict, and perhaps forestall, future pandemics. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. | Authors: Pamela Soltis, Distinguished Professor and Curator, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida; Joseph Cook, Professor of Biology and Curator, Division of Mammals, Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, and Richard Yanagihara, Professor of Pediatrics and Principal Investigator, Pacific Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases Research, University of Hawaii The opening of these new sites reflects the company's commitment to meeting ongoing demand for testing, as well as expanding testing capacity to respond to a surge in new COVID-19 cases. The nearly 200 additional test sites opening across the country this week are among the more than 1,400 locations CVS Health has opened since May and expand the company's testing capacity to more than 1.5 million tests per month, subject to availability of supplies and lab capacity. In addition to the drive-thru sites, CVS Health has partnered with a number of community organizations to open eight rapid-response community testing sites across the country, including a site at Good Samaritan Health Center on Atlanta's Westside, which aim to increase access to testing for uninsured and underserved populations who are at highest risk for COVID-19. "One of our greatest strengths as a company is our local presence in communities across the country, which enables us to uniquely expand people's access to safe and effective COVID-19 testing options and respond to a need for increased testing capacity," said Larry J. Merlo, President and CEO, CVS Health. "We continue to be grateful for the commitment of our frontline colleagues who make these testing sites possible and whose dedication has allowed us to keep our stores open for customers seeking supplies and patients who need care." Nearly sixty percent of the company's 1,400 test sites across the country, including 69% of sites in Georgia, are in counties that serve communities with the greatest need for support, as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Social Vulnerability Index. The index tracks a variety of census variables including poverty, lack of access to transportation and crowded housing that may weaken a community's ability to prepare for and recover from hazardous events like natural disasters and disease outbreaks. Self-swab tests will be available to individuals meeting CDC criteria, in addition to state and age guidelines. Patients must register in advance at CVS.com to schedule an appointment. Patients will be required to stay in their cars and will be directed to the pharmacy drive-thru window or a location in the parking lot at a few stores, where they will be provided with a test kit and given instructions, and a CVS Pharmacy team member will observe the self-swab process to ensure it is done properly. Tests will be sent to an independent, third-party lab for processing, and the results will be available in approximately three days. Testing will not take place inside any retail locations, and CVS Pharmacy, HealthHUB and MinuteClinic will continue to serve customers and patients. The additional new testing sites in Georgia include: CVS Pharmacy, 2555 Bolton Road, Atlanta, GA 30318 30318 CVS Pharmacy, 3815 Clairmont Road, Atlanta, GA 30319 30319 CVS Pharmacy, 680 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 30308 CVS Pharmacy, 2429 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30311 30311 CVS Pharmacy, 13 North Tennessee Street, Cartersville, GA 30120 30120 CVS Pharmacy, 2501 East Walnut Ave, Dalton, GA 30721 30721 CVS Pharmacy, 2907 Main Street, East Point, GA 30344 30344 CVS Pharmacy, 1597 Hogansville Rd., LaGrange, GA 30241 30241 CVS Pharmacy, 1390 Pio Nono Avenue, Macon, GA 31204 31204 CVS Pharmacy, 12012 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31419 31419 CVS Pharmacy, 1201 First Street East, Vidalia, GA 30474 A complete list of CVS Pharmacy drive-thru test sites can be found here. More information on steps CVS Health has taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic, including support for health care providers and clinicians facing financial and administrative strain, is available at the company's frequently updated COVID-19 resource center . For downloadable COVID-19 testing media assets, including photos, video and interviews with CVS Health executives, please visit the Media Resource Center. About CVS Health CVS Health employees are united around a common goal of becoming the most consumer-centric health company. We're evolving based on changing consumer needs and meeting people where they are, whether that's in the community at one of our nearly 10,000 local touchpoints, in the home, or in the palm of their hand. Our newest offerings from HealthHUB locations that are redefining what a pharmacy can be, to innovative programs that help manage chronic conditions are designed to create a higher-quality, simpler and more affordable experience. Learn more about how we're transforming health at www.cvshealth.com Media Contact Tara Burke, (646) 765-4971 [email protected] SOURCE CVS Health The Costa Del Sol has suffered an outbreak of coronavirus as 83 people test positive just four days after the first British holiday makers were allowed to return. The spike in cases is believed to have stemmed from a staff member in Malaga's Red Cross centre, who had recently returned from the Canary Islands. A 79 majority of the 83 positive tests recorded came from young migrants who the centre had rescued from the region's seas - the remaining four cases were infected staff. Over 100 people are currently isolating at the red cross centre with all exits and entrances guarded by Policia Nacional in hazmat suits, reports Olive Press. National Police officers equipped with Personal Protective Equipment, guard those infected with COVID-19 at a Red Cross headquarters at Elena Soriano street on June 25, 2020 in Malaga, Spain The spike in cases is believed to have stemmed from a staff member in Malaga's Red Cross centre, who had recently returned from the Canary Islands Contact tracing has been conducted to ensure everyone the Red Cross worker came into contact with on the flight and journey from the Canary Islands is also tested. British tourists were permitted to return to their favourite Spanish holiday resorts on Monday, with some beaches in the Costa Del Sol reaching full capacity only days later. Strict 6ft social distancing rules are in place for sun seekers with police monitoring beaches to ensure they don't exceed the Covid-19-linked maximum capacity limit. Earlier this week the road to picturesque Maro Beach near Nerja on the eastern Costa del Sol was shut due to overcrowding. While some will deem it worth the hassle for a break in the sun, at the moment any traveller arriving in the UK - whether from Britain, returning from a holiday, or a tourist - must quarantine for 14 days and provide their phone number and an address for self-isolation. National Police officers equipped with Personal Protective Equipment, guard the 83 people who are infected with COVID-19 at a Red Cross headquarters in Malaga, June 25 A National Police officer equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (EPI), carries a box at a Red Cross headquarters in Malaga This is likely to remain the case unless an agreement for an 'airbridge' between Spain and the UK is struck to allow quarantine free travel. A total of 12 countries - including Greece, Spain, Portugal and France - are being considered as potential 'airbridge' partners with the UK. Officials are examining both the risk of travellers bringing Covid-19 back and the popularity of the destination. The 'air bridge' rules would come into play on July 4 and will likely be announced on June 29. A total of 12 countries - including Greece, Spain, Portugal and France - are being considered as potential 'airbridge' partners with the UK. Pictured: A couple sunbathe in Magaluf, June 24 Tourists from Manchester arrive at Lanzarote airport in St. Bartolome, Lanzarote island, Canary Islands, Spain, 23 June 2020 But it will only go ahead if the chief medical officer provides advice on each nation and the Foreign Office lifts its non-essential travel ban to the countries in question. An aviation source told The Daily Telegraph: 'It is work in progress risk first, and how you measure that risk, followed by the popularity of the destination.' Travel company Tui has told its customers that it will only fly them to countries that have air bridges in place. The company has pledged to provide 'quarantine-free holidays' to all its customers, meaning they don't have to isolate on landing or upon arriving back home in Britain. Transport Secretary Grand Shapps suggested that only countries with an effective track and trace system would be allowed to form an air bridge with the UK. [June 25, 2020] NamSys Reports Results of Operations for the Second Quarter, April 30th, 2020 NamSys Inc. (CTZ - TSX-V) today reports the results of operations for the first six months and the second quarter of fiscal 2020 ended April 30th. All amounts referenced herein are in Canadian dollars. Revenue for the second quarter was $1,189,897 as compared to $1,038,973 for the same period last year; an increase of 14.5%. Net income before tax for the quarter of $640,356 ($0.02 per share) was recorded as compared to $548,204 ($0.01 per share) for the three months ended April 30th, 2019. Revenue for the first six months of fiscal 2020 was $2,313,732 as compared to revenue in the same period last year of $1,941,383; an increase of 19.2%. The Company recorded net income before tax of $907,277 ($0.02 per share) in the six months ended April 30th, 2020 as compared to $956,837 ($0.02 per share) in the same period last year. The Company has chosen to compare year over year Comprehensive Income before taxes, however, certain figures in 2020 are not comparable to previous years due to the adoption in this fiscal year of IFRS 16. As the bulk of the Company's sales are in US dollars, fluctuations in the exchange rate between Canadian and US dollars impact reported income. Revenues are converted to Canadian dollars when sales are completed and booked. Foreign exchange adjustments are then required when payments are actually received. The financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the fiscal quarter ended April 30th, 2020 are available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. K. Barry Sparks, the Chief Executive of the Company stated: "The Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held virtually on April 29, 2020. Following the formal part of the Annual Meeting, our President, Jason Siemens (News - Alert) presented NamSys' vision for the future, including a conference call for investors. Mr. Siemens noted that the "Smart Safe" solution is only one of many initiatives that NamSys is taking to streamline the processing of currency. The present "Cirreon" initiatives include: Web and mobile applications for commercial/online banking Logistics management for cash-in-transit providers Exploring industries with similar high-security logistics challenges As you can appreciate, these changes to traditional practices take time for the parties to understand and internalize. While we are spending considerable time to move the above initiatives forward, the operating results are now starting to reflect the fruits of our labour. This includes the recent execution of a new distribution agreements with several North American Cash in Transit companies. The presentation and follow-up discussions with shareholders at the April 29th, 2020 Annual Meeting conference call is recorded on the Company's website at www.namsys.com (Investor Relations Section). Interested parties are welcome to learn more about the Company from this presentation. It remains our belief that we will continue to grow and achieve greater revenue and profitability in 2020 and beyond." NamSys Inc. products are designed to bring efficiency to the processing of currency and other value instruments in financial institutions, large retailers, public transportation operations and the gaming industry. NamSys' proprietary software products for this market are "open-architectured" and have been developed to interface with clients' legacy systems. The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the information contained in this release. This Media Release may contain forward-looking statements, which reflect the Corporation's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events could differ from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors including the success of the Corporation's sales strategies. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005725/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Ramallah, June 25 : Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye reiterated that all forms of Israeli annexation of parts of the West Bank lands were "unacceptable". Ishtaye made the remarks on Wednesday in a meeting with Jamie McGoldrick, UN humanitarian coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, and Gerald Rockenschaub, head of the WHO office in the occupied Palestinian territories, reports Xinhua news agency. "We reject annexation in principle either it is a small or a bid area of our lands," Ishtaye said, adding that the world "must be careful" of Israel's intentions to go for a gradual annexation "to contain the international rejection of the plan." According to a statement, Ishtaye briefed the UN officials on the COVID-19 situation in the Palestinian territories and the measures it has taken to mitigate its outbreak. "The outbreak of coronavirus in Palestine came earlier than we expected. However, the situation is still under control," he said. During the meeting, Ishtaye explored the role of the UN agencies in backing the Palestinian government to overcome the mounting difficulties due to the severing of all forms of coordination with Israel, according to a Palestinian official who declined to be named. Last month, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas announced the breakdown of all agreements and understandings reached with Israel and the US, and stopped all forms of coordination with Israel. The Palestinian leadership made this decision in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial plan of annexing parts of the West Bank. Currently, Netanyahu is pushing his plan to annex the Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley, a portion of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Netanyahu set July 1 as the starting date for the beginning of the plan despite international condemnations. The annexation plan is part of US President Donald Trump's Middle East peace plan, so-called "Deal of the Century" that was revealed earlier this year. A joint US-Israeli team is working on the maps that will determine the demarcation of areas to be annexed by Israel, a move that has been strongly criticized by the international community. Israel captured the West Bank territories during the 1967 Middle East war. According to UN resolutions, Israeli settlement activity is considered illegal. By PTI ISLAMABAD: A day after Pakistan was asked to reduce its staff at its High Commission in New Delhi by half, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Wednesday accused India of plotting an attack on his country to divert its Opposition's attention from its border dispute with China. Speaking to Geo Pakistan, Qureshi said, "India's mood is clear [for all to see] as it wants to divert attention from its border dispute with China to Pakistan." He claimed that India was finding excuses to launch a 'false flag operation' against Pakistan. But he did not elaborate or give any evidence. "The Opposition in India is raising questions that their government can't answer," he said, referring to the criticism being faced by the Modi government regarding its response to the border dispute with China in the Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. ALSO READ| Indian couple stabbed to death by Pakistani robber in Dubai Qureshi warned India to refrain from launching any attacks on his country, saying Pakistan would respond with full force if New Delhi embarks on "any misadventure". Stating that India had levelled baseless allegations against Pakistani diplomats of spying in New Delhi, Qureshi alleged that the Pakistani staff was harassed in India and their cars were followed by authorities. He said that Pakistan had not only condemned the allegations but also rejected them. He said that the Indian Charge d' Affaires in Islamabad was summoned on Tuesday and told that the same treatment would be meted out to the Indian staff. "We told him [Indian Charge d' Affaires] that because of this unilateral policy, you also wrap up and slash your [diplomatic staff] presence by 50 per cent. If Pakistani staff returns home, Indian staff will also go back," Qureshi said. On Tuesday, India had told Pakistan to slash its embassy staff in New Delhi by half - saying it would do the same in Islamabad. "The behaviour of Pakistan and its officials is not in conformity with the Vienna Convention and bilateral agreements on the treatment of diplomatic and consular officials," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement. "On the contrary, it is an intrinsic element of a larger policy of supporting cross-border violence and terrorism. Therefore, the Government of India has taken the decision to reduce the staff strength in the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi by 50 per cent," the MEA said. The already fractious relationship between the two nations strained further after India expelled two Pakistan embassy officials for spying in late May. India also accused Islamabad of torturing two Indian diplomats arrested in an alleged hit-and-run incident in Islamabad. ALSO READ| Most Indians feel China bigger problem than Pakistan Islamabad police later said both Indian High Commission officials were released due to their diplomatic immunity and had been handed over in the presence of Pakistani ministry's officials. India's expulsion of the two Pakistani officials and subsequent harassment of Indian High Commission staffers in Islamabad by Pakistani agencies came in the midst of frayed ties between the two countries over the reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir by India. Top Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Imran Khan, have been raising the issue of India planning to attack the country again after the Indian Air Force jets bombed a terror training camp in Balakot in February. The ties between India and Pakistan further nose-dived following the abrogation of article 370 in August that revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. The move angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties with India and expelled the Indian High Commissioner. The forecast of an 8.2% drop in Ukraine's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020 is due to a weak stock of savings of Ukrainian households and limited fiscal support to the economy, IMF Resident Representative in Ukraine Goesta Ljungman has said. There are two factors why Ukrainian GDP is falling more than in other countries: the first is that Ukrainian households do not have such ... cash buffers as in other countries, he said during the online conference of the European Business Association (EBA) "Business Outlook: Crisis Management Lessons." He explained that consumption has fallen very much and will continue to fall even more if there is no cash reserve. The IMF representative added that another factor is the limited fiscal support of the economy due to the fiscal and tax fields. He specified that, in comparison with other countries, Ukraine is somewhere in the middle in terms of the level of support provided to the economy amid this crisis, which at the same time is limited by fiscal space and financial instability. The official also noted that it is very difficult to predict further development until the vaccine against COVID-19 is invented. As reported, the IMF in early June downgraded the forecast for a decline in Ukraine's GDP in 2020 to 8.2% from 7.7% in its World Economic Outlook for April. The fund also lowered its forecast for the recovery of the Ukrainian economy in 2021 from 3.6% to 1.1%, accelerating to 3% in 2022. IMF expectations are significantly worse than those of the government and the National Bank of Ukraine (4.8-5% fall this year) and other organizations, in particular the World Bank, which forecasts a decline of only 3.5% this year. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 21:56:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close NAIROBI, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's competition watchdog said Thursday it is anticipating mergers and acquisitions in the airline and e-commerce sectors due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, an official said on Thursday. Mugambi Mutegi, manager of communication and external relations, Competition Authority of Kenya, told a webinar in Nairobi that the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the business community to develop synergy in order to overcome the economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic. "The authority anticipates more joint ventures in the coming months especially in the airline and e-commerce sectors," Mburu said. The industry regulator said it expects that mergers will also increase where dominant firms acquire upcoming competitors more so in the digital economy. The watchdog has so far processed about 45 mergers and acquisitions deals in the current financial year that ends on June 30 and said the number is expected to remain the same in the next financial year. Raphael Mburu, manager of merger and acquisitions, Competition Authority of Kenya, observed that before any merger or acquisition is approved, a competition and public interest test must be conducted to ensure that the new entity will not lessen competition in the market. Priscilla Njako, Buyer Power Manager at the Competition Authority of Kenya, said that most cases of abuse of superior bargaining position by purchasers occur in the insurance sector. Njako noted that the most prevalent complaint is on delayed payments or unfavorable business terms by dominant players. "When we find conduct of one player is causing harm we will intervene in order to promote efficient markets in Kenya," she added. Enditem The blazing heat of the sun hitting the Mediterranean Sea makes it an exhausting task to pull stranded migrants on to rescue ships. But the new heavy equipment the rescue activists have to wear in the 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) heat to limit the risk of contagion from the coronavirus takes the exertion to a whole new level. The Ocean Viking rescue ship -- charted by French aid group SOS-Mediterranee -- has been heading through the waters towards Libya since Monday in its first mission since a three-month suspension during the health crisis. On the way, the crew rehearse operations under COVID-19 protection measures. Aid worker Ludovic is slumped in a corner of the ship's orange inflatable speedboat, panting. He has just pulled Oscar the dummy on board, given him CPR for three minutes, all while wearing a helmet, a visor and a respirator-style face mask. 'Not possible' The Ocean Viking rescue ship -- charted by French aid group SOS-Mediterranee -- has been heading through the waters towards Libya in its first mission since a three-month suspension during the health crisis. By Shahzad ABDUL (AFP) "It's horrendous," he said, mask now dangling on one ear. "I'm sorry, but I can't breathe!" "It's going to be a lot harder than previously expected," said fellow rescuer Mary, who also had to stop for a breather and drink some water during the two-hour exercise. "What we can do is swap between the rescuers more often and take it in turns to do the CPR," said the British 23-year-old, who began working SOS-Mediterranee at just 19. "Because sometimes we're doing CPR for a really long time on the ribs before we get back to the Ocean Viking. "It's not possible for one person to be going for a very long time with this mask on the face." Even experienced rescue workers need to be mentally prepared to suffer, said the head of onboard operations Nicholas Romaniuk, "because you quickly get out of breath with all the equipment on". 'Heavy equipment' More than 100,000 migrants tried to cross the Mediterranean in 2019 with more than 1,200 dying in the attempt, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration. By Shahzad ABDUL (AFP) "We already have heavy equipment, with security boots, a huge life jacket and it's so hot," Romaniuk said. "We're trying to do two contradictory things -- respect safety measures regarding the coronavirus but also limit stress for the rescuers who are already under maximum pressure." If a rescuer is hyperventilating, the most important thing is that he gets better, even if it means taking off the mask, said Romaniuk. "You can't save anyone if you're not in a good way," he said. With their faces fully obscured, Romaniuk is worried that the rescuers might be taken for Libyan coastguards by the migrants at sea, which might provoke panic as the coastguards take them back to the war-torn country and often detain them. "Put yourself in their shoes, they're going to see us arriving with helmets, masks, visors... I might actually take off my helmet, so that they can see that I don't look Libyan," said the Swiss rescuer. More than 100,000 migrants tried to cross the Mediterranean last year with more than 1,200 dying in the attempt, according to the UN's International Organization for Migration. Image: Accent Group Accent Group, the parent company of footwear retailers including Platypus and The Athlete's Foot has seen a spike in online sales during the coronavirus pandemic. Sales in May and June have been strong after the company shut all its stores back in March. The company has also reinstated workers it stood down during the store closures. Visit Business Insider Australias homepage for more stories. Accent Group, the parent company of footwear retailers including Platypus, Hype and The Athlete's Foot, has seen a spike in online sales during the coronavirus pandemic. It comes after the company shut all its stores on March 27 and stood down all its employees. In its latest company update, Accent Group reported record online sales in May, earning $2 million during Click Frenzy. During the whole month of May its sales reached $29 million while online purchases in June accounted for 23% of all sales. Accent Group CEO Daniel Agostinelli said in a statement the company's strong sales over the past two months went beyond expectations. "Through this period Accent has attracted many new customers online who have never shopped with us before," he said. "We will continue to drive digital growth as the number one priority in our company." During its store closures, Accent Group turned some of its locations into 'dark stores' fulfilment centres for items bought online to help address the high demand it was getting online. During the last two weeks of April, the group's online sales jumped to between $800,000 and $1.1 million a day. Accent Group started reopening its more than 500 stores across Australia and New Zealand in May. And from June 1, it brought back all its 1,500 permanent workers that had been stood down with full pay. The reinstatements also helped boost sales in June. Sales in New Zealand, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and regional areas were stronger than in metro areas like Sydney and Melbourne. This was mostly across activewear and performance running footwear in the Stylerunner and The Athlete's Foot brands. Story continues Accent Group credits its reopening and ability to support its workers to the JobKeeper wage subsidy. "Accent Groups greatest asset is its people and I am incredibly proud of the resilience, tenacity and performance of our team through this difficult period," Agostinelli added. With the company's strong performance, it expects its 2020 financial year EBITDA to be around 10% above $108.8 million, which is reached during the 2019 financial year. But while the company has had "successful negotiations" with most of its landlords in terms of paying rent, it said it will close stores if it fails to reach agreements. There was supposed to be more than $500,000 in an escrow account held by a Harrisburg-based property management company. But the attorney representing more than 60 landlords suing Lehman Property Management said Thursday that account contains just $1.14. Attorney James Tupitza said this balance was revealed in Lehmans bank statements, which he received yesterday as part of the discovery process of the lawsuit. The suit was filed last summer against the companys owner, Glenn Lehman, and his broker of record, Susan Helm. Helm is also a state representative of the 104th House district. Why is the money gone? Someone took it, Tupitza said. When he filed the lawsuit in August in Dauphin County Court, Tupitza was representing more than 40 landlords who contracted with Glenn Lehman and Lehman Property Management to manage their properties. That number has grown to 63, and Tupitza said there may be as many as 300 Lehman clients affected. The escrow account was supposed to contain the security deposits and rent payments that Lehman had collected on behalf of those clients. Lehman also was expected to pay real estate taxes, utilities and other expenses on the properties it managed. The money -- which Tupitza estimates should have totaled in the neighborhood of $500,000 -- was supposed to be held in escrow. Tupitza said the judge in the case signed an order Aug. 23 freezing Lehmans bank account. The bank statements Tupitza just received show that in December 2017, the account had just $18,000, he said. And 10 days prior to the account being frozen, it had $5,700, which Tupitza said was transferred out, leaving just $1.14. The lawsuit accuses Lehman of fraud or, alternatively, negligent failure and accuses Helm of malpractice and failing in her duty as a broker of record to properly supervise Lehman. The lawsuit says that in July, Lehman notified his clients that he discovered accounting irregularities. Around the same time, Helm resigned as the broker of record for his company. With no broker of record, Lehman Property Management was forced to close, according to the suit. Helm said Thursday that she became the broker of record 10 years ago as a personal favor to Lehman, who is her second cousin. Now it appears Glenn broke my trust and the trust of the property owners he was supposed to help, Helm said. I can assure you, I never profited from Lehman Property Management, and I will continue to do everything in my power to assist the people who did lose money and get to the bottom of what happened. She said, at this point, she is unsure of what happened, but she said an errors and omissions insurance company is supposed to do an audit. But she doesnt think there were any bad intentions at play and that it may have come down to accounting errors. I dont think that Glenn stole the money, she added. Ive known Glenn for a long time, and Ive never known him to be dishonest. To her, it looked like everything was running smoothly in Lehmans office, she said. Lehman could not be reached for comment Thursday. Lehman previously gave this statement to CBS 21, citing it last year when asked for comment by PennLive. I discovered an error with the way some of our accounting is being done, Lehman explained to CBS 21. I did not feel comfortable collecting any additional rent money or taking any more money and putting it into the mix. As such, I stopped doing business immediately. Gene Miller is one of Tupitzas clients who led the effort to file the lawsuit after Lehmans abrupt closure last year. He said the company was managing a house he rented in Marysville. Though other clients have many more properties than he does, Miller said he is still out about $10,000. I was letting the money sit in the account to pay for any maintenance, as necessary, he said. I was actually trying to save up money for a new roof by leaving it in the account. That was everything he collected in rent for me. Everything. All of the profits from the time I started working with him until he disappeared. Both Miller and Tupitza said Lehman now lives in New Hampshire. The lawsuit also accuses both Lehman and Helm of committing malpractice by deviating from the expected standards of care. The suit also says Lehman was negligent by failing to engage with his broker of record, despite being required to do so due to the hundreds of properties and amount of expenses the company handled. And the suit says Helm was negligent in her supervision of Lehman, claiming she had a duty under real estate standards that she ignored because she was busy as a state representative and in managing her own brokerage company. Tupitza recently prosecuted a case against Helm for failing to supervise Luu Le Dang, a former agent of Century 21 at Helm who was accused of scamming clients. That case resulted in a $1 million settlement after three days of trial, he said. Tupitza successfully prosecuted the case against Dang, resulting in a $3.8 million verdict in the expansive scam defrauding immigrant Vietnamese investors. 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. Waziri Bulama, national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says a meeting of the national executive committee (NEC) cal... Waziri Bulama, national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says a meeting of the national executive committee (NEC) called by Victor Giadom, deputy national secretary, is illegal. In a letter dated June 23, Giadom notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of an APC NEC meeting fixed for Thursday. President Muhammadu Buhari subsequently endorsed Giadom and promised to attend the meeting scheduled for Aso Rock. In a statement on Wednesday, Bulama, while citing court rulings, said members of the party should disregard the notice of the NEC meeting because Gaidom is not part of the national working committee (NWC) or an APC member. We are constrained to once again react to a purported invitation to a National Executive Committee meeting of our great party; the All Progressives Congress (APC) issued by one Victor Giadom who until the last general elections in 2019 held the position of deputy national secretary of the party, the national secretary said. Our esteemed members are advised to disregard this invitation because the author and sole signatory of the said invitation is not by a member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our party, talk more of being an Acting National Chairman as claimed. He had voluntarily resigned in compliance with Article 31(1)(i) of our Constitution to contest the position of Deputy Governor in Rivers State during the last general elections and has not been re-nominated by his Zone to return to that office. Further, his non-membership of the NWC has been affirmed by the Courts and an Order restraining him from parading himself as a member of the NWC. Our leader, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is renowned for insisting on compliance with our constitution and rule of law. It can therefore not be true that Mr. President supports the convening of such an illegal NEC by a non-member of APCs NWC. We urge all to disregard the said notice as neither the NWC nor the NEC has called for such a meeting. APC has been engulfed in a crisis following an order by the appeal court affirming the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as APC chairman. While Abiola Ajimobi, a former Oyo governor, was declared acting chairman, Giadom said he had over the leadership of the party. Independent News and Media (INM) titles have scooped four prestigious Justice Media Awards, it was announced this afternoon. The Justice Media Awards, organised by the Law Society, recognise quality print and broadcast journalism that contributes to the publics understanding of justice, the legal system and legal issues. INM titles scooped four awards this year for the Irish Independent and Sunday Independent coverage on Votegate, Tusla, social media policing and modern communications. The Irish Independent won a merit certificate for its coverage of Constitutional Implications Of Votegate: Absent TD Voted Six Times in Dail by Ireland Editor Fionnan Sheahan and political correspondent Cormac McQuinn in the Print/Online Journalism (daily) category. There can be no doubt of the enormous impact of these reports, which take the reader from the initial revelations right through to analysis of their Constitutional significance and led to a series of Oireachtas investigations, read the judges comments. Legal affairs editor Shane Phelan was also awarded a merit certificate in the Court Reporting (Print) category for his work on Tusla's Race against Time to Prevent a Homicidal Teens Release into the Community. The judges commended his expert handling of a harrowing case, the difficulty of which exceeds anything the care system dealt with before, highlights serious gaps in Irelands mental health legislation and the very real consequences. Business editor at the Sunday Independent Samantha McCaughren was also awarded a merit certificate for her series of reports on First Social Media Controls Revealed/Ireland in the Spotlight after Falling into Role of Online Regulator in the print/online journalism (Sunday) category. Ms McCaughrens excellent series of reports illuminate the enormous and growing burden of regulation that Ireland has taken on in welcoming social media giants to our shores, to protect consumers from online harm, according to judges comments. Delighted to receive a Merit Award at todays Justice Media Awards for articles on Irelands growing role in policing social media across the EU. Thanks to the @LawSocIreland and congrats to all the winners #JMA2020 @TheSundayIndo pic.twitter.com/gHhio06WCG Samantha McCaughren (@SMcCaughren) June 25, 2020 Sunday World Investigations Reporter Patrick OConnell was also awarded a merit certificate in the same category for his work on Woman Who Was Sent Child Porn and Deleted It Is Now Listed As Sex Offender. The judges commended the interview, which highlighted a chilling aspect of modern communications and said that Mr OConnell delivered an eye-opening and educational report on the distressing consequences of receiving unsolicited, illegal material via WhatsApp. The overall winner of the awards was named Irish Times crime correspondent Conor Gallagher for his exceptional article on the Ana Kriegel trial. Mr Gallagher also won the overall award in the Court Reporting - Print/Online category. Mary Carolan was also awarded a merit certificate in the same category and Kathleen Harris from The Irish Times won the overall Broadcast Journalism TV/Video category. Reporters Sorcha Pollak and Mark Hilliard from the same newspaper also won a cert in the Human Rights/Social Justice Reporting category. Business news publisher The Currency scooped the overall award in the Print/Online Journalism (daily) category for Francesca Comyns coverage of the Supreme Court and editor Ian Kehoe was awarded a merit certificate in the same category. Mark Tighe from The Sunday Times won the overall Print/Online Journalism (Sunday) category, Ann Murphy from The Echo won the overall Print/Online Journalism (Local) group and Newstalks Andrea Gilligan won the Broadcast Journalism (Radio-Podcast National) category. Frank Greaney from Newstalk also copped the overall award in the Court Reporting (National) category. Irish Examiners special correspondent Michael Clifford won the overall Human Rights/Social Justice Reporting category and The Journals Dominic McGrath won Newcomer of the Year. The re-opening of Texas could be in jeopardy because of the dramatic spikes in COVID-19 hospitalizations and other key indicators plaguing the states fight against the virus, Gov. Greg Abbott warned on Wednesday. The numbers have completely spiked, Abbott said in an interview on NBCDFW in Dallas. On Wednesday, Texas reported record highs in total positive test and current lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients in hospitals. The state has 4,389 hospitalized COVID-19 patients around Texas - that is more than double what it had in hospitals on June 12. Since Memorial Day, hospitalizations in Texas have increased 190 percent. If we are unable to slow the spread over the next few weeks, then we will have to re-evaluate to the extent to which businesses are open," Abbott said. Because if it's not contained in the next couple of weeks it will be completely out of control and Texas will have to ratchet back. Texas has been on an aggressive re-opening program since the start of May when Abbott first re-opened restaurants, retail stores, malls and movie theater to partial capacity. In late May, bars allowed to re-open to 25 percent capacity and restaurants allowed to move to 50 percent capacity. Earlier this month Abbott allowed most businesses to expand capacity further and last Friday allowed amusement parks and carnivals to re-open statewide. Abbotts new statements come just a day after Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nations leading COVID-19 expert, warned during a Congressional hearing that Texas specifically was facing a critical two week period to regain control over the virus. Abbott said hes leaving all options on the table to deal with the crisis because his first priority is we've got to protect lives. For months Abbott has emphasized that Texas has the hospital bed capacity to deal with growing spikes. But with Intensive Care Units seeing an increase in hospitalizations, the state is reporting having just 1,320 available ICU beds. In early April, Texas had 2,107 available beds. But Abbott said he still against requiring Texans statewide to wear masks. He said hes not going to come down with the heavy hand of the law to force Texans to wear them. He said people should wear them, wash their hands regularly and practice social distancing to slow the spread of the virus. In an earlier interview in Wichita Falls, Abbott told viewers the safest place for you to be right now while this is spreading will be at home. jeremy.wallace@chron.com The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Ernest Addison has attributed the depreciation of the Ghana cedi to capital flight and the global economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a live interview streamed on the Facebook pages of the Graphic Business on [email protected], the Daily Graphic on [email protected], Dr Addison told the Graphic Business Editor, Mr Theouphilus Yartey that the cedi has depreciated by less than two per cent in 2020. He explained that the value of the cedi reflects many factors, including the domestic economy and developments in the global economy. Dr Addison was responding to the question: "Why is the cedi still falling when we have less imports and forex-based transactions?" He said: "The cedi reflects many factors, It reflects our domestic economy. It reflects developments in the global economy and If you look at what has happened worldwide, we have seen capital leave jurisdictions such as ours into the advanced economies. "Now, when that happens, it has an impact on the availability of dollars in Ghana and that can trigger a depreciation of the currency. Now, if you look at this year 2020, we started the year on a very strong note, with very strong reserves and then also we went very early to the capital markets to issue a three million dollar bond. So, by January and February, the cedi was appreciating. If you look at the data very carefully, the Ghana cedi appreciated for nearly two months of 2020 until the global shock came in terms of this COVID pandemic and then we saw capital flowing out of countries like ours and therefore the cedi also started losing value. "And therefore if you look at the year-to-date statistics you will see that the cedi this year has depreciated by less than 2 per cent because there has been quite a significant appreciation of the currency in the first two months of the year." 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 DANBURY The mayor has proposed a $262 million budget for next fiscal year that would not increase the tax rate on residents who he says have been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic. This is the third year in a row Danbutys tax rate has remained level. The plan includes $126.3 million for the city and $135.7 million for education, although the schools will receive another $9.8 million in funding from grants, coronavirus relief, money left over from this fiscal year and other sources. This will bring the school budget to $145.5 million. Overall, spending will increase by $500,000 or 0.2 percent. The citys historical spending trend is a 2.25 percent increase, according to the budget document. The citys adopted budget ensures long-term fiscal sustainability, tackles important community priorities, and addresses the anticipated economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Mark Boughton wrote in the budget document. City Council would ordinarily approve the budget, but the governors executive orders related to the pandemic give the mayor that authority. Public comments will be accepted for this budget until 5 p.m. Thursday, although the budget would go into effect Wednesday. Feedback on the budget may be emailed to comments@danbury-ct.gov. Boughton has said he was waiting to release the budget in case of changes to state grants. In the weeks and months leading to the budget release, Boughton has said he did not want to increase taxes on residents and businesses facing unemployment and closures. The FY 2020-2021 Budget demonstrates a heightened sensitivity and awareness during this COVID-19 pandemic and resulting national economic crisis to the tax burden for those who own property within the City of Danbury, he wrote. A large cut is to the post-employment benefits program, with the mayor planning to contribute $2.5 million less than the previous year. The capital projects budget is also reduced by $300,000 under the plan. The mayor also proposed to not give raises to employees whose bargaining agreements expire at the end of June. Contracts for all units but the police union are set to expire. The budget prioritizes education, road work, public safety, and parks and recreation facilities, Boughton said. The FY 2020-2021 Budget Plan illustrates that we are preparing for the future growth and progress of the city while not burdening the tax payers with a tax increase, he wrote. He said city will continue to improve efficiencies, as well as eliminate waste and duplication. Still, all departments will feel the financial sting from the pandemic, financial crisis and unfunded mandates, he said. The citys grand list grew in October by 0.7 percent, adding about $1.4 million in revenue. The proposal would increase school spending by 0.9 percent or $1.25 million, but the schools will get $11.1 million when funding from other sources is included. The FY 2020-2021 Budget is a carefully developed strategic financial plan that takes into consideration the worldwide pandemic and national economic crisis while keeping a watchful eye on the future cost trends to ensure continuous affordability and a high quality of life for the Danbury taxpayers and citizenry, Boughton said. Wirecard filed for insolvency, the culmination of a stunning accounting scandal that led to the arrest of its CEO and left the German payment-processing firm unable to find over $2 billion missing from its balance sheet. Wirecard management cited over-indebtedness as the reason behind the decision to seek court protection in Munich, according to a statement. The company also said it's considering whether the insolvency proceedings should be applied to its subsidiaries. Wirecard Bank is not included in the proceedings, according to a person familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named, as the situation is private. German regulator BaFin is responsible for deciding whether a bank should file for insolvency, although there are also other measures it can take when a lender runs into trouble. Until earlier last week, Wirecard was still a hot growth story that had shaken off allegations of accounting fraud. Then came the admission that 1.9 billion euros of company funds had gone missing. Shares and bonds collapsed and in less than a week, the company once hyped as the future of German finance saw its Chief Executive Officer Markus Braun resign and then be arrested in an accounting-fraud probe, after almost two decades at the helm of the company. Braun has since been released on bail. Wirecard's shares plunged further on Thursday, dropping 80% to 2.50 euros in Frankfurt after trading resumed. Its 500 million euros of bonds due 2024 fell 6 cents on the euro to a record low of 12 cents, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The insolvency proceedings now leave Wirecard's creditors facing lengthy negotiations with court-appointed administrators over how much they'll get back out of the money they're owed. Banks who lent to Wirecard, including Commerzbank, ABN Amro, LBBW and ING, have been demanding more clarity from the company in return for the extension of almost $2 billion in debt. Holders of 1.4 billion in euro bonds and convertible debt also stand in line to try to recoup at least a potion of their money. The company's euro notes due in 2024 traded at a record low of just 12 cents on the euro on Thursday. The banks hired FTI Consulting and Allen & Overy as advisers. Wirecard has retained Houlihan Lokey Inc. The insolvency also raises questions on the future of Wirecard's licenses. The company has licenses with Visa, Mastercard and JCB International, through which its banking arm issues credit cards. If Wirecard is unable to find the missing cash, Visa and Mastercard may have cause to revoke the licenses. "The big question is whether they retain the Visa and Mastercard licenses," Neil Campling, analyst at Mirabaud said. "Without those they have no business." For Germany, the affair represents an embarrassment. While the country has seen the likes of airline Air Berlin and renewable-energy firm Solarworld file for insolvency in past years, critics say that Wirecard's troubles could have been spotted earlier. Wirecard's spectacular fall from grace is a first in recent history for a DAX-listed company since Hypo Real Estate was saved from collapse by a government bailout during the last financial crisis more than a decade ago. Germany's financial regulator Bafin has come under intense pressure for its handling of the scandal and the company's collapse is already prompting calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the government's responsibility. Fabio de Masi, a member of the German Bundestag said "if the biggest stock market crash in German history can take place under the eyes of the Bafin, then heads must roll. Should Felix Hufeld, the head of BaFin, not be able to dispel doubts about the supervision, it is questionable whether he can remain head of the supervisory authority." The controversial plan to revamp North Sydney Olympic Pool has been labelled the mayor's "vanity project" by independent councillors who say the council's $58 million proposal should be rejected. Days before a panel is due to decide North Sydney Council's revised application to overhaul its famous harbourside pool, three independent councillors are fighting a rearguard battle over mayor Jilly Gibson's determination to push ahead with the project. A planning panel is set to decide on long-vaunted plans to redevelop North Sydney Olympic Pool next week. Credit:AAP The council lodged a development application for the $57.9 million overhaul, including upgrades to the existing pools, a new "family leisure" pool and a replacement grandstand. But the plans have heightened concerns among those councillors not part of the majority bloc on council who say the redevelopment is costly and risks destroying heritage features. Worried about a simultaneous assault of the novel coronavirus and seasonal influenza this winter, public health officials and vaccine manufacturers are making millions of extra flu vaccine doses to protect those most vulnerable to the pandemic and influenza, according to government and company officials. Even though flu season doesn't begin until the fall, major flu vaccine manufacturers say they plan to boost production by about 10 percent, to about 189 million doses, up from 170 million doses last year, to ensure enough doses exist for an anticipated surge in people seeking flu shots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has taken the rare step of buying 7 million doses directly from manufacturers to be distributed to states for adult vaccination, CDC Director Robert Redfield said in an interview. "This is a big move," he said. That's about 14 times the 500,000 doses the agency typically purchases for adults. The adult doses are included in the industry's total planned production. Getting a flu shot does not protect against the coronavirus, but disease experts said reducing episodes of flu could prove pivotal in freeing up space in hospitals and medical offices to deal with covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. In contrast to rhetoric from President Donald Trump and other White House officials downplaying the pandemic threat this fall, the flu preparations underscore the alarm among public health officials, clinicians, advocacy groups and industry executives about the additional threat from the coronavirus. The unprecedented convergence of two highly contagious respiratory viruses could happen in the winter, with each pathogen causing life-threatening illness and death. Health officials are especially concerned about people at higher risk for both the coronavirus and influenza, including residents and employees at long-term care facilities, African Americans, Hispanics, and people with underlying medical conditions. Typically, fewer than half of Americans get a flu shot each season. Vaccination rates for blacks and Hispanics have traditionally been lower. Slightly more than a third of black and Hispanic adults get vaccinated, according to CDC data. The CDC recommends the vaccine for everyone over age 6 months. It's unclear whether the possible double whammy of the coronavirus and influenza will push more Americans to get a flu vaccine. Almost nothing is known about the interaction between the coronavirus and influenza, experts say. It is possible for someone to be infected with the coronavirus and influenza at the same time, but experts have very little data. There is no coronavirus vaccine and only limited treatment for covid-19. But even a moderately effective flu vaccine reduces the severity of flu-related illness and keeps people out of the hospital, officials have said. "We want to take flu off the table, in every way possible, make flu a non-factor," said LJ Tan, chief strategy officer of the Immunization Action Coalition. At the advocacy group's annual flu summit in May, manufacturers who supply vaccine disclosed their plan to boost production by 10 percent for the upcoming flu season. At a House hearing this week, lawmakers asked top health officials what the government needed to do to prepare for the coronavirus in the fall. Among the items Assistant Secretary for Health Brett Giroir identified was "enough flu vaccine to get everybody vaccinated this winter." He added, "That's one less virus that could kill 20, 30, 50,000, 70,000 [people] and potentially even be a co-infection with covid." The CDC's purchase of additional doses for adults is "certainly unprecedented in recent memory," Nancy Messonnier, director of CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said in an interview. CDC spent $100 million to buy the adult doses, officials said. An initial CDC request to spend $700 million to buy 50 million doses for adults was turned down by administration officials, according to federal health officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss policy deliberations. Some immunization advocates are pushing the government to tap pandemic-related emergency funds to buy additional adult doses. A small fraction of that money could be used to "ramp up dosage levels to anticipate what we think demand will be this fall," said former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, who heads the recently formed Coalition to Stop Flu. The group includes immunization advocates, state and local health organizations, the American Heart Association, and vaccine manufacturers. If the U.S. government secures additional funding by mid-July, flu manufacturers in the coalition said they would be able to fulfill additional orders for later in the flu season, Daschle said. Influenza viruses change year to year, so vaccines must be updated annually. But tight production deadlines mean that manufacturers need to know within weeks how many total doses they need to produce. Officials at Sanofi Pasteur and Seqirus, which have committed to producing 75 million and 55 million doses, respectively, said they have received an increase in preorders from customers, including retailers and health-care systems. "This is a flu season like we've never seen before," said David Ross, vice president of commercial operations for North America at Seqirus. The company has already adjusted manufacturing capacity to address the increase in demand, he said. "We'll continue to explore opportunities to manufacture more vaccine if demand requires it," Ross said. Flu vaccine effectiveness varies by season. Officials pick the flu strains that the vaccine will target months ahead of the flu season, meaning the vaccine isn't always a good match for the strains that wind up circulating. When the vaccine is similar to circulating flu viruses, vaccinations have been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor by 40 percent to 60 percent. The overall effectiveness of last year's vaccine was 39 percent, according to CDC data released Wednesday. Health officials are also grappling with another big challenge this fall: making sure people can get vaccinated safely, free from exposure to the coronavirus. The CDC has given $140 million to immunization programs across the United States to boost adult flu vaccination. The agency is working with state health departments, pharmacies and other health-care providers to develop curbside and drive-through flu clinics and other alternatives for people to get vaccinated. The CDC has also developed a new test that can simultaneously detect the novel coronavirus and the influenza virus, and is seeking emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration. Getting the right public health message out will also be critical. Older adults, blacks and Hispanics are among the groups who need to be prioritized for flu vaccination, said Michael Greenberg, head of medical operations for Sanofi Pasteur in North America. But if stay-at-home orders are in place because of the pandemic, these are the same people who are told to avoid leaving their homes. "It's a very delicate communication," Greenberg said. "You need to instill confidence, and at the same time, stress the need to get vaccinated." Disney is delaying the opening of its California-based theme parks. On Wednesday, the company said its proposed phased opening of its two parks in Anaheim for July 17 would be postponed as state officials will not be issuing theme park reopening guidelines until after July 4. "Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart our business, we have no choice but to delay the reopening of our theme parks and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials," the company said in a statement. Once the company gets a better sense of when guidelines will be released and what those guidelines will be, Disney said it will be able to announced a new reopening date. Disney will still be opening its shopping center, Downtown Disney District, on July 9. The delay of the California parks comes as Disney workers from Florida have petitioned the company and local government officials to reconsider the reopening of Disney World next month. As the number of coronavirus cases surges in Florida, more than 8,500 people have signed the online petition. It is unclear if all signees are actually Walt Disney employees or if the petition is union-backed. There is no mention in the petition itself of any affiliation with an employee union. Disney has already reopened parks in Shanghai and Hong Kong and has plans to reopen its Paris and Japan-based locations. A man shot by an Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Thursday morning on the Will Rogers Turnpike has died, according to a news release from the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety. The man was later identified as Robert Harris, 34, of Tulsa. The traffic stop occurred about 9 a.m. near Vinita, an agency spokeswoman said. The trooper reportedly brought a female driver back to the OHP unit to talk with her before going back to the vehicle to talk with Harris. After a brief encounter, Harris got back into the car, then got out again. The trooper shot Harris one time as he left the vehicle. Harris was taken to the hospital in critical condition but later died. Investigators recovered a handgun and narcotics at the scene. Television actor Deepika Singh penned a heartfelt thank-you note after her mother recovered from Covid-19 and was discharged from the hospital. However, her grandmother is still undergoing treatment for the virus. Deepika shared a picture with her mother and grandmother, and wrote on Instagram, Thankyou to all of you for your immediate help , support, for wishing and praying speedy recovery of my mother. Shes back home & safe. Grateful to everyone who have been a big support in this journey. Dil se shukriya. She urged fans to pray for her grandmother, who is still hospitalised and undergoing treatment for Covid-19. Now just waiting and praying for my grandma to recover as she has also been diagnosed positive & still in hospital. Please do keep her in your prayers. Although Thank you is not enough but I dont have a better word. Really Grateful to all of you @msisodia.aap #Vijaysinghshishodia @VSshishodia @delhigovernment @rvishal2356 #DrVikaskhatri @vneha2159 @shwetabishnoi #Tanvikhanna @nishi7mishra @anamika.aashi11, she wrote. Also read | Happy birthday Karisma Kapoor: 20 best photos with Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Taimur from her family album Earlier this month, the Delhi government stepped in to help after the video of Deepikas plea for help went viral. In her appeal to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, she alleged that her mother could not be admitted to a hospital due to Lady Hardinge Medical Colleges refusal to hand over her medical reports. She also said that the 45 members of her joint family, residing in the same house in Delhis Paharganj area of Delhi, were at risk and needed to get tested immediately. The Delhi government promptly responded and Deepikas mother got admission to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. She shared a thank-you note on Instagram and thanked the government for taking cognisance of her plea for help. Deepika, who played the lead role in Diya Aur Baati Hum, has also acted in shows such as Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai and Kavach... Maha Shivratri. Follow @htshowbiz for more The Rural Community Health Worker Networks CORE Project is now able to assist individuals affected by the recent flooding with unmet needs thanks to Geronimo Energy. Their generous donation of $7,500 will be used to assist those with rebuilding their sense of home." Interested communities members can contact CORE Project at 989-488-6697 or info@rchwn.org to learn more. CORE Project utilizes a person-centered model focused on well-being to deploy a community health worker (CHW) in underserved areas. Utilizing a road map with standardized tools that equip community-based organizations to meet the individuals where they are at. It is expected the model will boost self-management of individuals social determinants of health, enhance the ability of community-based organizations to identify root causes, while at the same time collaboratively build a local system focused on the well-being of the individual and the community. D reaming of a summer flitting between Greek islands? That may not be so far off as Greece is hoping to welcome back UK tourists from July 1. Greek tourism minister Haris Theoharis said Greece wants to welcome back Brits when the country reopens to European travellers next week. He told BBC Radio 4: The final decision, from the UK and our point of view, will be in place in the next few days and Im hoping the announcement will be positive from both sides. Theoharis also suggested that conversations with the UK government about a proposed air bridge was going well, indicating Greece could be one of the European countries announced in the air bridge agreement next week. He added that there would be no need for travellers returning from Greece to the UK to comply with the two-week quarantine, hinting further that an air bridge is on the cards. The point is that Greece is a safe country we have proven that during this crisis and we will continue proving this in the exit stages of the health situation, Theoharis continued. We feel that the risk of someone contracting the disease in Greece is much lower than most of the countries in Europe and indeed the rest of the world. While the official air bridge announcement wont be until next Monday, June 29, it is expected that the UK is in talks with 10 European countries including France, Spain and Italy to create travel corridors without the need for quarantine. The Klein ISD school board approved the districts 2020-2021 budget during a June 22 meeting. The adopted budget includes $484.5 million in estimated general fund expenditures, a proposed lower tax rate and a 2% pay increase for all Klein ISD employees. The $484.5 million in general fund expenditures is an increase of $17.5 million over 2019-2020, states the budgets executive summary. But, a $15.6 million increase in projected revenues and a $3.6 million revenue surplus from last year is expected to produce a $1.8 million surplus budget for 20-21. Graduating during COVID: Klein ISD valedictorians recount challenges of finishing senior year during a pandemic Estimated total revenues for 20-21 are $605.4 million, with approximately $486 million in general fund revenues, $25.5 million in food service fund revenues, and $93.7 million in debt service fund revenues. Estimated total expenditures are $600.7 million, with about $484.5 million in general fund expenditures, $25.8 million in food service fund expenditures, and $90.45 million in debt service fund expenditures. On HoustonChronicle.com: TEA draft leaves most rules for fighting coronavirus in schools to local leaders Lower tax rate The budget summary states that Klein ISD taxpayers can expect to see a 0.07% decrease in their tax rate a decrease of $0.0105 which would bring the tax rate to $1.3495 per $100 property valuation for the 20-21 year. The 86th Texas Legislatures passage of House Bill 3 required school districts to compress their tax rates. The budget proposes a compressed maintenance and operations rate of $0.9595. The interest and sinking rate would be $0.39, the same as 19-20. The school board is expected to consider approving the proposed tax rate in August or September, after receiving certified property values from the Harris County Appraisal District. Despite the lower M&O tax rate, 2020 property values have been projected to increase by about 5.85%, though the certified tax rolls are not expected from HCAD until late July. According to the budget summary, the rise in property values would yield a collection increase of $15.7 million $10.5 million on the M&O side and $5.2 million on the I&S side. The school district anticipates about $7.8 million in state funding, which is up from last year because the district saw a 2% increase in enrollment. However, the percent of total M&O revenues that state funding represents would decrease from last years 51.2%, to 50.9%. Pay increase for employees Klein ISD has approved a 2% of control point pay increase for all district employees. The school district is also increasing its starting teacher pay by $950 over last year, to $56,500. After we received additional funding through House Bill 3, we planned our budget for the next biennium, Chief Financial Officer Dan Schaefer stated in an email. Last year, we were able to give a historic compensation package. This year, as a result of active fiscal management of the district and funds received from House Bill 3, we are able to carry out the second year of our budgeting plan. The general fund budget includes nearly 250 new positions. Approximately 36 new positions were added last year. According to the budget summary, the need to add 250 new positions was determined by factors including projected enrollment, carrying out a full-day prekindergarten program and opening Fox Elementary School for the 20-21 school year. mfeuk@hcnonline.com [June 25, 2020] Surna Reports Q1 2020 Results Announces 2% Revenue Increase Over Q1 2019 Boulder, Colorado, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Surna Inc. (OTCQB: SRNA) announced today operating and financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Financial Highlights Our Q1 2020 revenue was $1,810,000, which represents a 2% increase compared to Q1 2019 revenue of $1,771,000. For Q1 2020, our operating loss and net loss was $946,000 and $938,000, respectively. This compares to a Q1 2019 operating loss and net loss of $922,000 and $900,000, respectively. Our Q1 2020 adjusted net loss was $718,000, compared to a Q1 2019 adjusted net loss of $497,000. Our Q1 2020 gross profit margin was 25.2% compared to 27.7% for Q1 2019, a decrease of 2.5 percentage points. As of March 31, 2020, our cash was $194,000, compared to cash of $922,000 as of December 31, 2019. Our working capital deficit was $1,705,000 as of March 31, 2020, compared to a working capital deficit of $1,437,00 as of December 31, 2019. Extended Downsizing of Operations As we noted in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed in March of this year, recent events in the national and global economies have had an adverse impact on our operations and financial condition, including constraints on capital availability for us and our customers and prospects who have commenced, or are contemplating, new and expanded cannabis cultivation facilities. Most recently, the response to this coronavirus pandemic by federal, state and local governments in the U.S. has resulted in significant market and business disruptions across many industries and affecting businesses of all sizes. This pandemic has also further tightened capital access for most businesses. The full extent to which COVID-19 will impact our business and financial results will depend on future developments, which are uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time. In late March we implemented a downsizing of our operations, including workforce reductions, reductions of salaried employee compensation, and a reduction of hours worked to preserve cash resources, cut costs and focus our operations on customer-centric sales and project management activities. In April we were able to secure a potentially forgivable loan in the amount of $554,000, which allowed us to reinstate our employee base. In June, however, we took further measures to reduce our operational expenses by furloughing several employees and reducing salaries for all employees with an eye towards meeting our customers requirements and continuing our operations while husbanding our resources. The duration and likelihood of success of this downsizing effort, workforce reduction and cost-cutting measures are uncertain. The general economic conditions, government mandates about permitted work and working environments, and working capital constraints, all of which effect both our customers and us and our downsizing may have an adverse effect on our ability to effectively market our services, generate new customer orders, and contract implementation. If our customers or prospects are unable to continue operations or obtain project financing and we are unable to increase revenues or otherwise generate cash flows from operations, we will not be able to successfully execute on our various strategies and initiatives to grow our business. If these actions do not meet our expectations, or additional near-term capital is not available, we may not be able to continue our operations. Tony McDonald, CEO, commented: We had a quarter over quarter gain in revenue compared to 2019, and we continue to book contracts and fulfill our current obligations; but our future bookings have slowed considerably in the current economic crisis. Fortunately, retail sales of cannabis products continue to grow which gives us optimism for the long-term health of our industry. That said, we, along with all the companies in our industry, are in unchartered waters and we now face the uncertainties brought about by the coronavirus outbreak. About Surna Inc. Surna Inc. ( www.surna.com ) designs, engineers and sells cultivation technologies for controlled environment agriculture including: (i) liquid-based process cooling systems and other climate control systems, (ii) air handling equipment and systems, (iii) a full-service engineering package for designing and engineering commercial scale thermodynamic systems specific to cannabis cultivation facilities, and (iv) automation and control devices, systems and technologies used for environmental, lighting and climate control. Our customers include commercial, state- and provincial-regulated cannabis growers in the U.S. and Canada as well as other international locations, including those growers building new facilities and those expanding or retrofitting existing facilities. Currently, our revenue stream is derived primarily from supplying our products, services and technologies to commercial indoor and hybrid sealed greenhouse facilities ranging from several thousand to more than 100,000 square feet. Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, we leverage our experience in this space to bring value-added climate control solutions to our customers that help improve their overall crop quality and yield, optimize energy and water efficiency, and satisfy the evolving state and local codes, permitting and regulatory requirements. Although our customers do, we neither produce nor sell cannabis. Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain statements of a forward-looking nature relating to future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. These statements reflect our current beliefs, and a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in this press release, including the factors set forth in Risk Factors set forth in our annual and quarterly reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and subsequent filings with the SEC. Please refer to our SEC filings for a more detailed discussion of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business, including but not limited to the risks and uncertainties associated with our business prospects and the prospects of our existing and prospective customers; the inherent uncertainty of product development; regulatory, legislative and judicial developments, especially those related to changes in, and the enforcement of, cannabis laws; increasing competitive pressures in our industry; and relationships with our customers and suppliers. Except as required by the federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The reference to Surnas website has been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such website is not incorporated by reference into this press release. Non-GAAP Financial Measures To supplement our financial results on U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) basis, we use non-GAAP measures including net bookings and backlog, as well as other significant non-cash expenses such as stock-based compensation and depreciation expenses. We believe these non-GAAP measures are helpful in understanding our past performance and are intended to aid in evaluating our potential future results. The presentation of these non-GAAP measures should be considered in addition to our GAAP results and are not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information prepared or presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures reflect an additional way to view aspects of our operations that, when viewed with our GAAP results, provide a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business. Statement about Cannabis Markets The use, possession, cultivation, and distribution of marijuana is prohibited by U.S. federal law for medical and recreational purposes. Although certain states have legalized medical and recreational cannabis, companies and individuals involved in the sector are still at risk of being prosecuted by federal authorities. Further, the landscape in the cannabis industry changes rapidly. This means that at any time the city, county, or state where cannabis is permitted can change the current laws and/or the federal government can supersede those laws and take prosecutorial action. Given the uncertain legal nature of the cannabis industry, it is imperative that investors understand that investments in the cannabis industry should be considered very high risk. A change in the current laws or enforcement policy can negatively affect the status and operation of our business, require additional fees, stricter operational guidelines and unanticipated shut-downs. Surna Marketing Jamie English Managing Director of Marketing [email protected] (303) 993-5271 Surna Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 (Unaudited) ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 194,290 $ 922,177 Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $151,673 and $151,673, respectively) 137,669 138,357 Inventory, net 1,314,179 1,231,243 Prepaid expenses and other 194,567 269,491 Total Current Assets 1,840,705 2,561,268 Noncurrent Assets Property and equipment, net 238,339 257,923 Goodwill 631,064 631,064 Intangible assets, net 7,661 11,930 Deposits 51,000 51,000 Operating lease right-of-use asset 487,467 534,133 Total Noncurrent Assets 1,415,531 1,486,050 TOTAL ASSETS $ 3,256,236 $ 4,047,318 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS (DEFICIT) EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 2,133,254 $ 1,832,959 Deferred revenue 1,153,368 1,444,472 Accrued equity compensation 36,463 503,466 Current portion of operating lease liability 222,397 217,843 Total Current Liabilities 3,545,482 3,998,740 NONCURRENT LIABILITIES Operating lease liability, net of current portion 346,806 404,209 Total Noncurrent Liabilities 346,806 404,209 TOTAL LIABILITIES 3,892,288 4,402,949 Commitments and Contingencies (Note 6) - - SHAREHOLDERS (DEFICIT) EQUITY Preferred stock, $0.00001 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 42,030,331 shares issued and outstanding 420 420 Common stock, $0.00001 par value; 350,000,000 shares authorized; 236,526,638 and 228,216,638 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 2,366 2,283 Additional paid in capital 25,984,402 25,326,593 Accumulated deficit (26,623,240 ) (25,684,927 ) Total Shareholders (Deficit) Equity (636,052 ) (355,631 ) TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS (DEFICIT) EQUITY $ 3,256,236 $ 4,047,318 Surna Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Revenue, net $ 1,809,925 $ 1,771,230 Cost of revenue 1,353,401 1,281,157 Gross profit 456,524 490,073 Operating expenses: Advertising and marketing expenses 148,921 124,626 Product development costs 144,948 116,933 Selling, general and administrative expenses 1,108,993 1,170,586 Total operating expenses 1,402,862 1,412,145 Operating loss (946,338 ) (922,072 ) Other (expense) income: Other (expense) income, net 14,320 21,877 Interest expense (6,295 ) - Total other (expense) income 8,025 21,877 Loss before provision for income taxes (938,313 ) (900,195 ) Income taxes - - Net loss $ (938,313 ) $ (900,195 ) Loss per common share basic and dilutive $ (0.00 ) $ (0.00 ) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, basic and dilutive 231,062,462 226,860,462 Surna Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 2019 Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Net loss $ (938,313 ) $ (900,195 ) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation and intangible asset amortization expense 30,735 48,859 Compensation paid in equity 657,892 355,731 Provision for doubtful accounts - (27,802 ) Provision for excess and obsolete inventory (11,657 ) 4,092 Loss on disposal of assets 4,124 - Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable 688 (28,056 ) Inventory (71,279 ) 191,503 Prepaid expenses and other 74,924 6,800 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 289,289 136,635 Deferred revenue (291,104 ) 428,827 Lease liability, net (6,183 ) (4,421 ) Accrued equity compensation (467,003 ) - Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (727,887 ) 211,973 Cash Flows From Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities - - Cash Flows From Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities - - Net increase (decrease) in cash (727,887 ) 211,973 Cash, beginning of period 922,177 253,387 Cash, end of period $ 194,290 $ 465,360 Non-cash investing and financing activities: Interest paid $ - $ - Income taxes paid $ - $ - [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A young woman who died in what police believe was a tragic accident near a popular Sydney lookout has been identified as a promising engineering student. Annika Ferry, 21, from Balgowlah, suffered a fatal fall at Manlys North Head at about 6.15am on Wednesday while on a bush walk, the Manly Daily reported. She suffered serious head injuries near an abandoned World War II bunker at Blue Fish Point on the east side of North Head at the cliffs edge. Annika Ferry was a promising student at UNSW. Source: Facebook A friend she was with, also 21, desperately tried to perform CPR on Ms Ferry but she could not be saved. Acting Inspector Stuart Byrnes said the location was not easily accessible for police and paramedics, and said due to the extremely difficult terrain, police were forced to use a helicopter to retrieve her body. Locals have described the spot as a popular walking area off the beaten track that is visited regularly for sunrises and whale watching. Ms Ferry was a promising engineering student at the University of NSW and had previously attended Mosmans Queenwood school. Ms Ferry died at Blue Fish Point on the east side of Manly's North Head. Source: 7News In 2019, she was included in the Deans Honours List at the university and had studied in Scandinavia as part of her renewable energy course. Following the incident, her friend was taken to hospital to be treated for shock. In harrowing footage from 7News, she could be seen clutching onto a paramedic in tears. A NSW Police spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia on Wednesday Ms Ferrys death was likely a tragic accident. Investigations are ongoing and a report will be made for the coroner. 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. (TNS) Jeffersonville, Ind., is poised to equip city police officers with high-tech body-worn cameras, pending funding by the city council.The citys Board of Public Works and Safety took the first step on Wednesday, when it approved a contract with Axon 3 Technology for 75 body cameras. Each uniformed patrol officer from the rank of sergeant through patrolman would have a body camera. The contract was approved at Wednesdays meeting and is contingent upon the city council funding the program a vote thats expected at the July 6 council meeting.Our police department is already leading by example with 21st century policing practices. Were taking that even further with state-of-the-art body-worn cameras, Mayor Mike Moore said in a news release. He indicated the goal is to fully implement the program by the end of summer. This program will be part of the daily routine for our department as a way to boost accountability among our officers when interacting with the public.The cameras are always running in the background, and the technology will capture the previous 30 seconds of video before the officer hits the activation button. The camera will also turn on automatically when weapons are unholstered as well as activation of other officers cameras within a certain range.The department will have policies in place for any officer who misuses or fails to adhere to any of the body-worn camera operating procedures.When our officers are called upon, the cameras will go on, said Police Chief Kenny Kavanaugh. The department started in early May conducting a 10-camera pilot program to help guide the implementation of body-worn cameras. They will be required to have their cameras on as part of our internal policy.Moore told the News and Tribune that city and police officials have been working toward implementing such a program for the past few years, but they encountered hurdles such as legislation mandating the way footage would be stored and used in a way that was cost-prohibitive for some.Weve been interested in putting body cameras on our police officers for quite some time, he said, adding that the cameras they will be using have a lot of capabilities that others theyve looked at in recent years havent.This was a product we all liked and were comfortable with and Im confident it will pass City Council as well, he said. I cant imagine somebody being against this.The program comes at a time when more people across the U.S. and locally are calling for more transparency when it comes to police interactions. Body and dash cameras are a way to prove what happened during a stop, some say.Jeffersonville resident Keith Freeman applauded the Jeffersonville Police Department for taking the steps toward using cameras. Its something he said all departments should be doing, including Indiana State Police who also patrol the city.Freeman spoke of two incidents over the past few years involving shootings after an ISP traffic stop in Southern Indiana. Oscar Kays was found guilty but mentally ill in an attempted murder case after shooting at an ISP trooper during a 2017 stop in downtown Jeffersonville.More recently, 27-year-old Malcolm Williams was fatally shot by an ISP trooper during a traffic stop in Jeffersonville in April in which he was a passenger. The trooper reported he returned fire after Williams shot first.We have no idea what led up to that incident, Freeman said. As a person thats been pulled over a few times, with him being the passenger for a stop that was for a headlight being out, I dont know how anybodys gun is drawn.That case remains under investigation, and friends and family of Williams and others have held recent protests calling for transparency in what happened. They have said they were told no footage exists. The News and Tribune previously reported that ISP does not use body cameras and the Sellersburg District has two dash cams available for use among 43 officers.There is only so much investigating you can do, he said. You can go on the word of the officer and the driver but thats still not enough. [Cameras are] the thing that would give you the best resemblance of truth.He added that having cameras can serve to protect the officers in some situations as well.If theyre doing their job right, then they can also say hey heres the proof I was doing what I was supposed to do, he said. If youre doing what youre supposed to do and you have to take someones life, theres the record of it.At its next meeting, the Jeffersonville City Council is expected to vote on the $552,000 needed to fund the program over the next five years, which includes equipment upgrades at the two-and-a-half- and five-year marks, council Vice President Scottie Maples said.This vote follows recent meetings between Jeffersonville police and council members in small groups, to discuss how the program will work. Its expected to be funded through a Cumulative Capital Development Fund slated for technology.The police department wants it, the City Council wants it, and as stewards of the city, I think it would be good for Jeffersonville, Maples said.He added that he feels the camera technology has come a long way in the past five years. The cameras theyll be using dont rely solely on an officer to activate them several things can initiate recording, including a firearm being drawn from the officers holster.It takes the burden and the responsibility from the officer to activate in a deadly-force situation, Maples said.I want to use this cutting-edge technology to ensure that our department remains transparent to the citizens it serves and protects, said Moore, who has watched a demonstration of the body-worn cameras. Its an impressive system that is well worth the investment. We always wanted to show strong, independent women to audiences through cinema and Bulbbul is our new offering in this regard. The portrayal of women in our cinema has always been skewed and lopsided. I felt that as an actress and I decided that I will correct this as much as I can through my productions, she added. Just one day after its premiere Bulbbul has won hearts and got good reviews from Film critics. We are really proud that Bulbbul is being loved by audiences because Karnesh and I really put our necks on the line to make projects that we hope will be clutter-breaking. The fact that people have called each and every attempt of ours as daring and adventurous is validation enough for us because Clean Slate Filmz has really tried to give something new to people with each attempt, Sharma said. Anushka, who co-owns Clean Slate Filmz with her brother Karnesh Sharma, feels that she and her brother have dared to dream as producers because they have wanted to produce never seen before, clutter-breaking cinema. Karnesh and I arent scared storytellers. We make each project thinking we have nothing to lose. We are non-conformists and thats what has really, really helped us to explore and create. It is a huge milestone moment for us at Clean Slate Filmz because both Pataal Lok and now Bulbbul have got great reviews and Janta ka appreciation, the Sultan actor said. Anushka further said that she is proud to have backed incredible new writers, directors, musicians, and actors who are making their mark in Bollywood. Also read: Siddharth Roy Kapur to produce film on William Dalrymple bestselling book The Anarchy Also read: Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein sequel on cards? R Madhavan refutes rumours The success shows that we are on the right track and we will continue to make cinema thats brave and back immensely talented film-makers like Anvita Dutt, Sudip Sharma, Prosit Roy, Avinash Arun, Anshai Lal whose bold cinematic voices need to be heard, she said. It is them that have made both these projects immensely successful. Clean Slate Filmz has always been home to really talented first time writers, directors, musicians, and actors looking to make a mark in cluttered Bollywood and we have tried to do our best to bring their geniuses on screen with every single project, she added. The PK actor turned a producer at a young age of 25 and has been credited with creating a sub-genre of supernatural-feminist films like Pari, Phillauri, and now Bulbbul which have pushed the envelope. Also read: Dil Bechara: Sushant Singh Rajputs last film co-starring Sanjana Sanghi to stream on Disney+Hotstar The deadliest pandemic of the last century didnt hit all at once. Instead, the Spanish Flu came in waves that began in July of 1918, cresting and falling three times until largely disappearing in mid-1919. But not before infecting an estimated 500 million people worldwide and killing between 20 million and 50 million. SARS had a similar pattern in 2003. Restrictions in Toronto were eased as the first wave of the respiratory syndrome was winding down. But then a single case, a person who remained infectious longer than was typical, sparked a prominent second wave. Now, as jurisdictions around the world lift restrictions, there is concern that COVID-19 will experience a resurgence. Already some countries such as Iran, Israel and Saudi Arabia are experiencing second waves. And there are fears that regions in South Korea, Germany and the U.K. are on the cusp of a second wave or already in one. This at a time when global cases of COVID-19 are rising exponentially, prompting Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization, to warn earlier this week that while it took three months for the world to see the first one million infections, the last one million cases took just eight days to appear. Experts in Canada warn that a second wave here is possible, indeed likely, but predicting exactly when and where is difficult. The timing of a second wave will depend on how fast people fatigue and relax their social distancing, said Chris Bauch, a professor of applied mathematics at the University of Waterloo. It depends on how soon they drop their physical distancing. As soon as it drops, it comes back. Its as simple as that. Bauch is one of several co-authors of new research (not yet peer-reviewed) that explores a model of interaction between human behaviour and infection dynamics. The researchers found that when fatigue sets in and people start relaxing physical distancing and workplace and school closures, there is a resurgence of infections, resulting in a second or even a third wave of the virus. Some populations will not have them but many will because of this so-called behavioural fatigue, Bauch said, noting that the warmer summer months could also help tamp down transmission, resulting in less severe second waves, especially in Northern Hemisphere countries. Waves are really just graphical representations of the number of new daily cases over time. Cases go up, crest and come down, creating the shape of a wave. If after cases have dropped, they rise again, that would be considered a second wave. But Raywat Deonandan, associate professor and epidemiologist at the University of Ottawa, says that there is no scientific definition of a wave in the spread of disease. He likens the infection waves of a virus to a predator-prey model. Youve got a bunch of rabbits and a bunch of wolves in the same environment. The number of rabbits is high, and once you start introducing the wolves, the wolves eat the rabbits. Then the number of wolves go up because theyre reproducing more. Then as the rabbits disappear, the wolves start dying off. So with this disease, its a similar idea. The cases were increasing because there was a susceptible population that had never seen it before and suddenly this virus is amongst us the wolf is amongst us and as the wolf is increasing its prevalence in the community, the waves going up. Deonandan added that because of social distancing measures taken by Canadians, the first wave is mostly done here. But that also means that we still have a susceptible population. We think that this disease infected fewer than five per cent of the Canadian population, which means that at least 95 per cent are still susceptible, he said. And so its likely to keep on doing this up and down until herd immunity is achieved. Its an evident pattern for new cases in Iran, which Bauchs research notes is in the midst of a large second wave thanks to restrictions being lifted in April. New case data published by Johns Hopkins University shows Iran reached the peak of its first wave on March 30 with 3,186 new cases, before dropping to 802 new cases on May 2. But then the country experienced a resurgence in new infections beginning in May after the government allowed mosques, museums, restaurants, cafes and historic sites to reopen, with a high of 3,574 new cases reported on June 4. Similarly, Saudi Arabia is in the midst of a second wave that began June 1 after authorities began easing restrictions. The country has experienced record growth rates since then, peaking on June 17 at 4,919 new cases, the largest number of reported cases in a single day for the Persian Gulf nation. This week, Israel ordered partial lockdowns in some areas as the nation continued to experience a growth in new coronavirus cases following a first wave that saw its seven-day rolling average bottom out at 13 on May 25. Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Post is reporting that a new projection by the countrys Coronavirus National Information and Knowledge Center is warning of a second wave that could kill hundreds of people this summer. Closer to home, many U.S. states are seeing a resurgence of new cases, if not a second wave. Arizona, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and California, among others, have seen a spike in recent weeks as social distancing measures relaxed. Two weeks ago, the U.S. surpassed two million COVID-19 cases. On Wednesday, Florida, where pictures of packed beaches have made headlines around the world, set a new single-day record for new COVID-19 cases with 5,511 reported, bringing the total number of reported cases in that state to date to 109,014. (For comparison purposes, Canada as a whole has just over 102,000 confirmed cases). Things are opening up and people arent wearing masks like they should be, said Ira Longini, a professor of biostatistics at the University of Florida, noting that even with social distancing, if there is not strong testing and contact tracing in place, the virus is going to spread. New unpublished COVID-19 modelling by an international team of researchers, including Longini, found that if 50 per cent of symptomatic cases can be identified and 20 to 40 per cent of those can be contact-traced and quarantined, infections would be held to a level that wouldnt overwhelm the health-care system. The researchers used real, anonymized data from mobile devices in the Boston area, as well as census and demographic data, to build their model. The whole point was if you started opening up without effective testing and contact tracing, you would get an increasing epidemic, said Longini, noting that the modelling could apply in general to other places. Countries such as China and Japan havent had a second wave. Bauch says they are managing the pandemic because of ongoing preventative measures, such as mask wearing, social distancing and rapid testing, which enables them to respond to new outbreaks. Those are the kinds of things you need to reopen with more confidence, he said. The jury is still out as to what a possible second wave in Canada and Ontario could look like, and when it could hit. Many experts suspect an increase in new cases with a return to school in the fall, but whether the numbers will be large enough to constitute a true second wave, no one knows. Going from no schools to some form of schools provides a whole new environment for COVID-19 to spread, even if it spreads more slowly among kids, which means that there will be an inevitable uptick in cases, said Dionne Aleman, a University of Toronto professor and an expert in pandemic modelling. If a province is already in the middle of a second wave due to reopening prior to the start of school, extra cases from school-based transmission may or may not be obvious from the curves; it all depends on the magnitude of community-based spread versus school-based spread. Deonandan says he suspects a second wave, if there is one, will manifest not so much as a smooth increase and decrease but as a bunch of small bumps. He says the public health infrastructure that has been deployed mask wearing, social distancing, working from home, contact tracing and testing will allow for officials to descend on cases and suppress them such that that little wave is bumped down again. Graphics by Andres Plana/Toronto Star Kenyon Wallace is a Toronto-based investigative reporter for the Star. Follow him on Twitter: @KenyonWallace or reach him via email: kwallace@thestar.ca Read more about: A journey with Jordan Wolfson on how he is able to create such complex works of art. LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / Jordan Wolfson is best known for his works Riverboat Song, Female Figure and Real Violence. Jordan continues to create works of art that both heighten the viewers sense of security and enlighten, with a sense of wonder and deep thought after experiencing Jordan Wolfson's world of descriptive, visual imagination. Wolfson has described his process of making art as a draining process, with many layers, that can go in any direction and change direction many times after that. As seen in many of his pieces, one never ends up where one might think they are going to end up, and that is exactly what makes Jordan's art so important to today's seemingly conservative art world. Jordan's pieces range from sculptures, video animation and animatronics that incorporate songs from classic and pop icons such as Paul Simon and Lady Gaga. The works created by Jordan have confidence, that is sometimes seen as dark and can be overwhelming to the senses at times. Jordan's own powerful experiences with art provide him a deep connection to the pieces he creates. He wants to ensure that his audience has a deep connection with their feelings through his work and to create a physical experience. In a 2019 interview exploring how he created Riverboat Song, when asked if he had any techniques that help him visualize his work, Jordan responded: "It's mostly through meditation that I am able to harness my intuition." He goes on to say: "without the meditation practice I would be paralyzed and would not be able to make the work I make, or speak the free way I want to speak." "Often we are so afraid of our own ideas and I was finding myself in that situation and I was releasing that I couldn't be free and if I wasn't going to be free then this life as an artist wasn't really worth it for me," Jordan continues. In Jordan's words, his works are all part of the human experience. There are many works by Jordan that might be considered controversial, that some may feel should be censored or are not for everyone, but Jordan understands that this is what makes Freedom of Speech so powerful. Wolfson's work is part of public and private collections throughout the world. To learn more about Jordan Wolfson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan_Wolfson. About Jordan Wolfson Jordan Wolfson was born in New York City, New York. In 2003, Jordan received his BFA in Sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design, a private design school located in Providence, Rhode Island, founded in 1877. Contact: Jennifer Jones onlinepressreview@gmail.com SOURCE: Jordan Wolfson View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/595223/Jordan-Wolfson-Explains-How-Meditation-Allows-Him-to-Create-Art-One-Layer-at-a-Time Royal Caribbean and ID Tours New Zealand Ltd. have been served with a lawsuit after a couple said they "sustained severe burns" stemming from a deadly volcanic eruption in New Zealand during a shore excursion provided by Royal Caribbean Cruises. In a lawsuit filed Thursday against the tour and cruise company, Matt and Lauren Urey claim Royal Caribbean and ID Tours New Zealand Ltd. had failed to caution passengers about the increased dangers of the White Island volcano during the December 2019 excursion. "At the beginning of the excursion, the tour guides did not inform passengers, and/or the plaintiffs of the increased alert levels, the increased volcanic activity and/or the increased risk of eruption," the lawsuit states, adding that shortly before the eruption passengers were taken to "what appeared to be" the center of the volcano. NEW ZEALAND VOLCANO ERUPTION LEAVES 'NO SIGNS OF LIFE' ON ISLAND There were 47 people visiting the tourist destination of White Island when the volcano erupted Dec. 9. The harrowing event killed 19 people and left more than two dozen others "catastrophically injured" a spokesperson from the firm, Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman, P.A told FOX Business in an email. "We continue to support the needs of those affected by this tragic incident," a spokesperson for Royal Caribbean told FOX Business. The company declined to comment further while the investigation is still proceeding. ID Tours New Zealand Ltd. did not immediately respond to FOX Business' request for comment. Matt and Lauren were newlyweds aboard the ship for their honeymoon when they took part in the excursion which was allegedly arranged by Royal Caribbean, according to the lawsuit. Although they survived, Matt had sustained burns to 54 percent of his body with a majority, 30 to 39 percent, being deemed third-degree burns, according to the lawsuit. Similarly, Lauren had sustained burns to 23 percent of her body wherein 10 to 19 percent were considered third-degree burns, court papers show. Story continues The lawsuit further claims that the cruise company had only advertised White Island as "one of the most active volcanoes in the world." "The potential danger of participating in this excursion was not open or obvious to the Plaintiffs based on this description because an active volcano is defined as a volcano that has had at least one eruption during the past 10,000 years," the suit continued. NEW ZEALAND VOLCANO ERUPTS, AT LEAST 5 DEAD, RESCUERS CAN'T ACCESS ISLAND This particular volcano had erupted multiple times within the past 10 years with the most recent incident occurring in 2016, court papers show. What's more, the volcano "was showing signs of unrest" for several weeks prior to the trip, the suit stated. "Volcanic tremors and sulphur dioxide gas were at their highest levels since the last eruption in 2016, indicating that an eruption was more likely to occur," the lawsuit stated. Additionally, the volcanos alert level was raised to a level 2 a few weeks before the trip took place, which is the highest level it can be prior to erupting, the suit alleged adding that this further indicated "heightened volcanic unrest." Royal Caribbean "knew or should have known that there was a high potential for the volcano to erupt during this excursion based on the increased alert level issued by New Zealands volcano monitoring service, GeoNet, in the weeks and days before Plaintiffs cruise," the firm told FOX Business in an email. The Associated Press contributed to this report. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS Related Articles (2020-06-25) Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) has awarded Kitron a contract for production of Integrated Communications, Navigation and Identification (ICNI) modules for the F-35 Lightning II program. Deliveries will secure a backlog into 2021 and have a total value of more than USD 18 million. Production will take place at Kitron's plant in Norway. The sub-contract relates to the Long-Term Supply Agreements announced on 21 September 2015 and 24 November 2016 and covers Lot 12 through Lot 14. Northrop Grumman's ICNI system provides F-35 pilots with more than 27 fully-integrated operational functions. Using its industry-leading software-defined radio technology, Northrop Grumman's design allows the simultaneous operation of multiple critical functions while greatly reducing size, weight and power demands on the advanced F-35 fighter. These functions include Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), automatic acquisition of fly-to points, and various voice and data communications such as the multifunction advanced data link. Norway is one of the international partner countries participating in the F-35 program. Under a manufacturing license agreement between Kitron and Northrop Grumman, Kitron will manufacture sub-assemblies for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The Lockheed Martin (LMT) F-35 Lightning II is the world's most advanced military aircraft, combining advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, advanced mission systems, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and cutting-edge sustainment. For further information, please contact: Peter Nilsson, President and CEO, tel. +47 948 40 850 Hans Petter Thomassen, Managing Director Kitron Norway, tel: +47 913 92 360 E-mail: investorrelations@kitron.com Kitron is a leading Scandinavian electronics manufacturing services company for the Defence/Aerospace, Energy/Telecoms, Industry, Medical devices and Offshore/Marine sectors. The company is located in Norway, Sweden, Lithuania, Germany, Poland, China and the United States. Kitron had revenues of about NOK 3.3 billion in 2019 and has about 1 700 employees. www.kitron.com Story continues This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. SAN FRANCISCO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Resolute Capital Partners, announced today the company has committed to a $20 million investment in Finance Technology Leverage LLC, a global private equity firm, to finance technological innovations in energy, life sciences, industrial technology, and aerospace that strives to redefine the future. "Rarely is a company created with the vision of solving some of the world's greatest challenges," said Thomas Powell, senior managing partner and founder of Resolute Capital Partners. "Finance Technology Leverage believes no challenge is too great, and they have brought together a world-class team of scientists and engineers that turn dreams into reality. Our investment in FTL demonstrates our steadfast commitment to their revolutionary capabilities and overall humanitarian mission." Finance Technology Leverage utilizes its subsidiary, Breakwater Insurance, to fund large, complex and high-risk projects through the creation of specialized financial structures that help mitigate risk to its investors. FTL's unique approach enables the company to attract financing for new innovations, and allows challenging projects, such as Rotary Rocket Companya pioneer in the private launch-vehicle revolution during the 1990's, to become a reality. "At Finance Technology Leverage we believe investment moves society and work hard to leverage innovation that will advance humanity," said Frederick Giarrusso, chief executive officer and founder of Finance Technology Leverage. "Twenty years ago, it was space technology; today, in addition to aerospace, we are invested in forward-thinking projects in energy and biotech." As private equity investors, Resolute's senior executives seek to identify early-stage companies in finance, healthcare, and regulatory technology that present strong investment opportunities and advance emerging technologies. They are focused on proven or high-potential companies and work closely with them to facilitate growth and maximize market share. About Resolute Capital Partners Resolute Capital Partners is a private equity firm with offices in San Francisco, Dallas, and Minneapolis. It employs a seasoned executive team that has placed more than $3 billion in institutional-grade and private securities investments throughout their careers. Resolute contributes professional expertise and multi-level support to companies to help them realize their visions through structured transactions proven management techniques with the potential to create flexibility and opportunity. Since its founding in 2010, Resolute Capital Partners has raised over $230 million in its various energy, technology, and real estate funds. By partnering with issuers beyond Wall Street, Resolute is bringing capital to worthy projects. For more information, please visit www.resolutecapitalpartners.com. About Finance Technology Leverage Finance Technology Leverage is a global private equity firm, financing technological innovations that can redefine the future. The company focuses on energy, life sciences, industrial technology, and aerospace. Finance Technology Leverage funds large complex and high-risk projects, by creating specialized financial structures which are extremely attractive to investors. Finance Technology Leverage's unique approach is built on the company's deep experience financing market-leading innovations. Finance Technology Leverage is the team that has successfully realized such challenging projects as Rotary Rocket Company, which started the private launch vehicle revolution. Together we leverage innovation to advance the dreams of humanity. For more information, please visit www.ftlcap.com. Contact: Jill Swartz Spotlight Marketing Communications 949.427.1389 [email protected] SOURCE Resolute Capital Partners Related Links http://www.resolutecapitalpartners.com In this photo taken Wednesday, May 20, 2020, stranded Ethiopian migrants receive informational materials informing them how to protect themselves against the coronavirus, in Bosaso, Somalia. A half-year into the most momentous pandemic in decades, it's hard to imagine that anyone, anywhere hasn't heard of the coronavirus but hundreds of migrants arriving in Somalia are proving some people are still unaware of COVID-19. (International Organization for Migration (IOM) - Somalia via AP) A half-year into the most momentous pandemic in decades, it's hard to imagine that anyone, anywhere has not heard of the coronavirus. But scores of migrants arriving in Somalia tell United Nations workers every day that they are unaware of COVID-19. Monitors for the International Organization for Migration, the U.N. migration agency, interview people at the border in Somalia, a crossroads on one of the world's most dangerous migration routes: across the Red Sea with traffickers, through war-ravaged Yemen and into rich Gulf countries. The questions for migrants are simple. Origin? Destination? Why are you going? But after the first infections were confirmed in Somalia, a new one was added: How many people in your group are aware of the coronavirus? In the week ending June 20, just over half51%of the 3,471 people tracked said they had never heard of COVID-19. "The first time I saw this I was also very shocked," Celeste Sanchez Bean, a program manager with the U.N. agency based in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, told The Associated Press. The findings, little more than a line in the agency's reports, are a reminder of the huge challenges in reaching everyone in the world with information about the pandemic, much less getting them to wear face masks. The migrants are often young men from rural parts of neighboring Ethiopia. Most have no education, and some are from communities where internet access is low, Bean said. She doubted that anything had been lost in translation. "We've been interviewing migrants for many years," she said. In past interviews, many migrants were not even aware that a war was being waged in Yemen, the next step on their journey, she said. With that in mind, "I'm not super shocked that levels of awareness of the coronavirus are still very low." Instead, she's heartened that the number of those unaware of COVID-19 has been dropping over the dozen weeks that the question has been asked, down from 88% at the start. In this photo taken Wednesday, June 10, 2020, an internally-displaced Somali woman, right, is informed how to protect herself from the coronavirus, at the Weydow IDP camp in Mogadishu, Somalia. A half-year into the most momentous pandemic in decades, it's hard to imagine that anyone, anywhere hasn't heard of the coronavirus but hundreds of migrants arriving in Somalia are proving some people are still unaware of COVID-19. (Hamza Osman/International Organization for Migration (IOM) - Somalia via AP) Anyone who is unaware of the coronavirus is given a short explanation of the pandemic, including how the virus is contracted and descriptions of the symptoms and preventative measures. What worries Bean now are the findings of a new project mapping the migrant route through Somalia, a country destabilized by decades of conflict, and merging it with epidemiological data showing coronavirus infections. "It's very clear to us that migrants are transiting areas with confirmed cases," she said. "When you have migrants with such levels of unawareness, combined with this ... I don't want to say dangerous, but the migrants are putting themselves at risk." Possibly others, too. Migrants already face stigma in cities like Bosaso, where boats set off for Yemen, as some residents blame them for bringing the virus, the U.N. migration agency has said. Now with the pandemic hurting the local economy, many migrants cannot find the work that allows them to save money for their onward journey, Bean said. "So they are struggling even more than ever before." Lack of awareness about COVID-19 isn't limited to the migrants. "I've heard of something that sounds like that name, but we don't have it here," Fatima Moalin, a resident of Sakow town in southern Somalia, told the AP when reached by phone. "Muslims don't contract such a thing." Others in rural Somalia, especially in areas held by the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab extremist group, have been dismissive of the virus. Somali authorities cite limited internet access, limited awareness campaigns and even extremists' restrictions on communications with the outside world. A recent assessment by the U.N. migration agency of displaced people in Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland found "very high" levels of misunderstanding, with some people confusing COVID-19 with a mosquito-borne disease or thinking a key symptom of the respiratory disease was diarrhea. But most respondents were aware of the pandemic, thanks largely to radio broadcasts, word of mouth and messages played by mobile phone services while waiting for someone to pick upa common approach in many countries in Africa. "Slowly, slowly the information is getting there," Bean said. The virus is, too. Somalia, with one of the world's weakest health systems, now has more than 2,800 cases. 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. Care and Feeding is Slates parenting advice column. In addition to our traditional advice, every Thursday we feature an assortment of teachers from across the country answering your education questions. Have a question for our teachers? Email askateacher@slate.com or post it in the Slate Parenting Facebook group. Im facing a bit of an issue with my son and need some insight. He is special needs (he has ADHD, anxiety/depression/emotional issues, absence epilepsy/Jeavons, and cognitive and motor delays) and is finishing up fourth grade at our local elementary school. He has an IEP and is in a general education classroom with daily resource room time along with weekly occupational therapy/speech. He is emotionally and intellectually two to three years behind his peers. Every year they tell us he will continue on to the next grade, usually with more resource room time or more accommodations and that repeating a grade would be detrimental. They cite studies and information, which weve abided by with some hesitation, due to some issues with bullying and the fact hes not mastering the basics before moving forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This year is different, and Im having some thoughts. Fourth grade is the last grade in his school before moving to the lower middle school, which houses fifth and sixth grades, that involves moving between classes. We started distance learning the second week of March, and Im currently responsible for his regular classroom duties, plus getting him to do his resource room work and weekly OT/speech work. It has been rough since I also have a 2-year-old. Every day my son cries and complains that everything is too hard. Ive expressed concerns over the class load and his teacher just says, Do the best you can. My son has also expressed anxiety over going to another school next yearespecially without a proper ending to this school year. He says he doesnt want to go to the new school and that hes afraid of fifth grade. Advertisement Advertisement Every time I bring up the possibility of him staying in fourth for another year, his teachers remind me how detrimental it is. But I dont think hes ready for the jump to middle school. He says he wants to stay in fourth. He doesnt have any strong peer relationships to help him through. I am not a teacher, and I usually default to what they think is best, but I dont want to push him forward and have a depressed, overwhelmed kid who cant handle all this change. Please help. Keep Moving? Dear Keep Moving, I would not view your sons behavior over the past few months as an indication of his ability to learn. My responsealmost automaticallywould be to promote your son to fifth grade. I would cite the same research that your sons teachers are citing to demonstrate that retention almost never helps a child in any way. Advertisement I would also advise that you not allow your sons desires or his struggles with learning at home influence your decision. I teach fifth gradethe last grade of elementary school before my students move onto middle school. If asked, at least half of my class would express a desire to be retained. Change is hard for many kids, and often, it must be forced upon them so that they will learn to accept and perhaps even embrace change in the future. Advertisement Advertisement I also know that many of my students, as well as my own children, have struggled with their learning during this time of quarantine, and Ive come to understand that the behavior, effort, and response to their learning is vastly different at home than at school. When I watch my son, for example, wander away from his work and complain about the difficulty of his assignments, I know that this is not something he would do in the classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a simple fact that children behave very differently at home than they do at school, and quite often, they save their worst for their parents. I would not view your sons behavior over the past few months as an indication of his ability to learn. All that said, this is an unprecedented time in education. Your sonalready two to three years behind is peershas missed three months of learning in a typical school environment, and it sounds as if his challenges are profound. If ever there was a time to retain a student, this might be it. Im not recommending retention, but Im recommending that you sit down with the team and discuss the fact that these are unusual times, and the research that is often cited might be slightly less relevant now given the unique circumstances. While I cant say that I would recommend retaining your child, I think its worth a serious conversation given the circumstances. Advertisement If the decision is made to retain your child, I strongly advise that you avoid allowing your son to believe that his complaints played any role in the process. The last thing you want it to reinforce the idea that scary things, difficult transitions, and leaps into the unknown can be avoided with the correct number of tears. Advertisement Mr. Dicks (fifth grade teacher, Connecticut) Slate needs your support right now. Sign up for Slate Plus to keep reading the advice you crave every week. I am an English tutor at a national chain thats recently moved to online instruction. It hasnt been an easy transition, and weve lost a lot of clients, so now we mostly just have test prep students, but were losing those too. I really enjoy working with my students, most of whom attend the local public high school, and I really feel for them when it comes to online schoolingmost of them are bored and isolated, as their school is mostly just having students turn in weekly assignments without much instruction. Theyre also very stressed. Advertisement I really want to help my students, who seem like they could benefit from some extra support and guidance, but I dont really know where to start. More than that, I am really feeling the pressure to encourage students to keep buying more and more sessions to make up for the lost revenue. Ive never felt amazing about my job because test prep is so fraught, but at least before, I felt like I was helping kids, too, generallynow I feel a little like Im scamming folks. Im really lucky to have a job right now, though, and more sessions = more income. Any advice on how I can stop feeling so terrible about this gig, and maybe even help some kids, too? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Torn About Test Prep Dear Torn About Test Prep, I feel you: I teach a tested subject, which means my students must pass a state-mandated standardized test as a graduation requirement. I hate it. Standardized testing is absolutely the worst part of my job, and if it became the whole of my job, I would be miserable. Advertisement Advertisement As a tutor, the extent to which you can support and guide stressed out teens is somewhat limited. You can be a listening ear and an encouraging voice. Help them put the test in perspective: The SAT is important, but its only one factor colleges consider; they have plenty of time to prepare; and while some colleges are very selective, most colleges admit most of the students who apply. You can also highlight for the students how much theyve grown over time, which is sure to be very motivating. Advertisement How can you stop feeling so terrible? Well, the SAT is sort of a scam, but its an admission requirement for most colleges right now. If nothing else, you can console yourself with the fact that youre helping students gain admission to college. Perhaps you could also volunteer your tutoring expertise for free to a student whose family cannot afford to pay for the service? If you reach out to the counselors at the local public high school, they could probably connect you with a motivated student. One possible silver lining of all of this? I know the job market is terrible right now, but perhaps these feelings of yours could be the motivator you need to examine your life, your skills, and your long-term career goals, and you can do some thinking about a possible career change. Good luck! Advertisement Ms. Holbrook (high school teacher, Texas) Last year, my sons seventh grade math teacher was constantly frustrated with him because his work was inconsistent. He understood the material when it was presented and could engage with the material, but he would often fail to turn in assignments. This was true even when the teacher saw him working diligently on the assignment in class. He has had the same math teacher this year, and the teacher made an important discovery: My son has a lot of gaps in his knowledge that are mostly fifth grade math standards. Advertisement Fifth grade was a bad year for him at school, so it seems reasonable that my son figured out a lot of workarounds and shortcuts to help cover up these issues. His teacher was helping him fill in some of these learning gaps pre-pandemic, but obviously his teachers ability to do that has changed. Do you know of an inexpensive assessment that could help me figure out what his gaps are? Im less concerned about the gaps themselves, and I more want my son to feel like a confident math student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Playing Catch-Up Dear Playing Catch-Up, I checked in with some elementary teachers I know, and yes, I can point you toward some diagnostics that provide reasonably accurate assessments of students skills. However, Im a little puzzled about why youd need them. Even if your sons teacher has limited time and ability to personally instruct him, it sounds like that teacher has a strong understanding of your sons needs. If you havent already done so, I think the information youll get by reaching out and asking about which concepts to focus on will be much more personalized and targeted than what a computer assessment can provide. You could also ask for the teachers observations and feedback about your sons habits and performance as a learner overall, because, to be honest, it sounds to me like theres a bit more going on than residual deficits from his rough year in fifth grade. (In particular, the observation that he seemed to be processing and understanding his work in the moment doesnt quite square with the explanation that he has foundational gaps in his knowledge. Id talk to his teacher about that some more.) Advertisement Advertisement That said, if youve already tried communicating with the teacher and it hasnt been helpful, try IXL or MobyMax to pinpoint the skills where your son most needs improvement. Both sites also have tools for him to practice those skills once you identify them. However, Ill add that youll see far more growth if he can work with someone who can talk him through the process of solving the problems; practicing without correcting the underlying misunderstandings is more likely to frustrate than to help. For that, my colleague also recommended the supports provided by Great Minds Eureka Math curriculum. You can find parent tipsheets, homework helpers, and grade-level road maps. Advertisement Good luck! Continuing to slug away at distance learning is no easy task for anyone, but its a tremendous challenge for kids who already needed academic support. I wish you the best. Advertisement Ms. Bauer (middle and high school teacher, New York) I recently qualified to teach English abroad as an English language teacher. By recently qualified, I mean I qualified on March 3. Unsurprisingly, Ive been unable to work since then! I intended to do some online tutoring to keep my skills fresh, but my laptop broke a few days after I qualified, and the one I ordered has gotten lost in the postal system. Ive got a job waiting for me abroad, but obviously that wait might go on a fair bit longer. Do you have any suggestions for how I can keep my skills freshor at least stop them from atrophying too muchwhile I wait for international travel to be safe again? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost Teaching Dear Almost Teaching, Oof, youre in a tough spot! I hope by this time your computer situation has resolved and youre able to connect to the internet. There are a million online teaching resources, and my first recommendation is to look around. When Im looking for inspiration for how to tackle a new unit, I typically Google my subject, topic, and grade level, sift through until I find something appropriate, and then revise it to suit the requirements of what Im teaching. Of course, there are dedicated teaching websites and Pinterest boards, but Ive never found one thats so extensive or expansive that it satisfied all my needs. You mentioned online tutoring. I wasnt sure if you meant you were going to get tutored or you were going to tutor others. There are a number of websites, like VIPKid, that pair English-speaking teachers with students around the world. One of my friends does that, and she says its fun, she makes her own schedule, and the pay is pretty good. Advertisement Advertisement Whether your computer has arrived or not, one thing I recommend is to look at everything around you through the lens of a lesson. When I taught English abroad, some of my favorite lessons were based on segments from news magazine shows like 60 Minutes or 20/20. My students found the segments length (1020 minutes) reasonable, and the enunciation of the anchors and correspondents was very clear, making it easier for English language learners to understand. The segments also focused on one topic, which allowed us to work on specific vocabulary. And finally, the stories were memorable and provided us touchstones we could reach back to in later lessons. Advertisement Another thing I did was share favorite songs; we would examine phrasing and vocabulary and idioms. And I didnt have access to a kitchen, but Id sometimes show students a recipe of a common American dish. That led to discussions of flavor, texture, ingredients, taste, and culture, not to mention imperative mood. Advertisement My most successful lessons start with a standard Im trying to teach, and then I ask myself what kind of experience the students could have to learn it. Whatever happens, your drive and passion are evident, and youre going to do a great service to your students. Bon voyage! Ms. Scott (eighth grade teacher, North Carolina) More Advice From Slate My 8-year-old daughter recently shared with me that during lunch last week, a male first grade teacher approached her and two other girls and asked if they wanted to see something funny. When they said they did, he held up his cellphone with the camera in selfie mode and said, That! as he showed them their own faces. I am horrified at this joke. What should I do? Here are todays top stories. The electoral map just keeps getting worse for Trump Its easy to get lost in the sea of national polls all of which show former Vice President Joe Biden with high-single digit lead over President Donald Trump. A surge in cases shows the coronavirus wont go away soon As much of the world emerges from months of coronavirus lockdown, new spikes in Covid-19 cases suggest that lifting restrictions could be a trickier task than imposing them. Trudeau attacks Chinas political detention of two Canadians as pressure builds The decision by China to charge two Canadians with espionage was clearly political, the countrys Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, said Tuesday, after a top Chinese diplomat warned him to stop making irresponsible remarks about the case. Ron Jeremy, porn star, charged with sexually assaulting four women Porn star Ron Jeremy has been charged with forcibly raping three women and sexually assaulting another in separate incidents dating back to 2014, Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey announced Tuesday. EU mulls recommendation to bar Americans and other nationalities due to coronavirus As European Union nations continue to ease coronavirus restrictions, EU member states are discussing barring visitors from several countries, including the US, according to EU officials speaking to CNN. These sources, who are involved in the talks, say they have not seen any lists mentioning specific countries. The historic Saharan dust plume is darkening skies in the Caribbean and will soon stretch into the US The current Saharan dust episode is leading to the worst dust storm in the Caribbean in decades. Judge orders Bolsonaro to wear a face mask in public Brazils president Jair Bolsonaro has been ordered by a federal judge in Brasilia to wear a face mask in public or face a fine. Novak Djokovic tests positive for coronavirus after Adria Tour event Novak Djokovic has tested positive for coronavirus following an exhibition event he organized in Croatia. India suspends three China business deals as border tensions rise Authorities in India are pausing plans to carry out $600 million in business deals with Chinese companies in the wake of a deadly border clash with China last week. Charlize Theron denies she was engaged to Sean Penn There was a whole bunch of excitement back in 2014 when people thought Charlize Theron was engaged to Sean Penn. Microplastics found in gut of animal on one of the most remote islands of the world Microplastics have been discovered in the gut of an animal on a remote island in the Antarctic, raising concerns that plastic pollution could be prevalent in the regions ecosystem. Trump Says He Wasnt Joking About Slowing COVID-19 Testing: I Dont Kid President Donald Trump said Tuesday that his comment over the weekend about asking staff to slow the testing down for COVID-19 wasnt a joke. I dont kid. Let me just tell you. Let me make it clear, the president told reporters before insisting the U.S. had the greatest testing program of anywhere. Woman Who Deliberately Coughed In Babys Face Is Wanted By Police Police are searching for a woman who appeared to intentionally cough on a 1-year-old boy in a store after accusing the childs mother of failing to socially distance herself. The incident took place in a Yogurtland store in San Jose, California, on June 12. Trump Family Moves To Block Tell-All Written By Presidents Niece President Donald Trump s family has asked a judge to block the publication of his niece Mary Trumps tell-all, which is set to be released next month. The presidents younger brother, Robert Trump, filed for a temporary restraining order Tuesday, saying Mary Trump is violating a nondisclosure agreement she signed in 2001 following a bitter court battle over the estate of Trumps father. Porn Actor Ron Jeremy Accused of Raping 3 Women, Sexually Assaulting Another Porn star Ron Jeremy has been charged with allegedly raping three women and sexually assaulting another in West Hollywood, California, since 2014. The 67-year-old actor is scheduled to be arraigned in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom Tuesday afternoon on an eight-count criminal complaint, according to NBC Los Angeles. Barcelona Opera House Reopens With Concert For 2,292 Plants Barcelonas Gran Teatre del Liceu opened to a full house on Monday for its first concert since it closed in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Yet not a single person had tickets and thats because each one of the halls 2,292 seats was occupied by a houseplant. Apples privacy-focused nutrition labels for apps are only a start Do you trust companies like Facebook to accurately and completely tell you how, and to what extent, their apps monitor and track you both on your phone and across the entire internet? The question is not a rhetorical one, as Apples latest privacy push relies on the answer to that question being yes. Why Google Maps might lose EV owners to Apple Maps (seriously) After WWDC, electric car owners might want to consider Apple Maps over Google Maps. In iOS 14, Apple Maps will show drivers routes based on the availability of public charging stations. Theyll be personalized, factoring in a drivers battery status, range, and EV model. Thats huge for road trips. Jimmy Kimmel apologizes for Blackface sketches Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel has issued a statement apologizing for wearing Blackface to impersonate various Black celebrities over the years. There is nothing more important to me than your respect, and I apologize to those who were genuinely hurt or offended by the makeup I wore or the words I spoke, Kimmel said in a statement. Twitter flags another Trump tweet for abusive behavior The damn has broken. Twitter once again slapped a label on a Donald Trump tweet Tuesday, writing that the presidents ramblings about using serious force violated the companys abusive behavior policy. This move comes less than a month after Twitter fact-checked a series of Trump tweets, and then flagged another one for threatening violence against protesters. The United States is willing to help other countries finance purchases of next-generation telecom technology from Western providers so they can avoid Chinese tech giant Huawei, which Washington sees as a security threat, an American official said Thursday. Washington is lobbying European and other allies to exclude Huawei Technologies Ltd. as they upgrade to 5G networks. Australia, Japan and some others have imposed restrictions on Chinese technology, but Huaweis lower-cost equipment is popular with developing countries and is making inroads into Europe. Giving Huawei even a small 5G role would allow Beijing to expand its surveillance state by eavesdropping on phone and other network-based systems, said Keith Krach, a U.S. undersecretary of state for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment. There are lots of financing tools and those kinds of things that I think many countries like us are willing to help provide because we recognize this danger, Krach said on a conference call with reporters. Huawei, Chinas first global tech brand, is the biggest maker of network equipment and the No. 2 smartphone brand. It is a leader in 5G, along with Finlands Nokia Corp. and Swedens LM Ericsson. Washington is in talks with Brazil over possible financing of 5G equipment purchases by its phone carriers, the newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo reported this month, citing the American ambassador to Brazil, Todd Chapman. Chapman said Washington also was talking with other countries. Krach gave no financial details but cited South Koreas Samsung as another potential vendor of trusted communications equipment. The pressure on Huawei comes at a time of increasingly rancorous U.S.-Chinese relations over the coronavirus pandemic, a security law imposed on Hong Kong and Beijings recent border clash with Indian soldiers. Huawei denies U.S. accusations it facilitates Chinese spying or is controlled by the ruling Communist Party. Its founder, Ren Zhengfei, told reporters in January 2019 that he would reject official demands to reveal its customers secrets despite a Chinese law that requires companies to hand over any information demanded by the government. 5G is intended to expand networks to support self-driving cars, power plants, remotely controlled medical equipment and other futuristic applications. That makes it more intrusive and politically sensitive. Everything is connected to it, said Krach. Its an interconnected system, and you are only as strong as your weakest link. U.S. export controls imposed last year block Huaweis access to most American components and other technology. Washington tightened restrictions this year by barring companies outside the United States from using American technology to produce processor chips and other components for Huawei without U.S. government permission. Washington wants other governments to remove earlier generations of Huawei technology as well, Krach said. If countries are choosing their 5G systems, this is definitely the time to do a rip-and-replace transition, he said. Union Home Minister and former BJP President Amit Shah on Thursday criticised former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi saying one family's "greed for power" led to the imposition of Emergency 45 years ago and the country was turned into a prison. In a series of tweets, Shah said, "On this day, 45 years ago one family's greed for power led to the imposition of the Emergency. Overnight the nation was turned into a prison. The press, courts, free speech... all were trampled over. Atrocities were committed on the poor and downtrodden." On this day, 45 years ago one familys greed for power led to the imposition of the Emergency. Overnight the nation was turned into a prison. The press, courts, free speech...all were trampled over. Atrocities were committed on the poor and downtrodden. Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 25, 2020 He said that due to the efforts of lakhs of people, the Emergency was lifted. "Democracy was restored in India, but it remained absent in the Congress. The interests of one family prevailed over party interests and national interests. This sorry state of affairs thrives in today's Congress too," Shah said in another tweet. Due to efforts of lakhs of people, the Emergency was lifted. Democracy was restored in India but it remained absent in the Congress. The interests of one family prevailed over party interests and national interests. This sorry state of affairs thrives in todays Congress too! Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 25, 2020 The announcement of the Emergency was made on June 25, 1975, days after the Allahabad High Court found Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractices and debarred her as a parliamentarian for six years. During the Emergency, most of Indira Gandhi's political opponents were jailed and the press was censored. Taking a potshot at former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, the Home Minister said, "During the recent CWC (Congress Working Committee) meet, senior members and younger members raised a few issues. But, they were shouted down. A party spokesperson was unceremoniously sacked. The sad truth is -- leaders are feeling suffocated in Congress." Shah was referring to the media reports that few of the senior party leaders advised the Congress MP from Kerala's Wayanad to not attack Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the removal of party spokesperson Sanjay Jha for a critical news article. "As one of India's opposition parties, Congress needs to ask itself: Why does the Emergency mindset remain? Why are leaders who don't belong to one dynasty unable to speak up? Why are leaders getting frustrated in Congress? Else, their disconnect with people will keep widening," Shah added. As NSW prepares to allow crowds of 10,000 people back into sports stadiums, Health Minister Brad Hazzard has told Melburnians they are not welcome at the venues until Victoria contains its swelling coronavirus outbreaks. Australia's death toll rose to 104 after the passing of an 85-year-old Bankstown man two months ago was retrospectively deemed to be coronavirus-related on Thursday. NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard says Victorians will not be permitted to attend sporting matches in the state. Credit:AAP Health authorities are also warning more cases will be detected in Sydney before the weekend after a seven-year-old student at Lane Cove West Primary School tested positive on Wednesday. Victoria's coronavirus resurgence continued on Thursday, with 33 new cases - the ninth consecutive day of double-digit transmissions and the biggest increase in more than two months. Strictly Come Dancing will be back on our TV screens later this year, but it will be a shorter series than usual. The popular dance show normally begins in September and ends in mid-December, but the launch is going to be slightly delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic . The BBC says its team of professional dancers - including Oti Mabuse and Gorka Marquez - is ready to start rehearsing remotely at the end of July. The dancers are likely to be isolated, with group numbers to be filmed in August in advance of the kick-off of the live shows. The BBC said in a statement: "The Strictly Come Dancing team are doing everything they can to bring the nation plenty of Strictly magic later this year." They said the "slightly shorter run" was a bid to "deliver the high standards audiences know and love". It went on: "The safety of our cast and crew is of the utmost importance to us and further updates will be made in due course." Last year, professional dancers Kevin Clifton and AJ Pritchard both left the show to pursue other things. They will not be replaced in the line-up, but the pro dancing team will otherwise remain unchanged. This would suggest there will also be fewer celebrity contestants on this year's show. It is also likely that older celebrities, who would be considered more vulnerable to COVID-19 , will not be selected to compete this year. Professional male dancers Aljaz Skorjanec, Anton Du Beke, Giovanni Pernice, Graziano Di Prima, Johannes Radebe and Neil Jones will all be back. :: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Female professionals include Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Janette Manrara, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Luba Mushtuk, Nancy Xu and Nadiya Bychkova. Judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood and Bruno Tonioli are also expected to return. The line up of celebrity contestants is yet to be announced. Other countries that have successfully gone ahead with their version of Strictly following the coronavirus pandemic include Germany's Let's Dance and Australia's Dancing With The Stars. Donald Trumps latest move to restrict immigration to the U.S. might wind up being a windfall for Canada. With COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, Justin Trudeaus plan to drive long-term growth by welcoming more and more newcomers has been sidelined. But the U.S. presidents decision this week to freeze access to certain employment visas gives Canada an opportunity to win back some of the workers it loses to America. The immigrants will come back in the long term once we are on other side of this crisis, but the more permanent change might be the impact on returning citizens, Benjamin Tal, deputy chief economist at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, said by phone from Toronto. Both the shift toward remote work during the pandemic and the U.S. restrictions on immigration could draw more Canadians home, reversing a persistent brain drain effect, Tal said. He estimates that each year about 100,000 Canadians move abroad, with a majority entering the U.S. And with Trumps move likely to hit immigrants from all countries, Canada could also poach those workers for jobs in its burgeoning tech scene and other sectors. Ottawa-based Shopify Inc. was quick to pounce on the idea. Its chief executive officer, Tobias Lutke, touted Canada as a relocation option Tuesday after Trumps announcement a day earlier. Tech giants have been expanding their operations in Canadas major cities in recent years because of the countrys access to high-skilled talent. Google announced plans this year to build new offices in Toronto, Montreal and Waterloo, Ont., by 2022. Amazon.com Inc. is also expanding its Canadian footprint, leasing space in a new Vancouver office tower and unveiling plans to build a major fulfilment centre in Toronto. We see Canadian companies being able to access talent from all over the world very quickly whereas their U.S counterparts cant, said Geoff Baum, a fellow at the Lazaridis Institute at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. Not only are Canadian companies able to take advantage of this but you see lots of American companies who are establishing offices in Canada because they can get access to talent more easily, he said. Scientists from the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University (IKBFU) and National University of Science and Technology "MISiS" have studied how magnet nanoparticles affect cancer cells in the human liver. In the authors' opinion, this research will help to treat oncology. The research results were published in the "Nano Convergence" Scientific Journal. Because of their unique properties, magnetic nanoparticles can be used for therapeutic diagnostics and personalized treatment of cancer diseases, as well as be an effective contrast agent for MRI examination and imaging of tumors. It is known that human cancer cells can absorb magnetic nanoparticles. This property can be used in cancer therapy in at least three ways: local heating of a tumor when exposed to a variable magnetic field (magnetic hyperthermia), targeted drug delivery, or selective cytotoxic effects of nanoparticles on cancer cells. Scientists from the IKBFU Laboratory of Novel Magnet Materials studied the peculiarities of nanoparticles' influence on cell organelles and got acquainted with the peculiarities of intracellular processes in detail by using different lines of liver cancer cells. Small objects such as nanoparticles can be easily "eaten" by cells, but this does not always happen - in some cases, nanoparticles can damage the structure of a cell, penetrate it and kill it. By adding iron oxide nanoparticles of various shapes to the nutrient medium of cells, scientists were able to check the degree and nature of the changes in cell culture. According to the authors of the study, the behavior of cancer cells depends on the concentration of nanoparticles in the solution and, most importantly, the type of cancer. The fact is that different cells respond differently to the same particles. This makes it possible to create an instrument based on nanoparticles, selectively suppressing cancer cells while keeping healthy cells intact. Scientists have carried out experiments on how cancer cells in the human liver react to various types of magnet nanoparticles. They found that iron oxide nanocubes and nanoclusters are capable of activating certain genes that give a "self-destruct command" to liver cancer cells. This discovery sheds light on the mechanisms that regulate cell death caused by the cytotoxicity of nanoparticles. Maxim Abakumov, co-author of the research, head of NUST "MISiS" Biomedical materials Laboratory said: "The mechanism of toxic effect is associated with the progressive permeability of lysosomal membranes in hepatocytes, which provokes the processes of apoptosis and autophagy, basically, "cell death". According to Valeria Rodionova, the Head of the IKBFU Novel Magnet Materials Laboratory, the results of the research may be used for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Valeria Rodionova told to RIA Novosti: "This interdisciplinary project brought together scientists from different fields: physics, chemists, and biologists. Our joint work allowed us not only to synthesize unique types of nanoparticles but also to analyze the mechanisms of specific cellular signaling pathways that they activate in the cell". Cooperation in the scientific world often proves to be decisive in research. Thus, microscopic studies were carried out in the laboratory of biophysics, under the supervision of Dr. Oleg Lunov, head of the laboratory (Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences). Scientists of the Mendeleev Russian University of Chemistry and Technology also took part in the study. ### AVER LEX law firm, representing the interests of former President of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych, has stated that the information about sending a notice of suspicion of high treason to its client was false, and described it as an attempt to avert a wave of negativity about closing cases against fifth President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko. "The State Bureau of Investigations [SBI] lies saying that Viktor Yanukovych has been notified of suspicion of high treason by committing acts aimed at undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and defense capacity. No notifications were given," the AVER LEX press service said, citing lawyer Vitaliy Serdiuk. According to the lawyer, the SBI summoned Yanukovych for questioning on June 23 and the representatives of the former president arrived there. "We, as lawyers who represent the interests of Viktor Yanukovych, arrived at the SBI at the time indicated in the summons. We brought a package of documents on the validity of the reasons for the client's default in appearance. We once again reminded the representative of the bureau that, since Viktor Yanukovych officially received temporary political asylum and is in the territory of the Russian Federation at a publicly available address, all documents should be handed over to him exclusively in line with the procedure of international legal assistance," the lawyer said. Serdiuk also said that, probably, such a provocation of the SBI was aimed at distracting public negative attention from the bureau due to the closure of a number of cases against Poroshenko. "We have documented the news of the SBI about allegedly notifying Viktor Yanukovych of suspicion and are preparing a corresponding lawsuit to deny false information in court," the lawyer said. Jacob Rees-Mogg has announced those learning to drive in England will be able to get behind the wheel for lessons again from July 4. The House of Commons leader Jacob Rees-Mogg said he wanted help instructors 'return to life that is as close to normal as possible, as quickly and fairly as possible. Instructions detailing how lessons and tests can resume safely will be sent out to instructors by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). No official regulations have been laid out yet, but new-look lessons are expected to include: Instructors wearing masks, disposable gloves and clothing which covers their arms and legs The windows rolled down at all times and instructors changing their gloves after every lesson Vehicles to be thoroughly cleaned before and after every lesson , paying close attention to 'touch points' such as the steering wheel Students being asked to wear a mask and wash their hands before they get in the car for their lesson Jacob Rees-Mogg announced driving lessons can resume from July 4 with safety measures in place to prevent a 'second peak in infections' Ress-Mogg said a 'phased approach' will be adopted to allow testing to gradually return to normal and he advised measures should be taken to 'avoid a second peak in infections'. But the announcement does not extend to other parts of the UK, with Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland adopting their own rules as to when and how tests can start up again. The Commons leader said during Business Questions in Commons today: 'From the 4 July I am happy to say that people will be able to take driving lessons on a motorcycle, or in a car, lorry or bus and there will be a phased approach to resuming practical testing so learners have the opportunity to practice before taking a test.' What could social-distanced driving lessons look like? The AA Driving School has outlined measures their instructors can adopt to ensure they maintain safe practices. These include: Thoroughly cleaning vehicles before and after lessons Paying close attention to cleaning 'touch points' such as door handles Wearing clothing which covers the arms and legs Wearing face coverings and disposable gloves Changing gloves after every lesson Rolling down windows during the lesson In a further bid to ensure safe practices, learners will be asked to: Wash their hands before they get in the car Wear a face mask The organisation also suggested introducing plastic screens but it was decided instructors should be able to move the steering wheel in an emergency. Advertisement It is not yet clear what measures will be suggested by the DVSA, but the government body, told the BBC more details regarding safety would be provided in 'due course'. Driving schools up and down the country have been preparing to resume lessons from the 6th of July based previous government guidance on the easing of lockdown but were finally given the green light today. The AA Driving School, which also owns the British School of Motoring, said it will provide its instructors with a set of guidelines to ensure they maintain safe practices, including wiping down common 'touch points' in the car, wearing clothes which cover their arms and legs, as well as face masks and gloves, and rolling down the window during lessons. The company's managing director, Sarah Rees, said the latest announcement was a 'welcome relief' but acknowledged it would be a challenging time for instructors. The RED Driver Training school said its instructors will 'follow industry best practice on PPE requirements' and will prepare and wipe down the steering wheel and other controls after every lesson. The latest news comes after the DVSA last week confirmed lessons and tests would remain on hold until there were adequate levels of PPE available, guidelines were published for cleaning vehicles and test centres were prepared. In an open letter to instructors from chief executive Gareth Llewellyn, he said driving lessons and tests will 'only restart when the Government is confident that the assessment of risk warrants it'. Llewellyn said that tests would be suspended until the DVSA could guarantee that safety measures put in place met the Government's five tests. These are to protect the NHS's ability to cope, sustain a consistent fall in death rates from Covid-19, data shows infection rates are at manageable levels, adequate virus testing equipment and PPE is readily available, and that it will not increase the risk of a second peak in infections. Handbrake on for learners: The DVSA has confirmed this week that driving lessons and tests will remain suspended with no return date 'Teams across DVSA have been working extremely hard over the past few months to make sure we're in the best possible position to restart our services as soon as it's safe to do so,' the agency boss said. 'Our priority is to make sure that you, your pupils and our staff stay safe.' To achieve this, the DVSA confirmed it was reviewing what type of PPE instructors would need to wear and guidelines for how they can greet candidates as well which parts require cleaning after each lessons - for instance the steering wheel and touch-screen sat-nav system. It claimed to have ordered PPE for all driving examiners, including face coverings and gloves - both of which are still in short supply. It also said it planned to set out a clear plan of action should a driving test candidate or driving examiner develop symptoms in the days after a test. COVID-19: Austria To Bring Forward Individual Income Tax Cut by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels 25 June 2020 Austrian Finance Minister Gernot Blumel said on June 16, 2020, that elements of an income tax cut package agreed by the governing coalition earlier this year will be brought forward as part of a post-COVID-19 economic stimulus package. In January 2020, Blumel announced that the first three personal income tax brackets would be reduced in 2021 under the program for government agreed by the People's Party and the Green Party. In his latest announcement, the Finance Minister said that the reduction in the lowest income tax bracket from 25 to 20 percent will be brought forward. Other proposed tax measures announced by Blumel include improvements to the depreciation regime, allowing companies to depreciate 30 percent of capital investments in the first year. This change is set to be introduced from September 2020. Blumel also mentioned that taxpayers will be able to carry back losses to offset against income in previous tax years, without going into detail on this proposal. Although plans had called for Bold Eagle to travel to North America for stakes action this season, the great trotter will not be coming to Canada and the United States this year, according to a report. The United States Trotting Association has reported that the French trotter finished seventh in the Prix Rene Balliere on Sunday (June 21) at Vincennes, and that Bold Eagle's upcoming trip to North America was cancelled at some point after the performance. Last fall, Bold Eagle overcame the travel, the elements and the competition to win the 2019 Breeders Crown Open Trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park, where he defeated world record holders Six Pack and Atlanta in 1:52. Plans had called for Bold Eagle to contest the 2020 Maple Leaf Trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park before heading down to the United States to race in the Breeders Crown at Harrah's Hoosier Park in late October. Bold Eagle was to be retired after the Breeders Crown. According to the USTA, the new plan calls for Bold Eagle to make his final appearance on the Belgium track in Mons in the Grand Prix de Wallonie on August 2. (With files from the United States Trotting Association) Mayor Bill de Blasio has ignited a new feud with President Trump by ordering the words Black Lives Matter to be painted in large yellow letters on the street outside of Trump Tower. The words are expected to be painted in the coming week on Fifth Avenue, between 56th and 57th Streets, according to the city. The president is a disgrace to the values we cherish in New York City, Julia Arredondo, a spokeswoman for Mr. de Blasio, said in a statement on Thursday. He cant run or deny the reality we are facing, and any time he wants to set foot in the place he claims is his hometown, he should be reminded Black Lives Matter. In a tweet in response, Mr. Trump referenced Mr. de Blasios plan to paint the fabled & beautiful Fifth Avenue, right in front of Trump Tower/Tiffany and sought to play up animosity between the Black Lives Matter movement and the police in New York City. Empower to open wellness clinic in Vancouver, B.C. to support the development of the psychedelics division Dosed Wellness and to establish Canadian headquarters for Empower Clinics Inc. VANCOUVER BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / EMPOWER CLINICS INC. (CSE:CBDT)(OTCQB:EPWCF)(Frankfurt:8EC) ("Empower" or the "Company"), a vertically integrated life sciences company, is pleased to announce that the Company has commenced facility searches in the greater Vancouver market to open a wellness clinic supporting the launch of Dosed Wellness and to serve as a local headquarters for Company staff. The Company also confirms significant progress has been made with negotiations on the definitive agreement related to the previously announced non-binding term sheet with Golden Teacher Films Inc. ("Golden"), to acquire a 10% interest in certain royalty rights, intellectual property rights and interest in Dosed Movie ("DOSED"), an award-wining documentary film about treating anxiety, depression and addiction with psychedelic medicine. "We continue to see record numbers of patients in our clinics, patients seeking support for anxiety, depression, and PTSD." said Steven McAuley, Chairman & CEO of Empower. "Our continued advancements in the psychedelics sector has the potential to improve the mental health outcome of millions of people." "Our team is well connected in the psychedelic space and our expertise on the media side will help elevate the Empower brand. We're also excited that Empower Clinics is acquiring an interest in DOSED, as their promotion of the film will help educate millions of people about the opportunities inherent in psychedelic medicine." said Nicholas Meyers, Producer of DOSED. "Widespread legalization of psilocybin and psychedelics is inevitable, as clinical research is showing these compounds are uniquely useful for treating mental illness and addiction." said Tyler Chandler, Director of DOSED. "Since billions of people worldwide suffer from these conditions, we need to establish infrastructure and patient-care competencies to serve this population as soon as the law allows. We're thrilled to align with Empower Clinics, which has the strategic vision, existing client base and clinic network to continue to lead the plant-based medicine industry." Dosed Wellness Dosed Wellness Ltd. and a new dedicated website www.dosedwellness.com leverages the operating assets of Empower. Dosed Wellness is uniquely positioned as an early mover in the psychedelics space with a network of physicians and clinics, advanced research opportunities, tele-medicine capabilities, and a growing base of over 165,000 patients. Dosed Wellness Ltd. and a new dedicated website www.dosedwellness.com leverages the operating assets of Empower. Dosed Wellness is uniquely positioned as an early mover in the psychedelics space with a network of physicians and clinics, advanced research opportunities, tele-medicine capabilities, and a growing base of over 165,000 patients. Psychedelics Market The mental health crisis could cost the world $16 trillion by 2030 and according to Future Market Insights; the global behavioral health (non-pharmacological) market is expected to be valued at US$156 billion by 2028. According to the World Health Organization depression is already the leading cause of disability worldwide (more than 322 million people suffer from depression) and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. The mental health crisis could cost the world $16 trillion by 2030 and according to Future Market Insights; the global behavioral health (non-pharmacological) market is expected to be valued at US$156 billion by 2028. According to the World Health Organization depression is already the leading cause of disability worldwide (more than 322 million people suffer from depression) and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. Tele-Medicine The Company provides tele-medicine services to patients in Arizona, Oregon and Washington State, and the platform will be made available to Canadian patients, in conjunction with the opening of the Vancouver wellness clinic. Learn more about our new psychedelic's division at www.dosedwellness.com ABOUT EMPOWER Empower is a vertically integrated health & wellness company with a network of corporate and franchised health & wellness clinics in the U.S. The Company is focused on helping patients improve and protect their health, through innovative physician recommended treatment options. The Company has launched Dosed Wellness Ltd. to connect its significant data, to the potential of the efficacy of alternative treatment options related to hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) therapies, psilocybin and other psychedelic plant-based treatment options. About Dosed Movie After many years of prescription medications failing her, a suicidal woman turns to underground healers to try and overcome her depression, anxiety, and opioid addiction with illegal psychedelic medicine such as magic mushrooms and iboga. Adrianne's first dose of psilocybin mushrooms catapulted her into an unexpected world of healing where plant medicines are redefining our understanding of mental health and addiction. DOSED is directed and produced by Tyler Chandler and Nicholas Meyers is producer and director of photography. Visit www.dosedmovie.com to rent or own DOSED. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Steven McAuley Chief Executive Officer CONTACTS: Investors: Steven McAuley Chairman & CEO s.mcauley@empowerclinics.com 604-789-2146 Investors: Dustin Klein SVP, Business Development dustin@svmmjcc.com 720-352-1398 For French inquiries: Remy Scalabrini, Maricom Inc., E: rs@maricom.ca, T: (888) 585-MARI DISCLAIMER FOR FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release.Forward-looking statements can frequently be identified by words such as "plans", "continues", "expects", "projects", "intends", "believes", "anticipates", "estimates", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or information that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding: the Company's expected timing of filing of its Annual Filings, the Company's intention to create psilocybin and psychedelics divisions, that market research on advancements in psilocybin and psychedelics in North America and globally will create greater shareholder value, the Company's intention to open a hemp-based CBD extraction facility, the expected benefits to the Company and its shareholders as a result of the proposed acquisitions and partnerships; the effectiveness of the extraction technology; the expected benefits for Empowers patient base and customers; the benefits of CBD based products; the effect of the approval of the Farm Bill; the growth of the Company's patient list and that the Company will be positioned to be a market-leading service provider for complex patient requirements in 2019 and beyond; the ability of the Company to complete or execute phases One, Two, Three or Four of COVID-19 test programs, and Psychedelic substances remain illegal in most countries, so please reference your local laws in relation to medical or recreational use. Such statements are only projections, are based on assumptions known to management at this time, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, including; that the Company may not open a hemp-based CBD extraction facility; that legislative changes may have an adverse effect on the Company's business and product development; that the Company may not be able to obtain adequate financing to pursue its business plan; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; failure to obtain any necessary approvals in connection with the proposed acquisitions and partnerships; and other factors beyond the Company's control. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements in this release, which are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The Company is under no obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable laws. SOURCE: Empower Clinics Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/595181/Empower-to-Open-Wellness-Clinic-in-Vancouver-and-Provides-Updates-on-Its-Psychedlics-Division-Dosed-Wellness Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) Prior to General Charles Brown Jr. 's confirmation as the next United States Air Force Chief of Staff, he served for almost two years as its regional commander in the Indo-Pacific, based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. As he assumes his new post, marking a historic achievement as the first African American military service chief, Brown sounds the alarm on China's continuing aggressive actions over the South China Sea. "Im concerned by (the) increasing opportunistic activity by the PRC (People's Republic of China) to coerce its neighbors and press its unlawful maritime claims while the region and the world is focused on addressing the COVID pandemic," Brown said in a teleconference on Wednesday. More than China's expanding military might, such as beefing up its fleet of advanced fighter jets, Brown raised one important point that seemed to have alarmed him: "It's how they do their activity." "As I came into the command and I talked to the staff here, very rarely did we see the PLAAF (People's Liberation Army Air Force) H-6 bombers fly over water, and now its an everyday occurrence," Brown explained. "And so, its things like that I see." "Its not only the capability, but its the intent and how they use it," Brown added. The Chinese military's "activity" in the disputed waters "while other (nations) are focused" on combating the spread of COVID-19 caught Brown's attention describing it "maybe a little more" compared to the time when he was commander of the Pacific Air Force (PACAF). "What I find is, there are times that they tend to do more to send a message." He said reports of China's plan to impose an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the South China Sea, which also covers the West Philippine Sea, "impacts" not only the United States, "but all of the nations in the region." Such action "goes against the rules-based international order," Brown pointed out, "And so, its important for us to pay attention to something like this." "As I look across the region, peace in the Indo-Pacific is made possible by the willingness of the free nations to work together and US combat power postured in the region." The US Navy recently conducted maritime drills off the vast Philippine Sea, deploying its two carrier strike groups the USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Nimitz, jointly performing dual carrier flight operations last June 21. The USS Theodore Roosevelt is returning to the region for the first time since it was moored in Guam in late March, due to a coronavirus outbreak aboard the ship, infecting more than 1,000 personnel and causing the death of one sailor. In a statement, the US Pacific fleet said, "the United States has a national interest in maintaining security and prosperity, peaceful resolution of disputes, unimpeded lawful commerce, and adherence to freedom of navigation and overflight throughout the shared domains of the Indo-Pacific." "For more than 75 years, the US Navy has been a persistent and stabilizing presence conducting operations throughout the region on a daily basis," which includes the disputed South China Sea. 3HOLYOKE An independent report commissioned by Gov. Charlie Baker takes scathing aim at ousted Holyoke Soldiers Home superintendent Bennett Walsh, citing baffling decisions when COVID-19 first crept up on the facility then killed a third of its residents over 11 weeks. The report, authored by Boston attorney and former federal prosecutor Mark W. Pearlstein and released Wednesday, resulted in Walshs firing by the governor. Walsh, a decorated U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran who was paid $122,299 last year, had been suspended with pay since March 30. In a statement Wednesday, Walshs attorney, his uncle and former Hampden County district attorney William M. Bennett, said, We dispute many of the statements and conclusions in the report, to which we were never given the opportunity to rebut prior to publication. We are also disappointed that the report contains many baseless accusations that are immaterial to the issues under consideration. We are reviewing the report and will have more to say in the days ahead. He said legal action against the state is being considered as the firing denies Mr. Walsh the opportunity for a fair and public hearing. Baker also sought and received the resignation of state veterans affairs secretary Francisco A. Urena, himself also a Marine combat veteran. The report cited multiple failures by Urena, who earned $131,716 last year, in his oversight of the Soldiers Home. Within the 134-page analysis are vivid and disturbing accounts by staff who recounted a frantic afternoon on March 27. On that day, 40 veterans from two locked dementia units were crammed into one designed for 25. A single resident had tested positive for the virus nearly a week earlier and five more were awaiting results. Some were ill. Some were well. Some were fully clothed. Some were not. Some were in the wrong beds, staff recounted. Employees worried they would lose track of which veterans were already sick or who remained healthy. That hasty combination of two care units was held up as a catastrophe during a crisis response at the Soldiers Home that went wildly wrong, according to Pearlstein and his team of investigators. He called the decision baffling and the opposite of infection control in his report. He noted that every leader at the facility except chief nursing officer Vanessa Lauziere refused to take responsibility for the decision. She blamed the decision on being short-staffed when employees began calling out sick, according to the report. Some employees who were present for the combining of the dementia units said they were alarmed at the time and will remain haunted by what they saw there. I will never get those images out of my mind what we did, what was done to those veterans, one staff members said, according to the report. The report points the finger at inept management by Walsh, his senior nursing executive, and now-former medical director, Dr. David Clinton, who made $116,000 annually for a 20-hour a week job before recently being forced to resign. Along with Urenas departure the night before the reports release, the governor also received the resignation of the veterans affairs departments general counsel, Stuart Ivimey, whose pay in 2019 was $111,250. Pearlsteins report was based on interviews with about 100 people from Walsh to his senior staff, trustees, nurses, support staff and family members plus an analysis of more than 13,000 documents. The first veteran to test positive for COVID-19 began exhibiting symptoms in late February. By the time he was finally tested on March 17 the results wouldnt come in for another four days he had been permitted to stay in a room with three other veterans, visit common areas and wander about the unit. By March 30, he and nine more had died in the space of a week; 66 more would die of the disease before the storm subsided. The report shows panic beginning to mount at the Soldiers Home in mid-March and eventually making its way to the governors office by months end. Late-night and early morning texts and calls on March 29 and 30 were between Walsh, Urena, officials with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito as more veterans died. There was confusion over the death toll, the report shows. At 7 a.m. on March 30, Walsh placed a phone call to Urena, with whom he had never had the best relationship, according to the report. Mr. Secretary, Im sorry I didnt tell you about all these deaths, Urena, quoting Walsh, told Pearlstein of the brief conversation. Urena told investigators he wished he kept Walsh on the line longer to determine precisely what he was apologizing for. While general counsel Ivimey made a few cameos in the report, Urena was strongly rebuked for looking the other way after, he told Pearlstein, he had years ago sized up Walsh as a bad manager who was in over his head. Baker, at his press conference yesterday to discuss the report, confirmed Urena had gracefully agreed to step down after Sudders asked for his resignation. The governor said his entire administration bore some responsibility for the collapse of the Soldiers Home while in the belly of the pandemic. The Department of Veterans Services and our administration did not do the job we should have done overseeing Bennett Walsh and the Soldiers Home, he told reporters. Veterans who deserve the best from state government got exactly the opposite. Baker signaled additional reforms with regard to staffing, capital improvements and some changes to the board of trustees to include members with medical expertise. Kevin Jourdain, chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Soldiers Home, did not return a call for comment, although sources said he shared copies of the report with fellow trustees. A group of grassroots advocates, including John Paradis, former deputy superintendent for the Soldiers Home, has renewed longstanding calls for reforms at the facility that predated the pandemic and some argue fell on deaf legislative ears for years. This must mean a path forward supported by a commitment to demonstrably improve the Home in three areas: staffing that ensures the utmost safety for veterans; the approval of a new or vastly improved facility in Holyoke that is state of the art and which meets the highest of standards in long-term care; and third a new governance and oversight model that is removed from politics and which truly serves the veterans, Paradis said. Family members of veterans who died of the disease said the release of the report placed them squarely back into a nightmare from which they had scarcely recovered. Susan Kenney, of Ware, emerged as a vocal advocate for families when she drove to the Soldiers Home on April 3 with a message scrawled on her car. Is my dad alive? Shame on the Soldiers Home, over 30 hours with no call back, the message read. It was a period when families said they couldnt visit the facility, but also couldnt get through to staff, who were inside the walls and overwhelmed. Her father, Charles Lowell, was alive on that day, she learned but died eight days later. His birthday was yesterday, and but for all this I dont see any reason why he would not have made it, Kenney said Wednesday. She had been poring over the report all day. Some of the disturbing pictures painted by staff were familiar to her, through prior accounts from other families. Still, she hoped they werent true. This feels like its happening all over again, and were all exhausted again and its tough, Kenney said. But these are people who fought for our country and I want to see them get some kind of justice. Related Content: Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 22:55:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PARIS, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The "immense amazement" from a month-long trip in Xinjiang has overturned her preconceptions about the region, French writer Sonia Bressler told Xinhua in a recent interview. Based on her personal experiences traveling in Xinjiang in 2015, Bressler, who is also a sinologist, has published two books: "Xinjiang, the thousand and one wonders of the Silk Road" and "Workers in Xinjiang," to share her journey in the region. "It was with immense amazement that I discovered part of this immense autonomous region of China," she told Xinhua, adding that she "unwillingly had preconceived ideas of this region" before the trip. The writer explained that her "ignorance" about Xinjiang in part comes from the "passionate speeches" waged by separatists that she came across when she was learning about the region. "Secondly, history books on this region tell more of a Western vision of the Chinese history, which is also found in travel guides," she said. However, once into the region, "I was literally in time lag between what I thought I knew about this region and the reality there," said Bressler. "China has 56 ethnic groups, a magnificent diversity that we can measure in Xinjiang. There are Hui, Uyghur, Mongolian, Kazak, Dongxiang, Kyrgyz, Daur, Xibe, Tajik, Russian, Ozbek, Tatar ... And these are ethnic groups that the Chinese government protects, no one should be favored more than another," she noted. "A fair governance is established between all these ethnic groups, their cultural practices, their religions, their customs, etc.," she said. Bressler added that "as in other parts of China, the Chinese government is making a huge effort to preserve heritage, be it places of worship or old buildings." Meanwhile, new infrastructures such as museums, schools, hospitals, etc. have been built, she said. Recalling the wonderful moments of her trip, the writer said she is eager to visit Xinjiang again. "Throughout my trip, I met different personalities, men, women and children. All told me their stories, their paths, their passion for this beautiful country, that is China," she said. Enditem "Police in Budgam along with security forces have arrested five terrorist associates of proscribed terror outfit LeT," a police spokesperson confirmed to Republic on Thursday. The terror associates have been identified as-Imran Rashid r/o Kurhama Budgam, Ifshan Ahmad Ganie r/o Check Kawoosa, Owais Ahmad r/o Kawoosa Khalisa, Mohsin Qadir r/o Kurhama Budgam, Abid Rather r/o Archanderhama Magam. READ | COAS Naravane commends Indian Army troops at Ladakh; Braveheart Col Babu honoured in Delhi Incriminating material that has been recovered from their possession includes 28 Live Rounds of AK-47, 01 Magazine AK-47, 20 Posters of LeT," added the statement. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation and to probe their complicity in other terror crimes. As per the police records, the arrested persons were involved in providing logistical support and shelter to active terrorists of LeT operating in the area and were also active in the area for the last few months. In this regard case FIR no 101/2020 under relevant sections of UAPA has been registered in police station Magam and investigation in the matter is in progress, the statement adds. READ | 'Great Achievement': Kashmir IG hails CRPF after three terrorists were killed in Srinagar Pertinently, on Wednesday, police also arrested four associates of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in Sopore district of Jammu and Kashmir, an official said. The arrested persons have been identified as Irfan Ahmed Mir, Irfan Ahmed Khan, Qaiser Rehman Khan all residents of Putkha and Suhail Ahmed Ganie resident of Chanpora, Athoora, he said, in a statement. During the course of investigation, it was revealed that they were involved in case FIR No. 48/2020 of Police Station Tarzoo which pertains to lobbing of grenade on Police Post Putkha which was assigned to them by an active terrorist of LeT Fayaz Ahmed War @ Umar and a Foreign terrorist @ Usman as a qualifying test to join their ranks, added the statement. As per the police records, the arrested persons were involved in providing logistical support and shelter to active terrorists of LeT operating in the area, he added. READ | Public Transport to Ply from tomorrow in Jammu; RTO opens after 90 days READ | BSF says 'major terrorist attack' averted after Pak drone with weapons was gunned down (image from PTI) OTTAWANew restrictions on visas for workers entering the United States dont apply to Canadians who dont plan on living south of the border permanently, the American Immigration Lawyers Association says. A practice alert for the groups 15,000 members, issued late Wednesday, says a liaison committee it has with U.S. Customs and Border Protection has confirmed that exemption. President Donald Trump this week ordered a suspension on issuing several types of visas allowing foreign citizens to work in the United States, on the grounds that his countrys pandemic-rattled economy doesnt have enough jobs for Americans as it is. The proclamation lasts until the end of the year. It particularly covers workers seeking H-1B visas, which U.S. employers use to temporarily employ specialists in fields such as high-tech. The ban also includes H-2B visas for seasonal non-agricultural workers, L visas for managers and executives in multinational companies and J visas for students and workers in exchange programs. But Canadians who want to work in the U.S. without immigrating permanently dont necessarily need those work visas. The language of the proclamation seemed plain enough, immigration lawyer Henry Chang said by email. We therefore believed that the presidential proclamation did not apply to (Canadians). Unfortunately, in the absence of clear guidance on this issue, the position taken by United States Customs and Border Protection varied from port to port, said Chang, a partner at Dentons in Toronto who specializes in Canadian and U.S. business immigration. He said its now clear that so-called visa-exempt Canadians arent lumped in with others who wont be eligible to work in the United States. A request for comment sent to U.S. Customs and Border Protection after regular business hours wasnt immediately answered. Trumps proclamation explicitly forbids only the issuing of new visas. People who already hold them can continue to use them. Though Canadians dont necessarily need visas to work in the U.S., having one does come with protections and advantages. Someone with an H-1B visa can seek permanent residency and start on a path to U.S. citizenship, for instance. The Department of Homeland Security says about 4,600 Canadians received H-1B visas last year. Heavy precipitation on June 22-24 caused serious flooding in Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Lviv, Zakarpattia and Ternopil regions, the press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine has said. "Three people were killed [as a result of the flooding] in the territory of [Ivano-Frankivsk] region," it said. As many as 285 towns and villages, 9,994 houses, nine social and household infrastructure facilities, 13,390 household plots were affected by flooding. In addition, 117 kilometers of roads (116 kilometers in Ivano-Frankivsk regions and 1 kilometer in Chernivtsi region) and 64 bridges were destroyed in Ivano-Frankivsk region. Some 500 kilometers of roads and 135 bridges (487 kilometers of roads and 118 bridges in Ivano-Frankivsk region, 2 kilometers of roads in Lviv region, 12 kilometers of roads and 17 bridges in Chernivtsi region) and 280 meters of dams in Chernivtsi region were damaged. As many as 1,643 people and 469 units of equipment, including 656 employees, 123 units of equipment and two helicopters of the State Emergency Service, are involved in the operations to clean up the aftermath of the natural disaster. OTTAWA Former top officials from Canada travelled to China last November in an attempt to free two Canadians detained there, the Star has learned. The bipartisan and non-partisan effort to win the release of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor was part of a back-channel diplomatic effort at finding a compromise that its organizer, Gordon Houlden, believes must continue. Houlden, the director of the University of Albertas China Institute, was among a group of academics joined by former Conservative cabinet ministers John Baird and Ted Menzies, former Canadian ambassador Rob Wright, former Liberal justice minister Allan Rock and former deputy foreign affairs minister Len Edwards. They met, with the knowledge of the Trudeau government, over several days with current and former Chinese Communist Party officials in Chengdu, Sichuan province. The unofficial delegation was not paid for by the Canadian government, although Canadian officials did provide a briefing to its members prior to their departure, said another source who spoke only on background. The delegates later told Dominic Barton, Canadas ambassador to China, that China would release the two men if Canada released Meng Wanzhou, the Huawei executive arrested in Canada following an extradition request from the United States. Kovrig and Spavor were arrested just days after Meng was detained in Vancouver in December 2018. Houlden, a former Canadian foreign service officer, confirmed the details Thursday in an interview with the Star, just hours after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau flatly rejected appeals by another group of prominent Canadians to drop the Meng extradition case to secure the mens freedom. There arent a lot of options other than dialogue right now, said Houlden. Id like to see a resumption of dialogue before we are hemmed in too much or the Chinese hem us in too much. Houlden said there were signals last fall that the Chinese were willing to compromise: the day his group left Chengdu for Beijing, China announced it would lift import restrictions it had slapped on Canadian pork and beef. But Houlden said the tough talk by Chinese and Canadian officials in public statements in the past week could now make compromise difficult, even though dialogue offers the best prospect for an exit. He also rejected calls by Conservatives for Trudeau to punish China. It will be hard to out-sanction China, he said. Theyve got a bigger stick and bigger levers. On Thursday, Trudeau said his government has a range of options and measures it is considering, but would not say what his next move might be. The prime minister did not deny that the justice minister has a legal power to drop the case against Meng, but he said giving into Chinas pressure tactics to get Kovrig and Spavor released would be absolutely unacceptable. Trudeau said that would put Canadians abroad in danger by allowing China and other countries to think they could get away with randomly arresting Canadians whenever they want. We cannot allow political pressures or random arrests of Canadian citizens to influence the functioning of our justice system, he said. As for those advocating in favour of a deal, I respect these individuals but they are wrong in their approach, Trudeau told reporters. That was in response to a letter from 19 prominent Canadians, who cited a May 22 legal opinion that said the government can and should release Meng now, and need not wait for years for the extradition case to wend through the courts. The signatories included Allan Rock and Len Edwards, who went on the November trip to China. Rock declined to comment Thursday. Another signatory, Yves Fortier, an international arbitrator and former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations, said Trudeaus statement closes an avenue. The decision rests with the PM. End of story, as far as we are concerned, Fortier told the Star. But in an interview with the CBC, However Kovrigs wife said the letter was not a wasted effort because it has created a more sophisticated understanding about the Canadian legal environment, and Canadians now know that the minister has the lawful authority to withdraw the Meng extradition. The question then becomes should that authority be exercised, Vina Nadjibulla said. Were now having a real conversation about the complexities of this case, she said. The government has to exercise political judgment in finding a way forward and not just say the rule of law prohibits us from doing anything. Nadjibulla had released the legal opinion by lawyer Brian Greenspan, which was commissioned by Rock and former Supreme Court judge Louise Arbour, who is a past UN human rights commissioner and past head of the International Crisis Group, the research group for which Kovrig worked. This week, after months of denying any connection, Chinas Foreign Ministry publicly cited that same legal opinion and Kovrigs wifes statements, and linked the fates of the two men to Mengs release. Such options are within the rule of law and could open up space for resolution to the situation of the two Canadians, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. When Greenspan learned in an interview with the Star that China had relied on his work to call Canada out, he said his legal advice was never meant to weaponize anyone. It was meant to provide an accurate assessment of what options were available to Canada, he said. Trudeaus refusal to negotiate with China for the detainees freedom is the same stance that he took in 2016 when he refused to pay a ransom for Canadians captured by a terrorist group in the Philippines. Two Canadian men were subsequently killed. The latest group of prominent Canadians to call for Mengs release included Liberals, Conservatives and New Democrats former ministers, deputy ministers, ambassadors, foreign policy advisers and academics. All urged the Trudeau government to heed the advice to release Meng in exchange for the release of the two men. Among the signatories was Robert Fowler, a former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations who was himself kidnapped in Niger in 2008. The groups letter, which was obtained by the Star, said the signatories acknowledge it does not sit well with anyone to yield to bullying or blackmail. But they said resisting doesnt guarantee anyones future safety either. China might well decide that next time it will need to escalate by detaining more than two Canadians, they wrote. More broadly, they say the Meng Wanzhou saga has undermined the Liberal governments ability to vigorously criticize China for its actions in Hong Kong or for domestic human rights violations elsewhere in the country. In short, Canadas foreign policy is also being held hostage. But Trudeau was unmoved. It is not just the two Michaels who are at question here it is every Canadian who travels in China or anywhere else overseas, he said. Trudeau said the government is aware of its discretion in law. There is and has been from the very beginning an element of that that involves input from the justice minister at the appropriate time, he said. However the prime minister repeatedly referred the need to respect the independence of Canadas justice system, and Canadas international treaty obligations with the U.S. Federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said Trudeau should get tougher on China, but also said the prime minister should not intervene in the Meng extradition case. I dont believe setting aside the rule of law is an appropriate response to two Canadians who are detained illegally, he said. I dont believe it would leave Canadians who are around the world in a very secure position if hostile governments or hostile organizations around the world know that a government would entertain that type of policy. Correction - June 26, 2020: This article was edited from a previous version that mistakenly said Rob Wright, former Canadian ambassador to China, was among signatories on a letter saying that the Canadian government could free Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou and end the extradition case against her. As well, former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations Robert Fowler was kidnapped in Niger in 2008. Read more about: South Korean Military Warned against Imprudent Acts Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, June 24 (KCNA) -- Kim Yong Chol, vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, made public the following statement on June 24: As was reported, at the preliminary meeting for the fifth meeting of the Seventh Central Military Commission of the WPK held on June 23, the military action plans against the south referred to the fifth meeting by the General Staff of the Korean People's Army was put on hold and a measure was taken to suspend some actions against the south which had been on the way. Now is a critical moment when we can foresee the prospects of inter-Korean relations from the south Korean authorities' future attitude and approach. Taking the advantage of this, the south Korean minister of "Defense", busied himself to save his face and acted a fool making a bluff. This is very pitiful. Detente of military tension on the Korean Peninsula can not be expected from the self-restraint and good-faith acts practiced by one side only. It can truly be ensured and guaranteed only by efforts and patience of both sides based on mutual respect and trust. By availing itself of this opportunity, the south Korean military intentionally tried to give impression that it buckled down to propaganda about "alert posture". On the other hand, it, accentuating its stand to take actions of strongly conflicting military dimension like "thorough-going watch on the north" and "boosting alert posture", groundlessly let out extremely rattling expressions like "provocation" in reference to our action. At the so-called plenary meeting of the Legislation and Judiciary Committee held in the building of the "National Assembly" on June 24, Defense Minister Jong Kyong Du made such thoughtless statement that our military action plan must be completely "withdrawn", not just suspended. We can not but issue a warning against his imprudent behavior. It is too foolish and inappropriate attempt, if he has an idea to convince others that the south's hard "efforts for crisis control" and "military alert posture" contributed to ensuring peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. When the "Defense Ministry" of south Korea practiced indiscreet words and acts similar to the recent ones in the past, we commented that scared dog barks noisier. It has to think and behave wisely if it does not want to see us using those coarse languages when we state our official stand on the south. It may sound threatening, but nothing will turn out favorable when our "suspension" becomes "reconsideration". The south Korean "Defense Ministry's" untimely slip of the tongue must not result in greater crisis in the north-south relations. It has to realize that self-control is the "key" to tiding over the crisis. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Bhopal: The Morena district administration has sealed the Madhya Pradesh (MP)-Rajasthan border in the Chambal region after over 50 new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) positive cases were reported in the past 72 hours. The Morena district authorities have intensified screening at Allabeli checkpoint on the inter-state border and also barred people from entering the state from the neighbouring Rajasthans Dholpur district, which has been reporting a spike in Covid-19 positive cases. Morena district collector (DC) Priyanka Das said: Every person entering MP from Rajasthan will be screened along with a verification of the Aadhaar card. Vegetable vendors and other hawkers often enter Morena from Dholpur district. They will undergo a medical examination and their swab samples will be collected. On the inter-state border, a team of doctors has been deployed to examine members of wedding processions from Rajasthan and those from the neighbouring desert state visiting their relatives in Morena district. Dholpur residents would be either barred from entry or quarantined, if they show any Covid-19 symptoms, the Morena district authorities said. The doctors team has been empowered to give access to people entering the district from Rajasthan and their clearance would act as a pass. DC Das held a meeting with public representatives on Wednesday evening. Dholpur has become a hotspot after 400 Covid-19 positive cases were reported. Dholpur district authorities have ordered the collection of swab samples of grocers and other shopkeepers. A lockdown has been clamped in the districts marketplaces as well. Many vendors are trying to enter Morena because of the lockdown restrictions in Dholpur, which is leading to a spike in Covid-19 positive cases in our district, the DC said. So far, Morena district has reported 214 Covid-19 positive cases, including 53 over the past three days, and a patient has also died. MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan also instructed Morena district authorities on Wednesday evening to keep a strict vigil amid a spike in Covid-19 positive cases and a looming threat from the Dholpur district. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Governor is Briefed by Minister Isola His Excellency the Governor Sir David Steel visited Minister Albert Isola at the offices of the Ministry for Digital and Financial Services earlier this week. Minister Isola briefed Sir David on all aspects of Gibraltars important Financial Services and Gaming Industries including the impact of Covid 19 on these sectors. Sir David probed the Minister on possible new areas of business for the Jurisdiction and the importance of technology and innovation in modern business. In their first formal meeting since the Governors arrival to Gibraltar, Minister Isola also briefed Sir David on his other areas of responsibility including Digital Services, Broadcasting and Town Planning. Plans are already being made for further meetings as well as direct briefings with Regulators and various Departments. Hainans ASEAN Future and Dark Clouds Over Hong Kong The Hainan Free Trade Port plan is aligned with Chinas new Silk Road initiatives, the Greater Bay Area plan and deeper ties with Southeast Asia. Hong Kongs real threats are closer and farther. On June 1, the Chinese government published its Hainan masterplan. It seeks to transform the southernmost province, separated from Guangdongs Peninsula by the Qiongzhou Strait, into a Free Trade Port (FTP). The plan will turn Chinas largest and most populous island to its biggest special economic zone (SEZ). The initiative stems from the early days of Chinese economic reforms. Following the first special economic zones in Guangdong and the opening of further 14 coastal megacities to overseas investment, the government disclosed its plan to transform Hainan into Chinas largest SEZ in 1988. In the West, Hainans long-term plan has been seen as a reaction to recent turmoil in Hong Kong and the Trump administrations controversial trade war against China. In reality, Hong Kongs real threats are elsewhere. Vital link to ASEAN and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road In Hainan, things began to change in 2009, when the Chinese government began to transform the island into an international tourist destination by the early 2020s. As investment inflows intensified, particularly in real estate, another surge ensued in the early 2010s, when Hainan came to be seen as a frontline to Southeast Asia, and as a vital node in the Maritime Silk Road along the Belt and Road Initiatives. Due to new protectionism in the West, that role has steadily increased in importance. In early 2020, the rising bilateral trade with ASEAN accounted for 15% of Chinas total trade volume, relative to 11% and 14% with the US and EU, respectively. With its proximity to Southeast Asia, Hainan possesses unique advantages as a future free trade port. With more than 9 million people, it is a fourth more populous than Hong Kong and almost twice as big as Singapore. And by land area 35,000 km2 - it is more than 30 times the size of Hong Kong (and nearly 50 times larger than Singapore). Thats vital for an international trade hub. According to the four-stage timeline, Hainan should become an operational free trade zone during this year. In 2020-25, Hainans free trade port should be in place, with an attractive business environment, improved industrial competitiveness, sound rule and law. In 2025-35, the FTP is expected to mature operationally. And by 2050, Hainan should have established, strong international influence. The Hainan masterplan seeks to liberalize cross-border flows of trade, investment and capital, and people, transport and data. But its current positioning and industry focus are different from Hong Kong. Hainan will play more of a complementary role not a competitive rivalry to Hong Kong. Dark clouds over Hong Kongs future Under the 1992 US-Hong Kong Special Policy Act and after the 1997 handover of Hong Kong from Britain to China, Washington has treated the city separately from the mainland in matters of trade exports and economic control. In the past two decades, there have been periodic attempts by mainly localist and separatist groups in Hong Kong to undermine the status quo. In the West, they are seen as pro-democracy groups, whereas China sees them as destabilizing forces, due to their close cooperation with regime-change forces in the US and UK. These efforts intensified in summer 2019, which saw a violent protest escalation that undermined Hong Kongs recovery, pushed it to recession even before the pandemic and has contributed to the citys current, first-ever back-to-back recession. At the same time, cooperation between some protest leaders and US Congress led to an amendment in the 1992 Act. The 2019 Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act allows US government to impose sanctions against Chinese and Hong Kong officials and requires US agencies to conduct an annual review to determine whether changes in the US-Hong Kong trade relations are warranted. In Beijings view, such a law would be comparable to a Chinese Act that would allow China to conduct reviews and impose sanctions against US government, state and municipal officials depending on, say, the dire state of race relations in America. Nonetheless, in late May, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo certified to Congress that Hong Kong no longer enjoys a high degree of autonomy from China. Days later, President Trump announced some sanctions would be placed on Hong Kong. With these statements, the White House has paved a potential way to bad business, diplomacy, precedent and still another major policy mistake. How 2019 Act would undermine American multinationals and Hong Kong Today, there are some 85,000 US citizens in Hong Kong, which hosts 1,300 US companies with Asian headquarters in the city. If the new 2019 Act is implemented, they could leave for Singapore or elsewhere, which would penalize their cost structure, or relocate to China, which would undermine the White Houses objectives. In both cases, US would lose its bilateral goods and service trade surplus of $34 billion with Hong Kong, which would cost still more US domestic jobs. The long-term diplomatic impact could be worse. For decades, US presence in Hong Kong has been a major influence channel in East Asia, while US multinationals HQs in Hong Kong and their subsidiaries in China have served as vital instruments of increasing bilateral understanding. Yet, the Trump White House seems intent to undermine both. Since the 2019 Act could derail Hong Kongs economic and political future, it represents everything but the best interests of the city. Thats perhaps why some leading Hong Kong protesters have recently, but only belatedly, warned about the consequences of the Act that they themselves had made possible. The Trump White Houses policy mistake could also trigger a process in which Shanghai, thanks to its Free Trade Zone and Lingang New Area, could receive many new US companies, particularly financial giants, that the 2019 Act would force to leave Hong Kong. Since 2009, Shanghai has been transformed into the mainlands global financial and trade hub. Those steps would certainly be accelerated. And thanks to the Greater Bay Area initiative - Chinas huge Silicon Valley-like region that links Guangdongs megacities, Hong Kong and Macau - US technology giants could flock to Shenzhen and elsewhere, while those that operate in Southeast Asia or have significant shipping interests could move to Hainan. The greatest threat to Hong Kong Hong Kongs greatest threat has never been the myth that China would want to turn it into just another Chinese city. Thats precisely the one thing China does not want. Instead, Hong Kongs greatest risk is irrelevance. If its greatest strengths are undermined, it could become inconsequential as a major global economic hub. Indeed, if the White House prevents the city from realizing its unique advantages world-class finance, shipping and trade Hong Kong would face accelerated decay in the future. Hainans free port is not Hong Kongs threat. The citys real risks are closer and farther. 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. UPDATED U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is backing off somewhat from her controversial push for school districts to make coronavirus relief available to all local private school students, following a salvo of criticism from education officials and groups. The new interim final rule , released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Education, gives school districts choices for how they distribute K-12 aid money from Congress. And ultimately, the rule would give districts the option to set aside the aid for a subset of private school students like they typically do, instead of the broader population of those students, as DeVos had previously sought. At issue is equitable services under the CARES Act. Typically, these serviceslike tutoring and technology licensesare provided by school districts to benefit certain disadvantaged students in local private schools. However, after President Donald Trump signed the CARES Act into law, DeVos issued nonbinding guidance in April that districts should reserve relief money on equitable services for all local private school students. The move caused an uproar . Many education officials said this would improperly divert critical aid from public schools to wealthy private school students. And congressional Democrats accused DeVos of robbing public schools. But DeVos and private school advocates justified the guidance by saying CARES money, including for equitable services, is meant to benefit all students regardless of what school they attend. Heres what DeVos new interim final rule says: A district can decide to distribute the CARES money only to schools that received Title I for the 2019-20 school year essentially, those schools with a minimum share of students from low-income backgrounds. If districts choose to distribute aid only to Title I schools, they can use two options to calculate how much money they set aside for equitable services: They can use the same amount for equitable services they set aside for the 2019-20 school year; or they can conduct a count of low-income students in local private schools to determine the proportional share. If a district distributes aid only to Title I schools, it cant use the CARES money to backfill cuts at the state and local level by moving other funding out of those schools into other schools. That could create a very big incentive for districts not to spend CARES money only on Title I schools, given the huge budget cuts many districts are facing. But if a district distributes CARES aid to schools that didnt receive Title I in 2019-20, then it must calculate the amount it must set aide for equitable services using a count of all local students enrolled in private schools in the district. This interim final rule will go into effect immediately and has the full force of law, although theres still a process for the public to provide comment for 30 days. However, there could be legal action in response to it. The Education Department estimated that the interim final rule could affect at most between 6 and 8 percent of the roughly $13 billion in aid for school districts under the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act. The shift by DeVos represents a qualified victory for public school officials and advocates and a corresponding setback for private school advocates. But it could also force some school districts into difficult decisions about how to allocate money among schools. And it could complicate district-based responses to the coronavirus that arent necessarily tailored to individual schools. So how many schools received Title I recently? (Generally speaking, a school is at least eligible for Title I if 35 percent of children or more come from low-income backgrounds.) Out of about 98,800 schools that reported Title I information for the 2017-18 school yeara year before fiscal 2019 beganapproximately 59,600 schoolsor 60 percentreported receiving Title I money to operate either targeted or schoolwide programs, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. If youre a school district that only wants to serve your low-income students, we respect that, said Jim Blew, the assistant secretary for the office of planning, evaluation, and policy development, in a conference call with reporters. He said the choice for school districts is: Are we only going to serve our low-income students, or are we going to serve all our students? Blew added, however, that he expected there to be a lawsuit and a request for a preliminary injunction to put a halt to the rule, and that Congress might amend the CARES Act language to negate the rule. Theres nothing in the law Congress passed that would allow districts to discriminate against students and teachers based on private school placement and employment, DeVos said on the call. States must distribute CARES money to districts based on the number of children counted for their regular federal Title I funding, which typically is earmarked for disadvantaged students. However, CARES aid is not bound by the same requirements as Title I and can be used for a huge array of purposes, from cleaning schools to mental-health support for students. Some states had previously instructed their school districts to abide by DeVos April guidance. But the American Federation of Teachers and AASA, the School Superintendents Assocation, told districts they should ignore it. But the options the department is giving districts may not calm the waters. In a Thursday statement, Dan Domenech, the executive director of AASA, said his group was deeply disappointed in what DeVos released because it would not lead to an equitable distribution of CARES money. The policy priorities of the Secretary represent an opportunistic money grab, using the pandemic environment to advance the privatization agenda, Domenech said. Decisions About Equity The interim final rule could in theory make life easier for districts where all the schools received Title I in 2019-20, since they could treat equitable services like they always have. But districts with some schools that didnt get Title I in 2019-20 would have to weigh whether they want to help all their schools, and then set aside more money for private school students as a consequence, or only use CARES aid to benefit their schools with relatively large shares of poor students and reserve less money for students in private schools. Julia Martin, legislative director at Brustein and Manasevit, an education legal and consulting firm, said that the interim final rule strikes a certain balance, but for many districts it may not represent a real choice. It recognizes that local districts have significant control over how CARES money is spent, and that schools can focus on student needs and not just equality of access, she said. At the same time, she noted, it allows the Education Department to save face by codifying its own equity argument that if funds go to all public schools, it is more fair to provide them to all private schools too. However, she added, the rules proviso that districts sending CARES aid only to Title I schools cant use the money to make up for state and local budget cuts makes that option significantly less attractive. That change could hamstring some [districts] where state funding decisions have already been made, she said. Neal McCluskey, the director of the Center for Educational Freedom at the libertarian Cato Institute, indicated that the rule might be a fair solution because it requires districts decisions about which public schools receive the aid to be reflected in which local private school students benefit from it. Last month, Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., the chairman of the Senate education committee, said he differed with the education secretary about her interpretation of equitable services, but did not say hed push for Congress to nullify her guidance. DeVos then told state officials in an unusual letter that she would issue a proposed rule to clarify the issue . Equitable services are provided to students and dont provide money directly to private schools. But at a time when pandemic-driven private school closures are rising, outside dollars for their students could help private schools preserve resources for critical needs. Private school advocates backed DeVos April guidance and also say that if private schools can stay open, it helps public schools as well . While some states previously said their districts would follow DeVos April guidance on the topic, others havent. DeVos guidance has sparked disputes between states and private school associations . At least one state, Illinois, had required districts to hold a portion of CARES money in escrow until further word from the federal government. Photo: U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos speaks about the coronavirus pandemic and school closures at a White House briefing in March. --AP Photo/Alex Brandon Follow us on Twitter @PoliticsK12 . And follow the Politics K-12 reporters @EvieBlad @Daarel and @AndrewUjifusa . Just when you thought 2020 couldn't get any weirder: Here comes the muddy rain. The arrival of Saharan dust in Louisiana on Wednesday night and Thursday might actually result in dirty windshields, depending on how much dust ends up getting rained out of the atmosphere, according to a NOAA research scientist tracking the plumes. The #SaharanDust is now getting entrained into the midlatitude system affecting the southeast US and pulled north into coastal Louisiana and Mississippi. I wouldn't be surprised if the rain with the storms in the New Orleans area brings down a thin layer of dust to the surface pic.twitter.com/yiDqNrBpTm Dan Lindsey (@DanLindsey77) June 24, 2020 "It's basically speculation, but when you look at the satellite imagery, New Orleans is on the outer edge of this large dust plume," said Dan Lindsey, a meteorologist who helps oversee NOAA's GOES-R satellites. The dust has been tracked with the satellite's GeoColor imagery, where it shows up as varying shades of brown stretching from the African coast across the Atlantic Ocean and through the Caribbean Sea to the Gulf of Mexico. It was unclear Wednesday whether the northernmost part of the plume entrained in a layer of dry air well above the Earth's surface that has already entered the Gulf of Mexico would arrive in time for tall thunderstorms to push their way above that layer and form rain that would capture the dust particles on their way to the surface, he said. If it does, the tiny mineral rock particles could smear windshields, he said. What is clear is that by Friday, after the rain has gone, a more dust-rich part of the plume will drape across south Louisiana, according to the latest forecast of NASA's Global Modeling and Assimilation Office. That part of the plume will blanket the entire Gulf Coast from Texas across the Florida panhandle, stretching back out into the Atlantic Ocean. By Sunday, the center of that plume will be over Georgia, while its outer edges will have reached southern Indiana and Illinois. A second, less intense plume of Saharan dust should reach the Texas and westernmost Louisiana coast by July 1. Environmental news in your inbox Stay up-to-date on the latest on Louisiana's coast and the environment. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up If the particles fall from the sky across south Louisiana at certain levels, they will trigger the issuance of an air quality alert or air quality action day by the state Department of Environmental Quality. The threshold for such an alert would be reached if the volume of the smallest dust particles, chemical particles and other matter in the air totals 150 micrograms per cubic meter or greater. Those actions would be determined using the national Air Quality Index, which measures pollutants like particulate matter on a scale ranging from good to hazardous. A yellow index level of 51 to 100 is considered moderate, meaning air quality is acceptable, but there may be a risk for individuals who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. An orange level, 101 to 150 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, with the general public less likely to be affected. A red, or unhealthy, level of 151 to 200 means some members of the general public may experience health effects and sensitive group members mare see more serious effects. At the purple, or very unhealthy, level between 201 and 300, the risk of health effects is increased for everyone. The scale's top level, 301 and higher, maroon, is considered hazardous, and would result in health warnings of emergency conditions for everyone. As of Wednesday, the air quality index forecast was not expected to reach the orange level anywhere in Louisiana by Friday. Forecasts call for conditions in the yellow category, or moderate, across the state, with index levels of 82 for Thursday and 99 for Friday in Lake Charles; 74 on Thursday and 87 on Friday for Lafayette; 76 on Thursday and 87 on Friday for Baton Rouge; and 72 on Thursday and 78 on Friday for New Orleans. Saturday forecasts were not yet available. The ability to visually monitor the Saharan dust on its annual summer forays across the Atlantic is a byproduct of the main missions of the GOES-East and West satellites, Lindsey said. The satellites' imagery equipment captures numerous ranges of the wavelengths of light, from the red, green and blue wavelengths that can produce the GeoColor visible images to detailed infrared and near-infrared wavelengths that are used to track varied weather patterns, ranging from the lack of clouds to detailed views of hurricanes. "One thing the color images do is bring out the different colors in the atmosphere, so you can track areas of dust over the ocean versus where there is no dust," he said. "It's kind of intuitive. It looks like dust." That such differences are noticeable is in large part due to the dramatically increased sensitivity of the instruments aboard these most recent weather satellites. "Think of it as getting a much better camera. The pixels that make up individual pictures get smaller and smaller. Now we can see things like individual clouds," he said. The GOES-East and -West satellites are in geosynchronous orbits, meaning they stay in the same place above the Earth's surface. The dust is actually embedded in an elevated layer of the atmosphere that has very little moisture. That information, plus wind speeds determined by measuring the movement of clouds in wetter parts of the atmosphere, is fed into the computer models that are used to both predict daily weather patterns and tropical storms. National Hurricane Center forecasters also use the satellite visible and infrared images in shaping their forecasts, Lindsey said. Mark Schleifstein covers the environment and is a leader of the Louisiana Coastal Reporting Team for The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate. Email: mschleifstein@theadvocate.com. Facebook: Mark Schleifstein and Louisiana Coastal Watch. Twitter: MSchleifstein. BLOOMFIELD About 80 young Connecticut adults will fill in for older volunteers who now are staying home in the coronavirus pandemic, under a new million-dollar program to offer opportunities for underserved communities. Nonprofit agencies taking part in the program include the Bridgeport-based Regional Youth Adult Social Action Partnership, as well as Teach for America efforts in Bridgeport and New Haven. Jobs will include anti-poverty assistance, easing food insecurity, and assisting in domestic-violence shelters and other housing programs. Its happening under the states new ConnectiCorps program, modeled after AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America. Participants will provide as many as 90,000 hours of work a year at 20 nonprofit agencies in exchange for modest stipends up to $6,000 that can be applied to tuition or student loans. Gov. Ned Lamont joined leaders of nonprofit agencies outside the sprawling Foodshare office in Bloomfield Thursday morning to announce that hiring for the program will begin next month through the Connecticut Community Non-profit Alliance, for jobs starting in August. The program is being funded with $800,000 in federal money and $200,000 raised by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, but Gian-Carl Casa, president and CEO of the nonprofit alliance, said the agencies are planning on the program to reach $1.2 million, depending on further donations. Marc Donald, executive director of RYASAP, the Bridgeport group, said ConnectiCorps workers might supplement the two AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers who help in the agencys leadership and mentoring programming, as well as opioid-prevention programming, where they can learn about mental health and drug abuse. Six other programs are run by RYASAP, Donald said. Donald said pending federal legislation would use AmeriCorps workers to become trained in contact tracing in the coronavirus pandemic. Jason Jakubowski, president of Foodshare, the food bank for Hartford and Tolland counties, said partnerships with AmeriCorps VISTA laid the groundwork for the new ConnectiCorps. The cost of labor tends to be very extensive, Jakubowski said during a morning news conference in front of the facility. But we like the fact that were able to do what we can while giving people real-life experience that then they can go on and do other things with. This is a program that were very happy to support and we look forward to benefiting from it in the months ahead. Gian-Carl Casa, president and CEO of the Alliance, credited Lamont with coming up with the idea of having a VISTA-like model for the state. It provides jobs for young people at a time of high unemployment. Secondly it helps community nonprofits meet their missions, he said. And thirdly, it helps people who depend on those nonprofits for their essential needs. We have a lot of people really in need right now, Lamont said. Thats what this partnership is all about. He remembered discussing the issue earlier in the year. I remember AmeriCorps, Lamont recalled. How come theres no ConnectiCorps? Weve got a lot of young people who have been sidelined for a while. A lot of our nonprofits right now have this need as well. We want to be very intentional to make sure that young people of color, young people who are disaffected and disconnected, have an opportunity to engage and contribute to their communities, even in the midst of this crisis, said Jay Williams, CEO of the Hartford Foundation. Jacqueline Johnson, executive director of the Serve Connecticut, Connecticut Commission on Community Service, which is within the Department of Higher Education, said she thinks the program could become a national model. Our role is to look for nonprofits that need AmeriCorps members to do direct volunteer service, to meet a particular demand, she told reporters. In light of the COVID crisis, clearly theres a huge demand for AmeriCorps volunteers. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT LONDON, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cevitr, a UK based company, announced a partnership with Onogo.com, an online retailer based in Jersey, to digitally transform their operations. To gain operational efficiency in today's highly competitive landscape, Onogo.com have deployed Cevitr's innovative digital workforce solution using Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technology. Cevitr enables businesses to adopt a digital workforce as a managed service, on an all-inclusive subscription basis a market first in this space. The Cevitr platform is underpinned by UiPath RPA software hosted on a Microsoft Azure stack. Onogo was able to realise the benefits of the Digital Worker in weeks with zero disruption to existing ways of working. The solution aided Onogo in coping with the surge of orders during the start of the Covid19 lockdown. Jo, Cevitr's Digital Workmate, is now working with the Onogo teams every day on two processes - supplier invoices and warehouse receipting. Jo replicates the entire workflow of an Onogo user right from taking information from an email, processing that in the internal ERP system and their cloud-based work allocation dashboards to finally sending detailed reports to relevant stakeholders. The processes run at different times in the day to ensure that the Onogo teams do not have to deal with a backlog when they sign into work. The initial processes that have been automated are the start of the automation journey with Onogo and the direct benefits of speed of processing and data quality is accentuated by the indirect benefits of employees being able to focus on business-critical activities to deliver a quality service. Paul Murphy, CEO of Onogo.com stated that "Established in Jersey since 2008, our goal is to provide the best online value and service through various platforms, including Amazon, where our status is as an Elite Amazon Seller, earned through continuous improvement. We've developed bespoke software and business practices to enable us to undertake a global sale every 20 seconds. Complementing this work, with Cevitr's Digital Worker Jo, has been exciting because it opens up many possibilities as we continue to grow at pace. We are able to focus on our core business whilst relying on Cevitr to focus on the challenge of enabling Jo to take on computer-based tasks and ensuring that it delivers every day." Jaideep Mudholkar, Co-Founder and Managing Director Cevitr, said, "Our collaboration with Onogo is exciting as we were able to deliver results to a growing business very quickly we literally went from discussion of a process to automation in a matter of 3 to 4 weeks. Onogo have a great team and we are excited to see our Digital Worker Jo working hand in hand with the team to deliver value every day." For more information about Cevitr, please visit this webpage. More information on Onogo can be found here. About Cevitr Cevitr is a UK based company, offering a Digital Workforce to organisations of all sizes using Robotic Process Automation (RPA). The Digital Workforce is fully trained on end customer systems and are offered on a monthly subscription basis with no upfront investment. The service is all inclusive of software licenses, development, deployment and maintenance to ensure that the customer can gain the benefits of a Digital Workmate in weeks. www.cevitr.com LinkedIn Twitter About Onogo.com Onogo buys high potential products and grows them to leading positions on Amazon and other highly competitive marketplaces. Onogo.com continues to develop new categories & international territories. In 12 years of trading the aim has remained to offer best products at great prices. Onogo epitomises a fantastic service boasting a 98% positive customer feedback score. One of the natural evolutions of Onogo's marketplace success is to partner with brands. Onogo have achieved success as an 'Amazon Marketplace Full Service Provider'. Onogo applies commercial experience, tools and expertise to support continuing success. Onogo are in the top 1000 global sellers on the world's largest marketplace, Amazon. http://www.onogo.com/ Media Contact: Cevitr Ramesh Menon Co-Founder and Executive Director +44-(0)-1625-426137 [email protected] SOURCE Cevitr Limited Three members of a North Carolina police department have been fired after a department audit of a video recording captured one of the officers saying a civil war was necessary to wipe black people off the map, and that he was ready. The Wilmington Police Department took the action on Tuesday against Cpl. Jesse Moore, 50, and officers Michael 'Kevin' Piner, 44, and James 'Brian' Gilmore, 48. Each was accused of violating standards of conduct, criticism and use of inappropriate jokes and slurs. After conferring with the city council, Wilmington City Manager Sterling Cheatham cleared Police Chief Donny Williams to release the details. Three police officers in North Carolina have been fired for making racial slurs, police chief Donny Williams announced on Wednesday in Wilmington 'When I first learned of these conversations, I was shocked, saddened and disgusted,' Williams said at a news conference on Wednesday. 'There is no place for this behavior in our agency or our city and it will not be tolerated.' Williams only took up the role the day before, after 29 years service in the force. He replaced Ralph Evangelous, who retired from the WPD in January. On Thursday, Ben David, New Hanover County District Attorney, said in a statement that there would be no charges brought. The statement didnt say exactly how many cases were dismissed or what charges were considered. According to documents released by the police department, a sergeant was conducting a video audit as part of a monthly inspection and was reviewing footage from Piner's car that had been classified as 'accidental activation.' After the sergeant listened to the conversation and determined comments made by Piner and Moore were 'extremely racist,' she contacted the department administrator for the camera system. At the 46-minute mark of the video, Piner and Gilmore began talking from their respective cars, at which time Piner criticized the department, saying its only concern was 'kneeling down with the black folks.' Gilmore, hired like Moore by the department in 1997, said that whites were now 'worshiping blacks,' adding hed seen a video of a 'fine looking white girl and this little punk pretty boy bowing down and kissing their toes.' About 30 minutes later, Piner, hired in 1998, received a phone call from Moore, according to the investigation, a segment in which Moore referred to a Black female as a 'f****** negro.' 'She needed a bullet in the head right then and move on,' Moore said of the woman. 'Lets move the body out of the way and keep going.' Later, while complaining about a black judge whom Moore called a 'f****** negro magistrate,' Moore added: Its bad man, because not all black people are like that.' Piner replied: 'Most of 'em.' Wilmington Police Department said they would take measures to ensure better training He repeated the use of the slur in describing a black magistrate, and Moore used a gay slur to describe the magistrate as well. RACIST NORTH CAROLINA COPS Michael 'Kevin' Piner: Says Wilmington Police Department's only concern is 'kneeling down with the black folks.' Civil war is coming and he is going to buy a new assault rifle, and 'we are just going to go out and start slaughtering them f****** n******. I can't wait. God, I can't wait.' He feels a civil war is needed to 'wipe them off the f****** map. That'll put them back about four or five generations.' James 'Brian' Gilmore: Whites were now 'worshiping blacks,' adding hed seen a video of a 'fine looking white girl and this little punk pretty boy bowing down and kissing their toes.' Jesse Moore: Says of a black woman: 'She needed a bullet in the head right then and move on. Lets move the body out of the way and keep going.' Calls a black judge a 'f****** negro magistrate'. Advertisement Later, according to the investigation, Piner told Moore that he feels a civil war is coming and that he is ready. Piner said he was going to buy a new assault rifle, and soon 'we are just going to go out and start slaughtering them f****** n******'. 'I can't wait. God, I can't wait.' Moore responded that he would not do that. Piner then told Moore that he felt a civil war was needed to 'wipe them off the f****** map.' He continued: 'That'll put them back about four or five generations.' Moore told Piner he was 'crazy,' and the recording stopped a short time later. According to police, the officers admitted it was their voices on the video and didn't deny any of the content. While the officers denied that they were racists, they blamed their comments on the stress on law enforcement in light of the protests over the death of George Floyd. Floyd, a Black man, died last month after a Minneapolis police officer put his knee on Floyd's neck for several minutes. In addition to being fired, cases involving the Wilmington officers will be reviewed by the district attorney's office to determine if they committed any crimes or showed bias toward criminal defendants. Williams said he will recommend the three officers not be rehired by notifying the N.C. Criminal Justice Training and Standards Commission about their behavior. On June 9, Internal Affairs investigators confronted the men with the recording. They admitted to having the conversations, but the officers each characterized it as 'venting' and blamed the 'stress of todays climate in law enforcement,' investigators wrote. Moore and Gilmore argued they were 'not racist,' with Moore adding he 'doesnt normally speak like that but was feeding off Officer Piner,' according to the investigators. Piner, meanwhile, said the tape was 'embarrassing' and suggested concerns for his familys safety had led him to a 'breaking point.' It is really important to keep your house clean, most especially now that there are viruses and diseases that you can easily acquire. One of the best things you can buy to avoid getting sick is an insect or mosquito killer. Been wanting to buy one for your house? Were here to help you! Photo from Shopee Source: Facebook The Department of Health (DOH) has already warned about the dengue season because the rainy weather has officially started in the Philippines. Mosquitos could be deadly as it could cause you dengue or malaria that are potentially lethal. We wouldnt want to have dengue most especially now that there is still a threat of COVID-19 in the country. Here are the insect killers that are recommended by the KAMI team: Iwata CM-18IK-26 Insect Killer Photo from Shopee Source: Facebook The Iwata CM-18IK-26 Insect Killer is a glue board insect trap and perfect for indoor use. It has a UV-A LED insect light to attract flying insects. It has an ABS fireproof plastic material as well. The anti-UV glue board will silently attract and trap insects. Click here to buy yours now on Shopee for P2,095 and get a 9% discount! Daimaru Mosquito Killer Photo from Shopee Source: Facebook The Daimaru Mosquito Killer is one of the best-selling insect killers in the country. It claims to be scientifically proven and tested to be effective. It helps prevent dengue and malaria. It is effective for a 40sqm area. Its safe for family, too! Click here to get yours now on Shopee for just P1,328 and get a 5% off! Iwata CM-18IK-28 Insect Killer Photo from Shopee Source: Facebook The Iwata CM-18IK-28 Insect Killer is an electronic mosquito killer that is also perfect inside your house. It has a UV-A LED insect light with spectrum at 365mm for best attraction. It has an electric grid and a collection tray for easy cleaning. You can hang it to your wall or put it on the floor or desktop. It comes with a limited warranty, too! Click here to buy yours now on Shopee for P2,350 and get a 9% off! Mosquito killers are helpful in preventing mosquito-borne viral infection. It is safe for your family and you can place it anywhere in your house. Better be safe than sorry! READ ALSO: Top 3 stylish and durable office chairs totally perfect for working at home Please note that some of the links in the article are affiliate links and KAMI.com.ph will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. However, we always choose only the best quality products that we use ourselves and recommend to our readers. The earnings we get from the affiliate marketing help us continue preparing useful and entertaining content, that our audience enjoys. Source: KAMI.com.gh The numbers have not been as high as originally feared. Johns Hopkins Universitys modelling analysis in March had predicted that in the first 30 days a single case in Rohingya camp would lead to an estimated 119-504 infections. Regardless of symptoms, suspected cases are now being isolated from the community as home quarantine is not an option in the densely populated camps. As for those tested, if they are found to be infected, rapid investigation teams work to track down contacts and transfer them to the isolation centre or treatment centre. There is only one laboratory in Coxs Bazar district that can do COVID-19 tests. It has a capacity of 200 tests per day, and that has to serve local residents as well as the refugees. The health and wellbeing of Rohingya refugees and the local Bangladeshis remain our top priority. From early May, roughly 10 samples were collected per day from the Rohingya to test for coronavirus. So far nearly 400 tests have taken place. We are working with the World Health Organization and the authorities to increase the testing capacity from 200 to 500 samples per day in Coxs Bazar district, said Charlie Goodlake, the spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The number of tests is low for this large number. Internet restrictions make it harder to spread messages about face masks and handwashing. Rumours worsen the situation. But this is a small portion of the nearly one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. Over 700,000 fled Myanmar in August 2017, and more continue to arrive. On 30 May 28 Rohingya were rescued from two boats off the coast of Teknaf in the Coxs Bazar region. Of those tested in the camps near the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, 35 Rohingya people were found to be infected. A further 850 residents who had come into contact with the infected are now in quarantine. The only good news is that 618 Rohingya have completed their quarantine without contracting the disease. As of now 3,600 families, 16,000 people, are in lockdown, according to Abu Toha MRH Bhuiyan, health coordinator at the Refugee, Relief and Rehabilitation Commission. As the number of Rohingya people with the COVID-19 virus rises, Bangladesh is looking at a potentially explosive situation. As of 10 June, 2020, three Rohingya refugees had died during the pandemic. The first victim was 71 years old, the second 58 and the third 70; all were residents of the sprawling Kutupalong refugee camp for those who fled Myanmar. Cartography via The Third Pole/ UNHCR The fear is that, because of limited testing capacity, there may be many more undetected cases in the camps. Humanitarian professionals are working relentlessly to fight the COVID-19 situation in the refugee camps and so is the Bangladesh government. But the capacity of testing must increase. Otherwise the situation will get worse before it gets better, said Pradip Kumar Sen Gupta, the head of the department of epidemiology at the Bangladesh University of Health Sciences in Dhaka. Rumours flourish in camps Mohammad Nurul, a Rohingya refugee and now a tea stall owner at the Leda camp near Teknaf, hears most of the rumours. Rumours are spreading in the camps that in the name of COVID-19 Rohingya people are being abducted and killed inside hospitals, he said. They also fear going into isolation for the same reason. So, patients with symptoms are avoiding getting tested. It has, of course, no reality. But many are trying to hide their COVID-19 symptoms. International agencies and the Bangladesh government are working hard to portray the real scenario to the community, said a field-level health worker who spoke on the condition of anonymity. There were incidents where patients attempted to escape from Kutupalong camp with coronavirus symptoms. It is a very unsettling time in the Rohingya camps, more so because of restrictions in communications. Citing security issues, in September 2019 the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission directed all operators to shut down 3G and 4G internet services in the camps. Lack of access to social media is hampering the ability of the government and health workers to combat false rumours. As a result, although leaving home and coming into close contact with people are considered risky, many Rohingya continued to go out of the camps. Asked why the refugees were hiding Covid-19 symptoms, Farzana Sultana Nila, a clinical psychologist at the Centre of Mental Health and Care, Bangladesh, said, Such [responses are] common when there is less access to information and education. On top of this, only a few areas in the camps are still under lockdown. There is free movement in most areas because there are no suspected patients there. In my zone, there were five patients only. Three of them have recovered and two are under observation. As there is no new patient from these areas, lockdown has been withdrawn, said Mahfuzur Rahman, in charge of four zones in the Kutupalong camp. Law enforcement agencies are trying to control interactions between the refugees and people those outside camps, but it is not easy to do when people are not aware of the risks, Rahman said. Fatal communication gap Misinformation and rumours exist in the camp, as they do everywhere, said Charlie Goodlake from the UNHCR. We are working with the Bangladesh government and the Rohingya to bridge the communication gap and provide accurate and timely information to them, so they can protect and prepare themselves. We have also repeatedly asked the government to lift the ban on internet inside the camps, so refugees can have better access to information. We are also working to increase the capacity of Covid-19 treatment centres in the camps to protect refugees and Bangladeshis living in close proximity. Preparation has been made for 900 more beds. Already 200 beds are available. Coxs Bazar Sadar Hospital has also been equipped with 10 ICU and eight high dependency beds which are in operation. The movement of personnel from international agencies has been restricted to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Most agencies are relying on volunteers to raise awareness and spread important information; 3,000 volunteers from Rohingya refugees and the Bangladeshi host community have been trained so that they can communicate with the camps residents to spread awareness of COVID-19. Abu Bokkor, who owns a pharmacy in Balukhali, Coxs Bazar, said, Many Rohingya men from nearby camps come to my shop for medicines. I try to explain to them about COVID-19, social distancing and personal hygiene. The young generation is aware of the grave situation of the pandemic, but most elderly men do not consider the risk of COVID-19 and [the point of] using masks [in the] summer. Despite the low number of infections detected, the situation in the camps seems dangerous. People are gathering in markets, many are not using masks, some are hiding their symptoms and rumours are adding fuel to the flames. The monsoon rains have started and there is the risk of landslides at the slopes of the Chittagong Hill Tracts where the camps are located. If that happens, the pandemic will make rescue operations very difficult. Unfortunately, one key step that could help relieve some of the stress the removal of communications restrictions is something the government is unwilling to do, making everything that much harder. *** Banner image: A refugee camp in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh. Only a few areas in the camps are still under lockdown. Image via The Third Pole/ Ionel Sorin Furcoi/Alamy The Third Pole is a multilingual platform dedicated to promoting information and discussion about the Himalayan watershed and the rivers that originate there. This report was originally published on thethirdpole.net and has been reproduced here with permission. PLYMOUTH, Massachusetts, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Plymouth Rock Technologies Inc. (CSE: PRT) (OTC: PLRTF) (Frankfurt: 4XA WKN# A2N8RH) ("Plymouth Rock", "PRT", or the "Company") a leader in the development of cutting-edge threat detection technologies, is pleased to announce the issuance by the UK Patent Office of patent PM333755GB that covers the utilization of millimeter wave (MMW) technologies for fast, contactless screening of passengers and individuals in highly secure environments. Harmless MMW technology is used in almost all airports in a portal form to safely screen people, providing a greater degree of search intelligence. This patent is one of the first of its kind to be issued where MMW technologies are utilized to penetrate various footwear materials. Launched in 2019, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology Apex Screening at Speed program is about systematically developing technologies for passenger screening by leveraging existing state-of-the-art technologies from industry, academia, national laboratories, and other government organizations. PRT's technology will work within the current systems such as advanced imaging portals. It will also resource other security projects and efforts complimentary to the task. "We are confident that the building of the PRT patent portfolio, combined with our in-house know-how, will provide our brand with immediate and long-term market relevance," said Dana Wheeler President and CEO of PRT. "This patent is an important component of our intended intellectual property roadmap. The granting of this patent whilst a significant achievement, is already being expanded by our team that will deliver further intellectual property that will cover both North America and the EU," concluded Wheeler. PRT is also pleased to announce that Dr. Matthew Southgate, co-author on the patent, has joined the PRT team, to assist in further product development as we move towards commercial trials of the Shoe Scanner (SS1) platform. "Today's marketplace is extremely competitive with the introduction of new technologies almost daily, however, it is rare to see a patent issued for a global technology leveraging both passenger convenience and removing operational headaches for the TSA," stated Douglas Smith, Chairman of the Board and former Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security. "Combining patented cutting edge technology with the operational needs of the Department, is the "Holy Grail" for the frontline operational personal of the Department." concluded Smith. About the Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate Our mission is to enable effective, efficient, and secure operations across all homeland security missions by applying scientific, engineering, analytic, and innovative approaches to deliver timely solutions and support departmental acquisitions. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/5075_dhs_science_and_technology_directorate_fact_sheet_april_2019_dl_v3.pdf About Plymouth Rock Technologies Inc. We are on a mission to bring engineering-driven answers to the most critical problems that threaten our safety. We work with government, law enforcement and military to innovate solutions for national security, defense and space systems. The Company is developing the next generation of threat detection solutions, The PRT X1 is a purpose built multirotor Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The unit contains an integrated sensor package that combines Thermal detection with 4K HD real-time air-to-ground streaming. Our advanced threat detection methods fuse artificial intelligence with augmented reality interfaces to eliminate human operating error. Plymouth Rock products, both airborne and land-based, will scan for threat items at greater "stand-off" distances than current existing technologies. Our unique radar imaging and signal processing technology creates new opportunities for remotely operated, none intrusive screening of crowds in real time. Plymouth Rock's other core technologies include: (1) A Millimeter Remote Imaging from Airborne Drone ("MIRIAD"); (2) A compact microwave radar system for scanning shoe's ("Shoe-Scanner"). www.plyrotech.com Forward Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward - looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dana Wheeler President and CEO +1-603-300-7933 [email protected] Investor Information: Tasso Baras +1-778-477-6990 SOURCE Plymouth Rock Technologies Inc. The National Security Adviser, Muhammed Monguno, has said that renewed attacks by Boko Haram in the Nigerian northeast have put the military in a difficult situation. Mr Monguno said this in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, during the launching and distribution of vehicles and medical equipment to the military and federal healthcare outfits by the North East Development Commission (NEDC). The resurgence of terrorist activities in the northeast region, after several years of being decimated has put the military and other security outfits in difficult situations for many reasons, the NSA said in his goodwill message. Though he did not list the reasons for which the military is now facing a difficult situation, the NSA said the military needs every support it can get to succeed. Any assistance from any quarters of the Nigerian state such as what we are commissioning today is most welcomed. He noted that promotion of stability and relation between the military and the civilian populace is part of the mandate of the NEDC. Mr Monguno said it is part of the mandate of the NEDC to demonstrate confidence in the armed forces and the other security outfits through providing multidimensional supports in collaboration with the office of the national security adviser. He commended the Commission for accelerating the pace of achieving peace in the region without waiting to implement the major mandates to which it was established; that is rehabilitation and development of northeast regions. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Faruq, led dignitaries, including Senate President Ahmad Lawan, who was represented by the Senate Committee Chairman on Army, Ali Ndume, and the governors of Borno and Yobe states to distribute 130 new Hilux vans and ambulances to various military formations and heads of the security outfits. Earlier, the minister commended the NEDC for carrying out part of its mandate. She expressed hope that the new vehicles and equipment will go a long way in helping to achieve the desired peace and security in places they are deployed. Mr Ndume had in his remarks commended the NCDC for the initiative even as he complained that the recent slash in the funding of the commission by the federal government might slow down the pace of progress in executing its mandate. He said Borno State alone has suffered the destruction by Boko Haram to the tune of $9 million. Governors of Borno and Yobe states, Babagana Zulum and Mai-Mala Buni, also commended the NEDC and ministry of humanitarian sffairs for coming to assist the federal government agencies working in their states. The Managing Director, NEDC, Mohammed Alkali, said the donated vehicles were provided in line with the commissions core responsibility of providing support to front line actors and to coordinate civil-military confidence-building and stabilisation measures. He said since the establishment of the commission, it has been carrying out intervention activities. At the event, 70 vehicles were given to the military, 30 to Nigeria police, 10 to the State Security Service while the rest goes to the eight federal health facilities in the sub-region. Turbulence: Nordic Aviation Capital has a fleet of about 500 aircraft. Its chief commercial officer is Jim Murphy Limerick-based Nordic Aviation Capital - the world's biggest lessor of regional aircraft - has adjourned a vote on a debt interest payment standstill for two weeks. The vote was due to take place yesterday and it's now planned to hold it on July 9. At a High Court hearing earlier this month when the proposed scheme of arrangement was presented, the court heard that a group that holds 69pc of Nordic Aviation Capital's unsecured debt was opposing the plan. Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) insisted yesterday that it has had "constructive discussions" with its lenders "and wishes to continue to engage with them to come to a mutually beneficial agreement". "The Covid-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on businesses across the world, in every sector, but particularly for the travel industry," said NAC chief executive Sren M Overgaard yesterday. "Constructive discussions have been taking place since early April and we have made a lot of progress. We hope this adjournment will allow us to finalise an agreement that is workable for all," he said. Earlier this month, Nordic Aviation Capital presented a scheme of arrangement to the High Court that would see it secure a standstill on tens of millions of dollars in interest payments due over the next six months on $6bn (5.3bn) of debt. As part of the process, NAC also secured an agreement for a $60m (53m) equity injection from its four owners, which include KIRKBI, the private investment office of the Kristiansen family that owns the Lego empire. Nordic Aviation Capital was founded in Denmark. The largest shareholder in NAC is Sweden's EQT, a global private equity giant. The other shareholders are Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC, and NAC's founder, Martin Mller. The High Court also heard earlier this month that 65 of NAC's 75 airline customers have sought various concessions in relation to their aircraft leasing arrangements. In April, NAC collected just 20pc of what it was due from airlines that have leased its aircraft. The proposed scheme of arrangement won't affect NAC's current indebtedness, and the company will continue to operate as usual. It employs about 100 people at its Limerick offices. There are about 80 lenders to NAC, whose chief commercial officer is Jim Murphy. NAC has a fleet of 500 aircraft. Its customers include airlines such as Lufthansa and Air Canada. AL DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In Q2 2019, Cambridge Medical & Rehabilitation, the UAE's leading post-acute rehabilitation and long-term care facility, announced the opening of its first medical and rehabilitation facility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Eastern Province under the name of CMRC Saudi Arabia. The all-new 60-bed facility is one of a kind and located between Dhahran and Al Khobar. CMRC Saudi Arabia is fully equipped with the state-of-the-art medical equipment having a modern facility thereby enabling it to provide unique services more accessible and certainly will help patients requiring Continuum of Care for post-acute conditions, and rehabilitation services to make substantial improvements in their quality of life through multidisciplinary rehabilitative therapies including physiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, and psychological therapy. CMRC is the market leader in introducing global, world-class rehabilitation services to the UAE guided by their experience for enhancing the patient's journey defined as 'Continuum of Care'. By bringing services with remarkable impact to the community, an exceptional value is demonstrated by improving the care of patients, experience for patients' families, minimizing risks of infections, and improved outcomes with a cost-efficient clinical approach. Such a vision established success results that positively impacted the quality of life for more than 1000 in-patients. Having one of the highest discharges rate among the long-term care and rehabilitation facilities of 85% in the UAE, and a 72% weaning rate for mechanically ventilated patients proving their straightforward protocol for achieving their mission to enhance the quality of life of patients and their families. Hence, achieving a Patient Satisfaction result by Press-Ganey of 91% which is one of the highest scores in the region. With tireless efforts, the clinical and management team for CMRC Saudi Arabia will follow the same clinical procedures and protocols successfully implemented in facilities in the UAE. Similarly, benefiting from the center's international partnership with the Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, the official teaching partner of the Harvard Medical School Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. In addition, Cambridge Medical and Rehabilitation Center will also bring its world-class accreditations from Joint Commission International as well as CARF and Planetree. CMRC Saudi Arabia is staffed by multiple clinical experts, including rehabilitation consultants, ICU intensivists, internal medicine consultants, pediatricians, GPs, psychologists, and rehabilitation therapists, all to help in meeting the requirements and providing rehabilitation and specialized care services to the patients across the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. As a market leader, CMRC has taken the full precautions and prevention measures elaborated by the WHO and CDC; to maintain the lowest infection rates almost to 0% and ensure their patients are safe and secure, especially against the late world's pandemic, COVID-19. CMRC leaders ensure that patients' safety and comfort come first. To achieve our goal of 'progress made personal', this requires hand in hand precise action to maintain our patient's health safety and not to be diverted from their therapeutic goals for which they are admitted to achieve. CMRC's Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Howard S. Podolsky, commented: "We expand into countries where there is a notable demand for post-acute care and rehabilitation services. Our new facility in Saudi Arabia brings our world-class medical treatment, care, and rehabilitation therapies to patients in the Kingdom that are affected by non-communicable diseases, congenital disabilities, and life-threatening injuries, through a truly patient-centric approach. We look forward to helping patients in the Kingdom to improve their quality of life and using our international expertise and specialized workforce to support the Government of Saudi Arabia's focus on healthcare development, as part of Saudi Vision 2030." Such accomplishments set CMRC Saudi Arabia in a remarkable position among the healthcare sector in the Eastern Region of the Kingdom, which grants the opportunity for CMRC to fill the void of rehabilitation care in the Eastern Province. Finally, with dedication for improving patients' quality of life, more services to help in the practices of re-integrating patients into their communities, spreading hope among their families by catering tailored special services according to individual needs. Photo: BC Gov Flickr / WENN Dr. Bonnie Henry will take over actress Olivia Munn's social media on June 30. Marvel Universe actress Olivia Munn is banding together with B.C.'s Dr. Bonnie Henry, giving Henry the chance to take over her social media accounts next Tuesday. There are some people you need to hear from right now and it isnt me. I am handing over my account to an expert on all things COVID-19,' explains Munn, who played Psylocke from the X-Men series. "This COVID-19 virus has shown us that if it is anywhere, everywhere is at risk. We are a global community, and were all in the same storm, but we are not all in the same boat," wrote Dr. Henry. ONE is working with celebrities and medical experts to spread the word on COVID-19 through their #PassTheMic initiative where the public can hear directly from the experts. "Each day, celebrities will hand their social media channels over to medical experts and frontline workers to explain how we can beat this global pandemic," stated ONE's website. Munn has over 2.6 million followers on Instagram and over 816,000 followers on Twitter. Dr. Henry's calming demeanour has guided British Columbians through the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to get recognized for her great efforts. She was featured in the New York Times, has a shoe named after her to raise funds for Food Banks BC, and just today, got an octopus named after her at a Vancouver Island aquarium. On June 25, Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea announced on their Facebook page that they've named their new Giant Pacific Octopus, Dr. (Bonnie) Henry. "If the giant in giant Pacific octopus wasnt a clear enough measure of admiration, octopuses have THREE hearts, a symbol that has come to reflect gratitude for Dr. Henry, healthcare and frontline workers," stated the post. They usually host a contest to name new members of their aquarium but there was no doubt that they wanted to name this octopus after the Top Doctor. "The team knew to recognize the incredible grace, kindness, intelligence, compassion, dedication, and calm demeanour Dr. Bonnie Henry has shown the province during COVID-19 was a given." The five-pound male octopus arrived June 18 and is officially Dr. Henry, or Henry. Move draws criticism from citizens of indebted African country who say their waters are already overfished. China has agreed to delay repayments of debts to cash-strapped African nations like Senegal, struggling in the face of coronavirus. Meanwhile, Senegals government which is more than $1bn in debt to Beijing has given Chinese companies deep-sea fishing licences. The move has drawn criticism from local fishermen and environmentalists who say the waters are already overfished. Al Jazeeras Nicolas Haque reports from Dakar. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. MONMOUTH JUNCTION, N.J., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tris Pharma, Inc. ("Tris"), a specialty pharmaceutical company with a robust portfolio of approved products and a late-stage pipeline of innovative product candidates for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related disorders, today announced the launch of a new corporate website that better embodies the company's evolving business model and strategic goals. Tris' previous website was launched when the company had only a single branded commercial product. Since that time, Tris has expanded its branded portfolio to include two additional ADHD products, significantly extending Tris' leadership position in the pediatric ADHD space. Further, the company has expanded its product pipeline, entered into multiple development collaborations utilizing LiquiXR (its technology platform), and continued to grow its generics business. "Tris has evolved as a company, and we feel it's of critical importance to communicate our unique capabilities, culture and goals to not only the ADHD community, but also our potential partners and prospective team members," said Ketan Mehta, Tris' Founder and CEO. "While our individual product websites, as well as our ADHD-focused TrisADHD.com website, effectively communicate with prescribers about our medications, we are excited about our redesigned corporate site as a new way to engage with other members of our industry and community." Among other goals, Tris expects its new corporate website to be a tool to explore a range of value-adding partnerships, as well as recruit talented individuals. The company invites interested potential partners and colleagues to reach out via the newly launched site. About Tris Pharma Tris Pharma is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative medicines that address unmet patient needs. Tris has pioneered the delivery of long-acting liquid, chewable, orally-disintegrating, and film strip dosage forms that can accommodate the unique needs of a wide variety of patients. Tris' fully integrated research, manufacturing, medical and commercial facilities are located in Central New Jersey. For more information, please visit www.trispharma.com About TrisADHD.com Tris Pharma's portfolio of ADHD products were developed using LiquiXR, Tris' novel technology platform. More information about Tris' technology as well as the Tris Pharma family of ADHD medications can be found by visiting TrisADHD.com. SOURCE Tris Pharma, Inc. Related Links trispharma.com By Online Desk The infamous 'Fair' in 'Fair and Lovely' will be seen no more as Unilever is set to remove words that recognizes a singular ideal of beauty like 'fair/fairness', 'white/whitening', and 'light/lightening' from its products packs and communication. We've all been seeing the 'Fair and Lovely' advertisement since childhood - the one where dark-skinned women are often on the receiving end of discrimination for their colour - a trope portrayed in advertisements for almost four decades. Today, in 2020, Hindustan Unilever marked its evolution to "a more inclusive vision of beauty" and recognised that the use of "the words fair, white and light suggested a singular ideal of beauty" which they thought was wrong. The brand is committed to celebrating all skin types. We are making our skin care portfolio more inclusive and want to lead the celebration of a more diverse portrayal of beauty. In 2019, we removed the cameo with two faces and the shade guides from the packaging of Fair & Lovely and the brand communication progressed from fairness to glow which is a more inclusive measure of healthy skin," said Sanjiv Mehta, chairman at HUL. The moves comes amid the recent uprising in the West against police brutality on the African-American population, and a global backlash against the sale and marketing of skin-lightening products. Sunny Jain, President Beauty & Personal Care said, "We will also continue to evolve our advertising, to feature women of different skin tones, representative of the variety of beauty across India and other countries. We want Fair & Lovely to become a brand that celebrates glowing and radiant skin, regardless of skin tone." In a statement released by the company, they wrote, "The brands advertising has been changing since 2014, to a message of women empowerment. Fair & Lovely upholds principles that no association should be made between skin tone and a persons achievement, potential or worth. We are aware that historic advertising is available on the internet; these ads are not aligned with the current values of the brand." Changes made Just last year, the packaging was renewed to remove the age-old "before-and-after" impressions and shade guides that indicate a transformation from dark-skinned to lighter-skin tones. In addition, they changed the brand communication of product benefits to "glow, even tone, skin clarity and radiance." "To embrace and reflect a more inclusive vision of beauty, the next significant step is to update its brand name," the company said in the release. They are currently awaiting regulatory requirments of different countries to pass the new name, which has not been released to the public yet. The company insists that it was never a skin bleaching product. "Fair & Lovely has never been, and is not, a skin bleaching product," it said. Other brands under Fair & Lovely will also undergo the name changes. In recent years, many have called the brand out for its discriminatory advertisements and brand communication. A hashtag called "Dark & Lovely" was made to raise awareness about India's obsession with lighter skin tones -- which has been widely covered by western media. Recently, many Bollywood celebrities were trolled online for being hypocritical -- by featuring in fairness cream ads in India while supporting the 'Black Lives Matter' movement in the West. Other brands present in the segment are LOreal and Emami. It remains to be seen if they, too, make a move. Last week, oral care major Colgate said it would review its Chinese brand called Darlie, whose name translates to mean 'black person toothpaste'. Also, snacks and beverage major PepsiCo plans to rebrand its 130-year-old syrup called Aunt Jemima in the US, intending to move away from its racial history. (With inputs from Sesa Sen, Express News Service ) Jenna Bush Hager gave viewers a glimpse of her childhood Thursday by showing off some of her favorite pictures of her with her twin sister, Barbara, and their parents. Jenna and her fourth hour co-host, Hoda Kotb, were discussing new pictures of Prince William playing outside with his kids when Jenna shared a pair of vintage photos of her and her sister as kids. Laura Bush holds daughters Jenna and Barbara (Jenna Bush Hager) The first photo featured mom Laura Bush holding each of her daughters as babies over each shoulder. Jenna said its one of her "favorite pictures." Related: Need a dose of good news? TODAY brings you one good thing each day to lift your heart and make you smile. Sign up to get One Good Thing delivered to your inbox daily. Even though my dad isnt in it, hes the one that took it," she said. "And I just knew how much my mom wanted a baby and babies one for each of them to hold. George W. Bush and Laura Bush hold their daughters, Jenna and Barbara, in Texas. (TODAY) She also shared another photo with each of her parents holding one child. Oh, my gosh, I cant handle what Im seeing, Hoda cooed. I've never seen these! "Thats just us on our back porch in Midland, Texas, Jenna said. Jenna then hit the fast-forward button by sharing some pictures of her with husband Henry and their three children, Mila, Poppy and Hal. Hoda Kotb with fiance Joel Schiffman and their children, Haley and Hope (@hodakotb / Instagram) Hoda got into the spirit of things, too, with a picture of her with fiance Joel Schiffman and their two daughters, Haley and Hope. I love that one. Joels getting the stiff arm from Hope, she said about a picture where Hope has her hand on his face while Hoda holds Haley. Hoda waxed nostalgic about how we thought of pictures in the past compared to how we feel about them now in an age when we have so many shots in our phones. We were talking about the pictures that we had framed in our house when we were kids, and you had so few. You had a handful of pictures, and you never forgot them. Now, we have 10,000 pictures on your phone. Its almost like when theres too much of something, theyre less special, and when theres just one in a frame that you she said before getting cut off when an old photo of her, her mother, her brother, her grandfather and her sister flashed on the screen. Story continues Hoda Kotb and her family (Hoda Kotb) Hoda said she has that picture framed in her house, noting its the rarity of it that makes it so important. Imagine if we had 50 pictures from that era. You would lose track of all of them, she said. Jenna agreed. I can think of those 10 pictures of me with my parents and my sister. I can even think of the ones of my mom with her parents from Midland, Texas, and when you see a new one, youre like, Oh, my gosh! [June 25, 2020] Virtual Summit Explores Methods, Best Practices for How to Secure the Future of Work Environments Spear-phishing email attacks have increased 667 percent during COVID-19, with employees unknowingly giving criminals access to their personal data and their employer's-exposing valuable corporate information like usernames and passwords, credit card account numbers and customer identities. With many companies already working from home due to COVID-19, new data suggests that about 74 percent of CFOs expect at least some of their employees to continue to work from home permanently after the pandemic ends. During periods of crisis-such as the current coronavirus outbreak and its impact on business operations-CIOs, CISOs, IT and security leaders are getting ahead of the new vulnerabilities and security challenges. This includes clearly communicating to the executive team and staff the nature of the obstacles that they are facing to safeguard the enterprise that is comprised of a highly distributed, remote workforce and addressing the exponential rise in phishing attacks that are occurring. What: As an authority on fraud and security, iconectiv is joining notable industry leaders in a virtual executive panel at the HMG Live! Philadelphia CIO Virtual Summit titled, "Securing the Future of Work." Hosted by HMG Strategy, the peer-to-peer event will explore best practices for tackling the complex business and organizational challenges emerging in today's evolving workplace. Who: Michael Iwanoff, Chief Information Security Officer at iconectiv (News - Alert), will join Kostas Georgakopoulos, CISO of Proctor & Gamble, Sudhanshu Kairab, VP of Cybersecurity Governance, Risk and Compliance for Comcast and moderator Rocco Grillo, Managing Director of Alvarez & Marsal to discuss: The new normal workplace, and the security challenges and vulnerabilities it poses Advice on how to lead effectively during a crisis including the common characteristics of courageous security/IT leaders How best to reassure team members during times of uncertainty, roll out new processes, technology, etc. to keep businesses and employees safe and productive When: Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 / 2:25 p.m. EDT Where: Register here to participate in the discussion. About iconectiv Your business and your customers need to access and exchange information simply, seamlessly and securely. iconectiv's extensive experience in information services and its unmatched numbering intelligence helps you do just that. In fact, more than 2 billion people count on our platforms each day to keep their networks, devices and applications connected. Our cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS (News - Alert)) solutions span network and operations management, numbering, trusted communications and fraud prevention. For more information, visit www.iconectiv.com. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005292/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A group of health care professionals have called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to reconsider the June 30 voter registration exercise which they believe could lead to mass COVID-19 infections and likely deaths in the country. The group, made up of over 100 medical doctors, nurses, laboratory professionals and other allied health care personnel, say the already strained health care facilities would not be able to handle the cases that would emerge as a result of the mass exercise. Rather, the group wants the EC to consider a process that will minimize mass gathering and promote the principles of social distancing as well as the protocols established by the World Health Organization (WHO). A letter dated Wednesday, June 24 and addressed to the Chairperson of the EC, Mrs Jean Mensah, the group said instead of holding a mass registration exercise, the EC should rather conduct a special registration for persons who have recently attained voting age since that would pose lower risks. In our view, given that the existing biometric register has been used successfully to conduct significant number of elections including two presidential and parliamentary elections, two District Assembly elections since 2012 and a referendum by your outfit in 2018 to create six new regions, we find it plausible that same register will suffice for our impending elections. Those who have recently attained voting age can be accommodated in a special registration exercise with much lower risks due to the fewer numbers, the letter said. THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF GHANA RIDGE -ACCRA GHANA. June 24, 2020 ATTN: MRS. JEAN MENSAH CHAIRPERSON, THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF GHANA Dear Madam, AN OPEN LETTER TO GHANAS ELECTORAL COMMISSION: MASS VOTER REGISTRATION WILL RESULT IN MASS DEATHS FROM COVID-19 We the undersigned healthcare practitioners mainly made up of medical doctors, nurses, laboratory professionals and other allied health personnel having keenly followed developments in our country in relation to COVID-19 together with our experiences as frontline actors, wish to provide some insights to guide your decision to conduct a mass voter registration exercise in the coming weeks. Our intent for writing this letter is not to contest your legal mandate to compile a voters register, but to share with your team the potential health dangers this proposed exercise may foist on the nation especially considering the recent wave of COVID-19 infections and deaths that continue to stretch the capacities of health care facilities; we are steadily reaching breaking point. As healthcare providers, we are confronted on a daily basis with increasing counts of infected patients including the critically-ill, increasing number of deaths that show no signs of abating anytime soon and a general feeling of exasperation among the populace all against a background of our pre-existing mandate to provide care to all Ghanaians, whether infected with COVID-19 or not. We have never expected our work as health professionals to be easy, but neither do we expect it to be suicidal. We wish to advise that caution is exercised in undertaking any activity that has the potential to accelerate the spread of COVID-19. We believe the impending mass registration exercise falls in this category and has the potential to compromise the health and wellbeing of the population leading to unwanted pain, trauma, and possibly deaths as the past few days have shown. Our decision to write this letter is informed in no small measure by the following: 1. Learning from previous mass registrations exercises in the country, we are worried that a mass voters registration exercise will promote the gathering of people in a manner that will inadvertently undermine the principles of social distancing and therefore facilitate the community spread of the disease. Voter registration is very important for our nations democracy and governance, but in our considered view, nothing can be prioritized over the sanctity of human life. The president was right when he said What we do not know is how to bring people back to life. Indeed, we cannot bring back the dead. It is this basic truth that we seek to re-echo, in lieu of preserving the lives of those governed as a first priority, and then all other things may follow. This is the essence of governance. You would agree that the voters registration exercise falls squarely in that category of ALL OTHER THINGS. 2. We must collectively work to ensure all lives in Ghana are firmly secured and protected against the pandemic, and this requires us to resist the temptation to carry out any activities that can potentially cost us the very lives we work hard to protect and preserve. We are deeply worried that a mass registration exercise at this time and the resultant public gatherings that will ensue will lead to a relegation of the principles of social distancing, a key weapon in mitigating this pandemic. From a public health perspective, these gatherings will only serve as a channel for the spread of the disease through person to person contact as well as contact with contaminated surfaces. The anticipated clustering of polling stations will only serve to increase the likelihood of person to person contact triggering a new wave of infections. This is inevitable. We should remember that in a factory in Tema, one super- spreader was the source of up to 500 new infections. There are many super-spreaders who may turn up on registration day. 3. Available records show that our country, Ghana is so far one of the worst affected cases of COVID-19. For instance, in the West-African sub-region, Ghana is only second to Nigeria in terms of absolute number of cumulative cases and mortality rate. As at the time of writing this letter, the Ghana Health Service records indicate a total case count of 14,568 with 95 deaths. In addition, our country is presently recording an average of over 200 COVID-19 cases daily with frightening consistency since the early part of June. The sudden rise of over 200% in the number of our citizens who have died from COVID-19 is indeed a worrying concern. These undoubtedly illustrate the depth of the quagmire our health care infrastructure is saddled with. It is our fervent hope that good science and healthy public policy will find a fruitful intersection as far as dealing with the pandemic is concerned. It is clear that our country is heading towards a major public health catastrophe with fatal ramifications for our nation if we dont chart a different course. 4. As frontline health workers, we have not been spared by this pandemic. We have lost worthy members of the fraternity including Professor Plange-Rhule, Dr. Harry Boateng, Nurse Sophia Addo, and many beloved Ghanaians to this disease. All loss of life is painful, but when it hits close to home it is a totally different experience. We share in the pain of all families which have lost their loved ones, particularly whilst performing their professional duties. We presently carry a heavy burden of guilt and fear. Guilt because such deaths leave us with a feeling that we did not do enough to protect our own colleagues; and fear because we worry that we may also succumb to this contagion in the performance of our duties. 5. Currently, 25 doctors in Ashanti Region are infected by COVID-19 according to reports by the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) and over 100 nurses are infected in the same region. This situation closely mirrors what is going on in other regions. Our commitment to saving the lives of our fellow citizens should not be taken to mean we are happy and willing to die in the course of our professional roles. It is against this background that we express deep worry that an activity such as the mass registration you seek to carry out will compromise the protocols spelt out to reduce transmission and rather promote community spread of the dreaded COVID-19 ultimately making the masses victims of this disease. Our lives as healthcare workers matter too, and our prayer is for you to re-consider your decision to conduct a new voters registration exercise. 6. Our regular health infrastructure suffered from many vulnerabilities even before the advent of COVID-19, and the new normal for us is becoming unbearable. The treatment and isolation centres with their hard-working staff are particularly taking a heavy toll. Last week, the Ashanti Regional Director of Health indicated the shortage of beds in treatment and isolation centers. There have been reports of some of our colleague contact-tracers abandoning their jobs on account of lack of funds to pay them. Compounding all of this is the limited number of ventilators and the limited number of qualified staff to man this equipment round the clock. For a country with only about 200 ventilators serving a population of 30 million, the worst mistake would be to treat this pandemic with soft gloves. We must learn from the experience of Burundi where political considerations were placed above the spread of COVID-19, and the resultant effect has been the demise of that countrys president and other major political personalities. Lessons from Brazil should be very instructive about the effects of disregarding social distancing protocols. 7. We fail to see the point in massing up at registration centers to register only to contract a potentially fatal disease. We worry for the EC staff and so should you too. In spite of best efforts to secure them PPEs, their absolute safety cannot be guaranteed, much less potential registrants who will not be in PPEs. There are also people (diagnosed and un-diagnosed) with many health vulnerabilities, making their situation even riskier. It is worth emphasizing that dead men and women cannot vote, and so we invite you and your team to join us in exercising a strong moral judgment in favor of respecting the lives of fellow citizens and ourselves against the pandemic. Someday when the conditions are favorable for this exercise, we will join you as professionals to carry out a successful exercise. In conclusion, we wish to strongly encourage you and your office to consider a process that will minimize mass gathering and promote the principles of social distancing as well as the protocols established by the World Health Organization (WHO). In our view, given that the existing biometric register has been used successfully to conduct significant number of elections including two presidential and parliamentary elections, two District Assembly elections since 2012 and a referendum by your outfit in 2018 to create six new regions, we find it plausible that same register will suffice for our impending elections. Those who have recently attained voting age can be accommodated in a special registration exercise with much lower risks due to the fewer numbers. Respectfully, this should stand to reason. It is our fervent prayer that this supplication to you and your office will be given favorable consideration in the interest of our dear country. Please consider this letter as an appeal to save us and other Ghanaians from COVID-19 and its wide-ranging ripple effects. For further clarification or media interest in the issues raised in this letter, please feel free to contact any of the following Dr. Pius Essandoh 0246141460; Dr. Vishnu N.L Abayateye 0243059985; and Dr. Gameli Aheto 0200199755. Thank you for the attention, and in anticipation of a reversal of your decision to compile a new voters register. Yours sincerely, __Signed__ 1. Dr. Joojo Nyamekye-Baidoo 2. Dr. Vishnu N.L Abayateye 3. Dr. Melvin Agbogbatey 4. Dr. Elikplim Ahiable 5. Dr. Kekeli Adanu 6. Dr. Sefakor Adinyira 7. Dr. Henry Selase Akpaloo 8. Dr. Claude Enyam Woanyah 9. Dr. Woedem Tettey 10. Dr. Priscilla Orleans Kpodoh 11. Dr. Justicia Kyeremeh 12. Dr. Solomon Odemey 13. Dr. Leslie Issa Adam-Zakariah 14. Dr. Christian Debrah 15. Dr. Afriyie Ansah 16. Dr. Emmanuel Sogah 17. Dr. Gameli Aheto 18. Dr. Dennis Ansah 19. Dr. Clarence Mante 20. Dr. Barbara Fenyi 21. Dr. Samuel Sule Saa 22. Dr. Charles Adiepena 23. Dr. Jacqueline Anita Sowah 24. Dr. Pius Essandoh 25. Dr. Mordecai Owusu 26. Dr. Daniel Alifoe 27. Dr. Philip Sanjok 28. Dr Sandra Adams Sallar 29. Dr phoebe sarfo 30. Dr Alberta Azas 31. Dr Chidinma Ohanechu 32. Dr Etornam Anyigbah 33. Dr Naa Ayeley Sena Mills Tetteh 34. Dr Ruth Dedei Aryeetey 35. Dr Jemima Alemonai 36. Dr Jonathan Neequaye 37. Dr Sunquist Ankamah 38. Dr Adolph Garfo 39. Dr Naa Martekuor Vanderpuye 40. Dr Mariam Shittu 41. Dr Richmond Okronipa 42. Dr Akosua Nyame-Kusi 43. Dr Christian Frimpong 44. Dr Felicia Akuribire 45. Dr Duke Agbodeka 46. Dr Samuel Horner Brew 47. Dr Tobias Ninnang 48. Dr Sheila Issahaku 49. Dr Eric Tseklu 50. Dr Charles Sosu 51. Dr Enaam Adanu 52. Dr. Franca Darkwa 53. Dr. Rockson Dorkeh 54. Dr. Naa Hammond 55. Dr. Ruth Clottey 56. Dr. Isaac Asirifi-Ofosu 57. Dr. Theodore Wordui 58. DrMaryAnneZuoloAalangdong 59. Dr. Elorm Daketsey 60. Dr. Safianu Alhassan 61. Dr Gideon Poku 62. Dr. Kwame Afriyie 63. Dr. Harrison Hammond 64. Dr. Francis Eshun 65. Dr. Timothy Kopah 66. Dr. Barbara Yebuah 67. Dr. Felix Abeyifah Bowuo 68. Dr. Abdul Samed Sulemana 69. Dr. John Kanyiri Yambah 70. Dr. Etornam K. Grentsi 71. Dr. Reuben Oppong 72. Dr. Ekow Harrison 73. Dr Jonas Afari 74. Dr Boni Moses Tay 75. Dr Efua Yankah 76. Dr. David Gobapen 77. Dr. Michael Zobi 78. Dr. Roma Garner 79. Dr. Rex Bonsu 80. Dr. Afua Nkansa 81. Dr. Samuel Adusei 82. Dr. Anthony Ayambire 83. Dr. Collins Ntiamoah 84. Dr. Nana Wireko 85. Mr. Francis Tetteh 86. Ms Claudia Cobblah 87. Ms Sandra Okullo 88. Mr. Michael Akwetey 89. Mr Ayitey Kenneth 90. Mr. Abdul Majeed Mumuni 91. Mr. Forster Dzasimatu 92. Mr. Anyagre Jonathan 93. Mr. Asumah Yussif Kamagtey 94. Ms. Claire Bangdome 95. Ms. Belko Farila 96. Mr. Shelter Agbeko Bobie 97. Mr. Livingstone Dablu 98. Ms. Enukware Ekua Ofori 99. Mr. Sylvester Nakotey 100. Mr. Michael Dzodzodzi 101. Ms. Patience Gyasi 102. Mr. Leander Agohaah 103. Mr. Emmanuel Asimah 104. Ms. Princella Tebu 105. Ms. Patricia Odooley Odoi 106. Mr. Theophilus Mensah Amfo 107. Ms. Betty Nkansah Osei Mensah 108. Ms. Nadia Abdul Karim 109. Ms. Dina Woode 110. Dr. Abigail Nyarko 111. Dr. Sheba Fiadzormor 112. Ms. Lauretta Elloh-Donkor 113. Mr Kennedy Napare 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 Holger Hansen BERLIN (Reuters) - German Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said lawmakers need to quickly determine how to tighten regulation in the wake of an accounting scandal at payments company Wirecard that has tarnished the reputation of Germany's financial watchdog. The Wirecard case "raises critical questions about supervision of the company, in particular with regards to accounting and balance sheet control," Scholz told Reuters on Tuesday. "It appears that neither auditors nor regulators were effective here," he added. The comments were an about-face from a brief statement he made on Monday, in which he said regulators had worked hard and done their job. Wirecard had said on Monday that 1.9 billion euros ($2.15 billion) it had booked in its accounts likely never existed, a black hole that has led to the arrest of its chief executive and that threatens to engulf the company. Scholz said that any mistakes made by financial watchdog Bafin in the supervision of Wirecard "now need to be identified and eliminated quickly". "And we need to quickly determine what changes are needed to regulatory rules in order to oversee complex corporate structures comprehensively, promptly and quickly," he said. (Writing by Michael Nienaber and Maria Sheahan; editing by Thomas Seythal and Madeline Chambers) A planned June 29 meeting of the Charlottesville School Board has been canceled in order to give division staff members time to consider additional learning options for the next school year. Under an attendance plan presented June 11, students would attend school in-person twice a week and remote learning would take place the other three days of the week. That plan was one of six that division leaders considered for how to structure students school weeks. They decided on a split week to allow families to plan for a fixed schedule. The division said Thursday that its canceled the meeting in response to community feedback about that plan. A community survey about the attendance plan and remote learning at the end of the recent school year was released June 12. The fall plans now will be discussed at the July 6 meeting scheduled to start at 5 p.m. Thursdays announcement did not include specifics about the community feedback received so far. As a reminder, all plans must be in compliance with state and [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] guidance, which is subject to change based on local, state, or national coronavirus conditions, officials wrote in the announcement. We are also working with Albemarle County Public Schools to coordinate our planning as much as possible. Albemarle County will decide on a start date for the upcoming school year Friday. A majority of those who responded to a county schools survey favored starting after Labor Day. Gov. Ralph Northams chief of staff Clark Mercer told reporters Thursday that the guidelines released earlier this month are not mandates. This is up to your local school boards to decide how theyre going to open responsibly, he 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. Secretary of HCM City Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan greeted US Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink during the Tuesday reception in HCM City. - VNA/VNS Photo Xuan Khu Nhan welcomed the current working trip of the US Ambassador to HCM City, saying that the visit would help enhance the friendship between Vietnam and the US during the year the two countries mark the 25th anniversary of their diplomatic relations (July 11, 1995). He affirmed that the city will support the US efforts to further promote economic and diplomatic ties with Vietnam. The city leader proposed holding an online economic forum involving HCM City, Hanoi and the US, with the participation of enterprises run by Vietnamese in the US, to seek ways to remove difficulties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and intensify bilateral co-operation in education, tourism and trade. He expressed his wish that US businesses will engage deeper in HCM Citys development, especially in projects building smart and innovative urban areas. Nhan also mentioned co-operation in defence between the two countries, which he said demonstrates their concern about and willingness to work together for peace and security of the region as well as the world. He acknowledged the US efforts in settling war consequences, conducting dioxin decontamination and supporting dioxin victims. Ambassador Kritenbrink said his trip to the city aims to resume cooperative activities to mark the 25th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic ties. He noted that economic, trade and investment ties play an important role in the Vietnam-US relations, with many US businesses operating in HCM City, contributing to the process of construction and development of the city. The US also pays attention to defence ties with Vietnam, and has helped Vietnam increase its capacity, particularly in joining UN peacekeeping missions, Kritenbrink said. The diplomat said the two countries will accelerate the organisation of activities marking bilateral diplomatic ties to make up for the delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Magellan Aerospace confirm 240 jobs at risk in Wrexham This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jun 25th, 2020 Magellan Aerospace have said 240 jobs could be lost at their operation in Wrexham. In a statement the company confirmed the news from a union yesterday, The Coronavirus pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on the aerospace industry as a whole which has affected the Magellan Aerospace (UK) Ltd business. Because of the pandemic, customers have significantly decreased their orders for Magellans products resulting in reduced business levels. Since the outbreak of the pandemic the business has remained in full dialogue, having regular meetings with all customers to gain a better understanding of both current and future demand levels. Based on future orders from customers for the remainder of 2020 and 2021, the business has been forced to review operations. Magellan is presently consulting with Unite Union at local and regional level and non-union representatives regarding the current business situation. These talks will remain in place and the business will endeavour to mitigate the proposed 240 job losses. Employees are a key part of Magellan Aerospace. Magellans leadership team has managed through several economic cycles in the past and remain confident the company will weather this storm and are committed to ensure that Magellan maintains production capacity, long-term backlog, financial liquidity and will be part of the local community for years to come. A Welsh Government spokesperson told yesterday: The news is extremely worrying for the Magellan workforce, their families and the community. This important business has been a cornerstone of the Airbus supply chain for many years and has world beating design and build technology that must not be lost. The announcement underpins the fragility of the aerospace sector globally with a dramatic reduction in demand for commercial aircraft. The Welsh Government will continue to do all it can to support the company and the workforce, but time is running out for the UK Government to intervene as other national governments have around the world. Welsh Government Ministers have constantly impressed upon UK Government counterparts the need to support the long term future of the industry, by developing a package of interventions to match what the French Government and others have already announced. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment When the Pentecostal revival broke out on Azusa Street, Los Angeles, people originating from Sweden were over-represented. While that could have been due to a mere coincidence or the guidance of God, professor Jan-Ake Alvarsson at Uppsala University has proposed that it was because Swedish people, generally speaking, were less racist than at the time. With hardly any African immigration and failed attempts at colonialism, Sweden had very little interaction with people of African ancestry and thus did not have much prejudice against them. Azusa Street was a sour pill to swallow for anyone who didnt like black people. The church, known as Apostlic Faith Mission, was led by the son of a former slave: William J. Seymour. When he studied under Charles Fox Parham in Houston and learned about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, he had to sit in the hallway outside the classroom because of segregation laws. The Apostolic Faith Mission was one of the earliest examples of a racially integrated church in the United States, where African Americans, whites, latinos and latinas, Asian Americans and Native Americans all were welcome to enjoy the outpouring of the Spirit upon all flesh. Frank Bartleman, who documented the revival in great detail, famously wrote that the color line was washed away in the blood. The gift of tongues, which more than anything else characterized the revival, is in itself a testimony of the oneness of humanity. Early Pentecostals were convinced that tongues was not merely a prayer language but a tool to reach all the peoples of the world with the Gospel. The periodical The Apostolic Faith told of several examples of language miracles, such as the case of sister J. W. Hutchins: She has received the baptism with the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Uganda language, the language of the people to whom she is sent. A brother who has been in that country understands and has interpreted the language she speaks. Of course, we see this in the Bible as well. The outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost is a Tower of Babel in reverse, where the people of God are equipped to declare the wonders of God in all kinds of languages (Acts 2:11). When some new Christians refused to help widows from other nations, the apostles fired them and made sure that people who are full of the Spirit and wisdom get such responsibilities instead (Acts 6:3). To look down upon people of other ethnicities or nationalities is to be an enemy to the Holy Spirit. Its incredibly tragic that American Pentecostal denominations got split up according to skin color soon after the revival began. Thankfully, steps are being taken in a more unifying direction. The Spirit of Pentecost wants us to unite, to be equal before God and to help each other spread his Gospel and Kingdom. ROME (AP) Pope Francis has ordered a Polish bishop to leave his central diocese and let someone else run it while he is under investigation for covering up cases of sexual abuse that were featured in a second clergy abuse documentary that has rocked Poland's Catholic Church. Francis on Thursday named the archbishop of Lodz, Grzegorz Rys, to temporarily take over as head of the Kalisz diocese. The Vatican's ambassador, in explaining the decision, said the current Kalisz bishop, Edward Janiak, 67, retains the title of Kalish bishop for the time being. But the explanation, posted late Thursday on the Polish bishops conference website, said Janiak must leave the territory of the diocese and can't have any form of influence on how it is run. In May, the online documentary Playing Hide and Seek, exposed two cases of pedophile priests that Janiak handled, first as an auxiliary bishop of Wroclaw and then as bishop of Kalisz, which he has headed since 2012. It featured court testimony about Janiaks role helping transfer one priest, subsequently convicted and defrocked, from Wroclaw to another diocese even after a criminal investigation had begun. The film also documented another case of alleged cover-up of another priest during Janiaks time as Kalisz bishop. The film suggests Janiak didnt follow the Vaticans own in-house rules to report allegations against the Kalisz priest to the Holy See, and did so only after the case gained media attention. The diocese maintains no actual victims had lodged a formal complaint, though the parents of one victim did. An audiotape of their 2016 meeting, in which Janiak berates the parents, provides one of the more chilling moments of the documentary. The film was the second on Polish clergy abuse by brothers Tomasz and Marek Sekielski, after their first one last year, Tell No One, triggered a national reckoning in a country where there is no higher moral authority than the Catholic Church and its clergy. That film elicited an apology from Archbishop Wojciech Polak, the Primate of Poland, and prompted at least one cleric to leave priestly life. Story continues Polak in May wrote to the Vatican reporting the allegations against Janiak and asking for an investigation into them. Poznan Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki was tasked with carrying out a preliminary investigation. He has said he wouldn't comment while it is underway. Later in May, Kaliszs leading priests were asked by a local bishop to sign a letter to the Vatican pledging confidence in Janiak. But most refused and instead sent a letter asking for Vatican clarification into the allegations against him, Catholic magazine Wiez said. Such a display of priests disobeying their bishop is unusual in the Catholic hierarchy, particularly in conservative Poland, and suggests that the level of public outcry over sex abuse is growing and changing attitudes inside the church. In early June, Janiak was hospitalized with the suspicion he had suffered a stroke. Further examination showed he was just heavily drunk. Both Sekielski films carry English subtitles and are available on YouTube. As of Thursday, Tell No One, had registered 23.8 million views; Playing Hide and Seek registered 7.3 million views since its premiere May 16. ___ AP writer Monika Scislowska reported from Warsaw, Poland. Tonny Raymond Kirabira, University of Portsmouth and Leila Choukroune, University of Portsmouth The International Criminal Court (ICC) recently rejected a claim for financial compensation by former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) vice president Jean Pierre Bemba after he was acquitted of war crimes and crimes against humanity on appeal in 2018. The courts decision has wider implications for international criminal law. In 2016, the ICC convicted Bemba of the charges against him, and sentenced him to 18 years imprisonment for the crimes committed by his militia in the neighbouring Central African Republic in 2002 and 2003. But, on 8 June 2018, the ICC Appeals Chamber acquitted him of all charges. According to some observers, his acquittal overturned an important victory for victims of sexual violence under international criminal law, thanks largely to evidentiary ambiguities and inconsistencies. Bemba then filed a claim seeking over 69 million in damages he claimed he had suffered due to having had his assets frozen for a decade by the court. He also wanted to be compensated for legal expenses. His claim consisted of two components. First, was a request for compensation pursuant to article 85 of the Rome Statute, on account of a grave and manifest miscarriage of justice during the hearing of the main case against him. The Rome Statue is the treaty that established the International Criminal Court in July 1998. Second, was a request for compensation for the damage suffered by his property and assets, as a result of the courts orders. He alleged that the court failed to properly manage and preserve his property. The decision is a unique interpretation of the courts powers and jurisdiction regarding compensation to those that are acquitted. The principal element relates to the cooperation of states with the International Criminal Court. For the first time, the court restricted its responsibility under Article 93(1)(k) of the Rome Statute. Basically, its responsibility stops at requesting state parties to seize and freeze assets. It is then up to the states to preserve such assets and they cannot be held to account by the court for any mismanagement. Narrow interpretation of Rome Statute The court exercises a great degree of discretion when it comes to compensation. This is due to the ambiguity in the language of Article 85 of the Rome Statute, which gives the victim of unlawful arrest or detention, an enforceable right to compensation. Exceptional circumstances are provided for by Article 85(3) which states that; in exceptional circumstances, where the court finds conclusive facts showing that there has been a grave and manifest miscarriage of justice, it may in its discretion award compensation, according to the criteria provided in the Rules of Procedure and Evidence, to a person who has been released from detention following a final decision of acquittal or a termination of the proceedings for that reason. But this is ambiguous because the terms grave and manifest miscarriage of justice are not defined in the statute, and so can lead to divergent interpretations. This is the third claim for compensation to be rejected by the court. In 2015, the court rejected a claim by Mathieu Ngudjolo. The militia leader was accused of having committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in the DRC in 2003. He was acquitted in 2012. Similarly, in 2016, the court rejected Jean-Jacques Mangenda-Kabongos request for compensation claim. Mangenda was a member of Bembas defence team and case manager. He had been convicted by the court of tampering with witnesses in Bembas initial trial. Due to the legal ambiguity in the Rome Statute, the court has set a very high threshold for term the grave and manifest miscarriage of justice. In other words, the violations must be serious and exceptional. A liberal interpretation of Article 21(3) could have allowed an expansive understanding of this problematic term. Such an interpretation would recognise internationally recognised human rights, like the right to compensation, within the courts decisions. The narrow interpretation relates to the maintenance of seized property. In response to the claim for financial loss arising from destruction and damage to Bembas property in the DRC, Portugal and Belgium, the court indicated that it did not have the mandate to adjudicate on damage to assets resulting from the conduct of member states. This line of argument isnt convincing. State signatories to the Rome Stature are considered to be agents of the court. As such, their conduct relating to cases before the court would be subject to review by the court. Potential impact of judgment The courts decision points to a need to amend the wording relating to the meaning of grave and manifest miscarriage of justice under the Rome Statute. It also has implications for international criminal law. The practice of providing compensation for an acquitted accused is considered important in some domestic statutes. For example, in the UK, compensation for miscarriage of justice is possible, depending on the punishment and its consequences on the persons life. In Northern Ireland, more than 9m was paid in compensation between 2010 and 2019, to 16 people whose criminal convictions were overturned. There is also no provision for compensation after acquittal under the statutory frameworks of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, or the Special Court for Sierra Leone. Nonetheless, the Rome Statute is an inspirational legal source to other tribunals. For example, Article 85 of the Rome Statute was adopted by the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda in its determination of the term grave and manifest miscarriage of justice. Advertisements The International criminal law court cannot practically lead the way in fixing this anomaly, since it is a member driven court. However, special international tribunals must evolve to reflect contemporary realities of people who are acquitted after long trials, and the need for compensation. Regarding the responsibility to maintain property seized from an accused person, we observe a complex role of the courts registry, with regard to support and follow up duties. Nonetheless, there is clearly a need for administrative reforms. This decision suggests that the International Criminal Court might be reluctant to seize or freeze assets in the future. This needs to be considered, in light of the looming war crimes trials of former Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, and warlord Ali Muhammad Ali AbdAl-Rahman (Ali Kushayb). Tonny Raymond Kirabira, PhD Researcher, University of Portsmouth and Leila Choukroune, Professor of International Law and Director of the University Research and Innovation Theme in Democratic Citizenship, University of Portsmouth This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The conversation The Ministry of External Affairs has told the Kerala government that its guidelines that expatriates returning home from Persian Gulf countries should wear personal protection equipment (PPE) to contain the spread of Covid-19 are impractical for the ministry to implement. Well be observing standard operating protocols (SOPs) issued by Home and Health Ministries. The SOPs say that expatriates will have to follow the SOPs being implemented in those countries. Kerala governments guidelines are impractical for the MEA to implement, minister of state for external affairs V Muraleedharan said according to ANI. At least 149 Vande Bharat and 171 chartered flights are expected to land in Kerala with expatriates in next two weeks. Kerala government has issued some special guidelines for the expatriates who want to return to Kerala from Gulf countries. Regarding this, MEA has informed the government that state-specific protocols cannot be implemented, the minister said. The Kerala government which had earlier said that expatriates should have Covid-free certificates before flying home, scrapped that demand on Wednesday after the Centre said tests are not feasible in Indian missions but insisted that passengers will have to wear PPE during the flights. The state government had maintained that Covid-free certificates were a must because most of Keralas coronavirus cases were people who had come from abroad or other states. The states insistence on Covid-free certificates had drawn fire from the opposition and the expatriates as insensitive New York governor Andrew Cuomo accused his Florida counterpart, Ron DeSantis, of playing politics with the coronavirus pandemic, now that numbers of cases are rising steadily in Florida. During the onset of the pandemic, Florida ordered travelers arriving from hard-hit New York to self-quarantine for two weeks. On Tuesday, Cuomo and the governors of Connecticut and New Jersey ordered travelers from Florida, Texas, and several other states to self-quarantine as case numbers rise throughout those states. Look at the numbers: you played politics with this virus and you lost,A Cuomo said Wednesday on CNN, accusing other governors, including DeSantis, of mishandling the pandemic. You told the people of your statedont worry about it, just open up, go about your business, this is all Democratic hyperbole. Oh really? Now you see twenty seven states with the numbers going up, you see the death projections going up.It was never politics, it was always science. DeSantis has maintained that while rising numbers of cases are concerning, those numbers do not take into account the age of patients. Younger patients tend to have fewer complications and hospitalizations from coronavirus. The folks in that [younger] age group, unless they have a real serious underlying condition, do not suffer the same types of clinical consequences or hospitalization or certainly covid-related fatalities that people in the older group would, DeSantis said at a press conference on Tuesday. Even though we had a lot of new tests at higher levels last week, we actually had fewer positive tests in our long-term care facilities than we had had. New York has seen a death rate of 8 percent from coronavirus, driven in part by outbreaks at nursing homes in the state. Among Floridians, 3 percent of coronavirus patients have died. More from National Review ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the unpredictable state of travel, Cancel for Any Reason travel insurance policies are in high demand, with a 415% increase in purchases, according to travel insurance comparison site Squaremouth.com. Before spending the additional 40% it costs to acquire this extensive coverage, Squaremouth.com shares four tips travelers should know prior to filing a Cancel for Any Reason claim. Accepting Vouchers or Credits Can Affect Claim Amount Many travel suppliers are offering credits or vouchers to travelers impacted by COVID-19. Once a traveler accepts a credit or voucher, they can no longer claim that amount on their travel insurance. However, if they only receive a partial credit for their trip or have outstanding expenses, they can claim for the remaining amount. Keep Booking Documentation Despite Cancel for Any Reason's lenient coverage, documentation will still be required when filing a claim. Since this upgrade is time-sensitive and typically requires that travelers insure 100% of their trip cost, documentation that shows the date the trip was booked and the total cost of the trip will be necessary. Don't Cancel Last Minute Trips protected with Cancel for Any Reason coverage must be canceled 2-3 days prior to departure. If a traveler waits and cancels their trip last minute, they may not be eligible for any refund under the Cancel for Any Reason benefit. Don't Expect a Full Refund While Cancel for Any Reason policies give travelers the ability to cancel their trip for reasons not covered by a standard policy, they will only provide a 75% refund of the insured trip cost. 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 Kohls will reopen on Friday at the Park City Center in Lancaster. The mall is permitted to reopen on Friday when Lancaster County moves into the green phase and because the store doesnt have any outside entrances it wasnt permitted to reopen until this Friday. The mall will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Rachel Gallagher, senior general manager of Park City Center said she expects about half of the malls tenants to reopen on Friday including the only Apple store in central Pennsylvania. Boscovs and JCPenney were permitted to reopen when the county moved into the yellow phase and have been open. Stores with outside entrances were permitted to reopen in Lancaster County on June 5. Kohls reopened its stores in the Harrisburg area last month. --Business Buzz --Sign up for PennLives newsletters Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. You can follow Daniel Urie on twitter @DanielUrie2018 and you can like PennLives business page on Facebook at @PennLiveBusiness First Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Emine Dzheppar has received copies of credentials from newly appointed Ambassador of Lithuania to Ukraine Valdemaras Sarapinas, the Foreign Ministry's press service reports. "Emine Dzheppar and Valdemaras Sarapinas praised the Ukrainian-Lithuanian strategic partnership, as well as their readiness to deepen it in the future," reads the report of June 22. The deputy foreign minister also expressed gratitude to Lithuania for the practical assistance and support to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, our European and Euro-Atlantic integration, and medical rehabilitation of 282 Armed Forces servicemen. In his turn, the newly appointed ambassador outlined the priorities of his work in Ukraine and noted that Lithuania is a friend of Ukraine and will always advocate for the Ukrainian people both at the bilateral level and within the framework of international organizations. The interlocutors also briefly discussed preparations for the planned activities of a bilateral dialogue and socially important humanitarian projects that are being implemented with the participation of Lithuania. The first deputy minister congratulated the ambassador on his arrival in Ukraine and wished him success in his future work. ish Three more people have died from COVID-19 in Oklahoma, and hundreds more infections have been reported. The three fatal cases two women and one man, all older than 65 were in Oklahoma County. There have been 375 deaths from the disease since late March. State health officials reported 438 new infections, and 207, or about 47%, of the cases were in Tulsa County residents. Although Thursdays reporting did not represent peaks in daily counts, Tulsa Countys 7-day rolling average has reached a new high of 143. The states 7-day rolling average is 371. As of Wednesday, there were 277 Oklahomans hospitalized with confirmed cases or as persons under investigation for the disease. Eighty-seven of them are in intensive care. Responding to questions at an afternoon news conference, Gov. Kevin Stitt said reimposing restrictions is not on the table and the state still has a relatively low number of cases. He said Arkansas, which has fewer people than Oklahoma, reported more new cases Wednesday. We have the 10th fewest cases per capita. We have the second fewest per capita for states over 2 million. New York is one of only four states on track to contain the coronavirus, according to data from Covid Act Now. Forbes reports the nonprofit organization, which tracks the spread of Covid-19 in real time, says only New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut are seeing a steadily decreasing number of cases and hospitalizations. Covid Act Now says those four states are in the green and at a low-risk level based on an analysis of metrics like a states infection rate, positive test rate, available intensive care units, contact tracing efforts, and future hospitalization trends. In New York, confirmed cases, hospitalizations and deaths from coronavirus have been declining for weeks. The Empire State currently has an 0.84% infection rate, which means the total number of cases is going down because each person with coronavirus is infecting 0.84 other people or fewer than one other person. The tracker also says a low percentage (1%) of new tests are positive; New York is currently testing more than 50,000 people a day, throwing cold water on claims that increased testing leads to more positives. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has credited New Yorks success to a slowly phased reopening, mask requirements and social distancing measures followed by the public. You know who bent the curve in New York? New Yorkers. Nobody else. They wore the mask and did the social distancing. They did it, Cuomo said Wednesday. Weather is warm, the news is good in New York. Yes, it is, but that does not mean people can now relax. The news is good because we did what we had to do. The news is good because we were New York tough and smart and united and disciplined and loving. According to Covid Act Now, most of the U.S. is not currently on track to contain coronavirus, and 18 states are currently at risk of an outbreak, with potential for overwhelming hospitals. California, Texas and Florida are currently seeing more than 5,000 new coronavirus cases a day. A record 45,557 cases were confirmed nationwide Wednesday, the highest single-day total since April 26. Another four states Arizona, Missouri, Alabama and Georgia are currently facing an active or imminent outbreak. The Arizona Department of Health said Tuesday that 88% of its ICU hospital beds are currently being used, a number thats been steadily rising for weeks. Health experts say that cases will rise as lockdowns are lifted, but will rise higher in states that reopened sooner or have been more lenient with health restrictions, such as not requiring face masks. The question is how high will they rise, Dr. Erik Toner of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security told NBC on Monday. Oregon, for example, has done a good job of dealing with the pandemic, and if people adhere to wearing face masks and social distancing, it may not be bad. But some Southern and Western states have gone out of their way to not wear face masks or practice social distancing, and we expect it to be much worse. As a result, Cuomo said Wednesday that New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will require 14-day quarantines for visitors from states with an infection rate of over 10% of the total population or with more than 10 people infected for every 100,000, both based on a rolling seven-day average. Affected states currently include Alabama, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Utah, Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina and Washington. We worked very hard to get the viral transmission rate down, Cuomo said. We dont want to see it go up because a lot of people come into this region and they can literally bring the infection with them. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Restarting NY: Whats open, whats closed in phase four New York, NJ, CT order 14-day quarantines for travelers from some other states Daily update: Onondaga County has 16 new cases of Covid-19 Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com By PTI AHMEDABAD: Gujarat recorded 577 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the tally to 29,578 on Thursday, while 18 more patients succumbed to the infection, a dozen of them in Ahmedabad, the state health department said. The number of positive cases in the state rose to 29,578 with the addition of these 577 new coronavirus infections in the last 24 hours, said a release from the health department. During the same period, as many as 18 COVID-19 patients succumbed to the infection, taking the death toll to 1,754, said the statement. Also, 410 persons recovered from the disease and discharged from different hospitals in the state, taking the count of such cases to 21,506, it said. The health department said as many as 216 patients recovered in Ahmedabad district alone, followed by 52 in Vadodara, 46 in Surat and 36 in Gandhinagar. Patients also recovered from some other districts, including Narmada, Gandhinagar, Valsad, Anand and Panchmahal, the release said. Out of the total 577 new cases, 238 were reported from Ahmedabad district alone - 225 from the city and remaining 13 from rural areas. Ahmedabad's tally of cases has now reached 19,939. Other districts where a significant number of cases were reported in the last 24 hours, were Surat (164), Vadodara (44) and 14 each in Rajkot and Jamnagar. While Surat' tally of positive cases reached 3,876, the second highest in Gujarat, Vadodara was on the third spot with 2,029 infections. Of the total 18 patients who succumbed to the infection during the last 24 hours, as many as 12 died in different hospitals of Ahmedabad, three in Surat, two in Gandhinagar and one in Surendranagar district, the department said. The release said Gujarat has conducted 3,45,278 tests, out of 6,318 cases are still active. Among these, 66 are on ventilator while 6,252 are stable. Out of around 2.29 lakh persons currently quarantined in the state, as many as 2.26 lakh are under home isolation, while 3,652 are kept in different facilities, it said. Gujarat COVID-19 figures are as follows: Positive cases 29,578, new cases 577, deaths 1754, discharged 21,506, active cases 6,318, people tested so far 3,45,278. A central team, led by Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry Lav Agarwal, will visit Gujarat on Friday to review the measures undertaken by the state to contain the spread of coronavirus, said officials on Thursday. During the one-day visit, Agarwal and his team members are expected to visit containment zones in Ahmedabad city, the worst-hit due to COVID-19 in Gujarat, they said. The team would also visit the city's civil hospital, which has a 1,200-bed capacity to treat COVID-19 patients, said state Commissioner of Health, Jai Prakash Shivahare. "This visit by the central team is aimed at strengthening coordination with the state in fighting coronavirus. We will apprise them about our efforts and best practices adopted by the government to contain the virus," said Shivahare. Earlier in the day, the health ministry announced that its teams will visit Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana between June 26 and 29 to take stock of the COVID-19 situation in these states. A $50,000 gold nugget has been found on the side of a highway after it fell from its owner's moving car. The nugget was in a black velvet bag when it fell from the 83-year-old owner's vehicle on Tuesday while he travelled along the Great Northern Highway in Wubin, 270km from Perth. The owner made a desperate plea to drivers who travelled along the highway and officers from Dalwallinu Police offered a reward in return for the nugget. The $50,000 nugget (similar to one pictured) was in a black velvet bag and fell from a moving vehicle on Tuesday On Thursday, police announced that the nugget had finally been found and returned to its grateful owners. 'The Nugget has been found! Big thanks to the wider community, the 83-year-old owner and his wife are very, very grateful, relieved and very happy,' the police wrote online. Social media news commended the founder for their honesty and for handing it in. 'That is fantastic news... Nice to know there are honest people out there... Well done,' one person wrote. 'Wow glad to hear some people are still honest,' another commented. 'That's wonderful news, thanks to the kind person that handed it in,' another wrote. The nugget was in a black velvet bag while and fell from the 83-year-old owner's vehicle on Tuesday while he travelled along the Great Northern Highway in Wubin (pictured) Following news the nugget was missing, social media users expressed their shock at how the pricey nugget fell from the car. 'Memo to self: stop putting sunglasses on the roof before getting into car because you will lose them. Next memo to self: stop putting little velvet bags on the roof because...,' one wrote. 'I mean, I know this year is weird, but gold nuggets falling from moving vehicles is incomprehensible,' another wrote. It is unclear how the nugget was found and if the founder received the reward. The new branding features innovative products and improved services for new and experienced traders BIRKIRKARA, Malta, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Binary.com, a multi-award winning pioneer in the retail online trading space, has rebranded into Deriv.com with new products and enhanced user experience, continuing its mission of serving customers into the future with simple, flexible, and reliable online trading solutions. Jean-Yves Sireau, the company's founder and CEO, says: "Stepping into our third decade of operations, it's just timely to renew our commitment to make online trading effortless and accessible to everyone, especially to our valued clients." The roll-out of Deriv.com sees the culmination of over 20 years of experience in analysing trading trends, harnessing cutting edge technology, and responding to client preferences. The rebranding involves the launch of Deriv.com, which delivers multiple trading options centred around three core products: DTrader, for both new and experienced traders; DBot, which allows users -- even those with zero coding knowledge -- to create trading robots; and Deriv MT5 (DMT5), the trading platform of choice for professional traders. SmartTrader, the popular trading platform with a unique interface on Binary.com, will continue to be available to clients on Deriv.com. As part of the rebranding, Deriv.com introduces products like Multiplier Options that potentially offer traders higher profits while limiting risks. New features like P2P Cashier, which facilitates seamless financial transactions, will be introduced gradually. These new developments will provide users with a more satisfying trading experience on Deriv.com. On being lauded as one of the oldest and most respected names in online trading, Sireau says, "Customer focus and a talented team working within a culture of innovation have made it possible for us to conceive and launch a product like Deriv.com. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our partners and clients for their incredible support over the years." The new platform is live at www.deriv.com. About Deriv.com Deriv.com, previously known as Binary.com, is an online trading service provider offering a comprehensive suite of products with flexible pricing, where its customers can trade currencies, indices, commodities, and volatility indices 24/7. Committed to customer satisfaction and high ethical standards, the company delivers quality products and services with integrity. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1162418/Jean_Yves_Sireau_Founder_CEO_Deriv.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1162417/Deriv_Logo.jpg For media enquiries contact: Federica D'Andrea +971-502534352 federica@deriv.com OTTAWA - Justin Trudeau's Liberal government is facing contradictory calls to either stand up to China or give in to so-called "hostage diplomacy" with particular pressure coming from stalwarts of former Liberal prime minister Jean Chretien's administration. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 24/6/2020 (577 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Hui Chi-fung, left, a Democratic Party politician, is detained by riot police during a protest in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, Friday, June 12, 2020. A group of senators is calling on the Liberal government to impose sanctions on Chinese officials over China's treatment of its Muslim minority, its increasing restriction of freedoms in Hong Kong, and its arrests of two Canadians. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Vincent Yu OTTAWA - Justin Trudeau's Liberal government is facing contradictory calls to either stand up to China or give in to so-called "hostage diplomacy" with particular pressure coming from stalwarts of former Liberal prime minister Jean Chretien's administration. Allan Rock is the latest former Chretien-era minister to advocate that the government end extradition proceedings against Meng Wanzhou, in hopes that China will release two Canadians imprisoned arbitrarily in apparent retaliation for the Huawei executive's arrest in Vancouver in December 2018. Rock said Wednesday that Chretien himself supports his initiative. "I spoke to Chretien this morning because he called me to say he agreed with me," Rock said in an interview, adding that he did not speak to the former prime minister before making his public intervention in the Meng case. Rock got further backup Wednesday in a letter to Trudeau signed by 19 former politicians and diplomats who urged that Meng be freed in a bid to win the release of detained Canadians Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig. Signatories to the letter, obtained by The Canadian Press, included Chretien-era ministers Lloyd Axworthy and Andre Ouellet, former Conservative minister Lawrence Cannon and former diplomat Robert Fowler, who was himself taken hostage in 2008 in Niger. It was also signed by two former chiefs of staff to Progressive Conservative prime minister Brian Mulroney Hugh Segal and Derek Burney, who also once served as Canada's ambassador to the United States. "It has now been more than 550 days since the two Michaels were locked into a Chinese prison," says the letter, also signed by Rock and former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour, who went public earlier this week with their call to free Meng. "Their detention was completely unlawful and unjustified. Reliable accounts describe their conditions of confinement as tantamount to torture ... We believe that the two Michaels will remain in their Chinese prison until Meng is free to return to China." The signatories acknowledge that "it does not sit well with anyone to yield to bullying or blackmail." But they argue that standing firm is no guarantee China won't resort to arbitrary detentions again in future to get its way. "Indeed, if Canada resists the pressure arising from the detention of the two Michaels, China might well decide that next time it will need to escalate by detaining more than two Canadians," the signatories write. A group of senators, meanwhile, called on the Trudeau government to impose sanctions on Chinese officials over China's treatment of its Muslim minority, its increasing restriction on freedoms in Hong Kong, and its arrests of Spavor and Kovrig. The 12 senators are mostly Conservatives but some were appointed on the advice of Liberal prime ministers, including Trudeau. In a letter, the senators said they want the government to use legislation, known as the Sergei Magnitsky Law, that allows it to target the personal finances of foreign officials responsible for violating human rights, freezing assets that are in Canada's control and forbidding Canadian institutions to do business with them. But another senator is pushing the government from the other direction. Sen. Yuen Pau Woo, leader of the Independent Senators Group, is urging the government to follow the advice of Rock and Arbour, who argue that Canada's Extradition Act specifically allows the justice minister to terminate extradition proceedings at any time. Trudeau and his justice minister, David Lametti, have maintained the minister may intervene only after a court has ruled on the Meng case and that, in the meantime, the rule of law requires that they not interfere in the matter. Chretien, who cultivated good relations with China during his time in office and who has spent considerable time there on business since retiring in 2003, has indicated he would be willing to serve as a special envoy to China to secure the release of the two Michaels. Mulroney first floated that idea last year, suggesting a delegation involving Chretien and his son-in-law, Andre Desmarais, who is honorary chair of the Canada-China Business Council. Chretien's former deputy prime minister, John Manley, has argued Canada should never have agreed to arrest Meng on behalf of the U.S. And Chretien's former principal secretary, Eddie Goldenberg, earlier this year urged the government to conduct a prisoner swap, freeing Meng in return for the release Spavor and Kovrig. China itself said releasing Meng could be one way to resolve the issue. "Such options are within the rule of law and could open up space for resolution to the situation of the two Canadians," Zhao Lijian, the spokesman for China's foreign ministry, said in a media briefing Wednesday. The involvement of the Chretien-era old guard has sparked criticism in some quarters that it is aimed primarily at advancing business interests in China. But Rock, now a law professor at the University of Ottawa, said neither he nor Arbour has business ties and neither has anything to gain by advocating for the release of Meng. Their intervention is based entirely on the fact that Section 23(3) of Extradition Act explicitly spells out that the justice minister "may at any time withdraw the authority to proceed" with an extradition, at which point the court would have to drop the proceedings, he said. The government's contention that it must not interfere in the Meng case is "wrong," Rock, a former justice minister, said. Rock was in cabinet when the Extradition Act was revised and he said Sec. 23 was specifically inserted because it was recognized "there are going to be cases in which the government will conclude that it's not in Canada's best interests to continue with an extradition once launched." Rock said the government has preempted any discussion about the merits of releasing Meng by insisting that it can't do so, relying on "formulaic, robotic incantations" about having to respect the rule of law. He and Arbour want there to be at least an honest debate about whether releasing Meng would amount to caving in to a bully and rewarding China for hostage diplomacy or whether it would anger the Americans and risk retaliation from the mercurial President Donald Trump. Stay informed The latest updates on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 delivered to your inbox every weeknight. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. For their part, Rock said they've concluded "there are compelling reasons to stop this." Meng's case could drag on for years while the two Michaels remain in prison, facing a "show trial" for espionage "in a court that has a 99 per cent conviction rate." All the while, Rock said Canada's foreign policy is being held hostage, with the government stalling a decision on the use of Huawei technology in 5G networks and soft-peddling criticism of China's human rights record for fear of worsening conditions for the detained Canadians. As for angering Trump, he said the president's suggestion that he'd drop extradition proceedings against Meng if he got a good trade deal with China, shows that Canada is "paying a disproportionate price for his cynical gamesmanship." In a statement Wednesday, Lametti's office argued that the extradition process "ensures that individual rights are protected and that those sought for extradition are afforded due process before the courts, while honouring our international treaty obligations. "We are well aware of the laws and processes governing this important regime," it said, adding it would not be appropriate to comment further on a case before the courts. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2020. The Heads of State of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are set to meet to discuss issues bordering on the adoption of the single currency the Eco for the sub-region, Nigerias Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, has said. Mr Onyeama, while briefing journalists on Thursday, after a meeting with the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, and the president of ECOWAS, Jean-Claude Brou, said that there was no division between Anglophone and Francophone countries within ECOWAS over the single currency adoption. He added that the sub-regional body would hold a meeting of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to ensure that all the member states were on the same page. That is a whole point of organising this meeting very quickly so that we can dispel that notion that there is a division. So, the sooner a meeting can be organised of all the heads of state, then we will be in a better position to dispel this notion that somehow, there is this division between the various groups. ECOWAS is one, he said. The ministers comments come after President Muhammadu Buhari warned that the ambition for the single currency could be in serious jeopardy unless member states comply with agreed processes of reaching the collective goal. Also speaking on Thursday, the ECOWAS president said the meeting was convened to discuss the single currency, assuring that ECOWAS was doing its best to advance the process. I think we made very good progress in recent months and we continue to work collectively all together so that we can achieve what our principals have set, Brou said. Earlier, the Nigerian Finance Minister, Mrs Ahmed, said the inability to meet the convergence criteria was responsible for the delay in achieving the regional single currency. We are all struggling with trying to stabilise the exchange rate, trying to also make sure that our debts are at manageable levels. So, we have to discuss whether the roadmap will stay as it is or we may have to change and move the roadmap forward. And that is a decision that the President will take, Mrs Ahmed said. (NAN) Texas Halts Reopenings as Spike in Virus Cases Reported Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday the state will pause its efforts to reopen its economy as the number of CCP virus infections increase and hospital beds get filled. As we experience an increase in both positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, we are focused on strategies that slow the spread of this virus while also allowing Texans to continue earning a paycheck to support their families, Abbott, a Republican, said in a statement. The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses. This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business. Describing the move as a temporary pause, the governor said it will deal with the spread of the virus so that Texas can open again. He said, I ask all Texans to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, washing their hands regularly, and socially distancing from others. The more that we all follow these guidelines, the safer our state will be and the more we can open up Texas for business. People ride bikes while wearing face coverings during the CCP virus pandemic in New York City, New York, on May 20, 2020. (Cindy Ord/Getty Images) Abbotts comments came after U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar said he doesnt believe that states wont have to again shut down over the recent daily increase in CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus cases. You will see local community mitigation steps depending on circumstances. As I said, the hotspots are in 3 percent of American counties. About 110 counties right now are the ones that we are focused on. We can get back to work, back to school, back to worship, and more importantly, back to health care, if we act responsibly as individuals, Azar told Fox News on Thursday. The majority of the cases are occurring in older Americans with preexisting health issues such as obesity, lung disease, or diabetes, Azar told the broadcaster, echoing comments made by top health officials earlier this year. Most of the country, he added, can resume their normal activities while wearing face masks. The United States recorded more than 38,000 cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, according to the COVID Tracking Project. However, the number of deaths has not trended upward, the project said. Across Texas, the number of hospitalizations increased to more than 4,739 on Thursday, officials told the Texas Tribune, adding that the state had 1,320 intensive care unit beds available. Farmers in Northern Ireland have been asked to be 'particularly careful' of water usage during the dry spell to help avoid a hosepipe ban. While farmers were 'very mindful' of water, the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) said the dry weather conditions meant water supply was 'under pressure'. This, coupled with more individuals working from home due to the Covid-19 crisis, meant that 'extra precautions' were needed. It follows confirmation from the Met Office that this spring was the second driest since the beginning of the twentieth century. This dry spell, coupled with more people at home using more water, has resulted in a significant drop in water levels in Northern Ireland. UFU deputy president Victor Chestnutt said water was a 'critical aspect' of food production and 'essential' in keeping livestock hydrated. "The process of food production has already experienced challenges due to the pandemic and we must make sure we are being vigilant with our water usage so that a hosepipe ban does not become another. We ask all members to take a bit of time during their day to check that all pumps and pipework for drinkers are in good working order, and that all tanks are leakproof. "These are things that we dont check on a regular basis so issues could arise and linger for a lengthy period without anyone realising," he said. NI Water added that it welcomed efforts by the farming community to use rainwater for use around the farm. Director of customer service delivery, Des Nevin explained that waterbutts were a 'great way' to harvest rainwater to be reused on the farm. "The recent rain we have experienced is not enough to bring the levels back up," Mr Nevin said. "We would need a period of reasonably wet weather before we would see a significant change in the levels of most of our reservoirs." While NI Water said there were a number of steps it could take to alleviate the stress on reservoirs, including a hosepipe ban, the 'key was to conserve water'. "How we all use our water now will have a massive impact on our water levels during the summer months and on whether a hosepipe ban will be required, Mr Nevin added. In dispensing their parliamentary duties, MPs, who are the representatives of their constituents;who are voted mostly on the tickets of political parties, always get to an important crossroad in their parliamentary decision making. Thus whether to go the way of the party or the Nation. One may argue that the party is in the Nation, so there isn't any difference, but as a political scientist, I know that a political party is just a single unit of the Nation. As far back as in the 500 BCs, the "Assembly" which is known today as parliament, was introduced in the Ancient Greece. This "Assembly" allowed all male adults of the Nation, to take part in decision making for the entire populace. This was the direct representation of the people. With time, as a result of the increasing population pressures, coupled with feminists challenges and a host of issues, the peoples "Assembly" evolved. Today, we have an indirect representation, where the people give their mandate to another person to represent them in parliament. Since we embraced full constitutional democracy in Ghana in 1992, electorates have voted people they trusted, to the parliament house to represent their interests. One major major issue that has come to the fore since then, is "whether MPs serve the political party interest or that of the Nation?" It is a fact that most MPs are elected by their people on the tickets of political parties but once in parliament, they do various duties to promote the nation's interests and agenda. Notwithstanding, party interests always conflict with National interest in their duties. Most MPs only see themselves as representing the party people who voted for them in their constituencies. Thus, they advance only the interests of such people to the detriment of the general populace in their constituencies. Also, decision making on the floor of parliament, specifically debating and voting on issues, put MPs in very difficult positions; torn between what favours the party versus those of the Nation. It is true that the above is an international phenomena but it is sad to note that in Ghana, since 1992, party interests have mostly and always allegedly thrived over national interests in these processes. Through the work of party whips, party discipline is most of the time enforced to the core, which curtails and limits MPs in their broad thinking. Thus, always falling in the party lines. Developed Countries like the UK and US. also have such creations but my worry is that ours' is nearing extremism. Specifically, in the recent vote in parliament of Ghana, on the referendum for political party participation in district level elections, Mr Ras Mubarak, MP for Kunbungu,is on record to have come public to declare an opposing stance to his party's decision. His party prior to his action, had issued a one-line whip, which threatened him and his position. As a result, he backtracked and appologised to his party. This is extreme partisanship. Similarly, I'm sure most majority NPP MPs might have had issues with the "YES" vote by their party, yet they couldn't voice out. Why are we treating our MPs this way? It is a fact that our parliaments, since 1992, have mostly and always, carried out solely government business. Elsewhere, MPs, CSOs,the media and even individual citizens are encouraged to push in "Private and Public member bills" to address key concerns of constituents or minority groups. Can we say so of our parliamentary democracy? Finally, our legislature is such that, it is difficult to find a majority MP, rise to oppose governments' business and bills laid before them through the minister of government business. In America, we' ve heard of legislators from the president's party, rise to disagree with him and consequently voting against his bills with boldness, caring less about what would happen to them. Do you know that almost all bills of governments are passed by majority approval from their sides, because rulling parties in Ghana, have always obtained majority seats in parliament?. So I ask myself, "How will a government run its business in Ghana, if it unfortunately wins minority seats in parliament?". We pray that this does not happen because if it does, we will really pluck the fruits of our seeds of partisanship sown in our legislature. We cannot continue this way, something must be done. We need to encourage more qualified people to go independent when contesting parliamentary seats, because such people, per their stance, may in a way, be trusted to remain nationalistic in decision making. Moreover, this issue can be dealt with completely by a constitutional creation. As a nation, we ought to consider a second chamber, which is by its creation, neutral and non-partisan, to deal with this albatross. Finally, CSOs, the media and individuals can put pressure on individual parliamentarians so they uphold their nationalistic 'conscience' . CSOs and the media must step in, to support MPs who are victimized or punished as a result of contravening party stance or positions. Our parliamentary democracy has persisted. However it is not immuned from disaster or crisis. Let us think about our future representatives. Let us do away with all impediments in the way of our representative democracy. NANA OSEI BOATENG (POLITICAL SCIENTIST, BROADCASTER, WRITER, EDUCATOR) >>> NA Chairwoman meets voters in Can Tho >>> Senior leaders meet with voters after National Assemblys 9th plenary >>> Overcoming difficulties and challenges, bringing the country forward in the new situation Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Binh Minh and a delegation of NA deputies from Thai Nguyen Province attended a meeting with voters in Phu Binh District. Speaking at the event, Minh, who is also a Politburo member, informed voters about the important resolutions that were passed at the recently-closed NAs sitting, including resolutions approving the Free Trade Agreement between Vietnam and the European Union (EVFTA), the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and the accession to Convention 105 on Abolition of Forced Labour endorsed by the International Labour Organisation, which mark a period of comprehensive and extensive integration in the international community by Vietnam, opening up new development opportunities and contributing to raising Vietnam's position in the international arena. In response to recommendations from Phu Binh voters, Minh said that the target programme for ethnic minorities has always been given special attention by the Party, State and NA, especially in the 2021-2030 period, with total capital for the implementation of the programme reaching over VND414 billion. The same day, in Son La Province, Politburo member and NA Vice Chairwoman attended a meeting with local voters. She praised the province for the effective prevention and control of COVID-19, as well as for ensuring national defence and security and maintaining local socio-economic development. Other NA leaders, including NA Vice Chairmen Phung Quoc Hien and Do Ba Ty, also met with voters in Lai Chau Province and Lao Cai Province on June 22 and 23, respectively. In Ho Chi Minh City on June 23, Politburo member and Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan met with voters in Tan Binh District. Earlier, on the afternoon of June 22, Nhan joined the citys NA deputies delegation in a meeting with voters in Can Gio District. The first Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) board exam in English subject for class 10 students began across Karnataka under Covid cloud as per lockdown guidelines, an official said on Thursday. "As scheduled, the 3-hour exam in English began at 10.30 a.m. at all the 3,179 centres across the state, as per the guidelines. Though 8.5 lakh students registered to appear, we will know after the exam how many of them wrote or missed for what reasons," Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board Director V. Sumangala told IANS here. Of the 8.5 lakh students registered for the exams, which will conclude on July 4, 4,48,560 are boys and 3,99,642 are girls. Of the total centres, 2,879 are main and 300 in block, set up to accommodate students spilling over from other centres to ensure social distancing. "All students will be given 15 minutes extra from 1.30 p.m. to complete if any question remains or revise their answer sheets before handing over to the teachers,' Sumangala said. As directed, most students reported at all centres by 9.00 a.m. for thermal screening, wearing mask and washing hands with sanitizer for entering the exam hall by 10.15 a.m. A whopping 86,000 people, including 63,000 state-run school teachers and 23,000 from other departments like health, police and social welfare are on duty for the smooth conduct of the exams in 6 subjects, including English, Kannada, third language, natural science, social science and mathematics. "About 200-250 students have been accommodated at each centre, with about 200 centres located in the containment zones, said Sumangala. The exams were earlier scheduled from March 27 to April 9, but were put off as the lockdown was extended thrice up to May 31. As a 2-metre distance has to be kept between two students, more exam centres have been arranged to comply with the guidelines. Each exam centre has also been equipped with sanitizer dispensers to wash hands before and after the exam. Students who shifted to their home town during the prolonged lockdown have been allowed to write exams from the nearest centre, where they are staying. "All arrangements have been made for the safe conduct of the exams," said Medical Education Minister K. Sudhakar said after reviewing the preparedness with officials through video conferencing on late Wednesday. He urged parents to send their wards to the exam centres without any worry. Sudhakar, a medical doctor by profession, urged parents to send their wards to the exam without worry as all precautions have been taken to ensure not even a student would be infected by the corona virus. "The entire country is looking at Karnataka's decision to conduct the SSLC exams despite rising Covid cases in the state. Hence, this should be taken as a challenge to conduct them carefully," asserted Sudhakar. Directing the officials to strictly follow the guidelines, the minister said it was their collective responsibility to ensure every student was safe from the moment he or she leaves home to the exam centre and returned after the exam. "Vehicles ferrying students where public transport is not available, surroundings near exam centres, exam halls and toilets must be sanitised," reiterated the minister. As there are 458 containment zones across Bengaluru, the minister directed the officials to take any student found ill to the nearest health centre. State Education Minister S. Suresh Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary Javed Akhtar and senior officials of the concerned departments participated in the meeting. THE Government has approved the allocation of 6.1m in emergency funding for Shannon Airport as it prepares to fully reopen from next week. The emergency funding was sanctioned at a Cabinet meeting which was held at Dublin Castle this Thursday evening. Welcoming the announcement, a spokesperson for Shannon Group said: The 12 million Hold Baggage Screening project at Shannon Airport was halted halfway through construction due to funding constraints as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the 6.1 million Government grant to ensure its completion is very welcome. However, the spokesperson added: The project completion is necessary to meet regulatory standards and to ensure business continuity for our outbound baggage systems, it will not generate any commercial return for the airport. Limerick city TD, Kieran ODonnell has welcomed the allocation of the funding. "Shannon Airport is a key economic driver for the region and Ireland, with its activities being exponentially impacted by Covid-19. This funding will assist Shannon Airport in dealing with the challenges ahead as it moves into post Covid-19 take-off mode," he aid. We have new safety procedures in place. Please be mindful of the following when in the airport Only passengers in the terminal building Wear a face covering Wash your hands regularly Practice social distancing More: https://t.co/EcETTQfBsg #TogetherWeGotThis pic.twitter.com/F7R35y5EXH Shannon Airport (@ShannonAirport) June 25, 2020 While welcoming the funding, Clare TD Michael McNamara says more government support for Shannon is needed given the impact of Covid-19 on the airport. This emergency funding announcement is a drop of rain in a drought in the context of Shannon Groups capital investment plans and its outstanding debts. For example, Shannon Group must invest in excess of 6m in its Shannon Heritage properties and fund a 9.7m baggage screening upgrade in the near future, as well as repay a 10m loan to the State for its runway upgrade, he said. Protect Teddy here So, New York City has decided to take down the statue of President Teddy Roosevelt from in front of one of the most historic museums in America. Well, I sure hope San Antonians, Texans and Americans hold strong and do not let anything happen at our beloved Menger Hotel and what the Rough Riders stood for. John Strickland Mail votes make sense During the elections held in the middle of this pandemic, poll workers risk their lives and health for the sake of democracy. Each in-person voter is a possible COVID-19 carrier, and poll workers remain in a single room for 12 hours as a constant stream of people come and go. Citizens who are ill, or become ill, during the early voting and election day period must choose between sacrificing their right to cast a ballot and consciously endangering their neighbors. I am 62, but Im training to become an election judge despite the personal risk because I dont want to force an older person to take a bigger risk to do this vital job. During this pandemic, all citizens should have the option of voting by mail. This is just common sense. Thomas N. Lee USS America sinking The U.S. Navy made a ruling that Capt. Brett Crozier be relieved of his duty and fired over the response to a coronavirus outbreak. The investigation determined he failed to take appropriate action for failing to do what a commanding officer is supposed to do. I pray voters will grade the current commander in chief in November. Our president is sinking the USS America. Fred Machado On ExpressNews.com: Navy upholds firing of carrier captain in virus outbreak Meet Pond, James Pond and also newly named family members Quackie Chan, Duck Norris, Quack Sparrow, Ducktape, Quack Attack, Eggspresso, Goose, Quacked Jack, Sir Quacks-A-Lot, Moby Duck and Michael Quackson. They started out as 11 light blue eggs in a nest that educator Robert Gallo discovered in his Etobicoke backyard after seeing a female mallard duck fly out of a tree. That hatched an idea: Why not start a contest for students to name the duck family, providing teens a little fun while cooped up at home during the pandemic? I had 100 submissions within the first day, said Gallo, who is a vice-principal and new to Toronto Catholic high school Dante Alighieri Academy. Gallo said hes a big fan of play on words, so in the end he chose the submissions from Grade 12 student Massimo Calabro. The 18-year-old saw the contest on Instagram and thought I might give it a shot. He came up with his ideas from watching movies, and I just remembered some names and went through actors names to see if I could make a duck name out of it, he said. It was fun, said Calabro, who was awarded a $50 Amazon gift card for his creative efforts. It gave me a little laugh while I was doing it, too. Its a little boring being at home all the time it makes your day a little better. Gallos own two-year-old son, Nathan, was excited about all the activity in the backyard and even neighbours got involved: one family put out a kiddie pool so the ducks had access to water, and one young elementary student on the street wrote about them for a school project. Its been fascinating to see, a beautiful experience, Gallo said. He took precautions for the duck family, putting on porch lights at night to deter possums. The wildlife these days is a bit more out there, he said of his Renforth-Rathburn neighbourhood. There were wild geese at Keele and Lawrence; its kind of like Jumanji. Before the school shutdown, Gallo and Toronto police constable Mike Skelhorne had planned to run a Kids in the Coop project for special needs students at Dante, hatching duck eggs. Skelhorne owns a farm and was able to advise Gallo during his backyard pandemic project on the gestation period and what to do and what not to do. Hes been hatching eggs for quite some time. Once the ducklings hatched last weekend, Gallo and wife Angela who is also a teacher escorted the whole duck family two kilometres to a pond at Centennial Park, getting a lot of attention and even stopping traffic along the way. (And, as teachers, they kept counting heads during the entire walk.) Neighbours Debbie and Roman Kolankowski said two adult ducks were frequent visitors to their property, starting in mid-March. The couple filled a garbage can lid with water and the female would come and sit in that, while the male seemed to spend a lot of time in front of the mirror in their yard. Weve been here for over 20 years and we have always seen ducks. But this is the first time they were in our yard, said Roman Kolankowski. They put out the plastic kiddie pool theyd purchased for their two young grandchildren and, given its Frozen movie theme, they named their visitors Olaf and Elsa. The kids were all involved in it. The grandkids were here when the ducks hatched last Sunday evening and little Nathan Gallo thought it was a big thrill, added Roman Kolankowski. It was a great nature experience in the city. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden takes photos of her children for official release. (Getty Images) Over the last few years, the Duchess of Cambridge has thrilled fans by releasing her own photographs of her children as they mark their birthdays. In lockdown, this has continued and even grown, with her husband Prince William the focus of several photos which were released over his birthday weekend. Fans have enjoyed seeing the pictures of the young royals, Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, at home, and also love knowing its their mother behind the camera. It seems Kates idea is not the first time a royal has decided to opt for the tactic. She may have been inspired by the Crown Princess of Sweden, Victoria, who has spent several years doing the same thing, and releasing images through her social media. According to The Daily Telegraph, Victoria started releasing her pictures when she had her baby Estelle, because she didnt trust the press, as they had reported details of an eating disorder when she was a teenager. The Duchess of Cambridge releases her own images of her family. (The Duchess of Cambridge) Read more: This is the camera Duchess of Cambridge uses to take her childrens portraits The paper reports: The public reacted hugely positively, loving not only the fact that they could see such milestones as Estelle blowing out the candles on her first birthday cake but also that Victoria was behind the camera. It goes on to say that Kate decided to do the same thing, helped by the fact she was already a keen amateur photographer. Theres another key clue on Instagram - Kensington Royals account follows the Princesss royal account, Kungahuset. The Swedish royals are being followed by Kensington Royal. (Instagram) Who is Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden? Victoria is the oldest daughter of Swedens King and Queen, Carl and Silvia. She is the heir to the throne, ahead of her younger brother thanks to a change in the law which happened when her brother, Carl Philip, was born. The photos were released for William's birthday, which also fell on Father's Day. (The Duchess of Cambridge) The change, similar to the one implemented in the UK when the Duchess of Cambridge was pregnant with Prince George, means women arent pushed out of the line of succession by their younger male relatives. Story continues Victorias children are also ahead of her brother in the line of succession. She is 42 years old and has two children - Estelle and Oscar. They have been a focus of the instagram account they run, as she shares moments from their lives around their birthdays and other special occasions. Read more: Royal photos send fans into a spin - so who do Prince Louis and Princess Charlotte look like? Details of Victorias battle with anorexia emerged in 1996, and the Swedish palace was forced to confirm it the following year. The Crown Princess decided to study in the US instead of in Sweden in order to have some anonymity while she was treated for the eating disorder. In a documentary filmed in 2017 for her 40th birthday, she said: I went through a tough time. I needed time to sort things out and get my balance back again. I needed to get to know myself, discover where my limits were, not constantly push myself too much. She also wrote about her illness in a book, in which she said: I felt like an accelerating train, going right down... during the whole period. I had eating disorders and was aware of it, my anguish was enormous. I really hated how I looked like, how I was... I, Victoria, didnt exist. It felt like everything in my life and around me was controlled by others. The one thing I could control was the food I put in me. "What happened cost and I was the one who stood for the payments. Now Im feeling well and with the insights Ive acquired through this I can hopefully help someone else Her illness did eventually lead her to meet her husband though. Prince Daniel is a former personal trainer. Princess Victorias full time royal work covers issues of conflict management and international peace building and she regularly travels to represent Sweden and promote its culture. Her charitable fund works to raise money for children with disabilities and chronic illnesses and while it relies on donations, she also has sponsors, like Arla Foods and Swedbank. As well as her public engagements, she carries out private visits to the charities she supports through her fund, which arent announced in the royal diary. Library users in Selwyn Township have been taking advantage of virtual resources during the pandemic, according to the librarys board. During the township's regular teleconference council meeting on Tuesday, board chair Julie Dillon presented the librarys annual report to council members. Though our physical locations have been closed during the pandemic, our libraries have been very busy increasing the number of virtual programs and resources available to our patrons, Dillon said. When the library received a community foundations grant last year, it was reinvested in technology training and support, Dillon said. With the grant money the board hired a student to provide a combination of technology workshops and one-on-one sessions. In light of the need for usage of virtual resources during the current COVID-19 crisis, I think that many of our community members especially seniors were glad to have utilized the computer training and support services throughout the library, said Dillon. The report further highlighted that last year even prior to the pandemic there had been an 11 per cent growth in digital checkouts, along with more virtual visits. At the end of 2019, the library switched to the cloudLibrary platform, which has resulted in access to electronic books and electronic audio books, said Dillon. Though we have continued to see strong interest in our physical book collections, theres been an ongoing trend toward heightened interest and usage of technology, she said. Deputy Mayor Sherry Senis told Dillon shes been using the curbside pickup option. Im a big user of the library. I really appreciate this extra service that the librarys offering and I know there are other members of the public who are doing it as well. Its seamless. Its great, said Senis. However, with services now reopening, it creates challenges for the librarys senior volunteers, in particular, Dillon said. We are taking a cautious approach to reintroducing volunteers to protect their safety, she said. While the librarys annual spring volunteer appreciation dinner has been cancelled due to current circumstances, in 2019, volunteers contributed nearly 17,000 hours in Selwyns libraries and stores, Dillon said. This amounts to about $396,000 worth of labour if you looked at it as just a minimum wage job, she said. The library has continued to see growth in memberships with 859 new members in 2019, Dillon said. We currently have 8,217 library card holders, which indicates that about one-in-two of our population have a library card. In comparison to similarly sized communities, this is a strong level of engagement within the community, and I think we should be proud of that in Selwyn Township, she said.\ GLEN CARBON In a unanimous no vote Tuesday, Glen Carbon trustees put out any chance for fireworks at the Cabin at Judy Creek on July 3. Mayor Robert Jackstadt and other officials cited the lack of time between the cabins request and the event date as one reason for the refusal. According to the board meeting background information, Carrie Pickering initially emailed village administrator Jamie Bowden on June 15 with the idea. Her email said they wanted to have it in the field behind the cabin and we have a firefighter that is certified in fireworks display. He will be on hand and would have a professional company come in and perform. She added that they were told there was a permit for this kind of activity, and they hoped to get it settled and to start advertising. Bowden replied three days later, informing her that he put her on Tuesdays agenda and that she needed to provide as much information on the plan to the village as she could site plan with launch area and fall out ring noted; description of display and provider; fire department review and license; police department review; traffic control plan; and owners consent in writing. Bowden said the owners followed-up on the request for more information, but they told him they would not be able to attend the June 23 meeting. He said Tuesday that this request represented a teachable moment for himself and Jackstadt. Thats the thing we werent aware of; the process, Bowden explained, noting how its different from fireworks at Homecoming, for example, and its more involved than approving a special use permit. Village Attorney James Schrempf also offered his thoughts. My recommendation would simply be to vote no, the attorney said. That is based on the report from the assistant fire chief. Theres not time to do it and secondly, even if they had the permits from the state, as a village, we have not even begun trying to determine if this is something we would like to see happen and what kind of liability situations we might encounter. Assistant Fire Chief Larry Hood with the Glen Carbon Fire District and Police Chief Todd Link weighed in on the idea. Hood said the state has multiple requirements for fireworks presenters to follow, a lot of which overlapped with what Bowden recommended. All of this stuff needs to be done ahead of time, Hood said. Its a little short notice. Some of the key notes in those two state ordinances, they have to provide a 15-day written request. I think were a little short of that requirement. Hood added that there is a $2 million insurance policy. He also noted that he has had no contact with anyone else about the plan except for village trustees and staff Tuesday. There are 18 days between June 15 and July 3 but only 14 business days between those dates. Accidents and traffic control are top of mind for Link at this location. I am sympathetic to what theyre going through as a small business, but I agree with whats been said, Link said. That roadway, 157 between 162 and Main, has been a location for some very serious traffic accidents. I would hate to have another distraction out there that may add to that problem. Jackstadt said he noted the request was on its way to being administratively denied when he got involved, causing him to ask why deny a village business that is trying to be creative and to restore a bit of normalcy after three months of quarantine. I didnt hear the 15-day part of it, but it was more in the spirit of being open-minded and trying to help our small businesses during this COVID-19 situation, Jackstadt said. The next village board meeting is July 14 at 7 p.m. Reach reporter Charles Bolinger at (618) 659-5735 (Representative Image: PTI) The Government of India has a near perfect ground game in terms of messaging domestically on matters related to Pakistan and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Yet, ever since the standoffs with China began in early May, the governments communications have been limited, confused, and confusing. This is not to say that Indias military responses to either Pakistani or Chinese provocations based on such information as is available in the open domain has been wanting. In the case of the former, one could argue that even such an incident as Balakot where India attacked Pakistani territory, was calibrated well given that it did not lead to escalation. In the case of the Galwan Valley incident of June 15, too, the official statement on the Prime Minister Narendra Modis remarks at the All Party Meeting on June 19 quotes him saying, 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. This suggests that the Indians at least gave as good as they got. The Chinese, too, seemed to acknowledge casualties on their side. In dealing with a power like China with its superior military capabilities, that is as good as one can expect, and even something of a victory for India. However, the question here for the government is of communicating its position and version of events accurately both at home and abroad. The June 19 statement shows the Prime Minister prefacing his reference to the deaths of the soldiers by saying that neither is anyone inside our territory nor is any of our post captured. In reality, this obscured more than it clarified. While the present tense suggested that he could technically be accurate insofar as the situation at the moment of his speaking was concerned, the Hindi version , (na to kisi ne hamari seema main pravesh kiya hain, na hi kise bhi post par kabza kiya gaya hain) appeared to make a somewhat larger claim covering the entire period since confrontations started in May that neither had anyone entered Indian territory nor captured any Indian posts. The statement is problematic for a number of reasons. For one, he forgets the fact that the Chinese are, in all instances along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) actually sitting in Aksai Chin which is Indian territory as per the boundaries defined by the Government of India. Even if the Prime Minister might lay the blame for the loss of the area on past neglect, he remains duty-bound like his predecessors to maintain claim on Aksai Chin and to provide no grounds for ambiguity. Two, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement of June 16 following the deaths the previous night stated specifically that the Chinese side departed from the consensus to respect the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galwan Valley and that a violent face-off happened as a result of an attempt by the Chinese side to unilaterally change the status quo there. Now, even if status quo here can imply a wider set of conditions such as adherence to treaty obligations and protocols and not just crossing the LAC, the direct reference to it also suggests the Chinese did violate it in some form. The widespread understanding within the Indian Army is that unlike in the case of Pangong Tso, there has never been any difference in the perception of the LAC at Galwan. Given this, the violation can only have been of Chinese troops crossing over into our territory, howsoever the Prime Minister might seek to define the expression. Three, the ambiguity in the Prime Ministers statement also undermines his External Affairs Minister S Jaishankars declaration in his telephone call to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on June 17. The MEA readout states, the Chinese side sought to erect a structure in Galwan valley on our side of the LAC. For good measure, Jaishankar had also stressed the two countries should strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control and should not take any unilateral action to alter it. Four, where differing perceptions of the LAC exist as in at Pangong Tso, an argument can be made that while the Chinese are indeed patrolling up to their perception of the LAC at Finger 4, developments over the past weeks also indicate they have sought to actively block permanently any further Indian patrolling beyond Finger 4 up to Indias perception of the LAC at Finger 8. The Chinese building up troop strength and permanent structures here as evident from reliable satellite imagery analysis suggests that they are violating the letter and spirit of various bilateral agreements on the LAC. Modis statement at the All Party Meeting, therefore, ended up casting doubt on Indias own behaviour and claims along the LAC, and actually encourages further Chinese assertiveness all along disputed sectors on the LAC as well as the temptation to open up fresh disputes. The Prime Ministers statement on June 20 attempted to fix these ambiguities. He points out, What is Indian territory is clear from the map of India and specifically states that As regards transgression of LAC ( , LAC ke ulangan) the violence in Galwan on June 15 arose because Chinese side was seeking to erect structures just across the LAC [emphasis authors]... The Hindi version - (LAC ke nazdeek) is slightly different in meaning, but because as mentioned before, the Indian understanding is that there is no difference in perceptions of the LAC at Galwan, transgression can here be taken to mean that the Chinese were building their structures on the Indian side of the LAC. A few lines later in the second statement, matters are complicated a little with the line, The sacrifices of the soldiers of the 16 Bihar Regiment foiled the attempt of the Chinese side to erect structures and also cleared the attempted transgression at this point of the LAC on that day. It would appear then there are at least two separate incidents being described here, a sense, which is stronger still in the Hindi version. This, however, has not yet been confirmed officially. While the second statement clarified much, it was still found wanting in explaining the situation at Pangong Tso, where the status quo on the LAC had unambiguously changed as of the time the Prime Minister was delivering his remarks. The ambiguities in the two statements can be put down to poor drafting and translation. Surely, the government can do better in conveying its positions without such slip-ups and against an adversary that has the well-oiled propaganda apparatus and diplomatic presence and resources across the world to amplify every mistake India makes. (Bloomberg) -- Verizon Communications Inc. said it is pausing the placement of ads on Facebook Inc. and Instagram until the social networks can get better control over posts that spread disinformation. We have strict content policies in place and have zero tolerance when they are breached, we take action, Verizon Chief Media Officer John Nitti said in a statement. Were pausing our advertising until Facebook can create an acceptable solution that makes us comfortable and is consistent with what weve done with YouTube and other partners. Verizon is one of the largest advertisers to pull its ads from Facebook as part of an effort by civil rights organizations to pressure the social-media company to take action on hate speech and misleading content. Groups including the Anti-Defamation League and Color of Change started the campaign, called Stop Hate For Profit, to encourage advertisers to boycott Facebook ads in July. Verizons move follows participation by Recreational Equipment Inc., Patagonia Inc., Upwork Inc., Ben & Jerrys and other brands. We applaud Verizon for joining this growing fight against hate and bigotry by pausing their advertising on Facebooks platforms, until they put people and safety over profit, Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive officer of ADL, said in a statement. This is how real change is made. Facebook has been telling advertisers that it bases its policies on principles, not business interests, according to its communications with marketers. The Menlo Park, California-based company has been reaching out to advertisers to discuss its recent initiatives on registering voters and distributing verified election information. But its not just advertisers that are upset. U.S. lawmakers have also put pressure on Facebook, Twitter Inc. and Google to combat disinformation, including during a House Intelligence Committee hearing last week. We respect any brands decision, and remain focused on the important work of removing hate speech and providing critical voting information, Carolyn Everson, vice president of Facebooks global business group, said in a statement. Our conversations with marketers and civil rights organizations are about how, together, we can be a force for good. Story continues Verizons move was reported earlier by Ad Age. (Updates with ADL and Facebook comments starting in fourth paragraph.) For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. The sun had yet to rise in Kazakhstan when Kirk Shireman laced up his running shoes on July 12, 2000. In a few hours, Russia would launch a module to house the International Space Stations first crew. But as he ran, Shiremans feet led him toward a different launchpad, where Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human sent into space in 1961. He watched the sun rise over the historic place. I very distinctly remember that morning, Shireman said, and thinking these great thoughts about our future. On HoustonChronicle.com: International Space Station: an orbiting home and lab for two decades Shireman spent the next 20 years seeking to create that future. In various NASA positions, hes helped assemble the station and then transition it to a platform for advancing research and commercial entities in space. Hes retiring on Friday after five years as the head of NASAs International Space Station Program, 26 years supporting the station and 35 years working from the agencys Johnson Space Center. Shireman, 57, is leaving NASA to work in Lockheed Martins Lunar Architecture Program. He will remain in the Houston area. Joel Montalbano, previously deputy program manager, will become acting manager for the space station. I have seen other people prepare for leaving NASA, but being in the position is a little different, Shireman said. It certainly seems like the right time for me. The right time for the organization. NASA is going to do great. The ISS Program is going to do fantastic. Shireman was born in Corpus Christi and earned his bachelors degree in aerospace engineering from Texas A&M University. He came to the Johnson Space Center in 1985, spending his early years on non-space station projects including the shuttle - where at one time he was responsible for the separation of the solid rocket boosters and external tank and then in another position worked on the shuttles ascent guidance, navigation and control system - before moving to the International Space Station in 1994. He said those early station years were focused on assembly. Precarious might even be a good word, he said, as modules were launched one by one, and the stations crew built their house while living within its protection. All the pieces have to match up, Shireman recalled thinking after the first module launched in 1998, and theyve never even met each other before. The pieces were manufactured all over the world. He said 2007 was the closest they ever came to losing the station when all the Russian computers died. A pipe from the air conditioning system had leaked water and corroded an electrical box, which took down the computers. They were able to re-wire the computers and get them operational, but Shireman said he didnt go home or really sleep for three days. That was the year after Shireman became deputy program manager for NASAs International Space Station Program. He briefly left the program in 2013 to be deputy director of the Johnson Space Center - where he continued supporting the station as the program office is based in Houston - and then return to ISS as program manager in 2015. What makes Kirk really unique is his strong technical background and his ability to work with just about anybody, said Michael Suffredini, who was Shiremans predecessor as ISS program manager. Youre very relaxed and open around him, but at the same time he can really grill you for a technical problem. Suffredini, who left NASA in 2015 and later co-founded Axiom Space, said the space stations focus shifted from an operations-first mindset to a customer-first mindset during his tenure. The bulk of astronauts time moved to research and the stations customers rather than working on systems. But he said it was Shireman and his team who really opened the doors for commercial companies in space. Attaching a commercial module to the International Space Station had never been requested during Suffredinis tenure. But now his Houston-based company has approval to do just that: Attach a commercial module, add additional components including astronaut quarters, manufacturing and research, and then ultimately separate it as a standalone commercial space station. Jeff Manber, CEO of Webster-based Nanoracks, also said Shiremans door was always open. Kirk was a fearless advocate for greater commercial space station activities, Manber said in a statement. At times he was willing to take the sort of risks that are necessary to open new markets and create a greater partnership between NASA and industry. Nanoracks was founded in 2009 and first helped universities and corporations get their experiments, such as biological tests or whiskey aging, onto the space station. The company then began attaching space telescopes, sensors and electronics to the stations exterior, and launching small satellites from an airlock already on the space station. Now, Nanoracks is building its own airlock that will be attached to ISS. On top of its work with companies like Nanoracks and Axiom, NASA is opening the International Space Station to private astronauts. And its allowing them to access the station on commercially built spacecraft. On HoustonChronicle.com: Virgin Galactic, NASAs Johnson Space Center partner to get private astronauts into space Shireman said hes most proud of creating an environment that supports and enables commercial companies to come up with ideas that could flourish - and to do it quickly. For instance, he said it used to take more than three years for researchers to get an idea, fly it and then receive the data. Thats too long for graduate students. Now, its possible (not always the case, but possible) to go from an idea to flying in two months. Ultimately, he said the stations pivot to research and commercialization has given it a new purpose and a reason for Congress to extend its life past 2024 (Shireman is expecting legislation to extend this date). He feels that commercial efforts are just now coming of age, but its time for a change in space station leadership. Shireman said too much time in one position can make the leader and its organization stale. He also noted that his discussions with Lockheed Martin began before Douglas Loverro suddenly resigned as NASAs head of human spaceflight and before Kathy Lueders was named his replacement. Suffredini had one piece of advice for transitioning to the private sector: Most of us lifelong civil servants are not sure what is on the other side, he said, and I just reassure them its a lot of fun on the other side, too. andrea.leinfelder@chron.com twitter.com/a_leinfelder TDT | Manama Bahrains National Space Science Agency (NSSA) has secured the first place in Advanced Geoinformatics, a training programme organised by the University of Twente, the Netherlands. NSSA employees, Shaima Shawqi Al-Meer and Aysha Ali Al-Hajeri, participated in the three-month long programme which aimed at developing specialised technologies required for analysing, distributing and visualising geo-spatial data. Shaima and Aysha learned how to design and develop algorithms, models, and tools that can process geo-spatial data into reliable, actionable information. The training programme helped the trainees to expand their capabilities and skills in advanced data acquisition and information extraction methods. It also taught them to integrate advanced methods in creating geospatial workflows. Al-Meer, who topped the programmes current batch, expressed sincere thanks to the NSSA, led by Chief Executive, Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Assiri, for providing support to the participants. She noted that their ultimate goal was to represent the Kingdoms honour at such an important programme. The NSSA chief commended the two candidates efforts, highlighting NSSAs confidence in Bahraini youth competencies, and keenness to enable the enhancement of their technological and scientific knowledge. This in turn, he noted, will reflect positively on NSSAs work and help it achieve its goals. According to the BAJ, at least 14 journalists were arrested while covering the protests despite wearing badges and press vests to be recognized as media workers. Despite this, the BAJ claimed that journalists were attacked by the police, even while live streaming. Some of them were beaten by the police. These attacks, as reported by BAJ, are a blatant violation of Belarusian laws. Article 34 of the Mass Media law guarantees the right of journalists to report on public events, while freedom of expression and the right to disseminate information are rights protected by the Belarussian Constitution. Despite the legal framework, journalists in Belarus have recently suffered from a growing number of restrictions to their work. According to BAJ, journalists have been systematically banned from meetings of state bodies, denied access to official information on public interest issues, such as information about COVID-19 and the elections, and many media workers have been harassed, threatened and detained by the police during the past few months. The BAJ is reporting all the attacks on media freedom on its website. IFJ and EFJ join BAJ in calling on Belarusian authorities to strictly comply with the law and stop persecuting journalists and obstructing their professional activity. Both organizations also call on the authorities to take proper legal action against police officials involved in the reported attacks and stop making distinctions between state and non-state media. IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: Journalists in Belarus are being subjected to unacceptable restrictions when doing their job. This is very harmful to Belarusian citizens, who need to be informed about key events such as the Covid-19 pandemic, national elections or public demonstrations. Those responsible for the attacks on media workers have to be held accountable. Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, and Donald Trump, the US president, are just four months away from the election - AP Photo, File Donald Trump is 14 percentage points behind Joe Biden, a new poll has found, revealing the vast gap the US president must narrow in the next four months if he is to win a second term. The New York Times poll matches other recent surveys showing Mr Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, far in the lead as Mr Trump struggles to readjust to an electoral landscape transformed by the coronavirus pandemic. Mr Biden is not just winning by huge margins among women, voters under 50 and African-Americans, according to the poll, but is also ahead with men, a voting group which has consistently been with Mr Trump throughout his presidency. The findings will cause further alarm in the Trump campaign as it appears to struggle to find a message that connects with voters after the Covid-19 outbreak forced the spotlight onto Mr Trumps ability to lead during a crisis. The pandemic has pushed the US economy into recession, robbing Mr Trump of the booming growth that was the bedrock of his re-election pitch, and left more than 120,000 Americans dead from Covid-19. A key attack line the Trump campaign had been deploying for months, about how radical socialists" now dominate the Democratic Party, has also been weakened given Bernie Sanders's failure to win the partys nomination. It means Mr Trump will be hoping for a major change in fortunes in the less than 150 days to go before the vote, which will see both sides holding conventions in August before the much-anticipated head-to-head debates. The new poll, which was conducted with Sienna College and asked around 1,300 voters for their views, puts Mr Bidens lead at the high end of recent similar surveys. However Mr Biden is constantly shown with a sizable lead. Real Clear Politics, a website which has a rolling average of recent polls, puts Mr Bidens lead at 10 percentage points. While nationwide polling has its limitations - the election will ultimately be won in a handful of battleground states - it provides a snapshot of what US voters feel about the two candidates. Story continues Mr Trumps 36 per cent logged by the New York Times is well below the 46 per cent he won in the 2016 election, suggesting many of those with him then are having second thoughts. Mr Biden leads Mr Trump by 22 percentage points among women, 34 points among those aged under 34 and 74 points among black voters, according to the poll. Recent surveys have shown that while Mr Biden is trusted best to handle the coronavirus crisis, Mr Trump is better trusted on the economy. The finding helps explain why Mr Trump, a life-long businessman who still frames himself as a political outsider, is expressing hope signs of the economic recovery will emerge before the November 3 election. On Tuesday Mr Biden held his first campaign event with Barack Obama, the former US president who he served alongside for eight years. Mr Obama warned against complacency, saying: We cant be complacent or smug or sense that somehow its so obvious that this president hasnt done a good job, because look, he won once. He added: This is serious business. Whatever youve done so far is not enough. And I hold myself and Michelle and our kids to that same standard. Some 120,000 people logged on to watch the two men speak in a video conference online, with the campaign saying $7.6 million was raised by the event. The ended the event with expressions of warmth. Love you Joe, Mr. Obama said to finish the call. Love you too, pal, Mr Biden responded. Meanwhile Mr Trump was back in Washington meeting the Polish president on Wednesday after a campaign trip saw him visit sections of his border fence in Arizona. Around 220 miles of new fencing along the US-Mexico border have been erected during his presidency, though the vast majority replaces barriers that were already in place. Mr Trump also addressed a room full of young supporters, most of whom did not wear face masks despite the coronavirus pandemic, at a mega church in Phoenix. The president again warned of mass voter fraud through postal ballots, saying: This will be, in my opinion, the most corrupt election in the history of our country. Mr Trump had voiced similar concerns before the 2016 election, which he claimed would be a rigged vote, before defying the polls to win - a feat he hopes to repeat in November. A majority of House Democrats united today to warn Israel against unilaterally annexing parts of the West Bank despite opposition from the powerful American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). We remain steadfast in our belief that pursuing two states for two peoples is essential to ensuring a secure, Jewish, democratic Israel able to live side-by-side, in peace and mutual recognition, with an independent, viable, de-militarized Palestinian state, wrote 189 House Democrats in a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi. Unilateral annexation would likely jeopardize Israels significant progress on normalization with Arab states at a time when closer cooperation can contribute to countering shared threats, they wrote. Unilateral annexation risks insecurity in Jordan, with serious ancillary risks to Israel. Finally, unilateral annexation could create serious problems for Israel and its European friends and other partners in the world. House Middle East panel chairman Ted Deutch of Florida spearheaded the letter alongside Brad Schneider and Jan Schakowsky of Illinois as well as David Price of North Carolina. Why it matters: AIPAC has not taken a formal position on annexation, but nonetheless opposes the letter as it publicly criticizes Israel for a decision that would presumably be made with approval from the US government. President Donald Trumps proposal greenlights the annexation of Israeli settlements in the West Bank as well as the entire Jordan Valley. Notably, AIPAC-friendly Democrats such as Deutch and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., joined forces with pro-Palestinian progressives to warn Israel against pursuing annexation. A co-chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Mark Pocan of Wisconsin signed the letter, but his co-chair Pramila Jayapal of Washington did not. The letter was promoted by the center-left Israel Policy Forum as well as J Street, AIPACs rival. Earlier this week, the majority of House Republicans penned a separate letter to Netanyahu expressing support for any annexation decision he makes independent of outside pressure. That letter was promoted by the Republican Jewish Coalition. Whats next: Netanyahu could move forward with some form of annexation as soon as next week. However, he has also stated that the Trump administration wants Gantz and Ashkenazi, the leaders of his Blue and White coalition partners, on board before moving forward. Gantz appeared to move closer to Netanyahus position this week while lambasting Palestinian refusal to negotiate on annexation. Know more: Congressional correspondent Bryant Harris has the details on the Republicans' letter to Netanyahu. 25.06.2020 LISTEN Jogging and other forms of exercise on the shoulders of the Nkawkaw-Atibie and Nkawkaw-Obomeng roads in the Eastern Region have been banned. According to the Kwahu South District Assembly, this is to help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. Giving reasons for this decision, the District Assembly in a statement said it has observed with great concern how people under the guise of jogging and exercising flout the [COVID-19] health protocols, and, in the long run, put everyone at risk. In view of this, the Assembly has imposed a ban on jogging and exercising on the shoulders of these roads with immediate effect. The statement signed by the Kwahu South District Chief Executive (DCE), Emmanuel Atta Ofori, further cautioned all residents to follow the directive else face the appropriate sanctions. The general public is warned that any breach of this ban will lead to prosecution, it added. Find below the full statement: ---citinewsroom By PTI NEW DELHI: Director Anurag Kashyap looks for real people in his performers and that's his formula for getting the cast right almost always in his movies, which have introduced some of the finest actors to Hindi cinema with "Gangs of Wasseypur" being the apt example. Kashyap said he also likes "the hungry stage" of a new actor as they are willing to put in all the hard work without being prompted. "I need to sense the real person in my actors. The real person that exists within you is important for me. Rest I leave it to actors, they are intelligent enough to do their homework. That's how I do my casting," the director told PTI. "You meet someone and feel 'Now, I will be able to complete my film'. I would not have made 'Ugly' if I had not met Rahul Bhat. I know that he understood the pain of failure. I told him if you don't colour your greys and also lose all muscles, I will make the film," he said. Kashyap said that's how he gathered the cast for his Netflix film "Choked" - Saiyami Kher and Roshan Mathew, Viineet Kumar for "Mukkabaaz" and Taapsee Pannu for "Manmarziyaan". Kumar had in the past worked with the director on his two-part revenge saga "Gangs of Wasseypur", which turned eight this week, and anthology film "Bombay Talkies". "I told Viineet, if you become a boxer I will make the film. When we were auditioning, Taapsee came to meet scriptwriter Kanika Dhillon and as they kept talking, I realised 'this is Rumi'." "I offered 'Choked' to Saiyami the day I met her as I knew she will pull off the role and I had not even met Roshan but had seen him in 'Moothon'." "Gangs of Wasseypur", which was populated with a host of characters, is known for giving recognition to many actors be it Richa Chadha, Huma Qureshi, Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi and Jaideep Ahlawat, whose acting in the recent Amazon Prime Video series "Paatal Lok" was singled out for special praise. Manoj Bajpayee and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who was an emerging talent at that time, played the lead in the two parts of the film, often just referred by fans as simply "Wasseypur". Kashyap also repeated his "Sacred Games" actors Amruta Subhash and Rajshri Deshpande in "Choked". While it was Deshpande's second coming after the Netflix series "Sacred Games", Subhash had also worked with him on "Raman Raghav 2.0". Interestingly, both "Raman Raghav 2.0" and "Sacred Games" starred Siddiqui as one of the two leads. The director said he enjoys working with actors when they want to prove themselves. "If you load them with a script and they are excited about it, they will go the extra mile themselves. All the casting in my films is good," he added. A Japanese education ministry panel broadly approved at a meeting Wednesday a policy of allowing junior high school students to carry smartphones at school conditionally as means of communication during commuting in times of emergencies. But the panel of experts confirmed that the ban should be maintained for elementary school students. After the panel compiles its final report in July, the ministry will inform education boards across the country of the change for junior high students. In a notice issued in 2009, the ministry banned elementary and junior high school students from bringing smartphones with them to school. As smartphones are now widely used, however, an increasing number of parents are calling on schools to allow their children to carry smartphones at school as a communication tool in the event of natural disasters. Against this background, the panel agreed to review the ban for junior high schools under certain conditions while underlining the need to consider specific rules and ways to manage smartphones at school and restrict the viewing of harmful websites through discussions among students and parents, and teachers. While seeking to keep the ban intact for elementary school students, the panel said that they may be allowed to carry mobile phones designed for use by children if their parents seek permission. Nyxoah receives IDE approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its DREAM study Study supporting the approval of Nyxoahs Genio system in the U.S. to be initiated in the coming months Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium 25 June 2020, Nyxoah S.A., a healthtech company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative solutions and services to treat sleep disordered breathing conditions, today announces that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) application to allow Nyxoah to commence its pivotal DREAM study of its Genio system to support its approval in the U.S. Nyxoah will initiate the DREAM study in the coming months. We are delighted with the FDA approval of our IDE application. This is a significant milestone for Nyxoah that allows us to bring forth our plans for the U.S. introduction of the Genio system and further increase our global footprint alongside our existing presence in Europe and Australia. said Olivier Taelman, CEO of Nyxoah. This major step will allow us to give the first U.S. patients suffering from Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) access to Genio therapy under the DREAM study and to provide U.S. physicians with the opportunity to build expertise with our solution. We are excited to partner with the selected DREAM study centers in the U.S. and internationally. The DREAM study is a prospective multicenter trial that will enroll 134 moderate to severe OSA patients who failed first line CPAP therapy in approximately 25 centers in the U.S. and internationally. The study aims to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the Genio system. About Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and the Genio system OSA is the worlds most common sleep disordered breathing condition, affecting almost one billion people globally1. It makes a person stop breathing during sleep, while the airway repeatedly becomes partially (hypopnea) or totally (apnea) blocked, limiting the amount of air that reaches the lungs. OSA is a chronic condition that is associated with increased mortality risk and comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression and stroke. The current standard of care consists of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy, a treatment whereby air is pushed into the upper airway to keep it open. Story continues The Genio system is the worlds first and only, battery-free, leadless and minimally invasive implanted neurostimulator designed to keep the upper airway open during sleep for certain people with OSA by bilateral stimulation of the hypoglossal nerve. About Nyxoah Nyxoah is a healthtech company focused on the development and commercialization of innovative solutions and services for sleep disordered breathing conditions. Nyxoahs lead solution is the Genio system, a validated, user-centered, next generation hypoglossal neurostimulation therapy for OSA, the worlds most common sleep disordered breathing condition that is associated with increased mortality risk2 and comorbidities including cardiovascular diseases, depression and stroke. Following successful completion of the BLAST OSA study in patients with moderate to severe OSA, the Genio system received its European CE Mark in March 2019. The Company is currently conducting the BETTER SLEEP study in Australia and New Zealand for therapy indication expansion, and a post-marketing EliSA study in Europe to confirm the long-term safety and efficacy of the Genio system. For more information, please visit www.nyxoah.com . Caution CE marked since 2019. Investigational device in the United States. Limited by United States federal law to investigational use. 1 Benjafield, Adam V et al. Estimation of the global prevalence and burden of obstructive sleep apnea: a literature-based analysis. Lancet Respir Med 2019 Published Online July 9, 2019 http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S2213-2600(19)30198-5 2 Young T. et al: Sleep Disordered Breathing and Mortality: Eighteen-Year Follow-up of the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort, Sleep. 2008 Aug 1; 31(8): 10711078. * Euro zone periphery govt bond yields http://tmsnrt.rs/2ii2Bqr LONDON, June 25 (Reuters) - Demand for safe European government debt rose on Thursday, with Germany's 10-year bund yield down around 2 basis points, as Wednesday's risk-off mood extended through the Asian session. Investors turned cautious as rising coronavirus cases stoked fears of a second wave of infection, the IMF slashed its global output forecasts, and the U.S. flagged European products worth $3.1 billion as potential targets for future tariffs. Florida, Oklahoma and South Carolina reported record increases in new cases on Wednesday. Seven other states had record highs earlier in the week and Australia posted its biggest daily rise in infections in two months. The risk-off mood is expected to continue ahead of U.S. unemployment data due at 1230 GMT. "As risk sentiment falters, cross-market correlations remain choppy with Bunds only getting a delayed lift from risk-off in equities," wrote Commerzbank rates strategists in a note to clients. "The relatively muted reaction in spreads to risk-off underscores the resilient backdrop for the periphery," they added. Germany's benchmark 10-year Bund yield was at -0.453% at 0700 GMT, down 2 bps but still trading within the week's range . Riskier Italian government debt sold off slightly, with the 10-year yield at 1.352%, up around 1 basis point. Spanish and Portuguese yields were little changed . The spread between Germany and Italy's 10-year bond yields widened by around 5 bps. EU leaders remain divided on how to structure a proposed COVID-19 recovery fund for European economies, with the balance of loans and grants still to be agreed. On Wednesday evening, European Central Bank policymaker Pablo Hernandez de Cos called for the recovery fund to be approved as soon as possible.] The ECB agreed to give German authorities vital documents to prove the proportionality of the central bank's policies, two sources said, in a move to defuse the challenge to the bank's power. Germany's Constitutional Court ruled in May that the ECB overstepped its mandate with over 2 trillion euros of government bond purchases, ordering the Bundesbank to quit the scheme unless the ECB can prove proportionality within three months. (Reporting by Elizabeth Howcroft, Editing by William Maclean) The number of COVID-19 infections in Ghana has exceeded 14,500, health authorities confirmed on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in The Ghana Health Service confirmed cases stand at 14,568. According to the Director-General of the GHS, Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, the countrys death toll has reached 95. The number of recovered patients has also reached 10,907. READ ALSO: I love NPP more than my wife - Chairman Wontumi The capital of Accra and the Ashanti, Western and Central regions are the worst-hit areas. Since originating in Wuhan, China December 2019, the pandemic has claimed nearly 477,000 lives in 188 countries and regions. More than 9.2 million cases have been reported worldwide, while over 4.6 million patients have recovered, according to figures compiled by US-based Johns Hopkins University. YEN.com.gh has put together a list of appointees under the President Akufo-Addo administration who have either contracted the disease or died from it. 1. Papa Owusu-Ankomah Ghana's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland contracted the Coronavirus in May but has since recovered from it. 2. Anthony Kobina Kurentsi Sam He was the Mayor of Sekondi-Takoradi. President Akufo-Addo that he died of COVID-19 in one of his addresses to the nation. 3. Dr. Dsane Selby Dr Dsane-Selby announced her COVID-19 status in a media interview on Monday, June 15, saying that she was experiencing tiredness, bodily pains and headaches. Consequently, she contacted a colleague at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research who came with a team to her house to take her samples for a test. The test result turned out positive, therefore, she went into self- isolation to prevent her from exposing others to the virus. READ ALSO: First Covid-19 vaccine trial begins in South Africa this week 4. Kwaku Agyeman Manu Ghana's Health Minister Kwaku Agyeman Manu has also tested positive of the coronavirus. Manu is recovering at a hospital and is in stable condition. 5. Dr. Daniel Asare The Korle Bu Teaching hospital CEO has also tested positive of COVID-19. YEN.com.gh earlier reported that the Accra Technical University formerly known as Accra Poly has recorded its first COVID-19 case, authorities announced to students on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. The affected patient is national service personnel at one of the academic departments, a circular to the university community said. Traders at the Madina Market share their thoughts on the mandatory wearing of masks | #Yencomgh READ ALSO: Explainer: Why countries are recording high recovery numbers told 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 Police reforms proposed by Mayor John Tory on Thursday, following weeks of global protests over police brutality against Black and Indigenous people, dont go far enough, say critics. Torys recommendations, in a motion to be considered by council next week, include changing the way mental health emergencies are dealt with, making public details of the Toronto Police Services budget, and having the citys auditor general review the budget to identify opportunities for savings and efficiencies. While that would likely result in a reduction to the Toronto Police Services budget, there is no specific defunding target in Torys motion. At least one of the recommendations will mean spending more on police Tory is asking that all officers be equipped with body-worn cameras by January 2021. The motion also calls on the city manager to consult with the Toronto Police Services Board to develop a method of responding to mental health calls that is not led by police at least for calls that do not involve weapons or threats of violence. Torys motion asks staff and police services to explore the recommendations and provide an update to council by Jan. 1, 2021. Sandy Hudson, a co-founder of Black Lives Matter Toronto, said the motion shows that the idea of change is so popular it cannot be ignored, but there is no intention to effect real change. When we actually do prioritize something as necessary, we can get it done right away, she said, pointing to the citys response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we are saying, go study this and come back in January and well take a look. This is why we have to say Black Lives Matter. The reason we have to say we need to prioritize Black and Indigenous lives is because to people like Tory, it is apparently not worth it to make this a priority. Hudson said the focus on body cameras is simply providing police more money for something that wont make communities safer and will result in footage that the public will likely never have access to, so wont provide accountability. Defunding police has emerged as a key issue at protests worldwide following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minnesota police officer, now charged with murder. In Toronto, protests arose after Regis Korchinski-Paquet plunged 24 storeys from a balcony to her death during an encounter with police. A separate motion on the matter, from Coun. Josh Matlow (Ward 12, Toronto-St. Pauls) sets a targeted reduction of 10 per cent in the polices $1.1-billion annual budget, which would amount to more than $100-million. At Queens Park, Premier Doug Ford condemned the idea of defunding police. I think its a massive, massive error. Ford said funding needs to be increased for community outreach and building better relationships with communities. But just to cut them by $100-million, I just dont understand that. Matlow said while the mayors motion speaks to the concept in rhetoric, it wont produce the needed results. He wants to reform the police in specific, tinkering ways. I see an opportunity to re-evaluate the role of policing in our society, said Matlow. Tory is asking that any savings that are found in the police budget be spent on community and social services that address the root causes of violence. It refers specifically to the initiatives recommended by the many reviews and reports and inquests that have been conducted over the years, including recommendations from the 2017 Andrew Loku inquest. Lawyer Selwyn Pieters, who was part of the Loku inquest, has long been calling for the report recommendations to be meaningfully put in place. He said it is disrespectful for the mayor, who has sat on the Toronto Police Services Board for years, to be calling for it now. He failed to act for three years. Now he is trying to take action in the face of global protests against systemic racism and racialized violence on the part of police officers. His motion is a little too late and its met with skepticism, he said. The entire culture of the Toronto police has to change. People are fed up. Coun. John Filion (Ward 18, Willowdale) said he thinks there is more work to be done on Torys motion. We dont deal with police budget until February, so Im cautiously optimistic that we might actually see some major transformation coming out of the mayors motion, he said. Coun. Shelley Carroll (Ward 17 Don Valley North), who supported Torys motion at the press conference on Thursday, said focusing on a number with regards to cutting the police budget, would distort the discussion. While admitting that Black and Indigenous Torontonians are policed differently, and that years of reports and enquiries has changed nothing, Coun. Michael Thompson (Ward 21 Scarborough Centre) who also supported Torys motion at the press conference, said this time is different. Were finally at a point where community, council, and I hope, from the conversations Ive had police services knows that now is the time we all work together to change this. With files from Robert Benzie, Queens Park Bureau Francine Kopun is a Toronto-based reporter covering city hall and municipal politics for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: @KopunF Read more about: The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday enhanced the ability of President Donald Trump's administration to quickly deport illegal immigrants including asylum seekers with limited judicial review, handing him a victory in a case involving one of his signature issues in an election year. The justices ruled 7-2 in favor of the administration in its appeal of a lower court ruling that a Sri Lankan farmer named Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam had a right to have a judge review the government's handling of his bid for asylum. The ruling, written by conservative Justice Samuel Alito, found that limiting judicial scrutiny of his rapid deportation case, known as expedited removal, did not violate key safeguards of individual liberty in the U.S. Constitution. Two of the court's four liberal justices, Stephen Breyer and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, joined the five conservative justices on the outcome but did not embrace Alito's reasoning. Alito wrote that it has long been recognized that people who have yet to be granted legal entry to the United States do not have the full range of constitutional rights and that Congress has some authority to determine what rights they do possess. "While aliens who have established connections in this country have due process rights in deportation proceedings, the court long ago held that Congress is entitled to set the conditions for an aliens lawful entry into this country," Alito wrote. Liberal justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan dissented. The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2019 ruled that under the Constitution's suspension clause - relating to a person's ability to challenge confinement by the government - courts must have the power to review Thuraissigiam's claims. The administration contended that the 9th Circuit ruling would defeat the purpose of quick deportation and "impose a severe burden on the immigration system." Trump's hardline policies on immigration and deportation have been a centerpiece of his presidency and his bid for re-election on Nov. 3. The American Civil Liberties Union, representing Thuraissigiam, had warned that the administration's stance, if accepted by the court, could be used to deport millions of illegal immigrants without meaningful judicial review. Last week, the Supreme Court delivered a blow to Trump by blocking his attempt to rescind a government program that protects "Dreamers" - mostly immigrants from Latin America brought to the United States illegally as children - from deportation. Thuraissigiam sought asylum in the United States, claiming that as a member of Sri Lanka's Tamil minority he was tortured over his political ties and subjected to beatings and simulated drowning. He fled Sri Lanka in 2016 and was arrested in 2017 just north of the U.S. border between San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico. He was placed on track for expedited removal, a system dating back to 1996 that makes an exception for immigrants who can establish a "credible fear" of persecution or torture in their home country. But officials rejected Thuraissigiam's claim of credible fear, short-circuiting the asylum process. Thursday, June 25, 2020 Greater Prairie Business Consulting, Inc. was honored by being named a finalist for the BBB's Torch Award for Ethics for the North Texas Region in the 2019 Dallas Business Journal's Book of Lists. James J. Talerico, Jr., CEO & Founder of Greater Prairie Business Consulting, Inc. points to his many on-line testimonials over his twenty year career as a management consultant, his status as a Certified Management Consulting, (CMC) and his nationally syndicated Bloomberg Talk Radio interview on the Price of Business radio show last summer about "ways small businesses can improve their focus on ethics" as reasons for being selected as a finalist for the BBB's 2019 Torch Award for Ethics. A tape of his radio interview about how small business owners can improve their focus on ethics is available on the Price of Business website (www.priceofbusiness.com). Mr. Talerico also wrote an article summarizing the ideas in this broadcast which he published on his LinkedIn page at ( www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjtalericcojr ). Some of James J. Talerico, Jr.'s ideas about ways small business owners can improve their focus on ethics, include: Becoming an accredited business by joining the Better Business Bureau; Developing a code of ethics for the small business that reflects its' unique ethical challenges; Training new employees about ethical issues during the company's on-boarding process; Creating a chief ethics officer and/or ethics committee to help govern day-to-day ethics; and Incorporating a focus on ethics into the business' systems, procedures, and controls. James J. Talerico, Jr. is currently creating a course about how small business owners can strengthen their focus on ethics that will be available later this year. The Certified Management Consultant (CMC) mark is awarded by the Institute of Management Consultants USA and represents evidence of the highest standards of consulting, a commitment to continuous professional development, and an adherence to the ethical canons of the profession. Parties interested in learning more about how to improve their small business' focus on ethics are encouraged to contact James J. Talerico, Jr. at 1-800-828-7585. To learn more about Greater Prairie Business Consulting, Inc., go to: www.greaterprairiebusinessconsulting.com . New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday expressed his frustration over the ongoing political slugfest in the name of surgical strike and its video proof. Speaking at a public event in New Delhi, Parrikar urged everyone to respect Indian Army, "Everyone should acknowledge and respect the contributions made by brave Indian Army soldiers. We should observe some limits while questioning Indian Army." "I do not want to comment on any particular leader, but politicising Indian Army actions'is wrong," said Defence leader. Parrikar, who was attending ramlila staged by famous Luv-Kush Ramlila Committee, denied any political motives behind his presence. "I am here to watch Ramlila because I am an HIndu, now you can make out any meaning you want from this," Parrikar said. Also read: Terrorist attack on police post in Jammu and Kashmirs Shopian, one policeman dead Political temperature soars over Rahul Gandhi's 'khoon ki dalali' remark on PM Modi: Who said what? For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Shimla, June 25 : The Himachal Pradesh cabinet here on Thursday gave in-principle approval to regularise services of 6,500 PTA, 3,300 PAT and 97 PARA teachers in various government schools. It also approved the draft scheme for interest subvention on working capital loan for the hospitality sector to revive the tourism industry, adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the scheme, tourism units paying Goods and Services Tax (GST) up to Rs 1 crore will be entitled for a maximum loan of Rs 50 lakh, those paying GST between Rs 1 crore and Rs 3 crore for at least one year ending March 31 will be entitled for up to Rs 75 lakh loan. The units paying GST above Rs 3 crore would be eligible for Rs 1 crore loan, an official statement said. Small registered tourism units will also be eligible for a maximum loan of Rs 15 lakh. The loan period will be for four years with interest subvention of 50 per cent each for first two years. The cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, also decided that the Transport Department would draft an interest subvention scheme for working capital on the analogy of the Tourism Department. A "Unity Walk" organized by Buffalo's "singing cops," Moe Badger and Michael Norwood, that was scheduled to take place Sunday has been postponed. The event was being postponed because of "concerns over large crowds and Covid-19. Especially with recent spikes," said Michael J. DeGeorge, a spokesman for Mayor Byron Brown and the Buffalo Police Department. The walk was to take place on Sunday from City Hall to Canalside. There has been no date announced for rescheduling the event. Badger and Norwood, who are Buffalo police officers, drew national attention in 2019 after a video of them singing went viral and they were invited to appear on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." On June 10, when the mayor announced a set of new policies for the Buffalo Police Department following a week and a half of protests against police brutality, the two officers joined him at the podium and said they were planning a "Unity Walk" to bring together law enforcement officers with the community. A delivery driver who tried to meet a '13-year-old girl' he groomed on a chatroom has been jailed for more than three years after blaming his actions on a sexless marriage and a 'boring' job. Married father-of-two Shaun Gillings, 49, was arrested after a police operation in which an undercover detective posed as a girl called 'Daisy' on the Kik Messenger app and caught him making sexually explicit advances towards her. During a series of messages Gillings, from Stockport, tried to get 'Daisy' to meet up with him with promises of vouchers for presents. He was caught after he arranged a rendezvous point at a car park in Eccles, Greater Manchester, and police were waiting for him when he arrived. Shaun Gillings, above, 49, was arrested after an undercover detective posed as a girl called 'Daisy' on the Kik Messenger app and caught him making sexually explicit advances Detectives discovered he had sent explicit images to other underage girls from the US on chat rooms, offered to pay a child for sexual favours and entered into perverted conversations about sexual abuse with other paedophiles. He later claimed he had searched for young girls online 'out of curiosity' as he had not been having sex with his wife and his job made him feel 'isolated and bored.' She has since filed for divorce and his two daughters no longer speak to him. At Minshull Street Crown Court, Gillings admitted four charges of distributing indecent images, three of downloading indecent images, six of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, two of attempting to cause a child to view an image of sexual activity and one charge of attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming. He was jailed for three years and four months. Sentencing Judge John Potter told him: 'Despite your absurd protestations to the contrary at police interview you have a sexual interest in children under 16. You distributed sexualised material involving children to other paedophiles which makes it clear you had a sexual interest in children. 'You wished to abuse children and made this plain in some of your conversations with other paedophiles and with one you discussed abuse of their ten-year-old daughter. You are a committed paedophile who over a significant period of time proved willing to engage on the sexual abuse of numerous children.' Earlier, prosecutor Nick Clarke said: 'On 13 December 2019 an undercover police officer called herself Daisy and messaged the defendant on Kik. His profile suggested he had been a member for more than four years. 'He got a message from her asking for her calculator back and then said she had sent a message to the wrong person. He said he was a 49-year-old man and she said that she was 13. 'The conversation between them continued during the following month until mid-January of this year and the conversation followed a rather formulaic pattern the courts see in these cases. At Minshull Street Crown Court, above, Gillings was jailed for three years and four months. The court heard officers found a total of 171 indecent images on his phone (file photo) 'The defendant started by suggesting she looked a lot older than 13 and that she was 'absolutely stunning' in her photos. He complemented her and the conversation became sexual with him asking her whether she had a boyfriend and whether she liked older men. 'He requested a picture of her and sent explicit pictures and told her not to share the conversation with other people. Around Christmas he suggested they meet as a Christmas present saying he could provide vouchers for her to buy her own presents and there was a later attempt to meet in mid-January. The conversation turned to the sexual activity he wanted to do with her. 'He suggested a meeting point on 16 January of this year and was arrested by officers when he arrived there. He made 'no comment' replies at police interview. 'Police examined an iPhone from his car and an examination of it revealed the defendant had had similar conversations with other people he believed were under 16. Each of the conversations were similar in nature to the one with "Daisy". 'He requested pictures off an alleged 13-year-old in Florida, had a conversation with an alleged 15-year-old in California and sent a picture of his penis to them. He spoke to another alleged 13-year-old girl from Lithuania, sending her pictures of sexual activity. 'He tried to enter into sexual communication with an alleged 15-year-old girl who just said she was from the USA and on 16 January of this year he spoke to a girl who claimed to be from Warrington and said he would pay her 50 for sexual favours. 'Officers also found that he had been conversing with other paedophiles and sent one indecent image in early November, spoke to another about their abuse of their ten-year-old daughter and sent them other images.' The court heard officers found a total of 171 indecent images on Gillings' phone. In mitigation his lawyer Rachel Shenton said her client was working as a delivery driver at the time which left him 'isolated and bored'. She added: 'He was no longer in a sexual relationship with his wife after he suffered from a stroke and one could say he acted out of boredom and curiosity to become involved in an online fantasy. 'He feels ashamed of what he did and expresses that in the strongest possible terms - not in a self-pitying way but he is ashamed of what he involved himself in. 'He has always worked but has now lost his job which he has now lost and his wife has filed for divorce. He has lost contact with his two daughters and may never be able to make contact with his grandson again. 'He was a hardworking father prior to this episode and was earning 1,300 per month 40 hours per week and he had lost his job and his reputation and is well aware that he destroyed everything for himself.' Vladimir Ilich Lenin, the founder and first leader of the Soviet Union, lives on in the hearts and minds of the Russian people, but also in one little-known geoglyph in the countrys Siberia region pine tree forest that spells Lenin in Cyrillic letters. Russian photographer Slava Stepanov was planning a business trip to the city of Omsk, when he remembered a fascinating Google Earth satellite image captured in that region a few years earlier. Taking a day off from work, Stepanov decided to drive to the town of Tyukalinsk and look for a very common-looking grove on the outskirts of the settlement. Planted in straight rows, typical for man-made forests, the pine grove only revealed its secret when Stepanov released his drone to get a view from high above. Photo: Slava Stepanov/Instagram Stretching for 300 meters from one side to the other, with letters reaching 8.2-meters-high was the name Lenin spelled in Cyrillic characters. Although the exact origin of this mythical Soviet geoglyph is unknown, Stepanov says that it was most likely the result of a communist anniversary celebration from the 1970s. Photo: Slava Stepanov/Instagram In the U.S.S.R., people were very focused on anniversaries, especially the birthday of Lenin and the anniversary of the 1917 October Revolution, Stepanov told Radio Free Europe. Every factory, every enterprise, or even whole villages tried to somehow congratulate higher, stronger, more powerfully; to be more interesting and more noticeable than the rest. Among other things, there was an idea that communism would be eternal. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gelio | Stepanov Slava (@stepanovslava) on Jun 15, 2020 at 1:36am PDT While the Lenin-shaped forest wont last an eternity, at the time it was planted, thats likely what the forest was designed to symbolize. Photo: Natalya Aksentieva Interestingly, the Lenin forest is one of dozens of mythical Soviet-era geoglyphs scattered all over the Russian Federation. Such unique landmarks are not unique to the former Soviet Union. Last year, we wrote about Jimmie Luecke, a Texas farmer who signed his name using trees as letters in the late 1990s. The FSHD International Research Congress serves a more important role than ever to speed up progress toward delivering effective treatments to our patients and families. The FSHD Society announced the opening today of its 27th annual International Research Congress (IRC), which is being conducted entirely online for the first time in the organizations history. The conference is widely seen as the premier global platform for the discussion and dissemination of state-of-the-art research on facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). A record 210 researchers, clinicians, industry representatives and patient advocates are attending. Due to the global COVID-19 crisis, we have deployed a robust virtual conference platform for the 2020 IRC which has opened the opportunity to participate for many researchers who previously could not afford the time or cost of travel, noted Jamshid Arjomand, PhD, chief science officer of the Society. Researchers who have convened at this gathering since 1994 have helped drive fundamental discoveries, arriving at a broad consensus on a central hypothesis of the genetic basis of FSHD, development of cellular and animal models, identification of multiple therapeutic targets, and the validation of clinical outcome measures. These fundamental discoveries and collaborations have advanced the field, prompting observational and clinical studies including an ongoing Phase 2b clinical trial for the first disease-modifying therapy for FSHD as well as a large natural history study called ReSOLVE. These studies, as well as other clinical research, have responded to the challenges of collecting data while keeping volunteers safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program committee made special efforts to attract clinical and industry researchers, as advancement of drug development brings greater urgency to improving the understanding of the clinical features of FSHD, genotype-phenotype correlations, natural history, and evaluation of disease progression. As a result, the number of attendees and scientific presentations has nearly doubled over the past two years. A growing number of companies have elected to sponsor the FSHD International Research Congress as they enter the field of FSHD diagnostics and therapy development. This years foundation and industry supporters include: Association Francais Contre les Myopathies, Avidity, Bionano, Dyne Therapeutics, Fulcrum Therapeutics, Genomic Vision, miRecule, Muscular Dystrophy Association, National Institutes of Health, PerkinElmer Genomics, and the University of Nevada Reno. With the recent advances in FSHD studies now including large sets of data, greater availability of biomaterials from multiple large research initiatives, and the rapid approach of more clinical trials, the program committee stated. The FSHD International Research Congress serves a more important role than ever: to ensure dissemination of the latest ideas and discussion of the fields needs and priorities, combined with collaboration and coordination, to speed up progress toward delivering effective treatments to our patients and families. About the FSHD Society The FSHD Society is the worlds largest research-focused patient organization for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), one of the most prevalent forms of muscular dystrophy. The Society has catalyzed major advancements and is accelerating the development of treatments and a cure to end the pain, disability, and suffering endured by one million people worldwide who live with FSHD. The FSHD Society has transformed the landscape for FSHD research and is committed to making sure that no one faces this disease alone. The Society offers a community of support, news, and information through its website at https://www.fshdsociety.org. JOURNALIST: - Sir, how do you assess the prospects for RE development in Vietnam? In your opinion, which areas of investment are Korean businesses interested in developing in Vietnam in the near future? Mr. HONG SUN: - Vietnam is a country with great potential for RE development in coming years. The exploitation of renewable energy sources is very important in terms of economy, society, energy security and sustainable development. Vietnam has a geographical location, a long coastline, a unique tropical monsoon climate and wide agricultural economy, with abundant and diverse renewable energy sources, which can be exploited for energy production such as hydroelectricity, wind power, solar power, biomass, geothermal, and biofuel. Korean businesses are now planning to invest in developing projects for storage battery production for RE in Vietnam. Korean enterprises highly appreciate the market prospects and are fully capable of carrying out such projects. Vietnam has been assessed as having good solar energy resources and this source of clean energy can contribute a great deal towards national energy requirements. Currently, the Electricity Generation Corporation 3 (EVN) is actively conducting research and development of solar power projects in Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan Provinces on hydropower reservoirs in the Central Highland region to contribute in part to clean energy, and reduce environmental impact from non-renewable fuel power projects. The first solar cell factory to be invested in Vietnam and built in Duc Hoa district in Long An Province produces solar panels with capacity of 80-165 Wp of electricity with an efficiency of 16%, at 5MWp per year. There is also Trina Solar Vietnam Factory, with a total design output of 1GW. The investor of this project is the Trina Solar Vietnam Science & Technology Company, with a total investment of around USD 100 mn, a factory area of 42,000 square meters, 14 modern lines, producing many types of single crystal batteries and polycrystalline, and exporting throughout the world. In Bac Giang Province a chain of manufacturing and assembling of solar panels with eight licensed projects is developing, including a solar battery factory of JA Solar Vietnam Company Limited with a total investment of about USD 1 bn, and an 88 ha workshop in Viet Yen Industrial Park. - Sir, compared to conventional storage batteries, what is the advantage of Korean storage battery manufacturing technology? - Technology for manufacturing storage batteries from Korea has many outstanding points. The electricity from this fuel cell is used for the local power grid and the heat generated by the fuel cell can be used to treat waste water in nearby areas. Fuel cells combine hydrogen and oxygen in the air to generate electricity and heat through chemical reactions. With the advantage of high performance and stability, low emission, no noise, no environmental pollution, the fuel cell is rated as a clean, efficient and reliable energy source. A fuel cell is a form of power source that converts the chemical energy of fuel into electricity. The fuel cell can also act as a heat generator for powering light machinery. It is also widely used in transport vehicles such as cars and airplanes, so the fuel cell is a new type of generator, and fast becoming a new source of energy to replace hydropower in Asia in the future. - In your opinion, what policies does Vietnam need to attract foreign businesses to invest in renewable energy? - Renewable energy development in Vietnam has undergone a process of changes over nearly three decades with many ups and downs. These changes depended on the State, ministries and branches of research, construction, project implementation and financial support for RE development. It is noticeable when there is interest and direction of the State through unified policies, programs and appropriate funding of a budget, as well as international assistance in technology and finance, we can achieve certain results. Currently, the Government has issued incentive policies for investors such as priority for credit, corporate income tax exemption and reduction, low land rent, and use of electricity trading contracts. However, the development of RE resources in recent years has continued to face many inadequacies and challenges. Particularly, investment costs are still high, number of operating hours are low, the grid infrastructure of some potential areas is not ready to release capacity, requires larger land areas, especially for solar power projects, and is all difficult to control. Therefore, some solutions need to be found first to lessen such hindrances. - Thank you very much. Luu Thuy (Interviewer) The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation seeks to seed and nurture an international network of research and teaching in Buddhist studies. ACLS is proud to continue partnering with them in fulfilling that promise. Twenty-four scholars and two universities join seven previous annual cohorts of awardees in a flourishing international network in the academic field of Buddhist studies supported by The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Program in Buddhist Studies, administered by the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS). The Program assists scholars at all career stages, from PhD candidates to senior faculty. Fellows will conduct research on Buddhist traditions in China, India, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, and Tibet. In these truly international competitions, the final written products may be in any language. Two New Professorships will be established at Eotvos Lorand University (ELTE) in Budapest and New York University (NYU) in the US. Seed funding over four years will create a tenure-track professorship in Buddhist Studies at each institution, strengthening the MA program at ELTE and establishing the first position in Buddhist studies at NYU. Thirteen Dissertation Fellows at institutions in Europe and the United States will devote ten months to archival research, fieldwork, and writing. Their topics range from the rhetoric of secrecy in early Tibetan Buddhism, to relic theft and sacred space in early Japan, to free funeral services and socially engaged soteriology in contemporary Myanmar. Dr. Laura Lettere is the only recipient of the Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2020. An independent scholar, she will spend two years in residence in Italy at the University of Naples LOrientale and have the opportunity to teach while she continues work on a monograph on the Chinese translation of the Buddhacarita, The Acts of the Buddha, and its relation to earlier Chinese translations of Buddhist texts. Seven Research Fellows at institutions in North America and Europe will receive funding for up to nine months for research and writing. Their topics range from the spread of Chittagong Buddhism in Bengal (1757-1947), to contemporary representations of the historical Tibetan kingdom of Nangchen (located today in Chinas Qinghai province), to the role of palimpsests in the epistolary culture and mourning rituals of medieval Japan. Three Grants for Critical Editions and Scholarly Translations will fund two individual projects and one collaborative team. Based in Europe and in the US, these grantees will produce work of crucial importance to the study of Buddhism and to its wider appreciation by translating texts such as the thirteenth century teachings of the Japanese monk Eison, perhaps the most prominent and charismatic Buddhist figure of his day. The breadth and depth of the studies on Buddhism we are supporting this year from examinations of ancient relics and monastic habitus to practices in contemporary Myanmar is just breathtaking, commented Joy Connolly, president of ACLS. The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation seeks to seed and nurture an international network of research and teaching in Buddhist studies through this program. ACLS is proud to continue partnering with them in fulfilling that promise, this year adding a cohort of outstanding scholars to this vibrant community, presaging future achievements in the field. The 2020-21 competitions will open in August 2020. Contact buddhiststudies@acls.org [buddhiststudies@acls.org Buddhist Studies Program] for more information. Learn More About The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Program in Buddhist Studies. The American Council of Learned Societies, a private, nonprofit federation of 75 national scholarly organizations, is the preeminent representative of American scholarship in the humanities and related social sciences. Advancing scholarship by awarding fellowships and strengthening relations among learned societies is central to ACLSs work. This year, ACLS will award more than $25 million to over 350 scholars across a variety of humanistic disciplines. Established in 2005, The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Hong Kong. Key to the Foundations mission is to increase the understanding and impact of Buddhist values and insights globally, and to deepen intercultural awareness through the arts. To help build a global field of academic research, teaching and exchange, the Foundation supports a series of Buddhist studies grants administered by the American Council of Learned Societies. As well, the Foundation has endowed resources in Buddhist studies at Stanford University, University of Toronto, University of British Columbia and The Courtauld Institute of Art. It also supports the Buddhist Digital Resource Centre, a Chinese Buddhism lecture series at SOAS University of London, and the Buddhist Ministry Initiative at Harvard Divinity School. Seeking to broaden the understanding of Buddhist art, the Foundation helped establish the Galleries of Buddhist Art at the Victoria and Albert Museum and supports exhibitions including recently, Encountering the Buddha: Art and Practice Across Asia exhibition at the Sackler Gallery (2017-2020) and Understanding Buddhism Through Art, a three-year education programme designed by Museum Rietberg. http://www.rhfamilyfoundation.org Between an influx of veterans newly granted access to military resale stores and customers preparing for shutdowns during the novel coronavirus pandemic, Defense Department commissary stores saw a 26% increase in sales in the first quarter of 2020. Now the DoD is trying to figure out how to retain these customers, looking at their shopping preferences and behaviors to guide future services and offerings at stores, DoD Chief Management Officer Lisa Hershman told Military.com. Read Next: F-35A Joint Strike Fighters Banned from Flying Near Lightning over Explosion Concerns While a boost in customers was not unexpected this year, given that 4.1 million disabled veterans became eligible to shop at military stores on Jan. 1, the jump in patrons just before and during the pandemic was unprecedented: On March 13 -- the Friday before many states moved to stay-at-home orders -- the commissary system saw its highest single sales day ever, $34.5 million. While sales flattened slightly in February, according to Hershman, they climbed again in April, up 9% compared with the previous year. Given the steady decline in commissary sales since 2012, down 25% last year from a peak of more than $6 billion, the current situation presents an opportunity for adaptation, Hershman said during an interview Thursday. "It's wonderful to have folks returning to the commissaries and exchanges. I hate that it's because of the pandemic, but we are happy to see our military personnel and families," she said. "One thing I've been pushing on now is how do we keep close tabs on the voice of the customer. ... How do we make sure [they] keep coming back?" As COVID-19 spread across the globe, the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps exercised precautions on military installations, with some allowing only essential personnel, residents or those with DoD identification cards to enter. But the commissaries remained open, having been designated as "mission critical" by the DoD. Store managers worked to ensure that facilities were cleaned and sanitized often, that employees wore face masks and took other precautions, including social distancing, to reduce the chance of infection, and installed plexiglass shields at many locations to protect both employees and customers. Patronage across the 236-store system rose. "What that did, in a very positive way, is it brought people back to the commissaries who maybe had not shopped there in a while and gave them an opportunity to have something closer and more convenient for them," Hershman said. The challenge now is for the stores to keep those customers, offering programs that saw increased usage during the pandemic, like Click2Go, the Defense Commissary Agency's pilot program for online ordering and curbside pickup, and an "agent shopping program" in some overseas stores where communities were on lockdown. Click2Go, a program that began last year at five installations -- Fort Belvoir, Fort Eustis, Oceana Naval Air Station and Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia, and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey -- saw a huge boost in sales during the pandemic, according to Hershman. And DeCA plans to expand it to at least four to six more stores this year. The increased use didn't occur without bumps, Hershman said. Like the commercial sector, which saw delays in being able to fill orders, Click2Go users sometimes weren't able to pick up their groceries for days after ordering. But the delays didn't deter users, she added. "We saw the need, we saw the demand, and everything we are seeing from industry is that there will be a higher percentage of people who will remain ordering their items online," Hershman said. Another program that was popular and may be here to stay at some stores is the "agent shopping," program, which had volunteers taking customers' orders, shopping for them and taking the items to the checkout for customers to pay for by phone. The program was immensely popular in locations where communities were on complete lockdown, with residents allowed out only for groceries, prescription medicines and medical appointments. The boon at these stores comes as the Pentagon marches forward in an effort to merge its commissary system with the exchange systems of the military services. Pentagon officials have argued that the merger between the Defense Commissary Agency, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the Navy Exchange Service Command and Marine Corps Exchange, would save money and reduce redundancies by streamlining the four systems' "back-office" operations. But such a merger presents a multitude of challenges. The commissary system receives $1.2 billion in federal funding each year -- help that enables the stores to offer service members and families discounted groceries -- while profits from the exchanges support the services' extensive morale, welfare and recreation programs, including fitness centers, outdoor recreation, clubs, activities, libraries, youth programs, on-base restaurants and more. The Government Accountability Office released a report earlier this year that cast doubt on the extent of the savings that the Pentagon would recoup as a result of the merger. The GAO said it was not able to verify the DoD's projected savings, estimated to be between $690 million and $1.3 billion in the first five years. Instead, GAO analysts said that the DoD may have overestimated savings by discounting the expense of several factors, including the cost of building a new information technology infrastructure and headquarters for the expanded agency. Echoing other defense officials on the benefits of the merger, however, Hershman said the reforms would produce efficiencies and eliminate waste of taxpayer dollars. But, she said, the changes aren't only about cost savings. "I believe you can't cut your way to prosperity. And so we are putting in the forefront that the customer experience should either stay the same or be improved," Hershman said. The merger requires congressional approval, but it does not appear to be in the works this year. A preliminary version of the House defense authorization bill calls only for the DoD to update its business case analysis on the consolidation. And the current Senate version makes little mention of commissaries or exchanges, mentioning them twice: in a provision about food and beverages provided by the DoD and in a request for a report on the responsibilities of the Pentagon's chief management officer -- Hershman's job -- which the Senate is seeking to abolish by 2022. According to the Defense Commissary Agency, commissaries saved consumers an average of 24.2% on their grocery bills in the first quarter of calendar year 2020. Shoppers in overseas stores saw the most savings, 41.2% over comparable civilian markets, according to DeCA. And commissaries consistently rank highly on a Consumer Reports survey of the nation's best supermarkets, tied at 5th place with the Costco, Publix and Fareway chains in 2019. Still, some shoppers have told Military.com that they find prices at their local commissaries to be higher than some civilian supermarkets and big-box stores, especially in states that don't require sales tax for food items. Commissaries charge a 5% surcharge to pay for the stores' construction, equipment and maintenance. "As the commissary changed its business model pricing to be competitive within the local market, [our commissary in Hawaii] is practically second to Costco for savings on every food except meat, and this has now changed as well [during the pandemic]," a service member wrote Military.com. "Costco is where my family has now started shopping exclusively in Hawaii." "The prices in both are no better. ... Seems to me military stores should have better prices or be compatible in most cases," said a retiree with 27 years of service. Hershman said she welcomes feedback from customers because it gives store managers and administrators the chance to "focus on what we do need to change." "If the view is that we are expensive, how do we modify our cost structure? How do we then relay that to the customer, maybe through pricing changes so that we ensure they keep coming for all the reasons that are important to them," she said. Hershman said she isn't sure why customers decided to shop at commissaries during the pandemic. They may have been drawn to the prices, knowing they would be shopping to cover several weeks. They may have been drawn to a safety aspect -- trusting that the stores were being cautious and maintaining cleanliness. Or, she said, maybe customers felt the need to connect with their military communities. According to Hershman, commissaries consistently are a place to see fellow co-workers and neighbors and save money. "When I came on board a couple of years ago, we were going down this path where there was a lot of discussion about closing locations and privatizing them," Hershman said. "But once I got up to speed and familiar with the topic, [this] didn't seem to make any sense. Our military personnel, especially overseas, look to the commissaries and exchanges ... to connect to home." -- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@monster.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime. Related: Millions More Vets and Caregivers are About to Commissary, Exchange Access A New York City police officer who was suspended after putting a black man in what authorities said was a banned chokehold now faces criminal charges. NYPD officer David Afanador was arrested Thursday on charges of strangulation and attempted strangulation regarding an altercation last weekend on the Rockaway Beach boardwalk. New York's recently-passed Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act, named after the Staten Island man killed by a police chokehold in 2014, makes use of the banned move a felony in the state - punishable up to 15 years. Afanador, 39, was expected to be arraigned at a criminal court in Queens. He remains suspended without pay. The incident occurred after police received a call at 9am on Sunday, June 21, to reports of a man acting erratically on the boardwalk at 133th Street. The man, who gave his name to officers as Ricky Bellevue, was standing with two white men who were filming the officers as they approached, jeering at them and circling them. Scroll down for video The NYPD says officer David Afanador (pictured in 2014) was arrested Thursday on charges of strangulation and attempted strangulation over an altercation last weekend on the Rockaway Beach boardwalk The man, who gave his name as Ricky Bellevue, 35, from Rockaway, was held in a chokehold. The footage showed that Afanador crooked his arm around Bellevues neck for several seconds as he lay face down on the boardwalk. When Bellevue, 35 - who is black - gets close to the officers, body camera footage shows him being thrown down to the floor. The footage showed that Afanador crooked his arm around Bellevues neck for several seconds as he lay face down on the boardwalk. As four uniformed officers restrained Bellevue, a a bystander yelled: 'Yo, he's choking 'em, let 'em go!' Bellevue, who lives with his twin brother in Rockaway, is overheard telling the officers he is bipolar and asthmatic. 'This is what you do to a black man on Father's Day?' he says after he is led to an ambulance. 'This is what you do in America? I'm born in America. You're not here to help us. You're here to kill us. I always get beat up by the police.' Standing by an EMT vehicle, he complains about his neck. 'Sir, there is no pressure on your neck,' one officer is overheard saying. 'What changed everything is when he grabbed something and squared up and was gonna hit my officer standing over there,' said an officer in the body camera footage. That officer said they knew Bellevue and the two other men he was with were drunk and that Bellevue had a history of mental illness, but they were worried he would hurt someone. Body camera footage released by the department shows that the maneuver came after Bellevue and two other men hurled insults at the officers for at least 10 minutes. But Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said Monday that Afanador was suspended because 'the hand around the neck is the hand around the neck.' Bellevues lawyer said his client was hospitalized with a cut on his head, but has since been released. 'The arrest... is the first step in getting justice,' said attorney Bellevue's attorney, Sanford Rubenstein, to the Daily News. 'The next step is for the officer to be convicted and sentenced to jail.' Two white men are seen in bodycam footage jeering at the police as Bellevue approaches the officers - who claim he was threatening them A tussle ensues and Bellevue is wrestled to the floor and handcuffed Bellevue is then helped to his feet and, in handcuffs, led towards an awaiting ambulance In a statement responding to the incident, Shea said: 'Accountability in policing is essential. After a swift investigation by the Internal Affairs Bureau, a police officer involved in a disturbing apparent chokehold incident in Queens has been suspended without pay. 'While a full investigation is still underway, there is no question in my mind that this immediate action is necessary. We are committed to transparency as this process continues.' Shea announced the suspension only hours after video of the incident was posted on social media. Mayor Bill de Blasio praised the department's quick response. 'The public need to see when something goes wrong, there are consequences,' the mayor said. Court records show four previous instances in which Afanador has been sued for excessive force and the city paid out a settlement, including a $37,500 settlement in 2009 and two settlements for unknown amounts in 2012 and 2015, CBS News reported. He was also arrested in 2014 from allegations he pistol-whipped a teenage suspect so severely during a marijuana arrest that he broke two of his teeth. He was one of two cops arrested. Afanador was later acquitted and the case was settled in 2016 for an undisclosed amount. The officer was also arrested in 2014 from allegations he pistol-whipped a teenage suspect so severely during a marijuana arrest that he broke two of his teeth. He was one of two cops arrested (incident shown above) A search of court records shows four previous instances in which Afanador has been sued for excessive force and the city paid out a settlement In the latest incident, Afanador's lawyer said his client was facing a rush to judgment in the wake of protests over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis and public pressure to hold police officers accountable for alleged misconduct. Floyd was killed a month to the day before Afanador's arrest. 'It's become fashionable for prosecutors to make summary arrests of police officers without a full and thorough investigation,' defense attorney Stephen Worth said. 'The concept of due process seems to go out the window.' Chokeholds have been banned by the New York Police Department for years. Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently signed a measure outlawing them statewide. 'The ink from the pen Gov. Cuomo used to sign this legislation was barely dry before this officer allegedly employed the very tactic the new law was designed to prohibit,' District Attorney Melinda Katz said of Afanador There was no immediate comment from the officer's union. On October 22,2010, a smiling Richard Branson spoke to the crowd at the runway dedication for Spaceport America located in New Mexico's forbidding Jornada del Muerto desert. Two years before, his company, Virgin Galactic, had signed a twenty-year lease agreement with the authority to be its primary tenant. Virgin Galactic was going to be in the forefront of the emerging space tourism business, transporting paying passengers to the 100-km edge of space. Spaceport America was to be the hub of the new enterprise. When Mr. Branson spoke that day, he said, as he had stated many times before, that space tourism would be coming "soon" to New Mexico. Just a few more adjustments were needed to the aircraft, he would say. Ten years and at least 225 million in New Mexico taxpayer dollars later, New Mexicans are still waiting for Mr. Branson to start ferrying tourists to the edge of space. How did this fiscal fiasco happen to New Mexico taxpayers? It involves many of the usual suspects. Perhaps others can learn from our mistakes. 1. The technology didn't exist in 2008. The genesis of Mr. Branson's idea of taking tourists to the edge of space came from the Ansari X Prize. In 2004, Mohave Aerospace Ventures built a vehicle, capable of carrying three people, that successfully flew above 100 kilometers twice in a ten-day period. It won the ten-million-dollar prize money. Two vehicles were involved: a mother ship that carried the second vehicle aloft and the second vehicle, SpaceShipOne, a rocket plane that drops from the mother ship and then climbs to just above the 100-km elevation. Both vehicles return to Earth and are reusable. They are known as reusable launch vehicles (RLVs). Mr. Branson licensed the technology from Mohave but determined that the rocket plane had to be larger to be economically viable. The new plane needed to be capable of carrying up to eight people, including two pilots and six passengers. All kinds of design and manufacturing problems have been encountered by Mr. Branson in trying to create a larger ship (SpaceShipTwo). One disintegrated during a test flight on October 31, 2014, killing a pilot. To date, SpaceShipTwo has not made it to the 100-km elevation mark. 2. Other people spending other people's money on other people. This is Milton Friedman's famous rule #4 about spending money: other people (the New Mexico Legislature) spending other people's (taxpayers') money on other people (the general public). Since the politicians are not receiving any direct benefit from the spending, they have little incentive to be careful and are not! 3. Fairy-tale economic impact statements. To grease the spending skids, the New Mexico Economic Development Department commissioned two economic impact reports to determine the viability of a spaceport in the middle of the New Mexico desert. Both magically were published in late 2005, just before the January '06 legislative session, and both said that the spaceport would bring thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars of economic benefit to the area. The first was published in October '05 by the Arrowhead Center of New Mexico State University. Try to keep a straight face while reading the Economic Impact Analysis starting in section 2.2. The second report was published on December 30, 2005 by the Futron Corporation. Pay particular attention to the Economic Impact Assessment Section beginning on page 14 and shake your head in disbelief at the numbers. Both publications should have been subject to withering criticism. 4. No meaningful political opposition. Perhaps the best controller of profligate government spending at the state level is a vibrant two-party political system with each side closely eyeballing the other. That does not exist in New Mexico, which has had single-party Democrat rule at the state level for most of the last 90 years. The last time Republicans held a majority in both houses of the state Legislature at the same time was 1930. In the 90 years from 1931 through 2020, Dems have held a majority in both houses of the state Legislature for 80 of the 90 years. Dems have held the governorship for 58 of the last 90 years. But even when there has been a Republican governor in that time, he has never held a majority in both houses of the N.M. legislature at the same time, greatly limiting his power. The Dems approved spending for the Spaceport in the 2006 legislative session. 5. A governor who had presidential ambitions. Dem Bill Richardson, became governor on January 1, 2003 and held the position for eight years. In 2007, he announced his bid for the presidency. His presidential campaign was forgettable, but there is little doubt that he sought to burnish his image with public works projects. Spaceport America was one such project. An even more expensive project, for another discussion, was his Rail Runner commuter train service, which became known as the Rail Roader. New Mexico taxpayers are still on the hook for both. 6. A lazy and incompetent local news media establishment. This writer has lived in New Mexico for over 40 years and cannot recall a single instance where a local news outlet has ever hired an independent economist to do a feasibility study regarding a proposed major state public works project. He is not aware of a single objection to the Spaceport America project from any local newspaper or TV news outlet. Print media in New Mexico are suffering as they are elsewhere. Fewer and fewer people are reading newspapers, leading to reduced ad revenues, leading to shrinking profits, leading to an inability to pay enough money to keep long time, knowledgeable reporters. The same cannot be said of local TV news. The billionaire owners of the local TV stations are simply unwilling to spend the money necessary to produce a quality news product. A strong local news media would be an important bulwark against government spending stupidity. Sadly, New Mexico lacks it. 7. Ignored Cassandras. There have been a few voices crying out from the wilderness about the folly of Spaceport America. The most persistent has been the Rio Grande Foundation. For years it has railed against the project and has been largely ignored. Attached is a recent excellent report from the Foundation describing how the Spaceport is using questionable accounting in an apparent effort to hide how much it is costing taxpayers. The report also indicates that in the last twelve years, Spaceport has cost taxpayers $275 million and has brought in $54 million. Ouch. If you happen to be in southern New Mexico, consider visiting the Spaceport to see New Mexico tax dollars at work. Tripadvisor lists it as the 7th best activity (out of 13) in exciting Truth or Consequences, N.M. (name after a game show). By the way, for those who don't know, jornada del muerto means journey of the dead man. Two weeks ago we came across a report which speculated that Samsung is planning a Galaxy S20 Lite. Now, South Korean news outlet ETNews suggests the affordable member of the S20 line will be released in October. The actual naming of the device is still not confirmed with the new report referring to it as the Galaxy S20 Pen Edition which would suggest an S-Pen stylus and closer ties to the Galaxy Note series. Other speculations suggest the phone might be called the S20 Fan Edition or simply the S20 Lite. According to previous information, the phone will come with Samsungs One UI 2.5 and is expected to run on the Snapdragon 865. The rest of the specs remain mysterious for now. The Galaxy S10 Lite might soon get a successor The new report also details Samsungs phone launches for the second half of this year with the Note20 series expected to be announced in August alongside a 5G version of the Z Flip while the Galaxy Fold 2 is expected later in September. Source Via [June 25, 2020] ADEA Affirms Commitment to Inclusive Excellence This is an incredibly challenging time for our nation and our world. Recent emails and exchanges within our communities continue to threaten the well-being, safety and education environments in which we teach, lead and learn. The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) strongly condemns racism, discrimination, prejudice and injustice of any kind within dental education. We must, as stated in our current ADEA Strategic Framework, "Develop and sustain an inclusive environment in which faculty, students and administrators work together to create the future of dental education in an increasingly diverse and interconnected world." This requires that we leverage the strength of diversity among our members, the ADEA staff and the communities we serve to develop strategies that help us achieve inclusive excellence. We are, foremost, a profession! We are individuals who are about basic human decency, respect and justice. And, as health professionals, we are governed by certain discernable standards. The ADEA Statement on Professionalism in Dental Education names six values within dental education: competency, fairness, integrity, responsibility, respect, and service-mindedness. Each value demands that we (i.e., faculty, students, staff,residents, fellows and administrators) maintain the highest level of technical skill and professional behavior, while also demonstrating our obligation to treat others with earnest regard, compassion, equity and humanity. Additionally, the ADEA Dental Faculty Code of Conduct states, "As teachers, dental faculty members serve students, we do not engage in harassment, exploitation, illegal discrimination, embarrassment or public disparagement of students." By the nature of their positions, faculty have the privilege and responsibility to advance and influence the profession by serving as positive mentors and role models. When an individual does not live up to these ideals and professional standards, there is a profound erosion to the learning environment and a rise in anger and mistrust. ADEA is steadfast in its commitment to removing barriers and overcoming the challenges that have historically led to societal and health inequities within underrepresented and marginalized communities, and we call on ALL of our dental education colleagues to do the same. As a profession, we will grow ever stronger as we treat everyone within our community with the dignity and respect they deserve. We must work collaboratively to help our nation heal and be willing to participate in critical dialogues that lead to active change for all. About ADEA: The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is The Voice of Dental Education. Our mission is to lead and support the health professions community in preparing future-ready oral health professionals. Our members include all 78 U.S. and Canadian dental schools, more than 800 allied and advanced dental education programs, more than 50 corporations and approximately 18,000 individuals. Our activities encompass a wide range of research, advocacy, faculty development, meetings and communications, including the esteemed Journal of Dental Education, as well as the dental school application services ADEA AADSAS, ADEA PASS, ADEA DHCAS and ADEA CAAPID. For more information, visit adea.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005699/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A meeting of Foreign Minister of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba and Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto has begun in Kyiv. The Ukrainian foreign minister wrote about this on his Twitter account. Glad to meet my Hungarian colleague Peter Szijjarto in Kyiv today. We are reviving the Ukrainian-Hungarian intergovernmental economic commission after almost 7 years of pause. Time to unlock the true potential of economic cooperation between, he wrote. As reported, the fourth meeting of the Ukrainian-Hungarian intergovernmental commission co-chaired by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto will take place in Kyiv on June 25. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba made a visit to Hungary on May 29, where he met with his colleague Peter Szijjarto. iy A man wanted for murder in Hudson County, N.J. has been found dead in Alabama, a news outlet there reported. Damien Morgan, 31, who had been living in Dothan, was accused of fatally shooting Davon Deloach, 30, in Fulton Avenue in Jersey City on Nov. 18, 2019. Dothan police responded to a home Saturday and found Morgan unresponsive, WFSA12 News reported. Police said Morgan suffered blunt force trauma to his head, possibly from a hammer strike. Police said the blunt force trauma was not the cause of death, but they did not say how Morgan died. Morgan was charged with murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon in Deloachs death. The 31-year-old also was shot in the fatal shooting incident, and he was transported by EMS to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was treated and released. Only later did the investigation determine that he shot Deloach. He also faced a charge of attempted murder in a separate incident that occurred hours earlier on Nov. 18. That shooting also occurred on Fulton Avenue. Inside Hook Virgin Galactic is going to help private citizens get onto the International Space Station. Richard Bransons commercial spaceflight venture has signed a deal with NASA to develop an astronaut readiness program that trains and supports private astronauts for missions to the ISS, as reported by MIT Technology Review. WASHINGTONWhat some call the battle of Lafayette Square in which military members and police officers used smoke grenades, pepper spray and physical force to clear peaceful protesters so President Donald Trump could have his photo taken is seen as a shocking example of authoritarian tactics in a country that calls itself the land of the free. Gen. James Mattis, Trumps former secretary of defence, said it threatened to make a mockery of our constitution. A Yale University expert on fascism told me it was a scene directly from the authoritarian playbook. Attorney General Bill Barr was standing beside the president, and it was he who ordered the protesters cleared. Barr later denied the photo-op was the specific reason the demonstrators were moved, but he offered no apologies. I think it was entirely appropriate for him to do, Barr said of Trumps photo-op. As Robert Kagan of the Brookings Institution wrote, Maybe it will turn out to be the first in a series of pictures in some future history text about the undermining of American democracy. It wasnt the beginning, nor the end, of laments that the head of the Justice Department was using the federal law enforcement apparatus as a political tool of the president. In early May, Paul Rosenzweig, a Republican national security expert who once served as senior counsel prosecuting Bill Clintons impeachment, wrote that Barrs actions were enhancing the opportunity for authoritarian control. Which, I suppose, may very well be the ultimate objective of the entire exercise. Rosenzweig was referring to the criminal cases against Trump associates Michael Flynn and Roger Stone. On Wednesday, new developments in both cases contributed to the picture. In a committee room on Capitol Hill, Justice Department prosecutor Aaron Zelinsky testified that Stone the former Trump campaign adviser who was convicted of lying to authorities, witness intimidation, and obstructing an investigation in the Russia investigation was given preferential sentencing treatment because of his relationship with the president. Roger Stone was treated differently because of politics, Zelinsky told the committee. The U.S. attorney had political reasons for his instructions, which our supervisor agreed was unethical and wrong. Prosecutors working on the case had submitted a sentencing recommendation that Stone serve seven to nine years in prison. Shortly after Trump tweeted his displeasure, Barr intervened to change the recommendation and request leniency. All four prosecutors withdrew from the case in response. Stone was later sentenced to serve three years. As Zelinsky was testifying, a panel of appeals court judges was ordering an end to the prosecution of former Trump adviser Michael Flynn. Flynn had already pleaded guilty twice to lying to investigators in the Russia investigation, but then attempted to change his plea after Trump began railing against the case as an example of the political persecution of his presidency. In May, Barr intervened with a request by the Justice Department to withdraw the case against Flynn an extraordinary move that judges had been considering. These two event came after a drawn-out controversy over the weekend, when Barr announced the resignation of Geoffrey Berman, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, who was reportedly investigating Trumps allies and businesses. When Berman publicly denied that hed resigned and said hed refused to do so, Barr got Trump to fire him. Barr said Bermans dismissal would not affect ongoing investigations, but analysts suggested the firing was evidence that the presidents allies are being shielded while his opponents are being punished. Trump and Barrs actions seem to be designed to chill ongoing investigations that they may find politically inconvenient and likely to hurt Trumps chances for a second term, two former New York prosecutors wrote Thursday in Business Insider, calling it an all-out assault on the norms of legal independence. Such alarmist claims are becoming commonplace. The New York Bar Association wrote to Congress this week that Barrs actions form an overwhelming public impression of an attorney general whose primary loyalty is to the president who appointed him, not to the American public or the rule of law. Barr is scheduled to appear before the House judiciary committee next week, the first time the Democratic-led panel will question him on allegations he is rapidly eroding American democracy. Allegations like those made Wednesday, when the judiciary committee heard from former deputy attorney general Donald Ayer. I believe that William Barr poses the greatest threat in my lifetime to our rule of law and to public trust in it, said Ayer, who served under president George H.W. Bush. That is because he does not believe in its core principle, that no person is above the law. Instead, since taking office, he has worked to advance his lifelong conviction that the president should hold virtually autocratic powers. Read more about: Nearly 30 officers were injured after a south London street party descended into violence, according to a police chief. Social media footage shared shows officers being chased and bottles thrown at them, as well as police vehicles being smashed, as they attended the scene near the Angell Town estate in Brixton. In another clip, a partygoer can be seen bleeding from the face. One witness, who did not want to be named, told the PA news agency: After the police backed up, the group of people then forced the police out of the estate, throwing things at the police, smashed up a police car that they abandoned and then it moved more towards the main road. Bus driver Michael, who did not wish to share his second name, lives in Overton Road and said it was very upsetting that the violence happened in his area. The whole thing should have been shut down earlier, he said. People who live here are not the culprits, its those damn fools from different areas that come down to tarnish the works and efforts that have been put into the area by the estate management. Downing Street condemned the violence, with the prime ministers official spokesman saying: These were appalling scenes. Violence against the police will not be tolerated. The incident was branded by the Met Police Federation as deplorable and despicable, while home secretary Priti Patel described the images as utterly vile scenes. Police appear to attack a police car during an incident in Brixton, south London. (Twitter/@taysuperior) Scotland Yard said they were called to reports of a large unlicensed music event in Overton Road on Wednesday night, and officers tried to encourage the crowd to leave. A statement said: The event continued and more officers attended the scene and the group became hostile towards officers. Read more: Young protesters take center stage in demonstrations against police killings of Black people Four people are in custody after arrests were made for assault and public order offences, the force added. Police said a total of 22 officers were injured, two of whom required hospital treatment, while a small number of police vehicles were damaged. Story continues But Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, told PA that nearly 30 of his colleagues were hurt, including walking wounded, and described the incident as absolutely shocking. Chairman Ken Marsh tells @iancollinsuk on @talkRADIO. Yet again outrageous violence towards my colleagues. It baffles me how people think this is the way forward. Id like to hear everyone across the spectrum condemn this and explain how they will protect my colleagues. pic.twitter.com/UBIBgoa17W Met Police Federation (@MPFed) June 25, 2020 Video footage showed police officers being chased and having bottles thrown at them. (PA) Its a very, very difficult situation that my colleagues are faced with, with an unlawful event taking place and upon arrival they are met with hostility from the off, he said. No-one expects this level of violence and hostility to just erupt at the speed it does towards police. Its horrendous. We are rufty-tufty and can deal with violent disorder but its not pleasant and its not nice to have to go somewhere where someone wants to try and kill you. London mayor Sadiq Khan said that large gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic were deeply irresponsible and risk others lives. Im in touch with the Met Police about the completely unacceptable events in Brixton overnight. Violence against the police will not be tolerated, he added. I'm in touch with the Met about the completely unacceptable events in #Brixton overnight. Violence against the police will not be tolerated. Large gatherings during COVID19 are deeply irresponsible and risk others' lives.https://t.co/wZUt7JI38o Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) June 25, 2020 The home secretary also condemned the violence, which came days after a suspected terrorist was tackled to the ground by an unarmed police officer in Reading, Berkshire, on Saturday evening. These are utterly vile scenes, she said. Just last weekend, the whole country came together to praise our heroic police officers for putting their own lives on the line to keep us safe. Ill be picking up with the Met commissioner immediately. These are utterly vile scenes. Just last weekend, the whole country came together to praise our heroic police officers for putting their own lives on the line to keep us safe. I'll be picking up with the Met Commissioner immediately. https://t.co/576qcLY89g Priti Patel (@pritipatel) June 25, 2020 The Metropolitan Police said the party was finally cleared in the early hours of Thursday, while a Section 60 order, which gives police powers to stop and search without reasonable suspicion, was later put in place in the area. Commander Colin Wingrove, from the Metropolitan Police, said: Our role is to protect the public and ensure guidelines are adhered to in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, protecting the NHS and save lives. Our officers work incredibly hard to engage and explain the public health message and regulations to prevent such gatherings occurring. Volunteers clean up in Overton Road on the Angell Town estate in Brixton, south London, where riots and violent confrontations with police took place overnight. (PA) Last night we received numerous concerns from residents complaining about a large gathering, noise, anti-social behaviour and violence and officers responded to those concerns. These gatherings are unlawful, as well as posing a risk to public health and against coronavirus restrictions. The violence shown towards officers is totally unacceptable and we will not tolerate it in any form. An investigation into the incident is now taking place and those involved will be brought to justice. An African American protester wears a mask that say "I Can't Breathe" and holds a sign that says, "Say Their Names" as they perform a peaceful protest walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. Ira L. Black/Corbis via Getty Images Three former employees at Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo, Michigan, have been charged with involuntary manslaughter over the death of 16-year-old Cornelius Frederick. Frederick died May 1 after being restrained for 12 minutes, according to prosecutors. The incident reportedly took place after he threw a sandwich in the cafeteria. "In my opinion, the complications of him being restrained, on the ground in a supine position by multiple people, is ultimately what led to his death," Dr. Ted Brown of the Kalamazoo County Medical Examiner's Office said Wednesday. At least 25 students ran away from the facility after Frederick was killed. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Three staff members at a Michigan youth facility have been charged with involuntary manslaughter over the death of a Black teenager who reportedly yelled "I can't breathe" before going into cardiac arrest. The death of Cornelius Frederick, 16, was officially ruled a homicide Wednesday afternoon, with Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting announcing charges hours later. Frederick died May 1, a few days after staff at the Lakeside Academy in Kalamazoo placed their weight on his chest, causing him to lose consciousness on April 29, according to a lawsuit filed Monday by his aunt, the Associated Press reported. "Cornelius's scream of 'I can't breathe' was not enough to get the staff members to stop the excessive restraint," according to the lawsuit, which states that another child detained at the facility heard the incident unfold. His family is seeking $100 million in a civil suit. Video footage shows that Frederick was restrained for a full 12 minutes, according to the state, as MLive reported. It took another 12 minutes before anyone to begin CPR or call the police, who say that Fredericks was being disciplined for throwing a sandwich in the cafeteria. Seven staff members were involved in the incident. Story continues Sequel Youth and Family Services, which ran Lakeside Academy, a facility for "at-risk youth," said 11 people have since been "separated from the organization," per MLive. The school, a state-licensed facility, "focuses on the confrontation and redirection of negative behavior while recognizing desired, positive behavior," according to its website. "We cannot comment on pending legal matters. That said, we are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Cornelius and acted quickly to terminate all staff involved," Sequel Youth and Family Services told MLive in a statement. "Additionally, we have removed the former executive director of Lakeside from the organization. We have been in regular contact with law enforcement and state officials to help ensure justice is served and have accelerated the work that was already underway across our organization to move to a restraint-free model of care. We take our obligation to meet the significant behavioral health needs of all our students incredibly seriously and remain focused on our mission of providing the absolute best care and treatment possible for our clients." On Wednesday, Dr. Ted Brown of the Kalamazoo County Medical Examiner's Office said that an autopsy revealed Fredericks died due to a lack of oxygen and blood flow. "In my opinion, the complications of him being restrained, on the ground in a supine position by multiple people, is ultimately what led to his death," Brown told MLive. After Frederick was killed, at least 25 students ran away from the facility. Three employees, Michael Mosley, Zachary Solis, and Heather McLogan were charged Wednesday with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death. Mosley and Solis allegedly restrained Frederick while McLogan, a nurse, allegedly failed to provide medical care, according to the prosecutor. Frederick's family had been pressing for murder charges. Have a news tip? Email this reporter: cdavis@insider.com Read the original article on Insider 55.5% of respondents to the Pcpo poll agree with ending all forms of collaboration on intelligence and security. In Gaza, the strongest consent to the hard line (65%), in the West Bank the figure is 49.1%. But only 18.7% are convinced that it will improve the living conditions of the Palestinians. And 48.7% that it will have negative repercussions in the fight against Covid-19. Jerusalem (AsiaNews) - Over half of Palestinian population (55.5%) agrees with the decision made by the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) to stop collaborating with Israel on security and intelligence issues. The measure was announced in May by President Abu Mazen in response to the new government's plan to annex up to 30% of the occupied West Bank territories. The data emerges from a survey published yesterday by Nabil Kukali, a Palestinian Christian, former professor of statistics at the University of Hebron, president and founder of the Palestinian Center for Public Opinion (Pcpo) research institute. The inhabitants of Gaza are the staunchest supporters of the hard line (65%), while in the West Bank the figure stops at 49.1%. Palestinian fears and concerns clearly emerge from poll number 205, in a context of increased uncertainties worsened by the new coronavirus pandemic. The poll was carried out between June 14 and 22 and involved 1250 Palestinians over the age of 18 from the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Nabil Kukali maintains the unilateral move by Israel, supported by the United States but opposed by the UN and most of the international community, will undermine the last chance of "creating an independent [Palestinian] state". The survey also reveals "the deterioration of economic and living conditions" in the Palestinian Territories, which is counterbalanced by "mutual collaboration" between the two realities in the common struggle against the Covid-19 pandemic. Returning to the research, against a 55.5% of supporters of the policy of the rigor of the PNA there is a 44.5% of Palestinians (50.9% in the West Bank and 35% in Gaza) who consider the choice made by the Palestinian leadership "wrong". At the level of governorates, those who support the choices of the Palestinian leadership most strongly are Al-Bireh & Ramallah (81.8%), Jerusalem (62.8%) and Jericho (55.6%). In contrast, those who harbor greater distrust and disagree with the official line are Bethlehem (84.1% against the hard line towards Israel), Qalqilia (72.2%) and Jenin (66%). In the Strip, the highest figure in the consensus was recorded in Rafah (78.1%), while in Gaza City 63.9% were in favor. The curators of the survey also asked respondents if the termination of the collaboration in intelligence and security will improve or worsen the economic and living conditions of the Palestinian people. 18.7% of the interviewees are optimistic and say that they will improve; the majority (52.3%) are convinced that "they will get worse" and 15.8% "it will have no effect" (13.2% say they have no opinion on the matter). Finally, 48.7% believe that this move will have negative repercussions in the fight against the new coronavirus. And while the British government is still advising against all unnecessary overseas travel, Cyprus has said it plans to welcome British travellers to the island nation from July 15. The countrys deputy tourism minister Savvas Perdios has said he expects flights to resume from the UK to Cyprus from mid-July. He told The Sun: "The UK is our biggest market, it's massively important to us, and the situation there is improving all the time. "In a few weeks from now, by mid-July, flights will be possible from the UK to Cyprus July 15 sounds very reasonable." The Mediterranean nation has seen just 991 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 19 deaths and it started easing lockdown in May and reopening hotels on June 1. Perdios also said he predicted a price war among tour operators meaning a Cyprus holiday could be cheaper than ever. He added: "There are going to be very good deals for Brits this summer I am certain of that, not just in Cyprus but the Mediterranean in general. Weve been in contact with tour operators for the last two months at least, talking to TUI, Jet2, etc. "Were going to see a price war with heavy discounting especially via tour operators in the coming weeks." On Monday next week, Boris Johnson is expected to announce air bridges between the UK and European nations allowing for quarantine-free travel. Prison Fellowship to Lawmakers: Act Now on Police and Justice Reform In the wake of nationwide protests in the United States and around the world, Prison Fellowship calls on lawmakers to 'be a voice for our brothers and sisters of color' and pass reform legislation. NEWS PROVIDED BY Prison Fellowship June 25, 2020 WASHINGTON, June 25, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- Prison Fellowship, the nation's largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, is issuing the following statements in response to pending police reform legislation in the House and the Senate: "We mourn with our brothers and sisters of color for the lives unjustly lost, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and too many more," said James J. Ackerman, president and CEO of Prison Fellowship. "We call for police and justice reform that will both prevent misconduct and bring about meaningful accountability, while also recognizing the necessary and important role of an effective police force. We applaud the initial steps toward these goals through the President's Executive Order and the proposals offered by the Senate and the House. While no bill is yet in a form we can endorse, we pray members of Congress will lean into the energy and urgency of this moment, which demands a comprehensive agenda to address racial injustice and bipartisan cooperation to reach a final package." "We urge negotiations to continue, including dialogue and action on a federal use of force standard and Qualified Immunity, which does not currently reflect our values of proportional accountability and the need to make amends for wrong-doing," said Heather Rice-Minus, vice president of government affairs and church mobilization for Prison Fellowship. "The unjust treatment of people of color is apparent throughout the justice system, not just in the context of policing. Congress also has a unique opportunity to add amendments that would address racial injustice at other points in the systemsuch as ending the disparities in federal penalties for powder versus crack cocaine offenses that exacerbate overincarceration in Black communities and investment in transformative opportunities in prison such as restoring Pell Grants for incarcerated students." Background On Wednesday, June 18, President Donald J. Trump signed the Executive Order, "Safe Policing for Safe Communities." The order tasks the Attorney General to partner with credentialing bodies to certify that state and local law enforcement agencies receiving federal dollars have use of force standards that comply with existing law and prohibit the use of chokeholds except where deadly force is required. Additionally, the order establishes a national database to track police misconduct and promotes more collaboration between police and social workers in responding to mental health crises. The Executive Order was closely followed by the Republican-led Justice Act, which incentivizes state and local governments receiving Department of Justice grant dollars to report on use of force and no-knock warrants and strictly limit use of chokeholds. The Act would also expand use of body cameras, implement new training on de-escalation tactics, and create for law enforcement a national curriculum on the history of racism in America. Wednesday, the legislation failed to garner the 60 votes needed to proceed to a floor amendment process and final vote. The House of Representatives is expected to pass the Democrat-led Justice in Policing Act broadly along party lines. The House bill includes reforms absent from the Senate's Justice Act such as changes to Qualified Immunity, a ban on racial profiling, and a federal use-of-force standard. Qualified Immunity is a doctrine created by the Supreme Court to prevent civil accountability for government officials if they violate someone's rights while performing the discretionary functions of their jobs. The doctrine protects officials unless their precise actions violate "clearly established" constitutional or statutory rights. Though Qualified Immunity was intended to protect public servants against frivolous lawsuits, it has resulted in cases of egregious misconduct going unchecked. Prison Fellowship Prison Fellowship is the nation's largest outreach to prisoners, former prisoners, and their families, and a leading voice for criminal justice reform. With more than 40 years of experience helping restore men and women behind bars, Prison Fellowship advocates for federal and state criminal justice reforms that transform those responsible for crime, validate victims, and encourage communities to play a role in creating a safe, redemptive, and just society. For interview requests, please contact Jim Forbes, Prison Fellowship's director of communications, at 703.554.8540 or at Jim_forbes@pfm.org. SOURCE Prison Fellowship CONTACT: Jim Forbes, 703-554-8540, Jim_forbes@pfm.org Related Links https://www.prisonfellowship.org/ Share Tweet Youth pastor protects unconscious victim during Syracuse mass shooting Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment A youth pastor in Syracuse, New York, said he helped protect and shield an unconscious teenager fighting for his life during a mass shooting Saturday night that involved six shooters and appears to be gang-related. Nitch Jones, the pastor of youth and young adult affairs at Syracuses Zion Hill World Harvest Baptist Church, took to Facebook Sunday morning to unload his thoughts following the horrifying shooting the night before that ended a large party attended by hundreds on the citys Near West Side. I have never been inside of a live warzone in my life, Jones said in the Facebook video. I have been around or in the vicinity of someone shooting. But I have never been in the middle. Literally, we were in the middle of a warzone, a battle, where guns were spraying all around us, where guns were spraying right in front of us and people were getting hit and there were feet in front of us. After shooters opened fire at the annual Rye Day party held by a well-respected area businessman in honor of his birthday, pandemonium ensued as hundreds fled for their lives. Jones, a 32-year-old father of one child who most of the day ran a voter registration booth at the gathering, detailed the moments when the shooting occurred. Jones recalled his friend screaming at him to lay down. Jones knew that his family was also at the scene and if he was scared, they must have been even more scared. But Jones said that every time he tried to get up to run to his family, bullets would fly. I seen a kid lying down unresponsive in front of me and there was nothing that I could do besides just lay there with him and wait for help and run for help. There was nothing that I could do, Jone explained. That hurt me beyond belief. Jones said he was so shook up that he couldnt sleep Saturday night. I seen people from my city. I seen kids. I seen women. I say kids because I am 32. A 17-year-old boy to me, he is a kid, Jone added. These are horrible times, he continued. We cant even go to a cookout, we cant even go to a gathering without something like this happening. This is sad, man. Jones said he and his cousin, who is a nurse, aided the teenager who was unresponsive as he laid on the ground. Jones recalled that the teen's pulse was very weak. We cant do CPR because he is laying on his stomach and we dont move him. All we are doing is laying there to make sure nobody touches him or nobody moves him and we are continuing to check his pulse, Jones explained. [My cousin] sat there the whole time. Jones said that he went to flag down a paramedic after the shooting. Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said eight people suffered minor injuries in the shooting. The 17-year-old boy is still in critical condition. Syracuse.com reports that witnesses said the outdoor party was wrapping up around 9 p.m. when a gunfight broke out. However, the district attorney has not said which gangs were involved in the conflict. No arrests have been announced by the district attorneys office. According to Jones, the party was monitored by two police officers for most of the day. The decision to host the party this year had come under scrutiny due to the coronavirus pandemic. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said at a press conference Monday that the event never should have happened with that many people. Jones pushed back against those blaming prominent Syracuse business owner Ryedell Davis. Jones argues that the police had ample opportunity to stop the party before the shooting, had the mayor forbidden it. Jones called on those who recorded the gunfight with their cell phones to step up and give videos or photos to the police to help identify the shooters. You a punk if you sitting up here and allow these people to fight for their lives in these hospitals but you not gonna say something, Jones said. Your phone caught a video; your phone caught a picture or something. If you seen something, you need to say something. There is an anonymous tip line. The Rye Day party came as protests have been held nationwide for the past month in the wake of the police-involved killing of African American George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jones called on protesters and demonstrators in Syracuse, a city that has for decades faced a gang war, to figure out what it is they are protesting for. I am talking about for issues like this right here in Syracuse, Jone said. We want the violence to stop. But march after march, rally after rally, protest after protest, it continues. Jones questioned: What are we doing inside of our community? Where is the neighborhood watch? Where is the community police? he asked. The same people that we just said to defund, the same people that we are trying to defund, are the same people that we called yesterday to protect us. What are we going to do? How do we handle moments and situations like this? Thats a real question to everyone. The easy part is just throwing something out there online, said Jim Coleman, senior managing director of Accentures Chicago office, which started an apprentice program in 2016 to diversify its workforce. We have been very purposeful for many years, not just recently, doing our part to try to become a more diverse and inclusive organization. Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad, commonly known as UP Board, could this time issue digitally signed e-marksheets to its high school and intermediate examinees of 2020a first for the 99-year-old board. In an effort to ensure that high school and intermediate exam pass-outs of this year face no problems post declaration of results, UP Board is gearing up to make available marksheets with digital signature of its secretary for the students through its official website in these Covid-19 hit times, officials said. This would allow students to take admissions in further classes with these online issued marksheets. Later as situation normalizes and permits, the board plans to make hardcopy of the marksheets available to students through their schools, they added. UP Board 10th, 12th Result 2020: Register here to check scores on HT result portal The option of issuing digitally signed marksheets to the students is being discussed and its feasibility being explored, said UP Board secretary Neena Srivastava. However, a final decision in this regard is yet to be taken, she added. UP Board is all set to announce results of high school and intermediate examinations-2020 at 12.30pm on June 27. The plan is to upload the marksheets bearing digital signature of the UP Board secretary as well as photograph of individual students concerned on the official website of the board post declaration of the results to allow students to get them after getting the document download through their school principals. They will then be able to use them for all official purposes till the hardcopy of the marksheets become available to them. However, uploading of marksheets may take a day or two, the official added. These digitally signed marksheets will be different from the ones students till now used to download from the website post declaration of the results as they lacked the official signature of UP Board secretary and as a result had no legal standing. However the digitally signed ones will be fully valid for admissions as well as job purposes, the official explained. Realising that the need for marksheets would be more pressing for Intermediate pass-outs for admissions, jobs as well as competitive exams, their marksheets would be uploaded first, he added. Officials informed that the reason for issuing these digitally signed marksheets through the principals of the respective schools of the students is to fix responsibility. The principals concerned will then ensure distribution of these digitally signed marksheets keeping the social distancing norms in mind, shared officials. This new step is also expected to help the UP Board in getting a little extra time for getting all marksheets and certificates printed in these Covid-19 hit times and providing them to respective schools for distribution. Earlier, board examinees used to get hardcopy of their marksheets and certificates within 15 days of the result declaration through their schools. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON More than half a million criminal cases have been delayed from being heard in court because of the coronavirus pandemic - with the backlog expected to last until Easter. Figures from the Ministry of Justice show there are around 484,000 cases waiting to be heard in magistrates court, while the number of outstanding crown court cases rose to around 41,000 between March 8 and May 17. Courts were shut at the height of the outbreak and jury trials put on hold as Britain entered unprecedented lockdown measures. Robert Jenrick is considering reducing the number of jurors needed for a trial at crown courts such as the Old Bailey in London Some trials have begun with the easing of lockdown measures, but Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said the delayed trials will not be cleared until Easter next year at least. Mr Buckland said he was 'duty bound' to consider measures that could provide the court capacity needed, adding that two-thirds 'isn't going to cut it' and 100% capacity, if not more, was required in order to deal with the caseload and get ahead of it. Between January and March 22, around 250 trials on average were vacated per week - meaning they were removed from a listing before the case was due to start so it could be put back to a later date. The number rose to around 400 between March 29 and May 31. The Old Bailey, pictured on Monday, has new social distancing measures in place since jury trials resumed last month The level of trials remains 'historically low', but a small number have now started to resume. The number of cases going ahead has gradually risen again as restrictions are eased but the level still remains low, the MoJ report said. A handful of crown courts in England and Wales have now reopened for trials with strict social distancing measures in place but the majority of hearings are still being held online or having to be postponed. On May 18 the Old Bailey began its first jury trial since lockdown measures were eased. Some jurors donned face masks and were sat six feet apart. Currently 246 court buildings are open to the public across the country, with 58 staffed by judges. Some 86 have reopened since the beginning of June but there are 37 buildings where operations are still suspended, he said. Some 19 crown courts are operating by spreading trials out across two or three rooms. The most urgent cases are still being prioritised but officials are now seeking to list all magistrates' court matters. Facing questions over whether he would consider temporarily scrapping the use of juries for trials, Mr Buckland said all options had to be considered and he was 'still very attracted' by the idea of using smaller juries, as were used during the Second World War when numbers were cut from 12 to seven except for murder and treason cases. Justice Secretary Robert Buckland says it could take until Easter 2021 to clear a backlog of more than 500,000 criminal cases in magistrate and crown courts Last week Mr Buckland said he would 'have to use every tool in the book' in order to get the justice system back up and running. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Political Thinking With Nick Robinson, the Justice Secretary said: 'Also the Zoom trial, the Zoom jury where twelve men and women all sitting together in one place remotely, working together but viewing all the evidence. 'I've seen a lot of mock trials taking place and spoken to the participants and have been impressed by the work that's been done there. 'I'm going to have to use every tool in the book in order to deliver the swift justice that victims, witnesses and the public would want us to see if they are to have continuing confidence in our court system.' Former Supreme Court president Lady Hale argued her case for courts to convene physically rather than virtually during her contribution to the BBC's Rethink set of talks about how the world is changing due to the coronavirus lockdown. The 75-year-old, who recently retired, told host Amol Rajan on today's episode: 'A good jury turns into a little community, working together in the interests of justice. 'This is lost if they are operating remotely or even at a social distance in a courtroom.' Plans are under way to use a variety of other buildings to make more space for hearings and there are talks on keeping courts open longer. 1. The U.S. likely has at least 16 million coronavirus cases far more than the 2.3 million so far identified. Thats the judgment of Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We probably recognized about 10 percent of the outbreak, he said at a news briefing, suggesting that between 5 percent and 8 percent of Americans have actually been infected to date. Texas is pausing its reopening and moving to free up hospital space. Thats an abrupt turnaround for Gov. Greg Abbott, who reopened restaurants and other businesses 55 days ago, only to see the states caseload soar to more than 130,000, with deaths reaching nearly 3,000. Above, Houston Methodist Hospital on Thursday. New Bangla drain flaps to end wastewater stench: Patong Mayor PHUKET: The major project to upgrade the drains that run under Bangla Rd in Patong, which has been under lockdown since April 3, have been installed with flaps on the drain grates in the hope to putting an end to the stench that has become a renowned aspect of walking along the famous street. patongpollutionhealth By Chutharat Plerin Thursday 25 June 2020, 05:22PM The drain cover flaps are hoped to prevent the renowned stench of wastewater emeanting from the drains. Photo: Khao Phuket Nearly B5 million has been spent on installing the new drains. Photo: Khao Phuket Patong Mayor Chalermluck Kebsup explained to The Phuket News Thai-language sister newspaper Khao Phuket that Patong Municipality is rushing to complete the project. We spent a budget of around B4.3 million on designing and installing the drains, as sometimes wastewater makes a bad smell along the drains, affecting Patongs tourism image, Mayor Chalermluck said today (June 25). We installed flaps under the drain covers in order to prevent the smell from coming out of the drains. The flaps will be normally closed to protect against the smell, but they will open when it rains to let rainwater flow down, she explained. From our initial checks, they work very well. There was no smell from the drain. However, we have to check again when tourists come to know whether they work effectively or not, Mayor Chalermluck said. More than 3,000 residents of Myanmars war-ravaged Rakhine state face severe food shortages due to road blockades by government forces that have locked down the area for about six months, local residents said. For the past 18 months, the AA has fought government forces in northern Rakhine and in Paletwa township of adjacent Chin state areas where it seeks to assert control to assure greater autonomy for ethnic Rakhine people. The fighting has killed 260 civilians and displaced more than 160,000 people. The government army has restricted the transport of rice Myanmars staple food in more than 40 villages into Rakhines Ann township township since January in an effort to cut off vital supplies to the rebel Arakan Army (AA), leaving the mostly ethnic Chin civilians to survive on bananas and vegetables. In the meantime, some of those affected by the food shortages have fled their homes in Shangon and Mingaladon villages. The two communities house roughly 600 people and 500 people, respectively, near the Dalet Chaung village tract, according to Salai Win Maung of the Chin Humanitarian Assistance Team, an NGO. The village tract comprises 36 ethnic Chin communities and five ethnic Rakhine communities. Because the government army has been blocking rice transports for long time, villagers have been suffering from a lack of rice, Salai Win Maung said. Right now, there is no rice to buy, and villagers have only bananas and vegetables to eat. News about the rice shortages have reached NGOs because the residents of Shangon and Mingaladon villages have mobile internet access, he said, and are not subject to a controversial government-imposed service ban in northern Rakhine townships and in Paletwa township. We still do not know about the situations in others villages, Salai Win Maung said. The blockades and travel restrictions also mean that villagers can no longer sell bamboo, cashew nuts, or other local products outside their communities and have no way to obtain money to purchase 40,000-kyat (U.S. $28) sacks of rice, he said. Sheltering in a monastery Thu Mana, a monk who is taking care of the villagers, said that about 3,000 people from the two communities have taken refuge at his monastery. They have no rice in their villages, he told RFA. Some of them were completely out of food. Thats why they are sheltering in my monastery. One person who declined to provide his name for safety reasons said the villagers left their homes because their food supplies were running out. We had to move here because roads and waterways to our village have been closed, so rice cannot reach [us], he said. Ethnic Chin NGOs also are trying to help the villagers, but they say they first must obtain permission from the Myanmar Army to deliver rice donations. Theres no food in some places, so we arranged to donate 50 sacks of rice to places where residents cannot go anywhere, said Salai Win Maung. But we have not yet received permission from the army. Local residents and NGOs say the blockades mainly affect children and pregnant women who lack access to food. Some NGOs also say that Chin youths from the villages have fled to the commercial hub Yangon due to the food shortages and to escape the armed conflict. The trip from Ann town to Yangon takes at least nine hours by car or bus. We are very concerned about children and breastfeeding mothers, said Mai Nan Wai, spokeswoman for the Relief and Rehabilitation Committee for Chin IDPs. It could be a life-threatening situation. Rakhine officials say soldiers allow villagers to leave their communities for rice as long as they apply for and are granted approval from relevant departments. Theres no denial from us if they ask permission, said Colonel Min Than, Rakhine states border affairs and security minister. We allow rice transports, too. Myanmar military spokesman Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun said last week that he had no information about government troops forbidding rice deliveries to the area. RFA could not reach the military's information team on Wednesday for an update. The armed conflict has displaced more than 9,000 ethnic Chin civilians in Paletwa, while another 6,000 are at risk in Rakhines Ann, Minbya, Myebon, and Mrauk-U townships, the NGOs said. Reported by RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Maung Maung Nyo and Khin Khin Ei. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Photo: Allan Ferguson/Flickr Missed the most recent top news in Chula Vista? Read on for everything you need to know. Fourth of July fireworks, events canceled Chula Vista officials announced Tuesday that the city will not host its customary events this Fourth of July, including its 4th Fest and fireworks show. Read the full story on NBC 7 San Diego. Chula Vista councilman ditches Republican Party Councilman Mike Diaz was not endorsed by county party officials, so he decided to become an Independent. Read the full story on The San Diego Union-Tribune. Chula Vista among cities receiving funds in Monsanto settlement A settlement reached over water contamination claims stemming from Monsanto's use of toxic chemicals known as PCBs will send $550 million to several jurisdictions. Read the full story on NBC 7 San Diego. This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. The partial fossilised skeleton of a 25 million-year-old animal was studied by researchers in the UK and Australia. It was found in the 1970s in the clay floor of Lake Pinpa, a remote, dry salt lake east of the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. It was taken to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and after puzzling taxonomists for years, it has finally been formally described by researchers. The species has been named Mukupirna, meaning 'big bones' in Dieri, the Aboriginal language spoken in the region where the fossil was found. It lived in Australia 25 million years ago and grew as large as a black bear, about five times heavier than modern wombats. An analysis of evolutionary relationships shows that Mukupirna is most closely related to wombats, but it has several unique features that show it's the only known member of the Mukupirnida, a new family of marsupials that was previously unknown to science. It is hoped that the skeleton can shed light on the evolutionary history of marsupials, which has proven difficult to piece together. Pip Brewer, Senior Curator of Fossil Mammals at the Museum, studied the specimen alongside colleagues from the University of Salford, Griffith University, the University of New South Wales and the American Museum of Natural History. She says, 'This skeleton is so important because mammal fossils, particularly skeletons, are rare in Australia. Remains from this region and from deposits this old are particularly valuable, and this one tells us something interesting about the diversity of marsupials throughout their evolutionary history. 'These relatives of wombats are such fascinating and enigmatic animals, but we know hardly anything about their early evolution and habits because of gaps in the fossil record.' Tired of being failed by those they fight for, Black women are pledging to burn the cape. In the past few weeks, several Black women came forward on Twitter about the harassment they experienced at Black Lives Matter protests at the hands of Black men. As they put their bodies on the line for the fight against police brutality, Black women are reminded of the ways in which their safety is jeopardised within their own communities. Resulting in them pledging to burn the capes they have tirelessly put on to speak out against injustice. These feelings were heightened by the news of 19-year-old Black Lives Matter protester Oluwatoyin Toyin Salaus kidnapping, rape and murder. Salaus death prompted larger conversations about Black womens heroism in showing up for the Black collective yet consistently being failed by those they fight for, begging the question: Who is going to save the hero? Although not at the forefront of protests, the sentiment of burning the cape deeply resonated with me. As a Black Muslim woman, my intersecting identities mean I am cognisant of how anti-racist activism and its earnings alone do not grant me my freedom. Highlighting the issues facing marginalised Black lives is often seen as divisive to Black solidarity and cause for the delegitimisation of the movement. However, in order to progress in a movement that represents an all-embracing Black liberation, the gender struggles existing at the heart of Black solidarity are in need of interrogation and call for intra-movement critique. Say Her Name Tik Toks popular Wipe it Down challenge has been used to send a poignant message in response to George Floyds death. In these short videos, male members of Black families are being wiped away to represent the threat to their lives. Black women (and in some cases their children) are left behind and seen wearing shirts that read: Stop killing us. These videos represent one of the many ways in which Black women are actively protesting against the racially charged brutality the police overtly and systematically inflict on Black men. But they also demonstrate how Black women are often being reduced to secondary actors in this fight, who are only affected by police brutality through their partners, fathers and sons. However, Black women too are dying at the hands of the police and Black women too are not seeing any justice or recourse for their murders. This is evinced in the belated outcry surrounding Breonna Taylors death, who was shot eight times by police officers in her own home in Louisville, Kentucky on March 13. Her death triggered the resurfacing of the hashtag #SayHerName, which was created in 2015 to shed much-needed light on how Black womens lives are being lost to police brutality. The erasure that necessitated the formation of the Say Her Name campaign within the Black Lives Matter movement (which was, ironically, spearheaded by Black women) represents another moment in which Black women are required to mobilise independently to remind the collective of the threat on their lives. The disparity in the outrage surrounding the deaths of Floyd and Taylor has been attributed to the fact that one murder was filmed while the other was not. Though the brutal visual accompanying Floyds death served to awaken the masses to the unruly ways in which police brutality is performed; the silence around Black womens deaths cannot be justified. As a movement founded by Black women, Black Lives Matter began by mobilising against the threat the police poses on Black men, yet reciprocity has proven limited as seen in the responses surrounding the murders of Black women by the same perpetrator. Although a new law banning no-knock warrants has been passed in Breonnas name in Louisville Kentucky, justice for her murder has not been served, as the police officers responsible for her death are still walking free. Despite this, her name is no longer trending on social media. The lack of accountability surrounding Breonnas case reveals how in death and in life Black women have to labour in legitimising their presence in a patriarchal world. I cant tell if Im breaking bread or being poisoned In the fight to achieve justice, there is power in numbers and unity. However, for women, the fight for racial justice at the front line of protests is also a fight for survival from the plague of patriarchy. Iyanna Dior, a Black trans woman, was brutally attacked at a Minneapolis protest by a crowd of Black cishet men. This was yet another painful reminder that marginalised bodies are subjected to violence even by fellow protesters in spaces designed for liberation. The Black Lives Matter protests are places that symbolise the fight for freedom. But who exactly gets to exist freely within them? And who are we freeing? Bringing the issues of harassment by Black men to the forefront, at a time where action is contingent on collective unity, confuses the narrative. As a result, the issue of gendered bodily violence in protesting is silenced, as if it does not affect the collective. The concerns of Black marginalised people within the movement are sidelined with an insistence that anti-Blackness alone constitutes a more serious threat and therefore takes precedence. The exhausted rhetoric of you are Black first before other aspects of identity is weaponised to negate the fact that white supremacy threatens the lives of Black women and LGBTQ Black people in a gendered way. That is to say that their gender identities mean they experience a specific brand of anti-blackness compounded by patriarchy and queer/transphobia. Ignoring the ways in which women and other marginalised groups experience movement-building sends the message that Black solidarity is conditional. These experiences make it clear that the power to define Black issues is afforded to certain bodies and a reminder that patriarchys violence is rife even when were on the same side. Reimagining Black solidarity Highlighting issues within Black solidarity is not about shifting the focus from racism, but rather a critical understanding of the layers and complicated ways in which Black lives in their diversity experience oppression. That is to say, Black marginalised experiences are integral to conversations about how gender and sexuality influence mobilisation for racial justice and demands for robust Black liberation. It is imperative that we do not loosen the grip on how gender shapes racism because within this understanding lie solutions for our freedom. At a time where radical speak of abolition is entering mainstream consciousness, we must recognise that Black lives matter intersectionally and actors within the movement must be deliberate about not erasing the lives and experiences of all Black people in the way we frame and do our activism. For those who have just come into their Black awakening, wokeness must be rooted in understanding that revolutionary behaviour is abandoning complicity of oppression in its various forms. In simpler terms, it is not just about race. It has been painfully clear time and time again that there is no safety for Black people from white supremacy so our only hope is to protect ourselves in the fight towards Black liberation. Nothing said here has not been said before, but the continuing violence, silencing and erasure of particular Black bodies necessitates continuous intervention. If 2020 has made anything clear, it is that silence is not an option and a return to normalcy is not either. We do not intend to go back to normal because normal was killing us. In fighting systems designed against us we must check our selective pro-Blackness and understand that we have no revolution if it does not centralise and amplify the voices and stories of all Black life. This calls for an intimate understanding of how Black oppression is binded together and therefore so is our liberation. No one is free until we are all free. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. The pilots of a Pakistani airliner that crashed last month in Karachi were busy talking about the coronavirus and repeatedly ignored directions from air traffic controllers before their plane went down, killing 98 people, Pakistans aviation minister said Wednesday The pilots of a Pakistani airliner that crashed last month in Karachi were busy talking about the coronavirus and repeatedly ignored directions from air traffic controllers before their plane went down, killing 98 people, Pakistans aviation minister said Wednesday. The Pakistan International Airlines pilots also ignored automated warnings in the cockpit and failed to lower the landing gear, causing the planes engines to hit the runway, according to a preliminary report on the crash. The aviation minister, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, said air traffic controllers warned three times that the plane was flying too high on its approach to the runway at Karachis airport and directed it not to land. But the pilot ignored these warnings, he said. The plane was carrying military officers, executives and bankers on a flight from the eastern city of Lahore to Karachi on 22 May when it crashed into a residential area. Many passengers were headed to the port city to reunite with family members for the Eid al-Fitr holiday after being in lockdown for two months. Of the 99 people on board, only two passengers survived. Four others on the ground were injured, and one subsequently died. Khan said the pilot, Captain Sajjad Gul, was very experienced, and there were no technical faults with the aircraft reported by the pilots during the flight. The pilots were discussing corona throughout the flight, Khan said. They were not focused. When the control tower told the pilot about the planes dangerous height, the pilot said Ill manage, and the pilots started discussing coronavirus again, the minister added during a hearing at the National Assembly in Islamabad, the capital. There was overconfidence. Like many developing countries, Pakistan is struggling to contain the coronavirus pandemic. The number of deaths and infections have spiked in recent weeks. The country has 188,926 officially confirmed cases but the real number is thought to be much higher and 3,755 people have died. The crash brought into focus the dismal state of affairs of Pakistan International Airlines, the national carrier, and after the crash, Prime Minister Imran Khan demanded an immediate inquiry. The airline has experienced huge financial losses in recent decades. Corruption, nepotism, overstaffing, lack of quality control and favoritism in making appointments due to political pressures have plagued the airline, and attempts by successive governments to turn it into a profit-making entity have failed. Adding to these troubles is the airlines history of air disasters. The deadliest was in 2010, when an Airbus flying from Karachi crashed into a hill, killing all 152 onboard. In 2016, a Pakistan International Airlines plane burst into flames after one of its two turboprop engines failed, killing 48 people. The aviation minister presented an alarming statistic about Pakistani aviation, saying that 40 percent of the pilots in the country were flying with fake licenses. According to a preliminary government report on the 22 May crash, air traffic controllers warned the pilots about the planes excessive height as it prepared to land, but landing approach was not discontinued. Ten nautical miles from the runway, when the plane should have been at 2,500 feet altitude, it was at 7,200, Khan said. The landing gear was not down at the time of the attempted landing, the report said. The aircraft touched the runway surface on its engines, it said. Flight crew applied reverse engine power and initiated a braking action. Both engines scrubbed the runway at various locations, causing damage to both of them. The pilot pulled the airliner back up into the air to execute a go-around. But irreparable damage had already been done to both engines, causing them to fail. The plane was unable to stay aloft and crashed into a residential neighbourhood, bursting into a huge fireball. The crash damaged 29 houses, and the government will compensate the residents for their losses, the minister said. Salman Masood c.2020 The New York Times Company The Himachal Pradesh cabinet on Thursday gave in-principle approval to regularise the services of over 12,000 teachers serving under various categories. The decision will benefit 6,500 parent-teacher assosciation (PTA), 3,300 primary assistant teachers (PAT) and 97 para teachers serving in government schools across the state. The cabinet meeting was held under the chairmanship of chief minister Jai Ram Thakur here. DRAFT SCHEME FOR TOURISM INDUSTRY REVIVAL APPROVED It also gave approval to the draft scheme for interest subvention on working capital loan for hospitality industry to revive the tourism industry in the state which has been adversely affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the scheme, tourism units in the State paying GST upto 1 crore would be entitled for maximum loan of 50 lakh and units paying GST above 1 crore to 3 crore for at least one year ending March 31, 2020, would be entitled for 75 lakh loan. Payment of GST above 3 crore will entitle a tourism unit for the loan of 1 crore. Small registered tourism units would also be eligible for maximum loan of 15 lakh. This loan period would be for four years with interest subvention of 5% each for first two years. The transport department would also draft a similar scheme. SUPPORT PRICE FOR APPLE INCREASED The cabinet also gave its approval to enhance support price of apple under market intervention scheme (MIS) by 50 paise from 8 to 8.50 per kg for the year 2020. Under MIS, about 1.50 lakh MT apples would be procured from July 20 to November 15 for which 283 procurement centres would be opened in different parts of the state as per demands of apple growers. The cabinet gave its approval to guidelines for providing assistance for promotion of cultivation of aromatic plants and their processing under the new scheme Mehak. VARIOUS POSTS TO BE FILLED UP It gave its consent to fill up 500 posts of junior office assistant (IT) on contract basis in the education department through Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission, Hamirpur. The cabinet gave its approval to create and fill up 42 posts of different categories in Himachal Pradesh State Human Rights Commission. It gave nod to create and fill up four posts of different categories in newly created prosecution department office at Sarkaghat in Mandi district for its smooth functioning. It also decided to create and fill up two posts of perfusionist in the dpartment of CTVS in Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda . The cabinet decided to enhance the award amount of war Jagir from existing 5000 to 7000 per annum to the families of war veterans. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 21:00:55|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MAPUTO, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Mozambique celebrated Thursday the 45th anniversary of national independence from Portuguese colonial rule, under the motto "United we Build Mozambique for Peace and Development." Besides giving a keynote speech and laying the wreath in honor of the national heroes on Heroes' Square in Maputo as usual, President Filipe Nyusi also decorated 10 national individuals who made remarkable contributions to the building of the country, at the main ceremony. He said that after 45 years, and with a population of nearly 30 million, the country has managed to reduce the illiteracy rate from 93 percent to 39 percent. Despite growth at various levels, the country still faces many challenges ahead, including the maintenance of peace in dealing with terrorist attacks in the northern region and armed conflicts in central region, said Nyusi. "In the face of these attacks by enemies, we assure our firm support as a government, and we call on the people to denounce terrorists and armed men for their neutralization," he said. Nyusi said the government will not bow to this and other challenges, in order to achieve the agenda to develop Mozambique, with a focus on increasing production and productivity in all sectors. Enditem Virgin Australia airlines is likely to be bought by American private equity firm Bain Capital. Other consortiums, including the Queensland government, have withdrawn from the race to buy the embattled carrier. Rival Virgin Australia bidder Cyrus Capital Partners announced on Friday morning they would be withdrawing their interest in buying the airline established in Australia in 2001 by billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson. Deloitte, the administrator of Virgin Australia Holdings, has confirmed it had accepted Bain Capital's bid after it remained as the only suitor. Virgin Australia airlines is likely to be bought by American private equity firm Bain Capital. Pictured is a traveller walking past a Virgin Australia sign at Adelaide airport On Friday, Cyrus confirmed Deloitte would be unlikely to accept its offer. Virgin Australia Holdings annual losses 2009: $160million 2011: $67.8million 2013: $98.1million 2014: $353.8million 2015: $93.8million 2016: $224.7million 2017: $185.8million 2018: $653.3million 2019: $315.4million Source: Virgin Australia Holdings annual reports showing the statutory net loss after tax for the full year Advertisement 'On the morning of 22 June 2020, Cyrus presented to the administrators of Virgin Australia Holdings an offer to acquire the airline, its regional business and the frequent flyer program Velocity, in accordance with the administrators' procedures,' Cyrus Capital said. 'However, since then, the administrators have not returned calls, emails, or meaningfully engaged with Cyrus to progress its offer.' The development is occurring a day after Virgin's chief rival Qantas announced it would be cutting 6,000 jobs as the coronavirus crisis kills of international air travel and cripples airlines. Even before the coronavirus pandemic and the closure of Australia's border on March 20, Virgin Australia was struggling financially, making a net loss in eight of the past ten financial years. In early March, Standard & Poor's downgraded its outlook for the airline from stable to negative, with the airline's losses during the past decade exceeding $2.1billion. It was placed into voluntary administration in April, the first Australian airline to be in this position since Ansett Australia ceased operating in September 2001. It was wound up the following year. During the final six months of 2019, Virgin Australia made an after-tax loss of $88.6million. During the past decade, its full-year losses have added up to more than $2.1billion, even when the years of profit were factored in. It had borrowed heavily under former chief executive John Borghetti had borrowed heavily in a bid to take market share off Qantas. [June 25, 2020] AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Kiwi Insurance Limited AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a-" of Kiwi (News - Alert) Insurance Limited (Kiwi Insurance) (New Zealand). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect Kiwi Insurance's balance sheet strength, which AM Best categorises as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. In addition, the ratings factor in a neutral impact from the company's majority ownership by New Zealand Post Limited (NZ Post), which is a state-owned enterprise in New Zealand. Kiwi Insurance's balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), which remains at the strongest level. This reflects the company's moderate underwriting leverage and conservative investment allocation. The company has a liquid investment portfolio, focused on cash and term deposits. Since early 2020, the company has invested in high-quality fixed income securities to diversify its portfolio. Over the medium term, AM Best expects full earnings retention to support the company's growth initiatives. A partially offsetting balance sheet factor is Kiwi Insurance's modest absolute capital base, which increases the sensitivity of capital adequacy to shock events, as well as to changes in future performance and dividend payments. AM Best considers Kiwi Insurance's operating performance to be adequate. Despite a moderate level of volatility during the past five years, the company achieved an average return-on-equity ratio of 12% (fiscal-years 2015-2019). Overall earnings during this period reflect a combination of favourable underwriting performance, coupled with low single-digit but stable investment returns. AM Best expects Kiwi Insurance's operating results for fiscal-year 2020 to weaken compared with the five-year average, driven mainly by higher net claims expenses incurred during the first half of the year. Prospectively, AM Best expects a robust pricing strategy, controlled expense management and steady revenue growth to support the maintenance of adequate operating erformance over the medium term. AM Best views Kiwi Insurance's business profile as neutral. The company is a small-sized insurer in New Zealand's life insurance industry, with a market share of less than 1%, based on 2019 gross written premiums. Despite this, AM Best views the company's strong affiliated distribution channels as providing a competitive advantage. The company's parent, NZ Post, and its sister company, Kiwibank Limited (Kiwibank), have extensive nationwide branch networks that support the distribution of Kiwi Insurance's products. In addition, as part of the NZ Post group, Kiwi Insurance benefits from cross-selling opportunities, low acquisition costs and access to shared group resources. Despite challenging market conditions, the company's in-force book has grown steadily over the past five years, supported by new product development. Prospectively, the company's growth strategy is expected to benefit from increased distribution through digital channels and the launch of new products offerings. Kiwi Insurance's top line may be challenged over the medium term due to policy cancellations and weaker sales as a result of the economic downturn related to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the restructuring of Kiwibank and NZ Post's physical branch network. Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper media use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best press releases, please view Guide for Media - Proper Use of Best's Credit Ratings and AM Best Rating Action Press Releases. AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in New York, London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright 2020 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005702/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The U.S. has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into passenger vehicle and light truck tires from Vietnam and three other economies. Products from Vietnam have a dumping margin of 5.48-22.3 percent, the U.S. Department of Commerce said in a statement, referring to the estimated difference between the normal value and export price of a product. The U.S. also suspects that Vietnam has provided a subsidy of above the allowed rate of 2 percent for its tires. U.S. data shows that imports of Vietnamese tires rose 34 percent from 2017 to $470 million last year. The three other economies the U.S. is investigating are South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand, and it said their dumping margins are 42.95-217.5 percent. Vietnams Ministry of Industry and Trade had warned local tire producers in July last year of the high possibility of being investigated due to their burgeoning exports. Vietnamese tires are exported to 153 markets, with the U.S. being the largest buyer, accounting for 50 percent of exports, followed by Japan, Malaysia and Germany, the ministry said. There is a rising number of cases for trade remedies by other countries against Vietnamese goods, it said, adding that in the first half of this year, it had to deal with 176 of them. A police chief has warned about the chaos that will likely ensue this weekend when lockdown measures lift as street parties already are spiralling out of control. John Apter, national chairman of the Police Federation in England and Wales, has expressed concern about the Governments decision to ease restrictions on a Saturday, calling it a countdown to carnival. It comes after police came under attack when they tried to break up a large street party in Brixton on Wednesday night. A number of police vehicles were damaged while two officers required hospital treatment for their injuries, the Met Police said. Rubbish was strewn across the street during the clashes in Brixton / NIGEL HOWARD Speaking to BBC Radio 4s World At One programme, Mr Apter said: My colleagues are doing their absolute best, there are not enough of us Ive said that for a number of years and the challenges are increasing. They are going to get even more difficult on July 4 when the lockdown is eased even further and thats a big concern to me and policing, and it should be for the NHS and wider because to ease the lockdown which I completely understand, businesses have to survive and the economy must grow and I accept that but to announce this easing of lockdown on a Saturday has created almost a countdown to carnival." Brixton street party erupts into chaos Last night, Brighton also saw "pockets" of violence as hundreds of youngster were locked in a "stand-off" with police, who broke up a huge party on the coast last night. Earlier in the week, Avon and Somerset Police apologised for not shutting down a massive street party in Stokes Croft, Bristol, saying that the crowd had grown too big to control. Meanwhile, Boris Johnson and Pritil Patel have both condemned the "appalling" and "vile" scenes in Brixton last night. Police talk to youngsters at an impromptu party in Brighton / Rex Features Mr Apter also said: I am deeply concerned we are going to see real big problems on that day when people are trying to get into pubs and bars and restaurants, drinking alcohol causes an awful lot of problems for us to have to try and pick up the pieces. This is on top of the frustration that people are feeling. Hundreds gather for a street party at Stokes Croft It is a perfect storm but not in a good way, I have to say. Green MP Caroline Lucas joined the Police Federation in raising the alarm over the decision to soften lockdown rules on Saturday July 4. Ms Lucas, who represents Brighton Pavilion, told BBC Radio 4s World At One she thought the police had been put in an impossible situation. She added: I think this is really difficult for the police. Something as simple as not announcing it on a Saturday with huge fanfare would have helped I think. All checkpoints on the Ukrainian-Hungarian border will open on Monday, June 29. Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said this at a joint briefing with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv on Thursday, June 25, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. We will open all checkpoints between Hungary and Ukraine next Monday, Szijjarto said. He recalled that only the Zahony-Chop checkpoint is currently operating. Szijjarto noted that from Monday, when all the other checkpoints will be open, it will be possible to cross the border, although the rules for entering other countries are still preserved. According to him, the decision to open all the checkpoints is aimed at reducing the waiting time for citizens at the border and to eliminating long lines. As reported, on May 29, Ukraine reopened 66 checkpoints on the state border with Moldova and the EU. ish In May, the U.S. experienced an unemployment rate of 13.3 percent. The Congressional Budget Office expects that rate to remain above 10 percent throughout the year. This pandemic-stricken economy is not exactly crying out for more labor quite the opposite which means we should tap the brakes on our dysfunctional legal-immigration system. President Trump has done just that with a new proclamation restricting many types of immigration through the end of the year. The order is both legally sound and good policy. Whenever a major policy change comes from the executive branch rather than the legislature, we first ask whether the president really has the power to do what he has done. In this case the answer is clear: Current law gives the president incredibly broad authority to restrict immigration he deems detrimental to the interests of the United States. We wish Congress would not delegate its powers so extensively. But it has, and therefore it falls under the presidents purview to decide whether the pandemic has temporarily changed Americas immigration needs. Seeing the jobless rate elevated throughout the economy, he has decided, correctly, that yes, it has. The new rules apply to a broad swath of legal immigration. They extend a previous order restricting new green cards. They also cut back on the H-1B visa, a favorite of tech companies both because it allows them to bring in rare talent from abroad and because it allows them to replace American workers with lower-paid foreigners acquired through outsourcing firms. Also affected are visas for temporary low-skill workers, au pairs, exchange students, and employees whom companies wish to transfer from foreign offices to American ones. More notable, however, is what the order does not affect. It exempts everyone who is already in the country so it will not disrupt the lives of people who have come here, only stop additional immigrants from arriving while the economy is struggling. It also exempts workers crucial to the nations food supply, those treating or researching COVID-19, and several other categories, including a catch-all of immigrants whose entry, in the administrations judgment, would be in the national interest. And visa processing abroad has already slowed to a halt thanks to the pandemic, further limiting the proclamations impact. Story continues One can debate the appropriate boundaries of these exceptions, of course, but the order is far more flexible and limited than its critics would have us think. It should leave the great majority of visas and green cards untouched. It is entirely sensible to scale back immigration during an economic crisis, and the president has the authority to do so. If Congress doesnt like his decision, it is free to change the law at any time. More from National Review An increase in tourism is likely to lead to a resurgence in coronavirus cases and authorities should consider from which countries they allow travellers to enter Ireland, a health expert has said. It comes as the Government is expected to announce a set of so-called air bridges between Ireland and other countries which have a similarly low number of Covid-19 cases. This would remove the requirement for people arriving in Ireland to quarantine for two weeks. Infectious diseases specialist Professor Paddy Mallon told the special Covid-19 response committee that more tourism increases the risk of spreading the virus and that careful monitoring is needed. He said: I had a lot of concerns that we were relaxing restrictions too quickly but those fears have not played out in terms of increased community transmission. I will still be concerned especially as we move into the next phase, as the next phase we get much more movement of people. If there is no consideration from where the tourists are coming from, then were really giving ourselves a rod to break our back. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) You will have dissemination of tourists from a number of different countries around the island and we will have to look at how we cope with that, how we monitor that. Irish people are on the ball with this and have been engaged with this from the beginning. People coming in from other countries may not be in the same mindset or of the same knowledge with reporting symptoms and how to get tested. Professor Mallon said that in other countries, the majority of the resurgence is occurring because new infections are being introduced either through people travelling into the country or through the movement of goods. He said robust screening methods are needed at borders and airports to prevent travellers bringing the virus in. The importance of containing infections at borders become higher as levels of community transmission drop off. So from the policy-maker perspective, if you want to maintain community transmission at a level that is minimum, it is important you have robust screening methods at the point of entry into the country. You could screen everyone or judge your screening and restrictions on the epidemiological outbreak of the country the person is coming from. Someone coming from New Zealand compared to someone from Texas the risk assessments would be very different. Professor Mallon also warned that while great progress in combating the virus has been made, we are still in the midst of a health emergency. We've increased the capacity that can be used on public transport to 50%, which will mean that a lot more people can get on the buses and on the trains Shane Ross We are still in the midst of a national public health emergency and our citizens are at no less risk of severe illness and death if they contract Covid-19 infection now than they were back in March, he said. He said if the Statess testing and tracing system fails to work effectively then we risk losing the gains provided to us through the sacrifices of the Irish people. Meanwhile, face masks on public transport will be mandatory to help stop the spread of coronavirus as more people return to work and use bus and train services. Transport Minister Shane Ross will bring the face covering proposal to Cabinet on Thursday which will require the public to wear masks on trains, the Luas and buses. It will not apply to people under the age of 13 and those who have health reasons which mean they cannot wear face masks. Mr Ross said that as lockdown is being eased and more people are returning to towns and cities, public transport will come under pressure. Expand Close Leo Varadkar on a Dublin Bus, encouraging passengers to wear face masks on public transport (Niall Carson/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Leo Varadkar on a Dublin Bus, encouraging passengers to wear face masks on public transport (Niall Carson/PA) He said that social distancing rules on public transport have meant they are down to very low levels of passenger numbers. Were talking about 12 people on the double-decker bus and that kind of equivalent reductions in rail, he told RTE Morning Ireland. Weve increased the capacity that can be used on public transport to 50%, which will mean that a lot more people can get on the buses and on the trains, but to counter to that, to protect peoples health, weve made it mandatory to wear face masks. He said while there is no confirmed date when the measure will be introduced, it will be in the next few weeks. On Wednesday another six people with Covid-19 died in Ireland, the National Public Health Emergency Team reported. As of midnight Tuesday, the authorities had been notified of five more confirmed cases, making a total of 25,396. Texas reported nearly 6,000 new COVID-19 cases Wednesday, the states highest single-day increase, amid a nationwide coronavirus resurgence that has wiped out two months of progress and triggered dire warnings from health experts of an impending disaster. Gov. Greg Abbott cautioned that the number of new cases statewide, along with a dramatic rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations, could jeopardize the reopening of Texas. The state on May 1 began lifting shutdown restrictions. But in the last two weeks, hospitalizations have more than doubled and new cases have tripled. The numbers have completely spiked, Abbott said in an interview on NBCDFW in Dallas. New infections across the United States surged to 36,126 on Wednesday, the highest level since late April, when the number peaked at 36,400, according to the count kept by Johns Hopkins University. Its the second-highest total since the outbreak began. In Texas, a Houston Chronicle analysis found an increase of 5,998 cases, which surpassed the previous days record increase by more than 800 cases. Despite a steady decline in new infections in early hot spots such as New York and New Jersey, Texas was among several states Wednesday that set single-day records, including Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nevada and Oklahoma. The state also reported 4,389 hospitalized COVID-19 patients more than double what it had in hospitals on June 12. Since Memorial Day, hospitalizations in Texas have increased 190 percent. If we are unable to slow the spread over the next few weeks, then we will have to reevaluate to the extent to which businesses are open, Abbott said. Because if its not contained in the next couple of weeks it will be completely out of control and Texas will have to ratchet back. Cases are similarly increasing in the Houston area. As of Wednesday, Harris County was reporting an average of 1,090 new cases per day over the last week, compared to 372 cases per day over the previous week. The 25-county region surrounding Houston set a new COVID-19 hospitalization record Wednesday with 2,251 patients a figure that has nearly tripled since Memorial Day. The trend of rising COVID-19 hospitalizations in the Houston area has pushed the Texas Medical Center to the brink of exceeding its intensive care capacity. The system reported its intensive care units were 98 percent full Wednesday. Also on Wednesday, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner pleaded with the public to wear masks and practice social distancing. Were now in the midst of an unprecedented and dangerous situation, Hidalgo said. The COVID-19 curve will not flatten on its own and we cannot afford to wait when it comes to saving lives. Were exploring all options available to us and will be announcing new steps soon. The virus has been blamed for over 120,000 U.S. deaths the highest confirmed toll in the world and more than 2.3 million confirmed infections nationwide. On Wednesday, a widely cited University of Washington computer model projected nearly 180,000 deaths by Oct. 1. People got complacent, said Dr. Marc Boom, CEO of the Houston Methodist hospital system. And its coming back and biting us, quite frankly. He also told the Associated Press that Texans need to behave perfectly and work together perfectly to slow the infection rate. When I look at a restaurant or a business where people are not following the guidelines, where people are just throwing caution to the wind, it makes me angry, Boom said. Abbott initially barred local officials from fining or penalizing anyone for not wearing a mask as Texas reopened. After cases began spiking, Abbott said last week that cities and counties could allow businesses to require masks. Hidalgo and other leaders in urbanized counties have since implemented those rules. Some business owners are frustrated that officials didnt do more, and sooner, to require masks. I cant risk my staff, my clientele, myself, my family and everybody else in that chain just because other people are too inconvenienced to wear a piece of cloth on their face, said Michael Neff, an owner of the Cottonmouth Club in Houston. He closed the club this week so staffers could get tested after one had contact with an infected person. Bob Harvey, the president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, issued a statement Wednesday encouraging employers to send workers back home. To keep our Houston economy moving forward, we must all do our part, he said. Dr. Peter Hotez, an infectious-disease expert at the Baylor College of Medicine, said he worries that states will squander what time they have to head off a much larger crisis. Were still talking about subtlety, still arguing whether or not we should wear masks, and still not understanding that a vaccine is not going to rescue us, he said. Elsewhere, California reported over 7,100 new cases Wednesday. Floridas single-day count surged to 5,500, a 25 percent jump from the record set last week. Only one intensive-care bed was available Wednesday in Montgomery, Ala., and just 17 percent of ICU beds were open statewide, though hospitals can add more, said Dr. Don Williamson, head of the Alabama Hospital Association. There is nothing that Im seeing that makes me think we are getting ahead of this, he said. In Arizona, emergency rooms are seeing about 1,200 suspected COVID-19 patients a day, compared with around 500 a month ago. If the trends continue, hospitals probably will exceed capacity within the next several weeks, said Dr. Joseph Gerald, a University of Arizona public health policy professor. We are in deep trouble, Gerald said. Jeremy Wallace, Zach Despart, Erin Douglas and the Associated Press contributed to this report. julian.gill@chron.com Zhao Lijian reasserted Chinas claim that the confrontation on 15 June in the Galwan Valley, part of the disputed Ladakh region, occurred on Chinas side of the Actual Line of Control and Indian forces had illegally entered Chinese territory. China on Wednesday again accused India of provoking a border clash earlier this month that left at least 20 soldiers dead, but urged New Delhi to meet China halfway in restoring peace and stability along their disputed frontier high in the Himalayas. Foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian, at a daily briefing, offered a longer explanation of Chinas view of the incident, but gave little new information. He reasserted Chinas claim that the confrontation on 15 June in the Galwan Valley, part of the disputed Ladakh region, occurred on Chinas side of the Actual Line of Control and Indian forces had illegally entered Chinese territory. "First, it is the Indian border troops who crossed the line first," Zhao said. "The Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western sector of the boundary is clear. The Galwan Valley lies on the Chinese side of the LAC. The Chinese border troops, who have all along been patrolling the area, know very well the situation of management and control on the ground." Zhao further accused India of "unilaterally changing the status quo" since April by building roads and bridges at and across the LAC in the Galwan Valley and added that China had lodged representations on multiple occasions. "On the early morning of 6 May, Indian border troops crossed the LAC under the cover of night, trespassed into China's territory and deliberately made provocations," Zhao said. "The Chinese border troops were compelled to take necessary measures to respond to the situation on the ground and strengthen management and control along the border." The responsibility (for the incident) is entirely not on the Chinese side," Zhao claimed. The reckless actions by the Indian military seriously violated agreements signed between the two countries and seriously violated the basic principles of international relations. They were evil in nature and the consequences were severe," Zhao said. He added that the foreign ministers, during their 17 June phone call, had agreed to handle the serious situation in a "just manner", observe the agreement reached during commander-level talks, cool the situation on the ground as soon as possible, and uphold peace and tranquility of the border areas in accordance with bilateral agreements. "From 22 to 23 June, the two sides held the second round of commander-level talks and agreed to jointly take necessary measures for de-escalation, and work together for the peace and tranquility in the border areas. We hope the Indian side can strictly observe and implement the above-mentioned consensus, meet China halfway and take real actions to restore peace and stability in the border areas," Zhao stated. Asked why China was offering such a lengthy defence of its position when the sides had already agreed to reduce tensions, Zhao said that was to counter a large amount of fake news" on the matter being circulated by Indian diplomats and the countrys media. A nearly identical statement was issued by China's defence ministry, which said Chinese troops had taken defensive measures and determinedly counterattacked against the Indian side's violent actions, successfully protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity." Commanders agreed Monday to disengage their forces in their first meeting since the confrontation. On Wednesday, Indian and Chinese officials participated in a video conference and reaffirmed that both sides should sincerely implement the understanding on disengagement and deescalation reached by the army commanders, Ministry of External Affairs spokesman Anurag Srivastava said in a statement. The clash was the deadliest between the two countries in 45 years. India said 20 of its soldiers died. China has not released any information on casualties on its side. Soldiers brawled with clubs, rocks and their fists at 4,270 metres bove 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 said the fatalities were caused by severe injuries and exposure to subfreezing temperatures. The valley falls within a remote stretch of the 3,380-kilometre Line of Actual Control the border established following a war between India and China in 1962 that resulted in an uneasy truce. The tensions appear to be rooted in China's objections to India building a road through a valley connecting the region to an airstrip, possibly sparking Beijing's move to assert control over territory along the border that is not clearly defined in places. In all, China claims some 90,000 square kilometres of territory in Indias North East, including Arunachal Pradesh. India says China occupies 38,000 square kilometres of its territory in the Aksai Chin Plateau in the western Himalayas, including part of the Ladakh region. With inputs from AP Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 17:24 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661a5f0e 1 National COVID-19,coronavirus,virus-korona-indonesia,East-Java,epicenter,Joko-Widodo,President-Jokowi,new-normal Free President Joko Jokowi Widodo has urged the East Java administration to decrease the rate of COVID-19 transmission in the region within two weeks. On Thursday, Jokowi visited Surabaya and other cities in East Java, which has become the countrys COVID-19 epicenter after Jakarta. It is his first regional working visit as the government transitions into the so-called new normal period. I demand integrated and serious controls from all institutions in the region [] so we can handle and lower the number of confirmed cases [] within two weeks, the President said during a visit to the East Java COVID-19 task force headquarters in the Grahadi building in Surabaya. The President urged COVID-19 task forces at the provincial, regency and municipal levels to cooperate and coordinate to contain the spread of the disease in the region. On Thursday, 247 new COVID-19 cases were recorded in East Java, bringing the total official case tally to 10,545. The province is now slightly behind Jakarta, which has recorded a total of 10,600 cases. Read also: Banjarmasin, Surabaya record highest COVID-19 mortality rates Jokowi said East Java was currently recording the highest daily numbers of new COVID-19 cases of any province in the nation. However, what keeps us optimistic is the fact that the region also has a good recovery rate, at 31 percent. Jokowi expressed his disappointment about a report by the COVID-19 task force that 70 percent of residents were still disobeying health protocols, such as failing to wear masks in public. Jokowi stressed the importance of controlling the diseases transmission within Surabaya and its satellite regencies of Sidoarjo and Gresik. Based on a Wednesday report by the East Java COVID-19 task force, Surabaya has recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the province with 4,962 cases, followed by the regencies of Sidoarjo and Gresik with 1,287 and 534 cases, respectively. Read also: Surabaya urged to reimpose PSBB as infection rates soar Surabaya cant control this outbreak alone. Gresik, Sidoarjo and other cities should also be involved in one [unified] system of management because the mobility of people is not limited to Surabaya. The President suggested that governors and mayors refer to scientific data prior to making COVID-19 policies. Ask for opinions from scientists, epidemiologists and other experts. Dont make policies without consulting experts. Despite the provinces continuing struggle to control the virus, East Java ended large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) in Greater Surabaya on June 8 and began a new normal phase. (trn) MasterChef's 'dessert king' Reynold Poernomo seems to have been forgiven by his gay co-stars after his homophobic forum posts from 2014 were exposed last month. The 26-year-old chef appeared to be in good spirits as he went out for dinner in Sydney on Thursday night with fellow contestant Khanh Ong, who is gay. Reynold told Daily Mail Australia he was doing 'very good' and that his business, KOI Dessert Bar, had been 'really busy' lately despite the COVID-19 recession. Back in the fold: MasterChef's Reynold Poernomo (pictured) seems to have been forgiven by his gay co-stars after his homophobic forum posts from 2014 were exposed last month However, he refused to comment specifically on the backlash surrounding his past homophobic comments. Reynold spending time socially with Khanh, 28, is significant in light of the fact he once held virulently anti-gay views in his youth. As first reported by Daily Mail Australia, he had previously said on bodybuilding.com forums back in 2014 that gay people should be 'captured and put on an island'. Friends again! The 26-year-old chef (right) appeared to be in good spirits as he went out for dinner in Sydney on Thursday night with fellow contestant Khanh Ong (left), who is gay Good spirits: Reynold told Daily Mail Australia he was doing 'very good' and that his business, KOI Dessert Bar, had been 'really busy' lately despite the COVID-19 recession Reynold, using the profile name 'reyreyy', had posted a shocking comment in a thread titled 'First gay couple featured on the Disney Channel. Do you agree with them?' The then 20-year-old wrote: 'I wish the world made a united decision where they will capture all gay people and put them on a remote island full of gays, that way straight [people] will be happy and the freaks can go on and f**k themselves.' That comment was followed by another on a thread titled: 'Is homosexuality a mental illness?' 'Yes end of thread,' Reynold responded. Moving on: He didn't comment on the backlash surrounding his past homophobic comments Out and proud: Reynold spending time socially with Khanh (pictured) is significant in light of the fact the 'dessert king' once held virulently anti-gay views in his youth He later apologised for the hateful comments, telling Daily Mail Australia on May 29 that he was 'deeply ashamed' of the person he used to be. 'I would like to offer my sincere and deepest apologies for the comments that I made in 2014. I am ashamed of these comments and I regret them immensely,' he said. 'At the time these comments were made, I was a very immature, close-minded and insular 20-year-old. I have grown and matured a lot in the last six years. I am not the person I was back then. Resurfaced comments: Reynold had previously said on bodybuilding.com forums back in 2014 that gay people should be 'captured and put on an island' Different man today: He later apologised for the hateful comments, telling Daily Mail Australia on May 29 that he was 'deeply ashamed' of the person he used to be 'I have many friends and colleagues that are part of the LGBTIQ+ community. I wholeheartedly support them and care deeply for them. I am truly sorry and apologise for any offence or hurt I caused.' Khanh isn't the only gay MasterChef contestant to support Reynold in the wake of the scandal, as Reece Hignell also said earlier this month that he'd forgiven him. 'I trust when Reynold says he is different now. I am friends with him and know him and I believe what he said when he apologised,' Reece told The Daily Telegraph. 'If you aren't able to develop as a person, how will equality ever happen? My personal belief is that if Reynold wasn't able to change his opinion over the last six years, then how are we going to change the world,' he added. GREENWICH A Greenwich man who allegedly refused to wear a mask in a local business and made a scene with employees was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, police said Thursday. The incident unfolded June 8, according to police, which did not specify the location of the business. The arrest report stated the 56-year-old Greenwich resident rebuffed store staff who advised him that he needed to wear a face covering to enter the business, as part of public-health precautions to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Jakarta, Indonesia Thu, June 25, 2020 15:09 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406619b7a4 2 National Wiranto-stabbed,Wiranto-attacked,Wiranto,terrorism-in-Indonesia Free An Indonesian couple with links to the Islamic State (IS) group who tried to assassinate the country's chief security minister were jailed Thursday. A Jakarta court handed a 12-year sentence to Syahrial Alamsyah, 51, and nine years to his wife Fitria Diana, 21, after convicting them on terrorism charges for trying to kill then security minister Wiranto in October last year. The sentences were below prosecutors' demands for a 16-year and 12-year term, respectively. But the court rejected the couple's defense that they were solely motivated by anti-government sentiment, ruling that Alamsyah belonged to a local extremist group allied to IS. "We rule that the defendant is guilty of terrorism together with his wife," presiding judge Masrizal, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, told the West Jakarta District Court. A third defendant was also sentenced to five years on terror charges linked to a separate attack planned with Alamsyah last year. The hearing was held by video conference due to coronavirus concerns, with lawyers and judges wearing facemasks with the defendants listening via videolink. The trial had heard that Alamsyah stabbed the now 73-year-old Wiranto as he exited a car during a visit to Pandeglang regency on Java island. Alamsyah and his wife, who injured a member of Wiranto's entourage, were wrestled to the ground by security personnel. Wiranto sustained knife wounds to his abdomen, but survived the attack, in which several others were also injured. Days before the assassination attempt, the pair pledged allegiance to late IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the court said in its ruling. Alamsyah was a member Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), an IS-linked extremist group responsible for a string of attacks, including suicide bombings at churches in Indonesia's second-biggest city Surabaya in 2018 that killed a dozen people. JAD is among dozens of radical groups that have pledged loyalty to IS in Indonesia, the world's biggest Muslim majority nation, which has long struggled with Islamist militancy. The couple were radicalized through hardline rhetoric on social media and watching videos of Muslims fighting in Syria, their trial heard. They also listened to speeches by jailed firebrand cleric Abu Bakar Bashir, believed to be behind the 2002 Bali bombings, and Aman Abdurrahman, who was sentenced to death for masterminding gun and suicide attacks in Jakarta in 2016. A LOCAL charity that supports research into childhood brain cancer is the latest organization to collaborate on the short list of Manitoba specialty licence plates. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/6/2020 (576 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A LOCAL charity that supports research into childhood brain cancer is the latest organization to collaborate on the short list of Manitoba specialty licence plates. The Madoxs Warriors plate has a "Cure childhood cancer" slogan on the bottom and a gold cancer awareness ribbon on the side. Madoxs Warriors Inc. is a non-profit formed in the memory of Madox Suzio, who was nine when he died in 2014 due to diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a rare brain tumour. Funding raised through merchandise, local events and donations supports childhood brain cancer research and Madoxs Warriors also works with Manitoba-based charity the Dream Factory, which annually funds around 30 trips for youth with life-threatening illnesses. "Both myself and our government wish Madoxs Warriors Inc. all the best in their pursuit to promote and sell this new specialty licence plate," said Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton, who unveiled the design Wednesday with Madoxs parents (and founders of Madoxs Warriors), Marco and Suzanne Suzio, outside the Manitoba Legislative Building. (Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press) Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton and Marco and Suzanne Suzio announce that the provinces newest specialty licence plate will financially assist research into childhood cancer. The plates were years in the making, and the Suzios said the goal was to provide families with a way to support those in their lives suffering with cancer. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "We pushed forward with MPI after listening to different parents and their extended families who wanted something concrete to support and represent children going through the fight of their lives," Suzanne Suzio said. "These plates are honouring and representing those children who have lost their lives to cancer, those who are currently fighting and those who will one day be diagnosed." The Madoxs Warriors plate is the 12th such specialty design to be offered through auto insurer Manitoba Public Insurance, and the second to be introduced in recent weeks (a revamped Winnipeg Blue Bombers plate was introduced June 1). While $30 of every specialty plate purchase goes to a charity, regardless of design, this is only the second to be dedicated to a specific non-profit organization (the first being the Winnipeg Humane Society). Wharton said charities interested in collaborating with on specialty licence plates should reach out to MPI. The program has sold more than 80,000 such plates and generated $2.4 million in proceeds donated to organizations around the province. malak.abas@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: malakabas_ Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 24) The Quezon City government has temporarily suspended the issuance of Persons with Disability (PWD) identification cards after its abuse by a well-off family was reported. The local government said processing will be suspended Thursday and Friday (June 25 and 26) in order for authorities to craft new guidelines and eliminate abuse. We will use the two days to come up with the needed safeguards to ensure that only those deserving get the PWD cards, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said. Our protocols will be revisited and needed controls will be placed so the system will not be abused by greedy and opportunistic individuals, she added. On Tuesday, Belmonte ordered an investigation into the reported issuance of PWD ID cards to unqualified individuals during the previous administration. This stemmed from a report that six members of a well-off family managed to acquire the cards in 2018 without submitting any of the mandatory requirements. A photo of the said IDs went viral on social media. The local government said the six individuals were issued PWD ID cards even if they did not qualifiy under Republic Act No. 10754 or An Act Expanding the Benefits and Privileges of Persons with Disability. The family allegedly paid 2,000 each for the PWD ID card, it added. Belmonte said the government employee behind the incident will be given a show-cause order on Thursday. The person behind the issuance of the ID card will be given 72 hours to explain why he shouldn't be held administratively and criminally liable, City Attorney Nino Casimiro said. The employee could be facing grave misconduct, which merits a penalty of dismissal from service, Casimiro added. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 18:49:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close YANGON, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar authorities seized 17.6 kilograms of heroin and 125,400 stimulants in Sagaing region, according to a release from the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) on Thursday. Acting on a tip-off, the anti-narcotic police force made a seizure during their operation in Pinlebu township on Wednesday. Heroin worth 1.76 billion kyats (1.25 million U.S. dollars) and stimulants worth 627 million kyats (447,857 U.S. dollars) were confiscated from a car along with four suspects. The township police filed a case against the suspects and further investigation is underway under the country's Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Law, the release said. According to a latest release issued by the President's Office on Monday, a total of 1,196 drug-related cases were registered across Myanmar while 1,846 people were charged in connection with the cases as of June 20 this year, since the formation of the Drug Activity Special Complaint Department on June 26, 2018. Enditem PLEASANT PRAIRIE The Village of Pleasant Prairie soon will have a fifth Kwik Trip location at its disposal. In a virtual meeting held Monday, the Plan Commission unanimously approved a conditional use permit and operational plans for the latest location within the Main Street Market development, west of Old Green Bay Road at 102nd Street. The proposed location is about a half-mile from the Kwik Trip at 10451 72nd Ave. Three other stores are located at 10215 120th Ave.; 8900 76th St.; and 8800 75th St., which has a Kenosha mailing address but is within the village. Kwik Trip is proposing 10 fueling dispensers under the canopy, along with a 10,976-square-foot convenience store and an attached garage. While most Kwik Trips run 24 hours a day, the new location will be open from 5 a.m. to midnight. According to the village staff report, plans are to employ 28 people, 20 full-time and eight part-time. Construction is expected to be completed in 2021, Kwik Trip Real Estate Manager Troy Mleziva said. Were looking to continue to grow our service in the community, he said. As Pleasant Prairie has been growing, weve been planning to grow along with the community, and this is our latest opportunity to be of service. Plan Commission Chairman Mike Serpe said the project will bring value to the community. Kwik Trip is a quality company that is Wisconsin-based, he said. I dont know a Kwik Trip in this area that is poorly run or that has a negative appearance to the neighborhood. Theyre a good company. Im proud to have them in the village, and I use them regularly. Mleziva, who said the project represents a $5 million investment by the company, cited Kwik Trips diverse offerings as a main selling point for the added location. Having access to fresh groceries and products in neighborhoods is important, he said. Weve seen that product be well received in Pleasant Prairie and the surrounding areas in Kenosha County. Some concerns The close proximity to the 72nd Avenue location and lighting concerns led to a bit of a discussion among the commission members. Because the proposed location is near the Meadowlands condominium development, the building and parking lot lighting, the height of the canopy and its signage, and the signage and its lighting all will be evaluated, the staff report said. Those detailed plans will be submitted and reviewed as part of the projects final site and operational plans. Commissioner Brock Williamson questioned the need for the store to stay open until midnight. It is very close to a residential area, he said. I cant think of any other fueling facilities that are so close to a residential area and why they would possibly need to be open until midnight if there is (another Kwik Trip) a half-mile away. Commissioner Michelle Burnett raised the question regarding the short distance between the two locations. Im just curious as to what we see as the benefits of having another identical Kwik Trip half a mile from the one that already exists and how thats going to any way better serve the community, she said. Commissioner Mike Pollocoff said having two nearby locations isnt that unusual, however. Ive been seeing more of these, specifically with Kwik Trip, across the state, where theyve been locating a store, especially if its on a major thoroughfare to take advantage of the traffic flow, he said. Theres an advantage to that in not stacking traffic up. Resident opposes plan Village Administrator Nathan Thiel read into the record a letter submitted by William Bolgar, who stated he was vehemently opposed to the project. Bolgar cited a number of concerns: increased traffic; 24-hour, bright, intrusive lights; highly increased noise and sound pollution; safety concerns; a potential decrease in neighboring property values; the close proximity to the other location; a risk of a monopoly; and numerous environmental issues. When it comes to safety concerns, Bolgar said that gas stations account for 6% of armed robberies, while employees suffer from workplace homicide second to only taxi cab drivers. I ask that (the commission) make the right call for our citizens, our community, myself and my family, Bolgar wrote. This is not a decision you are presented with for just right now. The impact will be felt for many decades to come. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 The Trump family have lost their attempt to gag the president's niece Mary Trump from writing a tell-all book about them. A judge at the Queen's Surrogate's Court in New York ruled that their application to stop Mary was 'fatally defective' and dismissed it. Judge Peter J. Kelly said that his court was the wrong jurisdiction and that any attempt to block her book, titled Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man, has to be done through the Supreme Court instead. The decision is another embarrassing blow to the Trumps after they had to refile their application because they didn't pay the $45 fee. President Donald Trump's niece Mary Trump is writing a tell-all book which promises to blow the lid off all the family's most closely guarded secrets. Mary was spotted as she ran errands on Long Island, New York The Trump family have lost their attempt to gag the president's niece Mary Trump from writing a tell-all book about them Pictured is Donald Trump alongside siblings Maryanne Trump and Robert Trump in 1990 Mary is the daughter of the president's brother Fred Jr. (pictured), who died in 1981 from alcoholism In his four page ruling, Judge Kelly said: 'At the outset, the court finds that the submissions suffer from several improprieties'. Judge Kelly wrote that a preliminary injunction is an order obtained in a pending action and as the probate for Fred Trump Sr's estate was resolved in 2001 it is 'non-existent'. The judge said: 'To the extent the accompanying petition is supposed to provide the jurisdictional basis for said motion (the injunction), it cannot do so as that petition is fatally defective'. Judge Kelly said that the Trump family filing their motion in his court was 'improper' and 'outside the parameters' of the Surrogate's Court. Instead it should go through the Supreme Court, which handles civil matters. Judge Kelly said he would have accepted jurisdiction if the application affected Fred Sr's probate matters. But he wrote: 'It cannot be successfully argued that this dispute affects the administration of the decedent's estate. 'The irrefutable conclusion is, regardless of the outcome of the matter, the administration of this estate will not be impacted one iota'. Judge Kelly wrote that the agreement Mary and the Trump family signed backs up his point. He cited a paragraph which stated that in the event of a breach, an injunction may be obtained by 'any court of competition jurisdiction'. Theodore Boutrous, the lawyer for Mary and her publishers Simon & Schuster, said: 'The court has promptly and correctly held that it lacks jurisdiction to grant the Trump family's baseless request to suppress a book of utmost public importance. 'We hope this decision will end the matter. Democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, and neither this court nor any other has authority to violate the Constitution by imposing a prior restraint on core political speech'. Simon & Schuster saidn: 'We are delighted with Judge Kellys decision to dismiss this case from the Surrogate Court. We look forward to publishing Mary L. Trumps TOO MUCH AND NEVER ENOUGH, and are confident we will prevail should there be further efforts to stifle this publication.' The Trump family lawyer Charles Harder said: 'Robert Trump, Mary Trump and the other family members who settled in 2001, agreed to jurisdiction of future disputes in the Surrogates Court of Queens County, New York. 'This matter therefore was filed in that court. Today, the Surrogates Court ruled that it does not have jurisdiction over the dispute. Therefore, Robert Trump will proceed with filing a new lawsuit in the New York State Supreme Court'. A judge at the Queen's Surrogate's Court in New York ruled that their application to stop Mary was 'fatally defective' and dismissed it Meanwhile her brother, Fred Trump III said Mary is still bound by a nondisclosure agreement with the Trump family and should not have written the blockbuster book that she is planning to publish next month. In a statement issued exclusively to DailyMail.com by the president's son Eric Trump, Fred said: 'At the time that our lawsuit with the family was resolved, Mary and I had each received a generous financial settlement from the family and were more than willing to agree to execute non-disclosure provisions, all of which had been approved and recommended by our attorneys and advisors at that time.' 'In my opinion, those provisions of the 2001 settlement agreement are still in effect and binding today and I have continued to honor them.' Mary's book titled Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man is scheduled to be released in July In his statement Fred said he and his family 'have a strong relationship with our extended family and have had no involvement or interest in the preparation of this book.' And he said that Mary's claim that his son William who suffers from cerebral palsy has been cut off by the president and his three surviving siblings is false. 'As is also known by Mary, our son William has been very well provided for financially for many years through the William Trump Medical Fund by my aunts and uncles, Maryanne, Donald, Elizabeth, and Robert; for which we are very appreciative.' DailyMail.com's attempts to contact Fred Trump were unsuccessful. One estimate says that William, who turns 21 next week, receives up to three-quarters of a million dollars a year for his condition. Just last week, when news of the proposed book first broke, Donald Trump said he had a good relationship with Fred III. The president and his siblings say they would suffer 'irreparable harm' if Mary's book is published. In an application for a temporary restraining order, they say: 'No amount of monetary damages can ameliorate the loss that will be suffered if Mary Trump is allowed to violate the settlement agreement and publish'. They argued that Mary agreed not to write a memoir back in 2001 under the terms of a settlement which resolved a bitter family dispute over the estate of family patriarch Fred Trump Sr. The agreement said that due to Donald Trump being famous and his sister Maryanne being a federal judge 'the family made the decision collectively to enter into an agreement that would maintain the confidentiality of the family's private matters'. The application sets up a First Amendment clash with Mary and her publishers Simon & Schuster. Their lawyer Theodore Boutrous has said that the Trumps are 'pursuing this unlawful prior restraint because they do not want the public to know the truth'. He said: 'The courts will not tolerate this brazen violation of the First Amendment'. The blurb says that Mary, 55, a psychologist, describes a 'nightmare of traumas, destructive relationships, and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse'. Mary is one of two children by Fred Trump Jr, the President's older brother who died in 1982 aged 42 after battling alcoholism. When Fred Sr died in 1999, Mary and her brother Fred Trump III challenged his will because they claimed that the Trump family exerted undue influence to cut them out. Mary claimed in a lawsuit that in retaliation the Trumps ended the healthcare for her side of the family. Mary's brother Fred Trump III tells DailyMail.com that Mary is still bound by a nondisclosure agreement and should not have written the book DailyMail.com spotted Mary on Long Island on Friday (pictured) but she left over the weekend for Cape Cod where her condo is 56 steep steps above a sandy beach on Cape Cod Bay DailyMail.com tracked her down to the second-floor condo in the town of Brewster, where she was spotted wearing the same outfit and buying a six-pack of Bass Ale on Tuesday (left and right). Despite wanting to tell all about her uncle, Mary was less forthcoming when it came to talking to us. 'There will be a time and a place,' she said. 'Have a great day. Enjoy. It's a beautiful spot' In the application for the restraining order, which oversaw Fred Sr's probate, the Trumps say that everything was resolved in 2001 under a 'global' agreement. The application states: 'Confidentiality was at the essence of the settlement agreement. 'Fred Trump Sr had been a famous figure in New York real estate. Fred's son Donald also had become a famous real estate developer. 'Fred's daughter, Judge Barry, was a judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. 'The court cases involving Fred Trump Sr's will had received extensive publicity and the family made the decision collectively to enter into an agreement that would maintain the confidentiality of the family's private matters'. The financial terms have been blacked out and there are nine pages including sections on ground leases, a Trump-owned company and trusts set up in 1976. The application does however note that Mary received a 'substantial' amount of money. As part of the agreement Mary agreed to not 'directly or indirectly publish or cause to be published any diary, memoir, letter, story, photograph, interview, article, essay, account or description or deficient of any kind whatsoever, whether fictionalized or not, concerning their litigation with (the Trumps) or assist or provide information to others in connection therewith', the application states. The only exception would be if Donald, Maryanne and their brother Robert gave consent. Yet in an affidavit Robert Trump says that he 'never consented' to let Mary write her book. In an affidavit Mary claimed at that point, she discovered that in September 1991 Fred Sr rewrote his will so it 'virtually disinherited' her and Fred III. The new will divided the bulk of the inheritance among his living children, meaning Mary and Fred III only got $200,000 each because their father was dead. Pictured l-r: Robert, Elizabeth, Fred, Donald and Maryanne The Trumps argue that an emergency injunction is needed because books are often sent to book stores weeks ahead of publication. They appear to have learned the lessons from the book by Donald's former national security adviser John Bolton, which was hugely embarrassing for the President. They went to court to stop 'The Room Where It Happened' from being published but a judge refused because much of it had already been made public through leaks. The last time Mary spoke publicly about her family was 20 years ago in an article for the New York Daily News in which she said Donald and his siblings 'should be ashamed of themselves'. She was reportedly the source for a New York Times investigation into the President in 2018 which demolished his image as a self made man. In fact Donald received at least $413million from his father and was a millionaire by the time he was eight. Mary's Twitter feed is an indication of what the tone of her book will be like and she called her uncle's election victory in 2016 the 'worst night of my life'. The 55-year-old left her home on New York's Long Island over the weekend after news of her heavily contested tome broke. She drove her black Audi 270 miles to the condo on Cape Cod in Massachusetts that she bought in 2004 for $1.15 million, but is now worth nearly double that. MIDDLETOWN The South Fire District union is condemning a social media comment allegedly made by one of its commissioners about a Ghanaian ministers invitation to Blacks in the United States to move to Africa if they feel unwanted. But former mayor and fire commissioner Sebastian N. Giuliano said people are misconstruing his comment on a friends Facebook page as racist, and that it has nothing to do with the fire district. The issue arose when his friend posted a headline and photo saying Ghana Minister Invites African-Americans to Re-settle in Africa if They Feel Unwanted in the U.S. How long do you think the Ghanaian people will put up with their [expletive]? Giuliano wrote on the post. I said it in more crude terms, he noted Thursday. Contributed photo Ghanaian minister Barbara Oteng Gyasi made the public statement welcoming Black Americans in early June. We continue to open our arms and invite all our brothers and sisters home. Ghana is your home. Africa is your home, Gyasi said. We have our arms wide open ready to welcome you home Please take advantage, come home, build a life in Ghana. You do not have to stay where you are not wanted forever, you have a choice and Africa is waiting for you. Nick Fischer, president of the IAFF Local 3918, learned of the issue in a private Facebook message. It was not a public post, he said but he has since received numerous calls and emails about the issue. Our union in no way condones the actions of Mr. Giuliano. We find this statement to be appalling, and we certainly do not share his views, Fischer said he replied to the Facebook message. Giuliano said union officials havent contacted him to date. However Fischer said he sent an email to Giuliano within the last two days, copying the board and fire chief. Giuliano explained his position, citing news stories and photographs of recent burning and looting across the country. The people of Ghana are seeing the same images we are seeing about whats been going on in the last few weeks. Why would they want that in their country? South Fire District Chief Michael Howley said he hadnt seen the original post, and first became aware of it in mid-June. He also fielded comments from community members. Although the board has no powers to make Giuliano step down, fire commission Chairwoman Mary Bartolotta said she asked him if he wanted to apologize or resign and he declined. In a letter to South Fire District staff and commissioners Wednesday afternoon, she and Vice Chairwoman Deborah Kleckowski called it an insensitive and inappropriate remark. Although the social media remark was not made in the official course of the individuals duties as a commissioner, nor does if reflect the official perspective of the district, we recognize we must all hold ourselves to the highest standards of conduct. Our community deserves nothing less, the letter says. Bartolotta said commissioners will build upon this valuable input as we consider future unified action steps to address this issue, Its a very sensitive issue whats going on across our nation right now, Howley said. Im not pleased about it affecting us here. Hes also concerned about how the district will be perceived as a result of the matter, and talked to staff and board members last week. I dont want to jump to conclusions. We value everybodys input and information. We take it all seriously, Howley said. Giuliano said commenting on a friends Facebook post from ones own page is akin to a conversation. Why would Ghana want a bunch of malcontents? he said. Weve been engaging in bad behavior. The people doing that arent the ones who are going to leave to go there. Reasonably intelligent people would understand his comment was by no means racially charged, Giuliano said. Most Ghanaians arent going to relocate to Africa. Theyll stay here this is their home. It seems patronizing to me for an official to issue an invitation for African Americans to move in. It was aimed at the behavior of people of whatever race, he added. He never intended to tarnish the South Fire District. Thats insulting. They are the ones dragging the district into this pretty much private conversation between two Facebook friends, Giuliano said of union officials. Somebody with an agenda created a story about it and is trying to stir up something about it. Im not falling for it, he said. Fischer said the union ensures that members have economic and social justice in a workplace free from discrimination, harassment and hostility. We will not settle for anything less. Those who choose to serve in public safety, be it on the front lines, or in an administrative capacity, should realize that the public has come to expect a higher level of decorum and personal standards from those who serve them, as they rightly should, the union president added. Anything less is unacceptable. It is also unacceptable that any employee, union or not, should have to come into their place of work wondering whether or not those who oversee them have underlying biases based on race, religion, sexual orientation or otherwise, Fisher said. He is the New Zealand-born actor who has became a Hollywood megastar. And on Wednesday, Russell Crowe taught Americans the most common slang words used in Australia and New Zealand. The 55-year-old Gladiator star explained several phrases, including budgie smugglers and 'bugger all', in a hilarious video posted on YouTube. From 'budgie smugglers' to 'jandals': Russell Crowe (pictured) taught Americans the most common slang words used in Australia and New Zealand on Wednesday 'Hello everyone... it's Russell Crowe talking to you about slang from two cultures that I'm very very familiar with, the New Zealand culture which in this terminology is Kiwi, and the Australian culture, which in this terminology is Aussie,' he said. The first word he explained was 'carked it' and said it's 'not very nice' and simply means 'you're dead'. Russell also taught viewers the meaning of 'bugger all', explaining: 'It means basically nothing, you have nothing. What do you have mate, bugger all, you have nothing.' Meaning: The first word he explained was 'carked it', and said it's 'not very nice' and simply means 'you're dead' The actor went on to reveal what the word 'jandal' means in Australia, saying:' jandals in Australia are called thongs.' 'So a jandal and a thong is the same thing, however it's not the American thong, it's footwear so jandal and a thong are the same as flip flops.' Russell also explained 'budgie smugglers' and said they're referred to as Speedos in America. Cultural: The actor went on to reveal what the word 'jandal' means in Australia, saying: 'Jandals in Australia are called thongs' 'It's just somebody's observation a Speedo fits your average man the same way as it would be if he had a small budgie (bird) stuffed down the front of his pants.' He also hilariously referenced 'cab sav' explaining the word was the 'height of Australian culture' and it refers to Cabernet Sauvignon. Russell also revealed the word 'heaps' refers to 'many', but said he doesn't use it. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange conspired with hackers affiliated with the Anonymous and LulzSec groups, which have been linked to numerous cyber attacks around the world, according to new indictment by the US Justice Department. Assange, whos detained in the UK on a US extradition request, gave the leader of LulzSec a list of targets to hack in 2012 and told this person that the most influential release of hacked materials would be from the Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency or the New York Times, according to a statement Wednesday from the Justice Department. The LulzSec leader was cooperating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation at the time, according to the statement. An Anonymous and LulzSec-affiliated hacker stole emails through a data breach of an American intelligence consulting company that were published in WikiLeaks, according to the statement. Assange indirectly asked that hacker to spam that company again, the US said. The indictment released Wednesday doesnt add new charges against Assange but broadens the conspiracy allegations against him, according to the Justice Department. The indictment continues to allege that Assange conspired with Army Intelligence Analyst Chelsea Manning to crack a password hash to a classified US Department of Defense computer, the US said. The US has charged Assange with endangering national security by conspiring to obtain and disclose classified information. Hes accused of working with Manning to get classified documents from databases containing about 90,000 Afghanistan war-related activity reports, 400,000 Iraq war-related reports and 250,000 State Department cables. The docket in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, doesnt list a lawyer representing Assange in the criminal case. The UK firm representing Assange in the extradition proceeding didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment on the new indictment sent outside regular business hours. The case is US v. Assange, 18-cr-00111, US District Court, Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria). The Wyoming Department of Health announced the states 1,000th confirmed case of the coronavirus on Wednesday. It comes as the states growth in cases continued its recent uptick. The state, which officially has 1,016 confirmed cases, has added more of those cases in June than any other month, despite there being six days remaining. In the past 10 days, Wyoming has recorded 222 total cases and 175 confirmed cases both of which are record highs. The state has had 10 single-day increases of 20 or more confirmed cases; four have come in the last week. It has been 105 days since the coronavirus was first reported in Wyoming. The state took 21 days to record its first 100 confirmed cases. Its most recent 100 confirmed cases came in less than a weeks time. The surge prompted state health officer Dr. Alexia Harrist to comment on the situation in written statements Wednesday. We expected to see more cases over time and believe we are in a better position to respond now than earlier, Harrist said in a news release from the Health Department. However, this virus has shown us simple actions and choices that might not seem like a big deal at the time can harm others and quickly change the disease picture within a community. Thats why we need people to be mindful of what they can do to slow the spread of the virus. Just over two weeks ago, the state concluded a 10-day span during which fewer than 70 total cases had been added the smallest stretch of case counts since the state began announcing probable cases. Now, the state is adding cases at triple that rate. However, the increase hasnt resulted yet in a spike at Wyomings hospitals. As of Wednesday, seven COVID-19 patients were hospitalized statewide, with four of those at Wyoming Medical Center. Harrist said in the news release that health experts have a better understanding of COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus, than they did when it first reached Wyoming in March. We now know some individuals can transmit the virus to others before they feel or show any symptoms, she said. This is very important because it means people can spread the virus to other people without realizing they are infected. Its also become increasingly clear the virus spreads mainly between people when they are close to each other, she continued. When an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, the tiny respiratory droplets they produce can spread through the air to people who are nearby, typically within 6 feet. She emphasized that people need to isolate themselves if they are experiencing symptoms consistent with the disease and that physical distancing in general is recommended whenever practical. Additionally, she stressed the need for people who have been given personal isolation and quarantine orders to follow them. With summer arriving, more people are enjoying outdoor events, she said. We encourage people to take part in these activities safely, by staying 6 feet away from people in other households and wearing face coverings. The states spike over the past few weeks was initially fueled by a dramatic surge in Uinta County cases. Now, however, the countys numbers appear to be plateauing somewhat. County health officials said Tuesday night that they had recorded just one new case over the previous two days. Hopefully that is an indication that things are slowing down a little, but we also recognize that that may in part be due to less testing over the weekend, Uinta County Public Health said in a Facebook post. Waiting to see how (Wednesday) goes. The state Health Department announced four newly confirmed cases in the county Wednesday afternoon. (Sweetwater County added the most, with seven.) According to the states numbers, Uinta County added no new confirmed cases in two of the past five days. The county began the month with nine confirmed cases and currently has 124 81 of which came in a 12-day span. The county still has the most active cases in the state 72, according to the departments post. Uinta County has had 716 cases per 100,000 residents, second in the state to Fremont County (834). As of Tuesday night, the county had conducted 188 tests since Friday, with 6% testing positive. Six people in the county have been hospitalized with COVID-19, and four remain admitted. Some of those patients were admitted to out-of-state hospitals. One of the concerns with spiking high and fast is the pressure it puts on healthcare capacity, the department said in the announcement. While we havent exceeded our capacity, the county is feeling the pressure and strain from a lot of cases in a short time. We are grateful for the precautionary measures many have taken, including mask-wearing, distancing and making thoughtful decisions about gatherings and indoor functions. This kind of community effort will be an important part of slowing the rate down. Much of what we (and others) are all learning from our experience, the post continued, is that the virus can spread quickly and relatively easily, the situation can change rapidly, our actions can affect others, precautionary measures work and no one is insulated. Hopefully, we can also show how well a community comes together and brings it under control. The county currently has 33 probable patients third most in the state. Officials define probable cases as close contacts of lab-confirmed cases with symptoms consistent with COVID-19. 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. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Agence France-Presse) Paris, France Thu, June 25, 2020 07:00 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406616b9f6 2 World Emmanuel-Macron,France,Germany,GermanyChancellorAngelaMerkel,Angela-Merkel,coronavirus,COVID-19,pandemic Free French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Germany Monday for his first in-person talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, ahead of Berlin taking the rotating European Union presidency, his office said. Merkel will receive Macron at the government retreat of Meseberg castle north of the capital for talks followed by a press conference and a working dinner, the Elysee Palace said on Wednesday. As Germany prepares to preside over the EU council for the second half of 2020, "this meeting reflects their common desire for close coordination between France and Germany, following the initiative of 18 May," said the presidency. This was the day they proposed a 500-billion-euro plan to help Europe emerge from the severe economic damage from the coronavirus epidemic and resulting continent-wide business closures. The French-German proposal foresees the provision of grants, raised through EU borrowing, for countries most struggling to recover. It will be on the agenda of a European summit in Brussels next month and requires unanimous EU approval. Some countries -- the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark and Sweden, insist help should be in the form of loans, not grants, with tough conditions attached. Macron met Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on the issue on Tuesday for talks the Elysee said "allowed for progress to be made". The French president, it added, would "multiply bilateral exchanges with European partners" ahead of the Brussels summit on July 17 and 18. The two leaders previously met at Meseberg in 2018, afterwards announcing the "Meseberg Declaration" which proposed a joint budget for the eurozone -- a plan similarly opposed by the Netherlands. Europe's twin engines of EU unity, France and Germany make up nearly half of the eurozone economy, and a compromise by them usually leads to a deal among the single currency's 19 member countries. By IANS MEXICO CITY: Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador confirmed that it was very likely he would meet his American counterpart Donald Trump in Washington in the near future, saying the purpose of the gathering will be to mark the launch of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). "It's very likely that I'll go to Washington and meet with President Trump, and that'll be soon," Lopez Obrador said in a press conference on Wednesday, a day after the US leader said he would be receiving his Mexican counterpart at the White House. The Mexican President added that he hopes Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will also participate in the gathering, reports Efe news. "Since it'll be in Washington, we're hoping that the US government extends an invitation to the Canadian government. In any event, we'll be attending because it's very important to us to be able to participate in the start of this agreement," Lopez Obrador said. The Mexican leader said that the meeting would not take place on July 1, the day the USMCA takes effect, because that date will mark the two-year anniversary of his election victory. But he added that "it could be immediately afterward". "It'll have to take place in the first days from the start of the treaty," Lopez Obrador said. In addition to celebrating the launch of the USMCA, the successor to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Mexican President said he wants to be in Washington to "thank the US government and Trump for the support we've received in facing the (Covid-19) pandemic because they helped us obtain ventilators". "On the part of the US government and President Trump there's been a relationship of respect for our sovereignty. We haven't had substantial differences with him. He's been respectful and there's even been cooperation," the centre-left Mexican head of state said. Mexico and the US reached an agreement last year to halt the northward flow of mostly Central American migrants after Trump had threatened to impose escalating tariffs on all Mexican imports (up to a level of 25 per cent by October 2019). As part of that agreement, Mexico deployed a new National Guard force to that country's southern border with Guatemala and agreed to take in more migrants pending their asylum hearings in the US. On Wednesday, Lopez Obrador said the agreement was an example of the neighbouring countries' having opted for "negotiation over confrontation." Also Wednesday, Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard tweeted about Lopez Obrador's plans to visit the US. "The Mexican government has proposed that on the occasion of the (July 1) entry into force of the USMCA (Lopez Obrador) could meet with the leaders of the US and Canada to launch a new trilateral stage of economic wellbeing and growth." He said the Foreign Relations Secretariat would provide information about the dates and schedule of activities. A visit to the White House would mark Lopez Obrador's first international trip since he took office in late 2018 and his first meeting with his US counterpart. His predecessor, Enrique Pena Nieto, met Trump in Mexico in 2016 after the latter secured the Republican Party's nomination The visit was controversial because the then-candidate had already pledged to build a wall spanning the US-Mexico border (and said Mexico would pay for it). Trump also had launched his campaign by saying in 2015 that the US's failure to implement tough immigration policy had resulted in crime, drugs and even "rapists" spilling across the border from Mexico. Paralympic medalist Angela Madsen died trying to row by herself across the Pacific Ocean. Madsen was 60 years old. Her wife, Debra, confirmed the news in a Facebook post, writing she lost contact with Madsen on Sunday. When I looked at the tracking, it did not appear that she was rowing the boat, but rather that it was drifting, she said, adding she knew Madsen planned to get in the water to fix an issue with the boat. I was concerned when she did not text when she got back on the boat, Debra said. She was about as far from any land as she could get and the communication can be a challenge, I was hopeful but still had a feeling of heaviness in my chest. She said Soraya Simi, the filmmaker documenting Madsens trip, contacted the U.S. Coast Guard and they diverted a cargo ship toward the boat's location and sent a plane to fly over the area. The plane saw Angela in the water, apparently deceased, tethered to RowofLife (the boat) but was unable to relay that information due to poor satellite coverage, Debra said in her post. When the cargo ship arrived Monday night, they found and recovered Madsens body. Angela was living her dream, Debra said in her post. She loved being on the water, as you could see from the photos she sent. I am sad but ok. I never planned a life without her so be patient with me while I figure all this out. Simi confirmed the news on her Instagram as well, adding Madsen would have wanted her to go on making the film about her journey even with its tragic end. "This was a clear risk going in since day one, and Angela was aware of that more than anyone else, Simi said. She was willing to die at sea doing the thing she loved most. She was a hell of a woman and one of the most influential and inspiring people in my life. Simi said she will fly to Hawaii later this week and try to recover Madsens boat along with the cameras and footage on board. I remember once I asked Angela what she does on bad days. She said row harder, Simi wrote in a post. That has stuck with me since. It is Debs and Angelas wish that I complete this film. Carrying someones story is a heavy responsibility, one my crew and I signed up for, and one we will see through. Story continues Simi said Debra is trying to arrange for Madsens body to be returned to Los Angeles from Tahiti, where the cargo ship that recovered her body is heading. Madsen led a storied and interesting life before her death. On her website, she explained she sustained a serious back injury while in the military in her early 20s. The surgery she had to correct it went wrong, and she woke up 10 hours later a paraplegic. The Survivors Of The Atlantic In Nancy, France On November 30, 2007. (Pool DEMANGE/DI SILVESTRO / Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images) She went on to compete for Team USA in both rowing and track and field. By the end of her life, Madsen had successfully rowed across the Pacific Ocean with another person, circumnavigated Great Britain and crossed the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Madsen was also an advocate for the LGBTQ community and veterans, an obituary on the U.S. Rowing website noted. Simi said she is looking to her late friend for inspiration going forward. I hope to live with a fraction of the fierceness of spirit Angela had, Simi wrote. I can't believe she's gone. Life is so brief and fragile. We must fill it with love." SAN FRANCISCO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- FinancialForce , provider of the only modern ERP suite and the #1 professional services automation (PSA), today announced it has entered a partnership with customer success platform leader Gainsight, and an integration with data network provider Plaid. Through these integrations, FinancialForce further extends the value it can offer to customers through complementary technologies. Through the strategic partnership between FinancialForce and Gainsight, organizations will be able to leverage both platforms to enhance their customers' success. Extended visibility into customer experiences at different touchpoints means that employees who work with customers and their data in one area such as customer success will have visibility into the experiences of that same customer from finance, and vice versa. "By drawing on signals from all your connections to your customers, you can take customer centricity to a new level," said Dan Brown, Chief Product and Strategy Officer, FinancialForce. "This complete view of the customer allows you to make informed decisions with more confidence. Lifetime value for the customer is greatly enhanced." FinancialForce joined Gainsight's customer success ecosystem, Gainsight Sightline , as part of this partnership. Together they will provide integration for pre-defined metrics, so that aggregating the signals, interpreting them, and acting upon them will be out-of-the-box functionality. For example, customer payment metrics and data can be highlighted within Gainsight's predictive health scorecard, offering a CSM predefined call to action with that customer, based on the data and established thresholds. In another example, Gainsight data will feed into FinancialForce's workspaces for finance or professional services professionals. "This partnership will serve to break organizational silos between finance, sales, services, support, and marketing, so that everyone who touches a customer can make smarter decisions and be more responsive to changes in the customer environment," said Karl Rumelhart, Chief Product Officer, Gainsight. "Processes and intelligence continually improve thanks to feedback loops and the interpretation and aggregation of data over time." FinancialForce also is integrating with Plaid to help customers connect their bank accounts directly to FinancialForce Accounting and use the imported bank statements for reconciliation. Through the Plaid integration, customers will have access to a robust financial data network that includes thousands of banks around the world. This new feature in FinancialForce Accounting will launch later this year in the US and Canada, with additional countries added as future updates. "Our integration with Plaid simplifies the process of managing financial data for our customers," said Bennet Yen, Vice President of Product Management, FinancialForce. "Plaid's mission to democratize financial services through technology and commitment to data security and privacy makes it the best product for us to deliver a better bank reconciliation experience to our customers." About FinancialForce FinancialForce offers customer-centric business applications on the leading cloud platform from Salesforce. We accelerate business growth with the only modern ERP suite and the #1 professional services automation (PSA), enabling real-time insights and intelligent decision-making. See your customers in full color with Salesforce and FinancialForce. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, FinancialForce is backed by Advent International, Salesforce Ventures, and Technology Crossover Ventures. For more information, visit www.financialforce.com . SOURCE FinancialForce Related Links https://www.financialforce.com "We are confident that Mr. Ishizaka will be able to provide us with useful advice on our products and global business expansion based on his management skills and knowledge of overseas operations cultivated at Toyota Motor Corporation," says Hikaru Ohno, President & CEO of Cyber Security Cloud, Inc. Background and Objective In recent years, the number of cyber-attacks is on the rise and the threat of cyber-attacks on enterprises has become a serious issue with direct implications on business risk. Against this backdrop, CSC provides web application security services that leverage world-leading cyber threat intelligence and AI technology. And now, CSC has invited Mr. Yoshio Ishizaka, who has achieved great success at Toyota Motor Corporation under strict governance and has experience in global business expansion centered on North America, to join our Board of Directors in order to further improve our services and contribute to the information revolution. By doing so, CSC plans to work harder than ever to strengthen its governance and provide its customers with services that help create a secure cyberspace, not only in Japan but around the world. Comment by Mr. Hikaru Ohno, President, and CEO of Cyber Security Cloud, Inc. It is a great pleasure to welcome Mr. Yoshio Ishizaka, a leading figure in the global automotive industry, to join our team as an outside director of our company. We are confident that he will be able to provide us with useful advice on our products and global business expansion based on his management skills and knowledge of overseas operations cultivated at Toyota Motor Corporation. In addition, Mr. Ishizaka's appointment will further strengthen the company's governance and enable it to provide even higher quality services as a listed company. Comment by Mr. Yoshio Ishizaka I am pleased to be appointed as an outside director of Cyber Security Cloud. As IoT, 5G, and the Internet becomes indispensable in our lives, we are also becoming more and more familiar with the dangers of the Internet. In response to the increasing cyber-attacks around the world in recent years, I decided to take up this position because I strongly empathize with the Cyber Security Cloud's philosophy of creating a secure cyberspace that people around the world can use safely. In the future, I would like to make use of the experience I have gained at Toyota to contribute to the further growth of the Cyber Security Cloud, which was listed on the stock exchange on March 26, 2020, and to the preservation of an Internet environment that customers can use with a peace of mind. Mr. Yoshio Ishizaka's Bio Born in 1940. After graduating from Hitotsubashi University's Faculty of Law, he joined Toyota Motor Corporation. After serving as President of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., he was appointed as Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation in 2001. He led the overseas development of Toyota Motor Corporation, including the launch of Lexus. After serving as an Advisor to the board for Toyota Motor Corporation and as a Senior Advisor at Roland Berger Ltd. since 2008, he was awarded the Blue Ribbon Medal of Honor in 2011. He is also the author of "The Toyota Way in Sales and Marketing". About Cyber Security Cloud, Inc. With an aim to create a secure cyberspace that people around the world can use safely, Cyber Security Cloud provides web application security services worldwide using the world's leading cyber threat intelligence and AI technology. CSC is also certified as the 7th AWS WAF Managed Rules Seller in the world by AWS (Amazon Web Service) which boasts a 47.8% global cloud market share. *1 As a leading cybersecurity company, CSC plans to continue to strive to improve and develop new technologies and aim to be a company that can deliver effective security solutions to contribute to the information revolution. *1: Gartner(July 2019)Worldwide Iaas Public Cloud Services Market Share, 2017-2018 (Millions of U.S. Dollars) Editors note: This story was upated to add a statement from the National Park Service. Across the country, monuments to Confederate soldiers, slaveholders and others who espoused views now considered repugnant are coming down, some toppled by protesters, others removed by local government leaders. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 21:55:21|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SRINAGAR, Indian-controlled Kashmir, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Troops of India and Pakistan Thursday exchanged heavy fire and targeted each other's positions on Line of Control (LoC), dividing Kashmir, Indian army officials said. The two sides exchanged fire on LoC in Macchil sector of frontier Kupwara district, about 165 km northwest of Srinagar city, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir. So far there were no reports of any damage to India or Pakistani side. Last week four civilians were wounded in a similar exchange in Rampur sector of Uri in adjacent Baramulla district. There has been a surge in cease-fire violations on LoC since the beginning of this month and the past several days have witnessed a continuous firing along the LoC in several sectors between the two sides. The troops of India and Pakistan intermittently exchange fire on LoC and International Border (IB) in Kashmir, despite an agreement in 2003 to observe a cease-fire. However, the cease-fire remains in effect. New Delhi and Islamabad accuse each other of resorting to unprovoked firings and violating cease-fire agreements. And both sides maintain their troops gave a befitting reply to the other. LoC is a de facto border that divides Kashmir into India and Pakistan controlled parts. Enditem Bentley Systems, a leading global provider of comprehensive software and digital twin cloud services for advancing the design, construction, and operations of infrastructure, has announced that its Senior VP (Digital cities) Robert Mankowski has been inducted into the executive board of the World Geospatial Industry Council. Bentley is a co-founder of the council, which acts as a collaborative platform for advancing the role of the geospatial industry and strengthening its contributions to society and the world economy. Mankowski will be replacing Ted Lamboo on the World Geospatial Industry Council board. Formerly with Bentley, Lamboo is now CEO of Digital Construction Works, a new digital automation, integration, and digital twinning services and fit-for-purpose solutions company formed as part of a joint venture between Bentley and Topcon Positioning Group. Mankowski has over 20 years experience in software development and has co-invented several technologies now used in the OpenFlows product line. Bentleys digital cities applications enable engineers to plan and design more efficient city infrastructure. Mankowski joined Bentley in 2004 as part of the groups acquisition of Haestad Methods, a pioneer in object-oriented hydraulic analysis software, where he served as chief technology officer. He currently leads Bentleys digital cities solution area, which provides infrastructure engineering, digital twin software, and services to help cities that are going digital. I am honored to serve on the WGIC executive board and use my experience and knowledge of both the geospatial industry and the infrastructure industry to further advance WGICs mission and objectives, said Mankowski. Mankowski is one of four new members the World Geospatial Industry Council named to its executive board. He has a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Drexel University and is a licensed professional engineer.-TradeArabia News Service Take Back the Streets Commentary Mob justice is threatening the law and order that is essential for the survival of democracy. Its time to take back the streets. The death of George Floyd set off a firestorm. What began as a demand to address police brutality and racism has morphed into something else. Statues are being toppled and extreme demands, such as defund the police, are being heard. Corporate leaders and politicians desperately signal their willingness to do almost anything to appease the mob, but the demands become ever more extreme. It seems clear that Black Lives Matter (BLM) and Antifa are the main organizers of the protests and riots, but there also appear to be a bunch of other strange radical groups emerging from the shadowssuch as Boogaloo. Some of the anarchist groups are so extreme in their aims that its not even clear that terms such as left-wing or right-wing even make sense to describe them. Solving systemic racism, dismantling white supremacy, or addressing any of the many other revolutionary demands arent the subject of this article. Instead, I will focus on the more modest goal of examining the policing standard that appears to have been established by the Floyd casenamely that whenever a black man is killed by the police, its acceptableand even expectedfor an unelected mob to take control of the streets and riot, loot, and burn. I will suggest that this is an impossible standard that will lead only to a total breakdown of law and order. Instead, I will suggest that a realistic standard must be set, and responsible elected leaders must regain control of the streets. Officer Rolfe First, consider the case of police officer Garrett Rolfe of Atlanta. Most people have seen the main video of this famous encounter by now. Rolfe and another officer approached a man, Rayshard Brooks, who was sleeping in his car. The car was parked in a Wendys drive-thru lane. Initially, Brooks cooperated, but when he was advised that he was being arrested for impaired driving and the officer tried to cuff him, Brooks became violent. Brooks was obviously a strong man, and he overcame both officers and grabbed one of their Tasers. When he threw both officers to the ground and ran away, he turned and attempted to fire the weapon at the pursuing Rolfe. Rolfe then fatally shot him. What should have happened then was to place Rolfe on leave, while the facts surrounding the shooting were calmly analyzed. Was the shooting justified under the circumstances? Was Brookswho had a bad record, was on probation, and would certainly have gone back to prisoncommitting death by cop when he turned and attempted to fire the Taser at an officer he knew was armed with a gun? Was Rolfe following police policy when he shot at the fleeing Brooks? Did Rolfe have other options available to him? All of these questions and others could have been asked in a calm and reasonable atmosphere with lawyers and other trained police experts involved. But that didnt happen. Instead, Rolfe was immediately fired, and is now charged with murder and other serious crimesthe murder charge carries the possibility of a life sentence. The official responsible for treating Rolfe in such a hurried and unfair manner was probably panicked by a mob that had already torched a Wendys. That official then attempted to convince the frightened second officer to testify against Rolfe. One imagines that this official would have been willing to go to almost any lengths to satisfy the mob that was demanding its pound of flesh. He threw Rolfe to the wolves. False Narrative So is this the new standard in American justice? Every encounter with police that results in the death of a black man must immediately result in the firing of the police officer, charging him with murder, and submitting to any other mob demands? Because if that is the new standard, American cities can no longer function. The fact is that there are thousands of police encounters with black men every year on American streets, and too many peoplelike Brooksresist arrest. This has little to do with racism, or systemic or institutional racism. Its simply a fact that American black men are statistically far more likely to come into contact with police than any other group, for the simple reason that they commit more crimes. Or, to be more specific, American-born black men. Because, other ethnic groupsincluding black men from Nigeria and other countriesdont have this problem. In fact, people of color from all ethnic groups other than American-born black men are less likely than the mainstream to come into contact with the police. This is an issue for American-born black men onlyit appears to be a very undesirable part of ghetto culture. Although accounting for about 15 percent of the population in the 75 largest U.S. counties, African Americans are responsible for more than 50 percent of the violent crime in those counties. Again, that isnt because of the black partNigerian blacks, who esteem intact families and education, are less likely to be involved in crime than the mainstream attests to that factits ghetto culture and a victim mentality thats the problem. But thats not how the mob sees it. Facts dont matter. If a black man dies at the hands of a white police officer, its a sign to the BLM/Antifa mob that all police and all society is racist. And it makes sense to the mob to loot and torch buildings if it doesnt get its way. This cant stand. Last year, about 8,000 black men died in homicides in America. Ten of those deaths involved unarmed men who were killed by the police. In six of those cases, the men were killed while attacking police. The overwhelming number of the killings involved other black men as the perpetrator. The media/BLM/Antifa/Democrat narrative that police are slaughtering unarmed black men is false. The entire protest/rioting narrative is based on a false premise. Police are being made scapegoats for those who insist that black men must be regarded as victims, no matter what the facts say. The other thing that can be taken from these figures is the certainty that there will be more fatal police encounters with black men in the future. Likely Acquittal Even in cases in which a police officer is criminally charged in connection with a death, its quite likely that an acquittal will result. Thats almost certainly what will happen in the Atlanta case. It seems extremely unlikely to me that Rolfe will be convicted of murder. By resisting arrest, fighting with the police, and stealing the Taser, Brooks placed both officers in a life-and-death situation. At the point when Brooks pointed the weapon at Rolfe, I expect that any properly instructed jury will conclude that Rolfe was justified in shooting Brooks. Its unreasonable to expect a police officer to wait until hes injured to shoot. That officer didnt know if Brooks would take his gun if he, the officer, was downed by the Taser. He didnt know what else Brooks would have done. The fact is that he had already seen what Brooks was capable of doing, and he didnt have to wait to be disabled to find out. An acquittal on the murder charge is likely in the Rolfe case. But even in the George Floyd case, it seems extremely unlikely that all four officers will be convicted as charged. Two of the officers were rookies. Is it likely that a jury will convict them? What other evidence that wasnt on the famous video will emerge? We dont know. What actually caused the death?there are conflicting autopsy reports. Perhaps, it wasnt the knee on the neck, but the officer with the knee on the back. Perhaps, the fentanyl and methamphetamine found in Floyds system played a part. Perhaps, the knee on the neck technique was being used as a response to the COVID-19 situation. (Floyd tested positive for the coronavirus.) Was the knee on the neck technique that officer Derek Chauvin used on Floyd an approved Minneapolis police procedure? The charge against Chauvin was raised to second-degree murder from third-degree. Will that decision make a conviction even more unlikely? These are examples of only some of the questions that might be raised at trial. We know the answers to none of them. The fact is that a short video tells only a small part of a storyand perhaps a misleading one. It seems unlikely to me that the officers charged in connection with Floyds death will all be convicted as charged. So, will protests result if the officers in the Minneapolis and Atlanta cases arent convicted exactly as charged? Almost certainly. Or if another black man is killed during a police encounteragain, almost a certainty? Then what should the standard be for the protests that will inevitably break out? Is it considered permissible for protesters to loot, burn, and cause mayhem on the streets every time people become upset? Take Back the Streets I suggest that if political leaders do what they did in the Floyd or the Brooks casesnamely, give in to the mob and let it take over the streetsthe country is doomed. The only realistic standard is to allow peaceful protests to take placethe constitutional right of peaceful assemblybut to take strong action at the first sight of criminal behavior. The first brick-thrower or the first window-breaker should immediately see the inside of a paddy wagon. Craven leaders who encourage mob violence and fail to maintain law and order should be shown the door. Leaders who provide law and order and public safety should be elected. Law and order isnt optional in a functioning democracyits essential to its survival. Theres no doubt that there are both racists and brutal cops in the system, and they should be rooted out and fired. But they are a tiny minority in police forces that are far better trainedboth technically and culturallythan police forces of the past. Yes, theres a need for better training and more sensitivity. But to throw the baby out with the bathwater and defund, or get rid of police, simply places law-abiding poor and already marginalized groupsparticularly poor black peopleat the mercy of criminals. Scapegoating the police serves no useful purpose. Already, murder rates in the inner city have skyrocketed. Police are human and will simply stay in their cars in any no-win situation in which black people are involved. That means more black homicides. And more innocent black victims. The cynical groups promoting this mass police hatred know all of this. But they dont care. They have bigger fish to fry. These thugs must not be permitted to undermine the fundamental pillars of democracy. Its time to take back the streets. Brian Giesbrecht is a retired judge and a senior fellow with the Frontier Centre for Public Policy. Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. In this file photo, smoke stacks of a factories stand behind a compound wall along a street in the city of Chongjin, North Korea. A new COVID-19 outbreak at two major factories in the North Korean industrial center of Chongjin has prompted authorities to close off the countrys third largest city, a drastic step not seen in Pyongyangs initial extensive responses to the pandemic in January, sources told RFA. While North Korea publicly claims that it has not confirmed a single case of the coronavirus within its borders, RFA reported in January that the government told people in a series of lectures that the virus had spread in three parts of the country, including North Hamgyong province. Chongjin, an industrial center with a population of 625,000, is the provincial capital. Since the beginning of this month, coronavirus is again spreading in and around Chongjin, causing an emergency at the provincial quarantine center, a resident of North Hamgyong, who requested anonymity for security reasons, told RFAs Korean Service Sunday. The provincial quarantine center and law enforcement authorities quickly imposed a ban on the movement of residents, saying it is to prevent the spread of infection, said the source. The new outbreak emerged last week among steel and construction workers, alarming citizens in Chongjins Songpyong district, according to the source. Its been reported that about 10 patients with symptoms are workers at the Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex and the Second Metal Construction Complex, the source said. [Those complexes] are supersized facilities with tens of thousands of employees. The companies are large enough to run hospitals on their own, but they are unable to provide proper treatment other than merely isolating the patients, the source added. Because several workers came down with severe pneumonia-like symptoms at the plants, the provincial committee temporarily suspended operations, the source said. The lockdown affects more than Chongjin and North Hamgyong. Citizens from neighboring Ryanggang province had been entering the coastal province to try to find food, as shortages at home left many hungry, according to a Ryanggang resident who requested anonymity to speak freely. As the food situation in Ryanggang has become difficult these days, the provincial party has been allowing people to move to other regions to get food, but now movement into North Hamgyong, especially Chongjin, is completely prohibited, the second source said. The second source said the Ryanggang authorities have completely stopped issuing travel passes for those wishing to go to Chongjin. Even when the coronavirus was in full swing, they never stopped us from trying to go to a specific city. But Chongjin is now a no-movement zone, so the situation seems to be serious now, the second source said. Though North Korean media often keeps citizens in one part of the country in the dark about happenings in other parts of it, news of Chongjins lockdown has spread to Ryanggang despite the movement ban. The situation in Chongjin is frequently reported through our mobile phones, the second source said. Not only have we heard that residents movement has been restricted, news that the large factories have been shut down has also spread to Ryanggang, the second source said. If they are not letting people move around and they cant report to work at those factories, its going to be hard for them to make a living, said the second source. The authorities are only enforcing their lockdown, ignoring the residents livelihood. I can only imagine how much trouble the people of Chongjin are going through. North Korea suffered a huge economic shock in January when the COVID-19 pandemic forced a shutdown of its border with China, its main source of food and other supplies, and the largest market for North Korean goods and labor, even under sanctions aimed at denying Pyongyang cash for its nuclear and missile programs. RFA attempted to contact the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the spread of COVID-19 inside North Korea, but those inquiries went unanswered as of Wednesday afternoon. The WHOs coronavirus statistics are based on the self-reporting of each member state. Reported by Jieun Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Eugene Whong. Giant panda Wu Wen gives birth to a cub in a Dutch Zoo in May, 2020. [Photo/people.cn] BEIJING -- President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, recently exchanged congratulatory messages with Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima on the birth of a giant panda cub in the European country. Xi and Peng said in their letter that the new cub, born in May by giant panda Wu Wen in a Dutch Zoo, is a cause for celebration. The cub, they said, is a beautiful fruit of China-Dutch friendship and an important achievement in bilateral cooperation in biodiversity conservation. Meanwhile, they noted that since the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic, the governments and people of the two countries have given each other a helping hand and written a beautiful tale of friendship that features them sticking together through thick and thin and helping each other. China, they added, attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations, and stands ready to work with the Netherlands to turn challenges into opportunities, promote epidemic control and bilateral exchanges in a coordinated way, and lift bilateral ties to new levels. The Dutch royal couple, for their part, said they were greatly delighted and heartened by the birth of the cub. The new life, they added, is not only a symbol of the fruitful relationship between the two countries, but also a contribution to the protection of global biodiversity. The Dutch side pays high attention to bilateral cooperation against COVID-19, they said, adding that only with solidarity and cooperation can countries around the world prevail over the global crisis. Noting that Netherlands-China relations enjoy a solid foundation, they said the Dutch side is willing to continue to work with China to cope with the impact of the pandemic and bring bilateral exchanges back to normal as soon as possible. This is an update of a story posted at 11:56 a.m. Thursday BOSTON Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday proposed a series of steps that he said would improve care for residents and increase safety for staff at the Holyoke Soldiers Home, while providing significantly more direct oversight for a facility that was unable to protect elderly veterans from a deadly COVID-19 outbreak. The recommendations come one day after the release of an independent review of the Holyoke facility that showed a series of management, administrative and health care blunders contributed to the disease ravaging the home in March and April. As many as 76 resident deaths were tied to the coronavirus, and dozens more were hospitalized. The 174-page review by Mark W. Pearlstein, a Boston attorney and former federal prosecutor tapped by Baker for an independent review, describes inept management by Superintendent Bennett Walsh and his senior medical staff. Walsh, who was placed on leave in March when the first of the COVID-19 deaths became apparent, received a termination letter Wednesday from Baker. Many of the proposed reforms were drawn from recommendations in the Pearlstein report, such as calls for bolstering education and training for staff, placing the facility under the same state requirements for long-term care facilities, and strengthening the secretary of Veterans Services responsibility to supervise the homes in Holyoke and Chelsea. At his daily COVID-19 briefing with reporters, Baker said that while some of the proposals spring from the Pearlstein report, other reforms have been in the works for some time. The report made a series of recommendations based on their findings and we said we were going to file those and additional ones as well, he said. And some of the ones we filed are ones that are very particular and specific to the issues that were raised in the report and the aftermath. But some of those weve been working on with people for a while. Baker endorses a number of the recommendations made in the Pearlstein report. Among them are: require that preference be given to licensed nursing home administrators for candidates for the superintendent post. One of the criticisms of Walsh, a 24-year Marine Corps combat veteran, has been that he had no background as an administrator of a long-term care facility. hiring an assistant secretary with the state Department of Veterans Services who would serve as an executive director for the states two soldiers homes and report directly to the secretary of Veterans Services. The state began advertising the position on Wednesday. Candidates are required to have leadership experience in health care. The position would create significantly more direct oversight and support, Baker said. expanding the size of the boards of trustees at Holyoke and Chelsea from seven to nine members, and requiring that the two additions each have either a clinical or administrative background in health care. The secretaries of the Department of Veterans Services and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services would also be on the board but as ex-officio members. hire a permanent designated occupational health nurse. At the start of the crisis in March, the facility did not have an occupational health nurse, and one had to be brought in from the UMass Medical School. An occupational health nurse would help protect staff by disseminating and enforcing policies regarding infectious diseases, and monitoring who is sick and who is able to return to work. better education and training for staff by creating a nurse educator position to maintain levels of training and to see that there is compliance. A position is being advertised. require that the homes are subject to the same annual inspections by the state Department of Public Health as other long-term care facilities in the state. Baker said he has filed legislation to make this happen. Baker also proposed a number of changes that were not included in the Pearlstein report, including: creation of a consistent policy at Holyoke and Chelsea for the hiring of a superintendent. He has filed legislation to give appointing authority to the secretary of Health and Human Services with approval of the governor. immediate and long-term capital improvements. Some $6 million has been allocated to refresh residential units and furnishings at Holyoke to address infection control. Renovations are underway on the 3rd floor, which when completed, will allow residents being housed at Holyoke Medical Center to return to the Soldiers Home. Also the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance has begun planning long-term improvements at the Holyoke facility, with a design phase expected to begin in the fall. Kevin Jourdain, chairman of the Holyoke Soldiers Home Board of Trustees, said he reviewed the recommendations in the Pearlstein Report when it was released on Wednesday. He said he is in full support of the reports recommendations. It made perfect sense to me, he said. He said he would need more time to study Bakers own specific recommendations that are not in the report. He said he supports directing the state to begin the design work needed for expansion and renovation. The Board of Trustees has been in favor of expansion and upgrades at the Holyoke facility for quite some time, and he was pleased the process appears to be starting. Jon Paradis, a former deputy superintendent at the Soldiers Home who is now part of a grassroots effort calling for reforms, said Thursday afternoon that he was aware of Bakers recommendations but he was not prepared to respond to them publicly. He said he would be meeting with members of his group Thursday night, and would likely make a response afterward. The report faulted Soldiers Home staff for failing to take proper precautions to isolate people suspected of exposure when the first case of COVID-19 was suspected in mid-March. The first resident was tested on March 17, but the results were not confirmed until 4 days later, and the man had been showing symptoms for weeks. In the interim, the patient was kept in a room with 3 other people and was allowed to wander around the unit. By March 30, the patient and nine others had died as the home was overrun with the virus. At the press conference, Baker was asked if any of the trustees had resigned following the release of the report. Baker said he was not aware of any resignations, but said, I think thats a worthwhile question. Were currently talking to them about it. The governor appoints trustees, and each term is seven years. Baker said he was unsure how many members of the current board were appointed under his administration. State records show at least five of the Holyoke boards seven members current terms began in 2015 or later, indicating they were either appointed or reappointed after Baker became governor. U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, D-Springfield, spoke of the Soldiers Home in his remarks Thursday at a hearing of the House Ways and Means Committees Subcommittee on Health. In my district, lack of staffing and quality issues led to an explosion of cases and deaths at the Holyoke Soldiers Home, Neal said. The report makes it clear there needs to be accountability. I wholeheartedly embrace plans to renovate the Soldiers home but at the same time ensure it is treated with the same equity as its counterpart in Chelsea, Neal said. He added: This is a seismic chore and I am willing to help provide federal resources so the state can move forward to rebuild the facilities and create a more transparent, healthy environment for our veterans and those who care for them. Related Content: Rushins parents, who work for the Defense Department, have insisted that he wasnt suicidal. They say he panicked after clipping a car in the parking lot, drove off and was making a U-turn to return to the scene when the crash occurred. His mother says that he mentioned wanting to die after a man involved in the collision started yelling at him and asking if he was trying to kill himself. She says he was appeasing, not confessing. Representative Image With the insurance industry regulator setting up a working group on June 24 to suggest ways to improve coverage of drones, private and commercial owners hope to finally get clarity on the product structure and pricing. For drones flown on a private and as well as commercial basis, it is mandatory to buy third-party liability insurance in India. However, in the absence of a defined product structure, both insurers as well as drone enthusiasts, are finding it difficult to find specific covers at affordable rates. Added to this, most insurance firms are unwilling to offer covers citing lack of reinsurance support. A Mumbai-based entity working with farmers on deploying drones for fields said there is a need to standardise the product feature. Only a handful of products are available for drone operators. Plus insurers have tough conditions on the location where drones can be used. I was also asked to pay almost 1 percent of the opted sum insured as premium which is too high, he added. Typically, for third-party liability policies covering bodily injuries, the premium ranges between 0.5 percent and 0.75 percent of the sum insured. Drones cost anything from Rs 25,000 to Rs 6 lakh. Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has now set up a nine-member working group to look at the insurance needs of remote-piloted aircraft systems (RAPS), also called drones. IRDAI said drones are emerging as one of the fastest-growing technologies and are being used for a variety of purposes. Drones are playing a significant role in the current coronavirus situation, assisting various authorities in several activities. There is an immediate need to make available suitable insurance products covering the various risks involved in the use of drones, added IRDAI. Industry estimates suggest that over 330,000 units of drones have been sold so far in India on a commercial basis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, drones are being used in India to check whether people are following social distancing norms. Apart from this, drones are also being used in infrastructure and engineering sectors to monitor ongoing projects and for topographic surveys. In the agriculture sector, drones are being used to monitor crop yields and damage due to natural catastrophes and insect/wild animal attacks. In Mumbai, pizza delivery via drones was tested in May 2014 but was later discontinued after Mumbai Police said that the entity hadnt sought prior permission. Claim settlement is another area of confusion. The head of underwriting at a private insurer told Moneycontrol that private start-ups providing drones are also not aware of what qualifies as a valid claim. We had an incident where a drone deployed for agricultural purposes in Punjab reportedly crashed causing some damage to the field. The farm owner sought compensation from the company which is technically not payable because there was no injury or death. IRDAI also needs to spell out what drone-led losses qualify for insurance claims, he added. Insurance products are slowly becoming available for protection against physical injuries by drones. In June 2020, HDFC ERGO had launched a third-party liability claims cover in partnership with tech startup TropoGo. This product will be available for commercial drone owners and operators and will work on a pay-as-you-go model. Similarly, Tata AIG General Insurance and Drone Federation of India had partnered in January 2020 to create insurance products and services for the drone industry. The IRDAI working group will make recommendations within six weeks relating to the design and development of products to meet the needs of RPAS owners and operators. Reinsurance risks will also be studied. Right now, general insurers are reluctant to offer drone insurance as a mass product because reinsurers have sought clarity on the product structure and pricing. Since third-party liability plans have the possibility of high claims, insurance companies in turn take risk covers from reinsurance companies by paying a fixed premium. So whenever an insurer incurs a claim, this is paid out of the reinsurance cover. It is legal to fly drones in India since December 2018. However, individuals need to take prior permission from the civil aviation authority for flying these remote-piloted aircraft. Nano drones weighing less than 250 grams have a permit exemption, subject to the condition that they are flown below 50 feet. Pakistan and North Korea continue to be involved in attempts to illegally obtain nuclear products and know-how from German hi-tech companies as part of efforts to develop their atomic weapons programmes, a new report by German authorities has said. The annual report from the Office for the Protection of the Constitution in Baden-Wurttemberg, a state in southwest Germany, said the country is an important area of operation for clandestine efforts by Pakistan, North Korea, Iran and Syria to obtain nuclear technology as it is a leading industrial nation and home to numerous hi-tech firms. The report for the year 2019 was made public by authorities in Baden-Wurttemberg on June 16. This is the second time in less than six months that German authorities have expressed concern about Pakistans efforts to illegally procure technology used in atomic weapons. The report, which is in German, said: Iran, Pakistan, North Korea and Syria are still pursuing such efforts. They aim to complete existing arsenals, perfect the range, deployability and effectiveness of their weapons, and develop new weapons systems. They are trying to obtain the necessary products and relevant know-how...through illegal procurement efforts in Germany. Such countries also constantly develop and optimise their procurement methods to circumvent existing export restrictions and embargoes, the report said. To conceal the actual end user, they can procure goods in Germany and Europe with the help of specially established cover companies and, in particular, transport dual-use goods to risk states. Typical bypass countries include the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and China, the report added. Potential sources of nuclear know-how are universities, non-university research institutions and research and training departments of companies, the report said. In order to minimise risks, the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution sensitises those responsible to make them aware of the danger and possible consequences of illegal knowledge transfer, it added. In a specific section on Pakistan, the report said the country has operated an extensive programme for nuclear weapons and delivery systems for many years. This is primarily directed against the arch enemy India, which also possesses nuclear weapons. For maintenance and further development, Pakistan is dependent, among other things, on the acquisition of Western technology and procedures, the report said. In addition to the acquisition of products (dual-use goods), the secondment of scientists to universities, institutes or research establishments is also important. This also applies to institutions in Baden-Wurttemberg. In November last year, the German government had responded to a question from several lawmakers of die Linke (Left Party) by saying it believed there has been a sharp increase in Pakistans activities in recent years to illegally procure technology used in nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) weapons. The governments reply dovetailed with concerns expressed by Bundesamt fur Verfassungsschutz (BfV), the domestic intelligence service, which had said in a 2018 report on proliferation-related matters that there has been a massive increase in Pakistans attempts to clandestinely procure nuclear goods in Germany and other Western countries. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has drawn sharp criticism after he called slain Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden a martyr. Khan made the comment during a televised session of parliament on June 25 as he described the countrys fraught relations with the United States. When U.S. special forces raided a hideout in the northern Pakistani city of Abbottabad in 2011 and killed bin Laden, they martyred him, Khan said. In the Muslim world, the word martyr is usually reserved as a laudatory term for those who die or are killed in the name of the Islamic faith. It is also widely used for fallen soldiers in Muslim-majority countries. Khan said in his speech that he felt humiliated and embarrassed when the United States conducted the raid after a 10-year manhunt for the worlds most wanted terrorist. "After that, the entire world started abusing us. They invaded our land and then criticized us," Khan said, responding to criticism Pakistan had faced for failing to find bin Laden while he was in the country. While several Pakistani leaders have criticized the U.S. raid on bin Laden's hideout as a breach of the country's sovereignty, this is the first time such a high-profile figure has praised the man behind the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States. Pakistan has officially denied knowing bin Laden was in Abbottabad, but some have suggested the countrys intelligence services may have known he was there and were cooperating with the terrorist network as part of its Afghanistan policy. Khan, who critics sometimes call "Taliban Khan for his alleged support for militants, faced a backlash from the opposition and social media users following the comments. Bin Laden "was a terrorist, and our prime minister called him a martyr. He was behind the massacre of thousands," said Khawaja Asif, a former foreign minister and senior leader in the opposition Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N). Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, the spokesperson for the opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), called Khan a national security threat. If [bin Laden] is a martyr, then what is the status of those civilians and members of our armed forces who embraced martyrdom in the attacks by Al-Qaeda? he wrote on Instagram. Michael Kugelman, the deputy director of the Asia program at the Wilson Center think tank in Washington, wrote that Khans comments are not a good look. Imran Khan's description of Osama Bin Laden as a martyr badly undermines Pakistan's narrative that it no longer supports terrorists, he wrote on Twitter. With reporting by dpa, Dawn, and Reuters THE managing director of Shannon Heritage, which controls King Johns Castle, is to step down from his role. Croagh man Niall OCallaghan, a former regional manager of IDA Ireland, has told local traders that he will shortly be leaving the agency. The move was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Shannon Group this morning when contacted by the Limerick Leader. In an email, seen by this newspaper, Mr OCallaghan wrote: As I depart, it is with a profound sense of gratitude for having had the opportunity to work with you, in striving to improve the tourism product for Ireland and the regions in which Shannon Heritage has the pleasure of operating in. I have learned to value and appreciate that the diversity of operational functions is one of the greatest strengths of Shannon Heritage. Eleven locations; indoor and outdoor, east to west, day and night, urban and rural, customer facing and back of house. I am constantly inspired by the depth of collegiality, professionalism and affirmation shown by you and whom I have come to know personally over the past three years. The need to adapt to changing demands and visitor attraction trends is, we believe, what sets Shannon Heritage apart, his email adds. Mr OCallaghan concluded by saying it has been a privilege to have worked for Shannon Heritage. As our paths diverge, I want you to know that I'm taking with me the valuable lessons I learned from my time working with you, and I wish you the very best in your future endeavours particularly at this difficult of times, he said. His departure comes against the backdrop of anger around the fact both King Johns Castle and Bunratty Castle are closing after the summer period, with the Shannon Group saying this is to do with lower-than-anticipated tourism from America due to coronavirus. However, its understood his departure does not relate to this issue. Mr O'Callaghan said he has enjoyed his three years in the role, and looks back on this time with great pride. Shannon Group has confirmed that Niall OCallaghan, Managing Director, Shannon Heritage, has informed the Group of his decision to leave the Company in order to take up other opportunities. Mary Considine, the chief executive of Shannon Heritage added: "I would like to thank Niall for his contribution to Shannon Heritage and Shannon Group during his tenure as managing director of Shannon Heritage and wish him and his family the very best for the future." This spring the FCC opened up a new swath of unlicensed wireless spectrum in the 6GHz band thats intended for use with Wi-Fi and can provide lower latency and faster data rates. The new spectrum also has a shorter range and supports more channels than bands that were already dedicated to Wi-Fi, making it suitable for deployment in high-density areas like stadiums. To further understand what Wi-Fi 6E is and how it differs from Wi-Fi 6, I recently talked with Perry Correll, director of product management for networking solutions vendor Extreme Networks. Kerravala: Wi-Fi 6 seems to be getting a lot of hype but not Wi-Fi 6E. Why? Correll: Theres so much confusion around all the 666 numbers, itll scare you to death. Youve got Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 6 still has additional enhancements coming after that, with multi-user multiple input, multiple output (multi-user MIMO) functionalities. Then theres the 6GHz spectrum, but thats not where Wi-Fi 6 gets its name from: Its the sixth generation of Wi-Fi. On top of all that, we are just getting a handle 5G and there already talking about 6G seriously, look it up it's going to get even more confusing. Kerravala: Why do we need Wi-Fi 6E versus regular Wi-Fi 6? Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) Malacanang said while the Bayanihan Heal As One Act may have lapsed, it will not affect the distribution of emergency cash aid to millions of Filipinos hit by the COVID-19 crisis. "Sa ngayon naman po walang epekto. Ang SAP (social amelioration program) distribution po ay nakalaan na po yan for distribution, hindi naman po sakop yan ng Bayanihan Act," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said during his regular briefing on Thursday. [Translation: For now it has no effect. The SAP distribution is meant to be given out, that isn't covered by the Bayanihan Act. "It's a physical act of disbursing what has been allotted by Congress, so wala pong problema 'yan [so there is no problem]," he added. READ: 1.3 million beneficiaries receive second tranche of SAP DSWD Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said it has completed the first tranche of SAP distribution, two months after it started. Roque also said there was no need to make emergency purchases as there was sufficient supply of personal protective equipment and test kits. The Bayanihan We Heal As One Act was signed in March to give the President extra powers to counter the pandemic. It lapsed on June 24. However, President Rodrigo Duterte did not certify as urgent the second Bayanihan bill that was supposed to extend his extra powers for three months to address the health crisis. Senate Bill 1546 or the Bayanihan We Recover As One bill earmarked 140 billion for programs including subsidies for affected sectors until September 30 this year. In the House of Representatives, Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez had filed a similar bill on May 26. Business Advisor Lorenzo Riccardi visited 200 countries and territories, collecting data and economic trends, completing the greatest business travel around the world MILAN, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The project 200 Economies has ended at the beginning of 2020: the largest world business journey conceived by the international CPA and passionate traveler Lorenzo Riccardi, who was able to combine his interest for new geographies with the current trends of an always more global economy. The project started from the concept of "G-200," an ideal cluster including all the countries in the world. Globalization has indeed allowed the creation of always more interactions among different countries in terms of trade, finance, investments, diplomacy and culture. G-200 is a project promoting a future change from G-20 to a global economy with investments to all developed, emerging and frontier countries. With the last travel to Trinidad and Tobago, Lorenzo Riccardi has completed his own Grand Tour to every economy of the world visiting 200 countries and territories, including all member states of the United Nations (193) and carrying out the greatest business tour around the world. Over the years Riccardi has planned itineraries and collected economic data on a dedicated website ( 200-economies.com ), organizing conferences under the patronage of investment agencies and government organizations. Lorenzo Riccardi has been living in China, leader country of the emerging markets, for 14 years and decided to follow the new path of Chinese investments from the Great Wall to the entire world as a modern Marco Polo. A complex travel, in stages, along the Silk Road and the global market to catch all the newest economic trends under the influence of Washington and Beijing. After the pandemic the concept of travelling will probably change but the importance of global markets will not vary. To travel to different regions and in all the UN countries it takes a good organization, both from a logistic and bureaucratic point of view: there are many visas difficult to get such as the one for Equatorial Guinea and Turkmenistan. Also, many areas are not well connected by flights, like for example Kribati which is the most easterly country in the world or Nauru which is the least visited with only 180 visitors per year. It's also important to have a good knowledge of dangerous areas, where there are ongoing wars (Iraq, Syria, Lybia), or areas at risk of serious illnesses (such as Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Yellow Fever in most parts of Africa and Covid today on a global scale). Moreover, different time zones and weather conditions, political systems and religious influences are important factors to be take into consideration when planning journeys and also to understand all the different regions. "To understand the global development, it's important to travel from China to the rest of the world," says the creator of the project "200 Economies" Lorenzo Riccardi. "In Southeast Asia, Thailand and Vietnam both represent the ideal partners for investments in that area with export trades towards West. In Africa the influence of Beijing is tangible: the new airport of Algiers, the railways along the coasts of Nigeria, the AU Conference Center and Office Complex in Addis Abeba and the biggest mosque of the continent have all been built by Chinese companies. Also, in Oceania, one of the regions most influenced by the US, the Belt and Road projects brought to the construction of new airports, roads and infrastructures connecting the Pacific area with Asia, both from an economic and geographic point of view." About Lorenzo Riccardi Lorenzo is an International CPA and the Managing Partner of RsA. Researcher at Shanghai University; has covered roles in the governance of institutions, nonprofit and multi-nationals, including some the largest luxury, mechanical and food groups. He is a regular speaker on emerging Asia and has multi-language publications, including: China Accounting Standards (Springer), Asia: Economia, fiscalidade e Investimento (Nova Delphi), Vietnam Tax Guide, (Springer), Investing in China through Free Trade Zones (Springer), Gli investimenti in Asia Orientale (Maggioli), Guida alla fiscalita di Cina, India e Vietnam (Il Sole 24 Ore). Previously Lorenzo Riccardi had travelled the entire Eurasian region overland. He's now one of the greatest travelers in the world, having visited every sovereign country and after this journey he won't stop and will seek new paths looking the world as a Western citizen based in Asia, exploring the opportunities offered by the globalization in each region. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1196439/Lorenzo_Riccardi_200_Economies.jpg Contact: Giulia Consiglio E: giuliac@nowpr.it M: (+39) 3462536872 SINCE in-school learning was suspended on March 23, school boards have been meeting frequently with education department officials and other organizations to develop a co-ordinated approach to dealing with the impact of COVID-19 on the K-12 school system. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/6/2020 (576 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion SINCE in-school learning was suspended on March 23, school boards have been meeting frequently with education department officials and other organizations to develop a co-ordinated approach to dealing with the impact of COVID-19 on the K-12 school system. While these meetings have been invaluable for exchanging information and clarifying health and policy guidance, the work of supporting students and their learning takes place at the community level, thanks to the efforts of senior administrators, principals, teachers and other front-line staff, with the support of locally elected school boards. When classes were moved from school to home three months ago, the provincial government offered policy direction to school boards relating to continued learning, and some resources to teachers, parents and students. But it was school boards that interpreted and applied those policies so they worked in their divisions, and it was school boards that made sure students had the tools they needed to continue to learn from home. Some students already had access to electronic devices and high-speed internet. Others had one or the other, and school boards filled gaps by providing devices, establishing Wi-Fi hotspots for enhanced access to their schools existing high-speed infrastructure, or working with industry to provide connectivity to students at home. Where online solutions simply werent possible, teachers prepared thousands of learning packages and school divisions re-deployed staff bus drivers, custodians, educational assistants to ensure the materials got to students. With the province laying out what it wanted to achieve for students learning at home, it has been local school boards, with their roots in the community, implementing the "how." The provincial government also realized early on that the suspension of in-school learning would pose additional challenges for those students who count on school-based breakfast, lunch and snack programs. It considered developing a centralized provincial program to fill that need, but in the interim, school boards stepped in. They built on existing partnerships with local businesses and community organizations, and established new ones, to deliver nutritional hampers alongside learning materials to any family that needed the extra support. No new provincial nutritional program was required; school boards simply adjusted existing local models to new circumstances to ensure no child went hungry. Since the suspension of in-class learning, there has been shared concern between the government and education partners with the toll the pandemic could take on the mental health of Manitobas students and families. The government quickly added mental-health resources to its COVID-19 page, including access to a virtual therapy program. But in local Manitoba communities, school boards understood that the break from normal routines would be emotionally difficult for many students, and immediately ensured that existing, locally funded resources were maintained. Kids of all ages were missing their friends, teachers, and usual activities. Some were struggling to engage with their own learning. With the support of boards, teachers and other school staff are reaching out to students, to make sure each one knows that they are missed, that their school community is thinking of them, and that someone is there to help. Jen Zoratti | Next A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. The tools and resources offered by the province are helpful, but school communities know there are vulnerable students who need a more personalized approach. They know who those students are, they know their needs, and they have the people who want and are able to provide the supports needed, because their local school board is there to allocate local resources accordingly. The pandemic has not changed the role of school boards. They continue to support students academic, physical and emotional well-being. What it has done is amplify that role, making it more visible and underscoring its importance. In responding to COVID-19, school boards are using their knowledge of local circumstances to develop and implement plans that work for their students, staff and families. Thats not something that can be done from Broadway, because those plans dont look the same from community to community. Education is after all, a community enterprise local voices making local choices. The provincial government paints the broad outline of K-12 education in Manitoba, but school boards fill in the details that ensure schools belong to communities. This is true not just today, but always; and it is something we all need to keep in mind as we await the release of the report of the education review commission, with recommendations that may shape our K-12 system for decades to come. Alan Campbell is president of the Manitoba School Boards Association and a trustee in the Interlake School Division. Tracking indigenous Irish companies gives a better guide to Irelands real economic performance than measuring multinationals, according to new research. Economists have struggled for years to agree an appropriate measure for Irelands wealth because of the distortions the multinational sector has on standard measures like gross domestic product (gdp). Its led to claims of so called Leprechaun economics after official data suggested the Irish economy had grown by aquarter in 2015. In a new report for the ESRI economist John Fitzgerald suggests a truer measure of the economic welfare of those living in Ireland is Net National Product (NNP), derived from a new set of CSO data. The article published by the ESRI today is called Understand ingrecent trends in the Irish economy. It uses new and detailed CSO series of figures to provide a picture of economic growth in different sectors each broken down by foreign and domestically owned businesses between 2013 and 2018. Based on the new CSO information, the contribution to NNP of sectors of the economy is broken down by foreign and domestically owned businesses. The results indicate that real NNP grew by around 5pc a year between 2013 and 2018. That is far below official numbers for gross national income (GNI) suggest but closer to the real experience on the ground. Instead of exceptional and erratic growth rates, as seen in the headline CSO data for GNI, the pattern shown here for NNP is smoother and more plausible, Prof FitzGerald said. Foreign firms dominate many measures of the economy, but account for just a fifth of NNP and a quarter of wages paid here. The NNP data highlights how domestic business are also active across more of the economy compared to multinationals that tend to concentrated in sectors like manufacturing and technology. These results indicate that,while foreign multinational enterprises make a very valuable contribution to growth, the success of the economy now depends very heavily on the progress of domestic business, Prof FitzGerald said. Labour's shadow education secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey has been sacked by Sir Keir Starmer who said she shared an article containing an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. Long-Bailey tweeted an Independent interview with actor Maxine Peake, in which Peake made an unsubstantiated claim that US police officers learned the technique of kneeling on suspects' necks from the Israeli secret service. The technique has been thrown into the spotlight after the death of George Floyd, who died after an officer knelt on his neck for nine minutes. Long-Bailey tweeted a link to the interview which was headlined Maxine Peake: People who couldnt vote Labour because of Corbyn? They voted Tory as far as Im concerned alongside the comment: Maxine Peake is an absolute diamond. Sir Keir Starmer and Rebecca Long-Bailey during a hustings event during the Labour leadership. (Getty Images) Peake said in the interview: The tactics used by the police in America, kneeling on George Floyds neck, that was learnt from seminars with Israeli secret services. A spokesman for Starmer said: This afternoon Keir Starmer asked Rebecca Long-Bailey to step down from the shadow cabinet. The article Rebecca shared earlier today contained an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. As leader of the Labour Party, Keir has been clear that restoring trust with the Jewish community is a number one priority. Anti-Semitism takes many different forms and it is important that we all are vigilant against it. In a statement, Long-Bailey said in no way was my retweet an intention to endorse every part of that article. Rebecca Long-Bailey, centre, finished second behind Sir Keir Starmer, left, in this year's Labour leadership contest. (Hollie Adams/Getty Images) However, Long-Bailey admitted she chose not to remove her Twitter post after being instructed to do so by the leaders office, prompting Starmers decision to sack her. The party has been hit by numerous anti-Semitism allegations in recent years. Starmer, after being elected as Jeremy Corbyns successor in April, promised to root out anti-Semitism. Responding to his sacking of Long-Bailey on Thursday, the Board of Deputies of British Jews thanked Starmer for his swift action. Story continues President Marie van der Zyl said: I would like to thank Keir Starmer for backing his words with actions on anti-Semitism. After Rebecca Long-Bailey shared a conspiracy theory, we and others gave her the opportunity to retract and apologise. To our surprise and dismay, her response was pathetic. Her position as shadow education secretary was therefore untenable. There is no space for this sort of action in any party and it is right that after so many challenging years, Labour is now making this clear under its new leader. Rebecca Long-Bailey is the MP for Salford and Eccles. (PA via AP) Long-Baileys full statement read: Today I retweeted an interview that my constituent and stalwart Labour Party supporter Maxine Peake gave to the Independent. Its main thrust was anger with the Conservative governments handling of the current emergency and a call for Labour Party unity. These are sentiments are shared by everyone in our movement and millions of people in our country. I learned that many people were concerned by references to international sharing of training and restraint techniques between police and security forces. In no way was my retweet an intention to endorse every part of that article. I wished to acknowledge these concerns and duly issued a clarification of my retweet, with the wording agreed in advance by the Labour Party leaders Office, but after posting I was subsequently instructed to take both this agreed clarification and my original retweet down. I could not do this in good conscience without the issuing of a press statement of clarification. I had asked to discuss these matters with Keir before agreeing what further action to take, but sadly he had already made his decision. I am proud of the policies we have developed within the party from our green industrial revolution to a national education service and I will never stop working for the change our communities need to see. I am clear that I shall continue to support the Labour Party in Parliament under Keir Starmers leadership, to represent the people of Salford and Eccles and work towards a more equal, peaceful and sustainable world. John McDonnell, Corbyns former shadow chancellor who backed Long-Bailey over Starmer in this years Labour leadership contest, tweeted in support of her following the sacking. He said: Throughout discussion of anti-Semitism its always been said criticism of practices of Israeli state is not anti-Semitic. I dont believe therefore that this article is or [Long-Bailey] shouldve been sacked. I stand in solidarity with her. However, Jonathan Goldstein, chair of the Jewish Leadership Council, said: Today we saw significant action from Sir Keir Starmer in ensuring there is zero tolerance for anti-Semitism within the Labour Party. His actions show he understands the severity and harm that anti-Semitic conspiracies do to our politics. We welcome this decisive leadership and firm action. Watch the latest videos from Yahoo UK Actor Eiza Gonzalez has apologised for wearing blackface in a past telenovela appearance. Images of Ms Gonzalez in the make-up resurfaced on social media amid reports suggesting that she is allegedly dating Timothee Chalamet. I am deeply sorry and ashamed about having worn blackface makeup shown in the images circulating, Ms Gonzalez told Page Six. As a 15-year-old child actor on my first job in a Mexican telenovela, I was pressured against my will, and with no negotiating power, I could not advocate for myself in the situation. I wish I had the voice and knowledge then that I have now. Ms Gonzalez, now 30, also addressed another image of her dressed like a geisha, telling the publication it dates back to a trip she once took in Japan. According to my host, it is considered an intercultural exchange to dress up in their traditional clothing and makeup, she said. It is seen as an appreciation of their culture, however, I understand that out of context, this calls for a dialogue about contemporary cultural appropriation. The actor, whose recent films credits include Alita: Battle Angel and Hobbs & Shaw, said that she has faced racism and ignorance herself throughout [her] life and career, pointing to her experiences as a Mexican woman and an immigrant. More than gestures of apology, it is my responsibility to educate myself and use my voice to stand up for others, she added. And again I deeply apologise for hurting anyone. UI Health, Chicago Medical Society and PhysIQ Collaborate to Protect Frontline COVID-19 Health Care Workers and High-Risk Patients with Advanced AI The University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System (UI Health), Chicago Medical Society and AI healthcare tech pioneer physIQ announced today that physIQ's pinpointIQTM continuous remote patient monitoring (cRPM) system will monitor the vital signs of the health system's frontline health care workers and high-risk patients with COVID-19 for early signs of disease exacerbation. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005195/en/ UI Health will monitor the health of frontline healthcare workers and high-risk patients with COVID-19 using pinpointIQ, comprising wearable biosensors and artificial intelligence technology. (Graphic: Business Wire) The pinpointIQ system is an FDA-cleared AI analytics platform that monitors the vital signs through a wearable biosensor detecting changes in physiologic indices of health status. The system then notifies clinicians charged with monitoring data produced by pinpointIQ for clinically-relevant changes in vital signs. This allows an early plan of care to be developed that may prevent complications or hospitalization. "Our top priority is protecting and promoting the health and safety of our patients and staff, and COVID-19 has created an urgent need for innovative, tech-driven solutions," said UIC's Dr. Terry Vanden Hoek, Chief Medical Officer at UI Health and Head of the Department of Emergency Medicine at the College of Medicine. "We are excited to partner with the Chicago Medical Society and physIQ to offer home monitoring options to some patients and staff with COVID-19 that could help us detect physiologic changes of illness progression that may indicate a need for early follow up with their physician." Through this collaboration, the University of Illinois Hospital will have access to the technology and monitor certain staff and patients with COVID-19 with risk factors such as obesity and heart or lung conditions and who are isolating at home. "Continuous monitoring of patients using physiological modeling with AI offers an opportunity to detect a virus exacerbation early. Early intervention may prevent the body from initiating the 'cytokine storm' that we think causes the most severe complications of COVID-19," Vanden Hoek said. "We hope this technology will help us to closely follow the health of our staff - in partnership with their primary care providers - and patients while they are at home with COVID-19." The potential utility of pinpointIQTM for use with COVID-19 patients is supported by the work physIQ has done with USAID, the CDC and Scripps Health in patients with Ebola, as well as in clinical studies conducted with Veterans Affairs in patients with severe congestive heart failure. The pinpointIQ system comprises a VitalConnect wearable biosensor, pulse oximeter and smartphone streaming of physiological data to a HIPAA compliant cloud-based server, which uses FDA-cleared analytics to produce clinically actionable insight. For homebound UI Health patients, the system will be prescribed by an emergency room physician and shipped directly to the patient's home without requiring direct physical contact from a clinician. For health care workers who choose to participate, the system will be deployed at the hospital, through UI Health's employee health program. "To make a life-changing impact, we need to be at the front line of health care," noted Gary Conkright, CEO of physIQ. "We are proud to support homebound healthcare workers and patients who are high risk for COVID-19 exacerbation with our remote physiologic monitoring technology. This opportunity also allows physIQ to support UI Health in its mission to reduce and eliminate the health disparities experienced by vulnerable communities, which have recently seen disproportionate rates of COVID-19 infection and death due to COVID-19 complications." "PhysIQ is alone in offering deep analytics and AI to monitor the health of patients and their healthcare providers," said Ted Kanellakes, Executive Director for the Chicago Medical Society. "The Chicago Medical Society is proud to support this important collaboration. As a provider to underserved communities, UI Health and physIQ together will make a real difference to the people of Chicago." About the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) provides comprehensive care, education, and research to the people of Illinois and beyond. A part of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), UI Health comprises a clinical enterprise that includes a 462-bed tertiary care hospital (the University of Illinois Hospital), 21 outpatient clinics, and 11 Mile Square Health Center facilities, which are Federally Qualified Health Centers. It also includes the seven UIC health science colleges: the College of Applied Health Sciences; the College of Dentistry; the School of Public Health; the Jane Addams College of Social Work; and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, including regional campuses in Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. UI Health is dedicated to the pursuit of health equity. About the Chicago Medical Society Founded in 1850, the Chicago Medical Society is one of the oldest and largest medical societies in the United States. But our mission remains as vital as ever. In addition to improving public health locally, CMS' programs educate physicians of all specialty areas while encouraging professional interaction and unity. The Society's grassroots advocacy benefits all 17,000 physicians in Cook County. About physIQ PhysIQ is a leading digital medicine company dedicated to generating unprecedented health insight using continuous wearable biosensor data and advanced analytics. Its enterprise-ready cloud platform continuously collects and processes data from any wearable biosensor using a deep portfolio of FDA-cleared analytics. The company has published one of the most rigorous clinical studies to date in digital medicine and are pioneers in developing, validating, and achieving regulatory approval of Artificial Intelligence-based analytics. With applications in both healthcare and clinical trial support, physIQ is transforming continuous physiological data into insight for health systems, payers, and pharmaceutical companies. For more information, please visit www.physIQ.com. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005195/en/ All of them were presently in managed isolation. The new cases included two in Christchurch and one in Rotorua, reports Xinhua news agency. Wellington, June 25 (IANS) New Zealand reported three new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, bringing the total active cases in the country to 13, according to the Ministry of Health. The Rotorua case was a woman in her 30s who arrived from Peru andveryone who was on the bus with her is being followed up, Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield told a press conference. The two Christchurch cases were a man in his 70s and a man in his 30s who arrived from India on June 20 on the same flight. They were tested positive for COVID-19 on the routine testing on the third day of their isolation, Bloomfield said. "Any possible contact of these two cases are being identified and followed up," he added. The total number of confirmed cases in New Zealand reached 1,169, Bloomfield said. The number of COVID-19 related deaths in New Zealand was 22, according to the Ministry. New cases started emerging in the country last week after a gap of 24 days. --IANS ksk/ Actor Govindas son Yashvardhan Ahuja suffered minor injuries after he met with a car accident on Wednesday night. The accident took place in the Juhu area of Mumbai. Talking to The Indian Express, Govinda said that Yashvardhan was safe. He said, My son Yashvardhan was driving the car and suddenly a car came in front of his car and rammed into him. However, my son is safe. He has got a few injuries on his arms, but nothing to worry. The car has had a few dents and scratches. No police complaint was lodged. Govinda said that no one was seriously injured in the accident. We have not lodged a police complaint because the driver apologised to us, and it is a car from Yash Raj. We have an old relationship with them. Their driver was driving the car. He is also safe, he said. Also read: Sushant Singh Rajputs final film Dil Bechara to release on July 24, Disney+ Hotstar makes it free for all as tribute Yashvardhan aspired to make a career in Bollywood like Govinda. In an interview with Mumbai Mirror in 2016, he had said that though he loved to direct, he was more inclined towards acting. He added that his father was helping him with his craft. Everything I know about the craft came from dad. He has taught me how to improvise on screen. I remember him telling me how Kader Khan sir and he came up with impromptu dialogues on the sets of Harmesh (Malhotra) uncles Dulhe Raja, which is one of my favourite films. These days our dinner table conversations only revolve around movies, he had said. Govinda was known for his comic timing and dancing skills. He acted in a number of films such as Raja Babu, Coolie No 1, Hero No 1, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Haseena Maan Jayegi and Partner. He was last seen in a double role in Rangeela Raja. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON When Thanos decided to disintegrate half of all life in the universe, the Avengers were called in to save the day. When gyms closed during the quarantine, Movement by Michelob ULTRA LIVE called the only people who could save us from our couch-bound snacking habits: Billy Blanks, Suzanne Somers and Jake Body by Jake Steinfeld. Yes, the legends of at-home fitness crazes from the 1990s are coming together once again to get our butts, abs and thighs in motion. Related: This Innovative Workout Axe Is the New Trending Home Workout Earlier this summer, Billy Blanks led viewers through his iconic Tae Bo workout followed by a virtual happy hour with Suzanne Somers hosted by Jake Body by Jake Steinfeld. (To watch, visit MichelobULTRA.com.) In the leadup to the coming together of these at-home heroes, Entrepreneur spoke with Suzanne Somers about the most iconic piece of exercise equipment to ever grace a TV screen: The ThighMaster. (Sorry, Shake Weight.) On ThighMasters hold on our imagination You know, I've written 27 books on health. Ive done 16 or 18 years of series television, Ive given lectures and the thing I am best known for is the ThighMaster! [Laughs] I think it was the tagline: You just put it between your knees and squeeze. It was the right product, the right place, the right timing, the right spokesperson the right everything. It was a perfect storm. Related: 10 Ways To Motivate Yourself To Workout Everyday The making of an iconic commercial I had bought this pair of Manolo Blahnik shoes that were at that time, 500 bucks. I was in my dressing room and thought, Oh my husband is going to think this is so crazy spending this much money. But for me, they were perfect. So I walked out of my dressing room in my underwear and I said to my husband, Like my new shoes? And he said, Great legs! And I went, Oh my God, that's the commercial! Thats how we started the commercial if you recall. We sold 10 million ThighMasters right out of the gate. It still sells to this day even though we dont advertise. Putting the business in show business When I was playing Chrissy Snow on Three's Company, the producers did not understand business. They only understood how to put on a great show, and maybe that's all they needed to understand. But my husband and I kept saying that you're missing out on a whole thing here. We could brand Chrissy Snow products! She wears the little shorts and knee socks and wedge shoes and snap-on ponytails. And they would get mad at us: This is not about business it's about the show! And I would walk away thinking, Actually they call it show business. How ThighMaster was born People were presenting ideas to us and this woman presented what she called The V-Toner, which is a very unsexy name. She came to our house and showed how it worked, how you can use it to exercise your upper body, your pecs and your arms. And I'm staring at it and I said, Does that work for the inner thighs? She goes, Yeah, but people are more interested in their upper body. And I said, Not women! And so that day we took over ownership of it and renamed it ThighMaster. That was our foray into branding and we havent stopped since. If you go to Suzannesomers.com, you can see the array of our products. Related: The Only 5 Items You Need to Get a HIIT Workout at Home Her unplanned journey I did not plan to be this person. I really liked being Chrissy Snow on TV. I didn't plan to be the unofficial first feminist when I demanded equal pay. Men were all making 10 to 15 times more than me, including John Ritter, and the network decided to make an example of me so that no other woman would have the audacity to ask for parity. I lost that great job and I was so devastated at the time, but life is about veiled gifts. I was suddenly kicked out on the streets, but I kept reinventing myself, and my husband and I decided we wouldn't work for anyone ever again. I put together my own show at the MGM Grand and in 1987, I was named Las Vegas Female Entertainer of the Year Frank Sinatra was the Male Entertainer of the Year. I decided not to feel sorry for myself. What was it unfair what happened to me at ABC? Yep. It was unfair, but life isn't fair and you have to get over things and move forward. On which at-home workout rules them all If you're spending a lot of time in bed, you can get a whole lot of exercise done with the ThighMaster. You can do the thighs and you can actually work all your entire body. So let's stay in bed and do the ThighMaster. No insult to Jake or Billy! Related: Free Webinar | August 20: Three Digital Marketing 'Musts' to Transform Your Business into an Online Sales and Referral Machine Cheetos hace una alianza con Walmart para sacar un producto muy especial Why Sales Copywriting Is Crucial for Your Business Copyright 2020 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved U.S. Army leaders on Thursday announced an effort to reduce racial bias and foster inclusion in the ranks but will not ban the display of the Confederate flag without Pentagon approval. Sweeping civil unrest across the country in protest of racial injustice has prompted branches of the U.S. military to take steps to root out discrimination and eliminate symbols of racism. Read Next: It's Official: The Army Is Getting Rid of Officer Promotion Photos to Help Eliminate Bias The Marine Corps and Navy have moved to ban the Confederate flag from their installations, but the Army has not taken similar action. The service has made recommendations on the issue to Defense Secretary Mark Esper and is awaiting his decision, Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy told defense reporters at the Pentagon on Thursday. "The secretary of defense wants to make a uniform decision for the policy for the [Defense] Department," McCarthy said. The Army on Thursday unveiled Project Inclusion, an effort that will focus on taking meaningful steps to eliminate unconscious bias that exists at the institutional level. In one such change, the service will do away with official photos as a requirement in the promotion board process for officers beginning in August. The Army will also evaluate a similar move for warrant officers and sergeants. Following weeks of demonstrations to protest racial injustice and police brutality, Army leaders decided to take "a hard look at ourselves and make sure we are doing all that we can to have a holistic effort to listen to our soldiers, our civilians and our families to enact initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion," McCarthy said. But looming over the Pentagon are decisions on whether to ban the Confederate flag and to rename installations such as Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Fort Benning, Georgia, that bear the names of members of the Confederacy. McCarthy said in early June that he was open to consider renaming these installations, but President Donald Trump tweeted that his administration would not consider "renaming of these Magnificent and Fabled Military Installations." "The commander in chief put out specific guidance related to bases," McCarthy said. "In the Department of Defense, Secretary Esper wants us to look at all of these challenges that are potentially in front of us and have deliberate conversations so we can make the best recommendations possible." Army Regulation 600-20 allows commanders to make decisions on symbols that "are not conducive to good order and discipline" and remove them if they see fit, according to Army officials. But service leaders stopped short of taking a position on whether the Confederate flag should be banned across the Army. Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville said that he and other senior leaders have passed on their best military advice to the military's civilian leadership and are working toward a long-term solution to these issues. "We certainly have some ideas on the best way to do this, whether it's the symbology of certain things or it's taking a look at what certain posts should be. And there is certainly room to take a look at it," McConville said. "I think we need to take a look at all those things. ... I think what we need is a long-term, enduring solution to bring all people together that are concerned about those issues." -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Related: Army Is Latest Service to Consider Confederate Flag Ban Liverpool's history boys have finally secured the Premier League title as they become domestic champions for the first time in 30 years. Manchester City had to beat Chelsea on Thursday night but failed to do so, handing title glory to the Reds and ensuring a wild night of celebrations in Merseyside. Manager Jurgen Klopp has masterminded a near perfect season after 28 wins and two draws from 31 games, with just one defeat. The likes of Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and captain Jordan Henderson led the way en route to this historic moment. Sportsmail's OLI GAMP will take you through all the latest news and reaction to the title win as the night unfolds. 3 1 of 3 San Antonio Police Department Show More Show Less 2 of 3 San Antonio Police Department Show More Show Less 3 of 3 San Antonio police are asking for the public's help in locating a person of interest in connection to an unsolved murder from 2018. Homicide detectives are searching for 24-year-old Alexander Joshua Michelson, who they say may have possibly been involved in the killing of 20-year-old Mia Lutzberger. T wo brothers whose father was hospitalised with Covid-19 have launched a project to give isolated patients audiobooks during recovery. Nicky and Sam Woolfs father Geoff, 73, was admitted to the Whittington Hospital in March and has spent two months on a ventilator. Journalist Nicky, 33, said it had been hard not being able to visit him, explaining: Even when a loved one is unconscious, just being able to be there is everything. "So we started thinking how we could make some kind of connection. Actor Sam, 28, regularly does audiobook voiceovers so the brothers decided to give their father a Kindle full of novels his son had worked on. When staff at the Whittington suggested the idea could help other patients, the brothers launched the Books for Dad project. They began with a trial of 20 Kindles at the Whittington before extending it to University College London Hospital and Guys & St Thomas. They plan to launch it nationwide. Audible has provided the Kindles and is now a partner of the project. British Airways has supplied disposable headphones. Nicky said: Weve been totally overwhelmed with the response. "The feedback from patients and staff at the Whittington has been great everyones loved it. Visit: booksfordad.co.uk Liability waivers have emerged as one way for businesses open during the coronavirus pandemic to protect themselves against lawsuits. Reopenings across Central New York come along with fears about what could happen if the virus spreads including at many small businesses that are already in precarious financial positions. Yet there are many factors business owners should consider before asking customers or employees to waive their legal rights to sue, said Syracuse lawyer Adam Mastroleo in a Q&A for small businesses, part of syracuse.coms Back in Business initiative. In some cases, laws could prevent businesses from this practice, Mastroleo said. He emphasized that small businesses have many options when it comes to balancing employee and customer safety while protecting themselves from lawsuits. Mastroleo handles labor and employment law at Bond, Schoeneck & King. He has helped several businesses develop reopening plans. He answered a wide array of questions on reopening during a live Facebook event. You can watch the full video below. Here are some tips he offered on liability waivers: Employees + workers comp It doesnt make much sense for most employers in New York state to ask employees to sign liability waivers because of workers compensation, Mastroleo said. Any employee who could prove they contracted Covid-19 at work would likely be entitled to workers comp, Mastroleo said. (Employees who get workers comp cant sue their employers for negligence.) And in NY, courts have also found employers generally cant ask workers to waive their legal rights. That renders the liability waiver mostly useless, and Mastroleo notes there are downsides, too with morale and perception. There are very practical costs of having employees sign a waiver, he said. The employees could take it as you saying you dont necessarily care about our safety but your bottom line more. Some businesses cant ask customers to waive liability Coronavirus waivers have not yet been challenged in the courts, so there is some uncertainty about how they will play out. But Mastroleo points out that for certain industries and business relationships, general liability waivers have been struck down by judges and through legislation. You may operate a business where a waiver would be unenforceable by way of law, he said. In New York, that includes waivers involving doctors and patients, caterers, landlords and tenants, amusement parks, gyms and pools, and common carriers and passengers (buses, cruise ships and airplanes are examples). Mastroleo also said businesses should keep in mind there are different types of negligence and the law doesnt let customers sign away claims to all of them. You cant ask someone to waive gross negligence or intentional misconduct, for example. So even with a liability waiver, you wont be guarding against lawsuits if a customer makes a case that you acted recklessly or didnt take the proper safety precautions, for example. 24 Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse reopens after coronavirus shutdown Better options There are many costs that could come with asking customers to sign a waiver, Mastroleo said. He urged small business owners to perform a cost-benefit analysis and consider their other options, too. These are patrons of your service or your business, he said. Think about: What message do you want to send to (them)? Businesses should know about another legal defense they have to liability claims, including assumption of risk, Mastroleo said. This boils down to: Courts recognize that some activities are risky. Again, coronavirus lawsuits havent hit the courts yet, but helping to spread awareness about the risks of coronavirus and how to prevent it might be a better defense than any waiver. Mastroleo suggests one way businesses can help themselves and help customers understand the risks of coronavirus is through signs and other forms of communication. He pointed to Disney World as an example, which prominently posted a disclaimer to its website. There are plenty of local examples for ideas of how to do this, too, from restaurants to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Preventative strategy Mastroleo emphasizes that the best way to ward off lawsuits is to have a good reopening plan and stick to it. The number one and the best defense against any claim related to Covid will be that you as a business had a safety plan in place that complies with the guidance of the state and federal government and that you implemented that plan, you communicated that plan and you followed it, he said. For more of Mastroleos advice on crafting reopening plans, see the full Q&A below. If you go the waiver route ... If you go through each of these considerations and still conclude it makes sense to ask customers or employees to sign a liability waiver, Mastroleo urges small business owners to consult a lawyer. I wouldnt recommend somebody try to put one of these together on their own, he said. If youre worried about liability, the last thing you want to do is use a template off the internet. There are ways to make the most out of a liability waiver if its right for you, Mastroleo said. For example, take the time to tell the customer or patron what youre doing to keep them safe, he said. A lawyer can walk you through the appropriate language. Dont google it, Mastroleo said. Google doesnt know the law. Live Q&A: Syracuse lawyer to discuss reopening, waivers, insurance and more Were talking to Syracuse labor and employment lawyer Adam Mastroleo, of Bond, Schoeneck & King, to discuss reopening. Ask him your questions in the comments! Posted by syracuse.com on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 Small business owners: Have a question or a story to share about how youre coping through the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent shutdown? We want to hear from you. Contact Back in Business reporter Julie McMahon: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992 CNY BACK IN BUSINESS Small businesses have 1 more week to get piece of $130 billion Paycheck Protection Program Summer is not canceled: How Syracuse entertainer keeps thriving during pandemic 31 Onondaga Co. small businesses get $5,000 grants to help with coronavirus struggles Small business owners get another change to apply for $10,000 grants, federal loans CenterState CEO business survey: Sense of optimism grows as Central NY reopens More from CNY Back in Business Sign up for the Back In Business newsletter to get small business advice delivered to your email inbox Authorities confirmed the body that was found in a Sioux Falls garage in South Dakota Tuesday afternoon is that of Angela Armstrong, who was last seen earlier this month after leaving her home. An autopsy conducted on Wednesday by the Minnehaha County Medical Examiner and Coroners office positively identified the 44-year-old woman, who was found in an apartments garage next to her SUV on the south side of Sioux Falls. The coroners office did not determine a manner and cause of death following the autopsy. A police spokesman said in a news release obtained by the Argus Leader they have not identified any obvious trauma or suspicious circumstances surrounding her death. Authorities do not believe there was any indication of foul play, and the community is in no danger whatsoever, the release stated. The family of Armstrong shared the news shortly after her body was found on the Facebook page Missing Angela Armstrong, which was set up to update the public with information. It is with broken hearts that we share with you today that Angie Armstrong, mother, daughter, and friend was found deceased, the family wrote. She was full of love, hope, and life. She was our treasure. As we honor her memory and all of the joy that she brought to us, we want to thank you for your love, support, and encouragement as we made our way through the last few weeks. In honor of Angie, we ask you to share love and kindness with those near you. Lets make this world a better place in her honor, the post continued. Armstrong was a mother of three children, with two of her youngest still living at her home. Before she left her house on the evening of June 3 she told her son she would be back later. When she didnt return that evening, her family reported her missing. Her children said it was unlike Angie to leave and not return. Her two youngest children were looked after by their grandmother following Armstrongs disappearance. During the search for the missing woman, on several occasions authorities asked for the publics help in finding her as they had a lack of leads. A resident of the apartments where the vehicle and her body was found said he had seen authorities search areas near the apartments over the last couple of weeks. One of the major difficulties in the search was that it was not possible for police to enter garages or houses without probable cause, the spokesperson told the Argus Leader. A judge later granted a warrant for the search team, he said. The spokesperson also said it is not clear if Armstrong is connected to the specific apartment building she was located. He did say the garage does not belong to her and the management of the apartment complex notified residents about the investigation. A GoFundMe page was set up by her family who said they are currently dealing with the pain of her loss and struggling to find the funds to cover the cost of her funeral service and burial. Her children, mother, and friends are absolutely devastated by Angies passing, the page reads. By PTI THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan on Thursday said "state specific protocols", as demanded by the Kerala government, cannot be implemented for bringing back expatriates from foreign countries. However, the ministry itself appreciated the state government later for its "pragmatic approach" in bringing back expatriates and said the effort will "minimise the chances of transmission" of the coronavirus. Muraleedharan, the Rajya Sabha MP from Maharashtra, earlier in the day said all Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) flights will have to follow the same standard operating procedure (SOP) while bringing back expatriates. The Kerala government, which had made pre-flight COVID-19 testing mandatory for those travelling from abroad, laid down certain guidelines on Wednesday to bring back those stranded, especially from the Gulf countries, taking into account country-specific situations. The government order on COVID-19 testing was to come into effect from Thursday and Kerala had sought the Centre's help for providing testing facilities in the host countries, before the expatriates boarded the flights to the southern state. "The VBM flights carrying expatriates to India will follow the same SOP and state-specific protocols cannot be implemented. The ministry has informed the Kerala government about the same," Muraleedharan said. He said according to the SOP, any expatriate who comes from abroad will undergo all tests that are being conducted in those countries in accordance with the SOP their. The Union minister said the testing protocol of each country will be applicable and the MEA is bound to implement those. "Rest of the guidelines and restrictions suggested by Kerala is impractical for the external affairs ministry and we have informed the same to the state," he told reporters. However, late in the evening, the Consular, Passport and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs, Sanjay Bhattacharyya, sent a letter of appreciation to Kerala Chief Secretary Vishwas Mehta. "I must compliment the government of Kerala for its pragmatic approach in trying to contain the spread of the virus. The measures proposed by you of wearing N95 masks, face shields, hand gloves etc. will minimise the chances of transmission," the letter said. It also said the Kerala government may discuss the special requirements directly with the airlines concerned for their cooperation. "We shall share your approach with our Ambassadors in the Gulf. This would greatly facilitate a smooth flow of Indians back home by VBM flights," Bhattacharyya said. According to the state government's order, apart from carrying a COVID-19 negative certificate, the passengers must wear N95 masks, face shields and gloves. It also said the passengers from certain countries, where there are no testing facilities, must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while flying into the state. Muraleedharan said the Centre wants to bring back all those who wish to return and the guidelines will remain common for all the states. "The chief minister had earlier said testing was not necessary as it was not possible even after the central government had taken efforts. The Centre has not tried to implement what Kerala has said. We told them that the efforts were futile and the Centre is unable to interfere in the health protocols of other countries," he said. The Union minister criticised the Kerala government for the less number of COVID-19 tests taking place in the state. The state unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had also lashed out at the Kerala government and raised questions as regards how PPE kits will be made available to the passengers. The state government had earlier informed that it was ready to provide the kits and testing materials, if required. Suspended, rotating devices known as "flappers" may be the key to fewer birds flying into power lines, a study by Oregon State University suggests. The findings by researchers in OSU's College of Agricultural Sciences are important because around the globe both the number of power lines and concern over bird fatalities are on the rise. Research has documented more than 300 species of birds dying from hitting power lines, with one study estimating that more than 170 million perish annually in the United States and another estimating the global death toll to be 1 billion per year. There's also the problem of power outages that bird strikes can cause. Conservation managers and utilities many years ago developed flight diverters, basically regularly spaced devices that make the lines more visible, as a step toward reducing the number of birds flying into the lines. The most common type are the PVC spirals, which are durable and easy to install, but how well they actually work isn't well understood. Though they've been in use for nearly four decades, strike rates remain high for a number of species. OSU researchers Virginia Morandini and Ryan Baumbusch were part of an international collaboration that compared the effectiveness of three types of flight diverters: yellow PVC spiral; orange PVC spiral; and a flapper model with three orange and red polypropylene blades with reflective stickers. advertisement The flapper hangs from a power line and its blades, 21 centimeters by 6.2 centimeters, rotate around a vertical axis. The three-year study took place in southern Spain, and almost 54 kilometers of power lines were used in the research. Ten kilometers were marked with yellow spirals, 13 kilometers were marked with orange spirals, another 13 had flappers, and 16 kilometers had no markers, thus serving as a control. All three flight diverter types were spaced every 10 meters. Field workers combed the area under the lines every 40 days for evidence of birds killed by power lines and found a total of 131 such birds representing 32 species. The research suggested the flappers were responsible for a 70% lower average death rate compared to the control. The findings also showed the spirals were better than no diverters, but significantly less effective than the flappers. "Colored PVC spiral is the most commonly used flight diverter by far, but the flapper diverter was the one showing the largest reduction in mortality with the lowest variation across different power lines, habitats and bird communities," Morandini said. "We suggest to consider the flapper as the first choice when installing bird flight diverters, recommending to increase future research in testing its material durability and resistance against vibrations and color loss." The flappers and PVC spirals have comparable materials and production costs, researchers say, with flappers being easier and faster to install. That's important because power companies must keep a line discharged during the diverter installation process -- losing money because electricity is not flowing through the line -- so the time required to install diverters is the most important factor when considering costs. English Danish The travel restrictions and border closings imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have dealt a severe blow to the aviation industry. Copenhagen Airports A/S (CPH) has also been affected with passenger traffic reduced to levels not seen since World War II. This has had a negative effect on the company's financial guidance for 2020, and CPH now expects to incur a loss for the full year. Due to the widespread uncertainty about air traffic in Denmark and the rest of the world caused by this health crisis, it has previously not been possible to assess the effect of the crisis on CPHs financial situation. It has now become clear, however, that the COVID-19 crisis will have a significant negative impact on CPHs revenue and earnings for 2020. Based on financial developments in 2020 to date and the prospects of very limited passenger traffic for the rest of the year, CPH expects a significant drop in revenue relative to 2019. Given the costs of keeping the airport operational, CPH now expects an overall loss after tax of DKK 450750 million for 2020. This estimate includes the effects of various government relief packages. Without them the loss after tax would likely be in the range of DKK 700-1,000 million. The forecasts remain subject to significant uncertainty and will depend on, among other things, developments in air traffic for the rest of the year. Maintaining tight cost management and organising operations more efficiently As stated in a company announcement of 17 March 2020, CPH has implemented a number of operational and investment cost cuts in order to align costs to the current level of activity. Operational cost cuts implemented amount to as much as DKK 250 million in 2020. In addition, current projects and investments in CPHs investment programme put on hold or postponed are expected to produce CAPEX savings of about DKK 600-700 million in 2020. CPH still applies the governments wage compensation scheme, as some 2,200 employees equivalent to 1,600 full-time positions have been put on furlough with partial compensation for CPHs wage expenses. However, the compensation scheme has been far from enough to cover the costs of keeping the airport operational. Accordingly, CPH will remain focused on aligning the airports costs and operations with expected developments in passenger traffic going forward. Developments in passenger traffic over the coming months will be subject to substantial uncertainty. Parts of the airports operations have already been shut down in response to the significant drop in passenger traffic, and CPH has implemented a general hiring freeze. In addition, CPH will have to take initiatives that will introduce more permanent changes to day-to-day operations in light of the altered conditions caused by COVID-19. A priority is to plan the work involving passenger-facing functions to be performed as efficiently as possible and to organise it going forward to take account of the much lower passenger figures expected in 2020 and 2021. More specifically, changes will made to the way work is planned and organised in Security, which is CPHs largest department staff-wise. CPH's management has terminated eight of forty-five local agreements and four of the fourteen common practise agreements, all involving the scheduling and organisation of duty rosters and rotation schemes for the some 970 staff in Security. No changes have been made to the basic collective agreement for security. The aviation industry is facing a very serious situation. While there have been some positive news recently that travel restrictions would be eased, it will likely be a long time before commercial air traffic recovers to pre-COVID-19 levels. This scenario is clearly reflected in our financial outlook for 2020. That means we are compelled to continue our tight cost management and to adjust operations, so we are positioned effectively to serve much fewer passengers. Our goal at CPH is to safeguard as many jobs as possible, but our duty as a management is also to keep our business afloat for the duration of the crisis, which in a worst case scenario could impair Copenhagens position as an international hub in competition with airports in neighbouring countries, says Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Copenhagen Airports. For further information, please contact Thomas Woldbye, CEO at Copenhagen Airport, via Media Relations tel. +45 32 31 28 00 Attachment Macys to Cut 3,900 Corporate, Management Jobs in Restructuring Macy's cuts staff, downsizes as lockdown hits sales Macys Inc. announced a restructuring plan today that will see 3,900 corporate and management jobs slashed in an attempt to reduce costs as the effects of the CCP virus crisis continue to weigh on the businessan institution of U.S. retail. The company expects the cuts to result in savings of $365 million in 2020, or some $630 million in annual savings going forward. Macys Inc. had around 123,000 employees at the end of January. The company said it would cut staff numbers at store level as well as in its supply chain and customer support networks, and would adjust these as sales recover. Like many other brick-and-mortar retail outlets, Macys was hit hard by lockdown measures. Some 775 Macys, Bloomingdales, and Bluemercury stores remained closed from March 18 to May 4, with almost 7 weeks of inactivity followed by a gradual reopening process. The company announced in May that it has sustained estimated first-quarter losses of between $900 million and $1.1 billion. According to the company website, Macys Inc. reported fiscal sales of $24.6 billion in 2019. To compound the companys recent difficulties, a number of the groups storesincluding Macys flagship store on Herald Square in New Yorkwere damaged by looting in early June. Police vehicles park outside Macys flagship Herald Square store in New York city after it was broken into on June 1, 2020. (Wong Maye-E/AP Photo) COVID-19 has significantly impacted our business, said Jeff Gennette, chairman and CEO of Macys Inc., in a statement. While the re-opening of our stores is going well, we do anticipate a gradual recovery of business, and we are taking action to align our cost base with our anticipated lower sales. Gennette thanked his departing colleagues for their service to the company, as well as those who had continued working during the lockdown and those still on furlough. He said he expected most furloughed workers to return in early July. We know that we will be a smaller company for the foreseeable future, and our cost base will continue to reflect that moving forward, Gennette said. He said the companys lower cost base would combine with approximately $4.5 billion in new financing to increase company stability and flexibility. Shares of Macys Inc. were down over 4.5 percent in Thursday trading. A man from Long Island has been charged with attempted kidnapping after allegedly breaking into a family's home in Queens, dragging a seven-year-old girl out of her bed screaming and throwing her down a flight of porch stairs. According to a statement from Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, the girl was saved from her would-be abductor, identified as 32-year-old Pete Haufghton, when her family heard her cries for help and thwarted the kidnapping early Monday morning. 'This is a parents worst nightmare,' Katz stated. 'The defendant allegedly illegally entered the familys home and grabbed the girl as she slept in her bed. If not for her loved ones hearing her screams and acting to save her, this could have had a truly tragic outcome.' Pete Haughton, 32, has been charged with burglary, attempted kidnapping, assault and endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly trying to abducted a 7-year-old girl from this home in Flushing, Queens, early Monday morning After allegedly threatening to kill the whole family, Haughton fled but was quickly apprehended by police officers. Haughton, from Brentwood, New York, was arraigned on Tuesday on charges of first-degree burglary, second-degree attempted kidnapping, assault and endangering the welfare of a child. The disturbing incident began unfolding at around 7am on Monday on Lawrence Street in the Flushing section of Queens. Surveillance video obtained by the New York Daily News shows the suspect, wearing what appears to be a hospital gown and hospital wristbands, loitering outside a neighbor's gate for several minutes. According to the District Attorney's Office, Haughton somehow made his way inside a house, entered the seven-year-old's bedroom, grabbed the sleeping child, yanked her out of bed and dragged her outside. A recording from a neighbor's camera features the shocking moment the suspect pushes the young victim out the front door and down the stairs. He then goes back in the house and closes the door behind him, leaving the girl outside. Several family members, who were awakened by her screams, quickly came to her aid and called the police. Relatives spoke to the Daily News on condition of anonymity, telling the paper that the intruder went back in the house planning to kidnap the girl's five-year-old brother. 'I want to kill everybody,' Haughton was quoted as telling the family. The children's mother recounted for the newspaper that the man specifically threatened to kill her daughter. The father reportedly told Haughton that he will not call the police and promised to give him anything he wanted if he spared his children. Haughton eventually left and the family called the police, who arrived within a couple of minutes and arrested the suspect a few blocks away from the crime scene. The parents said both their children have been traumatized by the harrowing ordeal, and that the girl is now afraid to sleep alone in her bed. During his arraignment on Tuesday, Queens Criminal Court Judge Danielle Hartman denied bail for Haughton and ordered a psychiatric evaluation. Haughton is due back in court on July 23. If convicted as charged, he faces up to 25 years in prison. ISLAMABAD - Pakistans prime minister said Thursday the United States martyred the al-Qaida leader and mastermind of the 9-11 attacks, Osama bin Laden, a term that reflected a subtle jab at Washington as its mainly used for honourable figures slain in battle. Imran Khan delivered the jab in a rambling budget speech in parliament, attacking his predecessors foreign policies and saying that Pakistans partnership with the United States in the war on terror was a mistake. Khan also said Washington used abusive language against Pakistan, blaming Islamabad for its failures in neighbouring Afghanistan. Most of all, the U.S. refused to tell Islamabad of its operation against bin Laden in 2011 before carrying out the Navy SEALs nighttime raid. The special operations force swooped into Pakistans military garrison town of Abbottabad in the middle of the night on May 2, 2011, killing bin Laden and several of his operatives. We sided with the U.S. in the War on Terror but they came here and killed him, martyred him and ... used abusive language against us (and) did not inform us (of the raid), despite the fact that we lost 70,000 people in the war on terror, Khan told Parliament. Washington has repeatedly accused Pakistan of harbouring the Afghan Taliban and giving safe haven to the feared Haqqani network, a Taliban affiliate that has been blamed for some major attacks in Afghanistan over the years and declared a terrorist group by the United States. U.S. Adm. Mike Mullen, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had claimed the Haqqani network was run by Pakistans premier intelligence agency, known by its acronym ISI. Pakistan denied the accusations, saying Washington was blaming Pakistan for the failure of the U.S.-led coalitions 150,000 soldiers to defeat the Taliban, who are now at their strongest since being toppled in 2001 and rule or hold sway in about 50% of Afghanistan. The way we supported America in the war on terror, and the insults we had to face in return. ... They blamed us for every failure in Afghanistan. They openly held us responsible because they did not succeed in Afghanistan, Khan said. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were the only countries to recognize the Taliban government, which had harboured bin Laden as he planned terrorists attacks against the U.S. After the 9-11 attacks, Pakistan turned and became an ally of the United States against the Taliban, who were ousted by a U.S.-led coalition in November 2011. However, opposition lawmaker Khwaja Mohammed Asif slammed Khan for calling bin Laden a martyr, saying the al-Qaida chief had brought terrorism to Pakistan. He (bin Laden) ruined my country but he (Khan) is calling him a martyr, said Asif. Since taking over, Khan claimed his government has reset the Pakistan-U.S. relationship, elevating it to one of mutual respect, for which he also credited the personal rapport he has built with President Donald Trump. No one insults us now, said Khan. ___ Associated Press writer Munir Ahmed in Islamabad contributed to this report. A layer of Saharan dust set to arrive in San Antonio this week could cause poor air quality and stunning sunsets. The vast cloud, visible from space, led to yellow skies and limited visibility as it blanketed the Caribbean over the weekend. National Weather Service meteorologist Aaron Treadway expects the dust to settle in San Antonio on Friday and Saturday. It will not mark the city's first visit by the Saharan Air Layer, which forms over the Sahara Desert and moves across the North Atlantic each summer between mid-June and mid-August. San Antonio has seen the layer several times, Treadway said Wednesday, and the forecast calls for a repeat rather than a "Godzilla dust cloud." Either way, the masks that city officials are urging residents to wear amid the coronavirus pandemic should also keep out dust particles, according to Dr. John Dice of South Texas Allergy & Asthma. "Its kind of ironic that its showing up at the same time as the COVID virus when we're being asked to wear masks," Dice said. "It actually may help people from the dust as well." Dice noted the particles become an irritant as they drift down to ground level. Anyone can experience breathing problems or itching due to the dust in the air, but people with underlying respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD may have extra trouble, Dice said. He advised people with such conditions to spend less time outside, ensure they uses their medications consistently, and wear a mask if they do go outside over the next week or so. Dice said everything he's read suggests the clouds are the worst Saharan Air Layer in 20 years, with a thicker level of dust. "Will that translate into a lot more health problems? I don't know, but I think we're expecting more people to be affected by it," he said. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's Air Quality Index currently forecasts Level Orange "Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups" for parts of South Texas on Thursday. The commission will keep an eye on conditions into the weekend, a spokesperson said. The dust could also affect the NWS weekend weather forecast, which currently calls for isolated thunderstorms. Treadway noted the cloud's drier air could "squash those rain chances completely." And of course, the dusty skies could assume vivid hues around dusk. Treadway explained, "Sunsets may actually be a little bit prettier for two days just because the sun is going to be able to reflect and bounce off the dust in the air." Dancing with the Stars participant and actor Ryan Andrews and partner, Primary School Teacher Michaela ONeill are launching this years CMRF Crumlin Abseil Challenge. Ryan and Michaela will be going to new heights on September 18 when they abseil off the roof of Croke Park in Dublin. By dropping 100 feet off the Hogan Stand, Ryan and Michaela are raising vital funds to support the care and treatment of sick children in CHI at Crumlin. And you can too, CMRF Crumlin supporters in Co Leitrim can join Ryan and Michaela to sign up to take part. We're delighted to be taking part in the Abseil for CMRF Crumlin challenge, says Ryan. It all made it real when we put the harnesses on and looked out onto Killiney Hill to hone our abseiling skills. It's a long way down to be honest. We think we're ok with heights, and we've never had a problem with it before. But when you're hanging off Croke Park it's a different story. So we'll see. I'm saying we'll be ok with heights now but hopefully I won't back out on the day. During Ryans stint on Dancing with the Stars, he revealed that he was living with a serious health condition that is sometimes misunderstood. With scoliosis I never really took any notice of it. At the end of the day it was really just a word on a piece of paper, and that's all that I kind of saw it as. But then it was only as I got older and got on 'Dancing with the Stars' that it made me realise with all the struggles and pain I was going through the embarrassment and self-consciousness that I was going through, to be open about it. National Scoliosis Awareness Month takes place every June to highlight the growing need for education, early detection and public awareness about scoliosis and its prevalence within Ireland. Scoliosis is surprisingly common and affects four in every thousand people. It is more common in girls than boys, and can develop at any time during childhood and adolescence. There's lots of different initiatives throughout the year but National Scoliosis Awareness Month is important, and I've opened up a bit more about it. The amount of people who have come to me and said I have that. I think people thought that there was something wrong with them, says Ryan and they were nearly afraid to go to the hospital because they didn't want to hear anything wrong. But I'd be like look there's absolutely nothing wrong with you. It's you but just in a different way. Everyone is different and everybody has their own troubles so if you have scoliosis it depends how you deal with it and adapt to it that makes you the person you are and not just having scoliosis. Ryan adds: 'Dancing with the Stars' was probably one of the best experiences I have ever had. It's something I have always wanted to do. It was hard. It was physical and daunting and that's why I did open up about it because I was struggling at the time. I couldn't really do it because my back was giving me pain - the posture, the lifts, and the ten hours of training every day. So then they said that's why you need to open up and show people that you're going through all of this but that you're still overcoming it. Bernice Condon, Challenge Fundraising Executive with CMRF Crumlin says, We are delighted to have Ryan and Michaela join us for this years abseil, having experienced CHI at Crumlin first hand, he knows first-hand what the children at CHI at Crumlin go through. The abseil is a great way to get involved in fundraising while challenging your fears. Were calling on our supporters in County Leitrim to sign up to raise vital funds for our little patients. Sign up to join Ryan and Michaela as they abseil off Croke Park on September 18, 2020 CMRF Crumlin hopes to raise 30,000 this year with spaces limited to 80 people. There is a 70 registration fee and the minimum people must raise is an additional 350. Participants will climb down behind the large screen on the Hogan stand before dropping down in a 100 foot abseil to the pitch side. For those interested, please email Bernice at abseil@cmrf.org [Social distancing and all health and safety measures will be adhered to during the abseil]. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his counterparts from Rwanda and Estonia and discussed bilateral cooperation and the coronavirus situation. During his conversation with Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta, Jaishankar said he discussed the coronavirus situation, bilateral cooperation, international organisations and the Commonwealth. "A nice conversation with FM @Vbiruta of #Rwanda. Discussed the #CoronaVirus situation, bilateral cooperation, international organisations and #Commonwealth. Our partnership moves from strength to strength," Jaishankar tweeted. During the conversation with Estonia's Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu, Jaishankar said he appreciated his digital initiative on COVID-19. "Welcomed hearing from #Estonian FM @UrmasReinsalu. Appreciate his digital initiative on #COVID19. Look forward to working together at the #UN Security Council," Jaishankar said in a tweet. PTI UZM RDM RDM 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: 25 June 2020 Number of Public Shares purchased: 42,287 Shares Highest Price Paid Per Share: 1,906 pence 23.63 USD Lowest Price Paid Per Share: 1,876 pence 23.26 USD Average Price Paid Per Share: 1,892 pence 23.46 USD Ticker: PSHD Date of Purchase: 25 June 2020 Number of Public Shares purchased: 24,293 Shares Highest Price Paid Per Share: 23.50 USD Lowest Price Paid Per Share: 23.44 USD Average Price Paid Per Share: 23.46 USD Trading Venue: Euronext Amsterdam Ticker: PSH Date of Purchase: 25 June 2020 Number of Public Shares purchased: 36,221 Shares Highest Price Paid Per Share: 23.70 USD Lowest Price Paid Per Share: 23.25 USD Average Price Paid Per Share: 23.46 USD PSH will hold these Public Shares in Treasury. The net asset value per Public Share related to this buyback is 34.48 USD 27.55 GBP which was calculated as of 23 June 2020 (the "Relevant NAV"). After giving effect to the above buyback, PSH has 195,853,454 Public Shares outstanding, or 201,783,689 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 15,103,296 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/20200625005799/en/ Contacts: Camarco Ed Gascoigne-Pees Hazel Stevenson +44 020 3757 4989, media-pershingsquareholdings@camarco.co.uk Credit: CC0 Public Domain Several Senate Republicans are seeking to force tech companies to help government investigators break encryption to access material that could aid in probes of terrorists, child predators, drug traffickers and other criminals. Sens. Lindsay Graham (South Carolina), Tom Cotton (Arkansas) and Marsha Blackburn (Tennessee) introduced the Lawful Access to Encrypted Data Act, which would put an end to what they called "warrant-proof" encryption. "My position is clear: After law enforcement obtains the necessary court authorizations, they should be able to retrieve information to assist in their investigations," Graham, who is chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a statement. "Our legislation respects and protects the privacy rights of law-abiding Americans. It also puts the terrorists and criminals on notice that they will no longer be able to hide behind technology to cover their tracks." The bill is targeted at companies like Facebook and Apple, which have repeatedly defended their stances by saying they have an obligation to protect the billions of innocent citizens who trust the encryption embedded in their devices and apps to shield their information from public exposure. The tech companies fear that if they provide investigators with a back door past encryption, they'll open up an avenue for bad actors to exploit the entryway. "End-to-end encryption is a necessity in modern lifeit protects billions of messages sent every day on many apps and services, especially in times like these when we can't be together," Facebook said in a statement, according to CNET. "Rolling back this vital protection will make us all less safe, not more. We are committed to continuing to work with law enforcement and fighting abuse while preserving the ability for all Americans to communicate privately and securely." Absent a backdoor past encryption, law enforcement officials are currently forced with having to hack into devices or abandon investigations altogether, according to the Republicans. They pointed to examples such as the December killing of three service members and the wounding of eight at the Pensacola Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida. The FBI said Apple refused to help it access two iPhones of the alleged terrorist, though the agency said it later successfully hacked in. Explore further Facebook firm on message encryption despite pressure (c)2020 U.S. Today Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Controversial YouTuber Myka Stauffer is finally addressing the 'uproar' over her decision to 'rehome' her five-year-old adopted son Huxley. Stauffer apologized for the 'confusion and pain' she caused after she and husband James revealed they were placing the son they adopted from China in 2017 in the care of another family. 'This decision has caused so many people heart break and I'm sorry for letting down so many women that looked up to me as a mother,' the now mother-of-four wrote in a lengthy statement posted to Instagram Wednesday. Apologizing: Controversial YouTuber Myka Stauffer is finally addressing the 'uproar' over her decision to 'rehome' her five-year-old adopted son Huxley Stauffer - who had over 715k YouTube subscribers before the scandal - started off saying she takes 'full responsibility' for 'all of the hurt' her actions caused. 'I'm sorry for the confusion, and pain I have caused, and I am sorry for not being able to tell more of my story from the beginning,' she wrote. 'I could have never anticipated the incidents which occurred on a private level to ever have happened, and I was trying my best to navigate the hardest thing I have ever been through.' The Ohio-based vlogger admitted she was in over her head when she adopted Huxley, calling herself 'naive' about adopting and not 'fully equipped' to deal with the challenge. 'I apologize for being so naive when I started the adoption process, I was not selective or fully equipped or prepared. I received one day of watching at home online video training and gained my Hague adoption certification which was required by my accredited adoption agency. For me, I needed more training.' 'I can't say I wish this never happened because I'm still so glad Huxley is here and getting all of the help he needs,' Myka continued. 'I also know that even though he is happier in his new home and doing better that he still experienced trauma and I'm sorry, no adoptee deserves any more trauma.' Unequipped: She apologized for the 'confusion and pain' she caused after she and husband James revealed they were placing the son they adopted from China in 2017 in the care of another family after learning about the severity of his 'special needs.' Myka previously disclosed Huxley is autistic and has suffered brain trauma In over her head: The Ohio-based vlogger admitted she was in over her head when she adopted Huxley, calling herself 'naive' about adopting and not 'fully equipped' to deal with the challenge Myka said her desire to help a child made her act rashly, admitting: 'I wanted to help so bad I was willing to bring home any child that needed me. For this, I was naive, foolish, and arrogant.' 'I wish so bad I would have been more prepared and done more. I wish the decision to disrupt never had to be made. Adoption and all special needs are amazing and I have a ton of respect for every adoptee, adoption parent, and special needs parent. I look up to you in a million ways. And I'm sorry for hurting the community in any way.' Myka also 'debunked' rumors she adopted Huxley 'to gain wealth,' explaining: 'While we did receive a small portion of money from videos featuring Huxley and his journey, every penny and much more went back into his care. 'Getting Huxley the care and services he needed was very expensive and we made sure he got every service, and resource we could possibly find.' She also told followers that she and her husband 'are not under any type of investigation.' The Delaware County Sheriff's Office were reportedly looking into Huxley's whereabouts earlier this month after receiving 'several inquiries.' They later said the boy was 'not missing' and the 'proper adoption process' was taking place. Myka went on: 'I'm hoping to share more from my side of the story soon. And lastly I'm so sorry for letting you down. I also want to mention that moms need a safe place to ask for help when they are struggling. No questions asked.' Big family: Myka and husband James have four biological children Good intentions: Myka also 'debunked' rumors she adopted Huxley 'to gain wealth,' explaining: 'While we did receive a small portion of money from videos featuring Huxley and his journey, every penny and much more went back into his care' She finished, calling rehoming Huxley 'the right decision.' 'We love Huxley and know that this was the right decision for him and his future. Praying that Huxley only has the best future in the entire world.' Myka and James - the parents of four biological children - first incited outrage in late May when she and James shared a tearful video saying they've decided to 'rehome' their adopted son. Shortly after that Myka scrubbed all images of Huxley from her Instagram account. James explained that three years after adopting the boy, he and his wife had discovered 'there were a lot more special needs that we were not aware of.' Myka had previously stated that the toddler has autism and brain trauma, and required a lot of specialized care. She added that an adoption agency had helped place Huxley with his 'forever family'. 'He's thriving, he's doing really well, and his new mommy has medical, professional training,' she added. Uproar: Myka and James first incited outrage in late May when she and James shared a tearful video saying they've decided to 'rehome' their adopted son after determining they were incapable of taking care of his special needs Short on details: The parents did not elaborate on where Huxley had gone, nor did they explain the process by which the child was matched with, and handed over to his new family The parents did not elaborate on where Huxley had gone, nor did they explain the process by which the child was matched with, and handed over to his new family. In a since-deleted comment posted under the clip, Myka went on to claim that 'multiple scary things happened inside the home towards our other children', suggesting that this was one of the key reasons behind their decision to give up Huxley. Myka and James have four other children: Kova, eight, Jaka, six, Radley, four, and Onyx, 11 months. 'We would never just give up a child with special needs, this is a personal matter to Hux it had nothing to do with he just had Autism,' she wrote. 'Multiple scary things happened inside the home towards our other children, and if these events happened with one of my biological kids, after all the help and after the behaviors we witnessed sadly we would have no other choice then to seek help and get their needs met.' Response: After coming under fire for her announcement, Myka allegedly responded in the comments. The message appears to have been deleted but is now circulating online End of the road: Several brands dropped Myka as a partner, including Kate Hudson's fitness brand Fabletics, Barbie, Playtex Baby and Suave The mom went on to insist that rehoming Huxley was what was best for him and something he wanted. 'Huxley wanted this descion [sic] 100% we saw that in family time with other poeple [sic], he constantly chose them and signed with and showed tons of emotion to show us and let us know he wanted this,' she explained. 'Huxley never had a say in his adoption, and he needed more help and also wanted this and we know that 100%.' The couple's lawyers, Thomas Taneff and Taylor Sayers, told People that Myka and James 'are very caring parents that would do anything for their children,' but 'this was the best decision for Huxley.' They explained that the couple had consulted multiple healthcare and education professionals since his adoption and were advised 'it might be best for Huxley to be placed with another family.' Myka and James' bombshell admission cost her a partnership with Kate Hudson's sportswear company Fabletics as well as partnerships with Playtex Baby, Barbie, and Suave. In a post to customers posted yesterday on its Northern Ireland Facebook page, Peter Mark insisted these additional charges only apply to customers whose hair "needs additional colour product and technical services" to return it to their "usual salon colour result" Hairdresser Peter Mark is hiking prices for some clients by up to 54 for their first post-lockdown salon visit, saying customers may need to pay extra to fix home-dye jobs and longer-than-normal regrowth. The hairstylist chain, which has six salons across Northern Ireland, is to reopen here on July 6. As part of its return, Peter Mark announced three new services "to adjust for the time that has elapsed since your last salon service" on its Northern Ireland Facebook page. Read More Those with regrowth longer than 2cm can expect to pay 38 more than a normal appointment. Peter Mark explained this is due to the length of regrowth being "too long" for a client's "usual colour application method". A colour detox service will cost an extra 54 and will be offered to customers who wish to correct "patchy and uneven" colour caused by at-home dye kits. Meanwhile, clients who feel their dyed colour has faded during the lockdown can pay an additional cost of 38 for the Colour Restore Service. Online customers branded the move "disgraceful" and a "rip off", with one person saying: "This is an absolute disgrace; 100% cashing in and exploiting customers." One angry customer in Northern Ireland claimed they had been quoted 186 for an appointment. "As much as I think the staff are absolutely talented and wonderful, I doubt there's really anyone who could or would spend that on a cut and colour," they posted. In a statement, Peter Mark told the Belfast Telegraph it could not comment on the specific price of nearly 190 quoted to the customer, but urged the person to come forward. "Without knowing the services required we couldn't comment on whether this pricing is correct," they explained. "However, we would love to speak this customer directly and clarify the correct pricing for the services they are requesting." Read More Peter Mark also said customers have been appraised of potential additional costs. "At the time of booking, Peter Mark has been advising clients that there may be an additional one off charge to restore their hair to its former colour," they added. "And if this is required, it will take extra time by the time stylist and extra product. "These services have always been available at Peter Mark but the reality is that normally they are not needed by clients when salons are open as they would not have as much regrowth and would get their hair coloured more frequently." In a post to customers posted yesterday on its Northern Ireland Facebook page, Peter Mark insisted these additional charges only apply to customers whose hair "needs additional colour product and technical services" to return it to their "usual salon colour result". Thanking its clients, Peter Mark added that it was looking forward to welcoming back customers to their salons next month. Meanwhile, salon owners across Northern Ireland have voiced concern the lockdown will have a significant impact on the industry. Andrew Mulvenna - who operates one of Belfast's biggest hair salons - warned he is expecting his own revenue to be down between 30% to 40%. He also said he hopes to break even over the next year of trading. Hair salons have also had to spend in order to ensure they can carry out appointments ensuring social-distancing precautions have been taken. Srinagar: Army on Thursday foiled three infiltration bids assisted by Pakistani posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Three infiltration bids were foiled in two separate sectors on the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir on the intervening night of October 5-6, an army official said in Srinagar. He said while two infiltration bids were foiled in Naugam sector, one such attempt was foiled in Rampur sector. The infiltration attempts were assisted by Pakistani posts, the official added. Watch live updates: Army camp attacked in Kashmir's Kupwara district, 2 terrorists killed For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Reuters Gold was sold at a discount in India this week as a rise in domestic prices dulled demand and jewellers looked ahead to the country's annual budget, while the upcoming Lunar New Year spurred demand in other key Asian centres. Retail demand moderated in the last few days as gold prices are moving higher and some states imposed restrictions because of rising coronavirus cases, said a New Delhi-based bullion dealer. Dealers were offering a discount of up to $2.5 an ounce on official domestic prices inclusive of the 10.75% import and 3% sales levies this week, down from last week's premium of $0.5. A study of 153 patients treated in UK hospitals during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic describes a range of neurological and psychiatric complications that may be linked to the disease and is published today in The Lancet Psychiatry journal. All of the patients included in the study were selected for inclusion by expert doctors and therefore likely represent the most severe cases. It is not possible to draw conclusions about the total proportion of COVID-19 patients likely to be affected based on this study and in light of these findings further research is now needed, the authors say. Researchers say their report offers the first detailed snapshot of the breadth of neurological complications in COVID-19 patients and should help to direct future research to establish the mechanisms of such complications so that potential treatments can be developed. Dr Benedict Michael, lead-author of the study, from The University of Liverpool said: "There have been growing reports of an association between COVID-19 infection and possible neurological or psychiatric complications, but until now these have typically been limited to studies of ten patients or fewer. Ours is the first nation-wide study of neurological complications associated with COVID-19, but it is important to note that it is focused on cases that are severe enough to require hospitalisation." [1] To investigate the breadth of COVID-19 complications that affect the brain, researchers set up a secure, UK-wide online network for specialist doctors to report details of specific cases. These portals were hosted by professional bodies representing specialists in neurology, stroke, psychiatry and intensive care. Data was collected between 2 April and 26 April 2020, during the exponential phase of the pandemic. Professor Sarah Pett co-author of the study, from University College London, UK, said: "This data represents an important snapshot of the brain-related complications of COVID-19 in hospitalised patients. It is critically important that we continue to collect this information to really understand this virus fully. We also need to understand brain-complications in people in the community who have COVID-19 but were not sick enough to be hospitalised. Our study provides the foundations for larger, hospital and community-based studies. These studies will help inform on the frequency of these brain complications, who's most at risk of getting them, and ultimately how best to treat." [1] Some 153 cases were reported during the study period, of which full clinical details were available for 125 patients. The study included patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection by PCR test (114 people), probable infection as diagnosed from chest X-rays or CT scans (6 people), and possible infection, where patients had symptoms consistent with disease but diagnostic tests were either negative or not done (5 people). The most common brain complication observed was stroke, which was reported in 77 of 125 patients. Of these, 57 patients had a stroke caused by a blood clot in the brain, known as an ischaemic stroke, nine patients had a stroke caused by a brain haemorrhage, and one patient had a stroke caused by inflammation in the blood vessels of the brain. Age data was available for 74 of the patients who experienced a stroke and the majority were over 60 years of age (82%, 61/77). 39 patients showed signs of confusion or changes in behaviour reflecting an altered mental state. Of these, nine patients had unspecified brain dysfunction, known as encephalopathy, and seven patients had inflammation of the brain, medically termed encephalitis. Long-term follow-up studies to assess duration and severity of these complications are needed. The remaining 23 patients with an altered mental state were diagnosed with psychiatric conditions, of which the vast majority were determined as new diagnoses by the notifying psychiatrist (92%, 21/23). Although most psychiatric diagnoses were determined as new by the notifying psychiatrist or neuropsychiatrist, the researchers say they cannot exclude the possibility that these were undiagnosed before the patient developed COVID-19. The 23 patients with psychiatric diagnoses included ten patients with a new-onset psychosis and six patients with a dementia-like syndrome. Seven patients had signs of a mood disorder, including depression and anxiety (7/23). Age information was available for 37 of the 39 patients with an altered mental state and of those, around half were aged under 60 years of age (49%, 18/37). The researchers say the high proportion of younger patients diagnosed with psychiatric conditions after showing signs of an altered mental state could be because these patients may be more likely to be referred to a psychiatrist or other specialist doctor, whereas confusion or behaviour changes in older patients may be more likely to be attributed to delirium and not investigated further. Detailed long-term studies are needed in order to confirm if there is any link between COVID-19 infection and the onset of psychiatric or neuropsychiatric complications in younger patients. Such studies should include comparison of the immune response in affected patients and those not affected, as well as investigation of genetic factors that might underpin the development of disease, the researchers say. Dr Benedict Michael, one of the lead authors of the study, from the University of Liverpool, said: "Our study is an important early step towards defining neurological complications in COVID-19 patients, which will help with health policy planning as well as informing the immediate next steps in COVID-19 neuroscience research. We now need detailed studies to understand the possible biological mechanisms underlying these complications so that we can explore potential treatments." [1] ### NOTES TO EDITORS The study was carried out by CoroNerve, a research group involving representatives from professional bodies including the Association of British Neurologists (ABN), Rare Diseases Ascertainment and Recruitment (RaDAR), the British Association of Stroke Physicians (BASP) and The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) in collaboration with the British Paediatric Neurology Association (BPNA), the NeuroAnaesthesia and Critical Care Society, the Intensive Care Society and key stakeholders. No funding was received for this research. The labels have been added to this press release as part of a project run by the Academy of Medical Sciences seeking to improve the communication of evidence. For more information, please see: http://www.sciencemediacentre.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/AMS-press-release-labelling-system-GUIDANCE.pdf if you have any questions or feedback, please contact The Lancet press office pressoffice@lancet.com [1] Quote direct from author and cannot be found in the text of the Article. Peer reviewed / Observational / People ORLANDO, Fla. - Amid calls to change the Splash Mountain theme park ride over its ties to Song of the South, the 1946 movie many view as racist, Disney officials said Thursday it was recasting the ride based on The Princess and the Frog, a 2009 Disney film with an African American female lead. Changes to the ride will be made both at Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Florida, the company said in a post. Disney said the changes had been in the works since last year, but the announcement comes as companies across the U.S. are renaming racially charged, decades-old brands amid worldwide protests for racial justice after the police custody death of George Floyd in Minnesota last month. The new concept is inclusive one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year, the Disney post said. Splash Mountain first opened as a log-flume ride at Disneyland in the late 1980s. The revamped ride will follow the contours of the animated movie, The Princess and the Frog, in which actress Anika Noni Rose voices the role of a 1920s aspiring chef in New Orleans who kisses a prince that has been turned into a frog and becomes one herself. With racist stereotypes and Old South tropes, Song of the South is a mix of live action, cartoons and music featuring an old black plantation labourer named Uncle Remus who enchants a white city boy with fables of talking animals. Groups including the NAACP protested the films initial release. The film isnt available to the millions of subscribers of the companys new Disney Plus streaming service, and it hasnt been released in theatres in decades. Disney parks should be a home for all to enjoy regardless of race, age, whatever your background may be, said an online petition asking for the ride to be changed. While the ride is considered a beloved classic, its history and storyline are steeped in extremely problematic and stereotypical racist tropes from the 1946 film Song of the South. But Splash Mountain had its supporters. Another online petition asked that the ride remain in its current incarnation. Many adults and children ride this attraction because it brings back childhood memories, the Keep Splash Mountain petition said. Disney already took out the racist songs which was a good move on their part. ___ Follow Mike Schneider on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MikeSchneiderAP Over 3.6 lakh Indians have returned to India from abroad after the government launched the ''Vande Bharat'' evacuation mission on May 7 in view of the pandemic, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said a total number of 5,13,047 Indians have registered their request with Indian missions abroad for repatriation to India on compelling grounds. Of the people who have registered, 3,64,209 have returned under this Mission as of today, he said. Repatriations from neighbouring countries have also been happening through land borders, he added. "More than 84,000 Indians have returned through land border immigration checkpoints from Nepal, Bhutan and Bangladesh," the MEA spokesperson said. "In the first three phases of the Mission, around 875 international flights were scheduled for operation from over 50 countries across five continents. So far, more than 700 of these flights have reached India, repatriating around 1,50,000 Indians," Srivastava said. The remaining 175 flights under the Phase 3 are expected to reach in the coming days, he said. These Vabde Bharat Mission (VBM) flights have been instrumental in addressing the immediate requirements of stranded Indians from many parts of the world, Srivastava said. "We are committed to bringing back our remaining compatriots particularly in the GCC countries, Malaysia, Singapore among other places. In order to continue with our efforts, Phase IV of VBM is being firmed up with effect from July 3, 2020," he said. "Phase IV will particularly focus on countries where we still have a large number of Indians who have registered to return," Srivastava said. Apart from these, chartered flight operations which commenced on May 26, have steadily increased over the past weeks, he said. These flights have also brought back seafarers and crews of shipping companies stranded in various places, Srivastava said. "Till date, 1,30,061 persons have returned on these flights. Demand for these flights remains very high especially in the Gulf region. Therefore, we are moving to further streamline the process," Srivastava said. Noting that repatriations through naval ships have also been part of this mission, he said one such repatriation is presently underway. INS Jalashwa reached Port of Bandar Abbas in Iran on June 24 to bring back Indian citizens and their embarkation was to commence on Thursday, Srivastava said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New Delhi, June 25 : Despite asserting that anti-China sentiment was mainly limited to social media, Xiaomi has started covering its retail store branding with the Made in India logo in white colour fearing the backlash, the All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) said on Thursday. The action came after the association sent a letter to all the Chinese mobile brands including OPPO, Vivo and others to bring the "ground reality" to their notice. Anti-China sentiment stirred up in the country following the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers in a clash with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Ladakh's Galwan valley on June 15. "Mi (Xiaomi) has started putting 'Made in India' banners in white colour on its boards," Arvinder Khurana, National President, AIMRA, told IANS on Thursday. When contacted, Xiaomi declined to officially comment on the development. In its letter, AIMRA requested the Chinese mobile phone brands to "allow retailers to cover these signages with cloth/flex or to remove the boards from the storefront for a few months". The association of the mobile retailers pointed out that anti-social activists had recently visited several markets in Mumbai, Agra, Jabalpur and Patna and damaged the signages of Chinese brands. "We sent the letter to ensure safety and security of our members and their stores. We have seen a little aggression in the market places," Khurana said, adding that certain organisations have given retailers one week time to remove Chinese branding from their stores. "We thought this could be a threat in the coming time if the aggression goes up. We are worried about the safety of retailers. What will happen if stores are set on fire, or if items of the stores are stolen or the retailers suffer physical injury?," he said. AIMRA said it had requested all Chinese brands including OPPO, Vivo, OnePlus, Motorola, Realme, Lenovo and Huawei to remove boards from the store front. Damage to the boards displaying Chinese branding should not be the retailer's liability, it said. "So we have written to the brands, requesting them to remove the branding. It so happens that some brands give retailers some margin because of the branding. In other situations, some brands have taken heavy security deposits from retailers to put their boards," Khurana said. "We are requesting that if tomorrow some boards get damaged, the security deposit of retailers should not be forfeited or they should not be made to pay for it," he added. Xiaomi India Managing Director Manu Kumar Jain tweeted last week that Xiaomi is "more Indian" than any other smartphone brand in the country. In an interview to news channel CNBC-TV18 last week, Jain said that anti-China sentiment was limited mainly to social media and it had not impacted Xiaomi's business in the country. The jingoism of the US President Donald Trump is seen coming to the fore in his government suspending a range of work, business and university research-related visas for the rest of the year. The president has for four years been building more than a metaphorical wall between the country seen universally as the land of opportunity and the rest of the world and these restrictions are a part of larger aims that go against globalisation. The H-1B visa ban, coming on top of a suspension in April of green cards for 60 days, further fulfils Mr Trumps narrow view of the impending November poll. As the incumbent he is using every means to retain his seat. The curbs on visas, green cards and asylum-seeking applicants would appeal directly to the people of his essentially white and right wing constituency who have been fighting to Make America Great Again. The Democrats may dismiss Mr Trump as the xenophobe-in-chief, but he has been clever in using the pretext of the pandemic to issue a series of policy changes affecting the whole immigration system. The move may immediately open up more than five lakh jobs for Americans at a time of economic distress even though many may not be qualified or willing to take up those jobs. While Mr Trump can be expected to stop at nothing in his bid for a second term, what his visa ban does is to shatter the dreams of Indian techies as they have been the biggest beneficiaries of a pioneering IT-enabled US system that has excelled while redefining several paradigms of modern life. No wonder then that IT Czars like Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella and Elon Musk, all US immigrants, are protesting volubly. Apart from businesses and universities, thousands of individuals will also be left stranded abroad for much longer, among them mothers of children who are American citizens. The Indian diaspora will have to contend with a dampener on the furthering of the American Dream, which means so much in the absence of similar opportunities in India. The domestic IT scene has had more to do with playing the back office for the corporate world rather than leading from the front as scores of CEOs of Indian origin do in heading Americas global behemoths. It is simplistic to say India can use the talent in reversing the brain drain. This is a difficult proposition since India is likely to be badly affected in any post-Covid scenario. Mr Trump may believe he has charmed his voters, but he may have made many more determined to down him on November 3 even as American IT has been given a reason to boost the prospects of Democrat Joe R. Biden. The question is, in the historically weak position he finds himself in amid the coronavirus pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests, can the authoritarian Mr Trumps work visa curbs be sufficient to tilt the scales? The government is set to announce an initial list of nations the UK will have air bridge agreements with, it has been reported, allowing travellers to salvage their summer break from the restrictions implemented by international lockdown measures. Air bridges an agreement between two nations to allow travel into and out of the nation without the need for a 14-day quarantine have been touted as a way to save both the tourism sector and the nations hope of foreign travel in a post-lockdown world Now, such measures are expected to be introduced as part of a three-stage process, starting with agreements between the UK and a number of European nations including France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Germany, according to The Daily Telegraph. The measures are reportedly due to be introduced for 4 July. From there, a second larger group of countries may be added at a later date, including Scandinavian states and low risk Caribbean Islands, the paper added. It comes after the transport secretary Grant Shapps said the measure would only be agreed for countries with a coronavirus test-and-trace system at the same standard as the UKs. How coronavirus lockdowns changed the world's most polluted cities Show all 6 1 /6 How coronavirus lockdowns changed the world's most polluted cities How coronavirus lockdowns changed the world's most polluted cities Milan, Italy REUTERS How coronavirus lockdowns changed the world's most polluted cities North Jakarta, Indonesia REUTERS How coronavirus lockdowns changed the world's most polluted cities Jakarta, Indonesia REUTERS How coronavirus lockdowns changed the world's most polluted cities Venice, Italy REUTERS How coronavirus lockdowns changed the world's most polluted cities New Delhi, India REUTERS How coronavirus lockdowns changed the world's most polluted cities Islamabad, Pakistan REUTERS Asked by the Commons Transport Select Committee what the key considerations are in the negotiations with other nations to set up an air bridge, Mr Shapps said the ability of a country to alert people if they have been in contact with a person who has coronavirus is one of the factors. Outlining the questions being asked by UK officials, he said: Do they have something equivalent to our NHS Test-and-Trace system? The test-and-trace system is enormous here now. Weve got the capacity to test far more than is immediately required but that would allow for any uplift anywhere. Does the country were talking to have that kind of capability? He added that the level and trajectory of the disease in a destination would also be a key consideration. Mr Shapps said: I understand entirely the pain that aviation is going through. I know both for airports, for airlines and actually for ground handlers as well, this coronavirus has been a complete disaster. The only thing which will be worse is if the country does not continue the work its doing on getting on top of it. Thats why quarantine has been introduced at a point where we were getting on top of it. I know theres a lot of arguments about what we should have been doing at the beginning, he said, adding: No, the chief medical officer told me at the beginning that (quarantine) would not be a solution from the outset. It comes as the number of people looking to book a quick getaway reportedly surges. Citing data from price comparison website Travelsupermarket, The Times reports the firm has seen a 52 per cent increase in people booking a trip compared to two weeks ago with seven of the top twenty destinations considered for trips being in Spain. Additional reporting by Press Association Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 04:24:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Egypt ported on Wednesday 1,420 new COVID-19 infections, raising the total cases registered in the country since mid-February to 59,561, said Egyptian Health Ministry. On the same day, 85 patients died from the novel coronavirus, bringing the death toll to 2,450, Egyptian Health Ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed said in a statement. As many as 400 patients were completely cured and discharged from hospitals in the past 24 hours, increasing the total recoveries in the country to 15,935, according to the statement. Megahed emphasized Egypt's close cooperation with the World Health Organization regarding the pandemic, case detection and necessary medical care. The capital Cairo and the nearby provinces of Giza and Qalioubiya reported the highest numbers of COVID-19 infections in Egypt, while the provinces of the Red Sea, Matrouh and South Sinai saw the lowest, he added. Egypt announced its first confirmed COVID-19 case on Feb. 14 and the first death from the respiratory disease on March 8. On Tuesday, the Egyptian cabinet decided to lift from June 27 a partial nighttime curfew that has been imposed in the country for three months, amid a "coexistence plan" to maintain anti-coronavirus precautionary measures while resuming economic activities. The decision includes reopening restaurants, cafes, theatres and cinemas with 25 percent of their capacity, while public beaches and parks will remain closed. Also, mosques and churches will be reopened for daily prayers but weekly mass prayers will remain suspended. 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 COVID-19 concerns. The most populous Arab country has already started gradual reopening of services and offices, and allowed operation of over 260 hotels for local tourists with 50-percent capacity after they were given official hygiene safety certificates. Egypt and China have been cooperating closely in fighting the pandemic through exchanging medical aid and expertise. 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. 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. Enditem Amaravati, June 25 : A day after it crossed the 10,000-mark, Andhra Pradesh's overall tally of Covid-19 cases touched 10,884, including returnees from other states and abroad. The state nodal officer reported that 477 Covid new cases were detected in the 24 hours ending 9 a.m., on Thursday. While 19,085 samples were tested for the virus during the last 24 hours, till date 7, 69,319 samples have been conducted and the government plans to test the entire population within a 3-month time-frame. In all, 118 people were discharged in the last 24 hours. While the active cases stand at 5,760, the the number of people who have been discharged increased to 4,988 on Thursday. Seven persons were reported dead from different parts of the state, taking the death toll to 136. Kurnool, Krishna and Guntur districts reported 2 deaths each while 1 death was reported from East Godavari district. During the preceding 24 hours, new cases were reported from all the 13 districts of Andhra Pradesh. Kurnool district reported the highest tally of 72 cases, followed by Guntur with 67 cases, and East Godavari with 64 cases on Thursday. Thursday also saw a rise in the number of Covid cases among people returning from other states. Compared to 37 cases on Wednesday, there were 69 new cases detected among people belonging to this category on Thursday. While 33 of the covid positive samples belonged to returnees from Tamil Nadu, 27 positive samples belonged to returnees from Telangana, and 2 positive samples were of people returning from Maharashtra. On Thursday 3 positive samples were of people returning from Delhi, 2 cases pertained to returnees from Karnataka, and 1 each from Rajasthan and Jharkhand. The overall tally of Covid positive persons who returned from other states currently stands at 1,730. Of this, the active cases tally is 652, while 1,078 persons have been discharged till date. There has been a constant flow of positive cases among foreign returnees also. On Thursday, 2 samples each were detected from people returning from Kuwait, Kazakhstan, and Bangladesh. There was also one positive case from a UK returnee. The cumulative tally of covid patients in foreign returnees category is 371, while 80 persons have been discharged after getting cured. As of Thursday, 291 persons in this category are undergoing treatment in hospitals. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that the Chinese threat to India and Southeast Asian nations is one of the reasons America is reducing its troop presence in Europe and deploying them to other places. Pompeo made the remarks in response to a question at the Brussels Forum that he had addressed virtually. When asked why the US had reduced the number of troops in Germany, Pompeo said that if US troops were no longer there, it was because they were being moved to other places. He said the actions of the ruling Chinese Communist Party meant there were ... Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 06:20:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HOUSTON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- As the U.S. city of New Orleans sees an increasing number of COVID-19 cases, Mayor LaToya Cantrell on Wednesday urged people to abide by guidelines or the city will face another shutdown. In a news conference, Cantrell urged residents to strictly abide by the rules and guidelines aiming to limit the spread of the pandemic. The guidelines include limiting gatherings, keeping social distance and mandatory masks in public. "If the city has to shut down, we will do that without any hesitation at all, because the public health will always be the top priority," Cantrell said. The mayor warned that any businesses not following the guidance will be shut down. "The City has and will shut down businesses who continue to be out of compliance. There will be accountability. There must be for the safety of the community," she tweeted after the conference. In order to make sure the public is complying, a special task force has been created, said Cantrell, adding, "We have lost 529 people. We must care. We must wear masks." At the conference, New Orleans Health Department Director Jennifer Avegno highlighted high risk activities that may cause community spread, such as social gatherings, weddings, parties, and funerals. According to Avegno, any residents who attended gatherings should get tested immediately and quarantine. Like some cities in the southern part of the United States, New Orleans has seen an increasing number of COVID-19 cases. As of Wednesday, there are 7,610 confirmed cases in New Orleans. Enditem In the current uncertain climate, young people are realizing more than ever that entrepreneurship offers an opportunity for personal empowerment. - Dr. J.D. LaRock, President and CEO, NFTE Schools may be closed, but that didnt stop these highly motivated young entrepreneurs from refining their business plans and preparing their pitches for the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) LA Metro Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge. Despite logistical obstacles stemming from the pandemic, this annual competition, the culmination of NFTEs yearlong entrepreneurship curriculum, took place on timeand online. Participating students presented their original business ideas by video to a panel of esteemed judges, who named three winners. The first and second place winners, who will receive $1200 and $800, respectively, advance to NFTEs National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge in September, where they will compete for a grand prize of $12,000. The third-place winner will receive $600. 1st Place: Mariela Cruz, 13, from Nightingale Middle School, won with a business pitch for Sole, a shoe that can grow five sizes. 2nd Place: YingJun Tan, 13, from Nightingale Middle School, won with a pitch for Pedura, which provides children with a comfortable backpack and chair, opening the door to a better educational experience. 3rd Place: Ellie Gottlieb, 16, from Ivy Academia, won with a pitch for Reviva, a monthly subscription box service that provides vegan toiletries. Mariela Cruz and YingJun Tan will be joined at NFTEs National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge by two finalists from across the region, each of whom was awarded $200: Jalen Griffin, 18, from Paramount High School pitched ENTRPRNR, an app formatted as an online teaching platform that provides the most up-to-date information about how to become an entrepreneur. Jacqueline Samaniego, 17, from Capital High School in Santa Fe, NM, pitched Earthlings, a gender-neutral clothing line that uses renewable resources. Separately, Saira Casian, 18, was awarded $500 in NFTE LA Metros Entrepreneurship 2 (E2) competition for The Last Pin, which creates beautiful handmade corsages and pins made of artificial flowers. The winner of this competition has the opportunity to apply for NFTEs Alumni Investor Forum, which is scheduled for spring 2021. Six winning E2 businesses from across the country will be selected to participate in that event and will compete for further investment funds. Runners-up Spencer Lopez (18) and Jasmine Gomez (17) were awarded $250 for The Fluffy Cafe, a pet adoption pop-up shop and cafe that offers exposure to animals at risk of being euthanized. All three attend Paramount High School. In the current uncertain climate, young people are realizing more than ever that entrepreneurship offers an opportunity for personal empowerment, said NFTE president and CEO, Dr. J.D. LaRock. Employers look for candidates with an entrepreneurial mindset, which the NFTE curriculum fosters. Whether or not they ultimately run their own companies, our students are being set up to succeed, and we are eager to support their endeavors. Two special awards were announced during the event: University of Southern California was honored with the NFTE LA Metro Corporate Volunteer of the Year Award, and Gary Polk, Sr. from California State University, Dominguez Hills was honored with the NFTE LA Metro Individual Volunteer of the Year Award. Student business pitches were judged by a panel of experts that included: Gary Polk, California State University, Dominguez Hills Alan Zack, Carrot Group Paul Chen, EY Heather Hasson, FIGS Megan McGowan-Epstein, Goldman Sachs Eric Cox, Net Capital Edward Lin, NexusEdge Gregory Francois, Paramount School District Patrick Henry, USC Marshall School of Business Leo Gestetner, Zenvoy The NFTE LA Metro Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge was presented by EY, with signature support from Intuit, Zenvoy and Microsoft, associate support from Citi, KoBreHoldings and Ares Management, and support from Alan & Megan Epstein, Patrick Henry, Matt Shekoyan, and Sunkist Growers. About NFTE Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) is a global nonprofit that activates the entrepreneurial mindset and builds startup skills in young people from under-resourced communities. Reaching more than 100,000 middle and high school students annually, NFTE works with schools and community partners in 25 U.S. states and 10 countries around the world. Leveraging classroom teachers and volunteers from top-tier companies, NFTEs research-based model teaches students how to identify a business opportunity and launch a business; helps them learn about the range of jobs and occupations available to them; and develops their entrepreneurial mindset a set of skills including creativity, adaptability, communication, and collaboration that leads to success in any career. Since 1987, NFTE has educated 1.2 million young people worldwide, helping thousands launch businesses and companies of all sizes. Learn more at nfte.com. Government documents have officially revealed Tesla's plans to build its own battery research and manufacturing facility in Fremont, California. Under a project dubbed 'Roadrunner', the facility will be operated around the clock, and signals the electric vehicle maker's efforts to make its own automotive batteries - which are the vehicle's most expensive components. Tesla, which said it currently has a 'small-scale' battery manufacturing operation in Fremont, applied for city government approval to build an expanded battery operation. Tesla may be inching closer to making its biggest foray into the production of its own battery cells according to documents that reveal plans for a research and manufacturing plant in Fremont, California (stock) Tesla has been rumored to be experimenting with its own battery production for some time and has relied on Panasonic for most of its production since 2014. It's unclear what Tesla's battery independence means for that partnership, but Tesla has frequently worked to verticalize much of its business as possible, especially from a manufacturing standpoint. Documents show that Tesla is estimating construction of the project, including the installation of all manufacturing equipment, will be completed in around 3 months. Workers assigned to the facility would total 470, of which 400 would 'work in shifts, such that there are 100 employees working at manufacturing and production operations at any given time, all day, every day.' Tesla has partnered with suppliers like Amperex Technology Co which produces durable lithium ion batteries (pictured) Tesla CEO Elon Musk earlier this week said it will give a tour of Tesla's battery cell production on Sept. 15, the tentative date for what the automaker has dubbed Battery Day. Tesla currently produces batteries with Japan's Panasonic Corp at the so-called Gigafactory near Reno, Nevada. It also has battery contracts with South Korea's LG Chem Ltd and China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd . A worker cleans the defaced statue of Winston Churchill, which was spray painted with the words was a racist, in London, on June 8, 2020. (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) Vandals Attack Iconic Statue in South Australia A statue commemorating the man who chose the site of South Australias capital has been vandalised and tagged with the words Death to Australia. The words No pride in genocide were also written on the base of the Colonel William Light monument, on Montefiore Hill which overlooks Adelaides CBD. Colonel Light was a British-Malayan naval and army officer who was appointed surveyor-general of South Australia and who also designed the layout of the states capital. The tags appear to be related to the Black Lives Matter movement, which drew more than 5000 people into Adelaides city centre earlier this month, calling for justice over the death of American man George Floyd and an end to Aboriginal deaths in custody. However, historical references to Colonel Lights time in SA do not indicate any particular issues with the Indigenous community. The Boer War Memorial, located outside Government House in the CBD, was also vandalised. Premier Steven Marshall said existing monuments would not be taken down but more should be erected to commemorate Aboriginal men and woman. We have got one of the most important statues commemorating Aboriginal men and womens service to Australia on the Torrens Parade Ground, Marshall said. We should be putting up more statues in SA commemorating the great achievements of Aboriginal men and women. We should not be desecrating other statues in our state. Black Lives Matter Adelaide protest organiser Natasha Wanganeen said she did not support vandalism but wanted Colonel Lights statue removed. Why does Australia want to hold onto these things that are disheartening to Aboriginal people?, she said on ABC Radio on June 25. Deputy Lord Mayor Alexander Hyde said he condemned the cowardly and nonsensical attack on the monument. Im not going to defend any other injustices that have taken place across Australia, but South Australia was founded as a free settlement and on the principle of protection for everyone, including Indigenous Australians, he said. Statues around Australia and the world have been defaced amid Black Lives Matter protests, with the statue of Townsvilles Robert Towns, one of the Queensland citys founders, on Monday being defaced with red paint. Emily Cosenza Black Americans are evenly divided on the question of whether Biden, who has pledged to pick a woman as his running mate, should take an extra step and select a black woman. The poll finds that 50 percent say it is very or fairly important to them that he do so, while 49 percent say it is not. The choice of a black female running mate matters more to black women under age 40 than to those 40 and older. As Ohio National Guard soldiers were dispatched to help quell unrest in Washington, D.C., one was keeping a secret from his commanders: He had frequently espoused neo-Nazi views among like-minded friends. Pfc. Shandon Simpson had participated in a white supremacist channel on the Telegram messaging app called RapeWaffen Division, according to the SITE Intelligence Group. The channel's members have touted the rape of female police officers, posted images with Confederate battle flags and swastikas and called white women who have children with men of other races "traitors." On Twitter, Simpson tried to recruit fascists to join him in a new group, used an image of Nazi Party leader Richard Walther Darre as his profile picture and marked the 75th anniversary of Adolf Hitler's death on April 30. "I pay respects to him as a martyr who died in Berlin completely unwilling to capitulate," Simpson tweeted, according to the Middle East Media Research Institute, which monitors extremism online. "In loving memory of a great leader of the German people. Rest in peace, fuhrer." Simpson is one of several service members whose actions have come under scrutiny in recent months as the U.S. military grapples with white extremism in its ranks. The military has wrestled with the problem for decades, but the issue is receiving new attention amid a broader conversation about race and discrimination prompted in part by the death of George Floyd, a black civilian who was killed in police custody last month. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced June 5 that a guard member had been suspended for expressing white supremacist views but did not identify him. Simpson is now being processed for a separation from the military, said Stephanie Beougher, an Ohio National Guard spokeswoman. It is not clear how his actions first came to the attention of authorities, or if he will face any charges. "Racism and prejudice has no place in our organization," Beougher said in a statement. "Every member of the Ohio National Guard is held to a high standard of professionalism. Ohio knows and trusts its National Guard. Any threat to that public trust will not be tolerated." Simpson's case has come into focus as another soldier faces serious charges. On Monday, the Justice Department charged Pvt. Ethan Melzer in a plot in which authorities said he worked with the extremist group Order of the Nine Angles in an attempt to kill fellow American soldiers abroad. Members of the "racially motivated violent extremist group" have espoused neo-Nazi and satanic beliefs and admiration for both Hitler and Osama bin Laden, the indictment said. Melzer, 22, of Louisville, consumed extremist propaganda online and sent messages to members of the Order of Nine Angles, or O9A, and participants of the RapeWaffen Division, the indictment said. His lawyer, Jennifer Willis, did not respond to a request for comment. U.S. law enforcement intervened last month, charging him in an indictment that was unsealed on Monday. He told officials he intended the attack "to result in the deaths of as many of his fellow service members as possible," according to court documents. It is not a surprise that Melzer ascribed to O9A's ideology and was a member of RapeWaffen, said Rita Katz, SITE's executive director. Rapewaffen upholds O9A "as its central philosophy" and has described itself as having links in the United States, Canada, Russia, Australia and other countries, she said. Simpson, who did not respond to requests for comment, posted content from RapeWaffen on his Facebook page. He also promoted a complementary group, RapeKrieg, that adheres to an even more extreme version of O9A ideology, Katz said. Simpson, who was first identified by the nonprofit website Unicorn Riot, also raised the prospect of committing violence, stating under the pseudonym "Zoltanous HN" on June 2 that "they have activated my unit and we're getting real ammunition to shoot and kill," according to a copy of that message recovered by SITE. He added "Rahowa," a term that is short for "racial holy war" in white supremacist channels, Katz said. It is unclear if other members of RapeWaffen are U.S. service members, but more than one of them have claimed to be, Katz said. A general recommendation for O9A adherents is to join the armed forces to gain combat experience in anticipation of war, she added. O9A was established in the 1970s as a Nazi-Satanist group in Britain with plans and has promoted extreme violence for decades, influencing neo-Nazi groups on both sides of the Atlantic, a European security official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. Membership estimates for O9A range from a few dozen to about 2,000, the official said. The group targets young people and sends supporters into other organizations to influence and recruit, the official said. Another soldier, Pfc. Corwyn Storm Carver, was scrutinized last year by the Army after investigative reports raised concerns about his alleged membership in the Atomwaffen Division, an American neo-Nazi group, the official said. Social media posts discovered in the investigation showed that Carver used hashtags for O9A and posted a picture of "the Sinister Tradition," a book detailing O9A views. An Army spokesman, Lt. Col. Emanuel Ortiz, said the service's investigation did not result "in charges related to terrorism or acts of violence." But Carver was administratively separated last August after serving just 28 months, an unusually short enlistment. The Army declined to explain the circumstances of his departure, citing personnel policies. RapeWaffen's founder has posted information under the username "Sinisterius" and "Sinistrovs" and repeatedly claimed that the group is a splinter of the Atomwaffen Division, an American neo-Nazi organization, said a second European security official who tracks extremist groups. The official also spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. RapeWaffen highlights how O9A's ideas and imagery have become appealing in the extreme, far-right online communities that proliferate on Telegram and other parts of the Internet, the official said. The channel's founder openly discuss the pleasure he finds in immorality and transgression. While rape is not a central tactic of O9A, and some in the group have argued that rapists should be "culled," it comes up frequently in postings among adherents. Rape is sometimes described as a "figure of speech" in the group, something ambiguous enough that the group can remain appealing to people who may not support such violence, the official said. - - - The Washington Post's Julie Tate contributed to this report. President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the government and people of Oyo State over the passing of a former governor, Abiola Ajimobi. Mr Ajimobis death was announced on Thursday. The president commiserated with the family of the former governor, who served as a senator before winning the governorship election in 2011. As the party chieftain bows out, President Buhari believes he left the world at a crucial moment when the party and the country needed his counsels to heal, and grow, noting that his absence will be sorely felt by all associates, particularly in the APC, a statement by the presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina, said Thursday. Also, state governors in Nigeria, under the Nigeria Governors Forum, have expressed condolences to Mr Ajimobis family. The chairman of the forum, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State in a statement, described the late Ajimobi as lively and fatherly. There was never a dull moment with the late former Governor. Mr Fayemi said the deceased provided valuable counsel to the forum during his time as governor and member. He added that he had personally followed developments in the late Ajimobis health since the news of the former governors lung surgery broke and when he showed signs of recovery. Mr Ajimobi reportedly died at a private hospital in Lagos after spending weeks in intensive care for coronavirus complications, according to Akin Alabi, a federal lawmaker and political associate of the former governors. He was 70. Mr Ajimobis passing came a week after he was rumoured to have died at the same private hospital. That rumour turned to be false. READ ALSO: Mr Ajimobi was a senator from 2003 to 2007. After unsuccessful attempts, he was ultimately elected governor in 2011 and re-elected in 2015, becoming the first Oyo State governor to serve two terms. He was survived by his wife and children. Read NGF statement below: Condolences I, Dr John Kayode Fayemi, wish, on behalf of the Nigeria Governors Forum, the umbrella body for all the 36 Governors and their peoples at the subnational level, to offer our deepest condolences to the family of our Late colleague and father Abiola Ajumobi. The late Abiola Ajumobi was not just our colleague as governors, he was also a pillar of support to the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) whose contributions to the Forums debates were filled with wisdom besides their depth. While he was governor of Oyo State, the Late Ajumobi was not just one member of the NGF who left indelible impressions in the minds of all members who were fortunate to have served during his time but also provided valuable counsel to the Nigeria Governors Forum Secretariat. With insight and foresight, the Late Abiola Ajumobi encouraged the strengthening of ties between governors and served as a counsellor to other governors including my humble self. For a man of 70, he was not just ebullient but was lively while being fatherly. There was never a dull moment with the late former Governor. It is important to note here that I have personally followed developments since news of his lung surgery broke and when he showed signs of recovery, I was happy. However, our hopes sank a bit once it was said that he had slipped into a coma, but we prayed and continued to hope that he got out of coma and recovered. But man proposes and God, the infinite arbiter, disposes. Inna Lillahi wa Inna Illaihir Rajiun. We, at the NGF honour his legacy and mourn his loss along with his family and friends as we pray to Allah (SWT) to grant him Jinnatul Fiddausi and his family the fortitude to bear this great loss. Most Sincerely, John Kayode Fayemi Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum Governor of Ekiti State Abdulrazaque Bello-Barkindo Head, Media and Public Affairs BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 25 By Ilkin Seyfaddini - Trend: Uzbekistan exported over $1.6 billion worth of gold in the period from January through May 2020, Trend reports citing the Uzbek State Statistics Committee. Growth, compared to the period from January through May 2019, resulted in 33.3 percent. Share of gold in Uzbekistan's exports amounted to 31.9 percent from January through May 2020. Uzbekistan has increased export of gold in recent years. The volume of gold exports in 2015 exceeded $823.9 million, in 2016 - $738.2 million, in 2017 - $1.6 billion, in 2018 - $2.91 billion and in 2019 - $4.92 billion. Official reserve assets of Uzbekistan amounted to $31.2 billion as of May 1, 2020. According to the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, almost whole reserve of Uzbekistan is stored in the form of monetary gold and foreign currency. President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed to ensure modernization of 385 units of geophysical, drilling, mining and laboratory equipment this year. A task has been set to explore 16 promising hydrocarbon sites by the end of 2020 and confirm the volume of reserves in 23 new deposits. --- Follow author on Twitter: @seyfaddini Bharti Infratel fell 3.90% to Rs 224.05 after the company's board extended the long stop date for the long pending merger with Indus Towers to 31 August 2020. Bharti Infratel's board met yesterday and took note of the status of Scheme of arrangement between Indus and the company. Since the conditions precedent to be fulfilled for the Scheme to become effective cannot be completed by the extended long stop date i.e. 24 June 2020, the board of directors have further extended the long stop date till 31 August 2020, subject to agreement on closing adjustments and other conditions precedent for closing, with each party retaining the right to terminate and withdraw the scheme, the company said in an announcement made after trading hours on Wednesday. Earlier, Bharti Infratel and Indus Towers had in April 2018, entered into a proposed scheme of amalgamation and arrangement to create a pan-India tower company. Bharti Infratel is a provider of passive telecom infrastructure and it deploys, owns and manages telecom towers and communication structures, for various mobile operators. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) HARTFORD, Conn., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- You, or someone you know, could be featured as a "pin up" in the 2021 Central Connecticut 60 Strong calendar, an exclusive calendar showcasing inspirational "60 somethings" and highlighting Central Connecticut events and activities. In addition to appearing in the calendar, winners receive celebrity treatment with a virtual kick-off party, professional photo shoot and compensation for their modeling time. Anyone age 18 or older can nominate a friend or family member - age 60 to 69 - who has achieved remarkable levels of fitness, pursued a new hobby or helped those in need. The candidate might be "giving back", fighting a chronic condition or caring for someone who is. Here's how it works: Log on to www.CentralCT60Strong.com and submit an application form, 200-400 word essay, head shot and full-length photo by Monday, Aug. 10 . You can also upload a smart phone video describing the candidate. www.CentralCT60Strong.com and submit an application form, 200-400 word essay, head shot and full-length photo by . You can also upload a smart phone video describing the candidate. Or download an application form at www.CentralCT60Strong.com and mail the completed form, a 200-400 word essay, head-shot and full-length photo to: Central Connecticut 60 Strong Contest, c/o Rosemary Hokanson , 1 Lake Street, Door #5, 3rd Floor, New Britain, CT 06052. The entry must be postmarked by Thursday, August 6, 2020 . www.CentralCT60Strong.com and mail the completed form, a 200-400 word essay, head-shot and full-length photo to: 60 Strong Contest, c/o , 1 Lake Street, Door #5, 3rd Floor, 06052. The entry must be postmarked by . Those who nominate winners will receive a $50 gift certificate. Central Connecticut 60 Strong candidates must be between ages of 60 and 69 on Sept. 1, 2020, and a resident of the following Connecticut counties: Hartford, Middlesex, Tolland, Litchfield; and Hampden and Hampshire counties in Massachusetts. Celebrity judges will virtually select 12 winners who exemplify how life after sixty can be a vibrant and active time. Contestants are judged on health/fitness/wellness, community involvement, volunteerism and why they are inspirational to others. Winners must be available Thursday, August 27, through Saturday, August 29, 2020 for virtual party and photo shoot. Questions? Email us at [email protected]. All proceeds from calendar sales benefit CT Foodshare to support response efforts to hunger. About Starling Senior Care Advantage Starling Physicians is proud to announce the Central Connecticut 60 Strong contest in conjunction with the launch of Starling Senior Care Advantage, a program designed to provide seamless and greater coordination of care for their senior patients. SOURCE Starling Senior Care Advantage Related Links http://www.centralct60strong.com/ AURORA, CO - OCTOBER 01: LaWayne Mosley, father of Elijah McClain, wears a t-shirt with is son's picture on it during a press conference in front of the Aurora Municipal Center October 01, 2019. Family, friends, legal counsel, local pastors and community organizers were calling for justice for the officer-involved death of his son Elijah McClain in front of the Aurora Municipal Center October 01, 2019. Elijah was confronted by Aurora police officers in a 911 complaint August 24, 2019, a violent struggle ensued, Elijah became unconscious in the the struggle. While being transported to a hospital, he had a cardiac arrest. Elijah McClain died August 30th, 2019 after he was taken off life support. (Photo by Andy Cross/MediaNewsGroup/The Denver Post via Getty Images) Update: On June 25, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed an executive order appointing Attorney General Phil Weiser as a special prosecutor to reopen the investigation into the death of Elijah McClain and potentially prosecute the individuals responsible based on his findings. "Elijah McClain should be alive today, and we owe it to his family to take this step and elevate the pursuit of justice in his name to a statewide concern," Polis said in a statement. The decision to reexamine McClain's death came after millions signed the petition demanding justice. Original post: It's been nearly a year since Elijah McClain was choked and beaten by three police officers in Aurora, CO, on Aug. 24, 2019. McClain died six days later after being pronounced brain dead, and the officers responsible were put on paid administrative leave and never apprehended. Amid ongoing protests addressing police brutality and racial inequality, many are just now learning about McClain's tragic death and subsequently demanding justice. The 23-year-old massage therapist, described as a "sweet soul" by those who knew him, was walking home from buying iced tea at a local convenience store when a civilian called the police to report "suspicious" behavior. McClain was wearing a ski mask because his anemia would often make him run cold, and he was waving his arms, likely because he was dancing to music playing in his headphones. "I am an introvert. Please respect my boundaries." When officers Nathan Woodyard, Jason Rosenblatt, and Randy Roedema arrived at the scene, McClain was alarmed and a struggle reportedly ensued. The officers acted with aggression and one restrained McClain by placing him in a carotid hold. According to body camera footage later released by the Aurora Police Department, McClain can be heard saying, "Let me go. I am an introvert. Please respect my boundaries that I am speaking," before repeatedly stating he could not breathe. When paramedics arrived, they administered ketamine to sedate McClain, and he suffered two heart attacks. Story continues Following renewed public interest, the Aurora Police Department announced several policy changes, including a ban on carotid hold and a duty to simply observe "suspicious" persons from afar, as opposed to immediately making contact. More can and should be done to adequately address the insurmountable loss McClain's family and community have faced. Below are just a few ways you can help in the fight for justice. Sign and share the petition calling for a full investigation and demanding that the officers involved be taken off duty. Donate to (or share) the fundraising campaign started by McClain's mother, Sheneen McClain. The GoFundMe was originally created when McClain was still alive and on life support, but is now dedicated toward a foundation in his name. Call Aurora elected officials. Check out this resource to find relevant phone numbers for Colorado representatives, as well as a helpful guide to what you can say when you call. Email Aurora officials. If you're stumped on what to write, let this useful template inspire your own emails. Tweak the wording of general templates or write your own emails to avoid your messages being overlooked or filtered out. The link also provides email addresses for Aurora county representatives, so you know who to contact. Continue to share McClain's story, and look to the Justice For Elijah McClain Instagram account for further action items. The account is consistently updated with great resources for demanding justice, in addition to information about rallies and demonstrations you can participate in. - Additional reporting by Yerin Kim Nation should turn temps into full-timers at all costs A fierce debate is ongoing over Incheon International Airport's decision to give full employment status to security screening personnel in temporary positions. As soon as the public company announced it would directly hire some 1,900 screeners on Monday, various interest groups began to protest the move simultaneously. Even the company's 1,500 union workers oppose the decision, reportedly for fear of losing the initiative to the newly joining workers outnumbering the existing employees. However, most enraged are young jobseekers who have prepared hard to enter the company, which is high on the list of preferred employers because of decent wages and working conditions. On Tuesday, a frustrated petitioner called for discontinuing the process on the Cheong Wa Dae website. More than 200,000 people signed it in less than 24 hours, forcing the presidential office to give a response. The COVID-19 pandemic has squeezed the already tight job market further as large employers have all but stopped new recruitment, making college graduates more desperate than ever. The ongoing controversy is all the more pitiable because President Moon Jae-in visited the company and promised to eradicate temporary employment in the public sector on May 12, 2017, only three days after taking office. Given the direct hiring is in keeping with the government's policy, some political opponents' instigation of public opinion through the distortion of facts is undesirable. There are even unfounded stories on the internet, saying the airport screeners who have worked as part-timers will receive a yearly salary of 50 million won ($40,000) equal to college-graduated recruits. That is far from reality. Expanding direct employment fits the government's policy better than hiring them as irregular workers and changing their status to regular employees later by setting up subsidiaries. If efforts to turn temps into full-timers stop only in the public sector, the policy's effects will be limited. The private sector should cooperate positively by joining in the government's efforts. Korea ought to move toward giving more temporary workers regular jobs to help them live with at least the minimum decency, however hard the process may be. That explains why all related parties should approach the issue calmly and reasonably. ANN ARBOR, MI City Council candidates vying to represent the Ann Arbors southwest side participated in a community forum Wednesday night, where residents asked their stances on affordable housing, carbon neutrality in Ann Arbor and more. The 4th Ward candidates incumbent Jack Eaton, public relations specialist Jen Eyer and environmentalist Mozhgan Savabieasfahani took part in a community conversation hosted by the group Ward 3/4 Issues and Actions at County Farm Park. Residents asked the three candidates about some of Ann Arbors most pressing topics, including affordable housing and the citys goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. The forum, ahead of the Aug. 4 Democratic primary, was largely question-and-answer based. Organizers asked the candidates to focus on the issues and not reference their opponents. Savabieasfahani brought large caricatures of Eyer and Eaton to prop up behind her and some tension arose when organizers asked Savabieasfahani to remove them. She first refused, but later turned them over after moderators, audience members and other council candidates asked repeatedly. Caricatures, social media posts criticized as Ann Arbor Ward 4 council race heats up Below are some of the key points of discussion from the June 24 event. On affordable housing: Each candidate highlighted their preferred method to encourage more affordable housing in Ann Arbor. Savabieasfahani said Ann Arbor should do away with single-family zoning, calling it a racist practice that has made it more segregated than it has ever been because of these laws. She said having dense housing would also address affordability and environmental concerns. In addition to using rebates from the mental health millage to support the citys affordable housing fund, Eyer said she wants to take a portion of revenue generated from all new developments in Ann Arbor to add to the fund. She also supports flexible zoning near transportation corridors so that less-expensive land can be turned into more affordable housing with access to amenities through public transit. Eaton, meanwhile, said he wants to use the citys zoning to leverage different affordability projects. He said past county studies have shown that housing is a regional problem, not just a city one. Asked how they would have voted for Lockwood, a proposed affordable senior housing development on Jackson Road that City Council rejected in 2019, both Eyer and Savabieasfahani said they supported the projects goals. Eyer said she would have voted for it. She said she did pro bono communication work to promote the plan. Ann Arbor council rejects affordable senior housing development At the time, those against the project argued it was out of character with the surrounding single-family neighborhood, lacked adequate parking, would cause traffic congestion and would build over what could be an important site for monitoring and remediating the Gelman dioxane plume thats spreading through the groundwater. Eaton voted no because it was inconsistent with the citys master plan, he said. We need to house more people in a small space, Savabieasfahani replied to the question. Single-family zoning is a racist practice and its still being observed in Ann Arbor... Once we do that, we have more space to place more people in, in a more environmentally friendly situation. On sustainability: Ann Arbors recently adopted plan A2Zero, the roadmap to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, passed unanimously in early June. One forum participant asked the candidates what can be done more immediately to kick off the ambitious goal. Ann Arbor unanimously adopts ambitious roadmap to carbon-neutrality Eaton said much of the plans first few years of action rely on University of Michigans plans to buy green energy from DTE Energy and the city could consider similar moves. He even suggested the long-term consideration of a municipal utility plan like Lansings Board of Water and Light, but understood the initial cost could be much higher than it was for other cities. Eyer said the carbon neutrality plan should be addressed and evaluated frequently because its such a significant goal. More immediately, Eyer said Ann Arbor could capitalize on the culture shift of working from home that was brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. The city could encourage its workers and other businesses to lessen their commuting carbon footprint by working remotely. We have to take it piece by piece, she said. We have to look at the next six months, what can we accomplish? Then lets look at the next six months, and then lets reevaluate. Because as we go along, there will be new funding sources available, new grants, new technologies, changes in public opinion, changes in gas prices that will affect our habits. Savabieasfahani said she also supports more remote work plans and wants to expand bus routes to encourage their use. She emphasized that political pressure about climate change should be directed to the U.S. Department of Defense. The military produces one of the worlds largest carbon footprints, according to a 2019 Newsweek analysis of Defense Department logistics records. On pedestrian safety: Kathy Griswold, a council member in the 2nd Ward and pedestrian advocate, asked candidates whether they would support a statewide, uniform crosswalk law. Michigan does not have a uniform law and Ann Arbors current law requires drivers to stop when someone is at the curb of a crosswalk. All three candidates said they would support a statewide law that considers pedestrians first to make sure drivers know what is required, regardless of which community they are in. On working with Ann Arbor Public Schools: One resident asked how City Council and the Ann Arbor Public Schools Board could work together, especially in addressing climate change and the use of the $1 billion schools bond passed in November. Breaking down how voters approved Ann Arbor Schools $1 billion bond Eaton said while its important for the two governing bodies to collaborate, City Council cannot tell the School Board how to use the bond. He said he supports officials from the city and the district meeting frequently and was on a school transportation safety committee composed of city and school district officials, but said there werent meeting for six months. Eyer said as a parent of two students in the district, she sees firsthand how a lack of communication between the city and the school district, including how traffic patterns have changed around a school in her neighborhood. She said she would create a working group of two council members, two school board members and two students to meet on a quarterly basis to address shared high-level policy issues. Chile's new health minister announced Sunday that the country's official death toll will include suspected cases, which could double the current figure. Enrique Paris also said that quarantine measures in the Santiago metropolitan region would be extended "at least through June" after Chile recorded nearly 7,000 new cases in the last 24 hours. The Chilean government will add "the probable deaths" from the coronavirus to the epidemiological report that is published twice a week, Paris, a pediatrician and toxicologist, told a press conference. Later Sunday, in an interview with the newspaper La Tercera, Paris said that "in June comes the worst, I think. Or very bad." "The first two weeks of July, I think we're going to keep the numbers up," he said. "I think that only in August, God willing, will we see the efforts of the quarantine rewarded, if people comply with them." Paris took office Saturday after his predecessor Jaime Manalich resigned amid controversy over Chile's official coronavirus death toll. The government has said publicly that the crisis has claimed more than 3,000 lives since the first case emerged in Chile on March 3. However, a report published Saturday by an investigative journalism organization called CIPER revealed that Chile had informed the World Health Organization (WHO) that the death toll was actually more than 5,000. Sunday's official report added 6,938 new infections and 222 deaths, bringing the total to 174,293 infected and 3,323 dead. Infections have risen steadily in Chile even though it began taking emergency measures in February -- including widespread testing and the closure of borders and schools -- making it one of the first Latin American countries to do so. The capital Santiago and its seven million people were placed under lockdown more than a month ago. They were joined on Friday by the cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. Nearly half of Chile's population of 18 million is now under strict confinement. The country initially had imposed selective quarantines on areas with high incidence of the coronavirus. But many poorer Chileans continued going to work -- out of economic necessity -- and a sharp resurgence in mid-May forced the government to order a strict lockdown. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 17:11:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SEOUL, June 25 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's Unification Ministry saw the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s halt of military action plans as a positive sign for peace on the Korean Peninsula, Yonhap news agency reported on Thursday. An unnamed Unification Ministry official was quoted as saying that the DPRK's recent change in its position can be seen as a "positive sign." The official said South Korea consistently maintained the stance that the government should comply with the inter-Korean agreements, and that it is important to keep peace on the Korean Peninsula and improve inter-Korean ties. The official expressed anticipation to enhance inter-Korean relations through dialogue and discuss issues of mutual concern. The DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Wednesday that the country's top leader Kim Jong Un presided over the preliminary meeting for the fifth meeting of the Seventh Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) through a video conference on Tuesday. During the meeting, the WPK Central Military Commission decided to suspend the military action plans against the South brought for the fifth meeting of the Seventh Central Military Commission by the General Staff of the Korean People's Army. The action plans include redeployment of troops to the Mount Kumgang tourist area and the Kaesong Industrial Zone, and security guarantee for the people to distribute propaganda leaflets to the South in border areas. The DPRK has cut all communication lines with South Korea and demolished the inter-Korean liaison office building earlier this month in protest against the distribution of anti-DPRK leaflets by South Korean civic group activists, mostly defectors from the DPRK. Enditem Olympus has been manufacturing cameras, lenses, audio recorders, and other accessories since 1936. Now, the Japanese company has decided to put a full stop to its camera business entirely. On Wednesday, Olympus confirmed that it is no longer working for its camera division and selling it to Japan Industrial Partners (JIP). JIP is the same company which bought Sony's VAIO computer business, and is now eyeing Olympus imaging brands like Zuiko and OM-D. Olympus says that it implemented measures to cope with the extremely severe digital camera market. But their efforts were not enough "due to, amongst others, rapid market shrink caused by the evolution of smartphones." As users went all praises for smartphone cameras in recent years, Olympus believes that it killed the demand for the traditional cameras gingerly. Despite producing several well-liked cameras, Olympus struggled along with industry rivals. Olympus said that it was bearing losses from its imaging division from last three years. Now, the brand signed a memorandum of understanding to transfer its camera business to JIP. Thus, Olympus and JIP plan to sign an absolute agreement by the end of this year, probably in September. Olympus has been one of the major brands to support Micro Four Thirds format. The brand has produced a classic range of half-frame cameras -the Pen series, and a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera -the Olympus OM-D camera. Olympus also produced the world's first micro-cassette tape recorder Zuiko Pearlcorder. After quitting on the camera division, which was anyway a small part of Olympus' business, the brand will now largely focus on laying out medical equipment like endoscopes. Other camera brands such as Fujifilm and Canon are also involved in healthcare. These companies supply industrial and medical imaging equipment after seeing a decline in camera sales. MGM Resorts International, the Las Vegas-based parent of MGM Springfield, will require masks for all guests and visitors in public spaces at all of its U.S. properties. Guests who do not comply will be asked to leave the property, MGM said in a news release. MGM previously required all employees to wear masks, while guest and visitor mask requirements were based on local regulations. As part of our work to continually update and evolve our health and safety policies, we are now requiring masks for all guests and visitors inside public spaces. This will apply to all MGM Resorts properties across the United States and will become effective by Friday. If a guest is in need of a mask, we will provide one. We hope that our guests will do their part to help the collective efforts to curtail the spread of the virus. Guests who do not wish to comply will be asked to leave the property, MGM said in the release. It is clear that the coronavirus still presents a significant public health threat, and masks have proven to be one of the best ways to curtail the spread. We want guests and employees to feel comfortable that we are putting their health and safety first. In Massachusetts, local regulations passed earlier this week by the state Gaming Commission required masks. There is no date set yet for reopening at MGM Springfield or at the states two other casinos, Encore Boston Harbor and Plainridge Park. That decision is up to Gov. Charlie Baker and his reopening team. Five of MGMs Las Vegas properties have reopened: The Bellagio, MGM Grand, The Signature at MGM Grand, New York New York and Excalibur. Luxor opened Thursday, June 25. Aria, Mandalay Bay and Delano Las Vegas all open July 1. Mirage opens July 16, according to MGM's website. Amoing its regional casinos, Gold Strike and Beau Rivage, both in Mississippi, are open as is MGM Northfield Park in Ohio. MGM National Harbor in Maryland opens Monday, June 29 and the Borgata in Atlantic City, New Jersey, opens July 6. Related Content: Health, Risk & Society Risk and preventing perinatal HIV transmission: uncovering the social organisation of prenatal care for women living with HIV in Ontario, Canada Allyson Ion , Saara Greene , Christina Sinding & Daniel Grace This paper presents an institutional ethnography that explored how risk discourse organised the experiences of pregnant women living with HIV and was reproduced in the work of healthcare providers operating in a high risk prenatal clinic in Ontario, Canada. This inquiry began from the standpoint of pregnant women living with HIV, and made connections between womens experiences, the work of healthcare providers delivering prenatal care, and the ruling relations that organised womens experiences and healthcare providers activities. The study revealed how risk was an omnipresent discourse in womens lives and became visible through the treatments women were prescribed, the prenatal clinic appointment schedule women were expected to follow, and the application of medical interventions. The discourse of risk coordinated the work of healthcare providers and was inextricably linked to practices that prioritised foetal health. Womens daily realities and experiences were overshadowed by the healthcare providers focus on the foetus and mitigating perinatal risks. As a result, the work women did to organise their lives to participate in care, and the physical and emotional costs they experienced when attending their appointments, taking their medicines, and following clinical procedures were overshadowed within an institutional context where the primary goal was to reduce risks to their babies even if women shared concerns and aspirations about preventing perinatal HIV transmission. Womens experiences reveal some important consequences regarding the current organisation of prenatal care that emphasises risk and possible ways to enhance prenatal care policies and practices. International Journal of Social Psychiatry Stakeholders perspectives about the impact of training and sensitization of traditional and spiritual healers on mental health and illness: A qualitative evaluation in Ghana Peter Badimak Yaro, Emmanuel Asampong, Philip Teg-Nefaah Tabong, Sunday Atua Anaba, Sandow Stanislaus Azuure, Adam Yahaya Dokurugu, Fredrick Aminu Nantogmah Prayer camps and traditional healers have emerged recently as alternative sources of mental health care in Ghana. To increase their knowledge and collaboration between formal and informal mental health care providers, training and sensitization was organized for them. This study aimed at assessing beneficiaries views about the impact of this intervention. We adopted narrative approach to qualitative enquiry using purposive sampling strategy to recruit formal and informal mental health care providers in Ghana for an in-depth interview. We analyzed the data thematically using QSR NVivo 12. Participants enhanced their knowledge about mental health and illness. They reported increased collaboration between formal and informal health care providers. Community psychiatric nurses (CPNs) give injections to patients instead of chaining and using shackles as was initially practiced. There are also regular visits by CPNs to traditional and spiritual healers to discuss the care of the mentally ill patients in their facilities. There has been an increased collaboration among healers of mental illness resulting in quick recovery of patients who seek care at traditional and spiritual healers. There is also abolition of chaining and using of shackles by these healers, with increasing respect for the human rights of patients. How can todays substance-using youth be helped to quit? Perspectives of college students from Bangalore, India Padmavathy Doraiswamy, Prasanthi Nattala, Pratima Murthy Substance use among college students is increasing, yet research regarding their viewpoints on how they can be helped is sparse in India. The purpose of this study was to explore in depth the perspectives of college students as to how college youth can be helped to quit the use of psychoactive substances. Data from focus group interviews with 38 adolescent college students were analyzed qualitatively to identify their viewpoints on how todays college youth can be helped to quit substance use. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, themes and subthemes were identified. Three major themes (with subthemes) were identified: (1) Patterns of use (commonly used substances, methods of using), (2) Perceived reasons for use (to reduce negative emotions, academic pressure, peer influence, more freedom, rebellious attitudes, media influence, modeling effect, childhood trauma, distrust from family/friends, lack of knowledge regarding the adverse impact of substances, poor life skills, cultural gender-based discrimination) and (3) Interventions needed to help college youth to quit substance use (need for interventions, basic principles to follow when developing interventions, content to be included, methods to be employed for delivering the intervention). The information from this study can guide the development of a comprehensive intervention that is relevant and tailor-made to the specific needs of the college student population. Science, Technology, and Human Values Who Gets to Choose? On the Socio-algorithmic Construction of Choice Dan M. Kotliar This article deals with choice-inducing algorithmsalgorithms that are explicitly designed to affect peoples choices. Based on an ethnographic account of three Israeli data analytics companies, I explore how algorithms are being designed to drive people into choice-making and examine their co-constitution by an assemblage of specifically positioned human and nonhuman agents. I show that the functioning, logic, and even ethics of choice-inducing algorithms are deeply influenced by the epistemologies, meaning systems, and practices of the individuals who devise and use them and that such algorithms are similarly affected by interorganizational relationships, various nonhuman agents, and changing geopolitical contexts. I conclude by discussing the flexibility of choice-inducing algorithms and by arguing that such algorithms are not programmed to induce specific choices but to more generally convert people into choosers, and thus, to algorithmically (re)create the modern need to choose. This article contributes to the growing literature on algorithms and culture and to our understanding of choice-making in contemporary life. At the same time, it provides a new vocabulary that offers to critically engage with algorithms and their power without losing sight of the often very specific contexts from which they arise. Crash Theory: Entrapments of Conservation Drones and Endangered Megafauna Adam Fish Drones deployed to monitor endangered species often crash. These crashes teach us that using drones for conservation is a contingent practice ensnaring humans, technologies, and animals. This article advances a crash theory in which pilots, conservation drones, and endangered megafauna are relata, or related actants, that intra-act, cocreating each other and a mutually constituted phenomena. These phenomena are entangled, with either reciprocal dependencies or erosive entrapments. The crashing of conservation drones and endangered species requires an ethics of care, repair, or reworlding. Diffractions, disruptions that expose difference, result from crashes and reveal the precarious manner by which technologies, laws, and discourses bring nature and culture together. To support crash theory, this article presents three ethnographic cases. A drone crash in the United Kingdom near white rhinoceroses while building machine learning training data exhibits the involvement of the electromagnetic spectrum; the threat of crashes in the Pacific Northwest near Puget Sound orcas discloses the impacts of drone laws; and drone crashes in Sri Lanka among Asian elephants presents the problems of technoliberal ideals around programming natural worlds. Throughout the article, a methodology is developed, parallelism, which attends to the material similarities in lateral phenomena. Social Science & Medicine (volumes 252 and 253) Neighbourhoods as relational places for people living with dementia (open access) Andrew Clark, Sarah Campbell, John Keady, Agneta Kullberg, Kainde Manji, Kirstein Rummery, Richard Ward An increase in the number of people living independently with dementia across the developed world has focused attention on the relevance of neighbourhood spaces for enabling or facilitating good social health and wellbeing. Taking the lived experiences and daily realities of people living with dementia as a starting point, this paper contributes new understanding about the relevance of local places for supporting those living with the condition. The paper outlines findings from a study of the neighbourhood experiences, drawing on new data collected from a creative blend of qualitatively-driven mixed methods with people living in a diverse array of settings across three international settings. The paper details some of the implications of neighbourhoods as sites of social connection based on material from 67 people living with dementia and 62 nominated care-partners. It demonstrates how neighbourhoods are experienced as relational places and considers how people living with dementia contribute to the production of such places through engagement and interaction, and in ways that may be beneficial to social health. We contend that research has rarely focused on the subjective, experiential and everyday social practices that contextualise neighbourhood life for people living with dementia. In doing so, the paper extends empirical and conceptual understanding of the relevance of neighbourhoods as relational sites of connection, interaction, and social engagement for people living with dementia. Red is not the only color of a rainbow: The making and resistance of the MSM subject among gay men in China Chuncheng Liu Public health scholars classify gay men as men who have sex with men (MSM) in their studies and interventions. Debates have been raised about the MSM classification for decades. However, we know little about how people who are classified as MSM perceive and respond to this classification, particularly in the authoritarian context where the biopower interacts with the repressive state power. Drawing upon Ian Hackings dynamic nominalism theory, this study tries to fill these gaps with interviews of 40 gay men in three Chinese cities about their interactions with public health education materials. I examined their perceptions of MSM knowledge and discourses associated with the classification, as well as their identifications to the MSM subject. I found that, on the one hand, many gay men had internalized the MSM subjectivity and considered themselves essentially at high risk of HIV infection. This compliance was constructed through various biopower techniques with the support of the states repressive power, as the Chinese state censored almost all public representations of gay men except the HIV/AIDS subject MSM. On the other hand, some of my interviewees were resistant to be part of the MSM classification. I showed how this failure is an unintended consequence of the hegemonic MSM discourse and the authoritarian regimes institutional exclusion of the gay mens communitys engagement in the expertise network that develops intervention materials and strategies. At last, I proposed to move beyond the debate around the name and representational character of the MSM by moving toward a more reflexive public health. You see, we women, we cant talk, we cant have an opinion. The coloniality of gender and childbirth practices in Indigenous Wixarika families (open access) Jennie B. Gamlin How women make decisions about care-seeking during pregnancy and childbirth, is a key determinant of maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes. Indigenous communities continue to display the highest levels of maternal and infant mortality in Mexico, a fact often accounted for by reference to inadequate access to quality services. A growing body of research has identified gender inequality as a major determinant of MCH, although this has rarely been situated historically in the context of major social and epistemological shifts, that occurred under colonialism. I used a feminist ethnography to understand the structural determinants of Indigenous maternal health. I drew on research about the colonial and post-colonial origins of ethnic and gender inequality in Mexico and specifically the Wixarika Indigenous region, in order to identify the different ways in which women have historically been disadvantaged, and the processes, situations and interaction dynamics that emerged from this. Sixty-four Wixarika women were interviewed while pregnant, and followed up after the birth of their child between January 2015 and April 2017. These data were triangulated with structured observations and key informant interviews with healthcare providers, teachers, community representatives and family members. The findings suggest that gender inequalities were introduced with the colonial system for governing Indigenous regions, and became naturalised as Wixarika communities were increasingly integrated into the Mexican nation. The associated structures of marriage, community and interpersonal relationships now operate as forms of institutionalised gender oppression, to increase Indigenous womens vulnerability, and influence decisions made about care and childbirth. Ethnographic data analysed in historical context evidence the continuity of colonial forms of inequality, and their impact on wellbeing. While welfare and health programmes increasingly aim to address gender inequality on social and relational levels, by rebalancing gendered household dynamics or empowering women, the historical and colonial roots of these inequalities remain unchallenged. Accomplishing an adaptive clinical trial for cancer: Valuation practices and care work across the laboratory and the clinic (open access) Julia Swallow, Anne Kerr, Choon Key Chekar, Sarah Cunningham-Burley A new generation of adaptive, multi-arm clinical trials has been developed in cancer research including those offering experimental treatments to patients based on the genomic analysis of their cancer. Depending on the molecular changes found in patients cancer cells, it is anticipated that targeted and personalised therapies will be made available for those who have reached the end of standard treatment options, potentially extending survival time. Results from these trials are also expected to advance genomic knowledge for patients in the future. Drawing on data from a qualitative study of one such trial in the UK, comprising observations of out-patient clinic appointments, out-patient biopsy procedures, laboratory work, and interviews with practitioners, this paper explores how the clinical and research value of one such trial was accomplished in everyday practice by focussing on the work of clinical trials and laboratory staff across recruitment, laboratory analysis, and results management. In the face of numerous potential set-backs, disappointments and failure, we explore how practitioners worked to balance the need to meet established measures of value such as numbers of patients recruited into the trial, alongside cultivating the value of positive affects for patients by managing their expectations and emotions. This care work was performed primarily by practitioners whose roles have historically been devalued in healthcare practice and yet, as we show, were critical to this process. We conclude by arguing that as complex multi-arm adaptive trials become more commonplace, we need to attend to, and render visible, the dynamic and care-full valuation practices of backstage practitioners through which experimental biomedicine is accomplished, and in doing so show that care both achieves clinical and research value, and is also a series of practices and processes that tends to tissue, patients and staff in the context of ever-present possibility of failure. Atmospheres of engagement within a German drug consumption room Tristan Duncan, Bernadette Sebar, Jessica Lee, Cameron Duff Drug consumption rooms directly attempt to intervene in and govern the place and time of drug use. Whilst the risk-reducing potentials of these interventions have been thoroughly evaluated, the consumption room literature offers fewer insights into the embodied, affective and situated dynamics that underscore service delivery. In this paper, we take up the notion of atmosphere to explore these dynamics in greater depth. Drawing on 12 months of ethnographic research in a German drug consumption room, we describe the manner in which atmospheres came to pervade and condition service encounters. More than simply providing texture to activities within the consumption room, we show how atmospheres gave rise to a distinct range of bodily capacities and therapeutic effects. Critically, these atmospheric affordances exceeded the risk-reducing objectives of the consumption room to encompass an emergent capacity to find repose, enact respite and foster modes of sociality and care. Our analysis further highlights the contextual contingencies through which the atmospheres of the consumption room emerged, including the efforts of both staff and clients to cultivate and control particular atmospheric qualities. We conclude by considering how closer attention to the atmospheric and affective dimensions of service delivery may challenge how consumption room interventions are enacted, valued and researched. This is to gesture towards a novel, atmospheric mode of harm reduction that has effects by transforming embodied potentials for both staff and clients. Resisting governance and the production of trust in early psychosis intervention Elaine Stasiulis, Barbara E. Gibson, Fiona Webster, Katherine M. Boydell Trust is vital in mental healthcare where uncertainty and risk prevail and where relationship building is central to effective service delivery. Despite its significance, research on trust, particularly among multi-disciplinary healthcare teams and between service providers and users is limited and explored only tangentially within early psychosis intervention (EPI) programs. An institutional ethnographic approach is used to examine how trust within an EPI setting is produced and operates. Drawing on participant observation, textual analysis of clinic documents and in-depth interviews with 27 participants (staff, young people and family members), our analysis outlines how the clinic managers and staffs resistance to hospital rulings that impeded EPI policy principles were part of the extended sequence of activities that produced trust. These acts of resistance, alongside the clinic managers reflective leadership practices, cultivated spaces for staff to take risks, share their ideas and build consensus culminating in staff-designed protocols that produced trust among one another, and between service providers and young people and their families. Drawing from Brown and Calnans framework of vicious and virtuous cycles of (dis)trust, we highlight how management and staff responses to vulnerability and uncertainty generated trust through their communication practices and knowledge sharing. We also suggest that protocols to manage the risk of medication non-adherence and treatment dis-engagement among young people contained regulatory functions, pointing to the complex interplay of trust, control and risk. Study implications suggest shifting the emphasis from risk management and quality governance as an organizing framework in mental health to a framework based on trust. Abrahamic traditions and egg freezing: Religious Womens experiences in local moral worlds Marcia C. Inhorn, Daphna Birenbaum-Carmeli, Mira D. Vale, Pasquale Patrizio In this article, we elucidate how elective egg freezing (EEF) has been received within the three Abrahamic traditionsJudaism, Christianity, and Islamand how these religion-specific standpoints have affected the EEF experiences of women who self-identify as religiously observant. Through an analysis of religious womens narratives, the study explores the local moral worlds of religious women who chose to freeze their eggs for non-medical reasons. It draws on ethnographic interviews with 14 women in the United States and Israel who had completed at least one EEF cycle, and who were part of a large, binational study that interviewed, between 2014 and 2016, 150 women who pursued EEF. These religious women, who were all highly educated, faced a particular challenge in finding appropriate marriage partners. Feeling pressured but still hopeful to marry and create large families, the women used EEF to extend their reproductive timelines and reduce their anxieties. As the study showed, the women reinterpreted or reconciled religious restrictions on the use of EEF in various ways, believing that their ultimate pursuit of religiously sanctioned reproduction justified the means. This study, which is the first to compare Jewish, Christian, and Muslim womens experiences of EEF, illustrates how this novel technology is now shaping the local moral worlds of religious women. Failing the metric but saving lives: The protocolization of sepsis treatment through quality measurement Rosalie Winslow Quality metrics in the healthcare sector have become a key component of ensuring improved health outcomes and care equity. Alongside the emergence of information technology in healthcare (eg. electronic health records), the primary method utilized to infer quality has been the development of measures for healthcare processes and outcomes. Engaging with the specific case of sepsis treatment and sepsis quality metrics, this paper traces how quality is defined, measured, and codified in a 600-bed acute-care hospital in New York City. Sepsis is a severe health condition, primarily managed in the emergency department, that is caused by infection and can result in multi-organ shutdown and mortality. Multiple government agencies have established metrics that regulate New York hospitals based on their compliance with specific sepsis treatment procedures. I draw on data from a 15-month ethnography and in-depth interviews with clinicians and administrators, to show how quality measurement is reshaping the ways healthcare is delivered and organized. I reveal how, at Borough Hospital, efforts to treat sepsis based on quality metrics have constrained clinician expertise, prioritized compliance, and reoriented workflow towards standardized treatment protocols. This reorientation leads to, what I term abstracted surveillance protocols, that increasingly regulate definitions of healthcare quality. I demonstrate that abstracted surveillance protocols enable highly complex clinical processes to be measured based on metric compliance rather than clinical pathways, therefore moving definitions of quality away from the bedside. Sociology of Health and Illness It is a different world in here: collective identification and shared experiential knowledge between psychiatric inpatients Malene L. Kessing This paper explores the social relations between inpatients in psychiatric wards. Combining Barkers (2002) concept of collective illness identity with Nelsons (1993) concept of epistemological communities, I draw attention to the inpatients collective identification and experiential knowledge. Through the analysis, three aspects of the inpatients relationships are unfolded. First, how the inpatients, through bodily expressions and narrative accounts, construct a collective illness identity based on shared experiences of symptoms and suffering. Second, the ways in which the inpatients use their shared experiential knowledge to support one another and challenge the mental health professionals. Third, how the inpatients reflections on the longterm potential of their relationships reveal a number of concerns related to their continuation. Centrally, the paper points to the potential and challenges that arise from the inpatients relations to one another and their embeddedness in a specific time and space. Empirically, the paper draws on five months of participant observation conducted in two psychiatric wards in Denmark and interviews with 14 psychiatric patients. Changing emotional engagement with running through communal selftracking: the implications of teleoaffective shaping for public health Fiona Spotswood, Avi Shankar, Lukasz Piwek Emerging research explores the role of selftracking in supporting healthy behaviour. Selftracking comprises a number of interrelated practices; some individual some communal. In this article, we focus on practices that enable interaction between selftrackers through data sharing and communication around personal data. For public health, communal selftracking has been explored for the additional benefits it provides in addition to selfknowledge. However, underexplored is the emotional entanglement of selftracking and tracked activities, or the role of practitioners in the dynamic evolution of tracked practices. Qualitative, mixed methods data were collected from leisuretime runners in the SW England who selftrack using social fitness app Strava, and were interpreted through the lens of practice theory. We find that communal selftracking affords the active shaping of the emotion and purpose of running. This teleoaffective shaping allows practitioners to negotiate and reconstitute appealing meanings associated with running to protect their practice loyalty. We identify three mechanisms for teleoaffective shaping afforded by Strava: labelling, reward and materialising effort. Findings advance our understanding of how social fitness apps work to retain practitioners of physically active leisure practices. Future research should further explore the multiple ways that associations with tracked physical activity evolve through entanglement with selftracking practices. From morethanhuman solidarity to multispecies biographical value: insights from a veterinary school about ethical dilemmas in One Health promotion Melanie J. Rock, Chris Degeling, Cindy L. Adams This article features a partnership between a veterinary school and a charity that aims to enhance the wellbeing of lowincome people. Through this partnership, the charity periodically hosts veterinary clinics for clients and their pets. Even as the veterinarians and veterinary students duly examine peoples pets, these popup clinics aim to help people and their pets. Hence our analysis revolves around the ethics of morethanhuman solidarity. By morethanhuman solidarity, we mean efforts to help others that either center on or that implicate nonhuman beings. To delve into the ethical and sociological implications of subsidised veterinary services, and to assist with program planning, we conducted several indepth interviews with veterinarians. Most substantively, we found that the veterinary schools outreach clinics give rise to multispecies biographical value, which is prized as a pedagogical resource for veterinary students. The veterinarians whom we interviewed felt troubled by the extent to which the popup clinics ultimately benefited the veterinary school, but also by the shortage of subsidised veterinary services in the vicinity. Based on these interviews and our own reflections, we invite more scholarship on cultural, economic and political influences that shape the lives of human beings and nonhuman animals alike. Negotiating the buffet of choice: advances in technology and endoflife decisionmaking in the intensive care unit setting Julia I. Bandini In recent years, increases in medical technologies in the critical care setting have advanced the practice of medicine, enabling patients to live longer while also creating dilemmas for endoflife decisionmaking. Clinicians have increasingly been called on to involve patients and family members in decisionmaking through a process of shared decisionmaking (SDM ), yet less is known about how SDM plays out in the critical care setting and the ways in which clinicians engage in SDM . Using observational data from 14 months of ethnographic fieldwork in two intensive care units and interviews with 33 family members of 25 critically ill patients and 51 clinicians, I explore how clinicians refer to the choices available in medical decisionmaking paradoxically as a buffet of choice while they simultaneously recognise that such rhetoric is misaligned with complex and emotional decisionmaking, often involving pain and suffering. Lastly, this paper considers the role of SDM and the ways in which clinicians push back on the buffet rhetoric and engage in practices to guide families in endoflife decisionmaking by granting permission for families to make decisions and validating their decisions to decline treatment when there is an opportunity for more treatment. Doing good: autonomy in the margins of welfare (Open access) Doris Lydahl, Cecilia Hansen Lofstrand The welfare systems in the global North has seen changes in professional care delivery systems in the margins of welfare, from care in large treatment institutions, to community care and, more recently, to care taking place in home spaces. Care and support are increasingly provided in the home of the service user through floating support and home visits. Drawing on empirical ethics, we aim to inquire into modes of doing good care during professional workers home visits by building on observations of service interactions taking place during these home visits in two different settings: that is, a mental healthcare unit performing home visits in the context of psychiatric care and a specialhousing unit performing home visits in the context of homelessness services. We also build on interviews as retrospective reflections on service interactions. Drawing on these empirical materials, we ask what is considered as doing good in the margins of welfare and identify three ideal patterns: the relationality of care , the situatedness of care and the subject of care . Furthermore, these ideal patterns are connected to two different ideals of good care and conceptions of autonomy in care relations. Theory, Culture, and Society Molecular Politics, Wearables, and the Aretaic Shift in Biopolitical Governance Peter Lindner Since the publication of Nikolas Roses The Politics of Life Itself (2001) there has been vivid discussion about how biopolitical governance has changed over the last decades. This article uses what Rose terms molecular politics, a new socio-technical grip on the human body, as a contrasting background to ask anew his question What, then, of biopolitics today? albeit focusing not on advances in genetics, microbiology, and pharmaceutics, as he does, but on the rapid proliferation of wearables and other sensor-software gadgets. In both cases, new technologies providing information about the individual body are the common ground for governance and optimization, yet for the latter, the target is habits of moving, eating and drinking, sleeping, working and relaxing. The resulting profound differences are carved out along four lines: somatic identities and a modified understanding of the body; the role of expert knowledge compared to that of networks of peers and self-experimentation; the types of intervention by which new technologies become effective in our everyday life; and the post-discipline character of molecular biopolitics. It is argued that, taken together, these differences indicate a remarkable shift which could be termed aretaic: its focus is not life itself but life as it is lived, and its modality are new everyday socio-technical entanglements and their more-than-human rationalities of (self-)governance. Share this: Share Email Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr LinkedIn [view academic citations] [hide academic citations] VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ValOre Metals Corp. (VO:TSX-V) (ValOre or the Company) today announced the Annual General Meeting voting results. ValOre is pleased to announce the voting results of its recent annual general meeting of shareholders ("AGM"), which was held on June 24, 2020. Shareholders approved the business items of setting the size of the Board of Directors at six, including the election of each director nominee. Detailed voting results are as follows: Nominee # Voted For %Voted For # Votes Withheld % Votes Withheld James Paterson 21,512,318 99.70 65,314 0.30 Dale Wallster 21,486,818 99.58 90,814 0.42 James Malone 21,486,818 99.58 90,814 0.42 Garth Kirkham 21,486,818 99.58 90,814 0.42 Luis Azevedo 21,486,648 99.58 90,984 0.42 Brian McMaster 21,480,762 99.55 96,870 0.45 Shareholders also approved the appointment Davidson & Company LLP, as the auditors of ValOre by 98.30% of votes in favor, while the Stock Option Plan and resolution authorizing the continuation of the Company's Rolling Stock Option Plan was approved with 99.29% in favor. The composition of the committees of the Board of Directors, all members being independent directors, are as follows: Audit: Dale Wallster (Chair), James Malone, Garth Kirkham Compensation: Garth Kirkham (Chair), Dale Wallster, James Malone Corporate Governance: James Malone (Chair), Dale Wallster, Garth Kirkham About ValOre Metals Corp. ValOre Metals Corp. (TSXV: VO) is a Canadian company with a portfolio of highquality exploration projects. ValOres team aims to deploy capital and knowledge on projects which benefit from substantial prior investment by previous owners, existence of high-value mineralization on a large scale, and the possibility of adding tangible value through exploration, process improvement, and innovation. In May 2019, ValOre announced the acquisition of the Pedra Branca Platinum Group Elements (PGE) property, in Brazil, to bolster its existing Angilak uranium, Genesis/Hatchet uranium and Baffin gold projects in Canada. The Pedra Branca PGE Project comprises 38 exploration licenses covering a total area of 38,940 hectares (96,223 acres) in northeastern Brazil. At Pedra Branca, 5 distinct PGE+Au deposit areas host, in aggregate, a NI 43-101 Inferred Resource of 1,067,000 ounces 2PGE+Gold (Palladium, Platinum and Gold; Pd, Pt+Au) contained in 27.2 million tonnes (Mt) grading 1.22 grams 2PGE+Gold per tonne (g 2PGE+Au/t) (see ValOres July 23, 2019 news release). PGE mineralization outcrops at surface and all of the inferred resources are potentially open pittable. Comprehensive exploration programs have demonstrated the "District Scale" potential of ValOres 89,852-hectare Angilak Property in Nunavut Territory, Canada that hosts the Lac 50 Trend having a NI 43101 Inferred Resource of 2,831,000 tonnes grading 0.69% U3O8, totaling 43.3 million pounds U3O8U3O8. ValOre's. For disclosure related to the inferred resource for the Lac 50 Trend uranium deposits, please refer to ValOre's news release of March 1, 2013. ValOres team has forged strong relationships with sophisticated resource sector investors and partner Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) on both the Angilak and Baffin Gold Properties. ValOre was the first company to sign a comprehensive agreement to explore for uranium on Inuit Owned Lands in Nunavut Territory and is committed to building shareholder value while adhering to high levels of environmental and safety standards and proactive local community engagement. On behalf of the Board of Directors, "Jim Paterson" James R. Paterson, Chairman and CEO ValOre Metals Corp. For further information about, ValOre Metals Corp. or this news release, please visit our website at www.valoremetals.com or contact Investor Relations toll free at 1.888.331.2269, at 604.646.4527, or by email at contact@valoremetals.com. ValOre Metals Corp. is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: www.discoverygroup.ca Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Advertisement Photographs of the Korean War have been brought back to life in color seventy years on from its outbreak, which began on June 25, 1950. North Korea invaded their southern neighbors, five years after the end of World War II, when Korea was liberated by the United States and the Soviet Union from imperial Japanese control. The peninsula was divided at the 38th parallel, splitting it into two zones of occupation - the southern half administered by the United States and the northern half by the Soviet Union. South Korea was established as a capitalist state under the anti-communist leadership of Syngman Rhee, while North Korea - a socialist state - was established under the communist leadership of Kim Il-Sung. Tensions existed between both Korean states from the start, and both claimed to be the only legitimate government in Korea - neither accepted the border as being permanent. Tensions escalated into warfare when North Korea - supported by the Soviet Union and China - invaded the South on June 25 1950. In response, the United Nations Security Council authorized the creation of the United Nations Command and the dispatch of armed forces to repel the invasion. Twenty-one United Nations countries contributed to the UN's force, with the U.S. contributing around 90 per cent of the military personnel. Pictured: American troops look on as explosions break up the snowy atmosphere during the Korean War as a vehicle full of troops advances down a snowy road towards the target of a bombardment. A mushroom cloud of smoke rises from the forest in the distance, to a backdrop of snowy mountains Left: A group of American troops pose for a group photo in Korea. Each is wearing their military uniform, wearing a helmet and holding a rifle. Right: American troops carrying their equipment board a plane that is set to drop them behind enemy lines north of Pyongyang, North Korea The fighting in the first two months saw South Korea and U.S. forces close to defeat and pushed back to a defensive line known as the Pusan Perimeter, but in September a UN counter-offensive was launched, cutting off a number of Korean People's Army (KPA) troops. The KPA were pushed back north, almost reaching the Yalu River - the border with China - before China launched their own counter offensive on 19 October 1950. In the battles that followed, Seoul - The capital of South Korea - was captured four times, and a stalemate developed close to the 38th parallel, near where the war began. Fighting went on for over three years until July 27 1953 when the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed, creating the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) to separate the North and the South. No peace treaty was ever signed, and 70 years on, the nations are technically still at war. During the conflict, nearly five-million people died, the majority of which were from Korea. Almost 40,000 Americans were killed and more than 100,000 were wounded. Pictured: A view above the Battle of Inchon, an amphibious invasion undertaken by the UN forces made up of largely of South Korean and U.S. personnel but also involving the United Kingdom, Canada and France. Four large ships can be seen against the shore, with openings at the front allowing vehicles and troops to disembark onto the land. On land, trucks, tents and men are seen setting up a base of operations and unloading equipment Pictured: Guns fire during the battle of Inchon, which began on 15 September 1950 and ended four days later on the 19 September, was a surprise attack from the Pusan Perimeter that the UN and Republic of Korean Army that turned the tide in the war. The UN was able to recapture Seoul and partially severed the KPA's supply lines in South Korea. The KPA rapidly collapsed following the offensive The stunning pictures show ships lined up on the shore at the Battle of Inchon and troops boarding a plane ready for a drop behind enemy lines north of Pyonyang, Korea. Other images show troops trekking through snow during winter and tanks being fired. The stunning pictures were expertly colorised by electrician Royston Leonard, 54, from the Cardiff in the United Kingdom. Royston digitally paints over the black and white images and mixes his colors on screen. American soldiers tread through the snow in Korea, wrapped in multiple layers and carrying their weapons as they walk along-side an American tank. Almost 40,000 Americans were killed and more than 100,000 were wounded Marine Corps F4U-4B Corsair fighter-bomber receives final checks to its armament of bombs and five-inch rockets, just prior to being catapulted from USS Sicily (CVE-118) for a strike on enemy forces in Korea in November 1950 Two American troops rest their guns on a verge while keeping a look out in snow-covered mountains near Pyongyang in North Korea. Pyongyang was captured by UN forces on 19 October 1950, but was back under North Korean control by December 5 'War is hell, no one really wins at the ground level of the battlefield,' said Royston. 'Both side's governments could go home to dinner with loved ones, but the families of soldiers had empty plates and spaces in their homes and hearts and when the war finished, the talking started. 'When I was young, I asked if war was really needed and the answer I got was that it isn't but sometimes life gives you no other choice. 'I color the war photos to show the hard choice made by brave people of that time.' Pictured: U.S. troops fire a howitzer gun at enemy lines. Soldier cover their ears as the gun is fired, with the explosion lighting up the bunker around them, which has sandbags marking the perimeter to keep the soldiers in cover and protected from enemy fire Pictured: U.S. soldiers crouch down in a shallow trench while keeping they eyes fixed down the hill, looking out for enemy troops that could threaten their position. Snow can be seen on the verges either side of the two soldiers The Korean War started on June, 25 1950 and ended on July 27, 1953. 'The message is already there for all to see in the pictures themselves but I do feel it helps the younger generation to understand that what happened was real,' added Royston. 'I love giving more life to the pictures and I think that color improves the story the photographs tell.' U.S. artillery advance on enemy positions as rain pours down on the American troops, who work to keep the guns firing to suppress the enemy in the distance. Homes can be seen on the other side of the artillery to where the photograph was taken Pictured: More cannons are pictured as they fire in tandem with one-another, as the snow comes down hard on the American soldiers working to keep the guns firing on enemy positions. The supplies behind them are covered in snow The Supreme Court has pronounced judgement on the compilation of a new voters' register case with both parties, Electoral Commission and the opposition NDC claiming victory. The court ruled that the Electoral Commission should go ahead and compile a new register of voters. But people at the court including court reporters say they were confused by the Supreme Court ruling as far as the exclusion of the old voter ID card was the core of the case. As it stands now, it is not clear whether or not the old voter ID card should be used for the compilation. Currently, the lawyers from two parties, according to the court reporters are seeking further clarification from the justices in chambers. The seven-member panel of justices presided over by Chief Justice Anin Yeboah gave the ruling today Thursday, 25 June. [June 25, 2020] Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank Streamlines Key Business Processes With Newgen NAIROBI, Kenya, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Newgen Software, a global provider of low code digital automation platform, announced that Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB), is going live with its electronic document and records management system (EDRMS) product suite for automating and streamlining their key business processes and achieving the goal of a digital, paperless organization. Using Newgen's solution, TDB will digitize paper-based processes across all its departments in the bank. This will enable the bank to drive enterprise-wide digital transformation and improve efficiency. "We were looking for a technology solution that would help us digitize and automate our processes and deliver a contemporary customer experience. We onboarded Newgen as a partner after an intensive evaluation process and selected their industry-leading EDRMS solution," said Joseph Kynunda, Senior Records Management Officer, Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank. "With Newgen solutions, we would be able to unify operational silos and manage our enterprise content more efficiently, thereby reducing turnaround time, improving visibility, reducing reliance on physical documents, and enabling a seamless customer journey. Both internal and external customers will be enabled with real-time information to facilitate smarter decision-making. We are looking forward to going live with the EDRMS system and working with Newgen on future projects," he further added. "Newgen aims to help TDB transform their business processes and deliver faster and more efficient servies. With our cutting-edge products and technologies, we have always aspired to help customers stay ahead of the curve. We are glad that TDB chose us as their digital transformation partner. We hope to drive mutual business growth and make this partnership a success," said Diwakar Nigam, MD, and CEO, Newgen Software Technologies Limited. Newgen products are built on its digital automation platform, with low-code capability. The platform enables rapid business application development and offers agility for sustainable and continuous improvement, thereby future-proofing an enterprise. Further, the platform's capabilities such as mobility, social sensing, analytics, cloud, robotic process automation, and artificial intelligence accelerate the digital journey of businesses. About TDB: Established in 1985, the Eastern and Southern African Trade and Development Bank (TDB) is a multilateral, treaty-based, investment-grade development financial institution, with assets of USD 6.7bn. The Bank's mandate is to finance and foster trade, regional economic integration, and sustainable development through trade finance and project and infrastructure finance. About Newgen Software: Newgen Software Technologies Limited is a global provider of digital process automation platform with more than 200 financial institutions as its clients. Newgen's platform automates critical business processes for financial institutions across commercial lending, consumer lending, customer on-boarding, digital account opening, trade finance, digital, and mobile customer service requests. Newgen offers flexible on-premise and cloud-based solutions to financial institutions. To learn more about how Newgen is connecting enterprises and transforming experiences, visit: http://www.newgensoft.com/ Connect Details: Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter Watch our videos on YouTube Media Contact: Asif Khan [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eastern-and-southern-african-trade-and-development-bank-streamlines-key-business-processes-with-newgen-301083561.html SOURCE Newgen Software Technologies Limited [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Have Sheriff Offices in North Carolina, possibly even Beaufort County's Sheriff Office, become too political in the discharging of their sworn constitutional duties? No, the sheriff is a constitutional officer. Yes, the Sheriff Office, on strong occasion, often reverts back to political patronage in the dispensation of their sworn constitutional duties. R Madhavan took to twitter addressing rumours of a sequel to 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein.' He stated he hopes an age-appropriate script is on the cards for him and his co-actor Dia Mirza. Refuting the rumors of a sequel to his hit romantic film Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein in the most subtle manner, actor R Madhavan on Thursday said that he hopes that someone somewhere comes up with an age-appropriate script for the sequel of the film. The 3 Idiots actor took to Twitter to state that he does not have any idea about the sequel to classic love saga released 19-years-ago. #RHTDM ..Guysss been reading rumors about the sequel .. and hoping its true-cause I have no idea about this, he tweeted. He further went on to joke that both he and his co-actor Dia Mirza are much older now as compared to when the original film was released in 2001 and he wishes that the script of the film be age-appropriate for them in case of a sequel. Read Also: Siddharth Roy Kapur to produce film on William Dalrymple bestselling book The Anarchy # RHTDM ..Guysss been reading rumors about the sequel .. and hoping its true-cause I have no idea about this .. just praying that someone somewhere has an age appropriate script for Dia and I -varna madhav shastri hathi ke pic.twitter.com/dKYOMEcccA Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) June 24, 2020 Read Also: Shahid Kapoor pens a thank you note as Kabir Singh completes one year Just praying that someone somewhere has an age-appropriate script for Dia and I -varna ab madhav shastri banna to hathi ko chaddi pehnane ke barabar hai, his tweet further read. He complimented the tweet with a picture of him and Dia posing in front of a poster of the Gautham Menon directorial. Many tweets, articles, and reports about a sequel to the film have been doing rounds on the internet for a very long time. In RHTDM, the innocent love story played by Madhavan and Dia continues to hold a special place in the hearts of their fans even after all these years. Read Also: Aarya social media reaction: Sushmita Sens comeback receives an overwhelming response For all the latest Entertainment News, download NewsX App He was jailed in 2016 after he was found guilty of conspiracy to commit insider trading during a highly-publicised trial. And on Wednesday, Roxy Jacenko celebrated the third anniversary of her husband Oliver Curtis' release from Cooma Correctional Facility on June 24, 2017. Enjoying life free from prison greens and concrete cells, the PR queen posted a sweet tribute to her beau, writing: 'Time flys (sic). 3 years ago. He went from green to navy blue. well done.' PR queen Roxy Jacenko celebrated three years of husband Oliver Curtis being a free man on Wednesday, by sharing family photos from when he was released from jail in 2017 (pictured) Oliver was released from prison after 12 months on a good behaviour bond in June 2017, after being sentenced to two years in June 2016. After serving the one-year sentence, Oliver was greeted in a nearby private jet by Roxy, now 40, and their children Pixie and Hunter - then aged five and three. The publicist re-shared photos of the family's long-awaited reunion in her post on Thursday, showing the couple's children overjoyed to be back in their father's arms. Jail time: Oliver was released from prison after 12 months on a good behaviour bond in June 2017, after being sentenced to two years in June 2016 Luxury trip home: After serving the one-year sentence, Oliver was greeted in a nearby private jet by Roxy, now 40, and their children Pixie and Hunter - then aged five and three In the photos, the former banker was seen cuddling up to Pixie and Hunter in the private jet with an ear-to-ear grin. A year after Oliver's release from prison he spent time at medical start-up E-Nome, before joining Roxy's public relations company, Sweaty Betty. He took up a position in the financial department of his wife's various companies. Daddy's little girl: In the photos, the former banker was seen cuddling up to Pixie and Hunter in the private jet with an ear-to-ear grin After returning home, Oliver also proposed for a second time to Roxy with an impressive $450,000 six-carat diamond ring. The smitten pair have paraded their loved-up affection ever since, despite Roxy claiming the pair were on the brink of divorce while Oliver was in jail. Roxy and Oliver, who have been married since 2012, share two children together - Pixie, eight and six-year-old Hunter. DECATUR On the lawn of the Decatur Police Department, over 100 people dressed in red, white and blue gathered on Thursday to say thank you. "We do know that a far majority of the community supports us and for them to take time out of their day to come talk to us and just give us a positive spirit certainly helps out," said Deputy Chief Shane Brandel. Nicole Pinkston, the event organizer, said the day was meant to honor the police officers' hard work and them risking their lives in the line of duty. "One officer came up to me and said they were trying to hold back tears because they were so grateful for this and that just is what this is all about, them knowing they are appreciated and valued," she said. Pinkston said community members donated money and snacks to put together gift bags that were passed out to the officers as they drove up to the front door of the department. The crowd cheered and held up signs that read "We support you" and "thank you for all that you do." The Rev. Wayne Dunning of Faith Fellowship Christian Church also was in the crowd on Thursday. "There are so many great officers, especially here in Decatur," Dunning said. "It is important to recognize them and say we appreciate you more than you know." At the very front of the crowd was Jarmese Sherrod, facilitator of Young Leaders in Action. Alongside her was her 10-year-old son, Jajuan, who said he wants to be a police officer someday. "I want to be a police officer when I grow up because I want to make the world a better place," Jajuan Sherrod said. Jarmese said they have several members of law enforcement within their family, some of which work in Chicago. Decatur police officials earlier this month met with community leaders including Jeanelle Norman, president of the NAACP Decatur Branch, to discuss issues facing the Black community. One topic discussed during the meeting was the national shortage of African-American police officers. The meeting was held in response to current national attention to restructuring police departments after the recent death of George Floyd, a black man who died in Minneapolis police custody. Norman and Decatur police Chief Jim Getz have been meeting for the last five years to make sure there is a high level of trust within the community. Brandel on Thursday said the department is continuing those conversations. "When things like this happen, conversations happen. Anytime a good conversation can happen we all can be better, as a department and as a community." Councilman David Horn said the city needs to think about how to create a more diverse workforce overall. "If we think about the discussions of racial disparities that are occurring not only in the country but in Decatur as well, one of the ways we can begin to reduce those racial disparities is by further providing opportunities for minorities to be part of the police department, to be part of the fire department to be part of all of the city departments that we have so that we have a workforce that is as representative of the city it serves as possible," said Horn. Horn said he attended the appreciation event on Thursday to show respect for the 140 Decatur officers who protect the city and its citizens everyday. He also attended the peaceful marches in downtown Decatur: the first honored Floyd and the second was held to recognize Black women who are victims of brutality. Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe said to the Herald & Review after the event that she is proud to have the officers on the streets representing the city. "We are fortunate to have the caliber of people we do on the Decatur police force," said Moore Wolfe. "Chief Getz has exceptionally high expectations and sets the right tone. He and his officers work diligently to establish relationships in our neighborhoods and our community." FROM THE ARCHIVES: A look back at Decatur police through the years Contact Analisa Trofimuk at (217) 421-7985. Follow her on Twitter: @AnalisaTro Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 19 Five years after the first allegations of sexual harassment of staff, sex with a teenager, and bullying came to light involving former Canadian senator Don Meredith, the Senate has condemned his behaviour and is exploring ways to financially compensate some of the women he targeted. Workplace harassment of any kind is unacceptable and has no place in the Senate of Canada, said Sen. Sabi Marwah, chair of the Senates committee on internal economy, budgets and administration. We have heard the experiences of employees in the office of former senator Don Meredith and, most importantly, we believe them. The statement from the Senate Thursday is the latest in a saga that began in June 2015. First, the Senate confirmed it was investigating high staff turnover in Merediths Senate office in Ottawa, which led to concerns of workplace sexual harassment and bullying. Then came allegations from a woman (who was not an employee) who, at age of 16, had begun a sexual relationship with Meredith. The woman came forward to the Star because she had heard about the other investigation and felt that the women in the office would not be believed when they told their story. The woman told the Star that between the age of 16 and 18 they had a sexual relationship, which included nights spent at Merediths Senate paid residence at the Chateau Laurier Hotel in Ottawa and apparent use of a Senate-paid cellphone (using the Skype and Viber apps, the young woman said Meredith would masturbate on camera and ask her to touch herself). In text messages she provided the Star, the married Meredith is seen to eventually break off the relationship, saying I should be leading you, not making you. Meredith, appointed by former prime minister Stephen Harper, was kicked out of the Conservative caucus within hours of the Star story breaking, but kept his Senate job for two years. Police and Senate investigations ensued, the former ending in no charges and the latter proceeding in two phases. First the workplace harassment and bullying probe involving at least four Meredith staffers, and secondly, an investigation into the young womans claims. Sen. Marwah said in the Senate chamber Thursday that Merediths actions call for an unequivocal condemnation from the Senate and from all senators. The Star was unable to reach Meredith for this story. A former Toronto-area landscaper he is also a Pentecostal minister. Meredith resigned his Senate seat in 2017 after the Senates ethics committee recommended he be expelled for using his position to pursue the relationship with the teenager. The ethics committee in a separate report in 2019 found that Meredith had repeatedly sexually harassed a half-dozen employees, plus a constable in the upper chambers protection service. The Senate ethics officer said Meredith intimidated, threatened and bullied his own staff. In some cases, he repeatedly touched, kissed and propositioned some of them. The detailed report reveals a variety of different allegations, all statements made to the Senate committee and accepted by the committee now as true. Meredith in earlier statements to the Senate denied there were any issues, and eventually stopped participating in the investigative process. Some of the allegations detailed in the 2019 report include frequent instances of Meredith yelling at employees in front of other employees in an attempt to belittle them; complaints during international trips Meredith took that he was not properly upgraded to first class air travel; and complaints that Meredith repeatedly groped and exposed himself to his female staffers. In just one of the examples in the 2019 report, a female staffer said Meredith, who referred to himself as a man of Godfourteen thousand times a day accosted her in his office kitchen and started Touching me, kissing me, putting his hands under my skirt. In another example, a staffer said Meredith asked her to bring some documents to his Ottawa hotel room. Once there, he told her he wanted to talk. Then, she said, Meredith laid on the bed and took out his genitals and he just started kissing me. The woman said she made an excuse and left. In their testimony, the staffers said they put up with his behaviour because of Merediths position of power and they did not want to lose their jobs. Several went on sick leave, or moved to other jobs to get away from Merediths toxic environment. The constable with the Senates protection service testified that Meredith kissed her on two occasions; continually told her she looked awfully fine and on one occasion noted she carried handcuffs as part of her equipment and suggested you should come back to my office there and we should try them out together. With Meredith gone from the Senate by the time of the 2019 report, there was no effect on him. Sen. Marwahs administrative Senate committee stepped in to see if something more could be done. In February, staff testified about their experiences with Meredith in his office. A report from that committee led to Thursdays formal statement of regret. In his statement, Sen. Marwah said that the Senate profoundly regrets the pain and trauma endured by the former Meredith staffers. Further, Sen. Marwah said the Senate is working to prevent what happened to you from happening again. He said all senators and Senate employees must now undergo mandatory anti-harassment training and we have developed a new anti-harassment policy for the Senate. The Senate committee has also apologized for the lengthy time it took to reach this point in the protracted case of Don Meredith. The Senate is now contemplating what it describes as a financial award for employees impacted by the misconduct of Mr. Meredith. As to how much, the Senate will use an independent evaluator and be guided by recent financial settlements in cases at the RCMP, the Canadian Armed Forces and the Department of National Defence. The compensation being considered relates only to people who worked for Meredith. It does not relate to the young woman who Meredith had a sexual relationship with while she was a teenager. Correction - June 26, 2020: This article was edited from an earlier version that mistakenly referred to Sen. Sabi Marwah as a female Senator. Read more about: The family of missing Colorado mom Suzanne Morphew say they are still holding out hope for her safe return more than six weeks after she mysteriously vanished. Suzanne, 49, has not been seen since since she set off from her home in Maysville, Colorado on a solo bike ride on Mother's Day, May 10. In an update on a GoFundMe page set up for Suzanne, her nephew, Trevor Noel, wrote last Thursday: 'Suzanne is still missing and the search goes on. Please continue to pray with us as we hold out hope for her safe return.' He thanked those who have aided in the search to find the mom-of-two. 'Whether donating financially, hiking the mountains, hanging posters, canvassing, preparing and delivering food for volunteers and so much more - please know that your thoughtfulness and compassion are so appreciated and that it has sustained the family throughout the difficulty of the search,' Noel wrote. Suzanne's husband, Barry Morphew, has been keeping a low profile after announcing a $100,000 reward for his wife's safe return a short time after she disappeared. That figure was later doubled by a family friend. The $200,000 reward still remains on offer. The family of missing Colorado mom Suzanne Morphew say they are still holding out hope for her safe return more than six weeks after she mysteriously vanished Suzanne's husband, Barry (pictured), has been keeping a low profile in recent weeks. Shortly after Suzanne's disappearance, he offered a $100,000 reward for her safe return The Colorado Bureau of Investigation investigated the home of Suzanne Morphew in May but it was released back to the family. The $1.5 million residence is pictured here More than $32,000 has been raised on Suzanne's GoFundMe page, with Noel revealing the money is being handled by her adult daughter, Mallory Morphew. Some of the funds will go towards expenses related to search efforts, including food and housing for volunteers. Two weeks ago, two dozen investigators conducted a community canvas in the neighborhood where Suzanne vanished, questioning local residents in a bid to uncover any possible new leads in the case. So far, detectives have been unable to find any information to help the solve a mystery that has attracted national attention. Suzanne is pictured with her two daughters and husband Barry in a family photo taken back in 2017 Suzanne's daughters Mallory and Macy who first raised the alarm after they were unable to get hold of her on Mother's Day as they made their way back from a camping trip in Idaho Suzanne was home alone at the time she set out on her bike ride on May 10, with husband Barry believed to be more than 140 miles away in Denver. It was Suzanne and Barry's adult daughters, Mallory and Macy, who raised the alarm about her disappearance. They contacted a neighbor when they couldn't get a hold of their mom when they returned from a camping trip in Idaho. On the day Suzanne vanished, Barry was reportedly in Denver at a training course for his job as a volunteer firefighter. Suzanne's disappearance sparked an extensive search that included tracking dogs, water rescue teams and tactical mountain rescuers. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the FBI were also called in. On May 17, a week after her disappearance, Barry released a video pleading with the public to help find his missing wife. 'Oh Suzanne, if anyone is out there and can hear this, that has you, please, we'll do whatever it takes to bring you back,' Morphew stated in the video. 'We love you; we miss you; your girls need you. No questions asked, however much they want - I will do whatever it takes to get you back. Honey, I love you, I want you back so bad.' On May 17, Barry released a video pleading with the public to help find Suzanne Two weeks after her disappearance, police took custody of the $1.5 million Morphew residence to carry out a search. Cops were seen carrying evidence bags and equipment into the home. A CSI photographer was spotted on the premises, and evidence bags were pictured being brought out and loaded into a van before the house handed it back to the family on May 28. Police and the FBI also conducted a three-day search of a separate residential property where Barry Morphew had recently worked as a landscaper. The riverfront Salida property is located around 12 miles from the couple's home. Authorities dug up a concrete slab that had been laid at that site, but it did not yield any further leads into Suzanne's disappearance. Police have carried out ten major searches in the area that included along the highway, in Morphew's family home and in a property where her husband Barry had been working Police are re-canvassing the neighborhood in the hope of finding a new lead on missing mother-of-two Suzanne Morphew, pictured, who has now been missing for a month An earlier search took place along U.S. 50 after finding what was believed to be a personal item of Suzanne's. It was suspended on May 15 when it led to no further leads. Earlier this month, the CBI's Susan Medina encouraged anyone with information to call the tip line created for the case. 'No matter how small or insignificant something may seem, it could be that key piece of information that help investigators locate Suzanne,' she said. 'Even if you just recall something that may have seemed out of the ordinary at the time, report that information it doesn't matter that it's a month later. Investigators still want to know.' No suspects have yet been identified. Authorities have asked anybody with information to dial (719) 312-7530 Always clean your shoes, Dr. John Boockvar says. Families dont want to see blood on your shoes. Taking a quick dab before going out to talk to the loved ones of a patient whose brain he has just been into the neurosurgeon (who looks like Paul Rudd if Paul Rudd did age) offers just one of many quotable moments in the new Netflix obsession that is Lenox Hill. A fly-on-the-wall DOC-u-series (sorry, I couldnt resist) filmed in a hospital on New Yorks Upper East Side, taking the pulse of the both the professional and personal as four main doctors wrestle with the twists and turns of their varied patients. The hustle, the hurt, and the stakes. In a word? Phenomenal. I was hooked from almost minute one in this series thats been described, inevitably, as an IRL Greys Anatomy. Though it did also occur, while making my way through the eight-parter (with one bonus, up-to-the-minute ep added just this week, zeroing in on the response to the coronavirus pandemic), that the series also excels as the un-Tiger King, in case you were in the market for something anything to restore faith in humanity during these times. Coming along serendipitously, of course, because the project was in gestation long before COVID-19 stole the headlines in a year when people stood to clap en masse for medical workers in various cities around the world, it also seems gift-wrapped for a time when actual celebrities look more superfluous than ever. Also: smaller like, literally smaller, stuck as theyve been for so long in their little boxes on Zoom, etc., like all of us. Not to mention, those stars often fail to rise to the occasion and/or just trip up, tone-wise (give or take a Tom Hanks). Remember when Gal Gadot took it upon herself like, three days into the pandemic to round up other celebs to sing Imagine? Or when Ellen told the audience from her mansion that being in quarantine was like being in jail, or Gisele Bundchen posted a pic of herself on Instagram in front of a waterfall, as she sang the praises of being Zen? Yeah, Lenox Hill is the antidote to all that. The four doctors it trails to soak in the realism? They include on one side of the action the aforementioned Dr. Boockvar as well as Dr. David Langer, the hospitals bonhomie-giving head of neurosurgery. In the maternity wing, meanwhile, we get the charm-bomb that is Dr. Amanda Little-Richardson as Lenox Hills chief obstetrics resident, while Dr. Mirtha Macri imagine Ugly Betty grown up specializes in emergency medicine. Oh, and two of these four are pregnant in the series, which helps to shape their arcs. You might guess which ones. None of the action seems particularly heightened or produced. Scenes are left to hang, in some occasions, like they do in life. There are parts that are moving and life-affirming; others that are comically gory (cutting like a hot knife through butter, says one doc, getting to work on a tumour). The filmmaker, Ruthie Shatz, has said her inspiration came from her own experience: I was in the hospital, on bed rest, while I was pregnant. My mother, who had cancer, was being treated a few floors up from me. We didnt let her know I was also there, because I was worried about her well-being, so I would talk to her on the phone even though I was in the same building ... Thats when I started thinking about the environment and what an insane place it is. There are these (extremes) life and death under the same roof. The stickiness of the series got underscored when Shonda Rhimes creator of Greys Anatomy and so many other shows weighed in last week about the Netflix series on Twitter. Making a connection between the Miranda Bailey character on her own long-running show played since Greys conception in 2005 by Chandra Wilson and the arguable breakout persona of Lenox Hill, Rhimes wrote the following: Dr. Little-Richardson and the fictional Dr. Bailey are examples that representation matters on TV and in the real world. A Black doctor advocating for Black patients and providing care is inspirational and heroic to see. I loved Lenox Hill despite the fact Im not typically someone who gravitates toward medical dramas. Give me words-chopping lawyers. Give me shows set in the murky world of politics. Give me the world of viperous chess-players like that in Succession, self-involved white people with houses in Montauk (I watched The Affair until the end), the sexed-up nutbars of my youth circa Melrose Place, or even the all-too-flawed women who populate my beloved Housewives-sphere. (Perhaps it should not come as any surprise that I am not someone who has ever had a problem, in either TV or print, with unlikeable characters in fact, I like seeing the worst parts of our souls redirected back to us in narrative.) While I do, on an intellectual level, understand the appeal of shows about doctors the whole pressure-cooker zone of birth and loss and occasionally dipped into shows like Greys and ER back in the day they, like I said, have never really been my thing. And yet Lenox Hill seems to have come along at precisely the right time. If theres a time we could use a show about heroes bearing stethoscopes, it would be now, no? (Not to mention, there is a birth scene which is more gratifying and more suspenseful than any Mission Impossible action sequence. Trust me.) Come to think of it, though, if I had to compare Lenox to a fictional series, the one that swirled around in my head was not Greys or Scrubs let alone earlier portrayals such as St. Elsewhere or M*A*S*H but the somewhat underrated Showtime series that starred Edie Falco and ran for seven seasons from 2009 on. Something about the New York urbanness here, and occasional gallows humour, as well as its feminist underlining, gave me definite shivers of Nurse Jackie, oh yes (minus the clandestine pill-popping). Oh, OK, I lied: there is one medical show I did die for, back in the day. Nip/Tuck the original Ryan Murphy show. An inky-dark, occasionally bonkers, risque plastic-surgery dramedy. I would, wouldnt I? All of this, a roundabout way of me saying: watch Lenox Hill. It is perfection. Read more about: NEW YORKA fund set up to compensate victims of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein opened for claims Thursday, enabling dozens of women attacked by the financier when they were as young as 14 to seek a cut of his $630 million (U.S.) estate. A judge in the Virgin Islands approved the fund this month, facilitating payouts to women abused by Epstein before New York federal prosecutors charged him last year with sex trafficking of women and girls in the early 2000s. Hed long ago been convicted of charges in Florida state court. Jordana H. Feldman, the funds administrator, told reporters Thursday that many women were reluctant to tap the fund until they learned of its privacy features. One of the most attractive features of this program is confidentiality and the ability to keep this information private, she said. She said Epsteins estate appears to have sufficient liquidity to pay the claims even though well over 70 women may apply. If we need to get more money I will certainly go to the estate and see what can be done about liquidating other assets, she said. After Epstein, 66, killed himself in August in a Manhattan lockup, over a dozen lawsuits against his estate said that women and teenage girls suffered sexual abuse, sometimes for years, from Epstein and his enablers at homes in Manhattan, the Virgin Islands, Paris, New Mexico and Florida. Women willing to forgo the spate of lawsuits have nine months to file claims with the Epstein Victims Compensation Program. Even claims barred by various statutes of limitations will be considered, court records show. The funds administrator will evaluate each claim separately to determine how much money each woman receives. Court records show there is no cap beyond the multimillion-dollar estates size on individual claims. While the compensation fund has been met with some apprehension, court records show that attorneys for at least 69 women support it. That drumbeat of approval continues to swell, the estates co-executors wrote in a filing. We have confidence that the program will be the most successful of its kind, said Brad Edwards, an attorney for numerous Epstein victims who helped develop it. Of course, if any victim is not satisfied with the program, she is free to pursue her remedy though litigation. Working with Feldman is Kenneth Feinberg, a well-known mediator who has overseen compensation funds for victims of the Sept. 11 attacks and of clergy sex abuse within New Yorks Roman Catholic archdiocese. Progress in lawsuits stalled by the pandemic also were hampered by recent rulings that women couldnt pursue punitive damages. Meanwhile, federal prosecutors in New York are continuing to investigate claims that decades-long abuse was enabled by a network of co-conspirators. Epsteins former girlfriend, British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, was described in a 2017 lawsuit as the highest-ranking employee of Epsteins alleged sex-trafficking enterprise. It said she developed plans to recruit victims and helped conceal the activity from law enforcement. In sworn statements, she has denied wrongdoing. On Wednesday, lawyers for one of Epsteins accusers, Virginia Giuffre, argued in court papers that a transcript of a seven-hour deposition of Maxwell and other documents from a since-settled lawsuit should be made public. Over 2,000 pages of documents from the litigation were released last year. Maxwells lawyers have told a Manhattan judge that portions of her deposition should remain sealed because lawyers tried to force Maxwell to answer intrusive questions about her sex life and the media would exploit the information. Giuffres lawyers said Maxwell was trying to keep over 80 documents sealed with extraordinarily general and vague arguments that should not overcome a First Amendment presumption that court records are public. The Miami Herald, whose reporting in 2018 brought fresh scrutiny to Epsteins crimes, argued in court papers Wednesday that Maxwells fear of embarrassment shouldnt stop the public from learning of the sexual abuse of young girls at the hands of the wealthy and powerful. Pastor vying to be Georgias first black US senator sees opportunity for people of faith in unrest Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment He believes the U.S. Senate could benefit from having a pastor in its midst right now and the Rev. Raphael Warnock, who is vying to become Georgias first black member in the upper chamber of Congress, believes he should be the one. On Monday evening, Warnock, a longtime civil rights activist and progressive preacher who leads the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta where the Rev. Martin Luther King Sr. and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. served as pastors, was busy getting ready to minister to hurting people at the funeral service for Rayshard Brooks, set for Tuesday. Brooks, a 27-year-old black father, was recently killed by police in Atlanta in a controversial shooting that set off fiery protests about racial injustice and police brutality. Warnock believes that now is the perfect moment for people of faith to unite across differences and lead the nation to a better place as protesters continue raging in the streets. This is a moral moment in America. It is a time when once again were being called upon as an American people to reexamine the meanings and the significance of the covenant we have with one another. E pluribus unum out of many one. That is the noble and grand experiment that hangs over the American situation, he said in an interview with The Christian Post, referencing the nationwide unrest triggered by the police killings of Brooks and George Floyd in Minneapolis. It always represents an ideal that we are trying to reach. And ever so often, there comes these flash points that shock us into the realization of just how far we have yet to go. The lynching of George Floyd in broad daylight by those who are supposed to be providing equal protection under the law brings these issues of race that are always with us into sharp focus in ways that have forced people who typically dont get engaged in these issues to pay attention. Thats what were seeing. Were seeing the country at large being shaken into acknowledging an experience that people of color live with every day and know intimately. After Republican Johnny Isakson resigned from the Senate last year, Georgias Republican Gov. Brian Kemp appointed Sen. Kelly Loeffler, who was recently cleared of alleged insider trading ahead of the coronavirus pandemic by the Senate Ethics Committee. In a special election in November, Loeffler will have to face Warnock, who in April had garnered more fundraising support than any of the other 20 candidates in the field, including the top two Republicans Loeffler and Rep. Doug Collins, an ordained chaplain in the Air Force Reserve. If no one receives more than 50% of the vote, the two candidates with the most votes will be on the ballot for a runoff in January 2021. In addition to being the first black U.S. senator from Georgia if he is elected, Warnock would be only the 11th in the 231-year history of the Senate. I think the Senate, given its gridlock and inability to move past predictable partisan arguments could well use a pastor right about now, a pastor in its ranks. And so Im running because I think that ultimately, behind the public policy arguments, is a more fundamental question about the character of the country and the soul of the nation, Warnock, a divorced father of two, told CP. Warnock, 50, who grew up in public housing with 11 siblings, a preacher father and mother who taught him to believe in God and his worth, is now one of the most powerful voices in Atlanta. After spending years amplifying the collective voice of ordinary people from his pulpit, he said he now wants to take that voice directly to the halls of Washington. Its a new assignment but the same project the project of creating a more loving and just society that embraces all of Gods children. Thats what my activism has always been about. And that activism has often addressed itself to power with an eye toward changing public policy, he said, insisting hes not moving away from his activism. Im actually taking it to the next level. Im trying to transform my activism and agitation into legislation. Im trying to take to the halls of Washington, D.C., the concerns of ordinary people who need an advocate at that level because at the end of the day, public policy has to change. We have enough politicians who have little experience with the kind of service thats been a hallmark of my life. We have enough politicians who are so focused on the next election theyre not thinking enough about the next generation. Weve seen enough incestuous relationships between political backrooms and corporate boardrooms. I think its high time that the country had another moral voice in the most important deliberative body in the world. When Warnock announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate in late January, he said he wanted to make sure every voice is heard. His church, he said, is currently a plaintiff in a lawsuit against Georgia alleging voter suppression and continues working to mobilize people to vote. Weve registered 700,000 new voters in Georgia since the 2018 election, he said. Warnock has the support of Democrats in Washington and powerful advocates like Stacey Abrams, who, in 2018, ran for governor in Georgia, after becoming the first black woman in the U.S. to win a gubernatorial nomination for either political party. As a senior pastor for 14 years, Rev. Warnock is committed to serving not only the faith community, but every community in Georgia, said Democratic Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley in a recent statement to CP. Rev. Warnock has seen firsthand the challenges Georgians face. He is a passionate advocate for increasing access to healthcare and education, ensuring workers are paid a living wage, and making sure that the voices of everyday Georgians echo in the halls of the U.S. Senate. I am proud to endorse Rev. Warnocks campaign, and look forward to his leadership in the Senate. Warnock highlighted how Abrams lost her historic bid by 55,000 votes or less than a point and a half to Kemp. Weve registered 700,000 new voters and a million people showed up at the Georgia primary last Tuesday in spite of all of the tricks that were being played, which is more than showed up in 2008 when Barack Obama defeated Hillary Clinton, Warnock said. So we will defeat voter suppression through massive voter turnout, through vote by mail and through reminding people that somebody is so afraid of their voice that they dont want them to vote. The Atlanta pastor is banking on energizing voters to show up at the polls by allowing them to see their story in his. Im running because I understand the struggles of ordinary people and I want them to see their story and my story and see my story in the American story, he said. I had a ladder of upward mobility that allowed me to move from where I started to possibility. Nowadays, our kids growing up in struggling families and the urban centers of Atlanta and Savannah and rural towns and they have a harder time now than I did then, he admitted. Theyre having to mortgage their future just to have a future. Student loan debt has now exceeded credit card debt. And so part of whats going on is people dont see themselves in the political partisan conversation, the predictable hackneyed arguments that go on in Washington. And so their voices are suppressed to the degree that they dont see whats at stake for them. Ongoing racial injustice protests have been so significant that they have echoed loudly across the nation, sparking deep and at times contentious conversations among Christians of different races. Warnock urged Christians not to focus on instances of looting that have accompanied some protests. Theres been some unfortunate incidents of looting and violence. Weve seen some of that even in the city of Atlanta, but most of the protests have been overwhelmingly nonviolent and constructive. And nonviolent protests with an eye toward social change is as American as voting. It is as basic as the Constitution itself and the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence is protest put in writing, he said. We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal. It wasnt simply an affirmation of something. It was certainly an act. But it was also [a] denunciation of what was then the status quo. Our country was born in protest and conceived in liberty and you dont get one without the other. You dont even get a clear understanding of what liberty means until diverse voices stand up in order to clarify our understanding. Women had to do it in the Suffrage movement. African Americans had to do it in the Civil Rights movement and in other movements. He warned, however, that in addition to making their voice heard in the street, people must also march with their votes. Im inspired by the protests that Im seeing on the streets and I hope that folks will march through the summer and then march in the fall. I hope that theyll be a part of a great march on November 3, 2020, because thats another important way that change actually happens in America, he said, noting that the protests are already working. There is a discussion going on in Congress right now that would not be going on if people were not in the streets. Change doesnt start at the top; it starts at the bottom. And so what I hope to do as a candidate for the United States Senate is bring the sensibilities, the concern and the sense of urgency of the grassroots to the United States Senate. Its about time. For Christians who are looking to want to make a difference in the fight for justice, Warnock said the Bible can be used as a roadmap. Jesus said that He came to preach good news to the poor and to set the captives free. That was His very first sermon. The prophets spent their time preaching about injustice. They spoke to systems and they eschewed people who engaged in worship but did not engage in justice in the world. They had a way of saying 'away with you with your vestibules, away with your songs. I will not hear them,' says the prophet Amos but let justice roll down like waters and righteousness as a mighty stream, Warnock said. That is a central theme of the Gospel and sadly in America you cant reduce class to race but class and race for historical reasons show up together in America. And so I would just lift up the Scripture rather than just hold up the Bible as we saw the president do a few weeks ago. I do believe in what Dr. King called the beloved community. I do believe that out of one person, God has called all nations to dwell upon the face of the earth. I do believe in the beauty of our variegated humanity and that our differences are what make our humanity glorious and in a dark moment like this, the people of faith should be the first to stand up, declare itself and lead the rest of the country in that direction. A father died after getting into difficulty with his son off the coast of Cornwall. Air ambulance, police and the RNLI lifeboat all rushed to Porthcurno yesterday as temperatures hit 90F in parts of the UK. Falmouth Coastguard confirmed that the man's body was recovered from the water, while police said the son survived the incident. Several land ambulances were also spotted in the area. The man was treated for cardiac arrest on the beach with CPR applied but was unable to be revived. Air ambulance, police and the RNLI lifeboat all rushed to Porthcurno, Cornwall yesterday Falmouth Coastguard confirmed that the man's body was recovered from the water Police confirmed that a foreign national was pronounced dead at the scene. A force incident manager said: 'His family is now aware. He was pronounced deceased at the scene and wasn't from the area. 'He went into the water with his young son and sadly didn't come out alive.' Telenor Group is selling its entire 34.2% stake in Wave Money to Yoma Strategic Holdings for $76.5 million. A Myanmar-based mobile payments business, Wave Money is a joint venture between First Myanmar Investment, Telenor and Yoma Group. The companies launched the unit in November 2016. Telenor is leaving the venture after it was announced that Ant Financial, the China-based parent firm of payments service Alipay, will invest $73.5 million into Wave Money to help it expand its offering. Both of these actions are subject to regulatory approval. Lars Erik Tellmann, Telenors head of financial services, said: both Yoma Group and Ant Groups core operation is financial services and technology, and they are therefore the strongest owners to take Wave Money forward, noting that Wave Money will continue to be a strategic distribution channel for Telenor Myanmar. STOCKHOLM, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Moberg Pharma AB (OMX: MOB) announces that MOB-015 (topical terbinafine) met the primary endpoint in the European Phase 3 study including 452 onychomycosis patients, showing non-inferiority versus topical ciclopirox. Mycological cure was achieved in 84 percent of patients, which is unprecedented for a topical treatment and even higher than reported for oral treatments. The pattern is consistent with the results from the North American Phase 3 study, with low complete cure rates despite the high mycological cure rates. Moberg Pharma will discuss next steps with partners and regulatory agencies. This is the second Phase 3 study for MOB-015. The study was conducted at sites in Germany, the U.K. and Poland and included 452 patients with mild to moderate distal subungual onychomycosis (DSO) affecting 20-60 percent of the great toenail. Patients were randomized to daily treatment for 48 weeks, either with MOB-015 or 8 percent ciclopirox, the most widely used topical drug for onychomycosis. The primary endpoint, the proportion of patients with complete cure of their target toenail at 52 weeks, was achieved in 1.8 percent of patients receiving MOB-015 and in 1.6 percent of patients receiving ciclopirox. Mycological cure was achieved in 84 percent of patients for MOB-015, superior to 42 percent for ciclopirox. Treatment success (mycological cure and almost or completely clear great toenail) was reached for 21.9 percent of the MOB-015 patients versus 18.9 percent in the ciclopirox group. The study confirmed early onset of action with 46 percent of patients mycologically cured already at 12 weeks. MOB-015 was generally well tolerated. The number of patients with treatment related adverse events was consistent with previous trials and no serious adverse events related to MOB-015 were reported. A detailed analysis of photos and data has been conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs) providing consistent conclusions across both studies; i) MOB-015 delivers a very high mycological cure rate, comparing favorably to oral antifungal drugs with the advantage of earlier onset of action; and ii) the vehicle enables efficient terbinafine delivery but also causes transient whitening/discoloration in nails which contributes to the low complete cure rate reported. "The superior mycological cure rate for MOB-015 has now been confirmed in two pivotal studies, showing that MOB-015 has the potential to become the future market leader in onychomycosis. We look forward to finding the best path to approval in dialogue with our partners and regulatory agencies", said Anna Ljung, CEO of Moberg Pharma AB. About MOB-015 and Onychomycosis Approximately 10 percent of the general population suffer from onychomycosis and a majority of those afflicted go untreated. The global market opportunity is significant with more than hundred million patients worldwide and a clear demand for better products. MOB-015 is an internally developed topical formulation of terbinafine based on Moberg Pharma's experience from previously having developed and commercialized a leading OTC product for onychomycosis. Oral terbinafine is currently the gold standard for treating onychomycosis but associated with safety issues, including drug interactions and liver damage. For many years, developing a topical terbinafine treatment without the safety issues of oral terbinafine has been highly desirable, but unsuccessful due to insufficient delivery of the active substance through the nail. In a previous phase 2 study, MOB-015 demonstrated delivery of high microgram levels of terbinafine into the nail and through the nail plate into the nail bed. Plasma levels of terbinafine with MOB-015 were substantially lower than after oral administration, reducing the risk of liver toxicities observed with oral terbinafine. MOB-015 has recently been evaluated over 52 weeks in two randomized, multicenter, controlled Phase 3 studies, including in total more than 800 patients in North America and Europe. The primary endpoint was met in both studies, the proportion of patients achieving complete cure of their target nail. About this information This information is information that Moberg Pharma AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 8.00 a.m. CET on June 25th, 2020. For additional information, please contact: Anna Ljung CEO Telephone: +46-707-66-60-30 E-mail: anna.ljung@mobergpharma.se Peter Wolpert Executive Chairman Telephone: +46-70-735-7135 E-mail: peter.wolpert@mobergpharma.se This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/moberg-pharma/r/moberg-pharma-meets-primary-endpoint-in-the-european-phase-3-study,c3141206 The following files are available for download: As Farmington filmmaker Dan Steadman puts it, his latest documentary is a story from within the walls of his own house. Taboo Teaching is a short documentary about his partner, Rodney Wilson, who is an adjunct professor at Mineral Area College. In the 1990s, when he was a history teacher at a St. Louis area high school, Wilson garnered national attention when he came out to his class and almost lost his job. Taboo Teaching and a narrative short film of Steadmans, Woman on the Threshold, are being featured in the St. Louis-based LGBTQ film fest QFest that started on June 19 and runs through Sunday. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all 40 films can be streamed anytime during the festival dates. Steadman felt it was important to get Wilsons story out in to the world. He came out to class in the context of a history lesson about the Holocaust, Steadman explained. And in the early 90s, of course, that blew up into a national scandal and he could have lost his job at that time. And thanks to the supporters, the (National Education Association) and a lot of other supportive people at Mehlville High School, other teachers whom we interviewed for the documentary, he kept his job and went on to a thriving teaching career and is still teaching today. Wilson is also credited with starting LBGTQ History Month, Steadman said, which is celebrated worldwide in October. I didn't really even understand that until he would get all these sort of interview requests in October each year, Steadman added. He didnt have to look too far for information for the film. All I had to do is look around in the basement and I would find a videotape of Dateline NBC, which he had been on, Steadman said. I found a tape of All My Children and found out that he was an inspiration for a character, a storyline on All My Children. So it just kept unfolding and it was a great visual story, too. Steadman also went back to Mehlville High and interviewed teachers who worked with Wilson. I kind of made it independently of him, Steadman said. He was involved but not really in the interviews or the editing or anything. He kind of wanted me to tell the story as a filmmaker. The film was also made for the Missouri Historical Society. It wasn't made with them, but it was made for them, Steadman added. They always want all of his records, his memorabilia, things like that because he really made history in a big way. Wilson graduated from MAC in 1988, then went on to Southeast Missouri State University where he finished his bachelors degree in secondary education in 1990. Later, he earned graduate degrees in history and in religion. He has been teaching for 30 years, for high school, in corrections, for community-based education programs, and now at MAC. Wilson said he is happy the film is out there and will be shown at QFest. I'm very happy to have those events from those years at Mehlville High School collected in this film, Wilson said. So much happened and I hadn't looked at the old VHS tapes or articles for 25 years, so I had forgotten much of the story to be honest. Having Dan go through everything and, as objectively as he could, piece it together, worked out well. He interviewed my former colleagues -- I wasn't in the room for the interviews nor did I see raw footage or make editing decisions -- so this is completely Dan's film and I feel his documentarian eye was well used. At MAC, Wilson works as a tutor and advisor in the EXCEL program and teaches comparative religion and political science in the history department. He is proud of his employer for the strides the school has made. I'm thrilled that among the first things Dr. (Joe) Gilgour did upon assuming the presidency at MAC was to get non-discrimination language in our policies that includes sexual orientation and gender identity, Wilson said. That small act took a long, long time -- and he got it done right away. Last week, the Supreme Court ruled that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 includes protections against employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. So all employees -- MAC and elsewhere all over the United States -- are now protected, but it is to Dr. Gilgour's credit that thanks to his effort MAC included such in its policies prior to this momentous decision, Wilson added. In February, they got approval from the Dean of Students to begin a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) on the MAC campus, according to Wilson, for students who are LGBTQ or have friends or family who are and want to be in support of them. Depending on COVID-19 restrictions, the GSA and the faculty diversity committee will be screening the documentary on campus as part of Octobers LGBTQ History Month. Before the pandemic, they screened the film at SEMO and at Mehlville High, arranged by the schools GSA. The MHS principal, a vice principal, and a dozen or more teachers showed up for that screening, as well as GSA students, Wilson added. That was quite meaningful and quite different than how things were at that school 25 years ago. Woman on the Threshold Steadmans second film playing during QFest is a narrative short film about Faye, who is haunted by the death of her beloved Dolores, and considers taking her own life when she suddenly encounters the Grim Reaper. Although Woman on the Threshold is a stand-alone story, it is part of an anthology film made last year by Steadman and students from his acting school, Circa 87 Workshop in the St. Louis area. Called The Galoshes, it features independent stories of people who owned the boots from the 1940s into the future. Here's the crazy thing, Steadman said. In the future scene I shot, I shot a scene where the characters were wearing face masks in a post-vaccine world and who would have ever known? Here we are. We shot that last year and it makes me feel like a prophet or something. Each story was shot as it would be filmed in that era. Woman on the Threshold is set in the 1950s. So we shot this 1950s scene the way TV suspense was being made and it was very influenced by Alfred Hitchcock Presents and the Twilight Zone, Steadman said. In fact, I had original scoring from a composer in Oklahoma, Geoffrey Burch, who scored the piece just the way they would score those suspenseful TV episodes. Several years ago, Steadman made a similar style movie called The Shoe, which was mainly shot in Marquand. And last year, his full-length feature film Smile played at the St. Louis International Film Festival. The movie is set in Michigan, but much of it was shot in Farmington. Tickets to stream Steadmans Taboo Teaching and Woman on the Threshold can be purchased on https://www.cinemastlouis.org/qfest. The film festival is presented by Cinema St. Louis. Tickets are $10 each or $8 for Cinema St. Louis members, students with valid and current IDs, and ARTS Card holders. An all-access pass is $75. I've always wanted to have one of my films play at QFest, Steadman said. So I'm glad we finally had some content for them this year and that they chose it. Its a great organization. Nikki Overfelt is a reporter for the Daily Journal. She can be reached at noverfelt@dailyjournalonline.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 1 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Google said in a blog post that it would launch a licensing program to pay publishers Brad Bender, Googles vice-president of product management, said they had been in discussions with partnered publishersincluding the Spiegel Group in Germany, Schwartz media in Australia and Brazils Diarios Associadosfor several months, with more to come. (Representative Image) San Francisco: Google will pay partnered media publishers in three countries and offer some users free access to paywalled news sites, the tech giant said Thursday. The announcement comes after legal battles in France and Australia over Googles refusal to pay news organizations for content. In a blog post the firm said they would launch a licensing program to pay publishers for high-quality content for a new news experience due to launch later this year. Brad Bender, Googles vice-president of product management, said they had been in discussions with partnered publishersincluding the Spiegel Group in Germany, Schwartz media in Australia and Brazils Diarios Associadosfor several months, with more to come. Google will also offer to pay for free access for users to read paywalled articles on a publishers site, the statement said, without offering any further details. Bender said the program will help publishers monetize their content through an enhanced storytelling experience. He added it would build on the 2018 Google News Initiative, a $300 million project that aimed to tackle disinformation online and help news sites grow financially. It comes after growing calls for internet tech titans, notably Google, to pay for content. A number of European and global publicationsincluding AFPhave called on the European Union to adopt laws requiring internet companies to pay for the material they produce. In April, Frances competition regulator said the firm must start paying media groups for displaying their content, ordering it to begin negotiations after refusing for months to comply with Europes new digital copyright law. And earlier this month, Google rejected an Australian ruling that it pay hundreds of millions of dollars per year in compensation to local news media under a government-imposed revenue sharing deal. Baroness Emma Nicholson has been axed as the vice-president of the Booker Prize after she was accused of bullying transgender model Munroe Bergdorf. The Tory peer, whose late husband Sir Michael Caine helped establish the prize, had held the role since 2009. Booker Prize announced the decision last night and said it was scrapping all honorary roles across the organisation. A statement said: 'We, the Trustees of the Booker Prize Foundation, met today and wish to reiterate that the views expressed by Baroness Nicholson on transgender people are her own personal opinions. 'The issues are complex, but our principles are clear. We deplore racism, homophobia and transphobia and do not discriminate on any grounds.' 'Integrity is central to both Booker Prizes, whose judging process is conducted at all times in keeping with these values.' The Tory peer (pictured), whose late husband Sir Michael Caine helped establish the prize, had been honorary vice president since 2009 Bergdorf welcomed the foundation's decision to do away with Baroness Nicholson's role and said: 'See what happens when we all stand up TOGETHER against bigotry!' The 78-year-old (right, in 2007), who co-founded a charity with JK Rowling (left), denied allegations of homophobia, adding she would 'very much regret any move to remove me' The Tory peer has come under fire from LGBT activists for tweeting that she voted against the same-sex marriage bill in 2013 as 'it would lead to degrading the status of women and of girls'. The 78-year-old, who co-founded a charity with JK Rowling, denied homophobia, adding she would 'very much regret' any move to remove her from the Booker role. She was also embroiled in a row with transgender activist Bergdorf, calling her a 'weird creature' on social media. Reacting to the move this morning, Baroness Nicholson told MailOnline: 'Booker is as Booker does.' Bergdorf welcomed the decision and said on Twitter: 'See what happens when we all stand up TOGETHER against bigotry!' As part of the move, Rabbi Julia Neuberger and Sir Ronald Harwood - who are also vice presidents - will go, along with president Jonathan Taylor. The spokesman added: 'In recent days there has been some confusion about the nature of honorary titles used by the Foundation. Too many believe that these titles in some way symbolise the prizes. That is not the case. 'We have today decided that these titles and roles should, with immediate effect, cease to exist. Those holding them have been informed and thanked for their longstanding interest.' Baroness Nicholson and Bergdorf, an outspoken advocate for social justice, clashed on social media when the politician said she was a 'weird creature'. In another, now deleted tweet, Baroness Nicholson misgendered the model and said it was a typing error, according to PinkNews. She said: 'Musht be shome mishtake, my finger typed M. but the invisible editor forgot that I also use French.' Bergdorf hit back on Instagram, claiming: 'In addition to calling me ''a weird creature'' and sharing transphobic memes featuring abuse that I received three years ago, reframed as if I said it myself. 'She has also deliberately misgendered me and begun retweeting dangerous propaganda from anti-trans hate group Transgender Trend, who actively go into schools to disseminate anti-trans rhetoric.' The Booker Prize statement in full: We, the Trustees of the Booker Prize Foundation, met today and wish to reiterate that the views expressed by Baroness Nicholson on transgender people are her own personal opinions. The issues are complex, but our principles are clear. We deplore racism, homophobia and transphobia and do not discriminate on any grounds. Literature is open, plural and questioning. We believe every author's work should be approached by readers in the same spirit. Integrity is central to both Booker Prizes, whose judging process is conducted at all times in keeping with these values. Upon her retirement from the Board in 2009, Baroness Nicholson was made an honorary vice president, a role that gave her no say in the governance or operations of the Foundation or prizes. In recent days there has been some confusion about the nature of honorary titles used by the Foundation. Too many believe that these titles in some way symbolise the prizes. That is not the case. We have today decided that these titles and roles should, with immediate effect, cease to exist. Those holding them have been informed and thanked for their longstanding interest. Advertisement Baroness Nicholson did not deny misgendering the model, but said she was not aware what pronouns she uses and it was not clear on her Twitter account. She told MailOnline this week: 'This really cannot be the case because this person who I do not know does not detail on their Twitter profile their preferred pronouns. 'There are two sexes and 112 genders so you cannot choose. It's a bit of a red herring, if transgender people want to be called by a specific pronoun you have to make it clear to people.' She said she was trying to write 'M.' but made an error. She also admitted to calling the model a 'wild creature' but said it was a reference to Shakespeare's Sonnet Number 1 that she been engaging with during lockdown. She said: 'It's about a creature who is really wonderful and beautiful.' The peer added the accusations of bullying are 'just a load of rubbish' and she and Bergdorf 'have different views' which they share online 'but that's politics.' Bergdof posted screenshots of her followers reporting Baroness Nicholson to the Lord's Commissioner for Standards and posted a link in her Instagram bio on how to make a complaint to Parliament. A House of Lords spokesman told MailOnline this week: 'Complaints made to the House of Lords Commissioner for Standards are first subjected to a preliminary assessment to decide whether they engage the Code of Conduct and therefore may require investigation. 'Complaints about members of the House alleging bullying, harassment or sexual misconduct are only made public where a preliminary assessment requires an investigation and after any report is published.' Prior to removing the two honorary positions, the Booker Prize had come under increasing pressure to take action against the peer. Playwright Damian Barr tweeted: 'As a gay writer I feel very concerned that a person who is actively and publicly propagating homophobic views holds a position of such power & prestige in your rightly esteemed organisation.' Marlon James, who won the Booker Prize in 2015 for his novel A Brief History of Seven Killings, added on Facebook that she was a 'hate monger'. Baroness Nicholson previously co-founded a charity with JK Rowling called the Children's High Level Group (CHLG). The Harry Potter author has also been mired in controversy for comments about transgender activism she made on social media and in an essay published online The peer has been not been involved with the charity, which is now called Lumos, since 2010. Harry Potter author Rowling has also been mired in controversy for comments she made on social media and in an essay published online. Four authors resigned from JK Rowling's literary agency after accusing it of failing to issue a public statement in support of transgender rights and equality. Fox Fisher, Drew Davies and Ugla Stefania Kristjonudottir Jonsdottir issued a joint statement to announce their resignation from The Blair Partnership. A fourth author is also understood to have quit but they wished to remain anonymous. Fox Fisher (pictured), Drew Davies and Ugla Stefania Kristjonudottir Jonsdottir issued a joint statement to announce their resignation from The Blair Partnership. Rowling was criticised for comments she made on social media and wrote an essay, published on her personal website, expressing 'deep concerns' about transgender activism. The statement, made by Fisher, Davies and Jonsdottir, said: 'This decision is not made lightly, and we are saddened and disappointed it has come to this. 'After J. K. Rowling's who is also signed to the agency public comments on transgender issues, we reached out to the agency with an invitation to reaffirm their stance to transgender rights and equality. Jonsdottir, also known as Owl Fisher and co-author of the Trans Teen Survival Guide, suggested the agency should conduct staff training with the group All About Trans 'After our talks with them, we felt that they were unable to commit to any action that we thought was appropriate and meaningful. 'Freedom of speech can only be upheld if the structural inequalities that hinder equal opportunities for underrepresented groups are challenged and changed.' Jonsdottir, also known as Owl Fisher and co-author of the Trans Teen Survival Guide, suggested the agency should conduct staff training with the group All About Trans. But 'these requests weren't met positively by the management', according to the Guardian. The statement added: 'As LGBTQIA writers ourselves we feel strongly about having an agency that supports our rights at all avenues, and does not endorse views that go against our values and principles.' The three authors are marking their resignation by donating to Shakti Women's Aid and have also asked others to donate. Shakti Women's Aid is a charity that is part of the Scottish Women's Aid movement and supports BAME women who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. Fisher, Davies (pictured) and Jonsdottir will mark their resignation with a donation to Shakti Women's Aid A spokesman for The Blair Partnership said: 'We support the rights of all of our clients to express their thoughts and beliefs, and we believe in freedom of speech. 'Publishing and the creative arts are dependent on these things. It is our duty, as an agency to support all of our clients in this fundamental freedom and we do not comment on their individual views. 'We are disappointed by the decision that four clients have taken to part ways with the agency. 'To reiterate, we believe in freedom of speech for all; these clients have decided to leave because we did not meet their demands to be re-educated to their point of view. We respect their right to pursue what they feel is the correct course of action. 'We value all our authors' voices and, as an agency, champion equality and inclusivity. 'We remain committed to making the agency the most welcoming environment it can be for everyone. 'The diversity of our clients' voices is our strength and we take enormous pride from each and every one.' DENVER, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Eon , a Denver-based healthtech leader, has reduced its technology implementation timeline to a record-breaking seven days with the help of Amazon Web Services (AWS) . We go from innovation to implementation at record speed. In just 7 days, facilities can begin capturing incidental patients who risk a catastrophic diagnosis if not tracked and followed. This is our promise. The powerful partnership is shaking up the industry, which is known for its antiquated technology, painfully slow implementation timelines, and exaggerated million-dollar price tags. Together, the companies are able to expedite the implementation of Eon's lung cancer screening and incidental findings technology in record speed at a fraction of the cost. This is something that no other healthtech companylarge or smallhas been able to achieve. "AWS provides the machines. Then Eon quickly powers them up. With AWS, we can scale across hospitals for low-cost efficiency and high-speed innovation. It's a powerful partnership," said Eon founder and co-CEO, Dr. Aki Alzubaidi . "Our AWS prowess has allowed us to offer 7-day implementations in a sector where quite literally no one else can." Eon's Essential Patient Management Platform (EPM) utilizes proprietary data science models to partner with hospital systems to identify, track, and manage the most at-risk patients. The EPM platform gives hospitals a high-tech tool to prioritize the most vulnerable patients, who cannot wait monthsor even yearsfor technology to be implemented and adopted. By utilizing AWS, Eon can integrate and be clinically viable within days, not years, and has crushed the perception that healthtech must be coupled with slow implementation. In fact, the industry standard for implementing new software is anywhere from 6 months to several years. To challenge the status quo, Eon reduced its implementation timeline from 12 weeks to seven days. Dr. Alzubaidi adds, "As an Interventional Pulmonologist focused on Lung Cancer, I have seen too much suffering from catastrophic disease. What gets me out of bed in the morning is knowing Eon always moves fast to identify more disease and save more lives." Eon stands strong in the belief that superior, disease-identifying technology should be affordable and available for all hospitals. Eon's partnership with AWS enables the company to offer best-in-class technology at a fractional cost. In the future, Eon hopes to reduce its implementation timeline even more. Dr. Alzubaidi says, "We hope to get to the point where we leverage AWS to reach our goal of same-day implementations in healthcare. This efficiency can save our country billions of dollars annually while providing solutions that actually improve clinical outcomes." For Eon, there's too much on the line to accept a broken healthcare system. With best-in-class technology and a commitment to constant innovation, the company will continue to relentlessly defy disease with the help of a powerful AWS partnership. About Eon Eon is a Denver-based healthtech company dedicated to revolutionizing the way healthcare data is gathered, curated, and shared among industry professionals. We are on a mission to ensure the right data reaches the right people at the right time to identify disease early and stop it in its tracks. We believe together we can defy disease. For more information, please contact Christine Spraker at 3038704042 or [email protected] and follow Eon on LinkedIn and Twitter . SOURCE Eon Related Links https://eonhealth.com/ 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. Is it time to say so long to "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah"? Following renewed attention on Black representation and an online petition from fans, Disney announced that Disneyland/Disney World log ride Splash Mountain will be getting re-themed. The ride currently uses story, characters, and songs drawn from 1946's Song of the South -- a film widely seen as using racist stereotypes and which Disney has kept locked in its vault and off its Disney+ streaming service (though many of the most problematic elements aren't included in the ride). Fans had petitioned to change the theme to that of Disney animated movie The Princess and the Frog, hitting 20,000 supporters as of two weeks ago. It looks like the Disney Imagineers were already thinking along the same lines -- they've been working on the project for a year or more, according to a D23 interview with Disney Imagineer Bob Weis, though Imagineers explored a variety of new themes. The film features a Black lead in Princess Tiana, set in the New Orleans bayou -- a natural fit given Splash Mountain's placement at Disneyland right next to the park's New Orleans Square. "There is a huge need for diversity in the parks and this could help fill that need," the petition reads. icon DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS Get our daily newsletters for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy While already underway, conceptual design work is still in progress, according to Disney. The next step is for Imagineers to conduct preliminary reviews and develop a timeline for beginning Splash Mountain's transformation. Timelines are also still affected by the extended COVID-19 closures, Weis said. In a press release, Disney wrote: "The new concept is inclusive -- one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year." Splash Mountain as it currently exists. (Courtesy Disney) Weis acknowledged that not all fans may support the change. A rival petition to keep the ride the way it is has even more supporters than the original -- almost 35,000 digital signatures. "There is nothing wrong with the ride," the petition to keep things the same reads. "The controversy from these stories and Song of the South comes from the depiction of the slaves and their relationships with slaveowners on the plantation. Splash Mountain removes these elements and focuses solely on the fun stories that are not racist, but merely taken from oral tales of slaves. ... The want to change the ride to be themed to something more politically correct is foolish." "We completely understand that these decisions aren't always popular, but I think our biggest fans know that we care as much as they do," Weis said. The ride opened in 1989. Former Imagineer Tony Baxter, who's working as a creative advisor on planning and design with the Imagineering team, cited the opportunity to use animated stories that have been created since the ride's opening. It opened before the modern wave of Disney animation, Baxter noted -- including 2009's The Princess and the Frog. "Following conversations with Imagineering's leaders about the new attraction's scope and resources, I had a great sense of reassurance -- the attraction will be one to be proud of," Baxter said. "It's important that our guests be able to see themselves in the experiences we create," Walt Disney Imagineering executive Carmen Smith said in a statement. The revamped ride's storyline will still be musical, themed around a Mardi Gras performance by Tiana, Louis, and friends that takes place after the events of the movie. It will feature music from the film. "It is really exciting to know that Princess Tiana's presence in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will finally be fully realized," the character's voice actress Anika Noni Rose said in a press release. And while Splash Mountain will be seeing some change, Disney still plans to reopen with the ride operating as it currently exists. "As someone who grew up in Florida and had to endure bullying from white classmates on every field trip to Disney, this needs to be changed as soon as possible," a commenter on the original post wrote. You can watch the trailer for the Princess and the Frog here: The mother of former actress Vanessa Marquez, who was shot by police at her home in 2018, has filed a lawsuit against the city of Pasadena. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, claims that while paramedics were performing a wellness check on the 49-year-old, police escalated the tension once she refused to be taken to a hospital. Marquez was living in South Pasadena, California when the shooting occurred on August 30 2018, when friends asked paramedics to check on her, according to Delia McElfresh's lawsuit, which is seeking unspecified damages. Her mother's lawsuit states that the paramedics brought police officers, who disregarded the paramedic's assertion that Marquez had a right to refuse to be taken to hospital. Marquez was best known for playing nurse Wendy Goldman on the popular NBC medical drama ER, also starring George Clooney Instead, the suit claims, that they escalated a confrontation that ultimately led to her death. 'This is exactly the kind of lethal and unnecessary police action that has led so many in the country to call out for police reform,' attorney Vicki Sarmiento said. 'This was a situation in which Ms. Marquez was in her home minding her own business and instead of receiving assistance from medical professionals, she was shot to death.' Marquez's mother McElfesh reportedly was reluctant to bring the lawsuit against the city, hoping that the officers involved would be held accountable, but she decided to file her case so that her daughter could receive justice, according to Sarmiento. Following an investigation, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office concluded that the two officers at the scene had acted in self-defense when Marquez threatened them with a handgun, which was later discovered to be a BB-type gun. 'She was suffering from some problems, eating disorder,' Sgt. Joe Mendoza of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department told reporters at the scene. 'When they (officers) arrived, she was suffering a seizure.' Marquez is best known for playing nurse Wendy Goldman on the popular NBC medical drama ER, that also starred George Clooney, between 1994 and 1997. Distressing bodycam footage was released earlier this year showing the moments that led up to Marquez being shot by the police officers. In the footage, Marquez can be seen sitting in her bedroom in cluttered 'hoarding conditions' after police officers were called to the property in South Pasadena. 'I'm not going,' the actress tells the pair of officers after they tell her is being taken into custody for her own safety. She is then seeing drawing a pair of scissors from a handbag, followed by pistol, which was later found to be BB gun. One of the officers says: 'Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, s**t, she's got a gun. She's got a gun. Gun! Gun! Gun!' And the police immediately back out of the apartment. Marquez can be heard asking the officer to 'kill her' as they tell her to drop the gun and back out of the apartment. In harrowing footage, the officers can be heard pleading with Marquez again to drop the gun while they wait at the bottom of the stairs. The actress appears on the steps holding the gun before the officers open fire. In harrowing footage, the officers can be heard pleading with Vanessa Marquez to drop the gun while they wait at the bottom of the stairs. The actress appears on the steps holding the gun (circled) before the officers open fire. Marquez is then seeing drawing a pair of scissors from a handbag, followed by pistol, which was later found to be BB gun Marquez, 49, can be seen lying on her bed when police enter the property in South Pasadena, California, after they were called by a concerned friend on August 30, 2018 Twelve rounds were fired at Marquez and she was taken to hospital where she was pronounced dead from wounds to the torso. The release of the footage comes after Los Angeles County prosecutors yesterday decided not to file charges against South Pasadena Officers Gilberto Carrillo and Christopher Perez. Shannon Presby, head deputy district attorney, wrote in a memo: 'In this incident, the evidence demonstrates that Carrillo and Perez actually and reasonably believed Marquez posed an imminent threat of great bodily injury or death.' Police later determined that the weapon Marquez had allegedly picked up was a realistic-looking BB gun. Indeed, when Marquez emerged from the apartment, Carrillo told investigators he heard the sound of a clip being inserted and a slide being racked. Carillo said he was 'scared out of his mind,' when Marquez pointed the gun in their direction, The Los Angeles Times reported. According to the Deputy DA's memo around eight or nine rounds were fired from Carillo's .40-caliber pistol through drywall, while the other officer fired his rifle at the actress. Presby wrote in the memo: 'Her intention, as evidenced by her final Facebook post, sadly appears to have been to end her life' The police had arrived around an hour before the shooting started and Marquez began screaming on seeing them and had a seizure, the investigation heard. The messy conditions of her apartment, described by police as 'in complete disarray due to hoarding conditions,' were such that the officers struggled to open doors. Medical officers and the police had spent considerable time in trying to persuade her she needed medical help before the situation deteriorated. The police said her uncooperative state and apparent inability to care for herself led them to believe she was suffering from mental health issues. In the years leading up to her death, Marquez had been vocal on social media about her struggles with various health problems, including what she described as terminal celiac disease, pulmonary embolism, osteoporosis and seizures. In March 2018, she had written on Facebook that she was 'terminally ill.' Deputy DA Presby wrote in the memo: 'Her intention, as evidenced by her final Facebook post, sadly appears to have been to end her life.' Marquez had written: 'there shooting cremate me pour ashes over Hollywood sign.' It was posted three minutes before officers opened fire at 1.49pm. Last year Marquez's family filed a $20million claim alleging negligence against the city of South Pasadena. Marquez played nurse Wendy Goldman (pictured) on television drama 'ER' for three seasons Her mother Delia McElfresh blamed the the actress' death on poor tactics, negligence and overreaction by police who had no reason to use lethal action. 'This was mishandled from the minute the call came in and officers were dispatched to the home,' Vicki Sarmiento, an attorney for McElfresh, told NBCLA in February 2019. Marquez is best known for playing nurse Wendy Goldman on the popular NBC medical drama ER starring George Clooney between 1994 and 1997. In 2017, Marquez publicly accused the Oscar-winning actor and director of helping blacklist her after she spoke out about alleged harassment on the set of ER, including being subjected to racist and sexist remarks. Clooney responded by insisting that he had no idea Marquez had been blacklisted and had played no part in it. 'I had nothing to do with casting,' the Ocean's 11 star said in a statement. 'I was an actor and only an actor. If she was told I was involved in any decision about her career then she was lied to. The fact that I couldn't affect her career is only surpassed by the fact that I wouldn't.' After leaving ER, Marquez appeared in three episodes of the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle in 1999, followed by a few more roles in TV films and shorts. A young man accused of repeatedly stabbing a homeless man in the face when he was sleeping rough on the footpath outside a Simon hostel plans to apply to the High Court to get out on bail. Shane Purcell appeared at Cork District Court by video link from prison where Shane Collins-Daly, defence solicitor, indicated that the High Court bail application was about to be made. Purcell was previously refused bail at Cork District Court. Detective Garda Brian Maher arrested Shane Purcell of 7 Seminary Court, Blackpool, Cork, last week and charged him with assault causing harm on June 17 at Andersons Quay, Cork. The detective alleged that the accused had a blood-stained key in his possession when arrested and gardai believe that this was the weapon used in the attack. Det. Garda Maher objected to bail being granted to Purcell when he applied at Cork District Court. The detective expressed concern that the accused would commit further serious offences if released. It was alleged by Det. Garda Maher that: At 2.20am on June 17 the injured party was asleep on the ground outside Simon on Andersons Quay when he was attacked and stabbed around the face and neck area. The injured party and Shane Purcell are known to each other and he has named Shane Purcell as the person who attacked him, Det. Garda Maher said. Judge Olann Kelleher adjourned the case for a fortnight today, on the application of Sergeant Gearoid Davis. The accused was remanded in custody to appear again by video link from prison. He will be required to appear in person if he succeeds in getting out on bail at the High Court. Lufthansa employees hit the streets to encourage shareholders to back the bailout plan Lufthansa shareholders on Thursday overwhelmingly backed a nine billion euro ($10 billion) bailout by the German government, saving Europe's largest airline group from bankruptcy after the coronavirus crushed travel demand. Over 98 percent of shareholders accounting for 39 percent of Lufthansa stock voted in favour of the resue package in a special meeting held online because of the pandemic. "We will make this work, thank you for your trust," chairman Karl-Ludwig Kley said. The bailout will see the German state take a 20-percent stake in the group, bringing it back on board for the first time since Lufthansa's 1997 privatisation. CEO Carsten Spohr said the shareholders' green light gave Lufthansa and its 138,000 employees "a perspective for a successful future". Ahead of the vote, Spohr urged investors to seize a "historic moment" to secure the survival of the airline giant. Their blessing was all but guaranteed after the group's biggest shareholder, German rail industry tycoon Heinz Hermann Thiele, dropped his objections to the bailout at the 11th hour. German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier called the green light "good news" for employees and said the rescue package gave Lufthansa the chance "to overcome the biggest crisis in its history". The government "will not meddle" in Lufthansa's day-to-day business, he added. Lufthansa employees have taken to the pavement to encourage shareholders to approve the deal Job fears Dozens of Lufthansa employees rallied at Frankfurt airport Thursday, many wearing face masks against the virus. "Lift us up where we belong, vote yes!" read one sign carried by a demonstrator, while another said "We are Lufthansa, we are family". Even with government aid, Spohr has warned Lufthansa may have to slash thousands of jobs as demand for flights is expected to stay below pre-pandemic levels for years. But in a boost for the beleaguered group, it struck a deal with German flight attendants' union UFO late Wednesday to cut 500 million euros in costs by 2023 while avoiding cabin crew layoffs. The savings will be achieved through measures including pay freezes, reduced flight hours, early retirement and unpaid leave, both sides said. The agreement still needs to be approved by union members but UFO spokesman Nicoley Baublies said it "brings urgently needed job security" for Lufthansa's 22,000 flight attendants. Spohr said talks with the VC pilots' union were headed in a similar direction but negotiations with the powerful Verdi union representing ground staff were "disappointing". Verdi and VC both hailed Thursday's vote outcome, with the pilots' union calling it a "step in the right direction" that allows for the "orderly continuation" of Lufthansa operations. Low-cost airline Ryanair, which has complained about government rescues spoiling competition between airlines, has said it will challenge Lufthansa's bailout Tough conditions Earlier Thursday, the European Commission also signed off on the Lufthansa bailout, which consists of a six-billion-euro capital injection from Berlin and three billion in public loan guarantees. But the EU imposed strict conditions, saying Lufthansa would have to make room for rivals at the Frankfurt and Munich airports to ensure fair competition. Nevertheless, low-cost rival Ryanair immediately announced it would challenge Lufthansa's rescue in an EU court. Global air travel has picked up recently as lockdowns are lifted but the airline industry's climb out of the coronavirus storm promises to be long and arduous. Lufthansa expects its timetable to still remain 60 percent below pre-pandemic levels come September. Further into the future, around 100 of Lufthansa's present fleet of 763 aircraft will likely be surplus to requirements. Spohr told shareholders the group would "work very hard" to "repay every cent" of the state aid to taxpayers, but warned that Lufthansa would emerge smaller from the crisis. Lufthansa, like many other airlines, has been swamped by demands for refunds just as it needs to hold on to cash to survive Refunds He also acknowledged that many customers were "disappointed and upset" over the delays in getting their cancelled flights refunded after countries slammed their borders shut earlier this year because of COVID-19. "I assure you: every customer who wants a refund will get their money back," Spohr said, vowing to clear the backlog worth hundreds of millions of euros within six weeks. Lufthansa has also sought support from other governments to shore up subsidiaries. Vienna has granted Austrian Airlines aid totalling 450 million euros, while Swiss and Edelweiss received loans totalling 1.2 billion euros from Bern. Talks continue with the Belgian government over Brussels Airlines, which plans to shed 1,000 jobs. Explore further Relief for Lufthansa after top shareholder backs rescue deal 2020 AFP TDT | Manama A virtual high-level meeting to support persons with disabilities during COVID-19 in the Arab Region was held yesterday. The Ministry of Labour and Social Development (MLSD) assistant undersecretary for social care and rehabilitation, Shaikha Aisha bint Ali Al Khalifa, participated in the meeting which was organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), in cooperation with the Arab League and the Arab Organisation for Persons with Disabilities (AOPD). Shaikha Aisha highlighted Bahrains efforts to care for and protect about 12,000 persons with disabilities during the unprecedented global circumstances. She added that the MLSD is providing a monthly allowance of BD100, distance learning and training, and other supportive services and programmes. A total of 1,562 students with special needs have benefited from the services offered by six government-funded rehabilitation centres, 15 local centres run by civil society organisations, to which the Labour Ministry grants BD1,200 million annually, and 18 private centres, said the Assistant Undersecretary. She also highlighted MLSD projects implemented in partnership with NGOs, the Interior Ministry and the Information and e-Government Authority (iGA). The virtual meeting was attended by Arab League representatives and the United Nations Secretary-Generals special envoy on disability and accessibility. It aimed to enhance coordination with various partners and governments on addressing the pandemics impact on persons with disabilities. It also aimed to identify national initiatives and provide a learning platform to share global experiences and practices adopted to address the pandemic and its health, social and economic impacts on persons with disabilities. The participants explored ways to develop a road map for the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities and prevent their isolation from society. The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has reacted to the crisis in his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) saying that he is unaware of what is going on in the party. The ruling party was thrown into a leadership crisis after the Court of Appeal upheld the suspension of its national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, recently, leading to conflicting claims on who should be the acting chairman of the party. President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday threw his support behind Victor Giadom as the acting chairman of the APC. Mr Giadom, a controversial deputy national secretary of APC, belongs to a faction led by Mr Amaechi who is opposed to a former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, having control over the party structure ahead of the 2023 presidential election. The crisis in APC is playing out in Rivers and Edo states. A crucial governorship election holds in September in Edo, where the state governor, Godwin Obaseki defected from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after APC disqualified him from contesting in the party primary. What is happening in APC, I dont know, what is happening in Rivers State, I dont know, Mr Amaechi said in a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES, on Tuesday. What Ive done is to keep away from politics, even if Im bothered, itll be internally; theres nobody there (in the party) who is a child, were all adults. I dont want to get involved in the politics. Nigerians know me for being blunt and honest. Some see it as arrogance, some see it as being brash, whatever it is. What do I need to say that I have not said before? Its internal dynamics of politics, its internal struggle. So, I have said it several times, when we fought in 2015, I said this country cannot continue the way it is going. Im not helpless, but Im doing what they call sidon look. Mr Amaechi also spoke about a video on social media where some young men who claimed to be his supporters were seen threatening to burn down Rivers state if anything happen to Amaechi. First, if you say youre my supporter, youll know that I dont just respect the law, I fear the law, Mr Amaechi said in the statement. Breaking the law can put you in jail. Because of the kind of words used in that video, I may have to address it. READ ALSO: I believe that no matter how angry you are, no matter how institutions are manipulated, a judge once said Im allowed to be wrong, thats why you have the court of appeal, thats why you have the Supreme Court. So if you think that what the state judiciary is doing is wrong, then you go to the court of appeal, you go to the Supreme Court and ensure you exhaust the due process. No matter your frustration, you dont have the right to take the law into your hands, he said. He's been battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer for more than a year. But Alex Trebek isn't letting that get in the way of his charitable giving and giving hope to others in difficult circumstances. The Jeopardy host has recently donated $500,000 to a faith-based nonprofit organization Hope Of The Valley for the construction of a new homeless shelter in LA's San Fernando Valley, TMZ reported Wednesday. Generous: Alex Trebek has donated $500,000 to a faith-based nonprofit organization Hope Of The Valley for the construction of a facility for homeless seniors in LA's San Fernando Valley It comes after he previously gave $100,000 to help with the building of a smaller facility in the Valley where he and his wife Jean stopped by for a tour on Tuesday. The couple donned hard hats to take a look at how the project is coming along. The new half a million dollar gift will be used to create a 50,000-square-foot residential facility for homeless seniors, TMZ said. The charity is currently looking for a location where it can break ground and hopes to begin construction sometime in 2021. Work in progress: On Tuesday, the Jeopardy host and his wife Jean toured a shelter now under construction by the same nonprofit. He had given $100,000 to help build the facility Longtime couple: Trebek has been married to Jean since 1990 and they have two children together - son Matthew, 30, and daughter Emily, 27 Trebek, 79, has been able to spend some more time with his family lately after production on Jeopardy was halted in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. He has been married to Jean since 1990 and they have two children together - son Matthew, 30, and daughter Emily, 27. March also marked one year since the Canadian game show legend received his cancer diagnosis. In a video, Trebek noted that only 18 percent of patients with his diagnosis survive to the one-year mark, An initial round of chemotherapy had shrunk his tumors by 50 percent but his numbers went up again later in 2019 and he had to go through another round of chemo. Next month, Simon & Schister will publish a memoir by the TV personality titled The Answer Is...: Reflections on My Life. Progressive leaders on and off Capitol Hill are emboldened after Tuesdays high-stakes primaries, with the success of a slew of hand-picked candidates signaling the left is far from finished in the battle for the Democratic Partys future. The biggest prize, of course, is the looming victory of Jamaal Bowman over House Foreign Affairs Chair Eliot Engel. The "Medicare for All" and "Green New Deal"-backing challenger was once a long shot to defeat the powerful incumbent, but the establishments late rescue effort proved futile. But Bowman isnt alone. Hes one of several left-leaning Democrats who performed even better than expected against well-funded opponents, with progressive-backed Mondaire Jones on track to easily win in the New York City suburbs and Charles Booker holding on in a close fight against Senate leadership-favorite Amy McGrath in Kentucky. Rep. Carolyn Maloney, chair of the Oversight Committee, has been left hanging by a thread against progressive challenger Suraj Patel until officials can count the remaining tens of thousands of absentee ballots. I think what youre seeing is across the district a rejection of the politics of the past, a rejection of character assassination in politics and frankly a rejection of the idea that simply holding a job entitles you to keep it, Patel said in an interview. Tuesdays results are a much-needed win for insurgent progressive groups like Justice Democrats, after a string of high-profile loses. Just months earlier, the group came up empty in costly battles to take out Rep. Henry Cuellar, a conservative Democrat in Texas, or to replace Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) with a liberal challenger nearly half her age. But the race against Engel, progressives say, has demonstrated their staying power beyond the now-famous upset by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez two years ago against then-Rep. Joe Crowley, the No. 4 House Democrat and a powerhouse in New York politics. Story continues When we challenged Crowley, everyone said it was crazy. When we won, everyone said it was a fluke, because Crowley never took her seriously, Waleed Shahid, who leads communications for Justice Democrats, said Wednesday. This victory really cements that there's a lot of districts in this country where people want more progressive representation. Jamaal Bowman speaks to attendees during his primary-night party Tuesday, June. 23, 2020, in New York. Bowman was running against Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., in the primary. (AP Photo/Eduardo Munoz Alvarez) The shakeup in New York also marks a huge moment for the Democrats left wing in the halls of Congress, including the 100-plus member Congressional Progressive Caucus. The group has poured even more energy into congressional races after the fall of its champion, Sen. Bernie Sanders, in the presidential contest to the more moderate Joe Biden. And the caucus is likely to pad its ranks even further in 2020 with more Democrats who support its ambitious agenda of tackling climate change, providing universal health care and overhauling the immigration system. Tuesdays primaries were a big test of the CPC's political arm, which had endorsed two candidates in uncertain open-seat New York primaries with double-digit contenders in each race. Both of those candidates Ritchie Torres and Jones are now on track to win in New Yorks 15th and 17th Districts, respectively, though the races will not be called until after absentee ballots are counted next week. Torres and Jones who are both running in safe Democratic seats and are all but certain to win the general election this November would also be the first two openly gay Black members of Congress. Jones won the Democratic primary to replace retiring Rep. Nita Lowey, while Torres, a New York City councilman, won a hard-fought contest to replace outgoing Democratic Rep. Jose Serrano. The CPC's campaign arm upped its efforts to play in open-seat primaries this year, launching its first-ever independent expenditure to provide backing for Jones. It was the first allied group to launch ads supporting Jones, spending nearly $200,000 promoting his candidacy. Their efforts this year were a big jump from two cycles ago when the CPC PAC raised just $300,000 in total. Buoyed by small-dollar donations, it has brought in more than $2 million so far in the 2020 cycle, Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), co-chair of the CPC, said in an interview last week. The CPC has also strengthened its relationships with other like-minded groups, such as the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, Democracy for America and Indivisible, so they can act in tandem in House races. Weve just professionalized the work that were doing as a Progressive Caucus and we also have a lot of progressive partners that we talk to and try to work in sync with, Pocan said. Ocasio-Cortez, who fended off her own primary challenge on Tuesday, has also built up her own campaign powerhouse in her first two years in office. The freshman Democrat raised $10.6 million this cycle, with the vast majority coming from small-dollar donations. Her PAC, Courage to Change, launched in January and has endorsed its own slate of candidates. The lefts surge in Tuesdays primaries in states such as New York, Kentucky and Virginia comes two years after the last stunning upset in New York, with Ocasio-Cortez taking down Crowley, the chairman of the House Democratic Caucus at the time. Justice Democrats roared into the next cycle with a half-dozen big races, looking to unseat two sitting chairmen. But before this week, just one was successful: Marie Newman unseated Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.), the last remaining anti-abortion House Democrat. Bowman is now ahead by a virtually insurmountable lead in the Bronx, though The Associated Press isnt expected to formally call the election until New York counts its absentee ballots. Justice Democrats see their candidates all-but-certain election in November as a sign of lasting impact for their organization. It will be on track to defeat four incumbents, including two members of leadership, in just two years. But Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus campaign arm, cautioned against reading too much into progressives high-profile victories. Meeks, as Queens Democratic Party chair, has had his own tussles with the progressive flank and has in the past been critical of the left-wing movement to overthrow Democratic incumbents. Meeks pointed to the Democratic incumbents who won Tuesday, including Rep. Yvette Clarke, who easily dispatched the same challenger who almost beat her in 2018. Look at New York particularly Yvette Clarke, it looks like shes going on. Im winning. Jerry Nadler is winning. Carolyn Maloney is up, Meeks said in an interview Wednesday when asked about progressive influence on the party. From my viewpoint, what we want to do is we want to make sure were electing individuals who are appropriate from their respective districts so that we can keep them Democratic seats and stay in the majority. The total number of coronavirus cases in India is fast approaching half a million as infection rates continue to accelerate. New infections set yet another daily record yesterday, with 16,857 cases recorded, bringing the total to over 472,000. The rapid, largely uncontrolled spread of the pandemic is the result of the criminal negligence of Indias Hindu supremacist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As coronavirus cases exploded in recent weeks, Modi has overseen the phasing out of virtually all lockdown measures and assured big business that no second such shutdown will occur. Like its counterparts around the world, Indias ruling elite has embraced a policy of herd immunity that threatens to cost hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of lives. Indians wearing protective gear, perform the last rituals as they cremate the body of a patient who died of COVID-19 in Jammu, India. (AP Photo/Channi Anand) Total cases in India have more than doubled within less than three weeks as a result. Close to 250,000 new infections have been recorded since June 5, when the total case count stood at 226,000. The latest 100,000 cases have been recorded in just the past eight days. Even according to the governments highly under-reported death count, 14,907 people have now lost their lives, nearly triple the number (5,608) on June 1. However, this is an insignificant number for Modi and his advisors. One of the governments top scientific experts has blithely declared that the policy of reopening the economy could well cost 2 million lives. In spite of this horrific prospect, no serious criticism of the Modi governments reckless course has been forthcoming from the opposition parties, which are implementing the homicidal back-to-work policy wherever they form the state government, or any faction within the ruling elite. Forty-five percent of India's official COVID-19 cases have been reported by two statesMaharashtra, which lies on the west coast and where Mumbai is located, with 139,010, and the national capital territory Delhi with over 70,000. Health Ministry data shows that three other states, Tamil Nadu in the south, Gujarat, on Indias west coast, and the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, account for a further 25 percent of total COVID-19 cases. The overall picture that emerges is that the coronavirus is now deeply entrenched in much of the country, including such large urban centers as Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai, and is rapidly spreading into rural areas where health care is even less accessible. As terrible as the official government figures are, there is a widespread consensus that the true extent of the pandemic is much worse. Even before COVID-19, just 70 percent of deaths in India were registered and only a fifth of these are medically certified, as highlighted by the IndiaSpend web portal. As an example of the extreme unreliability of government figures, the web portal pointed to the official data on malaria in 2017. While government hospitals claimed just 194 malaria deaths occurred in India, the Global Burden of Disease, which uses multiple sources, including verbal autopsies, estimated 50,000 deaths for the same year. Delhi has recorded at least 2,000 COVID-19 cases every day since June 17. On Tuesday, it reported its biggest ever one-day increase with nearly 4,000 cases. Total infections in Delhi are doubling within just 12 days. The dramatic spread of the virus in Indias capital city is directly linked to Modis reckless policy of reopening the economy. On June 8, when a stepped-up campaign of re-openings began, dubbed by Modi Unlock1, a total of 29,500 cases had been reported in Delhi since the pandemic began. Over the past 16 days, over 40,000 new infections have been detected. The disastrous impact of the rapid rise in cases can be seen from the numerous reports of patients and their harried relatives unable to secure treatment, hospital wards where dead bodies remain unremoved due to staff shortages and overflowing morgues. Due to the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), overworked doctors and medical staff are catching the virus in growing numbers. The Hindustan Times reported Tuesday on the appalling situation at Lok Nayak Hospital, Delhi's biggest COVID-19 hospital with 2,000 beds. Relatives are forced to wait for up to three days to receive information about their loved ones in intensive care. A doctor at the hospital said, Demands for updates from the relatives of patients are overwhelmed. On Sunday, the New Indian Express reported that the Maharashtra state government has asked hospitals to use oxygen cylinders to provide immediate relief to COVID-19 patients because of a ventilator shortage. Home to 114 million people, Maharashtra has just 3,028 ventilators. Although a BJP government release said it is supplying 50,000 Made in India ventilators to various state governments and union territories, only 2,923 ventilators have been manufactured so far and just 1,340 delivered. For decades, whether the central government has been led by the BJP or the Congress Party, the Indian state has starved the public health system of resources, spending somewhere in the order of 1 to 1.5 percent of GDP on health care annually. Despite warnings from health experts that India is especially vulnerable to the pandemic because of its high-population density, endemic poverty, and ramshackle health care system, the Modi government has failed to pour resources into fighting COVID-19. As of June 23, India had performed 5.17 tests per thousand people, among the lowest testing ratios of any country with a large COVID-19 outbreak. Government projections show that the disastrous health care situation is set to get even worse over the coming weeks. Authorities in Delhi expect the case count to reach a staggering 550,000 by the end of July. In Gurgaon, an industrial city about 30 kilometres southwest of the capital, where large numbers of workers labour in brutal conditions in manufacturing plants, infections are projected to reach 150,000 by the end of next month. Coronavirus is also finding new breeding grounds in India's rural areas, where nearly 70 percent of the countrys 1.37 billion people live. If the health care system in the major cities is dilapidated and collapsing, in rural India it is all but non-existent. Further compounding the crisis in rural area is the decision of various municipal authorities to prioritize local residents for care, thus closing down the typical practice of rural patients travelling to urban areas for hospital treatment. The rapid spike in COVID-19 cases in rural areas was triggered by the chaotic return of nearly 10 million migrant workers to their home villagesa social and health disaster for which the BJP government and Indian elite are wholly responsible. For more than two months the Modi government did next to nothing to halt the spread of COVID-19. Then without any serious preparation and less than four hours public notice, it imposed a draconian nationwide lockdown on March 25 that resulted in tens of millions of migrant workers and other day labourers losing their jobs overnight. With the BJP government refusing to provide them with any means of sustenance, millions of migrant workers began to return to their villages on foot. It took several days for the authorities to recognise that this mass migrationthe largest since the 1947 communal partition of the subcontinentthreatened to spread the virus from the cities to rural India. The government then responded in typical brutal fashion, deploying security forces to herd those making their way home into makeshift, cramped internal refugee camps, where they were often ill-fed and otherwise abused. After repeated extensions of the lockdown, which had originally been meant to last 21 days, the BJP government, in consultation with the states, finally allowed the migrant workers to go home. But, in a further act of negligence, they failed to systematically test them for COVID-19 and treat the sick before their departure. Due to this criminal policy, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, the states that received most of the returning migrant workers, also have some of the countrys fastest-growing COVID-19 infection rates. Infections have now spread to 98 of the country's 112 poorest rural districts, up from 34 on April 15, according to data from NITI Aayog, the government's planning body. On Monday, the government said it had released 10 billion rupees ($ US132 million) to states and union territories for the welfare of migrant laborers including accommodation, food, medical treatment and transportation. Given the fact that tens of millions of workers lost their jobs and income since the lockdown was implemented, this is the equivalent of famine rations. As the health and social catastrophe for Indias impoverished workers and toilers deepens, the main concern of the Modi government and the ostensible parliamentary opposition is to reassure big business that nothing will get in the way of their profit-making. At a meeting with state chief ministers last week, Modi dismissed rumours about a second lockdown. Despite the rapidly accelerating rate of infection, he insisted that it was time to move to the next phase of reopening the economy. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Gaurav Garg Pharma is an underrated sector in India even though the country plays a major role in the supply of vaccines and drugs to the world. It is estimated that the Indian pharma sector accounts for around 50 percent of vaccine supplies of major countries like the US and the UK. By 2025, the Indian pharma sector is expected to grow to $100 billion and the medical device market to $25 billion. In FY19, the countrys pharma sector exported around $19.14 billion worth of drugs to the world. The Nifty Pharma consists of top 10 companies that represent the segments performance in the country. These are Aurobindo Pharma, Cadila Healthcare, Biocon, Lupin, Cipla, Glenmark, Dr Reddy's Labs, Sun Pharma, Piramal Enterprises and Divis Labs. The Indian pharma sector is well-diversified in which large players concentrate on exports while other companies cater to domestic demand, including the newly emerging market that is focused on active pharmaceutical ingredients and biosimilars. The large players have an advantage of functioning in all the three segments compared to small players. The domestic business has been further divided into three categories-- branded, unbranded and over-the-counter products that are sold directly to the consumers without a prescription. Domestic companies earn around 80 percent of the business through branded generics, which may see a multi-year growth in the coming decade. Overall, the pharma sector is fundamentally looking strong for the coming five to seven years. After a tough six years, the pharma sector is performing well and is around 25 percent up while the broader market is down by 20 percent year-to-date. Factors like earnings up cycle, significant products launches, FDAs clearance for more and more sites and good valuation at the start of the year will add additional benefits to the sector. The impact of the coronavirus outbreak on the sector is less when compared to segments like aviation and tourism. As the sector comes under essential goods, it is exempt from lockdown restrictions. One of the rating agencies has said that the Indian pharmaceutical sector is expected to grow at 3 to 5 percent year-on-year in the current financial year. In the coming year, due to an increase in raw material, logistic and manpower costs, companies may hike prices of non-DPCO (Drug Price Control Order) by up to 7-8 percent as compared to an average hike of 5 percent earlier. Many Indian companies are working to find a vaccine or a drug for COVID-19 and are in various stages of trials. Many have tied up with foreign institutions to produce millions of vaccine doses in a short period as billions of people eagerly wait for a breakthrough. Five years is the minimum time it has taken scientists to develop a vaccine. The first case of AIDS was reported in the early 1980s, it took more than a decade to develop a medicine that could stem the progress of the diseases but we still havent found a vaccine for it. Coming to the present scenario, pharma companies have set a target of 12-18 months for a COVID-19 vaccine but is it possible? The author is Head of Research at CapitalVia Global Research Limited- Investment Advisor. : 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. The Korean War began in 1950 and never officially ended. Heres a timeline of key events during the decades-long war. Seventy years ago, on June 25, 1950, North Korean troops invaded South Korea in a bid to reunite the two countries. At the time, the Korean Peninsula was divided along the 38th parallel a split unprecedented in Korean history with the Soviet Union backing Kim Il-Sungs Workers Party in the North and the United States supporting Syngman Rhees government in the South. The three-year war pitting Soviet and China-backed northern troops against US-led United Nations forces killed an estimated two million people and laid to waste cities and villages on both sides of the border. It ended with an armistice between the US, China and North Korea, but South Korea did not agree, and no formal peace treaty was signed. And 70 years on, the two Koreas remain technically at war. A US marine clambers over a battered and shell-splattered barricade in a Seoul business district at the height of fighting for the South Korean capital held by invading North Koreans for three months, September 28, 1950 [File: Max Desfor/AP Photo] Inter-Korean relations remain tense, with the North often pushing matters to the brink by a series of provocative actions, including assassination attempts on the Souths leaders and the pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. The long conflict has more recently been punctuated by dramatic diplomatic overtures, but the two Koreas are still no closer to lasting peace. Below, we look at the most significant events in inter-Korean relations since the Korean War. Assassination attempts Following the signing of the armistice, the North, aided by the Soviet Union and China, recovered much faster than the South. But in the late 1960s, the Souths economy began taking off after Park Cheung-Hee was elected as president. Pyongyang, sensing its opportunity to reunify Korea could be narrowing, resorted to a series of provocative actions that included assassination attempts. In a 1968 incident, known as the Blue House raid, the North dispatched a hand-picked team of 31 commandos to Seoul to kill Park. The soldiers, who wore South Korean army uniforms, managed to get within 100 metres of the South Korean presidential palace before they were intercepted. All but two of the soldiers either died or committed suicide. There was a second attempt on Parks life in 1974 by a suspected North Korean agent, but the bullet meant for Park hit his wife, and she died hours later in hospital. In 1983, North Korean agents detonated a bomb at the Martyrs Mausoleum in Yangon, then the capital of Burma (now Myanmar), shortly before Parks successor, Chun Doo-hwan, was due to arrive there. More than 20 people, including four South Korean cabinet ministers, were killed. Bombing of Korean airliner The Burma incident was not the only overseas plot carried out by the North. In November 1987, a Korean Air flight from Baghdad for Seoul exploded over the Bay of Bengal, killing all 115 people on board. The bomb was allegedly planted by North Korean agents as part of a bid to disrupt the 1988 Olympic Games that were to be held in South Korea. Landmark inter-Korean summit Four decades of animosities later, South Koreas President Kim Dae-jung and North Koreas leader Kim Jong Il met at a landmark summit in Pyongyang the first meeting between the two countries heads of state since the start of the Korean war. In this June 14, 2000 photo, South Korean President Kim Dae-jung, left, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il raise their arms together before signing a joint declaration at the end of the second day of a three-day summit in Pyongyang, North Korea. [File: Yonhap via AP Photo] The summit came three years after a severe famine in North Korea that is estimated to have killed more than three million people, as well as a years-long spike in tensions between the two countries. Notable events include the North renouncing the armistice and deploying thousands of troops into the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in 1996 and the South killing 24 North Koreans after their submarine ran aground off the coast of South Korea later that same year. Many more South Korean and North Korean sailors died in 1999 when the two navies clashed on the Yellow Sea. The meeting between the two Kims marked a turning point, however, paving the way for reopening of border liaison offices and family reunions. Seoul also granted amnesty to more than 3,500 North Korean prisoners. North Koreas nuclear push Despite the historic summit, tensions on the Korean Peninsula ratcheted up in the 2000s amid the Norths push for nuclear weapons. In 2006 three years after withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty the North conducted its first nuclear test, in a move that prompted the UN to pass sanctions banning trade in weapons and other goods with Pyongyang. However, the following year, the North shut down its Yongbyon nuclear reactor after receiving 50,000 tonnes of heavy fuel oil as part of an aid package. A second inter-Korean summit was held in Pyongyang in October of 2007, and President Roh Moo-hyun became the first South Korean leader to cross the DMZ. Roh Moo-hyun, right, and Kim Jong-il shake hands at a welcoming ceremony for Roh in Pyongyang [File: Korea Pool via Reuters] But relations plummeted once again with the election of Lee Myung-bak to South Koreas presidency the next year. The new president, who had promised a tough stance on North Korea, ended Seouls policy of providing Pyongyang with unconditional economic assistance. That resulted in the North declaring an end to all military and political deals with the South. In 2009, the North launched a long-range rocket and carried out its second underground nuclear test. Frictions increased further in 2010, with Seoul breaking off all trade with Pyongyang in May after accusing it of sinking the Cheonan warship, an incident that killed 46 people. More nuclear tests, more sanctions In the ensuing decade, North Korea continued its nuclear build-up, conducting a third nuclear test in 2013 and prompting fresh UN sanctions. The Norths sole ally, China, banned exports that could be used in producing missiles and nuclear weapons. But Pyongyang went on with missile tests and in 2015, confirmed that its Yongbyon nuclear plant was back in operation. Further defying UN sanctions, North Korea conducted its fifth and most powerful nuclear test in 2016, and the following year, it launched the first flight tests of an inter-continental ballistic missile the Hwasong-14. This file photo distributed by the North Korean government shows what was said to be the launch of a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile on July 4, 2017 [File: KCNA via AP Photo] Blowing hot and cold The year 2017 bought more tensions, with US President Donald Trump and North Koreas Kim Jong Un engaged in an increasingly heated war of words. Trump threatened Pyongyang with fire and fury like the world has never seen and Pyongyang retaliated with a threat to attack the US Pacific territory of Guam although it did not follow through. But months later, in a dramatic thawing of tensions on the Korean Peninsula, the two Koreas agreed to march under the same flag at the February 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang in the South. North and South Koreans wave flags during the closing ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea [File: Natacha Pisarenko/ AP Photo] That was followed by a third inter-Korean summit, with Kim becoming the first North Korean leader to enter the South when he met President Moon Jae-in at the Panmunjom border crossing in April. I came here to put an end to the history of confrontation, Kim told Moon, according to a South Korean official. The pair agreed to work towards denuclearising the Korean Peninsula, and their meeting paved the way for an unprecedented meeting between Trump and Kim. Moon Jae-in bids farewell to Kim Jong Un as he leaves after their summit at Panmunjom, North Korea [File: the Presidential Blue House /Handout via Reuters] Trump-Kim summits The Trump-Kim summit in Singapore that June was the first between US and North Korean leaders. They agreed to end the nuclear standoff, but a follow-up meeting in Vietnam the next year broke down, when Trump rejected Kims calls for major sanctions relief in exchange for partial denuclearisation. The two leaders met once again at the Korean border in June 2019 and agreed to restart negotiations. But talks have stalled with the US demanding complete denuclearisation. Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump meet during the second US-North Korea summit in Hanoi, Vietnam [File: KCNA via Reuters] Liaison office bombed As North Korea is wont to do when it fails to obtain concessions from the US, it once again ratcheted up pressure on the South this month by blowing up an inter-Korean liaison office that was set up in 2018. North Korea grabbed world attention when it blew up the joint liaison office it set up with South Korea in the border town of Kaesong last week [KCNA via Reuters] Pyongyangs official news agency said the June 16 move was aimed at forcing human scum and those who have sheltered the scum to pay dearly for their crimes an apparent reference to North Korean defectors who have sent leaflets criticising Kims nuclear ambitions across the border. In a series of escalatory steps, Pyongyang then announced it was severing hotlines with Seoul and threatened to deploy soldiers to the border. Then, on the eve of the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, Kim pulled back yet again, saying the North will suspend military action against the South a move experts say is aimed at extracting aid from the South and a bid to revive stalled talks. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are trying to tighten the noose around real beneficiaries of the 70 million euro bribe paid in AgustaWestland scam, officials familiar with the development said. Wednesdays raids on the premises of realty firm MGF MD Shravan Gupta by the ED were focused at money trail, which moved through several companies over a period of time, they said. Subsequently, CBI is set to soon file a chargesheet against five senior government officials and British middleman Christian Michel, for which it has already sought prosecution sanction from the government. Officials in both the agencies said there will be major developments in the case in next couple of months. Officials cited above said Gupta, who was the director of erstwhile Emaar MGF, is under the scanner for appointment of another European middleman Guido Haschke as independent director in the company in 2009. Haschke is wanted by agencies and is said to be living in Italy. Gupta was earlier questioned by the ED in 2016. Also read: ED attaches Dubai villa, 5 Swiss bank accounts of AgustaWestland scam accused Rajiv Saxena According to ED, which has already filed half a dozen chargesheets in the case, total 12 per cent kickbacks around Euro 70 millions, was by the Anglo-Italian firm - AgustaWestland through two sets of middlemen - Christian Michel James and Guido Ralph Haschke - for further payments in India to influence the 3,727 crore 12 helicopter VVIP chopper deal. The money, ED has said, was quid pro quo to make the company eligible for the contract of AW-101 helicopters in 2010. The CBI, in its chargesheet filed in September 2017, claimed Michel had signed two agreements with AgustaWestland one for Euro 42 million (which he later reduced to 30 million), and second agreement for Euro 28 million, with the family to be honoured in full. The CBI had also claimed that AgustaWestlands competitor for the contract, M/s Sikorsky, had quoted the price of over 50.64 crore US dollars (around 2,228 crore) for 12 VVIP/non-VVIP helicopters, while AgustaWestland quoted Euro 592 million ( 3,966 crore), which was approximately 80 per cent more than the rate quoted by M/s Sikorsky. This was approved by cabinet committee on security in 2010 with final cost negotiated at 3,727 crore. Also read: Alleged middleman Michel bail plea over Covid-19 denied; you are in a separate cell, says judge We have got some new leads in the case after which it was decided to raid seven places on Wednesday linked to Gupta and few other people. We are further investigating the real beneficiaries - politicians and bureaucrats - who got benefitted through certain businessmen and private companies, said an ED officer requesting anonymity. Gupta, this officer said, is likely to be called for questioning soon. Gupta or his spokesperson could not be located for comments by HT. An email sent to MGF remained unanswered. Emaar India, meanwhile, issued a statement on Wednesday saying Gupta has no role in the company. Emaar and MGF had parted ways few years back and Mr Shravan Gupta has no role in Emaar India and is also no longer on the Board of the Company. Emaar India is directly under the control of its parent Emaar Properties PJSC, Dubai, and is fully in compliance with rules and regulations of the law of the land. As a responsible corporate, Emaar India will cooperate with any government agency. Earlier, in a separate case pertaining to forex exchange violation, ED had seized Guptas assets worth 10.28 crore in 2018 for allegedly holding undisclosed deposits in a Swiss bank account. Ma Huateng, founder and CEO of Chinese Internet giant Tencent Holdings, has dethroned Alibaba Founder Jack Ma form the title of 'Richest Man in China', according to Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Huatang has a total net worth of $50 billion. Tencent Holdings is currently China's largest game developer. It has even surpassed Alibaba Group Holding Ltd as Asia's most-valuable company with its shares rising above HK $500 on Wednesday. Tencent's recent stock surge is the key reason being its CEO's growing wealth. He surpassed Jack Ma who has a net worth of $48 billion earlier today. Ma Huateng, who goes by "Pony Ma" (where 'Ma' means 'horse' in Chinese), is not as global renowned as Jack Ma, but is one of the most recognised faces in China. Ma Huateng founded Tencent in 1998 along with four of his classmates. He has a Bachelors of Science degree from Shinzen University in China. He currently owns 7 per cent stake in Tencent. He had sold some shares earlier this year, raising his net worth by $757 million, according to Bloomberg. Tencent is one of the world's largest video game company. It also has a major presence in programming social media platform and has become one of China's largest social media companies. One of the social media platforms run by Tencent is WeChat (China's version of Whatsapp). In the gaming space, it provides some of the most popular titles including Honour of Kings, PUBG Mobile and League of Legends. Also Read: SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son steps down from Alibaba board Also Read: Alibaba founder Jack Ma resigns from SoftBank board Coast to coast and around the globe cities reel under protest for the killing of George Floyd by the police officer and now we have a commander-in-chief who want to bring military to squash down the peaceful protesters. My fellow Americans, it is not the time to sit on the fence when racism and bigotry are taking over our nation. Former Secretary Mattis broke the silence and condemns Trump as a threat to constitution. Speak up! Silent No More! The president has failed this country and los an opportunity to govern our diverse nation. All Americans including elected officials must hold the president accountable. The presidents photo op at Johns Episcopal Church was not about piety but, at most appalling and condemn by many church leaders including Pat Robertson and Franklin Graham. Year after year, police brutality continues and police are not charged. After this horrific event, the president merely blamed the peaceful protesters as thugs and want to send military to squash the uprising. Black people are not thugs or looters. They were slaves. It is the white nationalist who looted the native Indian American. The police brutality is a mob violence trying to assert power over African Americans since the Civil Rights era. Police brutality or mob violence should come as little surprise. Mr. Trumps presidential campaign was based on racist sentiment, pandering to white supremacists. He called Mexicans rapists and criminals and proposed a Muslim ban. The explosion of bigotry and racism are linked directly to the president and the Republican Party for providing space and accepting them. White supremacy has existed in the United States since the slave trade. America is in crisis and engrossed with the addiction of Racism and White Supremacy. Carol Anderson, Professor of African-American studies at Emory University and the author of White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide, captured this beautifully when she said: Like all forms of substance abuse, it has destroyed families and communities and put enormous stress on government institution. The professor further says, This addiction of racism in the Republican Party might not be that explicit, but it all started with Donald Trumps birther movement and Republican Partys support of white supremacy for decades and now it is the Republican Partys drug of choice. Muslims in the Lehigh Valley stand unequivocally against racism, white supremacy, anti-Semitism, and fascism that are displayed from White House. We join in extending heartfelt sympathy to the family on the loss of George Floyd, while we pray for the quick and speedy recovery of all those injured and traumatized by death of George Floyd. Muslims must stand shoulder to shoulder with our African brethren in confronting and challenging the racism and any hate groups. Islam is unequivocally against racism and prejudice of any kind as demonstrated in the Quranic words, O Mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honored in the sight of God is the one who is the most righteous (Quran 49:13). Islamic egalitarianism (the ideals of equality, brotherhood, and social justice) still gains converts from the untouchables of India to the likes of Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X. However, how should Muslims win the minds and hearts of their fellow human beings to fight the diseases of racism, nationalism, prejudice and stereotype? Muslims should initiate a personal jihad for tolerance and pluralism with interfaith dialogue and assimilation with other cultures and faiths. Mohammed Khaku, Mucungie Township, is affiliated with Engage USA, an organization that seeks to engage Muslim Americans in civic life. The "power hungry" Congress government took away the rights of the people by clamping emergency this day 45 years ago and when the very same party spoke on democracy it was anguishing, BJP leader and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday. Recalling that the emergency came into effect in India on June 25, 1975, she said, it was promulgated by the Congress party and they created a huge challenge for democracy by coming up with emergency. The emergency continued till March 21, 1977. Addressing BJP Tamil Nadu unit party workers via a virtual rally, she said: "People's rights were completely rejected. Why did the Congress party do it?It was hankering for power, it was for the sake of office. The law was broken and an emergency was declared." The emergency era witnessed several atrocities, she alleged and said several leaders from the ranks of opposition were jailed and the DMK government led by late Chief Minister M Karunanidhi was dismissed. A DMK leader, Mayor Chittibabu died unable to bear the torture in prison,she alleged. "That the Congress today has the guts to talk of democracy is anguishing," she said adding the DMK, however, joined hands withthe Congress subsequently. She wondered what yardstick of democracy prompted the DMK to join hands with the Congress party. Also, she asked: "What right does the DMK have to raise questions on freedom of speech and democracy?" . Wombats and koalas stand out as bizarre animals even in a continent famed for bizarre animals. They are also each others closest relatives. Koalas munch on eucalyptus, resemble living teddy bears and, like Australias other imperiled native fauna, they need occasional rescuing. Wombats poop in cubes yes, cubes that they leave out and even stack to mark their territory. As for the animal itself, picture chonk incarnate, a burrowing ball of fuzz and fat powered by muscular little stub-legs. Now multiply that five times. Thats the size of a new long-lost member of the same animal group, Mukupirna nambensis, a mega-wombat that tipped the scales at well over 300 pounds. Scientists believe it scrounged around in the rainforest soil of Australia some 25 million years ago. I would compare it to a black bear, said Robin Beck, a paleontologist at the University of Salford in England, who described fossils of the wow-inducing wombat on Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports. India Ends Monopoly of its Space Agency, Sets Up New Entity to Facilitate Private Players Sputnik News 13:54 GMT 24.06.2020(updated 14:06 GMT 24.06.2020) New Delhi (Sputnik): Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on 16 May announced certain structural reforms which included the opening up of space technology to private players. Sitharaman had said, "future projects for planetary exploration, outer space travel, etc shall also be open for the private sector". India's federal cabinet on Wednesday decided to set up a new entity named the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) to provide a level playing field for private companies to use the country's space infrastructure. Briefing the media, India's junior Minister for Space Dr Jitendra Singh said, IN-SPACe "will hand-hold, promote, and guide the private industries in space activities." The decision to end the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)'s monopoly was announced on 16 May by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitaraman. She also called to make future projects for planetary exploration and outer space travel open to the private sector. "Over the past 70 years, space activities or working were behind a shroud of secrecy, very little in the public domain and also a lot of confidentiality. Perhaps our space capabilities were limited only to handful of scientists working in the department of space and ISRO", said Dr Jitendra Singh. The minister said that in the last few years India has enhanced its launching and application capabilities, using space technology in virtually every sphere of life. "Space technology has entered in each and every Indian household", said the minister. The decision entails that there shall be a level playing field for private companies in satellites, launches, and space-based services. The private sector will also be allowed to use the facilities of ISRO and other relevant assets to improve their capacities. "There will be a liberal geo-spatial data policy for providing remote-sensing data to tech-entrepreneurs", the government said. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Representative image live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The Rs 50 lakh accident insurance cover for 2.2 million frontline health workers battling the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has seen both eligible and non-eligible claims being filed. To ensure that eligible claims are settled faster, state-owned insurer New India Assurance is now working with state nodal agencies for getting the documents certified . Atul Sahai, Chairman and Managing Director of New India Assurance, told Moneycontrol that 13 claims have been settled so far. State nodal agencies are responsible for implementing this initiative of the central government across the country. This cover announced as a part of the Prime Minister's Garib Kalyan Package in March offers a sum assured of Rs 50 lakh per insured person and is valid for 90 days from March 30. The policy covers accidental death due to complications arising out of contracting coronavirus while treating/attending to jobs handling those suffering from the virus. 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 While the government has stated that only frontline health workers are eligible for the insurance product, state nodal agencies have been receiving claims across worker segments. The cover included doctors, nurses, paramedics and ASHA (accredited social health activists). Sahai explained that the insurer is working closely with the state nodal agencies so that claims can be processed within 24 hours of documents being submitted. He added that the health ministry has been conducting regular video conferencing with the state nodal agencies to ensure that claim documents are submitted on time. Due to a lack of awareness and understanding on the matter, sources told Moneycontrol that about 80-90 claims lodged so far are outside the purview of this insurance cover and pertain to workers from other sectors. A state health official told Moneycontrol that a few government workers presumed that the cover was applicable to any state employed individuals death on duty if they contracted COVID-19. He added that now there is better clarity among the workers. About 30 claims are in the eligible category right now. Sahai said certification of documents is being done by the highest medical authority of the state for quick decision making on the insurers' side. Needless to mention, clarity in nomination for non-government employees, with dispute free succession certification, is important given the quantum involved and to transmit funds to the appropriate legal heirs without disputes. For claims of government employees, of course, the availability of gratuity nomination in employment records has helped New India settle some of the claims within 24 hours, he added. Follow our full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic here Todd J. Gillman | The Dallas Morning News Washington The governments fiscal watchdog said Thursday that $1.4 billion in stimulus payments were sent to roughly 1.1 million people who had already died, bypassing IRS procedures put in place seven years to ago to prevent such improper payments. President Donald Trump had insisted that such snafus were a tiny problem after anecdotal reports surfaced early in the coronavirus pandemic. A congressman reported that a family friends late father had received a check. In suburban Dallas, a beloved 93-year-old grandmothers family chuckled because next to her name, the check even said decd, indicating that somewhere in the federal bureaucracy, her demise six months earlier was on the record. We sent out 80 million deposits, and less than 1% had even little problems, Trump said on April 17, downplaying the problem. A couple had minor glitches, but its substantially less than 1%. So out of 80 million deposits, less than 1%. And that gets corrected immediately. When a Dallas Morning News reporter pointed out that 1% of 80 million is 800,000 which would represent nearly $1 billion, at $1,200 per payment Trump responded: The snafus are very minor and any mistake that was made, theyve been caught. And its less than 1%. Thats a very good percentage for government. Trump wasnt far off on the error rate, but auditors have now confirmed the magnitude of the waste. Treasury and IRS did not use the death records to stop payments to deceased individuals for the first three batches of payments, the Government Accountability Office wrote in a report issued Thursday. The first three batches of payments accounted for 72 percent of the payments disbursed as of May 31. ... As of April 30, almost 1.1 million payments totaling nearly $1.4 billion had gone to decedents. Its unclear how much of the money has been recovered, or will be. According to IRS officials, these figures do not reflect returned checks or rejected direct deposits, the amount of which IRS and the Treasury are still determining, GAO reported. The government will recover money sent to deceased people, Trump insisted in that April 17 White House briefing. Well get that back. Everything, were going to get back. But its a tiny amount, he said. GAO chastised the Treasury Department and IRS for sidestepping safeguards implemented after the 2008 stimulus, which entailed payments to 100 million households. In 2013, GAO recommended fixes and as a result, IRS implemented a process to use death records to update taxpayers accounts in order to identify and prevent improper payments. But that process, in place for 7 years, was bypassed. One Treasury official from the Office of Tax Policy told GAO that Treasury was unaware the payments may go to decedents yet an IRS working group charged with administering the payments first raised questions with Treasury officials about payments to decedents in late March as Congress was drafting legislation. Envelopes in which this years payments were sent instruct that the check must be returned if the recipient is deceased. Congress authorized payments up to $1,200 to individuals to mitigate the disastrous economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the nationwide lockdown. The payments werent intended for people like the 93-year-old from suburban Dallas who died Dec. 17. A check addressed to her, marked decd, arrived in the mail more than four months later. Honestly, I think my grandmother would think this was funny as hell. I think she would be laughing and she would cash the stupid thing. Shed say, Well, Ill go buy some groceries with it. She was unbelievably practical, said Philip Ray, a lawyer in Frisco whose grandmother, who lived in a Dallas suburb. This is just an unbelievable level of incompetency. Two weeks earlier, in mid-April, Rep. Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican, revealed that the late father of a friend had received a check, an error that Massie called insane, but just the tip of the iceberg. Ray asked that his grandmother remain anonymous. His mom believes in the adage that a persons name should appear in a newspaper only when theyre born and when they die. The obituary was published four months ago, after her death on Dec. 17. So lets call her Jane Doe. She was a widow the last four years of her life. With her husband, she had lived in the same house in Farmers Branch for decades. They had four kids, and each of them had four kids. So there were dozens of offspring to mourn her death and, four months later, wonder at the misdirected federal largess. The check was addressed to Jane Doe, decd care of her daughter, the executor of her estate, which has already been settled. The News has seen the check. Its real. And it has seen several similar checks to others. His mom, he said, was astounded when they got it, and laughing by the time she called to tell him about it. Shes going to return it when they start asking for stuff back. Obviously theyre not going to cash it, Ray said. Some of the problems stemmed from the haste demanded by the sudden collapse of the economy, as states ordered businesses shuttered and people to stay at home to halt a contagion that has cost more than 122,000 lives in the United States, the most of any country. The CARES Act the $2.2 trillion stimulus package that includes these direct rebates to taxpayers became law on March 27, and payments began going out within two weeks. As of April 29, the IRS said it had issued 130 million payments by check or direct deposit in 30 days, totaling $207 billion. Another 20 million payments are expected. Anyone who filed a tax return in 2018 or 2019 should receive a payment automatically up to $1,200 for an individual taxpayer, going to zero for income over $99,000. A couple filing jointly with two children could get $3,400. The text of the law refers to eligible taxpayers. Tax experts consider it unambiguous that people who died in 2018 or 2019 arent eligible. Its less clear if people who die in 2020 are eligible, since the payment is a credit for the current tax year. The IRS has yet to issue guidance on that. Either way, envelopes in which the stimulus checks arrive have a checkbox on the front and a prominent warning: IF RECIPIENT IS DECEASED Check here and drop in mailbox. Youre not supposed to keep that payment, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday. Were checking the databases, but there could be a scenario where we missed something, and yes, the heirs should be returning that money. A September 2010 report from the Social Security Administrations inspector general found that in May 2009, $250 payments issued to blunt the effect of the Great Recession were sent to nearly 90,000 ineligible people: 71,688 who had died got $18 million, and 17,348 who were incarcerated got $4.3 million. SSA probably hadnt been told about 86% of the deaths in time, the review found, but it should have been able to avoid the rest of the errors. About half the money was recovered. Ray, a criminal defense lawyer, is growing impatient for his own stimulus payment. He hasnt been able to obtain a loan yet under the Paycheck Protection Program the massive infusion of cash intended to keep small businesses afloat. With his legal income dried up Nobodys being arrested, nobodys getting cases, he said he tried to apply the first day of the program, only to be told to wait a week because hes a sole proprietor. By then, the funds were depleted because, you know, the Lakers need more jerseys, apparently, and Burger King and Ruths Chris Steakhouse got PPP loans. Its unreal. Those and other large employers have since vowed to repay the loans. But Ray still needs help to pay his small staff. Thats why he likes talking about the misdirected check to grandma. This story brings me a little bit of joy in the middle of it, he said, because its so stupid, you just have to laugh. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Restarting NY: Whats open, whats closed in phase four Second stimulus check coming soon, Trump says; will be very generous Prisoners got stimulus checks; IRS wants them back Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com New Delhi: Indian Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation is all set to reimpose the ban it lifted recently on carrying Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones on flights.The new directions have arrived after a Samsung Galaxy Note 7, burst into flames on a Southwest Airlines flight on Wednesday. The phone's owner told authorities that he had purchased it on 21 September.Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is all set to be launched in India near Diwali on October 28.The DGCA had last Friday lifted restrictions on carrying the new Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phone on aeroplanes the ones sold after 15 September. We are in touch with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after the latest incident of a new Note 7 catching fire on aircraft and are going to issue a fresh order for the Samsung Note 7. The FAA had in mid-September issued an advisory which said that the Note 7 should be kept switched off and not be charged on planes and that flyers must close all applications such as alarms on these phones that may switch it back on, It also called for physical protection for the power switch to prevent it from getting pressed inadvertently and then getting switched on. A new order will be issued next week and incorporate these things too, a DGCA spokesman said. Various global aviation safety regulators and international airlines had imposed restrictions on carrying the Note 7 after instances were reported regarding this phone catching fire. Samsung, however did not offer any immediate comment on the DGCA statement. Until we are able to retrieve the device, we cannot confirm that this incident involves the new Note7. We are working with the authorities and Southwest now to recover the device and confirm the cause. Once we have examined the device we will have more information to share Samsung said in an email. Nearly a fortnight ago, the DGCA had also issued restrictions on carrying the Samsung Note 2 after one of these phones caught fire on a Singapore-Chennai flight of IndiGo. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. NORRISTOWN The final COVID-19 food relief effort facilitated by Montgomery County will be held Thursday at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Upper Providence. This is a no-cost food distribution opportunity. Anyone in need is welcome, said county Commissioners Chairwoman Valerie Arkoosh. This program is designed to support both our Pennsylvania farmers and our Montgomery County residents who are in need. The drive-thru food distribution event will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or as long as supplies last at the expo center located along Station Avenue in the Oaks section of the township. The center is situated off Route 422. Distribution is limited to 1,500 vehicles on a first-come, first-served basis. Each vehicle will receive two boxes of food, regardless of household size, officials said. No identification is required. This week, 1,500 boxes of mixed dairy foods and 1,500 boxes of mixed fruit will be distributed to the 1,500 people who show up in their vehicles. This week, we will also have a limited supply of dog and cat food, also at no cost, Arkoosh added. Participants must arrive with their vehicles windows rolled up and stay inside the vehicles. Drivers will be directed to open their trunks and volunteers will place the food boxes inside in a contactless manner. This is a no contact food distribution. All participants will be asked to stay in their vehicles and follow prompts from the volunteers, Arkoosh said. The food relief effort is coordinated by the Montco Anti-Hunger Network, in conjunction with Feeding Pennsylvania and Philabundance. The event is coordinated by the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety. Officials said the program provides another resource of free food for families suffering economic losses and vulnerable seniors impacted by the coronavirus outbreak. Any food not distributed will be disbursed to local food banks in Montgomery County, Arkoosh said. The food is being provided at no cost through the U. S. Department of Agriculture Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. More information about the food distribution can be found at www.MontcoAntiHunger.org The county facilitated previous food distribution events at the expo center and at the Willow Grove Park Mall off Moreland Road. A 1billion Huawei research facility given the green light yesterday could be a Trojan horse, a Tory MP has warned. The controversial Chinese telecoms giant was granted planning permission for a hub near Cambridge that promises to create 400 jobs. But the US State Department urged the UK to carefully assess the impact of allowing an untrusted company access to sensitive information. In a strong rebuke, an official said the US was deeply concerned about the serious risk Chinas activities, such as its research, posed to both UK and American national security. The controversial Chinese telecoms giant was granted planning permission for a hub near Cambridge. Pictured: An artist's impression of Huawei's facility Tory MP Bob Seely added that the UK needed to be wary of Trojan horses, with Huawei set to help build Britains 5G mobile network. He said: It is a bit of a power play by Huawei and China. If they want to invest then great but that doesnt mean we should give access to 5G. A State Department spokesman said last night: We have seen reports that the UK plans to allow Huawei to build a research and development facility in England. We urge all countries, particularly allies and partners like the United Kingdom, to carefully assess the long-term impact of allowing untrusted companies like Huawei access to sensitive information. The spokesman said China acquired technology and intellectual property through licit and illicit means, through collaboration and through deception, and by investment, joint research, and outright theft. In another development, Huawei was named on a list of companies the Trump administration said were owned or controlled by the Chinese military. Boris Johnson is reconsidering whether to allow Huawei to help build Britains 5G network in light of the review Before yesterdays planning decision was announced, senior US official Keith Krach accused China of using similar schemes to expand its influence. They donate money, hire graduates, and burnish their PR credentials. Then comes bullying, coercion, and expansion of the surveillance state, he said. The planning permission comes as the National Cyber Security Centre carries out a fresh review of whether the security concerns around Huawei can be mitigated. Boris Johnson is reconsidering whether to allow the firm to help build Britains 5G network in light of the review and after huge pressure from Tory MPs. He is expected to announce next month that the UK will aim to strip Huawei from the network in the next few years. As Huawei was named on a list of companies the Trump administration said were owned or controlled by the Chinese military, Swedish telecoms giant Ericsson said it could replace all of the Huawei equipment in the UKs 5G network. The companys Europe president, Arun Bansal, said it was not lobbying for Huawei to be banned but would be capable of meeting the demand if it was. WASHINGTON - U.S. officials estimate that 20 million Americans have been infected with the coronavirus since it first arrived in the United States, meaning that the vast majority of the population remains susceptible. Thursdays estimate is roughly 10 times as many infections as the 2.3 million cases that have been confirmed. Officials have long known that millions of people were infected without knowing it and that many cases are being missed because of gaps in testing. The news comes as the Trump administration works to tamp down nationwide concern about the COVID-19 pandemic as about a dozen states are seeing worrisome increases in cases. The administration also looks to get its scientific experts back before the public more as it tries to allay anxieties about the pandemic while states begin reopening. Since mid-May, when the government began stressing the need to get the economy moving again, the panels public health experts have been far less visible than in the pandemics early weeks. Twenty million infections means that about 6% of the nations 331 million people have been infected. Its clear that many individuals in this nation are still susceptible, Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said on a call with reporters Thursday. Our best estimate right now is that for every case that was reported, there actually are 10 more infections. Previously, CDC officials and the nations top infectious-disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, have said that as many as 25% of infected people might not have symptoms. Theres an enormous number of people that are still vulnerable, said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, vice dean at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. It still remains a potentially lethal disease. Its a roll of the dice for everybody who gets the illness. Also, youre rolling the dice for other people who you may give the virus to. The new estimate is based on CDC studies of blood samples collected nationwide some by the CDC and others from blood donations and other sources. Many infections were not caught in early testing, when supplies were limited and federal officials prioritized testing for those with symptoms. Administration officials are pointing to the new data to allay public anxieties, claiming that while there have been significant spikes, they have the outbreaks well in hand. They maintained they were not trying to minimize a public health crisis, but said the nation is in a markedly different place with the virus now than when the U.S. last saw similar infection numbers in mid-April, when testing infrastructure was weaker. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity late Wednesday to discuss the matter candidly. This is still serious, Redfield said on the call with reporters Thursday. But Im asking people to recognize that were in a different situation today than we were in March or April, with more cases today in younger people who are not as likely to develop serious illness or die from infection, he said. President Donald Trump, who refuses to wear a face mask in public, has been playing down the virus threat, insisting recently that its fading away, its going to fade away. Vice-President Mike Pence, during an appearance in Ohio, said the U.S. had met the moment in fighting the virus. Redfield said infection prevalence rates ranged from 1% in some areas of the West Coast to much higher in New York City. Several independent experts said the methods and locations of sampling are key to interpreting the numbers. Dr. Thomas Tsai, a Harvard University health policy researcher, said 20 million seems reasonable, but most of these estimates exist in a range and its important to know how wide that is. Its hard to interpret this just from a single number and without the context for it, such as what locations were sampled and whether it was truly a random slice of a population or areas of low or high prevalence, which can skew the results. Justin Lessler, a researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said 20 million infected is about what youd expect based on the case fatality rate and the number of deaths that have occurred so far in the U.S. Despite the phaseout of daily White House coronavirus briefings, the administration has been closely monitoring data on the spread of COVID-19 and has been deploying teams from the CDC to identify and stem outbreaks around the country. A dozen states in recent weeks have seen a worrisome uptick in new cases, as well as in the more critical measure of the percentage of positive cases discovered in tests performed. Seven states have seen more than 10% of tests come back positive. And troublesome spikes in Sun Belt states have dominated news coverage in recent days, to the consternation of Trump administration officials. They point instead to more nuanced county-level data, which shows positivity rates exceeding 10% in just 3% of the nations counties. Yet they acknowledge that some of the areas with the highest transmission rates are generally the most populous, suggesting tens of millions of Americans could be living in areas with spiking infections. As states reopen, the administration says it is up to governors and local officials to determine how to respond to the spikes. Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott, for example, put a hold on any further steps to reopen and reimposed a ban on elective surgeries in some areas to preserve hospital space after the number of patients statewide more than doubled in two weeks. The CDC teams, officials said, are working to trace new outbreaks and reinforce protective measures like social distancing and mask wearing in hard-hit areas and to remind vulnerable populations to take extreme precautions. The administration says those efforts have helped slow new infections in North Carolina and Alabama, where they were deployed earlier this month. One of the hard-hit areas is Phoenix, where Trump held an event Tuesday with thousands of young attendees, nearly all of whom were maskless. The officials say the nature of the outbreak now is different than months ago, when deaths topped more than 1,000 per day for weeks and hospitals were stretched beyond capacity across the country. The new increase in positive cases, they said, is capturing what has long been there. They say it is only now showing up in data because the U.S. has increased testing and surveillance. Meanwhile, mortality data has steadily declined, as have hospitalizations in all but a few hot spots. To the administration officials, that reinforces their hypothesis that millions unknowingly had the virus earlier this year. Through early May, federal guidelines prioritized testing for symptomatic people, those exposed to a positive case and those in high-risk environments. With testing far more widespread now, officials believe 50% of new cases in Florida and Texas are among people ages 35 or younger, and most of them are asymptomatic. The U.S. is testing about 500,000 patients per day. On a per capita basis, the U.S. rate falls behind several other countries, including Spain, Australia, Russia and Iceland, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University. There is no scientific consensus on the rate of testing needed to control the virus. But many experts say the U.S. should be testing roughly 1 million to 3 million people daily to catch new cases and prevent flareups. Administration officials said they expect to be able to run 20-40 million tests per month beginning this fall. Testing is constrained by laboratory supplies needed to run the tests but also lack of demand for tests in some areas. ___ Marchione reported from Milwaukee. Associated Press writer Matthew Perrone in Washington contributed to this report. DENVER, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- As the United States moves away from the criminalization of cannabis, giving rise to an essential industry, there remains the fundamental injustice inflicted upon those who have suffered criminal convictions and the consequences of those convictions. Today, Akerna (Nasdaq: KERN), a leading enterprise software provider and developer of the cannabis industry's first seed-to-sale compliance enterprise resource planning (ERP) software technology (MJ Platform), is collaborating with The Last Prisoner Project to include a donation feature through its MJ Platform point of sale solution. "I, like so many, have been overcome with anger and sadness in the wake of the senseless and violent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others. I didn't want to be another person standing up and saying, 'Black Lives Matter,' I wanted to do something meaningful that would provide long term value to the community," said Jessica Billingsley, chief executive officer, Akerna. "Adding the donation functionality to MJ Platform is a meaningful way we can use our technology to give consumers the ability to contribute to The Last Prisoner Project, a cause that helps the black community, which has been disproportionally affected by the war on drugs." According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, 84% of the more than 2,000 marijuana offenders who were federally sentenced in 2018 were people of color; 11% were white, even though whites make up more than 60% of the U.S. population. The Last Prisoner Project focuses on three critical criminal justice reform initiatives: prisoner release, record clearing through clemency and expungement, and reentry programs. A core social justice focus is to release incarcerated cannabis prisoners. Data shows, however, that most released prisoners fail without the proper resources in place. Reentry programs reduce recidivism. A criminal record can be a significant barrier to employment, housing, financial assistance, and more, so we work to clear cannabis prisoners record, given that those acts are now legal. Collectively these programs help cannabis prisoners become "fully free." "As the legal cannabis industry continues to grow in size and sophistication, those lucky enough to be participating in it have a moral imperative to make sure that thousands of mostly black and brown people who are still in prison for doing the same thing are released," said Steve DeAngelo, co-founder of Last Prisoner Project. "Until now, technical challenges made it difficult for cannabis retailers and consumers to support the Last Prisoner Project, but Akerna has solved those problems. So now any cannabis retailer who uses their system can seamlessly and efficiently collect donations from cannabis consumers right at the time of purchase." About the Last Prisoner Project The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) is a coalition of cannabis industry leaders, executives and artists dedicated to bringing restorative justice to the cannabis industry. LPP is dedicated to releasing cannabis prisoners and helping them rebuild their lives. As the United States moves away from the criminalization of cannabis, giving rise to a major new industry, there remains the fundamental injustice inflicted upon those who have suffered criminal convictions and the consequences of those convictions. Through intervention, advocacy and awareness campaigns, the forces behind the Last Prisoner Project will work to redress the past and continuing harms of these unjust laws and policies and are dedicated to making sure that every last victimless cannabis prisoner walks free. Visit www.LastPrisonerProject.org or text FREEDOM to 24365 to donate and learn more. About Akerna Akerna is a global regulatory compliance technology company in the cannabis space. Akerna's service offerings include MJ Platform, Leaf Data Systems, solo sciences andTrellis. Since its establishment in 2010, the company has tracked more than $18 billion in cannabis sales. Akerna is based in Denver. SOURCE Akerna Related Links https://www.Akerna.com There's nothing like a global pandemic to put fashion into perspective. Its simply not fashionable to be fashionable anymore. Among the many ways the COVID-19 pandemic is and will change our lives forever is by refocusing our attention on things that appear to matter more than clothing and accessories. Just until a couple of weeks ago, many storefronts were completely boarded up or otherwise notifying customers that they hope to open soon, or, in some cases, never again. And while much of the talk has been about saving small businesses, the luxury industry itself is in big trouble, and some high-end brick-and-mortar boutiques may close their doors forever. The pandemic has hurt many retailers throughout the country, including the likes of J. Crew and Neiman Marcus, which both filed for bankruptcy, along with lower-end JCPenney, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in mid-May and started closing its stores this week, along with jeans maker True Religion. Now, luxury boutiques are going head-to-head with landlords to break their leases early--especially in New York City. Italian fashion brand Valentino is suing its landlord, hoping to break its lease in NYCs Fifth Avenue early. In its lawsuit, Valentino said that even in a post-pandemic New York City (should such a day arrive), the social and economic landscapes have been radically altered in a way that has drastically, if not irreparably, hindered Valentinos ability to conduct high-end retail business at the Premises. Victorias Secret is also seeking to annul one of its largest and most expensive retail leases. The company pays over $10 million a year in rent for the store it occupies in Manhattans Herald Square. On the flip side of this, landlords are also suing tenants. Last month, mall owner Simon Property Group sued the Gap for three months of unpaid rent that totaled nearly $66 million for nearly 400 locations. The pandemic has taken a huge bite out of the finances of malls and buildings owners, with Simon Property Group shares down more than 50% this year. According to a March report from the Boston Consulting Group, luxury brands should brace for a decline in sales between $85 and $120 billion in 2020, or around 29.2% of the $350 billion luxury market. The fashion and luxury category as a whole will lose between $450 and $600 billion in sales. Experts predict that U.S. retailers could announce between 20,000 and 25,000 closures. More than half of those inside mainstream malls. In 2017, retailers shuttered a record-breaking 8,000 stores, or 102 million square feet of store space. The year 2018 proved far worse after another 155 million square feet of space followed suit. The staggering rate of store closures that rocked the retail industry continued in 2019, with retailers setting a new record for store closings, a total of just above 9,000. In the meantime, luxurys only saving grace may be what started as a test project last year. Just prior to the pandemic, several big cities started testing malls designed to target upper-middle class, millionaires and wealthy tourists. Opened a year ago, Hudson Yards in New York City features many high-end brands such as Tiffany & Co, Cartier, Diorand the management said that 12 million people visited since. High-end malls in other parts of the United States were thriving--pre-pandemic--as well. One of them, Miami Beach located Bal Harbour Shops, just announced a $550 expansion. Such centers were all closed in March but recently reopened but the visitors and office tenants are being scanned for COVID using some of the latest identity technology. So, if luxury survives the fashion culling, it will likely be moved to one of these test malls for the wealthy, while Manhattans streets become high-end museums. By Tom Kool for Safehaven.com More Top Reads From Safehaven.com: The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in Colorado has filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Denver for their treatment of protesters during peaceful demonstrations over the killing of George Floyd. The nonprofit organization has teamed up with Arnold & Porter to file the suit on behalf of 'Black Lives Matter 5280' and nine other plaintiffs who had been injured by law enforcement during demonstrations in May and June. The lawsuit - filed on Thursday - includes photos showing the various injuries which protesters say they suffered at the hands of excessive force and rubber bullets. The nonprofit organization has teamed up with Arnold & Porter to file the suit on behalf of local Black Lives Matter 5280 and nine other plaintiffs who had been injured by law enforcement during demonstrations in May and June It states that following Floyd's death on May 25, along with the plethora of other black men and women who have been killed because of police brutality, millions across the country took to the street to exercise their First and Fourth Amendments. 'Law enforcement in the City, including the Denver Police Department (DPD), Denver Sheriffs Department, those from other jurisdictions who assisted the Denver police, as well as the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) (collectively, Officers in Denver), responded repeatedly with an overwhelming and unconstitutional use of force,' the suit reads. 'This excessive use of force injured many protesters and discouraged others from exercising their constitutional rights, suppressed the protesters speech, and infringed on the rights of legal observers, journalists, and medical personnel attempting to perform their duties at protest sites.' One of the plaintiffs, Elisabeth Epps, had been involved in the process to rewrite Denver's use of force policy, according to the lawsuit The suit continues by explaining that 'less-lethal' force was then used to discourage peaceful protest from May 28 to at least June 2. One of the plaintiffs, Elisabeth Epps, had been involved in the process to rewrite Denver's use of force policy, according to the lawsuit. She had been asked by former Denver Police Chief Rob White to be a part of the editing subcommittee, meeting over the span of four years to help edit the policy line-by-line. Included in the lawsuit were a series of photos showing the injuries that Epps suffered over the course of several peaceful demonstrations she attended. The suit contends that officers often did not provide a reasoning for why they were taking such excessive action actions the protesters The suit states that millions across the country took to the street to exercise their First and Fourth Amendments following the death of George Floyd on May 25 The lawsuit details that Epps was shot with tear gas by police on one occasion during demonstrations at the Capitol on May 28. Later that evening, she was shot by pepper bullets along with her partner - who was also shot with rubber bullets. Epps shared that she had become disoriented when she was hit in the back by the pepper bullets and her eyes experienced extreme pain for two weeks, the lawsuit contends. The next night, Epps claims that police shot her and her partner with rubber bullets while they were at peaceful demonstrations on the street near the Capitol. The suit states that officers shot her phone, shattering it, before shooting the device out of the woman's hand. Epps, who has asthma, began freaking out when the cops then shot tear gas at the group 'without justification.' Epps described all of the police action as unprovoked and without explanation. The suit adds that the tear gas was so bad for Epps that she required help retrieving her inhaler from her bag. Included in the suit were photos of the 40mm launchers officers in Denver were using on protesters The rubber bullets that the suit states officers used on peaceful demonstrators Another plaintiff, Zach Packard, had been at demonstrations on streets near the Capitol on May 31 when he was shot in the face with a projectile and knocked unconscious On May 30th, the suit details how Epps was shot with rubber bullets - again - while attending peaceful protests in Denver. Epps was hit in the face during these particular demonstrations. As she tried to make her way home, Epps was unable to get to her vehicle as police began enforcing the 8pm curfew that was in Denver. She was shot with tear gas by authorities during this time, the lawsuit states. Photos in the document show the various injuries Epps suffered during the different demonstrations. The suit states that she is still suffering pain from the injuries but intends to still gather peacefully. Another plaintiff, Zach Packard, had been at demonstrations on streets near the Capitol on May 31 when he kicked a tear gas canister away from demonstrators. He tackled by an officer with excessive force, with the ACLU providing photos of the attack. The suit states that Packard was knocked unconscious during the incident, needing to be taken to the hospital once he came to. Packard 'suffered a fractured skull and jaw, two fractured discs, and bleeding in his brain' and has to wear a neck brace now for his injury, the lawsuit states. A photo shows the injured man in the hospital He was then shot in the head by a projectile and tackled by an officer with excessive force, with the ACLU providing photos of the attack. The suit states that Packard was knocked unconscious during the incident, needing to be taken to the hospital once he came to. Packard 'suffered a fractured skull and jaw, two fractured discs, and bleeding in his brain' and has to wear a neck brace now for his injury, the lawsuit states. A photo shows the injured man in the hospital. Other injuries are detailed in the suit, and an image shows one protester - Stanford Smith - almost immediately after getting tear gassed, as people pour milk in his eyes. The suit explains that the plaintiffs desire to continue to be 'part of the movement to protect Black lives.' Other injuries are detailed in the suit, and an image shows one protester - Stanford Smith - almost immediately after getting tear gassed, as people pour milk in his eyes 'They want to participate in demonstrations against police brutality in the City without fear that law enforcement agents working on behalf of the City will endanger their physical safety and freedom of expression with the unjustified and indiscriminate use of less-lethal weapons,' the suit states. The plaintiffs are seeking to ban local law enforcement from using indiscriminate and unconstitutional force when responding to peaceful protests. They are also seeking injunctive and declaratory relief, along with damages for physical and emotional injury that they have 'suffered at the hands of the City.' 'The City's actions, while unconstitutional in any context, are even more pernicious here because the use of this dangerously excessive force specifically targeted peaceful demonstrators who assembled to protest police brutality, particularly law enforcement violence that disproportionality targets Black and Brown people,' ACLU of Colorado Legal Director Mark Silverstein said in a statement announcing the lawsuit. 'The police had no legitimate basis to assault peaceful protesters. We intend to hold law enforcement fully accountable, not only the frontline officers but also the higher-ups who were responsible for ordering or allowing law enforcement to carry out these flagrant and pervasive violations of constitutional rights.' Read the full article on Motorious She did it! It's official. Jessi Combs, the late television host and race car driver, has been officially awarded the record holder of "Fastest Woman on Earth" posthumously by Guinness Book of World Records. Jessi Combs Facebook Last August 27th, 2019, Combs was in the Alvord Desert in Oregon with one main goal in mind - to break the female fastest land speed record. Tragically, Combs died while trying to set this record. Combs was able to reach of speed of 522.783 miles per hour in a four-wheeled North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger. She broke a record that was set over 40 years ago. The previous record holder would be Kitty O'Neil who grabbed that title back in 1976 while piloting a jet-powered car with three wheels and reached a speed of 512.7 mph. Jessi Combs used that same Supersonic Challenger back in 2013 which propelled her 398 miles per hour to nab the record of "Fastest Woman on Four Wheels". According to the Harney County Sheriff's Office, it was likely that one of the front wheels struck an unknown object which caused it to fall off the car during the run somewhere near 550 miles per hour. Combs was just 39. Her cause of death was blunt force trauma. Jessi Combs was a female role model in the scene of motorsports. She was well-rounded when it came to many categories in the automotive industry as she was a talented fabricator, had designed a line welding gear for women, and represented the American Welding Society. She was also a builder and an advocate for women in the motorsports industry that is mainly male populated. She has appeared on the television shows Overhaulin', Mythbusters, All Girl's Garage, and was a co-host on Xtreme 4x4 from 2005 to 2009. Godspeed, Jessi. You did it! Sign up for the Motorious Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Tinsukia (Assam): National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams on Thursday undertook flood rescue operations in Jyoti Nagar in Tinsukia, Assam, 31 persons have been evacuated, said Satya Pradhan, Director General of NDRF. Operation continues, Satya Pradhan informed. A bridge was damaged in Tinsukia's Baghjan following heavy rainfall in the region. Heavy rainfall over the last 24 hours has caused a flood in Tinsukia's Dumdum area. The St. Clair County Health Department has been awarded its second consecutive grant from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Disease Section to conduct weekly field surveillance of the invasive Aedes mosquito and Ixodes tick. The statewide programs goal is to develop a systematic field surveillance system among the states local health departments in order to better prepare communities if the establishment of the species is imminent or if local vector-borne transmission risk is present. The increased surveillance in St. Clair County will provide the ability to accurately track and monitor local Aedes and Ixodes population growth and dispersal, a press release from the department states. Staff will execute the program by setting out mosquito traps weekly throughout the summer and conducting targeted tick surveillance at local parks, Environmental Health Director Steve Demick said. This information will be used for the purpose of preventing potential local virus transmission and to help St. Clair County residents make informed decisions and behavior changes about the risks related to mosquitoes and ticks. In 2017 and 2018, Michigan identified Aedes mosquitoes in two commercial tire distribution locations in Wayne County. Recent identifications of Aedes mosquitoes in the region raises questions of potential Zika vector survival in Michigan, the release states. In addition, based upon human case and field surveillance, Lyme disease risk is increasing across Michigan as tick populations continue to emerge. For more information, call the Environmental health division at 810-987-5306 or visit michigan.gov/emergingdiseases or scchealth.co. MediaNews Group staff Australia's former governor-general Dame Quentin Bryce is calling on governments to resist alcohol industry pressure and roll out clear, mandatory pregnancy warning labels. Dame Quentin has signed an open letter asking state and federal ministers to approve the label recommended by Food Standards Australia and New Zealand, with red and black lettering stating "HEALTH WARNING: Any amount of alcohol can harm your baby". Former governor-general Dame Quentin Bryce is calling for clear pregnancy warning labels on alcohol. Credit:Paul Harris The Australia and New Zealand Ministerial Forum on Food Regulation, chaired by federal Food Minister Richard Colbeck asked FSANZ to review its recommendation, saying the label would place "an unreasonable cost burden" on producers, just weeks after Senator Colbeck held two meetings with alcohol industry lobbyists. Dame Quentin - who is patron of the organisation NOFASD, the peak body for individuals and families living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders - said the industry lobbying against the label was "absolutely outrageous and irresponsible." Laois County Council is encouraging the public to use an online payment system to park their cars when shopping or running other errands in the counties' three big towns. With Covid-19 raising hygiene issues around the use of cash and coins, Laois County Council says it is committed to safeguarding the community and taking care of citizens. With that in mind and the reintroduction of on-street parking charges from Tuesday, June 30, Laois County Council wishes to bring to your attention and consideration the use of a Parking Tag as the safe, convenient, cashless parking payment solution available in Portlaoise, Portarlington and Mountmellick. Operated by payments provider Payzone, Parking Tag has been available in Laois since 2017 and is currently available in 14 local authorities across Ireland with over 260,000 registered motorists, it says. The council adds that recent research by Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) found that due to Covid-19 there has been increased emphasis on contact-free and online payments with cash withdrawals down 56%. The council also says consumers have made the shift from using cash to safer, more hygienic solutions such as card, contactless and online payments. By using Parking Tag, the people of Laois dont need to worry about searching for change for the meter, they can safely pay for their parking through the app, website, by SMS or by phone. With options for registered accounts or once-off payments for those who park less frequently, there simply is no easier way to park and pay. Cashless parking was once a convenience for motorists, now it is a necessity, said the local authority. Once registered, customers can park immediately and also take advantage of day rate parking, where available. For those who prefer to park without registering for an account, they can choose the option to Park Now on the website and pay with a debit or credit card. The SMS and phone options also allow for once-off payment to a debit or credit card. Parking Tag offers a Charge to Mobile service which allows Three and Vodafone customers charge their parking to their mobile phone bill or credit. Motorists can avail of an optional SMS reminder which means no running back to the meter, they can park again from wherever they are. Parking zones can be easily identified by two letters which are visible on local signage in each area. Motorists can register by visiting www.parkingtag.ie or by downloading the mobile app. After the recovery of large number of illegal firearms and ammunition during 48 hours of operation patal, the Prayagraj police are now planning to target illegal arms manufacturing units and weapon smugglers. The police seized around 70 countrymade firearms and 84 live ammunition during the drive while arresting around 60 criminals who were in possession of them during the two-day campaign. All of the recovered firearms were single shot pistols or katta and none of the police teams claimed to have seized semi automatic .32 bore and 9 mm pistols which are smuggled from Munger district of Bihar and Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. During last few years, semi automatic handguns have become quite popular among criminals and even warring student groups have been found using them frequently, said a crime branch official. While a local made katta is available for Rs 1000 to 5000 depending on its quality, semi automatic pistols are sold by weapon smugglers for Rs 20,000 to 40,000 a piece. Moreover, good quality single shot pistol or katta were also brought from Munger into Prayagraj and adjoining regions for sale, official added. With easy availability of Munger and MP made pistols, the local illegal firearms manufacturers suffered a setback as although these pistols were costly, they were reliable and a status symbol among criminals and shooters. However, the business of local illegal firearms manufacturers and suppliers flourished once again after Special Task Force and Crime Branch teams, launched a massive crackdown against persons involved in smuggling of firearms from Munger and Madhya Pradesh. During last few years STF teams busted many gangs involved in illegal firearms smuggling and arrested dozens of their members. Besides, action taken by crime branch and local police teams break the backbone of the network of organised firearm smugglers. An STF official said not only in Prayagraj but teams have been following illegal firearms smugglers across the state. Although some of the gangs may be still active most of them have been busted and their members put behind bars. As Munger made-pistols were becoming scarce, local firearms manufacturers take it as an opportunity to regain their old market. As rocky terrains of trans-Yamuna were ideal for hideouts, many gangs started manufacturing of illegal firearms in rocky areas. At-least five illegal firearms manufacturing units were busted in Ghoorpur and adjoining areas around a year ago by crime branch and local cops. Huge cache of katta and some locally made revolvers along with tools and equipments used in manufacturing them were recovered from them. Questioning from them exposed that they were supplying the firearms to local criminals. SSP Abhishek Dixit said although operation patal was a 48 hours drive, police teams worked with dedication in recovery of firearms. Now focus will be laid on busting illegal firearms manufacturing units across the district. Efforts will be stepped up to trace and seize the remaining semi automatic pistols in the hands of criminals, he added. Defence giant BAE Systems has warned of a Covid-19 hit to first-half profits, but said trading will be much stronger over the final six months (Owen Humphreys/PA) Defence giant BAE Systems has warned of a Covid-19 hit to first-half profits, but said trading will be much stronger over the final six months as it gets back up to full capacity. The group said half-year profits are expected to be around 15% lower as the pandemic takes its toll on the business. It said the coronavirus impact largely affected its second quarter to the end of June, with the UK-based air and maritime sectors and US commercial avionics business worst hit. The company, which makes Typhoon fighter jets and warships, said some manufacturing lines had been disrupted by the pandemic due to supply chain issues and some delays in its own operations as it sought to put in place social distancing measures. As we return towards full operational tempo, we expect the business performance in the second half to be much stronger than in the first half, assuming no new significant Covid-19-related disruptions BAE Systems But it said it now has well over 90% of staff in its defence businesses working again, with productivity improving this month within the division, which accounts for the vast majority of group revenues at around 90%. BAE added that, despite the first-half impact of the crisis, order intake is in line with original expectations and revenues are broadly stable. It said: As we return towards full operational tempo, we expect the business performance in the second half to be much stronger than in the first half, assuming no new significant Covid-19-related disruptions. Sandy Morris, an analyst at Jeffries, said BAEs trading update looked fine, but that attention must turn to how government budget deficits are addressed. He added: We are naturally wary of adverse sentiment about the future paths of defence spending in Australia, the Middle East, the UK, and the USA. We are also wary that the US Presidential and Congressional elections on November 3 may generate some uncertainty. We struggle, however, to picture BAEs revenue falling significantly, although it could decline a bit when Hawk and Typhoon deliveries to Qatar complete. G'day G'day Folks, You may be wondering why I am posting this. So am I. Mostly it is therapy for me, but it is also to give others the confidence to discuss some of the less glamorous complications that elections in Africa bring about. If I achieve that I will be well satisfied I don't have much confidence in Uganda's 'scientific' elections planned to take place next year in 2021.No matter who wins, we are going to be in deep trouble. I agree that the word, scientific' may be alien to the majority of Ugandans, but the use of radios, TVs, social media, e.t.c, for campaigning isn't-- we have used them before during campaigns. There is everything wrong with having rallies now, and I also think that Museveni is luckyCorvid-19 makes the rigging easier compared to previous elections. The disease is an international epidemic- Just because it hasnt supposedly hit Uganda so hard, it doesnt mean that the virus isnt there, or wont be there. I am not really against rallies per say, but I understand why we arent going to have rallies during campaigns, and I expect people to understand this. Voting for someone is not like pregnancy where two people meet face to face (excluding those who seek medical intervention). Voting for someone does not necessarily require one to meet the person he or she intends to vote for. In most cases, what is required is for the candidate to present their ideas in the form of a manifesto, and then the voter decides what to do with that information. A manifesto can be communicated via rallies, radios, TVs, emails, Facebook,e.t.c, and this is something we have been doing for ages. The only difference is that there wont be rallies and I think this is understandable. I know most in the opposition are convinced that scientific elections only disfavour the opposition, which is arguably true, but they are looking at the situation from simply one angle. I am, on the other hand, looking at it from a public health point of view. There are now more than over 300,000 confirmed cases and 8,621 deaths of coronavirus across Africa. Rallies spread viruses because they are not a one-off thing. Voting in a poll station can potentially spread viruses, too, but it is a controllable environment and its a one-day thing. Some are making their case based on the campaigns going on in the USA this month, yet the country has been hit by a lot of Corvid cases, compared to Uganda or elsewhere in Africa. It is unfair to compare the USA to Uganda--the former has a capacity to control this virus, if it hits them harder, and we don't. So, why take chances in the name of an election whose outcome is already known, anyway. Here in the UK- I never meet my MP during campaigning but I vote for him over ideas, and I don't see anything wrong with that. Uganda has over 300 radio stations and I think that is a good number for campaigning, though it won't make a difference to the already rigged system in place. I am aware that most radio stations in Uganda are NRM owned, such that the Uganda Communication Commission makes it harder for the opposition to get enough airtime. This is something that has been happening in all previous elections, but I am also aware that with or without scientific elections, Museveni wont be beat in next year's elections, if he is still alive and kicking. One thing that bothers me more is for some in the opposition to think that elections will bring change in the country. Ugandan elections are like an owner walking the dog at particular times of the day. BTW, walking the dogs was the name of a book written by a bank robber whose wife did not know what he was up to. She thought he was "Walking the dogs." There are so many 'dogs' lining up to legitimise Museveni's next presidency-- very well knowing that the 'dog owner' will decide everything to do with the dogs. Actually, I have a feeling that the list of MPs in the next parliament has already been decided and kept somewhere safe, and I can see sister Nabilah Naggayi Sempala and others sneaking in, to the surprise of everyone. Basically, let elections under M7 stop wasting your time--they don't change much in our country. And it is not worth risking our people to get Corvid over, simply because we want music, videos and pictures of certain candidates with big crowds. I read somewhere in the Daily Monitor where Bobi Wine was saying that he is going to do rallies whether the state likes or not, and I was stunned. Before the campaigns start, every candidate is assigned special protection from the police, and they are there to serve the interests of the state, and that includes following the directives of the Electoral Commission. So, I do not know how he is going to do rallies when the state doesn't want anybody to do them. Providing protection to presidential candidates is a universal rule all over the world. For example, in the USA all candidates are assigned Secret Service protection. Barack Obama holds the record for earliest death threats against a political candidate in an active campaign. The Secret Service went into action protecting him a lot earlier than they usually do with candidates for president. If people did as much research on health issues as many of us do on politically related matters, there would be far less emotion involved in the political decisions that will affect their lives. I say this in the most non-partisan way. A lot of opposition MPs are asking the government to postpone the elections in a form of declaring a state of emergency in the country, and this would see Speaker Rebecca Kadaga becoming president the next 3-6 months, or when the emergency period is over. But none of them can tell us exactly when Corvid will be declared a non-emergence disease. Museveni earlier on suggested a postponement in an interview with journalist, Canary Mugisha, and a lot of people were outraged, and I dont think they have thought this one,too, through. Nobody has a timeline on when the vaccination for Corvid is going to be found. Lastly, there has always been violence or chaos during our previous elections. Large crowds of people can, in theory, set off chaos, according to the Chaos Theory of Edward Lonrez, who was, at the time (early 1960's), working on a mathematical weather problem for predicting the weather. Chaos theory involves a sensitive dependence upon initial conditions, such that even a small change in initial conditions can cause a drastic change in long-term outcomes, or behaviours, in the system.Therefore, I suspect that the proposal to hold campaigns without rallies was precipitated by the behaviour of some of Bobi Wines people on and off social media. The recent messages from both Bobi and Dr.Kiiza Besigye showed that many are fed up with some of their antisocial actions. Therefore, When the EC chairman met Museveni, I believe that one approach discussed was to shut down some internet functions and regroup from what has been learned. But that was supposedly ruled out because it will appear that Museveni fears the internet a lot, and he does, and that is why he will supposedly shut it again when the presidential results are released. The problem for the crazies is in the long term is they self-destruct. Most are all mouth trying to exploit others. But, generally speaking, I suspect that the antisocial behaviour of Bobis fans is one of many reasons there is great concern by the people in govt and now have the clout to enforce anything they want. Somehow, I think we have something new introduced as a way of campaigning without rallies, and we need to embrace it beyond Corvid. Above all, I would not recommend intellectual suicide for anyone who wants to live life to the fullest. -- *Abbey Kibirige Semuwemba* Stalk my blog at: http://semuwemba.wordpress.com "Men in authority will always think that criticism of their policies is dangerous. They will always equate their policies with patriotism, and find criticism subversive." - Henry Steele Commager 1902-98 The Covid-19 pandemic is more than just a health issue - it is likely to have a profound effect on how we live and companies operate long into the future. The way businesses protect their employees and address their concerns about the crisis will impact corporate reputations in the long term. There appears to be a growing acceptance by organisations, and their stakeholders, that social issues matter more than ever before. How companies manage their relationship with their stakeholders is a social factor that has not yet been seen by many investors as central to business performance. Today, the way employees, customers, suppliers, the environment and wider society are treated is under greater scrutiny. A company's long-term success, operational and financial resilience and shareholder returns are becoming increasingly reliant on how successfully stakeholder relationships are managed. The value of stakeholder relationships Many businesses across Ireland are gradually restarting their activities as the Government continues to lift quarantine measures on a phased basis. A significant challenge for these businesses will be how to do so responsibly without contributing to a second wave of infections through their operations and supply chains. Those companies who attempt to understand and respond to worker, customer and other stakeholders' concerns are more likely to remain resilient, and mitigate reputational risk during this time. With regards to reputational risk, the risk of not delivering on obligations and commitments will be more severe than ever, and organisations need to quickly align their practices with the expectations of their stakeholders so that they don't fall short. Over recent weeks, it has become apparent that responsible investors are paying close attention to how investee companies are responding to the pandemic and how they are treating their stakeholders. Gap in attitudes to employees' health and safety Few employers appear to have been prepared for the crisis. Less than 10 percent of business leaders from the G20 group of the largest economies and countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) considered the spread of infectious diseases as a global risk, according to the World Economic Forum Executive Opinion Survey back in March. This seemingly implies a lack of readiness to the crisis by many employers. In response to the pandemic, a gap seems to be opening up between the companies looking after the interests of their staff and those that are not. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) outlines principles on how workers must be protected from sickness, disease and injury arising from their employment. Yet every year approximately 2.8 million people die as the result of exposure to safety and health hazards at work and around 400 million workers suffer non-fatal occupational accidents every year, according to the ILO. While higher health and safety risks are more commonly associated with sectors such as construction and the extractive industries, controlling the spread of Covid-19 affects worker's health and safety in every industry. Responsible investing to the rescue How companies treat, and protect, their employees will be put under the microscope by shareholders and the media to examine corporate cultures. This may provide a helpful proxy on how employers treat other stakeholders too - such as suppliers. This means it has become important for investors to understand and evaluate how employees right across the supply chain are treated. For example, ensuring that the pandemic and the post-pandemic period does not exacerbate working conditions for employees that may be already vulnerable to exploitation. In developing markets migrant workers can be susceptible to poor living and working conditions that may make social distancing difficult to practice. In developed markets, encouraging people to return to work, social distance and keep business facilities regularly cleaned is a minimum standard as part of the Government's guidelines. But ensuring companies protect the welfare of all their employees equally - for instance, by not discriminating between permanent and contractor staff - is likely to be important for responsible investors. Beyond boilerplating Companies should go beyond applying so-called 'boilerplate' health and safety polices. Instead, boards should aim to exercise effective governance and to understand their own employee concerns, so that they can successfully monitor and overcome those arising from the potential exposure to Covid-19. Those that neglect their responsibilities may face consumer hostility, negative press attention and difficulty executing their long-term business strategy. Higher employee turnover may result in a drain on money and time along with possible business disruption. This could lead into rehiring and training at the worst time for many that are trying to keep businesses afloat. However, company measures to support employees in the crisis, through a safe working environment - both remotely and in the office - and protecting their well-being, could improve employee loyalty and satisfaction. Investors that encourage such practices in their investee companies are likely to find it is well worth it. Pat McCormack is head of Barclays Private Bank Datacenters.com, the leading technology platform and marketplace for buyers and sellers of colocation, cloud services, and connectivity, has announced the official launch of Datacenters.com IGNITE Cloud Projects. This revolutionary cloud RFP and project management platform helps Datacenters.com users streamline the planning, design, and procurement of custom, multi-cloud deployments of strategic solutions from top cloud providers globally. Businesses of all sizes including large enterprises face significant challenges when it comes to building and scaling their cloud environments and IT infrastructure. This includes a lack of internal technical cloud expertise and resources, cloud security and data breach concerns, and skyrocketing IT costs due to usage and data sprawl. For most businesses, the answer is using multi-cloud deployments, hybrid cloud architecture, and professional and managed cloud services. 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Quotes The future of enterprise IT is the merging of cloud, data centers, and connectivity into the hybrid infrastructure of tomorrow, said Joel St. Germain, CEO of Datacenters.com. The addition of cloud is a huge step towards realizing a goal of helping users build and deploy multi-vendor, hybrid infrastructure on a single, easy to use platform. Everything is customizable, said Mike Price, VP of Software Engineering at Datacenters.com. Businesses migrating to the cloud for the first time have the ability to customize their requirements for performance, security, cost, and management levels across all cloud services. Were partnering with industry-leading cloud service providers globally, said April Armijo, VP of Operations and Provider Relationships. Not only do we provide access to the best cloud solutions and options, but we also deliver the best providers that can help with cloud readiness, migration, management, monitoring, and security. About Datacenters.com Datacenters.com is the #1 technology platform and marketplace for buyers and sellers of colocation, cloud, connectivity, managed services, and related IT services. We are dedicated to one thing helping IT professionals research, purchase, and manage their technologies across a diverse range of solutions, providers, and vendors. Since 2014, Datacenters.com has attracted more than two million visitors. The platform provides detailed information on 303 providers, 2,916 data center facilities, and 206 marketplace products globally. Datacenters.com is the sister company of Global Consulting Group, Inc. (GCG), a leading technology services distributor and IT consulting company headquartered in Englewood, Colorado. Learn more at Datacenters.com and follow us on LinkedIn. Pakistan on Thursday said it was not in favour of escalating tensions with India, days after it told Islamabad to reduce the staff in its high commission in New Delhi by half. The Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday the Charge d'Affaires of Pakistan High Commission was summoned and informed about the decision which was based on instances of involvement of Pakistani officials in "acts of espionage" and "dealings with terrorist organisations". The activities of the two Pakistani mission officials caught red-handed and expelled on May 31 this year was one example, the MEA said in a statement. India would "reciprocally reduce its own presence in Islamabad to the same proportion. This decision, which is to be implemented in seven days, was conveyed to the Pakistani Charge d'Affaires," the statement said. Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui told the media that India's move to reduce the Pakistani High Commission's staff strength by 50 per cent was a part of its desperate attempts to divert attention from Kashmir. "Pakistan has no desire to escalate the situation. We have always reacted with restraint. However, violation of diplomatic norms by Indian officials in Islamabad and India's continued belligerent attitude is a threat to regional peace and security," she said. "Pakistan has been consistently sensitising the world community that irresponsible policies of the BJP government are increasingly imperiling regional peace and stability," she said. When asked about the possibility of cooperation with India to contain the COVID-19 and locusts, she said the "global pandemic is a common challenge demanding international cooperation among all the countries." Farooqui also said that Pakistan under the aegis of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) was participating in meetings with India, Afghanistan, and Iran on a weekly basis and having a fruitful exchange of information regarding the border areas of Pakistan and India. "We believe that the respective Technical Teams have been coordinating appropriately through FAO," she said. Farooqui claimed that India had committed 1,440 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in six months, resulting in 13 deaths and serious injuries to 104 innocent civilians. "We condemn the targeting of innocent civilians by the Indian forces, which are in clear violation of the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding and in complete disregard for international human rights and international norms," she said. The spokesperson also said that the Afghan peace process had reached a critical stage following the signing of the landmark US-Taliban Peace Agreement. "We hope that the release of prisoners will be completed as agreed in the US-Taliban Peace Agreement at the earliest to pave the way for the start of Intra-Afghan Negotiations," she said. Farooquis said it was up to the Afghan parties to decide the venue for Intra-Afghan negotiations. To another question on a new US law which calls for "Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020", she said the issue of Xinjiang was an internal matter of China. "Pakistan's position is clear and consistent. We believe matters related to Xinjiang are China's internal affairs," she said. Facing a turbulent election campaign and falling polling numbers, US President Donald Trump has finally gone ahead and signed an Executive Order suspending H-1B, L-1 and other temporary work permits as well as extended a pause on some green cards. In an attempt to restrict the entry of immigrants into the US, this move towards certain categories of visa suspension will be effective till the end of the year and the hope is that it will help the US economy which is reeling under the pressures of coronavirus pandemic. Arguing that we [the US] have a moral duty to create an immigration system that protects the lives and jobs of our citizens, the Trump Administration is hoping that this latest move will free up employment opportunities for Americans. This move has been long in the making and the worsening economic situation in the US made it imperative for the Trump Administration, facing a tough election ahead, to respond to the challenge. The US economy is still struggling to recover from the lockdown as unemployment rate has risen to an all-time high. Demands for more government stimulus have grown in recent days even as reports suggest that the US economy will shrink by 6.5% this year. Though situation has marginally improved from March this year, unemployment rate is still the highest it has been since the 1940s. While Trumps move may rally his support base in the run-up to the November elections, most business groups had been lobbying against this move given its potential to damage the economic recovery which is still at a nascent stage. The tech industry has been sharply critical of the Trump Administrations move arguing that it would slow down innovation precisely at the time it was most needed. It is being estimated that this move would block up to 2,19,000 foreign workers through the rest of the year. There is unlikely to be a big change in the immediate future as visa processing remains largely suspended because of coronavirus and travel restrictions. But this move by Trump should not be assessed through the economic lens but the political lens of the US President as this allows him to put into place measures to limit immigration into the US, a key part of Trumps election platform in the 2016 elections. It remains one of the most important issues for his core base, and might once again dominate the re-election campaign over the next few months. This also puts his Democratic challenger, Joe Biden on a back foot as he cant be seen as ignoring the concerns of the ordinary Americans about unemployment. Immigration policies Trump has used the ongoing threat from coronavirus to refashion Americas immigration policies. This move follows his earlier executive order in April which suspended the issuance of green cards for two months. While tech companies fear the loss of talent and its negative impact on innovation, others see these as measures designed to fundamentally alter the immigration policy architecture of the US. Whatever the domestic political calculus, India will be affected by the policies, especially pertaining to H1-B visas which are non-immigrant visas allowing US companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers in specialised fields. Indian nationals corner around 70% of the 85,000 H1-B visas issued annually by the US. So, this will be a major blow to the Indian IT companies which have benefitted from the H1-B visa regime. Though the restrictions will apply only to new work visas and not to existing holders who are in the US currently, this also complicates the position of the Indian government. India has been regularly engaging the Trump Administration on the issue of H1-B visas and underlining that the economic and trade linkages are a strong pillar of our strategic partnership, particularly in technology and innovation domains. As per a 2015 report by Nasscom, the Indian IT sector not only supported more than 4,00,000 jobs in the US but has also contributed more than $20 billion in federal taxes from 2010-2015. New Delhi had reached out to Washington earlier this year in April asking the US government to extend the H-1B work visas and other visas of all Indian citizens for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic. India, in all likelihood, will downplay this move of the Trump Administration, especially as it comes at a critical moment of its ongoing tensions with China. It is not the most important issue on the US-India bilateral agenda and will be managed largely through the backchannels. New Delhi can only hope that the US will eventually take into account the long-term benefits of H1B visa for its own competitiveness and technological superiority, especially at a time when geotechnology is becoming the latest focal point of Sino-US contestation. (The writer is Director, Studies, at Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi and Professor of International Relations, Kings College, London) KYODO NEWS - Jun 25, 2020 - 16:13 | All, World Japan said Thursday it has protested to China that a set of names it recently gave to seabed zones in the East China Sea included those related to a Japanese-administrated group of islets, claimed by Beijing. "It has some names that are based on China's unique assertions regarding the Senkaku Islands," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said at a press conference. "Giving names to surrounding seabed topography doesn't change the fact that the Senkakus are our country's inherent territory." China claims the uninhabited islets calling them Diaoyu and its Natural Resources Ministry on Tuesday revealed a list of names for 50 seabed areas in the waters, including three that have Diaoyu as part of them. The move comes after Japan's Ishigaki city assembly passed a bill Monday to rename an administrative area covering the Senkaku Islands under its authority from "Tonoshiro" to "Tonoshiro Senkaku." Chinese ships have often entered Japanese territorial waters surrounding the Senkakus since earlier this year, ignoring warnings by the Japan Coast Guard. Related coverage: Japan city vows to rename disputed isles area, irking China, Taiwan Official events have resumed at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for the first time in about three months, with measures in place to prevent coronavirus infections. On Wednesday, Emperor Naruhito received credentials from the new ambassadors of Tonga and Rwanda. It was his first ceremonial duty at the palace since late March. New foreign ambassadors usually arrive at the Imperial Palace in a horse-drawn carriage for a ceremony, but this time they rode cars to avoid drawing crowds along the route. In the "Matsu-no-Ma" State Room of the palace, the envoys handed the Emperor documents from their heads of state. All participants wore face masks and observed social distancing. The Emperor conversed with the ambassadors without shaking their hands, as part of efforts to prevent infections. The Imperial Household Agency says more official events and ceremonies will be held, based on their importance. New Delhi, June 25 : As the BJP raised questions about Rahul Gandhi's visit to China in 2008, the Congress On Thursday counter-attacked, citing BJP leaders' meeting with the Chinese Communist Party officials and trips to the country. Congress leader Anand Sharma, noting that the party led India's freedom movement and is one of the oldest political parties of the world, said that questioning its patriotism is "outrageous." Terming it time to set the record straight and expose the BJP's "hypocrisy and double standards", the former Union Minister, in a statement, said: "Party to party delegations' exchange is normal between political parties. Congress has leadership delegations exchange with a large number of major political parties across the world. What is wrong?" Demanding that BJP call off the "disinformation and sinister campaign" against Congress and Rahul Gandhi, Sharma alleged that the BJP, rattled by questions on "its disastrous handling of India's foreign policy", has launched a malicious disinformation campaign against the Congress on signing a party to party exchange programme with CPC of China, alleging it was against India's interest. Sharma said all information is in public domain with Rahul Gandhi, then the Congress General Secretary, signed the youth delegations exchange with Wang Jiarui of the International Department of Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party. He, then, went on to ask the BJP about several visits of its leaders to China and meeting leaders of Chinese Communist Party leaders here. "Did (then) BJP President Amit Shah not receive Minister Wang Jiarui in February 2015 along with BJP General Secretaries Ram Madhav, Ram Lal, Bhupendra Yadav and Foreign Department head? "Can the BJP President J.P. Nadda confirm that BJP and Communist Party of China too have institutional leadership delegation exchange? Did not the BJP President lead a delegation to China in January 2011 as CPC's guest? "Has Ram Madhav not travelled to China many times to meet the CPC leadership? Did not Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, present Maharashtra Governor, lead a 13 member BJP parliamentary delegation to China in 2014 which met Minister Wang Jiarui and attended the Chinese Communist Party school in Beijing? "Did not a ten member BJP Mahila delegation led by Saroj Pandey, presently an MP and party General Secretary, visit China as CPC guests? Did a BJP delegation led by General Secretary Arun Kumar visit China in 2019?" By PTI NEW DELHI: The Centre on Thursday said a decision on home-isolation of COVID-19 positive cases in Delhi was taken on June 21 at a high level meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and attended by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, among others. This home ministry's clarification came in the wake of Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia's claim that the central government's order regarding the requirement of COVID care centre visit by coronavirus-positive persons has been withdrawn. A home ministry spokesperson said that at the June 21 meeting, it was decided that all COVID-19 positive cases must be immediately examined and based on clinical assessment and visit to residence of persons concerned by health officers/district surveillance team, decision about home-isolation or hospitalisation of positive person must be taken. "Today's SDMA decision on home isolation of COVID-19 positive patients in Delhi is a reaffirmation of the decision taken at the meeting held by Union Home Minister Shri @AmitShah on 21st June and communicated to Delhi Govt on 22.06.20," the home ministry spokesman said in a tweet. According to a circular issued by Additional Secretary Govind Mohan on June 22, "It will be ensured that minimum two rooms with separate toilets are available at residence before taking a decision about home isolation of COVID-19 positive person. In other cases, the person will be shifted to covid care centre / hospital. Persons having any co-morbidities like hypertension, diabetes, renal diseases etc would be shifted to Covid care center / hospital." Earlier, Sisodia said corona-positive persons will not be required to visit COVID care centres for a clinical assessment for home isolation or hospitalisation. It has been decided to withdraw the Centre's order regarding the requirement of COVID care centre visit by corona-positive persons at the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) meeting, he said. Sisodia said those found COVID-19 positive through the rapid test will be clinically assessed by medical officers on the spot. 25.06.2020 LISTEN The King of the Igbo Community in Ghana, HRM Eze Dr., Amb. Chukwudi Jude Ihenetu has asked Nigerians living in Ghana to continue to be law-abiding and to maintain peace amidst the current diplomatic issue between the two brotherly nations of Ghana and Nigeria. This followed the uncertainties that arose after the demolition of properties belonging to the Nigerian High Commission on the night of Friday, June 19, 2020, by yet to be identified persons. The king gave the advice from his Palace in East Legon, Accra, Ghana to Nigerians assuring them that the two governments have issued statements to show goodwill that they want to resolve the issue quickly. He referred to the statement of Nigerias Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, which said that the country is in talks with Ghanaian authorities to urgently bring the perpetrators to book. We demand urgent action to find the perpetrators and provide adequate protection for Nigerians and their properties in Ghana, he said. And that of Ghanas Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration who in a statement confirmed that unidentified individuals breached the premises of the Nigerian High Commission last Friday at about 10.30pm and demolished property under construction. The Ministry views with concern this development which is a breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR, 1961). Investigations are ongoing to unravel the facts of the matter and bring the perpetrators to book, the statement says. The Igbo king noted that Nigerians see Ghana as a second home and have lived peacefully in Ghana for decades contributing to the socio-economic development of the country. Nigerians, who share so many similarities with Ghana constitute the highest number of foreign investors in the Ghanaian economy. We must ensure that the synergy and symbiotic relationship that had existed between our two countries for decades must continue for posteritys sake The Democratic race for U.S. Senate hasnt received the attention it deserves. While there were many exceptional and talented candidates in a crowded primary field, the race did not garner much traction with voters throughout the winter and early spring. At that time, we recommended former Houston City Councilwoman Amanda Edwards, who showed a remarkable command of the issues and a passion for service. But we were also impressed with MJ Hegar, a decorated retired Air Force helicopter pilot, and longtime state Sen. Royce West of Dallas. These two candidates made the runoff and, perhaps in normal times, the race would have benefited from greater focus. However, the contest was quickly overshadowed by the spread of COVID-19 and the civil rights moment that has arisen after the police killing of George Floyd. As voters again head to the polls Monday because many are not eligible to vote by mail in Texas during this pandemic, which is absurd we recommend Hegar. Democratic voters have two outstanding choices who share fairly similar policy views. West is an accomplished state lawmaker with nearly three decades of experience and a deep understanding of policies and the workings of government. But in Hegar, who lives in Round Rock, we see a candidate with the potential to both mend divisions and lead on issues. She earned a Purple Heart while serving three tours in Afghanistan, where she was shot down in 2009. And she ran a compelling and competitive race in 2018, narrowly losing to Republican U.S. Rep. John Carter. As a mother and a war hero, Hegar is an interesting public figure. She also mixes intriguing policy positions and personal views. Consider how she discusses gun ownership and gun violence. Hegar has said she owns five guns, but she is outspoken about the need for greater regulations, including red flag laws, the repeal of open carry, universal background checks and the banning of assault weapons. Its rare to find someone who owns five guns and yet espouses such policies, and we see the potential for a common language in her candidacy. On health care, Hegar has called for increasing access to the Affordable Care Act, providing universal insurance to children and providing a Medicare buy-in for those who want such coverage. On border and immigration, she has called for an end of family separations and a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Shes also been outspoken about clean energy, calling man-made climate change one of the greatest threats to the health and safety of our communities. There are times when Hegar isnt as specific as we would like. We would like to hear more from her, for example, about addressing student debt, as well as the possibility for carbon fee and dividend proposals to mitigate climate change areas where West has shown significant depth and understanding. Nevertheless, we give Hegar the nod. She is a formidable candidate with impressive military experience. The winner will face Republican Sen. John Cornyn in the general election. Perhaps that race, whether it features West or Hegar, will capture the attention of voters. - S. Korea reports 28 more cases of new coronavirus, total now at 12,563 - 1 additional coronavirus death, total death toll at 282 - 44 more people released after full recoveries from coronavirus, total cured patients at 10,974 South Korea's new coronavirus cases fell back to below 30 Thursday, but the country is still on alert over another wave of virus outbreak amid continued rises in cluster infections and imported cases. The country added 28 cases, including 23 local infections, raising the total caseload to 12,563, according to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). The tally marked a sharp fall from 51 new cases reported Wednesday and 46 additional cases Tuesday. Of the locally transmitted cases, 18 cases were reported in densely populated Seoul and nearby metropolitan areas. Four cases were reported in Daejeon, about 160 kilometers south of Seoul. South Korea has been gripped by sporadic cluster infections since it relaxed stricter social distancing on May 6. The greater Seoul area accounted for most of the newly added cases this month. Cluster infections continued to swell, with most traced to logistics centers, door-to-door retailers and small churches. Cases tied to a door-to-door sales establishment in southern Seoul reached 205 as of noon Wednesday. E-commerce leader Coupang shut down its distribution center in Icheon, south of Seoul, on Wednesday after one of its contract workers was infected with the virus. Cases linked to a warehouse operated by Coupang in Bucheon, west of Seoul, reached at least 152. The country reported five new cases tied to a social club meeting near the Han River last week. The KCDC has said the Seoul metropolitan area is already in a second wave of the new coronavirus outbreak, warning that the country should brace for a protracted virus fight. The first wave of the virus outbreak gripped the country between February and March. Health authorities warned that they could consider expanding tougher infection preventive measures -- currently in place only in the Seoul metropolitan area -- across the country. The country is also struggling to stem cases coming in from overseas. Five additional imported cases were reported, with the number of such cases rising to 1,496. Recently, cluster infections on a Russia-flagged cargo ship docked in the southeastern city of Busan, the country's second-largest city, have been reported, and cases traced to overseas have been on a steady rise. At least 17 sailors aboard two Russian ships tested positive for COVID-19. Health authorities are conducting virus tests on some 163 port workers, repairmen and others who came into contact with the infected crewmembers. Of them, 152 people have tested negative. On Wednesday, health authorities conducted on-board quarantine inspections of vessels arriving from Russia at Busan ports. Imported cases, once the main source of virus cases here, fell to a single-digit figure early this month after the country strengthened quarantine measures on all international arrivals in April. But such cases have bounced back to double-digit numbers since mid-June. South Korea, meanwhile, reported one additional death, bringing the total death toll to 282. The fatality rate was 2.24 percent. The total number of people released from quarantine after full recoveries stood at 10,974, up 44 from the previous day. The country has carried out 1,220,478 tests since Jan. 3. (Yonhap) A former fire academy instructor and firefighter who was found guilty of sexually assaulting a minor was ordered to pay nearly $5 million in damages to his victim. Superior Court Judge Thomas Daniel McCloskey ruled in April that Hugo Fleites, a former Middlesex and Monmouth County fire instructor and former Perth Amboy firefighter, had to pay an unidentified victim $4,758,441.85 in compensatory, punitive, court and attorney fees. According to the original complaint filed to the court in 2018, Fleites was friends with the unidentified victims parents. Fleites was asked to pick up the 12-year-old child on one occasion in 1998 because the mother was unable to drive due to an illness, the complaint said. Instead of taking the child home, Fleites went back to his house and assaulted the child, it said. That began nearly three years of sexual abuse, the complaint said. Fleites was charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a victim under 13 and one count of sexual assault for a victim between 13-16 from the series of incidents. A judge in 2019 found Flietes guilty on all three counts. Flietes, now 58-years-old, is incarcerated in South Woods State Prison. His sentence runs through May 21, 2026, and he is eligible for parole in August 2021. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Tell us your coronavirus story or send a tip here. Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. A 25-year-old Allentown woman deposited a stolen check worth more than $12,000 and a counterfeit check worth nearly $4,000 and spent more than $7,500 of the money at Walmart, Colonial Regional police report in court papers. Briana Barragan (court papers also spelled her first name Brianna), of the 700 block of West Washington Street, opened an account in September with the former BB&T Bank and kept a negative balance through much of the fall, police said, citing a bank security officer. On Nov. 27, Barragan deposited a check valued at $12,097.22 from MetLife that was in another persons name through an ATM at the bank branch at 90 Highland Drive in Hanover Township, Northampton County, police said. On Dec. 11, she deposited a counterfeit check valued at $3,700.72 in a different persons name from the nonexistent Bank of New Mellon through an ATM at what is now the Truist Bank at 101 S. Third St. in Easton, police said. From Nov. 29 until Dec. 21, she spent $2,400 of the money in Zelle cash transfers, and another $7,646.14 on purchases from Walmart, police said. She also withdrew $1,707.50 from ATMs and did a counter withdrawal of $1,500, police said. A detective from the Bayonne, New Jersey, Police Department was investigating the theft of a check and confirmed to an investigator that it was the one deposited by Barragan, court papers said. Records indicate Barragan used to live in New Jersey. Bank ATM surveillance photos showed Barragan made the deposits, police said. Barragan was arraigned Wednesday night before District Judge John Capobianco on charges of forgery, theft by deception and receiving stolen property, which are all felonies, records show. She was housed in Northampton County Prison in lieu of $10,000 bail with a 10% option, records show. She bonded out on Thursday, records show. Her preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled 9 a.m. July 8 in District Judge Vivian Zumas court in Hanover Township. Court records did not list an attorney for Barragan. 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. Pub-goers should go back to drinking a yard of ale to celebrate the reopening of pubs while adhering to revised social distancing guidance, Jacob Rees-Mogg said. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Tuesday that businesses, including pubs, could reopen on July 4 subject to the latest social distancing requirements being observed. The 2m social distance rule will be reduced to 1m+ which works out at just over a yard. I think people have been locked in for quite long enough and they want to go and have a drink and thats a jolly good thing and should be encouraged Tory MP Brendan Clarke-Smith asked what could be done to support the reopening of pubs. During business questions, Mr Rees-Mogg replied: I think theres a very easy answer in pubs and that is people should go back to drinking a yard of ale. Because if they drink a yard of ale they will maintain social distancing while enjoying an extra large drink to celebrate the fact that they are back in the pub. The British Prime Minister announced that pubs could reopen on July 4 (Adam Smyth/Greene King/PA) Labour MP Clive Efford asked why pubs were being allowed to reopen from July 4, but not gyms or outdoor swimming pools. Mr Rees-Mogg replied: I think everybody welcomes the reopening of pubs. I think people have been locked in for quite long enough and they want to go and have a drink and thats a jolly good thing and should be encouraged and welcomed and they will do it safely and properly. And Im slightly disappointed by the honourable gentlemans slightly curmudgeonly attitude towards pubs being reopened. Through the congressional primary campaign season, New York City Council Member Ritchie Torres and attorney Mondaire Jones were routinely asked the same question: What will it be like to be the first openly gay Black member of Congress? Now, Torres and Jones could be poised to share that honor. With all in-person votes tallied in New Yorks 15th and 17th congressional districts covering the South Bronx, and Westchester and Rockland counties, respectively Torres and Jones maintain strong leads over their Democratic primary challengers. If Torres and Jones maintain those leads as absentee ballots are tallied in the two reliably blue districts the 15th District has historically been the most Democratic district in the nation they are set up to become the first openly gay Black members of Congress. Its totally transformative, said Cynthia Dames, project manager for the New Pride Agenda. It represents LGBTQ (people), it represents people of color, and for any group that has been marginalized, it shows the results and an outcome from movements that are now coalescing. To top it off, those early leads come at the tail end of Pride Month a coincidence that didnt go unnoticed by some on Twitter. Tonight, New York helped elect two openly gay Black men ever to the United States Congress! Congratulations @MondaireJones & @RitchieTorres ! What a great #PrideMonth pic.twitter.com/NTByFLpnTm Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) June 24, 2020 It's still Pride Month, and Trump today is welcoming virulently anti-LGBTQ Polish President Andrzej Duda to the WH. We'll remember that come Gay Wrath Month. In the Pride Month meantime, Mondaire Jones & Ritchie Torres are becoming queer household names. WELL HELLO LET'S CELEBR pic.twitter.com/i9VjyoVoyK Slade (@Slade) June 24, 2020 The primaries have not officially been called for Torres and Jones by The Associated Press. With as many as two-thirds of the total ballots still uncounted across the state over 1.7 million mail-in ballots were requested because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the process of tabulating them wont begin until July 1 many are hesitant to draw conclusions from just the in-person ballots. David Wasserman, the house editor at political analysis site The Cook Political Report, has projected that both Jones and Torres have won their primaries. The state Board of Elections unofficial tally has Torres with 30% of the vote in a 12-candidate field and Jones leading with 43% over seven other contenders. While Jones acknowledged that every absentee ballot still has to be counted, he told City & State that he is confident in a favorable outcome. My expectation is that we will win, he said, adding that he expected his margin to actually increase as mail-in ballots are counted. He delivered an impassioned speech Tuesday night, highlighting the significance of what it would mean to be elected as an openly gay Black member of Congress. The historic nature of this campaign is not lost on me, Jones said. Growing up poor, Black and gay, I never imagined that somebody like me could run for Congress, let alone be a leading contender for the nomination in the great New York 17th Congressional District. In an interview on Wednesday, Jones repeated those sentiments, adding that his victory didnt come out of nowhere, mentioning trailblazers who came before him, including Rep. Barbara Jordan, Harvey Milk and Bayard Rustin. I want to put the historic nature of this campaign in that context, he said. This didnt just happen overnight. There were people who came before me who were doing the hard work and who deserve to be honored. Torres was unwilling to declare victory prematurely. Im not prepared to declare victory until every vote is counted, but even if I win the election, its governing that matters, he said in an interview with NY1. Its delivering results for the everyday people of the South Bronx. Representatives for Torres directed City & State to those comments on NY1. In that interview, Torres became emotional, thanking the people who got him to where he is today, including his mother. The South Bronx is full of mothers like mine who have suffered and struggled and sacrificed so that her baby boy can have a better life than she did, he said. The opportunity to represent the essential workers of this borough, to represent the powerful mothers of this borough its the culmination of a dream. But we have to count every ballot. If elected, Torres would also be the first out Afro-Latino member of Congress. Torres and Jones are both running in districts where the longtime incumbent is retiring, leading to many primary candidates in each race. In the 15th Congressional District, longtime Rep. Jose E. Serrano left a vacuum when he announced his plans to retire from representing a majority Hispanic and Latino district. In the 17th Congressional District, which encompasses all of Rockland County and parts of Westchester County including White Plains, 16-term Rep. Nita Lowey announced last year that she would not seek another term. Eight candidates competed in that Democratic primary, including some very well-funded ones, such as Adam Schleifer, who raised nearly $4.5 million. Jones, by comparison, raised $1.1 million. Schleifer amassed the second-most votes from in-person ballots, but only managed to win 20%, trailing Jones by more than 20 percentage points. Given the number of candidates in each of these primaries, its significant that Torres and Jones have won sizable early leads. Some feared that in the 15th Congressional District, a surfeit of progressive candidates would split the vote and hand the primary to New York City Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr., a conservative Democrat. The progressive vote may have been split, for example, between Samelys Lopez who ran with the backing of the Working Families Party, the Democratic Socialists of America and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Torres. But that hasnt happened so far. With all in-person votes tallied, Lopez won only 12% of the vote, compared to Torres 30%. Next after Torres was Assembly Member Michael Blake, with 19%, then Diaz, with 14%. Torres lead over Diaz in particular is especially sweet. Diaz, who is Torres colleague in the City Council, a former state senator and a Christian pastor, is perhaps best known as one of the most conservative Democrats in New York City. Diaz has a history of anti-gay remarks, and last year he was removed as chair of the City Council Committee on For-Hire Vehicles because of his homophobic remarks. The 800-pound gorilla is Ruben Diaz Sr., the most prominent homophobe in New York City politics, Torres said in an interview with Advocate, an LGBTQ-focused publication, this week. Jones, too, spoke to Advocate about the ways in which his identity as an openly gay Black man influences his political positions. For me, policy is personal, Jones said, noting that Black men are disproportionately policed, arrested and prosecuted. He has called for an independent body to investigate and prosecute killings by police. Though Jones district is reliably Democratic, it is also a majority-white district. Both Jones and Torres will face Republican opponents in the fall, though those opponents are long-shot candidates, given the heavy Democratic lean of those districts. In the 2018 general election, Serrano won against a Republican challenger in his South Bronx district with 96% of the vote, while Lowey won in the 17th District with 88% of the vote. As of Wednesday afternoon, Maureen McArdle Schulman led Yehudis Gottesfeld in the Republican primary for the 17th District. In the 15th District, the Democratic nominee will face Republican Orlando Molina in November. But before Torres and Jones turn to those opponents, they have to keep their eyes on the absentee ballots as they are tabulated beginning July 1. Its still unclear who and how many people voted absentee in each district. For now, things are looking good for both Jones and Torres and their chances of making history in Congress. If I had been able to look to someone like myself in Congress, it would have been direct evidence to me growing up, questioning whether there was a place for me in a world filled with so much injustice it would have been direct evidence of the fact that things really do get better, Jones told City & State. Im really happy to be providing that inspiration to people. That idea resonated with Dames, the project manager at the New Pride Agenda, as well. I think it should be a message to other young LGBTQ members and people of color, to say, Take a chance. Organize. Jump in the pool, Dames said of the significance of the leads by Torres and Jones. The time is now. VIPdesk, an award-winning US-based provider of innovative home-based customer care solutions, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with PVS Relationship Services. This partnership allows VIPdesk to deliver high-touch customer service for its clients in all European countries with native speaking Brand Ambassadors. VIPdesks growing portfolio of international brands seek one consistent provider to deliver the same authentic service standards throughout international markets. VIPdesk actively pursues partnerships to assist with service delivery of its global clients around the world. 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As we grew substantially over the last years, we now have a portfolio of international brands who more and more rely on VIPdesk for global solutions" With PVS we did not only find the ideal partner for Europe but also true friends! - Sally Hurley, CEO, VIPdesk ABOUT PVS RELATIONSHIP SERVICES Based in Stuttgart, Germany, PVS Relationship Services is a leading European provider of Business Processes Outsourcing solutions specialized in authentic customer service and customer relationship management for all European countries. As a pioneer in the e-commerce industry, PVS Relationship Services has decades of experience with leading brands offering the entire suite of support services from Marketing to Customer Service and Fulfillment with the same high quality standards all over Europe. Visit http://www.pvs-rs.com or on Instagram @pvsrs. ABOUT VIPDESK VIPdesk Connect, Inc., a U.S. based provider of outsourced customer care services, utilizes a team of home-based Brand Ambassadors (customer service professionals) located throughout the U.S. to provide elevated customer experience for luxury and premium brands. Talented team members of VIPdesk excel in delivering superior customer service and are passionate ambassadors for the brands they serve. VIPdesk's suite of services include: Omni-Channel Customer service handling including all traditional and digital contact channels, social media management, back office support and customer experience consulting. Visit http://www.vipdesk.com for more information.To connect with VIPdesk socially, find them on LinkedIn, Twitter and/or Instagram @VIPdesk. MEDIA CONTACT: Othmar Muller von Blumencron VIPdesk +1-703-348-2236 ### Vietnam will not open its borders for international tourists anytime soon to avoid a resurgence of the coronavirus, the Government leader has said. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at Wednesday cabinet meeting. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc stressed the importance of staying on high alert as he was addressing a cabinet on Wednesday evening on COVID-19 prevention and control measures. With stringent border closures enacted since late March, Vietnam has by now virtually eradicated the coronavirus outbreak within its borders as the country has gone 70 days without any new community infections, with the occasional spike in new imported cases on repatriation flights to bring Vietnamese overseas home. PM Phuc said that to realise the dual goals of safeguarding public health and promoting economic development post-COVID-19, the Government has already allowed for a limited open border for foreign investors and experts to enter Viet Nam and for Vietnamese labourers to go work overseas where possible. Strict COVID-19 prevention and control protocol, including mandatory quarantine, are needed to prevent the virus from spreading to the community, he said. However, foreign investors and experts might be subject to more flexible quarantine policies, including shortened stay and expedited paperwork, he suggested, adding that the frequency of special flights bringing investors and experts to Viet Nam should increase. The Government has not allowed the entry of international tourists into Viet Nam. This has been the consistent stance from the Government and I ask that all sectors, agencies and local governments to stay on high alert to protect the health of the people, PM Phuc said, adding that we should not be impatient and complacent as all the achievements made so far in combating the pandemic could be wiped out. He didnt rule out the possibility of resuming international commercial flights but the timing must be seriously deliberated to avoid reintroducing the virus into the country. During a cabinet meeting earlier this month, PM Phuc tasked the National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control with rounding up a list of safe destinations meaning the locations must not have reported any community transmission in the last 30 days to consider reopening flights to, with quarantine protocols still applied for all arrivals. During the meeting on Wednesday, he noted the pandemic situation in those locations must be closely monitored so flights could be stopped when the situation is deemed to have got out of control. PM Phuc asked that authorities keep up the good work and be ready to deploy fast contact-tracing measures if a new case is discovered, and Government-run quarantine sites must also always stand ready. Masks are required in public and crowded places, PM Phuc said. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the meeting said that since April 15, in co-ordination with authorities in Vietnam and overseas, 33 repatriation flights have been conducted to bring 8,000 Vietnamese citizens back from 42 countries and territories. More such flights are being planned in the next two months to respond to demands of more than 35,000 Vietnamese stranded overseas wishing to return, the ministry said. PM Phuc agreed that for the time being, authorities should facilitate the return of 14,000 Vietnamese on repatriation commercial flights, with priority given to the elderly, children under 18 years old, the sick, workers whose labour contracts have expired and students who have finished their studies or cannot find accommodation. During the meeting, the PM also asked the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and the State Bank of Vietnam to expedite the implementation the Government's aid packages for those seriously affected by COVID-19. VNS By Arlyssa Becenti. Reprinted with permission from Navajo Times June 4, 2020. Window Rock, Arizona. As tribes are distracted by coronavirus humanitarian efforts, the federal government has proceeded with a plan for fracking and mineral leasing ac... [June 24, 2020] SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS ELAN, FSCT, R, WFC INVESTORS of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuits NEW ORLEANS, June 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors of pending deadlines in the following securities class action lawsuits: Elanco Animal Health Incorporated (ELAN) Class Period: 1/10/2020 - 5/6/2020 Lead Plaintiff Motion Deadline: July 20, 2020 SECURITIES FRAUD To learn more, visit https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-elanco-animal-health-incorporated-securities-litigation Ryder System, Inc. 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Edit Close Jill Karnicki, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer The Democratic race for Texass 10th Congressional District has narrowed to two challengers, either of which would ably represent voters looking to defeat seven-term U.S. Rep. Mike McCaul. Still, a call must be made between the candidates, and while Pritesh Gandhi, a primary care doctor, is pragmatic and energetic, the edge in this race goes to Mike Siegel, whose efforts in 2018 a race he lost by 4 percentage points to the powerful incumbent convinced Democrats that the district was within grasp, along with the rest of Texas. The Nigerian government has recognised the sudden loss of the senses of taste and smell as a valid symptom of COVID-19. If you feel you are having sudden loss of the senses of taste and smell, you should know its now a common symptom of COVID, Chikwe Ihekweazu, the head of Nigerias Infectious Disease agency, NCDC, said during Thursdays President Task Force Meeting on COVID-19 pandemic. These symptoms have been recognised globally as that of COVID-19; there are very few other diseases that would cause a sudden loss of smell and taste especially in normally otherwise healthy people, the official noted. This is coming several weeks after many Nigerians took to social media to complain of losing their senses of smell and taste especially during or after treating a fever. PREMIUM TIMES also reported how the increasing complaints triggered a coronavirus scare among Nigerians especially because there was no official response from health authorities about the symptoms. On Monday, the NCDC updated its case definition of common symptoms of COVID-19 to include sudden loss of sense of smell and or taste. A sudden loss of taste and smell with fever, headache or runny nose may be #COVID19. Please do not ignore these symptoms. Call your state hotline immediately to arrange for a test, the NCDC twitted on its official handle. During Thursdays PTF meeting, the NCDC boss said the agency has been following the complaints about the strange symptoms trending on social media. READ ALSO: Over the past few weeks, there have been a lot of discussions over the loss of smell and taste as symptoms of COVID-19. It is most likely this is linked with an increasing incidence of COVID-19 so we would expect that this should also lead to increased presentation at clinical facilities and increased testing. If you feel you are losing your sense of smell or taste, you should be presenting yourself for testing in the clinical facilities to determine whether or not you have COVID-19. I will also like to advise. Face shields are great but they should be used in addition to face masks and not in place of face masks. We are learning everyday, new technologies is emerging. Slow testing capacity Meanwhile, health experts have questioned the governments ability to increase its testing capacity and also include those having these new symptoms. On April 28, the Nigerian government announced its target of testing at least two million people within the next three months. Almost halfway into the ambitious 90 days target, the country is yet to cover 10 per cent of the two million. Nigeria still conducts only about 900 to 1,400 tests per day across 26 molecular laboratories in the country, a source confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES. As of June 22, Nigeria has conducted a little over 115,760 tests of its estimated 200 million population and found more than 20, 000 infected persons. Out of these, over 7,000 have been treated and discharged and over 500 fatalities recorded. Oman Cement Co sees 27% fall in profit 25 June 2020 Oman Cement Co has posted a 26.7 per cent fall in profit after tax to OMR1.1m (US$2.86m) for the first quarter of 2020, compared to OMR1.5m in the 1Q19. The companys total sales saw a modest 1.5 per cent YoY decline to OMR13.6m from OMR13.4m. Published under The Trump administration now has new evidence that Huawei and as many as 20 other Chinese companies are owned or controlled by that nations military. Thats according to breaking reports citing a document said to be authenticated by an unnamed US defense official. The document asserts that Huawei is among the companies said to be backed by the Peoples Liberation Army. The company has already been facing down sanctions and accusations from the US government and the Trump administration. But Huawei isnt the only company on the list. Video surveillance company Hikvision, China Mobile, China Telecom, and aircraft manufacturer AVIC are also on the list. Now, the designations in the document were alleged to be pieced together by the Defense Department. And thats in accordance with a law stemming from 1999. The law requires the department to put together just such lists. Especially lists of firms that are owned or controlled by the Chinese military. Specifically, the list was set to include those that provide commercial services, manufacture, produce, or export. Advertisement The companies and the Chinese embassy in Washington have reportedly not responded to questions on the matter. This list could be published by Congress soon According to the source, the document has now been sent over to Congress. And it could ultimately become public knowledge officially as a result. Bipartisan efforts have already been made to pressure the Pentagon into releasing the list. As recently as September, Senators Chuck Schumer and Tom Cotton have requested that Defense Secretary Mark Esper update the list and make it public. The sentiment was written out in a letter pertaining to concerns. Those centered around the possibility that China was enlisting Chinese companies, including Huawei, to use civilian technologies to benefit its military echoing concerns expressed over the tenure of the Trump administration. Advertisement Huawei and other Chinese companies are not alone in the scrutiny Huawei has already been on the radar for the US government for quite some time. The company and no fewer than sixty-eight of its non-U.S. affiliates were added to the Entity List in May 2019. That list prevents any US company from doing business with Huawei and the companys technology from being used in key areas of the US mobile network. US companies such as Qualcomm have been reluctant to exclude Huawei, in particular, from business proceedings. Primarily, that comes down to the need for standardization on upcoming technology such as 5G. Thats a sentiment that was echoed most recently by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. Mr. Schmidt is currently serving as chair to the Pentagon Defence Innovation Board. The newly reported document wont necessarily change that either. But it does profer new reasons for the US to impose new sanctions against Huawei and other Chinese firms. At the very least, those mentioned in the list. But it could also cause trouble for US companies with ties to those firms, explicitly called out in the document. Especially where partnerships are already underway between those companies. Advertisement Of the companies listed, the Chinese telecoms have also come under fire albeit indirectly. According to recent reports, a watchdog group dubbed Team Telecom, as well as the FCC, are now being pressed over negligence as it concerns the monitoring of the groups operations in the US. The companies are said to be under the control of the Chinese government. And theyve reportedly been operating without oversight for 20 years. As many as 20 million Americans may have contracted coronavirus rather than 2.3 million, health officials say. United States health officials believe as many as 20 million Americans have contracted the coronavirus. Thats nearly 10 times as many infections as the 2.3 million cases that have been confirmed. The pandemic is getting worse globally with the number of infections expected to reach 10 million next week, World Health Organization head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said. More than 9.5 million people around the world have been diagnosed with COVID-19, while nearly 4.8 million have recovered, and more than 484,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. Here are the latest updates: Thursday, June 25 20:25 GMT Virus whistle-blower alleges ongoing retaliation A government whistle-blower ousted from a leading role in battling COVID-19 has alleged that the administration of US President Donald Trump has intensified its campaign to punish him for revealing shortcomings in the US response. Dr Rick Bright, former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, said in an amended complaint filed with a federal watchdog agency that he has been relegated to a lesser role in his new assignment at the National Institutes of Health, unable to lend his full expertise to the battle against COVID-19. 19:55 GMT UAE and Israeli companies to cooperate Two private companies from the United Arab Emirates will work with two Israeli companies on medical projects, including those to combat the coronavirus, the UAEs state-run news agency WAM has said. 19:19 GMT Israeli PM announces cooperation with UAE to fight coronavirus Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that his government and the United Arab Emirates will soon announce a partnership in the fight against the coronavirus, despite the lack of diplomatic ties. In a speech to graduating Israeli fighter pilots, Netanyahu said an announcement was expected in a few moments and came after months of intense contacts. This collaboration will be in the fields of research and development, technology, in areas that will improve the confidence in health throughout the region, he said. Read more here. 19:10 GMT Mexicos finance minister tests positive Mexican Finance Minister Arturo Herrera has said he has tested positive for the coronavirus, but is experiencing only minor symptoms. From this moment I will be in quarantine, and continue working from my house, Herrera said on Twitter. 18:50 GMT CDC head warns pregnant women with COVID-19 face greater risks Pregnant women have increased risk of severe COVID-19 compared to women who are not pregnant, the head of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Robert Redfield, has told reporters, warning that states with rising coronavirus cases need to take action. The CDC has found that pregnant women are more likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit and to be put on mechanical ventilators than non-pregnant women, he said. 18:15 GMT Death toll in France rises by 21 to 29,752 The number of coronavirus-related deaths in France has risen by 21 from the previous day to stand at 29,752, the countrys health department has said. France has the fifth-highest death toll in the world, but the number of casualties has steadily decreased from peaks reached in March and April. 18:10 GMT California governor declares budget emergency due to pandemic California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a budget emergency in the most populous US state, blaming expenses and economic downturn caused by the pandemic. Declaring a state of emergency allows California to tap into its rainy day fund. The state expects a $54.3bn budget deficit due to costs and a drop in revenue. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a budget emergency [Jeff Chiu/EPA-EFE-AP] 17:56 GMT US cases may be 10 times higher than data shows United States health officials believe as many as 20 million Americans have contracted the coronavirus. Thats nearly 10 times as many infections as the 2.3 million cases that have been confirmed. Twenty million infections would mean about six percent of the nations 331 million people have been infected. Previously, officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the nations top infectious-disease expert, Dr Anthony Fauci, have said that as many as 25 percent of infected people might not have symptoms. Read about it here. Dr Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testifying during a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the Trump Administrations Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC [Kevin Dietsch /Pool via Reuters] 17:00 GMT Lufthansa investors back $10bn German government rescue Lufthansa shareholders have backed a 9 billion euros ($10bn) government bailout, securing the future of Germanys flagship airline after it was brought to the brink of collapse by the pandemic. The plan, backed by 98 percent of the shareholder capital that cast a vote at the online meeting, will see Berlin take a 20 percent stake in Lufthansa and two board seats. Germanys flagship airline Lufthansa was brought to the brink of collapse by the pandemic [Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters] 16:57 GMT French consortium wins further approval for saliva-based coronavirus test French technology company Vogo said a saliva-based product it was developing with partners to test for the coronavirus had won CE marking approval, denoting it meets required health standards set out by regulators. Vogo and its partners SKILLCELL and the CNRS SYS2DIAG laboratory aim to place their EasyCov saliva-based coronavirus testing product on the market. 16:50 GMT France extending financial aid for sport industry to September France will extend financial aid measures to help the sport industry deal with the hit to business from the coronavirus through to September, the sport ministry has said. The sport ministry said the government had so far given about 2.8 billion euros ($3.1bn) in financial aid to the sport sector over the past three months. 16:38 GMT Portugal brings back some lockdown measures in Lisbon Portugal will bring back the stay at home rule in several areas of Greater Lisbon to fight a worrying wave of coronavirus cases on the citys outskirts, the government has announced. Those living in the affected areas a total of 19 civil parishes that do not include downtown Lisbon can only leave their homes to buy essential goods, such as food or medication, and to travel to and from work. Members of the Portuguese navy distribute meals to people in need amid the coronavirus outbreak, in Lisbon, Portugal [Rafael Marchante/Reuters] 16:30 GMT Texas temporarily halts phased reopening as infections surge Texas Governor Greg Abbott has said he is temporarily halting the states phased economic reopening in response to a jump in COVID-19 infections and hospitalisations. This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business, Abbott said in a statement. Medical workers coordinate testing as dozens of people wait in their cars at United Memorial Medical Center in Houston, Texas, the US [Callaghan OHare/Reuters] 16:18 GMT Vaccine not certain, maybe in a year: WHO It is not certain that scientists will be able to create an effective vaccine against the coronavirus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic, but it could take a year before one were to be invented, the head of the World Health Organization has said. Speaking via video conference to deputies from the European Parliaments health committee, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said if such a vaccine became a reality, it should become a public good available to all. He said the WHO had already more than 100 candidates for a vaccine of which one was at an advanced stage of development. Hoping that there will be a vaccine, the estimate is we may have a vaccine within one year. If accelerated, it could be even less than that, but by a couple of months. Thats what scientists are saying, he said. 15:35 GMT Pandemic getting worse globally: WHO The pandemic is getting worse globally with the number of infections expected to reach 10 million next week with 500,000 deaths, WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said. Speaking via video conference with members of the European Parliaments health committee, Tedros said once the pandemic was over, the world should not return to its previous state, but build a new normal that would be fairer, greener and help prevent climate change. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization, attends a news conference in Geneva, Switzerland [Denis Balibouse/Reuters] 15:24 GMT Macys cuts corporate headcount by 3,900 Macys has said it is laying off 3,900 corporate staffers, roughly 3 percent of its overall workforce. The company said in a release that the headcount reduction will save the company $630m a year. 15:10 GMT US urges Russia, China to give more aid to Venezuela in COVID fight US Special Representative for Venezuela Elliott Abram has called on Russia and China to provide more humanitarian aid to their ally Venezuela. We would like to see them contribute more on the humanitarian side. There have been, I believe, some contribution of goods with respect to COVID-19 by Russia and China, Abram told a diplomatic event organised by the US mission to the UN in Geneva. But the scale, the dollar amount of this aid, is really quite low in comparison to the needs. 15:04 GMT Spain to extend furlough schemes by three months Spain is set to extend until September 30 national furlough schemes aimed at mitigating the effect of the coronavirus lockdown, under a government agreement with labour unions and the main employers association, the labour ministry has said. Hard-hit sectors like hospitality will receive the most support, though other industries not yet able to return to normal activity will also be included. Daniel Catey, 62, a recovered COVID-19 patient, undergoes rehabilitation at a hastily converted sport centre in Barcelona, Spain [Nacho Doce/Reuters] 14:55 GMT Peruvian government strikes agreement with private clinics The Peruvian government has said it has struck an agreement with the countrys private health clinics on the cost of COVID-19 care after President Martin Vizcarra warned on Wednesday they would be expropriated within 48 hours if negotiations did not progress. The clinics had for three weeks wrangled with Vizcarras government over a fair rate for care. The haggling began amid reports of overcharging for the sickest patients, who require mechanical ventilators and intensive care. Health Minister Victor Zamora said the agreement was finalised on Wednesday evening after a meeting with representatives of the Association of Private Clinics of Peru. 14:37 GMT Egypts national carrier to resume flights from July Egypts national carrier EgyptAir has said it will resume flights to 24 destinations from the first week of July and will add more in the following weeks. The airline will operate flights to 13 destinations in Europe, three in Africa, four in the Middle East, three in North America and one in China, it said in a statement on Thursday, as well as domestic flights to the tourist hotspots of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada along the Red Sea and Luxor and Aswan along the Nile River. 14:03 GMT UK death toll rises by 149 to 43,230 The United Kingdoms official death toll from confirmed cases of coronavirus rose by 149 to 43,230, the Department of Health has said. 13:58 GMT Kazakh health minister resigns Kazakhstans health minister has resigned, saying COVID-19 complications prevented him from leading efforts against the coronavirus outbreak as it surges once more. Yelzhan Birtanov, who had held the post since early 2017 and caught the virus in mid-June, wrote on social media that he had developed pneumonia which required additional treatment. 13:50 GMT Norway to lift travel curbs on European countries with conditions Norway will lift travel restrictions to and from European countries that respect certain criteria regarding their coronavirus situation from July 15, public broadcaster NRK and daily Dagens Naeringsliv has reported. Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg is due to hold a news conference about the coronavirus situation and travelling at 14:00 GMT. Norway currently allows travel to and from Denmark, Finland, Iceland and the Swedish island of Gotland since June 15, but maintains travel restrictions on mainland Sweden due to its higher level of coronavirus cases. 13:19 GMT Kudlow says he expects some US shutdowns in certain areas Jump in coronavirus cases in parts of the US will likely trigger closure in certain areas, but there will not be a nationwide shutdown, White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow has said. Kudlow, in an interview on Fox Business Network, said he still expects to see a strong V shaped economic recovery and anticipated a 20 percent growth snapback in the third and fourth quarters of 2020. 13:15 GMT Hello, this is Mersiha Gadzo in Doha taking over the live updates from my colleague Usaid Siddiqui. 12:50 GMT Market disconnect could worsen virus downturn: IMF Recent gains in global financial markets despite the coronavirus downturns huge economic uncertainties are a potential threat to the recovery if investors abruptly change their minds, the IMF cautioned on Thursday. Markets have been cheered by the massive support provided by governments and central banks, and seem to expect a quick recovery even though forecasts and consumer confidence are more pessimistic, the IMF said in its latest Global Financial Stability Report. But the paper warns of the dangers lurking in the future from the flood of unconventional policies that have left the global economy awash in easy money. 12:30 GMT New coronavirus cluster at Italy courier warehouse: Report A cluster of new coronavirus cases has emerged at a warehouse in the Italian city of Bologna used by express courier Bartolini, a local newspaper reported. The company uncovered 44 asymptomatic cases including two drivers after testing all workers at the warehouse in central-northern Italy following the discovery of two members of staff with the virus, the Resto del Carlino daily said. 12:10 GMT Pandemic could lead to more narcotic use: UN The coronavirus pandemic could see a rise in the use and trafficking of narcotics as well as increased risks for users, the UN drugs and crime agency (UNODC) said. The virus could lead to an overall increase in drug use with a shift towards cheaper products and injecting, both of which could mean greater danger for users, the agency said in its 2020 World Drug Report. 11:40 GMT Romania reports record high coronavirus infection numbers Romania reported its highest number of daily infections with the new coronavirus in two months, as it prepares to assess a new phase of relaxation next week. President Klaus Iohannis ordered a strict lockdown in early March to help rein in the outbreak and replaced the state of emergency with a softer state of alert in May, that is set to run until mid-July. One-third of Romanias coronavirus cases are concentrated in three cities: the capital Bucharest, the northern town of Suceava and in Transylvanias medieval city of Brasov [File: Octav Ganea/Reuters] 11:15 GMT Germany, France shore up political, financial aid to beleaguered WHO France and Germany expressed political and financial backing for the World Health Organization in its fight against the coronavirus, with Berlin saying it would contribute a record 500 million euros ($561m) in funding this year. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, speaking at a news conference in Geneva, said the agency, criticised by the United States for being slow off the mark in tackling the pandemic, was getting the financial and political support it needed. 10:35 GMT Coronavirus cuts force Indonesia to scale back forest protection Indonesia has scaled back protection for some of the worlds most important tropical forests ahead of the worst season for fires because of budget cuts due to the coronavirus, the environment ministry said. At risk are forests bigger than any outside the Amazon and Congo and which are home to more than one-tenth of the worlds mammal species including the rare orangutan and nearly a fifth of its birds. 10:13 GMT Coronavirus cases past 33,000 in Philippines The Philippines is witnessing a constant rise in new coronavirus cases, with 778 more reported. The countrys Department of Health said in a statement the new cases pushed the national total to 33,069 while the death toll rose to 1,212 after eight more patients died between June 1 and 21. 09:45 GMT England COVID-19 test and trace system fails to reach a quarter of positive cases Englands COVID-19 test-and-trace system could not reach a quarter of people who had their cases transferred to the system after a positive test for the new coronavirus, UKs Department of Health said. Of 6,923 people who had their case transferred to the contact tracing system in its third week of operation, 1,791, or 25.9 percent, could not be reached. A triage nurse waits for patients to arrive in the Emergency Department at Frimley Park Hospital in Camberley, England [Steve Parsons/Pool/AP] 09:20 GMT Eiffel tower in France reopens The Eiffel Tower on Thursday welcomed back visitors after the coronavirus outbreak forced the Paris landmark into its longest period out of action since World War II. Strict hygiene and safety measures are in place for the re-opening. 09:00 GMT Indonesias passes 50,000 cases as business resumes The number of coronavirus infections in Indonesia has surpassed 50,000 as the government allows businesses to reopen amid increasing economic pressure. A government task force says the spiking case numbers align with the countrys increasing testing capacity. But testing is still lower than recommended for a country that has 270 million people. Indonesia started reopening businesses this month and will gradually reopen more through July. 08:40 GMT India to survey 29 million New Delhi residents India says it will carry out a massive survey for the coronavirus, targeting New Delhis entire population of 29 million. Officials will go each household to record each residents health details and administer a test to those who show or report symptoms. Read more here. Health workers wearing personal protective equipment carry the body of a person who died from COVID-19 to a crematorium in New Delhi [Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters] 08:16 GMT Gulf coronavirus infections surpass 400,000: John Hopkins University The number of novel coronavirus cases in the six Gulf states has doubled in a month to over 400,000, as the regions two biggest economies this week fully lifted curfews imposed to combat the infection. Regional business hub the United Arab Emirates announced late on Wednesday the lifting of a nightly curfew in place since mid-March as the daily number of infections fell from a peak of some 900 in late May to average between 300 and 400 in recent weeks. Neighbouring Saudi Arabia, which has the highest regional count at more than 167,200 infections and over 1,380 deaths, fully removed its three-month curfew on Sunday. 07:50 GMT Russia reports more than 7,000 new coronavirus cases Russia confirmed 7,113 new cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its tally to 613,994. Officials said 92 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 8,605. 07:25 GMT Afghanistan uses green stimulus to hire lockdown jobless, boost Kabuls water supply Zaker Hussain Zaheri was a cook in Afghanistans capital who lost his job in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, he digs trenches to capture rainwater and snowmelt on a mountain on the outskirts of Kabul, as the city grapples with both a water and health crisis. Lockdown measures to curb the spread of the disease have taken their toll on Afghanistans economy, so the government is employing more than 40,000 jobless workers to rehabilitate groundwater supplies for its fast-growing capital. 07:05 GMT- US records largest daily rise in coronavirus cases at nearly 39,000 The US has seen a major surge in coronavirus cases, weeks after many areas reopened their economies. Seven states, mainly in the south and west, and including Texas, California and Arizona, reported record increases on Wednesday, the nationwide tally rising by more than 38,600. Texas, Florida and California all reported record increases, with 7,100, 5,550 and 5,510 new cases, respectively, over the preceding 24 hours. People wait for a health assessment check-in before entering Jackson Memorial Hospital, as Miami-Dade County eases some lockdown measures, in Miami, Florida, the US [Marco Bello/Reuters] 06:40 GMT Senegal president self-quarantines after contact with COVID-19 case Senegalese President Macky Sall is quarantining for two weeks after coming into contact with someone who has since tested positive for the coronavirus, state television said. The measure is precautionary as an initial COVID-19 test of Sall has come back negative, it said. 06:15 GMT Lufthansa shares soar after major shareholder backs bailout plan Lufthansa shares jumped more than 27 percent in early trade after billionaire investor Heinz Hermann Thiele endorsed a nine-billion-euro ($10.12 billion) government bailout to rescue the carrier hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. I will vote for the proposal, Thiele, who owns a 15.5 percent stake in Lufthansa, told Frankfurter Allgemeine daily on Wednesday. His endorsement amounted to a respite for the airline after fears had swirled that he might veto the proposed package, which would see Germany buy 20 percent of the company. 05:34 GMT Cases in Pakistan continue to decline Coronavirus testing numbers in Pakistan which has one of the highest rates of infection spread are continuing to drop, with just 21,835 tests conducted on Wednesday. Of those, 4,044 patients tested positive, according to government data, a test-positive rate of 18.5 percent. Countrywide cases rose on Wednesday to 192,970, according to the data. The country also recorded its second-highest number of deaths in a single day on Wednesday, with 148 patients dying, taking the overall death toll to 3,978. The drop in testing is led by significant decreases in daily testing in Sindh and Punjab provinces, the countrys two most populous regions. In Sindh, officials told Al Jazeera the drop in testing was due to a shortage of staff at labs causing a backlog. Hello, this is Usaid Siddiqui in Doha taking over from my colleague Kate Mayberry in Kuala Lumpur. 04:45 GMT Hong Kong announces coronavirus death A 55-year-old male coronavirus patient (confirmed case No 1180) admitted to hospital in Hong Kong in late May has died early on Thursday morning, a spokesman for the Princess Margaret Hospital said The hospital said the man had suffered a stroke in the Philippines and was airlifted back to Hong Kong. Seven people have now died from COVID-19 in the territory. 03:50 GMT We cannot overstate the shame: ASEAN MPs on boat pushbacks A group of MPs from Southeast Asia are calling on leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to do more to help refugees and migrants, particularly Rohingya, taking boats across the Indian Ocean. The open letter signed by Charles Santiago, chairman of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR), urged ASEAN leaders to respect vulnerable communities and curb hateful rhetoric directed at refugees and migrants during the coronavirus epidemic. Malaysia detained 269 Rohingya on a damaged boat earlier this month, and media reported this week that a boat carrying 300 people had been turned away. APHR said ASEAN countries needed to work with Myanmar to end the Rohingya crisis and organise urgent collective search and rescue operations for boats carrying Rohingya refugees and to organise for their proper disembarkation. We cannot overstate the shame that falls upon us collectively when our governments choose to push people back to die at sea. 03:20 GMT More Qantas staff to lose jobs as a result of coronavirus Australian airline Qantas is firing at least 6,000 people 20 percent of its workforce as part of a series of drastic measures to deal with the impact of the coronavirus, Qantas also plans to ground 100 aircraft for as long as 12 months, and some for longer, as well as retire its six remaining Boeing 747 planes immediately, six months ahead of schedule. You can read more on that story from our business team here. Airlines have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic as borders closed and travel all but ground to a halt [File: Brendon Thorne/Bloomberg] 03:05 GMT Beijing increases testing capacity to keep on top of cases Beijing has increased daily nucleic acid testing capacity to more than 300,000 samples a day, compared with about 40,000 previously, according to state media. Authorities in the Chinese capital stepped up testing after a spike in cases linked to the main wholesale food market. Mainland China on Thursday confirmed 19 new cases of COVID-19, 13 of them in Beijing. Beijing increases daily nucleic acid testing capacity to over 300,000 samples to better curb the spread of the novel coronavirus. https://t.co/qdDq1Nw040 pic.twitter.com/pPLau7IwRh China Xinhua News (@XHNews) June 25, 2020 03:00 GMT Disneyland delays reopening after California cases surge Disneyland in the US state of California, which has been closed since the middle of March, has delayed plans to reopen. The resort was due to open again on July 17, but Disney officials say they will not have time to prepare since the state government will only release operating guidelines on July 4. Disneyland is the worlds second-most-popular theme park. 02:10 GMT Australia posts biggest one-day rise in cases in two months More on the situation in Australia following the announcement that troops will be sent to Melbourne, the countrys second-biggest city and the capital of Victoria state. The state reported 33 people tested positive for the virus in the past 24 hours, the ninth day of double-digit increases. The country as a whole has recorded more than 7,500 cases of the disease but, with the outbreak seemingly under control, it had eased most restrictions. It has recorded 104 deaths, the latest an 85-year-old man who died in April but has now been confirmed to have had the disease. 02:05 GMT South Korea cases ease South Koreas latest coronavirus data suggests it is getting a grip on the clusters that have emerged in Seoul in recent weeks. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said this morning the country had recorded 28 new cases, 23 of them local infections. That is a decrease from Wednesdays 51 cases and Tuesdays 46. Most clusters are linked to delivery firms and small churches. 00:30 GMT Australian troops head to Victoria to tackle outbreak spike Australias military is to send 1,000 troops to Melbourne to tackle new coronavirus clusters that have emerged in the capital of Victoria state, which has recorded almost 150 new infections during the past week. Up to 850 Australian Defence Force personnel will help monitor returned international travellers in hotel quarantine while about 200 others will provide logistical and medical support to COVID-19 testing facilities, she said. Separately, Victoria premier Dan Andrews said the state was launching a suburban testing blitz targeting areas identified as hotspots to get on top of the outbreak. Statement from the Premier on the Suburban Testing Blitz: pic.twitter.com/83Le7IFeW2 Dan Andrews (@DanielAndrewsMP) June 25, 2020 00:15 GMT Japans izakaya pub culture suffers during COVID Japanese are being more careful about going out for after-dinner drinks, and that is harming the pubs, known as izakayas and known for cheap drinks, tasty food, and a cosy atmosphere. Some are tiny, with only a few seats. Reuters says izakayas are now facing an existential crisis as people work from home and avoid indoor venues. If drinking out isnt considered welcome, izakayas will go under, Hitoshi Yaosaka, who owns 10 pubs in Tokyo and has seen business return to only a third of pre-COVID levels. Theres a pretty good chance Japans izakaya culture will die down. 00:00 GMT States in northeastern US impose quarantines on travellers from eight states The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have ordered travellers from eight other states to quarantine for 14 days on arrival as the epidemic in the US gathers momentum. The order was the smart thing to do, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy told the media. The quarantine applies to people arriving from Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Utah, including northeastern residents returning from those areas. It will be enforced with fines that will rise for repeat offenders. New York is opening up again after being badly hit in the first coronavirus wave in the United States. Now it is imposing quarantines on travellers from a number of states where caseloads and hospitalisations have surged [John Minchillo/AP Photo] Hello and welcome to Al Jazeeras continuing coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. Im Kate Mayberry in Kuala Lumpur. Read all the updates from yesterday (June 24) here. TORONTOA sweeping global standard that sets out how the worlds largest miners care for waste dams falls short of measures environmental and civil society groups say are needed to avert future disasters, according to a copy of the final draft seen by Reuters. A panel of industry, investor and U.N. groups has been working for more than a year on the standard, triggered by the 2019 collapse of Vale SAs Brumadinho upstream tailings dam that killed more than 250 people. The standard is not binding but the panel expects that miners will adhere to it. Tailings dams, some of which tower dozens of meters high and stretch for several kilometers, are the most common waste-disposal method for miners. Brazil has banned new upstream mining dams and ordered existing ones be deactivated by 2021. The review did not cover technical design or look to exclude certain types such as upstream dams from future use. It is unclear how soon the new standard will be released and how quickly miners will adopt it. Civil society groups had urged the panel to ban upstream dams while increasing accountability measures for corporate boards. Cheaper to build, upstream dams have higher risks because their walls are constructed over a base of muddy mining waste rather than on solid ground. More than a third of the worlds tailings dams are at high risk of causing catastrophic damage to nearby communities if they crumble, a Reuters analysis of company data found last year. \ The final draft compels miners to study all feasible sites, technologies and strategies for new tailings facilities to reduce risks. They would also be required to increase disclosure of risks while appointing one or more accountable executives with responsibility for tailings safety who are directly answerable to the chief executive and have regular communication with the board. They didnt go far enough to really make changes that are going to significantly impact the safety of tailings dam management, said David Chambers, a geophysicist and president of the Center for Science in Public Participation. Youre basically creating a sacrificial lamb, so that if something goes wrong you sacrifice the accountable executive and claim that it wasnt your fault. The review panel is backed by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), the U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP) and ethical investor group Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). A March deadline for finalizing the standard was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic but all three groups have now endorsed the final draft, a PRI representative said. The standard will have clear consequences for the way companies design tailings dams while underlining the responsibility of boards in decision-making, said Adam Matthews, head of the Church of Englands pension office. We are confident that if this standard is implemented, it will significantly improve safety across the mining sector, he said. ICMM Chief Executive Tom Butler said the standard is deliberately not too prescriptive and is a comprehensive first step in terms of setting expectations across the industry. ICMM represents global miners Vale, BHP Group, Glencore Plc and others. UNEP did not respond to a request for comment. Under the standards, an independent safety review of the riskiest structures must be completed at least every five years, with limits to stop one contractor from conducting consecutive reviews on the same facility. Such facilities would also face review at appropriate intervals by an independent tailings review board, the document said. Miners must also show adequate financial capacity (including insurance, to the extent commercially reasonable) is available to cover closure and reclamation costs, it said. Honor guards carry caskets containing the remains of 147 South Korean soldiers killed during the Korean War, which were returned home by a ROK Air Force KC-330 aerial tanker, during a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the 1950-53 conflict at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, Thursday. The anniversary event was held to show respect for fallen troops and demonstrate Seoul's commitment to friendly cooperation with the 22 nations that fought alongside it under the United Nations flag against the invading North Korean army. / Yonhap By Do Je-hae President Moon Jae-in has again extended an overture to North Korea in an effort to get soured inter-Korean relations back on track for peace talks. Marking the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, Thursday, Moon also urged North Korea to join efforts to achieve the "long-desired wish of 80 million Koreans" for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. His remarks come after tensions were escalated following the North's resumption of hostile rhetoric and activities toward the South, but subsided temporarily following North Korean leader Kim Jong-un giving an order Wednesday to withhold planned military actions. "I hope that North Korea will also boldly embark on an endeavor to end the most sorrowful war in world history," Moon said in a speech during a ceremony for fallen heroes of the war at Seoul Air Base. "I hope that the tragedy of the war suffered by the South, North and all Koreans will be shared by our future generations as a collective memory and become a strength to usher in peace. If we are going to talk about unification, we have to achieve peace first, and only after peace has continued for a long time will we be able to finally see the door to unification. "Achieving peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula is a duty that must be fulfilled without fail for both the parents who suffered through the War and their posterity who will usher in the next 70 years. It is the long-desired wish of 80 million Koreans." For this, the South Korean leader underlined the need for the two Koreas to learn to co-exist together, before speaking of unification. Moon stressed that the era of confrontation is over and that there must not be another war on the Korean Peninsula. Senior doctors question how good the tests are -- or even what they mean A group of senior clinical academics and physicians are concerned about the rapid roll out of covid-19 antibody testing in England and are publicly questioning how good the tests are - or even what they mean. In a letter to The BMJ, they argue that there is currently no valid clinical reason for large scale testing, test performance has not yet been adequately assessed, and testing risks inefficient use of scarce resources. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has described antibody testing as "game-changing" and last month the government purchased 10 million test kits from Abbott and Roche after Public Health England (PHE) studies showed they worked. However, the head of the NHS test-and-trace programme, Baroness Dido Harding, has said not enough was known about what level of protection coronavirus antibodies provided. And Professor Jon Deeks at the University of Birmingham, who has led the first systematic review of studies on covid-19 antibody tests, says "we don't have much data and we can't trust any of it." The experts argue that a positive antibody test result "does not indicate immunity" and that the concept of 'immune passports' that allow people to work, has not been established. What's more, they say the tests are being rolled out at an unprecedented pace and scale without adequate assessment, and with no data on performance in people at high risk including the elderly and those in black and minority ethnic groups. Finally, they say given that routine testing of patients is neither clinically urgent nor meets a clear public health need, "this push to introduce a non-evidence based test for uncertain gains risks inefficient use of scarce resources." Monitoring the covid-19 epidemic is important, they write, but the only current justification for large scale covid-19 antibody testing is for research purposes, including public health surveillance to inform epidemiology. "We would like to see a carefully developed and clearly articulated strategy for serological testing, with clear scientific or clinical aims (or both) as part of a unified covid-19 response strategy," they conclude. In an investigation also published today, journalist Stephen Armstrong talks to several experts and finds that it's not just the accuracy of the tests that are of concern. According to Sheila Bird from Edinburgh University's College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, there are several problems with PHE's evaluation of the Roche and Abbott tests, including quality of samples, the absence of data on age and sex, and use of repeat samples. Others argue that the purpose of the tests are still unclear, and that the demand for an expensive fast turnaround is arguably a waste of public money. A spokesperson for Roche Diagnostics UK told The BMJ: "We are rolling out antibody tests to the NHS as part of the crucial next step in understanding the spread of this virus, and providing greater confidence and reassurance as we move into the next phase of our response to this pandemic." A PHE spokesperson said: "Our evaluations have been completed in record time using the samples and tests that were available to us. We are confident that the volume of samples and methodology was of a high standard." "What people really want to know from these tests is - am I safe from infection?," says Al Edwards, associate professor in Biomedical Technology at Reading University. "These tests, at the moment, can't answer that." While Andrew Preston, reader in microbial pathogenesis at the University of Bath says the idea of buying antibody tests to create immunity passports "looked attractive but using them like that is some way off." In a statement to The BMJ, the Department of Health and Social Care said, "We do not currently know how long an antibody response to the virus lasts, nor whether having antibodies means a person cannot transmit it to others." But they reiterated that antibody testing "will play an increasingly important role as we move into the next phase of our response to this pandemic." ### Peer reviewed? No Evidence type: Letter; Investigation Subjects: Covid-19 antibody tests NEWPORT, Ore. - A coastal county in Oregon has rescinded a face mask policy that made exceptions for people of colour worried about racial profiling after a backlash spurred by an article in the New York Post that went viral. The Lincoln Country Board of Commissioners initially passed the policy on June 17 that gave leeway to those concerned about racial profiling and harassment due to wearing face coverings in public. As masks have become mandatory in communities across the U.S. to slow the spread of the coronavirus, some Black people have raised concerns that wearing a mask in public will make non-Black people perceive them as threatening or suspicious. After the Post article, thousands of people inundated the county of 50,000 people earlier this week with phone calls and emails expressing outrage about the exception. Many were from outside Oregon but some came from local residents, the board said. Late Wednesday, the commissioners said in a statement that the exception, while well-intentioned, was doing more harm than good and would be rescinded. Lincoln County has been dealing with a virus outbreak at a seafood processing plant in Newport, about 130 miles (209 kilometres) from Portland, that spread to the wider community. We included the protections for those within our communities of colour who historically, and often personally, found themselves the victims of harassment and violence, the Board of Commissioners and County Management team said. We are shocked and appealed at the volume of horrifically racist commentary we have received regarding this policy exemption. ... All this only a month after George Floyds death. The commissioners said several people of colour in the county called to ask that the exception be revisited because it was making them possible targets for more hate. The board agreed to do so and is working on a broader plan to address racism in its communities. While we would like to be done with this virus, it is not done with us, the statement said. Wear your face covering, be kind to each other. End racism now. Now, the only exceptions for the mask requirement involve people with medical conditions made worse by face coverings, children under 12 and people with disabilities that prevents them from using the face covering. Oregon Gov. Kate Brown required people in the states hardest-hit counties to wear masks in indoor settings starting Wednesday. The statewide policy also has some exceptions, but doesnt include anything as specific as Lincoln Countys original directive. TORRINGTON The Torrington Womans Club has decided to end its 98-year history. The small group of women, many who have been members for 20 years or more, say their dwindling membership drove their decision to disband. Connie Hall and June Zeiner, both of whom have belonged to the club for decades, said Wednesday that most of the remaining women are elderly, and no new members have joined for some time. Over the years, our membership has dropped off, and members have died, said Zeiner. Theres only about six of us left. The last time we met was in February, before the state was shut down, Hall said. Morning meeting times the club met at 10 a.m. at Center Congregational Church was also a factor, Zeiner said. Most women are working during the day, so even if they did want to come, they cant, because of the time, she said. So many women work today; its just not the same. The group always welcomed a speaker, often people from town or around Torrington, who shared their careers or promoted a community organization for the members. There was always someone to make coffee and bring refreshments. But even those responsibilities werent being fulfilled. Some of the women couldnt drive or walk very well, so it was difficult for them to make the meetings, Zeiner said. Unfortunately, this kind of thing has happened to a lot of clubs. Hall, who moved to Torrington around 2000, joined the Torrington Womans Club to make friends and get involved in the community. That approach was a success, she said. I still see some of the people I met, she said. We still go out to dinner, to the movies .... I moved here from East Windsor and when I first got here, I joined a group called Rides for Life, that gave cancer patients rides to their doctors appointments. Thats how I found out about the club, from someone there. Zeiner joined in 1998 after she retired from a 20-year career as an educator with the New Hartford Public Schools. A friend invited me to join, and not long after that, I became president, she said. When I join something, I like to get involved. We did a lot. Both Hall and Zeiner were proud to share what the club did to help the community in the 1990s and 2000s. We did so many different things, Zeiner said. We knitted hats and scarves for school children; we made Christmas baskets for needy families. We made backpacks for children who were taken from abusive homes, so theyd have something of their own to take with them. Sometimes, theyre taken out of the house with just what theyre wearing. Hall added, We did memory checks, so when a member died, wed make a donation to their favorite charity or the church. I remember bringing socks for veterans, clothing for the homeless. We always donated to Christmas Village and the Friendly Hands Food Bank. And we always did a scholarship for $500, for a Torrington High School graduate. The clubs final scholarship recipient is Margaret Schnyer, who will graduate from Torrington High School on July 1. Zeiner recalled that while she was president, there were nearly 80 members. Thats how we were able to do so much, she said. There were a lot of people, and they were interested in helping people. Because of her concerns for children, Zeiner said, she also gave a nutrition program to students at an elementary school, proving a cooking lesson before bringing in a local chef to do a demonstration. Another time, I got a call from Vogel Wetmore School, and I was told that there was a little girl who needed a toothbrush, because she didnt have her own and was using her grandmothers, she said. We had a dental hygienist come and talk to the children about brushing their teeth and dental health. Zeiner also found a second commitment when she was named chairman of the clubs literacy committee, and started a tutoring club for adults. Then we added children, and then we added the Northwest Connecticut Learning Center, (which still operates today in Torrington), she said. That was all started by the Torrington Womans Club. Zeiner still runs the center and matches tutors with an always waiting-list of students from the city. Since the pandemic, the center has been closed, but shes hopeful that it will reopen soon. In a final act of community service, the club donated most of its treasury, $4,400, to Charlotte Hungerford Hospitals COVID-19 PPE program. We also donated $523 to the learning center, said Hall, who is the clubs treasurer. By Express News Service BENGALURU: Chief minister BS Yediyurappa on Thursday said that the onus of ensuring there is no lockdown implemented in Bengaluru is in the hands of its citizens. Hinting that his government is not keen on a blanket ban, BS Yediyurappa said that precautions that need to be taken following the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Bengaluru will be discussed in a series of meetings on Thursday and Friday. Ahead of the cabinet meeting, the CM said that citizens will have to work with the government proactively to ensure home quarantine norms are followed diligently and social distancing norms and precautions are exercised voluntarily. "Bengaluru has been a model for the entire country. When compared to other big cities in the country, we have things under control. We have taken the necessary precautions in the backdrop of rising COVID 19 cases. We will make our containment measures even more stringent but people have to cooperate. Even after making it convenient for people to move about, people are not following social distancing norms or other precautions leading to spike in cases especially in slums. If people would like to keep Bengaluru from another seal-down please cooperate with the government and ensure precautions are practiced," BS Yediyurappa appealed. The chief minister also added that on Thursday a special meeting of ministers and officials from various departments will be held to assess the impact of sealing down measures taken by the government so far. On Friday, the chief minister will call for a meeting of all Bengaluru MLAs from all parties to discuss what further measures need to be taken. Even as fears over another blanket ban continue, sources from the Chief Minister's circle suggest that BS Yediyurappa is not keen on implementing another seal-down hampering economic activity as well as causing inconvenience to citizens. The chief minister is said to be keen on avoiding a blanket lockdown as much as possible given that the numbers are not as alarming as other cities across the country. TANZANIA, Tanzania - The U.N. humanitarian chief warned that without massive financial support, Yemen will fall off the cliff, with many more people starving to death, succumbing to COVID-19, dying of cholera and watching their children die because they havent been immunized for killer diseases. Mark Lowcock told a closed Security Council meeting Wednesday that COVID-19 is spreading rapidly across Yemen and about 25% of the countrys confirmed cases have died five times the global average. With the health system in collapse, we know many cases and deaths are going unrecorded, he said. Burial prices in some areas have increased by seven times compared to a few months ago. Lowcock said the coronavirus is adding one more layer of misery upon many others including appalling multi-casualty incidents and the countrys economy, which is heading for an unprecedented calamity. He pointed to the rapid depreciation of the Yemeni currency, the rial, a 10% to 20% rise in food prices in just two weeks, and the best available data indicate remittances may have already fallen between 50% and 70%. A virtual pledging conference for Yemen hosted by the U.N. and Saudi Arabia on June 2 saw 31 donors pledge $1.35 billion for humanitarian aid, including about $700 million in new funds, Lowcock said. Thats only about half of what was pledged last year, he said, and far below whats needed to keep humanitarian programs going. Reduced pledges from the Gulf region account for essentially all of the reduction, said Lowcock, whose speech was distributed by his office. The humanitarian chief said the impact has already seen 10,000 health workers working on the front lines responding to COVID=19 lose incentive pay. Water and sanitation programs that serve 4 million people will start closing in several weeks, he said. About 5 million children will go without routine vaccinations, and by August, we will close down malnutrition programs. A wider health program that helps 19 million people will stop, too, he said. We have never before seen in Yemen a situation where such a severe acute domestic economic crisis overlaps with a sharp drop in remittances and major cuts to donor support for humanitarian aid and this of course is all happening in the middle of a devastating pandemic, Lowcock said. He urged donors to turn pledges into cash and consider increasing the amount, and in addition to provide predictable foreign exchange injections to avoid total economic collapse. There is a stark choice before the world today: support the humanitarian response in Yemen and help to create the space for a sustainable political solution. Or watch Yemen fall off the cliff, Lowcock said. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Tuesday for more pressure to be applied to Yemens warring parties to come together to arrange a cease-fire in the war that has cost more than 10,000 lives, displaced 2 million people, and sparked the worlds worst humanitarian disaster. Yemeni people are suffering terribly and COVID-19 is worsening their situation, Guterres said in an interview with The Associated Press before the closed Security Council briefings by U.N. special envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths and Lowcock. In 2014, Iranian-backed Shiite Houthi rebels overran the capital, Sanaa, and much of Yemens north, driving the government of President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi into exile. A U.S.-backed, Saudi-led coalition intervened the following year to try and restore Hadis rule. The war has settled into a stalemate, compelling major regional players to seek an exit. Guterres said the United Nations has been working to bring the parties together and has been promoting confidence-building measures, namely in relation to the use of the airport, the harbours, the payment of salaries and at the same time the beginning of a political process. BJPs legislature party leader Babulal Marandi on Wednesday demanded chief minister (CM) Hemant Soren to dismiss his cabinet colleague, rural development minister Alamgir Alam, and his Barhait assembly representative Pankaj Mishra for allegedly managing a government tender for the settlement of toll under Bardharwa Nagar Panchayat in Sahebgunj district. The controversy surrounding the tender came to the fore after an audio containing telephonic conversation between minister Alam, CMs representative Mishra and a Pakur-based contractor Shambhu Nandan Kumar went viral. In the audio, Alam and Mishra were allegedly mounting pressure on the contractor to quit from participating in the bidding process. When the contractor didnt budge and went to participate in auction on June 22, a mob, allegedly guided by Mishra, entered in the Nagar Panchayat building, pulled the contractor out and thrashed him. Following this, contractor Shambhu lodged an FIR against Alam, Mishra and nine others. Two counter FIRs were also registered against the contractor. Marandi, in a tweet, asked the CM to dismiss Alam and remove Mishra. Marandi said, A minister is supposed to establish the rule of law and protect the interest of governments revenue. He is not expected to misuse the power to manage tenders causing loss to the exchequer. Since the matter is directly related to you, a judicial probe should be set up in the matter to curb the illegal practice of middlemen and brokers who have created a profitable venture of managing tenders and transfer postings, Maradi wrote in his tweet to CM Soren. BJPs Godda parliamentarian Nishikant Dubey too drew the CMs attention towards the issue in a tweet. Countering the allegations, Alam said, Its a conspiracy to defame me. Being a public representative, I owe a responsibility to address the problem of people of my constituency. Some people from Bardharwa came to me and lodged complaint against the contractor. I called him but he didnt pick up the phone. Around 4.30pm, he called me back. I just requested him to withdraw from Bardharwa Haat Bazaar settlement. He offered that he would leave Rajmahal instead of Bardharwa. I told him that Rajmahal is not my constituency and my only concern is with Bardharwa. During the conversation, I neither threatened him nor pressurised him. It was just a request, he said while speaking to media on Wednesday. The audio disclosed that soon after, the minister handed over the phone to CMs representative Mishra, who told the contractor that he had no option except to quit from Bardharwa. If you wouldnt, you cant carry your works independently in this region. Trouble will be created, he said. The contractor then entered into a heated argument with Mishra. Being the CMs representative, you cant threat common mass. I will drag you to the court. The contractor participated in the auction next day on June 22. They had made arrangements to prevent my entry in Bardharwa. Riding on a motorcycle with my face covered under a helmet, I somehow managed to enter the Nagar Panchayat building. But, they pulled me out and assaulted me even in the presence of police personnel. Following the ruckus, the administration cancelled the auction process, Shambhu said. He alleged that Mishra, through his henchmen, attacked him. Mishra, however, could not be be reached on phone despite repeated comments. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bedanti Saran Bedanti Saran is Special Correspondent in Jharkhand and has been handling legal beats, CBI, ED, Income Tax and other investigation wings for over a decade ...view detail Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 20:52:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Thursday announced the country will further ease its COVID-19 restrictions to spur economic growth. After easing some restrictions last month, the Zambian leader announced the reopening of international airports that were closed as part of efforts to contain the pandemic. He said during a national address on the COVID-19 pandemic that the reopening of the international airports was expected to result in the increased flow of international tourists, but called for heightened preventive measures at the three airports. The Zambian leader, however, said bars and night clubs will remain closed until the country starts experiencing favourable weather while the remaining classes in schools and colleges will reopen once the cold season was over. "As government, we have seen that the reopening of examination classes is already giving us vital information which we should take into account as we are considering resumption of the remaining classes as well as colleges and universities," he said. The Zambian leader expressed satisfaction that measures announced in March were yielding positive results in stemming the further spread of the pandemic. Meanwhile, the Zambian leader revealed that the country recorded eight new cases in the last 24 hours out of 569 tests conducted, bringing the cumulative total to 1,497 cases and 1,223 recoveries. Enditem Manila (CNN Philippines Life) On June 18, Today x Future announced on Instagram that they would be closing their doors permanently. The Cubao branch had been operating for nearly twelve years. Beloved by musicians and the queer community alike, TxF was considered a second home to its loyal patronage, well-known for its welcoming atmosphere and its promise, always, of a good time. The enhanced community quarantine has put the nightlife industry on a tentative hold, leaving owners to scramble for a means to get by. In its earlier weeks, a campaign was mounted to #SaveOurFuture by forwarding donations and making advance purchases. Now, with the news of Today x Futures closure, it was difficult for many to witness the end of an era from behind their screens. With no proper send-off party, people were quick to share images of their fondest memories and wildest nights on social media. The hashtag #KwentongTxF was used on Twitter to recount the glorious, the hazy, and the (more often than not) embarrassing times spent along Cubao Expo (its first location) and General Malvar. It was clear that over the last decade, many found their own voices and their own kin in Today x Future. One of the remarkable things about the space is how it became home to many creatives from different generations starting from the founders themselves. Many of the countrys best fashion designers, artists, photographers, DJs, and musicians call Today x Future home. Here, they recount how the space is more than just a bar but a nerve center of creativity and collaboration. Leah Castaneda (co-founder): Ive been living in Cubao for more than 40 years and have been frequenting Cubao X ever since. When I Love You Store finally moved there, I would just walk there to visit Mimi [one of Sharons business partners back then], whom Ive been friends with since the 90s when we were both still designing clothes for Milkwear. They asked me if I'd like to put up a cafe on the first floor cause they needed someone to half the rent with and collaborate with. I just said "yes ok," not knowing anything about running a cafe though I know I am very good at hosting parties. Soon, I had to decide the name. Since we've been calling it future (meaning our future spot during construction), I just said, lets just call it Future since we're already used to it. We merged and named it I LOVE YOU x FUTURE, which eventually evolved to Today x Future when ILY closed. My brother, Chie, helped us a lot especially with the music direction and film showings we would have every week. We used to go to raves together and even had a Thrift Thursdays night in ABGs where he would DJ and my friends and I would sell our stuff. Let's just say were greatly influenced by the 90s! I also asked my younger brother, Austin, to join the team and manage the bar. Yes, it was exactly how we imagined: a place for music, arts, and literature. We just never imagined or expected the impact that we've shared with the community. Sharon Atillo (co-founder): What we did not imagine though was that, as fun as it was making and working on TxF, it was also as hard making everything work. Samantha Samonte (DJ and part-owner): It was natural guidance that I received because it was a nursery for us misfits who are trying to find ourselves. It highlighted my love for music and arts, and taught me how to gain my own footing. Also being mentored by Leah all these years meant learning so much, from throwing clever events and talking to clients to making the most of littlest resources. Sharon Atillo: Everything I did was for TxF and its still my way of life. Working in an office doing 9-to-5 was out of the question; we actually "work" 24/7. TxF became a place that we made because it was possible to make it. Somehow it felt like it was served by fate that we build this place cause we didnt fit in anywhere else. I guess thats why so many have been affected by its closing because they also grew up with us. They look at pictures of themselves when we were still at Cubao X and say, "OMG I was still in college then I was so poor then I was so thin then" To quote one of our regulars: We were all broke but we were happy. Sharon Atillo. Photo by JOSEPH PASCUAL Leah Castaneda (center). Photo by JOSEPH PASCUAL Samantha Nicole Samone, musician Aly Cabral, rapper CALIX, and Karlo Vicente. Photo by JOSEPH PASCUAL Leah Castaneda: It wasnt just a party; it was an education of all sorts. It gave me a sense of fulfillment because we were able to contribute to the culture and provide a space for everyone. I agree with Shar! It became both our work and our life, where we learned so much from our community too. We all grew up together and built each other up. Perhaps the best asset of TxF was the music. People would always remember their favorite tunes, even long after their hangovers. Even international musicians, from Ladytron to Kings of Convenience, have played DJ sets in Future. Diego Mapa (musician): I first suggested to Leah their first CDJ kit: it was a Gemini mixer with 2 CDJs [...] the most affordable at that time in the market. Its not very good actually; it did not last very long because of everyday abuse, but it kick started TxF to be a dance club. I was able to DJ there so many times, it is there that I learned how to read crowds when DJ-ing. Learned all sorts of music from the other DJs. Also learned how to host a party, whether putting up my own DJ show or even hosting a party at home. Thats what Leah and her family are good at: hosting, serving the people, how to connect with guests. They also have good taste in clothes, music, and all sorts of pop culture. But the music being played there, especially in the earlier years, greatly influenced my taste in music. Gian Romano (fashion designer): Some of my best sets were played there. Sets that, at the end of the night, I wish I could remember the track sequence. Petra Magno (writer): My friend Carina [Santos] and I ran a music blog called "Warmest Corner," and maybe that's how we ended up behind the DJ booth one night in 2012, armed with an iTunes playlist that we put together. I don't remember exactly how or why we were blessed with that, but that was the first time I felt the thrill of watching people dance to music that we had intentionally chosen and arranged. That was also the night I discovered that dancing to Robyn, in a dark room with a disco ball surrounded with your friends, is transcendent. Mafia (DJ): When I first played [as a DJ], it was just a random request from Austin to make me come out more. I didnt think it was going to go anywhere after that, to be honest. But here I am now! Karlo Vicente (DJ): I remember years ago, no one was really doing disco, and we were already doing regular disco nights at Future. They gave me a space to do [my program], Blitz, which I didn't really plan, as it was sort of a last-minute thing. I thought it was just a one-time thing, but it became a monthly party. Its now [in] its fourth year. With my parties, I know these dont really make a ton of money, but Future gave me a space to do it. Kim FG (DJ): I was fresh-off-the-boat from Iloilo, wide-eyed and wanted to take it all in, freedom away from my parents, the excitement of falling in love with new people and places. I went to the Kylie Minogue concert in Araneta and sat beside Mersi Carballo's older brother and sister, singing out loud to songs. After the concert, they invited me to hang with them at Future, so I went and it was love at first sight. The people, the music, the euphoria of it all was a lot to take in. It was where I knew I wanted to be. Mersi Carballo (photographer): It was a whole different world to me, but the patrons and owners were so warm and open and made me feel at home right away. It definitely made a huge impact on my music taste. I discovered indie music there and learned how to spin. Mafia, James Grr, and fashion designer Santi Obcena. Photo by JOSEPH PASCUAL Kiko Escora. Photo by JOSEPH PASCUAL TxF's Chie Castaneda with Diego Mapa. Photo by JOSEPH PASCUAL Michael Benedicto (musician): The Future kids are big fans of indie pop, hosting regular shows around that type of music in its early days. Our band Outerhope produced music somewhat related to that genre, and we got invited to play in productions like Strict Rules of Polite Society and Strangeometry. From there, Future became a staple in our lives both in and out of performances. Diego Mapa: [My favorite was when] The Diegos opened for Reuben Wus DJ set (Ladytron). Erlend Oye and Jens Lenkman visited TxF (the latter did an impromptu DJ set), The Whitest Boy Alive crew also did an impromptu DJ set once, The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart also partied in TxF. Lastly, the legendary DJ, Keb Darge performed there, and they had a problem with the DJ mixer which, ahem, I had to go home, I think, to supply mine. Good times! It wasnt uncommon to pivot back and forth between creative fields through Today x Future. It held the intersection between different subcultures and demographics, making it very easy to try new things. Mike Lavarez (DJ and fashion designer): I was one of the "Season 1" kids of TxF. That time I was one of the designers of I Love You Store. Later on, our family grew and it became a haven for upcoming designers, artists, musicians, etc. It started making noise in the music, fashion and art industries because we hosted avant-garde fashion shows exhibits. It was where the Panty Monsters started! Ziggy Savella (fashion designer): As a baby gay fashion designer then it was such an amazing place to be. You get to meet all the designers you would read about in magazines, be able to talk to the people you usually just stalk on Live Journal. We all share the fashion, music, and the space like we are all equal. Sean Bautista (DJ and designer): They embody an aggressive punk and DIY attitude thats not devoid of its love for community and each stakeholder in its ecosystem. Its circular and inclusive approach has taught me that every voice in your community matters. Kiko Escora (DJ and artist): By default, the venue was very supportive of creativity and creatives, especially the young ones, and/or the under exposed. It has given numerous talents a platform to grow and flourish. In my case, I guess Ive been more of a quiet supporter and contributor to the trajectory of the place. The Today X Future pizza. Photo by JOSEPH PASCUAL Isola Tong. Photo by JOSEPH PASCUAL TxF's Austin Castaneda. Photo by JOSEPH PASCUAL Miguel Aquilizan (artist): TxF created an amazing ecosystem that mixed every subculture in one space. It created a safe space where there was no prejudice and pretension. It was an amazing community, a second family. Pau Tiu (graphic artist): I think having our studio (Bad Student) right next to the place has been such a cool experience for us. We would always mention TxF whenever someone asks us where our studio is located and people would instantly recognize the place. Its a nice icebreaker when meeting new people/artists. Austin Castaneda (DJ, stylist, and manager): Future gave me purpose, it gave me life. Apart from being a manager [...] madaming styling and DJ gigs, events and production opportunities ang nagmula sa Future. Lahat yan natutunan sa Today x Future, and eventually naturo ko din sa mga younger batch. Elyoo Dela Cruz (illustrator): Everyone was very open and supportive of whatever you wanted to do and as a (then) young creative. I think this has helped me to be more at ease with myself and I felt free to experiment and find my own voice/style. Julianna Force (DJ): I dont think you can ever be at Future and not grow as a person, because all the people there are brutally honest, but they always come from a good place. Jer Dee (illustrator): In 2017, Julianna Force one of the hosts of Bad Girls asked me to make an event poster. Her only brief was to make it fun. At the time, I was still struggling trying to find my aesthetic as an illustrator. When I finished that [first] poster, something clicked I really loved it. I felt that I finally figured out what I wanted to create moving forward. Bad Girls became my avenue for creating artworks I wouldnt be able to create anywhere else: loud and queer. Isola Tong (artist and architect): I'm a trans woman with very eccentric taste, and very few people in Manila could relate, but I found a place where I could listen and play and share my obscure musical interests. I think the place provided me a space to express and gain confidence creatively and provided chance meetings with creative people who helped me eventually with my career and self-discovery. James Grr (DJ and photographer): TxF gave me the opportunity to play around with my photography covering certain parties and was even able to participate in a group exhibit. I made flyers for some of the nights I threw and this is where I played my first ever DJ set. Ive learned so much about photography and DJ-ing just by hanging out with my friends on quiet weeknights. All these skills are basically the ones Ive been using to make a living. Without TxF, Im not really sure what Id be doing right now. TXF'S former manager PJ Christine and bar boys JP and Palafox. Photo by JOSEPH PASCUAL The TXF disco ball. Photo by JOSEPH PASCUAL Juan Miguel Severo (poet and writer): [In TxF,] people [hold] each other accountable for their craft. [People] are politically engaged, and unapologetically queer and involved in the struggle of the LGBTQIA+ community. We need people like that to keep us grounded and not lose sight of what matters. There is a movement happening amid the struggle, and being at TxF never failed to remind me that I should participate in it. RJ Santos (fashion designer): Without Future, I [think] hindi ako ganito ngayon in terms of how I think. Future was like a school na 'pag pumunta ka d'on, uuwi kang may bagong alam. At 'yung ikinaganda pa niya, hindi lang puro fashion. Iba-ibang fields, na puwede mong ma-apply sa ginagawa mo. It really had a huge impact especially on Randolf. D'on ko mas narealize and prove sa sarili ko na ok lang maging different and mag-isip differently. A Today x Future regular wouldnt be without a number of war stories and oddities under their belt. Its a trademark of the brand. When asked about a favorite TxF moment, too many to count is often the usual response, or perhaps, the decent one. Janine Gutierrez (actress): Last time I was there was the Babae at Baril and QCinema afterparty and it was perfect because TxF always felt like a haven for celebrations. People spilling out into the street, talking to everyone you bump into, not knowing who you'll see but feeling like everyone came there together. It felt like a community, a collective that made you feel there would always be a place in the world for all your wild ideas. Petersen Vargas (filmmaker): I shot a portion of BP Valenzuelas Steady music video in Future. The ending scenes to the pilot episode of my queer series Hanging Out was written with TxF specifically in mind. Future, in retrospect, has always given me a clear vision of how it must be to feel like a queer boy finally taking claim on his own body and heart. Raya Martin (filmmaker): I have so many core memories at Future but some surreal ones include hanging out with visiting artists like Antoine dAgata on a Cubao crawl, or dancing with Christopher Doyle on a slow weekday because he wanted a break from shooting a film. Dex Fernandez (artist): I threw a GaraParty in TxF back in 2016. Thats when I painted the garapata mural outside and so I 'garapatized' the interior as well with thousands of neon and glow in the dark stickers. I was in front of the DJs booth dancing when all of a sudden a friend passed out in my face. One of my friends told me about him [falling] on the floor and my reaction was Just ignore him, give him a break and we continued dancing. I lost sight of him. Another friend dragged me outside to check on him. He got hydrated and ventilated and brought back to normal. I asked him how he was, and he replied, Walangya ka, munting na akong mamatay! Neal Corpus (editor, stylist): There are funny memories ranging from sitting on the street in a circle to badly flirting with boys to drunkenly fighting over a fresh pack of cigarettes only to end up spilling it on the floor, but my favorite memory one has got to be hearing Robyn's Dancing On My Own for the first time and seeing everyone rush in after just hearing the first few notes. BJ Pascual (photographer): I had a long and very stressful shoot around Eastwood, and I went straight to TxF because I knew Mike was spinning that night. It was a bit early and no one was there. Mike behind the DJ booth, me on the dancefloor, just us two. He played one of our favorite songs, "Lost on the Way Home" by Chromeo and Solange, but with the tempo heavily slowed down. Its my first memory of Mike was at Future back in Cubao Expo, more than 10 years before we even got together, and I already had a crush on him back then. Fast forward to a decade and we're together alone in (almost) the same bar. "I dont think you can ever be at Future and not grow as a person, because all the people there are brutally honest, but they always come from a good place." Photo by JOSEPH PASCUAL Julianna Force (center). Photo by JOSEPH PASCUAL Joey Santos. Photo courtesy of JOEY SANTOS The owners and staff of Today x Future and its sister bar "Futurist" which is in Poblacion, Makati. Photo courtesy of AUSTIN CASTANEDA DJ Joey Santos (DJ, photographer): Eating pizza while lying down on the asphalt and thinking about all the possibilities: life began unfolding for me in a totally different way because of those nights spent in TxF and I have absolutely no regrets! James Grr: There was one night when I was hanging out with some of my friends and regulars were just having a few drinks, we got hungry and we all decided to pitch in and, for some reason, ordered all the chicken items on their menu. Stayed the whole night until closing time. We did this every Monday and even started calling Monday nights Chickenlambing Nights. I know its not the most eventful memory, but its one thats Ill always be fond of. Diego Mapa: I forgot what party it was, but it was late, everybody was happy with their own groups of company, scattered around the bar, chatting, some dancing away. The music was good, the crowds already on the streets. I think Sharon, one of the owners, attempted to leave. So, when she drove by, she had to open her window to say goodbye. She wasnt escaping, she was casually leaving. When she said goodbye, in a second, a hoard of friends opened all the doors, occupied the car, people on the roof dancing, people sat on the hood, sat on the back hood. The party, transferred to the car as if its an extension of the bar. Obviously, she stayed longer. Pau Tiu: My best friend and I were hanging out in Katipunan and we got bored. We went on Reddit to find people who were game to hang out and one guy replied and said that he was just around the area. Turns out, this guy was a magician? He showed us some card tricks (think David Blaine-ish) and a cool mobile app he was developing. The place we were drinking at was about to close so we decided to go to TxF. Once were there I didnt realize that I was wearing slippers and the bouncer told us he couldn't let us in. So this guy told us to wait and ran to his apartment thats 15 [minutes] away from TxF. We waited for 30 [minutes] and thought that the guy ditched us so we decided to just call it a night and go home. As we were about to leave, we saw him running with a pair of shoes in his hand. This dude came through! When the night ended he told me that I can keep the shoes as a remembrance. Celeste Lapida (filmmaker): [There was a night when Nadine Lustre] came, and everyone repeatedly asked each other Nandyan si Nadine? The 11th anniversary party was really fun too. But personally, I think my fave would be on one Fascination Street Friday, I had been invited by Elephant friends to go to XX to catch an international DJ. But I just wasnt feeling like dancing to techno. So I went to Future and danced all my moves to New Wave. Every day, different music, and knowing that, I think is my favorite. Joseph Pascual (photographer): I distinctly remember the week-long party Future threw for its 8th anniversary. It began Monday, and ended on Saturday with each night being a "Greatest Hits" of TxF's themed genre nights: Misyonaryo Mondays for old school and slow jams; Tuesday Jazz for soul, jazz, and live music; The Strict Rules Of Polite Society for indie pop; and open format night Kids These Days. Friday and Saturday were a mess. I was drunk for an entire week. It was the greatest week of my life. A Today x Future 'class picture.' Photo by JOSEPH PASCUAL *** With reporting by Don Jaucian Washington, June 25 : US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reiterated his support for Israel's plan to annex part of the West Bank despite the concerns of the UN, the European Union (EU) and other allies of Washington in the Middle East. "Decisions about Israelis extending sovereignty to those places are decisions for the Israelis to make," Pompeo at a press conference at the State Department on Wednesday. He also said that the Donald Trump administration is "talking to all of the countries in the region about how it is we can manage this process for our end-state objective", reports Efe news Pompeo's remarks came minutes after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres asked Israel to abandon its plan to annex parts of the West Bank, since executing them would be a "very serious" violation of international law. Also expressing concerns in recent days have been the top foreign policy representative for the EU, Josep Borrell, as well as Jordan and the United Arab Emirates, who believes that the annexation will destabilize the region. The possible annexation, which could begin as early as July 1, is contained in the Middle East plan Trump presented in January 2020. That plan, which was immediately rejected by Palestinian leaders, would allow Israel to annex a large part of the Jordan Valley and 235 of the illegal settlements established in the area by Israeli colonists, meaning that some 30 per cent of Palestinian territory in the West Bank would become Israeli territory, a situation that the UN says would be illegal. At his press conference, Pompeo alluded to that plan and said that Washington continues to work to make it a reality. "I regret only that the Palestinian Authority has refused to participate in that," Pompeo said, adding that "I remain hopeful that in the coming weeks, we can begin to make real progress towards achieving" Trump's plan. Since Trump arrived in the White House in January 2017, US relations with the Palestinians have worsened and have been practically non-existent since his decision to transfer the US Embassy to Jerusalem and to recognize that city as Israel's capital. Along with that decision have come others such as revoking the visas of top Palestinian officials and suspending aid to the UN agency for the Palestinian refugees. ISLAMABAD (AP) Pakistan's aviation minister said Wednesday that human error" on the part of the pilot, the co-pilot and air traffic control caused last month's Pakistan International Airlines crash in the port city of Karachi that killed 97 people. The announcement shed new light on the tragedy after Pakistani investigators earlier said only that the crash resulted from engine failure. It also revealed previously unconfirmed details, including that the plane had made a failed attempt at landing during which its engines apparently scraped the runway, causing significant damage. The plane went down in a residential area near Jinnah International Airport on May 22, just days after Pakistan lifted restrictions imposed over the coronavirus pandemic and resumed domestic flights ahead of the major Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Pakistan had been in a countrywide lockdown since mid-March because of the virus. When flights resumed in May, every other seat on planes was left vacant to promote social distancing, including on the doomed Pakistan International Airlines flight. There were only two survivors of the Airbus A320 crash, which was carrying 91 passengers and eight crew members. A 13-year-old girl from the neighborhood where the plane went down was critically injured and later died in a hospital. Aviation Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan, presenting preliminary findings in Pakistans probe into the crash in parliament, said the pilot ignored instructions from air traffic control while trying to land. According to the cockpit voice recorder, which was later found among the debris on the ground, the pilots had discussed the coronavirus throughout the flight, which had apparently affected their families. Pakistan reported 60 more COVID-19 deaths, increasing its fatalities from the new coronavirus to 3,755. Pakistan has reported 188,926 cases since February when it reported its first confirmed case. In a bid to contain the virus, Pakistan's government has sealed off high-risk residential areas across the country. Story continues The crash took place when the plane attempted to land a second time. Air traffic control told the pilot three times that the plane was too low to land but he refused to listen, saying he would manage, Khan said. The minister added that for its part, air traffic control did not inform the pilots about damage caused to the engines after the planes first failed landing attempt. The engines of the plane were damaged when they scraped the runway but the air traffic control did not inform the pilot, he said. Thus, pilots and ATC both did not follow protocols, Khan told the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament. Khan insisted the plane's crew was healthy and the Airbus A320 was completely fit to fly and had no technical fault prior to the crash. A full report on the crash is expected in a years time. He said both the pilot and the co-pilot were extremely experienced but due to overconfidence and lack of focus, the tragedy took place. Just minutes before the crash, the flight crew declared an emergency and stated that both engines had failed, Khan read from the report. The aircraft crashed about 1,340 meters short of the runway, he said. ___ Tanveer reported from Multan, Pakistan. Children are unlikely to fall seriously ill with coronavirus and the risk of them dying from the disease is 'very low', another study has confirmed. Researchers from Great Ormond Street Hospital in London looked at more than 582 children aged three and above who were diagnosed with Covid-19 across Europe during the height of the crisis in April. The study found that, out of 363 children who went to hospital for treatment, fewer than one in 10 (8 per cent) needed intensive care. Four patients (0.68 per cent) died during the research but academics cautioned the study only included patients who sought help and were tested for Covid-19. This means milder cases would not have been included. For this reason they advise against extrapolating the numbers observed in their study to the wider population. They say if milder cases were taken into consideration, the risk of being hospitalised or dying from Covid-19 for children would be drastically reduced. Lead researcher Dr Marc Tebruegge, from the University College London Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health in London, said the findings were 'reassuring'. It comes after analysis of UK Government by a top Cambridge University statistician revealed children under 14 have a one in 3million chance of dying from Covid. For comparison, the risk for over-75s is about one in 1,000 and for those over 90 it is one in 50, according to Sir David Spiegelhalter. Children are unlikely to fall seriously ill with coronavirus and the risk of them dying from the disease is 'very low', another study has confirmed (file) He added: 'Our study provides the most comprehensive overview of Covid-19 in children and adolescents to date. 'We were reassured to observe that the case fatality rate in our cohort was very low and it is likely to be substantially lower still, given that many children with mild disease would not have been brought to medical attention and therefore not included in this study. 'Overall, the vast majority of children and young people experience only mild disease. 'Nevertheless, a notable number of children do develop severe disease and require intensive care support, and this should be accounted for when planning and prioritising healthcare resources as the pandemic progresses.' CHILDREN PUT OFF GETTING EMERGENCY CARE DURING LOCKDOWN Almost a third of UK paediatricians reported a delay in children seeking emergency care during the coronavirus lockdown, according to a new survey. Some 241 doctors said they had dealt with children who turned up for treatment or diagnosis later than would have been expected before the pandemic. The so-called 'delayed presentations' were most common among children with diabetes and sepsis (blood poisoning). The British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU) carried out a snapshot survey on April 24 asking 4,075 consultants whether they had seen any delayed presentations in children over the past 14 days. It was undertaken amid reports of falling attendances at emergency care departments during the Covid-19 lockdown in the UK. The survey authors said: 'Parents should continue to access medical care if they are concerned and must not delay getting emergency treatment if their child appears seriously ill. 'Otherwise, the unintended consequences of the lockdown will do more harm and claim more children's lives than Covid-19.' The survey, published online in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, found that delayed presentation was thought to be a contributory factor in the deaths of nine children. Some 2,433 (60%) paediatricians replied to the BPSU's survey, of which 241 out of 752 (32%) consultants working in emergency care and paediatric admissions said they had dealt with delayed presentations. A total of 57 (eight per cent) respondents said they had seen more than three children present for diagnosis or treatment later than would be expected. The survey authors acknowledged the responses were subjective and based on opinion, adding there was no baseline data for comparison. They said: 'Our findings highlight an urgent need to improve public health messaging for parents, which until recently instructed everyone to stay at home. 'Children attending primary care and hospitals remain at very low risk of SARS-CoV-2 [the virus that causes Covid-19] infection.' The number of reports of delayed presentations varied across the UK, ranging from 14% in Wales to 47% in the Midlands and the east of England - where it was the highest. The 4,075 consultants surveyed represent more than 90% of all those working in the UK and Ireland. Professor Russell Viner, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, which co-owns Archives of Disease in Childhood with the British Medical Journal, said: 'We know that parents adhered very strongly to the 'stay at home advice' and we need to say clearly that this doesn't apply if you're child is very sick. 'Should we experience a second wave or regional outbreaks, it is vital that we get the message out to parents that we want to see unwell children at the earliest possible stage.' Advertisement The study - published in the journal Lancet Child & Adolescent Health - was carried out over a three-and-a-half week period from April 1 to April 24, when most of Europe was battling their crises' peak. It involved 82 specialist healthcare institutions across 25 European countries, including the UK, Spain and Austria. Only a quarter of the children had pre-existing medical conditions. This contrasts with adult studies where the proportion of patients with co-morbidities is typically far higher. But this likely reflects that children have fewer chronic medical problems than adults overall in the general population, the authors say. The researchers found that the most common symptom reported was fever (65 per cent) , while around half of the infected children had signs of upper respiratory tract infection (54 per cent). A quarter had evidence of pneumonia. Gastrointestinal symptoms were reported in around a fifth of the children (22 per cent). Some 92 children, most of whom were tested due to close contact with a known Covid-19 case, had no symptoms at all (16 per cent). The vast majority of patients did not require oxygen or any other support to help them breathe at any stage (87 per cent). Only 25 children needed mechanical ventilation (4 per cent), but when they did need it, that support was typically required for a prolonged period, often for a week or more. A total of 29 children were found to be infected with one or more additional respiratory viruses at the same time as SARS-CoV-2, such as ones that cause a cold or a strain of influenza. Of these, 24 per cent required intensive care compared with 7 per cent of children who had Covid-19 on its own. Co-author Dr Begona Santiago-Garcia, one of the lead authors from University Hospital Gregorio Maranon in Madrid, Spain, said: 'This is the first study of children with Covid-19 to include data from multiple countries and multiple centres. 'Of note, we found that children in whom additional viruses were detected in the respiratory tract at the same time as SARS-CoV-2 were more likely to be admitted to intensive care. 'This could have important implications for the upcoming winter season, when cold and flu infections will be more common.' Four patients died during the study period, two of whom had pre-existing medical conditions. All of the patients who died were older than 10 years of age. However, the overwhelming majority of patients were alive when the study closed (99 per cent), with only 25 (4 per cent) still experiencing symptoms or needing support for their breathing. At the time the study was conducted, testing capacity in many European countries was lower than demand, and so many children with Covid-19 and mild symptoms would not have been tested or diagnosed. Different countries were using different criteria to screen for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Some were screening all children admitted to hospital while others were more selective in which patients were offered a test. This lack of standardisation makes it difficult to generalise the findings to the wider population, the authors say. But the true case fatality rate in children is likely substantially lower than that observed in this study (0.69 per cent), they concluded. Co-author Dr Florian Gotzinger, from the Wilhelminenspital hospital in Vienna, Austria, added: 'Although Covid-19 affects children less severely than adults overall, our study shows that there are severe cases in all age groups. 'Those who have pre-existing health issues and children under one month of age were more likely to be admitted to intensive care. 'Well-designed, randomised controlled studies on antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs in children are needed to enable evidence-based decisions regarding treatment for children with severe Covid-19.' UK Government figures show school children under the age of 15 have a 'tiny' one-in-3.5million chance of dying from coronavirus and are more likely to be hit by lightning. Analysis of data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows the death rate for youngsters aged five to 14 in England and Wales is around one in 3.5million. For under-5s it is one in 2.3million only 14 people aged under 19 have died with confirmed or suspected Covid-19 since the start of the outbreak. In comparison, between 30 and 60 people are hit by lightning every year in the UK, according to figures from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal A section of a budget solvency bill aimed at absorbing a revenue drop caused by the coronavirus pandemic and plummeting oil prices would reduce the appropriation to the school funding formula by about $45 million to reflect federal stimulus dollars received by school districts. And some school leaders are calling foul. A Legislative Education Study Committee analysis describes this aspect of the bill, which was sent to the governor for final approval, as a CARES Act Swap, saying the $44.7 million takes into account funding provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. School districts and state-chartered charter schools will receive at least $97.1 million, which can be used for any educational purpose allowed under other federal grant programs, and PED will receive up to $10.9 million to distribute to schools for statewide priorities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the LESC analysis. Sen. Bill Soules, D-Las Cruces, said, That money was designated for schools because they have had increased costs and expenses as a result of the (coronavirus pandemic). And what weve done is weve taken credit for it to fix the hole in the state budget. Overall, state equalization guarantee funding for Fiscal Year 2021 will be about $23 million higher than the previous year. Still, districts are arguing the money they got from the CARES Act is already earmarked for costs related to the pandemic, not typical operational expenses. Rep. Patricia Lundstrom, D-Gallup, the chairwoman of the House Appropriations and Finance Committee, defended the Legislatures handling of public school spending, which makes up about 46% of the states overall budget. What were really trying to do with the education budget is let local school districts decide how to use the funding, Lundstrom said during a news conference Tuesday. Officials from the states largest school district, Albuquerque Public Schools, wrote a letter to lawmakers ahead of the session, saying the federal money helps pay for virus responses such as safety measures and the extra costs of teaching during a pandemic. These federal dollars should not go to fill shortfalls in operational costs, as proposed by the Legislative Finance Committee. Instead, (state equalization guarantee) funding should be preserved for school operations, the letter said. Chief Financial Officer Tami Coleman is projecting the CARES Act Swap could result in up to a $10 million reduction in APS budget. The districts portion of the CARES Act money was about $26 million. This week the Public Education Department released guidance on back-to-school for the coming year, which will kick off with a mix of in-person and online learning. Adhering to the plan and opening schools during a pandemic comes with skyrocketing costs, according to chief operations officer and soon to be acting superintendent of Albuquerque Public Schools Scott Elder. Its more expensive to operate in this environment than it is in a normal environment, Elder said during a press conference Wednesday. While he didnt have a total price tag on costs yet, he said it will be a combination of funds to cover all expenses, adding that more information is forthcoming as the district has until Aug. 1 to submit its detailed plan to the state. Veronica Garcia, superintendent of Santa Fe Public Schools, said the bill could result in the district dipping into reserves. To me, this is somewhat of a cash sweep in sheeps clothing because its going to force districts to dip into their reserves to be able to cover some of these nonrecurring expenses, Garcia said. Santa Fe received about $2.5 million from the CARES Act, which is slated to cover unexpected costs like safety equipment, cleaning, scheduling logistics and hot spots. That $44 million credit against the state equalization guarantee from the CARES Act will directly impact how I am going to keep my kids safe, Garcia said. Garcia said SFPS expects about a $1 million decrease to its budget with the adjusted state equalization guarantee. In Gallup, superintendent Mike Hyatt had a similar sentiment, asserting that taking credit for this money in the state equalization guarantee is contrary to the federal intent. Hyatt said Gallup McKinley County Schools received a little over $6.8 million from the CARES Act, which is already earmarked. All the money we have received and budgeted is for technology and PPE directly to help starting back-to-school in the fall, he said. Some other state agencies would also see reductions based on their federal allocations. Journal Capitol Bureau Chief Dan Boyd contributed to this story. Nearly two months after approving a rezoning request for a Wegmans distribution center in Hanover, the countys Board of Supervisors voted Wednesday to restrict truck traffic on four nearby roads to mitigate its impact. If approved by the Virginia Department of Transportation, the move would ban heavy trucks and semi-trailers on Ashcake Road, Atlee Station Road, New Ashcake Road and Peaks Road. Pickup and panel trucks would be exempt from the ban. The volume of truck on these roads ... is going to exponentially increase over the years, said Travis Hebert, a county resident who said he has worked as a consultant for Wegmans distribution system. The roads we currently have are woefully inadequate as they stand, he said. They cant even handle a trailer going down the road and having another car pass without endangering that car. Others who spoke, including some of the supervisors, said heavy truck traffic on those roads could also pose a risk to bicyclists and pedestrians. COVID-19 has shattered the aviation industry, with nations closing their borders and banning all but essential travel. A world where people could hop from country to country is now one where empty planes travel to maintain contractual obligations. Major carriers, including American, IAG, Delta and Lufthansa have all asked for government bailouts. One airline that will receive a substantial amount of taxpayer cash is Air France-KLM, which will get around $17 billion worth of help. That figure comes with conditions, including that the Franco-Dutch conglomerate cuts its CO2 emissions and buys gear from the France-based Airbus. Airbus is, of course, one of the worlds two major aircraft manufacturers, the other being the US-based Boeing. But, even now, its not clear that any quantity of cash will be enough to see flying return to the levels seen in 2019. Whatever we were used to, in terms of cost, convenience and experience, its not going to be the same for a while. Just last week, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said that only 45 percent of travelers asked intended to fly within a few months of the pandemic subsiding. Perhaps the biggest casualty of COVID-19 so far has been the Airbus A380 and the flying it represented. This superjumbo jet, competition for the Boeing 747, was designed to offer mass transit in the skies, to convey huge volumes of people around the world in its double-decker cabin and a potential capacity of more than 850. Work on the A380 began in the early 90s, with the first vessel entering service in 2007, and its instantly recognizable. Less a plane and more like a bus, it hauls people between major hub airports, where they get a single-aisle craft to their destination. The idea of air travel, back at the A380s genesis, was that youd fly to, say, JFK, and then get an A380 to Cape Town, Paris or Shanghai. A number of carriers have A380s, but its become synonymous with Emirates, which has a staggering 115 of the craft in its fleet. But despite the planes relative youth, launching just over a decade ago, the virus has hastened the A380s demise. Airbus announced last year it would stop manufacturing the plane, and according to Bloomberg, even Emirates, its biggest booster, no longer wants its remaining deliveries. Other carriers are also swinging the axe on their A380s, including Air France-KLM, which brought forward the definitive end of A380 operations by two years. In a statement, the airline said that doing so would make its fleet more competitive, with a significantly reduced environmental footprint. In its place would be smaller planes, like Airbus A350s and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Business Traveler said that Lufthansa is speeding up the phase-out of its own A380s, reducing its fleet of the superjumbo by half. Qantas, similarly, has said it will use smaller single-aisle planes on its long-haul routes until at least September with eight of its 10 A380s grounded until then. From an airworthiness perspective, the A380s retirement is premature very premature. For comparison, a Boeing document from 2013 says the operational lifespan of its commercial aircraft is around 30 years. AerSale, a company offering aftermarket support for planes, says that from purchase to retirement, a plane should last between 20 and 36 years. If the A380 disappears from the skies by 2022, it will have lived in total for not even half of its potential lifespan. The problem with the A380 is that Airbus had banked on a hub and spoke model for international travel, but failed to spot the flaw in that plan. Taking a short hop to a hub airport and then on to another on the other side of the world will always add hours to a journey. Its something that rival Boeing did pick up on. And it went in the opposite direction. Back in 2002, Boeings Peter Rumsey, then head of new airplane development, wrote that passengers demonstrated a preference for flights that take less time. He added that it was common sense to take people where they want to go, and what passengers wanted more than anything else was more direct flights. At the time, Rumsey was hyping Boeings Sonic Cruiser concept, a new plane with a delta wing formation that would cruise at Mach 0.95 (around 729MPH). The Sonic Cruiser would fly higher than existing planes, with reduced turbulence and faster speeds. And, crucially, rather than trying to build a plane to cater for 800-plus passengers, Boeings Sonic Cruiser would transport between 200 and 250. The Sonic Cruiser project did not survive, with a post-9/11 slump causing interest in the project to dry up. But its original spirit, and some of the ideas, trickled down to Boeings next big, albeit far less radical, new aircraft: the 787 Dreamliner. The 787 is made of lightweight composite materials, has a higher internal pressure (for passenger comfort) and is far cheaper to run than similarly sized rivals. The A380 had other problems, too. Its sheer size meant that airports had to make special alterations to their gates to accommodate such a plane. It also meant that it required larger crews and more engines, increasing the cost of each flight. One Forbes report said that every hour the A380 was in flight cost between $26,000 and $29,000. A Dreamliner, by comparison, costs closer to $11,000 an hour to fly. Airlines will likely replace the A380 with smaller aircraft from Airbus and Boeing to reduce emissions and to deal with a drop in expected passenger numbers. What we wont see, in the eyes of at least one aviation expert, is news of a next-generation airplane in the near future. Bill Blain is a market strategist at Shard Capital with a focus on the business of flying. He feels the aviation industry has badly misjudged the market. Its a right bloody mess, he said, with both companies obsessing over making bigger, more capacious aircraft. Blain said that, while the Dreamliner is a wonderful plane, a better bet would have been a smaller plane. He believes that airlines were always going to want planes closer to the 737 a narrow-body plane with a capacity around 200 than the bigger 747. If you [as an airline] can get a small plane that you can make economical with 200 people on board, then youre golden. Blain said that Boeings failure to properly replace the 737 with a brand new aircraft has led to tragedy. The 737 Max, which modified the existing 737 design, led to two crashes that claimed 346 lives. Airlines will need to pay for these early retirements, but Blain said they cant simply raise ticket prices. The post-COVID economy is likely to be in recession or at least stricken enough that money is tight for everyone. Theres not going to be the money available [in the economy] to hike airline prices, and airlines need bums on seats, he said. Whats missing, however, is a next-generation advance that could really move the aviation market forward. Blain said the planes airlines will buy, like Airbus A320/321 and Boeings 737 Max, use old tech and arent very fuel efficient, both things airlines crave. He adds that both companies have neglected to invest in training new engineers to replace the experienced ones who are reaching retirement age. Airbus and Boeing declined to comment for this story, but both companies have new aircraft in the works. The latter is working on a New Midsize Airplane, which will reportedly seat between 220 and 270 passengers. However, Reuters reported in April that the program halted while the company scrambles to fix the 737 Max debacle. Airbus next-generation craft could have been the hybrid-electric E-Fan X, co-developed with Rolls Royce. But that initiative died in April, a year before the aircraft was expected to take to the skies. The company is also working on a delta-wing concept, MAVERIC, with a bigger cabin but with a 20 percent reduction in fuel burn. But that wont be ready for decades, if ever, and theres still a need for aircraft that can ride the rough skies that COVID leaves behind. Union home minister Amit Shah asked a few questions to Congress and gave some advice to the Opposition party which has been attacking the government over various issues like India-China face-off and fuel price hike. As one of Indias opposition parties, Congress needs to ask itself: Why does the Emergency mindset remain? Why are leaders who dont belong to 1 dynasty unable to speak up? Why are leaders getting frustrated in Congress? Else, their disconnect with people will keep widening, he tweeted on Thursday. As one of Indias opposition parties, Congress needs to ask itself: Why does the Emergency mindset remain? Why are leaders who dont belong to 1 dynasty unable to speak up? Why are leaders getting frustrated in Congress? Else, their disconnect with people will keep widening. Amit Shah (@AmitShah) June 25, 2020 He indirectly targeted the Gandhi family by talking about the dynasty and claimed that leaders in the Congress are getting frustrated. Shahs tweet comes a day after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Jagat Prakash Naddas blistering attack in the Congress and the Gandhi family for questioning the governments stand on June 15 face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh. He said that a rejected and ejected dynasty is not equal to the entire Opposition. One royal dynasty and their loyal courtiers have grand delusions of the Opposition being about one dynasty. A dynast throws tantrums and his courtiers peddle that fake narrative. Latest one relates to the Opposition asking questions to the Government, Nadda said on Twitter on Wednesday. He called it the Oppositions right to ask questions and added healthy deliberations took place at the all-party meeting over the face-off in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. Nadda added several opposition leaders gave their valuable inputs at the meeting. They also fully supported the Centre in determining the way ahead. One family was an exception. Any guesses who? Nadda said in another tweet. He added a time rejected and ejected dynasty is NOT equal to the entire Opposition. The Congress hit back and reminded Nadda of the BJPs conduct as an opposition party until 2014. BJP should not hide behind the army. The BJP should look back at its conduct when it attacked the government on delicate foreign policy issues during the UPA rule, Congress spokesman Manish Tewari said on Wednesday. The war of words has been going on between the BJP and the Congress over the June 15 skirmish in the Ladakh region in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. The Congress has targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of giving away Indian territory to China. PM Modi had asserted at the all-party meeting that no one has entered our territory, no one is at present within our territory and no one has occupied our posts. This was in reference to the situation in the Galwan Valley after Indian Armys brave action to thwart Chinese attempts to erect a structure on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). SAN JOSE, Calif., June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tech CU (Technology Credit Union) is pleased to formally announce the appointment of Dr. Deepti Jaggi to its Board of Directors. Deepti joined Tech CUs board in January 2020 and is a member of its compensation committee. An expert at transforming businesses through technology and advanced analytics, Deeptis experience includes serving as President and Chief Marketing Officer of Clinakos Inc., a Silicon Valley company at the forefront of applying artificial intelligence and digital technologies to healthcare and life sciences. Deepti helped transform Clinakos from an up and coming startup to a successful, revenue generating company. She has also served as an advisor to multiple venture capital and private equity firms including as a consultant to TPG Capital. Her prior work experience includes more than a decade of increasing responsibilities at Johnson & Johnson, Genentech, Kaiser Permanente and Oracle Corporation through which she worked at National Institutes of Health. We are excited that Deepti is on our board, said Todd Harris, CEO of Tech CU. Her experience transforming businesses through the strategic implementation of technology and advanced analytics is extremely valuable as Tech CU looks to grow and evolve in the future. I have long admired Tech CUs commitment to its members and innovative banking. Institutions like Tech CU are key to helping grow and sustain our economy in these uncertain times. I am honored to be a part of the Tech CU board and look forward to contributing to its mission of delivering an extraordinary member experience that WOWs, educates and empowers its members to succeed financially, said Deepti. In addition to serving on the Tech CU Board, Deepti is also the Co-Chair of Stanford Women on Boards, where she has been serving as an advisory board member for the last seven years. In the past, she has also served on the boards of both nonprofit and private companies. Deepti has a Pharm. D from the University of Southern California and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. About Tech CU Tech CU (Technology Credit Union) has assets in excess of $3 billion, making it one of the 20 largest credit unions in California. It serves more than 125,000 members living and working throughout the counties of Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego. As a federally insured not-for-profit organization, Tech CU invests its resources to deliver lower rates, outstanding service and member benefits. Founded in 1960 by the innovative employees of Fairchild Semiconductor, today Tech CU continues to leverage technology to provide convenient and easy-to-use financial products for all stages of their members lives, including personal banking, wealth management, private banking, commercial lending and business banking. In 2019, Tech CU was named the best-performing credit union in CA, and third best-performing credit union in the U.S. for the second year in a row, among the 552 credit unions with assets over $500 million evaluated by S&P Global Market Intelligence. To learn more, please visit: www.techcu.com . Contact: Linden Kohtz Public Relations, Tech CU lkohtz@techcu.com An elderly man claims he has spent almost a decade and $70,000 trying to evict his daughter from his apartment so he can sell the property and move into a nursing home. Katrina Grundy, 49, has allegedly been squatting rent-free in her father Peter's Melbourne apartment for eight years. After his wife died a year ago, Mr Grundy, 84, tried to move into a care home in his home town of Denilliquin, in regional New South Wales. A desperate elderly man has spent almost a decade and $70,000 trying to evict his daughter from his apartment so he can sell it and move into a nursing home But to afford the nursing home fees, Mr Grundy needs to sell the city unit that Katrina refuses to move out of. 'I just can't believe this is happening. I'm sure it has taken the bit of youth I had left in me,' Mr Grundy told A Current Affair. 'I've got to pay up front in a retirement village more than I'd get for this house... I'm not entitled to a pension.' In a bid to stop her father from selling the apartment, Katrina placed a caveat on the unit without his knowledge. 'It's incredible that anyone who's got a persuasive manner can do that,' Mr Grundy said. But Katrina claims her parents gave her the unit eight years ago, and insisted she and her father 'don't have a problem' 'Very clever and very clever in legal terms - and solicitors and the barrister said - she is someone I've never met the like of. 'She has an enormous capability to come up with things we never hear of.' But Katrina claims her parents gave her the unit eight years ago, and insisted she and her father 'don't have a problem'. 'I think you've got the wrong story,' she said when confronted by A Current Affair. Mr Grundy has gone down every legal avenue possible to try and evict her to no avail. The retiree has spent more than $70,000 in legal fees in the process. 'The state of Victoria has no other mechanism available to Peter to get her out - he's followed through on everything he can do,' property lawyer Justin Lawrence said. 'Yet she remains, and it seems every day she remains it's another day of injustice for him.' Katrina Grundy, 49, has been squatting rent-free in her father Peter's Melbourne apartment (pictured) for eight years Mr Grundy said he's also lost about $200,000 in rent on top of paying for body corporate fees and rates. Katrina claims she gave her father money towards rent and bills, but couldn't provide any evidence. Police have taken an AVO out against her to protect Mr Grundy from being abused. Katrina didn't go to her mother Margaret's funeral 18 months ago. Tech giant Atlassian has unveiled plans to build a record-setting $1billion tower in Sydney's CBD as part of a joint venture with the NSW Government. The 180-metre-tall building with 40 storeys will be overlook Sydney's Central Station and be the tallest 'hybrid timber' tower in the world once completed. On Wednesday Atlassian revealed the plans for the new headquarters in the city's tech precinct, which will be home to 4,000 staff and be completed by 2025. The global software giant has dubbed the project the 'tallest commercial hybrid timber' building in the world. Scroll down for video Tech giant Atlassian has unveiled plans to build a record-setting $1billion tower in Sydney's CBD as part of a joint venture with the NSW Government On Wednesday Atlassian revealed the plans to the new headquarters at the tech precinct Atlassin co-founders Scott Farquhar, Mike Cannon-Brookes, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and Minister Stuart Ayres arrive for the announcement of a new Tech hub for Sydney on Tuesday With a groundbreaking design using timber and a glass and steel facade, the building will have a mix of outdoor and indoor areas. It will also use an energy-efficient approach featuring natural ventilation and large planted terraces giving access to nature. The building plans to completely regenerate Central Station as part of the state government's plan to build a new tech precinct for 25,000 employees. Atlassian was the first to sign up to the precinct plan with construction generating 2,500 jobs, with the existing YHA hostel on the site being incorporated into the tower. Co-founder Scott Farquhar said the company was hoping to build a 'long-term' work-space despite the coronavirus pandemic forcing people to work from home. 'Technology can turbo-charge Australia's recovery. That's why we're building this precinct. We want to create jobs, ideas and innovation,' Mr Farquhar said. The 180-metre-tall building with 40 storeys will be situated near Sydney's Central Station and be the tallest 'hybrid timber' tower in the world once completed Atlassian, founded by friends Mike Cannon-Brookes (left) and Scott Farquhar (middle) was named co-creator of the government-funded project in 2018 The building plans to completely regenerate Central Station as part of the state government's plan to build a new tech precinct for 25,000 employees 'This will be home to thousands of workers and the best new ideas. If you want to work in tech - this is the place you will want to be.' Mr Farquhar says Sydney has the 'potential' to be a leading technology city with the tech precinct just the start of what is to come. 'This building will breathe new life into this part of Sydney. It's an amazing design,' he said. 'We've searched the world to find the best architects and engineers to put it together.' 'We're embarking on this project at a critical time. Projects like these will help the state and the nation bounce back from the massive impact of COVID-19.' NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has praised the company as a 'great Australian success story'. NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has praised the company as a 'great Australian success story' It will also use an energy-efficient approach featuring natural ventilation and large planted terraces giving access to nature The tower will be built on 8-10 Lee Street, Sydney, currently occupied by the YHA hostel 'It's very fitting for them to have their headquarters here in Sydney,' she said. 'Tech Central will rival Silicon Valley as the place to be. This means more jobs and opportunities for all of our citizens.' Following an extensive global search the company chose New York-based architects SHoP and Australian practice BVN as the design team. SHoP Founding Principal William Sharples said they are focusing on 'elevating the experience of the public realm in urban environments'. 'We really welcome this opportunity to work with such wonderful partners to create a high-performance landmark for Sydney's new tech district, at ground level and in the skyline,' he said. Atlassian, founded by Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar, was named co-creator of the government-funded project in 2018. The initiative is expected to create 10,000 new jobs over the next 16 years. Co-CEO's of Atlassian Scott Farquhar and Mike Cannon-Brookes along with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian arrive to a press conference in Sydney on Thursday A British Royal Mail delivery office in London. (AP Photo/Akira Suemori) The Royal Mail (RMG.L) said on Thursday that it would axe around 2,000 management jobs as part of plan to save 300m ($373m) in costs in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. Citing long-standing shifts to its business, the company said that the pandemic had hastened the decline of its letters business, with customers instead sending more parcels. A management restructure, part of a three-stage cost-cutting plan, will see around 2,000 roles eliminated, with the Royal Mail hoping to save 130m next year and a further 170m in the following year. "In recent years, our UK business has not adapted quickly enough to the changes in our marketplace of more parcels and fewer letters. COVID-19 has accelerated those trends, presenting additional challenges, said Keith Williams, the interim executive chairman of the Royal Mail group. READ MORE: European stocks decline as outbreak in US spirals The company said it would carefully and sensitively consult on the job losses with workers and their representatives. The move comes as the firm faces a huge surge in costs due to the coronavirus crisis. Revenue in April and May was broadly flat compared to the same months in 2019 when the impact of last years European Parliament elections, which boosted the companys bottom line, is excluded. While parcel volume rose by 37% during the first two months of its financial year, total costs climbed by 80m, driven by overtime and other costs related to high levels of employee absence, social distancing measures, personal protective equipment and parcel-related volume costs. Profits were thus around 108m lower in April and May, the Royal Mail said on Thursday. The company unexpectedly announced last month that chief executive Rico Back had stepped down with immediate effect after less than two years in the job. Back battled with unions over pay at the 500-year-old group, faced shareholder revolts over his compensation, and saw the company relegated from the blue-chip FTSE 100 index (^FTSE). Story continues READ MORE: Millennials and Gen Z feel less stressed despite economic turmoil On Thursday, the Royal Mail reported that before-tax profits fell by almost 31% to 275m in the twelve months to the end of March, even as revenue increased by 2.4% to more than 10.8bn. The decline reflects the lower profitability seen in the companys UK parcels, international, and letters (UKPIL) business. Parcel volumes rose by a lower-than-expected 2% due to the threat of industrial action the impact of the coronavirus crisis on international import volumes. The company in February bemoaned the decision of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) to ballot its members for strike action, suggesting it would delay progress on its turnaround plan. Parcel revenue nonetheless rose by 4.6%, due to what the group called targeted pricing actions. The recently flared up geopolitical tensions between India and China has brought the focus back on the Chinese tech companies operating in the country, particularly the very popular smartphone brands. It is perhaps understandable that the likes of Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, Realme and OnePlus are operating with a sense of trepidation. If reports are to be believed, Xiaomi is hiding the Mi branding at some of its physical stores with the Make in India banners. This comes after the All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) sent a letter to the Chinese phone makers, including Xiaomi, suggesting that toning down the branding or hiding it in the face of potential violence by miscreants. News18 has reached out to Xiaomi India for a comment. Damage to these boards should not be the retailers liability as the circumstances are not in our hands or in our control, says the letter written by the AIMRA, as reported by The Economic Times. There is the fear that anti-China protests could turn violent, and the physical stores as well as employees working at these stores would be targeted. Xiaomi insists that these sentiments will not impact Xiaomis India businesses. I dont think this will impact our business in a major way, Manu Kumar Jain, Global VP at Xiaomi and MD at Xiaomi India, told CNBCTV18. Jain has some robust facts to share. Xiaomis research and development center is in India, the phone manufacturing happens in India and Xiaomi has more than 50,000 people working through its ecosystem in the country. According to data by Counterpoint Research, the Chinese smartphone makers account for a combined 81% share of the Indian smartphone market Xiaomi entered India in July 2014 with the then very popular Mi 3 smartphone. The company pushed for local production and a year later, started producing phones as part of the Make In India initiative, at Taiwanese company Foxconns plant in Andhra Pradesh. In November last year, the company said that 99% of all phones they sell in India, are made in India. About 99 per cent of the phones sold in India are made in the country. We make three phones per second, Muralikrishnan B, Chief Operating Officer, Xiaomi India, had said in an official statement at the time. Xiaomi is also exporting phones made in India, to countries including Nepal and Bangladesh. At this time, Xiaomi has 7 smartphone manufacturing plants in India, producing the Mi and the Redmi range of smartphones. Combined, they roll out 3 phones per second. Xiaomi says that more than 30,000 people are employed in the factories across India. Xiaomi has a strong ecosystem play, and Mi TVs as well as power banks are a part of thatboth of these products are also manufactured in India. At this time, Xiaomi has 7 smartphone manufacturing plants in India, employing more than 30,000 people Could it just be that this admittedly noisy anti-China sentiment is emerging from a limited demographic? Numbers tell their own tale. Xiaomi says that just yesterday, June 24, they sold out the entire stock of the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max, which went on sale at noon, in 50 seconds. Earlier this week, the OnePlus put up the OnePlus 8 Pro for sale and it also sold out the entire stock in minutes. According to data by Counterpoint Research, the Chinese smartphone makers account for a combined 81% share of the Indian smartphone market. Today's sale of #RedmiNote9ProMax was out of stock in less than 50 seconds.Thank you all for your love and support. #NoMiWithouYouAll of us are working very hard to bring more quantity next week.#Xiaomi #RedmiNote #IloveRedmiNote https://t.co/mN0WWMDphz Manu Kumar Jain (@manukumarjain) June 24, 2020 Xiaomi says that just yesterday, June 24, they sold out the entire stock of the Redmi Note 9 Pro Max, which went on sale at noon, in 50 seconds Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 18:36:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Staff members with Haicang Station of China Railway Nanchang Group Co., Ltd. check medical supplies as well as electronic devices and clothes that will be loaded onto a China-Europe freight train bound for Hamburg of Germany at Haicang Station in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, April 25, 2020. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) XIAMEN, June 25 (Xinhua) -- At the transport hub of China-Europe freight trains in the eastern Chinese city of Xiamen, several container trailers on Tuesday morning were being busily loaded with goods bound for Hamburg, Germany. Despite the COVID-19 epidemic that has shaken the global economy and necessitated transportation restrictions, China-Europe freight trains in Xiamen are gaining steam, providing a safe and efficient logistics platform for enterprises. "The epidemic had limited influence on our production. The stable operation of China-Europe cargo trains can guarantee the timely delivery of our LCD panels to a Polish factory," said Wang Weidi, manager of the logistics department of TPV Display Technology (Xiamen) Co., Ltd. According to Wang, the company had exported a total of 705 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of electronic products through the cargo train service in the first five months of this year, 26 TEUs less than the same period last year. "It's not easy to achieve such a result, especially amid the epidemic. The train service has provided a solid foundation for our production and sales in the European market," Wang said. A China-Europe freight train loaded with medical supplies and other goods departs for Hamburg of Germany at Haicang Station in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, April 25, 2020. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan) From Jan. 1 to May 29, a total of 112 China-Europe cargo trains had departed from Xiamen, transporting 10,206 TEUs worth around 396 million U.S. dollars, up 84 percent, 119 percent and 120 percent year on year, respectively, according to Xiamen's Haicang Customs House. Chen Qi, head of Haicang Customs House, said the China-Europe freight trains departing from the coastal city of Xiamen now make nine trips every week, compared with six trips in the past, to meet customers' booming demand. Nationwide, China-Europe freight trains hit a new high of 1,033 trips in May, up 43 percent year on year, transporting a record of 93,000 TEUs of freight, data from the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. showed. Aerial photo taken on April 11, 2020 shows a logistic station of the Erenhot Port in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The port has handled 379 China-Europe freight trains in the first quarter of this year. (Xinhua/Lian Zhen) The coronavirus has severely affected air, sea and road transportation. With competitive costs, convenient customs clearance and other advantages, however, China-Europe freight trains have served as a bridge to boost trade between China and Europe amid the epidemic, according to Li Peigong, a professor with Shanghai Lixin University of Accounting and Finance. China's foreign trade with the European Union (EU) totaled 1.6 trillion yuan (about 226 billion U.S. dollars) in the first five months of this year, making the EU the largest trading partner of China during the period, according to the General Administration of Customs. The freight trains have also been playing a crucial role in supporting Europe's anti-epidemic fight, sending 1.86 million pieces of supplies totaling 12,524 tonnes to European countries including Poland, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and the Netherlands from January to May. "The nonstop operation of China-Europe freight trains amid the epidemic has provided strong support in stabilizing the global supply chain," Li said. "The China-Europe freight train service helps enhance the economic and trade cooperation between China and European countries, which aids the recovery of the global economy," Li added. TORONTO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Twitter CTO Parag Agrawal today spoke of the challenges Twitter faces with surges in both use and fake accounts during the Covid-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests. Agrawal made the remarks at the 32,000-attendee online conference Collision from Home, produced by the team behind Web Summit the world's largest tech conference. Agrawal said the surge in Twitter use "presents a fascinating challenge, especially in the context of the pandemic" and outlined how misinformation campaigns backed by states are among the most harmful on the platform. "The most dangerous fake accounts actually don't look fake on the surface. They're the ones that inflict the most harm. An interesting category of that is state-backed manipulation attempts. "We see a pattern where we find over time these fairly sophisticated campaigns to manipulate the conversation and (we) are able to attribute them to some state. When we do identify them, we make a public disclosure. We actually release the entire dataset, often many terabytes, so that external researchers can look into that, learn more about patterns that we might not have even seen and make us smarter going forward to be able to detect them better," said Agrawal. Agrawal said he's "proud of the team for keeping the service up and running through these challenging times, in a moment when people were most interested and eager to use it," and spoke of what he considers Twitter's mission. "We think our mission as a company is to serve the public conversation. The last few months have affirmed our belief in the importance of public conversations, as a people. Beyond that, we have an important role to play in serving the public conversation Twitter as service," said Agrawal. To this end, Agrawal spoke of the millions of fake Twitter accounts that get suspended every week before even posting a single tweet, as well as the technology Twitter uses to root out bad actors. "We suspend millions of accounts every month before anyone on Twitter ever sees them or before they're able to tweet, get into your timeline, get into search they get suspended. Additionally we take millions of accounts every week that we challenge to determine if they are human. "We have a large amount of algorithms that are proactively monitoring behaviours of various accounts over time, detecting patterns, which we see when we look at accounts not as a single account, but as aggregates of large amounts of accounts and we see anomalies which can't be explained by normal usage," said Agrawal. Watch a clip from the interview here . About Parag Agrawal: Parag Agrawal is the CTO of Twitter. He first joined the company in 2011 as a software engineer, having previously worked on research internships at AT&T, Microsoft and Yahoo!. About Collision: Collision is known by CBC as the "TIFF for tech", while Inc. Magazine calls it the "fastest-growing tech conference in North America". Collision is set to move online for 2020 with Collision from Home. Collision will return to Toronto as a physical event for the second year from June 21-24, 2021 at the Enercare Centre. About Web Summit: Forbes says Web Summit is "the best tech conference on the planet"; Bloomberg calls it "Davos for geeks"; Politico, "the Olympics of tech"; The Guardian, "Glastonbury for geeks"; and, in the words of Inc. Magazine, "Web Summit is the largest technology conference in the world". Whatever Web Summit is, it wouldn't be possible without an incredible team of over 200 employees based in Dublin, Lisbon, Toronto and Hong Kong, including world-class engineers, data scientists, designers, producers, marketers, salespeople, and more. They've disrupted an old industry by building incredible software and designing mind-blowing events, revolutionising how people and ideas come together to change the world. Useful links: Collision images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/collisionconf/ Collision speaker lineup: https://collisionconf.com/speakers Collision schedule: https://collisionconf.com/schedule SOURCE Web Summit The Himachal police have arrested a Haryana native for allegedly murdering a 75-year-old man on June 18 in Sirmaur district here. The accused has been identified as Rajpal (45) of Yamunanagar, Haryana. He had been residing in Kheri village of Sirmaur for the past 20 years. As per information, Rajpal used to drink alcohol with the victim, Bhag Singh, everyday. On June 18, they had an argument while drinking. Later that night, they both engaged in a suffle during which Rajpal hit Bhags head with a stone, killing him on the spot. The accused fled from the spot, but returned home after two days. He was arrested by the police from his house and was presented in the court on Thursday. He has been sent to three-day police remand. Deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Rajgarh Bhisham Thakur said police are conducting the investigation. A case under Section 302 of Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered against the accused. On June 18, Bhags dead body was found by local villagers, following which the police started a hunt to track down the murderer. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K Sivan has welcomed the governments decision to open up the space sector for private players. We are very excited with these reforms and confident that our innovative youth come forward to avail all the opportunities arising from these reforms. Several start-ups have already come forward and we are assured that India will emerge as a major hub for global space economy, Sivan said at a digital press conference on Thursday. I invite whole-heartedly the private players to come forward and carry out the space activities and make India a global technology powerhouse, he added. Also Read: Government opens up space sector and assets to private sector to enhance capacity The ISRO chief said that these reforms will transcend India into a new space era. If space sector is opened, potential of entire country can be utilised to scale up benefits from space technology. Itll not only result in accelerated growth of sector but also enable Indian industry to be important player in global space economy, said Sivan. Clearing these reforms, the Union Cabinet, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday also approved the formation of a new organisation, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), seeking to open up the space infrastructure to the private sector. The government said that IN-SPACe will provide a level playing field for private sector companies to use Indian space infrastructure. Also Read: First trial flight of Gaganyaan may face some delay due to lockdown: ISRO IN-SPACe will have representatives from the industry, academia and government of India, Sivan said today adding that ISRO will share technological expertise with the new organisation. He said that IN-SPACe will take 3-6 months to become operational. Sivan also said that these new reforms will not reduce the role of ISRO. ISRO will continue to carry our space activities, including advance research and development, inter-planetary missions, human space flights and capacity building activities, said Sivan. The ISRO chief also said that the space body will help IN-SPACe in all its endeavours. Several other important decisions were taken in the meeting on Wednesday including bringing hundreds of cooperative banks under the supervision of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The last three years have evidenced the volatility of the vanadium market. Prices rose considerably in 2017, reached ten-year highs in 2018 and then corrected in 2019. Roskill's new vanadium report considers whether the new decade will usher in a period of relative stability. London: UK, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The meteoric price rises of 2017 were a result of demand and supply-side factors. On the demand side, by far the most important factor was the high expectation for future vanadium demand owing to new rebar standards in China, which mandated the use of microalloying agents like vanadium in construction steels. There was a strong expectation of higher and sustained demand for vanadium in China, which was supported by substantial purchasing/re-stocking in 2017. Added to this, there was considerable excitement over vanadium redox flow batteries (VRBs), which also supported a positive demand outlook. This bullish outlook for demand was set against a period tightening supply. Global feedstock capacity had been considerably diminished in 2015 when Evraz Highveld shut down in South Africa. The Highveld operation accounted for more than 10% of global feedstock supply. However, there was no meaningful price reaction to the Highveld closure in 2015 as global inventories were high, but these were gradually drawn down between 2015 and 2017. This, together with some temporary shutdowns in China and the rest of the world, and a Chinese ban on the import of vanadium-bearing slags, meant feedstock availability was tightening at a time when demand was set to explode. High prices, however, were not sustained and the subsequent price correction was also brought about by a combination of demand and supply-side factors. With regard to the former, demand did not increase as sharply as expected. Chinese steel mills were implementing new rebar standards prior to the official enforcement date (November 1st 2018) while smaller mills beneficiated from a 'tolerance period' allowing them to comply with new rebar regulations gradually. Further, high vanadium prices drove numerous steel mills to substitute ferrovanadium with ferroniobium to a larger-than-expected scale, which resulted in a lower-than-expected vanadium demand. In addition, higher prices drove out the economics of VRBs and stalled progress on development. Lower-than-expected demand was met with higher-than-expected supply in 2019 as Chinese co-producers increased their output by nearly 19% year-on-year, resulting ultimately, in a balanced market that erased the price gains of the previous two years. The short-term outlook for vanadium will be largely determined by the impact of COVID-19. Roskill's view is that the Chinese steel industry will be relatively insulated from the impacts of the pandemic as infrastructure spending offsets lower steel exports, both directly and indirectly. As a result, vanadium demand should be sustained by Chinese consumption. Nonetheless, in the ROW, a drop in steel production will negatively impact demand for vanadium. Over the longer term, the outlook for vanadium demand is positive with all major end-uses (steel, non-ferrous alloys, chemicals, and batteries) expected to drive growth. There is uncertainly, although considerable potential upside, regarding the future scale of demand for VRBs, which will have to overcome several challenges including the high price of vanadium pentoxide as an electrolyte on their road to commercialisation. On the supply side, Roskill believes that there is a limit to the extent to which co-producers and primary producers can scale up their capacities, suggesting that additional vanadium units will need to come from new projects, or perhaps more secondary vanadium recovery, if the market is to maintain balance. (Natural News) A Houston hospital that has been called the largest medical complex in the world has stated that it is running out of intensive-care beds in the face of a resurgence of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) infections in the state. The Texas Medical Center (TMC) announced Tuesday that 97 percent of its intensive-care unit (ICU) beds are now occupied much higher than the 70 to 80 percent occupancy TMC normally sees. Of those, 27 percent are due to COVID-19. ICU occupancy to reach unsustainable levels soon Sitting in south-central Houston, the TMC is a 2.1 square mile medical district hosting over sixty medical institutions under the banner of the nonprofit Texas Medical Corporation. It employs over 106,000 people, hosts 10 million patient encounters annually, and has a gross domestic product of $25 billion. In terms of capacity, TMC offers over 9,200 patient beds, 1,330 of which are for intensive-care. As of reporting time, data from the TMC shows that 1,298 ICU beds are now occupied, 362 of which are by COVID-19 patients. If the situation escalates further, the medical center can increase the number of ICU beds available, to a point. According to the TMCs own data, an additional 373 patients would still be considered a sustainable surge. However, a further increase of 504 intensive-care patients on top of that would be considered unsustainable. TMCs own projections show that, based on the average daily increase in ICU patients from the past seven days, ICU occupancy will exceed unsustainable surge capacity on July 6. Other hospitals in the area are also facing intensive-care shortages TMCs projection comes as hospitals within the city and the surrounding Harris County struggle to find enough beds for COVID-19 patients. A projection by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgos office has stated that the county will run out of ICU beds in 38 days. (Related: Texas coronavirus numbers hit record levels as hospitals run out of space.) The shortage of beds is affecting hospitals ability to treat both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients alike. We appear to be nearing the tipping point, stated Dr. Marc Boom, head of the Houston Methodist hospital system. Should the number of new cases grow too rapidly, it will eventually challenge our ability to treat both COVID-19 and non-COVID 19 patients. Abbott looking to implement hospital restrictions to ensure bed space Houstons hospital systems arent the only ones in Texas buckling under the strain of the pandemic. On Wednesday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said that the state as a whole is facing a massive outbreak of the coronavirus. There is a massive outbreak of COVID-19 across the state of Texas, Abbott said in an interview with KFDA-TV. Abbott, who aggressively pushed for the state to reopen its economy in May, said that state officials were carefully watching hospital capacity. Back in March, Abbott issued a since-rescinded ban on nonessential surgeries to help ensure hospitals did not get overwhelmed. As new COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Abbott is now looking at the possibility of new restrictions on hospitals, including some targetted on specific localities, to ensure ample bed space. We are looking at greater restrictions and some could be localized, Abbott said Wednesday. There are some regions in the state of Texas that are running tight on hospital capacity that may necessitate a localized strategy to make sure that hospital beds will be available. Even as he considers the possibility of new restrictions, Abbott said in a separate interview with KDFM-TV that he has been assured by hospital executives that their facilities will be able to handle the rising number of patients. If there are more people coming in with COVID-19, they will ensure that beds are available, Abbott said. Learn more about how the coronavirus is affecting our healthcare systems over at Pandemic.news. Sources include: DailyMail.co.uk TMC.edu 1 TMC.edu 2 Bloomberg.com HoustonChronicle.com The president will chair a meeting on disaster management in the country's western regions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in flood-hit Ivano-Frankivsk region, also known as Prykarpattia, on a working visit before his self-isolation has expired. The head of state will personally inspect the territory of the region affected by recent floods, according to the press service of the Office of the President. Read alsoThree dead as devastating floods in western Ukraine continue (Photo, video) He is scheduled to meet with residents of a village in the natural disaster zone. In addition, the president will chair a meeting on disaster management in the country's western regions. As was reported, heavy rainfalls on June 22-24 worsened the flood situation in Ivano-Frankivsk, Chernivtsi, Lviv, Zakarpattia, and Ternopil regions. Some 285 villages and towns have suffered from flooding in four western regions alone. As UNIAN reported earlier, Zelensky was put in two-week quarantine because his wife, Olena Zelenska, had tested positive for the coronavirus. His self-isolation period is officially expiring on Friday, June 26. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 19:58:33|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MANILA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday approved a 500 million U.S. dollars loan to help the government of Uzbekistan mitigate the adverse health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Manila-based bank, the sharp contraction in global economic activity due to the pandemic and wide-ranging containment measures introduced in Uzbekistan have caused growth projections to drop to 1.5 percent this year from 6 percent forecast before the pandemic. Around 80 percent of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) suspended their activities following the nationwide lockdown, and unemployment is expected to jump to 16.5 percent this year from 9.4 percent in 2019, the bank added. The ADB said its COVID-19 Active Response and Expenditure Support (CARES) Program will help to fund the government's comprehensive COVID-19 pandemic response plan. "The program will strengthen the readiness of the country's health care system by helping procure medical supplies such as ventilators, testing kits, and appropriately sized personal protective gear, including individual packages for female health workers," the ADB said. Moreover, it said the program will also help prepare additional hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and quarantine complexes for dealing with COVID-19 cases. It further said that health workers who are on the frontlines of combating the pandemic will be supported through salary supplements in the form of hazard pay. The bank said that the loan will support initiatives to help businesses affected by the downturn and minimize job losses. Moreover, the bank said the loan will also help expand Uzbekistan's existing social protection system during the pandemic. The ADB said the loan is funded through the COVID-19 pandemic response option (CPRO) under ADB's Countercyclical Support Facility. The ADB said it has provided 1.56 million U.S. dollars in grants and technical assistance to procure medical supplies for Uzbekistan's COVID-19 response. Loan savings of 19.5 million U.S. dollars were also reallocated from an existing ADB project to procure 800 ventilators, it added. Enditem Love for her daughter inspired Robie Bell to join more than a dozen protesters outside Niagara West MPP Sam Oosterhoffs office Wednesday. Bell said her daughter Launee, who is in her mid-50s, was forced to move into a St. Catharines long-term care home three years ago after her physical disabilities became too severe to manage at home. Its very difficult, she said. The staff are wonderful. But theyre very short-staffed and theyre rushing all the time. Now, after months of being stuck in her room all day, all night due to a COVID-19 outbreak, Bell said the isolation her daughter has had to cope with is unbearable. Put yourself in a room with one other person who is 40 years older than her, she said. The system is really just not working. This is getting to her. The protest at Oosterhoffs Beamsville office was one of a dozen organized by the Ontario Health Coalition (OHC) across the province to allow people to voice their concerns about long-term care as well as proposed legislation they fear will increase privatization in home care. Sue Hotte, Niagara Health Coalition chair, said that legislation Bill 175, the Connecting People to Home and Community Care Act introduced in February by Health Minister Christine Elliott, opens the door for more privation in the health-care system without providing adequate democratic debate on the issues. She said the province should instead be focused on increasing care levels in long-term care homes to improve the quality of life for residents. Theres no two ways about it, the for-profit corporations are a very important lobby, Hotte said. Theyre raking in money now and this will make it even bigger. Protester Shideh Houshmandi said people need only look to the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had in the U.S. to understand the importance of public health care. The neighbours that we have down south, they have a for-profit health-care system thats not serving their people, she said. The people are dying. Theyre dying by the thousands and their government is failing them. We dont want that here. Houshmandi said the Ontario legislation is another step towards adopting a U.S.-based health-care model here. We need to stop this. This is just going to be a slippery slope to everything being privatized, she said. This is the beginning of the end. She urged people to educate themselves on the issues and share their concerns with political leaders. Bringing for-profit, privatizing is not the answer, she said. Oosterhoff said he hopes to meet with health coalition representatives to discuss their concerns, because after reviewing the yet-to-be-approved legislation he believes the protesters may be incorrect about the implications of Bill 175. I dont believe the legislation does what they say it does, he said. He said he is not aware of any aspect of the legislation that promotes privatization. Instead, he said, the proposed legislation, to that which hasnt been updated since the 1990s, breaks down barriers between home-care and primary-care providers, allowing a more seamless transition of care for patients. I am going to be sitting down with the local Ontario Health Coalition at some point, either on Zoom or perhaps later in person to talk about their concerns, he added. Meanwhile, Oosterhoff said the province is developing programs to help ensuring we have more PSWs (personal support workers) and more hours of care that can be provided in long-term care. James Blake Wiener, an American living in Zurich, is still waiting to receive his coronavirus stimulus check. James Blake Wiener Millions of Americans are waiting for their stimulus checks. James Blake Wiener, 34, who lives in Zurich, is one of them. He's not alone. Many U.S. expatriates who live in other countries still have not received their payments. By Wiener's account, trying to track down his stimulus check has been a comedy of errors. First, he could not use the IRS's Get My Payment app because his Swiss postal code has four digits, not the five ZIP code numbers standard in the U.S. More from Invest in You: These Americans see a need for another round of stimulus checks Why some experts prefer targeted aid to more stimulus payments One reason your pandemic shutdown savings aren't going as far Then, when he was able to reach the IRS by telephone, he found out his street name was misspelled in their records. Wiener says he has now received the letter from President Donald Trump confirming his stimulus check was sent, but he still hasn't received the money. Wiener said he expects his cash in early July, though he is not desperate for the aid. Still, Wiener said it would have helped to have had the money during the lockdown to pay for groceries and cover his health-care costs, including a visit to the doctor. "A little bit more of a financial cushion would have been nice," he said. About 9 million Americans live in other countries, according to the most recent estimate from the State Department. Yet it is unclear how many of those individuals are eligible for stimulus checks, which are based on certain income thresholds and other requirements. "The majority are waiting longer than four weeks to get the payment, if they get the payment," Nathalie Goldstein, CEO of MyExpatTaxes, said of those who are eligible. Who qualifies for payments American expats already face complicated financial circumstances because they must continue to pay U.S. taxes, even while they live elsewhere. So many expats were relieved to find out they were also eligible for the payments, which were authorized by Congress as part of the CARES Act. Still, there are specific requirements that need to be met in order to qualify. Individuals must be able to fill out either a Form 1040 or Form-1040-SR and possess a valid Social Security number. They also can't be claimed as someone else's dependent. I'm not holding my breath for it, though it would be great to receive it. I'm living on almost nothing. Chip Wiegand U.S. expat in Barranquilla, Colombia That's in addition to meeting the income thresholds: up to $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for married couples who file jointly. Stimulus payments for those with income above those levels is phased out and cuts off completely for individuals with income over $99,000 and married couples who make over $198,000. Some expats who earn more than those amounts have still qualified for stimulus payments, according to David McKeegan, co-founder of Greenback Expat Tax Services. That's due to the federal earned income exclusion, which excludes money earned and taxed in a foreign country from U.S. taxable income. Meanwhile, Americans who file jointly with their spouses who are not citizens, and have individual tax identification numbers instead of Social Security numbers, will not receive the payments. The payments also depend on Americans abroad keeping up with their federal income-tax-filing requirements. The payments are based on 2018 or 2019 tax returns, whichever was most recently filed. Some expats have successfully entered in their information into the IRS non-filer tool in order to get their checks, according to McKeegan. Who is still waiting for money Getting stimulus payments is complicated even for those Americans abroad who are current on their taxes. To better understand why, some including Wiener have turned to a blog and comment board on a website started by a fellow U.S. expat in Cartagena, Colombia. Adam McConnaughhay, 32, editor and writer of the website Cartagena Explorer, first created the site as a travel and history guide to the city. Adam McConnaughhay, pictured with his wife, has blogged about American expats not receiving their stimulus checks on his website, Cartagena Explorer. Adam McConnaughhay But as information developed on the stimulus checks, he decided to write about it to educate himself and other expats. Since then, the post has brought in readers from all over the world, he said. McConnaughhay, who teaches history, is still employed but is also waiting for his stimulus check. The extra income would have helped as his wife, a preschool teacher, is no longer working due to Covid-19. "Supposedly it was mailed," McConnaughhay said. "But I don't think there's mail service to Colombia right now from the U.S." Through the responses to his website, some patterns have emerged of who is still waiting. They include, in particular, residents of Europe or South America, whose mail may still be interrupted by the pandemic. McKeegan said it is "a little bit hit or miss," though he has heard from people all over the world who have received their checks. Barranquilla, Colombia Yuliana Valencia / EyeEm Lameck Masina Malawi's Electoral Commission has started announcing preliminary results from Tuesday's re-run of last year's presidential election. Local media gave opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera a comfortable lead over incumbent President Peter Mutharika. In the court-sanctioned re-run, President Mutharika, leader of the Democratic Progressive Party, (DPP) is running against Lazarus Chakwera, leader of the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and little known Peter Kuwani of the opposition Mbakuwaku Movement for Democracy (MMD). Announcing the results at the main tally center Thursday in Blantyre, Electoral Commission Chairperson Chifundo Kachale said the commission had received results from 26 of the countrys 28 districts. He read out returns from three districts; Chiradzulu, Mwanza and Likoma, which were the first to submit their counted ballots to the tally center. The results for Likoma; the MCP candidate Lazarus Chakwera got 2,981 votes, and Peter Domic Sinosi Kuwani for MMD got 31 votes, while Arthur Peter Mutharika of the DPP got 1,690 votes. In results from other two districts, President Mutharika was leading, while Chakwera came second and Kuwani, last. Kachale said that as of Thursday morning, the commission had finished verifying results from about one-fifth of the districts and promised to complete the rest soon. We continue to emphasize that we are committed to get this job done as soon as possible. We wouldnt want to create any anxiety by delaying this process needlessly, you have our greatest commitment that come this evening, you see significant progress districts we have managed to clear. However, Malawian media, including the state-owned Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, said Chakwera held a strong lead with 55 percent of the vote, compared to 40 percent for Mutharika. Eisenhower Mkaka, Secretary General of the MCP, told VOA the party does expect changes from the figures that local media announced, because those figures reflect vote totals the party collected from its monitors across the country. There could be some changes because unlike in the past, what the Commission is now doing according to the law is to look at the null and void votes. So, in some cases they are determining that No, this shouldnt be a null and void [vote]. There might be some small, small, changes but not material enough to change anything. VOA could not reach DPP officials for comment but the partys spokesperson, Nicholas Dausi, told a local radio station Thursday that he will comment after official final results are announced. The Malawi Electoral Commission is expected to announce final results within eight days from the day of voting as required by law. The main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) says the new leadership of the electoral commission exceeded expectations in organizing Wednesday's presidential poll rerun. Eisenhower Mkaka, General Secretary of the MCP, also says his group condemns pockets of isolated cases of violence in parts of the country during the election. His comments come after the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) expressed concern about violence against its supporters in the opposition party's strongholds. The party also says it appears the MCP took advantage of the lack of international poll observers to undermine the integrity of the election. Nicholas Dausi, spokesperson for the DPP, warned that his party will reject the outcome of the poll rerun. This, as the unofficial figures tabulated by the MCP show its presidential candidate, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, will defeat incumbent President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika. Dr. Justice Chifundo Kachale, the newly installed chairperson of the Malawi electoral commission, says his organization will release official results of the poll after resolving concerns of the parties. Analysts say it appears the opposition has an upper hand in the collated unofficial results of the election. They also say it is likely the ruling party will challenge the outcome of the election but also expressed doubt about the prospects. This, they say, was due to the transparency in Wednesday's vote. Mkaka, the general secrecy of the MCP, tells VOA's Peter Clottey it is clear that the election was peaceful and transparent in spite of the isolated cases of violence in parts of the country, which he argued was not enough to undermine the integrity of the poll. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-26 01:07:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Turkish tile and ceramic artist Ozlem Varol shows a piece of hand-painted tilework in a studio in Istanbul, Turkey, on June 24, 2020. Ozlem Varol has been offering a new way of doing hand-painted tilework amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Osman Orsal/Xinhua) by Zeynep Cermen ISTANBUL, June 25 (Xinhua) -- A Turkish tile and ceramic artist, Ozlem Varol has been offering a new way of doing hand-painted tilework amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "When we have been forced to stay at home due to the pandemic, we developed the idea of shipping a piece of raw ceramic to those who want to make some painting," Varol told Xinhua on Wednesday at her atelier in the Besiktas district in Istanbul. As soon as she announced her intention from her social media account, Varol started to receive thousands of orders each day from people from all around the country. "We have been continuously preparing small boxes, which include a piece of ceramic, such as a vase, tray, or a kettle, all with my designs on, several bottles of colors, and a brush," she said while drawing some Spanish home figures over a vase. The prices of the kits vary between 7 and 400 U.S. dollars. After coloring their items, people send the pieces back for the glazing and curing processes to take place at the atelier. And, when Varol gets the final product from the oven, she shipped them to her customers' addresses once again. "So the entire process includes three shipments in total. We have no contact, no social interaction, all in line with the measures taken against coronavirus," Varol added. Speaking of the reasons behind the high interest, Varol said people all needed an activity to keep their mind busy and get relaxed, free from all kinds of concerns. "The painting and the art of tile, in general, is precisely offering what people need," she said, noting that it presents a therapy-like activity, taking people's stress away. "Some of my clients shared their photos, showing the entire family painting a tile piece at home around a table and having fun," Varol said. Funda Usel, a resident of Turkey's western province of Izmir is one of Varol's followers. "I was desperately looking around about what I can do during quarantine times. I was so bored from staying at home all the time due to the pandemic," Usel told Xinhua on the phone. She later discovered Varol's method on her Instagram account, and submitted her first order and painted a plate with a cactus figure on it. "The entire process of shipments was notably smooth, and the activity was amazingly entertaining and relaxing," Usel noted, noting that she is now planning to paint a big vase for her living room. The art of Turkish tiles and ceramics was first seen in the 15th century during the Ottoman era, but its roots can go back to the 8th and 9th centuries in the world. A Sufi tradition, known as the "inward dimension of Islam," lies on the motives of this art, Varol explained the philosophy behind it. "There is a devotion, a submission to the creator's law," she continued. "Tulip shapes on the ancient Turkish tiles and ceramics, for example, are always looking up, representing this devotion." "You never know how the final product will come out from the oven. Sometimes some parts burst and stick on someone else's product. You can never be sure about its shape and colors," the artist said. "Maybe we should all accept the pandemic period of our lives as it is, like pieces of ceramics in the oven. We have nothing to do, but follow the rules." Enditem A woman was horrified after she returned from a two week holiday to find ice addicts had moved into her house, a court had heard. Melissa Tiria Ruru, 47, broke into the home on Macleay Island in Moreton Bay in south-east Queensland on April 12 while the owner was away. While living at the property she took meth with a friend and used the kitchen, Cleveland's Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday. 'Police entered the residence with the victim and observed dirty dishes in the sink, the house was in a disarray and appeared to have been lived in while she was away,' Police prosecutor Emily Ollenburg said. Melissa Tiria Ruru (pictured) pleaded guilty to being found without lawful excuse in a house The 47-year-old fled from a property on Macleay Island (pictured) after the homeowner returned home from a holiday Ruru was arrested on Coochiemudlo Island and told police she had visited a friend at the Macleay Island home. The mother-of-seven was found to have been on a good behaviour bond while she was using illicit drugs in the home. Defence solicitor Stephanie Tsimos said Ruru had fallen into drug addiction after two of her adult children passed away in 2015 and 2016 and did not think before entering the home. 'She accepts that she should have made inquiries and that she was naive to stay there,' Ms Tsimos said. Ruru pleaded guilty to being found without lawful excuse in a house, according to The Courier Mail. Magistrate Deborah Vasta sentenced Ruru to 12 months probation and urged her to turn her life around. 'Drugs dont solve problems; they make them worse and create new ones,' she said. Measures to stem the pandemic threaten human and political rights, open letter by more than 500 signatories warns. More than 500 political and civil society leaders, Nobel laureates and rights groups have warned that some governments are using the coronavirus pandemic to tighten their grip on power, undermining democracy and civil liberties. In an open letter on Thursday, signed by former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, actor Richard Gere and Nobel Peace Prize laureates Shirin Ebadi, Lech Walesa and Jose Ramos-Horta among others, the authors said the measures introduced to stem the spread of the virus pose a threat to human and political rights. The current pandemic represents a formidable global challenge to democracy, the letter said. Authoritarians around the world see the COVID-19 crisis as a new political battleground in their fight to stigmatise democracy as feeble and reverse its dramatic gains of the past few decades. Even some democratically elected governments are fighting the pandemic by amassing emergency powers that restrict human rights and enhance state surveillance without regard to legal constraints, parliamentary oversight or timeframes for the restoration of constitutional order, the authors asserted. The letter the aim of which is to raise awareness and mobilise citizens was initiated by the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, former presidents including Latvias Vaira Vike-Freiberga and Mozambiques Joaquim Chissano, and former Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt were among those who signed the letter. Nearly 70 pro-democracy institutions also supported it. A number of countries have launched government-mandated mobile apps to help contain the spread of the coronavirus, but rights groups and digital rights experts have raised concerns about privacy and increased centralised surveillance. Lockdown restrictions have also led to a horrifying global surge in domestic violence and threatened human rights, according to the United Nations. The open letter said: The COVID-19 crisis is an alarming wake-up call, an urgent warning that the freedoms we cherish are at risk and that we must not take them for granted. The coronavirus pandemic has spread to 188 countries on six continents. As of Thursday, at least 9.4 million people were infected and more than 482,000 killed. A New York judge on Thursday rejected on jurisdictional grounds a legal effort by President Donald Trump's brother to halt the publication next month of a tell-all book by the president's niece, Mary Trump but the brother's lawyer said the case will be refiled in another court. The ruling in Queens County Surrogate's Court by Judge Peter Kelly came just two days Trump's brother, Robert Trump, said in a court filing that Mary Trump would be violating a nondisclosure agreement if the book is published. The president himself recently said that his niece, who is the daughter of his late older brother Fred Trump Jr., is subject to the nondisclosure agreement, and is "not allowed to write a book." The NDA was signed by the clinical psychologist Mary and her brother with the president, Robert and the elder Trumps' sister, retired federal appeals court Judge Maryanne Trump Barry, as part of a settlement of a court battle over the will of the president's late father, Fred Trump Sr. Mary's book, "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man," is scheduled to be published on July 28. Its publisher, Simon & Schuster, has said the book is a "revelatory, authoritative portrait of Donald J. Trump and the toxic family that made him." Mary Trump is expected in the book to confirm that she was the primary source for The New York Times' Pulitzer Prize-winning series about President Trump's finances. Kelly, in his ruling Thursday, found "several improprieties" with Robert Trump's bid to block the book's publication. In particular, Kelly noted, the filing was done in connection with a probate proceeding in Surrogate's Court for the estate of Fred Trump Sr., the late real estate developer. That probate case terminated in 2001, and as a result is "non-existent" in Surrogate's Court, Kelly wrote. Kelly suggested that Robert Trump could pursue his request for an injunction against Mary Trump and her publisher, Simon & Schuster, in New York State Supreme Court. Robert's lawyer, Charles Harder, told CNBC in a statement that he would do just that. "Robert Trump, Mary Trump and the other family members who settled in 2001, agreed to jurisdiction of future disputes in the Surrogate's Court of Queens County, New York," Harder said. "This matter therefore was filed in that court. Today, the Surrogate's Court ruled that it does not have jurisdiction over the dispute. Therefore, Robert Trump will proceed with filing a new lawsuit in the New York State Supreme Court," said Harder. The lawyer is known for representing President Trump, including in a lawsuit filed by adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Mary Trump's lawyer, Theodore Boutrous, in a statement to CNBC, praised the decision, saying, "The court has promptly and correctly held that it lacks jurisdiction to grant the Trump family's baseless request to suppress a book of utmost public importance." "We hope this decision will end the matter," Boutros said. "Democracy thrives on the free exchange of ideas, and neither this court nor any other has authority to violate the Constitution by imposing a prior restraint on core political speech." Simon & Schuster, in a statement, said, "We are delighted with Judge Kelly's decision to dismiss this case from the Surrogate Court." "We look forward to publishing Mary L. Trump's TOO MUCH AND NEVER ENOUGH, and are confident we will prevail should there be further efforts to stifle this publication," the publisher said. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the ruling. The Daily Beast earlier Thursday reported that Robert Trump, 72, initiated the court action days after being discharged from Mount Sinai Hospital's neurosciences intensive care unit since at least June 11 with what the news site said was a serious condition. Robert Trump had told the Times in a statement earlier this week that his niece's "attempt to sensationalize and mischaracterize our family relationship after all of these years for her own financial gain is both a travesty and injustice to the memory of my late brother, Fred, and our beloved parents." "I and the rest of my entire family are so proud of my wonderful brother, the president, and feel that Mary's actions are truly a disgrace," Robert Trump said. You may have seen Alfredo Climaco at the Portland Night Market, downtowns Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Portland Mercado in Southeast or any one of the dozens of festivals and street fairs where he sells his signature iced pina coladas in hollowed out pineapple shells. Starting July 15, youll be able to find him in one place. Climaco, a former manager at Little Big Burger, plans to open Avenida Tropicale next month, with blended pina coladas, fresh-squeezed margaritas and a pan-Latin small bites menu that ranges from cool Peruvian ceviche to tortas filled with Yucatecan cochinita pibil. The company was founded on the inspiration of two cultures, Mexico and Puerto Rico, Climaco said, referring to his home country and the birthplace of the pina coladas. I really am dedicated to expressing the beauty of both places through the drinks. Climaco plans to offer a menu of Latin American fusion dishes paired with contemporary drinks. That means a tight menu of small bites and sides including fish and shrimp tacos, guacamole with yucca fries, an octopus-chorizo plate and other dishes from throughout Central and South America. In addition to both alcoholic and nonalcoholic pina coladas, Climaco will offer a menu of customizable margaritas, with everything from grasshopper or hibiscus salt rims to spicy mango and smoked pineapple syrups, all served in biodegradable cups or those compostable pineapple shells. Super Deluxe and Boxer Ramen co-owner Matt Lynch, who hired Climaco at Little Big Burger around 2012, is a partner in Avenida Tropicale, and is helping with the bars design. Climaco, who previously went by Alfredo Reyes (he switched surnames to honor his mother, who lives in Mexico), is no stranger to hard work. Born in Puebla, a city of more than 1.5 million people about 80 miles southeast of Mexico City, he took his first job at 9 years old, working 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for a butcher and carnitas vendor weekends at the local market. His first bartending job was at a nightclub at age 17. He founded the Pacific Northwests first mobile Caribbean bar as a table set up at Portland Mercado in 2015, with a name designed in part to honor his Puerto Rican best friend, Ignacio Falcon-Dvorsky, who helped run Mexiricans early events. Falcon-Dvorsky now lives in Australia, Climaco said. Two years later, Mexiricans pina coladas made enough of a splash at 2017s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta that Climaco decided to devote his attentions to the business full-time. Soon, Mexirican was appearing at 45 festivals and street fairs each year. In a normal year, that is. By this time I would have done maybe 15 events already, Climaco said. If you mention it, we are there, because we have the capacity to do up to three events in the same day, so we do the Mississippi Street Fair and the Big Float, which happen on the same day. To make up for the lost revenue, Climaco spent the shutdown bringing non-alcoholic pina coladas directly to peoples doorsteps. Now hes focused on opening his brick-and-mortar, which will take over the former Uno Mas Taquiza space in The Ocean micro restaurant complex on Northeast Glisan Street next month (the second Uno Mas at 1914 W. Burnside reopened for dine-in service Friday). Social distancing measures will be in place, including a pickup window for food and drinks, Climaco said. Avenida Tropicale is shooting for a Wednesday, July 15, opening in The Ocean complex at 2337 N.E. Glisan St. -- Michael Russell, mrussell@oregonian.com, @tdmrussell Subscribe to The Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. The film by Kim Deog-young delves into the fate of around 5,000 North Korean orphans sent to five Eastern European countries from 1952 to 1960. Kim scoured archives in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic as well as the schools and dormitories where the children studied and lived. "Kim Il-sung's Children," a documentary shedding light on the fate of North Korean orphans sent to Eastern Europe after the Korean War, hits theaters on Thursday. Park told Kim about the plight of an 87-year-old Romanian woman named Georgeta Mircioiu, who was separated from her North Korean husband more than 40 years ago and was still waiting for him. Kim flew straight to Romania and interviewed her. Kim's previous films have focused on the Iraq War and the plight of North Korean defectors. He first became aware of the North Korean orphans in early 2004, when fellow filmmaker Park Chan-wook, a friend and fellow graduate of Sogang University, telephoned him while searching Eastern Europe for movie locations. The documentary had its Korean premiere at the Pyeongchang International Peace Film Festival on June 20 before it opens in theaters on the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. Around 2,500 North Korean orphans were sent to Romania from 1952 to be educated. Eastern bloc countries accepted the orphans to gain boasting rights about Socialist solidarity during the Cold War. It was a North Korean appointed to supervise the orphans, Cho Jung-ho, with whom Mircioiu, an art teacher, fell in love, and the two got married in 1957. Cho was ordered back to the North in 1962 and Mircioiu went to Pyongyang with him. But Cho was hauled off to do hard labor in a notorious coal mine as soon as the couple set foot on North Korean soil. Mircioiu gave birth to their daughter in Pyongyang and returned to Romania. She still has no idea what happened to her husband. "I firmly believe that my husband is alive and will come back and I've been working on a Romanian-Korean dictionary for the last 30 years to remember the Korean language," she told Kim. "North Korea is a reclusive and abnormal state and it is virtually impossible to go there and report," Kim said. "That has regrettably caused people to rely on distorted information provided by some North Korea sources, so I couldn't resist the opportunity to delve into all the revealing materials that were suddenly available in Eastern Europe." The footage sent by some of the East European governments was taken around 60 years ago but still looks fresh. The orphans can be seen rising promptly at 6:30 a.m. to salute to a North Korean flag and a picture of nation founder Kim Il-sung. "I was able to confirm that the personality cult of Kim Il-sung was already in full swing in Eastern Europe in the early 1950s. These children were rejected by North Korea and sent to Eastern Europe where their lives were turned upside down. I believe it is our duty to shed light on the tragic fate of these children who were forgotten by history." A study conducted by doctors at the University of Kentucky and published in the journal Jama Neurology has described a complex and still poorly understood form of dementia Scientists have discovered a "one-step strategy" offering hope for treating Parkinson's disease and other degenerative illnesses after converting mice brain cells into functioning neurons, they reported in breakthrough research Wednesday. The motor defects associated with Parkinson's are largely caused by the loss of dopamine-emitting neurons -- electrically active cells that communicate with others -- in the brain. A team of US- and China-based researchers used genome-editing to convert a different type of brain cell -- astrocytes -- into neurons, thereby slowing the loss of dopamine and restoring motor functions in injured mice. Past attempts to treat neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's have aimed to prevent or slow the loss of dopamine-emitting neurons, which do not naturally repopulate when they die or become damaged. But the new technique simply aims to replace them through cell conversion, scientists said. "We're now rebuilding the whole pathway," Xiang-Dong Fu, a professor at the University of California, San Diego, told AFP. "That becomes a very promising approach to turn non-neuronal cells into neurons to replace those lost ones." Worldwide, about seven percent of people over 65 suffer from Alzheimer's or some form of dementia, a percentage that rises to 40 percent above the age of 85. More than 10 million people live with Parkinson's. - Age issue - Researchers were able to convert astrocytes -- a type of brain cell similar to neurons -- in the part of the brain where Parkinson's causes neuron loss into dopamine-emitting neurons by removing an RNA-binding protein called PTBP1. "We stumbled into this phenomenon," said Fu, a cellular and molecular biologist who studies RNA, the molecule that codes DNA. "When you deplete this protein, practically any cell we tested became neurons." While astrocytes are prevalent in the brain, the PTBP1 protein prevents them from naturally being converted into neurons. Story continues The team used CRISPR genome-editing techniques to reprogram the astrocyte RNA, then inject it into different parts of the mice brains. Three out of four mice that received the cell conversion therapy showed "significant restoration of dopamine release," they wrote in the journal Nature. The researchers performed studies on 2-month and 1-year-old mice -- the human equivalent of testing 20-year-olds and 60-year-olds. While the cell conversion was highly successful in the younger mice, the authors reported an "age-related decrease" of success in older animals. "The ageing issue is a big problem," he said. "Not only is the disease age-dependent, but a lot of things are age dependent, including the ability to switch cell fate." - 'Just the beginning' - Another challenge is increasing the effectiveness of the cell conversion rate. Ernest Arenas, a professor of molecular neurobiology at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, wrote in a linked editorial that 60-65 percent of the infected astrocytes did not convert to become neurons. "This percentage must decrease," he said. "Eventual application of our approach to humans will need to overcome many obstacles," the authors wrote, noting that in addition to age-related limits, more research about potential side effects of the treatment as well as the impact of astrocyte depletion on brain function would need to be done. Fu cautioned that applying the cell conversion technique to humans was still a distant possibility, and that additional research in larger animals such as rats and monkeys would be needed first. "This mouse study is just the beginning," he said. "It's the proof of a concept." "Clearly we cannot get over-excited and just say, 'Tomorrow, let's shoot these things into human brains,' and then the next day everybody's fine," he added. "That would be too magic." Dr Hafeez-Ur Rehman Awan, pictured outside the GMC in Manchester, 44, has not been struck off following the High Court's ruling A GP who was caught trying to groom a '13-year-old girl' in an internet chat room has not been struck off after a judge ruled he can carry on working as a medic. Dr Hafeez-Ur Rehman Awan, 44, engaged in a 'sexually motivated' chat with a police officer pretending to be a schoolgirl called Sophia over several days in January 2016. During the exchanges the doctor, then practising in Leeds and Wakefield, was told of her age but continued the chat, telling her he was in bed, sending her kisses and asking for her number. He was reported to the General Medical Council and, in November last year, was suspended by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal (MPT) for nine months for misconduct. The case reached the High Court as the GMC challenged the decision, arguing that a mere suspension was too soft for Dr Awan's serious misconduct. But Dr Awan was cleared to return to practice after senior judge Mr Justice Mostyn threw out the GMC's appeal. The judge said Dr Awan's conduct was 'serious and deplorable' but a suspension was enough to protect the public from him. Ruling on the case, the judge said Dr Awan had logged into the Lycos chat room under the username 'medic333' in January 2016. Once in the chatroom, he started to exchange messages with a user with the name 'sophiasheff'. He was told 'Sophia' was 13, but continued the conversation, telling her he was a doctor and in bed. He then sent her an emoji of a couple hugging and wrote: 'mwah huggs for you...want huggs too...mmmwah.' Dr Awan, who was then living in Sheepscar, Leeds, asked if her mother was there and asked for her number because he wanted to hear her voice. 'This person was in fact a police officer conducting an undercover sting operation,' said the judge. A few days later, having given the undercover officer his number, 'Sophia' contacted him again. During the conversation, he finished a message with kisses, but when told again she was 13, he said they couldn't meet as it 'will be illegal.' Dr Awan was cleared to return to practice after the case reached the High Court (file photo, pictured above) and senior judge Mr Justice Mostyn threw out the GMC's appeal Police reported Dr Awan to the GMC and he was investigated, before being suspended for nine months by the MPT in November last year. The tribunal found that his misconduct included the making of 'numerous inappropriate remarks' and that it was 'sexually motivated.' However, the tribunal said striking him off as a doctor and thus ending his career would be 'disproportionate.' He had not committed a crime and had made positive steps to address his behaviour, including stopping use of social media. His conduct was at the lower end of seriousness for such type of misconduct and he was a 'doctor of good standing with an unblemished record.' He had also been the victim of a serious assault and robbery in Pakistan in 2014, the tribunal said. Appealing against the suspension, GMC lawyers argued that the penalty was not strong enough to protect the public and trust in the medical profession. But giving judgement at the High Court in London, Mr Justice Mostyn dismissed the appeal and upheld the suspension. He said: 'Standing back, I ask myself whether the disposal can be characterised as wrong. The conduct of Dr Awan was serious and deplorable. 'However, the sanction imposed by this specialist tribunal was very carefully considered and was judged to be sufficient to meet the objective of protecting the public and promoting and preserving the reputation of the medical profession. 'I cannot say that it was wrong.' The court heard that following his exchanges with 'Sophia' Dr Awan emigrated to Canada. DUBLIN, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Doll, Toy and Game Market 2020-2030: COVID-19 Impact and Recovery" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. 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 doll, toy, and game market, and compares it with other markets. The global doll, toy, and game market is expected to decline from $102.6 billion in 2019 to $101.7 billion in 2020 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1%. The decline is mainly due to economic slowdown across countries owing to the COVID-19 outbreak and the measures to contain it. The market is then expected to recover and grow at a CAGR of 9% from 2021 and reach $128.5 billion in 2023. Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the global doll, toy, and game market, accounting for 31% of the market in 2019. North America was the second largest region accounting for 27% of the global doll, toy, and game market. Africa was the smallest region in the global doll, toy, and game market. Demand for smart toys is on the rise due to its user engaging property. Smart Toys are electronic component embedded toys that have their own intelligence and behaves according to the environmental stimuli. It enables to reduce the smartphone industry threat by using artificial intelligence to attract children. Many smart toys like Spin Master's interactive Luvabella baby doll, Hasbro's bluetooth-connected Furreal motorized pet, Barbie's futuristic hologram Barbie, Lego's app-based coding playset and Mattel "smart" baby monitor have been launched. Report Scope The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market. The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, the impact of the Covid 19 virus and forecasting its recovery. 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 impact and recovery 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 doll, toy, and game market section of the report gives context. It compares the doll, toy, and game market with other segments of the general market by size and growth, historic and forecast. It analyses GDP proportion, expenditure per capita, doll, toy, and game indicators comparison. Key Topics Covered 1. Executive Summary 2. Report Structure 3. Doll, Toy, And Game Market Characteristics 3.1. Market Definition 3.2. Key Segmentations 4. Doll, Toy, And Game Market Product Analysis 4.1. Leading Products/Services 4.2. Key Features and Differentiators 4.3. Development Products 5. Doll, Toy, And Game Market Supply Chain 5.1. Supply Chain 5.2. Distribution 5.3. End Customers 6. Doll, Toy, And Game Market Customer Information 6.1. Customer Preferences 6.2. End Use Market Size and Growth 7. Doll, Toy, And Game Market Trends And Strategies 8. Doll, Toy, And Game Market Size And Growth 8.1. Market Size 8.2. Historic Market Growth, Value ($ Billion) 8.2.1. Drivers Of The Market 8.2.2. Restraints On The Market 8.3. Forecast Market Growth, Value ($ Billion) 8.3.1. Drivers Of The Market 8.3.2. Restraints On The Market 9. Doll, Toy, And Game Market Regional Analysis 9.1. Global Doll, Toy, And Game Market, 2019, By Region, Value ($ Billion) 9.2. Global Doll, Toy, And Game Market, 2015-2019, 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, Historic And Forecast, By Region 9.3. Global Doll, Toy, And Game Market, Growth And Market Share Comparison, By Region 10. Doll, Toy, And Game Market Segmentation 10.1. Global Doll, Toy, And Game Market, Segmentation By Type, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2019, 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion Electronic Toys Non-Electronic Toys 10.2. Global Doll, Toy, And Game Market, Segmentation By Distribution Channel, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2019, 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion Departmental Stores Online Others 10.3. Global Doll, Toy, And Game Market, Segmentation By Product Type, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2019, 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion Games and Puzzles Infant and Pre-School Toys Construction Toys Dolls and Accessories Video Games Others 10.4. Global Doll, Toy, And Game Market, Segmentation By Material, Historic and Forecast, 2015-2019, 2023F, 2025F, 2030F, $ Billion Plastics Wood Metal Others 11. Doll, Toy, And Game Market Metrics 11.1. Doll, Toy, And Game Market Size, Percentage Of GDP, 2015-2023, Global 11.2. Per Capita Average Doll, Toy, And Game Market Expenditure, 2015-2023, Global Companies Mentioned Lego Nintendo Mattel Hasbro Nerf For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/udr7wd 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 1. Choose the right fabric A light, breathable material like cotton will likely keep your face cooler than medical and N95 masks made from synthetic materials, and in the right configuration can be effective in preventing contagion, according to new research by Taher Saif, a professor of mechanical science and engineering at the University of Illinois. Saif's team tested 10 common fabrics, from 100 percent cotton to polyester and silk blends, to see which best balance comfort and droplet-blocking impermeability. The sweet spot, he says, is a two-layer mask made from a cotton T-shirt, which comes close to matching a surgical mask's efficiency in stopping potentially infectious droplets from coughs and sneezes and is about twice as breathable. All-cotton tested best, but up to 40 percent polyester will do the job, Saif says. I'm not a cloth expert. I just buy things from Walmart and Target, he adds with a laugh. Our study showed that if you have these layers on top of your mouth and nose, you don't have to have an official mask where it goes with the elastic behind your ears. You can just wrap it around your nose and mouth, like a bandana. Lighter, softer cotton coverings can also help you avoid chafing, heat rash or inflaming a skin condition like eczema or dermatitis, says Carrie Kovarik, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology's COVID-19 task force. "They make masks out of a lot of different material, so you want to feel it and make sure it's something that feels soft against your skin, she says. A lot of people are making masks for fashion, they want it to look nice and pretty on the face, but make sure it feels good." 2. Keep it dry Cotton traps less air and moisture than standard medical and industrial masks, and it's more absorbent, but if it gets damp due to breathing and sweating it can be less effective in filtering respiratory particles, not to mention uncomfortable and abrasive to the skin. "Try to stay in well-ventilated locations to keep air and vapor mixing, which can help evaporate any extra water (and also keep the rest of your skin/body feeling cooler), says Jennifer Vanos, a biometeorologist at Arizona State University who studies the effects of heat on health. Vanos also suggests trying masks made of especially absorbent materials like bamboo, which can absorb up to three times the amount of water as cotton. Hemp also wicks moisture well, and washable hemp-blend masks are widely available online, although like bamboo they tend to cost more than cotton face coverings. 3. Time trips to beat the heat Avoid going out at the hottest parts of the day and for extended periods. Stop at home between errands if you can, to cool off and doff your mask. When you do have to be out, stay well-hydrated and seek the shade. Being cognizant of the heat is about much more than keeping your mask fresh. We have major issues every summer with heat exhaustion and heat stroke and heat-related deaths, the Mayo Clinic's Poland says, and older adults are definitely at increased risk." An ice pack or damp cloth applied to the head or neck can help you cool off just take care not to get your mask wet or touch your face. Poland notes other heat hacks he's observed traveling in parts of Asia where mask-wearing has long been routine. Two electricity officials in the central province of Quang Binh have been suspended following a case in which a local family was reported for an abnormally high electricity bill. Two electricity officials in the central province of Quang Binh have been suspended following a case in which a local family was reported for an abnormally high electricity bill. Tran Viet Dung who resides in Dong Hoi City, said his family used more than 18,000kWh in June, meaning he had to pay VND58.5 million (USD2,513), a shocking rise compared to only 248kWh or VND489,000 (USD21) from the previous month. After being informed, the Central Power Corporation under Vietnam Electricity requested Quang Binh Power Company to verify the electricity consumption of his family. After checking the figures over the last 12 months, it was found that the household usually consumes 210-300kWh a month and pays VND460-700,000 a month. The cause of the error was later revealed as, by the end of May, customers had their electric meter replaced periodically. An EVN worker recorded the wrong number for Dungs family electricity usage. The Quang Binh Power Company acknowledged the error and apologised to Dungs family. General Director of the Central Power Corporation Ngo Tan Cu then decided to suspend Tran Xuan Cong, deputy director of Quang Binh Power Company and Thai Hong Linh, director of Dong Hois Power Company. Punishment will be considered for other people related to the case. Cu urged units of the Central Power Corporation to closely tighten control over electric meters to avoid such cases. EVN has asked its units to review cases of abnormally high electricity bills last month and impose strict disciplinary measures against those who make mistakes while recording customer usage. Dtinews PM orders recent hikes in household electricity bill under scrutiny PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked the Electricity of Vietnam to review recent hikes in household electricity bill, stressing that mistakes that affect peoples rights must be avoided and violations, if any, must be strictly handled. THE FUTURE OF SCHOOL IN 2020: Education reporter Annalise Knudson joins show; city beaches to open THE FUTURE OF SCHOOL IN 2020: Education reporter Annalise Knudson joins show; city beaches to open, and latest coronavirus updates. (Hot Zone) Posted by Staten Island Advance on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The coronavirus pandemic has turned our world upside-down. We need information like we never have before. How many new cases were there on Staten Island today? How many deaths? How many people have been released from the hospital? What did President Donald Trump say about the pandemic? What about Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio? More importantly, when is this pandemic going to be over? When are we going to get back to normal, whatever normal is? Its almost too much to keep up with. So twice a day, Mark Stein and I take to Facebook Live to give you all the Island information you need. Look for us around 2 p.m. and again at around 5:30 p.m. Then look for this wrap-up on SILive.com at the end of the day. Well give you the numbers and all the latest news. Well answer your questions. Well follow up on your news tips. Well share the good news too, the way that the Staten Island community is coming together in this time of crisis. Or well just share this strange and unique pandemic moment with you, as fellow Staten Islanders. On Wednesday, we talked with Advance education reporter Annalise Knudson about what city schools could look like in the fall. See the video above for that conversation, in which Annalise answers viewer questions. In the video below, Mark and I visited Cedar Grove Beach and discussed how city beaches will be open on July 1. We also talked about Gov. Andrew Cuomos order that visitors from certain states hit hard by coronavirus will have to quarantine for two weeks after arriving in New York. New Jersey and Connecticut are putting the same stricture in place. Were all in this together. Well all get through this together. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A controversial Republican bill intended to rein in police misconduct in the aftermath of George Floyd's death in Minneapolis failed on Wednesday to garner enough support to move forward in the U.S. Senate. Democrats, denouncing the measure as irrevocably flawed, defeated a motion to advance the bill toward final debate by a vote of 55-45, short of the 60 votes needed. It came a month after Floyd's death in police custody set off weeks of worldwide protests against police brutality. With public sentiment for police reform running high, the bill's failure could pressure Republicans to agree to Democratic demands for bipartisan negotiations on new legislation. But some Republicans have warned of a political stalemate. (Reporting by David Morgan, Editing by Franklin Paul) The message from Tuesdays primary: Candidates of colour want to steer Democrats down a more progressive path. Yearning for change, a group of progressive Black Democratic congressional hopefuls in the United States is rushing towards the national stage, igniting rank-and-file enthusiasm in a party dominated by ageing white leaders. Charles Booker, 35, a first-term Kentucky state legislator who grew up poor, is vying for a Senate nomination against a rival who has outraised him 40 to one with the backing of national Democratic leaders. There is also Jamaal Bowman, 44, an educator and political neophyte seeking a New York congressional seat by trying to topple the House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman, who has been endorsed by Hillary Clinton and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. They and others were on display in Tuesdays Democratic primaries in New York, Kentucky and Virginia, and it remains unclear how many of them will win. But the days message was clear: A fresh set of candidates of colour wants to join the US Congress and steer Democrats leftward, even as presumed presidential nominee Joe Biden sets a more centrist course to woo moderate voters this November. Kentucky Democratic State Senator Charles Booker, who grew up poor, is vying for a Senate nomination against a rival who has outraised him 40 to one with the backing of national Democratic leaders [File: Bryan Woolston/AP Photo] The leadership of the party has to catch up with public opinion, which is largely progressive, said Mondaire Jones, who is fighting for a vacant seat from a tony district in New York Citys northern suburbs. Jones said in an interview with the Associated Press news agency he enthusiastically backs Biden, but the former vice president must advance a vision of America that is more progressive than what hes set forth if he wants to energise liberal voters. The world has changed, Bowman said in a statement. Congress needs to change, too. As election officials count boatloads of mail-in ballots prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, many US media outlets have not declared winners in Tuesdays close primaries. But one victor was Cameron Webb, a Black physician and lawyer who defeated three white rivals in a central Virginia district. Tuesdays primaries occurred in a Democratic Party whose presumed presidential nominee, Biden, is 77 years old. Pelosi is 80 and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is 69. Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist and progressive leader who lost his bid for the presidential nomination this year, is 78. But another hero of the left, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York is only 30. And in one indication of the partys sensitivities, Biden has already said he will choose a woman as his vice presidential running mate, and he faces pressure to choose a person of colour. New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other young politicians of colour in the US are pushing a progressive agenda on the US political stage. [File: Erin Scott/Reuters] Booker, Bowman and Jones have gained momentum from the Black Lives Matter movement and the nationwide protests following last months killing of George Floyd, a Black man, by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Their strong campaigns have spotlighted that candidates who can tap into that movement may be able to translate its energy into votes from African Americans and white progressives. But they and others say their appeal goes beyond race. Each, for example, has supported the Green New Deal and Medicare for All proposals dear to progressive voters. Sean McElwee, a political analyst for progressive candidates, says liberal-leaning millennials are entering the age when people tend to vote more often. That naturally produces increasingly successful progressive candidates, especially people of colour, who can appeal to liberal and minority voters, he said. Were a little bit over white male progressive candidates, McElwee said. Sochie Nnaemeka, New York state director of the progressive Working Families Party, said candidates of colour also gain appeal from their authenticity. They have lived experiences, Nnaemeka said. Theres no translation needed for Jamaal Bowman to talk about the crisis of police brutality. Bowman, challenging 16-term veteran Congressman Eliot Engel in a district covering parts of the Bronx and Westchester County, grew up in public housing in New York. Many moderates dispute that the Democratic Party is increasingly becoming controlled by progressives and that Black voters inevitably skew to the left. They note that the moderate Biden decisively clinched the presidential nomination over Sanders with lopsided support from African American voters. They say the dozens of Democratic freshmen elected in 2018, giving them House control, included centrist legislators of colour such as Representatives Colin Allred of Texas and Xochitl Torres Small of New Mexico. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden is 77 years old [File: Jim Bourg/Reuters] There is a new generation coming thats very diverse, said Jim Kessler, an executive vice president of the centrist Democratic group Third Way. But it would be a mistake to say the next generation only represents the far left of the party. According to AP VoteCast, a survey of voters, about two in 10 people who voted for Democratic candidates in 2018 were Black and about one in 10 was Hispanic. About half identified as liberal, including two in 10 who said they were very liberal, with most of the rest moderates. Booker is seeking the Democratic nomination for Senate in Kentucky against former Marine combat pilot Amy McGrath. Schumer has backed the centrist as his partys best chance to defeat Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in the Republican stronghold state. Other candidates of colour seeking Democratic congressional nominations on Tuesday included Ritchie Torres, a New York City council member running for an open seat from a diverse Bronx district. Suraj Patel is a businessman trying to overthrow 14-term Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney in New York City. Former Congressman Steven Israel of New York, who ran House Democrats campaign committee, largely attributed progressives energy to the antipathy in the party to President Donald Trump. I dont subscribe to the argument that one day of primaries defines the national mood, Israel said. But its clear something is happening, and a new, aggressive generation of activists is impacting the Democratic Party. Dinh Tram Industrial Park - Illustration photo (Source : BGP/An Nhien, bacgiang.gov.vn) In recent months, numerous foreign-invested projects violating current regulations have been detected in the most popular provinces among foreign investors, including Bac Ninh, Haiphong, and Bac Giang, with projects caught red-handed having started construction without obtaining the relevant permission. Haiphong is one of the places where numerous projects have begun construction without the proper licences. In late 2019, a series of foreign investors received negative publicity for violating construction regulations, including Hecom Vietnam Co., Ltd., Taesung Engineering Vina Co., Ltd., and Autel Vietnam Co., Ltd. The cases involved Chinese-invested Yaolong Vietnam Printing Co., Ltd. and Luxshare-ICT, a large partner of Apple, with the common denominator being that the unlicensed construction works were discovered when they were almost finished. The resulting penalties included nothing more than fines and stern warnings to the leaders of relevant supervisory departments and agencies in charge of supervising the projects. One of the latest violations was by Luxshare-ICT, which was most recently issued a combined fine of VND340 million ($15,000) for violations in investment, environmental protection, and construction regulations, as well as in labour permits for foreign workers at Bac Giang Industrial Zone (IZ). Luxshare-ICT, which was established in Vietnam in 2016 and has a second factory in the central province of Nghe An, registered VND4.19 trillion ($182 million) in the Bac Giang facility last year. Accordingly, the company implemented its projects without issuing an environmental impact assessment report, built several structures that were not mentioned in its construction licence, and illegally recruited nearly 700 Chinese experts and workers. Nguyen Mai, chairman of the Vietnam Association of Foreign-Invested Enterprises, told VIR, Recent violations showed clear weaknesses in management at localities as well as lax oversight by local authorities in monitoring the companies operation. It also tells a great deal about the eagerness of cities and provinces to attract foreign investment that goes at the expense of ensuring the responsibility and potential of the foreign investors. It is difficult to understand how local authorities are so late in detecting issues at foreign-invested projects when they are so quick to crack down on violations at the local household level. Additionally, it is almost commonplace to see local authorities order the removal of violating construction works erected by households, while they only issue warnings and nominal fines to large foreign investors. I understand when an entire building is almost topped off, it would be a tremendous financial blow to ask the investor to tear it down, but letting them stay can be risky, Mai explained. The construction permit comes after a thorough evaluation of issues like safety requirements and environmental impact. If the building was raised without the local authorities verifying the appropriate parameters, what guarantees are there that the inspection of the finished product can uncover every mistake and how would you fix them at that stage, anyway? Following queries by VIR, Nguyen Xuan Ngoc, deputy director of Bac Giang Industrial Zones Authority, said that in addition to the fines, the local authorities have ordered Luxshare-ICT to remove the offending buildings, but it remains questionable whether entire buildings developed to accommodate workers would actually be removed or if the foreign experts would return to their home country. Vietnams laws on the supervision of foreign-invested projects are in place, with Decree No.84/2015/ND-CP issued in 2015 on supervision and assessment of investment assigning clear obligations to local authorities. The problem, however, lies not in the wording of the regulations but in its implementation, as local authorities seem to have glaring blind spots when following the progress of such projects. The case of Chinese-invested Yaolong Vietnam Printing Co., Ltd. located in Chau Phong Industrial Cluster in Bac Ninh province is an example. The investor was slammed with a fine of VND40 million ($1,740) in May for constructing multiple buildings without a licence. Yaolong, licensed in March 2019, developed four manufacturing facilities and a four-storey office building as well as a warehouse and then went on to expand by an additional four manufacturing facilities and another four-storey office building. However, its lack of a construction licence to begin even the first building was only discovered after the first phase was already finished and the expansion was almost complete. It is very difficult to understand how local authorities did not spot a four-storey office building or four whole manufacturing plants going up, an industry observer said, adding, This issue is nothing new provinces have been working on regulation to reinforce supervision and control over foreign-invested projects, but it has never been more than secondary to attracting new projects. For instance, Danang Peoples Committee last November issued its own regulation on supervising foreign-invested projects, besides complying with Decree 84. The regulation aims to ensure the detection of contrasting regulations. In addition, this regulation will also help us detect violations early in order to avoid to social impacts, said Tran Phuoc Son, director of Danang Department of Planning and Investment (DPI). Each November, relevant authorities will have to submit a list of foreign-invested projects that need to be checked to Danang DPI to formulate inspection plans to submit to the Peoples Committee for approval before November 15, Son added. Then, the inspection plans would be sent on to the Ministry of Planning and Investment before November 30. However, another representative of Danang DPI told VIR that while this regulation is in place, the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the implementation of this until early next year. The DPI has pledged to continue working with the relevant authorities to accelerate the completion of investment procedures for foreign-invested projects, with a view to helping them and speeding up the central citys economic recovery. Along with supervision of such processes, the Vietnamese government recently moved to create a new team focused on building on the diversification plans of large foreign investors. Last week, the government officially enacted Decision No.850/QD-TTg establishing a taskforce to boost foreign investment co-operation, serving as an impetus for catching investment capital inflows early from major global groups that are diversifying and repositioning manufacturing facilities after the COVID-19 pandemic. The taskforce is aimed to provide advice for the government in formulating competitive investment attraction policies to tap into the wave of investment going into this global strategic relocation. In addition, as a key priority for foreign investors is stability and legal consistency, the taskforce will complete the relevant legal framework. It will have to report to the prime minister on the progress towards its mission. Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh has been assigned the role of head of the new taskforce, while Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung is the permanent deputy head, and a deputy minister of the ministry will also be assigned as a deputy head. Other members of the taskforce include leaders of other ministries, the State Bank of Vietnam, and the Government Office. Former Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina speaks to the media after a meeting at Trump Tower in New York City on Dec. 12, 2016. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Carly Fiorina, 2016 GOP Candidate, Planning to Vote for Biden Former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, who ran for president as a Republican in 2016, says she plans to vote for presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden. Ive been very clear that I cant support Donald Trump. And, you know, elections are binary choices, Fiorina said in a podcast released on Thursday. President Donald Trump, a Republican who beat Fiorina and others in 2016, is running for reelection. Fiorina said the election isnt until November but if Biden is the Democratic nominee, shell vote for him. As citizens, our vote is more than a check on a box. You know, its a statement about where we want to go, and I think what we need now actually is real leadership that can unify the country, she said. I am encouraged that Joe Biden is a person of humility and empathy and character. I think hes demonstrated that through his life. And I think we need humility and empathy everywhere in public life right now. And I think character counts. Trump said in response later Thursday: Failed presidential candidate (thank you President Trump!), Carly Fiorina, said she will be voting for Corrupt Joe Biden. She lost so badly to me, twice in one campaign, that she should be voting for Joe. No complaints!!! he wrote on Twitter. All other Democratic contenders have withdrawn from contention but Biden isnt officially the nominee because the Democratic National Convention hasnt taken place yet. President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in the BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla., on June 19, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Fiorina late last year said she was still considering voting for Trump even as she argued for him to be impeached. I think it is vital that he be impeached, whether removed this close to an election, I dont know, she said during an appearance on CNN. Some of this conduct, like publicly berating a decorated war veteran who shows up in response to a lawfully issued subpoena of Congress, I think that conduct is not just unbecoming, I think its destructive to our republic, she added, referring to Trump attacking Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a National Security Council official who testified during the impeachment inquiry. Fiorina voted for Trump in 2016. She also met with him at Trump Tower in December of that year while he was vetting potential members of his cabinet. Democratic presidential candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden arrives at Carlettes Hideaway, a soul food restaurant, to speak with small business owners in Yeadon, Pa., on June 17, 2020. (Matt Slocum/AP Photo) She told CNN that whether she voted for Trump in 2020 depended on who the Democratic nominee was. Most other Republicans who vied for the presidential nomination during the last election have gone on to support Trump, including Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). Former neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson joined Trumps cabinet and is the secretary for the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Former Ohio Gov. John Kasich joined Fiorina in supporting Trumps impeachment and has said he will not vote for Trump, though hes declined to commit to voting for the Democratic nominee. A Virginia judge dismissed a defamation lawsuit brought by Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., in 2018 over statements made by a Republican strategist and two parody accounts, one pretending to be a cow and the other his mother. Judge John Marshall, in a letter to Nunes's attorneys on Friday, cited a federal law that protects social media companies from being held responsible for what individuals post on their sites. Marshall, of Virginia Circuit Court, wrote that Nunes "seeks to have the court treat Twitter as the publisher or speaker of the content provided by others based on its allowing or not allowing certain content to be on its internet platform. The court refuses to do so." Nunes was seeking $250 million in damages, claiming the parody accounts that taunted him and attacks from GOP strategist, Liz Mair, almost cost him his reelection. When Nunes sued "Devin Nunes' Cow" in March 2019, the account had 1,000 followers. But the news that Nunes was suing a fake cow made the account go viral. Today it has over 725,000 followers. Nunes claimed in his lawsuit that deragotory comments made about him by the cow, "Devin Nunes Mom" and Mair had slandered his character. He also accused Twitter of negligence for not removing the misinformation such as calling him a "treasonous cowpoke" or that "Nunes was 'voted 'Most Likely to Commit Treason' in high school." The creators of the two parody accounts are anonymous, and Twitter will not reveal who is behind them, though Nunes is attempting to sue them directly as well. Nunes is litigious, having sued many news organizations, including The Washington Post, and others for making critical statements about him. The fake cow reacted to the judge's decision with a picture of milk spewed at Nunes' face. "The herd responded to Devin's loss in court today. I had to hide the ice cream so they didn't throw it as well," the cow tweeted. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain COVID-19 continues to ravage Native American communities in the Southwest, taking lives at rates 19 percent higher than other racial or ethnic groups. In an effort to help those communities, the UNM Native American Budget and Policy Institute (NABPI), in partnership with the State of New Mexico's Indian Affairs Department, created a resource guide to consolidate information and updates. The Tribal Resources for COVID-19 page provides quick access to information on federal and state resources, as well as updates on grants and funding opportunities. "Our Native communities deserve to be informed," said Cheryl Fairbanks, the institute's interim executive director. "The mission of NABPI is to conduct research, budget and policy analysis in order to promote social justice advocacy and encourage Native American communities to create self-determined and systematic change. The foundation of change is knowledge, and we're hoping access to these resources will educate and empower our Native communities." The site has links to news, information and announcements and also provides downloadable infographics on how to access assistance, promote health-conscious decisions and identify misinformation. In addition, it outlines relief and support funding areas for tribal groups impacted by COVID-19. The site also makes available academic reports focused on the hardships being faced by these communities. The most recent report is titled COVID-19: Internet Access and the Impact on Tribal Communities in New Mexico. During a time when the world is moving virtual, a big challenge in connecting Native American communities to resources is the lack of access to broadband internet. According to NABPI, the Federal Communications Commission in 2018 estimated 35 percent of Americans living on tribal lands across the country lacked access to broadband services, compared with 8 percent of Americans overall. "This is a significant problem for our Tribal populations that is not new but is being exposed due to the importance of high-speed internet access right now," said Gabe Sanchez, an author of the report and director of UNM Center for Social Policy. "Because of the nature of COVID-19, many services and social interactions are moving online. But these changes are highlighting the pre-existing inequality of high-speed internet access, which are being compounded because of the health crisis." The report outlines possible short-term solutions, like WiFi busses, but acknowledges it will not be an easy road to long-term solutions. Sanchez and his team hope that the disparity will become a more forefront issue among local, tribal, state and federal leaders because of the impacts of COVID-19. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak More information: COVID-19: Internet Access and the Impact on Tribal Communities in New Mexico. COVID-19: Internet Access and the Impact on Tribal Communities in New Mexico. nabpi.unm.edu/assets/nabpi-iad and-report-final.pdf Second largest start to the year for number of ITAs issued despite coronavirus. Express Entry mid-year 2020 report: The Coronavirus Impact Second largest start to the year for number of ITAs issued despite coronavirus. Express Entry mid-year 2020 report: The Coronavirus Impact Second largest start to the year for number of ITAs issued despite coronavirus. Express Entry mid-year 2020 report: The Coronavirus Impact Second largest start to the year for number of ITAs issued despite coronavirus. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif Sans Font Size A A The first half of 2020 has been unlike any other period in the history of Express Entry. Canada saw both the largest and smallest Express Entry draws ever as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) held the biggest Express Entry draw ever on February 19, inviting 4,900 candidates in a single draw. A few weeks later, on March 12, the new immigration minister, Marco Mendicino, announced that Canada would welcome over one million immigrants by 2022, many of whom would arrive through Express Entry. Just a few days later, March 18 would change many things for hopeful Canadian immigrants. Coronavirus was becoming a bigger threat within Canada, and so the federal government closed the border to most foreign travel. The future of Express Entry was up in the air. Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs More Express Entry draws during pandemic It was quickly established that Canada would continue to hold Express Entry draws, and Minister Mendicino said that immigration would be key to economic recovery. Express Entry draws changed significantly. The all-program draws, which includes candidates from the Foreign Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC), were no longer held every two weeks. Instead, two draws would be held within days or hours of each other. One would target Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) recipients, and the other would only invite people from CEC. These draw pairings would take place roughly every two weeks. As a result, there have been 21 draws held as of today, including the June 25 Express Entry draw. Last year, 2019, there were 12 draws held in the same time frame. However, more Invitations to Apply (ITAs) have been issued this year compared to the same time last year. This year 49,900 ITAs have been issued in the first half of 2020, whereas 2019 saw 41,800 ITAs issued at the mid-year point. The differences in PNP and CEC draws PNP draws would always be smaller than CEC draws, and they would have higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirements. This is because a provincial nomination automatically gives candidates an extra 600 points in addition to their human capital score. The lowest CRS requirement of a PNP draw this year was 692 on April 29. This means, without the nomination, recipients only needed a human capital score of at least 92 in addition to the requirements of the PNP that awarded them the nomination. The smallest Express Entry draw ever was a PNP draw that issued 118 ITAs on April 15. It also had the largest CRS cutoff of the year at 808. This is still not the biggest CRS requirement of all time, which was 886 in the first Express Entry draw ever on January 31, 2015. CEC candidates must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, meet the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) required in their field, and live outside of the province of Quebec. Express Entry draws that targeted CEC candidates this year were comparatively bigger and had much smaller CRS requirements. FSWP and FSTP candidates were not drawn unless they had a provincial nomination. IRCC said they are prioritizing programs like CEC and PNP for the number of candidates that are currently in Canada. IRCC has not said when FSWP and FSTP candidates will once again be included in Express Entry draws. Nonetheless, Express Entry candidates currently outside of Canada who do not have Canadian work experience or a Canadian job offer are still receiving ITAs through Express Entry-linked PNP draws. Express Entry-linked PNP draws Alberta has held a total of 11 Alberta Express Entry Stream draws so far this year, at least six of them took place after the March 18 travel restrictions went into effect. Candidates invited on the latter dates had to be in Canada at the time of their nomination, as part of Albertas temporary measures against coronavirus. B.C. continues to hold draws weekly, though certain draws were affected by business closures resulting in some occupations being left out of draws. Candidates were invited from both the Express Entry BC and Skills Immigration categories Manitoba started off the year with the first PNP draw on January 2. In total Manitoba has held 12 draws so far, with seven of them taking place during the travel restrictions. A number of Express Entry candidates were invited in each draw. Nova Scotia has held two Labour Market Priorities draws. The first inviting Express Entry candidates who could demonstrate French and English proficiency, among other eligibilty criteria. The second invitation round was for candidates who had work experience in nursing. Ontario has held eight draws that invited Express Entry candidates, most of them during the travel restrictions. There were also two Express Entry Human Capital Priorities stream draws, and two Tech draws. Invitation rounds for candidates who may be eligible for the French Speaking Skilled Worker, and Express Entry Skilled Trades streams happened within one day of each other on two occasions. Prince Edward Island normally follows a predetermined schedule for its PNP draws, however due to coronavirus, draws were re-scheduled in March, April, May and June. The draws they have held so far targeted Express Entry candidates who worked in essential services such as healthcare and trucking. Saskatchewan has held five Express Entry-linked draws this year. The province is allowing some flexibility for nominees and applicants who are unable to submit completed applications, or whose circumstances had changed due to coronavirus. Express Entry in the next half of 2020 A lot will be determined before the end of the month, as the current travel ban restrictions are in effect until June 30. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is due to make the announcement in the coming days. In a new TV interview, minister Mendicino reiterated that Canada will continue to rely on Express Entry and other streams to welcome global talent from all over the world. Click here to read CIC News June 25, 2020 Express Entry draw article. Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs 2020 CIC News All Rights Reserved Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - June 25, 2020) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged NAC Foundation, its Chief Executive Officer Marcus Andrade, and political lobbyist Jack Abramoff with conducting a fraudulent, unregistered offering of AML BitCoin, a digital asset security the defendants claimed was a new and improved version of bitcoin. The SEC alleges that Nevada-based NAC Foundation raised at least $5.6 million from more than 2,400 investors by selling tokens that could later be converted to AML BitCoin. According to the SEC's complaints, NAC and its CEO portrayed AML BitCoin as superior to the original bitcoin, with anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism, and theft-resistant technology built into the coin on NAC's own "privately regulated public blockchain." The SEC's complaints allege that in reality none of the touted capabilities existed and the development of AML BitCoin and its blockchain was in the very early stages. According to the SEC, NAC and Andrade falsely claimed that multiple government agencies were negotiating to use AML BitCoin, and Abramoff and Andrade falsely claimed that they were on the verge of advertising AML BitCoin during the Super Bowl in an effort to create interest in the offering, despite NAC being unable to afford the cost of the ad. Abramoff also allegedly arranged for NAC to pay for purportedly independent articles about AML BitCoin that included many of the misleading statements. The SEC further alleges that Andrade directed a market manipulation strategy to boost the token's trading volume and price and diverted approximately $1.1 million from the offering for his personal use. "We allege that these defendants repeatedly misled investors into funding non-existent technology, falsely claiming that the technology would make digital asset transactions more secure," said Kristina Littman, Chief of the SEC Enforcement Division's Cyber Unit. "Investors are entitled to truthful information so they can make fully informed investment decisions." The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California announced parallel criminal actions against Andrade and Abramoff, charging Andrade with wire fraud and Abramoff with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and lobbying disclosure violations. The SEC's complaints, filed in the Northern District of California, charge NAC, Andrade, and Abramoff with violating the antifraud and securities registration provisions of the federal securities laws, and also charge Abramoff with broker-dealer registration violations. The SEC seeks permanent injunctions, disgorgement, and civil penalties, as well as injunctions prohibiting NAC and Andrade from participating in future securities offerings, and barring Andrade from serving as a public company officer or director. Abramoff has agreed to a settlement imposing permanent and conduct-based injunctions, officer-and-director, industry, and penny stock bars, disgorgement of the $50,000 in commissions he received, plus prejudgment interest of $5,501, and reserves the issue of civil penalties for further determination by the court upon motion of the SEC. The settlement is subject to court approval. The SEC's investigation was conducted by Alice Liu Jensen of the Enforcement Division's Market Abuse Unit and supervised by Steven Buchholz and Ms. Littman of the Cyber Unit and Joseph Sansone of the Market Abuse Unit. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service. The SEC's Office of Investor Education and Advocacy and the Enforcement Division's Retail Strategy Task Force encourage investors who are considering investing in ICOs and digital assets to learn more on Investor.gov. CALIFORNIA CITY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / Henny (Henny) Yeshanew, at the age of 24, is the founder of Lion Marketing Agency, a full-service marketing firm dedicated to helping medium to large businesses achieve success and growth. His company has been awarded Top Marketing Agency in Ontario in 2018 & 2019 by Canada Business Awards. Henny has also received a Top 40 Under 40 Award for his success with the marketing agency and his community work with youth development. During those years, Henny has developed a personal brand that echoes the true spirit of entrepreneurship and wants others to take inspiration while leveraging it. Over the last two months, most of our lives have changed dramatically. The World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 as a pandemic, but it is much more than a public health problem. It is also an economic one that affects millions of individuals around the globe and has far-reaching implications for the way people live and work across North America and the globe. While the argument for personal branding has been booming way before the pandemic, today, its importance has never been this evident. Seth Godin once said that marketing is a contest for people's attention. The same could be said about personal branding. Even though every individual has a personal brand, not everyone's personal brand is strong in the eyes of their target audience. The following are insights into personal branding challenges and ways we can leverage our personal brands in our business and career. Relevant for: job seekers The COVID-19 lockdown has caused the loss of jobs every day and the recovery forecasts are not optimistic. While the job market will pick up at some point in the future, this will take time. Meanwhile, the number of job seekers has increased dramatically, and thus the need to stand out from the competition is crucial. So, while your personal brand is about who you are, what you have to offer, and what you are known for, it is worth putting in more effort to strengthen it. What can you do? If you are a job seeker possibly affected by the COVID-19 fall-out, first of all, make sure you understand your next career path. Are you willing to find a job in the same industry or is there another field that seems more appropriate at this time? Once you've figured it out, have all the relevant information at hand. Not only put effort into improving your CV but also work on your LinkedIn profile and other social media. You never know which potential employers might discover you online, and be impressed by the way you come across. Job seekers who are able to make a good first impression are sure to win. Relevant for: executives, entrepreneurs, and other professionals While the pandemic was bad news, one good thing was it identified individuals who were able to spread the right messages online. While many personal brands that have been actively and professionally communicating all along, there has been a marked rise in the number of executives sharing their opinions and insights during COVID-19. Unfortunately, the vast majority are still struggling to strategically position their personal branding in order to drive visible results - in most cases, this is the result of not having enough time, skills, or professional help. What can you do? If you are an executive or entrepreneur or are willing to leverage your personal brand to raise awareness of your company, campaign, product, or message, the first thing is to understand how you want to position yourself. What's the target audience you want to speak to? What do you know about that target audience in terms of its demographics, psychographics, and behaviour? Your personal (and organizational) goals and positioning should be understood first. Then you can think about the right channels and content to spread your message. If you are an executive, it's most likely you would want to use the opportunities provided by LinkedIn. But having a nice profile isn't enough. Your content is key when attracting the attention of your target audience. While there are plenty of topics you can share, the most crucial part is to make them relevant to the audience. Executives who are able to deliver valuable content will win the contest for people's attention and will possibly be perceived as thought leaders. Helping your organization sell Relevant for: professionals willing to help their organizations raise awareness online Research shows that messages by individuals are trusted a lot more than corporate messages. Not only are they trusted more, but they are also able to reach a wider audience, particularly on such social networks like LinkedIn. In the midst of the pandemic (and any crisis for that matter), each employee can be a valuable resource for the company when it comes to promoting organizational values, raising awareness about its products, services or any other relevant information as well as simply helping the company stay afloat and acquire new customers. What can you do? While each employee can contribute in his or her own way, employee advocacy will add value to the organization if the efforts are united. This means primarily that universal guidelines will have to be crafted. In this way, employees will be aware of the goals, tools, and other guidelines on how to leverage social media through their personal branding efforts. The list of individuals who need personal branding more than ever today could include such groups as politicians, freelancers, or students, who will soon be in the job market. One thing is clear. Personal brand matters and, if you haven't yet thought about strengthening your brand, now is the time. Through the years, Henny has used these tips to leverage his audience and at the same time create a level of influencer many aspire to have. With the power of social media, you can also create a personal brand around your career path, your passion, or your dream and help others achieve success. Jigar saraswat Jigar@pmcommu.com 9825899824 SOURCE: Rajasi Media View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/595200/Hennys-Tips-For-Personal-Branding-Even-During-A-Pandemic Islamabad: Pakistan Parliaments joint sitting on Friday passed two important bills, one seeking to curb murders in the name of honour and the other to punish rapists by use of modern technology of DNA testing in probes involving rape cases. Both the bills, initially moved by former Senator Sughra Imam, were passed unanimously by the Senate sometime back and subsequently moved in the Joint Sitting of the Parliament by Senator Farhatullah Babar on the expiry of Imams term in the Senate. Under the existing laws a close relative murdered a woman in the name of honour and was promptly pardoned by another close family member. Thus the murderer would walk away literally without any punishment. It cannot be the spirit of religion to condone pre-meditated murder with ulterior murders, he said. He said that the anti-honour killing Bill was passed by the Senate Committee in 2014 when it was headed by the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Senator. Subsequently it was passed by the 104 member Senate by consensus including the religious parties. He said that under the anti-terror laws murder was not compoundable and Qisas and Diyat did not apply. Similarly, Women Protection Act of 2004 also excluded from compoundability murders. If it was not an issue of ideology and religion, how can it be an issue of ideology now, he asked. He said that opposition to exclude from Qisas and Diyat law and to make non-compoundable murders in the name of honour was motivated by politics and not religion. The legislation passed by the Joint session today makes 25 years jail mandatory in case of honour killings even if the murderer has been pardoned by other close family members. About the Anti-Rape Bill he said that a recent study had shown that conviction in rape cases was a mere 2 per cent which means that 98 per cent rapists potentially got scot-free. The is largely because DNA test is not compulsory in rape case under the existing law. The legislation passed however makes DNA test mandatory in investigations as part of the procedure. Through another amendment enhanced punishment has been provided for rape in police stations and rape of minors and mentally handicapped. The new legislation also deletes from Qanun e Shahadat the provision relating to questioning the character of the victim of rape. Thus sex workers also get protection of the law against rape. The identity of a rape victim will also be protected under the legislation passed. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. A grand jury has returned a no bill on the shooting death of a 21-year veteran Laredo firefighter, according to the Webb County District Attorneys Office. READ MORE: Self-defense claimed by suspect in fatal shooting of Laredo firefighter On Wednesday, the grand jury for the 49th District Court sitting in for the 406th District Court submitted a no bill decision on a murder charge presented by the District Attorneys Office against Ernesto Gillen, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. The grand jury considered evidence and witness testimony presented by the District Attorneys Office before coming to a decision, according to the prosecution. Gillen, 43, was arrested on April 15 for the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Guadalupe David De Luna, a Laredo Fire Department firefighter. Gillen, a 12-year CBP veteran, was listed as non-duty status with his employer at the time of his arrest. The case unfolded at about 10:19 p.m. April 15, when a woman called police to report a shooting at her apartment complex in the 6800 block of Springfield Avenue. She stated that her husband, De Luna, forced himself into her apartment and got shot by Gillen, according to court documents. Authorities identified the husband as De Luna. Further investigation revealed that De Luna learned that Gillen was with his wife at her apartment. Police said she and De Luna were separated. Prior to the fatal encounter with Gillen, De Luna had sent threats to his wife before forcing himself into her apartment, according to police. Investigators assessing the scene said they noticed obvious signs of forced entry. Officers recovered one spent .40 caliber casing and a CBP duty belt with one .40 caliber black H&K AP2000 that contained 11 rounds in the magazine and one round in the chamber. At LPD headquarters, Gillen stated he had gone to visit the woman. He then noticed she started receiving multiple text messages and phone calls. She answered the phone and told the person on the line to leave because he was not welcomed, according to police. Heavy knocks could be heard at the front door, according to court documents. When De Luna broke into the apartment, Gillen drew his firearm, H&K P2000, in the low ready, but he re-holstered his weapon once he noticed De Luna was unarmed. Gillen stated that De Luna rushed him and struck him numerous times on the side and back of his head before the woman intervened. Gillen stated he did not strike De Luna in his defense due to the woman being inbetween and only covered his head with his left hand, which was struck and injured, states the affidavit. De Luna forced the woman from between them and threw Gillen to the floor of one of the bedrooms after striking him in the head numerous times. Gillen felt dazed due to the strikes to the head as he saw De Luna approach while he was on the ground, according to court documents. With an injured arm, Gillen thought that if De Luna would knock him out, De Luna would take the sidearm and shoot him and the woman, states the affidavit. Due to this thought of imminent death, Ernesto Gillen drew his duty sidearm and ordered Guadalupe David De Luna to stay back numerous times. Then, when Guadalupe David De Luna did not comply and continued to advance toward Ernesto Gillen while on the ground, he fired one shot at close range to his torso, states the affidavit. READ MORE: Laredo health authority requests emergency medical staff from state as hospitalizations surge De Luna died at the scene. Two actors have publicly accused Eric Schaeffer, who has been the Northern Virginia companys artistic director since its beginnings in 1989, of repeatedly grabbing their genitals during public events in 2016 and 2018. Signature management says that a two-month investigation in 2018 by an attorney for the company found the allegations not credible, but Schaeffer decided to resign this week after the actors made their accusations public on Facebook over the weekend. The Washington Post Boston's city council unanimously voted to ban the city from using facial recognition technology. The latest law comes amid refocused criticism of facial recognition sparked by demonstrations of anti-police violence following George Floyd's death. The law makes it illegal for city officials to have the controversial software "obtain, retain, possess, access, or use." Boston is Massachusetts' sixth city to prohibit the use of facial recognition by the government and the largest city on the East Coast. San Francisco, Oakland, and Cambridge, Massachusetts, previously imposed similar bans on the controversial technology as racially discriminatory and a threat to civil liberty. ALSO READ: Homeland Security Used Surveillance Drones and Helicopters to Monitor George Floyd Protests Will it avoid racial and gender biases? Boston's points to racial and gender biases that plague the technology. Councillor Ricardo Arroyo, one of the bill's sponsors, said the technology is wildly inaccurate for people of color. He added that "[technology] also has a kind of chilling effect on civil liberties." "While face surveillance is [harmful] to all people, [regardless of] the color of their skin," Councilor Arroyo said. He added technology is "a particularly serious" threat to Black and brown people. Highlighting the technology's racist existence, councilor Michelle Wu, the other author of the legislation, cited a recent case in Michigan where an African-American man was charged after a facial recognition system misidentified himself. Research by MIT found that facial recognition systems had an error rate of up to 35% for darker-skinned women. Arroyo, the bill's sponsor, explained any kind of surveillance technology could suppress free speech when people see so much political action in marches and demonstrations for justice. "[The technology] is dangerous to more or less track democracy or democracy," he added. ALSO READ: Can China Now Identify Someone Using Facial Recognition Even If They're Wearing a Surgical Mask? Banned! Once signed into law, the ordinance will prevent the city from using facial recognition technology or obtaining surveillance software with the technology. The law provides certain exceptions, such as allowing town workers to use facial recognition for authentication purposes, such as accessing their own devices or using face detection to write faces in pictures automatically. The American Civil Liberties Union-Massachusetts pushed for a Beacon Hill bill to establish a government-wide moratorium on facial surveillance to protect the public's interest. The Boston bill is now being moved to the office of Democratic Mayor Marty Walsh, VOA's report said. If he does not take any action in 15 days, it will become law automatically. Although the Boston Police Department still does not use the technology, the department could access that equipment with a software update, WBUR said. In December, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a federal agency within the Department of Commerce, published a comprehensive study that found that most facial recognition systems have "demographic differentials" that may worsen their accuracy based on a person's age, gender or ethnicity. In recent weeks, the opposition to facial recognition placed pressure on tech companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, and IBM, to restrict their app sales to state and local law enforcement. However, critics of the movements of the companies questioned whether these steps are merely convenient PR tactics. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's president said on Wednesday it is "very probable" he will meet with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump in Washington in July to mark the start of a new North American trade deal, and urged Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to join them. "We want the prime minister of Canada, Trudeau, to take part as well," President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told reporters at a regular morning news conference. The Canadian government had no immediate comment. Trump on Tuesday said a meeting was likely. A White House official said planning was under way but that a specific date had not yet been set. Lopez Obrador in April floated the idea of meeting Trump, but had recently talked down the prospect of an in-person encounter, suggesting they might talk via videoconference. Some Mexican officials are privately skeptical about the benefits of a meeting with Trump, who is widely disliked in Mexico due to broadsides he fired off in his presidential campaign, calling Mexican migrants rapists and drug traffickers. The Mexican opposition and even some inside the ruling party have criticized Lopez Obrador for yielding to Trump on migration and security after the U.S. president threatened to slap trade tariffs on Mexico if it did not tighten up its border. The latest developments came after Trump on Tuesday visited the border wall his government is building and thanked the Mexican leader for deploying more than 20,000 soldiers to prevent immigrants from other countries from crossing into U.S. territory. He called Lopez Obrador "a really great guy," and said he expected the Mexican leader to visit the White House "pretty soon." Critics in Mexico see such comments as patronizing and feel a summit puts Lopez Obrador at risk of appearing overly obedient to Trump's demands. Jorge Castaneda, a former foreign minister of Mexico, called the planned trip a "dumb idea" in a recent interview with Reuters and warned that it could additionally be seen as favoring the U.S. president in an election year. Story continues Lopez Obrador said he wanted the meeting to be about the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) trade deal taking effect between the three countries on July 1. "As it's going to be in Washington, we're waiting for the U.S. government to invite the Canadian government," he said. "And that Canada is in agreement. In any case, we will attend." The meeting would not take place on July 1, but could come "immediately after," Lopez Obrador said. (Reporting by David Alire Garcia and Raul Cortes Fernandez; Additional reporting by Steve Scherer in Ottawa; Writing by Frank Jack Daniel; Editing by Dave Graham and Jonathan Oatis) By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a novel initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government is launching the 'Kerala Dialogue' -- a debate series on new concepts and development models. A series of visionaries including noted political thinker Noam Chomsky and Nobel-laureate economist Amartya Sen will join this unique initiative that is to be rolled out from Friday. The debate series to be inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will feature prominent personalities from various walks of life including scientists, philosophers, diplomats, economists, writers, journalists, activists, technocrats and people's representatives. The first episode will have Chomsky, Sen and WHO Chief Scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan speaking on 'Kerala - Future Paths of Development'. State Planning Board vice chairman VK Ramachandran and senior journalist N Ram would be the moderators. The first episode would be telecast through the Chief Minister's official social media accounts. The coming episodes in the series will also be telecast in the same manner. The government is of the view that the Kerala Dialogue series can ensure debates and dialogues on sustainable and inclusive development on the lines of the Kerala model. Vietnams borders will remain shut to foreign tourists, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said while addressing a meeting on the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic in Hanoi on Wednesday afternoon. PM Phuc reaffirmed the guiding viewpoint of fending off a second COVID-19 wave in order to pursue the dual goal of pandemic containment and economic recovery at the meeting. The Southeast Asian country will continue to uphold its entry ban on foreign visitors as the government attaches importance to the protection of public health over fears that the second wave of virus infections developing worldwide could hit Vietnam, the prime minister said. Vietnam has barred entry to foreign nationals since March 22 and suspended international flights from March 25 in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. Meanwhile, the government has opened borders to foreign experts, skilled laborers, and investors to reboot the economy. These entrants have to undergo mandatory quarantine upon arrival. Vietnam has also arranged flights to repatriate citizens stranded abroad due to COVID-19. PM Phuc asked to further increase the number of these flights to bring back Vietnamese citizens, as well as foreign experts, skilled laborers, and investors to Vietnam. Relevant authorities were tasked with issuing clearer procedures to facilitate the entry of foreign experts, skilled laborers, and investors who shall be quarantined in flexible manners. The head of government also called for sustaining a high level of vigilance and paying greater attention to the deployment of proactive, precautionary measures despite the fact that the nation is keeping the COVID-19 pandemic under control. On the topic of resuming commercial international flights, the prime minister asked for careful consideration to ensure that there will be no infections imported from these flights. He also requested that the Ministry of Public Security offer guidance to agencies on inviting, welcoming, and guaranteeing arrivals to Vietnam so that the procedures of visa issuance can be done quickly and conveniently. Vietnam had recorded 352 COVID-19 patients, including 329 recovered cases, as of Thursday morning, according to the Ministry of Health's data. From April to June 22, the country received 42 flights carrying 9,760 arrivals, including 9,109 Vietnamese citizens and 651 foreigners, all of whom were placed under quarantine upon entry, according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yunindita Prasidya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 16:43 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661a1fd0 1 Business World-Bank,human-capital,state-budget,spending Free The World Bank has advised Indonesia to increase its human capital spending and improve the quality of that expenditure as the country pushes for economic recovery. World Bank lead country economist for Indonesia Frederico Gil Sander stated on Wednesday that developing the countrys human capital through education, social assistance, better health and nutrition should be the countrys highest priority and its main challenge going forward. Thinking about how the government spends on human capital is going to be especially important over the next three to five-year period as Indonesia both recovers from COVID-19 and tunes into becoming a high-income middle-class economy, Frederico said during the World Banks webinar series Indonesia Public Expenditure Review 2020: Spending for Better Results. The World Bank found that systemic constraints had hampered the effort to improve the Indonesian governments public spending on human capital and in general, including coordination challenges across agencies and between government levels, as well as inadequate data and information systems. For example, despite the government having increased education expenditure over the last few years to an allocation of Rp 508.1 trillion (US$35.6 billion) in the 2020 state budget, data and studies showed that it had translated into limited outcome for education quality. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Developments (OECD) Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018 report showed that Indonesian students scored poorly in science, reading and mathematics, ranking 73rd, 74th and 71st in those subjects out of 79 assessed countries and territories. Meanwhile, the recipients of major subsidies were often the economically secure middle class rather than the poor and vulnerable, according to Juul Pinxten, a World Bank social protection specialist. According to World Bank data, from state subsidies for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and electricity amounting to Rp 54 trillion and Rp 48 trillion, respectively, in the 2018 state budget, the poor and the vulnerable only received 15 percent and 22 percent. The main message is that Indonesia can certainly spend more and can spend better, Pinxten stated. However, there has been a shift toward more targeted and hence pro-poor programs, as indicated by a decline in the rice assistance program (Rastra) and a transition to noncash food assistance (BPNT), he added. In response to the pandemic, the government has earmarked Rp 695.2 trillion in funds to cushion the impact of the outbreak, with Rp 87.55 trillion allocated for healthcare and Rp 203.9 trillion for strengthening social safety nets. Meanwhile, the World Bank also stated that it found inefficiency in the healthcare sector, particularly with regard to hospital spending in relation to the National Health Insurance (JKN). Launched in 2014, the Healthcare and Social Security Agency (BPJS Kesehatan), which manages the JKN, covered about 224 million Indonesians as of February, or more than 80 percent of the population. It is estimated that between 5 and 11 percent of total hospital spending is inefficient, World Bank senior economist Reem Hafez said. She added that the yield of efficiency measures in the healthcare sector could be between Rp 4 trillion and Rp 8 trillion, or even more. The healthcare sector could also benefit from a strengthening of governance and accountability by introducing an annual sector review and investing in health information systems to improve monitoring and evaluation, Hafez stated. BPJS Kesehatan has been battered by deficits, totalling Rp 13 trillion last year, that has led the government to issue a presidential regulation to almost double JKN premiums in early May. Kalsum Komaryani, the head of the Health Ministry's center for health insurance and financing, stated on Wednesday that the JKN deficit contributed to the problem. Although the deficit decreased to less than Rp 2 trillion by mid-June, she acknowledged that there was more to be done to improve the management of JKN. We will reshape the benefits package, set standards for hospitalization. We need to finish our clinical guidelines and strengthen our referral system, Kalsum noted. Meanwhile, Elan Satriawan, who heads the National Team for Accelerating Poverty Alleviations (TNP2K) policy working group, said improvement of the social assistance delivery system was needed particularly amid the pandemic. We have been discussing expanding the coverage of the [social assistance recipients] as the current situation indicates that 60 percent of the population [now fall into the category of] vulnerable people, Elan said. The government expects 4 million more people to fall below the poverty line this year due to the health crisis, making for a total of 28 million people in poverty in the nation, or around 10.6 percent of the population, up from 9.2 percent in September last year. Editors note: This article has been updated to accommodate the clarification by the World Bank on Juul Pinxtens statement and job title. Wisconsin Governor Activates National Guard After Violence, Toppling of Statues MADISON, Wis.Wisconsins governor activated the National Guard on Wednesday to protect state properties after a night of violence that included the toppling of two statues outside the state Capitol, one of which commemorated an abolitionist Civil War hero. Gov. Tony Evers, who toured the damage from Tuesday night and said the violence was in stark contrast to earlier peaceful protests, said he was activating the National Guard to make sure people can exercise their First Amendment rights while ensuring the safety of members of the public and state buildings and infrastructure. If your goal was to advance social justice and policing reforms in the state of Wisconsin and making sure systemic racism is a thing of the past, you failed, Evers said of the protesters on WTMJ-AM. Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in his Statehouse office in Madison, Wis., on Dec. 4, 2019. (Scott Bauer/AP Photo) The violence started Tuesday after Madison police arrested a man who came to a restaurant across the street from the Capitol with a bat on his shoulder. Video released by Madison police shows the man, Devenore Johnson, talking through a megaphone while walking around the restaurants outdoor patio and inside. On another video released by police, as many as five officers can be seen taking Johnson to the sidewalk and carrying him to a police squad car after he resisted arrest. Police said on Tuesday night a group of 200 to 300 people broke windows in multiple buildings, threw a Molotov cocktail into the city-county building, brought down the statues on the Capitol grounds, broke glass at a state office building and smashed windows and lights at the Capitol. Democratic state Sen. Tim Carpenter was assaulted after taking a cellphone video of the rioters. Punched/kicked in the head, neck, ribs, Carpenter posted on Twitter around 4 a.m. Innocent people are going to get killed. About 40 people who gathered Wednesday night outside the downtown county jail where Johnson was being held were peaceful as of 10 p.m., calling for his release. Toppled Statues One of the statues toppled, decapitated and dragged into a lake about a half-mile away was of Civil War Col. Hans Christian Heg. He was an anti-slavery activist and leader of an anti-slave catcher militia in Wisconsin who fought for the Union and died from injuries suffered during the Battle of Chickamauga. Hans Heg, an anti-slavery activist who was killed in the Civil War while fighting for the Union. (National Park Service) The other statue taken down represents Wisconsins motto Forward. The statue was first installed 125 years ago but replaced with a bronze replica in 1998. It sat prominently outside the Capitol, facing the University of Wisconsin campus and State Street, an avenue lined with bars, restaurants and small businesses. That corridor has been the target of much of the vandalism since the death of George Floyd on May 25. Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway said in a conference call for media later Wednesday that city leaders and law enforcement were working on a number of fronts to keep any additional protests calm. I am not in that room, I do not micromanage our law enforcement response, she said. There has been broad agreement among law enforcement that deescalation and protecting people is the top concern. By Scott Bauer and Todd Richmond A baby infected with the novel coronavirus has died at a hospital in Beirut, the National News Agency reported today, in what is thought to be the first instance of an infant death from COVID-19 in Lebanon. The baby girl was admitted to Rafik Hariri University Hospital in Beirut 25 days after her birth, where she was confirmed to have COVID-19 and a congenital heart defect. A statement from the hospital said she was experiencing acute inflammations in her lungs due to the coronavirus and that a team of specialists was sent from the Hezbollah-run Al-Rasoul Al-Azam Hospital to perform surgery on her heart. The United Nations childrens agency, UNICEF, described her death as appalling news. This tragedy reminds us that COVID-19 is not over, UNICEF in Lebanon tweeted. Lebanon reported 22 new infections today, bringing its total number of cases nationwide to 1,644. The babys death brought the death toll to 33, health officials said. Feeling sad. May her soul Rest In Peace. Our thoughts are with her family, tweeted Firass Abiad, director of the Rafik Hariri University Hospital, which is the main hospital treating the coronavirus in Lebanon. Hospitals naturally have a large number of staff, patients and visitors, all in contact with each other in a confined space. This facilitates virus spread, Abiad said. More unidentified cases in the community puts hospitals and patients at risk. The United Nations relief agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) said Tuesday that the virus exists inside Lebanons camps for Palestinians but no longer poses a threat. Opposition to Israel's annexation of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank is coming from an unlikely source -- a group of settlers. Not because they disagree, but because the plan puts aside land for a future Palestinian state, however nominal. Which they fear will leave some settler outposts as enclaves. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet is due to discuss the planned annexation next month. The aim is to accommodate U.S. President Donald Trump's peace blueprint, rejected by Palestinians, which envisages a Palestinian state on 70 per cent of the West Bank. It would surround 15 of some 130 Jewish settlements. Washington has offered to guarantee defence and access for this handful of enclaves, but they've become spearpoints of a campaign against the plans. Hananel Elkayam, mayor of the Itamar settlement, fears settlers would be unable to commute through the future Palestinian territory, would have construction permits capped and would face the threat of armed attack. "It will strangle the community because in the end, families here need a livelihood. On the one hand, they are saying, we are not evicting anybody, that's what they said in the plan that I saw in the media, but once you strangle the population and they have no livelihood, they must do something." Palestinians and many countries see the settlements as illegal land-grabs, and U.S. officials will discuss this week whether to give Israel the green light for annexation. They were built on land captured in a war in '67. Elkayam and other settler leaders say they'd back annexation on condition that plans for Palestinian statehood are scrapped. But Israeli and U.S. officials want to be seen as keeping a door open to diplomacy. About 100 Niagara health-care workers spent their lunch hour Thursday protesting outside St. Catharines hospital carrying signs that said Essential but Excluded. The workers represent diagnostic imaging staff, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dialysis techs, biomedical techs and many more from Niagara Health hospitals in St. Catharines, Welland and Niagara Falls, as well at Hotel Dieu Shaver Rehabilitation Centre. The issue is they arent receiving the $4 pandemic pay boost the provincial government has given some of their hospital colleagues, said Brenda Allan, president of OPSEU Local 215. We are here giving voice to the fact that what we do is essential, and when others are getting pandemic pay, and we are not, its not fair, Allan said. They are making a mistake. We work beside people getting the pandemic pay, and its like we have been forgotten. Allan came to the protest armed with an open letter of support from chief executive officers of hospitals in Niagara, Hamilton, Haldimand, Brant and Burlington. The letter said there was an unfortunate lack of clarity regarding pandemic pay eligibility, and the situation is impacting employee morale and undermining the recognition they receive from their communities. We value the efforts of all of our employees, and we believe they all deserve recognition for their contributions, the letter said. We are therefore urging you to extend pandemic pay to all hospital workers. Our entire workforce is at the forefront of the provincial pandemic response, working around the clock in challenging circumstances to assure safe, high quality, sustainable care for the people we serve. Niagara Health president Lynn Guerriero said the Ministry of Health reaffirmed its position Wednesday that hospitals cannot use government funding to extend pandemic pay to employees deemed ineligible under the pandemic pay program. She called it a disappointing development and said Niagara Health would continue its advocacy for government-funded pandemic pay for all hospital employees. I am working with the presidents and CEOs from our regional hospitals to encourage the government to reconsider and make all hospital employees eligible for pandemic pay, Guerriero said. Our CEO, Dr. Tom Stewart, also continues to raise this issue at the highest levels of government. We are incredibly grateful for the way everyone has stepped up and performed admirably during this challenging time. St. Catharines New Democrat MPP Jenny Stevens donned a union T-shirt and lent her support. Doug Ford stands up every day and calls them heroes and then excludes them, Stevens said. They are heroes, and it is time to treat them that way. Niagara West Conservative MPP Sam Oosterhoff said he recognizes the efforts of health-care workers and also called them heroes. We cannot thank them enough, Oosterhoff said. As Premier Ford has said, we truly wish we could provide pandemic pay to every single front-line worker who has contributed to the fight against COVID-19. Unfortunately, the federal government has only provided limited funding through our shared agreement and so we are unable to expand the pandemic pay program beyond the over 375,000 employees already deemed eligible. Oosterhoff said Ontario was one of the first provinces to roll out pandemic pay. Ours is the largest program of its kind in the country and unprecedented in the provinces history benefiting over 375,000 employees across 2,000 employers, he said. Thursdays protest was also noteworthy for the way it ended precisely at one oclock. Asked where everyone went all of a sudden, Allan said lunch was over, and they had to get back to their patients. Read more about: US threatens to impose tit-for-tat tariffs on Chinese seafood if Beijing fails to buy $150m of goods under phase-1 deal. US President Donald Trump signed a memorandum aimed at protecting American lobster fishermen who have found export markets drying up, a White House adviser dubbed the lobster king said, adding China could face new tariffs. If those purchase commitments are not met, the United States Trade Representative has been directed to use his discretion to impose reciprocal tariffs on the China seafood industry, trade adviser Peter Navarro told reporters on Wednesday. He was referring to $150m in purchase commitments Beijing made under the so-called phase one US-China trade deal. In the memorandum, Trump also directed the US Agriculture Department to provide lobster fishermen with the same type of assistance other parts of the agriculture sector are receiving to protect them from harmful trade practices, Navarro said. Senator Angus King of Maine welcomed the decision and said it would make a huge difference for Maine lobster fishermen who had been hurt doubly by Chinese tariffs imposed in 2018 and the collapse of sales to restaurants during the coronavirus lockdowns. This is definitely good news, he told Reuters news agency. The timing is good. This has been a tough summer for our lobstermen. The US Trade Representatives (USTR) office and the Maine Lobstermens Association did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Trump earlier this month called Navarro the lobster king at a Maine event, threatening to impose tariffs on European Union cars if the bloc did not drop its tariff on American lobsters. The economic toll of the coronavirus outbreak is sharpening the USs response to China, with whom it has been engaged in a bitter trade war since Trump accused Beijing of unfair trading practices and intellectual property theft in 2018. The Trump administration in May said it was turbocharging an initiative to remove global industrial supply chains from China as it weighed new tariffs to punish Beijing for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak. Trump, who has stepped up attacks on China in the run-up to the November 3 US presidential election, has long pledged to bring manufacturing back from overseas. Now, economic destruction caused by measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the US is driving a government-wide push to reduce the USs reliance on Chinese factories, even if manufacturing supply chains go to other nations instead, current and former senior US administration officials have said. New Delhi: Equity benchmark Sensex tumbled nearly 300 points in early trade on Thursday tracking losses in index-heavyweights ahead of the expiry of June derivatives amidst negative global cues. The BSE Sensex fell 298.78 points or 0.86 percent to 34,570.20 in early trade while the NSE Nifty dropped 99.10 points or 0.96 percent to 10,206.20. Top losers in the Sensex pack were, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, Asian Paints, ICICI Bank and HDFC, falling around 3 percent. On the other hand, Bajaj Auto, ITC, NTPC, UltraTech Cement and Reliance Industries were among the gainers. The rupee meanwhile depreciated 4 paise to 75.76 against the US dollar in early trade as weak domestic equities coupled with strong US dollar and rising coronavirus cases weighed on investor sentiments. In the previous session on Wednesday, the BSE Sensex closed at 34,868.98, down 561.45 points, or 1.58 per cent, and the broader Nifty tumbled 165.70 points, or 1.58 per cent, to end at 10,305.30. On a net basis, foreign institutional investors bought equities worth Rs 1,766.90 crore on Wednesday, provisional exchange data showed. Anakeesta is unveiling AnaVista Tower, now downtown Gatlinburgs highest point. Offering 360-degree views of the Smokies and the only one of its kind in the world, AnaVista Tower offers a unique view of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding states. Nearly two million people have visited Anakeesta since it opened less than three years ago in one of Tennessees most popular tourist destinations. Anakeestas growth is expected to further add to the economic success and record-breaking number of tourists who visit Sevier County, said officials. The opening of this crowning jewel atop Anakeesta is part of its $6.5 million expansion. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Superintendent Cassius Cash will be on hand at the opening celebration to help with a special commemoration. Mark Adams, CEO/president of the Gatlinburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, will speak about the towers significance during Gatlinburgs 75th Anniversary year. In just a few short months, Anakeesta has transformed its mountaintop in the heart of downtown Gatlinburg to offer visitors even more authentic outdoor Smoky Mountain experiences. Anakeestas wide open spaces and fresh mountain air offer visitors a safe place to share some of the best views of the Smokies just a Chondola ride away. Thursday marks the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, which was triggered by North Korea's invasion of South Korea. The surprise attack at dawn by Kim Il-sung's forces led to the death or injury of 630,000 South Korean soldiers and 150,000 UN forces. There are no accurate figures when it comes to the number of civilian casualties. The Korean War was among the worst tragedies to afflict the Korean people, and the bloodshed left an indelible wound in the nation's psyche. South Korea was able to emerge from the ashes of the war and achieve phenomenal economic growth that has been described as the "miracle on the Han River." South Korea's GDP stood at a mere US$1.3 billion in 1953 but surged more than 1,000 times to $1.6 trillion last year. Per-capita income also rose from $67 to $30,000, which is nearly on a par with advanced countries. From one of the world's poorest countries, South Korea has grown in status to be invited to attend the G7 Summit. The rapid industrialization and eventual democratization it achieved turned the Korean War from an obscure conflict between two backwater dictatorships into a resounding victory in the struggle for freedom. Surviving Korean War veterans, most of whom are nonagenarians now, are surprised by what they achieved by putting their lives on the line. If South Korea had been defeated, the miracle on the Han River would not have been possible, and South Koreans might even now be living under the tyranny and oppression of the North Korean regime. We must never forget the fact that 54,000 American soldiers perished in the war to protect a country many of them had never heard of. Thanks to their sacrifices, our country was able to prosper. Yet today, protesters chant anti-American slogans and climb over the wall of the U.S. ambassador's residence as police stand idly by. A war hero who pushed back even when 90 percent of our territory had been overtaken by communist forces is now being labeled a pro-Japanese sympathizer and may not even be buried at the National Cemetery. In contrast, another independence fighter during the Japanese colonial period who sided with Kim Il-sung during the war and even received medals from the communist invaders is now lauded as a founder of our military. Surveys show that only 44 percent of South Koreans in their 20s blame North Korea for causing the Korean War. The tragedy of the Korean War was caused by misjudgment and carelessness. Top brass let their guard down even though they were briefed that a massive North Korean military formation had gathered along the demilitarized zone. Almost half of our troops were given weekend leave, while even frontline commanders were attending a party at Army headquarters. The Army chief of staff even boasted that he intends to "have breakfast in Kaesong, lunch in Pyongyang and dinner in Sinuiju" if a war broke out. But once it did, it took just four days for Seoul to fall into enemy hands. Are circumstances really so different today? North Korea has scores of nuclear warheads and continues to tinker with long-range missiles capable of delivering those deadly payloads across South Korea. It regularly vows to turn Seoul into a "sea of fire." But our government and military are not worried. The three major joint military exercises with the U.S. have been halted, as have aerial surveillance missions over the demilitarized zone. Our government and military believe the president's photo-ops with the North Korean leader are enough to guarantee peace on the Korean Peninsula. The Korea Defense Daily even says peace is achieved "not by military strength, but through dialogue." Are we really sure that the tragedy that took place 70 years ago cannot be repeated? On Monday, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to halt visas for foreign workers temporarily till the end of the year. Trumps order specifically targets H-1B and H-4 visas, which are given to employees in the technology industry and their families, as well as those applying for green cards or permanent residency in the US. As many as 5.25 lakh people are likely to be denied entry. Skilled technology personnel from India will take the biggest hit. They come under the H-1B category, which gives them rights to residency for six years and purchase of property. Indians today account for around 2.78 lakh H-1B visas of the 3.88 lakh available, or 72% of the total. Fortunately, current visa holders will escape the axe, but those who had travelled abroad may not be able to re-enter the US. The Trump order will also hit Indian tech giants like Wipro, Infosys and TCS, which use the H-1B visa to send staff from India and develop their business and projects in the US. Trump has argued that the US has a moral duty to create an immigration system that protects the lives and jobs of our citizens. However, it is an open secret that the US administration is using the current adverse pandemic conditions to tighten the countrys immigration laws. Far from taking away American jobs, Google CEO Sundar Pichai has pointed out: Immigration has contributed immensely to Americas economic success, making it a global leader in tech, and also Google the company it is today. Thomas Donohue, CEO of the US Chamber of Commerce, has echoed Pichai saying putting up a not welcome sign for engineers, executives, and IT experts would stop talent reaching US shores and ultimately harm the countrys economy. For India, it is a denial of global opportunities for our most skilled personnel and therefore an unfair restriction on market freedom. India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have good back-channel relations with the Trump administration, and it is hoped that these will be used for a rollback of these restrictive measures. SAN JOSE, Calif., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Urban Catalyst, an Opportunity Zone Fund focused on ground-up development projects in Silicon Valley, today announced that Mike Walsh has joined the company as a Projects Director. "Mike has developed a wealth of construction experience during his more than 40 years in the real estate business," said Urban Catalyst Founder Erik Hayden. "We are glad to have him on board, and look forward to the contributions he'll make in overseeing our projects throughout the downtown San Jose Opportunity Zone." Overseeing Urban Catalyst's preconstruction and construction work, Walsh will draw on his more than 40 years of experience in construction and real estate development in Bay Area markets. Most recently he was with SIMEON, where he oversaw the firm's construction and development work, including the building of a 630,000-square-foot, 21-story apartment tower in San Jose; a 145,000-square-foot condo building in San Francisco; and a multi-tenant retail center in Hayward. Before joining SIMEON in 2012, he was Director of Development with AGI Capital/Avant Housing, where he was responsible for developing 2,200 multi-family units in San Francisco and 800,000-square-feet of self-storage projects throughout the Bay Area. Walsh began his career building nuclear power plants and hydroelectric dams; since then, he has served as a project manager for several hospital and biotech buildings and has built retail centers, office buildings, and education and medical facilities. About Urban Catalyst Urban Catalyst Opportunity Fund I LLC ("Urban Catalyst") is a nationally recognized real estate equity fund focused on ground-up development projects in downtown San Jose. Structured as Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund, Urban Catalyst provides investors potential tax benefits associated with the Opportunity Zone legislation. Urban Catalyst offers a diverse portfolio of assets through investments in seven projects that include office, multi-family, student housing, senior housing (assisted living and memory care), and a hotel. In 2020, Forbes and the Sorenson Impact Center recognized Urban Catalyst as one of the top 10 Opportunity Zone Funds in the inaugural Forbes OZ 20 . Learn more at https://www.urbancatalyst.com/ . SOURCE Urban Catalyst Related Links https://www.urbancatalyst.com Google has announced an updated version of Google Photos app for the iPhone, and it brings a refreshed UI design, a new icon, and many more features, including a Map View. The latest version of the Google Photos app will roll out over the next few weeks. Let us have a look at all its new features that you will get soon. Google Photos is one of the few great services that Google has launched over the past few years. The cloud-based photo backup service was first unveiled five years ago, and it has come a long way since then, and it is by far one of the best photo backup solutions in the market right now. To mark its five-year anniversary, Google has unveiled a new version of Google Photos with a modern design and new features. The internet services giant says that it has based the new design on focusing on your memories. The new bottom bar now has three tabs, and the search button is at the center, which makes it easier for you to find anything in your photo library. Apart from the search bar, the Search View also shows important people in your life. Theres also an interactive Maps View, and you can pinch-to-zoom on the map to see where youve taken your photos and videos. You can just start scrolling your photos, and a marker on the map moves around to show where those photos were taken. The regular photo library view can be found in the Photos tab thats placed at the leftmost corner on the bottom bar. This section also shows the Memories Carousel, and it shows recent photos, recent highlights, and one-year ago. Google says that more than 120 million people have viewed their memories from the past ever since it rolled out the Memories feature last fall. Now, Google Photos will show you more types of memories. The refreshed design includes larger image thumbnails and auto-playing videos. Google has also moved items from the For You tab (which also has been removed from the bottom bar) to the Memories section. You will also get an option to hide certain people or periods from Google Photos for which you dont want to receive memories. The Library section on the right side of the bottom bar shows your favorite photos, archive, trash, utilities, and device folders. Google has also tweaked the famous pinwheel icon to make it more rounded so that it merges with Googles new design guidelines. [Source: Google India on Thursday squarely blamed China for the standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), saying Beijing had massed troops along the disputed frontier since May, violated a recent understanding to disengage in Ladakhs Galwan Valley and disregarded all mutually agreed norms for border patrols. The Indian position on the months-old standoff was outlined in a lengthy and sharply worded statement from the external affairs ministry as tensions simmered due to the continuing Chinese military build-up in several sections of the LAC, especially in Ladakh, which has been the focus of the face-off. While accusing China of triggering several face-offs by trying to unilaterally change the status quo along the LAC, the Indian side also rejected the Chinese sides unjustified and untenable claim on the Galwan Valley. The statement also acknowledged both sides remain deployed in large numbers in the region. The external affairs ministrys statement came even as Chinese envoy Sun Weidong said in an interview to PTI that the onus wasnt on his country to resolve the border standoff. Sun said he hoped the Indian side would meet the Chinese side halfway and avoid any actions that could complicate the situation. The Indian side, external affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said, had clearly established that Chinas actions had led to the increase in tensions and the violent face-off of June 15 in the Galwan Valley that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. Explaining the context of the standoff and the issues the two sides are trying to address, Srivastava said in a statement: At the heart of the matter is that since early May, the Chinese side has been amassing a large contingent of troops and armaments along the LAC. This is not in accordance with the provisions of our various bilateral agreements, especially the key 1993 Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Areas. This agreement states each side will keep its military forces in areas along the LAC to a minimum level compatible with friendly and good neighbourly relations. Following the Chinese build-up, India had to make counter deployments and the resulting tension has thereafter expressed itself. Referring to the Galwan Valley, the flashpoint in the current tensions, the statement said a meeting of corps commanders of the two sides on June 6 had agreed on a process for de-escalation and disengagement along the LAC that involved reciprocal actions. Both sides also agreed to respect and abide by the LAC and not undertake any activity to alter the status quo. However, the Chinese side departed from these understandings on the LAC in the Galwan Valley and sought to erect structures just across the LAC. The statement added, When this attempt was foiled, Chinese troops took violent actions on 15 June 2020 that directly resulted in casualties. Even before these actions, the Chinese side had hindered Indias normal and traditional patrolling pattern in the Galwan Valley since early May. The resulting face-off was addressed by ground commanders in line with the provisions of bilateral agreements and protocols. In mid-May, the Chinese side also sought to change the status quo in other areas of the western sector, and India registered its protest through diplomatic and military channels. The statement said that while there were occasional departures from established mutually agreed procedures and norms for patrolling in the past, the conduct of Chinese forces this year has been in complete disregard of all mutually agreed norms. Both sides had developed patterns of patrolling over many years and it is the reasonable expectation that patrols will not be obstructed in the discharge of their legitimate duties. However, the Indian side has experienced obstruction to patrolling that is often accompanied by efforts to unilaterally change the status quo along the LAC. Indian troops are fully familiar with the LACs alignment in all sectors and abide scrupulously by it. They have also patrolled all along the LAC, including in the Galwan Valley, for a long time, the statement said. All infrastructure built by the Indian side has always been on its own side of the LAC. The Indian side has never undertaken any actions across the LAC and has never attempted to unilaterally change the status quo. However, that has not been reciprocated by the Chinese side and that from time to time has led to face-offs, the statement added. Peace and tranquillity in border areas is the basis of our bilateral relationship and it is imperative that the established mechanisms are used by both parties to address the current situation, the statement said. Describing Wednesdays meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs as a significant development, the Indian side also noted that the corps commanders had on June 22 discussed the implementation of understandings reached between them on June 6. The foreign ministers too agreed during a phone conversation on June 17 that the disengagement understanding of June 6 would be implemented. People familiar with developments said India has been insisting on implementing the understanding of June 6 because it includes the removal of structures built by the Chinese along the LAC in the Galwan Valley. We expect the Chinese side to sincerely follow up on this understanding and ensure the expeditious restoration of peace and tranquillity in the border areas. A continuation of the current situation would only vitiate the atmosphere for the development of the relationship, the statement said. Former ambassador Rajiv Bhatia, a distinguished fellow for foreign policy studies at Gateway House, said while there were no immediate indications of a possible conflict between the two sides, a breakthrough on the ground would depend on the actions of the Chinese side. The candour on the Indian side is welcome because the public is being taken into confidence. The perception is that the army commanders have reached an accord but there is much to be desired in its implementation by the Chinese side, he said. We have had talks at the level of generals and diplomats, though the level of negotiations will have to be further enhanced. We will have to wait and see, and much depends on the actual activities on the ground. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON T he director of the Museum of London today hailed a fantastic move by planners to give the go-ahead to a major new 337 million space for the attraction in Smithfield. On Tuesday, the City of London Corporation approved plans from the museum to create a new cultural attraction within a series of buildings in the historic market area. The site, which will be set over a number of Victorian market buildings many of which are in disrepair, will provide a state-of-the-art home to some seven million objects that tell the rich history of the capital. It will also include a centre offering 24-hour access for young people to learn about the city. The museums director, Sharon Ament, said she was over the moon with the huge milestone to see the vision come to life. Ms Ament added: This is going to be a phenomenal space and having planners approve it is a huge milestone step for us. The City of London Corporation has donated 197 million of the 337 million needed. Mayor Sadiq Khan has given another 70 million. The museum has so far secured 27 million of the remaining 70 million needed before the project is delivered. Long-standing camera brand Olympus is set to sell off that part of the company after 84 years, citing a downturn in the digital market for its decision. The company has recorded losses for three consecutive years and felt that the introduction of smartphones had further shrunk the market for standalone cameras, making it unprofitable. While 2010 saw an all-time record 121 million cameras produced, by 2018 that figure had dropped dramatically to just 19 million - which has hit the industry hard. Olympus will leave the camera business 84 years after launching its first model in 1936 A deal has been reached with Japan Industrial Partners (JIP), the private equity group that owns Vaio, the laptop company. The agreement will allow JIP to utilise Olympus parts in its own range of camera models going forward. Despite becoming a household name for its cameras after launching its first model in 1936, in recent years the group has made around 80 per cent of its sales from medical devices including gastrointestinal endoscopes. Olympus has found the camera part of the company to be increasingly unprofitable In a statement, the company said: 'Today the Olympus Imaging Business has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Japan Industrial Partners, Inc. (JIP). 'According to the MOU, both companies are entering into further discussions about the potential transfer of Olympus long-standing imaging business to JIP by the end of 2020. 'JIP is a strong investment fund with a track record of success and has maximised the growth of many brands. 'JIP will use the innovative technologies and solid brand position of Olympus within the market, while also improving the profit structure of Olympuss imaging business. 'We understand you may have many questions, all of which we will work to answer in the upcoming weeks. 'We ask for your patience: we believe this is the right step to preserve our brands legacy, the products, and the value of our technology. Olympus sees this potential transfer as an opportunity to enable our imaging business to grow and delight both longtime and new photography enthusiasts. 'Olympus and JIP will continue discussions, and we are committed to providing full transparency about our intentions as the plans solidify.We are grateful to all our customers for their loyalty and support for our products, and their passion for photography. 'During the ongoing discussions, Olympus Imaging will operate with business as usual: we will continue to work on innovative initiatives for our customers and we will launch new products as planned.' Ben Margot/Associated Press The city of Oakland began the first phase of its outdoor dining and retail program Thursday, Mayor Libby Schaaf announced Thursday. The program was initially announced last week as a means "to spur equitable economic recovery by making it easier for retailers, restaurants and other allowed businesses to use larger portions of the sidewalk, parking lanes and streets," a press release explained. Having refused to be part of the virtual National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of their party, majority members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have rejected its outcome. The Hilliard Eta-led 18 members of the NWC, in a statement, shortly after the NEC meeting attended by President Muhammadu Buhari, said the meeting violated the partys constitution. Quoting Article 25 (B) of the party constitution, they challenged the right of the deputy national secretary of the party, Victor Giadom, to convene the well attended NEC meeting. The faction, believed to be loyal to the partys erstwhile national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, and national leader, Bola Tinubu, announced its readiness to challenge the NEC meeting and its outcome in court. They said they are consulting with their allies and lawyers before disclosing their final steps. Article 25(B) of the Constitution of the APC is explicit that only the National Chairman or the National Working Committee (NWC) is given the prerogative of summoning meetings of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party cither for statutory quarterly meetings or for emergency meetings. The same provision of the constitution makes it compulsory for a notice of a minimum of14 days in respect statutory quatertly meetings and 7days in respect of an emergency meeting. We note that Chief Victor Giadom had convened and conducted a virtual meeting purportedly to be a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of our Party wherein certain far-reaching resolutions were purportedly reached. While the National Working Committee is studying the unfolding drama, it will be consulting with stakeholders and a team of lawyers on the next line of action, the statement signed by Mr Eta and the partys acting national secretary, Waziri Bulama, stated. They said the statement was released on behalf of 18 sacked members of the NWC. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported the resolutions of the NEC meeting including the dissolution of the NWC. The NEC also appointed a caretaker committee to manage the affairs of the party until a convention is held to elect new NWC members. READ ALSO: The Yobe State Governor, Mai-Mala Buni chairs the caretaker committee. The sacked NWC members have now rejected their sack, a move which could further tear the ruling party apart. In his speech at the virtual NEC meeting, Mr Buhari not only called for the dissolution of the NEC meeting, but also cautioned members against taking the party to court. He ordered those who had done so to withdraw such cases. The directive had been issued before, unfortunately, some members failed to heed the directive. Thus, at this time, it must be made a Resolution of the Party which must be effectively enforced with dire consequences for members who choose to ignore the directive, the president said. That directive of avoiding court cases is what the sacked NWC members say they are considering violating unless advised otherwise by their lawyers. Leimert Park Rising brings out thousands in support of Juneteenth and Black Lives Leimert Park Rising was an event for the culture and will be remembered for a long time. Black businesses, Black people coming together, honoring Juneteenth was needed as a reminder of the synergy that Blacks create when united as one. The event was organized by Ill Camille; she was blown away by the support she received from her team and also the community. The energy surrounded Leimert Park filled the African American community with love and hope for brighter days. For many people in the community, Leimert Park has always been a hub for people to shop and bond with each other. On the South section of the event, the Pray for the Hood stage hosted various artists with a common goal of solidarity, love, and ownership. This was arguably one of the most monumental events of the year, says Jimetta Rose of Voices of Creation. One moment during the performance breaks, everyone was chanting Queen Latifahs lyrics U-N-I-T-Y in solidarity. ADVERTISEMENT Rose and the Voices of Creation gave a remarkable performance. Rose says, Were honored to be here today. Black excellence is what this means. Joy despite the circumstances is available and we always find it. She continues, Lifting my voice in the name of my ancestors. Joyful rebellion and love is whats going to see us through and give us the energy to give, so its wonderful to see everybody get recharged. L.A. legend DJ Battlecat interviewed with the Los Angeles Sentinel and expressed his passion for being a voice for the younger generation. What it feels and what it is and what it means to be a part of this is monumental for the Black people. All the contributions that Ive been able to give to this community, and for them to receive and appreciate it in this day and time, is an honor and I will continue to be positive, great and humble with that. There are many young people who need a voice right now; DJ Battlecat acknowledges how hes leading the way and will support them unconditionally. Its a new generation thats here right now and they need a voice. So, to be here is to let them know that we love them unconditionally. Thats a hard thing to do but so necessary because theyve been alienated for so long without a voice. Coming here to commune with my community is a blessing. Im glad to be here to let them know I support them by any means, says Battlecat. Many artists and entrepreneurs who were vendors are from the Leimert Park community. The poet, Prince of the Ghetto from Cypher Complete, spoke on what it means to celebrate Juneteenth at Leimert Park. We purchase our books here in Leimert Park and Im a young poet from here, so I got inspired seeing all older poets. I appreciate this festival because were able to be out here and build with each other and work towards greater success. Upcoming rapper, Camgnar interviewed with the Los Angeles Sentinel and shared his thoughts on being a part of Leimert Park rising. What it means for me to be here as a performer, after being in quarantine for three months, theres no better way I would like to celebrate with the community. Camgnar says, Its symbolic that we freed ourselves from quarantine to come out here and support each other and celebrate Black freedom. In appreciation for his efforts of activism and organizing events that empower and unify Leimert Park community, event co-organizer, attorney, Jaaye Person-Lynn presented Dom Kennedy with the Ben Caldwell award. Kennedy wasnt able to make the event because of prior obligations; he still sent a powerful message to encourage the community read by RJ Lewis. This Juneteenth celebration for Black independence was an essential gathering for people to release the hate, anger and fear, and to be filled with love. As such, we made the city a safer place, said Person-Lynn. What I can encourage you to do is find your truth. Sacrifice anything that is not productive to get what you want out of life. I would like to thank my family. Theyre the ones that have sacrificed in order for me to live my dreams. My music is debatable but my sincerity is not. To Leimert Park be the glory, says Dom Kennedy. He paid homage to the late Nipsey as well. Ive met so many great people all over the planet. One in particular. I will never forget. I wouldnt be telling you the truth if I said I wasnt a fan of the homie Nipsey Hussle. By the time we got to work, I was prepared. The one thing about Nipsey I will always remember most is his courage and willingness to uplift anybody in the neighborhood. The co-chairs of the Ukraine-Hungary Commission on National Minorities will hold a meeting in the near future. Today, we have agreed that the commission on national minorities will meet at the level of co-chairs in the near future," Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said at a joint briefing with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Kuleba said that the co-chairs of the commission should conduct a "very thorough review" of the situation with the protection of the rights of persons belonging to national minorities and prepare "important decisions for our progress and the elimination of misunderstandings." The minister also informed that further steps to hold a meeting of the working group on education had been agreed with his Hungarian counterpart. Kuleba reminded that today's meeting of the Joint Ukraine-Hungary Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation as well as the meetings of the Commission on National Minorities and the Group on Education were necessary steps to prepare a possible future visit of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to Ukraine. As reported, the fourth meeting of the Joint Ukraine-Hungary Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation co-chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba and Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto was held in Kyiv on June 25. Earlier, Hungary-Ukraine relations deteriorated again after the Verkhovna Rada passed the Law On Ensuring the Functioning of the Ukrainian Language as the State Language. Hungary reacted negatively to the adoption of this law. The Hungarian side also sharply criticized the adoption in Ukraine of the law On Education on September 5, 2017, which provides, in particular, for the wider introduction of the Ukrainian language, including the educational institutions of national minorities. Despite numerous attempts of the Hungarian and Ukrainian sides to resolve the disputed issues through diplomacy, a full understanding has not been reached. Official Budapest continued to block Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic initiatives. ol Representative image As tensions between India and China escalated over the military standoff in Ladakh, we witnessed an acceleration of a fast developing sentiment an anti-China stance. Calls to boycott Chinese products and halt trade with China, were witnessed around the country, with people burning Chinese appliances and a Union minister even demanding that Chinese restaurants be banned to teach our eastern neighbour a lesson. That China regularly engages in unfair trade practices, like dumping and usage of subsidies or export restrictions on industrial inputs to out price competitors, is a fact well known. However, it is also true that waging a trade war against China by boycotting its goods to avenge a border dispute is an idea that would likely hurt Indian interests far more than Chinese, given the size and nature of trade. Undertaking it at a time when India faces its sharpest GDP contraction in decades would also be ill-timed and equivalent to practicing self-harm. Too Big To Boycott Boycotting Chinese goods doesnt make sense for many reasons one of the biggest being the skewed nature of trade between the two countries. China is India's largest trade partner, while India doesn't even figure in the top 10 of China's trade partners by total volume. India also has a huge trade deficit with China its largest with any country. In 2018-19, Indias exports to China were mere $16.7 billion, while imports were $70.3 billion, leaving a trade deficit of $53.6 billion. These figures shows just how dependent India is on Chinese goods. A large-scale boycott will hurt Indian businesses at a time when they are struggling to survive, and also affect Indias ability to manufacture finished goods. Beyond finished products, there are hundreds of products that we use on a daily basis that are made by Indian companies, but require Chinese inputs. An overwhelming proportion of Chinese imports, in fact, are in the form of intermediate goods such as electrical machinery, nuclear reactors, fertilisers, organic chemicals, pharmaceuticals, etc critical to Indian production needs. Our smartphone industry is dominated by Chinese brands with four of the five best-selling phones (Xiaomi, Vivo, Realme and Oppo) hailing from China. In 2017-18, almost 60 percent of Indias import requirements of electrical and electronic equipment was met by China. The point is that Chinese products and brands are so well-entrenched in our daily lives that it is impossible to boycott them at least for the time being. Chinese Money In Indian Startups The same is true for Chinese investments in India, which has seen a steady rise over the course of the last two decades. According to Brookings India, Chinese investments in India amounted to $1.6 billion till 2014 an amount that grew almost five fold to $8 billion by 2017. The Chinese have also made big equity acquisitions in Indian companies, with Chinese tech investors having already put an estimated $4 billion in Indian startups. Hundreds of Indian startups, from PayTM to Flipkart, from Swiggy to Ola and from Byjus to Gaana, have got investments from Chinese finance companies such as Alibaba and Tencent. Given this, talk of boycotting Chinese trade also involves the larger risk of jeopardising Indias own investments and its startup ecosystem. Swadeshi Economics An argument put forth by supporters of Swadeshi economics is that boycotting Chinese products would boost domestic production, since the presumption there is that more people, who would have otherwise bought Chinese products, would buy local-made products. There is a problem with this line of thoughtpeople do not buy Chinese products because they are forced to they opt for Chinese products because it is good value for money. Chinese products pack more bang for their buck, and is priced keeping in mind the sensitivity of the Indian consumer. Also, lets not forget look around and how many Made in India products/brands/services are there that spring to our mind? The spirit behind advocating swadeshi economics can be understood, and needs to be rooted forhowever, without a detailed roadmap, it will remain an aspiration. This is not to say that India shouldnt be protecting its own interests. Instead of imposing a blanket ban, what is needed is a greater strategic push to correct the bilateral trade skew as it stands today. India also needs to prop up its crumbling infrastructure, and fix its complicated regulatory regime, to become globally competitive. Instead of pandering to jingoism, India would do well to set its own house in order, if it wants to be in a position to say a firm no to China. In the present economic state, boycotting Chinese goods, unfortunately, makes little sense. Chief Bernard Parks: DA Candidate George Gascon is Not Who He Says He is In the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd, we witnessed an outpouring of grief and support. We have also begun a long-overdue conversation about police & community interaction, most notably concerning the use of violence by police officers towards people of color. As an African American man and a former Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, I welcome this conversation and believe that much good can arise from this discussion. We are all now engaged in the search for effective policies that address these systemic injustices that are deeply embedded within our society and criminal justice system. It is more important than ever that the people with experience in listening to their communities and enacting meaningful change are filling our elected roles. Based on my personal experiences and by analyzing his problematic and worrisome record it is clear to me that Los Angeles County District Attorney candidate George Gascon is not one of those people. Gascon has positioned himself as a candidate as a reformer on the issue of police accountability. The problem is, that his record simply does not match his rhetoric. His claims should be exposed as fraudulent and he should be labeled as a political opportunist who should not be trusted by the people of Los Angeles. In 1999, when I was serving as LAs police chief, I was horrified to read the details of an officer shooting case involving the death of a 56-year-old African American man, Gus Woods. The LAPD officer-shot Mr Woods twice, killing him, despite the fact that Mr. Woods was more than 20 feet away, holding only a small metal rod. ADVERTISEMENT I noted that the original radio call specifically stated the suspect appeared to be intoxicated and/or possibly mentally ill. Upon arrival, the officer partially concealed himself behind his car door, while his partner retrieved the bean bag weapon from the trunk. There was no evidence that the suspect presented an immediate threat of death or imminent danger. I supported the findings of the Departments Use of Force Board (UOF) and recommended to the Police Commission that the shooting be found out of policy. The Board of Police Commissioners, by City Charter, is the final authority on these policy matters and adjudicated the shooting as out of policy. They believed the officer was not in immediate danger and had more than enough time to assess and evaluate alternatives rather than using deadly force on Mr. Gus Woods. This matter was sent to a Board of Rights, for disciplinary evaluation. Then, Commander George Gascon was selected by the accused officer to be part of this disciplinary review board. George Gascon, acting as Board Chairperson, rejected the Commissions findings and instead, inexplicably found the officer not guilty. Gascon hid behind a flimsy defense, claiming that the officer was acting on his memories of a ten-year-old training session, which counseled officers that anyone with a knife within 21 feet represented a threat that would justify the use of deadly force. To this day the tape from this training has never been established as an officially approved LAPD training tape and is contrary to the LAPD use of force policy. The truth is that Gascon has a reputation for going easy on officers involved in disciplinary cases. During my time as Police Chief, it was widely known that officers, accused of misconduct, would routinely select George Gascon as a member of their disciplinary boards because they knew he had a reputation for leniency. Gascons actions were totally inconsistent with the direction I was taking the department. During that time, I fired 140 problem police officers; the most in LAPD history. Part 1 and violent crimes dropped over 30%. Officer-involved shootings dropped 44%. And, non-lethal use of force cases dropped 18%. Gascons record in San Francisco on this issue is equally as questionable. During his only full year as Police Chief, officer-involved shootings spiked from the year prior from five to eleven. ADVERTISEMENT As District Attorney Gascon, again failed to live up to his promise to hold bad cops accountable. He was not successful in prosecuting any officers involved in the death of a civilian. The powerful image of Colin Kaepernick taking a knee was in direct response to the shooting of Mr. Mario Woods. Despite nationwide attention and calls for action, Gascon declined to prosecute Mr. Woods killer. When protesters showed up at Gascons house in response to this case, Gascon, on news video, showed his opinion of the seriousness of the situation (https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/sf-district-attorney-files-restraining-order-against-protesters/63725/by throwing watermelon at the protestors and then filing a restraining order against them). More recently, in 2018 the San Francisco Department of Police Accountability found that the officer who shot and killed Jessica Williams in 2016 should have been terminated. Gascon declined to file charges against the officers in contradiction to the findings of the Police Department. Gascon claims he represents change in the D.A.s office, but records show that, while serving as the San Francisco DA, he routinely sought the advice of Los Angeles DA Jackie Laceys office on how to proceed with cases involving officers excessive use of force. This comes as no surprise for someone who has no experience as a trial lawyer. The stakes are too high to take a chance on someone who will do plenty of talking but has never shown a willingness to act. It is clear to me that George Gascon lacks the legal experience and the ability to bring people together to deliver the measured reforms that we need to make the city & county a safer and fairer place. Further, Gascon demonstrates massive hypocrisy in calling for reforms and action in places where he has only shown the most retrograde and conservative of policies himself. I am proud to support Jackie Lacey to be reelected so that she can continue her fine work as DA. She and her diverse team have tackled the biggest cases and made significant inroads on everything from addressing mental health issues in our criminal justice system to safeguarding children from human trafficking. It is more important than ever that we choose a leader with substance and a record of achievement over shallow rhetoric and broken promises. Bernard Parks was the Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department from 1997 to 2003. He served on the Los Angeles City Council representing the 8th District from 2003 to 2015. He recently retired from his role after nearly 50 years of public service. Parks holds a B.S. from Pepperdine University and an M.P.A from the University of Southern California. Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia says government is working to integrate the databases of the Births and Deaths Registry and the National Identification Authority to enhance citizens' identification. The integration process, which is expected to be finalised next year, would also allow new born babies to receive unique identification numbers and use them to register with the Social Security and National Insurance Trust and the National Insurance Scheme when they grow up. He said government had already digitised 80 per cent of the Births and Deaths Registry's manual data and would be completed by next year. Vice President Bawumia gave the assurance on Thursday when he paid a surprise visit to the Headquarters of the Births and Deaths Registry in Accra to familiarise himself with its operations. He was received on arrival by Reverend Kingsley Asare Addo, the Principal Assistant Registrar, who took him round the various departments including the Archives, Server and Computer Rooms to observe their operations. Dr Bawumia assured of government's commitment to providing the requisite resources to the Registry in order to speed up births and deaths registration processes. "I'm quite impressed with the work you're doing here. The Births and Deaths started operations in 1912 for births and 1888 for deaths and for the longest period they have been working to keep the records manually. "Few countries in Africa have huge depository of these data for such a long time and so we have begun the process over the last few years of digitising their operations. "So far, we have done almost 80 per cent of the manual records into electronic form, and by next year, God willing, we'll finish the entire records," Dr Bawumia said. He added that the business processes of the Registry was being automated, adding that Cabinet had approved the Births and Deaths Registry Bill and would soon be laid before Parliament for consideration. The passage of the Bill into law, he said, would help in decentralising and digitising the operations of the Registry. "I believe that the digitisation process that has started, when completed next year, would really enhance the efficiency of the operations and authenticity of documents," he said. Reverend Addo, on his part, outlined some challenges facing the organisation and asked government to, as a matter of urgency, find a permanent office for the Registry since it had been accommodated in temporary structures for the past 50 years. The Registry had been re-equipped with new computers and servers but still used the old wiring system, which posed a huge challenge to its operations, he said. "It's about time the country invested in a permanent and fitting structures to house all the data that we're collecting from every corner of the country. Rev. Addo said it was important to report births and deaths early to be factored into the national plan and not wait till one urgently needed birth certificate to acquire a passport or death certificate to claim insurance benefit. "It's your civic responsibility that once birth occurs, you're expected to start planning for the child, which has been added to the population and so we need to collect facts and figures and factor that child into national plan. "Additionally, when anyone dies, we should know the cause of death so that it will help Public Health Policy and target-setting," Rev. Addo explained. The nation required a real time data about the population and population dynamics to ensure proper planning and policy formulation, he added. 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 Anastasia Surmava from Below Deck Mediterranean decided to pack up and leave home in Sri Lanka for a sweet yachting gig with alum Jamie Jason. Anastasia Surmava|Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images Surmava and Jason recently shared photos and comments about connecting for a yacht job in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and seem to be having a blast. Surmava isnt a third stew this time but was employed full time as a chef. She is delighted to be cooking on the yacht and shared a few dishes she created for her guests. Jason seems to have traded her deck job for the interior too. And while the former Below Deck Med crew members are working hard, they find a little time for play. Shes thrilled to be a yacht chef Surmava shared the fun news on her Instagram that she was going to be working as a yacht chef. Back in my element very excited to be Chef alongside @jamielynnjason for the next few weeks in Fort Lauderdale it will be like a home video version of #belowdeckmed , she captioned her post, along with a few photos on a sailboat. She also shared a photo of a mouthwatering dessert she created for the guests. The chocolate and fruit masterpiece gave Instagram followers a virtual sugar rush. Chef Nas in da house mostly because my galley is bigger than a house Dessert is chocolate souffle with fresh berries (chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream not pictured) Comment if you would eat this! Do you guys want the recipe?? she wrote along with a snapshot of the chocolate souffle. A number of fans commented including chef Adrian Martin from Below Deck season 6. I would eat it , he wrote. RELATED: Below Deck Med: Anastasia Surmava Isnt the Only Stew Captain Sandy Inspired to Be a Yacht Chef Surmava later shared a selfie wearing her chef coat. She revealed on Below Deck Med that her mother was a professional chef and she learned everything about cooking from her. That look when you realize youre turning into your mother, she wrote. Jason playfully responded, Thats a mother fudging cute a** photo!!! . Jason and Surmava are having a blast at work The twosome are working hard but are having fun becoming close friends too. If you work on yacht you have to be flexible, Surmava shared. Things never go as planned and you have to be able to adapt quick! Yesterday our boss decided to have lunch at their house (an under statement, more like a mansion ) so @jamielynnjason and I packed up our set up and moved house! It was actually really fun catering a private lunch for the ladies of the boat. She also graciously shared her menu. We started with a fresh cucumber watermelon salad. Followed by flank steak with chimichurri, a warm quinoa kale salad, and a fingerling potato salad. Dessert was frose sorbet with fresh whip and berries. Cocktail was vodka, lavender lemon syrup, smashed blackberries, soda water, and a rosemary sprigs! Cute doggy was also a huge plus! RELATED: Below Deck Med: Which Surprising Crew Member Made Joao Francos Dream Team List? Captain Sandy Yawn, who supported Surmava to become a chef during season 4 showed her support on the post. Nice work! You got this! she wrote. Jason also shared a photo of Surmava and a post about how they are becoming tight friends. Because the people voted YES heres my favorite brat! @nastiasurmava the most gorgeous down to earth human. She is so good for this world and so smart and a hell of a friend to have in your corner! , Jason shared. Girls Basketball: Watertown drops home games to No. 4 Rapid City Stevens, No. 5 Rapid City Central Watertown High Schools girls basketball team lost to fifth-rated Class AA Rapid City Central 43-24 on Saturday and to fourth-rated Rapid City Stevens 50-29 on Friday in non-conference games played in the Civic Arena. [June 25, 2020] Janus Henderson Investors Launches Global Sustainable Equity Fund to US Investors Janus Henderson Investors (NYSE/ASX: JHG) today announced it has launched the Janus Henderson Global Sustainable Equity Fund, an open-end mutual fund, as an extension of its existing Global Sustainable Equity strategy for US investors. Hamish Chamberlayne, CFA and Aaron Scully, CFA will co-manage the fund. The inception of the Global Sustainable Equity strategy was in 1991, and Hamish has been managing the strategy since 2012. "We believe that a sustainable and responsible investment approach should not compromise the potential for long-term performance. Our analysis identifies quality companies that are supportive of a sustainable global economy," said Hamish Chamberlayne, CFA, Portfolio Manager at Janus Henderson Investors. "Janus Henderson has a history of delivering competitive, active returns in its Global Sustainable Equity strategy, previously offered in Europe. Today we are very excited to be announcing that we are extending that effort under the same established and experienced team to our clients in the US through an open-ended mutual fund and a Managed Account option," said Suzanne Cain, Global Head of Distribution at Janus Henderson Investors. The mutual fund is now available to direct investors and expected to be available subsequently on intermediary platforms. In addition, the Global Sustainable Equity strategy is offeredin the US as a Managed Account option on certain intermediary platforms. 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 (as of March 31, 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. Janus Henderson is a trademark of Janus Henderson Group plc or one of its subsidiaries. Janus Henderson Group plc 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 800.668.0434 (or 800.525.3713 if you hold shares directly with Janus Henderson). You can also visit janushenderson.com/info (or janushenderson.com/reports if you hold shares directly with Janus Henderson). Read it carefully before you invest or send money. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) or sustainable investing considers factors beyond traditional financial analysis. This may limit available investments and cause performance and exposures to differ from, and potentially be more concentrated in certain areas than, the broader market. Foreign securities are subject to additional risks including currency fluctuations, political and economic uncertainty, increased volatility, lower liquidity and differing financial and information reporting standards, all of which are magnified in emerging markets. Not all Funds and Share classes may be available. Please consult your financial professional. Janus Henderson Distributors is the distributor for the Fund. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005477/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Researchers have developed a new plug-and-play device that can add adaptive optics correction to commercial optical microscopes. Adaptive optics can greatly improve the quality of images acquired deep into biological samples, but has, until now, been extremely complex to implement. "Improving the technology available to life scientists can further our understanding of biology, which will, in turn, lead to better drugs and therapies available to doctors," said research team leader, Paolo Pozzi from the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia in Italy. In The Optical Society (OSA) journal Optics Letters, Pozzi and a multidisciplinary team of researchers from Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), CNR-Institute for Photonics and Nanotechnology (CNR-IFL) and University Medical Center Rotterdam describe their new adaptive lens device. They also show how it can be easily installed onto the objective lens of a commercial multiphoton microscope to improve image quality. "This approach will allow advanced optical techniques such as multiphoton microscopy to image deeper under the surface of the brain in live organisms," said Stefano Bonora, group leader at the CNR-IFL. "We look forward to seeing how it might also be implemented in other systems, such as light-sheet microscopes, super-resolution systems, or even simple epifluorescence microscopes." Imaging deeper Optical microscopy can be used to image biological samples in natural conditions, making it possible to observe various biological processes over time. However, as light travels through tissue it gets distorted. This distortion gets worse as light travels deeper into tissue, causing images to look blurry and obscuring important details. advertisement Adaptive optics, a technology initially developed to compensate for atmospheric turbulence when using telescopes to view celestial objects, can be used to correct the optical aberrations that occur when imaging through thick tissue. However, doing so typically requires building a custom microscope that incorporates a deformable mirror. This mirror is used to compensate for the distortions, creating an image that looks sharp and clear. "Including a deformable mirror in an existing microscope is nearly impossible, and no commercial adaptive microscope is available on the market yet," said Pozzi. "This means that the only option for a life scientist to use adaptive optics is to build the entire microscope from scratch, an operation which is too difficult and time consuming for most life sciences laboratories." A simpler approach To simplify this setup, the researchers created a smart lens made with glass so thin it can bend without breaking. The lens consists of a glass disk-shaped container filled with a transparent liquid. A set of 18 mechanical actuators on the glass edges can be controlled with a computer to bend the glass to a desired shape. The lens functions like the deformable mirror used in most adaptive optics setups, but instead of reflecting light, it transmits light. As light travels through the liquid inside the lens, it gets distorted differently depending on the shape of the lens. "This is similar to the distorted images you see when looking through a bottle of water while squishing it with your hands," said Bonora. advertisement Using the lens for adaptive optics correction requires a complex algorithm to control the actuators. "Efficient optical correction was made possible by the DONE algorithm (database online nonlinear extremum-seeker), a very elegant solution based on machine learning-like principles, which we previously developed at TU Delft," said Pozzi. Quick results The researchers tested the new software, which is also made available to others via github, and adaptive lens by applying it to the objective lens of a commercial multiphoton microscope. They used the microscope to perform calcium imaging on the brains of living mice, one of the most complex life science experiments performed with microscopes. "We surpassed our expectations by achieving very nice results within a few hours," said Pozzi. "This technology can be retrofitted on any existing microscope that has interchangeable objectives and displays images on a computer screen." The researchers are now testing the system on other types of microscopes and samples while also exploring whether multiple adaptive lenses could be used to achieve a better correction than is possible with more complex techniques using deformable mirrors. The team has also founded a spin-off company, Dynamic Optics srl, to commercialize the multiactuator adaptive lenses. The new lens could also be useful for applications beyond microscopy. "Our new device could also be applied in other fields such as free space optics communications, where it could increase data connection rates and bring data connections to remote and isolated areas," said Pozzi. On Thursday, at its virtual meeting, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) appointed a 13-member National Caretaker Committee to run the party. This followed the dissolution of the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Adams Oshiomhole. Below are the profiles of some of the National Caretaker Committee members. Mai Mala Buni: He will serve as the chairman of the Committee: Mr Buni is the current governor of Yobe State. He had served as national secretary of the party before his election as governor in the 2019 general elections. Mr Buni, 52, served as Chairman of the ANPP in Yobe State and thereafter as the special adviser to former Governor Ibrahim Gaidam on political and legislative matters. John James Akpanudoedehe: He will serve as the secretary of the NCC. Mr Akpanudoedehe is a former senator for Akwa Ibom North East (1999-2003) on the platform of the PDP and a former Minister of State for FCT in the administration of late President Umaru YarAdua. Before then, he served as Chairman of Uyo LGA. He also served as the Chairman of Godswill Akpabio Campaign Organisation in 2006/2007. Mr Akpanudoedehe, 57, was a governorship candidate of ACN in 2011 and later an aspirant on APC platform in 2014 and 2019. Mr Akpanudoedehe holds first and a second degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Calabar. Ken Nnamani: Mr Nnamani is the representative of the South-East geopolitical zone in the NCC. He was Senate President between 2005 and 2007 during which the upper legislative chamber achieved some level of independence. Under his senate presidency, the famous third term allegedly sought by former President Olusegun Obasanjo was defeated. Mr Nnamani, 72, who represented Enugu East Senatorial District, served as Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Character and Governmental Affairs, as well as a member of committees of privatisation, FCT and Finance. Although still a member of the PDP on whose platform he was elected a senator, in October 2016, Mr Nnamani was appointed the Chairman of the 24-member Constitution and Electoral Reform Committee by the APC federal administration. The committee submitted its report in May 2017. In January 2017, he resigned his membership of the PDP on whose platform he was elected senator and joined the APC. David Lyon: He represents the South-South geo-political zone. Mr Lyon was the governorship candidate of the APC in Bayelsa State in the November 18, 2019 election. He was declared winner of the election but was disqualified by the Supreme Court a day before his inauguration on grounds that his running mate, Degi Eremienyo Wangaga, submitted a fake certificate to INEC. Born in December 1970, Mr Lyon joined politics in the Third Republic as a member of the defunct National Republican Convention (NRC). He once served as a councillor in Southern Ijaw LGA and later joined the PDP when the current democratic dispensation began in 1999. Mr Lyon however defected to the APC in 2015 and emerged as the partys governorship candidate in 2019. Governor Isiaka Oyetola: He will represent the South West zone in the committee. Mr Oyetola is the governor of Osun State. He assumed office in 2019 having won the September 22, 2018 governorship election on APC ticket. Before he became governor, Mr Oyetola, 65, served as the Chief of Staff to his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola. Governor Sani Bello: The Niger State governor is the representative of the North-Central zone in the committee. He was first elected as governor in 2015 and was re-elected in 2019 on the platform of the APC. Advertisements Born in November 1967, Mr Bello, holds a degree in Economics from the University of Maiduguri. He is the eldest child of a former military governor of the old Kano State, Sani Bello, a retired colonel. Tahir Mamman: A professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Mamman will represent the North East Geo-political zone in the NCC. He was the Director General of the Nigerian Law School for eight years. Before then he served as deputy director of the Kano campus of the Nigeria Law School from 2001 to 2005. He is currently the Vice Chancellor of Baze University in Abuja. The 66-year old Mamman, who hails from Adamawa State, contested for the APC governorship primary in December 2014 but lost to Mohammed Bindow, who later became the governor. Abubakar Yusuf: Mr Yusuf will represent the Senate in the committee. He is a two-term member representing Taraba Central Senatorial District. He is the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa and NEPAD. Born in December 1956, Mr Yusuf holds a degree in Economics from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and a masters degree from East Anglia University. NEC Meeting Akinremi Olaide: Mr Olaide is the representative of the House of Representatives in the committee. Mr Olaide, 48, represents Ibadan North Federal Constituency of Oyo State. Stella Okorete: Mrs Okotete, who hails from Delta State, is to represent women in the NCC. She is the Executive Director (Business Development) of Nigerian-Export Bank (NEXIM). She graduated in International Relations and Diplomacy from Benson Idahosa University and holds a Diploma in Law from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. Until her appointment as NEXIM executive director, Mrs Okotete had served as the Special Assistant and Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Millennium Development Goals (MDG). In 2018, she served as a member of the 21-member APC National Convention Committee led by former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. In 2019, she also served as a member of the Contact and Mobilisation Committee of the Campaign Committee set up by Aisha Buhari for her husbands re-election. She was later to serve that same year as a member of the APC Screening Committee for the Kogi Governorship election in 2019. NEC Meeting James Lalu: He represents the physically challenged in the committee. He hails from Plateau State. Mr Lalu served as senior special assistant to former Governor Jonah Jang for eight years. He also served as a member of the Board of Plateau State Disability Rights Commission. Mr Lalu later emerged the chairman of the Commission following his appointment by Governor Simon Lalong in 2017. Ismail Ahmed: He will represent the youth in the committee. Mr Ahmed is a lawyer and has served as the interim chairman of the APC Youth Forum (APYF). He was a member of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), a party founded by President Muhammadu Buhari. Abba Ari will represent the North West geo-political zones. Latin America has seen an alarming spike in cases and deaths even as the tide of infection recedes in Europe and parts of Asia. The number of infections, at 2.2 million, has doubled in less than a month. Brazil - Latin America's largest and most populous nation - this week became only the second country to reach the 50,000 deaths milestone, after the United States. Mexico on Tuesday registered a fresh one-day record for confirmed infections. The true scale of the coronavirus damage to Latin America is likely to be much deeper, experts say, as countries across the region have failed to implement rigorous testing programmes. Many officials concede the death toll is likely far higher. Hugo Lopez-Gatell, Mexico's deputy health minister and the country's coronavirus tsar, on Tuesday signaled that his nation is in for a long battle against coronavirus. "We must learn to live with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and permanently incorporate hygiene and prevention practices into the new reality," said Lopez-Gatell, urging the Mexican society to adapt its response to the threat. On top of creaking healthcare systems in many countries across the region, Latin America's battle against the virus has been hamstrung by widespread poverty and many workers living a hand-to-mouth existence in the informal sector that has hindered quarantine efforts. Brazil registered an additional 1,374 deaths on Tuesday from the virus and 39,436 new cases, pushing the death toll from the novel coronavirus to 52,000 people in Latin America's biggest economy. More than 1.1 million have been infected. Mexico, the worst hit-nation in the region after Brazil in terms of overall figures, on Tuesday registered 6,288 new infections and 793 additional deaths. That brought the totals for the country to 191,410 cases and 23,377 deaths. The virus also appears to be on the rise in Central America, where Guatemala on Tuesday recorded more than 700 new infections for the first time. An additional 35 deaths were registered in Guatemala, taking it deaths total to 582. Following decades of blocked rail crossings, relief may finally be in sight. On Wednesday, the state House passed a bill designed to solve some of the states most critical transportation issues by setting up a fund within the Michigan Department of Transportation to build grade separations at the most troublesome rail crossings in the state. The bill was a bipartisan effort led by State Reps. Darrin Camilleri (D-Brownstown) and Jason Sheppard (R-Temperance). Inspired by a successful program in Indiana, this program would allow municipalities to apply for state funding and would put up 20 percent of the cost, while the state would supply the other 80 percent from the local grade separation fund for approved priority projects. Solving the issue at Allen Road in Woodhaven was a huge victory for our Downriver community, but the fact of the matter is there are so many other crossings like Allen Road across our region and our state, including issues in New Boston and Trenton, said Camilleri, who helped negotiate the funding for the Allen Road underpass in Woodhaven. By creating this statewide grade separation fund, we will make our communities safer, provide easier routes to schools and hospitals, and unlock economic opportunity for our region. Sheppard said Michigan highways have more than 4,000 rail crossings that increase traffic congestion, cause frustration for residents and delay first responders en route to emergencies. This program would pave the way for future projects to separate the crossings and improve the flow of traffic. This is about public safety, Sheppard said. Every second matters when police, fire and ambulance personnel are responding to an emergency. Lives are quite literally at risk when first responders get hung up by a train blocking the road on their way to a call. Rail grade separations improve public safety by routing the roadway over or under the rail line, eliminating delays. House Bill 5861 now advances to the Senate for further consideration. A pretrial investigation is carried out by investigators of the Main Investigation Department of the State Bureau of Investigation. Former fugitive president Viktor Yanukovych and two ex-defense ministers of Ukraine Dmytro Salamatin and Pavlo Lebedev have been notified of suspected treason. "According to the investigation, the former president, in complicity with the two former defense ministers, carried out a targeted reduction of Ukraine's defense capability through the so-called reform of the Armed Forces during 2012-2014, which consisted of reducing the size, disbanding individual military units and units, changing their location," the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) in Ukraine said in a statement on June 24. Read alsoSBI's first deputy director denies being Yanukovych's lawyer, but confirms participation in court hearings What is more, such actions were carried out, in particular in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, which subsequently led to the annexation of the peninsula, the PGO said. Thus, according to investigators, the officials assisted to a foreign state the Russian Federation and its representatives in carrying out subversive activities against Ukraine. In particular, their notices of suspicion were issued under Part 1 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. A pretrial investigation is carried out by investigators of the Main Investigation Department of the State Bureau of Investigation. In case of proof of guilt, the suspects are facing imprisonment for up to 15 years with confiscation of property. As UNIAN reported, on December 24, 2012, the then President Yanukovych appointed Lebedev as Minister of Defense. At that time, Lebedev was a Member of Parliament from the then Party of Regions. On the same day, Yanukovych dismissed Salamatin from the post of Minister of Defense, which he had occupied since February 8, 2012. (Bloomberg Opinion) -- In a sweeping decision with worrying implications for all immigrants, the Supreme Court has held that asylum-seekers rejected by immigration officials under an expedited system do not have the right to go to court to challenge their exclusion from the U.S. The majority opinion, by stalwart conservative Justice Samuel Alito, relied on originalist historical analysis to whittle down the meaning of habeas corpus to its most minimal protections. Along the way, Alito minimized and arguably misrepresented the most famous antislavery judicial decision of all time: Somerset v. Stewart, a 1772 case in which the greatest English common law judge of the era held that an enslaved Jamaican could not be forced to return to the West Indies but must be allowed to live freely in England. The specific law at issue in todays case, Department of Homeland Security v. Thuraissigiam, is a provision of the wordily named Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility act, known as IIRIRA. The law says that when a person enters the U.S., is detained at or near the border and seeks asylum, an immigration officer can interview the person and make a decision about whether the asylum-seeker has a credible fear of persecution that would qualify for asylum. If the answer is yes, the asylum-seeker gets a full hearing. If the answer is no, then the seekers case is reviewed by a supervisor and, if the asylum-seeker asks for it, by an immigration judge. This process is known as expedited review and under the federal law, there is no way for the asylum-seeker to go to a regular federal court and seek review of the decision. Vijayakumar Thuraisiggiam is a Sri Lankan who entered the U.S. on the southern border and was denied asylum by expedited review. His lawyers argued that denying him the chance to go before a federal court amounted to a denial of the right to habeas corpus the ancient right not to be detained without your detention being reviewed by a judge. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit agreed, holding that the IIRIRA rule on expedited review amounted to an unlawful suspension of asylum-seekers habeas corpus rights. Story continues In deciding the case the other way, Alito focused on the historical meaning of the habeas right. In essence, he argued that habeas corpus only guarantees a right not to be detained without a judicial hearing. It does not, according to Alito, include a right to argue to a court that you should be allowed to remain in the United States. For good measure, Alito also held that for noncitizens seeking initial entry into the country, constitutional due process does not require a judicial hearing; immigration officers judgments are enough. It must be said that the originalist approach to determining what habeas corpus should mean is profoundly unsatisfying as is much constitutional originalism. Habeas corpus today has evolved significantly since 1787, when the framers put it in the Constitution. Among other things, habeas developed over the 19th century to guarantee judicial supervision of a range of administrative actions in the context of immigration. Alito effectively dismissed or explained away those developments. Even under the originalist frame, however, Alitos opinion got it wrong. Somersets case is the famous and dramatic example. James Somerset had traveled to England with his enslaver, escaped, and been recaptured. The enslaver detained him on a ship bound for Jamaica and re-enslavement. Lord Mansfield, the judge who over his career did more than anyone else to update the common law for modern economic conditions, granted Somersets habeas petition. The thrust of his holding was that slavery was against natural law, and so could only be sustained where there were written laws in place to promote it, like Jamaica or the North American colonies. Because Somerset was in England and there was no law establishing slavery there, he had to be released. The case sent shivers down the spines of slaveholders everywhere, and was used by enslaved people and abolitionists as a sword to fight for emancipation. Dred Scott, another enslaved person, used Somersets case as his lead precedent in his own ultimately unsuccessful effort to demand freedom in the United States. As Justice Sonia Sotomayor pointed out in her dissent, the habeas order in Somersets case effectively allowed him to remain in England. That illustrated the broad reach of habeas in the founding era. Alito responded that although Somersets ability to remain in England may have been a collateral consequence of his relief from the ship, it was not due to the habeas order. Its a shame to see the Supreme Court in the Year of Our Lord 2020 minimizing the meaning of this most important antislavery case. Somersets case demonstrates that the English courts in 1772 were prepared to use habeas to ensure the righting of legal wrongs. The rights-denying spirit of Alito is terribly, tragically far from the rights-expanding spirit of Mansfield. More serious still are the broader legal effects of todays decision. Due process of law should not be deemed inapplicable where only immigration officers, not federal courts, have heard applicants claims. And if asylum-seekers at the border dont have the right to habeas corpus, we run the risk of future decisions that deny that right to immigrants, documented as well as undocumented, who have lived in the United States. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Noah Feldman is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and host of the podcast Deep Background. He is a professor of law at Harvard University and was a clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter. His books include The Three Lives of James Madison: Genius, Partisan, President. 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. Fireworks like these are still illegal for consumers. But pyrotechnics have become a big part of the sounds of the city. Read more Its summer, and so its fireworks season. Last year they seemed like they were everywhere, especially leading up to the July 4 holiday. Between May 29 and June 29, 2020, Philadelphia police fielded 8,526 complaints about fireworks. According to city Managing Director Brian Abernathy in 2020, DIY fireworks shows can be dangerous. But what are the rules? Heres whats allowed and what you can do about it: What fireworks are allowed in Philly? Pennsylvanians have had legal access to certain, more powerful fireworks since 2017, when legislators passed House Bill 542. That bill allowed residents to legally purchase and use consumer-grade or Class C fireworks that contain up to 50 milligrams of explosive material, according to the Pennsylvania State Police. That means firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and the like are all legal. Before 2017, only people from out of state could buy those fireworks, while Pennsylvania residents were limited to non-aerial items like sparklers and ground fountains. When the bill passed, however, it conflicted with the Philadelphia Fire Code, which banned the use of consumer fireworks in the city without a permit. That changed in July 2019, when Mayor Jim Kenney signed an updated fire code that allows for the use of consumer fireworks in the city, with several important restrictions. What fireworks are illegal in Pennsylvania? There are some types of fireworks that are still off the table for Pennsylvanians. Chief among them are display fireworks the really big, showy stuff which require special permits and are intended for use by professional pyrotechnicians. Pennsylvania defines display fireworks as anything that contains more than 130 milligrams (or two grains) of explosives, and aerial shells, which contain more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic composition. Think the stuff you see at public events, like the Independence Day fireworks show on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Also off limits: highly explosive M-type devices, such as M-80s and M-100s, which are classified as Illegal Explosive Devices by agencies like the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Can residents legally set off consumer fireworks in Philadelphia? Probably not. Philadelphia strictly limits how consumer fireworks can be used, making them tough to set off while following city rules. Here are the rules: Only people aged 18 years and older are allowed to buy, possess, or use consumer fireworks. Fireworks cannot be used on public property or on private property without the owners written consent. They cant be set off within 150 feet of an occupied structure, under trees, or power lines . Youre not allowed to set off fireworks from inside or toward a building or vehicle . And youre not allowed to use them if youve been drinking or using drugs , according to the Pennsylvania State Police. In October 2020, City Council passed a bill that makes it illegal to set off fireworks after 9 p.m., except on federal holidays (and even then, it also has to adhere to the fire code). So, if the laws are broken, what are the penalties? According to Pennsylvanias fireworks laws, selling illegal fireworks is a third-degree felony, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years and a fine of up to $15,000. (Illegally selling consumer fireworks, meanwhile, is a second-degree misdemeanor, which can carry a sentence of up to two years and a fine of up to $5,000.) Setting off consumer fireworks illegally is a summary offense. Fines range from $100-$300 for a first offense, $200-$400 for a second offense, $300-$500 for a third, and up to $700 for subsequent offenses. As a Philadelphia Police Department spokesperson said in 2019, the use of illegal fireworks could lead to a plethora of charges. Where can I report illegal fireworks? If you see someone using fireworks illegally such as near occupied structures or using high-explosive fireworks or want to report a late-night noise complaint, you can call 911 or your local police district to report it. Will it help? Kenney tweeted that enforcement is difficult because people tend to leave the scene quickly. This article has been updated since it first published. READ MORE: Live your best life in Philly: Read our most useful stories here "Smart move" -- this was how former Facebook chief security officer Alex Stamos labeled Twitter on Wednesday, June 24, for how it responded and issued a warning over the United States President Donald Trump's tweets against the protesters in D.C., CNET's Queenie Wong reported. "Allowing something to exist without deleting them, and then taking away the amplification, is actually the smart move," Stamos stated during the Collision from Home conference. Nicholas Carlson, Insider global editor-in-chief, interviewed the former Facebook security chief, the report said. The remarks from Stamos came after several critics slammed Facebook over its reactions to posts from public figures, including those from Donald Trump. However, Twitter does differently and labels a warning over one of the recent tweets from the U.S. president. Trump and the D.C. protesters Twitter hid a Trump tweet for giving a threat against the protesters who seemingly wanted to establish an autonomous zone in Washington, D.C. The social media company said it violated rules on "glorifying violence" and issued a "threat of harm against an identifiable group." Wong continued, "The notices obscuring those tweets say the posts violated the site's rules, but the tweets were left up because of public interest -- users can read them by clicking a View button. But Twitter also reduced the spread of the tweets by taking away the ability to like, reply to, or share them. You can still retweet either of the posts with a comment, and they'll show up still veiled by the notices. RELATED STORY: This Generator Lets You Make Your Own Fake Donald Trump Tweets More regulations "People who wanted to find it still found it, but when they found it they found it in the context of, this is the forbidden fruit I was not allowed to have," Stamos noted. "That in a lot of ways made it much more powerful." He was referring to these posts from Trump. The former Facebook chief is also the director of the Internet Observatory at Stanford University. "Facebook's going to have to follow ... Twitter a little bit more here," he pointed out. "Twitter, I think, could do more too, but in both cases I think they're just gonna have to be honest and transparent about this, because the issue that's happening is they're not saying how they're making these decisions." RIGGED 2020 ELECTION: MILLIONS OF MAIL-IN BALLOTS WILL BE PRINTED BY FOREIGN COUNTRIES, AND OTHERS. IT WILL BE THE SCANDAL OF OUR TIMES! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 22, 2020 Also, Trump posted tweets with false claims on the mail-in ballots, with Twitter issuing a fact-checking link to these. Then, over the previous week, the social networking website labeled a misleading video shared on the @realDonaldTrump Twitter account. The video included a "fake CNN ticker."Facebook and YouTube also took down the video, which had discussions about COVID-19. Facebook ties up with third-party fact-checking units, and places are warning notices over posts with misinformation. This is opposed to critics saying it is keeping silent on the issue. "Unlike Twitter, we do not have a policy of putting a warning in front of posts that may incite violence, because we believe that if a post incites violence, it should be removed regardless of whether it is newsworthy, even if it comes from a politician," Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said. RELATED STORY: Trump's Executive Order: Twitter Also Fact-Checks China; Now, They Can't Do That in the U.S. Anymore 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. U.S. utilities are scrutinizing their suppliers of transformers and other power-grid equipment for ties to China as they await details on President Donald Trumps order to crack down on imports from overseas adversaries. Electric companies are trying to preemptively identify any components and manufacturers that could ultimately be barred once the U.S. Energy Department determines how to enforce Trumps May 1 order to secure the nations grids, according to lawyers and consultants working with utilities. In some cases, lenders are requiring cyber-security audits to head off any scrutiny. The uncertainty over the order, which doesnt specify what equipment or nations it will cover, threatens to delay the push by utilities to modernize power grids and slash emissions by retiring aging coal plants and expanding renewable power. In the long term, the directive could also mean higher costs if companies are forced to find new suppliers and reshape supply chains. It seems unavoidable that companies will have to pause to take stock of their procurements, said Keith Bradley, a partner at Squire Patton Boggs who is advising companies on how to respond to the order. That alone is going to cause some amount of disruption and delay. Large U.S. utilities including Duke Energy Corp., NextEra Energy Inc. and Dominion Energy Inc. either declined to comment or said its too early to say how the order may impact projects. A spokesman for the Edison Electric Institute, an industry trade group, said power companies are being cautious and working closely with the Energy Department. And three lawyers and consultants working with companies said the directive is prompting them to review supply chains. In a recent blog post, Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette wrote that the nations power grids are overly dependent on foreign equipment, leaving them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. This state of affairs imperils our national and economic security, Brouillette wrote. The first step must involve identifying vulnerabilities to those threats. Trumps order comes as U.S.-China relations are already strained over the coronavirus and an ongoing trade war. The president, who has long pushed for ways to revive domestic manufacturing, recently ramped up his rhetoric against Beijing, threatening a complete decoupling of the U.S.s economic relationship to China. The presidents directive restricts utilities from buying power-grid equipment that has a nexus with any foreign adversary and poses an undue risk to national security. The order, however, doesnt cite specific nations, manufacturers or components. The Energy Department has until Sept. 28 to provide clarification. Nonetheless, the effort seems directed at China, according to Keith Martin, a lawyer with the law firm Norton Rose Fulbright, who specializes in tax law and project finance. Companies that were on the verge of signing equipment supply agreements with Chinese suppliers have been thinking carefully about whether to move forward, Martin wrote in an essay for a newsletter published by his firm. It is too early to tell how much, but some level of pullback in the short term from Chinese equipment seems inevitable. It wont be easy untangling China from the supply chain for U.S. power grids. The country supplies about 90% of the U.S.s $59 billion of electrical equipment purchased overseas, according to BloombergNEF. The utility sector spent more than $67 billion on equipment in 2017, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. If you decompose all the various aspects of the grid system, you will eventually come across some aspect or component that has some ties to China, said Tobias Whitney of Fortress Information Security, a cyber-security company whose clients include Southern Co. and American Electric Power Co. As companies await details of how the order will be enforced, theyre rushing to assess their exposure and have changed procurement processes to include questions about ties to foreign adversaries, Whitney said. Nation-state hackers have already demonstrated theyre capable of breaching power supplies. Russian hackers have repeatedly cracked into Ukraines power system, and government hackers for the U.S. and Russia are believed to have infiltrated each others power networks. Utilities in Favor Utilities are in favor of the executive order, according to Scott Aaronson, a vice president for security and preparedness at Edison Electric Institute. While one of its goals is to encourage domestic manufacturing, the spirit of the order isnt to completely block international suppliers, Aaronson said. Southern Co.s Chief Executive Officer Tom Fanning, who sits on a committee of federal lawmakers, experts and business leaders developing strategies to defend against cyber-attacks, said in an interview that the order is a very effective way to secure the supply chain for critical infrastructure. During the 1960s, the U.S. dominated the power-grid equipment market. But manufacturers moved abroad when expansion of U.S. systems slowed. Thats forced American utilities to purchase equipment from overseas. Two of the biggest suppliers are European giants Siemens AG of and ABB Ltd. Even some European suppliers use components and materials from China to build power systems, said Ophir Gaathon, chief executive officer and co-founder of Dust Identity Inc., which uses diamond dust to monitor component authenticity. Seized Transformer Jim Cai, the U.S. representative for Chinese transformer manufacturer, Jiangsu Huapeng Transformer Co., said he fears Trump is trying to push his company out of the market. Since the executive order, at least one American utility has canceled an award for a new transformer from Jiangsu, which has served the U.S. market for about 15 years, Cai said. He declined to name the utility. Last month, the Wall Street Journal reported that federal officials seized a Jiangsu transformer at the Port of Houston last summer and sent it to the Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, N.M. Mike McKenna, a former senior Trump administration official who said he helped draft the executive order, said diversifying the chain that supplies equipment to electric utilities is part of a generational struggle to slash reliance on China for everything from crucial drugs to telecommunications equipment. In some circumstances and the power system is certainly going to be one of them it may be a challenge, McKenna said in an email. But it is going to happen, and it needs to happen. With assistance from Oliver Sachgau, Mark Chediak, Brian Eckhouse and Jennifer A. Dlouhy. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. On May 27, 2020, the Western Folklife Center Board of Trustees made in all likelihood the most difficult decision any governing body would have to make. After significant discussion and by a unanimous vote, the Trustees voted to cancel the 2021 National Cowboy Poetry Gathering due to obvious health and safety concerns as well as uncertainty regarding financial risk surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Many Trustees have attended the annual event for decades. We reside in Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Wyoming, Texas, Idaho, and Virginia. Five of us are local Elko County residents. While we are a diverse group of poets, artists, folklorists, craftsmen, ranchers, and people with traditional business backgrounds, we share one overriding passionand that is to ensure the Gathering endures for our next generation. There is no playbook for this pandemic, other than guidelines issued by federal, state, and local officials. Given the safety, health, financial and potential reputational risks associated with moving forward into this uncertainty, the Board made a prudent decision. In our deliberation, the Board clearly recognized the impact cancellation would have on the local community, including those who have supported the Gathering financially. We reviewed three operating scenarios, all of which showed the Folklife Center losing substantial money (from $280,000 to up to $1.2 million) by proceeding ahead and trying to hold the Gathering. As just one consideration, current State of Nevada guidance prohibits live performances with spectators. Gatherings of up to 50 people wearing masks are, however, allowed. We took a look at what revenue could be expected with guideline limitations, using an optimistic assumption that performances might be possible with smaller audiences next January 2021. The Pioneer Building G Three Bar Theater normally, with a full house, nets about $10,000 per show. With social distancing guidelines, however, that number drops to less than $1,700 In revenue. The numbers just do not work for a non-profit organization that essentially breaks even every year. The Western Folklife Center is exceptionally fortunate to have been supported by not just the Elko County community, but folks from all over who see the Gathering after 36 years as a national treasure. Unlike many non-profits, we are blessed with an endowment that helps us underwrite years where maybe things do not go as well as planned. But to be clear, the Board has a fiduciary duty and governance responsibility that can be shared with no other person, business, or government organization. Losing up to one-half of the endowment in one year by deciding to proceed in the face of uncertainty is simply irresponsible. We understand that some of our local supporters do not like the decision and for that we can only say we are sorry. This is balanced by the overwhelmingly positive feedback we have received from artists, members and attendees. One group of 38 patrons from the Salt Lake City area attends just about every year. This group purchased $10,000 worth of tickets in 2020 and no one has expressed anything but relief at the news of the cancellation. While we are sympathetic to the impact this will have on the Elko economy, we must give priority consideration to the health and safety of our patrons, employees and volunteers. Our sincere hope is that this pandemic is addressed by the scientific and medical community and government clears a path to normalcy in due time. We are fully committed to the 2022 Gathering and the benefits it will bring to Elko County. (CNN) Having empathy for other people goes a long way in fostering strong relationships. In fact, empathy is a fundamental building block for conflict resolution and understanding and bonding with others. Psychological science has defined the term in many ways, but simply, it's "the ability to perceive accurately what another person is feeling," said Jennifer Lerner, a psychological scientist and the Thornton F. Bradshaw professor of public policy, decision science and management at the Harvard Kennedy School in Massachusetts. Her research examines human judgment and decision-making. We need empathy because it motivates us to take action when we see that people are suffering, said Sarah Konrath, an associate professor of philanthropic studies at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. "Across time and situations, humans need empathic skills and empathy in order to make societal cooperation possible," said Lerner, also a former chief decision scientist for the US Navy. "As Charles Darwin [observed in 1872], the ability to recognize 'the expression of emotion in man and animals' plays a profound role in all societies, including nonhuman primate societies." And "in a time like the present, when the Covid-19 pandemic and brutal acts of racism are causing so much suffering," Lerner added, it's important to accurately perceive what others are feeling even if we don't share those feelings. What better time than now to strengthen your abilities to express different types of empathy and practice them in your everyday life? Types of empathy Empathy is more about looking for a common humanity, while sympathy entails feeling pity for someone's pain or suffering, Konrath said. "Whereas empathy is the ability to perceive accurately what another person is feeling, sympathy is compassion or concern stimulated by the distress of another," Lerner said. "A common example of empathy is accurately detecting when your child is afraid and needs encouragement. A common example of sympathy is feeling sorry for someone who has lost a loved one." Each is more called for in different situations. But a "common mistake is to leap into sympathy before empathically understanding what another person is feeling," Lerner said. Two types of empathy can prevent that relationship blunder. Emotional empathy, sometimes called compassion, is more intuitive and involves care and concern for others. Cognitive empathy requires effort and more systematic thinking, so it may lead to more empathic accuracy, Lerner said. It entails considering others' and their perspectives and imagining what it's like to be them, Konrath added. Some work managers and colleagues, for example, have had to practice empathy for parents juggling remote work with child care and virtual learning duties, said David Anderson, senior director of national programs and outreach at the Child Mind Institute, in an episode of CNN podcast "Coronavirus: Fact vs. Fiction with Dr. Sanjay Gupta." But since the outset of the pandemic in March, that empathy has faded reflecting the notion that cognitive empathy does take effort. It takes work to interpret what someone is feeling by all of his cues: facial expressions, tones of voice, posture, words and more. Then you have to connect those cues with what you know about him and the situation in order to accurately infer his feelings. "This kind of inference is a highly complex social-cognitive task" that might involve a variation of mental processes, Lerner said. You've likely heard people call themselves "empaths," in that they're so deeply affected by the struggles of others that they take on the anguish and emotional burden. But there's a difference between empathy and this state, which psychologists call "emotional contagion." Overwhelmingly feeling exactly what another person feels when she's upset is actually somewhat self-focused and can lead to depression and poor well-being, Konrath said. It also doesn't help the person who's struggling, because she would end up with a friend who feels as badly as she does and thus doesn't do anything to help her. "Empathy does not require that someone share the feeling of another although it may sometimes involve that," Lerner said. Emotional and cognitive empathy are better for both you and the person who needs help. Genetic or learned? What studies have suggested Empathy is both a trait and a skill. Some research has found that specific genes are associated with empathy, such as genes that trigger oxytocin the "love hormone" that rises when we make physical contact with another human, helping us to bond, Konrath said. It also may influence human behaviors and social interactions such as recognition and trust. Most people have the fundamental capacity to be empathic, Lerner said, which involves a brain network of the mirror neuron system, the insula and the limbic system. Mirror neurons mimic the actions and behaviors of others, and are linked to more intuitive, emotional empathy. The insula regulates the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, which control the fight-or-flight response and relax the body, respectively. The limbic system regulates bodily functions in response to emotional stimuli and reinforces behavior through memories. "When we see someone else doing something, in our bodies we have sort of a parallel response," Konrath explained. "If we see someone is expressing emotion, for a moment you might feel a reflection of that emotion that can help motivate you to actually figure out what's going on and try to help them. That can help to explain a little bit about how we are wired for empathy." In this case, many empathic processes are automatic, but they can also be activated in situations when you have an incentive to be deliberately empathic for example, when you're trying to read your manager's mood. The other component of empathy is environmental, meaning it can also be reinforced by socialization. Our cultural, school, work and home environments and the values within them can build up or diminish our capacity to express empathy, Konrath said. One of the best ways to incentivize empathy, Lerner said, is to create interdependence between people. "If I depend on you for something," she said, "then I have to become motivated to understand what you are feeling and vice versa." Building and implementing your capacity for empathy Empathy can be learned, and you can start by practicing how you behave in your relationships with others, Konrath said. When you're talking with someone, try to imagine what her life is like for her. Read his body language and utilize reflective or active listening, of which the purpose is to understand the person rather than prepare to respond while he's talking. During conversations, focus your full attention and time on listening then doing whatever you can so the person feels understood. To accurately perceive his feelings, you can ask questions: "It sounds like you're feeling dejected. Is that right?" Or, "Is it fair to say that you're feeling optimistic?" Distraction led to less empathic accuracy, according to a study led by Lerner. Spending time with babies, children and animals can be helpful, Konrath said since they can't verbally express their needs, you'd have to more intuitively assess their needs. Awareness of someone's pain can feel overwhelming, so you might turn away from it especially if you think you don't have the time to deal with it, Konrath said. But during difficult times, what people really need is someone to be there it's not about saying the right thing, but rather being present, listening and understanding. "Learning to regulate our emotions and have the capacity to tolerate negativity is very, very important for mature empathy," Konrath added. The upsides of empathy When you become more empathic, the people in your life might feel more loved, supported and cared for, Konrath said. You might also feel more united with others, be able to resolve conflicts faster and achieve greater satisfaction at work, Lerner said. "Unless you accurately perceive that your child or significant other is mad at you, you don't have the knowledge needed to even begin resolving a conflict," she added. A mindset focused on others' needs can lower stress hormones as well. Empathic people score lower on scales for depression, Konrath said. "Empathy is such an important biological system in our bodies that, of course, there's going to be some sort of benefits right back at the empathic person," Konrath said. "Being able to experience a hormonal change that would allow you to continue to care for somebody is very important for human survival." This story was first published on CNN.com Empathy is both a trait and a skill. Here's how to strengthen it Technavio has been monitoring the industrial wireline networking market and it is poised to grow by 1.91 bn during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 6% 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/20200624005771/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Industrial Wireline Networking Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Please Request Latest Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impact The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. ABB Ltd., Belden Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Emerson Electric Co., Hitachi Ltd., Juniper Networks Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Moxa Inc., Rockwell Automation Inc., and Siemens AG are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The growing benefits of industrial ethernet has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. However, the growing preference for wireless communication might hamper market growth. Industrial Wireline Networking Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Industrial Wireline Networking Market is segmented as below: Application Industrial Ethernet Fieldbus Geography North America Europe APAC MEA South America 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=IRTNTR44044 Industrial Wireline Networking 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 industrial wireline networking market report covers the following areas: Industrial Wireline Networking Market size Industrial Wireline Networking Market trends Industrial Wireline Networking Market industry analysis This study identifies the emergence of single-pair Ethernet cabling as one of the prime reasons driving the industrial wireline networking market growth during the next few years. Industrial Wireline Networking Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the industrial wireline networking market, including some of the vendors such as ABB Ltd., Belden Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Emerson Electric Co., Hitachi Ltd., Juniper Networks Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Moxa Inc., Rockwell Automation Inc., and Siemens AG. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the industrial wireline networking 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 Industrial Wireline Networking Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist industrial wireline networking market growth during the next five years Estimation of the industrial wireline networking market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the industrial wireline networking market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of industrial wireline networking 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 Application Market segments Comparison by Application Industrial Ethernet Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Fieldbus Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Application 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 MEA Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America 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 Competitive scenario Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors ABB Ltd. Belden Inc. Cisco Systems Inc. Emerson Electric Co. Hitachi Ltd. Juniper Networks Inc. Mitsubishi Electric Corp. Moxa Inc. Rockwell Automation Inc. Siemens AG 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/20200624005771/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/ Advertisement It began with a plume of brilliant white smoke, billowing silently from the volcano's rugged crater before mushrooming into an ominous black cloud. By the time their tour guide had yelled at them to take cover it was too late for newlyweds Matthew and Lauren Urey. The couple from Richmond, Virginia, were soon engulfed in a suffocating fog of molten ash, scorching their flesh, pummeling them with debris and plunging their dream honeymoon into a living hell. 'My body was literally sizzling,' said Lauren, 33, fighting back tears in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com. 'I was holding Matt's hand and I just kept telling him I loved him because I thought it was only seconds before we would both die.' Matthew, 36, added: 'It was darker than the darkest nights you've ever seen. It was scalding hot, agonizing, we were getting pelted with rocks. 'I actually thought I had gone blind because I couldn't see a thing. I touched my face afterwards expecting my eyes to be gone. I had forgotten I had sunglasses on and they were completely covered in dust.' It's been six months since the brave couple escaped the terrifying eruption on New Zealand's White Island, a rocky outcrop that sits atop one of the world's most active volcanoes. The day-long excursion was supposed to be the highlight of a 12-night Royal Caribbean cruise taking in the sights and natural beauty of Australia and New Zealand. But today the couple are suing for negligence over the December 9 tragedy, which claimed the lives of 21 people, including 19 vacationers from the luxurious Ovation of the Seas ocean liner. Newlyweds Matthew and Lauren Urey are suing Royal Caribbean after surviving a New Zealand volcano eruption on December 9, 2019. The couple from Richmond, Virginia, were engulfed in a fog of molten ash that scorched their flesh and left them with horrific burns on their bodies Matthew, 36, told DailyMail.com 'It was darker than the darkest nights you've ever seen. It was scalding hot, agonizing, we were getting pelted with rocks' The couple from Richmond, Virginia, were engulfed in a fog of molten ash that scorched their flesh and left them with horrific burns. Lauren shows the burn scars on her chin and neck Matthew, 36, showed his scars to DailyMail.com that cover the majority of his arms and legs The couple are picture standing near the crater just moments before the eruption on December 9, 2019 They argue in a new legal filing, shared exclusively with DailyMail.com, that Royal Caribbean had ample warning the volcano was dangerously close to erupting - yet failed to alert passengers who paid $259 each to go ashore. Similarly, guests were never told the tiny volcanic island, 30 miles from New Zealand's North Island, had erupted multiple times in the previous ten years, most recently in December 2016. The couple say this amounts to an unforgivable 'failure to warn' by Royal Caribbean and co-defendant ID Tours, the local New Zealand firm contracted to run the excursions. 'Our lives are changed forever. We are never going to be the people we were before this happened, we are never going to look the same,' said Matthew. 'Our honeymoon, our first year of married life was robbed from us. And all because Royal Caribbean wanted money over protecting our safety.' Matthew, a Pennsylvania native and Lauren, raised in Virginia, married last October and flew to Australia two months later to embark on their 'trip of a lifetime' cruise. 'I'd always had a fascination with Australia and New Zealand, ever since I was a kid,' Matthew told DailyMail.com. 'We had been so busy organizing the wedding that it made sense to let Royal Caribbean do most of the thinking for us.' 'Our honeymoon, our first year of married life was robbed from us. And all because Royal Caribbean wanted money over protecting our safety,' the couple say The White Island crater of New Zealand is pictured erupting just moments before the couple and 21 others were consumed by the molten ash The $259 excursion was organized by the cruise line. 'We had been so busy organizing the wedding that it made sense to let Royal Caribbean do most of the thinking for us,' Matthew said The couple did note at the time that some parts of the island were closed off but Lauren says their tour guide reassured them everything was safe A spokesman for Royal Caribbean told DailyMail.com: We continue to support the needs of those affected by this tragic incident. We respectfully decline further comment while the investigation is still proceeding. For Matthew, a 36-year-old engineer and science enthusiast, the standout excursion was the seven-hour tour of White Island, the 800-acre tip of a 150,000-year-old submerged volcano which erupted continuously from 1975 to 2000. Promotional materials promised an 'unforgettable' opportunity to 'get up close to roaring steam vents, bubbling pits of mud, hot volcanic streams and the amazing lake of steaming acid.' But just how close, Matthew and Lauren - now scarred from head to toe and facing at least a dozen more surgeries in the coming months - could never have imagined. The couple married last October and flew to Australia two months later to embark on their 'trip of a lifetime' cruise They say they would never have gone to White Island if they had known that experts raised warning levels just three weeks earlier because of seismic activity and rising sulfur levels. The suit, due to be filed in Miami District Court, states that New Zealand's volcanic monitoring service, GeoNet, had increased its alert for White Island to 2, the highest number it can record before an actual eruption. 'Monitored parameters show[ed] further increases in activity. Hazards on the island [were] now greater than during the past few weeks,' a November 18 Volcanic Alert Bulletin is quoted as stating. 'The patterns of signals [were] similar to those through the 2011-2016 period and suggest[ed] that Whakaari/White Island may be entering a period where eruptive activity is more likely than normal.' The couple did note at the time that some parts of the island were closed off but Lauren, a medical laboratory technician, says their tour guide reassured them everything was safe. 'It never even crossed my mind that Royal Caribbean would put anybody at risk on something that dangerous,' added Matthew. 'They should have just given us the information. There was no reason this had to happen.' Lauren and Matthew say they were issued with hard hats and respirators to ease the pungent smell of sulpher but no other protective gear. After a 90-minute boat ride with 20 or so fellow passengers they hiked to the volcano's center, an acidic lake in a huge crater, taking photos and marveling at the rugged Mars-like landscape. Lauren is seeing performing scar massage therapy on Matthew at their home in Richmond, Virginia 'We were on our honeymoon, I was there celebrating my love for my new husband. Then in a few seconds my entire body changed,' Lauren told DailyMail.com The couple are now scarred from head to toe and facing at least a dozen more surgeries in the coming months It was only when they headed back to the bay that a fellow passenger pointed out the plume of ash rising above their heads. 'It seemed like nothing at the time. You expect to hear an explosion, a lot of noise, but all we could see was this little plume of ash rising up in complete silence,' Matthew recalled. 'But that's when we heard the tour guide yell, run.' We were on our honeymoon, I was there celebrating my love for my new husband. Then in a few seconds my entire body changed With no chance of outrunning the cloud, the couple huddled behind a rock as the black wall of ash and embers barreled towards them. 'I thought we were going to be buried alive and nobody would ever find us,' said Lauren. 'It was the most terrifying moment of my life.' Matthew estimates they were inside the molten cloud for around 90 seconds. 'It felt like an eternity. My respirator was completely fouled over from the dust so I couldn't breathe anymore. Lauren's respirator had gotten knocked off so she was actually breathing the ash,' he said. 'I yelled out afterwards to see if she was still alive and by some miracle she responded.' Against the odds, they were both able to stagger back to shore, wading through ankle deep dust that felt like 'walking on the moon'. Back on the boat Matthew, who suffered burns to 54 percent of his body, tried to ease the crippling pain by dousing his wounds with water. 'Matt was wearing shorts and his legs were unbelievably burnt. I had tripped and landed on my hands. They are still in pretty bad shape,' said Lauren. 'I was drifting in and out of consciousness. Matt was worried I wouldn't make it off the boat.' They say they would never have gone to White Island if they had known that experts raised warning levels just three weeks earlier because of seismic activity and rising sulfur levels Lauren is still battling a lung infection, but her husband helps by performing scar massage therapy on her To date they have both had a dozen surgeries each, with a similar number or more scheduled for the next six months to lessen the scarring and help their mobility Matthew wears an arm sleeve to cover up his scars and protect his skin during the healing process Matthew was burned on most of his body and was in the hospital for nearly two months Taken to two different hospitals, the pair were separated for the next two months, Lauren too distressed by her wounds to even let her husband of three months see her on video calls. The couple were flown back to the US in late January. They are both at home recovering but their medical bills continue to balloon. To date they have both had a dozen surgeries each, with a similar number or more scheduled for the next six months to lessen the scarring and help their mobility. For Lauren, still battling a lung infection, she is reminded of her brush with death every time she looks in the mirror. 'We were on our honeymoon, I was there celebrating my love for my new husband. Then in a few seconds my entire body changed,' she told DailyMail.com. 'I refused to do any FaceTimes when we were in the hospitals because I didn't want Matt to see me. It was very shocking when they had to shave off my hair. I have struggled emotionally. 'This is the time when Matt and I were going to start to have a family but obviously we've had to put all that on hold. 'But Matt is the one person who understands my feelings. He doesn't get frustrated when I cry or get emotional. 'I cannot imagine doing this by myself he is my everything.' Matthew and Lauren accuse Royal Caribbean of negligence, misrepresenting the dangers posed by the volcano and failing to protect them from an 'unreasonably dangerous' and 'incompetently' run excursion. 'Even a cursory look into White Island would have revealed that the volcano was active numerous times in the past ten years,' their suit contends. The couple say this amounts to an unforgivable 'failure to warn' by Royal Caribbean and co-defendant ID Tours, the local New Zealand firm contracted to run the excursions They say Royal Caribbean should have been especially aware of the risks because of a similar accident a year and a half earlier in which 23 people were injured when the Hawaiian volcano, Kilauea, erupted during a tour. 'This incident should have been enough for RCCL to realize that tours to active volcanoes were unreasonably dangerous,' the filing adds. 'RCCL should have canceled all excursions to active volcanoes then, instead of waiting for dozens of its own passengers to be injured or killed.' The couple's attorney Michael Winkleman told DailyMail.com that Matthew and Lauren and the numerous other victims deserve justice over the horrifying incident, which is still being probed by New Zealand authorities. The majority of the dead were in a different Royal Caribbean group, closer to the crater when it erupted. A further 38 people suffered severe burns. 'Multiple similar Volcanic Alert Bulletins were released and available in the weeks and days leading up to the ill-fated excursion, yet at no time did Royal Caribbean provide any warning or notice regarding any increased likelihood of volcanic activity,' said Winkleman, of maritime law firm Lipcon, Margulies, Alsina & Winkleman. 'In fact, Royal Caribbean did precisely the opposite. Instead of giving a warning to its passengers to make them aware of the increased danger, by failing to give any notice regarding the danger, passengers were reasonably led to believe that the excursion to the volcano was safe and without any danger.' Facial recognition software wrongly identified a man in Detroit. TOLGA AKMEN/AFP/Getty Images In January a Black man in Detroit was wrongfully arrested after being misidentified by facial recognition technology, The New York Times reports. Robert Julian-Borchak Williams was detained for 30 hours, and when he pointed out to police that he didn't look like CCTV footage of the suspect one detective said "I guess the computer got it wrong." Experts and activists have objected to the use of facial recognition by law enforcement for years, as the technology has been shown to display racial bias. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. In what might be the first known case of its kind in the US, a man was wrongfully arrested after being misidentified by facial recognition software. The New York Times first reported the news. Robert Julian-Borchak Williams was arrested in front of his wife and children in Detroit in January of this year, and accused of shoplifting five watches costing $3,800 from a Shinola store in October 2018. He was taken and held overnight a cell in the Detroit Detention Center. Williams told the Times was taken to an interrogation room where he was shown CCTV images of the shoplifter. The images were clearly not of Williams, and after he held the picture next to his own face one of the detectives said: "I guess the computer got it wrong." Williams was not immediately allowed to leave and wasn't released until later that evening on a $1,000 bond, meaning he spent a total of 30 hours in custody. Unbeknownst to Williams at the time, he had been misidentified by a piece of facial recognition technology called DataWorks Plus, which is used by Michigan State Police. After the image of the suspect was run through the technology it threw up a picture of Williams' driver's licence. This was then sent off to Detroit police in an "Investigative Lead Report," which emphasized the match didn't constitute positive identification. "It is an investigative lead only and is not probable cause for arrest," the report read. Story continues Williams' picture was then shown to a security guard, who also wrongfully identified him. As the George Floyd protests have thrust police brutality towards Black people back into the spotlight, the use of facial recognition by law enforcement has come under fire. Activists and AI experts have for years advocated banning the use of the technology by law enforcement, as the technology has been shown to display racial bias. One reason for this is that the datasets used to train facial recognition algorithms are often made up predominantly of white male faces. This means the algorithms become more accurate at identifying white men, but are more inaccurate when it comes to women and people of color. Williams' case appears to be evidence of what experts and activists have warned against for years, that the use of the technology would lead to false arrests and over-policing of Black people. In mid-June IBM, Amazon, and Microsoft promised to either halt or suspend the sale of their facial recognition tech to law enforcement, and on Wednesday Boston joined cities like San Francisco in banning the use of it by city agencies. The ACLU of Michigan on June 24 filed an official complaint with the city of Detroit about Williams' treatment. "[Detroit police] unthinkingly relied on flawed and racist facial recognition technology without taking reasonable measures to verify the information being provided, it conducted a shoddy and incomplete investigation, its officers were rude and threatening, and it has completely failed to respond to a FOIA request seeking relevant records," the complaint reads. Following the publication of the Times' report, the Wayne County prosecutor's office said in a statement Williams will be able to have the case expunged from his record and have his fingerprint data removed. "This case should not have been issued based on the DPD [Detroit Police Department] investigation, and for that we apologize. Thankfully, it was dismissed on our office's own motion. This does not in any way make up for the hours that Mr. Williams spent in jail." Read the original article on Business Insider The United States, Israel and Iran all seem set to continue their roles in the fight in Syria. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Quds Force, which largely determines Irans Syria strategy, is keeping the heat on Iran President Hassan Rouhani to maintain Irans focus on its commitments there, despite pressure and attacks from the United States and Israel. Last week the United States introduced sanctions under the Caesar Act to compel the government of Assad to halt its murderous attacks on the Syrian people and to support a transition to a government in Syria that respects the rule of law, human rights, and peaceful coexistence with its neighbors, as US Syria envoy James Jeffrey explained. The sanctions, which come as the Syrian economy is already reeling, send a signal to the Arab world that Washington will not tolerate any normalization with Syrian President Bashar al-Assads government, and to Iran that its "maximum pressure" policy extends to Syria. Israel has no plans to let up its own military pressure campaign. Israeli airstrikes on Iranian-linked military positions around Syria continue, often targeting convoys carrying weapons and new military technology to Israels arch-enemy Hezbollah. The latest Israeli strike on June 23 in Suweida, southern Syria, was more of Israels policy of "mowing the grass" to keep the pressure on Iran and degrade the capabilities of the IRGC and its proxies. A recent tweet by former head of Israeli military intelligence Amos Yadlin shows an Israeli perspective. He wrote, The attack in the Suweida area indicates the expansion of Iranian consolidation into this sensitive area of the Druze Mountains. This area is included in the area where the Russians pledged not to have access to Iran and Hezbollah. Yadlin, who is now the director of Tel Aviv University's Institute for National Security Studies, added, The Iranians and their proxies will look for ways to respond and deter Israel. Having previously failed to respond through rockets, they recently attempted to respond with a cyber attack. We must be prepared for a whole spectrum of Shiite response options in which [Hassan] Nasrallah enters [Qasem] Soleimanis shoes as a strategist and main operator. Israel considers Syria a vital front line against Iran that could heat up in coming months. Israeli intelligence sources are telling Netanyahu that the Quds Force is seeking to increase its presence in Syria, especially before November, when Netanyahu fears a resumption of a US-Iran diplomatic track, no matter who wins the US presidential election. Some fear that Iran is consolidating its power in Syria and extending the front to a crescent that runs from Naqoura in Lebanon to the point where Syria, Jordan and Israel meet. The Israeli assessment may be spot on. A source working with Irans IRGC advisers in Syria told Al-Monitor on condition of annonymity that Iran is there to stay in Syria. The source recounted Irans role in combatting terrorist groups such as the Islamic State and al-Qaeda-linked Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria, saying that the "resistance axis" in reference to Iran and its allies "gave the best of its fighters and commanders to make sure the region isnt dragged into total destruction and irredeemable disaster." The source added, Therefore its only this axis who decides to stay or to leave, and for now nothing has changed. The United States, which opposes Irans presence in Syria, led a major international diplomatic and military coalition working closely with the primarily Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces that reduced the Islamic State to a "low-level insurgency." The scorecard on Irans fight against the Islamic State and al-Qaeda in Syria is less clear, but the narrative is part of the Iranian campaign. Over the past eight years, Tehran and the "axis of resistance" it leads including Hezbollah, Syria and proxy forces in Iraq have been developing their rationale for involvement in Syria. From the Iranian establishments perspective, the mission cant be interrupted by a hasty decision to give up and withdraw. Syria isnt an uncalculated adventure, as many of those critical of Iran suggest, the source told Al-Monitor. It was a calculated risk and for that reason Iran decided from day one not to have a 'plan b' in Syria, and thats why despite the billions of dollars that were poured, the tens of thousands of fighters from across the world that were sent, the American and Israeli involvement, the name of Syrias president is still Bashar al-Assad, and we are in Syria upon his governments request. And Iran is in the meantime standing by Syria to face the economic war thats launched by the United States and its allies. Iran has reportedly upped its shipments to Syria to help the country face the newly introduced Caesar Act, just a few weeks after Iran defied US sanctions on Venezuela, in another indication that the Iranians are less concerned with short-term influence and are concentrating on the kind that crosses the Atlantic. In the minds of the leadership in Tehran, threats to uproot the Iranian presence and influence from Syria and beyond amount to threats of regime change, because the axis extending from Iran to Lebanon that has been developed in the past few years are a main pillar of Irans national security doctrine. Both Iran and Israel therefore see each other as existential threats. Irans coming days in Syria will be turbulent and dangerous, for the gap between what Tehran wants and what Israel seeks is threatening to become a fearful abyss that could threaten the whole region. Neither the assassination of Qassem Soleimani would have changed the Iranian point of view, nor would the sanctions, said the IRGC source. We might have differences over issues with our Russian partners in Syria. They have their plans and we have ours. In the last few months they pushed for changes in our role that didnt meet our objectives. We refused, and it was left to the Syrians to decide on what should happen. At the end, such differences will not affect long-term strategic partnerships. Interestingly, Rouhani said he is open to negotiations with the United States as soon as the White House and Congress return from the wrong path [and] offer an apology and compensate [for] the loss they inflicted upon Iran. In response, US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, while announcing the latest State Department report on countries supporting terrorism, which tags the IRGC and Hezbollah as terrorist groups backed by Iran, termed Rouhanis comment as not remotely serious. L ightning strikes have killed 23 people and injured 10 others during thunderstorms and heavy rain in eastern India, a Government official has said. Official Upendra Pal said thirteen of the people killed were working on farms in Gopalganj district, 110 miles north of Patna the Bihar state capital. The injured are receiving hospital treatment, he said. Heavy rains before the onset of the monsoon season have hit the region. In July last year, lightning killed 39 people in Bihar state, also during monsoon rains, which last until September. Last month, a powerful cyclone battered the coastline of India and Bangladesh, prompting a frantic evacuation of more than 2.6 million people. Cyclone Amphan, the equivalent of a category-3 hurricane, brought winds of up to 118mph. A woman crushed by a tree and a 13-year-old girl killed near Kolkata were among the deaths reported in India. In southern Bangladesh, a volunteer in a cyclone preparedness team drowned when a boat capsized in a canal. Residents walk along a street to a shelter ahead of the expected landfall of Cyclone Amphan in West Bengal last month / AFP via Getty Images Thunderstorms and heavy rain could endanger Indias fight against coronavirus, with supply lines cut and lockdown measures slowing relief work. In the capital of New Delhi, which has reported more than 70,000 cases, authorities said they would conduct house-to-house screening over the coming two weeks. With the citys hospitals overwhelmed, military personnel are providing care at makeshift medical wards fashioned from train carriages. India reported a record high 16,922 cases on Thursday, taking the national total to 473,105, with nearly 15,000 deaths. The issue of racism in the United States is not only a domestic issue, but a global issue in the era of global media No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom The current Black Lives Matter movement surely got our attention in one way or another, whereby the movement highlights the systematic racism African Americans have faced throughout their history in the United States, from slavery to segregation to the current focus on police brutality. It might be surprising how constructed media stereotypes play a palpable role in reflecting and enforcing racist beliefs against African Americans. One of the major stereotypes is the gangster or criminal figure that was first introduced during the 1970s through Blaxploitation films wherein crimes were being framed and portrayed as a modern play in which criminals were categorised through certain social and physical features (black skin and black community) which are the evil forces in the play. On the other hand, white skin colour is linked to cops, law enforcement officials and victims. Notably, racial stereotypes were not only introduced during desegregation and the 1970s; they are indeed traced back to slavery and segregation. The Mammy and the Coon were from initial stereotypes derived from the idea that African Americans are genetically dependent and cannot be positioned in high ranked jobs because of their basic nature. The ending of segregation marked a new beginning of African American portrayals in US media, especially with the introduction of Blaxploitation films in the 1970s. African Americans were proved to become effective movie protagonists. However, white/black relations within these movies were controversial because they all revolved around underdogs fighting between black drug dealers, criminals, pimps, gangsters and white police. This can be seen in movies like Sweet Sweetbacks Baadasssss Song (1971), Super Fly (1972), Hit Man (1972) and Black Caesar (1972). Blaxploitation films had an influence on movie production in the late 1990s and 21st century and continues to frame African Americans as criminals, pimps and gangsters in movies like Do the Right Thing and Boyz n the Hood in the late 1990s. During the 21st century, elements of Blaxploitation movies were seen in Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002), Kill Bill (2003) and Inglorious Basterds (2009). The goal of empowering African Americans in the media through Blaxploitation films backfired, whereby these movies further perpetuated negative stereotypical images of African Americans. Patricia Hill Collins an African American author, who wrote Black Feminist Thought, emphasised that racial stereotypes of black women are traced back to the times of slavery and segregation, not only during the Blaxploitation period. Stereotypes of African American women were mostly concentrated on the image of the "Mammy. The Mammy stereotype justified the horrors of slavery, whereby her characteristics (contented cook, satisfied with domestic service) suggest that being submissive is not only one of Mammys characteristics towards her Caucasian masters, but its also engraved in her genes. Putting African American women into slavery is thereby justified. The cult of true womanhood during slavery was generally based on the characteristics of white women (piety and purity). However, African American women were framed in totally different ways in popular culture. The Mammy stereotype had been constantly repeated through American animation. For example, it crystalised in one of the most well-known animated series: Tom and Jerry. It was represented through the "mammy two shoes icon: an African American maid and cook who is an overweight middle aged woman. Her portrayal is a reflection of the black maid who worked in white households during the period after the Civil War. The stereotype was repeated in the image of "Aunt Jemima" as a brand of pancake syrup. Surprisingly this syrup is still sold to the present day. Nonetheless, boycotts by African Americans led Quaker Oats in 1968 to replace the characters bandana with a headband and make her slimmer and younger. Hence, the cover picture changed from an overweight African American woman wearing a turban to a young, thin lady with wavy black hair. Another stereotypical black image is the Coon, suggesting that African American men are like raccoons or pests. The image entails that African American men are lazy and need to be guided by their white masters. Hence, justifying the institution of slavery and segregation. The Coon stereotype can be seen in Scrub Me Mama with a Boogie Beat, Bugs Bunny and Jungle Jitters. Actors such as Stepin Fetchit and Willie Best played the lazy Coon stereotype of African Americans. It might be surprising for some people that US racism against people of colour indirectly affects Egyptian subconscious beliefs towards black people, heres why. After the 1946-1991 Cold War, the United States became a megapower and hegemon over the globe, including Egypt. Consequently, it had the ability to enforce and spread US stereotypical beliefs, not only through hard power, but also soft power and most importantly mass media. It must be noted that Hollywoods influence all over the world is extraordinary, especially after the rise of globalisation and global media. A behaviorist model called The magic bullet suggests that the message the media enforced is just like a bullet fired from a media gun into the viewers mind. The model claims that viewers are indirectly manipulated and persuaded by Hollywoods message. As mentioned, the Black Lives Matter movement highlights continuing racism in US society. This racism is not only societal, but was also demonstrated in US hegemonic media that Egyptians to this day are influenced by. Global mass media can be seen as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it expands nations horizons regarding cultural differences and developments. On the other, it affects peoples conscious and unconscious beliefs towards certain racial groups and discriminated minorities. Hence, it either cultivates brainwashed racists or tolerant individuals. Search Keywords: Short link: CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: SC points out that the scheme should clearly spell out the following * Assessment will be the basis of admission into future courses * Time frame to assess whether conditions are conducive * The decision to hold such exam in future to be taken at the central level and not left to states CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: Hearing over for the day, adjourned to tomorrow Centre to file fresh affidavit by tomorrow. The Court will hear the matter tomorrow after Centre files a new affidavit clearing doubts raised by Court. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: SC says there needs to be clarity in notification Supreme Court says there needs to be clarity in notification as the delay in conducting exams will clash with Admission process of universities. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: ICSE board cancels 10th, 12th exams for now ICSE board also cancels 10th, 12th exams for now, says decision on holding 12th exam in future will be taken later CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: Assessment based result for class 12th students to be declared by July 15 Solicitor General Tushar Mehta further informs that no student will miss on entrance exams. Results of assessment will be out by July 15. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: Government to release fresh notification on 12th board exam tomorrow Those seeking option of not taking exam, there will be a scheme for assessment based on past three exams. This scheme will be notified latest by tomorrow. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: Conducive conditions may vary from state to state: SC to Centre Court asks Centre: conducive conditions may vary from state to state. Centre must consider when they will revisit their decision, may be after a month, says Court. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: Key points 1. Effectively the exams to be held from July 1-15 will not happen. For class X it is scrapped while for Class XII option of appearing in exam provided as and when conditions conducive. 2. Those seeking option of not taking exam, there will be a scheme for assessment based on past three exams. This scheme will be notified latest by tomorrow. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: ICSE board agrees with scheme proposed by CBSE ICSE board informs SC that in principle it is agreeable to the scheme proposed for CBSE. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: CBSE 12th Exam made optional CBSE Class 12th students to get option to appear in exams or take assessment based on their performance in past three exams. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: CBSE 10 Board exam cancelled Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informs SC that there will be no further examination for class 10th board exams. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: Hearing begins Supreme Court bench led by J AM Khanwilkar begins hearing plea seeking cancellation of the remaining CBSE exams due to the coronavirus pandemic. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: Who is representing whom Solicitor General Tushar Mehta is appearing for the CBSE and Central Government. Senior advocate Jaideep Gupta is representing the ICSE Board. The main petitioners are being led by advocate Rishi Malhotra. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: Who had filed the plea in SC Four parents led by Col (Retd) Amit Bathla had first approached SC. Court had issued notice and sought response of CBSE. On June 23 CBSE had informed SC that the decision with regard to cancelling Board exams is at an advanced stage. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: SC hearing to begin at 2 pm SC set to hear petitions seeking cancellation of Class X and XII Board exams conducted by CBSE and ICSE. Hearing to begin at 2pm. The hearing to be held by a 3-judge bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari, and Sanjiv Khanna. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: Delhi Education Minister asks HRD Minister to cancel CBSE exams Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia on June 17 wrote to HRD minister Ramesh Pokhriyal requesting him to cancel the remaining CBSE board exams for Class 10 and 12 due to the surge in coronavirus cases in the national capital. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: ICSE board to abide by CBSE decision on pending exams The ICSE Board on Tuesday informed SC that they too will abide by whatever decision CBSE takes regarding the pending board exams. The Supreme Court had on June 17 asked the CBSE to consider cancelling the pending class 10th and 12th board examinations and allot marks to the students based on internal assessment. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: Parents wants remaining exams to be scrapped A group of parents, whose wards are appearing in the CBSE Board exams, had moved Supreme Court on June 10 seeking to quash the May 18 decision of the CBSE to hold the remaining examinations for Class 10 and 12 from July 1 to July 15. CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2020: CBSE to inform SC on its decision on pending board exams CBSE will inform the Supreme Court about its decision on pending board exams, in response to a plea filed by a group of parents seeking to scrap the remaining board exams and demanding the board to allot marks to students for the remaining papers on the basis of their internal assessment and performance in practicals and examinations they took in March. FILE PHOTO: A Canadian dollar coin, commonly known as the "Loonie", is pictured in this illustration picture taken in Toronto By Fergal Smith TORONTO (Reuters) - The Canadian dollar slipped to a 10-day low against its U.S. counterpart on Thursday, as investors digested the loss of one of Canada's triple-A ratings and worried that a rise in American coronavirus cases could slow economic recovery. The Canadian dollar was trading 0.1% lower at 1.3650 to the greenback, or 73.26 U.S. cents. The currency touched its weakest intraday level since June 15 at 1.3670. "The weakness in the CAD today is the result of headline hangover from yesterday's decision by Fitch to lower the credit rating of Canada," said Scott Smith, managing partner at Viewpoint Investment Partners. Fitch on Wednesday cut Canada's rating to "AA+" from "AAA," making it the first time since August 2004 that the ratings agency did not give Canada top marks. Canada had been one of a handful of countries with a AAA rating from all three of the main agencies. "While in the grand scheme of things this doesn't signal a catastrophe for the government of Canada, it does provide a convenient narrative for the loonie to selloff in the face of a decrease in risk appetite," Smith said. Global equity benchmarks were little changed as investors gauged the potential economic impact of a surge in novel coronavirus infections in the United States, while perceived safe-haven assets, including U.S. Treasuries and the U.S. dollar, edged higher. Canada is a major exporter of commodities, including oil, so the loonie tends to be sensitive to the global economic outlook. U.S. crude oil prices settled 1.9% higher in a volatile session, buoyed by signs of a marginal improvement in the U.S. economy and a tepid rise in fuel demand. Canadian payroll employment fell by 1.8 million in April as non-essential businesses were closed, data from Statistics Canada showed. Canada's 10-year yield eased 3.1 basis points to 0.517%. (Reporting by Fergal Smith; Editing by Steve Orlofsky and Grant McCool) South Africa: Africa has capabilities to develop COVID-19 vaccine African Union Chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa, has called on African leaders to support efforts on the continent to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. Addressing the Conference on Africa's Leadership Role in COVID-19 Vaccine Development and Access, President Ramaphosa said it is essential that there be significant local vaccine manufacturing in Africa. Success in developing and providing access to a safe vaccine for all Africans requires collaboration and cooperation of all member States. Through this meeting, which brings together African leaders, experts and other key stakeholders, we should produce a roadmap that involves efforts by Africans to produce the vaccines that are effective, safe and affordable, President Ramaphosa said on Wednesday. He said a portion of the GAVI (the Vaccine Alliance) vaccines, including for COVID-19 and the Expanded Programme of Immunisation, should be sourced from African manufacturers. The challenges and efforts needed to rapidly develop, evaluate and produce such a vaccine at scale are enormous, as are the resources required to ensure sufficient coverage across a continent as vast and populous as ours. Therefore, we need to act with urgency. He encouraged African leaders to work together and negotiate with global donors to raise funds. We need to mobilise resources in each of our countries and within the continent to secure supply of the vaccine upfront. We need to start to plan now and to improve the infrastructure in each of our countries to prepare for the rollout of the vaccine. This includes accelerating regulatory approvals, strengthening supply chains and improving Africas ability to deliver the vaccine to the population. Given the depth of expertise and capability on this continent, we need to support the contribution of African scientists and health care professionals to the vaccine effort, the President said. He said while the disease is still in its early stages in Africa, infections are rising as countries ease their lockdowns in the face of mounting social and economic pressures. As the African continent, we have acted decisively and we have acted together in developing a strategy to combat the pandemic. We have been innovative in addressing our resource constraints through, for example, the establishment of the AU COVID-19 Response Fund, the Africa Medical Supplies Platform and the Partnership to Accelerate COVID-19 Testing. President Ramaphosa said the pandemic has forced African countries to revise their budgets to prioritise spending on health, including infrastructure, logistics and the purchase of pharmaceuticals, medical products, equipment and materials. It has also underscored the essential value of maintaining funding for medical research even after the current health crisis has passed, so that we may be ready for the next pandemic. The Coronavirus pandemic is not the last such tragedy that humanity will encounter. The President urged leaders to work towards a much more responsive and equitable medical system. We need to develop centres of excellence and robust health systems capable of withstanding any threat. We urgently need to introduce universal health coverage to ensure no one is unable to access health care when they need it. By working together, by pooling our resources and by investing in innovation, we shall overcome this grave threat to the health and well-being of our people. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. James Kauffman, an Atlantic City-area doctor, stands outside the house he shared with his wife, April Kauffman, right, who was shot to death. Read more It was a notorious murder whose long tentacles found their way into numerous dark corners of the Jersey Shore. Now a forthcoming book entitled Doctor Dealer, a digital copy of which was provided to The Inquirer, details the six-page suicide note left by James Kauffman, an endocrinologist who hanged himself in 2018 in a Hudson County, N.J., jail cell while awaiting trial in the murder of his wife, April, a Shore radio personality and advocate for veterans. In the note, Kauffman denies killing his wife, blaming the killing on members of the New Jersey Shore Pagans Outlaw Motorcycle Club to whom he had been illicitly supplying opioid prescriptions after being introduced to members by her. I am not blaming April, the note, written on yellow legal paper, says, according to the book. We were both stupid + naive. What I did I was forced to do for my family so help me G-D. After her death, he wrote, I could not believe (naive me) that people would think that I did it. The suicide note, released to Kauffmans widow, Carole Weintraub, by a judge, has not previously been made public. Doctor Dealer, by former Inquirer reporters George Anastasia and Ralph Cipriano, will be published in September by Berkley, a division of Penguin Books. Despite the denial in the suicide note, which was addressed to her, Weintraub concludes in the book that Kauffman, the man she married, the man who was her first love, had his wife April murdered. I think he was involved, she told the authors, who caution about the note: Like so much else about the case, his farewell raised more questions than it answered. The note is signed JMK MD when Kauffman was a doctor of osteopathy, or D.O. The book is based on extensive interviews with Weintraub, of Philadelphia, and Andrew Glick, a Pagans informant who testified at the trial of Freddy Augello, the leader of the Pagans, who was ultimately convicted in the murder of April Kauffman but continues to deny that he participated in the killing. April Kauffmans daughter, Kimberly Pack, who has long asserted her belief that her stepfather killed her mother, said Thursday that she was not interviewed for the book and had not seen the note. Thats crazy that all these people are profiting off my tragedy, she said. At least interview me and get the whole picture. In the note, Kauffman says Augello approached him at his office three years after the May 10, 2012, killing and told Kauffman that he and Francis Mulholland, now deceased, were responsible for Aprils murder. Kauffman claims in the note that Augello said he had an affair with April Kauffman. Prosecutors had accused Kauffman of soliciting Augello and others to kill his wife to keep her from revealing the illegal drug operation and after she threatened to divorce him. Augello, a sign maker and guitar player who was retired from the Pagans, was convicted in 2018 and sentenced to life in prison. The note reads: ... some guy named Freddie? came up to me + said he wanted to be a patient + that if I didnt he would do to me what he + some person named Mulholland and a certain driver did to April. He also said not to worry as Mulholland was dead + a gun was in 3 pieces in 3 states. He said he had an affair with April + when she broke it off the murder occurred. After his conviction, Augello stood in the courtroom and told reporters: I did not kill Mrs. Kauffman, nor did I pay anyone to kill Mrs. Kauffman. Joe Mulholland and his cousin killed Mrs. Kauffman. At trial, Augello, a former president of the New Jersey Shore Pagans Outlaw Motorcycle Club, blamed the murder on a fellow member of the club, Joseph Mulholland, who admitted driving the gunman to the Kauffman residence and testified against Augello. In the note, Kauffman says April introduced him to members of the motorcycle gang, whom she had met through her work as a veterans advocate. He wrote that he was nervous about meeting them, but agreed to see a few in his office without their having insurance. That led to a request for narcotics prescriptions, he said. He wrote in the note that he initially said no: I said I could not do this + a gun was shoved in my face + said April and I would be killed if I didnt. They said they were stopping the payments to April. After having diarrhea and vomiting I went home + April was crying. She said they told her the same things they told me. They also said if we went to the police or anybody else they would kill her daughter Kim + then us. It wouldnt matter who found out they would kill us. Both of us decided to keep it to ourselves. Kauffman wrote that the threats continued, cajoling, threatening, demanding, etc.... I was and still am extremely frightened about what they can do. Kauffman said he continued supplying narcotic prescriptions to the motorcycle club members until April 2012, when he told them again that he didnt want to lose his medical license. They said I had to or face the consequences, he said. I heard nothing but threats up until May 9th. He then details his whereabouts on the morning that April Kauffman was found shot to death in her Linwood bedroom, a murder prosecutors said he orchestrated. On May 10th, after I left the hospital, WaWa + my office they cold-bloodedly murdered her. April always told me to leave the door open with the come in sign on the door so if she was in the shower she would tell them to come in + wait. I should never have listened to that. Six to eight weeks later, he got a call from Weintraub, a high school friend, and the two began a relationship that led to marriage. Meanwhile, he continued giving out prescriptions to the Pagans who showed up at his office in Egg Harbor Township. I was told I was being watched. So dont try to get away with something. I know what that meant. I am sure April isnt the first person they had killed. Kauffman ended up supplying prosecutors with the names of Augello and Francis Mulholland for them to investigate in his wifes killing. But he was arrested along with them, and ultimately was transferred to Hudson County, where, he wrote, he saw no other choice but to hang himself. He apologized to Weintraub, her daughter, and any person I have hurt, insulted or was rude to in my 68 plus years: This left me with no choice but to do what I am going to do now. I see those dirt bags ganged up to save their butts while frying mine. To those who think that is a fabrication or prevarication, I put my money where my mouth is. Im Dead! The postscript reads: Sorry about my handwriting and thanks to my friends who stood by me. They knew I didnt kill April. Published on ACS Nano, journal of the American Chemical Society, the study opens important perspectives for treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease, but also epilepsy, brain trauma and stroke. Lecce, 25th June 2020 - Gold nanoparticles have been developed in the laboratory in order to reduce the cell death of neurons exposed to overexcitement. The study, is the result of an international collaboration coordinated by Roberto Fiammengo, researcher at the Center of Biomolecular Nanotechnologies of the IIT-Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (Italian Institute of Technology) in Lecce (Italy). The international team also involves colleagues at the University of Genoa, Imperial College London, King's College London, the Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology of the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia in Genoa and the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg. Excessive stimulation of neurons by the neurotransmitter glutamate, which is usually involved in the excitatory communication among neurons, can damage nerve cells and cause their degeneration. This phenomenon, known with the term excitotoxicity, is common in many neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Huntington's disease, but also in case of epilepsy, brain trauma and stroke. In particular, these nanoparticles were designed and prepared by the IIT team in Lecce (Italy), and are functionalized with peptides that allow selective inhibition of extrasynaptic glutamate receptors involved in the excitotoxicity. In fact, the size of the nanoparticles is 20 - 50 times larger than that of classic drugs resulting in the blockade of only the receptors located outside the synapses. In this way, correct neurotransmission is preserved while the excessive activation that leads to cell death is avoided. The molecular mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of the nanoparticles has been clarified by the experimental work carried out by Pierluigi Valente at the University of Genoa, in collaboration with Fabio Benfenati's group of the Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology of the IIT in Genoa (Italy). The results of this research sets the basis for treatment of neurological diseases in which the excessive release of glutamate is at the basis of the pathology. The possibility of specifically blocking extrasynaptic receptors, mainly responsible for cell death, without interfering with synaptic transmission, opens up promising perspectives for targeted therapy without major side effects. "We have developed nanoparticles with unique and necessary properties to answer to the indications of neurobiologists and physiologists - declares Roberto Fiammengo - Coordinating such a multidisciplinary group of researchers was an extremely stimulating task and the results obtained show that this is the winning approach." "Even if, at the moment, the nanoparticles developed cannot be used in therapy, - concludes Pierluigi Valente of the University of Genoa, first author of the paper - this study shows how nanotechnology can provide important indications for treatment of many neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases." ### No one on the Pine River Superfund Citizens Task Force was shocked at the huge amount of highly toxic waste being pulled from the ground as the clean up in St. Louis is underway. Members have learned that when it comes to the Velsicol Chemical Superfund clean up, everything is always much worse than expected. Environmental Protection Agency Project Manager Tom Alcamo had estimated that they would recover about four tanker truck loads of liquid DNAPL, said Jane Keon chair of the group. So far theyve had eight tanker loads on just the one and a half acre site (Area 2) and theres no let up yet. Thats more than 50 tons of waste thats been removed. DNAPL stands for dense, non aqueous phase liquid that does not dissolve in water. Its made up of a combination of chemicals that are highly toxic. The waste is trucked to an EPA-licensed commercial facility in Arkansas where it is incinerated, she said. Keon pointed out that the EPAs clean up of the 52 acre plant site is beginning with the hot spots, or the most dangerous areas. Those are the sources of the continuing pollution of the river and the groundwater, Keon said. Area 2, located in the northeast corner of the plant site, is where the insecticide DDT was made and its near where the fire retardant PBB was made, she said. In order to pull the contamination from the site, the ground is heated to 110 degrees Centigrade. The heating makes the DNAPL more liquified, she said And its an expensive proposition. Alcamo told members that the electricity required costs about $1 million a month, Keon said. The EPAs contract with the thermal destruction company, Cascade, called for the underground heating to cease on July 7. Alcamo said there has been no reduction in the amount of waste coming up, so heating will continue until they see diminishing returns, she said. They have also discovered something a bit different in this hot spot. (Newser) Zookeepers in San Francisco believe they have cracked the case of the massacred marsupials. A red kangaroo and two wallaroosa kangaroo cousin smaller than a kangaroo but bigger than a wallabywere found dead in an outdoor exhibit at the San Francisco Zoo on June 12, and the zoo suspects a young mountain lion captured in the city last week is the culprit. The 50-pound animal had been seen wandering downtown streets in the days before its capture. Zoo officials believe it killed the marsupials after making its way into the Australian Outback enclosure, which is adjacent to the perimeter fence, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. story continues below Biologist Zara McDonald tells the New York Times that it's probably no coincidence that the marsupials were killed while the mountain lion was in the city. She says "surplus killings" sometimes occur when mountain lions encounter captive animals. "These hunting instincts are overloaded by the sudden abundance of easily captured and vulnerable prey without an escape route," and they kill more they can eat, she says. McDonald says the mountain lion was around 15 months oldtoo young to be away from its motherand it's not clear why it was alone. Animal Care and Control spokeswoman Deb Campbell tells the AP that when the disoriented animal was captured, it was clear that it needed help. The mountain lion was released into a wilderness preserve after it was examined at the Oakland Zoo. (Read more San Francisco stories.) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 26 2020 President Joko Jokowi Widodo has urged the East Java administration to decrease the rate of COVID-19 transmission in the region within two weeks. On Thursday, Jokowi visited Surabaya and its neighboring cities in East Java, which have become the countrys COVID-19 epicenter after Jakarta. It is his first regional working visit as the government transitions into the so-called new normal period. I demand integrated and serious controls from all institutions in the region [] so we can handle and lower the number of confirmed cases [] within two weeks, the President said during a visit to the East Java COVID-19 task force headquarters in the Grahadi Building in Surabaya. 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 It's the fifth day of the fifth lunar month this week and Vietnamese families are preparing homemade goodies to detox in the traditional way. Cantonese bak chang must be wrapped in bamboo leaves. Photo courtesy of SaoStar.vn oan Ngo Tet, or getting rid of germs from inside your digestive system, is a custom at this time of year. This Thursday is the big day and the temperature has been forecast to soar close to 40 degrees Celcius, so the traditional meal of fermented sticky rice may be tough to scarf down. Good thing that tradition has it that the rice is followed by fruit such as plums, litchis, or pineapples, all considered hot fruit to clear germs from your system. Also celebrating at this time of year is the Chinese community in Vietnam. Nearly half a million people of Chinese descent call District 5 in HCM City home. Chinese people living in Vietnam tend to be descendants of people from Guangdong, Chaozhou, Fujian and Hainan provinces. They speak Cantonese and maintain strong cultural and culinary traditions. For oan Ngo Tet, Chinese residents in HCM City make traditional ba trang dumplings, known also as the Cantonese bak chang meat dumplings. It takes a long time to get all the ingredients ready to make the dumplings. VNS Photo My Ha While in Red River Delta provinces, Vietnamese mothers make the sticky rice ash dumplings for the occasion, which have no meat and are served cold with sugarcane molasses. Some people may find that the bak chang dumplings are quite similar to Vietnamese Lunar New Year square cakes. Both use leaves to wrap sticky rice with meat and nut stuffing inside. They are only different in shapes and flavours. While the square banh chung has three main ingredients, bak chang have more than that. Bak chang dumplings need to be boiled in water for two and a half hours, whereas banh chung need to be boiled between 10 and 12 hours to make the ingredients completely melt, then they are pressed with stone to remove all the water that soaked into them. In Vietnam, bak chang dumplings are more popular in the south, where the Chinese community is much bigger. Many Hanoians say they have never heard of this kind of dumpling. Traditional Cantonese bak chang features glutinous rice stir-fried with dark soya sauce, five-spice powder pork, marinated egg yolk and thick shiitake mushrooms. The flavour is typical Cantonese with soya sauce and dark sauce sauteed in the rice, meat and mushrooms. While sticky rice is a must, stuffing variations include chestnut and pork, chestnut, pork and mushrooms and salted egg yolks. The Canton region is also home to sea-faring traditions and they also add seafood to the dumplings. The ingredients can include dried shrimps, scallops and oysters, stir-fried in oyster sauce. The true Cantonese bak chang dumplings must be wrapped in big dried bamboo leaves, which are not harvested for food in the north of Vietnam. The dried leaves must be boiled, washed and dried with a towel before wrapping. In HCM City, you will also find bak chang sold in banana leaves. Some say that it's the Chinese tradition married into the Vietnamese family. The ingredients can be the same, but when the leaves are not the same, the wrapping and size of dumplings vary as well. With bamboo leaves, you can make triangle dumplings, that look just like their ash dumpling sisters, whereas banana bak chang dumplings are wrapped into square buns. Houses selling bak chang dumplings in HMC City also have their own version of stuffing. Some add mung beans, lotus seeds and peanuts. Some add lap xuong (pork sausages Chinese style), and last but not least, the salted egg yolks as the centrepiece of the dumplings. The yolks combine and enhance all the flavours to the next level. At Chinese dim sum restaurants, you can also have a shortened version of bak chang with sauteed chicken and fragrant mushrooms. Traditional Tet oan Ngo food in the north comprises of the ash dumplings with sugarcane molasses, fermented black and white rice and assorted fruit. Photo courtesy of The thao Van hoa magazine This year, the oan Ngo Tet has been delayed further, which coincides with the lotus blooming season in the north of Vietnam. If you travel further from the cities, you'll find swamps with the lotus in full bloom and ripening rice fields mixed with lotus ponds. In Hanoi's West Lake, the few hundred-petal lotuses are in bloom, and ladies wake up early in the morning to get the first sunlight to pose for photos by the lotus pond. The atmosphere in the early morning on a lotus pond is refreshing, beautiful and fragrant. After taking a walk and finding a quiet corner to sip lotus tea on a morning like that, I was inspired to try to wrap my version of the bak chang with lotus leaves. Hanoian sticky rice sellers also use fresh lotus leaves to wrap sticky rice to sell at about 6.30am for the early birds for work or school. I also made a change in the stuffing, replacing chestnuts with lotus seeds. So my dumplings cannot be called bak chang dumplings anymore. I call them lotus dumplings, steamed instead of boiled in water. This time of year always reminds me of my Grandma, so I offered them to her on the altar, and I believe somewhere up there between the white clouds, she is looking down on me with a smile! VNS Nguyen My Ha Banh rom dumpling a northern speciality Tasty and delicious banh rom or banh nep (sticky rice dumpling) is a popular traditional cake made by locals in Vietnams northern region. EU post-COVID recovery plan likely to win backing in July - budget chief European Commissioner for Budget and Administration Johannes Hahn is seen during an interview with Reuters in Brussels By Jan Strupczewski BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union's economic recovery plan after the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to secure backing from member states in July, helping the 27-nation bloc emerge from the recession together, EU Budget Commissioner Johannes Hahn said on Wednesday. EU leaders will tackle the European Commission's 750 billion euro plan for the first time on Friday, together with a 1.1 trillion euro proposal for the next EU budget for 2021-2027. The plan will need the approval of all member states to be adopted. "I'm really confident because everybody understands the urgency," Hahn told Reuters in an interview. "There might be some modifications, adaptations, but the general direction will stay," he said. Under the proposal, the Commission is to borrow 750 billion euros on the market against higher government guarantees for the EU budget. Around 500 billion would be disbursed in grants and 250 billion as loans, to revive economies most badly damaged by the pandemic like Italy and Spain. The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Austria, dubbed "the Frugal Four", say the fund is too large and want it used only as loans, since grants would have to be repaid by all EU taxpayers. But Hahn said grants were necessary to prevent the EU's single market of 450 million people from breaking up as the already high-debt southerners could not afford to borrow as much to help their economies as the lower-debt northerners. Their slower recovery would create dangerous economic divergences. "If the European single market is really a single market, it means all these national economies have to pick up more or less at the same time... therefore provisioning via grants is necessary," he said. "The grants should be seen by the 'frugals' as a kind of investment in more resilience, in better performance, which finally is in the interest of everybody," said Hahn. Story continues "The 'frugals' should have an interest in economies like Italy or Spain picking up as fast as possible," he said, noting much of internal EU exports go from the north to the south. Earlier on Wednesday, European Central Bank Vice President Luis de Guindos, a Spaniard, said indebted euro zone countries needed grants rather than loans to deal with the pandemic's fallout to avoid digging themselves into a bigger debt hole. But Sweden's EU minister said the recovery fund should be disbursed only as loans as handing out grants would be "wrong". For its part, France hopes for a deal on the recovery fund in July, a presidential adviser said on Wednesday. "I think there are nuances between the so-called Frugals Group," he said, seeing "room for manoeuvre" in the negotiations. Hahn said the video-conference meeting on Friday would be a start but an in-person gathering would be needed to clinch a deal of such complexity as the long-term budget and recovery fund. "This is something which will take place in July and I think then hopefully we can have a deal," he said. He rejected criticism that 750 billion for the recovery of the EU was too large, pointing to Germany - with the EU's largest economy - which alone had a 1.2 trillion euro recovery blueprint. Hahn said the Commission's job was to ensure equality of recovery opportunities to keep the single market intact. (Reporting by Jan Strupczewski in Brussels with additional reporting by Jesus Aguado in Madrid, Anna Ringstrom in Stockholm and Michel Rose in Paris; Editing by Mark Heinrich) [June 25, 2020] CBE Companies Announces Establishment of Racial Equality Training Fund in Partnership with Waterloo Community Foundation CEDAR FALLS, Iowa, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Tom Penaluna (Chairman and CEO, CBE) announced today that CBE has donated to establish a fund, in conjunction with the Waterloo Community Foundation, to which contributions can be made in support of the Waterloo Police's efforts to improve race relations in our local community. These funds will be directed towards the City of Waterloo, Iowa with the goal to assist the City in improving race relations between the Police Department and the Black Community. The City of Waterloo's new Police Chief, Joel Fitzgerald, has proposed sweeping changes to give officers the very important and relevant training needed to perform their duties in the following areas: Procedural Justice/Implicit Bias/Reconciliation Training Critical Incident Team Training De-escalation Instructor Training First Line Supervisor Training Penauna commented, "Earlier this week, I shared CBE's corporate commitment with our staff to do our part and address social injustices and racism. When our leadership team made those commitments, we understood that government leaders, corporate leaders, and other influencers must move beyond just saying politically correct statements and must take actions to address the decades of discrimination that Black Americans have had to face. CBE strongly believes that everyone has a right to live freely without discrimination, and we stand together to make real and lasting change to impact Black lives. More importantly, we have been listening to those in our local communities on how to best initiate change, and we want to share the initial steps CBE will take toward our commitments. It is our hope that this additional support will lead to improved race relations between the Police Department and Black Community. Our goal is to raise $250,000.00 to assist with this vital community need. We invite other businesses and citizens of Waterloo to join us in donating to the fund. Again, we know these are initial steps and there is so much more listening, understanding, and action that needs to take place for real change to occur. Many Black Lives have been lost needlessly, and it's up to every one of us to commit, to act, and to create a better future." Donation Information Racial Equality Training Fund Waterloo Community Foundation P.O. Box 1253 425 Cedar Street Waterloo, IA 50704 For media inquiries, please contact Whitney Nosbisch by phone at 319-830-1127 or by email at [email protected]. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cbe-companies-announces-establishment-of-racial-equality-training-fund-in-partnership-with-waterloo-community-foundation-301084040.html SOURCE CBE Companies [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] WASHINGTON - As calls for police reform swell across America, officers say they feel caught in the middle: vilified by the left as violent racists, fatally ambushed by extremists on the right seeking to sow discord and scapegoated by lawmakers who share responsibility for the state of the criminal justice system. The Associated Press spoke with more than two dozen officers around the country, Black, white, Hispanic and Asian, who are frustrated by the pressure they say is on them to solve the much larger problem of racism and bias in the United States. They are struggling to do their jobs, even if most agree change is needed following the death of George Floyd, who was Black, at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolis. Most of the officers spoke on condition of anonymity because they feared retaliation or firing. You know, being a Black man, being a police officer and which Im proud of being, both very proud I understand what the communitys coming from, said Jeff Maddrey, an NYPD chief in Brooklyn and one of many officers who took a knee as a show of respect for protesters. All of officers interviewed agreed theyd lost some kind of trust in their communities. For some, the moment is causing a personal reckoning with past arrests. Others distinguish between the Floyd case and their own work, highlighting their lives saved, personal moments when they cried alongside crime victims. I have never seen overtly racist actions by my brothers or sisters in my department, wrote white Covington, Kentucky, police specialist Doug Ullrich in an Op-Ed. In fact, I believe that my department is on the leading edge of doing it right. Of course, hardly all police support change. Some are incensed deriding colleagues as traitors for taking a knee or calling out sick to protest the arrests of some police for their actions amid the protests. For Dean Esserman, senior counsellor of the National Police Foundation and past police chief of Providence, Rhode Island, and New Haven and Stamford in Connecticut, the result so far has been for communities and police to pull away from one another. That will mean fewer personal connections and more problems, he said. Many police leaders who are saying dont call us when there are emergencies miss the point, he said. I delivered nine babies in my career, and I never shot anybody. The community isnt part of the job. It IS the job. Its not the first time that police officers have found themselves caught in the middle. The rise of the Black Lives Matter movement earlier this decade spawned a blue lives matter campaign and the belief among many Americans that cops were being unfairly stigmatized over the actions of a few or split-second decisions during tense situations. But now, Americans are largely united behind the idea that change is necessary: 29% think the criminal justice system needs a complete overhaul, 40% say it needs major changes. Just 5% believe no changes are needed, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The long, often dark history of American policing has meant minority communities are treated one way, and white ones another. Floyds killing cracked open the pain anew, but minorities have long begged for officers to stop seeing them as criminals and to police with equity. While many activists acknowledge that the problems theyre fighting go beyond police departments, they say that doesnt mean individual officers arent guilty. People who try to sell you police reform are trying to sell you the idea that you can (asterisk)train(asterisk) the anti-Black racism out of an institution built upon and upheld by anti-Black racism, activist Adam Smith tweeted. A culture that allows racism to fester in law enforcement hasnt yet changed because that would take deep structural shifts, new blood and a lot of time, said Sandra Susan Smith, a criminal justice professor at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Its not just about the institutional mandate to control and confine, its also about the views individual officers bring to neighbourhoods, she said. The difference now is top police officials nationwide are increasingly supporting reform. Patrick Yeos, president of the national Fraternal Order of Police, said change must come from the top down and lawmakers must play their role. These issues are not created by officers, he said. Police dont always have the autonomy their elected leaders claim they do. When NYPD officers were stopping hundreds of thousands of mostly Black and Hispanic men a year, top brass said officers were exercising their judgment and the stops were necessary. But officers testified at a federal trial over the stop-and-frisk tactic they felt pressured by superiors to show they were cracking down. And those stops rarely resulted in arrest. Cerelyn Davis, police chief in Durham, North Carolina, and president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, said reform is possible, but there must national accountability standards, and teeth behind them. They talk about one bad apple, she said. In this field we cant afford to have one bad apple. One bad apple can have grave consequences. As the debate has played out, the tensions have led to violence. Officers are accused of harming protesters. And theyre getting hurt and killed, too. A sheriffs deputy in California was killed and four others officers wounded by an Air Force sergeant with links to a far-right group, officials said. He was also charged with killing a federal security officer outside a courthouse. A 29-year-old police officer was shot in the head during a protest on the Las Vegas Strip and has been left paralyzed from the neck down. Hundreds of officers have been injured in the protests in New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia, some critically. This, too, has happened before. In 2014, after the grand jury declined to bring charges against a cop in the death of Eric Garner, a man angry over the death shot two officers dead in their patrol car. Across the nation, others were targeted. In New York, where an officer was charged with strangulation Thursday after an apparent chokehold the same tactic used on Garner Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said continued reforms are needed and he lauded the push for them. But, he said: Its also a moment in time where its a pretty tough time to be in law enforcement. ___ Associated Press writers Michael Balsamo and Gary Fields in Silver Spring, Maryland, contributed to this report. [June 25, 2020] Desert Financial and Local Businesses Giving Sweet Treats for a Year Desert Financial proves once again that giving back is "sweet." This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005915/en/ Tricia Arce, Founder and Co-owner of Toasted Mallow in Gilbert, is one of four Valley small business owners supported by Desert Financial's "Treats for a Year" online contest. (Photo: Business Wire) Arizona's largest credit union will support four local businesses for one of the company's signature "Random Acts of Kindness" efforts. Beginning June 26 through July 3, anyone can enter to win Sweet Treats for a Year, so winners can also engage in the #KindnessRevolution. Winners will be announced on July 8 on the credit union's social media pages. To enter to win, confection lovers should visit desertfinancial.com/sweet-treats and select from one of th four sweet shops to win decadent baked goods such as marshmallow desserts, gourmet popcorn, sweet and savory crepes, or cupcakes, cookies and donuts. Some stores offer shipping across the U.S., so the Random Acts of Kindness can continue. The merchants across the Valley were selected based on their own passion for investing in local communities: Urban Cookies (Phoenix); Purple Gurl's Popcorn (Glendale); Colados Coffee and Crepes (Avondale); and Toasted Mallow (Gilbert). Kimberly Horton, Co-owner of Purple Gurl's Popcorn along with her husband, Co-owner Corey, says, "It's just really generous to even offer a program like this; not only are you bringing kindness to everyone, but showcasing local businesses and also introducing us to people who've never heard of us. It's a great opportunity to give back, and get some great food." Desert Financial, the state's largest credit union, launched "The Year of Giving" in 2018 as a renewed effort to share success with the community and haven't stopped since. In 2019, the organization gave nearly $11M to Valley nonprofits, the community and members. Their signature Random Acts of Kindness program surprises members and the general public with treats and gifts including Chromebooks for a Title 1 school, boxed lunches for grocery store workers, and iPads for nursing home residents. Tricia Arce, Founder and Co-owner of Toasted Mallow along with her wife and Co-owner, Hazel, says, "Toasted Mallow is extremely honored to be part of this, especially during this difficult time. Since we are truly in the business of creating smiles and togetherness, this allows Toasted Mallow to be part of something extra special As a small business we stay very involved with our community. But this year has brought extreme challenges to us all, and anything that connects us to our community we see as a win-win!" About Desert Financial Credit Union Celebrating 81 years in Arizona, Desert Financial is the state's largest local credit union with $6 billion in assets, more than 330,000 members and 47 locations across the Valley. As a not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Financial takes pride in sharing success. In 2019, Desert Financial gave nearly $11M to Valley nonprofits, the community and members. Learn more at desertfinancial.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005915/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] South Africa, which happens to be the country with the highest Coronavirus cases in Africa, will start the first coronavirus vaccine trial in Africa this week. The vaccine, known as ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, was developed by the Oxford Jenner Institute and it is already being evaluated in Britain, where 4,000 participants have signed up for the trial. South Africa has set out to vaccinate 2,000 people with the vaccine. Fifty of the candidates have HIV. We began screening participants for the South African Oxford 1 Covid-19 vaccine trial last week, and the first participants will be vaccinated this week, University of Witwatersrand (Wits) vaccinology professor Shabir Madhi told a virtual press conference. Wits is collaborating with the University of Oxford and the Oxford Jenner Institute on the South African trial. Brazil is planning its own pilot, while the United States is preparing to test another vaccine in a mass trial of up to 30,000 participants, AFP reports. As we enter winter in South Africa and pressure increases on public hospitals, now more than ever we need a vaccine to prevent infection by COVID-19, Madhi said, describing the vaccine trial as a landmark moment. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize echoed Madhis concerns, warning that South Africa was going through a devastating storm expected to peak during the cold winter months. At the opening of a field hospital in the Eastern Cape province, Mkhize said more than half of South Africas population may be infected with the deadly virus. Our scientific estimation is that 60 to 70 percent of our population may be infected by coronavirus, the minister said at the launch on Tuesday, adding that hospitalisation rates remained lower than anticipated. Over 3,500 doctors and nurses have contracted COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, and at least 34 have succumbed to the respiratory disease. While South Africa prepares for its coronavirus vaccination trial, health officials have also pegged high hopes on dexamethasone, a generic anti-inflammatory drug found to reduce mortality among ventilated patients. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (Reuters) Johannesburg, South Africa Thu, June 25, 2020 10:00 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406617cf3b 2 World South-Africa,coronavirus,COVID-19,vaccines,COVID-19-vaccines,human-trial,SARS-CoV-2,virus-corona,novel-coronavirus Free Oxford University rolled out Africa's first human trials for a potential vaccine against the new coronavirus in South Africa on Wednesday, as cases continue to rise and concerns grow over potential access to life-saving treatments. The trial, conducted with local partner University of the Witwatersrand, will consist of 2,000 volunteers from 18 to 65 years of age, including some HIV positive patients, who will be monitored for 12 months after vaccination to asses how well the vaccine guards against COVID-19. "Once 60% of the population, especially the adult population, becomes immune, we expect that effective reproductive rate to go under 1, which basically means the virus will still be around, it will still circulate, but its chain of transmission has been interrupted," said Shabir Madhi, professor of vaccinology at Wits University and leader of the trial. Hopes are that South Africa's involvement in vaccine trials will ensure the continent will have access to an affordable vaccine and not be left at the back of the queue. South Africa is the second country outside of the United Kingdom to take part in the Oxford trial after Brazil launched its study on Wednesday. The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, also known as AZD1222, was originally developed by Oxford University scientists, who are now working with AstraZeneca on development and production. There are over 4,000 participants enrolled in the UK, with enrollment of an additional 10,000 participants planned, the university said in a statement on Wednesday. A larger study of the same vaccine in up to 30,000 participants is planned in the United States. South Africa, which last month began a phased easing of its coronavirus lockdown, has the highest rate of infections on the continent, with confirmed cases at over 100,000 and deaths at more than 2,000. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned Africa could be the next epicenter of the pandemic. Trying out a new medical intervention in Africa always rings alarm bells because of a history of big pharmaceutical companies using Africans as guinea pigs. "I feel a little bit scared, but I want to know what is going on with this vaccine so that I can tell my friends and others," said Junior Mhlongo, a volunteer who received the vaccine at a hospital in Johannesburg. There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for the illness caused by the new coronavirus, but more than a dozen vaccines from more than 100 candidates globally are being tested in humans. SAN FRANCISCO, June 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), in partnership with cities and counties, are stepping up collaborative efforts to meet the Bay Area's chronic housing affordability challenges by preserving existing housing units, preventing the displacement of current residents and promoting the construction of new units. ABAG's Executive Board last week approved an expanded regional housing portfolio as well as the formation of a new Housing Committee to supplement ABAG's housing planning work and to strengthen its leadership role on Bay Area housing issues. The new Housing Committee also will advise the Executive Board on a variety of housing programs and policies, including those to reduce homelessness. The newly formed Bay Area Housing Finance Authority (BAHFA) today convened for the first time, following MTC's endorsement of the expanded regional housing portfolio. The expansion of ABAG's and MTC's work is designed to develop a comprehensive regional strategy for helping local governments tackle the housing crisis on a larger scale by transcending city and county boundaries. The Bay Area's nine counties and 101 cities and towns currently address most housing issues individually, and often with limited staff and financial resources. These challenges will become steeper in the months ahead as the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic shrinks local governments' budgets. "The Bay Area housing crisis is not only incredibly complex, it has roots that go back for generations," said Berkeley mayor and ABAG Executive Board president Jesse Arreguin. "We know there is no silver bullet that will solve all the region's housing problems at once, and that we have to work on all three of the P's: preservation, protection and production. The new ABAG Housing Committee will help guide a multi-faceted approach that draws on the expertise of our cities and counties as well as on the capacities of ABAG, MTC and BAHFA to explore near-term and long-term activities that can steer us to a future where every Bay Area resident has a stable and affordable home." Alameda County Supervisor Scott Haggerty, who also serves as a member of the ABAG Executive Board and as Chair of both MTC and BAHFA, acknowledges that meeting the region's interrelated housing challenges will require the investment of dollars that are not currently available. "BAHFA is a joint initiative of MTC and ABAG; and both boards must approve any decision to put a regional housing finance measure on the ballot. Due to the COVID-19 emergency and the resulting economic downturn, MTC and ABAG both opted not to put a measure on the November ballot. But when the pandemic finally is behind us, the need for a big investment in affordable housing will remain." BAHFA, established last year by Assembly Bill 1487, is the first regional housing finance authority in California. Assembly member David Chiu of San Francisco, who authored the bill, explained that, "BAHFA is more than just a vehicle for voters to support affordable housing. It's also a vehicle for collectively addressing our housing crisis, embracing bold ideas, testing innovative approaches, strengthening the partnership between ABAG and MTC through shared decision-making, and fostering new funding partnerships with foundations and the private sector." ABAG is the council of governments and the regional planning agency for the 101 cities and towns, and nine counties of the Bay Area. MTC is the transportation planning, financing and coordinating agency for the nine-county San Francisco Bay Area. SOURCE Metropolitan Transportation Commission; Association of Bay Area Governments Related Links http://www.mtc.ca.gov Press Release June 25, 2020 Bong Go appeals to gov't agencies to assist both documented and undocumented migrant workers in distress due to COVID-19 crisis; advocacy group supports creation of DOFW Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go on Wednesday, June 24, stressed that the government should help all Filipinos in distress, especially those abroad, emphasizing that "Pilipino ang mga 'yan, documented man o undocumented, tulungan dapat natin." Go raised concerns of overseas Filipino workers resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic during a virtual hearing of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development attended by other senators and concerned government agencies. Go sought answers from the Department of Labor and Employment on the assistance they extend to even undocumented OFWs who are affected by the pandemic. "What kind of assistance are we extending to undocumented OFWs? To date, how many of them have been repatriated? How long will it take to repatriate our undocumented OFWs? Ano ba ang mga nakikita ninyong problema tungkol dito?" Go asked. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III responded, saying that they are prioritizing the provision of assistance to documented OFWs as they are the ones who, technically, fall under the jurisdiction of the DOLE. Bello assured, however, that they will also extend assistance to undocumented OFWs once documented OFWs have been assisted. "Doon sa documented, may binigay si Pangulong Duterte na PhP2.5 billion na cash assistance. Kaya lang sa pagbibigay ng cash assistance ay priority 'yung mga documented. Ang una, 'yung mga documented na nawalan ng trabaho o hindi nawalan ng trabaho pero hindi makapag-trabaho dahil sa lockdown," Bello explained. Bello also appealed to the lawmakers to help the labor department secure funding for the cash assistance for OFWs as requests for aid have already exceeded DOLE's target--from 250,000 to more than 500,000 migrant workers seeking government assistance. Go, then, implored the DOLE not to neglect undocumented OFWs, saying that they are also Filipinos and that the government is mandated to assist them, especially now that they are in distress. "Kailangan natin suportahan ang lahat ng ating mga kababayan na naghihirap ngayon lalo na't panahon ng krisis sa buong mundo. Sabi rin ni Pangulo na walang dapat mapabayaan na Pilipino sa laban na ito," Go emphasized. The Senator also sought updates about OFWs stranded in Metro Manila who are waiting for their COVID-19 test results. He also asked for clarification regarding the difficulties in coordination between DOLE and local government units on the repatriation of affected OFWs. Bello responded, saying that the 24,000 OFWs reportedly stranded in Metro Manila were stuck while waiting for their test results. After the President demanded for the issue to be resolved, Bello said that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases streamlined the repatriation and health protocols. "Nung nagkaroon ng kautusan si Pangulong Duterte, all agencies worked together. Fortunately, we're able to send home within the one-week period given by President not only 24,000 but 25,000 OFWs," Bello said. "Based on this experience, ang ginawa namin sa IATF na nagkaroon ng usapan na 'pag dumating ang OFWs, longest they should stay here (Metro Manila) is five days. Fifth day, dapat ipauwi na sa final destination. Ganun na ang bagong protocol ngayon," Bello added. The labor secretary also mentioned that the IATF are notified in advance if an OFW is returning to the country so they can immediately coordinate with their receiving LGUs. "Uulitin ko po, dapat siguraduhin na willing at handa ang LGUs na tatanggap sa mga uuwi nilang mga kababayan. Bilang chair ng Senate Committee on Health, lagi kong ipinapaalala sa ating mga ahensya na sundin ang tamang proseso at magkaroon ng maayos na koordinasyon lalo na sa lokal na pamahalaan upang maisaalang-alang palagi ang buhay at kaligtasan ng mga tao," Go said in previous statements According to IATF officials, when the OFWs arrive in the country, they will be subjected to a COVID-19 test and will be accommodated in partner-hotels. Once they tested negative, they will be sent home to their provinces. Go also sought answers from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration as for the status of deployment for Filipino seafarers and other related matters. According to POEA head Bernard Olalia, they already started the consultation process with a maritime industry tripartite consultative council for issues of Filipino seafarers including flexible work arrangements and reduction of their wages. Olalia also mentioned that labor standards below minimum cannot be approved by POEA without tripartite consultation. Meanwhile, founder and current president of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center Susan Ople expressed her support in pushing for a dedicated agency to handle OFW concerns which is in line with Go's proposed measure establishing a Department for Overseas Filipinos. "Kung may iisang department po sana, madaling ma-monitor....But ngayon kasi, we have to deal with the reality na maraming departments ang may kanya kanyang pondo. So, we just want to affix 'yung accountability," Ople shared. "Bakit po ang daming locally stranded individuals (LSIs), kasi po lahat nagpupunta sa Manila to get jobs abroad. For this, we can introduce legislative reforms to strengthen POEA and its regional offices, and also the modernization of POEA. Sana din po 'yung matagal nang inaasam na department for OFWs," Ople added. Filed in July last year, Senate Bill 202, or the Department of Overseas Filipinos Act of 2019, seeks to address concerns of overseas Filipinos. The bill proposes that government agencies dealing with OFW matters and concerns be transferred to a single department to be established. On June 14, a new Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces was consecrated outside Moscow to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of what the Kremlin calls the "Great Patriotic War," a conflict in which more than 20 million Soviet soldiers and citizens perished. Since coming to power two decades ago, Putin has sought either as president or prime minister to restore symbols of the Soviet and Russian past to boost patriotism. For Putin, the event is particularly significant this year as it falls ahead of a July 1 national vote on controversial amendments to the constitution that would open the door for the Russian leader staying in power until 2036. That vote had been scheduled for April 22 but was also postponed because of the pandemic. Putin reluctantly postponed the event until June 24 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The date coincides with the 75th anniversary of the first Soviet Victory Day parade in 1945. The parade commemorating the 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II is traditionally held on May 9. Russia staged a postponed Victory Day military parade in Moscow on Wednesday with President Vladimir Putin seeking to solidify support ahead of a referendum that could pave the way for his extended rule. But the spectacle of military might in Moscow's Red Square -- involving some 14,000 troops from 13 countries, more than 200 historic and modern military vehicles, and 75 aircraft -- was overshadowed by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Most of the troops in the parade were from Russia. Also taking part were forces from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Russia has reported 600,000 coronavirus infections, giving it the third-highest number in the world. Deaths stand at more than 8,000, but real numbers are believed to be much higher. Russia began lifting mass coronavirus restrictions in recent weeks, but new cases remain stubbornly high at above 7,000 a day. Putin has spent much of the pandemic conducting affairs of state remotely from his residence outside Moscow. On June 24, the Kremlin limited access in Red Square to the area where Putin sat along with foreign leaders and World War II veterans of Soviet forces. Those veterans had been placed under quarantine ahead of the parade. Soldiers taking part in the parade also had been tested and placed in quarantine ahead of the parade. Speaking from a podium on Red Square, Putin told the gathering: "It's impossible to imagine what would have happened to the world if the Red Army hadn't defended it." Putin said Soviet soldiers "did not need war, nor other countries, nor glory, nor honor. They sought to finish off the enemy, win, and return home. And they paid an irreplaceable price for the freedom of Europe." Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin had urged spectators to stay at home and watch the parade on television. Meanwhile, several cities that would normally hold smaller parades canceled them or went forward without crowds. Many foreign leaders also stayed away. The presidents of France, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and China had planned to attend the parade on May 9. But they all canceled their plans to travel to Moscow after the event was rescheduled for June 24. Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov traveled to Moscow for the event but missed the parade after two people aboard his flight to the Russian capital tested positive for COVID-19 upon their arrival. Jeenbeekov's office told RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service that the head of the presidential office's foreign policy unit, Daniyar Sydykov, and a bodyguard had tested positive for the coronavirus. The presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan all attended the gathering -- sitting together in a section with Putin and the World War II veterans. The de facto leaders of Georgia's breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which Russia recognizes as independent states, also attended, along with the Bosnian Serb member of Bosnia's multiethnic presidency, Milorad Dodik. New Delhi, June 25 : A startling revelation has come to light that the government of the Peoples Republic of China and the Chinese Embassy in India have been funding the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF) led by Congress President Sonia Gandhi. Sonia Gandhi is the Chairperson of RGF, and its board includes former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, among others. According to an RGF annual report accessed by IANS, in 2005-06, the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation received a donation from the government of People's Republic of China and the Chinese Embassy as two separate donors. These were listed as donors in the report in the list of general donors. When contacted, former Finance Minister and RGF Board member P. Chidambaram told IANS, "You should put this question to the Chief Executive." According to some estimates, the donation was to the tune of $2 million between 2004 and 2006 and $9 million between 2006 and 2013. Now, leap forward to 2009. The Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Contemporary Studies (RGICS) functions as a think-tank and carries extensive and relevant research on contemporary issues. As per the RGF annual report, in April 2009, RGICS Fellow Mohammad Saqib carried out a feasibility study, 'India-China: Free Trade Agreement (FTA)', in association with Purnachandra Rao. The main objective of the study was to gain a better understanding of an FTA between India and China, analyse various trade issues and identify who would stand to gain and lose from such an agreement. The report concluded that China would be the greater beneficiary in all trade dimensions because of the efficiency of its economy. "There is a principal need for India to improve its commodity structure to balance its performance of competitiveness and complementarities," the study said. The authors suggested that India needed, at the minimum, to diversify its products. The study concluded that "there are always losers and gainers in the regional and free trade agreements. India and China can balance the gains and losses through an FTA". "Therefore both governments should decide to enter into FTA negotiations. The proposed FTA between India and China will be feasible, desirable and mutually beneficial. An FTA between India and China should also be comprehensive, with a free flow of goods, services, investments and capital," said the study advocating an FTA between India and China, which will be beneficial to both the countries. In June 2010, another similar study was conducted. RGICS researchers undertook a feasibility study on India-China trade sector ties through a possible FTA. This built on the earlier work carried out during the 2009-10 period, in which RGICS Fellow Mohammad Saqib studied a possible India-China FTA along with Purnachandra Rao. During the 2010-11 period of the project, the researchers examined trade trends between India and China in order to identify cooperative measures by promoting trade and investment liberalisation facilities, better understand FTAs and forecast future prospects. The study found China to be more fully integrated into the world economy as a major economic powerhouse than India, in large part because of the comparative advantage of labour surplus. But the study also proposed that an FTA would help bilateral economic relations, and that the free flow of goods, services, investments and capital would in fact benefit India's trade sector more than China's. Congress critics argue that this study was done despite the admission that China was already benefiting much more than India from the imbalanced trade. Critics of the Congress are asking whether there is some connection between the donation to the RGF, the Congress party think-tank lobbying for an FTA with China, and allowing the trade deficit to jump 33 times between 2003-04 and 2013-14. In addition, questions are being posed if this donation to RGF has any connection with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Congress and the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in 2008. There are demands that it is time that the Congress party comes clean on the MoU it signed with the CCP. There are also demands that the Congress should make a full disclosure of its relations with CCP and on the contents of the MoU is essential for the interest of India, as the Congress party is the largest opposition party in India with governments of its own or in alliance in several states. Critics point out that curiously, India's trade deficit with China starts to balloon thereafter. Overall trade deficit with China increased 33 times, i.e., from $1.1 billion in 2003-04 to $36.2 billion in 2013-14, under the UPA. A man claimed to be a doctor on his way to Austin to work prior to agents discovering two immigrants who were in the country illegally inside his trunk, states an arrest affidavit filed on Monday. Michael Wayne Chandler was arrested and charged with transport, attempt to transport and conspire to transport the immigrants. At approximately 11:30 a.m. June 19, Chandler arrived in a Chevrolet Impala at the checkpoint. An agent asked Chandler how he was doing. Good, I am a doctor out of Austin, Texas trying to get to work, Chandler allegedly replied. During the immigration inspection, a K-9 unit allegedly alerted to possible contraband in the rear of the vehicle, according to court documents. Agents asked Chandler to open his trunk. No, you do not have to look in my trunk. I am a doctor, Chandler said as he began to drive away, states the affidavit. Agents told him that his inspection was not complete and ordered him to stop. Chandler complied and allegedly agreed to open the trunk. Agents noticed a wall that created a void in the rear seat. An agent allegedly observed a head concealed behind the wall. A search of the vehicle revealed two men laying in the trunk area. Both had entered the country illegally. They were brothers from Toluca, Mexico. Both stated that they felt uncomfortable and extremely hot. They feared they would suffocate if they remained in the trunk for a longer period of time, according to court documents. Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday ordered four of the states largest counties to postpone all surgeries that are not immediately necessary to preserve hospital beds for the growing surge of COVID-19 patients. Abbotts order is directed at Bexar, Dallas, Harris, and Travis counties. These four counties have experienced significant increases in people being hospitalized due to COVID-19 and todays action is a precautionary step to help ensure that the hospitals in these counties continue to have ample supply of available beds to treat COVID-19 patients, Abbott said in a statement. Abbott said more counties could be added to the list if hospitalizations continue to climb. ABBOTT WARNS: Reopenings will have to ratchet back if state cant get on top of new spike Also Thursday morning, Abbott announced he is pausing his plan for reopening Texas, though the last of his planned rollbacks of coronavirus restrictions on businesses took effect June 19. The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses, Abbott said in a statement. This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business. Texas reported 4,739 lab-confirmed hospitalizations on Thursday, more than twice as many as 10 days ago and an increase of nearly 214 percent since Memorial Day, one month ago. The state also reported on Thursday that 5,994 people tested positive for COVID-19 down slightly from Wednesdays record of 5,998, a Hearst Newspapers data analysis shows. The state also reported an additional 47 deaths, the most in 5 weeks. In early April, Texas reported having almost 20,000 available hospital beds to help take care of COVID-19 cases. But that was supported partly by earlier limits on surgeries statewide to free up beds. Now Texas is down to just under 13,000 available hospital beds statewide. The states available ICU beds were over 2,100 in April. Yesterday the state reported 1,320 ICU beds were available. Health officials in Houston and San Antonio have issued warnings that hospitals and intensive care units are filling fast. SEN. CORNYN TO DEMOCRAT: Quit trying to scare people with warnings of hospital crunch UT Health San Antonio warned last week that new models suggest the Bexar County region could see hospitalizations double within a week or so and predicted the hospitalizations could increase tenfold by August. We simply cannot accept this dramatic increase in COVID-19 patients because pretty soon it could begin to overwhelm our hospital capacity, Abbott said in a television interview on KLBK in Lubbock. We cannot allow that to happen. Abbott said Texas is at a critical point in the fight against the virus. He said on Wednesday if the state cant contain the current spread over the next two weeks, the states reopening plans could be in jeopardy. If we are unable to slow the spread over the next few weeks, then we will have to re-evaluate the extent to which businesses are open, Abbott said in an interview with NBCDFW on Wednesday. Because if its not contained in the next couple of weeks it will be completely out of control and Texas will have to ratchet back. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox The state had been aggressively reopening since May 1, when Abbott first announced restaurants, malls, movie theaters and retail stores could open to 25 percent of their maximum occupancy. Since then hes let those businesses go to 75 percent as well as allowing bars, hair salons and a host of other businesses to reopen. On Friday, he allowed amusement parks and carnivals to reopen even in the hardest-hit counties. Abbott has been hesitant to roll back the reopening program, and has instead asked Texans to take steps to help slow the virus. As we work to contain this virus, I urge all Texans to do their part to help contain the spread by washing their hands regularly, wearing a mask, and practicing social distancing, Abbott said on Thursday. In several TV interviews on Thursday, Abbott made it clear that he doesnt support mandating that all Texans wear face coverings in public, saying the state is too vast and places with few cases shouldnt be subjected to a mask rule that is really intended for areas where the virus is spreading rapidly. He said in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas and Austin a mask order is essential to slow the spread. Abbott has barred cities and counties from instituting fines for people not wearing masks. But after pushback from local governments, he has said they are now allowed to require businesses to dictate that their customers must wear masks. jeremy.wallace@chron.com German supermarket giant Kaufland is a step closer to clawing back some of the $500 million it invested in Australia without opening a single store after selling two properties to Woolworths and Aventus Group. Kaufland's Julia Kern and South Australia Premier Steven Marshall in Adelaide before Kaufland's shock decision to leave Australia. Credit:David Mariuz Kaufland followed its shock January decision to make an orderly withdrawal from Australia effectively writing off over half a billion dollars it spent on property, staff and distribution by offering a clutch of development sites it had accumulated for sale. The company, owned by $170 billion retailer Schwarz Group, listed for sale nine sites in Victoria, Queensland and South Australia through Colliers International. Two have been sold and seven others are in exclusive due diligence to multiple different buyers. Property records show Woolworths development arm Fabcott Pty Ltd has paid $20 million for the 30,607 square metre block at 1-3 Gladstone Road in Dandenong, where Kaufland intended to build a jumbo-sized store. WASHINGTON - Dozens of Secret Service officers and agents who were on site for President Donald Trump's rally in Tulsa, Okla., last week were ordered to self-quarantine after two of their colleagues tested positive for the novel coronavirus, part of the fallout from Trump's insistence on holding the mass gathering over the objections of public health officials. The Secret Service instructed employees who worked the Tulsa event to stay at home for 14 days when they returned from the weekend trip, according to two people familiar with the agency's decision. The order came in the wake of the discovery - hours before the president's Saturday evening rally - that at least six advance staffers who helped organize the trip had tested positive for the virus, including two Secret Service employees. Another two advance staffers tested positive after Trump returned to Washington on Sunday. On Tuesday, the Secret Service field office in Tulsa arranged for a special testing session at a hospital to determine if local agents had contracted the virus while assisting with the rally, according to two other people with knowledge of the testing. As part of the arrangement, doctors administered the test to both agents and some local officials in parked cars outside the hospital. Among those who got tested was U.S. Attorney Trent Shores of the Northern District of Oklahoma, who had attended both pre-planning meetings with advance staff and the rally in case any legal issues arose, according to spokeswoman Lennea Montandon. Shores tested negative, she said. It is still unknown how the rally may have impacted Tulsa's count of coronavirus cases, which are rising swiftly. Tulsa County hit a record Wednesday, with 259 new confirmed cases, part of "steep upward trends" seen across Oklahoma, said Bruce Dart, the director of Tulsa's health department, at a news conference Wednesday. The move by the Secret Service to try to limit the spread of the infection shows how Trump's decision to go forward with the rally increased the health risks and burden on the people who protect the president, former agents said. A Secret Service spokeswoman declined to comment on how many of its employees have tested positive or were quarantined, but said that the Tulsa event has not affected the agency's ability to do its job. "The U.S. Secret Service remains prepared and staffed to fulfill all of the various duties as required," agency spokeswoman Catherine Milhoan said in a statement. "To protect the privacy of our employees' health information and for operational security, the Secret Service is not releasing how many of its employees have tested positive for COVID-19, nor how many of its employees were, or currently are, quarantined," she added. White House spokesman Judd Deere did not directly answer questions about whether the president regretted the trip or if it increased the exposure risks for the agency, White House staff or himself. "The President takes the health and safety of everyone traveling in support of himself and all White House operations very seriously," Deere said in a statement. "When preparing for and carrying out any travel, White House Operations collaborates with the Physician to the President and the White House Military Office, to ensure plans incorporate current CDC guidance and best practices for limiting COVID-19 exposure to the greatest extent possible." The Trump campaign hoped the Tulsa trip would rally supporters in the heavily red state of Oklahoma amid polls showing an increasing number of voters concerned about the president's handling of the pandemic, a stall in the economy and racial unrest over police violence against black Americans. Before Trump and his son Eric Trump were scheduled to take to the stage in the BOK Center in Tulsa, the campaign learned that six staffers helping organize the event had tested positive for the coronavirus, including an advance agent and a Secret Service officer assigned to help screen attendees. The two Secret Service employees had both attended a Friday afternoon planning meeting, where dozens of Secret Service staff gathered to review the logistics and their duties for the Saturday rally, according to people familiar with the situation. Though the Secret Service employees who tested positive did not attend the rally, other Secret Service staff who were at the Friday meeting with them continued to perform their duties, including agents who work closely with the president, according to two people briefed on the arrangements. "The entire team should have been switched out," said one person familiar with the Friday meeting. "They were all exposed." The Secret Service declined to comment. At the time the positive cases were announced on Saturday, campaign spokesman Tim Murtaugh said, "No COVID-positive staffers or anyone in immediate contact will be at today's rally or near attendees and elected officials." Murtaugh declined this week to discuss the safety repercussions of the trip or steps the campaign took to protect the president and staff, referring questions to the Secret Service. A former Secret Service supervisor said the president's choice to hold a closed-stadium rally in Tulsa - where many members of the public were following the president's lead and not wearing masks - displayed a lack of concern about the safety of his own staff. "Here the law-and-order president is putting his law enforcement team at risk - and it's something they can't see," said the former supervisor, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the risk of criticizing the president. Quarantining so many Secret Service agents in the wake of the trip also puts a strain on the agency, requiring other agents and officers to fill their shoes while they are off duty, several former agents said. Trump's rally in Tulsa came as Oklahoma had seen in a spike in coronavirus cases. Dart, the city's top health official, had said before Saturday's gathering that he was worried it could become a "super spreader" event and recommended it be postponed. On Wednesday, Dart said the number of confirmed cases rose 92 percent in the week leading up to the event. Hospitalizations rose 133 percent among people ages 18 to 35. Dart did not say if any new confirmed cases were directly linked to Trump's rally or the street protests the event drew. But the Tulsa Health Department is recommending anyone who attended Trump's rally or the protests that day to get tested and monitor themselves for symptoms of the virus. "It's still too soon to know the outcome from these events," Dart said. Dart said that over the past month, the spread of coronavirus in Tulsa is exceeding the Health Department's modeling. "We're finding that the reality's actually worse than what the models were showing us could possibly happen," he said. Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum, a Republican, said city officials are discussing imposing new restrictions on gatherings and rules about wearing masks. "What we've been doing to date, the numbers are showing, just isn't working," Bynum told reporters Wednesday. But he downplayed the risk of Trump's rally, even though health officials said it is too early to know how many people may have contracted the virus from exposure there. "It's not from people going to protests or to rallies, it's from people going to weddings and funerals and family gatherings and bars and other things like that, that are causing this uptick," Bynum said. India is considering imposing an import tax of 20-25% on solar modules and 15% on solar cells for a year beginning in August, its power minister said on Thursday. India does not currently levy a customs duty on imports of solar cells and modules, but has a safeguard duty to protect its local industry which expires in July. "In the second year, we are looking to impose a 40% tax on solar modules," R.K. Singh, India's Power Minister said in a virtual news conference on Thursday, adding that cells will be taxed at 25% in the second year. The energy hungry nation imports most of its solar cells and modules from China, in a bid to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi's target of installing 100 gigawatts of solar energy by 2022. Electricity generation from non-fossil fuel sources has been steadily rising and is expected to reach 40% by 2022, and over half of total output by 2030, Singh said. Tensions between India and neighbouring China have been rising since May. Soldiers from the nuclear-armed countries fought with rocks, metal rods and wooden clubs at the Galwan Valley this month after a weeks-long standoff. Major Indian traders have called for a boycott of Chinese goods, while some trade associations and stakeholders have argued that it may not be feasible. Singh also said that there was a "good case" to extend a deadline for emissions standards, which involve installing Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) units that cut emissions of sulphur dioxide - known to cause lung diseases. India's Supreme Court on Monday rejected a request by power producers to extend a deadline to install equipment to cut emissions by two years to 2024. Power producers had asked the government to join them in asking the supreme court for an extension earlier this month. The coronavirus pandemic hit hard in the first half of 2020, prompting a series of extraordinary governmental measures to combat the disease: extreme social lockdowns, economic shutdowns, massive fiscal stimulus and support. The combination has created an unusual market circumstance, with economies in freefall, pummeled by the strongest recessionary pressures since the 1930s, while at the same time stock markets have rallied from the initial blow and given investors an 11-week bull run. David Kostin, head of US equity strategy for Goldman Sachs, notes the unusual situation and writes, Many of our client discussions have centered on the apparent disconnect between financial assets and the economy. Most institutional investors have been stunned by the juxtaposition of the sharpest GDP contraction on record with a 36% market rally, as have we. Thats the bad news. Kostin goes on to add the good news, [The] combination of incremental data improvement and extraordinary policy support has been sufficient to assure the forward-looking market that the earnings damage resulting from the virus will ultimately be short-lived. Looking at the light at the end of the tunnel, Goldmans stock analysts have tapped three equities which they see as likely to benefit and benefit strongly as economies return to a more normal level of activity. Weve used the TipRanks database to pull up the details, and find out what makes Goldmans picks so compelling. Post Holdings (POST) Well start in the food industry, where Post Holdings holds a major portfolio of brands, including such breakfast staples as Raisin Bran and Shredded Wheat. At $6.1 billion in market cap, Post is a giant in its segment, with a secure niche based on quality products and strong branding. Nevertheless, the company has showed mixed results in recent quarters. The social lockdowns in place for much of 1H20 prompted a consumer shift to in-home cooking and dining, which benefited Posts sales. The company saw strong sales numbers in Q2, including 7.7% year-over-year growth to $1.494 billion in total revenue. Margins and profits contracted, however, and EPS came in at 65 cents, well below the 91-cent estimate. Story continues The mixed results come as individual consumer demand for Posts products is increasing. Those sales increases are overbalanced by reduced institutional demand. The restaurant, hospitality, and education sectors have all contracted, and demand for food stuffs there has not yet recovered. At the same time, Posts solid foundation in retail foods gives it strong prospects for the future. Goldman Sachs analyst Jason English covers this stock, and has upgraded POST shares from Hold to Buy. He writes, [We] expect the company to emerge as one of the scarce growth leaders in 2021 and believe its relative valuation is currently disconnected from this likelihood POST has over $1.1 bn cash on its balance sheet our FY20 sales estimates move higher for POST driven by the continued strong demand within its retail business (specifically US cereal and refrigerated foods). English puts a $120 price target on POST shares, indicating his confidence in a robust 38% one-year upside potential. (To watch Englishs track record, click here) The Wall Street view of Post is in-line with Englishs. The stock has a Strong Buy analyst consensus, based on 6 recent Buys and just one Hold. Shares in this food company are selling for $86.14, and the average price target of $110.25 implies an upside of 28% for the coming 12 months. (See Post stock analysis on TipRanks) Pinnacle West Capital (PNW) Next up, we head west. Pinnacle is the Phoenix-based holding company owner of Arizona Public Service and Bright Canyon Energy, the major electric utilities in the state of Arizona. The companys asset portfolio totals some $18 billion, and Pinnacle boasts both an $8 billion market cap and a place on the S&P 500 index. Everyone needs electricity, so Pinnacle has had no lock of a customer base even during the coronavirus crisis. Even so, the economic turndown depressed demand, and the company saw sales slip in the first half. The Q1 results showed $661.9 million in revenues, down 10% yoy and missing the estimates by over 11%. EPS, at 27 cents, beat the 16-cent forecast by 68%. Despite lower earnings, company management is maintaining the dividend. Earlier this month, PNW declared its next payment, of 78.25 cents per share, to be paid out on September 1. The dividend has been stable at this level for four quarters now, and the annualized payment of $3.13 per share gives a yield of 4.26%. This is more than double the average yield found among PNWs peer companies on the S&P 500. Analyst Insoo Kim has upgraded PNW shares for Goldman Sachs, bumping the stock from Hold to Buy. Kims $93 price target suggests a strong one-year upside of 31%. (To watch Kims track record, click here) Supporting this bullish outlook, Kim sees a clear path forward for PNW: The Rocky Mountain region (including Arizona) has recorded positive YoY electric demand, a stark contrast to most other regions in the US (Exhibit 9). For Arizona, we believe favorable weather and state re-opening contributed to the increased usage, which should help PNWs prospects of achieving its reiterated 2020 EPS guidance range Overall, Pinnacle West gets a Moderate Buy rating from the analyst consensus, based on 7 reviews including 5 Buys and 2 Holds. Meanwhile, shares are selling for $71.27, while the average price target of $85.40 suggests the stock has room for nearly 21% growth this year. (See PNW stock analysis on TipRanks) Compania de Minas Buenaventura (BVN) We'll end with Buenaventura, a Peruvian mining company. BVN operates solely in Peru, where it has operations throughout that countrys Andes Mountains. The company produces gold and silver, along with zinc and other base metals. Other operations in Peru include chemical lime production and electric power transmission. Perus strict lockdown policies to combat the coronavirus pandemic impacted business and production, but even so, BVN reported over 89,000 ounces of gold production, along with 3.8 million ounces of silver during the quarter. Lead, zinc, and copper production also continued during the period. At the same time, production volumes were down, especially in precious metals. This was partially alleviated by increases in the average realized prices of gold and silver per ounce. Net sales at $108.8 million were down 40% year-over-year. On a positive note, during the first quarter BVN was successful in negotiating new financing on a $275 million syndicated loan facility. The company finished Q1 with $222 million available on the balance sheet. BVN shares have fallen 25% in the current market cycle, and Goldman Sachs analyst Thiago Ojea sees that drop as bringing the stock into line with its true value. Ojea believes that BVN now has a clear path forward, writing, we have been cautious on LatAm precious miners given ongoing operational issues and declining volumes. However, specifically on Buenaventura, we believe that investors expectations on lower volumes have already been reset and [that] higher gold prices could be an important catalyst for the stock. Moreover, we expect a small improvement on costs due to the full roll out of the debottlenecking initiative Ojea has upgraded BVN making this stock Goldman's third important upgrade to a Buy rating, and set an $11.50 price target that implies a 27% upside potential. (To watch Ojeas track record, click here) Ojeas is the only recent review on BVN stock, making this the default view among the analyst corps. To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights. After donning the hat of a reporter where he interviewed experts on economy and health issues, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has now launched his own Telegram channel. Available on the messaging app, Gandhi's channel aims to connect directly with people and will feature his views and conversations. The account will be formally verified soon. The move is seen as a solution to the common grievance of the Congress that most media outlets black out their point of view and give little or no weight to opposition politicians. Gandhi arrived late on social media but sensing this is where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP scored, he has caught up. At present, for example, he has over 14 million followers on Twitter. At his most aggressive, Gandhi uses Twitter to take potshots at the government, especially at the prime minister. The former Congress president also has Instagram, Facebook and YouTube accounts. Is a channel then a good idea and the new normal for politicians now? Dilip Cherian, brand consultant and image maker, says: We have discovered there were two major public problems. One is not quite sure that what is available on digital is verifiable. Also, there was so much information that some people complained they were not getting what they were looking for. We have been championing for owned media. It has few adherents. Like, if you are on Twitter, you have your own feed on owned media, similarly if you are on Instagram, it can be put on owned media. Your owned media becomes responsible and a repository of everything you are saying. It is believable, it is instantaneous and third, it doesnt depend on distribution channels. We have NaMo app but its seen as invasive. In this sense, this idea from Gandhi is very good. The growing popularity of apps and social media was first recognised by the BJP, especially Modi, during his first Lok Sabha campaign. Over the years, Modi used his strength on social media to connect with people through his Mann ki Baat or NaMo app, redefining the ways of communication. The traditional television channels and radio may not attract as much traction as say the social media broadcast does. The target is younger people who are hooked to the net and social media apps. Almost all ministers are on social media now; even the very staid Mayawati is on Twitter. But if Gandhi is to be the alternative to Modi, then every space is a battlefield. Hence, the concentration on social media. Gandhi is prolific on Instagram now, which is largely used for picture posts. But this is not all. There are more plans to help him capture the social media space. Podcasts, YouTube channel interactions, Talk to Rahul, Connect with Rahul are just some of the few ideas which are being mulled. The channel account of Gandhi is a first experiment being done by any politician and could soon emerge as the new normal. This, of course, gives rise to speculation whether Gandhi will make a comeback soon. Murmurs began at the latest CWC and letters are being written to Sonia Gandhi to bring him back as party president. No decision has been taken on this yet, but one thing is certain that if and when Rahul Gandhi decides to come back, it will be on his own terms and conditions. For now, the battle for space has begun. B Anbuselvan By Express News Service CHENNAI: Her trauma is not over. She was the prime witness of her husbands murder, of which the main accused was her own father. The recent court verdict has hit her hard. As if that was not bad enough, Kausalya is now a subject of abuse on social media. She has been at the receiving end of these abuses ever since her husband Shankar, a Dalit by birth, was murdered in 2016. The online trolls believe it is she who is to be blamed for Shankars death, as Kausalya belonged to a dominant caste. Recently, the 23-year-old was also slut-shamed and threatened with murder after she revealed her plans to move the Supreme Court against the HC verdict acquitting her father Chinnasamy. Though a large chunk of social media users including advocates, activists and politicians have expressed their anguish and shock over the order, an equal number of people, who mostly identified themselves as sympathisers of few political parties and inter-mediate and upper caste organisations, have welcomed the judgment. A Twitter handle named Laxmi (@Deppa2), which identified itself as a Hindu Indian in the profile, slut-shamed Kausalya for remarrying. A Facebook user named Mylai Rama, shared a picture of Kausalya and wrote a message in Tamil, that translates to: Calm down Kausalya! Eventually, you will also get killed, for which your parents will be given death sentence. The post attracted hate comments from many. A profile identified as Beena Raksha commented that Kausalya was a characterless woman with no conscience. Result of feudal mentality Whenever a womans behaviour questions the patriarchal ideas, she is subjected to abuse, said Kavitha Gajendran, an activist with All India Democratic Women's Association. The abuse against Kausalya was a result of feudal mentality in our society. They amount to harassment, but inaction of the Cyber Crime wing of the police is to be blamed for this toxic atmosphere, she said. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci at the White House in Washington on April 17, 2020. (Leah Millis/Reuters) Fauci Says He Doesnt Know Why NIH Was Asked to Stop Funding Coronavirus Study Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said he doesnt know why the White House asked the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to stop funding a project that studied how coronaviruses spread from bats to humans. Why was it canceled? It was canceled because the NIH was told to cancel it, Fauci told the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday. I dont know the reason but we were told to stop it, he said in response to a question during the committee hearing. An NIH spokesperson told The Epoch Times on Wednesday that the funding was being directed through EcoHealth Alliance Inc., an international non-profit, to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the East China Normal University in Shanghai, the Institute of Pathogen Biology at Beijing, and the Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore. The spokesperson told The Epoch Times that the institute cant elaborate on why the grant was terminated because it does not discuss internal deliberations on grant terminations. Upon termination, the funds were restricted in the HHS Payment Management System, and the funds are no longer available to EcoHealth Alliance. The remaining balance of $369,819.56 will be returned to NIH, said the spokesperson. The Trump administration cut funding to EcoHealth in April, with $350,000 still left in the grant, after reports emerged about an alleged connection between the Wuhan institute and the origin of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, the novel coronavirus that causes the COVID-19 disease. An aerial view shows the P4 laboratory at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in Chinas central Hubei province on April 17, 2020. (Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images) EcoHealth, which works in 30 countries, said in a statement in late April that the research was helpful in designing vaccines and drugs against COVID-19 and other coronavirus-related diseases. In fact, genetic sequences of two bat coronaviruses that we discovered with this grant have been used as lab tools to test the breakthrough antiviral drug Remdesivir, it said in the statement. President Donald Trump said at the time that his administration was going to look into funding provided to the Chinese research institutes. Ive been hearing about that. And weve instructed that if any grants are going to that areawere looking at it, literally, about an hour ago, and also early in the morning. We will end that grant very quickly, Trump said in a press briefing on April 17. Two days later, NIH Deputy Director for Extramural Research Mike Lauer directed EcoHealth to stop all payments to the Wuhan Institute of Virology in a letter obtained by Breitbart News. There are now allegations that the current crisis was precipitated by the release from WIV of the coronavirus responsible for COVID-19. Given these concerns, we are pursuing suspension of WIV from participation in Federal programs, wrote Lauer. The NIH official wrote in the letter that the suspension is temporary as the matter is being investigated. While we review these allegations during the period of suspension, you are instructed to cease providing any funds from the above-noted grant to the WIV, Lauer said in the letter. This temporary action is authorized by 45 C.F.R. 75.371 (d) (Initiate suspension or debarment proceedings as authorized under 2 C.F.R. part 180). The incorporated OMB provision provides that the federal funding agency, through suspension, immediately and temporarily exclude from Federal programs persons who are not presently responsible where immediate action is necessary to protect the public interest. 2 C.F.R. 180.700 (c). The White House didnt immediately respond to questions about an update on the funding and the investigation. Union Home Minister on Thursday expressed his condolences over the death of over 100 people in and due to lightning. "I am extremely saddened by the death of many people in and due to heavy rain and lightning. Relief work is going on fast in both the states. "I express my condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in this disaster and wish the injured to be well soon," the home minister tweeted. Thunderstorms and lightning have wrought havoc in over the past two days, claiming 83 lives, leaving many injured and causing widespread damage to property, the state disaster management department said. In Uttar Pradesh, at least 24 people were killed and 12 others injured on Thursday due to incidents of lightning in various districts of the state. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government is slowly easing most restrictions to restart the economy and continue the livelihood of people. With a rapidly slowing economy, it is expected that the restrictions will be eased further and that people will need to be prepared to live with coronavirus for the foreseeable future.MrOwl, a Social Cloud Storage platform that combines search, social, and digital organization, offers comprehensive resources and tools to enable you to safeguard yourself and continue being productive in the modern world. On MrOwl, users can store all their digital content in one place by creating public or private collections of information called "branches" that can be organized with subtopics, links, documents, and media.MrOwl offers a host of free resources for various aspects of living your new normal life under this pandemic. Quarantine Survival Guide has been one of the tops visited resources for surviving during the lockdown. It has been a constant digital companion to a lot of people.During Unlock 1.0 onwards, you may be expected to still be working from home. The Work from Home section has great for effectively working from home. You can also get used to your new everyday lives by making your mask to match your attire and even learn how to sanitize it.Within the MrOwl Business Community there is an immense number of resources that can assist in improving your business strategy. Any entrepreneur or business can start or improve their business plan by researching and uploading gigabytes of data from their computer or cloud storage.With a just few clicks, MrOwl will automatically organize files into a useable, searchable, and shareable resource that employees and clients can access. Businesses can manage various aspects of their business on MrOwl including the storage of digital resources, sharing business information, passing instructions to employees, and receiving reports.For those who are facing issues with retrenchment or struggling with their job, they may find MrOwl Community pages on Unemployment and Finding a Job very useful. You can also check out resources for creating an effective resume and applying it effectively. There are also resources on being self-employed.Arvind Raichur, CEO, and Co-founder of MrOwl had shared his support and encouragement for everyone trying to get back their lives after the lockdown. "Coronavirus numbers are increasing steadily. We need to become self-vigilant and do everything to prevent ourselves from being affected by this terrible epidemic. However, we also need to adjust to the changes to our living environment and get on with our lives. For both professional and personal, MrOwl offers excellent resources and a place where users can both be productive and escape reality with interesting content," he said.MrOwl is a Social Cloud Storage platform that brings together the best of search, social, and cloud storage all in one app. With free, unlimited cloud storage for content that you share with the world, consumers build collections, called "branches", with subtopics, links, documents, and media. Users can upload gigabytes of data with a few clicks and have it automatically organized into a MrOwl "branch" that is shareable and searchable.Now you can save it once, and search it infinitely. Simultaneously search the cloud, your computer, and the internet altogether, because they all belong in one search box. Plus, you can come to find what other users have shared on MrOwl.It's never been easier to connect and collaborate with endless communities and discover what others have shared. MrOwl offers a free tier with up to 10GB's of private storage and free unlimited storage for content that is shared to the world.This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir) Tina Knowles-Lawson, mother of Beyonce and Solange, who wrote an open letter this week urging the Senate to pass the HEROES Act to make voting more accessible. The letter is also signed by Tamika Palmer, the mother of Breonna Taylor, who was killed by Louisville, Kentucky, police in March. The letter begins with: "We are mothers of Black sons daughters - some of whom have lost our children - and we have a vision for a new America." Oakland School Board Votes to Dismantle Its Own Police Force The Oakland Unified School District in California voted in a board meeting that it would no longer station any police officer on its campuses. The school board members on Wednesday unanimously agreed on the George Floyd Resolution, which calls to disband the school districts police force of 10 sworn officers and 50 unarmed school safety officers. It has become clear that the District can no longer sit quietly and employ its own police force amid countless acts of violence, the solution reads, claiming that systematic racism and violence have been so deeply embedded in the Oakland Schools Police Department that black students, with just 26 percent of enrollment, have accounted for 73 percent of arrests. While decrying anti-black racism in policing, the resolution nonetheless says the district, which serves nearly 50,000 students, will utilize the Oakland Police Department in emergency situations requiring law enforcement. Oakland Schools Police Department Chief Jeff Godown confirmed to KRON4 that the district will rely on Oakland police in the future. Those calls are still going to be answered and if somebody from the school picks up the phone and dials 911 like we do now, Godown told the news outlet. The only difference is my office is not going to respond, OPD is going to respond. Amid the unrest following the death of George Floyd in the custody of four Minneapolis police officers, schools across the nation are prompted to re-examine their relationships with campus and non-campus police. Earlier this month, Minneapolis Public Schools announced it would end a decades-long tie with the Minneapolis Police Department, which provided school resource officers to the districts campuses. Meanwhile, some major school districts have rejected the demands of activists and some politicians who are calling for eliminating police presence on campuses, largely due to safety concerns. Chicago Public School on Wednesday voted down a proposal that would have terminate its $33 million agreement with the citys police department to post police officers in schools. I ask those who advocate that school resource officers to be removed from schools, please go into the communities impacted by violence, said Chicago school board member Dwayne Truss, who cast a no vote. Schools are not going to have that safety net that they have, he said. On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Unified School District rejected a trio of police reform proposals, one of which would have cut the districts police department budget by 90 percent by the 2023-24 school year. If you take away police youre still going to have people victimized, Los Angeles school police department chief Todd Chamberlain said to the school board. Youll still have crime and still have an environment thats not safe. Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday inaugurated a video-calling facility for patients at Lok Nayak hospital, the citys largest dedicated Covid-19 facility. Commending the hospital after it completed 100 days as a Covid-designated facility, Kejriwal said the Delhi government would work with the staff and administration to ensure any shortcomings were overcome. Lok Nayak hospital has completed 100 days of treatment of Covid-19 patients. This is the biggest Covid-19 hospital in the country and over the past 100 days, 2,700 patients with severe symptoms have recovered and gone home. The doctors and staff have worked without worrying about their own health. They are doing a great job. Lok Nayak has started providing plasma therapy on a larger scale now, which has helped in reducing the deaths reported from the hospital, Kejriwal said. The video-call service would help patients get in touch with their family members. To demonstrate how the video calling facility would help, Kejriwal went on to make video calls to a few patients and sought to know if they were satisfied with the treatment and services they were being given. Sharing an image of his video interaction with an elderly woman, Kejriwal tweeted, relatives of Corona patients admitted at Lok Nayak Hospital will now be able to speak to them. The need for a video calling facility was felt after many complained that they couldnt talk to their critically ill relatives for days on end or get an update on their condition, a Delhi government spokesperson said. Also read | Delhi records 3,390 Covid-19 cases, widens undesired lead over Mumbai The video calling facility will be offered with the help of 33 tablets, 31 of which have been placed in the Covid wards, and two at the help desk, Dr Suresh Kumar, the hospitals medical director, said. During an interaction with the chief minister, the hospitals medical director Dr Suresh Kumar said deaths resulting from Covid-19 have reduced at the Lok Nayak hospital, ever since various modes of treatment such as plasma therapy and the steroid dexamethasone were introduced. The mortality rate recorded at the hospital fluctuates between 2.5% and 3.5% from week to week (since the hospital was turned into a Covid-19 facility). Although the data is yet to be analysed, we have seen a reduction in the number of deaths after various therapies were adopted by the hospital, Kumar said. Later, when asked by HT, the hospital said it was not at liberty to share the number of deaths reported from the hospital. The hospital had administered plasma therapy to 29 Covid-19 patients during the phase 1 trial of the therapy in April, after it became the first government hospital in India to receive approval for the therapy. Also read | Delhi L-G reverses Covid order on home isolation after meeting CM Kejriwal The hospital received approval for phase 2 of the trial, with 200 patients, last week and nine patients have already been administered the therapy, which uses a blood component from people who have recovered from the infection that is rich in virus-fighting antibodies. This blood is administered to Covid-19 patients to boost their immunity. The government has created a plasma bank of 200 units at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences. The plasma therapy seems to help Covid-19 patients and fewer patients on this therapy go on to get severe symptoms as compared to a control group not receiving the therapy. We have also got a plasmapheresis machine at Lok Nayak and we are trying to persuade people who have recovered from the infection to donate plasma for use by others,Kumar said. Delhis health minister Satyendar Jain, who is recovering from the Covid-19, was also administered the therapy at a private hospital after a pneumonia patch in his lung started expanding. Apart from plasma therapy, the hospital has also completed a pilot study of the drug Tocilizumab. It is a monoclonal antibody (a laboratory created molecule that mimics the antibodies needed to fight Covid-19). Those with moderate symptoms are given the medicine on admission and the progression of the disease is evaluated against an equal number of control patients who did not receive the medicine, Kumar explained. The hospital said the trial data would be released after it is duly published in a scientific journal. The hospital will soon conduct trials on the antiviral drugs remdesivir and favipiravir, the medical director confirmed. With Delhi reporting over 3,000 cases a day, the hospital has provided oxygen support on all 2,000 beds. The hospital has also increased its ICU beds to 100 and is working on further increasing it to 500, according to the medical director. Currently, 718 of the 2,000 beds and 56 of the 100 ventilator-facility beds at the hospital are occupied, according to the Delhi Corona App. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON WASHINGTON As Democrats raise alarm over a looming shortage of hospital beds for coronavirus patients in large Texas counties, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn responded on Thursday: "Quit trying to scare people." Cornyns tweet was in response to Houston state Rep. Gene Wu, a Houston Democrat, who tweeted a link to a news story about the Texas Medical Center reporting 97 percent of its intensive care beds in use with the comment: We're at the edge of the cliff. After these next few days, we will not have enough beds to care for all of the incoming #COVID19 patients. Then people die. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 19:23:42|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close DAKAR, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Senegalese Ministry of Health and Social Action announced on Thursday 104 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 6,233 since the outbreak of the pandemic. The death toll related to COVID-19 rose slightly to 94 with one additional death, while the number of people discharged from hospitals increased by 90, bringing the total number of recoveries to 4,162 since March 2, the ministry's spokesman Dr. Alyose Waly Diouf said. Dr. Abdoulaye Bousso, director of the Health Emergency Operation Center of Senegal, told local media that "we are almost reaching a plateau. We are reporting around 100 cases per day, it's been almost two weeks since it lasts. This plateau can be a peak." However, he admitted that Senegal does not have the means to "test all Senegalese", but rather targets "people with symptoms and vulnerable groups". During a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, President Macky Sall learned that he was in contact with a person tested positive for COVID-19. Following a test which came back negative, he decided to put himself under quarantine, as a precaution, for two weeks, until July 8. Also on Wednesday, Chinese Embassy in Dakar handed over a donation of medical supplies from the Chinese government to Senegalese First Lady's foundation Serve Senegal. This donation will help the foundation to further provide assistance to children, women and other vulnerable social groups in Senegal. Enditem New Delhi, June 25 : A total of 146 infiltration attempts along International Border (IB) were reported between 2014 and June 15 this year. All those attempts were foiled and 25 terrorists were neutralised while trying to sneak into Indian territory from Pakistan, a government data revealed. All these infiltration attempts took place through borders along Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan, said the data, adding the maximum number of infiltration cases was reported in Jammu and Kashmir and minimum in Rajasthan. In the span of around six and a half year (between January 1, 2014 and June 15, 2020), the BSF has also apprehended 12 terrorists which were pushed through launch pads across the Line of Control (LoC) and Pakistan's Punjab province to this side of the border to escalate violence in Jammu and Kashmir and other parts of the country. The BSF is the nodal force responsible to thwart infiltration attempts through 3,323 kilometre border between India and Pakistan. Apart from ensuring zero infiltration attempt through the borders between the two countries, the 2.5 lakh personnel strong Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) or paramilitary force is responsible to curb smuggling and illegal activities being carried out through the border from the Pakistan side. The revelation followed the June 20 incident when the BSF troops shot down a Pakistani HexaCopter drone carrying one M4 carbine machine (US Made), two filled magazines, (60 rounds), seven chinese grenades near IB in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. Multiple intelligence agencies assessing ground reports from across the IB and the LoC have found that Pakistani Army and the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) would gather trained terrorists and push them through their launching pads. The number of launching pads in Pakistan is close to 300, said a source. These militants are brought from training camps run by the ISI in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), Pakistan's Punjab province and Afghanistan. They belong to known groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. As per the data, a total of three infiltration bids were reported this year till June 15 -- one in Jammu and Kashmir and two in Punjab. of the three, one militant was killed while others managed to flee. The number was six in 2019 when three infiltration attempts were made through Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab borders each. The BSF foiled these attempts and managed to neutralise four militants. The infiltration bids were comparatively much higher in 2018 when 29 cases were noted -- Jammu and Kashmir (21), Punjab (7) and Rajasthan (1). These attempts were also foiled by the BSF which also killed seven militants and apprehended one. A total of 21 infiltration attempts were made in 2017 and the terrorists tried to enter into Indian territory both through Jammu and Kashmir (11) and Punjab (10) borders. All attempts were foiled, and 10 of those militants trying to enter into Indian territory were killed by the BSF troops. There was a slight jump in 2016 when 25 infiltration attempts were made by the terrorists -- 19 through Jammu and Kashmir and six through Punjab. The BSF then apprehended 11 infiltrators. Maximum of 62 infiltration attempts were reported in 2015. Of them 61 were attempted through Jammu and Kashmir and one through Punjab borders but all were foiled by the BSF. Only three infiltration attempts were reported in 2014 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi government came to power. (Rajnish Singh can be contacted at rajnish.s@ians.in) The World Bank (WB) Group and the Australian Government agree to extend their strategic partnership in Vietnam with a commitment of a further 5 million AUD to support Vietnams economic recovery and protect the most vulnerable from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: VNA) The funds, provided by the Australian Government and administered by the World Bank Group, are additional financing to the ongoing Australia-World Bank Group Strategic Partnership Phase 2 (ABP2) that focuses on supporting Vietnams development agenda through knowledge sharing and advising policy-making. The additional funding will help address emerging challenges and critical needs of Vietnam post COVID-19, said Ousmane Dione, the World Bank Country Director for Vietnam. By providing support in key areas such as private sector development, trade integration, and innovation, the program aims to help the countrys economy gain back its full potential in the fastest and most sustainable way, he said. Vietnam should be very proud of how it has tackled COVID-19, said Robyn Mudie, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, adding that the next challenge for Vietnam, as for Australia, will be to replicate the successes of the health response in the economic response. The Australia-World Bank Group Strategic Partnership will continue providing world class economic advice and analysis for Vietnams leaders and policy makers to accelerate economic recovery, with an increasingly strong focus on gender equality and social protection, she added. To address the potential loss of human capital from COVID-19, the activities to be funded will protect and support vulnerable groups, including by strengthening social safety nets with more efficient and effective delivery of social security payments; narrowing human capital gaps, particularly for ethnic minorities, with a well-designed ethnic minority national targeted program; and improving gender equality in legal frameworks. The funds will also be directed towards economic recovery activities, including accelerating the execution of the investment programme while deepening trade integration, supporting the private sector strengthening resilience against future shocks through structural reforms, and taking advantage of the digital agenda by reducing transactions costs for the government, people, and businesses. The ongoing ABP2 programme, signed in April 2017, aims to support Vietnams key national reforms, which are intended to gradually benefit millions of Vietnamese people and help the Southeast Asian country reach its ambition of becoming a high-income economy by 2045. In a recent Facebook Live update on COVID-19-related issues, St. Clair County officials discussed new methods of releasing information and more. Dr. Annette Mercatante, medical health officer at the St. Clair County Health Department, and Mark White, deputy director of the St. Clair County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, provided the weekly update June 18. The health department, which had been posting daily graphs and data on its Facebook page, has switched to posting more detailed posts on Fridays, with smaller daily updates on its page on weekdays, as well as on the dashboard on its website. The reports include weekly numbers and averages. We want to get all of you guys to start focusing on trends and information thats going to help you make better decisions and not worry so much about those small, day-to-day variations, Mercatante said. Rest assured, I promise you, we are still watching very carefully. We are looking at these numbers every day. Mercatante said daily averages over a weeks time can give the public a much clearer perspective on whats going on. On June 18, the data reported that there was an average of 132 tests per day that week, and 2.8% of the tests done that week were positive. The percent positive of all tests done throughout the outbreak in the county was under 7%. Mercatante noted there was a sudden increase in active cases earlier in the week as a result of some residents in nursing homes being removed from the active case list because they were feeling better, but were tested again and still tested positive. They were feeling better, but we are obligated with a positive test to put them back in an active category, she said. Mercatante also showed a graph charting the average number of new cases per day, but calculated over a week. We have a very low rate of cases at this time, and weve been in that direction now for some time, she said. She said the biggest amount of positive cases were among those ages 30 to 49 and 50 to 59. We test way more of our 70 and older and thats because were doing a lot of testing in nursing homes, she said. So in my mind, I look at this and I say our testing needs to focus a great deal more on our younger citizens. We want to see more of that middle-aged group coming through and getting tested so that we can pick up those positives a little quicker. Mercatante also noted that race, income and education have an impact on health and that COVID-19 has been shown to disproportionally affect Black people and minority populations. As of June 18, 4.6% of all cases in the county were in the Black community, and overall, according to the 2010 census, the Black community represents about 2.5% of the population, she said. That would suggest that we have more cases in our Black community, which would certainly go along with what were seeing nationally, as well as the state, she added. Were going to watch this very closely. But again I have to caution you, low numbers like this, it can easily be skewed. Consistent use of masks does make a difference Mercatante emphasized the importance of wearing a mask when within 6 feet of another person who does not live in the same household. We only have a couple of tools available to us to prevent the widespread transmission of this virus again, and that is social distancing, which as youve gone out and see, were seeing lots of people are anxious to go back to the stores, etc., she said. Masks are the second thing. And actually theres quite a bit more information in the literature, in the research, that really indicates that the use of masks, consistent use of masks, is really the deal breaker when it comes to communities that are able to maintain a low level of transmission versus those that see big spikes. This does make a difference. When visiting businesses where masks are optional for both employees and customers, Mercatante suggested people ask employees to wear a mask and wear one, themselves. I think if more people stood up and did this and said, No, Im more comfortable if you wear a mask, and theyre willing to do it, it becomes a little easier in time, she said. This is just new and difficult, so speak up and say, Yes, I would in fact be more comfortable if you wear a mask, and if they refuse to wear a mask, take your business somewhere else. Getting society back up and running When asked about going to the dentist, Mercatante said she would personally feel comfortable going to a dentist or doctors office at this time. Dentists have always worn PPE from I dont know how long, so their risk of giving you COVID is so low, she said. Your risk of getting COVID from somebody who is fully protected with PPE and is taking it very seriously is very low. Your risk of getting COVID instead at a crowded bar that youve sitting at for a couple of hours where no one is masked is much higher. White said that as of June 18, the St. Clair County Emergency Operations Center had been active for 98 days, and is now headed to a partially activated state, where it is not so much actively monitoring but is engaged. Were almost at a point where were looking at, OK, do we see the end of the tunnel for COVID and how do we get back to whats going to perceived as the new normal? he said. And with that becomes a lot of committees, a lot of task force groups coming together of different varieties and looking, OK, how do we move forward, how do we move on? He mentioned a few examples of groups coming together, including a business recovering work group sponsored by the economic development authority, a St. Clair County recovering and reopening task force, an education reopening committee both on state and county levels and a pandemic response team that is trying to help with any type of mental health issues that might affect the community. He also noted that the EOC communicates with the state emergency operations center regularly. Mercatante said that even though Michigan is one of the states that continues to see a lowering rate of cases, COVID-19 is not over and people still need to be careful. More than anything we need to be communicative and cooperative, so when we suddenly say, Hey people, were seeing a little trend forward, people are willing to back off, she said. I think the future really depends on all of you. Were here doing our job; were not going to stop doing it, but what you do is going to be the compelling factor on how things go over the next months to maybe a year. Emily Pauling is a staff writer for The Voice. She can be contacted at 586-273-6200 or epauling@medianewsgroup.com. ESD 1 Board Approves Grant To Lakeview VFD The Hill County Emergency Services District (ESD) 1 Board of Commissioners met in a regular session Thursday, June 18, and approved a grant to Lakeview Volunteer Fire Department. Lakeview VFD has been approved for a $200,000 Texas Forest Service grant to fund a tanker. The actual cost of the tanker, plus necessary equipment, will be $253,193. Lakeview requested a grant from the district to cover the $53,000 not covered by the Forest Service grant. Commissioners also discussed the issue of a few Hill County fire departments that have still not implemented the district's new reporting system. The software is designed to streamline the process that departments use to report at the local, state and federal levels. For the first quarter of the year, departments were allowed to provide their reports with either the new system or with paper reports as the transition was made, but some have still not made the transition, according to commissioners. With the next round of payments from the district set to be made to fire departments in July, the board voted to only pay departments that have implemented the new system and caught up with their reports by July 1. The board's next regular meeting will be Thursday, July 16, at 7 p.m. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that he had a very frank discussion with his Chinese counterpart Wang Jiechi about the unprovoked aggression by Beijing on a number of fronts. During the meeting in Hawaii last week, Pompeo said he also pressed for more transparency from China on the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic for the good of the world. The meeting which was kept under wraps till the meeting day, took place amidst tensions between China and the US on a range of issues. I met with Yang Jiechi last week in Hawaii. We had a very frank discussion about the Chinese Communist Partys unprovoked aggression on a number of fronts and I pressed him for more transparency on Covid for the good of the world, Pompeo told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday. Were concerned by Beijings behaviour and were not the only ones. And he and I talked about that. Our friends and partners are finding their voice and taking action to counter Chinas malign activities, particularly in Europe, he said. President Donald Trump has announced a number of retaliatory measures against China last month, slamming China for imposing a controversial national security law on Hong Kong that undermines the autonomy of the former British territory. The top US diplomat has led Trump administration officials in criticising Beijing for a lack of transparency and disinformation campaign on the coronavirus since it emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan. American officials have indicated that Washington intends to punish Beijing over the spread of the pandemic that has hit America, making it the worst affected country with over one lakh deaths. Last week Pompeo criticised the Chinese Army for escalating the border tension with India and militarising the strategic South China Sea. He also described the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) as a rogue actor. In a scathing attack on the Chinese government, Pompeo said that the Communist Party of China wants to undo all the progress the free world has made through institutions like the NATO and adopt a new set of rules and norms that accommodate Beijing. The PLA (Peoples Liberation Army) has escalated border tensions with India, the worlds most populous democracy. Its 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 the PLA troops at the Galwan Valley in Ladakh on June 15. Chinas official Xinhua news agency reported last week that Yang and Pompeo agreed to take action to implement in earnest the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries and maintain contact and communication. Yang conducted in-depth exchanges with Pompeo on China-US relations as well as global and regional issues of mutual concern, the report said. Both sides fully expounded their respective stances and deemed the dialogue to be constructive. They agreed to take action to implement in earnest the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries and maintain contact and communication, the report added. Yang is a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee. Chinas government-controlled media has attacked Pompeo as evil, insane and an enemy of mankind for accusing Beijing for trying to mislead the world about the severity of the Covid-19 outbreak. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 24/6/2020 (577 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. How's this for irony? One year after Premier Brian Pallister threatened to eliminate a taxpayer subsidy paid to political parties to cover election expenses, his party is facing a cash crunch and will have to lean heavily on that rebate to bring his party back into the black. In its 2019 annual return filed with Elections Manitoba, the Progressive Conservative Party ended the year with a small deficit ($73,000) and no cash assets. That is the first time since the Tories came to power in 2016 that the party has started a year in the red and with no cash on hand, a remarkable turnaround for a party that has dominated political fundraising in recent years. Pallister will now have to rely heavily on the election expense rebate to get his party back into the black. The exact amount of the rebate has not yet been reported by Elections Manitoba, but according to party officials, the Tories can expect to receive about $300,000, an amount that would erase their deficit. The windfall could have been more but one year ago, Pallister tried to eliminate the rebate, which at the time refunded 50 per cent of eligible expenses to all parties and candidates that received at least 10 per cent of the popular vote. "That's a subsidy directly to political organizations that does nothing for Manitobans," Pallister said at the time. Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister speaks with media to announce his party's new mandate at the Manitoba Legislature after winning the provincial election in Winnipeg, Wednesday, September 11, 2019. A year ago, Pallister tried to eliminate the election expenses rebate. (John Woods / The Canadian Press files) Ultimately, the Tories reached a compromise with the NDP to cut the rebate in half (25 per cent of eligible expenses) for parties or candidates that get at least five per cent of the vote. Pallister said his party would still collect the reduced rebate. It's quite likely that many Tories are relieved that Pallister stepped back from his original plan given the financial situation the PC Party faces. PC Treasurer Gestur Kristjansson said the financial situation facing the party is manageable but still "cause for concern." On a go-forward basis, the party will have to invoke some measure of "austerity" to address its shortfall, he added. A key factor in the erosion of the Tories financial footing was a surge in spending on party operations. In non-election years since taking power, the PC Party booked average expenses of roughly $1.9 million. In 2019, the party budget soared to $2.6 million, including nearly $700,000 for salaries. That is a 36-per-cent increase over the average and contributed to a $913,000 deficit in party operations. Included in those austerity measures is a decision to delay hiring of a new CEO, Kristjannson said. Former CEO Keith Stewart took a position as director of the PC caucus in the legislature and it is unclear when he will be replaced. Kristjannson said the year-end financial situation was exacerbated by the September election, which did not leave much time in the calendar year for post-vote fundraising. Most parties, he said, go into some amount of debt to wage an election campaign, and then fundraise afterwards to pay off debts. On that point, Kristjannson is correct; both the Liberals ($14,896) and the NDP ($130,642) reported deficits for 2019. The major differences are that both opposition parties anticipated deficits because they raise considerably less money than the governing PCs, and they did not try to eliminate the election expense rebate. Kristjannson said that in a normal year, the party would just focus its efforts on fundraising and erase any deficit from the year before. However, this year, COVID-19 has severely restricted economic activity and, in the process, discouraged many people from donating to political parties, he said. Ultimately, the Tories reached a compromise with the NDP to cut the rebate in half (25 per cent of eligible expenses) for parties or candidates that get at least five per cent of the vote. Pallister said his party would still collect the reduced rebate. (Grant Burr / The Carillon files) March in non-election years is generally considered one of the best months for political fundraising both at the provincial and federal levels. Elections Manitoba only reports political fundraising annually, but at the federal level, reporting is done on a quarterly basis. Based on the most recent data, this past March saw the lowest fundraising totals for federal parties since March 2006, immediately following the third election in six years. Is the same situation unfolding at the provincial level? If a verbose, four-page fundraising letter Pallister sent out in May is any indication, Manitoba's political parties are facing similarly hard times. The fundraising letter comes at a critical moment in Pallister's leadership. Following well-publicized shortcomings in his economic response to the pandemic, support for the Pallister government is in free fall. Province-wide, a Free Press-Probe Research poll showed the Tories in a virtual tie with the NDP; in Winnipeg, they trail the NDP by nearly 20 points. If a verbose, fourpage fundraising letter Pallister sent out in May is any indication, Manitoba's political parties are facing hard times. Dan Lett | Not for Attribution A weekly look at politics close to home and around the world that is sent every Tuesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Despite declining support, Pallister crowed in the letter about how successful the Tory government has been in responding to the pandemic. Then, he asked party members to do three things. First, Pallister asked them to help him "lead our economic recovery" by sending along any ideas or opinions about Manitoba's pandemic recovery plan. Second, he urged party members to volunteer or support a local charity. Finally, he strongly recommended they donate as "we are now falling short on our fundraising goals and need our donors to come through for us so we can continue operations." It is unlikely the PC Party will cease operations, although the collision of the pandemic and declining support for the party and its leader will do nothing to improve Tory fundraising efforts. Neither will the image of a premier using a taxpayer rebate he tried to eliminate as a lifeline to keep his political dreams alive. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca Artist's impression of the Rosalind Franklin Rover on Mars. Credit: ESA/ATG medialab NASA has stepped closer to allowing remote onboard computers to direct the search for life on other planets. Scientists from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center have announced first results from new intelligent systems, to be installed in space probes, capable of identifying geochemical signatures of life from rock samples. Allowing these intelligent systems to choose both what to analyze and what to tell us back on Earth will overcome severe limits on how information is transmitted over huge distances in the search for life from distant planets. The systems will debut on the 2022/23 ExoMars mission, before fuller implementation on more distant bodies in the Solar System. Presenting the work at the Goldschmidt Geochemistry conference, Lead researcher Victoria Da Poian said, "This is a visionary step in space exploration. It means that over time we'll have moved from the idea that humans are involved with nearly everything in space, to the idea that computers are equipped with intelligent systems, and they are trained to make some decisions and are able to transmit in priority the most interesting or time-critical information." Eric Lyness, software lead in the Planetary Environments Lab at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), emphasized the need to have smart instruments for planetary exploration: "It costs a lot of time and money to send the data back to Earth which means scientists can't run as many experiments or analyze as many samples as they would like. By using AI to do an initial analysis of the data after it is collected but before it is sent back to Earth, NASA can optimize what we receive, which greatly increases the scientific value of space missions" Victoria Da Poian and Eric Lyness (both at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center), have trained artificial intelligence systems to analyze hundreds of rock samples and thousands of experimental spectra from the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA), an instrument that will land on Mars within the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Rover in 2023. MOMA is a state-of-the-art mass spectrometer-based instrument, capable of analyzing and identifying organic molecules in rocks samples. It will search for past or present life on the Martian surface and subsurface through analysis of rock samples. The system to be sent to Mars will still transmit most data back to Earth, but later systems for the outer solar system will be given autonomy to decide what information to return to Earth. First results show that when the system's neural network algorithm processes a spectrum from an unknown compound, this can be categorized with up to 94% accuracy and matched to previously seen samples with 87% accuracy. This will be further refined until being incorporated into the 2023 mission. Victoria Da Poian continued, "What we get from these unmanned missions is data, lots of it; and sending data over hundreds of millions of kilometres can be very challenging in different environments and extremely expensive; in other words, bandwidth is limited. We need to prioritize the volume of data we send back to Earth, but we also need to ensure that in doing that we don't throw out vital information. This has led us to begin to develop smart algorithms which can for now help the scientists with their analysis of the sample and their decision-making process regarding subsequent operations, and as a longer-term objective, algorithms that will analyze the data itself, will adjust and tune the instruments to run next operations without the ground-in-the-loop, and will transmit home only the most interesting data." The team used the raw data from initial laboratory tests with an Earth-based MOMA instrument to train computers to recognize familiar patterns. When new raw data is received, the software tells the scientists what previously encountered samples match this new data. Eric Lyness noted, "The mission will face severe time limits. When we will be operating on Mars, samples will only remain in the rover for at most a few weeks before the rover dumps the sample and moves to a new place to drill. So, if we need to retest a sample, we need to do it quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. In the future, as we move to explore the moons of Jupiter such as Europa, and of Saturn such as Enceladus and Titan, we will need real-time decisions to be made onsite. With these moons it can take 5 to 7 hours for a signal from Earth to reach the instruments, so this will not be like controlling a drone, with an instant response. We need to give the instruments the autonomy to make rapid decisions to reach our science goals on our behalf." Lyness commented, "When first gathered, the data produced by the MOMA life-searching instrument is difficult to interpret. It will not shout out "I've found life here," but will give us probabilities which will need to be analyzed. These results will largely tell us about the geochemistry that the instruments find. We're aiming for the system to give scientists directions, for example our system might say "I've got 91% confidence that this sample corresponds to a real world sample and I'm 87% sure it is phospholipids, similar to a sample tested on July 24th, 2018 and here is what that data looked like." We'll still need humans to interpret the findings, but the first filter will be the AI system." The researchers note that data is expensive to send back from Mars, and gets more expensive as landers get further from Earth. "Data from a rover on Mars can cost as much as 100,000 times as much as data on your cell phone, so we need to make those bits as scientifically valuable as possible," said Eric Lyness. Commenting, Dr. Joel Davis (postdoctoral researcher in planetary geology at the Natural History Museum, London) said, "One of the main challenges for planetary missions is getting the data back to Earthit costs both time and money. On Mars, the travel time delay is around 20 minutes and this gets more the further you go out in the solar system. Given the finite lifespans of missions, scientists have to be very selective about the data they chose to bring back. These results certainly seem promising; having greater autonomy onboard spacecraft is one way of ensuring the usefulness of the data returned." Dr. Davis was not involved in this work. Explore further Martian rover motors ahead More information: Abstract: Science Autonomy and the ExoMars Mission: Machine Learning to Help Find Life on Mars Provided by Goldschmidt Conference With contactless delivery to curb the spread of coronavirus, she added, you can't tell servers... WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump's nominee to take over the Manhattan federal prosecutors office after the abrupt dismissal of U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman refused on Thursday to say whether he would recuse himself from pending investigations involving Trump's interests and associates if confirmed for the post. Appearing before a House Financial Services subcommittee, Securities and Exchange Committee Chairman Jay Clayton sought to deflect Democrats' questions about his selection for the job and the circumstances under which Berman was removed over the weekend, characterizing the Senate confirmation process as "way down the road." But when pressed by Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., to "commit, right here, to recusing yourself" from matters in which the president has a personal stake, Clayton demurred. "What I will commit to do, which is what I commit to in my current job, is to approach the job with independence and to follow all ethical rules," Clayton responded. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York is pursuing investigations involving Trump, his company and close associates, including the president's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani, Maloney noted. She called the timing of Berman's ouster "very suspicious." Attorney General William Barr announced Clayton's nomination in a news release late Friday night. Barr indicated at the time that Berman intended to step down early next month and that the U.S. attorney in neighboring New Jersey would run the Manhattan office on an interim basis. In a remarkable statement of his own issued hours later, Berman said he had no intention of resigning - and that he was determined to ensure "important cases continue unimpeded." The highly unusual standoff ended Saturday evening, after Barr informed Berman that Trump had decided to fire him. The attorney general then named Berman's deputy, Audrey Strauss, as the office's acting head. In an interview with NPR on Thursday, Barr dismissed critics' assertions that he replaced Berman as a means to protect the president. "Given the current environment, anytime you make a personnel move, you know, conspiracy theorists will suggest that there's something there's some ulterior motive involved," he said. "But I felt this was actually a good time to do it because I was not aware of anything that that should in reality, give rise to that." While Thursday's hearing was intended to focus on the economy, it was quickly overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Clayton's nomination - a process he characterized in a prepared opening statement as "multifaceted and uncertain," nor one that requires "my current attention." Nevertheless, Clayton, who lacks prior experience as a prosecutor, repeatedly touted his work alongside federal prosecutors in his role atop the SEC, and highlighted his network of associates who are alumni of the Manhattan U.S. Attorney's Office. A number of the panel's Democrats grilled Clayton on his role in the shakeup at the federal prosecutors office - asking whether he knew that Berman did not intend to step down and when it was first discussed he might take over there. Clayton said he raised the possibility with Trump and Barr the weekend prior to Berman's firing. He would not say whether he knew Berman would be forced out, only that he had been weighing options for a return to New York with his family. "Let me be clear about this issue: This was entirely my idea," Clayton said. "This is something I had been thinking about and talking about with others as to where I could go." Republicans chastised the panel's Democrats for steering the hearing off course. Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., said he wanted to remind fellow lawmakers that they were not holding a confirmation hearing. "If someone would like to participate in that, they are more than welcome to run for Senate," he said. Clayton's nomination to take over the job may already be in trouble. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, signaled over the weekend that he would honor the so-called "blue slip" veto system granting home-state senators a say in whose nomination proceeds. Several Democrats, including those the Democratic senators from New York, have called on Clayton to withdraw his nomination. Among the Trump administration's critics, Berman's firing marks the latest in a series of attempts to thwart investigations that threaten the president, his family and associates. The House Judiciary Committee is actively investigating what Democrats call Barr's "unprecedented politicization" of the Justice Department and in recent days contemplated whether to pursue the attorney general's impeachment. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., said Thursday that she would not support doing so, saying instead that Democrats' focus would be on beating Trump in November's election. "One hundred and thirty one days from now, we will have the solution to many problems, one of them being Barr," Pelosi said in an interview with Washington Post Live. The police in Dubai said on Thursday that they recovered over 150 million dirhams (about N16 billion) in cash during a coordinated raid on the apartments of Nigerians living in that city two weeks ago. Ramon Abbas and Olalekan Ponle, widely known as Hushpuppi and Woodberry, respectively, and their alleged crew of 10 other Nigerians were the target of the June 10 operation tagged Fox Hunt 2, officials said. All the 12 were taken into custody where they have remained ever since. Dubai prosecutors said the suspects had given statements but investigations into their alleged fraud would continue for weeks to come before they could be charged. We seized more than Dh150 million in cash from them and confiscated 13 luxury cars worth Dh25 million, Dubai police chief, Jamal Salem Al Jallaf told the citys major daily. A video circulated online by Dubai authorities said officers confiscated 21 computers, 47 mobile phones, 15 memory sticks and five hard disks containing 119,580 in alleged fraud files. A total of 1,926,400 victims were said to have been targeted by the syndicate in a scheme that spanned several months. 13 luxury cars estimated to be worth over 25 million dirhams (N2.6 billion) were also seized from the gang. They were accused of being involved in business email compromise and other forms of Internet fraud. The raid has been touted by Emirati authorities as a major breakthrough in their fight against cybercrimes. Thousands of Nigerians are suspected to be part of loose syndicates operating across Dubai and other parts of the United Arab Emirates. The disclosure from Dubai authorities came as Nigerian law enforcement officials and their American counterparts continued to push for the custody of Hushpuppi and his associates from Emirate authorities, with both countries claiming to have enough grounds to prosecute the suspects. Most of the victims were believed to be from the United States and Europe, although it was unclear whether Emirati nationals or residents were also swindled. Something strange was going on in the cannabis business last fall. Pot company mergers were getting snarled in antitrust reviews even though the market, which is highly fragmented, raised no red flags with the competition police. According to a whistle-blower, the delays weren't the result of antitrust watchdogs trying to understand a relatively new industry, as marijuana executives and analysts had thought. Instead, Attorney General William Barr had ordered special scrutiny of the deals because he doesn't like cannabis companies, the whistle-blower said, resulting in the Justice Department holding up 10 merger deals and skewing the marketplace. The extra scrutiny hurt a nascent industry, said Joe Caltabiano, co-founder and former president of Cresco Labs, whose merger with Origin House, formerly known as CannaRoyalty, was among those delayed. "The entire sector was negatively affected by this. It slows the introduction of new investors, has a chilling effect on capital raising. It raises concerns where there is no reason for concern," said Caltabiano. Cannabis stocks have declined by about 27% year-to-date, affected by the pandemic and other factors unrelated to the antitrust reviews. Marijuana stocks were even under-performing the broader market as it cruised to a pre-pandemic high in mid-February, judging by Cannabis ETF, the exchange-traded fund for the industry. But financial problems appear to be worse for companies, such as Los Angeles-based multi-state marijuana operator MedMen Enterprises, whose deals were delayed by the reviews. It was MedMen's $682 million proposed takeover of Chicago-based PharmaCann, one of the U.S.'s largest medical cannabis providers, that first caught Barr's interest, said John Elias, a lawyer who has worked in the antitrust division for 14 years, testifying before the House Judiciary Committee Wednesday. The antitrust division staff had determined the deal didn't raise competition issues because the industry is fragmented with numerous companies, said Elias, who at one point served as the chief of staff to the division head. But Barr rejected that analysis after meeting with division leadership in March 2019. In an unusual move for an attorney general, he ordered an in-depth antitrust investigation because of a personal dislike for the industry, according to Elias. The Justice Department disputed Elias's claim that the antitrust division acted improperly. It said the Office of Professional Responsibility found the investigations of the cannabis deals were appropriate. "OPR found that the cannabis industry provided a unique challenge to federal and state regulators alike, and it was reasonable" to seek additional information from the industry, the department said in a statement. Barr's move, however, prevented MedMen from closing the all-stock deal, which would have given PharmaCann shareholders about 25% of the new company. As the review dragged on, MedMen shares slid along with those of the whole industry. An index of cannabis stocks lost around half its value from October 2018, when the deal was announced, to September 2019, when the Justice Department approved it. A month after winning approval, MedMen said it was terminating the deal. It blamed "regulatory hurdles" for delaying synergies that were initially factored into the value of the merger. It also said it had to be careful spending capital given the industry's weakness. The company said that PharmaCann's business required "significant capital expenditures." Justice Department scrutiny of the industry didn't stop there, Elias said. The antitrust division went on to conduct investigations of nine other cannabis deals, even though he said none raised competition concerns. In two proposed mergers, the companies operated in different geographic areas and didn't compete at all, he added. Caltabiano's former company, Chicago-based Cresco, received a second request from the Justice Department -- formally starting an in-depth review -- on its plan to buy Origin House in 2019. "It was odd for us, especially because we were acquiring a company in California where we had little operations and there are thousands of operators, and no one company with a dominant position -- there was no apparent antitrust violation," he said. Caltabiano estimates that the extra review delayed the deal by about six months, costing Cresco and Origin at least $2 million each to comply with the government's demands for additional information. Cresco's deal with Origin House ultimately closed in January. Another proposed merger was held up in 2019: Curaleaf's acquisition of Cura Partners's Select brand, a deal that was valued at about $950 million. At the time, the scrutiny of the deals was seen as the result of competition officials trying to get up to speed on a new industry. Second requests are rare and generally reserved for the biggest takeovers that unite close competitors. They typically make up 1% to 2% of mergers that are filed each year. But pot mergers made up 29% of second requests in the government's 2019 fiscal year, according to Elias's written testimony. In September, the head of the antitrust division responded to staff concerns about the investigations saying that the cannabis industry was unpopular "on the fifth floor," a reference to Barr's office, Elias said. Elias said he reported his concerns about the cannabis investigations and another probe of automakers to the Justice Department's inspector general because to him they were "evidence that our nation's antitrust laws were being misused." "These laws have protected American markets and consumers for more than a century," he said. "The hundreds of career staff antitrust division take this mission seriously and expect DOJ's political leadership to as well." This obituary is part of a series about people who have died in the coronavirus pandemic. Read about others here. In his youth, Dennis Nagle resembled Dennis Hoppers character in Easy Rider: same bushy counterculture mustache and long hair, same pirates smile and wild glint in his eyes. And like the film character, Mr. Nagle embraced 1960s-style hedonism full on. He was a big proponent of marijuana and psychedelics. He spent the 70s living in England, where he ran with a fast crowd in London and, his oldest son, Alex, said, made his living in the illegal drug trade. By the time the 80s rolled around, he had fathered four children with four women. As disorganized as his personal life was, Mr. Nagle had the focused technical mind of an engineer. He could fix anything. He loved visual art, and throughout his life he built light boxes, attaching LEDs to tiny motors to create hypnotic patterns of light. A wellspring of knowledge lived within him. Vietnams Ministry of Finance has mooted that the country begin charging people for costs related to novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) quarantine. The finance ministry made the proposition to the central government during a regular meeting in Hanoi on Monday. Aside from charging people for quarantine, the government should also provide assistance for military and healthcare units in charge of battling the COVID-19 epidemic in the past months, the agency stated. In accordance with current regulations, all Vietnamese citizens do not have to pay for their COVID-19 quarantine and treatment in the Southeast Asian country. Quarantine expenses are waived for foreigners, but they are required to pay for their COVID-19 treatment at local hospitals. If people want to spend their isolation period at a hotel rather than a centralized quarantine center, they would be required to pay for all related costs. At the meeting, the prime minister tasked the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with coordinating with the Ministry of Health to conduct COVID-19 tests on all imported food of unclear origin. Authorities in Beijing, China recently discovered that multiple samples of sliced salmon at a local wholesale market were contaminated with the novel coronavirus, while many people at the venue also tested positive for the disease. Vietnamese researchers have found the novel coronavirus in some wildlife species. The health ministry on Monday evening confirmed three new COVID-19 patients who previously returned to the country from Kuwait on June 16 and 18. They had been quarantined upon arrival and are now being treated in Hanoi and the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. Vietnams COVID-19 tally is now at 352, with 329 having recovered. No death from the disease has been recorded. The country has not documented a community infection in the past 70 days. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! BEIRUT - Tension is rising in southern Syria due to renewed political and socio-economic protests in the region of Daraa, a former anti-regime stronghold which is now under Russian and Syrian government control, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The monitoring group said that over the past few hours a march was organized in the city of Umm al Mayadhen to ask for the release of prisoners held in government prisons and to limit the role of the Syrian security services. For months the campaign of Daraa has shown signs of a political uprising against the government and Russian mediators. Violence and armed clashes were reported over the last few weeks. Over the past year TurtleTree Labs has attracted world class talent, currently boasting a team of more than 20 full-time scientists and engineers. With multiple cross-functional teams working in parallel, co-founder and CEO Fengru Lin says, "Our team is hungry, passionate and knows what it takes to accelerate to market. I'm so inspired when even the most junior scientists are sharing ideas of cutting costs or identifying better suppliers." With support from the Singaporean government, the startup has been privy to an array of resources that provided TurtleTree Labs with a tremendous financial boost, enabling it to continue working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Co-founder Max Rye, originally from the San Francisco Bay area explains, "Our teams are firing on all cylinders thanks to Enterprise Singapore and the support from our investors. We remain as focused as ever, and we aim to continue hitting milestones." "TurtleTree Labs' goal of creating milk from animal cells provides a novel solution towards sustainable dairy production globally, and would also help to strengthen Singapore's long-term food diversification efforts. We are encouraged that Singapore's foodtech infrastructure has enabled homegrown startups like TurtleTree Labs to push technological boundaries and obtain quick access to capital. We will continue our efforts to develop a vibrant agri-food tech ecosystem in Singapore to encourage the creation of more innovative solutions," said Ms Bernice Tay, Director, Food Manufacturing Division, Enterprise Singapore. Investors taking part in the TurtleTree Labs seed round are Green Monday Ventures, KBW Ventures, CPT Capital, Artesian, and New Luna Ventures. "Food tech innovation in Asia is way overdue. If the rapidly deteriorating climate change situation isn't enough to convince the world, the pandemic surely hammers home the urgency that we need to overhaul the food system for the sake of public health, food safety, and food security. That explains why Green Monday Ventures is so excited to invest in and collaborate with TurtleTree Labs. We see immense possibilities in their biotech innovation platform, as well as enormous impact we can drive together," says David Yeung, founder, Green Monday Group "KBW Ventures has invested in the seed round building on our initial commitment during TurtleTree's pre-seed raise. We see the founding team commitment and the potential of this company and its technology as a winning combination. Now more than ever, people are waking up to the benefits of food technology and the massive positive implications of innovations in cellular agriculture," said Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KBW Ventures. TurtleTree Labs raised its initial investment which was led by New York-Hong Kong based Lever VC in 2019, with investors from various geographies. "This fresh round of funding will enhance our scale up development, bringing us one step closer to commercialization," said Max Rye. For information and interview requests contact: [email protected] TurtleTree Labs - TurtleTree Labs is the first biotech company in the world with the ability to create milk from all mammals. Using their proprietary cell-based methods, they will shape the future of not just how we get dairy milk but how humans will feed their infants. To maximise impact, the team will work with industry leaders to adopt their sustainable and safe methods to create milk. Their focus on impact will disrupt this multi-billion dollar industry while reducing the carbon footprint on this planet, while creating milk free of contaminants. Their innovation will provide millions access to safer, reliable and higher quality dairy products. Green Monday Ventures - Green Monday Group has an overall mission to "Make Change Happen, Make Green Common" since its establishment in 2012. It is achieved by promoting plant-based eating and environmental protection through its multifaceted social venture model, in hopes of tackling climate change, global food in security and promoting public health. Green Monday Foundation, Green Monday Holdings and Green Monday Ventures are the three main branches of Green Monday Group. Green Monday Ventures is the impact investment arm aimed at accelerating the growth of mission-aligned entrepreneurs and startups globally. KBW Ventures - KBW Ventures, founded by Chief Executive Officer HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, invests in companies with transformative technologies and business models and the potential for significant financial returns while also delivering positive social impact. The KBW Ventures portfolio spans the venture capital spectrum from earlier stage ventures, to more established companies looking to expand into the Middle East. CPT Capital - CPT Capital is the venture arm of a leading private family office. As a long-standing dedicated investor in the alternative protein space, CPT Capital has unmatched experience and expertise investing in companies disrupting the food system. Artesian - Artesian is a full-stack VC firm investing from seed stage through to exit. The Artesian portfolio comprises over 400 investments across Australia, China, South East Asia, South Asia and the Americas. New Luna Ventures - New Luna Ventures is a leading impact venture capital advisor and investor in the food 2.0, agriculture, energy, community enrichment, and enabling software industries. We help entrepreneurs build sustainable ventures and connect disruptive ideas with investors and partners. Together, we provide actionable plans, enhanced communications, and expanded access to markets. SOURCE TurtleTree Labs WASHINGTON - WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange sought to recruit hackers at conferences in Europe and Asia who could provide his anti-secrecy website with classified information, and conspired with members of hacking organizations, according to a new Justice Department indictment announced Wednesday. The superseding indictment does not contain additional charges beyond the 18 counts the Justice Department unsealed last year. But prosecutors say it underscores Assanges efforts to procure and release classified information, allegations that form the basis of criminal charges he already faces. Beyond recruiting hackers at conferences, the indictment accuses Assange of conspiring with members of hacking groups known as LulzSec and Anonymous. He also worked with a 17-year-old hacker who gave him information stolen from a bank and directed the teenager to steal additional material, including audio recordings of high-ranking government officials, prosecutors say. Assanges lawyer, Barry Pollack, said in a statement that the governments relentless pursuit of Julian Assange poses a grave threat to journalists everywhere and to the publics right to know. While todays superseding indictment is yet another chapter in the U.S. Governments effort to persuade the public that its pursuit of Julian Assange is based on something other than his publication of newsworthy truthful information, he added, the indictment continues to charge him with violating the Espionage Act based on WikiLeaks publications exposing war crimes committed by the U.S. Government. Assange was arrested last year after being evicted from the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he had sought refuge to avoid being sent to Sweden over allegations of rape and sexual assault, and is at the centre of an extradition tussle over whether he should be sent to the United States. The Justice Department has already charged him with conspiring with former U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in one of the largest compromises of classified information in U.S. history by working together to crack a password to a government computer. Prosecutors say the WikiLeaks founder damaged national security by publishing hundreds of thousands of classified documents, including diplomatic cables and military files on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, that harmed the U.S. and its allies and aided its adversaries. Assange maintains he was acting as a journalist entitled to First Amendment protection. His lawyers have argued the U.S. charges of espionage and computer misuse were politically motivated and an abuse of power. Assange generated substantial attention during the 2016 presidential election, and in investigations that followed, after WikiLeaks published stolen Democratic emails that U.S. authorities say were hacked by Russian military intelligence officials. An investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller revealed how Trump campaign associates eagerly anticipated the email disclosures. One Trump ally, Roger Stone, was found guilty last year of lying about his efforts to gain inside information about the emails. Assange, however, was never charged in Muellers Russia investigation. The allegations in the new indictment centre on conferences, in locations including the Netherlands and Malaysia in 2009, at which prosecutors say he and a WikiLeaks associate sought to recruit hackers who could locate classified information, including material on a Most Wanted Leaks list posted on WikiLeaks website. According to the new indictment, he told would-be recruits that unless they were a member of the U.S. military, they faced no legal liability for stealing classified information and giving it to WikiLeaks because TOP SECRET meant nothing as a matter of law. At one conference in Malaysia, called the Hack in the Box Security Conference, Assange told the audience, I was a famous teenage hacker in Australia, and Ive been reading generals emails since I was 17. 242pp, 669; Picador The burqua or hijab or veil has been a subject of controversy both in the West and in the rest of the world since 9/11, which marked the rise of Islamophobia. It soon became apparent that there was widespread prejudice and great ignorance about Muslim lives, customs and practices. Former British prime minister David Cameron did not think he was stereotyping when he described Muslim women as traditionally submissive. Clearly, he had not heard of Zeenat Aman, Parveen Babi, Begum Akhtar or Sania Mirza. The invocation of this stereotype troubled Mariam Khan and inspired her to present a wider perspective by sharing the lives, experiences and views of 14 accomplished women in this volume. In the context in which the global debate has emerged, the word burqa has become over-politicised and is seen as synonymous with a Muslim womans identity. Khan writes, By engaging with this narrative I hope to dismantle it from within. Muslim women are more than burqas, more than hijabs, and more than society has allowed us to be until now. She urges readers interested in this question to listen to the Muslim women and their perspectives. Like women of other religions and cultures, Muslim women too have their own ways of negotiating their lives, asserting themselves, and taking decisions, personal and professional in the face of many domestic and societal challenges. Mona Eltahawy, noted Egyptian feminist, author of Headescarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution, calls for a new kind of revolution to grapple with stereotypes. She says that, as a woman of colour, a Muslim, and a feminist, she found the observations made by black American civil rights activist, Toni Cade Bambara, very inspiring. As a cultural worker who belongs to an oppressed people, my job is to make revolution irresistible, Bambara said in an interview. What does this idea of irresistible revolution look like? She explains that revolution is too loud. It defies, disobeys, and disrupts patriarchy. It swears too much -- and tells racists and Islamophobes to mind their businesses. She feels deeply uncomfortable with the idea of leaving Muslim womens issues to the community because community is synonymous with men, and is identical to the word, culture. In other words, community or culture ultimately implies nothing but men. So she asks: Who determined that it was culture and who speaks for the community? Men and men. That is the simple answer. She says that as a Muslim woman and as a member of a minority, she is caught in the midst of the violence of racism and bigotry in the West. Similar ideas come up in other essays in the volume. Author Mariam Khan (Courtesy Pan Macmillan) Nafisa Bakkar is insightful in the chapter entitled On the Representation of Muslims. Muslims are the second largest religious community in the world today after Christians and live nearly in all the countries and continents of the world. This makes it a diverse community. Not surprisingly, their representations are also diverse. Being Muslim is steeped in my faith and practice of Islam; to someone else it may be found in their cultural background, or it may be a political statement, or just something that came to light twice a year at the Eid celebrations, she says, adding that the attempt to paint Muslims with one broad brush stroke is deeply misleading. Some of the chapter titles indicate the diversity of the content: There is Hijabi (R)evolution by Afshan DSouza-Lodhi, Gender Denied: Islam, Sex, and Struggle by Salma El Wardany, How Not to Get Married (or Why an unregistered nikha is no protection for a woman) by Aina Khan, and Eight Notifications by Salma Haiddraini. Together these essays cover a wide range of themes and include almost all the issues women consider vital to their dignity and freedom. The editor herself has an essay with a provocative title: Feminism Needs to Die;Muslim women in the West. Mariam Khan argues that women are often encouraged to look at their culture, ideas of liberation or equality purely from the white feminist perspective. This is problematic as it disapproves of the hijab, the burqua, of modest culture and other key elements of a Muslim womans identity. Some feminists (not all of them white) might argue that the so-called culture-centric Muslim woman identity is a creation of Muslim men, that there is an umbelical cord between the two that needs to be ruptured, and that whether this is owing to white feminist ideology or to any other forms of feminism is immaterial. Clearly, universal feminism doesnt exist and the question of how to reconcile with diverse forms of feminism is a topic that needs to be studied. Read more: Review: Performing Representation: Women Members in the Indian Parliament by Shirin M Rai and Carole Spary I am Not Just a Black Muslim Woman by Raifa Rafiq raises precisely this question and presents content for a new narrative on diverse versions of feminism. I am a black Muslim woman. What can such a statement tell me about me? Other than that my home is the central intersection in a Venn diagram of oppression, she says. The writing in this volume is based on lived experience, and the authors use their family histories and cultural interactions mainly in the West, often reacting sharply to Western constructs. All in all, this is a much-needed narrative to make sense of the Muslim womans voice raised against Islamophobia and its distorted constructs, which are often presented as the only truth of our time. Shaikh Mujibur Rehman teaches at Jamia Millia Central University, New Delhi. He is the author of the upcoming book, Explaining the Muslim Mind. By PTI NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his counterparts from Rwanda and Estonia and discussed bilateral cooperation and the coronavirus situation. During his conversation with Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta, Jaishankar said he discussed the coronavirus situation, bilateral cooperation, international organisations and the Commonwealth. "A nice conversation with FM @Vbiruta of #Rwanda. Discussed the #CoronaVirus situation, bilateral cooperation, international organisations and #Commonwealth. Our partnership moves from strength to strength," Jaishankar tweeted. During the conversation with Estonia's Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu, Jaishankar said he appreciated his digital initiative on COVID-19. "Welcomed hearing from #Estonian FM @UrmasReinsalu. Appreciate his digital initiative on #COVID19. Look forward to working together at the #UN Security Council," Jaishankar said in a tweet. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has formally nominated himself to become President of the Eurogroup, an influential role responsible for coordinating finance ministers across the Euroarea. The nomination is likely to copper fasten expectations that Paschal Donohoe will retain his job as Minister for Finance here in the incoming Government. Papers had to be submitted by 5pm on Thursday, which meant Minister Donohoe could not wait for the formation of a new Government here - expected by the weekend - before putting his had in the ring. He faces competition from Spains Finance Minister Nadia Calvino, and from Luxembourgs Pierre Gramegna. In a letter to fellow finance ministers, Mr Donohoe promised to be a bridge builder between the EUs North and South, East and West, Ins and Outs (of euro membership) and between large and small member states. He laid heavy emphasis on his lengthy and unbroken ministerial career since 2011 and continued re election since 2007 - an increasingly rare accomplishment in the increasingly volatile politics within EU member states. The contest will come down to the EU horse trading and may well overlap with EU Commissioner Phil Hogans tilt to become head of the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Spain is also eyeing the WTO job for its Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya. Other factors will include the mix among other top EU jobs. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and ECB President Christina Lagarde both belong to the European Peoples Party (EPP) that Fine Gael belongs to. The European Parliament President, Italian David-Maria Sassoli, belongs to the EU Socialist grouping while EU Council President Charles Michel belongs to the liberal Alde group. The Eurogroup vacancy arose after President Mario Centeno resigned as Portugals finance minister. The Eurogroup President is essentially first among equals chairing meetings of fellow finance minister and interacting with the likes of the European Commission and ECB. Mr Centeno, dubbed the Cristiano Ronaldo of EU finance ministers is highly regarded, having combined an opposition to austerity with the delivery of a budget surplus at home in Portugal. His influence was heavily felt in the EUs response to the Covid-19 crisis, which is heavily tilted against austerity and towards stimulus. Spains Nadia Calvino would be the first female Eurogroup President, and as part of a Socialist government in the European south would offer some continuity with the outgoing Presidency Mr Centeno. Luxembourgs Pierre Gramegna, a technocrat allied to the liberal ALDE grouping at EU level may be hoping to emerge as a compromise candidate in a potentially tight race, his predecessor Jean Claude Junker held the Eurogroup Presidency from 2005 to 2013, helping create what was then a new role. The decision on who gets the job will be decided by a vote of Euroarea members. Paschal Donohoe is now one of Europes longest serving senior minister and, if it comes together this weekend, a Fianna Fail, Fine Gael & Green coalition means Ireland can potentially draw support from a wider range of European opinion that Fine Gaels traditional support base in the EPP. NEW YORK, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Tyson Foods, Inc. ("Tyson" or the "Company") (NYSE: TSN). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether Tyson and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. [Click here for information about joining the class action] On June 23, 2020, U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Cory Booker announced the opening of an investigation into meat packing companies, including Tyson, related to their handling of pork exports and worker safety issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement followed reports that meatpacking companies were exporting a record amount of pork to China while warning of impending meat shortages and rising prices in the United States. On this news, Tyson's stock price fell $1.72 per share, or 2.81%, to close at $59.44 on June 24, 2020. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com CONTACT: Robert S. Willoughby Pomerantz LLP [email protected] SOURCE Pomerantz LLP Related Links http://www.pomerantzlaw.com PORTLAND, Ore., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Advancing its mission to build strong communities by supporting financial well-being, OnPoint Community Credit Union today announced it has made two $50,000 donations to financial education partners Financial Beginnings Oregon and Junior Achievement of Oregon & SW Washington. OnPoint also continues to support both nonprofits with employees volunteering hundreds of paid work hours annually, impacting 3,500 students in 2019 alone. "Learning how to manage money is an essential skill that will support you throughout your life," said Rob Stuart, President and Chief Executive Officer, OnPoint Community Credit Union. "Expanding our partnership with Financial Beginnings Oregon and Junior Achievement will allow us to engage more people, equipping them with the personal finance skills they need to achieve their own definition of financial well-being." OnPoint has partnered with Financial Beginnings since 2008, donating a total of $204,000 and sending 89 employee volunteers into schools and community groups to teach people of all ages about personal finance. OnPoint's $50,000 donation is Financial Beginning Oregon's first $50,000 Impact Level sponsorship. This sponsorship will support the nonprofit's Pathways program (a statewide financial literacy program that helps students navigate the financial complexities of pursuing education after high school), events that promote financial literacy and volunteer trainings. "Developing financial literacy skills supports equitable access to life opportunities such as homeownership, higher education and secure retirement," said Kate Benedict, Executive Director, Financial Beginnings Oregon. "The expertise and enthusiasm shown by OnPoint volunteers have changed thousands of lives by inspiring people of all ages to play an active role in their financial well-being. The credit union's continued generosity will help inspire and empower many more communities across the region." Since 2019, OnPoint has deepened its partnership with Junior Achievement, donating a total of $70,000 and sending employee volunteers into schools in Oregon and Southwest Washington to teach students about personal finance, money management and careers. OnPoint's $50,000 donation will engage 1,300 students through in-person classes in the 2020-2021 school year and will support 4,000 volunteers and 500 teachers in the region with new online training materials. Junior Achievement recognized OnPoint as its 2020 Partner in Financial Literacy for its donation and continued partnership. "As our partner in financial literacy, OnPoint's investment will help provide young people in our region with the knowledge, skills and experiences to be money-smart and career-ready," said Ryan Deckert, President of Junior Achievement. "Junior Achievement is proud to collaborate with such a fine, respected financial institution here in Oregon and SW Washington." In addition to partnering with Financial Beginnings, OnPoint also partners with iGrad, a financial wellness company, to provide its members with personalized financial wellness education through its online Enrich platform. ABOUT ONPOINT COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union in Oregon, serving more than 400,000 members and with assets of $7.2 billion. OnPoint membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 28 Oregon counties (Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and two Washington counties (Skamania and Clark) and their immediate family members. More information is available at www.onpointcu.com or 503-228-7077 or 800-527-3932. ABOUT FINANCIAL BEGINNINGS OREGON Financial Beginnings is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides accessible and unbiased financial education to youth and adults. The generosity of community members, volunteers, businesses, and foundations enables Financial Beginnings to provide these programs at no cost to participants. All of Financial Beginnings programs are taught in the community by trained volunteers who bring financial education to life. Financial Beginnings brings free financial education to over 25,000 Oregonians each year. ABOUT JUNIOR ADVANCEMENT OF OREGON & SW WASHINGTON Junior Achievement of Oregon and SW Washington (JA) inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy through volunteer-delivered, experiential programs for K-12 students that promote work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Established locally in 1950, JA is an affiliate of Junior Achievement USA, which has worked for over a century to empower young people to own their economic success. Visit www.jaorswwa.org for more information. SOURCE OnPoint Community Credit Union Related Links http://www.onpointcu.com Hong Kong: 30m free masks to be delivered The Government will deliver 30 million masks for free to all residential addresses in the city through Hongkong Post starting June 30. The Commerce & Economic Development Bureau today said each household will receive a pack of 10 disposable adult masks which are the first batch procured by the Government under the Local Mask Production Subsidy Scheme. The Government wishes to share these masks with the public and fight the virus together. About 2.88 million residential addresses are covered by the Hongkong Post delivery service. To make the delivery process simple for citizens, there is no need for any pre-registration. The postman will directly insert a pack of 10 masks, measuring 230mm by 135mm, into an adequately-sized residential letter box, and attempt door delivery if the pack cannot fit through. If no one is home, the postman will leave a notification card for the residents to collect the pack of masks at a designated post office within 28 working days. As for the small number of residential households not covered by the Hongkong Post service, assistance from the Social Welfare Department and District Offices will be sought to make alternative delivery arrangements. Hongkong Post will complete the distribution exercise in about three weeks. Enquiries can be made to the dedicated hotline 183 6136 or via email starting from 9am tomorrow. The Government estimates that when all 20 subsidised lines under the scheme are in full production, about 34 million masks will be supplied to it each month, with another 7.6 million to the local market. This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Washington: Qatar Airways has agreed to purchase as many as 100 Boeing airplanes for up to USD 18.6 billion, the companies jointly announced on Saturday. Qatar will buy 30 of the new-generation Boeing 787 and 10 Boeing 777, both widebody aircraft, for USD 11.7 billion. Qatar Airways also signed a letter of intent to purchase up to 60 of the narrow-body Boeing 737 valued at about USD 6.9 billion. Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al-Baker said that the order was one of the largest in the countrys history and would help meet growing demand for air travel. Al-Baker acknowledged the decision to go with Boeing also was due to ongoing issues with Boeing rival Airbus. Al-Baker in April publicly blasted Airbus over delays in deliveries of the single-aisle Airbus A320neo due to problems with its engine. In June, Qatar Airways cancelled an order for one of the planes. Boeing has started building airplanes before everybody else, Al-Baker told a news conference in Washington attended by government officials from the US and Qatar. They make the best airplanes, even if their competitors will not like me saying this. The contract for the 737 marks the first time Qatar Airways has ordered single-aisle planes from Boeing in more than 15 years, the companies said. Our partnership with Qatar Airways has grown and strengthened tremendously over the years and I look forward to the time when its fleet will feature an increasing number of both our single and twin-aisle airplanes, said Ray Conner, chief executive of Boeings commercial airplane division. The companies did not release a time-frame for deliveries. CAIRO5 - The editor of an Egyptian independent news website, Nora Younis, was arrested with the charge of operating an illegal website, Middle East Eves reports, quoting a tweet of the agency ''Manassa'' and the lawyer of the journalist, who has also written for the Washington Post. In what appears to be a new attack against media freedom in Egypt, the website reports, the arrest occurred after a raid carried out at the website's newsroom in Cairo by eight plainclothes officers. The arrest took place on Wednesday, said Middle East Eye (Mee), which has also been shut down in Egypt like Al Manassa and some 500 additional sites. The human rights activist, a critic of the Egyptian government, was taken to a police precinct in Cairo, in the district of Maadi, where she is awaiting a court hearing scheduled today. A personal computer was seized as part of the operation. Officers did not show an arrest warrant, according to the website of Amnesty International, which asked authorities to protect the journalist from torture or mistreatment. Al Manassa, a website founded in 2015 by Younis who also managed Al-Masry Al-Youm, a popular independent Egyptian daily, said they had requested a license already in October 2018 but had never received a reply. The lack of a response is often used in Egypt as a pretext to close independent media outlets, denounced Mee. Egypt is ranked 166th out of 180 countries and territories in the 2020 World Press Freedom Index drafted by Reporters Without Borders and is among the four countries that arrest the highest number of journalists according to the Committee to protect journalists (Cpj). Lina Attalah, director of independent (and obscured) news site Mada Masr, was arrested in May, Mee recalled. On June 17, the intergovernmental group known as Team Telecom filed on behalf of the Executive Branch a recommendation to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to partially deny an undersea cable system application by a Chinese company called Pacific Light Cable Network (PLCN). Team Telecom (recently renamed as the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Services Sector) consists of the Department of Homeland Security )DOH) and the Department of Defense (DOD) led by the Department of Justices National Security Division, Foreign Investment Review Section. In its filing Team Telecom specifically urged the commission to reject that part of the application that involves a direct connection between the US and Hong Kong. The rationale for the recommended rejection echoes similar recent moves by the Trump Administration to push Chinese technology out of the US telecommunications system and power grid supply chains. The White House, along with Team Telecom, has stepped up its arguments that China poses a digital and technology security threat, a contention that is occurring against a backdrop of soured trade negotiations and a politically deteriorating relationship between the US and China. Fears of data theft, surveillance from China In its filing at the FCC, Team Telecom said its recommendation reflects an assessment that submarine cables are a fundamental element of global communications critical infrastructure, carrying most of the worlds internet, voice, and data traffic between continents. The group argues that its not in the national interest to approve the operation of cables that land directly in Chinese territory, where the government of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) has demonstrated the intent to acquire the US persons data to harm US national security. One surprising element of this position is that Team Telecom conflates Hong Kong with China, considering them one and the same despite the continued struggle of the special administrative region of the PRC to maintain its national independence and be treated as a separate jurisdiction. In its FCC filing, Team Telecom argues that Hong Kong has little choice other than to support China in its intelligence efforts, citing a series of developments illustrating the likelihood that Hong Kong would support any surveillance orders emanating from Beijing. Team Telecom also says that its undeniably clear that China is motivated to steal US citizens data, citing the February 2020 DOJ indictment of Chinese hackers for the massive Equifax breach and the intelligence communitys belief that China was behind the 2015 theft of nearly 22 million records from the US Office of Personnel Management, among other high-profile breaches tied to China. In addition to Chinas apparent intent to steal US data, Team Telecom is suspicious of PLCN's owners, Dr. Peng Group and Pacific Light Data. The group argues that Dr. Peng is obligated to support PRC intelligence and security services under Chinese law. The team also raises questions about Dr. Pengs past compliance with US laws when acquiring US telecommunications assets. Team Telecom further casts a wary eye on Pacific Light Datas connections to PRC state-owned carrier China Unicom, which has come under separate US government suspicion. Finally, Hong Kongs strategic location as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region troubles the executive branch because it is a hub for international communications critical infrastructure, where a growing share of US communications traffic to the Asia- Pacific must first land on Chinese territory and traverse Chinese-owned or -controlled infrastructure before ultimately reaching final destinations in other parts of Asia. Google and Facebook have undersea cable stakes Cable connection from the US to other Asian regions, specifically Taiwan and the Philippines, dont bother Team Telecom quite as much, which is why the groups recommendation to the FCC is only for a partial denial of the undersea cable application. PLCNs initial application was to seek a license to land and operate a fiber-optic submarine cable system. At 144 terabits per second (Tbps), the system should be the largest capacity of any cable system connecting the US and Asia. The original vision for the system was to extend the network from the United States to Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the Philippines. US tech giant Google, through an affiliate, owns 100% of the PLCN segment that branches off the main trunk to Taiwan. Facebook, likewise through an affiliate, owns 100% of the two PLCN segments that branch off the main trunk to the Philippines. Team Telecom recommends that the FCC approve both of these initiatives backed by the Silicon Valley giants on the condition that the companies subsidiaries enter into [national security threat] mitigation agreements for those respective connections. Google appealed to the commission earlier this year to allow it to continue its operations on the PLCN network, saying that it would otherwise face prohibitive costs in carrying traffic to the region. In April, the FCC granted Googles request to commercially operate the segment of PLCN connecting the United States and Taiwan for six months, if it fulfilled the obligations of a Provisional National Security Agreement it signed. Other cable plans at risk In the meantime, as Team Telecom notes in its recommendation, other applicants want to build direct undersea cables between the US and Hong Kong, and given Team Telecom's recommendation, it's unclear how fruitful those pursuits will be. In particular, two applications are pending for the Hong Kong connections; one is called Hong Kong-Americas (HKA) and the other is Bay to Bay Express (BtoBE). I think Team Telecom is signaling that they're going to face an uphill battle to get a positive recommendation, national security attorney and partner at Crowell and Moring LLP Caroline Brown tells CSO. The FCC last granted an application for a cable system between the US and China in 2017, so this recommendation may signal a departure from the way that Team Telecom and other executive branch agencies previously viewed these applications. Whats interesting to consider is what may happen to those authorizations already in existence. Its unclear when the FCC will act on the recommendations of Team Telecom. There is no timeline on which the FCC must act on the recommendations by Team Telecom, according to Brown. Executive branch agencies recommended that the FCC deny China Mobiles section 214 application in July 2018 and the FCC ultimately denied that application in May 2019. Executive branch agencies recommended that the FCC revoke China Telecoms existing authorizations on April 9, 2020 and the FCC issued an order to show cause to China Telecom on April 24, 2020, so it does seem that the FCC is reacting more quickly once it receives these recommendations. Other factors, however, could slow down FCC action. For example, the recommendation to grant those Google and Facebook portions of the application that connect the US to Taiwan and the Philippines is conditioned on the negotiation of the mitigation agreement before the FCCs grant of that license. The ultimate decision may be contingent on a meeting of the minds regarding that mitigation agreement, Brown says. On top of that is the complexity of the licenses involved. These cable landing licenses are very, very complicated, oftentimes more so than Section 214 international authorizations, which are authorizations to provide telecom services from the US to foreign points and usually only involve one or two companies. As is the case with this application, there are often several companies included in the same application. That alone is going to complicate the review process, according to Brown. Flash Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, recently exchanged congratulatory messages with Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima on the birth of a giant panda cub in the European country. Xi and Peng said in their letter that the new cub, born in May by giant panda Wu Wen in a Dutch Zoo, is a cause for celebration. The cub, they said, is a beautiful fruit of China-Dutch friendship and an important achievement in bilateral cooperation in biodiversity conservation. Meanwhile, they noted that since the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic, the governments and people of the two countries have given each other a helping hand and written a beautiful tale of friendship that features them sticking together through thick and thin and helping each other. China, they added, attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations, and stands ready to work with the Netherlands to turn challenges into opportunities, promote epidemic control and bilateral exchanges in a coordinated way, and lift bilateral ties to new levels. The Dutch royal couple, for their part, said they were greatly delighted and heartened by the birth of the cub. The new life, they added, is not only a symbol of the fruitful relationship between the two countries, but also a contribution to the protection of global biodiversity. The Dutch side pays high attention to bilateral cooperation against COVID-19, they said, adding that only with solidarity and cooperation can countries around the world prevail over the global crisis. Noting that Netherlands-China relations enjoy a solid foundation, they said the Dutch side is willing to continue to work with China to cope with the impact of the pandemic and bring bilateral exchanges back to normal as soon as possible. In this article BID-MX Sotheby's plan to auction off a $60 million painting on Monday night marks the first real test of the global art market since the coronavirus pandemic and is a bold experiment in the centuries-old model for sales auctions. Sotheby's aims to sell more than $300 million worth of art in a series of auctions starting Monday night and running through Tuesday. The sales, which replace canceled auctions in May, come as the economy and stock market face renewed pressure from the Covid crisis and as many of the wealthy are holding back on big purchases until after the presidential election. Many potential bidders won't be viewing the works in person at Sotheby's before the sale, given their ongoing health concerns about New York City. Francis Bacon's "Triptych Inspired by the Oresteia of Aeschylus." Source: Sotheby's Sotheby's is counting on a new form of virtual live auction, with telephone and online bidding and a live auctioneer in London, and surging interest from new online buyers to lift the high-end market out of the crisis. "We've been incredibly impressed over the last three months, despite all of the contextual backdrop, just how resilient the market has been," said Sotheby's CEO Charles Stewart. "I would say that in many ways, we're seeing actually increased engagement from our collectors." Still, the recovery in the art market in the coming months is likely to be highly uneven, especially for nonmasterpiece works that aren't already well known. Bank of America said in a new report that sellers are likely to stay on the sidelines over the summer, constraining the supply of works for sale. It said supply could "spike sharply" in the fall, leading to lower prices, and then stabilize, with prices 10% to 15% lower, depending on the course of the virus. H/O: Roy Lichtenstein's "White Brushstroke I" Source: Sotheby's "Demand a function of collector sentiment will ultimately be determined by the medical reality, stock market levels and buyer's liquidity," according to the report. "Prices on the few masterpieces that trade should remain stable but hyper-contemporary and middle-market works will likely see downward pressure." The star of the Sotheby's sale is Francis Bacon's "Triptych Inspired by the Oresteia of Aeschylus," which is expected to sell for more than $60 million. Another large-format triptych by the 20th century artist sold at auction in 2013 to Elaine Wynn for $142.4 million. Sotheby's will also be selling a prized Clyfford Still painting. It is estimated to sell for $25 million to $35 million. And it has Roy Lichtenstein's influential "White Brushstroke" for $20 million to $30 million. Sotheby's and Christie's are taking different approaches to the new auction landscape. Sotheby's' main auction on Monday evening will be "live" in the sense that it will be run by an auctioneer in London, but there won't be any other people in the room. Instead, the auctioneer will be surrounded by video screens, showing Sotheby's colleagues in New York and Hong Kong who will be bidding for clients on the phone. The auctioneer will also be taking bids online. Stewart said that even before Covid, many collectors were already making their bids at auction by phone. The pandemic has also given rise to a new wave of collectors who have discovered the auction houses and collectibles by browsing online. Sotheby's has held more than 100 online sales since March, totaling nearly $200 million. That compares with only 40 sales totaling $23 million during the same period last year. Clifford Still's "1947-Y-No. 1" Source: Sotheby's Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace and unique cultural and architectural landmark in Abu Dhabi, has been nominated by the World Travel Awards as the Middle East's Leading Cultural Tourist Attraction 2020, said a report. Qasr Al Watan is a majestic palace brimming with knowledge, offering the world a first-of-its-kind insight into the Arab heritage and the governing principles that shaped the history of the UAE and its vision to the future, said a report in WAM. Qasr Al Watans nomination for such an award is an important accolade from the global travel and tourism industry and an acknowledgement of the Palaces success and rising regional and international profile since opening its doors to the public in March of 2019. Voting is now open to the public; to vote for Qasr Al Watan visit: www.worldtravelawards.com/vote. World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. - TradeArabia News Service New Delhi: Search engine giant Google has announced privacy improvements for its activity data which includes changes to data retention practices across Googles core products. As we design our products, we focus on three important principles: keeping your information safe, treating it responsibly, and putting you in control. Today, we are announcing privacy improvements to help do that, including changes to our data retention practices across our core products to keep less data by default, Google CEO, Sundar Pichai wrote in Google blog. Heres how it works Google user when first time turns on Location Historywhich is off by defaultthe auto-delete option will be set to 18 months by default. Web and App Activity auto-delete will also default to 18 months for new accounts. This means your activity data will be automatically and continuously deleted after 18 months, rather than kept until you choose to delete it. You can always turn these settings off or change your auto-delete option, Google said. If users already had Location History and Web and App Activity turned on, Google will not be changing the settings. However, the company will actively remind users about the auto-delete controls through in-product notifications and emails, so you can choose the auto-delete setting that works for you, Google said. Google had last year introduced auto-delete controls, which give you the choice to have Google automatically and continuously delete your Location History, search, voice and YouTube activity data after 3 months or 18 months. "We continue to challenge ourselves to do more with less, and today were changing our data retention practices to make auto-delete the default for our core activity settings," Pichai wrote. On YouTube, auto-delete will be set to 36 months by default if you create a new account or turn on your YouTube History for the first time, Google said. Current users can still choose the 3 or 18 months auto-delete option. Default retention periods will not apply to other products like Gmail, Drive and Photos, which are designed to safely store your personal content. Google will also make it easier to access key Google Account controls from Search. "Soon, when youre signed into your Google Account, youll be able to search for things like Google Privacy Checkup and Is my Google Account secure? and a box only visible to you will show your privacy and security settings so you can easily review or adjust them," Pichai wrote. She is an Oscar winning actress and now Cate Blanchett is adding series creator to her list of accomplishments. Stateless is streaming on Netflix July 8, and the Blue Jasmine actress stars and executive produces the series. Blanchette takes a minor role in the series, originally airing on ABC in Australia, that focus on The Handmaid's Tale actress Yvonna Strahovski. Triple threat: Stateless is streaming on Netflix July 8, and co-creator Cate Blanchett stars and executive produces the series which stars Yvonne Strahovski Netflix released the first trailer for Stateless on Wednesday, the series focuses on four strangers, whose lives begin to intertwine at an immigration detention centre. The four characters are a flight attendant fleeing a cult, an Afghan refugee fleeing persecution, a young Australian father escaping his job and a bureaucrat caught-up in a national scandal. When their lives collide, they are pushed to the absolute brink of their sanity, and surprising connections begin to form. Strahovski stars as Sofie, a flight attendant who is detained in the immigrant detention center while fleeing a cult run by Gordon (Dominic West) and Pat (Blanchett). From one cage to another: Strahovski stars as Sofie, a flight attendant who is detained in the immigrant detention center while fleeing a cult run by Gordon (Dominic West) and Pat (Blanchett) Stars: Netflix released the first trailer for Stateless on Wednesday, the series focuses on four strangers, whose lives begin to intertwine at an immigration detention centre. The four characters are a flight attendant fleeing a cult, an Afghan refugee fleeing persecution, a young Australian father escaping his job and a bureaucrat caught-up in a national scandal Stranded: Sofie is pushed to the brink while held in the center, in the middle of the Australian desert Sofie is pushed to the brink while held in the center, in the middle of the Australian desert. As she searches for a way out, many in the center look to her to bring light to the situation. 'People will be very interested in you. They will want to know why someone looks just like them is trapped in a place like this,' an activist tells her. The cult is tight lipped about her escape as her families searches to find her while she is being held by the government. No one around: The center is shown to be completely secluded as the trailer says there are many similar centers around Australia Quick: Blanchett makes just a few second appearance in the trailer while standing by West's side Inhumane: Life in the detention facility is grim, many of those held are immigrants from the Middle East, believing the reason they are held is because they are shown as 'terrorists,' and are shown to be beaten by guards Blanchett makes just a few second appearance in the trailer while standing by West's side. Life in the detention facility is grim, many of those held are immigrants from the Middle East, believing the reason they are held is because they are shown as 'terrorists,' and are shown to be beaten by guards. 'Australia's detention regime is a reflection of our highly developed migration system. Enabling us to determine the identity of asylum seekers and the legitimacy of their claims for protection,' one character says in voice over, speaking of why the system was created. Another says: 'people are dying, families are being destroyed.' Pulled apart Another says: 'people are dying, families are being destroyed' What it should do: 'Australia's detention regime is a reflection of our highly developed migration system. Enabling us to determine the identity of asylum seekers and the legitimacy of their claims for protection,' one character says in voice over, speaking of why the system was created Netflix sealed the rights to the series before the Berlin International Film festival, where the six-part series premiered in February. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the show was inspired by Cornelia Rau who was German and a permanent resident in Australia when Rau was unlawfully detained in 2004. 'The issues addressed in the series have universal resonance but have been cloaked in silence and muddied by fear and misinformation,' Blanchett and her co-creators Elise McCredie and Tony Ayres said in a statement. 'Our hope is that Stateless will generate a global conversation around our systems of border protection and how our humanity has been affected by them.' USS Porter Arrives in Batumi, Georgia Navy News Service Story Number: NNS200624-11 Release Date: 6/24/2020 11:42:00 AM From U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs BATUMI, Georgia (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in Batumi, Georgia, for a scheduled port visit as part of the United States' continued Black Sea presence and support to regional partners, June 23, 2020. The visit serves to highlight the continued cooperation between the U.S. and Georgia by promoting regional peace and stability. On June 22, Porter and Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) executed maneuvering exercises and signal flag drills with their Georgian counterparts. "It's been a pleasure operating alongside our Georgian partners in the Black Sea while demonstrating our commitment to stability and security in the region," said Cmdr. Craig Trent, commanding officer of Porter. "Valuable training opportunities [with partners and allies] are vital in building our interoperability and operational readiness." Porter recently conducted operations with partner nations throughout various European Seas, including at-sea training with the Romanian Navy in the Black Sea in April; joint interoperability exercises with the Italian and French navies in the Mediterranean Sea in April; operating as part of a Surface Action Group with the Royal Navy in the High North and Barents Sea in May; conducting passing exercises with the Tunisian Navy in June; operational exercises with Romanian, Turkish and Bulgarian Navies in June. The U.S. Navy routinely operates ships in the Black Sea consistent with the Montreux Convention and International Law. Porter, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The possibility to produce synthetic data solves many problems and helps develop for example better treatment methods. Credit: Matti Ahlgren / Aalto University Data driven technologies and "big data" are revolutionizing many industries. However, in many areas of researchincluding health and drug developmentthere is too little data available due to its sensitive nature and the strict protection of individuals. When data are scarce, the conclusions and predictions made by researchers remain uncertain, and the coronavirus outbreak is one of these situations. "When a person gets sick, of course, they want to get the best possible care. Then it would be important to have the best possible methods of personalized healthcare available," says Samuel Kaski, Academy Professor and the Director of the Finnish Center for Artificial Intelligence FCAI. However, developing such methods of personalized healthcare requires a lot of data, which is difficult to obtain because of ethical and privacy issues surrounding the large-scale gathering of personal data. "For example, I myself would not like to give insurance companies my own genomic information, unless I can decide very precisely what the insurance company will do with the information," says Professor Kaski. To solve this issue, researchers at FCAI have developed a new machine learning-based method that can produce research data synthetically. The method can be useful in helping develop better treatments and to understand the COVID-19 disease, as well as in other applications. The researchers recently released an application based on the method that allows academics and companies to share data with each other without compromising the privacy of the individuals involved in the study. Many industries want to protect their own data so that they do not reveal trade secrets and inventions to their competitors. This is especially true in drug development, which requires lots of financial risk. If pharmaceutical companies could share their data with other companies and researchers without disclosing their own inventions, everyone would benefit. When researchers have synthetic data, they start understanding COVID-19 better The ability to produce data synthetically solves these problems. In their previous study, which is currently being peer reviewed, FCAI researchers found that synthetic data can be used to draw as reliable statistical conclusions as the original data. It allows researchers to conduct an indefinite number of analyses while keeping the privacy of the individuals involved in the original experiment secure. The application that was published at the end of June works like this: The researcher enters the original data set into the application, from which the application builds the synthetic dataset. They can then share their data to other researchers and companies in a secure way. The application was released on the fastest possible schedule so that researchers investigating the coronavirus pandemic would have access to it as early as possible. Researchers are further improving the application, to make it easier to use and add other functionality. "There are still many things we don't know about the new coronavirus: for example, we do not know well enough what the virus causes in the body and what the actual risk factors are. When researchers have synthetic data, we start understanding these things better," says Kaski. FCAI researchers are now working on a project in which they use synthetic data to construct a model that, based on certain biomarkers, predicts whether a test subject's coronavirus test is positive or negative. Biomarkers can be for example certain types of molecules, cells, or hormones that indicate a disease. "The original data set with which we do this has been publicly available. Now we are trying to reproduce the results of the original research with the help of synthetic data and build a predictive model from the synthetic data that was achieved in the original research," explains Joonas Jalko, doctoral researcher at Aalto University. More information: Jalko et al., Privacy-preserving data sharing via probabilistic modeling, (2020). arXiv:1912.04439 [stat.ML]. Jalko et al., Privacy-preserving data sharing via probabilistic modeling, (2020). arXiv:1912.04439 [stat.ML]. arxiv.org/abs/1912.04439 The U.S. has greatly ramped up testing in the past few months, and it is now presumably finding many less-serious cases that would have gone undetected earlier in the outbreak, when the availability of testing was limited and sicker people were often given priority. But there are other more clear-cut warning signs, including a rising number of deaths per day in states such as Arizona and Alabama. As the news spread on June 25, 2009 that pop star Michael Jackson had died, his music soared to the top of the charts. Amazon.com sold out of all of his CDs as well as those by the Jackson 5. Jackson suffered cardiac arrest on June 25, 2009, at his home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles, after receiving the anesthetic propofol from Dr. Conrad Murray. Jackson was 50 at the time of his death. At the time, Michael Jackson was preparing for a 50-show comeback tour called This Is It. The New York Times called Jackson the Peter Pan of pop music: the little boy who refused to grow up. Jackson was battling an addiction to prescription drugs, riddled with self-doubt and deeply in debt, according to biography.com. With his heralded return rapidly approaching, Jacksons final days were spent rehearsing and preparing for the spotlight as he battled inner demons. According to the coroner, the cardiac arrest was caused by acute propofol intoxication. Jackson had been administered the drug by his personal physician to reportedly help him sleep at night, according to biography.com. Murray was convicted of voluntary manslaughter for Jacksons death and served two years in prison. In 2007 a Beverly Hills pharmacy filed a complaint against Jackson for not paying a $101,926 prescription drug bill. Jackson also was investigated for child molestation but was acquitted of those charges in 2005. In 2019, HBO released a four-hour two-part documentary called Leaving Neverland. The film accuses Jackson of sexually abusing children. The film focused on two men who claimed they were abused by Jackson. In the Harrisburg area, people were saddened by Jacksons death despite his sometimes odd behavior and the child molestation charges. At the time, The Patriot-News reported, York-based jazz saxophonist Tim Warfield said Jacksons musical legacy is extraordinarily rich. Within the parameters of my lifetime, Warfield added, Michael Jackson was, beyond reasonable doubt, the most [artistically] profound entertainer Ive ever had an opportunity to hear.' And, Puff, morning show host on Hot 92 FM, called Jackson the alpha and omega of pop music. Without Michael Jackson, there is no pop music. Theres never going to be anybody as big as him -- there would be no Usher, no Justin Timberlake, without Michael Jackson. Not only did he span music genres, he spanned any creed, color. He was the most famous person in the world. One music store manager said, Id compare it to when Elvis and Lennon died. Theres an outpouring of emotion and a need to hear his music. Others said that Jackson was an important figure in the black community, because he proved it was possible to cross over into what had been a white-dominated field of pop music. Local actor, musician and director Daniel Jordan said in 2009, We all wanted to be Michael Jackson. It was impossible to be an African-American child during that time period and not love Michael Jackson. In this Feb. 24, 1988 file photo, Michael Jackson leans, points and sings, dances and struts during the opening performance of his 13-city U.S. tour, in Kansas City. (AP Photo/Cliff Schiappa, File)ASSOCIATED PRESS 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. Education secretary says urgent action needed after dozens of private schools permanently closed because of pandemic. The administration of United States President Donald Trump on Thursday moved forward with a policy ordering public schools across the US to share coronavirus relief funding with private schools at a higher rate than federal law typically requires. Under a new rule issued by US Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, school districts are ordered to set aside a portion of their aid for private schools using a formula based on the total number of private school students in the district. The policy has been contested by public school officials who say the funding should be shared based on the number of low-income students at local private schools rather than their total enrollments. Thats how funding is shared with private schools under other federal rules that Congress referenced in the legislation creating the relief aid. But DeVos on Thursday said the funding is separate from other federal aid and was meant to support all students. There is nothing in the law Congress passed that would allow districts to discriminate against children and teachers based on private school attendance and employment, DeVos said in a call with reporters. The difference between the two formulas amounts to tens of millions of dollars. In Louisiana, for example, private schools are estimated to get at least 267 percent more relief under DeVoss formula. In the states Orleans Parish, at least 77 percent of relief allotment would end up going to private schools. The US Department of Education issued the rule through a process thats typically used in emergencies and immediately gives the policy the force of law. DeVos said urgent action was needed after dozens of private schools permanently closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. DeVos called it a looming crisis for the nation She is a longtime backer of private schools and has championed school choice through her career. New guidance Since last year, DeVos has been pushing a plan to provide tax credits for scholarships sending students to private schools or other education options. She and Vice President Mike Pence promoted the plan on Tuesday at a school choice event in Wisconsin, but the measure has yet to gain traction in Congress. The new rule largely mirrors guidance DeVos issued in April telling districts to share relief aid based on the total number of private school students in their areas. The new rule provides one exception, though: Public schools can use the low-income formula if their own relief aid is used entirely on the districts low-income students. Money thats set aside for private schools must be used to provide equitable services to their students, which can include busing, counseling, tutoring and summer programmes. Any private school can request support from its local district, but the new rule urges wealthier schools to reject it. The policy says taxpayer funding shouldnt go to boarding and day schools with tuition and fees comparable to those charged by the most highly selective postsecondary institutions. President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos are supporters of school choice [File: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters] Democrats and public school officials condemned the rule, saying it gives private schools a disproportionate share of the aid. Representative Bobby Scott, chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor, urged DeVos to withdraw it and follow the law that Congress enacted. The same manner The department should be providing clear leadership and guidance to help students, parents and school districts cope with the impact of the pandemic. Instead, it has issued another confusing directive that will undermine efforts to maintain access to education during this pandemic, Scott said. DeVos previously vowed to pursue a federal rule on the issue after some states said they would ignore her guidance. Indianas education chief said the guidance was no more than a recommendation and decided to divide the funding according to Congressional intent and a plain reading of the law. The dispute centres around a single passage in the federal relief bill that allotted $13bn for the nations schools. The legislation said public schools should set aside funding to provide services to private schools in the same manner as they do under Title I, a federal funding programme for low-income schools. Public school officials say Congress clearly meant to carry over the low-income distribution formula from the Title I programme. Democrats have said that was their intent, and Senator Lamar Alexander, chairman of the Senate education committee, has said thats what most of Congress expected. But top Department of Education officials have questioned the meaning of the phrase in the same manner as, arguing that if Congress wanted to replicate the Title I formula, it would have used the phrase according to. Although the rule takes effect immediately, the Department of Education will be opening it for 30 days of public comment to gather feedback. The future of many schools and students is unclear as the coronavirus appears to be resurging in the US [Caitlin Ochs/Reuters] DeVos has been accused of bending the formula to benefit the private schools she has championed. On Thursday, the School Superintendents Association said the rule represents an opportunistic money grab, using the pandemic environment to advance the privatization agenda. But DeVos argued that all types of schools have been hit by the pandemic and deserve relief. Now is the time to focus on doing whats right for all students, DeVos said. Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis had a courtesy meeting today with Azerbaijans Ambassador to Greece, Anar Huseynov. During the meeting, they reconfirmed the good relations between Greece and Azerbaijan and expressed a shared desire to strengthen them further. There was an extensive discussion of the current Greek Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, with the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs briefing the Azerbaijani Ambassador on our countrys priorities. Finally, Mr. Huseynov briefed Mr. Varvitsiotis on Azerbaijans initiative for convening a special videoconference session of the UN General Assembly to discuss the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. MBABANE Whether the LGBTI community will finally have their association registered or not by government is now in the hands of a full bench of the High Court. LGBTI is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex. The bench which will hear and determine the matter comprises Judges, Mumcy Dlamini, Mzwandile Fakudze and Cyril Maphanga. The matter was scheduled to be heard yesterday but Judge Mumcy disclosed that she was related to lawyer Mbuso Dlamini who represented government. She disclosed that Mbuso was her brother-in-law and enquired from lawyer Thulani Maseko if he was comfortable with her being part of the bench. Maseko, who is representing the LGBTI, then asked to be given a chance to consult with his clients. The matter was then adjourned briefly and the judges, as well as the attorneys, proceeded to chambers where it was agreed that Judge Mumcy should continue being part of the bench, but Mbuso should excuse himself. The State will now be represented by Principal Crown Counsel Ndabenhle Dlamini, who was assisting Mbuso in the matter. The matter was then postponed to July 23, 2020 for arguments. Government is vigorously opposing the application filed by the LGBTI community where it is seeking an order declaring that the registration of an association that seeks to promote their interests in Eswatini is not unlawful. They also want the court to review and set aside the decision of the registrar of companies of refusing to register their association, Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities. In his answering affidavit, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Siboniso Nkambule, submitted that; The actions of Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities constitute unnatural action which ought to be stopped in our society for purposes of our young generation as well as the public interest. Legalise He averred that the court could not compel the Eswatini Government to legalise LGBTI by setting aside and reviewing the decision of the registrar of companies and allowing Eswatini Sexual and Gender Minorities to register as an association not-for-gain in terms of Section 7 of the Companies Act. Nkambule said by setting aside and reviewing the decision of the registrar of companies, the court would be overstretching its mandate. If granted, the orders will have a drastic impact on cultural, religious, social interest and legislative functions in Eswatini as it will amount to legalising LGBTI through the back door, contended the PS. When rejecting the application for the registration of the association, the Registrar of Companies, Msebe Malinga, pointed out that Section 27 (1) of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini stipulated that; men and women of marriageable age have a right to marry and establish a family. It will be inappropriate for the registrar of companies to register an entity whose objectives are not provided for in the Constitution or any legislation, reads part of Malingas responses to the lawyers representing the association. Malinga stated that in contrast, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa dealt with equality in Section 9 where it clearly prohibited discrimination on basis of sexual orientation in no uncertain terms. The Constitution of South Africa, according to Malinga, provides that; The State may not unfairly discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on one or more grounds, including race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience belief, culture, language and birth. He said the Eswatini Constitution did not include sex or sexual orientation. The registrar of companies highlighted that based on the aforementioned, it was clear that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and sex was not protected by the Constitution of the Kingdom of Eswatini or in any of the countrys domestic laws. As part of its campaign to promote tourism in the wake of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, Hanoi has launched a unique night tour of the Hoa Lo Prison historical relic. The night tour, titled Sacred Night Glorious Vietnamese Spirit, is a joint effort between the Hoa Lo Prison relics management board and Hanoitourist travel agency as part of the capital citys tourism promotion program following the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoa Lo Prison was a detention center used by the French colonists in French Indochina for political prisoners, and later used by the Vietnamese government for U.S. prisoners in wartime. Starting from July 24, visitors will have a chance to experience the brand new 45-minute tour of the prison-turned-museum Hoa Lo at 7:00 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. The tour is open to visitors from 16 years old and participants are asked to dress conservatively in order to show reverence for the historical site. The guests are also not allowed to use mobile phones, record videos, or take photos during the tour. This supplied photo shows a Hoa Lo Prison cellar at night. The tour, which includes sound and light effects, will provide visitors with an immersive experience that is sure to make this piece of Vietnamese history come to life. It will also give foreigners an opportunity to learn more about the bravery and fighting spirit of the Vietnamese. The tour will pass through the prisons main gate, male prisoner block, political prisoner block, dark cellars, and female prisoner blocks. Throughout the experience, guides will recount stories of Vietnamese heroes who devoted their lives for their countrys independence. Visitors will also be gifted a souvenir from the prisons management board after completing the tour. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! The British Government has now delivered more than two billion pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to NHS staff and care workers, it claimed today. Department of Health officials announced the milestone and hailed it a 'herculean cross-government effort', adding it had ordered another 28billion items of PPE. The Government was scorned by NHS staff and care workers throughout the height of the crisis for not providing enough equipment for people to work safely. Doctors and nurses regularly reported feeling unsafe at work because they had to reuse masks and gloves and the British Medical Association even warned doctors would die without proper protection. Care homes were left with 'paltry' supplies. Despite repeated promises of action from the Government, health and care workers were still complaining about PPE shortages in May three months after the virus began spreading rapidly on British soil. Now that the first wave of Britain's outbreak appears to be coming to a close 119 deaths are being announced each day, on average, down from over 900 at the peak of the crisis the Department of Health hailed its 'impressive milestone'. It said the Government has delivered 341million face masks, 313million aprons, four million gowns and 1.1billion gloves to frontline workers. The Department of Health confirmed it counts gloves individually rather than in pairs because they are delivered in boxes of 200 individual items. Earlier in the year it was accused of doing so to inflate the number of items it had delivered. Personal protective equipment is now mandatory for doctors and nurses to prevent the coronavirus from spreading in surgeries and hospitals (Pictured: A nurse at a clinic in Grimsby wears PPE while taking blood from a patient) Health Secretary Matt Hancock said today: 'Coronavirus has placed unprecedented global demands on PPE supply chains. 'To tackle this we set a national challenge calling on companies to channel their manufacturing power into manufacturing much-needed PPE, and brought in Lord Deighton who has truly delivered once more for his country. 'Two billion items of PPE have now been delivered to the frontline, and a further 28 billion items sourced, that will protect frontline workers well into the future. 'It is thanks to the herculean effort from UK industry, the NHS and departmental teams, our diplomatic teams abroad, and the armed forces that we have now hit this impressive milestone.' GOVERNMENT UNDER FIRE FOR COUNTING INDIVIDUAL GLOVES IN PPE ANNOUNCEMENT The Government's shambolic handling of the PPE crisis was laid bare in April when a documentary claimed ministers counted every glove individually instead of in pairs to boast of delivering one billion bits of protective kit to NHS staff. A BBC Panorama investigation revealed Number 10 had failed to buy enough masks, gowns, visors and swab tests - despite creating a major emergency stockpile for use during a pandemic in 2009. Officials neglected to purchase enough PPE and then ignored a warning from their own advisers last June that they would need more, it was claimed. The investigation also accused ministers of counting 547million individual gloves, instead of 273.5million pairs, to fiddle PPE numbers. They have also included cleaning items in their 'one billion' figure. Safeguarding Minister Victoria Atkins did not deny the claims on BBC Breakfast this morning, and said she would not be 'drawn into the detail of these figures'. It came as a shocking poll by the Royal College of Physicians found that a quarter of doctors were having to re-use protective kit meant to be worn just once. The college's leader said the survey revealed a 'terrible state of affairs'. The protective clothes should be worn only once because washing them at temperatures high enough to kill coronavirus weakens their effectiveness. Advertisement Officials said they had ordered almost 28billion items from UK-based suppliers, with up to 20 per cent of all supplies being made in Britain. They said the supply chain was only built to accommodate 226 NHS trusts but now supplied PPE to 58,000 different locations. Hospital and care home staff have been calling for better PPE supplies throughout the outbreak and dozens of them have even died after catching Covid-19 at work. The British Medical Association, just two weeks ago on June 11, said it would 'continue to press the government' on the issue because staff were still reporting shortages. It advised its members that they cannot be forced to do risky work if hospitals don't give them enough protective equipment. A statement on the BMA website said: 'There are limits to the risks you can be expected to expose yourself to. 'You are under no obligation to provide high-risk services without appropriate safety and protection. You can refuse to treat patients if your PPE is inadequate, you are at high risk of infection and there is no other way of delivering the care.' A desperate plea from a nurse working in Doncaster in April struck a chord when a medic at her hospital, Dr Medhat Atalla, 62, died of coronavirus. The unnamed nurse said in a Facebook post: 'Please, please, please if anybody knows of any companies that could spare us some PPE then please we are begging them to help. 'We are all extremely anxious about the lack of equipment we need to keep ourselves, our families, colleagues and patients safe.' Care home bosses have also been furious about a lack of PPE for their staff. More than 14,000 residents have now died with Covid-19 and the homes are considered hotspots for the disease. In April insiders said they were receiving only 'paltry' and 'haphazard' deliveries of essential items such as masks, gloves and aprons, which are mandatory for all healthcare workers. Bosses were still furious in May when they said they continued to struggle to get enough protective equipment for their staff. The union Unison revealed at the start of last month that it had revealed almost 3,600 reports about PPE shortages from its members. Colin Angel, policy director for the UK Homecare Association (UKHCA), said sourcing equipment for workers is a main concern for care providers. He told BBC Breakfast on May 5: 'I think every homecare provider in the country is really struggling to get a sure supply of PPE, and having enough to be confident that they can continue providing care services across, sometimes even days, if not just a few weeks. 'And it's a real stress. I have a provider who was telling me he was spending 90 per cent of his time trying to phone round and get PPE delivered. 'That means he's looking for PPE rather than being able to run the rest of his service. 'That's a huge problem, and the levels of stress it's creating both for providers delivering care and their frontline care workers is really high.' 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. A military parade was held on Red Square in Moscow in honor of the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The Victory Parade was to be held on May 9. It was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. June 24 was not chosen by chance. It was on this day 75 years ago in Moscow that the legendary Victory Parade took place. In total, about 14 thousand military personnel took part in the Victory Parade. Spectators watched 13 military detachments of the world armies passing by the stands, including military personnel from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Moldova, Mongolia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Two Victory cabriolets led the detachment of the Turkmen military personnel at the parade, carrying the flags of Turkmenistan and the banner of the 748th Infantry Regiment of the 206th Division of the 2nd Ukrainian Front, in which Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedovs grandfather Berdimuhamed Annaev fought. The governmental delegation of Turkmenistan to the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Great Victory in Moscow was led by the Minister of Defense, Major General Begench Gundogdyev. The fact that soldiers and officers of the National Army participated in the parade makes every Turkmen citizen proud of the valiant sons of our land, who have made a worthy contribution to the Great Victory. Celebrating this glorious anniversary date, we salute our heroes, who showed unparalleled courage and valor in fierce battles in the name of the peaceful life of future generations, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasized speaking at a government meeting on June 19. TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2022 LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Fuel demand is gradually recovering as coronavirus lockdown measures ease around the globe but a second wave of infections could swiftly undermine the trend, industry data showed. Road traffic in some of the worlds major cities in June had returned to 2019 levels, data provided to Reuters by location technology company TomTom showed. But a resurgence of the virus in some places prompted drivers to stay home. GRAPHIC: Shanghai traffic - here Congestion in Shanghai in the past few weeks was higher than in the same period last year. But in Beijing mobility dropped again in June as Chinas capital took steps to halt a new outbreak of the coronavirus. GRAPHIC: Beijing traffic - here Traffic in London and New York rose steadily in recent weeks although it remained well below pre-COVID 19 levels, TomTom data showed, while in Moscow it was back at last years levels. GRAPHIC: Moscow traffic - here U.S. gasoline consumption in the second week of April was half the level a year earlier, according to Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), which tracks weekly same-store gasoline volumes at 15,000 fuel stations, while June demand was down just 22%. Gasoline supplied, a proxy for demand, rose 9% in the week to June 19 but overall, in the past four weeks, fuel demand was down 17% from the same time a year ago, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. A resurgence of coronavirus cases in states such as Arizona and Texas held consumption in check. GRAPHIC: New York traffic - here While gasoline demand is nearing pre-COVID winter demand levels, were still down nearly 19% than a year ago, said Patrick DeHaan, head of gasoline analysis at GasBuddy. U.S. gasoline demand is typically lowest in winter and usually rises towards the summer, during the so-called driving season, when people normally head off on vacations. Just because we are nearing pre-COVID levels doesnt mean we are out of the woods, DeHaan said. In Italy, oil products consumption in May was 3.64 million tonnes, up 36% from April but 28% below levels a year earlier. Britain, Italy and France recorded year-on-year falls in gasoline demand in April of more than 60%, the heaviest decline in the world according to Standard Chartered. GRAPHIC: April gasoline demand - here In Spain, the countrys leading fuel distributor CLH Group said demand for its gasoline and diesel was rising, based on figures for withdrawals from its storage facilities. In the week to June 21, gasoline and diesel withdrawals were down 29% and 21% respectively from the same period last year, compared to 34% and 25% lower in the previous week, it said. The figures show a sharp rise in demand from April, when gasoline and diesel withdrawals were 79% and 57% lower year on year. In a further indication of rising demand, Northwest European gasoline refining margins picked up on Wednesday to $4.70 a barrel, the highest since late March. A stronger gasoline market appears to be helping margins, as we see more economies returning to some form of normality, said Warren Patterson, INGs head of commodities strategy, but he said margins were still weak compared to pre-COVID 19 levels. Jet fuel consumption has also showed signs of recovery as European and other countries reopen borders to tourists and travel, although the pace of the rebound has been slower than for gasoline. [nL8N2DG40C] The number of daily flights around the globe rose to 52,000 on Wednesday, compared to a low point on April 12 when the number of flights fell to 24,000, according to global plane tracking website Flightradar24. In February, there were more than 100,000 daily flights. GRAPHIC: Number of commercial flight - here Wood Mackenzie analyst Yuwei Pei said her consultancy expected a slow recovery for jet fuel demand in China, even though economic activity had largely returned to normal. The recovery to pre-crisis levels will not occur until the beginning of 2021, she said. Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Thursday signed off on a new deployment of personnel to the southern U.S. border, a mission to be handled mostly by National Guard members. The request to support the Department of Homeland Security will keep up to 4,000 Defense Department troops along the border through Sept. 30, 2021, the Pentagon said in a statement. The latest deployment will begin in October. Read Next: It's Official: The Army Is Getting Rid of Officer Promotion Photos to Help Eliminate Bias "The duties to be performed by military personnel include the same categories of support as those currently being carried out along the border, including detection and monitoring, logistics, and transportation support to U.S. Customs and Border Protection," according to the DoD statement. "Military personnel will not directly participate in civilian law enforcement activities." Previously, 5,500 military personnel had been authorized for the mission, according to CNN, meaning the new deployment represents a decrease of personnel supporting the CBP. Troops first began deploying to Texas, Arizona and California in October 2018 as part of "Operation Faithful Patriot," the name originally given to the mission. The Pentagon quietly dropped the name soon after. Personnel had been expected to stay until Dec. 15 of that year, but rotations continue to be extended. Service members were largely tasked with laying razor wire at that time, as a migrant caravan from Latin America headed toward the U.S. to seek asylum. Roughly 5,900 troops were stationed in those states throughout November 2018, what then-Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan referred to as a "peak" in operations tempo. "I think we're pretty much peaked in terms of the number of people," he said. The Pentagon did not provide figures on how many troops are currently serving on the border, but said the agencies continue to "review the situation along the border, adjusting requirements as necessary to maintain the safety and security of the American people." -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @oriana0214. Related: A Look at the Troops Being Sent to US-Mexico Border In his first visit outside Patna post-lockdown, chief minister Nitish Kumar, along with water resources minister Sanjay Jha, Wednesday visited Jainagar in Madhubani to take stock of the flood preparedness. He is also likely to visit Valmikinagar in West Champaran and a few other north Bihar districts, which are prone to recurrent floods. After visiting the embankment at Jainagar, Kumar asked the WRD minister to get a proposal made for developing the old Jainagar weir into a modern, automated barrage at the earliest. It is a historic gift for the Mithilanchal region, as it will also provide water for irrigation to thousands of acres of land, said Jha. On his way to Madhubani by road, Kumar also visited the upcoming airport at Darbhanga to see the progress. According to sources, Kumar may undertake visits across the state for peoples feedback on development initiatives ahead of the Assembly elections due in the state later this year. The visit to Jainagar is also significant in the wake of the recent posturing by Nepal, which led to delay in carrying out repair work on the other side. He visited the embankment on the Kamla river at Jainagar in Madhubani and Naruar in Jhanjharpur, both places where breaches took place last year, and asked the authorities to speed up work in coordination with the authorities of the neighbouring country. When the CM reached there, work was going on. He saw the water level near the bridge and talked to the officials and engiineers. WRD principal secretary Sanjiv Hans and Madhubanis district magistrate Dr Nilesh Deore explained to him the current situation with the help of map and sheet-piling work going on. I have come to this bridge earlier also. Last year, water had overtopped the bridge. This should not happen and adequate arrangements should be made in advance, the CM said. In a clear departure from the past, when Bihars water resource departments engineers carried out monitoring and repair work on both sides routinely without any hassles, Nepal had stopped work on its side, but later permitted on the condition that the officials must have Coronavirus-free certificate. Kamla river, which originates from Churia range near Maithan in Sindhuli district of Nepal and flows into Bihar, had breached its embankments at seven places last year, causing severe inundation in the Mithilanchal region. For its repair, Kamla Canal division, Jainagar, had signed a memorandum with NNT Developers Pvt Ltd in March this year. However, some parts of two of the breaches on the right marginal embankment of the weir fell on to the no-mans land on the Indo-Nepal border and the Nepal Armed Police had for the first time stopped work there in April itself. Despite fresh survey by the Madhubani and Nepal administration, it could not be carried out. Later, after the issued was flagged to the Centre, the Nepal authorities gave the go-ahead. After heavy rains in Nepal last year, the water level in Kamla river had suddenly gone up and it was flowing above the Kamla weir at Jainagar. Later, it inundated large parts. Though it is just the beginning of monsoon season, the authorities are alarmed at the prospect of heavy downpour in Nepal than in India, as the roots of Bihars devastation due to floods have always been in the Himalayan country. Kumar had on Tuesday directed the officials to keep a watch on vulnerable rivers like Kodi, Gandak, Kamla etc. in the bordering areas by developing proper coordination with the Nepal authorities, with focus on places where breaches were reported in the past. He asked the officials to ensure that communication network worked properly and there were adequate arrangements in the event of flooding. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 14:43:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BRUSSELS, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The intention to conclude the China-EU Comprehensive Investment Agreement as planned sends a very good signal to the world that real results can be achieved between the two powerhouses despite the COVID-19 pandemic, a member of the European Parliament (MEP) said Wednesday. Jan Zahradil, a Czech MEP and Chairman of the EU-China Friendship Group in the European Parliament, told Xinhua in an interview that he was glad that President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the wish and intention of the commission to conclude the negotiations in 2020. It's important to step up the level of attention paid to the negotiations in summer so there is "a real chance to have an investment agreement till the end of the year," von der Leyen said at a joint press conference together with President of the European Council Charles Michel following the 22nd China-EU leaders' meeting via video link on Monday. The meeting between leaders of the European Union (EU) and China shows that "after those difficult and tough times we've gone through, we just now are once again at a starting point where we can renew very intensively our communication, and prepare ourselves for tackling the difficulties that were brought upon us by the coronavirus epidemic," said Zahradil, who is also vice chairperson of the Committee on International Trade of the European Parliament. Both sides agree that China-EU economic and trade cooperation is mutually beneficial and look forward to concluding a comprehensive, balanced and high-level agreement on investment, said Wang Lutong, director-general of the European Affairs Department of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, at a press briefing in Beijing Tuesday. The EU and China launched the negotiations in 2014, and have expressed the intention to conclude the process in 2020. The EU has counted on China, with such an agreement reached and enforced, to provide European companies wider access to its huge market and put them on equal footing with Chinese competitors. Zahradil said the agreement, if finalized as expected, is not just about one treaty, but also about "the positive atmosphere it could help to create." He believed that stronger economic ties between the two engines would benefit the whole world, which is struggling to recover from the health and economic crises. The pandemic has forced most countries to suspend economic activities, causing serious economic losses in major markets including the United States, China and the EU. The EU has also found itself stuck in a situation where the relations between the United States and China hit a low in recent years. "If the United States has a different view before the presidential elections this autumn, we can only respect that, but it doesn't mean that European Union should not develop its own autonomous, independent position," said Zahradil. Noting that the EU needs to reflect its own interest and pursue its own values, he said "we have to clearly demonstrate that we do not wish to go by the pathway of some trade war or confrontation, because that would not bring benefit to any side." This year marks the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the EU. A lesson could be learned from the past 45 years that "partnership with mutual understanding and cooperation, wherever possible, is much better than isolation or confrontation or closing doors to each other," said Zahradil. Enditem Up to 40,000 furloughed workers here could face unemployment when the Government's job retention scheme expires, it's been claimed. Around 211,700 people are enrolled on the emergency scheme, which enables companies to keep their workers on the payroll despite a catastrophic drop in business due to Covid-19. But with the job retention scheme expiring in October, it's expected that large numbers of workers will eventually be made redundant as employers' workload will not be the same as t was pre-Covid-19. Already, the number of people claiming unemployment benefits has more than doubled since March to reach 65,200. And the number of proposed redundancies hit 1,400 over the first few weeks in June, up from 350 in May. Senior economist Gareth Hetherington, director of the Ulster University economic policy centre, said it is estimated that 10% to 20% of furloughed workers would ultimately end up unemployed. Some sectors, such as manufacturing, would see 20% of furloughed workers without a job to come back to, and other sectors could have losses of less than 10%. "Different sectors will recover at different rates, and in some, restrictions will be lifted quite quickly, though for others, restrictions are in place for quite an extended period of time. Anything more than 20% brings us into very, very big numbers, and returns us to a level of unemployment we last saw in the late 1980s or early 1990s," he said. Rosemary Connolly, an employment law solicitor based in Warrenpoint, said companies needed to tread carefully if they were making people redundant. "There is of course a very real risk that with the tapering off the furlough scheme that many companies, for whom it has been a form of life support in terms of retaining employees, will have to take difficult decisions about reducing employment numbers and/or reducing core terms and conditions of employment, eg hours of work as they contend with a changed environment," she said. "Employers will need to take great care to ensure that in negotiating variation of contract terms or indeed implementing a redundancy process that they fully observe consultation requirements with affected employees and that they adopt a fair procedure and use only job related objective criteria in determining which positions should be made redundant." She said employers need to plan now what their future staff requirements will be before the scheme runs out in October. The Department for the Economy said it will soon publish a paper which will "look at the risk around furloughing and the potential pathway of unemployment". Co Tyrone firm Mallaghan Engineering, which makes equipment such as lifts for airports and airlines, this week became the latest big employer to confirm that jobs will be cut due to a fall in demand. Aerospace firms Bombardier and Thompson Aero have announced up to 1,100 job losses between them. Stephen Kelly, the chief executive of Manufacturing NI, said that with Northern Ireland firms required to give 90 days notice of plans to make more than 100 staff redundant, July and August could become "difficult periods" for the economy. Firms here were having to make decisions on the size of their workforce more quickly than in Great Britain, where 45 days notice is required. Time for blue skying. While we have the time, many of us, lets ponder Big Thoughts: the kind of Canada we want. Without quitting the health practices we have developed, as pandemic restrictions ease, we can put all our best heads together and reimagine a global future. We have many solid guides. I follow Katja Iversen of an NGO called Women Deliver. Feminist, indefatigable and sensible, Iversen, a Dane, was named Danish Citizen of the Year in 2018. Her group, based in New York, delivered a terrific conference in June, 2019, in Vancouver. Women Deliver urges that reconstruction be globally integrated. That makes sense. The pandemic has shown us in a powerful new way how related we are. It must be woman-led. Decisions must be guided by a gender lens: How does this policy or program affect women and children? Access to education for girls must be ensured. Unpaid care and household work must be re valued and distributed fairly. Education to promote gender equality must continue. And violence against women must stop. Violence against any identifiable group. Nicholas Kristof, a widely read writer in the New York Times, said recently: I crunched the numbers, and found that the death rate in female-led nations, that includes Taiwan, Germany and New Zealand, plus the province of British Columbia, was one-fifth of that in male-led nations. Thats staggering. If the U.S. had the death rate of the female-led countries, the U.S. would have saved 102,000 lives. The worst records have been those of male leaders who are authoritarian, blustering and no good at listening. Or maybe, it is simply that citizens willing to have a woman leader and those willing to follow guidelines from public health, are one and the same. Women follow data, says he, men, egos. Reconstruction must be designed, says Women Deliver to advance, not set back, reproductive rights: safe childbirth, safe abortion, access to contraception and universal primary health care. We cant go back to business as usual. Four hundred Canadian organizations are calling for a Just Recovery, with wealth inequity at its root. COVID-19 gives us a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reckon with inadequacies in our system; the growing wealth gap. Taxing the superrich is one important step, notes Dennis Howlett of Peterborough. Pope Frances is worth listening to. He has said recently, Fill your hearts with hope; focus on acts of respect and generosity. The pandemic may be natures response to climate damage. Change lifestyles to more austere and humane lives. Find the antibodies of justice, charity and solidarity. There are also many vital green voices. I listened to the webinar sponsored by Fair Vote Canada on June 21 with 10 candidates for the leadership of the Green party, who discussed a just and green recovery. It was hosted by Elizabeth May, who is stepping down. Greens report that 30 per cent of Canadians now feel positive about their party. Peterboroughs climate activists urge us to contact Parliament with our recommendations. Reconstruction must include investment in green jobs such as retrofitting buildings, increasing renewable energy, training for displaced oil workers, more staff in seniors homes and prodigious efforts to meet our emission reduction goals. All are doable. If you believe, as I do, in making the effort to communicate with government, here is an opportunity to file a letter, a brief or a remark with the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology (12 members, headed by Liberal MP Sherry Romanado) by June 19 (or just do it, and be late). That committee is preparing Canadas recovery plan. Can we at last talk calmly about runaway capitalism, the economic system that has brought us to this? Not talking about small business here, but about huge corporations without conscience who exploit the Earths resources, including its human ones. Shifts in thinking are happening dramatically: Racism is exposed, health is under threat, democracy is vulnerable. All hands on deck this summer. We are pleased to further extend our alliance with Zurich, in addition to our recent announcement of their support for Proteus Marine in New Zealand, said NM chief executive Lyndon Turner. Read more: Proteus Marine Insurance sets sail beyond Australian waters The new agreement features capacity for pleasure craft, motorcycle, caravan, and boating industry commercial lines. According to Zurich, the underwriting agencys portfolio will bring scale to the insurers proposition in the Australia and New Zealand markets. We are excited to be working with NM in an agreement that enhances our marine offering and allows us to enter new lines and products, commented Sean Walker, chief underwriting officer for general insurance at Zurich Australia & New Zealand. We each have a strong track record in marine and a complementary set of core strengths that will ensure success. Meanwhile Turner cited Zurichs global strength, stability, and commitment to the two markets. Australian Medical Association President Tony Bartone has seized on Victoria's breach of hotel quarantine infection control and its escalating COVID-19 outbreak as evidence of the need for an independent centre for disease control. "This is the time where we really need to have that clear, one single voice of authority, to protect us and prevent things like that happening," Dr Bartone said. AMA President Tony Bartone says Australia needs an independent Centre for Disease Control. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen "If we had a uniform, acknowledged source of direction, we would have had more stringent measures around security personnel that were manning the quarantine sites, and that's clearly been one of the single areas where infections have been getting out into the community." Victoria has had an issue with its quarantine hotels, after at least 33 staff members were infected with COVID-19 and took the virus home to their families. New Delhi, June 25 : Despite asserting that anti-China sentiment was mainly limited to social media, Xiaomi -- it ppears fearing a backlash amid the India-China stand-off -- has begun covering its retail store branding with the Made in India logo in white colour, the All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) said on Thursday. The action came after the association sent a letter to all the Chinese mobile brands to bring the "ground reality" to their notice. Anti-China sentiment stirred up in the country following the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers in a clash with the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Ladakh's Galwan valley on June 15. "Mi (Xiaomi) has started putting 'Made in India' banners in white colour on its boards," Arvinder Khurana, National President, AIMRA, told IANS on Thursday. When contacted, Xiaomi declined to officially comment on the development. In its letter, AIMRA requested the Chinese mobile phone brands to "allow retailers to cover these signages with cloth/flex or to remove the boards from the storefront for a few months". The association of the mobile retailers pointed out that anti-social activists had recently visited several markets in Mumbai, Agra, Jabalpur and Patna and damaged the signages of Chinese brands. "We sent the letter to ensure safety and security of our members and their stores. We have seen a little aggression in the market places," Khurana said, adding that certain organisations have given retailers one week time to remove Chinese branding from their stores. "We thought this could be a threat in the coming time if the aggression goes up. We are worried about the safety of retailers. What will happen if stores are set on fire, or if items of the stores are stolen or the retailers suffer physical injury?," he said. AIMRA said it had requested all Chinese brands including OPPO, Vivo, OnePlus, Motorola, Realme, Lenovo and Huawei to remove boards from the store front. Damage to the boards displaying Chinese branding should not be the retailer's liability, it said. "So we have written to the brands, requesting them to remove the branding. It so happens that some brands give retailers some margin because of the branding. In other situations, some brands have taken heavy security deposits from retailers to put their boards," Khurana said. "We are requesting that if tomorrow some boards get damaged, the security deposit of retailers should not be forfeited or they should not be made to pay for it," he added. Xiaomi India Managing Director Manu Kumar Jain tweeted last week that Xiaomi is "more Indian" than any other smartphone brand in the country. In an interview to news channel CNBC-TV18 last week, Jain said that anti-China sentiment was limited mainly to social media and it had not impacted Xiaomi's business in the country. Nearly 10 years after a statewide ban on cigarette smoking in public spaces, the Baraboo Common Council is considering prohibiting electronic smoking devices as well. Members voted unanimously Tuesday in support of an ordinance that would amend city code. The decision was made during their first in-person meeting at City Hall since mid-March. They had been meeting online via video chat software due to concerns over the transmission of COVID-19. The reason cited for the ordinance change was largely to reduce the incidence of underage and teen vaping users. Baraboo Police Chief Mark Schauf told council members that the change allows for a strict prohibition against anyone possessing e-cigarette products, which helps officers enforce a reduction in use without stretching resources. I wanted to make sure it was clear and it was easily enforceable, because quite frankly, I dont want to be the smoke police, Schauf said. We dont have time for that. Vietnam has reached new heights in renewable development over the years thanks to feed-in tariffs, however, it now faces challenges in spurring on clean energy for sustainable development. John Rockhold, chairman of the Vietnam Business Forums Power and Energy Working Group In March, the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) proposed for approval a so-called competitive pricing mechanism for solar PV power project developments which outlines three auction options that apply in parallel for years to come. Option one shall apply for the projects that are approved on the Power Development Plan VII (PDP7) and not eligible for the feed-in tariff rate policy. Option two is a substation-wise competitive auction which would apply for projects with a capacity range of 10 to 100 megawatt peak (MWp) for a pilot period during 2020-2021 and to be publicly practicable from July 2021. The third option is project-specific bidding of investors. This model applies for large-scale solar photovoltaic potential sites (over 100MWp capacity). It is designed to effectively mobilise local investment capital, providing stimulus to the development of the financial services market and local supply of services, materials, and equipment. With the first option, it is growing a public concern that the project owners with their schemes approved in PDP7 are financially disqualified and look to divest their projects to foreign investors. On the other hand, they have struggled and manipulated to sell their major or minor stakes in the project companies whether or not they can competitively bid simply in the mere hope that they would recall what they have spent previously on the permitting process and make marginal profits from this. As soon as a local under-qualified investor has his project approved, he will reach out to sell his venture straightaway. Whether bidding or not will not stop him from doing this as it is already in his schedule. In this case, it would not fix the problem. Meanwhile, the latter two options might help eliminate under-qualified investors to secure projects and sell them at a later stage as in bidding dossiers they have to prepare and declare details of their qualifications and capacities to bid. Auctions also require that all information and costs are available on land, grid connection, compensation and more. Currently, the national 220-500kV power grid is under the monopoly of the state in respect of investments to administration, operations, and maintenance. Special attention should be paid to the national monopoly of national power transmission grid in the national power plan because it relates to national energy security and national security. It is important that grid security is maintained and we must be careful of solar, wind, and other smart converters being attached even at project level. It is important to clearly define that the national power transmission system and power transmission grid and operation belong to the state, but allow private investor returns on investments. If there is an incident in an investors transmission network, it does not affect the operation management and energy security of the whole country. Vietnamese investment also has capital constraints. Therefore, the state should focus on funding backbone systems and basic grid systems to ensure energy security and national security. The national electricity transmission network should not be operated by private or foreign investors it must be a nationally-operated and maintained grid. As for the extension lines that transmit electricity from private investors plants, it is advisable to get them involved, but it must be clearly defined in the law and explained that the grid is owned by investors, and must be included in the power project. This is needed to avoid privatisation going too far, maybe even being taken advantage of, to reach an overly large proportion to the point where losing control is out of the question. For 220kV grids or even 500kV of power plants invested in order to connect to the nodes of national grids (which the state has designated as national grids), investors shall fund by themselves. But cost of management and operation of this grid must be included in the electricity production cost of investors that sold to the national grid. The transmission grid system of 220-500kV also needs to clearly define boundaries. That is, the privatisation should only be determined within a certain limit to ensure that its operation does not affect the national electricity grid, meaning that it can never disintegrate the system grid. Here again it is very important to regulate smart software that could shut down such grid connections. By doing that, security criteria will be met. As a result, it also naturally becomes the privatisation of power grids. For those projects, the solution is to bid competitively then it will be transparent and follow the rules of the market. VIR John Rockhold Vietnamese firms show interest in developing renewable energy While the renewable energy industry found favor among many foreign firms and foreign investment funds in the past, now, local players have become increasingly active, Some 248 Indian nationals stranded in Pakistan due to the lockdown returned to the country through the Wagah Border on Thursday. Around 500 more Indians stranded in the country will return to their country in the next couple of days, an official of a Foreign Ministry told PTI. Most of the people returned to their homes on Thursday are from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. "As many as 248 Indians today (Thursday) left for their homeland from the Wagah Border," the official said. The Indian nationals arrived at the Wagah Border in the morning but Immigration and Customs took several hours to complete the process (of immigration). The foreign ministry monitored the process of the return of Indian nationals. The official said that the Wagah Border would remain open for three days (June 25 to Jun 27) to facilitate the return of the stranded Indian nationals. He said of the stranded Indian nationals, 300 were staying in Sindh, 80 in Lahore, 15 in Nankana Sahib, 12 in Islamabad and remaining in other parts of the country. The Indian nationals had come to Pakistan to meet their relatives and perform religious rites. Breckenridge Insurance Services has announced the appointment of two expert brokers. Alan Belthoff (pictured above) has joined the company as a senior vice president and senior broker, and Dianna McCall has joined as a vice president and broker. Both will be based in Texas and serve agents nationally. Belthoff has 30 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Breckenridge, he served as vice president at Global Special Risks. He has also owned a successful industry consulting business and served for 22 years at AIG. In his new role, Belthoff will focus on expansion of the companys professional liability business, specifically directors and officers and employment practice liability. Send to Email Address Your Name Your Email Address Post was not sent - check your email addresses! Email check failed, please try again Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. MCLEAN, Va., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Cassaday & Company, Inc. today announced that Benjamin H. Dorsey, CPA/PFS, CFP, CDFA has joined the firm as Director of Tax Services, a position created to complement the existing comprehensive suite of services offered to clients from Cassaday's subject matter experts. Working collaboratively with Cassaday's advisory team, Dorsey will advise on tax aspects related to clients' financial, retirement, estate, and investment plans, and suggest strategies designed to optimize outcomes. Although he will not prepare tax returns, Dorsey will work closely with clients' tax professionals to maximize advantages available to clients. As the environment, laws, or client circumstances change, Dorsey will provide ongoing guidance to ensure tax strategies are up-to-date and remain aligned with a client's overall financial planning goals. "One of my primary objectives for starting Cassaday & Company, Inc. was to be able to provide investors with a one-stop shop that consolidated all of the various financial components of their life into a centralized, integrated plan with holistic financial advice," said Steve Cassaday, Chairman & CEO of Cassaday & Company, Inc. "The addition of Ben will further our vision of comprehensive wealth management by providing proactive tax planning to our clients at no additional cost to them. A brief conversation with an expert like Ben before making a financial decision can have a huge impact on after-tax results." Prior to joining Cassaday & Company, Inc., Dorsey worked in a variety of roles at regional and global accounting firms, and wealth management firms. He has extensive experience in consulting with high-net-worth individuals as it relates to their respective income, fiduciary, estate, and charitable tax planning goals. Ben is a Personal Financial Specialist, a designation for Certified Public Accountants who wish to extend their expertise beyond traditional accounting and tax strategies by offering more comprehensive wealth management advice. About Cassaday & Company, Inc. Cassaday & Company, Inc. is an award-winning independent wealth management firm in McLean, Virginia with $3 billion in assets under management (June 2020). Disclosures: Securities offered through Royal Alliance Associates (RAA), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory and insurance services offered through Cassaday & Company, Inc., a registered investment adviser not affiliated with RAA. Neither RAA, nor its registered representatives, offer tax or legal advice. Contact: Michelle Tigani [email protected] SOURCE Cassaday & Company, Inc. Related Links https://www.cassaday.com A retired Roman Catholic priest has been sentenced to 15 months in jail after admitting to sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy nearly 40 years ago. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/6/2020 (576 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A retired Roman Catholic priest has been sentenced to 15 months in jail after admitting to sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy nearly 40 years ago. Roland Lanoie, 72, pleaded guilty earlier this month to one count of sexual assault for offences dating back to 1982. Roland Lanoie was sentenced to 15 months in jail for sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy nearly 40 years ago. (Ken Gigliotti / Winnipeg Free Press files) The abuse began shortly after the boy had been sent to live at St. Boniface Minor Seminary following the death of his mother. "Mr. Lanoie was his priest and his parents all at once," provincial court Judge Ryan Rolston said Thursday. "It is difficult to imagine a more profound and multi-layered breach of trust." Lanoie was ordained in 1982, the same year he was hired as associate director at the seminary. Court heard Lanoie would visit the boys bedroom at night and rub the boy's penis over the sheets until the boy batted his hands away. "The assault were relentless. Over the course of the school year, (the victim) was assaulted on a weekly basis, sometimes more than one night. This would leave (the victim) never knowing when the next assault would be," Rolston said. Lanoie left the seminary the following year, but continued to maintain contact with the victim. In 1983, the two went out to a movie and the boy ended up sleeping at Lanoies home. The boy slept in a spare room and barricaded the door with furniture. When Lanoie later tried to enter the room, he questioned the boy about the blocked door and was allowed inside. Lanoie again placed his hand over the boys penis over a blanket. Again, the boy swatted Lanoies hand away and he left the room. The victim reported the incidents to the Archdiocese of St. Boniface in January 2017. In a subsequent interview with the archbishop, Lanoie said he interpreted the victims physical resistance as "playful," not "refusal." Lanoie resigned from the archdiocese and was arrested in October 2018. While Lanoie provided court some suggestion he was abused himself as a child, he showed no real insight or explanation for his actions, Rolston said. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "The court has been left with the impression that Mr. Lanoie has struggled to truly admit his guilt or appreciate that his actions caused significant damage to (the victim)," Rolston said. Support letters from parish members testified to the high regard with which Lanoie was held in the community, Rolston said. "But the high regard is muted by the fact that being trustworthy is necessary to achieving a position of trust," he said. Rolston sentenced Lanoie to an additional two years of supervised probation during which time he is not to work or volunteer in a position of trust involving children. dean.pritchard@freepress.mb.ca The first one is a meeting of the commission on national minorities. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said two more elements are needed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban could meet in July, namely a meeting of a joint commission on national minorities and a joint working group on education, which should work out possible solutions. "Our meeting today is one of the elements in preparation for the summit, i.e. the meeting between President Zelensky and Prime Minister Orban. And we proceed from the fact that the minutes signed today [following the meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Hungarian Commission on Economic Cooperation] is one of such grounds, one of such elements in preparation for the signing of a memorandum between Hungary and Ukraine during the summit, which will cover the whole range of issues of our bilateral cooperation," Kuleba said at a joint press conference with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in Kyiv on Thursday, according to an UNIAN correspondent. The Ukrainian foreign minister says there are two more elements ahead of the Ukraine-Hungary summit at the highest level. Read alsoHungarian FM Szijjarto arrives in Ukraine "The first one is a meeting of the commission on national minorities. Today we agreed this commission would meet in the near future at the level of co-chairs, and I guaranteed, I promised Peter that we would hold this meeting and that our co-chairs will conduct a very thorough review of the situation with the protection of the rights of national minorities, and prepare possible solutions for us to move forward and eliminate misconceptions," Kuleba said. He added further steps regarding the meeting of the working group on education had been agreed with the Hungarian side. "They should hold a meeting ahead of the visit of Prime Minister Orban to Ukraine," Kuleba said. As UNIAN reported earlier, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto arrived in Ukraine on June 25. On May 29, Kuleba paid a visit to Budapest to meet with Szijjarto. Following the meeting, he said that together with his Hungarian counterpart he would recommend Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to hold a meeting in Kyiv in July. Kuleba said Ukraine offered that a document be signed with Hungary fixing that ethnic Hungarians represent "historical and cultural heritage" of Zakarpattia region, not its "problem." In turn, Szijjarto said the three joint commissions of Ukraine and Hungary in June should agree on steps that will resolve disputed issues in relations between two countries. Bear Grylls said he was brought to tears by the determination of competitors on "World's Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji" as they raced through jungles and over mountains to the point of exhaustion and pain. The series' new 10-episode season, hosted by Grylls and with 66 teams from 30 countries, will debut Aug. 14 on Amazon Prime Video, it was announced Wednesday. The episodes were taped last fall, before the coronavirus pandemic hit. The nonstop race with 330 competitors was held for 11 days and across more than 400 miles. It was difficult to see racers drop out after spending so much time and energy in preparation, Grylls said. Grylls noted the field's diversity, including the first fully African-American team competing internationally. Another American squad includes Mark Macy, a past Eco-Challenge competitor who has since been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and his son, Travis. Associated Press Met Museum plans to open in August The Metropolitan Museum of Art plans to open its doors Aug. 29, after more than five months of pandemic shutdown, a museum spokesman said. If everything goes smoothly with New York's phased reopening, museums would be allowed to open July 20 in the fourth and final phase of the plan. The Met has set its date for about a month after that, with some staff members returning to work a few weeks earlier to prepare, the spokesman said. "The safety of our staff and visitors remains our greatest concern," said Daniel Weiss, the museum president, in a statement. "We are eagerly awaiting our reopening as, perhaps now more than ever, the Museum can serve as a reminder of the power of the human spirit and the capacity of art to bring comfort, inspire resilience, and help us better understand each other and the world around us," he said. New York Times Swimmer grabs shark to free it from hook A swimmer in Delaware was caught on camera prying a shark's mouth open with his hands this weekend in an effort to free it from a fishing hook. The video shows the man grabbing onto the shark at a beach in Cape Henlopen State Park. He went into the water to unhook it after another person caught it, the Daily Times of Salisbury reported Tuesday. "Everyone started yelling, 'Shark, shark, get out of the water!'" said Delaware native Rachael Foster, who shared her video on social media. "It was so crazy, like a movie. Like Jaws." State law prohibits people from keeping sand tiger and sandbar sharks if caught. People must release them immediately. The newspaper reported park rangers were on site Sunday to assist and monitor the situation. Earlier this month, a boy was hospitalized for puncture wounds after he was possibly bitten by a shark in the park. The boy, 12, was surfing when something bit his leg. Officials then temporarily closed the park's Herring Point to surfing and swimming. Associated Press Florida woman sues for goat paternity test A Florida woman has filed a lawsuit seeking either a paternity test on her goats or a refund and she's not kidding. Kris Hedstrom filed the suit against her neighbor, Heather Dayner, last month seeking DNA for the goats she purchased. Hedstrom paid Dayner $900 for five Nigerian dwarf goats in December. According to the lawsuit, Hedstrom believed the goats Bella, Gigi, Rosie, Zelda and Margoat could be registered with the American Dairy Goat Association, a group that records goat pedigrees. Registered goats have higher values than unregistered goats. Dayner, who has been selling goats at Baxter Lane Farm for about 10 years, typically provides information to her clients so they can register their animals themselves. She said the father goat was registered, but the Tampa Bay Times reports the American Dairy Goat Association rejected Hedstrom's application to register the babies because Dayner is not an active member. Proving paternity would require about 40 of the father goat's hair follicles for a DNA test, so Hedstrom wrote Dayner a letter requesting the DNA in February. Dayner offered to refund the money in exchange for the goats. She said Hedstrom called police on her for three months straight and has trespassed on her farm. A Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputy visited the property at least three times in the spring. Dayner said she didn't hear anything else from Hedstrom until the lawsuit was filed. Associated Press Today Cochrane, a global independent organization that reviews evidence from research to inform health decision-making, publishes a review of studies looking at the accuracy of COVID-19 antibody tests. The review shows that antibody tests could have a useful role in detecting if someone has had COVID-19, but that timing is important. The tests were better at detecting COVID-19 in people two or more weeks after their symptoms started, but we do not know how well they work more than five weeks after symptoms started. We do not know if this is true for people who have milder disease or no symptoms, because the studies in the review were mainly done in people who were in hospital. In time, we will learn whether having previously had COVID-19 provides individuals with immunity to future infection. Antibody tests are an important public health tool to identify individuals with previous COVID-19 disease. This enables assessment of the spread of infection and the need for public health interventions. The review summarizes research evidence available up until the end of April 2020 to see whether antibody tests: - are accurate enough to diagnose disease in people with or without symptoms of COVID-19, and - can be used to find out if someone has already had COVID-19. The immune system of people who have COVID-19 responds by developing proteins in the blood called antibodies that attack the virus. Detecting antibodies in people's blood may indicate whether they currently have COVID-19 or have had it previously. Whilst detecting current infection is usually done using swab tests within the first 5 days of illness, they may miss infection and are not available to all. Cochrane researchers from universities across the world led by experts from the University of Birmingham searched through the 11,000 publications on COVID-19 available at the end of April to find studies that reported results of antibody tests in groups of people known to have (or have had) COVID-19 and others known not to have had COVID-19 based. They found a total of 54 relevant studies reporting test results for nearly 16,000 samples. The majority of studies were from China and were carried out in people who had been admitted to hospital and likely to have had severe disease. The studies looked at three types of antibody, IgA, IgG and IgM. Most tests measured both IgG and IgM, but some measured a single antibody or combinations of the three antibodies. Data were only available for 27 tests, a small fraction of the over 200 tests on the market. Data were available on both laboratory based tests, which require blood samples taken from the veins, and point-of-care tests, which can use finger-prick blood samples. There were not enough data to compare the accuracy of different tests. The authors will continue to update this review over the next few months to provide a more complete summary of the research evidence as it accumulates. The researchers found that the sensitivity (the proportion of the people who have had COVID-19 that the test can detect) of antibody testing is very closely related to when the test is performed. Tests of the IgG and IgM antibodies at 8 to 14 days after onset of symptoms correctly identified only 70% of people who had COVID-19. However, when the researchers looked at data reported at between 15 and 35 days after symptoms first began, antibody tests accurately detected over 90% of people with COVID-19. There are insufficient studies to estimate the sensitivity of antibody tests beyond 35 days after the beginning of symptoms. The tests only wrongly diagnosed COVID-19 in 1% to 2% of people without COVID-19. To illustrate what these accuracy figures mean, in a sample of 1000 people where 200 people (20%) really have COVID-19, typical of workers in a hospital setting where COVID-19 patients have been treated: - 193 people would receive a positive test result but 10 (5%) of those people would not have COVID-19 (known as a false positive result); - 807 people would receive a negative test result but 17 (2%) of those people would have COVID-19 (known as false negative result). In a population where COVID-19 was more common there would be more false negatives and fewer false positives. Studies showed that antibody tests may have a role in diagnosing COVID-19 in patients who have had COVID-19 symptoms for two or more weeks but who have not had a swab (PCR) test or tested negative despite COVID-19-like symptoms. Professor Jon Deeks, Professor of Biostatistics and head of the Test Evaluation Research Group at the University of Birmingham, explains: "We've analyzed all available data from around the globe - discovering clear patterns telling us that timing is vital in using these tests. Use them at the wrong time and they don't work. While these first COVID-19 antibody tests show potential, particularly when used two or three weeks after the onset of symptoms, the data are nearly all from hospitalized patients, so we don't really know how accurately they identify COVID-19 in people with mild or no symptoms, or tested more than five weeks after symptoms started. The researchers also had several concerns about the quality of the studies they found. Studies were small and did not report their results fully. Many papers included multiple samples from the same patients. More than half of the studies were made available before they had been through peer review (publications known as 'preprints'). In one important UK study the biomarker manufacturers did not approve the identification of the tests that had been evaluated. Dr Jac Dinnes, who worked on the review with the University of Birmingham team commented, "The design, execution and reporting of studies of the accuracy of COVID-19 tests requires considerable improvement. Studies must report data broken down by time since onset of symptoms. Action is needed to ensure that all results of test evaluations are available in the public domain to prevent selective reporting. This is a fast-moving field and we plan to update this review regularly as more studies are published." ### Full Citation: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: Antibody tests for identification of current and past infection with SARS-CoV-2 https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD013652 For further information and interview requests please contact: Katie Abbotts External Communications and Media Officer, Cochrane M +44(0) 7810 504380 E kabbotts@cochrane.org or pressoffice@cochrane.org Dawn Peters Sr Manager, Global Communications & Media, Wiley (US) P +1 781-388-8408 E newsroom@wiley.com Notes to editors: What is a Cochrane Diagnostic Test Accuracy (DTA) review? DTA reviews assess how accurately one or more diagnostic tests identifies or excludes a particular disease or condition. Cochrane DTA reviews can cover all types of tests, from antibody tests to X-rays, for any disease or condition. It is really important that diagnostic tests provide accurate results so that people can receive appropriate treatment or take preventive measures if necessary, and to avoid unnecessary testing, treatment and anxiety. More information is available here. About Cochrane Cochrane is a global independent network of researchers, professionals, patients, carers and people interested in health. Cochrane produces reviews which study all of the best available evidence generated through research and make it easier to inform decisions about health. These are called systematic reviews. Cochrane is a not-for profit organization with collaborators from more than 130 countries working together to produce credible, accessible health information that is free from commercial sponsorship and other conflicts of interest. Our work is recognized as representing an international gold standard for high quality, trusted information. About the Cochrane COVID DTA review group The Cochrane COVID DTA reviews team harnesses worldwide expertise in test evaluation from key expert groups around the world. The team is led by Prof Jon Deeks working with 18 colleagues in the Test Evaluation Research Group at the University of Birmingham; collaborating with teams at the Universities of Liverpool (UK), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Utrecht (Netherlands), Leuven (Belgium) and Ottawa (Canada); the Foundation for Innovative Diagnostics (FIND) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Geneva (Switzerland). Currently the work of the team is largely funded from local institutional resources. The Birmingham team receives support funding from the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre at the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Birmingham. The team has been approved by Cochrane as free from commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more at cochrane.org Follow us on Twitter @cochranecollab About Wiley Wiley drives the world forward with research and education. Through publishing, platforms and services, we help students, researchers, universities, and corporations to achieve their goals in an ever-changing world. For more than 200 years, we have delivered consistent performance to all of our stakeholders. The Company's website can be accessed at http://www.wiley.com After a relatively flat trajectory for most of the past week, the U.S. telecom stocks witnessed a sharp downtrend toward the later phase of the week due to challenging geopolitical situations across the globe. While the Trump administration continued its relentless pursuit to keep China-backed firms out of its telecom network in order to lend support to domestic telecommunication companies, tense international affairs triggered uncertainty within the sector. As Washington aims to strike the right balance to maintain stability in the industry and gain 5G dominance, reports of potential enforcement of new tariffs with several EU countries fueled insecurity and hastened the slide. After the prod from the U.S. Justice Department, the Team Telecom the committee formed by the Trump administration to review foreign participation in the telecom service sector has now recommended that the Pacific Light Cable Network a high-capacity undersea data cable spanning 12,800 km beneath the Pacific Ocean should ideally bypass Hong Kong due to political turbulence and national security concerns following China's moves to exert greater control in the territory. The low-latency fiber optic cable was originally planned to have a landing station in Hong Kong before continuing on to other parts of Asia, potentially making it vulnerable to various security threats, from data espionage to cyber hacking. Notably, the first-of-its-kind direct connection between Los Angeles and Hong Kong was expected to handle about 120 terabytes of data per second, heightening the risk factor. Meanwhile, the U.S. government is reportedly considering a plan to impose $3.1 billion in tariffs on goods from the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Spain. The purported move is part of the long-standing dispute with the European Union over subsidies to some large civil aircraft manufacturers. This has likely created a sense of uncertainty within the industry as it could potentially lead to an escalation of trade spat and initiate a tit-for-tat battle. Regarding company-specific news, product launches, strategic deals and trials primarily took the center stage over the past five trading days. Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories 1. In a concerted effort to enhance network virtualization capabilities, Verizon Communications Inc. VZ has expanded its Virtual Network Services (VNS) portfolio with the addition of a new hybrid platform from Cisco Systems, Inc. The purpose-built 5000 Series Enterprise Network Compute System (ENCS) from Cisco is likely to redefine the networking ecosystem for enterprise customers and strengthen Verizons position in this niche market. With the introduction of Ciscos ENCS platform, Verizon has further enriched its VNS portfolio, offering enterprise customers a more responsive, scalable and flexible network. Combining the best attributes of a traditional router and server with a smaller infrastructure footprint, it offers low cost of ownership with software-defined flexibility and performance. 2. In a concerted effort to enhance the service capabilities of customers in Singapore, CenturyLink, Inc. CTL has extended its global alliance with SAP SE to better serve businesses in the region. The strategic initiative will enable business enterprises to have seamless access to SAP business management solutions along with managed end-to-end applications, hybrid cloud and edge capabilities of CenturyLink's secure, global network. Per the global alliance, CenturyLink is equipped to offer support for SAP solutions and services deployed on public and private clouds, including SAP S/4HANA implementations. These, in turn, enable various firms to complement and expand the IT resources and expertise across hybrid IT environments to drive efficiencies, enhance security and improve business insight. 3. Speaking at the Credit Suisse Communications Conference, AT&T Inc.s T senior executive vice president and chief financial officer, John Stephens, provided an update to shareholders. The Dallas, TX-based telecommunications companys 5G network currently covers more than 160 million people in 327 markets. AT&T is offering access to 5G on its unlimited wireless plans for consumers and businesses. The company continues to invest in its wireless and wireline networks to expand coverage and improve connectivity. Consumers in Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Nashville and Tallahassee, among others, now have access to the AT&T 5G network. Also, the company offers access to its 5G+ network, enabling super-fast speeds and responsive connections in parts of 35 cities. 4. In a move to revamp connectivity services in Russia, Ciena Corporation CIEN teamed up with GlobalNet, a leading telecommunications company. GlobalNet deployed Cienas coherent optical technology WaveLogic 5 Extreme (WL5e) to deliver high-quality bandwidth and interconnect services across various data centers for a streamlined network infrastructure. Supported by a global scale of operations, diversification and technology leadership, the latest collaboration will enable Ciena to benefit from market share gains and enhance network automation capabilities. Per the deal, GlobalNet used Cienas WaveLogic 5 Extreme network to deliver cost-effective and seamless connectivity solutions across Russia. The WL5e technology is the fifth generation of coherent optical solutions that enable deployment of optical networking with an unparalleled single wavelength capacity of 800G. As a result, the telco achieved an impressive network capacity of 800 Gbps across data centers in Saint Petersburg and 600 Gbps between Moscow and Saint Petersburg. 5. Accelerating its pace to offer the best mix of 5G network capacity and coverage to subscribers across the United States, Nokia Corporation NOK recently announced that it has achieved impressive gigabit speeds in a trial of advanced 5G technology on a C-Band spectrum. Notably, the trial leveraged Nokias AirScale 5G base station equipment to deliver end-to-end 5G solution with industry-leading latency and connectivity. Touted as the first company to showcase live C-Band network in the United States, the latest achievement is expected to help businesses and customers with superior network capacity, especially at a time when communication service providers are shifting toward automated network operations for seamless connectivity. Price Performance The following table shows the price movement of some of the major telecom stocks over the past week and the six months. Story continues In the past five trading days, none of the stocks increased, while Arista Networks has been the biggest decliner with its stock decreasing 8.3%. Over the past six months, T-Mobile has been the best performer with its stock appreciating 28.6%, while CenturyLink was the biggest decliner with its stock falling 34.6%. Over the past six months, the Zacks Telecommunications Services industry declined 15.9%, while the S&P 500 recorded average loss of 5.7%. Whats Next in the Telecom Space? In addition to product launches, deals and 5G deployments, all eyes will remain glued to how the administration attempts to devise pre-emptive steps to thwart Chinese dominance in 5G while safeguarding interests of domestic firms. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was hand-picked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in 2020. Each comes from a different sector and has unique qualities and catalysts that could fuel exceptional growth. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report ATT Inc. (T) : Free Stock Analysis Report Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report Nokia Corporation (NOK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Ciena Corporation (CIEN) : Free Stock Analysis Report CenturyLink, Inc. (CTL) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research DALLAS, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint Capital, Inc. (the "Company"), a non-traded publicly registered business development company sponsored and managed by NexPoint Advisors, L.P., today announced the expiration and final results for its tender offer (the "Tender Offer") for up to 2.5% of its outstanding common stock ("Shares") at a price of $5.87 per Share (an amount approved by the Company's board of directors on June 24, 2020), plus any unpaid dividends accrued through the expiration date of the Tender Offer. The Fund's Tender Offer expired on June 22, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. 45,917 shares of the Company were tendered for repurchase in the Tender Offer. Any questions regarding the Tender Offer can be directed to the Company's Tender Agent, DST Systems, Inc., at (844) 485-9167. The Company's current offering price for its Shares, as well as other information, including information about management and the healthcare-focused investment strategy, are available at nexpointcapital.com. The information on or accessible through nexpointcapital.com is not incorporated by reference herein. About NexPoint Capital, Inc. NexPoint Capital, Inc. is a non-traded, publicly registered business development company sponsored and managed by NexPoint Advisors, L.P. About NexPoint Advisors, L.P. NexPoint Advisors, L.P. ("NexPoint Advisors") is an SEC-registered adviser on the NexPoint alternative investment platform ("NexPoint"). NexPoint Advisors serves as the adviser to a suite of funds and investment vehicles, including a closed-end fund, interval fund, business development company ("BDC"), and various real estate vehicles. For more information visit www.nexpointadvisors.com. Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements. These statements may involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of NexPoint Advisors, L.P.'s sponsored investment products, general economic conditions, future acquisitions, competitive conditions and government regulations, including changes in tax laws. Readers should carefully consider such factors. Further, such forward-looking statements speak only on the date at which such statements are made. NexPoint Advisors, L.P. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statement. This material has been distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. Neither the Company, nor the Company's Board of Directors, nor NexPoint Advisors, L.P., makes any recommendation as to whether to tender or not to tender any Shares in the Tender Offer. No part of this material may be reproduced in any form, or referred to in any other publication, without express written permission. For Information on the Tender Offer: Financial Advisors: (855) 498-1580 Shareholders: (844) 485-9167 NexPoint Media Relations: (972) 419-6272 SOURCE NexPoint Capital, Inc. The United States reported 36,880 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, the largest one-day total since the start of the pandemic and more than two months after the previous high. The number of infections indicated that the country was not only failing to contain the virus, but also that the caseload was worsening a path at odds with many other nations that have seen steady declines after an earlier peak. Cases in the United States had been on a downward trajectory after the previous high of 36,739 cases on April 24, but they have roared back in recent weeks. The resurgence is concentrated largely in the South and West. Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas reported their highest single-day totals on Wednesday, but case numbers have been rising in 29 states. The tally of new cases, based on a New York Times database, showed that the outbreak was stronger than ever. The elevated numbers are a result of worsening conditions across much of the country, as well as increased testing but testing alone does not explain the surge. The percentage of people in Florida who have tested positive for the virus has risen sharply. Increases in hospitalizations also signal the virus spread. Some states, including New York, which at one point had the most daily virus cases, have brought their numbers under control. Hoping to keep it that way, New York along with Connecticut and New Jersey said it would institute a quarantine for some out-of-state travelers. As of Wednesday, more than 2.3 million Americans have been infected and about 122,000 have died. Gov. Gavin Newsom of California said that his state had recorded more than 7,000 new cases over the previous day. In Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis gave no indication that the state would roll back its economic opening, but he urged residents to avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowds and close contact with others. DeSantis, a Republican, continued to attribute the rising infections, especially in cities, to younger people who have started to socialize in bars and homes, in spite of rules in many municipalities prohibiting group gatherings. He pressed older people to keep staying home as much as possible, and pleaded with young people to be responsible. You need to do your part and make sure that youre not spreading it to people who are going to be more at risk for this, he 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. Gov. Roy Cooper of North Carolina announced that the state would pause reopening for three weeks and require face masks. In Texas, more than 4,300 people with the virus are hospitalized, more than double the number at the beginning of June. The World Health Organization warned Wednesday that if the Americas were not able to stop the spread of the virus, there may be a need to impose or reimpose general lockdowns. It is very difficult to take the sting out of this pandemic unless we are able to successfully isolate cases and quarantine contacts, said Dr. Michael Ryan, the executive director of the WHO health emergencies program. In the absence of a capacity to do that, then the specter of further lockdowns cannot be excluded. He said that the growing number of coronavirus cases in the Americas had not peaked and that the region was likely to see sustained numbers of cases and deaths in the coming weeks. Brazil, Chile and Peru are among the countries with the highest caseloads. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. SAN FRANCISCO (dpa-AFX) - Telenor (TELNY.PK, TELN) and Cisco have signed the third iteration of the Joint Purpose Agreement between the companies to support critical infrastructure transitions. It outlines areas where they will strengthen focus together including security, 5G, Open vRAN, B2B expansion, distributed cloud. The companies also announced a new round of financing of the joint venture, Working Group Two or WG2. The new financing will be used to accelerate WG2's growth in Europe, North America and Asia, and to extend its solutions in 5G, IoT and private networks. WG2 will now be included in Cisco's General Price List and in Cisco's DevNet program. 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. It is "inevitable" that Ireland will see a resurgence of Covid-19, the Dail has been told. Professor Paddy Mallon, an infectious diseases expert, told Dail committee on the virus that as the country reopens and restrictions are relaxed, a second wave of the disease will happen. Professor Mallon told the committee that looking at the uptick in cases in the likes of Germany, the USA and Portugal, he felt it was a matter of when, not if, there are more cases. "Ireland is still within a geographical high-risk zone for Covid-19. I and others in the infectious diseases clinical community believe that it is inevitable that we will experience a resurgence of cases as we relax restrictions and permit more travel. "Despite the optimism in some quarters in recent weeks, we are still in the midst of a national health emergency and our citizens are no less at risk of severe illness and death if they contract Covid-19 infection now than they were back in March. Lessons learned from the first wave of Covid-19 need to be translated into actions and resources but we have a narrow window of opportunity. Professor Mallon said that the likelihood is that future restrictions would depend on the geographical spread of the virus. He told Fianna Fail health spokesman Stephen Donnelly that the resurgence of the virus could happen rapidly like it had done in Victoria, Australia. Professor Mallon told Mr Donnelly that testing at airports might not solve all of the issues of imported cases, but would "take positive cases out of the population". He said that the long incubation period of the virus meant that people would have to be tested daily. Professor Mallon told Mr Donnelly that temperature testing of healthcare workers would be useful only as part of a suite of measures. Professor Mallon said that the lessons learned must translate to a rapid testing and tracing regime. The Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE Dr Colm Henry told the committee that the capacity for carrying out 100,000 tests a week was in place, but due to a low rate of community transmission, the country was only carrying out 18,000 weekly. "We have retained the capability to ramp up considerably at short notice should we see in increase in the R-value or an increase in the number of positive tests or contacts." Anna Vakili and her sister Mandi returned to Hyde Park, London, on Wednesday after their vicious fight with a group of teenagers. The Love Island star, 29, and her influencer sibling, 28, were embroiled in an explosive altercation last month, with Anna pulling one girl's hair and Mandi kicking another out of 'self-defence.' Yet the sisters put the drama behind them as they returned to Hyde Park with a group of friends on Wednesday to enjoy a picnic during the heatwave. Back to it: Anna Vakili and her sister Mandi returned to Hyde Park, London, on Wednesday after their vicious fight with a group of teenagers Anna showcased her curves in a tiny pink crop top and matching hotpants which displayed her peachy posterior. The pharmacist turned reality star left her brunette locks loose and added a slick of glamorous make-up. Anna wore a matching ensemble to her sister Mandi, who opted for an orange crop top and hotpants. The sisters appeared in good spirits as they drank flutes of prosecco and posed for pictures together, which will no doubt be making an appearance on their Instagrams. Strike a pose: The Love Island star, 29, and her influencer sibling, 28, were embroiled in an explosive altercation last month, with Anna pulling one girl's hair and Mandi kicking another out of 'self-defence Brawl: Yet the sisters put the drama behind them as they returned to Hyde Park with a group of friends on Wednesday to enjoy a picnic during the heatwave (Anna, left, and Mandi, right, pictured during the fight) In May, Anna claimed she was set upon by a group of who 'threatened them with illegal weapons' in London's Hyde Park on Bank Holiday Monday. The Love Island star released a statement on Instagram, insisting she was forced to act in 'self-defence' after a 'drug-using' teenager 'swung' at her cousin Asal - a claim her family have firmly denied. In a video shared on social media, the TV personality can be seen dragging a young woman by her hair across the concrete, before her younger sister Mandi, 28, kicks her in the head following a heated exchange. The pharmacist kicked off her post by referring to abuse she's been met with online, stating: 'Since coming out of Love Island it's become my normal for people to shout abuse at me in the streets and I have learned to turn a blind eye and remove myself from the situation.' Soaking up the sun: Anna showcased her curves in a tiny pink crop top and matching hotpants which displayed her peachy posterior Peachy: The pharmacist turned reality star left her brunette locks loose and added a slick of glamorous make-up Sister, sister: Anna wore a matching ensemble to her sister Mandi, who opted for an orange crop top and hotpants Anna later said she, Mandi, her cousin and her boyfriend were approached by a group, who 'subjected them to continuous verbal abuse' and claimed they possessed a gun. The TV star added: 'Yesterday I was having a picnic in the park with my sister, boyfriend and cousin when we were subjected to continuous verbal abuse from a group who came near us who were doing drugs. 'Wanting to remove ourselves away from them we packed up to leave they came over swung at my cousin and threw her by her hair leaving her bleeding. Out of self defence we had to get them off of her and leave. 'There was a large group of them and not many of us. These are not 'innocent children' the guys with them kept shouting they have a gun, and they tried to steal my sisters phone. What drama? The sisters appeared in good spirits as they drank flutes of prosecco and posed for pictures together, which will no doubt be making an appearance on their Instagrams Altercation: In May, Anna claimed she was set upon by a group of who 'threatened them with illegal weapons' in London's Hyde Park on Bank Holiday Monday 'Self-defence': The Love Island star released a statement on Instagram, insisting she was forced to act in 'self-defence' after a 'drug-using' teenager 'swung' at her cousin Asal - a claim her family have firmly denied Claiming she's 'never had a physical fight ever', she added: 'The violent attack has been reported to the police.' 'If you watch the long video that's from far slowly. You will see they started attacking my cousin and swinging her on the floor by her hair. All these DMs and messages from people that weren't even there. 'Why would we randomly attack anyone ???? Use your brains. We were attacked verbally and physically first because they knew me. 'Everything we done was to protect ourselves and my cousin. Can't even enjoy a picnic in peace. Ive just had enough.' [sic] Chaos: In a video shared on social media, the TV personality can be seen dragging a young woman by her hair across the concrete, before her younger sister Mandi, 28, kicks her in the head following a heated exchange 'Abuse': The pharmacist kicked off her post by referring to abuse she's been met with online, stating: 'Since coming out of Love Island it's become my normal for people to shout abuse at me in the street.' Confrontation: Anna later said she, Mandi, her cousin and her boyfriend were approached by a group, who 'subjected them to continuous verbal abuse' and claimed they possessed a gun A representative for Anna told MailOnline: 'Anna and Mandi Vakili and others in their group were involved in an unprovoked violent and verbal attack on Monday in Hyde Park which included Mandi and their cousin being hit and punched and the group of attackers attempting to steal their belongings. 'The very serious matter is now being dealt with the police as they were threatened with illegal weapons during the attack.' The family of the teenager have since spoken out on social media, insisting the fight kicked off when Asal told the fans to 'shut up' after they recognised the reality star from the ITV2 dating series. Her cousin Nisrine said: 'Basically my cousin and sister went to Hyde Park, not far away from them were Anna and Mandi, the group of girls. No fighting! Claiming she's 'never had a physical fight ever', she added: 'The violent attack has been reported to the police.' She said: 'Why would we randomly attack anyone ???? Use your brains. We were attacked verbally and physically first because they knew me.' 'They were just chilling or what not, my sister's friend saw her, approached and said Eid Mubarak. You as a famous person, people will approach you, so she kept calling Anna. 'The Asa girl told her to shut up, my sister's friend walked off. My sister and cousin stayed by themselves. The Asal girl approached my sister and told her to shut up. 'My sister was confused, she thought do I even know you? What have I done to you? She said I'm going to punch you up.' Urging their fans to 'be aware of the people you look up to', she added: 'Obviously when someone comes to your face, you're going to defend herself. Asal kept saying I'm going to F you up. Statement: A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told MailOnline: 'We are aware of an allegation of assault in Hyde Park, on Monday, May 25, at approximately 20:00. We will attempt to contact the complainant to establish the circumstances.' 'Asal pushed her, then Anna and Mandi went rushing to my cousin and put her on the floor, Anna ripped her shirt open, Mandi kicked her. 'This could have been anyone's sister or cousin, we are not doing this for followers, people using them as a brand, what are you guys doing? These are the kind of influencers that you're shouting out. 'We just saw the message Anna posted, wallahi [I swear to God] she is the biggest liar. It was only my cousin and sister, there were no drugs, no guns, no nothing. She has the audacity to lie, we have the evidence. 'What drugs are you saying? If you want to talk about drugs, you do a drug test sunni. You got caught!' A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police told MailOnline: 'We are aware of an allegation of assault in Hyde Park, on Monday, May 25, at approximately 20:00. We will attempt to contact the complainant to establish the circumstances.' Just days later, Anna and her sister Mandi said a new video uploaded by a girl involved in their bank holiday fight, proves their innocence. Taking to Instagram, the siblings shared several clips from the teen, who threatens to shoot them, boasts about making them bleed and admits to taking drugs. The Chinese threat to India and Southeast Asia is one of the reasons the United States is reducing its troop presence in Europe, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday in response to a question at the Brussels Forum virtual conference. Pompeo was asked why the US had reduced the number of troops it has based in Germany. The US Secretary of State said that if US troops were no longer there, it was because they were being moved to face other places. The actions of the Chinese Communist Party meant there were threats to India and countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and the South China Sea. The US military is postured appropriately to meet these challenges of our time, he said. Also Read: India should assess Chinas actions, not words | HT Editorial Pompeo noted that the Trump administration had carried out a long overdue strategic posture review of the US military two years ago. The US had carried out a fundamental relook at the threats it faced and how it should allocate its resources, including intelligence and military and cyber. As part of this exercise, Pompeo said it was felt that the capacity to deter Russia or other adversaries wasnt determined any longer by having a bunch of folks garrisoned some place. We are going to make sure we are postured appropriately to counter the PLA (Peoples Liberation Army). We think that is the challenge of our time and we are going to make sure we have resources in place to do that: Mike Pompeo So we really went back to fundamentally relook at what is the nature of the conflict, what is the nature of the threat and how should we allocate our resources. Whether that is our resources in the intelligence community, our resources in the air force, the marines. our broad set of allocations of the security apparatus, he said. The decision that the President made with respect to Germany is an outcome of a collective set of decisions about how we are going to posture our resources around the world, he said, pointing that this would imply that there would be fewer American resources in some places. There will be other places - I just talked about the threat from the Chinese Communist Party - ... threats to India, threats to Vietnam, threats to Malaysia, Indonesia, South China Sea challenges, the Philippines. We are going to make sure we are postured appropriately to counter the PLA (Peoples Liberation Army). We think that is the challenge of our time and we are going to make sure we have resources in place to do that, he said. Earlier, he announced the formation of a US-European dialogue on China so that the Atlantic alliance could have a common understanding of the threat posed by China. Pompeo said the two sides needed a collective data set on Chinas action so the two could take action together. Also Read: India must build stronger deterrence to deal with Chinas Xi Jinping | Opinion Speaking about the Chinese threat, he cited the bloody border confrontation with India, Beijings South China Sea activity and its predatory economic policies as evidence. Asked whether Huawei was part of the Chinese surveillance state, Pompeo said Chinese security force personnel worked on the top floor of the company headquarters and Chinese law required Huawei to pass any data, including personal data, to the Chinese Communist Party whenever the latter asked. He said there was more evidence that he could not state in public. The day before the US foreign minister had tweeted: The tide is turning toward trusted 5G vendors and away from Huawei. The worlds leading telecom companies-Telefonica, Orange, Jio, Telstra, and many more-are becoming Clean Telcos. They are rejecting doing business with tools of the CCP surveillance state, like Huawei. Nua, in association with 'Dolans Presents' have announced that Paddy Dennehy and Toucan will feature as the second in a series of live streaming gigs to be broadcast from the Dolans venue on this Saturday, June 27. The first live broadcast which was streamed last Saturday night from Dolans is available to view here: Nua is a series of live music performances which are streamed online produced by a team of Limerick-based multidisciplinary artists, professionals and creatives. The inaugural gig which took place last week featuring Paddy Mulcahy and Windings was received to critical acclaim. The Nua concept was the brainchild of both Ben McMahon and Liam Marley who work as production managers for Dolan Presents. We knew that we will be waiting some time for live gigs to return. We had an option to wait at home or to try being a bit innovative by turning the new normal into a creative opportunity, Mc Mahon says . At first we saw the idea as an experiment to see if there was value in it. We knew we had the right connections with those who had the creative ability to pull off such an idea, he says. McMahon stresses the importance of production values when it comes to the Nua project. We have placed a huge emphasis on putting a team together who know what they are doing. Sound and vision quality has got to be top of the agenda. If not done correctly our brand would look poor. Getting it right from the beginning was key, McMahon adds. The initial Nua team included a host of Limerick talent including sound engineers, broadcast mixers, lighting designers and filmmakers. Names like Dave OBrien, Michael OBrien, Shane Serrano and Ciaran Culhane all played their part in the initial stages with the production team now up to 14 people. These are guys who are normally booked solid. Getting them together was a real coup for us, Ben says. To work as a team and see the project come to fruition last Saturday night was very rewarding. We knew the effort was worth it. The Nua project is once again giving artists and production professionals the opportunity to use their talents at a time when their world has come to a standstill. Viewers are invited to make contributions should they wish. We are giving musicians an opportunity to gig. We are setting a standard and also creating a potential income stream. Most importantly we are reminding viewers of what existed before and what will, in time, come back. We want the Nua project to instill a sense of hope and excitement about returning to see a live gig in the future, Mc Mahon says. The Nua team acknowledge the reality that a live gig can never be replicated on screen. What they are attempting to do is mirror the atmosphere of the gig experience through a live streaming format. The Nua production values are fed from a need to create something new and different for the viewer. Even after only one gig they are already bouncing new ideas off each other. The team have even discussed the ambitious idea of growing the project to incorporate multiple cities. Last weeks broadcast opened our eyes to possibilities, McMahon says. We saw the challenges; we recognised where we needed to improve and learned the possibilities that exist as we move into the next gig. Working with both Windings and Paddy Mulcahy gave us a very strong start. This weekend we are featuring Paddy Dennehy and Toucan. With different bands and different music styles will come different production values. That diversity is what is making this project so exciting. The cost of producing something like this is not small. Apart from the performers themselves, each Nua broadcast requires a production team that wouldnt be far off that required for the production of an actual music video. We broadcast live and hope that people recognise the value of what they are getting. We hope they feel that they want to donate something toward the production. Last week was a tester but people responded. We put last weeks production together in just under a week and yet the response was phenomenal. They liked what they got and many were willing to contribute. We just hope that we can continue to deliver. You've no doubt heard that the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued a decision dismissing Michael Flynn's case. Judge Neomi Rao used impressively accessible prose in the decision, but it's still written in legal language. This post simplifies her argument even further. Here's the vital point: Rao, a Trump appointee, and Judge Karen L. Henderson, a Bush appointee, ruled in Flynn's favor and ordered that Judge Emmet Sullivan stop trying to keep the Flynn prosecution alive. Judge Robert L. Wilkins, an Obama appointee, dissented. The decision is not yet final. Wilkins, or another judge on the appellate court, may still ask for the entire court to review the matter. This possibility explains why, in the decision itself, Rao takes the time to write a brutal takedown of Wilkins's silly reasoning. Rao recited the necessary background facts: as information came out showing that the FBI and the DOJ railroaded him, Flynn moved to have his guilty plea reversed and the case dismissed. The DOJ then reviewed the case and concluded that the newly revealed facts, combined with the FBI's misconduct, undermined its case, justifying its own motion for dismissal. Even if Flynn had made false statements, the DOJ concluded, those statements did not justify a case against him. Moreover, the government would receive no benefit from prosecuting Flynn. When the government moved to dismiss, though, Judge Sullivan hired an outside attorney to craft an argument that would justify keeping the case alive. Having established the operative facts, Rao explained the controlling law. Under Rule 48, although the prosecution must ask the court for permission to dismiss a case, the court has almost no say in the matter. It may deny the motion only to protect the defendant from a prosecution that is toying with him. That is not the case here. Absent that special circumstance, the separation of powers doctrine means that the Executive Branch (and the DOJ is part of that branch) has the exclusive right to decide if a case is worth pursuing. Moreover, the court must presume that the prosecution is making trustworthy, normal decisions about dismissal. The court has no authority to announce, as Judge Sullivan did, that it will hold hearings, complete with outside counsel, to determine whether the prosecution made the right decision. Rao also rejected the argument that the emergency petition was premature. Sullivan wanted to let the matter play out and had already scheduled briefs and oral argument, and he even seemed to contemplate an evidentiary hearing. Only after all that, said Sullivan, if he then ruled against Flynn, would an ordinary appeal be appropriate. In the interim, all that Flynn would lose would be time, and that did not justify emergency relief. Sullivan was wrong, said Rao. The emergency petition was the only way to proceed because there was a risk of irreparable harm not to Flynn, but to the federal government itself. The moment a member of the Judicial Branch wrongly tries to insert himself into a matter over which only the Executive Branch has authority, he has committed irreparable harm to the balance of powers under our constitutional system. For all those reasons, the court ruled that Sullivan must grant the government's motion to dismiss without any further ado. The court stopped short of dismissing Sullivan from the case entirely. Flynn had argued that Sullivan's statements about Flynn (at one point accusing him of treason) showed that he was so biased that he could not be trusted with the case anymore. The court held, however, that judges can say nasty things about a defendant or his attorney without being forced off a case. Having disposed of the petition, Judge Rao brutally attacked Judge Wilkins's dissent. First, Wilkins challenged without facts or argument the presumption that the prosecutor is acting in the ordinary course of business. Instead, he argued that the prosecution's decision to reverse course was proof that it was acting abnormally. Rao pointed out that when a government moves to dismiss a case, it's always reversing course, so that fact proves nothing. Second, Wilkins argued that the controlling decision Fokker Services stated the applicable legal principles as "dicta" (meaning mere comments, without legal weight), leaving his panel free to disregard Fokker's holding. Rao reminded Wilkins that the facts in Fokker put the lie to that argument. Third, Wilkins contended that, by following Fokker, the court was creating two separate opinion tracks in federal appellate courts. Rao pushed back by saying it was Fokker that had created this split. Rao then reiterated that there is no precedent anywhere for Sullivan's efforts to conduct a mini-trial examining the prosecution's decision to dismiss Flynn. Once the prosecution wanted to end the case, and there was no evidence a dismissal would harm Flynn, Sullivan's job was over. Fourth, Wilkins was upset that he could not find an identical case in which the court had granted identical relief. Rao rightly pointed out that this is not how the court works. Indeed, Sullivan's behavior was so "novel" that it begged for emergency intervention. Fifth, Wilkins echoed Sullivan's argument that the petition was premature and that Sullivan should have had a chance to decide the motion after a mini-trial before Flynn brought the matter up on a regular appeal. Rao noted that Sullivan had already done so many actions outside the scope of his authority (e.g., hiring counsel to oppose Flynn, scheduling hearing) that he needed to be stopped immediately. Sixth, Wilkins argued that, because Flynn, not the government, filed the urgent petition, the court could not use harm to the government as the standard for granting the petition. Rao stated that the government is not just any old party. The separation of power is at issue here, and that is always urgent. And seventh, Rao savaged a silly procedural claim that saw Wilkins try to analogize the motion to dismiss to the ban on the government's "selectively prosecuting" someone. That ban does not prevent the government from dismissing a specific person without first requiring excessive judicial oversight. Rao's is a tightly reasoned decision, and it would take a brave en banc panel to attack it. 20-5143-1848728 by Scott Johnson on Scribd Welp. I knew he was suspect when he decided to cast Johnny Depp in his new movie. This is awful. So brave of the women to come forward though. Edited at 2020-06-25 03:44 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link He didn't exactly decide to cast Depp. The producers had something to do with it. Depp threw a lot of money at them and became an executive producer. The role was originally smaller, but once he added to the financing, the part got bigger. The accusations are stomach-churning. He sounds so creepy and relentless. Edited at 2020-06-25 05:19 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link That explains a lot. Still, a cringeworthy decision no matter who's responsible for it Reply Parent Thread Link I've never met a director who at least didn't have a say in the casting process, and as it seems he's using Depps name during the assaults to upper his clout I'm sure he wasn't opposed to the casting. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link die challenge Reply Thread Link Que hijo de puta. Reply Thread Link This is honestly disappointing because he is the best director in Colombia and his work gets praise and he works with indigenous people , thing that most people here don't do, so I liked him a lot for that He is an absolute piece of shit and I hope he [redacted] Reply Thread Link Pretty much subjective, but the fact that he's gotten the most international recognition doesn't mean he's the best Colombian director. Reply Parent Thread Link Well, yeah, but honestly I barely watch movies so my knowledge about directors is pretty low lol For me the best Colombian movie is "la estrategia del caracol" but Sergio Cabrera hasn't made movies in a long time Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah I read some cool interviews he and his ex/co-director did with Birds of Passage and they talked about how important it was to get indigenous crew as well to pass on skills so they would be able to tell their own stories. But this is absolutely vile and each story only seems to confirm his predatory pattern. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link This is what happens when the film and TV """industry""" of a country is a closed masturbatory circle made up of less than 100 people (mostly men) who decide if you're worthy of their attention, the only way to get financing for your project is through government funds where the same 100 people serve as judges, and you're taught, even before you manage to get inside, that everything is about who you know and how many contacts already in the business you have. Probably the same in other countries, but when everyone (both already established and emerging filmmakers) is fighting each other for the same crumbs of money, it feels really brutal. Such an environment is a perfect place for monsters like this to act. I'd be surprised if he was the only one. Reply Thread Link He does look like a sweaty creepy. Those women are really brave for coming forward. Reply Thread Link yes, he gives me angry incel vibes, in this case, a man with power who doesn't know how to interact with women and thinks that assault is consent. Reply Parent Thread Link He probably assaulted numerous Indigenous women and silenced them by hanging the fact that he was one of the few filmmakers to give ppl in their communities opportunities. this is how gatekeeping creates the circumstances for ppl to be abuse en mass Reply Thread Link And since I keep missing roundup post, my ex was the one who gave me my old screen name, evilgmbethy, and he has been horribly, horribly implicated in Pro Wrestling's I don't think I'd trust any famous man ever. Not that any man in particular is incredibly trustworthy, but a man with some clout? Ugh. they think they're gods. My ex was a nobody, but he had a blue checkmark and some access and he got away with so much. I shudder to think what kind of explosion would occur if we got deeply into Hollywood, or even worse, into professional sports like football, basketball, baseball, soccer. From what I've heard about my ex, the men in were essentially competitive in how degrading and disgusting they could be. I've been having real dark thoughts, man. Like why didn't I just snap and kill him when he made me mad back when we were dating. I'd have spared so many women so much suffering and my life ended up being a nightmare of chronic illness anyway. If it was gonna be a wasted life, maybe I could have prevented some of his monstrosities. anyway, hating every man but my dog rn, and poor bb is sick Sigh. I hope they get some justice. It seems like there's been another rash of allegations in a lot of industries.And since I keep missing roundup post, my ex was the one who gave me my old screen name, evilgmbethy, and he has been horribly, horribly implicated in Pro Wrestling's #SpeakingOut (their version of #MeToo ) movement, and so not wanting any part of him on me, I got a rename token and changed it to a lyric from one of my favorite bands. I've talked to a lot of his survivors and it's been a harrowing weekend. He escalated from the emotional abuse he did with me to much much worse when he had a taste of fame with these other women.I don't think I'd trust any famous man ever. Not that any man in particular is incredibly trustworthy, but a man with some clout? Ugh. they think they're gods. My ex was a nobody, but he had a blue checkmark and some access and he got away with so much. I shudder to think what kind of explosion would occur if we got deeply into Hollywood, or even worse, into professional sports like football, basketball, baseball, soccer. From what I've heard about my ex, the men in were essentially competitive in how degrading and disgusting they could be. I've been having real dark thoughts, man. Like why didn't I just snap and kill him when he made me mad back when we were dating. I'd have spared so many women so much suffering and my life ended up being a nightmare of chronic illness anyway. If it was gonna be a wasted life, maybe I could have prevented some of his monstrosities.anyway, hating every man but my dog rn, and poor bb is sick Reply Thread Link I'm really sorry, that's so much for you to process. I hope you are taking breaks (as much as you can) when you need them. Coping with this will be a marathon, not a sprint, so don't push yourself to absorb too much at once. My ex was abusive to me and then abusive to other people. I always feel responsible for his continued predatory behavior...but I also know I can't control his choices. I'm sorry your dog is sick- I hope it's something treatable! Reply Parent Thread Link doggie just has bad allergies and scratched himself into an infected hot spot, he'll be fine, but I was freaking out for a while, thanks. it's so hard not to feel responsible. I did a podcast to tell my story and just, I guess, to tell all these women that I believe them, that this pattern of behavior began long because he got "famous" on the internet, and because my roommate does a wrestling podcast so it was convenient. The flood of stories that came to me... it's like I was the test case for all the awful and depraved things he wanted to do, and escalated and escalated and he ALWAYS had a girlfriend on the back burner, waiting and ready to get with literally the next day after the last one finally got sick of his shit. I'm dealing with probably my lowest point health wise because my neurosurgeon botched a spinal tap and now I have to figure out how to deal with possible malpractice and between the dog being sick it's all coming at the WORST time, but like, all these amazing women feel like my priority now. They're all so wonderful, every one that I've talked to. They're so bright and lovely and they didn't deserve this. I don't feel sorry for myself or what happened to me, I got over that so long ago. But I'm going crazy over what he did to others. I'm worried for his current girlfriend. You know? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I'm so sorry that you were in such a shit situation and his repercussions keep coming back to you. Please don't take his actions onto your psyche. His actions are his alone. You can't stop a predator. All you can do is protect yourself. Even if you had found a way to prosecute his deplorability, there's a chance it would have flipped onto you and breaking you down more. You have value, just like his other victims. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link All men? Yes, always. Reply Thread Link I saw him trendinh yesterday, ugh. Reply Thread Link Ugh, this is very disappointing. Haven't seen his other films, but I really loved Birds of Passage. Why are men..... Reply Thread Link It is an undeniable fact that the Point Of Sale System has boosted the revenue market for many retailers and business persons. Also, it will not be wrong to say that the POS system did intact the transaction system of businesses and retail stores and was a blissful touch to the retailers who were once tangled up in tedious cash registers and manual inventories. But nothing in this world would suffice to be flawless enough to be overlooked of the hardships it causes to others. All coins possess dual faces, and so does the free POS software Australia. Let us illustrate how: POS System: A Walk To Determine Pros And Cons A point of sale system is a key component for retailers in today's generation. It boosts revenue, simplified paperwork, provides an overview of the stock, and augments customer satisfaction through various extended services. However, all these features stand to nothing if the user has no absolute value or required skills for their practical application. Let's face it, not all the people involved in business would be tech-savvy enough to get a hold on the POS software, let alone the thought of churning up its advantages. The people involved in business and retail are thorough with what kind of product they need to commercialize and what kind of services they need to offer. But they are surely not confident in what sort of POS software they need to invest in. Because that is an entirely different field, and not everyone possesses a thorough digital and technical knowledge to get through software issues and its mismatch to the hardware. Studies claim that the deployment of POS Software would raise the rates of employee productivity, bring up the cost savings, and simplify the customer documentaries and inventories, which could help the retailers to determine loyal customers. This sure does look like an instant bliss, but not all the things function foolproof as they claim they could. Although POS I'd a great revolution to the realm of business and retail, it is, however, not for all companies and retailers. And its use at places where it could not be adequately handled leads to agitations and frustrations, here's a list of common consumer frustrations that is likely to arise during the application of POS software. The Recording of Information Automatically From Manual Bookkeeping Is A Big Shift The switch to the POS software recording from manual record-keeping could be overwhelming and intricating. Employees who were thoroughly inhabitant to manual bookkeeping find it hard to type on the information on a computer screen. Also, to people who were used to long hours of writing, the long hours of typing seem to be a different sort of herculean task. Moreover, to sit across a chair staring at the screen could be strainful to the eyes. Also, the procedures of manual keeping are a tad bit different from the processes of automatic keeping. Although the automation record-keeping systems are believed to have augmented productivity rates and lessen the work, to people who do not have a proper hold onto those things, this automation task is neither productive nor easy. Also, the automatic credentials tend to ask for irrelevant information that could be avoided in manual bookkeeping but couldn't now. Moreover, the useless information the electronic POS software demands lead to no proper advantages. POS Software Tends To Return Reports That Reek Of Inaccuracies One of the many benefits of the POS software system includes the reporting feature. The reporting feature lets the business persons and retailers achieve a report that represents their business sales and analyses their business performance so far. These reports tend to juxtapose your monthly, annually, or even weekly business sales. This thereby provides an idea of how your business is running; this also helps to determine which of your ideas led to higher sales and which ones collapsed right down the abyss running your business sales. This concept is a highly acclaimed business concept as it lets you determine where you went wrong or which step you took that landed you where you are. However, there are times that these reports are not affixed to positive and accurate results. They tend to mix up some results that lead to a lethal consequence in the business regime. Because one wrong step could blow up your entire sales. Business steps and reports are sensitive and do not contain any room for errors and inconsistencies. These errors could be a result of errors in software implementation or the lack of software maturity that unbalances the system of data handling. The Procedure Of Tracking Data Could Be Difficult and Complex The system of recording customer data and sales data automatically on a POS system could be a complicated process for newbies and novices of the technology industry. But this very data recording and data handling were one of the reasons retailers switched from manual entries to automatic record-keeping as the POS software allows smooth storage of records in worksheets and planned entries. But the simplicity of the process of storing data in automated POS software should not be confused with the tracking of data in the POS software as that could be technical and tiresome. The tracking of data is disturbed by inaccurate analytics that upset the business. These issues could be grounded from the technical requirements of software due to improper feeding of data or incompatible software and hardware or POS solutions that are not suitably customized to match some regular changes in data that might come up through discounts, coupons or any other offers. However, these issues are subject to corrections. You could simply contact the IT consultants who would assist you in solving problems and also ask them to fix any problems that cause inconvenience and data inconsistencies. Maintenance Cost This is a prevalent dysfunction that goes around in the POS software. The cost of maintenance is too high for retailers to handle, because even after a year subscription of the software, the retailers and business persons have to pay extra for any IT consultancy regarding software issues. Multiple Israeli Air Attacks Hit Wide Range Of Targets In Syria Radio Farda June 24, 2020 A fresh wave of Israeli attacks hit a wide range of targets in southern, central and eastern Syria, the Syrian army, observers and intelligence sources told news agencies. The Syrian army said Israeli jets hit an army outpost in Hama province only hours after missiles struck other military installations in the eastern Deir al Zor province along the border with Iraq and in southern Syria near the border with Jordan. Earlier an army statement said several attacks occurred simultaneously, one at a military outpost in Kabajib, east of Deir Zor province and in the vicinity of the town of Sukhna in the nearby eastern desert. The targets reported hit are in zones in eastern and southern Syria which Israel had attacked in recent months and which are believed to have a strong presence of Iranian-backed militias. The head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), Rami Abdel Rahman, told dpa, "the attack was an Israeli aerial attack" that also targeted Iranian-backed militia posts in the countryside of Sweida. In a later statement, the SOHR said Syrian forces and Iran-backed militias were bombed by what appeared to be Israeli aircraft in the countryside of the north-western Hama province. Violent explosions were heard at a military post, a cultural center and a feed factory, and casualties were reported, the Observatory said. A senior Syrian military defector and a regional intelligence source told reuters an Iranian arms depot near the city of Salamiya was set on fire after it was repeatedly bombed while a command center in the town of Sabura run by Iranian militias was also severely damaged. So far there have been no comments by the Israeli military. Reuters says that according to "regional intelligence sources" Israel's strikes on Syria are part of a shadow war approved by Washington and part of the anti-Iran policy that has targeted Iran's extensive military presence in Syria without triggering a major increase in hostilities. Israel has acknowledged conducting many raids inside Syria, especially in the past three years. Israeli defense officials have said in recent weeks Israel would step up its campaign against Iran in Syria. Reporting by Reuters, dpa Source: https://en.radiofarda.com/a/multiple -israeli-air-attacks-hit-wide-range- of-targets-in-syria/30687808.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 big picture: After years of pondering about the issue, US government officials have recommended the installation of an undersea Internet cable between the US and Hong Kong be stopped before it even starts. The main concern is that China could tap into the resulting hub to aid its espionage efforts, which has the FCC carefully examining the project application. The average Internet user is likely unaware of the vast infrastructure that makes up the Internet and how it relies on more than 400 undersea cables to connect you to the rest of the world. But when private companies team up to build one that connects to China, things start heating up. Back in 2016, Facebook entered a partnership with Google, China Soft Power Technology subsidiary Pacific Light Data Communication Co., and TE SubCo to link Los Angeles and Hong Kong with a cable that would stretch for 12,800 km (nearly 8,000 miles). Designed to have an estimated capacity of 120 Tbps, this would become the fastest Trans-Pacific highway for Internet communications. Last year, the rumor mill was abuzz with indications that the US government could soon block the project on grounds of national security interests. More recently, that has become the official standpoint of a panel of top level US government officials called the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the US Telecommunications Services Sector, also known as Team Telecom. The DOJ says the undersea cable is a risky proposition that offers the Chinese government an excellent opportunity to conduct more espionage, since the likelihood of US Internet data passing through the new hub even if China isn't the final destination would be relatively high. In the filing sent to the FCC, Team Telecom argues that it's against US national security interests to approve the construction of cables that "land directly in Chinese territory, where the government of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) has demonstrated the intent to acquire the US persons data to harm US national security." That said, the Taiwan component of the new cable has been approved for deployment under a temporary, six-month agreement with Facebook and Google, who had to pause the Hong Kong component for the time being. Masthead credit: Michael Dziedzic Amid analogies about his trademark aloe ferox and a hippo's gaping jaws, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni delivered a bleak supplementary budget that was a little light on detail on how the government about how it expects to actively raise revenue and reduce expenditure to address the significant debt and revenue shortfall challenges the fiscus faces. Finance Minister Tito Mboweni The economic landscape Revenue collection collapse Borrowing and indebtedness State-owned enterprises Unemployment There was mention of raising about $7bn that Treasury would borrow from international funders, but the minister did not provide details about what we would be doing differently to repay that debt. In fact, there were no real announcements about tax increases, notable expenditure decreases, or commentary about the handling of state-owned entities (SOEs), which was surprising, says Mike Teuchert, national head of taxation at Mazars.There was never any intention to revisit taxation measures in this budget. Its purpose was to reallocate spending to fight the pandemic. The issue of tax changes will have to be revisited in the 2021 budget. However, the reality that there is little scope to increase revenues remains. The only way to increase revenues is to grow the economy, says Sandy McGregor, portfolio manager at Allan Gray.The economy is expected to contract by 7.2% this year, and while this represents the worst performance in 90 years, it is roughly in line with the markets expectation. Economic growth is likely to return next year, with 2.6% in 2021 and 1.5% in 2022, which are realistic forecasts but still too weak to address many of the structural issues.The budget deficit, at close to 16% of gross domestic product (GDP), is slightly more than the 14% that the market was projecting. However, this compares to the 7% contained in the February 2020 budget, which provides an idea of the extent of the deterioration in revenue while expenses remain heightened.The debt-to-GDP ratio for this year will be close to 82%, ahead of market expectations of around 76% and the 60% in the February budget.The virus response has added some R145bn government spending. However, through reprioritisation, Treasury has managed to shift about R100bn in spending from other departments.Even with the counter-cyclical fiscal and monetary measures implemented, including the R500bn Covid-19 support package, rate cuts and easing of financial conditions, our position remains tenuous, says Reza Hendrickse, portfolio manager at PPS InvestmentsThis supplementary budget made it clear that public finances are currently overstretched and that over the coming months, government will need to detail far-reaching reforms. Reprioritising expenditure is however not sufficient to tackle the current situation, and greater action is needed in order to curtail spending. Unfortunately, we continue to face the conundrum of needing to stimulate growth in the face of austerity. And unfortunately, we can expect to see some tax increases in the forthcoming medium-term expenditure framework, he says.The glaring issue currently is that revenue collection has collapsed. Tax collections are likely to miss this years target by R300bn, leading to the consolidated budget deficit reaching 15.7% of GDP for the 2020/21 year. This is more than double the forecast from February.Personal income tax receipts are down. With many small businesses shutting down, large organisations retrenching people and many employers unable to pay salaries in the wake of Covid-19, personal income tax revenues will be under pressure for a while yet. Despite the speculation about a wealth tax or higher taxes for high income earners, these options would have been complex to implement in the middle of a tax year. Its not surprising that we did not hear anything about this from the minister for that reason. However, tax increases are necessary to stabilise debt, and we are likely to see an increase in personal income taxes announced in the February 2021 budget speech, says Yolandi Esterhuizen, registered tax practitioner & compliance manager, Sage Africa & Middle East.In the February budget speech, the minister said government was planning to broaden the corporate income tax base and use the additional revenue to reduce the corporate tax rate. Todays speech confirmed that these measures (restricting net interest expense deductions, and limiting the use of assessed losses carried forward) will be postponed to at least 1 January 2022. This means businesses will need to wait for relief from a lower corporate income tax. During this time, where businesses need relief more than ever, this is a pity, she says.Over the medium term, there will have to be an increase in tax revenue. Government is looking for some R40bn over the next four years. In part, this will come from stimulating the economy, which will obviously lead to increased revenue. But there are also likely to be some tax changes that will take place, which will be on the cards for Octobers Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement and the February 2021 budget, says Maarten Ackerman, chief economist and advisory partner, Citadel.Unfortunately, we are likely to undershoot our revenue target this year by about R304bn, which will need to be funded. Borrowing requirements are increasing rapidly to cover the shortfall, which now stands at R780bn, compared to about R340bn in the February budget, Ackerman says.National Treasury now expects government borrowing to be close to 81.8% of gross domestic product this year, eclipsing the previous 65.6% forecast. Borrowing will be supplemented by $7bn, which the government intends to borrow from multilateral finance institutions, including $1bn from the New Development Bank and $4.2bn from the International Monetary Fund.Mboweni made the point that for every one rand spent, 21 cents is used servicing debt, which is not sustainable. Contextualising our level of indebtedness, he commented on the reality of countries facing sovereign debt crises, once borrowing reaches unsustainable levels. He also made reference to examples such as Argentina, Zimbabwe, Greece and Germany in the 1920s, which faced these challenges, but stated the intention to avoid this path.Although our debt levels are not extreme by developed market standards, the unfortunate reality is that South Africas funding rate is around a 4% real rate, compared to some developed markets which are able to borrow at a real rate of zero or less. This amplifies the drain on resources significantly compared to developed markets. Putting a positive spin on the current situation, the government boldly expects debt to stabilise going forward, at 87.4% of GDP in 2023/24, and intends to narrow the deficit, and target a primary surplus, says Hendrikse.Not much detail was offered on tackling the troubled state-owned enterprises (SOEs) or how the public sector wage bill will be addressed, but the governor stated R3bn would be channelled into Land Bank in order to help recapitalise the institution, given its importance.Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu is also in talks with labour movements about public sector wages to find a balanced way forward.Reforms will focus on rationalisation, reducing the number of and merging some of the SOEs together, equity partnerships (which is very positive), and stronger policy certainty. And any transfer from the fiscus will be strictly conditional on improving their balance sheets.The minister made the point that in zero-base budgeting and in trying to reach a surplus position, it will require enormous discipline and cutting all expenditure that we cant afford. He said were not as rich as we were 10 years ago, so hopefully the reality is sinking in for government in general that we simply cannot continue to spend the way we have done. Unfortunately, he provided no further details on this, referring to the medium-term policy statement for more, Ackerman says.Unemployment remains one of South Africas biggest challenges. The emergency budget speech mentioned that the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention and the repurposed public employment programme will be rolled out over the medium term and that an additional R19.6bn has been set aside for this purpose. "I did hope to hear about a possible extension for the TERS (temporary employer/employee relief scheme) since many small companies are struggling, even if the lockdown has been eased somewhat," Esterhuizen says. A group of schoolboys accused of bashing a young man at a Perth train station so severely he was placed in an induced coma have had their charges downgraded. Police allege the five Churchlands Senior High School students assaulted and robbed 20-year-old Matthew Henson at Stirling Train Station on February 13. Matthew Henson was bashed and robbed by the students in February. Mr Henson suffered severe head injuries and was placed in an induced coma for more than a week at Royal Perth Hospitals intensive care unit before being transferred to Fiona Stanley Hospital for rehabilitation. Police allege one of the teenagers attacked Mr Henson from behind, fly-kicking him in the back before he fell to the ground. ANN ARBOR, MI Ann Arbor Public Schools voted Wednesday night to give Superintendent Jeanice Swift a new five-year contract through 2025. AAPS spokesperson Andrew Cluley said the contract was approved, 6-1, with the only vote in opposition coming from Jeff Gaynor, who said he voted against the contract because the whole process was out of the public view. In a statement, Swift said she appreciates the support of the Board of Trustees and looks forward to continuing the districts work. We are committed to continue to innovate, learn and grow together through these current challenges to achieve our critical mission to serve every child, every day, Swift said. The Ann Arbor Public Schools will continue to serve as a top-quality public school district, long known for excellence in education across Michigan and around the world. Swift is one of the longest-serving superintendents the Ann Arbor district has had since 1992, arriving in the district in 2013. She moved to Ann Arbor from Colorado Springs, where she had been an assistant superintendent. Swift led the district through a $1 billion bond campaign that won approval from voters in November 2019 as the states largest capital bond proposal in 25 years. Gaynor said the process for negotiating Swifts contract was not disclosed to the public, even though the public knew the district was negotiating contracts with teachers, paraprofessionals and other working groups. Its not a statement on Swifts qualifications. She works incredibly hard and the total compensation package is on par with other superintendents of this size of a district, Gaynor said. Trustee Simone Lightfoot said Swift has been beyond a yeoman for what she has provided the district. Youve went on to win amazing awards at the state level and the national level, and now youre leading us through this pandemic in a way that I know will be a model to others for the way in which we do things, Lightfoot said. I look forward to doing anything I can to continue to support your service in this district. Here are some of the terms of the new contract: Swift will be paid a base salary of $220,000 beginning July 1 and will be eligible for a 1.5% annual increase in base salary, unless there are major reductions in local, state or federal revenues, or an unforeseen financial crisis adversely affecting school funding. The new contract includes an automatic extension for a period of one year every July 1, unless the Board of Education or Swift gives written notice of a desire not to extend the contract, 90 days or more prior to the extension date. The contract also stipulates the Board of Education make annual payments of $10,000 to Swift by June 30 of each contract year if she remains with the district for that contract year. Swift would not be entitled to payment if she voluntarily terminates her employment preceding the June 30 date or if she is terminated with cause. The new contract also includes a $10,000 annual contribution to an annuity at the completion of each contract year. Fringe benefits in the contract include health, dental, and vision benefits given to other cabinet-level administrators. Swift also is provided disability, pension and the full premium for life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment at a maximum of $100,000. Swift will be permitted to use up to 30 days of vacation per contract year. She is entitled to payment for any unused vacation days remaining in her accrued vacation account based on her salary at the time of her termination under the proposed contract. Vacation days earned and not used by Swift at the end of each year may be deducted from her vacation account and paid out to Swift based on her salary at time of payment. The district will also pay for Swifts cellphone and computer expenses, as well as a $400 monthly car allowance to cover all expenses associated with travel within Washtenaw County under the new contract. Swifts reasonable travel expenses, including mileage, commercial carrier travel expenses, meals and lodging also would be paid by the district when traveling outside Washtenaw County on school business. Should the Board of Education opt to terminate Swift prior to the expiration of the contract without cause, Swift would be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to 18 months salary at the rate being paid at the time of termination. Swift has garnered interest from other school districts in recent years. She was named a finalist for the Seattle Public Schools superintendent position in 2018. In April 2019, Swift was one of two finalists for Michigans state superintendent position, which went to Kalamazoo Public Schools Superintendent Michael Rice. Swifts performance as superintendent received high marks in her most recent evaluation for 2019-20, scoring a 3.65 on a 4-point scale, earning a score of 91%, or highly effective. The political wing of the UDA has said those injured while carrying out attacks during the Troubles can't claim to be a victim and should not apply for a pension. It comes amid a political row over the opening of a pension scheme for those injured during the Troubles. Stormont and the UK Government are at odds over who foots the 100m-plus bill for the scheme which was to open last month. Sinn Fein has also refused to nominate a department to administer the scheme. And, in a further twist, funding for free school meals over the summer for vulnerable children has been held up over the disagreements around the Executive table on the pension matter. Sinn Fein argues that the guidelines discriminate against a large number of people who have any type of conviction. Read More The UPRG, the political wing of the UDA, outlined its position in a statement. It reiterated its "abject and true remorse" to "completely innocent victims" for their suffering. It said the purpose of the scheme was to acknowledge those harmed or injured during the Troubles and to promote reconciliation. And highlighted the guidelines did not preclude anyone from applying to the scheme. It said: "The current furore around the scheme is one created by Sinn Fein who would seek to conflate and confuse people around the notion of what constitutes a victim. "We are very clear about this. Anyone who planted a bomb, shot and attacked security services or members of the public, and who in that process of committing those acts were injured, cannot claim to be a victim. "This is clear in a moral sense and we would submit it to be clear in a legal sense. "All delays in delivering pensions to victims is a further insult and adds to their suffering. The statement adds: "To further delay the pension scheme is an attempt by Sinn Fein to re-write history and in some way justify the IRA murder campaign which is outrageous and deeply offensive." MPs passed legislation last year to establish the scheme which had been due to open to applications on May 29. Payments, of between 2,000 to 10,000-a-year depending on the severity of the injury were to be paid out to those victims of the Troubles. On Wednesday the Commissioner for Victims Judith Thompson called for an end to the delay in the scheme. Appearing at the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee yesterday, Ms Thompson said she accepts the political decision that people injured at their own hand should be excluded from a Troubles Pension. She described the long-running debate around the issue as unlikely to reach a helpful conclusion. Sinn Fein has been approached for comment. New Delhi, June 25 : The National Green Tribunal on Thursday imposed a heavy fine of Rs 25 crore on Oil India Ltd for causing damage to the environment, humans and wildlife, over its failure to stop the fire at its oil well in Assam's Baghjan. Enormous volume of inflammable natural gas which was releasing from the Baghjan-5 oil well since May 27 caught fire on June 9, thus claiming lives of two fire-fighters. Baghjan is one of the 23 oil wells set up by OIL to tap the large gas reserves in the Brahmaputra basin and located near the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park. A bench comprising Justice S.P. Wangdi and expert member Siddhanta Das pulled up the company and said: "We direct the OIL to deposit an initial amount of Rs 25 Crores with the District Magistrate, Tinsukia District, Assam and abide by further orders of the Tribunal." The tribunal also constituted an eight-member committee headed by former high court judge B.P. Katakey to look into the matter and submit a report in 30 days. The committee has been asked to probe the cause of the gas and oil leak, extent of loss and damage caused to human life, wildlife, environment, damage and health hazards caused to the public and whether any contamination has been caused to water, air and soil of the area of the oil well and its vicinity. The blow-out left behind mixture of chemical compounds that are toxic for land and vegetation. It is not only hazardous to the health of the people but also severely affects their livelihood, mainly agriculture, fishing, and animal rearing. The plea filed by activist Bonani Kakkar pointed fingers at the failure of the OIL authorities in preventing the blowout, resulting in a massive fire causing irreparable loss to the entire biodiversity of the region and loss of lives and property. "Due to the negligence and lack of concrete effort to control the spread of the oil and gas leak, enormous fire broke-out in the area which continues to rage causing displacement of more than 1600 families," Kakkar said. The matter will now come up for further consideration on July 29, the NGT said. Market may see volatile swings today as traders roll over positions in the F&O segment from the near month June series to July series. The June 2020 F&O contracts expire today, 25 June 2020. Trading of Nifty 50 index futures on the Singapore stock exchange indicates that the Nifty could fall 130 points at the opening bell. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on June 24 projected a sharp contraction of 4.5% for the Indian economy in 2020, a historic low, citing the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic that has nearly stalled all economic activities, but said the country is expected to bounce back in 2021 with a robust 6% growth rate. The IMF projected the global growth at -4.9% in 2020, 1.9 percentage points below the April 2020 World Economic Outlook (WEO) forecast. Given the unprecedented nature of this crisis, as is the case for almost all countries, this projected contraction is a historic low, Gita Gopinath, IMF's Chief Economist, said as she released the World Economic Outlook Update. Overseas, Asian stocks are trading lower following a tumble in Wall Street stocks and oil prices on Thursday after surging U.S. coronavirus cases and the International Monetary Fund's downgrade to global economic projections shook confidence in a recovery. Markets in Hong Kong and mainland China are closed for public holidays on Thursday. In US, Wall Street's three major indexes on Wednesday suffered their biggest daily percentage drop in almost two weeks as a surge in U.S. coronavirus cases intensified fears of another round of government lockdowns and worsening economic damage. Shares of U.S. airlines, resorts and cruise operators slumped as travel was hit hard by lockdowns. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd and Wynn Resorts all tumbled. On Wednesday, three U.S. states reported record increases in new cases -- Florida, Oklahoma and South Carolina -- driving the negative sentiment. The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, initially hard hit by the pandemic, ordered travelers from nine other states to quarantine for 14 days on arrival as COVID-19 showed signs of rising in other areas. Back home, the Sensex and the Nifty corrected sharply on Wednesday, after rising almost 6% in the past four sessions. Banks and pharma shares tumbled due to profit booking. European stocks fell while US index futures corrected amid spike in COVID-19 cases worldwide. The barometer S&P BSE Sensex tumbled 561.45 points or 1.58% at 34,868.98. The Nifty 50 index slumped 165.70 points or 1.58% at 10,305.30. Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) bought shares worth Rs 1,766.90 crore, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs), were net sellers to the tune of Rs 1,524.90 crore in the Indian equity market on 24 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.) Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-26 02:25:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close PARIS, June 25 (Xinhua) -- France is launching a "large scale" coronavirus testing campaign to identify any "dormant clusters" and to get ready for a potential resurgence of the epidemic, Health Minister Olivier Veran said on Thursday. Speaking to Le Monde newspaper, Veran said the massive testing campaign will target people who live near previous COVID-19 risk zones and will aim to detect asymptomatic individuals who may be transmitting the virus without knowing it. As part of the government's post-confinement measures, some 1.3 million people in the Greater Paris region will receive vouchers for virus tests in any public or private laboratory even if they have no symptoms, according to the minister. "We are in an experimental phase to see if this corresponds to what the French want. The experiment may be extended to other regions later," he said. Veran said that 250,000-odd tests have already been carried out this week and 99 percent were negative. When the outbreak began in early March, the French government was unequipped to screen all those who exhibited symptoms and tested only the priority cases. Since the middle of May, it has increased testing capacity from 150,000 per week to 700,000. In a bid "to prepare the country" for all eventualities, including a second wave of coronavirus in autumn, the minister decided to prepare at least 12,000 resuscitation beds in hospitals to be able to treat 30,000 patients in intensive care units. "The peak of March-April is behind us, but we have not finished with the virus. It's necessary to avoid large gatherings and risky behavior," he said. As of Wednesday, a further 11 patients had succumbed to COVID-19, bringing the total death toll to 29,731. A total of 9,299 people remain hospitalized, of whom 658 need life support -- a single-day decrease of 24. That was sharply down from 7,000 recorded early April. Meanwhile, cafes, restaurants and bars throughout the country are reopening, along with swimming pools, museums, libraries, schools and cinemas. The Eiffel Tower, France's landmark monument, also reopened on Thursday with strict virus restrictions after a shutdown of more than three months. Its first two floors are accessible via stairs, but the elevators will be out of service until July 1. Wearing a face mask and keeping a 1.5-meter distance remains mandatory throughout the visit. Enditem By Melissa Fares NEW YORK (Reuters) - Upscale retailers including Nordstrom Inc , privately owned Saks Fifth Avenue and jeweler Tiffany & Co reopened their large New York City flagship locations on Wednesday with reassuring signage and sanitizer stands to calm shoppers worried about the coronavirus pandemic. Cheery store associates, all donning masks, were at the ready as upbeat music played in the background. "Welcome back! Good to see you again!" a Saks associate said. "Thanks!" the shopper replied. "It's been a while." But curbing the spread of the coronavirus is not the only challenge facing retailers in coming weeks as the hardest hit and biggest U.S. city reopens, experts said. As retailers reopen after months of shutdowns, deep discounts on designer clothing and accessories are a way to clear mountains of unsold inventory and lure back customers like Nika Imamberdieva. "After staying home for several months doing absolutely nothing, I felt the urge to come and shop," said Imamberdieva, a 16-year-old student living in Brooklyn. Imamberdieva said she was pleased to purchase a discounted pair of Christian Louboutin metallic silver pumps for $520, originally $745. A silk purple Valentino blouse originally $1,690 is now $845 and a Sies Marjan navy dress originally marked at $1,095 is now $438 at Nordstrom. "On every floor there are racks of sales," one Nordstrom associate said. To be sure, the discounts are happening country-wide. Mohamed Albadry, 29, an engineer from Los Angeles, said he bought workout clothes from Nike Inc and Lululemon at 25-50% off. However, with Louis Vuitton and Chanel bags slung on their forearms, sisters Skye and Sheri Bryan of Queens purchased their bracelets and perfume at full price. Luxury brands including Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci have substantially increased prices on some products to protect margins. Story continues Many retailers deemed nonessential have pulled annual forecasts amid the virus outbreak, unsure of how much people will spend on items like toys, apparel and accessories, and home improvement. "It's no longer good enough to look at how sales are versus a year ago. We need to look now week by week" by keeping tabs on how stores are performing, foot traffic and unemployment figures, said NPD Group's chief industry analyst, Marshal Cohen. Wall Street is also watching out for contactless services offered, like curbside pickup, virtual shopping and "appointment only" consultations. But such services "are not a substitute for the volume retailers need," said Cohen. The S&P 500 Retailing Index <.SPXRT> has risen 10.3% since Feb. 19, when the benchmark S&P 500 hit a record high, but the sharp rise in Amazon.com Inc , up 26.2% since Feb. 19, accounts for much of those gains. The S&P 500 <.SPX> itself is still 9.95% lower over that period. With record-low tourism, and many New Yorkers out of town, the retailers' pool of potential shoppers is much smaller now, even in the generally slower summer months. Craig Johnson of Customer Growth Partners said a lack of spending by tourists could bring a hit of 9% to 12% on average to upscale department stores' revenue compared with a year earlier. Foreign tourists are traditionally major spenders at department stores and luxury boutiques in New York City, as well as in Los Angeles and Miami. Representatives of Nordstrom, Saks and Tiffany were not immediately available for comment. Many New Yorkers have fled the city for the Hamptons and Montauk on Long Island, which is farther along in the reopening process. Saks in May started offering same-day delivery to anywhere in the Hamptons. Customers can work with a style adviser to place orders via email or phone. Orders placed by 10 a.m. will arrive by that evening for a fee of $25, a company spokeswoman said. (Reporting by Melissa Fares in New York; Additional reporting by Hilary Russ, April Joyner and Carlo Allegri in New York, Lisa Baertlein in Los Angeles, and Silvia Aloisi in Milan; Editing by Nick Zieminski and Matthew Lewis) The world may never know why a Stone Age man's head was placed on a stake and tossed into an underwater grave, but now it will see his face. A forensic artist harnessed the power of 3D facial reconstruction to piece together the features on 8,000-year-old jawless skull to show a man with a pointy nose, large forehead and a long beard. The facial muscles and skin were formed using different factors such as the man's weight, height and ethnicity. The skull was one of at least 12, including an infant, found in what was once a prehistoric lake in Sweden and experts believe the group may have been murdered during an ancient ritual. The world may never know why a Stone Age man's head was placed on a stake and tossed into an underwater grave, but now it will see his face Nilsson told DailyMail.com in an email: 'I reconstructed the face with forensic reconstruction technique relying on the anticipated tissue depth on a number of anatomical landmarks of the skull, together with rebuilding the face muscle by muscle.' 'There are also reliable techniques to reconstruct specific parts of the face: the nose, the eyes and the mouth, from information and traces on the skull.' The original findings, from researchers at Stockholm University and Sweden's Cultural Heritage Foundation (CHF) in 2018, is the first evidence that Stone Age hunter-gatherers displayed heads on wooden spikes. 'Here, we have an example of a very complex ritual, which is very structured,' lead researcher Dr Fredrik Hallgren, from CHF, told Live Science. 'Even though we can't decipher the meaning of the ritual, we can still appreciate the complexity of it, of these prehistoric hunter-gatherers.' Why this man, and the others, met such a horrific death may stay a mystery, but Oscar Nilsson, a Sweden-based forensic artist, has shown us what the ancient victim looked like. The jawless skull (pictured) was one of at least 12, including an infant, found in what was once a prehistoric lake in Sweden and experts believe the group may have been murdered during an ancient ritual. 'The Stone Age, and the Mesolithic period, is absolutely a favorite period for me. However these individuals from the Mesolithic genetically are so alike us today, the culture, the way they saw their world yet are so different to our understanding, beliefs and values. So alike, but so distant,' explained Nilsson. 'Moreover, the finding from Motala is so special: the skulls of 10 individuals were placed on wooden poles, just above the ancient lakessurface. 'Furthermore, they all had several healed traumas from violence. Stone Age was violent, but this is something else, one can almost suspect that the violence was ritual. Unusually frequent anyway.' 'Also, his DNA was so well preserved that it was possible to get information on the colors of hair, eyes and skin.' A forensic artist harnessed the power of 3D facial reconstruction to piece together the features on 8,000-year-old jawless skull to show a man with a pointy nose, large forehead and a long beard Nilsson took a computer tomography scan of the skull and printed a 3D replica in vinyl plastic, LiveScience reported. Because the jaw was missing from the skull, he had to take a measurement of where it once was in order to reconstruct it. Although there is no evidence of what the man wore, Nilsson made choices on the wardrobe and haircut based on items found in the grave. Archaeologist uncovered remains from a range of animals including brown bears, wild boars, red deer, moose and roe deer. The man's hair was reconstructed to be short with a longer portion pulled back in a small pony tail. The facial muscles and skin were formed using different factors such as the man's weight, height and ethnicity Although there is no evidence of what the man wore, Nilsson made choices on the wardrobe and haircut based on items found in the grave. Meanwhile, the white chalk decorating the man's chest is a piece of artistic license, based on the fact that many Indigenous groups today use chalk for body paint, Nilsson said. 'It's a reminder we cannot understand their aesthetic taste, just observe it.' 'We have no reason to believe these people were less interested in their looks, and to express their individuality, than we are today.' Researchers uncovered the man's skull, along with the 12 others, in 2018. Seven of the adults likely died in agony and had suffered serious trauma to their head before they died, which researchers suggest were the result of non-lethal, violent blows. These may have been the result of interpersonal violence, forced abduction, warfare and aids of socially-sanctioned violence between group members. The bodies were placed atop a densely packed layer of large stones in what would have been an elaborate underwater burial between 7,500 and 8,500 years ago. Only one of the bodies still had a jawbone when it was buried, which experts suggest were removed as part of the burial ritual. New Delhi, June 26 : A minor girl, who reportedly had over one million followers on the short-video platform TikTok, was found hanging at her residence in the Geeta Colony area here, the police said on Thursday. The 16-year-old deceased also had 1.35 lakh followers on Instagram. According to the police, information regarding the incident was received on Wednesday. Her father found her hanging at around 9 p.m. on Wednesday. No suicide note has been recovered near the body, the police said. "The body of the victim was handed over to her family for the last rites on Thursday, though the reason behind such an extreme step is yet to be unearthed," a senior police officer said. Omar Salaam, Business Manager Local 427, front center, leads a group of sanitation workers who planned to gather on the steps of the Municipal Services Building to deliver a letter to the office of the Streets Department Commissioner Carlton Williams from concerned sanitation workers, on June 17, in Philadelphia. Read more City Council unanimously approved a bill Thursday morning that will make it illegal for employers to fire, discipline, or otherwise retaliate against workers who speak up about unsafe coronavirus conditions. The vote came during Councils last session before summer recess and as employees in Philadelphia get called back to work during the citys less-restrictive yellow reopening phase. If signed by Mayor Jim Kenney, who has already expressed his support, Philadelphia will become the first big city in the country to give workers stronger legal protection against this kind of retaliation. This bill protects the most essential resource America has: the worker, said Richard Hooker, head of UPS union Teamsters Local 623. Its a victory for the local labor community and an indication of what it can accomplish when sometimes disparate groups come together. The bill, which made it through the legislative process in a month, came out of a coalition of union and nonunion worker groups who were lobbying for pandemic worker protections. More than two dozen labor groups supported the bill, introduced by Councilmember Helen Gym. New Jerseys state legislature is considering a similar bill, backed by worker center Make the Road New Jersey. A federal law already prohibits retaliation against workers who call out unsafe conditions, but the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a very poor track record of handling such complaints, said former OSHA official Debbie Berkowitz. In most cases, she said, the complaints are dismissed. Melissa Bova, a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, said her industry group recognized the necessity of keeping guests and employees safe during this crisis. Employees should feel safe in their workplace, and if safety measures and requirements are not being followed, that should be investigated, she said, adding that the PRLA appreciated a change in the bill that said workers cannot refuse a work assignment if a city or state inspection finds a business compliant with COVID-19 safety guidelines. The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia did not immediately respond to a request for comment. During the pandemic, essential workers from nursing home aides to sanitation workers to grocery store clerks said their employers werent doing enough to keep them safe on the job. Some hosted rallies or conducted work stoppages to pressure their employer to pay attention to their concerns. But not all workers feel empowered to organize such actions, especially if they dont have the backing of a union or worker group or if they are of a marginalized identity. Rhiannon DiClemente, a lawyer at Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, said that she and her colleagues kept hearing from undocumented clients about employers threatening to call the police or Immigration and Customs Enforcement when workers asked for better safety precautions on the job. And a National Employment Law Project report published earlier this month found that Black workers are more likely to face retaliation for being vocal about unsafe conditions. I know what it means to be a Black worker, said Corean Halloway, a hotel worker and member of union Unite Here. As a teenager in South Carolina, I fought to desegregate my high school. Today, we need to continue fighting. These protections are a part of that fight. If the bill becomes law, there is still a major hurdle to its effectiveness: enforcement. While Philadelphia has increasingly passed cutting-edge worker legislation, it has not historically been effective at educating the public about these laws or enforcing them. In the last year, this has begun to change, in large part due to pressure from advocates who lobbied for worker laws. The Mayors Office of Labor, which enforces these laws and recently became a permanent city department, is slated for roughly $300,000 budget increase over last year as its responsibilities grow, though its not clear how much of that budget will be for the team focused on enforcement. The Philadelphia Inquirer is one of 21 news organizations producing Broke in Philly, a collaborative reporting project on solutions to poverty and the citys push toward economic justice. See all of our reporting at brokeinphilly.org. Stories from the Flood, a project to gather and preserve stories from those who survived the areas devastating 2018 flooding, has been awarded support from the Nuzum Fund. The fund, also known as the Kickapoo Valley Reforestation Fund, was established through a bequest by Ralph Nuzum, a longtime businessman and resident of the Kickapoo Valley. Held by the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the fund offers money to projects that enhance the ecological, economic, and social well-being of Kickapoo Valley residents. The grant awards University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers Eric Booth and Caroline Gottschalk Druschke $45,000 over two years for their work in the Driftless region. Booth and Druschke are studying the effects of frequent and severe flooding on stream health, stream restoration practices, and the lives of those who live near waterways. For part of this work, theyre teaming up with the Driftless Writing Center, which initiated the Stories from the Flood project. Stories from the Flood, now in its second year, aims to contribute to healing, preserve history, and help plan for the future. Its through storytelling and projects like this that we are really weaving people back together in a community, said Gil Hoel, LCSW and project advisor. Since 2007, the Kickapoo River and Coon Creek watersheds have experienced seven devastating floods, and residents expect more. We just really need to be ready to meet the future fearlessly. Which is hard, but if were going to survive this and move ahead, we have to be ready. Because the flooding is not going to go away, said project participant Cele Wolf of Soldiers Grove. Volunteers working with the Driftless Writing Center, including University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin-La Crosse students, have already collected about 100 personal narratives from flood survivors. Their goal is to double that number in the coming year. A significant portion of the Nuzum Fund grant will cover the costs of transcribing these stories. Transcripts will be kept in archives at the Vernon County Historical Society and UW-La Crosses Murphy Library, where historians and members of the public can access them. In addition, the grant will help researchers identify common themes that arose in stories, leading to recommendations for public officials and other policymakers. Stories from the Flood has done so much important work to help watershed residents process their experiences of catastrophic flooding, Druschke said. This award from the Kickapoo Valley Reforestation Fund will help us continue that work, while adding a more deliberate focus on serving as a resource for community members, planners, and policymakers in the Kickapoo River and Coon Creek watersheds as we plan together for our shared future. Other Stories from the Flood partners include the Winding Rivers Library System, Southwest Wisconsin Library System, Vernon County Historical Society, Couleecap, and the Wisconsin Humanities Council. More information about the project, including a digital booklet of excerpts from narratives collected so far, is available online at wisconsinfloodstories.org. Do you have a flooding story to share? Submit your story online at wisconsinfloodstories.org or contact DWC by email at WisconsinFloodStories@gmail.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Horos Asset Management recently released its Q1 2020 Investor Letter, a copy of which you can download here. Horos Value Iberia fell by -35.1% compared to -27.6% of its benchmark index. On the other hand, Horos Value Internacional was down by -30.2% compared to -19.6% of its benchmark index. You should check out Horos Asset Management's top 5 stock picks for investors to buy right now, which could be the biggest winners of the stock market crash. In the said letter, Horos Asset Management highlighted a few stocks and Valaris Plc (NYSE:VAL) is one of them. Valaris is an offshore drilling contractor. Year-to-date, Valaris Plc (NYSE:VAL) stock lost 86.6% and on June 24th it had a closing price of $0.63. Here is what Horos Asset Management said: "A very clear case in which liquidity risks have increased greatly in recent weeks is that of the companies that own offshore oil rigs. In particular, we see financial risks that are difficult to assume in those companies that do not have good contract coverage (leased rigs), with greater exposure to deepwater oil drilling (whose rigs are contracted much further down the cycle, as they require a longer duration and greater amount of capital committed by the oil exploration and production companies) and with a tough debt schedule (near term and high maturities). It is worth noting that as we explained in our previous letter, we already decided last quarter to reduce our exposure to Valaris for these same risks, especially as our thesis of the recovery in their rig utilisation rates was delayed more than expected and their liquidity profile worsened. For this reason, we drastically reduced our weight in the company and upped our investment in Shelf Drilling, where liquidity risks are much more limited, as it has greater contract coverage and less exposure to the deepwater segment than Valaris. At the end of February, even before the impact of the pandemic became acute and Saudi Arabia decided to end the oil production cuts in the absence of an agreement with Russia, we exited our investment in Valaris for the risks we have just discussed, following the release of the company's annual report and the comments made by the management team at the conference call." Story continues azerbaijan, baku, business, crane, dawn, derricks, drilling, energy, engineering, equipment, evening, exploration, fuel, gas, gasoline, industrial, industry, installation, land, machinery, offshore, oil, petrol, petroleum, platform, power, production, pumps, rig, sea, shallow, ship, silhouette, sky, technology, tool, tug, vessel, water, well Our calculations showed that Valaris Plc (NYSE:VAL) isn't ranked among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds. The top 10 stocks among hedge funds returned 185% since the end of 2014 and outperformed the S&P 500 Index ETFs by more than 109 percentage points. We know it sounds unbelievable. You have been dismissing our articles about top hedge fund stocks mostly because you were fed biased information by other media outlets about hedge funds' poor performance. You could have doubled the size of your nest egg by investing in the top hedge fund stocks instead of dumb S&P 500 ETFs. Below you can watch our video about the top 5 hedge fund stocks right now. All of these stocks had positive returns in 2020. Video: Top 5 Stocks Among Hedge Funds At Insider Monkey we leave no stone unturned when looking for the next great investment idea. For example, 2020s unprecedented market conditions provide us with the highest number of trading opportunities in a decade. So we are checking out stocks recommended/scorned by legendary Bill Miller. We interview hedge fund managers and ask them about their best ideas. If you want to find out the best healthcare stock to buy right now, you can watch our latest hedge fund manager interview here. We read hedge fund investor letters and listen to stock pitches at hedge fund conferences. Our best call in 2020 was shorting the market when the S&P 500 was trading at 3150 after realizing the coronavirus pandemics significance before most investors. You can subscribe to our free enewsletter below to receive our stories in your inbox: [daily-newsletter][/daily-newsletter] Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. The government has firmed up plans to launch the fourth phase of Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate Indian citizens stuck in foreign destinations from July 3, according to news agency ANI. It quoted external affairs ministry spokesperson Anurag Shrivastava to say that phase-4 of the mission will particularly focus on countries that have a large number of Indian citizens who have registered with the government to return. The development follows the announcement of governments decision to explore the possibility of establishing bilateral arrangements to address concerns of discrimination against airline carriers from other countries, who were not given permission to operate flights from India. For Coronavirus Live Updates The government had said on Tuesday that it was contemplating establishing bilateral bubbles-- India-US, India-France, India-Germany and India-UK in response to demands from airlines in these countries to fly out passengers from India. The development on Tuesday followed restrictions imposed by the US on operating Vande Bharat flights to destinations in that country beyond a 30 day deadline. The order said Air India will have to file applications for authorisation for repatriation flights at least 30 days before the date of the proposed flight. The HT Guide to Coronavirus COVID-19 A total of 96 flights to various cities in the US between June 12 and July 2 under the third phase of the Vande Bharat Mission wont be affected by the restriction imposed by the US. The Vande Bharat Mission, which commenced from May 7, is in its third phase, which began on June 11. According to the latest data released by the ministry of civil aviation, Air India group has operated a total of 1,414 flights (both inbound and outbound) carrying a total of 182,313 passengers till June 24, 2020. The ministry has also said that a total of 4,87,303 repatriation requests were received from Indians citizens stranded in various countries of which 2,63,187 have been brought back. Celebration of and Action for Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) Day are a United Nations Name Day, which was established in 2017. The day, June 27th is meant to demonstrate global support of MSMEs. MSMEs are the most significant contributors to local and global economies. However, they are often much forgotten and oppressed by restrictive policies and unsupported responses in times of need. MSMEs Day seeks to be both a moment of applause for the work that MSMEs do and a moment to gather for future planning to better promote the smaller economic units in the world. Despite broad support throughout most governments, MSMEs are still in need of much political and regulatory relief that will enhance their narrative and support their establishment and entrepreneurial pursuits. Feeling that it is essential for the principles and best practices for MSMEs to be created in a way that is informed by the MSMEs themselves, the co-collaborators for this years MSMEs Day Celebration have themed the event We Hear You. Given the pandemic and economic crisis affecting the global community, this 2020 MSMEs Day is set to stand out from those in the past. The International Council for Small Business, who is responsible for the creation of MSMEs Day posted, As the pre-existing conditions, which have created disease within the world and for many MSMEs, have become even more announced, we see more clearly the importance of creating action to achieve fair, just, and green economies within our national and international markets. The United Nations has engaged recently with many initiatives in support of MSMEs, especially those in conjunction with the 2030 Agenda, highlighting their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The United Nations has been vocal in their understanding of MSMEs as the keys to success in achieving the SDGs. To demonstrate their support of both MSMEs and organizations that work to uplift MSMEs, like the ICSB, they are participating in MSMEs Day by co-hosting a celebratory event on June 25th. This event is the result of a truly collaborative effort between the Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations, who was the first to engage with ICSBs request for a Name Day supporting small businesses in 2016, along with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, and United Nations Industrial Development Orgnization, and ICSB. The event is meant to stand as a day of celebration to honor the constant work and resilience of MSMEs year long. Following the celebratory event on June 25th, ICSB will host an MSMEs Day of Action on Saturday, June 27th. Building upon the discussions which began just days prior, the Day of Action plans to center around the tangible and actionable steps that MSMEs and their supporters can take towards building better ecosystems for MSMEs. In light of the recent events, including but not limited to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic crisis, the event will showcase resources for MSMEs worldwide, as well as take time to examine the potential and current opportunities that these events have created. Coupled with the Name Day, the International Council for Small Business publishes an annual report. This year, the 2020 ICSB Global MSMEs Report will be released on June 25th on the ICSBs website, http://www.icsb.org. It is the most extended report to date as ICSB received more submissions than ever. The 2020 Report concludes with a statement from ICSBs Executive Director, Dr. Ayman El Tarabishy and Deputy Chair of the Department f Management of the GW School of Business, announcing, In applying ourselves towards creating human-centered relationships, businesses, and policies, we might have a fighting chance at calibrating our worlds systems so that we can live in a place that upholds equity for all first and foremost. Please join us for both events. For more information and registration, please visit https://icsb.org/msmedays/. Washington DC June 23, 2022 Back in March, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys T.D. outlined three key phases of how local businesses would deal with the Coronavirus. The first was to deal with the initial shock of lockdown and the impact it had on employment and enterprise. The next phase featured a range of measures to help stabilise businesses and maintain jobs. The third, that businesses are now entering, is the Re-boot phase. The Local Enterprise Office in Louth, part of Louth County Council, has been busy over the last few months. Head of Enterprise, Thomas McEvoy explains: Weve been actively working to support and stabilise local businesses through a range of practical measures. Now, as many businesses re-open, is the time for local businesses to make use of the latest supports. The Government has provided four key supports for Irish businesses and we want local companies to avail of them, to help re-boot their business. He continues: Firstly, if you are a rate payer, you should apply for the Restart Grant. This is a cash grant of between 2,000 and 10,000 to help offset some of the costs of re-opening. You apply for this grant by visiting www.Louthcoco.ie In relation to staffing costs, Thomas explains: Business owners should avail of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme. This pays up to 85% of staff wages. It allows you to free up cashflow for other vital parts of your business. You can apply for this by visiting www.Revenue.ie. Thomas outlines the third measure available to business owners. Take your business online. Trading online is a way of expanding the reach of your business. It enables you to access customers near and far and sell your products or services to them. Apply for a Trading online voucher that entitles you to up to 2,500 worth of financial support to bring your business online. Apply on www.Local Enterprise.ie/Louth. Thomas concludes: In difficult times having access to good advice and support is critically important. Your Local Enterprise Office can assist you with mentoring, financial planning, training and expert advice. Visit www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Louth to discover our full range of supports and to apply for mentoring, book training or access a Trading Online Voucher. Now, as you reopen and rebuild your business, is the time to avail of the supports that are open to you. Your Local Enterprise Office should be your first port of call were in your corner. The protests over the death of George Floyd and the way they have been covered (or not covered) by newsrooms around the country has widened existing stress fractures in journalism around the topic of race. One of the things that is being called into question is the concept of objectivity. Wesley Lowery, a reporter with 60 Minutes, put some of this into words with a recent essay in the New York Times entitled A Reckoning Over Objectivity, Led by Black Journalists. Whatever the ideals behind objectivity might be, Lowery wrote, in practice it translates into an industry in which the mainstream has allowed what it considers objective truth to be decided almost exclusively by white reporters and their mostly white bosses. And its important to note that this not only leaves Black journalistsand other journalists of coloron the outside looking in, but also makes for worse journalism, if by journalism we mean representing the truth about the world as accurately as possible. What qualifies as objective journalism, Lowery says, is constructed atop a pyramid of subjective decision-making: which stories to cover, how intensely to cover those stories, which sources to seek out and include, which pieces of information are highlighted and which are downplayed. The piece sparked a conversation on Twitter, including a response from Tom Rosenstiel, a veteran journalist and executive director of the American Press Institute, and the co-author of a classic journalism textbook called The Elements of Journalism (a book that Lowery cites approvingly in his essay). In a multi-tweet thread, Rosenstiel tried to clarify what he said were some of the historic aspects of how objectivity became an industry standard principle. The practice began as a way of injecting more scientific rigor into the practice of journalism, he says, but instead it has turned into a devotion to false balance and other elements of what journalism professor Jay Rosen calls the view from nowhere. Rosenstiel is quite right that objectivity started as an attempt to make journalism more rigorous by applying the scientific method, a structure and process designed to arrive at an objective truth. But the industry probably shouldnt congratulate itself too much on the purity of the intentions behind this change: it wasnt just that journalists or publishers suddenly decided that objectivity would be a good thing. It was also seen as a way to make journalism more palatable to advertisers, as the consumer-focused ad industry was becoming more national in scope. Over the next 50 years or so, objectivity came to be seen as a bedrock principle of journalism, to the point where some newspaper journalists and journalism teachersstill argue that dismantling it will kill journalism. But as Lowery points out, what qualifies as objectivity is in the eye of the beholder, and that eye is still predominantly male and white. ICYMI: A new group devoted to transparency is exposing secrets Wikileaks chose to keep While the scientific method may be designed to be impartial, as Rosenstiel suggests, it has also been used throughout history to justify some of the most horrific injustices. Scientific studies from prestigious researchers and influential institutions have been used to prove that women are inferior to men, or that Blacks and other people of color are less intelligent, or that the mentally handicapped should be euthanized. Its not as though the scientific method is a magic wand that bestows omniscience. More recently, algorithms have been pitched as the solution to a number of social problems, including crime and online abuseand yet, algorithms can be just as biased as human beings can, which isnt surprising, since they are designed by human beings. Even conscientious programmers often wind up codifying their own biases and prejudices into the software they write. Rosenstiel also took issue with the suggestion that objectivity could or should be replaced by a sense of what Lowery called moral clarity. If journalists take refuge in subjectivity, Rosenstiel said, they will wind up thinking that their opinions have more moral integrity than genuine inquiry [and] journalism will be lost. But Lowery argues that getting rid of the concept of objectivity doesnt mean a return to the partisan press that preceded it, or a descent into a swamp of subjectivity and opinion. Instead, he suggests that a better approach would be for journalists to pledge that we will devote ourselves to accuracy, that we will diligently seek out the perspectives of those with whom we personally may be inclined to disagree, and that we will be just as sure to ask hard questions of those with whom were inclined to agree. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Note: We will be discussing this topic next week in a series of interviews on CJRs Galley platform. If you can think of anyone who should be part of this discussionespecially journalists, academics or researchers of color, or those from outside the traditional media industryplease let us know. Heres more on objectivity and journalism: A defense : In a chapter from his book Losing the News: The Future of the News that Feeds Democracy , Alex S. Jonesformer director of the Shorenstein Center on Press, Politics and Public Policy at Harvardwrites that the crisis in news is not one of press bias, though that is how most people seem to view it. Rather, he says, it is a crisis of diminishing quantity and quality, of morale and sense of mission, of values and leadership. Jones argues that authentic journalistic objectivity serves a crucial role in the tradition of American journalism, and that journalists should not abandon it so quickly. : In a chapter from his book , Alex S. Jonesformer director of the Shorenstein Center on Press, Politics and Public Policy at Harvardwrites that the crisis in news is not one of press bias, though that is how most people seem to view it. Rather, he says, it is a crisis of diminishing quantity and quality, of morale and sense of mission, of values and leadership. Jones argues that authentic journalistic objectivity serves a crucial role in the tradition of American journalism, and that journalists should not abandon it so quickly. A bludgeon : In a piece in the New Republic , Will Meyer writes about the case of Lewis Raven Wallace, a trans journalist who was fired from the popular public radio show Marketplace after writing a blog post questioning journalistic objectivity, in which Wallace said he couldnt be impartial about attacks on trans individuals like himself. In a follow-up post describing the firing, Wallace noted that the ethics code he was accused of having violated didnt contain the words objectivity or neutrality. Meyer says that Wallaces book, The View From Somewhere: Undoing the Myth of Journalistic Objectivity argues that the ideal of neutrality has been used both by the center to marginalize radical voices and by the right as a bludgeon to quiet critics. : In a piece in the , Will Meyer writes about the case of Lewis Raven Wallace, a trans journalist who was fired from the popular public radio show Marketplace after writing a blog post questioning journalistic objectivity, in which Wallace said he couldnt be impartial about attacks on trans individuals like himself. In a follow-up post describing the firing, Wallace noted that the ethics code he was accused of having violated didnt contain the words objectivity or neutrality. Meyer says that Wallaces book, argues that the ideal of neutrality has been used both by the center to marginalize radical voices and by the right as a bludgeon to quiet critics. An illusion : Teen Vogue talked to nine journalists in their 20s and 30s about why they believe neutrality is an illusion, and how taking stances have made them stronger reporters. Kamrin Baker, editor in chief of The Gateway, the University of Nebraska at Omahas student newspaper, said: The truth is not neutral. In this political climate, the truth is that people are being oppressed, harmed, and lied to by government leaders. And Jack Mirkinson, former deputy editor of Splinter, said: The only available conclusion to be reached is that striving for a mythical level of neutrality is self-defeating. Its also a form of inherently conservative journalism that can wind up masking the truth in its efforts to achieve objectivity. : talked to nine journalists in their 20s and 30s about why they believe neutrality is an illusion, and how taking stances have made them stronger reporters. Kamrin Baker, editor in chief of the University of Nebraska at Omahas student newspaper, said: The truth is not neutral. In this political climate, the truth is that people are being oppressed, harmed, and lied to by government leaders. And Jack Mirkinson, former deputy editor of Splinter, said: The only available conclusion to be reached is that striving for a mythical level of neutrality is self-defeating. Its also a form of inherently conservative journalism that can wind up masking the truth in its efforts to achieve objectivity. A danger: Rob Wijnberg, one of the co-founders of the crowdfunded Dutch journalism startup De Correspondent, wrote in 2017 about Why objective journalism is a misleading and dangerous illusion. The concept, he argued, may be the most poorly understood, tenacious, dangerous illusion journalism has ever believed in. Misunderstood, because its confused with independence and impartiality. Tenacious, because it seems easy and its cheap. Dangerous, because its the biggest lie you can tell the public. And an illusion, because it doesnt exist. Other notable stories: After more than a decade of refusing to pay publishers for their content, Google says it is launching a licensing program in the near future to pay certain publishers in a number of countries for high-quality content as part of a new product involving news aggregation. According to a report by Axios, the company will also offer to pay for access to paywalled articles on a publishers site where available. Google has already signed partnership agreements with local and national publications in Germany, Australia and Brazil, and plans to expand to other countries in the next few months. Google has already signed partnership agreements with local and national publications in Germany, Australia and Brazil, and plans to expand to other countries in the next few months. The Wall Street Journa l has an inside look at the bizarre harassment campaign waged by six executives of eBayincluding the head of the companys online security teamagainst a husband and wife who wrote a blog that was critical of the company. The couple received threatening emails and tweets, and then a series of packages including a funeral wreath, and a bloody pigs head mask. Neighbors were sent pornographic videos addressed to the couple. Six former members of the companys security team have been charged with cyberstalking. l has an inside look at the bizarre harassment campaign waged by six executives of eBayincluding the head of the companys online security teamagainst a husband and wife who wrote a blog that was critical of the company. The couple received threatening emails and tweets, and then a series of packages including a funeral wreath, and a bloody pigs head mask. Neighbors were sent pornographic videos addressed to the couple. Six former members of the companys security team have been charged with cyberstalking. Maria Bustillos, CJRs public editor for MSNBC, writes about how the networks coverage tends to fall into an ideological back-and-forth between Democrat and Republican viewpoints, but the Trump administration challenges this dynamic. Id argue that the Republicans gloves came all the way off during Bush v. Gore, a case in which, in an alleged democracy, one party went to court to ensure that citizens votes would not be counted. But one rarely hears this mentioned a scant twenty years later, she writes. Until we take full account of all that led up to the Trump Administration, well just be watching a never-ending charade, where facts dont matter and government and media alike are reduced to a theater of the absurd. A senior Facebook executive told almost 200 advertisers on a conference call that the company is suffering from a trust deficit, according to leaked audio of the call that was obtained by the Financial Times . The social network has been hit by a number of large defections from its advertising platform, including The North Face, Patagonia, and the Ben & Jerrys ice cream company. Despite the boycotts, senior policy executives defended Facebooks decision to allow several controversial posts from US president Donald Trump to remain on its platform, according to the leaked recording. . The social network has been hit by a number of large defections from its advertising platform, including The North Face, Patagonia, and the Ben & Jerrys ice cream company. Despite the boycotts, senior policy executives defended Facebooks decision to allow several controversial posts from US president Donald Trump to remain on its platform, according to the leaked recording. Twitter has permanently suspended the account of a journalistic organization called Distributed Denial of Secrets, or DDoS, after the group shared links to a huge collection of documents from more than 200 police departments and training centers, the result of a hack by the group Anonymous. A Twitter spokesman told ZDNet that linking to hacked material is against the companys terms of service, and that the cacheknown as BlueLeaksalso contained information that could have put individuals at risk. The leader of DDoS, Emma Best, told Wired magazine that her group tried to remove any identifying information from the cache before the links were posted. magazine that her group tried to remove any identifying information from the cache before the links were posted. Today at Global Fact 7, a worldwide gathering of fact-checking organizations, a technology nonprofit called Meedan released a five-month-long case study that looked at more than 5,700 fact-checks across five countriesIndia, Brazil, South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeriaand four languages. The study, which was supported financially by WhatsApp and Facebook, looked at the performance of fact-checking efforts involving a number of partners including Agence France-Presse, Africa Check, BOOM and India Today. Among the reports conclusions: that bots are one of the best ways for fact-checkers to engage with audiences on social platforms. All five members of the executive committee of the group Investigative Reporters and Editors have said they will resign after the selection process resulted in an all-white executive committee. A statement from the committee members says that while the board of directors of the group is one of the most diverse boards in its 45-year history, with three Black members and a majority of women, the committee was heartbroken and frustrated by a process that led to the election of only white members. The group said it will hold an emergency meeting as soon as possible, at which all five members will resign and a new selection process will be held. A judge has ruled that Rep. Devin Nunes has no right to sue Twitter over statements made by accounts pretending to be his mother, a fake cow, and a Republican strategist. The judge said Twitter was immune from the defamation claims due to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which says social media companies cant be held liable for what people post on their platforms. Nunes seeks to have the court treat Twitter as the publisher or speaker of the content provided by others based on its allowing or not allowing certain content to be on its internet platform, Marshall wrote. The court refuses to do so. ViacomCBS has changed its mind on when to air its TV adaptation of A Higher Loyalty, the book by former FBI director James Comey. The network said earlier this week that the show would be on after the federal election, but according to the New York Times it has decided to air the program in September. Director Billy Ray had criticized the original air date in an email to cast members, saying the two-part program called The Comey Rule was intended to be broadcast before the election. Actor Jeff Daniels plays Comey, and Brendan Gleeson best known for his role as Mad-Eye Moody in the Harry Potter movies plays Donald Trump. it has decided to air the program in September. Director Billy Ray had criticized the original air date in an email to cast members, saying the two-part program called The Comey Rule was intended to be broadcast before the election. Actor Jeff Daniels plays Comey, and Brendan Gleeson best known for his role as Mad-Eye Moody in the Harry Potter movies plays Donald Trump. Vice Media is calling on the advertising industry to review its rules on brand safe keywords, after the company recently found that the list of blocked terms includes Black Lives Matter, George Floyd, protest andin one caseBlack people, according to Variety. In a recent internal analysis, Vice said it discovered that content related to the death of George Floyd and resulting protests was monetized at a rate 57% lower than other news content. That, according to the companys head of advertising, is a result of brands and agencies specifically blocking their ads from appearing next to news stories about these issues. ICYMI: Decades of Failure Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg. What the video shows The video clips obtained by The Times, which contain footage from Hammond Sgt. Ron Rogers' body cam during the night of Opinker's arrests, cover more than an hour-long span. Excerpts of the video are available with this article on nwi.com. On multiple occasions in the video, arresting officer Rogers can be heard reminding Opinker that they're being captured on his body cam video. And on several occasions, Opinker expressed concern regarding what the case will mean to his position on the Hammond Fire Department. "Am I going to go to jail or what?" Opinker asked the officer at one point prior to being transported to the police department for testing. "We're going to do some tests here in a little bit because everything is on camera now, Mike," the officer tells Opinker. "I'm going to be as straight up with you as I can." And while being transported in Rogers' squad car, Opinker said, "I hope I don't lose my job. I might have to retire after 26 years." Pro-democracy activists 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) Hong Kong Lawyers Worry About Lack of Fair Trial Under Beijings National Security Law A professional association for lawyers in Hong Kong warned that the right to a fair trial could be threatened in the future, given that the citys chief executive (CE) would be able to pick judges for certain criminal cases under Beijings proposed national security law. We express concern that such process of designation of judges would give the CE the power to oversee and interfere with the Judiciary, the Law Society in Hong Kong said in a June 24 statement, adding that this prejudices judicial independence. It noted that judicial independence is a cornerstone of our justice system within a common law jurisdiction, and cannot be compromised. After Chinas rubber-stamp legislature, the National Peoples Congress (NPC), adopted a national security law for Hong Kong in a ceremonial vote on May 28, the NPC standing committee released more details about the draft proposal on June 20stipulating that Hong Kong would have jurisdiction over cases except under exceptional circumstances, when mainland China would intervene. The chief executive, currently pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam, would appoint judges to hear national security-related cases. The law would criminalize those who engage in activities connected to subversion, secession, terrorism, and foreign interference against the Chinese regime. The Law Society highlighted its concerns about Chinese authorities ability to have jurisdiction over certain cases. It said this brings up the possibility that individuals in Hong Kong may be subject to judicial process other than those administered by the HKSAR courts. Chinas courts are controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and often violate rule of law in cases concerning dissidents. Queries are raised as to whether fundamental human rights, including the right to a fair trial, can be effectively safeguarded, the body added. On June 25, about a dozen members of the local pro-democracy party, League of Social Democrats, staged a rally outside the Hong Kong Liaison Office, Beijings representative office in the city. They brought over 20,000 signatures they had collected in a petition drive opposing the national security law. Some of the petition papers were tied to the steel fences outside the office. They also held up posters showing pictures of people in mainland China who had been charged for inciting subversion of state powera catch-all charge Beijing often uses against dissidents. The pictures included Xu Zhiyong, Zhang Haitao, and Chinese human rights lawyer Yu Wensheng. Is there anything more ironic than refusing to wear a mask during the coronavirus pandemic? While anti-maskers loudly insist that no one can tell them what to do, they are in fact doing exactly what President Trump has pressured them to do: risking their very lives to demonstrate political fealty. We have an expression for that kind of behavior. Its called drinking the kool-aid. According to Wikipedia: Drinking the Kool-Aid is an expression used to refer to a person who believes in a possibly doomed or dangerous idea because of perceived potential high rewards In recent years it has evolved further to mean extreme dedication to a cause or purpose, so extreme that one would drink the Kool-Aid and die for the cause. But why drinking the Kool-Aid? The phrase originates from events in Jonestown, Guyana, on November 18, 1978, in which over 900 members of the Peoples Temple movement died. The movements leader Jim Jones proposed revolutionary suicide by way of ingesting a powdered drink mix lethally laced with cyanide and other drugs which had been prepared by his aides. Followers demonstrated their fealty by literally committing suicide. Refusing to wear a mask is no different. Its risking suicide to demonstrate fealty to Donald Trump. It isnt a mark of independence; its a mark of utter, cult-like dependence. Its the ultimate power lie. In her fascinating new book Surviving Autocracy, journalist Masha Gessen describes the importance of the power lie to a demagogue. It is the lie of the bigger kid who took your hat and is wearing itwhile denying that he took it. [T]he point of the lie is to assert power, to show I can say what I want when I want to. The power lie conjures a different reality and demands that you choose between your experience and the bullys demands: Are you going to insist that you are wet from the rain or give in and say that the sun is shining? The purpose of the power lie isnt to get you to believe something thats untrue, as is the case with ordinary lies. The goal of a power lie is to demonstrate extraordinary power over others by insisting that denying what you know to be true is proof of political fealty. Donald Trump has deployed the power lie from the very first moments of his presidency. Claims that his inaugural had many more attendees than what everyone could see was his first presidential power lie. By forcing his press secretary Sean Spicer to lie in such an obvious way, he didnt change the minds of the press nor did he intend to. He was demonstrating his power over Spicer by forcing him to publicly declare something the Spicer and everyone else knew to be a bald faced lie. Power lies are outlandish lies: Trumps lies are outlandish because they are not amendments or embellishments to the shared reality of Americansthey have nothing to do with it. When Trump claimed that millions of people voting illegally cost him the popular vote, he was not making easily disprovable factual claims: he was asserting control over reality itself The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in an endless stream of Trump power lies: When, in the winter and spring of 2020, Trump claimed that the United States was prepared for the coronavirus pandemic, when he promised quickly to triumph over the virus, when he said that hospitals had the necessary equipment and people had access to tests, when he promised health and wealth to people facing illness and precarity, he was claiming the power to lie to people about their own experience. His followers refusal to wear masks marks them as willing to embrace the lie to show fealty to Trump. It isnt a victory over reality; it is a surrender to an autocrat. Are you going to believe your own eyes or the headlines? This is the dilemma of people who live in totalitarian societies. Trusting ones own perceptions is a lonely lot; believing ones own eyes and being vocal about it is dangerous. Believing the propagandaor, rather, accepting the propaganda as ones realitycarries the promise of a less anxious existence, in harmony with the majority of ones fellow citizens. The path to peace of mind lies in giving ones mind over to the regime. Are you going to wear a mask to protect yourself, or are you going to risk your life to demonstrate fealty to Donald Trump? Are you going to believe infectious disease and public health experts or are you going to grasp at peace of mind by believing outrageous lies? Refusing to wear a mask is drinking the Kool-Aid. Its not brave, bold or independent. Its pathetic! A protest was staged against China in front of the Nepal Embassy by multiple Nepalese organizations on Thursday. Members of Nepal-Bharat friendship organization along with other Nepali Gorkha organizations protested against Chinese aggression and incursion in both the countries of India and Nepal. The protestors put on display banners and placards with slogans denouncing China as a 'Land Mafia'. They also raised slogans against Beijing alleging encroachment by the Asian giant in countries it shares borders with. Read: Nepalese Try To Abduct Indians As Tensions Rise Along Border Villages Amid Map Row 'China is encroaching our lands' The protestors also called for a complete boycott of Chinese products. "The communist government of China is encroaching our lands. It has encroached several places in Nepal by diverting rivers, it has done the same with India at LAC in Galwan Valley. Today we are protesting against China 'The Land Mafia'. Our Nepalese government is also not doing enough to push China back. We hereby protest against China show our solidarity towards India. Nepal and India are brother countries and share great relations that date back to thousands of years. Our cultures are also similar and today we say that our friendship will not be hampered by a country like China," said a protestor. Read: Cracks In Nepal's Ruling Party As PM Oli & Party Chief Trade Barbs Amid Anti-India Map This comes after at least 10 places in Nepal have been encroached upon by China using increased road construction in Tibet to cut into Kathmandu's land. According to a report prepared by the survey department of the agriculture ministry of Nepal, China has encroached on 10 places comprising 33 hectares of Nepal's land by diverting the flow of the river which acts as a natural boundary. The report further stated that Nepal would lose more land if proper steps are not taken. This news of Chinese incursion in Nepal comes amid escalating skirmish between India and China at Galwan Valley. The relationship between China and India suffered a major blow following a violent faceoff between the two countries in which 20 Indian soldiers were martyred. According to reports, India is evaluating the exact location of Chinese encroachment in Nepal and its proximity to the Indian borders as it believes that this can further complicate the relationship between the two countries amid Beijing's strategy to encroach land in its neighbouring countries. Notably, Nepal recently endorsed a new political map showing Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura under its territory. Read: India Slams China, Says They Are 'amassing Troops At LAC Since May' Amid Talks Read: China Tried To Intrude But We Responded: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old black man, died last summer after being detained by police and injected with ketamine by first responders in Aurora, Colorado. Nearly a year later, a Change.org petition seeking justice for McClain has gained over two million signatures in just three weeks. Piper Rundell told CBS News that she decided to create the petition after McClain's coworker told her about his death "nearly in tears." "Hearing that there were cases of police brutality that were happening so close to where I lived kind of inspired me to start the petition I was just hoping I could do something," Rundell said. "When the petition got 100 signatures I was so thrilled ... I'm sure you can imagine my excitement when there were 100,000 signatures and now it's gained over 2 million." The petition calls for the officers involved in McClain's death be taken off duty, and that a "more in-depth investigation" be conducted into the events leading up to it. McClain was walking in Aurora on the night of August 24, 2019, when a 911 call was placed describing a man matching his description acting strange, according to District Attorney Dave Young. Elijah McClain / Credit: Mari Newman "The Aurora Police Department Communications Center (Dispatch) received a 911 call from J.V. describing a suspicious black male wearing a ski mask, 'acting weird' by 'waving his arms around,'" reads the incident overview written by Young. Officer Nathan Woodyard approached McClain and asked him to stop walking. According to Young's account, McClain "appeared to ignore" commands from the officer to stop, and "continued walking." "As officer Woodyard approached Mr. McClain on foot, again telling him to stop. Mr McClain said, 'I have a right to go where I am going.' Officer Woodyard responded, 'I have a right to stop you because you're being suspicious,'" reads the report. Story continues The incident escalated after Woodyard grabbed McClain's arm while officer Jason Rosenblatt grabbed the other arm. Woodyard later told a detective that he thought McClain might have weapons on him, but that he would not allow himself to be searched. No weapon was ever found. According to the District Attorney's report: "An officer can be heard on a body-worn camera saying 'stop tensing up dude, stop tensing up.' Mr. McClain then said 'let me go, no let me go, I am an introvert, please respect my boundaries that I am speaking.'" The situation escalated further after Woodyard and two other officers moved McClain to some nearby grass. According to Young's report, McClain can be heard saying "I intend to take my power back" as officer Randy Roedema said McClain was reaching for one of the officer's guns. All three officers then took McClain down to the ground, according to the report. Woodyard then put McClain in a "carotid control hold," a maneuver commonly known as a chokehold where an officer puts their arm around a subject's neck, restricting blood flow to the brain. The city directed police to cease using the hold earlier this month. McClain lost consciousness and was released from the hold, according to the Young's report. The officers then called for assistance and firefighters and an ambulance responded to the scene. A fire medic requested ketamine in an attempt to sedate McClain, and administered 500 milligrams of the drug. According to the report, McClain relaxed after the injection, was "placed into soft restraints" and loaded into an ambulance. The same medic who administered the ketamine, however, then noticed that "McClain's chest was not rising on his own, and he did not have a pulse." He was taken to a hospital where he was declared brain dead three days later. The county coroner declared the manner of death to be "undetermined," citing no evidence to support a ketamine overdose or whether the carotid hold contributed to his death. Young decided not to file criminal charges against the officers involved. "Based on the investigation presented and the applicable Colorado law, there is no reasonable likelihood of success of proving any state crimes beyond a reasonable doubt at trial," he wrote in his decision. Two months after the incident, McClain's mother, Sheneen McClain, wrote on her GoFundMe page that his death was the result of hate. "Treating humans like gutter because you yourself have unsolved issues in your being shows in guilt or hate," she wrote. "We have done this to ourselves by not standing up for each other on all levels of understanding and community values." McClain's family called for an independent investigation and "prosecution for the murder." The city of Aurora opened an external review on June 9, but it was quickly derailed by the revelation that the attorney hired to lead the investigation was a former police officer who specialized in defending police departments from liability claims, CBS Denver reports. Aurora Senior Public Information Officer Michael Bryant said the city is now in the process of compiling a "team of experts" from across the country to lead the review together. A report from the original investigation was expected by mid-July, but Bryant said a timeline is now unknown. Attorney Mari Newman, who represents McClain's family, said in a statement that "only recently, in response to the petition and increased public scrutiny, did Aurora finally claim to have hired a so-called 'independent investigator,' who media quickly revealed was actually a former police officer turned lawyer, whose legal practice is dedicated to defending police who use excessive force." "Clearly, Aurora has no intention of taking responsibility for murdering an innocent young man. Its entire effort is to defend its brutality at all costs, and to lie to the public it is supposed to serve," Newman wrote. She said the family is "thankful for the millions of people who have stood up to denounce the murder of their beloved son by Aurora Police and medics." But added that "it should not take a massive petition and national media attention for city leaders to do their jobs." / Credit: Mari Newman Rundell said she recently noticed an uptick in petition signatures, attributing the surge to increased attention on social media. "I've noticed a lot more stories about Elijah's life rather than the story of his death," Rundell said. "People are talking about what an amazing person that he was and even how he used to play music for cats at shelters so they weren't lonely. I think that this has inspired a lot of people to sign and share the story of his life." Despite the overwhelming call for a reexamination of McClain's death, Young has said petition signatures are not enough to reopen a case. He told Colorado Politics on June 8: "I don't open up investigations based on petitions." "Obviously, if there is new evidence to look at, I will look at the evidence in any case," he said. "But no. I'm not going to open up an investigation because people are signing a petition." Rundell said she still hopes justice will be served. "Elijah would still be alive today if it weren't for police brutality so a conviction for the officers involved is what I'm hoping," she said. "In a system that protects these officers I believe they should at least be removed from duty." Massive Saharan dust cloud makes its way to Southern states still battling coronavirus Oxford scientists test possible coronavirus vaccine in South Africa Tri-state area imposes mandatory quarantine on travelers from coronavirus hotspots as cases rise Provided COLONIE A teacher at the former Warren Street Academy in Hudson has been charged with felony child pornography charges, as well as felony possession of a weapon. Sean M. Miller, 26, of Latham was charged after the New York State Police Computer Crimes Unit and Colonie police executed a search warrant at Miller's residence. Police said the Internet Crimes Against Children task force found an individual at the residence had allegedly possessed and transmitted, via the internet, images containing child pornography. The images in question are not believed to be of local victims. Archaeologists discover ancient Christian settlement in Galilee conquered in 7th century Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Researchers in Israel say that they have found what they believe to be the remains of an ancient Christian settlement that was most likely destroyed by the Persian conquest of the region in the seventh century. Atiqot, a Hebrew-language research journal operated by the Israel Antiquities Authority, has published a new report on the excavation at Pi Mazuva, a Byzantine settlement located in modern Israels northwest corner near the Lebanon border. According to the journal, the excavation at the site, which was first discovered in 2007 during excavation for road construction, has revealed building complexes separated by alleys that date back to the Byzantine period. The finds at the site included a bronze cross, an ashlar limestone lintel with a cross engraving, and pottery dated to the sixthseventh centuries CE, which comprised local types, alongside many imported ones, some adorned with crosses, according to Atiqot. An interesting find is a high-quality, colorful, seventh-century CE mosaic floor adorned with floral motifs, animal and human figures, and two fragmentary Greek inscriptions. The finds at the site point to the existence of a rural Christian settlement, probably destroyed during the Persian conquest of the region in 613 CE. The research was led by IAA archaeologist Gilad Cinamon. According to the Jewish newspaper Haaretz, the town is not known from Byzantine sources but was mentioned in the Jerusalem Talmud, a document of religious law from the fourth and fifth century. The town is said to be among a group of Western Galilee towns that are not considered part of the land of Israel but whose Jewish residents were to abide by the commandments listed for inhabitants of the holy land, Haaretz notes. While for now we have no documents from Christian sources about this settlement, all the evidence points to an almost entirely Christian population, Cinamon told Haaretz. According to Atiqots summary of the report, the pottery finds retrieved from the buildings excavated at Pi Mazuva date to the late Byzantine period and comprise local and imported vessels. Two red-slipped bowls were discovered. One was adorned with a cross and the other featured a human figure holding a staff. The pottery from Pi Mazuva shows a clear affinity with assemblages dated to the late Byzantine period at nearby sites in the western Galilee, the journal notes. The rather large quantity of imported vessels possibly suggests the existence of dwellings and storehouses for agricultural produce at the site. According to Atiqot, the mosaic floor uncovered at Pi Mazuva comprises a broad border of acanthus medallions, surrounding a carpet of flower buds, with a womans bust depicted in its center. The journal states that the mosaic could be a personification of abundance and agricultural fertility. The acanthus border is populated by floral and animal motifs, which seem to have been executed by experienced artists. Based on iconographic and stylistic considerations, the mosaic was dated to the seventh century CE, probably created after the Muslim conquest, attesting to a continuation of local Byzantine traditions throughout the seventheighth centuries CE, the journal explains. The mosaic might have adorned a room that was used for entertaining guests in a manor house. Cinamon told Haaretz that the mosaic 16 feet by 16 feet likely decorated the living room of a self-sustained urban villa owned by a very wealthy family. And this is quite a rare find for this area in the Byzantine period, he said. LONDON - The leader of Britains main opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, on Thursday fired a lawmaker from a top party job for sharing an article on social media containing what Starmer called an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. Starmer said he had asked Rebecca Long-Bailey to resign as party education spokeswoman. Earlier, Long-Bailey tweeted a link to a newspaper interview with actress Maxine Peake, calling the actress an absolute diamond. In the interview with The Independent, Peake called systemic racism a global issue, and said the tactics used by the police in America, kneeling on George Floyds neck had been learned from seminars with Israeli secret services. Labour said in a statement that the article Rebecca shared earlier today contained an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. As leader of the Labour Party, Keir has been clear that restoring trust with the Jewish community is a number one priority. Antisemitism takes many different forms and it is important that we all are vigilant against it, he added. Starmer beat Long-Bailey in an election to become Labour leader in April. He is trying to steer the party back towards the centre ground after the divisive tenure of his left-wing predecessor, Jeremy Corbyn. Corbyn also faced allegations that he had allowed anti-Semitism to fester in the party. He is a longtime supporter of the Palestinians and a critic of Israel. Starmer has called anti-Semitism a stain on our party. Long-Bailey said she had shared the article because of Peakes significant achievements and backing for Labour, adding that it wasnt intended to be an endorsement of all aspects of the article. Actor-politician and Congress leader Shatrughan Sinha tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Twitter, asking him to clarify the status of Chinese mobile applications in India. Honble PM @narendramodi Sir, confusion continues.... first a viral social media report that there has been a ban on certain Chinese apps in India. It also claims that #NIC under Ministry of Electronics & IT @Gol_MeitY had also issued restrictions for the functioning of some Chinese apps, Sinha said in his first post in a series of tweets on the issue. Hon'ble PM @narendramodi Sir, confusion continues.... first a viral social media report that there has been a ban on certain Chinese apps in India. It also claims that #NIC under Ministry of Electronics & IT @Gol_MeitY had also issued restrictions for the functioning of some Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) June 25, 2020 However, #PIB, Fact Checker @PIBFactCheck the Govts official Fact Checker, rejected it as a Fake claiming no such instructions were ever given. All these reports coming during the tense situation between #IndoChina. Why Sir, these confusions & contradictions? They are extremely misleading & uncalled for at the least, Sinha said in his second tweet. He also asked the prime minister to take necessary actions soon. are extremely misleading & uncalled for at the least. Hope, wish & pray you will take necessary actions soon, sooner the better & put matters to rest at once. Jai Hind! Read all details here:--https://t.co/1QQUNYvIJg@PMOIndia@PIBFactCheck @Gol_MeitY@INCIndia@YashwantSinha Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) June 25, 2020 The PIB tweet in reference was posted on June 19 where it had said that no such order was issued. Claim: A viral message of an order allegedly from NIC claims that @GoI_Meity has prohibited some apps from being made available on App Stores. #PIBFactCheck: The Order is #Fake. No such instruction has been given by @GoI_MeitY or NIC. pic.twitter.com/Dt7rMR7nIz PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) June 19, 2020 Sinha had exited the BJP to shift to the Congress ahead of last years national elections. He was the BJPs in-house critics for years before joining the Congress. On Tuesday, he tweeted on the Ladakh face-off, questioning PM Modi about contradictions among our people on the situation on #IndoChina. It seems that the nation is confused & doesnt know what to believe, he said in his tweet. ...we seek answers from you on the brutal attack & the unfortunate death of 20 of our bravehearts. Hope, wish & pray you will tackle this manner swiftly, without any further delay. The nation stands united with you in these difficult times.Jai Hind! Sinha said. The former Patna Sahib lawmaker finally exited the BJP last year before the national elections when the BJP decided to field law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad from the seat. Sinha was defeated by Ravi Shankar Prasad who secured 62 per cent of the votes cast as against Sinhas 33 per cent. Chinese defense spokesperson slams US recent interference with Taiwan PLA Daily Source: China Military Online Editor: Chen Lufan 2020-06-24 18:15:02 BEIJING, June 24 -- Taiwan is an inseparable part of China and Taiwan affairs are purely China's internal affairs that allow no external interference, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense said on Wednesday at a regular press conference. Wu made the remarks when being asked to comment on the United States' close interactions with Taiwan in recent days. Wu pointed out that it would be a sheer pipe dream for the US to gradually endanger China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity by frequently playing the Taiwan card. "The Chinese military has been on high alert, and has the firm resolve, full confidence and sufficient capabilities to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," Wu stated. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address H ome Secretary Priti Patel has condemned the "utterly vile" violence at a street party in south London, which left 22 police officers injured. Scotland Yard said officers were confronted by a "hostile" crowd as they tried to break up a "block party" on Overton Road, Brixton, on Wednesday night. A number of police vehicles were damaged, police said, while two officers required hospital treatment for their injuries. Four people have been arrested for assault and public order offences and remain in police custody. Fifteen police officers were injured / Nigel Howard Condemning the violence, Ms Patel said: "These are utterly vile scenes. "Just last weekend, the whole country came together to praise our heroic police officers for putting their own lives on the line to keep us safe. "I'll be picking up with the Met Commissioner immediately." Shocking images circulating on social media from the scene show officers being chased by men brandishing improvised weapons. In one video, a man can be heard telling a group of officers to "back up" as he confronts them with what appears to be a sword. Officers with riot gear were sent to the scene, but they were forced to back off as missiles were hurled by the crowd. The Home Secretary has condemned the violence as "utterly vile" / Nigel Howard BCU Commander Colin Wingrove from the Met Police said: "These gatherings are unlawful, as well as posing a risk to public health and against coronavirus restrictions. "The violence shown towards officers is totally unacceptable and we will not tolerate it in any form. "An investigation into the incident is now taking place and those involved will be brought to justice." Mayor of London Sadiq Khan also condemned the "completely unacceptable events" in Brixton and said he was in touch with the Met Police. "Violence against the police will not be tolerated," he wrote on Twitter. "Large gatherings during Covid-19 are deeply irresponsibly and risk others' lives." On Wednesday, the Justice Department revealed that Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, is charged with recruiting and conspiring with hackers from groups such as LulzSec and Anonymous. Working with hackers Assange has 18 previous indictments filed against him under the Espionage Act from last year and the new charges add nothing new to his case. They do, however, expand on the cases that are already filed against the founder and the conspiracies surrounding his alleged connections with computer hackers. According to Axios, Assange is currently being held inside a UK prison and is waiting for possible extradition to the United States while a hearing for September is pending. It is also noted that the suspect is in ill condition. The claims against Assange state that in 2010, he was able to access a NATO country's government computer system illegally. In 2012, Assange allegedly directly communicated with a LulzSec leader who, at the time, was working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Allegedly, Assange gave LulzSec a list of targets that he wanted LulzSec to hack, one of which the WikiLeaks founder emphasized he wanted access to mail, documents, databases, and pdfs and then provided to his website. The Department of Justice (DOJ) claims that in another exchange with the LulzSec leader, Assange said that the most crucial pieces of information he could acquire come from the CIA, NSA, or the news outlet, the New York Times. Also Read: Former eBay Employees Alleged to Have Mailed Spiders, Cockroaches and Pig Mask to Critics According to the press release, WikiLeaks was able to collect and publish emails from a data breach of an undisclosed American Intelligence consulting company which he asked an Anonymous and LulzSec-affiliated hacker to crack. The hacker revealed Assange asked him indirectly to target the company again afterwards. Along with the recruitment of the hackers, the charges against Assange include working with members of the hacking groups. Fox News reported that one such event is when he conspired with a 17-year-old hacker to gather stolen information from a bank and other confidential materials from high-ranking government officials. A threat to free speech Barry Pollack, Assange's lawyer, wrote in a statement that the actions of the government against his client are a threat to all journalists around the world and undermines the right of the people to know. Pollack adds that the superseding indictment acts as proof that the US government's efforts against Assange are trying to frame his client of anything other than publishing newsworthy and accurate information. The lawyer also said the claims of Assange breaking the Espionage Act stem from the American government's attempts to ignore its exposed war crimes. The United States government has charged Assange with risking national security by working to gather and procure and disclose classified information from intelligence agencies, as reported by the Time. Officials have accused the WikiLeaks founder of conspiring with Chelsea Manning, an Army Intelligence Analyst, to gain access to a classified United States Department of Defense computer. Assange is also thought to have worked with Manning to steal military reports and State Department cables. Related Article: Trump Threatens Protesters of Possible Jail Time for Vandalism, Defacing President Andrew Jackson Statue @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. ISTANBUL Turkey slammed a tell-all memoir by former US national security adviser John Bolton that included revelations about discussions between the two countries leaders, saying it contained manipulative depictions of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has always been straightforward about his dealings with the US administration. On Tuesday Bolton, who served as President Donald Trumps chief adviser on national security affairs until September 2019, published The Room Where It Happened, a blunt account of the US presidents conduct with foreign leaders during Boltons 17 months in the job. Trump has accused his former aide of both lying and revealing classified information. In the book, Bolton asserted that Erdogan had won a pledge from Trump to intervene on his behalf in US legal proceedings against Halkbank, a Turkish state bank that has since been indicted in New York for allegedly helping Tehran dodge sanctions for its nuclear program by moving about $20 billion in Iranian energy revenues. He also wrote about Trumps defiance of Congress by refusing to impose sanctions on Turkey for its purchase of an advanced Russian antiaircraft system and how Erdogan convinced him to pull US forces out of northeastern Syria in December 2018, two matters widely covered by the media. Recent publication of a book authored by a high-level former US official includes misleading, one-sided and manipulative presentations of our leader President Erdogans conversations with the US President Donald Trump, Fahrettin Altun, a senior adviser to Erdogan, said in a series of tweets late on Wednesday, accusing the author of pursuing his own domestic political agendas with the book. Yet Altun did not reject Boltons core allegations: that Erdogan had firmly pressed for and often won Trumps support on a litany of disputes between the two NATO allies. Indeed, the Turkish president has never made a secret of his efforts to win over Trump to settle disputes that have plunged US-Turkish relations into a series of diplomatic crises in recent years. President Erdogan, at every opportunity, clearly outlines Turkeys priorities and advocates for them vigorously both publicly and privately, Altun said. Trump has called himself a great fan of Erdogan, and the personal nature of their relationship has helped Erdogan achieve some foreign policy goals, perhaps most notably Trumps acquiescence and withdrawal of American soldiers fighting the Islamic State in Syria in October, paving the way for Turkey and Russia to enter and push out US-allied Kurdish fighters. While the case against Halkbank continues, Trumps attorney general dismissed the prosecutor overseeing the litigation last week after Boltons manuscript was leaked to the press, detailing Trumps promise to Erdogan in late 2018 that he would take care of things by replacing the prosecutors on the case with his people. But a laundry list of challenges continues to afflict the relationship. The US Congress continues to threaten sanctions for Turkeys purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system, designed to shoot down NATO aircraft. It hasnt begun operating the weapons since taking delivery of the missiles in December. Two weeks ago, an Istanbul court sentenced a Turkish employee of the US consulate to almost nine years in prison for aiding an armed terrorist organization. Metin Topuz, in custody since October 2017, has been described as a political hostage. Things may not be as bad as they were but its not all cosy between Ankara and Washington, said Soner Cagaptay, the director of the Turkish research program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Turkey has plenty of critics in Congress, especially over its human rights record, and defense policy-makers remain distrustful after the incursion into Syria and Erdogans cultivation of ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said. We havent seen a complete rupture, because Trump really does care for Erdogan and for Turkey, Cagaptay told Al-Monitor. For Trump, Erdogan is a dealmaker with whom he can do business as a bilateralist and not through the messy mechanisms of multilateral international institutions. Cagaptay also pointed to Turkeys recent success in supporting the internationally recognized government in Libya against a rebel commander backed by Russia as an alignment of interests with Washington. Erdogan said June 8 after a call with Trump that the two countries are embarking on a new era in their relationship over the conflict in Libya. Erdogan and Trump have expended great effort to repair and keep stable the US-Turkey relationship despite deep differences and despite some hostile voices toward Turkey in Washington, Altun said on Twitter. He praised Trump for doing a lot more listening to Turkey than his predecessors and said Erdogan would continue his frank, honest and straightforward conversations with Trump. In The Room Where It Happened, Bolton does throw some shade on Erdogan, comparing his tone on a phone call to Mussolini speaking from his Rome balcony and calling him a radical Islamicist. He describes Trumps relationship with Erdogan as a bromance with yet another authoritarian foreign leader. Democrats are following up on Boltons allegations on Halkbank, including the senior opposition members of the Senates Foreign Relations and Finance Committees. But this week the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee called another impeachment probe of Trump over Boltons claims a waste of time and effort ahead of the Nov. 3 presidential election. Like the rest of the world, Turkey is keeping a close eye on the US campaign between Trump and his Democratic challenger, former Vice President Joe Biden. Trump has said that his predecessor, Barack Obama, was unfair to Turkey. Erdogan would really like to see Trump win a second term, but hes a chameleon who has been able to frame himself [as what] US presidents want to see, said Cagaptay. He can do this for a President Biden as well. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 22:02:34|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ANKARA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Foreign Ministry Thursday slammed Greece for attempting to cover up "human rights violations and crimes" in handling the migrant issue and accused the European Union of being part of the attitude. "The remarks made by Greek Foreign Minister (Nikos) Dendias together with EU High Representative (for Foreign Affairs Josep) Borrell at the Turkish-Greek border yesterday are first of all a new manifestation of Greece's effort to cover up human rights violations and crimes against asylum seekers under the EU umbrella," Hami Aksoy, the spokesperson of the Turkish foreign ministry said in a written statement. "The EU Commission is a partner of this," he added. Aksoy called on the EU and Greece to pay respect to the rights of the migrants and fulfill their legal obligations instead of accusing Turkey. Dendias on Wednesday accused Turkey of "exploiting" thousands of migrants at their border four months ago and expressed concern that Turkish authorities may again allow them to reach the border crossing, just as it had happened in late February and early March this year. "This deplorable attempt to blackmail the European Union failed," Dendias said during a visit with Borrell to a military post at a border crossing with Turkey. In February, Ankara opened its border gate to Europe for illegal migrants after the killing of at least 33 Turkish soldiers in an airstrike in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, the last rebel-held stronghold in Syria. Turkey is hosting over 3.7 million Syrians in its territory. Enditem Apples cloud computing solutions may not be able to touch down in Vietnam due to conflicts with the Law on Cybersecurity that demands foreign service suppliers to store data on Vietnamese servers. Photo: Shutterstock As one of the economic consequences following the pandemic, US tech titan Apple has been forced to change its business orientation from accelerating device sales like iPhones and Macbooks to software services, especially cloud computing. A report from technology aggregator Protocol in late May stated that Apple has been recruiting software engineers specialised in cloud computing. The global health emergency has put tech firms specialised in producing devices like Apple at large risk by interrupting supply chains, with many of their factories mainly based in China. On the other hand, the pandemic has benefited major software companies such as Google, Microsoft, Netflix, and Amazon because of the great demand for online services during the crisis. According to an unofficial source, Apple pays about $30 million a month to the subsidiary of the US-based e-commerce giant Amazon to develop cloud computing-based services such as iCloud, Apple Music, and New Plus. As of now, the iPhone manufacturer is one of the biggest clients of Amazon Web Services (AWS). Apples cloud computing will be directly responsible for services on its 1.5 billion devices across the world and in Vietnam. However, with the disruption from the Law on Cybersecurity that has been effective since January 2019, local Apple users may not be able to experience many of the companys cloud services. According to Article 26.3 of the law, any domestic or foreign enterprise providing services on telecom networks, the internet, and other value-added services in the cyberspace in Vietnam who collects, uses, analyses, or processes data on users personal information, their relationships, or data generated by service users in Vietnam must store this data in the country for a yet undetermined period of time. As soon as the regulation was drafted, many global tech firms spoke out against it mainly due to significant costs for developing data systems in Vietnam. Companies with a prolonged presence in Vietnam, such as Google and Microsoft, may spend more to comply with the Vietnamese law and sustain their services. However, other firms that newly enter the market or smaller firms may have to review the costs before making decisions about whether it is worth building up data systems. Thus, to maintain the usage of Apples cloud services for locals, the tech firm will have to spend a sizable expense to develop its data storage system in Vietnam. Notwithstanding, as Apple has never given high priority to the Vietnamese market, it seems unlikely that the company will drain its funds for data storage in the nation. Specifically, Apples new products in Vietnam are usually launched at least a month after other Southeast Asian markets, such as Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. In case Apple decides to construct data centres in Vietnam, the company would have to compete with AWS and local companies, such as Viettel IDC, FPT Telecom, and CMC Telecom. Meanwhile, AWS officially entered Vietnam in 2017 as it recognised the huge demand for cloud computing services of businesses in the country. The US firm currently provides more than 90 cloud services such as data storage, analysis, and AI services. Many large firms, like Masan, Vietjet, and VTV, are currently using AWS products. Especially, VTV has been utilising AWS cloud computing services to broadcast nine television channels on the internet through its web interface VTVGo. According to Paul Chen, head of Solutions Architect in Southeast Asia, after many years of operating in the US, India, and China, Amazons subsidiary has been eyeing Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. On the flip side, the strict regulations of the Law on Cybersecurity also facilitate the evolution of Vietnamese cloud computing suppliers. In a response to VIR, a representative of Viettel IDC said that major Vietnamese businesses do not like their data stored or processed on overseas servers. They prefer using local services although they are not as big as Google or Amazon, he said. The representative also revealed Viettel IDC occupies more than 40 per cent of the local cloud computing market. With such high market share, the firm does not only lead Vietnam but also Southeast Asia. Accordingly, small cloud service suppliers mainly use Viettel IDCs infrastructure to build up their own cloud computing products, resulting in an even higher market share of Viettel IDC. Thus, Viettel IDCs robust position could be a large obstacle for Apple for convincing thousands of local companies to store their data with them. VIR Van Anh Digiworld to distribute Apple products in Vietnam Digiworld Corporation will start selling Apple products from the end of this month, confirmed Doan Hong Viet, the companys chairman and general director. LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The first-ever virtual Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition (CVPR) Conference one of the largest events exploring artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, computer vision, deep learning, and more successfully concluded last week. With more than 5,000 papers, keynotes, sessions, workshops, and tutorials amounting to 1,497,800 minutes of virtual learning and discussion, and an audience of 7,600 from more all over the world, the event served as a powerful forum to further the understanding, application, and advancement of computer vision, AI and machine learning on a global scale. "We are very happy with the success of our first-ever CVPR Virtual despite the obvious challenges," said Ramin Zabih, Cornell University Professor of Computer Science and Co-Chair of the CVPR 2020 Committee. "Thanks are due to the commitment, dedication, and determination of our volunteers, speakers, authors, and the larger computer vision community." Year after year, CVPR continues to grow as one of the largest and leading computer vision, AI, and machine learning events in the world. This year's event saw record paper submissions, with 5,865, an increase of almost 30 percent over last year. In addition, CVPR 2020 featured high-profile industry leaders as keynote presenters during fireside chats. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft delivered the main program's opening keynote on 16 June, delivering a message of how computer vision can support and shape a post- COVID-19 environment. "This crisis has brought the need for digital technology and how it can help us, at large, as a society respond, recover and reimagine how we work and live going forward..." he said. "Digital technology, including computer vision, is going to play a big role in it... Once we come out of the COVID-19 crisis, we will use the flexibility to help people with not only their productivity, but also their well-being, their needs." Charlie Bell, SVP, Amazon Web Services served as the closing keynote on 18 June. He shared an empowering message of the potential impact for computer vision, AI, machine learning on the future. "If you look at human history, it is very clear that as you get advances like this that improve human productivity, everyone benefits," said Bell. "I believe we are at the dawn of a wonderful new era in human capability, and machine learning will make that possible. I think this will be a boon to human kind as we deploy this further." One of the event's other prestigious components is its awards program. Each year, CVPR recognizes research through its best papers awards. This year, from a total of 1,467 accepted papers, which were whittled down to 26 finalists, the Awards Committee presented the following awards: The Awards Committee also honored posthumously, Thomas S. Huang, who died on 25 April 2020. Huang was one of the leading figures in computer vision, pattern recognition and human computer interaction. In his honor, the Thomas Huang Memorial Prize has been established to recognize and honor distinguished individuals with long-standing service, research, and mentoring within the computer vision community. The prize will be awarded annually beginning in 2021. "From the fireside chats and oral and poster sessions to the networking, engagement, and recognition opportunities, CVPR 2020 offered a unique forum for education, inspiration, and motivation," said IEEE Computer Society Executive Director Melissa Russell, co-sponsor of the event. "To successfully execute an event of this magnitude and distinction within a fully virtual format is a testament to the ingenuity, strength, and passion of the computer vision community. We are honored to have been part of this event, and look forward to supporting next year's conference." CVPR 2020 launched 14 June and concluded 19 June. A post-event report with additional program insights, paper and author highlights, sponsor details, and future trends will be made available in the coming weeks. CVPR 2021 will take place 21 June 24 June in Nashville, Tennessee. About CVPR 2020 CVPR is the premier annual computer vision and pattern recognition conference. With first-in-class technical content, a main program, tutorials, workshops, a leading-edge expo, and attended by more than 7,500people annually, CVPR creates a one-of-a-kind opportunity for networking, recruiting, inspiration, and motivation. CVPR 2020, originally scheduled to take place 14-19 June 2020 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle Washington, took place as a fully virtual event. Authors and presenters virtually delivered presentations and engaged in live Q&A with attendees. For more information about CVPR, visit cvpr2020.thecvf.com. About the Computer Vision Foundation The Computer Vision Foundation is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to foster and support research on all aspects of computer vision. Together with the IEEE Computer Society, it co-sponsors the two largest computer vision conferences, CVPR and the International Conference on Computer Vision (ICCV). About the IEEE Computer Society The IEEE Computer Society is the world's home for computer science, engineering, and technology. A global leader in providing access to computer science research, analysis, and information, the IEEE Computer Society offers a comprehensive array of unmatched products, services, and opportunities for individuals at all stages of their professional career. Known as the premier organization that empowers the people who drive technology, the IEEE Computer Society offers international conferences, peer-reviewed publications, a unique digital library, and training programs. Visit computer.org for more information. SOURCE IEEE Computer Society Related Links www.computer.org LONDON - The United Nations former human rights chief and eight former U.N. special envoys urged the bodys secretary-general Thursday to appoint a special envoy on Hong Kong, saying they are deeply concerned about a potential humanitarian tragedy as Beijing prepares to impose a draconian national security law on the city. Zeid Raad Al-Hussein, who was the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights during 2014-2018, and the eight former special rapporteurs called for the unusual procedure because of the severity of the deterioration, the impending grave threats under the new security law, (and) the symbolism that a human rights crisis in what had been one of Asias freest cities entails. A law that could be enacted as soon as next week would criminalize secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities and colluding with foreign forces to endanger national security. The central government in Beijing also would set up a national security office in Hong Kong to collect and analyze intelligence and deal with criminal cases related to national security. The plans have not been officially published, and details were only gleaned from a state media report. The measures have been widely seen as the most significant erosion to date of Hong Kongs British-style rule of law and high degree of autonomy China promised Hong Kong would have under the one country, two systems principle since the territorys handover from colonial Britain in 1997. We believe there are now very real fears of a human rights and humanitarian tragedy in Hong Kong, the former U.N. officials statement said. It is imperative that the international community, and particularly the United Nations and its member states, act urgently to establish a mechanism for observing, monitoring and reporting on the human rights and humanitarian situation in Hong Kong. Beijings decision to rush the law into effect, bypassing Hong Kongs legislature, followed the often-violent clashes in the city between pro-democracy protesters and police last year. The demonstrations subsided due to coronavirus concerns earlier this year, but have returned lately in opposition to the security law. On Thursday, police fired pepper spray and arrested 14 people for unlawful assembly at a shopping mall protest in Hong Kongs New Territories. Former British Foreign Secretary Malcolm Rifkind said Thursdays move by the former U.N. officials sends a powerful message and signals that the crisis in Hong Kong has grown from a mostly local dispute to an international one. From the Chinese governments point of view that is a disaster, he told The Associated Press. Its the last thing they would want. And yet its going to get much worse from their point of view, because if this is all happening before they try to apply this new law, imagine what the reaction is going to be if they start to extradite people. However, he acknowledged that further action within the U.N. would be difficult because of the Chinese veto in the Security Council. Lawmakers and senior politicians in the U.K., U.S., European Union and elsewhere have been considering options to join forces and push for collective action should Beijing enact the law. On Thursday, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a bill to impose sanctions on individuals, including the police, that undermine Hong Kongs autonomy or erode freedoms promised to Hong Kong residents. The bill targets Chinese Communist Party officials responsible for imposing the national security law on the city, as well as banks that do business with entities found to violate the citys autonomy. In the U.K., Rifkind and Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong, recently led a grouping of more than 900 international parliamentarians from 43 countries in decrying Beijings law. He was also among seven former British foreign secretaries who have urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to take a stronger leadership role and co-ordinate an international contact group on the topic. We have a legal obligation to raise these matters. But we are not naive, we recognize the U.K. by itself will only have limited influence, Rifkind said. We hope the cumulative effect will persuade (President) Xi Jinping that whatever his aspirations in Hong Kong ... the government elite will lose more than it will gain. He also sharply rebuked Chinas claims that the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the agreement that paved the way for the citys transition to Chinese rule, was a historic document. What theyre saying is manifestly absurd. Its pathetic because they know perfectly well theyre talking rubbish, he said. Canadas long-term foreign currency debt rating was downgraded by Fitch Ratings, which cited the deterioration in its public finances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The country is expected to run a bigger government deficit this year and emerge from the recession with much higher public debt ratios, Fitch said Wednesday. It cut the countrys rating one notch to AA+ from AAA. Canada still has a AAA rating with S&P Global Ratings, making it only one of two countries left in the Group of Seven to hold that status; Germany is the other. Moodys Investors Service also gives Canada its highest rating. The question is what took so long. Canadas excessively leveraged national balance sheet has looked a lot like China, Italy and Greece for quite a while, said David Rosenberg, founder of Rosenberg Research and Associates and former chief North American economist at Merrill Lynch & Co. This wont be the last ratings cut, I can assure you. He had predicted the downgrade in an April research note that said the Great Canadian Debt Surge has come home to roost. Canadas national government is on track to post its largest deficit on record in the 2020-2021 fiscal year. The shortfall may reach about 12 per cent of gross domestic product during compared with 1.1 per cent last year, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer. The higher deficit is largely driven by public spending to counteract a sharp fall in output as parts of the economy were shuttered to contain the spread of the coronavirus, Fitch said in the report. It expects the coronavirus response to raise Canadas consolidated gross general government debt to 115.1 per cent of GDP in 2020, up from 88.3% last year. The Canadian dollar briefly weakened to a session low, hitting $1.3618 per U.S. dollar, before rebounding. Markets dont seem to care, rightly so in my view, said Derek Holt, an economist at Bank of Nova Scotia. Every sovereign is under the same pressure. Ratings are a relative game and even at that there is a long list of more dominant market factors. Its one agency that stripped Canada of some political bragging rights, but the tangible impact is scant to non-existent. For Bipan Rai, head of foreign exchange strategy at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, things may get volatile for the loonie if another agency follows. The question is whos next to downgrade? If its Moodys, then there is a risk of portfolio outflows, he added noting that Canadas current account deficit is financed heavily by foreign fund inflows. The North American economy is set to contract 7.1 per cent in 2020 compared to 1.6 per cent growth last year, according to median consensus of analysts compiled by Bloomberg. Canadas government is rolling out a plan of more than $230 billion of subsidies, grants and tax referrals in a bid to offset the impact of the pandemic. (Bloomberg) -- The same trends behind soaring stock prices for Amazon.com Inc. and Zoom Video Communications Inc. are benefiting shares in the companies associated with their real estate. Communication towers and data center stocks -- sometimes referred to as where the internet lives -- have seen some of the biggest gains in the S&P 500 so far this year as stay-in-place measures to combat the coronavirus have accelerated the demand for digital services and connectivity. Whereas the pandemic has severely hit many commercial property owners, shares in real estate investment trusts related to technology are outperforming. The combined market value gained by just five of those stocks is almost the same as the amount lost by 30 REITs specializing in malls and shopping centers, according to data compiled by Bloomberg News. If youre a real estate investor and your mandate is to own real estate, youre obviously not doing very well owning offices or owning retail, Cowen analyst Colby Synesael said in a phone interview. With more people at home, the demands on technology and its infrastructure have been tremendous, whether its allowing for online shopping, mobile streaming or working remotely. As a result, certain REITs have emerged as defensive plays for investors, Synesael said. American Tower Corp., Digital Reality Trust Inc., Equinix Inc., Crown Castle International Inc. and SBA Communications Corp. have added roughly $50 billion in total market capitalization this year, and valuations for towers and data centers have never been higher. Data centers, for instance, are trading at a roughly 15% premium to the overall REIT average on a price to estimated adjusted funds from operations basis, according to Berenberg analyst Nate Crossett. Historically theyve traded at a 7% discount. As a global data center company, Equinix has boasted of its work building out coverage and scale for clients that have gone on to become household names in the work-from-home era including Zoom and Cisco Systems Inc.s Webex. Story continues Two significant customers of ours is Zoom and Webex -- both of whom obviously saw exceptional increases in their demand as work from home took off, Chief Executive Officer Charles Meyers said in an interview. We played a very key role in helping them ramp up their capacity to meet that demand. That was true also in networking cloud providers. Meyers said its difficult to anticipate how much more revenue the company could see over time. In terms of demand, he pointed to recent overall online traffic trends, which surged 25% to 30% over a 30- to 45-day period-- growth that normally would take nine months to a year to achieve. Digital Realty Chief Financial Officer Andy Power said in an interview that the company had seen a pickup in data center demand from clients filling near-term gaps but that longer-term, he was pleasantly surprised at how larger enterprises were also taking this moment to plan for the future. Were seeing the criticality of our infrastructure playing out front and center while many of our other asset classes [in real estate] are seeing sloping rent, he said. Even for clients in struggling industries such as travel, the company has seen increased deployments. Our services are fundamentally mission critical for their businesses. You cannot book an airline ticket or any hotel reservation without the infrastructure were essentially providing. Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Lindsay Dutch said the need for increased connectivity during the pandemic has demonstrated the importance of digital infrastructure, which is a long-term driver for the stocks. If you think of everyone on their computers, trying to connect to their workplace and do all these Zoom calls and stream Netflix -- that creates more traffic and the need for power, she said. Before the virus, shares in tech-related REITs had already been rising, catching the attention of investors, Cowens Synesael said. For communication towers, he noted a sea change in 2018 when Vanguard Group began adding towers to its investment portfolio, prompting more investors to do the same ahead of the U.S. rollout of 5G spectrum. Unlike data centers, tower stocks arent seeing a fundamental change in earnings from the pandemic, Synesael said. However, they are still benefiting from trends Covid-19 has accelerated like mobile data use, which Synesael expects to continue. Despite their relative premium, Berenbergs Crossett said that on an absolute basis theres still plenty of room to run for data center stocks. To the extent that theres a pullback, I would be adding to these names, he said. 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. Chicago Public School Board Votes to Keep Police Officers in Schools Chicago Public School (CPS) Board of Education on Wednesday rejected a proposal that would have ended its agreement with the citys police department to post police officers in schools. In a tight 4-3 vote, the seven-member board decided not to terminate a $33 million contract with the city of Chicago. Under the contract, the Chicago Police Department provides nearly 200 officers spread across more than 70 CPS schools, including 144 school resource officers (SROs) assigned to high schools, and 44 mobile school officers going between various elementary schools. Recent incidents of police violence against black people across our country, and in our city, are in direct conflict with the values of the district and require us to take action, the proposal stated (pdf), claiming that Chicago PD officers acting as school resource officers disproportionately target black students due to racial bias. Board President Miguel del Valle, who led the majority no votes, emphasized that schools in Chicago have become safer because of various school-based law enforcement efforts, such as Safe Passage, a program between schools, police departments, and communities to secure safe routes for students walking to and from school. I ask those who advocate that school resource officers to be removed from schools, please go into the communities impacted by violence, said board member Dwayne Truss, who is black, before casting a no vote. Every community is different, he said. Without school resource officers, schools are not going to have that safety net that they have, said Truss. I wish we had an environment possible where we didnt need school resource officers. The school districts annual contract with Chicago PD is set to expire at the end of August. It means board members still have to vote on whether to renew the contract either at a July or August board meeting. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who appointed all CPS board members, dismissed the call for a blanket removal of police officers from schools, saying that the decision should be left to individual school councils, which consist of parents, teachers, and community members. Were not going to do that, Lightfoot said during a June 5 press conference, when asked if she would consider canceling the contract between CPS and the Chicago PD. Unfortunately, we need security in our schools. CPS implemented sweeping changes earlier this year to ensure local school councils are empowered to make their own decisions about whether to have school resource officers in their schools, she said in an earlier statement. I am pleased that both CPS and CPD are soliciting feedback and engagement on this issue so they can be sure to respond to various communities concerns. Some six persons have sustained gunshot wounds after some illegal miners and military personnel clashed at Konongo in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality. The miners were agitated after a confrontation led to the death of their colleague on Wednesday. The angry miners proceeded to the premises of the Owere Mines, where another confrontation ensued between them and the security at the Mining Company. Konongo Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Shaibu Osei, who narrated the incident to Citi News said, the situation has been brought under control to avert further clashes. We were told that the small miners have also converged here. We decided to talk to them and assure them that investigations have commenced. We are almost done talking to them and then the military came in and started firing. The guys were also pelting stones at the military officers. As to what triggered the firing I cant tell, but the military said it was because of the stones being thrown at them. But we have been able to calm down the situation. Meanwhile, the injured persons have been rushed to the Konongo-Odumase Hospital. On Wednesday, one person was confirmed dead after a confrontation between military officers and illegal miners at Petransa. The officers were deployed to stop the illegal miners from trespassing on a concession belonging to the Owere Mines, a mining company in the area. In 2017, two illegal miners died after a mining pit collapsed on about 14 miners in that same area. ---citinewsroom [June 25, 2020] HID Global Enables Employee Verification, Bolsters Security for Newmont's Remote Polymetallic Mine in Mexico HID Global, a worldwide leader in trusted identity solutions, today announced it has collaborated with software company Alutel Mobility to power employee authentication at Newmont's polymetallic mine in northeastern Mexico. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005179/en/ HID's OMNIKEY readers, Seos credentials, and Alutel Mobility's solution with RAGTAB tablets and mobile app, allow Newmont to safeguard and monitor multiple entry points and car access at rural mine locations, which are often impossible to equip with readers and lack internet connectivity. (Graphic: Business Wire) HID's OMNIKEY readers, Seos credentials, and Alutel Mobility's solution with RAGTAB tablets and Alutel's mobile app, allow Newmont to safeguard and monitor multiple entry points and car access at rural and underground mine locations, which are often impossible to equip with readers and lack internet connectivity. "With HID Global and Alutel Mobility's help, Newmont has been able to establish an innovatie access control system that is optimized for our specific needs," said Daniel Tejeda, project manager at Newmont. "Previously, there was no control over who was on-site. We have gone from zero control to complete control." How it works Staff members simply tap their Seos credentials to a RAGTAB tablet with an embedded HID OMNIKEY reader The Alutel Mobility app displays the worker's photo and data for increased visual verification, and connects with Newmont's access control platform for authentication The tablet displays signals to allow or deny site access If there is no internet connectivity, the mobile device saves the data collected and verifies once connection has resumed Alutel Mobility's employee verification solution is in full operation at the mining company's Penasquito site in Zacatecas, Mexico, and is part of Newmont's internal digital transformation initiative. Since implementation, the company processes more than 100,000 authentications with HID's smart cards and mobile IDs each month. "HID and Alutel Mobility are committed to bringing together our innovative technologies to power convenient and secure access that enables our customers to perform their job functions with confidence," said Steve Currie, Vice President and Managing Director, Extended Access Technologies with HID Global. "Newmont's solution delivers a highly secure process that addresses the need for monitoring, managing and authenticating employees in unconventional spaces." The successful partnership among HID, Alutel Mobility and Newmont has laid the foundation for the company to examine future use cases to streamline processes, such as employee meal distribution. "This will significantly improve how we deliver lunch boxes to our workers, and there are a number of other potential capabilities to consider as we take advantage of this system's capabilities for increasing safety and efficiency," said Tejeda. Click here for more details on the case study. Stay Connected with HID Global Visit our Media Center, read our Industry Blog, and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. About HID Global HID Global powers the trusted identities of the world's people, places and things. We make it possible for people to transact safely, work productively and travel freely. Our trusted identity solutions give people convenient access to physical and digital places and connect things that can be identified, verified and tracked digitally. Millions of people around the world use HID products and services to navigate their everyday lives, and over 2 billion things are connected through HID technology. We work with governments, educational institutions, hospitals, financial institutions, industrial businesses and some of the most innovative companies on the planet. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, HID Global has over 4,000 employees worldwide and operates international offices that support more than 100 countries. HID Global is an ASSA ABLOY Group brand. For more information, visit www.hidglobal.com. 2020 HID Global Corporation/ASSA ABLOY AB. All rights reserved. HID, HID Global, the HID Blue Brick logo the Chain Design, are trademarks or registered trademarks of HID Global, ASSA ABLOY AB, or its affiliates(s) in the US and other countries and may not be used without permission. All other trademarks, service marks, and product or service names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005179/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A mutant one-eyed lamb born in Indonesia was believed to be a demon in disguise by villagers. Footage taken by farmer Pipih, 65, at a farm in Sumedang Regency, West Java, on Monday shows the black lamb after its birth, with a single eye in the middle of its forehead. Villagers feared the lamb could be a reincarnation of the Islamic figure Dajjal, but Pipih believes its birth could bring 'blessings' to his family. A mutant one-eyed black lamb with cyclopia was born at a rural property in Sumedang Regency, West Java, Indonesia, on Monday In the video, the one-eyed lamb is licked by its mother as its shifts uncomfortably on the ground. Children call out when they see the lamb's eye and it sticks its tongue out as it turns to face them. The lamb continues to stare at the children as it gasps for air and chews something in its mouth. Later, the goat pushes its head through a gap in its pen, revealing its slightly blue, large central eye in detail. The lamb had difficulty breathing and eating because of its deformed face and sadly died yesterday Pipih said: 'The mother gave birth to two lambs. The other one is normal. I hope this will be a good sign and bring blessings to the family. 'I didn't expect it to birth a lamb with one eye. I take care of my sheep and none of them have any diseases.' Village official Cucu Sunarya visited the farmhouse after hearing about the strange lamb to check for possible disease. He found the lamb was healthy apart for its misshapen facial parts, which caused difficulty with eating. The goat pushes its head through a gap in its pen, revealing its slightly blue, large central eye in detail The lamb is believed to have had cyclopia, a rare birth defect that disrupted the development of the eyes into two cavities. In January, a cow was born with the disorder in the Bardhaman district of West Bengal It develops in the womb when the left and right hemispheres of the brain do not separate as they are meant to early on in the gestation. This leads to the formation of a single central cavity with one eye, or sometimes partially fused or separate eyeballs and often the absence of eyelashes and eyelids. The nose is also deformed, with an underdeveloped upper jaw. A creature with cyclopia may be able to distinguish light and dark but will not have proper vision because the retina won't form properly. Creatures with the condition are normally stillborn or die shortly after due to breathing and brain problems. The lamb in Indonesia died on June 24, two days after it was born, because it struggled to breathe and eat. In January, a cow was born with the disorder in the Bardhaman district of West Bengal. In India, where some of the most polluted skies in the world turned clear and blue for the first time in decades, Sarath Guttikunda, director of Urban Emissions.info, a New Delhi-based research organization, spent the shutdown monitoring air quality data gathered by government-operated atmospheric monitors across 122 Indian cities. This is a really good experiment that we hope will never be repeated again, he said. Every day we learned something new. In a country where much of the population suffers under an opaque stew of pollution, the Indian government has little information about which sources of emissions cars, power plants, factories or cookstoves are the worst culprits, Dr. Guttikunda said. But as the shutdown cleared cars off the roads and brought factories to a halt, coal plants and cookstoves kept emitting. That allowed Dr. Guttikunda and his colleagues to develop a more precise profile of pollution, source by source, city by city, region by region. If you want to clean up your air pollution problem, you have to know what to target, he said. Other experts agreed. These studies, particularly in India, can make it much easier to get a good bead on emissions, said Maureen Cropper, a senior fellow at Resources for the Future, a nonpartisan environmental research organization in Washington. You dont want to be controlling the wrong thing. Among the most surprising of Dr. Guttikundas observations: In some cities, as vehicle traffic and tailpipe pollution declined, levels of one major smog-causing pollutant, ozone, actually shot up. Dr. Guttikunda said the sharp rise was a real-life validation of a theory of atmospheric chemistry that says ozone which is linked to asthma, heart disease and premature death will increase, at least temporarily, as emissions of the tailpipe pollutants nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide go down. This is a theory that atmospheric chemists learn in class, but we havent seen it work in real time, said Dr. Guttikunda. The widely speculated 2023 political ambition of a former Lagos state governor, Bola Tinubu, has suffered a major setback as President Muhammadu Buhari has chosen to side with Mr Tinubus opponents in the raging feud over the control of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The former Lagos state governor is the major force behind the embattled APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole. Mr Tinubu, often referred to as national leader of the APC, played a key role in the political merger of 2013 which created the APC. Although he is yet to openly declare his political plans for the next election, Mr Tinubu is widely believed to be gearing up to succeed Mr Buhari whose second and final tenure ends on May 29, 2023. Mr Buhari on Wednesday publicly sided with a faction of the APC that is backing Victor Giadom as the acting chairman of the party. Relying on a court order, Mr Giadom, who was deputy national secretary of the party, insists he is the rightful acting chairman of the party following the suspension of the substantive chairman, Adams Oshiomole. Some 18 of the National Working Committee (NWC) members of the party, who met after the court judgement penultimate Tuesday, endorsed the deputy national chairman (south), Abiola Ajimobi, as the acting chairperson of the ruling party. The NWC later declared Mr Giadoms seat as deputy national secretary vacant and on Monday swore in Worgu Boms as his replacement. But in a statement through one of his spokespersons, Garba Shehu, Mr Buhari declared that the law was on the side of Mr Giadom. Mr Shehu said the president would attend the NEC meeting convened by Mr Giadom. The purported NEC meeting was earlier disowned by 18 members of the NWC of the party backing Mr Ajimobi. Speaking earlier Wednesday PREMIUM TIMES, the acting National Secretary of the party, Waziri Bulama, said the proposed NEC meeting called by Mr Giadom was in direct contravention of the partys constitution. The constitution is very clear on the steps and circumstances of calling a NEC meeting. Chapter 14.2 of the constitution and Article 25 of the constitution are clear about who should convene the NEC and how. Any action outside of this is clear illegality. Mr Bulama said the secretariat was working to furnish the president and other leaders of the party with information to ensure they are not misguided into backing an illegality. It is unclear if the president has received the said communication from the party. The anti-Tinubu forces Seven governors of the party are said to be teaming up with other topshots, notably the transport minister, Rotimi Amaechi, in fighting what they alleged to be a pro-Tinubu NWC. Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. The governors said to be working along that line were those of Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi; Kebbi, Atiku Bagudu; Plateau, Simon Lalong; Kaduna, Nasir Elrufai; Jigawa, Badaru Abubakar; Niger, Abubakar Bello and Yobes Mai-Mala Buni. Mr Tinubu is Mr Oshiomholes major backer, and by siding with those destabilizing and working to oust him, Mr Buhari has dealt the former governor a severe political blow. Adams Oshiomhole, former APC National Chairman. Besides, the forces working against Mr Oshiomhole are also majorly the same group of people committed to blocking Mr Tinubus presidential ambition. On Monday, three of the groups arrowhead met Mr Buhari behind closed-doors. Agenda for the Thursday meeting Sources familiar with the intrigues in the ruling party told PREMIUM TIMES the proposed NEC meeting may seek to dissolve the current National Working Committee of the party. Advertisements In its place, according to the sources who asked not to be named as they were not permitted to disclose the agenda, the meeting would seek to propose an interim leadership for the party. The trio of Messrs Bagudu, Fayemi and Buni are said to be spearheading the search for those to be charged with leading the party in the interim. Our aim is to save the party Bagudu Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday night Mr Bagudu said the concern of the governors of the party is to save the party from its present predicaments. A situation where the party is mired in crisis, where court cases are being filed all around and people making all manner of claims, it is disruptive and destructive. The Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Bagudu. [PHOTO CREDIT: Official web page of Kebbi State government] Mr Bagudu was non-committal on what the agenda of the meeting would be but insisted that the aim is to resolve the crisis rocking the party. He discounted the calculations for 2023 elections from the action of the governors. Mr Buharis spokesperson, Garba Shehu, did not respond to request to comment for this story. ...leveraging the recent unrest in the streets over police abuse for marketing purposes is a dangerous idea - especially if the brand doesn't the gravity of the topic. Daniel Page, Director of Business Development at SEO-focused web host ASEOHosting says that leveraging the recent unrest in the streets over police abuse for marketing purposes is a dangerous idea - especially if the brand doesn't understand the gravity of the topic. He points to a popular online clothing boutique as one of the most recent examples of tone-deaf messaging. Earlier this month, the brand's founder posted an image of riot police in front of its store with the caption direct action in its glory" and sporting the Black Lives Matter hashtag. The audience reaction was predictably swift and unsurprisingly vitriolic. First, the company attempted to leverage another hashtag, Blackout Tuesday. Promoted by activists, it involved sharing black squares instead of ordinary photos to show solidarity with protestors. Unfortunately, this was only met with more derision from consumers. "Calls to boycott the company were almost immediate and became increasingly widespread," said Page. "Worse, many people used a hashtag to call out the brand's other misdeeds, which included stealing art. The brand's attempts to address the backlash only worsened it." The company then released a public apology, claiming it was looking into how it could address the more toxic elements of its internal culture. It also pledged to make sizeable donations to nonprofits dedicated to police reform. Unfortunately, said Page, it was too little, too late. The damage had already been done. "The damage had already been done while the brand was dragging its feet," he said. "Most people by this point had already made up their mind about the company and took its acknowledgment that it had lost money. It's safe to say that, at least for the foreseeable future, the brand is broken." In terms of what businesses should do differently when it comes to major social issues, Page's advice is simple. "Keep it short and sweet," he said. "Make sure you fully understand the issues on which your brand is commenting, and that you know where your audience's opinion - and perhaps more importantly, that of the general public - falls. Perhaps most importantly, if you misspeak or say something out of line, own your mistake, and address it immediately." About ASEOHosting: Launched in 2002, ASEOHosting is a leader in providing SEO Hosting, including Shared SEO Hosting, Dedicated SEO Hosting, US Dedicated SEO Servers, and EU Dedicated SEO Servers. Based in Orlando, FL, and Detroit, MI, ASEOHosting has established one of the webs premier solutions for reseller web hosting, multiple IP hosting, dedicated servers, and VPS hosting. For more information, visit https://www.aseohosting.com. MANISTEE A steady stream of vehicles went through the Manistee High School parking lot as people underwent testing during the District Health Department #10s free COVID-19 drive-thru testing Thursday afternoon. Kevin Hughes, District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) health officer, said the department had an opportunity to partner with the National Guard and Michigan State Police to host a testing site in Manistee. The high school parking lot was divided into sections where people getting screened for the virus would fill out paperwork and then be guided to testing stations conducted by National Guard members. The tests use a nasopharyngeal swab which is a long cotton-tipped swab that staff insert in a persons nose. The tests determine current COVID-19 status but not whether a person has previously had the virus. Then the guard members packaged and labeled test vials and bags to be sent to the lab for processing. According to a news release from the State Emergency Operations Center of Michigan, The Michigan National Guard has more than 45 trained testing teams ready to assist, of which 20 are currently assigned to support the community testing mission. These three-member teams include a certified medic to conduct the testing and two members to assist with paperwork, logistics and non-medical tasks, reads part of the release. All team members from the Michigan National Guard have tested negative for COVID-19 and have been following strict medical protocols to ensure health and safety and to protect Michigan communities. According to a news release from the department on the testing, people who wish to be tested do not need to exhibit symptoms to receive a test. When we took a look at our counties and the number of tests that had been performed at each county, Manistee was on the lower end of tests that had been completed, Hughes said. So, we saw this as an opportunity to provide an opportunity for people who may not have symptoms or be sick but are interested in being tested. To make the COVID-19 screening event happen, Hughes said they had to get approval for the National Guard to be able to come in and then plan out how to bring it all together. The department had another event in White Cloud earlier this month, and Hughes said about 220 people were screened at that site with one positive test. Hughes was expecting to see more people at the Manistee event. Vickie Blakeslee, of Manistee, went through the testing site Thursday because she had recently attended a funeral downstate and wanted to test for COVID-19. While everyone did wear masks, at the dinner afterward there were a few that didnt wear them and of course you take them down when you eat, Blakeslee said. And I did come closer than 6 feet to some of the relatives because they wanted to hug and its kind of hard (at that time). She said she had also visited family in Oakland County for her granddaughters birthday with both trips being the first time she and her husband had really been out of the house since mid-February. She said the testing was not difficult at all. Hughes said people should have results in about seven days. Theres a day of travel. The (National) Guard will take the tests back and theyll go out to the lab, he explained. Theyll run the test results and then it takes about a week or so for people to get those back. He said the results can take about a week due to the time to transport to the lab as well as depending on how busy the lab is with processing results. Hughes said if a person tests positive for COVID-19, they will be contacted by the health department and people will be able to use an online portal to check their results. In the instructions that theyre getting, were encouraging people once youre tested to take the proper precautions just like were telling anyone else: make sure youre (using) face coverings and masks, watching for signs and symptoms, social distancing and then encouraging them to stick around closer to home, he said Before a person is tested, they are asked if they consent to be required to isolate if they test positive. When asked why the testing was free, he said the state is looking to test as many people as possible and is covering the cost of testing. Its kind of just to try and reduce barriers to people that want to be tested but dont have the opportunity to be tested, he said. We know that in our communities, our hospitals and healthcare providers are doing testing but we also know that supplies are limited and capacity to do testing is somewhat limited. For those individuals that want to be tested but might not have symptoms, they cant go to the hospital or they cant go to their provider This opportunity here allows that population to actually get tested without a barrier. The event is expected to continue until 7 p.m. today with a second day of testing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday as well. RECENT UPTICK Manistee County has seen 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19 as of the latest update from DHD#10. This total has grown since last week when cases started to be reported again after the county had not seen new cases since April 16. All 11 of the previous cases for the county had been considered recovered as of May 17. On June 18, 19, 20 and 23, Manistee County shows one new case for each day. Jeannine Taylor, communications coordinator and public information officer for DHD #10, said in an email that the department investigated Manistees recent cases. Through our investigation, we determined that three of the recent cases in Manistee are not related to each other or connected to each other or any other outbreaks that we are aware of, Taylor said. It is unknown where these three individuals contracted the virus from, which most likely indicates that it is from community spread but we don't know from what community. She said there was one case the department has been unable to contact that could potentially be connected to an outbreak, but that is unknown at this time. We are still attempting to contact this individual to further investigate and do contact tracing, she said. It is important to note that Manistee County is not alone in seeing a resurgence of new case counts recently. According to recent updates from the department and state on the virus, surrounding counties have also seen increasing case counts in the last two weeks. The state and nation have also been reporting jumps in case numbers recently. SEE ALSO Free coronavirus testing sites offered in the region Free coronavirus testing held at Benzie Central on Sunday President Muhammadu Buhari has thrown his support for the sacked Deputy National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman of the ruling party. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said Buhari was acting on the position of the law. Shehu as a result of the development, Buhari will be attending the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting which was convened by Giadom, slated for Thursday at the Aso Rock Villa. The President has received very convincing advice on the position of the law as far as the situation in the party is concerned and has determined that the law is on the side of Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman. We urge the media to stop promoting manufactured controversies and to not give any further room for mischievous interpretations of the law on this matter. In addition to the President, the Giadom meeting will, hopefully, be attended by our Governors and the leaders of the National Assembly, Mr Shehu wrote on his Twitter page. KanyiDaily had reported that the APC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis following the appeal court ruling that upheld the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as national chairman of the party. On Tuesday, Giadom had announced that he has taken over the leadership of the party after Oshiomholes suspension, dismissing the partys announcement of the former Oyo governor, Abiola Ajimobi, as acting chairman. However, the national working committee of the APC overruled him and appointed Hillard Eta, vice chairman of the party (south-south), to stand in place for Ajimobi who was unavoidably absent. Yagi Studio | Getty Images The marginalization, as well as inequitable and inhumane treatment, of people of color is a broken record in this country. It is baked into our nations systems, policies and laws. I am inspired and encouraged by the unified uprising across the nation and around the world in response to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others that are leading to police reform and a commitment from companies large and small to open dialogue and have the uncomfortable conversations that could lead to a change in corporate culture. As a Black tech founder, I believe my industry must play a role in this change as well. We also have the opportunity to go beyond simply updating company cultures and HR practices. For many communities of color, technology has been a tool of oppression but technology can also be a solution that is used for good. Its time to do that. The Realme X3 SuperZoom launched first in Europe in May, and will now be launching today in India. The launch event of the Realme X3 SuperZoom will begin at 12:30PM IST. The Realme X3 SuperZoom( 28500 at amazon) is one of those few smartphones from the Chinese company not to debut in India. The phone launched first in Europe in May, and will now be launching today in India. The Chinese upstart will be hosting an online event at 12:30 PM to launch the smartphone. As the name suggests, this will be a smartphone focused on the camera. Realme is offering 60X hybrid zoom under the SuperZoom branding. How to watch Realme X3 SuperZoom event live The launch event of the Realme X3 SuperZoom will begin at 12:30 PM IST. You can watch the event live on the companys YouTube channel. The link to the stream is embedded at the end of the article. Alongside the Realme X3 SuperZoom, Realme will also announce the Realme Buds Q, yet another truly wireless earphones, which is expected to be the most affordable of the lot from the company. Also, there will be a new backpack debuting as a new category. Realme X3 SuperZoom specs and features The Realme X3 SuperZoom is already available in Europe, so the specs and features of the smartphone are known. It comes with a 6.6-inch FHD+ IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate. And because its an LCD panel, the fingerprint is not under-display, but is side-mounted, embedded on the power button. Interestingly, the Realme X3 SuperZoom runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+, the flagship chipset for last year, which is indeed a clever way to bypass 5G support without giving up too much in terms of performance. Theres also up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. The phone is powered by a 4,200mAh battery that tops up with a 30W fast charger. As for the cameras, the Realme X3 SuperZoom comes with a quad-camera setup. Theres a 64MP primary camera, another 8MP ultrawide lens, and an 8MP telephoto lens with 5X optical zoom. Theres also a 2MP macro lens. Realme X3 SuperZoom expected price The Realme X3 SuperZoom is priced EUR 499 in Europe, which roughly converts to Rs 42,500. In India, the price is expected to be far more competitive. There are more smartphones lined up to launch in India in the next few weeks. Here's a detailed list. I thank my friend and she is absolutely right to draw the attention of the House to a very serious and worrying situation which we are monitoring closely, Johnson said.Perhaps the best thing I can say is that we are encouraging both parties to engage in dialogue on the issues on the border and sort it out between them, he added. Johnson remarks come days after a violent standoff between China and India in Galwan Valley area. The June 15 incident took place as a result of an attempt by China to unilaterally change the status quo during de-escalation in eastern Ladakh. India lost 20 of its soldiers in the violent face-off in the Galwan Valley and 10 Indian soldiers also were held captive and later released. Indian intercepts have revealed that the Chinese side suffered 43 casualties including dead and seriously injured. Also read: US report claims Pak serves as a safe haven for terrorism Also read: Pakistan remains on FATF grey list India and China on Wednesday held diplomatic level talks during which they discussed in detail the developments in the India-China border areas, in particular the situation in Eastern Ladakh. The two sides also agreed to maintain communication both at the diplomatic and military levels, including under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC), to resolve the existing situation peacefully. Also read: Galwan face-off: India urges China to strictly respect LAC India, China Continue Military Build-Up in Contested Ladakh Despite Agreement to Disengage Sputnik News 07:22 GMT 24.06.2020(updated 15:16 GMT 24.06.2020) New Delhi (Sputnik): India and China have been engaged in an unprecedented border face-off at the Line of Control in the Ladakh region over the last two months. Despite around a dozen high-level talks, the agreed upon disengagement is yet to take place at Pangong Tso and the Galwan Valley. Despite a "mutual consensus" to de-escalate tensions on the Indo-China border, satellite images purportedly show the Chinese People's Liberation Army allegedly continuing a military build-up in the Ladakh region, along with India increasing motor boat patrolling in Pangong Tso. The images taken on Wednesday ostensibly feature China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) troop support positions mushrooming all over the Pangong Tso lake area. More China PLA support positions 19 kilometres south of the India-China face-off at Pangong Tso can also purportedly be seen. Satellite images from 22 June also show possible defensive positions being set up by China, which include small walls and trenches. The build-up comes as the Indian Army claimed that the two countries agreed to disengage on the eastern Ladakh border on Tuesday during corps commander level talks. While both sides agreed to maintain dialogue and promote peace and tranquility in the area, a timeline for the disengagement process wasn't finalised, the Indian Army said. "The relevant measures are being coordinated and arranged by the border troops of the two countries on the ground. I have no further information to release", Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson replied when asked about the claim made by the Indian Army about disengagement in the disputed areas. A day after meeting soldiers, Indian Army chief MM Naravane is scheduled to visit forward areas in Ladakh on Wednesday. India and China have been engaged in a border standoff since the last week of April, but the tensions escalated into a direct face-off in the Galwan Valley on 15 June after both sides accused each other of violating the Line of Actual Control. In the violent clashes in three different places of the Galwan Valley, 20 Indian soldiers were killed. The Indian Army claimed casualties on the Chinese side as well, but the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Tuesday slammed media reports saying that at least 40 Chinese soldiers were killed as "fake news". A meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination (WMCC) on India-China Border Affairs, led by diplomats from the foreign ministries from both the countries, is also scheduled for Wednesday. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AKRON, Ohio Two teen males, one armed with a handgun, escaped with cash after robbing a Family Dollar store Tuesday morning, police say. No one was hurt in the robbery, which occurred at about 8:30 a.m. on the 200 block of East South Street, just south of downtown. Police say the two suspects, believed to be between 15 and 19 years old, were wearing masks and black hooded sweat shirts. One of the suspects removed a handgun and demanded the worker open the cash register. They ran from the store with an undisclosed amount of money. Anyone with information can call detectives at 330-375-2490 or Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS. Individuals can send tips by texting TIPSCO to 274637. Callers can remain anonymous. Akron police say two teen males are responsible for the armed robbery of a Family Dollar. (Akron Police Department) More crime-related content on cleveland.com: Burglar shot to death after breaking into Cleveland home, police say Cleveland teen denies charges that accuse him of drive-by shooting of 8-year-old girl in East Cleveland Clevelands bill for overtime pay tops $3M for quelling May 30 rioting, follow-up security and cleanup Cuyahoga County Jail inmate died of drug overdose after jail officials ignored warning signs, including that he couldnt walk, lawsuit says Akron murder suspect found dead of apparent suicide in California, police say Young black and gay candidates were heading for electoral breakthroughs this week, turning the public clamour for racial justice and equality into likely primary upsets in New York, Kentucky and Virginia. Those results have revealed a resurgent left, which has pivoted from defeat in the Democratic presidential primary to a focus on down-ballot races. In safe blue seats, and in places where the party has tended to nominate moderates, a coalition of white liberals and nonwhite voters is transferring energy from the past months protest movements into challenges of the partys establishment. Lets allow this to be a moment where every single person in this district, and every single person in this country, feels like they are a part of our democracy, said Jamaal Bowman, a former middle school principal who declared victory over 16-term representative Eliot Engel, D-N.Y. You know what Donald Trump is more afraid of than anything else? A black man with power. Mr Bowmans likely win came during protests that upended American cities following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in Minneapolis police custody a month ago. Potential wins for two openly gay candidates came a week after the Supreme Court ruled that gay and transgender workers are protected from workplace discrimination under the landmark 1964 civil rights law, a major victory for the LGBT+ movement. The apparent victories of many of the candidates the wait for hundreds of thousands of absentee ballots has delayed calls on the outcome stretch from New Yorks Westchester County to Virginias Blue Ridge Mountains. In Virginia, Cameron Webb an African American physician, former White House fellow and health policy researcher easily won the Democratic nomination in a sprawling House district that includes the city of Charlottesville. In Kentuckys Senate primary, black state legislator Charles Booker was running close with Amy McGrath, a retired Marine Corps fighter pilot and suburban mother backed by the national party. And in New York, nonwhite candidates were poised to capture nominations for House seats in majority-white suburbs, gaining ground in the sort of races where party machines had long resisted change. Mr Engel, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called Mr Bowmans victory claim premature in a district that encompasses the northern Bronx and a southern swath of suburban Westchester County. But Mr Bowman was already accepting congratulations from the national liberal groups that backed him. Wins in many of the primaries would be tantamount to capturing the seat in the heavily Democratic districts. And while these Democrats replacing Democrats will not be shifting the balance of power in the House, they represent a massive generational change that could pose a challenge to house speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and disrupt the more tradition-supporting Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus. People are beginning to look at black candidates not through the lens of electability, but through whether theyre the right person for the job, said Stefanie Brown James, the co-founder of Collective PAC, which spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in ads across the three states voting Tuesday. Ive known Mondaire Jones since high school, and to see him ascend from being an NAACP youth leader to, potentially, a congressman, is just crazy. Mr Jones, an attorney and former official in the Obama Justice Department, held a primary lead in a crowded field vying to replace retiring representative Nita Lowey, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Ms Lowey will turn 83 on July 5. If he wins, Mr Jones would be the first openly gay black member of Congress, representing a district that includes Rockland and northern Westchester counties home to Bill and Hillary Clinton. For most of this race, much of Westchester Countys Democratic establishment doubted that I could win this election. And so I hope that these people will reconsider the next time they make assumptions about candidates like myself and our viability even as we outperform the competition by all conceivable measures, Mr Jones said in an interview on Wednesday. We have to cultivate diverse talent and support diverse talent and not push them to the side or marginalise them. Mr Jones had the endorsement of senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the unsuccessful Democratic presidential candidate, and other leading liberals as he backed several of their priorities, including the Green New Deal. New York Democratic House candidate Jamaal Bowman is set to unseat representative Eliot Engel (D-NY) for the 16th congressional district (Getty) I was never running for Congress to make history, but the historic nature of this campaign is obviously not lost on me, Mr Jones said. And the power of representation in particular is something I could have benefited from directly growing up. In another New York district, Afro-Latino state legislator Ritchie Torres also led a crowded primary field to fill the seat of retiring 15-term representative Jose Serrano, a Democrat. Mr Torres, who was 2 years old when Mr Serrano first won his congressional seat, was the first openly gay elected official in the Bronx when he won a City Council seat. His father is from Puerto Rico and his mother is black. In a Long Island district, where Republican representative Peter King is retiring, Jamaica-born Iraq and Afghanistan war veteran Jackie Gordon held a commanding primary lead, unlikely to be reversed by absentee ballots. Mr Bowman, Mr Jones, and Mr Torres all gained ground after the killing of Floyd sparked protests and calls for police restructuring across the country. That energy also reshaped 14-term representative Carolyn B Maloneys re-election bid, which was far too close to call on Tuesday night. After nearly 40,000 votes were counted, Ms Maloney had just 42 per cent of the vote against three challengers; Suraj Patel, who had lost to her handily in 2018, trailed by a few hundred votes, with thousands of absentee ballots left to count. While Ms Maloney holds the gavel of the powerful House Committee on Oversight and Reform, clout she did not have in 2018, Mr Patel honed a pitch of generational change. The combination of the coronavirus and the mass protests gave him an opening to criticise Ms Maloneys past scepticism of mandatory vaccination, and her vote for the 1994 crime bill. Its a change election, much more so than two years ago, the 36-year-old Mr Patel said in an interview. The generational piece of this race is so much more persuasive to a lot of people because the systems all around us are broken. Its not abstract anymore when 60 per cent of coronavirus deaths in New York are in public housing. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is endorsing some of the newcomers, campaigns in the Bronx borough of New York City on Tuesday (Getty) The results in New York came after years of recruiting and investment by the citys left-wing activists, supercharged by the 2018 victory of representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. The 30-year old congresswoman easily defeated a former CNBC anchor while endorsing Mr Bowman and Mr Jones. She did not support Mr Torres, but the shock of Ms Ocasio-Cortezs first win had helped groups such as Justice Democrats and the Working Families Party recruit more candidates and earn more media attention, crucial to winning races where the novel coronavirus had put a halt to traditional campaigning. Its like BC and AD before AOC and after AOC, Mr Torres said. In the post-AOC world, incumbency is no longer an entitlement, no longer a guarantee of elected office. Ms Pelosi has, so far, threaded the needle between the competing wings of her caucus, from the 30 Democrats sitting in districts Mr Trump won four years ago to more liberal members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Now, these newcomers might link arms with Ms Ocasio-Cortez, who upset Joseph Crowley, a lieutenant in Ms Pelosis leadership team at the time, to try to more aggressively push the caucus to the left on some issues. Ms Ocasio-Cortez has at times fought lonely battles over legislation, sometimes with only a few allies from her self-declared squad of four young female Democrats, and sometimes shes the lone voice of opposition, as she was on the more than $2tn (1.6tn) Cares Act in late March. In those moments, leaders of the Progressive Caucus, after pushing Ms Pelosi as far as they thought they could go, mostly fell in line behind the speakers legislative tactics. If the rising star from the Bronx can coax these potential allies to join her cause, they could become a bigger thorn in Ms Pelosis side next year. None of the Democrats defeated or replaced in New York were as conservative as representative Daniel Lipinski of Illinois, an antiabortion Democrat ousted by a primary challenge three months ago. But all of the challengers promised a shift to the left, and all linked themselves to protest movements that some Democrats had viewed warily. The power of social movements is essential, but insufficient, to secure victories that these cries from the street demand, said Maurice Mitchell, the national director of the Working Families Party. You need the power to govern, and you need to ensure that that power is accountable to social movements. As they voted on Tuesday, black voters who supported Kentuckys Mr Booker said they were confident that he could run competitively against Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Danyle Washington cast ballots for BB Mr Booker and Joe Biden, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee and said the state legislator would be a stronger candidate in November. Hes not changing minds of people who are racist, Mr Washington said. I think hes changing minds of people who are open. Athey Ajak, a 20-year-old college student, said he saw a strong connection between Mr Bookers candidacy and the protests that had transformed the countrys debate over-policing and racial justice. All of this protesting, he said, means nothing if you dont vote. The Washington Post The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday finalized a directive requiring airlines to complete inspections of a key component of Boeing 737 MAX airplanes that, if faulty, could result in a loss of power to the engines. The FAA, in response to a service bulletin issued by Boeing in December, proposed an airworthiness directive in February to mandate inspections. The directive addressed concerns that some 737 MAX exterior panels on top of the engine may not have electrical bonding necessary to ensure adequate shielding of underlying wiring from the electromagnetic effects of high-power radio frequency transmitters and other sources. That, the FAA warned, could potentially lead to a dual-engine power loss event and/or display of hazardously misleading data. The agency added that the issue could result in a forced off-airport landing. The 737 MAX, Boeings best-selling plane, has been grounded since March 2019, after crashes in Indonesia and Ethiopia killed 346 people. Boeing said it supports the FAAs airworthiness directive, which makes our recommended action mandatory to address the possible impact of electrical energy on the plane. The FAA said in February the directive would also address the potential safety risks of lightning strikes, but Boeing told the agency that was not accurate. The FAA agreed in its final directive to remove the reference to lightning, saying it had conducted further analysis since February. Boeing said in December the issue affected airplanes built between February 2018 and June 2019, and as a result the protective foil inside the composite panels may have gaps. After the inspections, airlines will replace any excessively reworked panels and modify an assembly to ensure adequate electrical bonding. Reuters reported on June 10 that Boeing is aiming to conduct a key flight certification test in late June. That test could take place as early as next week or could be set for early July, a person briefed on the matter said. (Reporting by David Shepardson Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Steve Orlofsky and Paul Simao) Topics Aviation Aerospace ARUBA:--- A new faculty - aimed at bolstering the national and regional capacity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) - is being developed at the University of Aruba (UA), in Oranjestad, through support from the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven), in Belgium. When established, the SISSTEM faculty (Sustainable Island Solutions through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) at UA will offer a Bachelor programme in STEM, a Masters and a Ph.D. program with a focus on sustainable development in Small Island Developing States. The faculty aims to educate a new generation of scientists and engineers to support sustainable development, diversify local economies, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and enhance the resilience of Small Island Developing States. It will embody sustainability policies on an academic level, while also empowering a regional workforce with the skills and capacity to make these policies a reality. It is hoped that the SISSTEM faculty becomes a centre of excellence and a knowledge hub for the region and for Small Island Developing States around the world. Funded by the European Union, the establishment of the SISSTEM faculty is being implemented by the United Nations Development programme and the University of Aruba and KU Leuven. UNDP has a long history of working in collaboration with the Government of Aruba, as well as sector experience in STEM programs, with projects such as the Aruba Centre of Excellence - launched through a partnership arrangement with UNDP in 2015 - working to facilitate and broker knowledge exchange on sustainability practices among small islands. We are delighted to once again be working in collaboration with the Government in support of Arubas efforts to implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to create opportunities for diversification of the economy, and to stimulate innovation commented Randi Davis, UNDPs Resident Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao, Aruba and Sint Maarten. UNDP recognises that knowledge-sharing between and within regions is vital and will continue to work with governments in the Caribbean to boost preparedness and increase resilience - drawing on our work on the ground in 170 countries, including SIDS. Undated comp of handout photos issued by the Metropolitan Police of sisters Bibaa Henry (left) and Nicole Smallman. Two Met Police officers have been arrested over deeply disturbing allegations they took non-official photographs of two sisters stabbed to death in a London park earlier this month. The officers, who have not been named, were detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office, suspended from duty and an investigation has been launched by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Detectives believe Nicole Smallman, 27, and Bibaa Henry, 46 were killed by a stranger in Fryent Country Park, off Slough Lane, in Wembley, north-west London, after meeting friends there on June 5 to celebrate Henrys birthday. Scotland Yard said its directorate of professional standards was told last week about allegations that non-official and inappropriate photographs had been taken at the crime scene, PA Media reports. The IOPC said the pictures were allegedly shared with a small number of others, adding that the Met was handling matters involving those members of the public who may have received those images. The Mets commander Paul Brogden said: I am horrified and disgusted by the nature of these allegations; a sentiment which will be shared by colleagues throughout the organisation. If true, these actions are morally reprehensible, and anyone involved will be robustly dealt with. No one has been arrested or charged with the murder of the two women but the attacker is thought to have suffered a significant injury during the incident. Police asked for anyone who knows someone in the area with an unexplained injury, particularly to their hands, to come forward with the information. It is believed the attacker left the park via its Valley Drive entrance, with the public also being asked if they saw someone acting suspiciously in that area on the evening of June 5 and in the early hours of June 6. The family of the victims previously told of the devastating impact of their loss after their bodies were found next to each other shortly after 1pm... Continue reading on HuffPost By PTI NEW DELHI: China has significantly ramped up its military presence in Pangong Tso, Galwan valley and several other friction points in eastern Ladakh even as it is engaged in military and diplomatic talks with India to ease tension in the region, people familiar with the development said. They said Chinese military has also deployed a sizeable number of its troops in Galwan Valley, the site of the violent clashes on June 15 that left 20 Indian soldiers dead. The erection of a surveillance post by China in the area had triggered the clashes. However, Chinese troops have again put up some structure around patrolling point 14 in the area, notwithstanding India's stiff opposition, they said. Over the last few days, China has been laying claim over Galwan Valley though India called it "untenable". Besides Pangong Tso and Galwan Valley, the two armies are also locked in a standoff in Demchok, Gogra Hot Spring and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh. A sizeable number of Chinese Army personnel transgressed into the Indian side of the LAC. China has also increased the number of troops and weaponry in several other key sectors along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand, the people cited above said. ALSO READ | LAC standoff: India, China agree to 'strictly abide' by important consensus reached by their leaders The increase in military build-up by China along the LAC, the de-facto border between the two countries, came amid bilateral diplomatic and military talks. Senior military commanders of the two armies on Monday held a nearly 11-hour meeting during which they arrived at a "mutual consensus" to "disengage" from all the friction points in eastern Ladakh in a gradual manner. The two sides on Wednesday held diplomatic talks under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs. In the meeting, both sides agreed to ensure expeditious implementation of the understanding on disengagement of troops from eastern Ladakh as decided in a meeting of senior military commanders on June 6, the Ministry of External Affairs said. In the midst of fast-paced developments, Army Chief Gen M M Naravane on Wednesday visited various forward areas in eastern Ladakh and reviewed the Army's operational preparedness. On the second day of his visit to Ladakh, Gen Naravane took stock of the Army's combat preparedness in four forward areas and interacted with soldiers deployed there besides holding detailed deliberations with ground commanders. The Army Chief reviewed the overall security situation in the region with Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Yogesh Kumar Joshi, commander of the 14 Corps Lt Gen Harinder Singh and other senior Army officials on both Tuesday and Wednesday, sources said. The Chief of Army Staff is expected to return to the national capital on Thursday. "General M M Naravane #COAS visited forward areas in Eastern #Ladakh and reviewed the operational situation on the ground. #COAS commended the troops for their high morale and exhorted them to continue working with zeal and enthusiasm," the Army said in a tweet. The sources said India is also bolstering its military presence along the 3,500 km LAC with China. On Sunday, the government gave the armed forces "full freedom" to give a "befitting" response to any Chinese misadventure along the LAC. The Army has already sent thousands of additional troops to forward locations along the border in the last one week. The IAF has also moved a significant number of its frontline Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar, Mirage 2000 aircraft and Apache attack helicopters to several key air bases including Leh and Srinagar following the clashes. The situation in eastern Ladakh 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. Prior to the clashes, both sides had been asserting that pending the final resolution of the boundary issue, it was necessary to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas. How BeiDou is used in China and around the world BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China has completed the deployment of the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) with the recent launch of its last satellite, the 55th of the BeiDou family. So far, the BDS system has been widely used in transportation, agriculture, forestry and fishery, hydrological monitoring, weather forecasts, communication time unification, power dispatching, disaster relief and mitigation, public security and other fields. The following are some facts which briefly describe how BeiDou has been used in China and around the world. TRANSPORTATION As of the end of 2019, more than 6.5 million freight vehicles, 30,000 postal and express vehicles, 80,000 buses in 36 cities, 3,200 inland river navigation facilities and 2,900 maritime navigation facilities in China had used the BDS system. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has released a three-phase roadmap for the application of BDS, setting specific targets for 2021, 2025 and 2035 to gradually see full coverage of BDS to enhance the safety and efficiency of the industry. WARNING AND RESCUE China's earthquake and geo-information authorities have used BDS and gravitation satellites for quake relief and disaster reduction. The short message communication capability of the BDS-3 system has been improved 10 times. Users of the system can send a message of 1,200 Chinese characters at a time, as well as pictures, a useful function during emergencies. As of 2019, over 70,000 fishing boats and law enforcement vessels had been equipped with the BDS system. The system's positioning and short message communication functions have helped rescue over 10,000 fishermen. The system has covered many scenic spots in China to aid rescue missions and routine management, enabling rescuers to pinpoint and reach lost tourists. AGRICULTURE BDS has made agricultural production smarter and more precise. As of April 2019, the BDS system had served more than 50,000 pieces of agricultural machinery, saving 10 percent of fuel. Nanjing Agricultural University has developed a BDS-supported unmanned wheat seeding and harvesting technology, empowering agricultural production with the help of advanced navigation services. Self-driving tractors and unmanned farming vehicles based on the BDS system have been used to explore precision farming in northwestern Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northeastern Heilongjiang Province, and at an automated farm in eastern Jiangsu Province. EVERYDAY LIFE Navigation services based on the BDS are also changing people's lifestyle, by finding application in e-commerce, manufacturing of mobile intelligent terminals and positioning services. Many Chinese e-commerce enterprises have adopted the BDS vehicle terminals for real-time dispatching of vehicles, people and cargo information. In the field of smartphone applications, mainstream chip manufacturers at home and abroad have all developed chips that are compatible with BDS. More than 70 percent of mobile phones applying for internet access support the positioning service provided by BDS. Smart wearable devices such as watches and bracelets that support the BDS system, as well as products for special groups, have been widely used. FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 BDS has helped the country fight COVID-19 with high precision from space. When China was building the two makeshift hospitals--Huoshenshan and Leishenshan in Wuhan, once the epicenter of the disease, equipment based on BDS provided high-precision positioning services and hastened the construction. Drones based on the BDS have been used to spray disinfectant. China's Ministry of Transport sent epidemic prevention and transportation service information to more than 6 million vehicles via BDS terminals. INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS Following the principle of "developed by China, dedicated to the world," BDS is also used by more than half of the countries on the globe. The satellite system started providing services for users in the Asia-Pacific region in December 2012, after the deployment of the BDS-2 system was completed. In February 2018, the quick positioning platform of BDS was serving more than 200 countries and regions around the globe. In December 2018, BDS started providing global services. By the end of 2019, China had exported its BDS-based products to more than 120 countries and regions. The BDS has entered a new era of global service, benefiting precision farming, digital development and smart port construction in ASEAN, South Asia, Eastern Europe, West Asia and Africa. MINSK -- President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has accused Russia and Poland of "meddling" in the country's upcoming presidential election as he continues to crack down on potential challengers and the independent media. In a June 25 Telegram post, Lukashenka, facing the strongest-ever challenge to his leadership as he seeks a sixth term, accused activists of posting "creepy fake" stories on the Internet seeking to discredit him and his family before the elections, scheduled for August 9. "It is clear that there are puppet masters behind them. They are on both sides of us; they reside in Poland and they throw [dirt] from Russia as well...They use the most modern fake technologies. The meddling into our election, our internal affairs is under way," Lukashenka stated. The Kremlin rejected Lukashenka's claims while referring to Belarus an ally. The 65-year-old Lukashenka has come under fire after a potential major challenger, Viktar Babaryka, was arrested on corruption charges on June 18. At the same time, the government has tried to tighten its grip on the media, detaining at least 14 journalists, three of whom were convicted for their coverage of protests against Lukashenka last week. The latest incident occurred on June 25 when noted online reporter Ihar Losik was detained after police searched his home in Minsk. 'Blogging Is Not A Crime' Losik, who is also an RFE/RL consultant on new media technologies, is an administrator for the Telegram channel ''Belarus Of Encephalon." The channel, which has more than 167,000 subscribers, has actively covered the protests against Lukashenka in recent weeks. "We deplore the detention of independent blogger, Belarus Service consultant, and former RFE/RL Vaclav Havel Journalism Fellow Ihar Losik, and the raid on his apartment earlier today by no fewer than nine state agents," acting RFE/RL President Daisy Sindelar said in a statement. "Blogging is not a crime. We demand that he be released immediately, that any confiscated materials and equipment be returned to him immediately, and that Belarus officials stop persecuting the people who are doing the essential work of keeping the public informed about developments related to the countrys forthcoming presidential elections," she added. Human rights organizations and the U.S. State Department have voiced their concerns over the situation, which has been punctuated by dozens of trials, including around 50 in the capital, Minsk, involving participants of the so-called "chains of solidarity" protests. Most were charged with participating in an unauthorized event or disobeying the police. Some of those who faced trials were journalists covering protests on June 19-20 in support of potential independent and opposition presidential candidates. Lukashenka's critics have said his government has shown little tolerance for dissent and independent media, in general. Lukashenka, who has ruled the country of 9.5 million people since 1994, is currently serving his fifth presidential term, and announced that he will run for office again. Belarus abolished presidential term limits in 2004. The country has been the target of U.S. and EU sanctions over its poor rights record and lack of fair elections, but Belarus and the West have recently sought to mend ties to reduce Russias influence in the country. With reporting by BelTA, TASS, and Interfax By Taiwo Okanlawon Nigerian Afrobeats musician Olajide Orodo popularly known as GMG Boss is set for release his much awaited trending single Matter visualizer. The song produced by Egar Boi has continued to increase in popularity since sparking a challenge on popular social media app Triller and currently has gathered over 500,000 cumulative streams across all digital platforms barely 2 weeks since release. Now trending on major platforms across the globe, a screenshot of the visualizer which was shared via his social media handles has generated a lot of reactions from fans. The visualizer to Matter is animated by popular cartoonist Mcktoons, and is set to be released soon. The fast-rising GMG Boss has shown beyond doubts that he is ready to take on the music industry. Matter is the artiste second official single for the year 2020, serving as a follow to Story of My Life released in April which is still enjoying massive airplay on TV and radio stations home and abroad. Related By Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat It has been more than 7 years since Omar Abdullah led government in Jammu & Kashmir, before tabling J&K Police Reforms Bill in the state legislature, made the draft of the Bill public. Support TwoCircles Till date, people are unaware of what kind of feedback was received by the Government and what changes the Government had made in the draft bill? The irony is that the police bill was not even introduced in the state legislature. When PDP-BJP came to power in 2015 they also failed to introduce the new Police Bill in J&K assembly. Successive governments in Jammu & Kashmir were hardly bothered to reform the police force by enacting a new Police law even though it was always needed given alleged police atrocities and human rights violations. As J&K has been brought under the direct control of Union Government after the abrogation of article 370 in August last year, now the ball is in Government of Indias court. Will they go ahead with police reforms in Jammu & Kashmir as per the guidelines of Apex Court, which has been delayed in past, remains to be seen? Controversial draft bill Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had been a great critic of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). In his several public speeches in the past, he spoke against AFSPA. When the J&K Police Draft Bill was made public during his tenure in 2013, the draft gave J&K Police powers quite similar to AFSPA. Had that draft bill been passed, it would have been a disaster. Jammu and Kashmir Police Bill, 2013 allowed the state (now UT) to declare any area disturbed, proposing setting up of Special Security Zones where administrative and development measures are integrated with police response for problems of public order and security. The Bill proposed that police be able to set up and arm controversial Village Defence Committees (VDCs). The draft bill received a lot of resentment from civil society actors, activists and opposition parties. The bill finally could not be tabled before the state legislature and the draft was not even modified until NC lost 2014 assembly elections. The PDP led government also failed to enact a new police law in J&K. Background of Police Reforms For more than 15 years, the debate around police reforms has revolved around on how to satisfactorily separate police functioning from undue and illegitimate political control and yet keep the police wholly accountable to civilian authority. The political executive argues that the police must be directly controlled by them and the police argue that the kind of supervision and control that is presently exercised skews the motivation and directions of policing and makes delivering high performance policing impossible. This is where the key to better-policing lies. It lies in defining precisely the powers and functions of the political executive and police chief. In this model, the political executive retains its supremacy of supervision and control and the police rather than being independent or autonomous (words that do not have good connotations in a democracy when referring to a coercive force) have operational responsibility. In other words, by making roles explicit in the statute itself one can achieve the best of solutions; which are on the one hand a civilian executive that lays down policy, provides the means to operationalise it and can hold the police chief accountable for good performance, and on the other a police establishment that has clear goals and tasks before it and is left alone to deliver the protection of life, property and liberty without being distracted by discretionary directions from various sources. Such a scheme that conditions executive powers without diminishing it makes it even more potent. Model suggested The supervision, direction and control of the police throughout the state shall be vested in an officer of the rank of Director General of Police (DGP) designated as the state police chief. The DGP shall be responsible to the Minister (Home Minister) for i) carrying out the functions and duties of the police; ii) the general conduct of the police; iii) the effective, efficient and economical management of the police; iv) tendering advice to the Minister; v) giving effect to any lawful ministerial directions. The DGP shall not be not responsible to and must act independently of, the Minister regarding: i) the maintenance of order in relation to any individual or group of individuals; and ii) the enforcement of the law in relation to any individual or group of individuals; and iii) the investigation and prosecution of offences; and iv) decisions about individual police officers. The Minister may give the DGP directions on matters of government policy that relate to the: i) prevention of crime; ii) maintenance of public safety and public order; iii) delivery of police services; and iv) general areas of law enforcement. No direction from the Minister to the DGP may have the effect of requiring the non-enforcement of a particular area of law. The Minister must not give directions to the DGP in relation to the following: i) enforcement of the criminal law in particular cases and classes of cases ii) matters that relate to an individual or group of individuals iii) decisions on individual members of the police If there is a dispute between the Minister and the DGP concerning any direction under this section, the Minister must, as soon as practicable after the dispute arises, i) provide that direction to the DGP in writing; and ii) publish a copy in the gazette; and iii) present a copy to the legislature. There is no merit in rehashing the problems. The solutions have been laid down, but from the eight reports of the National Police Commission (NPC) and the reports of the multiple committees that have deliberated endlessly to the MHAs own initiative of drawing up a brand new Model Police Bill to the Supreme Courts final orders on reform all have gathered only dust. Pertinently the National Police Commission (NPC) was appointed by the Government of India in 1977 with wide terms of reference covering the police organisation, its role, functions, accountability, relations with the public, political interference in its work, misuse of powers, evaluation of its performance etc. In 2006 as a culmination to all the committee and commission recommendations, the Supreme Court laid out a roadmap for reform. Its order sought to address the extreme politicization of the police, the complete lack of accountability and the dismal levels of unprofessionalism. Its been five years since the judgment. Every state government has shunned compliance. D K Basu guidelines With an aim to stop custodial deaths and torture at the hands of police, Supreme Court of India in 1997 came up with a historic judgment in the case titled D K Basu v/s State of West Bengal. The Court laid down several guidelines which are mandatory to be followed by Police while arresting people under various penal laws. Vide official letter No: D.O 15011/55/2001-HR Dated: 11.9.2001 Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) directed Chief Secretaries of all the state including Jammu & Kashmir to implement D K Basu guidelines in letter and spirit. The operative part of the letter reads as: The Honble Supreme Court had in a writ petition filed before it in the case of D.K. Basu Vs State of West Bengal and Joginder Kumar Vs. State of UP, laid down certain guidelines required to be followed while arresting individuals, thereby modifying the laws relating to arrests to that extent. The Judgment of the Supreme Court in the case of D.K. Basu Vs State of West Bengal had already been circulated to all the Home Secretaries as well as Director Generals of Police of all the State Governments and UT Admins on the 2nd of July, 1997 by this Ministry for compliance and report. However, instances have come to the notice where these principles have been violated by the authorities making arrests. This not only violates the law of the land but also results in gross violation of human rights to which we stand committed. Jammu & Kashmir Police is accused of violating these guidelines as well. Leaving aside people, the police officials are themselves unaware of these guidelines. People are detained for days and weeks in police stations and magistrates are hardly updated. Even in non-militancy cases, the rights of detainees are violated. The detainee or his relative does not even know the name or rank of the police official making the arrest. Not even a single guideline from DK Basu judgment is followed. When I sought details on this issue using the RTI Act last year, the designated officer (PIO) in IGPs office dispatched misleading information to me. He did not provide any documents related to the implementation of DK Basu guidelines as well. I could not file a complaint or appeal as the J&K RTI Act 2009 was repealed after some time post abrogation of article 370. I will now take up the case with the Central Information Commission (CIC) New Delhi soon. Recent Police atrocities During last several months, there have been serious allegations of human rights violations by J&K Police and the fact of the matter is that there is no political interference during policing as J&K has been under Governors rule for last almost 2 years and now under Lt Governors rule since JK was converted into Union Territory (UT) last year. We have always blamed politicians for interfering in affairs of police functioning, but why J&K Police is not acting as a disciplined force when there is no political government in place? I can understand the situation when people resort to stone pelting during anti-militancy operations but when police thrash civilians, old and young, men and women even during normal law and order issues especially when people protest for demanding power or water leave a lasting impact on the perception of police as rights violators. Such inhuman acts are unacceptable in a civilized society. It doesnt mean that people are not noticing all this, they do, but unfortunately, they are scared to open their mouths and this is another tragedy as people cant even make a healthy criticism of the police force in J&K? The videos of Nasarullah Pora police brutality had gone viral on social media. Many national newspapers reported the matter as well. Director-General of Police J&K Dilbagh Singh assured to take action against the accused cops but nobody knows what action has been taken? Had this incident happened in some other state, there would have been a huge public outcry and TV channels would have been running the videos in its prime time debates. It seems people of Kashmir are treated worse than animals. More than a month ago in Lassipora village of Budgam dozens of men and women, old and young, were thrashed and one dozen shops and houses damaged by Police when villagers were protesting over inadequate power supply issues. A dozen or more people were arrested and released after a week but reportedly relatives had to pay huge bribes to the police. Conclusion The Supreme Courts directives on police reforms have provided an opportunity for states and UTs to institute a legislative framework that can attenuate if not cure the ills afflicting policing today. The cure however must not become worse than the disease. I hope immediate steps are taken for Police Reforms in Jammu & Kashmir. How long shall our police continue to violate the apex court guidelines? Authorities at helm especially Lt Governor, Chief Secretary and DGP need to take serious notice of the recent police brutalities. The government must without any delay implement the Supreme Courts directives on Police Reforms in Jammu & Kashmir. Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat is a Srinagar based activist and columnist. He is Chairman of J&K RTI Movement and is an Acumen India Fellow. He can be reached at [email protected] . ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Fusion Marketing Group, a full-service recruitment marketing agency focusing solely on the healthcare industry, is offering a free webinar at 12:00 PM EDT on June 30 titled "Recruitment Marketing in the New Normal." Fusion's Vice President of Client Service, Daniel Reynolds will be joined by Robin Weisman, Manager of Digital Marketing to share case studies detailing how hospitals and health systems have successfully transitioned recruitment events from onsite to virtual in response to COVID-19. Daniel Reynolds, Vice President of Client Services at Fusion Marketing Group, Inc. Robin Weisman, Manager of Digital Marketing at Fusion Marketing Group, Inc. "We're pleased to share insights on how to create recruitment marketing programs to attract and onboard clinical and non-clinical employees in this time of transformation," Reynolds said. "While virtual hiring events weren't new to us, we've ramped up in the past three months and can share the do's and don'ts of virtual recruiting for healthcare employers," he continued. Weisman added, "With all of our programs, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so we'll show employers how they can customize their virtual hiring experience to fit their unique needs." The one-hour webinar will begin at 12 noon EDT on Tuesday, June 30 and will be recorded. Register for the event at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3882002131271204623?source=release. About Fusion Marketing Group Fusion Marketing Group, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a full-service recruitment marketing agency founded in 2010 that focuses solely on healthcare. Through a combination of research, analytics and creativity, Fusion helps their clients convert candidates into qualified applicants at higher rates and lower costs. Their services include employer branding, website design, traditional, digital, and search marketing, social media, traditional and virtual hiring events, referral programs, and more. To learn more about Fusion Marketing Group, visit fusionideas.com. To register for the webinar, visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3882002131271204623?source=release Media Contact: Georgia Dardick, Fusion Marketing Group, Inc. 561-706-1073 [email protected] SOURCE Fusion Marketing Group, Inc. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category By PTI LONDON: Indian students remain on course to take up their courses at UK universities from later this year, according to figures released in London on Thursday which found a 32.9 per cent rise in applications from India in 2020 over the previous year. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) analysis found that amid an overall spike in university applications for the year, most applicants were holding a firm offer to start a course from the autumn semester, which begins towards the end of September, despite the uncertainty around the coronavirus lockdown. The UCAS, the coordinator of a centralised application process for British universities, found a 32.9 per cent rise in applications from India this year over 2019, to hit a record 6,230. "It is really encouraging to see from UCAS that an increased number of international students are holding a firm offer for a UK university this year," said Vivienne Stern, Director, Universities UK International, which represents 143 leading British universities. "It's great news that more international students continue to choose a high quality UK education. "UK universities are here to support Indian students and are ready to welcome them to start their UK studies with as little disruption as possible this year," she said. The UCAS figures reveal there were a total 568,330 applicants as of the January 15 deadline, up 1.2 per cent on 2019. A record 73,080 applicants are from outside the European Union (EU), 14.7 per cent more than 2019, driven by increases in applicants from China (33.8 per cent) and India (32.9 per cent). "The growth in applicants from outside the EU is largely driven by significant proportional increases in the number of applicants from China, India, and Hong Kong, who have the largest numbers of applicants through UCAS," it notes. Overall, UCAS found that more under-graduate applicants have accepted an offer to immediately start studying at university or college compared to last year. "Students have made their decisions and are ready to take up the life-changing opportunities that higher education can bring," said UCAS Chief Executive Clare Marchant. "The numbers will also be welcome news for universities and colleges, and show their announcements on the blend of online and face-to-face learning most are planning to deliver have been building confidence ahead of the start of term. "We are publishing these headline offer-acceptance statistics for the first time, to provide the clearest possible picture of students' behaviour at this moment in the application cycle," she said. The figures follow a joint open letter addressed to international students by trade, universities and education ministers across the devolved administrations of the United Kingdom earlier this week. "Although admissions processes and modes of teaching might look slightly different this year, the UK's world-class universities are continuing to recruit international students and you are encouraged to apply even if you are unable to travel to the UK to meet usual timelines," notes the letter. The letter was signed by UK Minister of State for Universities Michelle Donelan, Minister for Exports Graham Stuart, Northern Ireland Minister for the Economy Diane Dodds, Welsh Minister of Education Kirsty Williams and Scotland Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Richard Lochhead. "Universities will be flexible in accommodating your circumstances where possible, including if you are unable to travel to the UK in time for the start of the academic year," it adds. The UK government had earlier issued updated guidance to confirm that international students, including Indians, will remain eligible for post-study work rights at the end of their degree course even if they have to begin the 2020-21 academic year online from abroad, given the COVID-19 related travel restrictions. The UK Home Office said the Graduate Visa route, commonly referred to as a post-study work visa and designed for overseas students to be able to work or look for work for two years after completing their course, will apply to the 2020-21 intake as long as they are physically present in the UK by April 2021 to complete the final semester. Paris, June 25 (IANS) The iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris reopened on Thursday to visitors after a three-month closure, the longest since World War Two, due to the COVID-19 pandemic But the Paris monument isn't returning to normal operations just yet, said a BBC news report. Visitor numbers will be limited, face coverings mandatory for anyone aged over 11, and everywhere above the second floor will be closed to the public. Aizawl/Kohima, June 25 : Moderate to mild four separate quakes with magnitude ranging from 2.8 to 4.5 on the Richter scale hit several parts of Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Assam and adjoining areas of northeast region bordering Myanmar on Thursday, officials said. According to the officials, there was no report of any damage or casualty from any part of the northeastern region. With Thursday's two separate quakes, mountainous Mizoram was hit by the frequent tremors during the past one week. An official of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said, Thursday's two moderate earthquakes occurred within an hour with magnitudes of 4.2 and 4.5 on the Richter scale that jolted eastern Mizoram's Champhai area and other adjoining northeastern states. The IMD official said that the first tremor occurred at Wednesday-Thursday midnight (12.45 a.m.) and the second one happened at 1.14 a.m. on early Thursday. Champhai district officials said that residents had a sleepless night during the last few days following the tremors with various magnitudes and subsequent aftershocks. A fact-finding team comprising geologists and seismologists is now visiting Champhai to study the multiple aspects of the tremors. Among the six earthquakes in a week, a moderate earthquake, measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale and the second in 12 hours, shook the same Champhai areas and other adjoining northeastern states bordering Myanmar on Monday, damaging 31 structures, including roads, buildings and important installations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region) Minister Jitendra Singh spoke to Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga and offered help. The IMD officials said that two more separate mild quakes with magnitudes 3.8 and 2.8 on the Richter scale hit several parts of Nagaland, Tripura and adjoining northeastern states on Thursday afternoon also. All tremors, which lasted for few seconds, and were at 58 km to 136 km depth of the earth. Seismologists consider the mountainous northeast region as the sixth major earthquake-prone belt in the world. In 1897, a Shillong-epicentre quake measuring 8.2 on the Richter scale had hit the area. In 1950, an earthquake measuring 8.7 on the Richter scale had altered the course of the Brahmaputra river. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 00:27:02|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The United States is considering new tariffs on 3.1 billion U.S. dollars of European imports amid the aircraft subsidy dispute, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). "The U.S. Trade Representative is considering an additional list of products of France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom that may be included on a final list of products subject to additional ad valorem duties of up to 100 percent," the office said in a notice published late Tuesday. "The additional list of products contains 30 tariff subheadings with an approximate value of $3.1 billion in terms of the estimated import trade value for calendar year 2018," the notice said, inviting the public to submit comments with respect to the additional tariffs on specific products by July 26. The office said the latest move is part of a review of its action being taken in the Section 301 investigation involving the enforcement of U.S. WTO (World Trade Organization) rights in the large civil aircraft dispute. After WTO ruling on aircraft subsidies last year, the United States levied additional tariffs on 7.5 billion dollars of European goods, which took effect on Oct. 18, a move that has fueled trade tensions between the two sides. In February, the office announced that it would increase the additional tariff imposed on aircraft imported from the European Union (EU) to 15 percent from 10 percent, effective from March 18. It also modified the list of European products subject to additional 25 percent duties. USTR Robert Lighthizer said at a congressional hearing last week that the United States will "continue those tariffs in place" until it resolves the aircraft subsidy dispute with the EU. But EU Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan told European trade ministers earlier this month that the United States has stepped back from the settlement talks in recent weeks. "If this remains the case, the EU will have little choice but to exercise its retaliation rights and impose our own sanctions," he said. The EU had hoped that the WTO would reach a decision this month on how much retaliation the EU can take against the United States, but trade officials said that the decision may not come until September, according to the Financial Times. In 2004, the United States filed a case with the WTO, accusing the EU of providing illegal subsidies to Airbus in various forms. The EU has since filed a similar case over allegedly illegal U.S. subsidies to Boeing. The WTO has ruled that both the United States and the EU have provided illegal subsidies for their respective airlines. Enditem Police violence against Black people in this country is as American as bald cypress trees and Southern magnolias. In each generation we have to experience the haunting ritual of a Black family grieving in public over the loss of a loved one at the hands of the police. Recent years have been particularly tough. Cell-phone videos have brought us a torrent of cruel images of Black death. Perhaps that is the source of the intensity of our current moment. The videos of George Floyd and Rayshard Brooks dying have combined with the vulnerability caused by COVID-19 and the feeling that the country is broken to bring us all to the brink of madness and, apparently, to the precipice of significant change. An odd admixture, but an understandable consequence of our troubled times. We now face a moral reckoning: Americans have to decide whether this country will truly be a multiracial democracy or whether to merely tinker around the edges of our problems once again and remain decidedly racist and unequal. We have been here before. Martin Luther King Jr. and countless others risked everything to persuade the country to live up to its stated ideals and to rid itself of the insidious view that white people mattered more than others. They marched. They suffered the billy stick, fire hoses and police dogs. They watched as friends and fellow travelers ended up at the bottom of the Mississippi River. And they witnessed Kings dream shattered to pieces like windowpanes facing hurricane-force winds. Americas betrayal of the civil rights movement gave way to urban explosions across the country, declarations of Black Power and interminable debates about the slogans meaning. White politicians stoked white resentments as the silent majority shouted that they were the true victims; rioted in hard hats against antiVietnam War protesters; violently resisted forced busing; and eventually elected Ronald Reagan, a man as notorious among Black activists as the segregationist Alabama Governor George Wallace. More than a decade after Kings murder, Reagans election represented a stark reassertion of the value gapthe idea that white lives matter more than others. In that moment of reckoning, the country made its choice and sealed Black Americas fate for two more generations. Story continues James Baldwin, the great American writer and critic, witnessed it all. He traveled the South as early as 1957 and saw the promise of the movements early days. He experienced the rage caused by betrayal and clenched his teeth as the country doubled down on its ugly commitments. As he said in his last ever interview, with Quincy Troupe, in 1987, Ronald Reagan represent[ed] the justification of their history, their sense of innocence the justification, in short, of being white. With cancer ravaging his body in his last years, Baldwin was a despairing witness desperate to tell the story of how the country had arrived at such a moment. As the nation today faces yet another moral reckoning, it would do us well to listen to Jimmy tell the story of how we failed when faced with a similar choice, and how we can still muster the faith to begin again. A protester holds a candle following Rayshard Brooks death in Atlanta, on June 15 | Chandan KhannaAFP/Getty Images In 1979, Baldwin wanted to write an essay about the South for the New Yorker. He would retrace his footsteps from his 1957 trip and tell the story of what had happened since those fateful days. It would be an essay about fractured memories, the trauma of loss (of the murders of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and King) and Americas betrayalan extension of what he had explored seven years earlier in his powerful book No Name in the Street. Then, Baldwin had sought to pick up the pieces after the assassination of King in 1968, which threw him into a deep depression. He attempted suicide in 1969 and for a period found himself flailing. No Name represented his effort to make sense of what had happened and to announce his survival. No Name in the Street is an extraordinary achievement. If The Fire Next Time, Baldwins powerful polemic published in 1963, was prophetic, No Name was his own reckoning. It was his answer to how we might respond to the collapse of the Black-freedom movement and to the countrys failures. At the level of form, the book mirrors the fragmenting of memory by trauma. He anticipates the beginnings of mass incarceration and offers a scathing criticism of the way the criminal-justice system crushed Black people with intention. If one really wishes to know how justice is administered in a country, he writes, one does not question the policemen, the lawyers, the judges, or the protected members of the middle class. One goes to the unprotected and listens to their testimony. As Baldwin imagined it, this essay would take up these themes once again and extend the account through the decade of the 70s. He would show that the true horror is that America changes all the time, without ever changing at all. Baldwin, however, never wrote the essay. Instead, he worked with an English filmmaker, Dick Fontaine, and his partner, Pat Hartley, to produce a documentary film about his return to the South. I Heard It Through the Grapevine would capture on film the tragic aftertimes of the Black-freedom struggle on the eve of the election of Reagan in 1980. The film opens with Baldwin sitting in his brothers apartment looking over photographs of the civil rights movement. As he turns the page, we hear the voice-over of his whiskey- and cigarette-coated baritone: It was 1957 when I left Paris for Little Rock, Ark. 1957. This is 1980, and how many years is that? Nearly a quarter of a century. And what has happened to all those peoplechildren I knew then, and what has happened to this country and what does this mean for the world? What does this mean for me? Medgar, Malcolm, Martin dead. These men were my friends But there is another roll call of unknown, invisible people who did not die, but whose lives were smashed on the freedom road. In some ways the film is a return to the scene of the crimean exploration of the heroic efforts of those Baldwin described elsewhere as spiritual aristocrats and the tragic consequence (for them and for us) that followed from the choices made by a nation that refused to change. As I was researching my new book, Begin Again, I visited the Harvard Film Archive, where the Dick Fontaine Collection is housed. I was able to examine the research and production materials for the film and read transcriptions of interviews that were left on the cutting-room floor. One interview stood out, and I am still haunted by the intensity of the exchange. At the historic Dooky Chases restaurant in New Orleans, Baldwin sat down with civil rights leader Ben Chavis. In 1972, with nine others, Chavis was wrongfully convicted on charges of arson and conspiracy in Wilmington, N.C., in the midst of a campaign to desegregate the citys schools. The group would become known as the Wilmington 10, and between them they were sentenced to a total of 282 years in prison. After Jimmy Carter was elected President, Baldwin wrote an open letter in the New York Times urging him to rectify the injustice. I am not so much trying to bring to your mind the suffering of a despised people as the state and the fate of a nation of which you are the elected leader. North Carolina Governor James Hunt commuted their sentence in 1978 but refused to pardon them. Baldwin sat down with Chavis some two years later and asked him to tell his story. As Chavis recounted the traumatic story of the police and the Ku Klux Klan in Wilmington, I felt the rage in Baldwins responses leaping from the page. Jimmy kept describing what was happening and what had happened as genocide. Then he offered words that seem as relevant today as they were then: What we are dealing with really is that for Black people in this country there is no legal code at all. Were still governed, if that is the word I want, by the slave code. Thats the nature of the crisis. [Y]ou havent got to have anything resembling proof to bring any charge whatever against a difficult, bad nigger. When I spoke to Chavis in early June about the interview, he said you could see the rage in Baldwins eyes as he spoke. You know, Jimmy didnt just express himself with his pen and his voice. His eyes damn near started protruding. Fontaine and Hartley didnt include the scene in the finished film. Chavis told me that he didnt know the transcript existed, and that he has never seen the documentary. But he had an idea why the directors might have left the interview on the cutting-room floor. With Reagans election, Chavis recalled, There was a lot of hopelessness in Black America at the time. And Fontaine and the film crew seemed to disagree with what he and Baldwin were saying or, more accurately, how they were saying it. At one point the film crew cut off the camera, Chavis said, and said, I think we need to take a break. Jimmy said, No we dont!' By the time theyd wrapped the interview, Chavis said with a mischievous chuckle, Fontaine and Hartley were physically and emotionally exhausted. In the end, I Heard It Through the Grapevine was Baldwins attempt to tell the story of the ruinsof what happened after the country refused to change. He was angry, but he still held on to the faith that we could be otherwise. As he told Chavis, They have never confessed their crimes, and they dont know how to confess their crimes If you cant confess, you cant be forgiven, and if you cant be forgiven, you cant get past it. That is the sin against the Holy Ghost The only way to get past it is to confess. Baldwin and Chavis conversation took place as white America slammed the door shut on the opportunity for the fundamental transformation the civil rights movement had occasioned. The Reagan years would undo so much. We are now facing what those years have wrought. The ghosts still haunt, but we now have a chance again to choose a new America. We have some difficult days ahead. The current crisis around policing and the protests in the streets confront us with the ugliness of who we are as a nation. As Baldwin knew, that ugliness cuts deepto the marrow of the bone. In such moments, in fact throughout our days, Baldwin insisted that we tell ourselves the truth about what we have done and what we are doing. We cannot stick our heads back in the sand or seek comfort in our national illusions or our so-called innocence. This moral reckoning requires confession and repair. If we fail this time, and it may well be our last chance, ours will be the latest addition to the ruins. Toronto should declare child care essential for economic recovery from COVID-19 and urge Queens Park and Ottawa to start building a long-awaited national system that is accessible and affordable to all families that need it, say city councillors Joe Cressy and Mike Layton. There is a moment in history right now where we can finally replace a flawed, largely parent-funded model, with a publicly funded and accessible one, said Cressy, who represents Ward 10, Spadina-Fort York. The question is, do we seize this moment as a country and as a province? he asked in an interview. We believe the City of Toronto should take a stand and help make that a reality. In their motion to city councils June 29 to 30 meeting, Cressy and Layton also call on the province to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure every child who was enrolled in licensed child care before the pandemic, has access to a spot as centres reopen this summer. To prevent the spread of the coronavirus, provincial safety measures for daycare reopening limit group sizes to just 10 children and staff. But this will force centres to operate at only 30 to 40 per cent capacity, the councillors note in their motion to be released Thursday. This means that there will be 60 per cent to 70 per cent (fewer) spaces than before the pandemic when access to child care in Toronto was already nearing crisis levels, they add. The citys child-care capacity cant return to pre-COVID levels until the province provides a plan to find and fund those extra spaces, they say. Without a plan, at least 56,000 Toronto children may not be able to return to their daycares, Cressy said earlier this month, quoting city estimates. Advocates have said work should begin now to identify unused public and private space that could be retrofitted for child care. But even a return to the status quo will continue to exclude many Toronto families who have long struggled with accessing affordable child care and are facing multi-year wait lists and other barriers, the councillors say. Toronto has the highest child-care fees in the country, with the cost of infant care topping $21,000 a year. Both Cressy and Layton have young children and say they have heard from many stressed-out parents in their wards who cant return to work without child care. Cressys son Jude was born in November, and Layton has two daughters, Phoebe, four, and Chloe, two. I know my two-year-old wont be going to child care any time soon because a lot of spaces will be lost, said Layton who represents Ward 11, University-Rosedale. As a result, Laytons spouse has agreed to step back from her career for the summer to free up a spot for a family that needs it more than ours and doesnt have grandparents to help, he said. Our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic depends on access to affordable child care, the councillors say in their motion. Parents can only return to their jobs if they are able to find a child-care spot for their children. This is especially true for women, who are more likely to be excluded from the workforce if they cannot access child care, they add. The councillors motion argues that child care is a sound investment. In Quebec, where families pay less than $20 a day, child care produces $5 in economic stimulus for every $1 in provincial government spending. It is also essential for addressing gender inequity and tackling the pay gap which in Canada means that today women still earn 87 cents for each dollar earned by a man, they add. Providing affordable child care creates jobs, reduces inequality and ensures that working parents are empowered to make decisions about whats best for their family, the motion says. Thats why all levels of government must work together to create a national framework for child care that is truly affordable and accessible to all, the councillors say. We cannot move forward into full recovery without a national child care strategy. Edward H. Specht was 21 years old when he found himself at the epicenter of a bitter conflict on the Korean peninsula that has come to be known as Americas so-called forgotten war. Others may have forgotten it, but 90-year-old Ed Specht certainly hasnt. The things he witnessed on the firing line with an artillery unit of the Armys 7th Infantry Division during that war, which began 70 years ago today, remain fixed in his mind. He still remembers dodging artillery fire along the 38th Parallel, the latitudinal demarcation line between North and South Korea. Indeed, as Specht recalls it, his artillery unit was at times north of the 38th Parallel, essentially behind enemy lines. But Spechts most vivid memories are not of exploding enemy artillery shells but of the agony he witnessed as a chaplains assistant. In blackout conditions, with only a sliver of light seeping through the cat eyes covering his Jeeps headlights, Specht drove a chaplain who ministered to wounded and dying in military hospitals. The images of what he experienced remain locked in his memory. During a recent telephone interview from his apartment at Keystone Villa at Douglassville, Specht was asked what he thinks of when he looks back to 1952-53, his tour of duty in Korea. His reply: I dont look back. I try not to. Conflict or war On June 25, 1950, North Korean troops invaded South Korea in what would become a three-year conflict. The U.S. came to the aid of South Korea, led by Syngman Rhee. The Soviet Union and China backed the communist government of North Korea, led by Kim Il-sung, grandfather of Kim Jong-un, the countrys current leader. President Harry Truman referred to U.S. involvement in Korea as a police action. The U.S. never declared war, and its involvement was conducted under the auspices of the United Nations. The Pentagons Service and Casualties in Major Wars and Conflicts reports that 33,652 Americans died in battle and another 3,262 died of illness in Korea. An estimated 3 million to 4 million people, mostly civilians, died during what is often referred to as the Korean conflict. Conflict or war, it technically has never ended. While the U.S. and China reached an armistice that stopped the fighting on July 27, 1953, the U.S. retains an estimated 20,000 troops in South Korea. An ongoing powder keg, North Korea has amassed the fourth largest army in the world. In recent years, it has tested missiles, perhaps capable of carrying nuclear warheads, powerful enough to possibly reach the shores of the United States. Continual flare-ups William Lutz of Oley Township was stationed at Camp Hovey, 15 miles from the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas, in 1968-69. A mortar specialist with the 7th Infantry Division, Lutz was in country when North Koreas Peoples Army troops crossed the DMZ in an attempt to assassinate South Koreas president, Park Chung-hee, on Jan. 20, 1968. A few days later, North Korea seized the USS Pueblo, a Navy intelligence vessel, in what has become known as the Pueblo incident. One crew member was killed and 82 others captured. Lutz, who spent much of his 14-month tour of duty on high alert, recalls numerous incidents in which U.S. and South Korean troops were wounded or killed in skirmishes with the North Koreans. Korea wasnt called a war, but there was a lot of action, said Lutz, 72, a retired farmer. In my mind, its a never-ending war. Deep emotional wounds Doug and Liz Graybill, founders of Vets Making a Difference in Reading, have seen firsthand the lingering emotional scars inflicted by the Korean war. Graybill, 68, who served with the Marine Corps in Vietnam in 1970-71, said the suffering troops endured in Korea is often underestimated. During the month-long Battle of Chosin Reservoir in November and December 1950, for example, temperatures reportedly plummeted to 36 degrees below zero. These guys suffered, and they never got the recognition they deserved, said Graybill, whose nonprofit social center provides services to veterans in a rented space at Hope Rescue Mission. The Graybills recently arranged for the burial of Korean war veteran Raymond W. Wunderly at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Lebanon County when no one claimed his body. With the Korean war coming less than five years after the end of World War II, many of its veterans are in their 80s and 90s. The Russel M. Butterweck Detachment of the Marine Corps League until recently had only three Korean war veterans: Herbert Hummel of Blandon, Albert Beadle of Reading and Robert A. Berns, formerly of Fleetwood. Berns died last year in Lititz. Korean war veterans Ralph Schaeffer, 89, Grover Weir, 88, and Joseph Gregg, 91, reside at Birdsboro Lodge, a veterans personal care home in Exeter Township. All were stationed at bases in the U.S. during the war. In recent years, with fewer vets able to attend, the Marine Corps League discontinued annual services at the Korean War Remembrance monument in Readings City Park to mark the end of the war. The Combined Veterans Council of Berks County now organizes the service, scheduled for July 27 at the monument. Made me into a man When Paul A. Miller of Hamburg quit school and joined the Navy at 17, little did he know that about a year later hed be present at the start of the Korean war. Miller was a gunner on the USS Juneau, a Navy cruiser, when they poured over the border, as he puts it, on June 25, 1950. The Juneau patrolled an area south of the 38th Parallel to prevent enemy landings and conducted the first bombardments on June 29 at Bokuko Ko. On July 2, the Juneau sank three enemy torpedo boats near Chumonchin Chan. When we pulled out the bodies, they were Chinese troops, recalled Miller, 88, who fed ammo to the ships 40 mm guns during the attack. The whole thing happened so fast, Miller said, there was no time to be scared. He just did his job. Looking back, 70 years later, Miller marvels at how fate placed a kid from little old Hamburg on the precipice of history. I was a cocky kid, and it knocked the cockiness out of me, he confides. It made me into a man. The Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG), Dr Ernest Addison, has told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament that the central bank does not hide information about proceeds accrued from the exportation of minerals including bauxite. The Chair of PAC, Mr James Klutse Avedzi, raised the issue of bauxite receipts on Wednesday, 24 June 2020 during the Committees interaction with the central bank Governor after one member alleged that the bank had not disclosed some bauxite receipts. Responding to the issue, Dr Addision said: We have always disclosed how much we receive from all exports. It might not be in the statement of foreign exchange receipts and payment of the Bank of Ghana, but for the banking system as a whole, we do that in the balance of payment. He added: Bauxite is reflected in the commercial bank receipts which are captured in the balance of payment, not in the statement of foreign exchange receipt and payment by the Bank of Ghana. The policy of non-surrender to the commercial banks started in 2017, he said. The treatment of manganese and timber, bauxite and all of that is that we never really reported that from the Bank of Ghana as part of the flows coming to the Bank of Ghana, Dr Addison added. These were already being surrendered to the commercial banks. So, it is only in the case of gold that there was a change in policy to allow the gold mining companies to also repatriate to their bankers rather than repatriate to the central bank. ---classfmonline The Uttar Pradesh child rights panel on Thursday issued a notice to Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, asking her to file a reply within three days for her "misleading" comment on the Kanpur shelter home. The Congress leader in a Facebook post on Sunday had attacked the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh over a media report about two girls being found pregnant at the state-run child shelter home, saying it shows that facts were being suppressed in the name of investigation at such facilities. She had also equated the incident with that of the Muzaffarpur (Bihar) case and claimed that such a matter had come to the fore in UP's Deoria district. Taking a suo motu notice of it, the commission said the post was "misleading and without any proof", which hurts the honour of the girls. "The commission has sought her reply within three days. Action under a relevant section will be taken against her if she did not issue a corrigendum of her post," Uttar Pradesh State Commission for Protection of Child Rights Chairman Vishesh Gupta said in the notice. The government needs to accept that there are no shortcuts to peace and retract the bill. Marc Batac has been working on peace-building and conflict transformation in Southeast Asia for over a decade. As the world is plagued by COVID-19, an impending anti-terrorism bill is creating more fear in the Philippines. Recently passed by Congress, the bill is set to be signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte. If this happens, the bill will not only suppress the fundamental rights and freedoms of Filipinos, it will also terrorise the same conflict-affected communities it seeks to protect, as it undoes decades of peacebuilding work. Despite protests against the bill and mounting calls to provide more time for deliberations, Congress has quietly fast-tracked its passage while the rest of the country braced for the impact of COVID-19. The bill will allow for a lengthened period of warrantless detention and expanded surveillance of those law enforcement deems suspicious. It will also remove stiff penalties for wrongful detention. Most importantly, the bill carries a vague definition of terrorism that offers little distinction between organisations that commit acts of terror and revolutionary armed movements, which is important for those doing mediation among warring parties. The bill will provide law enforcers with broad powers to determine what constitutes a terrorist, shifting the burden of proof to suspected individuals and organisations. This is not only a threat to dissent and democracy, but also to peace. Threat to peace in Mindanao For more than half a century, the Philippine government has been trying to quell secessionist and communist armed movements in the country. Bangsamoro, an autonomous region in the south of the Philippines, is currently in transition after decades of fighting between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. While much remains to be done, significant strides have been taken, with a transitional regional government installed last year and the decommissioning of combatants and arms under way. These gains have been made possible primarily by the peace talks and reconciliation processes. The ill-advised and shortsighted fear of the ISIL (ISIS) armed group taking root in Mindanao, and the increased framing of the communist armed movements as terrorist, distract the government from seeing the gains of dialogue and peacebuilding. The threat of terrorism is real, but it is not the main threat to peace. In fact, militaristic approaches to counterterrorism have caused the most suffering and displacements, prompted breakdowns in ongoing peace processes, and given birth to more aggressive splinter groups like the Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and Maute Group. Insensitivity to the local context and the peace process in prioritising fighting terrorists in Mamasapano in 2015 and Marawi in 2017 delayed the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and undermined reconciliation across communities in the country. These should not be forgotten, and should not be repeated. Opening old wounds Due to a long history of discrimination, the Moro and Muslim minorities in the Philippines are often most affected not only by terrorist attacks but by harassment and warrantless arrests packaged as counterterrorism. This profiling of Muslims as violent terrorists continues to this day. In January, it was discovered that the Manila Police District was collating information about Muslim youth and students in the National Capital Region for its preventing violent extremism initiatives. Two months before, in November 2019, the police barged into the office of a long-established Mindanao-based peacebuilding organisation, without a warrant, checked the living quarters, and inspected the bags of young Moros from Marawi who were attending a psychosocial support training. Being a woman while being both Moro and Muslim adds another layer of vulnerability, especially with the heightened visibility that comes with wearing a headscarf. Women widowed by war and children orphaned by conflict are also disproportionately affected by counterterrorism that narrowly sees them as vulnerable to being recruited into terrorism, instead of partners who can inform policies for change. This bill will undermine efforts at reconciliation, as it will make it easier to target Muslims and open old wounds anew. Ending or escalating the communist insurgency? The military generals clearly see the impending anti-terrorism bill as a way to end the worlds oldest existing communist insurgency. But the bill is more likely to reignite war and bring further insecurity. Following the termination of the peace negotiations between the government, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the New Peoples Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines in 2017, the government has since branded the CPP-NPA as terrorist and filed a petition seeking to declare them terrorist organisations under the Human Security Act, the current counterterrorism law. Following delayed progress through the courts, the government has taken a new tack: change the law directly. Thus, the Anti Terror Bill. The argument about whether the CPP-NPA is a terrorist organisation or a revolutionary movement is fraught with a lot of biases, and a long, violent history between the communist armed movement and the military. What is clear is that the impending declaration of the CPP-NPA as terrorist organisations will impede any future peace talks, and escalate violence and displacement in communities. As lessons have not been learned, the military should be reminded that the CPP-NPA was at its strongest under the martial law regime of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. It is not activism that pushes communities towards violence. Rather, it is crackdowns on nonviolent civic action that will push communities to lose trust in government and take alternative routes for affecting change. Activism is not terrorism The government assures the public that crackdowns on activists will not happen under the guise of counterterrorism, but in the same breath the Speaker of the House tells activists to not allow terrorists to hide within [their] ranks. This statement itself is telling of the governments narrow and misinformed mindset about activism and terror that those who are radicalised through activism will participate in armed rebellions and, therefore, to prevent violent extremism the state should stop radicalisation made possible through activism. Given this bias, and the weak intelligence capacity of law enforcers, the bill will crush progressive organisations and student activists who the state perceives are communist fronts; mediators who are perceived as communist sympathisers; and Indigenous people who are perceived as the main targets of recruitment by the NPA. These groups are already being red-tagged or wrongly targeted for alleged links with the CPP-NPA. Even without the new law and under the martial law in place until last year, young Indigenous people who work on peacebuilding in Western Mindanao were reportedly wrongly included in the militarys terrorist lists, and asked to show themselves to law enforcers and prove they are not linked with the NPA. As the Senate president admitted, there is no need for martial law once this bill becomes law. The looming anti-terror law will assume rather than fairly test the guilt of civilians, as law enforcers will have free reign to arrest and detain individuals based on mere suspicion. This is both unconstitutional and dangerous. No shortcuts to peace If implemented, the new anti-terrorism bill will not only impede our ability as peacebuilders and human rights defenders to bridge divides or raise the alarm when atrocities occur. It will also put our lives and limbs at risk. It will undo years of peacebuilding and further devastate the communities worst affected by terror. If it is sincere in its whole-of-nation approach to peacebuilding, the government must retract the bill, re-open deliberations and listen to a wide range of voices across society, especially the voices of those who have borne the brunt of both terrorist violence and abusive counterterror laws. It must heed the lessons from community leaders and peacebuilders. We need a policy that addresses the underlying roots of terrorism, and that prevents further distrust, injustice and escalations in violence. Yet as I write this, trust in the government is also under threat. What is left of our democracy is under threat. Peace is under threat. It is our collective duty to end violence against civilian communities. For this same reason, we cannot take shortcuts to peace. This rushed and unrestrained anti-terror bill will cause terror and it will come from the state. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. In April, after Virginia enacted a stay-at-home order due to the spread of the coronavirus, Ruth Boyer O'Dea found herself alone in a three-floor, five-bedroom residence in Arlington listed for a little over $2 million. Except she wasn't really by herself. On the other end of a video phone call was a couple in Texas, seeking to relocate back to the Washington, D.C., metro area after a year away. For an hour, Boyer O'Dea, a real estate agent with TTR Sotheby's International Realty, walked through the home, narrating her surroundings for her clients as they watched remotely and asked questions. At the end of the virtual tour, the couple decided to make an offer. In a day, they had the home under contract. "We still practice business, but the way in which we do (things) has changed," Boyer O'Dea says, referring to the shifts the Covid-19 pandemic has prompted in the real estate market. As the virus swept across the U.S., the country went into a de facto lockdown, which weaved a state-by-state patchwork of essential businesses, a classification that excluded some aspects of homebuying and selling, while permitting others. In New York City, for example, in-person home showing and open houses succumbed to a ban but moving was allowed. As a result, available long before the onset of the pandemic, 3D tours and video walkthroughs quickly became the norm in a coronavirus-stricken housing market. To sell one of the penthouses at 21 East 22nd Street in New York City's Flatiron district, for example, Douglas Elliman agent Frances Katzen hosted a tour over Zoom, the video conferencing app, for an American buyer who, at the time, lived in Belgium. While sight unseen deals have always existed, mainly among foreign buyers, investors and home shoppers who are moving long-distance, such arrangements might spike in popularity, especially as the coronavirus lingers on with predictions for a second wave of infections. "We've always had remote buyers," says Miltiadis Kastanis, director of luxury sales for Douglas Elliman in Miami Beach, Florida. "The new remote buyer is the local Miami Beach buyer (who doesn't) feel comfortable coming out to visit a property." Story continues [See: The Best Apps for House Hunting] Lisa Sheppard, an agent with Sotheby's International Reality's Wine Country - East Napa Street Brokerage in Sonoma, California, echoed the sentiment that the Covid-19 pandemic might lead to an increase in sight unseen purchases. "Although I have sold some properties virtually in the past, it's definitely not the norm," Sheppard says. "But we're going to see more and more of that." According to a survey by home repair company Helitech that outlines the effects the coronavirus has wielded on housing, one in three respondents said they would consider purchasing a residence sight unseen. Recently, Sheppard helped a couple from the District of Columbia buy a roughly 2,700-square-foot home in Sebastopol, California. It was a convoluted process that involved the sale of the couple's D.C. home and a cross-country RV trip that was cut midway when the couple learned of a major structural setback -- an inspection revealed the residence was a manufactured home -- that threatened the whole undertaking. In light of the pandemic, here is what buyers pursuing sight-unseen deals should know and do: -- Do as much prior research as possible. -- Aside from virtual tours, have video walkthroughs and consult floor plans. -- Know what type of home inspections and appraisals are possible. -- Be flexible with the available methods of signing sale documents. Prior Research As always, homebuyers should do their research before even venturing out to see houses. In New York City, Katzen advises, "Do as much digging as possible about the inherent makeup of the building. Really do your due diligence. Look at the (comparable sales) to make sure what you're paying is the right number in context of the current climate and what's been achieved beforehand." [Read: The Guide to Making a Contingent Offer on a House] Beyond Virtual Tours In the early days of the pandemic, even if in-person home tours were impossible due to local regulations, agents were still able to enter vacant houses. That is what Sheppard did in order to take videos and images that supplemented the listing photography. The additional visuals helped her clients make up their mind about the property in Sebastopol. "They decided that they were to buy the property sight unseen," Sheppard says. "They've just seen it virtually through the photography, the videos, the floor plans and the drone stills." While 3D renderings and pre-recorded walkthroughs may offer a worthwhile introduction to a home, buyers should also request a live video tour that allows them to inquire about certain features as well as to request a brief stroll through the neighborhood. For instance, they may ask to see inside the cabinets that are closed on clips produced for the listing's advertisement. Moreover, during video tours, the agent's experience of the property becomes paramount. Unlike their clients, agents can see the views, hear any noises and observe the community. "You almost become the buyer for (the homebuyer) because they're not here," Kastanis says of the role agents must play. "You have to really be able to express the property in a very emotional, strong way because they're not here to physically feel the property." It is also advisable that buyers reference the floor plans while virtually touring a home in order to better grasp the layout and the furnishing options it offers. In some cases, it's also possible for homebuyers to connect with current homeowners, either in a neighborhood or a building, and seek their insights. This is what happened about two years ago in a $6 million condo transaction closed by Nada Rizk and Joanne Greene, New York City-based agents with brokerage Brown Harris Stevens, in a building where they had conducted deals before. At the time, a former client of theirs agreed to talk to the buyer, who lived in London. "They stayed on the phone for half an hour," Rizk says. "That made the buyer comfortable with buying sight unseen." Home Inspections and Appraisals In conventional sight-unseen deals, agents would facilitate home inspections and appraisals on behalf of buyers. In such transactions, home inspections are crucial and often serve as a contingent factor for the execution of the sale. In some cities, the coronavirus pandemic pushed inspections and appraisals to virtual alternatives that rely on images and available market data. In others, inspections and appraisals have been carried out under specific health protocols. The latter include limits on how many people can be in a home simultaneously and what personal protective gear they must wear. In Arlington, Virginia, Boyer O'Dea met the home inspector outside but did not accompany him indoors, which would be typical in any other time. The appraiser also entered the house. In New York City, though, both the inspector and the appraiser of the penthouse Katzen represented worked remotely through images. Only an engineer showed up in person to examine the upper deck. In early June, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees the government-backed enterprises Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, extended its policy to allow lenders to conduct virtual appraisals through at least the end of July. [Read: Why You Should (and Shouldn't) Sell Your Home in 2020] Closing Deals Traditionally, buyers purchasing sight unseen would visit the property for a final walkthrough and to close the deal in person. Yet, the pandemic has complicated this approach not only with the remote-work arrangements some title companies have adopted but also with numerous travel restrictions, both local and global. Fortunately, though, in the U.S. the coronavirus outbreak has accelerated the adoption of remote online notarization, the so-called RON service, which postulated the legally binding nature of electronic signatures. Accepted in roughly 25 states, RON has allowed real estate settlements to go through during the pandemic (signing offers is usually subject to fewer regulations). This doesn't mean that remote settlements are easy, though. Boyer O'Dea's clients had to video conference with a lawyer from Virginia, who went through the closing documents, a paper copy of which they signed in the presence of a local notary in Texas. "They were all together, but they weren't physically together," Boyer O'Dea says. Then, those files were sent to Virginia overnight for the sellers to ink. Because of the enormous commitment of buying a home and the new ruffles that the pandemic is adding to sight-unseen transactions, Kastanis has one overarching piece of advice: "Work with someone who you trust and who you are sure understands the home that you're looking at." More From US News & World Report Nairobi, Kenya (PANA) - A Kenyan anti-corruption court Thursday found John Waluke, a ranking lawmaker and chief whip, and a co-accused guilty of defrauding a government agency and ordered them to pay fines totaling US$14 Photo by SARAH SILBIGER/AFP via Getty Images In a testament to the absurdity of the disastrous American response to the coronavirus pandemic, some of the top public health experts in the country on Tuesday denied having been ordered to decrease testing efforts that might help fight the deadly outbreak. None of us have ever been told to slow down on testing, that just is a fact. In fact, we will be doing more testing, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. In a striking image, Faucithe public face of the nations coronavirus responsedescribed the White Houses major effort in combating the deadly virus to mask-clad, socially distanced committee members. Fauci initially read from a prepared statement next to a container of Lysol wipes, antibacterial gel, and a bottle of water. But Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) opened the hearing on Tuesday by panning President Donald Trump for failing to develop an effective national mass testing campaign. Specifically, he went after him for a much-debated joke about deliberately slowing down the nations testing initiatives in order to decrease the number of confirmed cases in the U.S. Trump, while speaking at the first mass indoor public gathering in the nation since pandemic-induced lockdowns began in mid-March, said Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma, When you testwhen you do testing to that extent, you're going to find more people. You're going to find more cases. So I said to my people, slow the testing down, please. Pallone said on Tuesday, President Trump refuses to even acknowledge the challenge we face. Team Trump Says It Was a COVID Testing Joke. His Own Health Officials Arent Laughing. Peter Navarro, a senior adviser to Trump, told CNN this weekend that Trumps words were tongue-in-cheek, echoing explanations offered by other White House staffers. But on Tuesday morning, the president threw cold water on that explanation, telling reporters of the alleged joke: I dont kid. Let me just tell you. Let me make it clear. Story continues We have got the greatest testing program anywhere in the world. We test better than anybody in the world. Our tests are the best in the world, and we have the most of them. By having more tests, we find more cases, he added. Fauci, Food & Drug Administration Commissioner Stephen Hahn, Assistant Secretary for Health Brett Giroir, and the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Robert Redfield all denied any kind of coordinated test slow-downor that the president ever ordered such an action. Meanwhile, Fauci confirmed during his testimony that a disturbing surge in infections in dozens of states on Tuesday was based on an increase in community spreadand that the most effective way to battle those outbreaks involve testing and contact tracing. Fauci specifically mentioned Texas, Florida, and Arizona. Later in the hearing, he broadly described what had gone wrong in the United States. We know what the failings were early on, Fauci said. A lack of PPE, a lack of enough N95s. With more testing, we can get a much better grasp of the dynamics to be better prepared for a potential second surge than we were months ago, he added. In what may have been the most contentious exchange of the hearing, Rep. David McKinley (R-WV) asked Fauci if he believed President Trump had been judged unfairly for his response to the virus. Fauci called it an unfair question before noting that everyone in the White House is doing everything they possibly can. McKinley followed up by asking why Fauci did not more forcefully advise the president and the public at large to wear masks earlier on in the pandemic. Oh, we're going to play that game? Fauci responded. He went on to repeat an earlier point: that he made that decision based on a previous national shortage of personal protective equipment, in hopes of keeping medical providers safe. But even as Hahn affirmed that his agency had not lost sight of our solemn responsibility to the American people, the data and science repeatedly referenced by the top public health leaders in the country stood in stark contrast to the days-long debate over Trumps alleged joke. As Pallone put it, Theres two versions of reality here: theres the presidents and theres one based on the experts. U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO), the chair of the House Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations panel, said in a statement before Tuesdays hearing that its clear from the presidents own comments this weekend, as well as his administrations continued failures to act, that the White House is refusing to take this pandemic seriously. Minutes before the hearing began, Trump tweeted that his administration has done a great job combatting the virus, including the very early ban on China, ventilator production, and testing, which is by far the most, and best, in the world. We saved millions of U.S. lives! Trump tweeted. The fake news refuses to acknowledge this in a positive way. But they do give Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is with us in all ways, a very high 72 percent approval rating. Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Will June 6, 2020 become the dark day that marks the slow descent of plural and tolerant Lebanon into oblivion? Like in many other moments of sectarian rage where hearts are clouded by resentment and obscured by hatred, and where fanatical hordes indulge in political and moral turpitude and unworthy demands, religious fanaticism once again weighs heavily on Lebanon's already bruised body. To measure the depth of the abyss in which Lebanon is sinking, we must step back from any cool-headed political analysis. How can we explain that in a country struggling to establish the rule of law, national integration and civic fraternity, gangs of young fanatics are hurling insults deliberately attacking Aicha, "the mother of believers", while others are attacking Caliph Ali, his family and his daughter in return? And what about the bazar vigilantes who have been raiding urban neighborhoods to provoke their Christian inhabitants? Of course, one is perplexed by these nauseating outbursts and provocative insults, which bear no relationship whatsoever with the problems and issues at hand; unless if, in the minds of these troublemakers, these acts are supposed to be part of a national debate! Most notably, one remains stunned and dismayed by this display of primitive violence. Like a cluster of ominous clouds carrying sectarian storms, these outbursts and insults seem to herald the return of a Medieval mentality to a country often described as an exemplar for co-existence. Lebanon could previously boast of having preserved some inklings of modernity despite the religious regression that hit a region which had to face authoritarian headwinds and several ideological waves. With its intellectual, scientific and artistic elites, Lebanon had projected to the Arab world an image far removed from the pervasive obscurantism all around it. At least such was the prevailing wisdom. Now however, a wave of blasphemy driven by a " street theology" (or perhaps malodorous alleyways) has replaced arguments with slogans. Hopes had been raised earlier by the revolutionary breath of fresh air with demands for justice, equality, citizenship and democracy; how can we now continue to long for a civil state when part of the population is inclined to replay scenes from a quarrel dating back almost fifteen centuries? For voices to arise from the worst memories calling for for sectarian attacks, even murders, in a country of culture and universities (including some of the most prestigious in the Middle East), causes one to wonder whether the revolution was after all an illusion. What has happened for such a social rift to open and for such insanity and ineptitude to be unleashed leaving only anxiety and disgust in their wake? A tactical retreat Like many other uprisings that aim for change, the Lebanese "hirak" movement is evolving on a path that has only just begun. The power of the social protest was clearly demonstrated which the fall of the Hariri government, a major setback for a class of professional sectarian politicians. The significance of this political victory with its undeniable symbolism is that it shows that games of entrenched interests and opportunistic alliances can be defeated. A discredited political class whose leading representatives, including most recently, the Secretary general of Hezbollah, are now seen as a cast of rejects. In its first phase, the revolution was eminently ethical, a cry from the heart of the Lebanese collective psyche as people became aware of the extent of the national tragedy and of the criminal rapacity of those responsible for their fate. Almost ashamed but not entirely convinced of their own guilt, the rejected politicians pleaded extenuating circumstances; but they were ultimately incapable of facing popular disapproval and started to fade away. They didnt disappear however, most of them melting into the anonymity of the surrounding desolation and borrowing the most cynical tones of circumstantial contrition, protesting their good faith and blaming those who put obstacles in their way. They came forward dressed, as the poet said, in "candid probity and white linen". But that was all an illusion! Their retreat was merely tactical and everybody knew it. That retreat was facilitated later by the unexpected windfall provided by the pandemic, an almost divine windfall one might say, had it not been accompanied by illness, death and economic desolation. By calling for the formation of a government of experts, people thought they were paving the way for a political transition. However, as expected, this attempt was ill-fated. And awareness of its flaws came too late. Under the cover of technocrats and experts, the formation of the government mirrored fully the existing balance of political power. How could it not be so in a country that has become the advanced front for the Iranian military strategy? The government of experts is a mere cover that allows politicians to protect their interests and impede the decision-making process. A technocrat is clearly not by vocation a politician; his function is to advise not command. His legitimacy comes from knowledge not power. Since he cannot rely on the support of voters, he can only count on his character, if any, in order to impose a decision. In such exceptional circumstances, a technocrat would have implemented policies aimed at national recovery and would have avoided the trap of a public spectacle whereby saying something is equated to doing it. Thus, technocrats have served the interests of traditional politicians and have allowed them to escape from their responsibilities and consolidate their power. What a strange role reversal! Obviously, it is difficult for women and men ministers to lead a country where the executive authority resides outside the government. That said, no one belittles the efforts that honest and competent ministers have made in an attempt to prevent the disaster, nor the selfless sacrifices they have made for the public good. It remains the case however that expertise does not equate to policy and a group of technocrats doesnt guarantee government. The time has now come to act. No one expected immediate reforms but the short-term initiative measures urgently needed were not undertaken despite the determination of the Prime Minister. Subsequently, the virus lockdown forced the Lebanese "hirak" movement to halt its courageous initiatives. Meanwhile the lack of coordination among those leading the protest movement, which was evident on June 6 compounded the lethal inertia of the government and public authorities. Unless positive steps are implemented, how is it possible not to expect the collapse of a society that will then be left to fend for itself? Loathing at the core of a revolution It is in this context that the seriousness of the June 6 imprecations comes to light. The exchange of insults was shameful, violent and unworthy, reflecting not the discontent and frustration but a response to the impasse orchestrated by those threatened to be swept away by the wind of rebellion. There is nothing new in that, some might say, the civil war and even the October 17 uprising came with verbal profanities too. But, the war is behind us, unless some are working for its return. As for the verbal outbursts of the October demonstrations, they were reportedly signs of revolutionary health and proportional to the frustration level. All politicians were targeted, some more than others and some in a more vulgar way. Everyone still remembers how the "President son-in-law" was considered the very symbol of the hated political class and whose sung insult served as one of the slogans for the revolution. Ad hominem insults should have no place in a democracy or in any self-respecting political regime; especially when these verbal attacks target the honor of the mother of a politician who cannot be responsible for the actions of her son. Unfortunately, the history of revolutions teaches us - this is by no means an excuse but an observation - that individual men and women have been the target of popular vengeance. Whether it was Marie-Antoinette or Rasputin, one had to go after the apparent front lines of power. In the case of the "son-in-law", the political insult was not aimed as much at the man himself as at what he represented, namely an entire political class used to unethical dealing, corruption and lies. Rightly or wrongly, the man summed it all up in his persona. For the demonstrators, he represented the quintessence of the political class, in short, the epitome of loathing at the core revolution. But how can attacks against religious symbols and characters belonging to the holy history of religions be explained? Surely, this is a change in tone, one that is highly significant. While national unity was possible around democratic and social demands and the advancement of citizens' rights, now the effort to destroy and disunite has borrowed from the vocabulary of sacrilege to launch its meanest attacks. No one should be fooled by this practice of symbolic transfer from one domain to another. It is obvious that insulting religion in this context has the force of a cannonball. Those who have used it know that very well. They know that religions in Lebanon are the ultimate strongholds of identity. When targeted, religious identities easily give precedence to the god of war over the god of commandments; it is not religion that kills, it is the counterfeiters and the forgers who deal in Gods name who are the real criminals. Manipulation of minds and hearts Are there elements of civil war underlying the recent invocation of religious symbols? There is no doubt about that. The feeling of losing ground, the fear that obedience can be eroded when people are faced with hunger and a dark looming future, can transform the most secular politician into an angry zealot defending the offended deity. We knew that warlords are heartless and merciless. Their passed actions demonstrated that. We knew that they also are looters of public assets, devoid of any conscience or restraint. What we did not know was that they are without a soul and without that piece of humanity which drives all the rest of us towards solidarity, tolerance and respect for all beliefs including religious ones. This enables them to manipulate minds and hearts repeatedly in order to serve their own purposes. It is impossible to oppose a religious sedition by resorting to reproach and repression. The best way forward would be to establish a special judicial tribunal in order to indict all those responsible for one of the most spectacular state collapses of all time, while preventing them from continuing to divert the attention of Lebanese citizens away from their crimes. Lebanon has collapsed due to looting of public resources and wealth by its political leaders. States generally collapse as a result of war, occupation or military defeat. Other countries are weakened due to environmental disasters, economic crises or poor political choices. Although Lebanon's collapse shares many characteristics with that of other countries in payment default such as Greece and Argentina, the main reason for its collapse is rooted in the organized looting of public assets by a ruling elite. The smuggling at border posts, custom evasion and cronyism exacerbated this outcome. The root cause of this tragedy is clear, the remedy too. The country cannot recover without first getting rid of those who caused the disaster. The real dilemma is that we still don't know how to get rid of them before they take Lebanon away from us. (This text was originally published in French in L'Orient-Le Jour on the 13th of June) The Department of Justice today issued a superseding indictment against Julian Assange in the latest salvo of a decade-long campaign by the US government and its intelligence agencies to destroy the WikiLeaks founder and besmirch his reputation. The new indictment does not contain any charges additional to those filed in May 2019. The 17 Espionage Act counts over WikiLeaks publication of documents leaked by Chelsea Manning exposing historic war crimes in Iraq and Afghanistan and illegal global diplomatic intrigues remain. These represent the greatest attack on press freedom and the First Amendment of the US Constitution in decades, directly targeting the right of all journalists to publish national security material. The indictment also contains one charge of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion. It was the first US count unveiled against Assange after he was dragged by British police from Ecuadors London embassy in April 2019. The additional material added to the introductory section of the new indictment is a desperate attempt to bolster that count, and the broader narrative that Assange is a hacker, not a publisher or journalist. Its inclusion follows the public discrediting of the computer intrusion allegation, including in the first week of Assanges British extradition hearings last February. According to the indictment, in March 2010, Manning asked Assange for assistance with cracking a hash value, or a password, that would have enabled her to log into the US army computer network anonymously. It is now almost universally acknowledged that the hash value was never hacked. Manning, moreover, had by that point already gathered the material that she would provide to WikiLeaks. The purpose of her request, apparently made half in jest, was to browse the internet and download music anonymously. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange greets supporters from a balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy in London. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein, File) The new indictment further exposes the attempt to extradite Assange to the US as a dirty-tricks political operation, rather than any sort of legal proceeding. It paints a picture of US government operatives pouring through decade-old tabloid gossip and dredging up the most unsavoury creatures of their own intelligence agencies to fling mud at Assange. It is an attempt to salvage their claim that he is a hacker, more than a year after they first publicly-unveiled charges against him. Almost all of the new material has been on the public record in one form or other, for six years or longer. Points four through six, for instance, reference Assanges speeches to public conventions of computer experts in the Netherlands and Malaysia, in 2009 and 2010. The indictment claims that he encouraged those present to use their computing abilities to access classified material. To assert that such a statement, made in public, constitutes evidence of a conspiracy, is laughable. However, the accusation continues the strand that runs throughout the indictment of seeking to criminalise standard journalistic practices, including encouraging sources and potential sources to provide a media organisation with newsworthy information in the public interest. Sections F and G similarly allege that Assange and WikiLeaks associates encouraged administrators and others with access to computer systems to expose illegal activities by the intelligence agencies and corporate malfeasance. They are, again, based on statements at public gatherings spanning from 2013 to 2016, some of which have been viewable on the internet ever since. Significantly, none of the events was held in the United States, but are cited as evidence of intent, or conspiracy, to violate American laws. This is in line with the unprecedented assertion of extraterritorial jurisdiction on which the entire indictment is based. The Justice Department is essentially arguing that domestic US laws apply to all individuals and gatherings in every part of the world. Unlike the previous indictment, the latest US charge sheet condemns Assange over WikiLeaks role in assisting Edward Snowden to travel from Hong Kong to Russia in 2013, where he successfully obtained political asylum. Snowden is a multi-award winning whistleblower, who exposed illegal global surveillance operations by the US National Security Agency. The document complains that WikiLeaks publicised its role in defending Snowden to display its commitment to whistleblower protection. This alone brands the new indictment as a further assault on fundamental journalistic practices. A substantial part of the new material in the indictment appears to be based on testimony and information provided by two acknowledged informants of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): Sigurdur Siggi Thordarson, named in the document as Teenager, and Hector Monsegur, known by the online pseudonym Sabu. In June 2019, WikiLeaks issued a statement reporting that the US government could be preparing a new indictment against Assange, based on testimony from Thordarson. The Icelandic man had made it known on social media that he was being ferried to the US for discussions with American government agencies. In subsequent press interviews, he revealed that Monsegur was also involved. WikiLeaks warning has now come to pass. The indictment alleges that in early 2010, Teenager provided Assange with information stolen from a bank. It claims that the WikiLeaks founder asked Teenager to commit computer intrusion and steal additional information, including audio recordings of phone conversations between officials in NATO Country-1, including members of parliament The country being referenced is Iceland. The allegation that WikiLeaks attempted to surreptitiously record parliamentary conversations there has been in circulation for years. The story was only publicly promulgated after Thordarson began secretly working with the FBI. Its transparent purpose was to jeopardise WikiLeaks activities in a relatively liberal country where it enjoyed high levels of popular support. Assange, moreover, has never been accused, let alone charged with a crime by any Icelandic agency. Senior government officials, however, including then Interior Minister Ogmundur Jonasson, have stated that FBI dirty-tricks operations were afoot against WikiLeaks. Jonasson has testified that in June 2011, he blocked a plane load of FBI agents who had been sent to seek our cooperation in what I understood as an operation to set up, to frame Julian Assange and WikiLeaks. The frame had been accompanied by warnings of a plot to hack Icelandic government infrastructure. The related new strand of the indictment asserts ties between WikiLeaks and computer hackers. The first set of alleged contacts, from December 2010 until the end of 2011, all involved Teenager, i.e., Thordarson, who claims to have been acting under the direction of Assange. The most significant of those, beginning in June 2011, was with Lulzsec, a loose affiliation of US hackers. The supposed contact between WikiLeaks and the group was again brokered by Thordarson. The indictment alleges that Assange encouraged Lulzsec to hack into private security companies, including Intelligence Consulting Company, and provided them with scripts to search material gathered. It does not claim that Assange was involved in the computer intrusion. That WikiLeaks published material obtained by people who had been in contact with Lulzsec has been known for years. In 2012, one of the hackers Jeremy Hammond was arrested and convicted for hacking into Stratfor, a private company dubbed a shadow CIA. WikiLeaks released emails from the firm showing that it had spied on activists and revealing its close relations to US government agencies. The threadbare character of the allegations, however, is overshadowed by the fact that when Thordarson first made contact with Lulzsec, it was already effectively controlled by the FBI. Monsegur (Sabu), its leader, had been arrested on June 7, 2011, and had immediately agreed to collaborate with the US government. A Justice Department press release accompanying the indictment coyly states: In 2012, Assange communicated directly with a leader of the hacking group LulzSec (who by then was cooperating with the FBI)... This is a gross understatement. By that stage, Monsegur had been frantically burning associates for over six months, to avoid decades in prison, and had agreed to transform Lulzsec into a US government entrapment service. It is not yet known whether Thordarson (Teenager) was already cooperating with the FBI when he made contact with Lulzsec. If he was, the conversations were between two FBI assets seeking to frame Assange. Thordarson had insinuated himself into WikiLeaks as a 17-year-old volunteer in early 2010. In August 2011, Thordarson claims that he contacted the US embassy in Reykjavik, offering to assist in the ongoing criminal investigation in the United States against Assange. By his own admission, Thordarson met with FBI agents multiple times in Reykjavik between 2011 and 2012. During that period, US authorities flew him to Denmark three times and to the US on one occasion, for secret meetings about WikiLeaks. He handed over WikiLeaks hard-drives and received thousands of dollars. Some WikiLeaks collaborators who encountered him have stated that Thordarsons behaviour was strange from the beginning, raising the possibility that he was sent into WikiLeaks as a plant. Sigurdur Siggi Thordarson pictured last year (Credit: Facebook) Either way, Thordarson is an individual who could never be deemed a credible witness. WikiLeaks has alleged that he stole at least $50,000 from the organisation. In 2014, he pled guilty in an Icelandic court to 18 counts of fraud, embezzlement and theft, some of them relating to his missapropriations from WikiLeaks. The combined offenses carried a dollar value estimated at $US240,000. Thordarson was also convicted of impersonating Assange. The following year he pled guilty to a raft of sexual offences, after admitting that he had coerced underage boys into performing sexual acts on him. A court-appointed psychologist found that he was a sociopath suffering from a severe anti-social personality disorder. In Thordarson, a convicted paedophile and conman, and Monsegur, a former petty criminal turned stool pigeon, the US government has found the fitting representatives of its campaign against Assange. The reliance on testimony from both men demonstrates that the US extradition request should be dismissed as a criminal operation, involving individuals who themselves should be in prison. The British courts and government, however, have made clear their support for the US-led vendetta against Assange, underscoring that it is up to the working class to take forward the fight for his freedom. Chinese leader Xi Jinping meets with the 48 Group Club chairman Stephen Perry at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Oct. 16, 2018. (Daisuke Suzuki/AFP via Getty Images) Canadian Publisher of Book on Chinas Influence Says Plans to Publish on Track Despite Legal Challenge The Canadian publisher of a book on Beijings influence abroad and on Western business elites and politicians says he plans on publishing the book on its original release date despite a legal challenge initially putting plans on hold. The book Hidden Hand: Exposing How the Chinese Communist Party is Reshaping the World by Clive Hamilton and Mareike Ohlberg was set to be released in the United States and United Kingdom last week, and in Canada on July 1 in digital format and on July 3 in hard copy. However, the plan was put on hold after a legal challenge by a British organization named in the book. The book has already been published in Australia and Germany. Dean Baxendale of Optimum Publishing, which has the publishing rights to the book in Canada, says he was originally asked by the U.K. publisher, One World Publishing, to put release plans on hold due to a legal challenge by the 48 Group Club, which is named in the book. But he says that after legal consultation, the book will proceed to be published in Canada as planned, as well as in the United States and United Kingdom. One World addressed the alleged defamation concerns directly and have decided to move forward in publishing the book in both the U.S. and U.K., Baxendale told The Epoch Times. The 48 Group Club is an organization promoting closer business ties with China. Its website currently says under maintenance. Web archives show the organizations motto as equality and mutual benefit, which it attributes to Chairman Maos premier Zhou Enlai, calling him Chinas much-respected premier. The site features a photo of the organizations chair, Stephen Perry, meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Both Optimum Publishing and One World Publishing were contacted by Druces Law, a firm representing the 48 Group Club, requesting a cease in publication. The law firm said the book makes defamatory statements about the 48 Group Club and wants changes made. The Epoch Times contacted Druces Law for comment but didnt hear back by press time. This is not the first time a book by Australian academic Hamilton has been blocked from being published. His 2018 book Silent Invasion about the Chinese regimes growing influence in Australia was declined by three publishers due to fears of legal retaliation by Beijing, Hamilton said in past interviews. Hidden Hand Hidden Hand focuses on the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) attempts to reshape the world, while showing the ties between Beijing, business elites, and Western politicians in various countries. Baxendale says the book documents the global espionage propaganda and economic coercion by CCP operatives in Western nations. Hamilton read an excerpt from Hidden Hand at an event to mark the launch of the book in Canada on June 25 organized by the Macdonald-Laurier Institute. One who recognized why [former Canadian ambassador to China John] McCallum was saying the things he did in support of Meng [Wanzhou] was former Mexican ambassador to Beijing, Jorge Guajardo. He had been groomed in the same way. Envoys new to Beijing are isolated from senior Chinese officials. After a time, a message is sent that a high-ranking official wishes to meet them. They meet and are told they have a unique understanding of the nuance and delicacy of the partys position. They begin to see themselves as special, Hamilton read. As special friends of China, the envoys advice to their masters back home reflects their unique insight, and is exactly the advice Beijing wants them to communicate. Hamilton said the motivation behind writing the book was to explain to readers that the CCP is engaged in a well-organized and systematic attempt to reshape the world order. We are aware that there is very widespread ignorance and misunderstanding and naivete about China under the CCP in Western countries, he said. A lot of these attitudes were formed in the 80s and 90s, particularly among elites, but also the media and the general public about China under the CCP, which now prove to be dangerously wrong as Canada has found out in the last year or so in a kind of a dire way. Ohlberg said the book reflects many of the issues related to China that are unfolding on a daily basis. We have developments in Hong Kong, we have developments in Taiwan, we have developments in Canada, we have developments all over Europe, Ohlberg said at the event. She said she hopes the book will create momentum for Canada and other countries to get [their] act together and to finally understand what is gong on, and to finally push back in a more concerted, more coordinated, and more decisive manner against the CCP. Member Benefits Manage your personalised Watchlist. Set up an online Virtual Portfolio. Participate in Share Chat. See more trades and director dealings. Play the Fantasy Share Trading Game. Register for FREE Now Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Budi Sutrisno (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 07:27 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406616ce8c 1 National disability,disabled-people,Jokowi,Presidential-Regulation,National-Disabilities-Commission Free Disability rights organizations from across the country have signed a petition to urge President Joko Jokowi Widodo to revise a newly issued regulation on the countrys disabilities commission, calling attention to the many issues in its provisions that they say may impede progress. Jokowi issued Presidential Regulation No. 68/2020 on the National Disabilities Commission (KND) on June 8, but the groups claimed they had not been notified until June 19, saying the government had acted silently. We were all surprised by the issuance of the presidential regulation, the groups said in the petition, which was signed by representatives of 161 disability rights groups from Indonesia's 34 provinces on Tuesday. The groups demanded the regulation be revised, arguing it did not reflect the aspirations of people with disabilities, and urged the government to postpone its enactment until revisions had been made. Among the issues the disability rights groups had with the regulation is that it places the KND as a work unit under the Social Affairs Ministry, which is not responsible for overseeing human rights issues. This is a step backward from the law on disabled people that regarded disability as a human rights issue, the groups stated, urging the government to place the KND under the Law and Human Rights Ministry or the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). Read also: People with disabilities demand access to information, basic rights during pandemic Under Law No. 8/2016 on people with disabilities, the KND is categorized as an independent and non-structural institution tasked with monitoring, evaluating and advocating for the protection and fulfillment of the rights of the disabled. By being placed under the Social Affairs Ministry, the KND could become entangled in conflicts of interest with the ministry, whose work will often be the target of evaluation, monitoring and advocacy by the KND itself, the groups said. Another reason the groups object to the new regulation is that it limits opportunities for disabled people to participate in the KND by allocating only four out of seven seats in the commission's membership for disabled people. The groups argued the regulation made it impossible for the KND membership to be made up entirely of disabled people, saying the state should prioritize the involvement of disabled people in the supervision of their own rights. The groups urged the government to allow people with disabilities to hold at least five seats in the KND membership. They also demanded that the chairperson of the KND and their deputy must be people with disabilities. In the petition, the groups claimed the selection and the appointment of KND members did not involve such groups, which they said could undermine the independence and partiality of the selection committee. The National Coalition Working Group on the Implementation of the Law on People with Disabilities has sought to establish a dialogue with the government regarding the arrangement of the KND regulation since last year. Read also: People with disabilities hit roadblocks to higher education In late 2019, the working group raised objections over the then-latest draft of the presidential regulation on the KND, which only later was reveled to have entered the finalization phase at the State Secretariat. In February, the working group also met with Administrative and Bureaucrati c Reform Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, during which the minister promised to review the draft, but there has not been further communication since. We believe the aspirations of people with disabilities regarding the formation of the KND have never reached the President, the disabled rights groups said. The groups expressed dismay that disabled people had not been involved in the drafting and public dissemination of the KND regulation, as is required under Article 4 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The article requires the government to consult closely and intensively with disabled people through representative organizations each time the government makes a regulation or a policy that concerns them, the groups said. The issuance of the KND regulation had ignored the UNCRPD principle of nothing about us without us, meaning people with disabilities understand best the problems they face and how to solve them, they added. Instead, he takes a walk across the snowy streets in the direction of Varenkas home, but when he arrives, he encounters a confounding scene: Soldiers in black uniforms were standing in two rows facing each other, holding their guns at their sides and not moving. Behind them stood the drummer and fifer, ceaselessly repeating the same unpleasant, shrill melody. It is a military gantlet and the accused, a young Tatar officer (Tatars were an ethnic minority in Russia), is being punished for desertion. Ivan looks on, frozen, as the young mans body becomes bloodied: His whole body jerking, his feet splashing through the melting snow, the punished man moved toward me under a shower of blows. Ivan sees that the colonel leading the procession is none other than Varenkas father, the man he thought of only hours before as loving and warm. Ivan runs off, desperately trying to forget what he has just witnessed. It is no use, though; as he attempts to sleep, he continues to hear the young officers plea: Have mercy, brothers. Ivan decides not to enlist, and he wonders whether its possible to participate in a society where such violence is not only carried out but sanctioned by the state. After the Ball was written in what scholars call Tolstoys post-conversion period, beginning around 1879, when he started to turn away from fiction to focus on political applications of his Christian faith (which manifested as a kind of anarchism). During this period, which made up roughly the last three decades of his life, Tolstoy wrote moral treatises and powerful essays calling for the dissolution of private property, the abolition of the state and the end of military conscription. Tolstoys views, particularly his strong invective against state-sponsored violence, riled authorities who consequently placed the writer under near constant police surveillance. His later works were censored in Russia and available largely abroad, in translation. His antiwar stance was even given as a reason for denying him the Nobel Prize in Literature. The secretary of the Swedish Academy rejected his nomination, claiming, in part, that Tolstoy, by preaching pacifism, had denied the right of both individuals and nations to self-defense. After the Ball in fact belongs to a late chapter in Tolstoys long-simmering critique of state violence. As a young soldier fighting in the Caucasus and, later, in Crimea, he wrote in his diaries about the gruesome scenes of violence he witnessed up close. In many ways, War and Peace was meant as a corrective to popular histories and fictions about war that glorified battle; Tolstoy instead showed war as disorienting, chaotic and humbling. Those views eventually turned into a broader critique of the use of violence, which he believed served to maintain a social order that benefited only the wealthy and ruling classes. Violence no longer rests on the belief in its utility, he later wrote, but only on the fact of its having existed so long, and being organized by the ruling classes who profit by it. Tolstoys late views were considered especially dangerous in part because he was not merely calling for reform, but for the abolition of institutions upheld and guided by the use of force. Richard Gustafson, the author of Tolstoy: Resident and Stranger (1986), wrote that for Tolstoy nonviolence meant the rejection of coercion as the glue of the commonwealth. Tolstoy asked that we embrace other forms of sociality instead, rooted in love, brotherhood and mutual aid. Perhaps the calls we hear now for defunding or abolishing police departments might also be heard in a similar way as calls for love. Activists demanding divestment from police departments have urged that those same funds be redistributed to organizations and in support of policies that benefit the poor, the mentally ill and those who lack secure housing. The United States Supreme Court has ruled that authorities can deport some asylum seekers even before they have seen a judge, in a win for the Trump administration. The case before the court pertained to a Sri Lankan national, Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam, who was stopped by law enforcement just after crossing the southern border, without inspection or an entry document, at a distance of about 25 metres from the frontier. An asylum claim was then rejected by the officer, a superior officer and an immigration judge. However, the case was appealed to the regular court system, ultimately landing before the Supreme Court. The ruling means people who managed to slip over the border into the U.S., without going through proper channels, and then failed to convince immigration authorities of a threat to their well-being, may face an expedited removal process before being able to appeal. The decision came down 7-2, with the two most liberal justices dissenting. U.S. President Donald Trump has been working to limit many types of immigration, in particular, illegal crossings at the southern border. (dpa/NAN) Over three months after the district confirmed its first Covid-19 case, the number of cases crossed the 100 mark on Thursday with four more people testing positive. Panchkula now has 103 confirmed cases, of which 50 patients have been cured and discharged, leaving 53 active cases. There has been no fatality. In the tricity, Chandigarh was the first to confirm 100 cases on May 4, followed by Mohali on May 11. The tally of both cities has since reached 423 and 236, respectively. Among the latest patients in Panchkula are a 30-year-old woman and her 10-year-old daughter, residents of Chandimandir. Her husband has been tested and the result is awaited. The family had returned from Delhi on June 23. A 29-year-old man from Sector 20 was also found infected. He is a contact of a positive patient in Mohali. The fourth patient is a 30-year-old man, who recently travelled to Uttar Pradesh. A resident of Kot village, he works in a factory that manufacturers steel components for locomotives and had been travelling to Uttar Pradesh for work. His primary contacts have been traced and isolated at home, and will be sampled. Cases soared in June Significantly, 73 of the 103 cases (70.8%) were confirmed in June alone. It took the district 97 days to reach the 103 mark on June 25 since its first case on March 21. The first positive case was reported on March 21 when a 38-year-old salon worker living in Kharak Mangoli village came in contact with Chandigarhs first coronavirus patient. She was discharged on April 11. Between March 21 and May 21, the district recorded 25 more cases, after which it had zero cases for 12 days till June 3, when a resident of Sector 12A tested positive following a visit to Delhi. A day later, his 19-year-old son, who had accompanied him on the trip, was also found infected. This was followed by eight new cases till June 8, and another 16 cases in the following week till June 15. Since then, as of June 25, 51 persons have tested positive. Most cases have travel history The 73 patients found positive in June are either those who have travelled to Panchkula or came in contact with people with travel history. The district administration has already made home 14-day home quarantine mandatory for any person visiting Panchkula for over 24 hours. Government employees attending office in the district have been exempted. The district administration has also roped in the RWAs and NGOs to report outsiders at 1950 helpline. There was a gradual increase till June. But, we are prepared for the surge in cases, said Dr Jasjeet Kaur, civil surgeon, Panchkula. Better screening and testing will add to the count, but will definitely help us deal with the situation. Teachers and police are aiding the efforts of the health department, she added. She said more government and private colleges will be used as Covid care centres. More Covid care facilities have been prepared, so that the hospital can focus on moderate to severe cases, Dr Kaur added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Apparently, the UAE (United Arab Emirates) is buying two, or possibly three, more Erieye AEW (airborne early warning) systems, to be carried by Saab 2000 aircraft. Both Erieye and the Saab 2000 are manufactured by the Swedish firm Saab. This latest sale is to an unnamed customer and the most likely buyer is the UAE, which already has four Erieye aircraft and has indicated a need for more to deal with the growing threat from Iran. The UAE also backs a wider program to link ground and air-based surveillance radars by GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) states (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) into a cooperative surveillance network that would provide all GCC members with better information on that is going on in the skies over their nations and the Persian Gulf in general. The UAE ordered their first two Erieye AEW systems in 2009 and one (later two) of the then new Globaleye systems in 2015. Globaleye was still in development when the UAE placed its order. Given the history of reliability Saab had earned, it seemed a good idea to be first in line. Globaleye completed development and testing in 2019 and the UAE received the first one in April 2020. Globaleye uses the upgraded Erieye ER radar which can detect aircraft over 400 kilometers distant. Another new feature is the ability to detect ballistic missile launches as well. The first two UAE Erieye systems were carried in the 13 ton Saab 340 airliner, which had a cruising speed of 290 kilometers an hour and was able to stay in the air about five hours per sortie. The latest UAE order will carry Erieye/Globaleye in a larger version of the Saab 340 called the Saab 2000. The Saab 340 ended production in 1999 while the 2000 model is still being built. Most of the 500 or so 340s and 2000s are used by regional airlines. Globaleye includes a maritime search radar as well as upgraded AEW radar. Since a combined AEW maritime search system is heavier and needs more space, as well as operating farther from land, Globaleye is carried in a larger aircraft. Initially, this was the Canadian Global 6000, a 42 ton twin-jet aircraft with a cruising speed of 900 kilometers an hour and an endurance of about ten hours. Like the basic Erieye system, Globaleye can be carried in any number of similar twin-engine jet or turboprop aircraft. The Erieye system is built around an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar which consists of thousands of tiny radars that can be independently aimed in different directions. This is similar to the AESA radar used on the American JSTARS aircraft, a system that could locate vehicles moving on the ground. The Swedish AESA is cheaper because it's built like a long bar, mounted on top of the aircraft. This means the radar can only see, in a 120-degree arc, off both sides of the aircraft. A 60-degree arc in the front and back is uncovered. The Erieye ER radar can spot large aircraft out to nearly 500 kilometers, and more common fighter-sized aircraft at about 400 kilometers. The UAE uses these aircraft to manage air campaigns, including the one underway in Yemen since March 2015. The primary use for UAE AEW aircraft is to deter an attack by Iran. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Wednesday he plans to travel to Washington to meet with President Donald Trump, an announcement that was met with a storm of criticism in Mexico. Lopez Obrador said he wants to make his first trip abroad in the first week of July to mark the start of the new US-Mexico-Canada free trade accord, which was negotiated with the Trump administration. Trump is deeply unpopular in Mexico because of his remarks about the country. And Mexicans remember former President Enrique Pena Nietos ill-starred meeting with Trump that many feel strengthened Trump as a candidate in the 2016 election. Mexicos Foreign Relations Department then issued a statement saying Lopez Obradors administration wants to steer clear of the US elections. The two leaders have displayed surprisingly cordial relations despite ideological differences. Trump said of Lopez Obrador on Tuesday: Hes really a great guy. I think hell be coming into Washington pretty soon. Lopez Obrador has called Trump a friend and said his administration has shown respect for Mexico Roberto Velasco Alvarez, the Foreign Relations Departments director of North American affairs, wrote in his Twitter account that Mexican diplomacy is based on building bridges with all people. The main objective of the meeting proposed by President Lopez Obrador is promoting our interests, and is not related to internal (US) political processes, Velasco Alvarez wrote. The critics were out in force, though. Mexicos former ambassador to the US, Arturo Sarukhan, called the trip a colossal political, electoral, diplomatic and long-term strategic error. Trump is only interested in using the Mexican president as a theatrical prop for the elections, wrote Sarukhan. For broad sectors of US society, visiting Trump now, when the country is experiencing its deepest social and ideological crisis in 50 years ... will be interpreted by many here as a show of support for the most polarizing president in modern US history. Though he is famous in Mexico for declining international travel, Lopez Obrador said early Wednesday that he wants to go to Washington. He said he hopes Canada will participate in the meeting as well, but at any rate we will go because it is very important to participate at the launch of an agreement that I consider historic. The president has studiously avoided conflict with Mexicos much larger neighbor, even after Trump threatened to put crippling tariffs on Mexican goods imported into the US unless Mexico did more to stop migrant caravans. Mexico effectively blocked the caravans. Trump angered many Mexicans when as a candidate in 2016, he said Mexicans crossing the border brought drugs, crime and tremendous infectious disease to the US. At the time, critics said Pena Nieto gave him a pulpit when he invited both US candidates to Mexico City in 2016, but only Trump accepted. After taking office, Trump continued to promise to build a border wall and make Mexico pay for it. In a recent piece for the Washington Post, Mexican columnist Leon Krauze wrote about the 2016 meeting, Why would Lopez Obrador, who was so critical of Pena Nietos decision to prop up Trump during a contentious election, risk international opprobrium and condemnation at home over the exact same mistake? Krauze noted Lopez Obrador hasnt yet discussed meeting with Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden. It could simply be another step in the Mexican presidents strange appeasement of the American president, a plan that has led him to embrace controversial immigration measures far from the humanitarian approach he promised as a candidate, Krauze wrote. The Israeli government is considering applying Israeli civil law jurisdiction and administration to parts of the Jordan Valley and/or certain settlement blocs. This possibility was proposed under the US Trump Administrations Israeli-Palestinian peace plan and agreed in the broad national coalition agreement between most of Israels political parties. The specific areas and timings are under internal negotiation. A Palestinian shepherd with his sheep in the Jordan Valley West Bank this week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan, which has drawn international reproval, would entail applying Israeli sovereignty to parts of the West Bank, including Jewish settlements. Credit:Getty Images There is a lot of controversy in Israel and worldwide about whether this is a wise or even legal step, as is apparent in the incandescent opinion of Ben Saul, writing in the Herald on Thursday about Israel's so-called "annexation" plans. If it goes ahead, Israel would replace military governance under the civil laws of Turkey and Jordan (the prior "occupiers") with governance under Israeli civil laws. That is what happened when Israel declared the united city of Jerusalem to be part of Israel, after acquiring control when defending itself from Jordan in 1967, but this approach wasnt extended to the rest of the area that was Jordans "West Bank". Instead, a pragmatic Israeli approach was pursued that would ultimately enable Palestinian Arab self-determination over most areas there populated by them, while ensuring the security of Jewish self-determination by controlling areas of strategic defence importance, thus hopefully enabling a sustainable peaceful solution between them. Reaching out to New Delhi after raising tensions in eastern Ladakh to a fever pitch, China on Thursday said it was ready to work with India to properly deal with the military standoff, and asked it to meet the halfway, asserting that 'suspicion and friction' was a wrong path that goes against the fundamental aspirations of people of the two countries. In an interview to PTI, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said India and China are able to properly manage their differences, but at the same time put the onus on New Delhi to ease the tension, and called upon it to avoid taking actions that may 'complicate' the situation in eastern Ladakh. "We hope the Indian side meets the Chinese side halfway, avoids taking actions that may complicate the border situation and takes concrete actions to maintain stability in the border areas," he said and went on to add that at present, the overall situation in the China-India border areas is 'stable and controllable'. The Indian and Chinese armies are locked in a bitter standoff in multiple locations in eastern Ladakh for the last six weeks, and the tension escalated manifold after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a violent clash in Galwan Valley on June 15. The Chinese ambassador said 'mutual respect and support' is a sure way and meets the long-term interests of both countries, but asserted that the onus was not on China to ease tensions in the region. "China and India are both large developing countries and emerging economies with more than one billion people, and both have the historic mission of realising our own development and revitalisation," he said. "The onus is not on China. The Indian side crossed the LAC (Line of Actual Control) for provocation and attacked the Chinese border troops. The Indian forces seriously violated agreements on border issues between the two countries," he said. In the course of the interview, Sun repeated the Chinese government's stand -- which has been rejected by India -- that Indian troops are responsible for the Galwan Valley clashes, and indicated that the onus was on India to improve the situation in eastern Ladakh. At a weekly media briefing, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava held China directly responsible for the border standoff saying it has been has been amassing a large contingent of troops and armaments along the LAC since early May and conduct of the Chinese forces has been in complete disregard of all mutually agreed norms. Srivastava also said the deployment of large body of troops and changes in behavior has also been aggravated by 'unjustified and untenable claims' including over the Galwan Valley. Emphasising that the path of 'suspicion and friction' was wrong and goes against the fundamental aspiration of the two peoples, the ambassador said, "China and India are willing and able to properly manage differences." In the last few weeks, both sides have held a series of diplomatic and military talks to cool down temperature even as Chinese military has increased its presence in all sensitive areas along the 3,500 km Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border. Under the guidance of the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, 'we are ready to work with the Indian side to properly deal with the current situation, jointly uphold peace and stability in the border areas, and ensure a sound and steady development of bilateral relations'. In their informal summit in Chinese city of Wuhan in 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity in all areas of the India-China border region in the interest of the development of bilateral relations. The summit had taken place months after a 73-day military face-off between the two armies in Doklam that raised fears of a war between the two Asian giants. After the killing of 20 Indian soldiers in Galwan clashes, India called it 'a premeditated and planned action by China' and sent a veiled warning to China saying 'India wants peace but if provoked, India is capable of giving a befitting reply'. Referring to talks between foreign ministers of the two countries on June 17, the envoy said both sides agreed to 'fairly address' the serious situation caused by the Galwan conflict and vowed to jointly follow the consensus reached at the commander-level meeting on June 6 to ease the situation as soon as possible. Sun said China would not like to see a similar situation like the Galwan clashes, but repeated Chinese foreign ministry's allegations that India was responsible for it. The Ambassador said the two sides kept peace for decades in Galwan Valley, but alleged that since the beginning of 2020, the Indian side has built facilities at or the crossing of the LAC in the Galwan Valley, thereby 'constantly changing the status quo of ground control'. On May 6, he claimed the Indian troops crossed the LAC in the Galwan Valley by night and trespassed into Chinese territory. "They resorted to violent means to create a standoff between the two sides and built infrastructures in an attempt to maintain a permanent presence," he alleged. In his briefing, Srivastava said Indian troops have been patrolling the Galwan Valley for a long time and all infrastructure built by the Indian side has always been on its side of the LAC. Sun said Chinese side lodged representations on multiple occasions to the Indian side through military and diplomatic channels following the incident and that India agreed to withdraw its personnel from the area. The two sides held Lieutenant General-level talks on June 6 during which they agreed on disengagement of troops from all the standoff areas. The ambassador said the Indian side promised in the talks that they would not cross the estuary of the Galwan river to patrol and build facilities, adding the two sides agreed to build observation posts on either side of the Galwan river mouth. "However, after the commander-level meeting, when the situation on the ground was already easing, the Indian border troops copped out on the consensus reached at the commander-level meeting, demanded that China dismantle its observation post," he alleged. India has been consistently maintaining that Galwan Valley clashes had taken place on the Indian side of the LAC. The envoy also said actions taken by the Indian side are not in consonance with the spirit of several agreements signed by the two countries. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More ICICI Bank share price gained nearly 2 percent intraday on June 25 after a media report said the lender is looking to raise funds. Global brokerage houses have retained positive view on the stock with 26-36 percent upside. A CNBC-TV18 report indicated that the country's second largest private sector lender may be planning to raise around $3 billion. Brokerages feel it would make the bank's balance sheet and capital ratios stronger. "$3 billion capital raise would further strengthen balance sheet. CET-1 ratio will improve by 300 bps to 16.38 percent," said Macquarie which has an outperform call on the stock with a target of Rs 438, implying 25.7 percent potential upside from current levels. While having a buy rating with a target of Rs 460 (implying 32 percent potential upside), Jefferies said the capital raise could dilute near-term return on equities (RoEs), but beef-up capital position of the bank. Capital raise may enable it to look for portfolio acquisitions or other M&As, according to the brokerage. The stock was down 20 percent in last one year and was lower by 35 percent year-to-date amid asset quality concerns following COVID-19-led nationwide lockdown. On June 25, it was trading at Rs 353, up 1.32 percent on the BSE at 10:52 hours IST. Recently, Credit Suisse had estimated that Indian banks may require around $20 billion of capital, of which $13 billion requirement may be by public sector banks. "The amount of capital raise ($3 billion) in media reports appears high. We await clarity from management on capital raising plan. The stock reaction will depend on how it articulates growth potential. In our view, bank doesn't need to raise capital for potential NPLs," said Morgan Stanley which has overweight rating on the stock with a target of Rs 475 per share. ICICI Bank has raised Rs 2,250 crore by selling 3.96 percent stake in ICICI Lombard General Insurance Company on June 19 and Rs 840 crore via 1.5 percent stake sale in ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company on June 22. : The above report is compiled from information available on public platforms. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Findings highlight the broad economic benefits of working with a financial advisor TORONTO, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC) today released the report Saving for the Future: Impacts of Financial Advice on the Canadian Economy , produced by The Conference Board of Canada. The report evaluates the impact of receiving financial advice on individual savings and the resulting positive effects on the Canadian economy. This research demonstrates the important long-term benefits of saving money with the guidance of a financial advisor, said Paul Bourque, President and CEO, IFIC. The increase in savings not only enables Canadians to more effectively prepare for retirement, it strengthens the broader economy. The individual impact analysis in the report is based on a hypothetical comparison of two individual savers one who has a financial advisor and one who does not. The reports economic impact analysis is based on a hypothetical scenario in which 10 per cent of individuals who did not previously use a financial advisor begin a relationship with one and started saving at a higher rate. The Conference Boards national forecasting model was used to quantify the impacts of the increase in savings over an extended period of time, spanning from 2020 until 2060. Report highlights: By 2060, an increase in savings when 10 per cent more Canadian investors use a financial advisor leads to: An increase of $2.0 billion in household wealth; An increase of $900 million in real GDP; and An increase of $7.0 billion in tax contributions. At an individual level, having a financial advisor leads to an increase of 55 to 60 per cent in retirement savings. In the same scenario, spending during retirement increases by 23 to 25 per cent. Saving for retirement involves making small changes that have a significant impact over time, said Sheila Rao, Principal Research Associate at The Conference Board of Canada. While higher savings means less spending in the short term, in the long run we see an increase in consumption, more business investment, and increased output. Story continues IFIC collaborated with The Conference Board of Canada in August 2019 on the report Assessing the Economic Footprint of the Funds Industry in Canada , which highlights the economic growth of the investment funds industry in Canada and its significant contributions to the Canadian economy. To view the report, visit IFIC.ca. An infographic is also available on The Conference Board of Canada website. About IFIC The Investment Funds Institute of Canada is the voice of Canadas investment funds industry. IFIC brings together 150 organizations, including fund managers, distributors and industry service organizations, to foster a strong, stable investment sector where investors can realize their financial goals. By connecting Canadas savers to Canadas economy, our industry contributes significantly to Canadian economic growth and job creation. For more information, please contact: U.S. and EU flags are pictured during the visit of Vice President Pence to the European Commission headquarters in Brussels By Andrea Shalal, Tim Hepher and Philip Blenkinsop WASHINGTON/PARIS/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The United States moved to maintain pressure on the European Union in a 16-year dispute over aircraft subsidies by flagging possible changes in tariffs on EU goods, as the date for a decision on reciprocal EU duties slipped to the autumn. The latest development in the dispute over subsidies to Europe's Airbus and U.S. rival Boeing Co comes as the aerospace industry has been severely weakened by the coronavirus crisis and amid steps by some governments to support aviation via airlines or suppliers, as well as furlough schemes. The U.S. Trade Representative's office added items valued at $3.1 billion to its list of European goods eligible to be hit with duties - including black olives, beer and gin - and said it could switch gears to target other items on a previously published list or raise existing duty levels further. Britain - one of four Airbus core nations and still part of the case despite leaving the European Union - urged Washington on Wednesday not to impose more tariffs, warning that tit-for-tat measures hurt businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. A spokesman for the European Commission said Washington's approach could exacerbate problems caused by the coronavirus, and might even "go beyond what is authorized under the WTO." The EU's priority remained finding a negotiated solution, he said. The U.S. move is part of a "carousel" approach aimed at maintaining pressure on the EU to reach a settlement and end a dispute that dates back to 2004, dragging through three U.S. presidents and five presidential terms of office. Both sides have won partial victories at the World Trade Organization, and have signaled interest in settling the matter, but are waiting to see final rulings, according to sources familiar with the process. Last year, the WTO allowed the United States to levy tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of EU goods, including aircraft, wines and cheese, because of Airbus subsidies that it had deemed illegal. Story continues Now it is considering the level of tariffs that the EU could impose in a parallel case involving illegal support for Boeing. That decision, initially expected in May or June, has been pushed back to at least September due to the coronavirus health crisis, two people familiar with the case said, while a third said it could slip until October. The WTO declined to comment. The timing raises the possibility that the EU would be allowed to impose its own tariffs on U.S. goods weeks before the Nov. 3 U.S. presidential election, although foreign states tend to avoid taking high-profile actions during such campaigns. Analysts say both sides share an interest in settling the issue to provide a rule book for future competition with China, which is developing its own passenger jets. For now, each side claims to have obeyed the WTO, while accusing the other of ignoring thousands of pages of rulings. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Bengaluru, Tim Hepher in Paris, Phil Blenkinsop in Brussels, and Susan Heavey and Andrea Shalal in Washington; Editing by Louise Heavens, Chizu Nomiyama and Peter Cooney) ANOTHER NEW ISSUE WWE AND AEW MAY HAVE TO DEAL WITH TAPING TV IN FLORIDA Yesterday, The Governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut announced they will be requiring all travelers coming from the State of Florida via flights to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in those States. With WWE and AEW each taping in Orlando and Jacksonville, respectively, this could put talents and staff from the Northeast, especially with WWE headquartered in Stamford, CT, at risk of having to quarantine. In AEW alone, MJF, Private Party, Santana and Ortiz are from the New York City area and would likely fall under the quarantine requirement if they flew out of Florida. Technically, Vince McMahon would be required to quarantine if he flew into New York (where the WWE's private jet is usually parked) from Florida. Other States falling under this edict currently are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah and Texas. Whether this leads to WWE and AEW talents and staff having to fly in and out of a neighboring State, such as Pennsylvania, remains to be seen. If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here! Netherlands To Restrict Excessive Borrowing From Own Companies by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels 25 June 2020 The Dutch Government has submitted a bill to parliament that will restrict the amount that shareholders can borrow from their own companies without the imposition of tax. Under the proposals, those who own five percent or more of a company's shares will be able to borrow up to EUR500,000 (USD561,320) tax-free. Income tax will then be payable on borrowings in excess of this threshold. The measure is set to be introduced on January 1, 2023. The Government points out that while wages and dividends paid to shareholders are subject to income tax, loans are not, creating an incentive for excessive borrowing from companies and the long-term deferral or non-payment of tax. The measure will apply to all debts acquired by a shareholder with a substantial interest in a company. Special rules apply to mortgages, applied for by the company, that are used to purchase a shareholder's home. The draft bill was subject to an online public consultation in 2019. The Government subsequently decided to amend the draft proposals to prevent potential instances of double taxation. Nigeria has expressed satisfaction over the moves by the Government of Ghana to address the demolition of the residence of the Nigerian High Commissioner in Government of Ghana. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, told journalists in Abuja on Thursday, that the government had taken note of the efforts of President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, and Ghanaian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayokor Botchwey, to calm the situation. He, however, expressed concerns that reports indicated that the perpetrators of the act were unhindered and had a lot of time despite calls to the Ghanaian authorities by the Charge dAffaires of the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana. He added that further reports indicated that the security operatives who were on the ground during the demolition, seemed to have been supportive of those carrying out the violation on Nigerias sovereign territory in Ghana. A diplomatic row A building inside the Nigerian High Commission was demolished last week after the Ghanaians alleged it trespassed on their land. The demolition sparked a diplomatic row between the two countries, with the Nigerian government summoning the Ghanaian high commissioner this week over the incident. Ghanas president, Nana Akufo-Addo, and his government apologised over the incident; on its own part, the Nigerian government said it would not take retaliatory action against its West African neighbour. On Thursday, the Ghanaian government reiterated its commitment to rebuild the demolished building, adding that it had launched an investigation into the unlawful demolition. Speaking to journalists, Mr Onyeama noted that the perpetrators had been arrested and arraigned in court and the government of Ghana had apologised and equally promised to rectify all the pending paper works that led to the misinformation of the Lands Commission in Ghana. The Government of Ghana has assumed total responsibility and with the apology, have made it clear that they will be responsible for restitution rebuilding the building to the state that it was when it was destroyed. So, this is to say that the matter has been satisfactorily resolved and that at very highest level as I mentioned, President Muhammadu Buhari personally engaged in this process. The President of Ghana has apologised, those who carried out the action have been arrested and charged to court and the Ghana government has agreed to rebuild the property. So, we would like to put the matter to rest and to acknowledge the very speedy reaction of the Ghanaian government and to say that we will now continue to further strengthen relations between our two countries, take lessons learnt from what has happened and move ahead without recriminations, Mr Onyeama said. (NAN) Paval Belavus was expecting a special delivery on June 12. His Minsk shop, Symbal, sells hip-yet-trendy Belarusian folk-themed merchandise as well as small red-and-white flags of the country's short-lived independent state -- the type of items that the regime of long-ruling President Alyaksandr Lukashenka does not embrace, as they are associated with the country's opposition. Belavus was hoping to stock the shelves with another item he was sure would be a hit with the public, but probably not the authoritarian leader. He had printed up exactly 419 black T-shirts with "Psicho3%" printed in red and white splashed across them. Psicho3%, or Psycho3% in English, is a hit meme circulating on social media and elsewhere referencing Lukashenka's dismissal of the coronavirus pandemic as a "psychosis" and his apparent low public support according to informal polls. Another meme, Sasha3%, has circulated as well. The T-shirts never made it to the shop. Belarusian traffic police stopped the courier van delivering them. Since then, Belavus has faced such pressure from the authorities that he recently announced he will close Symbal for good on June 29 and do business only online. Supporters and others have lined up at the store in Minsk in recent days to grab items before they're gone and to voice their support for Belavus. For that, some have been chased down by OMON riot police, with many detained for various reasons, including blocking traffic. The meme is an embarrassment to Lukashenka, and highlights the unexpected wrench in the works as the 65-year-old leader seeks a sixth consecutive term as president in the August 9 election. Brooking No Opposition In power since 1994, Lukashenka is facing growing public unrest and skepticism largely due to his government's handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The country has one of Europe's highest per capita infection rates, and Lukashenka has ignored calls to institute social-distancing measures and other restrictions, instead saying that vodka, a ride on a tractor, or a visit to the sauna would fend off the coronavirus, earning him ridicule abroad and disbelief at home. Lukashenka has dismissed the government, promised to raise pensions, and increased his face-to-face encounters with Belarusians in a bid to shore up support. Few experts doubt that Lukashenka will win in August, given his control over the electoral process. No election under his rule has ever been deemed fair or free by Western governments or observers. And this one is unlikely to be different. But this time, Lukashenka is facing a challenge he has never seen before. He has jailed three would-be challengers. One, Viktar Babaryka, a former banker, said his campaign had collected more than 435,000 signatures, unheard of for an opposition presidential candidate in Belarus. Belarusian authorities on June 15 took control of a commercial bank that was led for 20 years by Babaryka, Belgazprombank, which is majority-owned by Russian gas giant Gazprom and its affiliate, Gazprombank. Hundreds of activists, bloggers, and other opponents of the regime have been rounded up, including other potential candidates like Mikalay Statkevich, who ran against Lukashenka in 2010 and was imprisoned afterward for protests that followed that disputed vote. He had another 15 days tacked on after his first 15-day jail term expired on June 15 on charges of taking part in "unauthorized events." Syarhey Tsikhanouski, a popular vlogger, was also barred from running and is facing a possible three-year prison term for organizing pro-democracy rallies. Tsikhanouski called on Belarusians to pick up their bedtime slippers and squash the "cockroach," his mocking moniker for Lukashenka. While Tsikhanouski was barred from running, his wife, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, was cleared to gather signatures to seek a candidacy. To get on the ballot, even Lukashenka needed to collect the required 100,000 signatures. His team announced they cleared that minimum and then some, claiming some 2 million Belarusians signed his ballot petition. While other would-be candidates organized signature-collection rallies, many of which the police broke up, Lukashenka's team, in many cases, went door to door and to the factory floor, according to the head on the leader's so-called initiative group, Mikhail Orda. 'Don't Insult Me!' Few experts doubt those numbers translate into true support for Lukashenka. What the public thinks of the authoritarian leader and the job he's doing is largely a mystery. Since 2016, there's been no official polling done. In that year, the Independent Institute of Socioeconomic and Political Studies published polling data showing support for Lukashenka at 29.5 percent. After that, the institute was forced to shut its door in Belarus. The meme Sasha3% began to appear after independent Belarusian media, including leading online news sites Tut.by and Onliner.by, published informal polls that weren't flattering for Lukashenka's presidential chances. The surveys routinely showed him fourth after Babaryka, Valer Tsapkala, another businessman, and Tsikhanouskaya, with Lukashenka shown polling a paltry 3 percent. To avoid further embarrassment, Belarusian authorities simply banned media from conducting such surveys. On June 23, at a campaign stop in Brest, where he met with opponents of a local battery factory, Lukashenka addressed the meme and other insults being hurled his way. "Was it you who wrote 'Sasha 3%' on T-shirts? Do you really believe that the serving president has just 3 percent support? Even in this alternative crowd, I've got more than 3 percent," Lukashenka told the gathering. "Stop harassing and insulting us, [calling me] 'a mustached cockroach' etc.... I am still the president of this country. In no country in the world are you allowed to insult people." "We must not insult one another. 'Mustached cockroach' or whatever else. I am the current president. No one has the right to insult people," Lukashenka added. Has The Tide Turned? Belavus is learning that lesson the hard way. He said that after the T-shirts were confiscated, authorities sent in tax officials to check the company paperwork, the store's electricity was cut, and complaints suddenly surfaced that neighbors complained of a foul smell coming from the shop. On June 23, Belavus announced on Facebook he was going out of business and urged people to come to the shop for the fire-sale. "You are welcome to buy something from us before the end of the week, before the store's goods are confiscated. There are many more flags, T-shirts, mugs, handbags and other products," Belavus wrote. That evening, dozens turned up at the shop, some to buy, some just to express support for Belavus. The event was even livestreamed. The riot police later turned up at the scene in a police wagon, dispersing the crowd and making arrests. According to Vyasna, a human rights NGO, at least 20 people were detained, including members of the country's independent media. The fact more and more everyday Belarusians are willing to take to the streets despite such repression is unprecedented, Belarusian analyst Valer Karbalevich told Current Time television. "Belarus has been living in an atmosphere of violence for 26 years, since Lukashenka came to power. The only difference now is that the Belarusian government, the political regime of Alyaksandr Lukashenka, has lost public confidence," Karbalevich explained. "Lukashenka's popularity has dropped, and judging by the mood in Belarusian society, most Belarusians really would like to see a change of power." Katherine Curry, the executive director of Ontario Racing Management, has shared her thoughts on the state of the horse racing industry in the province. Curry's words appear below. With the return of live horse racing throughout Ontario, it is a time to embrace this opportunity to showcase our great industry and the many people who contribute to its success. From the moment live racing was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ontario Racing acted quickly and decisively, fulfilling its responsibilities as the voice of the horse racing industry in the province. The creation of the Ontario Racing task force, which brought together key figures representing all three breeds, resulted in immediate financial support, in line with existing race-cancellation practices, for those associated with Standardbred horses for the last two weeks of March. During the pause to live racing and to this day, Ontario Racing has been in constant contact with the Ontario government, OLG, AGCO, CPMA, Racing Forensics Inc., and member racetracks. Those discussions resulted in a purse reallocation program for the entire industry for the months of April and May, enhanced safety protocols, and the revamping of 2020 race schedules. It has been a combination of hard work, patience and a dedicated team effort from the thousands of people affiliated with the industry that greatly contributed to the return of live racing in Ontario. We have come a long way to achieve the restart of racing, which is why we must all continue to adhere to the protocols that have been put in place for the health and welfare of horses and horsepeople. Lets all remember to play our part to stay safe. As we gear up for what will be an exciting summer and fall of racing throughout the province featuring some of the most prestigious events in the sport Ontario Racing will continue to proudly represent the many people who make this a world-class industry. (Ontario Racing) A class action lawsuit has been filed against Holland America and its parent company Carnival Corp. on behalf of more than 1,000 passengers of its MS Zaandam cruise liner, accusing the company of negligently exposing them to COVID-19. The complaint alleges that Carnival Corp. and Holland America were negligent in their failing to safeguard against and mitigate risk of coronavirus infection to their passengers aboard the Zaandam in March - after the company became aware of outbreaks on its other ships, including the Diamond Princess. This cruise was a life-threatening nightmare,' Kenny Byrd of Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein LLP, one of the lawyers representing two passengers named in the suit, Leonard C. Lindsay and Carl E.W. Zehner, told DailyMail.com. Carnival and Holland were well aware that COVID-19 was spreading like wildfire throughout its ships, and Mr. Lindsay and Mr. Zehner along with hundreds of other passengers suffered the consequences, Byrd said. In addition to seeking unspecified monetary damages for the affected Zaandam passengers, the suit is also demanding the company reform its safety protocol in future cruises to prevent any similar outbreaks. A class action lawsuit has been filed against Holland America and its parent company Carnival Corp. on behalf of more than 1,000 passengers aboard its MS Zaandam cruise liner, accusing the company of negligently exposing them to COVID-19 The complaint alleges that Carnival Corp. and Holland America were negligent in their failing to take action to safeguard against and mitigate risk of coronavirus infection to their passengers aboard the Zaandam after the company became aware of outbreaks on its other ship (Pictured: passengers are seen aboard the Zaandam as it enters Panama City) The safety protocols the suit says Holland American and Carnival must adopt on future cruises: Disclose to future passengers the nature and rate of risk of communicable disease on their ships Implement disinfection and sanitization procedures on their ships during and in between sailings Implement proper social and physical distancing protocols Disembark and quarantine passengers when the cruise line becomes aware of a heightened risk of a communicable disease on board Cancel or discontinue the operation of cruises when they become aware of a deadly pathogen or something similar on their ships Carnival Corp. is currently being investigated by Congress for its handling of the coronavirus onboard its fleet of ships. The MS Zaandam began its South American Voyage in Buenos Aires, Argentina on March 7 and was originally scheduled to conclude sailing two weeks later in San Antonio, Chile, on March 21. However, on March 13, Holland America, along with several other major cruise lines, announced it would be suspending operations for at least 30 days after the World Health Organization declared coronavirus a global pandemic. The following morning, the Zaandam attempted to dock in Argentina but the request was rejected. The ship then attempted to return to Punta Arenas, Chile, where it had previously stopped but again the cruise ship was turned away. The passengers were then informed the remainder of their trip was canceled on March 15, and the ship then continued sailing with no set destination. After ports in Chile and Argentina refused to allow the ship to dock, plaintiffs were forced to remain onboard the ship, with crew members and other passengers reporting Covid-19 symptoms, notes Tousley Brain partner Jason Dennett, who co-represents the plaintiffs in the lawsuit. Holland and Carnival had no plan, and provided passengers with no information, about when or where the ship would dock and Plaintiffs would be allowed to disembark. Despite multiple crew members and passengers exhibiting symptoms of the virus, the suit claims that passengers continued to gather in large crowds, attending cruise ship events and sharing meals together under the encouragement of Holland America staff. The suit, as observed by DailyMail.com, also claims Holland America even instituted additional group activities, such as trivia nights and dance parties, to help entertain the passengers while they were stranded at sea. It wasnt until more than a week after being denied entry Punta Arenas that the ship began implementing measures to try and prevent COVID-19 exposure among passengers and crew, the suit claims. Despite knowing of the risk and dangers of Covid-19 exposure on its ships, Holland America and Carnival put no meaningful screening or preventative measures in place on the cruises prior to departure and negligently continued to encourage guests to gather and mingle even as the virus spread through the passengers and crew, Byrd said. Beginning on March 22, guests were asked to isolate themselves in their cabins. Their meals were delivered to them by crew members who also handled their laundry services. The claimants say that prior to that date, the ship offered no-forewarning that some passengers and crew members on the ship were exhibiting flu-like symptoms, however the suit claims Holland America were aware of the growing population of ill passengers for a number of days. By March 24, approximately 30 passengers and 47 crew members had reported to the Zaandams infirmary with respiratory issues or flu-like symptoms. Within a matter of days, 20 more passengers would report feeling ill and began experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19. The Zaandam then rendezvoused with the MS Rotterdam at sea off the coast of Panama, which delivered COVID-19 tests, ventilators and other supplies to the vessel. Some patients with no symptoms or illness were transferred from the Zaandam to the Rotterdam. The two ships also obtained permission to travel through the Panama Canal. The Zaandam (left) then rendezvoused with the MS Rotterdam at sea off the coast of Panama, which delivered COVID-19 tests, ventilators and other supplies to the vessel. The two ships also obtained permission to travel through the Panama Canal (pictured on March 28) Passengers of Holland America's cruise ship Zaandam are transferred to the Rotterdam cruise ship in Panama City bay on March 28 A patient is taken off the the Zaandam cruise ship after it arrived at Port Everglades On March 27, while still onboard the MS Zaandam, Carl Zehner, of Davidson County, Tennessee, said he began experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Eventually, Zehner received a COVID-19 test, and the results showed that he was positive for the virus. At that point, he was relocated to another area of the ship. Following an extended debate among local officials about which Florida port would accept the vessel, on April 2, the Zaandam was eventually given permission to dock and disembark passengers at Port Everglades. Between the Zaandam and Rotterdam, a total of 107 passengers and 143 crew members had presented flu-like symptoms at the time of docking. Some passengers disembarked, where they were taken, when possible, to hospitals or provided with means of traveling to their homes, where they then remained in self-quarantine. Zehner and fellow plaintiff Leonard Lindsay, who are a married couple, both remained on the MS Zaandam, because no local hospital would accept Zehner, whose condition had worsened significantly. He was eventually airlifted off of the ship on April 5 after an Orlando hospital agreed to accept him as a patient. He remained on a ventilator for about three weeks. As of Wednesday, after a couple facility transfers and a release home, he still hadn't made a full recovery. Lindsay, meanwhile, remained on board until April 9 and was not tested for coronavirus while on the ship. While 250 people in total exhibited flu-like symptoms on board the Zaandam and Rotterdam, Holland America say theyre unable to provide a count on how many people tested positive for coronavirus. We do not have sufficient information to answer this question, a spokesperson told USA Today. 10 (nine guests and one crew) positive tests were conducted on board using a point of care serology rapid test, but these are not an approved method of confirming COVID-19 cases, per U.S. CDC or FDA. It wasnt until more than a week after being denied entry Punta Arenas that the ship began implementing measures to try and prevent COVID-19 exposure among passengers and crew, the suit claims (pictured: a passenger looks out the window as the Rotterdam cruise ship arrives at Port Everglades alongside the Zaandam) While 250 people in total exhibited flu-like symptoms on board the Zaandam and Rotterdam, Holland America say theyre unable to provide a count on how many people tested positive for coronavirus (pictured: A passenger from Zaandam is taken from an ambulance at the Broward Health Medical Center on April 2) During Zaandams limbo at sea, four passengers died, and a Zaandam crew member who was taken to hospital on April 3 died five days later from complications brought on by COVID-19. Two of the four deaths on board the Zaandam have been blamed on COVID-19, the cruise line said in April. The company hasnt provided an update on the other two deaths. As of Thursday, more than 9.5 million people across the globe have tested positive for coronavirus, with 483,247 deaths. The lawsuit states claims for negligence, gross negligence, negligent infliction of emotional distress, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, and seeks compensatory damages as well as medical monitoring and injunctive relief. While Carnival Corp. has suspended its cruise services for the time being, the company has previously announced intentions to begin operating again as early as September 1, potentially posing grave threats to their passengers, crew members, and the public health, the lawsuit claims. In a statement to DailyMail.com, a Holland America spokesperson said: 'Our response throughout this process has put the safety and well-being of our guests and crew as the top priority, and has been informed by guidance by leading government agencies, including U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, as well as the evolving understanding from the medical community on best protocols. 'Holland America Line does not comment on pending litigation,' the statement continued. The Arctic has been heating more than twice as fast as the rest of the world, and annual temperatures in the region from 2016 to 2019 were the highest on record. But this year may be even hotter. Temperatures in Siberia were 18.5 degrees Fahrenheit above average in May, the World Meteorological Organization said, driving the warmest May on record for the entire Northern hemisphere and indeed the globe. Above the Arctic Circle, there has been no escaping the heat because the sun shines around the clock. In the town of Srednekolymsk, Mayor Nikolai Chukrov nailed a blanket to the inside wooden frame of one of his windows to help his two layers of curtains keep out the sunlight. The store had run out of fans, so he borrowed a red-and-white, Soviet-made model from his relatives. The heat, he said, is a boon to the children playing in the river and to the residents benefiting from a longer growing season for their vegetables. But it also seems to bring even greater swarms of mosquitoes. Its scary, even, Mr. Chukrov said. The acrid smoke from wildfires has already drifted over Srednekolymsk and other Siberian villages. Last years Siberian fires, accelerated by the dry heat, were the worst in recent memory, consuming more than 38,000 square miles roughly the size of Kentucky. This year is off to an even worse start. About 7,900 square miles of Siberian territory had burned so far this year as of Thursday, compared to a total of 6,800 square miles as of the same date a year ago, according to official data. UPDATE July 14: Hawaii governor pushes quarantine until the end of August; testing plans still in flux. Faced with increasing pressure from local businesses and even from the U.S. Justice Department over Hawaiis mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for all visitors, Gov. David Ige has announced a new option that could open up the islands tourism for the second half of the summer. Starting Aug. 1, visitors can avoid the 14-day quarantine if they get pre-tested for COVID-19 no more than 72 hours before their departure from home and present negative results when they arrive at the airport in Hawaii. The new option is modeled after a similar program in Alaska, which also has a 14-day quarantine rule for visitors although that state allows visitors to get a COVID-19 test either before they leave home or at an Alaskan airport after they land. If they choose the latter alternative, they have to isolate for a few days until the test results come back. (Read Gov. Ige's press release here.) However, Hawaii decided against a post-arrival testing option because it believes the likely volume of visitors would create huge bottlenecks at arrival airports. Officials said they have been discussing a partnership with the giant CVS pharmacy chain to implement a testing and verification program, but thats not finalized yet. Besides pre-testing for COVID-19, visitors will also be subject to health screening questions and a temperature check at the airport. Currently, fares for August round trips to Hawaii from the Bay Area are running as low as $200 in basic economy, $300 in regular economy very good deals for deep summer season travel. The deals extend into the fall as well. The islands 14-day quarantine rule was first imposed in March, and has been extended a few times since then, most recently through July 31, although it could be extended again for visitors who are not pre-tested. While it has been relatively successful in keeping down coronavirus rates in the state, that success has come at a high price for Hawaiis economy, which is largely dependent on tourism. The state currently has about 240,000 unemployed residents in a population of 1.4 million. Since the rule took effect, air arrivals in Hawaii have plummeted from about 30,000 a day to about 1,000, and many of those are residents. For the week ended June 20, the average hotel occupancy rate (i.e. percentage of rooms occupied) for the nation as a whole was back up to 44%, but Hawaiis main island of Oahu had the lowest occupancy rate in the United States at just 13.7%, according to the hotel data firm STR. Don't miss a shred of important travel news! Sign up for our FREE weekly email alerts. Hawaii has been strictly enforcing the 14-day quarantine, requiring visitors to declare upon arrival where they will be staying, and relying on operators of hotels and other visitor accommodations to report any quarantine violators to the authorities. The rule carries the force of law, with penalties including a fine of up to $5,000 and jail time of up to one year. Last week, after Iges latest extension of the rule, he was sued by a group of residents from Kauai and the Big Island who alleged that he had exceeded his authority by extending the quarantine mandate beyond the 60-day emergency period allowed by state law. And this week, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a brief alleging that Iges order is unconstitutional because it discriminates against out-of-state residents. Hawaiis mandatory 14-day quarantine originally applied to inter-island air travel as well as flights from the mainland, but the quarantine mandate for trips between the islands ended earlier this month. Full details on how the new testing protocol will work are expected in coming days. 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. (Newser) The mother of ER and Stand and Deliver actress Vanessa Marquez is suing the city of South Pasadena and five police officers involved in a welfare check that ended with her daughter being shot dead. Delia McElfresh says officers were "negligent and reckless" after they were called to Marquez's residence in August 2018, CNN reports. Police said after the shooting that when a friend called them to the home, Marquez was experiencing seizures and appeared to be having mental health issues. They said officers opened fire after the 49-year-old armed herself with what appeared to be a handgun. It turned out to be a BB gun. story continues below The wrongful death lawsuit disputes the version of events given by police, reports the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. The complaint says Marquez "did not feel safe" around the officers, who had decided to detain her for a psychiatric hold. "Their armed presence, coupled with the attempted removal of Ms. Marquez from her home against her will, was a militaristic, menacing, and threatening response to a frail and visibly debilitated woman who was exercising her right to remain in her home," the lawsuit states. After McElfresh filed an earlier claim last year, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office said the officers were acting in self-defense. (Read more California stories.) A Houston district judge on Thursday ordered Attorney General Ken Paxtons criminal trial back to Collin County, where it originated, a move that some expect would give the Republican state official a much better chance for a like-minded judge and jury. State District Judge Robert Johnson, in a hearing conducted virtually over Zoom, agreed with Paxtons attorneys that the original change of venue three years ago, from Collin County to Harris County, was invalid because the presiding judges appointment to handle the case had expired before he approved the move. Prosecutors said Thursday that they will appeal the decision. We are gratified by the courts ruling and look forward to getting Mr. Paxtons case back on track, said Dan Cogdell, who is one of Paxtons lawyers. This case has gone on far too long. HOME-COURT ADVANTAGE? Indicted AG Ken Paxton seeks to move his criminal case to his home turf Paxtons trial has been delayed almost five years since he was first indicted on felony securities fraud charges for a number of reasons, mainly a still-unresolved dispute over special prosecutors pay. Johnson, a Democrat who was assigned the case in June 2017, declined to rule on the prosecutor pay issue, as well as on prosecutor Nicole DeBordes request to resign from the case, saying he lacked jurisdiction. Paxton, who narrowly won re-election to a second term in 2018, is accused of encouraging investors to provide financial backing to a technology startup without disclosing that he was being paid by the firm. The allegations date back to 2011 and 2012 before he was first elected to his position as the states top prosecutor. He is also accused of soliciting clients for his friends investment company without registering with the state. Paxton has plead not guilty to all allegations, and a federal court dismissed a similar suit in 2016. This would be the second change of venue for the case. Prosecutors in 2017 had convinced a judge that they could not get a fair trial in the county where Paxton resides and where he continued to hold political connections after representing the area for 12 years in the Texas House and Senate. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Were not surprised at the judges ruling today, special prosecutor Kent Schaffer said. We kind of saw it coming since hes been sitting on the motion for three-quarters of the year, but we also know the law is such that we will win this issue on appeal. Schaffer added: For somebody who claims they want their day in court, theyre doing backflips to avoid going to court. Philip Hilder, one of Paxtons attorneys, accused the prosecution of stalling. We sincerely hope that the special prosecutors will rethink their earlier, knee-jerk statement that they plan to appeal Judge Johnsons well-reasoned ruling, Hilder said. This case has been in limbo for much of the five years that it has gone on. Its time for the prosecution to get it on. A move to Collin County would likely bode well for Paxton, Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University who has studied the case, said last July. If it gets moved back to Collin County, that certainly is advantageous for Paxton for two reasons: One, its more likely to go to a Republican judge as opposed to a Democratic judge in Harris County, Jones said. And any jury pool is going to be much more sympathetic to Paxton in Collin versus Harris. Paxtons lawyers argued that Tarrant County Judge George Gallaghers assignment to the case had expired, which he apparently did not realize, when he granted the change of venue in March 2017 and other orders. When Paxton later challenged Gallaghers authority to the Dallas Court of Appeals, the appellate court ruled that Gallaghers authority to act expired when the venue order became final. Prosecutors point to that decision as support for keeping the case in Harris County. They also say that Paxton forfeited his right to object by not raising the issue sooner, noting that he had continued to participate in the legal process under the judge even after his term expired. taylor.goldenstein@chron.com twitter.com/taygoldenstein Credit: CC0 Public Domain Epidemiologists and immunologists enjoyed record media attention during the coronavirus pandemic but their profile still paled in comparison to that of politicians and public health officials. A joint project from the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) and Streem media monitoring examined the highest profile academics and institutions among COVID-19 coverage in the nation's leading newspapers and news websites. The goal was to see whether those with the most applicable fields of expertise had been those who had received the most media attention. Those results were then compared to other leaders in politics, business and the public service. Prime Minister Scott Morrison was the standout leader in the study, with 11,294 media items, ahead of chief medical officer Brendan Murphy (2706) and an array of state premiers, federal cabinet ministers and health officials. Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe was the only person in the top 20 to not be a politician or public health expert. The University of Sydney was the most prominent academic institution mentioned in coronavirus coverage, while the University of Queenslandwhich is working on a high-profile vaccinepipped the Australian National University into second place. But it was a University of New South Wales academicglobal biosecurity expert Professor Raina Macintyrewho was the most prominent expert in articles involving COVID-19. Other prominent academics included Professor Peter Collignon, Professor Peter Doherty and Associate Professor Ian Mackay. As the leading academic, Professor Macintyre's 252 distinct media items put her ahead of ABC journalist Dr. Norman Swan (207) but behind ACTU secretary Sally McManus (308) and AMA president Dr. Tony Bartone (288). Lyndal Byford, director of news and partnerships at the AusSMC, said it was reassuring to see that people qualified in immunology, virology and epidemiology had generally been the most prominent academic voices during the pandemic. "In times of crisis, it is essential that the media can access the nation's best scientific and medical experts so that they can share clear and accurate information with the public about what we know, but also about what we don't know," Ms Byford said. The Peter Doherty Institutenamed after the Nobel Prize winning immunologistwas the most high-profile institute, ahead of the CSIRO. Conal Hanna, media and partnerships lead at Streem, said he expected the results to be of high interest to university and institute communication teams who had been working overtime to connect journalists with academics. "I think it's fair to say there has been an unprecedented hunger from the public for scientific information, and at a more detailed level than they would normally seek out. "Being able to explain complex concepts in accessible ways has been vital to keeping the community safe." The only non-medical expert to feature in the 10 most quoted academics in coronavirus stories was Professor Gary Mortimer from the Queensland University of Technology, who specializes in retail marketing, perhaps not surprising given how panic buying dominated media coverage in the early part of the pandemic. Ms Byford said while there had been considerable coverage of the economic ramifications of coronavirus, that didn't necessarily cause as large a spike in demand among academics. "Journalists often turn to academics to understand medical or science aspects of the pandemic but might reach more broadly to politicians, industry, lobby groups and think tanks in business, social or economic reporting." The study looked at coronavirus-related media items in major metropolitan newspapers and the nation's biggest news websites from the initial outbreak in China until the end of May. It counted distinct stories, with syndicated versions ignored. Explore further Swedish study finds high public confidence in researchers and healthcare professionals Provided by Streem, Australian Science Media Centre MONTREAL, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arbiter Capital LLC ("Arbiter" or the "Investors") is launching a blank check Joint Venture Company ("JV" or the "Company") focused on battery minerals and is pleased to announce that it is investing up to CAD$405 million over the next three (3) years, of which the first and initial commitment will be for CAD$50 million, or 10 million Units at a price of $5.00 per Unit. Each unit consists of one Class A Preferred Share with a Par Value of $5.00 (paying an annual 5% dividend) and one Warrant to purchase a Share of common stock at $3.00 per share. Arbiter together with its Investors will deploy the residual investment of CAD$355 Million in equal installments over the next 33 months. The JV will be led by Benoit La Salle and Edward Kaplan, who currently serves as Chairman at Arbiter. The JV intends to target the battery minerals sector with a particular emphasis on long duration high-grade assets and its associated verticals in mining-friendly jurisdictions. Mr. La Salle is a well-recognized executive in the mining industry, having 25 years of experience as a corporate executive of mining companies. In 1995, Mr. La Salle founded, developed, and led Canadian-based SEMAFO Inc. into a 250,000-ounce gold producer in West Africa, which delivered in excess of a billion dollars of value to shareholders. In October 2012, he was appointed Chairman of the Board of The Canadian Council in Africa. He has leading executive and non-executive roles with several public corporations, including Maya Gold and Silver Inc., Algold Resources Ltd., SRG Mining Inc., Sama Resources Inc., and GoviEx Uranium Inc. Mr. La Salle is a Fellow Chartered Accountant, and a member of the Quebec Order of Chartered Professional Accountants. Mr. La Salle holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University and a Master of Business Administration degree from IMEDE, Switzerland. Mr. Kaplan is a well-recognized executive in the financial industry. Mr. Kaplan founded the firm over thirty years ago while a student at Yale, and began managing it for the benefit of his children, in the merchant banking spirit with which their great grandfather Andre Meyer built the Lazard bank during the last century. Arbiter has grown to include management of the private wealth of a limited number of families including his own. Benoit La Salle stated: "I am immensely excited to be working alongside a strategic financial partner with the shared vision of building a leading green battery minerals platform. We have agreed with our partner to invest up to CAD$405 Million in companies in the battery minerals space with a secondary focus on precious metals. We are focused on building a diversified, multi-asset, multi-jurisdiction company that is underpinned with robust and predictable cash flow and will also invest opportunistically in gold projects, which are mispriced and will act as a natural hedge. We are focused on North America as well as Europe and Africa and will be investing throughout the vertical including mining and its downstream mineral processing businesses. Our objective is to become a significant player in the battery space and develop high quality jobs in Canada and abroad and create value added products." Edward Kaplan stated: "Given the tremendous opportunities in both the battery minerals and precious metals sectors, I am excited to partner with experienced players and to launch a consolidation strategy that will create tremendous shareholder value. We will bring operational expertise and financial depth to companies, which need capital and operational stewardship. We will aim to accelerate the development of high-quality projects with the ambition of becoming a world leader outside of China in the battery minerals supply chain. We will be able to provide short-term and long-term financial solutions to projects we believe in. We will also re-invest capital in the precious metals space, which is highly fragmented and requires capital and operational leadership. It's also a natural hedge to the battery minerals space, which is currently experiencing a renaissance as OEMs embrace EVs and vertically integrate to lock up supply." For further information, please contact: Benoit La Salle, FCPA, FCA +1 (514) 951-4411 1320, boul. Graham, bureau 132, Mont-Royal, Quebec, H3P 3C8, Canada Washington D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - June 25, 2020) - The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that Novartis AG, a global pharmaceutical and healthcare company headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, has agreed to pay over $112 million to settle charges that it violated the books and records and internal accounting controls provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The SEC's order finds that local subsidiaries or affiliates of Novartis or its former subsidiary Alcon Inc. engaged in schemes to make improper payments or to provide benefits to public and private healthcare providers in South Korea, Vietnam, and Greece in exchange for prescribing or using Novartis or Alcon products. According to the order, these schemes took place between 2012 and 2016 and were known among certain managers of the local subsidiaries or affiliates. The order also finds that Novartis lacked sufficient internal accounting controls within its former Alcon business in China from 2013 to 2015, which used forged contracts as part of local financing arrangements that generated large losses and resulted in Novartis and Alcon writing off more than $50 million in bad debt. "Poor control environments are fertile soil for malfeasance," said Charles Cain, Chief of the SEC Enforcement Division's FCPA Unit. "As illustrated by Novartis' misconduct, weaknesses in one part of the business can often serve as a harbinger of larger unaddressed problems." Novartis consented to the entry of an order requiring the company to cease and desist from committing violations of the books and records and internal accounting controls provisions of the FCPA. Novartis agreed to pay disgorgement of $92.3 million and $20.5 million in prejudgment interest and to comply with a three-year undertaking to self-report on the status of its remediation and implementation of compliance measures. In addition, subsidiaries of Novartis and Alcon entered into deferred prosecution agreements with the U.S. Department of Justice and have agreed to pay more than $233 million in criminal fines. The SEC's investigation was conducted by Sonali Singh and Regina Barrett and supervised by Tracy L. Price. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division's Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, and the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority. A New York City police officer seen on video putting a man in an apparent chokehold on a Queens boardwalk was arrested and charged Thursday. Officer David Afanador, who was suspended without pay following Sunday's incident with Ricky Bellevue, faces charges of strangulation and attempted strangulation, the New York City Police Department said. The NYPD and the city's Police Benevolent Association, which represents officers, did not immediately return requests for comment on Thursday. Police were called to the boardwalk at Rockaway Beach on Sunday morning for a report that a man was harassing people and throwing objects at them. In body-camera video released by police, several officers are seen talking to Bellevue, who is Black, and two other men. During the incident, the men appear to get agitated and curse at the officers. One of the men films the encounter on his cellphone. The police ask the men to leave. "Yo, what are you guys doing? Listen, they told y'all to go enjoy the beach and go have a good day," an officer is heard saying. One of the men in the group responds: "He can't tell me where to go." Bellevue is heard on the video warning the officers not to touch them. Image: NYPD officer puts man in chokehold (NYPD) The encounter lasts for more than 10 minutes and at one point the group begins to leave before they turn back and approach the officers. The video shows Bellevue appearing to pick something up and ask the officers if they are "scared." Seconds later, he is taken down to the ground. Several officers are seen in the video restraining Bellevue on his stomach as a bystander shouts at them to "stop choking him." Bellevue is later placed in handcuffs. The encounter sparked protests outside of a police precinct in Queens. In a June 21 statement on Twitter, police Commissioner Dermot Shea said Afanador used a "disturbing apparent chokehold" during the incident. The NYPD banned chokeholds in 1993. The department said in a tweet that its Internal Affairs Bureau was conducting a use-of-force investigation. Story continues A spokesperson for the public defender representing Bellevue said that he was hospitalized following the incident. Attorney Lori Zeno said Afanador should be fired and prosecuted. It is important that we keep holding police officers accountable for their actions," Zeno said in a statement. "The officer involved here used a chokehold to strangle my client until he was unconscious, because according to the police officer, he was being disorderly." "He is the one who committed a crime in this circumstance," the lawyer continued. "We will not stop until the people of Far Rockaway can feel safe as they travel through their own neighborhood. They should not fear the very people who are sworn to protect them. In addition to the NYPD's chokehold ban, the City Council last week passed an anti-chokehold law to criminalize the use of the maneuver. The measure adds to a state law signed this month that requires that officers be criminally charged if a chokehold results in injury or death. That bill was named for Eric Garner, a Staten Island man who died in July 2014 after Officer Daniel Pantaleo put him in a chokehold while Garner repeatedly said he could not breathe. Officer Afanador, 39, has been sued at least four times. He also faced criminal charges in 2014 after he was accused of pistol-whipping a teenage suspect and breaking two of his teeth during a marijuana bust, according to NBC New York. A video showed Afanador using his gun to hit a 16-year-old boy until the teen dropped to the ground. Afanador was found not guilty in that case. (Newser) The current issue of Strand Magazine (subscription) will give readers the chance to discover an obscure and unfinished Louisa May Alcott work of fictionand to provide a conclusion themselves. Alcott's Aunt Nellie's Diary has rarely been seen since she drafted what may have been a novel or novella as a teenager in the late 1840s, per the AP. The 9,000-word fragment is narrated by the 40-year-old title character, and follows her observations as a romantic triangle appears to unfold among her orphaned niece Annie Ellerton, Annie's friend Isabel Loving, and the visiting Edward Clifford, "a tall, noble-looking" young man with a complicated past. Strand managing editor Andrew Gulli found a reference to the manuscript during an online search of Alcott's archives, stored at Harvard University's Houghton Library. story continues below "What struck me was the maturity of the work," says Gulli. He notes the "main character is a single woman in her 40s, who defies many of the stereotypes of how women were portrayed in mid-19th century America." Because Aunt Nellie's Diary ends with various storylines unresolved, Gulli is inviting readers to complete the narrative. "We'll post guidelines in the coming weeks," he says. Alcott's reputation is defined by Little Women, the classic novel from the late 1860s about a New England family that was based on her own childhood, but she also published thrillers and children's stories. Alcott scholar Daniel Shealy says that Aunt Nellies Diary reflects what the author called her sentimental phase, her early immersion in such British authors as Charles Dickens and Sir Walter Scott. (Read more fiction stories.) Western Union (NYSE: WU), a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments, today released its second annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, which spotlights the Companys 2019 ESG progress. The report also highlights Western Unions response and ongoing initiatives surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements across the globe in early 2020. Today, against the backdrop of COVID-19 and global protests against social injustice, businesss role in building a more united future has never seemed more relevant or more urgent. Serving our stakeholders in todays world takes determination and innovation. It demands that we build unity through ingenuity to create new, lasting solutions for people, businesses, and societies, said Hikmet Ersek, President and CEO, Western Union. This report provides an update on Western Unions ESG efforts, and how we are addressing some of the most pressing global issues facing society, our shared environment, and our Company. The report highlights six key areas where Western Union is making an impact globally: Connecting people and businesses to the global economy: Our services connect people and businesses pursuing global opportunities for example, individuals looking to better the lives of their families, and businesses looking for new partners, customers, and markets. The transactions we process build bridges across economies, geographies, and cultures. In response to COVID-19, Western Union doubled down on its commitment to serve customers with a range of new offerings and resources including piloting home delivery of money transfers, introducing digital location concierge services to offer personalized phone or video support to help customers make digital money transfers, expanding westernunion.com to five additional countries bringing the total to more than 75, and expanding real-time account and wallet payout to 50 countries. Fostering an engaging and inclusive workplace: Western Union works to build and support a workforce that reflects the global diversity of the 150 million customers we serve in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. It starts at the most senior levels of our business and manifests itself throughout our Board of Directors and our global workforce. We are actively engaging in open and honest dialogue with our employees and we are committed to playing a role in the fight for positive change globally. 2019 highlights include: Reaching gender parity with our customers and employees: approximately half of our customers and half of our global workforce are women. Our executive team in 2019 was comprised of 40% women and includes leaders born in 10 different countries who have wide-ranging global leadership experience. Moving money with integrity: We are committed to using the right combination of people and technology to protect our customers and partners, keep illicit activity out of our network, and ensure we conduct our business with integrity. In 2019, we prevented $1.1 billion in fraudulent transactions. Overall industry data suggests a growing rate of fraudulent activity. Western Unions fraud levels, however, are trending downward. Our Financial Intelligence Unit continues to partner with law enforcement and nonprofit entities to better target and disrupt human trafficking financial flows. This team has conducted approximately 1,800 human trafficking investigations since 2013, resulting in hundreds of arrests and the rescue of hundreds of victims. Governing and managing for success: Western Unions governance structures and practices provide oversight and guidance around critical issues, including ethics, board diversity, executive compensation, fair competition, data privacy, and cybersecurity, and board diversity. 2019 highlights include: Our Board is comprised of a wide range of nationalities from around the world. Three of our 11 Board members were women. Safeguarding our shared environment: We are committed to acting responsibly to respect the environment and minimize our footprint. 25% of building materials, by value, are made of recycled materials at our global headquarters. We have equipped our major offices with state-of-the-art video conferencing technology, which reduced the need for air travel between locations, even prior to COVID-19. Catalyzing change through the Western Union Foundation: The Western Union Foundation works to provide vulnerable youth with the skills needed to succeed in todays global digital economy, and to support people across the globe through humanitarian relief. In 2019, the Western Union Foundation launched Opportunity Beyond Borders, a three-year and $15-million commitment to provide vulnerable youth with the skills and training needed to succeed in todays global digital economy. As the impact of COVID-19 spread across the globe, Western Union and the Western Union Foundation announced a global matching challenge, with a total commitment of $1.3 million in customer, corporate, employee, and agent donations towards the global fight against the virus. The Western Union 2019 ESG Report is available at: http://ir.westernunion.com/investor-relations/ESG/default.aspx. It is prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, and also includes responses to select relevant metrics from the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards. WU-G About Western Union The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU) is a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement and payments. Our omnichannel platform connects the digital and physical worlds and makes it possible for consumers and businesses to send and receive money and make payments with speed, ease, and reliability. As of March 31, 2020, our network included over 550,000 retail agent locations offering our branded services in more than 200 countries and territories, with the capability to send money to billions of accounts. Additionally, westernunion.com, our fastest growing channel in 2019, is available in over 75 countries, plus additional territories, to move money around the world. With our global reach, Western Union moves money for better, connecting family, friends, and businesses to enable financial inclusion and support economic growth. For more information, visit www.westernunion.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005415/en/ RTHK: South Korea, US mark 70th anniversary of war South Korea and the United States on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to defending "the hard-fought peace" on the divided peninsula as the allies marked the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. Communist North Korea invaded the US-backed South on June 25, 1950, triggering a three-year war that killed millions. The fighting ended with an armistice that was never replaced by a peace treaty, leaving the peninsula divided by the Demilitarized Zone and the two Koreas still technically at war. "On this day in 1950, the US-ROK military alliance was born of necessity and forged in blood," US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper and his South Korean counterpart Jeong Kyeong-doo said in a joint statement. The two paid tribute to the "sacrifice, bravery, and legacy of those who laid down their lives in defence of a free, democratic, and prosperous" South, the statement read. Seoul's defence ministry puts the conflict's military fatalities at 520,000 North Koreans, 137,000 Southern troops and 37,000 Americans. Seoul's relationship with Washington has been strained in recent years by the Trump administration's demands that it pay more towards the cost of keeping 28,500 US troops on the peninsula to protect the South from its nuclear-armed neighbour. But the allies "remain firmly committed to defending the hard-fought peace on the Korean Peninsula," the statement added. The anniversary comes as inter-Korean ties remain in a deep freeze following a rapid rapprochement in 2018 that brought three summits between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the South's President Moon Jae-in. Kim on Wednesday suspended plans for military moves aimed at the South, after the North raised tensions last week by demolishing a liaison office on its side of the border that symbolised inter-Korean cooperation. Recent events showed that inter-Korean relations "can turn into a house of cards at any time", the South's JoongAng Daily said in an editorial Thursday on the anniversary. The South Korean government has "persistently turned a blind eye" to Pyongyang's provocations, it said, resulting in a "slackening sense of security". "There is no free ride in keeping peace," the editorial read, adding: "We hope the government and defence ministry deeply reflect on the lesson of 70 years ago." (AFP) This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. A 34-year-old man suspected of trying to steal from a Lucky Supermarket in Antioch died Wednesday night when a store employee confronted him and the man stopped breathing during a fight, authorities said. The Antioch man, whose name was not immediately released, stopped breathing due to an unknown reason during the confrontation, according to Antioch police. It was not clear whether he died due to the physical confrontation or if he had a medical emergency that caused his death, officials said in a statement. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Dian Septiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 18:42 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661a7c94 1 World security,safety,diplomacy,peace,UN-peacekeeping,MONUSCO,fatalities,UNSC,DR-Congo,Indonesia,France Free The recent death of an Indonesian peacekeeper from a surprise attack in the Democratic Republic of the Congo this week has served to highlight the vulnerability of serving in United Nations peacekeeping operations. An Indonesian Military (TNI) officer died on Tuesday while another remains in intensive care after their convoy was ambushed by rogue militia allegedly from a neighboring country, which sparked a review process by Indonesia on the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). According to a TNI situation report, an engineering company comprising 12 personnel and escorted by a battalion from Malawi was ambushed late Monday around 20 kilometers from the city of Beni in North Kivu province, just as they were returning to the central operation base. The ambush killed Sgt. Maj. Rama Wahyudi, who was shot in the chest. Another Indonesian soldier, First Pvt. M. Syafii Makbul, was also injured during the assault and is currently under intensive medical treatment. The attack was carried out by "suspected members" of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) an armed group in eastern DRC with links to Uganda according to a statement from the UN peacekeeping mission. The incident had led Indonesia to conduct an evaluation on the existing patrol system at MONUSCO, said Brig. Gen. Victor H. Simatupang, the commander of the TNIs Peacekeeping Mission Center. We will evaluate the security system that has been in place out so far, because the engineering company relied on the safeguards prepared by the UN, he told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday. We see potential vulnerability. We are thinking about recommending the addition of monitoring tools such as drones in every movement. The company, comprising combat engineers (sappers) under Garuda Contingent XX-Q/MONUSCO, is tasked mainly to build infrastructure for the UN and the local government, and increasing troops was not an option due to a ceiling on the number of personnel set by the UN, Victor said. We are still carefully assessing the situation, but it is possible to make recommendations on how to reinforce our unit, he said. Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi took to Twitter on Tuesday to express her condolences over the death of the soldier. My deepest condolences on the passing of Sgt. Maj. Rama Wahyudi, an Indonesian peacekeeper with the MONUSCO mission in the DRC, Retno tweeted. Read also: Foreign minister offers condolences for Indonesian soldier killed in attack on MONUSCO In New York, Indonesia's mission to the United Nations, together with France, delivered a UN Security Council press statement that strongly condemned the attack and called on the Congolese authorities to investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice. "The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms all attacks and provocations against MONUSCO. They underlined that deliberate attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law," the council said in the statement. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN undersecretary-general for peacekeeping operations, also condemned the attack. This crime must not go unpunished. I reiterate my gratitude to Indonesia for its strong support to the UN and UN Peacekeeping, he said on Twitter. The ADF is a mainly Muslim movement that originated in neighboring Uganda in the 1990s and opposes the rule of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. It moved into the DRC in 1995 and shifted its base of operations there, although it has not carried out attacks inside Uganda for years. According to UN figures, it has killed more than 500 people since the end of October, when the Congolese army launched an offensive against it. The ADF killed 15 UN troops at its base near the Ugandan border in December 2017, and seven in an ambush in December 2018. Read also: Indonesian peacekeepers mostly die in accidents: Official Since joining UN peacekeeping missions in 1957, Indonesia has seen at least 38 of its soldiers die in the field. Most of them, however, were killed in road accidents rather than from open conflict. UN data shows that from 1948 to June 30, 2018, a total of 3,755 peacekeeping soldiers have died. Of them, 1,319 died by accident, 1,187 from illness, 1,001 because of malicious acts and the remaining in connection to other issues. The new reconciliation librarian at the University of Victoria says he hopes his unique role will help Canadians better understand Indigenous culture and what they have faced through history. Ry Moran, a member of the Red River Metis and founding director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba, will be joining the University of Victoria this fall. His new role as an associate university librarian for reconciliation will involve collecting and showcasing Indigenous history as well as promoting reconciliation within university departments and courses. University of Victoria president Jamie Cassels said Morans position is the first of its kind in the country. Canada is a profoundly racist country. The origins of this country are built and founded upon racist ideas and notions and that is the record we have to set straight, Moran said in an interview. Indigenous Peoples are not all of the things they have been accused of being. Morans work with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation involved collecting documents and nearly 7,000 video and audio recordings of residential school survivor statements given to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. In his new role, he will be collecting items ranging from oral histories to written accounts, and work with library officials to package and present the materials to make them more accessible to the public. We will be actively engaging in some very important conversations about how we approach memory in this country and the responsibilities that are embedded in memory-keeping professions, Moran said. At the most basic level, Moran hopes his role will inspire students to seek more knowledge about reconciliation and Indigenous history. Its a magnification and an amplification of this long-standing effort to both teach and repair some of the terrible damage done by some absolutely terrible decisions made in this country, he said. Jonathan Bengston, a senior librarian at the university, said he believes Morans appointment is one step in helping academic institutions grow. We are that cultural memory, he said of libraries. The goal is to re-examine our systems and structures within the academic library and to open them to different ways of knowing and being in this world. Indigenous voices are hugely important in Canada. Bengston said he wants Morans new role to inspire others. This is the first position of its type at a major Canadian university, he said. I hope it shows a path for others to follow as well. Cassels said he believes Morans role as the reconciliation librarian will better the relationship with Indigenous Peoples. His work will foster mutual understanding and will greatly contribute to our universitys goal of advancing respect and reconciliation, Cassels said in a statement. Read more about: Marvin Strombo, a United States Marine who as a young man on war-torn islands of the Pacific saw humanity at its worst and journeyed to Japan at age 93 to display it at its best, died Tuesday night. Strombo grew up in Dixon and lived his last six decades in Missoula, in the log home where he drew his final breath. He turned 96 in December. "What a good man he was, or is," Sandra Williamson said Tuesday in her father's final hours. "He lived a long, full life and taught a lot of lessons along the way. We're so grateful we had him." Strombo was in good health earlier this month, when a book about his swashbuckling Scout-Sniper platoon in the 6th Marine Regiment during World War II was published. He was one of author Joseph Tachovsky's primary sources as the ranks of the 35 Marines who survived the Battle of Saipan dwindled. Just one remains: Roscoe Mullins in West Virginia. "It's funny. Marvin and Roscoe were best buddies from boot camp through Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian and then they acted as a police force in Japan after the war. They were the last two," said Tachovsky, who began researching "40 Thieves On Saipan" after his father's death in 2011. Frank Tachovsky was the highly respected commander of the "40 Thieves" who were, as the book jacket cover states, "trained in a ruthless array of hand-to-hand killing techniques" to "wreak havoc in and around, but mostly behind, enemy lines." Those lines moved steadily and bloodily north along the 12-mile long island after U.S. Marines stormed the southern beaches of Saipan on June 15, 1944. Victory was declared on July 9. "Daddy loved the book," Williamson said. "He thought it was wonderful that the stories of all those men were going to be told. That mattered a lot to him." By coincidence, the penultimate survivor of the more famous Doolittle Raiders who bombed Tokyo in 1942 made Missoula his longtime home. David Thatcher died at age 94 on June 22, 2016 four years and a day before Strombo's death. National news outlets, including the New York Times and Washington Post, paid fitting tribute to Thatcher, and his name has since been attached to the Veterans Administration clinic in Missoula and a memorial highway in southern Montana. Like many war survivors, Strombo kept his memories to himself. Tachovsky was able to comb some out in frequent visits to Missoula from his own home in Wisconsin. Strombo shared stories of his days on Saipan freely with the Missoulian for a Veterans Day profile in 2016. One of them turned into what his daughter called a "life-changing" experience. Rex and Keiko Ziak of the Obon Society of Oregon tracked down the family of a Japanese officer who died on Saipan and whose "Good Luck Flag" Strombo claimed as a souvenir. In company with the Ziaks, Williamson, Williamson's sister Brenda Strombo of Portland, Oregon, daughter Emily Williamson and Tachovsky, Marvin traveled to a remote village in Japan in August 2017 to return the flag. In a moving ceremony, he presented it to three siblings of Sadao Yasue, whose body Strombo came upon among more than 100 fresh corpses on the outskirts of Garapan, the island's capital. In his book, co-written by longtime friend Cynthia Kraack of Minneapolis, Tachovsky described Strombo's encounter outside Garapan. It occurred on June 25, 1944, or 76 years ago Thursday. Strombo broke off from the six-man group when he saw among the bodies what appeared to be a small World War I cannon. As he approached it, it vanished in the shimmer of the tropical heat. "In its place lay a dead Japanese captain, as peaceful as if he were sleeping," Tachovsky wrote. Strombo gazed at the placid face. "No visible wounds, very little blood, Strombo guessed that he had been killed by a mortar strike," Tachovsky reported. "Rummaging through the warrior's pack, he found many family photos: mother, father and their children in a mountainous village strikingly similar to his home in Montana. He's no different from me, Strombo thought. "Standing up to leave, he noticed the captain's Good Luck Flag peeking out of his uniform." Strombo first decided against taking the flag, knowing it to be sacred to the Japanese, Tachovsky said. But he changed his mind. "If I don't take it, somebody else will," Strombo said, and tucked the flag into his dungarees. "I promise I'll give it back to your family someday." When he did 73 years later, he became the first U.S. veteran to return a Good Luck Flag in person to Japan, at least through the Obon Society. "I can almost smell my brother's skin from the flag, so we know that you have kept it well for so long," 89-year-old Tatsuya Yasue said during the hour-long ceremony that the Ziaks arranged to have live-streamed. They also produced a 16-minute video of Strombo's journey. It's had 2.7 million views since it was downloaded on YouTube in September 2017. The act was typical of her father, Sandra Williams said Tuesday. "To be able to go back there and do something that brought the family peace meant something to him," she said. "Its hard when you're in the fog of war, just trying to survive. To be able to go over there and bring comfort instead of bullets, to him that was almost life-changing." Strombo was one of four brothers who fought in and survived World War II. Oliver Strombo, two years Marvin's elder, was with the Second Marines in the same Pacific battles. Marvin reupped after the war and served in the Korean conflict as well. He had nightmares, mostly of waking up in the throes of a Japanese banzai. But he handled what has since been labeled Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, better than many. He was discharged in 1951. Starting in 1959 his only marriage produced the four children who were with him on his deathbed Tuesday night. They are, in order of age, Noemi Bassler of Florence, Brenda Strombo, Sandra Williamson and Tim Strombo of Redondo Beach, Calif. "When Marvin's wife left him shortly after their fourth child was born, he found that being the single parent of four was the best medicine in the world to help him ease his demons," Tachovsky wrote in "40 Thieves." "He just put all of his focus on raising us and making sure that we felt loved and safe and had a roof over our heads," Williamson said this week. "We were to him what he was to us, just that saving grace." Tachovsky was at his home in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, late at night nine days ago when he received an urgent email from Brenda Strombo asking him to call her. The news was bad: Marvin, who had been so fit and alert for his age, had taken a dramatic downturn. Hospice was called in. Tachovsky put everything else aside and jumped in his car the next morning, a Wednesday. After the familiar 1,500-mile drive, he pulled up to the Strombo house Thursday night. Why? "It's Marvin," he said simply. "All these old guys have become like second and third fathers to me. I went to Japan with him, and I wanted to see him one last time." Work beckoned Tachovsky home on Monday, and Strombo drifted into unconsciousness that evening. He passed away shortly after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday. "Marvin kind of rallied when I was leaving," Tachovsky said. "The last cognizant thing I heard him say, he just looked me and said, 'Joe, Semper Fi.'" The Marine Corps motto that means "always faithful" is also the final line in Tachovsky's book. In his final hours Tuesday, Strombo was surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. "We were all singing to him, and he just finally let go," Sandra Williamson said. The selections ranged from "old hymns and 'Old Paint, I'm goin' to Montana to throw the hoolihan,'" she said, to "You Are My Sunshine," which their father used to sing to them. "My son (Wesley) sang 'El Paso,' Daddy's favorite Marty Robbins song, and he perked up," Williamson said. As per his wishes, he'll be buried at the Dixon Cemetery on Friday in a private ceremony. Swathed only in a blanket, the remains of Marvin Strombo will be laid to rest with his parents, Ed and Mary, and other family members. A memorial service, possibly in July, is pending due to COVID-19 concerns. You must be logged in to react. Click any reaction to login. Love 6 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Sushant Singh Rajputs Sonchiriya co-star Manoj Bajpayee has said that he had achieved nothing till the age of 34, which is how old Sushant was when he died last week. Manoj also said that he will always remember Sushant as a man who embraced his small-town origins. The actor, who will star in Bhosle next, told Pinkvilla in an interview, All of us have our highs and lows and emotions. Sushant was no different. I dont think I am as talented as that. I dont think I am as intelligent and as bright as he used to be. I dont think I had achieved anything till the age of 34, what he achieved, as compared to his achievements. I feel that my achievements are very very small. That is how I remember him. I dont remember him not only as a good human being. He added, I remember him as somebody who came from Patna and carried the rootedness with him with all the dancing abilities, with all the coolness and charming smile. He was a small-town guy inside. There was a small town Patna boy inside him. That I used to relate quite a lot. Also Watch | Its a wake up call: Bollywood actor on Sushant Singh Rajputs death In an earlier conversation with filmmaker Shekhar Kapur, Manoj had recalled stories of working with Sushant on Sonchiriya. My mind is not leaving the image of him on the first day, coming to me and suddenly touching my feet. All the perceptions that people were floating about him, that one gesture of his just questioned everything. Not that he touched my feet...it just says so many things about his background, where he came from, he said. Also read: Was Sushant Singh Rajput replaced by Ranveer Singh in Befikre? Actor said he wouldnt have done the film anyway Sushants death has reignited the debate on Bollywood nepotism, with many of his fans claiming he was ostracised by the gatekeepers of the film industry. Manoj said the solution is to look inwards. He told Pinkvilla, When I spot a talent, I encourage the talent. I think we should start using our privileges to help talents. Make talents feel you are welcomed. Make everyone in the industry feel that all of us are one fraternity. It cant be insider and outsider. Who started this? ask that question. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Victoria Calls in the Australia Army to Help Curb COVID-19 Outbreak Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has called in the military to help curb the increasing outbreak of COVID-19 in Australias southern state. Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel will deploy from June 26 to areas around Victoria after the premier requested support from the ADF to contain the escalating outbreak of COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, commonly known as novel coronavirus. The Department of Defence said in a media release on June 25 that 850 ADF members would provide support to hotel quarantine monitoring while around 200 personnel will provide logistical and medical support for public testing initiatives. Minister for Defence Senator Linda Reynolds said: Im pleased were able to rapidly increase our assistance to help Victoria respond to its current COVID-19 circumstances. The COVID-19 pandemic requires a proactive national response and Defence is well postured to provide scalable support to states and territories, Reynolds said. At present the ADF has 676 military personnel deployed around Australia to help state and territories with border controls, contact tracing, planning support teams, and supporting law enforcement agencies with mandatory quarantine arrangements at airports. In a media statement released on June 25, Andrews said the ADF personnel would provide planning and logistics support to the state government, including the transportation of pathology samples interstate if necessary. The focus will be on the clusters in hotspot suburbs. Andrews said: Were asking locals in these areasparticularly if you have symptomsplease come forward and get tested. See it as your civic duty. See it as your contribution to keeping your local area and our whole community safe. Victoria is currently at the epicenter of an outbreak of the CCP virus. Over the past nine days cases of COVID-19 have increased rapidly with the Victoria Department of Health and Human Services noting that Victoria had 33 new cases on June 24, taking the states total number of active cases to 163. Victorian authorities are also holding 30 people in hotel quarantine that have tested positive for COVID-19, and at least 33 staff working at quarantine hotels have become infected. Speaking on ABC Breakfast radio on June 25, the president of the Australian Medical Association Dr. Tony Bartone said the military aid would ensure that Victoria got additional logistics support at that front line before the situation leads to a second wave. Noting that the introduction of the military sent a strong message that this is a serious situation, Bartone said that the AMA had warned from the beginning that as restrictions were relaxed we expected to see sporadic, localised outbreaks. It has been a long number of months in terms of dealing with [the virus], and complacency, you might say, has possibly started to set in, said Bartone. The virus is still there, and it needs to be treated with due caution, due respect. And this is not over for, indeed, many, many months to come until we effectively and definitely get a vaccine to assist us with prevention. Explaining that the reproduction rate of the CCP virus, or novel coronavirus, is increasing again, Bartone said Australia needs to really drive that down, we need to get on top of this before; indeed, it becomes anything more and leads us into a second wave. The Victorian Premier also requested aid from Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, and South Australia to increase the number of COVID-19 tests the state can process from 18,000 a day to 25,000. A spokesman for Prime Minister Scott Morrison told AAP that the federal health and defence departments were working with Emergency Management Australia to expedite a request for assistance from Victoria. New Delhi, June 25 : Utilising streaming technology, the first of its kind relay-style auction will take place in real time across time zones from four of the art world's major hubs: Hong Kong, Paris, London and New York thanks to auction house Christie's. The sale will offer a range of exceptional works over four consecutive sessions led by principle auctioneers in each region, starting in Hong Kong, on July 10. Christie's will present ONE: A Global Sale of the 20th Century, offering Impressionist and Modern, Post-War and Contemporary art and Design. The new format aims to create an adaptable, inclusive and engaging selling platform to present important works of art to global bidders. Presented to both in-person and online audiences, the event will capture the excitement and drama of the gala evening sale, while offering access regionally and the accessibility of the online platform. The new auction will replace the New York 20th Century Evening sale previously scheduled for the week of 22 June. Alex Rotter, Chairman, Post-War and Contemporary Art, remarked: "Christie's is reconfiguring how we engage with objects and the way that we present them to both dedicated collectors and the world at large. With our virtual and physical worlds rapidly merging, we felt that it was vital that we meet this new reality with an innovative platform. We will be able to safely explore new ways of presenting extraordinary objects and works of art to new collectors and those with whom we have been honored to partner with for generations in building their collections. And so it begins, we begin again, with ONE." Giovanna Bertazzoni, Co-Chairman, Impressionist and Modern Art, continued, "This hybrid-format concept sale is a way to adapt and innovate. Crossing borders, we will offer a broad range of categories from international artists spanning the 20th Century, exploring different regional points of view and perspectives to create one vision. We feel that this event will represent the way clients collect today." Evelyn Lin, Deputy Chairman, International Director and Head of Department, Modern and Contemporary Art, Asia Pacific: "We are thrilled to be kicking off this global auction from Hong Kong, where our sale will lead the first leg of this international relay. Collectors increasingly view the art market from a global perspective, and this sale represents a brilliant opportunity to showcase the best of Christie's sale sites around the world. I look forward to working with my colleagues from around the world and across the specialist teams as we build this exciting event." Pablo Picasso's 'Les femmes d'Alger (version 'F')', 17 January 1955 (estimate in the region of US$25 million) will highlight the group of works being sold in New York. The present work hails from the artist's renowned series of fifteen canvases based on EugAne Delacroix's masterwork 'Les femmes d'Alger' executed between 13 December 1954 and 14 February 1955. Version F was painted around the halfway point in the cycle, and is the culminating, most fully resolved canvas from the first phase of the series. In its brilliant color, spatial complexity, and compositional strength, Version F represents the bridge to the later, larger-scale works in the ensemble, and a counterpart to the magisterial Version O, which brings the second half of the series to a close.* This is the first time that Version F has ever appeared at auction. The New York section will be led by Roy Lichtenstein's monumentally scaled, 'Nude with Joyous Painting' (estimate in the region of US$30 million). Painted in 1994 and belonging to an important private American collection, 'Nude with Joyous' Painting is a tour-de-force of Pop Art and Lichtenstein's last great series of nudes that the artist began in 1993 and continued until his death in 1997. The Nudes mark Lichtenstein's return to the comic-book heroines that propelled him to fame in the early 1960s and together, they rank among his most significant bodies of work. 'Annie', 1962 is a groundbreaking early painting by Ed Ruscha (estimate: US$20-30 million), which will also be offered from New York. Measuring nearly six feet tall, this large-scale canvas is an early example of what would become his signature style, demonstrating the unique and pioneering approach to art that would make him one of the most celebrated artists of his generation. Inspired by the comic books featuring the popular children's character, Annie is the first in a series of paintings that have formed the backbone of the artist's career. Leading the Hong Kong selection is Zao Wou-Ki's dramatic masterpiece '21.10.63' (estimate in excess of US$10 million). Two meters high, 21.10.63 is the largest red painting from the artist's Hurricane Period, and is a dazzling example of the artist's power and virtuosity during the most energetic period of his career.Painted in vibrant hues of black, cream and vermillion, the painting is a monumental celebration of life, vitality, and the natural forces that inspired and fueled the artist during this period. Each city will host a pre-sale public exhibition staged in line with the appropriate regional health advice at the time, complemented by a ground-breaking virtual exhibition and digital marketing campaign to connect with global audiences and support the auction event. Bidders will be able to participate both online, via Christie's LIVE online bidding channel, and where regional, government advice allows, clients and phone bidders will be welcomed in each saleroom location. (IANSlife Features can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in) Saniniu Laizer holds the two Tanzanite gemstones he mined and sold for $3.4 million. Tanzanian miner Saniniu Laizer has become a millionaire overnight by selling two Tanzanite gemstones the largest ever found in the country for 7.7 billion Tanzanian shillings ($3.4 million), according to multiple media reports. The stones weigh 9.2 kg (20.3 lbs) and 5.8kg, and Laizer mined them last week but sold them Wednesday at a trading event in the region of Manyara, the BBC reported. Laizer, reportedly a father of more than 30 children, told the BBC that he planned to use the money to build a shopping mall and school in his community in Simanjiro, a district of Manyara. "I want to build this school near my home," he told the news outlet. "There are many poor people around here who can't afford to take their children to school." He added: "I am not educated but I like things run in a professional way. So I would like my children to run the business professionally." Despite his newfound wealth, Laizer said he would continue to look after his herd of 2,000 cows. The small-scale miner said he would slaughter one of the cows to celebrate and that there would also be a "big party." Tanzanian President John Magufuli has reportedly congratulated Laizer over the phone and said the find showed the benefit of small-scale miners and "proves that Tanzania is rich." Read the report on the BBC's website here. File Photo Tarn Taran: Four members of a family and a domestic worker were killed by unidentified men at Kairon village here in the wee hours of Thursday, police said. Brij Lal (55), his son, two daughter-in-laws and their domestic worker were found dead at their home, they said. Advertisement PhotoAccording to police, their throats were slit with a sharp-edged weapon. Police said the investigation into the matter was underway. Channel Nine news presenter Deborah Knight has revealed she tested negative for coronavirus. On Thursday, the 47-year-old TV star shared the news to Instagram and revealed she went to get tested because she felt unwell and had a sore throat. 'Negative!! Had a COVID test after feeling blah with a sore throat... all clear! Better to play it safe with this wretched pandemic,' she wrote. 'Better to play it safe': Deborah Knight (pictured) revealed she tested negative for coronavirus after having a sore throat on Thursday Deborah also shared a photo of the text message she received one day after getting tested, confirming her negative result. Her post comes after she revealed she is constantly harassed by online trolls about her appearance. When Deborah shares pictures of herself without makeup to social media, she said she is flooded with negative comments. Results: Deborah shared a photo of the text message she received one day after getting tested, confirming her negative result 'Even yesterday - I post pictures of who I interview on radio and I had just spoken to Wally Lewis, so I posted a picture,' she said at the ABC at the Women in Media event in March. She continued: 'Immediately someone posted on my Instagram account saying, 'Well, you look so different without makeup'. And it is like, 'No s**t, Sherlock', you know?' Trolls have also attacked her for not spending enough time with her three children: Darcy, 11, Elsa, nine, and Audrey, four. The celebrated journalist pointed out it was rare to see the same criticism towards her 'male colleagues'. Trolls: Deborah's post comes after she revealed that she is constantly harassed by online trolls about her appearance 'I think I should be setting a strong example for my daughters by being successful and working hard,' Deborah hit back. In November, Nine announced Deborah and Georgie Gardner would be stepping down as hosts of the Today show. At the time, Georgie said she was shocked by the network's decision to sack her and Deborah and reinstate Karl, who had previously been axed in December 2018. Deborah still works as a newsreader for Nine and hosts the afternoon show on 2GB. The current McDonalds environment leads employees, including managers, to believe they can take off their masks and stand within 6 feet of each other as long as they do not do so in excess of 10 minutes, Reilly wrote. This increases the health risk for the employees, their families, and the public as a whole and conflicts with the Governors Executive Order on social distancing potentially undoing any good it has done as we fight this incredibly contagious disease. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Gabriela Baczynska (Reuters) Brussels, Belgium Thu, June 25, 2020 08:13 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406617028f 2 World EU,European-Union,coronavirus,coronavirus-restrictions,COVID-19,COVID-19-travel-restriction,COVID-19-travel-ban,pandemic,SARS-CoV-2,virus-corona,novel-coronavirus Free The European Union (EU) hopes to reopen borders for outsiders from July, but will review individual nations' COVID-19 situation fortnightly, according to diplomats and a document laying out criteria that could keep Americans and Russians out. The 27-nation bloc is eager to restart tourism, which has taken a massive hit during the coronavirus pandemic, but fears of second spikes have so far only allowed for partial and patchy reopening of borders with multiple health and security curbs. Draft recommendations from the EU's current presidency Croatia, seen by Reuters, suggest allowing non-EU nationals in from countries with stable or decreasing infections, and those with a "comparable or better epidemiological situation" than Europe. That epidemiological criteria is defined as between 16-20 new cases of infection reported over 14 days per 100,000 people. Nations would also be assessed for their records on testing, contact-tracing and treatment, reliability of data, and reciprocal travel arrangements for EU residents, according to the document, to be debated by envoys in Brussels on Wednesday. Based on the latest update by the bloc's European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), the proposed methodology could rule out travellers from the United States and Mexico, most of South America, South Africa, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan, among others. The United States, where President Donald Trump banned European visitors at the start of the crisis, has by far the highest number of deaths and cases in the world. EU diplomats stressed, however, that the travel criteria could still change and that the recommendations will be non-binding. "It seems there is a lot of wishful thinking in these recommendations. They are also causing much controversy. July 1 may slip and many countries may go their own way in any case," a diplomat said of the proposal by the European Commission. The proposal, aimed at promoting a coordinated approach, would cover Europe's Schengen zone of normally-invisible borders that brings together most EU states as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Lichtenstein. A major achievement of post-World War Two European integration, it has suffered a major setback in recent months as countries brought back border controls to contain the virus. Over the weekend, the Russian town of Verkhoyansk in Siberia reported a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius. The World Meteorological Organization said Tuesday that it is looking to confirm that temperature reading. After all, Siberia is known for being frozen. Experts are worried about what this record high temperature in the Arctic Circle might mean for the rest of the world. The environmental group Berkeley Earth reported that from January through May, the average temperature in north-central Siberia was been about 8 degrees Celsius higher than normal. Thats much, much warmer than its ever been over that region in that period of time, said Berkeley Earth climate scientist Zeke Hausfather. Jonathan Overpeck is a climate scientist with the University of Michigan. He said alarm bells should be ringing because such extended warmth in Siberia has not been seen for thousands of years. In an email to The Associated Press, Overpeck described the Arctic as on fire. Its warming much faster than we thought it would in response to rising levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, he wrote. The temperature on Earth has been growing, on average, by 0.18 degrees Celsius every 10 years. In the Russian Arctic Circle, it has been increasing by 0.69 degrees Celsius, said Andrei Kiselyov. He is the lead scientist at the Moscow-based Voeikov Main Geophysical Observatory. The increasing temperatures in Siberia have been linked to wildfires and the melting of ice on land forms known as permafrost. The melting permafrost, in turn, releases more heat-trapping gas, dries out soil and increases wildfires. In this case its even more serious, because the previous winter was unusually warm, said Vladimir Romanovsky, who studies permafrost at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. A recent oil spill near the Arctic city of Norilsk was partly blamed on melting permafrost. Last August, more than 4 million hectares of forests in Siberia were on fire. And, fires are burning already in the Arctic, ahead of the usual fire season start in July, said Vladimir Chuprov of the environmental group Greenpeace Russia. The warm weather, wildfires and melting of permafrost affect global warming by releasing large amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. Methane is 28 times stronger than carbon dioxide. Marina Makarova is chief meteorologist at Russian weather agency Rosgidromet. She said the temperature in Verkhoyansk remained unusually high from last Friday through Monday. Makarova added, The ground surface heats up intensively...The nights are very warm, the air doesnt have time to cool and continues to heat up for several days. For those who live in the Russian Arctic Circle, a heat wave has its good side. Vasilisa Ivanova spent every day this week swimming and sunbathing with her family. We spend the entire day on the shore of the Lena River, said Ivanova, who lives in the village of Zhigansk, about 430 kilometers from where the heat record was set. I'm Caty Weaver. Hai Do adapted this story for Learning English based on Associated Press news reports. Caty Weaver was the editor. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story alarm bell - n. a bell that sounds when an alarm is activated response - n. something that is done as a reaction to something else greenhouse gas - n. gas that causes the warming of the earth's atmosphere, known as the greenhouse effect previous - adj. earlier in time meteorologist - n. a scientist of the atmosphere and weather Rajesh Kumar Thakur By Express News Service PATNA: Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) president Chirag Paswan may have little experiences in the politics of Bihar by his age but he definitely has an aspiration of becoming the chief minister, if he gets a chance ahead. Dreaming of becoming CM is not bad. And if I get a chance, I would definitely like to become the CM of Bihar, Paswan told a news channel on Wednesday Chirag, the son of Union minister Ram Vilas Paswan , is an MP from Jamui district. Incidentally, JAP leader Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav. Yadav had made the NDA uncomfortable after announcing that his Jan Adhikar Party will support it if Chirag Paswan is announced as the CM face from Dalit community for the Bihar polls. While Chirag admitted his political aspiration in pubic domain, all leaders of BJP and JD -U remained tight-lipped. Chirag added that he did not face any problem Chief Minister Nitish Kumar as leader of NDA in the upcoming elections. I have never said no to Nitish Kumar. It has now become clear after Amit ShahJi announced it recently and the LJP has welcomed it. But, he reiterated his commitment to continue raising publics problems for redressal. I will continue raising questions and issues concerned to Bihar and people as a conscious ally of NDA. Though, nobody can deny the developments that took place, a lot remains to be done. He categorically said that LJP is not in the Bihar government but supporting from outside. Seats dont matter more to LJP than the faith of people. Our faith is in the leadership of PM Modi and the LJP is in alliance with BJP since 2014. Now, it is up to BJP to take care of this fact for an ally like the LJP. Manjhi welcomed When asked about speculation of Dalit leader Jitan Ram Manjhis return to NDA, Chirag said that Manjhi was like a family member to him and his return to NDA will give strength to Dalit representation BENTONVILLE, Ark. Walmart on Thursday announced its hourly associates in Illinois have received an additional cash bonus in their paychecks, adding up to more than $13.5 million statewide. The bonus the third in less than three months awarded $300 to full-time hourly associates and drivers, $150 to part-time hourly and temporary associates and $400 to assistant managers. Associates had to be employed by the company as of June 5 to qualify, which includes new associates who joined Walmart as part of the companys recent hiring commitment. Google has announced that it will start paying publishers to license high-quality content in an upcoming initiative its describing as a news experience. It said the service is part of an initiative to better support publishers and no doubt an effort to fend off criticism that its harming news sites. It could also confirm rumors from earlier this year that Google planned to launch a news service much like Apple News+. So far, Google has signed publishers in Australia, Germany and Brazil. This program will help participating publishers monetize their content through an enhanced storytelling experience that lets people go deeper into more complex stories, stay informed and be exposed to a world of different issues and interests, Google VP Brad Bender wrote in a blog post. In one new initiative, Google will pay publishers to give readers access to paywalled articles on sites that offer subscription services. This will let paywalled publishers grow their audiences and open an opportunity for people to read content they might not ordinarily see, Google wrote. Today, we are announcing a licensing program to pay publishers for high-quality content for a new news experience launching later this year. This program will help participating publishers monetize their content through an enhanced storytelling experience that lets people go deeper into more complex stories, stay informed and be exposed to a world of different issues and interests. We will start with publishers in a number of countries around the globe, with more to come soon. The service will launch first on Googles News and Discover sites. As for specific publishers, it said that it signed up Spiegel Group in Germany, InQueensland and InDaily in Australia and Diarios Associados in Brazil. With local news under stress, finding new channels and new audiences for our premium content, in safe and curated environments, is a high priority, said InDaily managing director Paul Hamra. Google has been under fire for failing to pay news organizations when it shows news snippets and other content on its search pages, especially in Europe. France recently ordered Google to negotiate with publishers over such payments, while Google maintains that it sells neither searches nor clicks. Google has said that its investing in news partnerships and exploring new ways to work with publishers, and this new venture appears to be a new step in that direction. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has also provided funding to 5,300 local news sites via Journalism Emergency Relief Fund, ad-serving fee waivers and a $15 million campaign. However, publishers and particularly local news sites continue to close at unprecedented rates, depriving citizens of invaluable information resources. Some of the recent closures are due to the pandemic, but over the long term, Facebook and Google in particular have been taking ad revenue that used to go to local daily and weekly news services. Google didnt reveal other details about what form the new service will take, but promised well learn more about it in the coming months. A mother and her two young boys were 'critical' in hospital with severe burn injuries after their home was destroyed in a huge explosion. Nursery worker Jessica Williams, 31, her son Reuben, five and his two-year-old brother, Elliott, were found in the rubble of the demolished three-bedroom house. Friends said the boys were in so much pain they were 'put to sleep' before being airlifted to hospital. Nursery worker Jessica Williams, 31, her son Reuben, five and his two-year-old brother, Elliott, were found in the rubble of the demolished three-bedroom house in Neath, South Wales The terraced property was destroyed in a gas explosion yesterday afternoon Jessica Williams, pictured with her partner Mike David, right, was seriously injured when her home in South Wales was destroyed in an explosion Their children Reuben and Elliott were also rushed to hospital after yesterday's explosion The boys' father Mike David was in work when he heard there had been an explosion in the village of Seven Sisters, near Neath, South Wales. He rushed to the scene phoning Ms Williams on the way but was unable to get an answer. She was unconscious in the rubble but neighbours said she came around when she heard the phone ringing. Mr David was heard shouting: 'My girlfriend, my girlfriend' as he arrived at the house which was blown to bits in the explosion on Wednesday afternoon. Two local men bravely went into the wrecked property to get Reuben and his little brother to safety before returning for Ms Williams. Ms Williams was left seriuously injured in the suspected gas explosion at her home in Neath An air ambulance took the two boys to hospital for emergency treatment Neighbours claimed the roof was blown more than 40 feet into the air and the blast could be felt half a mile away Neighbours pulled the family from the rubble before the arrival of the fire brigade Neighbours said the roof of the family home was blown 40ft up in the air and the force of the blast was felt a quarter of a mile away. Anthony Parsons, 68, one of the first on the scene, said: 'It was absolute carnage, the whole front of the house was blasted out into the road. 'I ran down there and I could see two children, they were only tots. 'Their mother was in a terrible state, she had burns over her arms and chest, all down her front was burned.' Project manager Mr Parsons said Ms Williams had been knocked out cold by the huge blast. He said: 'I was told that she came around when she heard the phone ringing.' Care home cleaner Lauren Collins, 29, who works with the boys' grandfather said they were a lovely family and the whole village was praying for them. She said: 'They had to put the two boys to sleep before they were flown to hospital - it's just terrible. 'I was driving past when there was a massive boom I felt the vibration in my car.' Next door neighbour Susan Morgan, 73, who wasn't in at the time said: 'They are a lovely, lovely family. This is so sad for them but we are just glad they are alive.' Neighbouring homes and cars parked in the street were badly damaged by flying masonry, wood and glass. The local rugby club was opened up for families evacuated in the aftermath of the explosion at 2.05pm on Wednesday. The blast is believed to be from a gas leak and safety engineers from a utility company were on the scene. A South Wales Police spokeswoman said: 'We can confirm the three people injured in the incident, a 31-year-old woman and two boys aged five and two all remain in hospital and are in critical but stable conditions. 'The road remains closed and we continue to ask people to avoid the area. 'The cause of the explosion is under investigation.' An online fund for the family has been set up and 4,000 was raised in just a few hours. Compounding concerns about an effective security force is the diminished presence of U.S. military support. The United States has withdrawn thousands of troops in recent months as part of a peace deal with the Taliban. And worries early in the pandemic about the vulnerability of Afghanistans security forces to the virus caused U.S. troops to halt joint ground operations and restrict movement between Afghan and American bases, according to two Afghan officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. U.S. forces also suspended most in-person training, according to a quarterly inspector general report. India's amphibious transport vessel INS Jalashwa departed from Bandar Abbas port in Iran on Thursday, June 25 with 687 stranded Indian nationals heading for Tuticorin port in Tamil Nadu. As per reports, INS Jalashwa reached the Iran port on Wednesday. Earlier on June 11, INS Shardul had repatriated 233 Indians from Iran. As per the Indian Navy, the ship has been specially provisioned for the evacuation operation, including embarkation of additional medical staff, doctors, hygienists, nutritionists, medical stores, rations, personal protective equipment, face-masks, and other lifesaving gear. Along with it, proper social distancing guidelines are also being followed. The INS Shardul is also carrying authorised medical outfits, medical equipment specific to dealing with COVID-19 including innovative products developed by the Indian Navy. READ: Operation Samudra Setu: INS Shardul Commences Evacuation Of Indian Nationals From Iran Operation Samudra Setu The India Navy is carrying out Operation Samudra Setu as a part of the Vande Bharat Mission to rescue Indian citizens stranded abroad amid the COVID-19 pandemic. As a part of the evacuation process amid the pandemic induced lockdown, as many as 2,188 stranded Indian nationals have been evacuated from the Maldives so far with four rounds of the evacuation via sea. Taking to Twitter, the India High Commission in the Maldives shared a video of the achievements. READ: Samudra Setu: Almost 2200 Stranded Indian Nationals Evacuated From Maldives So Far During Round One, a total of 698 passengers were evacuated from the Maldives by INS Jalashwa on May 8. In the second round, as many as 202 Indian stranded nationals were evacuated by INS Magar on May 10. In round three, a total of 588 people were evacuated by INS Jalashwa on May 15, while during the fourth round, a total of 700 stranded Indians have been evacuated from the Maldives by INS Jalashwa on June 5. Earlier last month, the Indian Navy in an official statement had said that three Naval warships have sailed out to bring back Indian citizens from Maldives and United Arab Emirates (UAE). These warships include INS Jalashwa, INS Magar, and INS Shardul and these will return to Kochi. The INS Magar and INS Shardul are Southern Naval Command ships, while INS Jalashwa is from Eastern Naval Command. The Centre is also operating flights to repatriate stranded Indians from across the globe. READ: Op Samudra Setu Brings Home Nearly 700 Indians From Sri Lanka READ: Operation Samudra Setu: INS Jalashwa Arrives In Colombo To Bring Back Stranded Indians Image Credits: PTI A progressive police chief who steered reforms in the city of Richmond has offered to leave his current post as the top cop in Tucson, Arizona, following release of a video that showed a Latino man dying in police custody. Tucson Chief Chris Magnus presented the graphic video to reporters Wednesday morning. It was taken from body camera footage of police restraining 27-year-old Carlos Ingram Lopez, who was accused of domestic violence and disorderly conduct on April 21. Officers had held Lopez face down for 12 minutes until he went into cardiac arrest and died at the scene. The Pima County coroner later determined that Lopez had an extremely high level of cocaine in his system, as well as an underlying heart condition. However, they could not definitively reach a cause of death, Magnus said. An internal investigation found that the three officers involved in the incident violated multiple policies, though they did not strike Lopez, use chokeholds, or place a knee on Lopez neck, Magnus said. The Tucson Police Department is committed to full accountability and transparency, even when we are deeply troubled about how we handled a situation., Magnus said, offering sympathy and regrets to Lopez family. In the video, Lopez flees from officers and runs into his grandmothers garage, where they corner him and pin him down. He can be heard wailing, pleading and begging for water and saying he cant breathe. Eventually he starts gasping and calling for nana, his grandmother. An officer yells at him to calm the f down and shouts Tranquilo! in Spanish. Later, when Lopez is unresponsive, someone calls in the background to ask if he can see his son. A police officer tells him to go back inside the house. The Police Department did not immediately notify the public about Lopez death, and Magnus executive staff did not view the footage right away two mistakes that Magnus acknowledged Wednesday. He said he has put in place new policies requiring immediate public communication about any in-custody death, and mandating that at least two chiefs view the footage of such incidents within 48 hours. He then offered to step down, demonstrating his willingness to accept responsibility for two severe mistakes. As chief, I accept responsiblity for both these serious missteps, although I believe neither was the result of any sort of malevolence or deliberate attept to hide anything, Magnus said. He noted that in the context of a national awakening to police violence against people of color, any policy violations or lapses in judgment can further corrode trust in the police. Reached by text message Wednesday night, Magnus apologized that he couldnt comment further. He has asked the FBI to investigate the video, on top of reviews conducted by the Pima County District Attorney and his own department. Magnus has met with Lopez family and watched the video 18 times. Magnus established himself as a maverick when he held the top police job in Richmond for 10 years, a period in which a city known for gang violence saw a dramatic drop in crime. In 2014, the year before Magnus departed for Tucson, the city reported 11 homicides for the whole year its lowest number since 1971. 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. Though he endured some political tumult in the position, including a racial discrimination lawsuit that a jury tossed out in 2012, he also gained notoriety. Magnus is openly gay and married Terrance Cheung, the former chief of staff to Mayor Tom Butt. In one photo that went viral on Twitter, he held up a Black Lives Matter sign during a police brutality protest. Butt, who is grappling with calls to defund the police in his own city, seemed shaken by the incident on Wednesday. I have a lot of sympathy for Magnus, the mayor said. He did great things in Richmond. He got a lot of recognition for it. And frankly, the Police Department has continued to use a lot of the policies he set. He added that hopes Magnus does not have to resign. It wont make a better police department I can tell you that, Butt said. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment In the late 1960s, Sue Ellen Browder lost her reporting job at a small daily in Los Angeles because of her pregnancy. Stung by the unfairness, she decided to put her journalistic skills to work in advocating for equal rights. But her journalism quietly morphed into propaganda. Writing for legendary magazine publisher Helen Gurley Brown and Cosmopolitan, Browder soon discovered another, far deeper, revolution on the agendathe sexual revolution. And that revolution often undermined the very women it claimed to help. The feminist movement, Browder said in an interview in The Daily Signal, was fighting for equal opportunity for women in education and the workforce. The sexual revolution, meanwhile, was fighting for all sorts of sexual freedoms. Browder, who wrote the 2015 book, Subverted: How I Helped the Sexual Revolution Hijack the Womens Movement, said Brown didnt worry about such niceties as the truth when selling the sexual revolution to her readers. She gave Cosmo writers a list of instructions on how to fabricate fictitious authorities, cities, and even people to drive home the message of the sexual revolutiontouting the desirability of sex without marriage and access to abortion. The rules read in part: Unless you are a recognized authority on the subject, profound statements must be attributed to somebody appropriate, even if the writer has to invent the authority Try to locate some of the buildings, restaurants, nightclubs, parks, streets, as well as entire case histories in cities other than New York, even if you deliberately have to plant them elsewhere. Most writers live in New York, 92% of our readers do not. As Browder went along, the magazine spread its mores throughout the country and throughout the culture by pretending that they were much more widespread than they actually were. Eventually Browder did more than write the propaganda. She started to believe it. In 1974, the year after Roe, married and already with two children, Browder became pregnant. She and her husband decided that she would get an abortion. It was at the same hospital where she had given birth to her children. Later the trauma of that decision would haunt her. When you start betraying the truth, Browder said, it will come back to haunt you. It will get you in the end. And thats why even though I knew we were making up stories, I still got sucked in and thought abortion would be OK. Browder is far from the only woman who feels betrayed by the sexual revolution. The U.S. Supreme Court has just ruled, in Bostock v. Clayton County, that there can be no discrimination in employment, housing, and education based on sexual orientation and gender identity. While the details are yet to be worked out, it seems certain that the Courts earlier recognition of legalized abortion will look almost quaint by comparison. And the ruling probably makes the proposed Equality Act obsolete. Writing in The Wall Street Journal, Abigail Shrier, said, Any biological males who self-identify as females would, under the Equality Act, be legally entitled to enter womens restrooms, locker rooms and protective facilities such as battered-womens shelters. This would put women and girls at immediate physical risk. Its a frightening prospect for womenliberated or otherwise. This kind of nightmare scenario prompted J.K. Rowling to pen her lengthy recent essay on why she has been speaking out on sex and gender issues. Rowling raised questions about the LGBT movement based on science, sociology, and her experience as a sex-abuse survivor. She wrote: I want trans women to be safe. At the same time, I do not want to make natal girls and women less safe. When you throw open the doors of bathrooms and changing rooms to any man who believes or feels hes a woman and, as Ive said, gender confirmation certificates may now be granted without any need for surgery or hormones then you open the door to any and all men who wish to come inside. That is the simple truth. The response from the progressive Twitter-verse to the authors concern for the safety and dignity of biological women has been swift, brutal, and unrelenting. Rowling has been called misogynistic terms unsuitable for any publication, threatened with violence, and told her books should be burnedapparently its the progressives who are in favor of book-burning now! Nim Ralph, an activist for trans rights, told CNN that its devastating to see somebody as powerfuland have as wide a reach as J.K. Rowlingspend her time in the middle of a pandemic, in the middle of a global uprising for black lives, and in the middle of Pride month, write an essay with a lot of misinformation and transphobia. Rowling is unbowed by the attacks by this latest crop of sexual revolutionaries and their propaganda. Endlessly unpleasant as its constant targeting of me has been, she said in her essay, I refuse to bow down to a movement that I believe is doing demonstrable harm in seeking to erode woman as a political and biological class and offering cover to predators like few before it. I stand alongside the brave women and men, gay, straight and trans, whore standing up for freedom of speech and thought, and for the rights and safety of some of the most vulnerable in our society: young gay kids, fragile teenagers, and women whore reliant on and wish to retain their single sex spaces. Perhaps the original womens movement still has some signs of life. Sue Ellen Browder certainly hopes so. This piece was originally published at BreakPoint Australia's Reserve Bank has endorsed a warning that unless international climate policies are made drastically more ambitious, the disruption under the trajectory of climate change will cause global GDP to fall by 25 per cent by 2100. The Reserve Bank is one of 66 central banks including Japan, Britain and China growing increasingly alarmed at the financial crisis which will result from global warming of 3 degrees or more, unless significant steps are taken to avoid the most severe physical and economic impacts of climate change. Children play in the Krugloe Lake outside the Arctic town of Verkhoyansk, about 4660 kilometres north of Moscow where the temperature hit 38 degrees this week. Credit:AP "Climate change leads to financial risks and therefore remains a vital issue for central banks and supervisors to address," said Frank Elderson, a Netherlands central bank executive and director of the Network of Central Banks and Supervisors for Greening the Financial System. A network report issued on Wednesday modelled a range of scenarios which forecast the physical risks such as more frequent weather-related disasters as well as the "transition risks" which will affect the profitability of businesses and household wealth including regulatory changes and shifting consumer preferences in favour of green technologies. South Africa: Deputy President to brief Parliament on Eskom, drought efforts Deputy President David Mabuza will today brief Parliament on the work of the Political Task Team on Eskom and governments plan to ensure the long-term sustainability of the power utility, during an Oral Reply Session in the National Assembly. Parliament will conduct the session in a hybrid manner, with a small number of Members of Parliament present in the National Assembly and the rest on a virtual platform. According to the Presidency, Deputy President Mabuza, as chairperson of the Eskom Task Team, will update the nation through Parliament on Eskom's comprehensive turnaround programme, which will ensure that the utility develops and enhances its requisite institutional capabilities to meet the countrys energy needs. Also, as chair of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Land Reform and Agriculture, the Deputy President will speak on governments efforts to alleviate the negative impact posed by drought on farmers and the sustainability of the agricultural sector nationwide. The IMC is tasked with the responsibility to resolve blockages in the acceleration of land reform, as well as ensuring the effective coordination of integrated farmer support interventions to this sector. In his capacity as Chair of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC), Mabuza will also update Parliament on the She Conquers campaign for adolescent girls and young Women, which was born out of the vulnerabilities of adolescent girls and young women, experiencing violence and being at risk of contracting HIV. The interventions the Deputy President will elaborate on addresses the biomedical, socio-behavioural and structural factors that contribute to gender-based violence in South Africa. The oral reply session is scheduled to begin at 2pm. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. In a statement, the Justice Department called the decision an important victory for enforcement of the immigration laws, adding that it allows the Trump administration to continue to defend our borders, uphold the rule of law and keep Americans safe. The case concerned Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam, a member of Sri Lankas Tamil ethnic minority who was apprehended about 25 yards north of the Mexican border near San Ysidro, Calif. He sought asylum, saying he would face a credible fear of persecution if he were returned to Sri Lanka. His request was considered under expedited removal procedures called for by a 1996 law that streamlined asylum applications from people caught near the border and barred courts from reviewing most aspects of the determinations made under the procedures. Mr. Thuraissigiam, a farmer, told an asylum officer that he had been savagely beaten in Sri Lanka by men who had blindfolded and abducted him. He said he had spent 11 days in a hospital recovering from his injuries. Though their communication was imperfect, an asylum officer believed Mr. Thuraissigiam. But the officer rejected his request because Mr. Thuraissigiam could not identify the assailants or definitively establish their motives. An immigration judge affirmed that determination. Mr. Thuraissigiam filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus in federal court, noting that what had happened to him was consistent with documented instances of abuses directed against Tamils in Sri Lanka. A trial judge rejected the petition, saying it was barred by the 1996 law. But a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, in San Francisco, ruled the law unconstitutional, saying that it violated the Constitutions suspension clause. The clause says that the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it. Apple says it will start using the same chip technology it uses in its mobile devices to power the next generation of Mac computers. The new technology will replace Intel-based chips, which have been built into Mac machines for the past 15 years. Chips help power a computers processing system. One of the main materials used to make computer chips is silicon, a chemical element. In its announcement this week, the company said its first Mac to include the new Apple Silicon chips would be available by the end of 2020. The news came during Apples yearly conference for computer programmers and mobile app developers. This year, the conference was held online because of the coronavirus crisis. Apple chief Tim Cook told people watching the conference that the decision marked a historic new beginning for the Mac. Silicon is at the heart of our hardware, he said. Having a world-class silicon design team is a game changer. The company already uses Apple-designed chips in its iPhone and iPad devices. The same kind of chips are also used to power most smartphones in use throughout the world. Apple says the decision to move away from Intel chips is designed to make Mac computers faster and more efficient while requiring less power. Johny Srouji is Apples vice president for hardware technology. He explained the change to the conference. The first thing this will do is give the Mac a whole new level of performance, he said. Srouji said the company will draw on its experience designing the worlds most energy efficient chips that currently power Apples mobile devices. It all started with the iPhone, Srouji said. The iPhone demanded performance and capabilities that were seen as impossible in a device that small. The change will also establish a common architecture across all Apple products, the company said in a statement. That means the new Macs will be able to run apps that currently work only on iPhones or iPads. Apple promised that developers would be able to easily convert their existing apps to run on Apple Silicon. A company official said the majority of existing apps for the Intel-based machines should be able to be changed in just a few days. Apple said the new system should be in all Macs within two years. In a statement, Intel said it still planned to keep its relationship with Apple across several areas of business. Experts told the Reuters news agency this could include Intel continuing to supply Apple with data center chips to power its iCloud service. The new Apple chips are based on technology developed by Arm Holdings, a semiconductor and software design company owned by Japans Softbank Group. On the same day as Apples conference, a machine that uses Arm technology was named the worlds fastest supercomputer. The Fugaku supercomputer was developed by Japanese research organization RIKEN and Japans Fujitsu Ltd. The Fugaku system was at the top on the TOP500 list, a ranking that comes out two times a year of the worlds most powerful computers. Arm Holdings announced the latest list on Monday. Before that, the top-ranked supercomputer on the list was a machine based at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States. That system runs on chips designed by American technology company IBM. Chips from IBM and Intel were used in all other systems in the top 10, except for a system using a Chinese-designed chip from Chinas National Supercomputing Center in the city of Wuxi. One use of supercomputers by governments is to simulate nuclear explosions in weapons tests. They are also used to model climate systems and in biotechnology research. The Fugaku supercomputer will be used for such projects in Japan. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from The Associated Press, Reuters, Apple and online sources. Ashley Thompson was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. Quiz - Apple to Drop Intel and Use its own Chips in Mac Computers Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story chip n. a small piece of semiconducting material used to make parts that help power computer processors app n. a program for a smartphone or other device that performs a special function efficient adj. working well and not wasting time or energy capability n. the ability of power to do something draw on phrasal verb. to use information, knowledge or experience to help achieve something architecture n. a set of rules that form the structure and logical organization of a computer or computer-based system convert v. to change the appearance, for or purpose of something ranking n. a position in a list that shows things or people of importance simulate v. to recreate a process or situation police protest batons REUTERS/Lindsey Wasson Twitter has permanently banned DDoSecrets, a Wikileaks-style group that published a trove of sensitive police documents that were leaked by hackers. The leaks included hundreds of gigabytes of files that showed police departments exchanging information about George Floyd protesters. A Twitter spokesperson said DDoSecrets broke Twitter's policy against "distribution of hacked material." It's not clear why Twitter banned DDoSecrets but hasn't banned Wikileaks which similarly links to hacked files or any of the news outlets that linked to DDoSecrets' BlueLeaks page. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Twitter has permanently banned DDoSecrets, a Wikileaks-style publisher that linked to a trove of hacked police files dubbed "BlueLeaks" this week. The leaked files were not classified but were previously unpublished, and showed police departments and the FBI exchanging information about the names, appearances, and Twitter handles of George Floyd protesters. DDoSecrets did not carry out the hack that leaked the police files instead, similar to Wikileaks, the group merely hosts files that hackers pass along. Twitter permanently banned DDoSecrets Tuesday night and retroactively applied warning labels to tweets that link to the BlueLeaks database. The warning labels say the BlueLeaks database "may be unsafe," but a security check from web firm Sucuri found no malware on the site. A Twitter spokesperson told Business Insider that DDoSecrets was banned for violating Twitter's policy forbidding distribution of hacked materials. But it's unclear why DDoSecrets was banned for republishing hacked material while Wikileaks has been doing the same for years while retaining its Twitter account. Dozens of news outlets, including Business Insider, also published stories that included material from the BlueLeaks hacks. Twitter did not answer Business Insider's questions about what makes DDoSecrets' case different from those other outlets. Story continues DDoSecrets cofounder Emma Best criticized Twitter's decision Tuesday, calling it retribution against whistleblowers. DDoSecrets editor-in-chief Lorax B. Horne also drew attention to Twitter's uneven enforcement, listing more than two dozen news outlets that have published stories that include data from DDoSecrets. The BlueLeaks files were released after hackers targeted a Texas-based web service provider. The files were hosted by fusion centers, or state agencies that allow police departments to share information across jurisdictions. DDoSecrets said the files were submitted to them by hackers affiliated with Anonymous. Read the original article on Business Insider Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 07:03:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he probably would send some U.S. troops from Germany to Poland during his joint press conference with visiting Polish President Andrzej Duda. Duda, the first foreign leader to visit the United States since the coronavirus outbreak, said at the conference that there is a possibility of a further increase in American troops in his country. Such a move might further raise security concerns from Russia, which has repeatedly voiced opposition to NATO's military buildup near its border. "They (Poland) asked us if we would send additional troops ... and we will probably be moving them from Germany to Poland," said Trump, stressing that Poland would pay for it. Trump praised Poland's fulfillment of its so-called "monetary obligation" under NATO while criticizing Germany's "delinquency" on military spending. "We gotta be reducing our forces in Germany, some will be coming home, and some will be going to other places, but Poland would be one of the other places," he added. Trump also noted that he looks forward to signing a defense cooperation agreement with Poland. A senior administration official said Tuesday that they were working on the legal details of the agreement, and the U.S. Air Force plans to rotate an MQ-9 drone squadron into Poland and establish an aerial port there once the agreement is signed. Poland will hold its presidential election on Sunday, and the media widely reported that Duda was counting on the visit to give him a boost on his re-election campaign. Trump confirmed last week that his country would reduce the U.S. troop level in Germany to 25,000, which raised speculations that some of the troops could be relocated to Poland. In a Sunday piece on The Wall Street Journal, National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien noted that several thousand troops currently stationed in Germany might be reassigned to other countries in Europe. Washington and Warsaw have been strengthening their security and diplomatic ties. The two countries are on the same page on multiple regional issues such as Iran nuclear issue, alleged Russia's threat as well as the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. Poland, which joined NATO in 1999, has long sought the deployment of a permanent U.S. military force on its territory. The U.S. military has approximately 4,500 rotational troops in Poland. Enditem A new study finds the proportion of Canadian COVID-19 deaths that have occurred in long-term care facilities is about twice the average of rates from other developed countries. The analysis released Thursday by the Canadian Institute for Health Information provides a damning snapshot of senior care as of May 25, when long-term care residents made up 81 per cent of all reported COVID-19 deaths in the country compared to an average of 42 per cent among all countries studied. The data compares Canada's record to that of 16 other countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. The proportion of long-term care deaths ranged from less than 10 per cent in Slovenia and Hungary to 31 per cent in the United States to 66 per cent in Spain. At 5,324, the reported number of long-term care deaths in Canada was near the average but data varied widely among countries: from 28 in Australia to 30,000 in the U.S., with more than 10,000 in France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Researchers point to limitations that prevent some comparisons countries vary in COVID-19 testing and reporting practices, and in their definition of long-term care. Evan Mitsui/CBC In addition, COVID-19 cases are often under-reported and in the case of Italy, data was available from only 52 per cent of the nursing homes operating in the country. Nevertheless, Tracy Johnson, CIHI's director of health systems analysis and emerging issues, said the data offers valuable insight into a tragedy many families, caregivers and residents have been trying to illustrate since the pandemic began. Johnson said countries that implemented additional long-term care precautions at the same time as standard stay-at-home orders had fewer long-term care infections and deaths. Still dealing with existing infections That includes Australia, Austria and Slovenia, which ordered broad long-term care testing and training, isolation wards to manage clusters, surge staffing, specialized teams and personal protective equipment. Story continues Johnson said the findings suggest such measures could be key to mitigating the impact of a possible second wave. But for now, she notes several of Canada's hardest-hit facilities are still grappling with the devastating fallout of existing infections. "Even if all of these [measures are instituted], there will be other folks who will die because some people are infected right now, still, and the outbreaks are still ongoing," she said. "Some of the control measures though will probably help to at least keep the rates the same as they are." The contrast in long-term care deaths is even more stark between provinces and territories, says the report, which notes long-term care deaths represented more than 70 per cent of all COVID-19 deaths in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta and 97 per cent of all deaths in Nova Scotia. There were none in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and the territories at the time of the study. Two long-term care residents have since died in New Brunswick. Dr. Roger Wong, clinical professor of geriatric medicine at the University of British Columbia, said the numbers are "very concerning" and point to long-standing systemic problems that include inadequate staffing and resources and inconsistent standards. 'A major lesson' "There needs to be a fundamental reprioritization, focusing attention and resources, time and effort into the sector right away. Because I can tell you that what COVID-19 has shown us in terms of a major lesson is a fragmentation [of] seniors' care," Wong said from Vancouver. "Which means it makes it more difficult for all of us to support our older Canadians with equal and consistent access to the services that are necessary, based on their care needs at their age." Wong is part of a federal task force working on national recommendations on how best to help long-term care homes battle COVID-19. He said he recently spoke to a Senate standing committee on the topic, drawing on data from June 1 when reports oflong-term care deaths totalled 6,007, or 82 per cent of deaths. Wong encourages more specific training in geriatric and palliative care as well as psychiatry. And he suggests it's time to put provincially driven long-term care mandates under the Canada Health Act. "I see the federal government having its role in terms of setting the national standards and benchmarking so that expectations are set [and] no matter which province or territory our older Canadians are living in they can be protected in the same way under that framework," said Wong. "[For] individual provinces and territories, it is about implementation of those national, federally set benchmarks and standards." The CIHI analysis compared Canada to countries that had sufficient data for reporting: Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) The amount of land devoted to growing the plant used to make cocaine dropped in Colombia last year as the military embarked on a campaign to pull out thousands of the coca shrubs that have stood as a stubborn thorn in the nations history. Thats according to a new report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime released Wednesday that found the total area devoted to growing coca crops dropped 9% in 2019 to 154,000 hectares (380,500 acres). The news hailed by Colombias government was tempered by a less encouraging finding: Actual production of cocaine saw a slight uptick, reaching one of the highest levels seen in recent years despite record breaking drug seizures. The mixed findings in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic suggest short-term eradication efforts have made a mark but drug groups have simultaneously improved production and cultivation techniques. In several traditional hot spots coca cultivation declined, but production persists in conflictive border regions, natural reserves and other vulnerable areas without a strong institutional presence. Those enclaves explain why there is more cocaine, even though there are less hectares of coca, said Pierre Lapaque, the U.N. drug agency's Colombia representative. And they are the reason for the violence and insecurity in those territories. In recent years Colombia had seen a surge in coca production, putting a strain on traditionally close relations with the United States and challenging the countrys ability to bring peace to rural areas where violent illegal armed groups still control territory despite a 2016 accord ending conflict with the nations largest rebel army. A White House report earlier this year said coca cultivation in Colombia had remained at record high levels in 2019. That study relied more heavily on data collected earlier in the year, meaning it might not have fully accounted for the flurry of eradication that took place in later months. Story continues The pandemic may throw yet another wrench in Colombias quest to root out coca. Though soldiers have continued manually eradicating, there has been a delay in the expected resumption this year of aerial spraying seen as a critical component of the nations counter-narcotics strategy. Environmental consultations with affected communities many of them in remote areas have ground to a halt. The Trump administration has been pressuring Colombia to restart aerial spraying, which was banned in 2015 over health and environmental concerns. If you dont spray, youre not gonna get rid of them, Trump said earlier this year. The U.N. findings showing a decline in coca cultivation even without the use of aerial spraying suggests progress can be made without it, several analysts said. When launched, the new program is expected to be smaller and more targeted. This does take off some of the urgency to start aerially fumigating, said Adam Isacson, a Colombia expert at the Washington Office on Latin America. Colombias historic peace process has fueled a parallel debate over how best to get rid of the nations title as the worlds biggest cocaine producer. The 300-page agreement calls for improving life in the long-neglected countryside and encouraging peasants to substitute alternatives like cacao for their coca crops. President Ivan Duque, who ran on a campaign promising to reform parts of the agreement, has made limited progress in those areas. Of the 101,000 hectares of coca eradicated last year, only about 7,000 were through voluntary substitution. No new families were added to the program, which has nearly 100,000 enrolled. Data shows that just 0.4% went back to planting coca after removing their illicit crops. Juan Carlos Garzon, a drug policy expert at Colombias Ideas for Peace Foundation, said that while families are getting financial support, there are few alternative production projects to help their transition be sustainable long term. Eradicating is a short-term solution, he said. The question is what to do long term. Overall, there was three times as much coca in Colombia last year as in 2013, the year with the lowest figures on record. At least 124,600 households had some involvement in coca production, the U.N. report estimates. The pandemic appears to be having some impact on how drug trafficking is taking place. Illegal groups are believed to have exported large quantities toward the U.S. and Europe before strict lockdowns went into effect, cutting off some air and land routes. The gangs now appear to be relying more heavily on marine transit. Some reports suggest that the price of coca has dropped and that traffickers are also buying less, relying more on exporting cocaine stored before the pandemic. They are very good at adapting, Garzon said. They try to maintain the flow. The report came on the same day that six soldiers were killed in an ambush by dissidents from the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia in Meta, an area where rebels and drug trafficking have persisted. They died confronting drug trafficking, protecting our forests, Duque said. The reduction were seeing today is the work of these heroes. Liverpool, June 25 : Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has expressed his happiness after the team took another big step towards winning the Premier League title on Wednesday night by recording a comprehensive victory over Crystal Palace. Goals from Trent-Alexander Arnold, Salah, Fabinho and Sadio Mane helped 'The Reds' to a 4-0 win and they are now within touching distance of winning their first league title in 30 years. "I feel great," Salah told Sky Sports. "Since I came here I said I want to win the Premier League with the team. The city didn't win it for a long time, so it was the right time. "Maybe last year we had a chance to win it but Man City also performed really good and they deserved to win it. It's our time to win it and it's great." Liverpool last won the English top-flight title in 1990 and have never won the Premier League trophy as it came into existence in 1992. If Manchester City fail to win their match against Chelsea on Thursday then Liverpool will be crowned champions as they currently hold a 23 point advantage over the defending champions. Liverpool have accumulated 86 points from 31 matches while City have 63 points in 30 matches. Even a draw for Pep Guardiola's troops against Chelsea will mean they cannot mathematically catch-up with Liverpool this term. If they do go on to win the title, it will be Liverpool's 19th in the top-flight and they will be just one shy of Manchester United, who have 20 league titles to their name. Volkswagen Group South Africa (VWSA) handed over the first phase of its Covid-19 temporary medical facility to the Eastern Cape Department of Health on 23 June, just seven weeks after announcing that it would convert one of its factories to a medical facility. Image Supplied VWSA announced on 5 May that they would make their former Port Elizabeth plant situated in Neave available as an overflow facility to provide care for those diagnosed with Covid-19. With funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), VWSA has since completed the first phase of equipping this facility, which can now accommodate 1,485 patients including high-acuity patients who require oxygenation.Once the second and third phases are complete, in accordance with the Department of Health's standard operating procedures for field hospitals, the facility could accommodate more than 3,300 beds for patients.The conversion of this 66,000mbuilding is the result of a collaboration between VWSA, the Eastern Cape Department of Health, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber. BMZ provided funding of 5.2m (R100m).A performance framework for the project was developed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The Business Chamber assisted in facilitating the project, while the Department of Health will be responsible for running the facility, with support from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.Aside from managing the process of equipping the facility, VWSA contributed 1.3m (R25m) for the facility as well as the procurement of protective gear for staff at regional tertiary hospitals, regional primary care clinics and Covid-19 test centres.Of the funding, 600,000 (R11m) will also be used in support of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) branch in Port Elizabeth, which is responsible for the majority of Covid-19 testing in the metro."We have learned that collaboration is key when facing an unprecedented threat such as Covid-19," says Thomas Schaefer, chairman and managing director of VWSA."This pandemic requires us to act decisively and with speed. VWSA has answered this call by completing and delivering phase 1 of the medical facility at the time when it is desperately needed by our metro which is currently experiencing an alarming increase of infections. We are honoured to be able to provide this facility so our communities can receive the care they need during this difficult period of our lifetime.The Premier of the Eastern Cape, Lubabalo Mabuyane, revealed that the hospital will be named the Rev. Dr Elizabeth Mamisa Chabula-Nxiweni Field Hospital. This name was chosen in honour of Rev. Dr Chabula-Nxiweni, a retired Port Elizabeth doctor and vocal advocate for safe circumcision during initiation ceremonies. Dr Chabula-Nxiweni is also a Presbyterian minister, a former Nelson Mandela Bay Municipal health chief and a pioneer in caring for young initiates who have suffered as a result of unsafe circumcision practices.Mabuyane said the provincial government would provide healthcare workers to work at the new field hospital and its pharmacy. "The German government and VWSA have shown their good hearts in answering this call for international solidarity. This investment in human beings came at the right time. It's a very progressive way of ploughing back into the community where you are doing business.Dr Gerd Muller, the German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, commented: "This contribution is part of our global Emergency Covid-19 Support Programme to help expand health infrastructure in developing countries, ensure food security and stabilise crisis and refugee regions. This support is needed because the coronavirus has not only caused a global health crisis; it has also led to a dramatic food and economic crisis. We all must realise that we either beat Covid-19 worldwide or not at all." U.S. President Donald Trump looked to turn nationwide protests against racism and policy brutality to his advantage at a campaign rally in Arizona. UN Chief: 'Watershed Moment' for Israelis, Palestinians By Margaret Besheer June 24, 2020 U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Wednesday that the Israeli-Palestinian situation is facing a "watershed moment" over Israel's annexation plans. "If implemented, annexation would constitute a most serious violation of international law, grievously harm the prospect of a two-state solution and undercut the possibilities of a renewal of negotiations," the U.N. chief told a meeting of the Security Council. "I call on the Israeli government to abandon its annexation plans." Israel's new coalition government, sworn in one month ago and led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, says it plans to start annexing as early as next Wednesday about 30% of the West Bank, as laid out in the Trump administration's peace plan, including Israeli settlements and areas populated mainly by Palestinians. The government's plan does not have the full support of the Israeli public. Guterres reaffirmed that a lasting resolution to the decades-old conflict must be in line with international law, relevant U.N. resolutions and bilateral agreements. "I will continue to consistently speak out against any unilateral steps that would undermine peace and the chances for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through meaningful negotiations," he said. Guterres spoke at the monthly discussion on the conflict in the Security Council, which was held in a virtual format, due to the suspension of in-person meetings at the U.N. complex in New York because of COVID-19. The Secretary General of the League of Arab States also joined Guterres's call for a halt to annexation. "If implemented, Israeli annexation plans would not only be detrimental to the chances of peace today but will destroy any prospects for peace in the future," Ahmed Aboul Gheit said. He also warned that annexation has the dangerous potential to ignite a religious war in and beyond the Middle East. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riad al-Malki said that Israel is testing the resolve of the international community. "Israel needs to know that annexation will have immediate and tangible repercussions," al-Malki told the council. "That is why we have called on the international community to adopt effective measures, including sanctions, to deter annexation and all other unlawful policies that have prepared the ground for it." Israel's U.N. ambassador said he expects the international community to make it clear to the Palestinians that refusal to engage will not advance their interests. He was also adamant that his government has the right to annex parts of the West Bank. "Should Israel decide to extend its sovereignty, it will be doing so with respect to areas over which it has always maintained a legitimate historical and legal claim," Danny Danon said. Ministers and ambassadors from the council's 15-member nations expressed nearly unanimous concern that annexation could irreversibly undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. "It would be a serious breach of international law in flagrant violation of the principle of non-acquisition of territory by force enshrined in the (U.N.) Charter," said France's envoy Nicolas de Riviere. "Any annexation of territory in the West Bank, regardless of its perimeter, would also irreversibly undermine the peace process and the two-state solution." It could also have consequences for Israel's relations with other nations. "Annexation could not go unanswered, and we implore Israel to reconsider," said James Cleverly, Britain's Minister for the Middle East and North Africa. "The formal Annexation is an open challenge to the Security Council," Indonesia's Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, said. "Why should the Council wait for the annexation to happen in order to assume its function?" In December 2016 under the Obama administration, the United States abstained in a vote allowing the Security Council to adopt resolution 2334, which declared that Israeli settlements violate international law and are a major obstacle to a two-state solution. The resolution also called on Israel to cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. On Wednesday, the United States neither expressed direct support or reservations about Israel's annexation plans. "I understand that many of you have concerns with this issue of the potential extension of Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank," U.S. Ambassador Kelly Craft said. "At the same time, we ask that you also hold the Palestinian leadership accountable for acts they are responsible for." She urged the Palestinian leadership "to pursue the prosperity of their people" and emphasized that the U.S. peace proposal is "the beginning of a conversation, not the end of one." There have been talks at the White House this week with Israeli officials on whether annexation should go ahead on July 1. Although it is envisioned in the Trump proposal unveiled in January, some on the U.S. side are reportedly concerned that if Israel moves too quickly, it could ruin any prospect of the Palestinians engaging on the overall plan. The Palestinian leadership has already dismissed the plan, sometimes referred to as The Deal of the Century. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The crisis rocking the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) took a different turn on Thursday as men of the Nigerian police sealed off the national Secretariat of the party for the second time withing one week and also chased out staffs from the office complex. This is coming few hours to the commencement of the virtual NEC meeting of the party, convened by Victor Giadom. The meeting which is expected to commence by 12 noon is expected to have president Muhammadu Buhari in attendance. Read Also: APC Crisis: Governors Present Position To Buhari Advertisement Gaidom, a sacked member of the APC currently enjoys the backing of Buhari. The first lieutenant governor of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Girish Chandra Murmu, spoke to Hindustan Times about opening up the political space for parties, setting up the delimitation commission, and holding elections, among other issues. Edited excerpts: It will soon be a year since the nullification of Article 370. When will political activity be revived in J&K? When will remaining political prisoners, particularly PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, be released? Presidents Rule is a temporary provision. The Election Commission (EC) has announced members to the delimitation commission, and political parties are conducting outreach programmes -- so, the political process is there. We wanted to have local body elections in February and March but Covid-19 played spoilsport. The EC is the competent authority to take a call on delimitation. Except Covid, I dont see any problem in holding elections. There is a mechanism to review detentions. Most detainees have been released. Beyond a certain period, you cant detain politicians. Where do politicians such as former chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti figure in the new political landscape? India is a secular, socialist, democratic republic where people choose their leaders. So everyone has a role to play. Any old or new party has an equal right to elect and be elected. There is nothing like a new political landscape. Revoking the temporary provision (Article 370) was a historic decision. It has opened up more opportunities for people to participate and be masters of their destiny. How do you see the place of the Apni Party, led by Syed Altaf Bukhari, going forward? There was talk of an advisory council. There can be a new or old party, or a combination. They have their own opportunities and challenges, but they have been leaders. People will decide. Im not aware of an advisory council. Under Presidents Rule, the power rests with the governor or LG who takes advice from professionals. In J&K, we have four advisers. I dont think that kind of arrangement (advisory council) exists anywhere. Maybe it was rumour. The killing of Congress sarpanch Ajay Pandita and abduction of a woman sarpanch have reignited fears among Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley. How do you see the security scenario in the Valley? There are forces from outside and within aiding and abetting such activities but our security forces are taking on the challenges and have succeeded to a great extent. We are trying developmental programmes for participatory management and growth. I see it as a phenomenon that was there earlier too, and occasionally returns in the form of desperate attempts [to disrupt peace]. Are you planning some security cover for over 25,000 sarpanches and panches? They are the only elected representatives in J&K, and the most vulnerable. We want to secure the entire UT and its people. Of course, there is a provision to provide security to vulnerable representatives, depending upon the threat perception, but my intention is to give a general sense of well-being. We have an area domination mechanism in place but yes in rare cases, security cover can be thought of. There are reports of psychological warfare and use of IT platforms to radicalise Kashmiri youth. What is being done to wean them away? Its been going on for the past many years in a bid to destabilise us, but our security forces have been able to contain terrorism. The key is in all-round development. Let there be growth and employment so that everyone, particularly youngsters, gets an opportunity to progress. What are the specific plans to tide over rising unemployment? Unemployment is a global phenomenon, and post-Covid, most nations have suffered. J&K could not build infrastructure earlier and create job opportunities... If things get normal, the global investors summit will be held in October. Will Amarnath Yatra be held this year? What about the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage? Lets see how things evolve due to the pandemic but pooja will take place at Amarnath. We will take a decision ...on the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON She was swift to defend her Riverdale co-stars this week when they were 'falsely accused' of sexual misconduct. And on Wednesday, Camila Mendes appeared to be deep in conversation on her phone as she grabbed some coffee to go near her LA home. The actress, 25, looked cool on the summery day in a sleeveless black dress with buttons down the front. Errands: Riverdale actress Camila Mendes, 25, appeared to be deep in conversation on her phone as she grabbed some coffee to go near her LA home on Wednesday She paired the figure-hugging frock with pair of white slides and wore a blue patterned mask around her neck as she took her call. Camila left her long dark hair loose and carried a purse over one shoulder. On Tuesday, she voiced her support of her Riverdale castmates for the second time in two days during an appearance on SiriusXM's Jess Cagle Show. Cole Sprouse, Lili Reinhart, Vanessa Morgan and KJ Apa were accused of sexual misconduct by anonymous Twitter accounts and all four have vehemently denied the allegations which they have called 'false'. 'It's so insane to me that somebody would do such a thing, to prove a point, it feels so trivial,' Camila told Cagle. 'To damage not only the integrity of the Me Too movement, but also potentially damage the careers of these people and their lives in order to make a point about how easily people believe things, its so backwards to me,' she added. 'I feel for my cast mates who had to deal with that.' Casual style: Camila looked cool on the summery day in a sleeveless black dress with buttons down the front which she paired with white slides Earlier in the week, on Monday, Camila had posted a statement to her Instagram refuting the allegations against her friends and co-stars. 'It's incredibly destructive to falsely accuse people of sexual assault,' she stated. 'It's sickening and doesn't prove anything except that there are twisted people in this world who have no concern for the consequences of their harmful actions.' Both Cole and Lili say they are considering legal action after the series to tweets were posted on Sunday. They both put out statements via social media to condemn the 'baseless' claims. Statement: Earlier this week, Camila spoke up in support of her co-stars Cole Sprouse, pictured left, and Lili Reinhart, right, after they denied sexual misconduct allegations made against them anonymously on Twitter on Sunday Supportive: On Monday, Camila had posted a statement to her Instagram, stating: 'It's incredibly destructive to falsely accuse people of sexual assault' Cole, 27, shared on Sunday: 'Earlier today myself and three other cast mates were falsely accused of sexual offense by anonymous accounts on twitter. I take these accusations very seriously, and will be working with the right teams to get to the root of it.' He added: 'False accusations do tremendous damage to victims of actual assault. Furthermore, I would never silence anybody. I encourage that people look into the accusations themselves, as the events detailed were factually untrue.' Lili, 23, retweeted Cole's remarks and added her own, saying: 'We are looking into taking legal action. This kind of sick behavior only harms true survivors. This was incredibly triggering for me and scary because I've always supported survivors and believed them.' 'This kind of lie can ruin lives and careers - and I can call it a lie because the person who made the allegations already admitted that the stories were fabricated.' Jacob Rees-Mogg has suggested the weather is to blame for the UKs sky-high death toll from coronavirus, in the latest extraordinary explanation given. The Commons leader also pointed to the practices of individual cultures and societies although he did not expand on the thesis. The reasoning comes after a different government minister drew criticism for claiming the UK was particularly vulnerable as a global travel hub. Most experts have pointed to Boris Johnsons reluctance to lock down society until late March after an explosion of Covid-19 infections as the key reason for more than 50,000 deaths. But, facing questions about that shocking record in the Commons, Mr Rees-Mogg said: A wide range of factors have affected death rates in different countries. Even things as simple as the weather may have influenced how the virus has spread, and so may the practices of individual cultures and societies. I think, therefore, that these headline comparisons are not necessarily enormously illuminative. The number of UK fatalities passed 50,000 at the start of the month, the third highest behind only the US and Brazil in a grim table, although international counting methods do vary. The prime minister is still refusing to hold an independent inquiry into his handling of the pandemic, despite pleas from medical experts as well as politicians. If held, it is also likely to focus on the decision not to shut borders to travellers from hotspots such as Spain, France and Italy, which had high infection rates weeks earlier. The now-notorious failures to stockpile testing kits and personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as the discharging of 25,000 untested hospital patients into care homes would also be explored. In the Commons, Mr Rees-Mogg gave his response after Labour MP Richard Burgon demanded a debate on comparisons with other countries handling of coronavirus so that we can learn from best practices. Nothing highlights the deep failings in the governments response to coronavirus like our shockingly high deaths per million rate, in comparison with that of many other countries, Mr Burgon said. We are very near the top of the deaths per million table, and that is a national scandal. Our deaths per million rate is six times higher than that in Germany, 100 times higher than that in South Korea and 150 times higher than that in Australia and New Zealand. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange sought to recruit hackers at conferences in Europe and Asia to provide his anti-secrecy website with classified information and conspired with members of hacking organizations to obtain government secrets, according to a new Justice Department indictment announced Wednesday. The superseding indictment does not contain additional charges beyond the 18 counts the Justice Department unsealed last year. But prosecutors say it underscores Assange's efforts to procure and release classified information, allegations that form the basis of criminal charges he already faces. Beyond recruiting hackers at conference, the indictment accuses Assange of conspiring with the leader of LulzSec, a hacking group, and asking to be provided with documents and databases. Prosecutors say Assange also published on WikiLeaks emails from a data breach of an American intelligence community consulting company by a hacker affiliated with LulzSec and Anonymous, another hacking group. Assange's lawyer, Barry Pollack, said in a statement that the governments relentless pursuit of Julian Assange poses a grave threat to journalists everywhere and to the publics right to know. While todays superseding indictment is yet another chapter in the U.S. Governments effort to persuade the public that its pursuit of Julian Assange is based on something other than his publication of newsworthy truthful information, he added, the indictment continues to charge him with violating the Espionage Act based on WikiLeaks publications exposing war crimes committed by the U.S. Government. Assange was arrested last year after being evicted from the Ecuadorian Embassy in London and is at the center of an ongoing extradition tussle over whether he should be sent to the United States. The Justice Department has already charged him with conspiring with former U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in one of the largest compromises of classified information in U.S. history. Prosecutors say the WikiLeaks founder damaged national security by publishing hundreds of thousands of classified documents, including diplomatic cables and military files on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, that harmed the U.S. and its allies and aided its adversaries. Assange maintains he was acting as a journalist entitled to First Amendment protection. His lawyers have argued the U.S. charges of espionage and computer misuse were politically motivated and an abuse of power. Assange generated substantial attention during the 2016 presidential election, and in investigations that followed, after WikiLeaks published stolen Democratic emails that U.S. authorities say were hacked by Russian military intelligence officials. An investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller revealed how Trump campaign associates eagerly anticipated the email disclosures, and one Trump ally, Roger Stone, was found guilty last year of lying about his efforts to gain inside information about the emails. Assange, however, was never charged in Mueller's Russia investigation. The allegations in the new indictment center on conferences as far back as 2009, in locations including the Netherlands and Malaysia, at which prosecutors say he and a WikiLeaks associate sought to recruit hackers who could locate classified information, including material on a Most Wanted Leaks list posted on WikiLeaks' website. According to the new indictment, he told would-be recruits that unless they were a member of the U.S. military, they faced no legal liability for their actions. At one conference in Malaysia, called the Hack in the Box Security Conference, Assange told the audience, I was a famous teenage hacker in Australia, and I've been reading generals' emails since I was 17. CAMPBELL, Calif., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Since 2014, LUXIE has inspired makeup lovers around the world with their high-performing, cruelty-free cosmetic tools while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental and community values. One of the first to engineer an entirely vegan, hypoallergenic makeup brush, the company's ultra-soft, synthetic bristles rival the top-tier animal hair varieties. This summer, show a flawless face to the post-lockdown world with two brand new signature sets that combine beautiful design with powerful functionality to create this summer's fresh looks. Radiant Set Bronze and Glow Set The LUXIE story began with a search for a high-performing makeup brush that could provide a variety of techniques without irritating skin or harming animals. "We were vegan and cruelty-free before it was cool," explains LUXIE CEO Conor Riley. "We believe in these values and we stick to them, without compromising quality, design and function." Using materials sourced from around the world, the forward-thinking beauty brand developed hypoallergenic, synthetic brushes that have outperformed other top-rated animal hair versions. Today, LUXIE has grown from an indie brand to a global phenomenon, beloved by a fast-growing list of both celebrities and influencers. The company's fan-favorite collection of premium, allergen-free beauty tools are available in 160 countries and through top US retailers like Anthropologie, Macy's, Nordstrom, and Revolve. Its latest releases (launching July 1) include a 6-piece Bronze and Glow set ($75) - ideal for creating this season's "no makeup" makeup look - and a 6-piece Radiant set ($75) perfect for a day-to-night transition and that must-have dewy glow. With a strong commitment to giving back, LUXIE is proud to be philanthropic in any way they can. They partner with the World Wildlife Fund, helping to raise financial support for wildlife preservation, and they proudly promote equality donating to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Campaign Zero, ACLU, Reclaim the Block, and Grassroots Law Project. LUXIE also believes that "when you look good, you feel good," and seeks to empower women by regularly donating products to the San Jose Women's Shelter, along with volunteering time at the area's Second Harvest Food Bank. Learn more about LUXIE and discover the all-new Bronze and Glow and Radiant beauty tool kits, along with their best-selling 8-piece and 12-piece Complete Face Sets or 15-piece Dreamcatcher set, at LuxieBeauty.com . Follow us on Instagram @LuxieBeauty for the latest beauty tutorials and product releases, plus top lifestyle and beauty inspo. About LUXIE: Since 2014, LUXIE has grown from an indie brand to a global phenomenon beloved by top US influencers and beauty lovers alike. Sourcing the best components from around the world, the female-founded company developed one of the first high-performing, cruelty-free, and 100% vegan makeup brushes. Today, their complete collection features a wide array of multi-use beauty tools that combine sleek design with problem-solving functionality, including signature brushes made with premium soft, synthetic bristles. Headquartered in San Jose, California, LUXIE is available in retail stores across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Led by CEO Conor Riley and Chairman of the Board Claudia Poccia - known for her work with Shiseido, Bare Escentuals, Stila, and Laura Mercier - the LUXIE team is constantly innovating in a non-stop effort to deliver flawless perfection. They strive to partner with exceptional retailers, influencers, and industry leaders who share their core environmental and community values, along with an authentic passion for next-generation beauty products. Learn more at LuxieBeauty.com and follow on Instagram @LuxieBeauty. Contact: Krista Bartzi 9255860355 [email protected] SOURCE LUXIE Beauty Related Links http://www.luxiebeauty.com Trump says "probably" sending U.S. troops from Germany to Poland WASHINGTON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he probably would send some U.S. troops from Germany to Poland during his joint press conference with visiting Polish President Andrzej Duda. Duda, the first foreign leader to visit the United States since the coronavirus outbreak, said at the conference that there is a possibility of a further increase in American troops in his country. Such a move might further raise security concerns from Russia, which has repeatedly voiced opposition to NATO's military buildup near its border. "They (Poland) asked us if we would send additional troops ... and we will probably be moving them from Germany to Poland," said Trump, stressing that Poland would pay for it. Trump praised Poland's fulfillment of its so-called "monetary obligation" under NATO while criticizing Germany's "delinquency" on military spending. "We gotta be reducing our forces in Germany, some will be coming home, and some will be going to other places, but Poland would be one of the other places," he added. Trump also noted that he looks forward to signing a defense cooperation agreement with Poland. A senior administration official said Tuesday that they were working on the legal details of the agreement, and the U.S. Air Force plans to rotate an MQ-9 drone squadron into Poland and establish an aerial port there once the agreement is signed. Poland will hold its presidential election on Sunday, and the media widely reported that Duda was counting on the visit to give him a boost on his re-election campaign. Trump confirmed last week that his country would reduce the U.S. troop level in Germany to 25,000, which raised speculations that some of the troops could be relocated to Poland. In a Sunday piece on The Wall Street Journal, National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien noted that several thousand troops currently stationed in Germany might be reassigned to other countries in Europe. Washington and Warsaw have been strengthening their security and diplomatic ties. The two countries are on the same page on multiple regional issues such as Iran nuclear issue, alleged Russia's threat as well as the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. Poland, which joined NATO in 1999, has long sought the deployment of a permanent U.S. military force on its territory. The U.S. military has approximately 4,500 rotational troops in Poland. A major union that represents thousands of workers at grocery stores, meatpacking plants and nursing homes said government officials and companies must require masks in public places to control the spread of the coronavirus as Texas, Florida and other states become the new hotspots. Marc Perrone, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, said the pandemic hasn't ended and neither have health risks for workers. In fact, he said, in many states, their odds of getting sick are rising along with coronavirus cases. "Contrary to some of what employers and I think even some of our government leaders want us to believe, Covid-19 still is very real," he said on a call with reporters. This week, the U.S. set a record for the number of new coronavirus cases in a single day, with 45,557 diagnoses reported Wednesday, according to a tally by NBC News. Throughout the pandemic, the union has pushed employers to expand workers' access to testing and protective gear, saying that without them the public is at risk, too. It has also urged hazard pay for its members and for essential workers at non-unionized companies like Walmart and Amazon. Kroger, Walmart, Amazon and others have temporarily increased pay and offered bonuses during the pandemic, but that extra pay has ended or is winding down. Kroger ended its $2 an hourly temporary pay increase in mid-May, and facing backlash, paid a bonus of $400 to full-time employees and $200 to part-time employees. Walmart has given two rounds of special bonuses, including $300 for full-time hourly employees and $150 for part-time that was paid out Thursday. The retailer will end its $2 an hour pay increase for e-commerce fulfillment centers July 3. Amazon's $2 an hour increase ended May 31. On Thursday, the union called on employers to pay essential workers at least $15 an hour and reinstate "hazard pay" in all states where cases are rising. Target announced last week that it will raise its minimum hourly wage from $13 to $15, starting July 5. It had planned to raise its wages to $15 by the end of this year, but accelerated its timetable because of the pandemic. A temporarily increase of $2 an hour put in place during the outbreak was set to expire July 4. The union also urged the creation of a national public registry where employers with more than 1,000 workers must disclose the number of people that have gotten sick or died from Covid-19 every month. "The human cost of this terrible pandemic can't be ignored, nor should it be hidden," Perrone said. The union said 238 of its members have died from Covid-19, including over 196 of its members in food retail, meatpacking and health care. Over 29,000 members in those sectors have been impacted or exposed to the coronavirus. Yet he said that total does not include people at non-union employers, including Walmart and Amazon. Perrone said government officials must require companies to enforce the use of masks in public places. "If our national airlines can do this, there is no excuse why retailers like Kroger and Walmart can't do the same," Perrone said, adding that grocery workers are exposed to more people than airline employees. On the call, a nursing home worker, grocer employee and a meatpacking plant worker spoke about their worries as they go to work each day and pleaded with Americans to wear a mask. Linda Robinson, a nursing assistant at Brandywyne Health Care Center in Winter Haven, Florida, said 13 of the nursing home's staff members have gotten sick. She and her coworkers wear masks, face shields, gloves and gowns each day to protect the nursing home's vulnerable population. She said they provide emotional support for residents who are afraid and can't see their families. She asked people to think of their own grandparents and their children. "If wearing a mask can save one life, why shouldn't one do it?" she said. "Think of the elderly Americans who sacrificed so much for us. Is it really so much to ask that we wear a mask to protect the greatest generation that gave us so much?" New York, June 25 : A video has gone viral showing a man in New York walking up to an ambulance to get help following a stabbing incident with a knife stuck on his head, a media report said. According to police, the 36-year-old man was stabbed in the torso and head with ah kitchen knife on Tuesday morning near 120 West 125th Street in Harlem, the Daily Mail report said on Wednesday. He was defending a 34-year-old woman who was slashed in the cheek after four unidentified males and a female snatched her purse. In the viral video, the man is seen wearing a white vest covered in blood that appears to be dripping down his neck and onto his jeans. A piece of fabric is tied around his right arm and both of his hands are covered in bright red blood. The victim grimaces as a crowd gathers around to film him. The incision did not penetrate his skull, said the Daily Mail report. An amateur videographer who circulated one of the videos on social media is heard saying "he got stabbed" and that "it's crazy out here". He was taken to a hospital in Harlem. Both victims were in stable, non life-threatening condition. The governor of Texas hit the brakes on reopening his state Thursday as hospitals were inundated with an explosion of COVID-19 cases and officials reported 47 more deaths and nearly 6,000 infections a grim new daily record. The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses," Gov. Greg Abbott said in a statement. "This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business." Abbott urged "all Texans to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, washing their hands regularly and socially distancing from others." "The more that we all follow these guidelines, the safer our state will be and the more we can open up Texas for business, he said. The surprise statement from Abbott came before the announcement that the state had recorded 5,996 new coronavirus cases and the most daily deaths since May 20, when 50 deaths were reported. Earlier, Abbott issued an executive order designed to free up more beds in the states four biggest counties by postponing all surgeries and procedures that are not immediately medically necessary. Not long after that, Texas Medical Center in Houston reported all its ICU beds were now occupied. Texas now reporting 12,600 hospital beds and 1,300 ICU beds avail. @GregAbbott_TX today suspended elective procedures in 4 largest counties to preserve bed space. Hospitals in Houston said today they are still in position to handle the surge Jim Vertuno (@JimVertuno) June 25, 2020 But the dire news was not just limited to Texas as the U.S. saw a record number of new coronavirus cases in a single day, with 45,557 reported Wednesday, according to a tally by NBC News. Also, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned the true number of Americans who have been infected could top 20 million. Story continues Southern and Western states like Arizona and Florida that began aggressively reopening around Memorial Day are now seeing staggering spikes that make clear the deadly virus is showing no sign of going away, as President Donald Trump has repeatedly predicted. Overnight, Florida added 5,004 new COVID-19 cases and the states death toll climbed to 3,327. Arizona reported 3,056 new cases and 27 additional deaths Thursday. Image: (Eric Gay / AP) California, which was among the first to put into place a statewide lockdown, has also been reporting record numbers of new cases, many of them young people. And there was no evidence yet that the Black Lives Matter protests that swept the nation after the police killing of George Floyd were fueling the sudden rise. "It's important for the American people to know that this is a localized situation," Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said on Fox News earlier Thursday. He also repeated the White House's assertion "that some of it clearly has to do with increased testing." Trump later amplified on the testing claim in yet another Tweet, even though most health experts say more testing is not the sole reason for the spike in cases. The number of ChinaVirus cases goes up, because of GREAT TESTING, while the number of deaths (mortality rate), goes way down. The Fake News doesnt like telling you that! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 25, 2020 But former federal Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb said this crisis was bound to happen. We reopened against the backdrop of a lot of persistent spread in those states, so its inevitable that cases were going to go up, Gottlieb said on MSNBCs Morning Joe. I think theyve gone up more than most people expected, and Ive certainly been surprised by the acceleration in the cases as well. I think most of us were. Among those who recently tested positive for COVID-19 were members of Trump's campaign staff and members of the Secret Service who attended his rally on Saturday in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In Texas, Dr. Faisal Masud, medical director of critical care medicine at the Houston Methodist hospital system, said they were managing for now, but if this trajectory is what it was the last 10 days when we literally had a tripling of our cases we cant do that for a couple weeks at all. This is not good, he told NBC News. The explosion of patients all across, that explosion has to slow down." In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo insisted Thursday he was serious about enforcing the two-week quarantine that he and the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut want all visitors from current coronavirus hot-spot states like Texas, Florida and Alabama to follow. The law is, if you come in from another state you have to self-quarantine for 14 days, Cuomo said on CNN. If you don't, and you get caught, you will have violated the law, you can be fined. If you fly in to New York, we'll have your name, we'll know where you're supposed to be staying. There will be random checks, he added. But public health and policing experts told NBC News they have serious doubts about whether such a requirement can be enforced, while one pundit suggested Cuomos move was political payback against Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who had called for New Yorkers to self-quarantine for two weeks in March when coronavirus cases were spiking in New York. Image: The spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in New York (Jeenah Moon / Reuters) In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the city was "on track" to begin phase three of its reopening on July 6. That would include reopening outdoor recreational areas like dog runs and basketball courts, and allowing indoor dining in restaurants and the operation of nail salons at 50 percent capacity. As the country shut down to stop the spread of the coronavirus, the roaring economy that began under President Barack Obama and continued under Trump was brought to an abrupt halt by the pandemic. The effects of that were evident Wednesday when the Department of Labor reported that 1.48 million people filed for unemployment benefits last week. It was the 14th straight week that states processed over one million first-time applications. Larry Kudlow, the director of the National Economic Council, conceded in an interview Thursday with Fox Business Network that there are spikes in hot spots, there's no doubt about that, and there will be some shutdowns, in individual places. But Kudlow said he believes that by the end of the year the unemployment rate will go below 10 percent, and it's going to be a steady drum with higher jobs and lower unemployment. The current national unemployment rate is 13.3 percent, according to the Labor Department. Meanwhile, the Government Accountability Office reported that more than a million dead Americans were mistakenly sent COVID-19 stimulus payments totaling $1.4 billion. Few regions of the nation have been hit as hard economically as southern Nevada, where the pandemic silenced Las Vegas' booming hotel and casino industry. As the gaming business slowly gets to its feet, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak has ordered facial coverings in all public settings. The mandate will go into effect at midnight. About half of Las Vegas hotels and casinos have reopened recently and business groups have largely supported Sisolak's order despite its potential to turn off tourists. Casino employees and players of some table games had already been ordered to wear masks. Boris Johnsons jet has made its first flight after its controversial 900,000 rebranding in Union Jack colours. The RAF Voyager, a previously-grey military plane, took off from Cambridge Airport with the new red, white and blue livery on its tail. It also features the words United Kingdom painted in gold along the fuselage. While some commentators described the new design as stunning and splendid, others claimed it could be mistaken for a British Airways plane. Others on social media competed to rename the jet, along the lines of the US Presidents Air Force One. Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Show all 20 1 /20 Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Britain votes to leave the European Union - 23 June 2016 A referendum is held on Britain's membership of the European Union. Fifty-two per cent of the country votes in favour of leaving AFP via Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? David Cameron resigns - 24 June 2016 David Cameron resigns on the morning of the result after leading the campaign for Britain to remain in the EU Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Theresa May takes the reins - 13 July 2016 Theresa May becomes leader of the Conservative party and prime minister, winning the leadership contest unopposed after Andrea Leadsom drops out Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? High Court rules parliament must vote on Brexit - November 2016 - 3 November 2016 The High Court rules that parliament must vote on triggering Article 50, which would begin the Brexit process Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Article 50 triggered - 28 March 2017 The prime minister triggers Article 50 after parliament endorses the result of the referendum Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? May calls snap election - 18 April 2018 Seeking a mandate for her Brexit plan, May goes to the country Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? May loses majority as Labour makes surprise gain - 8 June 2017 After a disastrous campaign, Theresa May loses her majority in the commons and turns to the DUP for support. Jeremy Corbyn's Labour party makes gains after being predicted to lose heavily AFP/Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Negotiations begin - 19 June 2017 David Davis and Michel Barnier, chief negotiators for the UK and EU respectively, hold a press conference on the first day of Brexit negotiations. Soon after the beginning of negotiations, it becomes clear that the issue of the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic will prove a major sticking point AFP/Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? MPs vote that withdrawal deal must be ratified by parliament - 13 December 2017 The government suffers a defeat in parliament over the EU withdrawal agreement, guaranteeing that MPs are given a 'meaningful vote' on the deal Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Boris Johnson resigns as foreign secretary - 11 July 2018 Following a summit at Chequers where the prime minister claimed to have gained cabinet support for her deal, Boris Johnson resigns as foreign secretary along with David Davis, the Brexit secretary Reuters Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Draft withdrawal agreement - 15 November 2018 The draft withdrawal agreement settles Britain's divorce bill, secures the rights of EU citizens living in the UK and vice versa and includes a political declaration commiting both parties to frictionless trade in goods and cooperation on security matters. The deal also includes the backstop, which is anathema to many brexiteers and Dominic Raab and Esther McVey resign from the cabinet in protest Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? May resigns - 24 May 2019 After several failed attempts to pass her withdrawal agreement through the commons, Theresa May resigns Reuters Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Johnson takes over - 24 July 2019 Boris Johnson is elected leader of the Conservative party in a landslide victory. He later heads to Buckingham Palace where the Queen invites him to form a government Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Parliament prorogued - 28 August 2019 Boris Johnson prorogues parliament for five weeks in the lead up to the UK's agreed departure date of 31 October. Stephen Morgan MP Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Prorogation ruled unlawful - 24 September 2019 The High Court rules that Johnson's prorogation of parliament is 'unlawful' after a legal challenge brought by businesswoman Gina Miller Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Johnson agrees deal with Varadkar - October Following a summit in Merseyside, Johnson agrees a compromise to the backstop with Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar - making the withdrawal agreement more palatable to Brexiteers Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Final Say march demands second referendum - 19 October 2019 As parliament passes the Letwin amendment requiring the prime minister to request a further delay to Brexit, protesters take to the streets in the final show of force for a Final Say referendum Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Johnson wins 80 seat majority - 12 December 2019 The Conservatives win the December election in a landslide, granting Boris Johnson a large majority to pass through his brexit deal and pursue his domestic agenda Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? Withdrawal deal passes parliament - 20 December 2019 The withdrawal agreement passes through the commons with a majority of 124 Getty Brexit timeline: How did we get here? EU parliament backs UK withdrawal deal - 29 January 2020 Members of the European parliament overwhelmingly back the ratification of Britain's departure, clearing the way for Brexit two days later on 31 January. Following the vote, members join hands and sing Auld Lang Syne AFP/Getty Suggestions included Hair Force One, Air Farce One, Clown Force One and Borisjet. Downing Street said the paint job was designed to promote the UK around the world and was in line with many other leaders planes. The jet is also shared with senior Cabinet members and the royal family. However opposition MPs accused the prime minister of an an utterly unacceptable use of public funds which could have funded 180,000 doses of the new Covid-19 drug treatment dexamethasone. Layla Moran, the Lib Dem education spokesman, said: This is a colossal waste of taxpayers money. The same money could be spent providing an extra 15 school meals voucher to 60,000 children. The prime ministers official spokesman said: At every stage we have worked to ensure value for money for the UK taxpayer and all of the work has been undertaken in the UK, directly benefiting British suppliers. Karnataka: Merchants want sale of fish banned in Mangaluru for a fortnight by Deepthi Sanjiv June 25,2020 | Source: The Times of India Panic has gripped those engaged in the sale of fish at Old Port in Mangaluru following reports of a Covid-19 case being reported at the port. Members of the Fish Commission Agents Association have demanded a ban on the sale of fish at Old Port for a fortnight. Secretary of the association K Ashraf said that they had appealed to Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner to impose a complete ban on the sale of fish. Pointing out that fishing activity had been banned in the region owing to the climatic conditions, Ashraf told TOI, The fish being sold at the Old Port are those coming to Mangaluru from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and even Gujarat. The fish arrive by trucks, and we have been asking the DC to ban the movement of vehicles from other states to Mangaluru. The fish must be sold once they are brought here. Stating that sale of fish was going on at other places such as Ullal, Kudroli, and BC Road, Ashraf called on the district administration to impose a blanket ban on the sale of fish to arrest the spread of the pandemic. Deputy director of the fisheries department P Parshwanath admitted to social distancing and other safety norms being tossed out of the window at the Old Port market. Since there is a ban on fishing, those who use traditional vessels and means, venture into the sea only if it is calm. Although Section 144 of the CrPC is imposed at the Old Port, people forget all about social distancing when the fish arrives, Parshwanath said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 19:31:39|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Malaysia's economy is projected to contract by 3.1 percent in 2020 due to a sharp slowdown in economic activity caused by COVID-19 and measures to contain its spread, according to the latest edition of the World Bank's Malaysia Economic Monitor, released Thursday. The World Bank expects growth to resume in 2021 at 6.9 percent as the outbreak eases. The near-term outlook, however, is unusually uncertain at present. Aggregate investment contracted for the fifth consecutive quarter by 4.6 percent in Q1 2020, as compared to a contraction of 0.7 percent in Q4 2019, with broad-based weaknesses in both private and public investment. Due to weak external demand, Malaysia's exports of goods and services declined for a third consecutive quarter by 7.1 percent in Q1 2020, the largest decline since the Global Financial Crisis in 2009. Private consumption moderated to 6.7 percent in Q1 2020, down from 8.1 percent in Q4 2019, largely reflecting the substantial impact of COVID-19 and the Movement Control Order on retail, travel, leisure and recreational spending and consumption of durable goods during the previous period. The Malaysian government responded to the economic impact of the pandemic with two rounds of the Economic Stimulus Package in February and March 2020, and more recently the Short-term Economic Recovery Plan. "The government's stimulus packages, and the short-term economic recovery plan have softened the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and paved a path towards economic recovery." said Mustapa Mohamed, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department in charge of the Economy. "Important social protection measures are needed to help vulnerable Malaysians survive the current economic storm and thrive in a new post-pandemic reality. Protecting livelihoods is important so that those who have lost their jobs and businesses are able to get back on their feet and contribute to Malaysia's economic recovery," said Firas Raad, World Bank Group Representative to Malaysia and Country Manager. The World Bank report "Surviving the Storm", recommends that in the near term, government efforts focus on supporting relief and recovery efforts by deepening social assistance for lower income households, improving the delivery of social protection programs, and promoting job recovery. As the recovery continues, further rounds of cash transfers will remain vitally important to mitigate acute financial strains among the most vulnerable groups in Malaysian society; and to support domestic consumption and human capital development during a severe economic downturn, the World Bank said. Enditem There has been one Covid-19 related death in Ireland today, officials have announced. It brings the death toll in Ireland to 1,727. The Department of Health has also announced that there have been 11 new confirmed cases of the virus in the country. There are now 25,405 cases of the virus in the country. Earlier today, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) met to review Irelands ongoing response and preparedness to Covid-19. "NPHET noted today that over a third of new cases in the past 14 days are under 35 years of age," said Cheif Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan. "It also noted a number of EU countries reported an increase in new cases. 7% of cases notified in Ireland over the past fortnight have been associated with travel. NPHET expressed a clear view that overseas travel poses a risk to importation of the disease and to further transmission in Ireland. The ECDC has recently warned that the pandemic is not over. Ireland has made significant gains in suppressing Covid-19. Our task over the coming weeks and months is maintaining these gains. Dr Ronan Glynn, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, added: Covid-19 is accelerating globally with 4 million cases recorded in the last month. Considering the international experience with the disease, we cannot afford complacency. Continue to be aware of the risks and follow the public health advice designed to protect individuals. It comes as the Dail was told it is "inevitable" that Ireland will see a resurgence of Covid-19. Professor Paddy Mallon, an infectious diseases expert, told Dail committee on the virus that as the country reopens and restrictions are relaxed, a second wave of the disease will happen. Professor Mallon told the committee that looking at the uptick in cases in the likes of Germany, the USA and Portugal, he felt it was a matter of when, not if, there are more cases. Flash Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday spoke over the phone, discussing Ethiopia's hydropower dam being built on the Nile River as well as other regional issues, Egyptian Foreign Ministry said. "Minister Shoukry touched on the latest developments regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue in light of the stalled negotiations due to intransigent Ethiopian stances," said Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez in a statement. The two officials also discussed other regional issues of mutual concern, including the developments in Libya, Palestine, Syria and Yemen. The talks between Shoukry and Pompeo came a day after Arab foreign ministers voiced their support to Egypt's position on the Nile dam issue after their virtual meeting hosted by the Cairo-based Arab League. Over the past few years, tripartite talks between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan on the rules of filling and operating the GERD have been fruitless, amid Egyptian concerns that the dam construction would affect Egypt's annual share of Nile water. Ethiopia has recently said that it would soon start filling the reservoir, while Egypt has repeatedly warned against any unilateral action without a prior tripartite agreement. The 4-billion-dollar dam is expected to produce over 6,000 megawatts of electricity and become Africa's largest hydropower dam upon completion. Filling the reservoir, whose total capacity is 74 billion cubic meters, may take several years. Egypt, being concerned about its 55.5-billion-cubic-meter annual share of the river water, seeks to prolong the period of filling the GERD to avoid possible impacts of water shortage, which is a main point of their talks. Describing it as an "unprecedented testing blitz" Mr Andrews said the purpose was to find all the positive COVID-19 cases in those suburbs. "We do anticipate we will find more positive cases," Mr Andrews said. "We plan on doing more than 100,000 tests." Premier Daniel Andrews with Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton on Thursday morning. Credit:Justin McManus He said the Australian Defence Force would work with the state government to transfer tests to pathology labs. Mr Andrews also revealed the number of suspected community transmissions in Victoria dropped by one case overnight. "We will see numbers going up in the coming days, but that will be a measure of the success of this strategy," Mr Andrews said. "This is no less serious than a bushfire ... just like we sent air bombers and firefighters earlier this year ... this is a public health bushfire." Mr Andrews said he was confident authorities would be able to contain the virus. Health Minister Jenny Mikakos said the turnaround for testing results remained about two days. Ms Mikakos said the door-to-door testers would be asking people to get tested either on the spot, at vans in their neighbourhood or at a testing centre. She said 8000 healthcare workers in distinctive clothing would be dispatched to conduct the tests. "This pandemic is not over," Ms Mikakos said. "We urge people to take this seriously." Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said the testing will focus on community transmission. He said the door-to-door approach was to avoid any "logistical challenges" people in those communities faced in getting tested. "It's bringing the testing to their home," Professor Sutton said. " We are throwing everything at this. We are really focused on community cases, the cases where we don't know the source of the infection." Professor Sutton urged people living in those areas to avoid social gatherings and shop online. Earlier on Thursday morning, federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said Victoria should not be blamed for the recent COVID-19 outbreak, but added that its hotel quarantine system "could be improved" and was deficient compared with other states. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has his temperature checked before touring the Royal Melbourne Hospital on Thursday Credit:AAP "The last thing we want to be is judgmental all the states and territories have done a wonderful job," he said. Mr Hunt was in Melbourne to announce federal funding for research projects. Speaking to reporters after touring the Royal Melbourne Hospital, he also revealed that of the 1000 members of the Australian Defence Force expected to arrive in Victoria on Thursday, between 800 and 850 soldiers would work at hotels housing returned overseas travellers. The rest would help at testing sites, he said. "This is Australia at its best," Mr Hunt said. He said it was not the first time the military had been deployed to help states with their pandemic responses and it would likely not be the last. Mr Hunt said deploying the military would minimise the risk of Victoria's outbreak becoming uncontrollable. Loading Professor Sutton said quarantine hotels were high-risk areas and up to 30 people at any given time could be infected with COVID-19. He said that authorities had "turned over every stone" to make sure outbreaks do not occur at quarantine hotels again. "It's a complex operation in infection control," he said. The Premier said he had spoken to Prime Minister Scott Morrison three days ago about transporting tests and running pop-up testing facilities in Melbourne. "You've got to hit this hard to contain it, so it doesn't get away from us," Mr Andrews said. W&M working group to address building names at the university Working group: A working group of administrators, alumni, students, faculty and staff will develop principles on the naming and renaming of buildings, spaces and structures at William & Mary. Courtesy photo Photo - of - Hide Caption A working group of administrators, alumni, students, faculty and staff will develop principles on the naming and renaming of buildings, spaces and structures at William & Mary. Rector John E. Littel P 22, on behalf of the Board of Visitors, charged President Katherine A. Rowe with establishing the working group. The Board, the universitys governing body, holds ultimate responsibility for the campus landscape, including building names. Much progress has been made over the past decade to build a fuller and more accurate narrative of our past, led by the deep and nuanced research of the Lemon Project, Rowe said in a memo to the Rector, outlining the working groups charge. More work remains to fully realize William & Marys values of belonging and integrity. Yet because the work to date is substantial, some near-term steps can be thoughtfully advanced. The country is at a key moment of national awareness, Rowe said, and developing a shared understanding of why and how we commemorate the universitys past is profoundly important. If any institution can approach complex questions about its institutional memory in evidence-based and nuanced ways, it is a university and especially this university she continued. Because of William & Marys history, we have an obligation to continue the important moral and intellectual work of revisiting whom and what we commemorate. William & Mary has engaged for over a decade in sustained scholarship and forthright self-examination of the institutions history of slavery and racism. This working group will advance how the university implements the lessons learned, now and for the future. The groups charge includes the following actions: The group will codify principles for a) naming and renaming buildings, spaces or structures and b) developing commemorative/explanatory markers throughout campus. Rowe has asked the group to prepare a preliminary outline of such principles in a report to the president, in advance of the August Board of Visitors retreat. The university took action in 2015 to remove the most visible manifestations and iconography of the Confederacy from campus, including a Confederate plaque that hung in the hallway of the Wren Building and two emblems on the College Mace carried at William & Marys signature events. By early August, the working group will review any others and recommend actions to address, rename or contextualize them. Based on research by the Lemon Project and in consultation with our historically linked Indigenous communities, the working group will prepare a prioritized list of appropriate new names for any buildings the Board may wish to name as they come online for consideration. The working group will conduct a comprehensive landscape review to identify additional structures that may be perceived as barriers to a welcoming and inclusive environment. A final report is due to the president by the February 2021 Board meeting. Jody L. Allen Ph.D. 07, director of the Lemon Project and assistant professor of history Sara Bon-Harper Ph.D., executive director of James Monroes Highland Howard J. Busbee 65, J.D. 67, M.L.T. 68, clinical professor emeritus of business and former member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors Davison M. Douglas Ph.D., law professor and outgoing dean of the W&M Law School Chief Diversity Officer Chon Glover M.Ed. 99, Ed.D. 06 Student Assembly President Anthony M. Joseph 21 Susan Kern Ph.D. 05, executive director of the Historic Campus Milka D. Mered 20, winner of the Sullivan Award for service to the university Danielle Moretti-Langholtz Ph.D., director of the American Indian Resource Center and curator for the Native American Art at W&Ms Muscarelle Museum of Art Williamsburg City Council Member Caleb Rogers 20 Jay T. Watkins III Ph.D., visiting assistant professor of history, with expertise in monuments and commemoration Jessica L. Walton, deputy secretary to the Board, will staff the group The working group, which will be advisory to the president, will be chaired by Warren W. Buck III M.S. 70, Ph.D. 76, D.Sc. 13. Buck is stepping down from the Board of Visitors June 30 and will serve W&M in a new volunteer role as special advisor to the president for equity in the 21st century.Others serving on the working group include:I am very appreciative of Warrens eagerness to lead this working group, which is composed of campus experts and experienced leaders across the university, Littel said. This is critically important work that has the potential to have a lasting positive impact over generations. The Board believes this is the right time in our long history for measured and principled action to ensure that our university landscape is welcoming to all who belong here. Benchmark indices ended marginally lower in a volatile session with Nifty finishing June F&O series below 10,300 level. At close, Sensex was down 26.88 points, or 0.08%, at 34842.10, and the Nifty was down 16.40 points, or 0.16%, at 10,288.90. About 1,477 shares advanced, 1,130 shares declined, and 158 shares were unchanged. Here are the top 10 stocks which moved the most today: IIFL Finance | CMP: Rs 82.50 | Shares were up 10 percent after the promoter of the company increased stake. On June 24, the company's promoter Nirmal Bhanwarlal Jain has acquired 0.12 percent stake in the company via open market increasing total shareholding of the promoter group to 25.06 percent. However, the company clarified that the Promoter Groups voting rights in IIFL Finance has not exceeded 25 percent and Promoter Group has no intent to acquire more than 25 percent voting rights in the company or make any public offer. Canara Bank | CMP: Rs 105.25 | The stock was down almost 4 percent after the company posted a loss of Rs 3,259.33 crore for the quarter ended March 2020. The bank had reported loss of Rs 551.53 crore in year-ago period. Lower net interest income, pre-provision operating profit and elevated provisions affected the bank's performance. Hindustan Aeronautics | CMP: Rs 798 | The share price jumped over 14 percent after the company reported 0.9 percent YoY increase in its Q4 net profit to Rs 1,250.7 crore against Rs 1,239.5 crore in the year-ago period. Revenue of the company was up 1.7 percent at Rs 10,323 crore versus Rs 10,153.8 crore, reported CNBC-TV18. Indian Overseas Bank | CMP: Rs 11.95 | The stock price surged almost 10 percent after the company posted net profit in the quarter ended March 2020. The company in the Q4 has reported net profit of Rs 143.8 crore against loss of Rs 1,985.2 crore in the same quarter last fiscal. Net Interest Income (NII) of the company rose 3.6 percent to Rs 1,531.8 crore versus Rs 1,479 crore, YoY. Bank of India | CMP: Rs 50.75 | The share price fell over 7 percent after the public sector lender reported a massive loss for the March quarter of 2020. The state-owned lender posted a net loss of Rs 3,571.4 crore in March quarter as provisions and contingencies jumped 329 percent due to additional provisions of Rs 3,941.36 crore in six NPA accounts. It had reported a profit of Rs 251.8 crore in the corresponding period of the last fiscal. Net interest income in Q4 fell 6.2 percent to Rs 3,793 crore YoY, while the net interest margin (global) declined by 3 basis points to 2.90 percent YoY. Bharti Infratel | CMP: Rs 229.50 | The stock price shed over a percent following the board's decision to extend the deadline for merger with Indus Towers by over two months till August 31, according to a regulatory filing. Global Research firm Morgan Stanley has maintained its underweight call on the stock with target at Rs 175 per share. The firm is of the view that extension of long-stop date for Indus Towers merger is not a surprise adding that it is quite evident that the company would like to have clear view on AGR, according to a report by CNBC-TV18. Steel Strips Wheels | CMP: Rs 436.10 | The shares were up over a percent after the company bagged exports orders for over 13,000 wheels for EU Caravan Trailer & US Mobile Home Market to be executed in July from its Chennai plant. Prestige Estates Projects | CMP: Rs 221 | Shares were down over 2 percent after the company's consolidated net profit fell 88.9 percent YoY to Rs 15.4 crore versus Rs 139.1 crore and revenue was at Rs 1,982.3 crore versus Rs 1,979.3 crore, reported CNBC-TV18. Metropolis Healthcare | CMP: Rs 1,425 | The stock was up almost 2 percent after promoter shareholder Duru Sushil Shah divested 3.05 million shares, or 6.03 percent stake, in the company for Rs 422.58 crore, according to an exchange filing. It is now more or less a consensus that the Gospels of the New Testament were biographies (bioi), which leads to two observations: first, that they are not quite like the recent monster biographies we find about well-known people and, second, that what they were then like needs some explanation. Which Helen Bond does in her exceptional study, The First Biography of Jesus. Biographies of the ancient world are not like the admired biographies of our day: a complete biography with full awareness of all the scholarship and thoroughly documents, including private letters and even interviews with relatives. Rather, the ancient world was a mixture: depending on purpose and aim and audience, one could mix history with encomium (more or less praise of the person) along with character study and development. Sometimes serious, sometimes humorous. Sometimes chronological, sometimes not. Sometimes a plot while other times a jumbled mess of stories and sayings. There was no such thing as a genre that authors had to follow. Which is why one can say Mark is a biography and it not fit some elements of Greco-Roman biographies. But, as Bond and others show, a biography did both commemorate someones life, usually a great person, and it held that person up for emulation. When you read one of our Gospels what do you see along those lines? Hence, there is in the Gospels this kind of watch Jesus and be like him dimension. His life was both earth-shatteringly unique and yet paradigmatic. There was also character: what kind of person was the one about whom the biographer wrote? Kind, powerful, heroic, military guy, teacher, politician, religious, philosophical? What were teh vices? the virtues? What character traits of Jesus come through the texts? A persons birth and early life as well as a persons ending come in for special considerations in ancient biographies. The Gospel of Mark, you know, has nothing on the early life of Jesus while both Matthew and Luke fill in the blanks. John goes deeper: to the origins, but he has nothing on the early life of Jesus. The Gospels, however, are heavily imbalanced toward the end of the life of Jesus the last week especially. The noble death, then, was big in the ancient biographical tradition. The Christians took this to the next level. What about accuracy? The moralizing or making paradigmatic the person led, of course, to exaggerations and even fictions at times. The best term for those biogrphies seems to be idealize. That they did, and when they did some distortion of history was in the offing. Ancient historians were more tied to facts than biographers. The aim of the biographer was not simply history and fact, but presentation of the character and virtue and value of that person. One more consideration concludes Bonds study: various sorts of biographies. In that the elements of a biography are so diverse in the ancient world, so too the various sorts so she wisely concludes that sorting out biographies into various genres is not helpful. I agree. The PhD students of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) who have been told by the varsity to resume their research projects have demanded that the hostel and mess services should resume on the campus. They have also demanded that the academic year should be extended by four months as their research work has been affected. Due to the rise in the number of people infected with Sars-Cov-2 virus which causes the Covid-19 (coronavirus) many students have returned to their hometown when the lockdown was announced. We are now getting calls from SPPU to resume our research projects, but how can we come when the hostels and mess on the campus are closed. I cannot afford to rent private accommodation, said Nandkumar Hange, a PhD student. The university should resume the hostel facility in building No. 9, a hostel for PhD students, and make sure social distancing norms are followed in the campus. All necessary precautions must be in place only then we can return and resume our research work, said Hange. Many of us also fear of getting infected with the virus as the number of Covid-19 cases are on a rise in Pune, said Hange. Pune city has reported 13,153 active cases of Covid-19 and 528 deaths as of June 23, according to the health department of Pune Municipal corporation (PMC). Due to the three-month lockdown PhD students were not able to complete their research work for the thesis papers. They had to study the research study materials which is accessible only in SPPU libraries. Prafulla Pawar, registrar, SPPU, said, Students are not allowed to come to university. We have not got instructions from the state to start the hostel facility. They might have been called for fellowship work. I will look into the issue. IRONMAN announced Wednesday that the 2020 Core Power IRONMAN 70.3 Lubbock triathlon will not take place this Sunday because of a rapid increase of coronavirus infections in Texas. The Lubbock event would have been the first IRONMAN race to take place since all events were postponed in March, and also the first using IRONMAN's new COVID-19 precautions. In a press release, IRONMAN stated: In accordance with our IRONMAN Safe Return to Racing protocol, the health and safety of our community is of utmost priority and in alignment with remarks made by Governor Abbott on Tuesday, June 23, it would not be responsible to host the event at this time. Governor Greg Abbott told Kbtx.com reporters that because the spread is so rampant right now, theres never a reason for you to have to leave your home. Before Wednesday's cancellation, a statewide spike of COVID-19 increased total cases to 5,551. Andrew Messick, IRONMAN President and CEO, said, We are grateful to Mayor Pope of The City of Lubbock and his fine team of professionals, along with our long-time [IRONMAN] partners Mike and Marti Greer, for their outstanding work to do everything possible to host this race...But ultimately the COVID-19 headwinds in Texas right now are just too strong for the race to happen. IRONMAN stated that a rough total of 1,000 registrants would soon get an email offering more details, and that the race will return next year. Messick added: In what has been a continually evolving and challenging time globally, we recognize that the change at this late juncture will come as a disappointment but look forward to providing athletes with an exceptional race experience in the future. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 19:22:09|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BISHKEK, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyzstan registered on Thursday 228 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 3,954. The country's Deputy Health Minister Mademin Karataev told a daily briefing that 4,160 laboratory tests were conducted in the country in the past 24 hours, which detected 228 new cases. This is a record of infections per day for the entire period of the fight against coronavirus in the country, Karataev said. He noted that among the new cases 19 are medical workers. A total of 648 medical workers have tested positive for the virus since its outbreak, while 396 have recovered. The minister also said one more virus related death was registered, raising the country's death toll to 43. As of Thursday, 30 patients were discharged from hospitals, bringing the total number of people who have so far recovered to 2,112. Currently, 635 people remained hospitalized, and 12 patients are in intensive care. In addition, 1,164 asymptomatic patients are in home quarantine, and in total 16,265 people had contact with infected patients. Karataev emphasized that at the moment the situation with COVID-19 is very acute in Chui and Osh regions, as well as in the cities of Bishkek and Osh. At a meeting of the Republican headquarters on Thursday, the issue of introducing a state of emergency will be considered and a decision will be made by taking all factors into account, he said. Enditem The Michigan Supreme Courts chief justice told a congressional panel Thursday technology brought much-needed change to the states justice system after months of a virtual courtroom trial period. In her testimony before the U.S. House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property and the Internet, Chief Justice Bridget McCormack said the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed for more change in three months than in the past three decades. This pandemic was not the disruption that any of us wanted, but it may be the disruption we needed to transform our judiciary into a more accessibly, transparent, efficient and customer-friendly branch of government, McCormack said Thursday morning, June 25, while testifying virtually. Now, seeing the benefits of innovation, we have a unique opportunity to create long-term and much-needed change for our justice system. Michigans court systems have held more than 50,000 Zoom hearings and are approaching 350,000 hours of online proceedings since April 1, according to McCormack. By allowing defendants in criminal and civil cases to have their cases heard virtually, the chief justice said Michigans legal system has removed barriers including transportation, parking, disabilities, child care, and job responsibilities. Additionally, McCormack said virtual hearings have proven to be less intimidating for parties who appear without lawyers. Theres something about the equalizing nature of all the Zoom boxes being the same size that makes people feel more heard and more respected, she said. Maybe its just less intimidating. The move to virtual courtrooms was made in March when the state temporarily halted many businesses and activities not deemed essential to maintaining and protecting life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, McCormack said her administrative team invested in outfitting every courtroom in the state with a video conferencing system and every judge with a Zoom license. To maintain public access, many court hearings are livestreamed on Youtube, and the state has created a virtual courtroom directory to allow people to watch any judge in the state. McCormack testified that the resource has been used more than 25,000 times in the past month alone, including one that attracted more than 8,000 viewers at one time. Michigans chief justice also summarized the states online dispute resolution system, which allows individuals to work through a dispute without going to court, and a pilot test messaging system that notifies the public of court events and payments. Looking to the future, we cannot retool old ways to get people back into courthouses where access to justice is an ongoing problem, she said. Instead, we must focus our resources on bringing justice to people where they live and where they work. We must rebuild what we do from the ground up and create a 21st century justice system. McCormack was one of three state chief justices who were asked to testify during the hearing. Asked if shed support livestreaming proceedings by the U.S. Supreme Court and appeals court, she said she would, noting the importance of transparency in the judicial system. The chief justice did note that there are definitely areas of conflicting values that will need further discussion. Some proceedings arent appropriate for remote platforms, such as witnesses testifying in a criminal trial, she said. However, many of the high-volume docket hearings including debt collection, evictions and other district court cases lend themselves to virtual platforms and McCormack said having a virtual option has already proven to increase participation. The state is working on building best practices in this avenue, which members of the federal subcommittee said would be useful. Other participants in Thursdays session voiced concerns about areas that dont have the same access to technology and internet connection. McCormack said shed like for it to be an option in cases where appropriate. 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: Popular Traverse City wineries, restaurants on possible COVID-19 exposure list Michigan reports 323 new coronavirus cases, most of any day in June Michigan gyms and fitness centers wont reopen Thursday after all Thursday, June 25: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce has called on the Morrison government to extend the JobKeeper program for industries hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic after the airline announced it would sack 6000 workers and cut $15 billion in costs. Australia's largest airline on Thursday said it would not resume any significant international flying for another 12 months, leaving it no choice but to make 20 per cent of its workforce redundant. "We have to position ourselves for several years where revenue will be much lower," Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said. Credit:AAP Another 15,000 of Qantas' 29,000 workers will remain stood down without pay until traveller demand recovers, with around 7500 not expected to return to work this year. "We have to position ourselves for several years where revenue will be much lower," Mr Joyce said. "Adapting to this new reality means some very painful decisions." Long known for his brash style, Brodsky garnered national attention for his representation of Peterson, the former Bolingbrook police sergeant convicted in 2012 of murdering his third wife, Kathleen Savio, in 2004. Peterson also was a suspect in the 2007 disappearance of his fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, who has never been found. Julian Assange arrives at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London after his arrest on April 11. Victoria Jones/PA Images via Getty Images WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is facing a new grand jury indictment charging him with conspiring with "Anonymous" and "LulzSec"-affiliated hackers to access classified US government documents. The Department of Justice said in a press release Wednesday that a Virginia grand jury returned a second superseding indictment that doesn't add new charges but does "broaden the scope of the conspiracy" that Assange has been charged with orchestrating. The DOJ previously charged Assange with 18 criminal counts, including violating the Espionage Act. Assange currently remains in custody in the United Kingdom while the US continues to seek his extradition. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is facing a new federal indictment in the US that claims he conspired with hackers associated with groups including "Anonymous" and "LulzSec." A federal grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, returned the second superseding indictment against Assange on Wednesday. It doesn't add new charges but the Department of Justice in a press release explained their case does "broaden the scope of the conspiracy" Assange was previously charged with orchestrating. "Assange and others at WikiLeaks recruited and agreed with hackers to commit computer intrusions to benefit WikiLeaks," the press release said. In the release, the DOJ said that in 2012 "Assange communicated directly with a leader of the hacking group LulzSec (who by then was cooperating with the FBI), and provided a list of targets for LulzSec to hack." It also said WikiLeaks obtained and published information retrieved as part of a hack into an "American intelligence consulting company by an 'Anonymous' and LulzSec-affiliated hacker." Federal prosecutors previously indicted Assange for obtaining and disseminating sensitive national security information in 2010. In April and then with a superseding indictment in May 2019 the US government charged Assange with 18 total criminal counts, including violating the Espionage Act. Story continues The 2019 indictment also alleged that Assange helped former US army analyst Chelsea Manning hack a password on a classified Pentagon computer. In its release Wednesday, the DOJ called the leaks "one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of the United States." Assange currently remains in custody in the United Kingdom as the US seeks his extradition to Virginia, where he would eventually be put on trial. Read the original article on Business Insider The Marysville City Council has adopted a resolution condemning the murders of African Americans George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25 and Breonna Taylor in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 13 at the hands of police. The unanimous action took place at the councils regular meeting June 22. The city council of the city of Marysville stands united in rejecting all forms of discrimination and violence in the city , the resolution stated. Our hope is that all people can live together as one human race, where we can respect differences among all people. The resolution denounced all acts of racism, intolerance and discrimination and pledged that the city will work with other government entities and all community partners to advance equity and inclusion to achieve a truly diverse, inclusive and tolerant environment for all residents. The city also passed a resolution declaring racism to be a public health crisis. Two weeks ago, the Port Huron City Council at their June 8 meeting adopted two resolutions (condemning racism), said City Manager Randy Fernandez, giving council some background on the resolution. The next day, I received an email from Kevin Watkins, the president of the Port Huron branch of the NAACP, asking if he could meet with the mayor and myself regarding the resolutions that were passed in Port Huron. Marysville officials and the citys lawyers reviewed the Port Huron documents and used them as a starting point for their own resolutions. Fernandez, Mayor Wayne Pyden, council member Dave Barber and Public Safety Director Tom Konik met with Watkins on June 11. A number of people, including Watkins, addressed the council. This is a sign of Marysville stepping out and being a leader here in St. Clair County, said Watkins. These resolutions are amazing, even a step above Port Hurons. The competition is awesome. You better each other. Watkins and another citizen reminded the audience of Jean Cramer, the council candidate who last August advocated keeping Marysville white; Cramer later dropped out of the race, but still attracted votes in the November election. All of the seven speakers urged the city to turn the noble words in the resolutions into noble actions. Theres a lot of pain in our community, said Pastor Kim Brown, the director of St. Clair County Organizing for Racial Equality. Theres a lot pain in our nation. But I believe that together, through our actions we can make sure the love is felt. Without fear mixing with sadness for our black brothers and sisters, we dont have anger, said Hannah Wiegand. Thats how you make anger with sadness and fear. I think its time to get angry. Its time to feel fear for our future. If nothing changes, its going to get worse. Jim Bloch is a freelance writer. Contact him at bloch.jim@gmail.com. By ANI NEW DELHI: Refuting the rumours of a sequel to his hit romantic film 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' in the most subtle manner, actor R Madhavan on Thursday said that he hopes that "someone somewhere" comes up with an age-appropriate script for the sequel of the film. The '3 Idiots' actor took to Twitter to state that he does not have any idea about the sequel to classic love saga released 19-years-ago. "#RHTDM ..Guysss ...been reading rumors about the sequel .. and hoping it's true-cause I have no idea about this," he tweeted. # RHTDM ..Guysss ...been reading rumors about the sequel .. and hoping its true-cause I have no idea about this .. just praying that someone somewhere has an age appropriate script for Dia and I -varna madhav shastri hathi ke pic.twitter.com/dKYOMEcccA Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) June 24, 2020 He further went on to joke that both he and her co-actor Dia Mirza are much older now as compared to when the original film was released in 2001 and he wishes that the script of the film be "age-appropriate" for them in case of a sequel. "Just praying that someone somewhere has an age-appropriate script for Dia and I -varna ab madhav shastri banna to hathi ko chaddi pehnane ke barabar hai," his tweet further read. He complimented the tweet with a picture of him and Dia posing in front of a poster of the Gautham Menon directorial. Many tweets, articles, and reports about a sequel to the film have been doing rounds on the internet for a very long time. In RHTDM, the innocent love story played by Madhavan and Dia continues to hold a special place in the hearts of their fans even after all these years. Like other countries, the pandemic in Bangladesh has robbed tens of thousands of workers of their jobs and income. In Bangladesh, tens of thousands of people have lost their jobs because of the pandemic and have been forced to leave the capital, where they worked. Many have simply run out of money and have no other choice but to return to their home villages. The Bangladeshi government has announced billions of dollars in stimulus packages, but analysts say things will only stabilise when businesses are running as normal. Al Jazeeras Tanvir Chowdhury reports from Dhaka, Bangladesh. Police Commissioner Gary Griffith says he was not shot down after an injunction was granted preventing him from taking any action against a police officer who is currently on remand, awaiting trial for the 2011 murder of three civilians in Barrackpore. On Wednesday, Justice Ricky Rahim granted an interim injunction to PC Safraz Juman, preventing Griffith from taking any action to terminate him from the Police Service. The Attorney General of Minnesota filed a lawsuit against Exxon, the American Petroleum Institute, and Koch Industries, alleging they spent decades deceiving the public about climate change. The charges, brought against the companies and API by AG Keith Ellison, include fraud, deceptive trade practices, and false statements in advertising, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The defendants deceived, lied and misrepresented the effects of their product to the public, Ellison told media at a news conference. Asked about the size of damages he would be seeking from the court, Ellison said that it would be a lot, adding, in response to another question, that it could be in the ballpark of the $7-billion settlement that the tobacco industry paid Minnesota back in 1998. The fraud, deceptive advertising, and other violations of Minnesota state law and common law that the lawsuit shows they perpetrated have harmed Minnesotans health and our states environment, infrastructure, and economy, Ellison said, as quoted by Reuters. The states Attorney General added that he had asked the court to make Exxon, Koch Industries, and API pay for an education campaign about climate change in addition to the damages they allegedly caused with their business to the environment. Legal proceedings like this waste millions of dollars of taxpayer money and do nothing to advance meaningful actions that reduce the risks of climate change, Exxon said in a statement, quoted by the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The American Petroleum Institute said that the oil and gas industry has over the past two decades provided affordable, reliable American energy to U.S. consumers while substantially reducing emissions and our environmental footprint. Any suggestion to the contrary is false. This is the latest in a string of legal challenges to Exxon and other oil and gas companies targeted by states and counties in the U.S. as culprits behind climate change. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 25 By Eldar Janashvili - Trend: PASHA Capital Investment Company, the leader in the local securities market, has introduced a new product in Azerbaijani securities market, a source in the company told Trend. Besides the services that PASHA Capital currently renders (market making, underwriting, consulting services etc), the company now offers an opportunity to carry out Forex trading in the global currency market. Thanks to this service, a client gets access to the global currency market through a reliable investment partner with a daily transaction volume worth $5 trillion. This product provides the client with the opportunity to conclude transactions directly in the global exchanges, commented Director of PASHA Capital Jeyhun Hajiyev. In other words, this service may be of interest to PASHA Capitals clients for certain investment purposes, Hajiyev said. It is a very convenient financial instrument which has been in a great demand for many decades. I am sure that this product also will be in demand in Azerbaijan thus, contributing to further successful development of the securities market. Currently, PASHA Capital is the leader in the Azerbaijani securities market in terms of the volume of transactions conducted on the Baku Stock Exchange. As of May 2020, the amount of the company's operations increased by 30.4 percent and reached 3.73 billion manat ($2.19 billion), which makes up more than 69 percent of the total volume of the exchange operations. To date, the clients of PASHA Capital Investment Company get an opportunity to conduct the trading operations by using more than 40 trading instruments including precious metals, CFD and others. Moreover, the company offers its clients one of the most popular and used platforms - MetaTrader 4, and also provides its customers with round-the-clock technical support. PASHA apital established in June 2012 has received several awards for its activity. Among the recent awards are: "The Best Broker in Azerbaijan" at EMEA Finance Magazine's Europe Banking Awards 2013, Best Investment Company of the Year in Azerbaijan by the Cbonds Awards CIS in 2019 and Best Asset Manager in Azerbaijan by EMEA Finance in 2019. These are not easy times being a pilot. It is not about the challenges of flying per se. That is a pilot's passion. But, it becomes difficult when we have to work despite the high risk of contracting COVID-19 infection. Some of my colleagues in Air India have already got it. One of them recently tested positive after landing in Sydney. The insecurity of jobs is also very high. I'm a pilot on contract in Air India. My salary is not on par with my colleagues who are 'permanent.' I can't be a part of the union either, so I have little voice within the organisation. Basically, I need to fend for myself. Now, imagine this. I earn Rs 1,500 for every hour I fly. For the same job, my colleagues who are 'permanent', earn Rs 4,300 per hour. Apart from the flying allowance, I get in-hand Rs 75,000 a month after deduction of training cost. My permanent colleague gets Rs 3.01 lakh. Is that fair? And, I had to spend much more on getting this job. Becoming a pilot itself is expensive. Like I said, I get Rs 1,500 per hour of flying. On the other hand, it costs up to Rs 10,000 an hour when you are learning to fly. I have spent about Rs 80 lakh in my studies. This includes the fee at the flying school. And, I had to spend from my pocket for type rating. For many of my colleagues, Air India paid for the training. But, nowadays, we have to pay from our pockets. In fact, I had to spend again for renewing my license as the hiring at Air India was getting delayed. Otherwise, the license would have expired. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show On top of this, we also have to give a bank guarantee of Rs 15 lakh with a five-year lock-in period. This is not all. There is also a Rs 50 lakh, 10 year-bond that needs to be given. The Rs 75,000 I mentioned is only if I fly a minimum of 40 hours a month. As many as 300 pilots in Air India were not able to do so in March, as many were quarantined for 14 days after a flight. And since then, there has been no flying. For April and May, the flying allowance will be zero. This makes meeting monthly expenses, extremely difficult. For the last type training, my father ran out of money and I had to take a loan. Now, I pay Rs 30,000 every month as EMI on that loan. Many times, the payment gets delayed, and I need to pay a fine. Now, I use one credit card to pay for this EMI, and another credit card for the house rent. If all this was not enough, am not even sure if I will get 'permanent,' as promised by the airline. Some of my friends didn't, and they resigned and joined private airlines. Am afraid, now even that option is not there. There are too many pilots in the market now, and little demand. I don't regret becoming a pilot. But, it sure is difficult. Starting off Two of my relatives were pilots and, growing up, I also wanted to be like them. Unfortunately, though, my timing was off. When I completed the course at the flying school, the industry was kind of going through a slowdown after the 2008 economic crisis. There was not much demand. And then, in 2012, Kingfisher Airlines ceased operating and nearly 1,200 pilots were suddenly in the market looking for jobs. To meet ends, I took a job at a retail store in Delhi airport. Finally, when Air India started taking applications for pilots on contract, I applied. There was no other alternative. The situation is similar now, like it was when Kingfisher collapsed. First, many pilots again came into the market after Jet Airways had stopped operating in April 2019. And, now with the disruption caused by COVID-19, one really does not know when airlines will start using their fleet. Till then, there will be an excess of pilots in the market. All this has also delayed the Air India divestment. But, it may be a good time for a big company, like the Tata Group, to really bargain hard and get Air India at a low valuation. What do you think? As told to Prince Mathews Thomas This is the moment a humpback whale 'high fives' a boatload of tourists by slapping the hull with its tail. Stunning footage taken in Dana Point, California, shows the whale breaching the water a few feet away from the boat. Whale watchers on the boat were unable to contain their excitement as the huge creature came up to the surface of the water. Stunning footage taken in Dana Point, California, shows a humpback whale giving a boat a high five with its tail The whale touches the side of the boat with its tail before breaching the water a few feet away from it In the footage, the whale comes up to the surface of the sea for air a few feet from the boat. It suddenly lifts its tail out of the water and touches the boat as a whale watcher onboard shouts: 'Woah!' . Tourists on the boat continue to whoop and exclaim as the whale breaches the water, bringing its head out of the sea and shooting water out of its blowhole. One whale watcher yells 'you are beautiful' at the magnificent creature. The whale raises its body out of the water before it dives, its tail briefly surfacing again. The whale breaches a few feet away from the boat as tourists on board shout out in enjoyment The filmer said: 'The whale came up right along side the boat and then whipped its tail toward me and slapped the hull of the boat! 'I literally could have touched the whale! It was so close!' The rare encounter happened on June 11 in Dana Point, an area in southern California famous for its whale and dolphin watching. Blue whales, gray whales, fin whales, minke whales, humpback whales, orcas, common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, Rissos dolphins and Pacific white-sided dolphins are all known to swim near the along the Dana Point coastline. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Thursday that "illegal" Turkish drilling for gas off the divided island of Cyprus "must stop", as he met Cypriot officials in Nicosia. "Turkish illegal drillings must stop," Borrell tweeted after meeting the Republic of Cyprus' foreign minister Nikos Christodoulides. The EU's top diplomat -- who is on a two-day visit to Nicosia -- said he had discussed with Christodoulides how to "bolster regional stability" and de-escalate tensions. "Delimitation of exclusive economic zones contested by Turkey must be done in full respect of international law and good faith, as proposed by Cyprus," he added. The Mediterranean island has been divided between the internationally recognised Republic of Cyprus and a northern third under Turkish control since 1974, after Ankara's troops occupied the area in response to a coup sponsored by a Greek military junta. Last year, ExxonMobil and Qatar Petroleum made the biggest gas find off Cyprus so far, discovering a field holding an estimated five to eight trillion cubic feet. EU member state Cyprus in January accused Ankara of "piracy" due to its repeated drilling activity inside the island's designated exclusive economic zone. "Turkey has opted to proceed with its sixth illegal drilling in less than a year, violating the sovereign rights of Cyprus, and further destabilising the region," Christodoulides said after meeting Borrell on Thursday. "Turkey?s actions in Cyprus's maritime zones cannot be seen in isolation... they form part of an alarming behaviour," he added. Borrell arrived in Cyprus from Greece, with Athens itself having recently raised concerns about Turkey's approach to disputed maritime boundaries. Speaking after Thursday's meeting, Borrell also said the EU welcomed an "invitation by the Government of Cyprus to Turkey to negotiate in good faith the maritime delimitation between their relevant coasts". Turkey opposes unilateral exploration by the Republic of Cyprus and says Turkish Cypriots have rights to a share of the island's offshore resources. It has also insisted that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus -- recognised only by Ankara -- itself has the right to explore around the entire island. UN-backed talks on reunifying the island as a bizonal, bi-communal federation collapsed in July 2017 and have not resumed, in part because of the deep divisions over the offshore gas reserves. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell (L) meets with Cyprus' Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides at the foreign ministry headquarters in the capital Nicosia on June 25, 2020 Consul-General Mrs Melody Chaurura in a statement said: Two people at the mission tested positive for the virus at our mission on June 3. Everyone was tested and after 14 days, all protocols were followed and all staff members were retested where it was then discovered that two more staff members had the Covid-19 virus. We had to quickly remove them from their families to protect them and they were booked into a facility. Atlanta: Three white men have been indicted on murder charges in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man fatally shot while running in a suburban neighbourhood near Georgia's coast. Prosecutor Joyette Holmes announced on Wednesday (US time) that a grand jury has indicted Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael and William 'Roddie' Bryan jnr on charges including malice and felony murder in Arbery's death. William 'Roddie' Bryan, the man who videoed the death of Armaud Arbery, has also been arrested and charged with murder. Credit:AP "This is another positive step, another great step for finding justice for Ahmaud, for finding justice for this family and the community beyond," Holmes said at a news conference outside the Glynn County courthouse in Brunswick that was streamed online by news outlets. Arbery's death has often been invoked during protests against racial injustice that have broken out across the nation since George Floyd's death last month under a white Minneapolis police officer's knee. Arbery's death also fuelled a renewed push for a state hate crimes law in Georgia, which state lawmakers passed on Tuesday. An organization named The Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) is claiming responsibility for flying the rebel flag and a banner reading 'DEFUND NASCAR' over Sunday's scheduled race in Alabama in response to the stock car circuit's decision to ban the 'stars and bars' from all events. Amid national uproar over the killing of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of Minneapolis police last month, Bubba Wallace, the only black full-time driver currently on NASCAR's top circuit, successfully pushed for the Confederate flag to be banned at all races. Paul C. Gramling Jr., who is listed as the SCV 'Commander in Chief,' told the Columbia Daily Herald on Tuesday that his nearly 123-year-old organization arranged for the banner to be flown over Talladega in response to that ban. 'NASCAR's banning the display of the Confederate battle flag by its fans is nothing less than trampling upon Southerners' First Amendment Right of free expression,' Gramling Jr. said. 'This un-American act shall not go unchallenged. '[On Sunday], members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans' Confederate Air Force displayed its disapproval of NASCAR's trampling upon the First Amendment Rights of Southerners.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Paul C. Gramling Jr. (left), who is listed as the SCV 'Commander in Chief,' told the Columbia Daily Herald on Tuesday that his nearly 123-year-old organization was solely responsible for the act. Amid national uproar over the killing of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of Minneapolis police last month, Bubba Wallace (right), the only black full-time driver on NASCAR's top circuit, successfully pushed for the Confederate flag to be banned at all races Commander in Chief Paul C. Gramling Jr. said the banner was flown by the SCV's 'air force' The banner was flown in response to NASCAR's move to ban the Confederate flag from races Gramling went on say that he hopes NASCAR reverses its ban on the Confederate flag, suggesting that doing so would somehow help to unify the country. 'It is the hope of the Sons of Confederate Veterans that NASCAR fans will be allowed the fundamental American right of displaying pride in their family and heritage,' he told the Daily Herald. 'The Sons of Confederate Veterans is proud of the diversity of the Confederate military and our modern Southland. We believe NASCAR's slandering of our Southern heritage only further divides our nation. 'The Sons of Confederate Veterans will continue to defend not only our right but the Right of all Americans to celebrate their heritage. We trust NASCAR will do the same.' In response to NASCAR's ban, SCV had arranged for a small propeller plane to fly the Confederate Flag over the northern Alabama race track before Sunday's scheduled race while a caravan of cars paraded the rebel banner in front of Talladega's main entrance. However, that display was overshadowed on Sunday when a rope was discovered in Wallace's garage stall that was reported to be a noose and initially thought to be a racist attack in retaliation for the Confederate flag ban. All 39 other NASCAR drivers rallied in support of Wallace before Monday's restart, collectively pushing his No. 43 car to the front of the grid in a show of solidarity. Wallace, an Alabama native, became overwhelmed with emotion and fought back tears as his car owner, NASCAR legend Richard Petty, gave him a hug in the moments before the race began. By Tuesday, an FBI investigation found that the item - which is described in a NASCAR statement as a 'garage door pull rope fashioned like a noose' - had been there since 2019, when a white driver was using that specific stall. Wallace, who did not discover the noose and wasn't the person who reported it to NASCAR or the FBI, faced criticism for the misunderstanding on Wednesday, but described himself as 'relieved' that it was not intended as a racist threat. 'I think we'll gladly take a little embarrassment over what the alternatives could have been,' he said in a statement. In response to NASCAR's ban, SCV had arranged for a small propeller plane to fly the Confederate Flag over the northern Alabama race track before Sunday's scheduled race at Talladega while a caravan of cars (pictured) paraded the rebel banner in front of the entrance All 39 other NASCAR drivers rallied in support of Wallace before Monday's restart, collectively pushing his No. 43 car to the front of the grid in a show of solidarity. Wallace, an Alabama native, became overwhelmed with emotion and fought back tears as his car owner, NASCAR legend Richard Petty, gave him a hug in the moments before the race began While the noose in Bubba Wallace's garage turned out to be an innocent garage pull, the display of Confederate flags being paraded outside Talladega remains a sore spot for NASCAR Before the FBI determined the supposed noose was an innocent garage door pull, an attorney for SCV denounced the perceived racist act and denied that anyone in the Columbia, South Carolina-based organization could be responsible. 'The threat against Bubba Wallace is not only reprehensible, it is un-American,' said attorney Edward Phillips. The Confederate flag has been a controversial hallmark for NASCAR, which is rooted in the South and has become a symbol of Southern identity in the US. While the Confederate flag is, undoubtedly, another symbol of the South, its history is inextricably linked with slavery and the racist motivations behind the secession of the southern states in 1860. As Confederate Vice President Alexander H. Stevens infamously said at the onset of the Civil War: 'Our new [government's] foundations are laid, its cornerstone rests, upon the great truth that the negro is not equal to the white man.' The Sons of Confederate Veterans is described as a non-profit, charitable organization, which was founded on July 1, 1896. The group is known for resisting any attempt to remove Confederate monuments, such as Stone Mountain in Georgia (pictured) While only 5,000 fans were permitted to attend Sunday's scheduled start due to COVID-19, those who were there voiced frustration to the Associated Press about the Confederate flag ban. One fan, Luke Johnson, told the AP that 'All the NASCAR tracks need to keep on flying them' before adding that he thought the perceived 'noose' in Wallace's garage was 'funny.' Another fan, Robert Chaisson, said he didn't have a strong opinion on the ban. He certainly did on what happened to Wallace. 'That was messed up. I hope they charge that guy with a hate crime,' Chaisson, who lives in Alabaster, Alabama, said. 'It doesn't matter what your opinion is, it's when you cross that line, then your opinion no longer matters. That's trying to inflict harm on someone else.' Meanwhile a small number of Black Lives Matters supporters were seen lining the streets and waving the American flag. One demonstrator held a sign that read 'Not My South.' The Sons of Confederate Veterans is described as a non-profit, charitable organization, which was founded on July 1, 1896. The group is known for resisting any attempt to remove statues of Confederate veterans, and famously failed in an attempt to create a speciality license plate in Mississippi to honor Confederate Lieutenant General and KKK Grand Wizard Nathan Bedford Forrest in 2011. The Central government on Wednesday released figures to underline that India had come a long way in its fight against Covid-19 pandemic since its outbreak in the country in February this year. Union health ministry cited crossing of a major landmark of more than 2 lakh daily tests to recall the capacity enhancements done in the last two months to boost coronavirus containment efforts. A total of 75,60,782 Covid-19 tests have been conducted in the country so far including 2,07,871 tests conducted in the last 24 hours. Total number of labs approved for Covid testing has increased to 1000, including 730 run by the government and 270 in the private sector, a tweet by Union health minister Harshvardhan claimed on Thursday. India will win, Corona will lose, he summed up his tweet on an upbeat note. For Coronavirus Live Updates His tweet followed several other tweets from his ministry that underscored the efforts made to augment Indias capacity to fight the disease stressing that it was done in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision for a self-reliant India or Atmanirbhar Bharat In Jan 2020, the entire requirement of Covid 19 swabs was imported. Today, more than 2 lakh swabs (are) produced everyday by domestic manufacturers, a health ministry tweet said. The ministry said that the country, as of Thursday, had at least 15 indigenous manufacturers of coronavirus testing kits. This was a big leap from a situation of dependence on imports which the country battled in the initial stages of outbreak. #Atmanirbhar Bharat Reinforced. From dependence on imported testing kits to creation of indigenous manufacturing capacity of testing kits. 15 indigenous manufacturers at present, the ministry tweeted. Over 75 lakh Covid-19 tests conducted till June 24, says ICMR Among other notable developments and building of capacity previously not available in the country, the manufacturing of medical ventilators has begun in the country. The PM CARES Fund Trust has allocated Rs 2000 crore for supply of 50,000 Made-in-India ventilators to government run Covid hospitals in all States and Union Territories. Out of the 50,000 ventilators, 30,000 ventilators are being manufactured by M/s Bharat Electronics Limited. So far 2,923 ventilators have been manufactured, out of which 1,340 ventilators have already been delivered to the States and UTs. The prominent recipients include Maharashtra (275), Delhi (275), Gujarat (175), Bihar (100), Karnataka (90), Rajasthan (75). By the end of June 2020, additional 14,000 ventilators will be delivered, said a government release. In another important landmark, the government announced a few days ago, that India has become the worlds second largest manufacturer of personal protective equipment (PPE) body coveralls within a short time span of two months. In a major relief to pan-India students anxiously waiting to take their board examinations amid coronavirus pandemic, Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Thursday decided to cancel remaining Class X and XII exams scheduled for July 1 to 15, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed Supreme Court. Following the suit, ICSE also informed the Supreme Court that it is also cancelling the remaining board exams for Class X and XII. "We took this decision due to logistical issues. Many schools are quarantine centres. Parents are also worried and so are children. Thus, the mental equilibrium stands affected," Mehta submitted before a bench led by Justice AM Khanwilkar. Also Read: CBSE Exams at Later Date or Internal Assessment: Whats Next in Store for Class 12 Students He added that while there will be no exam for Class X even at a future date, there will be an option for Class XII. Big news coming in. CBSE Board Exams, which were to be held from July 1-15, have been cancelled. Students will be graded on the basis of an alternative evaluation mechanism. Class XII students can either accept internal assessment marks or take the exams at a future date. Uday Singh Rana (@UdaySRana) June 25, 2020 "Class XII students will have an option to accepting scores on the basis of their last three internal assessments or sit in the remaining exams at a future date, which will be conducted as and when the situations are conducive," Mehta told the bench. The news which would perhaps calm the nerves of students was rejoiced through hilarious memes on Twitter. Pending board exams #CBSE of 10th & 12th cancelled due to Corona virus..Students : pic.twitter.com/W1MeAFJ4rL Abhi (@memewalachokara) June 25, 2020 #CBSE cancelled their remaining examinations : Me and my boys : pic.twitter.com/hoCoYvJ15R Spoiled Brat (@Spoiled_brat014) June 25, 2020 #CBSE cancelled class 12th and 10th board examBackbenchers After hearing this news - pic.twitter.com/NkLUcbrWdU THE | Epic Blogger | (@Kush_official_) June 25, 2020 Government cancelled #CBSE examsMe in front of relatives - pic.twitter.com/oYWwq8uv7L lamist (@Lamist5) June 25, 2020 #CBSE cancelled 10th and 12th exam:Toppers: main nhi mantaaBackbenchers: pic.twitter.com/pZYPSgqMw7 Arpit Shrivastava (@Sarkar_stic) June 25, 2020 Toppers after they get to know #cbse cancelled the exams pic.twitter.com/qdFiGLPbwe Sidha_memer (@Sidha_memer) June 25, 2020 #CBSECbse cancelled exams Me to the government waiting for the cancellation of #NEET2020 pic.twitter.com/ezwrS2mdUN hey_siri (@17_tanishka) June 25, 2020 ST. LOUIS The city for the month of June is averaging about one homicide a day, according to police statistics. The latest killing occurred Wednesday evening when a 36-year-old man was shot in the head in the 5200 block of St. Louis Avenue. Police found Dontae Hearn, of the 900 block of Washington Avenue, in the back yard of a residence about 6 p.m. Wednesday. Police did not provide any details about a suspect. St. Louis police said the homicide was the 23rd so far in June. Wednesday was the 24th day of the month. The homicide count for the year so far is at least 92. In all of 2019, 194 people were killed in St. Louis. Police haven't made arrests in 63 of this year's homicides. For the other 29, police consider the cases closed. The motives in most of this year's killings remain elusive. Police said they don't know why the victim was killed in 72 of the cases. Ten people were killed in arguments, two over drugs, five in burglaries and two as retaliatory acts. The motive in one killing, police said, was jealousy. Seventy-eight of the victims this year have been men, and most were in their 20s or 30s. Nearly all of those killed were Black. Eight victims were 17 years old or younger. Wednesday's killing on St. Louis Avenue was in the Kingsway West neighborhood. Crime from December to May in Kingsway West was down about 18% compared to the same period last year. By the end of May, the city's homicide total for the year was 70, according to the most recent available data from St. Louis police. Last year, in the same time frame, it was the exact same number. There were 25 homicides in May of last year, according to police statistics, and 21 this year during the month. Violent crime was down 7% year to date in the city. Post-Dispatch reporter Janelle O'Dea contributed to this report. Shake off your afternoon slump with the oft-shared and offbeat news of the day, hand-brewed by our online news editors. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Currently more than 450,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, alongside more than 2.8 million Palestinians Palestinians demonstrate in front of the EU offices in east Jerusalem during a demonstration demanding from the EU to intervene in Israel's plans to annex West Bank settlements and the Jordan Valley Jerusalem. (AFP) Jerusalem: To the United Nations, "Area C" is Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank. But Israel, which aims to annex parts of the territory, is waging a war of semantics over its status. Pro-Israel NGOs and more recently a government agency are using email and social media to take aim at foreign media about their "biased" grammar when describing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But rather than trying to impose the biblical "Judea and Samaria" term used by Israel for the West Bank, the reproaches focus on the Oslo peace accords of the 1990s. As part of these interim Israeli-Palestinian agreements, the West Bank was divided into Areas A, B and C. The first two zones constitute around 40 percent of the territory and were due to be largely under Palestinian jurisdiction. Area C was to remain under full Israeli control, with the intention of Israel transferring part of the zone to the Palestinians under a final agreement. But peace talks collapsed and Israel now intends to annex its settlements and the Jordan Valley -- which lie in Area C -- and could set such plans in motion from July 1. Annexation forms part of a broader US peace plan unveiled in January, which paves the way for the eventual creation of a Palestinian state in the remaining territory. Currently more than 450,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, alongside more than 2.8 million Palestinians. Washington is now proposing a 50-50 split of Area C, separating around 300,000 Palestinians who live there from the settlers whose homes would become part of Israel. Yossi Beilin, one of the Israeli negotiators of the Oslo accords, said that Area C was intended to become "part of Palestine" in a final deal. Viewing Area C now as Israeli territory "abuses the Oslo agreement", he told AFP, by turning something "interim" into something "forever". Beilin said the Israeli right believes they are being "very generous" in proposing to divide the area in two. "They don't understand why the world is against it," said Beilin, who has served as a minister for the left-wing Labor party. 'Disputed' land? The West Bank was ruled by Jordan following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and Amman later annexed the territory, in a move never recognised by the international community. Israel drove out Jordanian forces in the 1967 Six-Day War and sees the land as "disputed", opposing the term "occupied", which is widely used in international media. An Israeli government official recently told a European correspondent to abandon the phrase "occupied Palestinian territory". Foreign media including AFP describe Areas A, B and C as Palestinian territories, referring to the region as the "occupied West Bank". The United Nations special envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, clarified to AFP that Area C is "considered occupied Palestinian territory". But efforts by an Israeli government department to seek out journalists on social media -- telling them to scrap the term -- have escalated in recent weeks. "I believe this public nitpicking on Twitter is a new phenomenon," said Glenys Sugarman, former director of Israel's Foreign Press Association. "I handed over the FPA towards the end of last year -- I was not aware of anything like this by the GPO," she said, referring to Israel's Government Press Office. The GPO, which is linked to the prime minister's office, acknowledged "occasional engagements with incorrect/inaccurate/biased reports in the media". The government department stressed, however, that it was not "the GPO's role" to clarify Area C terminology ahead of Israel's possible annexation. By Gwladys Fouche and Victoria Klesty OSLO (Reuters) - Norway will lift travel restrictions to and from European countries that meet criteria regarding their COVID-19 situation from July 15, Prime Minister Erna Solberg said on Thursday. Norway, which is not a member of the European Union but belongs to the passport-free Schengen travel zone, currently has some of the strictest travel restrictions in Europe. "We must strike a balance that gives us the most possible safety with the least possible risk of infections," Solberg told reporters. From mid-July Norwegians will be able to travel to all countries in the European Economic Area or Schengen without undergoing a ten-day quarantine upon return - but only if these countries respect certain criteria set by Norwegian health authorities. They include that the number of positive COVID-19 tests done in a country in the last 14 days is below 5% of total tests. Likewise, European nationals will be able to travel to Norway without undergoing a ten-day quarantine. The list of countries, yet to be established, will be based on criteria Norway has fixed for travel to and from its Nordic neighbours and will be renewed every 14 days. Since June 15, citizens and foreign residents of Denmark, Iceland, Finland and the Swedish island of Gotland have been allowed to enter Norway, and without undergoing quarantine. People from mainland Sweden are not allowed into the country given the higher number of infections there. On Thursday, the whole of Sweden, including Gotland, is now restricted for travel from Norway, an updated map by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health showed. Norway moved early to impose a lockdown in mid-March and was able to begin lifting restrictions after Easter. The main restriction still in place is a ban on gatherings of more than 200 people. Norway, with a population of 5.4 million, had confirmed a total of 8,793 COVID-19 cases, with 249 deaths, as of Thursday. (Editing by Catherine Evans/Kirsten Donovan/Jane Merriman) S Godson Wisely Dass By Express News Service THOOTHUKUDI: Relatives of 60-year-old P Jeyaraj and his 31-year-old son J Beniks, who died in custody have alleged brutal torture and assault by the police and claimed that the duo, despite bleeding profusely, was denied medical assistance for two days. Rajaram, a friend of Benicks, told New Indian Express that the father and son were in so much pain that he could not bear to see them in that condition. The incident Jeyaraj was taken to the Sathankulam Police station on Friday, June 19 allegedly for keeping his timber shop open beyond 9 pm the previous day. Beniks, who ran a mobile phone shop, went to the station to enquire about his father. Beniks, according to his friends, saw Inspector Srithar assaulting Jeyaraj. When Beniks demanded that the inspector stop assaulting his father, it is alleged that Srithar ordered the other policemen to beat Beniks. Advocate Manimaran, a Beniks childhood friend, claimed he heard the police personnel shout, You dare speak against the police while assaulting the duo. Manimaran said that the violence against father and son escalated once Sub Inspector Raghu Ganesh arrived at the station around 11.30 pm. He claimed that Friends of Police volunteers, who were also present, joined the police in assaulting the duo. We pleaded with each of the policemen, individually, to stop the beating but they did not. We begged the police to release them on station bail but they told us to leave the station and get bail from the court, Manimaran claimed, adding that father and son were booked under Sections 188, 269, 294(b), 353 and 506(2) of the IPC. Police allegedly assaulted Jeyaraj and Beniks again at 1 am and 4 am on Saturday. Also Read: Custodial deaths: Family refuses to receive traders bodies Remand On Saturday morning, father and son were shifted to the government Sathankulam hospital. Rajaram said they were both bleeding profusely, so much so that they had to change six lungis. "Beniks was bleeding profusely from the rectum and he said the bleeding was not stopping," said an eye-witness who did not want to be named. His father too was bleeding from behind They had inserted a lathi into the anus and that had caused the bleeding, the eye-witness claimed, adding that they had injuries on the face and rest of the body as well. A relative, who sought anonymity, said police did not allow friends and family to enter the hospital as the police obtained a medical fitness certificate from a doctor. Manimaran claimed that Sathankulam Judicial Magistrate B Saravanan, while remanding the duo to 14-day judicial custody at the Kovilpatti Sub Jail, did not look at Jeyaraj and Beniks properly, nor did he ask about their health. The magistrate would not have remanded them if he had gone through the FIR filed against them in connection with a brawl over closing of shops amid restrictions during the lockdown, he said. Another eye-witness said the police told Beniks friends to hire a vehicle to take father and son to the sub-jail and hand them over to the warden. The seats of the vehicle in which they were taken to the hospital were soaked in blood, this person said. Despite their condition, relatives alleged that the police did not provide them with any medical assistance on Sunday and Monday. On Monday evening, Jeyaraj and Beniks were shifted to Government Kovilpatti Hospital. Beniks died shortly after arriving there. Jeyaraj died a few hours later in the early hours of Tuesday. Beniks had asked me to get him and his father out of the station somehow, said Manimaran. Those were his last words to me. I could not move a bail petition as it was a weekend. Anger and action Their death sparked anger in the district and shops across Thoothukudi were shut on Wednesday in protest. Relatives of the duo, accompanied by villagers and political party cadre, staged a protest at the Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital (TvMCH) premises, demanding that a case be registered against the two police officers alleged to be behind the violence. When Kovilpatti Judicial Magistrate MS Bharathidhasan arrived at the hospital, they requested that the postmortem be performed in the presence of their family doctor. South Zone IG Shanmuga Rajeswaran told New Indian Express that the postmortem examination was progressing under the supervision of a Judicial Magistrate as directed by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. Further course of action would be taken depending on the report given by the magistrate, he said. Even as the Madurai Bench initiated suo motu proceedings into the case, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami issued a statement condoling the deaths. He also announced a solatium of Rs 10 lakh each for Jeyaraj and Beniks. The State government will initiate actions as per the report of the Judicial Magistrate and the orders of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, the statement said. The CM also announced provision of a government job to one eligible person in the family as per law. Dead dreams Meanwhile, friends and relatives are crushed at the tragic turn of events. He was a sober and polite person. He was always willing to help those in need. He worked so hard to get his three sisters married and settled, Rajaram said. He was finally planning to get married by this December. High Court assures justice to victims MADURAI: Taking suo motu cognisance of the alleged custodial death of two traders at Sathankulam inThoothukudi, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court said that the court would closely monitor the investigation and that justice would be ensured to the victims. A Division Bench of justices PN Prakash and B Pugalendhi, which took up the case on Wednesday through video conferencing, said,Some bad apples here and there may make the public to lose their respect and faith in the entire system. The district administration should make public aware that the court has seized off the matter and would closely monitor the investigation. Justice would be ensured to the victims. The Bench directed Thoothukudi Superintendent of Police (SP) to file a status report on the case. The judges also gave directions to authorities concerned to submit a copy of the postmortem examination report and video and also inquest report before the court in a sealed cover. Further directions were given to the district administration to ensure that social distancing norms are not violated during the victims funeral. They also stressed that no room should be given for mischief-makers to exploit the present situation. The judges further told the administration to provide necessary infrastructure and support to the Kovilpatti judicial magistrate to conduct the inquest without any interference. The magistrate should be allowed to make note of the injuries on the bodies of the victims, they added. Earlier, Inspector General (IG-South Zone) KP ShanmugaRajeswaran informed the court that two sub-inspectors -- Balakrishnan and Raghuganesh of Sathankulam who were allegedly involved in the incident -- have been suspended and that Inspector Sridhar was removed from the station and placed in waiting list. Departmental proceedings have been initiated against two head constables -- Muthuraj and Murugan, he added. Thoothukudi SP ArunBalagopalan was also present during the hearing. The judges orally suggested the Additional Advocate General (AAG) Chellapandian to speak to the State government and Director General of Police (DGP) whether any Standard Operating Procedures can be issued to prevent such incidents in future. George Clarke's Amazing Spaces Rating: Scandalous! The Tabloid that Changed America Rating: The enduring appeal of George Clarke's Amazing Spaces (C4) is that he talks about buildings in a no-nonsense, blokey way. So when, last night, the architect mentioned that a project wouldn't just transform a space but 'lives as well', alarm bells sounded. Uh oh, had Amazing Spaces gone all DIY SOS? Would armies of men in matching polo shirts swarm in and toil while kindly neighbours made them tea? Thankfully, no. The appeal of George Clarke's Amazing Spaces (pictured during episode one) is that he talks about buildings in a no-nonsense, blokey way. So when he said a project wouldn't just transform a space but 'lives as well', alarm bells sounded Instead, George was talking about Marianne and Bill, who wanted to turn their dilapidated garage into a space for the family to relax. Youngest daughter Tilly suffered from a 'sensory processing' disorder that meant her brain had trouble with sights and noises around her, causing her to have what her family called 'daily meltdowns'. These were taking their toll on older sister Bea. By the end of the project, Marianne and a friend had created an impressive den for Bea with a special adjoining 'sensory room' for Tilly. What's more, they'd done it by following online video tutorials. Elsewhere, life on a houseboat with no electricity and water was proving a test for young couple Gaby and Callum. Unable to afford London house prices, they bought a boat for 48,000 in desperate need of some TLC. Their 20,000 budget may have been blown out of the water but, after six months, they ended up with a floating high-end apartment. It was certainly far easier on the eye than the curious property craftsman Will Hardie visited in Pembrokeshire. A glass bubble built into the hillside, it looked like a cross between the Teletubbies' house and a Bond villain's lair. Whether mucking in with a mallet or having an 'architectural epiphany' in a Chilean temple, George has become the everyman of architecture, and it's wonderful to watch a programme that feels informative without being haughty. No one could accuse The National Enquirer of being haughty. At the height of its success, the American scandal sheet was reaching 25 million people a week. In Scandalous! The Tabloid That Changed America (BBC4) we were told fledgling media mogul Generoso Pope bought what was The New York Enquirer in 1952 and set about rebranding it. His imagined reader was someone he called 'Missy Smith' from Kansas. In Scandalous! The Tabloid That Changed America (BBC4) we were told fledgling media mogul Generoso Pope bought what was The New York Enquirer in 1952 and set about rebranding it. Pictured, former National Enquirer editor Larry Haley with Donald Trump Missy, he decided, needed to know that celebrities had the same problems that she did. Missy was reassured that Elizabeth Taylor struggled with her weight and that the Charlie's Angels all supposedly hated one another. He also hit on the genius idea of selling the magazine in supermarkets so that Missy and her friends could pick it up with their groceries. With huge success came huge budgets (and, the programme alleged, hugely dodgy practices). Bribing a family member to take a snap of Elvis Presley in his coffin led to one of the biggest-selling issues. In the 1990s, the Enquirer ran endless stories on Donald Trump who, back then, was nothing more than a loud property developer with a colourful love life. The source of the stories, according to former staff members, was mostly The Donald himself. Not just a gossip rag, it thrashed rivals on the O.J. Simpson story. He claimed never to have owned the type of shoe that had left a bloody footprint by the body of his murdered ex-wife Nicole. The Enquirer uncovered a picture that proved otherwise. Today, Missy has moved on and The Enquirer limps along, a shadow of its former self. But being reminded of its heyday made for enthralling and titillating viewing. SAGINAW, MI Months after a two-vehicle crash left one person dead and others with serious injuries, a Saginaw man is facing three felonies related to the collision. Jordan R. Ward, 22, on Wednesday, June 24, appeared before Saginaw County District Judge Elian E.H. Fichtner for arraignment on one count of driving while license suspended causing death and two counts of driving while license suspended causing serious injury. The former is a 15-year felony, while the latter is punishable by up to five years in prison. The charges stem from a Nov. 21 crash on M-13 in Zilwaukee Township. About 5 p.m. that day, Ward had been driving a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta north as a box truck being used by Toys For Tots that had been heading south. Jordan R. Ward The Volkswagen veered left of center, hydroplaned, and crashed into the larger truck, Michigan State Police Special 1st Lt. David Kaiser previously told MLive. Daniel J. Biskner, a 58-year-old rear-seat passenger in the Volkswagen, died of injuries sustained in the crash. He had not been wearing his seat belt, Kaiser has said. The Volkswagens front seat passenger, 14-year-old Crislyn Durian, suffered breaks to her back, leg, ankle, and fingers as well as internal bleeding. A 40-year-old woman in the back seat and Ward also suffered injuries. The driver and a passenger of the box truck suffered minor injuries. Kaiser previously said the tires on the Volkswagen were bald to the degree of being illegal to drive on. He also said Ward had been driving too fast for conditions. Prosecutors on Wednesday said Ward is not alleged to have been under the influence of a substance, adding lab reports are complete. Authorities issued a warrant for Ward on June 16; police arrested him on the warrant on Tuesday. Fichtner freed Ward on a $30,000 personal recognizance bond with the condition he wear a GPS tether. At the time of the crash, Ward was living in Kawkawlin, though records now indicate he lives in Saginaw. A GoFundMe page started by Durians family in the wake of the crash to help pay for her medical costs garnered $2,503 from 49 donors. Wards court dates are pending. Related: Bald tires, marijuana contributed to crash that left 1 dead, 1 teen hospitalized with broken back Police release name of Kawkawlin man killed in M-13 crash The long-awaited app which alerts users when they have been in close contact with someone who has reported symptoms of Covid-19 is due to be launched next week. HSE chief Paul Reid said yesterday it had cleared various hurdles and it just needed to be given the go- ahead by Cabinet. He was speaking as the Department of Health said another six people died from the virus yesterday, bringing the toll to 1,726. Another five people were diagnosed with the infection. It means there have been 25,396 confirmed cases of Covid-19 so far. The virus remains at low levels here. Meanwhile, heart patients are at increased risk owing to delays and fear caused by Covid-19, according to leading heart medics and organisations. Both groups are urging patients to "just go" to the hospital when they have concerning heart symptoms. Heart attack patients are taking longer to present to hospital since Covid-19 by an average of 18 extra hours, according to Dr Samer Arnous, consultant cardiologist at University Hospital Limerick. "We also know that 25pc of patients with serious valve disease will die within three to six months if untreated," he said. Covid-19 had led to delays but hospitals were trying to catch up, he added. As Directed Health Measure restrictions lessen in Gage County, members of the Christ Community Church in Beatrice may see a couple new faces during services. Daniel Worsham started as the churchs new worship pastor two weeks ago, after the former pastor accepted a position in Omaha this spring. Worsham said the experience has been great so far. The first Sunday, there were a lot of nerves going up to it, but even after the first service I just felt a lot more relaxed, Worsham said. Just a really, really welcoming churchEverybodys so nice, it just made us feel at home. Worshams father was a youth pastor in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he grew up. Around age 10, Worsham started playing the French Horn, and later got a degree in music performance at the University of Minnesota. In 2014, Worsham spent nine months performing with the Sarajevo Philharmonic Orchestra in Bosnia-Herzegovina. When Worsham returned, he married his now wife, Hana, got more involved in the church and started working as a freelance musician among other things. He said his original goal was to work in a symphony orchestra, but when he was contacted by Christ Community Church he said he found a connection with senior pastor Dan Martin and his views on religion. We didnt know much about Beatrice, we didnt know much about Nebraska, but just the people here that we got connected with, and just the quality of the leadership here at the church just really drew us in, Worsham said. We have a passion and a vision to help people to be able to worship the Lord, and Daniel fits all of the requirements that we look for in a pastor, musician and person, Martin said. Worsham said he and Hana are excited to work with the church choir, but noted that the COVID-19 pandemic makes that planning and organizing difficult. Theres an orchestra pit here at the church that hasnt really been utilized, so thats something that I have my eye on [too], Worsham said. Love 1 Funny 2 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. Our Divisions Copyright 2021-22 DB Corp ltd., All Rights Reserved This website follows the DNPA Code of Ethics. On Wednesday, the Kremlin held a major victory day parade in the center of Moscow with some 14,000 troops. The parade was originally scheduled for May 9, the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II, but had been delayed because of the spread of the coronavirus. All social distancing measures in the Moscow region had been lifted only on Monday, a week earlier than originally planned so that the parade could take place. However, the Moscow region still records about 80 percent of new infections in Russia. Every day, between 7,000 and 8,000 new infections are recorded in the country, with the total number of confirmed cases surpassing 600,000 on Wednesday. The parade and the reopening of the economy have been timed to precede by one week the national referendum on constitutional changes proposed by Putin earlier this year. These changes will allow Putin to run for president again in 2024 and will strengthen the presidents role. The parade was meant, above all, to foster nationalism and promote a false sense of national unity. The Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941 claimed the lives of at least 27 million Soviet citizens, and the Red Army, despite the devastating role of Stalinism, played the central role in defeating Nazi Germany. While substantial political confusion prevails, above all, about the role of Stalinism, the vast majority of the Russian population still feels a profound association with the fight against fascism. Besieged by world imperialism and under conditions of growing class tensions, the Russian oligarchy, which emerged out of the Stalinist counterrevolution against the October Revolution, seeks to appeal to these sentiments and exploit them for the promotion of nationalism. Parades were scheduled in 28 cities, and 64,000 people were expected to attend, a recipe for an unmitigated public health disaster in the midst of a pandemic. Most of these cities are located in regions which are still in the early stages of reopening, with mass gatherings still banned. However, the parade was a debacle and highlighted, if anything, the growing international isolation of and social tensions within Russia. Because of the ongoing pandemic, virtually no foreign leader of significance attended the parade. Only presidents of former Soviet republics attended, as well as the Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh. The president of Kyrgyzstan travelled to Moscow to attend but after two members of his delegation tested positive upon arrival, he canceled his participation in the parade. US President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Chinese President Xi Jinping and French President Emmanuel Macron had all been invited but declined to attend. In Moscow itself, the mayor urged all residents to remain at home and only watch the parade from home. Those invited were required to test for the virus. However, even though social distancing rules were in place for invited war veterans, many were pictured without masks and in close distance to each other. Reporters on the scene likewise were seen without masks and without practicing social distancing. Twenty-five cities refused to hold parades, pointing to the risk of mass infections. The holding of the victory parade and the national referendum, in which millions are set to participate under conditions of a raging pandemic, highlight both the criminality and crisis of the Russian oligarchy. As in other countries, the reopening of the economy in Russia comes much too early and leaves tens of millions of impoverished workers to face the risk of infection and death. The premature reopening of factories in April had already led to a massive spread of the virus among miners and factory workers, including over 1,200 miners in just one mine in Siberia. It directly contributed to Russia rapidly rising to having the third largest number of total infections in the world in May. Putin tried to mitigate fears of the virus spreading in another address to the nation on Tuesday, assuring the population that the country would be able to cope. In an effort to present himself as someone seeking to ameliorate social tensions, he announced a slight increase of the income tax from 13 percent to 15 percent for rich individuals who earn over five million rubles ($73,000) a year. He also announced an extension of some of the paltry social reforms that had been promised in early April, including payments to healthcare and social workers. Many of these payments have never been made. Putin also said that the Kremlin would make another one-off 10,000-ruble payment (about $135) for each child under 16. Families with unemployed parents will receive 12,130 rubles ($175) per month through August. Under conditions where at least 4.5 million people now count as unemployed, these payments will do little to alleviate even the most extreme social distress. Over one million Russians have lost their jobs since the beginning of the pandemic, but these figures are likely vast underestimates, given that a substantial portion of Russias workforce is employed in the shadow economy. Mass infections among industrial and medical workers, in particular, have caused significant social and political anger. In May, thousands of Gazprom workers at the Chayanda field were infected with the virus. Most of them had only received testing and medical treatment after protesting the horrifying conditions. Because of its crumbling healthcare infrastructure and completely inadequate supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers, Russia has had one of the highest rates of infections and deaths among them in the world. According to the latest official figures, at least 489 medical workers have died from the virus out of a total of 8,503 people (5.75 percent). Nurses and doctors, who receive starvation wages in Russia of just a few hundred dollars a month, staged protests and wrote letters of protest throughout the pandemic. The popularity rating of Putin, whose public appearances have been extremely muted throughout the pandemic, plunged from 69 percent to 59 percent from February to May. Russian GDP is expected to contract by five percent this year, and the rating agency Fitch estimates that the ruble will devalue to 72 rubles per dollar by the end of the year. The ruble is already standing at 70 to one dollar, more than at any time since its plunge in early 2016. Over the past two decades, Putin has overseen a vast enrichment of the criminal oligarchy that has emerged out of the Stalinist liquidation of the Soviet Union. The new Global Health report by the Boston Consulting Group found that between 1999 and 2019, the personal fortunes of the richest Russians multiplied by 16 times from $0.1 trillion to $1.6 trillion. By contrast, the median income in Russia is just 47,000 rubles ($675) per month, but millions are earning far less. The mass impoverishment of broad layers of the Russian population by the pandemic and its economic fallout have further exacerbated these extreme levels of social inequality. Mayor Sylvester Turner on Wednesday announced the appointment of 45 people to a task force that will review Houston Police Department policies in what will be a closely-watched effort to consider reforms. Laurence Larry Payne, a former staffer of Mayor Kathy Whitmire and U.S. Rep. Mickey Leland, will chair the committee, which includes activists, academics, business leaders, law enforcement officials and clergy. Among them: Bishop James Dixon II of the NAACP; Hispanic Chamber of Commerce CEO Laura Murillo; former criminal district court judge Marc Carter; George Rhyne of the Texas Anti-Gang Center; and rapper Trae tha Truth. The full list can be found here. The mayor has identified a few issues he would like the task force to consider. They include the departments use-of-force policy; when to release body camera footage; and whether the citys Independent Police Oversight Board widely seen as toothless should be enhanced with subpoena power. The group is expected to bring recommendations in the next 60 days and to complete a report by Sept. 1, Turner said. The launch of the working group was met with skepticism by some activists, who argued the city has studied the issue thoroughly in the past and that it is time for action. We believe it when we see it. Because weve never seen it, said Tarsha Jackson, an advocate who formerly was the criminal justice director for the Texas Organizing Project. Jackson served on the criminal justice committee of the mayors transition team, which in 2016 identified a slew of potential reforms. The American Civil Liberties Union of Texas last week released a progress report that found Turner has not acted on most of those recommendations. They included the implementation of a cite-and-release policy for minor crimes; reducing wasteful spending by converting more of the departments positions to civilians instead of sworn officers; adopting a body camera policy that would release footage to maximize public access, and decreasing the citys reliance on court fines and jail as a revenue source. Sandra Guerra Thompson, a professor at the University of Houston Law Center, chaired that transition committee, and said the ACLU is correct that it has been left mostly on the shelf. However, Thompson said, the committee did not address everything being discussed today. For example, the committee did not have detailed conversations about officers use of force, she said, and the Black Lives Matter movement was not at the forefront of the debate as it is now. I think we would write a very different report today than what my committee did, she said. A lot has changed. That was Turners argument, as well. He said the national reckoning that followed the police killings of George Floyd in Minneapolis and Breonna Taylor in Louisville has marked a turning point in the debate. Anything that was done prior to (that), really doesnt take into account what has taken place over the last several weeks across this country. So, it is important for us to address these issues now, Turner said. I dont think anyone would say what was discussed four-and-a-half years ago is enough to meet these particular times. Turner also named five special advisers for the task force, four of whom are religious leaders. Six of the task force members also come from religious groups. The task force features 33 men (39 including the chair and advisers) and 12 women. There is a wide range of advocates on the panel, including Mamie Garcia of LULAC and organizer Shekira Dennis. There also are four academics, including Texas Southern Universitys Carla Brailey. Four members have some involvement in the criminal justice system, and four listed some affiliation with law enforcement, such as Rania Mankarious of Crime Stoppers and Terry Bratton, chair of the Houston Police Officers Pension System Board of Trustees. Three of the members were listed simply as millennials. And one, Robert Satcher, is a NASA astronaut. Ashton Woods, the founder of Black Lives Matter Houston, said the mayor excluded a lot of grass-roots activists. As I thought, THIS task force is full of people WHO ALREADY HAD POWER to change things, Woods said on Twitter. Besides a couple of people who do real work, I have ZERO faith that things will change. Another empty gesture. For many, the value of the task force will lie in its final work and whether it results in change. Johnny Mata, a longtime Houston activist who is serving as a special adviser for the task force, said previous committees and task forces have failed to produce meaningful reforms. Turners policing task force needs to pursue serious changes that the activist community is calling for, he said. Elected officials need to quit kicking the can down the road, Mata said. I dont want to say any negative things about whos been named. Im just saying, weve been down this road before. And right now, I look for substance. Ginny Goldman, a co-chair of Turners executive transition committee, said there are a host of issues that are unique to Houston, such as flood control, that warrant task forces. Police reform, Goldman argued, is not one of those issues. Theres a way to design a task force to get real work done on an urgent timeline, she said. And theres a way to design a task force that stalls action and creates political theater. We need to find out which one this is. One member of the panel, Texas Gulf Coast Area Labor Federation president Lacy Wolf, said he agrees with those criticizing the task force as insufficient, but views it as the only real option to push for police reform at the city. Besides continuing with these protests, how else can you move anything forward? Wolf said. We really dont have any other type of avenue. Still, Wolf said, the task force is too large and does not adequately represent those impacted by police violence. He said that puts added pressure on members such as himself who represent people seeking major reform. Im a single voice, but Im the lead voice of many, many people, and theyre going to be pushing me if I start slacking off or anything, said Wolf, whose coalition includes more than 90 unions and 60,000 members. Theyll be right behind me rallying with bullhorns and signs. Turner has jumped ahead of the task force in adopting some immediate measures. The mayor signed an executive order earlier this month that adopted the use-of-force policies outlined in the #8CantWait campaign, many of which already were practiced by HPD. Otherwise, Turner has stuck to his position that Houston needs more police officers, not fewer. His $5.1 billion budget, approved unanimously June 10 by city council amid protests outside City Hall, included an increase of roughly $19 million for police, bringing the departments resources to $965 million. Much of that increase was required by a 2018 labor contract giving officers 3-percent raises. The budget also included five police cadet classes. dylan.mcguinness@chron.com jasper.scherer@chron.com TEL AVIV, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel announced a new partnership with the United Arab Emirates on Thursday to cooperate in the fight against the coronavirus, portraying it as the latest advance in the Jewish states efforts to build stronger ties with Arab states. But Mr. Netanyahus ebullient description was contradicted a few hours later when the Emirates issued a much more muted statement, announcing what it described as an agreement between two private Emirati companies and two Israeli companies to develop technology to fight the virus. The Emirati statement took the wind out of what Mr. Netanyahu had touted as a diplomatic coup, suggesting that despite the deepening ties, the two countries were still at odds over Mr. Netanyahus vow to annex parts of the occupied West Bank. Addressing graduates at an air force base near Tel Aviv, Mr. Netanyahu spoke in grand terms of what he described as a new partnership that could benefit the broader Middle East. Around 8.48 lakh students appeared for the SSLC examinations (Secondary School Leaving Certificate or class 10 state board) exams on Thursday, even as students and parents expressed concern over holding exams amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Karnataka has decided to go ahead with its state board exams even as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) cancelled their examinations. Primary and secondary education minister, S Suresh Kumar, tweeted My deep gratitude to parents for their faith in the government, and heartfelt thanks to teaching and other govt staff members, police for their tireless work & dedication. Am humbled by the huge turnout of students - they were full of enthusiasm, confidence, and disciplined. On Thursday, Karnataka reported 442 new Covid-19 cases, taking the total to 10,560 cases, including 170 deaths and 6,670 recoveries. At present, there is no plan to enforce a city-wide lockdown in Bengaluru despite mounting cases, according to revenue minister, R Ashoka, who made the statement after a meeting of the Covid-19 task force, held under the leadership of chief minister BS Yediyurappa. Several opposition leaders, including former CM HD Kumaraswamy, have demanded that the government lockdown Bengaluru for at least for 20 days to prevent community spread. DK Shivakumar, the president of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, had announced a voluntary lockdown in Kanakapura district. Earlier in the day, CM Yediyurappa said that he would meet with leaders of opposition parties and legislators on Friday to take a final decision on the next course of action for Bengaluru. After the review meeting, the government said that currently 100 ambulances are available in Bengaluru and if required, the number would be increased. To ensure availability of beds in hospital, the government decided to provide treatment to moderately symptomatic patients at Haj Bhawan as well as private hotels. The government also decided to create a digital platform to provide realtime information about availability of beds. Leading the devastating growth of COVID-19 in Latin America, Brazil has surpassed 1,000,000 cases and 50,000 deaths according to its official figures. There has been a continuous increase in weekly averages of new cases and daily deaths since the first contamination was reported in March. Last Friday registered a record of 55,209 cases in a single day, as well as four days in a row with more than 1,200 deaths. Despite this, the entire country has already adopted drastic policies to reopen economic activities, justified with baseless claims of a stabilization" of the disease and of health care systems. Workers protest after more than 50 tested positive in meat processing plant in Cabreuva, Sao Paulo Monday,. [Credit: Facebook] The viruss staggering toll is being minimized by political authorities as below the highest projections, as stated by Patricia Ellen, the secretary of Economic Development of Sao Paulo, the most affected state in the country, which recorded a record 434 deaths in a single day this Tuesday. But as frightening as they may be, official figures are a gross underestimate of reality, as Brazilian and international researchers have been warning for months. On Monday, the World Health Organization (WHO) voiced concern about underreporting of cases in Brazil, revealed by the high percentage of positive results in COVID-19 tests, around 31 percent in Brazil, while in other countries it is usually 17 percent. The official death toll has also been widely questioned. Researchers point, on the one hand, to an explosion in the number of deaths due to nonspecific severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and, on the other hand, to the profound differences between the total number of deaths due to natural causes in 2019 and 2020, that do not correspond to the numbers attributed to COVID-19. A report published by Globo last weekend reported that more than 21,000 deaths that have been registered as SARS are suspected cases of COVID-19. Since February, the state of Minas Gerais has accumulated thousands of deaths registered as SARS and not tested for COVID-19. Based on these false figures, authorities decreed in late May the reopening of commerce in the capital Belo Horizonte. On that occasion, Mayor Alexandre Kalil of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) said it was not he who was reopening the city, but rather doctors and science. The result of this irresponsible reopening was the increase in the ICU bed occupancy rate in the city from 40 to 74 percent, which the guardian of science Kalil attributed to the sloppy use of masks and increasing numbers of barbecues. Like Belo Horizonte, several other Brazilian cities have registered a high occupancy of hospital beds in recent weeks. In large cities of Sao Paulos state interior, hospitals dedicated to COVID-19 have already reached full capacity and are refusing new admissions; the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, has 100 percent of its COVID-19 beds occupied; treatment centers for COVID-19 in Curitiba, capital of Parana, and Porto Alegre, capital of Rio Grande do Sul, have also reached full capacity. On the other hand, in other cities and states, a decrease in the occupation of ICU beds has been presented by political leaders as a sign that the virus is under control. Researchers and medical authorities have also confronted this bald claim. According to Domingos Alves, professor of the Medical School of the University of Sao Paulo, the decrease in occupation occurs by the simple fact that the total number of available beds has been increased. There are governors and mayors who are resorting to this trick to say that the situation has improved and to reopen commercial activities, but when you look, the number of cases is increasing, the doctor told BBC . A survey conducted by the Brazilian Intensive Care Medicine Associations ICU Project concluded the mortality rate of patients with the COVID-19 in public system units is of 38.5 percent, twice that of private health system units, with 19.5 percent. This brutal difference is not linked, according to the researchers, so much to the difference in infrastructure between the two systems, as to the severity of the disease among patients who receive intensive care. In the public system, 66.5 percent of patients enter the ICU already requiring mechanical ventilation, while in the private system this number is 36.8 percent. The policy of reopening the economy completely disregards science and follows a single criterion: the interests of capitalist profit. The main advocate of such measures is Brazils fascist President Jair Bolsonaro, who has been promoting a fierce campaign against any form of containment of the virus, which involves the spread of false cures such as hydroxychloroquine, while encouraging the breaking of quarantines and even the invasion of hospitals by his far-right supporters. However, this criminal reopening policy has been embraced by all sectors of the Brazilian political establishment, including the so-called opposition of the Workers Party and its allies governing Northeastern states. A study by Oxford University published this Monday analyzed the measures adopted in eight of the main Brazilian capitalsSao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Recife, Fortaleza, Goiania, Manaus and Porto Alegreand concluded that they all reopened without meeting the basic requirements set by the WHO. Besides the general lack of testing, Brazil is not carrying out any contact tracing measures, which would allow isolation of the virus. Speaking about the Brazilian situation, the WHOs technical director, Maria Van Kerkhove, asked, Where is the transmission happening? In health facilities, in nursing homes, related to specific events? It is necessary to have these details to control the virus. The answer to these questions is being blocked not only by the incompetence and neglect of the governments, but by their complacency in relation to the continuation of activities tied to the transmission of the disease. As the World Socialist Web Site reported last week, the operation of meat processing plants and mining companies under unsafe conditions has caused contamination of entire cities. New outbreaks of COVID-19 in dozens of workplaces throughout Brazil have been reported in just the last few days. These cases have received, at best, marginal attention from the media and are not presented as the generalized phenomenon they clearly have become. The meatpacking industry continues to be the main scenario of new explosions. Last Friday, a JBS plant in Caxias do Sul, in Rio Grande do Sul, had 412 workers testing positive for the new coronavirus. The site had already been closed at the beginning of the month by the courts, after the confirmation of more than 20 infected workers, but it was reopened four days later and continues to operate now. Another meat processing plant, in Cabreuva, in the countryside of Sao Paulo, was ordered closed by the Public Ministry of Labor (MPT) last week after the more than 50 workers tested positive and investigations revealed extremely risky working conditions, such as a lack of ventilation and crowded spaces. But the plant continued to operate with infected employees until workers held a protest on Monday, forcing its closure. New outbreaks were also reported in Bradesco bank branches throughout the country. In Feira de Santana, Bahia, the MPT ordered the closure of the banks branches, claiming that the management kept employees with symptoms of COVID-19 at work for days and, even after five of them tested positive, refused to adopt the minimum recommendations and prevented inspection of its facilities. Last Friday, an explosion of coronavirus cases was reported at a Petrobras unit in Bahia. According to Correio 24 Horas, there are more than 200 infected workers at the Landulpho Alves refinery, most of them outsourced employees. One of them, 36 years old drill operator Johnny Mafort, died in mid-April. Outbreaks at several Petrobras refineries and platforms are being deliberately covered up. Under the pretext of medical confidentiality, the number of workers killed by COVID-19 is not being revealed. Since May, the company's bulletins no longer disclose the infection rate among outsourced employees, excluding two thirds of the workers from its reports. Nevertheless, the number of cases confirmed up to June 15 exceeds 1,300. Last week, Estadao reported that the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin) has alerted the Bolsonaro administration of the accelerated spread of COVID-19 among Petrobras workers since May. A major concern presented by Abin was that workers will react with a strike. The strikes and protests at working places are the most powerful opposition to the antiscientific policies allowing the coronavirus to spread freely. This response has gained increasing appeal in different sectors of the Brazilian working class. Strikes against unsafe conditions are being carried out this week by health professionals in Piaui and Espirito Santo and by subway employees in Minas Gerais. The movement in Brazil is directly connected to and strengthened by the growing opposition of workers around the world to the deadly policies advanced by capitalism. In recent days, the WSWS has reported strikes by autoworkers in Mexico and post office workers in England, responding to the contamination of their workplaces. The pandemic is a global problem and can only be overcome by the collaboration among all countries. While capitalists defend their national strategic interests that prevent the effective fight against the virus, the global working class is defending common interests that transcend borders. The global unification of workers struggles around the program of overthrowing the capitalist system and implementing socialist policies emerges as the only way to defeat the pandemic and ensure the future of humanity. A woman has revealed how she contemplated suicide after suffering from a painkiller addiction on-and-off for 20 years on Ross Kemp's Living With documentary series. Sherry Flatt, from Bradford, West Yorkshire, appears on the ITV programme tonight to discuss her battle with morphine dependency. The mother went to the doctor with a chronically painful back two decades ago following a car accident, but says she feels morphine 'poisoned' her life. Sherry opens up to Ross on the programme, and says she has now finally reduced her dosage with help from a local opioid painkiller addiction service. Sherry Flatt, from Bradford, reveals she felt 'poisoned' by her opioid addiction as she struggled for 20 years (pictured) on Ross Kemp's Living With documentary series She opens up to Ross Kemp during the ITV programme tonight at 7.30pm to discuss her battle with morphine dependency. Pictured: Ross speaking with Sherry Speaking to Ross during his investigation into opium-derived drugs, Sherry says she knows her struggle with painkillers is damaging her, explaining that the side-effects can be extreme. 'It's poisoning me,' she reveals. 'I was itching like mad, I was tearing my skin off, especially at night-time. I would wake up and just be covered in blood.' Ross asks if she had ever thought about not going on, and she says: 'Yeah, I had planned what I was going to do. I was going to kill myself because I couldn't live this life that I was living.' But she admits that she was deterred from her plan after thinking about her children. The mother (above) went to the doctor with a chronically painful back two decades ago following a car accident, but was left craving morphine so badly that she thought about ending her life to stop her addiction What are opioids? Opiods produce morphine-like effects and are prescribed to treat moderate to severe pain. They block pain signals between the brain and the body and common opioids include codeine and tramadol. Opioids have been used effectively for the treatment cancer but in the past decade prescriptions on the NHS for long term pain have rocketed. In 2019, an investigation from the Sunday Times found a huge rise in prescriptions of powerful painkillers and soaring addiction rates, overdoses and deaths. The number of opioids given out by GPs has increased by 10million in the past ten years, according to the report. It also discovered that five people are dying every day from the epidemic and opioid deaths are up by 41 per cent to around 2,000 a year. Advertisement Ross tells the camera: 'She went to the doctors with severe pain but she was just given painkillers. Now those painkillers turned into an opioid addiction that nearly cost her her life. 'A life she's fighting to get back. Sherry has managed to reduce her dosage of morphine with help from a local opioid painkiller addiction service.' An estimated 500,000 people in Britain are addicted to prescription opioids, Ross learns during his investigation into opium-derived drugs - which are used in powerful painkillers prescribed by GPs. He visits a specialist service for those with painkiller addiction and learns the depths of their dependency. Michael Ritchie, who works with addicts and helps GPs safely reduce patients' medication, says we don't understand the scale of the issue in Britain yet. 'It's a hidden problem, we do know there's a lot of people on opioid medication - just over five million people' he explains. 'The common thing when I speak to patients is, they didn't realise it was addictive, they didn't realise how strong it was. He continued: 'I'm seeing more and more people, we can't cope with the demand.' Ross explores the availability and effects of fentanyl a powerful painkiller used in cancer treatment - and finds that in certain quantities, the drug is 50 times stronger than heroin and is advertised for sale online illegally in the UK. Sherry (pictured) admitted that it was only the thought of her children that stopped her going through with her plan - and explained that she's now finally reduced her dosage with help from a local opioid painkiller addiction service He comes face-to-face with a drug dealer who has started cutting fentanyl into his product. The dealer tells him: 'Fentanyl is a lot cheaper, a little bit of that, mix it with the right stuff, can take us a long way. 'People don't realise that, when they are taking heroin cut with fentanyl, they think it's great heroin, but actually it's probably not. It hits you quicker, it's a bigger hit, and it holds on for longer.' To explore the impact of heroin laced with fentanyl, Ross meets Brian Reed, whose daughter Lydia died aged 25 after taking the lethal cocktail without knowing its strength. He says: 'It was my wife's birthday, she came for the celebration and she was sitting at the table over there, as if absolutely everything in the world was fine for her. And just about a week later, she was dead.' Ross Kemp: Living With Painkiller Addiction ITV 7.30pm tonight. If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org. NASA will name its headquarters building in Washington, D.C., in honor of its first Black female engineer, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine announced on Wednesday. Mary W. Jackson, who was featured in the 2016 movie Hidden Figures, began her career at NASA in the segregated West Area Computing Unit of the agencys Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. Jackson, a mathematician and aerospace engineer, went on to lead programs influencing the hiring and promotion of women in NASAs science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers. In 2019, she was posthumously awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, NASA said in a news release. Welcome to the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building Today, Administrator @JimBridenstine announced that were naming our headquarters building in Washington, DC after our first African-American female engineer: https://t.co/znX2jXklRh NASA (@NASA) June 25, 2020 Mary W. Jackson was part of a group of very important women who helped NASA succeed in getting American astronauts into space. Mary never accepted the status quo, she helped break barriers and open opportunities for African Americans and women in the field of engineering and technology, said Bridenstine. Today, we proudly announce the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building. It appropriately sits on Hidden Figures Way, a reminder that Mary is one of many incredible and talented professionals in NASAs history who contributed to this agencys success. Hidden no more, we will continue to recognize the contributions of women, African Americans, and people of all backgrounds who have made NASAs successful history of exploration possible. The part of E Street SW in front of the NASA headquarters was renamed Hidden Figures Way in 2019. The movie Hidden Figures was based on the book by Margot Lee Shetterly, Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race. In the news release, NASA reported that Carolyn Lewis, Mary Jacksons daughter, said, We are honored that NASA continues to celebrate the legacy of our mother and grandmother Mary W. Jackson. She was a scientist, humanitarian, wife, mother, and trailblazer who paved the way for thousands of others to succeed, not only at NASA, but throughout this nation. According to NASA, Jackson, who was from Hampton, Va., graduated from the Hampton Institute in 1942 with a dual degree in math and physical sciences. She worked as a math teacher in Calvert County, Md., then as a bookkeeper and U.S. Army secretary. In 1951, Jackson was recruited by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, which in 1958 was succeeded by NASA. She started as a research mathematician who became known as one of the human computers at Langley. She worked under fellow Hidden Figure Dorothy Vaughan in the segregated West Area Computing Unit. After two years in the computing pool, Jackson received an offer to work in the 4-foot by 4-foot Supersonic Pressure Tunnel, a 60,000 horsepower wind tunnel capable of blasting models with winds approaching twice the speed of sound. There, she received hands-on experience conducting experiments. Her supervisor eventually suggested she enter a training program that would allow Jackson to earn a promotion from mathematician to engineer. Because the classes were held at then-segregated Hampton High School, Jackson needed special permission to join her white peers in the classroom. Jackson completed the courses, earned the promotion, and in 1958 became NASAs first Black female engineer. For nearly two decades during her engineering career, she authored or co-authored research numerous reports, most focused on the behavior of the boundary layer of air around airplanes. In 1979, she joined Langleys Federal Womens Program, where she worked hard to address the hiring and promotion of the next generation of female mathematicians, engineers and scientists. Mary retired from Langley in 1985. Jackson died in 2005. In 2019 she and colleagues Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Christine Darden were awarded the Hidden Figures Congressional Gold Medal by President Trump. Johnson, at the age of 99, was there in 2017 when a new computer research center that bears her name was dedicated at Langley. Johnson died in February at the age of 101. In the news release, Bridenstine said, NASA facilities across the country are named after people who dedicated their lives to push the frontiers of the aerospace industry. The nation is beginning to awaken to the greater need to honor the full diversity of people who helped pioneer our great nation. Over the years NASA has worked to honor the work of these Hidden Figures in various ways, including naming facilities, renaming streets and celebrating their legacy. We know there are many other people of color and diverse backgrounds who have contributed to our success, which is why were continuing the conversations started about a year ago with the agencys Unity Campaign. NASA is dedicated to advancing diversity, and we will continue to take steps to do so. 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. Mumbai, June 25 : Actor R. Madhavan has finally reacted to rumours of a possible sequel to his 2001 release, "Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein". The film had marked the Bollywood debuts of Madhavan and actress Dia Mirza, and it also starred Saif Ali Khan. "# RHTDM ..Guysss ...been reading rumors about the sequel .. and hoping it's true-cause I have no idea about this.. just praying that someone somewhere has an age appropriate script for Dia and I -varna ab madhav shastri banna toh hathi ko chaddi pehnane ke barabar hai (playing the role of Madhav Shastri at this age will be like making and elephant wear an underwear)," tweeted Madhavan, who turned 50 on June 1. However, many fans don't seem to mind the idea of an aging Madhav Shastri. They feel only Madhavan and Dia can bring alive the screen chemistry. "Nothing is impossible... Physical appearance doesn't make much difference, when u r such brilliant actor.. good script and your chemistry with Diya.. that's all," tweeted a user. "You are evergreen! Only you and Diya can do RHTDM," shared another user. "Maddy this is such awesome news that I can't tell u. In this corona time u brought smile on many of us face...@ActorMadhavan and @deespeak once again can't believe," expressed an excited fan. While fans are very much excited and want the sequel to happen, they have requested that the original songs from the movie should be retained and no remix should be made. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Three people were arrested in a targeted police operation at Luxembourg City's central train station. A selection of drugs, knives and a firearm were seized by officers. The police check took place on Monday 22 June at Place de la Gare and included a platform within the station itself. Following the operation, officers searched a house in southern Luxembourg. Among the items confiscated were heroin, cocaine, marijuana and painkillers, as well as knives, a firearm and ammunition. Three people were taken into custody and brought before the investigating judge. By Joseph Ax (Reuters) - As election results trickled in from New York showing he was leading 31-year veteran Democratic Representative Eliot Engel, Jamaal Bowman told supporters he was part of a movement to deconstruct a system that is "literally killing us." "Eliot Engel...used to say that he was a thorn in the side of (President) Donald Trump," Bowman, a Black school principal running in his first political campaign, said on Tuesday night. "But you know what Donald Trump is more afraid of than anything else? A Black man with power." On Wednesday, Bowman held a commanding 27-point lead over Engel with absentee ballots still pending in Tuesday's election in the New York district covering the northern Bronx and nearby suburbs. From New York to Virginia to Kentucky, Tuesday's elections showed voters are favoring a new generation of minority candidates amid a national reckoning on racism after the death of George Floyd, a Black man, in police custody last month. "People are tired of the status quo," said Maurice Mitchell, a Black activist and national director of the liberal Working Families Party. "I think it's further cemented at a time when all of our systems have failed us." Even before Floyd's death triggered a wave of protests across the country over police mistreatment of African Americans, the number of minority candidates running for the U.S. House of Representatives had increased dramatically in 2020. In the 22 states that held primaries before Tuesday, 31 percent of House candidates were minorities, up from 22.3 percent in the same states in 2018, according to research by Bernard Fraga, a political science professor at Indiana University. That is the largest uptick from one cycle to the next since at least 2006. Perhaps more significantly, Fraga said, minority candidates have won or forced runoffs in nearly a third of their contests the same percentage as the total number of candidates of color, suggesting they are as likely to win as white candidates. Story continues The winners include candidates like Ella Jones, who this month was elected the first Black mayor of Ferguson, Missouri, six years after the police killing of teenager Michael Brown there galvanized the Black Lives Matter movement. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden to select a minority running mate. Biden, a 77-year-old white man, defeated the most diverse slate of candidates in U.S. history to clinch the nomination to face Trump in the Nov. 3 election. Some Black activists said Republican President Donald Trump's 2016 victory accelerated the shift. Adrianne Shropshire, the executive director of BlackPAC, a super PAC focused on Black Democrats, noted the historic victories for women of color in 2018; 43 minority women were sworn into the current House, a record. "Voters are saying they want candidates and elected leaders who can address the issue of structural racism," Shropshire said. SENDING A MESSAGE In Virginia on Tuesday, Cameron Webb, a Black doctor, defeated a raft of fellow Democrats to win the nomination in a competitive Republican-leaning House district. In Kentucky, Black state lawmaker Charles Booker, until recently an afterthought in the Democratic primary to select an opponent for Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, mounted an unexpectedly robust challenge to Amy McGrath, the former Marine fighter pilot backed by the party leadership. The race was too close to call with absentee ballots pending. Mondaire Jones and Ritchie Torres, either of whom would be the first openly gay Black member of Congress, appeared likely to prevail over crowded primary fields in two open House seats in heavily Democratic districts in and around New York City. The 14-term Democratic Representative Carolyn Maloney of New York held a narrow lead over Suraj Patel, a 36-year-old business professor of Indian descent who has questioned whether Maloney, 74, is the right person to address institutional racism. The increased diversity is not limited to Democrats. The number of Republican House candidates who are members of minorities rose from 12.6% in 2018 to 20% in 2020 in the 22 states that held primary elections before this week, said Fraga, the Indiana University professor. Many of the contests on Tuesday featured overlapping dynamics beyond race, including generational and ideological clashes. Bowman and Booker were among those endorsed by liberal stalwarts like Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren over more moderate incumbents, while young candidates like Patel argued their campaigns represented an opportunity for change. The protests have deepened Black voters' determination to send a message, according to Cliff Albright, the co-founder of the nonprofit group Black Voters Matter Fund. He traveled from his home in Atlanta to Kentucky for Booker's primary, where he saw dozens of voters, many of them Black, chanting "Open the doors!" outside a polling place that closed at 6 p.m. in Louisville. "I don't know if I've ever seen, at a polling place after it closed, people banging on the doors," he said. (Reporting by Joseph Ax, Editing by Soyoung Kim and Cynthia Osterman) In Amsterdam, it appeared weeks before the first case was confirmed. In the northern Italian cities of Milan and Turin, it was already there in wastewater in December, well before patients started showing up sick in hospitals. And now in Toronto, researchers at Ryerson University are looking to sewage to track remnants of the virus that causes COVID-19, hoping that what we flush down the toilet can help provide an early warning system for a dreaded second wave of the disease. It could even identify spikes in hot spots around the city, they say, and no one can opt out. Everybody contributes to my research every single day, Kimberley Gilbride, a professor of chemistry and biology, said with a laugh. Everything your body doesnt want ends up in your poop. She and Claire J. Oswald, an associate professor in the department of geography and environmental studies, were already part of Ryerson Urban Water, a collective of researchers from different disciplines focused on urban water issues, pre-pandemic. When the university put out a call for rapid response research on the novel coronavirus this spring, they quickly put together a proposal and were just awarded $100,000 last week. The pair and their teams are among several groups in communities across the country, and the world, looking at tracking COVID levels in sewage. Theyll bring untreated wastewater treatment plant samples back to the lab at Ryerson where theyre looking, not for the live virus, but its ribonucleic acid or RNA signature, fragments of genetic material that are broken down in fecal matter, Gilbride said. Because the virus has a long incubation period of up to two weeks, people might not show symptoms for a while, or ever, and might not get tested. But from the beginning theyre shedding the virus in feces. SARS-CoV-2 is known as an envelope virus because it has a layer of fat around it. That doesnt make it to sewage, so its not infectious. But the RNA fragments, like a fingerprint, can tell scientists that the virus was there and help them find trends. Sewage epidemiology cant replace classic outbreak tools of testing, contact tracing and isolation. But the Ryerson researchers are working with Toronto Public Health, Toronto Water and Public Health Ontario and hope it can complement these other measures. Toronto Water will co-ordinate the samples to support the research, a spokesperson said in an email. Public Health Ontario will provide scientific advice on the potential of the study and its findings to inform public health surveillance and action, a spokesperson confirmed by email. Toronto Public Health spokesperson Dr. Howard Shapiro, Associate Medical Officer of Health and Director, Healthy Environments, said information collected from analysis of wastewater samples would be used as an additional tool to monitor COVID-19 in the city. By looking at the level of COVID-19 activity using this method, we would better be able to determine if COVID-19 infections are increasing, decreasing or stabilizing across the city, he said in an email. The collection of this information could also help us to detect changes in rates of COVID-19 infection among the population more quickly in addition to the information that is collected through the direct testing of individuals. Infections are now slowing as regions across the province, including Toronto and Peel, start to reopen. But with the virus still around, its more important than ever to be vigilant. At some point if we see the detection going up again we know, oh, theres going to be some more infectious people in the community in the near future, so were warning you guys, said Gilbride. This could help public health officials know when and where to introduce more strict restrictions, or ramp up testing in a certain area so we dont have another huge spike in cases. If all goes well, they hope to start looking beyond the treatment plant to monitor hot spots and look for trends in specific geographic areas, like hospitals, long-term-care homes, even at airports. Its not like we would be sampling individual houses or anything like that, theres major privacy issues, more at a neighbourhood scale, said Oswald. Theres potential for monitoring certain locations where you might expect a new outbreak to happen. Gilbride and Oswald are part of a national COVID-19 Wastewater Coalition through the non-profit Canadian Water Network. Across the province and country, researchers are already providing samples to municipalities on similar projects. The organization is rolling out a pilot, hoping to co-ordinate the efforts in a way that can be both rapid and rigorous and can help determine if the approach could work as a national early response system, said CEO Bernadette Conant. Sewage testing has been done to monitor drug use in Canadian communities and has also been used by the World Health Organization to look for early signs of polio outbreaks, she said. The science on COVID-19 in sewage is still new, but several recent studies out of Europe including in Amsterdam, Turin and Milan, for example have shown that the virus RNA shows up in wastewater. Conant likens sewage monitoring to something that can help public health officials fighting the COVID fire as they shift from the immediate blaze in front of them to looking for the unseen pile of embers that might burst into flames. Shes hoping for funding for the network to scale it up, as pandemic lockdowns are relaxed and governments try to figure out the right balance for living with the virus. As hard as shutting everything down was, opening up is much harder, she said, and the threat of a second wave is still looming. Winter is coming. Elsewhere, researchers Rob Delatolla and Dr. Alex MacKenzie are sampling twice a week at plants in Ottawa and Gatineau, looking for RNA fragments as well as proteins in sewage. Theyre already providing the analysis to Ottawa Public Health. Its still in beta testing, said Delatolla, an associate professor of engineering at the University of Ottawa. But so far the data is consistent with testing numbers showing cases going down in the region. The approach has tremendous appeal as places start to open up, fast, added MacKenzie, a principal investigator at the Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute. A real time metric to show things are slipping away here and we need to get back on track. Their team has aspirations to look at more targeted geographic areas, examine sewage for antibodies to study community immunity and even conduct a CSI audit on past samples, like whats been done in some places in Europe to see when the virus showed up. There are some disadvantages to sewage sampling. Wastewater is complex with all the chemicals and products that go down the drain, and trying to find fragments of the virus can be difficult, said Delatolla. In Toronto, as in many cities, there are parts of the sewer system where storm water mixes in, which can dilute samples. But Gilbride and Oswald plan to be strategic about when they sample to overcome this. Region of Peel Public Works staff have sent samples to researcher Mark Servos, a biology professor at the University of Waterloo and the Canada Research Chair in Water Quality Protection, who believes the technique could be scaled up with the help of private labs, validated methods and protocols. It could be a powerful tool to support our interpretation of whats going on, he said. And we save some lives. Phil Dennis, principal scientist for Guelph-based private lab SiREM, said its sister office in Knoxville, Tenn., is already working on tracking sewage for cities in the United States, as well as several college campuses, some of which are interested in looking at it down to the dormitory level. It could be used to target samples at the pipe for places like nursing homes, even casinos or large apartment complexes, he said. A number of municipalities in Canada have expressed interest so I think theres demand out there. Their first reaction is like ick, sewage he said. But then when you look at the benefits, you could be monitoring many thousands of people with a couple of tests. An early alert sewage monitoring system could have universal use, when COVID-19 is hopefully no longer the kind of threat it is now to sample for any pathogen that comes into the city, added Ryersons Gilbride. Which would leave us in better shape at the end of this for anything coming in the future. (Natural News) Plastic contamination is rampant in bottled water. This was the disturbing conclusion of a recent study, published in Frontiers in Chemistry, that analyzed samples from 259 bottles of water sold across the globe. Researchers from the State University of New York at Fredonia found that 93 percent of the samples contained small, often microscopic, particles of plastic called microplastics. The team classified 65 percent of these microplastics as fragments, noting that some of them were visible to the naked eye. Bottled water contains microplastics The team gathered bottled water samples from 11 different global and national brands in countries chosen for their large populations or their high consumption of bottled water. These countries included the U.S., China, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Lebanon, Kenya and Thailand. During testing, samples from each brand demonstrated different microplastic concentrations, likely due to factors that might affect the occurrence of plastic particles, such as the manufacturing process itself. Nonetheless, the team found an average of 325 microplastic particles per liter of bottled water across all the brands tested. To screen the samples for microscopic plastic particles, the researchers used a Nile red dye solution that binds to plastic. It also fluoresces under infrared light, rendering the plastic particles more visible under the microscope. Upon examination, the team found that samples of the brand Nestle Pure Life had the largest average concentration of microplastics out of all the brands tested. One sample from this brand was found to contain a staggering excess of 10,000 microplastic particles per liter of water. Also, only 17 of the 259 samples tested did not contain microplastics. These results generated headlines in 2018, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to investigate the potential impact of microplastics on human health. Back then, the report had not been submitted for publication in a scientific journal. Instead, it had been released by journalists from the nonprofit organization Orb Media. The impact of microplastic pollution The problem of microplastic contamination is far bigger than bottled water. When improperly disposed of, large pieces of plastic, called macroplastic, can eventually break down into smaller particles that become more difficult to detect and eliminate. A recent study published in Nature Geoscience found traces of microplastic fragments and fibers moving through the air of the remote Pyrenees Mountains in France. This finding underscores the fact that microplastics are beginning to spread to non-urban settings that might not have had plastics in the first place. But more concerning still is the result of a small 2018 study that analyzed the stool samples of eight participants from Europe, Japan and Russia. Each sample had been found to contain microplastic particles. Based on their findings, the researchers estimated that more than 50 percent of the worlds population might have microplastics in their stool. If so, this comes as no surprise. Traces of microplastic fragments and fibers are becoming increasingly common in fish, shellfish and other marine animals due to plastic pollution. These particles can then end up in the human gastrointestinal tracts upon consumption of the contaminated fish. (Related: Microplastic pollution is changing ocean ecosystems.) Do microplastics affect human health? Scientists are still unsure if microplastics affect human health. In fact, the WHO-led investigation into the potential effects of microplastics on human health yielded no significant results. But this isnt to say that microplastics are entirely harmless. Preliminary animal studies found that pregnant rodents can pass microplastics onto their unborn offsprings. In particular, microplastics can cross the placental barrier, enter the fetal compartment and reach fetal organs. Besides ingestion, microplastics can also enter the body through inhalation. Depending on their size, the plastic particles might be able to pass through tissues and enter the bloodstream and organs. If so, these particles can remain in the body undetected for long periods. In addition, while scientists have yet to find definitive proof, plastics and other chemical pollutants have also been implicated in chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Plastic bottle pollution: Impact and potential solutions Current studies on microplastics indicate that plastic pollution is a global problem that might pose serious health risks and environmental hazards. For instance, a 2017 study found that 79 percent of all the plastic produced to date has ended up either in landfills or in nature. But plastic pollution is not a lost cause. Its possible to curb the spread of microplastics and avoid their potential effects on health by forgoing bottled drinks altogether. It also helps to abstain from using single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, straws, coffee stirrers and utensils. Learn more about the environmental impact of microplastics and other particulate matter at Pollution.news. Sources include: LiveScience.com FrontiersIn.org Nature.com TheGuardian.com MedicalNewsToday.com Journals.Physiology.org Advances.ScienceMag.org A new study finds the proportion of Canadian COVID-19 deaths that have occurred in long-term care facilities is about twice the average of rates from other developed nations. The analysis released Thursday by the Canadian Institute for Health Information provides a damning snapshot of senior care as of May 25, when LTC residents made up 81 per cent of all reported COVID-19 deaths in the country compared to an average of 42 per cent among all countries studied. The data compares Canadas record to that of 16 other countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The proportion of LTC deaths ranged from less than 10 per cent in Slovenia and Hungary to 31 per cent in the United States to 66 per cent in Spain. At 5,324, the reported number of LTC deaths in Canada was near the average but data varied widely among countries: from 28 in Australia to 30,000 in the U.S., with more than 10,000 in France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom. Researchers point to limitations that prevent some comparisons countries vary in COVID-19 testing and reporting practices, and in their definition of long-term care. In addition, COVID-19 cases are often under-reported and in the case of Italy, data was available from only 52 per cent of the nursing homes operating in the country. Nevertheless, Tracy Johnson, CIHIs director of health systems analysis and emerging issues, says the data offers valuable insight into a tragedy many families, caregivers and residents have been trying to illustrate since the pandemic began. Johnson notes countries that implemented additional LTC precautions at the same time as standard stay-at-home orders had fewer LTC infections and deaths. That includes Australia, Austria and Slovenia, which ordered broad LTC testing and training, isolation wards to manage clusters, surge staffing, specialized teams and personal protective equipment. Johnson says the findings suggest such measures could be key to mitigating the impact of a possible second wave. But for now, she notes several of Canadas hardest-hit facilities are still grappling with the devastating fallout of existing infections. Even if all of these (measures are instituted) there will be other folks who will die because some people are infected right now, still, and the outbreaks are still ongoing, she says. Some of the control measures though will probably help to at least keep the rates the same as they are. The contrast in LTC deaths is even more stark between provinces and territories, says the report, which notes LTC deaths represented more than 70 per cent of all COVID-19 deaths in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta and 97 per cent of all deaths in Nova Scotia. There were none in Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and the territories at the time of the study. Two LTC residents have since died in New Brunswick. Dr. Roger Wong, clinical professor of geriatric medicine at the University of British Columbia, says the numbers are very concerning and point to long-standing systemic problems that include inadequate staffing and resources and inconsistent standards. There needs to be a fundamental reprioritization, focusing attention and resources, time and effort into the sector right away. Because I can tell you that what COVID-19 has shown us in terms of a major lesson is a fragmentation (of) seniors care, Wong says from Vancouver. Which means it makes it more difficult for all of us to support our older Canadians with equal and consistent access to the services that are necessary, based on their care needs at their age. Wong is part of a federal task force working on national recommendations on how best to help LTC homes battle COVID-19. He says he recently spoke to a Senate standing committee on the topic, drawing on data from June 1 when reports of LTC deaths totalled 6,007, or 82 per cent of deaths. Wong encourages more specific training in geriatric and palliative care as well as psychiatry. And he suggests its time to put provincially driven long-term care mandates under the Canada Health Act. I see the federal government having its role in terms of setting the national standards and benchmarking so that expectations are set (and) no matter which province or territory our older Canadians are living in they can be protected in the same way under that framework, says Wong. (For) individual provinces and territories, it is about implementation of those national, federally set benchmarks and standards. The CIHI analysis compared Canada to countries that had sufficient data for reporting: Australia, Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. [June 25, 2020] Incapsulate Welcomes Steve Siegel to its Insurance Team as Senior Advisor WASHINGTON, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Incapsulate is pleased to welcome Stephen Siegel, an insurance industry veteran, to its growing insurance industry team. For over 25 years, Steve has worked with companies in all segments of insurance including Life, P&C, Group, Health, and LTC. He has advised senior executives at some of the largest insurance organizations on transformation efforts in many domains including New Business, Underwriting, Claims, In-force, Call Centers, and Distribution. Steve serves as a mentor for the Hartford InsurTech Hub and as a judge and mentor for Mass Challenge. He has a BS from Brooklyn College and a PhD from Brown University. "I am excited to be a part of the Incapsulate family and I look forward to getting started," said Stephen Siegel. "Having worked on digital transformation and modernization initiatives with 15 of the top Insurance companies in the U.S., I see a massive opportunity to provide faster time to value, less customization, and continuous innovation for insurance companies to work with us. Salesforce and Incapsulate make it easy to deliver exceptional service." "I am very happy to welcome Steve to Incapsulate. Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in the Insurance industry. As our clients take the next step in their digital transformation journey, Steve's industry experience further enhances Incapsulate's value proposition," said Gopal Kalluri, Partner, Incapsulate. Incapsulate is a leader in enabling the transformation of insurance with Salesforce. Using Salesforce's Financial Service Cloud (FSC) ad Vlocity solutions, companies can leverage pre-built features and focus their attention on innovation and differentiation. Financial Services Cloud from Salesforce integrates sales, service, and marketing into a consistent, personalized customer experience across all departments and communication channels. This creates a highly customized experience to reduce costs, improve service, and deliver additional value to customers. Forrester Research, Inc. named Incapsulate among Salesforce Implementation Service Providers. The report from Forrester, Now Tech: Salesforce Implementation Services, Q2 2019, includes service providers that can help Salesforce customers successfully implement Salesforce solutions. Incapsulate and Salesforce will host a webinar featuring Forrester to discuss digital transformation opportunities in the insurance industry. Please join us on August 4th at 10:00 am PT/1:00pm ET to learn more about how IT leaders are approaching their digital transformation journey in a risk-averse environment. Register here >> https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8794750926281487885 About Incapsulate Since 2008, Incapsulate has helped organizations realize true digital transformation and achieve lasting results. With expertise including cloud-based technologies, agile methodologies, digital analytics, and mobile solutions, we serve clients ranging from the Fortune 500 companies to Federal and State & Local governments across the United States. We specialize in industry-focused solutions in areas such as Claims modernization, Customer and Partner self-service, New Business transformation, and Public Sector Citizen Service Solutions. As a team, we have deep domain expertise and experience delivering results. Headquartered in Washington DC, Incapsulate has additional offices in Boston, Toronto, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad. For more information please contact Incapsulate at [email protected] About Salesforce Salesforce is a customer relationship management (CRM) solution that brings companies and customers together. It's one integrated CRM platform that gives all your departments - including marketing, sales, commerce and service - a single shared view of every customer. More than 150,000 customers are leveraging Salesforce to help them compete and grow. View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/incapsulate-welcomes-steve-siegel-to-its-insurance-team-as-senior-advisor-301083787.html SOURCE Incapsulate [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Budget airline EasyJet has raised about 419m (463) through a share placing to help bolster its finances after the Covid-19 pandemic devastated the travel industry. The new equity will help boost its liquidity to about 3bn (3.3bn), EasyJet said on Thursday, enabling it to survive for many more months even if planes are grounded again, and putting it in a strong position to cope with"protracted recovery scenarios". EasyJet's planes returned to the air in mid-June, but with a minimal service as lockdowns to contain the pandemic were gradually eased. The airline is hoping to ramp up flying as the year goes on, but demand is being hampered by UK quarantine rules and consumer nervousness. Airlines are hoping Britain agrees travel deals with other countries toallow restriction-free movement between some European countries. An announcement could come on or before the quarantine rules are reviewed on June29. EasyJet said it had placed a total of 59.5 million new ordinary shares at 703 pence apiece, after announcing the move late Wednesday. Its shares fell 5.4pc to 699 pence in early Thursday trading. They have approximately halved in value since the start of the year. EasyJet has said it does not expect passenger demand to recover to pre-pandemic levels until 2023 and is planning to axe up to 4,500 jobs. Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska said the airline was already making progress with cost cutting. "EasyJet has a compelling proposition of lower cost structures andstrong positions in better markets. For investors looking to buy into the recovery in Europe, easyJet should be on the shopping list," he said in a note. British Airways, owned by IAG, has said it needs to shed 12,000 jobs and there has been media speculation that IAG could also raise new equity. Qatar Airways, IAG's biggest shareholder, has said it would inject equity into IAG if needed. Advertisement Keir Starmer sacked his hard-Left former leadership rival Rebecca Long-Bailey today after she praised an interview in which actress Maxine Peake peddled an 'anti-Semitic conspiracy theory'. The shadow education secretary posted a link to an interview in which Peake - one of her constituents - claimed that US police learned 'neck-kneeling' restrain techniques used on George Floyd from Israeli spies. The remark was described as 'textbook casual anti-Semitism' by Labour MPs. Ms Long-Bailey, who was the Corbynite candidate for the top job, sparked fury by describing the ex-Communist star of TV programmes including Shameless as an 'absolute diamond'. She later tried to excuse the message by claiming she had not been endorsing all the content of the article. However, within hours Sir Keir - who has been desperately trying to rebuild trust with the Jewish community after the Jeremy Corbyn era - ejected her from the shadow cabinet. 'The article Rebecca shared earlier today contained an antisemitic conspiracy theory,' a spokesman said. 'As Leader of the Labour Party, Keir has been clear that restoring trust with the Jewish community is a number one priority. Antisemitism takes many different forms and it is important that we all are vigilant against it.' Jewish groups and MPs welcomed the tough stance, with ex-minister Dame Margaret Hodge saying: 'This is what zero tolerance looks like.' There were also some calls for Peake to be boycotted by TV chiefs. But as Labour's factional war threatened to boil over again, former shadow chancellor John McDonnell weighed in to insist that Peake's comment was legitimate criticism of Israel. Momentum founder Jon Lansman accused the more centrist new leader of 'reckless overreaction', suggesting he was trying to purge Corbynites. Ms Long-Bailey was Sir Keir's closest rival in the leadership contest to succeed Jeremy Corbyn this spring following Labour's election disaster. She was seen as the continuity Hard Left candidate, and there was speculation Sir Keir might not keep her on - but he offered her the education brief in what was seen as an effort to hold the party together. Ms Long-Bailey described the left-wing star as a 'diamond', before later trying to clarify that she had not been endorsing all the content of the article Former shadow chancellor John McDonnell weighed in to insist that Peake's comment was legitimate criticism of Israel Labour leader Keir Starmer (pictured left with ms Long-Bailey in April) has been trying to rebuild trust with the Jewish community after the Corbyn era Maxine Peake: The Corbynista former Shameless star who wants to over-throw capitalism, called for a violent revolution and abused ex-Labour voters for being 'secret Tories' Rebecca Long-Bailey was fired after praising an interview by the actress Maxine Peake in the Independent. In the piece the 45-year-old Shameless and Dinnerladies star made a serious of claims which raised eyebrows. But Ms Long-Bailey retweeted it, saying that Ms Peake, a Jeremy Corbyn supporter, was 'an absolute diamond'. The quote which one which prompted her sacking was when she discussed Black Lives Matter with journalist Alexandra Pollard. 'Systemic racism is a global issue,' the actress said. 'The tactics used by the police in America, kneeling on George Floyd's neck, that was learnt from seminars with Israeli secret services.' This has been denied by the Israeli authorities and the comments were criticised as appearing to be a variation on the 'blood libel', where Jews are held responsible for the death of others. Elsewhere in the interview Ms Peake suggested that racism could be solved by the over-throw of capitalism, saying: 'I don't know how we escape that cycle that's indoctrinated into us all. Well, we get rid of it when we get rid of capitalism as far as I'm concerned. That's what it's all about. The establishment has got to go. We've got to change it.' She also turned her fire on traditional Labour voters who felt unable to back the party under Jeremy Corbyn at the December election. 'Those people who were normally Labour supporters who felt they couldn't vote Labour? Well I'm sorry, they voted Tory as far as I'm concerned,' she told the newspaper. 'And it breaks my heart, because you know what? I didn't like Tony Blair, but I still voted Labour because anything's better than the Tories. ' There's a lot of people who should hang their heads in shame. People going, ''Oh, I can join the Labour Party again because Keir Starmer's there,'' well shame on you.' She also managed to throw in a backhanded jibe at Sir Keir himself, saying: 'I think people will get behind Starmer, won't they? He's a more acceptable face of the Labour Party for a lot of people who are not really left wing. But that's fine. Whatever. As long as the Tories get out, I don't care anymore.' Ms Peake also found time to praise the role of actors in the world, adding: 'I'm not saying we are the saviours of the human race, but a lot of people have a television.' Advertisement In the article, Dinnerladies star Peake claimed that police tactics that resulted in the death of Mr Floyd, sparking protests around the world, were taught by Israeli spies. Peake, a long-time Labour supporter, told the Independent: 'The tactics used by the police in America, kneeling on George Floyd's neck, that was learnt from seminars with Israeli secret services.' The article led to a backlash, with Israeli Police issuing a statement denying Ms Peake's claims saying: 'There is no tactic or protocol that calls to put pressure on the neck or airway'. Amid a storm of protest at her initial tweet, Ms Long-Bailey then added: 'I retweeted Maxine Peake's article because of her significant achievements and because the thrust of her argument is to stay in the Labour Party. It wasn't intended to be an endorsement of all aspects of the article.' But it was not enough to avoid being removed from her frontbench role, sparking uproar from her supporters. After her sacking, Ms Long-Bailey said she had merely 'retweeted an interview that my constituent and stalwart Labour Party supporter Maxine Peake gave'. 'Its main thrust was anger with the Conservative government's handling of the current emergency and a call for Labour Party unity,' she said. 'These are sentiments are shared by everyone in our movement and millions of people in our country.' She said she posted a further tweet to clarify after learning 'many people were concerned by references to international sharing of training and restraint techniques between police and security forces'. 'In no way was my retweet an intention to endorse every part of that article,' she said, She said after she agree the clarification with Labour leader's office she was ordered to take both tweets down. 'I could not do this in good conscience without the issuing of a press statement of clarification,' she said. 'I had asked to discuss these matters with Keir before agreeing what further action to take, but sadly he had already made his decision.' But Sir Keir justified his action telling the BBC: 'The sharing of that article was wrong, because the article contained anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.' Mr McDonnell, who endorsed her for leader, later weighed in, saying: 'Throughout discussion of antisemitism it's always been said criticism of practices of Israeli state is not anti-Semitic. 'I don't believe therefore that this article is or @RLong_Bailey should've been sacked. I stand in solidarity with her.' Momentum founder Jon Lansmann, who is Jewish, branded the sacking 'a reckless over-reaction'. 'I don't believe there is anything antisemitic in the interview and sacking Rebecca is a reckless overreaction by Keir Starmer,' he said. 'Its been clearly documented by Amnesty International that many US police departments do train in Israel. The original Independent article even backed up the claim. 'In the leadership campaign Rebecca signed up to the Board of Deputies pledges and made clear she is committed to tackling antisemitism in our party. Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge, who is Jewish and was a leading critic of Jeremy Corbyn, said: 'This is what zero tolerance looks like.' Jewish groups also lined up behind the move In the article, Dinnerladies star Peake claimed that police tactics that resulted in the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police were taught by Israeli spies Calls for BBC to end Maxine Peake's contract after latest in string of controversy for Corbynista former Shameless star who called for a violent revolution The BBC was today facing calls to end Maxine Peake's contract after the latest in a string of controversies for the Corbynista Shameless star who has flaunted with Communism and once called for a violent revolution. Peake, 45, used an interview with the Independent to share an 'anti-Semitic conspiracy theory' that US police learned 'neck-kneeling' restrain techniques used on George Floyd from Israeli spies. The comments - which led to Rebecca Long-Bailey being sacked from Labour's Shadow Cabinet after she shared the article - are not the first time Peake has aired radical views that have prompted mainstream criticism. The actress was born in Bolton to a lorry driver father and care worker mother, but her parents separated when she was nine and she later moved in with her grandparents. BBC bosses were today told to sack Maxine Peake after she used an interview with the Independent to air an 'anti-Semitic conspiracy theory' Discussing her childhood in an interview with the Guardian, she said her mother aspired to be middle class but found her ambitions threatened, particularly due to her relationships with a series of 'obnoxious' men. Peake said her mother's experience changed her views, and later in her youth she joined a number of local communist organisations before becoming a member of the Community Party of Great Britain. Peake is now well-known for her strident socialist views and last year became an ambassador for the hard-left Morning Star, which she called 'the only paper I can trust'. In the same Independent interview in which she aired her views on George Floyd, the star called for the destruction of capitalist and claimed the world was ruled by 'capitalist, fascist dictators'. She has frequently railed against the 'crippling austerity measures' and in 2017 backed the use of violence to install Mr Corbyn as Prime Minister. Asked if she wanted a peaceful revolution or a violent one, she replied: 'A bit of both. You can't have a peaceful revolution now. Terrible thing to say. But we need a coup!' In 2019, she co-signed a letter backing him in the General Election, lauding the former Labour leader for his stance against 'far-right nationalism, xenophobia and racism'. Peake now lives in Salford with her partner, the TV art director Pawlo Wintoniuk. She said they 'never row over politics' and that she would refuse to have a relationship with someone who was a Conservative or Liberal Democrat. Maxine Peake first rose to national attention while playing Twinkle in Dinnerladies, a BBC sitcom that ran from 1998 to 2000. Since then, she is best known for playing Veronica Ball in the hit comedy Shameless, and barrister Martha Costello in legal drama Silk. Earlier this week she appeared in a revival of Alan Bennett's Talking Heads, a role the actress said she accepted 'straight away' before 'spending the next few weeks in a state of high anxiety'. Advertisement 'More than 135,000 Labour members voted for Rebecca in the leadership election. Keir says he wants to party unity, yet sacks her from the front bench for no good reason. I stand in absolute solidarity with Rebecca Long-Bailey, as does the rest of Momentum.' But Marie van der Zyl, president of the Board of Deputies, who had called for Ms Long-Bailey to delete her tweet and apologise, hailed the swift action from Sir Keir. 'I would like to thank Keir Starmer for backing his words with actions on anti-Semitism. 'After Rebecca Long-Bailey shared a conspiracy theory, we and others gave her the opportunity to retract and apologise. 'To our surprise and dismay, her response was pathetic. Her position as shadow education secretary was therefore untenable.' Gideon Falter, chief executive of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, said: 'We have been critical of Sir Keir Starmer's early handling of incidents within the Labour Party and the fact that he has not yet announced a timetable for reforming the Party's broken disciplinary process. 'His swift and firm action in this case appears to indicate that he is taking our comments on board and has shifted up a gear. Sir Keir's decision to sack Rebecca Long-Bailey for retweeting an antisemitic conspiracy theory sends a clear message to those in the Labour Party's ranks who still think that antisemitism is a grey area.' Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge, who is Jewish, tweeted: 'This is what a change in culture looks like. This is what zero tolerance looks like. This is what rebuilding trust with the Jewish community looks like.' Dame Margaret previously described Sir Keir Starmer's predecessor Jeremy Corbyn as racist following claims he had failed to take strong enough action on anti-Semitism within the party. Fellow Labour MP Stella Creasy said: 'Maxine Peake interview textbook ''casual antisemitism'' - Even organisation that first made link she repeats as if matter of record or motivation for heinous crime has withdrawn it as a piece of libellous conspiracism. 'Being anti racist means countering, not indulging, such tropes.' 'In the same interview, Peake, a former member of the Communist Party of Britain in Salford, Ms Long-Bailey's seat in Manchester, took aim at anyone who refused to vote for Jeremy Corbyn - branding them all Conservative supporters. She said: 'Those people who were normally Labour supporters who felt they couldn't vote Labour? Well I'm sorry, they voted Tory as far as I'm concerned. 'And it breaks my heart, because you know what? I didn't like Tony Blair, but I still voted Labour because anything's better than the Tories. 'There's a lot of people who should hang their heads in shame. People going, 'Oh, I can join the Labour Party again because Keir Starmer's there,' well shame on you.' In 2018 the passionate Labour supporter, an outspoken critic of Tory spending on the NHS, was accused of hypocrisy after pocketing taxpayers' money to appear in an NHS recruitment advert. The star of hit TV series including Shameless and Silk was paid to do a voice over on a film as part of the health service's 8 million 'We Are The NHS' campaign. Funded by NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care, the campaign was launched to coincide with the NHS's 70th anniversary and features real health workers and patients. Ms Peake reportedly received a four-figure sum for her contribution. In contrast, in the past celebrities including Nick Hewer and Barbara Windsor have donated their time for free when appearing in publicly-funded health campaigns. The All-Party Parliamentary Group against Anti-Semitism said it welcome the decision to sack her. In a statement released on Twitter, co-chairs Catherine McKinnell (Labour) and Andrew Percy (Conservative) said: 'We welcome Sir Keir Starmer's zero tolerance approach and decisive action. Members of Parliament have a duty to challenge anti-Semitic conspiracy theories not share them. 'We will work with all political parties to ensure anti-Semitism plays no part in public life, and our group will always work to educate colleagues about it.' The hard-Left candidate for leader who rated Jeremy Corbyn '10 out of 10' after he led Labour to general election humiliation Rebecca Long-Bailey was the highest ranking remnant of the Jeremy Corbyn era still remaining on Labour's front bench. The 40-year-old ran against Sir Keir Starmer in the protracted leadership election that followed the party's election humiliation in December and Mr Corbyn's subsequent resignation. But despite the backing of the then senior hierarchy, she trailed in a distant second to Sir Keir, who ran on a platform of healing a divided party. She was then made shadow education secretary in his new-look shadow cabinet as an olive branch to the old regime. During her leadership election campaign Ms Long-Bailey said Mr Corbyn has been a 'prefect 10' as Labour leader But today's gaffe, which praised an interview with actress Maxine Peak in which she shared an 'anti-Semitic conspiracy theory' about Israel and the death of George Floyd, was a step too far. Mr Starmer has been at pains rebuild bridges with British Jews after five years in which Labour was rocked by a series of anti-Semitism scandals. Ms Long-Bailey, is the hard-Left daughter of a Salford docker, groomed to take the helm of the Corbynite project by self-declared Marxist John McDonnell. He and older Corbynistas like Diane Abbott and Richard Burgon threw their weight behind her campaign, during which she described Mr Corbyn as '10 out of 10' as leader. The remark came weeks after he led Labour to its worst election defeat since the 1930s, handing Boris Johnson an 80-seat Tory majority. She grew up in Old Trafford, Manchester, where she was exposed to left-wing politics from a young age. The 40-year-old ran against Sir Keir Starmer in the protracted leadership election that followed the party's election humiliation in December Her father Jimmy worked as a docker at Salford Quays and trade union representative at Shell at a time when workers' collectives wielded enormous power and threats of staff walkouts struck fear into ministers. On graduating from a Catholic high school, she worked in a pawn shop - an eye-opening experience which she says taught her 'more about the struggles of life than any degree or qualification ever could'. After holding down other jobs such as a call-centre operator, a furniture factory worker and a postwoman, she eventually studied to become a solicitor. She became Labour MP for Salford in 2015 on the retirement of Hazel Blears and quickly held a series of roles as Mr McDonnell's political protegee. She was made shadow business secretary in February 2017, a role she held until Mr Starmer took over in April. These are difficult times. There is a pandemic of fear in the air which has led to discouragements and depressions among many people, including Christians. Many are discouraged or depressed because they are afraid for themselves or loved ones. Some have a feeling of being alone or isolated. Dont be discouraged or depressed because the God of Elijah is right by your side. If you ask God, He will give you grace to overcome discouragements and depressions. Consider Elijah. Elijah was one of the most powerful prophets of God. He was one of the few people who did not die, but was taken directly to heaven (2 Kings 2:11-12). Many remember Elijah as the prophet who prophesied that there would be no rain in the land of Israel and there was no rain for three and a half years; and he prophesied for rain and there was rain (1 Kings 17:1; 18:41-46; and James 5:17-18). Elijah raised a widows son from death (1 Kings 17:7-24). Perhaps, Elijah is most famous for defeating and killing the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel when he prayed and fire burned up the sacrifice of a bull, wood, stones, soil, and water in the trench, something four and fifty prophets of Baal collectively failed to do (1 Kings 18:16-46). With all his powers and achievements for the Lord, what many people do not realize is that Elijah was a man just like us. (James 5:17 NIV). He was born of a woman. As shown below, Elijah had fears, anxieties, discouragements, or depressions just like us. Ahab, King of Israel, told his wife Jezebel that Elijah had defeated and killed the prophets of Baal. Jezebel was furious. She sent a messenger to Elijah threatening to kill him the next day. When Elijah received the message, he was afraid. He did what many of us would do: he ran for his life! (1 Kings Chapter 19). He crossed into Beersheba in Judah, left his servant there, and went on a days journey into the desert. He sat down under a tree and prayed that he might die. He prayed that, I have had enough, Lord, he said. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors. (1 Kings 19:4-5 NIV). He fell asleep. If Elijah really wanted to die, why was he running away from Jezebel? The seemingly contradictory actions of running away from death and praying for death were probably signs of discouragement or depression. The prayer was a cry for help, and God was right there to help him. The first thing God did was to send His angel to wake him up from sleep and provide him with a cake of bread baked over hot coals and a jar of water. He ate, drank, and slept again. The angel came a second time and provided food and drink because Elijah needed strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God. When he reached Horeb, the word of the Lord came to him, What are you doing here, Elijah? (1 Kings 19:9, 13 NIV). Elijah responded that he had been zealous for the Lord; complained that the Israelites had rejected God and put the prophets to death; and that he was the only one left, but they were trying to kill him (1 Kings 19:10, 14). Then God told Elijah to go and stand on the mountain and look out for His presence. There was a powerful wind, followed by an earthquake, and a fire, but God was not in any of them. Then came a gentle whisper and Elijah recognized the presence of God, and a voice asking Elijah the same question as before, What are you doing here, Elijah? and he gave the same response. God told him to go back the way he came and anoint Hazael king over Aram, anoint Jehu king over Israel, and anoint Elisha to succeed him as prophet. Then, God told Elijah that he was not the only one left and that He had reserved seven thousand people in Israel who had not worshipped Baal. And so when Elijah prayed earlier that he had had enough and wanted to die, he did not know that God had not finished with him yet; that God had some unfinished business for him to do; and that Gods plan for him did not include death because he was going to be taken directly to heaven. From this, we may learn the following lessons: Discouragements and depressions may attack anyone regardless of status or relationship with God. God is control so we should shake them off. The devil may make us feel that God has rejected us or that we are the only ones going through bad times. We are not alone and the God of Elijah has not left us. God and His angels are keeping watch over us, supplying our needs, and whispering gently into our ears the way He did for Elijah. We should not give up! Even in the midst of discouragement or depression, Elijah turned to God and prayed. He may have been discouraged or depressed, but his faith in God remained unshaken. We should follow that example. We should pray for ourselves and others, including those who are highly placed in the faith. The Apostle Paul, for example, requested for prayers from other believers a few times (e.g., Roman 15:30-33 and Ephesians 6:19-20). Gods questioning of what Elijah was doing there implies that Elijah was not where God wanted him to be at that time. God wanted him to go back from where he came and perform some important assignments of anointing two kings and his own successor. When we are discouraged or depressed, we should consider whether we are where we ought to be, doing what we ought to do, and saying what we ought to say at that time. God has plans for us. They are better than whatever we can ask or imagine. If we wait patiently on Him, no Jezebel can derail those plans. Our brother Elijah performed his responsibilities well as a good and faithful servant, and God took him directly to heaven. We can confirm that because hundreds of years later when our Lord Jesus Christ was transfigured on a high mountain, it was Elijah who, along with Moses, appeared with him (Matthew 17:1-8). May the grace of God be sufficient for us to overcome all our discouragements and depressions so that we would always keep faith with God, and appear with Jesus when he comes back. Prayer is the key. May God grant us the grace to seek Him daily through our prayers. Dr. Daniel Gyebi, Attorney-at-Law, Texas, U.S.A., and Founder, PrayerHouse Ministry, Kumasi, Ghana. PrayerHouse Ministry is dedicated to providing a quiet facility for Christians to pray individually by themselves without any intermediary priest, pastor or any other person. This is a free service. No money is demanded or accepted. One facility is located at Kyerekrom / Fumesua, near Building and Road Research Institute Offices, one mile off the Kumasi-Accra Road and next to a house called Grace Castle. If you are interested, please contact Agnes at 054-7498653. Another is located at Kantinkyiren, at the junction of Kantinkyiren and Konkori, off the Kumasi-Obuasi Road, branching left at Trede junction. Contact Kwadwo at 020-8768461 / 0246-989413. Read this notice carefully as it may affect your rights. If you are a Canadian-resident person or entity, other than an "Excluded Person", who acquired common stock of Endo International plc ("Endo") during the period from January 11, 2016 to and including June 8, 2017, on any stock exchange, and who held some or all of those securities at the close of trading on May 5, 2016, or on June 8, 2017 (defined as the "Class"), then this notice is for you. In 2017, a proposed securities class action was commenced against Endo and two of its former officers, in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (the "Court"). It is alleged that during the period from January 11, 2016 to and including June 8, 2017 (the "Class Period"), Endo made misrepresentations and omissions regarding: (1) certain antitrust investigation and the corresponding risk to Endo's pro forma revenues therefrom; (2) the deterioration of Endo's generic pharmaceutical business; and (3) the abuse of Endo's product Opana ER and the corresponding risk to Endo's pro forma revenues from the withdrawal of that product from the market. The parties have reached a proposed settlement of the class action, which is subject to approval by the Court (the "Agreement"). The Defendants do not admit any wrongdoing or liability.The Agreement is a compromise of disputed claims. This Notice provides a summary of the proposed settlement. Under the Agreement, the Defendants will pay or cause to be paid CAD $700,000 (the "Settlement Amount") in full and final settlement of all claims against them, including Class Counsel's fees, applicable taxes and expenses, and interest, in exchange for a full release and a dismissal of the class action. Due to the limited monetary amount of the settlement, settlement funds will not be distributed to Class Members, but rather any amounts remaining after amounts approved by the Court to be paid to the Plaintiff and Class Counsel, will be provided cy pres to the Investor Protection Clinic at Osgoode Hall Law School, and to start an Investor Protection Clinic at McGill University's Faculty of Law. Investors can opt-out of the proposed settlement and pursue their own action with their own lawyer at their own expense. A copy of the long-form notice providing greater detail about the settlement, including about Class Counsel's fees that will be requested of the Court, your right to oppose the settlement, the hearing of the motion to approve the settlement, and the right to opt-out is available at https://morgantico.com/endo-international-plc/. There will be a hearing (the "Approval Hearing") in which Class Counsel will request the Court to approve (i) the Agreement; and (ii) their legal fees and expenses. The Approval Hearing shall take place on September 23, 2020. The Approval Hearing is scheduled to take place in person at the Courthouse at Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen St W., Toronto, ON., but due to the COVID pandemic may need to be conducted via video-conferencing methods such as Zoom or by conference call, as directed by further order of the Court. At the Approval Hearing, the Court will determine whether the Agreement is fair, reasonable, and in the best interests of the Class. At the Approval Hearing, Class Counsel will also seek Court approval of their request for fees equal to 28% of the Settlement Amount plus reimbursement of their relevant expenses. Class Counsel has been working under a contingency-fee agreement and has not been paid as the matter has proceeded, and has paid all the expenses of conducting the litigation. Class Counsel will be requesting that the legal fees and disbursements be deducted from the Settlement Amount. Any Class Member may participate in the Approval Hearing to object to the Agreement or comment on the Agreement or Class Counsel's request for fees, so long as they email any objections or comments to Class Counsel at hdavarinia@morgantico.comno later than September 11, 2020 at 11:59pm. Class Members who do not email an objection or comment by September 11, 2020 will not be permitted to participate in the Approval Hearing. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has authorized distribution of this Notice. Questions about this Notice should NOT be directed to the Court. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005828/en/ Contacts: Hadi Davarinia Morganti CO., P.C. 21 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 1102 Toronto, ON Canada M4T 1L9 Office: (647) 344-1900 ext. 5 hdavarinia@morgantico.com Osisko announces the vote results from its annual meeting of shareholders Posted by Publisher Internet Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd (the ?Corporation? or ?Osisko?) (OR: TSX & NYSE https://www.commodity-tv.com/play/osisko-gold-royalties-corporate-update-with-new-president-sandeep-singh/ ) announces that, at the annual meeting of shareholders held on June 22, 2020, each of the 9 nominees listed in the management information circular filed on May 20, 2020 (the ?Circular?) with regulatory authorities were elected as directors of the Corporation. Election of Directors Based on the proxies received and the votes by ballot, the following individuals were elected as directors of the Corporation until the next annual shareholders? meeting, with the following results: (see attachment) Appointment and Remuneration of Auditor Based on the proxies received and the votes by ballot, PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, was appointed as independent auditor of the Corporation for the ensuing year and the directors are authorized to fix its remuneration, with the following results:?(see attachment) Approval of the Unallocated Options and Amendments to the Stock Option Plan Based on the proxies received and the votes by ballot with respect to the adoption of an ordinary resolution to approve the unallocated options and amendments to the Stock Option Plan, the results are as follows:?(see attachment) Approval of Amendments to the Employee Share Purchase Plan Based on the proxies received and the votes by ballot with respect to the adoption of an ordinary resolution to approve the amendments to the Employee Share Purchase Plan, the results are as follows:?(see attachment) Approval of Amendments to the Restricted Share Unit Plan Based on the proxies received and the votes by ballot with respect to the adoption of an ordinary resolution to approve the amendments to the Restricted Share Unit Plan, the results are as follows:?(see attachment) Approval of the Continuation of the Amended and Restated Shareholder Rights Plan Based on the proxies received and the votes by ballot with respect to the adoption of an ordinary resolution to approve the continuation of the Amended and Restated Shareholder Rights Plan, the results are as follows:?(see attachment) Advisory Resolution on Executive Compensation Based on the proxies received and the votes by ballot with respect to the adoption of an advisory resolution accepting the Corporation?s approach to executive compensation, the results are as follows:?(see attachment) About Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd is an intermediate precious metal royalty company focused on the Americas that commenced activities in June 2014. Osisko holds a North American focused portfolio of over 135 royalties, streams and precious metal offtakes. Osisko?s portfolio is anchored by its cornerstone asset, a 5% net smelter return royalty on the Canadian Malartic mine, which is the largest gold mine in Canada. Osisko also owns the Cariboo gold project in Canada as well as a portfolio of publicly held resource companies, including a 14.7% interest in Osisko Mining Inc., 17.9% interest in Osisko Metals Incorporated and an 18.3% interest in Falco Resources Ltd. Osisko?s head office is located at 1100 Avenue des Canadiens-de Montreal, Suite 300, Montreal, Quebec, H3B?2S2. For further information, please contact Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd: Sandeep Singh President Tel. (514) 940-0670 ssingh@osiskogr.com In Europe: Swiss Resource Capital AG Jochen Staiger info@resource-capital.ch www.resource-capital.ch COLUMBUS, New Jersey, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Janine Pettit, founder of GirlCamper.com, the largest multi-media site for female campers in the country, announces the launch of both a print and digital version of Girl Camper Magazine for delivery in July. "The Girl Camper motto is, "Going places, doing things!" That is exactly what we're doing with Girl Camper Magazine! We're taking our readers on an adventure through every aspect of the camping lifestyle: our favorite gear, road trips, food, RV makeovers, tent camping, inspirational stories of solo women travelers, expert advice on RV safety, traveling with pets and health & wellness, says Pettit. "The magazine is for every kind of camper too those completely new to camping or dreaming of it one day, those returning to an old pastime or those experienced campers looking to meet like-minded friends. Car campers, tent toters, hammock hangers, RVers or cabin renters are all welcome at Girl Camper. Camping has seen a resurgence with RV travel growing at record rates. According to the RV Industry Association's research, more than 40 million Americans will take an RV camping trip this year, a large increase over last year spurred by the Covid-19 crisis. This was the impetus for Pettit to launch Girl Camper Magazine now. "We initially planned to publish our first issue in the fall of 2020. However, with the surge of interest in the camping lifestyle from people reluctant to stay in hotels or travel by plane or on cruise ships, we were inspired to put the pedal to the metal and move our launch date up," adds Pettit. "We created the magazine we looked for on the newsstand but didn't find. We wanted to create a publication that spoke to women of all ages, shapes, colors, orientations and states of life and let them know we saved them a seat around the campfire." According to Statista.com, print advertising budgets are rapidly shrinking with audiences viewing the majority of their content online. However, niche publications like Girl Camper Magazine thrive due to loyal audiences looking for specific content on the subjects they love. Girl Camper has an 84% engagement rate on their Facebook page compared to the average of 28.3% of all Facebook pages. Girl Camper Magazine early-adopter advertisers such as Camco Manufacturing, Keystone RV, Lance Campers, Forest River, Ford Motor Company, 99 Walks and Go RVing have already jumped on board as well as many campgrounds looking to appeal to the coveted female traveler. Pre-order subscriptions for Girl Camper Magazine are now available at www.girlcamper.com/girlcamper-magazine. The Summer issue will launch online July 10th and arrive in mailboxes shortly after. Annual subscriptions are $32 for the Summer, Fall, Spring & Winter editions. Please visit www.girlcamper.com for more on all Girl Camper platforms including Girl Camper Chapters nationwide, Janine's popular weekly podcast, recipes from the Girl Camper Food editor, practical advice from industry experts, monthly giveaways and much more. For interview opportunities, photography or media comp issues, please contact [email protected] Media Contact: Carol Thompson [email protected] SOURCE Girl Camper Related Links http://www.girlcamper.com Teachers, mechanics, cooks, electricians and gym instructors migrant workers from myriad occupations -- have returned home in the past couple of months, skill mapping in different states has revealed, indicating how the pandemic has affected livelihood across professions and across regions. The skill mapping was conducted to roll out the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan, the targeted programme for jobs to migrant workers in 116 districts that have received at least 25,000 migrant workers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the programme from Bihar on June 20 via video conference. According to the union governments initial estimate, about 7.5 million migrant workers have returned to their states of origin by buses and trains, but officials pointed out that the skill mapping exercise is on at a time when several migrant workers have returned through other means, and some are still on their way back to villages. The governments initial estimate shows that different states have mapped a wide range of skills. UP has mapped its 3.4 million workers across 80 skill areas, while Jharkhand has classified its returnees in four broad areas based on their interest in livelihood. Officials added that more than 60% of the migrant workers belonged to construction industry in various capacities and the government hopes they can be effectively engaged in construction of roads, houses and other structures in the rural areas. We have seen a wide range of professions among the returnee migrant workers. While about 30% or the largest group of migrants consists of unskilled workers in the construction areas, there are people from industries such as textiles, automobile, electricians, carpenters and agricultural workers who have returned, said an official. Mechanics and carpenters comprise of about 10% of the returnees, and a large number of students have also returned to their home states, he added. Some states have even identified at the micro-level and found out gym instructors, banking agents, mechanics, tailors and others who have returned, said the same official. Also read | Social distancing goes for a toss at Delhis RML testing centre So far, among the key districts, UPs Siddharth Nagar and Prayagraj have received 160,000 and 104,000 migrant labourers, while Madhya Pradeshs Balaghat has 102,000 returnees. Rajasthans Udaipur has seen 127,000 migrant labourers returning and Pali district received another 140,000 lakh daily wagers. Bihar has eight districts with more than 100,000 returnees; and Odishas highest number of migrant workers --125,000 -- have returned to Ganjam. The Union skill development ministry, along with the rural development ministry, is in touch with the states to get regular updates on the return of migrant workers, officials said. The Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan is confined to Indias 116 districts across Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Odisha, but some other states also want their districts to be included. Several states including West Bengal, Assam, Chhattisgarh are putting pressure on us to include some of their districts in this programme, said a senior official of the rural development ministry, but we dont have any immediate plan to expand this list. Also read | At Delhis shelter homes, inmates complain of no medicine while doctors battle multiple threats The skill ministry is also coordinating with the states with an objective to train 150,000 migrant workers under Short Term Training (STT) and another 150,000 in Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The Centre has tried to resolve the migrant crisis in two ways-- by providing food grains and jobs. Although many workers look back at the opportunity to return to the cities to earn more, the Centres welfare package might have to continue for long. The government may also consider incentives for companies that take back migrant workers, said Achiranshu Acharya, economist with Viswabharati university. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON With a fresh spike of 700 COVID-19 positive cases, the total tally in Uttar Pradesh rose to 19,714 and the death toll mounted to 596 on Wednesday. Of which, 12,586 people were discharged from hospitals while 6,375 are active cases. Of the fresh cases, the maximum were reported from Ghaziabad- 114, followed by Gautam Buddh Nagar- 98, Lucknow- 85 cases, Varanasi- 30 and Kanpur reported 27 cases. The state governments health department is planning to launch a surveillance drive to screen people across urban and rural pockets. For this purpose, around one lakh surveillance teams will be engaged, said Principal Secretary (Health) Amit Mohan Prasad. One team each will be deployed for nearly 58,000 gram panchayats across the state, meanwhile, in the first phase of the drive-in urban areas, the focus of the surveillance teams would be the containment zones, added Prasad. The government authorities have also planned to locate the COVID-19 infected people via these surveillance programmes, who will be quarantined until their test results arrive. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday instructed health officers to strengthen the testing and surveillance to contain the spread of coronavirus. One of the nations few Black-owned investment firms is suing New Jersey after a business proposal was rejected and an official allegedly said the states investment council is not a fan of investing with women and minority-owned firms. Blueprint Capital Advisors, based in Newark, filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against the state and six current and former state officials alleging racial discrimination, retaliation and the theft of confidential business information. The investment firm is also suing Wall Street giant BlackRock, a money management firm that the state ultimately hired, and Cliffwater, a consulting firm that advised the state on the deal. Sadly, even today, a Black-owned firm like Blueprint has no voice and to get justice from the powerful Murphy Administration, Wall Streets biggest firm and one of its more influential institutional consultants. It was necessary to file this complaint in a court of law, said Jacob Walthour Jr., Blueprints co-founder and CEO. The state Treasury Department unequivocally denies the allegations and will fight the lawsuit, a statement said. BlackRock and Cliffwater also released statements denying any wrongdoing. The dispute began in 2015, under Gov. Chris Christies administration, when Blueprint developed a proposal, called FAIR, that detailed a new investment strategy for the state pension fund that the firm said would save New Jersey money on high fees charged by hedge funds. Blueprint officials said they transferred over 1,000 pages of information about their money management proposal to the state and participated in more than 50 phone calls and meetings with state officials. But their proposal was never recommended to the State Investment Council, the government group that oversees state investments, the lawsuit said. Instead, state officials and Cliffwater, a New York-based firm advising the state, gave the information on the FAIR program to BlackRock, the lawsuit said. BlackRock, one of the worlds largest money management firms, was ultimately chosen to implement a version of the investment strategy for New Jersey using the same program name -- FAIR, short for Fund Alignment and Incentive Reform. The conspirators did not even bother to change the purloined programs name, the lawsuit said. When Blueprint officials questioned why they were not hired, Christopher McDonough, the then-director of the states Division of Investment, said the State Investment Council was not a fan of investing with women and minority-owned firms, the lawsuit said. McDonough also said, If the SIC knew Blueprint was a minority-owned firm, they would not approve the deal, the lawsuit said. Blueprint was later hired to manage some of the states investments, though the lawsuit said the terms were punitive and retaliatory compared to the deals other money managers were offered and the firm made far less than it was originally expecting. McDonough, who stepped down from his state post in 2018 to work for a consulting firm, did not immediately respond to a request to comment on the lawsuit. In a statement, the state Department of the Treasury denied it discriminates against minority-owned firms and said it has several programs and initiatives to reach out to minority- and women-owned businesses and fund managers. The department maintains that there is no factual basis for Blueprints allegations and the claims of racial discrimination, retaliation and misappropriation of proprietary information are without merit, the statement said. The division firmly and unequivocally condemns hatred, bigotry and racism in any form and is committed to providing opportunities for minority and women-owned business enterprises to do business with the state. BlackRock released a statement saying its own internal review of how it landed the job overseeing the FAIR investment strategy for New Jersey showed the firm did nothing wrong. A review of Blueprints allegations by BlackRock and an outside law firm has found nothing inconsistent with our standards nor anything suggesting any wrongdoing by BlackRock. Nor have we found any evidence that BlackRock improperly received any materials or other information regarding Blueprints plans or proposal as alleged, said Mark McCombe, BlackRocks chief client officer. Cliffwater also released a statement saying the consulting firm did nothing wrong. We have investigated the allegations made by Blueprint and have found no evidence whatsoever. Blueprint also has failed to provide any evidence that it has to support these allegations, as is clear from the lack of evidence in their complaint. We will defend this matter vigorously and believe that the claims against Cliffwater have no merit, the company said. Both BlackRock and Cliffwater also said they condemn racism and discrimination. We recognize the systemic challenges facing minority-owned firms in our industry and are committed to promoting positive change, McCombe said. Blueprints lawsuit comes as nationwide protests over the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis had put a spotlight on racial disparities in several industries, including Wall Street investment firms. Sadly, the treatment of Blueprint is indicative of how things really go down when no one is looking, said Walthour, the companys co-founder. There is an entrenched good old boys network in Trenton and the DOI that has never worked to the benefit of minorities or women. State Sen. Ron Rice, D-Essex, called on the Murphy Administration to launch a formal investigation of Blueprints claims of racial discrimination. What happened to Blueprint and Mr. Walthour, over the course of the last four years, appears to be a modern-day lynching and is a stain and a black eye on the State of New Jersey, Rice said. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Kelly Heyboer may be reached at kheyboer@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Send it here. The house at 12 Pollock's Path on The Peak in Hong Kong, where HSBC's Taipan House once stood in the 1970s, has a panoramic view of the city's skyline and the Victoria Harbour. The 5,711 sq ft property, reachable from the city's financial district by a 20-minute winding car ride, is a rare asset that analysts typically called "diamond-grade". It also sits on the edge of a cliff which, as history suggests, the owner will need more than just money to buy it. "People say it is at a quite steep position on The Peak," said Louis Ho, principal sales director at Centaline Property Agency. In feng shui or Chinese geomancy, "the owners or buyers need to be very strong [with their fates] to take it." The current owner is 58-year-old actor and filmmaker Stephen Chow, dubbed Hong Kong's King of Comedy for his prolific reels of slapstick films, and director of 2004 blockbuster Kung Fu Hustle. Chow has also just mortgaged the property for an undisclosed amount of loan from JPMorgan Chase, according to the Land Registry. The opulent Skyhigh, once the residence of former HSBC chairmen, stands at The Peak's highest point. Photo: SCMP alt=The opulent Skyhigh, once the residence of former HSBC chairmen, stands at The Peak's highest point. Photo: SCMP Chow has never put it up on the market, at least according to official records. There is also no evidence he is facing any cash crunch. He did not reply to messages left for him at Bingo Group, his listed movie production company where he is known as Chiau Sing-chi. JPMorgan also did not reply to a request for comment. The property, worth more than HK$1 billion (US$129 million) by one estimate, has a storied past as the city went through several financial crises. The Asian currency meltdown in 1997, the Sars outbreak in 2003 and the global financial crisis in 2008 also broke many previous owners of the address. Story continues Built on the instructions of former HSBC chairman Michael Sandberg in the 1970s, the Taipan House became the official residence of his successors until the lender sold it in 1991 for HK$85 million to Kazuo Wada, the Japanese tycoon behind Yaohan department store chain. Wada sold it in 1996 for HK$370 million to Pearl Oriental Holdings, now known as Silk Road Logistics Holdings, when his business empire collapsed. Pearl Oriental demolished the house in 1997 to make way for five units of luxury houses, a plan that quickly unravelled during the Asian financial crisis when the asset was seized by creditor banks. William Purves, former chairman of HSBC. Photo: SCMP alt=William Purves, former chairman of HSBC. Photo: SCMP Chow teamed up with Ryoden Development to buy the plot from the creditors in 2004 for HK$320 million, and built four houses on it known today as 10, 12, 16 and 18 Pollock's Path. Stephen Sy Chin-mong, former chairman of Bel Global Resources Holdings, picked up No 16 for HK$380 million or HK$52,566 per square foot in 2008, then billed as the third most-expensive home in Asia. Sy walked away from it when the global financial crisis hit. Eagle Bright Properties, with French and British businessmen Bernard Charles Castanet and Nicholas James Fallows on board, acquired it for HK$350 million the following year. Stephen Sy, former chairman of Bel Global Resources. Photo: SCMP alt=Stephen Sy, former chairman of Bel Global Resources. Photo: SCMP Taiwanese businessman Raymond Chu Wai-hang, now chairman and executive director of Hong Kong-listed Wise Ally, bought No 18 in 2009 for HK$300 million. Tsui Shui-suen, who founded Chengdu Songbai Xiantai Cemetery, bought No 10 for HK$800 million in 2011. "Only very few such luxury houses ever come up for sale," Centaline's Ho said. "They are rare and regarded as the best in quality. We describe them as diamond-grade. Most [owners] are not short of money." Other property owners around Chow's address include HSBC, the family of the late tycoon Henry Fok Ying-tung, and Yeung Kin-man, the founder and chief executive of iPhone LCD screen maker Biel Crystal Manufactory. The mortgage on Chow's property evokes curiosity, said Eric Tso, senior vice-president at mReferral Mortgage Brokerage Services. JP Morgan "seldom" does mortgages because it is not their major business, he added. Chow may be a client of the bank and it was done as part of his investment plan, Tso speculated, adding the mortgage rate is probably not very different from the market rate. "Private banking has high flexibility." 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. Dr. Trevor Bayliss addresses the Mount Greylock Regional School Education Subcommittee on Tuesday. State Guidance on Start of School Year Expected Thursday WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. School officials across the commonwealth are anticipating a Thursday announcement of state directives regarding the 2020-21 school year. But they have been disappointed before. "We were hopeful we would have the [education] commissioner's guidance," Mount Greylock Superintendent Kimberley Grady told the School Committee's Education Subcommittee on Tuesday. "We were supposed to have it the week of the 15th, now we're in the week of the 22nd. We were hoping it would be released this morning. We received notice five minutes before the governor went on [Tuesday morning] that we weren't going to be receiving an update until they were hopeful for Thursday, now." In the meantime, the Lanesborough-Williamstown district is doing what it can to develop plans for the fall that can be adapted to whatever framework state officials announce. Grady outlined for the subcommittee the teams the district has created to help create a road map for the start of classes: instruction, wellness, technology, operations, facilities, governance and parents. By design, all those groups include representation from various stakeholder groups, including parents, faculty and staff, and Grady said the administrative team worked with the leadership of the school's union to form the working groups. Grady said the groups have been meeting, though they're in a bit of a holding pattern while waiting to see what comes out of Boston. The assumption is that some of the state's pronouncements will be mandatory directives and some will be guidance that will allow for some flexibility and local control. She said that at this point, the district has no statement to make about what the start of school might look like. "The options to reopening [are] modified in-person, the hybrid model and strictly remote learning," she said. "Those are the three options that we've been focused on. "So we're having the subgroups doing the work to gather the information and start looking at the hybrid model and what that will entail." The working groups are developing surveys that will be sent to parents and faculty to get feedback on how remote learning worked in the spring in order to inform decisions about how to implement that model in the future. And the district is gathering input from local doctors about how to approach decisions that the commonwealth leaves up to local jurisdictions, Grady said. Dr. Trevor Bayliss joined Tuesday's virtual meeting of the Education Subcommittee to share his thoughts, and said he was concerned about talk he has heard about throwing open the schoolhouse doors without regard to social distancing. "I mostly reached out to [Grady] thinking about this process and knowing how incredibly difficult this all is ... wanting to say, as a medical provider in the community, as someone who takes care of a particularly vulnerable group of patients who lives among us, to represent that voice and represent a medical perspective on what what we do here I don't have answers to some of the nuances," said Bayliss, a doctor of hematology and oncology. "Part of my impetus to reach out was a concern of a petition going around in terms of opening school without social distancing or masks. "That concerned me, and I saw at least one [School Committee] member who was potentially in a decision-making process who endorsed that. I just wanted to reach out from a medical perspective to say that we wanted to help. I've been in touch with the pediatric group, locally, the family practice group locally, and we're coalescing those folks to say we're here to support our community. We don't have answers, but we're certainly willing to help guide these difficult decisions." Grady reported that the parents group looking at the reopening issue echoed Bayliss' comment on masks. "Our parent group was pretty vocal this morning with some concerns and wanting to make sure we were soliciting input from families in regard to reopening and social distancing and if no masks were to happen, many of them wouldn't want to be sending their students back," Grady said. Grady said her plan is to have each of the road map groups prepare a presentation for the full School Committee so the entire panel can hear the recommendations at the same time. The Education Subcommittee decided to hold its next meeting to check in on the process on Wednesday or Thursday next week, after some of the working groups, hopefully, have had a chance to work with the guidance and directives from the education commissioner. New York, June 25 : The messages members of the US Congress posted on Twitter about Covid-19 revealed rapid politicisation of the pandemic, says a study. Overall, Democrats were more likely to discuss public health and safety, as well as American workers, while Republicans emphasised a general need for national unity, discussed China and business, and framed the pandemic as a war, according to the study published in the journal Science Advances. "It is remarkable that we could identify partisanship even when members have only 280 characters to send their messages in Twitter," said study co-author Skyler Cranmer, Professor of Political Science at the Ohio State University in the US. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and resources from the Ohio Supercomputer Center, researchers conducted an analysis that covered all 30,887 tweets that members sent about Covid-19 from the first one on January 17 through March 31. The algorithm they created could correctly classify the political party of the member who sent each tweet 76 per cent of the time, based only on the text of the tweet and the date it was sent. "We found that once the parties started to figure out the political implications of the issue, polarisation was evident in the tweets pretty quickly," said Jon Green, co-author of the study and doctoral student in political science at Ohio State. Democrats sent out significantly more tweets (19,803) about COVID-19 than did Republicans (11,084), the study showed. The gap in the number of tweets sent by Democratic versus Republican politicians widened after the first case of community spread was identified in California and grew further following the declaration of a national emergency. "This suggests Democratic members were sending earlier and stronger signals to their constituents that they should be concerned about the crisis," Cranmer said. What Democrats and Republicans tweeted about concerning the pandemic was different, too, results showed. For example, the word "health" was used in 26 per cent of Democratic tweets, but only 15 per cent of Republican tweets. Polarisation was not constant over time. In the first full week after the first mention of Covid-19, the algorithm developed by the researchers had relatively low accuracy when trying to determine whether a Democrat or a Republican wrote a particular tweet. That indicates there was little polarisation. However, polarisation quickly rose, peaking during the week beginning February 9. It then declined slightly in early-to-mid March before rising again in late March as the parties debated economic relief packages. The findings suggest that Congress missed an opportunity early in the pandemic to develop a consensus that could have helped the United States respond to the crisis, Cranmer said. An Oakland bar navigates reopening My colleague Jack Nicas usually covers tech in the Bay Area, but recently he snagged what sounded like a dream assignment: reporting on his local bar. It was actually heart-wrenching. Heres an update about the Hatch, an Oakland watering hole: On March 15, Gov. Gavin Newsom called for the states restaurants and bars to close to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Restaurateurs and bar owners across California knew they were in for a struggle, but they expected the closure wouldnt last much more than a month. Three months later, Californias restaurants and bars are now just starting to open. In many cases, diners are kept outside, and some bars without kitchens are remaining shuttered. For the public, the lockdown has been an inconvenience. Many of us have sharpened our cooking skills or become even more reliant on takeout and delivery. But for many of the millions of Californians who work in the service industry, the past few months have been economic anguish. When the lockdown began, I started following my local watering hole in Oakland, a side-street hideaway called the Hatch, to understand the economic toll on the bar and its staff. In that story, which we published earlier this month, I wrote about the bars owner, Louwenda Pancho Kachingwe, and his creative efforts to save the Hatch, including battling with delivery apps and scrambling for a stimulus loan. By the time we published, he had burned through $40,000 of the bars emergency funds and his personal money, but he had some hope after securing a $72,500 federal loan. I also kept up with several of his employees. Santos, the 56-year-old cook, lost his job the same day as his six children and hunkered down in a three-bedroom house he shared with 11 family members on the outskirts of Oakland. They gathered each night to pray for a way to pay their bills. The last time we spoke, they had missed their latest rent payment. Maria, the 55-year-old undocumented cleaner, battled extreme back pain that turned out to be cancer while also struggling to pay rent. Both said they were fortunate not to have been touched by the virus; money was their biggest worry. And Abel Oleson, a 34-year-old bartender, had $20 to his name shortly after the lockdown began but soon was making twice as much as he did at the Hatch with his stimulus-boosted unemployment checks. KEY FACTS Ontarios nursing homes with COVID-19 outbreaks dip below 60 for the first time in weeks. Premier Doug Ford is urging Ottawa to keep the border with the U.S. closed. China reporting 19 newly confirmed cases nationwide amid mass testing in the capital. The latest coronavirus news from Canada and around the world Thursday. This file is no longer updating. Click here to read the latest coverage. Web links to longer stories if available. 6 p.m. Ontarios public health units are reporting a slight drop the daily tally of new COVID-19 infections, according to the Stars latest count. The health units have reported a total of 36,191 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19, including 2,689 deaths, up a total of 178 new cases since Wednesday evening. For the last two weeks, the province has seen a string of daily reports around the 200-mark as a steep decline in infections seen since early June appears to be slowing. On Thursday, the province saw the case growth concentrated in a handful of cities; just Toronto (65 cases), Peel Region (53 cases) and Simcoe Muskoka (12 cases) reported new infections in the double digits. The total of 12 fatal cases reported Thursday was up slightly from recent trends, but still well down for the provinces peak in early May, when the health units reported as many as 90 deaths in a single day. Earlier Thursday, the province reported that 270 patients are now hospitalized with COVID-19, including 69 in intensive care, of whom 47 are on a ventilator. All three totals are 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. The province also cautions its latest count of total deaths, 2,641, may be incomplete or out of date due to delays in the reporting system, saying that, in the event of a discrepancy, data reported by (the health units) should be considered the most up to date. The Stars count includes some patients reported as probable COVID-19 cases. 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. 4.33 p.m. There are 102,576 cases of COVID-19 in Canada, including 8,501 deaths, and 65,361 resolved, according to The Canadian Press. This breaks down as follows (NOTE: The Star does its own count for Ontario; see this file): Quebec: 55,079 confirmed (including 5,448 deaths, 23,786 resolved) Ontario: 34,205 confirmed (including 2,641 deaths, 29,528 resolved) Alberta: 7,825 confirmed (including 153 deaths, 7,134 resolved) British Columbia: 2,849 confirmed (including 171 deaths, 2,516 resolved) Nova Scotia: 1,061 confirmed (including 63 deaths, 998 resolved) Saskatchewan: 759 confirmed (including 13 deaths, 648 resolved) Manitoba: 305 confirmed (including seven deaths, 294 resolved), 11 presumptive Newfoundland and Labrador: 261 confirmed (including three deaths, 258 resolved) New Brunswick: 165 confirmed (including two deaths, 143 resolved) Prince Edward Island: 27 confirmed, all of which have been resolved Repatriated Canadians account for 13 confirmed, all of which have been resolved Yukon: 11 confirmed, all of which have been resolved Northwest Territories: five confirmed, all of which have been resolved Nunavut reports no confirmed cases. 1:30 p.m.: Ontarios nursing homes are making progress on ending outbreaks of COVID-19, with the number of homes dipping below 60 for the first time in weeks even as residents and staff continue to catch the virus. There were 57 outbreaks at long-term-care facilities on Thursday, the Ministry of Health reported, down from 62 the previous day. The number had been stalled in the mid-60s for much of June. But daily statistics show new cases continuing to develop, with 44 more nursing-home residents and 53 more staff members taking ill with the highly contagious novel coronavirus in the last two days. Read the full story from the Stars Rob Ferguson. 1:20 p.m.: Premier Doug Ford is urging Ottawa to keep the border with the U.S. closed. I just dont think were ready, Ford says. Unlike Quebec, Ontario will continue the daily release of COVID-19 data. Health Minister Christine Elliott says Ontarians have the right to know. 1:05 p.m.: Premier Doug Ford announces $13 million for community-driven and youth-led projects to improve well-being of families facing economic and social barriers. 11:55 a.m.: CEC Entertainment Inc., the parent of Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza, filed for bankruptcy protection after the coronavirus pandemic shuttered its locations and kept families at home. The filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas makes CEC the latest in a string of companies upended by Covid-19. Lockdowns have drained revenue, keeping consumers at home and pushing corporations into bankruptcy. CEC, acquired by private equity firm Apollo Global Management Inc. in a 2014 leveraged buyout, has more than 600 Chuck E. Cheese outlets and over 120 Peter Piper Pizza venues. As of June 24, 266 company-operated Chuck E. Cheese and Peter Piper Pizza restaurant and arcade venues have re-opened, CEC said in a statement. It expects to maintain operations in theses locations during the Chapter 11 process, and to open additional locations each week. CEC franchised locations operate under separate legal and financial structures and are not included in the Chapter 11 filings, the company said. The company filed for bankruptcy protection without a deal in place. It said it will use the bankruptcy process to continue discussions with its stakeholders and landlords to achieve a balance sheet restructuring that supports its re-opening and longer-term strategic plans. Both loan and bondholders to CEC were contemplating putting new money into the business to keep it afloat, Bloomberg reported last week. They brought in advisors to help them evaluate options, including fresh capital to help CEC ride out the pandemic. 11:50 p.m.: Quebec is reporting 142 new cases of COVID-19 on what health officials say will be the final day they release daily data on the pandemic. The number is a jump from Wednesday, when the province reported 53 new cases, and it brings the provincial total to 55,079. The decision announced Wednesday to end daily updates on the situation in the province comes after Premier Francois Legault named a new health minister, Christian Dube, on Monday. Alexandre Lahaie, spokesman for Dube, said the decision came from the Health Department and not from the new minister. A Health Department spokesperson said the province is switching to weekly updates, to be issued every Thursday, because the epidemiological situation is stabilizing. Health authorities also today reported seven new deaths attributed to COVID-19 six that occurred in the past 24 hours and one that occurred before June 17, for a total of 5,448. 10:38 a.m.: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his government will invest to create 10,000 new job placements for young people between the ages of 15 and 30 through the Canada Summer Jobs Program. Another 20,000 job placements will be made available for post-secondary students through the Student Work Placement Program. 8:45 a.m.: The number of laid-off workers who applied for unemployment benefits in the U.S. declined slightly to 1.48 million last week, the 12th straight drop and a sign that layoffs are slowing but are still at a painfully high level. The steady decline in claims suggests that the job market has begun to slowly heal from the pandemic, which shuttered businesses and sent the unemployment rate up to 14.7 per cent in April, its highest level since the Great Depression. The total number of people who are receiving jobless aid also fell last week, evidence that employers are rehiring some of the workers who had been laid off since mid-March. 8 a.m.: Export Development Canada says trade confidence among Canadian exporters hit all-time low in its latest survey due to the economic shock as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The export credit agency says its trade confidence index fell to 56.0 compared with 69.3 per cent at the end of 2019. The economy plunged into recession earlier this year after public health restrictions forced the closure of non-essential businesses in a bid to slow the spread of the pandemic. 7:03 a.m. A surge of coronavirus cases in Indias capital and largest city is overwhelming its health-care system, as the worlds second-most-populous country becomes a major focus in the global pandemic. New Delhi, a sprawling metropolis of some 30 million people, has rocketed to the top of the countrys regional coronavirus sick list as cases have rapidly multiplied in recent weeks. The central government took control of the local health-care response earlier this month with the countrys powerful home minister overseeing it personally in the midst of government warnings that some 80,000 hospital beds will be needed by the end of next month. That vastly exceeds the nearly 13,200 beds available across state-run and private hospitals in the city. Almost half of those are currently occupied, according to a government mobile app tracker. The capital expects coronavirus infections to soar to 550,000 by the end of July, up from the 70,390 cases reported through June 24. Well over 3,000 new cases have appeared every day so far this week, vaulting Delhi past Indias second-largest metropolis and other major hot spot, Mumbai, where a population of some 25 million has recorded 68,481 cases as of June 24. So far, 2,365 people have died of the disease in Delhi. 6:23 a.m.: Demand in U.S. hospitals for a cheap, commonly used steroid has surged more than six-fold since U.K. research showed it reduced the mortality of patients who are severely ill with Covid-19. Vizient Inc., a drug-purchasing group that works with more than half of the U.S. hospitals and health systems, said in a report Thursday that in six days orders for dexamethasone increased 610 per cent. Meanwhile, the so-called fill rate of dexamethasone fell from 97 per cent to 54 per cent, suggesting that as demand increased, hospitals have been able to buy little more than half of the amount they ordered. Researchers and drug companies are trying to identify or develop vaccines and treatments that work to minimize hospitalizations and deaths caused by the novel coronavirus. Dexamethasone, introduced in the 1960s, is a generic drug that is used to treat inflammatory disorders and some cancers. Clinicians are using it to treat the most severe patients who require oxygen or a ventilator for assistance breathing. Steven Lucio, vice president of pharmacy solutions at Vizient, said that even with a decrease in fill rates, the drug is still reaching hospitals around the U.S. Vizient categorizes dexamethasone as a high impact drug on its essential medicines list. If you dont have these medicines, you shouldnt have the doors of your hospital open, said Lucio. 6:05 a.m.: In China, where the virus first appeared late last year, an outbreak in Beijing appeared to have been brought under control. China reporting 19 newly confirmed cases nationwide amid mass testing in the capital. Case numbers both nationally and in Beijing were up by only single digits from Wednesday. South Korea was still struggling to quell an outbreak there, reporting 28 new cases on Thursday, mostly associated with nightlife, churches, a huge e-commerce warehouse and door-to-door sales. But the numbers have not reached the hundreds of new cases every day in late February and early March. 6 a.m.: In Amsterdam, it appeared weeks before the first case was confirmed. In the northern Italian cities of Milan and Turin, it was already there in wastewater in December, well before patients started showing up sick in hospitals. And now in Toronto, researchers at Ryerson University are looking to sewage to track remnants of the virus that causes COVID-19, hoping that what we flush down the toilet can help provide an early warning system for a dreaded second wave of the disease. It could even identify spikes in hot spots around the city, they say, and no one can opt out. Read the full story from May Warren here. 6 a.m.: India says it will carry out a massive survey for the coronavirus targeting the entire population in New Delhi of 29 million. Officials will go each household to record each residents health details, and administer a test for the virus to those who show or report symptoms. The exercise will be completed by July 6, according to a plan issued by the government of New Delhi, the worst-hit city in the country with 70,390 confirmed cases. Police will be deployed to enforce physical distancing and prevent the mixing of the population inside more than 200 containment zones in the capital, where large clusters of cases have been confirmed. CCTV or drone monitoring will also be used. 6 a.m.: The number of coronavirus infections in Indonesia surpassed 50,000 Thursday, an increase that is worrying experts at a time when the government is allowing businesses to resume operations amid increasing economic pressure. The spiking case numbers in the worlds fourth-most populous country align with the countrys increasing testing capacity, which have averaged close to the governments daily target of 20,000 over the past week, said Achmad Yurianto, the spokesman for the National COVID-19 Task Force. But skepticism remains over the ability of the government to conduct enough tests to determine the true spread of the virus in the Southeast Asian nation, which is home to more than 270 million people living on thousands of islands. The task force said Thursday afternoon the coronavirus has infected 50,187 people and killed at least 2,620 in Indonesia, the highest number of cases and fatalities in Southeast Asia. Thats up from just two positive cases in early March. There are 20,449 patients who have recovered from the illness nationwide. 5:55 a.m.: The federal government is to launch a program today aimed at encouraging students to volunteer in the fight against COVID-19 more than two months after first announcing it and just in time for those who havent been able to find a summer job. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also expected to announce a substantial increase in funding for a host of other existing programs, like Canada Summer Jobs, aimed at creating thousands of new opportunities for youth. Back in April, Trudeau announced creation of the Canada Student Service Grant, a way of giving students who cant find a summer job a chance to earn some money while volunteering in national service activities related to fighting the pandemic. Eligible students are to receive grants of $1,000 to $5,000 to support the costs of post-secondary education in the fall. 3:13 a.m. Governments and businesses are ramping up precautions as coronavirus case numbers rise to dire new levels in parts of the U.S. and around the world, potentially wiping out two months of progress. Indonesia was expected to pass the 50,000 mark for confirmed infections on Thursday. In Melbourne, health workers planned to go door-to-door to test more than 100,000 residents in a coronavirus hot spot that threatens to undo the nations success in battling the virus. In the Indian capital of New Delhi, which has reported more than 70,000 cases, authorities said they would conduct house-to-house screening over the coming two weeks. With the citys hospitals overwhelmed, military personnel were providing care at makeshift medical wards fashioned from railroad coaches. India reported a record high 16,922 cases on Thursday, taking the national total to 473,105, with nearly 15,000 deaths. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the continents cases have surged to more than 336,000, up by 10,000 from a day earlier. The Africa CDC chief said the pandemic on the 54-nation continent is picking up speed very quickly while shortages of testing materials and medical equipment remain severe in many countries. The actual numbers of cases everywhere, are thought to be far higher due to a number of reasons including limited testing. World financial markets were rattled by the setbacks in fighting the pandemic, which cloud prospects for recoveries of economies mired in their worst downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Wednesday 10:26 p.m. Mongolias ruling party retained a supermajority after parliamentary elections, as the governments relative success against the coronavirus outbreak offset concerns about corruption and the erosion of democratic institutions. The Mongolian Peoples Party appeared poised to secure at least 62 of the 76 seats in the Great State Khural, according to preliminary results released Thursday by the General Election Commission in Ulaanbaatar. The result reaffirms Prime Minster Khurelsukh Ukhnaas grip on power, representing a loss of only one seat in parliament. The main opposition Democratic Party led by former Prime Minister Amarjargal Rinchinnyam won 11 seats, while independents and coalition groups secured three others. More than 600 candidates competed in the election Wednesday, the countrys first since the MPPs landslide win four years ago. Since taking the premiers post in 2017, Khurelsukh has strengthened his political position through unlikely cooperation with President Battulga Khaltmaa, 57, of the rival DP. They pushed through a series of legislative changes last year including the removal of measures intended to protect the independence of the courts and anti-corruption investigators. Khurelsukh also secured new powers to select Cabinet members and extended the length of the presidents term. Mongolia has managed to keep its coronavirus cases low by closing its border, banning public gatherings and establishing curfews on restaurants and pubs, giving Khurelsukh a boost. The country has confirmed 215 cases and no deaths. 9 p.m. Mexico confirmed 947 more COVID-19 deaths Wednesday, the countrys second-highest daily toll since the coronavirus pandemic began. The highest daily toll came June 3 with 1,092 deaths. The Health Department said the country has seen a total of 24,324 deaths so far. The number of confirmed cases rose by 5,437. The case load has increased by about 5,000 each day in the last two weeks, and the total now stands at 186,847. The numbers are clearly an undercount, given Mexicos very low rate of testing. Mexican officials have repeatedly predicted the peak of the pandemic had been reached, or would do so soon, only to be proved wrong. The Health Departments epidemiology director, Jose Luis Alomia, used almost comically couched language Wednesday, saying the country is on a slight tendency that may insinuate a descent in infections. Because the case load continues so high, authorities have had to delay planned re-openings of theatres and concert halls. One of Mexico Citys biggest venues, the Arena Mexico, announced Wednesday that it will start drive-in movie screenings starting July 4. Mexico City once had drive-ins, but most closed years ago. One company resumed outdoor screenings in 2011. - Click here for more coverage from Wednesday. The Anambra State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Andrew Kumapayi, on Thursday confirmed the death of a middle-aged woman crushed by a truck while trying to cross the highway along Onitsha-Awka expressway. Mr Kumapayi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka that the driver lost control of the truck while trying to avoid pedestrians crossing the highway. The sector commander said the accident occurred at about 9.46 a.m. The road traffic accident involved a green coloured DAF truck with registration number USL860ZC. The driver of the truck lost control of the vehicle while trying to avoid pedestrians crossing the expressway, but unfortunately ran over a middle-aged woman who eventually lost her life while crossing the expressway. The corpse was deposited at Toronto Hospital, Onitsha, while the vehicle was handed over to the Nigerian Police Force at Okpoko Police Station, for further investigation, he said. The sector commander condoled with the family of the deceased and warned drivers to shun every form of dangerous driving while tolerating other road users. He also advised those crossing highways to always make use of the pedestrians bridge where available. Last week, a truck lost control and rammed into a motor park along the Onitsha-Enugu expressway, killing two persons and injuring eight. (NAN) Theres an adage in the Marine Corps that says If one Marine eats, then all Marines eat. Some of Marine veteran Chris Sadlers best memories from being deployed were when care boxes would arrive from home. In the military, some of the most genuine times are when guys are opening boxes sent from home, Sadler said. Youre eating things you dont really want to eat when youre deployed. But the experiences of opening those boxes (often filled with treats from home), and the sharing that happens in that moment, it ties you to a better place, it ties you to family and friends, taking you away from the craziness thats outside. Sadler, who grew up in Deer Park, has a military and law enforcement background in his family. After spending seven years in the Marine Corps with tours in Liberia, Haiti and Bosnia, Sadler entered law enforcement in Pasadena before launching several businesses in Montgomery County. Now Sadler and his family are bringing the camaraderie that comes when sharing a meal to downtown Conroe. History comes alive Sadler is opening the Honor Cafe at 103 N. Thompson. Its a 100-percent veteran-owned project to create a place where history comes alive for veterans and civilians and young and young at heart alike. I have four daughters and they need a strong community around them, Sadler said. Patriotism is a big key to that strength in the community. The restaurant will be opening soon with a grand opening to come in late July. Sadler and his brother, Josh, who serves as chief logistics officer for the project, have renovated a facility across from the county juror parking lot in downtown Conroe. His mom, Paula Karp, and wife, Mandi, join in the operation as well. Additionally Michael Scambray Sr. serves as the general manager. But theres more than meets the eye in the one-story building by the train tracks. When you enter the building, the Honor Cafe will be on the left side of the building. The League of the Extraordinary a premier gear, general goods and firearms store will occupy the right side of the building. A display of military memorabilia from the HEARTS Veterans Museum in Huntsville is the first thing you seen upon entering the establishment. Celebrating patriotism Honor Cafe will carry a veteran and patriotic theme. The menu is American comfort food with a Latin inspiration. Oscar Sandoval, who came from Houstons Xochi restaurant, is the head chef. The windows are high in the restaurant on purpose, to allow lots of space for military exhibits and for families to bring in pictures of their veteran loved ones. Sadler is already working with the HEARTS Veterans Museum in Huntsville to bring military exhibits to the restaurant. The neat thing about the stuff from the HEARTS Military Museum is most of it was in storage, he said. Families had donated it, but it wasnt being seen. Now theres another venue to display more things. The restaurant also contains a VIP room named The Talk, which has a general purpose tent draped over the entrance. A classroom area is situated between the restaurant and the gear shop. Through the League of Patriots program, every month Honor Cafe will honor a different service member by incorporating their favorite foods into a months menu. Theyll also tell the veterans story and allow customers to leave short notes of appreciation. At the end of the month, either the veteran or their family will be presented with mementos from the month and a final county of how many people enjoyed the veterans favorite meal. Place of healing In addition to being a place of education about the military and patriotism, Sadler wants this to be a place of healing for veterans. Theres a need right now. Our veterans are under appreciated and over utilized, Sadler said. Theres lots of service members who maybe wouldnt see a psychiatrist or go to a church, but maybe this is a place that theyd come. This is a place of healing and a feeling of safety here in this restaurant. Honor Cafe will also support local veteran service organizations with a portion of the restaurants proceeds. On the right side of the building, League of the Extraordinary will be a premier gear, general goods and firearms store with lots of items for the military enthusiast, outdoorsman and Scout. Its going to be a really, really neat place with all kinds of eclectic stuff in the shop Sadler said. There will be a tailor, a custom lamp maker, a custom knife maker, a line of candles in ammo cans, Army-type field notebooks and more. Honor Cafe will start with a breakfast and lunch service with hours of Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit honorcafe.us. shernandez@hcnonline.com Kyle Kelson, 25, pictured, was blasted in the head by a shotgun in North Cheam on June 19. He died at the scene shortly afterwards A man has been charged in connection with the murder of a 25-year-old man who was blasted in the head with a shotgun in the early hours of June 19. Luke Matthews, 28, of Crawley, West Sussex, was charged with the murder of Kyle Kelson, who died of his injuries in North Cheam. Detectives arrested Matthews at an address in Whitstable, Kent on Tuesday. He will appear in Bromley Magistrates' Court later today. Mr Kelson, who lived in the Cheam area, was described by his mother Angella as 'a much-loved father, son, brother and friend to so many people'. She said: 'His big, beautiful smile brought joy to all of us.' Police, including firearms officers, the London Ambulance Service and London's Air Ambulance had attended the scene, but their efforts were not enough to save Mr Kelson. A post-mortem examination at St Helier Hospital on June 20 gave the cause of death as a shotgun wound to the head. Police are looking for information about a 'dark-coloured car' that was seen driving away from the scene, Detective Chief Inspector Richard Leonard, who is in charge of the investigation, said. Detectives are not certain about the make and model. Mr Leonard said: 'Our investigation continues to make progress, but I still need to hear from residents or people who were walking or driving through Brocks Drive in the early hours of Friday morning. Police are appealing for information about this car seen driving away from the crime scene moments after the murder on Brocks Drive, North Cheam on Friday June 19 Mr Kelson's mother Angella said the victim was 'a much-loved father, son, brother and friend to so many people' Detective Chief Inspector Richard Leonard, who is leading the murder investigation, said he is seeking the public's help to solve the case 'Did you see anyone acting suspiciously? No matter how insignificant it may seem, you could have crucial information.' He said: 'A man has lost his life in violent circumstances and his family are 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.' Mohanlal- Divya Unnis Role Model Talking about a gleeful incident that happened at school, Divya remembered an essay writing competition held, wherein the students were asked to write about their respective role models. The actress, who is an ardent fan of Mohanlal, eventually wrote about him, while the others penned about Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Well, when the teachers announced the prize, the actress was confident enough that she would get an accolade for writing about the Complete actor in 8 complete pages, but unfortunately didn't receive any. Divya also added that she had told this incident to Lalettan during a shoot, who in his usual style responded, adayo'? (is it?) Dileep Calls Divya Unni The Owner Of A Temple And Five Houses When the anchor asked about a fun episode associated with Dileep, the actress walked down the memory lane as she recollected his presence in every program and utsavam (temple festivals) as a guest. Apparently, the actor was at the peak of his career during the time and was best known for his mimicry performances under Cochin Kalabhavan. Well, years later, when the actress was trying to make Dileep understand the location of her house, she had a slip of tongue moment and told him that she and her close relatives owned that temple to which he came as a guest and the 5 houses nearby. Since then, Dileep has been calling Divya Unni ambalavum anju veedum' (temple and five houses) Divya Unnis Mother A Kurumbati For Suresh Gopi The actress revealed that Suresh Gopi had jovially nicknamed her mother as Kurumbati( a naughty person) for her tit-for-tat replies to the actor. She remembered an incident at her school, where her mother was a teacher and the actor was invited as a chief guest for a program. She said that her mother was reluctant to show up before him as she feared he would call her the name in front of other teachers and children, who gave immense respect to her. Well, the actor as expected, asked Divya about Kurumbati, to which the latter didn't reply anything to save her mother from getting mocked by others. Divya Unni Films And Personal Life The actress is best known for her films Aakasha Ganga, Sooryaputhran, Varnapakkitu, Pranayavarnam and Aayiram Meni, which are a few of the many films she has impressed the Malayalam audiences with. Recently, she and her husband Arun Kumar welcomed their first child. She got married to Arun in February 2018, after divorcing her ex-husband. Divya has a son and daughter from her first marriage. Increasing abdominal girth and shrinking muscles are two common side effects of aging. Researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered a receptor in mice that regulates both effects. Experiments with human cell cultures suggest that the corresponding signaling pathways might also exist in humans. The study, which also involved researchers from Spain, Finland, Belgium, Denmark and the USA, has now been published in the renowned journal Cell Metabolism. On their surface, cells carry numerous different "antennas", called receptors, which can receive specific signal molecules. These then trigger a specific reaction in the cell. One of these antennas is the A2B receptor. The surfaces of some cells are virtually teeming with it, for example in the so-called brown adipose tissue. Brown adipose tissue, unlike its white-colored counterpart, is not used to store fat. Instead, it burns fat and thereby generates heat. "In our publication we took a closer look at the A2B receptors in brown adipose tissue," explains Prof. Dr. Alexander Pfeifer from the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University Hospital Bonn. "In the course of this we discovered an interesting association: The more A2B a mouse produces, the more heat it generates." Which means the A2B antennas somehow seem to increase the activity of the brown fat cells. But a second observation was even more exciting: Despite their increased fat burning, the animals weigh hardly less than mice with fewer receptors. "They are slimmer, but at the same time have more muscles," explains Pfeifer. Muscles like a young mouse In fact, the researchers were able to show that the muscle cells of mice also carry the A2B receptor. When this is stimulated by a small molecule agonist, muscle growth in the rodents is increased. "The receptor regulates both fat burning and muscle development," emphasizes Pfeifer's colleague Dr. Thorsten Gnad, the lead author of the study. As they age, mice increasingly lose muscle mass - similar to humans. And just like us, they also tend to gain a lot of fat around the hips over the years. However, if they receive the agonist that activates the A2B receptor, these aging effects are inhibited: Their oxygen consumption (an indicator of energy dissiption) increases by almost half; moreover, after four weeks of treatment they have as much muscle mass as a young animal. "A2B activation can therefore reverse both aging effects to a certain extent," explains Gnad. In order to see whether the results were also meaningful for humans, the researchers examined human cell cultures and tissue samples. They found that in people with a large number of A2B receptors, the brown adipose tissue works at a higher rate. At the same time, their muscle cells consume more energy, which may indicate that they are also more active and may be more likely to be regenerated. "Obesity is a growing problem worldwide," emphasizes Prof. Pfeifer. "Every extra pound not only increases the risk of developing diabetes, but also the risk of high blood pressure, vascular damage and therefore heart attacks and strokes. These problems are further exacerbated by muscles that shrink over the years, as they further reduce the body's energy requirements both at rest and in motion." In addition, poor muscle strength has an immense impact on the everyday life of older people, as they are increasingly restricted in their mobility. The pharmacologists explain that the prospect of having a receptor on hand that might be able to slow down both of these age-related phenomena is therefore highly exciting. However, further research would first have to show to what extent the human mechanisms actually resemble those in mice. Additionally, there is currently no activator of A2B approved for use in humans. This means that little is known about any side effects of such a treatment. "We found no signs of adverse reactions in mice," says Pfeifer. "However, the meaningfulness of the results is, of course, also limited on this matter." Gnad emphasizes that the success of the study is also the result of good cooperation with numerous international partners: "Nowadays, it is almost impossible to work on complex issues comprehensively without such cooperation." ### Publication: Thorsten Gnad, Gemma Navarro, Minna Lahesmaa, Laia Reverte-Salisa, Francesca Copperi, Arnau Cordomi, Jennifer Naumann, Aileen Hochhauser, Saskia Haufs-Brusberg, Daniela Wenzel, Frank Suhr, Naja Zenius Jespersen, Camilla Scheele, Volodymyr Tsvilovskyy, Christian Brinkmann, Joern Rittweger, Christian Dani, Mathias Kranz, Winnie Deuther-Conrad, Holger K. Eltzschig, Tarja Niemi, Markku Taittonen, Peter Brust, Pirjo Nuutila, Leonardo Pardo, Bernd K. Fleischmann, Matthias Bluher, Rafael Franco, Wilhelm Bloch, Kirsi A. Virtanen, Alexander Pfeifer: Adenosine/A2B receptor signaling ameliorates the effects of ageing and counteracts obesity. Cell Metabolism, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemt.2020.06.006 Contact: Prof. Dr. Alexander Pfeifer Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology University Hospital Bonn Tel. +49-(0)228-28751300 E-mail: alexander.pfeifer@uni-bonn.de Bahrain's Labour and Social Development Ministry has announced that all preparations have been made to begin supervision of implementation of ministerial edict 39/ 2013, on banning outdoor afternoon work in July and August reported BNA. The annual ban, prohibiting outdoor work from midday until 4pm during July and August months, aims to safeguard workers health, ensure their safety against heat exhaustion and sunstroke as well as prevent summer-related diseases and to reduce occupational incidents in view of the increasing temperatures and humidity, in line with the kingdoms commitment to human rights principles, especially regarding the need to provide secure and healthy work environment. The Labour Ministry has launched an awareness-raising campaign, urging employers and workers to comply with the provisions of the edict, it stated. In this regard, the Ministry distributed multilingual brochures, leaflets and posts including information about the negative effects of high temperatures on workers safety and health, as well as on their productivity. It has also conducted virtual workshops aimed at promoting the culture of protecting workers safety and health at work sites in summer. In a statement, Labour and Social Development Minister, Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, affirmed that Bahrain is a leader in ensuring secure and safe work environment for workers, out of its keenness on their safety and health at various production sites, noting that the implementation of outdoor afternoon work ban is the best means to achieve that goal. The minister pointed out that an average of 98 per cent of private sector companies had complied with the ban in the past years, which "proves the employers commitment to ensuring a safe and decent work environment for employees." Under Edict 39/2013, a jail term not exceeding three months, and/or a BD500-BD1000 ($1318 to $2636) fine, is the penalty for violators. Ali Humaidan pledged zero tolerance against violators, noting that in case the violation is repeated, the penalty will be doubled, as stipulated by the ministerial edict. The number of women invited for mammograms every week by the BreastCheck screening programme will have to be halved when it resumes in September. This is because of elaborate infection controls due to Covid-19. BreastCheck head Dr Ann O'Doherty said that before the programme was suspended in March as a result of the Covid-19 surge, around 3,000 women a week were invited for X-rays to detect cancer, but when it resumes in more than two months time this will have to be reduced by a half. She was speaking after the HSE announced BreastCheck and BowelScreen would not return until the autumn. More than 80,000 women who were due to be invited for a BreastCheck mammogram from March onwards will be affected by delays. CervicalCheck will begin issuing invitations to women in priority categories - those who have not had a smear test previously or need a one-year recall - from July 6, but it will be October before it clears its backlog of an estimated 90,000 women. The Irish Cancer Society said it was disappointed that breast and bowel screening were being put back until September. Disruption due to Covid-19 to the three programmes, which pick up around 1,700 cancers a year in people who are invited for screening and are unaware they have the disease, has led to concerns of delayed diagnosis. The Diabetic RetinaScreen, which aims to pick up eye disease in people with diabetes, will be back next month. HSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said HPV testing was now in place in laboratories for cervical screening and this had a better chance of picking up abnormalities. Letters will be sent to priority women on July 6 inviting them for screening, which will start the following week. Dr O'Doherty said BreastCheck would be at less than 50pc capacity when it restarted. "But I am very hopeful that as things evolve we will get up to a much faster rate," she told RTE. "We have been looking after symptomatic women and getting them operated on." BreastCheck has 21 mobile units around the country which have had to be modified. She said it was unclear how soon it would take to reduce the backlog. A major plan by the HSE on the delivery of care in a Covid-19 environment reveals the huge extent of the impact on services. The two-metre physical distancing rules means a quarter of hospital beds will have to be removed. In the Cork and Kerry region, this will result in the loss of 144 beds in Cork University Hospital, 70 fewer beds in University Hospital Kerry and a cut of 50pc capacity in some day surgical and endoscopy units. At the same time, hospitals need to not go beyond occupancy levels of 80pc-85pc in case of another resurgence of the virus. This could result in 108,000 fewer waiting list patients being treated in a year. HSE chief Paul Reid said there would need to be big changes in the way health services operate. It will involve greater use of tele-medicine, treating more people with chronic diseases in their homes and holding outpatient clinics outside of hospital. All newly qualified nurses will be offered a job. More specialists in areas like critical care will be hired and new training posts created. Colleges nationwide are racing to determine how much coronavirus testing they need to open campuses safely, and how they will pay for it. There is general agreement that schools must be prepared to test students, faculty and staff who show symptoms of the coronavirus. But there is no consensus on exactly how much they will need to test asymptomatic students and others to protect public health. The mastermind behind MasterChef's most strenuous challenges has finally revealed the show's secrets. In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald earlier this month, the show's executive producer, Marty Benson, acknowledged this year's season had been the toughest one yet. Marty said the calibre of contestants on MasterChef: Back to Win meant he had to step up his game when devising new challenges. Tell-all: The mastermind behind MasterChef's most strenuous challenges has finally revealed his secrets. Pictured, this year's top seven According to the report, MasterChef's Melbourne headquarters features a meeting room with a giant whiteboard, which takes up an entire wall. The board is used for brainstorming new tasks for the show's contestants, and Marty acknowledged this year proved to be challenging. 'We spend hours, days, weeks on end in this room, coming up with new ideas. This year, we had to amp things up,' he told The Sydney Morning Herald. Raising the bar: In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald earlier this month, the show's executive producer, Marty Benson, acknowledged this year's season had been the toughest one yet. Pictured, judges Andy Allen and Melissa Leong Unlike previous seasons of MasterChef, Back to Win features returning contestants, all of who have since gone on to work in the food industry professionally. Marty said he and his team had to be conscious of this when deciding on cooking challenges for them to perform. 'You'll notice there are no immunity challenges against guest chefs this year,' he explained. Next level: Marty said the calibre of contestants on MasterChef: Back to Win meant he had to step up his game when devising new challenges. Pictured, contestant Reynold Poernomo 'We decided it wouldn't be fair on the chefs because our contestants are so good.' But at the same time, Marty said it was important that the challenges aren't 'too high-end and unrelatable'. Behind the scenes, Marty said there's 'a massive team of home economists and chefs' who test out the challenges before they're put to the show's contestants. Going pro: Unlike previous seasons of MasterChef, Back to Win features returning contestants, all of who have since gone on to work in the food industry professionally. Pictured, Melissa and Emelia Jackson (right) He said around eight people are tasked with recreating the dishes around five or six times before they finally feature on the show. According to Marty, they take 'time and ingredients' into consideration when determining a challenge's level of difficulty. But he said next year, they'll have to 'dial down the difficulty', with the show returning to amateur cooks. TANZANIA, Tanzania - U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo threatened to seek to reimpose U.N. sanctions on Iran if the U.N. Security Council does not approve a resolution that would indefinitely extend the arms embargo on Tehran, which is set to expire in October. Pompeo told a news conference at the State Department in Washington on Wednesday that without extending the arms embargo, Iran will be able to purchase advanced weapons systems and become an arms dealer of choice for terrorists and rogue regimes all throughout the world. This is unacceptable. He spoke ahead of a closed video briefing to Security Council members Wednesday afternoon on the U.S. draft resolution to maintain the arms embargo by U.S. Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook and U.S. Ambassador Kelly Craft. Tensions between Iran and the U.S. have escalated since the Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and six major powers in 2018 and reimposed crippling U.S. sanctions. A year ago, the U.S. sent thousands more troops, long-range bombers and an aircraft carrier to the Middle East in response to what it called a growing threat of Iranian attacks on U.S. interests in the region. The five other powers that signed the nuclear deal Russia, China, UK, France and Germany remain committed to it, saying the agreement is key to continuing inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency and preventing Iran from pursuing nuclear weapons. Lifting the arms embargo is part of the 2015 Security Council resolution endorsing the nuclear agreement. The Security Council is scheduled to discuss the resolutions implementation on June 30. Calling Iran the leading state sponsor of terror, Pompeo said the U.S. focus is to work with the Security Council to pass the resolution. But, in the event that doesnt happen, I would remind the world that the Obama administrations officials said very clearly that the United States has the unilateral ability to snap back sanctions into place, he said. The 2015 nuclear deal includes a snap back provision which would restore all U.N. sanctions against Iran that had been lifted or eased if the nuclear deal is violated. The State Department said that in his briefing, Hook pointed to Iranian arms transfers and the full range of Irans malign activity, including its September 2019 direct attack on Saudi Arabia, which violate current restrictions. Drone strikes hit two Saudi oil installations on Sept. 14, which the U.S. blamed on Iran. Russias U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia has made clear Moscows opposition to a new arms embargo on Iran and has dismissed as ridiculous the possibility of the Trump administration trying to use the snap back provision. Nebenzia said the U.S. pulled out of the agreement and they have no right to use any of its provisions. But Pompeo and Craft insist the resolution makes clear the U.S. retains to right to use the snap back provision. Diplomats said that at Wednesdays closed briefing there was an exchange of views with the U.S. on one side and Russia on the other. Some Western governments privately fear that maintaining an arms embargo will lead Iran to oust IAEA inspectors and move ahead on developing nuclear weapons. The latest report by IAEA said Iran has continued to increase its stockpiles of low-enriched uranium in violation of the 2015 nuclear deal. The nuclear agreement promised Iran economic incentives in return for curbs on its nuclear program, which Tehran said it hasnt received, especially since the U.S. withdrawal in 2018. Iran has since slowly and openly violated the nuclear restrictions to try and pressure the remaining nations in the agreement to increase incentives to offset the economy-crippling U.S. sanctions. The draft U.S. resolution, obtained by The Associated Press, would ban Iran from supplying, selling or transferring any arms or related material from its territory after the embargo expires on Oct. 18. It would also ban the other 192 U.N. member states from buying Iranian weapons or allowing their nationals to train, provide financial resources or assistance related to the supply, sale, transfer, manufacture, maintenance, or use of arms and related materiel to Iran unless they get Security Council approval at least 30 days in advance. The draft would authorize all U.N. member states to inspect cargo entering or transiting through their territory at airports, seaports and free trade zones from Iran or heading there if the member state has reasonable grounds to believe the cargo contains banned items. It would also condemn the September 2019 attack against Saudi Arabia carried out by Iran and condemn December 2019 attacks against an Iraqi military base in Kirkuk and the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. And it would deplore Irans transfers of arms to militias and other armed groups in the region and demand that Iran stop such transfers immediately. ____ AP Diplomatic Writer Matthew Lee in Washington contributed to this report. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Snow this evening will give way to lingering snow showers late. Low 17F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 100%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches.. Tonight Snow this evening will give way to lingering snow showers late. Low 17F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 100%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches. Last month, an aircraft flying for Pakistan International Airlines crashed in Karachi while they were discussing the coronavirus pandemic. Their talks caused them not to notice the landing procedures, stated the aviation minister of the country on Wednesday. Incompetent personnel According to the Wall Street Journal, the minister said that a previous investigation revealed that several hundreds of Pakistani pilots employed with domestic airlines and some working internationally, cheated their way to get their licenses and had false credentials. The aircraft in question crashed down in the middle of a residential area on the airport's edge. It resulted in the death of 97 of the 99 passengers and crew. The plane also injured one civilian on the ground which later succumbed to injuries and died. The minister, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, announced the preliminary report's findings of the incident that occurred on May 22. He revealed that the pilots attempted to land the plane while not having the wheel extended, which resulted in the engines being dragged along the runway. The crew immediately flew back up to attempt another landing, but the engines were too damaged and failed, causing the plane to drop back down. Khan reported that no problems were found in the technical aspect of the plane, which was an Airbus 320. The minister also noted that CFM International manufactured the engines that were equipped on the plane. Also Read: Protecting Yourself Against Online Fraud Amid COVID-19 - and How Investigation Agencies Can Help The pilot of the plane was Captain Sajjad Gul, and Khan noted him as being highly experienced and that they did not report any technical issues within the aircraft, as reported by The New York Times. Khan said the pilots were not focused on the landing as they were talking about the coronavirus throughout the flight. A different focus The pilot, when notified by the control tower personnel that the plane was flying at a dangerous altitude, replied by saying he had it under control before discussing the pandemic once more. In a hearing at the National Assembly held in Islamabad, Khan said the pilots showed overconfidence. The accident brought to light the condition of the Pakistan International Airlines' affairs. After the incident, Khan demanded an immediate inquiry into the situation of the airlines' condition. In recent years, the national carrier had faced tremendous financial losses due to corruption, nepotism, and several other procedural incompetencies. The airline's history also contributed to the issues as a 2010 incident killed 152 people onboard an airbus that was flying from Karachi slammed into a hill. In 2016, one aircraft burst into flames after one of its engines failed, leading to the death of 48 people on board. A spokesman for the Pakistan Airline Pilots Association, Qasim Qadim, said the findings of the investigation were troubling and wondered how it could have happened, as reported by The Guardian. Qadim added that all pilots make mistakes and that even the best in the world are humans prone to them. The country has a patterned aviation safety record, documenting frequent crashes and accidents over the years of its operations. Related Article: 7.4 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Mexico, Tsunami is Feared to Follow @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NEW HAVEN The Christopher Columbus statue that overlooked Chapel Street from Wooster Square Park for nearly 130 years stood on its perch for the last time Wednesday. But while cheers met the statues removal, it didnt come down without a fight. After word got out that the city planned to remove the statue Wednesday morning, a group of several dozen people came out to defend it and had formed a crowd of 40 to 50 people by about 6 a.m., according to police Capt. Anthony Duff. Warning: The videos posted here include graphic language. Protesters who favored the statues removal began trickling in around 8:30 a.m., and tensions between the two sides led to confrontation and several skirmishes. Over the next couple hours, the crowd grew and transformed, with around 150 people at the park by 10 a.m., according to an estimate from Duff. By about 10:30, the vast majority of people present at the park expressed support for the statues removal. Many held signs supportive of the Black Lives Matter movement and said the statue was a symbol of racism and genocide. Tear it down! they yelled. A change is gonna come, a woman with a megaphone sang. Meanwhile, some of those at the park who said they are of Italian American heritage watched from the fence, angry at what was to unfold as a man in a hard hat prepared the statue for removal via crane. Skirmishes erupt After those defending the statue had gathered for at least two-and-a-half hours Wednesday, several anti-statue protesters arrived. They got caught up in ensuing altercations. A New Haven Independent video shows how the skirmishes unfolded. In the video, a man can be seen holding a sign above his head and criticizing Columbus legacy. Eden Almasude, a Wooster Square resident, walked by during the events, she said. She saw a group of statue supporters surround the sign holder, including one man who hit the anti-statue protesters sign with a cane, she said. Almasude shared a clip of the incident with the Register. The Independents video shows that a verbal argument took place between statue supporters, the sign holder and one other man who favored the removal of the statue. The physical skirmish that ensued also was witnessed by a Register staffer on scene. At the City Hall press conference, Police Chief Otoniel Reyes said there were no arrests made, although one man was detained. There have been no decisions made on whether charges will be filed, Reyes said. Mayor Justin Elicker said in a statement that it was disappointing that some at the protest incited fighting. New Haven has a long history of lively dialogue, but violence has no place in our city. We face a very challenging moment in history. We must work as a community to listen, understand, and have respectful dialogue with each other. This moment, while challenging, is also an opportunity to bring people together. The video of the skirmish prompted additional anti-statue activists to head to the park. One was a man who declined to give his full name. Around 10 a.m., a reporter saw the man get pushed by a police officer as the man stood next to the statue with a group of its defenders. The man said he was being pushed by a statue supporter when the officer pushed him, too. The officer physically separated would-be combatants and no arrests were made, Duff said Wednesday evening. A neighborhood decision The statue, erected in 1892, was iconic for much of the 40-acre neighborhood east of downtown, particularly Italian Americans who rally at the statue each Columbus Day, celebrating their heritage in the city. But in recent years and days, Columbus, who sailed to the Caribbean in 1492, has become infamous for bringing imperialism, disease and racist violence to the New World, prompting calls to remove his image around the country. In New Haven, Wilbur Cross High School junior Rhea McTiernan Huge circulated one petition asking for the statues removal, to which she attached her historical sources. That was signed by 667 residents. A second, similar petition got 2,041 signatures. A group of Wooster Square neighborhood residents agreed to remove the statute earlier this month, with Mayor Justin Elicker praising the decision. The Christopher Columbus statue for many Italians is a celebration of Italian heritage. But the statue of Christopher Columbus also represents a time of colonialism and atrocities committed. It is the right decision to remove the statue, Elicker said at the time. After the statue is removed, I believe it is important that we, as a community, have a conversation about how to best honor the heritage of so many Italians who have made New Haven their home. Elicker reemphasized Wednesday that the decision to remove the statue of Columbus today was one that was spearheaded by a group of leaders in the Italian community. While this decision for those leaders was not easy, they courageously did the right thing, Elicker said in a statement. I support this decision. I want to take a moment to thank those leaders for their support in recognizing the history of colonialism and its negative effects on many cultures, and their help to identify a place where the statue can reside. Protesters say statue is heritage Not everyone was happy with the decision, however. By around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, about 40 protester who opposed the removal gathered had around the statue. Several pro-statue protesters identified themselves as Italian American. Peter Criscuolo, 70, of North Haven, said he grew up in the Wooster Square neighborhood and arrived at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday when he heard a rumor that the statue would be taken down. He said Columbus was only one of many who did things that were later seen in a negative light. If were looking for a hero that never did anything wrong, well never find a hero, Criscuolo said. The statues important to me because its my heritage, he said. I played here every single day when I left St. Michaels School. He said rather than take the statue down he would have preferred a plaque be added that presents other perspectives. Rose Monaco, who said she used to live in New Haven, also came out to oppose the statues removal. This is part of our history, good, bad or indifferent, she said. You cannot just throw away history ... What he did was an important part of history. I dont condone any bad things that occurred. Believe me I dont condone anything that was done to minorities. I dont condone it. Its awful, Monaco continued, referring to the historical record of Columbus actions. A sign Monaco carried read, wheres Rosa? in reference to U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3. Carl Murano, a North Haven resident who identified himself as president of the Campania club, said he grew up in the citys Fair Haven neighborhood and that his parents and grandparents lived in New Haven. The Italian Americans worked hard on this community, he said. Please allow us our heritage. 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 statue was erected around the time Muranos relatives first moved to the city, he said, adding that the monument feels especially important to him because of his ancestry. As an American I respect Columbus because he opened up the Americas, Murano said. All the statuestheyre human beings, they have their faults... We should worship the good things they did and learn from the bad. Another protester who wanted the statue to stay up was Josephine Amarone of Hamden. She grew up in New Haven, she said, and her grandparents raised their kids in Wooster Square, which she described as her fathers neighborhood. The family church is St. Michaels, she said. My fathers passed and Im here to represent him and his heritage, Amarone said of why she showed up Wednesday. Amarone believes the intent of the statue was to welcome immigrants to our shores, she said. She has no ill feelings toward Columbus and does not believe the reports that Columbus was a racist, did bad things or killed native people, she said. Even if he did, where is the relevance to today? she asked Of Wooster square, she said, I feel a connection every time I come down here, adding that being an Italian-American strengthens that feeling. After the statue was removed, Elicker said that he knows there are some people who strongly disagree with the decision to remove the statute. People have the right to protest and express their opinions peacefully. At a brief press conference at City Hall later Wednesday, Elicker said he would look for ways to engage the citys Italian-American community to find an alternative way to celebrate the contributions of Italian-Americans to New Haven. However, he said, there is currently no process or plan for how the city would solicit feedback or to create a community conversation. The mayor, who has been present at many of the protests, rallies, marches and mass gatherings that have occurred in the first six months of his tenure as mayor, was absent from Wednesday mornings events. He said he made a decision that his presence was more likely to escalate an already tense situation. Laura Florio Luzzi, board chairwoman of the Columbus Day Committee of Greater New Haven, released a statement about the events. It is time for our community to unite in embracing this moment of social change, she said. We welcome a dialogue with the City of New Haven and members of the Wooster Square community to discuss the future of the Columbus monument and what may come in its place to honor Italian-American heritage and our contribution to history. Alfonso Panico, former honorary vice consul of Italy for Connecticut and former president and chairman of the board of the Columbus Day Committee of New Haven, said the statue removal marked a sad day for me and the Italian community. Panico said the statue was erected with great pride, with the funds raised by the Italian immigrants our ancestors to mark the 100 years since the discovery of our great country. I am very proud of the people who filed for the court injunction to keep the statue and I great respect for the small group of old timers from Wooster Street who were there trying to protect the statue showing their concerns and defend their heritage and pride. Exhausting and revitalizing The morning of the protest was filled with heated debates. Expletives were called out; someone screamed you animals into the crowd. But by 10:30 a.m., the scene had taken on a different tone. An estimated couple hundred onlookers who cheered the statues removal had taken over the park, singing songs and chanting as a crew brought in a crane and prepared the statue for removal. Its one little victory at a time, said Rickie Lookingcrow, who identified himself as full-blooded Passamaquoddy. He did not think he would ever see the statue come down, he said. The Rev. Kelcy Steele, who recently formed a coalition to fight racism, called the moment a symbol of racism falling in New Haven. Its exhausting and revitalizing at the same time, Steele said. Its long overdue. Note: An earlier version of this story quoted a city spokesman who said the statue will be housed at the Knights of Columbus Museum. No such plan is yet in place. meghan.friedmann@hearstmediact.com; Ed Stannard, Brian Zahn and Tara ONeill contributed to this story. When our daughter was a high school junior, she wanted us to pay $900 for an SAT prep course. I thought it was unnecessary. She was an excellent student. She would have done fine just taking a few practice tests. But her friends had signed up for prep courses and tutors. We spent the money. We found, as expected, her eventual SAT score was not much better than she had done on the PSAT. Many parents my age have stories like that. Back then the SAT ruled. Its power was so great when I was in high school that I experienced the only panic attack of my life as I ran out of time to finish the test. The fear I later felt when the army sent me to Vietnam was nothing compared with my SAT scare. Those days appear to be coming to an end. FairTest: National Center for Fair & Open Testing, the nonprofit organization that has fought the grip of standardized testing for 35 years, sent out a victory news release recently. It announced that "more than half of all 4-year colleges and universities will not require applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores for fall 2021 admission." That includes 75 of the top 100 U.S. News & World Report national universities your grandmother always hoped you would attend. This may be the pandemic's only blessing. Many colleges decided it was easier to handle the mayhem brought on by the novel coronavirus without demanding those test scores. The SAT and the ACT have added little to our education system. But that also means their decline will not reduce significantly the distress that accompanies applying to college. The problem has not been the tests, but the species that takes them. There will still be plenty for college applicants to worry about and for clever entrepreneurs to make money from. We are tribal primates. We respect pecking orders. The famous colleges that lack room for all who want to attend will provide other obstacles to bother us. Take for instance the email I just received from Stacey Brook, founder and chief adviser at College Essay Advisors, one of many companies charging for services to college applicants. Brook offered these two tips at no cost: (1) Start thinking about who should write your recommendation letters. (2) Get to work on your essays. Without the SAT or ACT, she said, those factors "will be more important than ever." I have long suggested that college app pressure would be wonderfully relieved if all brand-name colleges franchised themselves. That would make it no more difficult to get into Princeton than to order a Filet-O-Fish, my favorite, at McDonalds. So far no colleges have adopted my idea. Fear of the coronavirus will eventually go away, but there will never be a vaccine for college application anxiety. The huge University of California system has dropped its requirement that applicants take the SAT or the ACT, but about a quarter of a million people still apply each year to those schools and only half get in. The UC campuses may create their own entrance test. They may rely more on high school grades. Whatever they do, they are still going to disappoint a mass of young hopefuls. Fortunately, most of us come to realize that success in life and work stems not from the college we attended but from what kind of people we are. One study showed that those with the character traits that got them into places like Yale but who went to much less selective colleges were on average making about the same money as Yale graduates 20 years later. I asked our daughter what she thought of her decision to spend her parents' money on that SAT prep course 18 years ago. She lives with her husband in Sacramento, Calif. I am happy to say both are gainfully employed. "SATs are silly and pointless," she said. "They are a waste of money." She reminded me that one of her best friends was very upset when her SAT score was nullified because rascally boys from a well-known Washington-area prep school were caught cheating at the same test administration. Our daughter's friend is also now married and has a good job in Washington, D.C. She is spending the shelter-in-place with her two young sons. Life tends to work itself out, no matter how much we obsessed over the SAT when we were young and thought it was important. DUBLIN, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Particle Size Analysis Market by Technology (Laser Diffraction, DLS, Static, Dynamic Imaging, Coulter Principle, Nanoparticle Tracking), Dispersion, End-User (Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Petroleum, Mining, Food, Academia), Region - Global Forecast to 2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global particle size analysis market is estimated to reach USD 465.4 million by 2025 from USD 356.4 million in 2020 at a CAGR of 5.5% from 2020 to 2025. The growth of the market is attributed to increasing research activities in the field of nanotechnology, growing investments in pharmaceutical R&D, and stringent regulatory guidelines for product quality across industries. However, the heavy import duties on particle size analyzers in developing countries and limitations in particle characterization range are the major factors that are expected to restrain the growth of this market during the forecast period. The laser diffraction segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. Based on technology, the market is segmented into laser diffraction, dynamic light scattering, imaging, Coulter principle, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and other technologies. The laser diffraction segment accounted for the largest share of this market in 2019, driven by growing initiatives to create awareness about laser diffraction, increasing training conducted by companies, increasing R&D expenditure in the pharma and biotech sectors, and rising food safety concerns. The dynamic imaging segment is expected to hold a major share of the particle size analysis market during the forecast period. Based on type, the imaging market is segmented into two major types - dynamic imaging and static imaging. Factors such as high-quality/resolution images, better image recognition, user-friendliness, individual sample measurement, and high-speed analysis are driving the growth of the dynamic imaging segment. Europe to account for the second-largest share of the global market in 2019. The particle size analysis industry is segmented into five major regions, namely, North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Europe accounted for the second-largest share of the global particle size analysis market in 2019. Growing R&D activity, technological advancements, and conferences & events are the key factors driving market growth in the region. Moreover, government support to develop innovative technologies for the analysis of nanomaterials are playing a vital role in the growth of the particle size analysis industry in Europe. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 4.1 Particle Size Analysis Market Overview 4.2 Particle Size Analysis Market, by Technology 4.3 Particle Size Analysis Market, by End-Use Industry (2019) 4.4 Geographic Snapshot of the Particle Size Analysis Market 5 Market Overview 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Market Dynamics 5.2.1 Drivers 5.2.1.1 Increasing Research Activities in the Field of Nanotechnology 5.2.1.2 Increasing Investments in Pharmaceutical R&D 5.2.1.3 Development of Technologically Advanced Nanoparticle Instruments 5.2.1.4 Stringent Regulatory Guidelines for Product Quality Across Industries 5.2.1.5 Increasing Funding Activities to Drive the Purchasing Power of Research Institutions 5.2.2 Restraints 5.2.2.1 Heavy Import Duties on Particle Size Analyzers in Developing Countries 5.2.2.2 Limitations in Particle Characterization Range 5.2.3 Opportunities 5.2.3.1 Increasing Number of Conferences and Events 5.2.3.2 Emerging Markets 5.2.4 Challenges 5.2.4.1 Lack of Well-Established Distribution Networks Among SMEs 5.2.4.2 Limitations of Laser Diffraction Technology 5.2.4.3 High Cost of Particle Size Analyzers 5.2.5 Trends 5.2.5.1 Impact of Covid-19 on the Particle Size Analysis Market 6 Particle Size Analysis Market, by Technology 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Laser Diffraction 6.2.1 the Large Share of This Market can be Attributed to the Benefits Offered by Laser Diffraction 6.3 Dynamic Light Scattering 6.3.1 Advancements in Dls Technologies to Drive Growth in This Market 6.4 Imaging 6.4.1 Dynamic Imaging 6.4.1.1 Factors Such As High-Quality Images, Better Image Recognition, User-Friendliness, and High Speed are Driving Market Growth 6.4.2 Static Imaging 6.4.2.1 Limitations of This Technology Include Time-Consuming Sample Preparation Process and Operational Constraints 6.5 Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (Nta) 6.5.1 Advanced Applications of These Particle Size Analyzers are the Key Factors Driving the Growth of This Segment 6.6 Coulter Principle 6.6.1 Limitations Such As the need for Samples to be in Suspended and Electrical Insulators may Hamper Growth 6.7 Other Technologies 7 Particle Size Analysis Market, by Dispersion Type 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Wet Dispersion 7.2.1 Increasing R&D Activities for the Development of Novel Drugs are a Key Factor Driving Market Growth 7.3 Dry Dispersion 7.3.1 Dry Particle Analyzers Offer Several Benefits Over Wet Analyzers - A Key Factor Driving Market Growth 7.4 Spray Dispersion 7.4.1 Increased Use of Spray-Based Medicines in the Pharmaceutical Industry to Drive Market Growth 8 Particle Size Analysis Market, by End-Use Industry 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Healthcare Industry 8.2.1 Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies 8.2.1.1 Pharma-Biotech Manufacturers Utilize Target Products for Raw Material Assessment & Product Quality Control 8.2.2 Public & Private Research Institutions 8.2.2.1 Continued Outsourcing of Drug Discovery Processes to Cros and Private Researchers to Drive the Market Demand 8.2.3 Academic Institutions 8.2.3.1 Nanoparticle-Related Academic Studies are Expected to Grow Owing to Expanding Industrial Applications 8.3 Chemicals & Petroleum Industry 8.3.1 Significant Demand for Chemical Analysis in the Chemical Industry to Support Market Growth 8.4 Mining, Minerals, and Cement Industry 8.4.1 Widespread Utilization of Target Products Mainly in Mining & Cement Manufacturing to Aid in Market Growth 8.5 Food & Beverage Industry 8.5.1 Increased Implementation and Compliance of Food Quality & Safety Regulations in Emerging Countries to Drive the Market 8.6 Other Industries 9 Particle Size Analysis Market, by Region 9.1 Introduction 9.2 North America 9.2.1 US 9.2.1.1 Presence of a Large Number of Pharma and Biotech Companies in the Country will Fuel the Market Growth 9.2.2 Canada 9.2.2.1 Rising R&D Activities in the Country will Drive the Market 9.3 Europe 9.3.1 Germany 9.3.1.1 Increasing Conferences and Workshops Related to Analytical Instruments in the Country will Increase Awareness and Adoption of Particle Size Analyzers 9.3.2 UK 9.3.2.1 Increasing Demand for Particle Size Analyzers by Academia will Fuel Market Growth 9.3.3 France 9.3.3.1 Increasing Government Investments for Biotechnology will Boost the Adoption of Particle Size Analyzers 9.3.4 Italy 9.3.4.1 Increasing Number of Conferences and Events in the Country is Raising Awareness Regarding Particle Size Analysis 9.3.5 Spain 9.3.5.1 Government Collaborations and an Emerging Biotechnology Ecosystem will Boost the Particle Size Analysis Market 9.3.6 Rest of Europe 9.4 Asia Pacific 9.4.1 China 9.4.1.1 Government Funding for R&D in the Pharma and Biotech Sectors will Fuel the Market 9.4.2 Japan 9.4.2.1 Rising R&D Expenditure will Drive the Market 9.4.3 India 9.4.3.1 Increasing Research in the Field of Nanotechnology in the Country will Boost Market Growth 9.4.4 Australia 9.4.4.1 Strong Patient and Regulatory Laws will Ensure Pharma Drug and Food Safety and will Fuel Market Growth 9.4.5 South Korea 9.4.5.1 Strong Research Capabilities of the Country in Nanotechnology to Boost the Market Growth 9.4.6 Rest of Asia Pacific 9.5 Latin America 9.5.1 Brazil 9.5.1.1 Collaboration with Public and Private Organizations to Drive Market Growth 9.5.2 Mexico 9.5.2.1 Growth in the Petroleum and Pharma Industries to Boost the Market 9.5.3 Rest of Latin America 9.5.3.1 Rising Government Investments for Pharma and Other Key Sectors will Increase Market Share 9.6 Middle East & Africa 9.6.1 Increasing Number of Conferences and Events in the Region to Increase Awareness About Particle Size Analyzers 10 Competitive Landscape 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Global Market Share Analysis, 2019 10.3 Competitive Scenario 10.3.1 Product Launches 10.3.2 Agreements, Partnerships, and Collaborations 10.3.3 Expansions 10.3.4 Acquisitions 11 Competitive Evaluation Matrix and Company Profiles 11.1 Competitive Evaluation Matrix, 2019 11.1.1 Stars 11.1.2 Emerging Leaders 11.1.3 Pervasive Players 11.1.4 Emerging Companies 11.2 Company Profiles 11.2.1 Aimsizer (A Subsidiary of Dandong Hmktest Instrument Co., Ltd.) 11.2.2 Anton Paar GMBH 11.2.3 Beckman Coulter (A Subsidiary of Danaher Corporation) 11.2.4 Bettersize Instruments 11.2.5 Brookhaven Instruments (A Part of Nova Instruments Corporation) 11.2.6 Fritsch 11.2.7 Horiba 11.2.8 Izon Science 11.2.9 LS Instruments AG 11.2.10 Malvern Panalytical (A Subsidiary of Spectris) 11.2.11 Micromeritics 11.2.12 Microtrac Mrb (A Part of Verder Scientific Gmbh & Co. KG) 11.2.13 Shimadzu Corporation 11.2.14 Sympatec 11.2.15 TSI 11.3 Other Companies 11.3.1 Pamas Partikelmess - Und Analysesyteme GMBH 11.3.2 Jinan Winner Particle Size Instrument Stock Co., Ltd 11.3.3 3P Instruments Gmbh & Co. KG 11.3.4 Mettler-Toledo International Inc. 11.3.5 CSC Scientific Company, Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/avtxu0 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 Marchers leave City Hall during The Urban League of Philadelphia's "Fathers Fighting for Families" March Against Black Injustice on Sunday. Read more Philadelphia City Council adopted its budget Thursday for the next fiscal year, ending a negotiation season full of uncertainty over the financial impact of COVID-19 and debate over police spending amid protests following the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The $4.8 billion spending plan includes layoffs for 450 employees, tax hikes, and cuts to several city departments, and goes to Mayor Jim Kenney for his signature before the fiscal year begins Wednesday. Kenney last week agreed with Councils budget tweaks, which included removing a planned $19 million budget increase for the Police Department, and diverting an additional $14 million of expenses from the department to others. Of the 17 councilmembers, only three voted against it: Kendra Brooks of the Working Families Party and Republicans David Oh and Brian J. ONeill. Brooks said she was opposed to a budget that did not significantly reduce police funding. I cannot accept a budget that allowed the Philadelphia Police Department to make up 15% of the total operating budget when they have failed to historically make our communities safer, she said. Displays of excessive force against protesters, hostility toward journalists, and rallies behind violent vigilante groups has further called into question whether the PPDs budget is justified. READ MORE: Philly budget deal cancels $19 million increase in police funding, moves another $14 million elsewhere Kenney said Thursday that he would sign the budget as soon as possible, and thanked Council for reaching an agreement during what he called the most difficult budget process I have ever experienced. Kenney initially proposed a $5.2 billion spending plan in early March that laid out his second-term agenda with new or higher investments in education, street sweeping, and other programs. He revised his plan in May to account for a $649 million budget hole that emerged when the pandemic sent city revenues plunging. Plans changed again amid protests following Floyds death at the hands of Minneapolis officers; protesters and Council members criticized Kenney for his proposed $19 million increase to the police budget while cutting other services. And last week, the administration announced that the citys budget hole had grown $100 million deeper than initially anticipated. READ MORE: Philly's coronavirus budget hole grows by $100 million The budget approved cut that $19 million and transferred oversight of $14 million more by moving crossing guards and public safety enforcement officers into another section of the citys budget. Council also restored funding for the African American Museum, restored a $20 million contribution to the housing trust fund that supports affordable housing, and allocated $25 million for health care, antipoverty, and job training initiatives. The budget includes a nearly 8% reduction in overall spending compared with the plan Kenney proposed before the pandemic, but the $4.8 billion allocated for fiscal year 2021 in spending is equal to the amount allocated two years ago. Councilmember Allan Domb voted in favor of the budget, but said during Thursdays meeting that he was putting the administration on notice that Council would closely watch city spending, which has increased during Kenneys years in office. We must become the city everyone expects us to be, he said. Council also voted to increase the parking tax and the wage tax for nonresident commuters. Planned reductions in the resident wage tax rate will be paused. Oh and ONeill voted against the wage tax hike and ONeill voted against the parking tax increase. READ MORE: Workers arent calling out unsafe coronavirus conditions for fear of losing their jobs. A Philly bill could help. Council President Darrell L. Clarke said Council would likely have to reconvene to adjust the budget during the coming year, as the city deals with the financial impact of COVID-19. And other councilmembers vowed to continue pushing for police reforms and budget changes. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier said protesters efforts are not in vain, even if they feel disappointed by the budget approved Thursday. Institutional racism doesnt get eradicated by one city budget, she said. Achieving true racial justice in our city is going to require difficult conversations and intensive policy change. Amid pandemic peak, how St. Joseph's Convent Girls High School in Bengaluru is organising SSLC exam India oi-Briti Roy Barman Bengaluru, June 25: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, that lists India 4th in the world in terms of highest virus affected cases, class 10 board exams for over eight lakh students began in Karnataka today. Despite concerns over safety of students, the state board decided to go ahead with the pending board exams in the state. State Education Minister Suresh Kumar ensured the safety of the students during the exam as he said, "Children's safety is a top priority". Karnataka SSLC Exams 2020 begins today amid COVID scare: Get complete details here IIT Bombay moves its classes online for the rest of 2020 amid Covid-19 outbreak | Oneindia News As it was assured that the basic norms will be followed by every exam centre to prevent virus spread, here is what St. Joseph's Convent Girls High School has taken the virus precaution measures. In the St. Joseph's Convent Girls High School, one of the SSLC exam centres in Bengaluru, a total of 464 students is writing their board exam. 464 students writing exam, 20 will sit in one class. 2 rooms for those from containment zones&those who are unwell. Working for last 3 weeks to get everything in place. Ensuring they maintain social distancing, wear mask&sanitise: Principal, St. Joseph's Convent Girls High School pic.twitter.com/Chp0Vux2ao ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2020 Karnataka: S. Suresh Kumar, Primary Education Minister visited a School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination centre in Bengaluru today. The SSLC exams have commenced from today; about 8,48,203 students are appearing for the exams. pic.twitter.com/c14vtUVNjW ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2020 The Principal of the school has said that the school authority has been working for the last 3 weeks to get everything in place. The Principal has given the detail that 20 students will sit in one class while separate rooms will be provided for the students who are from containment zones and those who are unwell. Also, the Principal ensured all that all the basic norms will be followed which include testing each student with thermal scanner, student will be asked to use sanitisers, mask will be provided in case any student forgets to bring it. Also, the govt of the state has requested the parents and guardians of the students to maintain social distancing. State Education Minister Suresh Kumar said, "I feel this is a duty that is being performed by the state government. In our state, 10th standard is a milestone in a student's life. We consulted many people and decided to hold the examinations. We have submitted an SOP to the High Court which gave a green signal". Earlier, the state government decided to go ahead with exams while the parents, students, political parties expressed their fear of health risk during the exams. The centres opened at 7:30 am today and the exams would be conducted from June 25 to July 4, 2020, for the papers not conducted due to pandemic outbreak. The Karnataka CM visited and inspected many schools which were allotted as centres to students. The entry of the public has been banned near the premises of schools to ensure the safety of the students and staff. Moreover, Police has been appointed to avoid crowding near centres. While states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh cancelled their state exams and announced that they would assess students based on their past performance, Karnataka, on the other hand, is conducting the exam. With 397 fresh cases the number reaches 10,118 in Karnataka, while the death toll stands at 164 with 14 deaths have been reported in last 24 hours. When his criminal investigations began three years ago in December 2017, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took the stage at a large political rally in Tel Aviv and mocked reporter Moshe Nussbaums expressive eyebrows. The features are so well-known that they are practically a trademark for the veteran journalist, who covered the investigation. The crowd roared hysterically at the sight of the prime minister himself ridiculing the journalist. Nevertheless, the scathing coverage that Netanyahu received for this ugly stunt (inspired by President Donald Trump, Netanyahus advisers admit behind closed doors) eventually led Netanyahu to call Nussbaum to apologize. Since then, Netanyahu has been indicted for bribery and his attacks against journalists he suspects of celebrating his downfall have only gotten worse. In fact, Netanyahu is openly spearheading a campaign to delegitimize certain journalists he finds especially odious. He calls them out by name and incites his supporters to smear them. It therefore came as no surprise when on June 23, a critical reporter needed to be rescued by the police from a demonstration by Netanyahu supporters in Tel Aviv. Veteran journalist Amnon Abramovich is a commentator for Channel 12 who appears on news shows regularly. His reports and comments about Netanyahu are witty, incisive and frequently devastating. Abramovich has covered Netanyahu for decades and has never gone easy on him. Nor has he ever concealed his disdain for the prime minister. In the last few years, however, his relationship with Netanyahu has become even more tense. Netanyahus supporters have come to see Abramovich as a symbol of Netanyahu's (alleged) harassment by the media and the left. Abramovich suffered critical injuries in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, when his tank took a hit and caught fire. His disabilities caused by his injuries and scars still visible on his face are subject to ridicule by Netanyahu and his supporters. However, Netanyahus attacks dont end with mocking the reporters appearance. In a video released in July 2019, Netanyahu called the aversion that Abramovich and other Channel 12 journalists show toward him pathological and said that it hasnt changed for the last 20 years. Netanyahu has been able to transmute these sentiments into political energy. His supporters rage about the left-wing media. Anyone who watched the video of Abramovich surrounded by a tight police cordon as he was extricated from the jeering crowd must realize that were it not for the officers, the incident could have ended in a physical altercation or worse. President Reuven Rivlin and the leaders of the Blue and White Party were quick to condemn what happened and warn where it was leading. We must not accept spectacles like this with indifference. No reporter should need to have security while he is doing his job, regardless of his opinions. Do not close your eyes to this. It is not how we act. It is not how the people of Israel act, said Rivlin. Blue and White leader and Minister of Defense Benny Gantz tweeted, We are allowed to disagree. We are allowed to have differences of opinion. But we are absolutely forbidden to threaten journalists. A free press lies at the foundation of a democratic and pluralistic state. Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai, in whose city the demonstration took place, said, There is an ugly wave washing over us and it comes from above. Threatening journalists is a threat to democracy. The writing is on the wall in big, black letters. This time, the disturbing videos of the event and the sharp responses to it have not prompted Netanyahu to apologize like he did three years ago. Quite the opposite happened. Netanyahus eldest son Yair, a popular figure on Twitter, tweeted, Hold on, hold on. No one can curse out Amnon Abramovich just because he was injured in the army? Excellent. Will you tell all the leftists and journalists who curse out the prime minister day after day, even though he lost a brother in the army and was shot and wounded in the operation to free the hostages in the Sabena hijacking, and who was almost killed along the Suez Canal, that it is forbidden? The prime minister clearly has no plans to take responsibility for these threats, even though he incited them. What once happened quietly and behind the scenes has now become an open war. One might think that all Israeli journalists would take the side of Abramovich and rise to the defense of another long list of journalists marked by Netanyahu, but this did not happen. Top journalists identified with the right complained of a double standard. They argued that the president doesnt rise to their defense when they are attacked. Cursing people out falls under freedom of expression. It may not be pretty, but it gets a pass, right-wing radio host Erel Segal argued. Kalman Libskind, his co-presenter, said, When people curse out Amnon Abramovich, there is a huge commotion. Yet when Arabs beat up Gilad Shalmor in Jaffa, no one talks about the Arabs. The way that everyone is claiming to be shocked isnt really convincing. It is political. This debate is exactly what makes Netanyahu so successful. He has been able to make attacks on journalists into a squabble between right and left. Journalist Rina Matzliach of Channel 12 said on her June 20 show, Netanyahu supporters say they would still vote for him if he raped their daughter. The comment raised anger within Netanyahus camp and Matzliach's family began to accompany her to work out of fear for her safety. As a political commentator who has been critical of Netanyahu and Likud voters, Matzliach might indeed make harsh remarks. The incitement against journalists is a warning signal. Netanyahu has had a tense relationship with the press throughout his political career. This isnt the first time he has claimed to be a victim of harassment and persecution. He even created his own newspaper, Israel HaYom, with the help of his billionaire friend Sheldon Adelson, to counter the effects of what he sees as a hostile media. This time, however, Netanyahu is in the fight of his life. He needs the frenzied crowds to delegitimize the voices in major media outlets that are critical of him, and he seems to be taking things up a notch and there is no one to rein him in. Pizza is a comfort food. Right now, a lot of people are seeking comfort. Of course, people are also seeking to save money. And therefore, a lot of people are seeking the best pizza coupons and deals. Well, youre in luck. Restaurants have been hit hard by the ramifications of COVID-19, so theyre offering a lot of coupons as incentive to get you shopping. Heres where you can get the best pizza coupons and deals right now. Check Honey for Pizza Coupons and Deals If you dont use Honey when shopping online then youre missing out. This site helps you immediately find the best coupons for anything that youre buying online. Yes, that includes pizza coupons and deals. A quick search of pizza over on Honey brings up: 25 verified coupon codes for pizza deals at Pizza Hut 12 verified coupon codes for Papa Johns Pizza 21 verified coupon codes for Round Table Pizza 18 verified coupon codes for Donatos Honey says that there are 76 popular pizza coupons and deals right now on the site. One top offer is 30% off entire purchase at menu price at Pizza Hut. Another good options is 25% off regular menu priced order at Papa Johns Pizza. If you order pizza online, use the Honey tool to make sure that you get the best pizza coupons and deals before you checkout. Get a $10 Costco Shop Card Pizza Website Coupons If you want a companys best coupons, often the best choice is to head directly to their website. If you have a specific place that you love to get your pizza from, then this is definitely what you should do. Its often easier than trying to find the best deal using promo codes from other parts of the web. Pizza Hut Deals Pizza Hut currently has nine deals listed on their website. Some of these are day-specific. For example, they offer a discount on wings on Wednesdays. If youre just looking for regular pizza coupons and deals then you might like their offer of $9.99 for a large three-topping pizza. Dominos Pizza Deals Dominos coupon page lists three national deals: $19.99 for The Perfect Combo Deal: 2 medium 1-topping pizzas, 16-piece Parmesan bread bites, 8-piece Cinna Stix, and 2-liter bottle of Coca-Cola $7.99 for any three-topping pizza; choose from any of five crust types Order two or more items off of the mix and match menu and get them for $5.99 each. Dominos also offers specific local deals. Ask your store what they have on sale right now before you order. Round Table Pizza Deals Round Table Pizza currently advertises only one major deal on its website. Its a large Double Play Pepperoni Pizza for $19.99. If you love Round Table, and you love pepperoni, then this might be worth it for you. But if you like all pizza brand then the large three-topping pizza from Pizza Hut is $10 cheaper. Or for the same price as the Double Play you could get all of those extras that are in the Dominos Perfect Combo Deal. This is an example of how it pays to do some quick comparison shopping online before deciding on the best pizza for the night. Sign Up for Loyalty Pizza Coupons and Deals In addition to the pizza coupons and deals offered on websites, many companies offer special deals to their loyal fans and followers. You can get access to those deals in a number of ways. For example: Follow your favorite pizza places on social media. Sign up for text alerts and email notices from your favorite pizza place. Subscribe to their newsletters. Download their apps. Join any loyalty programs that they offer. For example, Papa Johns doesnt advertise specific national pizza deals and coupons on their website. However, they do offer local deals. You can sign up for text or email alerts to get weekly deal notices. Their app has special promos. Plus they offer Papa Rewards, a loyalty program through which you can earn points to pay for your pizza. If you really love pizza and want to get deals regularly, there are a variety of newsletters that you can sign up for. EatDrinkDeals and PizzaNeed are just two of many examples. Theyll send you the latest pizza coupons and deals on a regular basis. Check Groupon for Pizza Deals Personally, I prefer to get pizza from my amazing local restaurants than from the national chains. Most of those offer deals right now. Usually Ill just call them up or check their websites to find out what the deals are. However, its always wise to check Groupon, too. I did a quick search for Groupon pizza coupons and deals in San Francisco and found dozens of them. Some are for local sites of national chains. For example, theres a Groupon for Two Large Specialty Takeout pizzas at Papa Johns for $30 which is a $15 savings. Groupon also offers quite a few cash back pizza coupons in my area including 20% at Pizza Zone n Grill, 20% at Abes Pizza, and 25% at Golden State Pizza & Grill. I thought Id see what kind of Groupon pizza coupons and deals are available in other areas, so I did a search in my hometown of Tucson, Arizona. They didnt have nearly as much to offer, but I still found a few good deals there. For example, ZPizza offers one large pizza and 24 ounces of beer for $18. (They also have additional coupons for more beer at slightly higher prices.) And remember, they also offer coupons for some of the big chains. For example, they offer 25% off menu-priced items at Pizza Hut. Consider Buying Pizza at the Grocery Store If youre looking into pizza coupons and deals, dont just limit yourself to what restaurants are selling. Remember that you can get pizza at grocery stores, too. Many people love the pizza slices at Costco. If youre going shopping there anyway, plan on that for a meal. Trader Joes doesnt offer coupons but has good prices on their take-home pizza dough. Depending on the type of pizza you want and how much effort youre willing to put in, you should be able to get a decent price to satisfy your pizza craving. Give the gift of savings! Learn more Whats your favorite pizza place? What are your favorite pizza toppings? Share in the comments! Haaretz Applies Inconsistent Standards to NGOs | Main | Boston TV Station WCVB Teamed Up With Terrorist Supporter CAIR June 25, 2020 CNNs Fareed Zakaria Declares That Israel Does Not Want Peace Fareed Zakaria and Ehud Olmert, a former prime minister of Israel (June 21 broadcast) In the teaser at the beginning of his June 21 show Global Public Square (GPS), Zakaria drew this unwarranted, likely agenda-driven conclusion: Israel's Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu said if he was put back in office, he would annex parts of the West Bank. That dramatic act could happen just days from now. I will talk to Netanyahu's predecessor, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who said it is proof that Israel today does not want peace with the Palestinians. In fact, Olmerts assertions, as shown by CNN's transcript, fell far short of claiming that it [annexing parts of the West Bank] is proof that Israel today does not want peace with the Palestinians. Zakaria, like his colleagues at CNN, can be depended upon to regularly disparage the Jewish state. Posted by MK at June 25, 2020 09:01 AM Guidelines for posting This is a moderated blog. We will not post comments that include racism, bigotry, threats, or factually inaccurate material. Post a comment EasyJet raised cash through issuing new shares. Photo: Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP EasyJet (EZJ.L) has raised around 419m ($520m) by issuing new discounted shares, shoring up its finances as the airline industry battles to survive the pandemic. The budget airline has already announced plans to slash around 4,500 jobs, after warning it does not expect demand to reach pre-virus levels for another three years. It said in a statement it had placed new shares worth around 15% of its existing shares at a 5% discount on their value at the close of trading in London on Wednesday (24 June). The company said it had consulted with major shareholders on the move, and was pleased by the strong support it has received. READ MORE: EasyJet slashes up to 4,500 staff in knee-jerk job cuts EasyJets planes began to fly again in mid-June, but with a heavily limited schedule. Many airlines have criticised the UK governments 14-day quarantine for new arrivals including Brits coming home to the UK, claiming it is deterring travel. Its decision to slash up to a third of its entire workforce last month sparked a backlash from union leaders, who called it a kick in the teeth. The announcement in late May did not specify the number of workers affected, but it is thought likely to affect up to 4,500 workers. READ MORE: Airport baggage firm Swissport slashes 4,500 jobs EasyJets annual report at the end of last year said it had 15,000 employees across eight countries in Europe, including 4,000 pilots and 9,000 cabin crew. Other airlines including British Airways and Ryanair have announced thousands of job cuts, while plane engine maker Rolls-Royce and baggage handler Swissport have also confirmed mass lay-offs. The share issue sent the companys traded shares tumbling more than 5% on Thursday. Women are taking on more of the childcare during lockdown - but men are more likely to say 'household responsibilities' are getting in the way of their job. Researchers at Kings College London analysed interviews with more than 2,200 UK residents aged between 16 and 74 during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown. Four out of every ten fathers said having to do 'caring and domestic duties' negatively affected their paid work - just three in ten women said the same. Men and women were equally likely to say their caring and domestic responsibilities had increased during lockdown - around a third of both said this had happened. Researchers at Kings College London analysed interviews with more than 2,200 UK residents aged between 16 and 74 during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown. Stock image Mothers said they are currently spending seven hours in an average weekday on childcare, compared with five hours for fathers. Women claimed that they were finding the pandemic harder to cope with than men - with 37 per cent saying they found it stressful compared to 25 per cent of men. More than half of women questioned by Ipsos Mori said they feel more anxious or depressed than usual, compared to 43 per cent of men. Professor Rosie Campbell, director of the global institute for women's leadership at Kings College London, said women have always done more childcare than men. 'Despite the pandemic putting home and work lives under strain, fathers don't appear to be helping out with the children more,' said Campbell. 'But they do seem to be getting a bigger shock from having to balance their caring and domestic responsibilities with new ways of working - which may reflect the fact they are simply less used to combining both types of work.' She said this 'unexpected disruption' of typical gender roles could 'be a catalyst for a more equitable sharing of paid and unpaid work'. 'Less optimistically, women's greater vulnerability to stress and anxiety may be linked to the heightened economic and social impacts many are experiencing as a result of this crisis, as revealed by other research.' Kully Kaur-Ballagan, research director at Ipsos MORI, said childcare was one of the foundations of gender inequality and this doesn't seem to have changed. 'With the burden falling unduly on women and the lockdown is making that ever more clear,' she said of the findings from the survey. 'If men want to help in the fight for gender equality this research shows the hard work starts at home. 'Some men are taking on more responsibilities, which is positive, but it is sad that they are made to feel it is harming their work.' Men and women were equally likely to say their caring and domestic responsibilities had increased during lockdown - around a third of both said this had happened. Stock image Away from the world of work, there are indications that the pandemic and lockdown are affecting women more, according to the study. Of those questioned, 37 per cent said coroanvirus was stressful, compared to 25 per cent of men and 53 per cent of women said they were more anxious than usual. While men and women report volunteering during the crisis at roughly the same rates, there are some differences in other behaviours. Nearly 70 per cent of women said they'd offered to help friends, family and neighbours during the pandemic - compared to 60 per cent of men. Women were also more likely to take part in the weekly 'clap for carers' with 70 per cent reporting they'd done so compared to 60 per cent of men. More men said they were comfortable returning to the workplace when allowed than women - 49 per cent of men were happy to go back compared to 39 per cent of women. Although women and men who are parents are similarly likely to be comfortable sending their children back to school when it happens, 35 per cent of women are very uncomfortable with the idea, compared with 25 per cent of male parents. Fifty individuals and companies were assessed for tax on criminal assets of over 11m, as the Criminal Assets Bureau -CAB- froze almost 65m in assets last year. The CAB annual report for 2019 shows that bureau officers returned in excess of 3.9m to the Exchequer, including around 1.6m under the Proceeds of Crime legislation, 2m collected under Revenue legislation and over 300,000 in social welfare overpayments. CAB froze nearly 65m in assets - a significant increase on 2018 - due largely to the granting of a freezing order OF over 53m in cryptocurrency. The Bitcoin seizure is believed to be the largest single-value asset ever seized by CAB. It followed a High Court ruling in February which ruled that the bitcoin, owned by 49-year-old Clifton Collins, was the proceeds of crime and should be surrendered. However, CAB is not yet able to access the cryptocurrency as the codes to access the Bitcoin are missing. Revenue Bureau Officers assessed a total of 50 individuals and companies under the provisions of the Tax Acts, resulting in a total tax figure of 11.7m. Tax demands were served to the value of 5.8m. In relation to Social Welfare investigations, a number of individuals had their payments either terminated or reduced, resulting in a total savings of 2.3m. A total of 31 new applications were brought before the High Court under the Proceeds of Crime legislation, which marks a period of continued growth in new cases. The majority of these actions were taken against assets gained from the proceeds of drug trafficking, followed by actions relating to frauds and thefts of various categories. CAB trained 105 profilers in 2019 in Garda Divisions throughout the State, building a 473-strong network by year end. This allows the organisation to ensure that there is a focus on local criminal targets throughout the State. Justice minister Charlie Flanagan praised the CAB for the increased number of new applications being brought before the High Court. Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie "Criminal gangs are becoming more sophisticated in concealing their assets, which has necessitated changes in policing. CABs success in bringing a record number of cases before the Court in 2019 demonstrates their commitment and determination to their mission, and ability to counter the changing strategies of criminals," he said. Mr Flanagan praised CAB as "an example of international best practice in law enforcement" and highlighted its work during Covid-19. The CAB continues to play an important role in deterring illegal activity by freezing and confiscating assets identified as coming from the proceeds of crime. "The Bureau is an example of international best practice in law enforcement and demonstrates how we, as a country, can face up to our shared challenges. "I am pleased that CAB continues to carry out their important work during this period. "Bureau officers continue to carry out searches, while abiding by Covid-19 protocols. "PPE is currently being sourced to ensure interviews and other vital activities are uninterrupted," he said. With over 13, 000 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) recorded, Ghanas fight against the virus has received a welcome boost of support from the Global Quality Standards Programme (GQSP) for the development of standards for personal protective equipment (PPEs), sanitizers and related items. The UNIDO-GQSP collaboration has developed a national standard for alcohol-based hand sanitizer and a publicly available specification for the re-usable face masks manufactured in Ghana. In addition thirty-eight other international standards have been adopted to facilitate the quality evaluation of all the key PPE used in the fight against Covid-19. The implementation of these standards will ensure that PPE and hand sanitizers are fit for purpose are safe and can be relied on. UNIDO-GQSP's support is being channeled through the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), the nations standards body, responsible for the development and promulgation of national quality standards across a wide variety of industry sectors. The GQSP is a Swiss-funded project implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry with the Ghana Standards Authority as one of the lead implementing agencies. The GQSP is focused on upgrading national quality infrastructure as well as supporting Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) to comply with relevant standards and market requirements. The GSA also has Conformity Assessment functions which involves, testing, inspection and certification. This ensures that products and services meet international standards in terms of quality and safety. In addition, the GSA maintains and oversees measurements in trade so that consumers and industry alike obtain fair deals in issues relating to weights and measures. The focus on reusable face mask standards is partially influenced by the World Health Organizations new guidelines advising that face masks should be worn in public to help stop the spread of the virus. This change in position is informed by studies over recent weeks which show that face masks could provide a barrier for potentially infectious droplets". Presidential Directive Aside of WHOs promptings, Ghanas focus on the production and wearing of face masks is also dictated by a Presidential directive that makes the face mask a mandatory wear in public spaces. In furtherance to this, a directive was issued on the wearing of face masks in all public spaces under an Act which provides that the Minister may order an individual to take a preventive measure in respect of Public health matters. Prior to the Presidential Directive, the Minister responsible for health declared a public health emergency by an Executive Instrument (E. I. 61) under section 169 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851). The ministerial directive not only dovetailed into the fight against the virus but also provides Ghana with innovative opportunities to create livelihoods for its teeming youth flowing from the mandatory nature of the Act which requires the use of face masks in all public places where it may be difficult to maintain social distancing. Additional instructions accompany the directives aimed at avoiding contamination, infection or transmission of the virus which include procedures for wearing and removing a mask as incorrect use of the face mask carries a high risk of infection. Against this backdrop, UNIDOs partnership with Ghana is a welcome initiative that provides an opportunity to harness the capacity of the fabrics and garment industries, against Covid-19. In the main, UNIDO-GQSPs effort is inspired by SDG-9 of the sustainable development goals which is to Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation with a mandate of support to help members build inclusive and sustainable economies that are more resilient in facing pandemics, climate change and many other global challenges. Country Experience in Relation to PPE In Ghana, the directive for face masks is that it is mandatory to be worn in all public places. This has necessitated the need for a quality standard to guide local manufacturers thus the UNIDO-GQSP support is a timely one. The GSA as part of the collaboration worked with the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority and other stakeholders including the relevant Technical Committees to develop a Publicly Available Specification to guide re-usable face mask manufacturers. As part of efforts to augment governments effort, this document is available for free at the GSA website: GS PAS 4: 2020 The standard requires, among others, that re-usable face masks should have good breathability, be comfortable to skin and be able to filter out particles. The collaboration has also developed a national standard for alcohol-based hand sanitizers: GS 1303:2020 This standard is available for sale at the GSA. It requires that hand sanitizers shall contain the recommended concentration of alcohol to effectively kill germs. The safe types of alcohol for the manufacturing process are identified. International standards adopted for the Covid-19 fight include: GS EN 14683 The standard for disposable facemask requires among others that it shall not disintegrate, tear or split during the intended use. GS EN 166 The standard to ensure the quality of face shields used to fight COVID-19. Other adopted standards include those for ventilators, gloves, PPEs for medical staff as well as for the sanitary workers. Standard Test Methods required for use by the regulatory and other conformity assessment bodies have also been adopted making these standards national standards and easily available for use. Economic experts predict far-reaching and lasting economic impacts on the global economy with a warning that the burden will be heavier on developing countries and their vulnerable communities and populations of which Ghana is not an exception. It therefore lies on all institutions under the UNIDO/Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) Global Quality and Standards Programme and their SME partners to play their roles well for the success of this effort and to ensure the war against Covid-19 is executed to the letter and victory attained sooner than later. The GQSP is a UNIDO-SECO collaboration in partnership with Ghanas Ministry of Trade Industry in Ghana. It is aimed at increasing the export competitiveness of Ghana by strengthening the quality and standards compliance of SMEs to facilitate their access to international markets. The specific value chains selected for the implementation of the project in Ghana are cashew, oil palm and cocoa. The implementation will, among others, strengthen the National Quality Infrastructure institutions to offer quality services to SMEs, offer technical support to SMEs to enhance their compliance to national and international standards. A third outcome of the project seeks to enhance the quality awareness of actors in the selected value chains. Hyderabad, June 25 : A constable of Hyderabad police was arrested on Thursday for sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl. The constable, identified as V.S. Umesh, had allegedly raped the minor, said to be his distant relative, after luring her to his house. The incident reportedly occurred in Bowenpalli police station limits two months ago during lockdown but the victim's family only approached the police on Thursday. The 33-year-old, who was residing next to the victim's house in Sikh village, committed the crime when the girl was alone. Hyderabad Police Commissioner Anjani Kumar announced the arrest. "None is above law. We had to arrest a constable of Ramgopalpet who molested a girl. He is being sent to jail. I feel ashamed that there are such black sheep in our department," the police chief tweeted Basing on the victim's statement, police booked the constable under Indian Penal Code's section 376 (3) (rape of a minor) and 506 (criminal intimidation) and also Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The victim's mother first brought the issue to the notice of Balala Hakkula Sangham, a NGO working for child rights. Balala Hakkula Sangham honorary President Achyuta Rao told IANS that they informed Additional Commissioner of Police Shikha Goel, who alerted Deputy Commissioner of Police (North Zone). Rao said the accused took advantage of the lockdown and committed the crime when the girl was alone. After the rape he threatened the girl that if she informed anyone, she would be killed. Balala Hakkula Sangham demanded stringent action against the accused and said the child should be given counseling by a qualified psychologist. The NGO appealed to all the parents not to leave their children alone in the lockdown period even with closely known people. Click here to read the full article. While international audiences have gotten used to Russian auteurs on red carpets from the Croisette to the Dolby Theatre, where directors such as Andrey Zvyagintsev (Leviathan, Loveless) and Kantemir Balagov (Beanpole) have scooped up prestigious awards and Oscar nods, more and more Russian filmmakers are focused on making a splash in the global market. Buoyed by high-octane actioners and genre titles with slick special effects, international sales for Russian films have been rising roughly 20% per year, according to film promotion body Roskino. During the Cannes virtual market, many foreign buyers may be tempted to give the countrys commercial fare a second look. Its the perception that needs to change, says Central Partnership CEO Vadim Vereshchagin. Our productions are at the same level as the European productions right now. More from Variety Central Partnership has a strong Cannes slate that includes Chernobyl, a big-budget actioner about the aftermath of the nuclear power plant meltdown, directed by heartthrob actor and debut helmer Danila Kozlovsky and produced by Academy Award nominees Alexander Rodnyansky and Sergey Melkumov (Loveless, Leviathan). Also anticipated is Mikhail Lockshins Silver Skates, a romantic drama set in 19th-century St. Petersburg that charts the star-crossed relationship between a bakers delivery boy and the daughter of an aristocratic family. Art Pictures Distribution will look to close more territories on the sci-fi actioner Sputnik, Egor Abramenkos directorial debut, which was selected for Tribeca and acquired by IFC Midnight for U.S. theatrical release. Art Pictures founder Fedor Bondarchuk will also present Psycho, a psychological drama that marks his first foray into TV series, and Bondarchuk, a documentary portrait about the directors Academy Award-winning father. Story continues Planeta Inform has racked up a string of international success stories with genre hits such as superhero actioner Guardians, which sold to more than 100 countries. In Cannes the distribution powerhouse will be presenting The Ex, a new horror film from the producers of the smash hit The Bride. Slated for a Valentines Day 2021 release, Planeta Informs Anastasia Bankovskaya describes it as a perfect fit for those who are fed up with sweet comedies and all that romantic stuff. For buyers looking for laughs, All Media will present Hotel Belgrade, a comedy about a womanizing entertainer who gets mixed up with the mob, featuring Serbian star Milos Bikovich. Producer-director Timur Bekmambetovs Moscow-based Bazelevs will be presenting his new feature, V2. Escape From Hell, which will be released in both horizontal and vertical formats, for theaters and for smart phones. The company is also developing multiple new projects in the Screenlife format, including Resurrected, an English-language thriller from Gogol trilogy director Egor Baranov. For buyers of more auteur-driven cinema, Charades will be presenting Petrovs Flu, the latest feature from Kirill Serebrennikov (Leto), currently in post-production, while Memento will be selling Vadim Perelmans Berlin player Persian Lessons. Historically, [Russia] has always had a reputation of being home to directors with a powerful vision, and we have every reason to be optimistic about the current and the upcoming generations of talent, says Hype Films Ilya Stewart, whos producing both films. Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Louisa May Alcott (pictured) wrote a draft of the story Aunt Nellie's Diary in the late 1840s but never finished the manuscript An unfinished story by Little Women author Louisa May Alcott is being published for the first time - with readers encouraged to provide their own ending. The 17-year-old Alcott wrote a draft of the story Aunt Nellie's Diary in the late 1840s but the 9,000-word fragment was never completed. The work is narrated by the 40-year-old Nellie and follows a love triangle among her orphaned niece Annie Ellerton, Annie's dark-haired friend Isabel Loving and the visiting Edward Clifford, a 'tall, noble-looking' young man with a complicated past. The text is now being published by Strand Magazine which is inviting its readers to complete the narrative, which cuts out with several loose ends unresolved. Alcott's work has returned to the spotlight recently following last year's successful new film adaptation of Little Women, starring Emma Watson and Saoirse Ronan. Strand managing editor Andrew Gulli found a reference to the manuscript during an online search of Alcott's archives, stored at Harvard University's Houghton Library. The story appears in the magazine's spring issue, delayed until now because of the coronavirus pandemic. 'What struck me was the maturity of the work,' says Gulli, who in recent years has published little-known fiction by Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and many others in the literary quarterly. 'Here was Alcott, who was on the cusp of adulthood, creating a complex work, where her main character is a single woman in her 40s, who defies many of the stereotypes of how women were portrayed in mid-19th century America.' Because 'Aunt Nellie's Diary' ends with various storylines unresolved, Gulli is inviting readers to complete the story. 'We'll post guidelines in the coming weeks,' he says. Alcott was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania, but spent much of her childhood moving around Massachusetts as her father, the educator and philosopher Amos Bronson Alcott, ran an experimental school and an agrarian commune. Louisa May and her three sisters were employed in various jobs, and the author would speak of her writing as a release from the family's ongoing financial struggles. Around the same time she attempted 'Aunt Nellie's Diary,' she worked on her first novel, 'The Inheritance,' which remained unpublished until the 1990s. Emma Watson as Meg March, Florence Pugh as Amy March, Saoirse Ronan as Jo March and Eliza Scanlen as Beth March in last year's adaptation of Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Museum visitors stand near a portrait of author Louisa May Alcott by American artist George Healy at Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts Alcotts reputation is defined by 'Little Women,' the classic novel from the late 1860s about a New England family that was based on her own childhood. But she also published bloodied thrillers, children's stories and sketches based on her volunteer work as a nurse during the Civil War. Alcott scholar Daniel Shealy says that 'Aunt Nellies Diary' reflects what the author called her sentimental phase, her early immersion in such British authors as Charles Dickens and Sir Walter Scott. 'You can see her picking up on some of the romanticized, even sensationalized material from those books. It's a tough time for her, because the family was short of money, but it's also a creative time. She's beginning to develop and mature as a writer,' says Shealy, a professor of English at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. 'If I had to compare this to Little Women, I'd say that you can see her ability to create characters that you can take an interest in. 'And you see her ability to have several strands of the story going off in different directions, and you're wondering how she going to tie this all together. 'Clearly, this story is building to a big reveal, and we're going to learn new things about the characters' pasts.' (Photo : What is the Difference Between a Dismissal and an Expungement?) If you have a conviction on your record, you know that your options to have it removed are dismissal and expungement. With a dismissal, your record will show charges were brought and later dropped. With an expungement, any public access to your record regarding this conviction is eliminated. What does an expungement do? Getting a conviction expunged from your criminal record signifies many important benefits. It can have a measurable impact when you apply for a job, when you are trying to rent a house or apartment, and when you are applying to get a loan. Although your conviction will still be visible on your record, people will be able to understand that the ultimate resolution of the case was that you were not found to be guilty and that the case was dismissed. However, you will still be required to disclose your conviction when applying for certain state-issued professional licenses. How will your record look after a dismissal? If you get a dismissal, you have to be aware that your conviction will not be erased completely. Certain persons and agencies will still be able to see it and the fact that it's still on your record will continue impacting many areas of your life. Like what? Should you be involved in another conviction, this one will still be held against you as a prior conviction. If your driving privileges were suspended as a result of a conviction, they will not necessarily be reinstated with a dismissal. If you were convicted as a sex offender, you may still have to register as such, even with a dismissal. You may not be able to hold public office, should that be your interest. Although you may have to disclose your conviction to government agencies and employees, you can note that it was dismissed. Your criminal conviction will typically not be reported on consumer background checks. What happens after a dismissal? The plea or verdict will be removed The conviction will appear as "dismissed in the interest of justice" You will not have to disclose this conviction to most private employers Once your consumer background check is updated, private parties such as employers, lenders, or landlords will not be able to see the conviction Although your official rap sheet will continue to display the conviction, the dismissal will also be clearly visible Is it advisable to talk to a criminal defense attorney once a dismissal or expungement has been granted? Definitely. There are benefits and limitations to having a conviction dismissed. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can explain these to you, particularly when you are thinking of applying for a job, renting an apartment, or engaging in any action that will call for a consumer background check. Your lawyer will also help you understand the limitations of expungement and the many benefits of having your conviction cleared. Your lawyer is your best ally when it comes to having your conviction dismissed or expunged, they offer you the best chance for having them granted. Working with an experienced attorney who understands the intricacies of criminal defense law is the best tool you can have at your disposal when looking to be granted a dismissal or expungement. It's your life, take control of it now, and get your record cleared. Screenshot of Singapore Parliament during Budget 2019. (PHOTO: Yahoo News Singapore) By Sean Lim, Justin Chua and Thaqif Ismail The curtains have come down on the 13th Parliament, after President Halimah Yacob disbanded the Parliament and issued the Election Writ on Tuesday (23 June). Candidates and where they will contest will be finalised on Nomination Day on 30 June, and Singapore will head to the polls on 10 July. That being said, the 13th Parliament is retiring after a lot of hard work. Parliament sat more often, and for longer, to dispatch a heavier legislative workload, checks by Class Notes found. MPs also seemed to have re-discovered a tool for debate in the form of adjournment and Private Members motions, with 44 different topics aired in the House. The work of the 13th Parliament was also remarkable for the number of ministerial statements made. Of the 30 statements, 10 were on the handling of the Covid-19 virus and the four budgets announced to ease the pain of lockdown measures on workers and businesses earlier this year. Parliament at a glance SOURCE: Parliament of Singapore After a hiatus of 22 years, a parliamentary select committee was convened, to gather feedback and make recommendations for a fake news law. The 13th Parliament has ended and based on a count by Class Notes, it sat for 135 times, exceeding the 117 sittings of the previous Parliament. Campaigning guidelines and rules for a safe election in the midst of the outbreak have already been released. Above is a short summary of Parliaments work. You may click on the links to related stories for more detailed analysis. Sittings and duration Parliament suffers the unfortunate impression that it is always half-empty. Thats what people see when television cameras pan over the chamber. Parliament keeps records of attendance, and MPs who need to absent themselves have to give notice and a reason. But whether an MP attends the full-session of Parliament or drops by for a quick pop-in isnt recorded in Hansard. Perhaps, this will change when Parliament introduces a facial recognition system to track the real-time attendance of MPs, instead of a manual recording at the beginning or end of a sitting day. The plan was announced on 7 November last year and the tender closed on 2 December. Story continues Based on a tally by Class Notes, the MPs who chalked up the largest number of absences include Fatimah Lateef (67) and Masagos Zulkifli (55). The 13th Parliament has already chalked up 135 sittings over 53 months, since it was convened on 15th January 2016. There are just six more months before the constitutional deadline for dissolution. The figure would have been higher of late due to the four budgets delivered by the Finance Minister, which also include its own Committee of Supply proceedings. While every Budget delivered has its own COS before it is considered and approved by the House, only seven cuts were filed for the recent Fortitude Budget as compared to over 500 for the Unity Budget which is also the customary annual Budget in February. They were filed by NMPs Anthea Ong and Walter Theseira. During the COS deliberations, an MP will usually ask for a symbolic $100 cut to a ministrys estimate and talk about his or her concerns over that specific ministrys policies, and questioning details of the government initiatives that will be supported by the projected budget of that ministry. MPs will then withdraw the cut once the minister has satisfactorily addressed their concerns. No cuts were filed for the Solidarity and Resilience supplementary budgets. Technically, nobody is stopping MPs from filing cuts during these supplementary budgets. However, the time limits for COS discussions are stricter and hence less time for speeches and replies by the Government. The onus is on the MP to decide which part of the proceedings be it during the debate on the Finance Ministers statement or COS to raise the issues. The 12th Parliament had 117 sittings, stretched out over 46 months. It started work later, five months after Polling Day, while the current Parliament had its first sitting four months after. The heavier legislative workload would explain why MPs met more often than the previous term. SOURCE: Parliament of Singapore Parliament sessions also last longer, according to tabulations by CNA. In the previous term of Parliament, each sitting stretched for about five to six hours on average while data up to March 2018 showed longer hours, inching close to seven to eight hours per sitting. SOURCE: CNA The longest debate in this term of Parliament was over Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act, or POFMA, which took 14 hours before the Bill was passed longer than the combined debates over the Medishield Life Scheme Act (5 hours 14 minutes) and Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act (5 hours 8 minutes) in the 12th Parliament. SOURCE: Parliament of Singapore Debate on Bills was not the only reason for longer sittings. MPs were also using motions to air their pet topics or push a certain agenda, which they might not have the time or opportunity to do so during Question Time or debates on Bills. This means that Parliament is going beyond having ministers answer questions and debate legislation. Both the 12th and 13th Parliament had special sittings outside of the typical parliamentary agenda. On 26 March 2015, MPs convened in the House to pay tribute to founding Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, who had died three days earlier. On 3 July 2017, Parliament heard PM Lee Hsien Loong address his siblings allegations of abuse of power over their family house. This session is also notable for being the only time the Whip was raised to allow MPs free rein to speak and not to vote with the party. A question of parliamentary privilege and propriety surfaced once, on 1 March 2018 when Workers Party MP Sylvia Lim debated with Ministers Heng Swee Keat and K Shanmugam on the increase in GST from seven to nine per cent between 2021 and 2025. The Aljunied GRC MP said she suspected that the Government intended to introduce the tax hike immediately (instead of 2021) but retreated after getting a negative response from the ground. The ministers said Lim was accusing them of lying to Singaporeans. Lim refused to apologise for her statement and House Leader Grace Fu warned that she would refer her to Parliaments Committee of Privileges if she repeats such conduct. MPs have immunity in Parliament, which means they cannot be sued for words they utter in the chamber. But if they are found abusing this privilege, the committee will investigate and punish them. So far, no MP has been investigated by the committee during the 12th and 13th terms of Parliament. MPs also bade farewell to Halimah Yacob when she stepped down from her role as Speaker in 2017 to contest in the Presidential Election. Former Manpower Minister Tan Chuan-Jin took over her position. As a parting gift, she allowed Wi-Fi in the House, although it later led to observations that MPs were not paying attention to proceedings and more fixated on their laptops doing non-parliamentary work. Recently, Parliament also put in place safe distancing measures due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Instead of sitting in their usual allocated spots, MPs were scattered around the chamber and galleries. These safe distancing measures are not new. Four ministers who had visited hospitals during the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 were put in a separate room when Parliament sat and they communicated with their colleagues in the chamber via video conferencing. MPs usually decide on laws using the electronic voting system, which started in 1999 when Parliament moved into its current premises. But with safe distancing measures, the voting process has returned to more primitive methods, with the Clerk of Parliament calling out names and MPs indicating their vote by raising a Aye/ Noe/ Abstention placard. During the debate on May 5 to allow Parliament to convene in multiple locations, NMP Anthea Ong renewed calls for live broadcast of parliamentary proceedings. She made this suggestion because the gallery is now closed to the public due to the pandemic and people can no longer watch the proceedings live. But just like before, the proposal was turned down by Leader of the House Grace Fu because written records and delayed video clips of proceedings are already made available online. The same suggestion for live streaming was made by NCMP Leon Perera in 2017. Then Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information Chee Hong Tat turned it down, citing low demand for a live feed of parliamentary proceedings as the reason. Bills Old and New With 197 Bills introduced and passed during this term of Parliament, it has exceeded that of the 12th Parliament. SOURCE: Parliament of Singapore There was a re-focus of workload this time due to more legislation on law and order by the Government. About 31 per cent of the 54 new laws were of this nature, in line with more security concerns over foreign influence, the threat of terrorism and the need to maintain our social fabric. Many countries are facing greater divides over political ideologies, socio-economic class, or race and religion. Besides new Bills, existing legislation was also amended to ensure its relevance to current threats and challenges. Big changes were made to the Criminal Law Reform Bill, more commonly known as the Penal Code. More protection was given to vulnerable groups (such as domestic helpers and disabled people) and the young, with those who abuse and cause their deaths threatened with jail terms of up to 20 years. The offence, causing death of a child below 14 years of age, domestic worker or vulnerable person by sustained abuse, was not in the Penal Code previously. Taking upskirt photos and other similar voyeurism offences have been made a standalone offence instead of being part of the Insult of Modesty provisions of the Penal Code and the Films Act. The penalty has also increased from a maximum of one-year jail term to two, with caning as a sentencing option too. There were two other changes which drew attention: A person who attempts suicide will no longer get into trouble with the law and non-consensual sex between a married couple will now be criminalised under marital rape. Most Bills go through the second reading, committee stage and third reading without fuss. But there have been instances when a Bill was stopped before the third reading for changes. The Supreme Court of Judicature (Amendment) Bill in November 2019 was one, where Senior Minister of State for Law Edwin Tong proposed an amendment to Clause 12 of the Bill, which was accepted by the MPs present. Another case was during the legislation on online falsehoods when NMPs Anthea Ong, Irene Quay and Walter Theseira tried to get the Bill delayed. They did so by proposing amendments before the third reading to require the Government to explain its decisions when exercising the law, expediting appeals against its decisions and having an independent council review the Governments decisions. The amendments were rejected by PAP MPs while WP MPs abstained. Constitutional amendments This is the real showcase of Parliaments power. As the mother of all laws in the country, the Constitution lays down the countrys political framework and contains provisions including those relating to sovereignty, fundamental liberties, citizenship and the public sector. MPs in this term of Parliament made 10 changes on three occasions - and not without controversy. In comparison, there were six changes on two occasions to the Constitution during the last Parliament, which includes the incorporation of Temasek Holdings in the Net Investment Returns framework from FY 2016 onwards. Unlike normal Bills which require a simple majority from all MPs, amending the Constitution requires two-thirds of MPs (excluding Nominated MPs) to say yes. There are 100 MPs in this term of Parliament, of which 88 are elected, three are Non-Constituency MPs (NCMP) and 9 Nominated MPs. The numbers are similar to that of the 12th Parliament, except there were 87 elected MPs instead of 88. Constitutional changes were made to the Elected Presidency, the NCMP scheme and the structure of the Supreme Court. Changes to the Elected Presidency scheme was the most controversial because it was perceived by some as a political move to prevent former PAP MP Tan Cheng Bock, who was seen as a non-establishment figure, from contesting in the 2017 presidential election. Some lamented introducing a racial dimension to the nations top office. Under the updated Constitution, a presidential election will be reserved for a particular racial group if none from that group has been president for five continuous terms. The Government will start counting from the term of Dr Wee Kim Wee, who was the first president to be vested with the powers of an Elected President. The counting was itself a controversial decision since some people thought Ong Teng Cheong should be counted as the countrys first Elected President instead. For more stories on bills, PQs, motions and their relevant statistics, click here: All six elected MPs from the WP opposed the amendments, when they voted on it on 9 November 2016. Seventy-seven MPs all from the PAP gave the nod. The Bill was approved and it became the Malay communitys turn to have a president from their race the following year. Madam Halimah Yacob was then elected president. In May, amendments were also made to allow Parliament to convene in more than one location, in light of the Covid-19 outbreak. MPs from both the PAP and WP agreed to the amendments. Originally, the constitution required Parliament to only meet at one physical location. President Halimah has since appointed three other locations, according to the e-gazette. They are: The Arts House, NTUC Centre and the Civil Service College, which will take effect till Nov 20 this year. In light of the pandemic, Dr Tan Cheng Bock, leader of the Progress Singapore Party, called for the Government to amend the constitution for the general election to be held after the deadline of April 2021 when the outbreak has stabilised. He suggested having a caretaker government in the interim. But his call was rejected by Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean, who said the suggestion shows a disregard for or lack of understanding of the Constitution and can only confuse and mislead Singaporeans to the detriment of Singapore and Singaporeans. SM Teo added that the move will weaken the Governments mandate at a time when a strong one is needed and the only way to delay an election is for the president to declare a state of emergency. Motions Of the 44 motions by backbenchers, nine were Private Members motions, which must be seconded by at least another MP. This included one on aspirations of Singapore women, moved by five Peoples Action Party (PAP) MPs in 2017. There were no Private Members motions in the 12th Parliament. Adjournment motions can take up to half an hour while a Private Members motion usually lasts longer. While motions are not legally binding and merely reflect ground level occupations with an issue, the Government can be held accountable since its responses will be recorded in the Hansard. One salvo came on May 4, when Ang Mo Kio GRC MP Intan Azura Mokhtar spoke about the plight of home-based businesses in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Other topics MPs brought up in their motions include arts and culture, national service issues and the environment. Based on tabulations by Class Notes, MPs Louis Ng and Murali Pillai gave the most adjournment motion speeches. Ministerial statements While MPs found motions useful to push their agenda, the front-benchers are ramping up the use of ministerial statements to address issues. The 13th Parliament is known for making a large number of ministerial statements a total of 30 as compared to only 10 in the previous term. Many of the 30 statements were due to government updates on the Covid-19 situation and addressing national service deaths. In 2018 and 2019, Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen gave four ministerial statements on national service deaths, lasting more than two hours in total. Each statement was accompanied by slides explaining what had happened, the sort of inquiry that will be conducted and the recommendations made. Josephine Teo made her first ministerial statement during the Covid-19 outbreak, since her appointment as Minister for Manpower in May 2018. She updated the House on plans regarding the workforce and the welfare of migrant workers during the pandemic. Ditto for National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, who gave updates as the co-chair of the multi-ministry task force. In his only ministerial statement so far during this term of Parliament, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong ordered the whip to be lifted as he addressed allegations made by his siblings over the abuse of power. He wanted the whip to be lifted so that MPs can question him and his ministers vigorously to restore confidence in the Government. There were no instances in the previous term of Parliament when the whip was lifted. The last instance was in November 2010 when Parliament deliberated changes to the Maintenance of Parents Act. Private Members Bills Three Private Member's Bills were introduced over the last two parliaments. Such Bills, which are introduced by backbencher MPs, are rare because these MPs usually have fewer resources and experience at their disposal to craft legislation. Government Bills make up the bulk of Parliaments legislative workload and they are introduced by ministers who have staff from their ministry to help them. In the 12th Parliament, the Prevention Of Human Trafficking Bill was introduced in 2014 by MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC Christopher de Souza. Another was the Animals and Birds (Amendment) Bill introduced by MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC Yeo Guat Kwang in the same year, which also stood in the names of Alex Yam, Gan Thiam Poh, Vikram Nair and Edwin Tong. In this term of Parliament, Nee Soon GRC MP Louis Ng and Tampines GRC MP Cheng Li Hui pitched the Wild Animals and Birds (Amendment) Bill, passed in March this year. The amended legislation serves to increase penalties to those who are guilty of feeding, releasing, trapping or killing wildlife. Six backbenchers spoke on it in support of the law, saying that it is important to protect the countrys rich biodiversity. Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs and National Development Sun Xueling also weighed in to address concerns from MPs on how the amended law will be carried out. And of course, Parliament is also a forum for the Government to announce how much they intend to spend on the countrys development for the upcoming year and MPs to debate whether the projected expenditure is justified. This is what we call The Budget. You can read more about it here. This story was first published on Class Notes. The two brothers who Jussie Smollett allegedly paid to attack him last year have decided once again to cooperate with prosecutors in the ongoing case against him, a day after backing out. Abel and Ola Osundairo had agreed to cooperate with the special prosecution of Smollett as it proceeds. They told police he paid them $3,500 to carry out a fake, homophobic attack on him last January - something Smollett vehemently denies. On Wednesday, Abel said they had changed their minds because the police department was still treating them as suspects. On Thursday, their lawyer told CBS that they were once again willing to cooperate because Dan Webb, the special prosecutor, had intervened. It is believed they were arguing with the cops over the whereabouts of a gun that was confiscated when police raided their home last year. Ola and Abel Osundario are pictured arriving to court in Chicago, Illinois on February 24 Two brothers had agreed to testify against Jussie Smollett (pictured) after police accused him of paying them to stage a homophobic attack in January 2019 But Abel Osundairo filed a police report on Wednesday and complains that cops are withholding his belongings as part of evidence 'It's been over a year and they need to give us our stuff back,' Abel Osundairo complained to CBS 2 on Wednesday. 'I would understand if we were defendants in the case, which we are not.' During a police raid, cops took a number of possessions belonging to Abel, who said that the bulk of the items he can't get back belong to his loved ones. JUSSIE SMOLLETT TIMELINE January 29: The 'hoax' attack outside Smollett's apartment in Chicago occurs. January 30: A wave of public sympathy rushes over Smollett, until then a relatively unknown actor February 14: After a series of unfavorable leaks from the Chicago PD, Smollett goes on Good Morning America to plead his case. Unbeknownst to him, brothers Abel and Ola Osundairo are being interviewed by police after returning from Nigeria. February 20: Smollett is arrested and accused of lying to police. He is bailed out on a $10,000 cash bond. March 7: Grand jury indicted Smollett March 26: Charges dropped April 11: Chicago sues Smollett for $130,000 - the cost of the investigation August: Dan Webb is appointed special prosecutor November: Smollett counter-sues, alleging malicious prosecution February 11, 2020: Reports emerge that Dan Webb has charged Smollett Advertisement 'Most of the stuff isn't even mine,' Abel said. 'They belong to my oldest brother, my mother, my sister. They even took my dog's toy.' But he's also concerned about his firearm. The authorities are in possession of his 9mm gun and ammunition inside a safe. 'Legally it belongs to me, and I want to know its whereabouts,' he continued. His attorney, Schmidt Rodriguez, has filed a court motion with a judge for the items to be returned. Abel also filed a police report on Wednesday as part of the administrative dispute. Police told CBS 2 that the weapon is still in the chain of evidence and they will comply with the order if appropriate. 'Of course I'm skeptical, because you are saying one thing one day and another thing another day,' Abel Osundairo said. 'It's just another thing we have to go through.' Police added they will cooperate with a judge's order to turn over or produce evidence if appropriate, with the Chicago PD telling CBS 2 that the handgun is being preserved as evidence in an evidence locker. Earlier this month, a Cook County judge shot down actor Smollett's attempt have criminal charges against him dropped, telling the actor that the new charges against him do not violate his right against double jeopardy. Smollett's attorneys made the double jeopardy argument after a special prosecutor secured a six-count indictment on charges alleging that he lied to police about a racist and anti-gay attack that police say he staged himself. The saga began on January 30 last year when it emerged that Smollett claimed he had been the victim of a racist, anti-gay attack. At the time, it seemed he had been walking home from Subway in the middle of the night after returning home late on a delayed flight when he was approached. He told police afterwards his attackers identified him from the show he was on, Empire, and called him both the N-word and 'f****t'. He said they beat him, poured bleach on him then put a noose around his neck. Smollett went back to his apartment where his friend, Frank Gaston, was. It was Gaston who insisted they call police. When officers arrived, the actor refused to hand over his phone. He went to the hospital to be checked over but had no major injuries. The Chicago Police Department vowed to investigate the incident with all its might, and celebrities around the world rushed to share their support of Smollett. Smollet pictured suffering injuries to his face in the hospital after the alleged attack Brothers Abel and Ola Osundairo say Smollett paid them to carry out the hoax attack Surveillance footage from the night of the attack shows the two men Smollett said attacked him He became a household name almost overnight. But as the police investigation progressed, leaks began from within the police department that all may not have been as it seemed. As the controversy grew, Smollett - determined to make his case - went on Good Morning America where he cried and insisted he was telling the truth. By then, Chicago PD had released grainy surveillance camera footage of two men walking near the scene of the incident itself which was among the only part of his journey not captured on Chicago's vast network of security cameras that night. Smollett unequivocally identified the two men in the grainy footage as his attackers. Neither their faces nor skin color could be made out in it. Unbeknownst to him while he was conducting his GMA interview, the Chicago PD was building a case against him. They had identified the people in the video as the Osundairo brothers and had backed-up their belief by tracking the pair's movements in the days and hours both before and after the incident. Smollett was eventually arrested and charged with suspicion of lying to police. The brothers flew to Nigeria within hours of the January 29 incident and missed the media storm which followed. When they landed back in the US, police investigators were waiting to question them. After hours of secret interviews, they told cops that Smollett had paid them to carry out the attack as part of an elaborate hoax. Smollett was then arrested. In an extraordinary press conference afterwards, then police chief Eddie Gallagher accused him of inflaming race relations in Chicago and of wasting police time. He bellowed that Smollett had tried to leverage the 'attack' to get his bosses at Empire to pay him more. Despite police outrage, prosecutor Kim Foxx was quiet. The case then went to a grand jury which returned a stunning, 16-felony indictment that would have put Smollett behind bars for more than 50 years if he had been convicted. Smollett contends that early on January 29, 2019, he was walking home when two masked men approached him, made racist and homophobic insults, beat him and looped a noose around his neck before fleeing. He originally told his story on GMA By then, Foxx had informally recused herself from the case. Her conflict of interest was that in the early days of the police investigation, she intervened at the request of Smollett's family and their friend - Time's Up CEO Tina Tchen - who wanted the FBI to take over the police investigation. Special Prosecutor Dan Webb was appointed in August to examine what occurred in the case They said they were worried by the number of leaks that had come from the Chicago PD and asked Foxx to help. She said she would try. After the grand jury indictment, the case stalled for a few weeks. Then, in March, Foxx's deputy Joseph Magats - who had taken over - announced the decision that the charges against Smollett had been dropped. Foxx had intervened again, it emerged, and pointed to what they called 'alternative prosecution' whereby Smollett, a first-time offender, was let off with a $10,000 bail forfeiture and community service. There was outrage and calls for Foxx to be investigated herself for prosecutorial misconduct. As judges and special prosecutors for that task were tossed around, the city came out swinging in civil court. They sued Smollett, asking him to reimburse them for all the money they said they'd wasted investigating what they believed were bogus claims. Smollett counter-sued, accusing the city and Eddie Gallagher of malicious prosecution. He lost his job on Empire and became a pariah in the showbiz world he was allegedly trying to ascend through. Webb was appointed in August to investigate why Foxx's office had dropped the charges. He himself faced criticism and claims of another conflict of interest when it emerged he had donated $1,000 to Foxx's re-election campaign once. This week, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said Smollett had to be prosecuted 'to the fullest extent of the law'. 'He needs to face the charges. 'He committed a crime, and he needs to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and we are going to continue to aggressively make him accountable for the wasted police resources that went into investigating what turned out to be a total hoax,' she said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 08:11:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Photo taken on June 24, 2020 shows a sign for a Jaguar Land Rover car dealership in Reading, Britain. Britain's auto industry on Tuesday urged the government to come up with a restart support package to save jobs, as a latest survey revealed the coronavirus pandemic threatens up to one in six jobs in the sector with a third of workforce still on furlough. (Photo by Tim Ireland/Xinhua) The New Jersey Department of Corrections has filed removal charges against the correctional police officer involved in a reenactment of George Floyds killing as protesters marched against police violence and racism in Franklinville earlier this month. The DOC did not name the officer in the announcement posted to the departments social media accounts, though he has previously been identified as Joseph DeMarco, who worked at Bayside State Prison. It took an awfully long time almost three decades to convince the federal government to carve the dates of the Korean War into the side of Canada's national war memorial. Tucked away on the side of the soaring granite monument in downtown Ottawa, next to Canada's Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the inscription is easy to miss. For author and historian Ted Barris, it's a sad illustration of where the bloody, three-year-long war and its eventual stalemate sit in the country's collective memory. "I think it was the mid-1990s before local cenotaphs across the country chipped the names of those who served in Korea into their [local] stone monuments. And up until that point, for many Canadians, they were invisible," said Barris, author of Deadlock in Korea, a seminal account of soldiers on the front lines of what was known at the time (somewhat derisively) as a United Nations "police action". But the war was never invisible to Bill Black; he can see it still. When the war broke out 70 years ago today the former able seaman was a 16-year-old high school student, the child of a Second World War soldier who'd served overseas for years. Supplied Initially, Black joined the army militia (now the reserves) the Queen's Own Rifles of Toronto with a phoney identification card. His father convinced him to switch to the navy. He shipped out as a marine engineer aboard the Tribal Class destroyer HMCS Cayuga in 1952 as the war entered its bloody, decisive phase. When he looks at the state of the Korean peninsula today with no peace treaty and no prospects of one, and a brutal, nuclear-armed dictatorship periodically threatening its neighbour to the south with destruction he is dismayed. "It's just madness," he said. Ahn Young-joon/The Associated Press More than 26,000 Canadians served in the war, on land, at sea and in the air. The Korean conflict took the lives of 516 Canadians, making it the country's third most deadly conflict. Story continues The war and its painful legacy of division and international tension is also clear in the mind of Tina Park, a noted national security analyst and commentator who grew up in South Korea. June 25, 1950 the day 75,000 North Korean troops under communist dictator Kim Il-sung, grandfather of current leader Kim Jong-un, swept across the border has a solemn place on the South Korean calendar. From kindergarten onwards, Park said, South Korean schoolchildren learn to honour and thank veterans. "When I was growing up, it affected me personally," she said. "I would dream of reunification one day." Is the dream of reunification dead? The dream of a reunited Korea is just as elusive today as it was on July 27, 1953, when the warring nations agreed to an armistice that put a stop to the fighting but did not restore the peace. The intervening years have only seen the trenches grow deeper and the barbed wire thicker between the two sides. North Korea's belligerent, reclusive regime now armed with nuclear weapons and long-range missiles marked the anniversary of the start of the war this week with a new round of threats against the United States. Park said the atmosphere of anxiety and foreboding on the peninsula is not likely to lift soon. She said she fears the dream of reunification of bringing together families separated for generations by a war that refuses to conclude is about to suffer a lingering death. The decades since the armistice have only deepened the profound differences between the two Koreas, economically, politically and socially. Park said many millennials in the affluent south are indifferent to the notion of reunification. Some are even openly hostile to the idea of embracing their poverty-stricken, insular northern cousins. The last gasp of the Cold War To them, she said, reunification isn't worth the expense and upheaval it would entail. But the fate of reunification is also largely out of their hands, she added. A lasting peace would require the endorsement and support of the United States, China and Russia, the chief antagonists in the proxy conflicts of the post-Second World War period. Barris said Korea was the first hot conflict of the Cold War, the generation-long geopolitical standoff that has been largely over now for more than a quarter century making it especially ironic that the Korean conflict itself was never resolved. "This was, then and now, a great standoff in every respect, politically, militarily, between East and West," said Barris, who has interviewed hundreds of Korean War veterans about their experiences. For many Canadians, then and now, the Korean War remains a distant, murky event. Even when Canadians were still fighting and dying on the peninsula, few people back home had a clear idea of what was going on. A 'totally invisible' war One soldier told Barris how, upon his arrival back home in northern Ontario after fighting in Korea, his pals approached him and asked where he had been. "They had no idea," said Barris. "It was totally invisible to small town Canada, what young men who had stepped up for the Korean War had experienced." Black recalled the day his ship arrived back home to silence no cheering crowds, no parades, just the spouses and children of the married sailors. He couldn't help but contrast it with the pandemonium that greeted the arrival of his father's troop train in Toronto following the Second World War. His most enduring memory of the war was a visit to an orphanage ashore, when Canadian sailors brought the children toys and treats. "They were all in tatters," he said. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press Black said the collective amnesia of Canadians he saw upon his return home has been compensated for, in many respects, by the respect the Korean people continue to show the men and women who fought for them. "The people of South Korea have provided and instilled in us a sense of pride." Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-26 00:31:05|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Arab League (AL) Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit Thursday expressed the league's full commitment to supporting Sudan during the country's transitional stage, the Cairo-based pan-Arab organization said in a statement. Aboul-Gheit's remarks came during a virtual international conference on Sudan, co-sponsored by Germany, the United Nations and the European Union and attended by Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. The AL chief reiterated his organization's commitment to providing further support to Sudan "in areas including capacity building and technical and electoral assistance, as well as funding a number of development and humanitarian projects in Darfur and other Sudanese regions." He noted that the AL has always been backing Sudan and it signed as a witness the transitional power-sharing deal between the Sudanese military and opposition in August 2019, four months after the ouster of former President Omar al-Bashir. The virtual donor conference is meant to support Sudan that is currently suffering an economic crisis worsened by a budget deficit and foreign debts. During the video conference meeting, Western donors pledged hundreds of millions of dollars for projects in Sudan, including the EU, the United States, Germany and France. Enditem CHICAGO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- You can cancel a parade, but you can't keep a powerful community from marching forward, new research from global strategy and management consulting firm Kearney, finds. Unstoppable for 50 years: LGBTQ+ Pride marches forward, a report released today, notes that this year's Pride Month, the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, comes during an intersection of two major events that of the COVID-19 pandemic, and that of a pattern of violence against black people, the latter of which recently came to a head over a succession of murders by police officers, resulting in protests across the nation. This year, the LGBTQ+ community cannot celebrate their Pride in the streets due to COVID-19, but they are coming out to support Black Lives Matter, in recognition of the fact that, in the words of Micah Bazant: "No pride for some of us without liberation for all of us." But how are they celebrating Pride this year? What does a community do when its most visible public expression is suddenly unavailable? Kearney set out to explore this question and discovered that, in the case of the LGBTQ+ community, the answer is to keep moving forward, loud, proud, and unapologetic even in the face of unexpected and unprecedented circumstances. "Even with COVID-19, nearly 9 out of 10 LGBTQ+ individuals intend on celebrating Pride this year underlining the solidarity of the community and commitment to celebrate its history and diverse identity," said Corey Chafin, Principal in Kearney's Consumer practice and lead author of the report. "Though celebrations will look different than in years past, 83% of our LGBTQ+ panel told us they will be connecting with other members of the community; 65% will be displaying pride-themed merchandise, and half will participate in LGBTQ+ advocacy." One of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is that the "check-off-the-box," superficial responses aren't readily available and to many in the community, those easy outs never rang true in the first place: they have advanced farther and faster than comparable human and civil rights organizations in large part by never confusing triumphing in a few battles with winning true, unfiltered equality. The three-faceted approach connecting, displaying, and advocating offers a path for corporate America to engage with the LGBTQ+ community on a deeper and more tangible level. How should companies respond? Chafin notes, "Writing a sponsorship check for a local parade isn't an option this year. Companies should focus on genuine, authentic efforts in support of LGBTQ+ advocacy." Asked, "What is the top way you would most like to see companies taking action in "sponsoring" Pride Month this year?" 25% of our LGTBQ+ panelists favored donating to LGBTQ+ causes 15% want businesses to stand up a COVID-19 a support fund for LGBTQ+ individuals" 14% suggested sponsoring virtual Pride events And 11% want to see LGBTQ+ individuals celebrated in corporate advertising. "The bottom line is that companies need to think beyond the bottom line," Chafin said. "Authentic responses require actual actions inside and outside the corporate headquarters good recruitment, retention, and promotion of LGBTQ+ employees, not only rainbow flags in the break room during June; engaging with the community 12 months a year, and most importantly recognizing members of the LGTBQ+ community as unique individuals who, combined, have enormous economic and social power." For a full copy of the report, click here. About Kearney As a global consulting partnership in more than 40 countries, our people make us who we are. We're individuals who take as much joy from those we work with as the work itself. Driven to be the difference between a big idea and making it happen, we help our clients break through. For more information, visit www.kearney.com. Media Contact: Meir Kahtan Meir Kahtan Public Relations, LLC +1 212-575-8188 or M: +1 917-864-0800 [email protected] SOURCE Kearney Gail Green, the assistant chief of police for Phenix City, died Wednesday while being treated at a Georgia hospital for COVID-19, the Phenix City Mayor Eddie Lowe told AL.com. Green spent her entire 33-year career with the Phenix City Police Department, starting as an officer and rising up the ranks to assistant chief, Lowe said. The mayor said Green was in her mid 50s. Quality person, outstanding personality, a lot of character, integrity, class is how Lowe described the assistant chief, who had been battling COVID-19 at a Columbus, Georgia, hospital. Green attended and graduated high school in Phenix City. She was invested in her community where she grew up at, Lowe said. Just a top-quality person. Victor Giadom, deputy national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he is worried that some leaders of the party may... Victor Giadom, deputy national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says he is worried that some leaders of the party may not surrender to the highest organ of the APC. He had fixed a national executive committee (NEC) meeting of the party for Thursday and President Muhammadu Buhari indicated interest to attend the meeting. Speaking during a programme on Channels Television on Wednesday, Giadom said the first agenda of the meeting is to find solution to the crisis rocking the party. Well, I dont speak for the presidency but the president as the leader of the party has been invited tomorrow and we expect that he will attend the meeting, Giadom said. First, the agenda is to look at the ongoing crisis in the party and find solution to them. My position is very clear. The national working committee cannot resolve the present situation in our party. A higher organ of the party which is the national executive committee of the party has the responsibility to wade into the situation that we find ourselves. But I am worried about some of my colleagues who do not want to surrender the situation that we find ourselves to a higher organ of the party that can find solution for all of us. I, therefore, want to advise everybody, my colleagues and the entire NEC members to avail themselves to the zoom code that has been circulated to them and attend the meeting as scheduled. On whether the national working committee of the party would be dissolved amid the ongoing crisis, he said: NEC will decide, I am not aware there is any intention to dissolve the national working committee, that is not before me. That is why is at the meeting that a collective decision of the entire NEC will prevail at the end of the day. The APC has been embroiled in a leadership crisis following an appeal court order that upheld the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as the partys national chairman. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) With two months to go before the next academic year, the Department of Education said Thursday that it has yet to train about 60 percent of public school educators how to teach using digital tools. Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio told a Senate hearing that DepEd is planning to conduct mass training for teachers next month. There are a total of 800,000 of educators in public schools. We hope to provide the training for our fellow teachers this coming July, the remaining 60 percent, he said as Senate committees convened to tackle education policies in the new normal. San Antonio said that aside from the training that their Information and Communications Technology Service or ICTS unit provides, some of their division and regional offices are conducting trainings of their own. He said instructors are equipped with skills such as converting learning materials into e-books and other digital formats. Josette Buyo, director of the Department of Science and Technology at the Science Education Institute, said there are already 132 self-learning modules developed for teaching Math for Grades 1 to 3, and self-learning modules for teaching Science for Grades 7 to 8. Two programs are ready for implementation, namely Radyo Eskwela for elementary students and Tuklas Siyensya for high school students, she said. The former can be accessed through radio, while the latter through various channels like Facebook and SEI portals, but talks are on-going for free air time. Biyo added that lessons for Grades 9 to 10 are also ready, but digitization is scheduled for next year, due to budget restrictions. Train teachers based on distance learning needs, technology access A lawmaker pointed out Thursday that the DepEd has been giving trainings on technology-based instruction without considering if the teachers have access to technology or issues with connectivity. Senator Nancy Binay asked San Antonio during her interpellation if the DepEd has mapped out areas where online teaching and blended learning are doable. San Antonio responded that the exact map is still a work in progress. The education official added that DepEd is still gathering information as they proceed with the enrolment process to determine which specific learning delivery modality would be appropriate to a specific group of learners. But Binay insisted that training must be based on distance learning needs of the instructors, as she noted that what the DepEd is doing now may not be a judicious use of its already limited resources. The legislator asked, Hindi po ba dapat ngayon pa lang mayroon na tayong ganitong mapping? [Translation: Shouldnt we have this mapping as early as now?] She added: Why would we train our teachers for an online way of teaching our kids kung alam naman natin na mukhang mahirap ang ganoong klase ng pagtuturo? [Translation: Why would we train our teachers for an online way of teaching our kids if we knew this mode of instruction is possibly hard for them?] Internet allowance Meanwhile, Senators Pia Cayetano and Grace Poe are pushing for the provision of allowances to teachers, which they could use to obtain digital access. DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs Tonisito Umali said that a one-time P3,500 cash allowance is being given to their teaching personnel, but Poe believes that is not enough. DepEd reiterated that face-to-face classes will be suspended until a vaccine on coronavirus disease becomes widely available. However, teachers could meet with their students outside schools on a regular basis to provide them guidance, especially if they have a hard time with understanding certain lessons, San Antonio noted. DepEd earlier released the calendar for the next school year, with classes slated to begin this August 24, and expected to end in April 2021. People's Liberation Army soldiers march next to the entrance to the Forbidden City (L) after the opening session of the National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing on May 22, 2020. (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images) US Will No Longer Be Passive Toward China, White House Adviser Says Robert OBrien: The days of American passivity and naivety regarding the Peoples Republic of China are over Robert OBrien, the national security adviser to President Donald Trump, and Christopher Wray, the director of the FBI, over the past two days highlighted the threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), with both providing a glimpse into the administrations latest efforts to counter the regime. OBrien, in a speech delivered to a group of Arizona business leaders, said the United States will no longer be passive in dealing with China, adding that his remarks would be the first of many such speeches challenging China in the coming weeks. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Attorney General William Barr, as well as other senior administration officials, are also expected to deliver speeches on this front, he said. The days of American passivity and naivety regarding the Peoples Republic of China are over, OBrien said in Phoenix on June 24. America, under President Trumps leadership, has finally awoken to the threat of the Chinese Communist Partys actions and the threat they pose to our great way of life. OBrien said the United States welcomed China into the World Trade Organization in 2001 with vast concessions and trade privileges, while downplaying Chinas gross human rights abuses and turning a blind eye to Chinas widespread technology theft that eviscerated entire sectors of the American economy. As China grew richer and stronger, we believed that the Chinese Communist Party would liberalize to meet the rising democratic aspirations of its people, OBrien said. This was a bold, quintessentially American idea. It was born of our innate optimism and by the experience of our triumph over Soviet communism. Unfortunately, it also turned out to be very naive. OBrien offered a list of Chinese activities that he said were aimed not only at repressing its own citizens, but influencing Americans. He made a point of saying he was not attacking the Chinese people, but the Chinese Communist Party. Wray, meanwhile, revealed that the bureau currently has more than 2,000 active investigations that trace back to the CCP. He told Fox News that over the past decade, there has been a roughly 1,300 percent increase in economic espionage probes with links to the Chinese regime. The FBI director also accused the CCP of trying to interfere in U.S. politics and of spying on Fortune 100 companiesthe top 100 companies in the country as ranked by their employees. Theres no country that presents a broader, more comprehensive threat to Americas innovation, to our economic security, and to our democratic ideas than China does, he told the network on June 24. Wray also said that the bureau is opening a new counterintelligence investigation that ties back to China every 10 hours. Under Trump, the United States has imposed restrictions on U.S. semiconductor technology from going to Huawei and has limited the Peoples Liberation Armys ability to use student visa programs to place its officers in U.S. colleges and universities. Author and China expert Gordon Chang said the United States is finally becoming more realistic about China. They are starting to understand the fundamental challenge that Beijing poses to American society, Chang told The Epoch Times. Theres always been the hope that China would integrate into the international system, but recently its made clear that its moving in the wrong directionthat its becoming hostile, provocative, belligerent, aggressive, he said. We need to hear an American official say that it is the policy of the United States to end the rule of the Communist Party. The Pentagon recently decided to issue a list of Chinese companies owned or controlled by the Chinese military. Under a 1999 law, the Pentagon was mandated to give designations to any firms owned or controlled by Chinas Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) that are engaged in providing commercial services, manufacturing, production, or exporting. The Trump administration is the first U.S. administration to take seriously the extent of the CCP threat, Peter Huessy, president of GeoStrategic Analysis, a defense and national security consulting firm, told The Epoch Times. The companies on that list include tech giant Huawei; mobile operators China Mobile and China Telecom; rail car manufacturer CRRC; video surveillance manufacturer Hikvision; shipbuilding companies CSIC and CSSC; aerospace company AVIC; defense company Norinco; and cloud computing and data-center company Inspur. Frank Gaffney, former assistant secretary of defense for international security policy during the Reagan administration, told The Epoch Times that the Pentagon announcement is a very significant development. Its shocking I think to the average American that we have the Chinese military industrial complex active in the United States of America, he said. One can only imagine what theyre doing here. Gaffney, who is vice chairman of the Committee on the Present Danger: China, said, We can no longer ignore these very, very ominous indications of the malign intentions of the Chinese Communist Party toward the United States. Another concern is Huaweithe Chinese telecom giant that many in Washington view as a national security threat. Keith Krach, a U.S. undersecretary of state for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, said on June 25 that the United States may help other countries financially in order for them to buy from Western providers instead of Huawei. Washington is lobbying European and other allies to exclude Huawei as they upgrade to 5G networks. Huawei denies that it facilitates Chinese spying or is controlled by the ruling Communist Party. Epoch Times reporter Isabel van Brugen and The Associated Press contributed to this report. An example of the data science life cycle, which describes the stages of data science research. Credit: Victoria Stodden The use of data science tools in research across campuses has explodedfrom engineering and science to the humanities and social sciences. But there is no established data science discipline and no recognized way for various academic fields to develop and integrate accepted data science processes into research. Victoria Stodden, an information sciences professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, has proposed a framework for guiding researchers and curriculum development in data science and for aiding policy and funding decisions. She outlines the approach in the journal Communications of the ACM. Stodden has studied issues of reproducibility of research findings for more than a decade. Now, the widespread use of computational tools for research has initiated discussions about transparency, bias, ethics and other topics. These ideas are broader than any particular field, and researchers from different fields need a common framework for how to approach and talk about them, she said. Stodden said her approach will help define data science as a scientific discipline in its own right; provide a way to have a common conversation across various disciplines; encourage development of and train researchers and scientists on data-driven research methods; help them to agree on the most important issues in the emerging field of data science; and help consumers of computational research to understand how the results were produced. "I'm hoping it's a way to unify the conversations going on nowto help them evolve and share knowledge in a way to leverage and learn from what other people are doingand talk about what's going on across different disciplines," Stodden said. The framework helps identify which issues can be generalized across disciplines and which are specific to a discipline, she said. Stodden's proposal builds on the concept of the data life cycle used by information scientists to describe the various stages of a dataset. Her data science life cycle looks at not only datasets, but also the tools of computational research such as computer code and software, as well as the research findings. The data science life cycle would allow researchers to look at the computational research process from data collection to analysis, validation, dissemination and ultimately how the research findings are used in public policy discussions, she said. It would bring into the conversation concepts of transparency, reproducibility of results, how results are interpreted, potential bias and ethics. "It's a framework for how to bring all these different topics together and think about what it means to have a field of data science," Stodden said. "With more strategic thinking about what data science means, and what it means to leverage these tools, we will be doing better science." The data science life cycle recognizes the need for preserving data, software and computational information and making them widely available after results are published, allowing for reproducibility. Her approach also will help guide the development of a curriculum of data science, she said, providing a way to see where existing courses fit and where new courses may need to be developed. "For a student seeking to do advanced coursework in data science, it can appear that statistics is not computational enough, computer science isn't data inference-focused enough, information science is too broad, and the domain sciences don't provide a broad enough pedagogical agenda in data science," she wrote. Explore further Report proposes standards for sharing data and code used in computational studies Nigerian businessman Dr. Olakunle Churchill has added his voice to the demolishing of the apartment block on the premises of Nigerian High Commission in Accra, Ghana on Friday, June 19. According to reports, the building was demolished by unknown armed men who arrived at the location with bulldozers in the night and carried out the demolishing. The Ghanaian government responded swiftly by assuring the Nigerian High Commission that investigations are underway to fish out the perpetrators for them to face the law. In a brief statement, Dr. Olakunle Churchill called for a peaceful resolution of the situation and asked Nigerians to remain calm as Ghana has no ill-intentions against the country or its citizens since the two countries have enjoyed a bilateral relationship for a long time. He said; Sincerely, my take on this whole Ghana-Nigeria issue with regards to the demolishing that took place over the weekend, I want to say emphatically that Ghana as a country has no ill intentions towards Nigeria as we are one; however, I would appreciate seeing that firm measures are taken to bring the perpetrators to book. In the time of this 'new normal', we need to band together rather than harbour bigotry. Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway has visited the site of demolishing and re-assured the Nigerian High Commission that investigations are being carried out. Dr. Olakunle Churchill once married to Actress Tonto Dike is a Nigerian serial entrepreneur and philanthropist who operate his businesses in Ghana as well. He has embarked on several projects in both countries over the past couple of years. Source: ghanaweb.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 The world is facing a coronavirus debt time bomb as countries borrow trillions of pounds to fight the pandemic, former Bank of England governor Mervyn King has warned. Lord King, who led the Bank through the global financial crisis of 2008/9 before stepping down in 2013, said companies and countries alike could be sunk by the weight of new loans - potentially triggering another meltdown. The former central banker said the virus had struck at a time of already high levels of borrowing. "The immediate concern facing us over the next few years is that the very high levels of debt we entered the COVID-19 crisis with are going to be exacerbated by even higher levels of debt," he said. Mervyn King, as governor of the Bank of England, in 2012. He sees a time bomb in the debt countries are taking on as they're facing the fallout from the pandemic. Credit:Bloomberg "So I think we can expect to see many defaults over the next few years as businesses struggle and many governments in various parts of the world will also struggle to repay their debts. So... defaults could be the trigger of another financial crisis down the road." The British Museum has added a Roman-era oil lamp depicting a scene of lesbian sex and other LGBTQ+ cultural objects to its permanent exhibition. The museum, which is currently closed due the coronavirus pandemic but usually attracts about six million visitors a year, already runs popular LGBTQ-themed tours. Five new objects, including the lamp, a novelty 'nine bob note', a Greek coin depicting Sappho, Kabuki prints and a medallion from a cross-dressing spy will go on display in the museum. The terracotta lamp dates back to the first century AD and shows two women engaged in oral sex - something likely 'taboo' in Roman society, according to researchers, who say it may just be a depiction of a 'male fantasy' rather than reality. Museums in London aren't due to start reopening until July 4 but the British Museum wanted to announce the new additions as part of Pride season. A Roman lesbian lamp depicting two women engaged in oral sex, generally regarded as taboo by the Romans, will form part of the new permanent display An example of a Japanese wood block print depicting wakashu male youths who were desired both by men and women and who, with their androgynous appearance, constituted a third gender is also going on show and the prints will change regularly A spokesperson said they were deliberately chosen to increase representation from across the whole 'LGBTQ+ initialism' in the museums displays. They won't form part of a single exhibition, rather will be included in different displays across the exhibition - with tours available to study them in detail. FIVE NEW LGBT+ OBJECTS ON DISPLAY AT THE BRITISH MUSEUM A nine bob note made for use in a club event organised by Duckie in 2008 called Gay Shame Goes Macho featuring the image of gangster Ronnie Kray instead of Queen Elizabeth. A bronze medal of Chevalier dEon who was a celebrated 18th-century soldier, diplomat and spy that lived as a man and a woman. A 2nd century AD coin depicting Sappho issued in Mytilene on the Greek island of Lesbos, to celebrate the citys most famous daughter. A Roman lesbian lamp depicting two women engaged in oral sex, generally regarded as taboo by the Romans. An example of a Japanese wood block print depicting wakashu male youths who were desired both by men and women and who, with their androgynous appearance, constituted a third gender. Advertisement Stuart Frost, from the museum said the addition of the artefacts was part of an ongoing effort to improve the British Museum's representation of LGBTQ+ history. 'They join a number of other objects on permanent display that collectively demonstrate that same-sex love, desire and gender diversity have always been an integral part of the human experience,' he said in a statement. The first century AD Roman lamp was purchased by the museum in 2005 and is made from terracotta - it depicts two women engaged in oral sex. This was 'generally regarded as taboo by the Romans' and probably represents a 'male fantasy rather than reality', according to experts. However, it has been included in the LGBT+ collection as it 'is the type of object that could have been used by men or women'. A 1777 medallion also makes up part of the new collection and it depicts the 18th century soldier, diplomat and spy Chevalier d'Eon who lived alternately as a man and a woman in France and England. One side of the medal carries a portrait of the Chevalier as a man but if you look closely, youll see the inscription above the portrait reads Madame DEon. 'They lived openly as a man and as a woman in France and England at different stages of life, drawing much public interest,' a spokesperson said. 'Charismatic and talented, the Chevalier inspired the production and circulation of images and there are large number of prints of them in the museums collection. 'Today the Chevalier is recognised as a talented and tumultuous personality, who was celebrated both as a man and as a woman during a long and eventful life.' The most recent item to be added to the LGBT+ permanent exhibition is a fake banknote made for a 2008 club event called Gay Shame Goes Macho. The note features the image of British gangster Ronnie Kray in place of Queen Elizabeth II and is based on an old '10-shilling note'. The original 10-shilling note, in circulation in Britain until 1970, was linked to the popular expression 'as queer as a nine bob note'. 'This Nine Bob note was made for use in a club event organised by Duckie in 2008, Gay Shame Goes Macho,' the museum said in a press release. 'Gay Shame was a reaction to the perceived increase in gender stereotyping and commercialisation of Gay Pride events from within the LGBTQ community.' In the margin of the Ronnie Kray image it asks: 'Do you know my face?' Ronnie Kray was gay something that was recognised and known by many at the time, the museum team wrote. Another object added to the collection is a Greek coin depicting the poet Sappho who lived from about 630570 BC in Mytilene on the Greek island of Lesbos. A Nine Bob note made for use in a club event organised by Duckie in 2008 called Gay Shame Goes Macho featuring the image of gangster Ronnie Kray instead of Queen Elizabeth is the newest item in the collection This coin was issued by the city over 700 years later to celebrate its most famous daughter at a time when many cities in the Roman Empire produced coins to demonstrate their importance through illustrious ancestors. It is one of the earliest images of Sappho in the museums collection. 'By the 19th century her poetry had made the word Lesbian someone who lives on Lesbos a term for a woman who loves women', a museum spokesperson said. The final object to be added to the LGBT+ permanent display is a woodblock print of Kabuki actor Iwai Hanshiro - donated to the museum in 2018. There are many Japanese wood block prints in the Museums collection that reflect LGBTQ themes. Some of these depict wakashu male youths who were desired both by men and women and who, with their androgynous appearance, constituted a third gender. A 2nd century AD coin depicting Sappho issued in Mytilene on the Greek island of Lesbos, to celebrate the citys most famous daughter (left) and a bronze medal of Chevalier dEon who was a celebrated 18th-century soldier, diplomat and spy who lived as a man and a woman (right) will also be on show Between about 1600 and 1900, thousands of sexually explicit paintings, prints, and illustrated books were produced in Japan - known as spring pictures or shunga. There will be multiple Japanese prints that will rotate on a regular basis depicting similar themes. Pressure is growing on cultural and historic institutions to reflect LGBT+ heritage in countries including Britain, whose parliament now runs tours dedicated to the hidden history of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender lives. Some of the objects have just returned to the museum after being included in its UK touring exhibition Desire Love Identity. The exhibition visited five venues and was revealed earlier this year to be the British Museums most popular UK touring exhibition in six years. Sarah Saunders, the museum's Head of Learning and National Partnerships, said they were looking forward to reopening as soon as is safe to do so. Bubbles in a sample beverage over a Tweed logo seen during a tour at a Canopy Growth facility that produces cannabis derivatives in Smiths Falls, Ontario, Canada October 29, 2019. REUTERS/Blair Gable Canopy Growth (WEED.TO)(CGC) and Acreage Holdings (ACRG-U.CN) have changed the terms of their deal, citing volatile financial market conditions and economic challenges. The Canadian pot giant now intends to pay about US$843 million under current stock prices to acquire the American cannabis firm once sales are legal under U.S. federal law. Thats down from US$3.4 billion when the deal was announced in April 2019, the companies said in a joint statement on Thursday. All cannabis businesses have traded down. Clearly Acreage has traded down significantly, even in relation to Canopy, chief executive officer David Klein told Yahoo Finance Canada in a phone interview on Thursday. This represents a recognition that the differential has widened. Acreage shares have fallen nearly 60 per cent year-to-date. Toronto-listed Canopy stock is down almost 13 per cent over the same period. Canopys blockbuster deal to acquire Acreage announced last spring was hailed as the first of its kind, charting the path for a major Canadian firm to enter the U.S. cannabis market. The deal hinges on U.S. federal lawmakers formally recognizing the rights of states that have legalized cannabis, which would allow companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange to directly own cannabis assets in the United States. The new agreement proposes two classes of Acreage shares, including a new floating share not tied to a fixed exchange ratio, allowing Acreage shareholders to participate in the upside potential of a U.S. policy change that would greenlight the deal. Canopys chief executive officer David Klein told Yahoo Finance Canada that could happen as early as 2022. Under the new terms announced on Thursday, Acreage shareholders and certain holders of convertible bonds will receive an upfront payment of US$37.5 million, or 30 cents per share, plus a sum based on a combination of fixed and floating shares totalling about US$800 million. Canopy originally agreed to give Acreage shareholders 0.5818 of a Canopy share for each share of Acreage. Now, shareholders will receive 70 per cent of a fixed share and 30 per cent of a floating share for each Acreage share they hold. Story continues Once the deal is consummated, Canopy would swap 0.3048 of a Canopy share for each fixed Acreage share, with the option to buy the floating shares for a price equal to their 30-day volume weighted average trading price, to a minimum of US$6.41 per share, payable in cash or shares at Canopy's discretion. Klein said the changes create a better alignment of interests between Canopy and Acreage, noting Canopy is obliged to go through with the deal upon U.S. cannabis sales becoming federally legal. We wanted to make sure that Acreage was appropriately focused on driving top and bottom line performance, he said. I think the 70/30 share split that we now have reflects that. If the business really performs really well, those 30 per cent shares could be worth a lot. The flip side of that equation is then the 70 per cent need to be worth less. Shareholders will vote on the new terms at a meeting expected to take place in August. The two companies acknowledge the new terms reflect a challenging economic environment and increasingly tighter and volatile financial market conditions. We continue to believe that its very important to have a partner that gives a fast start in the U.S. post-permissibility, Klein said. The clear advantage is having the existing retail licenses and having our brands and our IP in the U.S. prior to permissibility. Canopy has also agreed to loan Acreages hemp-focused subsidiary up to $100 million in two equal payments, $50 million upon completion of the new deal and $50 million tied to satisfaction of certain conditions. Canopys loan cannot be used for cannabis given that it is still federally illegal in the U.S. The joint announcement was coupled with news that Kevin Murphy will resign as chief executive officer of Acreage, but will remain active as chairman of the board of the New York-based company. Bill Van Faasen, an Acreage board member, will fill the role on an interim basis. Acreage has recently suffered a number of setbacks, including exiting the Iowa medical market. The multi-state cannabis operator has been selling off unprofitable assets, recently furloughed more than 100 employees, and is in the process of raising capital while agreeing to short-term loans on steep terms. Jefferies analyst Owen Bennett said while the new terms are more favourable for Canopy, the changes highlight concerns about Acreages performance. He questioned if the deal struck prior to Kleins leadership at Canopy would have moved forward under his supervision. We believe this is a reflection of the struggles facing Acreage at present and its ability to continue as a going concern, Bennett wrote in a research note on Thursday. We think this deal would not have happened under new management. Acreage shares climbed 22 per cent to $2.86 per share at 12:04 p.m. ET on Thursday. Toronto-listed Canopy shares were little-changed, down about one per cent. Jeff Lagerquist is a senior reporter at Yahoo Finance Canada. Follow him on Twitter @jefflagerquist. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. India's third Covid wave likely to peak on Jan 23, daily cases to stay below 4 lakh: IIT Kanpur scientist India logs over 3.17 lakh new Covid cases in last 24 hours; daily positivity rate up at 16.41 per cent India-China standoff: Chidambaram takes a jibe at Centre over two countries' border row India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P New Delhi, June 25: Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday said that it is undeniable that the status quo was changed by Chinese troops in April-June 2020. Taking to Twitter, Chidambaram said, "People are watching if the Modi government will succeed in restoring the status quo ante." IIT Bombay moves its classes online for the rest of 2020 amid Covid-19 outbreak | Oneindia News The senior Congress leader said that China has once again asserted their claim to the Galwan Valley in Ladakh and described it as an "extraordinary demand". He also asked if the Centre would now take a firm stand on restoring "status quo ante". Get back our land from China, opposition MPs in Nepal demand "Will BJP-led NDA government once again reassert India's claim and demand that "status quo ante" must be restored?" he added. Meanwhile, the Chinese side is believed to have increased its military activity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh's Galwan Valley. On June 22, the satellite imagery of the area showed concentration of soldiers, military vehicles, earth-moving machinery, structures near the same point where Indian and Chinese troops clashed on June 15 in a violent face-off that led to the killing of 20 Indian Army soldiers. In this case, the stranded students and workers have become a minority group that is expected to sacrifice for the benefit of the majority. That puts them among the ranks of government critics and the Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters people they have long battled online. Some little pinks are rethinking their relationship with the country which, in the Chinese context, is the nation, the government and the Communist Party all in one. "My feelings are increasingly complicated," Liu wrote on the social media platform Weibo in mid-May. "The country I loved doesn't want me back." James Liu condemned the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, which he saw as an effort to split a uniting China. Credit:AP Reading the many critical social media posts against overseas students like him, he felt as if he had been "beaten up badly," he said in a phone interview. Their views could someday help shape China's relationship with the world. Some will grow up to be leaders in business, academia or other institutions. They will most likely remain patriots, but they will have a more nuanced view of their country. And they may not be so quick to believe what they hear from their government. A woman wearing a protective face mask poses for photos as a plane lands at the Capital International Airport in Beijing. Chinese students and expatriates were discouraged from returning home during the pandemic. Credit:AP "Can you imagine what it was like when one day someone told you what you believed firmly wasn't actually true?" Liu said. My heart had turned cold. Daisy Leng, a third-year exchange student at Troy University in Alabama who finished her program but struggled to get a plane ticket home, wrote on Weibo that she truly loved her country and had fought against people who dared to smear it. But after four flight cancellations because of government restrictions, she was frustrated. "My heart had turned cold," she wrote, adding a broken-heart emoticon. It isn't clear how many are in a similar predicament. Liu and Leng are among more than 1.4 million Chinese students who were living in foreign countries as of April 2, with nearly one-third in the US. Many didn't rush home in February or March because the coronavirus situation looked worse at home. Others wanted to finish the semester rather than return home and take classes online with a punishing time difference. Some listened to the Chinese government, which told them to stay safe but stay put. Wolf Warrior II has become the most popular movie in Chinese cinematic history. Then the pandemic hit the rest of the world. China's aviation regulator began limiting how often foreign airlines could fly to the country. Chinese carriers flew abroad but with limited capacity. At the same time, less prosperous countries like India were organising pick-ups for their stranded citizens. Many Chinese students went to the official Weibo account of China's aviation regulator to plead and to protest cancelled flights and high ticket prices. For them, China was like a beautiful but unattainable dream. "This is a time of prosperity, like you wished for," said many, quoting a state media catchphrase urging Chinese people to feel grateful for living in a successful country. Loading Many of the students belong to what might be the most nationalistic generation since China opened up to the world more than four decades ago. They grew up amid tightening censorship and increasingly strident propaganda. In school, they were taught incessantly that China was humiliated for a century by Western countries. Exposure to foreign cultures and languages has not made many of them more receptive to foreign ideas. Social media, especially WeChat, is so powerful that they mostly live in a China bubble in foreign lands. And the Communist Party has mastered the art of stirring their patriotism. One of its success stories is Wolf Warrior 2, the 2017 action movie that became China's biggest hit and stirred people like Liu. Near the end of the movie, after a long shot of the Chinese veteran in an African nation waving his country's flag, a sentence is typed out word by word on the back of a red Chinese passport: "Citizens of the People's Republic of China, don't give up when you encounter dangers abroad! Please remember, behind you stands a strong motherland!" For many of these students, these words sound empty now. "In the real world, there's no wolf warrior coming to my rescue," a Chinese student in Japan posted on Weibo. In early April, Liu bought a Delta Air Lines ticket for about $900 for a June flight to Shanghai. Then Delta's flight was cancelled when Chinese authorities restricted US carriers. Finally, he booked a flight through Los Angeles and Seoul, South Korea, to the Chinese city of Xiamen, nearly 600 kilometres from his hometown. The cost: $US2500 ($3600). "I felt much better now that I got the ticket," he said. "I almost started questioning the meaning of life." I almost started questioning the meaning of life. While the students were outspoken in their anonymous social media comments, they were more reserved in interviews. Liu, for example, focused his frustration on China's aviation regulator, which recently backed down after US officials challenged its limits on foreign airlines. Leng, of Troy University, said she understood the regulator's motivations. But some admitted to what might be a new feeling: fear. The student from Japan who invoked Wolf Warrior 2 said she feared retribution by the Chinese government if she spoke out. Then she invited me into a WeChat group of nearly 500 Chinese students exchanging information about flights, visas, schools - and frustrations. They told one another not to give news interviews, not even to the Chinese media, for fear of government punishment. When they sometimes couldn't help curse the government or the policy, someone would quickly warn that they had better shut up or risk losing their WeChat accounts or even being invited for a chat once they're back in China. One student, after being warned, posted an emoticon of the 12 core socialist values that every Chinese citizen is supposed to live by, posting it five times in a row, as if pledging his loyalty to the surveillance state. "I grew up under the red flag and received the red education," Liu said to me. "But what can I say now?" Why are protesters called peaceful while they scream obscenities and degrading, demeaning insults at law enforcement officers? Scenes of taunting and profanity-laced vitriol targeted at police is becoming the norm. The left cloaks itself in the virtues of antihate speech, but only when it is advantageous to their agenda. Hate is fashionable for the defund-the-police anarchists and is conveniently weaponized into tactics of fear and destruction. George Orwell's novel 1984 embedded a dystopian society with the Two Minutes Hate, a daily ritual the public was required to partake in. A frenzy of crowd rage is incited, focused at enemies fabricated by those in control of society. In the novel, this hate-filled bandwagon is pervasive and designed to drive attention away from the subversive tactics of the controllers, all while projecting protector status upon them. There is an insidious attempt to control what we can say, and not say, by the radical left's movement to transform and even destroy America. Hate is their tool and targets are needed. The extremists seek protector status by defiling our law enforcement and desecrating America's history. The consequences are unfolding, which go far beyond the loss of law enforcement moral and their ability to assist in hotspots. Rank-and-file officers and agents are being warned of harassment, stalking, threats, and physical attacks by emboldened anti-police activists, criminals, and gangs, while on and off duty. Officers and agents are being advised to make safety for themselves and their families a vital priority. This includes taking alternative routes home, removing social media information that identifies themselves as members of law enforcement, and expecting prosecution for any use of force regardless of authorized procedures and directives. Prosecutors are now out to prosecute police officers instead of criminals. Elected leaders and our institutions are capitulating to the mob and erasing the Thin Blue Line at the expense of our safety, individual rights, and our country. We need to speak up to protect the protectors. Albemarle County schools next high school center complies with the countys comprehensive plan, the Planning Commission said Tuesday, moving the project forward. The school division decided in November to build the $27 million, 60,000-square-foot Center II on a county-owned site near Monticello High School. No rezoning is required, but the Planning Commission needed to review the project to ensure it complies with the comprehensive plan. The review only focused on the appropriateness of the site for the proposed public use. The commission did not vote or make a recommendation about whether the facility should be constructed, though board members said they support the project overall. Preliminary concept plans would develop five acres of the site and not impede any future roads or access to the nearby county-owned lots. Center II would be accessed from Mill Creek Drive using Founders Place. The most significant impact of the project, according to the staff report, would be increased traffic. The school is expected to generate 600-700 trips per day. Several commissioners said they wanted to see separate bike lanes, more sustainable designs and plans to accommodate more innovative transportation models. Since you are building a new building, you have the opportunity to innovate and create designs that dont look like its a 20th century institutional use, Commissioner Karen Firehock said. The division is expecting students to either drive or bike the campus. A few buses from the base high schools also would help to transport students. The site plan doesnt include a crosswalk or sidewalk improvements to allow students to walk from nearby Monticello. Lindsay Snoddy, with the divisions building services department, and county planners have said that the curves of the Mill Creek Drive impede sight lines needed for a crosswalk. The center is a key part of the divisions plans to redesign the high school experience. The pilot center opened in August 2018. In January, division officials said they wanted to move the academies from Albemarle and Monticello high schools to the new center, but programming decisions are on hold, pending more School Board and community discussion. Division staff presented a draft plan to board members in February to create 10 more academies by 2022 in the countys six high school buildings, which includes the charter school and both centers. The School Board requested much more information about that plan and wanted to see more community input, a process derailed by the pandemic that will start in earnest this fall. Julian Bivins, chairman of the commission, said he was supportive of the center model but had a suggestion for a potential Center III. That the School Board looks seriously at placing that on the Lambs Lane campus, which is Albemarle High School, Greer [Elementary] and Jouett [Middle School], the soon-to-be Boys and Girls Club and the Ivy School, he said. This move would fit with the divisions goal of modernizing existing high school facilities, said Bivins, who represents the Jouett magisterial district. The Lambs Lane campus currently houses the divisions School Bus depot, garage and gas station. Those industrial uses could be moved to sites further up U.S. 29 where the school division has land it can use, he said. The parents at Western [Albemarle High School] would never have a garage, a gas place and a bus depot on their campus, he said, adding that he assumed the same sentiment among Monticello parents. The 15-acre site is one of several undeveloped parcels in the Mill Creek Drive Center. The 5th and Avon CAC has requested a small area plan and collaborative community process to determine the best uses for the properties. The only mark against the Center II project was that a community process has not occurred. However, staff wrote that the school is on a small portion of the Mill Creek Drive center, which encompasses about 46 acres, and that Center II will not impede community planning for the remaining area. At a March community meeting that was lightly attended, no major issues of concern regarding the scope or scale of the project were expressed, according to the staff report. No one spoke at Tuesdays public hearing. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. In an incident that will most certainly melt your heart, the Mumbai Police on Wednesday celebrated the first birthday of three of its dogs. Sharing a glimpse of their birthday celebration through a video on Twitter, the department said, Look whos turned 1 yesterday! The little puppies gifted to us in August last year by @RAKSHITAMEHTA11 will soon be vigilant sentries to shepherd the safety of Mumbaikars. Please join us in wishing Honey, Maya & Whiskey a very Happy Birthday Look whos turned 1 yesterday! The little puppies gifted to us in August last year by @RAKSHITAMEHTA11 will soon be vigilant sentries to shepherd the safety of Mumbaikars.Please join us in wishing Honey, Maya & Whiskey a very Happy Birthday #ShePawer pic.twitter.com/mUPOqA1oKP Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) June 24, 2020 As can be seen in the video all dogs are sporting a pink colour sash. In order to kick in the birthday feeling, cakes have been put before the furry animals. The room where this celebration is taking place has been decorated by balloons and a happy birthday streamer too has been put. The adorable video has been viewed over 26 thousand times on the micro-blogging site alone. Many users have extended their wishes for the adorable dogs in the comments section. Quite a few users extended their wishes for the adorable furry animals. A person said, Happy birthday Kiddos, another one wrote, Many happy returns of the day..may you all bring notorous criminals to books..and safety to common men...God bless. Happy birthday Kiddos Tapas Manna (@tapasmanna) June 24, 2020 Many happy returns of the day..may you all bring notorous criminals to books..and safety to common men...God bless milind shendurnikar (@mcmcmilan) June 24, 2020 Some other reactions in which people extended their wishes and lauded the Mumbai Police for their gesture, included: Awww hbd babies Machine Gun Kelly Stan (@AmateurCodernow) June 24, 2020 The three German Shepherds Honey, Maya and Whiskey will soon be joining Mumbai Polices dog squad. All three of them were given to the police by a local resident. The checkpoints include a questionnaire about where travelers were coming from and their destination. The tribe then uses the state health departments website, which tracks community spread and hot spots, to determine whether to allow entry onto the reservation. Only six people have tested positive for the virus, and tribal officials credit the checkpoints for helping them track cases and any spread, said Remi Bald Eagle, the intergovernmental affairs coordinator for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Mr. Bald Eagle said the health checkpoints had been crucial to minimizing the number of positive cases on the reservation, particularly given the lack of a statewide stay-at-home order. Last month, with the support of tribal leaders, the state of New Mexico blocked roads leading into the city of Gallup, on the edge of the Navajo Nation, in an effort to restrict the spread of the virus. We will not apologize for being an island of safety in a sea of uncertainty and death, the tribe wrote in its lawsuit, which names Mr. Trump, Mr. Meadows, and other top White House and Interior Department officials. Ms. Noem called in May for all tribes in South Dakota to end the checkpoints and cease interfering with or regulating traffic, threatening legal action if they were not removed and citing instances where nontribal residents struggled to pass through the reservation on state and federal highways. The tribe contends that its sovereignty allows them to keep the checkpoints running and to operate them on the state and federal highways, one of its main points of dispute with Ms. Noem. This, however, is not simply a matter between a sovereign state and a sovereign tribal government, Ms. Noem wrote in a letter to Mr. Trump. The federal government has an interest in interstate commerce, transportation of critical infrastructure goods, provision of services from critical infrastructure industries and the uniform treatment of all travelers. Mr. Meadows, who represented some tribal governments while serving as a member of Congress from North Carolina, personally reached out in June to the tribes chairman, Harold Frazier, according to the lawsuit and phone transcripts obtained by The New York Times. He implored the chairman to reach a solution with state officials. I cant have checkpoints by individuals on federal highways, he said, according to the transcript, before raising the $8 billion pot set aside for tribes in the stimulus law. The move by New Zealand's opposition National party to switch leaders within four months of September's election has been welcomed by Kiwi voters. Loading However, Jacinda Ardern's governing Labour Party remains on track for a second term according to the latest poll, conducted by public broadcaster 1News. Labour is at 50 per cent, down nine points, while National has jumped to 38 per cent, up nine points. Spooked by poor performances in polls after the country's COVID-19 lockdown, National replaced embattled leader Simon Bridges with Todd Muller five weeks ago. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 09:55:56|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BERLIN, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Borussia Dortmund have penned an one-year extension with sporting director Michael Zorc until 2022, the Bundesliga club confirmed on Wednesday. The 57-year-old, who has been at BVB in various capacities since 1978 and has overseen the club's sporting affairs since 1998, said: "We're facing a period that will present significant challenges. It goes without saying that, during such a phase, I will stand by my club and make my contribution as we strive to put Borussia Dortmund on the best possible footing together." The club's chief executive officer Hans-Joachim Watzke said, "A few weeks ago, I made a personal request to Michael Zorc to stay with us for an extra year. We at BVB are all happy and thankful that he has complied with our request. Michael is a true "Borusse" and, as such, he was prepared to continue overseeing sporting matters at a time that is challenging for us all." Following the contract extension, Watzke announced his intention "to speak with Sebastian Kehl about extending our cooperation soon too". Kehl, who captained BVB for many years, has been head of the club's player department since 2018. Enditem By PTI DUBAI: A Pakistani man could face death penalty in Dubai for allegedly murdering an Indian businessman and his wife inside their villa during a break-in and robbery bid. Hiren Adhiya and Vidhi Adhiya, both in their 40s, were killed inside their villa while their daughter sustained injuries at the Arabian Ranches last Thursday. Dubai Police arrested the Pakistani man within 24 hours after allegedly committing the crime. The Dubai Police said the Pakistani man gained access to the Indian family's home in Arabian Ranches through their unlocked verandah door last Thursday. While investigations are still ongoing, lawyers believe that the suspect will face multiple charges, including premeditated murder of the couple, attempted murder of their daughter and burglary. "He will be charged with premeditated murder of the couple and will be additionally charged with attempted murder of their daughter," said Hasan Elhais, legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates. "The number of victims he killed being more than one, and the fact that the murder was associated with another crime - theft - the penalty as per Article 332 of the UAE Penal Code is death," Elhais was quoted as saying. He explained that some circumstances of the crime are considered by law, which is a reason to stiffen the punishment. "The factors that the theft happened during night time and he did it while carrying a weapon, are recognised by law as elements that allow judges to stiffen the punishment against the defendant up to life in jail as per Article 383 of the penal code," added Elhais. He pointed out that according to the same law, there are five circumstances when life term jail is awarded for theft. These include when a theft happens at night; if it is committed by two or more people; offenders carry a weapon; if it is happened in an inhabited place by gaining illegal access and if it happened by the use of force or threat," Elhais added. The police said the suspect broke into the villa on June 18 while the family was sleeping. He took a wallet containing Dh 2,000 (Rs 41,229) and went into the bedroom searching for more valuables. When the man woke up, the attacker stabbed him. The wife also woke up and the suspect stabbed her. He kept stabbing them until they died. When their 18-year-old daughter woke up and saw her parents in a pool of blood, the attacker stabbed her in the neck and escaped, police said, The daughter sustained minor injuries and she managed to call Dubai Police. Officers found the knife one kilometre away from the villa and identified the suspect. Loopholes are starting to emerge in the manner by which the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is dispensing the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). Aside from ineligible claimants receiving the taxable benefit, others are getting double. Now, the CRA is recalling CERB payments or demanding its return. Based on record dated June 3, 2020, 190,000 Canadians have had to repay their CERB. Many made honest mistakes by filing more than one application, while some realized they were not eligible. But those who are deliberately cheating the CRA are facing harsh penalties. Hasty releases The CERB program did not have checks and balances at the start. There was a mad rush to claim the $500 weekly pandemic money as workers were losing jobs or working fewer hours. However, cases of fraud are rising such that the CRA had to open a snitch line. Tips of alleged misuse of CERB benefit and other COVID-19 federal aid programs are pouring in. The CRA is working double time to retrieve the payments that went into the wrong recipients. Furthermore, with the program extension, the government is bound to lose more if the CRA doesnt nip the problem in the bud. Fines are coming Its a good thing that people were honest enough to return or repay inadvertent CERB payments. Unfortunately, up to 2% of the total of 8.4 million CERB recipients applied fraudulently. The information came from Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Minister Carla Qualtrough. The CRA is investigating all tips and is recommending stricter measures to discourage cheating and fraud activities. A new bill is pending at the House of Commons. The legislation calls for the imposition of stiff fines, including jail time, if necessary. In hindsight Had people been saving and investing, there would be less dependence on government support in times of crisis. You might not even be joining the scramble to get CERB payments if you have investments. Similarly, dividend payments from blue-chip stocks are permanent. Story continues BCE (TSX:BCE)(NYSE:BCE) is an investment for the long haul. You would be investing in Canadas most-dominant telecommunications and media company. The business of providing wireless, wireline, and internet services is essential, with or without a pandemic. Bell, the wholly-owned subsidiary of this $51.84 billion company, recently launched the largest 5G network in the country. More than 22 million connections are initially covering the Greater Toronto Area, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, and Vancouver. The 5G service will expand to more areas soon. BCE is also joining forces with BlackBerry to provide enhanced secure communications to public and private customers. The goals are to expand the scale of the companys solutions and deliver leading-edge mobile security solutions. The current dividend offer of this top telecom stock is 5.83%. Assuming you have $20,000 to invest, your passive income for life would be $1,166 at writing. You now have an instant supplement to your Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) pensions. Apply only if eligible The CERB is much-needed support, but some people are abusing the program. You run the risk of returning the money if the CRA finds out youre ineligible. The post 190,000 Canadians Had to Pay Back the CRA CERB! appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada. More reading Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends BlackBerry and BlackBerry. The Motley Fools purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool Canadas free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Motley Fool Canada 2020 As the first wave of the pandemic in the United States continues unabated, yesterday the US posted 38,386 new COVID-19 infections, according to Worldometer coronavirus tracker, just short of the high set on April 24 when the same index reported 39,072 cases. Even this horrific figure was exceeded by Brazil, which had a staggering 40,995 new cases reported on June 24. Nearly two-thirds of the new US cases, more than 23,000, came in seven states across the south and southwest: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Arizona and California. The US epicenter of the disease, previously in the New York City area, as well as urban areas across the north, from Boston to Philadelphia, Detroit and Chicago, has now shifted to the Sunbelt. Patient in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Texas had 4,092 patients whose COVID-19 cases were so serious they required hospitalization, the largest figure for any state, and Houston, the largest city in Texas, is in danger of a New York-style overflow of its hospital system. In approximately three weeks, 500,000 more Americans have fallen victim to the coronavirus, and by all accounts, the curve of cumulative cases has begun to accelerate. There are now more than 2.45 million cases and close to 125,000 deaths in the US, according to Worldometer. During these three weeks, the pandemic has been expanding in both scale and scope. Thirty-three states are now reporting rising seven-day averages, up from nine states seeing such increases on June 9. With 4.4 percent of the worlds population, the United States has 26 percent of the worlds coronavirus cases and 26 percent of its coronavirus deaths. These figures by themselves are an indictment of American capitalism and the American ruling class, as well as of the American government at all levels, Democratic and Republican, and the profit-driven health care system. According to the Trump White House, the current increase in COVID-19 cases is not a real public health emergency, but an artifact of increased testing. The disease is not really spreading, it is just that greatly increased testing is finding disease that was already there. This argument has culminated in Trumps monumentally stupid claim that if testing were reduced, there would be fewer cases of the disease. This argument not only fails the test of logic, it falsifies the actual course of testing, with the daily rate for the US remaining at a totally inadequate 400,000 to 500,000. Yet, since mid-June, the rate of positive tests has been climbing, currently reaching a figure of 5.5 percent for the country as a whole. This suggests that community transmission is increasing, particularly in those states that have been the most aggressive in reopening businesses and encouraging the resumption of social gatherings where the virus can easily spread. Using data obtained through the COVID-19 tracking project website, the Wall Street Journal found alarming figures for the worst-affected states for the week ending June 23. For Arizona, 22.1 percent of tests for COVID-19 returned a positive resultnearly one in every four tests. South Carolina is at 15.9 percent, Florida at 13 percent, Utah at 12.7 percent, Mississippi at 11.9 percent and Texas at 10.9 percent. By contrast, countries that have effectively suppressed or contained the infection have tested so widely that the figure for positive tests is below one percent100 tests performed for every case detected. According to the University of Minnesotas COVID-19 hospitalization tracker, as of June 24 over 25,000 people are in hospitals throughout the country undergoing treatment for coronavirus infection. Texas and California have the highest number of hospitalizations with 4,092 and 3,868 patients, respectively. The tracker indicates that there are 1,225 patients in ICUs. Arizona has 2,136 patients hospitalized, of whom 614 are in ICUs and 386 on mechanical ventilators. The state public health department reported that the ICU utilization in the state is at 88 percent, with only 200 ICU beds available throughout the state. Obtaining testing in Arizona has quickly become more difficult with longer wait times in the punishing heat. There are growing delays in test results and growing shortages in the supply of testing materials such as reagents and nasal swabs. The number of cases is growing faster than testing capacity. Health officials are also lamenting the need for more trained personnel at hospitals to treat patients. All of the very same issues that had erupted in April in New York and New Jersey have returned to plague Arizona. Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association, said that in the reopening of the state, no guidance was given beyond issuing a perfunctory statement to maintain voluntary vigilance in public spaces, which only led to normalizing pre-pandemic behavior. An infectious disease epidemiologist at the University of Arizona, Kacey Ernst, said, Many people equate reopening with being safe. While there certainly is some uptake of masks and physical distancing, it is not ubiquitous we are not yet in the place where we have a well-developed capacity to test and do contact tracing for all our cases. California smashed its daily record with more than 6,000 infections reported on June 22. Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles Countys Public Health Director, said that the spike in cases correlates with the mass protests that broke out in the wake of the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. However, other clusters are a direct contribution from recent social gatherings and parties. Los Angeles Countys positivity rate has climbed from 5.8 percent of those tested just two weeks ago to 8.4 percent. Florida continued to see cases rise with 3,286 COVID-19 infections on June 23. The state has surpassed 100,000 total cases of COVID-19. Along with the rise in cases, metrics followed by Miami-Dade County public health demonstrate that since the beginning of June, the number of ICU patients and those on mechanical ventilation has started to climb. Since the United States lifted its restrictions and lockdowns in the latter part of May, officials across several states have noted that many of the new cases of COVID-19 are among young people who are more resilient to the infection. Health officials fear that this may lead to the transmission back into the more vulnerable communities. Dr. Tom Frieden, a former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tweeted, with younger age of recent infections in at least some places such as Florida, expect a lower death rate in this wave until 20 to 40-year-olds who are infected today go on to infect others. Dr. Mike Ryan, speaking at a press briefing by the World Health Organization, was asked about predicting peaks of outbreaks. He replied, Its very difficult to predict peaks. The peak has an awful lot to do with what you do. What you do affects the peak. It affects the height of the peak, the length of the peak, and the trajectory downwards. That has everything to do with the government's intervention to respond, the communitys cooperation with that intervention and the health care and the public health care systems' capacity to act. The virus does not act alone. The virus exploits weak surveillance; the virus exploits weak health systems; the virus exploits poor governance; the virus exploits a lack of education and a lack of empowerment of communities the numbers respond to the response. There are no spells here. You cant divine this away. Though he didnt mention any country by name, undeniably, Dr. Ryan clearly had the United States in mind. Dr. Anthony Fauci, in his House Energy and Commerce Committee testimony on Tuesday, explained that the virus was not going to disappear and that the next two weeks would be critical because death lags cases. In plain English, that means the sharp rise in new cases will be followed, about two to three weeks later, by a sharp rise in deaths. Ive been dealing with viral outbreaks for the last 40 years. Ive never seen a single virusthat is, one pathogenhave a range where 20 to 40 percent of the people have no symptoms, explained Dr. Fauci at the hearing. He went on to add that asymptomatic patients have viral loads not significantly different than in symptomatic patients, making them equally contagious. He urged the continued measures of social distancing and universal usage of facemasks to protect community transmission. Moreover, asymptomatic patients can still suffer significant damage to their health. When medically evaluated by imaging techniques like CT scans or x-rays, more than half showed signs of inflammation in the lungs. Rumors have been spreading that claim Microsoft founder Bill Gates is funding vaccines for the coronavirus as a means to depopulate the world. The statements say that vaccines are dangerous to humans. Bill Gates' evil plan? On June 13, an article posted by The Truth About Cancer is the last in a series of documents claiming that the COVID-19 vaccines are harmful and will be forced onto citizens after they are developed, as reported by Heath Feedback. The article is titled "COVID-19: Conspiracies, Vaccines, & Bill Gates" and details posts by Old-Thinker News along with a post on Instagram by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The multiple baseless claims within the article have been spread thousands of times in social media posts, with some garnering more than 100,000 views. The authors begin by saying media networks with the help of the United States government believe COVID-19 came from a lab in Wuhan. It also claims that Gates and the World Bank assisted in producing a global digital ID structure before the pandemic started. The article uses the existence of the ID to say that Gates will be monitoring the world using coronavirus vaccines. The ID2020 is meant to provide digital identification to people worldwide for use in services while increasing security and privacy. According to Snopes, in 2016, Your News Wire, now known as NewsPunch, a dubious news and conspiracy theory site, posted an article claiming that Gates admitted that vaccines that governments designed to depopulate the world. Also Read: Coronavirus Fears: Why are People Panic-Buying? Compounding evidence? The evidence the site used to support its claim came from a 2011 interview of Gates by CNN's Sanjay Gupta about the foundation's efforts with vaccination. In the discussion, Gupta asked Gates what the plan for the funds meant. Gates replied by saying that amazing progress could be made in the next decade and that the vaccines would serve multiple benefits, including reducing population growth, which NewsPunch emphasized numerous times. Another evidence, the site claimed, came from a clip in a TED presentation in 2010 as Gates addressed the issue of carbon emissions in the world. In the video, Gates is heard saying vaccines can reduce the population of humans around the world. Both of the supposed evidence, the news said, proves the claim that Gates admits vaccines are dangerous and results in death in humans who are injected with them. In 2011, Forbes reported that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation always had the goal of reducing population growth to improve the health of people around the world and providing an opportunity to climb up from poverty. Gates previously stated his belief that birth control was not the best method to use in reducing the rate of growth of the world's population. The founder also said that reducing childhood mortality was a more efficient way of limiting population growth. The available evidence supports the fact that Gates does not plan to use vaccines to depopulate the world or consider them dangerous. Rather, the founder consistently states he aims to keep more children alive to reduce parents' need to have more children, resulting in less population growth. Related Article: Coronavirus Goodwill: Russia Thanks PH for Saving Captain's Life @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. [June 25, 2020] Element Raises $18 Million to Enable Data-Driven Transformation of Industrial Enterprises Element, an Industrial Data Hub provider, today announced it has closed an $18 million Series B financing co-led by new investors Activate Capital and Forte Ventures that also included participation from other new and existing investors. As part of the investment, Element is adding to its board of directors David Lincoln, managing director of Activate Capital, and Louis Rajczi, partner at Forte Ventures. The funding comes as Element gains customers in the chemical, power, agriculture and oil/gas markets, and as it expands enterprise-wide deployments. With total funding of $40 million since its inception, Element is delivering on its mission of enabling organizations to efficiently connect, transform and share industrial data. That data is then used to improve efficiency, operational performance, and workplace safety. Element AssetHub, the first data hub for managing industrial metadata, connects and transforms hundreds of diverse sources of IT/OT data, including the OSIsoft PI System, making it easy to consume in modern analytical applications. AssetHub's no-code development environment, modern architecture and intuitive user interface make using industrial data intuitive, fast and efficient. "Element's unique platform unlocks the value of complex data generated by disparate assets across the industrial enterprise, enabling that data to be used by modern analytics and business applications within a flexible, cloud-based environment," said David Lincoln of Activate Capital. "We view AssetHub as a critical link in realizing the potential of industrial data at scale - 95 percent of which remains unusable today - to drive the intelligent operations of tomorrow's digital plants." "We're impressed with Element's solution and the need it fills within the industrial manufacturing ecosystem," said Louis Rajczi of Forte Ventures. "The number of current Fortune 1000 Element customers and the diversity of use cases they represent are extremely impressive. We believe that the need to efficiently and reliably connect, transform and consume industrial data will grow exponentially in the ext several years." In addition to Activate Capital and Forte Ventures, new investors participating in the round are Evonik Venture Capital, Kerogen Digital Solutions (KDS), and High Tide Foundation. Existing investors participating in the round are Kleiner Perkins Green Growth Fund, Ajax Strategies, Blue Bear Capital, Schneider Electric Ventures, Honeywell Ventures and ABB Technology Ventures. "We're pleased to expand our relationship as an investor in Element's Series B funding round, and as an AssetHub innovation partner closely collaborating with Element as we move to the next important phases in our digital transformation," said Bernhard Mohr, Head of Evonik Venture Capital. "This financing is the latest example of Element's momentum on multiple fronts," said Andy Bane, CEO of Element. "We welcome our new investors who work at the confluence of enterprise SaaS (News - Alert) and industrial transformation. The funding will help Element achieve the next level of performance on behalf of our customers who are solving their most challenging problems through data." About Element Element provides software for industrial organizations to more efficiently transform their diverse sources of industrial data, empowering their teams to find new insights that improve operational performance, resulting in hundreds of millions of dollars of value, and cleaner, safer, healthier operations. Element AssetHub automates the data preparation burdens associated with industrial data, freeing up time and resources to focus on analytical applications that improve business performance. Element Asset Framework Accelerator is a purpose-built offering for OSIsoft PI System customers who want to build enterprise-grade PI AFs fast for analysis of their enterprise PI data. Element's industrial customers represent over $500 billion in revenue, $300 billion in fixed assets and 350,000 employees. For more information please visit: www.elementanalyics.com. About Activate Capital Activate Capital Partners is a leading growth equity partner to companies providing innovative solutions across the energy, transportation and industrial technology markets. With offices in San Francisco and Philadelphia, the firm partners with entrepreneurial management teams in high growth companies using technology to transform large industrial markets making the world more efficient, intelligent and sustainable. The partners have collectively invested over $1 billion across their target sectors, resulting in 30 successful exits through IPO and M&A. For more information please visit: www.activatecp.com About Forte Ventures Forte Ventures is a multi-stage venture capital firm that collaborates and co-invests with corporate strategic partners in technology companies across diversified industry sectors throughout North America. Focus areas include Information Technology, Insurance Tech, Financial Tech, Mobility, On-Demand Tech/Services, Cybersecurity, IoT and Industrial Tech. Initial investments generally range between $1-3 million and typically include participation from leading corporate strategic partners as co-investors. Forte Ventures has offices in Atlanta and Silicon Valley. For more information please visit www.forteventures.com. About Evonik Venture Capital The corporate venture capital company of Evonik. With a fund size of EUR 250 million, Evonik Venture Capital (EVC) has realized more than 30 investments since 2012, both direct and fund investments. EVC has offices in Germany, the U.S.A. and China, and invests in innovative companies with disruptive technologies and high growth potential in the fields of Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Food Ingredients, Cosmetic Solutions, Healthcare Solutions, Membranes and Sustainable Nutrition, as well as Enabling Digital Technologies. EVC's investment professionals provide comprehensive support to its portfolio companies. EVC invests worldwide from early stage to growth/later stage and an investment volume per portfolio company of up to 15 million. Further information is available at http://venturing.evonik.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005143/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] New Delhi: Monsoon has officially arrived in Delhi as rain lashed parts of the national capital on Thursday (June 25). India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted the onset of monsoon with 'generally cloudy sky with moderate rain' in the city today. According to IMD, monsoon has reached Delhi, but rains will remain subdued. We can expect light patchy rains today evening and tomorrow. Dry weather on June 27 and 28. May increase thereafter. The MeT department also predicted heavy rainfall at isolated places in the national capital. Normally, the wind system reaches Delhi on June 27. The IMD, in its long-range monsoon forecast, had predicted good rains at 107 per cent of the long-period average (LPA) in north-west India. According to weather experts, the earlier than usual arrival of the monsoon in Delhi can be attributed to a cyclonic circulation that moved towards southwest Uttar Pradesh on June 19 and June 20, helping monsoon advance further. Kuldeep Srivastava, the head of the regional forecasting center of the IMD, told PTI that the monsoon has further advanced over some more parts of the west and east Rajasthan, eastern parts of Haryana, Delhi, entire Uttar Pradesh and most parts of Punjab on Thursday. "The northern limit of the monsoon passes through Nagor, Alwar, Delhi, Karnal, and Ferozepur," he added. Notably, monsoon rains are critical for farmers in India as the majority of the country`s net-sown area does not have any form of irrigation. Farmers wait for the rains to begin for sowing of crops. New Delhi: It was on June 25, 1975 that former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had imposed the 'Emergency' and so began what has been called the black chapters of India's history. It was during this period that people had literally lost their independence. The analysis was done by Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary in DNA, the world's most-watched news show. In the 1971 general elections, Indira Gandhi had come to power with a thumping majority, Congress had won 352 Lok Sabha seats out of 518. It was also at this time that Gandhi, once known as Gungi Gudiya, transformed her image and came to be called as Maa Durga and Iron Lady. Though the Emergency was imposed on the intervening night of June 25 and 26, the foundation for it was laid on June 12, 1975 itself. It was June 12 1975, when Justice Jagmohan Lal Sinha of the Allahabad High Court ruled on a petition filed by Rajnarayan, a candidate of the United Socialist Party from Rae Bareli. In the petition, Rajnarayan made a slew of allegations against Gandhi which included bribing voters with liquor, misusing Air Force planes for campaigns. The court fround Gandhi guilty of misuse of government machinery in elections. Justice Sinha canceled the election and also barred Gandhi from contesting elections for six years. The High Court's decision meant Indira Gandhi would have to leave the post of Prime Minister. An emergency meeting was called at 1 Safdarjung Road, the Prime Minister's official residence and Indira Gandhi sought advice from all the leaders. It was on the advice of Sanjay Gandhi that Indira Gandhi appealed in the Supreme Court against the June 23 ruling of the High Court. On June 24 1975, the Supreme Court judge, Justice VR Krishna Iyer, said that he would not put a complete stay on the decision. The Supreme Court allowed her to remain Prime Minister, but said that she could not vote as an MP until the final verdict came. After protests and demonstartions began all over the country, Indira Gandhi got the then President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed to sign the Emergency Declaration on midnight of June 25. Internal unrest was cited as the reason behind imposing the Emergency. Soon after, all opposition leaders including Jayaprakash Narayan, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani, Morarji Desai were arrested. In a radio boradcast, Indira Gandhi told the people of the country a deep conspiracy was hatched against that the government which is why Emergency had to be imposed. After this the freedom of the press was taken away, many senior journalists were sent to jail. At that time, anyone opposing emergency was punished by being out in jail. During this period, 11 lakh people were arrested and sent to jails. It is said that at that time the country did not run from the Prime Minister's Office but from the Prime Minister's residence. On March 21, 1977, the Emergency ended. The constitution mentions three types of emergency, the first is national emergency, second is President's rule and third is economic emergency. All three emergencies cannot be imposed without the approval of the President. The President can also give these approval only on written proposal from Parliament. After the Emergency is enacted, it is kept in each House of Parliament, if it is not opposed there, it is further extended for six months. The Emergency in 1975 lasted for 21 months. That is, it was approved to be extended about four times. The Emergency is the darkest chapter in India's as well as Congress party's history. For years, powerful police organizations have resisted calls for major changes in the way they do their jobs, even after the widespread protests of 2015 over the killing of black people by the police. They have been successful in doing so partly through their lobbying and campaign activity, and partly because members of both political parties feared alienating them and being portrayed as soft on crime. Six of the larger police organizations have spent a combined $2.9 million since 2017 lobbying the federal government. And various law enforcement entities have contributed more than $100,000 to members of Congress this election cycle, roughly evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. They are known for their annual lobbying trips to Washington in May, when unions send representatives to glad-hand with lawmakers, staying in four-star hotels near Capitol Hill, meeting with their aides and celebrating them with yearly awards luncheons. Law enforcement groups have condemned the killing of George Floyd during an encounter with the police in Minneapolis as morally bankrupt and a betrayal of the public trust. In response, they have embraced some reform efforts, including restrictions on chokeholds, the creation of a database of officers fired for misconduct, and increased federal funding for training in de-escalation techniques and the widespread use of body-worn cameras. But they have fiercely fought the most far-reaching changes advocated by civil rights groups and most Democrats. They argue that stripping officers of qualified immunity could bankrupt officers over accusations that end up being false. They oppose banning no-knock warrants, which they say could endanger officers entering the homes of people with guns. And they have pushed hard against building a database cataloging all accusations proven or not against the police, which they view as a privacy violation. We welcome change, but we welcome change with an open dialogue and a seat at the table, Mr. Cosme said. The House passed a bill on Thursday that contained several provisions the police groups opposed. The sweeping measure would effectively end qualified immunity for officers, make it easier to track and prosecute police misconduct, strictly limit the use of lethal force and aim to compel departments to ban chokeholds and other tactics that can cut off individuals airways. It contains no new funding for police departments. The method is to place modules with long hollow spikes made of polyethylene plastic, fixed in a flexible mat, in the sediment. Credit: ecoSPEARS Researchers at the Department of Chemistry, Umea University, have been awarded SEK 4 million from the Swedish Geotechnical Institute to test a new method for decontamination of contaminated sediments in lakes and streams. The method has been developed, patented and tested by scientists at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in the United States. "The method has been used successfully in the US and Canada in areas with similar climates as in Sweden" says Stina Jansson, senior lecturer and principal responsible for the project, who in 2017 guest researched at the Kennedy Space Center and then came in contact with the method and those who developed it. "But in order to successfully introduce a new technology here in the Nordic countries, we also need to do studies to better understand how it works in Swedish conditions." Contaminated sediments pose major risks to the environment and the methods used today to manage toxins in sediments have disadvantages. For example, dredging involves digging away and moving polluted material, which must then be taken care of elsewhere. Covering the sediment with a barrier material risks disrupting the ecosystemand you don't really get rid of the pollutants. Natural over-sedimentation can also be an alternative that in the long run reduces the levels in superficial sediments, but it takes a long time. The method that the Umea researchers will now try is called the Sorbent Polymer Extraction and Remediation System, SPEARS. The method is to place modules with long hollow spikes made of polyethylene plastic, fixed in a flexible mat, in the sediment. The plastic spikes are filled with plastic granules and ethanol, and since environmental pollutants go into the plastic and ethanol rather than remain in the water and sediment, they will accumulate in the SPEARS module. After treatment, the carpets and plastic spikes are taken away, and the ethanol is catalytically treated so that the environmental pollutants break down and the ethanol can be reused. Credit: Umea University To date, the technology has been used for the purification of notorious organic environmental toxins such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), but in this project it will also be tested on polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD / F), as well as metals and metals substances such as arsenic, methylmercury and tributyltin. "In our project, we will evaluate the applicability of the SPEARS method to Swedish sediments and temperature conditions by performing experiments in both lab scale and in the field" says Stina Jansson. "Among other things, we want to see how the method works on a wider selection of environmental pollutants and how the levels of organic matter in the sediment affect the purification." The purpose of the project is to lay the groundwork for implementing the SPEARS method on a larger scale in Sweden. Therefore, the researchers will also calculate the cost of using the technology, investigate the risk of spreading plastic fragments from the spikes and carpets in the environment, as well as how the total environmental impact of the implementation can be reduced, for example by manufacturing SPEARS carpets in Sweden instead of purchasing those from the United States. Explore further Coal-tar-sealant major source of PAH contamination in Great Lakes tributaries This problem of coordinating the executive branch in a national crisis was the centerpiece of a report issued in March by the Cyberspace Solarium Commission. The group brought together Congress, the executive branch and private experts to recommend how to cope with the threat of a crippling cyberattack. As the report was released, covid-19 was beginning to spread in the United States, and I wrote that the pandemic was a foretaste of what wed experience in a debilitating cyberattack. Now, after three months of White House missteps, the commissions findings are even more relevant. A CONVICTED rapist who threatened to slice two workers with a knife during a robbery at an off-licence in the city has been jailed for two and-a-half years. Stephen Barry, 40, of no fixed abode, was barred from the Fine Wines premises at Roches Street when he forced his way into the premises on June 20, 2019. Garda Noel Mannion said the incident occurred less than a week after Mr Barry had stolen a bottle of wine from the same off-licence. He said the defendant approached a member of staff shortly before 10pm as he and a colleague were preparing to close up for the night. After he stumbled into the arms of one of the workers, he then forced his way in and grabbed a bottle of wine. The garda told John OSullivan BL, prosecuting, that Mr Barry refused to return the alcohol and threatened to do both workers and to slice them as he left. Judge Tom ODonnell was told the defendant was extremely drunk and aggressive on the night and that he was arrested by gardai just under 24 hours later. Barrister Aaron Desmond said his client made full and frank admissions and he asked the court to note that there was an element of intoxication He said his client, served 14 years of a 20 year sentence for his role in the infamous Cratloe Rape in 2004. Mr Barry, he added, was released from prison on June 6, 2019 and was living in hostel accommodation when he committed the robbery and theft offences. It was a small amount of alcohol, the incident lasted a couple of seconds, said Mr Desmond who added that his client has a poor recollection of what happened because of the amount of alcohol he had consumed. He was astonished and embarrassed, he said adding he identified himself on CCTV footage from the off-licence. Imposing sentence, Judge ODonnell said such incidents are too prevalent in Limerick and that off-licences appear to be easy targets. He said the employees were going about their lawful business and that they are entitled to be protected from such behaviour. He said Mr Barrys previous record was an aggravating factor as was the fact he had only just been released from prison. He imposed prison sentences totalling two and-a-half years imprisonment. A man was stabbed in the leg in the course of a lunchtime robbery at a city centre park in Cork city, it was alleged today. Gardai investigated the reported attack at lunchtime on Tuesday and arrested a man today. Detective Garda Brian Barron arrested the 38-year-old man and brought him before Cork District Court. Det. Garda Barron testified at Cork District Court that he arrested Jason OCallaghan of no fixed address and charged him four counts including robbery and assault. Those two charges related to an alleged incident at Bishop Lucey Park on Grand Parade at approximately 2pm on Tuesday, June 23. Jason OCallaghan was charged with assaulting Laurynas Sadzeyiciuis, who is in his thirties. The defendant also faces a charge of assault causing harm to Mr Sadzeyiciuis at Bishop Lucey Park on June 23. He is also accused of robbing Mr Sadzeyiciuis of a bottle of vodka worth 13 on the same occasion. OCallaghan was also charged with two other alleged offences, namely theft and criminal damage at premises in Cork city on the same date. He is accused of stealing a steak knife from Delias Kitchen, Careys Lane, and with causing criminal damage at Scoozis, Winthrop Lane on June 23. Det. Garda Barron said the reply after caution which was given by the accused to the two Bishop Lucey Park charges was: Im very sorry for what happened. Defence solicitor, Charles OConnor said that Mr OCallaghan, who is from Mallow, was not making any application for bail yesterday and that his position was being reserved in that regard. On the application of Sergeant John Kelleher, Judge Olann Kelleher remanded the accused in custody for one week to appear again at Cork District Court by video link from prison on July 2. With tension between India and China at an all-time high, state-run Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), last week, warned citizens to be wary of COVID-19 related phishing scams in the coming days. What exactly is online phishing? Phishing is a criminal offence in which internet attackers convince users to disclose sensitive information ranging from bank statements to personal identification, using the names of accredited websites as a front. The practice includes sending of spam emails containing malicious links and attachments that steal user data, thus rendering the ploy illegal. Day by day, these scams grow in deceitfulness and innovation. Something that might seem like a neat offer to win tickets for a holiday cruise may actually be a veiled phishing attack aimed at extracting personal details. CERT-in says the emails, at first glance, appear to be legitimate as they uncannily mimic a government standard-issue email. Under the pretense of conducting mandatory testing for the Coronavirus for residents over the age of 40 in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Ahmedabad, the sham emails collect personal information including contact information and PAN card details. The mails also contain links that divert recipients to fake websites, where they are misled to download malicious files or impart personal data. As per the information provided on the CERT-In official website, the malicious actors claim to be in possession of at least 2 million citizen email IDs and plan to launch the online phishing campaign in June. CERT-In warns users to beware of fraudulent email ids, such as ncov2019@gov.in, which is expected to be used in the phishing campaign. How can I protect myself from falling victim to such online scams? Refrain from providing sensitive information online, such as credit card information, personal identification (PAN, Aadhaar or passport) details, contact information, etc. unnecessarily, however, legitimate the website may seem. Beware of unknown email ids, do not click links or download documents that they may endorse. When entering personal information online, be sure to verify that you are on an official website, as phishing scams often lure in victims by creating fake websites employing the names of well-known companies. Also, whenever you get a message on email or an SMS from a bank agency, or Income Tax department person, make sure to read with a keen eye. Most often than not, the cybercriminals make spelling mistakes in the department name. FYI: Private or government-run IT never ask for revealing any financial details on a mail, or phone messages or a call Dont open links or attachments from unbidden sources, even if they may seem to come from persons in your contact list. Users are advised to encrypt important documents so that information cannot easily be siphoned from the device. Some malicious content may masquerade as protection against malicious content. Do not download unrecommended protection software as that may be a virus itself. Utilize commended security and antivirus software services as they serve as good basic protection against unwarranted infiltrations. Update spam filters and periodically empty the backed-up spam content. Any unusual activity or attack should be reported immediately at incident@cert-in.org.in with the relevant logs, email headers for analysis of the attacks and taking further appropriate actions. Get the latest news on new launches, gadget reviews, apps, cyber security and more on personal technology only on DH Tech. New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bono Regional Chairman, Kwame Baffoe, popularly known as 'Abronye DC' has cautioned Ghanaians not to allow themselves to be deceived by the NDC's manifesto lies. According to him, Ghanaians will forever cry and blame themselves for not making the right choice should they give the past NDC government the mandate to rule this country again. He has tagged manifestoes drafted by the largest opposition party as a branded 'satanic manifesto' used as a tool to deceive citizens to win their thumbs. He said there has not been a year that the NDC has been able to fulfill their manifesto promise. "All they are good at is to draft the branded satanic manifesto to push citizens to vote them into power and after being granted the power to lead, they now show the colors of who they really are," he said on UTV's 'Adekye Nsroma' political discussion show. Source: Elizabeth Semiheva Bedi, peacefmonline.com [email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video At the event (Photo: VNA) Earlier, a series of activities were held, including yoga practice at Quang Hong beach in Cam Pha city, yoga performances with traditional long dresses and conical hats at Tuan Mai beach, the programme Vietnam Yoga Connecting Vietnamese spirit at Yen Tu historical and tourist site, Uong Bi city. Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee Nguyen Van Thang said activities celebrating International Yoga Day 2020 are in response to the campaign All the people practice physical training following great Uncle Ho, contributing to strengthening diplomatic ties and popularising cultures of Vietnam and India. It is also meant to stimulate tourism, especially in Quang Ninh. According to him, all activities during International Yoga Day will be live broadcast on channels of the Indian Embassy in Vietnam to bring the event to thousands of yogis. Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Pranay Verma, for his part, said the event will help raise mutual understanding of culture between the two countries. The sixth International Yoga Day will take place in Quang Ninh, Vinh Phuc, Ninh Thuan, Phu Yen and Thanh Hoa from June 21-28. The United Nations General Assembly designated June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2015. Rebecca Judd has shared her skincare secrets to her age-defying, youthful complexion. But achieving flawless skin like the 37-year-old AFL WAG comes at a high cost, with her night time products alone costing a whopping $680. The mother-of-four admitted she also regularly goes to see skin specialists, but told her 858,000 followers it was 'really important' to 'back up clinic treatments with great skincare' on Thursday. You can see the results! On Thursday, age-defying AFL WAG Rebecca Judd, 37, revealed her $680 evening skincare routine... as she urged fans to pay one intensive product 'a lot of respect' Rebecca started her routine off with a $55 daily cleanser from The Skincare Company, which boasted ingredients like lactic acid and Salicylic acid. She went on to explain if she was wearing makeup, she would 'double cleanse' with another foam product worth $75. After that, Rebecca uses a $125 AHA 'exfoliant' serum and a Vitamin A retinol serum worth $125 from the same brand. 'Vitamin A is a really great anti-ager. It really stimulates collagen and its great for fighting acne,' Rebecca explained. 'Back up clinic treatments with great skincare': After that, Rebecca alternates every other night with a $125 AHA 'exfoliant' serum and a Vitamin A retinol serum worth $125 from the same brand While her youthful skin doesn't show it, Rebecca's application in the footage showed a skincare no-no, as she pulled the product down the face which is said to drag the skin down, rather than up. The superstar WAG then went on to reveal some tricks of the trade. 'I always do my neck. There's no point having beautiful skin texture, looking younger and tighter on your face, and having a wrinkly neck. So always do the neck,' she said. Oops! While her youthful skin doesn't show it, Rebecca's application showed a skincare no-no, as she pulled the product down the face which is said to drag the skin down, rather than up On alternating nights, Rebecca uses the AHA serum, which she describes as 'your own little chemical peel'. She warned her fans the product was highly potent and explained they had to be 'really, really careful and pay it a lot of respect'. 'Before bed I will pop on a hydrating moisturiser, no sunscreen, you're going to sleep,' she continued, holding up The Skincare Company's $140 tub. 'There's no point having beautiful skin texture, looking younger and tighter on your face and having a wrinkly neck': She certainly knew some tricks of the trade Rebecca also added a $65 eye cream afterwards and told fans she used a physical exfoliant scrub once a week, which costs $95. 'The Skincare Company products are an investment in your skin, are made here in Australia, are not tested on animals and don't contain any nasties,' Rebecca continued in the caption. She added: 'The serums last a long time and I have personally been using and loving them for a few years now.' In a bid to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the satate, the Tamil Nadu government has banned inter-district movement of vehicles from June 30. however, only those with E-passes will be allowed to commute from one district to another. Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday said that the inter-district movement of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) buses and private vehicles will be allowed from June 25 to June 30. The Chief Minister said that the decision was taken to curb the spread of new COVID-19 cases in the state. For the next five days, till June 30, transportation within zones not be allowed in the state. Government buses will be functional only within districts. Private vehicles will not be allowed to cross from one district to another, Palaniswami said. Movement of private vehicles to another district will be allowed only after obtaining e-passes from Tamil Nadu government website, he added. Also Read: Ayush Ministry issues notice to Patanjali over new covid medicine Central Government Lifts Ban On Night Travel For Bus Services, Will SETC Resume Bus Services https://t.co/E1X2oJIHyN MY TNSTC BLOG (@MyTnstc) June 16, 2020 Also Read: Congress accuses UP CM Yogi Adityanath of tampering Covid-19 statistics The state on Wednesday reported 2,865 new coronavirus cases and 33 deaths. With this, the total number of cases reached 67,468, while the toll increased to 866, according to Tamil Nadu Health Department. The Greater Corporation of Chennai today launched the first exclusive Siddha Covid care facility in the city. The Doctor Ambedkar Government Arts College has been converted into a Siddha based Covid Care Centre. Also Read: Andhra govts drive against alleged corruption and mismanagement in the last regime more arrests soon For all the latest National News, download NewsX App Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 22:51:00|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BERLIN, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Germany's official COVID-19 warning app would be "gradually" made available in international app stores, public health institute Robert Koch Institute (RKI) announced via Twitter Thursday. The warning app that was launched on June 16 would now also be offered for free download in ten European countries such as the Netherlands, France, Austria, Poland, Denmark and Bulgaria, according to RKI. According to the German government, the app informs citizens who had been in contact with an infected person in order to detect and break chains of infection. However, Health Minister Jens Spahn warned that the app was "not a panacea, not a free ride ticket, but an important additional tool in containing the pandemic." By Thursday, the app reached 13 million downloads in Germany, according to the RKI. This corresponds to around 15 percent of the country's population or 25 percent of active smartphone users. Researchers at Oxford University showed that a tracing app as part of a pandemic concept including hygiene and distance regulations already had a positive effect when only 15 percent of the population would use such an app. On Wednesday, the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV) announced that a new registration form for requesting COVID-19 tests would soon be available. The new form would contain a QR code which would enable German citizens to view test results online and, in the event of confirmed COVID-19 infection, to activate the result in the official warning app. Enditem [June 25, 2020] Netmore Group AB Enter Partnership With Warth & Klein Grant Thornton to Develop 5G in Germany STOCKHOLM, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Netmore's German Netmore GmbH and Warth & Klein Grant Thornton have agreed a partnership to support companies in the implementation and roll out of private 5G networks in Germany. Warth & Klein Grant Thornton is one of the leading audit and consulting companys in Germany and will be a strategically important partner for Netmore`s 5G development in the German market. With regard to digitisation and automation, both companies see a high potential for 5G use in the economy. In particular, the expansion of self-hosted 5G networks (campus networks) is seen by both companies as a cost-effective and future-oriented option - even for small and medium-sized businesses. In the cooperation, Warth & Klein Grant Thornton will support customers in developing a (cost-oriented) strategy for 5G private networks and legally advice the network implementation process, while Netmore will help with technical knowledge, implementation and network maintenance. "Netmore has a lot of practical experience in the implementation of private mobile networks for industrial customers. With this collaboration we are now ready to accelerate our entry to German market and can offer a full service 5G-solution to customers. We are excited and look forward working with Warth & Klein Grant Thornton," says Jurgen Pfitzner, CEO of Netmore GmbH. "The 5G standard is a key technology to broadly unlock the potential provided by the digitalisation for the German industry and especially industries' mid-market companies (Mittelstand). Together with Netmore, we want to enable our clients to assess, plan and realize this potential," says Hanno Hepke, Partner and Head of TMT-Business Unit at Warth & Klein Grant Thornton. For more information: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/netmore-group-ab--publ-/r/netmore-group-ab-enter-partnership-with-warth---klein-grant-thornton-to-develop-5g-in-germany,c3141523 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/15900/3141523/1269510.pdf Release https://mb.cision.com/Public/15900/3141523/a02551302f8326ff.pdf 20200625 - Germany - GER [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] NAFCU NAFCU yesterday announced its 2020-2021 Board of Directors following its Annual Business Meeting at the associations headquarters in Arlington, Va. Debra Schwartz, president and CEO of Mission Federal Credit Union (San Diego, Calif.), has been elected as NAFCUs board chair. I am honored to be elected as NAFCU Board Chair and to continue serving the best interests of the industry in this new capacity, said Schwartz, who has served on NAFCUs board since 2012. As credit unions work to help our nation recover from recent crises and all Americans become stronger financially, know that NAFCU and our Board of Directors stand by your side fighting to achieve a healthy regulatory environment and providing the tools, resources, and strategies needed to thrive. NAFCU officers for 2020-2021 are: HOLYOKE An attorney for ousted Holyoke Soldiers Home Superintendent Bennett Walsh clapped back at a newly released report that was sharply critical of Walshs handling of the COVID-19 crisis at the long-term care facility. The disease took the lives of 76 veterans over an 11-week period beginning in late March. Walsh, a decorated U.S. Marine combat veteran and the facilitys top administrator, was suspended with pay on March 30 but fired Wednesday morning after the report was publicly released. Gov. Charlie Baker commissioned the report on April 1, tapping Boston attorney and former federal prosecutor Mark W. Pearlstein as special investigator. Pearlstein and a team of investigators conducted 111 interviews and pored over reams of documents, Baker said. The report includes grim portraits of catastrophic and baffling decisions made under Walshs watch. Most notably, the choice to hastily combine patients from two locked dementia units into one as residents began to fall ill. Walshs attorney, William M. Bennett, released a statement in response late Wednesday, countering that the report was filled with baseless accusations that misrepresented facts and that further, offered Walsh no opportunity for rebuttal. We dispute many of the statements and conclusions in the report, to which we were never given the opportunity to rebut prior to publication. We are also disappointed that the report contains many baseless accusations that are immaterial to the issues under consideration. We are reviewing the report and will have more to say in the days ahead, said Bennett, also Walshs uncle and the former Hampden County district attorney. In addition to scrutinizing the facilitys response to the coronavirus outbreak, the report also portrays Walsh as an ill-prepared and inept administrator, too concerned with politics and a bully to many of his staff. Many witnesses, however, also said Walsh endeared himself to veterans and families, committing all their names to memory and celebrating milestones alongside them. Walsh was appointed by a seven-member board of trustees in 2016 with overwhelming support, the report notes. He earned a $122,299 annual salary. Bennett also indicated that he may sue the Baker administration over Walshs firing. We are also reviewing legal options as it appears that the action by Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders and Governor Baker violates the order of the Superior Court and denies Mr. Walsh the opportunity for a fair and public hearing, Bennett said. A Hampden Superior Court judge in April ordered the homes trustees to delay a meeting that had been scheduled to discuss Walshs employment. The Republican obtained Walshs termination letter, dated Wednesday and signed by both Sudders and Baker. The findings of the report cite critical failures by you and your leadership team during the preparation for, and response to COVID-19. The report further states that the decisions made by you and your leadership team were inconsistent with the Homes mission to treat its veterans with honor and dignity, Sudders wrote. There is no confidence in your ability to perform your responsibilities as Superintendent of the Holyoke Soldiers Home. The firing was effective immediately, the letter says. Department of Veterans Services Secretary Francisco Urena and General Counsel Stuart Ivimey also were forced to resign in the wake of the report, along with Holyoke Soldiers Home Medical Director Dr. David Clinton, Sudders said at a press conference. Related Content: South Africa: Cape Town appeals for adherence to COVID-19 funeral regulations The City of Cape Town is calling on residents to adhere to COVID-19 funeral regulations, after some community members disregard the limit of 50 mourners attending burials. The Western Cape is the hardest-hit province, with the highest number of infections and deaths. As of Wednesday, the province had 55 162 cases and 1 599 fatalities. The cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country is now sitting at 111 796, while the death toll is 2 205. Meanwhile, the Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize, has warned about the spike in COVID-19 cases. The City of Cape Town said non-adherence to the limit on the number of funeral attendees and time limits on graveside services have been identified as key challenges that need urgent resolution. There have been numerous instances where the regulation limiting the number of people allowed to attend a funeral is not being adhered to. There have been numerous instances of transmission surges arising from funeral services, so the size of the gathering and the ability to maintain social distancing is important in that sense. The timing of funeral services is also an issue, the citys Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Zahid Badroodien said. Badroodien said there were cases where funeral processions arrive late at the burial site, which causes delays and impacts on the number of burials that can be accommodated on that day. Given the number of fatalities as a result of COVID-19, and the increasing demand on our cemeteries, we ask that the public please respect the regulations and stick to their allotted times and number of attendees, to minimise the risk of transmission, and also to ensure due consideration for others who have to use the cemeteries, said Badroodien. Badroodien said much needs to be done to ensure a more even spread of burials throughout the week for the city to continue providing dignified burial opportunities for all. The city would like to advise the public that burial times may be allocated by booking offices, as per the regulatory guidelines of a COVID-19 deceased, needing to be buried within three days after death and a non-COVID deceased being buried or cremated within 10 days of the death. The city said this recommendation is intended to avoid bottlenecks and assist mortuaries in releasing bodies as soon as possible. According to the citys data, Saturday remains the preferred day for burials, followed by Friday and Wednesday. The statistics reflect that there is an increase in burials during the week and this is encouraging because it means that more people are heeding our call for weekday burials. Every little bit helps, and it is extremely important to reduce the pressure on our cemeteries brought about by Saturday burials. We understand that weekday burial are not the norm, but we are operating under very different circumstances and so we have to find new ways of doing things to ensure that we can offer everyone an opportunity to lay their loved ones to rest, said Badroodien. The city has since thanked the families and undertakers, who have responded to the call. Cape Town said they have enough burial sites and are working hard to ensure that the burial demand spreads across the week, without it being limited to a single day. The citys crematoria can handle up to 36 cremations per day, if fully operational. Burial capacity is dependent more on transport and storage constraints, but the necessary expansions to available cemetery space have been undertaken to ensure that there is additional sufficient capacity for COVID-19 burials, in addition to normal figures, said Badroodien. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Brian Benjamin, the lead sponsor of the legislation in the State Senate, said Officer Afanador is the first officer in the state to be charged under the new law, which applies to instances in which a chokehold results in serious physical injury or death. The key issue in this case, the senator said, is whether Mr. Bellevues injuries meet the statutory definition of serious. I think it definitely fits the criteria, he said. If we criminalize it in law, and you use it long enough to knock somebody out, to me thats serious. The Police Department banned chokeholds long ago, but officers have continued to use them on the streets. In 2015, the department added an exception to the ban, allowing the police to use the maneuver in extreme circumstances. Officer Afanador was among several officers who were responding to complaints about someone yelling at bystanders and kicking cans on the boardwalk on Sunday morning, the police said. The officers took Mr. Bellevue in custody and as they knocked him to the ground, Officer Afanador used a chokehold for at least 10 seconds before letting go, the video shows. Officer Afanador is Hispanic. Mr. Bellevue is black. The felony charges suggest that investigators believe Mr. Bellevue may have briefly passed out because of the chokehold. If convicted, Officer Afanador faces a sentence of up to seven years in prison, according to Ms. Katzs office. Mr. Worth, the officers lawyer, said that it was common for an officers arm to end up around someones neck during a takedown. But in this instance, he said, his client had no intention to cut off Mr. Bellevues breathing. He said that in the cellphone video Mr. Bellevue had said that he had not lost consciousness. Theatre creative Nina Dunn, who has provided video design for some of the biggest shows on stage, has created a new series of photographs taken inside locked down theatres. Entitled The Dark Theatres Project, the series will raise money for charity, with anyone donating to the scheme receiving a print of one of her photos. Duke of York's Theatre Nina Dunn Dunn told WhatsOnStage: "This is a moment in history there have been no enforced closures for a long time. Theatres have managed to remain open during the First World War and during the Second World War to an extent. "It's quite compelling to get the message out about how theatres need people. They need maintenance. And to remind people that they're still there. It feels as though theatre is being left behind it's further down on the list of concerns than I think it should be. " "I'd recently done a project about the 1918 Spanish Flu, and was aware that that was a moment theatres had to close. So I wanted to explore the parallels. I asked some producers to see if I could make a trip into London from Brighton and visit some theatres." The curtain at the Duke of York's Theatre Nina Dunn Helped by Ambassador Theatre Group, Dunn was able to visit four West End venues the Duke of York's, Ambassadors Theatre, the Savoy Theatre and the Playhouse Theatre. A script at the Playhouse Theatre Nina Dunn Dunn continued: "The overriding feeling was that the spaces were waiting. Quite patiently waiting. I didn't expect to see that. These are old buildings near the Thames, in the dark, that need constant upkeep. Most of all they need people." 9 to 5 snack box Nina Dunn "All the signs took on a new meaning for me. I saw a Tupperware box used for cast member snacks it said "if you indulge, please invest" and I thought "Yes please!". All the props were laid out and ready to go for that evening's performance. A tea tray in the Duke of York's looked as though all it needed was to be picked up. I was struck by the beauty of these places. "These are personal spaces. With dressing rooms and work spaces, for a lot of people they are second homes." The Duke of York's Theatre Nina Dunn Dunn's photos will also be collated into a book, with all profits going to four charities BackUp, The Theatrical Guild, The Theatres Trust, Acting for Others you can find out more on her site here. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 16:46:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LONDON, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The successfully-held 127th China Import and Export Fair, popularly known as Canton Fair, has demonstrated that China is "still going strong" as the world's factory even during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to The Economist magazine. The virtual Canton Fair, the first for the decades-old trade fair, concluded Wednesday in south China's Guangdong Province. The 10-day fair attracted nearly 26,000 domestic and foreign enterprises, with 1.8 million products exhibited. China -- which accounts for 28 percent of the global manufacturing, nearly the size of the United States, Japan and Germany in combination -- is "the world's factory, more than ever," the London-based magazine said. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, China's value-added industrial output rose 4.4 percent year on year in May, up 0.5 percentage points from April, amid accelerated production. The world's largest developing country, the magazine said, should firstly owe its strong performance to its industrial base "unparalleled in breadth and depth," which has enabled it to churn out products from low-end footwear to high-end biotech. The second advantage for the world's most populous nation is "its own vast market," the magazine said, adding that "by one measure global firms look even more wedded to China, despite the trade war." Although the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic is weighing heavily on China without exception, Chinese firms are in better shape than most elsewhere, thanks to the country's success in containing the spread of the novel coronavirus, the magazine said. "Not only is China's economy one of the few likely to grow this year; its earlier resumption of industrial activity has allowed exporters to gain market share while most other countries are still in varying states of lockdown," it added. Enditem Actress Anu Aggarwal, who became an overnight sensation with Mahesh Bhatt's Aashiqui, co-starring Rahul Roy, said that she was made to feel like an outsider in the industry. Though best known for the said film, Anu also appeared in other hits like Khal-Naaikaa, King Uncle and Return of Jewel Thief, after which she quit the show-biz post a near-fatal accident. She also acted in the Tamil film Thiruda Thiruda by Mani Ratnam. Talking to Pinkvilla, Anu said that was often ill-treated by Bollywood. "Always. The thing is I don't know what to say. The aftermath of success is something that I had to deal with. Logon ki jealousy, woh ill treat karna shuru kar dete hai (People star ill-treating you because they are jealous). I was stuck with the aftermath of that." She recounted an incident where she was bumped off of the Best Actress category to the Best Supporting Actress one, despite being the lead, for Khal-Naaikaa. She said that the jury asked who her parents were and snubbed her. She revealed that she went home and cried about the incident. She further said that as an outsider, she related to late actor Sushant Singh Rajput. "For somebody who is from outside the industry, that is why I relate to Sushant, you are treated as an outcast. With me, I did not have anyone to stand by me and the guy who wanted to stand with me wanted something from me which I didn't want. I understood at a very young age that you cannot take favour because then they will want something in return," she said. 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 After three years of proceedings, the controversial embezzlement case against Kirill Serebrennikov was drawing to a close, providing the internationally renowned Russian theater and film director the opportunity to get in a few last words. Six words, in fact -- one for every year that state prosecutors demanded ahead of the verdict on June 26. In giving his final arguments to the court on June 22, Serebrennikov read from a statement in which the first letter of each paragraph was boldfaced. The message to the authorities was clear: "No Regrets: I Feel For You." The 50-year-old Serebrennikov, who serves as the director of the prestigious Gogol-Center and Seventh Studio theater, has a track record of making church and state officials squeamish. He has voiced concerns about the rising influence of the Russian Orthodox Church. His work addressing LGBT themes has drawn the ire of conservatives. And he supported anti-government protests that took place across Russia ahead of the 2018 presidential election that saw Vladimir Putin return for a fourth term in office. By the time of the vote, Serebrennikov was out of the picture, having been placed under house arrest in August 2017 and charged along with three others with using fraud to embezzle state subsidies granted from 2011 to 2014 to Seventh Studio for a pilot theater project called Platforma. The damages pinned on Serebrennikov and his fellow defendants -- producer Yury Itin, former Culture Ministry employee Sofia Apfelbaum, and Aleksei Malobrodsky -- has changed three times, from the initial 68 million rubles (more than $1 million) to 133 million rubles ($2 million) and then to 129 million rubles ($1.8 million) over the course of the case. The prosecutor has called for prison terms of between four years and five years for the other three defendants, while a fifth person charged in the case, Seventh Studio accountant Nina Maslyayeva, is being tried separately after pleading guilty and providing testimony against the others. Serebrennikov himself has called his trial -- which began in 2018 -- "absurd," while supporters both inside and outside the country have said the charges are politically motivated. At the onset of the case, more than 300 individuals identifying themselves as Russian "young cultural figures" signed an open letter that said that "the real reasons for Serebrennikovs persecution are his 'improper' plays and 'incorrect' civic positions, and the Seventh Studio employees are simply becoming hostages of the director's persecution." Ahead of the verdict and sentencing, European Union external affairs spokesman Peter Stano weighed in on Twitter, saying that the prosecution of Serebrennikov "sends worrying signals over artistic freedom of expression." "We expect the authorities to ensure an objective, fair, and transparent trial based on the rule of law," Stano wrote. Flawed Case? The case centers on allegations that Seventh Studio embezzled state money, overcharged for tickets to performances, and in some cases failed to stage advertised performances at all. But from the beginning, the legal process has not gone smoothly. In August, a judge at Moscow's Meshchansky District Court found based on expert conclusions that it was "impossible to determine general expenditures of Seventh Studio due to a lack of financial and accounting records. For the same reason, there is no way to establish whether inappropriate expenses have ever taken place." An independent examination determined that the defendants invested their own money into the project, which experts said cost far more than the 216 million rubles ($3.1 million) provided by the state. The trial has also been repeatedly delayed, in part by the coronavirus pandemic. And the testimony of Yeleonora Filimonova, an assistant to Maslyayeva, was questioned after she said in early June that she was pressured by investigators. In his letter, Serebrennikov said that the "claims by the Culture Ministry and the Prosecutor-General's Office that we did something wrong with the subsidy money are ridiculous," saying that Platforma staged 340 events with the funds it received. He also alleged that the accountants who testified against the four had lied under the threat of retribution, giving the prosecution the basis for their case. "Do I regret that the accounting department of Platforma, which is the subject of all these court hearings and investigations, was so horribly organized?" he wrote. "Of course. But unfortunately, I could not influence it or change it." However, he added, the point of the project was to become "a bridge between Russia and the world" and in that it succeeded. "That is why it was created," he wrote, "not for cashing in!" While the director feels for the state, according to his cryptic message, his supporters fear for him. Horrified In Germany, where Serebrennikov managed to premiere a new opera in March 2019 despite being under house arrest, the head of the Deutsches Theater Berlin defended the Russian director. "Many artists far beyond the borders of Russia, including myself, are horrified by the indistinct criminal charges brought by the Prosecutor's Office against Krill Serebrennikov and his colleagues," wrote Ulrich Khuon. "We who have been following the creative path of Kirill Serebrennikov for many years are afraid for him. We are afraid of artistic and physical destruction." In 2018, when Serebrennikov had to miss the premiere of his much-praised film Leto (Summer) at the Cannes Film Festival, audience members applauded him in absentia. In January of this year, his work on the film earned him the honor of Best Director by the Russian Cinematographers Union. And France honored Serebrennikov in October by naming him a commander of the order of arts and letters, granted in recognition of significant contributions to the arts. When given one final, free-form chance to speak in his own defense came on June 22 -- an opportunity that had once led expelled Soviet poet Joseph Brodsky to give an eloquent courtroom statement -- Serebrennikov chose simply to recite Brodsky. "For the innocent head there is nothing in store but an axe and the evergreen laurel," concludes The End Of A Beautiful Era, the poem which Serebrennikov read from his mobile phone. China firmly opposes US deploying intermediate-range missiles in Asia Pacific region: Defense spokesperson PLA Daily Source: China Military Online Editor: Wang Xinjuan 2020-06-24 18:34:49 BEIJING, June 24 -- China is firmly opposed to the US deploying intermediate-range missiles in the Asian-Pacific region, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at the regular press conference on the afternoon of June 24. "If the US insists on the deployment, it will be a provocation at China's doorstep. China will never sit idle and will take all necessary countermeasures," said Snr. Col. Wu. China hopes that Japan and other countries concerned can act cautiously with the big picture of regional peace and stability in mind, and don't allow the US to deploy medium-range missiles on their territories, so as not to fall victim to Washington's geopolitical ploys, Wu noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A LUXURY watchmaker in Henley has produced a special box set of two watches to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Bremont, which is based at Sawmills in Marlow Road, has created the timepieces inspired by the Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane fighter planes, which successfully defended the UK from sustained attacks by the German Luftwaffe in 1940. Only 80 sets of the watches are being produced, priced at 14,995 each. Included with each box set is an opportunity for the buyer to fly in a Spitfire which fought in the battle. Bremont co-founder Nick English, who started the company in 2002 with his brother Giles, said: So much of our lives has revolved around wartime aviation and mechanical devices. The Battle of Britain was such an iconic time in British history and all the airmen from both sides were superheroes of the day and still are in Giles and my households. It is the epic story of man and machine, the wonderful celebration of gallantry twinned with technological advance. We have come up with a beautifully engineered set of timepieces commemorating the battle and the opportunity to experience the adrenaline and history of flying in a wartime Spitfire. Its all rather special. The dial design of the Spitfire watch is inspired by the Smiths clocks found in the planes that flew during the battle. It has a closed case back featuring a stamped top profile of the Supermarine Spitfire, the most widely produced and strategically important British single-seat fighter of the Second World War. The Hurricane watch also takes its design cues from the clocks in the aircraft and also has a stamped profile of the plane. Gov. Kate Brown on Thursday approved the early release of 57 state prisoners deemed medically vulnerable to the novel coronavirus, which has spread throughout correctional facilities in Oregon and the country. The decision comes two weeks after Brown said she would consider commuting some sentences to help limit the transmission of the deadly disease in the state prison system, where more than 200 inmates and staff have already tested positive for COVID-19. [Here is a list of the prisoners receiving a commuted sentence] One of the largest coronavirus outbreaks in the state has occurred at The Oregon State Penitentiary in Salem, infecting at least 182 people, according to the state health authority. State corrections officials this week submitted a final list of 61 candidates for commutation to Browns office based on several criteria outlined by the governor. In a statement Thursday, Brown said none of the inmates granted early release was convicted of a crime against another person, and all of them have served at least half of their sentences. They also had a good conduct record for the past 12 months, a suitable housing plan for release and do not present an unacceptable public safety risk, the governor said. The Oregonian/OregonLive last week obtained a preliminary list of eligible prisoners identified by the Oregon Department of Corrections as medically vulnerable to coronavirus. Most of them were white men convicted of drug and property crimes. All but a handful were scheduled for release this year or next. [Heres a detailed look at who is under consideration for commutation] State corrections officials later removed 14 of the prisoners for consideration based on their behavioral history behind bars, said Jennifer Black, a department spokeswoman. Brown said she did not offer a commuted sentence to three other inmates because they are scheduled to be released within the next seven days. The governor said she decided against releasing another eligible prisoner because their scheduled release date wasnt until 2025 and commutation at this time would be premature. At least 28 states have already released inmates ahead of schedule in response to the pandemic, and most took that step early in the crisis, Carl Filler, a state policy analyst for the Justice Action Network, a national bipartisan organization based in Washington, D.C., that works on criminal justice reform, told The Oregonian/OregonLive last week. Filler said those early releases typically involved hundreds of prisoners far more than the 57 in Oregon. A group of state Democratic lawmakers had pushed Brown to significantly expand those she would consider releasing early, but she rejected the proposal. They sought the immediate release of nearly 2,000 inmates, about 14 percent of the inmate population of 14,085. The idea of early release has alarmed some people in Oregon, including crime victims and local law enforcement. The Oregon District Attorneys Association previously said it had significant public safety concerns about prison inmates being released prior to the completion of their sentences. The group said early releases undermine truth in sentencing, discounts the safety and security of victims who trusted in a sentence handed down by the court and erodes public confidence in a justice systems accountability for felony lawbreakers. -- Shane Dixon Kavanaugh; 503-294-7632 Email at skavanaugh@oregonian.com Follow on Twitter @shanedkavanaugh Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories The underlying question is why Barr felt compelled to remove Berman and, here, there is every reason, given past performance, to suspect foul motives. After all, the Southern District is an office that has prosecuted and investigated any number of Trump allies and the presidents own inaugural committee. After all, according to John Boltons new book, this is a president who said the Southern District prosecutors were not his people, but were Obama people, a problem that would be fixed when they were replaced by his people. Tony Cookson, associate professor at CU Boulder's Leeds School of Business. Credit: University of Colorado at Boulder In a normal election year, politics are often driven by economics. But as COVID-19 spurred record job losses and stock market sell-offs, Tony Cooksonan associate professor at CU Boulder's Leeds School of Businessand other researchers noticed something curious: political persuasion was driving a wave of stock market optimism. Cookson and researchers Joey Engelberg and Will Mullins at the Rady School of Management at the University of California San Diego found Republican traders were more optimistic about a stock market rebound than non-Republicans. They detailed their findings in a new working paper. Using keywords like #MAGA or #Trump2020, the researchers poured through more than 5 million posts on StockTwits, a social media website geared toward stock traders, for clear markers of conservativism. They found users who made frequent references to President Donald Trump or some of his favorite talking points tended to be more optimistic about a quick stock market rebound. The research also shows StockTwits posts correspond with actual trades in the market, indicating Republican optimism on the platform likely translates to more bullish trading. "It really jumped out of the data," Cookson said. "COVID-19 is a period of substantial uncertainty. One reaction is to seek new information, another is to default to a core identity that gives you comfort." For some traders, that comfort comes from looking to the commander in chief. "They believe the president. That's not an unnatural way to guide your beliefs, believing the leader of your country," Cookson said. The findings are important, according to Cookson, because they give insight into how people make decisions with their money in times of crisis. "The world in the face of COVID-19 forces us to ask different questions about how investors form their opinions," he said. "It can be overwhelming to make these choices. It's interesting that we saw politics mattering as much as it does." Some partisan pessimism While Republican StockTwits users were optimistic about an overall stock market rebound, they also followed the president's lead in souring on Chinese relations. The researchers found Republicans became significantly more pessimistic about Chinese companies as COVID-19 cases increased in the U.S. Chinese cases, however, were on the decline by that point, suggesting political motives rather than economic motives, according to Cookson. "I thought it was pretty profound," Cookson said. "Those differences between Republicans and non-Republicans seemed to have more nuance to it than a simple story would tell." An apolitical study While the researchers were looking at Republicans' decision making compared to the rest of the market, Cookson said the study itself is not designed to make a political statement. "We aren't litigating who we think is right, we're observing that they're coming to different conclusions," he said. That's important to explore, Cookson said, especially in a time where money is rapidly changing hands. The paper notes that daily trades of stock shares rose about 36% from historical averages amid COVID-19. As the pandemic is rife with uncertain and changing information, people are left to essentially trust their gut. The researchers found 20% of that turnover was due to political preferences. "Those core aspects of ourselves often guide how we feel. When we can't get enough information, that tends to be the backstop." Explore further Inside the mind of investors during COVID-19 More information: J. Anthony Cookson et al. Does Partisanship Shape Investor Beliefs? Evidence from the COVID-19 Pandemic, SSRN Electronic Journal (2020). J. Anthony Cookson et al. Does Partisanship Shape Investor Beliefs? Evidence from the COVID-19 Pandemic,(2020). DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.3621067 CHANNAHON, Ill., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Romar Cabinet & Top Company announced the launch of their new Pro-line series frameless cabinet, allowing customers a more affordable option with a variety of finishes and designs. The Pro-line series can complete an entire kitchen for a fraction of the cost of traditional framed custom cabinets. "Our clients have asked us to come up with a product offering that suits first time home buyers and renovations on a budget," said John Horn, General Manager at Romar Cabinet & Top Company. "Pro-line is the answer to increased consumer demand. Our customers now truly have a one stop shop for all of their cabinetry needs." Positive Customer Impact Many customers are starting to work with Romar's new Pro-line series. 5th Avenue construction, a local home builder/remodeler, recently committed to deploying the Pro-line series as part of its product offering. "Romar has had a tradition of excellence in the custom cabinet market. As is the case with any home, you have to have a product offering for a variety of customers. Overall, our firm has been exceptionally pleased with Romar's commitment to offering a product type for a wide spectrum of customers," said Talor Ahmann, Designer, 5th Avenue construction. Founded over 40 years ago, Romar Cabinet & Top Company has been the regional leader of top cabinet manufacturers in the Chicagoland, Northwest Indiana, and Southern Wisconsin. The company offers a variety of kitchen, bathroom, customer closet, bars and more. For more information, press only: Tracy Ragusa 815-467-9900 [email protected] For more information on the Pro-line series: www.romarcabinet.com SOURCE Romar Cabinet & Top Company Related Links http://www.romarcabinet.com US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has called Reliance Industries Limited's telecom arm, Reliance Jio, as clean telecom company while thrashing China's Huawei as Chinese military-controlled corporation. Pompeo explained how tides are turning against China's Huawei and how companies like Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio are rejecting working with 'tools of the CCP surveillance state, like Huawei.' Some of the largest telecom companies around the globe are also becoming clean telcos. Weve seen this with Orange in France, Jio in India, Telstra in Australia, SK and KT in South Korea, NTT in Japan, and O2 in the United Kingdom," Pompeo said. The tide is turning toward trusted 5G vendors and away from Huawei. The worlds leading telecom companiesTelefonica, Orange, Jio, Telstra, and many moreare becoming Clean Telcos. They are rejecting doing business with tools of the CCP surveillance state, like Huawei. Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) June 24, 2020 Of the total ten recent investments in Jio Platforms, seven US-based companies have bought over 19% share in Jio for over 90,000 crore. The largest of the investments in Jio Platforms have come from Facebook, which bought 9.99% stake in Jio for 43,574 crore. RIL chairman Mukesh Ambani claims that Reliance Jio is the only network in the world that doesn't use a single Chinese equipment. Mike Pompeo's comments came a few hours before an adverse Pentagon report which accuses 20 Chinese companies, including Huawei, as Chinese military-controlled corporations. In letters to lawmakers dated June 24, the Pentagon said it was providing a list of Communist Chinese military companies operating in the United States." Huawei, the world's leading telecom supplier and second largest phone manufacturer, is being heavily scrutinized by US authorities for its alleged close relationship with Chinese ruling dispensation. US has banned its companies and its allies from working with Huawei. In January 2020, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave Huawei approval to build only non-core parts of country's 5G infrastructure. 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 China appears to have added new structures near the site of a deadly border clash with India in the western Himalayas, fresh satellite pictures show, heightening concerns about further flare-ups between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Indian and Chinese military commanders agreed on Monday to step back from a weeks-old standoff at several locations along their disputed border following the June 15 clash in the Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed. The satellite images showing new construction activity in the week following the brutal hand-to-hand combat underline the challenge of disengagement and the risk the accord could still fall apart because of overlapping claims in the arid territory. The pictures shot on Monday by U.S.-based space technology firm Maxar Technologies show what appear to be extensive Chinese structures on a raised river terrace overlooking the Galwan River. India says the area where the structures have sprung up are on its side of the poorly defined, undemarcated Line of Actual Control or the de facto border between the two Asian giants. China says the whole of Galwan valley, located at about 14,000ft (4,300m), is its territory and blames Indian troops for triggering the clashes. The new activity includes camouflaged tents or covered structures against the base of cliff, and a short distance away, a potential new camp under construction with walls or barricades. The camp was not seen in pictures made available to Reuters the previous week. Nathan Ruser, a satellite data expert at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said the buildup suggested there was little sign of de-escalation. "Satellite imagery from the Galwan Valley on June 22nd shows that 'disengagement' really isn't the word that the (Indian) government should be using," he said in a post on Twitter. On the Indian side, defensive barriers can be seen in the latest images which were not visible in pictures taken in May. An Indian forward post appears to be scaled back compared with images a month ago. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the apparent activity. India's defence ministry also did not respond to a request for a comment. Indian military officials have previously said they will be closely monitoring the planned disengagement process and verify it on the ground. "There is a trust deficit so far as the Chinese are concerned," said former Indian army chief Deepak Kapoor. "So if they are telling us verbally they are ready to pull back, we will wait to see it on the ground. Until then the armed forces will be on alert." The former boss of Bulmers-owner C&C, Stephen Glancey, was paid almost 3m in the company's last financial year, according to its annual report published yesterday. The remuneration included 698,000 in lieu of his notice period. He also received a basic salary of 698,000, a bonus of more than 1.1m and long-term incentives of 175,000. Mr Glancey retired from his role in February. The company is currently headed by executive chairman Stewart Gilliland until a new CEO is hired. The annual report shows that total executive remuneration at the drinks maker and distributor hit 5.8m in the last financial year, compared to just under 5m the previous year. Mr Glancey also owns more than 4.2 million shares in C&C that are currently valued at about 10m (11m). C&C said in its annual report that it is clear that the group will be hit by a "short-term, adverse impact" due to Covid-19. "The crisis doesn't change our strategy," it noted. "We remain committed to supporting our on-trade customers and the industry generally. "While the short term is uncertain, the medium term will present opportunities for us because of our market positions, structural importance and operational strength relative to our competitive set," it added. The company also owns brands including Tennent's. An important window of opportunity exists during the development of South Africa's Covid-19 recovery plans to drive a simultaneous transition to a sustainable, inclusive, resilient, just and resource-efficient society, employing the existing blueprint of the EU Green Deal to drive renewable energy, low-carbon technologies, sustainable infrastructure and green jobs. Henk Sa, co-founder and partner at EcoMetrix Africa Delaying an already urgent issue Decouple economic growth from emissions Image source: Gallo/Getty Ensuring a more just, inclusive recovery Investing in green jobs Leaders around the world are calling for the sustainable restructuring of economies in response to the Covid-19 crisis, as opposed to allowing the crisis to disrupt the transition towards clean energy and a more sustainable, greener future for all.European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen urges that the world must not fall back into old habits of environmental degradation, while, also notes that government policies need to be put in place to prevent a pause in investment that will compromise the clean energy transition towards a more sustainable and greener future.A pause in our environmental and climate response plans could mean we risk climate change issues moving to the bottom of the agenda again like it did after the 2008 financial crisis. Postponing important climate change events and urgent interventions or pausing green commitments in response to the Covid-19 crisis, further delays an already urgent issue and will only require more drastic and more expensive interventions in future to prevent catastrophic climate change.Rather than a hiatus on green spending and holding tightly onto green purse strings, a portion of the money earmarked for Covid-19 relief would be best spent on long-term investment in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies, sustainable infrastructure and creating green jobs.Fortunately, the blueprint already exists in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and the UN 2030 Agenda with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the European Commissions European Green Deal. Von der Leyen highlighted that the EU Green Deal should be used as a compass to help the bloc turn this crisis into an opportunity to rebuild our economies differently and make them more resilient.With the EU Green Deal as a guide, South Africas post-Covid-19 recovery plans - incorporating urgent climate action and investment in green technologies - can drive and accelerate the countrys recovery and transition to a just, resilient and resource-efficient society, environment and economy.Moving forward, it is crucial for South Africa to decouple its economic growth from emissions growth as part of the long-term recovery plans for the country. An investment in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies could generate huge economic benefits, while simultaneously tackling the climate crisis. This requires phasing out and divesting from fossil-based emission-intensive industries and embracing sustainable investments that shift the country from high emissions to a low-carbon economy.Shifting the energy mix towards renewable sources such as biofuels will also deliver energy efficiency improvements and cost savings a sure way to fire up the economic recovery while future-proofing our society. Coal-fired electricity is no longer the lowest cost form of electricity - since 2008, solar, wind and other cleaner energies have become cheaper with more efficient technologies, while also having a beneficial impact on the environment and the health of our communities.The investment in renewable energy and low-carbon technologies will also ensure a more just and inclusive recovery. Energy is key to a prosperous economy. Without reliable electricity to access news, information and education, millions of South Africans are literally left in the dark. A commitment to renewable energy as part of our Covid-19 recovery plans will address the energy needs of millions of people without access to electricity. Sustainable infrastructure such as solar panels on the roofs of houses, schools and hospitals will generate clean and reliable electricity to cook, read and learn, changing the livelihoods of millions of the most vulnerable people, while also allowing South Africa to honour its international climate change commitments.An investment in creating green jobs should also feature strongly in stimulus packages and recovery plans. The Covid-19 pandemic has left millions more people jobless, exposing how fragile and vulnerable our economy is. Investing in green jobs can provide long-term resilience and sustainability that will strengthen our economy, protect our environment and uplift our people.These are unprecedented times, calling for unprecedented approaches. Stimulus packages and recovery plans that include investments in renewable energy, low-carbon technologies, sustainable infrastructure and green job creation will ensure this crisis can be transformed into an unprecedented opportunity to create a sustainable, inclusive, resilient, just and resource-efficient society. Sao Paulo/Brasilia: Brazil`s central bank effectively suspended a newly-launched system allowing users of Facebook Inc`s WhatsApp messaging service to send money via chats, ordering Visa and Mastercard to halt payments and transfers via the system. The central bank said in a statement that rolling out the service without previous analysis by the monetary authority could damage the Brazilian payments system in the areas of competition, efficiency and data privacy. The system, launched last week in a nationwide rollout, allowed users to transfer funds to individuals or local businesses within a chat, attaching payments as they would a photo or video. The central bank`s move is the latest setback in payments for owner Facebook, which pared back its plans for a global payments system called Libra after meeting stiff resistance from regulators. WhatsApp has over 120 million users in Brazil, its second-largest market behind India, where it has also struggled to roll out a payments system. If Visa and Mastercard do not comply with the order, they would be subject to fines and administrative sanctions, the statement said. A WhatsApp spokesperson said the messaging service would continue working with "local partners" and the central bank to provide digital payments for its users in Brazil using a business model open to more participant, which would address regulators concerns on market concentration. Earlier on Tuesday, before Visa and Mastercard operations with WhatsApp were suspended, the central bank issued regulation saying it could require market participants to receive previous approval to operate in payments. WhatsApp launched its Brazil services without requesting central bank authorization, as it was operating as an intermediary between consumers and financial institutions. Some observers called the regulator`s decision an overreaction, while others said WhatsApp presented a potential risk in terms of market concentration and privacy. "It is a bit odd that the central bank decided to suspend WhatsApp as the regulator is already able to oversee all market participants which joined WhatsApp," said Carlos Daltozo, co-head of equities at Eleven Financial. "Besides that, WhatsApp is open to form new partnerships." WhatsApp started its operations in Brazil in partnership with fintech Nubank, state-controlled lender Banco do Brasil SA , Visa, Mastercard and lender Sicredi. In a separate setback for the venture on Tuesday, Brazil`s antitrust watchdog, Cade, blocked WhatsApp`s partnership with credit and debit card operator Cielo to process the payments. As Cielo is already Brazil`s largest payment processor, a partnership with the biggest messaging service could pose a market concentration risk, Cade said. Shares in Cielo soared 30% on the day WhatsApp announced payments service in Brazil. The central bank`s move comes as the regulator prepared to launch its own instant payments system in November, called Pix, joining more than 980 participants. "It is complicated when the regulator also becomes a player and seems to be more worried about its own payment system," said a source at a financial institution that has partnered with WhatsApp. The WhatsApp spokesperson said it was committed to working with the central bank to integrate systems once Pix became available. Private banks have also been wary about opening valuable client data to tech giants such as Facebook. Some executives have also pointed to security issues as well as a lack of accountability if a transaction goes wrong. Mastercard said it would comply with the central bank ruling and continue to develop an innovative payment environment. Facebook and Visa did not immediately reply to requests for comment. Cielo declined to comment. The Dow gained 299.66 points, or 1.18%, to close at 25,745.60. The S&P 500 climbed 1.10% to 3,083.76. The Nasdaq Composite advanced by 1.09% to 10,017.00 Another increase in coronavirus cases and news of easier banking regulation left the market struggling for direction throughout Thursday's session. Florida reported on Thursday 5,004 additional coronavirus cases. That's slightly down from the state's single-day record of 5,508, which was reported Wednesday. In Arizona, cases jumped by 5.1%, topping the state's seven-day average of 2.3%. Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the state would pause its reopening plans given the recent spike in cases and hospitalizations. This recent uptick comes after the U.S. suffered its single-biggest daily coronavirus cases surge on record. Concerns over the the coronavirus pushed the Dow down more than 200 points earlier in the day. Stocks recovered to close higher in the final hour of trading. Photo: Flickr: TraderGroup Signal Some citizens currently receiving the CERB benefit were shocked and alarmed to receive news this week that they will not receive a (CERB) payment when you complete your next report. The reason? When you first applied for the CERB, you received two payments; a payment of $2,000 as well as a payment following your initial report. This $2,000 was an advance on four weeks of the CERB, which was issued in order to get money in your pocket as quickly as possible. The communication from the Liberal government then goes on to say: Because of this advance, you will not receive a payment when you complete your next report. In other words, because the initial CERB payment was deemed to be an advance, it is now being fully clawed back. For many citizens, who were completely unaware that this initial $2,000 was considered to be an advance, they are now seriously adversely impacted having had no prior warning this situation was going to occur. According to the Liberal government, when people submitted their first reports, they were told in advance that this would occur and how this would happen. As the Opposition shadow minister with the critic portfolio for this file, I feel that it is important that we refer back to media reports on April 8 of 2020. In particular Global News reported the headline: Did you get two CERB payments? Its not a mistake, minister says. The article further quotes that: Treasury Board President Jean-Yves Duclos clarified during a press conference on Wednesday. The second deposit is a retroactive payment. For many Canadians who heard the president of the Treasury Board declare this $2,000 was a retroactive payment and relied on that in good faith, they are shocked and confused to be told the payment was actually an advance and will be now clawed back. Aside from the confusion created on part of the government, I also question the governments logic on this. If the intent was to advance funds in order to get money in your pocket as quickly as possible, this raises an important question. We can assume the intent to rush the payment was to avoid placing people into dire financial circumstances. So how does fully clawing back an entire CERB payment, with no advance notice, not end up putting citizens into a dire financial situation now? All of this confusion occurred because the Liberal government did not clarify that this was not a retroactive payment but rather an advance. The prime minister has had many morning appearances outside of his cottage where this could have easily been clarified. It has not been. This follows a trend. For example, when the CERB program was first announced by Minister of Employment Carla Qualtrough, she said in the House of Commons that the benefit was non-taxable. We now know it is taxable. Similarly, the prime minister provided erroneous information regarding student eligibility on the CERB program that to this day not been clarified. All of these communication errors could result in citizens having support funds clawed back unexpectedly. My question this week: Does the Prime Minister have an obligation to correct and clarify inaccurate information that Canadians rely on? I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll free 1-800-665-8711. Before the D.C. Circuit granted General Flynns petition for writ of mandamus in relevant part yesterday morning, prosecutors had produced newly discovered exculpatory evidence to Flynn as a result of the review conducted by United States Attorney Jeffrey Jensen. The newly discovered evidence is identified as notes taken by former Assistant FBI Director Peter Strzok. FOX News covers the production here and here. The cover letter states: While the page itself is undated; we believe that the notes were taken in early January 2017, possibly between January 3 and January 5. Undercover Huber tweeted out the notes (at bottom). At the Federalist, Sean Davis and Mollie Hemingway comment on the notes in Explosive New FBI Notes Confirm Obama Directed Anti-Flynn Operation. As always, their contribution is invaluable. At the American Thinker, Andrea Widburg also comments in Obama and Biden were up to their necks in the Flynn persecution. At the time of the meeting documented in the notes, Obama and Biden were colluding with Comey et al. on a counterintelligence investigation aimed at President-elect Trump. Flynn had been named Trumps National Security Advisor. The counterintelligence investigation was of course intended to undermine Trump and derail his administration. The operation run by Comey after Trump took office was kept from Trump. Indeed, to state it another way, Trump was the object of the operation. The Susan Rice CYA memo sought to distance Obama et al. from the operation. Among the al. now clearly coming into view is Biden. You got a problem with that? What we have here is the biggest scandal in American political history by far. Its principals remain at large. Every single one. Indeed, one of them is the Democrats candidate for president in the coming election. UPDATE: Andrew McCarthy also explicates the text in this NR column. Tony Blair warned on a new 'Cold War' with China today as polling showed Britons blame Beijing more than Boris Johnson for coronavirus chaos. Research for the former PM's think-tank found the UK public have a 'markedly more hostile attitude' towards the Asian power since the pandemic erupted. Some 60 per cent viewed China as a 'force for bad' in the world, while large numbers said it bore more responsibility than ministers for the severity of the crisis. Mr Blair said China had 'serious questions' to answer about the Covid-19 outbreak, as the YouGov survey showed the attitudes were mirrored across Western countries. But he urged the West to take a strategic view of the relationship with Beijing, recognising it has a seat at the top table and cooperating where possible. Tony Blair (file picture) warned on a new 'Cold War' with China today as polling showed Britons blame Beijing more than Boris Johnson for coronavirus chaos In common with the UK, 60 per cent of French citizens viewed China as a global 'force for bad', a view shared by 56 per cent in the US and 47 per cent in Germany The poll for Mr Blair's Global Institute for Change found views of China in the West had deteriorated sharply since the pandemic The poll of citizens in the UK, US, Germany and France suggested that attitudes to Beijing had hardened during the pandemic. In common with the UK, 60 per cent of French citizens viewed China as a global 'force for bad', a view shared by 56 per cent in the US and 47 per cent in Germany. Just 3 per cent of Britons, 4 per cent of Germans and 5 per cent of French and US citizens viewed China as a force for good. Attitudes towards Xi Jinping's government had hardened since the pandemic among 60 per cent in Britain, 55 per cent in France, 54 per cent in the US and 46 per cent in Germany. Meanwhile, when asked to identify who was most responsible for the severity of the pandemic, 49 per cent of Britons named China, while 40 per cent pointed to the UK government. Mr Blair, who is believed to have extensive business interests in China, said the polling showed 'there has been, during the Covid crisis, a sharp move amongst Western public opinion, to a markedly more hostile attitude towards China'. Relations, especially between Donald Trump's US and China, have deteriorated markedly in recent years. Analysis by Mr Blair's institute suggest a 'light Cold War' or a 'great power rivalry' between the two were the most likely scenarios. Mr Blair said the rise of China was both 'inevitable and right' given its population, economic power and record on technological innovation and it was set to become a global superpower. But he stressed that 'given the deep economic links between China and the West, Cold War analogies are misleading and dangerous'. There had been a more aggressive posture from Beijing, both internally and externally, with 'more combative' relations with countries with which it has disagreements. But the Chinese people are not the same as the Chinese Communist Party and 'if change comes to the way China is governed it will come from within'. Mr Blair added: 'It is in the interests of no one that China is anything other than stable and prosperous.' The West will have to be prepared to confront China where its actions go against the interests of the wider international community and must be able to compete with Beijing but also co-operate where necessary. The US, Europe and like-minded Asian countries must stand together so that any partnership with China 'comes from a position of strength'. The West must 'actively and intensely' engage with China - both at the level of Government and people-to- people - in order to 'enlarge the space for cooperation, shrink that of confrontation and keep competition according to international laws and norms'. Disney announced Thursday it will re-imagine its iconic Splash Mountain ride, based on the companys controversial 1946 film Song of the South, to a theme inspired by the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog, which featured the studios first Black princess as lead. Today we are thrilled to share a first glimpse of a project Imagineers have been working on since last year. Splash Mountain at both Disneyland park in California and Magic Kingdom park in Florida will soon be completely reimagined, the Disney Parks blog post said. The theme is inspired by an all-time favorite animated Disney film, The Princess and the Frog. We pick up this story after the final kiss, and join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure featuring some of the powerful music from the film as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance. The log flume ride originally opened in Disneyland in July 1989 before versions also opened at Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland in October 1992. The original ride incorporated audioanimatronics from a then-defunct attraction, America Sings. CNN reports Disney will make the change amid fans urging Disney to retheme Splash Mountain because of the racial stereotypes from the film it is based upon. Song of the South takes place during the Reconstruction era in the Southern U.S. and follows a plantation worker named Uncle Remus as he tells a young boy stories about trickster Brer Rabbit, who outwits Brer Fox and slow-witted Brer Bear. Critics and audiences found the film offensive because it romanticized slavery, resulting in Disney not releasing it on any home video format in the U.S. It is also not available on the companys new streaming service Disney+. The ride removed any references to slavery and plantation life but kept the cartoon characters, voices based on minstrel stereotypes and original songs. The following description remains on the official Disneyland website page about the ride: Hop inside a hollow log and float through a colorful bayou as you follow happy-go-lucky Brer Rabbit to his laughing place. But be warned: Brer Bear and Brer Fox are in hot pursuit of this wayward hare. Glide past over 100 talking, singing, storytelling Audio-Animatronics critters who inhabit Splash Mountain and offer up their own slice of down-home culture. Sing along to classic Disney ditties, including Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah. Then, brace yourself for the big finalethis musical cruise ends in a thrilling 5-story splashdown! Princess and the Frog is about a New Orleans woman desperate to fulfill her dreams as a restaurant owner who goes on a journey to turn a frog prince back into a human being, but she has to face the same problem after she kisses him. The Disney Parks blog says that in 1966, Walt Disney opened New Orleans Square when it became the first new land added to Disneyland park, so it feels natural to link the story and the incredible music of The Princess and the Frog to our parks. The approach to retheming or plussing attractions...begins with Imagineers asking the question, how can we build upon or elevate the experience and tell a fresh, relevant story? Its a continuous process that Imagineers are deeply passionate about, the blog says. And with this longstanding history of updating attractions and adding new magic, the retheming of Splash Mountain is of particular importance today. The new concept is inclusive one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year. Read the full Disney Parks blog. Read the full CNN report. The Paramount Chief of the Ejisu Traditional Area of the Ashanti region, Oguakro Afrane Okese IV has clarified and apologize for recent comments that has been attributed to him for calling the current incumbent Member of Parliament for Ejisu a fool. According to the Chief, all that he sought to do was to admonish the newly New Patriotic Party Parliamentary candidate, Lawyer John Kumah, not to ignore the needs of the people and also bring socio-economic developments to the area. His intentions were not to insult the sitting MP as has been carried out by several news agencies. It was misquoted by the press, I didnt call the current MP a fool. However, I apologize to him and all those who feel affected by my comments, all that I want is developments for my people, jobs and activities that will lift Ejisuman higher Oguakro Afrane Okese IV said in an interview with Prime News. On Saturday, July 20, the current Member of Parliament for the Ejisu Constituency, Hon. Owusu Aduomi was defeated by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship Plan, Lawyer John Kumah in the NPP parliamentary primaries by 90 votes. Hon. Owusu Aduomi, who doubles as the Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways has been the MP of Ejisu for 12 years and was seeking a fourth term in parliament until he was defeated. City of Laredo officials have confirmed 56 new cases of the novel coronavirus in their update Thursday, reaching another record-high in cases confirmed in single day. The total number of confirmed positives in Laredo stands at 1,101. 42 individuals are currently hospitalized in Laredo, with 20 patients under intensive care. Previously, the total number of hospitalizations averaged around 15. In Thursday's briefing, city officials provided an update on Laredo's hospital capacity of COVID patients, which was reportedly nearing capacity on Wednesday night. Laredo Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator Ramiro Elizondo clarified the reports, explaining that the capacity has been reached at both intensive care units at Doctors Hospital and Laredo Medical Center. Though ICU beds remain available in Laredo, staffing at the hospitals was not available to serve COVID patients under intensive care. According to city officials, LMC's intensive care unit has capacity for 20 coronavirus patients. At Doctors, eight ICU beds are available. Bed space for non-critical COVID patients is still readily available, city officials said. Addressing the issue, city representatives put out a call to Texas officials to request assistance. According to Elizondo, a number of health professionals arrived from San Antonio last night, and another group is expected to arrive by this afternoon to assist the staffing shortage in Laredo hospitals. Of the 1,101 recognized positives, 453 cases are currently active. 625 persons have recovered from COVID infections and have been cleared by city health officials to return to the general public. 7.768 tests for COVID-19 have been submitted in Laredo. Of those, 5,811 have returned negative. 856 tests are still pending results, though 402 are presumed negative due to being over 30 days old. The number of COVID-related deaths stands at 23. Heidi McLean has accepted a position as the new director of the Medical Assisting program for Cleveland State Community College. We are very excited to welcome Heidi McLean, stated Susan Webb-Curtis, dean of Business and Healthcare. She comes to us with a tremendously strong background in medical assisting in the field, as well as having experience as a college instructor. She will bring the best of both worlds to our classrooms this fall. I always planned on returning to a community college setting after leaving Anne Arundel Community College in July of 2006, stated Ms.McLean. I didnt realize at the time that Medical Assisting director positions are very coveted, and often employees stay in their position until retirement so the opportunities can be few and far between. The Cleveland State position became available at the perfect time for me. According to Dean Webb-Curtis, Cleveland State was the only Tennessee community college that offered an associate of applied science degree for many years. As a result of the strong curriculum, CSCC graduates have been quick to find employment in their field. Many are hired by the doctors offices where they complete their required externships, she said. Prior to accepting the position at Cleveland State, Ms. McLean served in a number of roles in the healthcare field including urgent care, primary care, as well as many specialty physician practices with her most recent role being the Medical Office Administration and Medical Assisting instructor for Fortis College in Smyrna, Ga. Ms. McLean stated, Im most looking forward to the professional work environment CSCC offers. I feel confident I will thrive here. The brand new health sciences building will be a great asset to the allied health careers training of our students, but also CSCC as a whole. According to Ms. McLean, some of her immediate goals for the program include maintaining the great reputation at CSCC, preparing students for the national examination and increasing the first attempt pass rate on the National Examination. Some long-term goals include expanding recruitment, increasing program enrollment, adding online offerings, certificate options and pathways to national certifications. Ms. McLean earned her associate of arts degree from Anne Arundel Community College and her bachelors degree in health systems management from the University of Baltimore, both in Maryland. She is currently pursuing her masters in health administration from the University of Phoenix. In addition, Ms. McLean has completed a number of certifications in medical assisting, medical coding, medical insurance, massage therapy and phlebotomy. Ms. McLean is married to Tim, a former United States Marine Corps officer, and they have two daughters. In her spare time, she likes to cook, read, hike, travel and attend her daughters extracurricular events. Ms. McLean stated, I love working with Dr. Cunningham (Healthcare Department chair) and Dean Webb-Curtis, they are both exceptional role models for me to learn from. I am hopeful for a long, positive and professional relationship. Hansford County Hospital District Resumes Normal Operations at the Family Medical Clinic Infection control practices are in place to protect patients and staff June 8, 2020 (Spearman, TX) Beginning today, Hansford County Hospital District will resume normal operations at the Family Medical Clinic. The alternate clinic site that has been operational since March to keep sick and well patients separate will be discontinued. All clinic patients, regardless of health care need, will be seen at the HCHD Family Medical Clinic at 705 West 7th Street. With new infection control practices in place, we are winding down operation of our temporary, separate well clinic, said Jonathan Bailey, CEO, Hansford County Hospital District. We are able to safely care for all our clinic patients in one location again. The infection control procedures in place to protect patients and staff include: The Family Medical Clinic will maintain separate areas within the clinic to keep sick and well patients apart. All patients will be screened and categorized twice: when they make an appointment and when they arrive for their appointment. This will ensure they are directed to the appropriate area of the clinic for their health care need. Patients will be required to wear a mask in both areas. Masks will be provided if needed. To maintain physical distancing, all patients will be asked to remain in their vehicles when they arrive for their appointment and to call the clinic at 659-2846 to check in and await further instruction. The physician serving as the on-call doctor for the emergency department each day will take care of the clinics sick patients. All other clinic providers will see well patients only. The Hansford County Hospital District team is to be commended for all it has done since this outbreak began to make sure everyone in our community, no matter their health care need, could safely be cared for, said Bailey. Im proud of our staff for their resilience, flexibility and commitment to meeting every challenge of COVID-19 head on. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) speaks to Ajit Pai, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, during an oversight hearing to examine the Federal Communications Commission spectrum auctions program for fiscal year 2021, on Capitol Hill in Washington, on June 16, 2020. (Toni Sandys/Reuters) US Senate Backs Bill to Punish China Over Hong Kong WASHINGTONThe U.S. Senate passed legislation on June 25 that would impose mandatory sanctions on individuals or companies that back efforts by China to restrict Hong Kongs autonomy, pushing back against Beijings proposal to enact a new national security law for the city. The measure also includes secondary sanctions on banks that do business with anyone found to be backing any crackdown on the territorys autonomy, potentially cutting them off from American counterparts and limiting access to U.S. dollar transactions. The Hong Kong Autonomy Act passed by unanimous consent. To become law, it must also pass the House of Representatives and be signed by President Donald Trump. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a lead sponsor, said in the Senate the legislation would send a clear message to Beijing that there would be consequences if it acts to undermine Hong Kongs autonomy. A protest against Beijings proposed National Security Law on Hong Kong Island in Hong Kong on May 24, 2020. (Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images) Pro-democracy protesters are arrested by police in the Causeway Bay district of Hong Kong on May 24, 2020. (Isaac Lawrence/AFP/Getty Images) This could be our last opportunity to stay Beijings hand before it destroys what is left of freedom in the city, said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Miss.), another sponsor. The bill almost passed last week, Van Hollen said, but was blocked by Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.)who had co-sponsored itat the request of the Trump administration, which made a late request for technical corrections. The delay underscored how complicated it can be to pass legislation pushing back on China, as the administration pursues a trade deal with Beijing and the two powerful countries grapple for international influence and clash over human rights. U.S.China relations have reached their lowest point in years, since the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China, hit the United States hard. Chinas moves to impose the security legislation prompted Trump to initiate a process to eliminate Hong Kongs special trading status with the United States. Such status, which designates Hong Kong as a separate entity from mainland China in matters of trade, investment, and visas, has allowed the city to remain a global financial center. By Patricia Zengerle EBRD and EU business advice helps company reach thousands of patients globally For 65 per cent less than the cost of conventional metal braces, Basma, a start-up based in Lebanon, is equipping patients with invisible teeth aligners delivered to their doorstep, guaranteeing a flawless smile in an average of six months. With the help of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, last December Basma.com received business advice on information technology, funded by the European Union. This focused on creating a scalable online platform and strengthening the companys ability to deliver the best customer experience to its patients. With support from a local consultant assigned to the company through the EBRD, the company also successfully built a seamless online customer journey that removes the need for a series of clinical visits and which turned out to be very handy during the Covid-19 crisis. Throughout the pandemic, the company offered its patients a quick remote service that can be done in three simple steps at home. All the patient needs to do is order an impression kit, make an impression of their teeth, then post the kit back to Basma.com, which sends a tailored treatment plan and invisible aligners to the patients home. With the lockdown and given the number of people in need of dental care who are unable to physically access a dentists clinic, the companys sales have quadrupled in the last month. The EBRD helped Basma.com launch a new platform through which patients can easily receive medical assistance and treatment remotely. Dentists prescribe a customised treatment for every case and are connected directly to clients throughout the entire process. Basma.com provides the safer option of online payments instead of handling cash. Since its launch, Basma.com has remotely assisted over 1,000 thousand patients. The biggest market was initially Saudi Arabia but now the company has patients from all over Europe and the Middle East, with international operations now accounting for 94 per cent of the business. The founder of Basma.com, Dr Cherif Massoud, had practiced dentistry with his late father Dr Ghassan Massoud at a private clinic for a decade before developing an interest in working with invisible braces five years ago with an aim to produce his own alternative to traditional metal braces. Dr Massoud says: We started our company in 2016, with a mission to make teeth aligning treatment affordable and accessible by producing locally, and to go beyond the conventional service of requiring clinical visits to straighten ones teeth. We understand the desire for a perfect smile and more importantly to achieve one without the pressures of wearing wired braces. Our new product provides a touch of luxury in that it boosts patients confidence, can be administered at home and helps us respond to our patients remotely, which also reduces costs. After his father passed away, Dr Massoud chose to start his new company. He was fortunate to find a motivated team that made the experience a rewarding one even given the struggles of starting the company. Dr Massoud realised the impact his new dental service was having within his community and worldwide when he noticed that whereas he used to treat around 200 patients a year at his first clinic, through Basma.com they can treat 10,000. With a team of 25 people, half of whom are women, they developed 3D printed transparent teeth aligners in Lebanon for the first time and have expanded their client base with the help of a network of 200 dentists globally who believe in the new product. From an initial investment by Dr Massoud and only three employees, the company grew rapidly with seed investments by angels in 2018 and 2019. This month, Basma.com won the Hub71 MENA Growth Competition for start-ups. This connected the company with many Saudi Arabian investors, and it is planning to raise US$ 10 million in October 2020 as part of its Series A funding to help plan ahead and further grow the business. To date, the EBRD Advice for Small Businesses programme in Lebanon has helped more than 72 SMEs from different industries, with projects in marketing, strategy, financial management and quality management, among others. Queen Letizia of Spain was the picture of summery perfection in a recycled floral dress today, as she continued her nationwide tour of the country. The Spanish royal, 47, and her husband Felipe VI, 52, are currently visiting different regions to promote their efforts at fighting coronavirus, following the opening of Spain's borders on 21st June. With the hot Spanish summer now in full swing in Palma de Mallorca, Letizia opted to recycle a flowy green summer dress by Maje which she first wore on July 25 2019. Looking relaxed in the beautiful setting of the Spanish island, the royal couple seem to have perfectly adapted to the new normal, sporting face masks during a walkabout. Queen Letizia, 47, and her husband King Felipe VI, 52, are currently touring their country to promote the efforts of Spanish regions during the pandemic. Today they met with tourism and union representatives in Palma de Mallorca The Spanish queen recycled a summer dress by Maje for the occasion, as well as a pair of nude espadrilles Letizia opted for a green Maje dress with a floral patter, which she first sported last year. The floral garment highlighted her petite frame with a casual yet stylish flair. She paired the dress with nude espadrilles, a type of shoe she favours during the hotter months of the year. Walking side-by-side with Felipe, she wore her chestnut locks in a ponytail and sported a natural makeup, with just a dash of eyeshadow and eye-liner to bring focus to her eyes. King Felipe looked smart in a grey jacket, crisp white shirt and navy trousers. Respecting the social distancing guidelines to the letter, the royal couple were wearing face masks, which they took off during a socially-distanced meeting Cheeky royal fans could not resist snapping a picture of the couple as they crossed the hotel this morning After their walk, the couple took part in a socially distanced round table with union representatives, as well as representatives from the tourism sector on the grounds of the Iberostar Cristina Hotel. Spanish holidaymakers who had taken to the hotel's large pool were stunned to see the royal couple and snapped a few pictures with their phones as they walked by. Noticing some fans on her way to the presentation at the hotel, Letizia occasionally waved to passers-by. The couple were particularly interested in seeing how hospitality services had applies sanitary measure to best accommodate tourists at the height of the summer. Stylish pairing. Letizia's green dress was adorned with a floral detail, while Felipe VI looked dapper in a grey jacket, white shirt and blue trousers The royal couple walked quietly in the Mallorcan shade as they reached their meeting. They are currently touring the country to see how the tourism sector is preparing for the return of international holidaymakers After their hotel meeting, Felipe VI and Letizia headed to the promenade of Platja de Sarenal where they had a stroll, closely followed by their security services and fans. The president of the Government of the Balearic Islands, Francina Armengol walked alongside the couple and hightlighted to both of them the changes Palma had put in place to make sure tourists could flock the promenade safely. King Felipe took off his jacket for the walk as a light breeze ruffled Letizia's dress. Letizia wore her hair in a ponytail and seemed relaxed as she and Felipe took part in the meeting The royal couple kept their distance from union and tourism sector representative this morning The mother-of-two wore little makeup, putting the focus on her hazelnut eyes with a dash of eyeshadow and eyeliner Royal fans looked on as their King and Queen walked through the hotel. Security was in place to ensure people kept their distance Letizia made sure to greet royal fans with a kind wave. Yesterday, they elbowed people rather than shaking hands On Monday, the royals debuted their tour of Spain in the Canary Islands and greeted crowds of adoring fans in Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria. Spain just reopened its borders on June 21, and the Spanish monarchs wanted to see how the different regions of their countries were adapting. During their outing, the couple visited Perez Galdos' House Museum on the occasion of the 100 year anniversary of the renowned Spanish novelists death. Their tour of the area coincides with the usual commemoration from June 23 to 24 of the origins of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - with the city celebrating its 1478 founding every summer. After their meeting this morning, the couple headed to the Promenade of Platja de Sarenal by the turquoise Mallorca waters Felipe VI, who had taken his jacket off, directed Letizia's focus to the side of the road as they walked Like a model. Letizia knew to act natural as royal fans came close to taking her picture during the walk Humbly walking by their fans, Felipe VI and Letizia appeared deep in conversation as the king leaned towards his wife The royal couple put their masks back on to meet with President of the Government of the Balearic Islands Francina Armengol Francina, who was wearing a mask as well, talked Letizia through the changes Palma had put in place for the summer Letizia listened intently to the explanations of President of the Government of the Balearic Islands A team of scientists working at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) has discovered a new form of the human-made element mendelevium. The newly created isotope, mendelevium-244, is the 17th and lightest form of mendelevium, which is element 101 on the periodic table. Mendelevium was first created by Berkeley Lab scientists in 1955, and is among a list of 16 other elements that Berkeley Lab scientists discovered or helped to discover. An isotope is a form of an element with more or fewer neutrons (uncharged particles) in its atomic nucleus than other forms of an element. In the latest discovery, the team used Berkeley Lab's 88-Inch Cyclotron, which accelerates powerful beams of charged particles at targets to create atoms of heavier elements, to make mendelevium-244. A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator that was invented by the Lab's namesake, Ernest O. Lawrence, in 1930. Berkeley Lab-led teams have now discovered 12 of the 17 mendelevium isotopes, and have discovered a total of 640 isotopes -- about one-fifth of all known isotopes and by far the highest count for a single institution. At the close of 2019 there were 3,308 known isotopes. The new isotope discovery is the first by a Berkeley Lab-led team since 2010. "It was challenging to discover this new isotope of mendelevium because all of the neighboring mendelevium isotopes have very similar decay properties," said Jennifer Pore, a Berkeley Lab project scientist who led the study detailing the isotope's discovery. Alpha decay describes the process by which a radioactive element like mendelevium breaks down into lighter elements over time. In total, the team measured the properties of 10 atoms of mendelevium-244 for the study, which appeared today in the journal Physical Review Letters. advertisement "Each isotope represents a unique combination of protons and neutrons," Pore said. "When a new isotope is discovered, that particular combination of protons (positively charged particles) and neutrons has never been observed. Studies of these extreme combinations are critical toward our understanding of all nuclear matter." In addition to discovering the new isotope, the research team's work also provided the first direct evidence for a decay process involving an isotope of the element berkelium. The team included scientists from UC Berkeley, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, San Jose State University, and Sweden's Lund University. Researchers found evidence that mendelevium-244 has two separate chains of decay, each leading to a different half-life: 0.4 second and 6 seconds, based on different energy configurations of particles in its nucleus. A half-life is the time it takes for a radioactive element's number of atoms to be reduced by half as their nuclei decay into other, lighter nuclei. In a separate measurement stemming from the same study, the researchers found the first evidence for the alpha decay process of berkelium-236, an isotope of the element berkelium, as it transforms into americium-232, a slightly lighter isotope. Berkelium was discovered in 1949 by a Berkeley Lab-led team. Central to the isotope's discovery was an instrument at the 88-Inch Cyclotron called FIONA, or For the Identification Of Nuclide A. The "A" in FIONA represents an element's mass number, which is the total number of protons (positively charged particles) and neutrons (uncharged particles) in an atom's nucleus. The new isotope's mass number is 244. advertisement "The most important tool that we had in this discovery was FIONA," said Pore, who was also part of the team that assisted in FIONA's testing and startup. FIONA precisely measured the mass number of the new isotope. Barbara Jacak, Nuclear Science Division director at Berkeley Lab, said, "We built FIONA to enable discoveries like this one, and it is exciting to see this instrument hitting its stride." Michael Thoennessen, a University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University who is on leave to serve as editor in chief of the American Physical Society, maintains a list of isotope discoveries and notes that the list of new isotopes has been thinner than usual over the past several years. "Isotope discoveries are cyclical and depend on new accelerators and major advances in experimental equipment development," he said. Berkeley Lab's FIONA and the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), a U.S. Department of Energy user facility in development at Michigan State University, are unique capabilities "with large discovery potential" for different types of new isotopes in the U.S., he noted. To ensure that FIONA's measurements were accurate, the research team first measured the decay properties and mass numbers of known mendelevium isotopes, including mendelevium-247, mendelevium-246, and mendelevium-245. "Once we were confident that we were well-versed in the properties of these light mendelevium isotopes, we attempted the experiment to discover the previously unobserved isotope mendelevium-244," Pore said. "Without the direct confirmation that we had produced an isotope with a mass number of 244, it would have been very difficult to disentangle the results and prove the discovery." To create such exotic isotopes -- even the lightest known form of mendelevium is still heavier than naturally occurring uranium -- scientists produced a particle beam at the 88-Inch Cyclotron containing charged particles of argon-40, an isotope of argon, and directed the beam at a thin foil target composed of bismuth-209, an isotope of bismuth. Occasionally in these experiments, a nucleus in the high-energy particle beam directly strikes and fuses with a nucleus in the target foil, producing a single atom of a heavier element. And for an isotope with a very short half-life, it's a race to take measurements of an atom before it decays away into something else. Berkeley's 88-Inch Cyclotron has another tool upstream of FIONA that is called the Berkeley Gas-Filled Separator. The separator helps pull out the relevant atoms that can be quickly and individually measured in detail with FIONA. Researchers may pursue other studies of mendelevium-244 with other instrumentation to try to learn more about its structure, Pore said. And now that FIONA has demonstrated its value in isotope discovery, Berkeley Lab researchers are setting their sights on other new isotopes. "We are already planning similar studies along other isotopic chains to discover new isotopes," Pore said. COLUMBUS, Ohio Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder said Thursday hes researching whether the Ohio Statehouse could be legally withdrawn from Columbus city limits, citing his concerns over Columbus leaders ability to protect state property from vandalism. Were researching it currently. If Columbus isnt interested in protecting state property we need to consider removing Cap Square from the City, Householder said in a statement, referring to Capitol Square, which contains the Statehouse and the surrounding state-owned properties. Householder previously has threatened to cut Columbus share of state local government funding to offset the cost of repairs, and to subpoena city officials in the Democratic-controlled Columbus government to question them about their orders to city police. He made the new threat in a podcast interview with the Ohio Christian Alliance that published Thursday. In the podcast interview, he compared what hes envisioning for Capitol Squares new legal status as similar to Washington, D.C., which is its own legal district thats entirely surrounded by Maryland and Virginia. He said he also might explore giving the state attorney generals office and not the Columbus city attorneys office, jurisdiction for property damage cases in Downtown Columbus. Efforts to contact experts on Ohios constitution for comment were not immediately successful. The threat is the latest in a round of vocal criticism from Householder against Republican Gov. Mike DeWine and Columbus city officials. Householder began airing out his concerns after last Thursday, when protesters smeared red paint on the Ohio Statehouse and surrounding grounds in what they told the Columbus Dispatch was a protest against police violence. The episode was the second incident of vandalism at the Statehouse. Shortly before midnight on May 28, a group of protesters broke windows and damaged doors, and one protester briefly broke in before being arrested by Columbus police, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. A State Highway Patrol spokesman said an investigation is ongoing over both incidents, which occurred against a backdrop of ongoing demonstrations against racism and police brutality. While Householder has criticized Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein, a Democrat, for dropping charges against some arrested protesters, the May 28 incident report shows troopers consider the break-in incident a felony, which would fall under the jurisdiction of Franklin County Prosecutor Ron OBrien, a Republican. He could not immediately be reached for comment. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, a Democrat, has said he did not order police to stand down as Householder has alleged, citing a report from a Columbus TV station that quoted a city police dispatcher. Householder said in his interview with the Ohio Christian Alliance that he believes city officials intentionally failed to protect state properties as a strategy to prevent protesters from damaging city or county properties. DeWine on Monday said after speaking with State Highway Patrol leadership, hed concluded there werent enough state troopers on site to prevent the Thursday incident from occurring. In the following days, state troopers, who provide security in state buildings, have dramatically increased their visibility outside the Statehouse, with more than 20 troopers seen Wednesday posted around the grounds and near statues and other landmarks. Read related coverage from cleveland.com: After Statehouse vandalism, Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder leans into condemning insurgent demonstrators Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine angry over Statehouse vandalism Like the country, Ohios legislature has been roiled by racial, partisan divides State officials assessing damage to Ohio Statehouse after Thursday protests escalate Speaker Larry Householder has been a consistent critic of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine during coronavirus response How much is a person's life worth? For some, its only $60 worth of four phone chargers in a Target store. Florida inmate killed in prison for doing this crime In 2018, a man in Florida was arrested for robbery using a deadly weapon after caught stealing four sets of phone chargers in a Target store. The man, identified as 51-year-old Christopher Howell of Palm Beach County, admitted pointing a knife on the store's security guard after he was caught stealing the items. He first walked out of a Home Depot store and stole a new folding knife. After this, Howell tried to steal some more and went inside of a Target store wherein he stole the chargers. When the guard sees him walking out without trying to pay for the items, the guard immediately approaches the man. At first, he gave up the two sets of phone chargers. But when he was pressed to give out all the items he stole, Howell already felt the need to fight against the guard, and pointed a knife at him, to let him go. The estimated amount of the four phone chargers ranges at $60, making it $15 each. The ruling of his case charged him with a four-year sentence in prison due to the deadly weapon used at the guard. Then this happens... Howell was already on the halfway of his sentence and scheduled to be released on June 3, 2022. However, this did not happen. The inmate, according to Fox News, was beaten to death in prison by a corrections officer while being handcuffed after refusing a command. Other police officers in the scene did not stop the said crime and only watched the incident. Miami Herald reported that officials from the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) will not release the details about the death of the inmate. They only said that this case was "an isolated incident occurred involving a use of force." Sources also told that Howell suffers from a broken neck. After he was done beating, other officers went to revive him but failed to do so. The organization wants officers to be punished It was reported that due to the misdemeanor acts of the correction officer that killed Howell, organizations planned to demonstrate outside of State Attorney Brad King's office, whose jurisdiction includes Lake County, in order to serve some justice with the death of the inmate. "These brutal attacks must stop in our Florida Correctional Institutions," Hart, D-Tampa, said in a statement. "This is not the first time the use of force has caused injury or death to inmates at this facility." ALSO READ: You're Charging Your Smartphone The Wrong Way: 7 Charging Mistakes That Affect Battery Life 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Ashwini M Sripad By Express News Service BENGALURU: With the number of Covid-19 positive cases increasing steadily, specially in Bengaluru, and many localities and towns voluntarily shutting down, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa is expected to take a decision on the way forward when his Cabinet meets on Thursday. Several lawmakers from the city, including from the BJP, too have appealed to the CM to impose a lockdown in the city for 15 days. As things stand, the State Government has directed officials to strictly enforce lockdown norms in places where there are more number of cases. The CM had earlier ruled out the possibility of continuing with the lockdown and had stated that his government will take all necessary measures to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, even as it takes steps to boost economic activities. With businesses opening up under Unlock 1.0, the government is seeing green shoots in the revenue stream and the CM is likely to take a calibrated approach to tackling the pandemic while boosting the economy. Revenue Minister R Ashoka too is not in favour of a lockdown as it will hamper revenue collection. Ramanagara, Magadi join lockdown bandwagon Meanwhile, two days after state Congress president-designate and Kanakapura MLA D K Shivakumar appealed for a voluntary lockdown in his constituency till July 1, Magadi and Ramanagara taluks also decided to join in on Friday. Vendors and other businessmen have decided to stop all economic activities and keep only essential services open between 7 am and 11 am. At Shiggaon in Haveri district, hoteliers and vendors have voluntarily shut their businesses till the month-end and only grocery and vegetable shops will be open between 7 am and 9 am. Locals have appealed to the tahsildhar to impose a 15-day lockdown.Senior Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy felt that the government made a mistake by lifting the lockdown when the number of Covid-19 cases were increasing. Ideally, it should have done when the number of cases start decreasing, he said. Nelamangala JDS MLA Dr K Srinivasamurthy has called for a meeting with the local authorities on Thursday to discuss the lockdown in his constituency. By this, the fourth and final entry in this series, you should have a grasp of information security basics. Lets take stock of them before continuing down the rabbit hole. How to Stay Safe on the Internet, Part 1 How to Stay Safe on the Internet, Part 2: Take Canaries Into the Data Mine How to Stay Safe on the Internet, Part 3: Drive the Black Hatters Mad Youve examined a variety of attack vectors and ways to close them off. In observing their patterns, youve learned the weak points that are exposed inherently online, and thus require intervention. Youve learned that any software or operator handling your communication controls it. Information security comes down to breaking this hold. To do that, you either excise intermediaries when that is possible, or you encrypt your connections through them when it isnt. In the process, you also discovered that humans are bad at devising truly random outputs, so you cant assume that passwords your brain thinks up are random enough. Our most glaring weakness is our tendency to trust our instinctual assessments automatically. This normalcy bias also lowers our guard when people request sensitive information. Category 2 adversaries are nothing to sneeze at, but their resources are finite. If you armor up enough, they will give up, and move onto an easier comparable target. In confronting the threat of category 3, everything you have learned ratchets up to a whole new level of paranoia. Category 3 adversaries have functionally unlimited resources for pursuing top targets. Often called nation-state actors or advanced persistent threats (APTs), they have tax revenue, national sovereignty and the law behind them. Pontificate With Extreme Prejudice Before continuing, consider the following. First, the guidance in this part of our series almost certainly doesnt apply to you. You may find it interesting, and you probably will gain from it. However, statistically, you will never face this level of threat. If for some reason this guide does apply to you, you are going to need significantly more help than I can provide. At present, I would fail at fending off a nation-state. I dont know anyone who could resist one for more than a month or two, either. Rather than taking this guide as the authoritative word on defense against nation-states, use it as a jumping off point for further research. I recommend studying the Electronic Frontier Foundations Surveillance Self-Defense manual next, followed by the Open Source Society University degree track. There are many more worthy resources you should consult, but these are a modest start. As the volume of information implies, you need a thorough computer science background to stand a chance. Second, even if you practice only the techniques that this piece presents, your operational security (OPSEC) must be impeccable. That is, you will probably fail. A D V E R T I S E M E N T OPSEC is your discipline in following the security controls prescribed by your threat model. As I noted at the outset of this series, security comes at the cost of convenience, and when you are facing the ultimate threat, the sacrifice of convenience is total. Thats why the best OPSEC practitioners keep their pursuers at bay only for a few years. So, have a contingency plan for when you fail. Only you will know what that looks like. So who does this installment apply to? National security or international affairs journalists, for one. This goes doubly for those reviewing classified information or sensitive sources. Secrets are invaluable to nation-states, and they will stop at nothing to hunt down those that leak out. High-profile political dissidents also can find themselves in nation-states crosshairs. These dissenters advocate policies that governments view as extreme enough to justify silencing by any means. Finally, military technology researchers should anticipate category 3 attacks. Nation-states compromise engineers developing sources of military or economic advantage all the time, so they can glean a copy of the work and level the playing field. Trust No Ones or Zeroes Its important to understand trust in computing. Here, trust is bad. Specifically, trusting something, like hardware or software or the entity that maintains it, means you have to trust it with handling your data. In a trust relationship, you cant defend against whatever youre trusting: You can only hope it doesnt betray you. Instead, adopt a no-trust posture. Without trust, you dont have to trust some entity that touches your data. You reach this posture by implementing measures ensuring youre not harmed if the entity tries undermining you. End-to-end encryption is an example of obviating trust. A VPN, for instance, renders an ISP incapable of snooping on you, so you dont have to trust it. To stave off category 3, the number of entities you trust must be zero. Your Adversaries Are in the Army Now Government adversaries are extremely dangerous because they bring a governments resources to bear. They have enormous budgets. Deep pockets allow APTs to staff dedicated agencies with hackers. They can afford expensive toys, like supercomputers for brute force attacks, or zero-day vulnerabilities (found on the gray market) for crafting custom exploits. Another advantage nation-states enjoy is the power to grant their agents legal immunity. To paraphrase technologist Chris Soghoian, just as soldiers can kill people without going to prison, government hackers can compromise you with impunity. Its one of the main attractions for hackers who seek gainful employment. Finally, government actors can employ legal coercion. Simply put, they can order digital service providers to rat you out. Legally supported actions can range from requests for your data to orders compelling service providers to insert backdoors. Snippets of code inside other programs allow root access to anyone who knows how they work, making it trivial to spy on users. An exhaustive listing of the techniques nation-state actors actually use is impossible. Few feats are impossible for them. The weapons they array against their targets are a matter of what nation-states are willing to do to nail a target. With so many targets, its not likely that you, the hypothetical prey, are near the top of an APTs list. Thus, you have an opening: Make it so onerous to attack you that its not worth the strategic payoff. You cant necessarily know what the tipping point is, but if you are sure you are hounded by an APT, you have to try. With all of that said, lets dive right into countermeasures, and Ill explain along the way what they aim to counter. Defense against category 3 involves two considerations: the tools to use, and the OPSEC required to use them. This Is My Computer. There Are Many Like It, but This Ones Mine. The truly ideal approach would be to run your devices through a woodchipper, incinerate the shards in a blast furnace, and throw the remains into the ocean. If thats not an option, read on. Odds are if you are laboring this ardently to secure your computer, its because you need it for communication. All communication being mediated by some provider, start by picking one that is committed to protecting user privacy. A good bet is to choose an email provider, chat server, etc., that is incorporated outside your enemys jurisdiction. Your adversary government then has to inveigle the providers government to execute the records request, to which the latter will not always acquiesce. A D V E R T I S E M E N T The next thing you should do is route all your communications through Tor. Tor is a network designed to make users anonymous by shuffling around all user traffic before routing it to the proper destinations. Essentially, it puts a VPN on steroids. A VPNs weakness is that a moderately competent attacker can get around it. VPNs are effective against adversaries that can see either the clients connection to the VPN, or the VPN servers connection to the Internet, but not both. ISPs fit this profile, since they only see your device connecting to the VPN. However, foes at or above the top tier category 2 can observe traffic on both sides of VPNs. If they see your device hit the VPN, and then an instant later see the VPN hit a website, they can put two and two together. Instead of routing via one proxy, as VPNs do, Tor uses three consecutive proxies. Schematically, your traffic travels from your device to Tor node A, from Tor node A to Tor node B, from Tor node B to Tor node C, and finally from Tor node C to your destination. Along this path, your connection is triply encrypted: the B-C leg is encrypted with Cs key, the A-B leg with Bs key, and the device-A leg with As key, in that order. This way, although A knows who you are, it doesnt know where youre going. Correspondingly, C will know where your connection is going, but it wont know who made the request. This makes it difficult to follow your traffic through the Tor network, complicating the correlation attacks that work on VPNs. Oh, and for good measure, Tor switches the nodes you use every five minutes. Tor offers the Tor Browser, which lets you browse via Tor. However, that protects only your Web browsing, so Im not talking about that. You have to configure your system to route all Internet traffic through Tor. This is too system-dependent to delineate here, but there are guides on how to do this. Once this is set, though, everything your device sends or receives filters through Tor. Assuming you dont do anything to out yourself (a matter of OPSEC, discussed below), this makes your traffic functionally anonymous. Using Tor does not preclude a nation-state from spying on you, but it does force it to attack Tor itself instead of demanding records from a third-party or sniffing your connection off taps on the Internet backbone. These sources contain traces of your activity, but are not attributed to you. Along with Tor, concealing the source of your communications requires MAC address spoofing. A MAC address is a unique hardware serial number for your devices network interface controller (NIC). Your device NIC bundles its MAC address inside the metadata of every packet it sends. With MAC spoofing, your software substitutes an arbitrary MAC for your hardware MAC in the packet instead. Without this step, a nation-state that knows your MAC address wont be fooled by Tor. Against high-caliber adversaries, you also have to trade up your encryption to PGP. Despite their learning curve, PGP keys provide some of the most powerful and versatile encryption around. A D V E R T I S E M E N T In a nutshell, PGP keys work in pairs: One can decrypt anything the other encrypts. If you hand out one of the duo to anyone who wants to communicate with you and keep the other for yourself, anyone can encrypt messages that only you can decrypt. The strength of PGP keys is that they can encrypt anything, anywhere. Whether its email content, text files, video and audio, or even text posted on the Web, PGP can encrypt it all. Another neat trick is it can sign data to affirmatively attribute it to the keys creator. Properly utilized, PGP will prove highly dependable. Though it has been around since the 90s, to this day it remains unbroken. Any hope of fending off APTs also means switching to an open source operating system (OS). In practice, this means installing either Linux or FreeBSD on your desktop device (i.e. desktop or laptop). Android isnt good enough (Ill explain later). Open source OSes are not necessarily more secure than proprietary ones, but because their source code is available to the public, it can be audited to discover tampering. Open source OSes are developed in so many jurisdictions that you are guaranteed to find one outside your adversarys grasp. As with extraterritorial communication providers, OS foreign developers insulate them from legal orders. Whatever OS you choose, enable full-disk encryption, too. Ive said a lot about encrypting communications data in transit but you also can encrypt data at rest. Without encryption, the data on your hard drive is stored in readable form, meaning anyone who snatches your hard drive can see all your files. Encrypting your hard drive protects not just user files like documents, videos, etc. but your OSs core files as well. Unfortunately, thats still not enough its not that simple. Think about this: If your computers entire OS on the disk is scrambled, how would your computer know how to boot? The answer is it wouldnt. Thats why, in reality, a small bit of your OSs boot data is unencrypted even under full-disk encryption. This leaves you open to attack if, say, your adversary deployed a team to break into your home, pop your hard drive out, replace your boot code with its own, and pop it back in. Every subsequent boot, your computer will seem to run normally, but will invisibly execute whatever it is your adversary wants. Not good. Enter secure boot. Basically, secure boot is a motherboard firmware process that allows a boot only if the signature on the unencrypted boot sector checks out. Most modern computers do this by default, but with the manufacturers key, meaning youre trusting it. Although its tricky, you can create your own encryption key, sign your OSs boot sector, and then flash the key to your secure boot register. Theres a snag here, too. If your adversary bugs your hardware itself, nothing youve done so far can help you. For that, theres open hardware. This is currently less mature than open source, but it embodies the same concept: transparent specifications allow the detection of tampering. The vulnerability that open hardware tackles is not theoretical. Its childs play to re-flash a computers BIOS (motherboard firmware) with a backdoored lookalike. Nation-state actors also could somehow breach Intels Management Engine, a tiny, totally opaque OS running underneath your computers OS. If that doesnt work, your government can just intercept your new computer, or get its hands on your existing computer and insert a bug in it. Although Ive barely scratched the surface of category 3 attack vectors, the fact that all these mitigations are necessary and proportionate should make it clear that these adversaries are no joke. OPSEC: Sharpening the Warrior, Not the Weapon OPSEC is the other half of the nation-state threat model. Without unassailable OPSEC, all of your tools are worthless. First and foremost, ditch your phone. Cellular baseband-equipped devices (collectively mobile devices) are perfectly optimized to track you. For one thing, your mobile device expresses un-spoofable hardware serial numbers as it reports your location to your carrier in real time. This puts you one legal order way from having your every move exposed. It doesnt matter how secure your desktop device is if your mobile device is nearby. Then theres always that microphone your adversary can turn on. So, why not just repeat what you did for your desktop? Well, you cant. One, you cant install fully open source software on it. Its practically impossible to install purely open source Android on a mobile device without proprietary drivers, and by law cellular basebands must contain proprietary firmware for radio frequency compliance. Two, mobile devices dont allow you to run secure boot with custom keys. Three, mobile open hardware is not ready for prime time, so you have to trust the hardware. Finally, architecturally, the SIM is the master of your mobile device, letting it override literally anything you do. With mobile devices brimming with fatal, unavoidable vulnerabilities, the only winning move in this strange game is to not play. A D V E R T I S E M E N T Additionally, choose your networks carefully. Obviously, you never should connect from your home network, but dont pin all your hopes on Tor either. Always assume that your IP is exposed. Never log onto the same network twice. Instead, rotate through public networks without leaving a pattern. Since youll be traveling to use networks, youll also want to practice basic counterintelligence techniques. Be able to tell if youre being tailed in physical space. Counterintelligence doesnt stop there, though. You also must know how to figure out if your contacts have been compromised. The easiest way to reach someone is through their associates. In the digital context, this usually isnt being turned la spy thriller, but having a device compromised to monitor interactions with you. The remedy here is to ensure either that your contacts forget you or that they practice everything in this guide along with you. Communication is a two-way street. If your associates fail at any of these steps, the outcome is the same as if you failed. To the extent that you hope to retain a normal life, you must bifurcate your secure and normal lives strictly. Never transfer any file, message, or other digital artifact between devices, accounts or platforms across this divide. Moreover, dont behave in similar ways in each life. Patterns like the contents of concurrently open tabs or the order in which you visit sites are enough to identify your unique behavior. To summarize OPSEC, dont make a move unless youve completely thought it through. Where the Path Ends, the Wilderness Begins At this point, Ive said about all I can. The reasons one might face category 3 threats are so numerous and personal that only you can determine how best to apply the tools and techniques herein. Although there is much left for the category 3 targets to do, everyone who reads this should be equipped to reevaluate your threat models and extend your toolset, no matter the threat you face. Security is a journey, but only some of the trail is blazed. Good luck, and may you have sharp machetes. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 26) The countrys COVID-19 inter-agency task force has approved the request to bring home the remains of more than 100 overseas Filipino workers who died of coronavirus in Saudi Arabia, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III announced Friday. Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello told CNN Philippines' New Day that the decision was based on the knowledge from health officials that it was safe to bring home the bodies of the overseas workers who caught the viral disease. "After consulting with Health Secretary Francisco Duque and DOH Undersecretary Mario Villaverde, who consulted with the World Health Organization, we found out that it is safe to bring home even those OFWs who died of COVID-19, of course after observing all the safety protocols," he said. Bello later on said during a House hearing that the Transportation department will send two cargo aircraft to Saudi Arabia to bring the remains home. Middle of next week, we will fly to KSA and take our dead heroes and bring them back to our country, he told a House hearing Friday afternoon on governments migration policy response to COVID-19. These bodies will then be cremated immediately once their remains have been safely brought here in the Philippines, with only limited people to be allowed to attend the funeral, Bello added. The initial plan is for the government chartered two flights to evacuate the remains on the second week of July, the official said. A total of 301 bodies of overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia will be brought home next month, the Labor Department said in a statement. Of this number, 152 succumbed to the coronavirus infection while 149 due to other causes. On Monday, Philippine Ambassador Adnan Alonto told a briefing that the remains of 353 OFWs were up for disposition, including 107 who succumbed to COVID-19 and 246 who died of natural causes and in various crime incidents. It is unclear why there is a discrepancy in numbers. Meanwhile, the families of the OFWs thanked the task force and Duterte for granting their appeal as they continued to express hopes that this will materialize. Kami po ay nagtitiwala at nananalig na hindi nyo bibiguin ang pamilyang Pilipino at ang ating mga Bagong Bayani, they said in a statement. [Translation: We trust that you would not let down the Filipino families and our modern heroes.] The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases earlier position was to evacuate only those OFWs who died of non-COVID-19 causes, citing safety issues. Shortly after, their families appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte and the IATF to reconsider their decision. Bello said that the least they could do to these OFWs often hailed as "modern day heroes" is to give them the right to be buried in their homeland. Despite the multi-million-dollar advertising campaign by Amazon boasting how safe conditions are for workers, the COVID-19 pandemic is spreading throughout the companys warehouses and on-the-job injuries continue as workloads increase due to more online shopping. At least 88 Amazon workers have tested positive for the COVID-19 infection at the companys Shakopee, Minnesota warehouse, 18 miles southwest of Minneapolis. In Kenosha, Wisconsin, just south of Milwaukee, at least 60 workers have become infected. While Amazon will not publicly release information on the number of infections and deaths, former Amazon employee Jana Jumpp has compiled a list showing that at least 1,600 workers have been infected by the deadly disease and at least 10 have died. The International Amazon Workers Voice was recently contacted by an injured worker who has been given the run-around by the trillion-dollar corporation after being hurt on the job. The worker, who used the pseudonym Alex, had been injured a week earlier in a fall inside one of AmazonFreshs food freezers. I normally have to handle 8-10 bags of food at a time for customers, Alex stated. Particular orders can contain all sorts of food combinations, including multiple Coca-Cola cans and large items. I spent 50 minutes inside these freezers, he said, and the manager keeps telling us to go faster. This particular day, the floor was wet and frozen. I fell and landed on my wrist, said Alex. This was not the first time, he said, that a worker had fallen in the freezer where Amazon is known to confine workers for hours at a time to pick items to ship. Having injured his wrist, Alex sought to see a medic. I told the manager, but he didnt care. Instead, Alex was instructed to go to the restroom and then back to work. With a swollen hand and in pain, however, he could not work. After finding a sympathetic manager, he was given a form to fill out. Having finally been given permission to see the companys in-house medic, Alex was then placed in contact with a doctor of the companys choosing. I was told not to go to the hospital, he said. Alex suspects that Amazon did this to avoid having to pay workers compensation. It was determined that he had fallen and broken his wrist. The companys doctor prescribed Alex be put on a job involving light duty work, taking co-workers temperatures at the front entrance as part of Amazons response to the coronavirus. Fearing that his wrist would not heal properly, Alex sought to take time off to rest. That is when things became complicated. When he tried to report for work on Sunday last week, his identification card would not work. They are playing games with me, he said on the phone to the IAWV, clearly in an agitated state. Alex was told to call human resources, but the number would not connect. I called 10 times, I could not get through. When Alex went back to work, his card was still deactivated. They are giving me the run around, playing games, he said. They want me to come to the warehouse to get reactivated, but I cant even get in the door without the punch card. This is not the first time that the companys automated human resource phone service has created bottlenecks and complications for workers simply seeking to straighten out minor administrative issues. According to Bloomberg News, the design of Amazons HR department reflects the strengths and weaknesses of the companys culture. Its heavily automated, which helps Amazon grow quickly and restrain costs but these days leaves employees hitting dead ends with chatbots, smartphone apps and phone trees. Bloomberg spoke to a number of Amazon employees who were owed back pay for time spent on sick leave or in quarantine, have been scheduled for shifts while sick, or were denied leave despite providing documentation of conditions Amazon says should make them eligible to stay home without pay. The IAWV has reported on other occasions that workers were denied sick pay while being forced to quarantine after having likely contracted the deadly virus. In this case, Alex had a doctors confirmation of his injury and was still being denied the right to take time off. Amazon has made a literal killing off of the exploitation of its workers as millions have sheltered in place throughout the pandemic. The corporation has raked in billions in profits while going on a mass hiring spree, beefing up its workforce to nearly 850,000 employees. These workers were hired and sent to work without even having proper personal protective equipment, in many cases. Predictably, Amazon warehouses have become a vector for the transmission of COVID-19, with large outbreaks in Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York and other locations. In a 60 Minutes interview last month, Dave Clark, Amazons head of US operations, claimed the companys infection rate was just under what the actual community infection rate is. Clark asserted that whatever infections were being transmitted at Amazons warehouses were being brought into the facilities by the workers themselves, who were not practicing social distancing outside the job. When asked by an interviewer for the actual number of cases reported, Clark stated this information isnt particularly useful. Ive worked there for more than a year, and now that Im hurt and cant make them any money, they just want to get rid of me, like Im garbage or something, Alex said. They dont care about people, he said. They always say that safety is their number one concern, but then, once you work for them, all you hear is faster! Alex spoke about Amazons insufficient social distancing precautions in regard to COVID-19. Its impossible not to touch other people and break social distancing at Amazon, he said, concluding by denouncing the company. Amazon is a scam! Last month, it was reported that the company had planted false news reports in over a dozen local media programs around the United States touting the companys fictional safety measures it had implemented during the pandemic. New Delhi, June 25 : After the BJP cornered the Congress on the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF) receiving donations from the Chinese Embassy here, the Congress responded that "the BJP should stop living in 2005" and alleged that the ruling party is adopting "diversionary tactics" to avoid answering questions on the Chinese transgressions in Ladakh. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "Please stop living in 2005 and start answering questions in 2020". The chairperson of the RGF's board of trustees is party interim chief Sonia Gandhi , while its board includes former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi, among others. The Congress countered the BJP on its allegations on RGF, saying "don't adopt diversionary tactics instead of answering the questions raised by the Congress," said Surjewala. The controversy erupted after BJP alleged that "Donations showed results soon after. RGF did not just one but several studies on how a Free Trade Agreement between India and China is desirable and required. Studies argued that India needs the FTA much more than China and should pursue it as part of its efforts to improve bilateral relations! " said Amit Malviya, head of the BJP's IT cell. The Congress posed counter questions and asked "Why is the government mum about Chinese presence in eastern Ladakh area, in the national interest the nation wants to know the answer to these questions instead of diversionary tactics of the present BJP government." Surjewala said "I can ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government, is it not true that the only Chief Minister (as Gujarat CM) who visited China 4 times is none less than Prime Minister Modi, the only Prime Minister who visited China five times is Prime Minister Modi, the only Prime Minister who called the Chinese premier three times is Prime Minister Modi." The Congress alleged that meetings between BJP and RSS with Chinese delegations were "anti-India". as the opposition party posed a barrage of questions to the BJP. Is not true that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh held a consultation in 2009 with Chinese Communist Party and did not Rajnath Singh receive and hold a meeting with Chinese delegation in 2008? Is it not true that then BJP President Nitin Gadkari on January 19, 2011, led a delegation to China and held consultations? "Are these consultations anti-India? Is it not true that BJP sent a 13-member parliamentary delegation to China to study their political system, were these anti-India activities?" asked Surjewala. Indian Mound Neighborhood board issues letter distancing themselves from KCPD KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Indian Mound Neighborhood Association in northeast Kansas City, Missouri said it's up to them to solve issues in their community and should not rely on the Kansas City, Missouri, Police for everything. In the midst of a historic local homicide spike and culture war push back against law enforcement this community wants to seek alternative solutions to crime other than police involvement . . . Read more: One month after the killing of George Floyd, the mass multi-racial demonstrations against police violence are in danger of being hijacked and misdirected by reactionary political forces who are attempting to promote racial divisions, sabotage the unity of working people and youth, and undermine the development of the class struggle against capitalism. This campaign is now concentrated on desecrating and destroying the statues of figures who led the American Revolution and the Civil War. It is difficult to find words that adequately express the sense of revulsion produced by the monstrous attacks on memorials that honor the memory of Abraham Lincoln, the United States greatest president, who led the country during the Second American Revolution that destroyed the Slave Power and emancipated millions of enslaved African Americans. On the evening of April 14, 1865, less than a week after the surrender of the main Confederate army, which brought the four-year Civil War to an end, Lincoln was shot in the head by the pro-slavery actor John Wilkes Booth. Nine hours later, at 7:22 on the morning of April 15, Lincoln died of the wound inflicted by the assassin. Standing beside Lincolns death bed, Secretary of War Edwin Stanton famously declared: Now he belongs to the ages. Lincolns martyrdom produced an outpouring of grief throughout the United States and the world. The working class recognized that it had lost a great champion of democracy and human equality. Karl Marx, writing on behalf of the International Working Mens Association, wrote in the days after Lincolns assassination that he was one of the rare men who succeed in becoming great, without ceasing to be good. Abraham Lincoln was an extraordinarily complex man, whose life and politics reflected the contradictions of his time. He could not, as he once stated, escape history. Determined to save the Union, he was driven by the logic of the bloody civil war to resort to revolutionary measures. In the course of the brutal struggle, Lincoln gave expression to the revolutionary-democratic aspirations that inspired hundreds of thousands of Americans to fight and sacrifice their lives for a new birth of freedom. Every period of political upsurge in the United States has drawn inspiration from Lincolns life. Since its opening in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC has been the site of some of the most important moments in the struggle against racial oppression and for equality. In 1939, when Hitlers Nazis were on the march in Europe and fascism had many sympathizers among the American ruling elite, the famous African American contralto Marian Anderson was denied the right to sing at Constitution Hall. So instead she sang on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial before a crowd of 75,000. In 1963, at the March on Washington, Martin Luther King, Jr. stood at the same location as he delivered his I Have a Dream speech, calling for equality and racial integration before a crowd of 250,000. Later in that decade, tens of thousands of youth protesting the Vietnam War assembled at the monument. It is not coincidental that the working-class upsurge of the 1930s was associated with many great artistic depictions of Lincoln, including the films Young Mr. Lincoln (1939) and Abe Lincoln in Illinois (1940). Aaron Coplands beloved orchestral-narrative masterpiece, Lincoln Portrait (1942), concludes with the declaration that the sixteenth president of the United States is ever-lasting in the memory of his countrymen. But now, 155 years after the tragedy at Fords Theater, Lincoln is the subject of a second assassination. This one must not succeed. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Washington DCs nonvoting delegate to Congress, said she will introduce a bill to remove the famous Emancipation Monument from the Lincoln Park in Washington, DC. The race-fixated protesters have declared their intention to tear down the monument, which was paid for by former slaves and movingly dedicated by black abolitionist Frederick Douglass in 1876. The designers of the Emancipation Statue in Lincoln Park in DC didnt take into account the views of African Americans, Norton stated in a Tweet. Democrats assert that the statue demeans the black community because it depicts Lincoln freeing a slave crouched in a runners pose, which the sculptor intended to symbolize the liberation of the Civil War. Nortons reactionary effort is being supported by Democratic Party officials in Boston, who will hold hearings in the coming weeks to entertain demands for the removal of a replica of the Emancipation Memorial in that city. Lincoln is not the only leader of the anti-Confederate forces to be targeted. In San Francisco last week, a statue of Ulysses S. Grant, the great general of the victorious Union army and later president of the United States, was torn down. An even filthier example of the racialist campaign is the desecration of the Boston monument honoring the legendary 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The 54th Massachusetts, led by abolitionist Robert Gould Shaw, was the second all-black regiment organized in the Civil War. Protesters object to the fact that the 54th, famously depicted in the film Glory (1989), was commanded by a white officer, Shaw. Holland Cotter, the New York Times co-chief art critic, slandered the monument as a white supremacist visual for its depiction of Shaw leading his African American battalion. Another Union monument, a statue of abolitionist Hans Christian Heg (18291863), was pulled down Tuesday night in Madison, Wisconsin. The statue was beheaded before being thrown into a nearby lake. A Norwegian immigrant, Heg led the 15th Wisconsin regiment, known as the Scandinavian Regiment, against the Confederacy. Prior to the war, Heg, a member of the Free Soil Party, fiercely opposed slavery and headed an anti-slave catcher militia in Wisconsin. He was killed at the age of 33 at the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863. The Socialist Equality Party rejects all the lame liberal excuses and justifications that are offered to legitimize the desecration of these memorials. Actions, whatever the motivations ascribed to them, have objective significance and very real political consequences. The assault on Lincoln monuments and other memorials honoring the leaders of the American Revolution and Civil War are political provocations aimed at whipping up racial animosities. Such provocations are well-known forms of communalist politics, which resemble the burning down of Muslim mosques by Hindu fanatics or Hindu temples by Muslim fanatics. Here in the United States, the statues are being attacked as examples of white rule. The attacks on the statues are the outcome of a campaign by the two capitalist parties and various reactionary elements in the upper-middle class to racialize and communalize American politics. The growing intensity of this campaign is a response to the upsurge of working-class militancy, which is seen as a threat to capitalism. Far from welcoming the interracial unity displayed in the demonstrations against police brutality, the ruling elites and most affluent sections of the middle class are terrified by its political implications. In the promotion of racial politics, there is a division of labor between the Democratic and Republican parties. Trump and the Republicans pitch their appeal to the most politically disoriented elements in American society, manipulating their economic insecurities in a manner intended to incite racial antagonism and deflect social anger away from the capitalist system. The Democratic Party employs another variant of communalist politics, evaluating and explaining all social problems and conflicts in racial terms. Whatever the particular issue may bepoverty, police brutality, unemployment, low wages, deaths caused by the pandemicit is almost exclusively defined in racial terms. In this racialized fantasy world, whites are endowed with an innate privilege that exempts them from all hardship. This grotesque distortion of present-day reality requires a no less grotesque distortion of the past. For contemporary America to be portrayed as a land of relentless racial warfare, it is necessary to create a historical narrative in the same terms. In place of the class struggle, the entire history of the United States is presented as the story of perpetual racial conflict. Even before the outbreak of the pandemic, efforts to create racial foundations for contemporary communalist politics were well underway. The New York Times, the principal voice of corporate and financial patrons of the Democratic Party, concocted the insidious 1619 Project, the central purpose of which was to promote a racial narrative. The main argument of this project, which was unveiled in August 2019, was that the American Revolution was undertaken to protect North American slavery and that the Civil War, led by the racist Abraham Lincoln, had nothing to do with the ending of slavery. The slaves, so the new story went, liberated themselves. The purpose of lies about history, as Trotsky explained, is to conceal real social contradictions. In this case, the contradictions are those embedded in the staggering levels of social inequality produced by capitalism. These contradictions can be resolved on a progressive basis only through the methods of class struggle, in which the working class fights consciously to put an end to capitalism and replaces it with socialism. Efforts to divert and sabotage that struggle by dissolving class identity into the miasma of racial identity lead inexorably in the direction of fascism. Through the promotion of a racial version of communalism, all factions of the ruling class seek to divide the working class so as to better exploit it and ward off the threat of revolution. It is no coincidence that when American society is straining under the weight of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 120,000 people and sparked an economic crisis on the scale of the Great Depression, the Democrats are ever-more ferociously seeking to make race the fundamental issue. The alternative to the politics of racial communalism is the socialist politics of working-class unity. This is the program of the Socialist Equality Party, and those who agree with this perspective should join our party. Osama bin Laden a martyr, says Pak PM Imran Khan while criticising USA Pakistan Prime Minister caused outrage after referring to slain terrorist Osama bin Laden as a 'martyr'. While speaking in the National Assembly, Imran Khan referred to US forces' raid in Abbottabad, and said that the al-Qaeda leader was 'martyred'. Khan also criticised the United States of America for criticising Pakistan despite the Asian nation's 'cooperation in the war on terror'. Watch the full video for more. ...read more In the interview, he said the goal was to protect lives, not to hurt police officers, and called criticism of those efforts hypocritical. We talk about uplifting and upholding the Second Amendment, but it seems to be the hypocrisy of America that when black people start talking about arming themselves and defending themselves, [that] talk is violent, Newsome said in the segment. But when white people grab assault rifles and go to our nations, their state capitals, its all good. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The head of the group that represents Black Cleveland police officers wants to make clear that he is not calling for the police department to be defunded. But he said hes willing to listen to the communitys calls for police reforms, which includes the so-called defund the police movement. As the Black Lives Matter movement sweeps the consumer market, Afghan biscuits, Eskimo Pie ice cream, and Chicos and Red Skins lollies are getting new identities on supermarket shelves. The hasty renaming is prompting celebration from some shoppers but scepticism from some experts, as brands reassert their commitment to respect. Nestle announced the name change for Chicos and Red Skins lollies on Tuesday, which are sold under the brand name Allen's in New Zealand, to ensure "friends, neighbours and colleagues" weren't marginalised. It said the names had overtones which were "out of step with Nestle's values, which are rooted in respect". Griffin's said on Wednesday it was in the process of finding a new name for its Afghan biscuits, which could be named in reference to the 19th century Afghan wars, although it acknowledged "there are other theories in circulation". Tip Top has also pledged to rename its Eskimo Pie ice cream bars and remove the eskimo character printed on the packet within the next few months, because the name had "changed meaning" since the product was introduced in 1940. Pascall's has also announced it will be changing the name of its eskimo lollies. Melanie Sharma-Barrow, a consultant whose firm educates companies on diversity and culture, says brands should set a good example. "When you're at the supermarket you want to feed your family, you want to feed yourself. It's really difficult to ask New Zealanders to make that choice of awareness. It's hard enough to make people think about the language they use." The contention around Eskimo Pie and eskimo lollies dates back at least as far as 2009, when Christchurch-based l'Universite de Montreal academic Nicole Gombay drew attention to the effect the depictions had on some inuit communities. At the time, Pascall said the overwhelming majority of consumers did not find Eskimos to be offensive. "What is remarkable about New Zealand is the degree to which, relatively speaking, there is an awareness about, and sensitivity to, indigenous issues. At some level perhaps that has become stronger over the years," says Nicole. Victoria University of Wellington's marketing and international business school head Val Hooper says people can rightly ask why brands are making changes, and asserting their brands are "rooted in respect" now, when black lives have always mattered. "Companies are driven by the need to make profit and their shareholders want them to make profit. But I think this has become a very big thing and a very big international thing, so while their previous stand and previous naming was tolerated I think now the push is so overt that companies feel obliged to make these decisions and to change potentially offensive names." Arguably one of New Zealand's foremost authorities on sweet treats is writer Madeleine Chapman, who ranked all 65 dairy lollies and all 142 biscuit flavours in New Zealand from worst to best for The Spinoff. She thought eskimo lollies could probably be removed from the shelf entirely because they are "disgusting", but says it's not hard for companies to ensure their lolly names are inoffensive. "A biscuit name or a lolly name or a confectionary name should have no effect on anyone. I mean you can literally call it anything. "It's kind of amazing that people in the first place saw a bunch of sugar clumped together and thought of a race of people or a certain community. I mean, just call it 'lino' or something, that's just a thing I'm looking at now." Val Hooper says we might never know why controversial names are able to creep into New Zealand lolly cupboards, but brands should double check that their values are reflected in every aspect of their business, including their product names. The beauty industry is also reconsidering its branding in response to criticism over racism. -Katie Todd/RNZ Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 23:26:30|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MINSK, June 25 (Xinhua) -- High school students in Belarus eyeing a slot in college attended the first day of national entrance exams on Thursday. All classrooms will be equipped with hand sanitizers, and seats will be arranged taking into account the requirements of social distancing. According to the education ministry, a total of 64,300 people have registered for the exams, down from 76,900 in 2019. Russian, English, mathematics and biology are the most popular subjects this year. Traditionally, the college entrance exam in Belarus begins on June 13. However, due to the coronavirus outbreak, authorities postponed the exams this year. Tests will run through July 23. Enditem The Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association (MMCA), today released national opinion survey results showing overwhelming public support for Congressional relief efforts to save diverse and local media impacted by COVID-19. The organization also issued a call to action that includes asking Congress to enact an annual tax credit of up to $200 to offset the cost of a subscription to local and multicultural media. The American people view reliable and readily accessible news and information as vital to their very existence. This is especially true for underserved communities who would otherwise be without a watch dog for government and corporate accountability and without awareness of the social, economic and political events controlling their lives, said David Morgan, MMCA Co-Founder and President. MMCA plans to leverage the survey findings to bolster the bipartisan effort on Capitol Hill to provide COVID-19 related advertising revenue and other relief to avert a death blow to already struggling diverse and local media outlets. However, they assert that for the many publishers desperately trying to stay afloat while continuing to provide critically needed COVID-19 related information to their communities, this is not nearly enough. MMCA is issuing a call to action for greater public support of local and multicultural media both through donations and by purchasing subscriptions. In addition, MMCA is asking Congress to incentivize these efforts by providing a $200 refundable tax credit to help offset the cost of a diverse or local news subscription. Global crises always change something forever. For newspapers, this crisis will accelerate the transition from print to digital. In digital, newspapers cannot develop sustainable businesses without at least half their revenue coming from readers via digital subscriptions. Readers must pay for digital news, the same way they pay for digital music, movies, gaming, Said Juan Senor, President, Innovation Media Consulting. Juan went on to say that Only journalism will save journalism. Journalism worth paying for - local, relevant journalism. Factual journalism. Journalism published without fear or favor. Journalism that asks difficult questions. Journalism that holds power to account; gives a voice to the voiceless, and brings communities together in a common knowledge of their local truth and reality. Recognizing that there is no prescribed definition of what constitutes local or multicultural media, the MMCA is recommending that the definition includes any media outlet dedicated to covering newsworthy information that is relevant to communities within a specific geographic region or traditionally disadvantaged group. About MMCA MMCA is a nonpartisan/nonprofit organization leading a call to action to increase multicultural media ownership. In just its fourth year, MMCA has become a trusted convener and facilitator of thought leadership, resource and information sharing and strategic engagement between multicultural media stakeholders, tech and media decision-makers, policymakers and private entities committed to increasing the percentage of diverse media stakeholders and content. http://www.mmcadc.org; @mmcadc on all platforms. PRESS CONTACTS: Martine Charles, martine@marcglobalcommunications.com 206-295-9114 David Morgan, david@mmcadc.org 202-306-3075 In CBSE latest news, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has told the Supreme Court that it will cancel all July CBSE class 12 and 10 board July 2020 exams. As expected, the decision has led to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) also announcing the cancellation of its exams. The CBSE was supposed to conduct the pending board papers in July after they had got postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown. However, in view of the current COVID-19 situation in the country, the parents of several CBSE school students moved the Supreme Court, seeking the cancellation of the remaining board exams. The National Testing Agency (NTA) may also follow suit. Also Read: CBSE/ISC Board Exam 2020 cancelled The top court directed CBSE to file its reply by June 23 so that anxious students were not kept hanging. However, the board sought more time from the court and the final decision was supposed to come out on June 25. COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions View more How does a vaccine work? A vaccine works by mimicking a natural infection. A vaccine not only induces immune response to protect people from any future COVID-19 infection, but also helps quickly build herd immunity to put an end to the pandemic. Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. The good news is that SARS-CoV-2 virus has been fairly stable, which increases the viability of a vaccine. How many types of vaccines are there? There are broadly four types of vaccine one, a vaccine based on the whole virus (this could be either inactivated, or an attenuated [weakened] virus vaccine); two, a non-replicating viral vector vaccine that uses a benign virus as vector that carries the antigen of SARS-CoV; three, nucleic-acid vaccines that have genetic material like DNA and RNA of antigens like spike protein given to a person, helping human cells decode genetic material and produce the vaccine; and four, protein subunit vaccine wherein the recombinant proteins of SARS-COV-2 along with an adjuvant (booster) is given as a vaccine. What does it take to develop a vaccine of this kind? Vaccine development is a long, complex process. Unlike drugs that are given to people with a diseased, vaccines are given to healthy people and also vulnerable sections such as children, pregnant women and the elderly. So rigorous tests are compulsory. History says that the fastest time it took to develop a vaccine is five years, but it usually takes double or sometimes triple that time. View more Show Also Read: CBSE Board exam case in SC: All you need to know This decision, whether in favour of conducting the exams at a later date or in favour of scrapping them altogether, would shape the fate of 20 million aspiring engineers and doctors as well, as the NEET and JEE Mains are also supposed to be conducted in July. If the CBSE suspends the remaining papers, the NTA might also postpone the entrance exams for 2020. On the other hand, the ICSE exams, also supposed to be conducted in the first half of July, may get scrapped if the CBSE decides to cancel their remaining papers. Though the Bombay High Court is supposed to announce the final verdict on the cancellation of ICSE Board exams 2020 by June 29, the CISCE has informed the court that the CBSE Boards decision will greatly influence theirs. 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! Toronto police have made four arrests after receiving a report of a person armed with a gun inside the Chelsea Hotel. Police said when officers arrived at around 8:30 a.m. Thursday at the downtown Toronto hotel, objects were thrown off the balcony. Police arrested four suspects in a room. No gun was located. The streets near Yonge and Gerrard were closed for more than an hour as police investigated. David Venn is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @davidvenn_ A group of more than 1,000 researchers and academics are calling on Springer to reconsider the publication of an upcoming study on neural networks that claims to 'predict' criminality. In an open letter published this week, the group, which consists of experts in the field of statistics, machine learning and artificial intelligence, law, sociology, history, communication studies and anthropology, caution Springer, the publisher of Nature, over the publication of the study in an upcoming book series. Skeptics in the field of AI and machine-learning are calling on Springer to rescind its offer to publish a study on a 'predictive policing' algorithm The study itself claims that an automated facial recognition software can be used as a 'predictive policing' tool for law enforcement that can identify criminals before they commit crimes. 'We already know machine learning techniques can outperform humans on a variety of tasks related to facial recognition and emotion detection,' said co-author of the study and Harrisberg University Professor Roozbeh Sadeghian in a statement. 'This research indicates just how powerful these tools are by showing they can extract minute features in an image that are highly predictive of criminality.' Among the concerns addressed in the letter are what skeptic call 'unsound scientific premises, research, and methods' used to support the use of predictive policing. Additionally, the letter cites a well established inability of facial recognition technology to identify people of color which they say could disproportionately affect black communities. In 2018, a test by the American Civil Liberties Union of Amazon's facial recognition software, called Rekognition, mismatched 28 members of congress, many of whom were people of color. Criminal justice data used to 'identify' criminals is also insufficient according to the letter, since the judicial systems is often skewed. 'Lets be clear: there is no way to develop a system that can predict or identify criminality that is not racially biased because the category of criminality itself is racially biased,' states the letter. Because of those concerns, the letter asks Springer to publicly rescind the offer of publishing the study and to issue an explanation of the criteria used to evaluate it. They're also requesting Springer issue a statement condemning the use of criminal justice statistics to predict criminality and to acknowledge their role in 'incentivizing such harmful scholarship in the past.' Scotland Yard said officers were confronted by a "hostile" crowd as they tried to break up the "block party" on Overton Road, Brixton. Footage of the chaotic scene shows men jumping on a police car and smashing in the windows as officers flee. A number of police vehicles were damaged while two officers required hospital treatment for their injuries, the Met Police said. Brixton street party erupts into chaos Four people have been arrested for assault and public order offences and remain in police custody. In the wake of the violence, the Prime Ministers official spokesman announced that the Government would shortly be launching a consultation on doubling the maximum sentence for assaulting an emergency worker. These were appalling scenes. Violence against the police will not be tolerated, the spokesman said. A topless man and angry mob stomp over the police car. We have been clear that anyone who assaults the police or any of our emergency service workers who keep us safe should feel the full force of the law. The trouble flared at what police described the unlicensed music event which started in the afternoon and ran into the early hours of the morning. Shocking images circulating on social media show officers being chased by men brandishing improvised weapons. Rubbish was strewn across the street during the clashes / NIGEL HOWARD In one video, a man can be heard telling a group of officers to "back up" as he confronts them with what appears to be a sword. Another clip shows a man chasing away police shouting dont come round here bro ... this is what we do and verbally abusing them. In another, a woman can be heard saying "yeah" and nice as a topless man and angry mob stomp over the police car. Home Secretary Priti Patel also condemned the violence, saying: "These are utterly vile scenes. "Just last weekend, the whole country came together to praise our heroic police officers for putting their own lives on the line to keep us safe. "I'll be picking up with the Met Commissioner immediately." Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) A bill pushing to rename the countrys primary airport has been filed in Congress. House Bill No. 7031, authored by Representatives Paolo Duterte, Lord Allan Velasco, and Eric Go Yap, seeks to change the name of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Pilipinas. NAIA is the international gateway of the Philippines, being the biggest and largest international airport in the country," the House bill read. "As such, there is a need to identify the same as belonging to the Philippines." According to a press release from Rep. Duterte, the name change will finally get rid of the [airports] bad image and enable it to start fresh," after previously being named as one of the worst airports in the world. With the Filipino name, the representatives argue that the airport will easily be identified as the international doorway of the country. The proposed bill will be calendared for first reading where it will be referred to the Committee on Transportation for deliberation. In December 1987, under the administration of President Corazon Aquino, the Manila International Airport was renamed after her late husband, Senator Benigno Ninoy Aquino Jr., who was assassinated at the airport's tarmac in 1983. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will have to share stories from their royal lives as part of their new 1 million a speech deal, an expert has claimed. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex recently signed a deal with New York-based Harry Walker which describes itself as 'the world's leading speaker's bureau' and counts the Obamas, Jane Goodall and Oprah Winfrey among the A-list talent on its roster. And now Ingrid Seward, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, has warned the royal couple will be expected to spill details of their time in the firm in order to justify the six-figure fee. Ingrid, who has written biographies of the Queen and Prince Philip told The Mirror: 'No one wants to pay to hear them sounding off about gender equality and the environment. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will have to share stories from their royal lives as part of their new 1 million a speech deal an expert has claimed. They are pictured giving a speech at Wembley Arena in 2019 'Harry and Meghan will really have to up their ante, and they will absolutely have to tell some stories about the Royal Family.' Speaking could prove an extremely lucrative booking for the Duke and Duchess, who vowed to become financially independent from the royal family when announced their plans to step back in January. In January, it was reported that Barack and Michelle Obama had advised the Sussexes on their plans for a new life outside the Royal Family. It comes after PR expert Mark Borkowski told The Sun that Harry, 35, and Meghan, 38, will 'clean up' in their first gig since stepping down form the royal family three months ago. They plan to speak on social issues including racial justice, gender equality, the environment and mental health, according to the LA Times. 'I'm surprised they haven't done this sooner. It will be one of the great income generators for them. The speaker's circuit is a natural safe space for them to plunder,' he added. The Harry Walker Agency has high profile clients, many of whom are friends of the Duke and Duchess, including Meghan's best friend Serena Williams and the actor Tyler Perry whose $18million (15million) Beverly Hills mansion they are living in. Royal expert Ingrid Seward has warned the royal couple will have to spill details of their time in the firm in order to justify the six-figure fee. Pictured in March in London Speaking could prove an extremely lucrative booking for the Duke and Duchess, who vowed to become financially independent from the royal family when they stepped back in January. Meghan Markle's visits to baking workshop for disadvantaged women Following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's visit to Homeboy Industries cafe and bakery yesterday, Meghan suggested it was similar to the Luminary Bakery in London. The social enterprise trains UK-based women who have been victims of violence and sex trafficking. Meghan featured the project when she guest-edited an issue of British Vogue, and she posed for a series of photographs with women at the bakery in 2019. Luminary Bakery (pictured) is an all-female social enterprise bakery which helps women who have been victims of violence and sex trafficking, or who have been to prison, get back into work Advertisement Harry and Meghan have become close friends with the former US president and his lawyer wife and turned to them for help after making the decision to step back from royal duty. At the time, sources confirmed Harry and Meghan had discussed their plans with the former US president and his wife and wanted to mimic the way they had managed to build a successful, but dignified, life for themselves after the White House. A source said: 'They have found huge commercial success without actually looking like they are getting their hands dirty, to put it bluntly, and retaining their popularity. 'In fact it is fair to say that their star has soared since leaving the White House, particularly Michelle's, and this is something Meghan admires very, very much.' It has previously been reported that the Queen's grandson and his wife want to model themselves on the Obamas, and would set up a similar working model to the former president. It comes after the couple,visited the Homeboy Industries cafe and bakery yesterday. They appeared low-key in photographs shared of the visit to a bakery in Los Angeles as they helped prepare food and learn more about the organisation's programme. The parents of Archie donned hair nets and facemasks as they volunteered alongside former gang members at a Los Angeles bakery. The bakery shared snaps of the pair's visit on Instagram, posting: 'Thank you to Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, for visiting and standing in kinship with our Cafe and Bakery teams yesterday! 'Our staff were thrilled to work alongside them as they helped prepare food and learned more about our newly launched #FeedHOPE program, which employs our program participants to provide meals to food-insecure seniors and youth across Los Angeles in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.' Meghan donned a smart white shirt and relaxed denim jeans for the volunteering effort, sweeping her hair into a low bun to tuck into her net. Meanwhile Prince Harry opted to match his wife in a similar smart white shirt as he joined her on the production line. The couple could be seen helping out to bake bread, as well as folding dough and sorting out food boxes for the vulnerable in their new hometown. The Duchess had previously taken part in cooking workshops with the organisation when she was a teenager alongside her mother Doria (pictured, with the Prince Harry at the launch of the Hubb cookbook in 2019) According to Harper Bazaar's royal editor Omid Scobie, it is run by Father Gregory Boyle, who the Duke and Duchess have been speaking with about the racial justice movement. Meghan first met Father Boyle 20 years ago at a Homeboy Industry cooking workshop where she and her mother Doria made tamales. Father Boyle, who has worked closely with Meghan's alma mater, Immaculate Heart High School in Los Angeles, said: 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex were just 'Harry and Meghan' to the homies. Ssources revealed that the Duchess of Sussex feels 'destined' to help fight systemic racism in the United States (pictured, the royal recently spoke out about Black Lives Matter) 'They rolled up their sleeves and deeply engaged with our workers in the bakery and cafe. It was immediate kinship and heartening in its mutuality.' Harry and Meghan's spokesman said 'the duchess mentioned that the spirit and style reminded her of the times she visited the Luminary Bakery in London', a social enterprise that offers disadvantaged women in the UK new opportunities. Mariana Enriquez, manager at Homegirl Cafe, said: 'It was remarkable to share our Feed Hope programme with Harry and Meghan. 'They are both down to earth and kind. The staff was honoured they took the time to see us, hear us and walk on our journey today. We will never forget it.' The couple often gave speeches while working members of The Firm. Pictured in Tembisa township near Johannesburg, in October 2019 A representative of the couple said the Duke and Duchess 'connect deeply' with the organisation's mission (which includes resources such as counselling, education, legal assistance, addiction recovery and employment ops) and feel it's 'a perfect example of how empathy, kindness, and compassion can change the world.' The organisation describes itself as 'a beacon of hope in Los Angeles to brave men and women seeking to transform their lives after gang-involvement and incarceration.' It provides support to nearly 9,000 individuals through job training and free services such as tattoo removal, mental health services, GED classes, legal services, and more. It also helps provide space for our clients to heal from intergenerational cycles of violence in a community of radical compassion. Grin: Mr Obama meets Meghan Markle at The White House in 2016. Harry and Meghan have become close friends with the former US president and his lawyer wife and turned to them for help It is the third time the couple have been seen volunteering during the course of the coronavirus pandemic. In April, Meghan and Prince Harry were spotted out on the streets of LA as they continued their volunteering work for charity amid the crisis. The couple were seen linking arms and holding hands as they delivered packages to residents from the back of their $35,000 Cadillac XT5, having seemingly downgraded from the Porsche SUV they had used previously. It emerged that the couple, who moved to Los Angeles with 11-month-old son Archie a month ago, have been distributing meals to the needy in LA for the Project Angel Food charity. Other high flying clients signed to Harry Walker Agency include former President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama A source close to the couple told the Daily Mail that they had hoped to keep their volunteering private but were glad the charity was being recognised. The Sussexes initially moved to Canada after stepping down as senior working royals on March 31 but are now forging out new lives for themselves as they set up home in California. The news comes days after a friend of Meghan's told DailyMail.com that her instinct to leave the United Kingdom and move to California all makes sense to her now, because she believes she was 'destined' to help fight systemic racism in the United States. The Duchess feels that her 'gnawing urgency to uproot from England' was fate so she could be at the 'forefront' of the movement, the insider explained. Meanwhile the agency also boasts other clients including former US president Bill and Hillary Clinton They added: 'Meghan said her work as a leader is more important than ever right now and that she's been speaking with Oprah and other community leaders on how she can be part of the solution. 'Meghan feels like her mission goes far beyond acting. She said she wants to use her voice for change and hasn't ruled out a career in politics.' Meghan, who quit her royal duties with husband Prince Harry earlier this year and relocated to LA in March, recently distanced herself from best friend Jessica Mulroney after she threatened to sue a black influencer over a dispute. It came as the United States has been rocked by protests across the country in the wake of the deaths of George Floyd and other African-Americans who have died at the hands of police, sparking national conversations about racism. Meghan spoke out about Floyd's death earlier this month, declaring 'black lives matter' and admitted she hadn't made a statement earlier because she had been 'nervous'. Chinese tech giant Huawei has received approval to build a 1bn research and development (R&D) facility in England. The firm said in a statement on Thursday the local council in Cambridge, where it acquired 500 acres of land two years ago, gave the green light to go ahead with the first phase of the project, which will create around 400 local jobs. The facility is expected to cover 50,000 square meters across nine acres of land and is set to become Huaweis international headquarters for its opto-electrical business. But the development is likely to spark anger in the US, as well as among some British politicians who have said Huaweis equipment can be used by China for spying and that Britain should reconsider a decision made in January to allow the firm a limited role in its 5G networks. The announcement comes as former British prime minister Tony Blair said during a Reuters Newsmaker event on Thursday that the UK will have to side with the US in the decision. I think we do need to make a call and I think it has got to be pro-US in the end, he said. It is very hard for us not to be with the US on anything that touches US security. But Huawei, the worlds biggest producer of telecoms equipment, has denied Washingtons accusations and said it wants to frustrate the firms growth as no US company could offer the same range of technology at a competitive price. Victor Zhang, vice president of Huawei, said of the new development: The UK is home to a vibrant and open market, as well as some of the best talent the world has to offer. Its the perfect location for this integrated innovation campus. Through close collaboration with research institutes, universities and local industry, we want to advance optical communication technology for the industry as a whole, while doing our part to support the UKs broader industrial strategy. US officials have said the development project is part of a Chinese effort to expand its surveillance state in western countries. Washington placed Huawei, along with a Chinese video surveillance company Hikvision, on a trade blacklist last year over national security concerns. Keith Krach, US under secretary, commented on the plans in a tweet: With CCP it always starts with something innocuous like an R&D facility linked to a prestigious university. They donate money, hire grads and burnish their PR credentials. Then comes bullying, coercion and expansion of the surveillance state. Mr Krach told reporters earlier that the US is willing to help other countries purchase next-generation telecom technology from Western providers instead, so they can avoid Huawei. British officials are in the process of reviewing ways to mitigate any security risk posed by Huawei in light of new US sanctions announced in may, which aim to cut off the firms supply of advanced microchips needed to make its equipment. Mr Zhang told Reuters it was simply wrong to suggest its announcement was timed to influence the UKs decision. He said he could not comment on the governments 5G review before it was finished, but that the research centre represented a significant investment in the UK. The UK definitely will care about the British interests and to develop, recover and grow the economy here, he said. Additional reporting by agencies Multnomah Countys approved budget for next fiscal year will close a third jail dorm, reduce the district attorneys misdemeanor unit and suspend $35 monthly fees typically paid by people convicted of crimes who are on parole or probation supervision. The countys board of commissioners approved the $2.06 billion budget on Tuesday. It reduces the sheriffs budget by $1.7 million, largely by closing a dorm at Inverness Jail in Northeast Portland that costs $1.2 million, eliminating a Corbett school resource officer at $57,000 and freezing the cost-of-living adjustment and merit pay increases for non-union staff. Inverness Jails Dorm 13, a general housing dorm with 75 beds will close, leaving a county jail capacity of 1,117 beds, according to Katie Burgard, chief of staff in the sheriffs office. Two 59-bed dorms were previously closed in the countys 2017 fiscal year budget. During the global coronavirus pandemic, the countys jail population dropped by about 40%, largely due to the issuing of citations in lieu of arrests for non-violent crimes and probation officers not sending offenders back to jail for violating technical conditions of their probation. The DAs budget was cut by $406,281, eliminating $175,000 from the misdemeanor unit and $231,281 from the pretrial unit, including four full-time positions. The budget also channels $2.5 million to support programs intended to divert people from jail and help offenders return to the community successfully after their release from jail or prison. The money will go toward job support services, a housing program for Black men and women, the expansion of the SUN Schools program to a new site at KairosPDX, a North Portland educational nonprofit, and the expansion of Legal Services Day, which helps low-income people resolve legal fees and fines, expunge records and resolve outstanding warrants. The $35 monthly supervision fees for the approximately 12,000 adult criminal offenders who are on probation or parole supervision has gone toward funding county personnel costs, according to Erika Preuitt, director of the countys Department of Community Justice, which oversees parole and probation. With the suspension of those fees, the county will cover the approximately $1 million in annual lost revenue. The county also will pursue a study of how such fees have posed barriers for people of color in the criminal justice system and encourage other counties and the state to consider suspending the fees. For a person who is struggling economically and already faces barriers to getting a job because of a criminal conviction, those fees were having a negative impact by potentially setting the person back even further, Preuitt said. The department had temporarily suspended the supervision fees during the coronavirus pandemic, and now will extend that suspension through the next year. We know there are egregious disparities in our criminal justice system and we need to look at those,' Preuitt said. The system does not need to be fixed. It needs to be transformed, she said. It is my hope that we can develop upstream solutions, even before a person enters the criminal justice system. And that we work collectively with our partners to ensure our communities thrive, as we work to keep them safe. Chair Deborah Kafoury said the review of the countys criminal justice budgets couldnt be considered without talking about the public safety system that unjustly profiles, responds violently to, and over-incarcerates Black people and other people of color.' We must continue our efforts to re-imagine and transform into what a fair and just system should be: one where we invest in people over punishment; in repair and restoration over incarceration,' she said. The district attorneys office would lose two prosecutors from its approximately 70 deputy district attorneys and one administrative support position. District Attorney-elect Mike Schmidt, who will likely take over the job on August 1, said hell be meeting with staff in the office who handle the budget on Thursday. He said the office already has a very thin,' attorney-to-population ratio. This was in the works well before I got on,' he said. While he campaigned on pursuing restorative justice measures, such as rethinking how certain misdemeanor crimes might be handled or if certain misdemeanor offenses should not be prosecuted, the cuts are going to force a quicker analysis, Schmidt said. Even more so well be asking, what do we prioritize because we cant do it all,' ' Schmidt said. Commissioner Sharon Meieran said the budget reflects lessons learned from George Floyds death,' referencing the 46-year-old Minneapolis black man who was killed May 25 after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes while he was face down, handcuffed and not resisting. She described the budget as an important step for continuing to shrink our investment in criminal justice approaches to public safety instead reinvesting in people, especially people of color who suffer disproportionately due to institutionalized racism.' -- Maxine Bernstein Email at mbernstein@oregonian.com; 503-221-8212 Follow on Twitter @maxoregonian Subscribe to Facebook page Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Coronavirus in Oregon: Latest news | Live map tracker |Text alerts | Newsletter Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy shelling. Russia's hybrid military forces on June 24 mounted five attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas, eastern Ukraine. "The Russian Federation's armed formations violated the ceasefire five times in the past day," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in a Facebook update as of 07:00 Kyiv time on June 25, 2020. Russia-led forces fired proscribed 82mm mortars, grenade launchers of various types, heavy machine guns, and small arms. Under attack came Ukrainian positions near the town of Maryinka, and the villages of Shyrokyne, Starohnativka and Khutir Vilnyi. Read alsoThis testifies to weakness": MP on Putin making Donbas, Crimea residents vote in Russian referendum Joint Forces returned fire to each enemy shelling. According to Ukrainian intelligence updated reports, three invaders were killed and another two were wounded in action on June 22-23. The enemy did not attack Ukrainian positions from 00:00 to 07:00 Kyiv time on June 25. No casualties have been reported since Thursday midnight. Last week, Canadians rejoiced as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) by two months to September. But this week, many Canadians did not receive their CERB payments. Instead, they received an email from Service Canada stating that their CERB payments for June 15-28, 2020, has been adjusted with the advance payment they received in early April. The government didnt give any prior warning before stopping the payment. Hence, some Canadians were left in a fix as they depended on their CERB to pay their bills. This entire fiasco occurred because the government launched the CERB in haste. Some people received double payments of $2,000 each from Employee Insurance (EI) and CERB in April. Hence, their total unemployment benefit of $8,000 was over before the end of 16 weeks. New Democratic Party MP Daniel Blaikie stated that the government could have avoided the confusion by informing the Canadians in advance. Even if the government missed out on informing the general public, they could have postponed the CERB adjustment to the next month. Stay well-informed about your CERB payments Well-informed people knew that there are no free lunches from the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA). They knew that the CRA would adjust the excess benefit payment when things stabilize and they find the loose ends. The CRA will also charge a tax on this benefit. Now that the CRA has extended the CERB for another two months, you will receive the $2,000 monthly payment until September if you are unemployed. You will have to repay the CERB payment in the future in some form or the other. Hence, its a good idea to leverage the time gap and earn some extra cash from the benefits payments. You can invest 50% of your CERB payments in dividend stocks and 50 in tech stocks that are on a growth path this year. NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT If you are eligible to receive CERB payments next month, invest $1,000 in NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT (TSX:NWH.UN) and earn 7.5% in annual dividend yield. You will make $75 in one year while your $1,000 will be safe as the stock is less volatile. Story continues NorthWest has a portfolio of 182 properties, including medical office buildings, clinics, and hospitals in Canada, Brazil, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Unlike retail and office REITs, NorthWest has a defensive income portfolio, and 97.3% of this portfolio is occupied. The REIT earns over 85% of its revenue directly or indirectly from public healthcare. It received or expected to receive 93% of its April rent and 84% of its May rent, whereas retail REITs only received 66% of their April rent. The defensive nature of its portfolio has made NorthWest a safe investment. It can continue to pay its monthly dividends even in an economic downturn. If you are willing to take risks, software stocks are also a good option. Technology ETF Some software companies that support digitization and social distancing emerged as market disruptors in the COVID-19 pandemic. The iShares S&P/TSX Capped Information Technology Index ETF (TSX:XIT) rose 33% year-to-date and is still growing because of its exposure in software companies. The ETF was on a growth trajectory even before the pandemic. It rose by 65% last year. By investing in this ETF, you can gain exposure to expensive stocks like Shopify ($1,240) and Constellation Software ($1,500) for less than $40. The XIT has 50% of its holdings in the above two stocks and another 30% in CGI Group and Open Text. In April, if you had invested $4,000 of your benefit payments in the XIT ETF, you would have earned $1,700. You would have been unaffected by the governments sudden decision to adjust the excess CERB payment. You still have two more months of CERB payments, and the ETF is still growing. Until the CRA claws back the wrongly paid CERB payments, you can benefit from the growth trajectory of market disruptors. The post Did You Get Your CERB Payment This Month? appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada. More reading Fool contributor Puja Tayal has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Tom Gardner owns shares of Shopify. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Constellation Software, Shopify, and Shopify. The Motley Fool recommends CGI GROUP INC CL A SV, NORTHWEST HEALTHCARE PPTYS REIT UNITS, Open Text, and OPEN TEXT CORP. The Motley Fools purpose is to help the world invest, better. Click here now for your free subscription to Take Stock, The Motley Fool Canadas free investing newsletter. Packed with stock ideas and investing advice, it is essential reading for anyone looking to build and grow their wealth in the years ahead. Motley Fool Canada 2020 The Duke of Cambridge on Wednesday visited ongoing efforts to develop a vaccine against the new coronavirus taking place at the UK's University of Oxford. The Oxford Vaccine Group has developed a vaccine against COVID-19, and is currently working on clinical trials to establish whether the vaccine generates immunity in humans. In May, the University of Oxford agreed a global licensing agreement with AstraZeneca, the UK-based pharmaceutical company, for the commercialisation and manufacturing of the potential vaccine. On Wednesday the Duke paid a visit to the Oxford Vaccine Group's facility at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford where the vaccine has been developed and trials are now underway. Prince William was shown around the manufacturing laboratory where the vaccine has been produced and was also given a tour of the laboratory where samples from the clinical trial are being examined by researchers. Trials began on 23 April, with 10,000 people across the UK in the process of being vaccinated in the latest study to assess the potential success of the treatment. The UK Government has provided 84 million for the University of Oxford to develop and manufacture its coronavirus vaccine. The University's partnership with AstraZeneca means the vaccine will be available globally on a non-profit basis during the pandemic period, including to low and middle income countries. An agreement between the University of Oxford, AstraZeneca and the UK Government means the UK will have immediate access to the vaccine, should it be successful. With novel coronavirus infections setting a single-day national record Wednesday, health experts are taking little solace from one of the few bright spots in the current resurgence: deaths are not rising in lockstep with caseloads. But that may be just a matter of time. "Deaths always lag considerably behind cases," Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious-disease specialist, told Congress at a hearing Tuesday. In the weeks to come, he and others said, the death toll is likely to rise commensurately. Which means Arizona, Texas and Florida, states that reopened early and now are experiencing runaway infection rates, are likely to be burying more dead in July. "As long as there is a fair amount of testing going on, if there is an uptick in covid-19 infections, then we are likely to see that in the confirmed case data before we see it in the death data," said Nicholas Reich, associate professor of biostatistics at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, in an email. He predicted "rises in covid-19 deaths over the next month in many of the states that are seeing upticks in cases, like Texas, California, Florida and others, even though the deaths have been either steady or declining in recent weeks." The virus has come surging back in recent days, with 38,115 U.S. infections Wednesday, more than any previous day in the pandemic, including the catastrophic days of April. This time, the increases are mainly in the South and West, while New York and New Jersey, which were nearly overwhelmed in the spring and have been slow to reopen, are seeing declining cases. California, which shut down early and has taken a slow approach toward reopening, nevertheless reported more than 7,000 new cases Wednesday, easily surpassing its record of 5,019 set Tuesday. Oklahoma - where President Donald Trump on Saturday held an indoor campaign rally - and Florida also hit new single-day highs Wednesday. Those three states, along with Nevada and North Carolina, reached new peaks in their seven-day rolling averages, considered a more reliable indicator of the virus's impact. Arizona set a record with 2,270 hospitalizations. Coronavirus hospitalizations have tripled in Houston since Memorial Day, Houston Methodist Hospital chief executive Marc Boom said Wednesday. Texas reported 5,551 new cases, the most in a single day, along with 4,389 hospitalizations, up almost 300 from Tuesday's record high. The state's seven-day rolling average of new cases has increased 70 percent since last Tuesday, setting a record for the 14th consecutive day. Overall, 2.36 million people have been infected in the United States and at least 119,000 have died - by far the largest numbers for any country in the world. Governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut said they will advise travelers arriving from states with wide community spread of the virus to quarantine for 14 days, the three announced Wednesday at a joint news conference. The new rules will apply to people from stateswith an infection rate of 10 per 100,000 people on a seven-day rolling average, or a 10 percent or greater positive test rate over a seven-day period, according to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat. Nine states currently are in that group: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas. Despite the numbers, Vice President Mike Pence urged Republican senators during a closed-door lunch to focus on "encouraging signs." Lawmakers have begun to express alarm about rising infection rates in states such as Florida, Arizona and Texas, which are likely to be critical in the outcome of the presidential race and control of the Senate. Senators said Pence pointed to positive indicators, including the lagging mortality rate. That is partly because there is more testing, and younger and healthier people now account for larger shares of those getting tested, Pence contended. Stocks, meanwhile, fell on news of the increase in cases, as the International Monetary Fund said Wednesday that the global economy will shrink by 4.9 percent this year and a sluggish recovery would follow. Officials tracking the startling comeback of covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, are somewhat buoyed by lessons learned and progress in the health-care system since the virus stormed ashore outside Seattle in late February and later inundated New York City. Some said the greater availability of tests is responsible for turning up more cases. The results of those tests are revealing a larger number of younger people with the virus than there were in the early days of the outbreak. When the pandemic first gripped the United States, it was nearly impossible for anyone without severe symptoms to secure a test. Younger people, who generally suffer milder cases and are more likely to be asymptomatic, may have been underrepresented as a result, said Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health's Center for Health Security. Now they are accounting for some of the rise in the overall caseload and a greater proportion of hospitalizations in places like Arizona. There may be fewer deaths among the younger group, but those individuals are likely to infect more older people, she said. With states reopening, "you have the young folks out and about. They're spreading it," she said. "It may take time to find its way to older, vulnerable people, who are more likely to die." Tom Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said older people now have a better understanding of how vulnerable they are. The medical system also has taken steps to better protect people older than 65, including those living in nursing homes and other care facilities. The virus is no longer racing through those places and killing people by the dozens, as it did early in the pandemic. CDC statistics show how thoroughly covid-19 attacks the elderly. From Feb. 1 to June 13, covid-19 was involved injust 2,630 deaths among people 44 or younger. But the disease was fatal to 83,426 people 65 or older. Medical care for the most critically ill patients also has improved during the four months that U.S. caregivers have been battling the disease. Doctors have become more adept at using ventilators and other tools and techniques to help patients breathe. They have turned to drugs like remdesivir, which has shown a small benefit for seriously ill patients, and the steroid dexamethasone, which has reduced the risk of death for people with severe lung damage. Sick people have learned to track the level of oxygen in their blood with home use of pulse oximeters. Even if the death toll does not rebound to previous levels, the current surge will have serious consequences, said Saskia Popescu, an infectious-disease epidemiologist who teaches at the University of Arizona. For some people who do not become critically ill, the virus can cause severe, and sometimes long-lasting, problems, she said. "Illness is a really significant outcome too," Popescu said. "Deaths are obviously worst case; we don't want people to die. But I don't want people to get sick, especially so sick they have to go the hospital. That's hard on them, that's hard on the health-care system. Focusing only on deaths does a disservice to patients and the community." - - - The Washington Post's Jacqueline Dupree and Erica Werner contributed to this report. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) The Department of Justice is "bothered" by the recent travel in and out of the country of Jan Marsalek, the former chief operating officer of German firm Wirecard who was sacked amid controversy surrounding the company's missing $2.1 billion cash. Bureau of Immigration records show that Marsalek arrived in Manila on June 23, and left for China from Cebu the next morning, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told CNN Philippines Thursday. Guevarra, however, noted that there were no signs of Marsalek in the CCTV of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport. "What is really bothersome is the fact that it appeared in the database of BI... We want to find out exactly if he arrived here or there was only a glitch or something, but there were certain details appearing in the database, like the aircraft that carried him to Manila and his departure from Cebu via specific airline going to China," Guevarra said. He added that he got information that Marsalek was accompanied by his Filipina wife, that's why he was able to enter the country despite travel restrictions brought by the coronavirus crisis. This is on top of an earlier visit, where he flew in on March 3 and stayed at a Makati City hotel until March 5, Guevarra said. Immigration authorities are now looking into why Marsalek was in the country, while the National Bureau of Investigation is ready to summon a Filipino national named as a trustee of Wirecard in the Philippines, Guevarra said. He said the trustee, who is a former government official, has expressed his desire to cooperate with the probe. Earlier, the camp of Mark Kristopher Tolentino, a former assistant secretary for the Department of Transportation, denied knowing or participating "in any alleged irregularity" involving Wirecard's money. Two local banks linked to the controversy, BDO Unibank and the Bank of the Philippine Islands, earlier said that Wirecard was not their client, while the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said the missing $2.1 billion (about 107 billion) cash supposedly held in trust by the two banks never entered the local financial system. 1. What Does Sola Scriptura Mean? Sola Scriptura is the Latin translation for Scripture alone. As a whole, the phrase means that Gods Word is sufficient and has the highest authority for all of life. This does not mean that the Bible is clear on every issue or question we havethe Bible has little to say on how to speak Spanish or the scientific intricacies of rocket science. However, Sola Scriptura means that the Bible is the infallible Word of God, and takes supreme authority over our lives in every area it speaks to. This means that reason, logic, tradition, and experience and valid, but ultimately shall be submitted under scripture as our greatest authority (2 Peter 1:19). When it comes to spiritual life, salvation, and Christian obedience, Sola Scriptura means that the Bible gets the final word. As Christians, we believe that all answers to our questions and all wisdom for life should first and foremost be found in the Word (Hebrews 4:12) or seen implicitly through its lens. Ultimately, Sola Scriptura is the start and foundation of everything we know about God and His glory. 2. Where Did the Phrase Sola Scriptura Come From? The phrase Sola Scriptura originated out of the 16th century Protestant Reformation. Sola Scriptura is one of the Five Solas. The Five Solas are statements that became the slogans of the Reformation and are now seen as core tenets of the faith (more info here). The movement sought to bring reform to the Roman Catholic Church due to the corrupt teaching that tradition and church leadership stood equal in authority with scripture. The men at work within the Reformation saw a lack of commitment to Gods Word in the Roman Catholic Church and made it their main goal to bring Gods Holy Word back to the forefront of Christianity. God used the reformers in their own unique way to uncover and renew the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which had been trampled on by man-made religion and tradition. In an article by Stephen Lawson on The Reformation and The Men Behind It, he explains the Reformation as such: The Reformation was essentially a crisis over which authority should have primacy. Rome claimed the churchs authority lay with Scripture and tradition, Scripture and the pope, Scripture and church councils. But the Reformers believed that the authority belonged to Scripture alone. Although the phrase Sola Scriptura originated out of the Protestant Reformation, the idea of Scripture as final authority can be traced directly to Gods Word. God Himself, throughout the history of the Bible has made the principle of Sola Scriptura reign true. Deuteronomy 17:14-20 states that we shall not turn away from Gods Word, not to the right or the left. Psalm 1:2 and Joshua 1:7-8 says that the righteous person dwells on the Word of the Lord day and night. Deuteronomy 8:3 states that we do not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. The Reformers did not create this idea on the basis of logic, virtue, experience, or tradition, but from the foundation of Scripture itself. Proverbs 30:5-6 states: Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. Sola Scriptura ultimately means Gods Word alonethat we are not to add or take away any of Gods words but to submit ourselves to its supreme authority. GREENWICH Local organizers are expecting 500 people to show up for a Black Lives Matter march on Saturday, beginning at Town Hall and ending in the Island Beach Ferry parking lot. Justice for Brunch, a local group led by six young professionals, aims to disrupt the privilege that exists in Fairfield County while uplifting the Black community and demanding justice for the many Black lives lost in America, said Nicole Rincon, public relations coordinator for the group. The groups marches deliberately occur when many are congregating and eating brunch together, she said. The brunch culture has developed between Millennials and Generation Z, where its such a big part of their social life, Rincon said. When you go out to brunch with your friends, you leave everything behind. ... We think that people shouldnt be doing that right now, she continued. Now is not the time to kind of remove yourself from the issue at hand. The symbolic nature of brunch and trying to escape is what were trying to disrupt. At 11:30 a.m. Saturday, protesters will meet at Town Hall before they start to march at noon to the Island Beach Ferry parking lot on Arch Street. From 1 to 2 p.m., 12 local speakers will talk about police brutality and other race-related subjects such as diversifying the local education system, the intricacies of intersectionality and the exploitation of Black athletes. The event will occur rain or shine. If thunderstorms occur, organizers will postpone the event. Black Lives Matter protests sprang up after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police last month. Locally, march attendees have shifted their focus to actively calling Justice for Brunch leaders to share their experiences of racism and in turn, other allies have sought information about how they can help make life better for local people of color, said Rincon. Saturdays speakers are presenting powerful and actionable messages, she said. Theyre giving their experiences and educational info about what (people) can do next. Justice for Brunch organizers are asking the public to follow the group on Instagram, under the same name, for information on events, donations and volunteer opportunities. The group is urgently requesting volunteers services from a sign language interpreter to translate the rallys speakers to people with hearing impairments. Were trying to be as inclusive as possible, said Rincon. Organizers said they have no plans to stop organizing Black Lives Matter protests, but that in order to continue, they need the help of the community. Now people want to take action and I feel like thats whats different now, said Rincon. This is finally culminating into something past (just) protests. For more information, email organizers at justiceforbrunch@gmail.com. tatiana.flowers@thehour.com @TATIANADFLOWERS Canopy Growth Corp. is shaking up its Acreage Holdings Inc. acquisition deal because of "broader market and economic factors." Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/6/2020 (576 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. In this May 31, 2018, file photo the logo for Canada's Canopy Growth Corp. appears on a screen above a trading post on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Canopy Growth Corp. has signed a deal to amend the terms of its agreement to acquire U.S. company Acreage Holdings Inc. that it signed last year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Richard Drew, File Canopy Growth Corp. is shaking up its Acreage Holdings Inc. acquisition deal because of "broader market and economic factors." Smiths Falls, Ont.-based Canopy signed an agreement in April 2019 to takeover the New York company if cannabis production and sale became federally legal in the United States. The deal would help Canopy deepen its international opportunities and involved the company agreeing to pay 0.5818 of its share for each Acreage share. As part of the changes, which include an up-front payment for Acreage shareholders and certain convertible security holders totalling US$37.5 million or about 30 cents US per share, Acreage shareholders will receive 0.7 of a fixed share and 0.3 of a floating share for each Acreage share they hold. Once the cannabis laws change in the U.S., Canopy has agreed to swap 0.3048 of a Canopy share for each fixed Acreage share. Canopy will also have the option to buy the floating Acreage shares for a price equal to their 30-day volume weighted average trading price, subject to a minimum of US$6.41 per share, payable in either cash or shares at Canopy's option. Canopy, which is behind brands including Tweed and Tokyo Smoke, said in a release that the new deal will better align with current economic conditions and "give Acreage shareholders the ability to participate in upside potential." "The United States is going to be a core market for Canopy Growth and this new agreement solidifies our path forward with Acreage," chief executive David Klein said in a statement. "I am excited to bring our relationship with Acreage back to centre stage in our U.S. strategy and look forward to a time when the laws in the United States permit us to finalize this transaction as we march toward bringing our exciting beverage products to the US." Acreage is behind the Botanist, Live Resin Project, Natural Wonder and Prime brands and has former prime minister Brian Mulroney on its board. In connection with the new deal, Acreage chief executive Kevin Murphy announced he was resigning as chief executive, but will continue as chairman of the board of directors. 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. Director Bill Van Faasen, former chairman, CEO and president of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, will serve as Acreage's interim CEO. The shuffle comes after Canopy laid off 85 full-time workers and closed its indoor facility in Yorkton, Sask., to align its production in Canada with market conditions in April. Canopy also ended farming in Springfield, N.Y., cultivation work at a facility in Colombia and operations in South Africa and Lesotho. Prior to those cuts, the company had laid off 500 employees, closed some of its greenhouses and took writedowns of between $700 million and $800 million at the start of the year as it dealt with profitability challenges. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2020. Companies in this story: (TSX:WEED) Alex Wong/Getty ImagesBY: CONOR FINNEGAN, ABC NEWS (WASHINGTON) The threat of racially or ethnically motivated terrorism, especially white supremacist terrorism, is "on the rise and spreading geographically," according to a new report by the State Department, as the threat from ISIS and other radical Islamist terror groups evolves. The annual report, released Wednesday by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, details by country and terror organization the threats emanating around the world. While 2019 saw some banner accomplishments in counter terrorism, according to Pompeo, like the killing of ISIS's founding leader and the fall of its caliphate, the threat of terrorism has morphed and expanded to new regions, especially the Sahel in northern Africa. This year's report put even greater focus on white supremacist terrorism, just weeks after the department designated a white supremacist group as a foreign terrorist organization for the first time. In 2019, there were several high-profile attacks motivated by the ideology, including the Christchurch, New Zealand, mosque shooting in March; the El Paso, Texas, shooting in August; and the Halle, Germany, synagogue shooting in October. That kind of "violence (is) both on the rise and spreading geographically, as white supremacist and nativist movements and individuals increasingly target immigrants; Jewish, Muslim, and other religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or intersex (LGBTI) individuals; governments; and other perceived enemies," the report said. According to U.S. ambassador-at-large for counter terrorism Nathan Sales, that threat has expanded since 2015, but he praised the Trump administration for taking it on. "It took this administration coming into power to really prioritize stepping up efforts against this threat here in the case of the FBI and DHS, but also abroad where this department comes into play," Sales said. In April, the State Department designated the Russian Imperial Movement, a white supremacist group, as a "foreign terrorist organization" for the first time, barring U.S. individuals from supporting the group. While that action was unprecedented, President Donald Trump has also downplayed the threat of white supremacist groups, telling reporters last year, "It's a small group of people that have very, very serious problems, I guess." The State Department also announced Wednesday that it was increasing its reward for information leading to ISIS's new leader, Amir Muhammad Sa'id Abdal-Rahman al-Mawla, who is also known as Abu Muslim al-Turkmani. The U.S. government will now provide up to $10 million for details leading to his whereabouts, Pompeo announced, adding, "We're undaunted in our pursuit of bringing terrorists to justice. Although ISIS's caliphate fell and its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in 2019, the threat from the terror group has "evolved," according to Sales -- calling it now "a global network that reaches every inhabited continent" and continues to conduct and inspire attacks. That includes in Iraq and Syria, once home to ISIS's caliphate, where Sales said, "We have to keep our eye on the ball ... to prevent any ISIS remnants from reconstituting, to prevent them from continuing attacks." Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Speeding up the constructon of the Eastern North-South Expressway was important to drive economic growth A resolution was passed last week by the legislature on adjusting the countrys scheme to develop several sections of the Eastern Cluster of the North-South Expressway. Three out of eight sections will be shifted from the public-private partnership (PPP) investment format to state funding Mai Son-National Highway 45 (63 kilometres), the Vinh Hao-Phan Thiet Highway (106km), and the Phan Thiet-Dau Giay Highway (98km). The remaining highway projects including National Highway No.45-Nghi Son (43km), Nghi Son-Dien Chau (50km), Dien Chau-Bai Vot (50km), Nha Trang-Cam Lam (29km), and Cam Lam-Vinh Hao (91km) will remain subject to the PPP funding model. The decision was made following strong debate involving NA deputies several days ago when the majority agreed with the conversion. Phung Van Hung, member of the NA Economic Committee said, It is the optimal scheme as it can help fast-track the development of the Eastern Cluster of the North-South Expressway. Experts also supported the scheme, saying that the vote will be good news for potential financiers, especially domestic giants like Vinaconex, Deo Ca Group, and Tasco as well as international ventures such as Taisei, Daewoo E&C, Lotte E&C, and Hyundai E&C. However, it is unclear if there are any opportunities for these international groups to participate in this project, as Minister of Transport Nguyen Van The has confirmed that only domestic contractors shall be eligible for the bidding for construction of the remaining sections of the North-South Expressway this September. Lotte E&C, a famous South Korean construction firm with a strong footprint in Vietnam, told VIR, We are not sure about the bidding type. We were interested in two sections of the project, but well check the situation of it. Lotte E&C is also keen on two other proposed projects namely the Yen Vien-Lao Cai railway and a wastewater treatment plant project in Ho Chi Minh City. International bidding for the North-South Expressway was cancelled last year because of poor results in the pre-qualification round. Foreign investors expressed their serious concerns over the poor PPP legal framework in addition. Disbursement and bankability continue to be a problem, however. The Eastern Cluster of the North-South Expressway covers a total of 2,109km and is costing nearly VND120 trillion ($5.2 billion), including 11 sub-projects and eight previously-planned PPP sections. Despite being a key national transport project for the 2017-2020 period, it has been delayed for months due to stagnant site clearances. Other works are also tied down by sluggish disbursement, and difficulties in mobilising private investment due to the lack of a legal framework. The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has so far kicked off three state-funded sub-projects Cao Bo-Mai Son, Cam Lo-La Son, and My Thuan 2 Bridge. According to Minister The, the MoT has thus far allocated about VND17 trillion ($740 million) for this venture. In 2018, VND134 billion ($5.8 million) were disbursed for project planning and design. In 2019, nearly VND7 trillion ($305 million) were disbursed, and this year over VND8 trillion ($350 million) are planned for allocation. So far, around VND2.7 trillion ($117 million) have been disbursed for the two sections of the project, making up 27 per cent of this years total allocation. Regarding Mai Son-National Highway 45, Vinh Hao-Phan Thiet Highway, and the Phan Thiet-Dau Giay Highway, the country is estimated to need an additional VND5 trillion ($217 million) for the conversion. For the five PPP projects, it is necessary to mobilise over VND22 trillion ($957 million). We are closely co-operating with local authorities to speed up site clearances. We will strive to disburse all allocated capital this year, said Minister The. Hoang Quang Ham, member of the NAs Committee for Finance and Budget, raised his concern over feasibility of the remaining five PPP sections as difficulties in bank loan access are causing challenges in the selection of investors and state budget constraints. Weve been doing quite a few stories about phones from the 2000s and it seems like Nokia heard our callbacks to some iconic phones. HMD Global launched the Nokia 5310 that has taken heavy inspiration from Nokia 5130 XpressMusic from 2007. 13 years later, we now get a more refined version of the phone that appeals to every nostalgic phone user. The phone is still targeted for users who like to listen to music while following a classic Nokia feature phone design. While you cannot expect the phone to be on the same level as a smartphone; there is still some demand for feature phones today. Design MensXP/Akshay Bhalla When comparing the Nokia 5310, you will notice many similarities with its predecessor. It has the same red accents to signify music playback keys, however, there are subtle differences that you can only notice when comparing the two. For starters, the keypad on the Nokia 5310 is far more flatter than its predecessor and is easier to use. The new playback options have now been moved to the right edge of the phone instead of being right next to the screen which made accidental plays a very common problem on the phone from 2007. MensXP/Akshay Bhalla Similarly, on the left edge of the phone, there is another red strip that houses the volume controls for the music. These buttons are captive and cannot be triggered by accident. The display is a 2.40-inch QVGA screen that is slightly curved making the phone a bit more ergonomic to hold from its original counterpart. How It Works MensXP/Akshay Bhalla The Nokia 5310 works almost identical to the phone from the 2000s where you lock the keypad using the decline call button. The menus look identical as well which can be navigated using the home button on the keypad. The phone does support mobile internet and comes with a Facebook app pre-installed on the device. Similarly, there is also a very basic weather app that works similar to widgets on Android devices albeit less detailed. For playing basic games, the phone comes with three pre-installed games i.e. Snake, Assassins Creed Unity, and Doodle Jump. The phone also has a native FM player that does not require a headphone to work. The FM receiver is built into the phone and can be heard from the loudspeaker as well. MensXP/Akshay Bhalla The music player works just as advertised where all of the playback options on the music app can be controlled using the physical buttons. You can add more music to the phone via a microSD card that can be expanded up to 32GB. The music player also comes with an equaliser which you can use to adjust the sound according to your liking. The Nokia 5310 can easily double up as a dedicated MP3 player thanks to its extra-long battery life. Battery Life Since the Nokia 5310 does not come with computing heavy hardware or even an LCD screen, the phone lasts extremely long on its 1200 mAh battery. One can easily remove the back panel in case they need to replace batteries just like the old days. The back panel also needs to be removed to insert the microSD card and two SIM cards. The battery can be charged using any micro USB cable which is a great move by Nokia as we despise proprietary chargers. For people wanting to know how long it can last, we managed to get out 18 hours of total battery life with constant use and a little bit of internet browsing. If you dont use the phone for internet browsing, you add around 4-5 hour of more battery life. Camera MensXP/Akshay Bhalla Just with any feature phone, using the camera on the Nokia 5310 is not its primary purpose since it only comes with a VGA sensor. It is kind of disappointing to see a phone feature a VGA camera in 2020, as this phone could easily sport a 2-megapixel sensor for better pictures. It seems like HMD Global doesnt want you to use the camera on this phone and if that is the case, we concur. The camera on this phone cant even be used to capture images of documents as it is quite blurry and lack a lot of details. Long story short, dont use the camera on this thing ever. The Final Say If you miss the good old days of Nokia and want a phone that can also work as a physical MP3 Player, the Nokia 5310 is a great deal for Rs 3,399. Its a great phone to use for people who dont need to use apps and for the elderly. I would just buy this for its nostalgia factor as it reminds me of my childhood and HMD Global isnt charging too much for it. WhatsApp currently supports static stickers on all platforms and is beta testing new animated stickers both for Android and iPhones. These will work on WhatsApp Business accounts too. WhatsApp has just started testing animated stickers for both Android and iPhones in beta. The new feature is available on WhatsApp v2.20.194.7 beta for Android and WhatsApp v2.20.70.26 beta for iPhone. However, Android Police reports that while animated stickers showed up in beta v2.20.194.7 (for Android), it wasnt there in v2.20.194.9 so if you want to try it out make sure you download the right version of the beta. WhatsApp currently supports static stickers and besides its own stickers packs, the platform also supports stickers from third-party apps. To test the new animated stickers out you need to be on the right beta version. Animated stickers work on WhatsApp for Business as well. WABetaInfo noted that this feature is rolling out for some specific users on WhatsApp. WhatsApp currently supports static stickers and besides its own stickers packs, the platform also supports stickers from third-party apps. (Android Police ) WABetaInfo also notes that these stickers can be divided into three parts. One, with the latest beta update some users will be able to view these stickers and be able to send, forward and star them as well. On two and three, WhatsApp does not support the ability to download or import animated stickers from third party apps yet. So unless all these three things are live in beta, the feature is not complete. Right now, the default sticker pack on beta has five packs - Playful Piyomaru, Rico's Sweet Life, Moody Foodies, Chummy Chum Chums and Bright Days, according to the Android Police report and also that these sticker packs are not seen unless and until someone sends a sticker from each pack. If you are able to see and use these animated stickers, they are going to be live in the conversation though you will only see them animate once and stop. To animate them again you will need to scroll up or down. (Android Police ) If you are able to see and use these animated stickers, they are going to be live in the conversation though you will only see them animate once and stop. To animate them again you will need to scroll up or down. This might change once the feature is officially released or it could also be a conscious decision taken by the developers to avoid too much on-screen movement while you are reading messages. KAMPALA As the country struggles to contain COVID-19 cases to minimum numbers and with no deaths reported so far, Ugandans have been urged to take bold and unprecedented steps to curtail the spread of the virus. UNAIDS Country Director in Uganda Dr Karusa Kiragu has noted that while there have been relatively low cases and no death reported due to COVID-19, it is critical to stem the spread of the novel COVID-19 considering the countrys fragile health systems and extreme socio-economic inequalities. Dr Kiragu was speaking during the handover of hygiene packs to the community of people living with HIV through the National Forum of People Living with HIV Networks in Uganda (NAFOPHANU), at their offices in Mengo, Kampala on Wednesday. She called on Ugandans to continue practicing hand washing as a key strategy in the prevention of COVID-19. The more we continue to leave our homes to go to work, its very important to continue observing social distancing, wearing of masks and wash hands, she said, adding: We all know that the best protection for those at home even those at work or accessing various services is washing hands and disinfecting surfaces that we touch. UNAIDS together with Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC (RB) and Dembe Group handed over the packs consisting of a three-months supply of 180,000 105g Dettol soap and 30,000 bottles of 750ml Jik surface cleaner which will be distributed to 10,000 individuals living with HIV/AIDS across the country. Uganda currently has recorded 1.4 million people living with HIV. UNAIDS recognizes the importance of working with communities and putting them at the center. They can mobilize so that people have the correct information; monitor and demand health care services and reach the most vulnerable. As we continue responding to COVID-19, let us remember that each one of us has a role to play in the response said Dr Kiragu. According to Reckitt Benckiser country manager in charge of health, Patrick Mpaso, the initiative to distribute the hygiene packs is part of RBs Fight for Access Fund, which aims to improve access to health, hygiene, and nutrition for all. He said the Fight for Access Fund joint venture has seen more than 195,000 hygiene packs distributed to people living with HIV in the eastern and southern African (ESA) region. Dembe Group, who will be in charge of distributing the packs lauded the intiative. We are particularly privileged to associate ourselves with UNAIDS and Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC in providing support to communities across Uganda to cope with the different challenges which have been brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The commitment from our company is to continue reaching out to especially vulnerable groups during this difficult time, said Anil Damani, the CEO Dembe Group. Presiding over the ceremony was Dr Nelson Musoba, the Director General Uganda AIDS Commission. He said fighting epidemics greatly depends on synergies and solidarity of different individual and institutional efforts. Like HIV, the COVID-19 pandemic calls for a multi-sectoral response and we see this demonstrated today, Dr Musoba said. Related Surgeons have today called for same-day coronavirus testing so hospitals can start clearing the backlog of NHS operations. Health bosses fear up to 10million people could be stuck on NHS waiting lists by the end of the year due to Covid-19 hold-ups. Officials urged hospitals to cancel ops and turf out patients to make way for a surge in virus cases, when they realised the outbreak was spiralling out of control. But one in three surgeons say they are still unable to restart routine ops, such as hip and knee replacements despite pressure to resume normal services. Professor Derek Alderson, president of the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), said the biggest hold-up was the lack of same-day testing. Health bosses fear up to 10million people could be stuck on NHS waiting lists by the end of the year due to Covid-19 hold-ups BACKLOG OF NHS OPS COULD TAKE UP TO FIVE YEARS TO CLEAR The backlog of NHS operations cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic may take up to five years to clear, the UK's top surgeon warned last week. Professor Derek Alderson, president of the Royal College of Surgeons, said it was 'completely unrealistic' to think elective surgery will be back up and running anywhere near capacity this year. Around 2million routine ops were cancelled from April 15 for at least three months in a desperate effort to free up hospital beds for Covid-19 patients. It stopped hospitals from being overwhelmed but fuelled a waiting list crisis that was already plaguing the health service well before the pandemic. A record 4.4million people were waiting for ops such as joint replacements, cataract removals and hernia repairs before the outbreak took hold. NHS bosses predict the waiting list to grow to at least 10million by Christmas. Advertisement He said: 'We have a window of opportunity this summer, before a potential second wave or the arrival of flu in the autumn. 'If we dont get organised now, then tens of thousands of people will be waiting until next year for an essential operation. 'Part of getting this country back to work is finding a way safely to treat those patients who are off work because of a health condition. 'We know that a joint replacement can enable someone to go back to work, so its both a duty for us as doctors to help address their pain, and key to both that individuals wellbeing and wellbeing of the country.' The RCS which represents 25,000 surgeons across the UK carried out a survey that found swathes have still yet to get back up-and-running normally. Only two fifths of the 1,741 surgeons quizzed revealed they were able to get Covid-19 test results back within 24 hours. A third (34 per cent) claimed that it took between one and two days. The remaining 13 per cent said they had to wait up to 72 hours. Returning Covid-19 test results quickly is a 'crucial factor' in enabling more elective surgery to take place safely, experts say. Professor Alderson said same-day results would allow patients to be tested before and on admission, and again when they are discharged. Testing was not the only barrier surgeons cited others included a lack of staff and diagnostic capacity, the RCS poll revealed. The RCS said 'Covid-light sites' should now be considered to improve patient safety. The sites would allow for regular coronavirus testing and enhanced cleaning to allow surgery to continue. Around 2million routine ops were cancelled from April 15 for at least three months in a desperate effort to free up hospital beds for Covid-19 patients. It stopped hospitals from being overwhelmed but fuelled a waiting list crisis that was already plaguing the health service well before the pandemic. Last August there were a record 4.41million patients in England waiting for routine operations, a rise of 250,000 from the same month a year earlier. But that number is expected to more than double because of a backlog triggered by the Covid-19 crisis, according to NHS projections. Bosses behind the projection said a best case scenario could see 8million people waiting for treatment, if a vaccine or therapy comes along before then. The head of the great Viper of neo-conservative economics has been rather hidden in the sudden COVID-19 array of pump-priming policies from the Prime Minister and Treasurer. But one minister has a scheme to save the universities. Many, from the Arts Alliance to professional organisations in the humanities, have appealed for a rethink. For the minister is no knuckle-head, is himself an arts graduate and has two masters degrees in such areas as international affairs and trade. Big changes are afoot at universities. Credit:Louie Douvis A rethink may have to come when the legislation hits the Senate, but its not coming now. At the press club last week Dan Tehan seemed to show clearly that he knew what he was doing. We are trying to encourage students to go in those areas where we know [the demand for] skills to be. Now it seems to have little efficacy for us to say, Man doth not live by bread alone, or to observe that neo-conservatives know the price of everything and the value of sweet Fanny Adams. All, all true, I would say. But under neo-conservative economics, this is not so. The universities are not a public resource producing ideas through research but a business providing vocational training. And the business is in great trouble at the moment. Frank Bongiorno, professor of history at the ANU, wrote in The Monthly of the possibility of an agenda beyond the economic here. It is hard not to see a measure of etiological purpose in Tehans package: it is juicy, red meat to a Coalition base who love nothing better than the government telling humanities students that if they want to indulge in wankery they can do it at their own expense. President Akufo-Addo has urged the rank and file of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) to bury whatever issues they may have against each other for the larger interest of the party. In a congratulatory message following the successful parliamentary primaries, the President said, I urge all party members and sympathisers to support their respective parliamentary candidates fully so we can record, again, a sweet decisive victory five months from now. Let us forge ahead in a united manner and consider further the gains chalked up in the quest to bring development, progress and prosperity to all parts of the country, he emphasised, adding this is our sacred duty, for the development of our beloved Ghana is bound up with the fortunes of the NPP. He commended all party executives, delegates and aspirants for the peaceful, credible, efficient and successful manner in which the elections were held. He, however, bemoaned some breaches of the Covid-19 protocols in some constituencies. That notwithstanding, the President was convinced that the enthusiasm and camaraderie generated amongst party members are a clear indication of collective commitment of the rank and file of the party to retain power in the December 2020 polls. To those who were successful, he said reach out and bring on board your fellow aspirants and to the unsuccessful aspirants, he added please reciprocate this gesture. Daily Guide Newark City Council on Wednesday fully passed an ordinance that will divert about $11.4 million - or 5% - from the citys public safety budget to turn a police precinct into headquarters for social services. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka signed the ordinance hours later outside the citys First Precinct, which will eventually be moved to make room for the new Office of Violence Prevention. The office will house social workers who will be dispatched to handle calls about mental health, homelessness or drug abuse. A social worker probably can deal with those issues a lot better than a person with a gun, Baraka told reporters. One officer will be assigned to be at the building and social workers will work in concert with the police department, the mayor said. Baraka was unsure how many social workers would be hired but the Newark Community Street Team, which already runs trauma-informed violence prevention programs, will work out of the new office. Newark Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose said the budgetary shift wouldnt cause layoffs. Ambrose expects retirements will help buffer the diversion of 5% from the public safety budget and social workers will help level staffing numbers. We support it, Ambrose said. Were going to make it work. And I know it can work. We can be a model. People will be coming here to see what were doing. The First Precinct is located in the citys Central Ward just off Irvine Turner Boulevard and was formerly called the Fourth Precinct. Thats where, in 1967, John Smith, a Black cab driver, was beaten by two white cops, sparking the Newark Rebellion. Protesters last month marched to that precinct after George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis and had a tense, hours-long standoff with Newark cops that remained non-violent. The ordinance will also require the precinct be relocated and turned into a museum documenting the history of the citys police and the positive progress it has made with community relations. This building will be forever known for what will not happen here again, said Junius Williams, the citys official historian. We will not have war on the people. We will have instead a combined operation - including the police - to prevent crime, to prevent violence, to prevent disturbances before they ever begin. The new Office of Violence Prevention will be tasked with creating a database of hate groups that exist in the United States. The ordinance also bans all hate groups like the Ku Klux Klan or White Supremacists from Newarks borders since they have a history of violence that targets people based on their race, religion or national origin. You see the transformative power of politics when it is in the service of the people, said Peoples Organization for Progress Chairman Lawrence Hamm, who is also challenging U.S. Sen. Cory Booker in the July 7 primaries. This police precinct - which was the epicenter, the spark of the 1967 rebellion - is now being transformed into an institution that meets peoples social needs. The ordinance received unanimous support from all nine city council members. Councilman at-Large Carlos Gonzalez initially abstained from voting on the ordinance on a first reading. Before he gave a yes vote on the final reading Wednesday, he said he still had reservations about First Amendment issues but knew the ordinance would ultimately benefit the city. North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos said he was initially concerned about diverting funds from the public safetys budget, but was reassured when Ambrose told him no layoffs would occur from the ordinances budget reduction. Central Ward Councilwoman LaMonica McIver, whose jurisdiction includes the First Precinct, also expressed support. We are definitely leading the way as we go into police reform and actually addressing our violence issues here in the city as a public health crisis, McIver said during the council meeting. No plans for where the First Precinct will be relocated next were announced on Wednesday. The ordinance gives the city until Dec. 31, 2021 to fully make the transition. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Rebecca Panico may be reached at rpanico@njadvancemedia.com. Ireland's Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and Spanish counterpart Nadia Calvino confirmed their candidacies to head the influential Eurogroup of 19 euro zone finance ministers on Thursday, with Brussels insiders tipping the Spaniard to win. Candidacies for the new Eurogroup chair, who will help shape economic recovery policies after the coronavirus crisis, must be submitted by the end of Thursday ahead of a July 9 vote. Calvino, 51, is a technocrat, economist and former head of the European Commission's community budget who also serves as a deputy prime minister in Spain's minority left-wing coalition. She promised to seek prosperity for all Europeans. "It would be an honor for the Spanish government, and for me as its president, if Nadia Calvino were to take on the Presidency," Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tweeted. "For the first time, Spain and a woman would lead this institution." Donohoe, 45, touted his experience and Ireland's role as a "bridge builder." "If elected, I will work to chart a common way forward on building the European recovery, strengthening the euro zone economy, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth for member states and their citizens," he said. Donohoe's candidacy could be complicated by Friday's vote by his Fine Gael and two other Irish parties on a new government deal following an inconclusive February election. A 'no' vote by either party could trigger new elections. The Eurogroup post has been vacant since Portuguese Finance Minister Mario Centeno announced earlier in June that he would not seek a second 2-1/2 year term. Brussels officials said the Spaniard was favorite. "Calvino is highly competent ... It makes sense to have the Eurogroup chair come from the south ... Last but not least, she is a woman, and it's about time to break also this glass ceiling," said one senior EU official. "She is a good candidate, she is inventive and knows very well how to get to a deal," added another. Filling the position fits into a broader round of negotiations for major European Union posts aiming to balance political leanings and regions. Madrid has long wanted to chair the Eurogroup, but also has designs on leadership of the World Trade Organisation for Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya. The Eurogroup's leader plays a crucial role in hammering out compromises on regional policies and chairs the board of the euro zone bailout fund. An independent with moderate social democratic views, Calvino has been a counterweight in Sanchez's coalition to the hard-left Unidas Podemos. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Mrs Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, the Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture, has urged beneficiaries of the Ghana Tourism Development Projects (GTDP) Grant Scheme to utilize the funds for the intended purposes to enable us achieve the projects objectives. She said the ministry will undertake a vigorous monitoring and evaluation exercise to ensure that the funds are used to develop the countrys tourism and hospitality industry. Mrs Oteng-Gyasi said this during the launch of the nine million dollar GTDPs Grant Scheme for Small and Medium Enterprises and Tourism Enterprises, on Wednesday, in Accra. She said the tourism and hospitality industry has been identified as a strategic pillar for the transformation of the economy and the Ghana Beyond Aid agenda, and over the years, the Ministry has lived up to its responsibilities to improve the tourism sector by marketing Ghana to the international community as well as domestically. She said in the quest to improve leisure tourism in the country, government solicited for a facility from the International Development Agency of the World Bank Group to implement the GTDP. She said the GTDP has four main components, which include strengthening the tourism enabling environment, by addressing tourism enabling constraints such as, training and skills development of the industry, aviation and entry visa policy, and tourism branding and marketing. It is also to develop tourism sites and destinations by diversifying the leisure tourism offerings in the country. These are sites that show significant public goods requirements and circuit-tourism potential, and can draw increased demand from both domestic and international visitors. Mrs Oteng-Gyasi said the GTDP was also to provide tourism enterprise support by providing tourism SMEs with the opportunity to improve their business planning, formalize their businesses and apply for matching grants to upgrade their tourism products and services. The last component of the project was to provide support to the ministry to manage and coordinate the project. She said since approval was given for the Project implementation, they have achieved some successes, despite certain initial implementation challenges at the onset, including the renovation of selected tourist sites, which are at various levels of completion. We are also working on the human resource capacity of the industry players and very soon we will outdoor plans for the establishment of state of the art tourism and hospitality training institutions in selected regions of the country. The sector Minister said the beneficiaries to be supported under the grant scheme comprise mainly Ghanaian indigenous businesses in the tourism value chain, including micro businesses that employ between one to five persons, small businesses that employ between six to 30 people, and medium businesses that employ 31 to 100 people. In addition to the above, the projects intervention encourages support to women-owned and or women-led businesses in the tourism sector. She said all modalities that are required to enable them disburse the grants within the next few weeks, have been worked on. Notably among the activities is the engagement of a grants management firm. An experienced entity in grants administration whose role among others will be to reconcile the financial records of the grantee, collect and verify end-of-project information on performance targets and data and execute disbursement, as well as a five member Grants Committee to supervise the execution of the grant scheme have also been put in place. She expressed appreciation to the World Bank Task Team for their support in going through the processes to ensure the efficient disbursement of the fund. Mr Divine Owusu Ansah, Acting Project Coordinator, said there are three main categories of the grant, site upgrade grant for non publicly owned tourism sites, SME grants for SMEs operating within the sector and capacity building grant for individuals. Businesses who wish to apply must have Ghanaian ownership, it must be physically present in Ghana and must demonstrate profitability. While individuals who wish to apply must be Ghanaians, register with any of the associations within the tourism industry; must be trained or identified with any tourism training institution. Mr Owusu Ansah said interested industry players have from today till July 8 to visit www.motac.gov.gh or www.visitghana.com to apply. 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 [June 25, 2020] InspireMD Announces Late-Breaking Presentation of Early SIBERIA Clinical Trial Results to be Featured in an e-Course at EuroPCR TEL AVIV, Israel, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- InspireMD, Inc. (NYSE American: NSPR), developer of the CGuard Embolic Prevention System (EPS) for the prevention of stroke caused by carotid artery disease treatment, announced today that early results from the investigator-initiated SIBERIA randomized clinical trial of CGuard EPS are being featured as a late-breaking presentation in an EuroPCR e-Course, which is being held June 25-27, 2020. The study evaluated 30-day silent brain infarcts associated with the use of the Acculink conventional open-cell nitinol stent vs the CGuard Micronet-covered stent. Title: The SIBERIA trial for carotid artery stenosis: A randomized controlled trial of conventional versus Micronet-covered stent use in percutaneous neuroprotected carotid artery revascularization: Peri-procedural and 30-day diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and clinical outcomes Presenter: Pavel Ignatenko, MD, E.N. Meshalkin Siberian Federal Biomedical Research Center, Ministry for Public Health of the Russian Federation, Novosibirsk, Russia Date: June 25, 2020 Time: 4:00pm CEST (10:00am EDT) The SIBERIA trial evaluated one hundred patients who qualified for carotid revascularization with high risk for surgery and were randomized 1:1 to either CGuard or Acculink. Primary endpoints were incidence and volume of new cerebral embolic post-procedural lesions (24-48 hours) as determined by diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI). Principal secondary endpoints included incidence of periprocedural or postprocedural stroke, myocardial infarction and death at 30 days. Post Procedure (24-48 hours), the CGuard arm was observed to have a 78% reduction in the average volume of new cerebral lesions (157 mm 3 vs. 700 mm 3 ), a statistically significant improvement (p=0.007) vs. 700 mm ), a statistically significant improvement (p=0.007) At 30 days, DW-MRI showed zero new cerebral lessons in the CGuard arm versus six in the Acculink arm (p=0.03) At 30 days, there were zero strokes, myocardia infarctions or deaths in the CGuard arm and three events the Acculink arm (two strokes and one myocardial infarction) Dr. Ignatenko stated, CGuard Mcronet-covered stent use in consecutive unselected patients subjected to neuroprotected carotid artery stenting was associated with a greater than three-fold reduction in the procedure-generated mean cerebral lesion volume, and with zero post-procedural cerebral embolisms observed. The SIBERIA trial is the first randomized, controlled clinical trial to directly compare CGuard EPS head-to-head against a widely used conventional stent, and needless to say, we are very pleased with the results, said Marvin Slosman, Chief Executive Officer of InspireMD. The data from this important study provide critical validation and adds to the growing body of evidence as we work to make CGuard EPS the standard of care not only in carotid stenting, but also as a safe and less-invasive alternative to carotid endarectomy, which accounts for more than 75% of carotid artery revascularization procedures. We are grateful to Prof. Karpenko, Dr. Ignatenko, their colleagues and the patients who made this trial possible. About EuroPCR EuroPCR is the official annual meeting of the European Association of Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) and the world-leading course in interventional cardiovascular medicine. About InspireMD, Inc. InspireMD seeks to utilize its proprietary MicroNet technology to make its products the industry standard for the treatment of carotid artery disease by providing outstanding acute results and durable stroke-free long-term outcomes. InspireMDs common stock is quoted on the NYSE American under the ticker symbol NSPR and certain warrants are quoted on the NYSE American under the ticker symbols NSPR.WS and NSPR.WSB. Forward-looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements may be preceded by the words intends, may, will, plans, expects, anticipates, projects, predicts, estimates, aims, believes, hopes, potential or similar words. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, are based on certain assumptions and are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys control, and cannot be predicted or quantified and consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with (i) market acceptance of our existing and new products, (ii) negative clinical trial results or lengthy product delays in key markets, (iii) an inability to secure regulatory approvals for the sale of our products, (iv) intense competition in the medical device industry from much larger, multinational companies, (v) product liability claims, (vi) product malfunctions, (vii) our limited manufacturing capabilities and reliance on subcontractors for assistance, (viii) insufficient or inadequate reimbursement by governmental and other third party payers for our products, (ix) our efforts to successfully obtain and maintain intellectual property protection covering our products, which may not be successful, (x) legislative or regulatory reform of the healthcare system in both the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions, (xi) our reliance on single suppliers for certain product components, (xii) the fact that we will need to raise additional capital to meet our business requirements in the future and that such capital raising may be costly, dilutive or difficult to obtain and (xiii) the fact that we conduct business in multiple foreign jurisdictions, exposing us to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, logistical and communications challenges, burdens and costs of compliance with foreign laws and political and economic instability in each jurisdiction. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward looking statements is set forth in the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K and its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SECs web site at http://www.sec.gov. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Investor Contacts: Craig Shore Chief Financial Officer InspireMD, Inc. 888-776-6804 [email protected] Jeremy Feffer LifeSci Advisors, LLC 212-915-2568 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By Sam Richards Bay City News Foundation PLEASANT HILL (BCN) The Pleasant Hill City Council, which usually approves two-year city operating budgets, this week instead unanimously passed a one-year, $25,848,225 budget, saying the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic makes meaningful longer-term economic forecasts impractical, if not impossible. As budget officials in most other California cities during the COVID-19 pandemic have experienced, Pleasant Hill budget officials had a hard enough time projecting numbers for even one year out, city Finance Manager Mary McCarthy told the City Council on Monday. "This crisis is unprecedented, and we don't have anything to look to," McCarthy said. Even so, McCarthy and other Pleasant Hill officials said the approved budget will not include any layoffs or significant service cuts, thanks in part to using reserve funds to make up the deficit. Pleasant Hill imposed a hiring freeze in April, which likely will continue through this coming fiscal year, McCarthy said. The approved 2020-2021 budget is 5.6 percent smaller than the 2019-2020 plan. Property tax revenue in Pleasant Hill is expected to go up about 2.4 percent in 2020-2021 ("Thankfully for us, a very stable revenue stream for us," McCarthy said.). But other tax revenues -- transit occupancy (hotel guest) tax, sales taxes and business license taxes -- are all expected to go down in 2020-2021 before going back up again as the economy recovers. The extent of those drops, McCarthy said, could become known with a budget update in August. Sales and property taxes each make up about a third of the city's general fund budget. The coronavirus and its economic impacts have had devastating effects on city and county budgets throughout California. The League of California Cities has said that every single city in the state faces significant projected revenue loss for their 2019-20 and 2020-21 budgets -- a total shortfall of more than $7 billion. More than 90 percent of California cities are considering employee layoffs or furloughs, or cutting public services, the League said; 72 percent are considering doing both. Two nearby cities, Walnut Creek and Concord, are facing more serious 2020-2021 budget issues. Both of those cities rely more on sales tax revenues than does Pleasant Hill. "I've talked to other city leaders who are facing much more significant challenges than we are, and that goes to what we're doing to be prepared for the next crisis that hits us," said Councilman Ken Carlson, who suggested the new budget realities could be the "new normal," at least for a while. 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. A nonstop barrage of illegal fireworks has bombarded the Bay Area for weeks, sending complaint calls soaring. Hundreds more people have been calling authorities to complain about the noise, which begins with a few pops in the afternoon, followed by louder bangs around dusk and then big blasts that carry on well into the early morning. Complaints are pouring in all over the region, but the East Bay seems to be seeing the biggest boom. Richmond police have received 1,157 calls so far this month compared with 205 in June 2019. As of June 22, the city of San Francisco had more noise complaints for the month than it got in all of June 2019, according to data from the Department of Emergency Management. The city had 2,733 complaints as of Monday, a 72% increase from the 1,588 it received through the first 22 days of June last year. The Alameda County Sheriffs Office fielded 380 complaints about fireworks through the first 23 days of June, and calls usually dont even start in earnest until the week of the Fourth of July. There has been a lot of complaints, more than normal, said Sgt. Ray Kelly, a sheriffs spokesman. The fireworks seem to be bigger, louder, stronger. Cheryl Pritchard, who lives near Lake Merritt in Oakland, said the increase in fireworks has been very problematic in her neighborhood, as they shake her awake, terrify her two cats and cause dogs in the neighborhood to run from their yards. People are setting off cherry bombs and what sound like major bombs big and small booms, no color or displays all night until 2:30 in the morning, she said. Theyve gotten louder and more intense. Paul Kuroda/Special to The Chronicle Whos detonating the fireworks and where theyre getting them is a mystery to almost everyone: police and firefighters, explosives experts, the fireworks industry and many of the people enduring the nightly explosions. Most officials surmise that the fireworks are a combination of people tired of being stuck at home and blowing off a little steam. With the outbreak of COVID-19 and protests over police brutality and racial inequities, theres a sense that the national unrest has given people more reason to detonate fireworks. Michael Knight, a spokesman for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the federal agency that investigates illegal use of explosives, including fireworks, agrees with that assessment. The uptick in illegal fireworks has been seen around the country, he said, and not just in major metropolitan areas like New York, where the explosions prompted the creation of a task force to investigate the problem. You have people all over the country who have been inside because of COVID, Knight said. Celebrations have been canceled and states are starting to reopen. And this is happening in small rural towns, too, not just big cities. The Alameda County Sheriffs Office is mostly concerned about aerial mortars, which range from the size of a ping pong ball to a bowling ball and are packed with explosive powders and chemicals that fill the sky with bright colors. Paul Kuroda / Special to The Chronicle Some fireworks are launched out of a tube, and some people have turned them into destructive devices, shooting them at objects or on the ground, Kelly said. They basically become a bomb, he said. The pervasiveness of illegal pyrotechnics has led to other theories on the internet, from the fireworks being part of a government psyops campaign to unsettle and disrupt protesters, to protesters using them to harass police, to police deploying them to justify their continued existence while people call for defunding. Another theory is that fireworks companies are selling their goods for cheap or dumping them onto the black market. Some reports allege that people are dropping boxes of fireworks on street corners, free for all comers. Knight said theres no indication that any of those are true, or that theres any coordination or connection. We have not seen any evidence that there is an organized group or any social media organized campaign, he said. We do think there are people who see it on TV or video and think, Hey, thats cool. I think Ill try it. Bryan Gouge, a senior arson and bomb investigator for the State Fire Marshal, said the problem is statewide and police and fire departments in both Northern and Southern California have reported seizing large caches of fireworks. 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. One culprit could be sales in nearby states. Fireworks that are illegal in California could be lawfully bought in Nevada and then illegally brought into California, Gouge said. Some of the illegal fireworks merely make a demonstrative boom, but others spray the kind of eye-popping burst of color youd see in a July 4 display on the San Francisco waterfront, or at Oracle Park on fireworks night. Regardless, all explosives pose a risk of starting fires during a dry period in the weather. Most complaints about fireworks started appearing on social media around Memorial Day and have continued nonstop. Police dispatchers report the same experience. It has started earlier in the year, and it has been more intense, said Johnna Watson, a spokeswoman for the Oakland Police Department. We are hearing the level of frustration across the city of Oakland from East Oakland to West Oakland. It is not just one area. Few types of fireworks only so-called safe and sane fireworks that do not fly, move or explode are legal in California. In the Bay Area, only 13 cities allow their sale, according to the California Fireworks Safety & Education Program. These areas allow fireworks to be sold for a short period starting about a week before July 4 and concluding two days after the holiday. Sales this year can begin Friday. Oakland police say many of the pyrotechnics being fired off in the city are commercial grade, and theyre investigating how the explosives made their way onto city streets. We are working to identify who is bringing in these fireworks, Watson said. These are not sparklers; these are professional grade fireworks. Michael Cabanatuan, Shwanika Narayan and Alejandro Serrano are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com, shwanika.narayan@sfchronicle.com, alejandro.serrano@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan, @shwanika, @serrano_alej Normally this time of year, Stacey Pittroff-Barona would be in the middle of fair season. Her dad would be back from Australia, having run their carnival ride, the Giant Slide, and food stand, Cheese on a Stick and Fresh Lemonade, at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. August would see 11 days of the Wisconsin State Fair followed by another 12 at the fair in her home state of Minnesota. "I have grown up in the fair business my entire life," Pittroff-Barona told ABC News. "That has been pretty much all we have done, is the fair business." The Giant Slide celebrated 50 years at the Minnesota State Fair last year. The food stand has been a staple there for 40 years. This year, all three fairs were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. PHOTO: A group of ladies ride the Giant Slide together during the first day of the Minnesota State Fair in Falcon Heights, Minn., Aug. 22, 2019. (Star Tribune via Getty Images, FILE) "Financially, it has been devastating," said Pittroff-Barona. She said that as a seasonal employer, she wasn't able to apply for a loan through the Paycheck Protection Program, and it's hard to get grants because the businesses travel. "You fall into that hole where you can't really apply to anything," she said. So far this year, at least 25 state fairs have been canceled or indefinitely postponed across the country, as officials either deemed it too risky to hold crowded fairs effectively, or aren't able to due to state restrictions on mass gatherings. That doesn't include the hundreds of county fairs -- some of which, like in Erie, attract more people than some state fairs do -- that have also been canceled. Among the more than two dozen state fairs that haven't been canceled, several, including New York, Texas and Utah, are tentatively still on. MORE: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut announce quarantine for travelers from high-risk coronavirus areas In addition to its cultural and social significance, the state fair -- a celebration of a region's agricultural heritage -- is a driver of economic activity. The Indiana State Fair, which has been canceled this year, typically hires more than 1,000 seasonal employees. Story continues State fairs canceled or postponed so far in the U.S. (ABC News Photo Illustration) The economic impact of canceling both Illinois state fairs in Springfield and Du Quoin is expected to be at least $80 million, ABC News affiliate WICS in Illinois reported. The loss to the Des Moines tourism industry for canceling the Iowa State Fair has been estimated at $110 million, according to the Des Moines Register. The Wisconsin State Fair is the largest event in the state, drawing more than 1 million visitors. The economic hit of canceling that fair is estimated at more than $200 million, VISIT Milwaukee President and CEO Peggy Williams-Smith told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. The fair industry came to a dead halt in March, Marla Calico, president and CEO of the International Association of Fairs & Expositions, told ABC News. Since then, the largest event the organization's nearly 1,100 members have in the books is the Delaware State Fair, kicking off July 23. MORE: Trade show blues: Exhibitions go virtual as virus spreads Calico said there's a "ripple effect" of fairs on the local economy. One ripple stems from the carnival operators and food stands that often travel from festival to festival. "They're buying services in the community, they're getting restocked on supplies, they're getting their vehicles serviced -- the ripple effect of this is immense," Calico said. There are also the tourists who fill up hotels -- last year, the Ohio State Fair had nearly 1 million attendees across 12 days coming from every county in Ohio, as well as all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and Mexico, according to the Ohio Expositions Commission. Then there are the community organizations -- your Lions Clubs and Kiwanis clubs -- that often receive donations from fair proceeds, Calico said. PHOTO: A stand selling Minnesota State Fair staples like cheese on a stick and corn dogs has temporarily set up shop in a VFW parking lot in Roseville, Minn. (Cheese on a Stick and Fresh Lemonade) For now, Pittroff-Barona has figured out a way to run her food stand and give back. Since June 1, she's been slinging corn dogs from the parking lot of her local VFW, and donating a part of the proceeds to the organization. The stand is scheduled to run there daily through July 25, with nearly half of her full state fair staff on board. "They're pretty thankful to have summer jobs with everything that's going on," Pittroff-Barona said. "We're not really running fair numbers, but we're very steady." MORE: This couple is playing free concerts on their porch for neighbors every weekend Other Minnesota State Fair vendors have been popping up in parking lots and on roadsides for the summer, with state fair diehards creating a "fair food finder." Wisconsin State Fair Park officials have also devised a way for would-be fairgoers to get their fair fix, with cream puff pop-ups throughout the state during the original fair dates, from Aug. 6 to Aug. 16. More fair-related festivities are in the works, a spokesperson told ABC News. PHOTO: Jahtaiya Woolley, a team cream puff crew member, proudly holds a tray of fresh cream puffs with her fellow team cream puff crew members at the State Fair Park in West Allis, Wisc., July 31, 2019, prior to the start of the Wisconsin State Fair. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via USA Today Network, FILE) Fairgrounds that have had to cancel other events due to social distancing orders have also pivoted to drive-in movies and concerts, such as in New York and Washington. Pittroff-Barona is hopeful that by next year's fair season, she can go back to "business as usual." For now, she is watching to see what happens with the Washington State Fair, scheduled to start Labor Day weekend. It's typically their next stop after the Minnesota State Fair for the Giant Slide, which normally employs over 100 people. "They haven't called it," Pittroff-Barona said. "I'm holding out a little bit of hope that that fair will actually be on." At least 25 state fairs, drivers of local economies, have been canceled or postponed due to COVID-19 originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Dubai is like no other city in the world 92% of the population are expatriates living in the emirate as foreigners on temporary work visas. But the coronavirus pandemic coupled with a flailing oil market has had a ripple effect on the country with many of the expatriate population leaving to return home. Many redundancies were made public in the past few weeks; Emirates, the government-owned airline, laid off hundreds of employees. The airline did not give specific numbers, but sources told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity that 800 pilots were laid off and more than 4,000 staff and administrative personnel were made redundant in the second phase of its job cuts. The airline has also extended the 50% pay cuts until September. Lesley Muncey arrived in Dubai 15 years ago from the United Kingdom. Her husband works in the airline industry and was made redundant in the most recent round of layoffs. Muncey and her family decided to relocate to Cyprus where they own a small apartment they will now live in until they decide their next move. Neither me nor my husband are bitter. I love Dubai. I am very sad to leave. My husbands company has been so good to us, but it is what it is. Muncey told Al-Monitor. The redundancy process was done very slowly so we knew what to expect. But still it comes as a shock. I am sad I call Dubai home. My adult daughter is going to stay, which means I will come back to visit her. She added, Hopefully if this situation changes maybe my husband would come back on contractual work. So I am still hopeful. But other issues have come up following their decision to leave. For instance, Muncey's 61-year-old husband is having issues selling his car, as he is not allowed into the car registration building because he is over 60. "These small things I find frustrating, she added. The companies that employ expatriates in Dubai often provide their employees with housing and schooling for their children. Dubai is not cheap; the average school fees vary between $15,000 and $28,000. Free education for expats does not exist in Dubai, as in most home countries where school fees are usually tied to the taxes one pays. Wealthy Gulf Arab states have for decades depended on foreign workers to help their cities grow. Today, many are second-generation expats whose parents arrived in the 1970s. Many left to go to university elsewhere, but have come back to the place they call home. One of the many Dubai residents who have called it home for the last 10 years is Dina Kosma. She and her husband are now deciding whether to return to Greece. In our case we dont have a problem; neither of us are stuck outside the country and we both have our jobs. We dont have to leave for financial reasons or hardship," Kosma told Al-Monitor. Right now, even with the lockdown and restrictions this has not affected us dramatically. But it has affected our children as they are below the age of 12, and they are not allowed in most places. Kosma told Al-Monitor that with the uncertain school situation they just dont know what to do. Because our children are young, the distance learning is not working for us and its not a good solution. Paying school fees is not an issue, but [we pay] fees for them to be in a classroom not at home where we have to monitor them ourselves. I know that we are in a fortunate situation, but still this is an issue for us. For now, we will stay put and hope that the schools open again in September, she added. Dubais education regulator Knowledge and Human Development Authority said Dubai schools are scheduled to reopen in September, but has also confirmed that e-learning will continue in the new academic year. What that looks like has many parents like Kosma concerned. With so many unanswered questions, many expats have tough decisions to make. But many are optimistic that the city that sprung up from the desert will once again rise. Housing secretary Robert Jenrick is facing calls to resign after documents revealed he was insistent a controversial development was agreed before a new levy would cost its Tory donor backer millions. The move also prevented one of the poorest boroughs in the country, Tower Hamlets, receiving tens of millions of pounds. Boris Johnson has backed the beleaguered minister and said he considers the matter closed, according to the head of the civil service, Sir Mark Sedwill. Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has faced accusations of 'cash for favours'. (PA) We dont want to give the Marxists doe [sic] A stash of documents and texts released on Wednesday evening showed multi-millionaire Tory donor Richard Desmond urging Jenrick to approve the Westferry development in east London. A text from Desmond, the former owner of the Daily Express, to Jenrick read: We have to get the approval before January 15 otherwise payment of 45 million pounds to Tower Hamlets meaning we have to stop and reduce social housing. In one text, Desmond wrote: Good news finally the inspectors reports have gone to you today, we appreciate the speed as we dont want to give Marxists loads of doe [sic] for nothing! Former Daily Express owner Richard Desmond urged Robert Jenrick to approve a development in east London. (PA) He added: "We all want to go with the scheme and the social housing we have proposed and spent a month at the Marxist town hall debating, thanks again, all my best Richard." The levy of 45m would have been due as part of the new community infrastructure levy (CIL), that would have improved local facilities in the deprived borough of Tower Hamlets. However, Jenrick approved the development plan shortly before the charge came into place on 15 January overruling both Tower Hamlets Council and a planning inspector. Lib Dem MP Sarah Olney said the most damning element of Jenricks decision was his willingness to deprive such a poor borough of tens of millions of pounds. The most important fact in the #Westferry saga for me is that Tower Hamlets Council - one of the poorest boroughs in the country - were deprived of 40m - 40m! - at a stroke of Jenricks pen. Theyre currently projecting a deficit of 10m due to Covid-related costs. Sarah Olney (@sarahjolney1) June 24, 2020 Tower Hamlets is among the top 32 poorest boroughs in England, and it is thought 40 neighbourhoods in the area are in the top 20% most deprived areas. Story continues A Housing Ministry official indicated the secretary of state (SoS) insisted Westferry to be signed off and approved the following day so that it would avoid the CIL. It stated: "On timing, my understanding is that SoS is/was insistent that decision issued this week ie tomorrow - as next week the viability of the scheme is impacted by a change in the London CIL regime." Desmond personally gave the Conservative Party 12,000 two weeks after the scheme for 1,500 homes was approved. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick speaking in the House of Commons. (PA) Councillors asked the High Court to intervene and force the government to disclose all correspondence concerning the development. Instead of doing this, Jenrick has been forced to quash his own approval, conceding the decision was unlawful. The correspondence comes as it was predicted that more than eight out of 10 councils in England that provide adult social care services are at risk of bankruptcy because of the financial risks of coronavirus. Analysis from the Centre for Progressive Policy think tank found that authorities in the most deprived areas of England face higher costs related to the pandemic than what has been provided by the government. Jenrick is now facing calls to resign over the controversy but Boris Johnson backed the beleaguered minister with the head of the civil service saying the prime minister "considered the matter closed. MORE: Two children among three seriously injured in house explosion Labour shadow housing minister Mike Amesbury told the BBC: "The interesting statement from Richard Desmond that 'didn't want to give the Marxists dough', for no reason, almost whatsoever well, actually what that would have given is potentially schools, GP surgeries, and very, very importantly, much needed affordable housing in one of the poorest communities in certainly the country. In Commons exchanges on Wednesday, Jenrick accused Labour of making "wild accusations" and "outrageous" claims. He said the accusations made against him were "not simply wrong but actually outrageous", although he admitted "things could and should have been done differently. Business minister Nadhim Zahawi said the documents published on Wednesday proved there was no overt influence by Desmond. The business minister told the BBC: The access did not buy this billionaire a decision. The secretary of state very clearly said to Richard Desmond I cant see you, I cant have this meeting. You have to also be fair and make that clear. Yes, of course there was access, because there was a dinner party that Robert Jenrick didnt know he was going to sit next to Richard Desmond at, but Robert Jenrick also said in those messages, that he released after promising the select committee he would release them, I cant have this meeting with you. Lord Bob Kerslake, a former head of the Civil Service, said the relationship between Jenrick and Desmond raised questions about the planning process. I dont for a moment suggest the minister took his decision simply because of a donation to the Conservative Party. But the fact is, for the price of a dinner, the developer was able to present his scheme to the minister, follow up with texts and seek to influence the decision. Yahoo News UK has contacted Jenrick and Desmonds offices for comment. Editor-in-chief of Index.hu, one of the few surviving independent news websites in Hungary, Szabolcs Dull, released a statement on 21 June warning that the websites freedom was being jeopardised by an organisational overhaul. We are concerned that with the proposed organisational overhaul, we will lose those values that made Index.hu the biggest and most-read news site in Hungary, Dull said, without giving further details. Just after, Szabolcs Dulls board membership was terminated. He remains editor-in-chief. Index is part of a short list of independent outlets operating in Hungary and whose finances and freedom to work have been curtailed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's growing efforts to control Hungary's media. From the very beginning of his presidency, Orban has been trying to control Hungarys media by silencing independent voices like outlets Nepszabadsag and Heti Valasz and taking control of media organizations. Miklos Vaszily, a pro-Orban businessman, had purchased a 50% stake in ad company Indamedia which also controls Index.hus advertising revenue channels - in March 2020 . The situation is complex, it is difficult to see clearly. Index.hu has long been under government pressure. The ad-spaces are sold by a quasi-government sales house. Some of the owners are close to pro-government media. Now the autonomous and intact operation of the editorial office has become questionable, as an external consultant has proposed to outsource sections of it, said Miklos Hargitai, president of the Hungarian Press Union. The media crackdown escalated in March 2020, when in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Hungarian Parliament passed a bill allowing the government to rule by decree without a set time limit. Under this law, people who spread so-called misinformation will face up to five years jail terms. The IFJ and EFJ have repeatedly called on the European Union institutions to condemn the Hungarian government media crackdown and to take urgent action to guarantee media freedom and plurality in the country. Update: on 23 July, editor-in-chief Szabolcs Dull was fired by the news website's owner. On 24 July, after the request of restoring him to his position was rejected, 60 journalists (around two thirds of the whole newsroom) quit their job. A residential development site in Prosperous, Co Kildare, has been brought to the market with planning permission for 49 houses. Joint agents Coonan Property and DNG Doyle are quoting 1.8m for the 6.84-acre site within walking distance of Prosperous and with direct access to the R403. Its planning permission includes two-, three- and four-bedroom townhouses, semi-detached and detached homes designed by Fitzgibbon McGinley Architects. Of these designs, two houses are detached and those could sell for about 365,000 each. A further six of the units will be built as three-bedroom semi-detached. Will Coonan expects the three-bed semi-detached will achieve just under 300,000, the four-bedroom semi-detached houses around the 330,000 region and the townhouses may fetch in the order of 255,000 to 280,000. Only last month, the vendor, a private landowner, was granted the five-year planning permission for the development. The site is within commuting distance of Dublin, Naas and Maynooth. Shares of Walt Disney Co dropped 2.4% Thursday after the company delayed the reopening of its theme parks in California and employees in Florida pushed to postpone guests from returning to Orlando's Disney World amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. The company had hoped to reopen Disneyland and Disney California Adventure in Anaheim on July 17 after a four-month closure due to the coronavirus. However, California officials have indicated that they won't issue guidelines for theme park reopenings until after July 4, given the rising number of COVID-19 infections throughout the state. 'Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart our business, we have no choice but to delay the reopening of our theme parks and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials,' Disney said in a statement on Wednesday. They did not provide a new reopening date for its California parks. Shares of Walt Disney Co dropped 2.4% Thursday after the company delayed the reopening of its theme parks in California. Pictured: Disney California Adventure, which has been shuttered for the past three months amid the COVID-19 pandemic Daily COVID-19 infection numbers in the United States are reaching record highs, fueled, in part, by soaring diagnoses in Southern California Anaheim is located in Orange County - one of four California counties showing a 'dangerous rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations' according to The Los Angeles Times. The death toll in Orange County has risen consecutively each week since the beginning of June. In the past two weeks alone, there have been 90 COVID-19 deaths. California as a whole witnessed its largest ever spike in confirmed new cases on Tuesday, fueled in large part by soaring diagnoses in Orange County and surrounding Southern California districts. The state saw a whopping 69% increase in new cases this week. Governor Gavin Newsom's spokesperson said he 'appreciates Disney's responsiveness to his concerns about reopening amid the recent increases in COVID-19 infections across many Southern California counties'. COVID-19 cases are continuing to rise across the country. California and Florida are seeing particularly dangerous spikes Disneyland in Anaheim, California will remain shuttered until further notice, after Disney was forced to delay its reopening amid surging COVID-19 cases in the area Meanwhile, coronavirus cases are also continuing to soar in Florida - but Disney has not announced plans to delay the reopening of Orlando's Disney World on July 11. However, the company is receiving strong pushback from a significant number of employees. Katie Belisle, a Disney World Attractions hostess, last week created a petition addressed to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer urging the government to delay Disney's plans to reopen the park. As of Thursday morning, more than 9,500 people had signed the petition. 'This virus is not gone, unfortunately it's only become worse in this state,' the petition says. 'With a record high of 4,049 new COVID-19 cases in a single day on June 20, 2020, we are now backtracking from where we originally were.' Belisle further wrote: 'Retreating back to an earlier Phase in re-opening is our best option at not exposing the virus to thousands and thousands of theme park employees and their families.' Data shows COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Florida - prompting fears among many Disney employees set to return to work in just over two weeks Coronavirus cases are also continuing to soar in Florida - but Disney has not announced plans to delay the reopening of Orlando's Disney World on July 11. The park is pictured before its closure on March 12 Meanwhile, the union representing actors at Disney World has also urged execs to postpone welcoming back guests at its Florida park . The Actors Equity Association said that it was unclear how Disney World could 'responsibly' reopen as coronavirus cases continue to soar in the Sunshine State. Florida reported having more than 114,000 confirmed cases on Thursday, a jump of about 5,000 cases over the previous day. The state has had at least 3,327 coronavirus-related deaths. The union represents about 600 actors at Disney World, out of a total workforce of 77,000 employees at the theme park resort. 'For weeks, we have made it clear to Disney that testing is a fundamental part of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone, from the guests to the cast,' said Mary McColl, executive director of Actors Equity Association in a statement. 'It is deeply disturbing that while coronavirus cases in Florida surge, Disney is refusing to provide regular testing to one of the few groups of workers in the park who by the very nature of their jobs, cannot use personal protective equipment.' The nation's most populous state saw a daily record of 7,149 new coronavirus cases Tuesday, to pass 190,000 total However, any further delay in Disney World's reopening will cause more financial headaches for the company. The company's shares have slumped more than 22% this year alone. Last month, the company estimated that global lockdown measures aimed at tamping down the spread of the contagion slashed its profit by $1.4 billion, mostly from its shuttered theme parks. Disney last month excitedly revealed plans for the July 11 reopening of its Orlando park. The company insisted it would implement a number of safety measures to keep employees and guests safe. Execs claimed Disney World would have a new 'social-distancing squad' to help keep patrons apart, and visitors would be required to wear a mask at all times. Frequent hand-washing would also be promoted, while parades and 'nighttime spectaculars' such as fireworks will not return until a later date. Disney is still negotiating agreements with its California employee unions, some of which have raised safety concerns about the reopenings. Disney Parks chief medical officer address concerns about safety in a blog on June 17. 'We're taking a multi-pronged approach to our reopening, after considering the guidance of various governmental authorities and health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and recommendations from our team of health and safety experts,' Dr. Pamela Hymel wrote in a blog last week. A statue commemorating the man who chose the site of South Australia's capital has been vandalised for the second night in a row and tagged with the words 'Death to Australia'. The words 'No pride in genocide' were also written on the base of the Colonel William Light monument, on Montefiore Hill which overlooks Adelaide's CBD. Colonel Light was a British-Malayan naval and army officer who was appointed surveyor-general of South Australia and who also designed the layout of the state's capital. The tags appear to be related to the Black Lives Matter movement, which drew more than 5000 people into Adelaide's city centre earlier this month, calling for justice over the death of American man George Floyd and an end to Aboriginal deaths in custody. The statue of Colonel William Light on Montefiore Hill in North Adelaide was previously targeted by vandals on Wednesday However, historical references to Colonel Light's time in SA do not indicate any particular issues with the Indigenous community. The Boer War Memorial, located outside Government House in the CBD, was also vandalised. Premier Steven Marshall said existing monuments would not be taken down but more should be erected to commemorate Aboriginal men and woman. 'We have got one of the most important statues commemorating Aboriginal men and women's service to Australia on the Torrens Parade Ground,' Mr Marshall said. 'We should be putting up more statues in SA commemorating the great achievements of Aboriginal men and women. We should not be desecrating other statues in our state.' Black Lives Matter Adelaide protest organiser Natasha Wanganeen said she did not support vandalism but wanted Colonel Light's statue removed. 'Why does Australia want to hold onto these things that are disheartening to Aboriginal people?,' she said on ABC Radio on Thursday. 'If it is at this point where people are spraying stuff and defacing things, that is a clear message to me that they do not want (the statue) there either.' Less than 24 hours after the council cleaned the statue, it was graffitied again with the phrases 'Death to Australia' and 'No Pride in Genocide' written on its base Deputy Lord Mayor Alexander Hyde said he condemned the 'cowardly' and 'nonsensical' attack on the monument. 'I'm not going to defend any other injustices that have taken place across Australia, but South Australia was founded as a free settlement and on the principle of protection for everyone, including Indigenous Australians,' he said. Statues around Australia and the world have been defaced amid Black Lives Matter protests, with the statue of Townsville's Robert Towns, one of the Queensland city's founders, on Monday being defaced with red paint. A police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia they are currently investigating the incident. The graffiti on Light's statue comes after two Captain Cook statues were defaced earlier this month in Sydney's Hyde Park and Randwick. Black Lives Matter Adelaide protest co-host Natasha Wanganeen said yesterday that she was unaware who was responsible for the vandalism and did not support their actions. But she has called for the removal of Light's statue and for it to be replaced with an indigenous person or someone who fought for indigenous rights. The tags appear to be related to the Black Lives Matter movement as protestors have recently vandalised statues which represent colonialism across Australia Colonel William Light was a British-Malayan navel and army office throughout the early 1800s and died on October 6, 1839. He was the first Surveyor-General of the British Province of South Australia and is known for naming the city of Adelaide. The statue of Light was unveiled in 1906 at the northern end of Victoria Square. It was moved to its current position in 1938 to commemorate the centenary of his death and renamed 'Light's Vision.' Some exporters have raised concerns over consignments being held back by Hong Kong and Chinese customs in response to a similar action allegedly being taken by Indian authorities at Chennai port, FIEO said on Thursday. The matter assumes significance in the wake of border tensions between India and China at Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh. "We have been given to understand that customs is physically examining all imports from China which is delaying clearance, adding to the cost of imports," Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President S K Saraf said in a letter to Commerce Secretary Anup Wadhawan. He said that some exporters have informed that, in response to such action, Hong Kong and Chinese customs are also holding back export consignments from India. Saraf urged the Commerce Ministry to take up the matter with Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) to see whether any official communication has been sent to Indian customs regarding scrutiny of Chinese consignments here. "Kindly take it up with CBIC and, if no such instructions have been given, a denial may be issued by CBIC so that the matter may be communicated to our importers in China and Hong Kong to suitably take up with their customs explaining our stand," he added. There are reports that customs authorities at Chennai port are conducting extra scrutiny of Chinese consignments. China accounts for about 14 per cent of India's imports and is a major supplier for sectors like mobiles, telecom, power, plastic toys and critical pharma ingredients. During April 2019-February 2020, India imported goods worth USD 62.4 billion, while exports to the neighbouring country stood at USD 15.5 billion in the same period. India has time and again raised concerns over widening trade deficit with China which stood at about USD 47 billion during April-February 2019-20. Also read: Apple, other U.S. goods from China held up at Indian ports: sources Mr K Rajaraman, Additional Secretary (Investment & IER), Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance called upon the industry for collective brainstorming and working jointly with the government for taking FinTech 2.0 to the next level. Fintech has enabled the financial inclusion and the government welcomes the initiatives of the industry for public good. The government recognizes the transformational value of fintech, he added. India's fintech sector has inspired and won the confidence of global investors. He urged the industry to participate in the inter-ministerial committee meetings headed by Secretary, Economics Affairs and highlight the concerns faced by the sector. He said that the Department is working with various stakeholders including RBI, SEBI, IRDAI and NBFCs, ministries, banks, industry, for finding innovative and holistic solutions to take forward the fintech sector. "COVID-19 has created a temporary disruption for businesses and the government has come out with a number of liquidity measures for businesses and is also providing cash and employment support to vulnerable sections of the society," he added. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) By Ayya Lmahamad Some 1,082 citizens have been fined for violating the strict quarantine regime that entered force on June 21, main traffic police department under the Ministry of Interior reported on June 24. All 1,082 were fined during June 23, according to Article 211.1 of the Code of Administrative Offences. Of them 866 were drivers who failed to follow the quarantine regime requirements and 216 were citizens not using facial masks in the public transport. The fines are due to the special quarantine regime that will be in force until July 5 in the territories of Baku, Ganja, Sumgayit, Lankaran, Yevlakh, Masalli, Jalilabad and Absheron region. Residents are required to obtain SMS permits before leaving their place of residence during the two-week strict lockdown. In the meantime, during the day at the inspections carried out at quarantine posts located on the borders of administrative territories, where the special quarantine regime was tightened, 361 cars which had sought to leave these territories have been stopped. Out of these 361 cars, 197 cars were returned in the direction of the regions and 164 in the direction of Baku. Earlier it was reported that 1,572 and 1,291 citizens were fined on June 21 and 22, respectively, for violating quarantine regime, and 635 drivers were fined during June 14-16 lockdown, as well as 2,524 drivers were fined during June 6-7 lockdown. Azerbaijan first introduced quarantine regime on March 24, and on June 18 decision was taken to extend special quarantine regime until August 1. On June 18, Cabinet of Ministers announced decision to impose a two-week strict quarantine regime. Under the new lockdown rule, citizens are allowed to leave their place of residence only after obtaining SMS permissions. Operation of shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, beauty salons, as well as museums, exhibition halls, sport and beaches was also suspended until July 5. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The famed St. Augustine Marching 100 has joined other organizations in vowing not to roll with the Krewe of Nyx after a controversial social media post penned by captain Julie Lea, according to a WWL-TV report. A letter to Lea from the New Orleans high school's president, Kenneth St. Charles, on Monday said because of the "krewe's position regarding racial injustice," the school's student marching band will not join the krewe in future Mardi Gras parades as long as the "current leadership" reigns. +15 Watch: Angry ex-Nyx members complain about Julie Lea's financial dealings, alleged Muses hacking Four charter members of the Mystic Krewe of Nyx, plus a recently resigned board member, conducted a public online video meeting Thursday to ai A few weeks ago Lea came under fire for an insensitive social media post that showed a Black child caressing the face of a White child joined by text that read "ALLLIVESMATTER Our Souls Are the Same Color." The post has set off nearly a month-long mass exodus of riders and marching groups. St. Augustine, an historically African-American, all-male high school, is not the only group to drop out of next year's Nyx parade. St. Katharine Drexel Prep and all KIPP Schools have said they won't participate in the krewe's parades. Nyx has also lost a significant amount of members, lieutenants and dance troupes because of the social media post. KIPP Schools latest group to drop out of future Nyx parades over 'All Lives Matter' post KIPP Schools in New Orleans became the latest group on Friday night to join others vowing not to march with the Mystic Krewe of Nyx in future Krewe of Pandora members have also walked out on Lea, who founded the all-female krewe as Nyx's sister organization. Lea, a former police officer, has apologized for the social media post, but she didn't align herself with the Black Lives Matter movement as members wished, nor did she leave her post as demanded by Nyx officers. The full letter from St. Augustine to Lea can be found here. +3 Controversial captain of the Krewe of Nyx, Julie Lea, offers a 3-step plan for reconciliation A polarizing social media post from the Mystic Krewe of Nyx last month has spurred a protest and mass resignations in the Carnival krewe. Now, Click here to read WWL-TV's full story. Published on 2020/06/24 | Source Actor Yoon Si-yoon gave off a new charm through the July issue of lifestyle magazine Allure Korea. Advertisement In the photo shoot with a reddish color, he draws attention by capturing the charm of both sides with wet hair and a chic, yet natural look. Yoon Si-yoon shows his emotional side with a funny concept of holding a watermelon in his mouth and looking at the camera indifferently in a comfortable position. The combination of burgundy-toned sleeveless and black jackets has completed a pictorial that captivates the hearts of viewers, with the stylishness and soft charisma of a mature man. In an interview that followed after the photo shoot, Yoon Si-yoon unraveled his candid images with the story of OCN's original drama "Train", which will premiere on July 11th. He, who is said to feel more energized during work, has been running for 10 years and even earned the modifier 'passionate man'. Looking at his filmography so far, he said, "I think it's fate that an actor meets a piece of work. It's not something I can do. I'm so grateful", he said, showing his humility. Actor Yoon Si-yoon, who is anticipated by the public by continuing his new challenge every time, will return as a double character in two years after the SBS drama "Your Honor" in 2018. On the night of a murder, A and B are divided by a last minute choice and elite detective Seo Do-won intervenes in a series of murders to protect precious people in the two worlds. The pictures and interviews of Yoon Si-yoon can be seen in the July issue of Allure Korea and on its official Youtube channel. ___________ "Train" is directed by Lee Seung-hoon-V, written by Park Ga-yun, and features Yoon Si-yoon, Kyung Soo-jin, Shin So-yul, Jo Wan-ki, Cha Yup, Lee Hang-na. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2020/07/11~Upcoming, Sat, Sun 22:30 on OCN. In recent years, there has been a rise in foreign and domestic large-scale land acquisitions -- defined as being at least roughly one square mile -- in Latin America, Asia, and Africa where investing countries and multinational investors take out long-term contracts to use the land for various enterprises. In some cases, this leads to the creation of new jobs for local communities, and governments often welcome these investments as a means to promote the transfer of technologies and the inflow of capital. But the investments can also have adverse outcomes for local people, who rely on the acquired areas for food and income but have no legal claim to the land, and the environment -- as the land will likely need to be converted to serve its intended use. An international group of researchers led by the University of Delaware's Kyle Davis has recently published a study in Nature Geoscience to see which types of large-scale land investments may be associated with increases in tropical deforestation. They found that investment types focusing on establishing new tree plantations -- where an area is cleared of existing trees and planted with a single tree species that is harvested for timber -- as well as plantations for producing palm oil and wood fiber, consistently had higher rates of forest loss than surrounding non-investment areas. The study's findings show that large-scale land acquisitions can lead to elevated deforestation of tropical forests and highlight the role of local policies in the sustainable management of these ecosystems. Analyzing land deals, forest cover Researchers used a georeferenced database of more than 82,000 land deals -- covering 15 countries in Latin American, sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia -- with global data on annual forest cover and loss between 2000 and 2018. advertisement They found that since the start of the century, 76% of all large-scale land acquisitions in the Global South -- an emerging term which refers to the regions of Latin America, Asia, Africa and Oceania -- can be attributed to foreign land investment. These land acquisitions covered anywhere from 6% to 59% of a particular country's land area and 2% to 79% of its forests. The information came from the Global Forest Watch database run by the World Resources Institute as well as other sources such as government ministries, which provides information for thousands of individual investments that show the exact area, boundary and intended use. "This collection of datasets on individual land investments provided me with information on the exact area, boundary, and intended use of each deal. I then combined these data with satellite information on forest cover and forest loss to understand whether large-scale land investments are associated with increased rates of forest loss," said Davis, assistant professor in the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences in UD's College of Earth, Ocean and Environment and the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in UD's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Environmentally damaging, globalized industries With regards to the environmental damage done by oil palm, wood fiber and tree plantations, Davis said a lot of it has to do with the ways in which those products are grown. advertisement "Investments to establish new oil palm or tree plantations seem to consistently have higher rates of forest loss, and that makes sense because basically, you have to completely clear the land in order to convert it to that intended use," said Davis. "If you want to establish a tree plantation or a palm oil plantation in place of natural vegetation, you've first got to cut down the forest." For the other investment types, such as logging and mining, however, the results were much more mixed. Logging investments, in fact, served a small, protective role where the rates of forest loss in logging concessions were slightly lower than the rates of forest loss in surrounding, comparable areas. Davis attributed this to the specific requirements for the logging industry where only trees of a certain size or species can often be harvested. These large-scale land acquisitions are now widespread across the planet, which was caused largely by rising globalization and the world's increasing interconnectedness. "There's been a rapid increase in land investments in recent decades due to growing global demands for food, fuel, and fiber," said Davis. He pointed to the global food crisis in 2008 when many import-reliant countries realized they were vulnerable to food or resource shortages. To help offset that vulnerability, they have pursued investments abroad to expand the pool of resources available to them in case another large-scale shock occurs. Government information Davis emphasized the importance for governments to provide detailed information on land investments, to ensure that these deals were carried out transparently and to allow researchers to objectively assess their effects. He also said that by performing this comparison across different countries, it makes it possible to start identifying specific policies that are more effective in protecting forests. "If you see deals in one country that aren't leading to enhanced forest loss but the same type of investment in another country is accelerating deforestation, then this suggests that there are opportunities to compare the policies in both places and leverage what's working in one country and adapt that to another context," said Davis. "But it also clearly shows that countries will inevitably experience deforestation should they seek to promote certain investments such as palm oil, wood fiber, and tree plantations, which we found were consistently associated with increased forest loss." A COVID-19 vaccine trial on humans has begun in the United Kingdom. The vaccine is developed by a team of researchers from the Imp... A COVID-19 vaccine trial on humans has begun in the United Kingdom. The vaccine is developed by a team of researchers from the Imperial College, London and this is the first time it will be tested on humans. The first volunteer has received a small dose of the vaccine and is said to be in stable condition while under close monitoring at a facility in West London. On how the vaccine works against COVID-19, it will train the bodys immune system to recognise the virus and help it to defend itself against a future attack using bits of genetic code (called self-amplifying RNA), rather than bits of the virus. The aim of the vaccine is to trick the body into thinking it has already seen the virus and made an immune response, so when you come into contact with it in real life, you should already be immune. A first dose will also be administered to several other people over the next few days, while the second dose will be given within one month. A total of 300 people have volunteered to participate in the trial in the initial phase. The research team is led by Robin Shattock, a professor at Imperial College. The first participant marks an important step for our saRNA vaccine platform, which has never before been trialled in humans, Shattock is quoted as saying in an article on the trial process on the colleges website. We now eagerly await rapid recruitment to the trial so that we can assess both the safety of the vaccine and its ability to produce neutralising antibodies which would indicate an effective response against COVID-19. I look forward to our progress in the coming months. The development of the vaccine has received more than 41 million in funding from the UK government and another 5 million in donations by philanthropists. Speaking on the vaccine, Katrina Pollock of the department of infectious disease and chief investigator of the study, said: We have reached a significant milestone in this ground-breaking study with the first dose of a self-amplifying RNA vaccine delivered safely. We are now poised to test the vaccine in the dose evaluation phase before moving forward to evaluating it in larger numbers. The UK Medical Research Council, UK Research and Innovation, the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the National Institute for Health Research, among others have supported the research effort. This astonishingly fast vaccine development compared to the years it normally takes is a result of the remarkably hard and collaborative work of the scientists, trialists and regulators, Fiona Watt, professor and executive chair of the medical research council, said. These human trials will contribute to global efforts to find a vaccine, which is our best hope for preventing COVID-19 and enabling life to return to normal. Imperial College, through VacEquity Global Health (VGH), will partner with Morningside Ventures, on rapid development and distribution of the vaccine within and outside the UK. As of June 23, 2020, more than 300,000 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 in the UK, out of which over 42,000 deaths have been recorded. RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) The International Monetary Fund is forecasting a nearly double-digit recession for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2020 a contraction of 9.4% as the region is dragged down by its two largest economies, which continue to suffer from the coronavirus. The updated outlook for the region, released Wednesday, is down sharply from the 5.2% recession forecast in April, which already would have been the worst performance since at least 1980, the first year in the IMFs World Economic Outlook database. The multilateral lending agency said in its report that in Latin America, most countries are still struggling to contain infections. The new forecast includes a 10.5% dive for Mexico, which has lost about a million jobs during the pandemic. The countrys industrial activity plunged nearly 30% in April compared to a year earlier amid its lockdown. Prodded by the United States, Mexico reopened its automotive, mining and construction industries starting in June, but plans for a broader restart of the economy have been delayed due to the continued high rates of new COVID-19 cases. The IMF predicts a 9.1% plunge for Brazil, which is Latin Americas biggest economy and most populous nation. That would be the deepest single-year tumble since at least 1901, when national accounts data from the governments economics institute begin. Brazil contracted 2% in 1918, the year of the Spanish flu pandemic, according to the institute. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has argued that hardship inflicted by shutting down economic activity would ultimately be worse than that caused by the virus, even as the nations death toll rose to the second highest in the world. Mayors and governors responsible for when and how to restart their economies mostly ignored Bolsonaros desire for a swift reopening. Following extended restrictions, cities and states have begun gradually resuming activity. In late April, Economy Minister Paulo Guedes was still projecting a V-shaped recovery and said Brazil was going to surprise the world. Story continues Brazils central bank said in the minutes to its most recent monetary policy meeting, released Tuesday, that data indicate economic activity reached its low point in April. Industrial production that month fell 18.8% from the prior month, including an 80% decline in output of durable goods, according to data published June 3. From January to April, Brazils economy shed 763,000 formal jobs, a report by the federal government said May 27. Economists surveyed by Brazils central bank currently forecast a 6.5% contraction this year. Stevenson reported from Mexico City Jonty Bravery, 18, from Ealing, west London , said to detectives after he was arrested that he had planned in advance to hurt someone at the art gallery on that date A laughing teenager who threw a six-year-old off the Tate Modern had been allowed out alone despite a history of violence and being on anti-psychotic drugs. Autistic Jonty Bravery was in council care but 'frequently assaulted' his carers and had been arrested for attacking them, the Old Bailey heard. Yet he was considered safe to go by himself on a day trip to London, where he hurled the French schoolboy off a 100ft balcony and then smirked to the youngster's distraught father: 'I'm mad.' Bravery had researched the easiest way to kill someone in advance of the incident, on August 4 last year, and had 'searched for the most vulnerable child' at the gallery , a court today heard. He told detectives that he had planned the attack to get on the TV news and later told medical experts he felt 'undestructable' (Sic) and 'on top of the world' after throwing the boy off the viewing platform. The victim, who was on holiday in London from France and who cannot be named for legal reasons, survived the fall but suffered life-threatening injuries - from which he is slowly recovering. After the attack Bravery was heard to blame social services for his actions, saying 'It's not my fault, it's social services' fault,' - a claim he made because he felt he was not getting the right treatment for his mental health as a 'looked-after child' under the care of Hammersmith and Fulham Social Services. He later claimed he had heard voices in his heard telling him to 'kill people' and said he 'wanted to be on the news' so that people - 'especially his parents' - could see it was a 'mistake' not to put him in hospital, the court heard. Today, at the Old Bailey in London, Bravery, now 18, appeared for sentencing via video link from Broadmoor Hospital after admitting attempted murder at a hearing in December. He will be sentenced tomorrow. Jonty Bravery (left and right in a court sketch) threw the six-year-old boy from a tenth-floor balcony at the Tate Modern in London The six-year old boy was seriously injured after he was thrown from the viewing platform of the Tate Modern art gallery in London (pictured) The youngster was airlifted to hospital in a critical condition with fractures to his spine, legs and arms and a bleed on the brain. (Pictured, how the horror incident unfolded) A court sketch showing Jonty Bravery appearing at the Old Bailey via video link today. At one point in the hearing, Bravery left his chair and faced the wall The Old Bailey was told about a 'shocking, prophetic' audio recording of Bravery confessing his murderous plans. The chilling recording in which Bravery vowed to his carers almost a year in advance that he would 'push somebody off' a tall building - was revealed by the Daily Mail in February. The shocking investigation into the Tate incident discovered that the private care company hired by Hammersmith and Fulham council to look after Bravery at his flat had disastrously relaxed his 'one-on-one' supervision. The court was today told by prosecutor Deanna Heer: 'He frequently assaulted staff. He lashed out every six weeks or so.' She said in 2017 he was cautioned for common assault when he hit a carer in the chest with a cutlery knife and slapped her face. Then four months before the Tate incident, he was arrested for punching another care worker on a trip to Burger King. By August, he 'was on a low dose of anti-psychotic medication' yet 'was allowed out unaccompanied for four-hour periods', said Miss Heer. Prosecutor Deanna Heer said: 'As (the boy) approached, the defendant scooped him up and, without any hesitation, carried him straight to the railings and threw him over. 'The CCTV footage shows (the boy) falling head-first towards the ground.' Ms Heer said CCTV also showed the defendant backing away from the railings. She said: 'He can be seen to be smiling, with his arms raised. At one point, he appears to shrug and laugh. 'The footage also captures (the victim's) parents' disbelief and rising panic at what had just happened.' She said the boy's father initially thought the incident was 'a joke' until he saw his son's distorted body below. Challenged by the father, Bravery said: 'Yes, I am mad,' the prosecutor said. The prosecutor said the boy's mother was becoming 'increasingly hysterical' after witnessing the incident. She said Bravery had 'a big smile on his face'. The boy's mother tried to climb over the railings to get to her son, but was held back by staff, the court heard. Ms Heer said Bravery later blamed social services when challenged by distraught witnesses moments after the incident. The victim, visiting the London museum with his French family, plunged 100ft on to a roof five floors below (pictured, the aftermath) The prosecutor said Bravery 'sniggered'. Asked why he had done it, Bravery said: 'It's a long story.' He was also heard to say: 'It's not my fault, it's social services' fault,' with a shrug, the prosecutor said. Following his arrest, Bravery, who was living in supported accommodation and had autism, was said to have asked police if he was going to be 'on the news'. He said that he had been 'seriously unhappy' recently and had been 'hearing voices' telling him to hurt and kill people for the last couple of months. Ms Heer said: 'He said he had to prove a point to 'every idiot' who had ever said he did not have a mental health problem that he should not be in the community.' He said he had been planning the incident for a long time, the court was told. A report into Bravery's behaviour, carried out after the incident, found 'his callousness and the striking lack of emotional empathy... is not typical of autism but is more typically found in psychopathy'. A timeline of Jonty Bravery's movements before and after the Tate attack 12.16pm: Jonty Bravery, a then-17-year-old autistic boy living in supported accommodation, leaves his home in Ealing, west London, to buy an Oyster card at a shop on Church Road, Northolt. 12.23pm: He arrives at Northolt Underground station and takes the Tube to London Bridge station. 1.10pm: Bravery arrives at London Bridge station, on the South Bank, and makes his way the short distance to the Shard. Once there, he asks a member of staff how much it costs to enter but does not have enough money. CCTV footage then shows him walking away before turning back to ask for directions elsewhere. 2.16pm: Bravery arrives at the Tate Modern on foot, speaks to a member of staff and is seen pointing upwards. He then takes the lift to the 10th floor viewing balcony in the visitor attraction's Blavatnik Building. 2.30pm: CCTV shows Bravery looking over the railings close to where a six-year-old French boy - who cannot be named because of his age - is later hurled. Witnesses describe Bravery looking 'relaxed' and smiling at their children. They move away. 2.32pm: The victim and his parents arrive on the viewing tower where Bravery has been waiting. The boy skips ahead of his parents briefly, allowing Bravery to scoop him up and throw him over the edge. Bravery then moves away and can be seen smiling, with his arms raised. The victim's parents panic - the father challenges Bravery while the mother attempts to climb over the barriers to her son, 100ft (30m) below, before being stopped by witnesses. Members of the public detain Bravery, remarking he seems 'calm' and 'lacking emotion'. He later is heard saying: 'It's not my fault, it's social services' fault.' 2.46pm: Bravery is arrested. He asks: 'Is this going to be on the news?' Advertisement However, expert Dr Joanna Dow said Bravery had not been formally assessed for being a psychopath. The prosecutor, citing the report into Bravery's behaviour, added: 'The defendant fully understood the consequences of his actions and was capable of exercising self-control to resist acting in the way that he did.' She told the court Bravery was a 'looked-after child' under the care of Hammersmith and Fulham Social Services at the time of the incident. He received specialist care following an assault on a female care worker in October 2017, but was 'frequently aggressive to staff' and was also abusive and failed comply with boundaries, the court heard. Ms Heer said Bravery, who was 17 at the time of the incident, was under one-on-one supervision but was allowed to go out unaccompanied for four-hour periods. He left his property around midday, bought an Oyster card, and travelled from his accommodation in Northolt to London Bridge, arriving at 1.10pm. Ms Heer said he went to the Shard and inquired about buying a ticket for the viewing area, but found he did not have enough money. He later made his way on foot to the Tate Museum, arriving at around 2.15pm, shortly before the incident took place. At his previous hearing, the court heard how after Bravery was arrested that he told detectives he had planned in advance to hurt someone at the art gallery on that date. The court heard he snatched the child from his mother's arms and hurled him from the tenth floor in front of horrified on-lookers. The young victim, who has still not recovered mobility in his limbs or cognitive capacities, was visiting London with his French family and fell 100ft on to a roof five floors below. The Crown Prosecution Service said that when he was arrested, Bravery told police that he had planned in advance to hurt someone at the Tate Modern on August 4, so that he could be on TV. It was reported at the time that Bravery, who has autistic spectrum disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, manged to slip free of his minders who were accompanying him on a trip to the Tate. The six-year-old survived but suffered terrible injuries including a bleed on the brain, broken arms and legs, and a fractured spine. He was left unable to move, eat normally or speak. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had to undergo several operations and spent months in hospital in London. He remains in a wheelchair, and will require 100% care support until at least August 2022, the court heard. Today Judge Maura McGowan was told the minimum sentence in a case such as Bravery's was 20 years in custody. But consultant forensic psychiatrist Joanna Dow recommended Bravery should be detained in hospital and it was 'hard to envisage' he would ever be released into the community. Meanwhile, expert witness Dr Nigel Blackwood, a reader in forensic psychiatry at Kings College London, said Bravery's actions were not typical of those with autism. But he said he favoured a prison sentence to a hospital order. Dr Blackwood said it was possible to transfer Bravery to a hospital if a custodial sentence did not appear to be working. McGowan said she would not pass sentence until Friday morning. Voting results and resolutions Regulatory News: THERADIAG (ISIN: FR0004197747, Ticker: ALTER) (Paris:ALTER), a company specializing in in vitro diagnostics and theranostics, informs its shareholders that its Combined General Meeting was held on second call in closed session, without shareholders or other people allowed to assist being physically present, on Thursday 25 June 2020 at 2:00 pm at the Company's registered office and chaired by Mr. Pierre Morgon, Chairman of the Board of Directors. Following this Combined General Meeting held on second call, Theradiag informs its shareholders that the number of shares held by shareholders who voted by mail or by proxy was 2,006,369, representing a quorum of 23.218%. Theradiag's shareholders voted all the resolutions presented in the way recommended by the Board of Directors. The Company wishes to sincerely thank all of its shareholders for their commitment to the voting process and for their support. The detailed voting results by resolution at this Combined General Meeting are the following: Resolution n Resolutions N of votes FOR N of votes AGAINST N of ABSTENTION Votes Result of the vote Ordinary General Meeting 1 Approval of financial statements 1 866 057 138 791 77 783 For 93.08% Adopted Against 6.92% Abstention 3.74% 2 Approval of expenses and liabilities (art. 39 CGI) 1 936 613 62 644 83 374 For 96.87% Adopted Against 3.13% Abstention 4.00% 3 Allocation of annual income 1 848 265 158 960 75 406 For 92.08% Adopted Against 7.92% Abstention 3.62% 4 Approval of regulated agreements 1 920 199 76 400 86 032 For 96.17% Adopted Against 3.83% Abstention 4.13% 5 Ratification of the appointement of Mr. Gejia OUYANG as Board member 1 761 451 216 661 104 519 For 89.05% Adopted Against 10.95% Abstention 5.02% 6 Renewal of Mr. Gejia OUYANG's mandate as a Board member 1 747 573 292 034 43 024 For 85.68% Adopted Against 14.32% Abstention 2.07% 7 Share buyback 1 870 677 185 527 26 427 For 90.98% Adopted Against 9.02% Abstention 1.27% Resolution n Resolutions N of votes FOR N of votes AGAINST N of ABSTENTION Votes Result of the vote Extraordinary General Meeting 8 Reduction of capital due to losses by way of a reduction in the nominal value of the shares 1 744 469 303 659 34 503 For 85.17% Adopted Against 14.83% Abstention 1.66% 9 Capital increase with pre-emptive subscription rights 1 789 251 257 299 36 081 For 87.43% Adopted Against 12.57% Abstention 1.73% 10 Capital increase without pre-emptive subscription rights via a public offering 1 451 041 592 962 38 628 For 70.99% Adopted Against 29.01% Abstention 1.86% 11 Capital increase without pre-emptive subscription rights via a private placement 1 477 771 576 547 28 313 For 71.93% Adopted Against 28.07% Abstention 1.36% 12 Capital increase without pre-emptive subscription rights for certain categories of beneficiaries 1 447 247 602 303 33 081 For 70.61% Adopted Against 29.39% Abstention 1.59% 13 Increase in the number of shares by virtue of the 4 previous resolutions 1 732 927 314 650 35 054 For 84.63% Adopted Against 15.37% Abstention 1.68% 14 Share purchase warrants allotment 1 598 934 447 104 36 593 For 78.15% Adopted Against 21.85% Abstention 1.76% 15 Free share allotment 1 648 692 413 335 20 604 For 79.95% Adopted Against 20.05% Abstention 0.98% 16 Capital increase reserved for employees 644 230 1 416 301 22 100 For 31.26% Rejected Against 68.74% Abstention 1.06% 17 Setting of the global threshold 1 813 751 230 159 38 721 For 88.74% Adopted Against 11.26% Abstention 1.86% 18 Reduction of the share capital via the cancellation of shares 1 831 028 216 981 34 622 For 89.40% Adopted Against 10.60% Abstention 1.66% 19 Modification of the articles of association 1 791 526 240 144 50 961 For 88.18% Adopted Against 11.82% Abstention 2.45% 20 Powers to carry out formalities 1 882 838 166 557 33 236 For 91.87% Adopted Against 8.13% Abstention 1.60% The minutes of this Combined General Meeting will be made available soon on the Company's website (in French): https://www.theradiag.com/en/investors/shareholder-information/general-meeting/ Financial calendar: - H1 2020 revenue, Tuesday, July 21, 2020 - H1 2020 results, Monday, September 21, 2020 About Theradiag Theradiag is the market leader in biotherapy monitoring. Capitalizing on its expertise in the diagnostics market, the Company has been developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative in vitro diagnostic (IVD) tests for over 30 years. Theradiag pioneered "theranostics" testing (combining therapy with diagnosis), which measures the efficacy of biotherapy in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases. Going beyond mere diagnosis, theranostics aims to help clinicians set up "customized treatment" for each patient. This method favors the individualization of treatment, evaluation of its efficacy and the prevention of drug resistance. In response to this challenge, Theradiag develops and markets the CE-marked TRACKER range, a comprehensive solution of inestimable medical value. The Company is based in Marne-la-Vallee, near Paris, has operations in over 70 countries and employs over 60 people. In 2019, the Company posted revenue of 9.6 million. The Theradiag share is listed on Euronext Growth Paris (ISIN: FR0004197747) and is eligible for the French PEA-PME personal equity plan. For more information about Theradiag, please visit our website: www.theradiag.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005663/en/ Contacts: Theradiag Bertrand de Castelnau CEO/Managing Director Tel.: +33 (0)1 64 62 10 12 contact@theradiag.com NewCap Financial Communications Investor Relations Sandrine Boussard-Gallien Claire Riffaud Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 theradiag@newcap.eu NewCap Media Relations Nicolas Merigeau Tel.: +33 (0)1 44 71 94 98 nmerigeau@newcap.fr Tyre, N.Y. A Syracuse police officer was charged with driving drunk when she rear-ended another vehicle earlier this month in Seneca County. The crash involving 25-year-old Shannon M. McKiernan, of Syracuse, a member of the departments Uniform Bureau, happened around 7 a.m. on Sunday, June 14 in the town of Tyre. Seneca County sheriffs deputies say McKiernan rear-ended another vehicle while heading west on State Route 5 at the intersection with State Route 89, a few miles northeast of Seneca Falls. The other driver, Nina Kolczynski, 47, of Port Byron, suffered rib, hip and knee injuries, deputies said. McKiernan was transported to Geneva General Hospital by North Seneca Ambulance to be evaluated. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage. McKiernan was charged with driving while intoxicated, speed not reasonable and prudent and following too closely. Shes slated to appear in Tyre Town Court to answer the charges. McKiernan has been on paid administrative leave since June 14, pending the result of an internal investigation, said Sgt. Matt Malinowski, a department spokesman. McKiernan joined the department in 2016. Contact Jacob Pucci at jpucci@syracuse.com or find him on Twitter at @JacobPucci. Dubai Police have seized $40.9m in cash and more than a dozen luxury cars in the arrest of Hushpuppi, Nigerian Instagram celebrity accused of online fraud and money laundering. In a video shared by the police, officers explained how they arrested Nigerian gang leader Raymond Abbas, better known as Hushpuppi. Hushpuppis principal scam was to create websites that looked identical to well-known companies and banks, it is alleged. He and his accomplices then used emails and messages to prompt people to log in or make payments on the fake sites. The gang hacked corporate emails and directed huge payments by companies towards accounts they controlled. Olalekan Jacob Ponle, known as Woodberry, was also arrested along with ten other men in an operation involving six police SWAT teams. Along with 13 luxury cars, valued at an estimated $6.8m, police confiscated 21 computers and 47 smartphones. The gang had 119,580 fraud files as well as addresses of more than 1.92 million victims. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates ANTIOCH (BCN) A 34-year-old man died after getting into a physical confrontation with a Lucky Supermarkets store employee Wednesday night in Antioch, according to police. Shortly before 10 p.m., Antioch police and Contra Costa County Fire Protection District firefighters were dispatched to the store at 3190 Contra Loma Blvd. on a report that a man was not breathing after getting into a physical altercation with a store employee. The 56-year-old employee claims he caught the customer attempting to steal meat from behind the butcher's counter. The employee told police that he confronted the alleged shoplifter, who then attacked him. MORE NEWS: Santa Clara County's case increase is 'worrisome,' health official says During the confrontation, the customer stopped breathing. Fire crews attempted life-saving measures, but were unsuccessful and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His name hasn't been released and the cause of his death is under investigation. The store employee was transported to a hospital to be treated for injuries, and is in stable condition. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Detective Cox at (925) 779-6866. Tips can also be sent via text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword ANTIOCH. Jacom Stephens / Getty Image 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. FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. - Charges were dropped against a prominent northern Alberta First Nations chief Wednesday as it was revealed that one of the officers involved in his violent arrest had been charged in an off-duty assault seven months earlier. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 24/6/2020 (577 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. FORT MCMURRAY, Alta. - Charges were dropped against a prominent northern Alberta First Nations chief Wednesday as it was revealed that one of the officers involved in his violent arrest had been charged in an off-duty assault seven months earlier. The case of Chief Allan Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation was in front of a Fort McMurray provincial court judge Wednesday when charges of resisting arrest and assaulting an RCMP officer were withdrawn by the Crown. Athabasca Chipewayan Chief Allan Adam is shown in a handout photo provided by Adam. Alberta Justice dropped the charges against a prominent northern Alberta First Nations chief in a Fort McMurray courtroom this morning. The move comes after the RCMP dash-cam footage of his violent arrest was made public as part of a court application to stay criminal charges against Chief Adam of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Allan Adam MANDATORY CREDIT The move came after RCMP dash-cam footage of Adam's March arrest, which started as a stop for an expired licence plate, was made public earlier this month as part of a court application to clear Adam's name. "The Crown reassessed the prosecution standard based on an examination of the available evidence including the disclosure of additional relevant material and withdrew the two charges," Alberta Justice spokeswoman Carla Jones said in a statement. "The Alberta Crown Prosecution Service has no comment on the actions of the police." Adam, who was left bruised and bloodied during the arrest, welcomed the news. "I'm overwhelmed at the fact that the charges have been dropped because, you know, we knew my wife and I knew that we didn't do nothing wrong," he said on a video call after the hearing. "You know, it was just for an expired licence plate. We don't understand the reasons why it had to escalate." Adam's lawyer Brian Beresh called the decision a win. "The withdrawal of these charges at this stage in the law, for our purposes, is a finding of not guilty," Beresh said. "It is a true victory, not only for Allan Adam and his family, other Indigenous accused, but for our society generally." Beresh said he learned through a court check that one of the officers, Const. Simon Seguin, has a trial set before a provincial court judge in September on separate charges of assault, mischief and unlawfully being in a dwelling house. "Those events, which led to charges against him, occurred on Aug. 5, 2019," he said. "As of this date, that police officer remains on full duty, not suspended, not fired." Alberta RCMP confirmed it was aware of the charge. "His duty status would have been the result of an assessment made by his managers on his suitability to remain on duty," spokesman Fraser Logan said in a statement. "These internal processes are independent of any pending criminal trial." Logan added the decision to drop the charges against Adam was up to the Crown. "The role of the police is to investigate and gather evidence in support of a charge and the RCMP fulfilled that role on this file," he said. "The Crown's role is to assess the elements of the offence and to determine if they prosecute." The 12-minute dash-cam video from early on March 10 shows a black truck idling outside the Boomtown Casino in downtown Fort McMurray in the glow of flashing police lights. Adam can be seen walking back and forth between the truck and a RCMP cruiser, shouting profanities at an officer out of view. The chief tells the officer to tell his sergeant: "I'm tired of being harassed by the RCMP.'" "Sir, just return to your vehicle. I'll come talk to you in a minute,'" the Mountie replies. A few minutes later, Adam again gets out of the truck and takes off his jacket as he strides toward the officer. A woman in the driver's seat gets out and Adam crouches as though bracing for a fight. At one point, the officer is seen pushing the woman against the truck and yanking her by the shoulder as she shouts, "'Ow!" "'Hey! Leave my wife alone! You come for me,'" Adam says, before swatting the officer's hands away from the woman. About seven minutes into the video, a second officer who has been identified as Seguin runs at Adam, tackles him to the ground and punches him in the head. Adam is then cuffed and put in the back of the cruiser, blood streaming from his face. The RCMP had initially stated that the officers' actions were reasonable. Stay informed The latest updates on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 delivered to your inbox every weeknight. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Politicians, however, have demanded answers after the video was released. The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team, the province's police watchdog, is investigating the arrest. They did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday, but posted on Twitter that the independent investigation will continue. Speaking in Edmonton, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said the Police Act is under review by the province and there will be a focus on racism and abuse of authority. "We know, like in any walk of life, there are some bad apples. And police services, especially because of the extraordinary powers that they exercise, must be particularly careful." This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 24, 2020 By Colette Derworiz and Tim Cook in Edmonton, with files from Dean Bennett. Delta CEO Ed Bastian Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian defended the airline's $11.5 billion in stock buybacks between 2013 and 2019. During an interview with Axios on HBO, Bastian said that "at some point, the owners of a business deserve a return, too." The comments came after the airline industry was criticized for seeking a federal bailout earlier in the coronavirus pandemic Delta received $5.44 billion in payroll support through the CARES Act. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Delta CEO Ed Bastian defended the airline's stock buybacks during the 2010s, saying that they were a necessary business transaction. The defense, which came during an interview with Axios on HBO that aired Monday night, came as US airlines, including Delta, have faced criticism for seeking bailouts after spending billions in capital on the buybacks in recent years. "We've put all the priorities in the right place, but at some point, the owners of a business deserve a return, too," Bastian said. "I have no issue with respect to the capital allocation discipline we've employed." Delta spent a total of $11.5 billion on stock buybacks between 2013 and 2019. For comparison, the airline spent $11.25 billion on wages and benefits for its 91,000 employees in 2019. When asked if the money used for the stock buybacks could have been kept as a "rainy day fund," Bastian suggested that while that would have been possible, it would not have been practical due to business expectations. "I think our owners of our business would wonder what we were doing, setting up for a pandemic," he said. Delta received $5.44 billion from the federal government through the CARES Act's payroll support program. Of that, $1.6 billion is in the form of a low-interest loan, while the rest comes as a grant. The payroll support program was designed as aid for airline workers amid plummeting travel demand, and must be used by airlines to pay employees' wages. As a condition of the funds, airlines agreed to not lay off or furlough workers until after September 30, 2020. The airlines are also prohibited from buying back stock or issuing shareholder dividends for a certain amount of time. Story continues The stimulus "goes to pay the salaries of our employees for the next six months," Bastian said. Although layoffs are possible after September 30, Bastian said that the six months of salary "buys us a lot of time to figure out how not to do that." However, Bastian said, he does not expect travel to return to normal before the payroll support runs out. "Travel at scale, the way we were in 2019, that's going to take at least two to three years before we start to see the types of crowds, the type of return of demand," he said. "So what we need to be doing in the interim is deploying all of the safety protocols that really has changed the experience dramatically." Read the original article on Business Insider New Delhi: The United States on Friday unequivocally stated that it does not support declaring Pakistan a terrorist state. John Kirby, spokesperson of US while addressing the media in his daily press briefing made it clear when he was asked about the online petition which sought to declare Pak a terrorist state. I have not seen anything specifically about the - such a bill, and obviously we don't - I'm not going to comment on whatever pending legislation may be coming in that regard, Kirby said. On Kashmir issue We want this (Kashmir issue) to be worked out between both sides, we want to see the tensions that exist right now be brought down, he said. Earlier Elizabeth Trudeau of the US State Department had also shared similar views and said that Kashmir is a bilateral issue to be resolved with the help of communication between the two countries. Also Read: (White House petition seeking to declare Pakistan sponsor of terrorism creates record) Secretary of State John Kerry earlier also stressed on ending the differences through dialogue and admired Indias restraint towards Pakistan. US also entrusted full confidence in Pakistans nuclear security. I think we've said before we're confident that Pakistan has the security controls they need to have in place on their arsenal, he said. Also Read: (Watch in 4 exclusive videos: Tarek Fatah calls Pakistan a 'safe haven' for terrorists; praises India) Also Read: (White House petition to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism gets record support) For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. By Sandip Shah The Trump administration fears America has lost its ability to mass-produce the medicines and medical supplies needed to fight the coronavirus and other, future pandemics. So its considering an executive order to bring drug and medical-supply manufacturing back to the United States. That might sound like a good idea, but the devil is in the details. The executive order would do virtually nothing to help Americans through the current pandemic. In fact, itd destabilize drug supply chains, making it harder to discover and distribute vaccines and treatments to patients. Administration officials would be wise to abandon their plan. The Buy American executive order would force federal agencies to purchase American-made drugs and raw ingredients. Itd also attempt to jump-start the construction of new pharmaceutical manufacturing plants through a combination of regulatory relief and direct funding. According to the administration, this process could take place over 30 to 40 days. That timeline is unrealistic, as any drug supply chain expert can attest. It can take up to a decade and around $2 billion to build a new pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, secure all the necessary equipment and supplies, hire and train workers, and take the thousands of other steps needed to sustain such operations. Even with emergency funding and regulatory waivers, itd be virtually impossible to have numerous additional drug plants up and running within months. America also lacks enough trained chemists to synthesize adequate quantities of active pharmaceutical ingredients, the chemicals that make up medicines. Right now, a majority of the pills and injectable therapies that Americans take are manufactured domestically. However, about 80 percent of active pharmaceutical ingredients are produced overseas. History shows that these geographically diversified supply chains are a strength, not a weakness. When Hurricane Maria slammed Puerto Rico in 2017, it disrupted the operations of 50 pharmaceutical firms. But firms were able to limit drug shortages by working with the FDA to source medicines from manufacturing plants abroad, and innovative drug companies were hardly even fazed. As former FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb explained in a recent interview, The branded companies that were manufacturing drugs there had very hardened facilities. They had redundant generators, they had months and months of fuel on hand, they had no disruptions in their manufacturing because their facilities were so well equipped. These diversified supply chains will help in the current crisis, too. It makes no sense to stop buying supplies from overseas while our own country is facing imminent, widespread shutdowns. Europe alone houses over a quarter of all API facilities that make ingredients for the United States market. Trying to forcibly re-shore the production of drugs active pharmaceutical ingredients could also violate Americas obligations under the World Trade Organization agreements, inviting retaliatory actions from our trading partners. With our economy in free fall, the last thing we need right now is a trade war escalation. Reshoring the entire supply chain would also raise the price of medicines, the exact opposite of the Trump administrations goal. Manufacturing medical supplies and ingredients in developed markets like the United States can be up to five times costlier than doing so in India or China. The administrations executive order would endanger patients and alienate Americas trading partners. In times of crisis like this, rash actions can feel satisfying but cause great damage. Lets hope cooler heads prevail. Sandip Shah is founder and president of Market Access Solutions, which develops strategies to optimize patient access to life-changing therapies. KAIRON (TARN TARAN) Five-year-old Paris clothes were soaked in blood when she knocked at the door of her neighbour at 7am on Thursday to break the news that the elders in her family had been attacked. Of the nine people present when the attackers entered the house, she is the eldest among the four unharmed survivors who dont yet know that they have lost their mothers. The girl was crying. She said her mother, grandfather and other family members had been attacked. I informed sarpanch Ranjit Singh. When we reached the girls house, we found five bodies, said Jagmohan Singh, the familys neighbour. Four members of the family and their driver were hacked to death by unidentified people at their house in Kairon village under Patti sub-division of Tarn Taran district in the wee hours of Thursday. Those murdered were Brij Lal, alias Dhattu (60); his two daughters-in-law Amandeep Kaur (24) and Jaspreet Kaur (28); son Daljit Singh, alias Bunty (25); and the familys driver Gursahib Singh, alias Sabha (35). Amandeep and Jaspreets husbands Paramjit Singh, alias Pumma (24) and Bakshish Singh, alias Sonu (30), respectively, are drug-addicts and undergoing treatment at a drug-de-addiction centre in Tarn Taran. Brijs fourth son Gurjant Singh, alias Janta (27), too, is a drug-addict and faces a drug peddling case. He was not home when the attack occurred. Amandeeps two daughters Pari and Jasmeet (2), and Jaspreets son Amarjit Singh (5) and daughter Khushi (1) are now in the custody of their neighbours. Khushi has paralysis and needs frequent care. Where will the children go now? Who will look after them? Drugs have destroyed the whole family, Jagmohan said. Brij Lals wife died last month in Amritsar Central Jail after being charged with peddling drugs. Brij Lals daughter Sarabjit Kaur is married and lives in Amritsar. Now, we will hand over the children to Sarabjit, said the villages panchayat member Nishan Singh. Sarabjit said, Childrens fathers are drug-addicts and getting treatment. I hope they get cured and start looking after their kids. My brothers started taking drugs after marriage. She said her sister-in-law Amandeep had called up her on Thursday and she appeared concerned about the future of her children due to the addiction of her husband. A Naas Social Democrats Cllr says it 'is a bit rich' for Minister for Transport, Shane Ross, 'dictating' that it could be an offence if people don't wear a mask on public transport, considering he does not use public transport himself. Cllr Bill Clear, says that he only has 50% hearing, and lip reads, and that hearing people through masks can be very muffled, but whatever it takes, to keep the figures down, then he agrees with wearing masks. However, he cautioned towards making masks mandatory, adding that people have medical and other reasons for not being able to wear masks. Vhi Swift Care Doctor, in Dublin and Cork private clinics, Dr Maria Hurley, does not believe that enough studies have been carried out on the safety of masks for the public. She cautioned against making masks mandatory. Dr Hurley, who qualfied in 1998 from University College Cork, in Anaesthetics and General Practice, works in Urgent Care, for Vhi Swift Care Clinics. She said: "I think talking of making the non wearing of masks an offence is reactionary, it is knee jerk, more studies need to be done. I believe that masks provide minimal protection, it is hard to know, the respiration ones used in the Intensive Care Units could be the best, as people in public could be breathing in their C02." Whatever about the health impact, she says that the mandatory wearing of masks could lead to discrimination, and also could lead to a false sense of security. She is very concerned about the backlog in non Covid illnesses and a stark increase in mental health issues. Dr Hurley says there are now people presenting with cancer who were afraid to go to a hospital or GP during the lockdown. UN, European MPs, Arab League call on Israel to ditch West Bank annexation plans Iran Press TV Wednesday, 24 June 2020 4:56 PM The United Nations and the Arab League have called on Israel to abandon its plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, with European lawmakers warning of "consequences" in case Tel Aviv moved forward with its project. Speaking during a UN Security Council video conference on Wednesday in which several government ministers participated, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres repeated his call on Israel to "abandon its annexation plans". Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that he would start plans for annexing more areas in the occupied West Bank on July 1 in accordance with US President Donald Trump's scheme. At the virtual meeting, Arab League Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said annexation "will destroy any prospect for peace in the future." "The possible move by the Israeli government to annex parts of the occupied Palestinian territory would constitute, if implemented, a serious threat to regional stability," he added. The UN coordinator for the Middle East, Nickolay Mladenov also warned that annexation "could irrevocably alter the nature of Israeli-Palestinian relations." "It risks up-ending more than a quarter of a century of international efforts in support of a future viable Palestinian state living in peace, security and mutual recognition with the State of Israel," he said. Trump officially unveiled his scheme in January at the White House with Netanyahu on his side, while Palestinian representatives were not invited. The proposal gives in to Israel's demands while creating a Palestinian state with limited control over its own security and borders, enshrining the occupied Jerusalem al-Quds as "Israel's undivided capital" and allowing the Tel Aviv regime to annex settlements in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley. 'Commensurate consequences' Meanwhile, some 1,080 lawmakers from 25 European countries warned that the annexation plans "will be fatal to the prospects of Israeli-Palestinian peace and will challenge the most basic norms guiding international relations". In a letter to European governments that was made public on Wednesday, the lawmakers said, "Acquisition of territory by force has no place in 2020." They also warned of "commensurate consequences" if Israel went ahead with its plan -- a reference to possible economic, trade or other sanctions. "Failure to adequately respond would encourage other states with territorial claims," the letter added. The signatories of the June 23 letter included members of parliament from Hungary and the Czech Republic, two countries sympathetic to Israel and to Trump's scheme. Trump's highly provocative scheme, which further denies the right of return to Palestinian refugees, is also in complete disregard of UN Security Council resolutions and rejected by the vast majority of the international community. Palestinians want the West Bank as part of a future independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem al-Quds as its capital. But Israel's aggressive settlement expansion and annexation plans have dealt a serious blow to any prospects of peace. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Countrys largest airline says it does not expect the nations borders to open at least for tourists until next year. Australias largest airline, Qantas, is laying off thousands of staff as it tries to survive the global coronavirus pandemic. The airline says it does not expect the nations borders to open at least for tourists until next year. Al Jazeeras Nicola Gage reports. People celebrate and dance to traditional music near the Acropolis in Athens, during the summer solstice marking the official start of summer Greece has taken every possible care to shield tourists from COVID-19 as it prepares to open additional airports to travellers on July 1, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Thursday. With a quarter of the nation's economy dependent on tourism, the government faces an urgent challenge to reassure potential visitors they can safely vacation in Greece as Europe begins to open back up to travel. "Every possible care has been taken to enable us to receive visitors with the maximum safety possible from July 1," he told a Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) event. Greece on July 1 will open regional and island airports to passenger flights, mostly from Europe. "All destinations on the mainland and islands have reinforced medical facilities," the PM said. While Greece officially declared a launch to the tourism season on June 15, many hotel owners have been sceptical about reopening owing to low demand, leaving thousands of seasonal employees in a precarious situation. Mitsotakis' government faced criticism this week after the child of an unemployed hotel worker fainted from hunger on the island of Rhodes. The mother of the nine-year-old girl, who is also raising another child on her own, said she was barely making ends meet because emergency lockdown stipends created by the state were held up by bureaucratic delays. "My supplies simply ran out... nobody has a job here, Rhodes is a dead town," she told Antenna TV on Thursday. "Last year I would make 1,000 euros a month." "Many children will faint, not just my own," she said. The PM did not refer to the incident in his speech. But he called on the sector to "support every tourism staffer and their families." Greece has so far registered fewer than 200 deaths linked to COVID-19. Mitsotakis on Thursday said Greece had to be "smart and creative" about marketing itself as a virus-safe destination. He said the number of positive tests at the airports of Athens and Thessaloniki since June 15 were "around one in a thousand...and all actually asymptomatic." According to Bank of Greece figures, the country in 2019 had more than 34 million visitors who spent over 18 billion euros. Operators say a realistic revenue goal this year is around 8 billion euros. Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2 has been hitting the headlines since its inception. There had been recent reports that Karan Singh Grover, who plays the role of Mr. Rishab Bajaj in the show, is not ready to resume shoot due to the pandemic. It was said that the team is trying to convince the actor while also looking for other actors such as Gaurav Chopra, Sharad Kelkar, and Karan Patel to replace Karan. And now, putting all rumors to rest, the production team of Ekta Kapoor's show has revealed to have zeroed in on Yeh Hai Mohabbateins Karan Patel to step into the role of Mr. Rishab Bajaj. In an interview with the Times of India, Karan revealed, Mr Bajaj is an iconic character and it has lived on in peoples minds for years. So, its a matter of honour to take it ahead from where Ronit Roy and Karan Singh Grover left and add my nuances to it. I intend to make this character as iconic and loved as Mr. Bhalla (his character in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein) had become over a period of six years. According to the media reports, the actor will start shooting for the show in the coming week. However, a reliable source close to the development revealed that Patel will be sporting a drastically different look from the one channeled by Grover, and his entry will bring a major turning point in the ongoing story. ALSO READ: Pooja Banerjee On Her Special Bond With Kasautii Zindagii Kay Co-Stars Sahil Anand & Parth Samthaan ALSO READ: Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2: Sharad Kelkar, Karan Patel Or Gaurav - Who Will Replace Karan Singh Grover? Daniel Itai The Zimbabwe Daily Windhoek, Namibia The Germany embassy has decided to pitch in the fight against COVID-19 by distributing food packages in the areas of Gobabis, Witvlei and Okahandja. The food packages are being distributed to the community members by the German Evangelical Lutheran Association of Okahandja-Gobabis (ELCIN GELC) in cooperation with the Okahandja Community Forum. We are glad to be able to support the church and the Okahandja Community Forum in their efforts to serve those in need. In times like these, it is particularly important to help each other in the spirit of humanity and christian charity, said Ellen Golz, Chargee dAffaires a.i. of the German Embassy. - Advertisement - Although Namibia has relatively low COVID-19 confirmed cases at just under 60, the country is finding it hard to balance between COVID-19 and its economic well-being. However, Namibia is slowly opening up its entire economy so as to try and mitigate the effects of COVID-19 but with its largest trading partner, South Africa still on a nationwide lockdown the road to economic recovery is a bit gloomy. Like this: Like Loading... Rashiaa Veal holds a sign of her cousin, Elijah McClain at a press conference in front of the Aurora Municipal Center October 01, 2019. Andy Cross/MediaNewsGroup/The Denver Post via Getty Images Colorado will reopen an investigation into the death of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black man killed last summer after police officers violently detained him while he walked home. McClain's death has received renewed attention in recent weeks, amid nationwide protests over police violence against Black Americans. McClain died in hospital days after he was stopped by police officers, who placed him in a "carotid control hold." A medic later injected him with ketamine to sedate him. Prosecutors declined last year to charge the officers involved, saying there wasn't evidence the officers had directly caused McClain's death. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Colorado will reopen an investigation into the death of Elijah McClain, a Black man who died after a violent arrest by Aurora police last summer. Gov. Jared Polis signed an executive order on Thursday which directs Attorney General Phil Weiser to investigate and potentially prosecute the three white officers who were initially cleared in 23-year-olds' death, the Associated Press reported. "Elijah McClain should be alive today, and we owe it to his family to take this step and elevate the pursuit of justice in his name to a statewide concern," Polis said in a statement, according to the AP. Colorado officials were under mounting pressure to re-investigate the McClain's death, amid growing outrage over prosecutors' decision not to charge the officers involved. A nationwide reckoning over racism and police brutality after the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25 has sparked renewed interest in a number of police killings across the country. McClain died on August 30, 2019, days after police officers confronted him on a walk home and placed him in a chokehold. A medic then injected him with ketamine to sedate him. The officers detained McClain on August 24, after police received a 911 call describing a "suspicious black male wearing a ski mask, 'acting weird' by 'waving his arms around,'" according to the police department's incident report. Story continues McClain's family said he wore the open-face ski mask because he was anemic and would sometimes get cold. They added that he had been listening to music while he walked home from a convenience store, where he had bought bottled tea for a cousin. Those who knew McClain told Sentinel Colorado that he was a massage therapist and a pacifist, known for being quirky, spiritual, and gentle. The newspaper reported that McClain had taught himself to play guitar and violin as a teen, and would spend his lunch breaks playing his instruments at animal shelters, thinking the music would help calm the animals. In recent weeks, activists have highlighted those details about McClain, amid renewed demands to hold the officers accountable for McClain's death. An online petition calling for a new investigation into McClain's death collected more than 2.7 million signatures as of Thursday. LaWayne Mosley, left, father of Elijah McClain, speaks during a press conference in front of the Aurora Municipal Center October 01, 2019. Andy Cross/MediaNewsGroup/The Denver Post via Getty Images McClain could be heard on body camera footage crying and struggling to breathe The Aurora Police Department released more than three hours of footage from the officers' body cameras. The footage showed that the officers stopped McClain during his walk, but he urged them to leave him alone. The officers then tried to arrest McClain, wrestling him to the ground while he struggled. Though the body cameras didn't capture visual footage of the rest of the incident the police chief said the officers' cameras were knocked off in the struggle audio from the cameras revealed that McClain wept, repeatedly said he couldn't breathe, and told officers he had just been trying to get home and wasn't a threat. "I'm so sorry. I have no gun. I don't do that stuff. I don't do any fighting. Why are you attacking me?" McClain could be heard saying. "I don't even kill flies. I don't eat meat." The footage embedded below may be disturbing to some viewers. The officers told investigators they tackled McClain to the ground because he had reached for one of the officers' guns. The officers then placed him in a "carotid control hold," meaning a technique in which officers apply pressure to the sides of a person's neck to restrict blood flow to the brain. The move has since been banned in Aurora, as well as other places around the country. The police incident report said medics from the fire department arrived and believed McClain was "showing signs of excited delirium by his appearance and his aggression," and sedated McClain with ketamine. One medic injected 500 milligrams of the drug into his shoulder. The medic noticed shortly afterward that McClain's "chest was not rising on his own, and he did not have a pulse." The medics started CPR and rushed him to the hospital, where he was declared brain dead on August 27. McClain was never accused of a crime. The Adams County Coroner's Office listed McClain's death as "undetermined" and the pathologist, Dr. Stephen Cina, listed several potential factors the could have caused McClain's death, including an "unexpected reaction" to the ketamine. Cina said there were no signs of traumatic asphyxiation or injuries to the neck, larynx, or hyoid bone from the carotid hold. He added that the death could have been a homicide, but he could not determine which cause of death was most likely. "Most likely the decedent's physical exertion contributed to death. It is unclear if the officers' actions contributed as well," Cina wrote. Local and state officials are pushing for a new investigation, but the prosecutor said he stands behind his decision not to charge the officers The officers involved in McClain's death Nathan Woodyard, Jason Rosenblatt, and Randy Roedema were placed on administrative leave immediately after the death, but were later put back on normal duty, Sentinel Colorado reported. Adams County prosecutors announced last November they would not charge any of the officers or the medics involved in McClain's death, arguing there was not proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers had used "unjustified" force. Prosecutors previously cleared the officers involved in McClain's death. But since June 7, their office has received thousands of emails and hundreds of voicemails inquiring about McClain, a spokesperson told Sentinel Colorado. On Wednesday, Polis said state officials were looking into the matter and "assessing next steps." LaWayne Mosley, father of Elijah McClain, wears a t-shirt with is son's picture on it during a press conference in front of the Aurora Municipal Center October 01, 2019. Andy Cross/MediaNewsGroup/The Denver Post via Getty Images "Public confidence in our law enforcement process is incredibly important now more than ever. A fair and objective process are from real or perceived bias for investigating officer-involved killings is critical," Polis said in a tweet. "I am hearing from many Coloradans who have expressed concerns with the investigation of Elijah McClain's death." On Thursday, District Attorney Dave Young released a statement explaining his decision not to charge the officers, calling McClain's death "both tragic and unnecessary," but arguing that the pathologist was "unable to conclude that the actions of any law enforcement officer caused Mr. McClain's death." Meanwhile, Aurora's city council has sought an independent investigation, though officials have been criticized for originally hiring a firm run by a former police officer. Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman said in a statement on Wednesday he's called for a special meeting on July 6 to vote both on authorizing an independent investigation, and who will conduct the investigation. "We need to bring closure to this tragic incident by making sure every aspect of it is thoroughly investigated," Coffman said. Sarah Al-Arshani contributed to this report. Expanded Coverage Module: black-lives-matter-module Read the original article on Insider Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain On June 11, Beijing reported its first new coronavirus case in nearly two months. Over the next two days, the city government swung into action, sealing off certain neighbourhoods and closing Xinfadi, the vast wholesale market where the outbreak is believed to have begun. International reports initially suggested that Beijing was adopting "sweeping" lockdown measures. However, we've observed that the authorities have tried to avoid the approach adopted in Wuhan. Instead, the Beijing government has pinpointed places and people thought to be potential risks, and has then applied targeted measures to prevent infections. The authorities have been tracing, testing and isolating people, focusing on the most vulnerable as well as those at risk due to their profession. The government has also managed movement in and out of specific neighbourhoods and has tried to stop the virus spreading beyond the city. It seems the approach is working. As of June 24, the number of confirmed cases in the outbreak was 269 and the daily infection rate had fallen to below 15. Importantly, there was no reported spread to a secondary infection point. While the risk of further outbreaks remains, Beijing's response may be the blueprint for containing the virus in China until a vaccine is found. Mass mobilisation to identify those exposed Beijing's initial strategy was a rapid campaign to find citizens who might already have been infected. This meant looking for anyone who had been to, or had contacts who had been to, markets thought to be connected to the outbreak. This knowledge in turn made it possible to use finely targeted neighbourhood lockdowns and strategic testing of the wider population, based on risk. The campaign didn't use sophisticated tracing technology. Instead, this was a large-scale operation using Communist Party, state, private sector and non-profit organisations that relied largely on mobilising people. To ascertain who might have been infected, teams of volunteers, community workers, and Party and state personnel knocked on doors, made phone calls, stopped people entering residential compounds and contacted people on WeChat, the Chinese messaging app. They asked whether people had been to certain markets since May 30 and, if so, sought further details. Clear instructions were given: "If you've been to one of these places, contact your local community office immediately." Meanwhile, the Beijing government ordered all employers to ask their employees whether they or those they live with had visited the markets. It then began to identify categories of people to be tested. First, all those who had been to Xinfadi and their contacts. Second, all those identified as vulnerable or easily infected, such as elderly people and staff in care homes, taxi drivers, couriers, and people working in markets and catering businesses. A third category covered all residents living in designated "medium and high-risk" areas, as well as medical personnel, frontline epidemic prevention staff, and people working in services such as transport, supermarkets and banking. A similarly graduated approach has been taken to isolation. All close contacts of confirmed cases are being taken to centralised isolation sites. Beyond this, self-isolation (at home) has been required only in the 40 or so Beijing neighbourhoods (out of more than 7,000) that have been closed. Places where confirmed cases are found are closed for environmental testing (surfaces as well as seafood and meat are screened) as well as thorough cleaning and disinfecting. The outbreak in Xinfadi has led to a further screening of all other similar agricultural wholesale markets, as well as suppliers of fresh and frozen meat and fish, supermarkets, convenience stores, restaurants, cafes and workplace canteens. Lockdowns become localised After the first case was confirmed, control measures were introduced based on proximity. The first patient's own neighbourhood was put under the strictest controls, with movement being limited. Surrounding neighbourhoods and those in the same sub-district resumed temperature checks on entry. As new cases emerged and the connection to Xinfadi became clearer, the authorities introduced similarly localised measures to limit movement in and out of other neighbourhoods. Unlike in Wuhan, instead of announcing these before introducing themand so leaving a window for people to spread the virusthe authorities implemented small-scale targeted lockdowns overnight. Only after an initial 11 neighbourhoods had been put under strict controlsor "closed management"were the measures announced the following morning. In strictly managed neighbourhoods such as these, residents are not allowed to leave, no people or vehicles from outside the neighbourhood may enter, and all residents are tested and put under home observation. By June 20, 40 neighbourhoods were under this strictest level of control. But on June 23, seven were removed from the list. A looser form of "closed management" has been adopted in the other 7,000 or so neighbourhoods in Beijing. These lower-risk areas must set up entry checkpoints, staffed 24 hours a day. Passes are needed to enter, and face or code verification is used to record who enters or exits. Temperature checks are also being conducted. Delivery drivers, housekeepers and other service industry personnel can only enter after registering and showing that their current status is green on the Beijing Health app. The app uses a person's health status, travel history and contact with confirmed cases to assign them a colour code to indicate their infection risk. Neither has there been a full city lockdown in the sense of completely cutting off Beijing from the rest of the country. Although chartered tourist buses and taxis were prevented from entering and leaving Beijing early on in the response, other travel restrictions have only targeted individuals more likely to have been exposed to the virus. Everyone else has been advised to leave Beijing only if absolutely necessary. People wishing to travel need to have had a negative test in the previous seven days and have green status on their health app. Meanwhle, railways and airlines are checking temperatures, apps and test results. Similar checks have been set up on roads out of Beijing, while the authorities have reduced public transport routes out of the city and suspended some altogether. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Former Hewlett-Packard CEO and 2016 Republican presidential candidate Carly Fiorina said she is not voting for President Trump and, if faced with a binary choice on a ballot, will vote for Joe Biden in November. Speaking to The Atlantic, Fiorina said the nation needs a leader and that this moment calls upon Joe Biden to be a leader. In December, she criticized President Trump for impeachable conduct and the Republican Party for being all about pledging fealty to Donald Trump no matter what, but did not say whether she would vote for him in November. I am encouraged that Joe Biden is a person of humility and empathy and character. I think hes demonstrated that through his life, she said. . . . When Biden talks about the soul of the nation, I think what hes talking about is values and principles and character. Principles like coequal branches of government, principles like problem-solving should be a collaborative process, a bipartisan process. I think all those things matter. Fiorina also explained how, as a staunchly pro-life Republican, she could vote for Biden, who has been endorsed by Planned Parenthood and other pro-abortion groups. I think this is a great example of an opportunity to lead rather than just playing politics, she said. He could do that. He could lead. He could problem-solve. He could find common ground on a bipartisan basis. She added that part of the pro-life cause is also recognizing systemic racism and structural racism in the country, amid the widespread protests following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. If we care so deeply about unborn lifeand I do, because I think every life has enormous potential and is gifted by God. And I think abortion is used discriminately against poor people and people of colorbut if we care about life thats unborn, we need to care about life thats in this world too, she stated. And that means we actually have to make progress on criminal-justice reform and police reform. And we have to stand up and recognize systemic racism and structural racism and make real progress on that, because too many lives that are here are being wasted and ignored and dismissed and overlooked. And sadly, murdered in broad daylight. Story continues Fiorina, who ran with Ted Cruz in 2016, revealed that she has not spoken to the Texas Senator in several years, and said his public alliance with Trump disappoints her. Ive been public in my disappointment about how few politicians have been willing to stand up and speak on values and principles, she said. But I understand it if youre in politics, sadly. So Ipeople, I think, are tired of politics and politicians and whether theyre Democrats or Republicans. If youre in politics, as Hillary Clinton used to say, youre in it to win it. More from National Review "Partnering with Century Business Solutions will offer our Microsoft Dynamics customers a streamlined solution to credit card processing directly within their Dynamics application," said Kristine Bruno, Marketing Manager at GraVoc. Century Business Solutions is excited to announce its partnership with GraVoc, a technology-consulting firm, to provide clients with integrated credit card processing within Microsoft Dynamics through the PCI-compliant EBizCharge payment gateway. EBizCharge integrates directly with Microsoft Dynamics. The application substantially reduces processing costs, comes with extensive payment features, and gives merchants the enhanced levels of data security they require for sensitive customer credit card information. The integration automatically posts payments and marks invoices as paid, so theres no need to go back into your software at the end of the day to balance your general ledger. Plus, EBizCharge is fully PCI-compliant and offers advanced data encryption and tokenization technology to ensure maximum transaction security. EBizCharge is designed to pass more information through the point of sale. Line-item details and invoice information are automatically passed to a PCI-compliant payment gateway, which helps qualify credit cards at reduced interchange rates and provides the lowest payment processing fees. Century provides free-inhouse customer support and extensive chargeback management to all its customers. The EBizCharge payment gateway will help streamline workflows, eliminate double data entry, and make payment processing more efficient. Users can run custom reports, sort through transactions by category, and immediately release funds when issuing refunds. "Partnering with Century Business Solutions will offer our Microsoft Dynamics customers a streamlined solution to credit card processing directly within their Dynamics application," said Kristine Bruno, Marketing Manager at GraVoc. The partnership between Century Business Solutions and GraVoc will simplify credit card processing in Microsoft Dynamics for thousands of merchants across the country. About Century Business Solutions: Century Business Solutions is reinventing the way companies accept credit card payments with their all-in-one payment solution, EBizCharge. EBizCharge is one of the top payment gateway alternatives to its more expensive and inefficient counterparts and is specifically designed to reduce payment processing costs and inefficiencies. EBizCharge integrates seamlessly with over 100+ accounting, ERP, CRM, and shopping cart systems, including QuickBooks, Sage, SAP B1, Microsoft Dynamics, Acumatica, Magento, and WooCommerce. Century is partnered and certified with Microsoft Dynamics, Acumatica, SAP, Oracle, QuickBooks, WooCommerce, Magento, and many more. For more information on Century Business Solutions, visit https://www.centurybizsolutions.net. About GraVoc: GraVoc is a technology-consulting firm located in Peabody, Massachusetts. For over 25 years, they have been committed to solving business problems for their customers through the development, implementation, & support of technology-based solutions. Through their four tightly integrated practices of Software Solutions, Information Technology, Information Security and Creative Technology, they are able to provide customers with a single point of access to a comprehensive menu of services that meet all of their business process management needs. For more information please visit https://www.gravoc.com/ CALIFORNIA CITY, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / In this world full of uncertainty, you have to be prepared at all times.Because we never know what is in store for us in the future. This is the primary reason why most people purchase an insurance policy, and some industries make insurance a requirement. But there are certain limitations to what is covered by insurance. For instance, mortgage companies have a requirement for homeowners to maintain a homeowner's insurance policy to protect THEIR investment. Insurance has a liability limit and scope of coverage. So, what will you do if events like acts of war or acts of God, such as earthquakes or floods, occur which are typically excluded from standard homeowner's insurance policies? Are you ready to face those events head-on? Have you made a contingency plan to overcome this obstacle? Another important question is, do you have knowledge of what to do if you no longer have the ability to pay your mortgage according to the terms and agreements you have signed? Well, the majority of us, if not all, will answer with a gigantic NO. However, events like a major illness, job loss, pandemic, natural disaster, or divorce are sometimes out of our control and can limit our ability to pay. This is where LaTonya S. Johnson will be of great help. Her area of expertise is helping homeowners prepare ahead for uncertain times and creating a plan when confronted with financial hardship. LaTonya Johnson is an entrepreneur who believes that the best time to prepare is before a serious situation occurs. It has the same context as with the saying, prevention is better than cure, in the healthcare setting. Her own personal experience with hardships made her want to help other homeowners keep their homes by preparing for whatever tomorrow brings. She does not want others to undergo what she went through and lose almost everything. Way back in 2007, she was at the peak of success, owning businesses such as a restaurant, a law office building, and several real estate investments. At that time, she was also pregnant with her daughter, Madison. Everything was going well before an unexpected fate turned the tide. Story continues She had pregnancy complications due to depression because of a failing economy as well as a very painful herniated disk. She also had a debilitating case of Mommy Brain - a mental fog associated with pregnancy and the first few months of motherhood. This clouded her ability to formulate a plan and made her unable to work on her businesses. This caused her to lose her of income and exhaust all of her savings by the time, she was in her 6th month of pregnancy. During this time, she had to file for bankruptcy, sold her cars, lost her businesses, and her home went into foreclosure. Of all events that occurred, losing her home was her biggest blow and deepest regret. She did not want to talk to her lender or other creditors due to the fact that she did not have the money to pay them, and was unaware of all the options available. Having experienced the darkest time of her life, LaTonya does not want others to be in that same spot where they don't know what to do. She wants you to have a Plan B and information readily available regarding options to save your homes for foreclosure. She firmly believes that homeowners should know how to deal with financial hardships. With unemployment rising across the United States, she can walk you through on every aspect of how to keep your home or sell it for the maximum value. Here's what she offers. The How Not to Lose Your Home Workbook, which is a workbook that is one-of-a-kind and is extremely detailed. You will also get instant access to the Home Ownership Assurance Quick Start Certification Program, which will just take as little as 10 minutes to complete and be certified. This program will help you understand the basics. Also, you will be given access to her membership site. The membership site contains educational videos, all of the documents that most lenders require during loss mitigation, and the latest news and updates. You will also have the ability to chat in real-time if you ever have questions. If you need longer sessions, you can schedule an appointment to talk over the phone. These are not only the benefits; you will also be given access to the Secret Guidance Website. This website provides customized advice, based on your unique situation. It also points directly to pages within the workbook to give you more in-depth instructions on how to move forward. Think about it carefully and plan ahead for your future. Tomorrow is unknown, but you can be prepared. After all, that's why you have insurance; correct? That is the primary reason why you should invest in this program. Your Homeowner's Insurance protects your property. Think of this as Homeowner's Assurance, because it will protect you. Name: LaTonya S. Johnson Email: latonya@latonyasjohnson.com SOURCE: LaTonya Johnson View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/595187/LaTonya-Johnsons-How-Not-to-Lose-Your-Homes-Preparation-is-the-Key Demonstrators march by the Washington Monument as protests triggered by the death of George Floyd while in police custody, continue on June 23, 2020, in Washington, DC. When it comes to creating racial equality in the workplace, the CNBC All-America Economic Survey finds the nation divided by race and by party. First, there's the division, largely along party lines, among those who believe it's an issue that needs to be addressed. Then, there's a division along racial lines about how best to address it. The survey of 800 Americans nationwide found that 24% of Americans believe there is already racial equality in the workplace and that steps do not need to be taken to address it. That figure includes 41% of voters who support President Donald Trump, compared with 11% of voters backing former Vice President Joe Biden. By party, 38% of Republicans do not see an issue along with 28% of independents and 12% of Democrats. Voters in the South are less concerned about the issue than those in the Northeast. White men see less of a problem than White women by a 9-point margin. Overall, 61% of Americans believe it's an issue that needs to be addressed, including 73% of Democrats, 60% of independents and 43% of Republicans. Fifteen percent said they are unsure. Among those who agree that racial equality in the workplace needs to be addressed, the leading solution among all respondents is to recruit, hire and train more Black employees, followed by company polices to address the specific needs and problem of Black employees. But African Americans see the solutions somewhat differently. Their top two choices: promoting more Black people into senior leadership and having more Black members of boards of directors. In other words, African Americans are more likely to favor a top-down solution. A 2019 report "Being Black in Corporate America" suggests a reason for this: While 44% of White people say they have access to senior leadership at work, just 31% of Black people say they do. Study after study, meanwhile, has shown Black people underrepresented on corporate boards and in senior leadership positions. Reversing the trend can create a positive feedback loop: Hiring more Black people into senior leadership qualifies more for top corporate spots and director posts. "After you serve on a board, more companies learn about you and demonstrate an interest in talking to you about available opportunities that you may not have the capacity to consider, which creates an opportunity to recommend other equally qualified candidates," Peggy Alford, a senior executive at PayPal Holdings, told Black Enterprise magazine in 2019. The survey of 800 Americans nationwide also found that former Vice President Joe Biden has jumped out to a 9 point lead on President Donald Trump with five months to go until the election, but the president still has the edge among voters on the critical issue of the economy. The poll was conducted from Friday to Monday and has an overall margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. was conducted from Friday to Monday, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. TWO men have been jailed for five years for a series of burglaries from pharmacies in Longford, Laois, Tipperary and four other counties which Judge Keenan Johnson said was an attack on rural Ireland. Sorin Aurelian Damaschin, 30, Crumlin Road, Dublin 12 and Matei Siminica, 30, of no fixed abode, were sentenced to seven years in prison with the final two suspended after Portlaoise Circuit Court, sitting in Tullamore, heard the value of stolen goods and damage caused was about 128,000. The two men, both Romanian, pleaded guilty to stealing high-end perfumes and after shave, plus cash, from pharmacies in counties Longford, Roscommon, Meath, Laois, Tipperary, Wexford and Waterford over a two-month period between May and July last year. At each premises they smashed the door with a hammer in the middle of the night and loaded the items and cash into bags before driving away. In addition to the burglaries from pharmacies, they admitted stealing a mobile phone and personal items from a car parked in a car park in Nenagh. The men told gardai when interviewed that they sold the cosmetics at knockdown prices to markets in Dublin city centre. This type of offending is a serious attack on legitimate commercial businesses. It's a serious attack on the services that are provided in rural Ireland, said Judge Johnson. He said it was clear from victim impact statements that the offences had a profound and negative impact on the proprietors of the premises and staff and afterwards they were all concerned and nervous. He said one could not but have sympathy of all these decent hardworking people who are trying to earn a legitimate living and they're subjected to this type of nasty crime. The courts were obliged to protect such businesses and send out a clear message that the perpetrators would suffer a significant sanction. He noted that most of the businesses were covered by insurance but their premiums were going to go up. And the cost of dealing with these claims is levied on everybody who pay their taxes and their insurance premiums so there's a cost to society. He also noted that the owner of the car in Nenagh had lost many photographs and mementoes of sentimental value and that was very hurtful to her and difficult for her. The perfumes stolen from a pharmacy in the town of Longford had a cost price of nearly 12,000 but would have had a retail value of nearly 22,000, the court heard. The total value of goods and cash stolen from a pharmacy in Cahir, Co Tipperary was over 35,000 while a pharmacy in Portlaoise lost nearly 6,500 worth of stock and 1,685 in cash. Pharmacies in Enfield and the town of Roscommon were at a loss of nearly 11,000 in stock each and the cost price of stock stolen from a similar business in Dungarvan was over 28,000. The court heard with the exception of 100 worth of sunglasses taken from one pharmacy in Enniscorthy, nothing was recovered. The men were captured on CCTV wearing masks and gloves during the raids but in a couple of instances they were recorded looking at premises the day before the burglaries. They were also linked with a car used in a number of the burglaries and when arrested in July last year they made admissions. The men had previous convictions in Spain and both have been in custody in Ireland since July 9 last year. Judge Johnson backdated the sentences to that date and the suspension of the final two years was conditional on them entering a peace bond for 15 years and leaving Ireland within seven days of their release from prison. drive.click BHPian Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Pune Posts: 28 Thanked: 217 Times A lovely but incomplete trip to Bandhavgarh Actually it was a fall out of our amazing trip to Africa (I plan to write a travelogue of this one as well). So our tour operator made a mistake in our Africa tour and thus he agreed for arranging an Indian trip for our entire family (this was well negotiated by my wife ). The tour operator specializes in wildlife tours and it suits us. During this time my brother was doing a economics research project at Bichiya near Kanha in MP. So the choice was limited to Kanha or Bandhavgarh. But Since I have been to Kanha twice and brother probably every week for last 3 months we decided to plan for Bandhavgarh. Only challenge was since most of us had taken leaves recently, we had to limit ourselves only to two days at Bandhavgarh. Options for travel from Pune to Bandhavgarh are limited, especially flights and limited number of days meant we cant drive down. So train it was, the tickets were booked and our tour operator completed the safari bookings as well. I had asked for at least two safaris in Tala zone. I had heard about the beauty of Tala zone. So we had 4 safaris - 2 for Magadhi and 2 for Tala zone. 14th Dec both safaris in Magadhi zone 15th Dec both safaris in Tala zone First Safari We as entire family of wildlife lovers are very used to with getting up early and try to be the first few vehicles at the zone gate. This morning was also no different. We were all hoping for some lovely sightings, however this safari nothing happened only thing that I could see were some Langurs and Peacocks Langurs playing on tree Peacocks just roaming around While there was some disappointment, we knew we had three more safaris to go. We went back to the resort to have a quick but sumptuous lunch. One thing I would like to mention that food in MP has always impressed me, be it a roadside dhaba or a jungle resort the food always turns out to be excellent. Second Safari We were the second vehicle in queue for our second safari. Just 10 mins into the safari and we saw one jeep stopped midway and its driver also signaled us to slowdown. And we were just going to turn lucky for the entire remaining safari The first sight - brothers just having their siesta They were just sitting here and doing nothing for next 15 minutes or so. After sometime the one of the brothers probably gets bored and gets up starts walking The other one continued to pose for us The look After a while the other one also gets up and starts walking, so we also started moving ahead trying to track them as they went into the trees adjacent to road One from the right side of the jungle suddenly came out, and it came very near, in fact too close for me to focus The aggressive look While this one moved back in the trees again, we could see his brother coming of out of left side of the road The gracious walk He looked towards the dense jungle and walked on later While the sighting was on our Guide told us that these are sub adult cubs of Dotty tigress. They are three brothers so the tigress and the other cub can also be around, especially the third cub since now they mostly roam around together without mother. When cubs reach about two or two and half years of age they are more independent. While we moved on we saw some Gypsys near a pond (kind of waterhole but a little bigger one), and there the third sub adult cub was. Our guide and driver did a good job of parking the vehicle in such a way that we get to see the tiger. Although he was on the other side of waterhole, we could see him well He was enjoying a nice bath towards the end of the day and probably was also enjoying the attention that he was getting. Now scanning vehicles from different direction I found that all three tiger cubs were quite used to with vehicles and were not going into thick jungle because of vehicles, so I am sure when they grow up they will be sighted often in Bandhavgarh. Finally he decided to make a move towards us Just after reaching the nearer end of waterhole, there was some dense grass and the tiger decided to play some hide and seek with us. Everyone was left guessing where exactly he is and from where would he come out. by this time many vehicles had gathered there, we were lucky to be at the right spot as we were early. After around 10 mins (which seems a lot in jungle when you are anticipating a tiger to come out of hiding), finally he makes himself visible He scanned the territory before fully coming out. Seems he was trying to find way out of queue of Gypsys that had come to see him Post this he crossed the road and vanished into the jungle. By this time it was also the time of end of safari, so we headed back towards the gate. Thus the end of a very satisfying safari and a lovely, lucky sighting of three tigers. The great part, post safaris especially evening is when you reach your resort, all drivers and guests chitchat about what you got to see, what are the chances tomorrow, which area should we scan tomorrow. Its fun to discuss this over hot tea and some snacks. I always enjoy these discussions. Day 2 - Safari 3 I was very excited for today's safaris, since I had heard a lot about Tala zone of this jungle and was looking forward to have some great sightings. But when I came out of my room, it was like a wet blanket thrown on me, it was raining. Of course the question was not that if we are going for safari or not, it was if we will get to see anything. I immediately checked the weather forecast and to our bad luck in entire Dec and Jan it was only today's day that had some rains predicted for it . Anyway we prayed for some luck and moved ahead. For the first time, I was doing a safari with the soft cover of Gypsy on, by the time we entered the gate of Tala zone, it started pouring, so the cover even from sides had to be pulled down. It was like the Gypsy is moving but no use as we cant see anything - the Guide kept telling us this is a very beautiful zone etc, but it was making me sad all the more. Its not that I had to sight a tiger to be happy, even jungle itself is beautiful and makes me happy, but definitely not a closed gypsy. During the entire safari, it just rained or poured. To top it all even if the rains stopped intermittently, the fog was so dense that we could hardly see anything. Day 2 - Safari 4 This was going to be our last safari and we hoped that the rains stops. But looks like we had exhausted all our luck the previous day. It continued raining in the afternoon too. We went into the jungle but no use, as when it rains animals also prefer to stay under the cover of trees and thus are either go deep inside jungle or caves (if there are any). The only thing that we could do was to go to the 'Sleeping Vishnu' in the middle of the jungle The view from here was magical too and one should definitely visit this place. Post this it was time to again move out of jungle, as even if it had stopped raining there was no chance of any sightings. So we moved towards the gate. The day was of disappointment as we could not enjoy both the safaris of Tala zone. Worst was we could not even see the mountain or hillock after which the national park is named. So we decided that we would come back here in April -May again. Albeit that's not happened too due to Covid-19, so I am now hoping for sometime November-December 2020. I am hopeful that by that time the situation improves. That's the reason I put title as 'A lovely but definitely incomplete trip'. I hope members enjoy going through the travelogue. Bandhavgarh, this place would be on every wildlife enthusiasts bucket list as it has the highest density of tigers in wild. Ever since I fell in love with wildlife Bandhavgarh has always remain on the list. Somehow it had been eluding me and my family for quiet sometime. But we got into a situation we were kind of forced to plan trip to this place.Actually it was a fall out of our amazing trip to Africa (I plan to write a travelogue of this one as well). So our tour operator made a mistake in our Africa tour and thus he agreed for arranging an Indian trip for our entire family (this was well negotiated by my wife). The tour operator specializes in wildlife tours and it suits us. During this time my brother was doing a economics research project at Bichiya near Kanha in MP. So the choice was limited to Kanha or Bandhavgarh. But Since I have been to Kanha twice and brother probably every week for last 3 months we decided to plan for Bandhavgarh.Only challenge was since most of us had taken leaves recently, we had to limit ourselves only to two days at Bandhavgarh. Options for travel from Pune to Bandhavgarh are limited, especially flights and limited number of days meant we cant drive down. So train it was, the tickets were booked and our tour operator completed the safari bookings as well.I had asked for at least two safaris in Tala zone. I had heard about the beauty of Tala zone. So we had 4 safaris - 2 for Magadhi and 2 for Tala zone.We as entire family of wildlife lovers are very used to with getting up early and try to be the first few vehicles at the zone gate. This morning was also no different. We were all hoping for some lovely sightings, however this safari nothing happened only thing that I could see were some Langurs and PeacocksLangurs playing on treePeacocks just roaming aroundWhile there was some disappointment, we knew we had three more safaris to go. We went back to the resort to have a quick but sumptuous lunch. One thing I would like to mention that food in MP has always impressed me, be it a roadside dhaba or a jungle resort the food always turns out to be excellent.We were the second vehicle in queue for our second safari. Just 10 mins into the safari and we saw one jeep stopped midway and its driver also signaled us to slowdown. And we were just going to turn lucky for the entire remaining safariThe first sight - brothers just having their siestaThey were just sitting here and doing nothing for next 15 minutes or so.After sometime the one of the brothers probably gets bored and gets up starts walkingThe other one continued to pose for usThe lookAfter a while the other one also gets up and starts walking, so we also started moving ahead trying to track them as they went into the trees adjacent to roadOne from the right side of the jungle suddenly came out, and it came very near, in fact too close for me to focusThe aggressive lookWhile this one moved back in the trees again, we could see his brother coming of out of left side of the roadThe gracious walkHe looked towards the dense jungle and walked on laterWhile the sighting was on our Guide told us that these are sub adult cubs of Dotty tigress. They are three brothers so the tigress and the other cub can also be around, especially the third cub since now they mostly roam around together without mother. When cubs reach about two or two and half years of age they are more independent.While we moved on we saw some Gypsys near a pond (kind of waterhole but a little bigger one), and there the third sub adult cub was. Our guide and driver did a good job of parking the vehicle in such a way that we get to see the tiger. Although he was on the other side of waterhole, we could see him wellHe was enjoying a nice bath towards the end of the day and probably was also enjoying the attention that he was getting.Now scanning vehicles from different directionI found that all three tiger cubs were quite used to with vehicles and were not going into thick jungle because of vehicles, so I am sure when they grow up they will be sighted often in Bandhavgarh.Finally he decided to make a move towards usJust after reaching the nearer end of waterhole, there was some dense grass and the tiger decided to play some hide and seek with us. Everyone was left guessing where exactly he is and from where would he come out. by this time many vehicles had gathered there, we were lucky to be at the right spot as we were early.After around 10 mins (which seems a lot in jungle when you are anticipating a tiger to come out of hiding), finally he makes himself visibleHe scanned the territory before fully coming out. Seems he was trying to find way out of queue of Gypsys that had come to see himPost this he crossed the road and vanished into the jungle. By this time it was also the time of end of safari, so we headed back towards the gate.Thus the end of a very satisfying safari and a lovely, lucky sighting of three tigers.The great part, post safaris especially evening is when you reach your resort, all drivers and guests chitchat about what you got to see, what are the chances tomorrow, which area should we scan tomorrow. Its fun to discuss this over hot tea and some snacks. I always enjoy these discussions.I was very excited for today's safaris, since I had heard a lot about Tala zone of this jungle and was looking forward to have some great sightings. But when I came out of my room, it was like a wet blanket thrown on me, it was raining. Of course the question was not that if we are going for safari or not, it was if we will get to see anything. I immediately checked the weather forecast and to our bad luck in entire Dec and Jan it was only today's day that had some rains predicted for it. Anyway we prayed for some luck and moved ahead.For the first time, I was doing a safari with the soft cover of Gypsy on, by the time we entered the gate of Tala zone, it started pouring, so the cover even from sides had to be pulled down.It was like the Gypsy is moving but no use as we cant see anything - the Guide kept telling us this is a very beautiful zone etc, but it was making me sad all the more. Its not that I had to sight a tiger to be happy, even jungle itself is beautiful and makes me happy, but definitely not a closed gypsy. During the entire safari, it just rained or poured. To top it all even if the rains stopped intermittently, the fog was so dense that we could hardly see anything.This was going to be our last safari and we hoped that the rains stops. But looks like we had exhausted all our luck the previous day. It continued raining in the afternoon too. We went into the jungle but no use, as when it rains animals also prefer to stay under the cover of trees and thus are either go deep inside jungle or caves (if there are any).The only thing that we could do was to go to the 'Sleeping Vishnu' in the middle of the jungleThe view from here was magical too and one should definitely visit this place. Post this it was time to again move out of jungle, as even if it had stopped raining there was no chance of any sightings. So we moved towards the gate.The day was of disappointment as we could not enjoy both the safaris of Tala zone. Worst was we could not even see the mountain or hillock after which the national park is named.So we decided that we would come back here in April -May again. Albeit that's not happened too due to Covid-19, so I am now hoping for sometime November-December 2020. I am hopeful that by that time the situation improves.That's the reason I put title as 'A lovely but definitely incomplete trip'. I hope members enjoy going through the travelogue. Last edited by drive.click : 24th June 2020 at 00:40 . Reason: Completing the travelogue as suggested by moderator Coal mine workers under the aegis of the Telangana Boggu Gani Karmika Sangham (TBGKS) will stage protests at all the mines of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) in the state on Friday, opposing the recent decision of the Centre to privatise 42 coal mines across the country. The strike will be led by Kalvakuntla Kavitha, former Telangana Rashtra Samithi MP from Nizamabad and daughter of chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. It will be the first major agitation to be led by Kavitha, after her defeat in the Lok Sabha elections in 2019. Kavitha, who is the former honorary president of TGBKS strongly opposed the Centres decision to privatise Singareni Collieries, which is one of the profit-making public sector undertakings. She called upon the coal mine workers to burn effigies of the Central government at all the Singareni coal mines on Friday. The coal mine workers will participate in the 24-hour strike on June 2, to highlight the issue and attract the nations attention, she said in a statement. Apart from TGBKS, all other national trade unions of Singareni Collieries have announced a three-day strike from July 2 to 4 in protest against the privatisation. Representatives of the All India Trade Union Congress, Indian National Trade Union Congress, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Hindustan Mazdoor Sangh, the Confederation of Indian Trade Unions, who had a meeting in Godavarikhani last week gave a notice of the upcoming strike to the management. The trade union leaders demanded that the Centre withdraw its proposal to privatise coal mines and e-auction of 50 blocks of coal mines in the country. Indian Overseas Bank hit an upper circuit of 10% at Rs 11.99 after the bank reported a net profit of Rs 143.79 crore in Q4 FY20 compared with net loss of Rs 1,985.16 crore in Q4 FY19. Total income remained almost flat at Rs 5,484.06 crore during the quarter. Profit before tax in Q4 March 2020 stood at Rs 83.48 crore as against a pre-tax loss of Rs 3,370.42 crore in Q4 March 2019. The bank reported an exceptional income of Rs 53.31 crore in the quarter. It represents exchange difference recognised as income on account of disposal of net investment in respect of one of the foreign branches. Provisions and contingencies fell 76.4% to Rs 1,060.38 crore in Q4 March 2020 from Rs 4,501.92 crore in Q4 March 2019. The provision coverage ratio of the bank as on 31 March 2020 stood at 86.94% as against 71.39% as on 31 March 2019. "During the year ended 31 March 2020, loans and advances amounting to Rs 6492.53 crore have been classified as fraud in terms of RBI guidelines and he bank holds 100% provision in respect of such advances," the bank said. Gross non-performing assets (NPAs) stood at Rs 19,912.70 crore as on 31 March 2020 as against Rs 23,733.86 crore as on 31 December 2019 and Rs 33,398.12 crore as on 31 March 2019. The ratio of gross NPAs to gross advances stood at 14.78% as on 31 March 2020 as against 17.12% as on 31 December 2019 and 21.97% as on 31 March 2019. The ratio of net NPAs to net advances stood at 5.44% as on 31 March 2020 as against 5.81% as on 31 December 2019 and 10.81% as on 31 March 2019. The bank reported net loss of Rs 8,527.40 crore the year ended March 2020 (FY20) compared with net loss of Rs 3,737.88 crore the year ended March 2019 (FY19). Total income fell 5.2% to Rs 20,712.48 crore in FY20 over FY19. Deposits stood at Rs 2,22,951.88 crore as on 31 March 2020 as compared to Rs 2,22,534.08 crore as on 31 December 2019. Advances fell 8.5% to Rs 1,21,333.41 crore in FY20 from Rs 1,32,597.63 crore as on 31 December 2019. Government of India held 95.84% stake in Indian Overseas Bank as on 31 March 2020. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Under Section 304 of the Criminal Code strangulation or choking can already be prosecuted (Pictured stock image) A kinky sex act popularised in the global bestseller Fifty Shades of Grey is technically illegal in one Australian state. Choking, or strangling a partner is forbidden in Western Australia and could result in prison time even if its a sex act between two consenting adults. The technicality emerged after attempts to strengthen domestic violence legislation on the west coast, as part of the Family violence Legislation Reform Bill 2019. The bill is due to be debated before the state's upper house this week but there were concerns it would make the sex play illegal. But under Section 304 of the Criminal Code strangulation or choking can already be prosecuted. While New South Wales and Queensland both have legislation to recognise the consensual sex act, there is no clause as such in the proposed legislation for Western Australia. Liberal Democrat MLC Aaron Stonehouse said the WA government needs to get out of people's bedrooms and stop trying to make choking sex play illegal. 'While I'd rather not speculate on the amorous adventures of Western Australians, we can't ignore the reality that the book Fifty Shades of Grey is one of the highest-selling titles of the last decade.' Liberal Democrat Aaron Stonehouse said 'While I'd rather not speculate on the amorous adventures of Western Australians, we can't ignore the reality that the book Fifty Shades of Grey is one of the highest-selling titles of the last decade,' Stonehouse said. 'The unintended consequences of this ban are obvious. Couples may find themselves foul of the law for engaging in consensual activities in the bedroom.' 'Consenting adults have a right to do what they wish in the privacy of their own bedroom, without the fear of the Attorney-General John Quigley breathing down their necks.' Sexologist Amanda Lambrose said choking, or breath play is increasingly common in the bedroom. 'At least 25 per cent of the BDSM community (would engage in consensual strangulation or suffocation regularly) or 10 per cent of all WA couples, and it's probably much more common than that,' she told the West Australian's Inside Cover. Sexologist Amanda Lambrose said at least 25 per cent of the BDSM community would engage in consensual strangulation or suffocation regularly. (Pictured stock image) Sexologist Amanda Lambrose said choking, or breath play is increasingly common in the bedroom She said the changes run the risk of 'allowing politics back into the bedroom.' However WA Family and Domestic Violence Prevention Minister Simone McGurk believes there was unlikely to be any issue unless there is a real threat to someone's life. 'A complaint is unlikely to arise where the sexual activity is truly consensual, however, in the event a complaint is made, a decision will be made by investigating police as to whether to lay a charge and by prosecutors as to whether prosecution is in the public interest,' she said. WA Premier Mark McGowan is seeking to adds a clause to the bill around 'suffocation and strangulation', as its typically seen as a precursor to more serious acts of domestic violence. Kansas City would no longer prosecute low-level marijuana possession cases at the municipal level, under a measure endorsed Wednesday by a City Council committee. In a move that Mayor Quinton Lucas argued would promote racial equity and criminal justice reform, the Finance and Public Safety Committee voted 4-2 in favor of an ordinance to eliminate marijuana possession as a city code violation. VICTOR, N.Y., June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), a leading beverage alcohol company, today announced it has signed an agreement with Sazerac Company, Inc., one of America's oldest privately held distillers, to divest the Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy brand, related inventory and interests in certain contracts for an aggregate of approximately $255 million. The deal is subject to certain purchase price and closing adjustments, requires FTC review and clearance, and is expected to close in the second quarter of fiscal 2021. Constellation has signed a separate agreement with E. & J. Gallo Winery to divest its Nobilo Wine brand and certain related assets and liabilities for $130 million, subject to purchase price and closing adjustments. The Nobilo transaction is expected to close by the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2021. This agreement was previously announced in December 2019 and is contingent on closing the amended revised deal announced in May 2020 in which Constellation agreed to divest a portion of its wine and spirits portfolio principally priced at $11 retail and below, and certain related facilities to E. & J. Gallo Winery for approximately $1.03 billion, subject to closing adjustments, of which $250 million is an earnout based on divested brand performance over a two-year period after closing. This amended revised deal, which requires FTC review and clearance, and governmental approvals, is expected to close in the second quarter of fiscal 2021. "These agreements represent another step forward in our efforts to transform our wine and spirits business," said Bill Newlands, president and chief executive officer at Constellation Brands. "Thanks to the continued hard work of our Constellation team members, together with our distributor and retailer partners, our strategy continues to gain momentum. We look forward to closing these transactions in the coming months." Additional commentary related to these agreements will be provided during Constellation Brands' first quarter fiscal 2021 results conference call to be held Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. EDT. The conference call can be accessed by dialing +1-877-673-1771 and entering conference identification number 2076116, beginning at 11:20 a.m. EDT. A live, listen-only webcast of the conference call will be available on the company's website, www.cbrands.com , under the Investors/Events & Presentations section. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The word "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These statements may relate to business strategy, future operations, prospects, plans and objectives of management, as well as information concerning expected actions of third parties. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and should not be construed in any manner as a guarantee that such results will in fact occur or will occur on any contemplated timetable. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and Constellation Brands undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The revised wine and spirits transaction, the Nobilo transaction and the Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy transaction are each subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory clearances and other governmental approvals. The Nobilo transaction is also conditioned on the completion of the revised wine and spirits transaction. There can be no assurance that the revised wine and spirits transaction, the Nobilo transaction, or the Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy transaction will occur or will occur on the terms or timetables contemplated hereby or that Constellation Brands will receive any earnout (contingent consideration). In addition to risks and uncertainties associated with ordinary business operations, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including completion of the revised wine and spirits transaction, the Nobilo transaction, and the Paul Masson Grande Amber Brandy transaction on the expected terms, conditions, and timetables; regulatory requirements; actual purchase price adjustments and other actual closing adjustments; the actual market performance of brands included in the contingent consideration payment opportunity; the accuracy of all projections; and other factors and uncertainties disclosed from time-to-time in Constellation Brands' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 29, 2020, which could cause actual future performance to differ from current expectations. ABOUT CONSTELLATION BRANDS At Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ and STZ.B), our mission is to build brands that people love because we believe sharing a toast, unwinding after a day, celebrating milestones, and helping people connect, are Worth Reaching For. It's worth our dedication, hard work, and the bold calculated risks we take to deliver more for our consumers, trade partners, shareholders, and communities in which we live and work. It's what has made us one of the fastest-growing large CPG companies in the U.S. at retail, and it drives our pursuit to deliver what's next. Today, we are a leading international producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits with operations in the U.S., Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy. Every day, people reach for our high-end, iconic imported beer brands such as Corona Extra, Corona Light, Corona Premier, Modelo Especial, Modelo Negra, and Pacifico, and our high-quality premium wine and spirits brands, including the Robert Mondavi Brand Family, Kim Crawford, Meiomi, The Prisoner Brand Family, SVEDKA Vodka, Casa Noble Tequila, and High West Whiskey. But we won't stop here. Our visionary leadership team and passionate employees from barrel room to boardroom are reaching for the next level, to explore the boundaries of the beverage alcohol industry and beyond. Join us in discovering what's Worth Reaching For. To learn more, follow us on Twitter @cbrands and visit www.cbrands.com . MEDIA CONTACTS INVESTOR RELATIONS CONTACTS Mike McGrew 773-251-4934 / michael.mcgrew@cbrands.com Alex Wagner 415-912-3788 / alex.wagner@cbrands.com Patty Yahn-Urlaub 585-678-7483 / patty.yahn-urlaub@cbrands.com Bob Czudak 585-678-7170 / bob.czudak@cbrands.com A downloadable PDF copy of this news release enhanced with multimedia links can be found here: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/234323a3-c0a4-4478-a427-bb5f46b6e833 Gaining passenger confidence in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic will pose a major challenge for the aviation industry, as fliers are reluctant to resume air travel, revealed an international survey conducted by International Air Transport Association (IATA). The results of the survey, which were released by the trade association of worlds airlines as part of a webinar on Thursday, were based on the responses of 4,700 individuals from across 11 countries including India and the US. More than 50% of air travellers said they would resume air travel only after waiting for at least six months. Whereas, 95% of the respondents said they would resume air travel in a year, said Amitabh Khosla, IATAs director, at the webinar titled Restoring confidence in air travel organised by US-India Aviation Cooperation Program. There is a major problem in gaining the passenger confidence at the moment, he said. Findings also showed that in March, 60% of respondents had said they would return to air travel in a couple of months. This view changed in the second round of the survey, with only 45% of respondents preferring air travel in the next two months. Results showed that 83% of recent travelers in India said they would not consider traveling if it involved a 14-day quarantine period. To regain passenger confidence in air travel, there is a need to build better travel insurance, Khosla said. Nishant Pitti, co-founder of Easemytrip.com said current times are very uncertain for the air travel industry, with the majority of passengers travelling only for essential purposes. With increasing acceptance for the situation, and sentiments turning positive, air travel is expected to recover slowly and move towards normalcy, said Pitti. Multiple research organisations are also working towards curing this virus, and travel will revive exponentially once any high-efficacy medicine or vaccine is developed. We are seeing 20% of business back now, he added. Sabina Chopra, co-founder and chief operating officer of corporate travel and head industry relations of Yatra.com said that with the recommencement of domestic flight operations, their portal has witnessed demand shaping up for flight services on various routes by almost 30% from pre-Covid times. Apart from popular metro routes, there has been a growth in demand for non-metro routes such as Ranchi and Patna among others. Almost 90% of the bookings are for the next two weeks as travellers are slowly gaining confidence to travel and are being cautious, said Chopra. We can expect the travel sector to make a gradual comeback and pick up, especially during the holiday season of October-December, she said. CSMIA sees increase in flights Post the resumption of domestic commercial passenger flight operations from May 25, Mumbais Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has handled 2,01,258 passengers (1,40,878 departing and 60,380 arriving), with a total of 1,744 domestic flights between May 25 and June 24. These flights were operated by 10 airlines to 34 sectors in the country. The airport saw the highest passenger load capacity on the MumbaiDelhi route (41,206 passengers), followed closely by Mumbai-Kolkata (22,778 passengers), Mumbai-Varanasi (18,812 passengers) and Mumbai-Patna (17,784 passengers). With the recent grant by the Maharashtra government to double the commercial passenger flight movements, the airport saw six new sectors added to the existing schedule. The sectors include Trivandrum, Coimbatore, Raipur, Udaipur, Jabalpur, and Jalgaon, said a CSMIA spokesperson. Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) declined 2.36% to Rs 84.95 after the company reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 7782.55 crore in Q4 March 2020 as against net profit of Rs 6004.88 crore in Q4 March 2019. Consolidated net sales of Q4 March 2020 stood at Rs 1,18,007.32, declining 6.4% from Rs 1,26,076 crore in Q4 March 2019. The result was announced towards the end of market hours yesterday, 24 June 2020. IOCL reported a one-time loss of Rs 11,304.64 crore in Q4 March 2020 on the back of a significant fall in oil prices which lead to a write down in valuation of inventories below cost for the specified period of Rs 6,855.35 crore. The company further added that on account of the nationwide lockdown from 25 March 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic and consequent significant decline in demand for petroleum products, as a one-time measure, a longer time period is considered for better estimation of NRV considering the most reliable evidence available in line with the provisions of lND AS 2 'Inventories'. As a result of considering a longer time period, the write down in valuation of inventories increased. IOCL reported a pre-tax loss of Rs 17,316.70 crore in Q4 March 2020 as against pre-tax profit of Rs 9020.36 crore in Q4 March 2019. The PSU OMC received a total tax rebate of Rs 8,751.16 crore in Q4 FY20 as against total tax expense of Rs 3016.40 in Q4 FY19. On a standalone basis, IOCL reported a net loss of Rs 5,185.32 crore in Q4 March 2020 as against a net profit of Rs 6,099.27 crore in Q4 March 2019. Net sales declined 6.2% to Rs 1,18,439.08 crore in Q4 March 2020 over Q4 March 2019. Average Gross Refining Margin (GRM) for the period April-March 2020 declined 98% to $0.08 per barrel from $5.41 per barrel in April-March 2019. The core GRM or the current price GRM for the period April-March 2020 after offsetting inventory loss/ gain comes to $2.64 per barrel. The company accounted for Budgetary Support off Rs 1,296.17 crore in April - March 2020 as against Rs 4,110.18 crore accounted in April - Mar 2019 as revenue grants on sale of SKO (PDS). The PSU OMC reported a consolidated net loss of Rs 893.14 crore in fiscal year ending 2020 (FY20) as against a consolidated net profit of Rs 17,376.70 in fiscal year ending 2019 (FY19). Net sales for FY20 stood at Rs 4,84,362.25 crore, declining 8.3% from FY19. As of 31 March 2020, the Government of India held a 51.5% stake in IOCL while ONGC held a 14.2% stake in the company. IOCL's segments include sale of petroleum products, sale of petrochemicals and other businesses. 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 former Bachelor star is awaiting emergency surgery to remove her breast implants after discovering the left implant had extensively ruptured. Sarah-Mae Amey, who appeared on Tim Robards' season in 2013, shared her ordeal on Instagram on Wednesday, telling fans she regretted getting the implants done in Thailand a decade ago. 'I've been at the doctor's today after I was sent to get an ultrasound around my boobs... [I've had] pain in my left boob for quite a while,' Sarah said while sitting in the car. 'I had stabbing pains': The Bachelor's Sarah-Mae Amey is awaiting emergency surgery to remove her breast implants after discovering the left implant had extensively ruptured 'My left breast has quite an extensive, massive rupture. The doctors have confirmed with the ultrasound that it's so extensive that it's probably been there for quite a while and therefore connecting to all of the breast tissue,' she added. 'So it's all going to have to be removed. Basically, as soon as possible.' The Gold Coast florist admitted she was struggling to accept the fact that if she decides not to replace her old implants with new ones, there will be extensive scar tissue causing dents in her breasts. 'It's all going to have to be removed': Sarah-Mae revealed on Instagram on Wednesday that she had the implants done in Thailand a decade ago What happens when breast implants rupture? All types of breast implants have the potential to tear. This is known as a rupture. When a saline implant ruptures (or its valve fails) the saline quickly leaks out and is absorbed by the body, leaving the breast looking deflated in a matter of days. It is less obvious to identify when a silicone implant ruptures, as the gel takes much longer to ooze out of the rupture than saline. The silicone is not absorbed, and can therefore spread to other parts of the body. The body may react to the silicone implant rupture by forming scar tissue, sometimes causing a distortion of the breast's shape. Advertisement Sarah-Mae encouraged her fans to get their breast implants checked regularly, adding: 'I was experiencing stabbing pains in my left boob quite a while ago and I just left it.' As a result of her inaction, Sarah-Mae said her rupture has become 'quite dangerous'. 'Don't get your boobs done in Thailand, basically,' she concluded. 'I thought it was a great idea as a young and naive 19-year-old.' Painful: 'The doctors have confirmed with the ultrasound that [the rupture] is so extensive that it's probably been there for quite a while,' she said Botched: Sarah-Mae encouraged her fans to get their breast implants checked regularly, and also advised against having surgery overseas Sarah-Mae also believes she is suffering from 'breast implant illness' because she has been dealing with 'random, weird health issues' in recent years. Breast implant illness is a term used by women who self-identify symptoms they feel are directly connected to breast implants. The symptoms may include fatigue, chest pain, headaches, chills and chronic pain. Remember this? Sarah-Mae appeared on Tim Robards' season of The Bachelor in 2013 Magnus, calling it a difficult day, described what happened the night officers responded to the call before playing the footage. Ingram-Lopez ran into the garage, Magnus said, which is where officers handcuffed him and then put him facedown. Magnus said there was no indication any officers used chokeholds or held a knee to his neck, which was the case when George Floyd was killed in Minneapolis in May, setting off nationwide protests. Advertisement Police Commissioner Cressida Dick has been accused of turning the Met into a 'laughing stock' and abandoning 'law abiding residents' to 'mob rule' after a video showed them overpowering police and screaming 'run them out' as 22 officers are injured - including two needing a full body scan. ' In shocking scenes, social media footage showed hundreds of people gathered at the south London street party as fighting between revellers broke out before they turned their anger onto the police who had been called to the disturbance at the 'unlicensed music event'. Tory MP Andrew Bridgen told MailOnline: 'Cressida Dick has lost control of the streets to a lawless minority. She has lost the confidence of the law abiding majority of residents in Brixton and the country and by effectively abandoning them to mob rule'. Suggesting Home Secretary Priti Patel should remind Ms Dick and any other police chiefs of their responsibilities, Mr Bridgen added: 'The duty of a chief constable is to uphold the law. Any who are not willing to do that should go immediately'. He said the same warning should apply to Avon and Somerset's Chief Constable Andy Marsh whose officers stood back and watched as the statue of Edward Colston was torn down by Black Lives Matter supporters. And Nigel Farage added: 'The police bosses allowed officers to take the knee to an anti-police group the lawless are laughing at the police now'. It is the latest in a string of embarrassing incidents for the Met Police after officers were seen kneeling at Black Lives Matter protests, refused to arrest Extinction Rebellion activists earlier this year and failed to stop Winston Churchill's statue being defaced. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'These were appalling scenes. Violence against the police will not be tolerated. We have been clear that anyone who assaults the police or any members of the emergency services should face the full force of the law.' He added that there is a consultation on doubling sentences for attacks on emergency services personnel. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also come under fire and been accused of 'losing control of the streets', while a former Scotland Yard chief superintendent said last night's humiliation was endemic of a police force that has 'given up' enforcing the law on the capital's young black people. The night descended into anarchy as police were confronted by revellers who pelted them with bottles and chased them back to their van. A man was seen goading police with a piece of wood, a police car attacked by a man wielding a table leg and what appeared to be a vicious street battle involving knives. In a statement Scotland Yard said 22 of their officers were hurt and two needed further treatment at hospital. Four people were arrested for assault and public order offences and remain in custody. Home Secretary Priti Patel this morning condemned the violence and said: 'Just last weekend, the whole country came together to praise our heroic police officers for putting their own lives on the line to keep us safe. I'll be picking up with the Met Commissioner immediately.' Unions chief John Apter described the violence as 'disgraceful' and the Met Police Federation tweeted that their officers are not 'punchbags.' London Ambulance Service said one person was rushed to a major trauma centre, while another was taken to hospital. In further developments on the shocking violence last night: Video footage showed a group of men engaged in what appeared to be a knife fight leaving one individual covered in blood; Met Police confirmed a small number of vehicles were targeted, video footage shows a man attacking a police car with a table leg; In the statement this morning they asked the crowd to leave but they 'did not engage with police'; A further clip posted to Twitter shows hundreds of people running away and screaming in fear as the evening descended into chaos; London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that large gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic are 'deeply irresponsible and risk others' lives'; Tory Mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey said that Mr Khan had 'lost control of the streets' and that he needs to 'take responsibility for the safety of both Londoners and his police officers'. London Ambulance Service said one person was rushed to a major trauma centre, while another was taken to hospital. Home Secretary Priti Patel has described the scenes last night as 'utterly vile' and said she will be picking it up with the Met Commissioner Two men set about vandalising a police car after a party in Brixton erupted into violence last night Officers were confronted with violence last night in Brixton as a street party went awry Police were confronted by a mob last night and chased out of Brixton with people screaming 'run them out' Groups of people confronted officers last night in Brixton after an unlicensed music event descended into chaos Dozens of police were videoed at the scene last night (pictured left), in one clip a man could be seen advancing on officers with what appears to be a large piece of wood (pictured right) The aftermath: The ground in Brixton was littered with drinks bottles and small containers which have what is known as 'hippy crack' inside Volunteers clean up in Overton Road, Angell Town, Brixton, south London, today where riots and violent confrontations with police took place overnight. As the footage of the Brixton unrest emerged online, Twitter users suggested the scenes made the police and Britain look like a 'laughing stock' Humiliation of the Met: Brixton violence is latest embarrassment for Scotland Yard officers Extinction Rebellion farce: During last year's wave of climate protests, the Met was stretched beyond capacity and admitted it was spending less time tackling real crime. Scotland Yard responded by imposing a blanket ban on the demonstrations. But they were left red-faced when this was ruled in the courts as unlawful and that detaining activists was false imprisonment. Kneeling with BLM protesters: A handful of officers were pictured breaking ranks and kneeling in solidarity with Black Lives Matter protesters, many of whom have shown brazen disregard for the police, in London earlier this month while on duty. Several constables were injured as the night spiralled into violence. Failure to stop statue vandalism: Officers failed to prevent war memorials being desecrated amid large anti-racism protests in the capital. The monument to Winston Churchill was daubed with the words 'was a racist' and the Cenotaph was also vandalised. Lockdown hypocrisy: Met commissioner Cressida Dick was among the crowds of people who gathered on Westminster Bridge to clap for carers at the height of the pandemic. At the time, Britons were ordered to stay at home and keep two metres apart, police officers stood idly by as this was flouted on the bridge, leading to a massive backlash. Advertisement Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers said that nearly 30 of his colleagues were hurt, including 'walking wounded' and two officers and described the incident as 'absolutely shocking'. He said: 'A couple of the officers are very serious and have had CT scans, we've got some quite nasty injuries but the majority of them are walking wounded.Let's not belittle any injury to my colleagues every one is a serious injury for us.' In one video a topless man climbs on a police car then repeatedly hits it using a table leg. While another man leaps onto the vehicle to stamp on the windscreen. The crowd appear to encourage the act of vandalism with one person shouting 'yeah, yeah' in the background. In another clip, a large fight appeared to break out with men wielding knives. The clip ends with a man covered in blood and another was left prone on the floor after being viciously kicked. More terrifying footage shows a man advancing on police saying 'what what what' while telling the police to back up and holding a large piece of wood. A Met Police statement this morning confirmed they asked the crowd to leave but they 'did not engage with police.' They added that further officers attended the scene and the group 'became hostile' and a small number of police vehicles were damaged. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that large gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic are 'deeply irresponsible and risk others' lives'. 'I'm in touch with the Met Police about the completely unacceptable events in Brixton overnight. Violence against the police will not be tolerated,' he added. One witness, who did not want to be named, said: 'After the police backed up, the group of people then forced the police out of the estate, throwing things at the police, smashed up a police car that they abandoned and then it moved more towards the main road.' And bus driver Michael, who did not wish to share his second name, lives in Overton Road and said it was 'very upsetting' that the violence happened in his area. 'The whole thing should have been shut down earlier,' he said. 'People who live here are not the culprits, it's those damn fools from different areas that come down to tarnish the works and efforts that have been put into the area by the estate management.' A police van zooms away after officers encountered violence in Brixton last night. As the van whisks officers away, a thug clobbers its back doors Hundreds of people appeared to be at the late night gathering in Brixton last night There were a number of confrontations with police officers last night, who were later chased out of Brixton Officers were confronted on multiple occasions last night (left and right) and were chased out the area at one point Police Federation chair John Apter slammed violence against officers in Brixton last night A woman who wished to remain anonymous said she heard the clashes taking place just outside her house and was too scared to go outside. She said: 'It all started with the party, after the party the police were there... all I heard was noise, noise, noise. I don't know what the people were doing but there was loud noise at 2am or 3am. 'I was scared and couldn't go outside... I didn't see anything I just stayed inside of the house. I see the news today and it's crazy, it's all over the television. It's bad. I'm OK but I just don't know what happened... the police needed to stop it. It was very dangerous.' The witness added this is not the first time street parties have taken place on her road. But Tory Mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey said: 'This is what London looks like when the Mayor loses control of the streets. Surging crime over the past four years, violence at the Black Lives Matter protests and now the horrific scenes we saw last night in Brixton. 'It's time for Sadiq Khan to show leadership and stop blaming others when things go wrong. He needs to take responsibility for the safety of both Londoners and his police officers. And he needs to do it today.' One woman described the scene as 'disgusting and sickening'. She tweeted: 'They are out of control and you want to continue to ease lockdown?!?!?!?! How were they allowed to have a BLOCK PARTY that had hundreds of people and it didn't get locked off?? The Twitter user added: 'And this wasn't even the worst part , weapons were thrown at police, an abandoned police car smashed up, people's cars parked smashed!! Police driven out onto the main road by these disgraceful people shame on all of you!!!!!!' A further clip posted to Twitter shows hundreds of people running away and screaming in fear as the evening descended into chaos. Police Federation Chief John Apter slammed the violence scenes last night that left two officers needing hospital treatment. He tweeted: 'The level of anger, hatred and violence being shown against police officers by some is disgraceful. 'Some of the inaccurate and inflammatory reporting by some MSM has made my colleagues fair game for those who don't need much of an excuse. My colleagues don't deserve this.' And the Met Police Federation said: '15 more colleagues injured in deplorable scenes. Police officers are not punchbags. This violence is despicable. We wish our injured colleagues all well.' The large gathering comes just days after Boris Johnson is set to ease lockdown restrictions on July. Pictures of packed beaches yesterday and block party's such as this in south London will make health authorities increasingly nervous about a second wave of the deadly coronavirus pandemic. The Metropolitan Police said the party was finally cleared in the early hours of Thursday, while a Section 60 order, which gives police powers to stop and search without reasonable suspicion, was later put in place in the area. In one clip people hundreds of people could be seen fleeing into the night as chaotic scenes unfolded in Brixton Reacting to the alarming footage from Brixton, former Met chief superintendent Kevin Hurley said the affray was endemic of a force which has given up trying to enforce the law upon 'black youths'. He told Sky News: 'We've got into a vicious circle with police officers dealing with young black people, who always come to the perspective that the police are trying to suppress them. 'And the police very quickly come to learn that dealing with young black people is quite frankly aggravation that puts their careers and mortgages at risk. 'That's the reason why so many black youth are killing each other in London, because the police have given up trying to stop them taking knives and guns off them.' Met Police BCU Commander Colin Wingrove said: 'Our role is to protect the public and ensure guidelines are adhered to in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 protecting the NHS and save lives 'Our officers work incredibly hard to engage and explain the public health message and regulations to prevent such gatherings occurring. 'Last night we received numerous concerns from residents complaining about a large gathering, noise, anti-social behaviour and violence and officers responded to those concerns. 'These gatherings are unlawful, as well as posing a risk to public health and against coronavirus restrictions. 'The violence shown towards officers is totally unacceptable and we will not tolerate it in any form. 'An investigation into the incident is now taking place and those involved will be brought to justice.' The spokesman for the London Ambulance Service said: 'We received multiple calls overnight to reports of people injured in an area spanning Brixton Road, Loughborough Road and Overton Road, Brixton. 'We sent six ambulance crews, eight medics in fast response cars and three officers to the area. We also dispatched an advanced trauma team from London's Air Ambulance, which consists of a paramedic and a doctor in a car. 'We treated two patients at the scene: one was taken to a major trauma centre as a priority and the other was taken to hospital. We also treated eight police officers, two of whom were taken to hospital in police vehicles.' The concert is also an education in the American Negro spiritual tradition which gave birth to jazz, blues, gospel and pop. Theres so much we can learn about how those songs came to be and the people who sang them, Trenney told the Journal Star in January. The music is going to lift up some of that message of light. The concert will include a short video highlighting the Malone Community Center and its mission and a link for donations. We wanted to highlight the incredible work of the Malone Center at this time of great social questioning and looking at injustices, Coley said. The pandemic-inspired revamped season is an extension of the trajectory the organization had already started, said James Keim, board president. Weve been trying to be more engaged with the community as part of our vision of trying to enrich the community. As part of its fall series, Abendmusik has offered a ticketless concert with donations benefiting a nonprofit. Proceeds from last years Messiah Sing went to Matt Talbot Kitchen. ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico A controversial statue of Juan de Onate, a Spanish conquistador revered by some as the Father of New Mexico, but reviled by others for brutality against Native Americans, was removed this week and placed in storage on orders of Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller. The removal by city officials followed several days of protests at the site of the statue which ended in the shooting of one protestor who is in the hospital in critical condition. The protestor, Tim Williams, 39, is described as a local artist. Media reports said he went to the aid of a woman who had been injured when another bystander later identified as Steven Ray Baca, 31, shot him. Williams and Baca had exchanged blows before the shooting, according to witnesses and Baca was said to be attempting to protect the statue. Tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets were reportedly present to quell the disturbance, but the source of these is not clear. The protest began peacefully with a prayer and speeches at a park across from the museum, according to media accounts. But when protestors walked across the street and tried to remove the statue with a chain and an axe members of a self-described vigilante militia group called The New Mexico Civil Guard carrying rifles moved to protect the statue as did other bystanders. It is not clear whether Baca is a member of the militia group. An investigation of the incident is underway and charges are pending. This is the shooter. He said, My father is the BCSO (Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office). pic.twitter.com/YRGL3mjljj Nick Estes (@nick_w_estes) June 16, 2020 The bronze statue by Reynaldo Rivera has been controversial since its establishment in front of the Albuquerque Museum in 2004. Onate, is known for his brutal treatment of Native Americans but revered by others as the father of New Mexico, who brought Christianity, irrigation and new types of animals to New Mexico. He arrived in New Mexico from Spain in 1598 to colonize the territory. But, he is also known for his brutal treatment of Native Americans. including ordering that males of the Acoma pueblo have their right feet cut off after a battle in which Onates nephew was killed. The statue entitled La Jornada (days journey) showed Onate leading a group of settlers including soldiers, women, children and animals. Most of the figures still stand in front of the Albuquerque Museum downtown. Only the Onate statue was removed from its post by city officials and carted off in a truck. Residents milled around the statue as it lay on the ground the day after it was removed but before it was taken to storage. Some residents said that the statue should remain because it is part of the history of New Mexico. Others said it is an affront to Native Americans and should come down. Good or bad its still history. I hate to see that statue coming down, said Alejandro Chavez of Socorro south of Albuquerque. I wanted to see it for the last time but its already down. Others who asked not to be identified said the statue offends Native Americans and should be down. Mayor Keller said that the statue will stay in storage until a decision is made by city and county officials about what to do with it. He issued a statement saying the city would remove the statue until the appropriate civic institutions can determine the next steps in order to contain the public safety risk. The shooting tonight was a tragic, outrageous and unacceptable act of violence and it has no place in our city, Keller said in a statement. Our diverse community will not be deterred by acts meant to divide or silence us. Our hearts go out to the victim, his family and witnesses whose lives were needlessly threatened tonight. AmericanHorse raises her fist towards the sky near the spot where Juan de Onates statue had stood after the city of Albuquerque workers removed it to storage on June 16 in Albuquerque. (Special to the Times | Sharon Chischilly) pic.twitter.com/5N9dnnYk6z Navajo Times (@navajotimes) June 20, 2020 The protest of the statue comes in the wake of the removal of statues throughout the country of men representing the Confederacy or seen as supporters of slaves or segregation in America. Statues of Christopher Columbus also have been toppled. Another statue of Onate was removed from its pedestal in Alcalde, a town north of Santa Fe, on the same day as the statue was removed in Albuquerque. Elena Ortiz (Ohkay Owingeh), who heads The Red Nation in Santa Fe, has been active in the movement to remove statues of conquistadors. She said in an email that she attended the celebration of the removal of a statue of Onate in Alcalde so was not present in Albuquerque when the Onate statue was removed. Onate was a murderer and rapist, Ortiz said by email. During an attack on Acoma Pueblo in 1599, his nephew Juan de Zaldivar was killed. The killing took place after the Spanish soldiers attacked Acoma Pueblo and raped an Acoma woman. Onate retaliated by attacking the pueblo and destroying it. 1000 Acoma people died. And then he ordered that his soldiers cut off the right foot of all of the young men over the age of 25. Contact Kate Saltzstein at Katherine Saltzstein, salty223@aol.com Copyright permission Native Sun News Today Join the Conversation [June 25, 2020] MeMD Enables Businesses Nationwide to Order At-Home COVID-19 PCR Testing for Employees With the safety of America's workforce in the spotlight, national telehealth provider MeMD has introduced an at-home PCR (News - Alert) testing solution for businesses assessing workplace readiness in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. PCR, which is short for polymerase chain reaction, detects the presence of the COVID-19 virus. The test determines whether or not an individual is currently infected and can potentially spread the virus to others. Through a partnership with 1Health.io, the precision health platform that is powering the first FDA-authorized at-home COVID-19 saliva test, MeMD is enabling businesses around the country to order PCR tests for employees experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms, providing them with a convenient, non-invasive and remote option for testing at home to curb the spread of illness in the workplace and other public settings. Unlike other testing options, MeMD's solution allows its healthcare providers to order PCR tests in conjunction with virtual patient visits and then have the PCR tests sent directly to the patients' homes. Patients, in turn, mail their saliva samples to 1Health.io's lab partner. Results are accessible from MeMD's secure patient dashboard within 48 hours of the lab receiving the sample. MeMD will also contact patients about the test results and provide further medical direction and steps for home isolation, if needed. MeMD's healthcare providers can provide medical excuse notes for employees who have been infected with COVID-19, as well as medical release notes indicating that an employee has met the CDC's guidelines to discontinue home isolation so the employee can return to work. "PCR testing has become a critical component of return-to-work strategies, yet many of the current processes are wrought with limitations or challenges," said Nicholas Lorenzo, M.D., chief medical officer for MeMD. "Rather than requiring a nasal or throat swab at a public clinic, potentially increasing the risk of exposure, our procedure can be completed quickly and easily from home, without any discomfort." Mehdi Maghsoodnia, CEO of 1Health.io, said: "Our self-colected, zero contact testing kit for COVID-19 uses a hassle-free saliva sample to determine if you are infected. Our tests are 99.99% accurate and enable patients to safely get back to work as quickly as possible. We are excited to partner with MeMD to provide our at-home tests to their patients and are proud to be supporting companies as they get back to business." To get an order for a PCR test, businesses can direct employees to request a visit online, 24/7. They will be connected with a healthcare provider who will assess their symptoms, recommend a treatment plan, and order a PCR test, if medically necessary. Additionally, the healthcare providers can order and supervise blanket testing of employee groups, allowing for expedited delivery of PCR tests. "Businesses must conduct a careful balancing act right now, and our solution is among the easiest and safest ways to determine whether employees are ready to return to a physical workplace," said MeMD CEO Bill Goodwin. "We're giving businesses more safety control, peace of mind and the ability to respond to a potential COVID-19 outbreak quickly." PCR testing is one important part of MeMD's complete return-to-work program. MeMD also offers antibody testing, which detects whether someone has been exposed to the COVID-19 virus at least two weeks prior. Additionally, the program includes CDC-guided symptom screeners and short-term contracts to give employers the tools and flexibility they need to effectively manage the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Businesses can email [email protected] to request more information. "As the pandemic swept the country, we worked tirelessly to innovate and adapt our offerings to meet businesses' fast-changing needs," added Goodwin. "We currently work with thousands of businesses around the country, and we're continually evaluating their varied medical needs and how we can better address them through our telehealth platform. At-home PCR testing is the latest evolution." MeMD is trusted by more than 30,000 corporate, institutional and health plan partners nationwide covering more than 4.5 million members. Services include urgent care, men's and women's health, teletherapy, teen therapy and telepsychiatry. Learn more about MeMD's organizational partnerships. About MeMD MeMD is a comprehensive telehealth solution providing on-demand, online care for common illnesses, injuries and behavioral health issues to consumers and businesses nationwide. The company leverages the latest technologies and a highly skilled network of providers and therapists to treat the whole person, affordably and conveniently, from a computer, phone or mobile device. For more information, visit memd.me. About 1Health.io 1Health.io is a precision health platform powering health applications for large institutions reaching over a million consumers. 1Health.io empowers health systems, corporations and government agencies to launch precision health applications taking advantage of the latest science in machine learning, data analytics and laboratory testing to provide actionable individualized health plans to consumers. 1Health.io provides a complete scalable cloud stack and supports compliance with applicable privacy and security requirements of its partners and their customers. 1Health.io is a product of Vitagene Incorporated. To learn more, go to https://1health.io. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005614/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 09:46:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Xinhua writers Zhao Wencai, Fu Min XIAMEN/PARIS, June 25 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese high school girl did not breathe a sigh of relief until news came Tuesday from France about the safety of her luggage that contained staff for combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Guo Lanlan, a 17-year-old sophomore at China's Xiamen Foreign Language School, has been worried over the past month about a transparent 24-inch luggage sent from China's southeastern city of Xiamen to France in May. In the luggage were some masks, letters and gifts prepared by Guo and her classmates for their counterparts in Lycee Alain Chartier, a high school in France's northwest region of Normandy. Guo received the good news from Jean-Francois Lesacher, principal of Lycee Alain Chartier who told her about the safe arrival of the luggage in a transnational video call on Tuesday. "Through such a luggage of gifts, we want to show our French friends that we are facing this pandemic together," Guo told Xinhua. "What we want to share with them is not just some masks, but also the courage and confidence to overcome this pandemic." "WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING" Since the establishment of a sister-school relationship between Xiamen Foreign Language School and Lycee Alain Chartier in 2010, the two schools have maintained close ties through online meetings, exchange students and experience-sharing, with the deep friendship shared between students of the two sides. Earlier this year when China put in place a variety of strict measures such as the postponing of the opening of the new school semester and the strict management of residential communities to fight COVID-19, some Chinese students in Xiamen Foreign Language School received emails and calls with encouraging words from their French peers. After months of hardship, China's efforts to contain the coronavirus have yielded progress, while in France, a nationwide lockdown came into effect in March as the virus was raging across Europe. "We have been paying close attention to the pandemic in France, and the worsening situation there worried us," said Yang Chun, a French teacher at Xiamen Foreign Language School, who has been updating the latest news about the pandemic in France with her students in an online French class. Experiencing similar hardship such as staying at home with schools and restaurants closed, Guo said "when we heard that our friends in France have also been kept in home by the virus, with daily life disrupted, we know we need to do something to show our support for the French students." "A TOKEN OF WISHES AND FRIENDSHIP" "Yang told us that the personal protective equipment like masks was in scant supply in France in March, so we think for the time being, no gifts could better express our wishes for their safety than some masks," Guo said. Without any delay, Guo and her classmates started filling the special luggage with more than 1,000 masks, letters of encouragement and gifts for the students in France. "Unite we will win ... China and France are all heroic countries," Duan Yanjing, a student at Xiamen Foreign Language School, wrote in a letter. "I believe that your brave country will overcome the epidemic soon!" she added. However, as most overseas shipping routes between China and Europe have been canceled or postponed, the transnational delivery of the 24-inch luggage became a challenge amid the pandemic. "We have turned to maritime transportation operators and rail logistics companies, but none of them could offer help during the pandemic," Yang said. Fortunately, it took a turn for the better when FATRI, an epidemic-prevention products supplier based in Xiamen with operation in France, offered to help deliver the luggage. "We were deeply impressed by the sincere friendship between teens of the two countries. During the time of this global crisis, the care and love these students held for each other is as precious as gold," said Nie Yongzhong, chairman of FATRI's board. Across mountains and seas, three months after the students came up with the idea to send the gift, the luggage finally reached Paris in June by airplane and was handed over to Lesacher by Zhou Hui, a represent of FATRI in Paris, who drove over three hours from Paris to the high school. "We know that against the context of the pandemic, sending such a gift requires more than just good-will," said Lesacher, who was deeply touched by the students' friendship and the long journey of the luggage. "The whole thing can not be accomplished without joint assistance. It is a journey of love, representing wishes of many Chinese people," he said. "The luggage is a token of wishes and friendship," Xie Hui, principal of Xiamen Foreign Language School, said during the video call with Lesacher. "The delivery process of this special gift proved that there is nothing that could cut off ties between us, not even the cunning virus," Xie added. Enditem This is not going to be by any stretch a radical document, and it shouldnt be, Cheh said. I dont think we should act rashly. The fact that you get hundreds of emails should not dictate what you do. What should dictate what you do should be your consideration of what the data are, what the likely effects would be. Gandhinagar, June 26 : The Gujarat High Court on Thursday granted bail to four people, held by the police for allegedly attacking them. According to the police, the accused had pelted stones on policemen who were enforcing the lockdown in Shahpur area of Ahmedabad. Hearing the matter, Justice Gita Gopi observed that there were no serious injuries inflicted on any of the police personnel and no specific role of any of the accused had been established in the FIR. "Looking at the FIR, the police has not attributed any specific role to any of the accused. Further, there is nothing on record to show that any of the police personnel had sustained any kind of injury requiring indoor hospitalisation. Considering these facts, application for bail is granted," the judge ruled. The bails were granted on personal bonds of Rs 15,000. The alleged stone pelting incident had occurred on May 8 in Shahpur area, a containment zone, in old Ahmedabad. Police had alleged that stones were pelted on them by a mob and serious injuries very inflicted on five personnel. The police had detained 27 individuals, and filed charges of attempted murder, rioting and criminal conspiracy as well as charges under the Disaster Management Act and also the Epidemic Diseases Act against the accused. Earlier, the city sessions court had denied bail, saying that "attacking Corona Warriors was a demoralising act, because they put their lives at risk in the interest of the society." NASCAR released the picture of the noose hanging in Bubba Wallaces garage stall on Thursday. And as you can see from the photo it provided below, the garage rope in Wallaces stall is very clearly tied into a noose. The noose was found Sunday by a member of Wallaces crew at Talladega. Wallace never saw the noose on Sunday or had access to the garage. NASCAR said it began an investigation and found that no other garage stall ropes were tied into nooses. As you can see from the photo, the noose was real, as was our concern for Bubba, NASCAR president Steve Phelps said. With similar emotion, others across our industry and our media stood up to defend the NASCAR family, our NASCAR family, because they are part of the NASCAR family too. We are proud to see so many stand up for what's right. The noose that was found in Bubba Wallace's garage stall. (via NASCAR) NASCAR also said that a thorough investigation of every garage it hosts races at found that just 11 garage pull ropes of 1,684 searched were tied into knots. Just one was tied into a noose. That one was in the stall that Wallace occupied at Talladega. Wallace is the only Black driver who races full-time at any of NASCARs top levels. The FBI said Tuesday that no charges would be filed after 15 agents investigated the noose. It was found to be in the stall since October of 2019, when the Wood Brothers Racing team had the same garage stall. A WBR team member told the FBI that he remembered seeing the knot on the teams garage rope nine months ago. Per Phelps, security footage from the Talladega race weekend showed that the noose had been formed at some point while NASCAR was at the track. But since garage access was much more wide open and fans were able to roam the garage area, NASCAR has not been able to determine who tied the rope into a noose. We were unfortunately unable to determine with any certainty who tied this rope in this manner or why it was done, Phelps said. And we know it brings up another question, How could this have gone unnoticed by so many people in October of 2019 and on the morning of June 21, 2020? Our ultimate conclusion from this investigation is to ensure that this never happens again. That no one walks by a noose without recognizing the potential damage that it can do. Moving forward, we will be conducting thorough sweeps of the garage area to ensure nothing like this happens again and we are installing additional cameras in all of our garages. Story continues Phelps also said that all members of our industry would go through unconscious bias and sensitivity training. Phelps apologizes for not using word alleged NASCAR president Steve Phelps explained why NASCAR was on edge during its first race weekend in Alabama since it banned the Confederate flag on June 10 and the states history. Hours after the noose was discovered, NASCAR issued a statement that said whoever committed the heinous act of hanging a noose in Wallaces garage would be banned for life. Phelps said he apologized for not using the word alleged in that statement as the FBI ultimately figured out the noose had been present since last year. But he didnt regret the seriousness with which NASCAR took the noose. He said the sanctioning bodys instinct was to protect Wallace. And should we have toned that message down slightly? Maybe we should have, Phelps said. And I'll take responsibility for that. I stand by the actions that we took and I think they were the right ones. And as I said before, given the evidence that we had, we would do, we would do the same thing, we would investigate it the same way. If it comes to where we need to craft a statement differently, and I need to take a little less emotion out of it, that's something I'll do, I'll take responsibility for that. Wallace has been outspoken about racial inequality since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. He wore a shirt paying tribute to Floyd ahead of races at Atlanta and Martinsville and even drove a Black Lives Matter car at Martinsville. That Martinsville race came on the same day NASCAR banned the Confederate flag from all track properties. Wallace said two days before NASCAR announced its ban that he wanted to see the flag barred. Nick Bromberg is a writer for Yahoo Sports. More from Yahoo Sports: Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono - AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File Japan on Thursday scrapped plans to build a 3.4 billion US missile-defence system, ending a saga of poor planning and opposition from locals at the proposed site. Taro Kano, the Defence Minister, announced the decision to cancel the construction of two Aegis Ashore missile interceptor bases after a meeting of the National Security Council on Wednesday. Two years ago the Japanese government said it would purchase the system, which can intercept ballistic missiles at a range of up to 1,500 miles, in order to counter the rising threat from North Korea. The potential sites for the bases were identified as Akita Prefecture, facing the Korean Peninsula in the far north of Japan, and Yamaguchi Prefecture, on the far southern tip of the main island of Honshu and providing an arc of defence over islands that are claimed by China as its sovereign territory. Under the initial plan, the bases were due to be operational as early as 2025. There was immediate resistance from local residents, many of whom feared that the missile sites would make their communities targets in the event of hostilities with neighbouring nations. There was also concern over the impact on human health from the electromagnetic radiation that is produced by the radar units, as well as their effect on nearby television, radio and telephone signals. The controversy deepened when the ministry admitted that it had relied on erroneous data from the Google Earth app to narrow down the potential locations for the bases. The ministry failed to verify the actual height of mountains close to the proposed sites for the Akita base, which would have affected the effectiveness of the missiles. The ministrys failures were again highlighted a few months later when it was pointed out that the coastal site selected for the Akita base, on the militarys Araya training ground, is prone to flooding and simulations show that it would be inundated to a depth of several feet in the event of a tsunami. Story continues Local residents once again expressed their anger when the ministry confirmed that components that are released from the missiles when they are launched could fall on residential districts close to the base. We repeatedly took up this issue in protests against the deployment, Hiroyuki Masuyama, a professor at Yamaguchi University who heads a local group opposed to the deployment, told the Yamaguchi Shimbun newspaper. People living near the site had expressed concern that rocket boosters from the interceptors could drop into residential areas, he added. The Japanese government has confirmed that it is examining alternative defensive measures, including the construction of Aegis Ashore on floating barges that could be moored offshore. But theres been no handbook for so many mayors and so many governors across this country dealing with covid-19 and now with the demonstrations that we are seeing around the country, she said. Not many people have been tested in this way, in the same way that leaders across this country have been over the past several months. The general consensus is that more intelligent people are thought to be moderate or centrist in their political views; and dogmatism and rigidity, are more appealing to less intelligent people. by Zulkifli Nazim Patrimonialism: a form of governance in which all power flows directly from a leader. These regimes are autocratic or oligarchic and exclude the lower, middle and upper classes from power If you cant understand how someone like Trump can garner so much support, you probably have some misconceptions about how political salesmanship works. Let us take a look at political rhetoric from the perspectives of two giants of the Western intellectual tradition, Socrates and Sigmund Freud. Socrates likens political rhetoric to junk food. Politicians, he claims, are more like pastry chefs than they are like physicians. They cook up sweet illusions rather than serving the public good. Pastry baking has put on the mask of medicine, he remarks, and pretends to know the foods that are best for the body, so that if a pastry baker and a doctor had to compete in front of children, or in front of men just as foolish as children, to determine which of the two had expert knowledge of good food and bad, it is a known fact that the doctor would die of starvation. So what is the criterion that we should use to elect people to the legislature? The general consensus is that more intelligent people are thought to be moderate or centrist in their political views; and dogmatism and rigidity, are more appealing to less intelligent people. If we are under the impression that education alone is supposed to increase political knowledge and provide a better understanding of the political system and their importance of participating in the system then we have a think coming. Consider Martin Heidegger and Gottlob Frege, the two most influential philosophers of the twentieth century, who were among the most intelligent, highly educated, and reflective people around at the time. Martin Heidegger, German philosopher, counted among the main exponents of existentialism. His groundbreaking work in ontology (the philosophical study of being, or existence) and Metaphysics determined the course of 20th-century philosophy on the European continent; and Friedrich Ludwig Gottlob Frege was a German philosopher, logician, and mathematics professor at the University of Jena, and is understood by many to be the father of analytic philosophy, concentrating on the philosophy of language, logic, and mathematics. What should be noted here is that both the celebrities were also ardent fans of Adolf Hitleras were many other European intellectuals. Moreover, many prominent Nazis were highly educated. Hitlers propaganda minister Josef Goebbels had a Ph.D. (in literature) from the University of Heidelberg, and eight of the sixteen men sitting around the table at the 1942 Wannsee Conference, where the horrific fate of Europes Jews was sealed, possessed doctoral degrees. There is no dearth of such intellectuals in our country too. These examples make clear, neither education nor intelligence safeguard one against the corrosive effects of political illusions. In the remark attributed to the British Prime Minister Lord Melbourne: What all the wise men promised has not happened, and what all the damned fools said would happen has come to pass. Of course there are also plenty of cases where the opposite is true and informed opinion is correct and popular sentiment wrong. The point is that there is no general tendency for the opinions or decisions of the intelligent to be any better than those of the less intelligent. Some of our politically oriented intellectuals are hell bent on trying to inculcate a potent moral influence in us and want us to believe that our politicians will deliver us from our own worst nightmares. The people who believe in them seem gradually to lose their individuality and to become fused into a not very intelligent but immensely powerful political monstrosity. We are talking about politicians, government officials, semi-officials, or volunteers for political parties, about mayors, prime ministers, presidents or any ruler; they are all, supposed to have at least one thing in common: in that, they are ministers in the Latin sense of the word, which means servants. They are chosen, appointed, or elected to serve the people, society, or their community. As Tony Blair said to his campaign team after he first won the UK national elections, The people are the masters. We are the servants of the people. We will never forget that. Does it happen? Is it what we all see? The servants suddenly become our masters. Their reputation is very poor The servants suddenly turned masters to an inadequate job of managing their reputations and they tend to focus their energies on handling the threats to their reputations that have already surfaced. This is crisis management. They are pretentions and ostentatious; always, pretending to be something or someone he or she is not; and at the same time, delights in flaunting who they are or what they have - speaking of oneself with much pride and self-indulgence. Studies have revealed that less-intelligent people are usually incredibly confident and more intelligent people, by contrast, arent at all. Self-appraisal is a specialized skill; but one that requires intelligence; if you dont have much of it, you dont consider yourself flawed or ignorant, because technically you dont have the ability to do so. So if you want an intrinsically confident person to publically represent your political party or your constituency, an intelligent person would be a bad choice in many ways. This can backfire though; studies have shown that when a confident person is shown to be wrong/lying, they are then considered far less reliable or trustworthy than an unconfident person. This may explain the negative image of politics, which is mostly a series of confident individuals making big promises and failing miserably to keep them. That sort of thing really puts people off. In fairness, it would be foolish to assume that all politicians are idiots, although individual definition of an idiot may vary. If they were, the whole infrastructure would collapse. Still, everyone assumes theyre despicable, so always assume the worst. Like any other apparatus, the administrative personnel that constitutes the external form of the political ruling apparatus are not just bound in their obedience to the ruling powers by the idea of legitimacy or their dedication to the country and its people. It is, in effect, bound equally by two other factors that appeal to personal interest: material reward and social prestige. Socrates describes politicians as having a knack for flattery. The fiefs of vassals, individuals who owe allegiance and service to a powerful authority as well as the livings granted to patrimonial officials, vis-a-vis officials exhibiting shameless vassalage to Patrimonialism, the salaries of modern civil servants, the privileges of conferring state lands, the status and power hashed out to official-these are the rewards, and it is the fear of losing such privileges, advantages and immunity that cements the ultimate and decisive foundation of the solidarity that exists between the administrative personnel and the ruling powers. The same thing holds true for charismatic leadership: glory in war and booty for the military, while the followers of the demagogue look for "spoils - the license to exploit the ruled through the monopoly of public offices, profits to reward their political loyalty, and prizes to flatter their vanity. The choice is nigh. Choose wisely. Barn swallows live almost everywhere on the planet, recognizable by their forked tail and agility in the air. Yet while they share these characteristics, these little birds often look slightly different in each place they live -- with some so distinct they're splitting off to become new species. Researchers at CU Boulder think that local parasites are influencing why barn swallows in Europe, the Middle East and Colorado are choosing their mates differently. Their new research, published in Evolution, finds that these parasites could be playing an important role in changing the traits displayed to attract mates early in the process of the creation of new species. "It's possible we haven't appreciated just how important parasites might be in shaping the evolution of their hosts," said lead author Amanda Hund, who conducted the research as a doctoral candidate in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department. Every organism, including humans, has co-evolved with a unique community of parasites, that by definition live at the expense of their host. While they are not beneficial to us like many other microbes are, parasites have shaped our own immune system, pheromones and even our mate selection, previous research has shown. Hund set out to characterize as many parasite communities as she could in barn swallows, to find out if they could be influencing their mate selection, and therefore the male birds' physical traits and the creation of new species. Hund and her colleagues studied barn swallows at sites in Colorado, the Czech Republic and Israel over four years. They measured the number and types of parasites on them, in their nests and in their blood and tracked who they chose to mate with in a given breeding season, their sexual signals -- breast color, throat color and tail shape -- and their health and the survival rate of their offspring. advertisement In all but one population in the study, the most "attractive" males had fewer parasites. Somehow the male birds' breast color, throat color and tail shape allowed females to make informed choices about their health and the likelihood of reproductive success with that partner. Many birds also had multiple parasites with connections to the same physical trait. For example, in Colorado, males with darker breast color are less likely to have mites, but more likely to have malaria. Nest mites are detrimental to the nestlings' survival -- whereas malaria only impacts the male bird. "Males are investing in traits to attract females, and it looks like that comes at a cost -- where they are more attractive, but also more susceptible to malaria," said Hund, now a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Minnesota. "It is a tradeoff." Evolution in action Researchers who study the origin of biodiversity, or why the Earth has so many different species, often examine which traits animals are choosing in their partners. But the real question is: Why are they choosing those specific combinations of traits? advertisement To answer that question requires a very detailed type of scientific research, looking at the full reproductive cycle, health and survival rate of a population, in order to create a rich data set that unpacks how evolution is working between closely related populations. "Most people are really good at characterizing the pattern. But Amanda's work is very special in terms of trying to unpack the process," said Rebecca Safran, associate professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and co-author on the study. Many factors affect the divergent evolution of species. But as opposed to something like the weather, parasites are evolving as rapidly as their host species -- leading to a co-evolutionary relationship. While this has been studied in other animals, it has only previously been studied in one barn swallow population in Europe. Barn swallows make a great study specimen: they're ubiquitous and charismatic. "These birds have evolved alongside humans for thousands of years. Every culture that we've visited seems to have its own unique story or relationship with this bird," said Safran. But because they nest almost exclusively in human made structures -- barns, bridges, culverts and the like -- barn swallows often live on private land. It turns out that winning the trust of landowners is as much a part of the work as catching the birds. "Public relations is a very large part of barn swallow research," said Hund. Safran has been working with dozens of collaborators all over the world for over a decade. Hund built off these connections to do this research in Europe and the Middle East, facing unique circumstances and language barriers along the way. In Israel Hund lived on a Kibbutz, a collective community, in order to complete her research over several months. In the Czech Republic, Hund used award-winning skills from her childhood and rode horses at an equestrian center to build trust and gain access to an important nesting site. And here in Colorado, there were landowners who were unsure or suspicious of the project at the start of the breeding season. "But by the end, they were having us over for dinner," said Hund. The work doesn't stop here. The researchers are already trying to answer the next big question: why are local parasites and certain sexual traits linked? "And once you really figure that out, you can export that knowledge and our study methods to other populations and actually watch mate selection decisions and the associated reproductive consequences unfold," said Safran. "It's like watching evolution in action." Mumbai, June 25 : Filmmaker Ananth Mahadevan, whose film "Mai Ghat: Crime No 103/2005" is being screened at 'Marche du Film Online of 73rd Cannes Film Festival, says that the film holds more relevance in the present time than ever, considering police brutality is a global phenomenon now. Mahadevan's film is based on the real-life story of Prabhavati Amma from Kerala, who lost her son Udayakumar due to police brutality in 2005. Citing the example of the killing of African-American George Floyd by the police that took place in the US, Ananth said: "I think suddenly the rage against the police brutality has gone to its pick, a lot of protests are taking place worldwide. Whether it is in our country or in abroad, there are so many videos and news coverage we get to see on police brutality these days. Although it is not a new practice where innocents are brutalised by the police, the conversation around it has come into the forefront." "On the other hands, the story of my film is also of quiet rage, and the battle of a mother who has to wait for justice to be served, for her son who died owing to police brutality." The film features Usha Yadav as the female protagonist. It was selected for the Indian Panorama section and screened in International Film Festival in Goa last year. Usha bagged the Silver Peacock as Best Actress. About casting Usha Yadav as his leading lady in his Marathi film, Ananth said: "Usha Yadav is a brilliant actress! In the film, she aged from the age of 25 to the age of 60 years old. With the kind of body language, expression she played the older version of the character, it is really impressive. For the rest of the characters, I cast actors from theatre because I looked for real faces." Two fire incidents were reported in Mumbai Andheri and Nariman Point on Thursday, however, no injuries were reported. A fireman of the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) fainted during the operations and was rushed to Nanavati Hospital. In the first incident, a level-two fire was reported at Nand-Dham Industrial estate in Marol area of Andheri. The incident was reported at around 12.50 am and no injuries were reported. A fireman was rushed to the hospital after fainting during the operation. According to the MFB, the fire was confined to the ground floor godown. The godown was equipped with electric wiring, electric installation and contained wooden furniture, office window AC, office records, office files, hydraulic compressor machine, hydraulic cylinder. The fire was brought under control at around 4 am. In the second incident, a level-two fire was reported at around 5.21 am on Thursday inside a bank at Jolly Maker Chamber located at Nariman Point, according to Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB). However, no injuries were reported in the incident. Prabhat Rahangdale, chief fire officer, MFB said, The fire is confined to electric wiring, electric installation, office furniture, computers, office records, important documents and false ceiling in an area about 4000 square feet of Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait along with server room on the ground floor of the commercial complex. Rahangdale added, No one is trapped inside as learnt from public and nobody is reported injured. The fire was brought under control at 7 am, however, cooling operations are ongoing. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Chandigarh: Punjab Congress Chief Amarinder Singh called Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh's proposal to "seal" the India-Pakistan border by December 2018 "sheer rhetoric". Further, he claimed that Rajnath's statement was a reflection of his ignorance regarding national security. He also said that the International Border in Punjab was already well protected. "Rajnath's statement is nothing more than sheer rhetoric since the Indo-Pak border here is already adequately sealed, with two-tier fencing and a flood-lit concrete area between the two fences," Amarinder said in a statement here. The sweeping statement made by him, without taking into account the unique topographical and geographical realities of the border in different regions of the country, reflects his ignorance about matters of national security, he added. The Congress leader said with the Punjab border being well insulated from incursions and intrusions, it was difficult to understand what the Home Minister means when he talks about "sealing" the Indo-Pak border. "Does he want to build concrete walls at the Punjab border?" he asked and added that the need of the hour was not to build walls but to create bridges. "Even the Berlin Wall had to be demolished in the interest of peace." The PPCC chief alleged that the regressive policies of the Narendra Modi government are designed to take India back from its progressive path. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Since the nationwide implementation of social distancing measures put in place to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, many companies have shifted to operating a remote workforce. Since mid-February, Forbes reports that almost half of all American companies have asked their employees to work from home. For many business leaders, this has resulted in major disruptions to daily operations, and while there are many benefits to working from home for both employers and individuals, not having the opportunity for face-to-face interactions creates practical challenges for effective communication that many leadership teams are grappling with for the first time. In this blog post, well offer guidance and advice for having tough conversations with remote employees. Become familiar with new communication platforms As meetings started to migrate from the conference room to a virtual landscape, many of us have had to learn to navigate new communication platforms and applications, such as Teams or Slack. Theres no way around itvideo conferences can be awkward. There are more potential distractions and technical difficulties to overcome, and not being able to pick up on the nuances of non-verbal communication is challenging. Becoming familiar with your companys preferred communication channel for virtual meetings and 1:1 conversations will help you develop a sense of ease with the format and make communication feel more natural. As with any new system, there will be a bit of a learning curve while everyone adjusts to using the platform. One important problem to circumvent before it happens is technical difficulties. Before an important meeting, try doing a test call to ensure that your camera and microphone are working well. This will help ensure that the virtual conversation goes smoothly and is not interrupted with, Can you hear me now? Aspiring to be on the frontline to help country's cause, over 2,000 youths queued up for an Indian Army recruitment rally to enrol porters in Ganju Lama Dwar, Gangtok on Wednesday. I have never been engaged in the frontline. I want to help our soldiers, work for the Indian Army. The times are not right, and I can do anything that is desired of me in the interest of our country, said 23-year-old Rabi Chetri, a college graduate who was working as a waiter at a hotel in Gangtok. The Covid-19 lockdown also acted as a catalyst in the recruitment drive, as several locals working at the hospitality industry lost their jobs since the industry was hammered hard with no business for nearly four months. The Army's job notification for 600 vacancies mentioned that those physically fit and in the 18-40 age group would be eligible to join as porters for a contract period of 179 days and entitled to a monthly salary of approximately Rs 20,000 along with compensatory wages. Terming it a routine process in an operational area, an army official at the site said that the global pandemic had slowed many recruiting efforts and cancellation of local events. I came across this notification at Rangpo Checkpost and wanted to apply. I have previously worked as a porter for the Indian Army, and I wish they would recruit us permanently. I am Class 12 pass with an ITI certificate. It is a normal recruitment process and has nothing to do with border tension. They keep hiring civilian porters on a seasonal basis, said 27-year-old Om Prakash Rawat who was lined up wearing a mask and face cover. Indian Army veterans, Colonel Dilip Kumar Borah and Colonel DN Bhutia expressed their appreciation for the porters and their service to the military for many decades. Porters have been an integral part of the army along with mules in high altitude terrain. They carry rations, kerosene, water, ammunition to our forward posts. Many of them are employed along with their local ponies when army mules are not available, said retired Col Borah, then Commanding Officer of the Grenadiers, a battalion of about 900 soldiers deployed in the icy heights of Dras in Jammu and Kashmir. I have used their service in Arunachal, Kupwara sector of J&K and during Operation Vijay in Dras. I have the greatest regard for them and for their work in the Machhal sector, Kupwara and Dras, Col Borah added. The role of porters in the army will never diminish. Foot soldiers occupying the rugged mountain terrain of India-China and Indo-Pak borders are surviving due to the constant logistic supply of arms, ammunition and rations, Fuel Oil Lubricants by this chain of porters, said retired Col DN Bhutia who is currently overseeing the Himalayan Centre for Adventure and Ecotourism (IHCAE) quarantine facility in Chemchey village of South Sikkim. The point where four-wheelers stop functioning, the porters come in, Col Bhutia remarked. Two Belfast journalists whose homes were raided are set to be involved in mediation over information retained on police systems, it has emerged. High Court judges were told lawyers for Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey will take part in the process with PSNI representatives. The attempted arbitration over the summer is expected to focus on any data still stored by the force, as well as the reporters' potential lawsuit for wrongful imprisonment. In August 2018 Mr Birney and Mr McCaffrey were detained, questioned and released in a case linked to a documentary film on the Loughinisland atrocity. Raids were also carried out at their homes and offices after warrants were granted as part of an investigation into the suspected theft of confidential papers from the Northern Ireland Police Ombudsman's Office. Computer equipment, files, phones, cameras and notebooks were all seized during an operation undertaken by detectives from Durham Constabulary, supported by PSNI officers. The case was connected to the No Stone Unturned documentary, which examined the Royal Ulster Constabulary's handling of the loyalist murders of six Catholic men at Loughinisland, Co Down in June 1994. In May last year the journalists won their High Court challenge to the legality of warrants. Judges ruled that authorisation for the searches had been inappropriate. They also held that Mr Birney and Mr McCaffrey had acted properly to protect their sources, in line with the National Union of Journalists' (NUJ) code. Days later police confirmed they had dropped their investigation into the pair. Even though all confiscated material was returned to the journalists after the search warrants were quashed, backed-up information remained on police systems. Subsequent proceedings have centred on securing a final remedy over any copied data still stored. In court today Peter Coll QC, for the PSNI, disclosed: "We are hoping to engage in a process of mediation between now and September." Although he predicted the initiative "won't be terribly straight forward", Mr Coll expressed hope that progress could be made over the summer. Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan agreed to a further adjournment, with a final resolution hearing listed for October. By Associated Press BEIJING: New coronavirus cases in the US have surged to their highest level in two months and are now back to where they were at the peak of the outbreak. The US on Tuesday reported 34,700 new cases of the virus, according to a tally compiled by Johns Hopkins University that was published Wednesday. There have been only two previous days that the US has reported more cases: April 9 and April 24, when a record 36,400 cases were logged. New cases in the US have been surging for more than a week after trending down for more than six weeks. While early hot spots like New York and New Jersey have seen cases steadily decrease, the virus has been hitting the south and west. Several states on Tuesday set single-day records, including Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nevada and Texas. Cases were also surging in other parts of the world. India reported a record daily increase of nearly 16,000 new cases. Mexico, where testing rates have been low, also set a record with more than 6,200 new cases. But China appears to have tamed a new outbreak of the virus in Beijing, once again demonstrating its ability to quickly mobilize vast resources by testing nearly 2.5 million people in 11 days. In the U.S. state of Arizona, which on Tuesday reported a record 3,600 new infections, hundreds of young conservatives packed a megachurch to hear President Donald Trump's call for them to back his reelection bid. As he did at a rally in Oklahoma over the weekend, Trump referred to the virus with a pejorative term directed at its emergence in China. Ahead of the event, the Democratic mayor of Phoenix, Kate Gallego, made clear that she did not believe the speech could be safely held in her city and urged the president to wear a face mask. He did not. Trump has refused to wear a mask in public, instead turning it into a red-vs.-blue cultural issue. Earlier Tuesday, Dr Anthony Fauci told Congress that the next few weeks are critical to tamping down the surge. "Plan A, don't go in a crowd. Plan B, if you do, make sure you wear a mask," said Fauci, the infectious disease chief at the National Institutes of Health. In China, an outbreak that has infected more than 200 people in the capital this month appeared to be firmly waning. China on Wednesday reported 12 cases, down from 22 the day before. Beijing reported seven new cases, down from 13. Officials in Beijing said they tested more than 2. 4 million people between June 12 and June 22. That's more than 10 per cent of the capital's population of about 20 million. Authorities began testing people at food markets and in the areas around them. They expanded that to include restaurant staff and the city's 100,000 delivery workers. China also said it used big data to find people who had been near markets for testing, without specifying how. The vast majority have tested negative, though one courier delivering groceries from supermarkets tested positive. A single inflatable mobile lab in one district was capable of conducting 30,000 tests a day, the official Xinhua News Agency said. South Korea, which successfully tamed its first wave of infections, is seeing another rise. While the first outbreak was centered in its fourth-largest city, the current outbreak is in the Seoul region, where most South Koreans live. Authorities reported 51 cases Wednesday. Its increase of 40 to 50 cases every day over the past two weeks comes amid increased public activity and eased attitudes on social distancing. In India, with a population of more than 1.3 billion, the densely populated cities of Mumbai and New Delhi have been hardest hit. The country has reported more than 450,000 cases of the virus, including more than 14,000 deaths. The situation in New Delhi is a rising concern, with the federal government criticizing its poor contact tracing and a lack of hospital beds. Mexico reported nearly 800 new deaths on Wednesday. The country has recorded more than 190,000 cases and more than 23,000 deaths, although officials acknowledge both are undercounts due to extremely low testing rates. Mexico has performed only about half a million tests, or about one for every 250 inhabitants. Worldwide, more than 9.2 million people have contracted the virus, including more than 477,000 who have died, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The boss of Pure Gym has slammed Boris Johnson for sidelining his promise to tackle obesity and allowing pubs to reopen before fitness chains. Humphrey Cobbold, chief executive of the UK's largest gym operator, said he was 'hugely disappointed' gyms are not returning on July 4. He accused the Government of listening to 'hearsay' rather than reviewing the safety measures which gyms had implemented, and said Pure Gym facilities had reopened in Switzerland and Denmark with no cases of coronavirus. Pure Gym which has British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith (pictured) as brand ambassador, are owned by private equity firms desperate to get business back on track Cobbold told BBC Radio Five's Wake Up to Money programme: 'We've got a Prime Minister who said he's going to wage war on obesity, and I think this is probably the first war on obesity that started with telling people to go to the pub first and not allowing people to go to gyms.' Several of the UK's largest chains, including Pure Gym which has British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith as brand ambassador, are owned by private equity firms desperate to get business back on track. Richard Branson's Virgin Group, which owns a stake in the Virgin Active chain, and Dragon's Den star Duncan Bannatyne, who owns Bannatyne Health Clubs are also affected. Cobbold added: 'We urge the Government to come back to the table on this, to really engage with us on the substance and facts of the issue.' 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. (CNN) Paris Fashion Week will go ahead this fall, the event's organizers have confirmed, with shows starting September 28. The announcement by Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode makes Paris the first of Europe's fashion centers to confirm its Spring-Summer shows. As many countries relax their lockdowns and social distancing regulations, brands and organizers are grappling with the question of whether -- and how -- they should allow physical fashion shows in a world still struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic. Major brands normally follow a hectic schedule of separate men's and women's runway events at Autumn-Winter and Spring-Summer fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris, and often stage additional one-off "cruise" and pre-Autumn shows. But, for a time, the coronavirus pandemic put the brakes on this hectic jet-setting schedule and cast a new light on existing concerns about the environmental and economic sustainability of such shows and the cycles of consumption they encourage. In May, Gucci's creative designer, Alessandro Michele, announced the brand would permanently abandon the traditional fashion calendar as the industry rethinks how it operates in the light of Covid-19. Saint Laurent expressed a similar sentiment, saying in April that it would not be presenting its collections to the "pre-set schedules of 2020." Some brands have embraced the digital experience: Burberry will be hosting its London Spring collection as an outdoor show that can be accessed digitally; and on Monday, Maria Grazia Chiuri, artistic director at Dior, told a conference call that it will stage a live show with no audience on July 22, in Lecce in Italy's Puglia region, Vogue reported. Pietro Beccari, the brand's CEO, who was also on the call, indicated that the Autumn 2020 couture show, scheduled for July 6, won't be live, but that Dior hoped for "some" audience for its Spring 2021 show in Paris in September, according to Vogue. Still, some brands seem to be pressing ahead. In a recent interview with industry trade title Business of Fashion, Chanel's Bruno Pavlovsky reiterated his commitment to participating in Paris Fashion Week. Event organizers in the UK are also making plans. A spokesman for London Fashion Week told CNN that the event would be going ahead in September and that it was expected to be a "hybrid" of digital and physical, depending on whether designers prefer to host runway shows or presentations. "We are currently in conversation with the designers to understand what their plans are. An official announcement will be made early July to confirm the exact format," he said. Imran Amed, CEO and founder of Business of Fashion, told CNN that even though there was uncertainty about whether live shows could take place, the easing of lockdowns in European countries and the sheer feat of organization required to put on fashion week events mean that some organizers are planning for the Autumn shows, without being certain they will go ahead. Both organizers and brands are facing imminent deadlines. "If you're going to hold a physical event a few months from now, you have to give people some clarity around dates and timing and whatnot, in order that people can plan," he said. Amed told CNN that, based on his conversations with industry leaders, it seemed as though brands were "planning, while also being very aware that those plans might not be possible, given some of the uncertainty around a second wave and other restrictions." "A lot of the events that are being planned may have to replicate what we're seeing in Paris and Milan in July -- events that are taking place physically, but without an audience," he added. Amed told CNN that, come September, fashion weeks could also see an absence of smaller brands, as they might lack the budget to stage shows, having had their revenue slashed by Covid. "Whatever fashion week does happen, it's going to feel very different because a lot of the smaller brands will likely not be a part of it," he said. This story was first published on CNN.com, "The pandemic hit the fashion industry hard, but Paris Fashion Week is going ahead in September." Kolkata, June 25 : An elderly man was found hanging from a tree in Kolkata's Mayo Road area along the famous Maidan on Thursday, police said. The identity of the man is yet to be known. According to police sources, a gamchha (thin Indian towel) was used for the purpose. Locals discovered the body and informed. "A police team will arrive shortly and take down the body. The body will be sent for the post-mortem examination. An unnatural death (UD) case has been filed," the sources told earlier ahead of a probe launched by police to find out if it was a case of suicide or any foul play was involved. 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 Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 26) Two suspected terrorists, with alleged ties to bomb expert Mundi Sawadjaan, were killed in a joint police and military search operation on Friday. A media release sent by the security forces said the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines carried out a search operation on Bensaudi J. Sali and his wife Jolo-native Merhama Abdul Sawari in Better Living Subdivision in Paranaque City. It said the couple fired upon the authorities during the implementation of the search warrant, leading to a firefight, which ultimately ended in the death of Sali and Sawari. Authorities said the couple was allegedly planning terrorist activities. They were also tagged as the financial conduit of Daesh-East Asia because of their confirmed connection with bomb expert, Mundi Sawadjaan. "Their presence in Paranaque City has something to do with the coordination and planning of terrorist activities. Information further disclosed that the couple were engaged in illegal firearms transaction," authorities said. Authorities recovered two ISIS flags and several pieces of ammunition on the scene, including 2 hand grenades, improvised firing device, a rifle, hand guns, and blasting caps. OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma City police arrested four individuals involved with painting street murals near police headquarters on disorderly conduct complaints Wednesday. According to video footage taken by Mia Hogsett, one of the arrested individuals, and provided by police, the small group had gone to police headquarters to make a police report against an officer. When the group was told they could not come into the lobby due to COVID-19 concerns and to call 9-1-1 to make a report against an officer, police Capt. Larry Withrow said at a news conference that they became verbally aggressive. All four were booked on disorderly conduct complaints, but Hogsett, 31, was also arrested on a complaint of planning to commit an act of violence. Police would not specify, but video footage showed Hogsett saying she would burn the police station down. 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. (Courtesy of Tres Figueiras) The global pandemic has been rough to varying degrees for pretty much everyone, but elderly people those who have been most strongly advised to stringently follow social distancing guidelines and stay-at-home orders have had it especially hard. Prolonged isolation from family and friends and a lack of hands-on affection can really take its toll, but a long-term care home in Brazil has carved out a solution that keeps seniors safe from viral infections while allowing them to hug the people they love. After a group of seniors residing at the Tres Figueiras home in Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil saw Mothers Day come and go without any visitors due to virus lockdown rules, the homes staff couldnt help but feel the morale plummet. We noticed that our senior residents were feeling sad, Luciana Brito, one of the owners of the facility, told CNN. We thought they would be much happier if we found a way for them to hug their relatives. And thats when the hug tunnel was conceived. (Photos by Lucas Uebel/Getty Images) Consisting of arm holes set at three different heights so children and those in wheelchairs can reap its benefits for both residents and visitors, and made of thick, clear plastic sheeting, the invention allows hugging and intimate contact with practically none of the dangers. Brito told CNN that the idea for the "hug tunnel" as we know it today was derived from a viral video in which a U.S. woman created a plastic curtain so she could hug her mother. The staff at Tres Figueiras also disinfect the sheets in between visits, while guests must sanitize and have their temperatures checked beforehand to ensure safety for all. The measures to minimize risk combined with the functionality of the contraption itself has yielded something the facility's administrator, Rubia Santos, says should be strongly considered by anyone at the forefront of senior and geriatric care. If anyone out there runs a senior living home or facility, I recommend you do this, Santos said. Story continues It is so gratifying to see them hugging each other and so important. More of Whats Good: Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 20:26:59|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIRUT, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Demonstrations were resumed on Thursday around Lebanon in protest against dire living conditions in the country, the National News Agency reported. Traders in Sidon and Tyre closed their shops to take part in demonstrations while complaining about their impoverishment given the increase in the price of U.S. dollar to the Lebanese pound. The traders held signs saying that 1,200 companies will soon go bankrupt while 5,000 families will suffer from unemployment. Protesters cut roads in various regions of the country including Nabatieh, Rashaya, Jounieh, Baabda and other areas. Protesters have also cut roads near the Justice Palace in Beirut in protest against the arrest of civil protesters who demanded for better living conditions. The Lebanese army intervened, prompting protesters to throw stones at security forces and cars of judges passing by. Lebanon has been going through tough economic conditions amid weakening of the Lebanese pound and the increase in prices of basic needs in the country. Also, the increase in the price of U.S. dollar drove thousands of traders out of business due to their inability of importing products and maintaining their operations noting that Lebanon is mainly an importing country. Enditem Cerner Stays Losing Jobs Cerner lays off 100 employees, 50 in Kansas City KANSAS CITY, Mo. - North Kansas City, Missouri-based Cerner confirmed Wednesday it laid off some of its workforce. A spokesperson for the health care equipment company said it laid off 100 employees, 50 of whom are located in the Kansas City area. Golden Ghetto Cant Pay For Luxury Retail Good Times Overland Park development struggles on payment, can't meet lofty sales projections The Prairiefire development, which combines shopping, dining and a museum with historical artifacts along a key corridor in Overland Park, continues to struggle to meet its obligations to bondholders while its developer vouches for the project's financial viability. Prairiefire for the first time could not make a full interest payment this month for bond debt supporting the project. Kansas Help Amid Historic Unemployment FAIL Hotline, email created for Kansans affected by duplicate payment error Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly announced a new customer service hotline and email Wednesday for Kansans who have been affected by the recent duplicate payments. Show-Me History Endangered Missouri's historic places in peril The Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation (Missouri Preservation) has announced a call for nominations for its list of historic Places in Peril for 2020. Missouri Preservation is a statewide non-profit historic preservation advocacy organization aimed at preserving place and community for future generations of Missourians. American Coronavirus Surges Summer 2020 U.S. hits highest single day of coronavirus cases at 36,358, breaking April record The U.S. broke its record for the highest coronavirus cases recorded in a single day, with 36,358 new positives reported on Wednesday, according to a tally by NBC News. Wednesday's cases top the previous highest day count from April 26 - the first peak of the pandemic in the U.S. NextGen Spreads Sickness Young adults are driving the surge in coronavirus cases in Arizona, Florida, and Texas, officials say. Patients' median ages are dropping. As coronavirus cases rise across the US, officials are reporting that many of the new infections are in young adults. "We are seeing more people test positive under the age of 35, particularly in our discussions with the leadership in Florida and in Texas," Vice President Mike Pence said on a call with governors Monday, according to ABC News. Social Justice Immunity?!?! Black Lives Matter protests haven't led to COVID-19 spikes. It may be due to people staying home. There is no evidence yet that the wave of Black Lives Matter protests across the U.S. sparked COVID-19 outbreaks in the more than three weeks since they began, according to a study published Wednesday by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Monumental Fight Over American History Escalates DC National Guard to provide unarmed security for monuments in DC The DC National Guard will provide unarmed guard members to assist with additional security for monuments in Washington, DC, the National Guard Bureau said Wednesday. Climate Cray Contd The Arctic is on fire: Siberian heat wave alarms scientists The Arctic is feverish and on fire - at least parts of it are. And that has scientists worried about what it means for the rest of the world. The thermometer hit a likely record of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in the Russian Arctic town of Verkhoyansk on Saturday, a temperature that would be a fever for a person - but this is Siberia, known for being frozen. Kansas City Never Going Back To The Office Requests for home offices increase for KC area custom homebuilders LENEXA, Kan. - When Bruce Rieke, the owner of B.L. Rieke Custom Homes in Lenexa, Kansas, meets with a client, there are three new points on the person's checklist and they all revolve around COVID-19. Rieke said customers now ask him about including a home office, better WiFi connectivity and air filtration. Local Digital Dress Up 2020 Digital expansion is in vogue for KC Fashion Week Photo by Steven Austin The fashion world has been propelled into the digital realm, a drastically different venue from the runways fashion shows typically call home. COVID-19 has altered the future of fashion as in-person showcases hang in the balance; that's where online spaces come in. Cowtown Heat Up Contd Hotter, more humid Thursday Hide Transcript Show Transcript WE ARE DRY RIGHT NOW. WE WILL STAY DRY FOR THE EVENING, 83 DEGREES AT 6:00 P.M. 74 DEGREES BY 10:00. IF YOU WERE GOING TO GET OUTSIDE, NICE EVENING FOR THAT. WE WILL WATCH FOR A FEW SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS TO DRIFT IN. Right nowinspires us to check links related to pop culture, community news and info from across the nation and around the world . . .And this is thefor right now . . . EP Global Opportunities Trust plc (the "Company") Total Voting Rights As a result of the purchase of 25,000 Ordinary 1p shares placed into Treasury on 24 June 2020 and in conformity with Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 5.6.1A, the issued share capital and voting rights of the Company are as follows: Class of share Total number of shares in circulation Number of voting rights attached to each share Total number of voting rights of shares in circulation Number of shares held in treasury (carrying no voting rights attached until issued) Total number of shares in issue Ordinary 1p Shares 40,062,725 1 40,062,725 24,446,917 64,509,642 The above total voting rights figure may be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine whether they are required to notify their interest in EP Global Opportunities Trust plc under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. 25 June 2020 LEI: 2138005T5CT5ITZ7ZX58 Enquiries: Kenneth Greig Edinburgh Partners AIFM Limited Tel: 0131 270 3800 The Company's registered office address is: 27-31 Melville Street Edinburgh EH3 7JF Room with a view: Casa Elemento in Colombia is among the venues on the Hostelworld website Global accommodation booking platform Hostelworld has raised 13.8m (15.2m) though a share placing and subscription. It comes after the group yesterday said the coronavirus has driven a sharp reduction in trading volumes in the first half of this year. The Dublin-headquartered company expects to swing into an earnings before interest, taxation, and depreciation (EBITDA) loss of between 8m-9m for the first half of this year, this compares to a positive EBITDA of 8.9m for the same period last year. Hostelworld said it is unable to provide guidance on its results for the financial year ending 31 December 2020. The company, which has implemented a number of major cost cutting measures, had 15.2m of immediately available cash at May 31. It has also agreed terms for a three-year revolving credit facility to provide up to 7m of additional liquidity. In raising the 15m, a total of 17,664,155 new ordinary shares of 0.01 each have been placed by Numis Securities and Davy, the Joint Bookrunners, at a price of 72.0 pence per placing share. In addition 1,450,000 new ordinary shares have been conditionally subscribed for outside the placing by an existing shareholder at the placing price. The placing price represents a discount of 7.1pc to the closing share price of 77.5 pence on June 24. Now some scientists in several countries are taking a keen interest in the idea of repurposing existing vaccines, like the one with live poliovirus and another for tuberculosis, to see if they can provide at least temporary resistance to the coronavirus. Russians are among them, drawing on a long history of vaccine research and of researchers, unconcerned about being scoffed at as mad scientists, experimenting on themselves. What happened Shares of aluminum giant Alcoa (NYSE:AA) dropped as much as 10.7% in early trading Wednesday, and despite getting a little of that back, ended the day down a still-big 8.7%. And on a day when the whole S&P 500 fell 2.6%, largely on coronavirus concerns, it's not too surprising that Alcoa got tossed out with the bathwater. What is surprising is that this happened on a good news day for Alcoa. So what The Trump Administration today threatened to reimpose 10% tariffs on aluminum exports from Canada to the U.S., a move that would raise the cost of imported aluminum, and make Alcoa's aluminum more price-competitive. (Or alternatively, make it easier for Alcoa to raise its prices and earn more profits, without having to compete on price.) You'd think investors would take this as good news for the stock, and bid the price up. But Alcoa doesn't want the U.S. government to levy tariffs on Canadian aluminum. As Reuters reported today, the Aluminum Association, a trade group that represents blue chip Alcoa and other aluminum companies, is saying that as near as it can tell, Canadian aluminum exports are "virtually unchanged" over the past three years, and so do not constitute any sort of anticompetitive dumping on the U.S. market. In contrast to China, which Alcoa believes is overproducing subsidized aluminum and dumping it abroad, CFO William Oplinger says Alcoa wants to compete freely with countries like Canada "who trade freely" with the U.S. Now what In essence, then, Alcoa appears to be turning down free money from the U.S. government. That seems strange given that Alcoa lost money each quarter of last year, and is expected to lose money this year and next year as well (according to analyst estimates collected by S&P Global Market Intelligence). Now what are investors supposed to make of that? I honestly don't know, unless what really worries Alcoa is not competition from Canada, but the fear that the Trump Administration is trying to start another trade war, and that by pursuing measures designed to help Alcoa domestically, he risks hurting Alcoa's international business instead. The way things are going today, that looks like a very real possibility. Along with the tweet, Prime Minister Modi posted a two-minute-long video, in which he talked about how the countrymen had united to fight against the emergency rule in 1975 to safeguard Indias democracy. When emergency was imposed, its opposition was not restricted to the political class alone but filled everyone with resentment. People were in anguish to get back the lost democracy. Those who get two square meals easily. Do not realise the pain of hunger, he said. In normal life, one realises the importance of democratic rights when someone snatches the rights. During the emergency, every citizen felt that something was taken away from them. It is not so that our democracy has evolved because of our Constitution. Although we need some rules, regulations and laws to regulate society, yet Indians can be proud of the fact that apart from laws and regulations, democracy is inherited in our values. We have grown up with this heritage, hence our countrymen feel the pain of lack of democracy, he added. Also read: Our arms not to hatch eggs: Adhir Ranjans provocative remark on LAC standoff Also read: UK urges India, China to engage in dialogue to resolve worrying standoff The Prime Minister said people felt the pain of lack of democracy during the emergency period in India. Countrymen experienced the same pain during the emergency, countrymen participated in an entire election not for the personal gain but for the sake of defending democracy. Probably nowhere in the world people voted to disregard any other consideration only to defend democracy as India did in 1977, he said. Earlier today, Union Home Minister Shah also targetted Congress on the completion of 45 years of emergency and asked the party to self introspect. As one of Indias opposition parties, Congress needs to ask itself: Why does the Emergency mindset remain? Why are leaders who do not belong to 1 dynasty unable to speak up? Why are leaders getting frustrated in Congress? Else, their disconnect with people will keep widening, he wrote. Also read: Galwan face-off: India urges China to strictly respect LAC A Napa restaurateur has apologized on Facebook after coming under fire for postings deemed racist by viewers who are urging a boycott of his Napa restaurant, Trancas Steakhouse. On the Facebook page for Trancas Steakhouse, owner Norman Sawicki wrote: 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. I want the public to know how very sorry I am about the posts. Not only have I removed the posts, I will be making some personal changes as well. I ask the community to forgive my poor judgement. The May 23 posting was a manipulated image of Joe Biden, the Democratic presidential nominee, wearing a white suit, in an old-time style associated with Southern men, with a caption that read, Well I do declare boy, you aint black unless I say you black. The posting has been removed, but comments from social media users maintain this is one of many objectionable postings from Sawicki, including another from July 18, 2019 which shows a woman holding a gun with the caption, All Im saying is if we didnt have so many pansy asss (sic) running this county, wed be removing illegal aliens, not confederate flags. The uproar was partially spurred by a new Facebook group called Stop Napa Hate, which founders say is dedicated to calling out racist behavior. Contributors have also been highly critical of Napa City Councilmember Doris Gentry, citing her conservative positions and comments over the years. They have also been critical of the recent We Back Blue rally in downtown Napa showing support for law enforcement. A Fresno-area man who has been associated with white nationalists and anti-immigrant protests spoke at the rally. Dining at his restaurant on Tuesday night, Sawicki declined to comment on the record for the Register. On his Facebook page, however, he expressed frustration with the social media outcry. I hope you understand I was making fun of the Vice Presidents continued racist comments, Sawicki wrote on Facebook. I was not supporting racism. It was pointed out to me that by sharing these type of posts it makes me look racist too. How ashamed I am for that perception. 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. I hope everyone will accept my sincere apology which comes from a place of love. My hope is we can all move forward in peace and healing. Sawicki, a longtime Napa resident, opened Trancas Steakhouse in 1999. He was also the owner of the Red Hen Bar and Grill, which closed in December 2019 after 37 years, when the lease expired. The Red Hen, like Trancas Steakhouse, was a popular local hangout that also catapulted Sawicki into the public eye in 2018, when it was confused with the Lexington, Virginia establishment with the same name, which had refused service to Sarah Huckabee Sanders, then press secretary for the Trump administration. Facebook reaction to Sawickis apology was mixed in 262 comments, from Thanks for clarifying from Dina Greenberg, to one from Lili Bach: He does NOT STAND AGAINST RACISM. HE GOT CAUGHT. yes, there is a difference. After Sawickis apology last week, the Stop Napa Hate group has largely turned its attention to Gentry, posting clips of her past speeches, including one from 2010 where she suggests that the heavily Latino Roseland neighborhood in Santa Rosa is like Vallejo and that it is not safe to travel there at night. Members of the Stop Napa Hate group have also decried the presence at the We Back Blue rally of Ben Bergquam, the founder of a conservative website Frontline America. He gave brief remarks at the rally and filmed a lengthy video of the rally, interviewing both attendees and counter-protesters. After string of Napa protests against police brutality, We Back Blue rally supports law enforcement Supporters of law enforcement officers rallied Wednesday on Napa's Third Street bridge, steps from where anti-racism, anti-brutality protests have played out for the last three weekends. Although his website makes no mention of it, Bergquam has told Fresno-area media that he was a member of the Proud Boys, an alt-right white nationalist group that has gained notoriety for violent confrontations at protests and rallies, including the 2017 Unite the Right event in Charlottesville, Virginia. where a woman was killed by a right-wing rally attendee. Its not clear, however, how deeply he is involved with the movement. A spokesperson for the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups including the Proud Boys, said the organization doesnt know anything about Bergquam other than the scattered mentions in Fresno-area media where he said he was a member. Bergquam also made it into the news in 2019, when he was among a group of protestors who trespassed on the grounds of the governors mansion in Sacramento, saying they were against Gov. Gavin Newsoms soft stance on immigration. The protesters were clad in ponchos and wore fake mustaches in a derogatory caricature of traditional Mexican style. Bergquam did not respond to an email this week asking how he came to be at the Napa rally and whether he was a member of the Proud Boys. On his website, he describes himself as an unashamed, politically incorrect, social conservative that believes that abortion is murder, homosexuality is sin, and transgenderism is insane. He says that Liberalism is a plague on society that has replaced the creator with the created, support of life with death, economic freedom with socialist and communism theft and destruction, personal responsibility with perpetual victimization and ultimately will be the death of America if left unchecked. Gentry has appeared at at least one event with Bergquam, according to video clips posted on Stop Napa Hate, and she is listed as one of his friends on Facebook, but she told the Register she met him only once, at the 2019 event in the film clip, and did not invite him to the Napa rally. I now have learned he is a member of Proud Boys. I am not a member of Proud Boys. I am not a supporter of that organization. And I publicly said so on Facebook, Gentry said in an email this week. However, nobody is listening. They love to spread the rumors, and at some point, I have to just step back and allow them to express themselves. You can reach Sasha Paulsen at spaulsen@napanews.com and Sean Scully at sscully@napanews.com. WASHINGTON, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- This afternoon, the nation's mayors will address the national call for police reform during the Criminal and Social Justice Standing Committee session of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) 88th Annual Meeting. As part of the discussion, members of USCM's Police Reform and Racial Justice Working Group will share a newly established set of principles that will guide their work in the coming weeks as they establish specific recommendations to address police violence and patterns of racial discrimination. This session is open to press. Registration is required. Please see this link and scroll down to the section on the Criminal and Social Justice Standing Committee. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) will hold its 88th Annual Meeting as a virtual convening from June 22 June 26, 2020. Under the leadership of USCM President Rochester Hills (MI) Mayor Bryan K. Barnett, the Meeting will focus on the consideration and adoption of policy resolutions on some of the most pressing issues facing American cities today, including racial equity, police reform, the ongoing economic pain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, voting rights, climate change, and housing. These resolutions guide the advocacy agenda of the organization and allow the nation's mayors to speak with one voice as they advocate for cities on the state and federal levels. For more information, see here. WHAT: U.S. Conference of Mayors 88th Annual Meeting; Criminal and Social Justice Standing Committee session WHO: The session will be led by Lori E. Lightfoot, Mayor of Chicago (IL), who chairs both the Criminal and Social Justice Committee and the Police Reform and Racial Justice Working Group. Other working group members expected to participate are: Jane Castor, Mayor of Tampa (FL) John Cranley, Mayor of Cincinnati (OH) Michael Harrison, Police Commissioner of the Baltimore City Police Department Jeri Williams, Police Chief of the Phoenix Police Department W.H. "Skip" Holbrook, Chief of Police, City of Columbia Police Department Charles Ramsey, Advisor to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Former Philadelphia Police Commissioner and Former Washington, DC Police Chief, and Co-chair of President Obama's Task Force on 21st Century Policing Jamie Gorelick, Former Deputy Attorney General of the United States and a Partner at WilmerHale Ron Davis, Former Director of the COPS Office and Executive Director of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing WHEN: Thursday, June 25, 2020; 4 pm ET WHERE: See this link and scroll down to the section on the Criminal and Social Justice Standing Committee. RSVP: Interested media should RSVP to Sara Durr at [email protected]. About the United States Conference of Mayors -- The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are more than 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/usmayors , or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/usmayors . SOURCE U.S. Conference of Mayors Related Links www.usmayors.org President Donald Trump will travel to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this weekend despite the state's new 14-day quarantine order for those who have recently traveled to states with high numbers of novel coronavirus cases. Trump, 74, was in Arizona this week one of the states New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy listed in a joint tri-state order with New York and Connecticut requiring travelers to isolate once they arrive, in order to slow new infections, or face fines. The president of the United States is not a civilian, White House spokesman Judd Deere told CNBC in response to whether or not Trump feels the need to abide by the New Jersey order. However, the president is technically a civilian rather than a member of the military or law enforcement. The White House did not expand further on Deere's comment when asked by PEOPLE on Thursday. New Jersey's Gov. Murphy told CNN later Wednesday night that the state considers Trump an "essential worker," signaling that the president wouldn't face problems for not following the three states' order. "There is a carve out for essential workers and I think by any definition the president of the United States is an essential worker and I know the folks get tested around him all the time," said Murphy, 62. "I think the bigger point here is we want folks to really be responsible in terms of thinking about not just themselves, but their families and their communities." RELATED: Trump Campaign Now Reports 8 Staff Members Tested Positive for COVID-19 Since Saturday's Rally Trump had traveled to Arizona on Tuesday to speak with conservative students. Deere, 32, told CNBC that anyone traveling with Trump is tested for the coronavirus and confirmed to be negative and added that the White House followed its own mitigation plans during the president's Arizona trip to make sure he wasn't in contact with anyone showing symptoms or anyone that hadn't been tested for the COVID-19 respiratory illness. Story continues Anyone traveling in support of the president this weekend will be closely monitored for symptoms and tested for COVID and therefore pose little to no risk to the local populations," Deere said. Trump's travel has increased this month, after he largely remained on the White House grounds in Washington, D.C., throughout the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic social distancing like much of the rest of the country. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday that anyone who violates the tri-state order would be subject to fines and mandatory quarantine $2,000 for first-time violators, $5,000 for second violations, and potentially up to $10,000 if that person causes harm, according to CNBC. The travel advisory began at midnight Wednesday and applies to anyone coming from a state with a coronavirus transmission rate above 10 per every 100,000 people on a seven-day rolling average which currently includes Arizona as well as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas, Cuomo said. At least 12,995 people have died in New Jersey from COVID-19 so far, according to a New York Times tracker. "We've beaten this virus down to a pulp in New Jersey with an enormous loss of life," Gov. Murphy told CNN. "We've been through hell and we don't want to go through hell again and that;'s the spirit that underpins what we're asking folks to do." RELATED: New York Area Requiring 14-Day Quarantine for Travelers from States with Soaring Coronavirus Cases There have been recent issues with the president traveling amid the pandemic risking infection, despite the precautions taken. Six Trump campaign staffers tested positive for the coronavirus ahead of his re-election rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Saturday, while PEOPLE confirmed with the president's campaign that two additional staffers tested positive after having been present at the event. Two Secret Service agents traveling with Trump also tested positive for the virus after last weekend's rally, CNN reported. Murphy, Cuomo and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced their mutual quarantine order during a news conference on Wednesday with the understanding that infections in one of the closely located states may impact the other and continue inflating the virus' spread. We worked very hard to get the viral transmission rate down. We dont want to see it go up because a lot of people come into this region and they can literally bring the infection with them, Cuomo said. Because what happens in New York happens in New Jersey and happens in Connecticut. As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments. PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMe to raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, click here. Oliver Scales-Copeland was wearing only red underpants at a road intersection on an early Sunday afternoon last October when he began threatening motorists, a court was told. Mr Scales-Copeland had allegedly taken a gram of cocaine the night before at a hotel in Sydney's north. A resident of Bronte, the 26-year-old is a violin prodigy and son of Waverley councillor George Copeland. Police arrest Oliver Scales-Copeland after he allegedly stabbed two officers. Credit:Nine News Prosecutor Kristy Mulley told Newcastle District Court on Thursday that Mr Scales-Copeland had walked up to waiting vehicles behind his broken-down car near a Caltex service station last October at Toronto, a suburb of Lake Macquarie. He then thrust a knife through the driver's side window of one stopped car and repeatedly threatened to stab the motorist before telling him: "You better get out of here or I'll stab you." Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden visited Lancaster, Pennsylvania on Thursday. Sister station WGAL-TV was the only local TV station there from the Susquehanna Valley to speak with him one-on-one. It was Biden's first local television interview since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. Biden spent Thursday in Pennsylvania warning there are no miracles coming" to help the nation beat back the still deadly pandemic. Amazingly, he hasnt grasped the most basic fact of this crisis: To fix the economy we have to get control over the virus," the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said of President Donald Trump while speaking at a community center in Lancaster. "Hes like a child who cant believe this has happened to him. His whining and self-pity. This pandemic didnt happen to him. It happened to all of us. Biden has spent weeks arguing that the pandemic remains a clear and present danger that Trump is trying to wish away amid a desire to speed an economic recovery. The president counters that the country doesn't have to choose between its health and improving the economy. Meanwhile, Trump visited a Wisconsin shipyard to emphasize job growth and reviving an economy hammered by the coronavirus. He was promoting a contract won in April by Fincantieri Marinette Marine to build as many as 10 Navy frigates. The company employs about 2,500 people now, and the deal could add 1,000 jobs. Its the first new major shipbuilding program for the Navy in more than a decade. After long focusing on staging virtual rallies and other online appearances from his Delaware home, Biden has in recent weeks begun making frequent trips to Pennsylvania, allowing him to target a swing state without venturing far. Lancaster is about an hour and 15 minutes by car from Bidens house, and yet it is the farthest hes traveled lately, aside from a trip to Houston to meet with the family of George Floyd, whose death in police custody sparked protests around the nation. Trump, by contrast, staged a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, last weekend and spoke at a megachurch in Arizona on Tuesday. On Thursday, he visited Marinette in rural Wisconsin for a private tour of a shipyard and to participate in a town hall to be broadcast by Fox News Channel from an airport in Green Bay. Vice President Mike Pence also hit another key state, Ohio. Arriving in Wisconsin, Trump acknowledged the power of incumbency, tweeting, Launching big new ship contract! Video on Twitter showed protesters just outside the airport, chanting Hands up, dont shoot, and I cant breathe. Meanwhile, an event page created by Fox News said attendees of the town hall event were required to wear a face covering. Biden has also broken with Trump by spending weeks denouncing institutional racism and police brutality, siding with protesters around the country. Pence drove home that contrast on Thursday, participating in a police roll call during his stop in Youngstown, Ohio. The vice president declared that promoting the rights of African Americans did not have to come at the expense of police rights. "Were showing we dont have to make that choice, Pence said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. OTTAWA - Bowing to pressure from Beijing to secure the release of two Canadians would put "an awful lot more" citizens at risk by signalling Canada can be intimidated, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/6/2020 (576 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looks at the camera as he responds to a question about China during a news conference outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Thursday, June 25, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld OTTAWA - Bowing to pressure from Beijing to secure the release of two Canadians would put "an awful lot more" citizens at risk by signalling Canada can be intimidated, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday. Trudeau did not budge from his stance that it would send the wrong message to drop extradition proceedings against Chinese telecommunications executive Meng Wanzhou in the hope of winning freedom for entrepreneur Michael Spavor and former diplomat Michael Kovrig. Canadian authorities took Meng into custody over American allegations of lying to a bank to violate sanctions on Iran, and her extradition case is now before a British Columbia court. Soon after Meng was arrested in December 2018, Beijing detained Spavor and Kovrig on allegations of undermining China's national security developments widely seen as retaliation for Meng's detention. A letter to Trudeau signed by 19 former politicians and diplomats urges that Meng be freed in a bid to win the release of the detained Canadians. Signatories to the letter, obtained by The Canadian Press, include Jean Chretien-era ministers Lloyd Axworthy and Andre Ouellet, former Conservative minister and ambassador Lawrence Cannon and former diplomat Robert Fowler, who was himself taken hostage in 2008 in Niger. On Wednesday, a spokesman for the Chinese foreign ministry suggested releasing Meng could be one way to resolve the issue. Trudeau said he completely disagrees with the letter-writers because bending to Beijing would imperil the millions of Canadians travelling throughout the world in normal times. Canada will continue to work "incredibly hard" to gain the release of Spavor and Kovrig, Trudeau said, acknowledging the pain their loved ones are feeling. "But at the same time our responsibility is to make sure that we're also protecting Canadians into the future," he said. "And if countries around the world, including China, realize that by arbitrarily arresting random Canadians, they can get what they want out of Canada politically, well that makes an awful lot more Canadians who travel around the world vulnerable to that kind of pressure. "So we will continue to stand for our strong, independent justice system. We will do everything we can to bring home the two Michaels. And we will continue to do everything we need to do to make sure that all Canadians are protected going forward." That stance got support Thursday from Alliance Canada Hong Kong, a group that advocates for human rights in China. "Engaging in hostage diplomacy sets a dangerous precedent that will put a target on all Canadians in China," said a statement sent by Cherie Wong, the group's executive director. The group said 123 Canadians are currently being detained in China, including 13 detained since Meng's arrest, and called on Canada to take a "strong and principled stance" to drive international condemnation of China's tactics. "It is undeniable that the Chinese government is holding foreign nationals within China hostage as chips to bargain with democratic governments. There is strength in the unity of democratic societies," the group said. "It is therefore important for Canada to not be the first state to kneel before the (Chinese Communist Party's) autocracy for it will only be the start of the collapse of global democracy." Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer also weighed in, saying he doesn't believe that "setting aside the rule of law is an appropriate response to two Canadians being detained illegally." Stay informed The latest updates on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 delivered to your inbox every weeknight. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. "I don't believe that would leave Canadians who are around the world in a very secure position if hostile governments and hostile organizations around the world know that a government would entertain that type of a policy," he said Thursday during a news conference in Regina. But Scheer blamed Trudeau's failure to stand up to China for convincing some prominent Canadians that releasing Meng is the only option to gain the release of the two Michaels. He suggested Trudeau should have retaliated by withdrawing Canadian financial support for the Asian Infrastructure Bank and imposed more inspections on Chinese goods coming into Canada. "But Justin Trudeau has done none of that. He has tried precisely nothing to improve Canada's position to give us more leverage and to show the government of China that there are consequences to mistreating Canadians," Scheer said. "He's been completely played by the government of China and unfortunately his weakness has led us into this position where people are actually publicly advocating for setting aside the rule of law." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2020. Helen OHagan, a Charleston native and influential fashion leader known for trumpeting and launching some of the most iconic designers of the 1970s and beyond, died in Charleston on June 13 at the age of 89. An omnipresent yet unassuming fixture in the New York style world through the 1990s, OHagan was described by those who knew her as a petite dynamo with a grand vision. As vice president, director of public relations and special events at Saks Fifth Avenue, she shepherded the company through the heady high fashion days when American designers came into their own and those from afar emerged with fanfare in the United States. They did so largely on the steam of celebrated department stores like Saks. Often sporting a chic white coif and bright red circular glasses, the ever-composed OHagan demonstrated her own flair for the theatrical, though elected to shine her substantial spotlight on others. In her nearly four-decade tenure at Saks, she heralded a whos who list of fashion greats, among them Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene, Carolina Herrera, Donna Karan, Carolyne Roehm and Oscar de la Renta, forging lifelong friendships with those she championed. "She was really one of the pioneers of fashion because she was in a key role," said Massimo Ferragamo, chairman of Ferragamo USA, who added she was perhaps one of around five in such a position at the time. He first met OHagan at the age of 14 when he accompanied his mother on a business trip to New York. As they disembarked from a transatlantic cruise, O'Hagan was there to greet them and came to be considered by his family as the American grandmother, as well as a woman of great wit with whom they were always laughing. "When she loved you, she was devoted," he said. When OHagan received the Chairman's Award from Melvin Jacobs, then chairman and chief executive of Saks Fifth Avenue, he spoke of the crucial role she had played in shaping the public image of Saks. "She's the conscience of the company. She's the source of our roots. O'Hagan was known to dream up wildly imaginative events to showcase designers, from gatherings in Lake Tahoe to New York runway shows in unexpected spots like the Rockefeller Center skating rink. She also traveled regularly to Europe to photograph upcoming collections from the major European designers. Fashion designer Carolyne Roehm, who has a home in Charleston, first met O'Hagan when the aspiring designer was working with Oscar de la Renta. "I would see her herding the designers around like a Mother Goose." When Roehm started her own company, O'Hagan was there, always efficient but never officious. She recalled her sense of fun, which included, Roehm said, pulling off pranks, facilitating blonde wigs or dreadful outfits to shock the likes of Blass and de la Renta. "She was game," Roehm said. Some of OHagans signature characteristics account for her two lifelong nicknames. Family members donned her Wee Helen, inspired by her sleight stature that belied her largess. Her friends opted for Speedy, referencing OHagans default setting of non-stop motion. She was known to dash hither and yon to appointments and functions and meetings with friends, often on a bicycle. Her personal life was equally outsized, spent in the company of her closest companion, the legendary film star Claudette Colbert. The two shared a Fifth Avenue apartment and a home in Barbados until Colbert's death in 1996. In a 2010 article in Vanity Fair magazine, OHagan in their Barbados home, "with her lap laden with dusty albums, sat reminiscing about the actress until nearly midnight, the reverential cadence of her words accompanied by the rhythmic lapping of the surf, visible from paneless windows that overlook the prettiest cove on the island. In it, she said of Colbert, Claudette was really a Renaissance woman a modern woman ahead of her times. "She always had so many things going on, but she always had time for us," said Mariana Ramsay Hay, OHagans second cousin and godchild, recalling her childhood trips to New York that always included time with O'Hagan, who she said placed a deep value on family. Later, she did the same for Hay's daughter, Kathleen Hay Hagood. While living in New York, she joined her "third grandmother" for mass on Sundays and about town, taking in stories of how "she loved creating wild runway shows that would shock people." Another Charlestonian was Dana Sinkler, co-founder of Terra Chips. In the company's fledgling days, OHagan ensured the artisanal chips were served at every Saks Fifth Avenue event. While OHagans trajectory took her far from Charleston, where she had first honed her event production skills while working at the Dock Street Theatre after high school, she maintained close ties with friends and family and spent her final years here. Jeffrey Kalinsky, founder of Jeffrey New York and Jeffrey Atlanta and former Nordstrom director of designer merchandising, recalled in his own Charleston youth the admiration for her held by his father Morris Kalinsky, owner of the former Bob Ellis Shoes. "As a young person growing up in Charleston, S.C., I dreamed of going to New York ... to make an impact like (that)." But by most accounts, OHagan was more inclined to do so in her own low-key way, so much so that many were not aware of the scale of her life. Hagood recalled her surprise on visiting O'Hagan's apartment to spot Colbert's Academy Award for best actress on the mantle, one she had won for her role in the 1934 film It Happened One Night." Ferragamo observed that she was instrumental in bringing fashion to the United States, in an elegant way that never directed the attention to herself. "She did it quietly ... and I think that speaks mountains about her." Helen Wilken OHagan was born on February 7, 1931, in Charleston. She was the daughter of John J. O'Hagan and Helen Wilken O'Hagan. She is predeceased by her parents and brother, John (Johnny) O'Hagan. She is survived by her sister, Kathleen O'Hagan Blanchard, her nieces and nephews, Helaine Blanchard Christy, Paul Blanchard, Jay O'Hagan, David O'Hagan, Kathleen O'Hagan Hennessey and Frank O'Hagan, as well as many grandnieces and nephews, cousins and great friends. Due to current circumstances, her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's Catholic Church at a later date. Online condolences may be offered at www.CharlestonFunerals.com. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be sent to The Dock Street Theatre, 135 Church St., Charleston, SC 29401; the Restoration Fund at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 89 Hasell St., 29401; or to Church of St. Vincent Ferrer, 869 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10065. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. They soared to fame back in 2006 on series seven of Big Brother, which has once again become a talking point thanks to the current reunion show airing re-runs of classic episodes. And Imogen Thomas and Nikki Grahame proved they were still close all these years later as they reunited for a drink at Callooh Calley bar in London's Chelsea on Thursday. Both Imogen, 37, and Nikki, 38, made the most of the sizzling heatwave as they donned floaty dresses for their fun catch-up. Reunion: Big Brother stars Imogen Thomas and Nikki Grahame proved they were still close as they reunited for a drink at Callooh Calley bar in London's Chelsea on Thursday The stars appeared in high spirits as they walked and chatted like old times, keeping hydrated with their refreshing beverages. Imogen looked radiant in a white sun dress which featured lace detailing and a short hemline, allowing her to showcase her bronzed pins. The mother-of-two paired her chic white number with matching flat white sandals, a red cross body bag and trendy brown sunglasses. Keeping her raven hair off her face, the Welsh beauty swept her locks into a neat bun while she opted for minimum make-up for the outing. Girls' time: Both Imogen, 37, and Nikki, 38, made the most of the sizzling heatwave as they donned floaty dresses for their fun catch-up Meanwhile, Nikki, who is famed for her diary room meltdowns including the hilarious 'who is she?' moment, sported a long black maxi dress with a pretty floral pattern. The TV personality paired her look with metallic slingback sandals, while like Imogen, shielded her eyes from the sun with a pair of rounded shades. Nikki wore her long blonde tresses loose for the catch-up, occasionally donning a floppy sun hat. Imogen and Nikki certainly appeared to be having a great time during their reunion, as they sipped their drinks while sitting outside the bar. Way back when: Imogen and Nikki soared to fame back in 2006 on series seven of Big Brother, which has once again become a talking point thanks to the current reunion show airing re-runs of classic episodes Just like old times: The stars appeared in high spirits as they walked and chatted like old times, keeping hydrated with their refreshing beverages They then continued their drinks and chat as they gleefully made their way down the street. There has been plenty of Big Brother nostalgia of late thanks to Big Brother: Best Shows Ever, which takes a look back at some classic episode amid the show's 20th anniversary. And Nikki recently claimed that Love Island stars will never be 'household names' like they were, while Imogen admitted that the show has made dating 'harder' as suitors don't want to be in the public eye. Talking to Cosmopolitan UK, Nikki said: 'Big Brother used to be a social experiment; nobody had a clue what to expect when they left. I was certain I was going to fall in love in there and I might get pictured in Heat magazine falling out of a club. Chit chat: The ladies didn't appear to have a care in the world as they chatted away while walking through London All white: Imogen looked radiant in a white sun dress which featured lace detailing and a short hemline, allowing her to showcase her bronzed pins Looking good: Keeping her raven hair off her face, the Welsh beauty swept her locks into a neat bun while she opted for minimum make-up for the outing Fun times: The girls were in good spirits as they kept refreshed with cocktails during the scorching heatwave Friendship: Imogen and Nikki have remained close since meeting in the Big Brother house 14 years ago (pictured in 2006) 'I had no idea I'd get an agent. It was a complete whirlwind. On my first photoshoot they gave me a pair of shoes and a dress to keep and I didn't understand it, but it made me feel quite special.' The star went on to discuss how Love Island stars now make 'crazy money' in seconds but they will never be 'household names'. She added: 'Now they come out of Love Island and have agents and an Instagram following we didn't even have Facebook when we left! 'Today's [reality] stars make crazy money in seconds, but they'll never be household names. You know what you're getting yourself into when doing the show.' Summer look: Meanwhile, Nikki, who is famed for her diary room meltdowns including the hilarious 'who is she?' moment, sported a long black maxi dress with a pretty floral pattern Lovely: The TV personality paired her look with metallic slingback sandals, while like Imogen, shielded her eyes from the sun with a pair of rounded shades Chic: Nikki wore her long blonde tresses loose for the catch-up, occasionally donning a floppy sun hat Heatwave: Imogen and Nikki certainly appeared to be having a great time during their reunion, as they sipped their drinks while sitting outside the bar Infamous: Nikki became known for her hilarious diary room moments including THAT 'who is she?' rant (pictured in 2006) During her time in the Big Brother house, Nikki dated fellow contestant Pete Bennett who went on to win the 2006 series. Discussing their high-profile and whirlwind romance, she continued: 'I got to see a therapist for as long as I needed it, I spoke to one for about a year. 'I went into a reality show as an experiment and as a huge fan of the show, and got enormous success. When Pete and I broke up it was really hard.' She added: 'There are good and bad bits, but the ups outweigh the downs. People come up to me all the time and are always really nice. I've got a flat, and I don't have to do a 9-5 job. Out and about: They then continued their drinks and chat as they gleefully made their way down the street Gossip: The duo were deep in conversation during their reunion at the bar 'But it's refreshing to be somewhere you're not recognised. My goal is to live in Australia and start again. I have no regrets; I've had the time of my life. Actually, I do have one: I would have won Big Brother.' Meanwhile Imogen, who recently split from partner Adam Horsley, who she shares two children with - Ariana and Siera, spoke about how the show has affected her dating life with the magazine. She said: 'It's still nice to be recognised, and you miss it when it stops. It makes it harder with relationships as a lot of guys don't want the attention that comes with dating me. Outing: Nikki and Imogen were sure to keep their distance as they caught up over drinks Hot stuff: Imogen and Nikki certainly picked a great day to meet as temperatures soared to over 30 degrees Good times: The ladies couldn't keep the smiles off their faces as they made their way down the street 'But I have no regrets. I'm still really good friends with Nikki [Grahame] and we go on holiday together.' Discussing how the show impacted her life, she added: 'My life now is so different to the one I had growing up on a council estate. I'm really grateful for Big Brother. 'Before the show I was living off loans and an overdraft. After it, I was modelling and earning up to 70,000 a shoot. I invested it all in property because I knew then that things don't last forever.' Time seems to fly fast as we are already nearing July. If you enjoy the roller coaster rides from watching Korean dramas for the past six months, we've got more in store for you! We saved you the hassle of looking for the next K-drama to binge-watch this summer! Here's the list of the upcoming K-dramas to binge-watch this July 2020: "Memorials" Broadcast: July 1 - August 20, 2020 Episodes: 32 Airs: Wednesday and Thursday Network: KBS2 Starring: Nana, Park Sung Hoon, Ahn Nae Sang, Yoo Da In, Han Joon Woo Seo Gong Myung is a hard-working and elite civil servant in the District People Committee. Then he meets Goo Se Ra, a woman with little education or money but works well and fights for a good game. The two join forces to penalize corrupt politicians in this highly-anticipated series. "The Good Detective" Broadcast: July 6 - August 25, 2020 Episodes: 16 Airs: Monday and Tuesday Network: JTBC, Netflix Starring: Son Hyun Hoo, Jang Seung Jo, Lee Elijah Two detectives with respectable backgrounds and have a way of solving cases in order to achieve justice, and a news veteran reporter joins the war in finding criminals on the loose in this upcoming action-packed series! "She Knows Everything" Broadcast: July 8 - July 9, 2020 Episodes: 4 Airs: Wednesday and Thursday Network: MBC Starring: Kang Sung Yun, Jo Han Sun Mystery takes place in an apartment undergoing reconstruction, which is handled the real estate agent by Lee Goong Bok. She is getting her own way with the case and runs into trouble with detective In Cheol Ho. "Was It Love" Broadcast: July 8 - August 27, 2020 Episodes: 16 Airs: Wednesday and Thursday Network: JTBC, Netflix Starring: Song Ji Hyo, Song Jong Ho, Kim Min Joon, Son Ho Jun, Koo Ja Sung, and Kim Da Som Love comes in an unexpected way when four professionals and good looking men step into Noh Ae Jung's life. She's a single mother and is a successful movie producer, so in the past 14 years, she had completely forgotten about romance and dating. But things change as soon as the four men walk into her life, and all at the same time. "Graceful Friends" Broadcast: July 10 - August 29, 2020 Episodes: 16 Airs: Friday and Saturday Network: JTBC, Netflix Starring: Yoo Joon Sang, Song Yoon Ah, Bae Soo Bin, Han Da Gam, Kim Sung Oh, Kim Hye Eun, Jung Suk Yong, Kim Won Hae, Lee In Hye, and Kim Ji Young This series is about a group of married couples in their 40s as their lives become disrupted by a murder. The story will revolve on how they will solve and maintain the peace they have once known. "Train" Broadcast: July 11 - August 16, 2020 Episodes: 12 Airs: Saturday and Sunday Network: OCN Starring: Yoon Shi Yoon, Kyung Soo Jin A famous detective who always gets his work done by protecting the public and making sure every criminal is arrested, Do Won always works with hard and cruel cases. But will he be the same person when the woman he loves is the one in danger? A serial killer tests his strength as the last victim is the person he cares for deeply. "Flower of Evil" Broadcast: July 22 - September 2020 Episodes: 16 Airs: Wednesday and Thursday Network: TVN Starring: Lee Joon Gi, Moon Chae Wo, Jang Hee Jin, and Seo Hyun Woo A family that is perfect and has everything they need to live a good life. Baek Hee Sung works hard and juggles being a businessman, husband, and a loving father. He has the personality that any woman wants in a man. But life play a cruel trick when his wife Cha Ji Won who is a detective gets a hold of a cruel criminal case. As she gets to the bottom of it, reality hits her hard and the family she built is on the edge of break down. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Clothing & footwear digital retailer Shares of Brown (N) Group plc (BWNG.L) confirmed Thursday that Chief Financial Officer Designate Rachel Izzard has been appointed to the Board as Chief Financial Officer with effect from June 29. The company appointed Izzard as CFO designate on January 29 and she joined the business on April 6. As announced earlier, Craig Lovelace, the previous Chief Financial Officer, resigned and has stepped down from the Board and will cease employment with the company on June 28. The company noted that Lovelace has been staying on for a longer period of time than was intended, due to the restrictions of movement of people caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, to facilitate a smooth handover to Izzard. Lovelace will receive no payments from the Company following his departure and any entitlements to annual bonus, outstanding deferred annual bonus shares and LTIP awards have lapsed. 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. MENOMINEE COUNTY, MI Police have identified two people responsible for vandalizing a historic Upper Peninsula lighthouse with anti-Donald Trump graffiti. The Menominee Police Department said Wednesday that a 22-year-old male and 17-year-old male will face charges for the vandalism, which occurred at the North Pier Lighthouse, Jacks Fresh Market, and Blesch School in Menominee. The Menominee North Pier Lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Charges are forthcoming from the Menominee County Prosecutors office, according to police. The Marinette Police Department assisted with the investigation. Trump is scheduled to visit nearby Wisconsin in part to tour a shipbuilding plant located just across the Menominee River in Marinette on Thursday. Wisconsin is one of many key swing states expected to play a factor in the 2020 election. As someone whose business has always moved at lightning speed, it is no surprise that lockdown for local entrepreneur Brendan McDowell proved a busy and productive time. As 2,000 shops worldwide who stock his BPerfect cosmetics shut their doors, Brendan decided straightaway that he would not be sitting back for three months while sales flopped. Not only did he figure out a way to keep his 40 staff working through lockdown, but they managed to launch a new product, develop a whole new cosmetics range, grow online sales by 400% and be shortlisted for a top award. This summer, Brendan (37) should have been jetting off to South Africa as an all-Ireland finalist in the prestigious Ernest & Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition as well as flying to Italy and Holland to launch his cosmetics. But wasting no time dwelling on disappointment, he has been spurred on by the challenge of lockdown, so that he and his team are now emerging from it with a new impetus, new strategy and a new vision for the future of BPerfect. "As we entered lockdown, we had literally just moved the week before to new premises in Lisburn to accommodate our growth - they are four times the size of our previous space and include three warehouses and a huge office," he explains. "Lockdown was announced and the team and I went into shock, but after a few hours of listening and monitoring the changing news, we decided to get our heads down and get a plan in place, to not only survive, but to thrive. Expand Close Displaying products with BPerfect staff / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Displaying products with BPerfect staff "And I am over the moon that we have done just that. We have emerged stronger as a team than we went into it. "When we moved into the new premises, I have to be honest and say it did cause a little trepidation due to the sheer scale of the place, but as lockdown down happened and social distancing was introduced, we quickly realised it was a blessing." The new premises provide huge warehouses and offices, allowing for safe social distancing of staff, which would not have been possible at their old offices in Belfast. "We were able to operate at full capacity, whilst safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our entire team," says Brendan. "It also meant we were able to retain everyone's employment and no one had to be furloughed." Brendan, who lives in Belfast with his partner Tony Benson (33), a researcher at Queen's University, is originally from Annalong. His is a classic rags-to-riches story. After failing his GCSEs, he studied for an NVQ in construction and then went on to university, which he very quickly decided wasn't for him. At the age of 20, he began a decade-long career as a salesman and proved a natural, making it to the top in a number of companies he worked for. But, on turning 30, he decided he wanted to run his own business. He had just 500 - and a steely determination. He flew to a trade show in London and bought a range of "gadgets" which he brought home and tested on friends. "I read the book The Secret on the way home and that changed my mindset and made me really positive," he says. "Out of all the gadgets and crazy things I picked up, my friends really liked an eyebrow kit and so I decided to go with that. "I bought 50 of them and went to the Kennedy Centre in Belfast and set up a stall and they sold out in the first day. "A week later, I bought 100 and went to the Abbey Centre for a week and sold them. I then thought there was no point selling someone else's brand, so I did some research on manufacturing. Expand Close In his warehouse / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp In his warehouse "I ordered some samples which, went back and forward from different factories, and finally developed my own eye-brow kit which we added oil to in order to make it waterproof." BPerfect Cosmetics was born and is a favourite brand of top beauty bloggers who have huge influence in the industry. His now famous BPerfect LMD Master Palette was the first to be mentioned by a blogger and, as a result, he couldn't make enough of them to meet demand. UK make-up artist Stacey Murray, who has a huge international following on social media and is regarded as a real trendsetter within the industry, was the next to promote the products. Then top US blogger MMMMitchell picked them up and raved about them. Sales continued to soar globally and the brand is now so sought after that the launch of a new product last year saw international bloggers and influencers fly into Belfast for a chance to be the first to try it. It was then a natural step for Brendan to harness the power of social media to engage his online audience when shops shut during lockdown. The company has added an amazing 70,000 new followers to its Instagram account alone during the last three months, bringing its total following to almost half a million people. "We thought there could be an opportunity here as there are a lot of people at home and we decided to mix up our marketing and try and keep people entertained with fitness tutorials and how to do your nails at home and tips for eyebrows," Brendan says. "Not only did we engage the audience, but that also led to the increased sales online. We also ran a few offers of the type we would only do on Black Friday and the demand was insane. "Our online sales really took off and we couldn't keep up with orders. We had a huge backlog at one stage. "We even sold out of our Ten Second Tan and had to bring forward the launch of our latest product, our Ten Second Tanning Strawberry scented lotion. It sold in huge quantities through our website and online platforms. "It has been an uncertain time in the world for everyone, but one thing was for sure and that was our customers stayed loyal and we managed to grow our online sales by 400%." Expand Close Brendan McDowell in BPerfect's offices / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Brendan McDowell in BPerfect's offices Giving his team tasks to do to avoid them being furloughed was a priority for Brendan from day one. For his New Product Development (NPD) team, working from home proved particularly fruitful and customers will be thrilled to know that more products are due for launch in the coming weeks. "It was good for the NPD team to work from home as they were able to get more done," he says. "Our third carnival palette, which was due to launch this year, has not only been designed, but we now have a full collection to go with it which features 11 different lines." Being free of the usual day-to-day running of the offline part of the business also gave Brendan and his team the luxury of time to take stock of the business overall. It was an unusual time of reflection for a company which has always been run at 100mph, as Brendan explains: "To say that the past few years since we launched have been a whirlwind would be an understatement. We feel like we have always been running to catch up. "So we were able to sit down regularly as a team and discuss where we are, how we got here and where we are going. "We have been able to take a close look at logistics, processing and how each of our departments are communicating. "We were able to move staff about to meet demand, which meant cross department learning and understanding, which ultimately strengthened our team and knowledge base. "We also got time to spend investing in doing the office up to be an amazing space to work, shoot our video content and meet new clients in. It has exceeded everyone's expectations and is a brilliant space to work in." While product launches in Italy and Holland had to be cancelled, the company was able to open new markets in Romania and Hungary last month. And on top of all the lockdown activity, came the announcement that Brendan had been shortlisted as a finalist is the highly regarded Ernest & Young Entrepreneur of the Year awards. The event, which was due to be staged in South Africa this month, has now been put back to September when it will be staged in Dublin. Brendan adds: "Being shortlisted for the EY award - and being only one of two from Northern Ireland - is such an honour. "I am disappointed not to get to South Africa with the other finalists, but you can't dwell too much on what might have been." And with lockdown easing, Brendan will be as busy as ever. "As beauty salons get ready to reopen, our retail orders are up again," he reveals. We are looking forward to the next few months with renewed hope, new ideas and new products ready to roll out." The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), on Thursday said it had generated N573 billion between January and May from total targetted revenue of N957 billion for the 2020 fiscal year. The Comptroller-General of Customs (CG), Hameed Ali, made the disclosure at an interactive session on revenue generation with the Senate Committee on Customs. The Committee, however, raised questions over non-remittance of operation surplus every year by the service. Mr Hameed, represented by Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG), Human Resources, Sanusi Umar, said NCS was able to realise more than half of the targetted revenue for the year due to blockage of identified leakages. As a result of blocking of identified areas of leakages and free flow of traffic for importers during the COVID-19 lockdown our revenue generation increased rapidly to about N6 billion to N7 billion per day, making us to rake in N573 billion within five months which is more than half of the N957 billion targeted revenues for us in 2020. The target given to the service in terms of revenue was N1.6 trillion but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the target was reviewed to N957 billion, he said. Mr Ali was, however, taken up by the committee members on non-remittance of surpluses made every year, particularly in 2018 and 2019. Specifically, a member of the committee and retired Custom officer, Francis Fadaunsi, (PDP-Osun East), asked why the agency did not reflect the surpluses in its reports presented to the committee. In 2019 alone, you made a surplus of N34 billion, which is not reflected in the 2020 reports before us, he said. Another member of the Committee, Sulaiman Kwari (APC-Kaduna North), challenged officials of Customs to explain what they do with such surpluses. But Mr Ali, in his response, told the Committee that the NCS was not a treasury-sponsored agency that was expected to make returns to the treasury on any amount not spent. Customs is now a performance-based agency. We are not a treasury-sponsored agency, which normally makes a return to the treasury of any amount not spent. Where we have any shortfall, we dont have anybody backing us and we cannot borrow from the bank, he said. Members of the Committee led by Francis Alimikhena (APC-Edo North), however, disagreed on whether to revert the targetted revenue for Customs in 2020 to N1.6 trillion as earlier passed in December or retain it at N957 billion proposed in the revised budget. READ ALSO: Also, while Gyang Istifanus Dung (PDP-Plateau North), called for upward review of the targetted revenue, Adamu Aliero (APC Kebbi Central), disagreed. Mr Aliero said the N957 billion targetted in the revised budget is even not realisable as effects of COVID-19 will start reflecting in the agencys revenue collection from July. Messrs Alimikhena, and Fadaunsi, however, told the Customs officers to sustain the tempo of high revenues intake the agency recorded within the last five months. Mr Fadaunsi specifically said the target was a lazy way of collecting revenues. Customs can do more than it has done within the last five months in terms of revenue collections if other ports like Port Harcourt and Calabar are focused like Lagos. We cannot continue to approve loans everyday just as the government cannot continue to finance the budget with borrowings every year. Enough revenues must be generated by relevant agencies like Customs, the very reason this committee invited its top management staff for brainstorming on the way out, he said. (NAN) Advertisements Moberg Pharma Meets Primary Endpoint in the European Phase 3 Study Details Category: Small Molecules Published on Thursday, 25 June 2020 11:16 Hits: 912 STOCKHOLM, Sweden I June 25, 2020 I Moberg Pharma AB (OMX: MOB) announces that MOB-015 (topical terbinafine) met the primary endpoint in the European Phase 3 study including 452 onychomycosis patients, showing non-inferiority versus topical ciclopirox. Mycological cure was achieved in 84 percent of patients, which is unprecedented for a topical treatment and even higher than reported for oral treatments. The pattern is consistent with the results from the North American Phase 3 study, with low complete cure rates despite the high mycological cure rates. Moberg Pharma will discuss next steps with partners and regulatory agencies. This is the second Phase 3 study for MOB-015. The study was conducted at sites in Germany, the U.K. and Poland and included 452 patients with mild to moderate distal subungual onychomycosis (DSO) affecting 20-60 percent of the great toenail. Patients were randomized to daily treatment for 48 weeks, either with MOB-015 or 8 percent ciclopirox, the most widely used topical drug for onychomycosis. The primary endpoint, the proportion of patients with complete cure of their target toenail at 52 weeks, was achieved in 1.8 percent of patients receiving MOB-015 and in 1.6 percent of patients receiving ciclopirox. Mycological cure was achieved in 84 percent of patients for MOB-015, superior to 42 percent for ciclopirox. Treatment success (mycological cure and almost or completely clear great toenail) was reached for 21.9 percent of the MOB-015 patients versus 18.9 percent in the ciclopirox group. The study confirmed early onset of action with 46 percent of patients mycologically cured already at 12 weeks. MOB-015 was generally well tolerated. The number of patients with treatment related adverse events was consistent with previous trials and no serious adverse events related to MOB-015 were reported. A detailed analysis of photos and data has been conducted with key opinion leaders (KOLs) providing consistent conclusions across both studies; i) MOB-015 delivers a very high mycological cure rate, comparing favorably to oral antifungal drugs with the advantage of earlier onset of action; and ii) the vehicle enables efficient terbinafine delivery but also causes transient whitening/discoloration in nails which contributes to the low complete cure rate reported. "The superior mycological cure rate for MOB-015 has now been confirmed in two pivotal studies, showing that MOB-015 has the potential to become the future market leader in onychomycosis. We look forward to finding the best path to approval in dialogue with our partners and regulatory agencies", said Anna Ljung, CEO of Moberg Pharma AB. About MOB-015 and Onychomycosis Approximately 10 percent of the general population suffer from onychomycosis and a majority of those afflicted go untreated. The global market opportunity is significant with more than hundred million patients worldwide and a clear demand for better products. MOB-015 is an internally developed topical formulation of terbinafine based on Moberg Pharma's experience from previously having developed and commercialized a leading OTC product for onychomycosis. Oral terbinafine is currently the gold standard for treating onychomycosis but associated with safety issues, including drug interactions and liver damage. For many years, developing a topical terbinafine treatment without the safety issues of oral terbinafine has been highly desirable, but unsuccessful due to insufficient delivery of the active substance through the nail. In a previous phase 2 study, MOB-015 demonstrated delivery of high microgram levels of terbinafine into the nail and through the nail plate into the nail bed. Plasma levels of terbinafine with MOB-015 were substantially lower than after oral administration, reducing the risk of liver toxicities observed with oral terbinafine. MOB-015 has recently been evaluated over 52 weeks in two randomized, multicenter, controlled Phase 3 studies, including in total more than 800 patients in North America and Europe. The primary endpoint was met in both studies, the proportion of patients achieving complete cure of their target nail. About this information This information is information that Moberg Pharma AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 8.00 a.m. CET on June 25th, 2020. SOURCE: Moberg Pharma 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, British Columbia, in Canada on March 6, 2019. (Lindsey Wasson/Reuters) Intervening in Meng Case in Exchange for Release of 2 Michaels Would Set Dangerous Precedent, Say PM and Others Letter from Canadian elites calling for Ottawa to interfere in Meng case widely criticized A call this week from former high-level Canadian officials to politically intervene to end extradition proceedings against Huawei CFO Meng Wanzhou would set a dangerous precedent, say a chorus of critics including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Nineteen former federal cabinet ministers, parliamentarians, and diplomats signed an open letter urging the federal government to intervene in the extradition case against Meng in exchange for the release of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, who have been arbitrarily detained in China since December 2018. But at a press briefing on June 25 Trudeau rejected the idea, saying such a move could encourage more of the same and endanger Canadians abroad. If countries around the world, including China, realize that by arbitrarily arresting random Canadians they can get what they want out of Canada politically that makes an awful lot more Canadians who travel around the world vulnerable to that kind of pressure, he said, We cannot allow political pressure or random arrests of Canadian citizens to influence the functioning of our justice system. In a reaction to news of the letter, former B.C. premier and federal Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh said he was shocked and embarrassed in a tweet on June 24. Bowing to Chinas bullying & ignoring rule of law would only encourage other bullies to push Canada around, he said. Meng was arrested in Vancouver on Dec. 1, 2018, at the behest of the United States in connection with bank and wire fraud in violation of American sanctions on Iran. Nine days later, Kovrig and Spavor were detained in China. Beijing had denied a direct link between the arrest of Meng and the detention of the two Canadian men until June 24, when a Chinese official admitted Ottawas intervention in Mengs case could open up space for resolution. In a media briefing June 24, Zhao Lijian, the spokesman for Chinas foreign ministry, cited comments made by Kovrigs wife to media outlets saying Canadas justice minister has the power to end the extradition case at any point. Such options are within the rule of law and could open up space for resolution to the situation of the two Canadians, Zhao said, referring to Kovrig and Spavor. The open letter, which made a similar argument about the legality of Ottawa interfering in Mengs case, was made public on June 23. Zhaos comment came the following day, while Kovrigs wifes call for Ottawa to do more to free her husband by ending proceedings for Mengs extradition was made a few days previously. Letter Widely Criticized The letter to Trudeau came under heavy criticism for rewarding Chinas so-called hostage diplomacy tactics and setting a dangerous precedent by kowtowing to Beijings demands. Signatories to the letter include Jean Chretien-era ministers Lloyd Axworthy and Andre Ouellet, former Conservative minister and ambassador Lawrence Cannon, former NDP leader Ed Broadbent, former Supreme Court justice Louise Arbour, and former diplomat Robert Fowler, who was himself taken hostage in 2008 in Niger. David Mulroney, a former Canadian Ambassador to China, said the signatories to the letter are making the wrong call and at a time when Canada needs to send a strong message to China. One of the things I see China doing if we acquiesce to hostage diplomacy is upping the ante and seeking to have Canada repatriate people in Canada to China that are on their wanted list. They could be Uighur-Canadians or Tibetans or dual nationals. China is quite capable of doing all of these things, Mulroney said on CBCs Power & Politics. Quebec Senator and former Senate speaker Leo Housakos said the signatories to the letter are the ones responsible for giving China a pass for years on violations of human rights. They are the apologists for this dictatorial regime. All in pursuit of retainers and representing profiteers at the expense of Canadian values, he said in a tweet on June 24. Housakos also criticized Sen. Yuen Pau Woo, leader of the Independent Senators Group, for advocating on behalf of stopping extradition for Meng in the Senate on June 23. Woo, who was appointed by Trudeau in 2016, has been a strong advocate for closer ties between Canada and China in the past; in his first speech in the Senate, he spoke against a motion critical of Chinas aggressive behaviour in the South China Sea. Conservative leadership candidate Erin OToole called the letter incredibly naive in a tweet on June 24, saying Canada cannot allow our principled approach to justice and the rule of law to be compromised by Communist Chinese influence. Mayor of Coquitlam Brad West also commented on the letter. The one trick pony gang that has been promising that 30 years or so of sycophantism would be to our great benefit orders up more of the same, he said in a tweet. Meanwhile more than a dozen senators sent a separate letter to Trudeau on June 23, calling on the federal government to take a stand against Beijing and impose sanctions on Chinese officials for gross violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Citing Chinas crackdown on democratic rights in Hong Kong, detention of Uighur Muslims, decades-long repression of Tibet, and its imprisonment of Canadians, the senators describe the regime in Beijing as the biggest threat to mankind and a danger to international security. Advertisement Priti Patel will demand a 'full explanation' from Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick today after police officers were overpowered and forced to flee a 'mini riot' after a block party in Brixton. The Home Secretary is due to meet the UK's top cop following a second night of unrest as the scenes at an illegal party in south London on Wednesday were repeated when police were pelted with objects further illegal gatherings in Notting Hill, Streatham and Tottenham overnight. Dame Cressida has been accused of turning the Met into a 'laughing stock' and abandoning 'law abiding residents' to 'mob rule' after a video showed revellers chasing away police officers in Brixton while screaming 'run them out' as 22 officers were injured - including two who needed a full body scan. The Home Secretary will hold one of her regular meetings with Dame Cressida later this morning, and is expected to ask for a full explanation of what happened. Meanwhile, senior Tory sources have insisted London Mayor Sadiq Khan also needs to answer for the way the city is policed in the wake of the disorder. Tory MP Andrew Bridgen told MailOnline: 'Cressida Dick has lost control of the streets to a lawless minority. She has lost the confidence of the law abiding majority of residents in Brixton and the country and by effectively abandoning them to mob rule.' Suggesting Home Secretary Priti Patel should remind Ms Dick and any other police chiefs of their responsibilities, Mr Bridgen added: 'The duty of a chief constable is to uphold the law. Any who are not willing to do that should go immediately.' He said the same warning should apply to Avon and Somerset's Chief Constable Andy Marsh whose officers stood back and watched as the statue of Edward Colston was torn down by Black Lives Matter supporters. And Nigel Farage added: 'The police bosses allowed officers to take the knee to an anti-police group the lawless are laughing at the police now'. In further developments on the shocking violence last night: Video footage showed a group of men engaged in what appeared to be a knife fight leaving one individual covered in blood; Met Police confirmed a small number of vehicles were targeted, video footage shows a man attacking a police car with a table leg; In the statement this morning they asked the crowd to leave but they 'did not engage with police'; A further clip posted to Twitter shows hundreds of people running away and screaming in fear as the evening descended into chaos; London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that large gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic are 'deeply irresponsible and risk others' lives'; Tory Mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey said that Mr Khan had 'lost control of the streets' and that he needs to 'take responsibility for the safety of both Londoners and his police officers'. London Ambulance Service said one person was rushed to a major trauma centre, while another was taken to hospital. Home Secretary Priti Patel (left) has demanded to see Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick (right) 'first thing tomorrow morning for full explanation' after 'mini riot' in Brixton An unlicensed block party can be seen in full swing on Thursday night with no social distancing and minimal to no police presence after another block party in nearby Brixton ended in violent scenes the night before Home Secretary Priti Patel has described the scenes last night as 'utterly vile' and said she will be picking it up with the Met Commissioner Two men set about vandalising a police car after a party in Brixton erupted into violence last night As the footage of the Brixton unrest emerged online, Twitter users suggested the scenes made the police and Britain look like a 'laughing stock' Brixton community members have claimed that last night's block party descended into a mini-riot because police officers 'rudely' asked revellers to turn off their music. They said they felt the police treated them 'like animals' before the violence broke out and they felt 'antagonised' and 'threatened' by the presence of officers. Some added that tensions were still running high in the black community since George Floyd's death in the US, with any large police presence 'bound' to end in violence. Others blamed police for blocking off roads which could have been used as exit routes to defuse tensions. Residents began to gather for a barbecue in the Angell Estate area at around 4pm yesterday, according to neighbours. Met Police vans lined up along Streatham Common as a helicopter circled overhead following an illegal gathering last night. One local filmed the helicopter saying 'something ugly' was happening in Portuguese Violence flared again on Thursday night as police reported having objects thrown at them while attempting to disperse a crowd at an illegal music gathering near Notting Hill Participants said the gathering started off calmly and was authorised by permits. But they added that the atmosphere changed after police took issue with music being played from a 'small speaker.' Decoda Smith, a 30-year-old support worker, from Brixton, south London, said: 'The police started to arrive at around 4pm. They allowed us to stay, and we had permits, but told us we couldn't play music.' The mother-of-one insisted the gathering was 'peaceful' and even involved children who were spraying the officers with water guns. But as the evening progressed she said more and more police arrived at the scene which 'intimidated' the crowd. She added: 'They kept being rude and aggressive, trying to intimidate us. 'The police were acting like the community were animals, and the community just responded to how they were being treated. Officers were confronted with violence last night in Brixton as a street party went awry Police were confronted by a mob last night and chased out of Brixton with people screaming 'run them out' 'George Floyd's death and the whole black lives movement is still fresh. Violence was bound to happen.' Despite their presence throughout the day, Police had started to arrive en masse from around midnight, Decoda said. The resident added that violence sparked at around 2am after some members of the gathering objected to police requests to remove the small speaker playing music. She said: 'You can see it in the videos. The police were charging down the street at the crowds. That's intimidating. Some of these boys have got anger management problems. It's hard.' Kwesi Milo, another resident, criticised the police for blocking off key exits. He said: 'Most of the people at the gathering had come from outside, travelling on buses that dropped them off on Brixton Road. But police had blocked off that exit and started telling people to go around. That's annoying. 'If they would have let people leave by any exit that could have prevented the violence.' Decoda stressed her anger saying her neighbourhood is often portrayed as troublesome, but attracts no attention for the many positive events it stages. She said: 'Come here on a Sunday. Come here in the morning, you will see people exercising on the green and doing positive things. Groups of people confronted officers last night in Brixton after an unlicensed music event descended into chaos 'The boys are fine, but they have nothing to do. Tell the MPs to come down here, to give them social clubs and things to do. That's what needs changing.' The social worker was further dismayed after hearing a broadcaster reporting that the speaker playing music was shaking the houses 'to their foundations.' She added: 'If that small speaker was shaking foundations then we either need to contact the builders or find out who made that speaker, because that is quality sound.' A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'Police were called to Overton Road, Lambeth on the evening of Wednesday, 24 June to multiple reports of a large unlicensed music event in the street. 'Officers attended to encourage the crowd to leave the location but they did not engage with police. 'The event continued and more officers attended the scene and the group became hostile towards officers. They added: 'In total, 22 officers were injured, none seriously although two did require hospital treatment. 'A small number of police vehicles were damaged. Four arrests were made for assault and public order offences. They remain in police custody.' Dozens of police were videoed at the scene last night (pictured left), in one clip a man could be seen advancing on officers with what appears to be a large piece of wood (pictured right) One resident sided entirely with the police who she said were outnumbered by the revellers. The 30-year-old, who requested to be called Isabel, rode her bike around Brixton's Angell Estate, witnessing the mounting crowds of partygoers. She said: 'The music was very, very loud. I live a few blocks away from the party and I could still hear it from over there. 'The streets were so busy. There were so many people that it stopped cars passing by.' Isabel saw rows of taxis arriving at the scene to drop off youngsters who lived elsewhere. She added: 'As well as the taxis, the entire car park in front of my house was filled with cars outside the area. They were dancing and causing a racket. They left at about 1am.' Isabel, who moved to London from the Dominican Republic last year, said police in her home country would not have allowed such a large gathering. She added: 'The teenagers were dancing very close and drinking from the same bottle. It was like the virus didn't exist. In my whole life I have never seen such a large party. 'In the Dominican Republic the police would have broken up the gathering straight away.' Isabel, who saw the party at 6pm and again at midnight, said that there was a 'small' number of police compared to the size of the crowd. The aftermath: The ground in Brixton was littered with drinks bottles and small containers which have what is known as 'hippy crack' inside She added: 'This shouldn't happen with the virus. I think it is very bad to have a party like this with all that's going on. I'm with the police.' In the morning Isabel awoke and described the party's aftermath as a 'disaster.' She said: 'There were broken bottles everywhere and so much rubbish. I have never seen such a disaster.' Teenagers involved in clashes with officers in Brixton said violence sparked after police turned off their music and confiscated their scooters before scuffles escalated into riots. One youngster who attended the massive street party said his friends retaliated after police started pushing 'kids' aged around 16 years old. The young man, who requested not to be named, said: 'The police turned off the music and started hitting the kids and trying to push them away. And that meant they reacted.' He added: 'They were taking people's scooters, and that pissed them off. The police had no right to be there. There was no violence, no nothing. We were just having fun on the estate.' Asked whether he conceded the gathering flouted social distancing rules, the youngster responded: 'Everyone has gone back to school. We thought coronavirus was pretty much over.' Volunteers clean up in Overton Road, Angell Town, Brixton, south London, today where riots and violent confrontations with police took place overnight. Another partygoer blamed the police's excessive force for the violence. The young woman, who did not want to be named, said: 'It was the force that they were pushing us with, even the girls, that caused us to retaliate. 'And then one thing led to another and the police ended up leaving.' She added: 'We get that we were making noise and they wanted us to go, but it's the force they used. What do they expect?' Yesterday's episode was the latest in a string of embarrassing incidents for the Met Police after officers were seen kneeling at Black Lives Matter protests, refused to arrest Extinction Rebellion activists earlier this year and failed to stop Winston Churchill's statue being defaced. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'These were appalling scenes. Violence against the police will not be tolerated. We have been clear that anyone who assaults the police or any members of the emergency services should face the full force of the law.' He added that there is a consultation on doubling sentences for attacks on emergency services personnel. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also come under fire and been accused of 'losing control of the streets', while a former Scotland Yard chief superintendent said last night's humiliation was endemic of a police force that has 'given up' enforcing the law on the capital's young black people. The night descended into anarchy as police were confronted by revellers who pelted them with bottles and chased them back to their van. A man was seen goading police with a piece of wood, a police car attacked by a man wielding a table leg and what appeared to be a vicious street battle involving knives. In a statement Scotland Yard said 22 of their officers were hurt and two needed further treatment at hospital. Four people were arrested for assault and public order offences and remain in custody. Home Secretary Priti Patel this morning condemned the violence and said: 'Just last weekend, the whole country came together to praise our heroic police officers for putting their own lives on the line to keep us safe. I'll be picking up with the Met Commissioner immediately.' Unions chief John Apter described the violence as 'disgraceful' and the Met Police Federation tweeted that their officers are not 'punchbags.' London Ambulance Service said one person was rushed to a major trauma centre, while another was taken to hospital. Humiliation of the Met: Brixton violence is latest embarrassment for Scotland Yard officers Extinction Rebellion farce: During last year's wave of climate protests, the Met was stretched beyond capacity and admitted it was spending less time tackling real crime. Scotland Yard responded by imposing a blanket ban on the demonstrations. But they were left red-faced when this was ruled in the courts as unlawful and that detaining activists was false imprisonment. Kneeling with BLM protesters: A handful of officers were pictured breaking ranks and kneeling in solidarity with Black Lives Matter protesters, many of whom have shown brazen disregard for the police, in London earlier this month while on duty. Several constables were injured as the night spiralled into violence. Failure to stop statue vandalism: Officers failed to prevent war memorials being desecrated amid large anti-racism protests in the capital. The monument to Winston Churchill was daubed with the words 'was a racist' and the Cenotaph was also vandalised. Lockdown hypocrisy: Met commissioner Cressida Dick was among the crowds of people who gathered on Westminster Bridge to clap for carers at the height of the pandemic. At the time, Britons were ordered to stay at home and keep two metres apart, police officers stood idly by as this was flouted on the bridge, leading to a massive backlash. Advertisement Ken Marsh, chairman of the Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents rank and file officers said that nearly 30 of his colleagues were hurt, including 'walking wounded' and two officers and described the incident as 'absolutely shocking'. He said: 'A couple of the officers are very serious and have had CT scans, we've got some quite nasty injuries but the majority of them are walking wounded.Let's not belittle any injury to my colleagues every one is a serious injury for us.' In one video a topless man climbs on a police car then repeatedly hits it using a table leg. While another man leaps onto the vehicle to stamp on the windscreen. The crowd appear to encourage the act of vandalism with one person shouting 'yeah, yeah' in the background. In another clip, a large fight appeared to break out with men wielding knives. The clip ends with a man covered in blood and another was left prone on the floor after being viciously kicked. More terrifying footage shows a man advancing on police saying 'what what what' while telling the police to back up and holding a large piece of wood. A Met Police statement this morning confirmed they asked the crowd to leave but they 'did not engage with police.' They added that further officers attended the scene and the group 'became hostile' and a small number of police vehicles were damaged. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that large gatherings during the Covid-19 pandemic are 'deeply irresponsible and risk others' lives'. 'I'm in touch with the Met Police about the completely unacceptable events in Brixton overnight. Violence against the police will not be tolerated,' he added. One witness, who did not want to be named, said: 'After the police backed up, the group of people then forced the police out of the estate, throwing things at the police, smashed up a police car that they abandoned and then it moved more towards the main road.' And bus driver Michael, who did not wish to share his second name, lives in Overton Road and said it was 'very upsetting' that the violence happened in his area. 'The whole thing should have been shut down earlier,' he said. 'People who live here are not the culprits, it's those damn fools from different areas that come down to tarnish the works and efforts that have been put into the area by the estate management.' A police van zooms away after officers encountered violence in Brixton last night. As the van whisks officers away, a thug clobbers its back doors Hundreds of people appeared to be at the late night gathering in Brixton last night There were a number of confrontations with police officers last night, who were later chased out of Brixton Officers were confronted on multiple occasions last night (left and right) and were chased out the area at one point Police Federation chair John Apter slammed violence against officers in Brixton last night A woman who wished to remain anonymous said she heard the clashes taking place just outside her house and was too scared to go outside. She said: 'It all started with the party, after the party the police were there... all I heard was noise, noise, noise. I don't know what the people were doing but there was loud noise at 2am or 3am. 'I was scared and couldn't go outside... I didn't see anything I just stayed inside of the house. I see the news today and it's crazy, it's all over the television. It's bad. I'm OK but I just don't know what happened... the police needed to stop it. It was very dangerous.' The witness added this is not the first time street parties have taken place on her road. But Tory Mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey said: 'This is what London looks like when the Mayor loses control of the streets. Surging crime over the past four years, violence at the Black Lives Matter protests and now the horrific scenes we saw last night in Brixton. 'It's time for Sadiq Khan to show leadership and stop blaming others when things go wrong. He needs to take responsibility for the safety of both Londoners and his police officers. And he needs to do it today.' One woman described the scene as 'disgusting and sickening'. She tweeted: 'They are out of control and you want to continue to ease lockdown?!?!?!?! How were they allowed to have a BLOCK PARTY that had hundreds of people and it didn't get locked off?? The Twitter user added: 'And this wasn't even the worst part , weapons were thrown at police, an abandoned police car smashed up, people's cars parked smashed!! Police driven out onto the main road by these disgraceful people shame on all of you!!!!!!' A further clip posted to Twitter shows hundreds of people running away and screaming in fear as the evening descended into chaos. Police Federation Chief John Apter slammed the violence scenes last night that left two officers needing hospital treatment. He tweeted: 'The level of anger, hatred and violence being shown against police officers by some is disgraceful. 'Some of the inaccurate and inflammatory reporting by some MSM has made my colleagues fair game for those who don't need much of an excuse. My colleagues don't deserve this.' And the Met Police Federation said: '15 more colleagues injured in deplorable scenes. Police officers are not punchbags. This violence is despicable. We wish our injured colleagues all well.' The large gathering comes just days after Boris Johnson is set to ease lockdown restrictions on July. Pictures of packed beaches yesterday and block party's such as this in south London will make health authorities increasingly nervous about a second wave of the deadly coronavirus pandemic. The Metropolitan Police said the party was finally cleared in the early hours of Thursday, while a Section 60 order, which gives police powers to stop and search without reasonable suspicion, was later put in place in the area. In one clip people hundreds of people could be seen fleeing into the night as chaotic scenes unfolded in Brixton Reacting to the alarming footage from Brixton, former Met chief superintendent Kevin Hurley said the affray was endemic of a force which has given up trying to enforce the law upon 'black youths'. He told Sky News: 'We've got into a vicious circle with police officers dealing with young black people, who always come to the perspective that the police are trying to suppress them. 'And the police very quickly come to learn that dealing with young black people is quite frankly aggravation that puts their careers and mortgages at risk. 'That's the reason why so many black youth are killing each other in London, because the police have given up trying to stop them taking knives and guns off them.' Met Police BCU Commander Colin Wingrove said: 'Our role is to protect the public and ensure guidelines are adhered to in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19 protecting the NHS and save lives 'Our officers work incredibly hard to engage and explain the public health message and regulations to prevent such gatherings occurring. 'Last night we received numerous concerns from residents complaining about a large gathering, noise, anti-social behaviour and violence and officers responded to those concerns. 'These gatherings are unlawful, as well as posing a risk to public health and against coronavirus restrictions. 'The violence shown towards officers is totally unacceptable and we will not tolerate it in any form. 'An investigation into the incident is now taking place and those involved will be brought to justice.' The spokesman for the London Ambulance Service said: 'We received multiple calls overnight to reports of people injured in an area spanning Brixton Road, Loughborough Road and Overton Road, Brixton. 'We sent six ambulance crews, eight medics in fast response cars and three officers to the area. We also dispatched an advanced trauma team from London's Air Ambulance, which consists of a paramedic and a doctor in a car. 'We treated two patients at the scene: one was taken to a major trauma centre as a priority and the other was taken to hospital. We also treated eight police officers, two of whom were taken to hospital in police vehicles.' ISLAMABAD - A U.S. watchdog warned that systemic corruption within the Afghan government is weakening its bargaining position in upcoming peace negotiations with the Taliban, even as the insurgents said Thursday they were ready and had compiled their agenda for the long-awaited talks. John Sopko, Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction, said the Taliban and other militants underscored the governments corruption, using it to undermine public support for the government, garner recruits to their cause, and weaken the governments bargaining position during future peace negotiations. It is the most insidious threat the Afghan government faces because it saps the support of citizens who are trying to go about their daily work, feed their families, and live free of fear and intimidation, Sopko told a monitoring group known as Integrity Watch Afghanistan on Wednesday. Meanwhile, about 50 civil society activists in Kabul rallied on Thursday against corruption, urging the International Monetary Fund to rescind a $220 million loan given last month to the Afghan government to help mitigate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Afghanistan has reported over 30,000 cases, including 675 deaths, but testing is severely limited, and experts say the number of infected is likely much higher. The protesters said the government has already wasted billions of international money. Najibullah Azad, who leads the group of lawyers, doctors and economists in the protest, said government corruption is devouring international money and thatt he feared the IMFs $220 million would disappear. Sopko criticized Afghan President Ashraf Ghanis government, saying it only paid lip service to fighting corruption, ticking off the boxes rather than implementing changes and arresting some of the worst offenders. The private sector and particularly international investors who care far more about their own bottom line will not overlook Afghanistans failure to tackle the corruption challenge, he said. Afghanistans leaders must come to realize that in the end, private sector investment will matter far more to their countrys future than international donors, because after 19 years of war, foreign governments, including the United States, are growing weary of paying Afghanistans bills. International donors cover 75% of Afghanistans operating budget and the U.S. alone pays $4 billion annually to finance Afghanistans military and security forces. Ghanis spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi, objected to Sopkos criticism, insisting that the government has done a lot to tackle corruption and that has to be seen. No date has yet been set for negotiations but Deborah Lyons, the U.N. special representative to Afghanistan told the U.N. Security Council on Thursday that she was cautiously optimistic the talks could start in July in Doha, Qatar, where the Taliban maintain a political office. One of the obstacles to the start of the negotiations has been the exchange of prisoners, envisaged under a deal the Taliban signed with the United States at the end of February. That accord and the Afghan-Taliban talks that were meant to follow are seen as Afghanistans best chance for peace and an opportunity for U.S. and NATO troops to leave the war-torn country after nearly two decades of fighting. The Talibans political spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, told The Associate Press that the Afghan government has so far released 3,500 Taliban prisoners. The U.S.-Taliban deal calls for 5,000 Taliban prisoners to be freed by Kabul. It also said the Taliban should free 1,000 government personnel, including military men, they hold captive. ___ Associated Press writer Tameem Akhgar in Kabul, Afghanistan, contributed to this report. OJO Labs, an Austin, TX-based home buying and selling platform, closed on a $62.5m funding round. The round was led by Wafra, with participation from Breyer Capital, LiveOak Venture Partners, Royal Bank of Canada, and Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures. In conjunction with the funding, Russell Valdez, CIO of Wafra, joined the board of OJO Labs. The company also announced the acquisition of Movoto, a residential real estate search site in the United States with nearly 24 million monthly visits. Movoto is led by Imtiyaz Haque, CEO. The acquisition enables OJO Labs to scale and bring its personalized technology to millions of homebuyers and sellers. Led by John Berkowitz, CEO and Co-founder, OJO Labs aims to improve the home buying and selling experience with a combination of human and machine intelligence that delivers personalized property recommendations and guides homebuyers and sellers along their journey. The company currently has strategic partnerships with Realogy Holdings Corp.s top national brands including Century 21, ERA, BHGRE, Sothebys International Realty, and Coldwell Banker. Additionally, Ojo expanded into Toronto, Canada through its partnership with Royal Bank of Canadas ventures division and Royal LePage, bringing its services to a large network across North America. FinSMEs 25/06/2020 Younger voters across the United States are less likely to be loyal to one political party but instead look at how candidates address the issues most important to them. According to pollsters, the issues most important to American voters under 30 are climate change, healthcare, student debt, and social justice. Esha Sarai has more. VOA Khmer's Chrea Vanrith narrates. Police in British Columbia are reaching out to the Chinese community as they investigate the mysterious killing of a mainland woman who was involved with a spiritual self-improvement group known as Create Abundance, or Golden Touch. Bo Fan, 41, was seriously injured when she was dropped off at the Peace Arch Hospital in Surrey, a Vancouver satellite city, at 5.30am on June 17 and she died later that day. Frank Jang of the police Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said at a press conference on Wednesday that Fan was a Chinese citizen who had been living in the Grandview Heights neighbourhood of South Surrey since February 2019. Given what we know so far, we dont believe this was a random incident, said Jang, adding, there is still much we need to learn about Ms Fan and her history. But what I can tell you is that Ms Fan was associated to an organisation called Golden Touch, also referred to as Create Abundance. Critics have accused a group by the same name in China of running a multi-level-marketing scheme in recent years, although Jang did not mention this. Chinese homicide victim Bo Fan, 41, is seen in a photo provided by the Vancouver area's Integrated Homicide Investigation Team. Photo: IHIT Jang displayed photos of Fan at a press conference as well as a circular, wreathlike logo that he said was that of the group. He said anyone who knew Fan or had information about the case should contact IHIT on 1-877-551-4448 or by emailing ihitinfo@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. One of the professional-looking photos shows Fan smiling directly into the camera and in another she appears to be speaking at an event. Golden Touchs logo includes the traditional Chinese characters for create abundance, and Jang said IHIT was reaching out specifically to the regions Chinese community. From what we know of Ms Fans background we believe there are people in the Chinese community who may know her, perhaps had dealings with her, particularly through this organisation, he said. A YouTube channel in the name of Create Abundance, using the logo as its avatar, features a single video, posted in 2014. Story continues The video shows ethereal imagery of the natural world, and a gathering of East Asian-looking people in what looks like a hotel conference room. The people are seen dancing ecstatically, waving their hands in the air, as a narrator speaking in Mandarin describes how internal energy can be maximised by connecting with the natural world. The spiritual message says that respecting nature can create positive energy, bringing wealth and fulfilment. One scene shows tears streaming down a male attendees face; others show the group wearing black face masks and they raise their hands high. People wearing face masks are seen in a video posted on the Create Abundance YouTube channel in 2014. Photo: YouTube / Create Abundance Jang, who did not refer to the video, said the group appeared to be a self-improvement, wellness organisation. But let me be clear, we are not making any linkages between this organisation and Ms Fans homicide, he said. But she was someone associated with this organisation that is critical information to us. The logo of the Create Abundance group. Photo: IHIT Jang would not divulge the cause of Fans death. But it is clear from her injuries that she was a victim of homicide, he said. Jang said Fan was dropped off at the hospital by friends and family. He said before that, she was last seen alive near Surreys 168th Street and 27th Avenue on the night of June 16. People dance ecstatically in a video posted on the Create Abundance YouTube channel in 2014. Photo: YouTube / Create Abundance The caption with the 2014 YouTube video says that Create Abundance had been practising around the world for 15 years and that its guiding spiritual master of creation a woman who features in the video had helped tens of thousands of people. The woman has travelled all over China, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Canada and the United States to spread her message, it said. Sign up now for a 50% early bird discount on the 100+ page China Internet Report 2020 Pro Edition, which includes deep-dive analysis, trends, and case studies on the 10 most important internet sectors. Now in its 3rd year, this go-to source for understanding China tech also comes with exclusive access to 6 webinars with C-level executives. Offer valid until 30 June 2020. More from South China Morning Post: This article Chinese woman in Vancouver mystery homicide was member of Create Abundance wellness group first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. New Delhi: After leveling rape accusations at former Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik, US journalist Cynthia D. Ritchie's relationship with Pakistan's intelligence agency ISI and Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has been exposed. As per documents obtained by Zee Media, it can be confirmed that Cynthia works for the Pakistan's ISI and ISPR agencies. Cynthia, an American journalist living in Pakistan since many years wrote a letter to the Pakistan government's home ministry on June 2 requesting for an extension of her Pakistani visa. In the letter she wrote that she and her company 'Walkabout Films' have been making a documentary in Khyber Pakhtun for ISPR and in as such duration till she finishes her movie her business visa should be extended. My multiple entry business visa was signed on March 18 last year. Me and my company Walkabout Films are engaged in the production of several film projects for the government and ISPR in Khyber Pakhtun (KP), and so I request my business visa be extended for a year", said Cynthia De Ritchie in her letter addressed to the Deputy Secretary of Pakistan Home Ministry. As per Indian security agencies, Cynthia has been working for the Pakistan's intelligence agency and ISPR for a long time now. On several occassions Cynthia was seen criticising the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on her social media accounts at the behest of the Pakistan government. During the Balakote attack carried out by India in February last year, Cynthia questioned the military response of the Indian Air Force and even accused PM Modi of 'riling up the masses'. She tweeted: "Serious though this 'attack' may be, I can't help but feel that better preproduction planning was in order - so it comes across less 'scripted'. Modi, stop riling up the masses for your pre-political maneuverings. People are ready for change. Perhaps Ghandi stands a chance." Turkey has denounced as "misleading, one-sided and manipulative" the explosive book by former US national security advisor John Bolton's that describes interactions between Turkish and US presidents Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Donald Trump. In the book "The Room Where It Happened", which is filled with damning allegations against Trump, Bolton contends that the US leader was inclined to offer "personal favours to dictators he liked." Trump was said to be receptive when Erdogan mentioned a criminal probe into one of his country's largest banks over violating US sanctions on Iran. Bolton wrote that Trump told Erdogan "he would take care of things," explaining that New York prosecutors handling the case were appointed by his predecessor Barack Obama and could be replaced. Fahrettin Altun, communications director of the Turkish presidency, on Wednesday sent out a flurry of tweets in English saying that the book "includes misleading, one-sided and manipulative presentations of our leader President Erdogan's conversations" with Trump. "It is clear that... (these) mischaracterisations and falsehoods are driven by domestic political considerations as well as personal gain," he tweeted. Turkey and the US, NATO allies, have disagreed on a range of issues, from Washington's support for a Kurdish militia in Syria to Ankara's repeated calls for the extradition of a US-based Muslim preacher blamed for a 2016 failed coup against Erdogan. The two heads of state have nevertheless kept dialogue channels open, and the Turkish leader has often spoken positively of his US counterpart. "President Erdogan and President Trump have expended great effort to repair and keep stable the US-Turkey relationship despite deep differences and despite some hostile voices toward Turkey in Washington, DC," Altun said. He said it was "reprehensible" for former high-level officials to try to exploit serious diplomatic conversations and honest efforts to resolve outstanding issues between allies to further "their domestic political agendas". Altun said Turkey remained confident the US-Turkey relationship "will survive such efforts and even thrive at the end. "President Erdogan will continue his frank, honest and straightforward conversations with" Trump. Attorney Capri Maddox Looks to Lead the Newly Established Civil and Human Rights Department; Facing Racial Disparities Head On Capri Maddox is leading a frontier into a new sense of equality within Los Angeles. As the first executive director of the newly developed Civil and Human Rights Department, she is cultivating a stronger resource to be available for underserved communities. The mission behind the Civil and Human Rights Department is Protecting Angelenos and anyone who works or visits the City of Los Angeles from discrimination that denies equal treatment in private employment, housing, education, or commerce. The disparities found in any community will be faced head on, with investigation and enforcement of the L.A. Civil and Human Rights Ordinance. Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti nominated Attorney Maddox as the first executive director of the newly designed department in February of this year. The mayor stated within the press release, Capris intellect and powerful sense of justice and equality will make her an outstanding leader of the Department of Civil and Human Rights. Everyone in L.A. should live free of discrimination that denies basic human dignity and violates our rights as Americans. We will stand up for each other and put our values at the center of all the work that the department will do. Maddox has dedicated much of her life energy to carry out works that benefit communities that are usually underrepresented, and provide channels for the entire city to thrive. Within her position as former senior advisor to City Attorney Mike Feuer, Maddox directed initiatives such as the City Attorney Business Support program and attorney recruitment and outreach efforts. She designed the blueprints for a Foster Care Diversion Program and oversaw the City Attorney Faith Based Council. The new executive director has always responded to the voices of the community, Maddox was involved in key Neighborhood Council and City Council requests. Additionally, she has been a strong presence within criminal and civil cases, school safety efforts with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and served as a Neighborhood Prosecutor from 2005-2010. She has shown her ability to make the most with the tools given to her and fill gaps in social inequality within the community. My role is important for a few reasons; we have systemically been mistreated, underrepresented, disrespected in so many ways. I know the focus is related to perhaps things happening in law enforcement, but some of the systemic issues are affecting us in our lives, in our health, in our education systems, and in our opportunities. The damage is for generations to come. Attorney Maddox continued to explain that we need to step up and address those disparities. She broke down how deep rooted and entangled the inequalities are within communities of color. ADVERTISEMENT For so long, many doors were intentionally closed, and candidates of color overlooked; this has dramatically affected family lines for generations. Maddox explained within the current social pipeline that breeds systemic racism, causes long-term harm and continues to create an environment for certain neighborhoods to be more susceptible to falling behind, unable to break free from the lines of poverty and poor health conditions. There are three principles that Maddox is looking to stand on in this department: Educate and address the root of the issue, confront and expose the disparities, and carry out affirmative action that results in meaningful change. We have to expose this type of behavior, because people are focusing on one area in the front of the house, and the back of the house is being robbed blind Attorney Maddox emphasized that as a community, there is no room for imbalance; she is working towards leveling out the playing field, creating upward mobility as a people. The inequities are most visible within the spread of COVID-19, small businesses and overall wellbeing of certain populations have been affected at a higher rate than other ethnicities. This is due to the pre-existing disadvantage of not having the proper resources, they would have worked as a level of armor in all communities when the pandemic hit. Attorney Maddox acknowledged the effects are causing unprecedented trauma within communities of color, due to a deeply-rooted system that was formulated with no clear pathway of opportunity. There is no time left, the change must happen now. Although the Department of Civil and Human Rights will officially launch online in July, Attorney Maddox is working on blueprints for Upward Mobility programs and events, and will be affiliated with the racial equity initiatives announced by Mayor Garcetti on June 19. Looking towards a post pandemic future, Maddox painted her goals to help people prepare for uplifting the community. College boot camps that involve the whole family, job training, home ownership, and retirement planning are some of the upcoming projects. Maddox is looking to partner with community-based organizations, faith-based institutions, business groups, neighborhood councils, philanthropic groups, universities, and Human Relations committees to execute these events and bring substantial difference in the quality of life to all residents. Im very grateful for the mayor and city council, particularly Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Herb Wesson, Gil Cedillo, and Curren Price for making the push for these resources. There are eyes on the LAPD and overall use of law enforcement; the Civil and Human Rights Department is looking to be a conscience within local government, but the CHRD will be tackling private sectors. Studies and research will find the gaps in equal opportunity across industries, there will be a level of transparency from all firms within their representation. Other studies on the radar to conduct include food distribution and business development; this will empower the audience to be mindful of what is being supported. A vivid picture Attorney Maddox painted referenced the documentary, The Inconvenient Truth, the analogy encompasses the current path of the world is going to lead to an unhealthy future if we dont stop the disparities. The movie, Inconvenient Truth was a warning about climate change, and said if we didnt change our ways and deal with the environmental imbalances, we would have more storms, and they would happen more frequently, in various places and they will be more intense. And that is the same thing that we are experiencing in the African American [community] inconvenient truth. Activists dressed as corpses gathered at a St. Petersburg cemetery in a bizarre protest against Russia's nationwide vote on changing the constitution. They're not the only ones arguing that voting could be dangerous in a country with the third-highest COVID-19 caseload in the world. Hundreds of local voting officials have signed an open letter refusing to work at polling stations. BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. Ballston Spa National Bank, in conjunction with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and Adirondack Community College, will be hosting a fourth contactless drive-thru food pantry 10 a.m. Monday, June 29 at the SUNY Adirondack Community College Wilton Campus located at 696 Saratoga Road in Gansevoort. The drive-thru food pantry is open to Saratoga County area families and individuals in need of food assistance. As the state is nearing full reopening, the Regional Food Bank notes its efforts have never stopped, paused, or even slowed down. They have needed to increase their efforts by more than 50%, providing 17 million pounds of food for thousands of people in need since Marchmany of whom are taking advantage of the service for the first time in their lives. That is why it is so important for BSNBs employee volunteers to continue to help host these contactless drive-thru food pantries. The 18,000 pounds of food distributed at each event so far has provided for 45,000 meals, total. An additional 18,000 pounds will be distributed at the event in Wilton, including fresh produce, dairy, frozen meats and non-perishable food items. BSNBs commitment to match community donations up to $5,000 will continue until June 27th. In order for the Food Bank to receive the match from BSNB, donate directly via the Regional Food Banks donation site and select BSNB Matching Campaign as your donation designation. The event is open to the public and free of charge. Patrons will receive food on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. All volunteers will follow CDC guidelines by wearing appropriate masks and gloves while actively practicing social distancing. Supporters may also make checks payable to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York and drop them off at any BSNB banking location or mail to BSNB, ATTN: Regional Food Bank Matching Campaign, PO Box 70, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. The match applies to new donations received as part of the campaign now through June 27, 2020. A Union City man is facing up to 20 years in prison for the fatal stabbing of a New York woman in his apartment in 2018 after he pleaded guilty to first-degree aggravated manslaughter Wednesday, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced. Kevin Cortes, 24, also pleaded guilty before Hudson County Superior Court Judge Mark Nelson to fourth-degree aggravated assault against a Hudson County corrections officer while in custody. He faces up to 18 months for that offense, but it is likely the sentences would run concurrently. He is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 2. Cortes admitted that on the morning of March 26, 2018, he stabbed Giselle Bravo, 20, of Queens, multiple times in the upper body at 3612 New York Ave. in Union City. Bravo was an acquaintance of Cortes'. Police responded at 5:25 a.m. that morning and encountered Cortes with a knife inside the building. The officers seized the weapon and detained Cortes, who was taken to Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen for evaluation. Police found Bravo on the third floor of the home and she was rushed to the Jersey City Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead at approximately 6:40 a.m. A Royal Oak movie theater says Michigan shut down a planned film festival that it described as a cinema protest in violation of the U.S. Constitution. Royal Oak-based Emagine Theatre on Monday, June 22, filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon. Emagine planned to host a film festival on June 19, also the Juneteenth holiday celebrating the end of slavery, in support of recent protests over police racism and brutality, the lawsuit says. Theater owners said they took extensive steps to ensure a safe event with social distancing, physically removed seats, and sent a 26-page safety plan to Whitmers office explaining the precautions in place. On the eve of the protest, (the Attorney Generals Office) served Emagines owner, Paul Glantz, with a warning letter, informing him that it would file criminal charges if Emagine proceeded with the Juneteenth film festival interest of public health, according to the lawsuit. Attorneys for the Butzel law firm, which filed the lawsuit, compared the reaction by politicians to protests engaged in by those opposing Whitmers stay-home orders and to others who marched against police brutality and racism, sparked by the death of George Floyd. Politicians in Michigan who blasted earlier protests as dangerous vectors for the virus championed these (police brutality) protests and joined them, dismissively minimizing concerns that the protests would spread the virus as long as protesters kept their social distance and wore masks, the lawsuit says. Emagine wants to support the movement for equality, announced it would host a film festival in support of the protests, and planned to donate all proceeds to the United Negro College Fund, according to the suit. The lawsuit continues: Street protests are okay, but cinema protests are not. The governor can protest, but business leaders cannot. Restaurants, public swimming pools, and barbershops are open, but a safety-conscious proprietor who has adopted more stringent standards than required for other businesses to reopen must remain closedpurportedly because of science and facts and data that the governor still has not shared after three months of shuttering businesses like Emagine. In order to avoid criminal prosecution, Emagine attorneys say it postponed the Juneteenth film festival and filed this lawsuit to vindicate its civil rights. The lawsuit notes that Whitmer in April warned those protesting her stay-home orders that their actions could cause coronavirus cases to spike, in turn extending the length of time the orders would remain in place. On June 4, Whitmer attended an anti-police brutality march in Highland Park. At the time, stay-home orders had been lifted, but a requirement to maintain social distancing remained in place. The Governor did not maintain a distance of six feet from others, but her office reported that such activity was exempt as constitutionally-protected activity under the executive order, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit proceeds to compare Whitmers stay-home orders, which it calls de facto house arrest, to less stringent measures taken during the Spanish Flu outbreak in 1918, when amusement parks were shuttered, and schools could independently determine whether to remain open. During polio outbreaks in the 1940s and 1950s, Michigan Gov. G. Mennen Williams refrained from violating constitutional norms, according to the complaint. In the late 1960s, the Hong Kong Flu swept across the globe killing more than 1 million people, the lawsuit says. The CDC estimated that 100,000 people died in the U.S. Michigan, like other States, was affected. Governor George Romney did not place residents under house arrest or shutdown the economy then, either. The lawsuit alleges violations of due process, saying the AGs letter effectively shut down the film festival without any hearing and because movie theaters have been ordered to remain closed without any recourse; violation of equal protection under the law, since movie theaters in other Michigan regions are allowed to operate and most other industries have reopened; and is asking the federal courts to strike down Whitmers order on grounds its overly vague. Emagine is losing nearly $170,000 per month while its closed, the lawsuit says. Representatives for Whitmer and Gordons offices declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing a policy not to publicly discuss pending litigation. Whitmer on Wednesday won a legal battle related to a similar but separate lawsuit filed by a group of gym and fitness club owners who feel they should be allowed to reopen. While a U.S. District Court judge issued an order allowing gyms to reopen on June 25, Whitmers attorneys appealed and an appellate court reinstated the ban. Full lawsuit: 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. More on MLive: Thursday, June 25: Latest developments on coronavirus Opening Michigan gyms is essential to public health, experts say. But it also threatens it. Traverse City-area businesses on exposure list distancing, adopted enhanced sanitation protocols, and PPE, among other things. racial equality in honor of Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the emancipation of the last remaining slaves in the Confederacy Earlier this month, NetEvents [email protected] held a virtual event entitled Whats Hot in Networking & Analyst Views, bringing together a senior panel of specialists for an enlightening discussion about the technology sectors business outlook during the COVID-19 pandemic. The event featured John Apostopoulos, VP & CTO for Enterprise Networking Business, Cisco (News - Alert), with a panel chaired by Jeremiah Caron, Global Head of Research & Analysis Technology Group, GlobalData. On the panel was SVP Marketing, Networking NVIDIA, Kevin Deierling (News - Alert), VP of Marketing at Mellanox Technologies since March 2013, Kevin Deierling recently joined NVIDIA as SVP Marketing, Networking when they completed their acquisition of Mellanox (News - Alert), initially announced in March 2019. As part of the event, many questions were posed and opinions were discussed, such as the big issues architects need to be thinking about as we move into a world where we have cloud edge computing. I think the big picture is that you're no longer really programming servers, the new unit of computing is a data center, and you actually are running a distributed application across the entire data center, Deierling said. And with the edge, it really fragments even farther so instead of a giant centralized data center that has 10,000 computers, you have 10,000 data centers at the edge, each of them with a smaller rack, but still performing all kinds of new functionality. Because everything is untrusted in the edge, Deierling explained that if youre going to be plugging in cameras and devices that you simply have no control over, there's no security guard the way there is in a centralized giant data center. Making everything software-defined and hardware-accelerated and doing all of that together really requires a lot of horsepower and a lot of innovation like AI and machine learning because all of these edge applications are unsupervised. When we look at the way people use the applications today for IoT, it is mostly the phone, and they are curated by humans controlling what is happening. This is pretty slow; the response time that a human needs to respond is actually very slow compared to what intelligent machines can do with the right automation algorithms built in. What the world needs is autonomous AI machines with low-latency networking that both reliable and secure. Cloud-native networking has expanded on traditional, monolithic applications that cannot support millions of users and devices, Deierling explained. This is by expediting enormous growth in scalability that is now obtainable with a container-based solution that dispenses with single computers which are unable to cope with large scale issues. New cloud-native networking will be defined as everything needs to be automated - coming and going dynamically. Replacing a monolithic app, ephemeral containers connect between overlaying networks such as Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN). This permits for dynamic movement that can be used to build and scale up the data center utilised to run your application. As an example, Deierling said, Maybe you have something that needs a ton of data so you need more storage connectivity and doing that dynamically with containers that are coming and going all the time becomes simply unmanageable, even with that very smart IT guy sitting in the corner. The future is in the rise of autonomous systems delivered on secure, high-speed networks. Deierling went on to explain his vision for the future of AI saying, Nvidia is pushing AI and closing the loop between telemetry and action. To do this we talk about something that we call time to innocence. Figuring out the time to innocence is intrinsic in uncovering the underlying telemetry. Using Mellanoxs newly introduced what just happened (WJH) you can feed a ton of data through application and switch basics, while being very specific about the actual cause of any underlying packet drops or latency issues, etc. You then can close the loop with AI. There are platforms out there that we have like the EGX, which is an edge platform that has a GPU capable of running 5G networks, codec stack, and closed loop. I think the world is realizing that AI is not a threat to the technologist, but rather it is a powerful tool. This is a matter of education. But smart CIOs and smart IT guys are not afraid that they're gonna lose their job, they just need to do some hard work to understand how to use these advanced new tools that are available. When I work with IT administrators, it is clear they are focused on two new technologies, one of which is the cloud. I think ultimately, they're starting to understand that cloud is fundamentally a better way to develop and maintain software. California-based Nvidia Corporation is known for its designs in graphics processing units (GPUs) for both the gaming and professional markets, and more recently for its system on chip units (SoCs) for the mobile computing and automotive market. While expanding its presence in the gaming industry, NVIDIA (News - Alert) has been diversifying its business portfolio since 2014 to include professional visualization, data centers, and now artificial intelligence (AI). This is largely due to the revelations in GPU deep learning which is said to be the next era of computing, Deierling explained to the virtual audience assembled for the annual Spring event. With the GPU acting as the brain of computers, robots, and self-driving cars that can perceive and understand the world in its environment. With Mellanox, the new NVIDIA has end-to-end technologies from AI computing to networking, full-stack offerings from processors to software, and significant scale to advance next-generation data centers. Deierling has contributed to multiple technology standards and holds over 25 patents in areas including wireless communications, error correction, security, video compression, and DNA sequencing while serving as VP of Technology at California-based biotech company, Genia Technologies, Chief Architect at Silver Spring Networks (a subsidiary of Itron), and head of marketing and business development at Spans Logic, a chip company that was acquired by Cisco. Edited by Maurice Nagle Japanese telecoms company Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) will invest 64 billion yen ($560 million) in NEC Corp to beef up efforts to develop fifth-generation (5G) wireless technologies, the two firms said on Thursday. The capital alliance will give NTT a 5% stake in NEC as its main network equipment supplier hopes to crack the dominance of Huawei Technologies, Ericsson and Nokia in 5G network infrastructure. Japan started its 5G service this year, lagging behind the United States and China, among other industrialised nations. Previously state-owned NTT, which has wireless carrier NTT DoCoMo Inc under its wing, has strong preference for domestic suppliers for core networks, as it is involved in government projects. Japan has effectively banned government purchases of equipment from Huawei in efforts to boost national security. But Japanese network equipment companies, such as NEC and Fujitsu, have limited global presence, with little cost competitiveness compared to overseas rivals. NTT is actively seeking capital alliances globally in key areas of technology, such as self-driving and smart cities. With Toyota Motor Corp, it has mutually invested about $1.8 billion to work on developing smart cities. The company and Mitsubishi Corp have jointly taken a stake of 30% in Dutch digital mapping company HERE Technologies. NEC and NTT also said they plan to work together on post-5G technologies, including all-photonics networking and computing technologies being developed by NTT. If you are old enough to remember when Republicans routinely stood up for the interests of business, the White Houses latest decision to extend through years end a ban on visas for highly skilled tech workers seemed utterly senseless. Big tech surely thought so, and immediately reacted as such. But those hoping for an outcry from congressional Republicans would find themselves largely waiting in vain. Late last month, nine Republican senators sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging him not to extend the visa ban. The letter, whose signatories included Sens. Lindsey Graham, of South Carolina, and John Cornyn, of Texas, said: Guest workers are needed to boost American business, not take American jobs. On Monday, shortly after the president announced his decision, Graham followed up, writing on Twitter: I fear the Presidents decision today to temporarily shut down these programs will create a drag on our economic recovery. The list of big tech firms that also weighed in on Monday was not short. Intel opposed the move. So too did Amazon. And Facebook and Google and Microsoft and others. Sadly, they and the small group of GOP senators who sent the letter are just spitting in the wind. If both Republicans and Democrats in Congress could get together to oppose, with one voice, the presidents anti-business, anti-immigration move, their effort might come to something. But there are too many in the once-Grand Old Party who are either afraid of getting on the wrong side of Trump on immigration, or who actually side with him. Sadly. The expanded and extended ban took effect at 12:01 on Wednesday morning, giving companies little or no time to respond. It applied to H-1B visas, the type for skilled workers, but not only to those. Among other restrictions, the ban includes visas for spouses of recipients of H-1B visas, as well as L visas, which enable companies to transfer overseas employees to the United States. Businesses have been suffering since the lockdowns forced by the coronavirus pandemic. The federal government should lend a hand, not kick them while they are down. Trump got elected by preaching from an anti-immigration playbook, and hes now reprising that tired old act. Its the only tool hes got, it seems clear. And its bad for business. ADDRESS BY HE JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA, FLAGBEARER OF THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS (NDC) ON THE SUPREME COURT RULING ON COMPILATION OF A NEW VOTER REGISTER Good evening my brother and sisters, Earlier today, the Supreme Court of the Republic of Ghana gave its ruling in a case brought by the National Democratic Congress against the Electoral Commission over its decision to compile a new voter register. Despite the well-reasoned reliefs we sought, the apex court of the land gave the leeway for the Electoral Commission to go ahead with the exclusion of the existing voter identification cards from the list of identification requirements. We are deeply disappointed and strongly disagree with the court over this outcome, which has confounded many legal experts and thrown the country into a state of confusion. Our legal team is examining this decision even as we await the full judgement. It is worrying that the Court deferred the reasons for its decisions to the 15th of July, by which time the EC would have been two weeks into the registration exercise. My brothers and sisters, throughout its history, the NDC has stood strongly for an inclusive democracy. That is because the party is built on the principle that no one should be left out in the governance process of our beloved country. This principle may be seen through the various programmes and projects upon which our democracy is built: the composition of the Consultative Assembly, which prepared the 1992 Constitution; the consultations for the review of the Constitution in 2010 (which stands out as the most comprehensive consultative programme in our history and the history of the sub-region); just to mention a few. The NPP tradition, on the other hand, has since the founding of our nation always stood for an exclusive governance structure. A structure, which seeks to leave out the ordinary men and women of our country. A structure, which rather favours only a select few who consider themselves the owners of the nation. To ensure this, the NPP has since its assumption of power in 2017, consistently put in place measures, which seek to systematically disenfranchise eligible citizens. Such measures include restricting the identification mechanism for voter registration to documents, which are not accessible to millions of eligible voters. We have been very clear in our minds that the decision to compile a new voters register was in pursuit of this long-held agenda, hence our efforts to stop the wholesale attempt to exclude vast sections of our population from the process to determine who leads them. This represents the handiwork of a desperate incumbent that on account of its very poor performance in government sees its political survival only through the prism of manipulation of the electoral process to exclude a section of Ghanaians who they suspect may not renew their mandate at the polls. A caring, compassionate and responsible government would not push us to this brink at a time of a major pandemic like COVID-19 that is causing so much anguish among the citizenry. It is deeply regrettable that the Electoral Commission, which should be independent, has made itself a willing tool in the execution of this most diabolic agenda. The exclusion of the old Voters ID card, which has been used to conduct several elections under the current leadership of the Electoral Commission and from which the current President derives his mandate is aimed at deliberately disenfranchising some Ghanaians who have falsely been branded foreigners without any basis. The restriction of primary identification to passports, Ghana Cards and the resort to guaranteeing for others is a ruse to create frustration in the hope that it will discourage millions from registering and in the process give advantage ab initio to a bungling incumbent. The Ghana Card, which has been made one of two identification documents has not been rolled out in full. As we speak, these cards are still being issued with no mechanism for verification. The National Identification Authority itself has admitted to duplication of thousands of these cards Therefore, the NDCs decision to go to the Supreme Court, was informed by the partys time-honoured belief and commitment to an inclusive democracy as opposed to the NPPs exclusiveness. However, it was obvious from the outset of this struggle that inclusive democracy was not going to have a hearing, even against the resounding call by the National House of Chiefs, religious leaders, CSOs and the various trade and professional groups. My brothers and sisters, the right to vote must however not be curtailed on account of this minor setback for inclusion. We cannot throw our hands up in despair because the fight to insist on inclusion has been temporarily derailed by this ruling. We can still make our voices heard even if we must endure some inconvenience and frustration. To achieve the objective of taking part in the decision over who governs us, we must be willing to make the necessary sacrifices in the present circumstances. I therefore urge all Ghanaians of voting age to channel the disappointment at the effort to exclude them from the electoral process into an opportunity to have their voices heard and turn up to register in their teeming numbers, when the process begins next week Tuesday. The NPP and the EC are very much aware that the exclusion of the existing voter ID will significantly slow down the process of registration and create the real risk of people massing up outside the voting centers. But this is what happens when politics is put before the people. While at it, let us keep safe by adhering strictly to all COVID-19 preventive protocols, such as social distancing, the wearing of face masks among others, particularly because of the increasing trend in the number of infections and deaths recorded. I pray that the almighty God shall protect all our citizens who come out to exercise their constitutional right to register from any sickness or infection by any disease. The process may be made deliberately slow and painful, but I encourage you all to endure it in so far as it would enable you vote out this government that has masterminded that frustration in the first place. We must always be willing to hold leaders accountable for bad decisions that impose difficulties on citizens and this is one clear opportunity to do so. Do not let the several hours you may spend at the registration centre get you to surrender your right to vote. That would only embolden those who seek to disenfranchise you. To the few who have passports and Ghana cards, make use of them and register. To those who get the opportunity to register, I implore you to assist your brother, sister and compatriot by guaranteeing for them even if it takes a bit more of your time. See this as a civic duty and your contribution to the effort to preserve the right to vote. This way, we will undo the grand conspiracy to deprive us of the inalienable right to vote and we will in the process send a clear signal that it is only we the people who will decide who gets the opportunity to lead this country and not the governments we elect or state agencies who make themselves pliant accomplices in the attempt to disenfranchise us. This is not just an NDC fight, it is a fight to rescue the very soul of our beloved country from the hands of those who seek to impose their will unjustly on the people. Our forefathers founded this nation with the motto Freedom and Justice. It is clear today that never in the history of our 4th Republic have these two lofty ideals been in such short supply. I salute the all the diverse organizations, Civil Society Organizations, prominent chiefs, organized labor, professional groups and all well-meaning Ghanaians who have rallied around this cause to demand that the right thing be done in the larger national interest. I call on all Ghanaians who yearn to see a change in the governance of this country to rise up and be counted for where there is a will, there is a way. No politically engineered register can save this failed government from the inevitable defeat that awaits them in the next 165 days. With or without a new voters register, the NDC shall win this election by the grace of God. I leave you with this famous quote by Emperor Haile Selassie: Throughout history, it has been the inaction of those who could have acted; the indifference of those who should have known better; the silence of the voice of justice when it mattered most; that has made it possible for evil to triumph. I thank you for your kind attention. Ok LONDON (Reuters) - The United Kingdom will ultimately have to side with the United States when it comes to a decision on allowing China's Huawei Technologies a role in its 5G network, former Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Thursday. British officials are currently reviewing how best to securely deploy Huawei equipment in the country's 5G networks, after granting the Chinese firm a limited role in January. Asked about Huawei at a Reuters Newsmaker event, Blair said: "I think we do need to make a call and I think it has got to be pro-U.S. in the end." Blair said that one of the issues was that Huawei infrastructure was a lot cheaper than alternatives. "One of the extraordinary things about 5G is that the West has in a way just allowed this advantage, this superiority to be gained," Blair said. "It is very hard for us not to be with the U.S. on anything that touches U.S. security," he added. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Michael Holden) People may find deals on land in the Red Desert, but the Sweetwater County Land Use Office warns of significant challenges that could make development very costly, if not impossible. There's a sudden interest in buying land found in the Red Desert, as evidenced by an increasing number of calls to the Sweetwater County Land Use Department. "We get quite a few calls," Stephanie Muckley, administrative assistant for the department said. Call volumes range from a few each week to several per day, all of which come from outside Wyoming. Jim Zimmerman, the code enforcement specialist for the department, said he has spoken with people who blindly bought parcels without looking at land or an understanding of what they're buying. Land in the Red Desert presents unique challenges... Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Reuters) Thu, June 25, 2020 14:58 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066198394 2 News Hawaii,travel,destination,coronavirus,COVID-19,tourism,quarantine Free Hawaii will implement a pre-travel COVID-19 testing option for travellers to the US state as an alternative to a two week travel quarantine, its governor said, hours after the Department of Justice backed a lawsuit challenging the quarantine. Tourists to Hawaii will be exempted from the quarantine rule upon arrival from different states if they carry a valid coronavirus test result prior to the visit, Governor David Ige said late on Wednesday. "Beginning August 1, we will be implementing pre-travel testing program for travelers to Hawaii as an alternative for 14-day mandatory quarantine," Ige said in a briefing. The current 14-day mandatory quarantine for everyone traveling into the state began in March, with the governor later extending it until the end of June. Earlier on Wednesday, the DOJ gave its support to a lawsuit challenging the state's coronavirus measures, saying visitors are being denied rights granted to most island residents. The lawsuit was filed by Nevada and California residents who own property in Hawaii. Tourism is a big part of Hawaii's economy - more than 10.4 million visitors came to the islands last year, supporting some 216,000 jobs in a population of around 1.4 million, according to the state tourism authority. The state at one point considered sweeping use of GPS-enabled ankle bracelets or smartphone tracking apps to enforce stay-at-home orders given to arriving air passengers. However, that plan was put on the back burner after the Hawaii attorney general's office raised concerns. The United States has recorded about 2.4 million cases of coronavirus infections as of early Thursday, with nearly 122,000 deaths, according to a Reuters tally. Hawaii has had over 830 cases of infection and 17 deaths from the outbreak. The state's average of one death per 100,000 people is among the lowest in the United States. The biggest global increase in coronavirus cases has been announced as 183,020 cases were recorded in just 24 hours by the World Health Organisation. According to a daily report, the biggest increase in cases of the deadly bug came from North and South America with over 116,000 new cases. This brings the world total to over 8.7 million with more than 461,000 deaths according to the WHO. The previous record for worldwide cases was held at 181,232 on June 18, 2020. Despite lockdown relaxing in some countries, last week officials warned the Covid-19 pandemic is still accelerating, reports Mirror Online. The world is in a new and dangerous phase, Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a virtual briefing from WHO headquarters in Geneva. The virus is still spreading fast, it is still deadly, and most people are still susceptible. Tedros, whose leadership of the WHO has been severely criticised by U.S. President Donald Trump, urged people to maintain social distancing and extreme vigilance. As well as the Americas, a large number of new cases were coming from South Asia and the Middle East, Tedros added. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates As part of the Masters Speak initiative by Future Generali India Life Insurance, Anant Rangaswamy, Editor, Melt and Wion TV, engaged Sir Martin Sorrell, Executive Chairman, S4 Capital, in a discussion on COVID-19 - The Digital Accelerator. The idea of Masters Speak comes from one of Future Generalis core values Live The Community. People across the board have been anxious about the future with the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing. People have been worried about fate of businesses, healthcare and life in general. Masters Speak is an effort by Future Generali to help partners and communities at large find the answers to a better tomorrow. This series is focused on deriving insights from professionals and industry leaders to get these answers and help transform the lives of people. In this discussion, Sir Martin Sorrell focused on the impact of COVID-19 on advertising and marketing services and how digital transformation can drive growth in the post COVID-19 world. Transfer yourself to 24th 2021 and tell me what is the marketer doing today? I think Q2 of 2020 is the bottom. In our own case, April was the weakest month so far of 2020. In January, we were up by 33%, 21% in February, 6% in March and 3% in April. In May, we did significantly better. I think Q3 will be relatively better than Q2 and Q4 will be relatively better than Q3. By this time next year, things will not return to normal because it will never be normal at least for a significant amount of time and there will be a new normal. Thee times are closer to the War time than to the great financial slump or oil price bust that weve seen before. People are leveraging digital more than ever. They are buying online. Facebook has invested in Jio, which will further drive digital transformation. Healthcare, financial actions, education everything is done online now. Media owners are driving their digital transformation from traditional media. People like Rupert Murdoch are moving to digital models not only with an advertising base, but also subscription based models behind paywalls. Streamers are further attacking free to air TV. A market like India, which is still dominated by newspapers, magazines and free to air television, will change significantly. By this time next year, we will be in the new normal which will be dominated by digital. FT ran a story that digital is going to be more than 50% of the media spends worldwide this year. For the first time, digital will be more than half the market. We predict that by 2022, digital spends will be up by 57.5%. People will be spending more on digital and less on traditional media this time next year. How does the marketer retool himself in these times? Its a new model. S4 is purely digital and the key is that we build the model around first part data. The data derived from consumers, which facilitates personalisation at scale according to the behaviour of the user. With Netflix, who we work with, we create almost 1.5 million executions. This data is pumped out programmatically after which we measure the response. Its a big idea driving creative at scale driven and refined by data. The thought that data destroys creativity is nonsense and it, in fact, refines creativity. It helps make creativity more efficient. The traditional enterprises that, from a share point of view, dominate the old industry, still dont understand the massive change that has taken place and when they do, they find it difficult to adapt because they have the weight of the traditional process. You see this in every industry. How do you compete with a Tesla, which focuses on electric vehicles which is clearly the future, and at the same time adapt and focus on gasoline vehicles. Tell us about the change in business from the marketers side. Do you think they will be able to adapt to the changes with the speed you suggest they have to? If there was one thing that I had to point out was positive about COVID-19 is that it has disrupted the digital transformation. All bets are off. We have seen a change in the attitude of several clients towards digital transformation to be faster, better and cheaper. Speed is about agility. Every analog company that is trying to digitally transform is anxious to be agile and faster. All CMOs, CFOs and CTOs of these companies are razor keen to shift as quickly as possible. I think COVID-19 has driven these companies to change faster. People have nothing to lose now, because Q2 has been that bad. The desire to change has gone up. Catch the complete conversation here: https://www.facebook.com/futuregeneralilife/videos/704994356962265/ Read More Facebook FB reportedly landed in trouble with German authorities over its unrestricted use of customer data without their consent. Per a Bloomberg report, a top German civil court has ordered the social media giant to curb data collection from users browsing history as well as other smartphone apps. The court stated that Facebook has abused its dominant position in the market to gather information without consent. The company had initially come under fire from the German Federal Cartel Office in February 2019. The office mandated that Facebook will only be allowed assign data from WhatsApp or Instagram to its main Facebook app accounts if users consented voluntarily. The company is still fighting the ruling in a lower court. Facebook stated that it will continue to fight the order in the Dusseldorf court where the original case is still pending. However, the company needs to comply with the courts order. It has four months to find out ways to manage restrictions on data collection in Germany and another 10 months to implement the changes. The ruling is expected to have major ramifications as Germany is the first country to use antitrust law to ensure data privacy. Facebook, Inc. Price and Consensus Facebook, Inc. Price and Consensus Facebook, Inc. price-consensus-chart | Facebook, Inc. Quote Facebooks Antitrust Troubles Mounting The ruling is the latest in a long list of antitrust investigations against Facebook. Recently, both U.K. and Australia launched investigations into its acquisition of Giphy. The investigations will review whether the deal will provide Facebook with data that will strengthen its position in the market and help establish dominance. In April, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ordered the company to pay a fine of $5 billion as the FTC felt that Facebook could have done more to prevent Cambridge Analytica from siphoning off the data of up to 87 million users. Further, Facebook is facing a multistate antitrust investigation led by New York over its ad pricing practices. These investigations have revealed a chink in Facebooks armor. Rising privacy issues and data collection related headwinds doesnt bode well for this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Major Tech Companies Under Scrutiny Facebook is not the only technology company to have come under the scope of antitrust investigations. Alphabets GOOGL Google division, Amazon AMZN and Apple AAPL have found themselves in troubled waters. The Wall Street Journal recently reported that U.S. Justice Department and a group of state attorneys general are planning to file antitrust lawsuits against Google in the coming months. The investigation will focus on Googles alleged search bias, advertising and management of Googles Android operating system. Recently, the European Union opened a formal antitrust investigation against Apple to determine if the terms that the company imposes on app developers violate competition rules. A House Judiciary subcommittee is expected to conclude its year-long investigation into Apple, Amazon, Google and Facebook over potential antitrust practices, with a report expected shortly. Per Washington Post, on Jun 16, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Google CEO Sundar Pichai signaled they are open to testifying to Congress as part of lawmakers ongoing antitrust probe into the tech industry, while Apple has not yet explicitly agreed to send its leader. Moreover, the European Union is planning to file charges against Amazon over its treatment of third-party sellers. Today's Best Stocks from Zacks Would you like to see the updated picks from our best market-beating strategies? From 2017 through 2019, while the S&P 500 gained and impressive +53.6%, five of our strategies returned +65.8%, +97.1%, +118.0%, +175.7% and even +186.7%. This outperformance has not just been a recent phenomenon. From 2000 2019, while the S&P averaged +6.0% per year, our top strategies averaged up to +54.7% per year. See their latest picks 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 Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Apple Inc. (AAPL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Facebook, Inc. (FB) : Free Stock Analysis Report Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research LONDON Charges laid against a U.S. Army soldier linked to a satanic neo-Nazi group founded in Britain have led to renewed calls among anti-racism campaigners to ban the far-right extremist organization. A federal grand jury handed up Army Pvt. Ethan Phelan Melzer, 22, of Louisville, Kentucky, federal attempted murder charges Monday for allegedly passing along information about his unit's planned deployment overseas with the intention to get extremist groups to attack it. The group Melzer reportedly delivered the information to is the Order of Nine Angles (O9A), a fringe far-right extremist group that incites violence by spreading its ideology, particularly online. The case "should be a wake-up call to the authorities," said a spokesman for Hope Not Hate, a British anti-racism and anti-fascism advocacy group that has been calling to have the Order of Nine Angles proscribed under terrorism laws in the United Kingdom. "It's incumbent on the authorities to act before a terrorist act happens," Matthew McGregor, campaign director for Hope Not Hate, said. "We can't wait until one of these people slips through the net." The Home Office, the British government department that handles domestic policy, currently does not name the O9A in its list of banned terrorist organizations. Anyone who joins or invites support for listed organizations can face criminal charges. The Home Office would not comment on whether specific groups are being considered for a ban, a spokesperson said Tuesday. A group can be banned under the U.K.'s anti-terror laws if it "commits or participates in acts of terrorism, prepares for terrorism, promotes or encourages terrorism." The O9A was probably established in the 1960s and centered on an ideology of white supremacy and anti-Semitism that demands society to be overthrown by violence, and encourages its followers to engage in extreme violence such as murder and rape, according to Hope Not Hate. Story continues The scope of its membership and influence is unclear, according to Flashpoint Intelligence, a global security firm and NBC News consultant. A Flashpoint analyst who asked not to be named for security reasons said that for comparison, even at its peak in popularity, Atomwaffen Division, one of the most infamous far-right networks to emerge in recent years, likely did not exceed 80 full-fledged members. While the O9A used to share its propaganda through books written by its members, more recently it has used the internet and social media to reach more people, said Patrik Hermansson, a researcher on far-right extremism for Hope Not Hate. Its members who are predominantly young men aim to share the vilest, most extreme messages and images of hate, according to Hermansson. "It's very much about kind of shock factor," he said. By using platforms including the messaging app Telegram and, to a lesser extent, Instagram, the O9A is reaching younger men, including teens, in countries around the world, he said. In November, the trial of the youngest person in Britain to be convicted of plotting a terror attack at the age of 14, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was revealed to have been influenced by the O9A and other far-right groups. Image: The Order of Nine Angles symbol. The O9A doesn't have a classic organizational structure with a leader and set members, Hermansson explained. Instead, it consists of an array of smaller chapters while the administrators behind larger chat forums and social media accounts appear to switch hands frequently. "They operate in the shadows, they don't operate overtly. They've not left the kind of footprint that other organizations do," McGregor said. But there have been several cases in recent years of far-right extremists arrested by police who were discovered to have O9A materials in their homes, McGregor added. "This isn't just words on a screen." The ideologies of O9A may also be influencing other far-right groups, including the U.S.-based neo-Nazi network Atomwaffen Division, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, with its literature being shared among its members. O9A's infiltration of Atomwaffen Division in 2017 led to the splintering of the group with some members going on to establish new organizations, according to Flashpoint analysts. In March, Hope Not Hate delivered an open letter signed by members of Parliament across the political spectrum to the U.K.'s home secretary calling for O9A to be banned. The calls were also echoed by the Jewish Labour Movement a group representing the Jewish community within Britain's opposition Labour Party. Labour MP Yvette Cooper, who leads a parliamentary committee on home affairs, also called on the government to immediately review the O9A for its terrorist list. "The combination of Nazi-Satanism, extreme violence and sexual abuse makes it particularly troubling and action needs to be taken to prevent them grooming and radicalizing other people," she told the BBC in March. The British government has said the threat from right-wing terrorism is growing and most recently in February banned the group Sonnenkrieg Division a year after two of its members were jailed for encouraging an attack on Prince Harry, whom they referred to as a race traitor for marrying Meghan Markle. OAKVILLE, ON, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Burloak Technologies, a division of Samuel, Son & Co., Limited, and MDA today announced a five-year agreement to partner for additively manufactured parts and components for space-bound satellite antenna applications. Under the terms of this agreement, Burloak and MDA will collaborate to optimize the design and manufacturability of a range of antenna technologies. The joint efforts accomplished to date by MDA and Burloak have led to an increased acceptance of additively manufactured parts for the harsh space environment, an outcome that is expected to yield significant benefits to both partners. "With challenging technological needs, it's important that we find the right partner to help us fully leverage the potential of additive manufacturing for space applications. We're confident Burloak Technologies is the ideal supplier to continue supporting our efforts," said Mike Greenley, Chief Executive Officer of MDA. "This collaboration is a perfect example of partnerships that MDA develops under its LaunchPad program." "Over the last two years we have worked closely with MDA's Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue business to apply and evolve additive manufacturing to their product offerings," stated Colin Osborne, Samuel's President and Chief Executive Officer. "This collaboration has allowed us to optimize antenna designs in terms of size, mass and performance to create a new set of possibilities for the industry." MDA is an internationally recognized leader in space robotics, space sensors, satellite payloads, antennas and subsystems, surveillance and intelligence systems, defence and maritime systems, and geospatial radar imagery. About Burloak Technologies A leader in the additive manufacturing industry, Burloak Technologies provides engineering and design services for additive manufacturing, materials development, high precision CNC machining, post-processing and metrology. Burloak works with the most innovative companies in the space, aerospace, automotive and industrial markets to rapidly transition their most challenging part designs to be additively manufactured at scale. The Company is registered to AS9100D, ISO9001 and is Canada Controlled Goods Approved. For more information visit burloaktech.com. About Samuel Founded in 1855, Samuel, Son & Co., Limited, is a family-owned integrated network of metal manufacturing, processing and distribution divisions. Samuel employees provide metals, industrial products and related value-added services from locations across North America. The company leverages its industry expertise, breadth of experience and the passion of its people to help drive success for North American business one customer at a time. For more information visit samuel.com. About MDA Founded in 1969, MDA is one of Canada's most successful technology companies and an internationally recognized leader in space robotics and sensors, radar satellites and ground systems, communication satellite payloads, antennas and subsystems, surveillance and intelligence systems, defence and maritime systems and geospatial imagery products and analytics. With a deep and diverse technology base, MDA's global reach and heritage serving government and commercial space and defence markets with innovative and iconic solutions is unparalleled. MDA operates from locations in Brampton, Richmond, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Houston and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit www.mdacorporation.com. SOURCE Samuel Son & Co., Limited Related Links www.samuel.com President Donald Trump's July 3 trip to Mount Rushmore to view a firework display includes the risk of wildfires, increased cases of coronavirus and protests from Native American groups. The National Park Service stopped staging fireworks around the famous national monument in 2010 out of concern they could ignite wildfires in the nearby 1,200 acres of forest. Most of the trees in the area are ponderosa pines, which are much more prone to fire. Meanwhile, Native American groups are planning to protest the president's visit as they see the monument resting on ground stolen from their ancestors. And coronavirus cases are increasing in South Dakota as it goes through the reopening process. A firework display over Mount Rushmore - the National Park Service halted them in 2010 out of concerns about the risk of wildfires in the nearby Black Hills forests President Trump and first lady Melania Trump are scheduled to be at Mount Rushmore on Friday, July 3, to watch the firework celebration Members of the Oglala Lakota Native American tribe plan to protest the president's visit; above tribe member Chris Firethunder protested the proposed Keystone XL pipeline in South Dakota in 2014 A forest fire near Mount Rushmore - the trees in the area are ponderosa pines, which are much more prone to fire Despite all the concerns surrounding the event, Trump has wanted to stage fireworks there since 2018, The Washington Post reported, and it's all systems go. First lady Melania Trump is scheduled to join him and Republican Governor Kristi Noem at the celebration. 'Because of President Trump, fireworks are returning to Mount Rushmore for the first time since 2009 to celebrate America's birthday. The President looks forward to taking part in the Independence Day festivities, hosted by Governor Noem, and celebrating the greatest country the world has ever known capped off with a magnificent fireworks display above the great faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln,' White House deputy press secretary Judd Deere told DailyMail.com in a statement. The president's visit comes at a time the national is reeling from sickness, high levels of unemployment and social unrest. Trump has been heavily criticized for how he handled the Black Lives Matters protests that sprung up around the country in the wake of George Floyd's death. Trump, in return, has been critical of protesters that have toppled monuments around the country - many of which were Confederate officials tied to the Civil War. But the entire country is under going a reconsideration about the symbolism of monuments during this time of racial unrest. On Monday, protesters attempted to tear down the statue of President Andrew Jackson in Lafayette Square across from the White House. Law enforcement officials stopped them. The president has pushed for a return to normalcy in the country and has put several large-scale gatherings on his schedule. His first campaign rally since the pandemic struck, last Saturday in Tulsa, fell short of crowd expectations. But a student gathering in Arizona on Tuesday saw 3,000 people cheering him on - many without wearing face mask. An immediate concern for the July 3 event is the threat of fire. South Dakota is suffering from abnormally dry conditions this summer, increasing the risk for wildfires in the Black Hills area. The National Park Service completed an Environmental Assessment that evaluated the potential effects of resuming fireworks ahead of the celebration and no significant impact was found. But Bill Gabbert, former fire management officer for Mount Rushmore and six other national parks in the area, told the Argus-Leader that the fireworks were 'ill advised.' 'Burning debris, the burning embers and unexploded shells fall into a ponderosa pine forest and ponderosa pine is extremely flammable,' he said. 'Shooting fireworks over a ponderosa pine forest, or any flammable vegetation, is ill advised and should not be done. Period.' The U.S. Drought Monitor labeled nearly all of southwestern South Dakota, including most of the Black Hills area, as 'abnormally dry.' Past firework displays have caused 21 fires in the forest area surrounding the monument. Fire fighters will be standing by. The National Park Service 'has cleared and treated fuels in the immediate vicinity and will be stationing rapid response teams/assets in locations to protect the area,' Interior Department spokesman Ben Goldey told DailyMail.com. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt will join the Trumps and Noem for the celebration. Ian Fury, a spokesperson for Governor Noem, told DailyMail.com that 'we are confident that the Rushmore Fireworks celebration can be conducted safely.' He said there was a 'Go/No-Go checklist' for the event to determine safety conditions for the fireworks. 'The Go/No-Go checklist for the event was developed in collaboration with several state, local, and federal agencies. This checklist is based primarily on forecasted and current weather and fuels conditions that are used to predict fire behavior as well as the availability of fire suppression resources,' he said. And past fireworks events also left scorch marks on top of the sculpture of the four presidents at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial carved into the stone face Mount Rushmore. The sculpture's roughly 60-ft.-high granite faces depict Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. In addition to the fireworks, the even will include fighter jets thundering over the 79-year-old monument. The celebration is expected to last 18 minutes and cost $350,000. It is being paid for by state funds. Meanwhile, South Dakota saw its daily rate of infections for the coronavirus double this week with more than 6,400 positive cases in the state. Around 7,500 people are expected to show up to watch the fireworks display. The state held a lottery to distribute tickets. 'All participants may be subject to health screening requirements,' was the warning listed on the lottery's webpage. The page says nothing about wearing a face mask or observing social distancing protocols. Past firework celebrations have caused 21 wildfires to break out in the Black Hill surrounding Mount Rushmore; fire fighters will be standing by for the July 3 event South Dakota has had dry weather this year, increasing the risk for wildfires in the Black Hills area - a past forest fire in seen the picture above President Donald Trump, seen speaking at last year's July 4th celebration on the National Mall, pushed for the firework display at Mount Rushmore The planned fireworks are also drawing sharp criticism from Native Americans who view the monument as a desecration of land violently stolen from them and used to pay homage to leaders hostile to native people. Several groups led by Native American activists are planning protests for the president's July 3 visit. Many Native American activists say the Rushmore memorial is as reprehensible as the many Confederate monuments being toppled around the nation. 'Mount Rushmore is a symbol of white supremacy, of structural racism thats still alive and well in society today,' said Nick Tilsen, a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe and the president of a local activist organization called NDN Collective. 'It's an injustice to actively steal Indigenous peoples land then carve the white faces of the conquerors who committed genocide.' While some activists, like Tilsen, want to see the monument removed altogether and the Black Hills returned to the Lakota, others have called for a share in the economic benefits from the region and the tourists it attracts. Trump has long shown a fascination with Mount Rushmore. Governor Noem said in 2018 that he had once told her straight-faced it was his dream to have his face carved into the monument. He later joked at a campaign rally about getting enshrined alongside the other presidents And while it was Noem, a Republican, who pushed for a return of the fireworks on the eve of Independence Day, Trump joined the effort and committed to visiting South Dakota for the celebration. After 2009, the risk of wildfire in the Black Hills became too high and the park service stopped hosting fireworks. At that time, a mountain pine beetle infestation in the area killed thousands of trees and created a high level of dry fuels that increased the risk factor. The beetle infestation was declared over in 2016 and that led to a call to bring back the fireworks. Fireworks light up the sky over Mount Rushmore on July 3, 2005 A scene from the July 3, 2004 celebration Native American groups are planning to protest the president's visit as they see the monument existing on land stolen from their ancestors The monument, featuring the four presidents carved into the mountain with dynamite and drills, are known as the 'shrine to democracy.' The presidents were chosen by sculptor Gutzon Borglum for their leadership during four phases of American development: Washington led the birth of the nation; Jefferson sparked its westward expansion; Lincoln preserved the union and emancipated slaves; Roosevelt championed industrial innovation. And yet, for many Native American people, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, Omaha, Arapaho, Kiowa and Kiowa-Apache, the monument is a desecration to the Black Hills, which they consider sacred. Lakota people know the area as Paha Sapa - 'the heart of everything that is.' As monuments to Confederate and colonial leaders have been removed across U.S. cities, conservatives have expressed concern that Mount Rushmore could be next. Commentator Ben Shapiro this week suggested that the 'woke historical revisionist priesthood' wanted to blow up the monument. Noem responded by tweeting, 'Not on my watch.' Tim Giago, a journalist who is a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe, said he doesn't see four great American leaders when he looks at the monument, but instead four white men who either made racist remarks or initiated actions that removed Native Americans from their land. Washington and Jefferson both held slaves. Lincoln, though he led the abolition of slavery, also approved the hanging of 38 Dakota men in Minnesota after a violent conflict with white settlers there. Roosevelt is reported to have said, 'I don't go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of every ten are.' The monument has long been a 'Rorschach test,' said John Taliaferro, author of 'Great White Fathers,' a history of the monument. 'All sorts of people can go there and see it in different ways.' The monument often starts conversations on the paradox of American democracy - that a republic that promoted the ideals of freedom, determination and innovation also enslaved people and drove others from their land, he said. 'If we're having this discussion today about what American democracy is, Mount Rushmore is really serving its purpose because that conversation goes on there,' he said. 'Is it fragile? Is it permanent? Is it cracking somewhat?' The monument was conceived in the 1920s as a tourist draw for the new fad in vacationing called the road trip. South Dakota historian Doane Robinson recruited Borglum, one of the preeminent sculptors at the time, to abandon his work creating the Stone Mountain Confederate Memorial in Georgia, which was to feature Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and Stonewall Jackson. Borglum was a member of the Ku Klux Klan, according to Mount Rushmore historian and writer Tom Griffith. Borglum joined the Klan to raise money for the Confederate memorial, and Griffith argues his allegiance was more practical than ideological. He left that project and instead spent years in South Dakota completing Mount Rushmore. Native American activists have long staged protests at the site to raise awareness among the history of the Black Hills, which were taken from them despite treaties with the United States protecting the land. Fifty years ago this summer a group of activists associated with an organization called United Native Americans climbed to the top of the monument and occupied it. Quanah Brightman, who now runs United Native Americans, said the activism in the 1970s grew out of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. He hopes a similar movement for Native Americans comes from the Black Lives Matter movement. 'What people find here is the story of America - it's multidimensional, it's complex,' Griffith said. 'Its important to understand it was people just trying to do right as best they knew it then.' Summary "Middle East and Africa Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2020" offers comprehensive information about the renewable energy policies of the Middle East and African countries. New York, June 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Middle East and Africa Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2020" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p03833659/?utm_source=GNW The report provides a clear overview of the regulatory framework, plans, programs and incentives initiated by the individual countries to promote renewable energy sources. It provides information regarding the financial incentives, renewable energy auctions, net-metering, renewable targets and other plans implemented by the government or utilities of seventeen countries- Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ghana, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Syrian Arab Republic, Tanzania, and UAE. The report uses information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research, associations, and annual reports. Scope - The report covers policy measures and incentives used by Middle East and Africa to promote renewable energy. - The report details promotional measures in United Kingdom both for the overall renewable energy industry and for specific renewable energy technologies that have potential in the country. Reasons to Buy The report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner. It will allow you to - - Develop business strategies with the help of specific insights about policy decisions being taken for different renewable energy sources. - Identify opportunities and challenges in exploiting various renewable technologies. - Compare the level of support provided to different renewable energy technologies in the country. - Be ahead of competition by keeping yourself abreast of all the latest policy changes. Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p03833659/?utm_source=GNW About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Story continues CONTACT: Clare: clare@reportlinker.com US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 Jenny Slate and Kristen Bell will no longer voice biracial characters in Big Mouth and Central Park, respectively. Both actresses referenced their casting as examples of white privilege in announcing they were stepping down. The parts of Missy on Big Mouth and Molly on Central Park will be recast with Black or mixed race actors, the animated series creators said. In a statement posted to Instagram Wednesday, Slate explained that she had stepped down from the role of Missy on Netflixs Big Mouth because her original reasoning for signing on to voice the character was flawed and an example of white privilege. At the start of the show, I reasoned with myself that it was permissible to play Missy because her mom is Jewish and White as am I, Slate wrote. But Missy is also Black, and Black characters on an animated show should be played by Black people. She apologized for engaging in an act of erasure of Black people. Big Mouth creators Nick Kroll, Andrew Goldberg, Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett issued a statement supporting Slates decision and said they would recast the role with a Black actor. We sincerely apologize for and regret our original decision to cast a white actor to voice a biracial character, they wrote. We are proud of the representation Missy has offered cerebral, sensitive women of colour, and we plan to continue that representation and further grow Missys character as we cast a new Black actor to play her. Bell also announced Wednesday that she would be stepping away from the role of Molly in Central Park on Apple TV+. Playing the character of Molly on Central Park shows a lack of awareness of my pervasive privilege, Bell wrote in an Instagram post. Casting a mixed race character with a white actress undermines the specificity of the mixed race and Black American experience. Central Park creator Loren Bouchard, who previously defended casting Bell in the role, apologized on Twitter for getting this decision wrong originally. In a joint statement, the Central Park team announced its plans to cast a Black or mixed race actress to give Molly a voice that resonates with all of the nuance and experiences of the character as weve drawn her. Questions about white actors voicing animated characters of colour are not new. Earlier this year, The Simpsons actor Hank Azaria announced he would no longer voice the character Apu after years of criticism levied against the long-running show and its stereotypical depiction of the immigrant Indian character..com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (CNN) The US told Russia that that there is no reason for the Trump administration to carry out a nuclear weapons test "at this time," during nuclear negotiations in Vienna this week, but reserved the right to conduct one if they see a need to do so. "We made very clear, as we have from the moment we adopted a testing moratorium in 1992, that we maintain and will maintain the ability to conduct nuclear tests if we see any reason to do so, whatever that reason may be," said Marshall Billingslea, the top US envoy for nuclear negotiations, as he spoke to reporters on Wednesday. "But that said, I am unaware of any particular reason to test at this stage." The top nuclear negotiator said the Russians had asked him about the possibility of a US nuclear test during their meetings, based on a media report about a test being discussed by US officials last month. "I won't shut the door on it, because why would we," Billingslea said. President Donald Trump has made it a priority to strike a nuclear deal with China and Russia. Despite Trump claiming the Chinese have cited interest in participating, Beijing has repeatedly turned down invitations to take part in the discussions. The US failed to convince China to attend nuclear talks this week in Vienna. Billingslea said it was "regrettable" that they did not attend and said that Beijing has an "obligation" to negotiate. "It is incumbent on the Chinese upon themselves to recognize that they have an obligation to negotiate with us and the Russians in good faith. And we intend to hold them to that obligation," Billingslea said. Billingslea said the US has briefed other nations on US intelligence regarding China's nuclear program. He would not give details but predicted a "tidal wave" of growing international pressure on China to join the negotiations. "China cannot be allowed to completely derail and upend the strategic stability and security that was achieved over many, many decades of arms control negotiations and agreements," Billingslea said. "But yet that is precisely what they are threatening to do with their buildup." China is engaged in a "rapid buildup" with its crash nuclear program aimed at achieving "nuclear parity" with the US and Russia, Billingslea claimed. China currently has far fewer nuclear weapons than the stockpiles of the cold war foes. The US and Russia both have at least 5,000 nuclear warheads while it is estimated that China only has about 320, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The Trump administration has recently focused on developing some new nuclear weapons. The US military deployed a new submarine-launched low-yield nuclear weapon earlier this year, the first new US nuclear weapon in decades. The weapon was called for in the Trump administration's 2018 Nuclear Posture Review, which warned that adversaries might believe they could use a smaller nuclear weapon against the US or its allies without fear of the US launching a nuclear retaliation due to American weapons being disproportionately more destructive. The Pentagon sees the weapon development as critical to countering the threat posed by Russia's arsenal of smaller tactical nukes. But the rhetoric from Trump administration officials continues to focus on China. In Vienna, Billingslea tweeted photos of the Chinese flags at the negotiating table in front of vacant seats even though there was no expectation that the Chinese would attend the talks, and despite Russians being opposed to the move which the Chinese called "performance art." "The point was made that unfortunately China stood us all up and that is regrettable," Billingslea said, adding that the US brought flags from all three nations to the meetings. The Trump administration has pulled out of a number of nuclear agreements with Russia in the last few years. The New START Treaty, the last legally binding agreement limiting US and Russian nuclear arsenals, is still in place but is set to expire in less than a year. The US would be open to extending the treaty for less than the 5 years but calling it an "antiquated cold war construct" Billingslea said the US would only do that if there was progress on getting China to the table. He added there could be another round of talks at the end of July or beginning of August, and said he hoped China would attend. This story was first published on CNN.com 'Trump administration says it won't carry out a nuclear weapons test 'at this time'' Parts of Accra were hit with an earth tremor yesterday, June 24. The geographical incident, occurred last night around 11:00 PM, sending shivers down the spines of sleepy Ghanaians who felt the rare and scary experience including Ghanaian rapper, Sarkodie. The rapper who is currently on governments mandatory quarantine after returning to Ghana a few days ago with his family, which includes his newborn son, took to social media to share his scary experience. In a video posted by Sarkodie, a piece of furniture fixed against the wall at his base loosen up with a part fallen off. He captioned the video Shh got real when we saw this .... Watch the video below with the reaction from fans of the rapper. Shh got real when we saw this ... pic.twitter.com/ZsF4FKsnyy Sarkodie (@sarkodie) June 24, 2020 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Attempts to draw political inferences from irrigation channel water supply from Bhutan to villages in Assam being hampered have been shunned by the local Bhutanese administration. On account of the Covid pandemic and Bhutan's attempts to prevent community transfer, paddy farmers in Baksa district of Assam who have been using water flowing from a man-made irrigation system also known as dong since 1953 have been unable to do so this year, causing them to stage a protest under the banner of Kalipur-Bogajuli-Kalanadi Anchalik Dong Bandh Samiti, seeking that the Centre take up the issue. However, in light of this, the local Bhutanese mayor has issued a post with an explanation that there is more than the 21-day mandatory Covid quarantine getting in the way of attempts to provide the requisite water across the border. READ | 'India's arsenal not meant for hatching eggs': Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury READ | Emergency mindset remains in Congress; non Gandhi-Vadra netas unable to speak up: Shah While Bhutan has imposed a mandatory 21-day quarantine even for its own citizens upon entering the kingdom, this has also had the effect of preventing the Indian farmers from doing so for their agricultural needs. The local Bhutan government had initially agreed to continue the water supply through the dongs, but this has turned out to be harder than anticipated owing to the sudden monsoon rainfall which has caused damage to the irrigation system. Bhutan's Tshering Namgyel, has put up pictures that shows the damage to the system, which is clearly inundated. Locals can be seen attempting to build makeshift levees, with the use of sacks and large stones. What appears to be the mechanism that is used to divert the water towards India for three months a year is also visible, as are other embankments. Attached is a friendly message asking the Indian farmers to 'understand', under the header 'Neighbourhood First'. READ | Uddhav govt warns Ramdev over Patanjali's Coronil; won't allow sale till clinically proven READ | Coronavirus Live Updates Former Vice President Joe Biden tore into the Trump administration's efforts to scrap the Affordable Care Act on Thursday as the coronavirus overwhelms states that rushed to reopen their economies. In swing state Pennsylvania, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee said dismantling the landmark Obama administration health care law would further burden Americans recovering from Covid-19. The remarks come as the Trump administration faces a deadline to file a legal brief in support of a lawsuit challenging Obamacare's constitutionality. Democrats leveraged opposition to Republican attempts to repeal Obamacare in winning control of the House in 2018, and planned to deploy the same strategy this year even before the pandemic ripped through the country. Now, Biden is tying the possible loss of health insurance for millions to Trump's inability to contain the virus, arguing it would worsen an already inadequate federal response. "They would live their lives caught in a vise between Donald Trump's twin legacies: his failure to protect the American people from the coronavirus, and his heartless crusade to take health-care protections away from American families," Biden said of Covid-19 patients who could lose coverage if Obamacare is declared unconstitutional and complications from the pandemic get classified as a pre-existing condition. "Mr. President, drop the lawsuit. Stop trying to get rid of the Affordable Care Act," he added. He later said that, "If Donald Trump refuses to end his senseless crusade against health coverage, I look forward to ending it for him." The ICSE board had earlier decided to conduct its pending examinations from 2 to 12 July across the state after they could not be held in March. The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has told the Supreme Court today that it is ready to cancel the remaining ICSE (class 10) and ISC (Class 12) board examinations. According to news agency ANI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the apex court of CISCEs decision, adding that the board has, however, not agreed to give the option to students to write the exam later. A report by NDTV mentions that the Class 10 and Class 12 students will be promoted on the basis of internal assessment marks. The board is yet to announce details for the same. The Maharashtra government on Wednesday told the Bombay High Court that the Indian School Certificate Examination (ICSE) board cannot be permitted to conduct its pending standard 10 and 12 exams in July in view of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The ICSE board had earlier decided to conduct its pending examinations from 2 to 12 July across the state after they could not be held in March due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has already decided to cancel Class 10 and 12 exams that were scheduled from 1 to 15 July. According to Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the CBSE class 12 exams will be held for students who opt for it, as soon as "conditions will be conducive." Apart from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu too conveyed inability to conduct the examinations. As on 25 June, India has recorded over 4 lakh seventy thousand cases of coronavirus with over 14,000 people succumbing to the disease. RTHK: Thailand protesters mark end of absolute monarchy Political activists from several groups across Thailand staged peaceful protests around the country on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of the 1932 revolt which ended the absolute monarchy in the country. The demonstrations come as more Thais are speaking out against a military-dominated political system and as monuments to the establishment of democracy have been disappearing from public spaces. The 1932 revolt, led by a group of civilian bureaucrats and military officers known as the People's Party, has in recent years emerged as a symbolic date for pro-democracy groups. Thailand was under military rule for five years until an election last year that kept former junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha in power in a vote that opposition parties said was rigged. Prayuth and Thai courts reject claims the election was manipulated. At one of the protests at Bangkok's Democracy Monument, 30-40 activists played a large-screen video re-enacting the speech made by People's Party leaders after they toppled the government of King Prajadhipok and ushered in Thailand's first constitution. "Eighty-eight years ago today around dawn, the People's Party seized power and changed the system of governance to a democracy," said pro-democracy activist Anon Nampa. At another protest planned at parliament, another group of activists will demand amendments to the current constitution written by the recent junta. "We want to use the revolt anniversary to make our point about the problematic nature of the current constitution drafted by the military," said Anusorn Unno of the Committee Campaigning for a People's Constitution. Police say they are monitoring protests in at least 12 provinces. Thailand has banned large public gatherings during the coronavirus emergency, but authorities did not block the demonstrations. In remarks on Tuesday, Prayuth did not directly address the protests, but he told people "dont violate the monarchy and dont violate the law." While Thailand is officially a constitutional monarchy, King Maha Vajiralongkorn wields immense power and insulting him is a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison. (Reuters) This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The search operation turned into an encounter after militants fired upon a search party of the forces. Srinagar: Two unidentified militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Sopore area of Baramulla district in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, police said. Security forces launched a cordon and search operation at Hardshiva in Sopore area in north Kashmir Thursday morning after receiving specific information about the presence of militants in the area, a police official said. He said the search operation turned into an encounter after militants fired upon a search party of the forces, who then retaliated. Two militants have been killed so far, the official said, adding that the operation was still in progress. The United States has unveiled new sanctions against the Iranian metallurgical sector, blacklisting several companies, including domestic and foreign subsidiaries of the country's main steel producer. The Treasury Department said on June 25 that the sanctioned entities included four manufacturing companies and four sales agents as part of a crackdown on entities believed to fund Iran's "destabilizing behavior" worldwide. The United States "remains committed to isolating key sectors of the Iranian economy until the revenues from such sectors are refocused toward the welfare of the Iranian people," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. The sanctions freeze any U.S. assets held by the companies and generally prohibit Americans from dealing with them. The move is part of U.S. effort to slash Iranian revenues since President Donald Trump withdrew in May 2018 from a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers. The new U.S. sanctions target one domestic and four foreign subsidiaries -- operating in either Germany or the United Arab Emirates -- of Iran's Mobarakeh Steel Company, which Treasury said accounts for about 1 percent of Irans gross domestic product. Mobarakeh Steel Company was blacklisted in 2018 for allegedly providing millions of dollars annually to an entity with close ties to Iran's paramilitary Basij force, which is controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). Also targeted were three aluminum, steel, and iron producers in Iran, which Treasury said contributed to billions of dollars in sales and exports of Iranian metals every year. A company which the Treasury said had addresses in China and Hong Kong was also sanctioned for allegedly transferring graphite to a blacklisted Iranian entity in 2019. With reporting by AFP By Express News Service CHENNAI: The State government has included a new package for treatment of critical and non-critical care for Covid-19 cases covered under the new Health Insurance Scheme for government employees and pensioners. For non-critical care, the government had initially sanctioned Rs 5 crore towards corpus fund for government employees and Rs 2.5 crore towards corpus fund for pensioners. For critical cases, the United India Insurance Company Limited can make payments to empanelled hospitals as per the recommended rates already fixed by the government. A Government Order said the empanelled hospitals should not collect any amount in excess to the amount that has been prescribed. Government employees and pensioners who have already taken treatment for non-critical Covid care in empanelled hospitals from March 1 till date can submit their claims for reimbursement. Meanwhile, the New Health Insurance Scheme, 2016, for government employees, which is to expire on June 30, has been extended for a period of another year, from July 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, with assistance capped at Rs 4 lakh for families of all insured employees and at Rs 7.5 lakh for specified illnesses, as per existing terms and conditions of agreement made with the United India Insurance Company Limited. Scheme extended till June 30, 2021 The New Health Insurance Scheme, 2016, for government employees, which is set to expire on June 30, has been extended till June 30, 2021, with assistance capped at Rs 4 lakh for families of all insured employees and at Rs 7.5 lakh for specified illnesses. WASHINGTON Texas U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz and John Cornyn are urging the Trump administration not to pull federal support from four testing sites in Harris County, saying its a risk that is not worth taking as coronavirus cases surge. The pushback from the two Republican senators and Trump allies amplifies the outcry against the administrations plan to stop providing funding and resources to seven testing sites in Texas at the end of the month. The sites administer thousands of tests per day and include two that are considered the backbone of the city of Houstons testing effort. Officials from the city, the state Legislature and Congress are also asking the White House to reconsider. CATASTROPHIC CONSEQUENCES: Lawmakers protest as feds pull support from 4 Harris County COVID testing sites Now is not the time to end federal support of a program that is working and successfully increasing testing capacity especially for underserved communities in the state, Cornyn and Cruz wrote in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar and Federal Emergency Management Agency chief Pete Gaynor. The federally supported sites at Butler and Delmar Stadiums are by far the citys largest, administering up to 500 tests each per day. The two Harris County sites at the San Jacinto College campus in Pasadena and Pridgeon Stadium administer around 750 tests each per day. All four federally support sites have been reaching capacity by 1 p.m., officials said. The Trump administration has long planned to end federal support for the sites, which officials say are part of a now antiquated program the federal government is moving away from as it works to expand testing options. They also point out that the federal government has provided billions to help state testing efforts, and say state and local officials can use that funding to keep the sites going. TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox Assistant HHS Secretary Brett Giroir on Wednesday said he spoke personally with state leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas Department of State Health Services Commissioner John Hellerstedt and Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, about the sites, and they made it clear they were very happy to take this under state control. He said the federal government is pulling support from similar sites across the nation and one state shouldnt have more than their fair share. Cruz and Cornyn wrote that they are confident that that the State of Texas and local governments are capable of assuming control of the drive-through sites without interruption, but due to the recent rise of COVID-19 cases in Texas, cities need additional time to prepare for the transition to state and local control of the testing sites. In the last two weeks, daily new cases, the overall positivity rate, and hospitalizations in Texas have all increased. Some of the states largest cities where these CBTS sites are located are experiencing single-day records of new cases, they wrote. This is a risk that is not worth taking at this time. ben.wermund@chron.com Ministers are planning a 'starburst' of photo opps at beaches, pubs, shops and hairdressers in a bid to persuade Brits to return to normal life when lockdown eases - despite evidence that the public is already voting with its feet. A leaked document shows the government is preparing a 20million advertising blitz from next week to overcome coronaphobia as England unwinds the lockdown strangling the economy. The 'Welcome Back!' campaign includes posters appealing for customers to go out and spend 'safely', while Boris Johnson, Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Priti Patel could stage visits with their families to underline the message that the country is open for business. Heritage brands are also being enlisted to set up 'viral' images at landmarks such as the Angel of the North. But evidence from towns and the coast over the past couple of days suggests the initiative might be preaching to the converted, with extraordinary images of packed beachers and al fresco bars. The plan was revealed in a paper drawn up by government comms chief Alex Aiken, titled 'Summer Consumer Confidence Campaign', and seen by MailOnline. The briefing note included a series of designs for posters, described as still 'under development'. They depict happy people in various bars, restaurants and art galleries. Government sources say the images have evolved since it was written Catchlines on the example posters include 'welcome back to ice tea in the sun', and a barbecue scene saying 'let's enjoy beaches safely' Boris Johnson (pictured visiting Westfield shopping centre earlier this month) has announced that most of the hospitality sector - including pubs, restaurants, hotels and campsites - will be allowed to open from July 4 amid fears that millions of jobs are on the line A packed Bournemouth beach yesterday afternoon after the heatwave brought thousands of people out to the seaside Boris Johnson announced earlier this week that most of the hospitality sector - including pubs, restaurants, hotels and campsites - will be allowed to open from July 4 amid fears that millions of jobs are on the line. But the document, dated June 18, concedes that public fear is a major obstacle to resuming trade. It quotes polling that just 17 per cent of adults feel very/fairly confident in taking a domestic trip July or August. 'The Cabinet Office and No10 Campaigns team propose running a short, sharp summer campaign directly aimed at stimulating UK-wide consumer spend and shifting the public mindset, assuring them that they can enjoy themselves, be safe and go back to pubs and shops,' the paper said. 'It will be a 'Welcome Back'' moment, inviting the British public to ''Enjoy Summer Safely''.' The campaign aims to 'inspire consumers to make use of these new freedoms and reconnect with old activities in a safe way'. In a nod to splits with Scotland and Wales over the speed of loosening lockdown, it says the marketing blitz could be a 'moment for unity' as it will be delivered across the UK, unlike Mr Johnson's previous 'Stay Alerty' messaging. The target is for a boost to spending and footfall of 5-15 per cent, as well as higher business confidence. According to the proposals, the 'Welcome Back' and 'Enjoy Summer Safely' slogans have been 'chosen for their positivity, and ability to incorporate safety'. 'We will harness talent, celebrities, influencers alongside our press partnership to create high profile PR moments reminding us that we can safely enjoy doing the things we've missed,' the document said. 'It will be essential to tap into consumer's desire to support local businesses who have been the worst hit.' The PM and Chancellor will hold a round table with business leaders next week to unveil the campaign, under the blueprint. Officials will help 'CEO attendees come prepared with a plan for how their business can help promote ''Enjoy Summer Safely'''. 'The roundtable would also act as the launch moment for the partnership fund aimed at increasing regional consumer and business confidence through the local delivery of Enjoy Summer Safely,' it said. A 'ministerial starbust' would then see a slew of them 'coming out in support of the consumer confidence campaign and visiting a range of newly-open companies across the UK during the summer months, helping to support the levelling up agenda'. On the weekend of July 4-5 there will be a 'cross-government drumbeat of ministers visiting pubs/restaurants/hairdressers etc in their local area and recording this through their personal social media channels as well as working with regional media'. Chancellor Rishi Sunak (pictured visiting a Waterstone's bookshop earlier this month) is set to play a major role in the campaign People enjoy the sunshine at a park in Manchester city centre this morning as the mini-heatwave continues across Britain People enjoy the water at Warleigh Weir on the River Avon near Bath in Somerset yesterday as temperatures soar Spelling out more about the role for politicians, the document suggested the PM, Chancellor and Home Secretary take part in a 'reportage-style' photo op with their families - something Mr Johnson, who has a new baby with fiancee Carrie Symonds, is famously unwilling to do. This could include 'visiting a beach, a pub for Sunday lunch or a tearoom in their local area that is special to them and linked to where they live or their constituency'. 'This wouldn't be considered as an official ministerial visit, but rather as a family activity, with any coverage in a natural, reportage-style,' the document said. The plan also said 'heritage' brands would be asked to play a significant role, creating photo opportunities at landmarks such as the Angel of the North. 'We could encourage legacy and heritage brands, e.g. HP Sauce, Colmans etc., to embrace the campaign and make this region-centric, using English landmarks (e.g. Greenwich Park or the Angel of the North) to create a physical manifestation of the campaign (e.g. demarcating social distancing bubbles and capturing them with beautiful imagery to use as spearhead images that have potential to go viral and can be used internationally),' the paper said. The document included a series of designs for posters, while noting that they are still 'under development'. They depict happy people in various bars, restaurants and art galleries. Pubs are preparing to reopen on July 4 - but the experience is set to be very different amid continuing coronavirus restrictions IMF forecasts released yesterday suggest that UK GDP is set to plunge by more than 10 per cent this year Catchlines include 'welcome back to ice tea in the sun', and a barbecue scene saying 'let's enjoy beaches safely'. Government sources indicated that the designs have evolved since the briefing was prepared. The campaign is slated to runs for six weeks, funded with 10million from Cabinet Office and another 10million for local partnerships. The proposals urge a tie-up with 'influencers' to help 'create dynamic, shareable content' that can 'further amplify the campaign messaging'. But the document admitted that the marketing drive does bring a series of 'risks', including that 'government may be accused of putting the economy before people's safety'. 'Our campaign addresses this, ensuring that the tone is enthusiastic, but reassures through promotion of safety measures,' the paper said. 'A launch which brings together the PM and senior Ministers with retailers supporting a safe return would land the idea that there is a plan and agreement across government that it is safe and responsible to return.' The R rate is also listed as a potential issue. 'It remains a possibility that the easing of restrictions sees an increase in the R rate, meaning the campaign would have to be put on hold. In this case, we can flex and move back to previous more cautious ''Stay Alert'' messaging as appropriate.' Ireland will move to Phase Three of the easing of lockdown restrictions from Monday, Leo Varadkar has confirmed. The Government says Phase Three of the plan for reopening the country will kick in from June 29. Foreign travel to certain countries from July 9 has also been also approved by Cabinet. Air bridges will be established between countries with similarly low infection rates from that date, enabling people to travel without undergoing quarantine. Families will be able to meet up while a list of countries for travel from which quarantining is not necessary will be published next month. Ministers also agreed to make the Read More: The Government said "a wide range of businesses and services can now open or recommence from Monday including: Adult education facilities, creches, pre-schools, summer camps and youth clubs Museums, galleries, theatres, cinemas and other cultural outlets Religious buildings and places of worship Wellbeing services like massage therapy, chiropractors, hairdressers and beauty salons Driving schools and driving testing The hospitality sector including cafes and restaurants, pubs and hotel bars serving food, hotels and holiday parks. A Government statement said: "Up to 50 people can gather indoors and up to 200 outdoors, providing social distancing and public health advice is adhered to. "Phase 4 is expected to commence on July 20, subject to Government approval. At that point pubs, bars, hotel bars and casinos may reopen, with the number of people permitted at outdoor gatherings rising to 500, and 100 indoors." Mr Varadkar praised the Irish people for the efforts they have gone to in battling the virus. "Our country has suffered greatly. Our mental health has been eroded. Some people became sick, many more were sick with worry," he said. "People lost their jobs and were anxious about their livelihoods and their futures. We worried about family, we worried about friends, we worried about ourselves. This has not been an easy time for any of us, but we have come through it as a country. We must now try and repair the damage that has been done, across all parts of our lives, and show the same solidarity in doing so. "I believe that if we show the same courage, the same determination, and the same care for each other, we will overcome these new challenges as well." Mr Varadkar added that air bridges were established between countries with similar incidence rates of the virus. The risk of it being imported into the country is no higher than from one county to another. He predicted they would see new outbreaks or spikes but it was unlikely they would all be related to international air travel. The Fine Gael leader reiterated his pledge to keep the border with Northern Ireland open. He said Great Britain had a relatively high infection rate but there was some time left for improvements before a decision was made on whether to form an air bridge with it. Health Minister Simon Harris said families would once again be able to meet up. He said: It is going to be a week of intense emotions and intense joy. He reiterated that people were responsible for curbing the spread of the virus. He said the country was returning to a new normality. The news comes as it was announced that Read More: It brings the death toll in Ireland to 1,727. The Department of Health has also announced that there have been 11 new confirmed cases of the virus in the country. There are now 25,405 cases of the virus in the country. Earlier today, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) met to review Irelands ongoing response and preparedness to Covid-19. "NPHET noted today that over a third of new cases in the past 14 days are under 35 years of age," said Cheif Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan. "It also noted a number of EU countries reported an increase in new cases. 7% of cases notified in Ireland over the past fortnight have been associated with travel. NPHET expressed a clear view that overseas travel poses a risk to importation of the disease and to further transmission in Ireland. The ECDC has recently warned that the pandemic is not over. Ireland has made significant gains in suppressing Covid-19. Our task over the coming weeks and months is maintaining these gains. - additional reporting from Press Association ONEKAMA For the first time in living memory, the Manistee County Fair has been canceled. Officials called off the 2020 fair out of concern for the well-being of fair-goers and volunteers, according to fair board president, John Schimke. We have to be mindful of public safety and public health, Schimke said. We dont want to have a venue where other people come up from infected areas and cause an outbreak. We dont want to have that in our area. The fair boards decision was announced in a post Tuesday morning on the groups Facebook page. Concerns for public safety in regards to the pandemic was a great concern. The fair board will take this opportunity to continue with much needed improvements to the grounds, so next years fair will be better, the board said in the post. The annual event in Onekama was scheduled for Aug. 16-22. During a June 16 meeting, the Manistee County Board of Commissioners issued a formal recommendation that this years fair should not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic. County board chair Jeff Dontz said the board felt it was the prudent thing not to hold the fair this year, due in part to liabilities stemming from the potential risk to fair-goers. If the fair board did attempt to go through with it, we wanted to see what their comprehensive COVID-19 plan would be, Dontz said. Dontz describes the relationship between the Manistee County Board of Commissioners and the Manistee County Fair Board as a unique situation, between the two autonomous boards. While Manistee County provides some funding to the fair board and owns the fairgrounds in Onekama, the fair board maintains the grounds and organizes the annual county fair, Dontz said. County commissioner Pauline Jaquish serves as a non-voting member of the volunteer fair board, and acts as a liaison with the county government. Schimke said the fair board nixed the annual event following recommendations made by the county commissioners, and other public officials. We were working very hard on trying to have the fair this year. We said we would continue to hold the fair this year until a higher power told us not to, Schimke said. We were informed by the District 10 Health Department, the county sheriff, (and) the Department of Health and (Human Services), that all were in agreement to cancel the fair. With some expenses already made for this years county fair, Schimke said that revenue lost from canceling the event could affect future celebrations. It will have a damper on our finances, he said. We rely on the fair to keep rolling through till the next year, so were going to have to see where we have to cut some things. Despite this, Schimke said that fair board members are already preparing for the 2021 fair. Were going to start working right away for next years fair and try to build that one bigger, he said. We have more time now. More details on next years county fair will be announced. The next meeting of the Manistee County Fair Board will be held July 7. The Manistee County Fair is the latest in a growing number of festivals in the region to be canceled due to COVID-19. Officials with the Northwestern Michigan Fair in Traverse City announced June 12 that this years festivities would be reduced to a virtual fair and animal sale for the 4-H youth. We were waiting on some of the bigger communities, like Mason County and Traverse City to make a decision, Schimke said. Traverse City made their announcement last week that they were canceling their fair for the 2020 season. If a large community with a lot of support cant manage to get through this, then I know our small community is going to have a tough time. Schimke said the fair is important, given the regions agricultural heritage. He said the decision to cancel this years fair will come as a blow to young 4-H participants. Weve got kids that are in 4-H, that have worked all year and had projects going this year for the fair and theyre not going to be able to showcase them, he said. Its a great disappointment to everyone, myself included, that we could not provide this for our community. Last month, Michigan 4-H canceled or postponed all face-to-face youth events until at least Sept. 1. At this point, due to the novel coronavirus, we will not be having a 4-H presence at the fair this year in person, Jennifer Berkey, of the MSU Extension Service, told the News Advocate. We are not encouraging any of our 4-H youth or leaders to participate in an in-person fair event because of health-related concerns. The fair is proceeding as they would like to proceed. So it turns out the federal government sent more than 1 million coronavirus relief payments to dead people. Thats according to a report released Thursday by the Government Accountability Office, which earned some breathless coverage from the Washington Post describing the revelation as a problem of astonishing scope. In fact, its anything but. The IRS has sent out more than 160 million economic impact payments, worth $269.3 billion since Congress passed the CARES Act in March. Out of all those direct deposits, checks, and debit cards, the GAO says that 1.1 millionor 0.4 percent of the total, worth about $1.4 billionwent to individuals who are deceased. We are quite literally talking about a rounding error that appears to have been the product of Washingtons efforts to get money to Americans as quickly as possible in the middle of an economic and public health disaster. The Post writes, The report makes clear how, in the mad dash to pass legislation to prop up an economy in free-fall in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic, mistakes were made. But even calling this a mistake is a stretch, given that the alternative was to slow down the process of delivering much-needed aid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres what appears to have happened. The IRS was required to send stimulus payments out to Americans based on the information contained in either their 2018 or 2019 tax returns. According to the GAO, the IRSs lawyers determined that it did not have legal authority to deny payments to those who filed a return for 2019, even if they were deceased at the time of payment. Technically, they could have used the Social Security Administrations death records to double-check whether people who filed a tax return for 2018, but not 2019, were still alive. But they decided not to for the sake of speed. This approach wasnt even without precedent. To fulfill the CARES Acts mandate to deliver payments as rapidly as possible, the GAO explains, Treasury officials said Treasury and IRS used many of the operational policies and procedures developed in 2008 for the stimulus payments, and therefore did not use the death records as a filter to halt payments to decedents in the first three batches of payments. Eventually, the Treasury and IRS reversed course and concluded that, actually, they did have the legal power to deny checks to dead people, and started verifying that recipients were alive in their fourth batch of payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the Richter scale of public policy failures, this one barely registers; I am pretty sure the republic is going to survive if a few widows got a preloaded debit card with $1,200 that was meant for their dead husbands. But the GAO is a government watchdog that exists to root out things like improper payments and thinks the government could have gone to greater lengths to prevent them, and should make more of an effort to get the money back. It says that so far, the agency has put a message on its website urging people to return any payments that were sent out to the deceased but not much else. Advertisement Advertisement The real headline here should really be that the government did its job pretty well. When Congress passed the CARES Act, many were worried about how quickly the government could actually get money out the door. But within two weeks, the IRS had managed to deliver 80 million payments electronically. Its speed is part of the reason that poorer households were able to start spending normally again by May despite an unemployment rate rivaling the Great Depressions. Advertisement The fact that the Post is instead treating this topic like a small scandal reflects a broader problem with how some news organizations have covered the governments response to the coronavirus. Instead of focusing on the broad policy questions about whether programs were helping the economy as intended, many news outlets have focused on trying to track down every single instance of people and companies getting cash that they maybe didnt deserve. This phenomenon was most pronounced in the case of the Paycheck Protection Program, where journalists and activists harped on how some larger companies like Shake Shack were initially able to get loans through the small business rescue, instead of focusing on more fundamental issues like whether the effort was properly funded or if its rules made any sense. The whole phenomenon even earned a nicknamePPP shamingand probably hampered the entire effort a bit, forcing the Treasury Department to try to tamp down on the public outcry by issuing a bunch of confusing edicts about which businesses were eligible for the program, rather than resolving basic questions about it like how loan forgiveness would actually work. (They only really got to that one in late May). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its not a mystery why some journalists prioritize their coverage this way. Dead guy gets money is the kind of basic, nonpartisan shoe-leather story that a lot of beat reporters are conditioned to write. Its scoopy, and in some cases, it is indeed important for public accountability purposes. But without proper context, it creates an appearance of deep bureaucratic incompetence where none exists and makes politicians less likely to back the kind of fast, decisive rescue actions that the economy needs to survive right now. (If you want incompetence, look to the Trump administrations public health failures.) The Post itself seems to realize this. The news that so much money has gone to the dead could add to reluctance from some Republicans to agree to more direct relief payments, the paper suggests. Maybe politicians wouldnt overreact if journalists didnt either. For business news from Slate, listen to Thrilling Tales of Modern Capitalism. Yadong, on the southern edge of Tibet, is where China meets India. Getting there takes you right across the roof of the world, a day-long drive from Lhasa. As I leave Lhasa and head south, towards India, the long and winding road traverses pristine lakes, many of which are sacred for Tibetans, their banks dotted with dozens of worshippers lying prostrate, yaks in tow. Our journey ends in the Chumbi Valley town of Yadong, a small, muddy and underwhelming frontier outpost that, in a sense, presents a perfect snapshot of the India-China relationship. Yadong, on the Tibet side of Nathu La pass across the border from Sikkim, is the gateway between two behemoth economies. Yet this sleepy town is a sharp contrast to the booming border ports that dot China's other frontiers, with Central Asia, Russia, and even, for that matter, Nepal. Yadong is still awaiting such grand plans. Time has stood still here, a legacy of a still unresolved history that hangs heavily. Elsewhere on China's frontiers, history was marching on, with new chapters being written... At the time, the thinking was those 72 days of the Doklam crisis was as low as the India-China relationship could go. The "Donglang incident", as China called it, became a daily topic of conversation in Beijing taxi rides. Some Indian businessmen were hearing from Chinese partners that it was unofficially a time to not do business with India. Even China's most beloved Indian filmstar, Aamir Khan, had to quietly put a film release put on hold. In Beijing, the view among people I spoke to was that the timing of China's muscle-flexing over the Doklam incident amid the most sweeping reforms of the military was no coincidence. The military's massive transformation under Xi Jinping had pushed had created its own stresses and uncertainties. And in the past , such circumstances had driven the military to adopt a hardline posture. Perhaps the events that followed Doklam, helped by the optics from the "informal summits" in Wuhan and Chennai, lulled everyone into a false sense of security. After all, at the end of the day, the protocols and mechanisms in place worked. Indeed, 2018 and 2019 marked the two most peaceful years on the border in recent memory. It seemed there was a consensus at the highest levels to keep the peace. In hindsight, there warning signs. The pressure was building... Neither India nor China desires for conflict, and neither expects it.. The problem is, war rarely happens by design. The events of May 2020 unfolded even though there were compelling reasons for both sides to keep the peace. The summits at Wuhan and Chennai led us to think both Modi and Xi saw eye-to-eye on not holding the relationship hostage to the boundary question when economic ties were growing, particularly in terms of Chinese investment into India. At the same time, the PLA's strategy of testing India across the Line of Actual Control had only continued, as did India's infrastructure building in sensitive areas. If clarifying the LAC would be the obvious solution to all of these troubling trends, it seemed Beijing was in no mood to do so, preferring the ambiguity that marked its approach to many territorial and maritime disputes which gave it cover to change claims and keep its adversaries off-balance... History will not solve the boundary dispute. We will still be debating historical claims for another 100 years. What will solve it dispute is a political decision taken by governments that come to the conclusion that benefits of settlement will outweigh the costs. The disputes that are hardest to solve are those where one party gains and the other loses. The irony of the India-China boundary dispute - which is routinely described in news reports with the adjectives vexed, intractable and complex - is that it is a dispute that was susceptible to a fair solution - one that still stares us in the face. If the recent boundary incidents have taught us anything, the costs of not settling are only escalating. And with devastating consequences. Depsang in 2013. Chumar in 2014. Doklam in 2017. Galwan in 2020. The list is growing. And the stand-offs are progressively getting harder to resolve... (This is an excerpt from "India's China Challenge: A Journey through China's Rise and What It Means for India" by Ananth Krishnan. It is published by HarperCollins.) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Jennifer Simpson Carr (L) and Gina Rubel (R) Furia Rubel is proud to announce that Gina Rubel, CEO, and Jennifer Simpson Carr, director of business development, have been recognized by LAWDRAGON among the 2020 LAWDRAGON Global 100 Leaders in Legal Strategy and Consulting. Based in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Rubel and Carr work with a team of legal marketing and public relations experts as well as clients in 24 states. It is an honor to be named to LAWDRAGONs 100 leading global legal consultants and strategists, said Rubel. I have enjoyed 18 years of counseling lawyers on strategic communications, media relations, crisis communication, public relations and marketing, and I learn something new every day. Im thrilled to be listed among our peers. Rubel is a lawyer, leader and entrepreneur who is called upon by law firms for high-stakes communications including high-profile litigation media relations. She has been named a Woman of Distinction by The Legal Intelligencer and Philadelphia Business Journal and included among Pennsylvanias Best 50 Women in Business and SmartCEO magazines Brava Award winners. In 2019, Rubel published her third book, Everyday Public Relations for Lawyers, 2nd Edition. A graduate of Drexel University and Widener University School of Law, Rubel and her family live in Bucks County, Pa. In 2002, Rubel founded Furia Rubel Communications, Inc., an award-winning PR and marketing agency that became a leading professional services communications boutique. She continues to lead the agency, which has been listed as the No. 1 legal marketing and public relations agency by The Legal Intelligencer and New Jersey Law Journal and has been listed among the top three legal marketing, crisis communications, and public relations agencies nationwide and in the Midwest by The National Law Journal. Carr is a business development and digital marketing expert. She leads relationship management and tracks market and emerging trends. Carr supports the agencys client value proposition and establishes a competitive advantage for the agency and its clients, winning new business, and implementing strategies that impact long-term business objectives. In addition, Carr serves as the producer for the firms widely acclaimed podcast, On Record PR. I am thrilled to join LAWDRAGONs Global 100 Leaders list, said Carr. I credit much of my success to the mentors I have been fortunate to have during my time at AmLaw 200 and mid-market law firms in New York, New Jersey and the mid-west. I am thankful for the opportunity to work at Furia Rubel where I continue to grow in legal marketing. Carr is a frequent speaker at national events and regularly contributes to legal publications. In 2019, she was named a top 50 Twitter account that attorneys should follow. As an active member of the Legal Marketing Association (LMA), Carr has served in several leadership positions and currently is a Director-at-Large on the LMA Northeast Regional Board. She received her bachelors degree in communication studies from East Stroudsburg University, a Graduate Certificate of Marketing from The University of Texas at Dallas, and earned a Mini-MBA in Digital Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Carr and her family reside in New Jersey. LAWDRAGON, a legal media company, showcases and recognizes the nations leading lawyers and legal service providers. The 100 leaders recognized by LAWDRAGON are among the worlds most valued management, marketing, communication, and recruiting professionals by law firm leaders. About Furia Rubel Marketing and Public Relations: Furia Rubel Marketing and Public Relations is an integrated and strategic marketing, public relations and crisis management agency based in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The certified woman-owned agency provides strategic planning, marketing, public relations, crisis management, business development, content marketing, and social media services to a wide array of professional service clients. Furia Rubel represents law firms and legaltech organizations, financial, banking and accounting companies, governments and municipalities, and behavioral health and elder care organizations. For more information, visit http://www.furiarubel.com. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 03:46:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Czech Defense Minister Lubomir Metnar speaks during a press conference in Prague, the Czech Republic, on June 24, 2020. Defense ministers of Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, and deputy defense minister of Poland, met here Wednesday to discuss mutual defense alliance before the handover of the group's presidency from the Czech Republic to Poland. (Photo by Dana Kesnerova/Xinhua) PRAGUE, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The defense ministers of the Visegrad Group (V4), namely Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Poland, met here Wednesday to discuss mutual defense alliance before the handover of the group's presidency from Czech to Poland , the Czech Ministry of Defense said in a statement. The Czech Republic presides over the V4 between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020. On July 1, Poland will take over the annual presidency of the group. Czech Defense Minister Lubomir Metnar said that the V4 armies could purchase small weapons ammunition together in a Czech-led initiative. "Our ambition is to complete this agreement by the end of this year and sign a contract for these purchases," Metnar said. Slovak Defense Minister Jaroslav Nad also expressed a desire for the countries to move together with the modernization of other heavy equipment, such as tanks, according to the statement. "It is time for us to really move on to concrete steps... I believe that we can coordinate the modernization projects that our states are waiting for and thus help the defense industries of our countries," said Nad. The ministers also discussed their involvement in foreign missions, especially with a focus on the Baltics and Africa. The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Ahmad Abdurrahman, says that the state police command will not tolerate complicity on strict enforcement of the state boundary closure. The Commands Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement in Enugu on Thursday that the commissioner gave the warning on Wednesday when he addressed security operatives in Enugu/Ebonyi State border area. Mr Ndukwe said that Mr Abdurrahman visited border security posts to ascertain the level of compliance and enforcement of the COVID-19 border closure and inter-states transportation and travel restriction orders. Following his observation that a good number of vehicles and persons were queued up and desiring to cross the border, the Commissioner took time to assess and grant access to exempted vehicles conveying essential goods and service providers, while turning back those not exempted. He charged security operatives posted at the border to stick with the rules of engagement and resist intolerable acts of complicity and complacency capable of jeopardizing the enforcement duty. He warned that anyone found wanting will be appropriately sanctioned. The CP also warned that anyone found violating the orders will be brought to book, irrespective of his/her class or status, he said. Mr Ndukwe said the commissioner wondered why some citizens seem not to have come to terms with the fact that COVID-19 not only exists but that it had fatal and devastating socio-economic impacts in countries of the world. He said the state police boss called on residents to be law-abiding and compliant with the restriction orders as well as observe all the NCDC preventive measures. The police spokesman said the commissioner was accompanied by Air Commodore Chidiebere Obiabaka, Commander, 558 Services Base Group of Nigeria Air Force, Enugu and senior police officers in the Command. (NAN) 25.06.2020 LISTEN Introduction One of the most famous attempts to explain justice as fairness in society is credited to the Philosopher, John Rawls. He was interested in the policies that will emerge if people made decisions behind the veil of ignorance about their identity. With his metaphor of veil of ignorance, he advocates compliance with the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you if you were in their place. Essentially, Rawls believed if policy makers were blind to their socioeconomic privileges and status (whether rich or poor, healthy or sick, and if I may add, politician or not), their decisions would lead to socioeconomic fairness. His emphasis is on being blind to their status; not being blind to that of others. He believed if this were the case, the chosen policies will prioritise the well-being of the worst-off in society. Accordingly, the foundation for a good public policy is fairness which then serves as a tool for social justice. Is there social justice in our fight against COVID-19? Presently our case count stands at 14,568 with 3,566 active cases, 95 deaths and 10,907 recoveries/discharge. Keep in mind, that, per the new discharge protocols not all the patients who have been discharged have recovered from the disease. Moreover, Ghana has seen high profile persons contracting COVID-19; including doctors, members of parliament and our minister for health who has recovered to our delight. I wish the sick speedy recovery and console all bereaved families, including those of Professor Jacob Plange Rhule and Dr. Harry Owusu Boateng. Applying the veil of ignorance to test social justice in our fight against COVID-19, let us assume for a moment that our policy makers did not know their privilege status in society. As influential men and women who have ready access to quality and responsive health care funded by the taxpayer, do you think their decisions have cleared the bar of social justice? To answer this question, I invite you my reader including President Akufo-Addo and his team of advisors to examine just three issues: Discharge of patients in 14 days; Social justice and allocation of resources; and The parliamentary primaries of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Discharge of patients in 14 days On Saturday, 20th June 2020, Ghana posted 10,074 total COVID-19 recoveries. This represents an unprecedented and astronomical increase of 5,526 recoveries within 24 hours; and exceeds the total recoveries since 12th March, 2020, when Ghana reported the first two confirmed cases of the disease. We are told the jump in recoveries is because Government has modified its discharge protocols for COVID-19 to reduce both rising costs of testing and increasing workload. This new criterion constitutes a departure from declaring recoveries based on two negative laboratory test results. We are told, under the new method, asymptomatic patients are de-isolated 14 days after an initial positive test, and symptomatic cases set free 14 days after onset of symptoms with at least three (3) days without symptoms. The modification and the original protocol are both supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The WHO suggests that recent findings that patients whose symptoms have resolved may still test positive for the COVID-19 virus by RT-PCR for many weeks. Despite this positive test result, these patients are not likely to be infectious and therefore are unlikely to be able to transmit the virus to another person. However, the same WHO cautions subtly they will update these criteria as more information becomes available. It is therefore curious why the Government of Ghana will prematurely jump the gun instead of at least waiting for the WHOs promised update as more information becomes available. Besides, it beggars belief that a Government that proclaims to know how to bring back the economy, and not life would take such a defining decision based on evolving evidence and advice filled with uncertainties the not likely and unlikely qualifications; knowing very well if the decision goes bad intracommunity infections will spiral. The fact that COVID-19 is novel and research on it is still at the early stages makes the need for Government to hasten slowly with decisions on clinical management imperative. Human lives are at stake here. For example, the reputable Lancet and the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) have retracted earlier articles on COVID-19 (ref. https://retractionwatch.com/2020/06/04/lancet-retracts-controversial-hydroxychloroquine-study/.) Interestingly, WHO had based one of its decisions on COVID-19 the decision to halt studies on hydroxychloroquine on this publication which was later retracted. The study has resumed subsequently. The uncertainties are many (ref.https://news.cgtn.com/news/2020-06-11/WHO-calls-for-more-research-on-asymptomatic-transmission-of-COVID-19-Re57bvTvfa/index.html). These examples justify why Ghana should have hastened slowly and waited for WHOs promised update on modalities for de-isolation before switching to the new protocol. Indeed, the Government of Ghana appears contradictory when it comes to adopting WHOs advice, and the contradiction is antagonistic not synergistic. How come a paltry GHC2.5 million was released by Government initially to fight COVID-19 when the same World Health Organisation had advised that Ghana needed GHC35 million not GHC2.5 million? So it appears officialdom cherry picks WHO recommendations. This does not augur well for social justice because invariably, it leaves the larger citizenry disadvantaged. Unlike most citizens, I do not believe the President and his team of advisors will not have two negative confirmatory tests before being declared recovered and de-isolated should they be infected with the virus. Therefore, what is good for the goose is good for the gander must apply. This is the only way we can pass John Rawls veil of ignorance test and the Golden rule. Social justice and allocation of resources It is trite knowledge that the Government of Ghana could not provide food for the poor and vulnerable in Greater Accra and Ashanti Regions and Kasoa during the lockdown. Even what was provided was distributed to favour members of the ruling party. Also, imagine the quantity of test kits Ghana could have procured before the worldwide demand for it outstripped supply if Government had released GHC35 million on time instead of acting contrary to WHOs expert advice? It appears the world health bodys advice is taken seriously only when it reduces the cost burden on Government. Even with the allocation of the initial paltry GHC2.5million, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research which has become the cornerstone for COVID-19 testing was left out. Similarly, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital the premier teaching hospital in Ghana, was also not considered a priority. I have served in Government before. Therefore, I do not discount the existence of limited resources serving competing interests. However, the decision to opt out of PCR confirmatory tests and not even opt for Rapid Diagnostic Test based on WHOs wobbling updates at a time when Government has GHC 400 million to fund the Electoral Commission of Ghana to create a new voters register shows paucity in Governments priorities in managing this pandemic. How come doctors and nurses still spend money from their personal purse and pockets to buy Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to protect themselves at work because Government has failed to provide adequate PPEs? Once again, how come volunteers who are working in laboratories and tracing contacts in the field are so demoralised because Government has reneged on compensating them appropriately? Why do people exposed to COVID-19 patients still face extremely long waiting times sometimes over ten (10) days before test results become available? Politicians must not and should not be allowed to make decisions that promote political aspirations over the health and well-being of the citizens we seek to govern after the elections. Spending money on COVID-19 is far more noble and redemptive than wasting money on a new voters register. This leads me to the next issue, which is the recent NPP Parliamentary primaries. The NPP Parliamentary Primaries Here, I speak specifically to wearing face mask and social distancing protocols in the context of social justice. Not the fridges, blenders, bicycles and wads of cash (foreign and local) which were distributed across the country during the NPP 20th June Parliamentary primaries. Regarding wearing of face mask, based on the Imposition of Restrictions Act, 2020 (Act 1012), EI 64 stipulates, A person shall wear a face mask, face shield or any other face covering that covers his or her nose and mouth completely when that person is in a public place; or leaving or returning to his or her place of abode. Failure to comply with this law imposes a fine between GHC12,000 GHC60,000, and you could spend 4 10 years in prison. For now, just be reminded that the Ghana Police Services operational understanding of public place includes but not limited to being in your private car. So how come members of the NPP threw caution to the wind during their primaries and still manged to escape sanctions? This implies selective justice and violates the principles of social justice. Is the President and his party deliberately opening the floodgate for other political parties to repeat their breach of EI 64? If that happens, will the Government have the moral right to prosecute such opponents who would have breached the law? Or will it be a case of racing to the bottom for the favoured political class while others such as religious leaders and those practicing their faith get punished for breaching COVID-19 laws? Social justice indeed! I contend that there can be no social justice in our fight against COVID-19 when mosques, churches, conferences and other mass gatherings are rigidly subjected to the protocols while political activities including NIA registration, distribution of their cards and ECs quest to compile a new but needless voters register are given the green light to proceed. If I contrast the Presidents loud silence on political activities which are characterised by high entropy and potential recklessness, with the high handedness meted out to those engaged in religious and other social activities, I arrive at only one conclusion. That is, President Akufo-Addos decisions in this fight against COVID-19 have been more to advance his political interest than any other conceivable and altruistic end. He has sacrificed social justice and has pursued partisan interest. The recent NPP primaries is one of such examples. There is no fairness and justice! Conclusion The quest for social justice remains noble and immutable in all spheres of life globally and must be demonstrated in our collective fight against COVID-19. Unfortunately, Government has refused to be even-handed in allocation of resources (PPEs, allowances for health workers etc.) and enforcement of laws and sanctions. Even for those such as Robert Nozick who disagree with John Rawls concept of justice as fairness, they converge on the need for fairness in public policies. Therefore, it is necessary that the Government includes PCR tests or at least Rapid Diagnostic Tests in its protocol for the discharge of COVID patients until further and more robust guidance from the WHO firmly and clearly suggests otherwise. The adoption of the new discharge protocol is premature. Moreover, it does not pass the social justice test if a certain group of privileged persons will not be subjected to the same criteria. Let us expand the testing capacity Notwithstanding the challenges, I urge everyone not to throw caution to the wind because the disease lives in our communities and in some cases our homes. Stick to higher standards and principles and let us continue to seek social justice in Ghanas fight against COVID-19. Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah Health Policy, Planning and Financing Analyst, former Minister for Communications and Presidential Spokesperson. 24th June, 2020 The police chief of Tucson, Arizona, has offered to resign after a Hispanic man, 27, died in handcuffs while pleading 'I can't breathe' more than two months ago. Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus made the offer during a press conference Wednesday where he released disturbing bodycam footage showing Carlos Ingram-Lopez's 'horrible' death while being detained by three cops back on April 21. Ingram-Lopez died after he was pinned to the ground for more than 12 minutes as he begged for water and said he couldn't breathe - the same words uttered by black man George Floyd who was 'murdered' by a white cop in Minneapolis last month. Three cops involved in his arrest, identified as Jonathan Jackson, Samuel Routledge and Ryan Starbuck, have already resigned from the force after an internal investigation recommended their firing. Tucson Police Chief Chris Magnus made the offer during a press conference Wednesday where he released disturbing bodycam footage showing Carlos Ingram-Lopez's 'horrible' death while being detained by three cops back on April 21 Magnus called the 27-year-old's death a 'terrible tragedy' and 'horrible' in the press conference Wednesday. 'I can't say enough, this is a terrible tragedy,' the police chief said. 'The officers, in this case, did not live up to our department's high standard,' he said, adding that if they had not already resigned they would have been fired by the department. In the shocking bodycam footage, the three cops are seen arriving at Ingram-Lopez's grandmother's home at around 1a.m. after she called 911 to report a domestic disturbance. 'She reported he was drunk, yelling, and running around the house naked,' Magnus said. In the 25-minute video, the cops are seen running after the naked man into a dimly-lit garage where they then handcuff him and detain him face down on the ground. Ingram-Lopez is visibly distressed in the video and is heard repeatedly saying 'sorry', screaming and making gasping noises. At one point he says 'I can't breathe' and repeatedly begs for water from the officers. 'I wish I had some water,' he is heard saying. 'Can you please give me some water?' Scroll down for video Disturbing bodycam footage released Wednesday shows Ingram-Lopez died on April 21 after he was pinned to the ground for more than 12 minutes by three cops during his arrest at his grandmother's home In the 25-minute bodycam footage (pictured) he is heard begging for water and at one point says 'I can't breathe' Several minutes in the cops cover him with a blanket before he is found to be unresponsive around 12 minutes into the video Around eight minutes into the video, the officers cover his naked body with a blanket. The cops keep telling him to 'relax' and to 'calm the f** down'. At one point one of the officers threatens to taser him: 'You're going to get shocked dude, you're going to get zapped.' Around 12 minutes into the video, the cops realize the man has become unresponsive. 'He's gone down,' one of the officers is heard saying. 'Is he breathing?' asks another. The officers try to wake him, yelling 'hey' at him while a distressed woman comes into the garage asking what has happened. The cops then move Ingram-Lopez and are seen performing CPR on him. Magnus said the cops also gave him Narcan as they were worried he had overdosed on drugs. Ingram-Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency responders arrived and also could not revive him. The Pima County Medical Examiner said his cause of death was a 'sudden cardiac arrest' and that he had 'acute cocaine intoxication and an enlarged heart.' They added that there were 'no shots fired' in the man's arrest. 'The person had been restrained in handcuffs. No blows, strikes, chokeholds, knee to the neck, chemical or electronic weapons were used. No shots were fired,' they said. However, the police chief and mayor have both slammed the actions of the officers. 'In this video, we see a person who is clearly distressed. A person asking for water, asking for help, asking for his nana,' Tucson Mayor Regina Romero said of the bodycam footage at Wednesday's press conference. 'Now we must center the conversation to police accountability and transparency. When officers do not perform as trained, they need to be held accountable.' Romero blasted the failings for her office and the public to be notified of the man's death in police custody immediately after it took place. Police chief Chris Magnus (pictured) called the 27-year-old's death a 'terrible tragedy' and 'horrible' in the press conference Wednesday 'People are mad, people are disappointed and rightfully so,' she said. She called for a 'swift but a thorough investigation' into the Hispanic man's death and vowed to make reforms to the police force. She also praised Magnus as 'an honest, a great police chief for the city of Tucson' and said she didn't know about his offer of resignation before the meeting. It is not yet clear if the police chief's offer will be accepted. The release of the footage comes more than two months after the incident occurred. Romero said earlier Wednesday it was being delayed at the request of Ingram-Lopez's family, who were yet to see it. The three cops Jackson, Routledge and Starbuck resigned over the incident last week after an investigation by the TPD said they were guilty of failing to take appropriate action, use of force and actions on duty, reported KOLD.com. 'The investigation revealed a series of actions by each of the three focus officers that showed complete disregard for the training provided to each, disregard for established policy, but most importantly an apparent indifference or inability to recognize an individual in medical distress and take the appropriate action to mitigate the distress,' Assistant Chief Kevin Hall wrote in the investigation. The death came to light when a Tucson City Council meeting in which police funding was set to be discussed was suddenly cancelled. Mayor Romero said: 'After viewing a video yesterday of a Tucson Police Department in-custody death, I do not feel that it would be appropriate to carry on with business as usual in light of this event.' A review board which makes recommendations to Tucson police department has not met since March because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jaime Tadeo, a member of the board, said recommendations had been made to the department about cops' training. 'There have been open conversations with TPD about transparency, about how they are handling their trainings lately which includes how trained they are in dealing with substance use,' said Tadeo. The Hispanic man's death follows a string of deaths of people of color while in police custody as calls mount for an end to police brutality and systemic racism and for sweeping police reforms across the country. Protests were sparked following the Memorial Day 'murder' of black man Floyd at the hands of a white cop who knelt on his neck for almost nine minutes while he said 'I can't breathe'. As well as demanding justice for Floyd, demonstrators are also calling for justice for Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade and most recently Rayshard Brooks. L.A. County Encourages the Use of Next-Day Testing Appointments; Multiple Disparities Realized Due to COVID-19 The county board of supervisors and L.A. Public Health Department delivered news surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak. Looking at the numbers, death rates are reducing, and hospitalization has been steady. However, amid the community, transmission and the spread of COVID-19 has been increasing. The county looks to deal with the spike in positive cases head on, the Los Angeles Emergency Operations center encouraged next-day COVID-19 testing appointments. They expanded the option within a multitude of locations to broaden the capacity of community accessibility. As of June 24, next-day appointments can be made at the Crenshaw Christian Center, Dodger Stadium, Lincoln Park, and West Valley Warner Center. Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LASA) released the homeless count within Los Angeles in the previous month, the reports show staggering numbers. 66,000 people are experiencing homelessness, this is a 13% rise over last years count. Everyday over 200 people become homeless and Los Angeles does not have the capacity as it stands to shelter all of them. To prevent a future surge in homelessness due to the viral pandemic affecting the workforce and economy, there has been an eviction moratorium in place to ban future evictions for all residential and commercial tenants. It has been extended as of June 23, the eviction restriction will be in place until the end of July. Further extensions are approved by monthly assessment. Supervisor Hilda Solis stated, Nobody should have to decide between paying rent or putting food on the table. ADVERTISEMENT Solis announced the board of supervisors approved the use of 30-million dollars in Federal Cares act funding to extend the Renters Assistance Program. They are looking to prioritize unincorporated areas and small cities. The county looks to offer information on resources available, for those experiencing housing insecurity. Los Angeles Chief of Staff of neighborhood legal services Lambreni Waddell spoke in more detail, about the assistance that is present for the current struggle in certain livelihoods. Wadell stressed the protocols behind the coverage of renters assistance and the eviction moratorium. She advised the reason why you are unable to pay should be in writing, keep a copy of that statement, and keep any documents that help confirm the situation. Lambreni emphasized that tenants cannot be evicted from their homes. The restriction on evictions will be lifted 90 days after the state relinquishes the emergency state order or after any adjustments made in the judiciary level. Waddell advised to have a legal professional look over any documentation that is asking for signatures. Supervisor Solis also touched on criminal justice reform, I want to first acknowledge the pain and suffering of families and communities are feeling. George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tyrone Boone, and Andres Guardado, these are the names of only the most recent police killing. I say their names, their names of loved ones who have been taken away from their family in the most brutal way possible, at the hands of law enforcement. Solis shared her support behind the protestors who expressed their demands and sorrow behind the following incidents. She called out the aggressive force police officers are implementing against Angelenos peacefully organizing. Sitting at the center of this is the goal, to reimagine public safety. We need to re-think how public safety is conducted and by whom. The First District Supervisor Solis read in two motions; one was to close Men Central Jail in order to further explore alternatives to incarceration work. The second motion was to address the need of transparency in deputy involved shootings and to ensure the timely release of evidence. The Board of Supervisors are looking to vote on these two measures in the following board meeting on July 7. Currently all patrol deputies are looking to be outfitted with body cameras, however the sheriff has not made these policies public. Solis stated, I am skeptical of this pilot program to implement body-worn cameras since five sites were identified and the east L.A. station was excluded. Executive Director of Civilian Oversight Commission Bryan K. Williams explained the program was born several years ago, conceived by underserved communities seeing an inequality in residential protection. Each of the nine members of the commission was appointed by the board of supervisors. The goals of the C.O.C include the increase in transparency of the sheriff department, hold the police department accountable, and serve as a channel for community input within the department. Executive Director Williams stated, This commission, is in fact your commission. We want to hear what you have to say and we want to hear your complaints, we want to hear your praise, we want to hear your issues that you may have, and ultimately we want to make the sheriffs department the best department, the shining light that it ought to be and that it can be, the shining light in our nation for what policing should look like in the community. A Scottish man whose cack-handed attempt to lodge a counterfeit 570,000 bank draft was spotted by an eagle -eyed bank teller has been jailed for two years. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Jagpal Alsingh (50) had been a hardworking family man whose life unravelled. Alsingh, of Albion Road, Glasgow pleaded guilty to having a counterfeit bank draft in the sum of 568,100 in his custody at Bank of Ireland, O Connell Street on September 2, 2019 and producing a fake bank draft at Dublin Airport on May 14, 2019. Alsingh, who has no previous convictions, has been in custody since his arrest last September. Defence counsel, Padraig Dwyer SC, said Alsingh and his wife had run a laundry business together until they separated. Alsingh then began a new relationship and started working as a consultant. He said his client's life went off the rails and he now finds himself imprisoned in a foreign jurisdiction having been involved in a very cack handed exercise. Mr Dwyer said Alsingh appeared to be a hard-working family man whose life has unravelled. He said he seems to have reached rock bottom and hopefully this will be a wake up call. Judge Martin Nolan said it appeared Alsingh needed money on the day and procured some forged bank drafts which he attempted to lodge just before closing time but a competent official spotted it was not genuine. He noted Alsingh's guilty plea, co-operation, testimonials and previously productive life. He took into account that to be put in prison at Alsingh's age is traumatic. Judge Nolan imposed a two year sentence which he backdated to when Alsingh went into custody. Detective Gerard Carmondy told Michael Hourigan BL, prosecuting, that Bank of Ireland contacted gardai in relation to an attempt by Alsingh to lodge a draft at Bank of Ireland Dublin Airport on May 14, 2019. The draft was queried by the bank and retained. No loss was incurred. The court heard the investigation found that Alsingh had opened a Bank of Ireland account in February 2019 with a fake utility bill to provide him with an address. Det Gda Carmody said Alsingh was due to meet officials at Bank of Ireland on September 2, 2019 and was arrested when he arrived later that day. He was searched and an identical bank draft in the same amount of money was found on him. Alsingh admitted setting up the bank account with false documentation but initially told gardai he was unaware the drafts were fake and suggested he had been tricked into using them. Det Gda Carmondy agreed with Mr Dwyer that the bank teller told gardai that the draft did not look real as the colour was off. She said Alsingh had come in late trying to rush her and she knew something dodgy was going on. The draft was later analysed and found to be missing a hologram as well as using the incorrect ink and colouring. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Days after the disbandment of the NYPDs anti-crime unit, parts of the boroughs North Shore are like the Wild West, explained a law enforcement source with ties to the former unit. As part of a sweeping effort by city and state leaders to build trust between residents and police in low-income, high-crime areas, the plain clothed unit was eliminated earlier this month by Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. A 341% INCREASE in SHOOTINGS compared to the same week last year, with a 414% INCREASE in SHOOTING VICTIMS. Those are numbers we have not seen in this city in a very long time. pic.twitter.com/6QQNF7FdvX NYC PBA (@NYCPBA) June 24, 2020 The Principality of Monaco, a popular haven for the mega-rich, has begun approving security token fundraising efforts, the first step to becoming a regulated on-chain finance hub. Announced Thursday, Monacos Office of Digital Affairs has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Luxembourg-based blockchain startup Tokeny, which is part-owned by European stock exchange operator Euronext N.V. The MoU coincides with a dedicated security token offering (STO) law voted in by Monacos National Council last week, and the whole tokenized finance endeavor will support environmental and social governance (ESG) projects to be approved by the government. Related: Germany's Neufund Shuts Down Security Token Platform, Saying BaFin Failed to Act Monaco is moving towards its ambition to become a funding nation for progress with our STO framework, Principality of Monaco Delegate for Digital Affairs Frederic Genta said in a statement. Two key milestones were achieved: a dedicated STO law was voted by the National Council and we are welcoming Tokeny to the Principality to operate our STOs. Given Monacos high concentration of wealth (one in every three people is a millionaire and the place attracts hundreds of billionaires), its surprising it doesnt have much of a financial center like the comparably small Lichtenstein or Luxembourg. [Monaco] is not a financial place for the moment, so they took this opportunity with security tokens to prove in Europe they can do compliant, on-chain finance, said Tokeny Solutions CEO Luc Falempin. Most of the high-net-worth people in Monaco are buying real estate. The idea now is for investors and money in private banks in Monaco to invest in green projects. STO spenders Prospective security token holders being wooed in Monaco are qualified investors, roughly the same as accredited investors in the U.S., explained Falempin, which means coming up with a minimum investment of about $100,000. Story continues Related: Stellar Proposes Changes Allowing Exchanges to Better Enforce Regulations The tokens will reach investors thanks to publicity around the ESG projects Monaco approves, and also distributions channels via private banks and brokers, said Falempin. Investors benefit from a selection and approval process and the Tokeny platform makes it very easy to manage digital assets with features like a recovery process, he said. For projects looking to issue a token, these will have to first be presented to the government of Monaco, which will assess and approve them. The token issuer also needs to obtain a visa and set up as an entity in Monaco. Monaco will select between five and 15 projects a year and each of these will be looking to raise between $20 million and $200 million, said Falempin. So, it could mean raising around $1 billion a year. Tokeny tech Under the hood, the tokenizing system is based on Ethereums ERC-20 standard and the tokens are compatible with all Ethereum wallets. If projects want to market tokens to U.S. investors, for example, they will have to comply with local rules, so a Reg D or Reg A in the case of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Further announcements involving Euronext, which owns a 23.5% stake in Tokeny and has two seats on the startups board, will emerge in the coming weeks, said Falempin, adding that the firm wants to keep its powder dry on the topic of secondary markets for now. As a strategic investor in Tokeny Solutions, we are pleased that the Principality of Monaco has appointed the company as the tokenization platform of government-approved innovative projects, said Pierre-Edouard Borderie, a member of Tokenys board of directors who represents Euronext. We are proud that this project embeds clear ESG components and enables sustainable finance. Movie magic The first environmentally focused project made public comes from Icebreaker, a production company behind March of the Penguins from Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Luc Jacquet. Falempin explained the IceBreaker project is looking to raise around $50 million and plans a number of exhibitions and other projects, in addition to a movie. As well as March of the Penguins, they did the hugely successful Antarctica exhibition. Now, they are planning four or five others, and token holders will get revenue shares on all of these, he said. Related Stories People living in Perth's 'mortgage belt' have been hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic and rely on the federal government's JobKeeper wage subsidy more anyone else in the state, according to new analysis. A new Jobkeeper reliance index shows the northern suburbs of Yanchep, Beechboro and Carramar have the highest proportion of residents on the payment, followed by Banjup, Mundijong and Byford south of the river. According to the index, developed by Sydney-based analytics and actuarial consulting firm Taylor Fry, the highest number of residents receiving the subsidy are middle-income earners living in a ring of outer suburban neighbourhoods and working in hospitality, retail and accommodation. Workers in industries such as construction, administration, education, manufacturing and wholesale trading are also over-represented. British Ambassador to Vietnam Gareth Ward on Wednesday anticipated that Vietnam is poised to become a leader of the sustainable energy transition in Southeast Asia without needing to make a trade-off between economic growth and sustainable energy use. Ward offered the remarks during a visit to Shire Oak International (SOI) in Ho Chi Minh City, a UK investor in and developer of solar energy that is currently rolling out 720 rooftop solar projects valued at US$1.9 billion across Vietnam. The UK mission spoke with SOIs chief operations officer Borries Plass on a number of topics, including the firms rooftop solar investment strategy in Vietnam and how the company can work with the British Embassy to further its reach and help Vietnam achieve its sustainable development goals. Since 1990, the UK has reduced emissions by 42 percent while expanding the economy by 72 percent. Its a stellar example that there need not be a trade-off between economic growth and sustainable energy use, Ambassador Ward said. Im pleased to see that Vietnam has come to a similar conclusion and grown its renewable energy sector significantly since 2019. Vietnam is poised to be a leader of the sustainable energy transition in South East Asia." The UK is committed to supporting Vietnam in addressing climate change and reaching its green energy targets, the diplomat added. UK Ambassador to Vietnam Gareth Ward visits Shire Oak International in Ho Chi Minh City, June 24, 2020. Photo: Shire Oak International Speaking to Tuoi Tre News, the British ambassador emphasized that Vietnam, like the UK, needs not trade its economic growth for sustainable energy application. He said the UK is chairing the Conference of the Parties, the United Nations process to reduce carbon emissions and promote the fight against climate change, this year. In the last 2-3 years, we've really started to work much more closely with Vietnam on this agenda, because Vietnam has put conditions in place for the real development of solar power and the next phase would be wind power, Ambassador Ward said. In April this year, Vietnams Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung underlined this ambition, announcing a new feed-in tariff for suppliers of renewable energy in the country. The new rooftop solar tariff now stands at VND1,943 (US$0.08) for each kWh generated, which is equivalent to a ten percent discount from previous tariff prices and would support the development of renewable energy throughout Vietnam. Those producing solar energy can sell it to Vietnams state-run power company, Vietnam Electricity (EVN), or others who do not use the grid, allowing them the ability to negotiate prices and ideate new ways to use the energy, according to SOI. The expansion in solar generation capacity in Vietnam could add as many as 25,000 new jobs every year until 2030, and another 20,000 jobs in the manufacturing of solar equipment for the global market, the World Bank said in a recent report. The bank added that the deployment of new solar generation will also be a critical factor for the government of Vietnam to meet the Nationally Determined Contribution climate change target and reduce its need for new coal generation. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! According to New York Times columnist Jamelle Bouie, Neither Abraham Lincoln nor the Republican Party freed the slaves. Instead, the slaves freed the slaves. Emancipation was something they took for themselves. The most that can be said of Lincoln and the nations political leadership is that they helped set freedom in motion and eventually codified it into law with the 13th Amendment (emphasis added). Of the Union Army, Bouie allows only that it delivered the news of the Emancipation Proclamation. It should not be necessary to defend the proposition that Lincoln, the Republicans, and the Union Army played a major role in ending slavery, but here we are. The very act of casting their role aside so blithely is a species of gaslighting. As is the case with most deliberately distorted history, there are elements of uncontroversial truth to Bouies narrative, yet its most sweeping claims are false and the true parts are merely tools for advancing the falsehood. Bouie is right that black Americans played a significant role in contributing to the abolitionist movement, the escalating sectional tensions that led to secession, the transformation of the Civil War in the North from a war for the Union to a war of liberation, and the Unions victory. He is wrong to claim that those contributions in and of themselves were enough to bring about the end of slavery, and that Lincoln, the Republicans, the Union Army, and the majority of the American population were merely passive conduits, bobbing like a cork on the unstoppable streams of history. Bouie skips the crucial step. All the abolitionist agitation in the world only mattered because the people with real political, military, cultural, and economic power in America the federal government, Northern state governments, the military, the churches, the leaders of the economy, and ultimately, the voting public eventually chose to side with the abolitionist movement. It was not a given that they would; in the 1820s and 1830s, they had chosen not to. Story continues Abolitionism in the era of the Founding Fathers was a largely elite phenomenon, originating with the Quakers and dominated by wealthy white Americans such as Alexander Hamilton and Benjamin Franklin. Pioneering abolition laws in Pennsylvania and Vermont were the result of the abolitionists top-down efforts; so was the resistance to slavery that forced compromises at the Constitutional Convention. (There were parallel movements among French intellectuals and British evangelical Christians such as William Wilberforce, Granville Sharp, and John Newton.) The second generation of American abolitionists that came around between the 1830s and 1850s, was, by contrast, much more racially integrated. Black writers, preachers, and activists, some of them escapees from slavery, were important to its force and ideas. Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman come down to us as the best-remembered of these. Some leading white abolitionists, such as William Lloyd Garrison, depended on them; the majority of the original subscribers to Garrisons newspaper were black. Yet Garrison-style advocates of immediate abolition were a marginal force in American politics until the rise of the Free Soil movement, and they would have been more marginal still without the missionary voices of white leaders such as Garrison, Wendell Phillips, Gerrit Smith, Gamaliel Bailey, Henry Ward Beecher, and Harriet Beecher Stowe. Black Christian abolitionist David Walker kicked up a regional storm in 1829 by mailing an abolitionist tract, An Appeal to the Coloured Citizens of the World, from Boston into the South, leading to attempts to suppress the interstate mailing of abolitionist material. When Garrison, with a much bigger bankroll fattened by wealthy donors, repeated Walkers tactic in 1835, it became a national issue, with Andrew Jackson, John C. Calhoun, and James Buchanan backing a federal ban that was defeated by Henry Clay in the Senate. The episode illustrates Walkers groundbreaking influence, but also the necessity of Garrison and his financiers and the sympathy of mainstream politicians such as Clay in actually accomplishing anything. For all his significance to his historical moment, giving David Walker more importance than Abraham Lincoln is akin to saying Rexford Tugwell was more important than Franklin Roosevelt. Garrison, in turn, reached an audience that was tiny compared to what Stowe commanded with Uncle Toms Cabin, the best-selling novel of the 19th century. She did so by aiming mainly at the sensibilities of middle-class white Christian women. On slavery, as is so often the case in a democracy, only a movement with mass appeal could effect real change. That typically meant bringing together a broad coalition. Social agitators pushed for many reforms in the years from 1830 to 1860, but most of them either had to await a later day or were never adopted. Consider the example of the abolition of the slave trade by Congress in 1807. Northerners had pressed for abolishing the trade for years, and had to accept a 20-year delay at the Constitutional Convention as the price of empowering the federal government to ban it. The Deep South, hungry for more slave labor, was opposed. The abolition bill, proposed by Thomas Jefferson in his annual message to Congress, passed with the pivotal support of his fellow Virginians. Their motives were mixed: Some felt genuine moral revulsion at the slave trade, some were interested in eliminating foreign competition so they could sell surplus slaves further south, and some feared that Virginias safety would be threatened by slave rebellions if its slave population grew faster than its free white population. Many were driven by some combination of those factors, only the last of which prompted in part by slave revolts such as the Haitian revolution of 17911804 and Gabriels Rebellion in 1800 in Virginia supports Bouies thesis. To cite one cause that operates at the margins is not to tell the whole story. One could say, truthfully, that secession was pivotal to emancipation, but it would be ridiculous for us to say that the Confederates freed the slaves. As Carl Paulus details in his excellent book, The Slaveholding Crisis, fear of slave rebellions from the Haitian revolution onward fed Southern paranoia about abolitionist incitement, as well as the Souths growing belief that controlling the federal government was essential to preserving slavery. That attitude, in turn, drove the rise of the proslavery radicalism that would ultimately end in secession, including the gag rule in Congress, the postal-ban campaign, and endless schemes to expand slaverys domain under federal law. The occasional American rebellion Gabriels, Denmark Veseys in South Carolina in 1822, and especially Nat Turners in 1831 acted as an accelerant to this process. So did the British abolition of slavery in 1833, which followed shortly on the heels of a slave uprising in Jamaica, then the main locus of slavery within the British Empire. Here, too, black Americans acted at the margins to prod a Southern backlash, and that backlash would put the North to an escalating series of tests. How the North would react to those tests, however, was not predetermined. Spain (which governed Cuba), Brazil, and much of West and East Africa and the Arab world made different choices in this period when slavery came under pressure. Spanish policy in Cuba used the large-scale importation of slaves to make local whites fearful of rebellion and dependent on Spanish authority. One Spanish ministers thinking was summed up by Americas man in Madrid in 1836: He believes that fear of the negroes is worth an army of 100,000 men, and that it will prevent the whites from making any revolutionary attempts. British gunboat-backed regime change in Lagos in 1851, which marked the British turn to anti-slavery colonialism in Africa and laid the foundations for modern Nigeria, was triggered by the refusal of the ruling Oba to sign a treaty ending the slave trade. The British installed a new Oba, who signed the treaty over the objections of his neighbors. If the slaves freed the slaves, why didnt they do so sooner? Because they couldnt. While American slave rebellions acted on the fears of white Southerners, they were comparatively rare and uniformly unsuccessful. America was unlike the Caribbean, where slaves vastly outnumbered free whites, were overwhelmingly concentrated on industrial-sized plantations, were disproportionately young and male, and could look to the leadership of new captives with military experience in African wars. The early-to-mid-19th century saw far fewer slave rebellions in America than serf uprisings in Eastern Europe and Russia or peasant rebellions in China. This was not because American slaves were somehow happy with their lot, but because the conditions for a successful rebellion simply did not exist. Even John Browns 1859 uprising failed to draw slave support in significant numbers. Brown had attracted black followers in Massachusetts to resist the Fugitive Slave Law, but in Virginia, his military plans were impractical; most slaves in the area likely never even learned of his plan. Secession arose from a long train of events, some of which such as the Fugitive Slave Law battles of the early 1850s and the Dred Scott case featured slaves and free black Americans as litigants or even righteous vigilantes. But the really tectonic events involved the rising Republican Party, the Free Soil movement, and the contests of the American political mainstream: the 1846 Congressional battle over the Wilmot Provisos restrictions on slavery in territory acquired from Mexico, the KansasNebraska Act and Bleeding Kansas, Preston Brookss assault on Charles Sumner, the Lecompton Constitution, the Northern reaction to Browns execution, and the election of 1860. The trigger for secession was Lincolns win in that election. The Republican Party was not committed to nationwide abolition in 1860, but its Free Soil stance against expanding slavery one more inch into the territories was clearly enough to be seen by the slaveholding South as a menace to the peculiar institution. Lincolns election without the support of a single slave state was celebrated by many abolitionists: Phillips crowed that We have passed the Rubicon. It was seen that way because of the vocal politics of Lincoln, Sumner, William Seward, Salmon P. Chase, Thaddeus Stevens, Benjamin Wade, and others. Had Lincoln lost the 1860 election, slavery could not possibly have been abolished by 1865. Had Lincoln been defeated for re-election in 1864, we might not have had the Thirteenth Amendment. Bouie notes, correctly, that once the war began, many slaves fled to the Union lines, and that this pressed the question of emancipation to the Unions leaders. The question bitterly divided both the civil and military leadership in 1861 and 1862, and it required careful handling by Lincoln. Political generals such as converted Democrat Benjamin Butler and John C. Fremont, who had preceded Lincoln as the Republican presidential nominee, favored emancipation. Commanding general George McClellan, popular with Democrats, was opposed, but was removed from his post after Republicans kept functional control of Congress in the 1862 midterms. Lincoln had to balance the benefits of emancipation to diplomatic relations with Britain and France against the necessity of keeping the border states in line. He recalled Cassius Clay, the ambassador to Russia, to Kentucky to secure its support. Bouie treats Lincolns epochal decision as if Stephen Douglas or Andrew Johnson would have done the same thing. Black contrabands provided a labor force to Ulysses S. Grants army in the Vicksburg campaign, and from mid-1863 on after the Union victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg black soldiers fought for the Union. Black manpower was a force multiplier for the Union, and there is at least an argument that it tipped the scales in the same way as American involvement in the First World War in 1918 or the militia in the American Revolution after 1776. But the bulk of the work of breaking the Confederacy, and a great deal of the bleeding, had already been done by July 1863. Treating the wars final 21 months solely as a matter of the slaves freeing the slaves also entirely writes Sherman and his army out of the story. The fallacy of the slaves freed the slaves becomes obvious when you consider the struggles of subject peoples and states around the world in the mid 19th century. The revolutions of 1848 nearly all fizzled. The Poles failed to free the Poles from Russia. The Hungarians failed to free the Hungarians from Austria. The Irish failed to free the Irish from Britain, even with creative tactics such as invading Canada from upstate New York. Indias sepoy mutineers and New Zealands Maori failed to free themselves from the British Empire. Chinas Taiping and Panthay rebels failed to free themselves from the Qing Dynasty. For that matter, neither the Confederates nor the Native American tribes broke the hold of the Union. In each case, rebellion from below failed without the aid and support of either the powers above or an outside ally strong enough to overturn the existing order. By contrast, the serfs of Russia were freed because the Tsar freed them. Italy threw off the Austrians with the help of France and, later, Prussia. The Mexicans threw off French domination in good part because the Union Army on the Rio Grande frightened off the French. Canada and Australia gained some measure of responsible home rule because the British government was willing to grant it. Romania unified and escaped Ottoman rule because of the power politics of the Crimean War and its aftermath. Bizarrely, Bouie seems oblivious to the irony of framing his column around Why Juneteenth Matters. As Cameron Hilditch has observed, Juneteenth exists as a holiday precisely because even the formal orders of emancipation coming from Washington were empty words on a page until the Union Army arrived in sufficient force to compel local slaveholders at gunpoint to obey them. These were not merely passive messengers. If the slaves could have freed the slaves, there would have been no Juneteenth. In short, African Americans were not passive in the face of slavery, but they could not and did not end it by themselves. Black abolitionists, slave rebellions, and fugitive slaves all put moral and political pressure on the American system. But how the system responded, and the choices and sacrifices it made, were the result of American ideals, American popular opinion, Republican political leadership, and the Union Army. Why should we care? Because history matters; it evidently matters enough to Bouie that hed attempt to rewrite it. Why does he feel the need to so overstate this particular historical case? That goes back to the competing historical narratives about Americas first century. Bouie could have argued for the Black Narrative that is, a perspective that insists merely on hearing the voices and including the accomplishments of black Americans. That narrative coexists peacefully with the Union Narrative, which stresses the continuity between Lincoln and the Founding Fathers and the central role of the Lincoln- and Grant-era Republicans in expanding the promise of the Founding. Douglass and some (though not all) black leaders of his era respected the promise of the Founding. Even in his famous what to the slave is the Fourth of July speech, Douglass declared, I am not wanting in respect for the fathers of this republic . . . for the good they did, and the principles they contended for, I will unite with you to honor their memory. His problem with America was different: Are the great principles of political freedom and of natural justice, embodied in that Declaration of Independence, extended to us? By seeking to topple Lincoln and Grant from their pedestals, Bouies column aligns instead with the Radical Narrative increasingly adopted by his newspaper, in which Lincoln and his view of the Founding must be undermined at every turn, and denied all credit for their successes and their sacrifices. Given Bouies ideological commitments, it is not surprising that he would seek to minimize the role of Lincoln-era Republicans, with their classical-liberal ideology, their free-labor economics, their evangelical Christian faith, their American nationalism, and their political base of white Midwesterners, in ending slavery. But we need not play along in his revisionist project. More from National Review Family members of many Covid-19 patients at Gandhi Hospital, who have been discharged by authorities, are refusing to take them back home. Dr Prabhakar Rao, Nodal Officer, Gandhi Hospital, said there are over 50 patients including men and women who tested positive for COVID-19 and underwent treatment at the hospital over last 10- 15 days. All of them are healthy and have no symptoms. We have discharged them and declared them fit for home quarantine. But their family members are refusing to take them to their residences, he said. He said many from among these 50 patients have waited outside the hospital for hours. When no one from their families came to take them, we re-admitted them back to the hospital and provide them beds to stay. There are two age groups in these patients, Dr Rao added. He said they have kept the group in the higher age bracket in Gandhi Hospital and the other group of people aged around 50 years has been shifted to Nature Cure Hospital. Their families are also asking us to do testing to make sure that they are negative. In this critical situation doing tests repeatedly is not possible, he said. Dr Rao cited the case of a 93-year-old Covid-19 positive woman, who was admitted to Gandhi Hospital 15 days ago and is now fine and fit to get discharged from the hospital. He said her family members are not coming forward to take her to their residence and she is in hospital. In another case, an 85-year-old-person, who tested positive and got admitted to Gandhi Hospital 16 days ago, is now having no symptoms and is fit for home quarantine. But his family members are refusing to take him to their residence and are demanding a re-test, Dr Rao said. Gandhi Hospital is the designated nodal centre in Telangana to treat Covid-19 cases. CAMBRIDGE A Cambridge man is facing a dozen criminal charges after he was arrested by Peel Regional Police in Mississauga earlier this week. The Waterloo Regional Police launched an investigation into human trafficking in the region in May and this arrest came out of that investigation. A 23-year-old Cambridge man is facing 12 charges including sexual assault, firearms and human trafficking-related offences. Officers are asking members of the public to continue to provide any and all information related to potential human trafficking. This can be done anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or by emailing intel.ht@wrps.on.ca. The UK has basked in the hottest day of the year so far but beachgoers are being warned to stay away from part of the south coast after thousands flocking there caused a major incident to be declared. The mercury rose to a scorching 33.3C (91.94F) at Heathrow Airport in west London on Thursday, beating Wednesdays high of 32.6C (90.68F) at the same location. Scotland also had its highest temperature so far this year with the thermometer reaching 30C (86F) in Prestwick. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council said it was left with no choice but to declare a major incident after services were completely overstretched as huge numbers of visitors defied advice to stay away during the hot weather in recent days. Condemning the irresponsible behaviour of crowds who gridlocked roads, dumped rubbish, abused refuse collectors and parked illegally, the council said extra police patrols have been brought in. Chief medical officer for England Professor Chris Whitty urged people to follow social distancing rules in the hot weather or risk causing a spike in coronavirus. He wrote on Twitter: Covid-19 has gone down due to the efforts of everyone but is still in general circulation. If we do not follow social distancing guidance then cases will rise again. Naturally people will want to enjoy the sun but we need to do so in a way that is safe for all. Health Secretary Matt Hancock also tweeted: We all want to be outside and enjoying the glorious sunshine but if you are heading out please do it safely and stick to social distancing rules. Bournemouth East MP Tobias Ellwood echoed calls from Dorset Police and the council for people to stay away and said he had asked the police minister to send additional officers if the force requested it. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Council leader Vikki Slade said: The irresponsible behaviour and actions of so many people is just shocking and our services are stretched to the absolute hilt trying to keep everyone safe. We have had no choice now but to declare a major incident and initiate an emergency response. The heatwave is set to break with the arrival of thunderstorms bringing lightning strikes and downpours. Storms had already developed through the course of the day across the north-west of Scotland and are expected to reach much of the west of the UK later on Thursday. The Met Office said thunderstorms had been recorded across south-west England shortly after 4.30pm. A yellow weather warning is in place for Northern Ireland, Wales and the west of Scotland and England, with the storms set to move eastwards into Friday. #Thunderstorms have broken out across southwest England Here is the latest: pic.twitter.com/azsKux0MHQ Met Office (@metoffice) June 25, 2020 The rainfall brings a risk of flooding and disruption to some places, the Met Office said. There have also been warnings not to be tempted to cool off in open water, following the deaths of two people in recent days in Berkshire and Scotland. A 10-year-old boy died after getting into difficulty in Loch Lubnaig, near Callander in the Highlands on Wednesday evening, Police Scotland said. Expand Close The council declared a major incident as beachgoers flocked to the south coast amid the UK heatwave (Andrew Matthews/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The council declared a major incident as beachgoers flocked to the south coast amid the UK heatwave (Andrew Matthews/PA) Meanwhile, a body was found following a search for a missing man at Lulle Brook in Cookham, Berkshire. A cousin told the PA news agency that Syrian refugee Eyad Al Ryabi had gone into the water on Tuesday evening to try to help his friend. The friend survived and was taken to hospital in a serious condition, Thames Valley Police said. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) tweeted: Although the weather is hot, the water is not. Cold water shock can take your breath away please do not be tempted to cool off in open water and #BeWaterAware. An amber level three heat-health alert, issued by the Met Office, was extended on Thursday to take in Yorkshire and the east and south of England as well as the West and East Midlands. Health authorities have encouraged those most vulnerable many of whom have been shielding during lockdown to protect themselves amid the exceptionally hot weather forecast this week. Public Health England (PHE) said older people, those with underlying health conditions, and very young children were all more at risk from the higher temperatures. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) The storms are expected to continue from midday on Friday through to Saturday morning, with another yellow warning in place for the whole of the UK. Areas hit by the storms could experience torrential downpours with between 30mm to 50mm of rain falling in an hour. The Met Office said UV levels were expected to remain at eight across many parts of the UK on Thursday. Dr Michaela Hegglin, associate professor in atmospheric chemistry at the University of Readings Department of Meteorology, said Thursday could see some of the highest UV levels ever recorded in Britain. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Dog owners have been urged to avoid exercising their pets during the hottest part of the day, with Vets Now, a provider of emergency veterinary care, warning that the average survival rate of a dog diagnosed with heatstroke was 50%. Meanwhile, the NFCC said it wanted to debunk this myth that hand sanitiser left in hot cars could pose a fire risk. Roy Wilsher, NFCC chair said: We want to reassure people that this product will not combust if left in a car even on the hottest day. For hand sanitiser to cause a fire it would need to come into contact with a spark. Is there anything that screams celebration more than bubbles? Birthdays, graduations, promotions, engagements, weddings, and any other celebration is usually marked with toasts of glasses filled with sparkling wine. And usually, it is Champagne. Champagne is considered the creme d la creme of sparkling wines. But Champagne comes from a specific place and is made with specific grapes. There is a whole world of sparkling wines out there different regions, different grape varieties, different flavor profiles, and different price points. To talk about the world of sparkling wines, let us quickly review a few things. When we think of a classic sparkling wine, we think of Champagne. Champagne is made with three grapes Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Many other regions around the world will use the same grapes in their sparkling wines but other grapes are also used. It is also important to understand the ways sparkling wine can be made. There is the Champagne Method, also known as the Traditional Method, in which the secondary fermentation happens inside the bottle. Other traditional method made wines include Cremant, Franciacorta, Cava and many domestic sparkling wines. The Charmat Method, also known as the Tank Method, is where the secondary fermentation happens in a pressurized tank of still wine, instead of in individual bottles. The most famous wine made in the Charmat Method is Prosecco. Another way to make sparkling wine that is growing in popularity is actually an old method called Ancestral Method. In this method, the secondary fermentation happens inside the bottle but unlike the Traditional Method where the dead yeasts are disgorged, the wine is not disgorged, and sediment remains in the bottle. The trendy Petillant Naturel (Pet-nat) wines are made this way. As delicious and wonderful as Champagne is, the world of sparkling wine is more than Champagne. There are fabulous sparkling wines made around the world that are not only lovely to drink but can be more affordable than Champagne. And if they are affordable, then that means that we do not need to wait for a special occasion to drink them. Sparkling wines are delicious anytime, anywhere and are wonderful additions to many meals. While the world of sparkling wine is vast, here are 20 sparkling wines from around the world that I have been enjoying lately that are sure to add some sparkle to your day without hurting your wallet. French sparkling wines Sparkling wines made outside of Champagne using the Traditional method of secondary fermentation in bottle are called Cremant. And, in fact, the oldest recorded sparkling wine (dated 1531) was Cremant de Limoux, a cremant from the Languedoc in the southwest of France. Langlois-Chateau Cremant de Loire Brut NV ($25.99) Located in the Loire Valley, Langlois-Chateau owns and manages 175 acres. More than 60 percent of the estates production is dedicated to Cremant. The estate is sustainably farmed, and the grapes are hand harvested in small bins and pressed gently. The Langlois-Chateau Cremant de Loire Brut NV is a blend of 60 percent Chenin Blanc (including 10 percent reserve wine), 20 percent Chardonnay and 20 percent Cabernet Franc. The wine is aged for 36 months on the lees resulting in a textured wine with aromas of apple, grapefruit, and lime. This medium-bodied wine has a crisp, mineral finish. Langlois-Chateau Cremant de Loire Brut Rose NV ($22.99) Made from a blend of 70 percent Cabernet Franc and 30 percent Pinot Noir, this wine is made from juice from the first pressing which spends 18 months on the less. This wine is bright and vibrant with floral, red currant, strawberry, cherry, and citrus notes as well as autolytic characteristics. It is light-bodied with a crisp, refreshing yet delicate finish. Lucien Albrecht Cremant dAlsace Brut NV, Alsace, France ($20) Eight generations of the Albrecht family have been producing wine in Alsace in northern France since 1689 but only began making Cremant dAlsace in 1971. Lucien Albrecht was one of the pioneers of Cremant dAlsace. (Alsace became an AOC in 1976.) The Lucien Albrecht Cremant dAlsace Brut NV is a blend of Pinot Auxerrois, Pinot Blanc and Chardonnay, which are grown in the chalky soils of Alsace. The wine has notes of crisp green apple, pear, peach and citrus. It is a pretty, balanced wine with a mineral finish. LVE Rose French Sparkling ($20) LVE is a partnership between musician John Legend and Jean-Charles Boisset, proprietor of the Boisset Collection. With roots in France, Boisset sourced fruit from well-known vineyards in France ranging from the Loire Valley to Languedoc. The LVE Rose French Sparkling is a pink color and has a fresh, fruity nose of strawberries, red currants, peaches, and grapefruit. This wine is bright and fresh with nice acidity. For $20, this is an easy sipper to enjoy on a hot summer day by the pool. -- Italian sparkling wines Sparkling wine was made in Italy for the first time in 1865 in the northwest region of Piemonte. Carlo Gancia made the first Metodo Classico sparkling with from Moscato grapes. Today sparkling wine is made all over Italy, especially in the northern part. Franciacorta and Oltrepo Pavese, both in the Lombardy region, produce traditional method sparkling wines using Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and limited amounts of Pinot Bianco. In Trentino, in the province of Trento, Trentodoc wines are also made in the traditional method, typically from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Prosecco, made from the Glera grape, is made in the Charmat method and is produced in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions. Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine produced from the Lambrusco grape in the Emilia-Romagna region, as well as the Lombardy region. Lambrusco is produced both in the traditional method, as well as the Charmat method. Moscato dAsti and Bracchetto dAcqui are slightly sweet effervescent or sparkling wines made in the Charmat method that come from the Piemonte region. Rotari Brut 2014 Trentodoc ($23) Located in Trentino in the heart of the Dolomites, Rotari is named after the legendary Longbard King Rotari who fought important battles in the Trentino part of Trentino-Alto Adige. The Rotari Brut is made from Chardonnay that is grown in the hills of the Adige Valley at an altitude of 350-600 meters above sea level. Fermentation and aging on the less takes place in stainless steel and the wine goes through malolactic fermentation before secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle. The resulting wine is a straw yellow color with pineapple, stone fruit and floral, as well as yeasty notes. On the palate, the wine is intense and precise with citrus and mineral notes. Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco di Castelvetro Vigneto Cialdini ($17) The Chiarli family, located in Modena, established the first wine-producing company in Emilia Romagna in 1860. Producers of Lambrusco, the areas primary grape, the family is also responsible for introducing the Charmat method in Lambrusco a century later. Prior to using the Charmat method, Lambrusco producers typically used the Ancestral method, which resulted in a dry, fizzy, cloudy wine. The Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco di Castelvetro Vigneto Cialdini is made from 100 percent Lambrusco Grasparossa from a single vineyard. Made in stainless steel tanks, this wine used a single fermentation under pressure. It is a deep color and has a gorgeous nose of violets, cherries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and plum. Beautiful aromatics give way to a dry wine with soft tannins and an elegant finish. Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco di Sorbara del Fondatore 2018 ($15.99) Lambrusco di Sorbara is the lightest and most floral in the Lambrusco grape family. This wine is made in the Ancestral method in which the secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle and the wine is unfiltered. The wine is a light pink color. It is a bright, fruity wine with aromas of cherry, strawberry, watermelon, and violets. On the palate, the wine is dry yet mouthwatering. Cleto Chiarli Brut de Noir Rose, Emilia-Romagna ($17.99) A blend of 85 percent Lambrusco Grasparossa and 15 percent Pinot Noir, this light pink wine is made in honor of a traditional wine made in the old days from the runoff of grapes that were piled onto carts for delivery. Made in a single fermentation in an autoclave (pressurized tanks), this wine is bright with fresh watermelon, strawberry, raspberry, and cherry notes. It is delicate and structured yet lively and fun. Mionetto Prosecco Cartizze DOCG ($35) Founded in 1887 by Francesco Mionetto in Valdobbiadene, in the heart of the Prosecco region, just north of Venice, Mionetto is one of the areas oldest producers and was the first to bring Prosecco to the United States. Cartizze is a highly regarded micro-zone inside the Conegliano Valdobbiadene DOCG. Made from 100 percent Glera, the wine is a bright gold color with notes of apple, pear, citrus and yeast. On the palate, the wine is fresh, yet soft, and creamy and balanced between acidity and sweetness. Sensi 18K Prosecco Treviso DOC ($21.99) Sensi Vigne e Vini, established in 1890, is a fourth-generation family-owned winery and one of the leaders in the world for Chianti. The familys primary estate is in Tuscany where they have 198 acres from which they produce Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Sensi also expanded into Veneto where they make 18K, an exclusive line of sparkling wines. The 18K Prosecco Treviso DOC made from 100 percent Glera from Valdobbiadene, is a bright straw yellow color with a clean, fresh nose of apple and herbs. -- South African sparking wine South African sparkling wines are made in the traditional method, which is called Methode Cap Classique (MCC). This term was adopted in 1992 in response to the ban on the use of the words Champagne and Champenoise for anything other than the wine from the Champagne region in France. Graham Beck Brut Rose NV ($19.99) Established by Graham Beck in 1983, Graham Beck Wines is a sparkling wine house in Breede River Valley in the Western Cape town of Robertson. The Brut Rose is a blend of 58 percent Pinot Noir and 42 percent Chardonnay. A light pink color, the aromas of the wine is a big basket of red berries. Elegant and structured, the wine is crisp and bright with minerality and a lot of texture. -- Domestic sparkling wine Many domestic producers make small amounts of Traditional method sparkling wines. Inman Extra Brut Luxe Cuvee 2015, Russian River Valley, Sonoma ($78) Winemaker and owner Kathleen Inman loves Champagne, so it is no surprise that she makes beautifully elegant and textured sparkling wines. The Inman Extra Brut Luxe Cuvee 2015 is the first sparkling wine she has made that is not 100 percent estate Pinot Noir. This wine is a blend of 72 percent Pinot Noir from her Olivet Grange Vineyard and 28 percent Chardonnay from the Irwin Lane Vineyard. The wine spends four years aging on the lees and after disgorgement, no additional sugar is added. Fresh fruit notes of apple, pear and citrus mixed with a note of brioche give way to a rich, yet graceful, wine. Inman OGV Estate Brut Rose 2016, Russian River Valley ($68) Made from 100 percent Pinot Noir from the Olivet Grange Vineyard, the grapes are hand-picked and then whole cluster pressed. Aged on the lees before blending, as well as in the final blend, results in a balanced elegant wine that has a lovely texture. The wine has fresh aromas of strawberry, raspberry, citrus along with mineral and lightly toasted notes Frank Family Vineyards 2014 Blanc de Blancs, Carneros ($55) Napa Valleys Frank Family Vineyards was established in 1992 by Rich Frank. The property he purchased in Rutherford had previously been owned by Hanns Kornell, a German immigrant who had made sparkling wines on the property since 1958. Frank continued the tradition when he bought property. In addition to producing approximately 75,000 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Sangiovese and Petit Sirah, Frank Family produces a small collection of sparkling wines. The Blanc de Blancs is 100 percent Chardonnay sourced from Carneros. The vibrant wine has citrus, floral, and fruit notes of apple and pear. On the palate, the wine is lively and elegant with a creamy mid-palate and a mineral finish. Scharffenberger Brut Rose, Mendocino ($25.99) Founded in 1981 in the Anderson Valley, Scharffenberger produces only two sparkling wines sourced from their vineyards in the Anderson Valley as well as other vineyards in Mendocino County. A blend of 56 percent Chardonnay and 44 percent Pinot Noir, the wine is a pale peach color. The nose is rich with citrus, red fruits, and peach notes. On the palate, tangy citrus and yeasty notes lead to a medium-bodied wine with energy and elegance. Priest Ranch Brut Rose 2015, Napa Valley ($50) Somerston Estate, created by combining the 660-acre Priest Ranch and the 955-acre Lynch Ranch, is a 1,615-acre property with 215 acres of sustainably farmed hillside vineyards. Under the Priest Ranch label, only 100 cases of sparkling wine are produced. The Brut Rose is made from 100 percent Syrah sourced from the west side of the property. Made in the traditional method, the wine spends 24 months in stainless steel on the lees and then bottled and aged an additional 24 months. Bold red berry and peach notes lead to a rich wine with a creamy mid-plate with acidity that dances on top. La Crema Brut Rose Russian River Valley ($45) La Crema has focused on cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in California and Oregon for more than 30 years. La Crema produces one sparkling wine, a blend of 73 percent Pinot Noir and 27 percent Chardonnay sourced from the Saralees Vineyard in Sonoma Countys Russian River Valley. Fresh and wild strawberries jump out of the glass mixed with white flowers and wet stones. The minerality continues through on the finish, along with vibrant acidity and lovely mid-palate weight. J Cuvee 20 Brut NV ($38) J Vineyards & Winery has been making sparkling wine in the Russian River Valley for more than 30 years. The J Cuvee 20 Brut was initially produced to commemorate the winerys 20th anniversary. A blend of 51 percent Chardonnay, 41 percent Pinot Noir and 8 percent Pinot Meunier, the wine has a rich nose of apple, pear, tart lime, honeysuckle, toasted almond, and a touch of spice. On the palate, the wine is balanced between creaminess and a fresh finish that pops. Flying Goat 2016 Goat Bubbles Cremant, Santa Maria Valley AVA ($40) Located in the Santa Ynez Valley, Flying Goat is one of the original sparkling wine makers in Santa Barbara County using the traditional method to make bubbles. Winemaker and owner Norm Yost makes vineyard designated sparkling wines under the label Goat Bubbles. He produces seven different sparkling wines, each made in the traditional method and each bottle is hand-riddled, disgorged, waxed, and labeled. The Goat Bubbles Cremant is made from 100 percent Pinot Blanc sourced from the Sierra Madre Vineyard in Santa Maria AVA. Vibrant, fresh, and zesty, this wine has tart aromas of lemon and chalk that continue through on the palate. Gran Moraine Brut Rose, Yamhill, Oregon ($50) Established in 2012 by the Jackson Family, Gran Moraine is a 190-acre estate vineyard in the Yamhill Carlton AVA in the northern Willamette Valley. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are grown in the ancient marine sedimentary soils. The Brut Rose is produced in limited release. A pale, translucent pink color, the wine has a vibrant nose of strawberry, nectarine, rose petal, honeysuckle, and brioche. On the palate it is linear with a refreshing finish. These producers are just a small sample of what is available in the world of sparkling wines. With so many delicious, and affordable, sparkling wines available from around the world, there is never an excuse needed to drink bubbles. Allison Levine is owner of Please The Palate, a marketing and event-planning agency. A freelance writer, she contributes to numerous publications while eating and drinking her way around the world. Allison is also the host of the wine podcast Wine Soundtrack USA. Contact her at allison@pleasethepalate.com. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 14:57:20|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A growing number of U.S. states have mandated mask-wearing in public places as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the country, where so far over 120,000 people have died from the novel coronavirus. Roy Cooper, governor of the southeastern state of North Carolina, announced Wednesday the state will remain in "Phase Two" for another three weeks until July 17, with face coverings mandatory in public places. On May 22, the state entered "Phase Two," which was scheduled to expire on Friday, and the mask-wearing requirement will take effect on Friday afternoon. North Carolina, with an additional 1,721 confirmed COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, is the latest U.S. state that made the use of masks and face coverings mandatory to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Faced with a recent uptick in confirmed COVID-19 cases, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee announced Tuesday that a new statewide mandate requiring residents to wear face masks will go into effect on Friday. Not wearing facial coverings would amount to a misdemeanor crime, Inslee said. On June 18, California Governor Gavin Newsom, alarmed by swelling COVID-19 infections, ordered Californians to wear masks in nearly all outdoor and indoor settings. Prior to the state's rule, Los Angeles, San Diego and most Bay Area counties had already imposed their own requirements. Since April, over a dozen U.S. states, including New York, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts, Delaware and Maryland, have already issued mask-wearing orders. The District of Columbia also joined them. In the United States, the spread of the virus has trended downward in some of the hardest-hit places like New York state. However, several southern and southwestern states are seeing upticks in their coronavirus case counts. More than 35,000 new coronavirus cases were identified across the United States on Tuesday, according to a New York Times database, the highest single-day total since late April. Florida on Wednesday reported another 5,508 cases in a single day, setting a new daily record. Texas confirmed more than 5,000 cases on Tuesday, its highest single-day jump. Arizona saw a new record of more than 3,600 cases. "In some respects, we've done very well," Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told a Congress panel on Tuesday. "However, in other areas of the country, we are now seeing a disturbing surge of infections that looks like it's a combination, but one of the things is an increase in community spread. And that's something I'm really quite concerned about," he said. The senior expert said the next few weeks are critical to tamping down the surge of the virus in the United States. "Plan A, don't go in a crowd. Plan B, if you do, make sure you wear a mask," Fauci said. On April 3, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made a recommendation that citizens should wear "non-medical, cloth masks" when it is essential to be in public places to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Previously, the CDC had recommended that only those with COVID-19 symptoms wear masks publicly. Wearing face masks, however, remains controversial around the country. Many top White House officials have repeatedly refused to follow the practice. Recent research showed that 73 percent of Democrats wore masks amid the outbreak, while only 59 percent of Republicans did. Enditem HUNT VALLEY, Md., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE:MKC), a global leader in flavor, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended May 31, 2020. Sales rose 8% in the second quarter from the year-ago period. In constant currency, the company grew sales 10% with significant consumer segment growth partially offset by a substantial sales decline in the flavor solutions segment. Operating income was $257 million in the second quarter compared to $208 million in the year-ago period, an increase of 24%. Adjusted operating income was $260 million , an increase of 21% from $215 million in the second quarter of 2019, and a 23% increase in constant currency. in the second quarter compared to in the year-ago period, an increase of 24%. Adjusted operating income was , an increase of 21% from in the second quarter of 2019, and a 23% increase in constant currency. Earnings per share was $1.46 in the second quarter as compared to $1.12 in the year-ago period. Adjusted earnings per share rose 27% to $1.47 from $1.16 in the year-ago period. in the second quarter as compared to in the year-ago period. Adjusted earnings per share rose 27% to from in the year-ago period. The company reaffirms its long-term financial objectives and capital allocation priorities. Chairman, President & CEO's Remarks Lawrence E. Kurzius, Chairman, President and CEO, stated, "Our second quarter played out under extraordinary circumstances in all our markets. I am incredibly proud of the way McCormick has performed in an unprecedented operating environment. Our results speak to the value of our products and to our capabilities as a company. The recovery from COVID-19 continues to evolve daily and while conditions remain uncertain, we remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of our employees, maintaining the quality and integrity of our products and keeping our brands and our customers' brands in supply. We plan to emerge strong from this by focusing on the long-term goals, strategies and values that have made us so successful. "Our results for the second quarter were significantly impacted by a shift in consumer demand resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Our exceptional consumer segment growth was driven by the substantial increase in demand as consumers were cooking more at home. In our flavor solutions segment, our results were significantly impacted by sharp declines in demand from restaurant and other foodservice customers as away from home dining was significantly curtailed. Taken together, these impacts demonstrate the strength and diversity of our offering. "Our ability to meet the increased consumer demand and execute during a volatile quarter highlights our agility and strong foundation. The sustained level of consumer demand has put pressure on our supply chain and I want to thank our employees for their dedicated efforts as well as our suppliers and customers for their partnerships in this challenging environment. Our results were driven by the engagement of our employees and the successful execution of our strategies. We delivered strong sales growth, double digit operating profit and earnings per share growth, as well as operating margin expansion and strong cash flow. "McCormick is a global leader in flavor. We are differentiated with a broad and advantaged global flavor portfolio which continues to drive growth and position us to fully meet the demand for flavor around the world. We deliver flavor across all markets and through all channels, while responding readily to changes in the ever-evolving food and beverage industry, as well as in the global environment, with new ideas, innovation and purpose. We are continuing to capitalize on the global and growing consumer interests in healthy, flavorful cooking, heritage brands and digital engagement. These long-term trends have not only remained intact during this crisis, they have accelerated. Our focus on long-term sustainable growth and strengthening our organization is the foundation of our future. The long-term fundamentals of our business remain intact, and given our consistent history of growth, we are confident that we can successfully navigate through the current volatility and continue on our long-term growth trajectory. "I want to recognize McCormick employees around the world as the collective power of our people drives our momentum and our success. With our vision to stand together for flavor and our relentless focus on growth, performance, and people, we are confident our strategies will enable us to become even better positioned to drive future growth and build long-term value for our shareholders." Second Quarter 2020 Results McCormick reported an 8% sales increase in the second quarter from the year-ago period, including a 2% unfavorable impact from currency. In constant currency total sales grew 10%. Consumer segment sales increased 26%, including a 2% unfavorable impact from currency. Consumer segment sales growth was driven by higher volume and product mix in the Americas and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions, partially offset by a decline in the Asia/Pacific region driven by the extended COVID-19 lockdown in one of the company's most highly developed markets in China, the Hubei province. Flavor solutions segment sales declined 18%, including a 2% unfavorable impact from currency, across all regions attributable to the restaurant and foodservice disruption. Gross profit margin increased 230 basis points versus the year-ago period. This expansion was driven by favorable product mix and cost savings led by our Comprehensive Continuous Improvement (CCI) program. Operating income increased to $257 million in the second quarter of 2020 compared to $208 million in the year-ago period. This increase was primarily driven by the impact of higher sales and gross margin expansion. Operating income margin increased 240 basis points versus the year-ago period. The company recorded $3 million of special charges in the second quarter of 2020 versus $7 million in the second quarter of 2019. Excluding special charges, adjusted operating income increased 21% to $260 million compared to $215 million in the year-ago period, or 23% in constant currency. The company expanded adjusted operating income margin by 210 basis points versus the second quarter of 2019. Earnings per share was $1.46 in the second quarter of 2020 compared to $1.12 in the second quarter of 2019. Special charges lowered earnings per share by $0.01 and $0.04 in the second quarter of 2020 and 2019, respectively. Excluding these impacts, adjusted earnings per share was $1.47 in the second quarter of 2020 compared to $1.16 in the year-ago period. The increase in adjusted earnings per share was driven primarily by higher adjusted operating income performance and lower interest expense. Adjusted earnings per share of $1.47, which includes an unfavorable impact from foreign currency rates, increased by 27% over the prior year. The company continues to generate strong cash flow. Year-to-date net cash provided by operating activities through the second quarter of 2020 was $356 million compared to $314 million in the first half of 2019. The strong operating cash flow was driven by higher net income. Fiscal Year 2020 Financial Outlook McCormick previously withdrew its fiscal 2020 guidance on March 31, 2020. The operating environment continues to evolve and, while the company's year-to-date fiscal 2020 performance has been strong, there remains a high degree of uncertainty about the pace and shape of the COVID-19 recovery. As a result, the company is not providing new fiscal 2020 guidance at this time. The company believes there will be a shift in demand due to COVID-19 for the balance of the year but cannot predict the level of consumption at home or away from home, or the impact of possible resurgences of the COVID-19 virus. In the consumer segment, the company is expecting an overall increase in consumer demand driven by increased cooking at home and continues to see elevated demand as the second half of the fiscal year begins. In the flavor solutions segment, the company is expecting customer demand from packaged food companies to be consistent with levels prior to COVID-19 and, as restaurant and other foodservice customers are beginning to recover, demand from them to rebound gradually throughout the second half of the fiscal year but not return to the same level as the year-ago period. The company is focused on execution and is ready to perform in this dynamic environment as it has thus far. The company reaffirms its long-term financial objectives and capital allocation priorities remain unchanged. Business Segment Results Consumer Segment (in millions) Three months ended Six months ended 5/31/2020 5/31/2019 5/31/2020 5/31/2019 Net sales $ 962.6 $ 764.1 $ 1,662.1 $ 1,509.0 Operating income, excluding special charges 231.6 137.8 351.2 273.1 The consumer segment sales increased 26% from the second quarter of 2019. In constant currency sales increased 28% driven by a shift to cooking more at home in the Americas and EMEA regions. Consumer sales in the Americas rose 36% compared to the second quarter of 2019, with minimal impact from currency. The increase was broad based with significant growth across the McCormick branded portfolio. Pricing actions to offset cost increases also contributed to the growth. Second quarter consumer sales in EMEA increased 22% compared to the year-ago period. In constant currency, sales grew 26%. The sales growth was broad based with particular strength in the homemade dessert products in France and in branded spices and seasonings and branded dry recipe mixes. and in branded spices and seasonings and branded dry recipe mixes. Consumer sales in the Asia/Pacific region declined 18% compared to the second quarter of 2019, and in constant currency declined 13%. The decrease was driven by products related to away from home consumption, mainly due to the extended COVID-19 lockdown in China's Hubei province. Partially offsetting this decline was strong growth across the region of cooking at home products. Consumer segment operating income, excluding special charges, increased 68% to $232 million for the second quarter of 2020 compared to $138 million in the year-ago period. In constant currency, consumer operating income increased 70%. This increase was driven by higher sales and CCI-led cost savings. Additionally, the leverage of fixed cost resulting from higher sales also had a significant favorable impact on consumer operating income margin. Flavor Solutions Segment (in millions) Three months ended Six months ended 5/31/2020 5/31/2019 5/31/2020 5/31/2019 Net sales $ 438.5 $ 537.8 $ 951.0 $ 1,024.4 Operating income, excluding special charges 28.7 77.4 104.3 141.1 Flavor solutions segment sales declined 18% compared to the first quarter of 2019. In constant currency, sales decreased 16% attributable to sharp declines in demand from restaurants and other foodservice customers within our flavor solutions segment. Flavor solutions sales in the Americas decreased 15% from the year-ago period. In constant currency, sales decreased 13%. Significantly lower sales to branded foodservice customers in addition to quick service restaurant customers drove the decline with a partial offset from increased sales to packaged food companies. The EMEA region's flavor solutions sales declined 34% versus the year-ago period and in constant currency decreased 31%. The decline was driven by a significant reduction in sales to quick service restaurant customers in addition to lower branded food service sales, partially offset by higher demand from packaged food companies. The Asia/Pacific region's flavor solutions sales decreased 11% compared to the second quarter of 2019. In constant currency, sales decreased 6%. The sales decline was primarily driven by the COVID-19 related restrictions in countries outside of China . Flavor solutions segment operating income, excluding special charges, decreased 63% to $29 million for the second quarter of 2020 compared to $77 million in the year-ago period. In constant currency, flavor solutions operating income decreased 61%. This decline was attributable to lower sales and unfavorable manufacturing costs with a partial offset from CCI-led cost savings. Additionally, operating income margin for the flavor solutions segment had a significant unfavorable impact from the deleveraging of fixed costs resulting from lower sales. Non-GAAP Financial Measures The tables below include financial measures of adjusted operating income, adjusted operating income margin, adjusted income tax expense, adjusted income tax rate, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share, each excluding the impact of special charges for each of the periods presented. Adjusted operating income, adjusted operating income margin, adjusted income tax expense, adjusted income tax rate, adjusted net income and adjusted diluted earnings per share represent non-GAAP financial measures which are prepared as a complement to our financial results prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles. These financial measures exclude the impact, as applicable, of the following: In our consolidated income statement, we include a separate line item captioned "Special charges" in arriving at our consolidated operating income. Special charges consist of expenses associated with certain actions undertaken by the company to reduce fixed costs, simplify or improve processes, and improve our competitiveness and are of such significance in terms of both up-front costs and organizational/structural impact to require advance approval by our Management Committee. Upon presentation of any such proposed action (including details with respect to estimated costs, expected benefits and expected timing) to the Management Committee and the Committee's advance approval, expenses associated with the approved action are classified as special charges upon recognition and monitored on an on-going basis through completion. We believe that these non-GAAP financial measures are important. The exclusion of the items noted above provides additional information that enables enhanced comparisons to prior periods and, accordingly, facilitates the development of future projections and earnings growth prospects. This information is also used by management to measure the profitability of our ongoing operations and analyze our business performance and trends. These non-GAAP financial measures may be considered in addition to results prepared in accordance with GAAP, but they should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, GAAP results. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies because other companies may not calculate them in the same manner that we do. We intend to continue to provide these non-GAAP financial measures as part of our future earnings discussions and, therefore, the inclusion of these non-GAAP financial measures will provide consistency in our financial reporting. A reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the related GAAP financial measures is provided below: (in millions except per share data) Three Months Ended Six Months Ended 5/31/2020 5/31/2019 5/31/2020 5/31/2019 Operating income $ 257.4 $ 208.1 $ 451.6 $ 405.0 Impact of special charges 2.9 7.1 3.9 9.2 Adjusted operating income $ 260.3 $ 215.2 $ 455.5 $ 414.2 % increase versus year-ago period 21.0 % 10.0 % Adjusted operating income margin (1) 18.6 % 16.5 % 17.4 % 16.3 % Income tax expense $ 40.4 $ 32.1 $ 70.5 $ 54.2 Impact of special charges 0.9 1.7 1.2 2.2 Adjusted income tax expense $ 41.3 $ 33.8 $ 71.7 $ 56.4 Adjusted income tax rate (2) 18.0 % 18.9 % 18.2 % 16.5 % Net income $ 195.9 $ 149.4 $ 340.6 $ 297.4 Impact of special charges 2.0 5.4 2.7 7.0 Adjusted net income $ 197.9 $ 154.8 $ 343.3 $ 304.4 % increase versus year-ago period 27.8 % 12.8 % Earnings per share - diluted $ 1.46 $ 1.12 $ 2.54 $ 2.22 Impact of special charges 0.01 0.04 0.02 0.05 Adjusted earnings per share - diluted $ 1.47 $ 1.16 $ 2.56 $ 2.27 % increase versus year-ago period 26.7 % 12.8 % (1) Adjusted operating income margin is calculated as adjusted operating income as a percentage of net sales for each period presented. (2) Adjusted income tax rate is calculated as adjusted income tax expense as a percentage of income from consolidated operations before income taxes excluding special charges or $229.0 million and $394.4 million for the three and six months ended May 31, 2020, respectively and $179.1 million and $341.2 million for the three and six months ended May 31, 2019, respectively. Because we are a multi-national company, we are subject to variability of our reported U.S. dollar results due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Those changes have been volatile over the past several years. The exclusion of the effects of foreign currency exchange, or what we refer to as amounts expressed "on a constant currency basis", is a non-GAAP measure. We believe that this non-GAAP measure provides additional information that enables enhanced comparison to prior periods excluding the translation effects of changes in rates of foreign currency exchange and provides additional insight into the underlying performance of our operations located outside of the U.S. It should be noted that our presentation herein of amounts and percentage changes on a constant currency basis does not exclude the impact of foreign currency transaction gains and losses (that is, the impact of transactions denominated in other than the local currency of any of our subsidiaries in their local currency reported results). Percentage changes in sales and adjusted operating income expressed in "constant currency" are presented excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange. To present this information for historical periods, current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated into U.S. dollars at the average exchange rates in effect during the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year, rather than at the actual average exchange rates in effect during the current fiscal year. As a result, the foreign currency impact is equal to the current year results in local currencies multiplied by the change in the average foreign currency exchange rate between the current fiscal period and the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year. Constant currency growth rates follow: Three Months Ended May 31, 2020 Percentage Change as Reported Impact of Foreign Currency Exchange Percentage Change on Constant Currency Basis Net sales Consumer segment Americas 35.8% (0.5)% 36.3% EMEA 22.0% (4.0)% 26.0% Asia/Pacific (17.9)% (5.1)% (12.8)% Total consumer segment 26.0% (1.8)% 27.8% Flavor solutions segment Americas (15.0)% (1.6)% (13.4)% EMEA (34.3)% (3.7)% (30.6)% Asia/Pacific (11.3)% (5.1)% (6.2)% Total flavor solutions segment (18.5)% (2.4)% (16.1)% Total net sales 7.6% (2.0)% 9.6% Adjusted operating income Consumer segment 68.1% (1.7)% 69.8% Flavor solutions segment (62.9)% (2.2)% (60.7)% Total adjusted operating income 21.0% (1.9)% 22.9% Six Months Ended May 31, 2020 Percentage Change as Reported Impact of Foreign Currency Exchange Percentage Change on Constant Currency Basis Net sales Consumer segment Americas 18.1% (0.2)% 18.3% EMEA 10.5% (2.7)% 13.2% Asia/Pacific (24.2)% (3.0)% (21.2)% Total consumer segment 10.2% (1.1)% 11.3% Flavor solutions segment Americas (5.2)% (0.6)% (4.6)% EMEA (14.0)% (2.2)% (11.8)% Asia/Pacific (7.6)% (3.3)% (4.3)% Total flavor solutions segment (7.2)% (1.2)% (6.0)% Total net sales 3.1% (1.2)% 4.3% Adjusted operating income Consumer segment 28.6% (1.0)% 29.6% Flavor solutions segment (26.1)% (1.2)% (24.9)% Total adjusted operating income 10.0% (1.1)% 11.1% Live Webcast As previously announced, McCormick will hold a conference call with analysts today at 8:00 a.m. ET. The conference call will be webcast live via the McCormick website. Go to ir.mccormick.com and follow directions to listen to the call and access the accompanying presentation materials. At this same location, a replay of the call will be available following the live call. Past press releases and additional information can be found at this address. Forward-looking Information Certain information contained in this release, including statements concerning expected performance such as those relating to net sales, gross margins, earnings, cost savings, acquisitions, brand marketing support, special charges, income tax expense and the impact of foreign currency rates are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may be identified by the use of words such as "may," "will," "expect," "should," "anticipate," "intend," "believe" and "plan." These statements may relate to: the impact of COVID-19 on our business, suppliers, consumers, customers, and employees; disruptions or inefficiencies in the supply chain, including any impact of COVID-19; the expected results of operations of businesses acquired by the company, including the acquisition of RB Foods; the expected impact of costs and pricing actions on the company's results of operations and gross margins; the expected impact of productivity improvements, including those associated with our Comprehensive Continuous Improvement ("CCI") program and global enablement initiative; expected working capital improvements; expectations regarding growth potential in various geographies and markets, including the impact from customer, channel, category, and e-commerce expansion; expected trends in net sales and earnings performance and other financial measures; the expected timing and costs of implementing our business transformation initiative, which includes the implementation of a global enterprise resource planning (ERP) system; the expected impact of accounting pronouncements; the expected impact of the U.S. Tax Act enacted in December 2017; the expectations of pension and postretirement plan contributions and anticipated charges associated with such plans; the holding period and market risks associated with financial instruments; the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations; the adequacy of internally generated funds and existing sources of liquidity, such as the availability of bank financing; the anticipated sufficiency of future cash flows to enable the payments of interest and repayment of short- and long-term debt as well as quarterly dividends and the ability to issue additional debt or equity securities; and expectations regarding purchasing shares of McCormick's common stock under the existing repurchase authorizations. These and other forward-looking statements are based on management's current views and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results. Results may be materially affected by factors such as: the company's ability to drive revenue growth; damage to the company's reputation or brand name; loss of brand relevance; increased private label use; product quality, labeling, or safety concerns; negative publicity about our products; actions by, and the financial condition of, competitors and customers; the longevity of mutually beneficial relationships with our large customers; the ability to identify, interpret and react to changes in consumer preferences and demand; business interruptions due to natural disasters or unexpected events or public health crises, including COVID-19; issues affecting the company's supply chain and raw materials, including fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw and packaging materials; government regulation, and changes in legal and regulatory requirements and enforcement practices; the lack of successful acquisition and integration of new businesses, including the acquisition of RB Foods; global economic and financial conditions generally, including the impact of the exit of the U.K. from the European Union (Brexit), availability of financing, interest and inflation rates, and the imposition of tariffs, quotas, trade barriers and other similar restrictions; foreign currency fluctuations; the effects of increased level of debt service following the RB Foods acquisition as well as the effects that such increased debt service may have on the company's ability to borrow or the cost of any such additional borrowing, our credit rating, and our ability to react to certain economic and industry conditions; impairments of indefinite-lived intangible assets; assumptions we have made regarding the investment return on retirement plan assets, and the costs associated with pension obligations; the stability of credit and capital markets; risks associated with the company's information technology systems, including the threat of data breaches and cyber-attacks; the company's inability to successfully implement our business transformation initiative; fundamental changes in tax laws; including interpretations and assumptions we have made, and guidance that may be issued, regarding the U.S. Tax Act enacted on December 22, 2017 and volatility in our effective tax rate; climate change; infringement of intellectual property rights, and those of customers; litigation, legal and administrative proceedings; the company's inability to achieve expected and/or needed cost savings or margin improvements; negative employee relations; and other risks described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. About McCormick McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor. With $5.3 billion in annual sales, the company manufactures, markets and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry retail outlets, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Every day, no matter where or what you eat, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick. McCormick Brings the Joy of Flavor to Life. For more information, visit www.mccormickcorporation.com. For information contact: Investor Relations: Kasey Jenkins (410) 771-7140 or [email protected] Corporate Communications: Lori Robinson (410) 527-6004 or [email protected] (Financial tables follow) Second Quarter Report McCormick & Company, Incorporated Consolidated Income Statement (Unaudited) (In millions except per-share data) Three months ended Six months ended May 31, 2020 May 31, 2019 May 31, 2020 May 31, 2019 Net sales $ 1,401.1 $ 1,301.9 $ 2,613.1 $ 2,533.4 Cost of goods sold 821.6 793.4 1,563.7 1,558.0 Gross profit 579.5 508.5 1,049.4 975.4 Gross profit margin 41.4 % 39.1 % 40.2 % 38.5 % Selling, general and administrative expense 319.2 293.3 593.9 561.2 Special charges 2.9 7.1 3.9 9.2 Operating income 257.4 208.1 451.6 405.0 Interest expense 34.4 42.4 69.7 85.4 Other income, net 3.1 6.3 8.6 12.4 Income from consolidated operations before income taxes 226.1 172.0 390.5 332.0 Income tax expense 40.4 32.1 70.5 54.2 Net income from consolidated operations 185.7 139.9 320.0 277.8 Income from unconsolidated operations 10.2 9.5 20.6 19.6 Net income $ 195.9 $ 149.4 $ 340.6 $ 297.4 Earnings per share - basic $ 1.47 $ 1.13 $ 2.56 $ 2.25 Earnings per share - diluted $ 1.46 $ 1.12 $ 2.54 $ 2.22 Average shares outstanding - basic 133.1 132.3 133.0 $ 132.3 Average shares outstanding - diluted 134.3 133.9 134.3 133.9 Second Quarter Report McCormick & Company, Incorporated Consolidated Balance Sheet (Unaudited) (In millions) May 31, 2020 May 31, 2019 Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 185.0 $ 139.4 Trade accounts receivable, net 494.3 429.0 Inventories 831.3 816.5 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 105.1 88.2 Total current assets 1,615.7 1,473.1 Property, plant and equipment, net 927.0 917.4 Goodwill 4,484.4 4,511.4 Intangible assets, net 2,833.9 2,860.1 Investments and other assets 715.1 474.7 Total assets $ 10,576.1 $ 10,236.7 Liabilities Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt $ 173.4 $ 693.2 Trade accounts payable 857.2 706.6 Other accrued liabilities 551.7 460.3 Total current liabilities 1,582.3 1,860.1 Long-term debt 4,113.6 3,977.5 Deferred taxes 701.3 706.4 Other long-term liabilities 516.6 310.1 Total liabilities 6,913.8 6,854.1 Shareholders' equity Common stock 1,938.9 1,835.0 Retained earnings 2,288.7 1,918.6 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (577.7) (382.7) Total McCormick shareholders' equity 3,649.9 3,370.9 Non-controlling interests 12.4 11.7 Total shareholders' equity 3,662.3 3,382.6 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 10,576.1 $ 10,236.7 Second Quarter Report McCormick & Company, Incorporated Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (Unaudited) (In millions) Six Months Ended May 31, 2020 May 31, 2019 Operating activities Net income $ 340.6 $ 297.4 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 81.5 79.0 Stock-based compensation 27.1 22.8 Income from unconsolidated operations (20.6) (19.6) Changes in operating assets and liabilities (89.2) (83.6) Dividends from unconsolidated affiliates 16.1 18.2 Net cash flow provided by operating activities 355.5 314.2 Investing activities Capital expenditures (including software) (87.1) (54.1) Other investing activities 1.9 0.1 Net cash flow used in investing activities (85.2) (54.0) Financing activities Short-term borrowings, net (514.5) 45.6 Long-term debt borrowings 495.0 Payment of debt issuance costs (1.1) Long-term debt repayments (41.7) (93.6) Proceeds from exercised stock options 26.7 48.0 Taxes withheld and paid on employee stock awards (9.2) (10.1) Common stock acquired by purchase (20.8) (59.8) Dividends paid (164.9) (150.8) Net cash flow used in financing activities (230.5) (220.7) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (10.2) 3.3 Increase in cash and cash equivalents 29.6 42.8 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 155.4 96.6 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 185.0 $ 139.4 SOURCE McCormick & Company, Inc. Related Links http://mccormick.com New figures for the number of people and employers needing wage-subsidy scheme, at a cost so far of 1.7bn, suggest the economy could require the continuing support of huge amounts of public money for some time to come. The latest Revenue figures show the number of people whose jobs are in some way currently supported by the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, or TWSS, fell to 405,000, down by only 5,000 from a week earlier despite the continuing opening up of the most exposed parts of the economy, including construction and retail, in recent weeks. The number of employers who have received a payment during the lifetime of the wage-scheme rose to 56,900 from 55,500 and the amount paid out under the scheme has risen to almost 1.7bn, according to the Revenue figures. In the latest week, the cost to the exchequer was 109m, up slightly from the previous week. That compares with the peak weekly cost of 282m in late April. The TWSS was introduced in late March as one of two main Government schemes, along with the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, that were urgently needed to keep many firms afloat and to prevent unemployment from soaring to unprecedented levels. The TWSS was called temporary because the scheme which was originally planned to end this month has since been extended through August. Business groups have said it may need to be extended by many months more. The Revenue figures show a fifth of all employees in the scheme whose wages are being supported have availed of the programme for 13 weeks, while 2% have tapped it for a period of two weeks. Taken along with the 465,900 receiving the pandemic unemployment payment and the 225,600 on the official unemployment count, there are almost 1.1 million people whose income depends on some sort of Government welfare payment over three months since the onset of the Covid-19 economic crisis. Seamus Coffey, UCC economist and former chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, said the Revenue figures highlight the extent to which the economy depends on services jobs such as retail and hairdressing. The third phase of the reopening may lead to a more rapid reduction in the numbers availing of the wage-subsidy scheme but if that were not to happen, the recovery could be more drawn out than many expect, Mr Coffey said. Earlier this week, Revenue said that it was writing to all the firms that have availed of the wage-subsidy scheme to supply documentary evidence that they were eligible to receive the payments. Revenue continues, however, to have no plans to publish the list of firms who have availed of the wage-subsidy scheme until the programme ends. Other figures show that a debt warehousing scheme for Vat and employer-Paye payments for firms unable to pay the Revenue during the first three months of the lockdown has amounted to 1.5bn. Revenue said more than 65,000 firms had tapped the warehousing scheme for liabilities of 853m in Vat and 646m of Paye- employer contributions. Semiconductor engineers from Samsung Electronics, left, and its partner company EO Technics, inspect laser equipment used for manufacturing chips, Thursday. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics By Baek Byung-yeul Samsung Electronics said Thursday it has initiated moves to improve competitiveness and self-sufficiency in the local semiconductor industry by strengthening its collaboration with domestic chip-related companies and research institutions. The world's largest memory chip maker will also enhance its eco-friendly approach by expanding the use of renewable energy in operating its semiconductor-manufacturing facilities, which consume huge amounts of electricity. The announcement shows Samsung's strong drive to achieve mutual growth with its subcontractors and academic and research institutions, as China scrambles to foster its own semiconductor industry and avoid any difficulties in procuring chip-making materials, components and equipment. It is also in line with the government's effort to nurture high-tech materials, parts and equipment companies to reduce the country's heavy reliance on Japanese suppliers after Tokyo placed export controls on high-tech materials bound for Korea in July, 2019. Noting that the company has tried to boost the ecosystem for the local semiconductor industry since the early 2010s, Samsung said it has been working closely with domestic equipment companies for the localization of chip-making technologies. The company gave the example of EO Technics, a local laser equipment maker for semiconductors. In collaboration with Samsung, EO Technics was able to develop high-performance laser equipment used to produce DRAM chips. "EO Technics employees are proud of being able to develop laser equipment after eight years of research and development activities with Samsung Electronics," EO Technics CEO Sung Kyu-dong said. "We will keep innovating our products to improve competence in the semiconductor business." Another local company Cinos developed a ceramic powder product used in the etching process for semiconductor production and succeeded in localizing coating technology. Samsung also cooperated with a local chemical material maker Soulbrain to develop high-purity phosphoric acid etchant, an essential material for the etching process of 3D NAND flash memory chips, for the first time in Korea. Starting July, Samsung will begin joint development of equipment needed to produce semiconductors along with local chip companies. In April, the company signed an agreement with local chip production-related facility makers and component suppliers such as Wonik IPS, Tes, Eugene Technology and PSK. The company will also provide consulting services to 24 subcontractors to improve their capabilities in manufacturing, environmental safety, human resources, sales and marketing. To improve the environment for local communities where its chip-production facilities are located, Samsung has been increasingly use renewable energy. Since the end of 2019, the company has installed solar panels that generate 1,500 kilowatts of power at a parking tower in its chip facility in Giheung. The energy produced from the solar power panels will supply energy to office spaces in the facility starting next month. A fever, headaches, and body aches soon followed. Then she noticed shed lost her senses of taste and smell. By March 23, Laquatra could no longer deny the nagging fear shed had since first falling ill: She might have COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, which by then had been detected in every state. That day, 351 new cases, 83 hospitalizations, and three deaths were reported in Ohio. The phone call Laquatra made next, to a COVID-19 hotline staffed by the areas public health system, MetroHealth, likely helped contain the spread of her illness to only her husband, Tony. MetroHealths hotline connected the Laquatras to nurses and doctors who assessed their symptoms and checked in daily while they were ill. MetroHealth also took care of all the familys immediate needsincluding home delivery of prescriptions, groceries, toiletries, and diapers for their 2-year-oldso they could safely stay home until they felt better. MetroHealth has offered the hotline and home assistance free to any Ohioan since mid-March. It said the hotline, which has fielded more than 11,000 calls, has saved the hospital system from being overwhelmed by a surge of COVID patients. It has also paved the way for a new model of health care delivery, one that brings care where patients areat home. Its a model they believe mustand willlast beyond the current crisis, saving money for its health care system and addressing the myriad social needs that keep patients from getting and staying healthy. The Hotline Its a Tuesday in mid-May, and Dr. David Margolius is in his office on MetroHealths main campus in Clevelands Brooklyn Centre neighborhood, keeping an eye on a screen displaying a list of calls to the hotline. Its late afternoon, and about 63 people have called that day. Ten have been referred for testing. Nearly all of the callers have symptoms of COVID-19 and have been counseled to self-quarantine. Margolius calls a young woman who works as a protection officer at a juvenile detention center, and shares his half of the conversation with a reporter via video call. A nurse flagged the detention officers hotline call for follow-up with a doctor because one of the womans colleagues had tested positive for the coronavirus that day. While she doesnt have any clear symptoms (just a scratchy throat), shes worried about getting sick and exposing others. After hearing that shes wearing a mask and maintaining social distance at work, Margolius assures her shes probably fine. Youre on top of it, he tells her. If things change and you develop symptoms, were here if you need us. Dr. Noha Dardir, a family medicine specialist who has fielded about 780 hotline calls, said patients were terrified, but they had few options early on because most of the primary care offices at MetroHealth were closed. If were telling them to call their doctor and not go straight to the emergency room, we had to be there to take those calls. And it had to be 24/7, she said. I felt obligated to my patients. MetroHealth was prepared for a surge of 1,000 patients, but at the pandemics peak in early May, only 13 COVID-positive patients were in intensive care. Only 82 people have been hospitalized with COVID-19 at MetroHealth since the crisis began. The hotlines peak came much earlier, on March 17, when nearly 700 people called. In the hotlines first three days, staffers advised 200 people to quarantine themselves. We just couldnt keep up, said Dr. Nabil Chehade, MetroHealths senior vice president for population health. At one point, we had to have 12 physicians working to answer these calls. Cuyahoga County Health Commissioner Terry Allan, who has worked closely with hospitals to trace and contain COVID cases, believes the public hospitals quick work in advising quarantines for those with symptomseven mild oneshelped to contain the outbreak. We joked early on that if you had a paper cut, wed tell you to stay home for two weeks, Allan said. But that helps to reduce people from potentially being part of the chain of transmission. As of early June, about 300 of Cuyahoga Countys 1.3 million residents had died of COVID-19. While the county, Ohios second-most populous, has had a high proportion of the cases in the state, it has fared much better than hard-hit counties with similar demographics in other parts of the country. Nine weeks in, call volume has slowed. Now, about 100 people call daily and about three-quarters talk to a doctor. Still, MetroHealths hotline remains available round-the-clock, and Margolius said its clearly still needed. The county recently saw its highest rate of infections since the pandemic started, likely due to the partial reopening of Ohios economy, which began in mid-May. This is obviously so far from over, Margolius said. A New Model When MetroHealths doctors told Andrea Laquatra to quarantine at home in late March, she and her husband werent sure how theyd manage. They were already low on diapers and wipes, and had been grocery shopping for Tony Laquatras parents. We always take care of my mom and dad. We couldnt do anything for them because we didnt want to get them sick, Tony Laquatra said. Many others the hospital told to quarantine were in the same boat. So the MetroHealth team added a social worker check-in and same-day delivery of groceries and other basic supplies through the hospitals Institute for H.O.P.E. (health, opportunity, partnership, empowerment), launched last year with the goal of finding and addressing the causes of health disparities in the community. As of May 22, institute staff members had delivered food and supplies to 620 households. In the early days of the pandemic, as the team scrambled to respond to the influx of calls, even members of the hospitals executive team pitched in on those deliveries. So did some doctors. The health system also started screening for loneliness and stress and has since referred 700 people for calls from the hospitals behavioral health team, Chehade said. MetroHealth also connected the Laquatras to a church group that could shop for his parents. I just cried, I was so grateful, Andrea Laquatra said. They have since recovered, and because they were never tested, are among the hundreds of probable COVID cases in the county. The pandemic proved to be the perfect opportunity for MetroHealth to deliver on a long-discussed but only partly implemented plan to treat patients at home while addressing the basic social needs that sometimes prevent them from staying healthy, Chehade said. We were forced to really transform our care overnight, he said. No Going Back? The health system has vowed not to return to business as usual when the pandemic eases. This is an inflection point in the delivery of health care, and it would be a tragedy if we didnt learn from it, said Dr. Brook Watts, MetroHealths vice president and chief quality officer. The health care system will try to go back because there were a lot of incentives for the system to deliver care the way we did. Were not going to go back. Im not going back. For now, MetroHealth is paying for this new model of care through donations, its own funds, and payment from Medicare and Medicaid, which have expanded reimbursement for telehealth in response to the pandemic. The health system estimates 30 percent to 60 percent of its visits in the future will be managed through telehealth, compared with just 0.5 percent pre-pandemic. And a new program, Hospital at Homewhich delivers Bluetooth-enabled equipment such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood-oxygen monitors to patients with chronic illnesses to manage their recovery at homecould deliver hospital-quality care at 60 percent of the cost for half of all medical-surgical admissions. It remains unclear if insurers, including the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services, will continue to pay for expanded health care delivered via telephone or video calls after the pandemic eases. If they return to pre-pandemic rules for reimbursement, it could make maintaining the current model difficult, or even impossible. For the model to be viable and adopted widely, MetroHealth CEO Dr. Akram Boutros said, the nations health care system will have to reinvest these savings, and redirect the money it wastes on unnecessary tests and procedures, repeated hospitalizations for chronic, manageable diseases, and overpriced medications and high-tech devices. Brie Zeltner is a freelance public health reporter. This article was originally published on Kaiser Health News. Op-ed by Chris Devonshire-Ellis Indias military and government have thrown a gauntlet down to the United States in parading soldiers on Red Square yesterday, being the delayed Victory Parade concerning the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of WWII in 1945. This year is the 75th anniversary of that occasion. At the time, India was under British colonial rule. About 87,000 Indian soldiers are estimated to have died during the conflict. The British Government apparently declined to send any high-ranking officials to this years event despite the fact that the Soviet Union and United Kingdom were allies at the time and Indian soldiers were largely under British command. The US sent its Ambassador. Images of Indian soldiers parading in Red Square yesterday can be seen here. The parade also included troops from Pakistan and China, who have shared recent border conflicts with India. Despite their recent differences, all three countries are members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. (SCO). A map of the increasing influence of the SCO as a political body can be viewed below. The marching of Indian military in the form of the Tri-Services Guard of Honour on Red Square just after five other national divisions following the Chinese military can be seen as warning to the UK and UK over the potential for future alliances should both countries continue their strategic differences of opinion with China and Russia, including the ongoing rows concerning sanctions and threats of trade wars. Those include countries that India and China have important strategic geographical and trade relations with, including Russia itself as well as countries important to China and India, such as Turkey, Iran and Myanmar. The Tri-Services Guard of Honour is made up of men or women drawn from three services of the Indian military: the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy. It is based at New Delhi and is of company size typically consisting of 80-150 soldiers and usually commanded by a Major. However, on this occasion, India also sent its highest ranking military official, the Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to the event, who took the salute. India views China and Russia as longer-term strategic partners. Interference with that can now be seen to have geopolitical consequences. Indias Defense Minister was also scheduled to have discussions with his Pakistani and Chinese counterparts in meetings brokered by Moscow during the celebrations. In terms of intent, the inherent message from Delhi as concerns a pivot away from the US and Europe cannot have been made in greater clarity. Indias geopolitical alliances are changing. Related Reading Sarah L. Voisin A young Wisconsin woman accused of murdering her alleged sex trafficker has been freed from jailwhere shes spent two years awaiting trialafter community activists raised her $400,000 bail. Chrystul Kizer, 19, faces life in prison after being charged with arson and first-degree intentional homicide charges for the June 2018 slaying of 34-year-old Randall P. Volar. Authorities allege Kizer, then 17, shot and killed Volar in a premeditated attack. Activists and several celebrities, however, argue that Kizerwhose case has received renewed attention amid nationwide protests in the wake of George Floyds death at the hands of policewas only defending herself from the man who had sexually abused her for over a year and forced her into sex trafficking. Six Hangings and a Cop Shootout: Questions Surround Disturbing Spate of Deaths Far too often, survivors of violenceespecially Black women and girlsare punished for defending themselves, the Chicago Community Bond Fund, one of the groups that raised money for the teenagers release, said in a statement. Chrystuls case highlights the urgent need for the criminal legal system to stop prosecuting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The police and government systems set up to protect Chrystul failed her. Instead of being given care and support from the beginning, she has been wrongfully incarcerated for nearly two years now for choosing to survive, the statement added. After months of raising money, the fundalong with four other community-led groupson Monday paid Kizers $400,000 bail, and she walked out of the Kenosha County Detention Facility carrying two trash bags full of letters from supporters. Authorities say Kizer was 16 when she posted an advertisement on Backpage.com seeking money for school supplies and snacks. Kizer later told police she had another girl show her how to use the website, which was ultimately shut down by the FBI for being a prostitution forum. Story continues Volar, then 33, was the first to contact her, the teenager said in an 2019 interview with The Washington Post. For over a year, Volar would give the teenager money and giftsincluding a heart-shaped locket and a cellphonein exchange for sexual acts, she said. Eventually, Kizer said he told her to have sex with other men through the same website where they met, and he drove her to hotels in Milwaukee where she would meet older men in 30-minute intervals. When it was over, Kizer told the Post, she would hand over the money she earned to Volar. Protesters Describe Being Beaten, Shoved, Arrested: Where Was the Good Cop to Help Me? He told me to get the money first and then to text him once I was finished, she told the newspaper, adding that she continued because Volar was a grownup, and I wasnt. Unbeknownst to Kizer, Volar was under investigation by the Kenosha Police Department for sexual misconduct after allegedly abusing multiple underaged Black girls. In February 2018, he was arrested on several charges, including child sexual assault. Released without bail, Volar remained free for three monthseven after authorities allegedly discovered he was abusing at least a dozen girls and found he had videotaped some of the assaults, police said. Kizer told the Post that her boyfriend, suspicious of Volars actions and the alleged sex trafficking, bought her a .380 pistol, taught her how to shoot, and insisted she carry the weapon everywhere. The pistol was still in her bag after a June 4 hearing in a Milwaukee court, where the teenager pleaded guilty to another charge. She told the Post that she and her boyfriend fought after the hearing and she texted Volar, asking if she could come over. Once at the house, Kizer said Volar ordered pizza and gave her a drug. Once it started to hit her, Volar began to touch her leg and when she resisted, the 34-year-old told her that she owed him. I tried to get up, to get away from him but I had tripped, and I fell on the floor, and he had got on top of me, she told the Post. And he was trying to like, rip my pants off, my jeans that I had on. I was, like, wiggling. Kizer said she doesnt remember grabbing the pistol, which she used to shoot Volar twice in the head as he continued to pin her on the floor. But after killing Volar, she said she started to panicso she set his house on fire and fled in his car. You Can Call Me a Snitch: Worried 911 Dispatcher Called Supervisor During George Floyds Arrest A few days later, Kizer confessed to authorities. Despite his knowledge of the sexual-misconduct allegations against Volar, District Attorney Michael Graveley charged the teenager, arguing the evidence indicated the slaying was a premeditated plan to steal the 34-year-olds BMW. Kizers bond was originally set at $1 million, but was lowered to $400,000 in February. During the bond hearing, Graveley argued that Volar was trying to distance himself from the teenager and that minutes before Kizer shot him she downloaded a police-scanner app. The prosecutor, however, has never denied that Volar is guilty of sexually abusing Kizer. Graveleys office did not immediately respond to The Daily Beasts request for comment. Kizers release on bail comes just two weeks after Judge Davik Wilk denied the teenagers request to have her bail lowered again. At the June 8 hearing, defense attorney Jennifer Bias argued the bail should be lowered to $15,000 to allow Kizer to be released to her mothers care so she can receive therapy to address the substantial trauma she has endured over the last several years. Chrystul's case deepens the current calls for justice and the need to keep fighting to transform our society, the Milwaukee Freedom Fund said in a statement to The Daily Beast. While the systems designed to hurt our community still exist, bail funds and mutual aid projects are a necessity that we are proud to be a part of. Minneapolis Man: Cop Who Kneeled on George Floyd Tried to Kill Me in 2008 A trial date has not been set in Kizers case; she is awaiting a decision from an appeals court that will determine if she qualifies for Wisconsins affirmative defense law. It would allow her to argue that Volars slaying was a direct result of the sex trafficking and abuse she allegedly experienced. Kizer is expected back in court Sept. 11 for a status hearing. Even if shes convicted of a homicide charge that is currently in there, Ms. Kizer at her young age, and with the offenses that Mr. Volar committed against her earlier, she is never a person who will be incarcerated for decades. Thats not going to happen in this case," Graveley told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, adding that nobody expects Kizer to serve a life sentence. Read more at The Daily Beast. Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here Get our top stories in your inbox every day. Sign up now! Daily Beast Membership: Beast Inside goes deeper on the stories that matter to you. Learn more. Her husband has been in hospital in Los Angeles for 84 days battling COVID-19. And in her daily update on his condition via her Instagram, Amanda Kloots said Wednesday the Broadway actor has developed 'a little bit of a new infection'. However, the fitness instructor shared her video that doctors 'got it under control and they're switching some things out. They don't think it will be any kind of issue for the progress that we're hopefully making day by day.' Daily update: Speaking about husband Nick Cordero's COVID-19 battle, Amanda Kloots said Wednesday he had developed 'a little bit of a new infection' but doctors 'got it under control Kloots went on: 'He was pretty much alert and had a good day with numbers so that's good. We just kind of need slow, steady, stable days.' Kloots and Cordero married in September 2017 and their son Elvis was born on June 10, 2019. Cordero was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center with pneumonia in March and has been in intensive care ever since. Doctors had to amputate his right leg due to complications from the coronavirus and the Rock of Ages and Waitress star has lots 65lbs and suffered major lung damage during his hospitalization. Progress: 'He was pretty much alert and had a good day with numbers so that's good. We just kind of need slow, steady, stable days,' Kloots shared on her Instagram Story Complications: Broadway actor Cordero, 41, was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center with pneumonia in March and has been in intensive care ever since. Doctors had to amputate his right leg due to complications from the coronavirus and he's suffered major lung damage Devoted couple: Kloots and Cordero married in September 2017 and their son Elvis was born on June 10, 2019. They're pictured in August last year in New York Being bedridden and hooked up to machines for so long has caused his muscles to atrophy leaving him unable to move or speak and only able to communicate using his eyes. Last week, Kloots explained that even when he recovers sufficiently to be able to leave hospital it will still be a long road to recovery for her husband who could face having to spend up to a year in a rehab facility. Also on Wednesday, Kloots thanked all those who had sent letters and cards for Nick. 'I read every single one of them to him,' she told her Instagram followers. 'It was so kind of you to take the time out of your day to write a handwritten note to Nick to cheer him on.' Ordeal: Being bedridden and hooked up to machines for so long has caused Cordero's muscles to atrophy leaving him unable to move or speak and only able to communicate using his eyes Ryde, Singapores first carpooling app, will now let customers pay for rides with bitcoin. Starting next week, its users will be able to store and convert bitcoin to the companys RydeCoin with zero transaction costs, the company announced Wednesday. Customers can top up a maximum of S$999 (just over US$700) in bitcoin at a time to pay for rides, and Ryde claims it will be the worlds first and only cryptocurrency wallet that allows users to pay for rides using bitcoin within its own e-wallet. The company is not the first ride-hailing app to accept bitcoin payments. In 2018, Fold, an app that enabled micropayments through bitcoin lightning, welcomed Uber as a partner company. It allowed users to pay for Uber rides with bitcoin through an integration, but Ryde is the first to incorporate cryptocurrency as a payment method natively into its own app by allowing the storage and use of bitcoin through its built-in digital wallet RydePay. Ryde Technologies Founder and CEO Terence Zou told CoinDesk the addition of cryptocurrency as a payment method was always going to be the natural next step as its transaction volume increased. I have been watching the developments of this particular space and increasingly Im sanguine about the prospects of cryptocurrency and its usage, Zou said. According to Zou, the company began working on integrating crypto features to its app in 2019, when 60% of Singaporeans still prefered cash transactions. The COVID-19 pandemic suddenly made cashless transactions more desirable, and the company accelerated development. A 2020 report by Crystal Analytics found Singapore was tied with the U.S. as the country with the third-largest number of bitcoin exchanges, with 25 operating platforms. Related: Singapore Ride-Sharing App Lets Customers Pay With Bitcoin Singaporeans have bitcoin but the use of bitcoin in Singapore is limited. We can purchase bitcoin at some ATMs and through crypto exchanges but not many merchants accept it, Zou said. Story continues Things are changing. The Singapore government formally introduced the Payments Services Act 2019 which went into effect in January this year, and allowed some exchanges, including Coinbase, to operate without a license for a period of six months. Zou believes the act provides regulatory clarity for FinTech companies, and is more accepting of crypto exchanges looking to operate in Singapore. As a technology firm, accepting bitcoin is only the first step in Rydes long-term plan to turn its RydePay wallet into a decentralized electronic ledger and open it to more cryptocurrencies. Ride hailing is a widely used service, and Ryde wants to be the first to facilitate the mass adoption of crypto usage in Singapore. Ryde already offers a range of cashless payment options including debit and credit cards, along with Apple Pay. Zou is confident the addition of bitcoin would create more value for their customers, and target a new constituency. Singapore generally has a more relatively tech-savvy population, Zou said. Related Stories Defence giant BAE Systems has warned of a Covid-19 hit to first-half profits, but said trading will be much stronger over the final six months as it gets back up to full capacity. The group said half-year profits are expected to be around 15% lower as the pandemic takes its toll on the business. It said the coronavirus impact largely affected its second quarter to the end of June, with the UK-based air and maritime sectors and US commercial avionics business worst hit. The company, which makes Typhoon fighter jets and warships, said some manufacturing lines had been disrupted by the pandemic due to supply chain issues and some delays in its own operations as it sought to put in place social distancing measures. But it said it now has well over 90% of staff in its defence businesses working again, with productivity improving this month within the division, which accounts for the vast majority of group revenues at around 90%. BAE added that, despite the first-half impact of the crisis, order intake is in line with original expectations and revenues are broadly stable. It said: As we return towards full operational tempo, we expect the business performance in the second half to be much stronger than in the first half, assuming no new significant Covid-19-related disruptions. Sandy Morris, an analyst at Jeffries, said BAEs trading update looked fine, but that attention must turn to how government budget deficits are addressed. He added: We are naturally wary of adverse sentiment about the future paths of defence spending in Australia, the Middle East, the UK, and the USA. We are also wary that the US Presidential and Congressional elections on November 3 may generate some uncertainty. We struggle, however, to picture BAEs revenue falling significantly, although it could decline a bit when Hawk and Typhoon deliveries to Qatar complete. Three of Perth's hospitality heavyweights have urged West Australians to get back to the city as the state enters phase 4 COVID-19 restrictions from Saturday. Life will return to some semblance of normal in the west this weekend when locals are once again allowed to enjoy a drink at a bar, a dance in a club, and other simple pleasures once taken for granted before lockdowns began mid-March. WA has skipped ahead of the east coast with reopenings thanks to Premier Mark McGowan's hard border stance but, as suburban cafes and restaurants begin to rebound, many small businesses in the CBD were still operating at about 50 per cent of normal revenue, said hospitality owner Paul Aron. Mr Aron, who co-owns four CBD venues including Offshoot Coffee, Tiny's Resturant and Mary St Bakery, said almost 40 small businesses had shown "great humanity and collaboration" to claw people back to the city through a campaign where they will be profiled and amplified across social media and on big screens at popular city and Northbridge precincts. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Mardika Parama (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25 2020 Tourist industry experts have lauded the governments decision to issue health protocols for public places such as hotels and restaurants, saying the measures will provide customers peace of mind as tourist destinations start to reopen. Health Minister Terawan Agus Putranto signed on June 19 a decree on health guidelines for public facilities, including hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, fitness centers, convention halls, tourist destinations and public transportation. In general, such establishments are obliged to provide hand sanitizers in public spaces, clean these areas with disinfectant at least three times a day and maintain proper ventilation by prioritizing fresh air circulation or periodically replacing air conditioner filters. 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 Market disclosure has never been Teslas strong suit so make what you will of the fact that last week its Australian chairwoman Robyn Denholm quietly ruled out the companys entry to one of the worlds biggest industries. Tesla boss Robyn Denholm. Credit:Illustration: Joe Benke We wont get into the tourism space itself, Denholm confirmed to a small group of Tasmanian tourism operators huddled under the banner of their regional body West by NorthWest (WxNW). Readers might recall Denholm from her 2.5 years tenure on Telstras top rungs, serving briefly as head of strategy and chief financial officer before taking the Tesla chair in November 2018. Officially, she left the telco in mid-2019. For those wondering why the heavy-hitting chair - who is not known for her public profile - would grace a web catch up for regional tourism operators in Tasmania, the WxNW chairman might provide a clue. Britain received Europe's highest number of asylum claims from unaccompanied children last year after figures surged by a fifth. The UK took 3,650 claims from youngsters travelling without a parent or guardian over the 12-month period, the EU's asylum unit said. It was a 19 per cent rise year-on-year. In terms of overall numbers of asylum seekers the UK was placed fifth receiving 44,835 claims out of Europe's 738,000 annual total. Across Europe there was an 11 per cent rise in claims, although figures are still below the peak seen in the 2015 migrant crisis. Britain received Europe's highest number of asylum claims from unaccompanied children last year after figures surged by a fifth (file image) Germany received the most last year, with more than 165,615, followed by France (128,940) and Spain (117,795), and Greece (77,275) according European Asylum Support Office data. The surge in child applicants in Britain is particularly concerning because many risk their lives to reach the UK, often in small boats across the Channel. And in last October's tragedy at Grays in Essex, where 39 Vietnamese migrants were found dead in a refrigerated lorry, ten teenagers perished. Earlier this month the Home Office announced it was increasing the amount of money it would pay councils to look after unaccompanied children who claim asylum to 240 a week per head, an increase of up to 60 per cent. The record number of migrant crossings comes despite a pledge by Home Secretary Priti Patel (pictured) in the autumn that illegal journeys would be an 'infrequent phenomenon' by spring It came after Kent County Council complained earlier this year it was spending millions on caring for arrivals. Yesterday police were called to deal with a group of migrants who landed on a beach near the village of Kingsdown, near Deal, Kent, at around 7am. And on Wednesday 82 migrants were detained after making the crossing in six small boats. Up to that point 578 had arrived in Britain this month, bringing the total figure this year to 2,308. It has already eclipsed the total for the whole of last year, when 1,850 reached Britain across the Channel. The record number of migrant crossings comes despite a pledge by Home Secretary Priti Patel in the autumn that illegal journeys would be an 'infrequent phenomenon' by spring. Patrols along the French coast were doubled and drones deployed as part of a 6million Home Office investment. Two Albanian men were arrested in Yorkshire by immigration officials yesterday as part of an international investigation into migrant smuggling. A 34-year-old was held in Bradford and a 24-year-old was arrested in Wakefield on suspicion of illegal entry to the UK. It is amazing that many in the woke crowd will use any manner of derisive, vile, and nasty terms and tactics to deride those who disagree with their views, but somehow be offended by the packaging on an ice cream bar. What products are next? Ho-Hos or Ding Dongs? Will there be a push to rename Bimbo Bakeries? A true test for the politically woke class would be if they wanted to push to rename Hammer & Sickle vodka and cigars. The Hammer & Sickle was a symbol for the Soviet Union, representing the execution of millions of citizens, and an oppressive totalitarian communist regime that was the scourge of Eastern Europe for decades. What about the Che chic fashion line? You can adorn yourself in clothing inspired by Marxist mass murderer Ernesto Che Guevara. A Ranker list of Dec. 31, 2019, recounted some of Guevaras achievements. Guevara was a horrible racist, quoted in Motorcycle Diaries writing, the black is indolent and a dreamer; spending his meager wage on frivolity or drink, among other heinous statements and acts, yet many on the left see Guevara as some sort of hero. MTN Nigeria is partnering with music channel, MTV Base; Netng; Business Day and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to host a no-holds-barred virtual conversation about substance abuse among Nigerian youths. The virtual event tagged the Drug Convos holds on Friday, June 26, 2020, to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The Convo will hold online on one of the partner-assets and will begin with a thirty-minute chat session driven by actress and ViacomCBS Networks Africa presenter, Ada Afoluwake Folu Storms Ogunkeye. She will discuss poignant issues such as addiction and first-time use with various entertainers, including musicians and artistes. This will be followed by a one-hour no-holds-barred discussion with actresses, Dakore Egbuson-Akande and Ini Edo; Senior Lecturer and Consultant Psychiatrist, Yewande Oshodi; Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya; Country Manager, ViacomCBS Networks Africa, Bada Akintunde-Johnson and Director-General, Christ Against Drug Abuse Ministry (CADAM), Adedotun Adedeji. The session will be moderated by writer and journalist, Japheth J. Omojuwa. Advertisement The event is focused on building a vibrant platform that will enable young Nigerians to actively participate and contribute to in-depth conversations about substance abuse and addiction. Following the success of MTNs Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) in 2019, plans were set to build an annual campaign focused on reducing substance abuse in young Nigerians ages 10-25. Register here and join the conversations with #MTNASAP #FactsForSolidarity Chris Pratt shared the sad news Thursday that his ram Prince Rupert had died. The 41-year-old actor shared a sweet black and white photo to Instagram of himself cuddling with the massive black ram. 'Its a solemn day at #StillwaterRanch as Prince Rupert the ram passed away,' he wrote. Gone too soon: Chris Pratt, 41, shared the sad news on Thursday that his ram Prince Rupert had died 'He took his final rest # right next to the still water of the lake under a 100 year old apple tree. Im very sad,' he continued 'I was the only one who could wrestle him down to clip his hooves. He was a big cuddler and sported the thickest most beautiful chocolate coat. He will live on in our hearts and at the farm as many of his lambs will enter the flock this year. #RIPrupert.' In the photo, Chris has his arm around the fluffy ram's neck while sitting in the corner of a pen. Chris and his wife Katherine Schwarzenegger, 30, share the farm on the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington state. Sad times: 'Its a solemn day at #StillwaterRanch as Prince Rupert the ram passed away,' he wrote. In 2018, Chris wrote about how aggressive the animal could be Ram on: 'He will live on in our hearts and at the farm as many of his lambs will enter the flock this year,' Chris captioned a photo of himself holding the massive animal; shown in February The Guardians Of The Galaxy star regularly shares stunning photos of animals grazing on his land. As of last year, he had about 160 sheep, 30 pigs and 60 chickens, according to Washington's Herald.net. One of Prince Rupert's offspring, a ewe named Cacao, won a blue ribbon last year for its high-quality fleece at Fiberpalooza at the Washington State University Country Living Expo. Gorgeous vistas: The Guardians Of The Galaxy star regularly shares stunning photos of animals grazing on his land Big operation: As of last year, he had about 160 sheep, 30 pigs and 60 chickens, according to Washington's Herald.net Famous children: One of Prince Rupert's offspring, a ewe named Cacao, won a blue ribbon last year for its high-quality fleece at Fiberpalooza at the Washington State University Country Living Expo Though the Avengers: Endgame star has been taking things easy at his farm since Hollywood shut down amid the coronavirus pandemic, his next potential blockbuster is already gearing up to shoot. The Sun reported Monday that when Jurassic World: Dominion resumes filming in July, anyone going on set, including all actors and crew members, will be required to use a drive-through COVID-19 test site. Anyone whose test isn't negative won't be allowed on set. 'One person showing symptoms somewhere like this could be totally catastrophic,' a source said. Safety first: The Sun reported Monday that Chris, along with all the actors and crew on Jurassic World: Dominion, will take drive-through COVID-19 tests before being allowed on set; still from Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Back at it: Filming for the sequel is set to resume in July. It began in February but was put on hold in March as the coronavirus pandemic swept the globe; still from Jurassic World Filming for the sequel to Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom began back in February, though it was put on hold in March as the coronavirus pandemic spread across the globe. Chris stars in the film as Owen Grady, an animal behaviorist who previously trained the savage velociraptors at the defunct Jurassic World theme park. Bryce Dallas Howard costars as a former executive at the park who joined forces with Owen to find a home for the dinosaurs abandoned when the park was overrun. This newest installment also brings back the stars of the original Jurassic Park, including Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum and Laura Dern. NOUAKCHOTT (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 25th June, 2020) Malian troops have killed six terrorists and arrested 20 others in a military operation conducted in the area of Bandiagara, located in the country's central province of Mopti, the military said on Thursday. The servicemen have managed to confiscate military equipment, weapons and motorcycles, as well as to return two cars that gunmen seized during a recent attack on a security post, the statement read. Since 2012, Mali has been suffering from security, political and economic crises due to the growth of a number of terrorist activities in the country's northern and central parts. The situation has escalated even more over the activities of Islamists, forces loyal to former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, as well as due to French interference. Since then, the tensions have significantly de-escalated, however, sporadic clashes are still taking place. The crisis has left thousands of people dead and rendered some of the population homeless. Despite being hired by Lone Star College nearly three months ago, Kathie Griffis has yet to step into her new office in The Woodlands. From her home office, the new associate vice chancellor of supply management immediately started procuring supplies like PPE and hand sanitizer as COVID-19 hit the area. Griffis stepped into her position in April just as her skills were needed most. Trial by fire, as she puts it. Her background has always been in procurement, but her career history is predominantly in the oil and gas industry, and the medical field. But shes known for some time now that she wanted to bring her talents to higher education. It was a heightened sense of urgency, Griffis said of starting her job just as the pandemic moved into the area, but she likes a challenge. Finding supplies In her new position, Griffis oversees four teams: procurement, contract and supplier management, supplier diversity, and accounts payable. When she first started, she estimates that around 90 percent of her job was related to COVID-19 needs. Now, its down to about 25 percent, but as the college system prepares for the fall semester she expects COVID-19 related purchases to increase again. When COVID-19 closed schools and businesses, LSC was no exception. Just like other organizations, the college system needed PPE and other materials to help students, staff, and faculty stay safe. The community center was converted into a warehouse for all the new materials and Griffis and her teams filled it with the necessary equipment. By the May 28 meeting of the LSC Board of Trustees, the college system had delivered 102,000 masks, 250,000 gloves, 8,000 face shields, and 6,000 bottles (12 oz) of hand sanitizer to the different colleges in the system. The warehouse is stocked with dozens of types of PPE, including the elusive N95 face masks. The connections and contacts that she had collected in her previous positions came in handy while searching for the necessary equipment. When she wasnt able to get what was needed from one vendor or supplier she would use her network to find another vendor. It was through one of these connections that she was able to order 55-gallon drums of hand sanitizer from a local distillery that had transitioned to making sanitizer. This is not the first time Griffis has had to work during an emergency situation. Before COVID-19, she said the hardest situation she had worked in was Tropical Storm Allison. At the time of the storm, in 2001, she was working with a Houston hospital that lost all their supplies when the basement storage flooded. We were working 24-hours to order supplies for the patients to keep them alive, she said. I can put this COVID right up there, because with this COVID being here with no vaccine available it was a life and death situation, as well as Tropical Storm Allison. Ongoing situation What puts COVID-19 over the storm as far as making the situation more challenging is the availability of supplies and the ongoing nature of the emergency. After the storm, the hospital was inundated with donations and supplies and the rebuilding started immediately. The same cant be said for the pandemic at this time. You can always drain water out of a building but you cannot keep people safe from COVID without a vaccine, so this equipment that we were ordering was definitely necessary, she said. And not being able to obtain the equipment was the most difficult. As a people person, Griffis is most looking forward to seeing her team in person when she can finally move into her new office. For months she has been meeting with them virtually. She knows that she will only be as successful as her team is so she is eager to meet with them face-to-face and learn what their personal goals and objectives are, and find ways to help them succeed. Griffis was born and raised in Houston and now lives in Spring. Shes just 10 minutes away from the administrative office that she has yet to step foot in. What she most appreciates about her new position is the top-down communication that she said LSC Chancellor Stephen Head uses. She immediately felt welcome and at home when she interviewed for the position. She doesnt know, exactly, when shell be able to move into her office. The college system has remained cautious when it comes to opening up the campuses again. But until then, Griffis has plenty to keep her busy as she orders more PPE and negotiates new COVID related contracts. My focus right now is making sure we have these campuses open for the fall for students, she said. I cant wait for when this COVID goes away when I can be able to visit the campuses, along with my office. jamie.swinnerton@chron.com Now that Toronto has entered Stage 2 of the COVID-19 pandemic reopening, and were allowed to begin integrating ourselves into a new normal, Im feeling the worse for wear. I had been looking forward to seeing friends and loved ones in person (what a concept!), but even on recent distance visits something I assessed as low risk and took every precaution while doing I ended up feeling shame and guilt for even going out in the first place. And now, with things opening up further, I am not sure how I feel about taking the next step. Is this who I am now? A single woman in her mid-30s who would rather be at home with her father (whom I have been staying with since the lockdown) than out in the world with friends, at restaurants, meeting people and enjoying a life I used to thrive in? I have heard negative chatter in my head: Youre selfish for going out and enjoying yourself while so many people are suffering and dealing with loss. More thoughts: All you care about is yourself. What if something happens to your dad? You couldnt be content just staying put? All that work youve done staying home the past few months has gone to waste. The shame-spiral has continued and I feel like I have gone to a place of no return. Perhaps you can relate? Are we all being overly skittish at attempting to reacclimate to a new normal? The anxiety were experiencing with going back out in the world is normal, says Devra Igra, a Toronto clinical therapist who specializes in anxiety. She says the lockdown had a significant impact on people in many ways. They shut the world down and told us it wasnt safe to go outside. Now we are being told it is safe, but we just arent completely sure yet, Igra said. She says skittishness is a normal response to anxiety. We are a little more, Oh no, that person isnt wearing a mask and that person isnt far enough away from me. It is important to normalize anxiety. It is an emotional response to the unknown, which is the period that we are in right now. She says anxiety causes spinny thoughts, which she describes as a series of thoughts tied together at a specific speed and tone, the indicator that rational thoughts are not connecting to the emotional distress and helping to reduce the anxiety. For someone who goes down a rabbit hole of anxious thoughts, she suggests slowing down and trying to listen to your thoughts. They are reassuring if you can connect to them, Igra said. The rational thoughts are: Ive been safe; Im doing my best; the risk is low. I told her in a call that I would assume that staying home to avoid risk isnt the answer. So how can people integrate back into society without falling prey to fight/flight/freeze responses? Igra says that fear and anxiety are related, but they are not the same. Anxiety is that antenna that says, Hey, something doesnt feel right, which is completely normal in this reintegration period. Fear is, Im in danger. Im at risk. Im not OK, and typically evokes a fight, flight or freeze response. She says it can be scary to go out in the world at the moment because we know it isnt completely safe, but that doesnt mean that we arent safe the moment that we step out into it. It is important to see that we are safe re-engaging in day-to-day activities despite the looming unknowns if we practice the steps to stay safe, Igra said. Once I got my head around the anxiety aspect, I reached out to Dr. Heidi Walk, a physician and psychologist who facilitates mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) programs in Toronto. I asked her point blank if Im being too mindful. A big part of mindfulness and honouring yourself is practising love and kindness, Walk said. Mindfulness means the practice of paying attention in the present moment to whatever is arising in consciousness, recognizing thoughts, emotions, sensations, impulses, behaviours. Its the capacity to know while we are experiencing it. Are we being overly mindful? Thats not mindfulness. Thats a part of us thats scared. The emotion is fear. The thoughts are: Im being bad, I shouldnt do this, I shouldnt do that. Decoding thoughts and emotions is very complex. She says the next piece is to give ourselves space to honour whats beneath and then bring in the rational part: I have been good. I havent been taking risks. If I look at the larger picture, the COVID-19 stats, especially in my suburban area outside of Toronto, the reality is the risk is low. The issue is arriving at that point where Walk says we can start to consider a way to be with ourselves. One possibility is to reach out to someone who is able to see the larger picture who is non-judgmental with us and more comforting to us, Walk said. Another is to distract ourselves when feeling overwhelmed, by doing an activity that is self-care: having a lovely meal, playing with your favourite pet, going for a walk, or whatever is a self-soothing activity you can engage in if feeling overwhelmed. Walk says this cultivation of friendly attention for the self takes practice. It takes someone outside our box, a therapist, meditation, mindful programs. Theres something as well about community. Other people are going through the same things you are and youre not alone here, she said. When scared, our tendency is to isolate and think we are the only ones going through something. PLANO, Texas, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integer Holdings Corporation (Integer) (NYSE: ITGR), a leading medical device outsource manufacturer, announced the opening of The Galway Research and Development (R&D) Innovation Centre in Ireland. The new facility will further enhance Integers capability to provide high-quality medical devices and technologies that help sustain and save the lives of patients worldwide. The Galway R&D Innovation Centre will enable Integer to provide a collaborative environment where both Integer and our customers teams can work together to ideate and develop new and innovative devices. Integer continues to make key investments to help support our customers innovation and growth, said Payman Khales, president of Integers cardio and vascular business. The Galway R&D Innovation Centre will allow us to enhance our current capabilities, while accelerating the development of a broad range of cardio and vascular products. Located in Claregalway, six kilometers from Integers main Galway, Ireland, facility, the new, fully dedicated 8,500 square foot facility will support Integers customers across the globe, including the significant medical device cluster in Ireland. The facility features a versatile workspace for the R&D team to collaborate with customers on innovative technical solutions that meet their evolving needs. There is also a significant increase in development lab space, providing the team room to grow and add capabilities, including space for a cleanroom pilot line. In addition, the opening of this new dedicated facility, frees up space allowing the Galway manufacturing site to expand, increase capacity and add new equipment as required to meet customers needs. Integers Galway R&D team brings significant medical device experience across various disciplines and works with some of the leading medical device companies in the industry. About Integer Integer Holdings Corporation (NYSE:ITGR) is one of the largest medical device outsource (MDO) manufacturers in the world serving the cardiac, neuromodulation, vascular, portable medical, advanced surgical and orthopedics markets. The company provides innovative, high-quality medical technologies that enhance the lives of patients worldwide. In addition, it develops batteries for high-end niche applications in energy, military, and environmental markets. The companys brands include Greatbatch Medical, Lake Region Medical, and Electrochem. Additional information is available at www.integer.net . Russian expert highlights Vietnams role in maintaining peace in Southeast Asia A Russian expert has spoken highly of Vietnams role in helping to maintain peace in Southeast Asia. Vietnam is going to chair the online 36th ASEAN Summit on June 26 during which the member countries will discuss a wide range of issues, from politics, economy to society, including common efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic and measures to recover regional economies. Talking about Vietnam as ASEAN Chair in 2020, Dmitry Mosyakov, Director of the Centre for the Study of Southeast Asia, Australia and Oceania at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said the countrys dynamic and fast growing economy, success in the fight against COVID-19, and a wise foreign policy have helped raise its prestige in the international arena. According to him, Vietnams foreign policy has handled its relations with partners in a relatively balanced manner, and the country is becoming an important factor in ensuring peace in Southeast Asia. He emphasised that with a peace favoured policy, Vietnam has greatly contributed to the maintenance of peace and stability in Southeast Asia, thereby helping to promote ASEANs stature and role in the world. By AFP WASHINGTON: Joe Biden will accept the Democratic presidential nomination in person at the party's national convention in August, but it will be a largely virtual gathering due to coronavirus concerns, organizers announced on Wednesday. "Vice President Biden intends to proudly accept his party's nomination in Milwaukee and take the next step forward towards making Donald Trump a one-term president," Biden's campaign manager Jen O'Malley Dillon said in a statement distributed by the party. The convention is set for August 17 to 20 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a battleground state that Trump won in 2016 but which Democrats are seeking to reclaim in November. Earlier this month Biden, 77, clinched the Democratic nomination after former rivals including Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Elizabeth Warren dropped out and endorsed him. Following consultations with public health officials, convention organizers have determined that "state delegations should not plan to travel to Milwaukee and should plan to conduct their official convention business remotely." "Leadership means being able to adapt to any situation. Unlike this president, Joe Biden and Democrats are committed to protecting the health and safety of the American people," said Democratic National Committee chair Tom Perez. ALSO READ| Twitter slaps label on another Donald Trump tweet, fifth one so far Organisers said that a process was being developed that ensures all delegates can cast their votes remotely during the convention. To minimize risks to public health, several in-person convention parties and gatherings will be scrapped, and Democrats are rolling out new ways to organize and engage with voters online. Biden has largely remained off the campaign trail and in his Delaware home since mid-March due to the pandemic, although he has begun participating in small-scale events. He meets with families in Pennsylvania on Thursday to discuss health care. Trump has been returning to hosting large, live rallies over the past week, even in states where virus cases have spiked. Republicans had scheduled their convention for North Carolina. But when the state's governor refused to guarantee that a large, in-person rally could be held amid the pandemic, Trump switched the location of main events including his acceptance speech to Jacksonville, Florida. Florida is currently in the grips of a coronavirus surge, and on Tuesday it recorded 5,508 new cases, with Governor Ron DeSantis warning of "a real explosion" in new cases, particularly among younger people. The Supreme Court is seen in Washington, early on June 15, 2020. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo) Supreme Court Approves Trump Administrations Use of Fast-Track Deportations The Supreme Court ruled June 25 that the federal government may continue deporting illegal aliens, including failed asylum-seekers, who are placed in the fast-track deportation queue, quickly after they lose their legal fights. The 72 ruling was a victory for President Donald Trump on immigration, his signature political issue. The Trump administration decided to rely on expedited removal, as the fast-track deportation process created in 1996 is known, to clear up frequent processing backlogs. The process, which can reportedly take weeks instead of years, as many deportation cases take, could affect thousands of would-be immigrants now present in the United States. The opinion in the case, known as Department of Homeland Security (DHS) v. Thuraissigiam, was written by Justice Samuel Alito. Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote a dissenting opinion, which Justice Elena Kagan joined. Most asylum claims ultimately fail, and some are fraudulent, Alito wrote for the court. In 1996, when Congress enacted the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) it crafted a system for weeding out patently meritless claims and expeditiously removing the aliens making such claims from the country. It was Congresss judgment that detaining all asylum seekers until the full-blown removal process is completed would place an unacceptable burden on our immigration system and that releasing them would present an undue risk that they would fail to appear for removal proceedings. The statute imposed restrictions on the ability of asylum-seekers to have the lawfulness of their detention reviewed, but, after Sri Lankan national Vijayakumar Thuraissigiams claim that he had a credible fear of persecution in his homeland was rejected, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously reversed a lower court ruling and found he was entitled to challenge his detention in federal court. However, Congress is entitled to speed up the removal process, and according to the Supreme Courts precedents, the detention review-limiting provisions in the IIRIRA dont run afoul of the Constitution, Alito wrote in overturning the decision rendered by the 9th Circuit. The case goes back to 2017, when Thuraissigiam, an ethnic Tamil, a group that has been persecuted in Sri Lanka, was arrested 25 yards north of the U.S.Mexico border in San Ysidro, California, after entering the country unlawfully. His case was processed under the expedited removal system, instead of the slower-moving traditional removal system. While trying to demonstrate he had a credible fear of persecution in his homeland, Thuraissigiam claimed he had been detained and beaten in 2007 by Sri Lankan army officers for supporting a Tamil political candidate and that in 2014, government officials kidnapped and tortured him. A U.S. asylum officer, a supervisory asylum officer, and an immigration judge all rejected his refugee claim, and the file was sent to DHS for the mans deportation. Deputy Solicitor General Edwin Kneedler told the Supreme Court during oral arguments March 2 that the appeals court was wrong to halt the process, because federal law gives Thuraissigiam no right to go to court after going through the governments administrative process. Congress has repeatedly said that an alien seeking admission is entitled only to the procedures Congress has provided, Kneedler said. When an immigration official rules that an individual alien is excludable, then that finding constitutes due process, for purposes of the Constitution, and that expedited removal order establishes the governments right to detain him. Dale L. Wilcox, executive director and general counsel for the Immigration Reform Law Institute, told The Epoch Times that the Supreme Court decided the case correctly. The court sensibly observed that the purpose of the right to habeas corpus has always been to obtain release from unlawful detention, Wilcox said. Here, the court noted that the government would have been happy to release the petitioner in the cabin of an airline bound for his native country. That is not what he wanted; rather, he wanted more review of his asylum claim than the three levels of review, provided for by statute, that he had already received. The court rightly found that the common law writ of habeas corpus is not a vehicle for such relief. Justice Sotomayor criticized her fellow justices in her dissent, saying they were ignoring longstanding practice. The majority declares that the Executive Branchs denial of asylum claims in expedited removal proceedings shall be functionally unreviewable through the writ of habeas corpus, no matter whether the denial is arbitrary or irrational or contrary to governing law. That determination flouts over a century of this Courts practice. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) lawyer Lee Gelernt, who participated in the oral arguments in March, also criticized the courts reasoning. This ruling fails to live up to the Constitutions bedrock principle that individuals deprived of their liberty have their day in court, and this includes asylum seekers, Gelernt said in a statement. This decision means that some people facing flawed deportation orders can be forcibly removed with no judicial oversight, putting their lives in grave danger. Under questioning by Jordan, Zelinsky identified J.P. Cooney, the chief of the fraud and public corruption section in the U.S. attorneys office for the District of Columbia, as one of the supervisors who told him what was happening but said there were at least two others. Democrats must now decide whether to try to seek testimony from Cooney. File Photo New Delhi: A case has come to light across the border where Jalandhar-based bridegroom Kamal Kalyan and Pakistani bride Sumaila are waiting for their wedding but are unable to get married due to border distances and corona virus. Photo For this, Pakistan's Sumaila has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant her a visa to marry a young man from Jalandhar. Sumaila, who hails from Lahore and Kamal Kalyan who hails from Jalandhar got engaged in 2018 and the couple was about to get married in March this year. Advertisement Sumaila and some of her family members were supposed to come to Jalandhar for the wedding in March 2020 but due to Coronavirus, the wait for their marriage is getting longer. On the other hand, the Pakistani bride is not getting a visa to come to India even though all her documents are ready. Kamal Kalyan is a resident of Madhuban Colony, Jalandhar. He said that this relationship has been going on for the last 5 years. Photo Advertisement He said that so far he has not met Sumaila even once, even their engagement has taken place through video call. Kamal Kalyan's mother Sudesh said that when she found out about the relationship, she was very angry and later the relationship was approved by both the families. Now they want the girl to somehow get a visa and come to India so that they can get married. It is possible to get really accurate car insurance quotes. 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Mongolia's General Election Commission (GEC) has not yet announced the official results of the parliamentary elections, but according to GEC preliminary results, the ruling Mongolian People's Party (MPP) won a landslide victory, taking 62 seats out of 76. The preliminary results showed that the DP garnered 11 seats, while two coalitions, the Right Person Electorate Coalition and Your and Our Coalition, won one seat each. Former Mongolian Prime Minister Norov Altankhuyag, who ran as an independent candidate, got one seat. Mongolia's State Great Khural, or parliament, is unicameral and consists of 76 lawmakers, whose terms last for four years. Enditem The event features 67 pavilions from 40 Vietnamese companies who are now official importers of Thai products. On display is a diverse range of products, including food, drinks, fresh fruits, household appliances, textile and garments, jewelry, beauty care products, decorations and others. Speaking at the opening ceremony for the week, Thai Ambassador to Hanoi Thani Saengrat emphasised that Thailand and Vietnam have become important economic partners. The trade turnover between the two countries has grown steadily, at over US$17 billion in 2019. Meanwhile, Chairman of Hai Phong City Peoples Committee Nguyen Van Thanh said that in recent years, many major groups from Thailand have liaised with retail systems in Vietnam, including MM Mega market, Big C Vietnam, Nguyen Kim electronics retailer and Lan Chi Mart. He also noted that Thailand Week in Hai Phong is expected to expand trade relations between Thailand and Hai Phong city in particular and between the two countries in general as well as restart trade activities following the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition, the event will be a good opportunity for investors and enterprises in Hai Phong to meet and exchange experiences, contributing to increasing two-way import-export turnover between Vietnam and Thailand. Artists have been funded for a project that will reclaim a contentious plinth on Derrys Walls and aim to connect communities on both sides of the River Foyle. Void Gallery is delighted to announce artists Alan Phelan and David Beattie as the recipients of the Plinth Commissions for 2020 and 2021. The Walker Memorial Plinth was built in 1826 - a 25 metre high column topped by a five metre high statue of the Reverend George Walker who was Governor of the city during the siege of Derry in 1688. The column and statue were blown up by the IRA in 1973. The remaining plinth and its historical significance have meant it has been a contentious space in the city. Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Plinth Commissions is a collaboration between Void Gallery, The Siege Museum and Friends of the Derry Walls. The ambition of the commission is to reclaim the space as a public area for collaboration and collective participation. Through an open call, artists both North and South of the border were invited to propose a project involving the community that surrounds the Plinth, creating sculptural interventions as part of the collaboration. The first commission by Dublin-based artist Alan Phelan will launch in September 2020. Phelans project is a crowd-sourced sculpture made by individual participants in isolation, then assembled together to create the final artwork. This collective making process acknowledges and commemorates the COVID-19 crisis. The sculpture will be of a hyacinth flower; using the red, green and blue colours with petals made in papier-mache, based around a small similar work due to be exhibited at Void Gallery as part of Phelans exhibition echoes are always more muted which launches at the same time. Alan Phelan commented: I am delighted to be part of the Plinth Commissions for 2020. My idea is to work with the community to mark this strange time we have all experienced and harness the people power of socially distanced activity to make this public sculpture. I look forward to working with Void Engage and bringing people together by staying apart, as they say, for this project. Launching in 2021, David Beattie proposes a project that will unfold as an invitation to the community to collectively examine the River Foyle as an interconnecting body of water, a richness of biodiversity, and a measure of perpetual time. Participants will be invited to connect with the river through a series of engagements that record their experiences and allow them to rethink their relationship with the river and their natural environments. The project will culminate in a sound recording that will be played from the Plinth and will mark the high and low tide of the river, bringing awareness of the rhythm of the river, and movement of time to people within the city. David Beattie, who is also from Dublin, said he was delighted to be selected for this unique commission. It feels extra special to be supported to produce new artwork during a precarious time for artists and art workers. I look forward to working alongside the team at Void and the communities on both sides of the River Foyle to realise the project for the Walker Plinth. Void Director Mary Cremin added: We are very excited about this public art programme that we have been developing in partnership with The Siege Museum and the Friends of the Derry Walls. It is a significant moment to have this plinth reclaimed as a public space when you consider how contentious public monuments and memorials are in this current moment in time, added Ms Cremin. WASHINGTON, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Corsha (http://www.corsha.com), a leading cybersecurity company that is defining the landscape of API security, announces it has been recognized as one of the prestigious Global CyberTech 100 innovative companies of 2020. This list was announced to identify the world's next generation of cybertechnology companies for financial institutions as they consider and develop their most secure strategies. Corsha was selected by a panel of industry experts and analysts who reviewed a study of over 1,000 CyberTech companies undertaken by FinTech Global. The solution providers who made the final list were recognized for their innovative use of technology to solve a significant industry problem, or to generate cost savings or efficiency improvements across the security value chain. "Established financial institutions need to be aware of the latest security technology in the market to protect their organizations from data leaks and cyber-attacks," said FinTech Global director Richard Sachar. "The CyberTech100 list helps senior management filter through all the vendors in the market by highlighting the leading companies in sectors such as Threat Management, Data Governance, Cloud Security, Employee Risk and Fraud Prevention," he added. "We are honored to be recognized by CyberTech 100 for this award," said Chris Simkins, co-founder & CEO of Corsha. "In the cloud, everything uses APIs and the compromise of API credentials is a top of mind cybersecurity concern among financial enterprises. Corsha's platform not only secures APIs, but enables full visibility into API activity across cloud and enterprise networks." About Corsha Corsha is a leading cybersecurity company that is defining the landscape of API security. Its game changing API Security Platform solves the broadening security concerns that enterprises are facing because of the increasing reliance on APIs and machine-to-machine connections. Our platform empowers CTOs, CISOs, and other security professionals to protect their data and applications as they traverse hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Corsha has developed the first and only multi-factor authentication for APIs. Our platform cryptographically defines the network so that only authorized endpoints can connect to applications and data, providing the same security guarantees for machines that have been proven successful with human users i.e. dynamic, out-of-ban multi-factor authentication. The result is a dynamic identity for every deployed machine, enabling API activity to be controlled from a central management and full visibility into API activity across cloud and enterprise networks. Corsha's platform, which can be deployed as Corsha Cloud (SaaS) or Corsha Enterprise (self-hosted), is fully automated, cloud-native, highly scalable, and platform agnostic. Corsha's D.C. location is at 8618 Westwood Center Drive, Suite 310, Tysons Corner, Virginia, 22182. For more information, visit: www.corsha.com, (571) 748-5010 For media inquiries, please contact: Bonnie Manousos, [email protected], (571) 213-5626 About CyberTech100 The CyberTech100 is an annual list of 100 of the world's most innovative CyberTech companies for financial institutions. The list recognizes the next generation of solution providers shaping the future of the information security and CyberTech industries. The list aims to help senior executives and cybersecurity professionals evaluate which technology solutions have market potential and are most likely to succeed and have a lasting impact on the industry. SOURCE Corsha Related Links http://www.corsha.com Moodys Analytics has won seven categories in this years Risk Technology Awards. Five are repeat wins. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200624005441/en/ 3 years in a row: 2 years in a row: First-time wins: Were honored to have earned seven Risk Technology Awards this year, said Steve Tulenko, President of Moodys Analytics. It is particularly gratifying that these awards recognize both our longstanding capabilities, like credit data and modeling, and newer offerings like pensions ALM and IFRS 9 accounting. We congratulate Moodys Analytics on another fine showing, said Antony Chambers, Publisher of Risk. Seven awards is an impressive accomplishment and showcases their capabilities across credit, finance, regulatory, and accounting functions. The Risk Technology Awards recognize outstanding vendors helping the industry in the fields of ALM, credit, operational risk, and enterprise risk management. They are decided by a judging panel of technology users and the editors of Risk.net. These wins add to our growing list of awards and industry accolades. About Moodys Analytics Moodys Analytics provides financial intelligence and analytical tools to help business leaders make better, faster decisions. Our deep risk expertise, expansive information resources, and innovative application of technology help our clients confidently navigate an evolving marketplace. We are known for our industry-leading and award-winning solutions, made up of research, data, software, and professional services, assembled to deliver a seamless customer experience. We create confidence in thousands of organizations worldwide, with our commitment to excellence, open mindset approach, and focus on meeting customer needs. For more information about Moodys Analytics, visit our website or connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn. Moody's Analytics, Inc. is a subsidiary of Moody's Corporation (NYSE: MCO). Moodys Corporation reported revenue of $4.8 billion in 2019, employs approximately 11,300 people worldwide and maintains a presence in 40 countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200624005441/en/ Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu salutes to his soldiers as he is driven along Red Square an Aurus Senat car during the Victory Day military parade marking the 75th anniversary of the Nazi defeat in Moscow, Russia. (Image: AP) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 16:54 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661a3082 4 National Sunda-Empire,Malaysia,immigration,stateless,Indonesian-Embassy,detention,kingdom Free The Immigration Department of Malaysia has detained two royal members of the self-proclaimed Sunda Empire for 13 years. In 2007, the two women tried to enter the country with invalid passports and refused to identify themselves as Indonesian citizens. A lawyer representing the groups leaders, identified as Erwin, said the two detainees were Fathia Reza and Lamira Roro, daughters of the so-called grand prime minister of the Sunda Empire, Nasri Banks, and a woman who goes by the title her royal imperial highness, Raden Ratna Ningrum. They were detained because officials deemed they were stateless. When they were asked whether they were Indonesian citizens, they answered no and asserted that they were citizens of the Sunda Empire, Erwin said on Wednesday, as quoted by kompas.com. The lawyer added that the two women had been in detention since 2007. The Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur had given him information about the arrest as well as a confirmation of the detention and its circumstances. West Java Police spokesperson Sr. Comr. Saptono Erlangga said the police had not received any information about the case. Read also: 'Sunda Empire' leaders, with mission 'to settle debts at the World Bank', arrested for fraud Agung Cahaya Sumirat, a spokesperson from the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, said the two women, both in their thirties, were still in detention. Agung added that the embassy and the Indonesian Consulate General in Kuching had interviewed the detainees to clarify their citizenship. However, both women insisted that they were not Indonesian citizens. We have done at least three interviews. They dont want to claim their Indonesian citizenship status, said Agung on June 19, as quoted by tribunnews.com. Earlier this year, many Indonesians became aware of self-proclaimed kingdoms within territories widely considered to belong to Indonesia. Footage of the activities of these groups were circulated on the internet. One of the groups was the Sunda Empire, based in Bandung, West Java, which professed to be on a mission to settle the countrys debt with the World Bank by 2020. In addition to the Sunda Empire, internet users were surprised by the emergence of Keraton Agung Sejagat or the World Empire, another self-proclaimed kingdom based in Purworejo regency, Central Java, claiming to be the successor to the ancient Majapahit Empire. Many of those involved in the establishment of the self-proclaimed kingdoms were charged with fraud. The emergence of unrecognized kingdoms has concerned academics and historical observers, who fear that the past grandeur of ancient kingdoms could be used for deception and gaining power. (syk) Some 83 people killed in the state of Bihar after being struck by lightning, and another 24 died in Uttar Pradesh state. At least 107 people died from lightning strikes in northern and eastern India, officials said, during the early stages of the annual monsoon season. Some 83 people were killed in the impoverished eastern state of Bihar after being struck by lightning, and another 24 died in northern Uttar Pradesh state on Thursday. Dozens more were injured, officials said. Lightning strikes during the June-September annual monsoon are fairly common in India. But Bihars Disaster Management Minister Lakshmeshwar Rai told the AFP news agency that this was one of the highest daily tolls from lightning the state had recorded in recent years. More than half of the deaths were from the flood-prone northern and eastern districts of Bihar, he added. Rai warned the death toll could rise further as his government was still waiting on casualty reports from the interior parts of the state. Heavy rain is forecast to hit Bihar on Friday and Saturday, according to the local India Meteorological Department office. Southwest Monsoon has further advanced into some more parts of Rajasthan, remaining parts of Uttar Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh,entire Delhi, some parts of Haryana and most parts of Punjab. pic.twitter.com/0ulftNJ5zr India Met. Dept. (@Indiametdept) June 25, 2020 In neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, most of the deaths were reported in Deoria district close to the Nepal border, and the holy city of Prayagraj, authorities said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi late on Thursday tweeted his condolences to the victims families, adding that both state governments were carrying out urgent relief work. More than 2,300 people were killed by lightning in India in 2018 according to the National Crime Records Bureau, the most recent figures available. The monsoon is crucial to replenishing water supplies in South Asia, but also causes widespread death and destruction across the region each year. Five South Korean nationals have been kidnapped by an unidentified armed group in waters off the western African country of Benin, officials said Thursday. The abduction happened at about 3:40 p.m. (Benin time) when the group attacked a 994-ton fishing vessel in waters about 111 kilometers south of the country's Cotonou Port, Seoul officials said. A total of 30 crewmen were aboard the Ghanaian-flagged Panofi Frontier, but the kidnappers took off with only six. A South Korean diplomat based in the region confirmed that five South Koreans were abducted, without providing further details. The authorities have yet to figure out the whereabouts of the abductees. It was not immediately known whether the abductees remain unharmed. The foreign ministry in Seoul said it is working closely with the authorities of relevant countries to secure an early release of the South Korean nationals. (Yonhap) Pennsylvania Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Bill Cosby Appeal In a significant legal victory for Bill Cosby, the state Supreme Court has agreed to hear the appeal of his 2018 conviction on charges of indecent aggravated assault. In a stunning ruling handed down on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, the court noted its allowing the appeal on two specific issues. ADVERTISEMENT The first is regarding the so-called prior bad acts witnesses. Cosbys attorneys argued that six additional women were unlawfully allowed to testify against him based on unproven and uncharged allegations from decades earlier. The women claimed Cosby had provided them Quaaludes, which prosecutors claimed to fit a specific pattern of behavior exhibited by the comedian. District Attorney Kevin Steele claimed that Cosby had a habit of drugging and assaulting women. Cosby was convicted of three counts of aggravated indecent assault after Steele filed charges in 2014. Those charges stemmed from accusations made by former Temple University employee Andrea Constand, who said Cosby drugged her in 2003 or 2004 and then placed his hands inside her pants. Constand, who under cross-examination admitted a long-term relationship with Cosby, was allegedly provided two Benadryl tablets from Cosby, which Constand claimed paralyzed her. Cosbys team and police reports indicated that Cosby and Constand had an affair that included petting and kissing. Both admitted that they never engaged in intercourse. The two later settled a civil case for nearly $4 million. Cosby has languished in a Pennsylvania prison since September of 2018, serving a three to 10-year sentence. The state Appellate Court denied his earlier requests for relief. The states highest court routinely denies hearing cases, particularly sexual assault cases, but the panel has now agreed to hear Cosby. The judges cited the unduly remote in time in that the allegations were more than 15 years old and, in some instances, dated back to the 1970s. The court also cited Cosbys attorneys plea that the prior bad act allegations lacked any striking similarities or close factual nexus to the conduct for which Cosby was on trial. They argued that the Appellate Court erred in affirming the admission of such evidence. ADVERTISEMENT The state Supreme Court also cited Cosbys lawyers argument that former Montgomery County District Attorney Bruce Castor promised Cosby that he would never be charged with any crime related to the Constand matter. In exchange, the comedian waived his fifth amendment rights and testified in a civil deposition related to his relationship with Constand. The attorneys said the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office had even issued a formal public statement reflecting that agreement. Castor, who lost his re-election bid to Steele in 2014, previously told Black Press USA that Cosby was being illegally prosecuted. I cant stand silent while the [current prosecutor] breaks a solid agreement and break the oath of this office, Castor said. The Supreme Court did not issue a hearing date, and it wasnt immediately clear if Cosby would now be eligible for bail. Were extremely thankful to the State Supreme Court of Pennsylvania for agreeing to review Mr. Cosbys appeal. America and the world are witnessing the 23rd day of protests regarding the abuse and murder of Black people, not just at the hands of corrupt police officers; but these extremely vital and important protests are exposing the corruption that lies within the criminal justice system (District Attorneys & Judges), Cosbys spokesman Andrew Wyatt proclaimed in a statement. As we have all stated, the false conviction of Bill Cosby is so much bigger than him its about the destruction of ALL Black people and people of color in America. Were extremely thankful to our attorneys Brain Perry, Jennifer Bonjean and Barbara Zemlock for their tenacious efforts in fighting for the vindication of Mr. Cosby. China's securities regulator slapped two individuals with a record fine for insider trading and confiscated their ill-gotten gains, meting out 3.6 billion yuan (US$508 million) of penalties in an unprecedented enforcement to stamp out corporate malfeasance in the country's financial markets. Shanghai entrepreneur Wang Yaoyuan and his daughter Wang Chengcheng were fined 2.72 billion yuan for using inside information to punt on the shares of Joincare Pharmaceutical Group on the city's stock exchange. Their net gains of 906.4 million yuan earned from the doubling in Joincare's stock price were confiscated, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said in a statement. The regulator is getting tough in its resolve to instil financial discipline in Asia's largest capital market, as a wave of cheap money - unleashed to help global economies recover from the coronavirus pandemic - is finding its way into the world's equities and money markets. A new security law that took effect on March 1 also gave the regulator the teeth for enforcement and increased the cost of violations. The CSRC issued 19 penalties in the first quarter, 35 per cent more than a year earlier, with most cases involving insider trading, market manipulation and violations of disclosure rules. The penalty on the Wangs would be the largest financial punishment by the CSRC in a single swoop, according to state-owned newspaper China Securities Journal, surpassing the 3.47 billion fines against the ex-controller of Shanghai Duolun Industry for price manipulation and disclosure breaches. The exterior of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) building in Financial Street in Beijing on 9 July 2015. Photo: EPA The Wangs got hold of information in March 2015 about a plan by Joincare's second-largest shareholder Hongxinhang to transfer a 4.8-per cent stake to two units controlled by two of China's most renowned investors, the CSRC said. Story continues The first recipient of the stake was Advance Data Services, a Hong Kong unit controlled by Tencent Holdings' founder Pony Ma Huateng, while the second was Miaofeng Limited, controlled by Ou Yaping, chief executive of ZhongAn Online P&C Insurance, and chairman of Hong Kong-listed property investment firm Sinolink Worldwide Holdings. The elder Wang had five phone calls with Ou from March 14 to March 25 in 2015, the regulator said. Wang also received the insider information through meetings with Ou and the then controller of Hongxinhang. Armed with the inside information ahead of Hongxinhang's stake sale announcement on April 4, 2015, Wang and his daughter, along with his ex-wife, used 21 trading accounts to build a long position with 74.8 million Joincare shares. The stock's price almost doubled to 25.31 yuan on May 22, 2015 before changing hands on Wednesday at 16.26 yuan ahead of a two-day public holiday. "Before the information [of the stake reduction by] Joincare's second-largest shareholder Hongxinhang was made public, Wang Yaoyuan communicated and made contact with related insiders," the CRSC said. "Wang and Wang Chengcheng together controlled a number of accounts and invested a large amount of money in trading the stock of Joincare, and the trading activities were obviously abnormal, without legitimate reasons or legitimate information source." Tencent's Ma and ZhongAn's Ou, who were not singled out for penalties or reprimand by the regulator, could not be reached for comment. Their companies Tencent and ZhongAn were also not fined or reprimanded. Joincare, based in the southern Chinese technology hub of Shenzhen, had 13,000 employees on staff in 2019, earning close to 12 billion yuan in operating income. 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. Jane L. Wals has spent much of her life driving in and out of New York City. Growing up in Scarsdale, N.Y., she was introduced to the Upper East Side when her grandmother lived there. I learned to drive to and from the city because of trips to see my grandma, Ms. Wals said. Later, she rented in the neighborhood and drove to work in Westchester County, where she is a high school graphic-design teacher. One day, about eight years ago, she learned that some neighbors were looking to sell their 900-square-foot, one-bedroom with a dining room and balcony. She bought it for $490,000. Over time, her commute to Westchester worsened, as traffic patterns changed and congestion grew. On Fridays, the trip home could take almost two hours. I was just miserable sitting in traffic, said Ms. Wals, 46. She considered moving closer to work, friends and family, but hesitated. I was pretty much paralyzed about the idea of leaving what I called my city, she said. I didnt want to live in a house. I still wanted some kind of citified life where I could walk to lunch, to grocery stores and to CVS. [Did you recently buy or rent a home in the New York metro area? We want to hear from you. Email: thehunt@nytimes.com] A friends mother reminded her that New Rochelle, just south of Scarsdale, was booming. Ms. Wals knew she could get more space there closet space, counter space, bathroom space and guest space. So she contacted Steven Jacobson, a Scarsdale friend and broker at Hopkinson Associates, for help selling and buying. A two-bedroom would be ideal, she thought, as it would allow her brother and his family, who live in Miami, to stay when they visited. I wanted an adult-size bathroom, Ms. Wals said. In the kitchen, I was hoping for some kind of island or peninsula where friends and family could sit while I was cooking. I collect Fiestaware, and it was important for me to have a space to display them. Parking, she found, was usually available at an extra cost. Her budget was $650,000, although she didnt want to pay more than $570,000, and it took months to sell her Upper East Side co-op. The market started to weaken, and we had two handshake deals that died on us, Mr. Jacobson said. The timing was tricky, because Jane needed the proceeds from the sale of her apartment as a down payment. Among her choices: The National Assembly has passed the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement, ushering in a new economic, trade, and investment co-operation outlook for both Vietnam and the EU. Bui Thanh Son, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs On June 8, the Vietnamese National Assembly (NA) ratified the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). This decision is of immense significance, formalising the EVFTA after Vietnam and the EU have completed all procedures. The EVIPA requires ratification by the parliaments of all EU member before it may take effect. Together with the adoption of the two agreements in February by the European Parliament, the NAs ratification of the agreements is a strong statement as to the aspirations, interest, and determination of both sides towards forging deeper bonds and creating new breakthroughs to elevate the relations between Vietnam and the EU after 30 years of bilateral diplomatic ties. Three decades have passed, and numerous changes have taken place across the world. Throughout this period, the relationship between Vietnam and the EU has grown increasingly in strength, depth, and substance. The establishment of the Comprehensive Partnership and Co-operation in 2012 and ratification of the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Co-operation between the two in 2016, are two historic milestones. Political co-operation between Vietnam and the EU has been increasingly cemented. High-level visits, exchanges of delegations at all levels, and bilateral co-operation mechanisms are regularly and effectively conducted. Both sides have strengthened bilateral ties in security and defense, notable of which is the signing of the Framework Participation Agreement on the participation of Vietnam in EU-led civilian and military crisis management operations in October 2019. This is a contribution to advancing mutual trust in the context of unpredictable changes in the regional and global landscape. Economic co-operation is also a highlight. The EU has become Vietnams third-largest trade partner, largest grant donor, and one of its top foreign investors. Vietnam is the EUs second-largest trade partner within the ASEAN. Two-way trade turnover was $56.45 billion in 2019, in which Vietnams exports to the EU have grown annually by an average of 16 per cent over the past two decades. Co-operation in education, law and justice, energy, climate action, and protection of water resources, has also seen robust growth, bringing about real benefits to the public. In addition, Vietnam and the EU share a wide range of interests. The two sides are engaging at multilateral forums and mechanisms. Together, both sides are making positive contributions to advancing multilateral co-operation, a rules-based international order for peace, stability, and development, liberalisation of trade and investment, and response to global challenges. It can be said that given such solid foundations of over 30 years of diplomatic ties, an early entry into force of the EVFTA and the upcoming EVIPA will set up a stable and long-term framework to maximise the potential for co-operation, and elevate the bilateral economic, trade, and investment ties to a level commensurate to the stature of the Vietnam-EU Comprehensive Partnership and Co-operation. The realisation of the EVFTA stands testimony to the strategic development of the bilateral relationship. It demonstrates that each side attaches due importance to the place of the other in their respective diplomatic, development, and international integration strategies. It will contribute to the creation of deeper and more long-term intertwined interests, and to peace, stability, and development of the two sides, of Asia, Europe, and the world at large. Expectations and challenges The EVFTA is expected to bring about enormous and equitable benefits to both Vietnam and the EU. Firstly, the EVFTA will help Vietnam accelerate its diversification of economic, trade, and investment relations. This is important as the global economy is profoundly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, the agreement will bring about numerous benefits to Vietnam. In particular, it will promote exports to the EU market, attract investment, and create an engine for economic growth and employment. Vietnams export to the EU under the agreement is expected to grow by 42.7 per cent by 2025 and 44.37 per cent by 2030 compared to without it. The most promising sectors are textiles, footwear, and agricultural and aquacultural products. Next, the EVFTA and its high standards will help advance domestic economic reforms, growth model transformation, and change the structure of our exports. This will particularly increase the technological content exports, with a view toward realising a more competitive and more innovative economy. Fourthly, the EVFTA will also create greater competitive advantages in harnessing opportunities arising from the shift of supply chains. It will allow us to attract high-quality foreign direct investment in conjunction with technological transfer, research and development, and human resources training to meet the requirements of the ongoing, and very rapid, digital transformation process. Fifthly, through its commitments to labour and sustainable development, it will help Vietnam effectively realise sustainable development goals, protect the environment, develop a clean and green economy, prevent illegal fishing, protect the legitimate interests of workers, and look after their welfare. Besides advantages, the EVFTA also poses considerable challenges to Vietnam. Competitive pressure will mount against the economy and its businesses. Challenges in enforcement capacity will arise: the roadmap for the implementation of market-opening commitments is short, and the rules and procedures on new-generation areas such as intellectual property, government procurement, sustainable development, and labour are stringent. The enforcement of the EVFTA will require Vietnam to observe high-standard rules of engagement if it is to harness opportunities and minimise economic and trade disputes with its partners. On the whole, adoption and implementation of the EVFTA are an important step taken at the right time in pursuing the Vietnamese foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation and diversification of foreign relations, and active international integration. The cohesive measures we have been taking to harness opportunities and address challenges will help Vietnam strengthen internal strength and economic self-reliance, and raise its profile in relations with the EU and other partners. Manufacturing and human resources are just some of the areas that will improve thanks to the EVFTA, Photo: Le Toan What needs to be done This year marks the fifth of the countrys Strategy for International Integration until 2020, with a vision to 2030. Over the past five years, Vietnam has become an important link in the network of international economic groupings. It has taken the lead within the ASEAN in the openness and integration of its economy into that of the wider world. Vietnam has played an active role at global, inter-regional, and regional multilateral mechanisms, and is a proactive player in the shaping of new architecture. The global landscape is undergoing major shifts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The regional economic and trade panorama is changing rapidly. The global economy is entering recession. Major power competition is growing fiercer. In this context, conducting works on international integration and economic connectivity will require the resolve and cohesive efforts from all levels, all sectors, and the entire society. The following matters are of particular note. Firstly, there needs to be a roadmap to actively capitalise on all benefits and opportunities arising from FTAs, especially the new-generation ones. It is also necessary to apply common rules, norms and mechanisms to defend national interests in the context of rising economic and trade disputes and mounting protectionism. The effective enforcement of FTAs needs to be coupled with enhancing inner power, building a self-reliant economy, and raising its productivity and competitiveness. Secondly, we must grasp new trends in digital transformation and the digital economy in a timely way to find new engines for economic growth and innovation hand-in-hand with digital technologies and sustainable development. It is necessary to actively look into gradually joining international co-operation frameworks and links pertaining to the digital economy, and participate in multilateral and bilateral negotiations related to governance in the digital economy. Thirdly, we need to wisely harness the existing shift in the global capital flow, production, and in value chains. We need to quickly engage in discussion with the EU members to finalise the ratification of the EVIPA and bring it into force as a way to attract high-quality investment from EU countries. Fourthly, we need to increase participation in and contribution to the reinforcement and development of multilateral co-operation and the multilateral trading system, and the building and enforcement of international laws and norms. Such direct participation and contribution is an effective channel to help protect our national interests and enhance our national profile. Given the determination and effort of the entire political system, we are fully confident that the process of economic integration and connectivity shall proceed in an active, innovative and effective manner. Doing so will contribute to the successful realisation of the national targets for development and international integration that the upcoming 13th National Party Congress will set. VIR Bui Thanh Son Circular about origin rules in EVFTA issued Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh has signed Circular 11/2020/TT-BCT about rules of origin in the European Union Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). Tensions are simmering in Tamil Nadu due to the brutal deaths of a father and his son after being allegedly tortured in police custody by the Thoothukudi police division at the Kovilpatti sub-jail. According to those who witnessed the savage assault on a Thoothukudi-based shopkeeper Jayaraj P and his son J Benicks, police officers had inserted hard objects inside the latter's rectum, as well. The victims died in the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday at the hospital after spending a brief period at the jail post being remanded to judicial custody. After the Indian National Congress' twitter handle made public the caste names of the victims, the issue is also being seen from the perspective of a caste-based atrocity. Police had taken Jayaraj into custody for having his mobile handset store open beyond coronavirus lockdown curfew. After hearing of the matter, Benicks had gone to the police station and defended his father, which enraged the policemen. Those in the know said police had assaulted both of them at the police station. They (police officers) shut the doors of the station at around 11 pm on Friday night. They never opened the doors till Saturday morning," said a source present at the police station. "We pleaded with them to stop the assault. We could hear it (the assault) from over 200 yards of the place, they said. Lawyer Ravichandran, who had been present when the victims were taken to the hospital, said Benicks had to change his lungi (a lower-body garment worn by men in the state) several times because of copious bleeding. The victims had been booked under Sections 188, 383 and 506(II) and remanded to judicial custody on Saturday. Three days later, the both the victims died within a gap of ten hours. According to police sources, Benicks died due to internal haemorrhage on Monday. Jayaraj had complained of chest pain, and died a day later. Locals in the area have begun a protest against the incident and "police brutality", creating pressure on the administration and affecting trade. On Tuesday, relatives and important trade bodies had gathered to stage a dharna for action against the police. Those who attended said over a thousand people had protested. Following the protest, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court took up the case and in its order on Wednesday, directed the Tirunelveli District Administration to provide the necessary infrastructure and support to the judicial magistrate - Kovilpatiti - for conducting the inquest. There should be no interference whatsoever in his work, the bench said. A government lawyer said that social distancing would be an impediment against any large gatherings during the funeral procession of the victims. Willing to get an offer with pictures and prices for the 26 pallets of wood briquettes (export to Ireland). Also any certificates available. RICHMOND, Va. - The presidents of three of Virginia's largest public universities have asked the state to set aside $200 million to increase testing for the novel coronavirus on college campuses and elsewhere, arguing that the funding will be crucial to resume higher education and other activities in the coming year. "In our shared view, expanded testing and the associated costs are unavoidable. Prompt action will allow both for more effective implementation of such testing and for more efficient management of the potential costs," James Ryan of the University of Virginia, Michael Rao of Virginia Commonwealth University and Timothy Sands of Virginia Tech wrote on June 8 in a letter to state health secretary Daniel Carey. Days later, U-Va. officials sent the state further documents explaining that most of the funding - $158.6 million - could be reserved for a massive public health effort to screen students, employees and others for the virus at public and private colleges across Virginia. The plan asks the administration of Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, to cover the expenses with federal covid-19 relief funds, and suggests the universities would carry out the tests in coordination with the state health department. Northam administration officials said Thursday they are considering several routes for increasing testing. They questioned whether the scenario outlined by the universities was too broad to meet the federal guidelines that allow the state to pay for it with money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act passed by Congress. "The question will not be whether or not we should do testing. The question is under what circumstances should testing be done, not only for health purposes but also what is reimbursable under the Cares Act," said state finance secretary Aubrey Layne. Colleges nationwide are racing to determine how much coronavirus testing they need to open campuses safely, and how they will pay for it. There is general agreement that schools must be prepared to test students, faculty and staff who show symptoms of covid-19. But there is no consensus on exactly how much they will need to test asymptomatic students and others to protect public health. "That is the million dollar question - what threshold is safe to reopen," said Jean Chin, an associate clinical professor of medicine at the University of Georgia who chairs a covid-19 task force for the American College Health Association. The situation is fluid because researchers are constantly gathering new data on a pandemic blamed for the deaths of at least 120,000 Americans. Northam has released guidelines that allow campuses to reopen with some virtual instruction, limits on class sizes, continued social distancing and steps for hygiene. Each college or university must submit reopening plans for state approval. The guidelines offer no firm rules for testing students or faculty, instead urging schools to work with local health officials on their approach. University leaders argue testing is key to both managing the disease and ensuring confidence among returning students. Because "multiple states have relaxed social distancing and quarantine measures in ways that likely increase the risk of further viral transmission," welcoming students and faculty back to college this fall represents "one of the most challenging examples of resumption of normal activities," Craig Kent, U-Va.'s executive vice president for health affairs, wrote Carey on June 17. Nationwide, universities' testing plans vary widely. In Georgia, Emory University aims to screen students for the virus before they move into campus housing. The University of California at San Diego plans to test most students on campus monthly. Purdue University in Indiana plans widespread testing and contact tracing. Schools are also talking about monitoring wastewater and other methods to detect viral hot spots. "All of us may do something a little different," said Michael Friedlander, vice president for health sciences and technology at Virginia Tech. He said many schools will focus on testing high-risk campus populations, with "a certain amount" of testing needed for public health surveillance. U-Va. officials are still mulling their strategy. "Our preference is to test all students," said Mitchell Rosner, chair of the U-Va. department of medicine. U-Va., VCU and Virginia Tech have covid-19 testing facilities that serve not only their campuses but also the general population in surrounding regions. The documents U-Va. sent to Richmond describe an initiative to help colleges statewide reopen. A spokesman for the university said the scenario is not a specific proposal but is intended to show how expensive any path is likely to be. It posits 20 weeks of testing during both the fall and spring semesters, with special emphasis on the three weeks at the beginning of each. During those initial periods, campuses around the state could need 19,700 tests per day. That's nearly double the 10,000 daily tests Virginia now averages statewide. The Cares Act sent about $3.3 billion to Virginia to offset expenses directly related to the pandemic. Of that amount, $200 million went to Fairfax County, the most populous and hardest-hit jurisdiction in the state. Other localities have gotten a total of about $650 million, and the state has spent some of the money itself, leaving roughly $1.1 billion to be allocated. There are 430 outstanding requests for that remaining money, said Layne, the state finance secretary, and the universities' proposal is among the most costly. The catch is that the Cares money has to be spent on expenses that fit federal definitions as being directly tied to the pandemic. Layne said his concern is that guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outline testing protocols for people who show symptoms or who might have come in contact with an infected person. They don't cover situations as broad as those described by the universities. "If you're following CDC guidelines you have good assurance. If not, then you're in a gray area of whether or not it's directly related to covid-19," he said. While Virginia has come under criticism for lagging other states in its coronavirus testing, the rates of infection have been trending sharply downward in recent weeks. The seven-day average of tests that come back positive is at 6 percent, among the lowest in the country. The letter from Kent acknowledges the "significant costs" of the universities' proposal, but says that if a vaccine is developed or if lower-cost testing becomes available, expenses would be cut. The proposal suggests that colleges and universities face significant financial risks that might outweigh the cost of testing. If even 10 percent of the student population decides not to enroll, that could mean a loss for colleges of nearly $527 million in tuition for the coming school year, according to the proposal. Layne said he's well aware of that challenge. But some municipalities are also under financial stress, he said, and the economic hit of the pandemic is going to hurt state agencies across the board. Northam has said he'll call a special session of the General Assembly in August to address the state's budget, which legislators froze earlier this year because of the health crisis. "I am sure we're going to have to look at our core finances and make some hard decisions," Layne said. "That's not to say we're not going to help higher ed; that's an important part of not only our education system but our economy. But I don't think there's going to be enough revenues without us all making some sacrifices. . . . We are looking at a tough year." Prosecutors want a former Victorian policewoman to be jailed for fraudulently taking control of strangers' homes despite her claims that she thought she was, at times, acting lawfully. Rosa Rossi was a sergeant with Victoria Police when in 2016 and 2017 she took control of six properties she had identified as vacant, then claimed she was the owner. She rented some out to tenants. Rosa Rossi leaves court on Thursday. Credit:AAP The County Court heard on Thursday that Rossi could become the state's first female police officer to be jailed for her crimes, which included having a couple pay her $10,000 rent for staying at a Chadstone house she claimed was hers, and being paid $3000 in rent for a Brooklyn home. Rossi also had locksmiths change locks at homes in Malvern and Willaura, near Ararat, had mail redirected, advised a couple how to deceive Centrelink for more rent money, and misused her standing as a police officer whenever anybody questioned her conduct and to obtain information about the properties. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 04:09:03|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close CAIRO, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday spoke over the phone, discussing Ethiopia's hydropower dam being built on the Nile River as well as other regional issues, Egyptian Foreign Ministry said. "Minister Shoukry touched on the latest developments regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) issue in light of the stalled negotiations due to intransigent Ethiopian stances," said Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez in a statement. The two officials also discussed other regional issues of mutual concern, including the developments in Libya, Palestine, Syria and Yemen. The talks between Shoukry and Pompeo came a day after Arab foreign ministers voiced their support to Egypt's position on the Nile dam issue after their virtual meeting hosted by the Cairo-based Arab League. Over the past few years, tripartite talks between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan on the rules of filling and operating the GERD have been fruitless, amid Egyptian concerns that the dam construction would affect Egypt's annual share of Nile water. Ethiopia has recently said that it would soon start filling the reservoir, while Egypt has repeatedly warned against any unilateral action without a prior tripartite agreement. The 4-billion-dollar dam is expected to produce over 6,000 megawatts of electricity and become Africa's largest hydropower dam upon completion. Filling the reservoir, whose total capacity is 74 billion cubic meters, may take several years. Egypt, being concerned about its 55.5-billion-cubic-meter annual share of the river water, seeks to prolong the period of filling the GERD to avoid possible impacts of water shortage, which is a main point of their talks. Enditem Temperatures have again plunged below zero as a cold blast sweeps across Australia's east coast. A day after the town of Warwick near the Queensland-New South Wales border shivered through a -2C day, the temperature in Oakey and Roma west of Brisbane registered -1.2C on Friday morning. Early morning temperatures in the Australian Capital Territory were almost as chilly - falling to 0.7C as Canberra residents woke up to layer of frost. The wintry conditions are also accompanied by strong wind warnings in parts of Tasmania, Queensland, the ACT and NSW. Scroll down for video A pair of walkers rugged up at they made their way along Bondi Beach on Tuesday. Temperatures have plunged below zero on Friday as Australia's east coast shivers through a cold snap Melburnians will shiver through lows of 7C lows on Friday, while Sydney's minimum temperature will be a slightly higher 9C. The Bureau of Meteorology is forecasting the cold snap will remain in the nation's capital until as late as Tuesday when minimum temperatures are set to fall to as low as -3C. BoM Queensland forecaster Kimba Wong said almost a dozen parts of the Sunshine State registered their coldest morning since last winter on Friday. The mercury in Toowoomba west of Brisbane sat at just 2C on Friday morning, and 1.1C in Applethorpe in the state's granite belt. Ms Wong said the freezing cold temperatures were expected to slowly dissipate and minimum temperatures to rise into the weekend. 'There's a big ridge of high pressure centred over north west victoria and giving us a cool dry air mass.' 'What we'll see though is that ridge move eastwards and the winds will turn onshore and bring moisture back in from the ocean. 'By the end of the weekend we should see temperatures rise.' The freezing cold temperatures on the east coast are expected to slowly dissipate and minimum temperatures to rise into the weekend, according to the Bureau of Meteorology A woman walks her dog at Victoria's Hotham Alpine Resort earlier this month. Ski season has officially kicked off after weeks of delay due to the coronavirus pandemic Day visitors play in the snow on Tuesday at Mount Buller. Victorian ski resorts were permitted to open from Monday The Bureau of Meteorology warned earlier this week parts of north-east NSW and south-east Queensland 'are in for a taste of a Tassie-like winter this week'. 'A cold air mass will see snow across NSW's central and northern tablelands, with snow flurries possible in Qld's Granite Belt,' they wrote on Twitter. The cold blast came as the New South Wales and Victoria ski season officially kicked off after weeks of delay due to the coronavirus pandemic. A trio walk along Bondi Beach while wearing their winter woolies as temperatures plunged this week Thredbo in NSW and Mount Buller in Victoria started operating ski lifts on Monday, while Perisher and Victoria's Mount Hotham and Falls Creek will start turning lifts on from Wednesday. Ski resorts will operate at a reduced capacity and group ski and snowboarding lessons are not permitted, while all accommodation and facilities at the ski fields will have screening and safeguards in place. The late start to the ski season comes days before school holidays in Victoria and a few weeks ahead of those in NSW in what tourism operators hope will bring a much-needed boost. The High Court has rejected a challenge on behalf of some 600 retired Aer Lingus and Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) workers over cuts to their pension scheme. Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington found there was no breach of the pensioners' constitutional property rights as the reductions to their pensions arose and were enacted under amendments to the Pension Act, not to the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1988, as they had claimed. They had sought declarations including that Section 32B of that 1988 Act, as amended by the Shannon Airports (Shannon Group) Act 2014, was invalid under the Constitution. The defendants, Ireland and the attorney general, denied the claim. The pensioners, whose case was brought by four individuals in what were test cases for the others, claimed the State used that law to cut pensions to help address a 770m pension fund deficit and avoid industrial unrest among existing workers before the sell off of Aer Lingus in 2014/15. The circumstances of those still at work - active and deferred members of the Irish Airlines Superannuation Scheme (IASS) - "was improved by disimproving the lot of existing pensioners" under the 2014 restructuring of the defined benefit scheme, it was claimed. The State decided to solve a problem of the 770m deficit before Aer Lingus was sold to the International Airlines Group (IAG) by imposing the deficit on the existing pensioners because "they weren't going to go on strike", it was also claimed. In a judgment yesterday, Ms Justice Pilkington said the IASS pension deficit was clearly a significant problem. From the outset, the evidence was both Aer Lingus and the DAA made it absolutely clear that they were not going to make any payments into the IASS scheme and any payments would be made to a new scheme, a contributory one, for the actives and the deferreds, the judge said. That proposal met with the approval of the trade unions and was recommended by the IASS trustees. The judge said that position may be criticised by the plaintiff pensioners and noted that one of them, in evidence, pointed to Aer Lingus more paternalistic attitude to the IASS in previous years. However, it was not for the court to suggest or consider what alternatives might have occurred, had different options been exercised. What the judge had to consider was whether there had been an infringement of the pensioners' constitutional rights within the events that occurred and the decisions that were actually taken. The difficulty for the court was in considering the Air Navigation and Transport Act 1988 as "targeted legislation." In the judge's view the overall parameters of what was eventually accepted as a resolution of this issue, was arrived at relatively early within the process and they emerged in the industrial relations arena. The defendants' witnesses, in their evidence, did not have as their starting point the intent to effect the changes to the pension scheme which ultimately occurred but rather in seeing a huge pension deficit in the context of ongoing serious economic difficulties, she said. The judge accepted the government wished to see this issue resolved and the agreement for the sale of certain state assets was part of its agreement with the Troika. She also accepted the government feared ongoing industrial issues. But the judge said she did not discern "any evidence that what emerged was in any sense targeted at the plaintiff pensioners or even targeted at them by default." The High Court has rejected a challenge on behalf of some 600 retired Aer Lingus and Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) workers over cuts to their pension scheme. The changes to the pensioners' benefits were not enacted by the Air Navigation and Transport Act although that law did appear to be directed at affording some degree of comfort to the scheme trustees, she said. However, the judge did not see how the issue of the pensioners consent was a pre-condition to the enactment of statutory legislation. In the judge's view, while Section 32B of the air navigation Act was solely directed at the IASS trust, it did not constitute targeted legislation. The pensioners' constitutional property rights were not breached by Section 32B because the reductions they complained of were made under amendments to the Pension Act which they had not challenged. The declarations sought were therefore refused. Amazon, Flipkart and other retailers including Big Basket and Grofers have sought up to five months to make the changes. Amazon India, Flipkart and other e-retailers will soon be highlighting Chinese goods sold in India online. Essentially, the e-retailers will be adding a country of origin label to the goods sold online in the country. However, it remains uncertain when the e-commerce companies will start adding the country of origin label to their product listings on their respective platforms. E-commerce companies have sought a window of four to five months to comply with the new norms. According to a report by The Economic Times, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) held a meeting with e-commerce companies including Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy, BigBasket, Reliance Retail, Tata Cliq, Jio Platforms and Grofers on wednesday to discuss the change in product listing. If the move is indeed implemented, it could hurt the sales of Chinese goods in India, especially as there is an increased sentiment among the people to boycott Chinese goods in light of the military standoff between India and China in the Galwan Valley. The move could also provide a great push for PM Modis Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. It is worth noting that the development comes shortly after the government made it mandatory for the sellers listing products on its Government e-marketplace (GeM) to disclose the country of origin on the products that they list on the platform. 3D printed insoles can be adapted for individual patients to reduce the risk of foot ulcers. Credit: Staffordshire University Scientists from Staffordshire University claim that new 3-D printed insoles can significantly improve the foot health of people suffering with diabetes. This study offers hope for millions of patients with diabetes who are at risk of developing foot ulcers, which in many cases end up in amputation. It presents the first quantitative evidence in support of optimized cushioning in diabetic footwear as part of standard clinical practice. In their latest paper published in Gait and Posture, researchers conclude that selecting the correct cushioning stiffness in footwear can significantly reduce pressures experienced on the feet which can lead to ulcers and other painful complications. In the study carried out in Malta, 15 participants with diabetic foot disease were asked to walk in footwear fitted with made to measure 3-D-printed insoles designed by the Centre for Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Technologies (CBRT) at Staffordshire University. These footbeds were used to change the stiffness of the entire sole across a spectrum of very soft to very stiff. Dr. Chatzistergos, Associate Professor at CBRT and the lead author of ths study said: "The optimum stiffness is clearly related to the patient's body mass index (BMI). This study adds to our earlier findings and concludes that stiffer materials are needed for people with a higher BMI." Collaborators Dr. Alfred Gatt and Dr. Cynthia Formosa from the University of Malta and Visiting Fellows at CBRT provided clinical support for this study and led the experiments in Malta. Dr. Gatt noted: "We hope that the results reported within this study will generate interest amongst all professionals managing this debilitating condition." Further work is now underway to develop a method to help professionals identify the optimum cushioning stiffness on a patient-specific basis. Professor Nachi Chockalingam, Director of CBRT and a co-inventor of the technology said "With numerous patients losing their limbs to diabetic foot disease, our research will help clinicians effectively manage this disease." Explore further Stiffer soles are making life more comfortable for some diabetic patients More information: Panagiotis E. Chatzistergos et al, Optimised cushioning in diabetic footwear can significantly enhance their capacity to reduce plantar pressure, Gait & Posture (2020). Panagiotis E. Chatzistergos et al, Optimised cushioning in diabetic footwear can significantly enhance their capacity to reduce plantar pressure,(2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2020.05.009 Provided by Staffordshire University Farm families across the country already faced low prices, disastrous weather, uncertain trade prospects and then the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Its a heavy load to carry. We hope farmers and their families and others in rural communities that are feeling stressed will take this free training and use the tools provided to get help coping with this unprecedented situation, said Farm Credit Council President and CEO Todd Van Hoose. We have to break through with a message of hope and help, said American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall. Families dont have to face todays stresses and heavy burdens alone. This free online resource is a first step toward recognizing the signs and knowing what to do. We hope anyone who knows someone struggling will take advantage of this potential lifeline. LAPD officers detain about a dozen anti-police brutality protestors in downtown Los Angeles in 2015. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times) To the editor: One letter writer's claim that public employee unions are a bigger problem than police unions is a ridiculous diversion from the real issue at hand. There may be problems with removing problematic employees from any unionized workforce but not like we see with the police. I am a public school teacher and as such am part of a union. But I wouldn't expect my union to come to my defense if I shot a student. And I wouldn't expect my union members to protest any discipline that I may receive. And I wouldn't expect there to be any public debate about whether or not my actions were appropriate. The idea that other unions are the bigger problem misses the point. The problem with police unions exists independently of other problems and needs to be addressed regardless of the problems in other unions. After all, the police unions are the only unions where the problems involve innocent people getting killed. Ted Braucht, Glendora Nepal on Thursday refuted media reports regarding "encroachment" of the country's territory by China, saying the border between the two friendly neighbours was delineated and demarcated on the basis of the Boundary Treaty in 1961 and subsequent protocols. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that its attention was drawn to the media reports on the Nepal-China boundary and "encroachment" of the Nepali territory. "The news allegedly based on a report' of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development which that Ministry has already refuted and clarified stating that such report' doesn't exist and that the subject matter doesn't fall under its jurisdiction, it said. "It may be recalled that the boundary between Nepal and China was delineated and demarcated on the basis of the Boundary Treaty of 5 October 1961 and the subsequent protocols signed between the two countries," the ministry clarified. Boundary Markers No. 37 and 38 reported as missing in the media reports were never erected as agreed between the two countries owing to natural conditions, it added. "The Government of Nepal will solve through mutual consultation between the concerned authorities of the two countries in case any issue arises," it said. The ministry urged the media to verify the information from the relevant authorities before commenting on such sensitive matters which may adversely affect the relations between the two friendly neighbours. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Light coming out of a black hole has been spotted for the first time and it was sparked by the collision of two galactic behemoths, according to a new study. The high energy flash of light was detected in the far reaches of space - about 4.6 billion light-years away from Earth - by the LIGO gravitational wave detector. The discovery turns astrophysics on its head, researchers claim, adding that it was assumed the gravity of a black hole was so great that nothing could escape. An international team, including British and American astronomers, witnessed massive 'flares' created by the colossal cosmic crash of two black holes in orbit around a supermassive giant at the centre of a distant galaxy. Dr Nicholas Ross, of the University of Edinburgh's Institute for Astronomy, said the optical flash was a result of the two black holes crushing the gas around them. An international team, including British and American astronomers, witnessed massive 'flares' created by the colossal cosmic crash of two black holes in orbit around a supermassive giant at the centre of a distant galaxy 'As a wee kid, I was hooked by the idea of black holes and now, as a big kid, the fact that we have 'seen' as well as 'heard' these black hole mergers, is an amazing discovery that has deep implications for astrophysics,' he said. Previous observations have shown that when two black holes spiral around each other and ultimately merge they generate ripples, or 'gravitational waves'. The phenomena, a direct consequence of Einstein's theory of gravity, was only realised in 2015 and won three US scientists the Nobel Prize in Physics. Lead author Professor Matthew Graham said the larger of the two - a supermassive black hole - was burbling along for years before this more abrupt flare. 'The flare occurred on the right timescale, and in the right location, to be coincident with the gravitational-wave event' previously detected by detectors on Earth. The wave linked to the flare was picked up by gravitational wave detectors LIGO in Louisiana and its European counterpart VIRGO in Cascina, Italy. 'In our study, we conclude that the flare is likely the result of a black hole merger, but we cannot completely rule out other possibilities,' said Graham. Supermassive black holes lurk at the centre of most galaxies, including Sagittarius A* at the heart of our own Milky Way galaxy. These giants can be surrounded by a disc of flowing gas which contains swarms of stars and smaller black holes known as the accretion disc. The flow of the gas helps to bring the smaller black holes together, enabling them to merge, and creates a larger black hole within the disk. Upon creation, the new black hole has a large velocity and it is given what scientists described as 'a kick' through the gas disk and on to the larger chasm in space. Experts said it is the reaction of the gas to the new speeding black hole that creates a bright light flare, visible with telescopes on the Earth. Co author Saavik Ford, of the City University of New York, said these giants are surrounded not just by stars but dead stars including black holes. 'These objects swarm like angry bees around the monstrous queen bee at the centre, the professor added. 'They can briefly find gravitational partners and pair up but usually lose their partners quickly to the mad dance. The wave linked to the flare was picked up by gravitational wave detectors LIGO in Louisiana and its European counterpart VIRGO in Cascina, Italy 'But in a supermassive black hole's disk, the flowing gas converts the mosh pit of the swarm to a classical minuet, organizing the black holes so they can pair up.' Such a flare is predicted to begin days to weeks after the initial splash of gravitational waves produced during the merger. BLACK HOLES HAVE A GRAVITATIONAL PULL SO STRONG NOT EVEN LIGHT CAN ESCAPE Black holes are so dense and their gravitational pull is so strong that no form of radiation can escape them. Until this study it was assumed that included light. They act as intense sources of gravity which hoover up dust and gas around them. Their intense gravitational pull is thought to be what stars in galaxies orbit around. How they are formed is still poorly understood. Astronomers believe they may form when a large cloud of gas up to 100,000 times bigger than the sun, collapses into a black hole. Many of these black hole seeds then merge to form much larger supermassive black holes, which are found at the centre of every known massive galaxy. Alternatively, a supermassive black hole seed could come from a giant star, about 100 times the sun's mass, that ultimately forms into a black hole after it runs out of fuel and collapses. When these giant stars die, they also go 'supernova', a huge explosion that expels the matter from the outer layers of the star into deep space. Advertisement In this case, Caltech's Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) - designed to detect unusual astronomical emissions - did not catch the event right away. When the scientists went back and looked through archival ZTF images months later, they found a signal that started days after the May 2019 gravitational-wave event. ZTF observed the flare slowly fade over the period of a month. 'This supermassive black hole was burbling along for years before this more abrupt flare,' said the study's lead author Graham, a research professor of astronomy at Caltech and the project scientist for ZTF. 'The flare occurred on the right timescale, and in the right location, to be coincident with the gravitational-wave event.' The team says it is not likely that the flare came from the usual rumblings of the supermassive black hole, which regularly feeds off its surrounding disc. Using the Catalina Real-Time Transient Survey, led by Caltech, they were able to assess the behaviour of the black hole over the past 15 years, and found that its activity was relatively normal until May of 2019, when it suddenly intensified. Flares of energy have been seen from black holes before - in fact they've been seen from the supermassive black hole at the centre of this system - but not light. "Supermassive black holes like this one have flares all the time. They are not quiet objects, but the timing, size, and location of this flare was spectacular," said co-author Mansi Kasliwal. "The reason looking for flares like this is so important is that it helps enormously with astrophysics and cosmology questions. 'If we can do this again and detect light from the mergers of other black holes, then we can nail down the homes of these black holes and learn more about their origins.' The newly formed larger black hole, described in Physical Review Letters, should cause another burst of light in the next few years. The process of merging gave the object a kick that should cause it to enter the supermassive black hole's disk again. Aspiring circus performers and urban ninja warriors have a new place to hone their skills in North County. On Monday, De Leon Dynamics opened in Vistas industrial park off La Mirada Drive. The 4,000-square-foot gymnasium will offer classes in aerial silks, hoop and trapeze as well as an an urban ninja workout room where gymnast-athletes can climb, swing, swoop and flip to their hearts content. The Vista gym, at 2575 Fortune Way, is the second opened by Victor and Nicole Flores, a Poway couple who have worked as gymnasts and circus performers for more than 20 years. Their first De Leon Dynamics gym opened two years ago in Carmel Mountain Ranch. De Leon Dynamics Hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for now. As classes grow, hours will expand to 4 to 8 p.m. weekdays, 9 a..m to noon Saturdays. Advertisement Where: 2575 Fortune Way, Suite B, Vista. Phone: (858) 521-8053 Online: deleondynamics.com Nicole Flores, 36, said the Vista gym will offer four-week sessions to customers ranging in age from 3 to adult. The majority of the companys clientele are children ages 8 to 13, but she said the preschool classes often have waiting lists. She has also had many adults in their 50s and 60s who come in with the goal of fulfilling their lifelong dream of performing on a trapeze. The Floreses both grew up in San Diego, where they first met in their teens when she was a top high school gymnast and he was an elite athlete who was awarded a gymnastics scholarship at a university in Ohio. When he was injured in a motorcycle accident and lost his scholarship, he decided to stay in San Diego to attend college. Their paths crossed again when they were both performing circus-style gymnastics at local theme parks (she was at Legoland California in Carlsbad and he was at SeaWorld San Diego). Eventually the couple both found work in SeaWorlds Cirque de la Mer show and then moved into performing at corporate events. Eventually they opened their own corporate events company, De Leon Productions, a name connected to a previous partnership. As the years passed, and they married and had two children, Nicole said they wanted to find a more stable and long-term source of income, since performing can be sporadic and hard on the body as you age. Thats when they came up with the idea of opening their own gym. Nicole runs the business, develops the childrens programs and creates routines. Victor, 41, focuses more on training and working with the gyms competitive athletes. He also still performs regularly in corporate shows. Maren Hibbard, 8, practices her ariel straps skills at De Leon Dynamics, a fitness gym that teaches children and adults circus skills like trapeze, straps, bars and aerial silks. (Nancee E. Lewis / San Diego Union-Tribune) The couple say circus skills and urban ninja/parkour training have exploded in popularity for two reasons: the rise of Cirque du Soleil, the Montreal-born animal-free acrobatics circus, and Youtube, where viewers can watch thousands of videos of ultra-fit men and women leaping from buildings, jumping over fences and swinging on ropes and bars. Nicole said she and Victor have applied the progressive training structure of gymnastics to circus and urban sports, so theres less risk of injury from failed stunts. Children spend a lot of time doing skills training on the mats before theyre ever allowed to get up in the air. De Leon Dynamics offers classes in four aerial arts: silks (the long fabric sashes suspended from the gyms 22-foot ceiling), the aerial hammock (silk looped in a teardrop shape), the lyra (an aerial hoop) and the static trapeze. There are also tumbling classes for preschoolers. Within a month, the gym will open its urban ninja room where teens and adults can practice whats known as full body strength training on jungle gym-like bars, rings and other devices. The Vista gym will host its grand opening event from 2 to 5 p.m. March 18, where the couple will offer tours, mini-classes, sign-up specials and performances by the gyms demo team. The demo team a group of 25 competitive youth athletes ages 8 to 15 all started as beginners when the first gym opened in 2014. Earlier this month, the team won five medals at VivaFest, an international variety acts competition in Las Vegas. The Floreses would like to see their new Vista gym grow to the same size as their original gym, which has about 200 regular customers. Classes are taught in four-week sessions priced by age and number of visits. A once-a-week session costs from $68 to $84 a month. Visiting four times a week ranges from $220-$275. Victor said that while tumbling through the air wrapped in strips of silks may seem an unlikely workout, its much tougher than it looks. The beauty of this progressive training is its functional fitness, he said. The skills you learn in flexibility, balance and strength are stuff you can use in everyday life. pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com A man and woman suspected to be fraudsters were arrested by the Baatsonaa Divisional Police Command yesterday, Wednesday with items suspected to be materials used in making fake currency notes in their possession. Kamara Seidu, a Liberian man, and Judith Koadue, a Cameroonian woman, both 40 years of age were nabbed at a hotel along the Batsoona Spintex Road after the police received information about them. According to a statement from the police, the suspects were arrested with nine pieces of GHS50 notes suspected to be fake. Also found in the room were two bottles of liquid substance, a white polythene bag containing washing powder, one small cotton wool, and hand gloves, all suspected to be used in processing fake currencies. Further search in their home at Nii Boi brought out more of the suspicious items such as a pair of scissors, a cutter, 88 pieces of papers cut into sizes of GHS50 notes, two bottles containing liquid substance, two cellotapes, two bundles of white polythene bags and 60 sheets of paper. The arrested persons have since been detained by the police and the items retained for investigation. This development comes a few weeks after the Ashanti Regional Police Command arrested 16 women who allegedly print fake currency in the region. A statement from the Police said, all the suspects are females and are between the ages of 17 and 40. The statement said an amount of GHS24,000 fake currency were retrieved from the suspects and are currently being kept in custody as exhibits. Find below the full police statement: TWO ARRESTED FOR CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT CRIME NAMELY DEFRAUDING BY FALSE PRETENCES AND PREPARATION TO COMMIT CRIME. On 24/06/2020 at about 1400 hours, the Baatsonaa Divisional Police Command acting upon Information arrested two suspected fraudsters from a Hotel along the Baatsonaa Spintex Road. The suspects Kamara Seidu, aged 40, a Liberian and Judith Koadue aged 40, a Cameroonian both lodging in a room were arrested with nine pieces of 50 Ghana cedi notes suspected to be fake. Also found in the room were 2 bottles of liquid substance, a white polythene bag containing washing powder, 1 small cotton wool, and hand gloves all suspected to be used in processing fake currencies. The suspects were further escorted to their place of abode at Nii Boi Town where a search conducted in their rooms revealed a pair of scissors, a cutter, 88 pieces of papers cut into sizes of 50 Ghana cedi note, 2 bottles containing liquid substance, 2 cello tapes, 2 bundles of white polythene bags and 60 sheets of paper all suspected to be materials for processing fake currencies. Suspects detained and exhibits retained for investigation. citinewsroom Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 12:27 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066186882 4 City animal-abuse,dog,guilty-verdicts,trial,Court,probation,animal-welfare Free The Central Jakarta District Court found Aris Tangkelabi Pandin guilty of animal abuse after he poured liquid sodium hydroxide on six dogs, killing five of them, while their mother sustained severe injuries. Aris has been sentenced him to six months probation. We find the defendant guilty of animal abuse that caused impairment and death, as stipulated in the 2014 law on animal husbandry and animal health, presiding Judge Wadji Pramono said during a hearing on Tuesday as reported by kompas.com. Aris would not be detained but Wadji said that if within the six-month probation period he committed another crime, he would have to spend three months in jail. The defendant must also pay a Rp 1 million (US$ 70.41) fine. Failure to pay the fine will result in one month in jail. Read also: In-law accused of pouring chemicals on womans dogs, killing five The sentence was lighter than the four months imprisonment and Rp 2 million fine demanded by prosecutors. The animal abuse case was filed by animal welfare group the Natha Satwa Nusantara Foundation, following the filing of a report by the dog owners. The foundations chairperson, Davina Veronica, said even though Aris had been found guilty, she expected a harsher punishment to create a deterrent effect. We won the case but we are dissatisfied because people can see that the verdict will not deter animal abusers, she said. Meanwhile, prosecutor Andri said his side would appeal. Hopefully the judges will grant our appeal so animal abuse stops, he said. (dpk) Click here to read the full article. California is not yet looking to clamp down on a still new reopening of most of its economy, even as cases of the virus in the state start to rise. Governor Gavin Newsom said as much during a telebriefing, despite saying over the last several months that should there be an increase in cases that reached an unspecified threshold there would likely be a return to stricter mandates. Nevertheless, Newsom late last week mandated that every person out in public wear a face covering as the state and Los Angeles saw new single-day highs of positive cases. More from WWD As long as were working together, were attacking these issues together and we start to see more compliance with the mask mandate, I think we move forward more safely and work our way through this without having to toggle back, Newsom said Wednesday. States like Maine, Kansas, Idaho, even Texas, which on Tuesday had a record number of more than 5,000 confirmed cases, have this week started to put back in place some mandates that had been lifted weeks ago to limit spread of the disease. In Idaho, bars that had been allowed to reopen were again forced to close and gatherings of more than 50 people again banned. Maine also had plans to let bars reopen at the start of July and now has rescinded the timeline. Texas governor Greg Abbot, who allowed the state to reopen more than a month ago, said its now facing a massive outbreak and has told county officials that they can begin restricting outdoor gatherings and urge people to stay home. For California, which has just allowed in-store shopping to reopen, as well as hair salons and even nail salons, with businesses given guidelines to follow, Newsom said the recent increase in cases is nothing the state cant handle at this point. As of June 24, the state had more than 190,000 confirmed cases, with a rate of positive tests up 5.1 percent from two weeks ago. Hospitalizations are also up, according to state records. Story continues California led as the first state to do the stay-at-home order and we crushed the curve, Newsom said, referring to the steep upward trajectory of the virus in early March. But we made it crystal clear throughout that were extending the curve. It allowed us all this time, so we can absorb an increase in the number of positive cases. When Newsom abruptly began reopening the states economy in May, he admitted that an increase in cases would be inevitable. I cant emphasize enough that weve used our time wisely, Newsom added. The stay-at-home order bought us time to build out infrastructure. For More, See: L.A. Shopping Returns, for a Second Time California Reopens In-Store Shopping Statewide Amid Coronavirus L.A. County Approved to Reopen Hair Salons, Barbershops COLUMBUS, Ohio A southern Ohio man is facing multiple federal charges, accused of trading drugs to addicted mothers so he could sexually assault their children. Larry Porter, 69, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, is charged by a federal grand jury with 13 counts, including conspiring to sex traffic children, attempting to sex traffic children, producing child pornography, possessing child pornography, conspiring to obstruct a child sex trafficking investigation, and conspiring to witness tamper. Eight other people have been charged, including several of Porters family members, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Ohio. The FBIs Child Exploitation Task Force began investigating Porter in April 2019 and he was arrested on local charges in March 2020 after authorities used a sting operation, saying Porter used Facebook messages to offer $80 for access to a 7-year-old girl. He was arrested when arrived a pre-arranged location, federal prosecutors say. Federal investigators accuse Porter of offering drugs to addicted mothers so he could sexually abuse their children. They say he also would have parents sexually abuse their own children, recording it so he could use it as blackmail. Authorities say that while Porter was being held in the Jackson County Jail, he made phone calls and mailed letters to family members and associates telling them to lie and not to cooperate with investigators. He was recorded in a phone call to his cousin, Erroll Wayne Porter Sr., 69, of Wheelersburg, discussing a person they thought was a law-enforcement source. Go out and make sure that idiot dont do something, Larry Porter said, according to prosecutors. If you have to, put a slug in that son-of-a-bitch. Prosecutors also accused Porter of recording child pornography on flash drives. Two of Porters daughters, Denna Sue, 32, of Wheelersburg, and Crystal Porter, 39, of Columbus, are accused of burying memory cards containing child pornography in glass jars on their fathers property in an attempt to hide them. Both are facing multiple federal charges. Also facing federal charges are Errol Wayne Porter St.; Frank E. Andrews, 68, of Wheelersburg; W. David Cole, 62, of Portsmouth; Joshua David Aldridge, 36, of South Webster; and Charity Ann Rawlins, 41, of South Webster, and Ronnie L. Rawlins, 47, of Oak Hill. If convicted, Larry Porter could be sentenced to life in prison. When asked why the state doesnt open some of the unemployment field offices, Pritzker didnt offer a direct answer for this, saying: There is a process for every department coming back to having in-person offices and having our staff in-person, it sort of depends on the locations, it depends upon the number of people that would normally be in that space, the governor said, when asked about the shuttered IDES offices that, like so many other governmental agencies, businesses and schools closed to prevent the spread of the virus. We have health guidance for people who work at IDES just like any other business that were trying to reopen. So thats one aspect of it. INDIANAPOLIS, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A coalition of local stakeholders has established the Central Indiana Racial Equity Fund with an initial investment of more than $2.2 million to advance effective solutions to racial inequality in Indianapolis and its surrounding counties. The fund will work with organizations to support efforts to improve interactions between the Black community and local police in Indianapolis; address the disproportionate number of Black youth in the juvenile and criminal justice system by providing positive alternatives for education and employment; and increase employment, health and wealth opportunities for communities of color. The fund was established by the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation, Lumina Foundation and Central Indiana Community Foundation, with contributions from the Anthem Foundation, Buckingham Foundation, Dorsey Foundation, Rick Fuson and Karen Ferguson Fuson, Marianne Glick and Mike Woods, Glick Philanthropies, Herbert Simon Family Foundation, High Alpha, The Indianapolis Foundation, Indianapolis Power & Light Company, Lilly Endowment Inc., and Pacers Foundation. The Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) will also serve as the fiscal agent and project manager. The intent is to grow the fund with additional commitments from companies and other organizations across Indiana. "Lilly and the Lilly Foundation are committed to action in addressing the systemic injustices in America that disadvantage people of color, with a special responsibility to Indianapolis, home of our headquarters for 144 years," said Tiffany Benjamin, president of the Lilly Foundation. "This is the first distribution of the Lilly Foundation's $25 million commitment over five years to decrease the burden of racial injustice on communities of color, including health, education and economic inequalities." The Central Indiana Racial Equity Fund will support organizations focused on having difficult conversations about Indiana's and the Nation's complicated past; building additional capacity within the nonprofit sector to address issues of racial inequity, in particular relating to the criminal justice system; and advancing effective, data-driven solutions at the local level. The fund will be led by a community-driven, multigenerational steering committee: Darryl Lockett , executive director, Kennedy King Memorial Initiative , executive director, Memorial Initiative Jasmin-Shaheed Young , president and CEO, RISE Indy , president and CEO, RISE Indy Jordan Maitland , regulatory consultant, Eli Lilly and Company , regulatory consultant, Eli Lilly and Company Kai Wright , executive director, Voices Corporation , executive director, Voices Corporation Nick Ison , corporate giving manager, Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana , corporate giving manager, Goodwill of and Valerie Davis , community ambassador, Near Eastside neighborhood, Central Indiana Community Foundation , community ambassador, Near Eastside neighborhood, Central Indiana Community Foundation William Shrewsberry , founder, Shrewsberry & Associates LLC "Lumina Foundation's work has long been driven by our 'equity imperative,' a focus on justice for Black, Hispanic, and Native American students that we build into all of our efforts to increase the nation's educational attainment," said Timothy P. Robinson, assistant vice president, operations, and grants administration at Lumina. "To strengthen those efforts, we have forged a new commitment to what we call Equity and Justice Intelligence our capacity to address diversity, inclusion and racial justice in all of our work." "In 2018, CICF changed its mission and made the generational commitment to dismantle systemic racism in our community," said Pamela Ross, vice president of opportunity, equity and inclusion at CICF. "We knew then and we know now that we cannot do this work alone. Collaborating with our philanthropic and corporate leaders in our community to create this fund is a huge step forward in our fight for creating a community where everyone has an opportunity to thriveno matter place, race or identity." Learn more at racialequity.fund. About Eli Lilly and Company Foundation Established in 1968, the Eli Lilly and Company Foundation is a private, tax-exempt organization that makes strategic and philanthropic investments consistent with Eli Lilly and Company's purpose of making life better. The Lilly Foundation's areas of focus include improving health for people living in communities with limited resources, strengthening communities and improving education opportunities for children living in underserved neighborhoods. In 2020, the Lilly Foundation established a new area of focus to address racial inequities in Indianapolis, and nationally. About Lumina Foundation Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis that is committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. We envision a system that is easy to navigate, delivers fair results, and meets the nation's need for talent through a broad range of credentials. Our goal is to prepare people for informed citizenship and for success in a global economy. About Central Indiana Community Foundation Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) is an $850 million public foundation working to mobilize people, ideas and investments to make this a community where all individuals have equitable opportunity to reach their full potentialno matter place, race or identity. CICF was established in 1997 as a partnership between The Indianapolis Foundation, serving Marion County since 1916, and Hamilton County Community Foundation, serving Hamilton County since 1991. For more information about CICF, visit cicf.org, or call 317.634.2423. About Eli Lilly and Company Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to create medicines that make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com and https://www.lilly.com/news. C-LLY SOURCE Eli Lilly and Company Related Links http://www.lilly.com With Delayed Military Parade, Putin Drums Up Patriotism Ahead Of Vote On Extending His Rule By Matthew Luxmoore June 24, 2020 MOSCOW -- For 2020, the Kremlin had a season of political pageantry planned. A major cabinet reshuffle in January was to be followed on April 22 with a nationwide vote to rubber-stamp constitutional changes granting President Vladimir Putin a chance to rule until 2036. On May 9, Victory Day festivities marking 75 years since the Nazi defeat in World War II could have sealed the deal, confirming Putin's coronation as the longest-serving leader in Moscow since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin with a grand military parade on Red Square and footage fit for the archives. But when the coronavirus pandemic intervened, both the vote and the parade were postponed. And as COVID-19 spread in Russia throughout April and May, Kremlin aides scrambled to salvage the plans. In early June, Putin announced that the vote would now happen on July 1, a week after a delayed Red Square parade. "We have fulfilled the main task to prevent the explosive negative development of the situation," he said in a video conference call with officials. "It allows us to return to normal life as the situation is gradually stabilizing." The delayed spectacle on June 24 was meant to place that original vision back on track, drumming up patriotism as cities across Russia pulled out all the stops to promote the upcoming vote. "For many people, the victory parade is the quintessence of patriotism," political analyst Konstantin Kalachyov said. "It's supposed to help raise social well-being and optimism and show people that Russia is on the right path, that we respect our history and take pride in the feats of our forefathers." Pared-Down Celebration On June 23, the Kremlin confirmed the countries whose leaders would attend: Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Also on the list were the Bosnian Serb member of Bosnia's multiethnic presidency and the de facto leaders of Georgia's breakaway South Ossetia and Abkhazia regions, which Russia recognizes as independent states. For the guests who were expected to show up, special precautions had been taken to shield them from Putin, who has spent much of the past three months isolated in his residence outside Moscow, reportedly only conducting meetings with visitors who had passed through a special disinfection tunnel and been tested for COVID-19. Bloomberg reported that nearly 80 World War Two veterans selected to sit near Putin at the military parade were being quarantined at a health resort outside Moscow as part of measures to protect the Russian president from exposure to the coronavirus. The army newspaper Red Star reported that specially disinfected buses would deliver them to the parade. On June 24, Putin gathered with the leaders in the stands overlooking Red Square to watch elaborately uniformed troops march across it before tanks, intercontinental ballistic missiles, and other military hardware followed. The turnout of leaders with little international heft was a far cry from the attendance Moscow had hoped to attract when it was making final preparations early this year for the grand May 9 parade. France, China, the Czech Republic, and other countries withdrew their RSVPs when the coronavirus prompted the postponement, leaving Putin with a pared-down celebration. The delayed parade on Red Square was meant to coincide with other, smaller ones that traditionally happen across Russia. But at least 17 of Russia's 85 regions cancelled their parades altogether, citing a local rise in coronavirus cases and risks to the population. Those cancellations compounded questions about Putin's decision to hold the parade at a time when Russia's coronavirus caseload continues to rise, waning gradually in Moscow but showing no signs of abating in other regions. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was based on a "deep analysis of Russia's epidemiological situation based on scientific and expert conclusions." In a pointed parody video released a day before the parade, an actor posing as Notvladimir Notvladimirovich Notputin suggested otherwise, addressing Putin with the question: "Why are you saying the epidemic is over when it is raging?" Within a day of its appearance, the video had been viewed almost 1.7 million times on YouTube. 'What The Hell Do We Need It For?' In Moscow, where lockdown restrictions have been gradually phased out since early June, the unexpected day off saw thousands of people enjoying the hot weather on restaurant verandas and park benches or strolling the streets with iced coffees in hand. Few seemed to care too much for the victory parade, rehearsals for which had been happening regularly since late April. "I'm just happy I don't have to go to work," said Anna Kolesnikova, an office manager who was walking with friends in a central Moscow park. "We need to remember those who died in the war, but I don't think many people are paying attention today." For Putin, who has been Russia's president or prime minister since 1999, the parade was likewise routine, differing little from past events aside from the date change. But for a leader whose public support has fallen in recent years, it was a chance for some positive exposure ahead of the vote on constitutional changes that would, among other things, give him the option of running for two more six-year presidential terms after his current term ends in 2024. In a state TV interview ahead of the parade, Putin said that he had not yet decided whether he would run for reelection but suggested that not doing so could cause instability because, as he put it, as 2024 approaches "the normal rhythm of work of many parts of government will be replaced by a search for possible successors." Putin made no mention of the vote in his address to the parade, which was televised live. He spoke of the huge price paid by the U.S.S.R. in helping the world defeat fascism and urged Russians to come together in remembrance of the 27 million Soviet soldiers and civilians estimated to have died in that effort. "It's impossible to imagine what would have happened to the world if the Red Army hadn't defended it," Putin said. Soviet soldiers, he added, "did not need war, or other countries, or glory, or honor. They sought to finish off the enemy, win, and return home. And they paid an irreplaceable price for the freedom of Europe." Polls show that the majority of Russians, 75 years on, see victory over Nazi Germany in what they call the Great Patriotic War as a cornerstone of national identity. But critics slammed the cost of the parade and questioned its timing, calling it a transparent ploy to rally support around the president ahead of the vote for constitutional changes he has initiated and endorsed. "The whole country is amazed: What the hell do we need a parade for? What is it needed for?" prominent Putin opponent Aleksei Navalny said in a video posted to his YouTube channel. "Everyone in the country knows that all this madness is done for one person only." With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian Service Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-delayed-wwii- victory-military-parade-putinpatriotism -constitutional-vote/30688760.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 Apple Watch Series 3 Nina Raja | CNBC Apple introduced a slew of new features for its Apple Watch this week, ranging from sleep tracking to hand-washing reminders, most of which were targeted to all consumers. All except for one: An update to its motion sensors that is designed to help the clinicians monitor patients' remotely as they age. Apple shared in a news release that the watch and iPhone can now track low-range cardio fitness, walking speed, double support time, step length and six-minute walk distance, among other metrics. The data will be available in the Health app in the fall. Apple has described the metrics as "validated" because it compares them in internal studies to the gold standard for measurement. The company said that, because of these updates, it now has a way to track "functional (aerobic) capacity" through the Apple Watch. That means it can start to assess a patients' mobility in a standardized way. Most of what Apple does is intended for consumers at large, but these new features are most relevant to those who are aging or experiencing events that impact their ability to move freely because of an injury or procedure. Measuring recovery from medical procedures Apple said it is currently working with Zimmer Biomet, an orthopedics products company, on a service called mymobility, which uses Apple Watch's gait metrics to collect a user's walking speed and double support time a measurement of when both feet are on the ground on flat surfaces without GPS. This could be useful data for physicians after a procedure, like a knee or hip replacement, to assess their patients' rate of recovery between clinic visits. Many doctors focused on heart health will use a "six minute walk test" in their clinics to measure how well someone is walking or recovering. Historically, patients have needed to go into a clinic to measure how far they've walked between set of cones or markers, while a supervisor wears a stopwatch. "The goal isn't just to see how you walked in six minutes," explained Dr. Paul Friedman, a Professor of Medicine and Chair of the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine at Mayo Clinic. "But to see how you compared to others your age and sex - and to look at that as an overall marker of health." Dr. Friedman thinks that wearables can certainly play a role when it comes to measuring functional capacity, particularly in how it's changing over time. It's also a window into patients' everyday lives, where they might move differently than in the lab or the clinic. But it's still early days, and it's too soon to say whether health developers will flock to incorporate the new metrics into their apps. But some studies are currently underway to assess the role of wearables in monitoring patients' mobility. The Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research is testing whether a mobile medical app called VascTrac that monitors movement using Apple devices can predict endovascular failure of patients with peripheral artery disease, which refers to a narrowing of peripheral arteries serving the legs, stomach, arms and head. "Think of it as a clinically validated way for us to know how you're doing in the real world," said Dr. Oliver Aalami, a vascular surgeon at Stanford University and a researcher behind the study. It can help doctors check in on declines in physical activities over time Where he sees Apple Watch or the iPhone playing a role is by providing doctors with an activity index of sorts, so they can check in on general declines in physical activity over periods of time. Wearables can play a particularly important role during the pandemic, he notes, because patients might prefer to perform such tests or exercises at home. Ideally, he'd like for the data generated from wearables to be used as part of a structured program, which is supervised by a doctor or exercise specialist. Dr. Jeffrey Wessler, a cardiologist based in New York, said he could see Apple Watch being particularly useful for monitoring how patients are faring during clinical trials. That's because it could allow for researchers to measure participants asynchronously, and without extra resources to track how they're responding to an intervention over time. There's also the potential for health systems to team up with Apple and strike deals with health plans willing to pay for exercise interventions down the road. There are even cases where patients can enroll in physical therapy in lieu of needing a surgical procedure. In the Netherlands, for instance, exercise therapy programs are covered for vascular patients with peripheral artery disease. Vascular surgeon Joep Teijink told CNBC by phone say that patients after six weeks of physical therapy are seeing promising results, and many do not require a procedure. Teijink said he's still determining how wearables can play a role in helping these patients. In the United States, Dr. Aalami said that integrated health systems are most likely to be investing in exercise therapy programs using wearable devices because they get paid based on patient outcomes. At fee-for-service hospitals, there's less of a financial incentive to do so as they typically get paid for performing the procedures. Most doctors agree that it's an area that needs more investment and resources in using wearables to monitor patients. For Dr. Aalami, there's even potential down the road to "make physical activity a vital sign". Some say Apple needs to do more The US has never made much headway on whether or how to compensate Black Americans for more than 200 years of slavery. When California state assemblywoman Shirley Weber introduced a bill last year to study reparations for Black Americans, she was worried people would not accept that racial inequality and injustice were still alive and well. Instead, the bill came up for a vote two weeks after the death of an unarmed Black man, George Floyd, at the hands of a white police officer spurred a nationwide reckoning on that very topic. It passed the assembly on June 11 with a 56-5 vote. Maybe well be a model for what can happen at the federal level, Weber told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Writer Ta-Nehisi Coates speaking during a House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on reparations for slavery on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC [File: Aaron P Bernstein/Reuters] The bill goes next to the California Senate, where she expects it to pass and then be signed into law by the governor. The idea of reparation is nothing new and has been used around the world to compensate victims of war, rape, terror and a host of other historical injustices. Yet the United States has never made much headway in its discussions of whether or how to compensate African Americans for more than 200 years of slavery inflicted on their ancestors by white people. In the subsequent decades, racial inequality in wealth, housing, healthcare and education has persisted. Locally first Some Democrats want a commission to look into reparations, but the bill that would do this HR-40 has been on the table for decades and never garnered broad support. Now that Floyds death has shed light on racial inequality, advocates say support for reparations is up. Like Weber, many do not plan to wait for the federal government to make a move. There are a lot of things happening locally, said Justin Hansford, a law professor and director of the Thurgood Marshall Civil Rights Center at Howard University. Reparations are going to happen locally first, and then later on, theres likely to be a national response as well. Nikki Hefko, director of the New Orleans School of Ballet, performing during a celebration of Juneteenth, a holiday that marks the end of US slavery in 1865, in New Orleans, Louisiana [Kathleen Flynn/Reuters] In partnership with Columbia University, Howard University last week launched a project to identify and support local efforts to provide redress to Black Americans both for slavery and for racially motivated crimes. Called the US African American Redress Network, it details more than 100 efforts to make good, ranging from public apologies to compensation in the form of scholarships or cash. Blueprint cases There are several cases of reparations being paid to African Americans which advocates say could serve as a blueprint. In the earliest example, the state of Florida in 1994 awarded payment and free college tuition to descendants of the victims of a massacre 71 years earlier, when a white mob burned their town to the ground. Georgetown University and Virginia Theological Seminary are among schools pledging to offer funds for descendants of the slaves that built them or were sold to finance them. And last year, the city of Evanston, in Illinois, created a reparations fund to bridge the racial wealth gap among its residents, funded by taxes on cannabis. There are many different ways to pay reparations, but what matters is the intent, said Weber, the assemblywoman. Thats normally what people do who believe that others have been wronged. You try to figure out how you can level the playing field, she said. Even private industries donating to racial justice funds can be seen as a form of reparations, said Hansford. To me, that is acknowledgement that there needs to be an investment in order to get healing, he said. Big companies from Bank of America to PepsiCo have pledged millions on addressing racial inequality since Floyds death. In the United Kingdom, insurer Lloyds of London and the pub chain Greene King have apologised for their role in the slave trade and also said they will invest in Black communities and talent. Political roadblock The issue gained national attention last year when several Democratic primary candidates endorsed reparations. Presidential nominee Joe Biden has said he supports a study. The national bill has more backing than ever, but not among Republicans, whose vote it would need to pass the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says reparations are a bad idea because none of us currently living are responsible for slavery. Lawmakers in at least five states have introduced their own legislation to explore the issue. Some of the political actors do believe that they have a better chance of passing these bills in the midst of the current wave of protests, said William Darity, a professor at Duke University who co-authored a book on reparations. Small-scale initiatives are admirable, but anything less than a national effort will be insufficient to close the racial wealth gap, said Darity. The average Black household has a net wealth $800,000 lower than the average white household, he estimates. Aneisha Felton raising her fist while holding a sign during a protest to mark Juneteenth, near the White House, in Washington, DC [Erin Scott/Reuters] The states and the localities, they just dont have the capacity to meet that task, said Darity, who suggests giving each of the roughly 40 million Black Americans descended from slaves up to $250,000 in a trust. Global precedents Its the federal government that should be the culpable party because [it] created the legal and the authority framework that permitted all of these atrocities to take place, he added. Globally, there are precedents. Germany paid millions to Holocaust survivors and South Africa compensated apartheid victims. Family members of disappeared Colombians, rape survivors, and those displaced in the countrys armed conflict have been compensated since 2011. In response to protests against racial inequality, the top United Nations official for human rights called on countries to make amends for racist violence through reparations. Theres no amount of money that can be paid, really, to fully repair, said Arif Ali, a lawyer who was part of a UN team on compensation for victims of Iraqs 1990 invasion of Kuwait. Ali said that under international law, the US was obliged to pay it is now just a matter of working out how. The experience of other countries is a reference point, he said. Where theres a will, theres a way. According to Reuters/Ipsos polls this month, only one in five respondents agreed the US should use taxpayer money to pay damages to descendants of enslaved people in the United States. The poll showed clear divisions along partisan and racial lines, with only one in 10 white respondents supporting the idea and half of the Black respondents endorsing it. Republicans were heavily opposed, at nearly 80 percent, while about one in three Democrats supported it. The poll did not ask respondents why they answered the way they did. Other critics have said too much time has passed since slavery was outlawed, and expressed confusion about how it would work. BARTs board of directors has a lot on its mind these days tanking ridership, soaring costs, anti-pandemic measures and on Thursday, the unjust vilification of Gen. Robert E. Lee. What has the losing sides general in the Civil War have to do with mass transit? According to Nico Savidge, the San Jose Mercury reporter who was attending Thursday's meeting, BARTs board was discussing a budget amendment from several progressive directors to explore non-police responses to problems of homelessness and addiction. The directors Bevan Dufty, Rebecca Saltzman, Janice Li and Lateefah Simon proposed shifting $2 million in budget funds from police to unarmed ambassadors. BART director John McPartland then pivoted from police funding to monuments we are ripping down all over the place. Savidge quoted him as saying: I will have to tell you that from a political perspective, we are really shooting ourselves in the foot by virtue of the fact that using and Im going to extend this a little bit farther: Robert E. Lee was an exemplary general. He was a West Point graduate, and the United States military tried to make him commander in chief of the army, and he turned them down not because of racism, but because of family. The priorities we have are God, family and country. And he ended up becoming a general that ended up simply doing his job, and hes being villainized. I dont care about the statue, I care about the person. McPartland continued on, arguing that riotous mobs tearing down statues polarizes conservatives, making it a lot tougher for us to end up unseating the current president. He also compared the destruction of monuments to the disparaging treatment of veterans returning from the Vietnam War. Gen. Robert E. Lee, whose main form of transit was his horse Traveller, is widely regarded as a brilliant strategist and tactician by historians willing to overlook Picketts Charge. The commander of the Army of Northern Virginia was a slaveholder who once had three escaped slaves flogged and their bleeding backs salted with brine, according to one of the escapees. Lee also defied his father-in-laws will stipulating that 196 slaves of his estate bequeathed to Lees wife be freed upon the old mans death. During Lees invasion of the North, which culminated in the Battle of Gettysburg, the units of every single infantry and calvary corps under his command were involved in slave raids, historian David G. Smith wrote in an essay for the book Virginias Civil War. The raids, authorized by the Confederate government in Richmond, Va., hunted and captured Black civilians in southern Pennsylvania and shipped them south for enslavement on plantations. Many were not escaped slaves but free men and women who had lived their entire lives in Pennsylvania. Historians estimate that about 1,000 Blacks were kidnapped, mostly women and children. The fates of most of them have been lost to history. Correction: An earlier version of the story misquoted BART director John McPartland. McPartland said Confederate Gen. Robert E, Lee was "an exemplary general," not "an exemplary gentleman." Mike Moffitt is an SFGATE Reporter. Email: moffitt@sfgate.com. Twitter: @Mike_at_SFGate JAKARTA, Indonesia - The number of coronavirus cases in Indonesia surpassed 50,000 on Thursday, an increase that is worrying experts at a time when the government is allowing businesses to reopen amid increasing economic pressure. The surging cases in the worlds fourth-most populous country align with its increasing testing capacity, which has averaged close to the governments daily target of 20,000 over the past week, said Achmad Yurianto, spokesman for the National COVID-19 Task Force. But skepticism remains over the ability of the government to conduct enough tests to determine the true spread of the virus in the Southeast Asian nation, home to more than 270 million people living on thousands of islands. The task force said the coronavirus has infected 50,187 people and killed at least 2,620, the highest number of cases and fatalities in Southeast Asia. Thats up from just two positive cases in early March. A total of 20,449 patients have recovered from the illness nationwide. Since the first cases were confirmed, Indonesia has tested fewer than 430,000 people, according to government data. Thats far from the World Health Organizations recommendation of testing one per cent to 1.5 per cent of a countrys population, said Laura Navika Yamani, an epidemiology expert at Airlangga University. In terms of epidemiological measures, the situation in Indonesia is indeed not safe, Yamani said. Without sufficient testing, the full extent of COVID-19 transmission will remain unknown. The soaring number of cases is deepening Indonesias economic gloom. Planning Minister Suharso Monoarfa recently said that up to 5.5 million Indonesians may lose their jobs because of the pandemic. Already, 9.4 per cent of the population lived below the national poverty line last year. He said the poverty rate is expected to rise to 10.2 per cent. President Joko Widodo said his administration wants Indonesias economy back on track but safe from the virus, and started the countrys reopening earlier this month. Offices, restaurants and shopping centres have reopened with 50 per cent of their employees and customers. Public transportation has also resumed. Many people are worried about the reopening. The government plans to enforce health rules by deploying 340,000 security personnel as the restrictions are gradually lifted through July. Working at a private hospital in Jakarta, Dr. Yesika Nadya contracted the virus while treating a patient who was seriously ill with COVID-19. She said there used to be a shared desire to curb coronavirus transmission, but now things have changed with the focus now on reopening, with people more concerned about making money for food instead of observing health guidelines. I am worried because this impact can harm a wider community and for some people it can cause serious illness, she said. Indonesias economy grew just 2.9 per cent in January-March, its slowest rate in almost two decades, as the pandemic made its effects felt. Forecasts are more grim. The World Bank expects no growth for Indonesia this year, while the Asian Development Bank projected Indonesias gross domestic product will shrink one per cent this year, its worst performance since the 1998 Asian financial crisis. On June 16 the government unveiled a third stimulus package worth 695.2 trillion rupiah ($67 billion), following previous ones totalling 677.2 trillion rupiah and 641.2 trillion rupiah. We are hoping that this stimulus can maintain our economic growth at above zero per cent, Finance minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati said at a news conference. Health experts have warned that Indonesias fight against COVID-19 is far from over, emphasizing that its limited testing capabilities make it harder to obtain an accurate picture of the pandemic, and saying that reopening the economy prematurely could trigger a second wave of infections. The goal is yet to be reached, said Yamani, the epidemiologist. The number of (confirmed) COVID-19 cases in Indonesia is just the tip of the iceberg of an outbreak with those low testing rates. A nurse who was stabbed to death by her estranged husband in front of their two young daughters was attacked with 'multiple weapons,' police have revealed. Mother-of-three Karen Gilliland, 42, was stabbed multiple times at her home in Rockhampton in central Queensland on Tuesday night. Chilling screams filled the street as Ms Gilliland's two daughters ran from the house, prompting neighbours to phone police around 7pm. On Thursday Nigel Gilliland, 45, was charged with her murder after receiving surgery to self-inflicted knife wounds at the same hospital where she worked. Mother-of-three Karen Gilliland, 42, was stabbed multiple times at her home in Rockhampton in central Queensland on Tuesday night In the weeks leading up to her tragic death, Ms Gilliland worked on the COVID-19 frontline as pathology manager of Rockhampton Hospital Police said the crime scene was among the worst they've seen, and Ms Gilliland's children have been left to carry the images of their mother's brutal slaying In the weeks leading up to her tragic death, Ms Gilliland worked on the COVID-19 frontline as pathology manager of Rockhampton Hospital, treating infected patients. She only had a few days off over the past six weeks out of commitment to fighting the virus, the Courier Mail reported. 'Karen, you will never be forgotten. From day one you took me under your wing. You quickly went from being my supervisor, to a dear friend,' one colleague said. Ms Gilliland's heartbroken coworkers described her as a 'strong and brave woman' who had 'such a positive outlook'. 'No problem ever seemed too big for you to solve,' the colleague said. 'Things just won't be the same without you. I hope you know how dearly you are loved and that you will forever be in our hearts.' Nigel Gilliland (pictured being taken away), 45, was charged with her murder after receiving surgery to self-inflicted knife wounds at the same hospital where she worked Ms Gilliland had been staying in a hotel for the past week or so before she was killed in her new house, on Brae Street in the sleepy suburb of The Range. She had never lived alone until two months ago, when she left Mr Gilliland. It's understood she left home when she was just a teenager to be with him. Her children are currently staying with their grandfather. A court official confirmed there was no record of a domestic violence order between the couple. Police said the crime scene was among the worst they've seen, and Ms Gilliland's children have been left to carry the images of their mother's brutal slaying. 'It's a horrific scene for all included, especially those children to see that happen to their mum,' Acting Inspector Luke Peachey said on Wednesday. 'We've been police officers for a number of years, and this is one of the worst things we've seen. '(The three children) are very shaken up. And I might add, as are the police who attended, and the QAS officers.' Gilliland remains in custody, and did not appear in Rockhampton Magistrates Court on Thursday. He will appear in court on August 19. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 22 4636 Historically, Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and Ronald Reagan were charismatic leaders who were well educated, principled, with a gift for oratory and put America first. Sadly, Lincoln, Kennedy, and Martin Luther King were assassinated, and Reagan barely survived an assassination attempt. Today we have the flawed charisma of Trump and no one else in the top levels of the Republican or Democrat parties with true leadership potential who puts America first. Most politicians are just establishment hacks with no clear vision of where to lead America and are content with being financed by big money and fear being blacklisted by big tech firms and the dogmatic, ideologically driven establishment media. Mob mayhem has currently engulfed America, especially in Democrat cities, and there is no clear leadership except rumors that Marxists are the root cause of the mayhem. As I see it, the mobs are largely young adults, probably unemployed and poorly educated, who are spreading their idiotic graffiti on statues, buildings, and streets. Statues seem to be the latest focus of their destructive tendencies. First, demolish Confederate figures, and then extend this to all statues predating the sixties, including the Founding Fathers. Any white historical figure must have had some racist tendencies, so they are all now unworthy of glorification. If the mob had their way, they would probably want to demolish Mount Rushmore. Ask the mob what a Marxist is, and they probably don't know. Ask them what a communist is, and they probably don't know that, either. Ask the mob what the Constitution says, and they probably don't know anything about it. I don't care what the mob is protesting because these people have no clear ideology or leadership, and the political deadlock in Washington just guarantees that nothing will be done in the long duration. Everyone in Washington is just waiting for the pandemic to pass and Trump to be defeated so that the establishment can return to business as usual with the big banks, big corporations, and corporate control of politics and the country. Why is the stock market doing so well? Small business is being decimated, and money is flowing into international big corporate pockets. The mob is powerless to stop this globalist international trend, which will continue long after Trump is out of office. We have nothing to fear from mob mayhem, which will eventually subside without any clear leadership to push it farther. Organized globalists and their ideology are our true long-duration enemy and not the leaderless mob. Graphic credit: Pixabay. BERLIN, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- In order to meet the challenges with COVID-19, the majority of Europeans feel they are technically well equipped. 78% rather/fully agree with the statement that they are sufficiently equipped for self-isolation and have the necessary infrastructure, a new survey of the Vodafone Institute, the European think-tank of the Vodafone Group, has revealed. Portugal (87%) and Germany (86%) occupy the first places. Greece (71%) and Poland (65%) rank last. Inger Paus, Managing Director of the Vodafone Institute, said: "The COVID-19 pandemic poses enormous challenges on people. We need to understand how European citizens have perceived and managed the sometimes very drastic measures taken by national governments. Obviously, a majority sees them as necessary and effective at the national level. It is also pleasing that most Europeans seem to have access to a digital infrastructure that helps them to cope successfully with everyday life even in times of isolation." Video conferences and digital collaborative applications are regarded as the most useful tools by Europeans during the COVID-19 crisis. Despite the enthusiasm for digital tools, there are big differences regarding the acceptance of corona apps for contact tracing between EU-countries: While 78% of respondents in Portugal, Spain and Ireland would use these apps, only 53% in Germany are open to this option. In an EU comparison, this is the least popular option. Significant differences in the assessment of national crisis management More than two-thirds of Europeans attest their national government effective COVID-19 crisis management. On a scale from 1 ("Not effective at all") to 10 ("Highly effective"), 70% chose a score of 6 or higher, 36% even a score of 8 or higher. In contrast, only 46% of Europeans assess measures on EU level as effectively. But there are remarkable differences between the individual countries: In particular, citizens in Greece and Ireland give their governments good ratings (7,4 each). Respondents in France and Spain are least satisfied with the COVID-19 crisis management of their national governments (4,9 each). About half of the respondents agree that the inter-European cooperation during COVID-19 has strengthened the cohesion among Europeans. People in Portugal are particularly confident about this (69% agree with this statement), scepticism prevails in Estonia (28%). Nearly every fifth European states to be on short-time work. In this respect, Portugal (30%) has the highest rate, Estonia (7%) the lowest. Long-term impact on quality of life A majority of interviewed Europeans thinks that the COVID-19 crisis will have a limiting effect on their quality of life in the long term. Especially people in southern Europe like Greece (85%), Italy (83%), Spain (81%) and Portugal (80%), agree with this statement. In Germany and the Netherlands, it is "only" 50% respectively 49%. The results are part of the "Digitising Europe Pulse 2020: Challenges in Times of Covid-19", which will be released in the upcoming weeks. The survey was conducted by Kantar. For this purpose, 13.000 people were interviewed via online-survey. Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications The Institute is Vodafone's think-tank. We explore the potential and responsible use of digital technologies for innovation, growth and sustainable social impact. Through research and events, we provide thought leadership and offer a platform for dialogue between business, academia and politics. We are committed to improving access to technology for all parts of society, developing and supporting projects on the ground for female empowerment and digital education. The wide-ranging expertise of the Advisory Board members reflects the Institute's intention to act as a crosssectoral platform. Press Contact: Friedrich Pohl Head of Communications Mobile: +49-172-71-55-900 [email protected] Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications Office Berlin Behrenstrae 18 10117 Berlin www.vodafone-institut.de Social Media: facebook.com/VodafoneInstitute twitter.com/vf_institute youtube.com/VodafoneInstitute SOURCE Vodafone Institute for Society and Communications Were a homegrown privately owned Florida company thats proud of our roots. Were thrilled to be creating jobs and economic growth for communities across our state AltMed Florida, one of the fastest growing MMTCs in the state (source: OMMU), continues its statewide expansion with a three-day opening, starting Monday June 29 at 10am for its newest MUV Medical Cannabis Dispensary at 8465 Heritage Green Way, Bradenton, FL. Opening in a busy retail plaza that houses a Crunch Fitness, MUVs first dispensary in Bradenton is easily accessible and highly visible off State Road 64 just east of Interstate-75. AltMed Florida has continued to bring jobs and revitalization to Florida communities during the pandemic more than doubling its dispensaries from 11 to 23 in 2020 alone. The more Floridians become aware of the benefits of medical cannabis the more inquiries we receive from people across the state asking when well open a location in their area, said Todd Beckwith, AltMed Director of Corporate Affairs. Were happy to answer the call and offer our wide range of premium products to residents of Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch. Were also excited to bring new jobs to the Bradenton economy and help to drive business in the area. This MUV Medical Cannabis Dispensary is the third to serve the greater Sarasota market joining dispensaries on Fruitville Road in Sarasota and on the Tamiami Trail in North Port. Being able to bring our world class products to Bradenton is a win win for local patients. They will love what we offer and appreciate our incredibly helpful staff, and the modern, clean, streamlined aesthetic of our dispensaries, said John Tipton, AltMed Florida CEO. Were a homegrown privately owned Florida company thats proud of our roots. Were thrilled to be creating jobs and economic growth for communities across our state. Deemed an essential service during the pandemic, AltMed Florida has been able to expand its workforce to over 500 employees with additional teams coming onboard at each of its 12 new dispensaries this year. With higher demand for products from 23 total dispensaries, AltMed has also generated additional construction employment and staffing with the expansion of its 220,000-square-foot cultivation facility in Apollo Beach. During the Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch opening, staggered over three-days (June29-July1) for crowd mitigation, all licensed Florida medical cannabis patients will receive a one-time use only, one per patient, 25 percent off their entire first purchase. Patients are also encouraged to order at muvfl.com for express pickup or delivery to help reduce heavy traffic. The newest state-of-the-art MUV Lakewood Ranch dispensary will provide award-winning products to medical cannabis patients including an extensive selection of flower, pre-rolls, vaporizer pens, metered dose inhalers, topicals, oral sprays, patent-pending encapsulation formulations in its Tinctures, 72-Hour Transdermal patches and transdermal gels. MUV also has one of the widest selections of concentrates for patients needing macro-dosing options. Like AltMed Floridas 22 other locations (Apollo Beach, Bonita Springs, Clearwater, Deerfield Beach, Fort Myers, Gainesville, Jacksonville/San Marco, Jacksonville Beach, Lady Lake, Lakeland, Longwood/Orlando, Lutz, North Port, Downtown Orlando, Ormond Beach, Pensacola, St.Petersburg, Sarasota, Sebastian, Tallahassee, Tampa and Wellington/West Palm), the new Lakewood Ranch MUV dispensary stands out because its designed as a premium experience think Apple Store, with a modern open-concept design and expert staff with extensive training. The MUV brand already has a wide following in other legal medical cannabis markets, including Arizona, where it has won five Best of Arizona medical cannabis awards. MUV products are sold exclusively in Florida at MUV dispensaries because, unlike other states, Florida does not allow wholesale of product between license holders - only products that license holders make themselves can be sold in their dispensaries. For more information about the new ADA-compliant MUV Medical Cannabis Dispensary in Bradenton/Lakewood Ranch, including hours and available MUV products, visit muvfl.com. AltMed Florida is on pace to open 40 MUV Medical Cannabis Dispensaries across the state, all supplied by its 220,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art cultivation facility. Visit this link for images of AltMed Floridas cultivation operations and watch this brief video to see what makes AltMed Florida and its MUV Medical Cannabis Dispensaries stand out. About Plants of Ruskin, LLC - d.b.a. AltMed Florida, LLC - With a focus on quality and attention to detail, Plants of Ruskin has more than 35 years of experience in providing seedlings to farmers for vegetable and medical product production. Plants of Ruskin founders, the Dickman Family, are 4th generation farmers with a long history of working in conjunction with the University of Florida, including an endowed chair specifically dedicated to plant improvement. About AltMed Enterprises - Alternative Medical Enterprises, LLC, headquartered in Sarasota, FL and doing business as AltMed Enterprises, is a fully integrated medical cannabis company that brings compassion, community engagement and pharmaceutical industry precision to the development, production and dispensing of medical cannabinoids. About MUV - The MUV brand of cannabis infused products was launched in Arizona in 2016 and quickly gained international attention and recognition. In its first six months alone, MUV received four best of Arizona medical cannabis awards, including two first prizes for its proprietary Ethanol extractions that are the basis of all MUV products. Forward-Looking Statements - To the extent any statements made in this press release contain information that is not historical, these statements are forward-looking in nature and merely express our beliefs, expectations or opinions. For example, words such as may, should, estimates, predicts, continues, believes, anticipates, plans, expects, intends, potential, strategy and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on current expectations or estimates and involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) our ability to implement our business strategy of distributing high quality cannabis products where permissible under applicable law; (ii) availability and cost of additional capital; (iii) our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified employees and management; (iv) the impact of federal, state or local government regulations; (v) competition in the cannabis industry; (vi) our ability to generate revenues; and (vii) litigation in connection with our business. All forward-looking statements included in this press release and attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, regardless of whether new information becomes available, future developments occur or otherwise. Bharatiya Janata Partys Rajya Sabha lawmaker Roopa Ganguly on Thursday backed the demand for a CBI enquiry into the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput and said it was important to uphold justice. She also tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah in her series of tweets with a hashtag #cbiforsushant. We will be answerable to our future generations if we the parents, the colleagues, the friends and the family and the citizen of India fail to uphold justice now. I think an independent CBI investigation is necessary, Ganguly tweeted. Sushant Singh Rajputs prayer meet: Bhojpuri actors Akshara Singh, Manoj Tiwari pay tribute Rajputs family members and some political parties have already demanded a CBI probe into his death. The actor was found dead at his Bandra apartment on June 14. The Mumbai police have received the final post-mortem report and the cause of death has been identified as asphyxia due to hanging. What I cannot understand is why such a brilliant inquisitive mind would choose such an alternative without any provocation, Ganguly tweeted. Also Read: Sushant Singh Rajputs father confirms actor was looking to get married early 2021 Rajputs death has evoked a sharp debate around nepotism in the Indian film industry blocking entry and rise of young talents, which may sometimes possibly lead to extreme steps. Flydubai has announced flights to 24 destinations, initially, once it resumes commercial operations from July 7. Destinations and flight frequencies will continue to be added to the schedule over the summer, the airline said in a statement. Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer of flydubai, said: Flights are available for booking from today and will operate from July 7. We are initially planning to operate to 24 destinations and we will continuously add destinations and flight frequencies to the network and we expect this to increase to 66 destinations over the course of the summer. This, of course, will be dependent on countries being able to open up and accept international travel. Flydubai will be announcing details of its customer journey shortly which will outline what passengers can expect and what information they need to know the next time they flydubai. Obaidalla said: Following the recent announcement we welcome a return to service in a safe and measured way. We have redesigned our passenger journey that is built upon existing high standards to minimise the risk of transmission of Covid-19 and we can now bring people together once again. This, along with the clear and simple guidelines set out by the authorities means its the perfect time to return to the skies. Flight bookings can be made on flydubai.com. Passengers are required to make sure that they are up to date with the regulations from the IATA Travel Centre for their whole journey. Flydubai will operate to the 24 following destinations, subject to government approvals: Addis Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Almaty, Amman, Baku, Beirut, Belgrade, Bucharest, Dubrovnik, Isfahan, Juba, Kabul, Khartoum, Kiev, Krakow, Lar, Nur-Sultan, Prague, Sarajevo, Shiraz, Sofia, Tbilisi, Tehran, Yerevan. - TradeArabia News Service Meghan Markle and Prince Harry fans are not happy with Prince Charles. The Prince of Wales just released a new video message highlighting the importance of the diversity of our society, a move that sparked serious outrage on social media. Not only did some fans blast Charles for not being more welcoming of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, but they also slammed him for not speaking out when she and Harry were bullied by the press. Prince Charles, Prince William, Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle, and Prince Harry | Stephen Pond/Getty Images Prince Charles highlights diversity in a recent speech Charles took a lot of heat for posting a video message in honor of Windrush Day. In the clip, Charles praised diversity in society and told listeners that this is our greatest strength and gives us so much to celebrate. He went on to encourage people to have an open heart and learn from each others perspectives. The video was meant to celebrate the Caribbean population in the United Kingdom and recognize their contribution to society. Today, as we honor the legacy of the Windrush generation and the invaluable contribution of black people in Britain, I dearly hope that we can continue to listen to each others stories and to learn from one another, Charles shared. The video message came shortly after Charles first public appearance in months. The Prince of Wales visited a hospital with his wife, Camilla Parker Bowles. Prior to the appearance, the two had been hunkering down at his Scottish estate amid the coronavirus pandemic. Although Charles message was positive, some fans were quick to put him on blast in the comments section. Most of these royal watchers were fans of Meghan and Harry and believe that Charles should have made a stronger stand of support for the couple when they were still members of the royal family. Fans blast the Prince of Wales for not protecting Meghan Markle Following the video, several people criticized Charles for being a hypocrite and using empty words. Most of these comments were directed at Charles lack of support for Meghan, who openly struggled with bullying by members of the media. These are just empty words. Thats rich coming from you. I dont think you believe them, one fan noted. If you did you would not have sat silently by and let the Br. Media crucify Meghan, your daughter in law and the only example of diversity in your family. Other fans rightly pointed out that Meghan is probably about as diverse as the royal family will ever get. They believe that if Prince Charles is serious about celebrating diversity then he would have done a better job showing that with Meghan. 'Shame on you' Meghan Markle fans round on Prince Charles for 'failing to protect' duchesshttps://t.co/GaFUb3gEbK Daily Express (@Daily_Express) June 24, 2020 Meghan opened up about her struggles with the press in an ITV interview last fall. Harry has also released several statements blasting the media for how they treated Meghan, which includes targeting her based on race and gender. That said, Charles was one of the first members of the royal family to develop a close bond with Meghan. When her father, Thomas Markle, failed to show up for her wedding in 2018, for example, Charles walked her down the aisle in a show of support. Charles has not responded to the slew of negative comments about his recent video. Prince Charles develops a close bond with Prince William Meghan and Harry, of course, are no longer a part of the royal family. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down from their posts at the end of March and are now living in Los Angeles with their son, Archie Harrison. With Harry striking out on his own, one royal expert claims that Charles has become even closer to his oldest son, Prince William. According to Express, royal expert Camilla Tominey says that Charles and William started to grow closer amid the drama with Harry and Meghan. As tensions between the Sussexes and the Cambridges rose, Charles and William teamed up in search of a solution. Behind palace gates, Charles was increasingly involving William in his decision making much to the chagrin of Harry who felt pushed out by their away days to Duchy of Cornwall estates, Tominey shared. RELATED: Prince Charles Just Made It Clear He Is Taking the Spotlight Back From Prince William and Kate Middleton Harry and Meghan, of course, eventually had enough of the drama and declared their separation from the royal family at the beginning of the year. While Harrys relationship with his family remains a mystery, Charles recently mentioned him in a heartfelt Fathers Day post. In honor of Fathers Day, Charles shared two photos on social media. The first image was dated to 1951 and showed Prince Philip carrying a young Charles. The second pic was taken back in 2004 and shows Harry and William proudly standing with their father at the Cirencester Park Polo Cup. Whether you are a father, a Dad, a Daddy or a Pa, wishing you a Happy Fathers Day! Prince Charles captioned the image. India has recorded over 4.73 lakh cases of the novel coronavirus and 14,894 deaths, according to the Union Health Ministry's latest update. Of these, 1,86,514 are active cases while 2,71,696 have recovered. Maharashtra reported its sharpest single-day spike with 4,841 new COVID-19 cases. The state has also recorded 192 new deaths, taking the death toll to 6,931. Maharashtra has reported the highest number of infections, followed by Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Delhi now has more COVID-19 cases than Mumbai, making it the most-affected city in India. Here are all the latest updates: >> Hair salons in Maharashtra will be allowed to reopen from June 28, after over three months of downing shutters due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown, a state minister 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 >> The Union Health Ministry said that a central team, led by Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal, will visit Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana between June 26 and 29 to coordinate with the state officials in strengthening COVID-19 management efforts in those areas. >> The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) informed the Supreme Court that pending CBSE Class 10 and 12 examinations stand cancelled. >> Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay will go completely online next semester and not call students for face-to-face lectures in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, its director said. >> Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal launched a video-call facility for COVID-19 patients at LNJP hospital. >> Taiwan has put over 100 people under quarantine while it investigates its first possible local case of coronavirus infection in more than two months. >> Oxford University rolled out Africa's first human trials for a potential vaccine against the new coronavirus in South Africa. Jacksonvilles third fire in just more than a week is drawing a closer look by fire officials. The most recent blaze began around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday at 1241 Allen Ave. Jacksonville fire crews managed to contain the fire to a single room in the home, with damage estimated between $4,000 and $5,000, according to Jacksonville Fire Department. Jacksonville police and the State Fire Marshals Office are investigating the fire, which Jacksonville Fire Chief Doug Sills described as very suspicious in nature due to the evidence found at the scene. The house was occupied at the time of the fire, but no injuries were reported. Firefighters were on the scene about an hour. Other recent fires also have been ruled suspicious, including a June 15 blaze at a vacant house at 710 E. Douglas Ave. Jacksonville and South Jacksonville firefighters arrived at the house at 5:41 a.m. June 15 to find it fully engulfed in flames. The fire is considered suspicious because there was no electricity or gas service to the house; the State Fire Marshals Office is investigating. Jacksonville Fire Department and the State Fire Marshals Office also are looking into a June 16 fire. Firefighters were called about 10 p.m. June 16 to a house at 1333 E. Wolcott St. after flames were seen coming from the structure. Firefighters returned early June 17 after the fire reignited. The East Douglas and East Wolcott properties are less than a half-mile apart, but fire officials dont yet know if any of the blazes are linked, Jacksonville fire Capt. Mike Griffitts said. All three remain under investigation. A 16-year-old girl will undergo emergency plastic surgery to fix a huge facial wound after she was allegedly stabbed at a shopping centre. Police were called to Kawana Shoppingworld in Buddina, on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, at 4pm on Monday following reports a teenager had been wounded. The girl was allegedly stabbed by Jai Clarke after she attempted to intervene in a fight between the 18-year-old and her 17-year-old boyfriend, who were known to each other. She was allegedly slashed in the face with a box cutter and suffered a 10cm-long, 1cm-deep, laceration from her chin to ear. The girl suffered a 10cm-long, 1cm- deep, laceration from her chin to ear (pictured) Clarke allegedly fled on foot, while the teenage girl was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital for treatment, but has since been charged. The 17-year-old boy was not injured during the incident. Police arrested Clarke at a home on Blaxland Street in Woodridge on Wednesday. He was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm (GBH), acts intended to cause GBH, wounding and possession of a knife in a public place. Clarke was denied bail at Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Thursday. The teenager cried as his case was heard, 7News reported. Jai Clarke (pictured) has been charged after a teenage girl was stabbed in the face during a row Police were called to Kawana Shoppingworld in Buddina (pictured), on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, at about 4pm on Monday Detective Sergeant Chris Eaton previously told reporters the teenage girl suffered 'a gruesome injury'. 'The injury, we believe, is 10-11cm in length and 1cm or so in depth,' he said after the alleged attack. 'She will be required to undergo surgery and most likely plastic surgery to have that wound attended to.' Police believe the altercation started online before it escalated. 'What we believe was that there was an argument that occurred over social media and that argument has spilled over into a physical altercation,' police said. [June 25, 2020] Vestas continues to expand its footprint in Vietnam with 48 MW project win SINGAPORE, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Vestas has secured a 48 MW order with Vietnamese developer, Phong Lieu Wind Power JSC for a wind project located in the Quang Tri Province of Vietnam. This win marks Vestas' eighth wind project in the province, bringing its footprint in this area to over 300 MW and a total of almost 700 MW in the country. Vestas will supply, transport, install and commission a total of 12 V150-4.2 MW wind turbines delivered in 4.0 MW operating mode. Similar to previous projects in the province, the Phong Lieu wind farm will leverage on Vestas' industry-leading siting, project management and transportation capabilities to develop and deliver site-specific solutions in the remote and complex mountainous terrain of the area. The order also includes a 10-year Active Output Management 5000 (AOM 5000) service agreement, designed to maximise energy production for the site. With a yield-based availability guarantee, Vestas will provide the customer with long-term business case certainty. "Vietnam is the most active country in the South East Asia region for wind energy, and the Vestas team there have done an outstanding job of apturing the majority of this market," said Clive Turton, President of Vestas Asia Pacific. "We are very glad to continue this journey through our partnership with Phong Lieu Wind Power JSC to develop this project and continue to make the most out of the excellent wind resources in the Quang Tri province". The construction of the project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2021, ahead of the current wind feed-in tariff deadline in Vietnam. About Vestas Vestas is the energy industry's global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We design, manufacture, install, and service wind turbines across the globe, and with more than 115 GW of wind turbines in 81 countries, we have installed more wind power than anyone else. Through our industry-leading smart data capabilities and unparalleled more than 98 GW of wind turbines under service, we use data to interpret, forecast, and exploit wind resources and deliver best-in-class wind power solutions. Together with our customers, Vestas' more than 25,500 employees are bringing the world sustainable energy solutions to power a bright future. For updated Vestas photographs and videos, please visit our media images page on: https://www.vestas.com/en/media/images. We invite you to learn more about Vestas by visiting our website at www.vestas.com and following us on our social media channels: www.twitter.com/vestas www.linkedin.com/company/vestas www.facebook.com/vestas www.instagram.com/vestas www.youtube.com/vestas SOURCE Vestas [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Nguyen Van Ba, 26, is sentenced to five years in jail before the Bac Kan Province People's Court in Bac Kan Province, June 24, 2020. Photo courtesy of VOV. A court in the northern Bac Kan Province sentenced a man to five years in jail Wednesday for trafficking endangered pangolins last year. The Bac Kan Province Peoples Court found Nguyen Van Ba, 26, guilty of violating "regulations on the management and protection of endangered, rare animals," Voice of Vietnam reported. In December last year the police had found Ba on a local bus with a suitcase containing six frozen pangolins weighing totally around 17.8 kg. Ba said he was delivering the carcasses from Nghe An Province to Cao Bang on the China border to an unidentified person for VND2.5 million ($107). Pangolins are listed as endangered and protected in Vietnam, and it is illegal to hunt, kill, capture, possess, transport, or trade protected animals, and penalties include 15 years in prison and fines of up to VND15 billion ($645,000). Pangolins are sought after in Vietnam and neighboring countries for their meat and alleged medicinal properties of their scales. The Arctic is starting to warm and become greener, and it alarms scientists because it thaws permafrost, causes the disappearance of sea ice, and is making wildfires in the arctic a real threat. (Photo : Pixabay) The Arctic is starting to warm and become greener, and it alarms scientists because it thaws permafrost, causes the disappearance of sea ice and is making wildfires in the arctic a real threat. In Verkhoyansk in Siberia, this year's first summer day marked an ambient temperature of 100 F, which is much hotter than is usually experienced in the Arctic. It is very much above the average high temperature in June, which is 68 F. The Arctic is becoming warmer at a rate double than what the rest of Earth is experiencing. This is causing ecological chaos for flora and fauna in the north. McMaster University wildfire scientist Sophie Wilkinson says that these events are unprecedented due to the magnitude of the temperature extremes. She is studying peat fires in the north, which has become too frequent recently with the climbing temperatures. This extreme warming is called polar or Arctic amplification and could be caused by three factors. The first is the albedo, or reflectivity, a function of the amount of light the Arctic sends back up to space. Isla Myers-Smith, a global change ecologist from the University of Edinburgh, notes the drastic declines in sea ice during summer in the past three decades. The whiteness of ice reflects the energy and light from the sun. However, Myers-Smith notes that the melting Arctic sea ice removes the white surface from the ocean, exposing its darker surface color that tends to absorb the heat of the sun. In addition, sea ice returns much later during autumn since temperatures do not drop as quickly as before, partly due to the trapped heat in the hotter ocean waters. The ocean will indeed refreeze during winter, explains Myers-Smith. Still, it is a thinner ice layer that will again melt the following summer, instead of much larger sea ice that is frozen all year round. This is connected to changing currents, which is the second factor. Now, the melting ice injects freshwater into the Arctic Ocean, and since freshwater is less dense compared to seawater, it floats over it. Less ice also means more wind, which speeds up the Arctic Beaufort Gyre and traps water that is usually expelled to the Atlantic Ocean. This change mixes cold surface freshwater with warm seawater, thus increasing temperatures and melting even more ice. The weather is the third factor. The so-called polar jet stream is the prime mover of cold and hot air in the Northern Hemisphere, which is produced by the differences in temperature between the tropical and Arctic regions. With the warming Arctic, this jet stream is now wildly undulating and injecting warm air into the Arctic summer and freezing air during the US winter. Warm air staying in the Arctic causes further melting of sea ice and permafrost. All these causes drastic ecological consequences. The warming Arctic is also making it greener. Invasive species of plants are altering the floral community and affecting native species. The same is true with invasive animal species such as beavers and moose, which are apparently extending their range to the north. For example, beavers could compete with native species for resources, and alter water flow because of their dam-building behavior. The thawing permafrost is causing thermokarst, turning the firm ground into wetlands affecting animal and human mobility, including caribou and reindeer, according to David Olefeldt of the University of Alberta. The thawing permafrost also releases more greenhouse gases. The warming is also drying out the peat and increases the potential for peat wildfires. When burned, each hectare of peat releases 200 tons of trapped carbon into our atmosphere. And since moist, warm air is moving northward, along with it comes thunderstorms and lightning, which can readily ignite the dry peat. A warming, and greener, Arctic means massive change, and more and more unprecedented anomalies crop up each year, according to Wilkinson. New Delhi: The Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB) on Thursday (June 25) organised the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exam in which over 8.40 lakh students appeared amid COVID-19 measures like one student per bench and cap on their number per classroom. The state government decided to conduct the SSLC or the Class X board exams amid COVID-19 fears, ignoring the opposition's appeal to put them on hold till the coronavirus is brought under total control. Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa said on Thursday there was no connection between the lockdown and the SSLC exams, adding they would go on as per schedule. Earlier, the KSEEB has said that as many as 8,48,203 students would take up the examination at 2,879 exam centres. The Karnataka Board has also deployed over 1 lakh officials to conduct the exams. According to reports, students today came to the examination centres as early as 7 am, and they were allowed inside after undergoing thermal screening and sanitising their hands. The KSEEB has stated that each classroom will have around 18 to 20 students. Students were also instructed to wear masks and maintain physical distance. Students appeared for the first language examination today and the examination will end on July 4. Students in containment zones and those with symptoms such as cough, cold and fever were reportedly provided N95 masks and made to sit in another classroom and write the examination. Karnataka's Minister for Primary and Secondary Education S Suresh Kumar is quoted as saying, "My deep gratitude to parents for their faith in the government, and heartfelt thanks to teaching and other govt staff members, police for their tireless work and dedication. Children will fondly remember their care for a long time to come." Earlier, the examination was scheduled to be held in March 27 but was postponed for an indefinite period after the COVID-19 induced lockdown came into force. Chinese Communist Party's mouthpiece Global Times has been regularly criticizing India and its policies after the Galwan Valley incident of June 15 where 20 Indian soldiers were martyred fighting China's PLA along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. China has been peddling questionable statements via its mouthpieces and stooges regarding the incident, including ever-changing stances about its own casualties. Even though three different sources including Indian intercepts and US intelligence agencies have revealed that the Chinese side suffered between 35-45 casualties including dead and seriously injured in the violent clash, China has refused to reveal the precise numbers in the guise of goodwill, with the Global Times and its chief editor being the messengers in this regard. Bagga attacks Global Times BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga on Thursday took a dig at Global Times where he shared a cartoon of a donkey on Twitter calling it "Chinese Army" with the mouthpiece portraying it as a "Lion" This is also seen at a dig at Pakistan as the country which has the third-largest donkey population in the world is said to be exporting donkeys to China. According to a PTI report in February, China had come forward with a loan offer of 42.5 billion to help Pakistan and, in return, Pakistan will be exporting donkeys to its "all-weather ally". This business, which relies on demand arising from China's nonsensical 'Traditional Chinese Medicine' has threatened the noble beast of burden's population globally, already having driven numerous key species to the verge of extinction. US lists Chinese publications as 'foreign missions' Earlier, US State Department declared China Central Television, China News Service, the Peoples Daily, and the Global Times as 'foreign missions'. The move comes as the US tries to put more pressure on China for its aggressive expansionist moves, human rights violations, stifling free speech, etc. As per the Department's statement, "foreign mission" means they are substantially owned or effectively controlled by a foreign government, and in this case, China. Earlier this year, USA listed Xinhua News Agency, China Global Television Network, China Radio International, China Daily Distribution Corporation, and Hai Tian Development USA as 'foreign missions', thus identifying nine publications in total as government-owned. READ | BJP's Tajinder Bagga responds to Tej Pratap Yadav's appeal for workers; earns gratitude READ | US calls Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio 'clean telco' for rejecting work with China's Huawei In order to ensure greater transparency of CCP-run operations in the United States, I directed the designation of four additional PRC propaganda outlets as foreign missions. Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) June 22, 2020 Pakistan waging pro-China Cyberwar on India Republic TV on Wednesday had also reported that since the past two weeks, cyber warfare by China has been taking place on the Indian websites and it was revealed that a lot of that 'Anti-India' and 'Pro-China' activity and propaganda that has been pushed has a Pakistani role as well. A recent report has observed that there has been a lot of 'retweets' of pro-Chinese tweets and many Pakistani handles have changed their names and have been tweeting in Chinese. Many old videos and images are being used by several groups backed by ISI to spread their anti-India propaganda. Chinese mouthpieces and their military aggrandising Since the Galwan clash, China's mouthpieces have rushed to play up the PLA which, while well-outfitted, is hardly battle-tested, unlike its Indian counterpart which has for decades fought China's stooge Pakistan and its terrorists in Kashmir. One recent post by another Chinese mouthpiece claimed to show how Chinese soldiers would cling to their guns even when woken up from deep slumber after being exhausted - in an ode to certain African tribes who were famed from being able to go from deep sleep to a state of full battle readiness within 30 seconds. When #PLA special forces soldiers are having a break from the extreme training, the squad leader tries to take away their guns... Exhausted as they are, the soldiers are still holding their guns tightly in their sleep. pic.twitter.com/zchpaP5zI2 People's Daily, China (@PDChina) June 22, 2020 And here is a more recent tweet by the Global Times Editor, which sounds like a dispatch from its government: New Delhi has loud voices, but needs to restrain actions. As far as I know, China is seriously committed to calming down the situation, and is at the same time preparing for the worst. Don't mess with PLA otherwise they will teach you a heavier lesson. Hu Xijin (@HuXijin_GT) June 24, 2020 READ | Tajinder Bagga says 'not TikTok, they belong in jail' over Faisal Siddiqui's 'acid' video READ | China issues statement on WMCC meet with India; touts dialogue even as mouthpieces froth MANZINI - Things have taken another twist at the round table as public sector associations (PSAs) tabled a totally new cost-of-living-adjustment (CoLA) demand for 2020/21. All along, PSAs had been demanding 6.7 per cent, which they said should be backdated to April 1, 2017, while on the other hand, government has been offering a three per cent salary adjustment, which if agreed upon, would be effective from April 1, 2020. However, yesterday, the PSAs, who represent civil servants at the Joint Negotiation Forum (JNF), tabled a proposal through which, if agreed upon, the least paid civil servants will get a higher percentage, while the highest paid will get a minimal increment. Statement This is according to a statement which was released by the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT) Secretary General Sikelela Dlamini on behalf of the PSAs secretariat. The secretariat said the proposed staggered approach was meant to distribute the available E227million that government said it had budgeted and it would also cushion the least paid public sector workers and replenish their buying power. The proposal is such that workers who are paid under salary Grade A, B and C should be offered five per cent CoLA, while those public sector employees whose salary falls under Grade D and E should get three per cent, reads part of the statement. Again, it said the highest paid civil servants, who were paid under salary Grade F, should be offered one per cent salary adjustment. However, according to the secretariats statement, this proposal has not yet been agreed to, as it will be deliberated upon during the next JNF to be held next Wednesday. Minister of Trade and Industry, Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten, has called for attention to be focused on workplaces in the fight against coronavirus spread. The call comes as Ghana majority of its new Covid19 Cases from workplaces. The Minister says social distancing protocol must be adhered to strictly, and customer service protocols including floor marking should be in place. He also urged sanitary protocols such as provision of water and soap for hand washing, ensure the enforcement of no face mask no entry policy, provision of protection gear. Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, had earlier told the press that majority of Ghana's new 460 Covid19 Cases came from workplaces and ministries. The Trade Minister urged that businesses should limit in-house meetings and use video conferencing facilities. According to Director General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Patrick Aboagye, as of June 25, Ghana recorded 460 new cases, pushing its tally to 15,473, with deaths remaining 95. He said 293 of the new cases were recorded in the Greater Accra Region and were from workplaces. As a result, Mr Kyeremanten called for strict compliance with the safety protocols. He stated that companies should take immediate steps to isolate employees who show signs of the virus. Ghana a few weeks back recorded 530 new Covid19 Cases from a fish factory after one employee spread the virus to other workers. The Trade Minister says industries and other workplaces must display educative materials on Coronavirus. He said industries and workplaces must enforce no handshake, no hugging. ---Daily Guide Ms Giang presents a souvenir to Mr. Sok Dareth, Cambodian Consul General to Ho Chi Minh city. (Photo: CTO) She made the statement during the union delegations visit to Mr. Sok Dareth, Cambodian Consul General to Ho Chi Minh city, to mark the 53rd year since the establishment of the Vietnam - Cambodia diplomatic relationship, on June 23rd. According to Ms Giang, it is expected that in the last months of 2020, the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association of Can Tho city will grant scholarships to Cambodian students at Can Tho University and Can Tho Medicine and Pharmacy University; maintain the organization of friendly exchanges between young people of the two countries; and organize activities to visit the old battlefields. In particular, it will continue to nurture the solidarity between Vietnam and Cambodia through the program "Nurturing friendship" organized by the Vietnam - Cambodia Friendship Association Central Committee. Under the program, Cambodian students going to Vietnam to study will be sponsored by families, helping them to have a warm experience when they are away from home, and at the same time helping them to integrate into Vietnamese life, people and culture. In particular, after returning home, they will play the role of ambassadors and be an important bridge for cultural exchanges between the two countries. Ms Giang expressed her hope that the Cambodian Consulate General will introduce Cambodian businesses and residents about Vietnam, to encourage them to invest in Vietnam in general and Can Tho in particular. Can Tho and Cambodia need to organize well cultural events to boost mutual understanding, thus promoting economic, trade and service development in both countries, she said. Mr. Sok Dareth affirmed that he would do his best to support the exchange activities in Cambodia. He also pledged to create favourable conditions for Cambodian businesses to seek investment opportunities and experience tourism in Can Tho city; and study to organize cultural exchanges to help businesses and people of the two countries strengthen friendship and cooperation./. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) A grand jury investigation into Pennsylvanias large natural gas drilling industry released Thursday by state Attorney General Josh Shapiro found systematic failures in state departments regulating that industry. The report, which came after nearly two years of investigation into the states Marcellus Shale exploration industry, noted that the states Department of Environmental Protection and State Department of Health failed to protect Pennsylvanians by not policing or investigating environmental complaints, failed to collect health data and failed to warn the public when they were at risk. READ MORE: How Pa. became a leading gas producer and what it means today The report included eight recommendations to better protect the public and regulate the industry in the state, including distance requirements to residences, more transparency in the chemicals used and transportation regulation for waste created by the drilling. The bottom line is this was a failure, Shapiro said. Regulators were supposed to prevent abuse by the big corporations ... but they didnt. In this file photo from March 12, 2020, the flag of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania flies on the drilling rig as work continues at a shale gas well drilling site in St. Mary's, Pa. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic, File)AP He said grand jurors heard detailed testimony from community members who alleged health impacts from sores that developed from showering, constant bloody noses and rashes. They heard from farmers who alleged their horses died or their livestock became infertile as a result of what they say is water polluted by the fracking companies. A message left for a spokesman for the Marcellus Shale Coalition, an industry trade group, seeking a response to the report was not immediately returned. Hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as fracking, involves injecting millions of gallons of water, sand and chemicals miles into the earth to break up layers of shale, causing oil or gas to be released. Fracking and horizontal drilling techniques have produced massive amounts of natural gas and oil in the U.S. over the past decade or so. READ MORE: After 7 years, these Pa. residents still have no water. But they got cash to keep quiet The industry has brought lower natural gas prices for consumers, jobs and royalties to Pennsylvania, but it has also generated concerns about the effect the fracking process has had on the states environmental quality. Shapiro said the grand jury found that state environmental regulators had failed to file violations against the industry, failed to tell the public when violations were filed and could be a risk to their health and regularly failed to refer those violations for criminal investigation. The grand jury also criticized the Department of Health for not collecting data of past issues. We need to admit that the government failed, he said. Earlier this month, Shapiro, a Democrat, announced a deal with Range Resources Corp., Pennsylvanias most active shale gas driller, to plead no contest to environmental crimes over its handling of contamination at a pair of well sites in the southwestern part of the state. Last week, Shapiros office filed felony charges against Cabot Oil & Gas Corp. and accused it of polluting residential water wells in a northern Pennsylvania communities. Shapiro also said the grand jurys probe will result in more criminal charges. The eight recommendations from the grand jury were to expand the no drilling zone from 500 to 2,500 feet; require the fracking companies to disclose all chemicals used in their operations; require the regulation of gathering lines used to transport the gas; more accurately assess air quality; require safer transport of chemical waste from fracking; conduct more comprehensive health responses to issues reported by the public living near drilling sites; limit Department of Environmental Protection employees from working in the private sector immediately after leaving the agency; and give the attorney generals office criminal jurisdiction to prosecute unconventional oil and gas companies. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Darnell Christie (Reuters) London, United Kingdom Thu, June 25, 2020 07:07 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406616c558 2 Lifestyle LGBTQ,dogs,parade,pride-month,rainbow-flag Free LGBT+ celebrities will join other dog lovers parading their pets in a virtual dog show for charity this month with a special category to celebrate Pride. With hundreds of dog shows and Pride parades cancelled due to the coronavirus, the charity Guide Dogs, which provides blind and partially sighted people with guide dogs, wants people to have fun online instead. Comedian Paul O'Grady, known for his drag queen character Lily Savage, television presenter Anna Richardson and broadcaster Clare Balding are some of the LGBT+ celebrities competing with their pooches. "We are giving you the opportunity to take part in our own fabulous virtual Pride parade," the charity said on its Facebook page, asking people to vote online for their favorite canines competing in the Pride Dogs for Guide Dogs category. All categories for The Great Guide Dogs Virtual Dog Show, are now OPEN! From 'Top Tricks' to 'Sleeping Beauty',... Dikirim oleh The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (UK) pada Senin, 22 Juni 2020 "So dig out the outfit you might have planned for your event and feel free to accessorize your paw-some pals to complement your look." Britain is a nation of dog-lovers, from the Queen and her corgis to Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Jack Russell and breeders have seen a surge in demand for dogs during a lockdown to counter the spread of COVID-19. Pride is celebrated each June to mark the birth of the modern LGBT+ rights movement with the Stonewall riots. Due to the coronavirus, there will be a digital Global Pride instead this year on June 27, with 24-hours of music and speeches. Read also: British Museum marks Pride month with objects that tell LGBT+ stories "Being a young person who is part of the LGBT community and also a guide dog owner, I think this event has really touched close to home," one Pride Dogs for Guide Dogs competitor, Luke Orros, 20, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "With this event, I think Guide Dogs are really showing that they're still here and working with people." Having spent three months largely confined to his home to counter the spread of COVID-19, Orros said he missed the freedom that his dog Harley normally gives him. "The whole part that guide dogs play is to give people their independence," he said. "Having that stripped away with current circumstances of lockdown has been difficult." Guide Dogs advised dog owners to limit Pride accessories to collar attachments and leads that do not distress their pets. "Guide Dogs doesn't condone the dressing up of dogs," it said, adding that the winners will be announced in August. Austin Nunn has applied to 250 jobs since early April. The 25-year-old finally got his first callback this week. An unemployed graphic designer in Kansas City, Mo. who has been moonlighting as an Instacart driver for spare cash, he's found this bout of joblessness particularly challenging, far worse than another spell a couple years ago. "I don't know what people are looking for," he said. But the already dim job prospects have gotten worse in the last week or two, he believes, recalling all the positions he's applied for that have said, "You'll start when we reopen in a couple weeks." "Now those places probably aren't going to reopen so they probably tossed out the applications," he said. The news Thursday that another 1.48 million people applied for unemployment for the first time last week - the 14th straight that more than 1 million people filed for unemployment - was yet another reminder of the magnitude of the economic crisis. For three weeks straight, the number has hovered around 1.5 million, pointing to the potential stubbornness of the recovery. The labor market turmoil is connected to the ongoing health concerns. This week has seen a surge of new infections, particularly in states like Arizona, Texas, Florida and California, scuttling some plans for the reopenings - and rehirings - that many had hoped would help fill in the deep financial hole bored by the pandemic.That is impacting current and prospective workers as they try to understanding the rapidly shifting labor market. "It is just deeply disturbing," said Heidi Shierholz, chief economist at the Department of Labor during the Obama administration. "I do think that people are getting hired back, but we are continuing to see an absolute hemorrhaging of jobs. Just record levels of people." There have been more than 47.3 million applications for unemployment benefits since March, and the current pace has not eased. Shierholz said that a sizable number of those layoffs were likely from businesses that had been holding out hope that they could weather the downturn. But without a robust recovery in sight, they might have finally accepted the inevitable and cut workers loose. There appear to be more layoffs on the horizon. In Texas, spiking cases in the Houston area have caused Apple to shutter seven stores there. At least 40 restaurants closed temporarily after employees tested positive, according to the Houston Chronicle. In the Phoenix, Ariz. area, which has seen more than 13,000 new cases in the last week, dozens of restaurants also have shuttered after employees fell sick as well. The Gila River Hotels & Casinos closed three of its casinos around the state again last week, after a security guard at Lone Butte Casino died of covid-19. In Nevada, Nostalgia Street Rods, a hot rod museum in Las Vegas, said it was closing on Thursday again after a citywide spike in covid-19 cases. In North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper, D, slowed the state's reopening efforts after a rise there, too. Bars, gyms, bowling alleys and amusement parks remain closed. And there are more signs that the layoffs are creeping into white-collar industries that hadn't been as affected by the pandemic initially. Macy's announced Thursday that it would lay off 3,900 corporate employees and managers amid declining sales. The unemployment numbers released Thursday were higher than analysts' predictions. Shierholz said that the continued high numbers of claims could be from workers who filed earlier in the pandemic but their claims are just being processed now. She also said some claims are coming from businesses that had tried to hang on to workers for as long as they could but are realizing the process of reopening and recovery may be longer and more painful than they imagined. Some newly unemployed worked at companies not affected so much by the initial distancing requirements, but that are struggling now as consumer demand declines. "Those different pressures are creating tons of layoffs," she said. Another 730,000 people applied for the supplemental pandemic unemployment assistance program created by Congress for self-employed and gig workers for the first time last week, bringing the total number of first-time claims to 2.2 million. The total number of people claiming unemployment last week shrank to 19.5 million, a drop of more than 750,000 from the week before. When including benefits for gig workers, 30.5 million people claimed unemployment insurance of some type last week. There are signs that some states are still dealing with the backlogs that plagued unemployment systems early in the crisis - making the numbers an imperfect snapshot of the current picture. For example, Nunn, the graphic designer from Kansas City, said he tried to apply for unemployment insurance between 20 and 30 times in April, before giving up, concluding that his time was better spent applying to jobs. In Wisconsin, state officials have warned a backlog of unemployment claims could last until October. Kentucky's state capital of Frankfort was flooded with laid-off workers who said they had not been paid since the beginning of the pandemic. In Oklahoma, a line of unemployed workers outside a state Employment Security Commission office grew tense after authorities had to turn many of them away, with one official tell the workers they may have to start lining up for the day by 2 a.m. Wendy Reid, 68, the owner and sole worker at a yarn and crafts store in Burnsville, N.C., said that her business had slowly began to tick up - from about 10 percent of what it normally is to about 20 in the last month. Reid, who has been doing her sales outside, said she gotten comfortable with the idea of opening up her store to a few customers, after Gov. Cooper ordered to make masks mandatory. But local efforts to disregard safety guidelines set her back. "Within fifteen minutes of that mandate, the country sheriff posted on the sheriff's Facebook page that he would not be enforcing it," she said. The sheriff, Gary Banks, has since deleted the post, but defended it in a follow up post that said he believed the governor had overstepped his authority. "They're leaving the enforcement up to the business owner," Reid said. "I'm a little old lady. Do I want a 6-foot six guy standing over me saying 'blah blah blah'? I don't want that energy. I don't even want people to be mumbling and grumbling in my store, so I'm just not letting anyone in. It's tough." There are concerns about more issues when the supplemental $600 unemployment bonus runs out at the end July. While some lawmakers have expressed concerns that the payments pose an incentive for some to remain unemployed, a study released looking at data from 2013 to 2019 this month by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago showed the opposite: That those collecting jobless benefits search for jobs more than twice as intensely as those who have exhausted their benefits. The move is the latest US effort to slash Iranian revenues since President Trump withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal. The United States on Thursday blacklisted four companies in Irans metals sector, as well as one German and three Emirati subsidiaries of Irans largest steelmaker that Washington said generate millions of dollars for Tehrans metals industry. The Treasury Department said in a statement the sales agents together generated tens of millions of dollars annually from the foreign sale of Mobarakeh Steel Company products, contributing to billions of dollars generated overall by Irans steel, aluminium, copper and iron sectors. The Iranian regime continues to use profits from metals manufacturers and foreign sales agents to fund destabilizing behavior around the world, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement. The sanctions are the latest US effort to slash Iranian revenues since US President Donald Trump withdrew in 2018 from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, exacerbating US-Iranian tensions. Thursdays action targeted Tara Steel Trading GmbH, a Germany-based subsidiary of Mobarakeh Steel Co; United Arab Emirates-based sales agents Pacific Steel FZE, Better Future General Trading Co LLC and Tuka Metal Trading DMCC, all majority-owned by Mobarakeh Steel Co; and Iran-based Metil Steel, also majority-owned by the company. Mobarakeh Steel Co, previously blacklisted by Washington, accounts for 1 percent of Irans gross domestic product, the Treasury said. The Treasury also blacklisted Iran-based aluminium, steel and iron producers South Aluminum Company, Sirjan Jahan Steel Complex and Iran Central Iron Ore Company. Also designated was Global Industrial and Engineering Supply Ltd, which the Treasury said had addresses in China and Hong Kong and had in 2019 knowingly transferred graphite to a blacklisted Iranian entity. The sanctions freeze any US assets held by the companies and generally prohibit Americans from dealing with them. It did not appear Thursdays actions were related to companies cited in a Reuters News Agency report on Wednesday disclosing Irans production of aluminium powder for use in missiles. Millions of Malawians cast votes Tuesday in the re-run of last years presidential election. The fresh election comes after Malawi's Constitutional Court nullified President Peter Mutharikas victory in last year's election, citing massive fraud. Malawi's Electoral Commission (MEC) says it expects a free and fair election this time, although a few incidents of violence were reported. Electoral officials said people started queuing as early five oclock in the morning Tuesday, waiting for the polling centers to open at six. Honasis Mphepo is the commissions presiding officer at Goliati polling station in Thyolo district in southern Malawi. We have a good number of registered voters. Turn up was just very good, and individuals are coming in large number according to how they registered and they are voting, he said. The election took place as Malawi continues to register a rise in COVID-19 cases. As of Tuesday, the southern African country had 803 cases with eleven deaths since the first case was confirmed in April. But Mphepo said all preventive measures were observed throughout the voting process. We are provided with the hand sanitizer, face masks and also we are observing the distance which is required; one meter apart when they [voters] are coming towards administration clerk, he said. He said voters were also encouraged to use their own pens for marking the ballots. The MEC chairperson, Chifundo Kachale, told a press conference in Blantyre that the voting process was generally peaceful and that 99 percent of the polling stations opened on time. President Mutharika was among those who voted in his home village, Goliati, in Thyolo district. The president condemned acts of violence reported in some parts of the country. In at least two locations, opposition backers beat supporters of the ruling party who they suspected of trying to rig the polls. Mutharika said the violence would likely make some people afraid of voting. This is very sad that this is happening. Its obvious the people are afraid of the people who are engaged in these barbaric acts. I condemn it completely, he said. Voters who spoke with VOA said they were happy to participate in the fresh elections and that they are eagerly waiting the results. The MEC says vote counting starts soon after voting ends and the final results will be announced within eight days, as required by the law. West Bengal government has directed all 78 dedicated coronavirus disease (Covid-19) hospitals in the state to set up their Quick Response Teams (QRTs), which would only attend to critically-ill patients in a bid to bring down the mortality rate from the raging viral infection. The state government has been drawing flak from various quarters for its high mortality rate, which was initially recorded at 12.8%.Bengals Covid-19 related fatality count has dipped to 3.8% but still higher than the national average of 3.1%. Gujarat and Maharashtra at 5.9% and 4.7%, respectively, have higher mortality rates than Bengal. Proper and effective proactive intervention at the right time can decrease the mortality rate to a great extent, stated a circular, issued by the state government to set up QRTs in all the 78 dedicated Covid-19 hospitals. Each QRT would have an anaesthetist, a medical officer, a post-graduate trainee, a house staff and a critical care unit (CCU) trained nurse, who would function round the clock, said a state government health official. A few hospitals have already set up QRTs.On Wednesday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had said that Covid-19 related toll would have been lower in the state, had the private hospitals not neglected critically-ill patients with comorbid conditions. Bengal has reported 591 Covid-19 related deaths till Wednesday, of which 437, or over 73%, had comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, a heart condition, and kidney ailments, among others. The Covid-19 related mortality rate is 5.3% in Kolkata and its adjoining districts such North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Howrah. While in Kolkata alone, the fatality count is even higher at 6.9%. In May, the visiting inter-ministerial central team (IMCT) had flagged the high mortality rate in Bengal, which was the highest in the country at that time at 12.8%, laying bare low testing, poor surveillance, and contact tracing. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON LOS ANGELES, June 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Point Foundation (Point), the nation's largest scholarship granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students, today announced its 2020 scholarship recipients. Point also announced that they will be creating a new scholarship fund specifically for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) who are LGBTQ. 19 new Point Scholars were selected from a pool of 2,300 applicants; they will join 35 current recipients. Point also welcomes 36 new students to their Community College Scholarship Program. Another 44 students will receive $1,000 grant awards, of which 28 are Toyota Scholarships. This brings the total number of scholars currently receiving support to 134. Point's scholarship recipients are talented students with a proven track record of leading in their local and academic communities through their activism, advocacy, and organizing. In addition to their fearless leadership, they have battled obstacles including immigration status, homelessness, family rejection, and abuse. Each one of them has the dedication and resilience to meet this moment in history and make change across the country. In addition to touting the largest scholar class in the history of the organization, Point announced that they will be creating a new scholarship fund for BIPOC who are LGBTQ. The foundation will seek new funding and begin implementing the program later this year. "Since our inception, Point Foundation has funded a diverse class of scholars every year. In recent years we've added Community College Scholarships, including a two-year program this year in addition to one-year awards, and a new individual grant program. We know we can do more to broaden our support of students who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color and so we are pleased to announce the Point Foundation BIPOC LGBTQ Scholarship Fund. Details are forthcoming, but we are excited to continue deepening our commitment to making higher education more accessible to all," said Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and CEO. In the 20202021 academic year, 134 LGBTQ students will receive financial assistance and programmatic support from Point as they pursue their associate, bachelor's, or advanced degrees. After graduating, students become part of Point's growing alumni network, connecting them with hundreds of caring individuals and professional contacts throughout the nation. These connections and experiences help to shape the leaders who will go on to defend and advance the rights of LGBTQ people and create a more inclusive, equitable society. A complete list of 2020 scholarship recipients appears below; bios for each are available on Point's website, www.pointfoundation.org/meet . Notable facts about the 2020 Point Scholar class: 84% identify as people of color or bi/multiracial. 42% identify as transgender or gender nonconforming. 42% are first-generation college students. Notable facts about the 2020 Community College Scholarship recipients: 69% identify as people of color or bi/multiracial. 27% identify as transgender or gender nonconforming. 58% are first-generation students. Individuals, corporations, and organizations can support Point's mission by designating a scholarship with a "Name," which recognizes the donor, an individual, or an institution. Named Scholarship donors pledge to cover the financial assistance and programmatic support Point provides its scholars. Named Scholarships for Point Scholars are generously being supported by: Anonymous; Arnold Schwab; Barbara Epstein Foundation; Barbey Family; CAA; Calamus Foundation; Alfred A. Cave; Steven Esposito Memorial; FedEx; Fry-Garatea Family; George Benes, MD; Herb Hamsher Memorial; HSBC; Jeff Ogle & Jeff Stearns; John M. Deciccio; Kevin Hummer; Minton-Spidell-Jackowski; NBCUniversal; Patti Sue Mathis; Rand Skolnick; Stacy R. Friedman; Took Trust; Toyota; Walter M. Decker; Wells Fargo; William J. Levy. Named Scholarships for Community College Scholarships are generously being supported by: Broward LEADS; Donald Cummins; Bryan Fitzgerald; John Hancock; John S. Knudsen; LA Dodgers; Miami Beach Pride; Paul C. Phillips; Toyota; Wendell Reid; Wells Fargo. The 2020 Point Scholars, including their area of study, degree, school, and Named Scholarship (where applicable) are as follows: Undergraduates Jessica Chiriboga , Dartmouth College , Government and History , Government and History Alan Cruz , University of Southern California , Criminal Justice , Criminal Justice Madison Klementyn, Portland State University, Computer Science Portland State University, Computer Science Rick Li , Harvard University, Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology Harvard University, Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology Diego Antonio Quintana Licona , New York University , Chemistry , , Chemistry Tyler McDougald , Clemson University , English and History, Alfred A. Cave Scholarship , , English and History, Ranen Miao , Washington University in St. Louis , Political Science, Barbey Family Scholarship in , Political Science, Darid Prom , Undeclared, Swarthmore College , Undeclared, Abigail Reed , University of South Florida , Environmental Science & Policy , Environmental Science & Policy Elle Smith , Harvard University, Arts and Humanities. Graduate School Joshua Aiken , Yale University, African-American Studies and History, Steven Esposito Memorial Scholarship Yale University, African-American Studies and History, Nia Clark , Simmons College, Social Work, Stacey R. Friedman Scholarship Simmons College, Social Work, Marija Kamceva, Stanford University School of Medicine, Medicine Stanford University School of Medicine, Medicine Timothy Keyes , Stanford University School of Medicine, Medicine , School of Medicine, Medicine Mirandy Li , Louisiana State University School of Medicine, Public Health , School of Medicine, Public Health Kevin Liang , Stanford Graduate School of Business, Business, NBC Universal Scholarship , Stanford Graduate School of Business, Business, Irfan Mahmud , Harvard Law School , Law , , Law Kishan Patel , University of California Riverside School of Medicine, Medicine School of Medicine, Medicine Vanessa Warri, University of California, Los Angeles , Social Work, Minton-Spidell-Jackowski Scholarship. The 2020 recipients of the Point Community College Scholarship, including their area of study, school, and Named Scholarship (where applicable) are as follows: One Year Nicolas Arce , Miami Dade College, Sociology, Donald Cummins Scholarship College, Sociology, Dafne Arellano Villegas , San Diego City College , Ethnic Studies, Receiving the Wells Fargo Scholarship , Ethnic Studies, Dannie Barbour , SUNY Orange Community College, Visual Communications, Receiving the John Hancock Scholarship SUNY Orange Community College, Visual Communications, Jolina Barron , Northland Pioneer College , Associates of Arts , Associates of Arts Nancy Berger , Roxbury Community College , Biotechnology and Biological Services , Biotechnology and Biological Services Austin Boozer , Northeast State Community College , English, Wells Fargo Scholarship , English, Hilary Cruz , Skyline College , Spanish Language and Literature , Spanish Language and Literature Joshua Elizondo , Santa Monica College , World Diplomacy & Affairs, Bryan Fitzgerald Scholarship , World Diplomacy & Affairs, Manuel Faria , Miami Dade College, Biology, Miami Beach Pride Scholarship College, Biology, Pilar Garcia , Columbia State Community College , English , English Jorge Hernandez , Miami Dade College, Nuclear Medicine, Broward LEADS Scholarship College, Nuclear Medicine, Inji Jaber, San Diego City College , Art , Art Layla Kimbles , Riverside City College, Psychology, Wells Fargo Scholarship City College, Psychology, Stephanie King , Diablo Valley College , Nursing, John S. Knudsen Scholarship , Nursing, Amy Lopez , San Diego City College , Fine Arts, Wells Fargo Scholarship , Fine Arts, Ash Lopez, Santa Monica College , Biological Sciences , Biological Sciences Travis Martz , West Los Angeles College , Political Science and Business, LA Dodgers Scholarship , Political Science and Business, Anthony Adero Olweny , University of the District of Columbia Community College, Liberal Studies Community College, Liberal Studies Khristian Paris , Brookdale Community College , Liberal Arts , Liberal Arts Raelynn Requena , Cypress Community College, Psychology, Wells Fargo Scholarship College, Psychology, Waverly Rocklin , San Diego City College , Nursing , Nursing Lakona Rodrigues, Windward Community College , Natural Science, Wells Fargo Scholarship , Natural Science, Randy Rodriguez , Cypress Community College, Anthropology College, Anthropology Shukri Sheick , Miami Dade College, Nursing, Broward LEADS Scholarship College, Nursing, Gill Sullivan , Austin Community College , Computer Science, Toyota Scholarship , Computer Science, Alberto Williams , Wilbur Wright College , General Studies, Wendell Reid Scholarship. Two Years Tristan Callahan , Cuyahoga Community College , Physical Therapy , Physical Therapy Madison Chaparro , Saddleback College , Film , Film Tatiana Claure , Santa Monica College, Environmental Engineering Santa Monica College, Environmental Engineering Shiri Davy , Glendale Community College , Economics , Economics Felix Giglio , Central New Mexico Community College, Nursing College, Nursing Ava Owens , Oregon Coast Community College, Aquarium Science Program , Oregon Coast Community College, Aquarium Science Program Melissa Santiago , Miami Dade College, Biotechnology , College, Biotechnology Star Udenze , Riverside City College, Nursing City College, Nursing Angelique Walker , Skyline Community College, Automotive Technology Skyline Community College, Automotive Technology Skyler Weinberg , Chemeketa Community College , Associate of Arts. About Point Foundation Point Foundation empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential despite the obstacles often put before them to make a significant impact on society. Since 2002, Point has awarded more than 400 scholarships, making it the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students of merit. Point Foundation promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development and community service training. pointfoundation.org | facebook.com/pointfoundation | twitter.com/pointfoundation | instagram.com/pointfoundation SOURCE Point Foundation Related Links https://www.pointfoundation.org South Africa, in partnership with Oxford University, rolled out the continent's first human trials for a potential vaccine to fight against the novel coronavirus on June 24, Wednesday as the cases continue to spike. According to the reports, the trial was conducted in partnership with University of the Witwatersrand which consisted of 2,000 volunteers from 18 to 65 years of age. South Africa started its trials to ensure that the entire continent will have access to an affordable vaccine. READ: New Development Bank Approves $1 Billion COVID-19 Loan To South Africa It is the second country after UK to participate in the Oxford trial, as per reports. The ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine, also known as AZD1222, was initially developed by Oxford University scientists who are currently working with AstraZeneca on its development and production. In a statement on Wednesday, the university reportedly said that more than 4,000 participants have been enrolled in the UK and an additional 10,000 participants will take part in the vaccine trials. READ: South Africa's Economy To Decline By 7% As Virus Takes Toll One billion dollars loan Meanwhile, the New Development Bank has approved a loan of one billion dollars to South Africa as the latter battles with the COVID-19 pandemic, international media reported. South Africa was already in recession before the coronavirus pandemic hit and experts have predicted an output loss of seven per cent for the year 2020. The New Development Bank is established by the BRICS group which comprises five emerging economies. South Africa which imposed a tough lockdown earlier in March has reported nearly 90,000 cases and around 1,900 fatalities till now, the latest tally from John Hopkins University stated. South Africa has between a third and a quarter of all coronavirus cases on the African continent more than 80,000 and half of those cases have been confirmed over the past two weeks, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a national address. READ: South Africa-born Elon Musk Says H-1B & Other Visas Add Net-job Creators; Opposes Trump READ: South Africa's Minibus Taxis Go On Strike, Hitting Workers Image: AP Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Alya Nurbaiti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 13:43 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406618d86a 1 City air-pollution,air-pollution-lawsuit,air-quality,clean-air,citizen-lawsuit,healthy-life,health-concerns Free The Central Jakarta District Court has issued on Tuesday an interlocutory decision that it has jurisdiction to preside over the air pollution lawsuit filed by citizens against the government. The next step is for parties to prove their allegations about severe air pollution in the capital and that the defendants have been negligent in their duties to provide clean air for residents. Previously, some of the defendants, namely the president of the Republic of Indonesia, the home affairs minister and the Jakarta governor, filed an exception requiring the court to delegate the case to the Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN), as Supreme Court Regulation (Perma) No. 2/2019 required any lawsuit on unlawful acts against the government to be handled at the PTUN. However, the panel of judges agreed to continue the case at the district court. Unlawful acts in the citizen lawsuit mechanism refers to legal actions pertaining to the public interest. Meanwhile, unlawful acts in Perma No. 2/2019 rerfers to individual interest, Judge Saifudin Zuhri said as quoted in a written statement made by the Coalition for the Clean Air Initiative, the plaintiff. Read also: Activists lambaste sluggish progress in air pollution lawsuit The group appreciated the courts decision. This is the right and wise decision given that our lawsuit doesnt meet the criteria of a case to be resolved at the PTUN, that is concrete, individual and final, coalition member Ayu Eza Tiara of the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH Jakarta) said. The group lambasted the fact that the case had been going on for one year since it was filed on July 4, 2019, yet the defendants had not taken steps to solve the pollution problem. Data show that Jakartas air quality continued to deteriorate throughout 2019 based on the number of PM 2.5 pollutant particles in the air. Even after the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) and work-from-home appeal, the air quality in April was still not in good territory according to Greenpeace Indonesia, the group wrote. The coalition has demanded that the panel of judges consider the health of residents in examining the case. Read also: Waste-based power plants worsen air pollution, global warming: Environmentalists They also urged the defendants to immediately improve Jakartas air quality without waiting for the courts ruling, as the obligation of state administrators to guarantee the availability of clean air was mandated by the Constitution. And to Jakartans, lets not cease to be critical and demand our rights to clean and healthy air, as it is part of the right to a good and healthy environment, said the coalition. Price of diesel has crossed Rs 80 mark for the first time in Delhi. On Thursday, the price of diesel in the city was reported to be Rs 80.02 a litre, up 14 paise, while that of petrol increased by 16 paise to Rs 79.92 a litre. The price of diesel continued to be higher in the city for a second straight day on Thursday. This was for as 19th day in a row that fuel prices saw no downward trend in India. In Mumbai, the price of petrol touched Rs 86.7 a litre and diesel went up to Rs 78.34 a litre. In Kolkata, the prices were at Rs 81.61 a litre and Rs 75.18 a litre, respectively. During ... Technavio has been monitoring the logging while drilling market and it is poised to grow by USD 556.71 million during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 4% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005434/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Logging While Drilling 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. APS Technology Inc., Baker Hughes Co., China Oilfield Services Ltd., Gyrodata Inc., Halliburton Co., Nabors Industries Ltd., National Oilwell Varco Inc., Schlumberger Ltd., Scientific Drilling International, and Weatherford International Plc are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. An increase in directional drilling has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Logging While Drilling Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Logging While Drilling Market is segmented as below: Application Onshore Offshore Geography North America APAC Europe MEA South America 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=IRTNTR44055 Logging While Drilling 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 logging while drilling market report covers the following areas: Logging While Drilling Market size Logging While Drilling Market trends Logging While Drilling Market analysis This study identifies the emergence of robotic logging technology as one of the prime reasons driving the logging while drilling market growth during the next few years. Logging While Drilling Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of vendors operating in the logging while drilling market, including some of the vendors such as APS Technology Inc., Baker Hughes Co., China Oilfield Services Ltd., Gyrodata Inc., Halliburton Co., Nabors Industries Ltd., National Oilwell Varco Inc., Schlumberger Ltd., Scientific Drilling International, and Weatherford International Plc. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the logging while drilling 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 Logging While Drilling Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist logging while drilling market growth during the next five years Estimation of the logging while drilling market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the logging while drilling market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of logging while drilling 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 Application Market segments Comparison by Application Onshore Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Offshore Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Application Customer landscape Geographic Landscape Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 APAC Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024 MEA Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity by geography Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Competitive scenario Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors APS Technology Inc. Baker Hughes Co. China Oilfield Services Ltd. Gyrodata Inc. Halliburton Co. Nabors Industries Ltd. National Oilwell Varco Inc. Schlumberger Ltd. Scientific Drilling International Weatherford International Plc 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/20200625005434/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 Arab League on Tuesday pressed Libyas warring parties and their foreign backers to halt fighting and restart peace talks, as regional tensions threaten a new escalation in the oil-rich countrys years-long conflict. Following an emergency meeting requested by Egypt, Arab League foreign ministers warned against a continuation of military action that alters existing front lines." The statement came as a coalition of Turkish-backed forces based in the capital, Tripoli, pushed toward the key coastal city of Sirte. Over years of war, Libya has become divided between west and east, with the United Nations-supported government based in Tripoli, in the west. Rival military commander Khalifa Hifter is based in the eastern city of Benghazi. Turkey has escalated its support in recent months for the Tripoli-based government, supplying armed drones, military experts and thousands of Syrian fighters to shore up its presence in the eastern Mediterranean. Its efforts have rattled its regional rivals, especially Egypt, which shares a long and porous desert border with Libya. Retaking Sirte, the birthplace of former dictator Moammar Gadhafi, would open the door for Turkish-backed forces to advance even farther eastward, to potentially control vital oil installations, terminals and fields now under Hifters control. The refusal by Tripoli and the Turkish-backed forces to back down stirred fears of a wider war over the weekend, when Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi called Sirte a red line and threatened to intervene directly on behalf of Hifters forces if the city came under attack. All of our forces are working hard at preparations for the operation to liberate Sirte, said Mustafa al-Mujie, a spokesman for the Tripoli forces, on Tuesday. We are sending reinforcements and expect the offensive to launch very soon. Tripoli forces have also vowed to capture al-Jufra, Hifter's air base in central Libya, where the U.S. military has accused Russia of sending at least 14 fighter jets. In recent months, Turkish-backed Tripoli militias have turned the war's momentum against Hifter, compelling his forces to retreat from most of the territory they seized since starting their campaign to capture the capital in April last year. Hifter and his foreign backers, including Egypt, Russia and the United Arab Emirates, have pushed for a return to the negotiating table to stem their losses and head off a larger conflagration. The Arab League ministers expressed grave concern over a military escalation that threatens the security of the entire region," and emphasized the need to stop foreign interference, whatever its type or source. They appealed for an immediate return to U.N.-mediated cease-fire talks and for all foreign forces to be sent out of Libya a daunting task in a country where thousands of mercenaries, mainly from Syria, have been deployed to both sides of the battlefield. The news on the India-China front remains grim. Officials familiar with ground developments and satellite imagery have indicated that China has engaged in a rapid, and rather drastic, build-up of troops and material at various points across the Line of Actual Control. In the Galwan Valley, where brave Indian soldiers destroyed a tent built by the Peoples Liberation Army on June 15, the Chinese appear to have re-erected the structure. In Pangong-Tso, the Chinese presence between Finger 4 and Finger 8 is now well-established. While India has matched it up with its own troop deployment, the military moves from China signal escalation. The paradox is that this is happening despite military-level talks where both sides have agreed to disengage; it is also happening at a time when in diplomatic talks, while maintaining their respective positions, the two sides have indicated progress. India must carefully note this dual signalling from China where it is involved in talks and makes commitments to step back, but continues to remain aggressive on the ground. India must continue to respond not by believing words, but assessing actions. China has had a long history in deception. In the 1950s, when India raised the issue of Chinese official maps indicating parts of Indian territory under its own sovereign jurisdiction, Chinese leaders reassured Delhi that this was a legacy of the past and did not reflect current positions. But soon after, in 1962, it engaged in an offensive operation and expanded its claims, exacerbated no doubt by Indias weak strategy. A more recent example is the Chinese mismatch between its commitment at military talks on June 6 to disengage and its actions on June 15 where, in what appears to be a pre-mediated act, it attacked and killed 20 personnel of the Indian Army. The lesson is simple wait for action on the ground before giving an inch in any diplomatic talks. In this case, the Chinese military aggression is complicated by its historically untenable and false claim over the Galwan Valley. India had no choice but to continue to build its military posture on the ground, and prepare for all scenarios, even as diplomacy is given a chance to pressure China into translating its words into action on disengagement and limiting its claims. San Jose State University students, faculty and staff are petitioning the university to cut the police budget in half and funnel those funds into programs serving the universitys Black community. The six-page petition, which exceeded 500 signatures by Wednesday night, is calling for money to be invested in structures and resources that humanize and offer dignity to the Black community. Petitioners demand that money go toward a number of actions, such as: increasing funding for Black students experiencing housing and food insecurity; increasing funding of the Black Scholars housing community; increasing staffing and funding for the African American Black Student Success Center; increasing the hiring and retention of Black faculty campus-wide; and providing free, unlimited counseling to Black students in times of crisis. Nikki Yeboah, an associate professor in the communications studies department at San Jose State told The Chronicle that she was one of 10 Black faculty and staff members at SJSU who authored the petition. She said she has heard concerns from students, particularly Black students, who said they feel they are over-policed on campus, and that the police presence causes apprehension, not comfort, especially near the dormitories. I just really want to stress were not saying, abolish the police. We understand the realities of what it is to be a campus in the middle of Downtown San Jose. What were saying is that some of the resources that are being allocated to the over-policing of our students, might it be allocated to other things that support their (student) growth at this institution, Yeboah said. When we say divest from, we dont mean dont police at all, were saying where could that money go that would benefit us more as a community, and that would address the needs that some of our Black students have. The petition calls for transparency in police hiring practices and the tracking of demographic information of those stopped by police. It also calls for the immediate disarming of campus police officers and demands the university to cut the police budget in half for the 2020-2021 academic year. Authors of the petition said the university police department has a history of violence and failure to act in the best interest of the community, citing three incidents that occurred in the last 10 years. In 2014, a university police officer fatally shot Antonio Guzman Lopez Jr., who was holding a 12-inch blade near campus. In 2016, another university police officer repeatedly punched a man who had allegedly been watching pornography in Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, which is located on campus. The petition also said the police department failed to appropriately investigate the death of Gregory Johnson Jr., who was found dead at Sigma Chi Fraternity house in 2008. The police department ruled his death a suicide, but the petition says that, students, Mr. Johnsons parents, and the campus community felt that the police response failed to achieve justice for Mr. Johnsons death and to acknowledge the value of his life. The petition comes amid national calls for the defunding and divestment of law enforcement agencies at the city, county and college level. In a statement to The Chronicle, university officials said SJSU President Mary Papazian told the campus community in a message on June 18 that the university has committed to creating an advisory board in the next 30 days one with a broad and diverse membership reflecting the breadth of our campus community to begin a deep-dive with our University Police Department into the effectiveness of overall operations including policies, protocols and community engagement strategies. 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. University officials did not directly respond to specific concerns raised in the petition, but said that SJSU, appreciates the concerns shared in the petition and continues its commitment to creating space for processing, listening and deep understanding; taking immediate actions to address institutional racism at SJSU; and implementing long-term strategies to change policies and practices at the root of institutional and systemic racism. Yeboah said she hopes to see actionable solutions born from the advisory board which is still in its infancy and not yet formed that include more than just, platitudes of solidarity. What were asking is to deal with the systematic racism that is embedded in a lot of institutions across the U.S., not just San Jose State. But also its very important to us that we have greater community accountability with our police department, Yeboah said. There have been several episodes on campus that have made the campus community doubt if they are there to protect. Yeboah said another incident in 2013 in which a group of white students living in the university's Campus Village locked a U-shaped bike lock around their Black roommate's neck and called the 17-year-old student, Three-fifths and Fraction, is an example of how its crucial for the university to understand that different communities require different needs. In that case, Yeboah said that conduct prompted university officials to create the Black Scholars Community. San Jose State started employing sworn armed police officers in the 1970s, according to the university website. Before then, security guards patrolled the campus grounds and San Jose police officers would be called if their services were needed, the website said. In October 1975, an executive order by the Cal State University/Chancellor's Office allowed university police officers to become armed 24 hours a day. The department has developed into a full-service law enforcement agency in the years since the force was recognized by the California Commission on Police Officers Standards and Training in 1975, according to the university website. Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByLHernandez Hindsight is a wonderful thing to have. As Australian-American activist-actress Helen Reddy said, Its always very easy to second-guess after the fact. What is difficult is to decide which actions will have a bearing not just on the present, but on the future. But difficulties also present opportunities. The Covid-19 crisis is one such example. It allowed the Narendra Modi government the opportunity to devise solutions to build the India of the future. As the virus took the world by surprise, countries were forced to lock down, and India was no exception. India used the lockdown to spread awareness about the coronavirus as it prepared to deal with a disease that has no vaccine, yet. As the countrys 1.3 billion people came together in an unprecedented show of discipline heeding Prime Minister Modis call, the government doubled up its efforts to equip hospitals with ventilators, oxygen cylinders, masks, personal protective equipment (PPE) kits and beds. The government also ramped up testing. From one Covid-19 testing lab in March, India now has 1,000. Over seven million people were tested through Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction tests. India has fared well so far. It has just 151 cases per million compared to over 6,000 cases per million for the United States (US) and Spain. Indias case fatality rate is low at 2.8% compared to Germany (5%), France (19%), the US (6%), Italy (14%) and the United Kingdom (14%). Rather than resorting to confrontational politics, the government remained committed to cooperative federalism. With the PM having held six meetings with chief ministers over the last three of months to ensure productive engagement, the Centre is giving all necessary guidance and support to the state governments. These efforts will go a long way in strengthening cooperative federalism. Internationally, it ensured medical help to over 80 nations a move that has cemented Indias global stature as a responsible partner. Throughout this period, the government has been mindful of the plight of migrant workers. It first reached out to them with the assistance of a ~1.7 lakh crore package. It also ensured that, through direct benefit transfers, relief money was transferred to the accounts of the most vulnerable. Shramik trains also allowed them safe passage back home. Now, migrants are returning to cities as India is steadily unlocking. As the PM said, green shoots are visible in the economy. The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy said Indias unemployment rate has eased to pre-lockdown levels and recovery is expected in the coming months. The slowdown also led the government to move towards India becoming atmanirbhar (self-reliant). The policy paralysis before the Modi government took office has given way to policy intervention aimed at sustainable development and a self-sufficient economy. Over the last three months, the government has committed to the creation of 7,200 new self-help groups (SHGs) for the urban poor, including migrant workers. The existing 12,000 SHGs produced over 30 million masks and 120,000 litres of sanitisers. It created employment opportunities for the urban poor. Migrants who have returned to villages have been given jobs under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. These schemes are critical to building infrastructure. The State also amended the Essential Commodities Act to enable farmers to sell farm produce to a wider spectrum of buyers. The Agricultural Produce Market Committee Act was also amended. It also extended a package of ~3 lakh crore to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and amended the definition of MSMEs to allow more businesses to avail these benefits. To achieve self-sufficiency in coal, the government has announced coal block auctions. This is likely to generate 2.8 lakh jobs, a revenue windfall, and will also help India become atmanirbhar in meeting its energy requirements. And since it was already working towards creating an enabling business environment when the pandemic struck, several policy interventions were made in this regard. The government has also standardised its labour laws to global standards and made them more humane. The 44 labours laws that existed earlier have been amalgamated into four codes on wages, industrial relations, social security and safety, health and working conditions. These also take into account gender parity and proportionate representation in the workplace. The government has decriminalised company law to help businesses grow. It has been pushing for farmers produce organisations and primary cooperative societies to solve the problem of credit for farmers, while it merged 10 public sector banks into four to improve efficiency and address the problem of growing non-performing assets. The response to the Covid-19 crisis has been effective because the government had laid a firm foundation to build a new India over the last six years. The measures the government has announced in the last three months will ensure the rapid development of an atmanirbhar Bharat. Bhupender Yadav is BJPs national general secretary and Rajya Sabha member The views expressed are personal Oil India Limited (OIL)s gas well number 5 at Baghjan in Assams Tinsukia, where a blowout on May 27 triggered a continuing oil and gas leakage near the Maguri Motapung Wetland and Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve, was not assessed for its wildlife and biodiversity impact, according to Union environment ministrys documents. No wildlife clearance was obtained for wells in the region including well number 5, which is located barely a kilometre away from the Dibru Saikhowa National Park. The wildlife and biodiversity impact of the wells were not studied for nearly a decade since the ministry granted them environmental clearance. Two environmental clearances were issued to OIL in 2011 years after it was granted the Baghjan petroleum mining lease in 2003. One related to the drilling of six exploratory wells in Tinsukias Mechaki area. The second clearance allowed drilling of 41 development and exploratory wells in north Hapjan, Tinsukia and Dhola. Also read | Assam gas well blowout threat to tea industry: TAI The first environmental clearance letter dated November 2, 2011, seen by HT, was issued on the condition that no other wells apart from the six will be drilled. The other letter dated November 1, 2011, was meant for 41 wells located outside a 10 km radius of any national park, wildlife sanctuary or eco-sensitive area. The letters also stipulated conditions like installation of blowout preventers and an oil spillage and mitigation plan. The first 5 to 6 wells were drilled in 2003-2004 when even the Environment Impact Assessment notification, 2006, was not applicable. We started applying for some permissions after regulations were drafted and were granted ECs [environmental clearances] in 2011, said OIL spokesperson Tridiv Hazarika. Baghjan is located at the confluence of the Siang, Dibang and Lohit rivers and is among the few remaining habitats for several endangered and range-restricted species. The blowout led to the uncontrollable flow of oil from gas well number 5 and caused extensive damage to biodiversity and wildlife the region, which includes endangered hoolock gibbons and the Gangetic dolphins. There are 17 oil and five gas wells in the Baghjan oil field. The field is located only 500 metres from the Maguri-Motapung wetland, which is a part of the eco-sensitive zone of Dibru Saikhowa National Park. In a December 2006 ruling, the Supreme Court said all development or mining projects within a 10 km radius of a national park will require National Board for Wildlifes (NBWL) clearance and assessment. This judgement was ignored in case of Baghjan wells until the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) was declared for Dibru Saikhowa National Park, carefully excluding the wells. The ESZ was notified in January and extends up to 8.7 km from the park. Gas wells in the Baghjan block are located outside notified ESZ of Dibru Saikhowa National Park., the environment ministry said in response to HTs queries onwhy the wildlife impact was not considered. Mridupaban Phukon, a wildlife activist, said environmentalists have been demanding that the environmental and wildlife clearance granted to OIL gas wells in Baghjan be placed in the public domain. We had also written to the Assam Pollution Control Board about this but have not received any response. We have doubts about whether all the wells have EC [environmental clearance]. How could the government allow such projects in an ecologically sensitive area without adequate checks? Phukon asked. The area is seismically very active. I wonder if seismicity of the area was assessed. It also happens to be very close to a river and a national park. Any industrial activity of this scale would have an impact on both the river and forests. The landscape is a unique landscape of lowland forests. It is possibly one of its kind left in India. So all precautionary measures should have been taken, said Qamar Qureshi, senior scientist at Wildlife Institute of India who along with his team is studying the impact of the oil spill and gas blowout on the regions ecology. Also read | Closure notice to Assam gas field over blowout OIL insisted it had executed a disaster management plan immediately after the blowout. For blowouts like this, evacuation of local populace to a safe place is the first priority. Water jacketing of the gas coming out by fire tender is also a priority... BOP [blowout preventer] is a standard safety device used in all our operations, OIL said in response to HTs questions. Experts said cumulative impact of drilling in an ecologically fragile area was never assessed because OIL sought clearances in a piecemeal manner. The regulatory trajectory of OILs operations leaves several questions unanswered. The need for comprehensive wildlife approval back in 2011, exemptions from public hearings, a pipeline constructed without all approvals, compliance of environmental safeguards will all need to be examined while investigating the reasons that led to the leak and fire causing the insurmountable ecological and humanitarian impacts, said Kanchi Kohli, a legal researcher at New Delhis Centre for Policy Research. Kohli added that in effect, gas exploration, extraction and transportation have been dealt with in a piecemeal manner and has been allowed to inch closer and closer to the national park. FAIT ACCOMPLI OIL applied for an NBWL clearance in 2012 for the transfer of 114.267 ha of non-forest land falling within 10 km radius of the national park for laying of a crude oil pipeline beneath the wetland and another 304.15 ha for expansion of gas field development. NBWL deputed its members Prerna Singh Bindra and MD Madhusudan for a site inspection after residents and non-governmental organisations accused OIL of violations. Their report highlighted that OIL had started pipeline construction even before it got approval from NBWL. We strongly disapprove of the current trend of presenting the NBWL with fait accompli situations and seeking post-facto clearances for projects on which work has already been undertaken without the requisite prior permissions. The expenditure thus incurred, in this case, from the public exchequer puts undue and unfair pressure on the NBWL to ratify violations of wildlife and environmental norms, the report said. The report recommended that OIL provide a legal undertaking about its environmental safeguards and specify the nature and extent of their liability in case of accidents involving oil spillage or gas leakage into the wetland. The expert appraisal committee (EAC) of the environment ministry in meetings on December 30, 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020 recommended environmental clearance for drilling and testing of hydrocarbons at seven locations inside and under the national park. According to the minutes of the EAC meetings, seen by HT, OIL had sought exemption from public hearings multiple times. The EAC agreed to exempt the project from public hearing but the environment ministry did not accept it. EAC wrote to OIL on May 29, 2019 about resubmitting the proposal after conducting a fresh public hearing. A public hearing is mandatory for a project of this nature. But according to the minutes, OIL again requested exemption from the public hearing, saying it had conducted one in Tinsukia in 2016. OIL submitted that there was widespread local opposition to drilling inside the park. It was informed that conducting a public hearing in the area is a big challenge and couldnt be completed at times due to unruly acts by the local pressure groups. Due to vulnerability and blockade from local pressure groups production in these areas has been stopped, according the minutes seen by HT. The EAC cleared the project considering its national importance for energy security. The minutes say that every drop of oil production would significantly contribute towards meeting the vision of reducing oil imports by 10% by 2022. Drilling of seven wells was expected to contribute 700,000 litres of oil daily and save 450 crore annually spent on crude oil imports. A Supreme Court judgement of April 2014 restricted any mining within a kilometre boundary of a protected area. OIL filed a petition in 2015 saying it be exempted from the Supreme Court order because it pertained to the mining of minerals and not to drilling of oil wells. OIL managed to get both the court and NBWL clearance on August 9, 2017. Manju Menon, a senior fellow at Centre for Policy Research, who has been tracking this case, cited papers available and said it appears that OIL dodged the public hearing procedures for its expansion. If a project that has been around for years cannot hold a public hearing, how do regulatory bodies that grant approval to such a project expect it to operate successfully in the midst of local communities? This expectation is totally misplaced when all they have done is to create conditions for conflict. Florida's Justin Hartmann came to Midland County because of business, but he stayed because of his heart. Hartmann, owner of Canary Tree Service of Jacksonsville, Fla., and a small crew of Canary employees and local volunteers has been helping flood victims in the Sanford and Wixom Lake areas clear debris, rescue stranded boats and other watercraft from dry water beds, etc., with the aid of a 100-foot crane for the past three-plus weeks largely on a voluntary basis. Although he has helped numerous residents at no charge, Hartmann downplayed his service, noting that, "We're not doing much in the grand scheme of things, but we're doing what we can, and that's where my heart is." "We're not heroes here," he said. "A lot of people are doing more than us. I know it looks cool to see a crane lifting a boat through the air, but then there's another guy out there who's in somebody's house getting all the mold out, and nobody will talk about that or publicize that. "We're doing our part, but we're not the only ones helping out," he added. A 33-year-old native of Orlando, Fla., Hartmann said he happened to be in Detroit for a business meeting at the time of the flooding, and he ended up coming to Midland County in the hope of landing a contract with the county road commission to clear debris from roads and bridges. In the mean time, he started voluntarily helping local residents with cleanup jobs around their cabins and homes. And when he found out he wasn't going to be awarded a contract with the road commission, Hartmann decided he wasn't quite ready to leave town yet. "When I got the call that we weren't getting the contract, normally I would just leave. This is a business," he noted. "But I couldn't leave. I had to finish getting a boat out (of some trees), and the next day I was scheduled to work at a little, old lady's house who is a widow and who everyone knows and is a very sweet lady. " ... I finally just committed myself to it about a week ago and said, 'I'm staying until everything is done,'" he added, noting he has thus far lifted approximately 100 boats and pontoons out of dry lake and river beds. The aforementioned boat which Hartmann was in the process of retrieving belonged to a man who had owned it for 25 years. As Hartmann pointed out, it's jobs like that one which have kept him in Michigan living first out of an RV and currently in a borrowed cabin with his wife and three kids, all of whom are under four years old for the past 25 days. "This gentleman had been in the hospital, and the back of his house had been washed out, and his boat that he's had for 25 years is sitting in a ravine where the water has set it perfectly among eight cedar trees," Hartmann recalled. "He told me, 'Don't worry about it. I'll just cut (the boat) out with a Sawzall,' but I said, 'No, no, we'll get it out (with the crane).' "It broke my heart," Hartmann added. "This guy had lost his house and everything. About the only thing he didn't lose was his boat, which he'd had for almost as long as I've been alive and which he was going to cut out with a saw." Sanford's Debra Gunn, who has been volunteering her time by helping Hartmann coordinate job requests, said she is pleased to aid Hartmann in any way she can. "I can't pull drywall and such, but give me a phone and a computer, and I can support him," said Gunn, whose pontoon was one of the first that Hartmann rescued and who now spends her days organizing requests for help, surveying potential job sites, making sure Hartmann gets to where he needs to go, and following up with flood victims to make sure they've been helped. "I do the preliminary surveys of the sites, and that way it keeps Justin and his crew working to where he doesn't need to go out and do surveys, because that takes up his time," she noted. "When Justin's here, he's here to do work. I've been the go-between as much as possible just to support him, because he's conscientious about getting to people as quickly as possible." Gunn said that, as of Tuesday morning, she had fielded about 120 inquiries for help, and that Hartmann has averaged lifting about three or four boats per day. "He's doing boats all over Sanford and Wixom lakes, and he's done a trailer, and he's even moved a couple of sheds," she said. Hartmann admitted that, when he first decided to volunteer his time and services, he wasn't quite aware of the extent of the need. "When we came up here, I had no idea, absolutely no clue, that there would be 1,000 boats that needed to be (lifted to safety). I just figured it'd be a lot of tree debris," he noted. "But people started contacting me and saying they needed their boats lifted out, and other debris guys can't do it, and we have this crane that there aren't many of in the United States. So we started pulling boats out for folks and getting rid of tree debris and pitching in wherever we could." Kawkawlin's Art Bissonnette, who has taken extensive time away from his job and has been voluntarily helping Hartmann for the past three weeks, said he, too, is just trying to make a positive difference for people who have lost plenty in the flooding. "I told Justin that for as long as he's going to be around, I'd have his back and help him out," said Bissonnette, who was already helping flood victims pump out water before he discovered Hartmann's request for local helpers on Facebook. " ... I basically told him that as long as I can financially keep from getting behind on my bills, I'd be happy to help him out and stick with him." Bissonnette, a native of Midland, said the Sanford and Wixom lake communities "kind of touch close to my heart." "I know so many people all around the lakes, and I'm just trying to pay it forward," he noted. Asked if he is doing all of this work voluntarily, Hartmann was quick to point out this is not entirely true. He said in cases where his services will be covered by insurance, he is billing residents. But in cases where flood victims have no insurance or have lost a great deal, he is offering his services free of charge. "If people have insurance, we give them a bill. For people without insurance, we don't give them a bill. Some people are paying us, while some people are trying to pay us but shouldn't be trying to pay us," he said. "I tell them, 'If you've lost your whole house or are not covered, keep your money. You've lost too much already.' " ... I know some people will say, 'Well, it's cabins and it's boats. That's a First World problem,'" he added. "But people have worked hard for these things, and they're trying to save for retirement, and they might not have the means (to pay for my services)." Hartmann, whose company has provided disaster relief in numerous locales, said he has been utterly impressed with the people of Midland County. "The people here are super nice. They're awesome. I've worked disasters all over the country ... and I've never encountered a community quite like this one," he said. "Everyone is so tight-knit. A month after the flooding, people are still offering to come out and help. It's a blessing to be around these people, and it's going to be hard to leave." Donna Blaine of Beaverton, whose pontoon Hartmann and his crew lifted out of a dry river bed on Tuesday, was all smiles when asked about Hartmann's services. "It's wonderful, overwhelming. It's great," she said of seeing her pontoon finally saved after it sat partially perched atop a seawall and partially in a dry river bed since March 19. "I'm so excited to see this man today. ... It's wonderful (to have my pontoon safe), very much so." Hartmann said he expects to be in Midland County for at least a couple more weeks, although he admitted that sometimes, it is tempting to pack up his family and his equipment and head back home. "Some days I'm like, 'I can do this for however long it takes,' and other days I feel like, 'I don't think I want to do this any more,'" he noted, adding that he has received some backlash from residents who have misconstrued his intentions. " ... Some days, I feel like packing my stuff up and leaving (when people are saying negative things)," he said. "But other days, I'll run across a sweet little, old lady who needs our help, and I know she can't do it without us. That's where my heart is. I want to be a light to people. ... That's a blessing to me." Gunn echoed Hartmann's sentiments, noting he has been unfairly criticized on social media by some residents. "He's not working for free, because he does charge insurance companies. ... But some people don't have insurance, and some have the ability to pay (for his services), and they pay. But he tells people, 'If you've been affected by the flooding and your house is gone, I don't want your money,'" Gunn said. " ... True, he's asking for money (from some homeowners) and billing insurance companies, but if somebody's been affected by the flooding, he doesn't want to add to their trauma. " ... You see some things on Facebook where people misconstrue Justin's good heart," she added. " ... On Facebook, some people are taking some shots at him, but, you know, we're a society of skepticism. If someone comes up here and works from a good heart, it's hard for people to believe." Midland resident Mark Juengel, whose cabin on Wixom Lake sustained extensive flood damage, had his pontoon lifted out of the dry lake bed by Hartmann's crew recently free of charge. " ... He somehow knew everything we had gone through, and he wouldn't take payment from me," Juengel added. "His crew could not have been nicer. (They were) amazing to work with. ... They were very professional, very efficient, and just super nice guys." Hartmann, who said he formerly was involved in Christian ministry before transitioning to tree removal service, noted it is rewarding to help others who otherwise would be out of luck. "I saw the need (in Midland County), and I thought, 'Some of this stuff will never get done if I leave now,'" he said. "I've heard so many people say, 'I'll have to leave my boat there, because I can't get it out,' but I haven't seen one single boat yet that I couldn't get out. "We're not taking any easy jobs. We're taking the hard jobs, the jobs no one else can do, because I know we can do it," he added. Gunn, for one, marveled at Hartmann and his crew's conscientiousness, care, and skill when moving people's property. "When he moved our pontoon out, it was slow and methodical. The last thing you want to do when you have a pontoon flying through the air is hurry. You can't rush the job," she said. "I've seen him thread a pontoon between two oak trees, where I thought, 'There's no way that's coming through that tiny space.' "You have to be slow and methodical, and you can't rush. And Justin operates the crane entirely from a console around his neck," she added. "It's pretty amazing to see." John Gorham, the chef turned restaurateur behind some of Portlands most popular restaurants, will step away from the bulk of the businesses under the Toro Bravo Inc. umbrella due to a series of hostile Facebook posts directed at a trans woman of color, the company announced Tuesday. Gorham, whose Spanish restaurant Toro Bravo was an overnight hit upon opening in Northeast Portland, Oregon, in 2007 and eventually grew into one of Portlands largest independent restaurant groups, will divest himself from eight restaurants led by partner Ron Avni and Executive Chef Kasey Mills. The Team Ron restaurants are Mediterranean Exploration Company, both locations of Shalom Yall and Bless Your Heart burgers, the new Mama Sesame falafel shop and Multnomah Villages upcoming Yalla. Gorham took to Facebook on May 22 after one of Toro Bravo Inc.s vans was tagged, according to the announcement. Online, Gorham floated the idea of starting a vigilante neighborhood patrol to keep properties safe, offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. A comment on the post included a screen grab of a person joking about the incident on the Buy Nothing page, praising the graffiti and offering free spray paint to the group. Gorhams followers tracked the person down online, sending Gorham a photo of that persons vehicle and license plate number, which Gorham posted with a message reading, maybe something should accidentally happen to it. A separate post named and misgendered the person and noted, Might be one of the bad guys. In a story Tuesday evening, Eater PDX identified the person as a trans woman of color, quoting her as saying the post was a really transparent and obvious post to mock [Gorham]. I felt disgust that this incredibly privileged and influential individual was using his social media platform to put out a $5,000 bounty on a more-than-likely bored teenager, the person told Eater PDX. Especially when those funds couldve been used to repair his vehicle and still have funds left over to help support his staff in the middle of a pandemic. In an email to The Oregonian/OregonLive, Gorham said he had checked into the hospital and will not be returning to the company. He did not immediately reply to follow-up questions. In the Tuesday announcement, Gorham apologized for his extremely immature outbreak and misguided anger via Facebook. The COVID-19 crisis has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life, and that morning when we found our vans covered in graffiti I went red, Gorham wrote. There is no excuse for a person in my position to handle themselves in public that way. That is not who I am or what I stand for. In the statement, Gorham said his brain surgery in early 2018 included removing the area that controls emotions and common sense, and that he is taking medication and seeing counselors twice a week to rewire my brain. While it does not excuse my behavior, the stress of carrying the weight of our business while trying to survive the COVID-19 pandemic has become too much for me to process in a positive nature, Gorham wrote. I didnt realize the person exposed in my posts was transgender or a person of color during my rant. I would never call on violence because of sexual orientation or skin color. I was reacting to a crime, not a transgender person of color. I apologize to anyone that was negatively affected by my actions. My rage that day was unprofessional and inexcusable. In a phone interview Wednesday, Renee Gorham, Gorhams wife and a member of the board formed to run Toro Bravo Inc. during the chefs recovery in 2018, said, I do not condone his behavior in any way. John has had a lot of work to do on his anger and has some very serious depression and anxiety, and its gotten worse since brain surgery, but its always been there, Renee Gorham said. Michael Russell, mrussell@oregonian.com, @tdmrussell More: Flavortown, in honor of Guy Fieri, soon a reality?: More than 75,000 sign petition to rename city Founder of Calicutts Spice Co. in Hershey steps away from business that has grown so incredibly much Radish & Rye Food Hub unexpectedly closing Broad Street Market stand to focus on new grocery Three days of White House meetings between aides to US President Donald Trump on whether to give Israel a green light to annex parts of the occupied West Bank have ended without any final decision, senior US officials said on Thursday. The high-level discussions centered on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to extend Israeli sovereignty over Jewish settlements in the territory, which has drawn condemnation from the Palestinians, US Arab allies and other foreign governments. With Netanyahu's cabinet due to begin formal annexation deliberations on Wednesday, the still-unclear US position suggested the Trump administration wants to move cautiously. "There is as yet no final decision on the next steps for implementing the Trump plan, one of the officials told Reuters, referring to the president's Israeli-Palestinian peace blueprint that could provide a basis for Netanyahu's annexation moves. Trump, who has hewed to a heavily pro-Israel policy, participated in the discussions, the official told Reuters on condition of anonymity. Another US official said further "fact-finding" would be needed before a US determination. Under Trumps peace proposal unveiled in January and met with widespread skepticism, the United States would recognize the settlements - built on land the Palestinians seek for a state - as part of Israel. The proposal would create a Palestinian state but impose strict conditions. Palestinian leaders have dismissed the initiative and it has gone nowhere. Netanyahu hopes for US approval for his project of extending sovereignty over settlements and the Jordan Valley. Most countries view Israel's settlements as illegal. This week's meetings included Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other aides. On Wednesday, Pompeo said that any decision on annexation was "for Israelis to make." Among the main options under US consideration is a gradual process in which Israel would initially declare sovereignty over several settlements close to Jerusalem instead of the 30% of the West Bank envisaged in Netanyahus original plan, according to a person close to matter. The Trump administration has not closed the door to a larger annexation. But Kushner is concerned that allowing Israel to move too fast could further alienate the Palestinians. There are also worries about opposition from Jordan, one of only two countries that have a peace treaty with Israel, and from Gulf states that have quietly expanded engagement with Israel. Washington also wants Israels unity government, divided on the issue, to reach a consensus. Search Keywords: Short link: South Africa: SA water levels on the decline South Africans have been encouraged to save water, as water resources and dam levels across the country, with the exception of the Western Cape, continue to decline consistently week-on-week. The national water storage of our combined dams has declined to 69.3% this week, from 69.3% last week, the Department of Water and Sanitation said on Thursday. This means that the country has 22 200.1 cubic metres of water is store, out of 32 012.2 cubic metres full capacity. Western Cape water levels have improved in recent weeks due to wet weather conditions experienced in winter. To this end, the Western Cape provincial water storage is at 41.3% this week from 40.2% last week. The Cape Town Water Supply System with six dams is floating at 58.4% this week from 57.9% last week, the department said. In contrast, the Eastern Cape is battling to recover as the provincial water storage declined once more to a low 53.4% this week compared to 54% last week. The Algoa Water Supply System, with five dams supplying water to Nelson Mandela Bay, is hovering at 19% this week from 19.2% last week. Amathole Water Supply with six dams supplying water to Buffalo City improved from 42.9% last week to 43.4% this week. The Klipplaat Water Supply System, with three dams supplying water to Queenstown, is at 43.2% this week from 43.3% last week. There is no improvement in Limpopos provincial water storage as levels took a nosedive to 64.4% this week from 66.5% last week. Luvhuhu Water Supply System, with three dams is at 97.3%, while Polokwane Water Supply System with two dams supplying water mainly to Polokwane is at 77.0%, the department said. Northern Cape dams have lowered to 95.0% compared to last weeks 96.4%. The Orange Water Supply System with two dams declined slightly to 92.1% this week from 92.3% last week. Free State Province dam levels have this week experienced a slight decline with 82.7% from last weeks 82.9%. The Bloemfontein Water Supply System with four dams supplying water to Mangaung is at 56.3% this week from 56.8% last week, the department said. Also on the declined are dams in Mpumalanga, sitting at 73.4% this week from last weeks 73.5%. Water levels in the water management areas (WMA) also continued to drop in water volumes, with the Olifants WMA dropping from 67.4% last week to 67.3% this week and the Inkomati-Usuthu WMA further dropped from 71.1% last week to 71.0% this week, the department said. Water levels in KwaZulu-Natal have declined to 61.1% this week from 61.5% last week. The Umgeni Water Supply System with five dams is down to 73.1% this week from 73.7% last week. Meanwhile, Gauteng dam levels have slightly improved to 99.6% from last weeks 98.1%. However, the Integrated Vaal River System (IVRS) with 14 dams continues to decline. This week, the IVRS declined to 65.4% from 65.7% last week. North West provinces dam levels are steady this week. They are now at 70.3% this week compared to last weeks 70.0%. The Crocodile Water Supply System with seven dams improved slightly, from 98.5% last week to 99.4% this week, the department said. South Africans have been called to save water as the winters dry season continues to negatively affect the countrys water resources. Water users are reminded that South Africa is still a water scarce country, therefore water saving measures need to be heightened. While everyone is encouraged to wash their hands regularly with a soap, the department would like to advise that leaving a tap running while washing hands is wastage, the department. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. By Akbar Mammadov President Ilham Aliyev has urged civic responsibility to fight COVID-19, saying that there must be a strict government control to ensure that quarantine rules are observed. Aliyev made the remarks during the opening of a new module-type hospital for infectious diseases in Ganja on 24 June. The president urged citizens wear masks and observe social distancing rules to curb the spread of coronavirus. I wear a mask in all closed places. Well, if the president does this, why can't others do it? Why is it so difficult? It does not cause any problems. It is mere irresponsibility and I can say, selfishness and indifference, Aliyev noted. The president also said that young people have tendency to overlook the COVID-19 problem, believing that they will recover, while infecting the elderly. Do we have to put up with this irresponsibility? This is a crime. Therefore, there must be public condemnation and a very strict state control. In this case, we can take all measures more quickly and get out of this situation with less losses. The president also said that there might be shortage of doctors if there infections cases dramatically increase. We highly appreciate the work of doctors. But everyone should know that doctors get infected and doctors die, too. I want to state again that we are involving in this work all doctors that we have. We don't have twice as many doctors Hospitals are being built and we have free beds. But how can we increase the number of doctors?" the president said. As you know, the whole world is suffering from this disease, and the sharp increase in the number of patients has hit the health system of many countries. In fact, no country's health care system was ready to treat such a rapidly growing number of patients. This was not possible. At the same time, another problem is the number of doctors who serve patients. The number of doctors cannot increase in 2-3 months. Therefore, this has become a big problem for many countries, including us. Therefore, it has been very useful in taking restrictive measures, he said. In his speech, the president also emphasized that the steps taken by the state will not be useful if they are not supported by the public en masse. He urged citizens to follow three simple rules regarding wearing face mask, keeping social distancing and using disinfection in a bid to fight the virus. Commenting on the modular hospital opened in Ganja, Aliyev said: The 5th modular hospital is being opened in our country. Two of them have already started operating in Baku, one in Sumgayit and one in the Absheron region. Similar hospitals will be opened in other cities in the coming weeks. Thus, the number of these hospitals will reach 10. This will allow us to get an additional 2,000 beds. Given the growing number of coronavirus patients, this should play a role in the fight against COVID-19." In his speech, the president noted that if modern hospitals had not been built in every part of the country, including Baku, in recent years, today the country would be facing great problems in the fight against coronavirus. Thus, hospitals have been built in the vast majority of our cities, and construction continues in several cities. The last hospital will be opened in Samukh district. Funds have been allocated for these purposes and additional funds will be allocated. The president also said that the preventive measures being taken in the country has helped to keep the infection cases very compared to other countries. A total of 13,000 people were infected. Most of them recovered and were released from hospitals. Therefore, preventive and restrictive measures have been of great benefit, added Aliyev. The president said that due to some peoples failure to follow preventive measures, the government had to impose a quarantine regime in Baku and several other cities. The main and only reason for this is that, unfortunately, some people do not follow the basic rules of protection." New rules of conduct must now be applied en masse. Therefore, the main efforts of all countries are to reduce the rate of infection, make fewer people sick, and allow the country's health system to allow all patients to receive the necessary treatment, the president noted. Aliyev underlined that the main reason why some countries apply more softening steps is related to economic considerations. He reiterated that his government has prioratized people's health over econonomy. Furthermore, the president stressed that there will be no reductions in the social project in the country. Regardless of the scale of the coronavirus pandemic, living standards should remain unchanged until the end of the year, he said, adding that the government has applied a very great social packet. The minimum wage has doubled on average, and the minimum pension has increased by 70 per cent. Benefits increased by 50 per cent and 100 per cent. Problem loans were given to people in the form of compensation as a material gift. That is, billions of manats were spent for these purposes. More than 3 billion manats will be allocated to fight the pandemic. Aliyev spoke about the state support to people, especially to the low-income class. We solve the problems of people in difficult situations, including public organizations, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. Of course, the main burden is on the state. Assistance is provided to the poor. Entrepreneurs and individuals have contributed more than 100 million manats to the Coronavirus Support Fund, which was established on my initiative. Aliyev said that Azerbaijan is buying new equipment, and has 23 laboratories. However, the president noted that the problem is that sometimes the country cannot purchase equipment or device, which has already been ordered in February and March, because the countries that produce it do not sell it, they keep it for themselves. It should be noted that on May 29, Azerbaijans Cabinet of Ministers adopted a decision that requires residents wear respiratory protection means and keep a social distancing of up to two meters in certain venues across the country. Thus, the fines range from $29 to $235. --- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz On Wednesday, news broke that was so big that (at least as of this writing) both the New York Times and the Washington Post ignored it: Barr's DOJ finally forced the FBI to release Comey's debriefing of the January 5, 2017 meeting that led to the General Flynn persecution. The notes, which Peter Strzok wrote based on a conversation with Comey, show Obama directing the FBI to investigate General Flynn using "the right people," while Biden came up with the idea that Flynn should be prosecuted under the Logan Act, an old, unconstitutional law that is inapplicable to a national security adviser. As well as showing a White House conspiracy against the incoming administration, the notes also reveal that Susan Rice's bizarre inauguration email to herself was false and that Biden lied to Americans about his involvement. Although heavily redacted, the portion of the notes that the DOJ released to the public is unambiguous. In the Scribd document embedded below, the title that The Federalist gave to the one page document tells the whole story: "Peter Strzok's Notes Confirm Obama Personally Ordered Hit on Michael Flynn." Per The Federalist's transcription, Strzok's cramped, chaotic handwriting sets out the following: NSA-D-DAG = [Flynn cuts?]. Other countries D-DAG: lean forward on [unclass?] VP [Biden]: "Logan Act" P [Obama]: These are unusual times VP [Biden]: I've been on the intel cmte for ten years and I never P [Obama]: Make sure you look at things + have the right people on it P [Obama]: Is there anything I shouldn't be telling transition team? D [Director Comey]: Flynn > Kislyak calls but appear legit [illegible] Happy New Year. Yeah right On the day Trump was inaugurated, Susan Rice sent an email to herself purportedly documenting the same meeting. She claimed that Obama wanted to do everything "by the book" and that he "stressed that he is not asking about, initiating or instructing anything from a law enforcement perspective." Rice also wrote that Comey stated he had some concerns about Flynn's conversation with former Russian ambassador Kislyak. Rice's CYA email clashes with Strzok's notes. First, Obama was not concerned with doing things by the book. Instead, he was telling Comey that, in "unusual times," he should "look at things" and have "the right people on it." Those are marching orders. The phrase "the right people" also raises the possibility that Obama was not merely ensuring that a delicate project got proper staffing. Instead, it suggests he was making sure a conspiracy stayed within a small group of trusted Deep State operatives. Finally, contrary to Rice's claim that Comey was concerned about the Flynn-Kislyak calls, Comey told Strzok that he had advised those present at the meeting that Flynn's calls with Kislyak "appear legit." If the calls appeared legitimate, on what authority did anyone, whether Obama, Comey, or Strzok, conclude that it would be appropriate to keep Flynn's case open when the case officer wanted to close it? Unethical does not begin to describe this. On top of all that, there's also the fact that the Democrats' presidential nominee, Joe Biden, played an active, if idiotic, role in what looks remarkably like a seditious conspiracy. The notes reveal that Biden was the person who came up with the idea of a Logan Act prosecution. Actually, that makes sense. It would be Biden who would cite an 18th-century, unconstitutional law that cannot apply to an incoming national security adviser. One has to wonder how Biden even thought of it. The best theory comes from Undercover Huber: An episode at the end of the series ("Transition") shows the outgoing lame duck admin in a foreign policy dispute with China and Russia. They carry out electronic surveillance of all calls with Russia and wiretap the incoming team and confront them about... ...the Logan Act! Undercover Huber (@JohnWHuber) June 24, 2020 That theory - while it sounds nuts - is actually more plausible than the other two: a) The Obama FBI or Justice Dept. thinking they could prosecute the Logan Act against anyone, let alone an incoming National Security Advisor b) Joe Biden even knowing what the Logan Act is Undercover Huber (@JohnWHuber) June 24, 2020 It's noteworthy, too, that Biden appears incoherent. "I've been on the intel cmte for ten years and I never..." You've "never" what, Joe? It does seem as if, even then, Biden was incapable of completing his thoughts. Finally, the notes establish that Biden lied about his role in the Flynn matter: Vice President Biden lied to America about his knowledge of the Flynn case. https://t.co/3cnhZMlLyF pic.twitter.com/hheyiMHLR8 House Judiciary GOP (@JudiciaryGOP) June 24, 2020 In sum, on Tuesday, Trump accused Obama of treason, and the usual quislings in the Republican Party got all flustered and rejected the charge. On Wednesday, we acquired evidence that Obama was up to his neck in initiating a secret attack without any basis against Trump's incoming national security adviser, something sure to destabilize the incoming administration. As it happens, the quislings were correct what Obama did is not treason. However, it may well have been an illegal insurrection or seditious conspiracy. After all, it sure looks as if several people, including the former president and the current Democrat presidential candidate, worked together to overthrow the legally elected president of the United States. Peter Strzok's Notes Co... by The Federalist on Scribd Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said Thursday, June 25, the 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) Goureh-Jask oil pipeline would enable the Islamic Republic to export its oil without relying on the Strait of Hormuz. Describing the project as "strategic", the mid-ranking cleric said 404 kilometers of the pipeline has been laid so far. "What is strategic about this project is that many countries in the region have managed to find a second way to export their oil using other routes whenever the Strait of Hormuz faces danger," Rouhani said while inaugurating the project. "This move will assure our oil buyers that Iran will continue exporting crude even if the international maritime passage was to be closed one day," Rouhani announced. The comments were expressed at a time that, under U.S. sanctions, Iran's oil exports have dropped from two million to around 200,000 barrels per day. In recent years, Iran has repeatedly threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, where about twenty percent of the world's oil shipments pass through. In the light of the strategic value of the straits, it is not clear if Iran's move to build a pipeline is a defensive or an offensive move. If Iran one day can pump its oil to the sea of Oman, it can afford to disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Following Iran's threats and the possibility of a regional war, some of Iran's southern neighbors, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, completed pipeline projects to export their crude through routes other than the Strait of Hormuz. In the meantime, Iran, for its part, exports all its oil products solely through the Strait of Hormuz. Referring to Iran's southern neighbors, and their projects to skirt the Strait of Hormuz, Rouhani noted that the only country "left in the middle" was the Islamic Republic. "If the Strait of Hormuz closed for any reason, Iran would be the only country in the region that its oil exports would be completely stopped," Rouhani said. Rouhani went further by describing the project as unique, "This pipeline through which we will be transporting our oil to Jask and the Sea of Oman is a great, huge and unique work in the history of Iran." The projects start was announced six years ago and less than half the pipeline network has been complete according to Rouhani. However, experts told Radio Farda that sending oil through the pipeline needs large investments for powerful pumping stations; a task Iran cannot easily complete facing severe technology and banking sanctions. Despite repeatedly threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, Rouhani last year insisted that Tehran would guarantee to keep it open. In the meantime, he dismissed calls for closing the waterway as a dangerous "slogan", asserting that blocking the Strait of Hormuz could backfire and create enormous problems for Iran. The new terminal is close to the port of Chabahar on the Sea of Oman, which Iran is developing in cooperation with other countries, most notably India. Iranian Oil Minister, Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, said Thursday night that the pipeline alone would cost $ 1.1 billion, of which $300 million has been invested so far. BRUSSELS, June 25 (Reuters) - A delay to a decision on whether the European Union can impose tariffs against the United States over subsidies for Boeing is unjustified and harms the bloc's right to retaliate, the European Commission said on Thursday. The World Trade Organization has pushed back the decision, originally expected in May or June, to at least September due to the impact that recent coronavirus lockdowns are having on its work, people familiar with the case told Reuters on Wednesday. "The EU is very concerned about this and we have communicated this to the WTO," a Commission spokesman said. "We believe that the delay would not be justified, even in the context of COVID-19 and that it would be detrimental to the EU's retaliatory rights under WTO rules," he continued. The United States already won the right last October to impose tariffs on $7.5 billion of EU goods in a related case over subsidies for European planemaker Airbus. The European Union says it wants to reach an agreement with Washington over plane subsidies to set aside the dispute. However, observers do not believe that will happen until the WTO awards the EU the right to impose tariffs. The U.S. tariffs target planes, olives, tools and whisky from Airbus-producing countries Britain, France, Germany and Spain and cheese, wine and pork from across the bloc. It increased the tariff rates in February and is now looking at an additional list of $3.1 billion worth of products such as bakery goods, beer, gin and vodka from the four countries that it could impose duties on next. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; editing by Jonathan Oatis) An all-female ranger group has shared rare insights into how they are advancing intelligence gathering to protect Africas unique wildlife. Members of the eight-woman Team Lioness are embedded within what have traditionally been all male patrols, protecting the elephants, lions and buffalo living around the Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Rangers, recruited from traditional Maasai communities, walk up to 30 kilometres a day, reporting on the health of animals, and working to predict when they could be targeted by poachers. The women say their presence is quickly dispelling traditional beliefs about female frailty both within the workforce and the surrounding communities. Ranger Eunice Mantei told Yahoo Lifestyle Australia that on her first patrol, her male colleagues were concerned she was not up to the job. Ranger Beatrice Sailepu has learned how to avoid dangerous animals while on patrol. Source: Will Swanson / IFAW The men were not sure that we could hack doing the distances walking, and its on rough terrain, its not paved or anything, 28-year-old Ms Mantei said via a translator. Over and above this, there was concern of what would happen should we across any dangerous wildlife what would happen to us. Unexpected threat scares ranger up a tree Rangers need to have a distinct set of skills to avoid the large and often deadly animals living in the bush. Walking downwind of elephants has kept Ms Mantei safe from that particular threat, but her closest brush with death came from an unexpected threat in difficult terrain. Early in their training, she and colleague Beatrice Sailepu, 24, were walking single file through dense forest when they came across one of the regions deadliest animals. A lone buffalo. Team Lioness interview cattle herders during a patrol. Source: Will Swanson for IFAW. I see buffalo, and they dont have warning in the bush. He can kill you, Ms Mantei said via video link from her tent. We are eight ladies and two men, when we are in thebush we see the buffalo feeding. Everyone stopped and Ms Sailepu immediately followed protocol. When the buffalo come, I slip down flat, she said. For Ms Mantei, it was a different story her instinct overpowered her training, and she took off as fast as she could. Story continues Although frightened the buffalo would catch her, Ms Manteis colleagues could do nothing to help her. What they didnt realise was that she is a semi-professional runner, and due to her speed she was able to outpace the buffalo and clamber to safety. Me, I run because Im fastest, so I climb the tree, she said. For the next 30 minutes, she waited up at the top of the tree, fearing for the safety of her colleagues. She was relieved to find that despite a few scratches, everyone had survived relatively unscathed. Since then, Ms Manteis running skills have become renowned within her team, giving her the edge over many of her male counterparts. When a wildebeest became trapped and surrounded by domestic dogs, she was able to cut through the rough terrain faster than the men who set out in cars to save the animal. We can get that information easy: Key to intelligence gathering While government rangers patrol the national park, most of the animals spend 70 per cent of their time outside of the protected zone the 150,000-hectare Olgulului-Ololarashi Group Ranch where humans and wildlife often come into contact. Thats where community rangers like Team Lioness, which is funded by International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), is key. Beatrice Sailepu and Eunice Mantei speak via video link during lockdown amid coronavirus. Source: Michael Dahlstrom Ranger Sailepu believes that women in traditional Maasai villages are more likely to feel comfortable sharing their local knowledge with other women. If there is information somewhere, they tell us, she said. If there is poaching around its easy to tell us women. Her colleague, Ms Mantei, agrees, adding that women are often aware of what men are plotting when it comes to wildlife attacks. In our conservancy, women are very important, because to get information from (other) women is very easy, she said. A report like if there is some information about some people want to kill an animal, so we can get that information. Its a very exciting job Despite not being able to return home during COVID-19, the camaraderie has kept these women's spirits up. Source: Michael Dahlstrom Inspiration for the younger girls Not only is their information critical in understanding why animals are being targeted, it also empowers women within the community, allowing them to be heard for the first time. On one occasion, a lion had killed livestock from within the community and Maasai men were working to retaliate. One of the older women who knew about the plan was able to share the information with Team Lioness. A meeting was quickly organised with the agitated men, the situation was calmed and no lions were harmed. This candid photo was taken by rangers who have been trained to stay downwind of elephants. Source: Team Lioness / IFAW TenBoma project manager Chris Kiarie believes that working with women from traditional Maasai communities is not only empowering them to provide for themselves, but also providing a pathway for the next generation. The community they come from is a very patriarchal one, such that its men who go out and work, he said. Thats why for these particular women its seen as quite unusual for them to be doing this. Theyre providing inspiration for the younger girls but also for the older women. Creating order on the border IFAWs east Africa communications manager, Jacqueline Nyagah told Yahoo Lifestyle Australia the main threats are human-wildlife conflict, and bushmeat poaching. Team Lionesss patrols include the edge of the porous border between Kenya and Tanzania, making it difficult to police foreign hunters searching for the tiny dik-dik dear and giraffe. Poachers can come in from Tanzania, do a poaching and then quickly rush back into Tanzania, Ms Nyagah said. And then its also close to a border town thats growing very rapidly so theres also a demand for meat for sustenance. So the rangers will come across small operations used for poaching animals, so either snares or something put together thats used to blind and frighten. Loud sounds will scare the deer and then the brightness of the light will be literally like a deer in headlights. A Team Lioness ranger conducts a patrol within the Olgulului Ololarashi Group Ranch. Source: Will Swanson / IFAW To combat these incursions, Ms Nyagah said IFAW is working with the Tanzanian authorities and communities on the other side of the border to reduce poaching. The good thing is that were working very closely with the Tanzanian authorities and also the communities there to make sure this is minimised. A couple of weeks ago there was a cross border patrol where community rangers from both Kenya and Tanzania patrolled the border for a period of three days. Because of COVID-19 the area of Tanzania, their rangers have been reduced significantly because they rely on tourism. Around here, theyre all still employed so theyre forced to increase they area theyre patrolling just to ensure the wildlife is safe. A wildebeest snapped during a patrol this week. Source: IFAW / Team Lioness Unable to return home to see their children After coronavirus hit, the rangers have had to enforce extreme social distancing measures in order to prevent its spread to vulnerable communities. Many Team Lioness members return home at least once every three weeks, but have been unable to leave their base since mid-March. Since COVID-19 started we cannot go home to see our family, Ms Mantei said. Theres a big difference, even in our community because we cannot interact. For now we have a distance with them, because in our community we cannot get sanitiser or masks. Despite longing to see their families again, the women have grown closer, and find ways to stay entertained, talking over hot cups of tea and playing games. Rangers have continued to patrol despite COVID-19, with these figures showing the wildlife they have observed. Source: IFAW Ms Sailepu lives 50 kilometres from the Team Lioness base and hasnt seen her three-year-old son in months. Although she misses her child, she is determined to stay on and continue her patrols - there is something bigger at play. She wants to ensure the wildlife is still prevalent when he grows up. I decided to be a ranger to protect our wildlife for the coming generation, she said. For me its really integral to be helping this wildlife. Sign up to our daily newsletter here to get all the latest news and hacks. Or get in touch at lifestyle.tips@verizonmedia.com. As a person of Chinese descent, I sense a comeuppance of the ethnic sort: as a race, haven't we tolerated the rule of the Communist Party long enough? And hasn't the mechanism of the Party, so entrenched in the mainland, been the reason for the coronavirus run amok, now a pandemic of global proportions, downing lives and livelihoods everywhere? As much as an ordinary Chinese person wants to stay out of the furore of inter-ethnic tension, the tension is there nonetheless. There is no use denying that the virus and its mismanagement and concealment started in mainland China. And there is no use lamenting that the peoples of the world do not trust, like, or support the Chinese. How are the nations supposed to like even the idea of China if there is no discernible Chinese activism against the communist regime? The Chinese, out of racial insecurity, often stand with the People's Republic and its communist paradigm. The ambivalence and slowness with which persons of Chinese ancestry treat the communist problem can find explanations in a millennia-old Confucian ethos: to actively scold one's government seems unfilial and ungrateful. Coupled with spectacular socioeconomic growth brought about by decades of manufacturing, the Party resembles a savior of the people. Chinese persons, whether mainlander or foreign-born, feel a distinct Chinese success that is hard to rail against. But Chinese the world over have failed to understand that the Communist Party isn't even Chinese. The Party has been unfailingly anti-traditional, iconoclastic, and abusive and is a prime modern example of leftism on a large scale operated to its farthest excesses. Things are funny only when they don't happen to you. The communist regime in China isn't historical, but fully present. Communist parties possess a seemingly automatic habit of obfuscating the truth in anything to do with people, running the gamut from history and politics to science and economics. The Chinese seem adroit at putting up with it. Nearly thirty years after the Soviet Union gave way to Russia, and still the People's Republic thrives. The Chinese civilian evidently tolerates nonsense with a gusto outstripping the Russian's. It is true that there are haphazard and unprofessional oppositions observable in Hong Kong and Taiwan. But rallying at those safe distances is really just that: safe. Beijing can't terrorize Taipei across those straits, and the Hong Kongers do live in a Western-connected cosmopolis with a full slate of foreign safeguards. So how shall the ordinary Chinese citizen free the mainland? The vast majority of Chinese people are too afraid to act from within. This is precisely the rationale that needs to underpin any foreign action from outside China. There is no Boris Yeltsin or Mikhail Gorbachev in the mainland. There are no powerful men like these who will free China and transition her. Therefore, Western commentary and Western intervention are laudable things and, in fact, are things most necessary in this new chapter in global affairs. The coronavirus crisis is the last straw. No longer can the world be made to watch the rise of a new Soviet megalith. No longer should a billion and a half innocent people be tasked with carrying forth the whims and fancies of an undemocratic, totalitarian party that rules on a basis already untenable in this century. And no longer should we entertain the fantasy that the Communist Party can be rendered benign by time or foreign relations. How is the Party benign, four decades after its economic restructuring in 1978? In the time the West gave it, it threw its weight behind despotic Arab and African regimes, gave support to terror organizations, recognized "Palestine," invested in Sudan, and aligned itself with leftist and Islamist nations against Western interests. The Party utilized bloc power and economic tidbits to invalidate the Republic of China (the constitutional republic, founded in 1911, presently based in Taipei). The United Nations has become a circus act for communist China and its partners such as Iran, Cuba, and North Korea, where these atrocious entities go on an apparently free pass and lambast the daylights out of the State of Israel. At the end of it all, the coronavirus emerges, and the World Health Organization, as a U.N. body, has ostensible support for communist irresponsibility and is keen on persecuting American leadership for words of outrage. In this new day in international relations, it has become apparent that the nation that is China cannot be freed from within, nor will it be freed with the nonexistent help the United Nations provides. Western intervention, of the kind that comes directly from the United States, is now more needful than ever. It was not a U.N. secretary-general who said, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." As it stands, the Communist mainland is pro-Arab and pro-Palestinian. This is an aberration, possible only in a China held back by the trappings of socialist, left-wing militancy. Islam is not a natural ally of traditional Chinese culture and is in practice antithetical to everything classical Chinese values stand for. This is why the Uighurs, no matter what rule or dynasty they live in, will always oppose Oriental Chinese civilization. If a modernized and classical China can afford to be utterly non-communist, un-Islamic and freed from the rule of the Party, why wait? There is no logical impetus for the communist system to continue. There is a poignant sensibility to be made about stronger futures for relations between China and Israel. A true Chinese Republic would fortify the Jewish State and serve as an emphatic full stop to Arab belligerence. Without communism, the Chinese people would no longer feel compelled to support Arab causes, which are fundamentally destabilizing and morally reprehensible. Without communism, a restored Chinese Republic would rekindle a commonality of purpose, between Chinese and Jewish peoples, for national defense. It is as much the preservation of Jewish sovereignty, as the restoration of the classical Chinese spirit in the mainland. As peoples persecuted, herded, and massacred in the Second World War, there are hallowed memories in the Jewish and Chinese nations, indelible and eternal. To free China means to free more than a billion people for cultural restoration in the homeland and clear, unequivocal support for the State of Israel. Perhaps this sort of strength is the reason why there are forces, even in America, that do not want China to be free. Photo credit: Pexels Victor Jen, or Wang Yongren, chairs a community roundtable for Chinese values and is a member of an overseas Chinese association for the Southeast Asian diaspora. Some 47% of households surveyed said they had difficulty accessing shops and markets due to quarantine measures. The humanitarian situation in Donbas, eastern Ukraine, has worsened over the COVID-19 pandemic, making the life of civilians living in the conflict zone even more difficult, that is according to a survey conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in government-controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions from May 12 to June 3. "A mere 12% of members of households surveyed said their savings would last longer than a month, which is a sign of the unstable financial situation for most of the population. But the alarming thing is that 43% of households said their resources would last for one week at most without outside help," the report said. Read alsoNGO coordinator Yevhen Vasyliev: Panic, confusion, and chaos reign in occupied Donbas over COVID-19 lockdown Some 75% of respondents note food price hikes amid COVID-19; another 47% indicate rising prices of non-grocery goods; and 35% of respondents said that the COVID-19 pandemic had affected their income. Moreover, 47% of households surveyed said they had difficulty accessing shops and markets due to quarantine measures. "The results of the survey show that many families are facing financial difficulties and at the same time have difficulty accessing food markets over COVID-19 and the conflict in general. This means that the ICRC's family funding programs are not effective enough. We need to increase again the distribution of food and hygiene kits," Florence Gillette, the ICRC's head of delegation in Ukraine, said. The ICRC press service says that since the COVID-19 outbreak, the committee has distributed more than 45,000 food and hygiene kits in 136 settlements on both sides of the contact line. It also supported 56 medical institutions in the Donbas conflict zone by providing medicines, protective gear, and setting up temporary points for coronavirus screening of patients admitted to the Novoaidar regional hospital. The ICRC survey was conducted from May 12 to June 3 in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. A total of 252 households were interviewed. The average household size was 2.48 persons per household. The average age of household members was 54 years. Amber Heard called Elon Musk her 'Rocketman' while texting the SpaceX billionaire when she was still married to Johnny Depp, it has been claimed. The messages seen by the Mirror were allegedly sent on May 22, 2016, a day before Heard filed for divorce from Depp - and a month before Musk says they started dating. Heard allegedly had Musk's number saved in her phone under the name 'Rocketman' and revealed to him that she was about to divorce Depp. The Tesla supremo reportedly offered to arrange '24/7 security' for her after she claimed that Depp had attacked her. Depp denies this and is suing Heard over a Washington Post article in which she portrayed herself as a victim of domestic violence, and the texts have been passed to Depp's legal team as part of the case. Amber Heard and Elon Musk are seen together in Sydney in May 2017, a month after they revealed they were dating Amber Heard and Johnny Depp - whose divorce was finalised in January 2017 - are seen together in Culver City, California the previous year Musk, 48, last week told Page Six that 'Amber and I only started going out about a month after her divorce filing' on May 23, 2016. 'I don't think I was ever even in the vicinity of Amber during their marriage,' Musk said. Depp's lawyer has challenged this after the 'Rocketman' texts emerged, telling the Mirror that they 'profoundly contradict' Musk's timeline of events. Heard did not comment. Depp's legal team has previously accused Heard and Musk in legal papers of beginning an affair as early as March 2015. In a legal filing in 2019 Depp's lawyers claimed that Heard, 34, had received Musk 'late at night' at Depp's penthouse while he was out of the country. A judge formally ended Depp and Heard's marriage in January 2017. The pair had met on the set of 2011 comedy 'The Rum Diary' and married in Los Angeles in 2015. Musk and Heard subsequently made their relationship public in April 2017, but they announced they had separated four months later. Musk has also denied the claim that he and Heard were involved in a threesome with Cara Delevingne, after the story emerged in a legal deposition. 'Cara and I are friends, but we've never been intimate. She would confirm this,' Musk said in response to the claim. Musk has also denied the claim that he and Heard (right) were involved in a threesome with Cara Delevingne (left), after the story emerged in a legal deposition The Oscar nominee, 57, has already filed papers demanding that Musk and actor James Franco turn over any messages, emails or conversations they had with Heard around the time of their May 2016 split Depp's lawyers have taken depositions from dozens of former friends and associates, including Josh Drew, who was previously married to Heard's best friend, Raquel 'Rocky' Pennington. In excerpts seen by DailyMail.com, Depp's legal team asked Drew, who lived in one of the multiple neighboring apartments that Depp owned, what he knew of the alleged threesome. 'Did Rocky tell you Amber Heard was having an affair with Cara Delevingne while she was still married to Johnny Depp?' attorney Benjamin Chew asks. 'Yes,' says Drew, who has since split from Pennington but says elsewhere in the deposition that he socialized with Heard as recently as last year and that she is paying for his attorney. 'Did she ever tell you in words or substance while Amber was still married to Johnny Depp that the three of them, Amber Heard, Elon Musk and Cara Delevingne spent the night together?' Chew goes on. 'Yes,' replies Drew. 'To the specific date, I can't say.' Chew further asks: 'So they were having a three-way affair, correct?' 'My understanding, yes,' Drew replies. Depp's lawyers have taken depositions from dozens of former friends and associates, including Josh Drew (pictured), who was previously married to Heard's best friend, Raquel 'Rocky' Pennington Depp claims in court filings that staff at the Eastern Columbia Building (pictured) in LA recall Musk visiting Heard late at night while Depp was away filming in 2015 Heard's Washington Post piece in December 2018 does not mention Depp by name, but Depp's lawsuit says it was clear she was talking about him. Depp's lawyers called her ongoing allegations of domestic abuse 'categorically and demonstrably false.' The lawsuit has linked the allegations to Depp being dropped from the role of Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The Oscar nominee, 57, has already filed papers demanding that Musk and actor James Franco turn over any messages, emails or conversations they had with Heard around the time of their May 2016 split Depp is also suing The Sun in a UK court over an article referring to him as a 'wife-beater'. That case has been stalled by the coronavirus pandemic. EXCLUSIVE: MeToo activist Amanda de Cadenet drops support for close friend Amber Heard and will no longer testify after listening to her 'verbally abusing' Johnny Depp in bombshell tapes, as she feels 'used and misled' by actress By Ben Ashford for DailyMail.com Prominent MeToo supporter Amanda de Cadenet has dropped her support for Amber Heard after listening to her 'verbally abusing' Johnny Depp in bombshell audio tapes published exclusively by DailyMail.com. The 34-year-old actress was expecting de Cadenet, a close friend and longtime women's rights activist, to testify against Depp in a series of looming defamation cases. But the British-born TV host, 48, reveals in a new legal declaration that she changed her mind because she was 'appalled and shocked to hear how Amber was speaking to Johnny'. Her dramatic about-turn came after DailyMail.com released a series of bombshell audio tapes in which the couple were overheard discussing their marriage problems and frequent fights. The Aquaman beauty admitted 'clocking' her Oscar nominated husband in the jaw and pelting him with pots, pans and vases in various recordings made prior to the couple's May 2016 split. She also appeared to be goading 57-year-old Depp, predicting that nobody would believe his accounts of the violence and telling him: 'You are such a baby. Grow the f**k up Johnny.' Amanda de Cadenet dropped her support for Amber Heard after listening to her 'verbally abusing' Johnny Depp in audio tapes published by DailyMail.com. The 34-year-old actress was expecting de Cadenet, a close friend and longtime women's rights activist, to testify against Depp in a series of looming defamation cases. Her dramatic about-turn came after DailyMail.com released a series of bombshell audio tapes in which the couple were overheard discussing their marriage problems and frequent fights. The Aquaman beauty admitted 'clocking' her Oscar nominated husband in the jaw and pelting him with pots, pans and vases in various recordings made prior to the couple's May 2016 split De Cadenet is the second prominent MeToo figure to part company with Heard in the space of a week after high-profile Time's Up attorney Roberta Kaplan confirmed her firm is no longer representing her. A source close to de Cadenet said she was a survivor herself and remained a steadfast advocate of women's rights. 'Amanda feels she was used and misled by Amber and hopes Amber receives the help she needs,' the source added. 'Amanda believes in the power of redemption and reconciliation and hopes both parties are able to achieve that.' Heard's historical claims of domestic abuse will come under the microscope in defamation cases either side of the Atlantic, beginning next month when Depp takes the UK's Sun newspaper to court in London for calling him a 'wife-beater'. The former lovebirds will square up again next January in Virginia where Depp is suing his ex-wife for $50 million over an op-ed she wrote for the Washington Post about surviving domestic violence. Heard turned to close pal de Cadenet for support after her marriage ended in a May 21, 2016 blowout fight, attending a party at her house the very next day where she was pictured smiling but with hair covering one side of her face. The photographer and founder of non-binary digital jobs platform, Girlgaze, became a staunch ally, publicly indicating that she believed Heard's claims that she was abused and beaten by Depp. 'As a long time womxn's rights activist and survivor, it is my fundamental position to believe womxn who speak up about domestic or sexual assault,' de Cadenet states in her June 18 declaration, using an alternative spelling for women favored by some feminists and trans activists. A source close to de Cadenet said she was a survivor herself and remained a steadfast advocate of women's rights. 'Amanda feels she was used and misled by Amber and hopes Amber receives the help she needs,' the source added. 'Amanda believes in the power of redemption and reconciliation and hopes both parties are able to achieve that' Heard turned to close pal de Cadenet for support after her marriage ended in a May 21, 2016 blowout fight, attending a party at her house the very next day where she was pictured smiling but with hair covering one side of her face (pictured) 'Historically womxn's rights in this area have been chronically undermined and womxn have had their voices silenced. 'This is one of the reasons why, when Amber told me her version of the conflict between her and Johnny, it was my inclination to believe her and support her.' However de Cadenet, who divorced Duran Duran bassist John Taylor in 1997 and is now married to Strokes guitarist Nick Valensi, goes to reveal her abrupt change of heart. 'I recently acknowledged that I will not testifying (sic) in Johnny Depp's upcoming defamation case against the Sun. I also acknowledged that new facts have come to my attention which has changed my perspective on this matter,' she writes in her declaration, obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com. 'When the first audio tape was released, and I heard Amber being verbally abusive to Johnny, I was horrified,' she writes in the statement, obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com. 'I texted Robbie Kaplan, Amber's attorney, and let her know I needed to speak with her urgently. When we spoke, I told her I was appalled and shocked to hear how Amber was speaking to Johnny and that it was not ok with me. 'When I confronted Amber concerning the recording, she informed me it was edited by Johnny's team. I had hoped Amber would take accountability for her behavior but she did not. 'I have not spoken with Amber since this exchange and have come to the very painful realization that someone who I advocated for and believed so wholeheartedly, was not entirely forthcoming with me.' Heard cataloged the 'horrific' abuse she claims to have suffered at Depp's hands, describing him as 'the monster' and recalling many of the allegations she made during their divorce. The filing included photos of bruises and scars (left and right) The estranged couple managed to agree to a $7 million divorce settlement in August of that year, however their feud reignited when Heard's op-ed was published in December 2018. It didn't mention Depp by name but he nonetheless sued her the following March, saying it led to speculation that he was the abuser and caused him to lose the role of Captain Jack Sparrow LA-based de Cadenet adds: 'I want to emphasize that I have no further personal knowledge of what happened between Johnny and Amber, and no knowledge of the truth of her accusations against him. 'I have made this statement in support of due process and upholding the truth.' Depp and Heard met on the set of The Rum Diary back in 2011 and married four years later before their May 2016 fight proved the final nail in their chaotic relationship. The estranged couple managed to agree to a $7 million divorce settlement in August of that year, however their feud reignited when Heard's op-ed was published in December 2018. It didn't mention Depp by name but he nonetheless sued her the following March, saying it led to speculation that he was the abuser and caused him to lose the role of Captain Jack Sparrow. Depp has always argued he was the victim of an 'elaborate hoax' instigated by his ex-wife, who 'faked' her injuries with makeup and falsified accounts of abuse. 'Ms. Heard is not a victim of domestic abuse; she is the perpetrator,' his suit alleges. 'She hit, punched and kicked me. She also repeatedly and frequently threw objects into my body and head, including heavy bottles, soda cans, burning candles, television remote controls and paint thinner cans, which severely injured me.' Heard responded with a 300-page filing of her own, cataloging the years of alleged abuse she suffered at the hands of 'the monster' and recalling many of the allegations she made during their divorce. These included a blood-curdling account of how Depp cut off his own finger after a booze and ecstasy bender one month into their marriage, an accusation he denies. Heard responded with a 300-page filing of her own, cataloging the years of alleged abuse she suffered at the hands of 'the monster' and recalling many of the allegations she made during their divorce. These included a blood-curdling account of how Depp cut off his own finger after a booze and ecstasy bender one month into their marriage, an accusation he denies. The violent incident took place a month after the pair were married and while Depp was filming the fifth installment of the Pirates of Caribbean movie franchise in Australia. The Captain Jack Sparrow actor, 56, chuckles on camera as he reveals how he nicknamed the permanently-damaged digit 'Little Richard.' Pictured: Depp's finger after surgery As part of Depp's $50m defamation case against Heard, he included images of his own bruised and battered face (pictured ) following Heard's alleged attacks DailyMail.com revealed in January that the couple had a habit of recording their arguments so they could listen back to them later as a form of DIY marriage guidance. Depp's supporters say they amount to a series of bombshell confessions, with Heard admitting she hit the Pirates of Caribbean actor and telling him on tape: 'See how many people believe you.' Kaplan, co-founder of the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund and Heard's attorney until two weeks ago, claimed the tapes had been 'doctored'. She argued it was completely legitimate for victims of repeated physical and emotional abuse to defend themselves. 'We believe Amber and we believe in Amber,' Kaplan's firm insisted last week, despite announcing it was no longer representing her. 'In the strange and unexpected circumstances of today's world, as travel and logistics have become more costly in light of the pandemic, we understand the decision to move the case to local, Virginia-based trial counsel.' Heard's rep declined to comment on the latest legal development. Depp's attorney Adam Waldman said: 'When Amanda de Cadenet, Amber Heard's best friend and #MeToo activist recants her support for Ms Heard and testifies against her, you know we have reached the beginning of the end of Ms. Heard's abuse hoax against Johnny Depp. 'But Ms Heard did not execute her hoax without help from her other powerful friends and the media; we will expose their various roles at the trial Mr Depp and I have arrived in the UK to prepare for.' Dear Annie: My parents and my in-laws have a habit of cleaning out their houses by bringing their unwanted things to my house. When we first moved in together, my husband and I thought they were trying to help by giving us things so we wouldn't need to buy them, but it's been over a decade, and it continues. When asked if we want items from their homes, we always decline. More frequently, though, things are left on our porch or in our garage. Unless it is something we think they may want back (something we know is an heirloom or expensive), we throw everything away. The things we feel like we have to keep go into the attic. Obviously this is a minimal issue compared to most, but we are tired of being responsible for their unwanted items. Please encourage your readers, especially those downsizing, to manage their own belongings and not push them onto family without asking, and to respect the response. -- Minimalist Dear Minimalist: You and your husband need to have an open and honest conversation with both your and his parents. If you tell them you don't want their items but then keep heirlooms when they are left with you, no wonder everyone is confused. While you are correct that family members should not unload their stuff on one another, it is also traditional for families to pass on heirlooms. Perhaps you and your husband should go over to your respective parents' houses and decide what is an heirloom and what is trash. My guess is they are unclear. One clean sweep of everyone's stuff will prevent this constant appearance of unwanted items. Dear Annie: I can empathize totally with Sucker-Punched in Indiana, having had a similar experience years ago when my then husband told me he didn't love me and never had, not even on the day we married. However, he did not want a divorce since we had two young children. I lived with that pain and bitterness for years, feeling trapped, hopeless and depressed. Eventually, though, friends talked me into seeking therapy, which, like Sucker-Punched, I resisted at first. However, when I finally relented, it was the best decision of my life. I came out on the other side stronger, more sure of who I am and what I want, and realizing I am worth far more than what my husband made me feel I was. Like you, I strongly advise Sucker-Punched to find a good therapist who will help her learn to view her situation with new eyes, make wise decisions and value herself again. I cannot state strongly enough how positively life-changing therapy was for me. -- Stronger and Happier From Therapy Dear Stronger and Happier From Therapy: I'm sorry you coped for so long with a terrible, mean husband, though it's wonderful therapy helped you turn your life around. Love your letter! Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2020 CREATORS.COM Millions died in the conflict on the Korean Peninsula, but a formal peace treaty has never been signed. South Korea and the United States on Thursday reaffirmed their commitment to defending the hard-fought peace on the divided peninsula as the allies marked the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. Communist North Korea invaded the US-backed South on June 25, 1950, triggering a three-year war that killed millions. The fighting ended with an armistice that has never been replaced by a peace treaty, leaving the peninsula divided by a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the two Koreas still technically at war. On this day in 1950, the US-ROK military alliance was born of necessity and forged in blood, the US secretary of defence Mark Esper and his South Korean counterpart Jeong Kyeong-doo said in a joint statement, using the acronym for the Republic of Korea, South Koreas official name. The two paid tribute to the sacrifice, bravery, and legacy of those who laid down their lives in defence of a free, democratic and prosperous South, the statement read. Seouls defence ministry puts the conflicts military fatalities at 520,000 North Koreans, 137,000 South Korean troops and 37,000 Americans. American soldiers in action against North Korean invaders somewhere in Korea in July 1950. The fighting dragged on for three years and no formal peace treaty has ever been signed [File: AP Photo] Seouls relationship with Washington has been strained in recent years by the Trump administrations demands that it pay more towards the cost of keeping 28,500 US troops on the peninsula to protect the South from its nuclear-armed neighbour. But the allies remain firmly committed to defending the hard-fought peace on the Korean Peninsula, the statement added. Recent tension The anniversary comes with inter-Korean ties uncertain. A rapid rapprochement in 2018 that brought three summits between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the Souths President Moon Jae-in has hardened with Pyonygang disappointed at the Souths inability to deliver on its promises and get the US to agree to sanctions relaxation. An escalation of tension that began when the North raised tensions by demolishing the two countries joint liaison office on its side of the border eased on Wednesday after Kim suspended plans for military moves aimed at the South. Recent events showed that inter-Korean relations can turn into a house of cards at any time, the Souths JoongAng Daily said in an editorial on Thursday on the anniversary. The South Korean government has persistently turned a blind eye to Pyongyangs provocations, it said, resulting in a slackening sense of security. There is no free ride in keeping peace, the editorial read, adding: We hope the government and defence ministry deeply reflect on the lesson of 70 years ago. Amid escalating border tensions between India and China, the Chinese side has reportedly occupied a village in Nepal and 10 other strategic areas. To legitimise its annexation, China has allegedly removed boundary pillars around Rui village situated in the northern Gorkha district. The village is said to have around 72 houses. A report, prepared by Survey Department of Agriculture Ministry of Nepal, suggests China has encroached places which make up around 33 hectares of Nepal's land, by diverting the flow of rivers which act as a natural boundary. The Nepal government has not commented on the matter so far. According to news reports, a total of 10 hectares has been encroached on in Humla district with the Chinese construction works diverting Bagdare Khola and Karnali rivers. Six hectares of land has been encroached on in Rasuwa district with diversions in Sinjen, Bhurjuk and Jambu Khola. A total of 11 hectares of Nepals land has already claimed by China for "falling in Tibet" with diversions in Kharane Khola and Bhote Kosi in Sindhupalchowk district. By diverting the flow of Sumjung, Kam Khola and Arun rivers in Sankhuwasabha district, China has been able to encroach on nine hectares of Nepal's land. India is reportedly evaluating strategic implications of China occupying parts of Nepals territory. Also read | India seeing if Nepal government led by KP Sharma Oli 'gifted' territory to China: Report New Delhi is evaluating the exact location of Chinese encroachment in Nepal and its proximity to the border with India. India is also evaluating if this Chinese move was made with the approval of a section of Kathmandus political leadership or by taking the Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis government for a ride. It comes as a US university predicts 180,000 US deaths from the virus by October. Dr Fauci on Tuesday: 'We're now seeing a disturbing surge of infections' New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have asked people travelling from states where virus cases are rising to go into self-isolation for 14 days. New Jersey's Phil Murphy said people in the three states had been "through hell and back" and did not want "another round" of virus infections. Some southern and western states have been reporting record numbers of cases. The University of Washington predicts 180,000 US deaths by October - or 146,000 if 95% of Americans wear masks. So far, the US has recorded more than 2.3m cases of the virus and more than 121,000 deaths. Health officials say the coming weeks will be crucial to stem the outbreaks. On Tuesday America's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci told lawmakers there was "a disturbing surge of infection" and "increased community spread" in many southern and western states. He told Americans to take social distancing measures, saying: "Plan A, don't go in a crowd. Plan B, if you do, make sure you wear a mask." Which states are subject to the quarantine? Currently, those states are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Utah, the governor of New York state Andrew Cuomo told reporters. People coming from those states - including returning New York, New Jersey and Connecticut residents - will be asked to quarantine upon arrival for 14 days. Anyone found breaking the quarantine could face fines of $1,000 (800) rising to $5,000 for repeated violations, Mr Cuomo said. He added that US states would be added or taken off the quarantine list depending on the number of new cases per 100,00 people or the rate of positive tests. "This is a smart thing to do," New Jersey's Governor Phil Murphy said. "We have taken our people, the three of us from these three states, through hell and back, and the last thing we need to do right now is subject our folks to another round." The state of Washington had initially been included in the list due to a data reporting error - but this was later corrected, Mr Cuomo's press secretary Caitlin Girouard said. Which US states are seeing cases surge? The overall number of infections in the US rose by a quarter last week, with 10 states reporting a rise in cases of more than 50%, according to Reuters news agency. On Wednesday California reported a record 7,149 new confirmed cases, bringing the state's total to 190,222 cases, officials said. Governor Gavin Newsom said the state had carried out more than a million tests over the past two weeks, with about 5% coming back positive. Mr Newsom has made wearing a face mask mandatory in public. Walt Disney said it was delaying reopening of its Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park originally set for 17 July. The company said it first needed to receive approval from government officials. Florida also reported a daily record of 5,508 new infections. It brings Florida's total number of confirmed infections to 109,014, with 3,281 deaths. In the absence of a state-wide mask requirement, several cities and towns have issued their own orders mandating masks in public. Arizona on Wednesday reported 1,795 new infections, down from the record 3,600 new infections on Tuesday, when President Trump held a campaign rally in the city of Phoenix. At the event Mr Trump - who was not wearing a mask - insisted that the coronavirus "plague" was "going away" and again referred to the virus as the "kung flu", which the White House denies is a racist term. Arizona officials warn that over 80% of hospital beds are currently being used, and that the healthcare system may be overrun in the coming days or weeks. Texas on Wednesday also reported a new record daily number of 5,551 confirmed cases, with Governor Greg Abbott warning that the state was facing a "massive outbreak" and new restrictions may be needed in some areas. Texas has seen increasing numbers of people admitted to hospital and a children's hospital in Houston has begun admitting adult virus patients. Texas Children's Hospital urged the public to "take responsible actions - practice appropriate social distancing, wear a mask or face covering anytime you leave your home". Both Texas and Arizona were among those states that removed coronavirus restrictions early. Texas has temporarily revoked alcohol licences from several businesses that were breaking social distancing rules. On Tuesday the governor of Washington state, Jay Inslee, ordered all residents to wear face masks in public after confirmed infections rose by more than a third the previous week. "This is about saving lives. It's about reopening our businesses. And it's about showing respect and care for one another," Mr Inslee said. Several US states and cities have instructed residents to wear face coverings. South Carolina, Utah, Mississippi and Louisiana have also seen a surge in caseload and some governors have said they may be forced to announce new lockdown measures. The European Union is reportedly considering banning US citizens from entering the bloc as it considers how to reopen its external borders. BBC The death of a 23-year-old Black man in police custody in Colorado is under renewed public scrutiny amid nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism, and the governor has promised state action in reviewing the case. Elijah McClain was taken off life support on Aug. 30, six days after he was confronted by police in the Denver suburb of Aurora, as officers answered a call reporting a suspicious person in the area. Officers applied a chokehold during the confrontation, authorities have said. "I am hearing from many Coloradans who have expressed concerns with the investigation of Elijah McClains death," Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement on Wednesday. As a result, he said he has asked legal counsel "what the state can do and we are assessing next steps." Also on Wednesday, Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman scheduled a special City Council meeting for July 6 and called for lawmakers to consider an independent probe. Elijah McClain Press Conference (Andy Cross / Denver Post via Getty Images) "We need to bring closure to this tragic incident by making sure every aspect of it is thoroughly investigated," Coffman said. Aurora police received a call at 10:32 p.m. on Aug. 24 reporting that a suspicious person was "walking on Billings Street near East Colfax Avenue, wearing a ski mask and waving his arms at the caller," officials said. McClain often wore a ski mask when he felt cold, his family said, and it would have been in the mid- to high-60s that night, according to weather records. "The male would not stop walking down the street from the officer," according to a police statement at the time. "The male resisted contact, a struggle ensued, and he was taken into custody." At some point, officers called for an ambulance. Authorities later said that McClain "suffered a cardiac arrest and lifesaving measures were initiated." The coroner for Adams and Broomfield counties found that McClain's death was due to "undetermined causes." But the coroner did not rule out whether the police chokehold - in addition to the sedative ketamine, injected into McClain by paramedics - might have contributed to his death. Story continues "A carotid control hold was applied during the decedent's restraint," according to the report by Dr. Stephen Cina, a forensic pathology consultant. "The records indicate the the decedent was still struggling with officers after this hold was removed. He then coded after receiving a dose of ketamine." Cina added: "I cannot determine whether a carotid control hold contributed to death via stimulation of the carotid sinus; there were no signs of traumatic asphyxiation." Adams County prosecutor Dave Young opted not to prosecute the officers involved, saying he could not disprove, with enough evidence to win a conviction, the officers' assertion that they were right to use the level of force they employed. A Change.org petition calling for the officers involved to be taken off duty and for an independent investigation into the case had gained nearly 2.7 million signatures by Thursday morning. "Public confidence in our law enforcement process is incredibly important now more than ever," Polis said. "A fair and objective process free from real or perceived bias for investigating officer-involved killings is critical." Mari Newman, a lawyer for McClain's family, said the family is grateful for supporters, but still frustrated no action has been taken against anyone involved in the man's death. "Elijahs family is so thankful for the millions of people who have stood up to denounce the murder of their beloved son," Newman said. "But it should not take a massive petition and national media attention for city leaders to do their jobs." A union representative for the three officers involved in the case could not be immediately reached for comment on Thursday. The acting chairman of President Trumps Council of Economic Advisers, Tomas J. Philipson, will leave his post and return to the University of Chicago at the end of June, an administration official said Wednesday. Following the departure of deputy director Andrew Olmem last week, the three-member panel will be down to one member, Tyler Goodspeed, who is trained as an historian. Another top adviser, Kevin Hassett, who preceded Philipson as CEA chair before stepping down a year ago, said he was ending a three-month stint advising the president. Why it matters: The departures come at a critical time for the White House and the country, The Washington Post said, citing the severe recession, massive job losses, the resurgence of coronavirus in much of the country, and the trillions of dollars the government has spent and may spend again to aid the economy. Losing two top economists in the midst of the crisis could push more of the analysis of future steps onto other advisers who dont have the same background or expertise, the Post added. Still, Trump isnt known for relying on the guidance of economists as much as his own instincts. Like what you're reading? Sign up for our free newsletter. Scientists from the Center for Photonics and 2D Materials of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), the University of Oviedo, Donostia International Physics Center, and CIC nanoGUNE have proposed a new way to study the properties of individual organic molecules and nanolayers of molecules. The approach relies on V-shaped graphene-metal film structures. Credit: Daria Sokol/MIPT Press Office Scientists from the Center for Photonics and 2-D Materials of the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), the University of Oviedo, Donostia International Physics Center, and CIC nanoGUNE have proposed a new way to study the properties of individual organic molecules and nanolayers of molecules. The approach, described in Nanophotonics, relies on V-shaped graphene-metal film structures. Nondestructive analysis of molecules via infrared spectroscopy is vital in many situations in organic and inorganic chemistry: for controlling gas concentrations, detecting polymer degradation, measuring alcohol content in the blood, etc. However, this simple method is not applicable to small numbers of molecules in a nanovolume. In their recent study, researchers from Russia and Spain propose a way to address this. A key notion underlying the new technique is that of a plasmon. Broadly defined, it refers to an electron oscillation coupled to an electromagnetic wave. Propagating together, the two can be viewed as a quasiparticle. The study considered plasmons in a wedge-shaped structure several dozen nanometers in size. One side of the wedge is a one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms, known as graphene. It accommodates plasmons propagating along the sheet, with oscillating charges in the form of Dirac electrons or holes. The other side of the V-shaped structure is a gold or other electrically conductive metal film that runs nearly parallel to the graphene sheet. The space in between is filled with a tapering layer of dielectric materialfor example, boron nitridethat is 2 nanometers thick at its narrowest (fig. 1). Such a setup enables plasmon localization, or focusing. This refers to a process that converts regular plasmons into shorter-wavelength ones, called acoustic. As a plasmon propagates along graphene, its field is forced into progressively smaller spaces in the tapering wedge. As a result, the wavelength becomes many times smaller and the field amplitude in the region between the metal and graphene gets amplified. In that manner, a regular plasmon gradually transforms into an acoustic one. "It was previously known that polaritons and wave modes undergo such compression in tapering waveguides. We set out to examine this process specifically for graphene, but then went on to consider the possible applications of the graphene-metal system in terms of producing molecular spectra," said paper co-author Kirill Voronin from the MIPT Laboratory of Nanooptics and Plasmonics. The team tested its idea on a molecule known as CBP, which is used in pharmaceutics and organic light emitting diodes. It is characterized by a prominent absorption peak at a wavelength of 6.9 micrometers. The study looked at the response of a layer of molecules, which was placed in the thin part of the wedge, between the metal and graphene. The molecular layer was as thin as 2 nanometers, or three orders of magnitude smaller than the wavelength of the laser exciting plasmons. Measuring such a low absorption of the molecules would be impossible using conventional spectroscopy. In the setup proposed by the physicists, however, the field is localized in a much tighter space, enabling the team to focus on the sample so well as to register a response from several molecules or even a single large molecule such as DNA. There are different ways to excite plasmons in graphene. The most efficient technique relies on a scattering-type scanning near-field microscope. Its needle is positioned close to graphene and irradiated with a focused light beam. Since the needle point is very small, it can excite waves with a very large wave vectorand a small wavelength. Plasmons excited away from the tapered end of the wedge travel along graphene toward the molecules that are to be analyzed. After interacting with the molecules, the plasmons are reflected at the tapered end of the wedge and then scattered by the same needle that initially excited them, which thus doubles as a detector. "We calculated the reflection coefficient, that is, the ratio of the reflected plasmon intensity to the intensity of the original laser radiation. The reflection coefficient clearly depends on frequency, and the maximum frequency coincides with the absorption peak of the molecules. It becomes apparent that the absorption is very weakabout several percentin the case of regular graphene plasmons. When it comes to acoustic plasmons, the reflection coefficient is tens of percent lower. This means that the radiation is strongly absorbed in the small layer of molecules," adds the paper's co-author and MIPT visiting professor Alexey Nikitin, a researcher at Donostia International Physics Center, Spain. After certain improvements to the technological processes involved, the scheme proposed by the Russian and Spanish researchers can be used as the basis for creating actual devices. According to the team, they would mainly be useful for investigating the properties of poorly studied organic compounds and for detecting known ones. Explore further Smallest cavity for light realized by graphene plasmons More information: Kirill V. Voronin et al, Nanofocusing of acoustic graphene plasmon polaritons for enhancing mid-infrared molecular fingerprints, Nanophotonics (2020). Kirill V. Voronin et al, Nanofocusing of acoustic graphene plasmon polaritons for enhancing mid-infrared molecular fingerprints,(2020). DOI: 10.1515/nanoph-2020-0164 Srinagar: NIA on Friday registered a case to probe the conspiracy behind the unsuccessful attack on an army installation in Kupwara where three terrorists were killed by the alert troops. An NIA team was at the spot taking over the evidence collected by the army, besides the bodies of the three terrorists killed after a fierce encounter at north Kashmirs Langate, 82 kms from here, official sources said. NIA would be also securing DNA samples of the three terrorists who were killed after nearly a five-hour gunbattle with the troops. The central probe agency has been handed over three Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, mobile phones, map and matrix sheets (used for sending coded messages) recovered from the killed terrorists and would be sending it for technological evaluation. Besides these, army had recovered three AK rifles, three under barrel grenade launchers, a number of magazines, significant rounds of bullets, four walkie-talkie sets, dry fruits and medicines. The medicines which have been recovered from all three terrorists has Pakistani marking. This ascertains that all three terrorists were Pakistani terrorists, a senior army official had yesterday said after the attack was over.Thursdays unsuccessful attack came a three weeks after terrorists had stormed an army camp on September 18 in Uri, killing 19 soldiers. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Sylvia*, 28, found her nine-month-old son Chase* floating face up in the bath after she'd left him alone briefly to use the drug, crystal methamphetamine, known as ice. "I thought I didn't deserve him, I hated myself," Sylvia said about that moment when she thought her baby had died. Terrified that she'd lose custody of her son, Sylvia moved from interstate for residential treatment for addiction at non-profit Odyssey House in Campbelltown, NSW. Her recovery is now the subject of an innovative stop-motion animated film by a US-Australia Fulbright scholar Ariana Kam, 26, who says there is "no more inspiring story" than Sylvia's. When Sylvia found her baby son floating in the bath, she knew it was time to get help. Her story is now the subject of an innovative stop motion animation to be used in the United States. Credit:Through Water: Sylvia and Chase by Ariana Kam The new film is one in a series called A Less Lonely Road about Australian drug treatment programs that Ms Kam hopes will facilitate discussion about substance abuse and treatment among American health care providers, policymakers and the general public. Four cities in Upstate New York are great places to live and visit because of their great food, education, and culture. The 2020 ranking of Americas 100 Best Small Cities is out. Ithaca lands at No. 24. Resonance Consultancy released its latest edition of Best Cities ranking Tuesday. The group specializes in real estate, tourism, and economic development for countries, cities and communities. Among its other Best Cities include Americas 50 Best Large Cities and Americas 50 Best Midsize Cities. Albany, Syracuse, and Rochester are on those lists. Scores measure for the worlds best cities are based on six metrics: place, product, programming, people, prosperity, and promotion. Those metrics subcategories include outdoors, neighborhoods and landmarks, university ranking, shopping, nightlife, and more. Resonances methodology also analyzes statistics and user-generated reviews and online activity in Google, Facebook and Instagram. Here are the winning details for the following Upstate cities below. Best Small Cities category has a metro populations between 100,000 and 500,000 people. Among the reasons why Ithaca is No. 24: Cornell University and Ithaca College Finger Lakes region of New York state Downtown Ithacas restaurants and an underrated nightlife scene More than 100 gorges and waterfalls located within 10 miles of downtown including the 215-foot Taughannock Falls Night falls on the state Capitol, top, and downtown Albany as seen from Rensselaer, N.Y., on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016. Mike Groll | AP PhotoAP Best Midsize American Cities category has metro populations between 500,000 and a million people. Albany landed at No. 30. Among its assets include the following: Connected by road, rail and the No. 11-ranked airport among U.S. midsize cities Top 10 household income (No. 8) and educated citizenry (No. 9 in Resonances Educational Attainment subcategory) Central location and a few hours from the Berkshires, Adirondacks, Finger Lakes wine region, and New York City 18th and 19th-century historic homes and compact, walkable streets to enjoying dining The Syracuse skyline is seen from the former Nynex building in downtown Syracuse. Syracuse City Hall is on the right and the State Tower Building is in the middle of the photo. (Rick Moriarty | rmoriarty@syracuse.com)Rick Moriarty Syracuse landed at No. 42 in the midsize cities. Its advantages include: Reinventing itself as The Green Apple of the state. The Clean Tech Center, a clean energy business incubator program, is one of the first of its kind in the country. It boasts 30 businessesand growing. The city plans to remove a 1.4-mile stretch of Interstate 81 that has sliced through its downtown since the 1950s. Syracuse University, the No. 7 ranked University in the nation among midsize cities. Its 150 parks, two hospitals and two large summer jazz festivals. The Best Large American Cities category has metro populations of a million people or more. Rochester is No. 50 for the following reasons: Its history of companies like Kodak, Western Union, and Xerox. Affordable old world charm, stately homes. University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology have renowned research programs. For a full list of Resonances Best Cities, visit here. MORE NYUP Must-see Home in Upstate NY: Former Yankees manager Billy Martins lakeside retreat Frustrations rise for bar owners who follow rules while others dont: A huge problem In the Finger Lakes, one winery expands by buying another Discover CNY Central New York is one of Americas most affordable places to live, with a tradition of career opportunity, exciting entertainment and outdoor recreation, and an excellent quality of life. Find out more at The Good Life Central New York. Your tax-deductible gift today powers our reporters and keeps us independent. We rely on you, our reader, not paywalls to stay funded because we believe important news and information should be freely accessible to all. Start your day with LAist Sign up for the Morning Brief, delivered weekdays. Subscribe Our news is free on LAist. To make sure you get our coverage: Sign up for our daily newsletters. To support our non-profit public service journalism: Donate Now. Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar was arrested by the FBI Tuesday on a federal racketeering charge. The arrest is part of a years-long, ongoing investigation into City Hall corruption. On Wednesday, we spent the afternoon in Boyle Heights -- it's part of Huizar's Council District 14 -- and also where Huizar lives and grew up. Locals had mixed feelings about the news. Emmanuel Deleage owns Casa Fina restaurant, just across the street from Mariachi Plaza. "He tried to really uplift what was sort of homegrown from this community," Deleage said. "I think he went to Salesian High School... So, too bad." Deleage said he recalled Huizar and his office being actively involved in the community, including knocking on people's doors to let them know about their rights when it came to rent increases and other housing issues. "I think he was trying to do everything he could to mitigate the harms of gentrification," Deleage said. Others had very different feelings about Huizar, whose district also includes most of Downtown L.A. and parts of Northeast L.A., including Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, El Sereno, some of Highland Park, and Eagle Rock, and over the years has faced criticism from anti-gentrification activists. icon DON'T MISS ANY L.A. CORONAVIRUS NEWS Get our daily newsletters for the latest on COVID-19 and other top local headlines. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Just a few steps away from the restaurant, Carmina Calderon was helping organize a fundraiser concert for mariachi musicians who are out of work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. "I've never trusted the fool," Calderon said. "If people were trying to build anywhere, they had to go through him, and for sure he was in their pockets." The FBI is investigating a "pay-to-play" scheme in which Huizar and others are accused of taking bribes and other illicit perks from developers in exchange for green-lighting development projects. According to a 172-page indictment, federal agents seized some $129,000 in cash from Huizar's home during a raid in 2018 -- wrapped in a t-shirt, stashed in red envelopes with Chinese characters, even stuffed in the pocket of one of his suits. In a statement earlier this week, U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna described Huizar as running "a money-making criminal enterprise that shaped the development landscape in Los Angeles." Council District 14 field office in Boyle Heights. (Chava Sanchez/LAist) Huizar's attorneys, Mary Carter Andrues and Vicki Podberesky, told LAist this week that he "intends to respond to the government's allegations in court." On Tuesday, the city council voted 14-0 to suspend Huizar, although he can't be officially removed from his position unless he pleads or is found guilty. Some colleagues called for his resignation. Daisy Zuno, who works in the Boyle Heights neighborhood, voiced similar disappointment. "A lot of the people that live in Boyle Heights, they're very upset," Zuno said. "They are concerned if he is doing wrong things, because the city needs a lot of things [like] repairs." But in spite of the highly publicized allegations, just outside Huizar's field office on First Street, Boyle Heights resident Kareli Vasquez was surprised to hear that he'd been arrested -- and she was skeptical. "It's very sad," Vasquez said. "He comes from a decent family, so I don't think he actually committed all those crimes." Amy Shepherd is a strong voice in our industry...she understands our vision and mission at this crucial time, said Sandie Roth, Executive Director The Texas Medical Device Alliance (TMDA) has appointed Amy Shepherd as Director of Marketing and Public Relations to serve on their Board of Directors. Shepherd is the Founder and Chief Consultant of Artemis Communications, LLC, a marketing, communications and PR consultancy specializing in the life sciences industry and a longtime medical technology marketing and communications leader. The TMDA provides support and outreach opportunities for entrepreneurs, academia, hospital systems, device experts and the overall medical technology community in Central Texas. Founded and based in Austin, the organization has more than 1,500 active members. Amy Shepherd is a strong voice in our industry and I am confident she will help ramp up our efforts to promote and support the med tech industry in Central Texas, said Sandie Roth, Executive Director of the organization. Were growing and she understands our vision and mission at this crucial time. Amy is a great addition to the board, added Elisa Maldonado-Holmertz, Secretary and Director of Operations. She brings the experience, skills and knowledge that will help us communicate and connect with our colleagues to advance their businesses and networks. I am very honored to be elected to the TMDA Board. Ive been so impressed with their work of nurturing and growing the medical technology and device industry in Texas, Shepherd said. I look forward to furthering access to the information, products, process, funding, sponsorship and professionals of our industry. Amy joins the existing board which includes members from diverse backgrounds and medical technology experiences. The TMDAs quarterly meetings feature panelist presentations, networking opportunities and sponsorships. The next virtual meeting, scheduled for Thursday, July 16th from 2-4 p.m., covers the topic of Design, Development and Design Transfer of a Medical Device. Click here to register. For sponsorship information, contact Sandie Roth at sandieroth@gmail.com. About TMDA Founded in 2009 by Austin med tech pioneer, Jack Hart, the Texas Medical Device Alliance (TMDA) supports medical device and biotech entrepreneurs, academia and industry service providers with peer networking, synergy building and sponsorship opportunities. Members of the Central Texas med tech community, including healthcare professionals, investors and IP attorneys, are encouraged to join. Visit http://www.texmda.org for more information. The Pallister government has slowed Manitobas freedom-of-information system to a crawl as departments fret over the political implications of giving data to the public that it is entitled to receive. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 24/6/2020 (577 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Pallister government has slowed Manitobas freedom-of-information system to a crawl as departments fret over the political implications of giving data to the public that it is entitled to receive. To make matters worse, only a skeleton crew handles records from the most important areas of government. The conclusions are in a damning audit by the Manitoba ombudsman this month. It was done for the provincial NDP, who shared the results with the Free Press. "The FIPPA process is one of the best levers we have to keep government honest, and keep government accountable," said NDP Leader Wab Kinew. "The Pallister government has no respect for this, and treats it like a joke, like an inconvenience, rather than being a super-important part of our democracy." Government department officials insist theyve turned a corner and take their obligations seriously. The provincial Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act gives citizens, media, lobbyists and opposition politicians the right to access records about decisions and spending made by public bodies. Departments, Crown corporations and school administrations are supposed to provide records within 30 calendar days, unless they can provide reasons to extend that deadline. "The FIPPA process is one of the best levers we have to keep government honest, and keep government accountable." NDP Leader Wab Kinew In mid-2018, the provincial NDP asked Manitobas ombudsman to look into multiple problems with 16 FIPPA requests, which were all handled by the office that processes requests for four crucial government departments. In October 2018, the independent watchdog deemed there was enough of a problem to merit an audit into "reoccurring patterns of delay () which may be affecting the rights of other applicants." The results were finally published this month. The ombudsman examined the 120 requests received on behalf of four central departments from December 2017 to May 2018. It found those departments failed to meet the legislated deadline in 78 per cent of the files; half the audited files took longer than two months. The reasons for those delays arent clear, because the audited FIPPA office doesnt centrally track its work, such as whom theyve asked for records, when, and the date of the response. "There was not enough documentation about the processing of a request to identify where delays may be occurring in responding to requests," reads the audit. FIPPA staff members store data on shared network drives, individual email accounts and chart files on hard drives. Such an approach could be one source of delay. Another possible cause: FIPPA staff wringing their hands over "issues management," the bureaucratic term for trying to anticipate controversies and mitigate them. Those discussions, with panels of senior bureaucrats, arent being put into records. "Public bodies advised that an issues-management meeting occurs regularly where FIPPA matters (for example, scope of the request and the search for records) are discussed with the panel. However, the decisions made during those meetings, and actions to be taken, are not documented," reads the audit. The FIPPA employees say they dont have enough staff. RUTH BONNEVILLE / FREE PRESS FILES "It looks like the premier is purposely keeping this understaffed," said Wab Kinew. (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files) Requests to the four central departments finance, the executive council, the Civil Service Commission and Crown services are processed by two full-time staff, two student workers and one supervisor, who signs off on all files. That means five staff two of whom are rotating student employees handled 543 requests in 2017. That compares to seven FIPPA staff who work for the health department and 13 for the families department both of which had half the caseload of the four combined central departments that rely on a team of just five. (The justice department has 12 FIPPA staff but the 2017 caseload was not reported.) The four central departments are the only ones to hide their phone number from the public, the ombudsman noted. Staff in that section reported being overworked and having high turnover. The ombudsman is asking the government to adequately staff the office, and proactively release documents to cut down on delays. In its response, which was published in the report, the government pledges to review its processes, but makes no promise about more staff. "It looks like the premier is purposely keeping this understaffed," said Kinew. "It certainly makes our job much more difficult." The four bodies take far longer to respond to requests from media and the provincial NDP and Liberals, than to requests from organizations and businesses. A FIPPA request from a business is answered within an average of 46 days, compared with 81 days for political parties and 88 days for journalists. "Youre talking about almost three months where Manitobans are being left in the dark," said Kinew. The ombudsmans report does not specify whether there is evidence that media and opposition MLAs are being stonewalled, or if their requests tend to take longer than those submitted by businesses. However, the audit did note that FIPPA staff inform departments of the type of applicant, which the ombudsman advised not disclosing because that can help departmental staff deduce who has made the request. Want to get a head start on your day? Get the days breaking stories, weather forecast, and more sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. In its official responses to the ombudsmans recommendations, the province said it is "assessing the current processes associated with FIPPA requests towards implementing improvements to comply with legislated time limits." That includes a review of "process and legislation" to deal with a growing complexity and number of requests, and "electronic case-management tools." When asked to "not reveal the type of applicant" making a request to a department, the province only replied it "will exercise discretion, to ensure the applicant cant be identified." The province touted its new "Open Government" portal, which it intends to use to divulge information thats frequently requested under FIPPA. The ombudsman will audit the four same FIPPA offices in the 2021-22 fiscal year to see if anything has changed. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca Escalating violence, grinding poverty and an increasing wave of streets protests these are some of the challenges faced by the Malian government amid concerns the growing tensions could further destabilise the wider Sahel region. Below, we take a look at the current situation in Mali and how the country arrived at this point. What has been happening? A sprawling country of some 19 million people that neighbours seven states in West Africa, Mali has been engulfed in conflict since 2012, when ethnic Touareg fighters launched a rebellion in the countrys north. The rebellion was swiftly taken over by armed group fighters who overran and seized control of northern territories for several months. They were pushed back the next year when France, the former colonial power, intervened militarily in support of the Malian forces. President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita widely known by his initials, IBK also came to power in 2013 to hopes that he would turn the country around. But despite the presence of thousands of foreign troops, the conflict in the gold- and cotton-producing country has only deepened. Multiple armed groups have swept south into central Mali, as well as into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, inflaming ethnic tensions along the way. Thousands of soldiers and civilians have so far been killed while hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes. Eight years on from the initial rebellion, attacks and ethnic killings are routine, with large swaths of the country still outside of government control. Why are people protesting? In recent weeks, Malis capital, Bamako, has been rocked by large demonstrations demanding Keitas departure. The president was re-elected in 2018 for a second five-year term but has struggled with the deteriorating security crisis and, more recently, a strike by teachers and the coronavirus pandemic. Galvanised by a new opposition alliance led by popular religious leader Mahmoud Dicko, the demonstrations were revived after protests in April 2019 against violence and ethnic massacres forced the resignation of the then-prime minister. On June 5, tens of thousands of people poured onto Bamakos streets in anger at the continued failures to stem the violence as well as the governments record on the ailing economy and fighting corruption. Commentators say the resentment seems stronger than before and concurrent failures across several areas have created a unity of purpose. Whats new is that people are fed up, Baba Dakono, a Bamako-based political analyst, told AFP news agency. Ibrahim Maiga, an analyst for the Institute for Security Studies think-tank, said: You have disgruntled teachers in the streets, all those who have lost a lot in the security crisis, frustrated by bad governance and repeated scandals. What about elections? Coronavirus-related restrictions and parliamentary elections have also increased tensions. To date, Mali, one of the worlds poorest countries, has registered 2,005 COVID-19 infections, 112 related deaths and 1,354 recoveries. In late March, the government held the parliamentary poll despite the fear of attacks and the threat of the pandemic. Turnout was low, at about 35 percent. Meanwhile, the lead-up to the vote, which was won by Keitas party, was marred by allegations of vote-buying and intimidation and the kidnapping of opposition leader, Soumaila Cisse. Then in April, Malis constitutional court overturned the results for some 30 seats, which triggered protests in several cities. One politician who won a seat because of that decision was Moussa Timbine, a Keita loyalist who has since been elected president of the parliament. The affair tainted the political class in the eyes of many Malians. Last week, the West African regional bloc ECOWAS urged Mali to rerun some of its contested local elections and convene a government of national unity. New elections for the constituencies concerned should be organized as soon as possible, the bloc said in a statement after a two-day mission to the country. Dakono said Malian politics have a crisis of legitimacy, where few feel the parliament or the constitutional court represents them. Adding to the sense of instability, Keita has also run through six prime ministers during his time in office. Malis political opposition had previously suffered from a lack of talented leaders, according to Maiga. But the new broad-based opposition alliance has now grouped behind Dicko. The imam has channelled various strands of discontent with the government, while hammering home messages about moral values, and what he calls Malis national humiliation. But experts say his ultimate aim is unclear. Dicko is a former Keita ally himself who helped the president to power in 2013, before turning opponent. Brema Ely Dicko, a sociologist, said he thought Dicko had felt slighted after Keita dropped him as a go-between with armed groups. Seven students in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai have won scholarships worth over VND20 billion (US$863,000) to universities in the US and Australia. Students in Lao Cai won scholarships to universities in the US and Australia All seven students from Lao Cai High School for the Gifted are Hoang Tuan, Le Thanh, Manh Khuong, Ngoc Son, Mai Linh, Phuong Thao and Khanh Linh. They have won scholarships to many reputable universities such as Franklin, Marshall, Denison in the US, Adelaide, Deakin and Wollongong in Australia. Cao Anh Tuyet, a teacher at Lao Cai High School for the Gifted, said, "In mountainous areas, the infrastructure isnt as good as other schools in the delta but it has never deterred the students from reaching for their dreams. They have worked hard with encouragement from both parents and teachers." All students also participated in many activities and had achievements in both community activities and academic contests. They are also talented with language so instead of attending language centres, they searched for online lessons and studied at home. Their average IELTS scores are all 7.5 and higher. At Lao Cai High School for the Gifted, all foreign language teachers also have to search for oversea scholarships themselves for post-graduate programmes. Over 60% of the teachers have completed master-degree programmes. The school has started using foreign languages in daily classes so the students know how to write essays and answers overseas. Dtinews Quang Ngai student wins scholarships to 21 universities overseas A teenager in the central province of Quang Ngai has just been invited by 21 universities in the US, the UK, Canada and Singapore. Lashing out at Union Home Minister Amit Shah for targeting the Congress, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot asked why there is no one beyond Prime Minister Narendra Modi and him in the BJP. Attacking the Congress on the 45th anniversary of the imposition of the Emergency in the country earlier in the day, Home Minister Amit Shah in a series of tweets had said its party leaders are feeling suffocated" and the party's disconnect with people keeps widening. In an apparent reference to the Gandhi family, Shah had alleged that "interests of one family" took precedence over the party and nation and questioned why the 'Emergency mindset' still exists in it. Responding to the criticism, Gehlot said Amit Shah along with PM Modi has high-jacked the BJP and NDA government with no breather for other leaders. He said apart from three to four ministers, the public does not even know who all are there in the Modi's cabinet. It has merely been six years of the BJP and we can see how they have dismantled the democratic, ethnic and social fabric of this nation. May we know why there is no one beyond Modi-Shah in the BJP,he questioned. Gehlot also claimed that only the Congress had the courage and strength to take on the tyranny of the current regime. Gehlot said he is not surprised to see that out of all opposition parties, Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Shah are worried only about the Congress. They are not fit to question democratic values of Congress Party and CWC,he tweeted, while quoting veteran BJP leader LK Advani's statement that forces that can crush democracy are stronger I don't have the confidence it (Emergency) cannot happen again. He defended the Gandhi family, saying it is no secret that no one from them held any position of power in the past three decades. They have always encouraged and empowered the cadre and ground worker of Congress Party like me and if at all we are disconnected with public, why is Shah so worried?he said in a series of tweets. Gehlot also said sacrifice is inherent in the Congress' DNA. (Former PM) Indira Gandhi sacrificed her life for the nation and her contribution to the creation of Bangladesh as a new nation "will always remain India's greatest diplomatic victory", Gehlot said. The chief minister also recalled the contribution of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and said he laid down his life for the nation. Venezuela criticizes U.S. Navy operation: Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino called a Tuesday incident in which a U.S. Navy ship navigated near the South American country's coast an "act of provocation." The U.S. Southern Command said Tuesday that the missile destroyer Nitze conducted a "freedom of navigation" operation off Venezuela's coast. The Southern Command said the vessel sailed in an area outside Venezuela's territorial waters, but within an area the Venezuelan government "falsely claims to have control over." Indian exporters are fearing retaliatory 'delay' in clearances of their consignments in Chinese ports if the complaints of goods of Chinese origin facing additional inspection in Indian ports - and hence delay in clearances - are not addressed at the earliest. Sharad Kumar Saraf, president, Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) said the association has requested Commerce Ministry to come out with an official clarification to make it clear that India has not resorted to any such blanket move to targets goods from China. In an online interaction, Saraf said the association made the request after there were reports of Chinese consignments being subjected to additional inspections - first in Chennai port, and then other ports as well - on the basis of some verbal communication that expressed doubts over the presence of contraband goods among the merchandise that is originating from China. "The government has informed us that there has been no such order. Things should settle down in a couple of days," Saraf said. It was on June 22, the customs brokers association of Chennai port issued an advisory to its members over the delay that is happening due to 100 percent inspection of consignments that are originating from China. Saraf said any knee jerk attempt to stop Chinese imports is not advisable. "We need to be extremely cautious with banning products from China as it may not be feasible", he said. India had imported $70 billion worth of goods from China in 2018-19, almost 14 percent of its overall goods import worth $514 billion that year. The country is dependent on China for electronic and electrical machinery and equipment, nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances, etc. As part of its attempt to be self-reliant the government has been encouraging local production in some areas like electronic goods and pharmaceutical raw materials also. Also Read: Around 40% of Pakistani pilots hold fake flying licenses Also Read: Mike Pompeo praises Reliance Jio as 'clean telco' amid row over Huawei The number of weekly coronavirus cases reported in Europe has increased for the first time in months, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Hans Kluge, the WHOs regional director for Europe, said the continent continues to report nearly 20,000 new cases and over 700 new deaths daily as he warned that the resurgence could lead to extreme pressure on healthcare systems in some countries. Speaking as countries across Europe continue to lift lockdown measures, Mr Kluge said: Thirty countries have seen increases in new cumulative cases over the past two weeks. In 11 of these countries, accelerated transmission has led to very significant resurgence that, if left unchecked, will push health systems to the brink once again in Europe. Mr Kluge pointed to Poland, Germany and Spain as countries where fresh outbreaks have been quickly met with effective responses. Germany expanded a local lockdown to cover hundreds of thousands of people in North-Rhine Westphalia on Tuesday after a large outbreak in a slaughterhouse. Where new clusters of cases appeared, these have been controlled through rapid and targeted interventions, Mr Kluge said. Europe has seen more than 2.5 million cases of Covid-19 since the outbreak began, according to the latest WHO figures. NEW YORK, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Lice Troopers, one of the country's largest head lice clinics, has four locations open for business on Long Island. Lice Troopers currently operates four successful head lice treatment clinics in Nassau County and several locations in New Jersey and Florida. The clinics specialize in the safe, natural, effective removal of head lice. As more communities open up following the coronavirus pandemic, and as more children head to summer camp and other youth activities, head lice cases will start to rise. Head lice cause frustration, embarrassment, and financial stress for millions of families every year. Having certified lice removal technicians at a Lice Troopers location nearby means parents in Nassau County and its surrounding areas no longer have to worry about treating the itchy bug themselves. Lice Troopers uses cutting edge technology to provide highly- effective head lice screenings and treatments that are safe for children and adults. Our team members are experienced professionals with medical backgrounds, patient care experience, education certifications, and emergency services training who will provide the utmost care for their clients. The three newest Long Island locations are open for business: 2 Haven Avenue, Suite 201 Port Washington, NY 11050 11050 52 Cedar Swamp Road, Glen Cove, NY 11542 11542 1825 Merrick Road, Merrick, NY 11566 11566 359 Central Ave, Lawrence, NY 11559 Clients can call 800.403.5423 to make an appointment for lice screenings and lice removal treatment. If you are concerned about lice outbreaks in your area and are looking for peace of mind, affordable membership plans are also available for familiesas a member. "If you've ever dealt with head lice, you know what a hassle it can be to get rid of them on your own," says Lice Troopers CEO Arie Harel. "Most parents run to the nearest store to buy lice removal products that simply don't work. Then they run to us." About Lice Troopers Lice Troopers is an all-natural, guaranteed head lice removal Service that works safely and discreetly. Providing safe solutions for frantic families, Lice Troopers has successfully treated thousands of families nationwide and offers a 100% guarantee. Hundreds of schools and pediatricians recommend our services. We are committed to helping families remain lice-free. Education, customer services, and awareness are among our top priorities. SOURCE Lice Troopers Related Links www.licetroopers.com VFS-510 has undergone rigorous independent quality testing procedures at various top-level hospitals such as Bach Mai Hospital and 103 Military Hospital with close monitoring and evaluation from highly-qualified doctors and medical experts. Trial results show the Vinsmart model meets the Ministry of Healths quality, safety and functional standards, as well as fully complying with all applicable laws and regulations. It is the first Vietnamese-made ventilator model to be formally approved by the Ministry of Health. The VFS-510 was developed from the PB560 model whose design was made open-source by its maker Medtronic to other manufacturers due to the coronavirus pandemic causing a shortage of breathing machines around the world. Vingroup said 70% of the components for its VFS-510 model are being developed by the company or produced in Vietnam. The development of the VFS-510 also saw close collaboration with Medtronic engineers, who took part in software tuning to ensure its functions are completely compatible with Medtronics original model. With its small size and diverse functionality, the device can be used to provide ventilation for both adults and children, as well treating other diseases, in addition to Covid-19. The first batch of commercial ventilators is expected to ship on June 26 and be handed over to the embassies of Russia and Ukraine under a donation agreement signed on May 6. Earlier, Vingroup sent its ventilators to the two above-mentioned countries for quality testing as required. Indian students remain on course to take up their courses at UK universities from later this year, according to figures released in London on Thursday which found a 32.9 per cent rise in applications from India in 2020 over the previous year. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) analysis found that amid an overall spike in university applications for the year, most applicants were holding a firm offer to start a course from the autumn semester which begins towards the end of September despite the uncertainty around the coronavirus lockdown. The UCAS, the coordinator of a centralised application process for British universities, found a 32.9 per cent rise in applications from India this year over 2019, to hit a record 6,230. It is really encouraging to see from UCAS that an increased number of international students are holding a firm offer for a UK university this year, said Vivienne Stern, Director, Universities UK International, which represents 143 leading British universities. It's great news that more international students continue to choose a high quality UK education. UK universities are here to support Indian students and are ready to welcome them to start their UK studies with as little disruption as possible this year, she said. The UCAS figures reveal there were a total 568,330 applicants as of the January 15 deadline, up 1.2 per cent on 2019. A record 73,080 applicants are from outside the European Union (EU), 14.7 per cent more than 2019 driven by increases in applicants from China (33.8 per cent) and India (32.9 per cent). The growth in applicants from outside the EU is largely driven by significant proportional increases in the number of applicants from China, India, and Hong Kong, who have the largest numbers of applicants through UCAS, it notes. Overall, UCAS found that more under-graduate applicants have accepted an offer to immediately start studying at university or college compared to last year. Students have made their decisions and are ready to take up the life-changing opportunities that higher education can bring, said UCAS Chief Executive Clare Marchant. The numbers will also be welcome news for universities and colleges, and show their announcements on the blend of online and face-to-face learning most are planning to deliver have been building confidence ahead of the start of term. We are publishing these headline offer-acceptance statistics for the first time, to provide the clearest possible picture of students' behaviour at this moment in the application cycle, she said. The figures follow a joint open letter addressed to international students by trade, universities and education ministers across the devolved administrations of the United Kingdom earlier this week. Although admissions processes and modes of teaching might look slightly different this year, the UK's world-class universities are continuing to recruit international students and you are encouraged to apply even if you are unable to travel to the UK to meet usual timelines, notes the letter. The letter was signed by UK Minister of State for Universities Michelle Donelan, Minister for Exports Graham Stuart, Northern Ireland Minister for the Economy Diane Dodds, Welsh Minister of Education Kirsty Williams and Scotland Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science Richard Lochhead. Universities will be flexible in accommodating your circumstances where possible, including if you are unable to travel to the UK in time for the start of the academic year, it adds. The UK government had earlier issued updated guidance to confirm that international students, including Indians, will remain eligible for post-study work rights at the end of their degree course even if they have to begin the 2020-21 academic year online from abroad, given the COVID-19 related travel restrictions. The UK Home Office said the Graduate Visa route, commonly referred to as a post-study work visa and designed for overseas students to be able to work or look for work for two years after completing their course, will apply to the 2020-21 intake as long as they are physically present in the UK by April 2021 to complete the final semester. Also Read: Around 40% of Pakistani pilots hold fake flying licenses Also Read: Mike Pompeo praises Reliance Jio as 'clean telco' amid row over Huawei Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 12:31:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BISHKEK, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. bill on China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is another confirmation of its interference in other countries' internal affairs and no one has authorized the United States to determine the order of the world, a senior Kyrgyz statesman has said. The so-called "Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2020" by the United States is a gross and flagrant interference in China's domestic affairs and "we Communists protest against such actions," Iskhak Masaliev, chairman of the Communist Party of Kyrgyzstan, said in a recent interview with Xinhua. Masaliev, a frequent visitor to China, said he has noticed the fundamental changes that are taking place in Xinjiang and is impressed with the growing quality of life of Xinjiang's minority groups, including the Uygur people. Washington's smear campaign against China's policy on Xinjiang is "one of the ways to distract their own people from their own problems," he said, noting that U.S. foreign policy was "always aimed at finding the enemy outside the country," which allows its military-industrial complex to "work and make money." "It turns out that the U.S. leadership imagines itself to be the center of democracy. Everything that happens in the world should happen as they wish," he said, criticising the United States for not allowing other countries "to take their own development path, believing that the system that is built in the United States is the most ideal and the best." "The United States does not need an economically developed Xinjiang, they do not need a steadily developing economic system of the countries of Central Asia," Masaliev said. "They need a tense situation." For Masaliev, applying double standards is an inherent quality of the U.S. administrations. In the eyes of U.S. politicians, China's fast and energetic development poses a threat to their country. Therefore, Washington uses such illegal methods to contain China's growth, Masaliev said. The United States has never concealed its goal to become the number one country in the world, Masaliev said. "They openly campaigned and pursued it, not by economic means or achievements of scientific and technological progress, but by force, ultimatum and sanctions." Masaliev said he believes and has full confidence that the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party will be able to resolve all the issues on the way of China's development. Enditem Jefferson County surpassed a grim milestone Wednesday, surging beyond 1,000 positive cases of coronavirus since the first one was logged in Beaumont on March 18. The distinction came by way of 32 new cases, slightly fewer than either of the previous two days. The daily reports were released hours after a countywide mask order went into effect at noon, the latest effort to slow the spread of infection by requiring employees and customers to wear masks or other face coverings. It came on the same day that Gov. Greg Abbott said the state would surpass 5,000 new cases for the second day in a row. He told an Amarillo radio station that Texas was experiencing a massive outbreak. Across Jefferson County, the number of cases confirmed in nearly every city is rising faster than has been seen before. Beaumont, with nearly half of the population, accounts for about 75% of the 1,003 confirmed cases here so far. Both County Judge Jeff Branick and Beaumont Mayor Becky Ames declined to comment Wednesday on the 1,000-case milestone. Branick said he had nothing to add from a day earlier, when he announced the masking mandate. Our COVID death rates this week are the lowest since March 28, but our daily cases are up, he said then, referring to the data he looks at. Nationally our hospitalizations are down, but not locally. Related: Masks mandatory at Jefferson County businesses At a glance Confirmed coronavirus cases in Southeast Texas. Jefferson County Beaumont759 LeBlanc Prison Unit239 Larry Gist State Jail233 Port Arthur145 Mark W. Stiles Prison Unit43 Nederland37 Groves28 Port Neches17 China6 Cheek2 Nome4 Hamshire4 Fannett1 Hardin County Lumberton85 Silsbee76 Kountze29 Sour Lake18 Batson2 Thicket1 Village Mills1 Source: Beaumont, Port Arthur and Hardin County Public Health Departments, Texas Department of Criminal Justice Coronavirus testing Walkup testing When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday Where: Sterling Pruitt Center, 2930 Gulf Ave., Beaumont When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday Where: Roy Guess Elementary, 8055 Old Voth, Rd., Beaumont When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday Where: Forrest Park Methodist Church, 255 S. Major Dr., Beaumont When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday Where: Cristo Rey Church, 767 Ave. A, Beaumont When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 7 Where: Plymouth Village, 5080 Helbig, Beaumont When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 13 Where: Northridge Manor, 4155 Maida, Beaumont When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 20 Where: Stonehurst Apartments, 1615 E. Lucas, Beaumont When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 27 Where: Pointe North, 3710 Magnolia, Beaumont Testing that requires appointment When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday; Monday - July 2 Where: McCabe-Roberts Avenue UMC, 1205 Roberts Ave., Beaumont Extra info: Insurance not required; Call 409-240-1494 to make an appointment and get more information. When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday Where: Old Hardin County Hospital, 440 W. Monroe, Kountze Extra info: Up to 216 tests available; Call 409-246-5188 for an appointment. When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday - Wednesday Where: Kirby Elementary Campus, 1205 N. Fifth St., Silsbee Extra info: Insurance not required; To register visit txcovidtest.org or all 512-883-2400 See More Collapse Hospitalization numbers for coronavirus patients continued to rise on Wednesday as well. The seven-day average of confirmed coronavirus patients in general beds or in isolation at local hospitals is approaching what it was on the April 18 peak day, according to data provided by the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council. The seven-day rolling average then was nearly 24. On Tuesday, that average was 20. The number of patients admitted to intensive care units and confirmed to have the virus have far surpassed previous growth rates and continue to spike. June 12 was the first and so far only day since the pandemic began that all local ICU beds were occupied. That number included 13 confirmed coronavirus patients. Since then, Jefferson County hospitals have cumulatively filled as many as 81 of their 86 ICU beds. On Tuesday, 72 ICU beds were in use. That included 23 confirmed coronavirus patients 56% more than on June 12. Concerns also have been raised this week about hospital capacity. Federal law mandates that hospital ICUs be able to attain a surge capacity equal to 20% more bed space. That would be 17 more ICU beds in Jefferson County. Its unclear how that capacity would be achieved, however. Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas spokeswoman Mary Poole said every hospital in the state has to determine how many ICU beds it could provide and report that to, in Jefferson Countys case, the Southeast Texas Regional Advisory Council. Poole said surge capacity goes beyond those numbers and is a plan established by local government officials. Related: SE Texas officials survey options for worst-case coronavirus pandemic Beaumont Police Department spokeswoman Carol Riley previously told The Enterprise that the city has already made plans should such capacity be needed. But few details about those plans have been shared. The local hospitals also are averaging far below the maximum number of general beds available to all patients. Jefferson County also has not logged a virus-related death since June 10. Nationally, medical experts have noted that a rise in deaths can follow a spike in confirmed cases. However, the picture of a coronavirus patient also continues to change, trending more toward younger, generally lower-risk individuals. The majority of cases confirmed in Jefferson County have been split almost equally between patients in their 20s, 30s and 40s. The age groups with the fewest cases is nearly even across the age groups of children younger than 10 years old and people older than 80 years old. Top hits: Get Beaumont Enterprise stories sent directly to your inbox In adjacent Hardin County, with a population less than a quarter of Jefferson County and a far smaller number of confirmed virus cases, also reported a spike in positive, active cases. County Judge Wayne McDaniels weekly report showed a 146% increase over the prior week. Thus far, 212 Hardin County residents have tested positive for COVID-19. Sixty-nine of those cases are active. McDaniel added that the number of county residents who have had to be hospitalized or who have died as a result of the virus has not shown a corresponding increase. Due to the surge in cases, there has been a mad rush to be tested for COVID-19 throughout Southeast Texas, he wrote in his report. Anyone who wants to be tested should do so, but it is not a must! Your first option for being tested is through your primary care physician. If he/she is unable to test or direct you to a private testing location, then please contact your Public Health Department and they will assist you. Related: Some stores are providing masks, not all requiring them Hardin County has announced at least one opportunity for residents to be tested as well as an additional one put on in Silsbee by the state of Texas. Beaumont also has announced a number of opportunities to be tested in addition to opportunities advertised by the Texas Department of Emergency Management at tdem.texas.gov/covid-19/. Mayor Becky Ames recently addressed the need to continue testing. Some will say when you test more, youre going to have more positives. Yep, that is true, she said. Theyre real positives. That means, if that person goes out to a facility, wherever that may be, they can spread it to someone else. Kaitlin Bain is the Government Reporter for the Beaumont Enterprise. Contact her at Kaitlin.Bain@BeaumontEnterprise.com or on Twitter by clicking here. Don't miss a thing: Sign up for our Daily Headlines newsletter. John Boltons motivations were clear. He wanted to cash in with his new book and settle many a score. But what his revelations suggest about Donald Trumps motivations are even more troubling than his own. The former White House official wrote his former boss was not driven by any world view or philosophy. He warned that policy is made in what White House and across the Trump administration, as anyone paying close attention could discern, in a haphazard and rather sloppy manner. Bolton concluded that, as always, the lone philosophy driving the president was Trumpism. Translation: Win at all costs. I am hard-pressed to identify any significant Trump decision during my tenure that wasnt driven by re-election calculations, Bolton wrote. Bolton wrote that many of the presidents discussions with other foreign leaders were mostly about his own re-election. To that end, he claims Trump pleaded with Chinese president Xi Jinping to help him win re-election in 2020 by purchasing more US farm products. At a one-on-one meeting during a global summit in Japan in the summer of 2019, Xi expressed his dissatisfaction with some critics of China within the United States. Trump mistakenly assumed Xi was talking about Democratic lawmakers, according to his then-national security adviser. The thought pattern is vintage Trump. The president thinks about the politics of just about everything first, second and third, meaning how a decision or policy move might impact his own political future. Trump immediately assumed Xi meant the Democrats. Trump said approvingly that there was great hostility among the Democrats, Bolton writes. He then, stunningly, turned the conversation to the coming US presidential election, alluding to Chinas economic capability to affect the ongoing campaigns, pleading with Xi to ensure hed win. What, then, if Trump, as he did facing similar national poll numbers four years ago, defies expectations on Election Day and wins another term? Republicans, just about every serious political prognosticator is predicting, would fall well short of the votes needed in Congress to change federal law to allow the president to seek a third term. That would remove re-election from Trumps mind as he makes all kinds of decisions about policy, foreign and domestic. We have enough evidence, mostly drawn from the presidents own words and actions, to make educated guesses that his businesses and his post-presidency legal status would become paramount. He has never really stopped worrying about the former. And he went a long way towards confirming the latter last Friday night. Thats when Trump approved the firing of a key US attorney believed to be investigating him and some of his associates. His top spokeswoman confirmed the presidents involvement, but only after yet another confusing few days at the White House. Attorney General William Barr said Saturday that, with Mr Trumps approval he had fired Geoffrey Berman as the US attorney for Manhattan, a post that saw him oversee the Southern District of New York. The powerful branch of the Justice Department has been investigating a list of things Trump, which has reportedly angered the president. After a back-and-forth between Barr and Berman that remains murky, White House Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany on Monday said Berman decided not to leave his post in New York and take a desk job in Washington, prompting Barr to seek permission to fire him. At that point, that's when the president agreed with the attorney general, she said. He was involved in a sign-off capacity. It took the presidency two days to come clean about his role in moving out of the way yet another senior Justice Department official who has been examining Trump World. Whether the murkiness and confusion are intentional designed to obfuscate the reality of a president Democrats and some Republicans say sees himself as above the law or merely another product of a White House that has never figured out how to get its story straight. But the presidents willingness to paint himself as innocent in the Berman affair only makes images of a second term focused on protecting his own hide legally more troubling. Well, thats all up to the Attorney General, Trump said. Attorney General Barr is working on that. Thats his department, not my department. But we have a very capable attorney general. So thats really up to him. Im not involved. But the president has told us over and over that he not the FBI director and not the attorney general is the countrys top law enforcement officer. And current and former Justice Department officials told a House committee this week that Trump is very much involved, pressuring Barr to help his friends and help his political prospects. Aaron Zelinsky, a former lawyer on Muellers team who worked on the DOJs criminal case against former Trump campaign adviser Roger Stone, told the panel that the presidents longtime adviser and friend received unprecedentedly favourable treatment because he was afraid of the president. A Justice Department that fears a second-term president motivated by what federal prosecutors might have unearthed about him, his family and close associates? It is not difficult to image Mr Trump, angered by news reports about what the Southern District of New York (SDNY) might have found, firing all the Bermans that come along. His requests of other world leaders likely would grow more and more bold and self-focused. Whether the Justice Department could resist Mr Trumps every bout of rage-watching cable news seems unlikely, especially with an AG like Barr at its helm. Everything, every last thing Trump does, serves Trump's own interests. Who leads SDNY is no exception, Walter Shaub, a former White House ethics chief, tweeted amid the chaos on Saturday. The only unknown is how big a price America will pay as a result. Your move, voters. On Wednesday, Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were allowed to film outside, in the hot sunshine. And they cranked the high-jinx up a notch on Thursday's show as they were provided with paddling pools to splash about in as the weather got even warmer. The show opened with the presenting duo sat with their feet in the pools, happily cooling off in the morning sun. A morning dip: On Thursday, Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield cranked the high-jinx up a notch on This Morning as they were provided with paddling pools to splash about in They had also sent Josie Gibson to Brighton beach to enjoy an early-morning dip in the sea. There with a group of swimsuit-clad Brighton residents, Josie entreated the group to dash into the water. So enthused, Josie forgot to take off her shoes and her microphone. Holly and Phil had to yell at her to remind her to take it off, with Phil calling out 'take your kit off!' 'That's going to be expensive!' Phil joked. Wet wet wet! They had also sent Josie Gibson to Brighton beach to enjoy an early-morning dip in the sea Cool down: The show opened with the presenting duo sat with their feet in the pools Shoes off! The duo were happily cooling off in the morning sun Last one in: There with a group of swimsuit-clad Brighton residents, Josie entreated the group to dash into the water So enthused: Josie forgot to take off her shoes and her microphone Watch out, Josie! Holly and Phil had to yell at her to remind her to take it off Delightful: Holly looked summery in a flowing white dress Warning! Phil was calling out 'take your kit off!' to Josie as she dashed into the water with the mic still hooked up to her A laugh a minute: 'That's going to be expensive!' Phil joked Cool down: Holly dipped her bare feet into the cool waters of the pool Hot hot hot! She channeled summer chic in her white ensemble As they opened the show outside the day before, Holly and Phil revealed they had spent 119 days in the studio due to the coronavirus social distancing guidelines, but were finally allowed to enjoy the sunshine as the nation's lockdown eases. Poking fun at the restrictions, Phil, 58, joked: 'We've come blinking outside! You should have seen the paperwork!' The pair opened the show in front of the ITV Studios in West London, before heading back inside to conduct interviews via live link. Beaming with joy, Dancing On Ice's Holly, 39, enthused: 'We've finally been allowed outside!' The media personality revealed they last switched up the scenery back in February, stating: '119 days since we were last out here to celebrate Pancake Day.' The blonde beauty embraced the heatwave as she was dressed in a 221 yellow silk tea dress by L.K.Bennett, which she teamed with nude heels. Let out! As they opened the show outside the day before, Holly and Phil revealed they had spent 119 days in the studio due to the coronavirus social distancing guidelines, but were finally allowed to enjoy the sunshine as the nation's lockdown eases Poking fun at the restrictions, TV star Phillip, 58, joked: 'We've come blinking outside! You should have seen the paperwork' 'It's been 119 days! The media personality revealed they last switched up the scenery back in February on Pancake Day (pictured) Phillip, meanwhile, cut a dapper figure in a polo shirt, dark-wash bottoms and smart shoes. On Monday, Holly was replaced by Davina McCall as she skipped the series to take her three children, Harry, 11, Belle, nine, and Chester, five, back to school. She has since defended her decision, stating on Tuesday's episode: 'Thanks for yesterday. 'It was really good, the school was brilliant and it was super organised. I was quite worried about it, I think naturally as a parent you worry about these things. Delighted: Beaming with joy, Dancing On Ice's Holly, 39, enthused: 'We've finally been allowed outside' Smart attire: The blonde beauty embraced the heatwave as she was dressed in a 221 yellow silk tea dress by L.K.Bennett, while Phil cut a dapper figure in a polo shirt and dark bottoms 'But actually, very organised, the kids were just so excited to see each other. I got a little bit emotional!' The doting parent later explained that it was a strange experience as she was 'relinquishing control' over her kids after spending every day with them in lockdown. She said: 'Do you know what it is? I've been with them the whole time. I know exactly what they've done, what they've eaten and what they've learnt it's like having them back as babies. I've known everything. 'Then yesterday, suddenly they were doing stuff I didn't know about. It was like relinquishing control.' 'The new norm': On Monday, Holly was replaced by Davina McCall as she skipped the series to take her three children, Harry, 11, Belle, nine, and Chester, five, back to school Holly has been the face of This Morning since replacing Fern Britton in September 2009, and often takes breaks from work to spend time with her family during half-term periods and summer holidays. The former Celebrity Juice panellist, who shares her kids with with husband of 12 years Dan Baldwin, recently discussed experiencing working mum guilt in a candid interview with Red Magazine. The star said she never imagined juggling motherhood with a career when she dreamed of having a family. KV Navya By Express News Service CHENNAI: In the first incident of its kind in the city, a morning walker from T Nagar had to pay a penalty of Rs 100 for violating lockdown norms. The man left for his usual walk to Pondy Bazaar at around 7 am in the morning on Thursday, like he had been doing for the past three months. But much to his surprise, cops intercepted him and issued a city corporation challan. "They asked me to pay Rs 100 and mentioned the category of violation in the challan as 'morning walk'. For the past three months, nobody had stopped me. Also, I was walking alone and not in a group," said the man on condition of anonymity. Civic activists said that they were unaware about any such rule. "Section 144 restricts people from walking in groups. But stopping morning walkers is very new to us. Also, it is not that big an offence to be fined. Before fining, the officials must spread word that it is an offence as all through the lockdown, morning walkers have been venturing out," said civic activist T Sadagoppan. Some people, however, welcomed the move. "Collecting fine actually makes sense because these walkers will not stop with just walking, they will have tea, sit for a chat with fellow walkers and other things. Though it did not happen in the intense lockdown, I have seen morning walkers talking in groups last month. Violations must be penalised," said R Usha, a resident of Besant Nagar. When contacted, Meghanath Reddy, Deputy Commissioner (Revenue & Finance), said the issue was brought to their notice and they were unaware about who fined the morning walker. "The revenue department looks at fines and social distancing violations only in establishments. We are trying to find out who issued the challan. However, we urge the public to stay indoors during the lockdown to contain the spread," he said. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Hindustan Unilever (HUL) is dropping Fair out of Fair & Lovely and everyone's wondering what will be the new name of the product, that has a stranglehold over the fairness cream market in India. But will the name change impact HULs business? This is a zero negative impact game for HUL. The product is the same, the external primary and secondary packaging will most likely look the same. The fonts could be the same. The semiotics could resemble the old version. So, no issues there. Add to it the fact that the pack sizes could be the same. The price the same. The distribution system the same. The retail outlet the same. I see this a zero-loss game," Harish Bijoor, Brand Guru and founder, Harish Bijoor Consults Inc, told Moneycontrol. HUL's decision comes at a time when many companies in the fairness cream category are facing a backlash amid rising protests against stereotyping based on colour of skin. While change in brand names is not new, Sandeep Goyal, Chairman, Mogae Media, a marketing and communication agency, said it should have happened years ago. "They are just righting an old wrong. This should have been done years ago when the objections started to be first raised. But HUL steadfastly stood their ground. However, what is to be seen is whether the change in name will take away the raison detre (purpose) of the product itself. How HUL will define beauty without being colourist or racial will be interesting to see," he said. Brand experts said that name change may be meaningless unless consumers are assured that there is a new product behind the new name. Also, the risk of changing names is more for established brands and it is both expensive and difficult. A new name will mean robust communication plan in order along with strong awareness amid consumers. In the past many companies have changed names for various reasons. Take the example of GoDaddy, an internet domain registrar and web hosting company. The company changed its name to The Go to remove the sexist connotation associated with its initial name. As for Fair & Lovely, brand experts like Bijoor call HULs decision a good move. Follow our coverage of the coronavirus crisis 314 Shares Share I was listening to a podcast the other day about this woman who kayaked the inner passage from Puget Sound to Juneau, Alaska. She was describing the end of her journey, the day she paddled into Juneau, and she noted that it was so anticlimactic. She paddled in, after 66 days and there was no one to celebrate the end of the journey with, the harbormaster was badgering her to get her boat out of the water and then she had to run across four lanes of traffic to check into a hotel. She had just accomplished this huge goal, a major life event, and no one cared. In her mind, it felt like there should have been a parade awaiting her as she paddled into Juneau, or at least a pat on the back from someone. But, instead, nothing. Everyone was just going about their day as normal. As I was listening to this, it struck me how similar this was to my last day of residency. That day was something I had been looking forward to for months (maybe even years!). Counting down the days and the calls until finally, my medical training was over. This was a day that had been eight years in the making (12 if you include college). Its the day you look forward to from the moment you first set foot into medical school, the day you are finally a real doctor who can practice all on your own. Ten years later, I still vividly recall my last day of residency. I was on call on June 29, so June 30 was actually a post-call day for me, meaning I left the hospital at 7 a.m. while everyone else was walking in. I remember signing out to the day team that morning, my last OB anesthesia sign out, and waiting for a high five, a hug, a congratulations, anything to commemorate the moment. But nothing, just business as usual for everyone else. I handed off the phone and pager, and walked out into the streets of downtown Chicago, cars whizzing by, trying to sort out how I felt. I was tired from the busy call night, wanted to go and sleep, yet wired from the idea that I was done. I was no longer a resident. The moment I had been working toward for eight long years was here and nothing. I had a few housekeeping items to take care of before I left. Cleaning out my locker, stopping in the GME office to hand in my pager and badge. All this had to be done today by the end of the day, and I knew after my post-call nap, I wouldnt want to drive back into downtown Chicago to take care of these things. As I went about checking the items off my list, it was all very surreal. I had spent so many hours toiling in the halls of these hospitals. Days, nights, and weekends blurring into cases and codes, epidurals, and C-sections. As I walked across the streets to the various buildings I needed to visit to take care of everything, I thought about the nights I had spent in the ICU as leader of the airway team; a specific night when there had been so many codes in the system that I literally ran across the streets of downtown Chicago from the main hospital to the three other associated buildings, leading the charge to tend to code intubations. What a funny sight we must have been at 2 a.m., white coats flapping behind us, as we dashed across Ontario Street to an emergent intubation, not once, not twice, but three times (it was faster to run across the street than attempt to make your way through the maze of underground tunnels connecting the buildings). The last place I stopped was to hand in my badge. I paused for a few moments, taking a minute to make sure there wasnt anywhere else on campus I needed to go before handing it in, as my access to the hospital would be suspended once I did. Nope, nowhere else I needed to go. I had collected everything, handed everything in, emptied my locker. At last, I dropped off my badge and walked out of the building. No longer a resident, technically unemployed. I dont know what I expected: congratulations, I suppose, from someone, anyoneacknowledgment for the huge goal I had just accomplished. But instead, there was nothing but an invisible finish line crossed as I merged with the rest of the people walking through downtown Chicago, most of them just starting their days as I concluded the end of an era. Later, I met up with my co-residents for celebratory drinks. I asked them how their last day had been, the ones who had worked in the OR all day. I thought perhaps there had been a little more fanfare in the main OR. Nope, they all said. Just a normal day. They did their assigned cases, all waiting, hoping to get done a little early, get a little recognition, but they didnt. They worked, they were released, and they handed in badges at the end of the day, just like I had that morning. The ORs depended on the manpower of the residents to function, and June 30 was just a normal working day, requiring everyone to do their job, last day or not. The ebb and flow of the academic medical year are like this. While today was an accomplishment for so many of us, it was just another day for everyone else. And tomorrow would be big in the eyes of all the newly minted interns, walking into the hospital for the first time as doctors, beginning what we had just completed. The ORs would continue to function, tick along with a new crew of residents to train and groom into the fully trained doctors we now were, business as usual. Sarah Reck is an anesthesiologist and can be reached at her self-titled site, Sarah Reck, MD. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/25/2020 -- Linerless Labels Market: Global Industry Analysis 2015 - 2019 and Opportunity Assessment; 2020 2030 Linerless labels contain a particular release coating applied to either side of the labels that enable them to be rolled without sticking. These labels help in decreasing potential workplace injuries by eliminating the slippery liner waste hazard on warehouse floors. Being eco-friendly by minimizing silicone in landfills and reducing solid waste stream, linerless labels assist businesses in achieving zero-waste - "green" - initiatives. In a recent market study published by Future Market Insights (FMI), the global linerless labels market size is anticipated to expand at a steady growth over the forecast period, 2020-2030. The market is witnessing significant demand from the food & beverages, and retail industries as linerless labels help in ensuring reduced carbon footprint and industrial wastage. To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1822 Linerless Labels Market - Key Drivers The quest to reduce industrial wastes and faster manufacturing processes has been an ongoing economic and industrial concern. As the stringency of regulatory frameworks continues to climb, manufacturers of linerless labels are promptly shifting towards sustainable packaging formats. Hubs Labels has acquired ETI converting equipment to improve the productivity and overall quality of the coating line. This strategic development is expected to distinctively address finished roll quality, coating uniformity, and coating weight by adapting industry-leading Cohesio technology. While the retail and food & beverage industry continues to engage market players, rising applications such as asset tracking and inventory management in logistics will offer new growth avenues. Linerless Labels Market - Growth Restraints Linerless labels require additional expenses to install specific equipment for their production, as such, various small- and medium-scale enterprises (SME) are keeping away from investing in them. Limited shape options provided by linerless labels are further hindering their adoption in packaging applications. COVID-19 Impact on Linerless Labels Market With the shutdown of major retail stores following nationwide lockdowns amid the COVID-19 pandemic, online channels are emerging as an ideal solution to keep the sales afloat. Retailers who are yet to enter the e-commerce ecosystem are facing the imperative to switch to online distribution channels to ascertain their survival. They are turning to return-ready packaging format in order to receive the products back faster, and without damage. This, in turn, will enable them to store their goods back into stock pool, especially during supply shortage. Such factors are expected to bring the linerless labels back on track in the coming months. Linerless Labels Market - Regional Analysis Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) remains the prominent region in the global linerless labels market, owing to the flourishing growth of logistics and food & beverage industries. The FMI study reveals that the APEJ linerless labels market will register a robust CAGR by 2030. India and China will remain the major revenue contributor to the APEJ's market. Western Europe and North America are also pulling in stakeholders' attention owing to strong presence of leading producers and flourishing pharmaceutical sector. Download Methodology of this Report @https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-1822 Linerless Labels Market - Competition Landscape Prominent linerless labels market players operating globally are RR Donnelley & Sons Company, CCL Industries Inc, Zebra Technologies Corp, SATO Holdings Corporation, Coveris, and Multi-Color Corporation. These players collectively account for about one-fourth of the total market revenue. Leading market players are capitalizing on faster and continuous printing technologies such as offset, flexo, and digital printing techniques to offer exceptional printing patterns without compromising the quality aspect. Moreover, players are investing in mergers & acquisitions in order to enhance their positions in the linerless labels market. For instance, Coveris has acquired Amberley Labels, a UK-based manufacturer of high-quality self-adhesive labels. Linerless Labels Market - Segment Analysis The linerless labels market can be segmented on the following basis: Product Type - Direct Thermal - Variable Imaged Printing Technology - Digital Printing - Offset Printing - Flexo Printing - Screen Printing - Gravure Printing - Others Adhesion - Repositionable - Removable - Permanent End-use Industry - Pharmaceuticals - Retail - Logistics - Food & Beverages - Others Region - North America (U.S., Canada) - Latin America (Mexico, Brazil) - Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Spain, Poland, Russia) - East Asia (China, Japan, South Korea) - South Asia (India, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia) - Oceania (Australia, New Zealand) - Middle East & Africa (GCC Countries, Turkey, Northern Africa, South Africa) Report Highlights The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also maps the qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. In 2016, scientists for the first time detected the collision of two distant black holes, using the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, or LIGO, a pair of L-shaped antennas in Hanford, Wash., and Livingston, La. Since then LIGO and a third antenna, Virgo, located in Italy, together have charted dozens of similar catastrophic marriages out there in the dark. But astronomers have yet to see any trace of light from them. (One exception was a collision of neutron stars, the remnants of supernova explosions, that lit up the universe and was detected in August 2017) On May 21, 2019, an alert went out to the worlds astronomers that the LIGO and Virgo antennas had recorded what looked like two black holes colliding. Among the telescopes on duty that night was the Zwicky Transient Facility, a robotic instrument on Palomar Mountain in California, which monitors the deep sky for anything that flares, blinks, explodes or moves. It is named after Fritz Zwicky, an innovative and eccentric Swiss astronomer who worked at Caltech. Dr. Graham, the project scientist for the Zwicky telescope, and his colleagues had been mulling the possibility that black hole mergers might be happening in the dense, sparky accretion disks of supermassive black holes, which are the central engines for quasars. The team began monitoring quasars in the those regions for unusual activity. The trail from the May gravitational wave event led to a quasar known as J124942.3+344929, located about 4 billion light years from Earth. Examining records from the Zwicky telescope, Dr. Graham discovered that the quasar had flared, doubling in brightness for about a month an uncharacteristically large fluctuation. That marked it as a possible black hole collision, he said. Bolstering that hypothesis was the fact that the flare did not become visible until 34 days after the gravitational waves were detected. It would take about that long for any light from a black hole collision to emerge from such a thick disk of gas, according to a model that Dr. Ford and Barry McKernan, her colleague at the American Museum of Natural History, described in a paper last year. Dr. Ford described the accretion disk as a swarm of stars and dead stars, including black holes, in a Caltech news release. She added, These objects swarm like angry bees around the monstrous queen bee at the center. They can briefly find gravitational partners and pair up but usually lose their partners quickly to the mad dance. But in a supermassive black holes disk, the flowing gas converts the mosh pit of the swarm to a classical minuet, organizing the black holes so they can pair up. [June 25, 2020] Moody's Analytics Wins Two InsuranceERM Americas Awards Moody's Analytics has won Actuarial Modeling Solution of the Year and ESG (Economic Scenario Generator) Software of the Year at the inaugural InsuranceERM Americas Awards. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005823/en/ Our AXIS solution was recognized as Actuarial Modeling Solution of the Year. It is a comprehensive actuarial software solution for modeling of insurance and annuity products with unparalleled flexibility, and is constantly updated to address accounting standards and financial reporting regulations that evolve over time. Clients use the AXIS solution for their pricing, reserving, asset and liability management (ALM), capital calculations, and hedging. The AXIS solution provides the flexibility to deploy large-scale computing power through our advanced distributed-computation capabilities that allow us to scale calculation over thousands of CPUs-whether on-premises or through the cloud-reducing calculation times to a fraction of those required with a traditional setup. The Moody's Analytics Scenario Generator was recognized as ESG (Economic Scenario Generator) Software of the Year for its effectiveness in helping insurers perform sophisticated stochastic modelling tasks across valuation, risk and capital measurement, and ALM. The solution's automation capabilities help clients streamline their modeling processes, shortening production timelines and lowering costs. We have aso invested in cloud computing capabilities-our Cloud Burst service allows users to run the Scenario Generator in the cloud environment. Doing so delivers access to thousands of CPUs on demand and significantly reduces run times, in some cases from days to minutes. "We're delighted that our insurance solutions are showcased in the InsuranceERM Americas Awards," said Colin Holmes, Managing Director of Insurance Solutions at Moody's Analytics. "With the AXIS system, Scenario Generator, and other award-winning Moody's Analytics tools, our clients are able to address increasingly challenging modelling requirements, such as those presented by IFRS 17 and LDTI." In February, Moody's Analytics won five categories in the InsuranceERM Awards (UK), including IFRS 17 Solution of the Year and Economic Scenario Generator software of the Year. These wins add to our growing list of awards and industry accolades. About Moody's Analytics Moody's Analytics provides financial intelligence and analytical tools to help business leaders make better, faster decisions. Our deep risk expertise, expansive information resources, and innovative application of technology help our clients confidently navigate an evolving marketplace. We are known for our industry-leading and award-winning solutions, made up of research, data, software, and professional services, assembled to deliver a seamless customer experience. We create confidence in thousands of organizations worldwide, with our commitment to excellence, open mindset approach, and focus on meeting customer needs. For more information about Moody's Analytics, visit our website or connect with us on Twitter or LinkedIn. Moody's Analytics, Inc. is a subsidiary of Moody's Corporation (NYSE: MCO). Moody's Corporation reported revenue of $4.8 billion in 2019, employs approximately 11,300 people worldwide and maintains a presence in 40 countries. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005823/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] South Africa: DPSA Minister sets record straight Public Service and Administration Minister Senzo Mchunu has set the record straight with regard to an incorrect News24 media report, following a Parliamentary question. The question relates to reasons for disciplinary action, the period of suspension, the cost thereof and the reasons cases are not concluded in the public service. According to the Minister, a detailed response was provided. In order to contextualise the response provided by the Minister and to provide a balance view, it is necessary to consider the following information, which was not included in the news article: The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Labour Relations Act guarantee that everyone has the right to fair labour practices. The Public Service is obliged to conduct disciplinary matters in a fair and expedient manner, where employee rights should never be compromised for the sake of expediency. Clause 7 of the Disciplinary Code and Procedure outlined in Schedule 1 of the Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) Resolution 1 of 2003 provides the grounds for precautionary suspension. Such grounds are where an employee has committed a serious offence and there is sufficient reason to believe that an employee poses a risk at the workplace or to an ongoing investigation related to a disciplinary matter. Such risks are usually mitigated by removing the employee, through a suspension from the environment. In some cases, the premature return of an employee to the workplace may jeopardise any ongoing investigation into the alleged misconduct, or endanger the wellbeing or safety of the State and its employees. It must be noted that the Disciplinary Code allows for the suspension of an employee by the employer for 60 days. Any extension of this period is decided by the chairperson and not the relevant department, and such cases are dealt with on an ad hoc basis. The employer is bound by provisions in the Labour Relations Act and the Public Service Act, which prevent the non-payment of or cuts in salaries during suspensions and disciplinary processes. It must also be noted that discipline management is a decentralised process and Heads of Departments have the authority to discipline employees. However, government has a duty to ensure that processes are finalised expeditiously, within the confines of the law and rights of employees are not infringed, Mchunu said. As a commitment to a fair and expedient discipline management and in terms of Public Administration Management Act (PAMA), the department has established the Public Administration Ethics, Integrity and Disciplinary Technical Assistance Unit (PAEIDTAU) to, among others: Develop norms and standards for discipline; Build capacity to initiate and institute disciplinary proceedings into misconduct, and Strengthen oversight of ethics, integrity and discipline and to intervene in cases where systemic weaknesses are identified. Mchunu said it must be noted that some disciplinary processes have been delayed due to a variety of factors, such as length and complex investigations, delays brought on by requests for postponement due to employees being ill; the nature and seriousness of the transgressions; bail conditions of the employee, unavailability of interpreters and witnesses, and the lockdown period due to COVID-19. The Department of Public Service and Administration sets norms, standards, policy and monitoring thereof to ensure compliance. Government is serious about punishing wrongdoing, as reflected by disciplinary cases and we commend departmentsLip for taking corrective actions against errant employees. Although the figure of these cases is not as alarming, considering that only 230 out of 1.2 million employees are affected, its one case too many. Some employees have also won cases and returned to work. It is important to ensure that reporters take time and acquaint themselves with these intricate process so as to produce articles that reflect the true situation, the Minister said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. New England states have loosened travel guidelines for each other. As of July 3, residents of Connecticut, New York and New Jersey are able to forgo quarantine and testing protocols when visiting Maine; prior to this date, the state was requiring a two-week isolation period or a negative COVID-19 test in order to visit the state. Similarly, restrictions were lifted for Connecticut residents traveling to Massachusetts on July 1; previously there was a 14-day quarantine request for all out-of-state visitors. The governors of Connecticut, New Jersey and New York announced mandatory quarantines for out-of-state visitors, but only certain states are subject to the quarantine. If you are planning a summer road trip, take a look at what each neighboring state is requesting. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 01:17:27|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Wednesday urged U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to spend some time on managing domestic affairs before pointing finger at others. Speaking via videolink at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit and in some recent interview, Pompeo attacked China on a range of issues including Xinjiang-related matters. In response, Zhao said at a regular press conference that Mr. Pompeo has been launching unwarranted attacks and slanders against China on every possible occasion. "However, lies repeated a thousand times are still lies. His groundless cliches expose deep-rooted Cold-War mentality, a zero-sum game mindset, ideological bias, and his nature of 'lying, cheating and stealing'," Zhao said. Zhao said that one can never wake a person who pretends to be asleep. The lie of "one million Uyghurs detained in Xinjiang" was actually made up by an NGO funded by the National Endowment for Democracy after interviewing only eight persons. And Mr. Pompeo blindly cites it with no verification. China has stressed time and again that the vocational education and training centers lawfully set up in Xinjiang are active attempt on and useful exploration of preventive counter-terrorism and de-radicalization measures. They are essentially the same as other countries' practice to this end, and they have already yielded good results. Xinjiang hasn't seen a single terror incident in the past three years or so. By the end of 2019, all trainees who received trainings including standard spoken and written Chinese, understanding of the law, vocational skills, and deradicalization had completed their courses, secured employment, and started a life of tranquility. Zhao said that the Chinese government protects its people's freedom of religious belief. In China there are nearly 200 million religious believers, of which over 20 million are Muslims. There are more than 380,000 clerical personnel, approximately 5,500 religious groups and more than 140,000 places of worship registered for religious activities. Xinjiang now has 24,400 mosques, one for every 530 Muslims. By contrast, the number of mosques in the U.S. nationwide is less than one tenth of those in Xinjiang. "Mr. Pompeo's repetition of lies just cannot change those facts," he said. According to U.S. media reports, the country is witnessing paltry efforts on handling COVID-19, an economy falling into recession, serious systemic racism, social disturbances, drug abuse and frequent mass shootings, Zhao said. "How come Mr. Pompeo still accuses China with such blatancy? My advice to him: spend some time on managing domestic affairs before pointing finger at others," he said. Enditem Four years after a retired NSW farmer went for a walk and never came back, a woman has been extradited from New Zealand to face court charged with his alleged murder. Robert Dickie was last seen leaving his home in Elong Elong, a rural outpost east of Dubbo, in June 2016. Robert Dickie vanished from his Elong Elong property in June 2016. Detectives believe the 71-year-old retired farmer, whose body has never been found, was murdered. Nine days after Mr Dickie vanished, his teenage grandson Dylan Dickie also disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Leaders of the opposition grand alliance in Bihar on Wednesday decided to constitute a coordination committee to come up with a common minimum programme (CMP) for the upcoming state assembly elections, people familiar with the development said. A virtual meeting was held in this regard, which was attended by Congress leaders Ahmed Patel, KC Venugopal and Shaktisinh Gohil, former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, RLSP chief Upendra Kushwaha and head of Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) Mukesh Sahni. The RJD was represented by Rajya Sabha member Manoj Kumar Jha. The opposition leaders have resolved to put up a united fight to dislodge the Janata Dal (United)-led government in the polls which are scheduled for October-November this year. A preliminary meeting of six political parties was held today to discuss the issues and concerns with respect to coming Bihar election. The parties reaffirmed solidarity & assured each other that we shall work together to expose the anti-people government of Bihar, Gohil tweeted. The leaders stressed the need for formation of the coordination committee and firming up the CMP before going to the polls, a Congress leader said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Ejaculatory disorders include premature or delayed ejaculation as well as other conditions such as hematospermia, retrograde ejaculation or even anejaculation. The understanding of the neurobiology behind ejaculation and orgasm is limited, as are diagnosis criteria and treatment options. There are no quantitative criteria that define PE or DE, and diagnoses are based on whether ejaculation occurs early, late or not at all. At present, there are a number of psychological health, behavioral and pharmacotherapy options available for these disorders; however, no drug has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and use of these agents to treat PE is considered off-label. The role of the clinician in managing these conditions is to conduct appropriate investigation, provide education and offer available treatments that are rational and based on sound scientific data, and the guideline includes 26 recommendation statements to guide this process. Recommendations include a conducting a thorough assessment of medical, relationship and sexual history in addition to a focused physical exam, additional testing with validated instruments as appropriate and, in some cases, additional support from or consultation with a mental health professional who specializes in sexual health. The Panel also acknowledges that shared decision-making is fundamental in the management of ejaculatory disorders and recommends involving sexual partner(s) in decision making when possible. "Ejaculatory disorders are not rare and can cause significant distress for patients," said Panel Chair Dr. Alan Shindel. "It's important for clinicians to understand how to recognize and treat these conditions, in particular the role that mental health can play. "We were pleased to partner with the SMSNA on this critical guidance." The guideline was developed by a panel of experts from the AUA and the SMSNA, as well as representatives from other disciplines, including mental health professionals. It was then distributed to peer reviewers of varying backgrounds as part of the AUA's extensive peer review process before being finally approved by the AUA Board of Directors. This new clinical guideline is now available online at www.AUAnet.org/Guidelines. About the American Urological Association: Founded in 1902 and headquartered near Baltimore, Maryland, the American Urological Association is a leading advocate for the specialty of urology, and has more than 23,000 members throughout the world. The AUA is a premier urologic association, providing invaluable support to the urologic community as it pursues its mission of fostering the highest standards of urologic care through education, research and the formulation of health care policy. Contact: AUA Communications 410-689-3932 [email protected] SOURCE American Urological Association Related Links https://www.auanet.org Three men and a woman from the Bronx, New York were arrested after one phoned a 77-year-old Marlboro woman to tell her that her grandson needed bail money, authorities said. After the caller informed the woman that people would come to her home to pick up the money and that she shouldnt tell anyone, the senior citizen called her grandson to confirm that he had not been arrested, Marlboro police said in a statement. She then went to police headquarters to report the attempted scam and officers arrested the quartet when they showed up expecting to get paid, officials said. Kelvin Miguel, 24, was charged with theft by deception. Juan Mendez, 23; Brenda Del Rosario, 19; and Carlos Lizardoherrera, 24, were all charged with conspiracy to commit theft by deception. All four New York City residents were issued a summons and released. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. DUBLIN (Reuters) - Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe is expected to put his name forward later on Thursday to join Spain's economy minister Nadia Calvino in the race to head the Eurogroup of 19 euro zone finance ministers, a government source told Reuters. Proposals for the influential post must be submitted by the end of Thursday, a day before members of Donohoe's Fine Gael and two other Irish parties vote on a deal struck last week to elect a new government following an inconclusive February election. Nominating Donohoe would make it all but certain that the 45-year-old former European minister will be reappointed to the finance brief on Saturday if the deal is ratified. A no vote by either of the three parties could lead to fresh elections. (Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Catherine Evans) Jose Benitez (left), executive director of Prevention Point and Safehouse's president speaks alongside Ronda Goldfein (right), executive director of the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania and Safehouse's vice president, during a meeting of the Harrowgate Civic Association at the Heitzman Recreation Center on April 4, 2019. Read more Citing the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic and protests in response to the death of George Floyd, a federal judge on Wednesday pressed pause on his historic 2019 ruling that cleared the way for the nations first supervised injection site to open in Philadelphia. U.S. District Judge Gerald A. McHugh granted the Justice Departments request to issue a stay to his finding last year that such a site where staff would provide medical supervision to people using drugs would not violate federal law. However, in doing so, the judge rejected arguments that allowing one to begin operation before the government had a chance to appeal would put the community and drug users at risk. Instead, McHugh based his decision on the social and economic upheaval that has roiled the city for months. Now, he said, is the wrong moment for another change to the status quo. The nerves of citizens are frayed by fear and uncertainty, the judge wrote. Even if one assumes a flawless opening process, the operation of Safehouse [the nonprofit behind the supervised injection site plan] would represent a significant change in how the city responds to opioid abuse, and such change would be disruptive. McHughs order Wednesday effectively killed any short-term plans that Safehouse might have had to attempt another opening after its first effort in a South Philadelphia medical plaza fell apart in February amid an acrimonious battle with residents and members of City Council. The nonprofits executives announced their intention to open there with little advanced notice or feedback from community groups a strategy McHugh described Wednesday as naive. READ MORE: Disrespected: How South Philly mobilized against the proposed supervised injection site Safehouse vice president Ronda Goldfein said Wednesday that the nonprofit had no immediate plans to attempt another launch any time soon. And despite the setback, she said she was grateful that the judges opinion reinforces all the public health arguments we have been making. The conclusion may be that we cant move forward until another court rules we can, she said. But he didnt say our activities are illegal, or our public health arguments are wrong. READ MORE: After surprise announcement and cancellation of Phillys supervised injection site, advocates havent given up In his opinion Wednesday, McHugh panned arguments from U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain, who had personally led the Justice Department fight against the supervised injection site. The judge rejected his concerns that allowing Safehouse to open before an appeals court ruling could lead to chaos between federal agents and drug users that would deteriorate into a literal street fight. Enforcing the law would certainly be the governments prerogative, the judge wrote, but why such chaos needs to ensue is difficult to comprehend. Despite government claims that authorities would be swamped by having to respond to illegal drug use on Safehouses property, federal prosecutors in the Philadelphia region have not filed a single case against an individual drug user in the last two years, McHugh noted. The judge also dismissed government concerns that Safehouses opening would lead to more, or riskier, drug use and that the surrounding community would be harmed. While Safehouse provided peer-reviewed academic studies conducted to rebut those claims, the government relied almost entirely on anecdotal reports based on media accounts and residents voicing unproven concerns evidence McHugh found unpersuasive. The government is correct that it would be far better to have Safehouse commence operation with the direct involvement of public health officials above the level of the municipal government . [and] has shown that how Safehouse is proceeding is less than optimal, McHugh wrote. But I cannot say it rises to the level of irreparable harm. A spokesperson for McSwains office did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday. McHughs ruling now leaves the decision on whether Safehouse will get a second chance to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. In briefs filed earlier this month, McSwain urged the appellate court to overturn McHughs October ruling and declare supervised injection sites illegal under federal law. Safehouse is expected to file its response next week. The appellate court has not yet scheduled a date to hear oral arguments on the case. Read the opinion: We look forward to welcoming all our talented and dedicated team members back once we come out of this pandemic. Genuine Health Group, a Miami-based, integrated healthcare company that helps physicians navigate the industrys transition to value-based care, is marking its fourth anniversary virtually during the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic and amid a pivotal time for the healthcare industry. Today, Genuine Health Group crosses the four-year milestone, but it will wait to celebrate or to cut the ribbon on its new headquarters in Coral Gables. Once county officials relax social distancing restrictions, the companys more than 70 employees will move into its new space, which was planned to accommodate dozens of new high-paid workers. Four years ago to the day from starting Genuine Health Group, we received final approval to move into our beautiful new headquarters, Joe Caruncho, CEO of Genuine Health Group, stated. We look forward to welcoming all our talented and dedicated team members back once we come out of this pandemic. Most of Genuine Health Groups team is currently working remotely as Miami-Dade officials enforce stay-home measures to control the spread of COVID-19. However, its home health nurses and other clinical staff continue to visit and provide crucial services to senior patients in their homes. During this time, Genuine Health Group has also been delivering crucial support to participating physicians, many of whom required assistance as their practices launched robust telemedicine programs. In addition to helping its doctors with pandemic-sensitive support, the company also created a special publication, Five Strategies to Improve Quality Measures, which provides physicians advice that can positively impact reimbursement and overall revenue. These support measures, along with advanced technology resources, have helped hundreds of primary care doctors who participate in Genuine Health Groups multiple business lines. The company operates Genuine Health ACO, a Medicare accountable care organization; Genuine Health Management, a management services organization that coordinates the care for seniors enrolled with Medicare Advantage plans; Genuine Health At Home, a program that provides home-based care for patients with chronic diseases; and is launching a direct contracting entity, a new value-based model for delivering healthcare that was recently introduced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Genuine Health anticipates adding at least two dozen new employees to staff these programs and to serve a growing corps of physicians. Developing these varied business lines helps us better meet the needs of our physicians and all of their Medicare patients as our industry moves forward with value-based care models, said Joe Caruncho. From flexibility in care delivery to remote monitoring tools, were thankful we have been able to provide high levels of support to our physicians now, and for the past four years. For more information about Genuine Health Group, or to schedule an interview with Joe Caruncho, please contact Meieli Sawyer at 305-668-0070 or msawyer@weinbachgroup.com. About Genuine Health Group Genuine Health Group is an analytics-driven healthcare company that assists physicians and health plans in successfully transitioning to value-based payment models. [June 25, 2020] UMITRON in cooperation with Tokyo Tech was selected for the JAXA Innovative Satellite Demonstration program to launch a satellite with the mission to gather ocean data for aquaculture TOKYO, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ -- UMITRON K.K. (President: Ken Fujiwara; hereinafter referred to as "UMITRON") has been selected for the innovative satellite demonstration program of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in cooperation with the Tokyo Institute of Technology and others. A small satellite will be launched in FY2022 with a mission to gather ocean observations for aquaculture. High-frequency and high-resolution observations of plankton and nutrient levels will be acquired to support the aquaculture industry including fish, shellfish and algae farmers. Aquaculture has become a key component of the global food production system. At the same time, the world's oceans are in a state of rapid environmental change creating a number of risks and challenges for today's farmers. For example, fish can be easily killed by alge blooms and seaweed or shellfish growth can be inhibited by nutrient depletion. In order to reduce these risks and stabilize aquaculture production, information on the ocean environment such as the distribution of plankton and nutrients is critical for the industry. UMITRON has been working with a research group led by the Tokyo Institute of Technology to collect high-frequency and high-resolution data that enables the close observation of coastal regions which are a key area for aquaculture operations. As a member of the research consortium UMITRON is in charge of demonstrating the use of satellite data for the aquaculture industry. Prior to this research project, UMITRON has been working on an ocean data service for aquaculture called UMITRON PULSE which is scheduled for release in early July 2020. After the release of UMITRON PULSE, UMITRON will hold a webinar on this service. If you are interested please register using the form below. UMITRON PULSE pre-registration form https://umitron.com/pulse.html About UMITRON UMITRON is a Singapore and Japan based deeptech company whose aim is to solve worldwide food and environmental problems by empowering aquaculture through technology. We build user-friendly data platforms for aquaculture by using IoT, satellite remote sensing, and artificial intelligence (AI). Our technology helps farmers improve farm efficiency, manage environmental risks, and in turn increase business revenues. For inquiries please contact [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/umitron-in-cooperation-with-tokyo-tech-was-selected-for-the-jaxa-innovative-satellite-demonstration-program-to-launch-a-satellite-with-the-mission-to-gather-ocean-data-for-aquaculture-301081745.html SOURCE UMITRON [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A man has sparked debate online after questioning whether a sticker that a stranger secretly was stuck to his friend's car was racist or just a 'humorous' prank. Wayne Chang took to a north Sydney community Facebook group on Thursday to share an image of the sticker that was stuck onto his friend's car in Hornsby. 'Warning. Asian driver onboard. Expect the unexpected,' the sticker read. Mr Chang said he was outraged by the implied 'racist' message after constantly assuring immigrant friends that Australians are accepting of foreigners. Wayne Chang shared an image of a sign (pictured) placed on his friend's car with members of a local Facebook community group on Thursday 'Obviously, the person who did this lacks the moral strength to discern what is right and wrong at this day and age,' he wrote. 'I have been a long term advocate in assuring to my new immigrant friends that there are NO apparent racist discrimination here in Australia and REFUSE to believe that the implied messages of this card align with the majority world view of our friendly community.' However, the concerned friend asked others whether he was being too easily offended, and whether he should instead perceive the act in jest. 'I don't want to be too naive to think that there aren't any boneheads out there,' he continued. 'Am I lacking humour in dealing with this type of gesture, or should I just chill?' But the gesture split opinion, with some agreeing it was 'racist' and unacceptable. 'Terrible. You have every right to feel angry,' one woman wrote. 'I would say this is definitely racist. Australian racism hides under a layer of superficial niceness, i.e. jokes. This is clearly targeted. I wouldn't joke about a stranger I've never met at all, it's just inappropriate,' another comment read. Someone else added: 'This is why we need to educate people. No one is born like that and lets all start with our own children and hopefully they will all do right thing throughout their lives and do the same to their children.' 'Its disgusting! Youre right to be mad!' a fourth said. Mr Chang said his friend discovered the sign while parked at Hornsby Westfield (pictured) but it could have been placed on the vehicle during an earlier stop at PRP imaging Others said he should take it as a light-hearted joke. 'Laugh it off man. There is a bit is truth behind this so the stereotype is kinda founded,' one man wrote. 'My mum is a terrible driver she cannot drive in Asia but she drives in Australia. So I feel sorry for the people out there.' Another man said the sign appeared to be purchased from a gag store, and should be interpreted as such. 'Of course a joke/prank from a stranger can be a bit of a shock,' he wrote,' But the sign itself is cute.' 'I'd put one up just for laughs.' 'Its actually hilarious sorry,' a man, who appeared to be of Asian descent, added. Despite calls for him to see the humour, Mr Chang doubled down on his opinion, pointing out this situation was particularly alarming as his friend had been stalked and targeted. It comes as Asians in Australia have reported increased incidents of racism in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Chinese-Australian family's Melbourne home was vandalised in April (pictured) 'The fact this was targeted at someone doesn't make it okay. It's very different if it was clearly a case between two friends,' he said. One woman said she had been a victim of racism in the same area while one man called on Mr Chang to contact police. It comes as Asians in Australia have reported increased incidents of racism in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Last month, a woman was filmed berating two young Asian woman in Melbourne for speaking to each other in their native language rather than english. In April, an Chinese-Australian family's Melbourne home was targeted by vandals who spray painted 'leave and die' on their garage. By Azernews By Akbar Mammadov Azerbaijan's President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev has hailed the army building process in Azerbaijan, saying that this is a priority for the government. He also said that Azerbaijan has military superiority. Aliyev made this remark at the opening of the Defense Ministry's military unit in Mingachevir on June 25. Army building is a priority for us. This is natural, because we live in a state of war, and in this case, all issues related to the army are the main task. During the meeting with senior officials of the Defense Ministry, Supreme Commander-in-Chief was provided information on the new combat vehicles included in the air defence system. It was noted that the construction of the military unit with a total area of more than 11 hectares began two years ago and has already been completed with high quality. Dormitory buildings have been built for both officers and soldiers. The canteen building has all the conditions for feeding soldiers. A medical centre and other ancillary rooms equipped with modern equipment have been established. Aliyev said that the newly built military unit meets all high standards. In recent years, Azerbaijani standards have been applied in army building in our country, especially in the construction of military units, and these standards deserve the highest praise. There are many innovations, all opportunities have been created to provide a high level of service. Even air conditioners have been installed in the barracks, which shows that there is a lot of progress in this area. By my order, virtually all our military units, towns and military bases are being reconstructed. The president noted that according to the latest information, construction and reconstruction works have been almost completed in 90 per cent of the military units. I think that the remaining military units will be brought to this situation within a maximum of one and a half to two years. Because the service conditions of soldiers and officers increase their combat capability and, at the same time, allow them to perform any task, he added. The supreme commander-in-chief stressed that, this was another manifestation of the care shown by the Azerbaijani state to its army. I must also say that along with the improvement of the service conditions of the personnel, the household problems of the officers are also solved. Officers who have served in the army for 20 years are provided with flats by the state on my instructions, and this program is being implemented. This, of course, requires large funds, and we allocate these funds, Aliyev said. In this regard, he pointed out that so far, 1,700 officers have been covered by the program and provided with good flats. The president reminded that he recently ordered that the government provide flats to an additional 419 officers by the end of this year. Thus, to date, the maximum number of officers covered by this program has been provided. According to the latest information given to me, a little more than 200 officers are still on the waiting list. Their housing problems will also be solved. Aliyev emphasized that this is a very rare phenomenon in world practice. Here, Azerbaijan is also at the forefront, showing innovations. Because servicemen who serve the homeland faithfully and flawlessly must be provided with high security by the state. Housing is a very important issue in everyone's life, and we solve it. The care shown to our army does not end with these issues. The salaries of servicemen are regularly raised. In particular, I can say that distinguished servicemen are rewarded, added the president. Furthermore, touching upon the development of the army, Aliyev said that the Azerbaijani army is among the strongest 50 armies in the worldwide according to the reputable institutions that compile military rankings in the world. We have achieved this as a result of tireless work. Because in my capacity as a president, army building is in the first place, he noted. The president underlined that today, Azerbaijan is a country that relies on its own strength and does not depend on anyone. We live in a state of war, and at the same time, we see that today in the world, in the international arena, the factor of power comes to the forefrant. The norms of international law are grossly violated, they are not observed. Unfortunately, the principle of "those who are strong are right" prevails in international relations today. We see it, we observe it, and we must take steps accordingly. Because we have to take into account the real situation, the president said. Aliyev stressed that the violation of the international law should force each country to strengthen its military potential, and Azerbaijan has already started to do this. As a result, today the Azerbaijani Army has a very high level of professionalism. At the same time, upon my instructions, the supply of weapons and equipment to our army is being organized in recent years. Billions of dollars have been spent for these purposes, said Aliyev. The president added that today the Azerbaijani Army is among the strongest in terms of technical equipment. Our armoured vehicles meet the highest standards. Our air defence system has been modernized, and this is the task of this military unit, he noted. Aliyev highlighted the fact that Azerbaijan has received the state-of-the-art anti-aircraft devices from several countries. He emphasized that the integration of these devices to each other in Azerbaijan is not such an easy issue. Because our air defence systems - it's not a secret, this information has already been made public - are made in Russia, Belarus, Israel, as well as Soviet-era devices, and they have also been modernized, the president said. Aliyev noted that these devices need to be integrated and placed in such a way that all the country strategic facilities are protected from the air. Of course, it requires great professionalism and resources, added he. The president noted that Azerbaijans modern anti-aircraft devices enable to protect the country, including strategic facilities, and the Azerbaijani Army has strategic superiority in the frontline zone. In addition, he underlined that the supply of the army with modern weapons and equipment will continue. At the same time, our combat aircraft have been modernized, and we have more than a hundred military and military-transport helicopters. This is our great potential. Unmanned aerial vehicles are manufactured by the highest level manufacturers. The supreme commander-in-chief stressed that this production has also been provided in Azerbaijan. Regarding the national production, Aliyev said that by the presidential order, more than 1,300 types of military products are produced through the Ministry of Defense Industry, which was established 15 years ago. The president noted that today not only does Azerbaijan provide itself with various military products, but also has increased its exports geography. He added that the country exports the military product to dozens of countries. Therefore, all these factors - the care of the army, officers, soldiers, the improvement of living conditions, service and the supply of our army with weapons and equipment, and, of course, the increase of combat capability, these are the main factors, Aliyev said. Emphasizing the importance of patriotism, the president said that ideological education must be organized at a high level in each military unit. In this regard, Aliyev instructed the senior military officials to pay special attention to the ideological state in all military units. Every soldier and officer should have a full impression of the history of our country - both ancient and modern. The supreme commander-in-chief said that the main factor is the combat capability. All the other factors that I mentioned have a purpose, and that is to increase combat capability. Necessary steps are being taken in this direction. Then, President Aliyev touched upon the successful military operations of the Azerbaijani Army in 2016 and 2018. Thus, part of Fuzuli, Jabrayil and Aghdere regions were liberated from the occupation in 2016, and the Azerbaijani national flag was raised in those lands. In 2018, as a result of the successful Nakhchivan operation, the Azerbaijani Army liberated more than 10,000 hectares from the occupiers and reached the strategic heights, which allow the Azerbaijani Army to control and observe the road between Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Therefore, additional steps must be taken to increase our combat capability so that we are ready to restore our territorial integrity at any moment. Our territorial integrity must and will be restored so that no one can doubt it. We must constantly monitor the geopolitical situation. We need to properly analyze the changing situation in the international arena and gather more friends in the international arena. Today, the number of countries friendly to Azerbaijan in the international arena is growing day by day, Aliyev said. It should be noted that during his visit to Mingachevir, Aliyev also inaugurated inaugurated thermal power station in Mingachevir after its reconstruction as well as a new military unit during his visit to the city on June 25, the president's official website has reported. The 330 and 500 kilovolt open switchgears, 8 power blocks, Dispatcher Management Center, main and auxiliary areas, buildings and facilities of the Azerbaijan Thermal Power Station have been launched in Mingachevir after major overhaul. President Aliyev has also attended the opening of the Museum of State Symbols in Mingachevir. Vladimir Padrino, the Venezuela Defense Minister, accused the United States of "provocation" after a navy ship sailed near the South American country's coast earlier this week as part of its "freedom of navigation" operation. The U.S. military said Nitze, the missile destroyer, conducted a freedom of navigation operation off Venezuela's coastal border. The vessel sailed outside Venezuela's territorial waters, but within an area, the Venezuelan government claims they control. In a speech broadcast on state television, Padrino said the Venezuelan government was not offended by the incident, calling it a "childish act" and "an empty victory." However, he warned that any U.S. military ship that enters the Venezuelan coast would be met with a response from the country's armed forces, Reuters reported. In a statement released by South Commander spokesperson Admiral Craig Fuller, he asserted the U.S. government would continue to operate wherever international law allows, as reported by Aljazeera. Venezuela and Iran The move comes after American President Donald Trump promised to deploy more military forces to the Caribbean to disrupt narcotics shipments allegedly overseen by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Venezuela has received sanctions on its oil industry in an effort to remove Maduro from power. Suffering from increasing isolation, the Venezuelan government turned to Iran to deliver fuel. On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the government would impose sanctions on five Iranian ship captains after they delivered more than 1.5 million barrel of gasoline to Venezuela in May. According to the Voice of America, the penalties will effectively block the captains' assets, as well as affect their careers and prospects. Speaking at a news conference, the state secretary warned mariners against doing business with Maduro's government and reaffirmed their support to the opposition leader, Juan Guaido. Earlier in June, Hossein Salami, chief commander of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, praised Iran's resolve to send fuel to the Latin American country despite receiving threats from the U.S. government. U.S. Sanctions Washington began imposing sanctions on the Venezuelan economy in 2018 to force elected President Nicolas Maduro from his seat. Part of the sanctions froze the U.S-based assets of state-owned oil and gas company Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). Iran also received sanctions in 2018 when Trump announced the United States' withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. He also froze billions of dollars of Iranian funds in foreign banks and restricted the country's ability to make nuclear weapons. The sanctions, which began on August 6, 2018, affected Iran's purchase of commercial aircraft and services, and its exportation of carpets and food to the U.S. Iran's trade in dollars, software, and automotive were also affected. On November 4, 2018, the sanctions expanded its coverage, affecting industries such as shipping, oil, energy, and financial services. Farhad Alavi, a managing partner at a Washington law firm, said the sanction caused a severe drop in Iran's oil exports, the New York Times reports. Check out the latest news from the U.S. Workforce Institute Radio Podcast: Developing Your Frontline Leaders Kronos (News - Alert) Incorporated: What: Joyce Maroney, executive director of The Workforce Institute at Kronos Incorporated, welcomes Dr. Martin Armstrong, vice president of payroll shared services at Charter Communications, to discuss his chapter in the most recent Workforce Institute book, "Being Present: A Practical Guide for Transforming the Employee Experience of Your Frontline Workforce." Armstrong's chapter, "What Frontline Leadership Needs Now," explores the critical importance of investing in the development of frontline managers. Topics discussed on the podcast include: Identifying the key behaviors and skillsets frontline managers need to be successful; The importance of empowering frontline managers with the necessary tools to enable strategic thinking, effective communication, and strong execution of tasks; and Proven research and practical insight on how decision-making techniques and change management training can help frontline managers be successful in their roles. When: Available now. Where: The Workforce Institute at Kronos podcast page or at Apple Podcasts. Why: The Workforce Institute provides research and education on critical workplace issues facing organizations around the globe. By bringing together thought leaders, The Workforce Institute is uniquely positioned to empower organizations with the knowledge and information they need to manage their workforces effectively and provide a voice for employees on important workplace issues. A hallmark of The Workforce Institute's research is balancing the needs and desires of dverse employee populations with the needs of organizations. For additional information, visit www.workforceinstitute.org. Supporting Resources About Kronos Incorporated Kronos is a leading provider of workforce management and human capital management cloud solutions. Kronos industry-centric workforce applications are purpose-built for businesses, healthcare providers, educational institutions, and government agencies of all sizes. Tens of thousands of organizations - including half of the Fortune 1000 - and more than 40 million people in over 100 countries use Kronos every day. Kronos merged with Ultimate Software on April 1, 2020, to create one of the world's most innovative HCM and workforce management companies. Visit www.kronos.com. Kronos: Workforce Innovation That Works. About Ultimate Software Ultimate Software is a leading global provider of cloud human capital management (HCM) and employee experience solutions, with more than 51 million people records in the cloud. Ultimate's award-winning UltiPro delivers HR, payroll, talent, and time and labor management, as well as HR service delivery solutions. Founded in 1990, Ultimate is headquartered in Weston, Florida, and employs more than 6,000 professionals. To learn more, visit www.ultimatesoftware.com. Ultimate Software: People First. 2020 Kronos Incorporated and Ultimate Software. All rights reserved. Kronos and the Kronos logo are registered trademarks and Workforce Innovation That Works is a trademark of Kronos Incorporated or a related company. See a complete list of Kronos trademarks. UltiPro is a registered trademark of The Ultimate Software Group, Inc. All other trademarks, if any, are property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005533/en/ Veterans, wearing white caps, and other participants pay their respects during a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War in Cheorwon, South Korea (Ahn Young-joon/AP) South Korea and the United States will continue to push for complete denuclearisation of North Korea. Their joint statement came a day after North Korea abruptly announced it would suspend steps that would have nullified 2018 tension-reduction deals and further raised animosities on the Korean Peninsula. South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and US Defence Secretary Mark Esper said they remain firmly committed to defending the hard-fought peace on the Korean Peninsula, to include supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts for the complete denuclearisation of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. The pair also called on North Korea to meet its commitments in alignment with the joint statements issued after US-North Korea summit talks in Singapore in June 2018 and inter-Korean talks in September 2018. Expand Close Participants wearing face masks sit while maintaining social distancing during a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War in Gwangju, South Korea (Cho Nam-soo/Yonhap via AP) AP/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Participants wearing face masks sit while maintaining social distancing during a ceremony to mark the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War in Gwangju, South Korea (Cho Nam-soo/Yonhap via AP) In the joint statement issued after the Singapore summit with US President Donald Trump, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said his country commits to work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula without specifying how and when disarmament steps would take place. In recent weeks, North Korea turned to provocations targeting South Korea. It cut off all communication lines with South Korea, blew up a Seoul-built liaison office on its territory and threatened to take steps to nullity the 2018 deals meant to ease tensions at the border. Experts say North Korea is trying to pressure Seoul and Washington over the stalled nuclear diplomacy. Among the threatened North Korean steps were resuming military drills, reinstalling guard posts, sending troops to closed inter-Korean cooperation sites along their heavily fortified border with South Korea, as well as flying propaganda leaflets toward the South. On Wednesday, however, the North said Mr Kim had put off taking such action after military leaders took stock of the prevailing situation. Experts said North Korea may be trying to leave room for South Korean concessions or may be worried about unexpectedly stronger responses from Seoul, whose help it may need again when it wants to reach out to the United States for future talks. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The global precision agriculture market is anticipated to reach over USD 13,016 million by 2026, According to a new study published by Polaris Market Research. In 2017, the yield monitoring application 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. There has been an increasing adoption of precision farming across the world owing to growing agricultural industry, and high-demand for food crops. The global precision farming market is driven by the increasing need to improve the quality of crops produced, maximizing crop production, and enhanced crop monitoring. Technological advancement along with government subsidies further boosts the market growth. However, high initial investment and lack of awareness limit the precision farming market growth. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/precision-farming-market/request-for-sample North America generated the highest revenue in the precision agriculture market in 2017, and is expected to lead the global market throughout the forecast period. This is due to high cost of labor, and presence of large farmlands in the North American region. Increasing investments and subsidies in the agriculture sector by governments boost the precision farming market growth during the forecast period in the region. Increasing need to improve food quality and productivity along with increased industrialization of farming equipment further supplements market growth. Various applications of precision farming include irrigation management, crop scouting, yield monitoring, weather tracking and forecasting, field mapping, inventory management, and farm labor management. In 2017, yield monitoring accounted for the largest share in the global market, and was estimated at $1,974 million in 2017, registering a CAGR of 13.2% during the forecast period. This is attributable to the benefits offered by yield monitoring such as reduced cost, improved yields, and enhanced decision making. Yield monitoring is further divided into on-farm yield monitoring, and off-farm yield monitoring. Complete Summary with TOC Available @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/precision-farming-market The well-known companies profiled in the report include Ag Leader Technology, AGCO Corporation, Deere and Company, Topcon Corporation, Trimble, Inc., The Climate Corporation, Farmers Edge Inc., and AgJunction, Inc. 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. Precision Farming Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Hardware Type o Automation & Control Drones Application control devices Guidance system Remote sensing Driverless tractors Mobile devices VRT Wireless module o Sensing devices o Antennas/access points Precision Farming Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Deployment Type o Web-Based/Local o Cloud Based Precision Farming Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Service o System Integration o Managed Services o Maintenance & Support o Consulting Precision Farming Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Application o Irrigation Management o Crop Scouting o Yield Monitoring o Weather Tracking and Forecasting o Field Mapping o Inventory Management o Farm Labor Management Precision Farming Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Region o North America U.S. Canada Mexico o Europe Germany UK France Italy Russia o Asia-Pacific China India Japan Australia o Latin America Brazil o Middle East & Africa Avail discount on this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/precision-farming-market/request-for-discount-pricing About Polaris Market Research Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. 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. Adept with a highly competent, experienced and extremely qualified team of experts comprising SMEs, analysts and consultants, we at Polaris endeavor to deliver value-added business solutions to our customers. Contact Us: Polaris Market Research Phone: 1-646-568-9980 Email: sales@polarismarketresearch.com Web: www.polarismarketresearch.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ivany Atina Arbi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 12:37 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066187f23 1 Business ITDC,Mandalika,West-Nusa-Tenggara,priority-tourist-destinations,disaster-mitigation,New-Bali,tourism-industry,tourist-destination Free The Indonesian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) is developing flood control channels in Mandalika, West Nusa Tenggara to improve disaster mitigation systems in one of the government's five super-priority tourist destinations. Mandalika managing director I Wayan Karioka explained that the 5-kilometer long channels would be built to anticipate flooding that frequently occurred in the area during the rainy season. "We are also expediting the project's finalization to welcome the new normal phase," he added. Having begun in early June, the project has reached 19 percent completion with the help of 34 workers. It was targeted to finish by the end of next month. Read also: Indonesia to develop 89 new 'strategic' projects in 2020-2024 In addition to building the disaster mitigation system, the ITDC further cooperated with the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) to provide search and rescue services on the nearby Kuta Mandalika Beach to ensure visitors' safety. As many as six trained search and rescue personnel --equipped with a rescue boat, spinal board and life jackets, among other things-- would be deployed at the beach. "Hopefully, visitors and all stakeholders will feel safe and comfortable during their stay in Mandalika," Karioka said in a statement on Wednesday. The 1,175 hectare resort area was among the government's five super-priority destinations developed to improve tourism and spur economic growth. The four other destinations are Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Borobudur in Central Java, Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara and Likupang in North Sulawesi. The Pentagon unveiled a list of companies it says are owned or controlled by China's military, opening them to increased scrutiny in the latest spat between the world's biggest economies. The 20 companies included Huawei Technologies Co. and Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., as well as a number of state-run enterprises. In letters to lawmakers dated June 24, the Pentagon said it was providing a list of "Communist Chinese military companies operating in the United States," which was first requested in the fiscal 1999 defense policy law. This list includes "entities owned by, controlled by, or affiliated with China's government, military, or defense industry," Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement. "As the People's Republic of China attempts to blur the lines between civil and military sectors, 'knowing your supplier' is critical," Hoffman said. "We envision this list will be a useful tool for the U.S. government, companies, investors, academic institutions, and like-minded partners to conduct due diligence with regard to partnerships with these entities, particularly as the list grows." While the move may be largely symbolic since it doesn't confer new authorities on the president, it comes as relations between the two superpowers continue to deteriorate, and as China has emerged as a key foreign policy issue in the U.S. election campaign. The U.S. has threatened sanctions against China for its treatment of Muslim minorities and increased grip over Hong Kong, while Beijing has for the past year threated to produce its own blacklist of U.S. companies. The U.S. list of companies said to be affiliated with the Peoples Liberation Army was mandated under the Defense Authorization Act of 1999, but no administration ever put out the required report. Trump has the authority under the International Emergency Economics Powers Act of 1977 to level financial sanctions against those companies. China's foreign and defense ministries, as well as the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, which oversees China's government-run companies, didn't immediately reply to a fax during a public holiday in the country. Huawei, which already faces a number of restrictions from the U.S. government, also didn't immediately reply to a request for comment. Hikvision called the U.S. move "baseless," saying its ownership details have always been publicly available as a listed company and "independently operated enterprise." It said it would continue to work with the U.S. government "to answer questions and correct misunderstandings about the company." The company was among a number of Chinese entities put on a blacklist last year by the Trump administration. "Hikvision strongly opposes the decision by the U.S. government to misapply a never-used provision of a 21-year-old law," a company spokesperson said. "Not only is Hikvision not a 'Chinese military company,' Hikvision has never participated in any R&D work for military applications." China has long pursued a policy known as 'civil-military integration' that allows enterprises from both sectors to share dual-use technologies. In some cases, the policy allows the Chinese military to access technologies that might otherwise be difficult to obtain under sanctions imposed after the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. "The list put out today by the Pentagon is a start but woefully inadequate to warn the American people about the state-owned and -directed companies that support the Chinese government and Communist Party's activities threatening U.S. economic and national security," Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., said in a statement. China hawks in Congress have long pushed him to direct his Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin to deploy sanctions against Huawei. It's unclear, however, whether the president would be willing to take such aggressive action against some of China's most prized business champions in an election year, as the Beijing government would likely retaliate against American companies. Derek Scissors, a China expert at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, said it was "long overdue for the government to indicate which Chinese firms have tight links to the PLA. But if there's no meaningful action coming with that, it would just be posturing, possibly in reaction to the Bolton book." In his memoir, which on sale Tuesday, former National Security Adviser John Bolton asserted that Trump asked Xi Jinping, China's leader, to bolster purchases of American agricultural products to help him win re-election in November. Trump has rejected that claim. Some of the other major companies on the list include: - Aviation Industry Corporation of China: Known AVIC, this state-owned company makes military and civil aircraft, and also provides plane components to Airbus SE and Boeing Co. - China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation and China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation: These are state-owned companies that manufacture military components as well as satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles. - China Railway Construction Corporation: This is a state-owned company that's involved in construction of infrastructure projects such as railroads, tunnels and port terminals. - China Telecommunications Corp.: This company owns Hong Kong-listed China Telecom Corp., the country's No. 2 phone company, with $54 billion in revenue last year. The Federal Communications Commission is reviewing the license for China Telecom's U.S. unit, saying the company's links to the government pose a national security risk. State-owned China Telecom's lawyers responded earlier this month with a letter saying the company obeys all U.S. laws and does not present a security risk. - China Mobile Communications Group Co.: It owns China's biggest mobile phone operator, with more than 940 million subscriptions. The FCC denied the U.S. arm of Hong Kong-listed China Mobile Ltd. a license for the U.S. last year, saying that granting the application "would raise substantial and serious national security and law enforcement risks." Here is the full list: Aviation Industry Corporation of China; China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation; China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation; China Electronics Technology Group Corporation; China South Industries Group Corporation; China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation; China State Shipbuilding Corporation; China North Industries Group Corporation; Huawei Technologies Co.; Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co.; Inspur Group; Aero Engine Corporation of China; China Railway Construction Corporation; CRRC Corp.; Panda Electronics Group; Dawning Information Industry Co.; China Mobile Communications Group; China General Nuclear Power Corp.; China National Nuclear Power Corp.; China Telecommunications Corp. Almost all overseas flights will be cancelled until July next year, Qantas boss Alan Joyce has warned. Mr Joyce announced the decision to slash 6,000 jobs on Thursday as the airline continues to struggle amid the coronavirus pandemic. 'Its clear that International travel is likely to be stalled for a long time,' Mr Joyce said. 'We are working on international operations not starting in any real size - we might get the Trans-Tasman before then, we may get other nations opening up with bubbles - but to real size from July of next year.' He said that the proposed 'travel bubble' between Australia and New Zealand would be in operation in the next few months but that Qantas will operate a skeleton international service for at least a year. Qantas announced it would slash an unprecedented 20 per cent of its workforce - as the federal government's lockdown of international borders continues to cripple the aviation industry. Qantas planes grounded at Sydney Airport in April due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Airline CEO Alan Joyce warned on Thursday that almost all overseas flights will be cancelled until July next year Speaking to journalists, Mr Joyce said the airline had 'never experienced anything like this before'. 'All airlines are in the biggest crisis our industry has ever faced,' he said. 'Revenues have collapsed, entire fleets are grounded and the world biggest carriers are taking extreme action just to survive. 'IATA the peak body for airlines says it will take more than three years for global travel to return to 2019 levels. Mr Joyce said the impact of coronavirus meant the company would have to become a 'smaller airline' in the short term. The airline's fleet of 12 Airbus A380s used for long-haul flights will be grounded for three years and moved to storage in California's Mojave desert. 'We have to position ourselves for several years where revenues will be much lower. And that means becoming a smaller airline in the short term.' Mr Joyce at a press conference on Thursday. 'Its clear that International travel is likely to be stalled for a long time,' he said at the conference Air crew walk through the Qantas Terminal at Sydney Airport on June 19. Some 15,000 staff members who have already been stood down will remain out of work 'for some time' The airline's 15,000 staff members already stood down will remain out of work 'for some time'. The staff cuts come just days after Qantas cancelled all of its international flights other than those between Australia and New Zealand until September because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Qantas employees working as ground and cabin crews and in the airline's Sydney head office will form the bulk of the job cuts. Mr Joyce said he expected to bring back about half of the 15,000 staff stood down to the workforce by the end of the year as domestic travel within Australia returns to normal. 'The remainder mostly those supporting international flying will return more slowly,' he said. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the company would have to become a 'smaller airline' in the short term as the COVID-19 pandemic stymies international travel The airline is meanwhile attempting to raise $1.9billion to shore up its financial status - having already raised $1.55billion through bank loans taken out against its Boeing 787-9 fleet. Trading in the airline's shares were halted ahead of the announcement of its plan to raise capital. Mr Joyce said though he would remain on as Qantas CEO as part of a three-year plan to revive its fortunes. In response to the mass job cuts, The Transport Workers Union said Qantas should have held off until the federal government reviewed Jobkeeper - an announcement expected at the end of July. THE CUTS BEING MADE BY QANTAS AND JETSTAR Non-operational - at least 1,450 job losses Cabin crew - at least 1,050 job losses Engineering - at least 630 job losses Pilots - at least 220 job losses Advertisement 'Before Qantas slashed thousands of workers jobs and takes more of its planes down to the pawn shop it should be lobbying the Federal Government for an extension to Jobkeeper and financial support to allow the airline to weather the crisis,' TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said. 'We are demanding that he halt these redundancies until the Federal Government makes an announcement on Jobkeeper.' Last Wednesday, the airline cancelled all of its international flights until October apart from those to New Zealand in anticipation of the opening of a trans-Tasman bubble. The cancellations came on the same day Trade Minister Simon Birmingham announced the country's borders will remain closed for another four months. SYDNEY (Reuters) - Retail giant Amazon Inc is expanding its Australian operations with plans to build a warehouse in Sydney and is also scouting locations for a giant facility in Melbourne, the Australian Financial Review reported on Thursday. An Amazon spokeswoman declined to comment on 'speculations or our future plans.' In a separate stock exchange filing, Australia's Brickworks Ltd said it was in 'advanced discussions' with a customer for a warehouse development near Sydney through a 50-50 joint venture with industrial property giant Goodman Group . Brickworks, which has an industrial property division, did not name the 'major client.' CEO Lindsay Partridge told Reuters in an interview Brickworks' industrial property business has been doing well with rental receipts "still coming in strongly." "We have the Coles warehouse which has been announced to build and we are in advanced discussion with another major client," he said. When asked if he was referring to Amazon, Partridge said "that's the speculation." Amazon's reported expansion plans come on the back of surging online sales as consumers shift to e-tailing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Just two weeks ago, Amazon had announced the opening of its first Queensland fulfilment centre in Brisbane later this year. The company currently has three fulfilment centres in Australia, based in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. (Reporting by Swati Pandey;Editing by Shri Navaratnam) Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Even as India and China agreed to ensure expeditious implementation of the understanding on disengagement of troops from eastern Ladakh, a Chinese build-up has now been reported further north of Galwan Valley. Sources on Wednesday confirmed that the Chinese have moved their troops into the Depsang area. They have mobilised their troops up to their point of claim in Depsang and are supporting their claim this time with strong military back- up, said a source. This is the fifth point of standoff in eastern Ladakh apart from Finger 4, Hot Spring Sector and Patrolling Points 14 and 15 in Galwan Valley. The Chinese have moved in heavy vehicles, tanks, artillery. The Indian Army has also mobilised accordingly its troops and equipment including the armoured vehicles and the artillery, said sources. Both sides have also brought in their air assets closer to the areas from where air support, in case of need, will be quick. Depsang came into limelight when the Chinese came and had camped there in 2013. A senior Army officer who has served in the area said PLAs presence there will affect our patrolling over an area of about 80-90 square kilometers. They can prevent our soldiers from reaching 5 to 6 patrolling areas easily and each of these cover an area of 10-15 sq km. The officer said we will not be able to go to the Patrolling Points 10, 11, 11A, 12 and 13 if the Chinese troops are there because our route to the patrolling points is through one point where they are present. We have not read the Chinese intentions well. Finger 4 is their claim point. In Galwan they are up to their claim point with a little tweak to tactically suit their position with ingress into our territory, said the source. Another officer concurred that the Chinese are not going to occupy areas which are out of their claim point. The Army has moved in and the troops have held their positions. Come what may, they have to respect various agreements. Status quo cant be changed unilaterally, said the officer. Racist threats, messages on rise against black US senator behind police reform efforts Democrat Sen. Dick Durbin calls Republican Sen. Tim Scott's legislation a 'token' Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Racially-charged threats are reportedly mounting against a black U.S. senator amid heightened political tensions nationwide over race issues and policing. According to CNN, during a policy lunch on Tuesday, Senator Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, played two of voicemail messages he has been receiving lately. One of the callers referred to Scott as "Uncle Tim," a spin off the racist slur "Uncle Tom" and accused him of being a "sellout" and "the lowest piece of sh*t this country ever produced." Another caller said: "Tim Scott, my crosshairs on my rifle are going to be pointed right at your forehead and blow your black (inaudible) dumba** away." Yet another caller spoke of the "stimulus package" and the "KKK" and said the South Carolina senator was "going to die" since people from the South "just don't like blacks." Scott was also at the receiving end of attacks from Democrats in the Senate, one of whom referred to his police reform bill, which he has been working on for five years, as a "token." Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., called the Republican-backed proposal a "token, half-hearted approach." "To call this a token process hurts my soul for my country, for our people," Scott said. Scott spokesperson Sean Smith said the senator's office has been receiving more threats in light of Scott's increased visibility on specific issues. "Most don't mention any legislation, but it's clear they're related to police reform," Smith said of the hostility directed toward Scott in messages. "The volume has increased greatly the past two weeks since it became known he was leading police reform efforts." Earlier this week, Senate Democrats blocked the police reform bill spearheaded by Scott with a procedural vote, a move he said was cynical and represented "pure race politics at its worst." The senator noted that the recent threatening phone calls were not affecting him much and that he is comfortable with the security measures he has in place. "I think 2015 and the [Charleston] church shooting had more impact on me than the failure of this legislation. What is frustrating to me and what makes me emotional is not the toll that it has on me I'm a pretty resilient guy, and I'm going to be great tomorrow and the next day and next day. It's those people that we're talking about that we almost make caricatures of them. That's the toll. Toll's not on me. Toll's on communities that continue to see, like, they are walking in quicksand," Scott said. Scott, a native of North Charleston, has served in the U.S. Senate since 2013, when he was appointed by then-governor Nikki Haley. He retained his seat in a subsequent special election in 2014 and was then reelected for a full six-year term in 2016. He previously served as a U.S. Congressman and in the South Carolina House of Representatives. Last Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at guiding police reforms after weeks of turmoil in cities around the country inspired in part by the police-involved killing of unarmed black Americans, specifically George Floyd in Minneapolis. As Canadian states move towards normalization, countrys Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepped out and took his son for ice cream. The event which marked Trudeaus first family outing since the pandemic took place on June 23, a day celebrated as Siant Jean Baptiste Day in Quebec. According to the latest tally by John Hopkins University, a total of 104087 people have tested positive for the virus. 'New ways to celebrate' Taking to Twitter, Trudeau also posted a photograph of the outing and wrote that even though they weren't able to celebrate, they had stopped to pick up some treats for the family. The photograph shows the leader along with his son Hadrien at Chocolats Favoris in Gatineau, Quebec. As per international media reports, the Canadian leader bought a vanilla cone with a cookie topping for his son while buying a vanilla cone ice cream dipped in chocolate for himself. The event also captured the attention of people on Twitter with many Canadians supporting their leader. Even though were not able to celebrate Fete nationale du Quebec and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day like we usually do, I hope youre finding new ways to celebrate - Hadrien and I stopped by @ChocoFavoris in Gatineau today to pick up some treats for the family! pic.twitter.com/sJ2TzMLsa4 Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 24, 2020 Nice to see everyone masked up. Leaders of some countries dont.... Sandra Bogart (@Sandbog) June 24, 2020 yaaaaaasssssss Science!? yaaaasssssss, Canada! A leader who LISTENS to the experts!? Millennials 4 World Peace (@millennials4_wp) June 24, 2020 Adorbs Rob Gill (@vote4robgill) June 24, 2020 Lucky you! To be with "family" 4 mths Justin!! Amend family reunification to include separated border couples. Other Countries have done it. Test & Quarantine. Partners are more "essential" than the NHL! We are suffering! leethor (@kitanathenorth) June 24, 2020 Awesome! Love to see the support for Canadian businesses and everyone following health and safety standards! Ivalera (@Ivalera7) June 24, 2020 Belated happy fathers day Mr. Prime Minister Chrissy (@Christi34075883) June 24, 2020 Read: Fact Check: Were Two Suns Spotted Near The US-Canada Border Recently? Read: Canada: People Perform Yoga In A Private And Geodesic Dome Outdoors, Watch The recent reopenings have triggered speculations if Canada was open for travelling. However, it came out that at this time, only Canadian citizens, permanent residents, select foreign nationals travelling for essential reasons, and the immediate family members of Canadian citizens are allowed to enter Canada. It is speculated that Canada will be keeping its borders shut till mid-July and is expected to keep them shut for non-essential travels if the COVID-19 pandemic continues to strengthen. Several Canadian provinces have reportedly restricted travel around Canada which makes it harder for the international travellers, who wish to visit the country as tourists, to travel without any restrictions. As per reports, even if international travel ban gets lifted in Canada, they will be following the strategy followed by New Zealand and make a 14-day quarantine period mandatory for even asymptomatic people. On the other hand, frequent temperature checks will also become normal along with the use of masks. Any official announcement around Canada allowing international travellers is still awaited. Read: Mike Pompeo Says US Stands With Canada Against China's Arbitrary Detention Of Its Citizens Read: When Will International Travel Resume? Is Canada Open For Travel? We can agree that all of us regardless of sex, race, religion, color and creed want to live peacefully with each other. We can agree that we want opportunities to live our own American dreams. We can agree that children are the most vulnerable in our society and need to be shown love and acceptance, not through material goods but via our time and protection. We can agree that education is the only way to level any societal and economic schisms. We can agree that a way forward needs to be forged with hope not contempt, love not hate. The novel pandemic has spurred an outpouring of gratitude for front line workers. One New Jersey man is using his ausome talent to dish out balloons filled with joy. Twenty-two-year-old Eddie Lin is a balloon artist with autism who makes elaborate balloon sculptures to honor essential workers. His work has caught the attention of people across the country. I think it gives people inspiration to see that even someone who has special needs knows the word appreciation and shows gratitude in his own special way, said his mother, Jenny Lin. Eddie, who goes by the name Ausome Balloon Creator, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. By the time he was 10, hed taught himself how to make impressive balloon sculptures using YouTube tutorials. He has since turned that hobby into a lucrative business. Twenty-two-year-old balloon artist Eddie Lin is making balloon sculptures for essential workers. (Courtesy of Jenny Lin) An affinity for heroes Eddie has a fondness of superheroesMarvel superheroes, to be exact. But to him, there are plenty of heroes without capes. In his head, people who go above and beyond, those are heroes, his mother said in an interview with CNN. The family lives in Edison. He goes to the doctors office and everybody who helps him, he calls them all doctors, she explained. Even the family housekeeper gets a bouquet of balloon flowers when she makes his bed. Eddies first sculpture for an essential worker went out to his friends mother, whom he was trying to cheer up. On a FaceTime call, Kay Mastrocola mentioned her mom was stressed out in her role as a manager at their local grocery store. (Illustration Billion Photos/Shutterstock) She says, Eddie, what do you think you could do to cheer my mom up? explained Lin. Eddie did exactly what hes good at. He made a shopping cart with a simple message that said Thank you. A simple gesture, powerful meaning The gesture made its way to social media, and from there, Eddies thank you campaign took off. He now has made balloon sculptures for mail carriers health care workers and police officers. Eddies small business initially focused on making balloon art for special events, such as birthdays on the weekend. Now, he is flooded with paid requests to create similar appreciative gestures throughout the week. Some can take up to 10 minutes to make. Balloons just give people that sense of joy and happiness, said Jenny Lin. Its especially important at this time to show our appreciation to the people who sacrifice their family time, and put themselves in danger just to provide for us, she went on to say. Eddie works part-time at the local library, and his mother says balloon art has helped him connect with people despite his autism. It definitely helps him, the sense of talking to people. It also boosts his self-esteem, said his mother. Its something he is good at, and he is proud of it. She hopes that seeing his story will inspire others to be kind and express gratitude. These people wouldnt do their jobs any differently with or without the thank you, she said. But, its human nature to want to feel appreciated. CNN Wire contributed to this report. "I think we might as well bite the bullet and get it done," said Barrett. "We're spending a little more money than we thought, but if we're going to do it, this is the time to do it." Funding for housing A promoter of affordable housing in small communities wants to give Wilton a boost but wants more local support to do so. Council Member Keith Stanley reported the Iowa 360 Housing Project organization is looking for an entity either the city or the Wilton Development Corporation (WDC) to guarantee construction loans. Currently three lots are available in a WDC affordable housing project, and the loans would likely range between $180,000 and $230,000 apiece. "They've probably got six or seven people right now in the pipeline who have filled out the applications online," said Stanley. Ball suggested the city loan the money to the WDC. "It might be easier for us that way," he said. No decisions were made Monday night, but Ball will research the fiscal and legal implications. Water goes downhill B oris Johnson is reportedly set to give the green light to foreign holidays, with so-called air bridges to France, Spain, Italy and Greece all but confirmed. Ministers are understood to be preparing plans to allow Britons to visit any one of about ten countries without needing to be quarantined, with the first flights to take off on July 4. Greece, Turkey, Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Gibraltar and Bermuda are also among destinations expected to be included in the plans said to being unveiled on Monday. Intensive phone calls taking place to finalise the bilateral deals, which will start next week when some European holiday spots are declared safe by the Foreign Office, The Sun reported. Long haul flights will be allowed from mid to late summer, with trips to Vietnam, Singapore, and Hong Kong among those expected to be given the green light, according to the newspaper. It comes after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said air bridges' would only be agreed with countries that have a test and trace system at the same standard as the UK, plus a low infection rate. The Government believes travel from some countries should be allowed without the 14-day quarantine period but no announcement will be made until June 29, he told the Commons Transport Select Committee on Wednesday. Asked what the "key considerations" are in the negotiations, Mr Shapps said the ability of a country to alert people if they have been in contact with a person who has coronavirus is one of the factors. Outlining the questions being asked by UK officials, he said: "Do they have something equivalent to our NHS Test and Trace system? The Test and Trace system is enormous here now. We've got the capacity to test far more than is immediately required but that would allow for any uplift anywhere. "Does the country we're talking to have that kind of capability?" He said another issue being considered is the level and trajectory of the disease in a destination. Mr Shapps added that introducing air bridges is a "massive priority", stating: "I understand entirely the pain that aviation is going through. I know both for airports, for airlines and actually for ground handlers as well, this coronavirus has been a complete disaster. "The only thing which will be worse is if the country does not continue the work it's doing on getting on top of it. "That's why quarantine has been introduced at a point where we were getting on top of it. "I know there's a lot of arguments about what we should have been doing at the beginning. "No, the chief medical officer told me at the beginning that (quarantine) would not be a solution from the outset." Since June 8, all passengers - bar a handful of exemptions - have been required to go into self-isolation for 14 days when they arrive in the UK. Loading.... People who fail to comply can be fined 1,000 in England, and police are allowed to use "reasonable force" to make sure they follow the rules. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A New York City police officer was arrested Thursday morning and charged after video showed him using an allegedly illegal chokehold to restrain a man in Queens. David Afanador, 39, who was initially suspended without pay as the NYPD investigated the incident, faces charges of strangulation and attempted strangulation, police said. The incident, which occurred Sunday morning, began after a man later identified as Ricky Bellevue, 35 was allegedly harassing beachgoers and throwing things at them, reports said. [EDITORS NOTE: Video of the incident can be found here. It contains explicit language. Viewer discretion is advised.] When police arrived, Bellevue and two others begin taunting the officers before the 35-year-old appears to reach in a trash can and pick something up, the officers body camera footage shows. Bellevue twice asks officer if theyre scared before the officers lunge at him and bring him to the ground. During the takedown, video shows Afanador use an alleged chokehold for approximately 10 seconds before another officer taps him to release Bellevue who appears to lose consciousness. While chokeholds used by police have been banned in New York City since 1993 with exceptions for use in extreme circumstances, state lawmakers recently passed legislation that allows prosecutors to bring a felony charge against police officers found to have used a chokehold, the Advance/SILive.com reported. The NYPD ban on chokeholds was not enough to protect Eric Garner, and it is not enough today, said Bronx Assemblyman Carl Heastie. This legislation will put an end to the practice across the state. The legislation, The Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act was passed as part of a package of bills aimed at police reform following massive protests across the country in the wake of the May 25 death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The legislation, originally introduced in August, is based upon the bill initiated shortly after Garners death six years ago in Tompkinsville. None of the responding officers involved in Garners death were ever charged, and a grand jury declined to indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo, who was filmed bringing Garner to the ground by his neck and continued to apply pressure after he was down. Pantaleo was fired for his role in the incident after a departmental judge recommended his termination. A U.S. spacesuit is pictured in the Quest airlock of the International Space Station ahead of spacewalks that astronauts Chris Cassidy and Behnken will conduct to upgrade orbital lab power systems. Credit: NASA. (June 21, 2020) The Expedition 63 crew is reviewing tasks and trying on spacesuits today ahead of two spacewalks set to begin Friday. Another microsatellite is set to be deployed from the International Space Station today. Two NASA astronauts spent all day Tuesday preparing for the first of two spacewalks that will start on Friday at 7:35 a.m. EDT. Commander Chris Cassidy and Flight Engineer Bob Behnken began the morning on a specialized computer going over the complex tasks they will use to upgrade station power systems. The second spacewalk is scheduled for July 1 at 7:20 a.m. Space station managers will provide more details about the spacewalks during a live briefing on NASA TV starting Wednesday at 2 p.m. NASA TV will also begin its live coverage of Friday's spacewalk at 6 a.m. Flight Engineer Doug Hurley partnered with the spacewalkers in the morning and reviewed the Canadarm2 robotic arm procedures necessary to execute the maintenance spacewalks. Cosmonaut Ivan Vagner joined the trio in the afternoon helping Cassidy and Behnken in and out of their U.S. spacesuits to verify they fit. The third Red-Eye microsatellite is staged outside Japan's Kibo laboratory module ready for deployment today at 5:10 p.m. The station's fine-tuned Canadian robotic hand, known as Dextre, grappled Red-Eye installed inside the Kaber Microsat Deployer from which it will be ejected. It will test satellite communications, flight computers and thermal management technologies On-Orbit Status Report Payloads RED-EYE: The crew took photos of the REDEYE-3 satellite deployment. The RED-EYE program develops and demonstrates technologies which increase the utility of low-cost microsatellites using the Kaber Micro Satellite Deployer attached to the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM). The RED-EYE program develops and demonstrates technologies which increase the utility of low-cost microsatellites using the Kaber Micro Satellite Deployer attached to the SPDM. Systems Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) On-Orbit Fit Verification (OFV): Today the crew completed an OFV in support of upcoming S6 Channel 1B Battery Extravehicular Activity (EVAs). During the OFV, the crew took body measurements and resized their EMUs to ensure proper fit. Each EMU contains exchangeable components allowing each astronaut to adjust EMU fit to their individual preference. The EVAs are currently planned for June 26 and July 1. EVA Robotics Training: Today, the crew completed an On-Board Training (OBT) session on the EVA robotics and participated in a conference with the ground team prior to the session. The crew also reviewed robotics procedures in preparation for the training session. Completed Task List Activities: HTV Cargo Ops (ongoing) PMM1P4 ZSR fill ESA Trash Pre-Gather for HTV9 Disposal Today's Ground Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. Ground Support for KABER Deploy Channel 1B Battery Discharge and Safing Audio Configuration for EMU OFV Look Ahead Plan Wednesday, 6/24 (GMT 176) Payloads: FSL SMD sample exchange (ESA) Space Studio KIBO laptop setup (JAXA) CDM Plate Changeout (NASA) EM Hardware Stow (NASA) Systems: HTV Cargo Ops HMS WinSCAT OBT Med Contingency Drill EVA Safer C/O EVA Suit IV Review EVA Cuff Print Thursday, 6/25 (GMT 177) Payloads: RADIN Deploy (ESA) Systems: EVA Tool Audit EVA Procedure Review/Conference EVA Equipment Lock Prep Pt 2 EVA PGT Battery Install HMS WinSCAT HMS PHS Pre-EVA Exam Friday, 6/26 (GMT 178) Payloads: ISS HAM hardware stow Systems: S6 1B Battery EVA#1 (Prep and EVA) Today's Planned Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. Checkout of Virus Definition File Update on Auxiliary Computer System [] Laptops and Report Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Procedure Review TERMINATOR. Terminator-Limb PL Installation Air sample collection using Draeger tube air sampler () in SM for CO Air sampling from SM and FGB using [-1] sampler Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis & Data Record Vacuum Cleaning of Dust collectors C1, 2 filter cartridges in FGB (panels 203, 403) Changeout of Replaceable Condensate Removal Lines [] Onboard Training (OBT) Robotics On-board Trainer (ROBoT) Conference On-board Training (OBT) EVA Robotics Onboard Trainer (ROBoT) Session Environmental Health System (EHS) Acoustic Monitor Setup Filling (separation) of - or [] for Elektron-VM Acoustic Monitor Setup for Static Measurements INTERACTION. Experiment Ops Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) On-orbit Fitcheck Verification (OFV) ISS repress with O2 from Progress 443 (DC1) Section 1 TERMINATOR. Deinstallation of Terminator-Limb PL Progress 448 (SM Aft) Transfers and IMS Ops URAGAN. Installation and activation of SOVA and VSS PL Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Member of Parliament for the Kwadaso constituency, Dr. Samui Kwadwo Nuamah has met with his main rival, Dr. Kingsley Nyarko who won the constituency primary at his residence in Kwadaso, Kumasi. The meeting was to officially congratulate him and support his candidature in the December parliamentary polls to retain the seat in the area for the NPP. Dr. Nuamah described the MP candidate elect as a good friend and said he is certain he [Dr. Nyarko] will continue with some developmental projects in the constituency when finally elected as a Member of Parliament. He noted that defeat is part of politics after calling no Kwadaso indigenes to rally behind their candidate elect to win the next election. To bear defeat with dignity, to accept criticism with poise, to receive honors with humility - these are marks of maturity and graciousness Dr. Nuamah quoted William Arthur Ward Dr. Kingsley Nyarko, the Executive Secretary of the National Accreditation Board, defeated the incumbent Member of Parliament for the Kwadaso constituency, Dr. Samui Kwadwo Nuamah, in the New Patriotic Partys parliamentary primaries which took place Wednesday, 24 June 2020. Dr. Nyarko polled 172 while the incumbent MP had 158. 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 India-China border row: Chidambaram says PM Modi's remark on LAC clash contradictory Former Finance Minister and senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Thursday lambasted the Modi government over the India-China border dispute issue again. Taking to Twitter, Chidambaram said that contrary to what Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, the status quo in Ladakh's Galwan valley has been changed by China in April this year. Also Read: India-China tension: Chidambaram questions PM Modi's silence on 'intrusion of foreign troops' In a series of tweets, Chidambaram highlighted, "Foreign Ministry and PLA of China once again assert their claim to the entire Galwan Valley and demand that India should vacate the Valley. Extraordinary demand!" Foreign Ministry and PLA of China once again assert their claim to the entire Galwan Valley and demand that India should vacate the Valley. Extraordinary demand! - P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) June 25, 2020 Questioning the Centre, the former finance minister pointed out, "will BJP-led NDA government once again reassert India's claim and demand that status quo ante must be restored?" Will BJP-led NDA government once again reassert India's claim and demand that "status quo ante" must be restored? - P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) June 25, 2020 Chidambaram further remarked, "Contrary to what the Prime Minister said, it is undeniable that the status quo was changed by Chinese troops in April-June 2020. People are watching if the Modi government will succeed in restoring the status quo ante." Contrary to what the PM said, it is undeniable that the status quo was changed by Chinese troops in April-June 2020. People are watching if the Modi government will succeed in restoring the status quo ante. - P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) June 25, 2020 He was referring to PM Modi's statement made on Friday during an all-party meet on India-China border tensions that "China did not occupy the Indian Land." The Prime Minister added that "neither has anyone entered our territory nor is anyone in control of our border posts." Also Read: Boycott of Chinese goods will not hurt China's economy, says Chidambaram The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) also articulated last Saturday that PM Modi was clear that India would give a befitting reply to any transgression attempts at the LAC (Line of Actual Control). The PMO stated that "attempts are being made in some quarters to give a mischievous interpretation" commenting on PM Modi's remarks at the all-party meet. Twenty Indian soldiers, including a colonel, were killed on June 15 in a clash with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh's Galwan valley, following which both sides held several discussions on further disengagement at the LAC. Though China has not confirmed on the casualties on its side, it's estimated the around 35-45 Chinese died in the clash. The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected President Muhammadu Buharis endorsement of Victor Giadom as the acting National Chairman of the party. Mr Buhari in a statement by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Wednesday afternoon, said he would attend the APC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened by Mr Giadom because the law is on the side of Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman. But the NWC in a press statement on Wednesday night said Mr Buhari may have been offered wrong advice or blackmailed into supporting Mr Giadom. The NWC statement is signed by Hilliard Eta and Waziri Bulama as acting national chairman and acting national secretary respectively. We hereby respectfully implore Mr President to kindly avail himself with the facts of the matter regarding the impasse presently experienced by the Party so as to guide him in his assessment of the matter because we are sure the President if properly advised, would come to the conclusion that the meeting convened by Chief Victor Giadom bothers on illegality and criminality. The NWC regret to turn down the invitation to the illegal and unconstitutional NEC convened by Chief Victor Giadom. We believe that attending such a meeting will amount to embracing illegality and turning a blind eye to the infractions on the Constitution of our great Party, the statement said. APC, Nigerias ruling party, has been thrown into leadership crisis after the Court of Appeal upheld the suspension of the partys national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, recently. Mr Giadom, a controversial deputy national secretary of the APC, is an ally of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. Mr Amaechi has been engaged in an intense and devastating power struggle within the APC with Bola Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos state, who is highly regarded as the national leader of the party. The president all along appeared to have looked the other way, while the different factions fight for supremacy and control of the party structure, ahead of the 2023 presidential election. Femi Adesina, the spokesperson to President Muhammadu Buhari But Mr Buharis spokesperson, Femi Adesina, while talking recently about the Edo state APC crisis which is an offshoot of the power struggle at the national level, said the president is a democrat who would rather prefer to allow the process to run its course. The APC structure is largely controlled by the loyalists of Mr Tinubu who may likely contest the 2023 presidential election. In this regard, the presidents support for Mr Giadom may be interpreted as a strong message against Mr Tinubus political ambition. Sisters Makes The Best Friends In The World! "We've always been extremely close. We're like any two sisters. We talk about everything - the price of vegetables, what's happening in the kitchen, with the drivers, parenting tips... Things sisters normally share. We also share fashion tips, what's happening at a shoot. Kareena has set an example for the future generations - please have a private life, get married, have children and you can still be at the top of your game. You can still work and you can still look your best," the Raja Hindustani actress told Filmfare in an interview. Karisma Kapoor Is Kareena's Biggest Cheerleader At the time when Kareena Kapoor Khan was stepping into Bollywood with her debut film, Refugee, Karisma made sure that she had her younger sister's back. Speaking about it, Lolo was quoted as saying in an interview, "I am not saying this because she is my sister. She has the makings of a star. But I know for a fact, whatever the fate of Refugee, people will respect her for trying to do things differently. It is easy to wear mini-skirts and flaunt yourself in front of the camera. Every newcomer does that. It is the quickest way to get noticed. But it takes guts to do a film like Refugee. I think people should appreciate that." When Karisma Said That She Won't Mind Stepping Aside For Her Sister's Sake "Kareena is my baby sister. I definitely don't mind stepping aside for her sake. To me, her success is very important. Kareena is good enough to survive any competition, including her sister," a tabloid quoted the Dil Toh Pagal Hai star as saying. Karisma And Kareena Are Quite Protective About Each Other The diva was quoted as saying, "I don't think we have ever had that competitive vibe. By God's grace, we have both had great careers and have made our own little contributions to Hindi cinema." The Kapoor Sisters Are An Epitome Of Girl Power "Apart from being a carefree person, I would say that she is a very emotional person. It is because of family, upbringing -- my dad, my mom. The Kapoors and the Shivdasanis, we have been extremely close and family is most important. We say careers, friends, work everything is important, but family is THE most important. That's how we have that bond of sisters and we are a very strong women-centric home. I am fortunate to have that bond (with Kareena)," Karisma fondly opened up about her younger sibling. Meanwhile, Kareena Says She Is Proud To Be Lolo's Sister "I think a lot of people still looked at me as Lolo's sister which I am extremely proud of. I think whatever I am has a lot to do with Lolo as well," Kareena had candidly confessed in an interview. Kareena Reveals What She Admires The Most About The Birthday Girl Bebo said, "Her [Karisma's] simplicity is her beauty and charm. That's why, all her life, everyone around her has bullied her. But everyone who is a part of my life knows that if Lolo has said something, then it's like gospel truth for me. And what I admire the most is the dignity with which she has conducted her life, her career, and single-handedly brought up her children, despite a lot of media stress, in terms of her marriage." When Kareena Admitted Raiding Her Sister's Closet! "One of the biggest advantages of having a sister is that you can always share each other's clothes. Be it some special occasion or a casual hangout, you can always sneak her favourite dress from her closet because why not (laughs)! Just like any other sister duo, Bollywood sisters also share their clothes with each other. Whenever I feel like dressing up, I always remember Lolo (Karisma). I just love her fashion sense and I follow her a lot. She used to choose my outfits and get me ready when I was a kid and I loved it. I still ask for her fashion advice as she gives great suggestions and styling tips," Bebo revealed to a magazine. AUSTIN, Texas, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's most accurate speech-to-text engine is now available for Zoom users to add live, real-time captions to their meetings. Rev.com today announced they have integrated their best-in-class artificial intelligence with the virtual meeting platform. Now, using the Rev Live Captions app, for the first time ever, live captions can be instantly delivered on-screen in Zoom. While other speech-to-text providers have created their own applications for Zoom, Rev's is currently the only live captions product that effectively displays native text within the interface. This allows viewers to focus on the meeting at-hand rather than an external source, split-screen, or extra window. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, formerly in-person gatherings have moved to remote environments. Zoom has quickly become the leading video conferencing application, seeing a 20x increase in users in three months. However, there has yet to be a solution for on-screen captions implemented there. "Rev's Live Captions have become an integral part of Teachers College Columbia University's remote learning and student engagement and efforts since COVID-19. Not only do they help ensure live events, classes and faculty meetings are accessible to all, but they also improve conversation flow by providing a greater understanding for what's being discussed," said Dr. John Park, Academic Technology at Teachers College. "We've tested other services for live broadcasts and Rev has been the most accurate, cost-effective, and easiest to set up and scale." "Zoom is where everything is happening now from business meetings to weddings to school classrooms to yoga classes. We felt it was important to leverage our industry-leading speech technology to create a more accessible, engaging virtual environment," said Mark Chen, Senior Vice President of Product and Operations at Rev.com. "Captions are a necessity for some in these new virtual environments. They aid in clear communication, which can support schools' and businesses' overall productivity while remote." Along with ease of use and accuracy, Rev Live Captions was developed with scalability in mind, allowing even the largest businesses and schools to easily make ongoing meetings, events, and classes via Zoom more comprehensible and effective. Unlike other Zoom captions integrations, Rev's requires a one-time setup without the need to schedule each meeting with a provider to enable the captions. Users can also save and distribute transcripts or captions file immediately after a Zoom session completes. For more information, visit www.rev.com/zoom-live-captions . About Rev Rev is the largest and most popular speech-to-text service in the world with more than 170,000 customers globally. Recognized widely as the most accurate and fastest service of its kind, Rev helps anyone capture insights from voice, connect with audiences and turbocharge productivity. Powered by a large and vibrant community of freelancers, Rev uses artificial intelligence tools to turn speech into text at unparalleled low cost. The company is obsessed with making the power of voice accessible to everyone, all while creating fulfilling work-from-home jobs. Learn more at rev.com. SOURCE Rev.com, Inc Related Links www.rev.com Montreal, CA (H4T1V6) Today Light snow this evening. Then remaining cloudy late. Low --17C. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 90%.. Tonight Light snow this evening. Then remaining cloudy late. Low --18C. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 90%. Billionaire Heinz Hermann Thiele told Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that he'd support the package at Thursday's special shareholder meeting. He had earlier criticized a steep discount being granted to the German government on a 20% stake, and he had the votes to stop it single-handedly. "I will vote in favor of the proposed resolution," Thiele told the newspaper in an interview published on its website Wednesday. With Thiele's support, the measure appears likely to surpass the two-thirds backing required for its approval. Because only 38% of Lufthansa shareholders registered for the special meeting, Thiele's 15.5% stake in the company translates into about 41% of the votes. Lufthansa needs to secure about half the remaining votes registered for the share sale to pass. Analysts at Societe Generale and Berenberg both said they'd expect the measure to prevail with the support of the 79-year-old Thiele. Mark Manduca, an analyst with Citibank, projects the stock to jump as much as 10% if the deal goes through. Securing a state holding would be a victory for Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, pleasing his Social Democratic allies and bolstering his ambitions to run for chancellor next year. Economy Minister Peter Altmaier would secure a landmark deal that's meant to serve as a model for the government's plan to take a more activist approach to managing Germany's economy. Unions, many investors and proxy advisory firms recommend shareholders back the deal. It's not clear what the rationale for blocking the package would be without a major investor proposing an alternative. "A government-orchestrated bailout is better than insolvency," said Patrick Schuchter of Union Investment, holder of a 0.12% stake. He plans to vote for the rescue, despite the drawbacks for shareholders. "Investors need to choose the lesser evil or sell their shares." Lufthansa shares have fallen about 45% this year after the coronavirus forced airlines across the globe to ground fleets. The biggest carreir in Europe now has a market cap of about $4.8 billion -- less than one-third of Thiele's fortune. It had warned previously that it was facing a cash crunch and would have trouble paying wages in July. Labor too has gotten behind the package, despite Chief Executive Officer Carsten Spohr's plan to reduce staffing by more than 20,000 positions. A potential insolvency filing, which the airline warned was possible in the event the bailout was shot down, could cause job losses on an even larger scale. "We extraordinarily welcome the decision to support the state aid package for Lufthansa at tomorrow's annual general meeting," Christine Behle, a supervisory board member and deputy chairman of labor union Ver.di, said in an emailed statement. "With this the survival of the company would be secured and an insolvency avoided." The meeting starts at 12 p.m. in Frankfurt. Spohr will address shareholders before opening the floor to questions. The process could take several hours before the vote proceeds and the results are released later in the afternoon. When divorced father-of-two Dennis Pietrobon was charged with the murder of a woman he met through a dating app, he refused to appear in court. But now the face of the man who police allege killed Nicole Cartwright, 32, hid her body at his home and dumped her in a park can be revealed. The 51-year-old's online job hunting profile has surfaced, providing the first look at the 'gym junkie' accused of Ms Cartwright's death in late 2018. A council worker found Ms Cartwright's body wrapped in a bedsheet at Buffalo Creek Reserve, in Hunters Hill on Sydney's lower north shore, that October 3. Scroll down for video Accused: Dennis Pietrobon (left) has been charged with the murder of Nicole Cartwright (right) in October 2018 Crime scene: A worker made the gruesome discovery at Buffalo Creek Reserve in Hunters Hill, on Sydney's lower north shore, in the early hours of October 3, 2018 A council worker made the gruesome discovery in Hunters Hill (located above) about 7.30am on October 3, 2018 PIetrobon's LinkedIn profile confirms the statements of friends that he had been out of work after losing his job with Transport for NSW Pietrobon was arrested at Parramatta Police Station on May 27 following a police investigation spanning more than 18 months. He was charged with murder and declined the opportunity to appear before a magistrate by video link. His lawyer told Parramatta Local Court court he had only been able to speak to Pietrobon for a few minutes before he was taken to prison. The case was adjourned for eight weeks so police could prepare the brief of evidence and Pietrobon was formally refused bail, to return to court in July. Detectives arrested Pietrobon at Parramatta Police Station at about 12.45pm on Wednesday, May 27, during a routine visit to the station Police will allege Pietrobon, 51, murdered Ms Cartwright (pictured) on October 1 - her 32nd birthday - and dumped her body 48 hours later A former friend of Pietrobon's previously told Daily Mail Australia how he had apparently struggled following the breakdown of his marriage. He had also lost his job with Transport for NSW, the friend claimed. Pietrobon's LinkedIn profile said he worked for the state transport department as an 'authorisation facilitator' up until 2014, a source confirming the profile was his. The friend said: 'He worked for Sydney Trains but after he lost his job he ended up sleeping in his car and showering at his local gym.' In a statement, Ms Cartwright's brother Ben said it was difficult for him and his parents to comprehend the fact that she would never be coming home. 'Its hard to express in words what our family has been through since Nicoles death,' Mr Cartwright said. 'Nicole was very much loved as a sister and daughter; a cherished member of our family. 'We grieve daily for Nicole and the life she never got to live, and we are still struggling to comprehend that she will never be coming home. The case continues. Governor, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has denied reports suggesting that he is unwanted at the Aso Villa after his Tuesday visit. He also accused the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Babafemi Ojudu, of being behind the report, an allegation Mr Ojudu strongly denies. Earlier on Wednesday, some media platforms, especially The Nation, reported that the governor was denied access to President Muhammadu Buhari when he visited with the controversial acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Victor Gaidom. The reports linked the development to the leadership crisis that has thrown the ruling APC into disarray. But reacting to the reports Wednesday, the Chief Press Secretary to Mr Fayemi, Yinka Oyebode, stated that Governor Fayemi had no plan nor reason to see President Buhari on Tuesday afternoon. The Governor, had earlier seen Mr President at noon in company of three of his colleagues Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Governor Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Governor Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa). Also present at that meeting were the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari and Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, Mr Oyebode said. Governor Fayemi was in the villa later in the afternoon to see the COS and State Chief of Protocol (SCOP). He added that Mr Fayemi was never denied opportunity to see President Buhari as he did not ask to see the President and neither did he go with Mr Giadom. The statement then accused Mr Ojudu of being behind the report. The falsehood, we gathered reliably, was fabricated by a senior aide of the Presidency and a former Senator, Babafemi Ojudu, and planted in The Nation Newspaper, after it was rejected by some State House Correspondents, who rebuffed the former Senator for the misleading and malicious story, Mr Oyebode continued. It is on record that Senator Ojudu, in his desperate bid to rubbish Governor Fayemi, had told his close associates that he would battle Governor Fayemi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) with falsehood and cheap blackmail in his nefarious attempt to destabilize APC in Ekiti State. Mr Ojudu denied the allegation when contacted by PREMIUM TIMES. I knew nothing about his visit to the villa and the report in the newspapers until my attention was called to it, Mr Ojudu said. I was shocked to be drawn into a matter I know nothing about. It is true that we have some disagreement over Ekiti politics. But it is unfair of him to peddle falsehood against me. Messrs Fayemi and Ojudu have been at loggerheads since 2018, this paper reliably gathered. The rift between the former political allies started during the March 26, 2018 governorship where Mr Fayemi emerged as the APC candidate. Mr Fayemi, who was Minister of Mines and Steel Development then, joined the contest few weeks to the partys primary and altered the political permutations. This did not go well with Mr Ojudu. The strained relationship with the governor has however pitched Mr Ojudu against some stakeholders in the party, including some party executives in his local government, Ado-Ekiti. Recall that the presidential aides house in Ado-Ekiti was reportedly invaded by some party members on Monday. Although Mr Ojudu said it was an attack, party sources on the side of Mr Fayemi told PREMIUM TIMES that the persons involved were ward executives who angrily returned some foodstuffs Mr Ojudu donated to them in March. The state Commissioner of Police, Amba Asuquo, told our correspondent that he was not aware of any attack on Mr Ojudus residence. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Sri Wahyuni (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 17:02 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661a4d9f 1 National Idul-Adha,qurban,Muhammadiyah Free Indonesias second-largest Muslim group, Muhammadiyah, has said that its members and Muslims in general may take part in mass prayers for Idul Adha (Day of Sacrifice), expected to fall on July 31, with their own families or in small congregations in their neighborhoods with strict COVID-19 health protocols in place. The group announced its stance in a circular jointly signed by Muhammadiyah chairman Haedar Nashir and deputy secretary Agung Danarto. The circular came alongside guidance on Idul Adha observance and worship amid the pandemic issued by the organizations tarjih (law making) and tajdid (reform) council. Reading out the circular during a press conference at the Muhammadiyah headquarters in Yogyakarta, Agung said that Muslims should not hold Idul Adha mass prayers in public squares with large congregations. Those who want to conduct the prayer can do so at home together with their own family members in the same way as it is conducted in squares, Agung said during the event held Wednesday, which was also aired live on the organization's media channels. Read also: Muhammadiyah allows mosques to hold mass Friday prayers with strict health protocols The circular states that only people living in "green zones" referring to cities and regencies where the risk of infection is the lowest may organize Idul Adha mass prayers in small open spaces in their respective neighborhoods while complying with strict health protocols. The spread of COVID-19 has yet to decrease significantly. Conducting Idul Adha prayers in squares is allowed, but only in small [open spaces] or with a small number of people," said Syamsul Anwar of Muhammadiyah's tarjih and tajdid council. Muhammadiyah previously announced that this years Idul Adha would fall on Friday, July 31. Observance of the Islamic holy day includes holding mass prayers in the morning followed by qurban (animal sacrifice), the meat from which is distributed to the poor. The group also encouraged Muslims in its circular to convert their qurban to sadaqah (alms) to help those who have been hit hard by the pandemic, or to do both if they could afford it, as Muhammadiyah acknowledged that the health crisis had caused social and economic problems that had forced many into poverty. That is why it is very advisable that Muslims prioritize sadaqah over slaughtering sacrificial animals, Agung said while reading out the circular. Rajasthan health minister Raghu Sharma has said that Baba Ramdev did not take permission from the state government for conducting the clinical trials for a drug launched by his company that claims to cure the coronavirus disease. Sharma said that the state government had not received any proposal for clinical trials for the drug, nor had the they have given any permission to anyone in this regard. Human trials cannot be carried out without permission of the state government. Those conducting clinical trials without government permission are misleading the people and strict action will be taken against them, he warned. Regarding Ramdevs claim, Sharma said that Ayurvedic medicines could act as immunity boosters but claiming a cure without permission of the Ayush ministry was not acceptable. Baba Ramdev had on Tuesday claimed that his team of researchers at Patanjali Ayurved had found a medicine to cure Covid-19. Ramdev said clinical trials had been conducted along with the National Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) University in Jaipur. NIMS director Dr Anurag Tomar said that all the necessary approvals for the clinical trials had been taken and permission from CTRI was taken before the trials were conducted. The Ayush ministry has asked Baba Ramdev to provide details about the medicine and to stop advertising the products. Sharma warned that if anyone was found selling the Baba Ramdevs claimed medicine for curing Covid-19, strict action will be taken against that seller. The minister further said that a gazette notification issued on June 21, 2020 by the Centre under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and 1945, says that no one can sell any Ayurvedic drug for Covid-19 without permission from the Ayush ministry. If anyone is found selling any drug for curing Covid-19, strict action will be taken against the seller as per the law, Sharma said in a statement. He said that Rajasthan government is complying with the guidelines of the Union health ministry, the Ayush ministry and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in treatment of Covid-19 patients. Sharma said if anyone wants to conduct clinical trials, these have to approved by the scientific advisory bodies and institutional ethics committee. He added that after the proposal to conduct clinical trial is registered with Clinical Trials Registry India (CTRI), the sample size should be adequate and the trials have to be as per guidelines of Ayush ministry and ICMR and has to be done as per the biomedical and health research guidelines. The human participation has to be as per ICMRs national ethical guidelines, and participation by registered Ayush doctors has to be ensured, said Sharma. Regarding NIMS, the Rajasthan minister said that suspected Covid-19 patients had been kept there in institutional quarantine for a few days. How could clinical trials be conducted on them when it was not clear whether they were infected with the coronavirus? On Baba Ramdevs claims that patients on whom clinical trials were conducted had recovered in seven days, Sharma said in normal course too, patients are recovering in seven days. Samsung has reportedly pushed back the Galaxy M51 launch to September this year. The company is having manufacturing difficulties with the device and the production is running slower than usual, MySmartPrice reports citing unnamed industry sources. Its unclear what is causing the said production difficulties, though. It could be because of the COVID-19 pandemic-induced disruptions in the supply chain, or because of some internal issues. Samsung was looking to source display panels for the Galaxy M51 as well as for the Galaxy M41 from Chinese firm CSOT. However, the Korean giant apparently wasnt satisfied with the quality of the sample OLED panels supplied by the company. Advertisement It eventually decided against the plan and killed the Galaxy M41 altogether. The company is now leaning on its in-house firm Samsung Display for the Galaxy M51s OLED panel. This uncertainty may have led to this long delay in its arrival. Galaxy M51 launch postponed to September The first reports about the Galaxy M51 emerged back in January this year. It was reported that Samsung has begun production of the handset at its Noida factory in India. However, the device has since remained as elusive as ever. A report last month said that the Galaxy M51 could launch in India at the end of June or in early July. However, that doesnt seem to be happening. Advertisement According to the recent report, well have to wait a few more months before we could get our hands on Samsungs most powerful Galaxy M series phone yet. Hopefully, there wont be any more delays. The Galaxy M51 will likely pack the Snapdragon 730 chipset with 8GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. A 64GB variant should also be available, possibly with a lesser amount of RAM. The handset is rumored to feature a quad-camera setup on the back, consisting of a 64-megapixel ISOCELL Bright GW1 primary sensor. Advertisement Other rumored specs include a 5,000mAh (or bigger) battery with at least 15W fast charging, dual SIM support, an in-display fingerprint scanner, and a Super AMOLED punch-hole display of Full HD+ resolution. The device will run Android 10 out of the box, with Samsungs One UI on top. Samsung has several products lined up for launch in the next few months. Theres the flagship Galaxy Note 20 series, Galaxy Tab S7 series, Galaxy Z Flip 5G, and the Galaxy Fold 2. The company also has a couple of Galaxy Watch 3 models and a pair of wireless earbuds coming out soon. An encounter broke out on Thursday between terrorists and security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on a tip-off of the presence of terrorists in the area. This is the second encounter of the day. The gunfight is underway in Chewa Ullar village in Tral area of the district. The Kashmir Zone Police tweeted, "Encounter has started at Chewa Ular area of Tral Awantipora. Police and security forces are on the job. Further details shall follow." A police official said, "A joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police, 42 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a cordon and search operation (CASO) on specific information generated by Jammu and Kashmir Police about the presence of terrorists in the village. He added that the terrorists, who were hiding, were given full chance to surrender. However, as the joint team of forces cordoned the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired upon them, which was retaliated and resulted in a gunfight. Sources in the police said two to three terrorists are believed to be trapped in the cordon. Earlier in the morning hours, two terrorists were killed in north Kashmir's Handshiva village of Sopore district. The number of killed terrorists in Kashmir this year reached 108 and in June, 37 terrorists were killed. The 2021 Toyota Sienna will have a hybrid powertrain as standard equipment as will the all-new 2021 Toyota Sienna. Learn more about these innovative vehicles before they arrive at Toyota of Decatur. The product experts at Toyota of Decatur are very excited for 2021 Toyota models to start arriving at the dealership. Back in May, the automaker made a major announcement regarding the expansion of its hybrid vehicles that will be available in the near future. First, the 2021 Toyota Sienna is getting a clean sheet redesign and will be equipped with a standard hybrid powertrain. The other element involves a new hybrid crossover SUV with a familiar name. The 2021 Toyota Venza offers similar dimensions to some already popular platforms from the manufacturer. Both new Toyota hybrid vehicles are reportedly scheduled to arrive in waning days of summer and Toyota of Decatur is eager to get the latest information into the hands of customers. Toyota engineers have equipped the 2021 Toyota Venza with a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine that will utilize the latest generation of the Toyota hybrid technology. It will make 219 net horsepower and can achieve up to a combined 40 miles per gallon in the city and on the highway. Future owners of the Toyota Venza will have two rows of seats that can hold five passengers comfortably and safely. When people are occupying the rear seat, there will be more than 35 cubic-feet of cargo volume available. More can be used when the rear seats are folded down. The interior dimensions of the 2021 Venza are very similar to that of the popular Toyota RAV4. The 2021 Toyota Sienna will have a lot of new features to offer when it goes on sale later this year. Toyota has done away with the traditional V-6 engine in favor of a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder hybrid powertrain. It will make 243 net horsepower and still has a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Like the 2021 Venza and other Toyota hybrid vehicles, the 2021 Sienna is equipped with EV Mode that will allow for short, low-speed trips without using any gasoline. Additionally, 2021 Sienna owners can expect the new hybrid minivan to be able to achieve a city/highway combined 33 miles per gallon. Anyone can view the entire Toyota of Decatur inventory by visiting the dealerships website, http://www.toyotaofdecatur.com. The showroom is located at 309 Beltline Place, Decatur, AL 35601. Customers can start the pre-ordering process for either new Toyota hybrid vehicle today by calling 256-274-4354. Kevin Rudd's former economics adviser says the average NSW public servant will lose more than $56,000 in income over the next 20 years if they are denied a 2.5 per cent pay rise. In a report co-authored by Andrew Charlton and tendered to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission, the economist said the macroeconomic benefits of a pay rise to the 400,000-strong public workforce would "substantially outweigh the costs". Dr Andrew Charlton, who gave evidence before the Industrial Relations Commission this week as part of a wages dispute between the Berejiklian government and the public sector unions. Credit: Jesse Marlow "A 2.5 per cent increase in the average public servants income for 2020-21 equates to $2198 in 2020-21, but an increase of $56,150 in future income over the next 20 years," the report, co-authored with Angela Jackson from Equity Economics, states. "This is $2198 less that each public servant will have to spend in the NSW economy over the period and a $3 billion over three years withdrawal of spending from the economy at a critical time." Chemical Bank, which is making the switch to become TCF Financial Corporation later this summer, demolished its Sanford branch after the building was determined to be unsafe due to flood damage. Jordan Summers, market president for Chemical Bank, said the dam failure and heavy flooding in mid-May caused significant damage to bank building and with consultation from an structural engineer, the company decided to demolish the existing site. From the road, you couldnt tell a lot had happened once things dried out, but the back wall was heavily affected and the basement back wall was essentially washed out, Summers said. And so we made the decision to go ahead and get that building removed. Now the company is determining the next steps regarding which banking services will be offered in Sanford going forward. Summers said part of the process is deciding whether the existing site would be appropriate to rebuild on. Were certainly really taking the time to appraise the situation and are dedicated to meeting the banking needs for that community, Summers said. We just want to make sure that, however, we do it (in) the most appropriate way and makes sense. All the customer lock boxes that were on site in Sanford were rescued and taken to a secure location in Midland, Summers said. He said the boxes have been tested from an environmental standpoint and customers should be able to make appointments to retrieve those in the next week or two. In the meantime, an ATM/cash dispenser is being set up at the Sanford Food Center, expected to be functional by mid-July, and all the Sanford bank employees have transferred to other area branches in Midland, Beaverton and Gladwin, Summers said. All calls to the Sanford branch are being redirected to the Midland location at 2106 N. Saginaw Road, next to Taco Bell. Chemical Bank/TCF Financial has been busy in other ways, with food drives currently taking place at bank locations in Southeast Michigan, in which the donations will be delivered to Hidden Harvest later this week. In addition, Summers said 56 donations totaling $6,595 has been added to the TCF/Chemical Bank Employee Assistance Fund through the Midland Area Community Foundation, following the companys initial $50,000 contribution. The fund was established to help bank employees who have been impacted by the recent flooding. We continue our efforts around supporting the community through this situation and our team members are doing a lot of great things in terms of volunteerism and helping to lead in those efforts, Summers said. So, again, (were) just really appreciative of the whole community; our customers and the support they provided us throughout this process. Credit: CC0 Public Domain France said on Thursday it was launching a "large scale" coronavirus testing campaign in a bid to identify any dormant infection clusters. Some 1.3 million people in the Ile-de-France region, which includes Paris, will receive vouchers for a virus test, Health Minister Olivier Veran told Le Monde newspaper. Even those who display no symptoms would be eligible, he said. People who live near previous hotspots will be targeted in a bid to identify asymptomatic carriers who may be transmitting the virus without knowing it, said the minister. The tests would determine if a person is currently infected, not whether they had had the virus previously. The government will start with a pilot campaign in Ile-de-France and three other regionsbetween them accounting for about three-quarters of people who required intensive care for coronavirus complications. "We are in an experimental phase to see if this corresponds to what the French want," Veran said of the testing campaign. "The experiment may be extended to other regions later." Figures released on Wednesday showed that 29,731 people had died in the COVID-19 outbreak in France to date, though the rate has slowed to 11 deaths in 24 hours. Veran told the newspaper that "the peak of March-April is behind us, but we have not finished with the virus", and urged people to continue to "avoid large gatherings and risky behaviour" that could help the virus spread. A lack of systematic testing at the height of the epidemic means statisticians can only model the real number of people infected. In May, Veran admitted there had been "a gap between the theory and the practice" of testing in France, with many people holding a doctor's prescription for a test unable to get them. France has ramped up its capacity since then, and said in May it would be able to carry out 700,000 per week. Until now, tests were on prescription and reserved for people with possible coronavirus symptoms, or those who had been in contact with a sick person. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2020 AFP Police officers are surrounded after responding to a reported shooting that turned out to be a false report, according to police officers, in Tampa, Fla., early June June 20, 2020. (Tampa Police Department) Tampa Police Chief After Ambush of Officers: Protesters Are Not Always Peaceful A Florida police chief said a situation hes described as an ambush is one of a number of incidents that show people ostensibly protesting in recent weeks arent always peaceful. Nine officers responded to a reported shooting in Tampa in the early hours of Saturday but found no evidence a shooting occurred, including no victim. Instead, the hundreds of people in the area penned the officers in and hurled bottles and other objects, injuring two of the officers. Officials describing the protests as entirely peaceful are not depicting the whole story, Tampa Police Chief Brian Duggan said Thursday. Theyre leaving the portions out that fit their narrative. Weve had police cars with smashed windows looting, defacing property, and its just not getting out there, he said during an appearance on Fox & Friends. Duggan added later: I assure you that we are not going to take a knee, were going to stand up, were going to defend our city, were the guardians of the city and we have no intentions of handing over the key to the city to these protesters who, quite frankly, are just not always peaceful. Without mentioning him by name, the police official referred to Hillsborough State Attorney Andrew Warren, who declined to file charges against any of the people arrested in Tampa on June 2 for unlawful assembly. Prosecuting people for exercising their First Amendment rights doesnt solve problems, it creates them by weakening the bonds that exist between law enforcement in our community and by undermining peoples faith in our system, Warren said at a press conference announcing his decision earlier this month. A man on a bicycle rides past a burning police car during a demonstration next to the city of Miami Police Department in Miami, Fla., on May 30, 2020. (Wilfredo Lee/AP Photo) Warren on June 18 filed felony charges against 11 defendants accused of taking part of rioting and looting on the nights of May 30 and May 31. If youre out to peacefully protest, you can expect support from our community. But if youre out to hurt, destroy, or stealyou can expect to be held accountable under the law, he said in a statement. Protests against alleged police brutality and racial injustice have taken place across the United States since George Floyd, an unarmed black man, died in policy custody in Minneapolis on Memorial Day. The four police officers involved were fired. They were later charged with murder or aiding and abetting murder. In some cases, violence, including destruction of businesses and assault on individuals, has accompanied the protests or occurred near them. Duggan, the police chief, said officers find themselves in a difficult situation. Demonstrators dont want police officers at the protests but some community members do want a presence there to try to corral those who may become violent. Underpinning it all are efforts to defund or even abolish police departments in different cities. We need to be very careful about that. The next time theres an active shooter at the mall, the next time theres an act of terrorism, or a school shooting, whos going to respond? Duggan wondered. Right now, the officers feel like they cant win, he told reporters on Monday. Duggan described what unfolded over the weekend as a setup in Thursdays appearance, a more definitive statement than Mondays press conference. It was clearly just a set up to get the cops there and then surround them, he said. One arrest was made. Police were reviewing video footage from the scene to try to identify people who hurled objects at officers and quickly ran away. Italy's 5G project, launched to great fanfare in October 2018 with frequencies going for top dollar at auction, has since fallen victim to sky-high costs and red tape. The next generation wireless network technology will not only be faster and capable of handling more connected devices than the existing 4G, it's expected to fuel development of new technologies for consumers, businesses and defence alike. Keen to take advantage, Italy held auctions at the end of 2018 -- two years before neighbour France -- and raised over 6.55 billion euros ($7.3 billion) -- far above the minimum 2.17 billion euros Paris is hoping to bring in this autumn. "The culture of mobile telecommunications in Italy has always been ahead of its time. The peninsula was the first country in the world to launch 3G," Andrea Rangone, a professor at the Polytechnic business school in Milan, told AFP. But the high prices paid for frequencies, coupled with Italy's slow bureaucracy, are proving a headache for operators. The auctions have led to "much higher costs for companies than in other countries", and "a sharp drop in profitability," said recently Enrico Barsotti, number two at mobile operator WindTre. "Investing in Italy is very difficult: the limits on electromagnetic emissions are among the strictest in the world, and there is no certainty about time frames because of bureaucracy," he said. - Permit problems - Getting the necessary permits "depends on rules that vary from one region to another, or even from one municipality to another," Barsotti said. Fastweb, a broadband operator that has partnered with WindTre for 5G, also told AFP the authorisation process was "likely to slow down the deployment of 5G networks considerably". Frustrated operators also fear damage from another quarter: fake news. They have urged the government to tackle reports 5G could be dangerous for customers, with Fastweb pointing out "the frequencies used are exactly the same as those used over the past 20 years for other mobile technologies". Story continues These issues have not stopped operators from commercially launching 5G with dedicated subscriptions. Telecom Italia (TIM) is already offering 5G in nine cities, including Rome, Turin, Florence and Naples, and will do so "soon" in other cities like Milan. The aim is "to cover the entire population by 2025/2026," it said. - Pick up in 2021? - Digital Transformation expert Gianni Ferranti said "there could be a resumption of 5G development in 2021, if the government maintains tax incentives for companies investing in digitisation and automation, and if the average prices of mobile phones capable of connecting in 5G fall". A row over whether Chinese telecom giant Huawei, the world's largest supplier of telecom network equipment, could pose a risk to 5G security in the West has been largely absent in Italy. "Italy has tried to remain as neutral as possible," professor Rangone said. Rome nevertheless decided in 2019 to exercise its "special powers" to verify trade agreements entered into by operators, in order to "protect national security". TIM said for its part it had "adopted a policy of having a diversity of suppliers, so as not to be dependent on any one company in particular" -- a common policy among operators. Some 75 countries and non-governmental organizations have pledged $130 million in financial commitments to the UN agency that assists Palestinian refugees across the Middle East, UNRWA, following a virtual conference on Tuesday, The meeting was held to bridge a $400 million funding gap so that UNRWA can continue providing health, education and social services to more than five million people in three countries and the occupied Palestinian territory. Every day, UNRWA is contributing to human development and stability in an increasingly volatile and challenging context, said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking from New York. Not only does the agency provide a lifeline for millions of Palestine refugees, he continued, it is also critical for regional stability. Unpredictable and unstable environment UNRWA officially the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East was established following the 1948 Arab-Israeli conflict. It has operations in Gaza and the West Bank, but also in Lebanon, Jordan and Syria, funded almost entirely by contributions from UN Member States. New chief Philippe Lazzarini took charge on 18 March, or just one week after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. He said the crisis has come as the Middle East enters a period of renewed uncertainty, with Israel threatening to annex parts of the West Bank and Lebanon facing economic chaos, while the seemingly endless Syrian conflict rages on. In an unpredictable and unstable environment, we need, more than ever, a predictable and stable UNRWA, Mr. Lazzarini told the conference, which was co-organized by Jordan and Sweden. But our greatest challenge is our financial stability. We are operating at full capacity with inadequate resources. Over the past five years, UNRWA has battled deep budget cuts, which has led to $500 million in savings. But Mr. Lazzarini said there is nowhere left to trim without affecting the quality of its services. Year after year, month after month, UNRWA is on the edge of a financial collapse. This cannot continue, he stressed, urging countries to take steps, including raising their annual contributions. Jordan hosts the largest number of Palestinian refugees, and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi pledged to continue working alongside partners. Any reduction in UNRWAs services will only cause more suffering for a people that have suffered for more than any people should have to endure, he stated. Meanwhile, Sweden has contributed some $55 million to the agency this year so far, the Minister for International Development Cooperation reported. Peter Eriksson said until there is a solution to the situation of Palestinian refugees, we have a shared responsibility to support UNRWA. WASHINGTON The Republican-controlled Senate on Thursday advanced an effort to expand the power of the Justice Departments independent watchdog to investigate allegations of ethical violations and professional misconduct by department lawyers, overriding the objections of Attorney General William P. Barr. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 21 to 1 to approve the bipartisan measure, which unanimously passed the House last year. It would shift the responsibility for investigating lawyer misconduct from an office under Mr. Barrs supervision to the departments independent inspector general, Michael E. Horowitz. The negative ramifications of shielding attorney misconduct from inspector general scrutiny and, eventually, public scrutiny are not hypothetical, said Senator Mike Lee, Republican of Utah and the bills lead author. He cited the failure of prosecutors to turn over mitigating evidence in the 2008 corruption trial of former Senator Ted Stevens and limits that had been placed on Mr. Horowitz while he scrutinized the F.B.I.s Russia investigation. This is a problem that Congress should want to fix, Mr. Lee added. Lawmakers push to expand the jurisdiction and powers of the departments inspector general predates the Trump administration, but its advance is particularly noteworthy at a time when Mr. Barr is already under intense scrutiny for prosecutorial and personnel decisions that critics say smack of political motivation. This week, two department lawyers accused Mr. Barr and other department leaders of politicizing criminal and antitrust cases, issues that Democrats say ought to be under the inspector generals jurisdiction. The number of active patients with coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ukraine has reached the level of 50 infected people per 100,000 population, Health Minister of Ukraine Maksym Stepanov said during a press briefing in Kyiv on Thursday. "When we determined this criterion [40 patients per 100,000 population for the distribution of countries into the red and green zones], Ukraine was under the conditions of an adaptive lockdown. The rate of active patients in Ukraine at that time was around 37 patients per 100,000 population, while today it is around 50 patients. It all happened within just ten days," he said. CLEVELAND, OH / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / Mace Security International, Inc. (OTCQX:MACE) today announced that it has posted supplemental exhibits on the OTCQX website. These exhibits provide information regarding significant shareholders, officer and director stock holdings, and detail related to certain previously disclosed bonus and voting agreements. These agreements continue to be available for shareholder viewing in their entirety at Mace's headquarters located at 4400 Carnegie Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44103. Click on the following link to access the amended supplemental exhibits: https://backend.otcmarkets.com/otcapi/company/financial-report/250629/content Additionally, MACE was informed after the record date of May 27, 2020 of purchases of an additional 585,000 shares of Mace stock by members of its Board of Directors, bringing the total officer and director shareholdings in Mace to 29%. About Mace Security International, Inc. Mace Security International Inc. is a globally recognized leader in personal safety products. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the Company has spent more than 30 years designing and manufacturing consumer and tactical products for personal defense and security under its world-renowned Mace Brand - the original trusted brand of pepper spray products. The Companies other leading brands include Tornado Brand stun guns and pepper spray, and Vigilant Brand alarms. The Company also offers aerosol defense sprays for law enforcement and security professionals worldwide through its Take Down Brand. Mace Security International distributes and supports its products and services through mass-market retailers, wholesale distributors, independent dealers, e-commerce channels and through its website, www.mace.com. For more information, please visit www.mace.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements and information included in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words or phrases "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimate," "projected," "intend to" or similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to certain risks, known and unknown, and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic conditions, dependence on management, our ability to compete with competitors, dilution to shareholders, and limited capital resources. Contacts: Gary Medved President and Chief Executive Officer gmedved@mace.com SOURCE: Mace Security International, Inc. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/595279/Mace-Discloses-Supplemental-Information-Regarding-Share-Ownership-Insider-Holdings-and-Voting-Agreements-and-Announces-Additional-Insider-Stock-Purchases [June 25, 2020] Nonprofits Insurance Alliance (NIA) Joins Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Nonprofits Insurance Alliance (NIA), the leading P&C insurance provider exclusively serving the 501(c)(3) nonprofit sector, announced today that Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance, Risk Retention Group (ANI)-part of the NIA group brand-has become a member of Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston (FHLBank Boston). FHLBank Boston is part of the FHLBank System, which was created by Congress in 1932 as a government-sponsored enterprise to serve the public by enhancing the availability of credit for housing and community development. The System is composed of 11 regional banks which are privately capitalized and owned as cooperatives by their members. Each year, the FHLBanks provide access to billions of dollars in low-cost funding to nearly 7,000 of America's banks, credit unions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutions. Membership into FHLBank Boston is a vote of confidence in ANI's financial stability and provides ANI access to low-cost funding to continue supporting the nonprofit sector. As a result of the hardening market for property and casualty (P&C) insurance, more commercial carriers are narrowing their underwriting appetite and turning away 501(c)(3) organizations or otherwise limiting protection or affordability for nonprofits in a trend that is expected to continue. NIA continues to be available as a reliable choice for the stably-priced insurance that nonprofits need to operate successfully for the long-term. NIA offers property and casualt insurance to nonprofits through its own companies and partners in 32 states and the District of Columbia. In just the first quarter of 2020, ANI grew 44 percent versus the same period a year earlier, and continues to write small and large nonprofits that other insurers are nonrenewing, including community-based organizations providing vital services such as: Housing and shelter Food and nutrition Human services Youth development Senior services Animal care and adoption "NIA is in a strong financial position to continue to offer a reliable source of property and casualty insurance to nonprofits at a time when they have shrinking options," says Kim Aday, CFO of NIA. "It is a true privilege to support a sector that provides so many vital services to our communities. Our membership with FHLBank Boston allows us to expand and help even more nonprofits." FHLBank Boston said the following about inviting ANI to become a member: "ANI plays a crucial role in providing insurance to an important segment of the market. FHLBank Boston is pleased to welcome ANI as a member of the Bank and looks forward to supporting their financial strategy," said Matt Stewart, vice president, director of insurance sales at FHLBank Boston. About Nonprofits Insurance Alliance Nonprofits Insurance Alliance (NIA) is the nation's leading property and casualty insurer exclusively serving nonprofit organizations. Founded in 1989 in Santa Cruz, CA (News - Alert), NIA is a social enterprise developing the long-term sustainability of the nonprofit sector. NIA has one of the best customer retention rates in the industry. NIA members enjoy stably-priced insurance, specialized insurance coverage, dividends, and innovate risk management and member services. The NIA group brand is comprised of Alliance Member Services (AMS (News - Alert)) and three AM Best A VIII (Excellent) rated insurers: Nonprofits Insurance Alliance of California (NIAC), Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance, RRG (ANI), and National Alliance of Nonprofits for Insurance (NANI). All organizations under the NIA brand are 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Learn more about Nonprofits Insurance Alliance at insurancefornonprofits.org/about. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005047/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Dior Men Summer 2020. (PHOTO: Brett Llyod/Dior) To mark the launched of the limited-edition Air Jordan 1 OG Dior Sneakers, Dior is launching an exclusive online experience that allows participants the opportunity to purchase a pair of a first-come, first-serve basis. This comes right after the Fall 2020 mens show in Miami, where Dior and Kim Jones teamed up with Jordan Brand to create the Air Jordan 1 OG Dior limited-edition sneakers as well as an Air Dior capsule of ready-to-wear and accessories. Participants who want to secure these sneakers will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis to the lucky individuals who register before the inventory is exhausted. Coinciding with this event, the house also unveils a series of images by photographer Brett Lloyd featuring the Air Dior Collection, a capsule that continues to enrich the collaboration with Jordan brand. Dior Men Summer 2020 The Air Jordan 1 High OG Dior Sneakers. (PHOTO: Brett Llyod/Dior) Register your interest here for either the high-top or low-top sneakers. Each participant may select just one boutique and register only once for the desired style and size. Air Jordan 1 OG Dior sneakers will be available for purchase exclusively in selected Dior pop-ups and pop-in stores only by registering on the digital microsite. Collection stores include Ion Orchard, Singapore, House of Dior in Seoul and Siam Paragon in Bangkok among others. The store pick-up date will be sent via SMS or email shortly following verification of eligibility. A unique QR code with the individuals name will be issued. A matching government-issued ID will be required at the time of purchase. The Air Dior capsule collection of ready-to-wear and accessories, in collaboration with Jordan Brand, will be available to shop at Dior pop-in stores from July as well as in two pop-up stores located inside the Selfridges Corner Shop (London) and Taikoo Li (Chengdu). Next week the first Grand Prix of 2020 is planned in Austria. Brembo will in any case not be physically present there. In consultation with the teams, the Italian brake specialist has decided to work from home during the GP-weekend. Each team may bring up to eighty people to the Red Bull Ring to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. That number does not exclude external personnel, such as Brembo. Brakes are provided for eight of the total of ten teams in Formula 1. Proposal not accepted For Brembo's situation, the idea was devised to assign a technical specialist to each team, instead of one employee moving freely on the paddock as usual. However, this proposal implied that each race stable would then lose one place within the allowed number of eighty men. Therefore Brembo has now decided to set up a 'remote garage' at the headquarters in Bergamo. It is currently unclear when staff can be sent to the circuits again. NEW YORK, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A recently published, peer-reviewed study has shown that the Dreem headband, an ambulatory sleep measuring device, and built-in algorithms achieve of a level of analysis as accurate as the method traditionally used in sleep centers-polysomnography (PSG) for measurement, and experts for sleep staging (or sleep stage analysis). The results represent the start of a revolution in the world of sleep science. The study , a joint clinical trial between researchers at IRBA (French Armed Forces Biomedical Research Institute) and Dreem's scientific research team tested the Dreem headband's signal acquisition and performance of its sleep staging algorithms against the PSG, scored manually by five experts. 25 subjects completed an overnight sleep study at a sleep center wearing a PSG and a Dreem headband simultaneously. The researchers then compared the measure of brain activity (EEG), heart rate, breathing frequency and respiration rate variability (RRV) as well as the sleep staging. The results showed that the Dreem headband acquires EEG measures that correlate with that of the PSG, measure biomarkers reliably throughout the night and the algorithm performs sleep-staging with similar accuracy to that of the five experts manually scoring the PSG readings. Traditionally, the study of sleep has been confined to the lab slowed down by costly and cumbersome PSG technology, as well as a reliance on trained experts to manage it. This effectively limits the possibility to provide at-home care, or conduct large scale studies easily. Portable, lightweight and easy to use, the Dreem headband opens a world of possibilities not just for sleep research but for patient care as a whole. The recent pandemic shows the medical world that the need for effective, reliable remote patient monitoring solutions, like Dreem, is more pressing than ever before. The impact of this study extends beyond the worlds of research and medicine. As Prof. Raphael Heinzer, Director of the Sleep Center at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, notes, "This study paves the way for longitudinal sleep studies that directly monitor brain activity instead of relying merely on wrist motion." The Dreem headband offers people the opportunity to monitor and understand their sleep and its evolution over time, from home, with a level of sophistication once limited to a clinical setting. Emmanuel Mignot, member of the US National Academy of Sciences and Professor at Stanford University says of the study, "Dreem is at the forefront of a new revolution. This is the beginning of true, comfortable EEG sleep recordings at home." He adds, "Soon, the transition to sleep recording at home and machine learning-based interpretation of sleep studies will be fulfilled. This will enhance doctors' ability to diagnose and take care of patients remotely." About Dreem Dreem aims to provide effective sleep care to individuals and employers, as well as healthcare providers for their patients. Its mission is to become the global leader for screening, diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. Since the company's founding in 2014, it has raised $60 million from investors including Johnson & Johnson, accumulated 30 patents, and put together a team of 90, split across in New York, Paris and Taipei. Along the way, it has created a scientific advisory board of four leading sleep doctors and neuroscientists, Prof. Raphael Heinzer, Dr. Emmanuel Mignot, Dr. Christof Koch and Prof. Russell Foster. A member of the American Sleep Research Society and the Digital Therapeutics Alliance, scientific rigor and research are cornerstones of the Dreem Company's unique approach. Dreem's hardware is used to study sleep in academic institutions and hospitals across the world, including the Stanford Sleep Center, Harvard Medical School, MIT, Washington State University St Louis Hospital and Cambridge University. SOURCE Dreem Related Links http://www.dreem.com Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday there was nothing wrong in imports to spur growth but wondered why even Ganesha idols should be bought from China. Importing raw materials that were not available in the country and needed for our industries was not wrong, shesaid addressing the BJP's Tamil Nadu unit workers via a virtual link. "There is nothing wrong in imports that would spur production and create job opportunities and it can be done definitely," she said while speaking on the Centre's Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan initiative. However, imports that could not bring benefits like employment opportunities and support growth would not help self-reliance and the Indian economy, she said. Ganesha idols made of clay have been traditionally bought from the local potters during Ganesh Chaturthi festival every year, she said. "But today, why even Ganesha idols are imported from China..why such a situation...can't we make a Ganesha idol from clay, is it the situation?" she asked. She wondered if importing household products used everyday like a soap-box, plastic items or incense sticks used for pooja purposes would support self-reliance especially when such products were made locally by Indian firms and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Such a situation of importing things that are locally made and available should change and self-reliance is the basic idea behind the Aatmanirbhar Abhiyan, she said. Self-reliance was practised in India for long, but it faded subsequently and now the Abhiyan initiative stood for local manufacturing, she said. "Self-reliant India (Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan) does not mean that imports should not be done at all. For industrial growth and creation of job opportunities here you may please do whatever imports that are needed. In her speech in Tamil, she referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as "Modi Ayya (sir)," and listed out the "achievements" of the government in the past one year after her party returned to power at the Centre. She praised the valour of Havildar K Palani from Tamil Nadu who was among the 20 soldiers killed in a clash with Chinese troops at Ladakh on June 15. By Trend As many as 2,595 people have been infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19) in the past 24 hours in Iran, said Sima Sadat Lari, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Trend reports citing the ministry. According to Sadat Lari, 134 more people have died from the coronavirus over the past day. Sadat Lari added that the condition of 2,899 people is critical. So far, more than 1.53 million tests have been conducted in Iran for the diagnosis of coronavirus. Iran continues to monitor the coronavirus situation in the country. According to recent reports from the Iranian officials, over 215,000 people have been infected 10,130 people have already died. Meanwhile, over 175,100 have reportedly recovered from the disease. The country continues to apply strict measures to contain further spread. Reportedly, the disease was brought to Iran by a businessman from Iran's Qom city, who went on a business trip to China, despite official warnings. The man died later from the disease. The Islamic Republic only announced its first infections and deaths from the coronavirus on Feb. 19. The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11 declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Some sources claim the coronavirus outbreak started as early as November 2019. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Attorney General William Barr speaks during a roundtable with law enforcement officials in the State Dining Room of the White House on June, 8, 2020. (Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images) Justice Department Pushes Back After Nadler Opens Door to Barr Impeachment The Justice Department (DOJ) on June 25 said House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerry Nadlers suggestion that his panel could pursue the impeachment of Attorney General William Barr was a political thing. Nadler (D-N.Y.) suggested on June 24 that his committee may very well begin impeachment proceedings against the attorney general following an oversight hearing of the DOJ. The top Democrat, who had threatened Barr with a subpoena, launched an investigation into Barr following accusations that the attorney general was politicizing his department and failing to handle appropriately several investigations related to associates of President Donald Trump. Were looking into that, Nadler told CNN, when asked whether his committee was considering impeaching Barr. His response was a shift in attitude from the weekend, when he told the news outlet that he thought a Barr impeachment would be a waste of time because of a Republican-led Senate. I think the weight of the evidence and of whats happened leads to that conclusion, Nadler said about his reversal. During a June 25 interview, DOJ spokesperson Kerri Kupec characterized Nadlers comments as a political thing. If people have a problem with Bill Barr coming back to the Department of Justice to restore one system of justice, not a two-tiered system, I think that says a lot more about the critics than it does about the attorney general, Kupec told Fox & Friends. Because that is what he has done again and again. He approaches all cases with an open mind. He judges them according to the facts and the law without regard to political consideration. This is what he promised to do at his confirmation, this is what he has done throughout his tenure as attorney general, and that is what he will continue to do until his last day as AG. The DOJ has come under scrutiny multiple times this year for claims that the department was acting under the influence of improper political interference from President Donald Trump in cases related to former associates of the president such as Roger Stone and former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Barr also faces criticism and oversight for his role in the handling of protesters on Lafayette Square near the White House on June 1, and the recent dismissal of U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Geoffrey Berman. As part of his investigation, Nadler invited Barr to testify before his committee. Barr was originally scheduled to voluntarily testify at the end of March, but the CCP virus pandemic forced the House to call off committee proceedings. The testimony was rescheduled for early June but the DOJ said Barr wasnt able to participate, citing May 29 White House guidance restricting cabinet-level officials from participating in congressional hearings in June during the pandemic (pdf). Kupec said in a June 24 statement that Barr has once again agreed to testify in Nadlers committee and is scheduled to appear on July 28. H-E-B announced Wednesday that five more San Antonio employees have tested positive for the coronavirus, according to the grocery store's website. This week, 16 employees at San Antonio stores have tested positive for COVID-19 three Monday, eight Tuesday and five in Wednesday's announcements. In June, nearly 70 H-E-B employees working at grocery stores in San Antonio have been infected with COVID-19, including 16 last weekend. RELATED: H-E-B announces 5 more San Antonio employees test positive for coronavirus Since March, the grocery store chain has regularly announced on its website when one of its employees test positive and has done so because it believes "transparency is important," according to an email response to mySA.com. H-E-B does not reveal the employee's identity and only lets the public know at what stores there was a positive case. Walmart and Target have both told mySA.com it will not release that information to the public. Here are five H-E-B stores with COVID-19 cases that were announced Wednesday: - Deco District H-E-B: The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last working in the store on 2118 Fredericksburg Rd. on Monday, June 22. - Olmos Park H-E-B: The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last working in the store on 300 Olmos Dr. on Monday, June 22. - Oak Park H-E-B: The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last working in the store on 1955 Nacogdoches Rd. on Thursday, June 18. - Military and Goliad H-E-B: The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last working in the store on 3323 SE Military Dr. on Monday, June 22. - Nacogdoches and O'Connor H-E-B: The employee who tested positive for COVID-19 was last working in the store on 14087 O'Connor Rd. on Saturday, June 20. 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. Priscilla Aguirre is a general assignment reporter for MySA.com | priscilla.aguirre@express-news.net | @CillaAguirre R evellers who filmed violent clashes and disorder after police tried to break up a street party in south London "should be ashamed of themselves", a top Scotland Yard officer said. Twenty-two police officers were left injured, with two needing hospital treatment, after violence broke out at the unlicensed event in Brixton on Wednesday night. Footage from the "block party" on Overton Road shows men jumping on a police car and smashing in the windows as officers fled. Four people have been arrested for assault and public order offences and remain in police custody. Tonight the borough commander for Lambeth and Southwark vowed to bring all those responsible to justice. Commander Colin Wingrove said: "The scenes of violence against our officers in Brixton last night were disgraceful and those responsible for it, as well as those who stood by and filmed on their phones, should be ashamed of themselves. "Very sadly, 22 officers were injured as they worked to restore order. The majority of injuries were cuts and bruises but two officers attended hospital for treatment. Two police vehicles were damaged. I commend the courage and professionalism of all the officers who dealt this incident and brought it to a conclusion." Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Home Secretary Priti Patel were among those to condemn the "vile" scenes". Police were called to an "unlicensed" music event in the area that began on Wednesday afternoon, Scotland Yard said. Officers spent much of the afternoon trying to get revellers to go home - even going as far as to confiscate the sound system. But a new sound system was soon put in place, officers added. Rubbish was strewn across the street during the clashes / NIGEL HOWARD The scene descended into violence at around midnight. Shocking images circulating on social media showed officers being chased by men brandishing improvised weapons. In one video, a man can be heard telling a group of officers to "back up" as he confronts them with what appears to be a sword. Another clip shows a man chasing away police shouting dont come round here bro ... this is what we do and verbally abusing them. Police in Brixton on Thursday morning / Nigel Howard In another, a woman can be heard saying "yeah" and nice as a topless man and angry mob stomp over the police car. One woman expressed her shock that the car had been wrecked and officers had fled the scene. Looking at the gutted vehicle she said: Theyve finished the car. My Lord the police have abandoned their own car." Police said two vehicles were damaged during the confrontation. Police in Brixton on Thursday / Nigel Howard Contrary to comments on social media, the Met said there had been no reports of stabbings. Home Secretary Priti Patel condemned the utterly vile scenes, and said she would be speaking to Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick. She tweeted: Just last weekend, the whole country came together to praise our heroic police officers for putting their own lives on the line to keep us safe. Ill be picking up with the Met Commissioner immediately. Kashifu Inuwa, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has advised Nigerian youths to develop their digital skills to support government effort toward building digital economy. Mr Inuwa gave the advice during an online interactive session with Nigerian youths on the topic: Education, Employment and Technology in Nigeria: Gaps and Opportunities Post COVID-19 Pandemic. The meeting was organised by Global Shapers Community, an international Non-Governmental Organisation which specialises in outsourcing talents, creating jobs and building careers. The NITDA boss said that developing digital skills would help them be self reliant post COVID-19 era. Nigerian youths should stay committed and focused on their endeavours because time to hold-on to only educational qualifications without prerequisite skills is gone, especially now that the world has changed in different dimensions. The outbreak of the novel Coronavirus has been a monumental disaster globally, Nigeria inclusive. It has led to unprecedented disruptions to global economy, sharp drop in global crude oil prices, Nigeria economic mainstay and financial markets are struggling; massive loss of employment to the teaming youth, lockdown of schools and institutes of higher learning, among others. As of March 28, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic is causing more than 1.6 billion children and youth to be out of school in 161 countries. This is close to 80 per cent of the worlds enrolled students, he said. According to him, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment rate was 23.1 per cent in 2019 according to National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), while some predicted it could reach 33 per cent by the end of 2020. The NITDA official further said that youth unemployment and underemployment is 55.4 per cent and with the existence of the pandemic, the statistics will increase. To overcome these challenges of illiteracy and unemployment amongst the population of our teaming youth, there is a need for careful planning to harness the opportunities the pandemic presented. These opportunities can come through by using technology as a tool for human capital development and employment for next generation to curb the impact of the pandemic, he advised. Mr Inuwa further recalled that NITDA launched a Virtual Academy in May to enable interested candidates to engage their time meaningfully and learn some skills while schools were shutdown, among other interventions. We have 47 different technology related courses and so far 18,000 students have started taking lessons. This is part of our commitment in creating opportunities to deal with the challenges of COVID-19 lockdown. We (NITDA) also launched an innovative challenge for Nigerians to come up with workable solutions to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. We got close to 2, 000 applicants with lots of interesting ideas from different parts of the country, the D-G said. He also said that ICT for mass literacy, healthcare, agriculture, women empowerment, security and surveillance are areas likely to witness a boom as an aftermath of COVID-19. According to him, there will be job opportunities for Content Production, Animation Design for learning, Drones for medical supply deliveries, Robotics in surgeries and telemedicine, as well as Sensors for proximity monitoring. He said that all the opportunities can be achieved if the youths leverage on digital skills rather than qualifications only. At NITDA, we are building Skills Acquisition Centres across the country to bridge the Digital gap, because we identified the need for escalating our activities to rural areas. To succeed, we need to improve our technology innovation to defeating the pandemic and turning it to a thing of blessing in disguise. Whether we like it or not, there is certainly a new normal in post COVID-19 pandemic where digital technologies are playing a major role, he said. (NAN) Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto for the first time after almost seven years of break held a meeting of the Joint Ukraine-Hungary Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation in Kyiv on June 25. Having resumed the Commissions work today, we will unblock a number of joint economic and transport projects, modernize border and cross-border infrastructure, give a new impetus to cooperation in the agricultural sector, energy, and environmental protection, Kuleba said. The foreign ministers and government delegations of Ukraine and Hungary discussed cooperation projects between Ukrainian and Hungarian companies, increase in bilateral investment, strengthening of business in the markets of both countries. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the ministries and departments of the two countries, who are responsible for bilateral trade, infrastructure, transport, border crossings, energy, digitalization, agriculture and tourism. The ministers agreed to hold a meeting of the Ukrainian-Hungarian Border Cooperation Commission as soon as possible. According to the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine, trade between Ukraine and Hungary in 2019 amounted to $2.8 billion. The previous meeting of the Joint Ukraine-Hungary Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was held in December 2013. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto and the Hungarian delegation were the first foreign guests since the beginning of quarantine who visited Kyiv on a working visit. ish Western Wyoming Community College will host its first Virtual Commencement Ceremony at 1 p.m. Saturday. Immediately following the ceremony, students, families and community members are invited to cheer on the graduates in the Mustang Stampede Parade. Western Class of 2020 Graduates and their immediate families will be invited to gather in their vehicles in Westerns Aquatic Center parking lot and tune in to the commencement ceremony which will be aired on Mustang Radio on 91.3 FM. When each graduates name is announced, attendees are invited to honk and cheer for their family member. I... The Met Office has issued a hot weather warning as temperatures are expected to soar past 30C (86F) in some parts of the country today. The British public have been advised to take care in the sun, with the most vulnerable - many of whom have been shielding during the coronavirus lockdown - urged to protect themselves amid the "exceptionally hot weather forecast this week". The level was raised to three by the Met Office for the West and East Midlands, which requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups. People have also been advised to keep cool and stay hydrated where possible. Today is the hottest day of the year so far as temperatures reached 31C (87.8F) at Heathrow Airport. It is the highest temperature of 2020 but does not beat the June record of 35.6C (96F) set in 1976 in Southampton when Britain was hotter than Miami and Cuba. Temperatures are expected to hit the low-30s in the south of England before Friday and warnings have been issued about UV levels which are set to be exceptionally high in the coming days. Public Health England (PHE) warned that older people, very young children and those with underlying health conditions were the most at risk from the soaring temperatures. Emer O'Connell, consultant in public health at PHE, urged people to check on the vulnerable, as many continued to spend more time at home due to coronavirus. She said: "You will need to do things differently this year, for example keeping in touch by phone. "If you need to provide direct care to someone at risk from hot weather, follow government guidance on how to do this safely. "The most important advice is to ensure they stay hydrated, keep cool and know how to keep their homes cool." Health Minister Jo Churchill encouraged people to apply sunscreen regularly and use protective wear. She added: "Look out for those who are vulnerable in the heat, and provide support where needed, continuing to follow social distancing guidance." Story continues The Met Office also advised people to close curtains on rooms that face the sun and avoid excess alcohol. Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said UV levels would reach eight across many parts of the country, and possibly reach level nine in some areas of Devon and Cornwall. He said: "That's about as high as it gets really in the UK. "The sun is as strong as it gets at the moment because we're so close to the solstice. "We've got peak sun strength, clear skies, plenty of sunshine - it's the perfect ingredients for high UV." People have flocked to beaches during the warmer weather this week after months of lockdown. :: Listen to the Daily podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Spreaker However, the public are being advised to be aware of spending more time in the sun as a result of social distancing measures, including queueing for supermarkets. Dr Lynn Thomas, medical director at St John Ambulance, said: "You could end up in the sun for longer than expected on what would normally be a quick journey, such as queuing to enter the supermarket, so you should be prepared to look after yourself and others." She added: "Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are two of the most serious problems that can develop when the mercury soars but by being prepared you can spot the early warning signs, such as headache and dizziness." EAST GREENBUSH Drug maker Regeneron, which employs 3,000 at its East Greenbush manufacturing plant, funneled tens of millions of dollars to a medical-assistance charity as part of a Medicare kickback scheme to benefit its lucrative vision-loss drug Eylea, according to the U.S. Justice Department. The U.S. Attorney's office in Boston brought a civil complaint against Regeneron, which denies the charges, alleging the company violated the False Claims Act by ensuring that its contributions to the charity, known as the Chronic Disease Fund, only went toward paying the Medicare co-pays for patients using Eylea, which cost $1,850 per dose. "Regeneron funneled tens of millions of dollars in kickbacks through a third-party foundation to ensure that few Medicare patients paid a co-pay on Eylea and that physicians who prescribed and purchased the drug did not have to collect Medicare co-pays from their patients, U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling said in a statement Wednesday. Drug makers are not allowed to directly pay Medicare co-pays since, in theory, the practice would artificially support higher drug prices. The Justice Department even claims Regeneron studied the payments to the charity to make sure the company would get a return on its donation. The Chronic Disease Fund is now known as Good Days. A non-profit charity, it pays drug co-pays for patients who can't afford their treatments. Patients apply for assistance through the charity. Regeneron allegedly paid these substantial sums only after confirming that the foundation needed the money to cover co-pays only for Eylea, and not for competing drugs, and that the companys payments would generate a handsome return on investment (or ROI) in the form of Medicare payments for Eylea," Lelling said. Eylea is used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration that is a leading cause of blindness in seniors. The suit claims that those at the Chronic Disease Fund would help Regeneron in calculating the required donation to cover Eylea co-pays. Eylea earned Regeneron more than $4.5 billion last year and is its top-selling drug. The drug is manufactured in East Greenbush, where the company is quickly expanding, making it one of the most important employers in the region. Regeneron has refused to negotiate a settlement to the investigation, which resulted in the Chronic Disease Fund agreeing to a $2 million settlement last October with Lelling's office. "Regeneron is proud of the company's legacy of supporting patients in need through donations to charitable foundations to help ensure elderly patients are able to access the medicines prescribed by their physician," the company said in a statement. The government says that Medicare has spent $11.5 billion on Eylea since 2013 and that by funding Medicare co-pays for its patients, Regeneron was making sure that doctors didn't prescribe a much cheaper rival drug. Kickback schemes can undermine our healthcare system, compromise medical decisions, and waste taxpayer dollars, said Phillip Coyne, special agent in charge of the Boston office of the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services. We will continue to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for subverting the charitable donation process in order to circumvent safeguards designed to protect the integrity of the Medicare program. The virus has come surging back in recent days, with 38,173 U.S. infections Wednesday, more than any previous day in the pandemic, including the catastrophic days of April. This time, the increases are mainly in the South and West, while New York and New Jersey, which were nearly overwhelmed in the spring and have been slow to reopen, are seeing declining cases. If you marched in recent Black Lives Matter protests in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Minneapolis or New York, theres a chance the mobile analytics company Mobilewalla gleaned demographic data from your cellphone use. Last week, Mobilewalla released a report detailing the race, age and gender breakdowns of individuals who participated in protests in those cities during the weekend of May 29th. What is especially disturbing is that protestors likely had no idea that the tech company was using location data harvested from their devices. Mobilewalla observed a total of 16,902 devices (1,866 in Atlanta, 4,527 in Los Angeles, 2,357 in Minneapolis and 8,152 in New York). As BuzzFeed News explains, Mobilewalla buys data from sources like advertisers, data brokers and ISPs. It uses AI to predict a persons demographics (race, age, gender, zip code, etc.) based on location data, device IDs and browser histories. The company then sells that info to clients so they can better understand their target customer. This report shows that an enormous number of Americans probably without even knowing it are handing over their full location history to shady location data brokers with zero restrictions on what companies can do with it, Senator Elizabeth Warren told BuzzFeed News. In an end-run around the Constitution's limits on government surveillance, these companies can even sell this data to the government, which can use it for law and immigration enforcement. Mobilewalla CEO Anindya Datta told BuzzFeed that the company produced the report to satisfy its employees curiosity. We shared this data out of a sense of social responsibility providing insight into the demographics of these protestors in light of what was becoming a national and even international movement, Datta said in a statement provided to Engadget. Datta said the data is anonymized and aggregated and does not include personally identifiable information at the individual level, ie no names, phone numbers, emails, etc. He added that the data is not used by law or immigration enforcement. We do not know who the protestors are, we are just able to derive their demographics, Datta said. But the incident is a reminder that data brokers have access to massive amounts of data from unassuming individuals. Theres a chance that data could be used by law enforcement or be leaked -- as weve seen happen in past data breaches. Some fear that individuals concerned about their data being swiped might avoid protests, so in effect, the practices of collecting data may suppress free speech. At the moment, in the US, there are no federal laws preventing this type of info from being abused. Warren previously opened an investigation into government contracts held by local data brokers. Tim Cook has called for a regulatory body to oversee data brokers, and in 2018, Vermont passed a first-of-its-kind law to hold data brokers to at least some standards and to punish them for misuse. In the EU, officials have used the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) to go after data brokers for violating laws on personal information privacy. Until the US has similar regulations in place, individuals will have to piece together tools and best practices to protect their privacy. Update 6/26/2020 10:10AM ET: This story was updated to include a statement from Mobilewalla. KALAMAZOO, MI -- Western Michigan University leaders have decided to wait until mid-September to consider an updated 2020-21 general fund budget proposal, instead directing university administration to operate under its 2019-20 budget for the next 90 days. At a Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, June 25, trustees voted unanimously to extend the schools current budget for 90 days, Two days earlier, the institution announced students will return to classrooms in the fall after all in-person instruction was cancelled during the coronavirus pandemic. COVID-19 began to significantly impact university operations in March 2020, the university said in a release about the budget proposal. As we, and every other university, continued to respond to the challenge created by the pandemic, uncertainty about the future persists. The general fund is the primary operating fund of the university. The university said the move to push back a final decision on the general budget is, in part, because of the uncertainty around state funding, which is expected to be impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, university officials said. By waiting to approve the 2020-21 budget until the boards Sept. 17 meeting, officials said theyll have a better idea of fall enrollment numbers and state funding. State funding accounts for about 25% of WMUs general operating budget, and the state has not yet indicated how its multimillion-dollar shortfall will impact funding for Michigans public universities, the university said in the release. The university reiterated its position on Thursday that further staffing cuts will be a necessary part of budget reductions, as almost 70% of the universitys general fund goes toward employee compensation. Jan Van Der Klay, vice president of business and finance, led the discussion regarding the continuation of the $421.4 million budget that was passed in June 2019. Before Thursdays vote, the annual financial plan ended on July 1, when Westerns new budget year would normally begin. In addition to anticipated reductions in state funding, Van Der Klay also referenced the unknown financial impact that fewer students may have on universities across the country. Students are reconsidering whether college is right for them, national universities are anticipating a 10-15% enrollment decline, Van Der Klay said. Like many institutions around the state, WMU is facing a multimillion-dollar loss. The university has lost more than $45 million due to the coronavirus pandemic so far, the university said in April. During an April 23 Board of Trustees meeting, President Edward Montgomery said the school could lose another $45 to $85 million next fiscal year. During the meeting, Van Der Klay said the budget continuation is vital for meeting academic and instructional operating needs. We recognize that the 2019-20 budget allows us to be recognized as a school-of-choice for students, Van Der Klay said. Because part of the universitys budget is predicated on state revenue and the state of Michigan has not yet adopted its new fiscal year budget, there is uncertainty about the amount of state funding WMU will receive. There have been times where there is sufficient knowledge on the state level even, though theyve not enacted the budget, that we have come forth with our budget ahead of time, Jan Van Der Klay said. Van Der Klay highlighted the $6 billion revenue loss the state of Michigan is facing as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. While the states fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, Van Der Klay said the state of Michigan has not yet informed WMU or other state universities what it plans to do regarding appropriations to higher education. The WMU Board of Trustees now intends to finalize a 2020-21 general budget at its Sept. 17 meeting, six days before the approved 90-day extension to the 2019-20 budget will expire. By then, the university should have clearer sense of the state of Michigans budget, which must be finalized by Oct. 1, Van Der Klay said. Van Der Klay said she only recalls the university pushing back the vote on its operational budget twice in her more than 30 years. Its certainly quite unprecedented but with the level of uncertainty, it is what is recommended, Van Der Klay said. Also on MLive: Number of layoffs a moving target at Western Michigan University Western Michigan University students will return to the classroom in the fall More staff cuts expected as Western Michigan University grapples with multimillion-dollar losses A scathing report from the Commonwealth Auditor-General has found the federal Environment Department is failing to protect endangered wildlife and manage conflicts of interest in development approvals, and says its work is plagued with errors. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act is regulated by the Department and controls actions that impact matters of national environmental significance, such as threatened species and world heritage areas, and requires developments to be referred to the federal environment minister for approval. A recovery plan to help bring koala populations back to health is five years overdue. Credit:Rachael Dexter The Auditor-General said the Department had comprehensively failed to implement the laws or to monitor its performance. "The Department is not well positioned to measure its contribution to the objectives of the EPBC Act," the Auditor-General said. The Department's regulation is "not proportionate to environmental risk", project assessments are "not effective or efficient", approval conditions to manage projects' environmental damage are "not assessed with rigour, are non-compliant with procedural guidance and contain clerical or administrative errors", according to the Auditor-General. The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the declaration of the airport in Uttar Pradesh's Kushinagar as an international airport, stating it will offer improved connectivity to the important Buddhist pilgrimage site. Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said that the work on Kushinagar Airport was started during his government's tenure in the state. 'Other approvals should be given approval...' "Congratulations to those who started the work of Kushinagar airport, which is approved by the Cabinet as an International Airport and which was started during the SP government," Yadav tweeted (translated from Hindi). "Meerut, Moradabad, Chitrakoot, Azamgarh, and other airports the work for which was started by the SP government should be given approval at the earliest," he added. 'Mid-point of the Buddhist circuit' PM Modi said the decision to upgrade the Kushinagar airport as an international airport is a great news for Uttar Pradesh, tourism and those inspired by the noble thoughts of Lord Buddha. "Kushinagar Airport will now be an international airport. Connectivity will improve significantly. More tourists and pilgrims will also mean better opportunities for the local population," he said "You know that Kushinagar is the mid-point of the Buddhist circuit. It has pilgrimage sites in Lumbini, Shravasti, Kapilvastu nearby in, and a little farther, it has sites in Sarnath and Gaya," Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar told the media after a Cabinet meeting. READ | 2008 Congress-CPC MoU emphasised strengthening party-to-party ties, Chinese reports show "However, there was no airport there of international standards. Kushinagar airport is being declared as an international airport. A 3-km-long runway strip has already been made. Now, even a big aircraft of Airbus can land at the airport," he added. READ | 'Kushinagar International Airport in UP will improve tourism & connectivity': PM Modi Later, in an official statement, the Central government said around 200-300 devotees from Thailand, Cambodia, Japan, Myanmar, etc come to offer prayers at Kushinagar on any given day. Kushinagar is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site, where Gautama Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana after his death, it explained. READ | Man in UP's Kushinagar booked for refusing meal cooked by Dalit village head The decision will result in the boosting of domestic/international tourism and the economic development of the regions. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, it will be an important strategic location with the international border close by. Kushinagar is located in the north-eastern part of Uttar Pradesh about 50 km east of Gorakhpur and is one of the important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. READ | 'Who is opposed to Rahul and Priyanka?': Digvijaya confirms Congress rift and backs Vadras (With agency inputs) By Laila Kearney NEW YORK (Reuters) - A deal to sell the Philadelphia Energy Solutions (PES) oil refinery to a Chicago-based real estate developer is expected to close on Friday for $26.5 million less than originally agreed to, lawyers for the bankrupt refiner said in court on Thursday. The sale to Hilco Redevelopment Partners (HRP) would end the prospect of a restart of the 335,000-barrel-per-day south Philadelphia refinery, the largest and oldest on the East Coast, which was idled a year ago after a fire badly damaged the plant. PES agreed to reduce the purchase price to $225.5 million, $26.5 million less than agreed upon earlier this year. HRP requested a reduction due to economic uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic and higher-than-expected costs to clean up the refinery site. Earlier this month, the two sides asked the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware to cut the purchase agreement by $27.5 million but settled overnight on the current price tag, lawyers for the refiner said. The court approved the new agreement. PES filed for bankruptcy and shut its refinery after a series of explosions and fire at one of its gasoline processing units on June 21, 2019. More than 1,000 full-time employees were laid off, including 640 United Steelworkers members. Union members were not given severance and have been waiting for the sale to be finalized in order to receive several thousand dollars in transition pay. The price cut will not affect that pay, said Steve Levine, an attorney for PES' unsecured creditors. Certain financial lenders to PES will receive less as a result of the lower price. (Reporting by Laila Kearney; editing by Jonathan Oatis) Flavio Vallenari/Getty Images En espanol | Americans plans for international travel, cruises and group trips have been thwarted due to the coronavirus outbreak. That, combined with the fact that so many people are working from home while offices remain closed, has made renting a home in an appealing area the hottest way to vacation (and, in some cases, work) this summer. And many people are booking for weeks at a time. "In March and April people were canceling their vacation reservations left and right, says Annie Blatz, sales manager for three branches of the Kinlin Grover Vacation Rentals, the largest rental agency on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. They were in a panic about whether they'd be able to come. But we have been absolutely overwhelmed with the number of calls in May and June for rentals. And not just one week it's one week, two weeks, three weeks, four weeks the whole season." Pent-up demand from vacation planners has also meant a surge of interest in home rentals on North Carolina's popular Outer Banks in the past few months: Bob Kissell of Village Realty, a real estate and vacation rental agency that rents out more than 700 homes throughout the 200-mile string of barrier islands, says he's seen the company's bookings multiply nearly tenfold from mid-May to mid-June of this year compared to the same period in 2019. (See note on safe-travel guidance below.) Flexible working arrangements If they're working and maintaining physical distance from others at home, and can afford the splurge, some people are thinking they may as well temporarily make their home somewhere wonderful, while they continue physical distancing ideally not too far away, many say, so they can avoid air travel or a long road trip. That's what San Francisco resident Lynda Zuber, 52, thought when she rented a three-bedroom house outside of Truckee, California, overlooking a pond and meadow, for June with her boyfriend. Zuber has been working from home, at her job in the wholesale gift industry, in Tahoe, while also taking a bit of time to hike and visit the lake. If it weren't for the coronavirus outbreak, she notes, she would have spent the summer traveling for work, and maybe visiting a friend for a few weeks in France. When it became clear that none of this was going to happen this year, Zuber says, a long-term rental in Tahoe seemed like the perfect thing to do." Basavaraj Bommai: Another leader with origins in Janata Parivar, who made it big outside the party No DCMs, no Vijayendra: What the Bommai Cabinet looks like The test for Bommai and the road ahead: A discussion with Dr. Shastri Karnataka tweaks quarantine rules for travellers returning from TN, Delhi India oi-Madhuri Adnal Bengaluru, June 25: Amid rising number of novel coronavirus cases in the state, Karnataka government on Thursday has decided to change quarantine rule for those returning from Tamil Nadu and Delhi. As per latest decision, there will be no institutional quarantine and only home quarantine for 14 days. According to the fresh guidelines, people coming from Tamil Nadu and Delhi, will have to follow 14-day home quarantine once they arrive and there will be no institutional quarantine. West Bengal extends lockdown till July 31 While this decision has been taken, an official order to this effect is yet to be issued. The order is expected later today. CBSE cancels class 10 and 12 remaining board exams amid Coronavirus pandemic | Oneindia News Until now, people coming to the state from Tamil Nadu and Delhi was prescribed to undergo three days of institutional quarantine followed by 11 days of home isolation. Moreover, the government also stated registration to the state government's Seva Sindhu portal was mandatory for any person arriving or transiting through Karnataka. Meanwhile, the state government has called for an all-party meeting of legislators from this tech city on Friday to discuss measures to be taken to contain the rising Covid cases in the city after consulting health experts. Of the 397 Covid cases reported across the state on Wednesday, 173 were from Bengaluru, taking its tally of positive cases to 1,678 and active to 1,124. The city also accounted for 78 of the 164 deaths in the southern state although 475 were cured and discharged from the designated hospitals in the city. With 1,42,900 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far, Maharashtra remains the worst-affected state in the country, followed by Delhi (70,390) and Tamil Nadu (67,468). The opening of the domestic market as committed in the EU Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) will lead to the strong penetration of foreign businesses to expand their retail chains in the country. A supermarket in Can Tho This poses great challenges, requiring state management agencies to make appropriate and timely decisions to support retail businesses in the new context. Dinh Thi My Loan, vice president and general secretary of the Association of Vietnam Retailers (AVR), said that this was an opportunity to increase the circulation of domestic goods through expanding the business size and network of foreign retailers. The size of the domestic market had plenty of room for growth, which was a space for Vietnamese retail businesses to expand their market share, she said. The opening of the market would give Vietnamese retailers opportunities to access large investment capital, as well as advanced management technology in trade activities from EU countries. Commercial infrastructure would be modernised, helping domestic businesses and consumers access the supply of high-quality products and services, said Loan. However, the EVFTA also has negative effects, creating great challenges for domestic distribution businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. The Ha Noi Moi (New Hanoi) newspaper quoted Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, director of Co.opmart Ha Dong supermarket, as saying that many businesses with small capital and low management qualifications would face difficulties. In addition, businesses in the retail sector were also challenged to adapt to the rapid development of information technology and the digital economy, said Dung. The transformation and digitalisation of information systems related to business and customer management were important issues, but they were still a huge obstacle for domestic retailers. Tran Duy Dong, director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade's Domestic Market Department, emphasised that in order to make full use of the EVFTA, state management agencies needed to implement a number of solutions. In particular, it was necessary to focus on studying the EVFTA's commitments to implement them effectively, and strengthen policies to support small and medium enterprises, said the director. Besides, it was necessary to remove difficulties in logistics to support trade development, promote reforms and simplify administrative procedures, and create linkages between ministries and sectors to improve the competitiveness of the business environment, he added. On the other hand, he also said it was necessary to complete policies to attract foreign investment, develop measures to protect domestic enterprises by setting up technical barriers and strictly controlling the activities of foreign enterprises. In addition to the above solutions, to minimise the negative impacts, small and medium-sized enterprises in the country need to strengthen links and cooperation with domestic and foreign partners to take advantage of technology, management and markets to participate in the value chain, cooperate with manufacturers and participate in domestic, regional and global production networks and supply chains./.VNA Retailers say rent for retail premised are too expensive Chair of the Vietnam Retail Association (VRA) Vu Thi Hau, at a recently held event, complained about the suffering borne by Vietnamese retailers. The COVID-19-related restrictions imposed in Donbas are gradually loosening, but crossing the demarcation line remains an issue. What's going on at the crossing points, where and how people caught up on their way had to stay amid lockdown, how occupation administrations are blocking the crossing, and how quarantine affected the number of enemy shellings that's what program coordinator with the Skhid SOS Foundation Yevhen Vasyliev sat down and spoke about with UNIAN. What is now the situation like at crossing points along the contact line? Let's get back to March 22, the start of quarantine. That day, the Joint Forces Operation Command shut all crossing points at once, overnight. As border guards said, in the morning they received an order, and at 7:00 they executed it. There was no prior announcement that this would happen. There were people who heard the news while already on their way to cross. Many were forced to seek accommodation. Someone rented a room, while some managed to get locals to share the roof, while some spent nights at the market or shopping centers in Stanytsia Luhanska. A month into the start of lockdown, people ran out of rent money, so they had to literally work for living: they would do weeding and other farmwork. Some were forced to dwell like that for two months or more. After a while, at Stanytsia checkpoint, people were gradually being allowed to pass, although it was, let's say, "conditional." Lists were created from both sides of the line, while international organizations helped coordinate them, as far as I understand. They would do the "exchange" once every 14 days. Apparently, the so-called "LPR" was sending people for mandatory observation, but there was only one location able to host up to 24 people. I heard that they didn't feed the first group on observation for 24 hours, and then they were only giving them some cereals with no meat, the simplest and cheapest food. Until recently, the grounds for crossing into the so-called "LPR" were supposed to be rather significant like health issues or death of a family member, or issues related to underage children, etc. But we were observing strange things: they would allow people pass if they proved they had Luhansk registration, while those who urgently needed to cross had to wait. There was that family of three, but they agreed to let only one pass... Almost everyone who had been waiting for the reopening of checkpoints has already passed. But on the night of June 12, a resident of Donetsk, 59, who sought to return home, died at Maryinka... How were checkpoints re-equipped in response to the epidemic? How are things going in Luhansk region's hospitals? We monitored the developments in late spring. Then it was only at Stanytsia Luhanska where they set up temperature screening and testing. From there, people would be handed over to medics or allowed to drive on. The checkpoint was disinfected by the State Emergencies Service after each mass passage. At the Mayorsk checkpoint, border guards admitted that they themselves measured people's temperature, although this is not their function. It must be admitted that the local authorities did nice job purchased equipment for hospitals. Private business engaged, along with volunteers. Now there are the lowest incidence rates in Ukraine there and not a single medic was infected. However, I don't know whether it is worth trusting these stats completely, or if they are manipulating data. There was an idea to send for COVID-19 observation everyone crossing from the occupied areas. You and your colleagues have been to locations where the government intends to send people so could you tell us more about this? Observation sites housed by medical facilities were in terrible condition: no hot water, nor stable food supplies. In Belolutsk, people had one single shower available, which was practically a hose with a funnel screwed to the washbasin. One WC for all, too, which also required some repairs. Wastewater treatment or waste storage in accordance with standards were off the table. Moreover, the building has a common courtyard with a geriatric facility home to several dozens of elderly patients who are most vulnerable to COVID-19. Observation sites were also supposed to be set up in some hotels, but management wasn't informed of such ideas. Some learned about this when the National Police and the SBU started coming in with inspections. Now, those crossing the contact line need to install the Dii Vdoma app on their smartphone [to monitor adherence to self-isolation rules using GPS]. If you don't, yo can't pass. But not all senior citizens are able to afford a smartphone and neither are they able to quickly learn how to operate it after long-using push-button phones. But what if someone stays over at their friends or relatives? Will they also be deemed to be on observation or can they move freely? In that app you need to designate the exact location where you'll stay. It depends on how conscious people are, whether they abide by rules. They are just as abiding in Luhansk region as people are in any other area. When do you think the checkpoints will work at full capacity? In Stanytsia, about 10,000 pass per shift. In Mayorsk, it's 7,000 to 8,000, and toward Mariupol it's even fewer. In total, it is 20,000 to 30,000. Now the numbers will be down decrease as people won't be able to cross just for one day to get their pension payments or do shopping (you can only return in 14 days). But, it is clear that, despite the preparations, our hospitals aren't ready for a sharp jump in incidence. It also remains unclear how people will be allowed to cross on the other side. There's no law there so anything could happen. There is panic, confusion, and chaos. I saw a flash mob occupied Donetsk region residents took pictures carrying signs: "Ukraine, open the borders." That's despite the fact that from our side, checkpoints had been reopened back on June 10. Some checkpoints are still closed but Donbas residents are complaining to the Ukrainian government, not to the leaders of the unrecognized republics. Did the quarantine somehow affect hostilities? How calm is next to the checkpoints? Due to quarantine, journalists stopped traveling to these areas, while shelling intensified. Many of my friends say that the situation is getting worse. Shelling is already heard from Severodonetsk that's 25-30 kilometers away from Krymske. A friend from Toshkivka says she is going to flee town amid intensified shelling. Zolote-4 also came under fire. Civilians were injured in Avdiyivka and Maryinka. If we talk about crossing points, relatively recently Russian-controlled militants fired an anti-tank missile at the positions of the State Border Guard Service by the Maryinka checkpoint. There is an escalation, and it's quite noticeable. This is anything but "truce". Vlad Abramov WASHINGTON A senior Democratic senator has demanded that President Donald Trump explain why his administration is sending thousands of ventilators to other countries without approval from Congress, questioning whether politics are affecting decisions on international aid to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, according to letters sent Wednesday and obtained by NBC News. "I write to express concern about the absence of clear guidelines for providing ventilators to foreign countries," Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, the ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, wrote in a letter to Trump. Menendez said the administration has yet to offer "an adequate rationale" for waiving legal requirements to notify Congress about the assistance, and he asked the White House to explain the criteria for deciding which countries should receive ventilators. Image: Coronavirus victim in Honduras (Orlando SIerra / AFP - Getty Images) In a separate letter, Menendez told John Barsa, the acting head of the U.S. Agency for International Development, or USAID, that he was concerned that the White House National Security Council's influence on decision-making on ventilator assistance "interjects political agendas into how USAID allocates its Global Health and Emergency Reserve Fund resources." Full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak Acting USAID spokesperson Pooja Jhunjhunwala acknowledged that the agency had received the letter and said, "We always work closely and cooperatively with Congress and seek to be as timely and responsive as possible to their requests for information." U.S. assistance is tailored to each country's needs, she said. "This includes working with frontline workers to slow the spread, care for the affected, and equip local communities with the tools, such as ventilators, needed to fight COVID-19." The administration has told Congress that it plans to spend about $202 million to buy 7,582 ventilators to distribute to up to 40 countries. Trump's national security adviser, Robert O'Brien, has said the president is committed to donating or selling 14,000 ventilators abroad. Story continues Some career staff at USAID are frustrated, saying public health experts at the agency have been shut out of the deliberations, two government officials familiar with the issue said. The officials said USAID staffers are concerned that poorer countries might need other, more basic items, such as personal protective equipment, more than they need ventilators and that they may lack staff trained to operate the machines. "There are no criteria," one of the officials said. "This is totally driven by the president and by the White House." The White House and USAID were not immediately available to comment. But a senior administration official said the U.S. is providing medical supplies and ventilators to countries that need them, rejecting the idea that the decisions are arbitrary. The decisions are not unilateral but based on conversations between the president and other heads of state, the official said. "With the United States now on track to produce over 100,000 high-quality ventilators by the end of the July 2020, by far the highest production of ventilators in history, the President continues to reach out to our partners and allies around the world to ensure they can have access to high-quality, America-made, life-saving ventilators to meet their medical needs," the official said. But some public health experts said ventilators are not the most urgent items for impoverished countries. "Ventilators are not what lower-income countries need most. They need support for their health systems, personal protective equipment, testing and contact tracing," said Lawrence Gostin, a professor of medicine and law at Georgetown University and head of the O'Neill Institute for National and Global Health Law. Dr. Craig Spencer, director of global health in emergency medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, agreed. "It's worse than swatting a fly with a sledgehammer," Spencer said, because most poorer countries "need much more basic tools, like running water or a supply of oxygen." In his letter to Trump, Menendez asked whether the National Security Council "is instructing USAID to procure or purchase ventilators from specific vendors or manufacturers, and whether you, members of your family, or any senior White House officials hold stock or control shares (either directly or through mutual funds) in the companies USAID is purchasing ventilators from." Image: Ventec ventilator (Chris Bergin / Reuters file) The Trump administration has come under scrutiny for how it has managed buying and distributing crucial medical supplies inside the U.S. since the COVID-19 outbreak started in January. NBC News has previously reported that senior political appointees made decisions on federal contracts and the allocation of scarce medical resources based in part on personal relationships and partisan loyalty. Early on in the outbreak, public health and hospital officials worried that the U.S. faced potentially dire shortages of ventilators for critically ill patients, citing Italy as a worst-case scenario where doctors had to ration them. After initially having resisted the idea, Trump eventually used presidential authority under the Defense Production Act to order companies to manufacture large numbers of ventilators. Critical care doctors, meanwhile, have increasingly chosen less invasive ways to help patients breathe, viewing ventilators as a last resort. A recent medical study concluded that using the machines more sparingly would save the lives of COVID-19 patients. National Institutes of Health guidelines call for instituting a phased-in approach for patients with breathing problems and putting off using ventilators if possible. 'King of ventilators' In comments at briefings and in tweets since April, Trump has mentioned plans to send ventilators to various countries, boasting that the U.S. is now the "king of ventilators." "Just spoke to President Juan Orlando Hernandez of the Republic of Honduras. We work closely together on the Southern Border. Will be helping him with his request for Ventilators and Testing," Trump tweeted. Guatemala, however, was absent from the presidential tweets related to Central America, and the administration has announced no plans to send ventilators to it. Guatemala has more than once suspended deportation flights from the U.S. after dozens of deportees tested positive for the coronavirus upon arriving from the United States. Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei complained about a lack of U.S. aid and ventilators last month. "Guatemala is an ally of the United States, but I don't believe the U.S. is an ally to Guatemala, because they don't treat us like one," Giammattei said May 21 during an Atlantic Council conference via Zoom. "We've seen how they've assisted other countries with ventilators, and we haven't even gotten a dime from them not even one single mask from the United States. We don't feel appreciated." Download the NBC News app for breaking news and politics Michael Kozak, the acting assistant secretary for state for Western Hemisphere affairs, told reporters last month that there was no correlation between pandemic assistance and Guatemala's approach to deportation flights and U.S. immigration policy. "There isn't some hard linkage here between cooperation on removals and ventilators," Kozak said. "We're trying to get medicine and medical supplies to anybody who needs them, including countries that we have not particularly good relations with." The senior administration official told NBC News that "the Government of Guatemala and the Guatemalan people have no greater friend than the United States. The U.S. Development Finance Corporation previously signed a $1 billion financing arrangement with President Giammattei during his inauguration, and yesterday the State Department announced an additional $250 million for Guatemala and the region to build secure and prosperous futures for their citizens at home, the official said. A New York Times/Siena College survey shows diminishing support for Trump among white voters in some key swing states. New polls out on Thursday show presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden trouncing US President Donald Trump in six battleground states that were key to the presidents electoral victory in 2016. The New York Times/Siena College poll showed Biden leading by an average of nine percentage points in six key states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Florida, Arizona and North Carolina. The same poll released in October of last year showed Biden up by just two percentage points across the influential states. Since then, the coronavirus pandemic has ravaged the United States, creating unprecedented job loss and economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, protests against institutional racism, following the high-profile killings of Black Americans by police, have swept the country. Perhaps most troubling for Trump, the new poll also showed diminishing support for Trump among white voters in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. White, working-class voters in those states make up a disproportionate amount of the electorate who will go to the polls in November. Their votes were key to Trumps 2016 victory in the Electoral College, the system in US presidential elections in which the winner is decided based on electors from each state, who usually vote based on the states popular vote and not the overall national popular vote. Trump lost the national popular vote in the last election. While Biden only slightly beat out Trump for the white vote in those states, according to the New York Times, the most recent poll shows a significant shift, as Trump carried the group by nearly 10 points over then-Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in 2016. The revelation comes as Trump visits Wisconsin on Thursday, his most recent campaign event after a lacklustre rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Sunday. The Fake News and phony Fake Suppression Polls have never been worse. The Lamestream Media has gone CRAZY! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 25, 2020 The Marquette University Law Poll, considered Wisconsins most reliable, shows Trump trailing Biden by eight points in that state. During his stop, Trump is set to visit a shipyard, followed by a town hall broadcast by Fox News channel. The day will be a far cry from Trumps last visit to the state in January, when he staged a massive, raucous rally at an arena in downtown Milwaukee. Since then, large crowds have been banned in the urban centre and the state unemployment rate has exploded from 3.5 percent to 12 percent. The Marquette poll also shows Trump sliding with Republicans in the state. In May, the poll showed Trump ahead of Biden among Republicans in Wisconsin by 93 percent to 1 percent. However, by June, his lead over Biden had dropped to 83 percent to 8 percent. Meanwhile, voters registered as Independents preferred Trump over Biden in May by 34 percent to 27 percent, the poll showed. That reversed in June, with Biden preferred 38 percent to Trumps 30 percent. Trump's Brutal Battleground Polls The Bulwark https://t.co/48Pz24S1VO Charlie Sykes (@SykesCharlie) June 25, 2020 Other findings Overall across the six battleground states, 42 percent of those polled approve of how Trump is handling his presidency, while 54 percent disapprove, according to the New York Times/Siena College poll. Meanwhile, 63 percent of voters in the states, a majority, say they prefer a president who focuses on the cause of nationwide protests, even when those protests get out of hand. Meanwhile, 31 percent say they prefer to support a candidate who promises to be tough on demonstrations that cross the line. Moreover, despite the high rate of unemployment, 55 percent of voters in the six battleground states said they think the government should prioritise stopping the spread of the coronavirus even if it hurts the economy a contrast to Trumps economy-first approach to the pandemic. Trump, however, continues to garner high approval in the six states when it comes to the economy and who voters would prefer to have lead relations with China. And we can see that in the cases of the famous leaks that WikiLeaks has done or the recent Edward Snowden revelations, that its possible now for even a single system administrator to have a very significant change to theor rather, apply a very significant constraint, a constructive constraint, to the behavior of these organizations, not merely wrecking or disabling them, not merely going out on strikes to change policy, but rather shifting information from an information apartheid system, which were developing, from those with extraordinary power and extraordinary information, into the knowledge commons, where it can be used tonot only as a disciplining force, but it can be used to construct and understand the new world that were entering into. Assange told the audience that the famous leaks that WikiLeaks has done or the recent Edward Snowden revelations showed that it was possible now for even a single system administrator tonot merely wreck[] or disabl[e] [organizations]but rather shift[] information from an information apartheid systeminto the knowledge commons To encourage leakers and hackers to provide stolen materials to WikiLeaks in the future, Assange and others at WikiLeaks openly displayed their attempts to assist Snowden in evading arrest, the indictment declares. It notes Harrison (WLA-4) traveled with Snowden to Moscow from Hong Kong, leaving out the part where the State Department revoked his passport and trapped him in Russia. During an interview for Democracy Now! in September 2016, Sarah Harrison said WikiLeaks understood Snowden was in a very complex legal and political situation and needed some people to assist with technical and operational security expertise. I went over there, as the person on the ground in Hong Kong, to help him, not only for him, himself, because he had clearly done something so brave and deserved the protection, I felt, but also for the larger objective to try and show that despite [President Barack] Obamas war on whistleblowers, that actually there was another option. Harrison added. At the time, the Obama administration was intent upon putting alleged source Chelsea Manning into prison for decadesas she is now in prison for 35 yearsand we really wanted to try and show the world that there are people that will stand up, there are people that will help. And The Guardian, for example, did not give any additional help to Edward Snowden as a source, as a person there, and we wanted to show there are publishers that will help in these scenarios. Prosecutors note WikiLeaks booked Snowden on flights to India through Beijing and Iceland as examples of how Assange engaged in an alleged conspiracy. At the annual Chaos Computer Club conference in Germany on December 31, 2013, Assange, Appelbaum, and Harrison participated in a panel discussion called, Sysadmins of the World, Unite! A Call to Resistance. (Assange appeared via video.) The indictment criminalizes Assanges speech in support of Snowden and any future whistleblowers and twists his words into a prime example of WikiLeak encouraging the theft of information from the U.S. government. Prosecutors even omit particular words to make the message Assange shared seem more nefarious than an endorsement of radical transparency. From the indictment: The United States government expanded their indictment against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange to criminalize the assistance WikiLeaks provided to NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden when staff helped him leave Hong Kong. Sarah Harrison, who was a section editor for WikiLeaks, Daniel Domscheit-Berg, a former spokesperson, and Jacob Appelbaum, a digital activist who represented WikiLeaks at conferences, are targeted as co-conspirators in the indictment [ PDF ], though neither have been charged with offenses. No charges were added, however, it significantly expands the conspiracy to commit computer intrusion charge and accuses Assange of conspiring with hackers affiliated with Anonymous, LulzSec, AntiSec, and Gnosis. The computer crime charge is not limited to March 2010 anymore. It covers conduct that allegedly occurred between 2009 and 2015. Prosecutors rely heavily on statements and chat logs from Sigurdur Siggi Thordarson and Hector Xavier Monsegur (Sabu), who were both FBI informants, in order to expand the scope of the prosecution. In March, Judge Anthony Trenga dismissed the grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, that was investigating WikiLeaks. U.S. Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning, who refused to testify before the grand jury, was released from jail after spending about a year in confinement for civil contempt. She was still ordered to pay $256,000 in fines. Activist Jeremy Hammond, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his involvement in the hack against the intelligence consulting firm Stratfor, refused to testify as well. Trenga ordered his release, and he was transferred back into the custody of the Bureau of Prisons. Prosecutors accuse Assange and other WikiLeaks staffers of engaging in efforts to recruit system administrators to leak information to their media organization. Assanges video message to Chaos Computer Club conference attendees in 2013. (Screen shot from Democracy Now! broadcast.) Assange encouraged young people to join the CIA. Go in there. Go into the ballpark and get the ball and bring it outwith the understanding, with the paranoia, that all those organizations will be infiltrated by this generation, by an ideology that is spread across the Internet. And every young person is educated on the Internet. There will be no person that has not been exposed to this ideology of transparency and understanding of wanting to keep the Internet, which we were born into, free. This is the last free generation, Assange added. The government presents this message as evidence that WikiLeaks solicits government employees to steal classified information. However, what Assange did was appeal to young people to help the public address a crisis of corruption in government by forcing transparency at a time when the government abuses the classified information system to conceal waste, fraud, abuse, and other illegal actions. Appelbaum is singled out for saying Harrison took actions to protect Snowden, and if we can succeed in saving Edward Snowdens life and to keep him free, then the next Edward Snowden will have that to look forward to. And if we look also to what has happened to Chelsea Manning, we see additionally that Snowden has clearly learned. This is a fairly innocuous observation numerous people in the news media, including this author, have shared. It means if whistleblowers do not believe they will be punished with decades of prison or forced to flee their home country then we will have more whistleblowers because they will not believe it so dangerous to come forward. At no point does the Justice Department attempt to connect the alleged recruitment of hackers or leakers to an actual individual, who heard these words and acted upon them. Of course, the Justice Department refuses to accept the public benefit that came from Snowdens disclosures. He still faces an indictment for allegedly violating the Espionage Act, which is why he remains in Russia, where he obtained asylum in 2013. On May 6, 2014, the indictment alleges Harrison sought to recruit those who had or could obtain authorized access to classified information and hackers to search for and send the classified or otherwise stolen information to WikiLeaks by explaining, from the beginning our mission has been to public classified, or in any other way, censored information that is of political, historical importance.' It is one of the clearest indications that the conspiracy charge is a not-so-subtle effort to criminalize the journalism of an adversarial media organization that the United States has spent the last decade working to destroy. At no point in this statement does Harrison ask any specific persons to steal information. If what Harrison didand by association, Assange supportedis a crime, then there are countless news media organizations which pride themselves on publishing documents they obtain from sensitive sources that must worry they are opening themselves up to prosecution if they boast about their work in a public setting. Conspiracy Charge Depends On Statements From Paid FBI Informants The section of the indictment on Assanges alleged role in conspiring with hackers mentions a Teenager, who Assange met in Iceland. This individual is Sigurdur Siggi Thordarson. As Wired Magazine reported, When a staff revolt in September 2010 left the organization short-handed, Assange put Thordarson in charge of the WikiLeaks chat room, making Thordarson the first point of contact for new volunteers, journalists, potential sources, and outside groups clamoring to get in with WikiLeaks at the peak of its notoriety. Thordarson was fired from WikiLeaks in November 2011 after the media organizations discovered he embezzled about $50,000. After the FBI asked to talk with him in person following his termination, Thordarson begged the FBI for money. Agents initially ignored his requests, but eventually they paid him $5,000 for the work he missed while meeting with agents in Alexandria, Virginia, where the grand jury investigation was empaneled. In 2013, WikiLeaks stated, Because of requests from people close to him and his young age [Thordarson] was offered the opportunity to repay the stolen funds, which amounted to about $50,000. When it became clear he would not honor the agreement the matter was reported to the Icelandic Police. Thordarson apparently embezzled funds from several other organizations in Iceland that were not related to WikiLeaks. The Icelandic authorities process charges of embezzlement. It has materialized that the individual has engaged in gross misrepresentations of different types to obtain benefit from a range of parties, WikiLeaks added. We will not identify him by name in light of information that he has recently received institutional medical treatment. In light of the relentless ongoing persecution of U.S. authorities against WikiLeaks, it is not surprising that the FBI would try to abuse this troubled young man and involve him in some manner in the attempt to prosecute WikiLeaks staff. It is an indication of the great length these entities are willing to go that they will disrespect the sovereignty of other nations in their endeavor. There is strong indication that the FBI used a combination of coercion and payments to pressure the young man to cooperate, WikiLeaks contended. Hammond was the target of an FBI operation. As Dell Cameron previously reported for the Daily Dot, chat logs, surveillance photos, and government documents showed it was Monsegur who introduced Hammond to a hacker named Hyrriya, who supplied download links to the full credit card database as well as the initial vulnerability access point to Stratfors systems. According to Hammond, he had not heard of Stratfor until Monsegur brought the firm to his attention. Monsegur transferred the details for at least two stolen credit cards. In December 2011, Monsegur gave AntiSec or the group of hackers targeting Stratfor access to the private intelligence firms systems. He pushed Hammond and others to unknowingly transfer multiple gigabytes of confidential data to one of the FBIs servers. That included roughly 60,000 credit card number and records for Stratfor customers that Hammond was ultimately charged with stealing, according to Daily Dot. Anthropologist Gabriella Coleman wrote in her book, Hacker, Hoaxer, Whistleblower, Spy: The Many Faces of Anonymous, that AntiSec went to the WikiLeaks internet relay chat server. Monsegur was largely unaware. A deal was made to provide files from Stratfor to WikiLeaks. When talking to WikiLeaks, Hammond recounted to me, they first asked to authenticate the leak by pasting them some samples, which I did, [but] they didnt ask who I was or even really how I got access to it, but I told them voluntarily that I was working with AntiSec and had hacked Stratfor. Soon after, he arranged the handoff. When Sabu found out, he insisted on dealing with Assange, personally. After all, he told Hammond, he was already in contact with Assanges trusted assistant Q. Thordarson was Q. According to Hammond, Monsegur attempted to entrap WikiLeaks by suggesting the organization pay him cash for the leaks. But WikiLeaks already had the documents they planned to publish. The U.S. government had a deadline in June 2019 for submitting an extradition request. It seems improper to add these substantial details to the request, especially since a one-week hearing was already held. While the conspiracy charge includes sensational claims of collaboration with hackers, it is no less of a political charge than the seventeen Espionage Act offenses Assange faces for publishing information. The additional sections in the indictment represent an attempt to give the illegitimate prosecution a greater veneer of criminality. Unfortunately, it does not take much to scrape it off and expose the contempt for press freedom that still lies behind this vindictive prosecution. The post US Government Expands Assange Indictment To Criminalize Assistance Provided To Edward Snowden appeared first on Shadowproof. Error. Page cannot be displayed. Please contact your service provider for more details. (18) A massive explosion at a sensitive military area near the Iranian capital city Tehran triggered a series of speculations of a possible air attack. Social media users circulated images of the explosion at around 00:30 a.m. local time on Friday (08:00 p.m. GMT on Thursday). Multiple video clips on Iranian social media showed a strong and large orange light, similar to an explosion appearing east of Tehran. Some residents said they heard a loud sound. The explosion occurred at the village of Parchin, the site of an Iranian military complex with the same name, located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) southeast of Tehran. In July 2015, western sources claimed that there was activity in the military complex associated with nuclear weapons. Tehran immediately denied the allegation. However, the Director-General of the Defense Ministry's Public Relations Office, Second Brigadier General Davoud Abdi, told the Islamic Republic's official news agency (IRNA) that the explosion at Parchin' "public area" was the result of a natural gas tank blast. By saying public area, Abdi effectively ruled out any military facility as the site of the explosion. "Fortunately, the explosion did not cause any casualties," Abdi added, noting that the firefighters managed to control the blaze resulting from the explosion. "Our colleagues have reached the area to examine the incident closely," Abdi said, adding that relevant authorities would duly announce further information about the explosion. Nonetheless, Abdi stopped short of referring to the cause of the explosion. The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) news agency also attributed the blast to an explosion at a natural gas storage in Parchin, insisting that it occurred at a non-residential area. According to several reports in state and semi-official media citing both Abdi and the public relations manager of Tehran emergency, Mir Shahabuddin Ghavami no emergency services or ambulances were requested in the area following the blast, Reuters reported. Iranian authorities do not quickly and accurately report security-related incidents and an accurate picture might not emerge for a while. FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. Arizona is getting a jump start on what will be a yearslong process to address a dwindling but key water source in the U.S. West. Several states and Mexico rely on the Colorado River for drinking water and growing crops. But climate change, drought and demand have taken a toll on the river that no longer can deliver what was promised in the 1920s. Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, California, Utah, Wyoming and Nevada have been operating under a set of guidelines approved in 2007. Those guidelines and an overlapping drought contingency plan will expire in 2026. Arizona water officials gathered Thursday to outline a plan for what comes next. Other states in the river basin have had more informal discussions. Hold on to your seats because the reconsultation will be technical and complicated, and it will take a long time, said Ted Cooke, general manager of the Central Arizona Project, who is co-chairing Arizonas effort. Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is reviewing the effectiveness of the 2007 guidelines that address shortages and surpluses of water, and efforts to conserve water in Lake Mead along the Nevada-Arizona border. A draft is expected in August, and a final report in December. Its prudent water management to review how well something has worked before determining what might replace it, said Carly Jerla of the Bureau of Reclamation. When those guidelines went into effect, the river had been in drought conditions for several years. It hasnt let up. A drought contingency plan approved by the Western states last year was meant as a stop-gap. It requires Arizona, Nevada and Mexico to prop up Lake Mead earlier than under the 2007 guidelines. It also looped in California for water cuts. A Reclamation audit published last month found that water use in the Colorado Rivers lower basin dropped by more than 575,000 acre-feet from 2018 to 2019, a level not seen since 1986. That allowed Lake Mead and Lake Powell key indicators of the rivers health to increase by several feet but both remain well below capacity. As of this week, Mead was 41% full. Powell, along the Arizona-Utah line, was 53% full. Arizona is looking to build upon the work done on the drought contingency plan. The committee of about three dozen people that worked it helps develop what might replace the existing guidelines, focusing on how to sustain the river while meeting the states water needs, officials said. The committee again will be led by Cooke and Arizona Department of Water Resources director Tom Buschatzke. The river is governed by a series of interstate agreements, international treaties and court rulings all of which the two said would guide the committees work. They ruled out marketing unused water within Arizona or sending it outside the state. Two groups that will do modeling and analysis of the river and develop Arizonas strategy for negotiations with other states are expected to meet before a planned September committee meeting. Those on the strategy team will be required to sign confidentiality agreements. Daryl Vigil, water administrator for the Jicarilla Apache Nation in New Mexico, said he would like to see all Arizona tribes represented on the committee. Buschatzke said that would become unwieldy. What do we do with renegotiation in Arizona? You just go back to what you know, which leaves out an incredible huge portion of people who have water rights in the basin and, of course, Im talking about tribes, Vigil said. The Southern Nevada Water Authority said it has been accelerating conservation that will allow the state to be flexible in working through the next round of guidelines. The upper basin states Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico historically haven not used their full allocation of Colorado River water. Amy Haas, director of the Upper Colorado River Commission, said those states will be looking to address overuse in the lower basin, reliability in the forecast for lake levels and equity in the river operations. Lake Mead just does not recover because were seeing overuse in the lower basin, she said. Again, more than 1 million acre-feet per annum, and thats a real problem. ___ Sam Metz contributed to this report from Carson City, Nevada. Metz 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 under-covered issues. Dr. Mirtha Macri in a special COVID-19 episode of Netflix's "Lenox Hill." (Netflix ) Early in a special episode of Netflixs medical docuseries Lenox Hill, Dr. Mirtha Macri is beginning yet another shift in the emergency department at Lenox Health, a division of Manhattan's Lenox Hill Hospital, when she pauses hesitantly in a corridor. She asks a wandering co-worker whether the empty room she's about to enter has been cleaned so she can run in and get a surgical gown. Its early March. "The way I feel right now is that I trained my whole life for this," Macri tells the camera. "It's not very often that a pandemic happens during your career in emergency medicine. ... I feel like it's my duty, I feel a little obligated to be here. But at the same time, you know, I don't want to be exposed because of [my] pregnancy." Lenox Hill launched earlier this month and follows the lives of four doctors including Macri as they navigate the tightrope of their work and professional lives. But in a special episode, titled "Pandemic," released this week, cameras return to document the doctors as they maneuver through the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak in New York City, then the U.S. hot spot of the virus, just as many Americans were beginning to self-isolate at home. Directed and produced by Adi Barash and Ruthie Shatz, "Lenox Hill" initially shot last year from April through November, with a small crew of four (including Barash and Shatz). Filming for the COVID special began in early March and continued through the end of May, with just Barash shooting. Dr. Mirtha Macri with a patient before the coronavirus hit the U.S. (Netflix) Viewers of the series have come to know Macri as the dedicated emergency room physician who was itching to get back to treating patients after the birth of her son, Joaquin. When viewers reunite with her in the special episode, she's pregnant with her second child and trying to make sense of the still-mysterious virus. "To be honest, I was feeling anxious," Macri told The Times. "There was definitely a lot of fear. At the same time, we wanted to understand and grasp as much information as we could, because we didn't know enough. We knew from what was happening in other countries, but it just came at us like a tsunami." Story continues The episode, which runs roughly 30 minutes, captures the whirlwind of uncertainty and the stress on resources (mask shortages, staffing issues) caused by the pandemic. The toll on Macri is palpable she shares that shes getting only two to three hours of sleep a night because of the pressure and anxiety of work and the growing risk faced by staffers. At one point, she breaks down in her car, wiping back tears. Still, Macri insists she didnt feel burdened by having a camera around in such a precarious, stressful period. She appreciates that Barash was there to capture the early days of this unique moment. I was like, 'Yes, come to the ER, come see this, come film this' because we don't know if we're ever going to see it again, she said. I thought it was very important to catch those moments. Macri said there were many serious conversations with her husband and family about whether she should continue working in a high-risk environment while pregnant. To reduce the possibility of potentially spreading the virus, Macris husband and their son ultimately moved in with her parents. My husband was very scared that the rest of the family could get exposed, including our son and our unborn baby, Macri said. I had to work through that because my first instinct is to say: I trained for this and I want to be on the front line for this. This is probably never going to happen again in my career. So that was a huge struggle for me personally. It caused more anxiety and fear than the actual management of the virus. We're trained to manage illness. And I felt strongly about it. Macri is currently working 12-hour shifts remotely, treating patients via virtual consultations. She says shell work until she gives birth (her due date is in two weeks). She recently managed to find time to view the original first eight episodes of Lenox Hill and said they felt almost like period pieces. "I felt sad," Macri said. "It was like, 'Oh wow, that was before COVID.' I wish I could just touch a patient's hand or walk into their room freely like that again, and I don't know when it will ever get back to that. Maybe years." While it remains uncertain when well venture closer to a post-COVID era, more states have begun to lift some restrictions. New York City has seen a drop in the number of cases, while Los Angeles has seen a surge. There is a wide spectrum of people that are just demonstrating different feelings about this virus," Macri says. What frustrates me is that now it comes down to just the very basics. We're asking people: wash your hands and wear a mask. Since his official retirement from public life in 2017, we dont get to see much of Prince Philip these days. The Duke of Edinburgh recently turned 99, and though he is quite wise in age and has had a couple of health issues in the past few years, hes still as sharp as ever. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the prince and Queen Elizabeth have been in isolation with their staff at their country home, Sandrigum Estate, where they have been video calling with their family and friends. The prince has been a steady force in the royal family since he married the queen in 1947. Along with the way hes earned quite the reputation and a very badass nickname. RELATED: Dark Secrets You Never Knew About Prince Philips Life Prince Philip is one of the most interesting members of the British royal family Prince Philip was born in Corfu, Greece to Princess Alice of Battenberg and Prince Andrew of Greece and Denmark. However, when he was just one-year-old, his family was forced to flee Greece after his uncle the king was overthrown. The princes father soon abandoned the family and his mother was committed to a mental health facility. In turn, he was raised by his uncles Georgie and Dickie Mountbatten. Being orphaned at such a young age gave the prince a steel-like backbone. Hes been known to speak his mind no matter where he is and without concern for upsetting others. Prince Philip is bluff, outspoken, hearty, tough and something of a bully, royal expert, Penny Junor explained in Tim Claytons book, Diana: Story of a Princes. Though the prince struggled with his relationship with his son, Prince Charles, hes always been very close to his grandsons, Prince William and Prince Harry. RELATED: Prince Philip Once Explained Why He and Prince Charles Have Always Struggled to Get Along Prince Philip has a hilarious nickname for Queen Elizabeth Since hes so outspoken, Prince Philip had no qualms about giving the queen a rather personal and hilarious nickname. While many close to Queen Elizabeth call her, Lisbeth, Prince Philip calls his wife of 70 plus years, Cabbage. It sounds pretty awful, but it has a very sweet meaning. The term was derived from the French phrase mon petit chou which means my darling. The translation from French to English is my little cabbage. Therefore, the prince delights in calling his wife, cabbage. RELATED: Is Prince Harry Still Close to Prince Philip, Despite Megxit? Inside Prince Philips badass nickname Still, Queen Elizabeth isnt the only royal with a nickname. In fact, Prince Philip has a legendary one of his own. In his book, Behind the Throne: A Domestic History of the British Royal Household, historian Adrian Tinniswood got some major insight into the dukes super cool nickname. Tinniswood says that the Duke of Edinburghs friends and royal staff call him P.P. which is a modification of Prince Philip. Apparently the prince, despite all of his gruffness is the staffs favorite. If youve talked to any of the staff, Philips the one they all love really, The Crown actor Matt Smith told Variety. I think more than a lot of them, hes a bit more of a man of the people. The royal protocol hasnt dogged him in quite the same way his whole life and theres a sort of rebellion in him and a naughtiness and a cheekiness. I think hes quite affable and open by all accounts with the staff. They all love him. CityXGuide seized and shut down; owner indicted for sex trafficking Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The owner of CityXGuide, the website that users have described as having taken over where Backpage.com left off, has been indicted on sex trafficking charges and the site has been shut down. According to the Justice Department on Friday, CityXGuide, a leading online source of ads for prostitution and trafficking, has been seized and the owner has been charged with 28 federal criminal counts. Wilham Martono was indicted earlier this month on one count promotion of prostitution and reckless disregard of sex trafficking and on another separate count of interstate racketeering conspiracy, which means facilitating prostitution. Other charges included interstate transportation in aid of racketeering and money laundering. Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Secret Service arrested Martono last week. Following his arrest, his website was officially seized and "replaced with a splash page notifying users that the website had been seized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security pursuant to a warrant," according to a DOJ release. As soon as DOJ shut down one despicable site, another popped up to take its place, said U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox. Like the owners of Backpage, this defendant made millions facilitating the online exploitation of women and children. The Justice Department will not rest until these sites are eliminated and their owners held accountable for their crimes. Martono reportedly gained over $21 million from several websites promoting prostitution and sex trafficking having registered the domain names for the sites the day after federal authorities seized Backpage.com, a site that was long known for its promotion and facilitating of prostitution and sex trafficking, including the exploitation of minors. A 2017 U.S. Senate investigation report into Backpage showed that its company staff had manipulated its content to conceal instances of criminality like child sex trafficking. Such terms that site operators automatically stripped from trafficking ads before publication included lolita, teenage, rape, young, amber alert, little girl, teen, fresh, innocent, and school girl. This case is a harsh reminder of the ruthlessness of human traffickers and lengths to which they go, including victimizing women and children, to make a profit, Ryan L. Spradlin, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Dallas Field Office, said of the shutting down of CityXGuide and Martono arrest. HSI maintains its unwavering commitment to investigate these heinous crimes, rescue victims, and prosecute the offenders to the fullest extent of the law. The DOJ added that it had identified a number of minor victims in CityXGuide ads, including a 13-year-old girl who was recovered in North Texas in November. Martono could face up to 25 years in federal prison if he is convicted. He was charged in part under a relatively new federal law that President Donald Trump signed in 2018, called the Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act-Stop Enabling Sex Trafficking Act, which occurred soon after the federal seizure of Backpage. The law enabled the federal government to prosecute websites that facilitate sex trafficking. FOSTA-SESTA updated the existing law to clarify the nation's existing statutes, outlawing knowingly assisting, facilitating, or supporting sex trafficking. The law also amended Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act to exclude enforcement of federal or state sex trafficking laws from its immunity. A King is Dead, Long Live the King: iGaming Brand NetEnt Morphs into a Powerhouse Evolution Holding Published June 25, 2020 by Lee R Evolution's acquisition of NetEnt is all about the futurenot more than a year away. NetEnt has been sold! The Deal One of iGaming's largest suppliers officially accepted a 1.6 billion offer from Evolution Gaming. The Vote The deal was made official by 45% acceptance among all NetEnt voting rights, plus an additional 23% of NetEnt's voting block formally confirming intent to vote in favor of acceptance. The Enhanced Stock Offer The individual stock offering of Sweden-based Evolution Gaming AB Group was 79.93 crowns per share--representing an eye-catching premium of 43per cent over NetEnt's closing price on Tuesday, the day of the sale. The stock offering value topped out at 19.6 billion Swedish crowns (US$2.12 billion), The deal is expected to be completed by the 2nd November 2020. Overpaid? Prognosticators see the surprising change of hands an offer too good to refusecalling the 43% premium Evolution offered on NetEnt shares a clear overvaluation. Harnessing the Future At any rate, Evolution has what it wantedfull control of one of iGaming's most sustainable brands and all its future growth-rendered most captivating because of the powerhouse potential of the combined reach of both companies into the rapidly growing US market. News of the Deal M and A news of the deal first surfaced with the announcement that the NetEnt Board was recommending to shareholders acceptance of a purchase offer from Evolution. Prompt Confirmation With a window starting August 17 and expiring circa October 26, 2020, acceptance was promptly confirmed. Remaining Formalities Completion of the deal remains subject to standard conditions of regulatory clearance for Evolution to become owner of 90 percent sharesto launch a compulsory buy-out procedure of remaining shares in accordance with the Swedish Companies Act. Savings Benefits The merging of the companies will yield costs savings of an estimated 30m, based on the combined 2020 Q1 cost figures for each company. New Synergies Benefits Added returns in the deal will come in the form of new revenue synergies which are expected to have a positive effect on Evolutions earnings per share by 2021. Outlook So, even though Evolution appears to have overpaid per share for NetEnt, the Evolution share values will rise as a result. So concludes one of iGaming's most prized reigns, giving birth to a global powerhouse the likes of which will be unseen. Jon Stewart has nothing but praise for his Daily Show successor, Trevor Noah. In fact, the comedian thinks the show is better now without him. Stewart, who hosted the satirical news program for 16 years, explained on SiriusXMs The Howard Stern Show how Noah has improved the show since his departure in 2015. You say he elevated the show in a way you couldnt, but do you really think thats true? I mean, Trevor does a great job, but come on you were pretty f***ing good at it, Stern asked on Thursdays episode. Jon Stewart and Trevor Noah at the 2015 Emmys. (Photo: Reuters) Its not meant as a denigration of me, Stewart replied. So, the evolution of show was also about opening our eyes to some of the realities of business around us. The 57-year-old Irresistible star continued, When we started, it was like pretty much everything in late-night comedy that sort of Harvard Lampoon school of pasty white guys sitting in a room Evolving the show past that took a really long time. It was a lot of work and oftentimes it came with defensiveness. Stewart said in a different interview this week one of his biggest regrets from his Daily Show tenure is having a staff full of mostly white males. He laid out to Stern how there were socioeconomic issues at play with hiring. In order to change systemic racism, Stewart said the system needs to be changed. Even socioeconomically, you know the radio and television business is run by rich people from Westchester [New York], Stewart said. And the reason that it is, is because when you hire people from this business you generally hire from the interns that you formerly had on the show, but any intern who could afford to take three months off on college and spend that time polishing your grapes is gonna to come from a wealthy background. So, all the people you were hiring were all socioeconomically at a very high level. Stewart admitted it took us a long time to fix that and one way was by paying interns. By paying the interns, suddenly youre getting a much more diverse group of people that are coming in, he added. What we did before was diversity for diversity sake. It was We dont have enough women writers, lets hire a woman. We dont have enough black writers, lets hire a black person. But what we realized is we werent changing the system, we were just granting access to a club everybody should have had access to in the first place. Story continues Stewart continued, It was our fault for not changing the tributaries and also, it put those women and people of color in a very awkward position because now they feel the responsibility to represent. So that created tensions and pressures for them. Noah, who was born and raised in South Africa, made his debut on the Daily Show as an on-air contributor in December 2014. Months later, it was announced he would be the new host. It took 16 years to change it at a glacial pace, Stewart told Stern. Because that kind of mindset to me, because I didnt grow up in it its not a part of me. For Trevor, its a part of him. It flows from him naturally It makes it better. The show is better. Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump has told aides he is largely supportive of sending Americans another round of stimulus checks, believing the payments will boost the economy and help his chances at reelection in November, according to three people aware of internal administration deliberations. However, leading congressional Republicans and some senior White House officials remain skeptical of sending more checks, creating a rift within conservative circles that could have significant consequences for the stimulus package set to be taken up by lawmakers in July. The White House has not officially taken a position on the matter. 'UNACCEPTABLE': Governor Abbott gives urgent update on spiking coronavirus cases in Texas In March, Congress approved stimulus payments of up to $1,200 per person for every American citizen earning less than $75,000 per year as part of the Cares Act. The Internal Revenue Service had, as of the beginning of June, sent these payments to more than 159 million American households. Many economists say the checks provided needed relief as unemployment surged across the country, but they also generated significant controversy because of glitches in getting the money to taxpayers and the Treasury Department's decision to put Trump's name on the mailed checks, as well as a gushing letter that included his 2016 campaign slogan, "Make America Great Again." House Democrats included another round of $1,200 stimulus checks in the bill they approved last month, but the GOP position on the measure has remained murky. Internally, the president's advisers and allies are split. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has advocated sending another round of checks, two people with knowledge of internal deliberations said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to frankly discuss matters they weren't authorized to comment on publicly. Larry Kudlow, director of the White House National Economic Council, is skeptical of sending payments out to as many people who received them in the first round, said one person familiar with internal matters who also spoke on the condition of anonymity. Other conservative White House officials and influential congressional Republicans oppose the plan, expressing concern with the impact of tremendous levels of new spending on the deficit. Some White House officials have also argued internally that the checks were pocketed by Americans rather than spent in the economy, pointing to an enormous increase in Americans' personal savings rate after the payments went out, one person aware of internal discussions said. One senior administration official, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity to candidly discuss internal deliberations, said the White House may support a round of stimulus checks that is smaller than the initial package and targeted more directly toward lower-income Americans. The president has emphasized in public his desire to cut payroll taxes for businesses in the next stimulus package. Asked on Monday whether the administration will be sending Americans a second round of stimulus checks, Trump said "we are" but then quickly shifted the discussion to a different matter, making it unclear what he was referring to. White House officials said the administration continues to study the checks and that the president is hearing from different advisers, but has not reached a final decision. Even if the president formally backs the idea, it is not clear whether congressional Republicans will go along with the plan. MAINSTAYS CLOSE: Big names among new wave of Houston restaurant closings Senate Republicans have already rejected the president's call for a payroll tax cut. Most opposed the initial round of $1,200 payments despite voting for the Cares Act and are even more likely to oppose another round now that the economy has begun recovering from its lows in March and April, said Jason Pye, the vice president of legislative affairs for FreedomWorks, a conservative organization. The initial round of payments cost approximately $300 billion. "There's likely to be widespread opposition to something like another round of this. The cost is just too much," Pye said. Congressional Republicans may be more likely to support another round of stimulus checks if it is paired with a substantial reduction to the $600-per-week increase in unemployment benefits approved by Congress in March, aides said. Stephen Moore, an outside economic adviser to the White House, said the administration is studying this approach as officials push for a reduction in unemployment benefits. The White House is looking at another stimulus package in part because the coronavirus pandemic is expected to be a long-term drag on the U.S. economy. The Federal Reserve and Congressional Budget Office have both projected that unemployment could remain as high as 10 percent for the rest of the year. Many economists say the $1,200 checks and the increase in unemployment benefits helped shield low-income Americans, with one study finding poverty dropped in April, despite the economic contraction, because of the massive infusion of government cash. Democrats have called for the stimulus checks to be bigger and criticized the original plan for not sending payments to undocumented immigrants. They have largely unified behind the idea that the payments quickly got money to people in need. "The Economic Impact Payments proved to be a very effective way to get people money given our rickety administrative systems," said Matt Bruenig, founder of the People's Policy Project, a left-leaning think tank. "Given that the public health and economic crisis has not yet abated, another round of these payments would be a good idea." We've lost count of how many times insiders have accumulated shares in a company that goes on to improve markedly. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of examples of share prices declining precipitously after insiders have sold shares. So before you buy or sell HSBC Holdings plc (LON:HSBA), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling. What Is Insider Selling? Most investors know that it is quite permissible for company leaders, such as directors of the board, to buy and sell stock in the company. However, most countries require that the company discloses such transactions to the market. We don't think shareholders should simply follow insider transactions. But it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. For example, a Columbia University study found that 'insiders are more likely to engage in open market purchases of their own companys stock when the firm is about to reveal new agreements with customers and suppliers'. See our latest analysis for HSBC Holdings The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At HSBC Holdings In the last twelve months, the biggest single purchase by an insider was when Group CFO Ewen Stevenson bought UK3.2m worth of shares at a price of UK5.62 per share. That means that an insider was happy to buy shares at above the current price of UK3.81. Their view may have changed since then, but at least it shows they felt optimistic at the time. In our view, the price an insider pays for shares is very important. Generally speaking, it catches our eye when insiders have purchased shares at above current prices, as it suggests they believed the shares were worth buying, even at a higher price. Over the last year, we can see that insiders have bought 952.96k shares worth UK5.4m. But insiders sold 94599 shares worth UK521k. Overall, HSBC Holdings insiders were net buyers during the last year. You can see the insider transactions (by individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction! Story continues LSE:HSBA Insider Trading Volume June 25th 2020 There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. HSBC Holdings Insiders Bought Stock Recently We saw some HSBC Holdings insider buying shares in the last three months. insider Steven Guggenheimer shelled out UK20k for shares in that time. It's good to see the insider buying, as well as the lack of recent sellers. However, in this case the amount invested recently is quite small. Does HSBC Holdings Boast High Insider Ownership? Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. We usually like to see fairly high levels of insider ownership. HSBC Holdings insiders own about UK53m worth of shares. That equates to 0.07% of the company. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders. So What Do The HSBC Holdings Insider Transactions Indicate? Insider purchases may have been minimal, in the last three months, but there was no selling at all. The net investment is not enough to encourage us much. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. Insiders own shares in HSBC Holdings and we see no evidence to suggest they are worried about the future. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing HSBC Holdings. Case in point: We've spotted 3 warning signs for HSBC Holdings you should be aware of. If you would prefer to check out another company -- one with potentially superior financials -- then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt. For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions. 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. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com. [June 25, 2020] Datawords selects Montreal to continue its blend of technology and multiculturalism MONTREAL, June 25, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - Datawords, global leader in multicultural technologies, celebrates this Multiculturalism Day 2020 with the opening of a new office in Montreal, Quebec. Founded 20 years ago, Datawords enables companies to roll out their digital strategy internationally through its technological know-how, multicultural expertise and mastery of the digital ecosystem. The group offers a comprehensive range of multicultural production services (linguistic consulting, video production, chatbots, localization and deployment of omnichannel content, etc.). Cultural diversity forms the DNA of this French group launched in 2000 in Paris by founders from a wide array of nationalities, cultures and religions. The group has 14 offices on 3 continents and currently employs around 800 people representing 50 nationalities and more than 60 languages. Encouraged by the success of its New York office over the past 5 years, Datawords has decided to strengthen and broaden the group's presence in North America with the opening of a new subsidiary in Canada. The city of Montreal was a natural fit given its dynamism at the forefront of technological innovation and its wealth of young international talent educated in excellent local universities. This new branch, led by Maxime Mader, will proceed to strengthen its teams through new recruitments and engage with the local ecosystem, thus supporting the group's strong growth in Canadian and American markets. Datawors already supports major Canadian brands such as BRP and Maison Birks, as well as many local subsidiaries of international groups notably Colgate, L'Oreal or Clarins. The Datawords Group received support from Investissement Quebec for the opening of this office. "We are delighted to operate from Montreal, a cosmopolitan city, full of potential, a city which reflects our own philosophy. Furthermore, this location is a strategic choice for our group since this new office will spearhead the pursuit of our development in North America," said Maxime Mader, Project Director at Datawords Canada. "It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome the arrival of Datawords in Montreal, as a testament to the strength of Montreal's tech ecosystem. This move will further accelerate Quebec's technological revolution, in addition to creating highly qualified jobs. We are proud to have helped convince this key player of choosing Montreal and to have accompanied Datawords' investment here," Hubert Bolduc, President of Investissement Quebec International, concluded. ABOUT DATAWORDS Created in 2000, Datawords combines the understanding of local cultures and technological expertise to implement the international strategies of major global brands on any digital platform. Headed by a team of co-founders, Datawords is today established in Europe, Asia and the USA. Datawords differentiates itself with multicultural technologies and the diverse backgrounds of its 800 employees who represent 50 nationalities and more than 60 languages. Datawords recorded a turnover of more than $75m in 2019. Vanksen, 87 Seconds and Digiprod are also part of the Datawords Group. More info on www.datawordsgroup.com and on LinkedIn. For more information, please visit : www.datawordsgroup.com or LinkedIn ABOUT INVESTISSEMENT QUEBEC The mission of Investissement Quebec is to participate actively in Quebec's economic development by stimulating business innovation, entrepreneurship and the growth of exports and investment in every region of Quebec. The Corporation provides enterprises and entrepreneurs with support services, including technology-based measures, as well as adapted financial solutions and investments. Through its Investissement Quebec International division, the Corporation assists enterprises with exports and prospects for foreign investments. Please visit www.investquebec.com/international/en for more information. SOURCE Investissement Quebec [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] TDT | Manama A Bahraini man, who was convicted last year of transporting money and delivering it to a terrorist group here, yesterday lost his final appeal against the 10-year prison sentence issued against him. This comes as the previous verdict and a BD100,000 fine announced by the court in 2019 were upheld by the Court of Cassation, in a hearing held yesterday to announce its final verdict in the defendants appeal. Court files showed that the man was recruited by a Bahraini fugitive in Iran and he, the defendant, intentionally delivered funds to individuals in Bahrain to carry out terrorist activities in the period between 2015 and 2019. It was also shown that the defendant received direct orders from his accomplice in Iran to receive, transport, deliver, and hide the money in order for it to be used by terrorist elements to implement their plans here. Investigations revealed that the fugitive in Iran is a leader in Al Wafa Islamic Mainstreama terrorist group that is responsible for various terrorist activities in Bahrain and had been sentenced to life in prison by a local court. The appellant would receive the cash through his personal bank account and later hide it in designated areas so terrorists and fugitives in Bahrain could collect the money and utilise it in carrying out their illegal activities. Confirmed cases linked to Wrexham food factory rise to 106 This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jun 25th, 2020 Welsh Government has announced the current total of confirmed coronavirus cases linked to the outbreak in Wrexham stands at 106. The Finance Minister Rebecca Evans MS announced the 106 confirmed cases figure at todays lunchtime briefing. The Minister also noted that a site visit would be taking place later this week, and the factory remains operational, with over 1000 tests. While giving figures for Anglesey and Wrexham the Minister noted it was the latest information she had, but cited information released yesterday by the Health Minister, however those figures had the latest total as 97 cases locally. We have asked Public Health Wales for the latest data for Wrexham. You can view the full briefing on the below video link: Diweddariad #coronafeirws gyda'r Gweinidog Cyllid | Live #coronavirus briefing with the Finance Minister https://t.co/7P6hKvSyGj Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) June 25, 2020 Top pic: Military on site earlier this week. Merck announced the first commercial product from Feelit, based in Haifa, Israel. Feelit is an Industry 4.0 startup that was part of the Merck PMatX innovation lab for next-generation electronics in Israel. RetroFeel, the companys first product, combines a wireless edge device and a printed nanotechnology sticker sensor that detects structural changes in mechanical parts and systems and is able to predict upcoming failures. This sensing solution is applicable in process industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, oil and gas as well as semiconductor manufacturing. Our product works it was found valuable and was checked by Merck, a leading pharmaceutical manufacturer said Gady Konvalina, CEO of Feelit. The remote over the shoulder installation approach we developed during the Covid-19 crisis also works. With our on-line training and support our customers installed the sensor themselves and then just used it to monitor the production equipment operations and integrity. Merck employees, who were the first to apply and use the sensors in production, said: We use the printed sensors to measure pressure and temperature in processes with sterile or aggressive substances where we want to avoid contact with the process media. In addition, we use Feelits sensors in the context of diaphragm valves to identify a failure of the diaphragm before rupturing to avoid chemical or biological spills. Having successfully completed two pilot trials using the nanomaterial-based sensors to monitor production equipment, Feelit started sales of its product and is performing additional trials worldwide. The sensors are externally attachable in minutes and easy to connect to software. Feelit has a multidisciplinary team and works in the industrial Internet of Things field. It provides structural sensing that can turn any object into a smart object. The company has made significant progress since joining the Merck program in Israel, making full use of the facilities, mentoring and commercial co-operation available. Feelit ramped up production of its RetroFeel sensors on the semi-industrial inkjet printer in PMatX. Production was increased from a few sensors per day to hundreds of sensors in one day, making use of the scalability of the printing process. After its first year of operation, Feelit signed a service agreement with the PMAtX innovation lab to continue the production of more sensors for commercial purposes. The company plans to produce thousands of sensors in the next two years with plans to scale up significantly by 2024. Feelit was the first company to join the PMatX innovation lab in Israel, led by Merck and run by M Ventures. The formation of PMAtX, which focuses on next-generation electronics, was supported by the Technology Innovation Lab program of the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA). The PMatX innovation lab, located adjacent to the Merck research & development site in Yavne, Israel, is currently hosting two more startups (medication adherence startup Pilltracker and computational imaging startup PxE). Yavne is also home to the Healthcare and Life Science BioIncubator, which has successfully been in place since 2011. Published Articles Suggest the Global Market for Rituximab Biosimilars Could Potentially be over $1 Billion Per Year Royalty Stream Relates to Agreement Acquired in Aptevo Spin-off from Emergent BioSolutions SEATTLE, WA / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. (APVO), a biotechnology company focused on developing novel immuno-oncology therapeutics based on its proprietary ADAPTIR bispecific technology platform, today announced that it will receive a royalty from Pfizer related to sales of a rituximab biosimilar product, RUXIENCE (Rituximab-pvvr), which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July 2019 and launched by Pfizer in the United States and Japan in early 2020. "We are pleased to be receiving this first royalty payment from Pfizer and look forward to future quarterly payments, all of which will contribute non-dilutive funding to support our organization," said Marvin L. White, President and Chief Executive Officer. "This funding will help to support the advancement of our novel ADAPTIR bispecific antibody platform and more specifically, our lead ADAPTIR bispecific candidate, APVO436, which is progressing in a Phase 1/1b clinical study for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. Dosing in cohort 6 of the study is currently underway. We look forward to providing an update on this clinical program as additional data are available." The payment from Pfizer relates to an agreement acquired by Aptevo as part of its spin-off from Emergent BioSolutions in 2016, which applies a fixed royalty rate in the low single digits on net sales in the United States, European Union, and Japan. The agreement was originally executed by Trubion Pharmaceuticals (which was subsequently acquired by Emergent BioSolutions Inc.,) and Wyeth (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pfizer). The royalty term runs until the seventh anniversary of the first commercial sale of the CD20 biosimilar. Royalties payments to Aptevo are due within 60 days after the end of each quarter. Story continues RUXIENCE is a biosimilar of Biogen's RITUXAN. In the US, RUXIENCE is approved for treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (alone or with other chemotherapy medicines), Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (with the chemotherapy medicines fludarabine and cyclophosphamide), and Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis and Microscopic Polyangiitis (with glucocorticoids). The product is also approved for use in Japan and received marketing authorization in the European Union in April 2020. Additional information can be found in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Aptevo on June 25, 2020. RUXIENCE is a trademark of Pfizer; RITUXAN is a trademark of Biogen. About Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. Aptevo Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing novel immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer. The Company's lead clinical candidate, APVO436, and preclinical candidates, ALG.APV-527 and APVO603 were developed based on the Company's versatile and robust ADAPTIR modular protein technology platform. The ADAPTIR platform is capable of generating highly differentiated bispecific antibodies with unique mechanisms of action for the treatment of different types of cancer. For more information, please visit www.aptevotherapeutics.com Safe Harbor Statement This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements, other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential milestone payments, Aptevo's outlook, financial performance or financial condition, estimated cash burn, Aptevo's technology and related pipeline, collaboration and partnership opportunities, milestones, and any other statements containing the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "forecasts," "estimates," "will" and similar expressions are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Aptevo's current intentions, beliefs and expectations regarding future events. Aptevo cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be accurate. Investors should realize that if underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could differ materially from Aptevo's expectations. Investors are, therefore, cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this press release, and, except as required by law, Aptevo does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, events or circumstances. There are a number of important factors that could cause Aptevo's actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including a deterioration in Aptevo's business or prospects; adverse developments in research and development; adverse developments in the U.S. or global capital markets, credit markets or economies generally; and changes in regulatory, social and political conditions. Additional risks and factors that may affect results are set forth in Aptevo's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed on March 25, 2020 and its subsequent reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K. The foregoing sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from Aptevo's expectations in any forward-looking statement. CONTACT: Aptevo Therapeutics Stacey Jurchison Senior Director, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications +1 206-859-6628 JurchisonS@apvo.com SOURCE: Aptevo Therapeutics View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/595169/Aptevo-Therapeutics-to-receive-Seven-Year-Quarterly-Royalty-Payment-Stream-from-Pfizer-for-Sales-of-Rituximab-Biosimilar The body of a Department of Environmental Protection worker whose boat capsized on Lake Hopatcong was recovered Wednesday afternoon, a New Jersey State Police spokesman told NJ Advance Media. Curtis Mulch, 68, of Landing, went missing around 10:30 a.m. when the aquatic weed harvester he was riding in capsized in the Crescent Cove section of the lake, Trooper Alejandro Goez said. The New Jersey State Police dive team searched for him throughout the day and found his body earlier Wednesday afternoon, Goez said. The investigation into how the boat capsized was ongoing Wednesday evening, police said. Chairman of the Lake Hopatcong Commission Ron Smith told NJ Advance Media the man was employed by the DEP and was harvesting weeds in the lake through the commissions harvesting program. Weed harvesting typically begins on the lake in mid-May, but was delayed this year after coronavirus caused budget shortfalls. A mild winter also allowed increased weed growth on the lake. 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. "Mr. Omori's appointment will enable us to receive a broad perspective based on his past experiences, focusing on the Company's overseas business strategies," says Hikaru Ohno, President, and CEO of Cyber Security Cloud, Inc. Background and Objective In recent years, the number of cyber-attacks is on the rise and the threat of cyber-attacks on enterprises has become a serious issue with direct implications on business risk. Against this backdrop, CSC provides web application security services that leverage world-leading cyber threat intelligence and AI technology. CSC also started expanding its overseas business with its U.S. subsidiary. And now, CSC has invited Mr. Susumu Omori, who has experience at foreign financial institutions such as Credit Suisse Securities and UBS Securities as the former head of Japan, as well as served as a member of the Tokyo Stock Exchange's Market Operations Committee, to serve as its global strategic advisor to help CSC formulate management and IR strategies for the expansion of its global business and to strengthen its corporate governance, including corporate compliance. By doing so, CSC plans to strive to strengthen its governance and provide its customers with services that create a secure cyberspace, not only in Japan but around the world. Comment by Mr. Hikaru Ohno, President, and CEO of Cyber Security Cloud, Inc. We are delighted to welcome Mr. Susumu Omori, who has served as head of Japan for renowned foreign financial institutions, as our Global Strategy Advisor. Mr. Omori's appointment will enable us to receive a broad perspective based on his past experiences, focusing on the Company's overseas business strategies. By doing so, we will be able to make great strides as a global company and further strengthen our governance. Comment by Mr. Susumu Omori I decided to join Cyber Security Cloud as a global strategic advisor because I shared the company's philosophy of "creating a secure cyberspace that people around the world can use safely" and felt a strong need for the company in society at a time when IT has become an essential part of the infrastructure. I am determined to contribute to the company's growth on a global scale and the realization of its philosophy by drawing on my experience at Credit Suisse Securities and UBS Securities. Mr. Susumu Omori's Bio 1974: Joined Nomura Securities Co., Ltd. 1990: Joined Credit Suisse First Boston and became Representative in Japan and Manager of Tokyo Branch 2005: Appointed President of UBS Securities Japan Co., Ltd. 2012: Appointed President and Representative Director of UBS Securities Japan Co., Ltd. 2015: Appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of UBS Securities Japan Co., Ltd. 2016: Appointed full-time auditor of the company (current position) 2017: Outside Director, Seeks Co., Ltd. (current position) About Cyber Security Cloud, Inc. With an aim to create a secure cyberspace that people around the world can use safely, Cyber Security Cloud provides web application security services worldwide using the world's leading cyber threat intelligence and AI technology. CSC is also certified as the 7th AWS WAF Managed Rules Seller in the world by AWS (Amazon Web Service) which boasts a 47.8% global cloud market share. *1 As a leading cybersecurity company, CSC plans to continue to strive to improve and develop new technologies and aim to be a company that can deliver effective security solutions to contribute to the information revolution. *1: Gartner(July 2019)Worldwide Iaas Public Cloud Services Market Share, 2017-2018 (Millions of U.S. Dollars) ABC News Demonstrators gathered in Washington on Friday for the country's largest annual anti-abortion rally around the anniversary of the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision establishing the right to an abortion -- but this year, 49 years later, they march with the fate of Roe v. Wade more uncertain than ever. "We expect this year's March for Life to be historic with even higher levels of enthusiasm from participants," Jeanne Mancini, president of March for Life, told ABC News in a statement. "We are all hopeful that, with the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case before the Supreme Court, this year will bring us much closer to building the culture of life we have all marched for since Roe v. Wade was imposed on our nation nearly 50 years ago." The big picture: A group of Republican senators is making a new attempt to push legislation that would weaken the lawful use of encryption in devices and communication services, with the purported aim of giving law enforcement the upper hand against criminals and terrorists. As always, the proposal ignores the technical issues and is seen by pundits as a political posturing exercise that isn't likely to achieve anything. Republican senators Marsha Blackburn (Tennessee), Tom Cotton (Arkansas), and Lindsey Graham (South Carolina) are proposing a new bill that seeks to deter companies from using so-called "warrant-proof" encryption. The bill is called the Lawful Access to Encrypted Data Act, and would give law enforcement the ability to ask for access to encrypted data on a device based on "probable cause that a crime has occurred, authorizing law enforcement to search and seize the data." That's exactly how the current legislation works, but the new bill would go further and outright strip companies like Apple of their ability to build and provide encryption systems to consumers where they don't hold the keys themselves. The Attorney General would be allowed to ask companies about "their ability to comply with court orders, including timelines for implementation." The new bill would also add incentives for tech companies to find creative ways of providing "lawful access" to encrypted devices and services, along with a grant program at the DOJ to train law enforcement on how to gather digital evidence. In other words, the three Republican senators are once again asking for a backdoor to encryption, with the minor tweak that the Attorney General wouldn't be able to dictate how the backdoor should work. That would render services like WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Apple Messages illegal, and represents a poor understanding of how end-to-end encryption works and its purpose -- just like that time when the US Attorney General argued for a backdoor to it in the middle of a cybersecurity conference. Senator Graham noted that "terrorists and criminals routinely use technology, whether smartphones, apps, or other means, to coordinate and communicate their daily activities. In recent history, we have experienced numerous terrorism cases and serious criminal activity where vital information could not be accessed, even after a court order was issued. Unfortunately, tech companies have refused to honor these court orders and assist law enforcement in their investigations." The problem with that statement is that companies like Microsoft, Google, Apple, and Facebook routinely release reports about their compliance with law enforcement requests, and they typically assist authorities where technically possible. The only way the new bill could work is known as the "Ghost Proposal," which means that companies would have to deceive their customers by creating the illusion of encryption and using "virtual" devices linked to your account to redirect unencrypted data to them. Attorney General William Barr stated he remains "confident that our world-class technology companies can engineer secure products that protect user information and allow for lawful access." In the end, the chances of this bill to be passed are slim, but it shows that the push and pull between governments and tech companies over the way encryption works is far from over. Jay Clayton is having a weird week. At 8:30 p.m. Friday, he was just a powerful but low-profile financial regulator, whose splashiest work as chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission was his war on Bitcoin. Then the email went out. Shortly after 9 p.m. that evening, Attorney General William Barr made two announcements in one fateful missive: Geoffrey Berman, the powerful U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, was stepping down from his job, effective immediately. And President Donald Trump would nominate Clayton to take his place. In the meantime, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey would step in. There was just one hiccup: Berman hadnt actually resigned. Make that two hiccups: He was overseeing a host of investigations that touched on denizens of Trump world, including a reported probe into Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and criminal cases against two key players in Trumps impeachment saga. Bermans ouster immediately fueled concerns about the future of those probes. The episode kicked off a mind-bending 24 hours for people in and near the Justice Department. And it didnt help that the president, the attorney general and Berman himself all offered conflicting explanations of what exactly was going on and who was in charge of arguably the most powerful team of prosecutors in the country. In the days since then, Berman has stepped down but little clarity has emerged. That could change on Thursday, as Clayton is scheduled to testify before the House Financial Services Committee, where Democrats will demand answers and rip his impending nomination over his lack of prosecutorial experience and the murky circumstances of his appointment. Spokespersons for the SEC didnt respond to multiple queries for on-record confirmation of whether or not Clayton will show up for the hearing. Committee staff, meanwhile, have indicated they believe he will still turn up for the routine oversight hearing, which was scheduled weeks before Americas top securities regulator found himself in the middle of a DOJ cold war. Justice Department officials, meanwhile, are keeping a close eye on the hearing. Story continues Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), a member of the committee, said he wants to hear Claytons perspective on the circumstances surrounding his nomination, which he said smells like some kind of political gamesmanship through the president. I think the American people have a right to know. Whether he answers the questions or not, I dont know, Meeks said. Clayton will be the first participant in laffaire Barr/Berman to publicly field questions under oath. The top interlocutor will be the committees Democratic chair, Maxine Waters, who is never hesitant to grill Trump administration officials before the panel. But she held off weighing in publicly as the drama unfolded last weekend. The biggest question might be this: Why was Barr in such a hurry to oust Berman? A Justice Department official told POLITICO that Berman had been ousted because Clayton said he wanted the job, and that was that. Berman could have stayed on, however, until Clayton made his way through the Senate confirmation process for the post. But instead of following that typical track, Barr pushed Berman out immediately and announced on Friday night that Craig Carpenito the head of the New Jersey U.S. Attorneys Office would take his spot, only to reverse himself less than 24 hours later. A person close to Carpenito told POLITICO that he didnt learn Barr wanted him to take over that role until Friday afternoon suggesting the decision was made in a hurry. And a person close to Clayton said the SEC commissioner has telegraphed for months that he was interested in leading the Southern District. On top of that, it would be an immensely taxing new role for a prosecutor already handling two high-stakes jobs; Barr tapped Carpenito earlier this year to run the departments task force responding to coronavirus-related hoarding and price-gouging, a complex nationwide effort. Adding in the Southern District job on top of that would have placed an extraordinary new demand on Carpenito. And on top of that, subbing in Carpenito for Berman wouldnt have been normal or necessary. The standard department practice is for a U.S. attorneys top deputy (usually titled first assistant) to step in if the top role in the office becomes vacant. But the Carpenito move wouldnt have been the first time Justice Department headquarters broke with that practice. Earlier this year, Barr installed a lawyer from his office as temporary U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia after the person holding the job Jessie Liu moved on. After stepping in, Shea later signed off on an unprecedented move to overrule career prosecutors in that office and recommend a shorter sentence for former Trump consigliere Roger Stone. In a Saturday morning all-hands call with employees from the New Jersey office, Carpenito said he agreed to take the position only because hed been told Berman was departing voluntarily, according to people familiar with the call who described it to POLITICO. And he said he hadnt been asked to shut down any of the offices sensitive cases. Had someone asked him to, he said, he would have refused. But within a few hours, that all was moot. By midafternoon on Saturday, Barr said Bermans chief deputy, Audrey Strauss, would run the office until Claytons confirmation. Bermans Friday night firing had spawned a host of theories with widely varying levels of plausibility on why Barr might have wanted him out: Maybe to end an investigation into Trumps lawyer, Rudy Giuliani! Maybe to protect associates of Jeffrey Epstein, the dead pedophile whom Bermans office had investigated! Maybe to undo a sealed indictment against President Donald Trump himself! Strauss Saturday-afternoon installation put those theories to bed. Public records show she is a registered Democrat who has donated to Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton. More importantly, she worked as a career prosecutor in the district many years ago and also served on the independent counsels investigation into the Iran-Contra affair. She returned to government work out of retirement at Bermans request, and has a reputation for being even-handed and fair-minded. If Barr had cooked up Bermans ouster as a sinister plot to install a pliable political ally in Manhattan, the effort had been a total disaster. So the question nagged: Why had Barr fired Berman? No news account has provided a satisfying answer yet, and the attorney general isnt talking though his team announced on Wednesday that Barr will testify before the House Judiciary Committee next month. In some ways, the craziest part is that Barr does not feel the need to justify the firing of Berman, and the Republican senators dont ask, one career DOJ lawyer told POLITICO. A very low day for the Justice Department. Others worried about Claytons appointment, given that he has never worked as a prosecutor, let alone that he would be walking into one of the Justice Departments most challenging assignments after what the famously independent team in Manhattan likely sees as an attempted hostile takeover. Its nearly impossible to impanel grand juries or trial juries, its really hard to interview witnesses, compassionate release rulings are letting convicted felons out of jail, etc., said another department attorney. This is the worst possible time for an inexperienced U.S. attorney. Barrs view that Clayton would be qualified shows Barrs utter disregard for competent criminal prosecution, the lawyer added. Claytons allies, meanwhile, are dismayed to see him pulled into a toxic political vortex. They point out that many senior DOJ officials including Barrs second-in-command, Jeffrey Rosen, and the current head of the Criminal Division at headquarters dont have prosecutorial experience, either. And they argue that Claytons management of a complex and high-stakes enforcement docket at the SEC, paired with extensive corporate law experience as a partner at Sullivan & Cromwell, a well-known Wall Street firm, has prepared him well for the role. With a tenure at the SEC thats been broadly popular among Republicans, some lament that his nomination might otherwise have sailed through the GOP-controlled Senate. But because Barr chose to anchor his appointment to Bermans firing, they fear the controversy may damage his reputation and endanger his confirmation. Sen. Lindsey Graham, the Republican chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he will honor whats known as the blue slip process by deferring to New Yorks senators on whether or not to let Claytons nomination proceed. Both senators have called for Clayton to bow out. Its a dynamic that will be on display during Thursdays hearing. Members questions and discussion are widely expected to veer off from the original topic set in late May, which is how the coronavirus has affected capital-raising and emergency lending. Committee members of both parties said they expect Democrats to hammer Clayton at the hearing for his connection to Bermans firing. Republicans, meanwhile, intend to focus on barriers to capital-raising, according to a committee aide. But even administration intrigue can be trumped by the economy. When Clayton appears Thursday, it will mark the first time the SEC chairman has spoken publicly before Congress since virus fears triggered an epic stock market meltdown in March. (Spokespersons for the SEC didnt respond to multiple queries for on-record confirmation of whether or not Clayton would show up for the hearing, doing so only late Wednesday evening after this article was published for subscribers.) That means lawmakers face political pressure to discuss the issue as the pandemic continues to wreak economic havoc on their constituents, with bankruptcies on the rise, businesses shut down and local governments struggling to pass budgets with tax revenues having fallen off a cliff. Rep. Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.) said hes reassured by conversations with Democratic committee leaders that the policy-focused premise of the meeting remains, even though leaders cant control member questions. I'm not planning on dwelling on that, or really focusing on that because he is still chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Huizenga said of the SDNY nomination. The idea of the hearing was to find out what's happening in capital markets and what's happening with our economy writ large. EURid was the first European TLD registry to register for the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) in 2012. Since then, EURid has regularly assessed the environmental impact of its activities and monitored the compliance of its policies and procedures. EURid was recently audited for its 2019 CO2 emissions, resulting in an overall footprint of 159 tons CO2eq. "Back in 2012, we were the first TLD registry to measure its impact on the climate. Today, we are proud to show that the environmental principles of our company prove that even cyberspace can be managed in a sustainable manner", commented CEO Marc Van Wesemael. To offset its CO2 emissions, EURid has been supporting over the years a multitude of global sustainability initiatives, including the Ugandan Borehole Project, Ecomapua Project in the Amazon, the Dak Rung Hydropower Project in Vietnam, and the reforestation initiative in Monchique, Portugal. In 2020, EURid will support the "Water is Life project" in Madagascar, aiming to provide safe water to families living around the city of Tulear, as well as to improve hygiene, social, economic and environmental issues. "In the city of Tulear, Madagascar, many families do not have direct access to drinking water and are forced to face long trips to reach water sources and then boil the water. Direct access to drinking water leads to concrete improvement in local health as well as reduction of CO2 emissions as it is no longer necessary to boil the water. We are very proud to support this project and look forward to contributing to a more sustainable way of living", commented Giovanni Seppia, EURid External Relations manager. About EURid EURid is the not-for-profit organisation that operates the .eu, .?? and .e? top-level domains, following a tender process and appointment by the European Commission. EURid works with over 700 accredited registrars. As part of its ongoing commitment to data security, EURid has been certified for the ISO27001 security standard since 2013. EURid is also registered by the EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), which is an expression of its environmental commitment. EURid has its headquarters in Diegem (Belgium), and regional offices in Pisa (Italy), Prague (the Czech Republic) and Stockholm (Sweden). More information at: www.eurid.eu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005376/en/ Contacts: EURid Reelika Kirna press@eurid.eu WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A University of Washington research says COVID-19 deaths in the United States will surge close to 180,000 by October. The forecast by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington has a range of 159,497 to 213,715 deaths nationwide. However, if the country strictly follows a universal mask-wearing order, it could save as many as 33,000 lives, the study says. The death toll could drop to 146,047 (with a range of 140,849 to 153,438), if at least 95 percent of people wear masks in public, the study estimates. The coronavirus death toll in the United States rose to 121979 as per Johns Hopkins University's latest update on Thursday. Mask-wearing has been politicized in a country where the President himself refuses to wear mask in public appearances, and anti-mask rallies held in states like Arizona, which saw record number of single-day cases this week. 'There is no doubt that even as states open up, the United States is still grappling with a large epidemic on a course to increase beginning in late August and intensifying in September,' said IHME Director Dr. Christopher Murray. 'People need to know that wearing masks can reduce transmission of the virus by as much as 50 percent, and those who refuse are putting their lives, their families, their friends, and their communities at risk,' he added. The new US forecast is lower than the forecast of 201,129 deaths released on June 15. The report was published a day after the country's top infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci told a House Committee that the U.S. was experiencing a 'disturbing surge' of infections after states reopened too quickly and without adequate plans for testing and contact tracing. New coronavirus infections in the United States returned to the April peak level this week. More than half of U.S. states are in the grip of rising cases. IHME projects only Texas and Florida to reach high level of resurgence in COVID cases before October 1. It calls for re-imposition of strong social distancing mandates, which are vital in saving many lives. Southern and western states such as Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina saw daily infection cases reaching record numbers these days. But deaths are not yet rising at the same rate, a trend which could change in the coming weeks, the study warns. 'States reporting the ages of confirmed cases suggest there are more cases being detected in younger people who are at substantially lower risk of death than older people,' Murray said. 'It remains to be seen how this will unfold over the next few weeks, and if transmission continues to go up, we may see increasing infections in at-risk populations.' IHME is also forecasting that nearly 388,300 people will die from COVID-19 in Latin American and Caribbean nations by October 1. More than 166,000 of those deaths will be in Brazil. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de KILLEEN, Texas (AP) U.S. Army investigators are suspecting foul play in the disappearance of a Texas soldier who has been missing for two months, a congresswoman confirmed Tuesday. Pfc. Vanessa Guillen's disappearance is being treated as a criminal investigation after she went missing April 22, U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia said Tuesday at a news conference with the solider's family. We dont want just attention. We want action. We want answers, Garcia said Tuesday. Weve got to remember that this is a family that is hurting. Garcia, a Democrat representing Texass 29th congressional district, and Guillen's family met with Army leaders to discuss the investigation into the disappearance of the 20-year-old Fort Hood soldier. During the meeting, family members told Army officials that Guillen told them shed been sexually harassed by her superiors. But Guillen didn't report the harassment because she was afraid of retaliation, said Natalie Khawam, the familys attorney. Khawam said she wants Congress to conduct an investigation into how the case is being handled because Army investigators haven't been disclosing details. The only information Army leaders provided is Guilan's last known contact on April at 11:30 a.m., Garcia said. Theres something extremely troubling about this case. A military base is probably one of the most secure places you can be. You have ID check-ins. There are security cameras everywhere, Khawam told KHOU-TV on Monday. Guillen was last seen at a Fort Hood parking lot wearing a black T-shirt and purple workout pants. A tip led a search team, including Texas EquuSearch, to the Leon River on Monday, but they didn't discover anything. Meanwhile, Guillens car, keys and wallet were all left behind in the armory room where she was working earlier in the day on April 22, and her phone is missing. I demand justice and I demand their respect and that they respect my daughter as a soldier, Guillens mother, Gloria Guillen, said in Spanish Tuesday. She enlisted for her country and to protect us. And now that she needs us, we need to support her and find her. On Twitter, Fort Hood officials are asking for anyone with information to come forward. A $50,000 reward is being offered for any information that leads to the soldiers whereabouts. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command and the League of United Latin American Citizens is each contributing $25,000 to fund the reward. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 20:16:18|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HANOI, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam reported no new cases of COVID-19 infection on Thursday, leaving its total confirmed cases unchanged at 352 with zero deaths so far, according to its Ministry of Health. As many as 329 patients have totally recovered from the disease, said the ministry. Vietnam has recorded no local transmission for 70 straight days while there are over 9,400 people being quarantined and monitored in the country, according to the health ministry. Enditem STOCKHOLM, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Bambuser AB has entered into a pilot agreement with the American fashion company Frame LA Brands, LLC to the value of USD 10,000 (approx SEK 93,000) to launch a Live Video Shopping pilot for four months. FRAME (frame-store.com) is an American brand that bridges the heritage and quality of manufacturing in Los Angeles with a distinctly European aesthetic. Its collections take inspiration from a French way of "dressed up casual" embodied by the style icons of the 1970s. Bambuser AB today signed a pilot agreement with Frame LA Brands, LLC. The agreement gives the customer the right to use Live Video Shopping at a fixed cost of USD 10,000 (approximately SEK 93,000) during the pilot phase, which lasts for a total of four months. This disclosure contains information that Bambuser is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU nr 596/2014). The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person, at 25 June 2020. Bambuser was founded in 2007 as the world's first company with a platform for interactive mobile live video broadcasting and is a leading supplier in the live video segment. In 2019, Bambuser introduced Live Video Shopping, which enables live shopping directly on the brand's website. Bambuser is listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market and is headquartered in Stockholm. Contact information Maryam Ghahremani CEO +46-8-400-160-02 [email protected] or visit bambuser.com/ir Certified Adviser Erik Penser Bank AB +46-8-463-83-00 [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/bambuser/r/bambuser-enters-pilot-agreement-with-american-fashion-brand-frame,c3141743 The following files are available for download: SOURCE Bambuser Two separate flights from the UAE and Kyrgyzstan landed here on Thursday, bringing back 306 Indians stranded in these countries due to the COVID-19 outbreak, officials said. An Air Arabia plane landed around 11 AM at the Devi Ahilyabai Hoklar International airport carrying 158 Indians from Sharjah in the UAE, Indore's health departments screening team in-charge Abdullah Faruqui said. Among them were residents of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra, he said. Also, among them 36 passengers were from Indore and they were sent to a quarantine centre in the city for seven days, the official said. Another flight, of Avia Traffic, arrived here with 148 Indians stranded in Kyrgyzstans capital Bishkek at 1.41 PM, Indore airport director Aryma Sanyal said. After completion of customs and immigration formalities, health check-up of the passengers of both the flights were done and their luggage was disinfected. Government authorities later sent those from outside Madhya Pradesh to their respective states. Those from Madhya Pradesh will be quarantined at special centres for seven days in their home districts, the officials added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three men one from Union County and two from Essex County have been charged for their roles in a car theft-ring that stole about $1.5 million in luxury vehicles last year in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, authorities said . Newark residents Hakeem Smith, 29, and Nafique Goodwyn, 26, as well as Malik Smack Baker, 26, of Union, swiped at least 13 high-end cars including a Masserati Levante, a Porsche Cayenne, a Range Rover and multiple BMWs and Mercedes, the U.S. Attorneys Office for New Jersey said in a statement. Goodwyn was arrested Wednesday and made his initial appearance via video conference before U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph A. Dickson. He is expected to be released on $100,000 bond with home detention. Baker and Smith are being held on unrelated charges and have yet to make their first appearances. The cars were stolen starting in July 2019 with at least 10 of them stored behind a home on the 100 block of Ellis Avenue in Irvington, officials said. Some of the vehicles were later recovered, including a 9680 Mercedes 8550 scheduled to be shipped to Ghana found inside shipping container at the Port of Newark in August. The trio frequently used the stolen cars to swipe other vehicles. One one occasion they took a Maserati GranTurisimo in Manalapan and then drove to New City, New York on Aug. 6 to steal a Range Rover and a Porsche Cayenne. When police tried to stop the Maserati, the driver sped up to 120 mph and crashed head-on into the patrol car, court papers state. The men then fled the scene in another stolen vehicle, authorities said. Investigators were able to lift Smiths fingerprints off the stolen Maserati and also found Bakers DNA in the vehicle, though. Among the other places in New Jersey cars were stolen are Clifton, Hillsborough, West Long Branch, and the Marlton section of Evesham, according to court papers. In New York, vehicle thefts took place in Hewlett Bay Park, New City, Kensington, Quogue and Orangeburg. The thieves also took a car in Greenwich, Connecticut. All three were charged with conspiring to transport stolen vehicles in interstate commerce. Baker and Smith were also charged with one count of conspiring to receive stolen vehicles and one count of receiving a stolen vehicle that had crossed state lines after being stolen. Smith faces a charge of transporting a stolen vehicle across state lines. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. She remembers visiting the home of Aboriginal lawyer and writer Michael Mansell and, when her mother was a member of John Howards Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation, Kirribilli House. She describes herself as more conservative than some members of her family but says it feels strange to be joining an institution her mob traditionally rails against. Lidia Thorpe: "My family are activists. They fight the government.'' Credit:Justin McManus My family are activists, they fight the government,'' she says. "For me to go to Canberra and be a part of this institution that has violated and oppressed my people for so long, there is an element of me that doesnt feel good about that. If I didnt have my family and my community backing me I wouldnt be doing this at all. It is my people that have put me here. The Greens just stamped it. The Greens members stamped what my people have been asking for and calling for. The preselection contest for the Greens senate spot unfolded against the combustive backdrop of George Floyds killing by Minneapolis police and the Black Lives Matter movement which spread with breathtaking speed across America to Europe and Australia. Meriki Onus, an organiser of last month's march in Melbourne and co-founder of Warriors of the Aboriginal Resistance, a protest movement inspired by Black Power, is Lidia Thorpes youngest sister. Warriors of Aboriginal Resistance co-founder Meriki Onus before this month's Black Lives Matter rally in Melbourne. Credit:Justin McManus In the days after the Melbourne rally, Thorpe abruptly quit campaigning for two days to visit her mother in Gippsland, on Gunnai country. She had just learnt that four young Aboriginal people, including a 15-year-old boy in Geelong and three young adults connected with the Lake Tyers community near Lakes Entrance had killed themselves. There is this feeling of hopelessness on my country, she says. The opportunities just arent there for people. The racism is rife but not blatant. It is undercover racism, an unconscious bias that people have. Visiting her mother reminded her of living in Lakes Entrance, when Aboriginal people would avoid town on January 26. People are flying their Australian flags, it is like we just dont exist and it is not safe to go out, she says. That is going on everywhere that day. It is because of this lack of understanding that this country has. That is why treaty is so important. Thorpes conviction that a treaty must take priority over constitutional recognition is unchanged from 2017, when she led a walk-out of dissenting delegates, mostly from Victoria, at the Referendum Councils national convention in Uluru. Thorpe speaks at an Invasion Day rally in 2019. Credit:Chris Hopkins She argued then and believes now that the Uluru process was hijacked by Aboriginal corporations and establishment appointments and did not reflect the aspirations of ordinary Indigenous people. She refused to sign the conventions final report, the Uluru Statement from the Heart, which makes no mention of a treaty. The Uluru Statement was intended as the Aboriginal consensus position on constitutional reform and has heavily influenced the national reform agenda on Indigenous affairs. It advocates constitutional recognition in the form of a First Nations Voice to Parliament and a separate truth telling commission. This week, a campaign to abolish the Uluru statement was launched online, bringing into the open growing divisions between the Aboriginal establishment who supported the statement and supporters of the Black Lives Matter movement over how best to achieve reconciliation. The Morrison government has pledged to hold a referendum on constitutional recognition within this term of Parliament but does not support enshrining the Voice in the constitution. Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt is seeking to build consensus for an advisory body that does not require constitutional change. Labor backs the full Uluru agenda. The Greens want a treaty. Thorpe entered the Victorian Parliament in 2017. Credit:Eddie Jim Thorpe is not opposed to constitutional recognition but says this should happen through a broader treaty process which addresses the historical dispossession of Aboriginal people. She supports the views of Mansell, who argues that a treaty, including the recognition of First Nations sovereignty, the return of vacant crown land to traditional owners and the establishment of standalone senate seats for First Nations representatives, can be achieved without resorting to a referendum. Loading Thorpe fears that without a treaty, the push towards constitutional recognition will make unlikely political bedfellows of Aboriginal activists and conservative defenders of the status quo. In the face of such opposition, a referendum would be doomed to fail and potentially frustrate reconciliation for years. It will divide this country further," she says. If you look at the Black Lives Matter rallies, they dont support constitutional recognition. I think it is a grave mistake to be making at this time in this country. "I dont want to be marching with Pauline Hanson to say we dont want constitutional recognition for Aboriginal people. 2 1 of 2 Steven G. de Polo / Getty Image Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Santiago Mejia / The Chronicle Show More Show Less A man who died Sunday was one of 40 people who have been infected in Sonoma County senior care and nursing homes since the start of the month, officials said. County health officer Dr. Sundari Mase announced the new cases, which include 21 residents and 19 staff members, as well as the death Tuesday. She did not say which senior and nursing homes have been affected. The memorial has been on Bostons radar at least since 2018, when it launched a comprehensive review of whether public sculptures, monuments and other artworks reflected the citys diversity and didnt offend communities of color. The Boston Art Commission said it was paying extra attention to works with problematic histories. New construction home sales in the Toronto region have hit the lowest level for May since 2000, down 81 per cent year over year, according to the home-building industry association. Its not clear how long the disruption will continue, said David Wilkes, CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD). It took more than four months for the industry to bounce back from the 2003 SARS crisis, and that didnt have nearly the impact that COVID-19 has exacted, he said. The 866 newly built and pre-construction homes sold last month included 438 single-family dwellings town houses, semi-detached and detached houses 55 per cent fewer than May 2019. The 428 condos that were sold represented an 88 per cent year over year drop. Single-family house prices remained flat at $1.11 million. But condo prices continued climbing 26.4 per cent annually to $984,436 on average. The sales were not surprising, given that these are reflecting activity in May when we were certainly in a period of people being encouraged to stay at home, said Wilkes. Sales centres werent available for people to visit and look at new product, he said. Mays single-family home and condo sales were 68 per cent and 80 per cent below the 10-year average respectively, according to industry figures provided by Altus Group. It said last months sales were the lowest since it began tracking the industry in 2000. There are anecdotal signs that buyers are active again, but it will be another month before there are numbers showing how many consumers have returned to the market, said Wilkes. Wilkes said the shortage of homes in the GTA going into the COVID-19 crisis will be exacerbated as the industry comes back up to speed, although that will be offset to some extent by delays in immigration and other newcomers arriving in the region. I think we are looking at a period of time from a construction point of view for a return to normal of at least six to nine months, he said. A recent survey of its members showed the majority of housing projects in the GTA are more than six months behind schedule as a result of supply shortages, COVID-19 safety measures on work sites and approval delays. [June 25, 2020] Virginia Virtual Academy Celebrates Class of 2020 Virginia Virtual Academy (VAVA), a tuition-free public school program, will celebrate the Class of 2020 during a virtual commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 27th at 3 p.m. Available to students in grades K-12 across the Commonwealth, VAVA is a program of the King and Queen County Public Schools, the Patrick County Public Schools and the Richmond City Public Schools. The virtual graduation will celebrate the achievements of more than 50 students. Collectively, the Class of 2020 reports it has been accepted to trade schools, colleges and universities across the country including one graduate who will be attending the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. "With the personalized, high-quality online education they've received, VAVA students are more prepared than most to seize the opportunities that await them," said Suzanne Sloane, VAVA's Head of School. "This is a uniquely challenging time for this year's graduates. However, I have no doubt they have the tools they need to succeed." Students enroll in VAVA for a number of reasons-some are looking to escape bullying, sme have health concerns, many wish to accelerate their learning through advanced courses unavailable at their traditional school and others are looking for an alternative to the traditional classroom setting to find success. VAVA students access a robust online curriculum in the core subjects of math, science, English language arts, history, art and music as well as a host of electives. Live virtual classes taught by state-licensed teachers provide not only an engaging environment but give students the opportunity to learn with their peers in an online platform. Details of the graduation ceremony are as follows: WHAT: Virginia Virtual Academy 2020 Graduation Ceremony WHEN: Saturday, June 27, 2020 3:00 P.M. WHERE: Sign up to watch the graduation here: https://tinyurl.com/VAVA2020Grad About Virginia Virtual Academy VAVA is available tuition-free to students state-wide, giving families the choice to access the engaging curriculum and tools provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), one of the nation's preeminent tech-enabled education companies and a premier provider of career readiness education services. For more information about VAVA, visit vava.k12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005015/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Irish Life was entitled to refuse to pay out on a 250,000 life insurance policy for murdered gang boss Eamon 'The Don' Dunne, the High Court has ruled. The insurer had refused to pay over his failure to disclose drug and alcohol misuse and depression when taking out the policy. Yesterday, Mr Justice Tony O'Connor dismissed proceedings brought by Dunne's partner Georgina Saunders against Irish Life. He found Dunne was obliged to give details of his past drug and alcohol use and depression when he took out the policy with the insurer in 2008. The policy required him to do so, the judge said. There was nothing to lead the court to find that Dunne acted honestly when incorrect replies remained on the online questionnaire he filled out when applying for the policy, he said. Expand Close The Fassaugh House Pub in Cabra where the gangland figure was shot six times. Photo: Arthur Carron/Collins / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Fassaugh House Pub in Cabra where the gangland figure was shot six times. Photo: Arthur Carron/Collins The judge said the insurer was not guilty of indolence or laziness when it considered Dunne's application for life cover. It had satisfactorily explained its process and how it was applied, he said. The judge rejected a suggestion the insurer caused Dunne to believe he did not need to be accurate when giving details sought by the insurer. Dunne (42) was shot six times in the head and back in April 2010 while attending a birthday party in a pub Cabra, Dublin. He was linked to several gang murders, drug trafficking and was on bail awaiting trial at the time of his death for the robbery of a cash-in-transit van in Kildare. The Irish Life insurance policy, costing 103-a-month, was taken out by Dunne and Ms Saunders two years before his death. Ms Saunders, of Finglas, Dublin, claimed Irish Life failed to make payment wrongfully and in breach of the terms and conditions of the life insurance contract. Irish Life denied the claims and had argued the policy was void by reason of non-disclosure of material facts in and about Dunne when the policy was taken out. Abuse In his judgment, Mr Justice O'Connor noted Ms Saunders's evidence where she said she did not witness him abusing drugs and alcohol and was unaware of his previous abuse until the insurer informed her in 2011 that it would not pay out. He said the couple got together in 2007, and she said they took out the policy after Dunne enquired about taking out a mortgage with PTSB. The judge was satisfied from the evidence that Ms Saunders was provided with information by the insurer when taking out the policy. Ms Saunders told the court she had not read the policy terms. This June, customers can visit Baierl Toyota to take advantage of the service specials that the dealership is offering throughout the month. There are currently 14 June Service Specials available for customers to explore. These service specials include discounts on select services, service savings and complimentary services. Some of the services that are available for a discounted price with the June Service Specials include a nitrogen tire filling, emissions inspection, battery replacement and oil and filter change. The Nitrogen Tire Filling Service is available for $55.00 and the Emissions Inspection Service is available for $45.00. Additionally, the TrueStart Battery Replacement Service is available to customers for $159.95 and the Synthetic Lube, Oil and Filter Change is available for $69.95. The service savings that are part of the June Service Specials include a Complete Brake Service, a Remote Start Installation, a Vehicle Sanitization and Disinfection Service and a Four-Wheel Alignment Service. The Complete Brake Service and Vehicle Sanitization and Disinfection Service are both available for $10.00 off, while the Four-Wheel Alignment Service is available for $20.00 off. The Remote Start Installation is available as part of the June Service Specials for 10% off. Finally, there are three free services available with the June Service Specials at Baierl Toyota. These three complimentary services include a Free Battery Check, a Free Alignment Check and a Free 30-Minute Vehicle Diagnostic. Customers can contact the staff here at Baierl Toyota for more information about the June Service Specials. Additional information about the dealerships services can be obtained by visiting the dealership website at http://www.baierltoyota.com. The dealership can also be reached by phone at 878-332-7116 or in person at 19045 Perry Highway in Mars, Pennsylvania. The drive-through coronavirus testing sites at Bergen Community College in Paramus and the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel will close June 30 as federal support ends. But the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will continue to support ongoing testing at local pharmacies through at least the end of August. I am grateful for this partnership and that it will continue, Gov. Phil Murphy said at his daily coronavirus briefing on Tuesday. The agency said in a statement that the Trump administration was working with state officials to establish a rigorous state-led testing plan moving forward. Additionally, there is an increasing number of private and county-run testing facilities throughout the state of New Jersey to ensure that individuals get the care they need. FEMA said the drive-through sites always were planned as short-term solutions while more robust testing programs were established. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage The pharmacy sites were crucial to helping expand testing in New Jersey, which until recently was home to the nations second-largest number of coronavirus cases behind only New York. The state has reported 169,892 cases to date. As one of the hardest hit states, federal support is critical to expanding and sustaining New Jerseys coronavirus testing capacity, said Rep. Frank Pallone Jr., D-6th Dist. The extension of federal support at pharmacies across the state will allow New Jersey to maintain testing and keep New Jerseyans healthy. Murphy has said expanding testing was crucial to his plans for reopening the states economy, which was shut down to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. After Murphy met with President Donald Trump at the White House in April, New Jersey received 550,000 testing kits and 750,000 swabs from the federal government, allowing it to ratchet up testing capacity at the time. Trump, though, has faced criticism for leaving it up to the states to be responsible for testing within their borders rather than having the federal government handle it. He sparked controversy last weekend for saying, When you test to that extent, youre going to find more people, youre going to find more cases. So I said to my people, Slow the testing down, please. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. A civil war within the ranks of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's old Sinaloa drugs cartel has left another 15 people dead after a series of brutal executions. Mexican authorities in the western state of Sinaloa recovered the bodies following several incidents that took place Wednesday morning. Gangs linked to El Chapo's sons, otherwise known as Los Chapitos, attacked those loyal to the drug lord's former right hand man, Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada. The power struggle for control of the Sinaloa Cartel stretches back to the January 2016 arrest of former leader El Chapo, who was extradited to the United States the following year. The feud grew when El Mayo's son, Vicente Zambada, took the stand during El Chapo's trial at a New York federal court before the notorious drug lord was convicted and sentenced to life in prison last July. The Sinaloa Cartel, once commanded by Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman (center), has splintered since the notorious drug lord was jailed and extradited to the United States At least 15 people were executed in Culiacan, Mexico, on Wednesday due to a Sinaloa Cartel internal conflict. News outlets reported a gang tied to Los Chapitos - a faction of the cartel led by Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman's three sons - including Ivan Archivaldo (left), Jesus Alfredo (right) - ordered the killings Ovidio Guzman is one of El Chapo's three sons who has assumed control of the organization in his absence Images shared on social media showed at least seven dead men lying on the ground next to a truck on the side of a road in the Culiacan mountainous neighborhood of Tepuche. All of the victims were wearing bulletproof vests and were in possession of military rifles and walkie talkies. Another eight men were killed in attacks that saw people being shot in a different part of the Los Bagrecitos community by one of the armed gangs. Mexican local news outlets attributed to killings to men loyal to El Chapo's sons Ovidio, Jesus Alfredo and Ivan Archivaldo Guzman - known as Los Chapitos. New outlets report that the Tepuche neighborhood is infiltrated by armed groups loyal to Los Chapitos, and El Mayo's henchmen who are led by a man known as 'El Ruso' or The Russian, who also goes by the names of Miguel Angel Gaxiola and Jesus Alejandro Sanchez. El Chapo's former righthand man and cartel co-founder, Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada has been feuding with his sons, who also have a leadership stake Soldiers guard the perimeter where seven men were killed Wednesday due to an internal conflict between ruling members of the Sinaloa Cartel El Chapo was captured in 2016 in Mexico, extradited to America in 2017 and handed a life-sentence in the U.S. last July, when he was found guilty of a number of criminal charges relating to his leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel. He is now serving a life sentence in ADX Florence. A 46-year-old black man in Georgia who claims police officers used excessive force while wrongfully arresting him has sued the Valdosta Police Department. Antonio Arnelo Smith is suing the department for $700,000 after a city police officer grappled him from behind and slammed him to the ground. Officers said they were "investigating suspicious activity" and mistook Mr Smith as a suspect. The lawsuit also demands a jury trial. According to the Valdosta Daily Times, the lawsuit names Valdosta Mayor Scott James Matheson, members of the city council, the city's Police Chief Leslie Manahan and three officers involved in the arrest as defendants. Officers were responding to a report of panhandling outside a pharmacy. According to the lawsuit, officers responding to the call made contact with a man near the pharmacy and ran his information. They found the man had an outstanding warrant and arrested him. Recommended Police wrongfully arrest black man using facial recognition software Once that man was in custody, the officer told a colleague - who had just arrived - to search near the pharmacy for another man who had allegedly been asking customers for money. The officer wanted to find the man to see if the pharmacy wanted to bring trespassing charges against him. Despite not having a description of the man, the officer went searching for a suspect, and found Mr Smith walking nearby. Bodycam footage, acquired by the Valdosta Daily Times, provided insight into the incident. On the video, an officer approaches Mr Smith claiming he was investigating "suspicious activity" related to the pharmacy. Mr Smith defends himself, explaining that while he had been in the pharmacy, he was waiting for his sister to wire him money. Mr Smith insists that he is innocent, that the staff at the pharmacy know who he is and that nearby security cameras would prove he hadn't done anything illegal. The officer asks for identification and Mr Smith hands over his ID. As the exchange is taking place, another officer approaches Mr Smith from behind and grabs his arm. As Mr Smith reacts, the officer puts him in a bear hug. Mr Smith cries out that he hasn't done anything and the officer holding him tells him to put his arms behind his back. After the third time asking Mr Smith to do so, the officer body slams Mr Smith face-first into the ground. Mr Smith's arm breaks as a result, and the police handcuff him. Once the police realise Mr Smith has been injured - he cries from pain in the video - the officers take the handcuffs off. The officers then realise that the suspect they were searching for had already been arrested, and that they'd attacked Mr Smith in error. The officers eventually help Mr Smith with his injuries. He refuses medical attention and is allowed to leave the scene. Following the encounter, Mr Smith went to hospital, was fitted with a sling and told he'd have to seek physical therapy to recover from his injury. According to the statement given by the responding officers, Mr Smith was "standing with a 'bladed' stance" while "arguing or debating with" them. "Based on what I observed and believing this person to have a warrant for his arrest, I grasped his right wrist. I felt Smith tense up and begin to pull away from me. At that time, I wrapped my arms around Smith in a 'bear hug'," the sergeant who slammed Mr Smith wrote in his report. The sergeant wrote in his report that Mr Smith didn't comply with his orders to put his arms behind his back, so the officer pulled him "off-balance and rolled him to the ground to gain control of him in anticipation of a warrant arrest." Regarding the injury, the sergeant notes he was "unsure how Smith's injury occurred, whether he had placed his arm out to the side or between us." Attorney Nathaniel Haugabrook, Mr Smith's lawyer, said he believes it is a civil rights case. He said the officers violated Mr Smith's civil rights to "be free from an unlawful arrest, unlawful detention and all of the other rights that goes along with us being citizens." Recommended Double amputee hit with police pepper spray at protest in Ohio The lawsuit claims there was no reason for police to believe Mr Smith had committed a crime or that he had any intention of committing a crime, and that the sergeant's use of a bear hug was "unnecessary and illegal" and indicative of "malice and reckless indifference." The city of Valdosta issued a statement regarding the matter on Monday. "The City of Valdosta and the Valdosta Police Department takes any report of any injury to a citizen seriously," the statement said. "Although there was no complaint filed with VPD, once the shift supervisor was notified, it prompted the review process of the incident by the officer's supervisor, patrol bureau commander, Internal Affairs Division and chief of police." Twitter is not liable for allegedly slanderous comments anonymously written about a California congressman on the social media platform, Henrico County Circuit Judge John Marshall ruled this week. After deciding in the fall that Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., had standing to file suit in Virginia against the San Francisco-based company, the judge dismissed the claims against it Wednesday, citing a federal law that shields social media companies from liability for what its users say. Nunes seeks to have the court treat Twitter as the publisher or speaker of the content provided by others based on its allowing or not allowing certain content to be on its internet platform, Marshall said in his ruling. The court refuses to do so. A Republican strategist who previously lived in Virginia and two parody accounts purporting to be his mother and his imaginary cow are still defendants in the case. Nunes alleges in his suit that Liz Mair, the strategist, coordinated an online smear campaign against him with the two accounts as part of a politically motivated conspiracy. Lorraine Dempsey, chairwoman of Inclusion Ireland, criticised the Department of Educations planning for the summer provision scheme (Oireachtas TV/PA) A series of summer programmes for children with intellectual disabilities has been categorised by confusion and excludes a large cohort of youngsters, a charity has said. Mark OConnor, a community engagement manager at Inclusion Ireland, said parents and schools have been left confused over the Department of Educations changing message in how the scheme will operate. Enda Egan, chief executive of the charity, which represents children with intellectual disabilities, said the scheme must be opened to all youngsters including those at secondary level. Mr Egan said many children with special needs have not had access to education since schools were closed in March. He said research shows that schools being shut for extended periods causes regression in learning and skills for children with intellectual disabilities. You can watch CEO Enda Egan, Chairperson @LorDempsey and Community Engagement Manager Mark O Connor appearing before the @OireachtasNews Special Committee on Covid-19 Response at the below link https://t.co/cQ81FKpKZu Inclusion Ireland (@InclusionIre) June 25, 2020 The Department of Education and Skills (DES) has initiated a summer program which is expanded to include additional children in 2020, he told the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19. However, the scheme continues to exclude cohorts of children with disabilities and has been characterised by poor planning, leaving schools and families frustrated and in the dark. One trade union has stated the lack of guidance makes the scheme unsafe for staff and pupils. Parents are also reporting a lack of transport as a major barrier to attending the summer programme, and there are significant fears for September. The National Council for Special Education has previously expressed concern about the scheme being open to challenge on equal status grounds that has not changed. The scheme must be opened to all children with intellectual disabilities, including those in second level as they also experience regression. Mr OConnor said that all children with Downs syndrome and those in special classes in secondary schools cannot participate in the summer scheme. To say the summer programme has been categorised by confusion would be an understatement, he added. The department has definitely changed the message they have given to organisations over a period of weeks, and this in turn has led to confusion among parents and schools. There is no magic that happens at the age of 13 to say that the childs education wont regress over the summer period. These children have the same issues as children at primary level. The research is pretty clear that children with intellectual disabilities who have long absences from school can suffer regression in their learning, and to make up that lost ground can take a long period of time. Mr OConnor added that, for children with intellectual disabilities and autism, home education has been non-existent. Enda Egan will tell committee members that research shows school closures for extended periods cause regression in learning & skills for children with intellectual disabilities & that children with disabilities should be back in school as early as possible https://t.co/0TR68bdeTQ Inclusion Ireland (@InclusionIre) June 25, 2020 A lack of transport is also a major barrier in children attending summer programmes, the committee heard. Lorraine Dempsey, chairwoman of Inclusion Ireland, said: Because of the disjointed nature of schools closing down, the department said they would support families making their own transport arrangements by a grant. Special classes are very dispersed across the country we only have about 130 special schools. Its untenable a parent would be making a three-hour round trip twice a day for their child to have four hours of school-based school provision. Around 200 schools have opted to participate in the scheme this year. COLUMBUS, OhioRepublican U.S. Sen. Rob Portman on Thursday said he isnt sure whether hell attend President Donald Trumps Republican National Convention acceptance speech in Jacksonville, Florida on Aug. 27. But if he does attend, Portman said during his weekly conference call with reporters, he plans on wearing a mask and taking other anti-coronavirus precautions, even though the speech was moved to Florida from Charlotte because the president refused to accept North Carolinas requirement that attendees must wear masks and abide by social-distancing rules. Well see where we are in late August, but, you know, again, if I go, Im going to go taking precautions -- and I think everyone should, Portman said. When Portman was asked whether he would have reservations if Trump held a rally in the Cincinnati area where the senator lives he again voiced caution. Thats a hypothetical question -- as far as I know, hes not planning any rallies in Cincinnati. But again, I believe that we ought to be careful, because no one wants to see this spread. Portman continued: These masks, you know -- they dont just protect you from somebody else. They protect you, in case you are asymptomatic but have the virus, from hurting other people. Gov. Mike DeWine recently passed on the chance to have parts of this years RNC held in Ohio, rather than Jacksonville. But Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof recently tweeted that he would love for the Buckeye State to host another Trump rally. Obhof later told reporters that a rally could be held safely outdoors, although he said he would attend an indoor one, too. While DeWines administration has banned large outdoor events through July 1 in Ohio, the order exempts political rallies. [June 25, 2020] Canadian company AccessNow wins Novartis Innovation Prize for Assistive Tech Initiated in late 2019, the Novartis Innovation Prize: Assistive Tech for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) identified and encouraged technology ideas from all over the world with the aim to improve mobility, accessibility and daily life for people living with MS AccessNow receives the first prize worth USD 250,000 for a mobile app and web platform that provides information about the accessibility status for people with disabilities of locations around the world, enabling them to move around with more confidence and ease Over 150 submissions were received for the Innovation Prize, of which ten were chosen as finalists for the judging panel. Finalists included innovative proposals from the US, the UK, Canada, Denmark , Germany and Switzerland DORVAL, QC, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. (Novartis Canada) is pleased to announce today that AccessNow, a platform that crowdsources information on the accessibility of public spaces and venues, has won the Novartis Innovation Prize for Assistive Tech for MS. AccessNow developed a mobile app and web platform designed to empower people living with MS, as well as millions of others with disabilities, to live more independently. AccessNow provides people with insight and information on the accessibility status of various locations in 34 countries to help navigate the world with greater confidence and ease. "As a Canadian entrepreneur, it's an honour to be awarded the Novartis Innovation Prize. Accessibility is a critical component of establishing a welcoming and barrier free world for people with disabilities. MS touches the lives of Canadians at one of the highest rates in the world and this community has acted as an integral voice in our movement," said Maayan Ziv, Founder and CEO, AccessNow. "AccessNow grew from my personal experience navigating around Toronto and while accessibility has come a long way since then, we know there's so much more to do to achieve equality and inclusion. At AccessNow we believe technology plays an integral role in achieving this vision and we are so excited for the next step in our journey." Mobility issues are often the first significant symptoms of MS and can have a profound impact on mental wellbeing and general quality of daily life for people living with MS. Innovations that improve mobility can help make everyday life more manageable for people living with MS and help keep them connected to their lives and communities, which is part of why beyond-the-pill solutions considered by the Novartis Innovation Prize are so important. "Novartis is deeply invested in the MS community, and it is our hope that through this Innovation Prize, we have been able to help reimagine care for people living with MS by encouraging new technologies addressing some of the challenges people with MS face every day," said Andrea Marazzi, Country Head, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada. About the Innovation Prize The Novartis Innovation Prize: Assistive Tech for MS identifies and embraces technology that aims to improve the mobility, accessibility, and activities of daily life for these individuals and others living with mobility-limiting conditions. The Prize aims to spur investment and dialogue across the many needs of people living with MS, and other people living with mobility-limiting conditions. To support pioneering solutions for increased mobility and accessibility, Novartis worked with WIRED Brand Lab, alongside other key collaborators such as Selma Blair, representatives from Sequoia, Airbnb, Whill, Shift.ms, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and people living with MS. Applications were open to the tech community, innovators, design experts, patient advocates worldwide anyone with an idea to make everyday life better for those with MS or mobility-limiting disabilities. The Prize judging panel consisted of a wide variety of experts including accessibility leaders, representatives from the MS patient community, investors, and consumer technology experts within the mobility and healthcare space. More information including an overview of the 10 finalists and their innovations can be found at www.wired.com/msinnovationprize/. Novartis has a strong ongoing commitment to bring innovation to people with MS and will continue to explore innovative initiatives and therapies that improve their lives. About Multiple Sclerosis MS disrupts the normal functioning of the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord through inflammation and tissue loss1. MS affects over 77,000 Canadians one of the highest prevalence rates in the world.2,3 It is often characterized into three forms: primary progressive MS (PPMS) relapsing remitting MS (RRMS), and secondary progressive MS (SPMS), which follows from an initial RRMS course and is characterized by physical and cognitive changes over time, in presence or absence of relapses, leading to a progressive accumulation of neurological disability4,5. Approximately 85% of patients initially present with relapsing forms of MS2. About Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc., a leader in the healthcare field, is committed to the discovery, development and marketing of innovative products to improve the well-being of all Canadians. In 2019, the company invested $51.8 million in research and development in Canada. Located in Dorval, Quebec, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. employs approximately 1500 people in Canada and is an affiliate of Novartis AG, which provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. For further information, please consult www.novartis.ca. About Novartis Novartis is reimagining medicine to improve and extend people's lives. As a leading global medicines company, we use innovative science and digital technologies to create transformative treatments in areas of great medical need. In our quest to find new medicines, we consistently rank among the world's top companies investing in research and development. Novartis products reach nearly 800 million people globally and we are finding innovative ways to expand access to our latest treatments. About 109,000 people of more than 145 nationalities work at Novartis around the world. Find out more at https://www.novartis.com. References 1. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Definition of MS. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Definition-of-MS. Accessed May 2020. 2. Government of Canada. Multiple Sclerosis in Canada. Available at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis-infographic.html. Accessed May 2020. 3. MS Society of Canada. About MS. https://mssociety.ca/about-ms. Accessed May 2020. 4. MS Society of Canada. What Is MS? https://mssociety.ca/about-ms/what-is-ms. Accessed May 2020. 5. National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS). https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS/Types-of-MS/Secondary-progressive-MS. Accessed May 2020. SOURCE Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] New Delhi, June 25 : India witnessed highest spike of almost 17,000 fresh Covid cases, with Maharashtra, Delhi and Tamil Nadu contributing more than 62 per cent of it in the past 24 hours taking the total in the country to 4.73 lakh, data from the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry revealed on Thursday. A total of 16,922 new cases egged the tally to 4,73,105 so far as India continued to be the fourth worst hit country by the pandemic. According to the Health Ministry data, in the last 24 hours 418 new deaths were reported taking the total tally of fatalities to 14,894 in the country. Over 1,000 cases more were recorded in 24 hours than what we saw on Wednesday, when 15,968 new COVID-19 cases were reported. Maharashtra, Delhi and Tamil Nadu continued at the top contributing almost 62 per cent of the total spike of the Covid-19 cases. There are currently 1,86,514 active and 2,71,696 recoveries. The number of patients recovering from COVID-19 continues to rise. The recovery rate has further improved to almost 57.42 per cent. Maharashtra remained the worst-hit state in the country with total cases at 1,42,900, including 6,739 deaths. It recorded a spike of 3,890 fresh cases with 208 deaths in last 24 hours. Delhi has 70,390 cases and 2,365 deaths followed by Tamil Nadu with 67,468 cases with 866 deaths. Delhi witnessed the surge of 3,788 cases with 64 deaths and Tamil Nadu recorded 2,865 cases with 33 fatalities in last 24 hours. States with more than 10,000 cases include Gujarat with 28,943 cases and 1,735 deaths, Uttar Pradesh (19,557), Rajasthan (16,009), Madhya Pradesh (12,448), West Bengal (15,173), Haryana (12,010), Karnataka, (10,118), Andhra Pradesh (10,331) and Telangana (10,444) cases. India conducted 2,07,871 Covid-19 tests on people in the last 24 hours. The number of government labs has been increased to 726 and private labs have increased to 266, summing up to a total of 992. The overall number of global COVID-19 cases has topped 9.4 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 482,000, according to the Johns Hopkins University. Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Representative Tim Ryan, a Democrat from Ohio, introduced the bill on June 28. It was backed by 53 co-sponsors, including Representative Jan Schakowsky, an Illinois Democrat who is an ardent supporter, and Republicans like Representatives Larry Bucshon of Indiana and Peter T. King of New York. Not long after that, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of Global Automakers announced a voluntary commitment to add rear-seat reminder systems to new vehicles by the 2025 model year. This was a shift in their previous position that educating parents to the dangers is enough, but short of what safety advocates and concerned legislators are demanding. In the past, the groups which merged this year to become the Alliance for Automotive Innovation had resisted occupant-detection technology, saying it would miss the intended audience since few parents of young children can afford new cars. Supporters of the bill contend that after 20 years of inaction, it is time for a law. In a news release in September, Mr. Ryan said: I appreciate the Auto Alliance and Global Automakers for getting up to speed on the value of rear-seat technology, but this cannot be a voluntary commitment. It should be mandated. Cars need this lifesaving technology now, not later. The lives of our children are too important to slow roll the use of available technology through 2025. A Senate version of the Hot Cars Act was proposed before the House bill was introduced, but it wouldnt require rear-seat occupant detection. Instead, it would mandate only a door sequencing system that can determine if the rear door was opened before a trip. But that wouldnt prevent deaths of children who found their way into parked cars. Ms. Fennell said three of the five children who had died in overheated cars so far this year had gotten in on their own. Occupant-detection technology is considered superior to door sequencing. In addition to technology already in place, a number of suppliers have developed other affordable systems, some of which can even detect the sound of a baby breathing under a blanket. Several technologies were demonstrated for Congress in 2019. Among them was the Vayyar Automotive Sensor, which can detect someone in the back seat without the use of cameras. All functionality is on the sensor, no bigger than your palm. It doesnt require a control unit or a clear line of sight, and, according to the manufacturer, it can monitor the entire cabin, distinguishing between a baby, an adult and an object placed on a seat. Jones, who left the Porter County Sheriff's Department more than a decade ago, is accused of injuring his then-7-month-old son July 24, 2016, and is charged with felony counts of battery resulting in serious bodily injury to a person less than 14 years of age, aggravated battery and neglect of a dependent. A doctor at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago said the child suffered "the worst brain injury I have ever seen," according to court documents. The doctors determined the injuries were consistent with being shaken and must have occurred during the time he was in the care of Curtis when his former wife and the boy's mother was at her overnight nursing job. In his petition to lift the no-contact order, his attorneys argue, "It is clearly not in his children's best interests to remain completely isolated and apart, especially in our modern age of technology which allows for safe and appropriate access." The motion argues that the court-ordered, no-contact order was "unjust and unnecessary and potentially violative of (the) defendant's constitutional right against cruel and unusual punishment." P olice have arrested a seventh person in connection with the theft of a golden toilet from Blenheim Palace last year. A 44-year-old man from Kent was arrested on suspicion of burglary on June 18, Thames Valley police said on Wednesday. He has been released while the investigation continues. Officers were called to reports of a burglary at the 18th century palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill in Oxfordshire on September 14. The golden toilet, named America, by artist Maurizio Cattelan, had been installed as an artwork in the palace. The goldent toilet, named America / Getty Images The fully-functioning lavatory is reportedly worth an estimated 4.8 million. The theft also caused flood damage, as the toilet was connected to the palace's plumbing so visitors could make full use of it. Six people had previously been arrested, with all released under investigation. A 66-year-old man from Evesham in Worcestershire was arrested on suspicion of burglary and a 35-year-old man from Cheltenham was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle. Blenheim Palace / Getty Images A 35-year-old man, a 34-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman, all from Oxford, were also arrested on suspicion of conspiring to commit a burglary other than a dwelling. Officers also arrested a 35-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. The golden toilet is yet to be found. She had a priest give healing rites to her husband when he was on the ventilator. Diana had read that in New York, 80% of those who went on ventilators didnt make it. He husband has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and his age and having diabetes didnt help. It was all against him, she said. When Markvicka came out of his coma, he didnt know what city he was in. He thought he might be in Columbus, because one of his nurses reminded him of a cousin, or at a nursing home in Palmer. He also thought it was October, she said. Markvicka is better now. But some of the days in the hospital were tough. I was really depressed for a while, he said. He felt helpless, because someone had to help him get out of bed, go to the bathroom and take a shower. One day, a therapist got him seated up on the bed. My feet were hanging from the bed. And it took three people to hold me up. Without their support, he would have fallen backward. I didnt have any muscles, he said. DUBLIN, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The "AI in Fintech Market - Growth, Trends, Forecasts (2020-2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global AI in Fintech market was estimated at USD 6.67 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 22.6 billion by 2025. The market is also expected to witness a CAGR of 23.37% over the forecast period (2020-2025). Artificial Intelligence improves results by applying methods derived from the aspects of human intelligence but beyond human scale. The computational arms race since the past few years has revolutionized the fintech companies. Further, data and the near-endless amounts of information are transforming AI to unprecedented levels where smart contracts will merely continue the market trend. Key Highlights Increasing demand for process automation among financial organizations is driving the market. Process automation is one of the major drivers of artificial intelligence in financial organizations. However, it is further evolving into cognitive process automation, where AI systems can perform even more complex automation processes. For instance, in May 2020 , Traydstream, a FinTech that scans trade documents with artificial intelligence (AI), partnered with Infosys Finacle to implement blockchain technology and further automate trade finance. The partnership will allow Finacle's blockchain tech, called Finacle TradeConnect, to be integrated with Traydstream's platform, which uses AI to scan documents and cut down the time it takes to check on rules or regulations in trade, where mistakes can be costly and time-consuming to correct. , Traydstream, a FinTech that scans trade documents with artificial intelligence (AI), partnered with Infosys Finacle to implement blockchain technology and further automate trade finance. The partnership will allow Finacle's blockchain tech, called Finacle TradeConnect, to be integrated with Traydstream's platform, which uses AI to scan documents and cut down the time it takes to check on rules or regulations in trade, where mistakes can be costly and time-consuming to correct. Further, several market players are introducing ML-based fraud detection solutions owing to the surging market demand. For instance, in May 2020 , GBG announced its expansion of AI and machine learning capabilities for its transaction and payment monitoring solution, Predator, making deep learning and predictive analytics available to their entire digital risk management customer journey. , GBG announced its expansion of AI and machine learning capabilities for its transaction and payment monitoring solution, Predator, making deep learning and predictive analytics available to their entire digital risk management customer journey. The increasing availability of data sources is driving the market. As the fintech industry continues to innovate and evolve at a rapid pace, fintech firms and startups have broadened their horizons to cater to a diverse range of segments. The financial sector expanded its footprint across areas, such as personal financial management, personal banking, consumer and business loans, investments, financial advisory, and various other data sources. Fintech companies are investing in deploying AI solutions for efficient processing of data and effective decision making. Further, according to a Fintrail survey in 2019, almost 33% of surveyed FinTechs currently employ AI solutions developed in-house. Many FinTech firms chose built, over buy, option because their needs may not be easily catered for by current vendors, although it is also changing with the rise of the RegTech sector. Further, as brick and mortar retailers continue to face challenges due to the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, many merchants are implementing point-of-sale financing alternatives as a potential new avenue for growth. Apart from utilizing conventional data like bank account statements for underwriting, these players are further utilizing AI models to assess consumer behaviors based on their transaction history, product purchase, and other data points to create a sharper customer risk profile. Also, banks and financial institutions are adopting AI solutions to harness information and insights locked away in unstructured documents and automate the manual process done traditionally by banks in double-quick time.For instance, in April 2020 , Temenos, the banking software company, announced the launch of eight propositions - using innovative Explainable AI (XAI) and cloud technologies to help banks and financial institutions in their immediate response to the Covid-19 crisis. Major Market Trends Quantitative and Asset Management to Witness Significant Growth Fintech has been undergoing a continued evolution in the landscape of investment management. Advanced technology and solution adoption, including the use of big data, AI, and machine learning (ML) to help the businesses in evaluating investment opportunities, optimizing their investment portfolios, and mitigating the associated risks have been clinical in the technology adoption. The investment advisory services, for instance, are undergoing radical changes with the growth and evolution of automated wealth advisers. These advisers have the capabilities to assist the investors without the intervention of a human adviser, and can also be used in combination with a human adviser. It extends the ability to provide tailored, actionable advice to its investors with ease of access, at a partially lower cost. Further, in the area of financial record keeping, blockchain, and distributed ledger technology are augmenting the AI adoption by creating new ways to record, track, and store transactions for financial assets. For instance, Sentifi, a Swiss Fintech company established in 2012, uses AI and ML to enable investors and other financial market stakeholders to tap into the online available financial intelligence of millions of persons and organizations. Furthermore, asset management companies can gain substantial benefits through the adoption of AI and ML. These technologies can help provide real-time actionable insights and facilitate portfolio management decisions. Sub-sets of AI can empower asset managers to streamline processes to optimize investment decisions and processes. In October 2019 , MDOTM, and Raiffeisen Capital Management, one of Austria's largest fund managers, announced a new strategic partnership. With this new initiative, the range of Raiffeisen Capital Management's sustainable funds would be used by MDOTM to provide to the market SRI investment solutions that benefit from the efficiency brought by AI technology in portfolio construction. , MDOTM, and Raiffeisen Capital Management, one of largest fund managers, announced a new strategic partnership. With this new initiative, the range of Raiffeisen Capital Management's sustainable funds would be used by MDOTM to provide to the market SRI investment solutions that benefit from the efficiency brought by AI technology in portfolio construction. Moreover, In May 2020 , Boosted.ai, the prominent distributed ML platform for global investment professionals, announced the closing of a USD 8 million USD Series A financing round. Boosted.ai would use the funding to continue improving Boosted Insights, its proprietary ML platform that empowers portfolio managers, analysts, and chief investment officers (CIO's) to augment their existing investment processes, source new ideas and manage risks North America Accounts for the Significant Market Share North America is one of the largest and most advanced markets for AI in the world. The region has also registered the maximum adoption of AI in Fintech solutions due to factors such as the strong economy, robust presence of prominent AI software and system suppliers, combined investment by government and private organizations for the development and growth of research & development activities. is one of the largest and most advanced markets for AI in the world. The region has also registered the maximum adoption of AI in Fintech solutions due to factors such as the strong economy, robust presence of prominent AI software and system suppliers, combined investment by government and private organizations for the development and growth of research & development activities. According to Baker McKenzie, the ongoing economic expansion in the US has attracted considerable investment in the fintech sector. Payments and Insuretech continue to dominate the landscape of the fintech sector in the country. According to CB Insights, the fintech startups in the country have witnessed about 70+ mega-rounds of funding accounting to more than USD 100 million , , In 2019. SoFi, a personal finance platform based out of the San Francisco , has raided the maximum amount ( USD 500 Million ) in a Series G Round. SiFi is followed by Klarna ( USD 460 Million ), Robinhood ( USD 323 Million ), Home & rental insurer Lemonade ( USD 300 Million ), etc. , has raided the maximum amount ( ) in a Series G Round. SiFi is followed by Klarna ( ), Robinhood ( ), Home & rental insurer Lemonade ( ), etc. Some of the investments in the field of AI are such as, in June 2020 , Betterview, a US-based insuretech and AI start-up, has secured an additional of USD 7.5 million , adding up to USD 17 million from Maiden Re, a reinsurer based out Bermuda . The AI startup utilizes computer vision and AI, to capture and analyze imagery of data for buildings and properties throughout the US to be used by the property insurance industry in underwriting. , Betterview, a US-based insuretech and AI start-up, has secured an additional of , adding up to from Maiden Re, a reinsurer based out . The AI startup utilizes computer vision and AI, to capture and analyze imagery of data for buildings and properties throughout the US to be used by the property insurance industry in underwriting. Moreover, the region accounts for a significant share of the millennial population, particularly the United States . Millennials have a clear preference for accomplishing tasks through digital applications and services that fintech companies are better at providing than banks, in terms of speed and personalization. According to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, there are around 72.1 million millennials, as of 2019. However, according to Digital Banking Report 2019, the adoption rates of fintech services in Canada (50%) and the US (46%) are some of the lowest in the world. . Millennials have a clear preference for accomplishing tasks through digital applications and services that fintech companies are better at providing than banks, in terms of speed and personalization. According to U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, there are around 72.1 million millennials, as of 2019. However, according to Digital Banking Report 2019, the adoption rates of fintech services in (50%) and the US (46%) are some of the lowest in the world. Also, according to the World Payments Report published by World Bank, this region has one of the highest penetration, in terms of citizens' bank accounts, and has the highest concentration of ATMs per 100,000 people. The above factors significantly drive the market in the region. Competitive Landscape AI in Fintech market is moving towards fragmented owing to the presence of many global players in the market. Further various acquisitions and collaboration of large companies are expected to take place shortly, which focuses on innovation. Some of the major players in the market are IBM Corporation, Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, among others. Some recent developments in the market are: April 2020 - Fenergo, the provider of digital transformation, customer journey and client lifecycle management (CLM) solutions for financial institutions, and IBM signed an original equipment manufacturing (OEM) agreement that will allow the companies to collaborate on solutions that can help clients address the multitude of financial risks they face. - Fenergo, the provider of digital transformation, customer journey and client lifecycle management (CLM) solutions for financial institutions, and IBM signed an original equipment manufacturing (OEM) agreement that will allow the companies to collaborate on solutions that can help clients address the multitude of financial risks they face. April 2020 - Verient System INC, the parent company of Next IT corporation, completed an agreement to provide its new standard solution for enterprise fraud and security investigations to the world's largest banking organizations. The AI platform Of Verient systems will help banks in fraud detection, cybersecurity, and deployment management requirements. Key Topics Covered 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Study Deliverables 1.2 Scope of the Study 1.3 Study Assumptions 2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 MARKET DYNAMICS 4.1 Market Overview 4.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Force Analysis 4.2.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 4.2.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers 4.2.3 Threat of New Entrants 4.2.4 Threat of Substitute Products 4.2.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry 4.3 Emerging Use-cases for AI in Financial Technology 4.4 Technology Snapshot 4.5 Introduction to Market Dynamics 4.6 Market Drivers 4.6.1 Increasing Demand for Process Automation Among Financial Organizations 4.6.2 Increasing Availability of Data Sources 4.7 Market Restraints 4.7.1 Need for Skilled Workforce 4.8 Assessment of Impact of COVID-19 on the Industry 5 MARKET SEGMENTATION 5.1 Offering 5.1.1 Solutions 5.1.2 Services 5.2 Deployment 5.2.1 Cloud 5.2.2 On-premise 5.3 Application 5.3.1 Chatbots 5.3.2 Credit Scoring 5.3.3 Quantitative and Asset Management 5.3.4 Fraud Detection 5.3.5 Other Applications 5.4 Geography 5.4.1 North America 5.4.2 Europe 5.4.3 Asia-Pacific 5.4.4 Rest of the World 6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE 6.1 Company Profiles 6.1.1 IBM Corporation 6.1.2 Intel Corporation 6.1.3 ComplyAdvantage.com 6.1.4 Narrative Science 6.1.5 Amazon Web Services Inc. 6.1.6 IPsoft Inc. 6.1.7 Next IT Corporation 6.1.8 Microsoft Corporation 6.1.9 Onfido 6.1.10 Ripple Labs Inc. 6.1.11 Active.ai 6.1.12 TIBCO Software (Alpine Data Labs) 6.1.13 Trifacta Software Inc. 6.1.14 Data Minr Inc. 6.1.15 Zeitgold GmbH 7 INVESTMENT ANALYSIS 8 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/47vwo 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 WILMINGTON, N.C. - The police officers were discussing work when their conversations moved, as so many have recently, to the protests against racial injustice rippling across the country. Their words quickly turned hateful. One officer used racist slurs to assail a black judge and a black woman he had arrested, while another described feeling like a civil war was coming and described his plans to go out and buy an assault rifle. "We are just going to go out and start slaughtering them f------ n------," the officer said. Their conversations in early June likely would have remained between them, except for a squad car camera that was accidentally activated and recorded the rhetoric. The private racial vitriol among officers in the public trust was discovered the next day by a department official. On Wednesday, Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams said his department had fired the three officers due to their "brutally offensive" conversations. "There are certain behaviors that one must have in order to be a police officer, and these three officers have demonstrated that they do not possess it," said Williams, a black officer who had risen to the department's top job less than 24 hours earlier. "There is no place for this behavior in our agency or our city, and it will not be tolerated." Williams's action came as policing leaders and elected officials across the country are wrestling with crises both internal and external as they confront a nationwide wave of protests against police violence and racial injustice as well as high-profile examples of misconduct within their own ranks. As demonstrations have spread in the wake of George Floyd's killing in Minneapolis, major pushes for reform and cutting police funding also have risen from coast to coast. Longtime criticism of police tactics and officers' interactions with minority populations has turned into alarm at how police have acted and used force, both before and during the protests. While some states and local officials have adopted changes since the protests began - including banning some uses of force and increasing transparency - attempts to advance police reforms in Congress have stalled due to partisan differences. "Policing is done at the local level . . . we're not going to find a solution at the federal level," Charles Ramsey, who formerly led the police department in the District of Columbia and Philadelphia, said Thursday during an online U.S. Conference of Mayors discussion that included mayors, police chiefs and experts. "It's the mayors, it's the governors, it's those people that really understand the needs of communities that'll get this done." But the impact of the renewed scrutiny has been significant in police departments, reverberating through the uppermost ranks of numerous big-city forces. "We're in a period of time now I've never seen in all my time in policing," said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, which works with law enforcement agencies. Police chiefs are rarely in their jobs for long, usually between three and five years, Wexler said. But a remarkable number of high-profile top cops have lost their jobs or said they will step down since Floyd's death as a result of incidents in their cities, including in Atlanta, Richmond, Nashville, Portland, Ore., Louisville and Prince George's County, Md. Officials also have sought to punish officers over how they used force in protests and during other encounters with the public. In Atlanta, six officers were charged as a result of their actions during protest responses, then two more were charged in relation to the fatal shooting of Rayshard Brooks, a 27-year-old black man, at the hands of police after a DUI stop on June 12. Chris Magnus, the police chief in Tucson, Ariz., also offered to resign Wednesday after releasing video captured two months earlier that showed his officers restraining a Hispanic man, facedown on the ground, as he begged for help. The man later died. "Given the times we're in, any mistakes of this kind are viewed with great suspicion and contribute to the lack of trust in the police," said Magnus, before offering his resignation to the mayor, "to demonstrate my willingness to take accountability for these mistakes." Policing can be grueling work that often wears on the people doing it, in part because of the nature of the job and its life-or-death decisions, according to experts and officials. Many officers across the country say they feel under attack due to the actions of a few, but activists and protesters argue that systemic racism, abuse and brutality within police departments has been overlooked and allowed to go on for far too long. While the beginning steps of reform attempts are now underway, current and former police chiefs said that frequent turnover of top police officials can hinder efforts to improve their police departments. "What will destroy reform efforts is a revolving door of police chiefs," said Art Acevedo, Houston's police chief. "Right now you have these politicians that are succumbing to the pressure of the day and not being strategic . . . It takes persistence and courage from public officials to not succumb to public pressure." In Wilmington, Williams called the case involving his officers' racist conversations "the most exceptional and difficult" of his career. He immediately pushed for new policing reforms. Activists in the predominantly white coastal North Carolina city, where the police department's policy manual directs its officers to "recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith," welcomed the dismissals of the officers. The three men - Cpl. Jesse E. Moore II, 50; Officer Michael "Kevin" Piner, 44; and Officer James Gilmore, 48 - were recorded in conversations on June 3, according to police. In the recordings, captured in Piner's car, he was shown speaking first to Gilmore while their vehicles were next to each other. During that conversation, Gilmore referenced a social media video of white people "bowing down on their knees and 'worshiping blacks,' " according to a report released by the police department. Piner also remarked, the report said, that their department only cares about "kneeling down with the black folks." Later, Piner received a call from Moore, who repeatedly used racist slurs to refer to a woman he had arrested the previous day, the report said. Moore also described a judge with similar slurs, during which time the two men both denigrated black people, the report said. During that conversation, Piner used racist language in describing shooting black people and talked about the need for a civil war to "wipe 'em off the f------ map," the report said. According to the department, the conversations were discovered the next day. The following week, the three officers were interviewed by other officers, during which the video was played for them. "Each officer admitted it was their voice on the video," the department said in its report. "They did not deny saying any of the things heard on the video." The officers all denied being racist, according to the report, and they cited "the stress of today's climate in law enforcement as a reason for their 'venting.' " Hours after Williams announced that the officers were fired, the city temporarily removed two prominent Confederate monuments, citing concerns for public safety around the statues, which have been flash points for demonstrations in Wilmington. Activists said that while they were glad the officers were fired, it was worrisome that they so brazenly shared the racist views with other officers in the first place. "For them to be willing to make such statements on duty, in uniform, is a type of comfort that doesn't sit well with me," said Devon Scott, a community organizer who narrowly lost a mayoral bid last year. "It shows that the culture allows it, that it's reinforced and is the status quo." Jason Mott, a Wilmington resident and author, said he found the officers' language "jarring, but not unexpected." "I've got a lot of friends in Wilmington who are white, and they are shocked and amazed by all this, but meanwhile, as a black person, we've been screaming about this for decades," Mott said. The Rev. Dante Murphy, pastor of a missionary Baptist church just north of Wilmington in Pender County and president of the county's NAACP chapter, said the recording "should not come as a surprise to anyone." "The surprise is that it actually came out, and they were transparent about the whole thing," Murphy said of the police department, noting that the officers have been on the force for many years. "We have to assume this is not the first time." The officers' words also reverberated through Wilmington's criminal justice system in another way. Ben David, the district attorney for Pender and New Hanover counties, said in an interview that his office will dismiss all 89 pending cases involving the fired officers. His office has not yet decided whether to file any criminal charges against the officers, and David has asked lawyers and community members involved in other cases the officers handled to contact him if they believe racial bias or other constitutional violations might have occurred. The situation, he said, also had a broader meaning for the justice system. "It ends up reflecting on everybody," David said, "and not just these three officers caught on a hot mic." - - - Berman and Elfrink reported from Washington. The Washington Post's Kimberly Kindy in Washington contributed to this report. Advertisement An angry resident quarantined in a council block threw a wooden chair off the balcony of a high-rise apartment in a coronavirus 'red zone' in Italy today. He was one of 700 people ordered to remain indoors in four council housing blocks in Mondragone - 60km north of Naples on the coast in the Campania region - since Monday, while local health authorities test them for the virus, Rai news said. Most of those living there are Bulgarians who work in agriculture. A group of Italian protesters responded to the furniture-hurling by throwing stones at the Bulgarians' cars and smashing the windows. The police and army were sent in to secure the Covid hot spot - which has 49 cases of the virus - after frustrated residents attempted to escape from the blocks. A furious resident quarantined in a council block in Italy threw a chair off the balcony of a high-rise apartment in a coronavirus 'red zone' today. Most of those living there are Bulgarians who work in agriculture The man was one of 700 people ordered to stay indoors in four council housing blocks in Mondragone - 60km north of Naples on the coast in the Campania region - since Monday, while local health authorities test them for Covid-19 Three residents in the blocks, which used to be owned by food group Cirio, vent their anger at the crowds below today The army was sent in to secure the Covid hot spot - which has 49 cases of the virus - after frustrated residents attempted to leave their apartments The region's head Vincenzo De Luca called for back-up from the army. New cases, including those who are asymptomatic, are being transferred to a local hospital. (It is not known if those pictured have displayed symptoms) Italian police and army personnel surround the red zone. Several of the 49 residents who have tested positive for coronavirus so far have since gone missing Ten scientists in Italy on Wednesday released a joint statement declaring the coronavirus emergency to be 'over'. Above, the scene in Mondragone on Thursday One group ducked under the police tape cordoning off the complex on Thursday and had to be marched back in by police. The region's head Vincenzo De Luca called for back-up from the army, which he said was on its way. New cases, including those who are asymptomatic, are being transferred to a local hospital. But several of the 49 people who have tested positive so far have since gone missing. Some were undocumented workers who feared losing their jobs, said Rai. It was not the only cluster of new cases in Italy, which lifted its lockdown at the start of June after three months of a pandemic which has officially killed more than 34,600 people. Crowds gather at the base of the apartments. Some Italian protesters responded to the furniture-hurling residents by throwing stones at the Bulgarians' cars and smashing their windows One group ducked under the police tape cordoning off the complex on Thursday and had to be marched back in by police Italian scientists are concerned that there may be a second wave of coronavirus if people let down their guards. (Above, an aerial view of the Mondragone apartments overlooking the coast) Another set has emerged at a warehouse in Bologna used by express courier Bartolini. The company uncovered 44 asymptomatic cases - including two drivers - after testing all workers at the warehouse in central-northern Italy following the discovery of two members of staff with the virus, the Resto del Carlino daily said. Bartolini (BRT) has closed the warehouse although deliveries continue. It was expected to test all staff who have come into contact with those with the virus, the daily said. Ten scientists in Italy on Wednesday released a joint statement declaring the coronavirus emergency to be 'over'. That sparked a heated reaction from colleagues who warned a second wave was likely if people let down their guard. Trump signs executive order to strengthen foster care, bolster faith-based partnerships Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment President Donald Trump signed an executive order seeking to strengthen the nations foster care system which calls on states and cities to work with faith-based and other charities at a time when organizations that uphold traditional views of marriage are facing increasing hostility from Democratic lawmakers and left-leaning groups. Trumps order signed Wednesday highlights several areas of concern where the president is calling for more research and improvement by federal and state agencies, such as the need to bolster robust partnerships between community organizations, improve access to resources for caregivers, and improve federal oversight on welfare requirements. Although the number of children in foster care in the U.S. has declined in recent years, there are still more than 430,000 children in foster care nationwide and over 124,000 eligible for adoption. The president stressed that too many children in the foster care system have to wait years before finding a permanent family. In recent years, approximately 20,000 young people have aged out of foster care each year in the United States, the order states. Research has shown that young people who age out of the foster care system are likely to experience significant, and significantly increased, life challenges. According to the order, 40% of people who age out of foster care experience homelessness and 50% are unemployed by the age of 24. The president called these unacceptable outcomes. Several factors have contributed to the number of children who wait in foster care for extended periods. First, state and local child welfare agencies often do not have robust partnerships with private community organizations, including faith-based organizations, the order stressed. Second, those who step up to be resource families for children in foster care including kin, guardians, foster parents, and adoptive parents may lack adequate support. A third reason, the order adds, is that the processes and systems meant to help children and families in crisis have instead created bureaucratic barriers that make it more difficult for these children and families to get the help they need. Section 2 of the order calls on the Department of Health and Human Services to encourage robust partnerships between state agencies and public, private, as well as faith-based community organizations. The orders urge the HHS secretary to require states to report on their strategies for coordinating with nongovernmental organizations, including faith-based and community organizations, to recruit and support foster and adoptive families. Within one year of the date of this order, the secretary shall issue guidance to federal, state, and local agencies on partnering with nongovernmental organizations, the order explains. This guidance shall include best practices for information sharing, providing needed services to families to support prevention of children entering foster care, family preservation, foster and adoptive home recruitment and retention, respite care, post-placement family support, and support for older youth. The orders call for the secretarys guidance to make clear that faith-based organizations are eligible for partnerships under title IV-E of the Act (42 U.S.C. 670 et seq.), on an equal basis, consistent with the First Amendment to the Constitution. The order comes as some states and localities in the past decade-plus have ended partnerships with Christian and church-backed foster care agencies because they do not place children in the homes of same-sex couples and refer such parents to other adoption and foster care agencies. The U.S. Supreme Court will weigh a case brought on behalf of foster care parents who sued the city of Philadelphia last fall. The case dates back to 2018 when city officials stopped the placement of children with Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia because the organization upholds Church teachings on marriage and sexuality and does not place children in the homes of lesbian, gay or transgender couples. The Trump Justice Department filed a brief to the Supreme Court in favor of protecting the ability of tax-funded faith groups to turn away and refer same-sex couples to other organizations. The Justice Department contends that turning away religious organizations from foster care programs based on their beliefs is religious discrimination. Although Trumps new order doesn't specifically touch on whether cities and states should work with groups that uphold policies influenced by traditional teachings on marriage, the Trump administration has in the last three years issued several orders and guidance specifically on religious freedom rights. In October 2017, then-Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued guidance stating that the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment protects businesses, churches and religious organizations no matter if they are affiliated with any level of government. The order calls on agencies not to "second-guess the reasonableness of a religious belief." In addition to foster relationships with charities, Trumps executive order calls on the HHS to equip caregivers and those in care to meet their unique challenges. The order notes that many caregivers lack access to private, faith-based and community services. The order also calls on the HHS secretary to issue guidance within six months on the use of federal funds to support and encourage high-quality legal representation for parents and children, including pre-petition representation. Increased representation would be part of efforts to prevent the removal of children from their families, safely reunify children and parents, finalize permanency, and ensure that their voices are heard and their rights are protected. Among other things, the executive order calls for the publishing of data to aid in the recruitment of community support and collect data to preserve sibling connections. In a tweet, HHS Secretary Alex Azar called the executive order part of the administrations historic commitment to promoting adoption. In a statement, the foster and adoption care organization Bethany Christian Services applauded the executive order, stressing that it underscores the need for all facets of our nation to work better together for the sake of vulnerable children: governments, states, nonprofit partners, faith communities, and families. "Children do best in families, and unfortunately, thousands of kids in America don't have a safe, stable family to grow up in, the BCS statement reads. We must improve equitable outcomes within our child welfare system through child and family-centric innovative solutions and a collaborative all hands on deck approach. One sector of society can't meet this need on its own; it will take all of us working together. Leslie Cooper, the deputy director of the American Civil Liberties Unions LGBT & HIV Project, called Trumps executive order a hypocrisy. While the Trump administration talks about the need for more foster parents, it is making arguments at the Supreme Court and authorizing discrimination in federally funded foster care programs that could result in many prospective parents being turned away by agencies for reasons that have nothing to do with their ability to care for a child, Cooper said. Cooper argues that religion is not a license to discriminate. Agencies providing child welfare services on behalf of the government must put the needs of children first, she contends. Turning away prospective foster families because of their sexual orientation, faith, or any other reason unrelated to the ability to support a child limits the families available for children. At 9.00 am every day, Pranav Primlani, Talent Management Specialist at Dr Reddy's Laboratories gets out of his car in the parking lot of the company's office in Hyderabads Banjara Hills, wearing a mask. He then stops at the screening point, sanitises his hand, takes out his phone, and fills in the e-self declaration form about his health and travel history. A security official checks his body temperature, scans the barcode on Keep Safe, Dr Reddy's in-house app, and updates his temperature on the app. Employees who fail to download the app are denied entry. Primlani says his heart skips a beat every time his temperature is checked, "but it is for our safety only." "With Unlock 1.0 kicking in and more people are allowed inside offices, we have come up with several measures that are preventive, reactive and proactive around three key pillars - Infrastructure, Process and People - to ensure business continuity," says Thakur Pherwwani, Head of Safety, Health, Environment and Corporate Sustainability, Dr Reddy's. As health and hygiene becomes priority, companies are going the extra mile to ensure employee safety at work. While earlier, walls were brought down to create open office spaces to foster collaboration and camaraderie among staff, the layout has now been turned on its head. Employees are now sitting 1-2 metres away from their colleagues. Crowding around water coolers and passageways are strict no-nos. Meeting rooms are locked, and eating alone is the new normal. The First Steps As companies come up with strategies to maintain physical distancing, the entire workspace is getting divided into zones. Employees are being divided into groups so that the risk of contamination can be controlled in case anyone turns corona-positive. Infosys has divided each of its campuses into two-three zones, depending on the size. "The zones are marked and work on the principle of self-governance. Each zone is a complete unit in itself and each employee has a pre-designated zone. They do not go to another zone unless absolutely necessary," says Richard Lobo, Executive Vice President and Head of Human Resources, Infosys. It is like several offices within one single campus with separate entry, exit, canteen etc. To keep the density in check in these "smaller campuses", companies are scrutinising employees' roles to determine the ones who need to come to office regularly, and those who can work on alternate days and in shifts. Pherwwani of Dr Reddy's says 50 per cent of the 300 employees who work out of the company's corporate office in Hyderabad are coming to office, while the rest are working from home. "With social distancing norms, it is difficult to get the entire workforce to office. Each business head was asked to determine from their teams, 50 per cent of those who should come to office." The reason for that is offices were originally designed in the open format to maximise space and optimise real estate. "Real estate in corporate hubs is expensive. Hence, offices are built on the premise of maximising space, but that doesn't work while implementing social distancing norms," says Sudhir Dhar, Executive Director and group Chief HR Officer, Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOFSL). "Social distancing will increase per capita office space allocation. The rule of thumb was to have 40-50 sq foot per person. Now, it has to be at least 80-90 sq ft." "Since the organisation is not creating new infrastructure, we have to work with what we have," adds Dhar. Companies, including MOFSL, Infosys, Cisco and Dr Reddy's, have alternate seating arrangements to ensure a distance of at least 2 metres between two people. The seats are also marked to avoid confusion. There is a similar demarcation in canteen and common areas as well. Corridors are also marked like one-way streets. All recreation activities have been closed for the time being. The basic premise, says Dhar, is that no two employees should come face-to-face with each other. Even in the lifts at MOFSL, it is mandatory for employees to stand in the four corners, facing the wall. Of MOFSL's total staff strength of 6,500 across India, 1,800 are coming to office. Each company has a different approach towards meeting and conference rooms. At Motilal Oswal, they can be used at 50% of capacity, whereas at Infosys, Dr Reddy's and Nestle, they are locked. "As of now, we are not doing any physical meetings. We have moved meetings entirely to the virtual world and it works well," says Infosys' Lobo. Employees are also going beyond video meetings, and are using more of whiteboarding sessions, simultaneous collaborations on work documents, quick chats and virtual reality demos. "This will impact the future of conference rooms as well. They will have a lot of technology built in, assuming only a small number will be present physically," he adds. Primlani of Dr Reddy's says virtual meetings are happening even with colleagues sitting in the same area. "Initially there was a sense of disorientation, but now there is an acceptance that this is the new normal and we have to live with it." The cafeteria is another crowd puller. While canteens are now decentralised and offices have created different cafeterias for each zone, employees are encouraged to not talk too much or mingle. "Since people remove masks while eating, companies might also encourage them to eat at their desks," says Sameer Joshi, Associate Vice-President, Godrej Interio. At Dr Reddy's, seats have been rearranged so that occupancy gets limited to 25% in each of its four canteens. Tables are arranged in single rows so that there is one person on each table and no two individuals face each other, says Pherwwani. Also, lunchtime (from 12.30 to 2.30 pm) is divided into four slots of 30 minutes. But then, does no physical contact means no social contact as well? MOFSL's Dhar doesn't think so. In fact, the team organises a game or a virtual party almost every day. There are online competitions of ludo, carrom, and snakes and ladders as well. Technology Is King Physical distancing can only do so much given there are so many common touchpoints in offices. While companies have upped their game and rooms are sanitised after every shift or a few hours, the role of technology cannot be ignored. To reduce the need for 'touch', firms are figuring out ways to ensure contactless offices. Anuj Puri, Chairman, ANAROCK Property Consultants, says, "Companies that can afford are deploying voice-activated technologies to control lighting and audio, visual equipment in conference rooms, or using sensors where a simple wave could be used while passing through doors or for flushing the toilet." At Infosys, entry to campuses, payment for services, switching on lighting and utilities, etc. are all contactless. Many of the company's new offices have sensors that give real-time insights on office space usage and occupancy of seats and meeting rooms. This also allows the IT major to allocate space, keeping social distancing norms in mind on a daily basis depending on needs, and also control lighting and air conditioning usage. Says Lobo, "Since only 5-6 per cent of our workforce is coming to office, the demand is very less. So, we have kept only one or two food courts open, but, if there is any crowding, others can be opened easily." "An overlay of digital technologies is enabling us to reimagine the existing physical infrastructure, whether it is an individual's workstation or the wider campus area, to create a collaborative culture and also ensure safety of employees," he adds. Cisco, too, is using its cloud-based software DNA Spaces, which is integrated with wireless access points to enable real-time location tracking in the campus. The software calculates the distance between two people and the density of a certain area. "This enables us with crowd control, managing footprint within the office campus and better enforcement of social distancing norms in a non-intrusive manner," says Daisy Chittilapilly, Managing Director, Digital Transformation Office, Cisco India and SAARC. At Cisco, 2.76 million sq feet of the company's campus in Bangalore constitutes eight buildings. Four of them are closed. Less than 2 per cent of its roughly 12,000 employees in India are working from office. The rest have been working remotely for the past few months. Dr Reddy has a Keep Safe app built along the lines of the Aarogya Setu. It has a Bluetooth feature that tracks people who come within 2 metres on a specific day. It is mandatory for employees to keep Bluetooth on for the app to work on office premises. The rationale is that if anyone is detected with Covid-19 later, the data can be used to identify the group at risk, says Pherwwani. Changing Office Spaces Puri of ANAROCK thinks office space designs will change. "The previous open-plan workplaces are likely to be replaced with old, small private offices or cabins. Also, there will be preference for building materials, such as stone, which can withstand heavy cleaning, especially the use of caustic products," he says. Customisable offices, though not new, will see a rise in demand. New offices will be designed for the next 5-10 years. "They will have enough flexibility built into their interiors and furniture, so they can be reconfigured and reoriented once the pandemic is over," says Joshi of Godrej Interio. "There will be more mechanisation. What is done manually now would be done with a click. And, in the next three to four years, though it might sound futuristic, it could be reconfigured from the phone as well," adds Infosys Lobo. For some Infosys campuses, the entire layout of the office is already on wheels, where workstations can be reconfigured according to demand, usage and need. Flash Russia proposes more reliable global security system as V-Day parade held Russia is open for dialogue and cooperation in creating a reliable global security system, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday during the Victory Day parade in Moscow. The parade, which had been delayed due to the coronavirus outbreak, marked the 75th anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in the 1941-45 Great Patriotic War. The event started in the morning with the banner-carrying group of the guard of honor battalion of the Preobrazhensky Regiment bringing to Moscow's Red Square the Russian flag and the legendary Victory Bannerthe latter hoisted over the Reichstag building in Berlin by the combatants of the 150th Idritsa division in 1945. "We understand how important it is to strengthen friendship and confidence among peoples...Only by uniting together can we protect the world from new dangerous threats," Putin said in his speech. He stressed the need of the fast-changing world to create a reliable common security system. In the speech, Putin honored the military victory, stressing the country "will protect and defend the fair truth of the Great Patriotic War", an integral part of World War II that lasted from 1939 to 1945. The future of the world could not have been imagined had it not been for the role of the Red Army, Putin said. Putin also slammed the West for "insulting Russia" by playing down the USSR's role in winning the war. Russian political analyst Anton Barbashin said the victory over the Nazis was by far the biggest and most significant historical event for contemporary Russia. "For the Kremlin, it is the most effective way to unite the diverse peoples of Russia. It supports the Kremlin's foreign policy aspirations and, in general, Russian attitudes toward great power status," Barbashin said of the parade. General Oleg Salyukov, commander of Russia's ground forces, said earlier that the parade is not a manifestation of Russian militarism but a celebration for the Russian people. Still, with the display of advanced weapons, Russia has gained the attention of the world again. This year's parade included nearly 13,000 soldiers from 13 countries, as well as Russian vintage equipment and the latest military hardware. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the meeting with Government's permanent members (Photo: VNA) Although the Government has agreed to allow foreign experts and investors to enter Vietnam as well as send Vietnamese employees to work abroad, it is necessary to strengthen management and monitoring to prevent the spread of the pandemic among the community, he said. However, he stressed a consistent viewpoint that the Government has not allowed the entrance of international tourists in Vietnam. He requested ministries and localities to stay highly vigilant to ensure public health and avoid impatience which could wipe out the countrys significant achievements in COVID-19 prevention and control. The Government leader asked relevant agencies to continue implementing measures for quick tracking of suspected infections, and ordered wearing face masks in crowded places. He suggested carrying out short-term quarantine for experts and investors upon their arrival in Vietnam and increasing the frequency of flights to bring Vietnamese citizens home and carry foreign investors, experts and highly-skilled workers to Vietnam, as well as send Vietnamese people to work and study abroad if the host countries accept. Regarding the possibility of reopening some international commercial flights, the PM instructed authorities to carefully consider the point of time as long as ensure that the pandemic would not spread from outside into Vietnam. In complicated pandemic-hit areas, the Vietnamese aviation industry, under the direction of the Ministry of Transport, must prepare thorough preventive scenarios for commercial flights, he ordered. He asked the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs and the State Bank of Vietnam to jointly implement the Government's aid packages for those seriously affected by COVID-19. According to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, Vietnam has no new local transmissions to report for over two months. As of June 24, 329 out of the 352 patients have recovered from the disease. Since April 15, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cooperated with relevant agencies and Vietnamese representative offices abroad and airlines to conduct 33 flights carrying nearly 8,000 Vietnamese citizens home from 42 countries and territories. If theres one experience common to all potential home buyers, its using Google. And why not? Google is not only convenient and dependable, its also everywhere. For better or worse, Googles search engine has completely changed the way consumers choose to inform themselves. They have learned that typing a question into Google will generally provide them with the information theyre looking for, and they carry those expectations with them when they venture to other websites. By not providing the same smooth and informative search experience for the customers who land on their sites, mortgage companies run the risk of losing customers to companies that do. Over 50 percent of the traffic is getting to your site from search. All of a sudden, they get to your website and it isnt important? wonders Shane Closser, head of industry and general manager for financial services at Yext. Our view on this is consumers are using Google and other search engines to get to these sites. We should continue that experience on these sites so consumers arent having to go back to other places to find those answers. Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan on Thursday mocked Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan saying some of his suggestions on evacuation of expatriates from the West Asian countries were without any logic and MEA cannot chalk out a separate plan for those countries. Usually people take pickle and chips while returning from Kerala. The CM thinks that test kits can be sent like this. His demands are without any logic or reasoning. We will go by the standard operating protocols issued by the Home and Health ministries, he said in New Delhi. Last week the CM had suggested that the state was ready to provide TrueNat testing kits to get expatriates tested before boarding their flights. TrueNat test is usually used to detect tuberculosis and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had recently recommended this also for widening the range of options for testing Covid-19 patients. The CM had also said special flights could be arranged for Covid-19 positive passengers. The CM is coming out with weird demands. No other state has put such conditions before the Centre. We are committed to bring back stranded people. But the state is putting many conditions to delay the process, he said. Muraleedharan, who also hails from Kerala criticised Vijayan for terming returnees from the middle-east as super spreaders of Covid-19 When asked about this, the CM evaded a direct reply saying the junior minister in the MEA has no idea what was happening at the Centre that is why he was raising frequent charges against the state government. He said experts have warned a big surge in cases by August- end and asked people not to lower their guard. Vijayan and Muraleedharan had locked horns on several occasions over the evacuation of expatriates. Muraleedharan had said the state was delaying evacuation by putting unreasonable conditions but the state blamed the Centre for the delay. Meanwhile, Kerala recorded 123 fresh Covid-19 cases on Thursday. It was the seventh consecutive day Kerala reported more than 100 cases. The states Covid-19 tally now stands at 3,726. Out of these, 1761 are active cases while 1,941 people have recovered. The state has reported 23 deaths. A Northern Ireland haulier has been remanded in custody charged with the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese migrants who were found dead inside a lorry container in Essex. Ronan Hughes (40), who was extradited to the UK from the Republic of Ireland, appeared before Southend Magistrates' Court by video-link from a police station yesterday. The defendant, who gave his address to the court as Dalton Park, Armagh, is charged with 39 counts of manslaughter between October 22 and October 24 last year. He is also charged with one count of facilitating the illegal entry of people into the UK between May 1, 2018 and October 24, 2019. Prosecutors say Hughes operated a road haulage business and his trailers and drivers were used to transport migrants. They allege he played a leading role. Hughes, who wore a blue T-shirt, blue jeans and white trainers, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth, address and to state his nationality as Irish. The defendant, who was flanked by two police officers wearing face masks, was not asked to enter pleas. He remained seated throughout the 11-minute hearing. No application for bail was made. District Judge Timothy King remanded him in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on July 22 for a plea hearing. During the hearing, the judge read out the names of the 39 Vietnamese nationals who died. The High Court in Dublin ruled earlier this month that Hughes could be extradited to face charges over the deaths. The bodies of the Vietnamese nationals were discovered at an industrial estate in Grays shortly after the container arrived on a ferry from Zeebrugge in Belgium in the early hours of October 23 last year. Among the men, women and children were 10 teenagers, two of them 15-year-old boys. The lorry's driver, Maurice 'Mo' Robinson (25), admitted 39 counts of manslaughter at the Old Bailey in April after previously pleading guilty to conspiracy to assist unlawful immigration. Robinson, of Laurelvale in Co Armagh, also admitted acquiring criminal property, but denied a further charge of transferring criminal property. Black Americans say racism and police conduct are the most important issues in their choice of candidates for president, are sharply critical of President Donald Trump on both matters and see increasingly high stakes in the outcome of November's election, a Washington Post-Ipsos poll finds. Former vice president Joe Biden currently leads Trump by a not-unexpectedly lopsided margin among black registered voters, 92% to 5%. His supporters are about evenly split on whether they are casting an affirmative or negative vote, with roughly half saying they mainly "support Biden" and the other half saying they mainly "oppose Trump." Despite the overwhelming support he enjoys, Biden faces clear challenges in mobilizing younger black adults. This is a group that strongly disapproves of Trump but is also notably less enthusiastic about voting at all and is generally more critical of Biden than are older black adults. While 87% of black seniors say Biden is sympathetic to the problems of black people in America, that drops to 66% among those under age 40. Black Americans are evenly divided on the question of whether Biden, who has pledged to pick a woman as his running mate, should take an extra step and select a black woman. The poll finds that 50% say it is very or fairly important to them that he do so, while 49% say it is not. The choice of a black female running mate matters more to black women under age 40 than to those 40 and older. "Joe Biden is cool but it would be great to have someone who can counter his perspectives on a lot of things," said Willa Ivory, a 31-year-old social worker who lives in New York City and who mentioned former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams as a possibility. "In order for Biden to get the black vote, he needs to pick somebody black because I think a lot of people are going to sit the election out if they don't like the vice president," said C Northern, a 39-year-old training analyst in Sacramento, who asked that her first name not be used. The Post-Ipsos poll finds strong interest in the election among black adults overall, with nearly 3 in 4 saying they are "absolutely certain to vote." That is on par with voting interest among whites and ahead of Hispanics. Separately, 71% of black Americans say the outcome of the balloting matters "a great deal" to them, up sharply from 60% who said this in January in a previous Post-Ipsos poll. Enthusiasm to vote in November is less strong among black adults under age 40. Among this group, 61% say they are certain to vote, while 59% say the election result matters "a great deal." In addition to navigating changes in voting availability during the coronavirus outbreak, many younger adults face another logistical challenge: More than 1 in 5 black adults under age 40 say they are not registered to vote at their current address. In contrast, more than 9 in 10 black seniors are registered to vote where they live. Marino Swanson said he is "not very certain I'll be voting in November." The 24-year-old from Pittsburgh, who works in juvenile probation, said he is not registered to vote and did not cast a ballot in 2016. He said he often feels elections are a choice of "the lesser of two evils." Swanson said "it would be nice" for Biden to choose a black woman as his running mate because it would show "that we're making steps." But he emphasized that having the right qualifications was most important. The qualifications of Biden's vice-presidential choice also matter more than color or even gender to Terrence Jones, 75, a retiree from Fairburn, Ga. "It doesn't matter to me, just as long as they're qualified," he said. "I wish there were a way he could pick Barack Obama to be his vice president - just to return the favor." Last month's killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis has highlighted anew issues of policing in black communities. The poll finds that, across all age groups, at least 9 in 10 black Americans say both racism and police treatment of black Americans will be important in their presidential vote. Roughly 7 in 10 of black adults say each of those issues is "one of the most important." Policing and racism eclipse other issues of note among black Americans as they look to the election. For example, 53% say health care is one of the most important issues in their vote, followed by 49% who say this about the coronavirus outbreak and 48% for the economy. Immigration ranks last, with 22% saying it is one of the most important issues. The issues of racism and police treatment are significantly less important in the vote choice of white Americans, who were also surveyed as part of this project. Some 22% of white adults cite racism as one of the most important issues in their vote in November, while 21% name police treatment of black Americans. The president's image among black Americans remains deeply negative, as does his reputation on issues of race and discrimination. The Post-Ipsos poll finds 9% of black adults approve of the way Trump is handling his job overall, while 88% disapprove, including 76% who disapprove "strongly." Those results have shifted little since the comparable poll in January. A similar 90% disapprove of Trump's response to Floyd's killing while in the custody of Minnesota police officers, while 76% disapprove of his handling of the protests that followed. Trump claimed earlier this month that his administration "has done more for the black community than any president since Abraham Lincoln," citing his signing of a criminal justice reform law passed by Congress, low black unemployment before the coronavirus shutdowns and increased funding for historically black colleges and universities. Black Americans hold a starkly different view: 86% say Trump has done "nothing" to reduce discrimination against black Americans in the criminal justice system, while 59% say former president Obama did "a great deal" or "a good amount" to reduce discrimination as president. On the economy, the Post-Ipsos poll in January found few black adults credited Trump for the low unemployment rate, and in the latest survey, 86% of black Americans say they trust Biden more to handle the economy, while 9% trust Trump more. On a personal level, 7% of black adults feel Trump is sympathetic to the problems of black people in the United States, while 90% say he is not. At the same time, 87% say they believe Trump is "biased against black people." "He's completely oblivious of the black race," said Marie Allenye, a pediatric nurse in Burtonsville, Md., who immigrated from Grenada in 1986. Allenye added that Trump "sides with the people who do these heinous crimes. His heart is a heart of stone, not of flesh." Biden has a far more positive image among black Americans on racial issues, though a sizable minority percentage are skeptical. A 74% majority feel Biden is sympathetic to the problems of black people, while 23% say he is not. Among black Americans under age 40, that figure rises to 32%. Overall, 17% of black adults say Biden is biased against black people, but there are notable differences among age groups. Among those over age 65, just 8% say he is biased, compared with 14% among those 40-64 and 24% of those ages 18-39. Asked how much Biden would do to reduce discrimination against black Americans in the criminal justice system, 65% say he would do "a great deal" or "some," while 33% think he would do little or nothing. Young black men are particularly critical, with 51% saying Biden would do little or nothing to reduce discrimination, compared with 38% among young black women. Among seniors overall, 17% share that view. The Post-Ipsos poll finds less of a generational divide when black registered voters are asked whom they would vote for if the election were held today: 90% under age 40 support Biden, as do 92% of those ages 40-64 and 92% of those 65 and older. Among younger black Americans, there is a small gender gap. Biden is supported by 81% of black men ages 18-39, but among black women in the same age group, his support rises to 94%. Biden staked much of his campaign for the Democratic nomination on his ability to appeal to black voters, and their overwhelming support in the South Carolina primary resuscitated his then-faltering candidacy. In May, Biden faced blowback for suggesting African Americans who are considering voting for Trump "ain't black." He later admitted the comment was "much too cavalier," and said he did not take the black vote for granted. The 2016 election underscored how strong black support in primaries, where turnout is relatively low, may not translate to high turnout in a general election. Former secretary of state Hillary Clinton won an even larger share of the black vote in her 2016 nomination contest than Biden did this year, yet black turnout in the general election fell sharply from 67% of eligible voters in 2012 to 60% in 2016, while white and Hispanic turnout grew over the same period. The Washington Post-Ipsos poll was conducted June 9-14 through Ipsos's KnowledgePanel, a large online survey panel recruited through random sampling of U.S. households. Results among the sample of 1,153 non-Hispanic black adults including 989 black registered voters both with a margin of sampling error of plus or minus four perentage points. - - - The Washington Post's Vanessa Williams and Cleve R. Wootson Jr. contributed to this report. The Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) case against the Electoral Commission to compile a new voters register for the 2020 General Elections The 7-member panel presided over by Chief Justice Kwasi Anin-Yeboah, in its decision held that the EC is an independent body and will only be directed by the court if it acts contrary to law. The seven member panel that heard the case included Justices Jones Dotse, Paul Baffoe Bonnie, Sule Gbagegbe, Samuel K. Marful-Sau, Nene Amegatcher, and Professor Ashie Kotey. Peacefmonline.com sources say NDC General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia later told pressmen that the court had ruled in the partys favour by calling for the inclusion of the existing voter ID card as one of the source documents for registration during the upcoming voter's registration exercise. It would be recalled that two groups, the opposition NDC and a Private citizen Mark Takyi-Banson filed the case asking the apex court to stop the EC from compiling the register or allow the use of the birth certificate and voters ID card by prospective voters as proof of identification. Thursday Ruling The Apex Court thus fixed today (Thursday) to deliver its judgement on whether or not the Electoral Commissions (ECs) decision to exclude the existing voter ID card as one of the source documents for registration during the upcoming voter's registration exercise is Constitutional. The Supreme Court granted only two reliefs sought by the NDC which had nothing to do with the inclusion of the use of an existing voter ID card as source documents and dismissed all the other reliefs. The apex Court further ordered that the compilation of the new register should be in compliance with C.I 126. Granted reliefs b. A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution, specifically article 51 read conjointly with article 42 of the Constitution, the power of the 2nd Defendant to compile and review the voters register must be exercised subject to respect for and the protection of the right to vote; c. A declaration that, upon a true and proper interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution, particularly article 42, upon the registration of and issuance of a voter identification card to a person, that person has an accrued right to vote which cannot be divested in an arbitrary and capricious manner; Dismissed reliefs d. A declaration that, upon a true and proper interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution, particularly Article 42 of the Constitution, all existing voter identification cards duly issued by the 2nd Defendant to registered voters are valid for purposes of identifying such persons in the exercise of their right to vote; e. A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of the Constitution, specifically Article 42, the 2nd Defendants purported amendment of Regulation 1 sub-regulation 3 of the Public Elections (Registration of Voters) Regulations, 2016 (C.I 91) through the Public Elections (Registration of Voters)(Amendment) Regulations, 2020 to exclude existing voter identification cards as proof of identification to enable a person apply for registration as a voter is unconstitutional, null and void and of no effect whatsoever; f. A declaration that the 2nd Defendant, in purporting to exercise its powers pursuant to article 51 of the 1992 Constitution to exclude the existing voter identification cards from the documents required as of identification to enable a person register as a voter without any legal basis or justification is arbitrary, capricious and contrary to article 296 of the 1992 Constitution; g. A declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of the Constitution specifically Article 42 of the 1992 Constitution, proof of identification for registration as a voter should not be limited by the provisions of Public Elections (Registration of Voters)(Amendment) Regulations, 2020; h. An order directed at the 2nd Defendant to include all existing voter identification cards duly issued by the 2nd Defendant as one of the documents serving as proof of identification for registration as a voter for the purposes of public elections; Cases against EC In March this year, the NDC filed a suit against the EC and the (A-G) on two grounds that first, the entire registration exercise was unconstitutional because per Article 45 (a) of the 1992 Constitution, the EC could only compile a voters' register once and periodically revise it. The second leg of the suit was that the decision of the EC to exclude an existing voter ID card as a form of identification for the registration would disenfranchise many potential registrants and, therefore, it was unconstitutional as it violated Article 42 of the 1992 Constitution, which gave a citizen of Ghana the right to vote and also the right to register to vote. On June 11, this year, lawyers for the biggest opposition party abandoned the first leg of its case, the one challenging the constitutionality of the decision by the EC to compile a new voters register for the 2020 general election after the Supreme Court had pointed out to the lawyers of the NDC that the two claims could not stand side by side. Second suit On June 12, this year, Mr Mark Takyi-Banson instituted a different suit at the apex court in relation to the ECs decision 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 A-G, Mr Takyi-Benson 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. The plaintiff is also seeking a declaration that upon a true and proper interpretation of Article 45, the register of voters for the conduct and supervision of all public elections and referenda of the 1992 Constitution, the ECs constitutional and statutory mandate to compile is spent, saving only the power reserved in the commission to revise and expand the register at such periods as may be determined by law. Amicus brief Per the amicus brief, the CSOs sought to offer knowledge regarding the case that will eventually have a bearing on the case. Counsel for the CSOs, Mr Joe Aboagye Debrah took his turn at the court to make his submissions regarding the application for the amicus brief. In the course of making his submission, the Chief Justice questioned the lawyer on whether he had taken a look at the substantive processes regarding the two cases. In response, Mr Debrah told the court he had not read it but had only seen the affidavit. The Chief Justice further asked how he (Mr Debrah) could contribute to the case with his application since he had not taken a look at the substantive processes in the suits. A member of the panel, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonney acknowledged the role of the CSOs in the country but argued that as a result of all the issues being raised by the CSOs, it would have been better if the CSOs had joined one of the parties in the case rather than filing a motion for amicus brief. Application opposed A Deputy Attorney General (A-G) Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame and lawyer for the EC opposed the application. Not Neutral At the hearing on Wednesday, the seven-member panel of the Apex court, presided over by the Chief Justice dismissed an amicus brief application filed by lawyers of four civil society Organisations (CSOs) including, policy think tank, IMANI Africa and the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA). The others include the Policy Innovation Alliance for Social Equity and the Conservative Policy Research Centre and Institute for Liberty. Upon listening to the submissions, the Chief Justice, Justice Anin Yeboah dismissed the application stating that it was not supported by law. Source: Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video It said it had only received results from eight out of 5,008 polling centres by Wednesday. The results are being manually taken to the national tally centre in the southern commercial hub, Blantyre. More than 1,000 European parliamentarians wrote a letter yesterday advocating against Israels planned annexation of the West Bank. The letter is addressed to European leaders, and calls on them to act decisively in preventing annexation by deliberating with international actors on the issue. It was signed by 1,080 parliamentarians from 25 European countries, including the United Kingdom. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to annex Jewish settlements in Palestinian territory starting in July, and also wants to annex the Jordan Valley in the West Bank. Annexation enjoys support from the Israeli right, but many Palestinians say it will destroy their prospects for statehood. Much of the international community considers the West Bank, which Israel captured during the 1967 war from Jordan, as occupied by Israel. The United States is open to annexation as part of the Donald Trump administrations peace plan, but under certain conditions. The plan allows for Israel to annex parts of the West Bank, but also envisions an eventual Palestinian state. The Trump administration has been insisting that the partner of Netanyahus Likud party in the unity government, the Blue and White party, agree to annexation before it is to move forward. The letter reads, Regrettably, President Trumps plan departs from internationally agreed parameters and principles and says annexation will erode Palestinian sovereignty. It promotes effectively permanent Israeli control over a fragmented Palestinian territory, leaving Palestinians with no sovereignty and giving a green light to Israel to unilaterally annex significant parts of the West Bank, reads the letter. Some signatories are members of their respective countries parliaments, while others are in the European Parliament of the European Union. International opposition to annexation is growing louder as July nears. In an unprecedented op-ed in an Israeli newspaper this month, the United Arab Emirates ambassador to the United States, Yousef Al-Otaiba, said that annexation would harm Israels desire for improved ties with the Arab world. Jordans King Abdullah is also vocally against the plan. New York, June 25 : US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has declared Reliance Jio a "clean" network for not using the Chinese company Huawei's equipment, keeping it safe from Beijing's intelligence intrusions. Listing Jio among the "world's leading" telecom operators, Pompeo said on Wednesday that it was one of the "Clean Telcos" for spurning Huawei, which he called a part of the "Chinese Communist Party (CCP) infrastructure." Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani had told US President Donald Trump during his February visit to India that Jio was the only network in the world to not have a single Chinese component. Jio is reportedly trying the 'swadeshi' route for 5G and has applied to the Department of Telecommunications for permission to carry out lab tests for the technology without third-party participation. Facebook announced a $5.7 billion investment in Jio in April. Pompeo said that by Jio along with some other Canadian, British and French telecoms was "disconnecting from the Chinese Communist Party infrastructure" by not using Huawei equipment. "They are rejecting doing business with tools of the CCP surveillance state, companies like Huawei," he added while speaking to the media before the release of the State Department's annual terrorism report. The US campaign against the Chinese telecom equipment manufacturer over fears its gear can be used for espionage has intensified as the company begins its push into the next-generation 5G networks. According to US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brian, Huawei is able to access sensitive and personal information wherever its equipment is installed and "by law, must comply with directives of the Chinese Communist Party" making networks using it vulnerable to Beijing's surveillance. Trump had brought up the security concerns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the February visit in a bid to stop Huawei's inroads into India's 5G networks. Trump told reporters after meeting Modi, "We discussed the importance of a secure 5G wireless network and the need for this emerging technology to be a tool for freedom, progress, prosperity, not to do anything with which it could be even conceived as a conduit for suppression and censorship." The Trump administration has put a series of sanctions on Huawei to cut off its access to US technology to develop or manufacture its systems. In the latest action against it, Washington barred the use of US equipment and software by companies anywhere to produce components for Huawei. Short for fifth generation cellular network, 5G is capable of being more than 25 times faster than the 4G network and it has applications in manufacturing and in future technologies like self-driving cars. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter at @arulouis) Egyptian prosecutors on Thursday ordered the release on bail of Nora Younis, editor-in-chief of Al-Manassa news website, pending investigation on charges of running a website without a permit. According to a prosecution statement, Younis is accused of creating a platform to commit and facilitate commission of a legally punishable cybercrime, possessing unauthorised software, and trespassing on the financial and intellectual property rights of the software's rights holder. She is also charged with utilising the information system network, information technology means, and telecommunications services without merit. Younis, who was arrested on Wednesday, was required to pay EGP 10,000 (approximately $600) to be released on bail. Search Keywords: Short link: More than 100 people are reported to have died in incidents of lightning in the past 24 hours reported from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. At least 24 people were killed and 12 others were injured in lightning incidents in various districts of Uttar Pradesh, according to officials quoted by news agency PTI. The deaths in UP were far less than the 83 fatalities recorded in Bihar over the last 24 hours. At least 30 people were also injured due to thunderstorms and lightning across the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his grief at the deaths caused in the two states and said that state governments were busy in conducting relief operations. I have received the painful news of loss of several lives due to lightning and heavy rains from some districts in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The state governments are assiduously carrying out relief operations. I express my condolence to the families of the victims of this tragedy, the PM tweeted. More than 15 cattle were also killed in Bihars Khagaria district. Large scale destruction of property was also reported from various districts of the state. Also Read: 83 killed after being hit by lightning in Bihar 13 lives were reported lost in Gopalganj district followed by eight deaths each in Madhubani and Nawada districts and six each in Siwan and Bhagalpur, while 5 deaths were reported from East Champaran, Darbhanga, and Banka districts. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has expressed grief at the loss of life and has announced a compensation of Rs four lakh each for the kin of the deceased and proper treatment for the injured persons. The coronavirus pandemic has put a huge burden on e-commerce giants around the world but some appear to have dealt with it better than others. Amazon has had Covid-19 related deaths, protests, and law suits. Its closest equivalents in China, Alibaba and JD.com, have had none of those. While these sprawling e-commerce giants are all very different, they've all had to respond to the same virus. China's e-commerce giants rushed in safety measures, but Amazon has been accused of having a slower response with some dubbing its warehouses as "breeding grounds of coronavirus." Both Alibaba and JD.com told CNBC they have recorded zero warehouse worker deaths as a result of the virus, whereas Amazon has had at least eight. Jeff Bezos's Seattle-headquartered company has created a Covid-19 blog where it posts daily updates on how it is responding to the crisis. It's a lengthy read, suggesting Amazon is taking plenty of steps to protect workers, customers, and the business itself. But questions are still being asked and far fewer are being asked about Alibaba and JD.com's response. However, that's not to say everything is perfect. It's harder to get a true picture of what's happening behind the scenes of Chinese tech companies as Chinese workers rarely speak out against their employers and Chinese firms aren't scrutinized by the media as much as their Western counterparts. By PTI BENGALURU: Amid the coronavirus scare in the state, the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board is set to hold the 10th standard exam from Thursday with precautionary measures in place. The exam was supposed to take place on March 27 but due to the lockdown it was postponed. While a few neighbouring states have given promotion to the 10th standard students due to the virus scare, the Karnataka government decided to hold the exam from June 25 to July 3. "We are taking all precautionary measures to ensure the safety and security of the children in association with the home department and the health department," Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar told reporters on Wednesday. "This examination is not a prestige issue for the government. This is the challenge we are accepting as our duty," he said. As many as 8,48,203 students would appear for the examination at 2,879 exam centres, education department officials said, adding that each examination hall would have only 18 to 20 students. According to the education minister, adequate arrangements such as sanitisers and providing of masks have been made at the centres. He requested students to bring with them water bottles from home. For those who fail to bring it, water has been arranged at the centres. Kumar said the police department would handle the safety and security arrangements whereas the health department would take care of sanitising the examination halls. "We will sanitise the exam halls everyday after the exams are over. In addition to it, every examination centre will have physical education teachers deployed to ensure social distancing among the students," Kumar said. He said the photocopy centres, computer centres and cyber cafes in the vicinity of the exam centres would remain shut till the exams are over. Another important decision as per the standard operating procedure, which has been taken, is about the transportation of every child in every exam centre in the state, Kumar added. There would be free buses for students till the examination centres if they show their hall tickets. There would be free bus travel also available for children coming from Kasaragod in Kerala to Sulya in Karnataka from the inter-state border to the exam centres, the minister said. According to him, special sitting arrangements in separate rooms have been made for children with fever where they would be given N95 masks. The supervisors would also get N95 masks and sanitisers, he added. The minister said the decision to hold exams was taken after getting nod from the Union Home Ministry and the Human Resource Development Ministry. "We are conducting this examination after consulting many political, social, religious leaders, education experts and parents," he added. Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and former chief ministers Siddaramaiah and H D Kumaraswamy wished the students appearing for the SSLC exam good luck. In his message, Yediyurappa said, "The government has initiated all measures to conduct the examination smoothly." He appealed to the students to follow the guidelines of the state government such as the use of masks and sanitisers and maintain social distancing. "Face this important exam of your academic career with confidence and succeed without any fear. May you have a bright future," the Chief minister tweeted. While greeting the children appearing for the exam, Siddaramaiah told the government to live up to the faith reposed by the parents on it. Kumaraswamy, in his video message, asked the students to be careful about the coronavirus in view of community spread of coronavirus in the state. A violent thug is back on the streets after stabbing a man he accused of looking at him outside a Woolworths. Nathan John Fenton stabbed his victim three times outside Woolworths in Mudgeeraba, on the Gold Coast, on August 9 last year. Southport District Court heard how Fenton,32, accused a stranger of looking at him in a funny manner, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported. The victim then reportedly said 'grow up and get off the drugs mate' before Fenton attacked him with a knife. 'At one point the complainant felt what he thought were punches to his side, when you moved off, he realised you had stabbed him,' Judge Katherine McGinness said. Nathan John Fenton stabbed his victim three times outside Mudgeeraba Woolworths (pictured) on the Gold Coast last year The victim was stabbed twice on the leg and once on the lower hip. Fenton was on bail at the time and was arrested two days later after fleeing the scene. 'You could have killed the complainant, or seriously injured him,' Judge McGinness said. 'Fortunately, on this occasion that did not occur. But you must not carry weapons with you in the future.' Defence lawyer James Grehan told the court that Fenton suffers from mental health issues. Fenton pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding along with 14 summary offences including unlawful use of a motor vehicle and possession of dangerous drugs. He was sentenced to three years in jail but has already served 318 days and he was released on immediate parole. His driver's licence was disqualified for two years. Mr Grehan said Fenton was 'incredibly remorseful and expressed a willingness to apologise'. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Moch. Fiqih Prawira Adjie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 11:38 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066183b54 1 National KPK-Law-revision,Constitutional-Court,judicial-review,expert-witness,house-of-representatives,democracy-in-Indonesia,Corruption-Eradication-Comission,KPK Free The controversial revision to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) Law violated several democratic values upheld by the country, former Supreme Court chief justice Bagir Manan told the Constitutional Court during a hearing on Wednesday. Bagir, also a constitutional law professor at Padjadjaran University in Bandung, West Java, was summoned to give an expert statement regarding a judicial review petition challenging the revised KPK Law filed by seven different groups. The former justice was brought by a group of petitioners consisting of former KPK commissioners, namely Agus Rahardjo, Laode Muhammad Syarif and Saut Situmorang. Bagis testified that President Joko Jokowi Widodo and the House of Representatives had largely ignored mounting rejection against the revision upon deliberating the law. The revision, which was passed by the legislative body in October last year, triggered massive demonstrations in Jakarta and other regions, with protesters saying the law had taken the independence out of the antigraft body and stripped away most of its power. Many voices from the public at large, academics, mass media and experts demanded [the President and the House] to stop deliberating the revision and keep the law as is, Bagir testified during Wednesdays hearing. However, neither the House nor government responded to the publics opinion. Read also: Majority of people oppose KPK Law revision, support student protests, new survey reveals Apart from the protests, hundreds of thousands of people signed petitions demanding the House revoke the revision, including a petition started by a Yogyakartas Gadjah Mada University lecturer that received around 2,300 signatures from lecturers of 33 universities. The former justice said public opinion should be an essential consideration in writing laws, even though the country used a representative democratic system through the election of legislators. He added that public participation should also still be encouraged. Bagir added that the short deliberation time of the revision indicated that the House and government rushed the bill and did not deliberate it prudently. It took only 12 days from the initial meeting to the day the House passed the bill. It also shows a lack of openness and transparency, which limits public participation. This went against efforts to eradicate corruption. He highlighted that only 102 lawmakers attended the plenary meeting in which the bill was passed, which was less than the required quorum although 289 House members signed the attendance list. Bagir said the law should not be valid if this fact could be proven, as it violated the procedure for drafting and passing legislation. The petitioners also invited Aan Eko Widiarto, a constitutional law expert from Brawijaya University in Malang, East Java, to give testimony during Wednesdays hearing. Aan highlighted that the KPK Law revision was on the Houses 2019 open cumulative list meaning that the government or House could promote it to be deliberated, although it was not included in the National Legislation Program. Bills are put on the open cumulative list if they are related to international treaties, state budget, changes in the regional administrative area, the establishment and revocation of a regulation in lieu of law (Perppu), as well as a Constitutional Court ruling. Read also: Constitutional Court probes why KPK bill got speedy treatment Although the Constitutional Court ordered the government and House to revise the KPK Law and put the antigraft body under the executive branch in 2017, Aan said the bills academic script failed to address the court ruling. This should have hindered the House and the government from pushing the deliberation of the bill. Moreover, he added that the submitted academic script should not be valid as it failed to address at least six points included in the revised law, including the role of the newly established supervisory council. Many criticize the board for reducing the antigraft bodys independence, as graft busters would need to wait for its approval prior to carrying out wiretapping, raids and the seizure of items. Presiding Justice Anwar Usman adjourned the hearing until July 14, when the petitioners will propose more experts to testify. The three most populous states in the U.S. recorded their highest daily totals of new coronavirus cases on Wednesday. California announced more than 7,000, while Florida and Texas announced about 5,500 each. The positivity rate of tests in those states is increasing, which means the rise in cases discovered is not explained by increased test availability; in Florida and Texas, positivity rates have roughly doubled in the past week and tripled in the past month. Both of those states governors have been outspoken about keeping as many businesses and public spaces open as possible despite the recommendations of public health experts; neither state requires residents to wear masks in public. Its only been in the past week that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has begun to emphasize the urgency of wearing masks in order to stop the spread of the virus throughout the bars, luxury stores, and nail salons that have been open to Texans for the past month. (Abbott had previously said that he personally recommended wearing masks, but his talking points on the subject included the caveat that to require anyone to put one on would be an infringement of liberty.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow addressed the situation on Thursday morning on CNBC: There is no second wave coming. Its just hot spots. They send in CDC teams, weve got the testing procedures, weve got the diagnostics, weve got the PPE. And so I really think its a pretty good situation. Kudlow also spoke to reporters in person at the White House, saying that Were going to have hot spots, no question, and that we just have to live with that. Heres what the United States daily case count line graph currently looks like: Advertisement Advertisement Its literally another wave! Its what a child would draw if you asked them to draw two waves. Kudlows previous highlight as a White House official was the Feb. 25 interview in which he said the coronavirus had been contained in the U.S. According to Northeastern University modeling cited in a Thursday New York Times visual about the spread of the pandemic, the number of undetected cases in the country rose from about 2,000 to about 32,000 between Feb. 15 and March 1. 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. On Thursday, Kudlow also said the administration will not respond to rising numbers by encouraging another nationwide lockdown, which speaks to his motive for downplaying the pandemicnamely, that he believes its his job to advance the interests of the economy as defined by the short-term top-line indicators, which are damaged when businesses close. But at almost the same time, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott was busy announcing a pause in the states reopening, which will not be good for sales or employment. This impossibility, of making a full economic recovery without a full public health recovery, is a bind that almost every official in the U.S. except hard-line Trump loyalists saw coming. But if Kudlows press tour was any indication, the White Houses official position is that it would still prefer not to acknowledge reality. For more of Slates news coverage, listen to What Next: TBD. Chinas securities regulator slapped two individuals with a record fine for insider trading and confiscated their ill-gotten gains, meting out 3.6 billion yuan (US$508 million) of penalties in an unprecedented enforcement to stamp out corporate malfeasance in the countrys financial markets. Shanghai entrepreneur Wang Yaoyuan and his daughter Wang Chengcheng were fined 2.72 billion yuan for using inside information to punt on the shares of Joincare Pharmaceutical Group on the citys stock exchange. Their net gains of 906.4 million yuan earned from the doubling in Joincares stock price were confiscated, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said in a statement. The regulator is getting tough in its resolve to instil financial discipline in Asias largest capital market, as a wave of cheap money - unleashed to help global economies recover from the coronavirus pandemic - is finding its way into the worlds equities and money markets. A new security law that took effect on March 1 also gave the regulator the teeth for enforcement and increased the cost of violations. The CSRC issued 19 penalties in the first quarter, 35 per cent more than a year earlier, with most cases involving insider trading, market manipulation and violations of disclosure rules. The penalty on the Wangs would be the largest financial punishment by the CSRC in a single swoop, according to state-owned newspaper China Securities Journal, surpassing the 3.47 billion fines against the ex-controller of Shanghai Duolun Industry for price manipulation and disclosure breaches. The exterior of the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) building in Financial Street in Beijing on 9 July 2015. Photo: EPA The Wangs got hold of information in March 2015 about a plan by Joincares second-largest shareholder Hongxinhang to transfer a 4.8-per cent stake to two units controlled by two of Chinas most renowned investors, the CSRC said. The first recipient of the stake was Advance Data Services, a Hong Kong unit controlled by Tencent Holdings founder Pony Ma Huateng, while the second was Miaofeng Limited, controlled by Ou Yaping, chief executive of ZhongAn Online P&C Insurance, and chairman of Hong Kong-listed property investment firm Sinolink Worldwide Holdings. The elder Wang had five phone calls with Ou from March 14 to March 25 in 2015, the regulator said. Wang also received the insider information through meetings with Ou and the then controller of Hongxinhang. Story continues Armed with the inside information ahead of Hongxinhangs stake sale announcement on April 4, 2015, Wang and his daughter, along with his ex-wife, used 21 trading accounts to build a long position with 74.8 million Joincare shares. The stocks price almost doubled to 25.31 yuan on May 22, 2015 before changing hands on Wednesday at 16.26 yuan ahead of a two-day public holiday. Before the information [of the stake reduction by] Joincares second-largest shareholder Hongxinhang was made public, Wang Yaoyuan communicated and made contact with related insiders, the CRSC said. Wang and Wang Chengcheng together controlled a number of accounts and invested a large amount of money in trading the stock of Joincare, and the trading activities were obviously abnormal, without legitimate reasons or legitimate information source. Tencents Ma and ZhongAns Ou, who were not singled out for penalties or reprimand by the regulator, could not be reached for comment. Their companies Tencent and ZhongAn were also not fined or reprimanded. Joincare, based in the southern Chinese technology hub of Shenzhen, had 13,000 employees on staff in 2019, earning close to 12 billion yuan in operating income. Sign up now for a 50% early bird discount on the 100+ page China Internet Report 2020 Pro Edition, which includes deep-dive analysis, trends, and case studies on the 10 most important internet sectors. Now in its 3rd year, this go-to source for understanding China tech also comes with exclusive access to 6 webinars with C-level executives. Offer valid until 30 June 2020. More from South China Morning Post: This article Chinas regulator gets tough on insider trading as it metes out record penalty on wrongdoers in the financial markets first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2020. DeWitt, N.Y. The Jamesville-DeWitt High School email listserv was breached, and three explicit messages were sent to students, according to a notification the district sent to families. The messages were each one line, and contained vulgar language directed at school administrators, according to copies obtained by syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. They were all from the same email address and addressed to high school students. Students reported seeing the vulgar email messages Wednesday night. Peter Reyes, assistant superintendent for educational services in the district, said in the message to families that students on the listserv received three emails that contained explicit language. A listserv is an application that distributes messages to subscribers on an electronic mailing list.. The district suggests parents have their students log into the email and then the parents can delete the emails. If the students read the emails, anyone who wants to discuss it can call the high school counseling office at 315-445-5274, Reyes said. District officials could not be reached to discuss the breach, and how it was being investigated. Elizabeth Doran covers education, suburban government and development, breaking news and more. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact her anytime 315-470-3012 or email edoran@syracuse.com $40.5 million NIH-funded project aims to pinpoint cells at the root of the progressive brain disease and home in on new therapeutic targets If scientists understood how Alzheimer's disease starts, they might have a better handle on how to stop it. That's the premise behind a new $40.5 million collaborative research center in Seattle to build high-resolution maps of Alzheimer's patients' brains and identify how their neurons and other brain cells differ from those of healthy people. By comparing brain cells across patients with different stages of the disease, the researchers will seek to pinpoint how and where the progressive disorder starts -- and, ultimately, to find new targets for therapy. The center is funded over five years by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health and is headquartered at the Allen Institute, with additional projects based at UW Medicine and Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute. Their work will build off methods developed at the Allen Institute and elsewhere through the NIH-funded BRAIN Initiative that use genes switched on in individual brain cells to classify the cells into categories, or cell types. Using these methods to study brains from people across the spectrum of early- to late-stage Alzheimer's disease should reveal the specific kinds of neurons and other brain cells that are most vulnerable at the beginning of the disease, said Ed Lein, Ph.D., Senior Investigator at the Allen Institute for Brain Science, a division of the Allen Institute, and Lead Investigator of the new center. Such a detailed understanding of Alzheimer's origins is desperately needed, as many once-promising treatments -- primarily aimed at disrupting the disease's hallmark plaques of beta-amyloid protein in the brain -- have failed to benefit patients. Currently, no therapies exist that can halt the progression of Alzheimer's, which afflicts approximately 5.8 million Americans and, together with other dementias, costs the U.S. an estimated $290 billion every year. "We're trying to cure a disease of a complex system we fundamentally don't understand," Lein said. "Historically, the field has focused on the amyloid hypothesis, but that hasn't panned out for treatment. What's really needed is to take a fresh look at the basic progression of the disease across the brain, and we now have high-resolution cellular and molecular technologies in place to do just that." Like all resources generated at the Allen Institute, the data from this center will be openly available to the scientific community at large. The researchers aim both to make direct scientific headway into the root causes of Alzheimer's disease and to provide a foundational data resource to catalyze progress in treating other neurodegenerative diseases. The center's work could also uncover new insights into both the people who have a natural resistance to developing the hallmark amyloid plaques and those who develop these plaques but never develop dementia. Understanding where this natural resistance and resilience arises in the brain could point to new therapeutic pathways. "Alzheimer's disease is incredibly complicated, in part because different cells and parts of the brain are differentially affected," said Bradley Hyman, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of neurology and Alzheimer's researcher at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital who also serves as an advisor to the new research center. "This complexity makes it very difficult to model in experimental systems, and direct examination of the human brain is without a doubt crucial to understanding the disease. The technology developed at the Allen Institute provides a new approach to unravel these mysteries -- I can't wait to see what they discover." Building off foundational brain science The center's projects will build off recent and ongoing work led by Lein and collaborators to generate a cell "census" of the healthy human brain. In that foundational work, the researchers use single-cell technologies originally developed through genomics research to describe brain cell types by the complete set of genes the cells actively use. The new research will apply those techniques to identify how specific brain cell types and their active genes are affected as Alzheimer's disease progresses -- with the ultimate goal of finding new drug targets. The experiments will rely on postmortem brain tissue from the University of Washington School of Medicine BioRepository and Integrated Research (BRaIN) laboratory, which supports brain donation from research participants in the Adult Changes in Thought (ACT) study, a long-running study of brain aging led by Kaiser Permanente and the UW, and from UW Medicine's NIA-funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. The tissue donations will come specifically from participants in these studies who consent to donate their brains to science after they die. The research teams will analyze brain cells from approximately 100 people, ranging from people with normal cognition and little or no sign of Alzheimer's disease in the brain to those with late stage Alzheimer's dementia. The new research center will also adapt brain-banking methods to allow the application of modern single-cell technologies to postmortem brains. This will provide samples ready for the analyses in this project and generate a brain tissue repository that can be used for future single-cell studies. "This work wouldn't happen without the generous research participants and their dedication to support dementia research," said C. Dirk Keene, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pathology at UW Medicine and one of the principal investigators at the center. "We want to honor their incredible gift to science by making sure we can study their brains using the latest, most advanced technology to have the greatest impact." Past brain census projects led by Allen Institute researchers have served as a foundation for both basic science and disease-related studies. The current award brings the Institute's total amount of external grant awards to approximately $250M since the research organization's inception in 2003, when it was launched by the late Paul G. Allen. "Our founder was a champion for foundational research in brain science and for the importance of sharing resources openly with the community," said Allen Institute President and Chief Executive Officer Allan Jones, Ph.D. "He knew that this type of research could catalyze future advances in human health and disease. This award and the research it will support speak to the strength of his vision." Other investigators in the center include: Michael Hawrylycz, Boaz Levi, Rusty Nicovich, Julie Harris, Rebecca Hodge, Jeremy Miller, Jennie Close and Michael Wang of the Allen Institute; Paul Crane, Martin Darvas, Laura Gibbons, Thomas Grabowski, Suman Jayadev, Caitlin Latimer and Joey Mukherjee of UW Medicine; and Eric B. Larson of Kaiser Permanente. Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number U19AG060909. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. ### About the Allen Institute for Brain Science The Allen Institute for Brain Science is a division of the Allen Institute (alleninstitute.org), an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit medical research organization, and is dedicated to accelerating the understanding of how the human brain works in health and disease. Using a big science approach, the Allen Institute generates useful public resources used by researchers and organizations around the globe, drives technological and analytical advances, and discovers fundamental brain properties through integration of experiments, modeling and theory. Launched in 2003 with a seed contribution from founder and philanthropist, the late Paul G. Allen, the Allen Institute is supported by a diversity of government, foundation and private funds to enable its projects. The Allen Institute for Brain Science's data and tools are publicly available online at brain-map.org. About UW Medicine UW Medicine is one of the top-rated academic medical systems in the world. With a mission to improve the health of the public, UW Medicine educates the next generation of physicians and scientists, leads one of the world's largest and most comprehensive biomedical research programs, and provides outstanding care to patients from across the globe. The School of Medicine faculty is second in the nation in federal research grants and contracts with $923.1 million in total revenue (fiscal year 2018) according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. UW Medicine includes Airlift Northwest, Harborview Medical Center, UW Medical Center - Montlake, UW Medical Center - Northwest, UW Neighborhood Clinics, UW Physicians, UW School of Medicine and Valley Medical Center. About Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI) improves the health and health care of Kaiser Permanente members and the public. The Institute has conducted nonproprietary public-interest research on preventing, diagnosing, and treating major health problems since 1983. Government and private research grants provide our main funding. Follow KPWHRI research on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or YouTube. For more information, go to: http://www.kpwashingtonresearch.org. Scientists working remotely with Schmidt Ocean Institute, one of the only at-sea science expeditions to continue operating during the global pandemic, have completed a first look at deep waters in the Coral Sea never before seen. The Australian science team discovered the deepest living hard corals in Eastern Australian waters, sighted fish in regions where they had never been found before, and identified up to 10 new marine species of fish, snails, and sponges. Schmidt Ocean Institute's research vessel Falkor --the only year-round philanthropic research vessel in the world--spent the last 46 days in one of the world's largest protected areas, the Coral Sea Marine Park. The team of Australian scientists connected remotely to the ship from their homes, collecting high-resolution seafloor maps and video footage of the deep ocean down to 1,600 meters. Led by chief scientist Dr. Robin Beaman of James Cook University, the expedition enabled the team to develop a better understanding of the physical and long-term changes that have occurred on the deep reefs. This marked the first time the region had been viewed, using an underwater robot that streamed real-time 4K video. The extraordinary mapping effort has illuminated a complex seafloor of 30 large coral atolls and banks, revealing submarine canyons, dune fields, submerged reefs, and landslides. More than 35,500 square kilometers were mapped-an area larger than half of Tasmania, transforming the Queensland Plateau from one of the poorest-mapped to one of the best-mapped frontier areas of Australia's marine estate. The maps created will be available through AusSeabed , a national Australian seabed mapping program, and will also contribute to the Nippon Foundation GEBCO Seabed 2030 Project . Only the shallower parts of these reefs had been mapped previously, and until now no detailed mapping data existed of the deeper areas. "This expedition has provided us with a unique window into both the geological past and the present day conditions, allowing scientists and park managers to be able to see and tell the full story of the interconnected environments," said Dr. Beaman. "This vision is invaluable for science, management, and education." Over 91 hours of high-resolution video surveys were collected with Falkor's underwater robot, SuBastian, showing no evidence of coral bleaching below 80 meters. "We know that the shallower coral counterparts are currently undergoing their third mass bleaching event in five years, so it's an invaluable insight for scientists and managers to know how deep that bleaching extends, " said Dr. Jyotika Virmani, executive director of Schmidt Ocean Institute. "It's important to note, however, that the corals discovered are specialized to these deep habitats and are not found in the shallows. This expedition was the first time these species have been recorded in such high abundance in the Coral Sea." The 14 historic deep sea dives completed with SuBastian have also helped give a much better understanding of the depth and habitat preferences of the Coral Sea deep reef community. All of the data collected has been publicly shared through more than 74 hours of video surveys and highlights available on the Schmidt Ocean Institute YouTube channel and website . The live streamed dives created an online platform, drawing spectators from around the world to witness unique species like deep water sharks and chambered nautiluses-- a distant cousin to squids that uses jet propulsion to move. "The footage coming from our dives is just astounding, '' Virmani said. "The Falkor 's robust telepresence technology has allowed scientists from all over the world to collaborate on some of these discoveries. The data will greatly advance the characterization of Australia's massive and ecologically important marine estate." ### Research Vessel Falkor will return to the Coral Sea Marine Park for an additional month of research at the end of July. German payments company Wirecard has filed for insolvency as it finds itself embroiled in a major accounting scandal. The company has admitted to a huge black hole in its finances topping 1.7billion and the insolvency filing has emerged days after the company's former boss, Markus Braun, 51, was arrested over the debacle. It is estimated creditors are owed $4billion (3.2billion). Braun was, according to German media, arrested after presenting himself to police and was released on bail earlier this week after stumping up over 4.5million. Markus Braun, 51, was arrested on suspicion of falsifying the group's accounts Prosecutors accuse Braun of inflating Wirecard's finances to make it appear healthier to investors and customers. Earlier this month, Wirecard announced that around 1.7billion worth of cash was 'missing' from the company and admitted the cash probably does not exist. The missing cash stash was supposed to be in trustee accounts but the two Philippine banks the company said held the money have said they have no dealings with Wirecard. Auditor EY refused to sign off on the companys annual report. Wirecard, which had initially become a star of the European tech scene, provides the technology to companies and consumers to make cashless payments, a growing and competitive market globally. It is a member of the Mastercard and Visa networks and is responsible for collecting money from credit card payments and distributing it to thousands of businesses. The scale of the company's operations and the amount of cash involved cannot be underestimated. In a statement, Wirecard said today: 'The management board of Wirecard AG has decided today to file an application for the opening of insolvency proceedings for Wirecard AG with the competent district court of Munich (Amtsgericht Munchen) due to impending insolvency and over-indebtedness.' Wirecard's torrid demise marks the first time in the German DAX's 32-year history that a blue-chip company on its index has filed for insolvency Wirecard had been audited by EY for a decade and the group's last available company accounts in 2018 suggest it processed around 125billion, or over 112billion, worth of card payments, generating nearly 2billion in revenue. But, according to an independent report published by accounting giant KPMG in April, as many as half of those sales may have been fabricated. Revealing the extent of the scandal which has emerged, the company's shares have been suspended from trading in Frankfurt, after the share price slumped over 90 per cent in less than a week, revealing the magnitude of the saga that has emerged. Wirecard's torrid demise marks the first time in the German DAX's 32-year history that a blue-chip company in its index has filed for insolvency. Adding to the embarrassment to Germanys corporate reputation was the reaction of the financial regulator, BaFin, when media reports last year questioned the companys accounting. Earlier this month, Wirecard announced that around 1.7billion worth of cash was 'missing' from the company Rather than investigate Wirecard, it targeted investors, banning them from betting on a drop in the share price, which fell over 40 per cent. 'That is a documented failure of supervision to intervene when there was clear evidence in this case,' Florian Toncar, a member of parliament for the opposition Free Democratic Party, said in an interview on Norddeutscher Rundfunk public radio. He said the case was 'a heavy blow' for Germanys reputation as a financial centre. 'WireCard was until now one of the few functioning tech companies that have come up with new ideas in the market place and now it turns out that that was to a great extent smoke and mirrors.' BaFins head Felix Hufeld has conceded that Wirecards implosion was 'a disaster' but the agency is standing by its decisions throughout the scandal, details of which are still emerging. The Wirecard debacle has emerged as a major embarrassment for Germany's reputation as a solid financial powerhouse The scandal has also prompted concerns about the future of Wirecard's British subsidiary, Wirecard Card Solutions Limited, which has an office in Newcastle and reported 69 staff in its most recent accounts. In the past it has provided services to UK fintech stars Monzo and Revolut, such as issuing customers with Visa and Mastercard-compatible payment cards. And it held 465.7million in customer deposits at the end of 2018. Both of the digital banks have since stopped using Wirecard for card-issuing services. But Revolut is thought to have carried on using its payment processing services until as recently as late last year. The Wirecard scandal emerged after a series of articles in the Financial Times last year focusing on alleged accounting irregularities across the company's Asian operations. Speaking to This is Money, Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said: 'What is particularly odd here is that Wirecard first of all could not find 1.9billion in cash and then admitted the money may never have existed at all. 'This goes to show that if someone is determined enough to cover up something, it can be hard to spot. Shareholders of Patisserie Valerie will empathise here, although Wirecards auditor now has some very difficult questions to answer as cash should be the easiest thing to check. 'Even more unusual, a whistleblower did raise the alert over a year ago. Wirecard correctly stated that the subsequent independent review did not find evidence of criminal wrongdoing. 'But the company did not address the accounting issues raised by the whisteblower, which focused on weak cash flow, and instead began to pursue those who questioned its accounts, rather than deal with the internal issues raised. Sometimes the louder the company complains about someone poking around the more you have to wonder what they might be hiding. 'Wirecard therefore joins a growing list of stock market collapses and it could join the list of famous frauds too, depending upon what finally comes out. 'If that does prove to be the case it would be keeping bad company along the likes of Italian milk combine Parmalat where claims of a 4 billion account with Bank of America proved false; Belgian speech recognition firm Lernout & Hauspie; acquisitive South African conglomerate Steinhoff; and Spanish WiFi service provider Lets Gowex.' Mould added: 'Intriguingly, the US has not had a major case for pretty much 20 years, after Tyco, WorldCom and Enron. All of those featured management teams that had a dominant leader and were heavily incentivised by shareholdings and stock options. 'Again, I would not be surprised if a long economic downturn could perhaps shook out a few more cases, especially after a long bull run in stocks worldwide that was only briefly interrupted in the spring. We shall see.' NTU named world's best young university for 7th year running Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU) has been named the worlds best young university by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) for the seventh consecutive year. Earlier this month, NTU was ranked in the 13th place in the QS World University Ranking. The University also achieved its highest position in citations per faculty, rising 11 places to number 25 in the QS world ranking. Photo courtesy: NTU Singapore Ben Sowter, QS Research Director, lauded NTU for its amazing ascending trajectory in our global rankings that has resulted in seven years of absolute leadership as the worlds top young university. In a separate ranking of young universities by Times Higher Education, NTU climbed one position to the second place globally. The Times Higher Education's Young University Ranking compares universities below 50 years of age, based on research, teaching, citations, international outlook and industry income. The COVID-19 global pandemic has reinforced to the entire world the important role and significant value of universities for societies, governments and organisations as they respond to new threats and challenges," said NTU President Prof Subra Suresh. "NTU Singapore is proud that our dynamic campus community has played its part, in collaboration with many others, in supporting the global, regional and national responses to the pandemic." Phil Baty, Times Higher Educations Chief Knowledge Officer, added, I see NTU as one of the worlds great positive disruptors of global higher education making its mark, demonstrating powerful impact, and showing real innovation, and all achieved less than 30 years since its creation." Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national working committee (NWC) loyal to Adams Oshiomhole, suspended national chairman o... Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) national working committee (NWC) loyal to Adams Oshiomhole, suspended national chairman of the party, have rejected the invitation to attend the national executive committee (NEC) convened by Victor Giadom. Giadom had picked the presidential villa as the venue of the meeting, saying only NEC could solve the partys crisis. President Muhammadu Buhari, who has thrown his weight behind Giadom, has promised to attend the NEC meeting. But in a statement on Wednesday, Hillard Eta, vice-chairman of the APC (south-south) and Waziri Bulama, acting national secretary, said an emergency NWC meeting held after Buhari declared support for Giadom. He said after the meeting which lasted for about four hours, they resolved that attending the NEC meeting will amount to embracing illegalities and turning a blind eye to the infractions on the constitution of the party. We wish to unequivocally state that members of the National Working Committee (NWC) believe that the President was offered wrong advice or blackmailed into lending his weighty office to the illegality of the National Executive Committee meeting purportedly convened by one Victor Giadom on 25th June, 2020, the statement read. We hereby respectfully implore Mr. President to kindly avail himself with facts of the matter regarding the impasse presently experienced by the party so as to guide him in his assessment of the matter because we are sure that the President, if properly advised, would come to the conclusion that the meeting convened by Chief Victor Giadom bothers on illegality and criminality. The National Working Committee (NWC) regrets to turn down the invitation to the illegal and unconstitutional National Executive Committee (NEC) convened by Chief Victor Giadom. We believe that attending such a meeting will amount to embracing illegalities and turning a blind eye to the infractions on the Constitution of our great Party. When he featured on a Channels Television programme earlier in the day, Gaidom had said he was worried that some leaders of the party were not willing to surrender to the NEC. The APC crisis worsened after Oshiomhole was suspended. The Belarusian leader says external forces stand behind his opponents, disseminating information to discredit him. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has accused Russia of meddling in his countrys presidential election campaign and trying to discredit him. Lukashenko, who has ruled Belarus for 26 years and allowed little dissent, faces the strongest challenge in years to his hold on power in the August 9 election as frustration mounts over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and grievances grow over the economy and human rights. In comments made while appointing new ambassadors on Thursday, Lukashenko said external forces stood behind his opponents, disseminating information to discredit him and his family members. Lukashenko said he would discuss the alleged meddling with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but he did not give a date. Its clear that the puppeteers are behind them. They are on the one side and the other side. They live in Poland and are supplied from Russia, he said. We will talk about this with President Putin in the near future at a meeting. Belarus sovereign bonds fell as much as 2.5 cents after his comments. Russias denial Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied Lukashenkos allegations. Russia has never, is not and does not intend to interfere in election processes, particularly in the ones of our Belarusian ally, he told reporters. Relations between Belarus and traditional ally Russia have been strained in recent months as Moscow reduced subsidies that have propped up Lukashenko. But a crackdown by Lukashenko on opponents is likely to hinder his efforts to mend fences with the West. A top security official under Lukashenko has accused Viktor Babariko, seen by some as Lukashenkos most powerful electoral opponent, of being controlled by Russian puppeteers. Babariko was head of Belgazprombank, the local unit of Russias Gazprombank, before running for president. Lukashenko said the banks money was being used to finance Babarikos campaign and the authorities have opened a criminal case against the lender. Babarikos campaign team called the allegations against him an absurdity. He was arrested last week, sparking a new round of protests. Human rights activists say 360 people were arrested in a subsequent crackdown in recent days. Thousands of Australians are going wild for KFC's spectacular menu in Thailand - complete with fried chicken in waffle cones, cheesy popcorn and custard egg tarts. The menu items are not new to the Southeast Asian country, but pictures of the never-before-seen savoury meals and sweet desserts have been doing the rounds on social media in recent days - and foodies can't get enough of it. The exclusive menu offers items you will never find in Australia - including a bucket of crispy popcorn chicken drizzled in green curry with rice, Thai milk tea topped with ice cream and tiny chunks of brownies, battered prawn rings and salted egg tarts. 'I can say from experience that KFC in Thailand is amazing. I felt the chicken was more crunchy than Australia's version and those custard tarts are so good - I had one with every meal,' a Sydney traveller told FEMAIL. But one of the meals that's setting the internet alight is the famous 'Chick and Cone', which is a waffle cone filled with popcorn chicken, topped with its signature spicy sauce - and it will only set you back 59 baht (AUD$2.79). One of the KFC meals that's setting the internet alight is the famous 'Chick and Cone' (pictured), which is a waffle cone filled with popcorn chicken, topped with its signature spicy sauce - and it will only set you back 59 baht (AUD$2.79) For those with a sweet tooth can indulge in the restaurant's popular egg custard tarts, which costs 22 baht (AUD$1.04) per piece Another meal you will never find in Australia is a bucket of crispy popcorn chicken, drizzled in green curry and served on a bed of rice Hundreds of people said they would actually try the unusual snack because it's 'basically fried chicken with waffle'. 'This is the same as having fried chicken and waffles. I Love the idea,' one woman said, while another added: 'Shut up and take my money! I want to taste all of that!' Another woman said: 'Don't know how I feel about it but I wouldn't say no.' Others admitted they had mixed feelings about the waffle. 'I had a feeling of disgust wash over me when I realised that I would eat it,' one said, while another added: 'I don't know if I should be impressed or disgusted.' Eagle-eyed diners also pointed out the sauce dripping on the woman's hand, suggesting it would be a 'messy' meal to eat. 'You can see how messy that is - look at the girl's hand,' one said. For just 99 baht (AUD$4.68), diners in Thailand can order a two-piece crispy chicken, with cheesy sauce, fries and a drink There's also a range of milk flavoured beverages, including chocolate or Thai milk tea with ice cream, sprinkled with 100s and 1000s, along with tiny chunks chunks of brownies - and they cost 53 baht (AUD$1.65) 'Chizza' which is a crispy chicken, topped with pizza sauce, herbs and melted cheese costs just 139 baht (AUD$6.57) for a pack of three pieces For 99 baht (AUD$4.68), diners can get a bucket of 'cheesy' popcorn chicken flavoured sour cream with cheese Other savoury meals include fried chicken topped with cheesy sauce, sour cream with cheesy popcorn chicken, and 'Chizza' which is a crispy chicken, topped with pizza sauce, herbs and melted cheese. 'Oh my Lord that looks like heaven,' one man said about the Chizza,while one woman said the meal tasted 'amazing' during her last trip to Thailand. For those with a sweet tooth can indulge in the restaurant's popular egg custard tarts, which costs 22 baht (AUD$1.04) per piece - or there's a savoury option with salted eggs - a popular ingredient commonly used in Asian dishes. There's also a savoury tart with salted eggs - a popular ingredient commonly used in Asian dishes - and it costs just 29 baht (AUD$1.37) For 139 baht (AUD$6.57), customers can order a two piece crispy chicken, with popcorn chicken, fries and drink, along with its local signature sauces Chicken popcorn oozing with melted cheese - and it costs just 69 baht (AUD$3.26) There's also iced matcha tea topped with ice cream, as well as a caramel sauce with tiny chunks of brown sugar. Prices range between 25 (AUD$1.18) to 35 baht (AUD$1.65) There's also a range of very indulgent drinks, including iced matcha tea topped with ice cream as well as chocolate or Thai milk tea with ice cream, sprinkled with 100s and 1000s, along with tiny chunks chunks of brownies. Many called on the Australian fast food chain to 'pick up your game' by introducing unique menu items just like Thailand. 'Please make it happen Australia,' one said, while another added: 'Meanwhile in Australia, we get nothing compared to this.' The US Supreme Court is seen in Washington, DC. The Supreme Court sided 7-2 with President Donald Trump on Thursday in a case over a federal law that substantially limits the role that courts can play in reviewing deportation decisions in certain cases under a streamlined process known as "expedited removal." The opinion was authored by Justice Samuel Alito, and joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh. Justices Stephen Breyer and Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote separate opinions concurring with the judgment. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan dissented. The ruling noted that the top court did not find the law unconstitutional in the specific case that was at issue, leaving open the possibility that a future challenge could be more successful. The case was brought by Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam, a Sri Lankan asylum seeker who belongs to the Tamil ethnic minority group. Thuraissigiam, who was apprehended by a Border Patrol agent in 2017 during an attempt to cross into the U.S. at the southern border, said he had been "abducted and brutally beaten by a gang of men" before he fled. Immigrants may avoid expedited removal if they can show that they have a "credible fear" of persecution. Two asylum officers and an immigration judge rejected Thuraissigiam's credible fear claims, and a federal district court declined to review the matter on the basis of the expedited removal law. But that decision was reversed on appeal by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which reasoned that the law was unconstitutional as applied to Thuraissigiam under the Constitution's Suspension Clause, which limits the government's ability to restrict the writ of habeas corpus. The appeals court also found that the law violated Thuraissigiam's right to due process. The Trump administration, which has pursued an aggressive anti-immigration agenda, asked the Supreme Court to reverse that ruling. Alito wrote that Thuraissigiam's "argument fails because it would extend the writ of habeas corpus far beyond its scope 'when the Constitution was drafted and ratified.'" "Habeas has traditionally been a means to secure release from unlawful detention, but respondent invokes the writ to achieve an entirely different end, namely, to obtain additional administrative review of his asylum claim and ultimately to obtain authorization to stay in this country," Alito wrote. On due process, Alito said the constitutional right applies to "aliens who have established connections in this country." But, he wrote, Thuraissigiam "attempted to enter the country illegally and was apprehended just 25 yards from the border." "He therefore has no entitlement to procedural rights other than those afforded by statute," Alito wrote. Breyer, joined by Ginsburg, wrote in his concurrence that he agreed that the Suspension Clause was not violated "in this particular case." "But we need not, and should not, go further," he wrote. Sotomayor, in her dissent joined by Kagan, said the majority's decision "handcuffs the Judiciary's ability to perform its constitutional duty to safeguard individual liberty and dismantles a critical component of the separation of powers." "It will leave significant exercises of executive discretion unchecked in the very circumstance where the writ's protections 'have been strongest,'" she wrote. American Civil Liberties Union attorney Lee Gelernt, who represented Thuraissigiam at the Supreme Court, said in a statement that the ruling "fails to live up to the Constitution's bedrock principle that individuals deprived of their liberty have their day in court, and this includes asylum seekers." "This decision means that some people facing flawed deportation orders can be forcibly removed with no judicial oversight, putting their lives in grave danger," Gelernt said. Representatives the Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The case is Department of Homeland Security v. Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam, No 19-161. By Ayya Lmahamad Azerbaijan has sent medical supplies to Afghanistan to help it fight against COVID-19, Embassy of Afghanistan in Azerbaijan reported in its official Facebook page on June 25. The medical and humanitarian aid, amounting to 4,5 tons was delivered from Baku to Kabul by plane on June 25. The Embassy, on behalf of the people of Afghanistan, expressed their gratitude to Azerbaijan for their support. It should be noted that earlier, on June 9, President Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan made individual donations to the World Health Organization, and humanitarian assistance to 29 WHO member countries, including $5 million to Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Appointment of Chairman and CEO Sydney, June 25, 2020 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Arris Holdings Berhad (formerly known as I Synergy Holdings Berhad) ( NSX:ISY ) wishes to announce that Dato' Lawrence Teo Chee Hong has resigned from his position as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) w.e.f. 22 June 2020. He shall continue as Non-Executive Director in the Company. The Company would like to thank him for his significant contribution to the Company during his tenure as Chairman and CEO.Mr Loh Lim Hock has been appointed as the new Chairman and CEO w.e.f. 22 June 2020. He is currently the Director of Arris Consulting Sdn Bhd, which has been acquired by the Company as announced on 29 May 2020.About Arris Holdings Berhad Arris Holdings Berhad (ASX:ISY) provides accounting, taxation, audit, business process outsourcing, corporate advisory, venture capital and financial services. [June 25, 2020] Brent Zettl donates $300K to Ag-West Bio's ABIC Foundation to fund Beyond Entrepreneurship training program Brent Zettl, President and CEO of ZYUS Life Sciences Inc., has donated $300,000 to the Agricultural Bioscience Innovation Centre (ABIC), managed by Ag-West Bio, to establish a fund that will help aspiring entrepreneurs through training, seminars and resources. Launching in fall 2020, Ag-West Bio will make live streams of lectures and in-depth training courses on entrepreneurship free to members and non-members. Zettl's belief in the power of science to transform lives is what inspired him to give back to the community where he gained his success and help empower emerging leaders. In 1990, Prairie Plant Systems Inc (PPS), Zettl's first bioscience company, received funding from Ag-West Bio as a start-up. CanniMed Therapeutics Inc., a subsidiary of PPS, was acquired by Aurora Cannabis Inc. in 2018. This was the largest acquisition of a cannabis company at the time. Shortly after, Zettl resigned and started his new venture, ZYUS. Zettl says he feels compelled to help others by sharing the knowledge he gained in his thirty years in business. "Business can be a rough road, but with the right information and access to resources, it can be made just a little smoother." Karen Churchill, President and CEO of Ag-West Bio says Zettl's donation was a very welcome surprise. "This is an incredible gift. It enables us to help so many more entrepreneurs develop the skills that they need and gives them a better chance of success. We are so pleased that Brent has entrusted Ag-West Bio to manage this fund." Entitled Beyond Entrepreneurship: Building an Agri-Value Business, the training program includes two in-depth learning modules: Building Entrepreneurial Leadership and Building a Winning Plan: Agricultural Processing Business Plan Training, as well as a seminar titled The Big Picture: a program to help you think like a CEO. The program will launch in the fal of this year, beginning with the inaugural ABIC Speaker Series. The first lecture will be a webinar presented by Zettl himself. He says his lecture, Business 101, will appeal to a wide business audience and provides information that is largely unavailable for entrepreneurs in the early stage of their journey. "Saskatchewan is a research hub for agriculture and bioscience. Innovations that have shaped and built our country - and world - have been developed right here," says Zettl. "Saskatchewan is home; it has been good to me, and I want to give back to this great community." To learn more about the ABIC Speaker Series and the Beyond Entrepreneurship training program contact Ag-West Bio. www.agwest.sk.ca About Ag-West Bio Ag-West Bio is Saskatchewan's bioscience industry association and catalyst for industry growth. Our goal is to move research to market and grow bio-business in the province. Membership-based, we support commercialization of technologies in the areas of sustainable crop production, value-added processing, health, environment and bioproducts. We aid strategic alliances, provide seed capital for early-stage businesses, and disseminate information. Our many events help create connections between research and business and build a sense of community. Ag-West Bio is funded by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada's Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) program. Visit www.agwest.sk.ca About ABIC The Agricultural Bioscience Innovation Centre (ABIC) is a charitable foundation with a mandate to promote science and business education. Major ABIC activities include the ABIC Speaker Series and Beyond Entrepreneurship, a bioscience business training program. ABIC is managed by Ag-West Bio. About ZYUS Life Sciences Inc. ZYUS is a Canadian-based life sciences company focused on the global development and commercialization of innovative cannabinoid-based therapeutics and product candidates. Through clinical research and IP development, we intend to deliver high-quality oils, gel-caps, topical creams and other cannabinoid-based therapeutics and product candidates to patients worldwide. The ZYUS vision is to elevate cannabinoids as a standard of care and expand the potential of protein-based formulations in pursuit of a transformational impact on patients' lives. ZYUS: Advancing the Science of Well-Being. Visit www.zyus.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005008/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 15:11:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SEOUL, June 25 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in's approval rating fell for the fifth straight week due to geopolitical risks on the Korean Peninsula, a weekly poll showed Thursday. According to the Realmeter survey, support for Moon declined 1.8 percentage points over the week to 51.6 percent this week, continuing to slide for five weeks since the fourth week of May. The negative assessment on Moon's conduct of state affairs rose 2.7 percentage points to 44.5 percent. It came as tensions escalated between South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), caused by anti-Pyongyang leaflets sent across the border by South Korean civic group activists, mostly defectors from the DPRK. The DPRK has cut off all communication lines with South Korea and demolished the inter-Korean joint liaison office building in the DPRK's border city of Kaesong. Support for Moon's ruling Democratic Party added 0.2 percentage points over the week to 40.8 percent this week. The main conservative opposition United Future Party garnered 28.1 percent of support score this week, down 1.0 percentage point from the previous week. The minor center-left Open Democratic Party won 6.0 percent of approval rating, followed by the minor progressive Justice Party with 4.8 percent and the centrist People's Party with 3.4 percent. The results were based on a survey of 1,516 voters conducted from Monday to Wednesday. It had plus and minus 2.5 percentage points in margin of error with a 95 percent confidence level. Enditem The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have decided on their next move. Harry and Meghan plan to join the country's elite circuit of A-List speakers like the Obamas and Clintons. The two former senior royals signed with the Harry Walker Agency as their representatives for speaking engagements, TODAY has learned. They will take part in moderated discussions and give keynote speeches for trade associations, corporations and community forums but there are no plans to do any speaking engagements about the royal family. The Sussexes' conversations will relate to topics important to them and the current climate including racial justice, gender equity, mental health and the environment. The topics they discuss will be related to the foundation and mission of Archewell, their new nonprofit endeavor announced earlier this year. The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex Attend Mountbatten Music Festival (WPA Pool / Getty Images) Before SussexRoyal, came the idea of Arche the Greek word meaning source of action.' We connected to this concept for the charitable organisation we hoped to build one day, and it became the inspiration for our sons name, the couple said in a statement in April. To do something of meaning, to do something that matters. Archewell is a name that combines an ancient word for strength and action, and another that evokes the deep resources we each must draw upon. As of March 31, Harry and Meghan officially stepped back from their roles and ceased to use the Sussex Royal brand they had curated over the years. The pair signed with Harry Walker just for speaking engagements and have not with any other agencies for other purposes, TODAY learned. The Harry Walker Agency represents all kinds of A-List speakers, notably the Obamas, the Clintons, Ban Ki-Moon and Oprah Winfrey, among many others. The operators of Japan's famed bullet trains increased their mutual cross-shareholdings last fiscal year to strengthen their relationships, bucking a broad trend of unwinding such arrangements amid criticism from investors. East Japan Railway, Central Japan Railway, West Japan Railway and Kyushu Railway had boosted their holdings of each other's stock by between double and well over triple their year-earlier levels at the end of March. These holdings covered about 1% of each company's outstanding shares, up from about 0.2%, and JR East, JR Central and JR West each held more than 1% of JR Kyushu. The rail operators say the moves are meant to promote sharing information on disaster responses and developing new technology, as well as to facilitate new mobility services that combine rail and other transit methods for more efficient transportation. "Cross-shareholdings are an effective method of fostering trust," JR Kyushu President Toshihiko Aoyagi told Nikkei. But another possible factor is pressure on JR Kyushu from U.S. investment fund Fir Tree Partners, which owns 6.1% of the company. Fir Tree pushed multiple proposals at JR Kyushu's last two annual general meetings, most recently nominating three independent directors to the board -- all rejected -- and opposing two of the company's reappointments, citing their "questionable independence." JR Kyushu "may have increased its cross-shareholdings as a response to Fir Tree," said Masatoshi Kikuchi of Mizuho Securities. It remains unclear when the shares were acquired, but JR West said the moves were unrelated to the coronavirus pandemic. Railway operators tend to be especially partial to cross-shareholdings due to the number of partners they work with. Listed nonfinancial companies owned cross-shareholdings for strategic purposes equivalent to 9% of their total capital at the end of March 2019, while the figure was 13% for the ground transport industry, which includes rail, data from Nomura Institute of Capital Markets Research shows. The four JR companies' earnings have slumped amid the coronavirus outbreak. Rail and hotel operators are expected to face steep drops in revenue along with high fixed costs for the April-June quarter. And demand for rail travel may not return to pre-pandemic levels, heightening the need for longer-term strategies such as new mobility services. New Delhi: TV actress Deepika Singh of 'Diya Aur Baati Hum' fame wrote a thank you note for all those who helped her in her mother's coronavirus treatment. In her post, she revealed that her mother has recovered and is back home, but added that her grandmother, who also tested positive for COVID-19, is still in getting treated at a Delhi hospital. Sharing a picture with her mother and grandmother, Deepika wrote, "Thank you to all of you for your immediate help, support, for wishing and praying speedy recovery of my mother. She's back home & safe. Grateful to everyone who have been a big support in this journey. Dil se shukriya. Now just waiting and praying for my grandma to recover as she has also been diagnosed positive & still in hospital." "Please do keep her in your prayers. Although thank you is not enough but I don't have a better word. Really grateful to all of you," she added. Earlier in June, Deepika had appealed to the Delhi government to provide immediate help to her mother, who was denied admission in various hospitals citing lack of bed. She had shared her plea on social media which went viral. Deepika also said that she lives currently in Mumbai with her son and it would be difficult for her to travel to Delhi. Later, Deepika's mother was admitted to the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi. Donald Trump personally ordered for a statue of a Confederate general to be put back up after protesters against racial injustice toppled and burned it last week, and he is reportedly preparing to announce a mandate against the removal of monuments. The Albert Pike monument is the only outdoor one in Washington DC that commemorates a member of the confederacy and on June 19 - the Juneteenth holiday to celebrate the emancipation of African American slaves it was vandalized and later removed. However, two sources told NBC News on Wednesday that President Trump personally called Interior Sec. Bernhardt and asked the Park Service to put back up the statue of Pike, who was a senior officer of the Confederate States Army who commanded the District of Indian Territory in the Civil War. The White House did not provide an on-the-record comment about the statue potentially returning but an Interior Department spokesperson told correspondent George Bennett: 'The Secretary has made his position quite clear when it comes to lawlessness, violence against police, and destruction of public property.' Donald Trump personally ordered for a statue of a Confederate soldier Albert Pike to be put back up after it was toppled last week in protest against racial injustice Two sources told NBC News on Wednesday that President Trump personally called Interior Sec. Bernhardt and asked the Park Service to put it back up. Albert Pike is pictured left. Pike was a senior officer of the Confederate States Army who commanded the District of Indian Territory in the Civil War. Trump tweeted that the protesters are 'anarchists & looters' and claimed the the toppling of the statues was random and meaningless and insisted: 'Some are great works of art, but all represent our History & Heritage, both the good and the bad' He said: 'It is important for us to understand and remember, even in turbulent and difficult times' adding that 'knowledge comes from the most unusual of places 'Very sad to see States allowing roving gangs of wise guys, anarchists & looters, many of them having no idea what they are doing, indiscriminately ripping down our statues and monuments to the past,' he tweeted Wednesday night. 'Some are great works of art, but all represent our History & Heritage, both the good and the bad. 'It is important for us to understand and remember, even in turbulent and difficult times, and learn from them. Knowledge comes from the most unusual of places!' The statue was up in to Judiciary Square, lone street over from the DC police HQ. It came as Trump blasted political leaders for not being tougher on Americans who have also been protesting against police brutality. Meanwhile, Trump has been working on an executive order that would strengthen laws protecting historical statues and he said earlier this week it would include up to 10 years in prison for anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such federal property. 'We are going to come out with a strong executive order,' Trump said in a press briefing on Wednesday. 'I should have that by the end of the week, which is fast approaching. We are going to have a very powerful statement.' Numerous statues towering over visitors to parks and other public places have come down in recent weeks amid a global discussion on the lasting mark of slavery, which served as the economic backbone of the American South until the end of the Civil War (1861-1865). The statue was up in to Judiciary Square, lone street over from the Washington DC police HQ In Virginia, where some of the first English colonies were established before becoming the heart of American slave country, protesters have called for the removal of a statue of General Robert E Lee, the leader of the Confederate army. The statue, whose pedestal has already been covered with anti-racist graffiti, has held pride of place for a century in Richmond, the wartime Confederate capital. Trump is of the belief that taking down Confederate statues from these public places will destroy US history and culture. But others argue that keeping them up in neutral spaces as opposed to a museum - continues to glorify oppression and influence systemic racism. Americans have complained that when it came creating these works, the oppressed figures represented in some of them did not have a say in how they were depicted. However, Trump said Tuesday: 'We are looking at long-term jail sentences for these vandals and these hoodlums and these anarchists and agitators and call it whatever you want. 'Some people don't like that language, but that's what they are. They're bad people. They don't love our country. And they're not taking down our monuments, I just want to make that clear.' The city of New York decided to remove a statue of the 26th president, Teddy Roosevelt, from the entrance of the American Museum of Natural History last week. The move, decried by Trump, came after the city said the statue -- Roosevelt on horseback, while a black man and a Native American walk beside him -- represents colonialist and racist views. In a statement from the museum, Mayor Bill De Blasio said the statue 'explicitly depicts Black and Indigenous people as subjugated and racially inferior.' The museum noted that Roosevelt whose father is a co-founder of the museum and who has numerous monuments and areas named after him inside - was considered a progressive environmental defender at the start of the 20th century, but that the statue's depictions were 'racist.' Roosevelt's great-grandson, a museum trustee said it's time to take down the statue and move forward. Demonstrators in Portland toppled a statue of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, two former presidents who were also slave owners. And protesters in San Francisco toppled the statue of former President Ulysses S. Grant, who led the Union Army during the Civil War, but also married into a family that owned slaves. SHELTON State environmental officials are conducting air quality testing and removing contaminated debris from the Star Pin building site and the surrounding area after a massive fire devastated the historic structures along Canal Street last weekend. The fire broke out about 7:30 p.m. Saturday, destroying the former Star Pin building at 273 Canal St., and a neighboring structure. A plume of dark smoke along with debris, much of which contained asbestos pumped into the sky for hours. The air quality results have been less than the (state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) action levels, said DEEP supervisor Jeff Chandler. We are monitoring for solid particulate, total fibers and asbestos fibers. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Chandler said technicians are still compiling data about the health risk for those living, walking or working near the site, considering the large amount of contamination. He expects state environmental officials to be on-site until some time next week. Initial calculations, according to Chandler, had the debris field extending past Route 8 southbound, with the total area being some half to three-quarters of a mile wide. We have 40 technicians dealing with asbestos (in the surrounding area) and another 15 on the property recovering the various chemicals that had been stored there, said Chandler. Chandler said any residents with concerns regarding debris found on their property from the fire should contact DEEP at 860-729-4677 or the Shelton Police Department at 203-924-1544. Fire officials ask residents to advise them of the location of debris on the property and ask that no one touch debris until samples are gathered by DEEP or otherwise instructed by certified personnel. Firefighters have remained on-site since the blaze, putting out numerous flareups. Overall, Shelton Deputy Fire Chief Paul Wilson said, crews have used some six million gallons of water and are staying in contact with Aquarion to not overtax the system. While flare-ups and hot spots had been issues, Wilson said, amazingly, there were no new flare-ups Wednesday. As of right now, we are not too sure when we will terminate our duties, said Wilson. DEEP is still on-site conducting air quality testing, and everything seems good so far. The demolition is going smoothly. A large crane arrived Monday evening as ACV Enviro supervised the demolition of the building, the roof of which collapsed during the fire. The Star Pin building had been vacant for years, and no power was active on the site. Wilson said fire crews will remain during the demolition and douse any flare-ups as material is moved. Firefighters can see smoke and embers, but since the floors pancaked in the collapse, the materials are sitting on top of smoldering areas, making it impossible for crews to reach potential hot spots, he said. brian.gioiele@hearstmediact.com The Karnataka government on Thursday said Bengaluru is still 'safe' compared to the Covid-19 situation in other cities and states and ruled out fresh lockdown for now, putting to rest speculations that it was planning such a move in view of spike in cases. The government also changed quarantine rules and exempted those travelling to the state from Tamil Nadu and Delhi from three days of institutional quarantine. But those coming from Maharashtra will have to continue be under seven days institutional quarantine. "There will be no lockdown in Bengaluru. It is clear, no ... Three aspirants will today participate in the Edo State governorship primary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a bid to secure the partys ticket for the September governorship election. They were initially four before one of the aspirants, Gideon Ikhine, stepped down for Godwin Obaseki, the Edo State Governor who recently joined the party. The party had initially screened Mr Ikhine alongside Kenneth Imasuagbon and Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama. With the entry of Mr Obaseki into the PDP, the party after concluding its screening for aspirants extended its timetable to accommodate the governor. There has been pressure on the two other aspirants to step down for Mr Obaseki. The two aspirants who have refused to step down for Mr Obaseki have also protested against the partys decision to reopen its screening process to accommodate him. Mr Imasuagbon has insisted that the governor should step down for him since he has been in the governorship contest for 16 years and would therefore not give it up for Mr Obaseki. On the other hand, Mr Ogbeide-Ihama approached a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to bar Mr Obaseki from participating in the primaries. Here is a profile of the aspirants for the primaries that holds today. GODWIN OBASEKI Godwin Obaseki, the incumbent governor of Edo State, was first elected in 2016 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was anointed by the then outgoing governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who later became the national chairman of the APC. Mr Obaseki later fell out with his erstwhile godfather which led to his exit from the APC to the PDP. Mr Obaseki was born on July 1, 1959 in Benin City, Edo State to the families of Obaseki and Gbinigie of Owina Street, Ogbelaka Quarters. He is the third child of his parents. He had his primary education at St. Matthews Anglican Primary School Benin City and attended Eghosa Anglican Grammar School, Benin City before he proceeded to the University of Ibadan, where he bagged a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics. Mr Obaseki thereafter did his National Youths Service Corps primary assignment in Jos, Plateau State. He then proceeded to Columbia University and Pace University both in New York and bagged an MBA in Finance and International Business respectively. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Nigeria and an Alumnus of the Lagos Business School Chief Executive Program. KENNETH IMASUAGBON Popularly known as rice mill in Edo State, Kenneth Imasuagbon was born on May 4, 1966. He hails from Ewohimi community in Edo State. He has been a governorship aspirant in Edo State in six consecutive election cycles. Kenneth Imasuagbon (Photo Credit: punchng.com) He Obtained a degree in Law from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). He is a lawyer, politician, businessman, philanthropist and the chairman of Abuja based Pace Setters Group of Schools. Advertisements He is a principal partner at Imansuangbon and Co. Company, a legal firm he founded. He worked as a technical assistant in training at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in the early 1980s. Mr Imasuagbon is popularly known as the rice man in Edo State due to his annual philanthropic act of distributing rice to the indigent in the state. He has vowed never to step down from the governorship race. OMOREGIE OGBEIDE-IHAMA Unarguably the youngest aspirant, Mr Ogbeide-Ihama is a 44 years old serving member of the House of Representatives. He represents Oredo Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives and is currently the chairman of the house committee on culture and tourism. He hails from the Jackson Ogbeide-Ihama dynasty in Benin (Umogun nIhogbe royal family) and the Eboigbe nEtebite (Egbe Latose family). OMOREGIE OGBEIDE-IHAMA. [PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook Page of Omoregie] An engineer by profession, he graduated from the University of Benin, where he studied and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering bagging a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in 1999. In 2009, he obtained an MBA in Oil and Gas Management from the Robert Gordon University Aberdeen, Scotland. He was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2015. The author of a new UNICEF report says that more than 600 million children in South Asia will see their life prospects diminished over the coming months unless urgent action is taken. By Lydia OKane This week, the UN Childrens Agency, UNICEF warned that the Coronavirus pandemic is unravelling decades of health, education and other advances for children across South Asia. In a new report issued on Tuesday, the agency said that governments must take urgent action to prevent millions of families from slipping back into poverty. The findings of the report entitled, Lives Upended show that the side effects of the pandemic are having severe consequences for the regions 600 million children. According to the document, immunization, nutrition and other vital health services have been severely disrupted, potentially threatening the lives of up to 459,000 children and mothers over the next six months. Effects on families Speaking to Vatican Radio following its publication, the reports author, Simon Ingram said that although it has been apparent for some time that the scale of the pandemic was having a devastating effect on a number of vital services affecting children, what came as much more of a surprise was the speed with which the economic meltdown in the region, brought on by COVID-19, had on families. He noted that very rapidly following the outbreak, families were unable to feed themselves, and in many cases could not afford medical care for their children. The true extent of the situation is now becoming apparent with the very real risk that another 120 million children are being pushed into poverty over the coming months, he said. Food insecurity is on the rise, according to the report, especially in countries such as Bangladesh where some of the poorest families are unable to afford three meals a day. However, Mr Ingram underlined that for countries in South Asia this dramatic situation, is really across the boards. He pointed to Afghanistan which already has pre-existing problems, such as malnutrition and an ongoing conflict. But he also said the Maldives, which has made significant progress in recent years, in terms of education and health, is now feeling the dramatic effects of the pandemic, most notably in the area of tourism. Listen to the interview Education From an education perspective, more than 430 million children have had to rely on remote learning due to the pandemic. UNICEF underlined that many households especially in rural areas have no electricity, let alone internet access. The reports author described the impact of the pandemic on education as both, horrific and terrible. He also said UNICEF is calling on schools to be re-opened for children to continue learning, provided they can be opened safely. While we understand that governments have had to take very difficult decisions, especially in the beginning in order to protect their populations against the pandemic, the evidence has not been sufficient in our view to justify the continuing closure of schools. Abuse Another concern, the childrens agency pointed out, is an increase in violence, abuse and neglect of children living amid restricted freedom of movement and socio-economic decline. During the outbreak, Mr Ingram noted, UNICEF saw a spike in the number of calls from children who said they were the victims of abuse and violence because they were locked down at home; locked down essentially with their abusers. He also stressed that health and socials workers, due to a lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were finding it difficult to look into cases of children reporting abuse. Long term impact According to the findings, in recent years rising levels of prosperity produced significant health, education and other advances for children in South Asia. The document also shows that improvements in infant and maternal mortality were matched by declines in the number of out-of-school children and in child marriages. But due to the economic meltdown triggered by Coronavirus, families across the region are suffering. As in many countries around the world, unemployment has risen, wages have been cut and tourism has been greatly affected. In the light of this, Mr Ingram said that right across the board, theres a very real danger that more than 600 million children in South Asia will see their life prospects diminished sadly over the coming months unless urgent action is taken. In order to mitigate the impact on poorer families, the report says, Governments should immediately direct more resources towards social protection schemes, including emergency universal child benefits and school feeding programmes. Mr Ingram expressed the hope that the flip side of this report, will be a call to action in the region to undertake these essential steps, that will give the poorest families and the most vulnerable children in the region protection against the worst effects of the pandemic. The Florissant Police Department and city government should be commended for terminating detective Joshua L. Smith as quickly as they did after he, apparently intentionally, ran into a non-threatening, unarmed black man with an automobile and struck him while he was on the ground. They took action more quickly than a number of other departments in the country when faced with similar video evidence of abuse. Chief Timothy Fagan deserves a lot of credit for taking the action he did. The detectives behavior was truly unexpected and unacceptable. It was unexpected because North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice has been working with this department to help it improve its relations with the community, especially the African American community. The group consists of 27 churches of various denominations including six Catholic churches and four different denominational churches in Ferguson, and it works to promote racial understanding and social justice in North County. Over the last 20 years, it has been working with various chiefs of the Florissant Police Department, including the late Mayor Robert Lowery when he was chief and his successors. Among them were the more recent police chief Timothy Lowery and Fagan. Since our first meeting with Robert Lowery, the department was very cooperative and willing to make changes as necessary. For example, in the early days, at the North County church groups suggestion, Lowery brought in a community relations specialist to train officers. It worked with our group and other police departments and local school districts over the years to improve police-community relations. Since the Michael Brown killing and the riots in Ferguson, it has been working with a committee that consists of three pastors, four other police departments, the superintendent of Hazelwood School District, a representative of the Ferguson-Florissant School District, a representative of the St. Louis County prosecutors office, and several others in making changes to build bridges with the African American community. For the last five years, it has adopted the North County church groups summons of joy program that takes place every Christmas season. This program is highly appreciated by the community. Our group purchases gift cards for the Florissant Police Department to pass out to those stopped by officers for minor violations, especially to those who appear to have a financial need. Instead of giving them tickets for the minor violations, officers give them a warning and the gift cards, primarily to African Americans. They have given out 45 to 98 cards each year for a total of over $30,000 over the last five years. The individuals who receive the gift cards love it, and so do the police officers, because they receive many thanks and hugs that they have never received before. In fact, the police have called and asked when the program will start again. This is why the behavior of the detective was so unexpected and definitely unacceptable. The department has been working very hard to improve its relations with the African American community. This one incident has done a great deal of damage to the image of the department, and quickly terminating the officer was justified. A fair investigation should be conducted, and legal action should be taken against the detective if appropriate. Rance Thomas, Ph.D., is a professor emeritus of sociology and criminal justice at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Aspects of the federal government's economic response to the coronavirus pandemic were marred by outdated state technology software and a crushing volume of beneficiaries that overwhelmed many systems, according to a new report from the watchdog Government Accountability Office. Federal officials said "the ability to easily modify data systems to incorporate new flexibilities varies among state and local agencies," leading to numerous delays and interoperability challenges across multiple recovery programs related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act passed in March. Agencies like Health and Human Services reported that states had to coordinate across different data systems to serve existing beneficiaries as well as a surge of new applicants for programs like Electronic Benefit Transfer and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments. Meanwhile, uneven technological sophistication across different states made remote collaboration in the wake of the pandemic caused challenges while coordinating payments for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. According to Department of Labor officials, many states processing unemployment claims were using "information technology systems that date as far back as the 1970s" and crashed under the load of newly laid off workers filing for benefits. The department has provided federal grants, technical assistance and guidance to help modernize those systems, but "relatively few" states conducted adequate load-testing to handle the volume of claims they have received since March. These systems was already straining, with federal and state governments overseeing more than $2.7 billion in improper unemployment payments in 2019, and overseers worry the numbers will look even worse this year as the government has rushed to respond to the economic fallout of the virus. "DOL's experience with temporary UI programs following natural disasters suggests there may be an increased risk of improper payments associated with CARES Act UI programs," auditors wrote. A rushed response also led the IRS to send more than a million stimulus checks to citizens who were deceased. As FCW has reported, the agency emphasized speed to get relief dollars into the hands of Americans as soon as possible, leading to processing errors and opening the door to potential fraud. Auditors suggest that implementing 2018 recommendations to align their authentication practices with NIST cybersecurity guidance making better use of death data housed at the Department of Treasury and other agencies could address the problem. Auditors noted that " IRS has full access to the death data maintained by the Social Security Administrationbut Treasury and its Bureau of the Fiscal Service, which distribute the payments, do not." In a response attached to the audit, IRS Chief Risk Officer Tom Brandt said employee worked "around the clock since mid-March to develop new tools and new guidance" to make handle economic impact payments but that "our work is not done yet" and the agency will consider the GAO's recommendations further. Information technology challenges and delays also reportedly hampered efforts by the Small Business Administration to process economic injury disaster loans, though details are scarce. The report paints a portrait of disorganized agency that at times unresponsive to oversight. While auditors asked to meet with agency officials on April 13 to get more detailed information on individual loan data and other aspects of the response, SBA didn't agree to a meeting until June 1 and provided "primarily publicly available information in response to our inquiries" about loan data. In a statement, House Oversight and Government Reform Chairwoman Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.) said the report "provides a comprehensive and independent look at the Trump administration's incompetent and dangerous response to the coronavirus pandemic" and pressed for more information on IRS stimulus payments to dead Americans. She also called on SBA to address transparency concerns about its loan program "immediately." SBA responded to a draft version of the report disputing GAO's claims, saying they offered staff for interviews and provided 420 pages, including "information on loan numbers and loan volume, the number and type of lenders participating in [the Paycheck Protection Program], loan numbers and loan volume for each type of lender, loan numbers and volume by industry and state" and other figures. "To be clear, SBA has never refused to provide data to GAO," wrote William Manger, Chief of Staff for Administrator Jovita Carranza. Federal agencies were of course not immune from technological troubles, and the audit suggests modernization efforts at the IRS, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and other agencies can better position them to process funds related to the CARES Act. The report also posits that agencies could make better use of a number of existing contracting authorities and programs, including contracts that allow work to begin before a final agreement is reached, Other Transaction Authority (OTA) that sidestep certain federal regulations to prototype new technologies and higher spending thresholds for emergency purchases. GAO is currently working on separate reports examining how agencies planned and managed contracts related to the pandemic, reimbursement policies for contractors who performed emergency work and the use of the Defense Product Act. Meghan Markle irks her neighbors to no end. Some even complain that the home she share with Prince Harry reeks and stinks. According to Globe Magazine, June 29 issue, not only was it overwhelming for the other Beverly Hills residents to live beside a royal slash celebrity, it was actually stinky too. Her neighbors alleged that the bratty duchess is not clean when it comes to her property and as a result, all sorts of smells are coming off from there. Allegedly, these neighbors from the expensive, gated community charged that the duchess does not even pick up her pup poops. Even if the laws are manicured and the sidewalks look grand, pup poops ruin them. True or not, it is apparent that the world is still shocked that a royal couple decided to pursue their Hollywood dreams instead and leave their senior positions. Living beside them is certainly an adjustment. In the past, residents already complained of the fact that living with these royals being heavily protected was already giving them issues. Residents alleged that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are quite snooty and do not make eye contact with them. Their security team, with its elaborate plans and protective strategies, is not helping. Instead, they are also one reason why Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are treated as neighbors from hell. With the security team already clogging the streets, parking has become essentially difficult for the rest of the residents. "People have to find somewhere else to go where there's actual space," when parking. The neighbors are also somehow worried about their own safety. Reportedly, they said the royals have been attracting mobs of "crazy stalkers" just wishing to see them. One of the neighbors grouched the fact that the whole fiasco is okay for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle because they have a security team. But not everyone in the area does and are the ones being hassled to no end. Star magazine has reported that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex are treated as the bane to the lives of their neighbors. People living there originally paid millions so they can have peace and quiet, and yet when Meghan Markle and Prince Harry came to live there, they lost all what they paid for. People pay millions to live there because it's beautiful, private and peaceful," the source asserted. "But with Harry and Meghan around, it's become total chaos. Gossip Cop has lent its defense to the couple though. It claimed that people can be quite hypocrites. Even though neighbors complained of chaos and conflict, they should understand that somehow they contributed to the problem too. In the first place, Meghan and Harry had to rely on security because otherwise, they would be mobbed. Moreover, the paparazzi knows that their pictures would sell so they are being extra annoying to the couple. It is also hypocritical that residents request Meghan Markle and Prince Harry to talk to them when they said people in this neighborhood prioritizes privacy. The complaint is unfair too, given that the world is still grappling with COVID-19 pandemic and the best way to avoid being infected is to distance oneself from others. READ MORE:Prince Charles Hypocrite: Royal's Diversity Speech Tainted with Meghan Markle POOR Treatment Intensive Care Unit Consultant and President of the Intensive Care Society of Ireland, Dr Catherine Motherway has called for extra bed capacity to be created in Irish hospitals between now and the autumn. Ireland is still behind the rest of Europe in terms of intensive care bed capacity, known as level 3 beds, Dr Motherway told RTE radio's Today with Sarah McInerney show. In general the first wave of Covid-19 has settled, but there was no room for complacency and this time should be used to prepare for a resurgence in cases of Covid-19, she added. I dont think anyone can be complacent. The response of the public had been wonderful, she said, but she did expect a second wave as this is a very transmissible disease. It hasnt gone away. Worldwide the figures reported to date were underestimated, she said as many people had the virus but did not realise because they had no symptoms. In the event of a second wave of Covid-19 the Irish hospital system would be able to cope by cancelling all elective work while a permanent increase in ICU capacity was imperative, modular builds could be used in the interim, she said. The prevalence of the virus is low, but it will reignite if we are not careful, she said. It comes as the INMO revealed more than half of all recent Covid-19 cases involve healthcare workers. Of the 88 new reported cases between June 13 and 22, 47 were among healthcare workers. LSO commissioned IQVIA Inc., a global leader in health data and analytics, to examine the commercialization of new medicines in Canada and other top global jurisdictions from the past 20 years (2000 to 2019). The report shows that Canada has been a top destination for new medicine launches over the past 20 years and has steadily improved its global standing over time. Up until 2018, Canada was gradually getting faster and more extensive access to therapies relative to other countries. However, the research shows a sharp decline in the number of new drug launches in Canada in 2019, from 22 in 2018 to just 13 in 2019, despite the overall number of global launches rising during the year. In the last quarter of 2019, there was only one new drug launch in Canada. This report substantiates concerns raised by Canadian and global life sciences leaders in a survey commissioned by Life Sciences Ontario earlier this year to help measure the impacts of the federal government's new price controls for patented medicines in Canada (http://bit.ly/MedPriceControlsSurvey). The survey revealed unanimity on the expected negative impacts of the changes, including delayed medicine launches in Canada. "This new research shows that Canadian patients have been benefiting over recent years from new treatments being made available in Canada almost as quickly as anywhere else in the world but that we are throwing away this advantage in a short-sighted attempt to lower drug prices at unreasonably low levels. And we are doing this at a critical time where Canadians need access to new medicines and vaccines, especially to combat COVID-19," states Jason Field, President and CEO of Life Sciences Ontario. The report shows that among 37 new therapies launched globally in 2018, over half of them (21) were not launched in Canada. The majority of the medicines not commercialized in Canada were for rare diseases and cancer. For Barry Stein, President and CEO of Colorectal Cancer Canada and President of the Coalition Priorite Cancer au Quebec, the report flags a number of concerns. He notes that "Timely access to new and effective drugs that improve patient outcomes, including access to new therapies through clinical trials, may mean the difference between life and death for many patients, but particularly those with cancer." Stein also observes that "New innovations in precision medicines, immunotherapies and other targeted treatments benefit cancer patients and society as a whole. It is therefore crucial that we maintain a fertile research environment encouraged by reimbursement for these new innovations so that all Canadians can benefit from them in a timely manner." LSO's Jason Field supports the government's decision to delay implementation of the federal regulations as an opportunity to revisit the policy, noting that "we hope the federal government will revise the regulations to ensure Canadians don't suffer further from delayed or lack of access to new treatments and vaccines." The complete report is available here. About Life Sciences Ontario Life Sciences Ontario is a member-driven organization that represents and promotes the province's vibrant and diverse life sciences sector. Ontario is currently home to one of the largest life sciences clusters in North America, contributing $58 billion to Ontario's GDP, and providing almost 200,000 direct and indirect jobs for Ontarians. About 1-in-13 jobs in Ontario are in life sciences or supported by its activity. LSO collaborates with governments, academia, industry, and other life science organizations in Ontario and across Canada to promote and encourage commercial success throughout the sector. Membership in Life Sciences Ontario includes individuals, students, emerging companies, investors, service providers, and companies with marketed products. LSO is dedicated to promoting Ontario's life sciences sector internationally. Visit lifesciencesontario.ca for more information. SOURCE Life Sciences Ontario For further information: Media contact: Don Sancton, 3Sixty Public Affairs, 514-206-1191 (mobile), [email protected]; Life Sciences Ontario, 350 Bay St, Suite 700, Toronto, ON M5H 2S6, 416-426-7293, [email protected] Nearly 1.5 million people filed for state unemployment benefits last week, the Department of Labor announced Thursday, bringing the 14-week total for first-time claims to about 47 million. The latest data shows that new unemployment claims continue to move lower but just barely. Initial claims peaked at 6.9 million in late March and have fallen every week since, but the latest figure of 1.48 million was higher than expected and marks the 14th week in a row that more than 1 million people have made a claim for state unemployment benefits. The aggregate numbers are considerably worse. In addition to state initial claims, about 730,000 people applied last week for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), a temporary program created by Congress for workers who ordinarily do not qualify for unemployment payments. Taken together, that brings the weeks total of first-time jobless claims to about 2.2 million. Joseph Brusuelas, chief economist at the consulting firm RSM, said Thursday that by his calculation, more than 2 million people have filed for unemployment aid of some kind every week for the past 10 weeks. Worries about a stall: The improvement in the job market appears to have slowed, said Bloombergs Katia Dmitrieva, even though its clear that some businesses are rehiring. It looks like jobless claims declines have stalled. Signals a few things: huge churn in labor market (hiring vs. firing), and that second wave of layoffs in white collar jobs and non-restaurant/retail. The job market is not really improving, said Heidi Shierholz of the Economic Policy Institute. I do think that people are getting hired back, but we are continuing to see an absolute hemorrhaging of jobs, Shierholz told The Washington Post. Just record levels of people. Implications for the next stimulus package: Some economists said the data shows that the economy will need more stimulus from Congress. If one was looking for confirmation, on whether further aid for the unemployed and the economy is necessary, its sitting out in plain sight, said RSMs Brusuelas. Aid for those negatively affected by the pandemic expires on July 31 which due to those waiting on confirmation is setting up as the most significant fiscal cliff in American economic history. Like what you're reading? Sign up for our free newsletter. German discounter Aldi has been crowned Britain's favourite supermarket, beating upmarket rivals Marks & Spencer and Waitrose. The budget grocer took home gold for the second consecutive year at the prestigious Good Housekeeping Food Awards, which also named Tesco as the best online retailer. Aldi also scooped honours for the Favourite Wine Retailer and Favourite Premium Supermarket Range for its Specially Selected brand. German discounter Aldi has been crowned Britain's favourite supermarket beating out upmarket rivals Marks and Spencer and Waitrose The food awards are in their 15th year, and celebrate the all-time favourite foodie brands and products as voted by Good Housekeeping readers. They give customers the chance to vote for which people, products and supermarkets keep them going throughout the year. Julie Ashfield, Managing Director of National Buying at Aldi, told FEMAIL: 'We're delighted to have picked up an incredible three trophies at the 2020 Good Housekeeping Food Awards. 'Being voted the UK's Favourite Supermarket and Favourite Wine Retailer for the second consecutive year is a real testament to the hard work we put in to provide our customers. Good Housekeeping awards 2020 Food Awards: The full winners Favourite Storecupboard Essential Winner: Heinz Beanz Runner up: Heinz Tomato Ketchup Favourite Tea Brand Winner: Yorkshire Tea Runner-up: PG Tips Favourite Biscuit Brand Winner: McVitie's Runner-up: Fox's Favourite Supermarket Winner: Aldi Runner-up: Waitrose & Partners Favourite Soft Drink/Mixer Winner: Fever-Tree Runner-up: Schweppes Favourite Ice Cream Brand Winner: Ben & Jerry's Runner-up: Haagen-Dazs Favourite Veg/Vegan Brand Winner: Quorn Runner-up: Linda McCartney's Favourite Organic Brand Winner: Yeo Valley Runner-up: Green & Black's Favourite Online Grocery Service Winner: Tesco Runner-up: Asda Favourite Free-From Brand Winner: Alpro Runner-up: Doves Farm Favourite Wine Retailer Winner: Aldi Runner-up: Tesco Favourite High-Street Restaurant Chain Winner: Nando's Runner up: Wagamama Favourite Food Box Delivery Service Winner: HelloFresh Runner-up: Gousto Favourite Premium Supermarket Range Winner: Aldi Specially Selected Runner-up: Marks & Spencer Our Best Ever Favourite Gin Brand Winner: Gordon's Runner-up: Bombay Sapphire Favourite Non-Alcoholic Spirit Brand Winner: Seedlip Runner-up: Silk Tree Favourite Breakfast Brand Winner: Kellogg's Cereals Runner-up: Quaker Oats Favourite Coffee Brand Winner: Nescafe Runner-up: Kenco Favourite Savoury Freezer Brand Winner: Birds Eye Runner-up: Aunt Bessie's Advertisement 'We are also very proud that Specially Selected was named readers' Favourite Premium Supermarket Range. 'Above everything, we are committed to providing customers with high quality products at amazing prices and it's great to see that the customers agree.' Meike Beck, Cookery Director at Good Housekeeping, said: 'I can't believe we are now celebrating the results of our 15th annual Good Housekeeping Food Awards. Heinz Beanz took the top prize for store cupboard essential, with Good Housekeeping branding them 'versatile and delicious' and Ben & Jerry's won the award for best ice-cream. McVities were branded the best biscuit thanks to its popular digestives, jaffa cakes and hobnobs Other winners included Yorkshire Tea, who took home the gong for best tea, 'It's fair to say that life has shifted drastically in the last few months, as has the landscape of food and how we shop, but despite this Good Housekeeping readers have been wonderfully vocal in voting in their thousands for the brands they use and the products they love. 'These awards celebrate the companies that resonate with our readers and the foods that are trusted for consistency and quality. 'We've never had more culinary options available, so it's always incredibly exciting to see whom our readers have supported. 'Some brands have dominated the top spots for many consecutive years, but there are plenty of new winners here too, which is hugely exciting.' The alleged assaults happened in Ormeau Park earlier this month. Credit: Pacemaker Two teenage girls were the alleged victims of "opportunistic" rapes in south Belfast, a court has been told. Police claimed 22-year-old Pawel Kalandyk sexually assaulted one of them at Ormeau Park on June 13. A judge was also told that a second suspect has since left Northern Ireland and travelled to Poland. Kalandyk, a warehouse assistant with an address at Dunvegan Street in the city, appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Thursday charged with one count of rape. The Polish national denies the offence, claiming any sexual contact was consensual. He was arrested as part of the investigation into the alleged evening attacks at the park. Opposing Kalandyk's application for bail, a detective expressed concerns he may flee if released. "The co-accused has already left the country for Poland," he said. "There's also a significant risk to the public; this was an opportunistic rape of young females in broad daylight in a public area." During police questioning Kalandyk insisted there had been full sexual consent. "He said she was the one who wanted it, she was the instigator," the detective confirmed. Defence solicitor Robert Murtagh argued that his client provided a "full and forthright interview". The lawyer added: "This man does not know the identity or whereabouts of these two young ladies." Granting bail, District Judge Mark Hamill pointed out that any trial is likely to be at least a year away. He imposed a curfew, electronic tagging and ordered the accused to surrender his passport. Mr Hamill also stressed: "He's barred from Ormeau Park." Kalandyk is due to appear in court again in four weeks time. Almost every amusement park we visited in Japan was a ghost town. You would think the park was closed, but they were very much open! But no one was there! Buildings were outdated, rides had rust on them, and some places hadn't received new attractions in years. Why is that? Join myself and special guest Sean Flaharty as we discuss what could possible be the reason for this strange phenomenon. - Coaster Studios "We envision this helping to fill some product gaps and offer our customers the most complete line of products for the construction, concrete and decorative markets. Fenix Group, and ChemSystems Inc., are pleased to announce a strategic alliance, with the goal to leverage technology, manufacturing footprint and product offerings to the benefit of each company and our customers. As part of this alliance, Chris Sullivan will join Fenix Group as VP of Sales for their Construction, Concrete and Decorative division. Ray Torres, CEO of Fenix Group said, we are extremely excited to develop a stronger relationship with ChemSystems, and envision this helping to fill some product gaps and offer our customers the most complete line of products for the construction, concrete and decorative markets. Jessica Davis, President of ChemSystems said, Although we are sad to lose Chris Sullivans daily presence, we are confident that his talents and experience will assist with Fenix and ChemSystems growing to the next level, making both of us stronger in the marketplace. Chris Sullivan has been considered an expert in the decorative concrete industry since 2005 and has been a presenter at the World of Concrete since 2004 and the Concrete Decor Show since 2009. Chris has published over 200 articles covering all facets of decorative concrete with a focus on explaining and solving common installation issues and has published 4 books dealing with trends in decorative concrete. In 2015 he was the 19th member inducted into the Decorative Concrete Hall of Fame. Fenix Group is an industry leader in providing coating solutions for the industrial, commercial, construction, concrete and decorative markets, with premium brands TK Products, SureCrete Design, Concrete Coatings, Sierra Company and Burke Industrial Coatings. Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, Fenix has manufacturing locations in Florida, Minnesota, and Utah, and continues to seek complementary acquisitions in other parts of the United States. For more information, please contact Ray Torres at 952-641-0751 (rtorres@fenixspc.com); http://www.fenixspc.com; 114700 W. 47th St., Minnetonka, MN 55343. The ChemSystems family of companies is family owned and operated since 1996 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. They are leading suppliers of concrete color, decorative concrete admixtures and decorative overlay systems. With on-site manufacturing, color matching and superior technical service, ChemSystems and its family of companies have become a leading choice for professionals when it comes to decorative concrete products. For more information, please contact Jessica Davis at 713-329-9066 (jmdavis@chemsystemsinc.net); wwwchemsystemsinc.com; 10101 Genard Rd., Houston, TX 77041. President Trump opined recently that people wear masks to indicate hostility to him. But arguments for wearing masks are equally applicable to Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals, men and women. They are based on scientific findings and common sense, neither of which is monopolized by any political faction. It's bad enough when politicians declare war on scientific findings about global warming because they conflict with a politically influential coal industry. Uncontrolled global warming will kill us off only in the medium run, not the short run. But COVID-19 has been killing a lot of us in the short run and will continue doing this unless we act rationally. Acting rationally will require wearing masks whenever we are near other people, and especially when in crowds, whether the crowd be for a political protest, a political rally, or a church service. Scientific findings are changed when new evidence emerges. But the original recommendation not to wear masks was not based on evidence that mask-wearing provides no protection against COVID-19. It was based on evidence that masks do provide protection, that there weren't enough masks for everyone, and that it was most important to reserve available masks to protect people treating patients with the new disease. Mask production has now zoomed. The original advice is now out of date. A friend, Chunheui Chi, is a professor at Oregon State University and a widely respected public health expert. Frequently consulted about COVID-19, he strongly recommends that everyone wear masks in public. His point about everyone is important. Unlike the specialized ones now used by medical personnel, a common mask provides us only modest protection when we wear it. But it is very effective at stopping any virus we emit into nearby air when we breathe out, cough, sneeze, sing, or even just speak. Although we gain some protection by wearing a mask, our mask mainly protects other people in our vicinity. If they too are wearing masks, that is mainly what protects us. Remember that COVID-19 is sneaky. Infected people without symptoms can infect other people. If only people who know they are infected wear masks, infected individuals who aren't aware of it will continue infecting other people. As I said, our own mask gives us only modest protection, and our main protection comes from masks worn by other people. Dr. Chi recently cited evidence suggesting how effective general mask-wearing can be: "Two hair stylists in the same salon in Missouri were confirmed with COVID-19 infection. Local health officials ... identified 140 customers and coworkers who were in close contact with these two hair stylists. Miraculously, none were infected, despite the high level of contagiousness of this COVID-19. The reason for this 'miracle?' Every one of these 140 customers/coworkers, plus these two stylists were wearing facial masks." Partisan politics has nothing to do with these facts. If we want to move personal and economic life back towards normal, and to do so before a vaccine is developed, we all should start wearing masks whenever it is appropriate. It might not be necessary to make mask wearing a legal requirement, since social pressure to wear them might take care of the problem. But if social pressure can't do the job, laws (with appropriate exceptions) should be enacted. True, they would reduce individual freedom, but laws always do that. Laws limit my freedom to swing my fist but protect your nose from being hit. Likewise, a law could limit my right not to wear a mask in order to protect your nose from COVID-19. Someone on TV recently said he would rather die from COVID-19 than wear a mask. That is certainly his privilege. But would he rather kill someone else than wear a mask? Paul F. deLespinasse of Corvallis is Professor Emeritus of Political Science and Computer Science at Adrian College. His most recent book is "Beyond Capitalism: A Classless Society With (Mostly) Free Markets." His columns have appeared in newspapers in Michigan, Oregon, and a number of other states. This column originally appeared in NewsMax. Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 [June 25, 2020] XDB Foundation Formed to Support DigitalBits Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (via Blockchain Wire) The DigitalBits ecosystem has gained a new key contributor with the formation of the XDB Foundation (the Foundation), a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting DigitalBits, as well as related initiatives and technologies. The XDB Foundations key initiatives include the DigitalBits Ecosystem Support Program, aiming to provide both financial and non-financial assistance to qualified entities and projects within the DigitalBits community, with a focus towards innovation and accelerating ecosystem growth. Michael Gord, MLG Blockchain and GDA Capital (GDA or Global Digital Assets) founder, has been appointed to the position of Managing Director of the XDB Foundation. Michael brings a wealth of experience to the table, spanning both professional and evangelistic initiatives in the following categories: Enterprise & Government - Under Michaels leadership, GDA and its subsidiaries have worked with Fortune 500 companies, such as Toronto Dominion Bank, as well as governments in North America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. Community Development - Michael has contributed to some of the worlds largest blockchain ecosystems, including TRX, LRC, and ONT. Developer Ecosystems - Michael has spearheaded initiatives such as Canadas Next Top Blockchain Exec, the global Blockchain Gauntlet startup competition, global hackathon events such as the Borderless Block Party, and the build-out of global industry ambassador networks. Education Evangelism - Michaels first initiatives within blockchain started with establishing the McGill Students Cryptocurrency Club, McGill Students Fintech Association, Bitcoin Canada and providing leadership on the global expansion of the Blockchain Education Network. Notably, he is also a key contributor to the Kerala Blockchain Academy, one of the largest innovation hubs for blockchain technology worldwide. Foundation Governance and Objectives The XDB Foundation will also establish a set of committees focused on the oversight of governance, education, research and development, and ecosystem growth and adoption. The Foundations core objectives include the following: Support innovation and adoption of the DigitalBits blockchain Shape commercial standards and requests for technical development Growth of the DigitalBits Community through a diverse regional strategy Accountability and sustainability practices Facilitate partnerships and ecosystem development The DigitalBits Project The DigitalBits Project, since its founding in 2017 and the unveiling of the DigitalBits blockchain in March 2018, has seen a robust array of support from an ecosystem of top-tier partners, including developers, other blockchain projects, exchanges and enterprise partners. As the new project lead for the DigitalBits Project, the XDB Foundation is also able to leverage these building blocks to support the next phase of commercial integrations and brand adoption. The Foundation will provide a framework to help ensure longevity, integrity, and effective collaboration between the Foundation, the DigitalBits Project and a hallmark of commercial companies. Moving Forward As Q2 approaches an end, it is exciting to see all that has been accomplished since the DigitalBits Project first launched. Under the oversight of the XDB Foundation, future roadmaps will be published. This will include a new category, Brand Integration, added to the DigitalBits Roadmap, to share updates from the robust ecosystem partners that will leverage the DigitalBits blockchain for their unique solutions. I am excited to see the launch of the XDB Foundation and to be joining the DigitalBits ecosystem in this new capacity, says Michael Gord, Managing Director, XDB Foundation. In the coming weeks, the XDB Foundation will share additional updates regarding its key initiatives. Over the past 2 years, we have seen DigitalBits achieve various milestones and with this next chapter Im excited to see the XDB Foundation contribute as the new project lead supporting education, research and development, and ecosystem growth and adoption. About DigitalBits The DigitalBits Project is an open-source project that developed the DigitalBits blockchain protocol and a secure, low-cost global transaction network, and tools. This blockchain protocol and network layer support various use cases including consumer digital assets, specifically branded currencies. About XDB Foundation The XDB Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on assisting DigitalBits and related technologies. The XDB Foundations core objectives include: supporting the innovation and adoption of the DigitalBits blockchain and the use of cryptocurrency in enhancing the consumer experience and corporate social responsibility initiatives, shaping commercial standards and requests for technical expansion, growing the DigitalBits community through the inclusion of diverse regions; providing accountability and sustainability practices; and facilitating partnerships and ecosystem development. Contact: Robert Penington ThronePR +1.248.794.8709 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The University of Oxford is one of the front runners in the race to develop a vaccine for the novel Coronavirus. If everything goes as planned by the scientists at the Oxford University, the COVID-19 vaccine may be out for use by as soon as October this year. Reuters In parallel, pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca, responsible for producing the vaccine for the masses post the trials, is gearing up to quickly produce 30 million doses of the vaccine. As per the "best scenario" as mentioned by a leading researcher, results from the clinical trials will be out by August or September and the vaccine will be on the market by October. Serum Institute of India recently announced that it is going to manufacture vaccines for COVID-19 that are currently being developed by researchers at Oxford University. And Serum India -- which is the largest vaccine producer in the world by volume -- is also on record to sell COVID-19 vaccine for just Rs 1,000. COVID-19 vaccine by October 2020 The timeline was hinted at by Professor Adrian Hill, the director of the Jenner Institute at the University of Oxford, in a recent webinar of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology. Professor Hill re-assured everyone that the Oxford ChAdOx1 vaccine has been a success in animal trials and is now being tested on humans. (Representational Image: Reuters) He said, "This vaccine has shown very good results in trials with chimpanzees, and has already moved on to the next phase of human trials. "One of its advantages at the beginning was to demonstrate in previous tests that similar inoculations, including one last year against a previous coronavirus, were harmless to humans," he further added. A report by Express.co.uk quotes the professor, further stating that the vaccine at Oxford is the furthest along in human trials of all the vaccine candidates worldwide. As per the report, Britain would be the first nation to get a vaccine if the trials prove successful. Oxford COVID-19 vaccine race While the vaccine nears completion, researchers are still working on a ticking clock as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of a resurgence in cases in many countries. The warning by WHO was issued on Monday, as South Korea experienced a new wave of COVID-19. WHO epidemiologist and technical lead on the COVID-19 pandemic Maria Van Kerkhove said the Asian nation was not the only one in experiencing a second outbreak. (Representative Image: Reuters) She said: "There are many countries right now that have had success in suppressing transmission and bringing human-to-human transmission to a low level that are starting to see increasing cases." "Any opportunity that the virus has to take hold, it will," she added, urging countries to isolate such cases and prevent community transmission once again. The vaccine by Oxford is not the only one under human trial as of now. Beijing-based China National Biotec Group Co. recently announced that it has received regulatory approval to test its potential COVID-19 vaccine on humans in the United Arab Emirates. As and when these vaccines are approved, a mass production will be the next big step towards eliminating COVID-19 from the world. Disclaimer: While there have been several different types of treatments being given to COVID-19 patients across the world, there isnt any one drug that has worked as a sure-shot treatment yet. Dont self medicate and always consult your doctor or medical health professional for any symptoms. Illinois Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker announced Monday that the state would enter its fourth phase of reopening Friday after lifting several more lockdown measures that have been in place since the executive Stay-at-Home order went into effect March 21. On Tuesday, the state reported an increase in COVID-19 positivity, to a rate of 3 percent for the tests conducted in the last week, as infection rates surge nationwide. It was 2 percent June 21. In Phase 4 of the official Restore Illinois plan, the size limit of all indoor and outdoor gatherings is expanded from 10 to 50 individuals, including events such as conferences and weddings. Museums and zoos may reopen at 25 percent of normal capacity and indoor gyms, fitness centers, cinemas and theaters will be allowed to open at 50 percent capacity. This marks the fourth and final phase according to Pritzkers plan before the post-pandemic phase supposedly characterized by vaccine, effective and widely available treatment, or the elimination of new cases over a sustained period of time through herd immunity or other factors, according to the official Restore Illinois website. In reality, the pandemic is nowhere near over anywhere on earth, and the Democratic state governments assertions can only be seen as delusional. Phase 4 is going forward in spite of Chicago health officials release of statistics that reveal that there is a 5 percent chance of an active coronavirus case in a group of 10 people, with the odds increasing to 15 percent in a group of 50 people, up to 33 percent in a group of 100, and 66 percent in gatherings of 250 or more. Other businesses and services which will open with restrictions include outdoor spectator events, indoor and outdoor sporting events, some park district programs and youth summer camps Restaurants across the state have been open for outdoor dining since the third phase, which began May 28 for the state and May 29 for the city of Chicago, a national hotspot for the epidemic. Though daily cases have dropped since the end of May, the state has consistently recorded between 500 and 1,000 new daily cases of COVID-19 Chicago deputy mayor for economic and neighborhood development Samir Mayekar expects a total of 200,000 more workers in the city to return to work under the next phase of the reopening plan. Speaking at a press conference with Chicago Democratic Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Monday, Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady made it clear that while the state and city are moving ahead with plans to reopen more sections of economic life, the spread of the pandemic is far from being contained. Arwady stated that the states largest city was adding around 200 cases a day, we know that people are infectious for about 10 days, generally from the time that they first acquire COVID, which means that at any given point we have around 2,000 active infections that we know about here in Chicago, further adding that there are many, many cases of COVID-19 in Chicago that are not diagnosed and many more people who have mild symptoms, or even no symptoms of COVID. During Phase 4, restaurants around the state, including the city of Chicago, will be allowed to open for indoor seating on Friday. Chicago restaurants will be able to seat at 25 percent of indoor capacity with tables six feet apart and restaurants across the rest of the state will open for 50 percent of indoor capacity. The decision to move ahead with the next phase of reopening, without mass testing and contact tracing programs in place, can only be understood as a reckless action carried out by the capitalist state led by the Democratic Party. State officials in Illinois have had ample warning of the consequences of moving into the next phase from states like Florida. Little more than one week after opening bars and restaurants in the state, at least six bars in northern and central Florida shut their doors again after patrons and workers tested positive for the virus. The state of Florida has seen a 168 percent increase in new cases over the past two weeks since it entered its current stage of reopening. Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot have cited falling case numbers and stabilizing hospitalizations and death rates in Illinois as justification for their homicidal plans. But any suppression of the spread is due to the vast majority of workers abiding by the restrictions of the state lockdown, including the wearing of face masks in public spaces. The next stage will likely see a surge of cases in the state as these measures are further relaxed. Studies have shown that restaurant dining is a proven vector of COVID-19. A February study approved by the Centers for Disease Control, COVID-19 Outbreak Associated with Air Conditioning in Restaurant, Guangzhou, China, 2020 found that an asymptomatic carrier released low levels of virus into the air while eating as airflow from the restaurants vents carried it from right to left. The study found that approximately 50 percent of the people at the infected persons table became sick over the following week as well as 75 percent of the people at the adjacent table. Food service workers are particularly vulnerable and concerned for their health and safety under these conditions, even in the wake of high unemployment and lack of any financial safety net after many had been furloughed following the March executive order. The total unemployment rate in Illinois stands at roughly 15 percent and the states moratorium on evictions is set to expire July 31. The state has only offered health guidelines, not regulations, related to restaurant openings, which place responsibility on the shoulders of the workers themselves. These include the recommended use of face masks by workers within six feet of others, 20 seconds of hand washing by workers every 30 minutes, and for workers to monitor their personal health daily. Patrons are not required to wear face masks while dining. Among some of the most heavily exploited workers in the city, Chicago food service workers spoke out against being required to sacrifice their health for business interests on the local news outlet BlockClubChicago. One server said, I dont want to risk my health and put my body on the line so I can serve people some cocktails and steaks ... There are no safety nets for me, so what would I be risking myself for by going back? Another worker, who works two food service jobs to make ends meet, stated, They havent offered sick pay, hazard pay, to cover our health benefits if we do get sicknothing to make us want to work for them and feel safe doing so. These workers will join thousands of others across the state who have been forced to put their lives at risk for profits. Manufacturing at plants owned by the Detroit-based automakers in the state began on May 18, 10 days before Illinois officially moved into Phase 3 of the plan. Fords Chicago Assembly Plant on the south side of Chicago shut down just days after restarting production when positive COVID-19 cases were found among workers at the plant. Since then, the auto corporations and the United Auto Workers have systematically concealed information about positive cases in the auto plants from workers and the public at large. Workers in at least two Amazon warehouses in Illinois are reporting clusters of cases, with 16 at MDW2 in Joliet and 14 at MDW7 in Monee, according to data compiled independently by former Amazon worker Jana Jumpp. A real answer to mass unemployment does not require putting hundreds of thousands of more workers lives at risk. For decades, the Democratic and Republican state and municipal officials in Illinois have siphoned off money for workplace safety, social safety nets and public health and education programs to put toward corporate incentives, tax breaks for the states millionaires and billionaires and militarizing the police. The serious problems of mass unemployment and COVID-19 face all workers in every country. The solution must be international and socialist, joining together all workers in a struggle to expropriate the vast wealth of society from the capitalist class and place it under democratic control of the creators of that wealth, the working class. Workers in Illinois determined to fight against the homicidal herd immunity policy of ruling class carried out by Democratic Party in the name of the capitalist elite need a political party and program to fight for their basic rights to a halt to nonessential production, full unemployment coverage and health care benefits, the highest quality personal protective equipment, and the most effective public health measures informed by science to combat the pandemic. The Socialist Equality Party is the only such party fighting for these basic rights of the international working class. We encourage all eligible Illinois readers to sign and share the petition today to place our 2020 US presidential and vice presidential candidates Joseph Kishore and Norissa Santa Cruz on the election ballot in Illinois for the November 2020 elections. The US Treasury sent checks designed to help stimulate the economy devastated by COVID-19 to more than one million dead people, according to a government watchdog report Thursday. The independent Government Accountability Office said that, since the Treasury began sending out cash to taxpayers in April to counter massive job losses due to the coronavirus pandemic, 160.4 million economic impact payments worth $269 billion have been made. However, by April 30, when 120 million payments had been completed, payments worth $1.4 billion had been sent to 1.1 million dead people, according to the GAO. By April 30, when 120 million stimulus payments had been completed, payments worth $1.4 billion had been sent to 1.1 million dead people. On May 6 the IRS issued a statement saying payments to deceased people should be returned It was not clear how many of those were due to mistakes in the Treasury's systems and how many were deliberate fraudulent claims. The payments of up to $1,200 a person were automatic for most people who filed taxes for 2018 and 2019 and for people on various government retirement and benefits programs. 'Some of these taxpayers may have been deceased at the time the payments were delivered,' it said. The report noted that while the Internal Revenue Service, the US tax agency, has death records of Americans, the Treasury and its Bureau of Fiscal Service, which determined the stimulus payments, did not. On May 6 the IRS issued a statement saying payments to deceased people should be returned. However, the GAO noted, 'IRS does not currently plan to take additional steps to notify ineligible recipients on how to return payments.' It comes as hundreds of thousands of dollars in coronavirus relief payments have also been sent to people behind bars across the United States, and now the IRS is asking state officials to help claw back the cash that the federal tax agency says was mistakenly sent. The legislation authorizing the payments during the pandemic does not specifically exclude jail or prison inmates, and the IRS has refused to say exactly what legal authority it has to retrieve the money. On its website, it points to the unrelated Social Security Act, which bars incarcerated people from receiving some types of old-age and survivor insurance benefit payments. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) claims relief checks were sent by mistake and are asking for states to seize the money, though the legal basis to do so is unclear. Prison authorities in Idaho and Montana have seized over $90,000 between the two of them 'I can't give you the legal basis. All I can tell you is this is the language the Treasury and ourselves have been using,' said Eric Smith, IRS spokesman. 'It's just the same list as in the Social Security Act.' The IRS does not yet have numbers on how many payments went to prisoners, Smith said. The Kansas Department of Correction alone intercepted more than $200,000 in checks by early June. Idaho and Montana combined had seized over $90,000. Washington state, meanwhile, had only intercepted about $23,000 by early June. Some states, like Nevada, have refused to release the numbers, citing an IRS request for confidentiality. The only determination for them to fight Covid-19 was to be back with their loved ones -- but their families did not want them back. Such is the story of more than 50 people at Hyderabads Gandhi hospital. One of them is a 93-year old woman who is waiting for her sons to come and take her back home. The family members of over 50 people who were being treated in the states Covid-exclusive hospital refused to take them back even after they were ready to be discharged. Despite repeated calls from the hospital management, there was no response. A few patients who were discharged waited hours at the hospital gate for their family members. Tired, they went back into the hospital seeking help. More than 50 such people have now been "re-admitted" because they had nowhere to go. All these patients underwent treatment in the last 10-15 days, according to the Gandhi Hospital. All of the patients are healthy and have no symptoms. We discharged them and declared them fit for home quarantine. However, their family members refused to take them home, said Dr Prabhakar Rao, Nodal Officer at Gandhi Hospital. In some cases, the patients families demanded a test report saying the patient is Covid-negative before agreeing to take them back home. According to ICMR guidelines, there is no need for testing prior to discharge if the patients are asymptomatic/mild and clinically classified moderate cases and if all of their symptoms subside completely and patients show signs of improvement. Theres a lot of stigma attached to Covid. Family members are scared that if they take back these patients, they would also contract the virus. Due to this fear, we are in a situation where people are not ready to take their own parents back home, said a senior doctor from the hospital on condition of anonymity. Among the abandoned patients, the elderly were given beds to stay at the hospital and a few of them were shifted to Nature Cure hospital that has been converted into a quarantine Ccentre. Considering the heavy load of patients at Gandhi Hospital, it would be difficult for them to conduct re-tests and also re-admit patients. At least 50 patients, who are asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic, have been asked to be under home quarantine. State officials are deployed to keep a tab on them and will also have to take note of their health condition at regular intervals. Only in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation limits, about 2192 people are under home quarantine. State Health Minister Eatala Rajender recently said only severe cases will be taken to hospitals and rest of them can be treated at home. He had also asked the people of the State to not panic and be under home isolation. Gandhinagar June 25 : After receiving many proposals and examining rates in other states, the Gujarat government on Thursday capped the price of corona test in private labs to Rs 2,500, against the Rs 4,500 allowed earlier. "At present, the corona tests in Gujarat hospitals and medical colleges are being carried out free of charge and around 4,000 to 4,500 tests are being carried out daily. A patient having corona symptoms, after a prescription from an MD, can have himself or herself tested for Covid-19 at a private lab. The private labs used to charge Rs 4,500 for each test but after Gujarat High Court's guidance and many requests from various stakeholders, the core committee headed by Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani decided on Wednesday that from now on, the private Laboratories shall charge only Rs 2,500 per test. This order is effective from today itself," Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel said. "For such tests carried out from samples collected from homes, the charges will be Rs 3,000. Thus, we have had reduced the cost of corona tests in the state in public interest. If we receive any complaints that hospitals, or laboratories are charging more, their licences and approvals will be cancelled," added Patel, who also holds the Health portfolio. The Ahmedabad Medical Association (AMA) had written to the state government to lower the prices of corona tests which had been fixed by the Gujarat government at Rs 4,500. In the letter it has said tthat in other states like Delhi, Rajasthan, Telangana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, the charges were around Rs 2,200-Rs 2,800, and had recommended the state government fix the price of the test at Rs 2,000. As many as 65,000 ASHA workers in Maharashtra are likely to get a monthly pay hike of Rs 2,000 as an incentive for their hard work during the time of the Covid-19 crisis, a government official said. The Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers) have so far been earning about Rs 10,000 per month, he said. State Health Minister Rajesh Tope has finalised a proposal for their salary hike which would be discussed in the Cabinet meeting. If the proposal is cleared, the ASHA workers would get a monthly hike of Rs 2,000, the official from the health and family welfare department told PTI on Wednesday. Follow latest updates on coronavirus here Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the ASHA workers have been assigned the task of surveillance in urban and rural areas and the state government now plans to give them an incentive for their work. As of now, their salary structure includes a basic payment of Rs 2,000 each contributed by the state and the Centre along with additional payment as per their efficiency and the number of people they cover (as part of various government welfare schemes), the official said. Click here for complete coronavirus coverage Now, the state wants to increase its contribution by Rs 2,000, the official said. Met Eireann has put all counties in Ireland on alert for thunderstorms that will feature severe downpours, hail and could lead to flooding. The forecaster has issued a Status Yellow - thunder warning for Ireland, North and South. It says heavy thunderstorms are expected to develop later on Thursday and Thursday night with some severe downpours, hail and spot flooding. However, it also advises that due to the localised nature of thunderstorms some parts of the country will remain dry. The warning was issued at lunchtime on Wednesday and is valid from 4pm on Thursday to 9am on Friday. It was issued at 1pm on Wednesday, June 24. The alert for the 32 counties was issued in conjunction with Met Eireann's official partner the Met Office in the UK. Status Yellow Thunderstorm warning has been issued for the whole of Ireland for Thursday afternoon through to Friday morning. More information here: https://t.co/ozrQHtoOkt pic.twitter.com/mYzZvNjiPI Met Eireann (@MetEireann) June 24, 2020 See below the latest cloud and rainfall forecast from our HARMONIE weather model. Generally dry today, but some scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible on Thursday overnight into Friday. More forecast info here: https://t.co/9gKN6SVok4 pic.twitter.com/8e4GgpRCDh Met Eireann (@MetEireann) June 24, 2020 Low pressure systems playing a role in our weather over the coming days. See below our 7 day Atlantic Chart, showing the pressure and precipitation forecast in 6 hours intervals.https://t.co/9Giuj4CR5m More weather info here:https://t.co/9gKN6SVok4 pic.twitter.com/Cetn4RqpZy Met Eireann (@MetEireann) June 24, 2020 The national forecast issued at 11.24am on Wednesday is as follows: THURSDAY 25TH JUNE Tomorrow will be a warm and sunny day with temperatures ranging from 20 to 24 degrees in the west but up to 25 to 28 degrees in the east. Showers will break out later in the afternoon, with some thundery downpours expected. Light northerly or variable winds. Thursday night - an ongoing risk of heavy showers with lightning. Winds will be mainly light northerly or variable becoming light westerly. Lowest temperatures of 11 to 14 degrees. Friday will be cooler with temperatures dropping back to between 15 and 21 degrees, the higher values over east Ulster. There'll be showers, some of them heavy or prolonged and particularly affecting Ulster. Light westerly or variable winds. Saturday will be cooler still with a freshening westerly wind bringing further showers. Temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees. A fresh westerly wind on Sunday will bring further spells of rain or showers with temperatures of just 12 to 16 degrees. The extended outlook into the early days of next week is for continued unsettled conditions with rain or showers at times. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to begin the annexation process as soon as July 1. Three days of White House meetings between aides to United States President Donald Trump on whether to give Israel a green light to annex parts of the occupied West Bank have ended without any final decision, senior US officials said on Thursday. The high-level discussions centred on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus plan to extend Israeli sovereignty over Jewish settlements in the occupied territory, which has drawn condemnation from the Palestinians, Arab allies of the US and other foreign governments. There is as yet no final decision on the next steps for implementing the Trump plan, one of the officials told the Reuters news agency, referring to the presidents Israeli-Palestinian peace blueprint that could provide a basis for Netanyahus annexation moves. Trump, who has taken a heavily pro-Israel approach since taking office in January 2017, participated in part of the deliberations, the official told Reuters news agency on condition of anonymity. Another US official said further analysis and discussions would be needed before making a final US determination. Netanyahu has pledged to begin the annexation process as soon as July 1, when he has scheduled a formal cabinet session on implementation. Under Trumps peace proposal unveiled in January and met with widespread scepticism, the US would recognise the Jewish settlements built on land the Palestinians seek for a state as part of Israel. The proposal would create a Palestinian state but impose strict conditions. Palestinian leaders have dismissed the initiative and it has gone nowhere. Netanyahu intends to launch his project of extending sovereignty over settlements and the Jordan Valley, hoping for US approval. Most countries view Israels settlements as illegal, and the Palestinians have voiced outrage at annexation. Tight turns, steep slopes, sudden highs and inversions are characteristics of a roller coaster. Those have also been the hallmarks of the Indian stock markets for close to three months. From hitting a three-year low on March 23 with a 13 per cent fall to bouncing back just three days later, it has shown deep falls and sharp recoveries time and again. But don't get fooled by that. There may be a storm brewing beneath the calm. After all, this sharp recovery is built on weak corporate and economic fundamentals and huge uncertainty in the immediate future. With India's economy projected to shrink 6.8 per cent in FY21, according to SBI Ecowrap (it grew slowest in 11 years at 3.1 per cent in the March quarter), early bird corporate results showing sharply shrinking top lines and bottom lines, stock markets are set to lose the only basis on which they have been rallying - the hope of a 'V' shaped recovery. The optimism is dimmed further by rising coronavirus cases in India and fear of a second wave in the US, the world's largest economy, which has led to a selloff in S&P 500, the global barometer for equity markets, as well. Add to this the lockdown-triggered defaults feared in housing, credit card, personal and corporate loans, their impact on non-performing assets (NPAs) of banks and non-banking finance companies (NBFCs), and the stock market rally appears to be on a very, very weak wicket. "The economy is in shock. All indicators are showing that the situation is very bad. Fundamentals of the stock market story are very weak," says Dhananjay Sinha, Head of Research and Equity Strategist, Systematix Group. Analysts say markets go through three-four stages when hit by an unknown factor such as coronavirus. "Covid-19 hit us in January from a China perspective. India started reacting to it the last. The first stage is extreme over-reaction as nobody knows what is happening. So, markets tumbled in March," says Amit Shah, Head of India Equity Research, BNP Paribas. But, the government lockdown prompted markets to get out of the first phase of irrationality. Then, the second leg - recovery - began. "We remained in lockdown. This helped control spread of the virus and indicated, from the market's perspective, that the worst is behind us," Shah adds. But that was not to be. In June, the market is at stage three when people are beginning to look at fundamentals after stability has returned and are closely monitoring the spread of Covid in India, besides a potential second wave globally, he says. "The longer Covid stays, the slower will be the FY22 earnings recovery. The market is already looking at FY22 for cues." Sensex shed 3,935 points with a 13 per cent fall to 25,981 on March 23 with all its 30 stocks in the red. Just three days later, it bounced to 29,947 points. It had hit an all-time high of 42,063 on January 17. On May 18, it hit a low of 30,029 again, touched 34,370 on June 8, and on June 15, was at 33,605, up 29 per cent from March lows. The Sensex rose nearly 5,000 points from May lows in less than three weeks. It fell nearly 5 per cent in five days up to June 15 due to worries over worsening fundamentals. On Weak Wicket Corporate earnings, a big factor driving stock markets, will take a bigger hit in the first quarter of FY21 after being severely impacted in Q4 of FY20. Since the lockdown was imposed on March 24, manufacturing plants have been shut, and consumption, barring of staples, is down. Auto sales were nil in April and down 87 per cent in May. The June quarter is expected to be a washout due to very low economic activity in the first quarter so far. Last month, government announced an economic package worth Rs 21 lakh crore to battle the slowdown, including the Reserve Bank of India's Rs 8.01 lakh crore liquidity measures. The package included Rs 3.70 lakh crore support for MSMEs, Rs 90,000 crore for power distribution companies, Rs 75,000 crore for NBFCs and Rs 15,000 crore for the healthcare sector. This, too, failed to enthuse markets. The reason is simple. Economists and brokerages believe that out of this package, the government's fiscal commitment is less than Rs 2 lakh crore, or a measly 1 per cent of GDP, one-tenth of the headline figure. This means no boost to purchasing power of workers and consumers that can affect demand for all kinds of products from soaps and garments to mobile phones and cars. This is exactly what is happening. In Q4 of FY20, the combined net profit of 532 companies that had declared results till June 11 fell 39.5 per cent, against growth of over 59 per cent in Q4 of the previous year. Their revenue performance was the worst in 12 quarters (4.7 per cent fall). "We have cut banks and NBFCs' earnings forecast by 40 per cent, oil and gas companies' by 25 per cent and that of automobile players from 10 to 100 per cent. We see a 15-25 per cent earnings hit for FY21 (overall). The math is that when you roll it over, you see a hit of at least 10 per cent on FY22 earnings also," says Shah. The worst-hit are consumer discretionary, NBFC and real estate sectors where highly leveraged companies are likely to face sharp cuts in earnings estimates. "Our analysis reinforces the point that markets have priced in a mild recession, but not a severe one, which could take the Nifty further lower, depending on the prevailing risk aversion," he adds. In FMCG, Hindustan Unilever, the biggest player in the sector, reported its lowest revenue in nine quarters, while Reliance Industries, (RIL) India's largest private sector company, reported its steepest drop (of 39 per cent) in quarterly profit in at least a decade at Rs 6,348 crore as refining business took a hit due to collapse of crude oil prices. Its FY20 net profit was a flat Rs 39,880 crore. A fall in earnings will make Indian markets look even more overvalued. As it is, India's GDP produces considerably lower profits for India Inc. compared with other major economies. In CY2019, the combined net profit of listed companies in India was equivalent to 2.1 per cent of GDP as against 3.7 per cent in China, 2.3 per cent in Indonesia, nearly 5 per cent in Japan and 9.6 per cent in the UK. "Since future earnings scenario is not yet clear, we don't know how badly affected the numbers will be. The market is over-valued because it is still not the bottom yet," says Shankar Sharma, Co-Founder and Chief Global Strategist at First Global. Shallow Rally The rally as well as the recovery is driven by a handful of stocks. The top 10 stocks accounted for 75.3 per cent rise in indices between March 23 and June 12. Despite a relatively poor show in the March quarter, RIL and HDFC Bank, along with Infosys, made up nearly 43 per cent rise in the Sensex from its 52-week low on March 23. In all, these three entities have added around Rs 6.3 lakh crore to market capitalisation since March 23 as against Rs 14.5 lakh crore rise in value of all 30 Sensex companies. Hence, the rally is susceptible to reversal in case of negative news about any of these stocks. Clearly, the equity market funnel has got narrower than in the pre-Covid-19 period. Add Hindustan Unilever and Bharti Airtel to the list, and the five stocks accounted for 55 per cent of incremental rise in the Sensex between the March 23 low and June 13. "There has been a rally in sectors that are projected to be least affected by lockdown - telecom, crude oil refining, banking, FMCG, pharmaceutical and technology, while others continue to languish," says G. Chokkalingam, Founder and Managing Director of Equinomics Research & Advisory Services. "The April rally was based on large-caps, as in March. Correction in large-cap stocks was much steeper than in mid- and small-cap stocks. Mid-caps have not been doing well for the last two years. So, large-caps were squeezed out in March, and when they bounced back, they provided the returns," says Siddharth Sedani, Vice President, Equity Advisory, Anand Rathi Shares and Stock Brokers. Moreover, some big companies like RIL were in the news (the mega rights issue and stake sales in Jio Platforms), he adds. Shankar Sharma of First Global says even as the lockdown is selectively lifted, there is no clarity on how economic activities will resume. "And if at all a large part of the economy will come back. That is the larger question." Debt and Delinquencies The biggest unknown is corporate and individual delinquencies. Crisil's Srinivasan expects gross banking NPAs (GNPAs) to go up in FY21. They were 9.5 per cent at the end of March 2020. "If we see that scenario (of negative GDP growth), banking GNPAs can slip 350-400 basis points compared to FY20. In NBFCs, the situation could be worse, with GNPAs expected to rise sharply in wholesale finance, microfinance, MSME lending and personal loans," he adds. Given the sharp slowdown in economic growth, Srinivasan sees a sharp rise in corporate sector defaults, with MSMEs being hit the most. "Industries like textiles, gems and jewellery, auto, infrastructure (power) and construction pose higher risks. In services, transport, tourism, hospitality, commercial real estate and trade are expected to feel the pinch of lockdown and sluggish economic activity," he says. This slowdown will also impact personal debt. "In our base case scenario, we have not factored in large job losses and salary cuts. Personal loans are more likely to be impacted by the current scenario given that most are taken for emergency or discretionary spending under certain assumptions of income certainty and growth," says Srinivasan. Within the category, smaller personal loans (less than Rs 1 lakh) are likely to see more delinquencies. "In home loans, too, we expect asset quality to deteriorate, with affordable loans, which cater to the self-employed, being hit more than others. Unsecured loans, which have seen sharp growth in past few years, are likely to be hit the worst," he adds. Arindam Som, Senior Analyst at India Ratings and Research, says the downgrade-to-upgrade ratio in rated mid and emerging companies' portfolio rose to 2.85 times in FY20 from 1.28 times in FY19. "Lower-than-expected operating cash flow will weigh on ability of issuers to deleverage balance sheets in FY21, and in certain cases, the quantum of outstanding debt could even be increased to fund cash flow mismatches." Valuation Free from Fundamentals The Sensex is down close to 19 per cent from its peak. In spite of the fall, it is trading around 21.81 times trailing earnings, and is nearly twice as highly valued as it was during the 2008 Lehman crisis (11.5 times). This is even higher than the 18 times at the start of Narendra Modi's election campaign in December 2013 and similar to December 2016 after demonetisation triggered a brief sell-off. "They are clearly overvalued. The future earnings picture is not clear, the government has no money, consumers have no money and companies have no money. Without money, what will you get even after lifting the lockdown? Any loss-making entity is always overvalued," says Sharma. Chokkalingam says when markets crashed in March, many retail investors believed it had bottomed out and invested. "Other retail investors bought to make up for their losses. And those who were sitting on the fence, and had idle working capital due to closure of businesses, also entered the market," he says. The Indian stock market remains over-valued compared to those in other emerging economies. India's market capitalisation to GDP ratio is 60 per cent, among the highest in the emerging markets group but lower than developed markets such as the US, the UK and Japan. For China, the figure is 55.5 per cent, while for Brazil, it is 41.6 per cent. Weak Macros On the macro-economic front, the stock market is worse off than in the 2008 crash. "Then, every market fell 50-60 per cent. This time, so far, while markets have fallen, there is a big divide between the top five-seven markets and the bottom five-seven markets. The top markets are stronger economies such as the US while the bottom includes India, South Africa, Brazil and Mexico, with poor healthcare systems and lack of financial strength to come out of the pandemic and the resultant economic problems," says Sharma. For instance, the S&P 500 rose nearly 2.7 per cent on June 16 due to news about a breakthrough in developing a Covid-19 vaccine. It is now just 9 per cent below its record high hit four months ago. In comparison, Brazil's benchmark index is down 20.1 per cent, while Sensex is down 19.1, from their peaks. The government's poor fiscal situation and decline in barometers of growth such as Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) for Manufacturing/Services, Index of Industrial Production (IIP) and GDP has also been a drag. In April, India's industrial output contracted the most in at least two decades due to the lockdown. The IIP shrunk 56 per cent in April, the worst fall since at least 1996 and the steepest among major countries during the lockdown. It had contracted 18.3 per cent in March. While CMIE has forecast India's GDP for FY 21 will decline 6 per cent, SBI Ecowrap has predicted a fall of 6.8 per cent. ICRA, S&P, Crisil and Fitch Ratings have forecast a 5 per cent fall. In March 2020, CRISIL Research had forecast a base case view of 1.8 per cent GDP growth in FY21. "However, with lockdown getting extended in major parts of the country, probabilities are getting tilted towards our downside scenario of negative GDP growth in FY21," says Ajay Srinivasan, Director, CRISIL Research. The IHS Markit Manufacturing PMI increased marginally to 30.8 in May from record low of 27.4 in April but far below the market consensus of 38. A reading below 50 means shrinking of economic activity. It was at 51.8 in March 2020. All this will limit the government's fiscal space. The government has not released GST numbers for April and May as lockdown would have led to a steep fall in collections. Experts estimate up to 70 per cent decline in tax collections during these two months. "The fiscal situation is terrible. The central government needs money, state governments need money. It's a serious problem," says Sharma. Chinese Checkers Then there is China with which India is going through a serious faceoff at the border. It is the world's second-largest economy, top exporter of goods, and the second-largest importer as well. China is also India's biggest trade partner. Given this, corporate earnings and markets are susceptible to developments in China. They will get worse if the call to boycott Chinese products or supplies leads to higher raw material costs for companies importing raw materials from China in sectors such as automobiles, pharma and solar. However, companies in sectors where India is raising import tariffs will report better earnings. The global sell-off in equities had started with spread of Covid-19 in China and its impact on Chinese industrial production and global supply chains for goods right from mobile phones and medicines to consumer electronics and automotive components. China is also the world's top market for consumer and capital goods and a significant source of revenue for the world's top companies, including Indian, such as Tata Motors. The Chinese stock market, the second-largest globally by market capitalisation, has, however, proved to be more resilient to the Covid-19 crisis than most global counterparts. The Shanghai Composite Index fell around 10 per cent in January as virus tally sky-rocketed, forcing a lockdown in the Wuhan province, but it recovered quickly and was back to pre-virus levels in early March. Shanghai saw another 15 per cent decline in March with the rest of the world. But unlike the rest of the world, market recovery in China after the March 23 low has been more gradual. The Shanghai Composite is currently 7 per cent below its January highs. However, for Indian stock markets, the road ahead is likely to be far bumpier than it has been for China so far. Return of Retail Investors The April-May rally was driven by retail investors. Domestic retail investors increased participation in derivatives. The futures & options segment accounted for 41 per cent trading volume on NSE in April as against the FY20 average of 38 per cent. Trading volumes were up even in the cash segment with 790 million units of Nifty traded per day on average till June 15 as against 720 million per day in May and 708 million in April. It is clear that markets have been swinging between hope and despair. There was optimism after the government announced its Rs 21 lakh crore economic package last month. But when details were released, the market was disappointed, and the Sensex fell 9 per cent in just two trading sessions. In last week of May and early June, there was optimism around the end of the lockdown. This has now been clouded by Indias fast-rising Covid-19 tally, which makes it the fourth worst-hit in the world. It has been reporting close to 13,000 new cases in a day. Sinha says the upswing in Sensex and Nifty in April was a relief rally after the sharp fall in March. As for the market being over-valued, he says: "We have to understand that the link between valuation and underlying fundamentals, whether corporate or macroeconomic, has been broken since 2015. The market shrugged off big events such as demonetisation, roll-out of GST, NBFC crisis and global trade wars," he says. These events shocked the economy and hit corporate earnings but the Nifty 50 multiple kept going up. "In 2013, Nifty 50 was trading at 16 or 17 times trailing 12-month earnings per share, and in January 2020, despite the shocks, it was around 27 times. The correlation between valuation and growth is broken," he says. There hasn't been a steep correction even now, he says. "The multiple went down to 17 times, seen in 2013 and 2014. The situation then was much better today with good consumer sector growth and earnings numbers," he says. "So, this is the new normal wherein valuations don't fall even after a shock. And possibly, in the current set-up, we have touched the worst valuation. Globally, there is lifting of lockdown, monetary and fiscal stimulus, but not here. History is not the right guide for fair value," he adds. Portfolio Investors on the Run Besides poor macroeconomic performance, the pandemic and trade wars, sentiment has also been hurt by the plunge in oil prices, a strong barometer of global consumer/industrial demand. Brent crude prices fell from $60 a barrel around February to $15 before recovering to around $38 a barrel. Low oil prices hurt sovereign wealth funds, which are big investors in equity markets globally, including in India. This explains why foreign portfolio investors played it safe in February, March and April. They withdrew Rs 59,000 crore in March, Rs 14,859 crore in April and Rs 7,356 crore in May. "They were playing safe and avoiding risks," says Sedani. But they turned buyers in June and invested a whopping Rs 23,335 crore during the first 15 days of the month. This is in line with the surge in global liquidity due to monetary expansion by the US Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan. A significant part of this liquidity has come to equities. Shah of BNP Paribas says markets will continue to remain volatile till there is uncertainty. "India gained due to the global rally but global money is not going to come too soon to India as our economy, as well as spread of Covid-19, is yet to stabilise. However, we are better off today than a month-and-a-half back, as we now have a better understanding of the situation. Yet, till some uncertainty remains, there will be volatility," he warns. He expects the Nifty to be around 11,000 levels in FY22. "But we are still worried about FY21. We got it (coronavirus) last, will recover last, and have limitations with regard to the stimulus," he says. Closer to FY22, he expects Nifty to trade between 9,000 and 11,000. "If we have a vaccine two to three months from now, everything will look better. Nifty can test 8,500 to 8,700 on the downside but we don't expect it to go below these levels as that was a panic reaction," he adds. Chokkalingam agrees: "Fundamentals will take time and improve only in the latter part of 2021. If a vaccine is found or the virus is controlled in one or two months, things can look better." Till that happens, investors will be better off treading cautiously. Sinha says it is advisable to go for companies that are resilient and have good cash flows and balance sheets. "They have the ability to absorb shocks," he says. Since the market keeps falling and rising, without any consistent pattern, Shah says, "Investors should buy the market on every 4 to 5 per cent decline from current levels. The fact is that there are pockets of opportunities across sectors. Large private banks look great. They have underperformed materially and are trading below historical valuations. They will gain market share and eventually do better than the sector. Tier-II consumer names look interesting along with Tier-II large-cap IT stocks," he adds. Shah, however, is not very bullish on auto post the recent recovery but sees a rebound in premium two-wheelers and four-wheelers as middle class consumers will be the quickest to come back to the market. Sharma has an altogether different piece of advice: "Investors should not think equities is the only place where they can make money. This year, gold is up 26 per cent and government securities are up 7 per cent. In contrast, equities are down 25 per cent. Equity is not the only mantra to make money," he says. (Rashmi Pratap is Co-founder & Editor of 30Stades.com) Berlin will take a 20 percent stake in the German airline brought to its knees by the COVID-19 travel slump. Lufthansa shareholders on Thursday backed a nine billion euro ($10bn) government bailout, securing the future of Germanys flagship airline after it was brought to the brink of collapse by the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan, backed by 98 percent of the shareholder capital that cast a vote at the online meeting, will see Berlin take a 20 percent stake in Lufthansa and two board seats. Earlier on Thursday, Lufthansa shares jumped as much as 20 percent after its top shareholder dropped his objections to the government bailout. I will vote for the proposal, billionaire investor Heinz Hermann Thiele, who recently increased his stake in Lufthansa to 15.5 percent, told the Frankfurter Allgemeine daily on Wednesday. No cash His endorsement amounted to an 11th-hour reprieve for Germanys flagship airline after fears had swirled he might veto the proposed rescue. Supervisory board chairman Karl-Ludwig Kley underlined how serious the situation was as the meeting held online got under way: We dont have any cash left. Without support, we are threatened with insolvency in the coming days. Thieles backing will come as a relief to Chancellor Angela Merkel, who could ill afford another high-profile business collapse following the failure of payments firm Wirecard. Lufthansa, which traces its roots back almost a century, employs about 138,000 people and owns brands including Eurowings and Austrian Airlines. It has been brought to its knees by COVID-19 and what promises to be a protracted travel slump, and like many rivals across the world, sought state help to stay afloat. Even after Thursdays gains, its shares are down almost 40 percent this year. Also on Thursday, European Union regulators approved Lufthansas bailout deal, subject to a ban on dividends, share buybacks and some acquisitions until state support is repaid. At 14:21 GMT, Lufthansa stocks were up approximately 9.5 percent. Jobs at risk Concerned a government stake would make it harder for Lufthansa to make tough decisions about restructuring and job cuts, Thiele had instead proposed an indirect government holding in the airline via Germanys KfW development bank. That sparked fears the bailout would fail and Lufthansa would have to seek protection from creditors within days. Kley said there would be no political interventions from the government. Chief Executive Carsten Spohr told the meeting the pandemic would have a lasting effect on the industry for years, adding that painful restructuring was needed. Thiele said talks with the government on Monday had not removed his doubts, but he could not have voted for insolvency. He said he would continue to seek to influence the companys development in the future, although declined to say how. Thiele said it was in the interests of Lufthansa employees that management quickly negotiate restructuring with unions. Up to 22,000 jobs could be at risk at the airline. Spohr told Bild newspaper he wanted to avoid job losses by cutting working time and salaries for all employees, suggesting hours and wages could be reduced by a fifth. Lufthansa struck a deal overnight with the UFO union representing German cabin crew that is set to reap more than 500 million euros ($560m) in savings, including steps to stop pay raises, cut working hours, and a cap on pension contributions. More talks are scheduled on Friday with services union Verdi. Top U.S. health officials told lawmakers Tuesday the nations coronavirus response is improving even as 26 U.S. states are now reporting a rise in the number of COVID-19 cases. Those numbers have increasingly become the focus of a political debate after President Donald Trump said at a rally Saturday, he had asked for slower coronavirus testing. VOAs congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson has more from Capitol Hill. VOA Khmer's Sou Pichchinda narrates. The number of laid-off workers who applied for unemployment benefits declined slightly to 1.48 million last week, the 12th straight drop and a sign that layoffs are slowing but are still at a painfully high level. Labor Department said on Thursday that new claims for state unemployment benefits totaled 1.48 million for the week ended June 20, down from 1.54 million the week before and the first time it has dropped below 1.5 million since March. The steady decline in claims suggests that the job market has begun to slowly heal from the pandemic, which shuttered businesses and sent the unemployment rate up to 14.7 percent in April, its highest level since the Great Depression. The number of people who are receiving ongoing jobless aid also fell by 767,000 last week, to 19.522 million, evidence that employers are rehiring many of the workers who had been laid off since mid-March. Labor Department said on Thursday that new claims for state unemployment benefits totaled 1.48 million for the week ended June 20 A man walks past a retail store that is going out of business due to the coronavirus pandemic in Winnetka, Illinois on Tuesday Yet the latest figure also coincides with a sudden resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the United States, especially in the South and West, that is threatening to derail a nascent economic rebound. On Wednesday, the nation set a record high of new coronavirus cases. Many states are establishing their own records for daily infections, including Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas and Oklahoma. Cases of coronavirus have also jumped in Florida and Georgia. Should those trends continue, states may reimpose some limits on businesses that would likely trigger job cuts. Whether by choice or by government order, fewer consumers would shop, travel, eat out and visit bars or gyms. All those scenarios would result in renewed layoffs and hinder the economy. Nervous investors sent stock prices plummeting Wednesday over escalating fears that the economy will suffer further damage from the disease. 'The health crisis continues to cast a dark shadow over the economic landscape,' said Bob Schwartz, a senior economist at Oxford Economics, a forecasting firm. People line up outside Kentucky Career Center prior to its opening to find assistance with their unemployment claims in Frankfort, Kentucky on June 18 Before this weeks heightened worries about the pandemic, many economists had been relatively optimistic. In May, the unemployment rate unexpectedly declined, though to a still-high 13.3 percent. Consumers began spending again, sending retail sales jumping by a record amount. And sales of new homes rose as record-low mortgage rates fueled buyer interest. In May, employers added 2.5 million jobs, a surprise gain. Still, that hiring represented just one-ninth of all the jobs that have been lost since the pandemic struck. And about 30 million Americans remain unemployed. The economy shrank at a 5 percent annual rate in the first three months of the year, the government estimated Thursday. Yet economists envision a much sharper plunge in the April-June quarter -- a rate of up to 30 percent, which would be the worst since record-keeping began in 1948. Analysts expect the economy to rebound in the second half of this year before potentially regaining its pre-pandemic level in late 2021 at the earliest. Yet all that assumes that the pandemic doesn't intensify, force widespread business closures again and set the job market and the economy even further back. If it does, the damage could be dire. For now, real time data on small businesses suggests that the economy's improvement slowed in June compared with May and then stalled in the past week in some states that had reopened their economies the earliest. A man walks past a shuttered business in New York City on June 18. New U.S. Department of Labor numbers released today showed that another 1.5. million people filed for unemployment Homebase, a company that provides scheduling and time-tracking software to small companies, says the proportion of small businesses that have reopened has leveled off. As of Monday, 78 percent of U.S. small businesses that it tracks were open, little changed from a week earlier. In Florida and Texas, the proportion of small businesses that have closed has actually risen as a result of the resurgent viral outbreaks. Apple said late Wednesday that it would re-close seven of its stores in the Houston area, which is suffering a spike in cases. Last week, it had said would re-close 11 other stores in four states. Economists at Goldman Sachs have upgraded their economic forecasts for the rest of this year and next year in light of the retail sales gains and other positive data. But they warned that a 'significant' second wave of cases this fall that would force business closures could slash growth next year by more than half. For the unemployed, the federal government has been providing $600 in weekly benefits, on top of whatever state jobless aid recipients are receiving. This federal money has pumped nearly $20 billion a week into the economy and enabled many of the unemployed to stay afloat. A majority of recipients are even earning more than they did at their old jobs, raising concerns that this could discourage some of them from returning to work. But the $600 a week in aid will expire after July, and Trump administration officials have said they oppose an extension. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have introduced compromise measures. The $600 a week has been a major help to Alexis O'Neill, who was laid off in March from an accounting job at an aviation fuel company. O'Neill, 49, who lives with her mother in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is looking for a job that would allow her to work from home so she could avoid putting her mother at risk of contracting the virus. She has applied for at least a dozen jobs but has received no responses except an acknowledgement of her application. Many open jobs now seem to offer lower pay than before the pandemic struck. Compounding the dilemma for O'Neill, Michigan is stuck with the nations second-highest state unemployment rate, 21.2 percent. 'The job market is terrible,' she said. 'Everything either pays so badly or doesn't come with benefits.' S ix people were arrested and 100,000 in cash seized by officers targeting a suspected county lines drugs gang in south London. Two high-value watches, a machete, high powered scooters and jewellery were also recovered in the early morning raids in Wandsworth on Wednesday. Three men and three women aged between 18 and 24 were arrested on suspicion of Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs and possession of criminal property. The warrants took place today at a number of residential addresses in Wandsworth and involved officers from the Territorial Support Group and the Police Dog Support Unit. A machete was also seized / Metropolitan Police The operation, led by Scotland Yards South West Gangs and Proactive Unit, was supported by officers from Hampshire Constabulary who carried out five arrest enquiries at addresses across the county. Acting Detective Inspector Treasa ODonoghue said: The South West Gangs and Proactive Unit takes a zero tolerance approach to those we suspect of being involved in county lines, drug dealing and wider organised crime. Organized criminal networks ruthlessly exploit vulnerable individuals for the sheer purpose of financial gain and it remains of upmost priority for us to bring those responsible to justice. We will relentlessly pursue and target people who run and work for drug networks, with the long term aim of reducing the serious, violent crime which drug supply drives, causing great harm to communities." Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The worldwide automated guided vehicle market is anticipated to reach USD 3,977.8 million by 2026 according to a new study published by Polaris Market Research. In 2017, the automotive sector dominated the global market, in terms of revenue. Europe is expected to be the leading contributor to the global market revenue during the forecast period. Growing need for automation and increasing labor costs fuel the market for adoption of AGV. Use of these automated vehicles increases productivity, and efficiency, while saving time and costs. The increasing demand from industries including healthcare, defense, aerospace, agriculture, and food and beverage is expected to provide growth opportunities in the coming years. Emerging and untapped markets of developing economies further provide growing opportunities to key players in the market. Increasing investments, research and development further boosts the growth of the market. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/automated-guided-vehicle-market/request-for-sample There has been a high demand for automation in the global market. Companies are automating processes to reduce cost, save time and deliver better quality products. With stiff competition existing in the global market, companies are automating their processes for better quality and increased productivity. These vehicles automate internal processes and reduce the workload of employees, by working in collaboration with workers for better efficiency. Due to stringent safety regulations, companies are forced to employ Automated Guided Vehicles for dangerous and hazardous environment conditions. Automation of manufacturing processes was earlier restricted to only automotive sector. Now, industries such as healthcare, aerospace, food and beverage are also adopting the automated vehicles solutions. Increasing need of automation in various industries is a key factor driving the growth of the market. With ever-increasing labor costs existing in most of the countries, companies are turning towards AGVs to save costs and time. Their usage increases efficiency while reducing wastage. They also eliminate chances of faults occurring due to human errors. These vehicles can be operated with the help of software, thereby saving the expense spent in training and management of labor. Unavailability of skilled labor to manage the processes along with high labor costs pushes companies towards automation and supplements the growth of this market. Europe generated the highest revenue in the market in 2017, and is expected to lead the global market throughout the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Rapid industrialization and increasing automation in the region drives the market growth. Introduction of new advanced technologies and increasing applications in automotive, aerospace, electronics and healthcare sectors is expected to support market growth. Growing demand from automotive industry for high quality products, along with increasing labor costs encourages companies to invest in automation, thereby augmenting growth. Complete Summary with TOC Available @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/automated-guided-vehicle-market The various end-users of AGVs include automotive, aerospace, healthcare, food and beverage, and others. In 2017, automotive accounted for the largest share in the global market, and is estimated to grow at a substantial rate during the forecast period. Companies use these vehicles in the automotive sector to save cost and increase their production. The key factors driving this market include increasing labor costs, new safety regulations, and need for increased efficiency. Use of AGVs in the automotive industry enables manufacturers to achieve high quality, reliability, economic efficiency and less product life cycle cost. The well-known companies profiled in the report include Toyota Industries Corporation, KUKA AG, Daifuku Co. Ltd., Bastian Solutions, Inc., JBT Corporation, Swisslog Holding AG, Seegrid Corporation, Baylo, Inc., EK Automation GmbH, Kion Group AG among others. These companies launch new products and collaborate with other market leaders to meet the increasing needs and requirements of consumers. Automated Guided Vehicle Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Product Pallet Trucks Forklift Trucks Unit Load Carriers Tow Vehicles Assembly Line Vehicles Others Automated Guided Vehicle Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Guidance Technology Vision Guidance Inductive Guidance Laser Guidance Magnetic Guidance Laser Guidance Automated Guided Vehicle Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Industry Automotive Aerospace Healthcare Food and Beverage Others Automated Guided Vehicle Market Size and Forecast, 2017-2026 by Application Assembly Storage Distribution Transportation Packaging Others Automated Guided Vehicle 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/automated-guided-vehicle-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 KALAMAZOO -- Families hit with financial strain due to the coronavirus pandemic may soon be able to take diapers off their list of weekly expenses. Thousands of childrens diapers are being donated to Southwest Michigan families as a result of a partnership between Priority Health, Battle Creek Family YMCA, Battle Creek Diaper Initiative and St. Lukes Diaper Bank in Kalamazoo, according to a news release. Diaper distribution will take place at St. Lukes Episcopal Church and the Douglass Community Association as well, the release said. On Tuesday, Priority Health announced it will donate 100,000 diapers through the summer to support families affected by economic fallout as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the release, the nearly $40,000 donation from Priority Health helps fund supplies for diaper drives hosted by the organizations during the summer months. The state of Michigan is among six states that have lost more than 1 million jobs. Its unemployment rate during the month of May remains above 21% higher than every state except Hawaii and Nevada. Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen an increased need for diapers among the families we serve, Battle Creek Family YMCA CEO Jill Hinde said. There are many parents who lack the necessary resources to purchase diapers and are forced to make heartbreaking decisions about basic necessities. We are thankful for organizations like Priority Health who step in and support our work in the community. Priority Health will work with the Battle Creek Family YMCA and Battle Creek Diaper Initiative to serve about 100 families each week from June 24 through Aug. 12, the release said. On Wednesdays from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., families can drive through to pick up diapers and wipes at the Battle Creek Family YMCA, the release said. Each Tuesday from June 23 through Aug. 11, Priority Health will support drive-up diaper distributions hosted by St. Lukes Diaper Bank and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., families can pick up diapers at alternate distribution sites including St. Lukes Episcopal Church and the Douglass Community Association, the release said. Nearly 1 in 3 American families cannot afford diapers, yet there are no federal or state programs that provide adequate funds for buying diapers, St. Lukes Diaper Bank Executive Director Kai Harris said. Therefore, we rely on generous donations from the public and organizations such as Priority Health to provide this basic need for families. Priority Health is a Michigan-based insurance provider and a subsidiary health plan of Spectrum Health system, the largest employer in West Michigan. COVID-19 has put a strain on the health and finances of many families, and increased the need for help with basic necessities, Priority Health Director of Medicaid Outreach Shannon Wilson said. As an organization, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve and we look forward to partnering with these wonderful organizations in Southwest Michigan. Also on MLive: 3 face criminal charges in death of 16-year-old housed at Kalamazoo youth facility Number of layoffs a moving target at Western Michigan University Wednesday, June 24: Latest developments on coronavirus in Michigan South Africa: R21.5bn set aside for COVID-19 health, frontline services National Treasury has set aside R21.5 billion for COVID19related healthcare spending for health and frontline services, as government continues to treat and contain the spread of the pandemic. The Minister revealed this while virtually delivering his Supplementary Budget on Wednesday. The budget was necessitated by President Cyril Ramaphosas announcement that government would spend R500 billion to support the economys resuscitation following the outbreak of novel Coronavirus. [The budget] also proposes a further allocation of R12.6 billion to services at the frontline of our response to the pandemic. Allocations have been informed by epidemiological modelling, a national health sector COVID19 cost model and our experiences over the past 100 days, the Minister said. This money, Mboweni said, partly supports increased screening and testing, allowing government to further open the economy. We have successfully increased our COVID19 bed capacity to above 27 000; identified 400 quarantine sites with a capacity of around 36 000 beds across the country and deployed nearly 50 000 community health care workers to screen millions of South Africans, said the Minister. The country has already tested over 1.3 million people. Provinces, reveals the budget, will add at least R5 billion for the education catchup plan, social welfare support for communities and provision of quarantine sites by Public Works Departments and responses in other sectors. The Minister saluted healthcare and essential service workers for their bravery in leading the fight. Tariffs have been agreed with private hospitals to supplement public sector capacity. Additionally, the President-initiated Solidarity Fund has augmented governments efforts to procure medical and personal protective equipment. We thank all those who have made much needed contributions to the fund. These examples show that working together with the private sector with a common purpose, we can get stuff done. We will use these lessons to reenergise publicprivate partnerships, he said. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. TOKYO - Japans National Security Council has endorsed plans to cancel the deployment of two costly land-based U.S. missile defence systems aimed at bolstering the countrys capability against threats from North Korea, the countrys defence minister said Thursday. Defence Minister Taro Kono said the country will now revise its missile defence program and scale up its entire defence posture. The council made its decision Wednesday, and now the government will need to enter negotiations with the U.S. about what to do with payments and the purchase contract already made for the Aegis Ashore systems. Kono announced the plan to scrap the systems earlier this month after it was found that the safety of one of the two planned host communities could not be ensured without a hardware redesign that would be too time consuming and costly. We couldnt move forward with this project, but still there are threats from North Korea, Kono said at a news conference Thursday. Japan will discuss ways to better protect the country and the people from the Norths missiles and other threats, he said. The Japanese government in 2017 approved adding the two Aegis Ashore systems to enhance the countrys current defences consisting of Aegis-equipped destroyers at sea and Patriot missiles on land. Defence officials have said the two Aegis Ashore units could cover Japan entirely from one station at Yamaguchi in the south and another at Akita in the north. The plan to deploy the two systems already had faced a series of setbacks, including questions about the selection of one of the sites, repeated cost estimate hikes that climbed to 450 billion yen ($4.1 billion) for their 30-year operation and maintenance, and safety concerns that led to local opposition. Kono said Japan has signed contract worth nearly half the total cost and paid part of it to the U.S. He said Japan is trying to get the most out of what it has already paid, though he did not elaborate. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has steadily pushed to step up Japans defence capability, said last week that in light of the scrapping the government would need to reconsider Japans missile defence program and do more under the countrys security alliance with the U.S. Abe said the government would consider the possibility of acquiring preemptive strike capability, a controversial plan that critics say would violate Japans war-renouncing Constitution. Kono on Thursday also raised concern about Chinas increasingly assertive activity in regional seas and skies. He said Chinese coast guard vessels are repeatedly in and out of Japanese waters around disputed East China Sea islands, and a Chinese submarine recently passed just off Japans southern coast. China is trying to change the status quo unilaterally in East China Sea, South China Sea and with Indian border and Hong Kong as well, Kono said. It is easy to make connections about those issues. ___ Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 16:40:17|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A 10-member Chinese military medical expert team has been joining Pakistan's efforts to battle against #COVID19 since April 24. They have shared their stories. ZAMBOANGA CITY Eight villages in the southern Philippine province of Sulu are now free from the influence of the pro-ISIS group Abu Sayyaf... Aloha from Hawaii: Updating Postcards from the Future Atlanta, GA, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ScottMadden, Inc., one of North Americas leading management consulting firms specializing in energy, recently released its latest edition of The ScottMadden Energy Industry Update (EIU). Themed Take It to the Limit, this EIU explores how everything in this industry will be taken to the limit and what we see as critical issues, made more so by the fluid world in which we are living today. Hawaii has positioned itself as a trailblazer for the future through renewable energy resource development and implementation. In November 2019, utility executives from the continental United States traveled to Hawaii to gain a first-hand understanding of how the state remains at the forefront of the industry as it prepares to transition to higher-renewable penetrations. The group identified three key learnings for electric utilities operating on the mainland. The first key lesson was to understand the path, not just the goal. This entails laying a strong foundation for the future with thoughtful planning and technology adoption. The second lesson was to drive stakeholder connections to solve tangible community problems, as utilities work to meet their renewable goals. The final lesson was that utilities must prepare to relearn how to operate the grid and renewable energy resources. Even though Hawaii remains early in the transition process, it is clearly laying the groundwork for a long-term transition to a renewable energy future. By offering new and innovative technologies and services, the electric utilities in Hawaii are transforming their role from a commodity supplier to a community-engaged service provider, explains Paul Quinlan, clean tech manager at ScottMadden. Throughout the transition, Hawaii will remain a postcard from the future and of interest to those seeking inspiration and innovation. For a closer look inside the fact-finding trip, you can read more in this Public Utilities Fortnightly article or access our latest EIU here. Story continues If you were not able to join our Energy Industry Update webcast, the complimentary recording and presentation is now available. Hear what our industry experts have to say about 100% clean energy commitments, the future of the gas utility, regulatory strategy during a pandemic, and COVID-19s impact on the energy industry. About ScottMaddens Energy Practice We know energy from the ground up. Since 1983, we have served as energy consultants for hundreds of utilities, large and small, including all of the top 20. We focus on Transmission & Distribution, the Grid Edge, Generation, Energy Markets, Rates & Regulation, Enterprise Sustainability, and Corporate Services. Our broad, deep utility expertise is not theoreticalit is experience based. We have helped our clients develop and implement strategies, improve critical operations, reorganize departments and entire companies, and implement myriad initiatives. About ScottMadden, Inc. ScottMadden is the management consulting firm that does what it takes to get it done right. We consult in two main areasEnergy and Corporate & Shared Services. We deliver a broad array of consulting services ranging from strategic planning through implementation across many industries, business units, and functions. To learn more, visit www.scottmadden.com | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn. Mary Tew ScottMadden, Inc. 919-714-7628 marytew@scottmadden.com Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Yann Schreiber (Agence France-Presse) Frankfurt, Germany Thu, June 25, 2020 10:23 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406617fd04 2 Business Lufthansa,Airlines,aviation,relief-aid,rescue-efforts,Germany,COVID-19 Free Lufthansa's top shareholder on Wednesday said he would back a nine billion euro government rescue package, removing the threat of a last-minute veto that could have plunged the German airline into bankruptcy. "I will vote for the agreement," German billionaire Heinz Hermann Thiele told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper on the eve of an extraordinary general meeting where investors will decide on the fate of the coronavirus-hit giant. Chief executive Carsten Spohr has warned that "the future of the company" is at stake after the pandemic throttled Lufthansa's usual flood of passengers to a trickle for several months this year. Spohr will address the online meeting set to begin at 1000 GMT, urging investors to back the plan he hammered out over weeks of talks with ministers and the European Commission. The nine billion euro (US$10 billion) plan includes the state claiming a 20 percent stake. Thiele, who made his fortune in the rail and auto industries and owns 15.5 percent of Lufthansa's stock, had repeatedly voiced scepticism about the deal to the dismay of Lufthansa management, employees and unions. But he told the Frankfurt newspaper insolvency had to be avoided even if he still had doubts about the bailout, in a nod to his concerns about the government climbing on board. "It is in the interest of all Lufthansa employees that management can quickly begin talks about the necessary restructuring," Thiele said. Even with the government aid, Lufthansa has said it may have to slash thousands of jobs as travel demand is expected to stay below pre-pandemic levels for years. But in another boost for the airline, it struck a deal with German flight attendants' union UFO late Wednesday to cut 500 million euros in costs by 2023 while avoiding cabin crew layoffs. The savings would be achieved through measures including pay freezes, reduced flight hours, early retirement and unpaid leave, both sides said in a joint statement. The deal still needs to be approved by union members. But UFO spokesman Nicoley Baublies said it "brings urgently needed job security" for Lufthansa's 22,000 flight attendants as the company weathers an unprecedented crisis. Lufthansa shares jumped more than 16 percent at 2300 GMT in after-hours trading as investors digested the latest developments. Veto power Lufthansa's board warned shareholders ahead of Thursday's vote that insolvency was "unavoidable" if the bailout was rejected. Given that shareholders representing just 38 percent of the capital have registered to participate, Thiele held the power to singlehandedly torpedo the deal. The 79-year-old's motivations for building up his own stake in Lufthansa remain murky. "I will continue to exert influence on the development of Lufthansa," he told the FAZ, declining to elaborate. Bracing for a worst-case scenario, Spohr on Sunday said Lufthansa was "prepared" to keep flight operations going even if the vote goes against the board. Before launching insolvency protection procedures, bosses would "use the time to talk over alternatives with the government," he added. The powerful Verdi union welcomed Thiele's green light. "This ends an existential threat for almost 140,000 employees globally and their families," it said in a statement. "Other shareholders must now follow Thiele's example and agree to the rescue package." Heavy weather Lufthansa's climb out of the coronavirus storm promises to be long and arduous as countries emerge from lockdown and air travel slowly resumes. By September, the group expects its timetable to remain 60 percent below levels seen before the pandemic. Further into the future, around 100 of Lufthansa's present fleet of 763 aircraft will likely be surplus to requirements. Elsewhere in the group, Vienna granted subsidiary Austrian Airlines aid totaling 450 million euros, while Swiss and Edelweiss received loans totaling 1.2 billion euros from Bern. Talks continue with the Belgian government over Brussels Airlines, which plans to shed 1,000 jobs. London, June 25 : While children and young people seem rarely to be victims of severe Covid-19, they are experiencing indirect adverse effects of the pandemic on their mental and physical health, according to researchers, including one of an Indian-origin. Dr Neil Chanchlani from University of Exeter in the UK has described a range of potential adverse effects and contributing factors for kids and young people as well as mitigation strategies for health care providers and health systems. "We should anticipate that they will experience substantial indirect physical, social and mental health effects related to reduced access to health care and general pandemic control measures," said Chanchlani. Forced isolation and economic uncertainty may lead to increases in family violence, contributing to mental and physical trauma. School cancellations may heighten food insecurity for children who depend on meal programmes and increase vulnerability with the loss of school as a safe place. "Lost social interaction and lack of structured routines may lead to increased screen time, decreased physical activity, lack of concentration, anxiety and early depression," the authors wrote in the paper that appeared in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). Families living in inadequate or crowded housing may experience heightened stress or conflict, which can affect the mental and physical health of children. Refugees, some indigenous communities and low-income families living with financial strain and food insecurity are particularly vulnerable. Restrictions and cancellations of child welfare visits to at-risk families can reduce visits of birth parents and children in foster care, leading to harms. The adverse effects also include widespread delays or omissions of routine childhood vaccinations, which can threaten herd immunity; missed detection of delayed development milestones, which are usually identified during routine child health checks and delays in seeking care for non-Covid-19-related illnesses, which can lead to severe illness and even death. "Delays in bringing children and young people to medical attention may be due to parental fears of exposure to Covid-19 in hospitals or on public transit, lack of childcare for other children, lack of access to primary care due to closures, or changes to hospital visitation policies," explained Dr Peter Gill from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), Toronto, Canada. We owe it to our children and young people to proactively measure the Covid-19 pandemic's indirect effects on their health and to take steps to mitigate the collateral damage," the authors wrote. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Ottawa, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After two months of waiting for the Canada Student Service Grant portal to open, students are disappointed to learn that they will be unlikely to receive the full grant, will not be able to count their hours retroactively, and are not eligible if they are an international student or over 30. While the program was announced in April, it took two months for the government to announce the details and open the application process. Because of the delay, students looking to receive the $5,000 grant would have to volunteer an average of 27.8 hours per week until October 31 to receive the full amount, which will not be possible for many students. For those who have already been volunteering since April, they will not be able to claim those hours towards the grant. Also, students over 30 and international students are ineligible. This is yet another example of the problems with the patchwork approach to financial aid that the Federal Government has taken during the pandemic, said Nicole Brayiannis, National Deputy Chairperson of the Canadian Federation of Students. Since the beginning of this crisis, students and their solidarity partners have called for a universal benefit that includes international students and doesnt leave anyone behind. International students, who make up nearly 30% of the post-secondary student population in Canada, have been largely left behind as they are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit, the Canada Summer Jobs program, and now the Canada Student Service Grant. The federal government continues to show that despite the fact that international students contribute billions of dollars to the economy each year, they are deemed not worthy of the same support as their domestic counterparts, said Sofia Descalzi, National Chairperson of the CFS. International students have been hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and are in an especially vulnerable situation. There has been a complete lack of empathy and care afforded to them throughout this crisis. The Canadian Federation of Students continues to demand that the federal government implement a universal benefit for all students and is asking provinces to work with the federal government to immediately reduce tuition fees for all students in Canada and move towards a fully publicly-funded, high-quality system of post-secondary education that will help pull the country out of this unprecedented crisis. -30- The Canadian Federation of Students unites over 500,000 college and university students and more than 60 students' unions throughout the country. Mumbai, June 25 : Shekhar Suman does not seem too convinced with the postmortem report that claims Sushant Singh Rajput committed suicide. The veteran actor demands reinvestigation. "We all will have to take a more belligerent stand and not be cowered down by the suicide narrative and whitewashed slanted theories. This time we won't listen. This time we won't be convinced. #justiceforSushantforum," Shekhar Suman tweeted on Thursday. "So it has been declared that Sushant Singh's was plain and simple suicide. Dont fall for that. I suspected this wd happen. The narrative was set from before. That's why the forum has become all the more imp. Plz raise your voices for a reinvestigation," he wrote in a separate tweet. Shekhar Suman has created a forum called #justiceforSushantforum demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, even though the death is being investigated by Mumbai Police. From the very beginning, Shekhar Suman has been claiming that Sushant didn't commit suicide and he is a victim of foul play. "Ek Bihari ko to maar diya par abhi hum sab zinda hai. Yeh bhoolna mat. Badla to liya jaayega. Jo bhi iske gunehgaar hain unko saza to milegi. (A Bihari has been killed but we all are still alive. Don't forget this. We will take revenge. Whoever is the culprit will be punished.) Biharis of the world unite," Shekhar Suman had tweeted a few days ago. On Wednesday, Mumbai Police received the final postmortem report of Sushant Singh Rajput which reportedly mentioned the actor's death as a "clear case of suicide with no other foul play". However, seems Shekhar Suman isn't really convinced with the report. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Salesforce's venture arm, which has emerged as among the most active corporate venture groups in technology, is investing in Tanium in a funding round that values the security software vendor at $9 billion. The investment, announced on Thursday, is part of a strategic tie-up between the two companies that will bring Tanium's security tools into Salesforce's massive customer base. Tanium's technology gives IT teams visibility into all those devices that employees are now using from home, an issue that's becoming more important by the day as the coronavirus pandemic drags on and companies keep their staffers out of the office. "This puts IT departments under incredible strain, with more complex workloads and an increasing volume of service requests BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) issues, critical software patches flooding in as employees adjust to working remotely," Salesforce said in a blog post. The company said that it's working with Tanium to "develop an employee service solution for the new all-digital, work-from-anywhere world." Tanium said in an emailed statement that the new investment brings the total amount its raised to $900 million, suggesting a new investment by Salesforce of about $100 million. While the company didn't disclose the size of the round, it had previously raised a total of about $800 million at the time of its last fundraising in 2018, which valued Tanium at $6.5 billion. Founded in 2007 by father and son David and Orion Hindawi, Tanium gained traction as companies moved from having to protect traditional data centers and the computers and laptops in their offices to a world of smartphones, tablets and other connected devices that are spread all over the place. Tanium's technology allows IT departments to quickly spot irregularities in the network, no matter where they occur. Salesforce said that it's partnering with Tanium to develop "a help desk that gives employees a one-stop shop to self-serve, submit, track and resolve service requests or incidents," as well as tools that help IT managers view and manage employee incidents and the ability to use Salesforce's technology "to further automate common tasks." Salesforce Ventures has taken significant stakes in other subscription software businesses in recent years, reserving some of its biggest investments for companies that are going public. For example, Salesforce invested in the IPOs of Zoom, Dropbox and SurveyMonkey. Previous bets include Twilio and DocuSign. WATCH: Employers are using software to track workers while they work at home Americans will take an estimated 700 million trips in July and August, AAA said Thursday in one of its regular summer vacation forecasts down nearly 15% from last year in the first decline since the last recession in 2009. The New England region alone will have 37.6 Million road trippers, down 2%. Were it not for the coronavirus pandemic, AAA said it would have predicted 857 million trips during the third quarter, a 3.6% increase over last year. The pandemic wiped out nearly 150 million person-trips this summer, AAA said. Air travel will be off by about 74% compared with 2019. Rail, cruise ship and bus travel will be down by 86%. Car trips will see the smallest decrease in travel volume, at just 3% year-over-year, AAA said. Americans will get out and explore this summer though theyre taking a wait and see approach when it comes to booking and are likely to book more long weekend getaways than extended vacations, said Sandra Marsian, AAA Pioneer Valleys vice president of membership, travel and marketing in a prepared statement. When they do venture out, the greatest share of travelers 683 million will take to the road to satisfy their wanderlust. AAAs results seem to square with a Suffolk University poll from WGBH News, MassLive, The Boston Globe and the State House News Service released this week. More than 78% of respondents said they are still uncomfortable getting on a bus, subway or train, and 74% were uncomfortable with the prospect of air travel. AAA said there are bright spots. Hotel and rental car bookings have been gradually increasing since April. Air travel has been slower to rebound. The share of travelers making plans 48 hours to 7 days before departure a sign that people are arranging last-minute trips is significantly higher than normal, according to the AAA release. Gas prices AAA expects the national gas price to average near $2.25 a gallon for the third quarter of 2020. That's a 15% decline from the $2.66 average seen last summer. AAA said it will be the cheapest summer for filling-up since 2016. In Springfield the current average price for regular gas is $2.03 per gallon, up 17 cents per gallon since last month. The current statewide average for Massachusetts is $2.10 a gallon, up from $1.98 a month ago but down from $2.70 a year ago. While pumping gas, AAA recommends wearing disposable gloves or using a plastic sandwich bag to avoid touching the pump handle. When back in your car, be sure to clean your hands with sanitizer or wipes. Related Content: House Democrats led by two New Jersey lawmakers on Wednesday introduced legislation to expand the Affordable Care Act at the same time that President Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to kill it. In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone Jr. and other Democrats pushed Wednesday to return to the No. 1 issue on voters minds two years ago when Democrats won a House majority that they are favored to retain this fall. Four New Jersey congressional districts flipped to blue from red in the 2018 midterms. Pallone, D-6th Dist., said the Congressional Budget Office found that the legislation would provide health coverage for 4 million more Americans and lower premiums by an average of 10%. Were trying to increase access and at the same time deal with affordability so that people can afford their health insurance, Pallone said. Nowhere was health care a bigger issue two years ago than in New Jerseys 3rd Congressional District, where Democrat Andy Kim narrowly ousted Republican Rep. Tom MacArthur. MacArthur had played a major role in drafting the House GOP repeal bill that would have left 23 million more Americans without insurance. The repeal effort failed by one vote in the Senate. No surprise then that Kim, rated as New Jerseys most endangered House incumbent, spoke alongside Pallone, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and other lawmakers at a Capitol press conference on Wednesday. It is insane that in the middle of a pandemic, our health care in our country is under attack, Kim said. Taking away health care from Americans in the middle of a pandemic is as absurd as saying we should be slowing down testing of the coronavirus when thousands are dying. New Jersey reported 169,892 confirmed coronavirus cases on Wednesday, behind only New York. The bill introduced Wednesday would make more Americans eligible for tax credits and increases the amount they would receive, create a national reinsurance program that would help cover patients with high medical costs, and pay 100% of the costs of expanding Medicaid for every state that hasnt done it so far. The measure also would provide federal aid to states to help them lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs, and to help them set up their own marketplaces, as New Jersey is doing. And it blocks Trump administration efforts to expand the availability insurance plans that not provide all benefits required under the ACA, most notably coverage for pre-existing conditions. The bill would allow Medicare to negotiate with drug companies to hold down costs, make those lower prices available to those with private insurance, and use the savings to fund the Medicaid expansion and higher subsidies. Its a win-win all around, Pallone said. The provision on Medicare drugs mirrored Pallone-sponsored legislation passed by the House in December. AARP, the senior citizens lobby, said that in 2017, 24% of New Jersey residents couldnt afford to take their prescribed medications. With millions of Americans losing their jobs and their insurance due the coronavirus-induced recession, the bill offers House Democrats a chance to contrast their efforts to expand coverage with Republican efforts to kill the law altogether. Newly unemployed workers can obtain insurance through the ACA at healthcare.gov Trump and several Republican-run states have asked the Supreme Court to throw out the Affordable Care Act, including its protections for those with pre-existing conditions, the expansion of Medicaid, and the subsidies that make insurance affordable for millions of Americans. New Jersey and other Democratic-run states have asked the Supreme Court to uphold the law. Some 595,000 additional New Jerseyans would be without health coverage and another 181,000 would lose their tax credits if Trump succeeds, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a progressive research group. In a Quinnipiac University poll released last week, 56% of Americans disapproved of the way Trump was handling health care, compared with 39% who approved. And 55% said presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden would do a better job on health care, while 41% said Trump. And a Kaiser Family Foundation survey last month said Americans approved of the health care law by 51% to 41%. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. SAN FRANCISCO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Capella Space, an aerospace and information services company providing Earth observation data on demand, today announced it has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). The CRADA gives Capella access to NGA researchers for deeper insight into problems and in return NGA gains access to Capella Space's SAR data and analytics services and signifies NGA's first research partnership with an American commercial small satellite SAR data company, in an effort to expand its research capabilities. The CRADA with Capella Space is part of the NGA's broader Commercial GEOINT Strategy, first released October 2015 and later updated in September 2018. The NGA Commercial GEOINT Strategy provides a vision and plan for continually increasing collaboration with commercial GEOINT companies in order to meet rising customer demands for more timely and persistent imagery, analytics, and contextual information. As the first U.S. commercial SAR company and as an industry leader with an unparalleled SAR imaging platform, Capella Space is an ideal partner to facilitate the execution of the NGA's plan. Capella will play a critical role in satisfying NGA's mission to expand its production and publication of unclassified operations and intelligence. "This is an exciting partnership that has the potential to yield new intelligence opportunities. Capella's high temporal resolution SAR imagery will give intelligence professionals key insight and strategic advantage," said Jarrett Adrian, NGA's Principal Investigator for this CRADA. The CRADA further strengthens Capella Space's already-trusted relationship with United States government agencies. This past May, Capella Space signed a contract with the Department of Defense to provide on-demand, high-resolution SAR data and analytics for the U.S. Navy. "We're appreciative to NGA for its interest in our data and technology," said Payam Banazadeh, CEO and founder of Capella Space. "We look forward to better understanding users' problems and demands through this partnership and being able to jointly develop cutting edge solutions for our U.S. government customers. With our satellite launch on the near horizon, this is an optimal time to initiate a collaborative, data-sharing relationship." To learn more about Capella Space, visit https://www.capellaspace.com/ . About Capella Space: Capella Space is an information services company that provides on-demand sub-0.5m high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Earth observation imagery. Through a constellation of small satellites, Capella is providing easy access to frequent, timely and flexible information affecting dozens of industries worldwide. Capella's high-resolution SAR satellites are matched with unparalleled infrastructure to deliver reliable global insights that sharpen our understanding of the changing worldimproving decisions about commerce, conservation and security on Earth. Learn more at capellaspace.com. Media Contact: Alex Nelson [email protected] SOURCE Capella Space Popular programmes such as 'Tiger King' have driven Netflix subscriptions higher in Ireland (Netflix/PA) Netflix is approaching 1m subscriptions in Ireland, sources close to the company have said. The company does not break down its subscription figures by individual countries in Europe. However, people with knowledge of the figures say that the number in Ireland is expected to cross 1m sometime in the near future. Netflixs global subscriptions have increased by half in the last two years, from 125m to 182m. European subscriptions have doubled in the same period from 29m to 58m, according to the analysis firm Comparitech. The UK, Netflixs largest individual European market, has 13m Netflix subscriptions, according to the Comparitech estimates. Netflix has consistently said that Irish per-capita subscription levels are around the same as the UK. This would put the estimated Irish subscription figure at somewhere around 1m, in line with a growth curve from Comregs 2018 figures to today. A spokesperson for Netflix declined to comment on the matter. However, people with knowledge of the figures say that the number is significantly closer to 1m than 500,000 and it has continued to rise through the pandemic lockdown. The march of Netflix In Ireland comes as the worlds biggest online streaming platform prepares to release 59 new originals in July, including movies, documentaries and series. The releases will include a new season of Umbrella Academy, Deadwind, Cursed, a remake of The Babysitters Club and a new Charlize Theron movie. Unlike many film studios and premium television broadcasters, Netflix isnt facing a shortage of content due to the pandemic. Our 2020 slate of series and films are largely shot and are in post-production stages in locations all over the world, said Ted Sarandos, chief content officer of Netflix. And were actually pretty deep into our 2021 slate. We dont anticipate moving the schedule around much and certainly not in 2020. Streaming options in Ireland have deepened in 2020 with the arrival of Disney+, which raced to over 50m subscriptions globally within months of its launch. Sky has recently reignited a marketing push for its Now TV streaming option while Amazon Prime Video is now included as a built-in channel alongside Netflix and YouTube on most new televisions. Alternative independent film streaming services such as Mubi have also garnered niche audiences in Ireland. Stacker takes a look at every U.S. president and first ladys official portraits, with information from the White House Historical Association and independent research. This article was first published on Stacker The Minister for Lands and Natural Resource Hon. Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh on Tuesday 23rd June, 2020, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo has given the green light for the commencement of a Community Mining in the Obuasi East District in the Ashanti Region under the government Community Mining Programme (CMP). The community mining project is a novel mining model introduced by the Akuffo Addo government to address some of the underlying causes of illegal mining (galamsey), within the mining communities throughout the country. Again, the programme is aimed at providing members of mining communities the opportunity to engage in lawful and meaningful mining ventures and ensure sustainable livelihood for the beneficiaries of the scheme. Outdooring the programme at Ayease, a community in the Obuasi East District, Hon. Asomah-Cheremeh outlined some of the impacts of the projects including providing employment for more than 16,000 people. This he said aligns with the governments agenda of job creation. He revealed that proceeds from small scale mining contributed 36% of revenue accrued from the mining sector to the state. The Lands and Natural Resource Minister, added that Obuasi is blessed as a community to be endowed with Gold, a natural resource which contributes significantly to Ghana and the world at large by the creation of employment, revenue generation, source of foreign exchange and many others. The Minister said small scale mining continues to contribute significantly to the socio-economic needs of Ghana. The operations have transformed from artisanal to the use of sophisticated mining techniques in recent times. The introduction of the community mining laws have helped in improving small scale mining activities and minimized associated environmental hazards. He commended the District Chief Executive for Obuasi East District Hon. Faustina Amissah for a good job done as regards to the community mining in the district. As provided for within mining law, the Scheme is reserved for only Ghanaians but with emphasis on host communities, He added. The Board Chairman of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Sampson Kwaku Boafo on his part was overwhelmed and congratulated the people of Ayease community for such a remarkable job done. He said galamsey was seen as a death trap for miners but with introduction of community mining there will be no record of death of miners. He pleaded with the miners to follow all measures put in place for the local community mining as this will not only benefit the current generation but will benefit many generations years to come and ensure development of this project is kept functioning for a longer period of time. He also seized the opportunity to advise them to adopt and inculcate the habit of savings to prepare for the future and not to spend the money they earn from the mining unnecessarily. The Member of Parliament for Obuasi East who was re-elected in the recent NPP primaries, Hon. Dr. Partrick Boakye Yiadom said it became necessary for President Akuffo-Addo to place a ban on small scale mining across the country in 2017 due to the destruction of the environment, river bodies and forest reserves by illegal miners. He stressed that the ban had been lifted for only small-scale miners whose concessions have been duly validated hence the commissioning of local mining in the district. Dr. Boakye Yiadom told the miners to abide by the rules and regulations governing the community mining for a peaceful mining at Ayease and also to ensure the safety of the community members. Health is Wealth, let us give large meaning to our life, as health is considered the most valuable and precious for every individual" the one time Medical Doctor opined. Hon. Dr. Boakye said the Akuffo-Addo government is a promise fulfil government and the revival of Anglo Gold Ashanti Obuasi Mine and also the launching of the Local Mining is a testimony of a good government. Hon. Faustina Amissah who is the District Chief Executive for Obuasi East expressed her sincerest appreciation to the President of the Republic for fulfilling his promise of regularizing the activities of illegal mining and the Minster for Lands and Natural resource for such a laudable project. She stressed that the community mining project in her jurisdiction will help ease pressure on Anglo Gold Ashanti as the main source of employment for the people of Obuasi. She again promised on behalf of the District, to abide by the rules covering the operations of community mining in the country. Present at the launch were Nananom, the District Coordinating Director of the Obuasi East Mr. Emmanuel Ntoso, Heads of Department and the Assembly Members, A bill aimed at helping people with past criminal records find open doors to work in occupations directly regulated by the state received final passage in the Pennsylvania General Assembly on Wednesday and is now headed to Gov. Tom Wolfs desk for adoption. Wolf is expected to sign it. The bill, sponsored by Sen. John DiSanto, R-Dauphin County, breezed through the House and Senate with no opposition. DiSantos effort is the latest in a set of bills aimed at removing employment barriers for ex-offenders that have gotten traction in Harrisburg in recent years, including a separate 2018 act that automatically clears the criminal records of most non-violent offenders who have gone 10 years without a new arrest. DiSantos bill specifically addresses 29 job categories for which the state has all-important licensing authority, ranging from cosmetology to nursing to selling real estate or cars. The bill requires the Department of States licensing boards and commissions to complete individual reviews of all applicants for licenses to determine if a past criminal conviction is a disqualification for licensure. The licensing entities must consider whether the crime or crimes are directly related to the occupation, weigh rehabilitative factors and whether issuing a license creates a substantial risk to the public. Applicants would also not be required to disclose past convictions that were expunged under the Clean Slate law, or crimes committed as a juvenile. The new policies are designed to supplant the past practice of license denials based on phrases such as moral turpitude and moral character that DiSanto and others said have too often in the past served as blockades to the ability of an otherwise rehabilitated person to take a step forward in their new lives. This (status quo) is contrary to the work of our state prisons to rehabilitate and actually train inmates in a skilled profession, DiSanto told PennLive in an interview last year, where he noted the bill would be especially helpful to ex-offenders. If you have completed your sentence, you should not be deemed guilty of seeking an occupational license. He and other supporters hope the new bills requirements will keep ex-offenders out of jail. The state Department of Correction says historically about 60 percent of its inmates released on parole are re-arrested within three years, often because they cannot find employment. The bill tasks the various state licensing board to publish list of crimes that could trigger further scrutiny in their respective field, and gives prospective applicants the opportunity to seek preliminary decisions on their particular criminal histories before they invest large amounts of time and money in professional training and education. The list of relevant crimes is supposed to be produced within 180 days of enactment of the law. Most of the other new procedures will take effect six months after enactment, or, in this case, right around the start of the new year. Some offenses would still be non-starters. For example, a sexual offense would bar someone from work in health care. And the bill also requires a license applicant convicted of a violent crime to show three crime-free years from imposition of sentence or release from prison, whichever is later. But the state boards and commissions would no longer be permitted to issue blanket denials based on an old convictions that are not directly related to the profession. DiSantos bill does not apply to teachers, who are licensed separately by the state Department of Education. The bill has had the support of a broad coalition of stakeholders including the Greater Harrisburg Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry, Community Legal Services, Americans for Tax Reform, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Justice Action Network. Gene Barr, president of the Pennsylvania Chamber, said the proposals will help offenders access their version of the American dream and can only benefit businesses across the state. The growing skills gap in the Commonwealth is a top concern of the states business community, Barr said when DiSantos bill was introduced. While there is no silver bullet to solving this problem, one important area of focus is criminal justice reform and removing barriers to help individuals reentering communities more easily obtain and retain employment. Its been estimated that the states licensing boards are the gatekeepers to as many as one in five jobs in Pennsylvanias economy. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on June 25 submitted its first charge sheet in a case registered against Yes Bank co-founder Rana Kapoor and promoters of Dewan Housing Finance Ltd (DHFL) Kapil and Dheeraj Wadhawan. The document was submitted in a special CBI court. The case pertains to suspicious transactions in 2018 between Kapoor and DHFL. The investigating agency, which has been probing the case since March this year, named Kapoor, the Wadhawans, RKW Developers Private Limited and Doit Urban Venture India Private Limited (DUVPL) in the charge sheet. The CBI registered the case on March 7 to probe the transactions between Kapoor and DHFL group firms under sections related to criminal conspiracy and cheating, following which the Enforcement Directorate (ED) registered a money-laundering case the same day. The ED arrested Kapoor on March 8. Apart from DHFL and RKW, the probe also examined the alleged roles of Rana Kapoor's daughter Roshni Kapoor and two other firms associated with the Kapoors --- RAB Enterprises (India) Private Limited, and DUVPL - that were named as accused along with Kapoor and four of his family members in a charge sheet filed by the ED recently. The CBI said initial investigations by its economic offence wing into alleged deals worth Rs 5,050 crore found the Kapoor family received kickbacks in exchange for giving Yes Bank loans to the Wadhawans of DHFL through various channels and in gross violation of rules. Kapoor used his many companies to get undue benefits from the Wadhawans after influencing Yes Bank to extend large loans to DHFL and other Wadhawan companies by flouting rules, according to the CBI. The agency had on April 26 arrested Kapil and Dheeraj Wadhawan at Mahabaleshwar for their alleged involvement in the illegal transactions. The Wadhawans and Kapoor are in judicial custody and are currently lodged at Taloja Central Jail. Between April and June 2018, Yes Bank had invested Rs 3,700 crore in short-term debentures of DHFL. Simultaneously, the Wadhawans allegedly paid a kickback of Rs 600 crore in the garb of loans to companies owned by Kapoor and his family. The DHFL loan to a Kapoor family-controlled firm, DOIT, was given on the basis of the latters mortgage of five properties that were acquired for only Rs 39.66 crore and by considering its future conversion from agricultural to residential land, it was alleged. According to CBI sources, the assets' collective worth was allegedly assessed at Rs 485 crore by DHFL. Kapoor and the Wadhawans have denied allegations of any wrongdoing and that the Rs 600-crore loan was a kickback. Yes bank is yet to recover the said Rs 3,700 crore loan. The CBI also examined another Yes bank-DHFL transaction in 2018 that pertained to the formers grant of a Rs 750-crore loan to a firm allegedly controlled by the latter for a Bandra Reclamation redevelopment project. It was alleged that a portion of the loan was transferred to DHFL eventually. Kapoor had moved the court for an anticipatory bail in the cases registered by the CBI. But the decision is yet to be taken by the court. A federal appeals court today denied a request by Alabama state officials for an emergency stay of a judges order allowing curbside voting and relaxing certain absentee voting requirements for people at risk of serious illness from COVID-19. The ruling applies to the July 14 runoff. The appeals court declined to stay, or put on hold, the June 15 order by U.S. District Judge Abdul Kallon. Kallon granted in part a preliminary injunction sought by four individual voters and three organizations -- the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP, Greater Birmingham Ministries, and People First of Alabama -- who said that certain absentee voting requirements and a ban on curbside voting violated their voting rights because it forced them to choose between not voting or putting themselves at risk of illness from exposure to COVID-19. Organizations who represented the plaintiffs put out statements praising the ruling. This is an important win for Alabama voters at-risk for COVID-19, said Caren Short, senior staff attorney for the Southern Poverty Law Center. As cases continue to surge across the state disproportionately impacting Black Alabamians it is critical that those most at-risk from COVID-19 can vote safely. The 11th Circuits decision means hundreds of thousands of Alabama voters will be able to safely exercise their constitutional right to vote, said NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc., Senior Counsel Natasha Merle. The witness signature and photo ID requirements were obstacles that would have unnecessarily exposed people to COVID-19. We also hope to see local officials offering curbside voting in July and beyond." Bill Van Der Pol, Senior Trial Counsel for the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program, said, As the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals noted, Forcing a high-risk voter to choose between risking her health or life or abandoning her right to vote violates the ADA because it unduly restricts a person with a disability to equal access and enjoyment to the right to vote, which is a hallmark of any democracy." Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill, who sought the stay, issued a statement. Even though our stay was denied, the case is still under review and our appeal is still under consideration by the Eleventh Circuit, Merrill said. We are committed to preserving the integrity and credibility of the electoral process and protecting the opportunity for every eligible Alabama voter to participate in our elections in an unobstructed way. Kallons ruling, which remains in force with todays ruling by the appeals court: Blocks enforcement of a requirement to have an absentee ballot witnessed by two people or a notary public if the voter provides a written statement under penalty of perjury that he or she suffers from an underlying medical condition that the Centers for Disease Control said puts them at a substantially higher risk from COVID-19. (Applies only to Jefferson, Lee, and Mobile counties.) Blocks enforcement of a photo ID requirement for any absentee voter 65 or older or with a disability who determines it is impossible or unreasonable to safely satisfy that requirement, and who provides a written statement signed by the voter under penalty of perjury that he or she is 65 or older or has a disability. (Applies only to Jefferson, Lee, and Mobile counties.) Blocks the secretary of state from prohibiting counties from establishing curbside voting procedures that otherwise comply with state election law. The appeals court decision said Alabama does not have a law prohibiting curbside voting, but said Merrill has at least on at least two occasions, stopped counties from setting up curbside voting because he did not think it was allowed under state law. The plaintiffs allege that amounted to a de facto ban on curbside voting. London, June 25 : Volunteers have begun being immunised with a new UK coronavirus vaccine. About 300 people will have the vaccine over the coming weeks, as part of a trial led by Robin Shattock and his colleagues, at Imperial College London. Tests in animals suggest the vaccine is safe and triggers an effective immune response. Experts at Oxford University have already started human trials, the BBC reported on Wednesday. The trials are among many across the world - there are around 120 vaccine programmes under way. Kathy, 39, who works in finance, is one of the first volunteers taking part in the Imperial trial. She said she volunteered because she wanted to play a part in fighting the virus. "I think it came from not really knowing what I could do to help, and this turned out to be something that I could do. "And understanding that it's not likely that things will get back to normal until there is a vaccine, so wanting to be part of that progress as well." After this first phase, another trial is being planned for October, involving 6,000 people. The Imperial team hopes the vaccine could be distributed in the UK and overseas from early 2021. Meanwhile the Duke of Cambridge met volunteers taking part in Oxford University's trial, at the city's Churchill Hospital. Prince William told the volunteers: "It's the most incredibly exciting and very welcome project that you're all doing which is why it's fascinating." Many traditional vaccines are based on a weakened or modified form of virus, or parts of it, but the Imperial vaccine is based on a new approach, using synthetic strands of genetic code, called RNA, which mimic the virus. Once injected into muscle, the RNA self-amplifies - generating copies of itself - and instructs the body's own cells to make copies of a spike protein found on the outside of the virus. This should train the immune system to recognise and fight coronavirus without having to develop Covid-19. Luisa Zissman has shared a throwback picture of the wedding dress she wore for her legal ceremony in Dublin to husband Andrew Collins five years ago. The 33-year-old took to Instagram to post the snap on Thursday, in celebration of their wedding anniversary, showing off her short tiered gown she wore on the day. The wedding was an intimate affair and they had a second ceremony in Cannes a month later, with Luisa wearing the short dress again for her evening reception. Memories: On Thursday, Luisa Zissman shared an Instagram picture of the dress she wore to her legal ceremony in Dublin to millionaire Andrew Collins on their five year anniversary Happy times: Luisa shared this sweet post alongside the picture and her best friend Sam Faiers also commented Luisa wore a diamante tiara and lace veil for her Dublin wedding and wore light-coloured shoes with a strap detail. She carried a bouquet of pink and cream roses as she posed for the picture ahead of walking down the aisle. She wrote: '5yrs ago today we got married in a little church in Dublin with just our families there .' Her best friend Sam Faiers, 29, wrote: ' This has gone so quick xxx happy anniversary x.' Matched! Luisa and Andrew first laid eyes on each other when the Irish millionaire bid on her at a charity auction, where they raised over 3,000 for charity (pictured in 2015) Beloved: She began dating Andrew (pictured in 2013) shortly after her marriage to Oliver Zissman broke down and he popped the question in October 2014 on a romantic trip to Paris Stunning: Luisa wore this dress during her second wedding to Andrew in Cannes a month later Luisa and Andrew first laid eyes on each other when the Irish millionaire bid on her at a charity auction, where they raised over 3,000 for charity. She began dating Andrew shortly after her marriage to Oliver Zissman broke down and he popped the question in October 2014 on a romantic trip to Paris. He gave her an eight-carat diamond ring during an intimate candlelit dinner with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Luisa is mother to Dixie, 10, with her ex-husband Oliver and Indigo Esme, three, and Clementine, two, with Andrew. She previously confessed she was bored with pretty boys and had chosen personality over looks with Andrew. Luisa told The Sun at the time: 'Good-looking men are a******s... and normally rich men are too ... It's all about their personality. 'My boyfriend now is lovely. He's good looking to me but I didn't pick him on that. He's kind and considerate and respectful.' Firefighters work to save a home on Dume Drive in Malibu as the Woolsey fire rages in November 2018. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) When the Cedar fire broke out near a populated area in Kern County in August 2016, fire officials issued a recommended evacuation order in an effort to get residents to quickly leave their homes. The fire, which would eventually grow to more than 29,000 acres, continued on its path of destruction through the Sequoia National Forest over several days, eventually forcing people in neighboring Tulare County to flee. When the call came for those residents to leave, officials termed the order a "mandatory evacuation." The evacuations in both areas were immediately necessary, but the agencies used different language to communicate those requirements to residents, causing confusion among both the public and first responders, said Brian Marshall, a fire and rescue chief with the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. Marshall was the fire chief in Kern County during the blaze. "You could just imagine how flustered people were starting out using Kern's terminology and then, all of a sudden, the news is reporting mandatory evacuations," Marshall said. "When you're evacuating the public, that's a high-stress time in their life. The last thing you want to do is confuse them with terminology." Similar scenarios unfolded across California in 2017 and 2018 as the state was ravaged by deadly debris flows and wildfires disasters that frequently straddled multiple jurisdictions and sent first responders from various regions scrambling across the Golden State to lend a hand. In May, after months of discussions with law enforcement and fire officials across California, the Governor's Office of Emergency Services recommended standard evacuation terminology for cities and counties to use during an emergency. Rather than issuing calls for "voluntary" or "mandatory" evacuations, state officials suggest that counties instead issue evacuation warnings and orders. An evacuation order notes an immediate threat to life and safety that requires people to leave their homes immediately. An evacuation warning signals a potential threat to life or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate or those with pets or livestock should prepare to leave their homes during an evacuation warning, under the state guidelines. Story continues At this point, the guidelines for a standardized approach to emergency communications remains voluntary. However, some municipalities across California, including Riverside, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, have already adopted the new terminology. While it's not clear whether Los Angeles County plans to make any changes to its evacuation strategy, the city of Malibu where the Woolsey fire charred a devastating path and destroyed more than 1,600 structures in 2018 has committed to using the state-approved language. In years past, Los Angeles County and city officials have struggled to effectively communicate with the public during emergencies. During the Woolsey fire in 2018, Los Angeles County relied too heavily on social media and left many older residents in the dark about the approaching fire. A year later, a computer coding error prevented city staff from using emergency notification software to warn people of the Saddleridge fire. Neither officials with the county nor the city of Los Angeles responded to requests for comment. Executives in Ventura County, which was ravaged by massive back-to-back wildfires in 2017 and 2018, say they think having uniform terminology will help ease confusion among residents as well as first responders, who may be arriving to help during a disaster from hundreds of miles away. "What makes sense in Ventura County should make sense everywhere else in California," said Office of Emergency Services Director Patrick Maynard. "It's not uncommon to have incidents that traverse multiple counties. We saw that with the Thomas fire and the Woolsey fire. It's important when neighboring counties are actively involved that consistent terminology be used to avoid confusion." While officials say the consistent terminology keeps fire officials and law enforcement agencies on the same page, experts note that it also may help the public better understand what it needs to do during an emergency when even a few minutes of delay can result in deadly outcomes. It may even prompt residents to take the messages more seriously when they're hearing it repeated from multiple sources in the same way. The opposite is also true, said Wandi Bruine de Bruin, a provost professor of public policy, psychology and behavioral science at USC. "If the messages are inconsistent, then the interpretation might be different, and it leads to confusion," Bruine de Bruin said. "It could lead people to pick and choose what messages they want to adhere to." After the Thomas fire ravaged Santa Barbara County in late 2017 and a deadly mudslide swept through Montecito in early 2018, public officials there announced theyd changed their phrasing for evacuation orders to eliminate the use of the word voluntary. Instead, they replaced it with warning, which is closer in step with National Weather Service terminology and the state recommendations that later followed. The mudslide, which killed 23 people and destroyed 130 homes in Montecito, revealed several deficiencies in the county's planning procedures, including how they handled evacuation warnings. In the days before the slide, officials released conflicting evacuation instructions that left some hard-hit neighborhoods out of the warning zone. Some residents who had been on edge for weeks during the Thomas fire were fatigued by the constant messaging about possible evacuations and hesitated leaving their homes before the storm. The situation prompted authorities to rethink their evacuation strategy, officials say. Santa Barbara's frequent draw as a destination for weekend getaways for Southern Californians also adds to the importance of having uniform messaging in evacuation orders, said Kelly Hubbard, director of Santa Barbara County's Office of Emergency Management. "We want them to get and understand the same terminology they would get in their home county," she said. Times staff writer Joseph Serna contributed to this report. Black Workers More Likely to Face Retaliation for Raising Coronavirus Concerns As more corporations jump into the fray, offering statements of support for African Americans in the aftermath of the police killing of George Floyd and the ensuing protests, a new study reveals that many companies actual policies and practices contradict their public statements. With just a small amount of research, short-term marketing and public relations positioning using words proclaiming empathy, understanding and support of Black causes can too often be found to be in direct contrast of long-term human resources dictates. A survey by the National Employment Law Project (NELP) about working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic confirms that corporate America has treated Black workers categorically worse than White workers during the pandemic. ADVERTISEMENT African Americans were twice as likely to answer Yes, or Maybe, when asked if they or anyone at their company had been punished for raising COVID-19 safety concerns. The survey found that Black workers were roughly twice as likely to have been retaliated against by their employers for speaking up about health concerns and requesting time off work. For instance, Amazon fired Black and brown workers who have organized to demand more substantial health and safety protections. Thousands of Instacart workers, many of whom are women of color, are reportedly waiting for face masks and hand sanitizer promised months ago. Three out of four Black workers who took the survey said they showed up to work during the pandemic even though they believed they might have been seriously risking their health or the health of family members. Less than half of White workers said they had done the same. Our results suggest that virus transmission in the workplace may be exacerbated by employer repression and that the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black communities may be related to greater exposure of Black workers to repressive workplace environments, the studys authors wrote. While Black workers at any given worksite tend to be treated worse than their white counterparts, the studys authors suggest that Black workers, as a whole, tend to work in more repressive environments than White workers, noted vice.com. The higher likelihood of retaliation that Black workers face means fewer of them feel safe reporting concerns or have had their concerns addressed. ADVERTISEMENT The survey found that Black Workers were more than twice as likely to have unresolved concerns about coronavirus at their workplace than their White counterparts. Thirty-nine percent of workers surveyed reported that they had either raised concerns to their employer and did not receive a satisfactory response or did not out of fear of retaliation. Meanwhile, only 18 percent of White workers found themselves in the same position. This is saddening to hear and somewhat unsurprising. I cant believe the world we live in. Still, as I have lived in it for a great number of years, I am actually thankful that such practices are coming to light now, Andrew Taylor, the director of the Net Lawman. This firm provides legal document templates and law-related services to individuals and businesses who are looking for an alternative to using a traditional firm of lawyers. My thoughts on this study pushed me to ask about the segregation of employment and where these people are working. Obviously, we must focus on the roles Black workers are in to make changes from here. Amit Raj said he was working part-time as a pharmacist earlier this year when he raised concerns. As we were working within an office within a warehouse where there were almost no changes to working practice despite the pandemic. Since we were deemed an essential service, we were also not allowed to work from home, Raj stated in an email. Despite bringing this up on many occasions and management being aware, I was first just ignored. And was soon demoted from an assistant manager position, he said. However, the reason given for the demotion was that my part-time hours were not allowing me to manage effectively. I have now decided to place my focus on my digital marketing business. Raj has since founded Amit Digital Marketing. Talia Fox, the CEO of KUSI Training, a global transformational leadership development firm, said in an email that the study concerns her mostly because of her two sons who have to work in the current environment. I have two sons and wear three hats, mother, Black woman, leadership strategist. If I am honest, I am afraid, afraid of the challenges my two young black men will face in the world, Fox noted via email. When my fear settles, it turns to anger, and I wonder why people are not doing anything. I want to blame someone, anyone for the injustices in the world, Fox noted. Then, my anger leads me to look in the mirror. What do I have to give? What is my role in this? I am a leadership strategist and an educator. I have seen knowledge, understanding, and strategy, and implementation transform businesses and inspire people to drive and lead change, which anchors my hope that a better future is possible for my two black men. Diocese outlines new rules for funerals Funerals and wakes have resumed now that Luzerne County is in the green reopening phase following a months-long coronavirus shutdown. The Diocese of Scranton has released a series of rules for how such services should be conducted in Catholic churches. Funeral services, including Masses, wakes and viewings, may resume with families and guests, so long as they dont exceed the attendance limit of 250 people and those gathered abide by social distancing requirements. A funeral Mass for a COVID-19 parishioner is permitted. The casket should be closed prior to entering the church. Parishes and funeral directors should encourage members of the same household to sit together Family and friends of the deceased should be seated in church first before bringing the casket or urn inside. Since the procession to the cemetery usually follows the funeral, it is recommended that the distribution of Holy Communion take place within the Mass. Appropriate social distancing during the reception of Holy Communion at funerals will need to be coordinated by the parish and the funeral director. A funeral Mass for a COVID-19 parishioner is permitted. The casket should be closed prior to entering the church. Memorial Masses for individuals who died during the stay-at-home orders may also take place as long as the number of people who gather does not exceed the established limits. Live streaming of these services is a possibility, if the family desires, to allow others attend remotely. The use of cemetery chapels for final committal services remains suspended. For more information, go to www.dioceseofscranton.org. By Dave Graham MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's president on Thursday said an upcoming meeting with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump was a matter of economic necessity even as diplomats questioned the wisdom of making his first foreign visit to a man widely reviled by Mexicans. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will visit Trump in Washington to usher in a new trade deal four years after his predecessor Enrique Pena Nieto was pilloried for hosting the American during the 2016 U.S By Dave Graham MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico's president on Thursday said an upcoming meeting with his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump was a matter of economic necessity even as diplomats questioned the wisdom of making his first foreign visit to a man widely reviled by Mexicans. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will visit Trump in Washington to usher in a new trade deal four years after his predecessor Enrique Pena Nieto was pilloried for hosting the American during the 2016 U.S. presidential election race. Mexico sends 80% of its exports to the U.S. marketplace and receives billions of dollars in remittances from some 35 million people of Mexican origin in the United States. Trump has used both as leverage to pressure Mexico to curb illegal immigration. Lopez Obrador, who has suggested the meeting could take place in early July, has striven to stay on good terms. "It's a relationship of friendship, and it's an indispensable economic and commercial relationship," Lopez Obrador told a regular news conference. "That's what my journey to the United States is about." Lopez Obrador, who has yet to travel outside Mexico since taking office 19 months ago, proposed the idea of a June or July meeting with Trump two months ago but later suggested it would be difficult in person. That changed this week when Trump announced he was expecting to meet the Mexican president soon. The thought of him sharing a stage with Trump, who tarred Mexican migrants as rapists and drug runners in his 2015-16 election campaign and vowed to make Mexico pay for his planned border wall, stirs unease among Mexican diplomats. Agustin Gutierrez, the husband of Lopez Obrador's ambassador to Washington, Martha Barcena, and himself a former Mexican ambassador, said in an opinion piece on Thursday the visit risked repeating the "disaster" of Pena Nieto's 2016 encounter. "What will happen if the press asks Trump, sitting next to the Mexican president in the Oval Office, if Mexico will pay for the wall?" Gutierrez wrote in newspaper Milenio. ELECTORAL BENEFIT Critics say the planned get-together will also give Trump a platform to burnish his credentials with Hispanic voters for his November re-election bid. "I don't think it will help Trump a lot, but I think he will certainly use it," said Andres Rozental, a former Mexican deputy foreign minister. Lopez Obrador has vowed to stay neutral in the U.S. election and says his visit has nothing to do with it. He wants to celebrate the July 1 start of the United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement trade deal, and thank Trump for U.S. medical support during the coronavirus pandemic. Mexico's government hopes Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will join the meeting, but it is not clear he will. A Canadian government source said Trudeau would look at any invitation and make health and safety the primary consideration in taking any decision to attend during the pandemic. Under federal health rules, Trudeau currently faces 14 days in quarantine upon returning to Canada if he leaves the country. Lopez Obrador's trip looks unlikely to prove popular at home. A June 20 online survey by polling firm Consulta Mitofsky showed 68% of Mexicans had a negative view of Trump. The Mexican president evidently felt that not meeting Trump was the riskier of the two options, said Roy Campos, head of Mitofsky. Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard, Economy Minister Graciela Marquez and presidential chief of staff Alfonso Romo will join Lopez Obrador, who is flying commercial even though there are currently no direct flights to Washington due to the pandemic. (Reporting by Dave Graham; Additional reporting by Steve Scherer in Ottawa; Editing by Daniel Flynn and Lisa Shumaker) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Imagine wristbands that remind you to stand up straight, pocket-sized devices that look inside your body, and treatments using cells that morph and change function for healing a wide range of diseases. Thanks to technological innovation, these inventions have now become a reality in the world of medicine. Technology has been changing healthcare for hundreds of years, however the speed appears to be in a higher gear than ever. While the impact technology has on modern medicine is vast, this short list is just a sample from the hundreds of inventions that are to come in the next decade. From the simple to the complex, these treatments represent solutions that stem from the real-world experience of the inventors. And like every great innovation, they are likely to inspire many more. 1. Pocket Ultrasound Devices Ultrasound technology uses high-frequency sound waves to create interior images of the body. Many people prefer this type of medical imaging to X-rays because it gives insight into what's going on under the skin without using radiation. Ultrasound technology for all The problem with most high-tech medical imaging is that it's only available to people with access to financial resources in developed economies. That leaves more than 4 billion people in the world without access due to economic factors. This is where Butterfly iQ comes in. It's a handheld ultrasound device created by Jonathan Rothberg, a Yale genetics researcher and serial entrepreneur. Rothberg developed a way to put the technology of ultrasound on a chip, transforming it into a portable machine that costs $2,000 - a fraction of the cost of a hospital-grade machine that exceeds 50 times that price. The idea of a "pocket ultrasound machine" became a reality when it went on sale to medical professionals last year. The initial goal of Butterfly iQ was to distribute it to 150 countries with established health systems, followed by distribution to 53 developing countries courtesy of The Gates Foundation. Can Butterfly iQ replace hospital machines? While the technology sounds promising, portable and cost-effective, the reality is that these gadgets cannot replace the large hospital-grade machines found in more technologically-developed parts of the world. Despite that, this portable technology still has value in making scanning for diseases more accessible to the people that need them in developing countries. After all, there was a time when the thermometer was a tool only available to the rich. Butterfly iQ could be the next big technology that makes its way into every household in the world in the same way. 2. Cancer-Diagnosing Artificial Intelligence Symptoms of cancer sometimes don't appear until it's too late for treatment. While diagnostic tools like CT scans are considered to be valuable tools for detection, some people remain concerned about the radiation exposure that comes with every scan. Along with radiation fears, another risk factor from CT scans comes with receiving a false-positive diagnosis from the radiologist. This has often led to harsh and unnecessary chemotherapy treatment with fatal consequences in some cases. Could AI be the answer to false diagnosis? Shravya Shetty, a researcher at Google Health, looked to artificial intelligence (AI) as a solution by building an AI system that was proven to outperform human radiologists in diagnosing lung cancer. This AI technology was fed data from more than 45,000 patient CT scans. Compared to a control group of six human radiologists, the Google algorithm detected 5% more cancer cases and 11% fewer false-positive cases. While these appear to be promising results, there is still room for improvement. AI is a technology that "learns" as it receives more raw data by detecting patterns in the results. As the technology reaches maturity, the accuracy of its predictions will increase. 3. A Mind-Reading Wristband Everyone has habits of posture or movement that can be perceived as negative, like slouching in front of a computer, standing with shoulders slumping forward or staring down constantly at a phone. Now imagine a wearable device that alerts you when you make such movements and offers reminders to correct yourself. This device - called the CTRL-kit - makes this possibility a reality by detecting the electrical impulses that travel from the motor neurons in your brain to the relevant parts of your body almost as soon as the thought enters your mind. The device was created by CTRL-Labs CEO and co-founder Thomas Reardon with the aim of reversing posture patterns he considers to be "a step backward for humanity". His background in neuroscience gave him insight into many other applications for this technology, including the development of effective rehabilitation protocols for stroke and amputation patients, and helping people with other neurodegenerative conditions like multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. 4. Virtual Reality Rehab The rehabilitation of spinal cord injuries requires time, patience and effort. The traditional therapy process involves harnessing what's called "brain plasticity" - the ability of the brain to learn (or re-learn) things in an effort to develop new patterns and heal neurological problems. This could mean learning to solve math problems, speaking a new language or playing an instrument. In the case of a spinal cord injury, it could mean going back to an infant stage and learning to walk again. Can Virtual Reality Re-Train the Brain? Isabel Van de Keere, creator of Immersive Rehab, is a Belgian-born entrepreneur with a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering. She created this virtual reality (VR) technology for neurological rehabilitation as a result of her own painful experience. While at work over a decade ago, she suffered a cervical spine injury when a lighting fixture fell on top of her. Left with severe complications and vertigo, she spent three years in rehabilitation. The extremely slow progress she experienced left her feeling frustrated and looking for new solutions. Her hope and optimism returned the inspiration needed to create a virtual reality (VR) system that expands the range and types of exercises one can use. The increased variety of movements alter the rate of neurological changes in the brain and speed up healing by repairing neural pathways faster and breaking the boring, monotonous movements characterized by traditional rehab programs of the past. Results and feedback so far have been promising, and the company is now looking to expand to the United States and Europe by running clinical trials. Virtual reality is also used in conjunction with stem cell treatments at Swiss Medica, a specialized stem cell treatment center in Europe. Used in conjunction with VR, stem cell injections have been reported to be effective in treating a wide variety of neurological diseases like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. 5. Stem Cell Therapy Undifferentiated (immature) stem cells. Cell-based therapy treats diseases through the use of stem cells. These are cells that can evolve into other types of cells and/or self-renew to produce more stem cells. Think of stem cells like the stem of a flower. During the initial growth stage, they produce leaves, bark, flowers and seeds. This analogy can be used with respect to how stem cells can regenerate parts of the body and heal disease. According to reports and testimonials, the benefits of stem cell therapy can revitalize tissues, treat many conditions, and prevent new diseases from developing. Diseases Treated With Stem Cell Therapy One of the most common procedures that uses stem cell-based therapy is bone marrow transplantation, most likely because stem cells in the bone marrow were the first to be identified. Research and treatments in this area have helped to treat thousands of people throughout the world suffering from diseases like leukemia, along with other blood cancers. In addition to bone marrow stem cells, many others have been identified and are currently being used by research/treatment centers such as Swiss Medica in Europe with treatment success for the following conditions: Liver DIsease (Cirrhosis) Arthritic and Osteoarthritic Conditions Pancreatic Disease Sexual/Erectile Dysfunction Trophic Ulcers Complications from Stroke Weight Loss/Obesity Rectovaginal Fistulas (Post-Irradiation) Diabetes (Type 2) Foot Complications from Diabetes Multiple Sclerosis Rheumatoid Conditions Parkinson's Disease Cognitive Decline/Dementia How Stem Cell Therapy Works Stem cell processing. The main goal of stem cell therapy is to regenerate sick parts of the body in order to eradicate diseases. Researchers and treatment providers have so far developed protocols that first employ stem cell harvesting followed by treatment administration tailored to the patient. There are many types of stem cell products depending on the treatment provider. Researchers at the Swiss Medica center use several types, including: Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MMSCs) Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) Fibroblasts Hematopoietic stromal cells Regulatory T-cells Dendritic cell vaccines Mononuclear cells (MNC) Cells are typically sourced from both donors and patients, and then cultivated and cryopreserved in laboratories before administration in several ways, including: Intravenous: Administration via an IV drip Intramuscular: Injection directly into muscle tissue Intra-articular: Direct injection into a joint Intrathecal (lumbar puncture): Administration into the spinal fluid Stem cell therapy is relatively new and research is ongoing. The most reputable treatment centers operate according to the highest international bioethics standards for transparency and treatment quality. The Future is Here The evolution of medicine from technological innovation is an ongoing story, with many inventions sparking inspiration that lead continuously to new treatment possibilities. From diagnostic tools to rehabilitation protocols, the rapid progress of research and innovation affects all industries at all levels. Technological frontiers continuously expand in all directions, marking the progress of scientific research within the greater scope of human evolution. Natalia Semeshina, medical content writer & editor. Thiruvananthapuram, June 25 : Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that for the entire previous week Kerala has been recording over 100 Covid-19 positive cases, with 123 testing positive on Thursday. "Of the new cases, 84 came from abroad, 33 were those who came from within the country, while six were local infections," said Vijayan. He said at present there are 1,761 active cases, while in all 3,726 contracted the virus and 22 people so far died. Of the dead, 20 of them had other underlying ailments also. At present there are 1,59,616 people in isolation which includes 2,349 in various hospitals and there are 113 hotspots in the state. "Experts have opined that with large number of our people returning from abroad, isolation and quarantine by them have to be adhered to in letter and spirit. One reason why we have been able to keep the contact spread to just 7 per cent is because of our successful and strict home quarantine rules and it has to be carried forward in the same manner," said Vijayan. By now 98,202 people have returned from abroad starting from the first flight which arrived on May 7. According to those registered in the Norka-Roots website, another two lakh from abroad are expected and given the rate at which new cases are going up, there are expectations by a study team that it might go up further by August. "Starting tomorrow everyday there will be around 40 flights from abroad and all arrangements for instant testing at the airports are ready and in 14 districts of the state 29 Covid hospitals and 29 Covid first line treatment centres are also ready. If required, second line Covid treatment centres would also be opened," added Vijayan. He also said that none will be fleeced when they buy food materials while waiting in the airport for tests. A rare and deadly bacterial outbreak that infected babies in two separate South Australian hospitals has been ruled as a coincidence by health authorities. Eight babies tested positive to serratia marcescens at Adelaide's Flinders Medical Centre earlier this month. One infant at the city's Women's and Children's Hospital also tested positive in the same week. Following an investigation by SA Health, authorities found the outbreak at Flinders Medical Centre was not a match to the bacteria at the second hospital. Eight infants tested positive for the bacterial infection at Flinders Medical Centre earlier this month (pictured, a baby in the neonatal ward at the hospital) Serratia marcescens, which can lead to pneumonia and sepsis, has not been seen in a hospital in the city for 20 years. SA Acting Chief Medical Officer Mike Cusack said testing had ruled out any links between the cases. 'They are different bugs,' he said. 'The genomic sequencing of the bacteria cultured from the symptomatic baby at [the Women's and Children's] did not match that obtained from the [Flinders] babies. 'Following extensive swabbing at both FMC and WCH, we have seen no further positive tests and are confident there are no further sources of this bacteria in the local environment.' A second outbreak of the rare disease has been found at Adelaide's Women's and Children's Hospital (pictured), prompting all infants in the special care unit to be tested What is Serratia Marcescens? The pathogen may cause urinary tract infection, sepsis or pneumonia. It can pose a threat to older people or newborn babies. It is increasingly multi-resistant to many broad-spectrum antibiotics. The main transmission path is direct or indirect contact with contaminated persons or objects. Source: Bode Science Centre Advertisement The infected babies were immediately isolated and staff wore protective clothing following the outbreak. The neonatal ward in Flinders Medical Centre has returned to normal operations. Six of the nine babies were asymptomatic while two babies showing symptoms remain at Flinders Medical Centre in a stable condition. The third infected baby has been discharged from the Women's and Children's Hospital. A baby was isolated and treated with antibiotics when the first case was confirmed on May 18, and made a full recovery. While the infant's bed was disinfected and all other patients were diverted to surrounding hospitals, a second baby tested positive two weeks on May 30 later after it was placed in the same bed. All babies in the Flinders Medical Centre were tested. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday revised down its forecast for the global economy amid the mounting COVID-19 fallout, projecting a 4.9-percent contraction in 2020. The latest projection is 1.9 percentage points below the World Economic Outlook (WEO) forecast released in April, indicating a grimmer economic outlook as the pandemic continues to ripple across the globe. "Compared to our April World Economic Outlook forecast, we are now projecting a deeper recession in 2020 and a slower recovery in 2021," IMF Chief Economist Gita Gopinath said in a virtual news conference, noting that these projections imply a cumulative loss to the global economy over two years of over 12 trillion U.S. dollars from the crisis. "The downgrade from April reflects worse than anticipated outcomes in the first half of this year, an expectation of more persistent social distancing into the second half of this year, and damage to supply potential," Gopinath told reporters. Advanced economies are projected to contract 8 percent this year, 1.9 percentage points lower than the forecast in the April WEO. The U.S. economy is expected to shrink 8 percent, the Euro Area is on track to contract 10.2 percent, and the Japanese economy could decline 5.8 percent. Emerging markets and developing economies, meanwhile, are projected to shrink by 3 percent this year, 2 percentage points below the April WEO forecast, according to the updated report. Brazil and Mexico are projected to contract by 9.1 and 10.5 percent respectively, while India's economy could see a contraction of 4.5 percent. China is expected to grow by 1 percent, the only major economy that could see growth this year. The latest report also showed that global growth is projected at 5.4 percent in 2021, which would leave 2021 gross domestic product some 6.5 percentage points lower than in pre-COVID-19 projections made in January 2020. Deal or no deal, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam [GERD] will be filled on time. Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew made this reckless remark after recent talks stalled with Egypt and Sudan on the first filling and operation of the colossal Ethiopian dams 74 billion-cubic-metre reservoir. Andargachews remarks have exacerbated the already volatile situation between the three Eastern Nile Basin nations. He has poured cold water on a possible win-win scenario at a time when the incumbent Ethiopian government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Abiy Ahmed is bearing the brunt of growing cracks within Ethiopias political structure at home. The virtual talks between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan had not been counted on to bring about a breakthrough in the decade-long crisis over the GERD. Ethiopia was never willing to reach a compromise that would ensure that its right to power generation would be enshrined, while the right to life of the downstream peoples in Sudan and Egypt would also be respected. Attempting to preserve Sudanese-Egyptian rights to their quota of the River Niles water is not dictation, as the foreign minister of Ethiopia claimed. It is a legitimate means of survival. What is even more alarming is that the foreign minister made a reference to the Nile as being our river, describing a shared, transboundary resource as our own water resources. The minister is unequivocally confusing the ownership of the GERD, which is solely Ethiopias, with that of the Nile, which is definitely not. This sets an unprecedentedly dangerous precedent that takes the current controversy over the GERD to another level, because by now it is no longer a project aimed solely at power generation, but rather is one attempting to impose Ethiopias hegemony over the Blue Nile. This can be clearly understood from comments on the so-called future developments of our resources, a hint at other colossal dams that Ethiopia plans to construct on the Blue Nile. It would open up a Pandoras Box: instead of regional cooperation for the benefit of all the Nile Basin nations, each would be able to act alone to make sure that its control over the water resources that passed through its border remained uncontested. Again, the Ethiopian government is playing a most dangerous game: if there is no enemy, we create one! The unprecedented rhetoric against Egypt, accusing it of being the greediest nation on the planet, sends us back to square one and casts doubts on the future of the deep-rooted people-to-people relationship between the two countries. Indeed, the GERD is being held hostage to an internal political gamble. The incumbent government in Ethiopia, which has secured an extension to stay in office for another year until the coronavirus pandemic is no longer a threat to the nation, is apparently racing against time to fill the dam and make use of it for political gains. Oddly enough, it was the Ethiopian foreign minister who accused the Egyptians of making a political gamble and of longing for war. His need to mobilise his public against a delusional outside enemy, ie Egypt, just to ease the burden of a cloudy political atmosphere in Ethiopia is the real political gamble here. Taking hard positions and showing no willingness to strike a fair deal that favours all the parties concerned sets all of us off on the bumpy road of conflict and an endless one to say the least. In effect, those who beat the drum of war are surely not in Egypt, but rather are those who have taken rigid positions from day one of the GERD talks. A country that disavows its legal commitments by virtue of international law gets all of us closer to the point of no return. Above all, which party is exaggerating the propaganda on the GERD? When the Washington-drafted deal, initially signed by Egypt, was reached, Ethiopia rejected it on the spot and orchestrated quasi-official propaganda to the effect that the United States was a new colonial power that favoured Egypt and paid no heed to Ethiopias fair requests. But if Ethiopia did not trust the US and the World Bank, why did it engage in the talks? Was the Ethiopian government expecting a tailored deal that, when it was not reached, it could dub such mediation as partisan? Ethiopias fair cause of providing access to electricity to over 50 million people, as Ethiopian officials have recently revealed, should not be confused with another fair cause of denying the access of almost 150 million people in Sudan and Egypt of their sole source of water. Had the problem been access to electricity, a hundred solutions could have been reached a decade ago by the three nations without risking their good neighbourly relations or employing rhetoric by any side. Apparently, hydro-hegemony in the Nile Basin is being disguised as the noble cause of access to electricity, with this being the core of the current standoff. Egypt headed to the UN Security Council to find a peaceful solution to a decade-long crisis and being supported by legally binding agreements even if Ethiopian officials have wrongly insisted on calling them colonial. The aim was to defuse the tension with the help of the international body because the continued escalation over the GERD does, indeed, threaten the very basis of peace, stability, and security in the region. Egyptians have never been warmongers because throughout their history they have known the devastating costs of war more than any other country in the region. Though they have massive firepower that gives their army the rank of the ninth most powerful in the world, they have never flexed their muscles or shown off their military might for expansionary or aggressive purposes. On the contrary, Egypt used its forces to liberate Ethiopians kidnapped five years ago by militias in Egypts neighbour Libya. On that occasion, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi received them and asked them to deliver a message to their government that Egypt sought Ethiopias well-being. Moreover, the president, while inspecting Egypts Western Military Zone some days ago, reminded the sisterly Ethiopians that he had addressed the Ethiopian parliament in 2015 and delivered a clear-cut message that Egypt was in no way working to obstruct development in Ethiopia. But in the same way that the right to development needs to be appreciated, so does the right to life. This is the only win-win deal; otherwise, the whole process will be a zero-sum game. The writer is a former press and information officer in Ethiopia and an expert on African affairs. *A version of this article appears in print in the 25 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: The pornographic star who first exposed sexual assault allegations against Ron Jeremy has said that she has since spoken with at least 50 other alleged victims who claim to have been raped or groped by him. Ginger Banks, 30, who released a YouTube video containing allegations of multiple woman against Jeremy, 67, said she feels vindicated after the porn actor was arrested and charged on Tuesday. Jeremy has been charged with raping three women and sexually assaulting another between 2014 and 2017. Banks claims that she was groped by the veteran actor at the AVN (Adault Video News) in 2016, and learned of other similar allegations against him from other woman since the alleged assault. 'The stories are all the same,' she said, speaking to The Sun. 'People would go up to him and be really excited because they were getting to meet Ron Jeremy and asked to take a picture.' Pictured: Adult film actress Ginger Banks attends the 2019 Adult Video News Awards at The Joint inside the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on January 26, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada Banks claims that while taking a picture with Jeremy, he would violate women with his finger, grab them, put his mouth on their chest or bend them over. Speaking about other experiences she has been told about by women, Jeremy would allegedly also bend women over on pornographic sets and 'just penetrate them.' It was unusual for a woman to meet Jeremy without being groped in some way, she claims, and that her experience is very similar to many others she has heard about. When Jeremy allegedly groped Banks, she says that by that point she had grown used to being groped at the expo she was attending as it was common place, but once she heard of other experiences she released how wide-spread Jeremy's alleged abuse was. 'Over the past couple of years since my YouTube video, I've probably read and had up to 100 people speak to me so I would say honestly about 50 legitimate first hand accounts, then other people who saw it happen to their friends or other women - so second hand accounts,' she told The Sun. One of the first women to go public with her allegation was 'cam girl' model Miss Lollipop - who goes by the name Lacey on Twitter - where she claimed in 2016 that Jeremy digitally penetrated her without consent. Pictured: Cam girl and adult entertainer Miss Lollipop was one of the first women to accuse Jeremy of sexual assault The tweet read: 'Not my 1st, but at a my 1st adult con, posing for a photo w ron jeremy - he slips his finger under my panties and into my vagina. #notokay' Speaking to The Sun, she said that Jeremy's alleged actions were 'no secret' and that she and other women have been saying this since 2016. Lacey said that she has been met with apathy and people asking her 'what did you expect?' and that Jeremy's response was to blame his actions on his job. She also shared the experience of another woman, a friend, who claimed to her that Jeremy had penetrated a performer without consent while she was filming a solo scene. The video of this scene is still available online, in which the performer says no to Jeremy twice when he asks to penetrate her, before being filmed doing so. The performer, who looks uncomfortable, asks the camera man 'Are you filming this?' The video caption reads: 'persistence wears down resistance'. The video has reportedly been sent to prosecutors. A number of other woman have also made their allegations public on Twitter against Jeremy, who has always denied all allegations of rape. One Twitter user posted a photograph of her looking outraged as the actor put his hand down her top to feel her breast. 'Ron Jeremy assaults people,' she wrote. 'I know this because he has also grossly groped me when I asked for a photo. Literally.' She makes it clear in her Tweet that the photo is not staged, writing 'I wanted a cute selfie with him and he then put his hand in my shirt because he wanted to 'see if I had cute nipples.' Porn star Ron Jeremy was on Tuesday charged with raping three women and sexually assaulting another. He is pictured appearing in the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles Jeremy was charged on Tuesday with raping three women and sexually assaulting another. Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said the adult movie star, 67, is accused of forcibly raping a 25-year-old woman at a home in West Hollywood in May 2014. He then allegedly sexually assaulted two more women, ages 33 and 46, on separate occasions at a West Hollywood bar in 2017. Ron Jeremy is pictured being led by a guard in the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles during his arraignment The porn star, full name Ronald Jeremy Hyatt, is also accused of forcibly raping a 30-year-old woman at the same bar in July 2019. He was arraigned in the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The District Attorneys Office said it also declined a case against Hyatt 'due to insufficient evidence stemming from an incident in 2016'. In a statement they said: 'Prosecutors are recommending bail at $6.6 million.' He faces a possible maximum sentence of 90 years to life in state prison in convicted. In a tweet, the porn actor said: 'I am innocent of all charges. I can't wait to prove my innocence in court! Thank you to everyone for all the support.' A number of women had already alleged the 40-year porn veteran groped them without their consent. That led to Jeremy being banned from most of the adult industry's high-profile events. In September 2017, Jeremy was accused of inappropriately touching Kristin Brodie who asked him to sign her breast at a Washington state radio station. At the time, Brodie told the Daily Beast: 'Our Rock Girl uniforms are just torn up T-shirts. There's not a lot of coverage so you can see the top part of your chest. There's no need to move the collar but that's what he did to all three of us. Jeremy, who did not achieve fame based on his good looks, earned the nickname The Hedgehog due to his hirsute, stringy hair and unkempt mustache Charges were announced against porn star Ron Jeremy, 67, on Tuesday 'He pulled our shirts open and reached inside our bras, all the way to the bottom and squeezed hard almost pulling [our breasts] out of our bra, and for me it felt like he was squeezing an udder or appraising something. It was very unpleasant. 'I was nervous but I was a Rock Girl and knew I was being watched, so with that knowledge I tried to look unbothered and unfazed even though I was not.' Following that incident, Jeremy was told he would not face charges over the allegations. Police interviewed witnesses and reviewed surveillance videos but the Tacoma City Attorney's Office decided not to press charges. Stuart Goldfarb, left, defense attorney for adult film star Ron Jeremy, addresses the media after Jeremy's arraignment at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Cente Jackie Lacey's office said prosecutors are recommending bail at $6.6 million He faces a possible maximum sentence of 90 years to life in prison in convicted In 2017, a prominent adult film actress, who wished to remain anonymous, also accused Jeremy of sexually assaulting her. 'The first time I met him on set he put his fingers in my pu**y unexpectedly. I was brand new, outside smoking a cigarette and he comes out just being Ron Jeremy. All of a sudden hes fingering me, and Im like, whoa,' the woman told Daily Beast. 'He was just there as an extra on set, he wasnt even there performing. We joke about ittheres Ron, stay five feet away from him because he does that. 'We dont think anything of it. Unfortunately, it doesnt even register. Its like, oh great, another girl got groped by Ron Jeremy, join the club.' Sydney Leathers, who is also an adult film actress and writer, also voiced her concerns over how much praise Jeremy recently received online. 'Im personally happy Ron Jeremy has a tree to focus his attention on instead of groping women,' Leathers told the news outlet. Jeremy, who earned the nickname The Hedgehog due to his hirsute, stringy hair and unkempt mustache, recently made headlines for trying to save his childhood tree in Queens, New York. The 67-year-old tweeted a picture of himself hugging a tree on May 16 with the caption: 'I need your help. help me save my tree.' According Jeremy, the tree was planted by his father on the day he was born. The 67-year-old tweeted a picture of himself hugging a tree on May 16 with the caption: 'I need your help. help me save my tree.' According Jeremy, the tree was planted by his father on the day he was born 'Please let Con Edison know that they cannot tear down this tree,' Jeremy pleaded with his more than 109,000 followers. In response, Con Edison tweeted: 'Hi Ron, thanks for reaching out to us; we understand your concern. However, we are not involved with this tree's pruning or removal job. Please reach out to NYC Parks department for more information.' A few days later, Jeremy shared a video story of his tree, tweeting: 'I've been fighting to save my tree over and over it's whole life. Sadly it has run its course and needs to be torn down tomorrow. It is not City's fault. The tree is old.' And though several of his followers view Jeremy as a sort of hometown hero, the headlines about his tree angered others. Porn star, Janice Griffith, asked on Twitter: 'Did Ron tweet this in between bouts of sexually harassing people?' And though several of his followers view Jeremy as a sort of hometown hero, the headlines about his tree angered others. 'It's truly horrifying for me to see men who are predators glamorized,' porn actress, Tasha Reign told the Daily Beast. Reign added: 'Men who commit these crimes of assault should be punished for their actions but unfortunately, with our current legal system, it's extremely challenging to prove sex crimes. That needs to change. Porn star, Janice Griffith, asked on Twitter: 'Did Ron tweet this in between bouts of sexually harassing people? He's banned from almost all industry events for groping people without consent.' Oman has awarded tenders and additional works worth more than RO316 million ($818 million) across the sultanate including contracts for a protection dam at Wadi Anaar region and side protection at Salalah Port at a cost of RO23 million ($59 million), reported Oman Daily Observer. The approval for these tenders came during a meeting of Oman Tender Board held recently under the chairmanship of Dr Rasheed bin Al Safi al Hraibi. Besides the Wadi Anaar and Salalah Port tenders, the board approved RO316 worth tenders and additional works for the following development projects: Parts 3, 4 and 5 of Adam-Thumrait dual-carriageway, for lengths of 133, 135 and 133 km and costing RO74 million, RO115 million and RO62.4 million respectively, and construction of a protection dam at Wadi Adonab in the Wilayat of Salalah in the Governorate of Dhofar at a cost of RO24 million. Also a few tenders were related to the renewal of a lease contract for the buildings of various ministries including the Education and Social Development along with those of the Public Authority for Consumer Protection and Public Authority for Mining. A US report claims that Pakistan has acted as a catalyst for certain regionally focused terrorist groups that are specifically targeting Afghanistan and India. Pakistan's progress on terrorism will now be evaluated in next FATF plenary meeting scheduled for October 2020. A US report stated that Pakistan continues to serve as a safe haven for certain regionally focused terrorist groups, including the Afghan Taliban and affiliated HQN, LeT, JeM and their affiliated front organisations, that particularly target Afghanistan as well as the Indian subcontinent. The Country Reports on Terrorism 2019, submitted by the US Department of State, to the Congress, said that Pakistan took modest steps in 2019 to counter terror financing and to restrain some India-focused militant groups following the February attack on a security convoy in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir claimed by Pakistan-based JeM. However, Islamabad has yet to take decisive actions against Indian and Afghanistan-focused militants who would undermine their operational capability, the report added. The report said that Islamabad had played a constructive role in the US-Taliban talks in 2019. Also Read: 6500 Pakistanis operating as terrorists in Afghanistan: UN report In Financial Action Task Force plenary meeting held yesterday,Pakistans progress on its Action Plan wasn't considered as due to situation arising out of COVID19, several jurisdiction including Pakistan had already been given additional 4 months time in April 2020 by FATF:Sources ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2020 Also Read: Pakistan remains on FATF grey list Pakistans progress on the most difficult aspects of its 2015 National Action Plan to counter terrorism remains unfulfilled specifically its pledge to dismantle all terrorist organizations without delay and discrimination. While Pakistani authorities indicted LeT co-founder Hafiz Saeed and 12 of his associates on December 11, they have made no effort to use domestic authorities to prosecute other terrorist leaders such as JeM founder Masood Azhar and Sajid Mir, the mastermind of LeTs 2008 Mumbai attacks, both of whom are widely believed to reside in Pakistan under the protection of the state, despite government denials, the report stated. In June 2018, the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) placed Pakistan on its grey list and issued an action plan directing the country to take specific steps by September 2019 to address strategic deficiencies in its CFT efforts. The FATF expressed serious concern at its October 2019 plenary about Pakistans continued deficiencies but noted it had made some progress and extended the deadline for full Action Plan implementation to February 2020. In 2018, Pakistan was designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. It was re-designated as a CPC in 2019 owing to the terror attacks at Lahores Data Darbar Sufi shrine by Hizbul Ahrar, a faction of TTP; an attack on the Pearl Continental Hotel in Gwadar by Balochistan Liberation Army; two back-to-back attacks in Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa by TTP and some others. Also Read: Ladakh standoff: China continues military build up along LAC Pakistans progress on its Action Plan would now be evaluated in next FATF plenary meeting to be held in October 2020. At least till then, Pakistan will continue to be in the grey list: Sources ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2020 Also Read: Centre to bring over 1500 cooperative banks under RBIs ambit, says Prakash Javadekar Military, paramilitary, and civilian security forces conducted CT operations throughout Pakistan against anti-state militants. Pakistani law allows for preventive detention, permits the death penalty for terrorism offenses, and authorizes special Anti-Terrorism Courts to try terrorism cases. Military courts established in 2015 under the National Action Plan to try civilians accused of terrorism ceased operation March 31. Some madrassas reportedly continued to teach extremist doctrine. The National Action Plan directs increased government supervision of madrassas, and there was evidence of continued government efforts to increase regulation. Security analysts and madrassa reform proponents observed, however, that many madrassas failed to register with the government or provide documentation of their sources of funding or to limit their acceptance of foreign students to those with valid visas, a background check, and the consent of their governments, as required by law, the report stated. Also Read: Russia backs Indias candidacy to UNSC Also Read: Hong Kong religious leaders at risk of extradition to China under new security law: US-based watchdog In addition to continued terrorist activity in Afghanistan and Pakistan, South Asia in 2019, also saw a volatile mix of insurgent attacks punctuated by major incidents of terrorism in the erstwhile Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and in Sri Lanka. For all the latest World News, download NewsX App Country Style Potato Salad with Creole Mustard The secrets to this potato salad recipe: Ways to dress up this summer potato salad: More delicious potato salad recipes: Country Style Potato Salad with Creole Mustard Print With Image Without Image Yield: 12 servings Author: Karen Kerr Country Style Potato Salad is an American summer favorite. You can make up a huge batch for family reunions or a dish for four for an easy cold side dish. Ingredients: 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes 1 pound Yukon Gold and/or red potatoes, or a mixture of both, peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes. Salt to taste 3/4 cup diced celery, including leaves 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley 4 hard boiled eggs, coarsely chopped, plus more, sliced for garnish 5 tablespoons sweet pickle relish 2 tablespoons Creole mustard 1/2 cup mayonnaise, plus more as needed 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Paprika for garnish Instructions: In a 4 quart saucepan, add the potatoes and cover with water. Add a generous sprinkling of salt to the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes. Drain the potatoes and add them to a large heat proof bowl. Let the potatoes cool. Add the celery, green onions, parsley, hard boiled eggs, and relish, and toss the ingredients. Mix the mustard, mayonnaise, black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Fold the ingredients together until mixed. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight so the flavors can meld. Sprinkle with paprika and top with extra hard boiled egg slices. https://www.karenskitchenstories.com/2020/06/country-style-potato-salad-with-creole-mustard.html Karen's Kitchen Stories Potato salad Salads American Did you make this recipe? Tag @KarensKitchenStories on instagram and hashtag it #KarensKitchenStories Created using The Recipes Generator How to stay up to date with Karen's Kitchen Stories? Facebook food photo sharing group (you don't have to be a blogger). While youre here please take a minute to Finally, please . Its a great way to stay up to date on all the latest and greatest blog recipes. Be sure to follow me on Facebook . Do you like taking photos of the food you make? You can also join my(you don't have to be a blogger).While youre here please take a minute to follow me on Pinterest . Im always pinning great recipes from fellow bloggers.Finally, please follow me on Instagram . Its a great way to stay up to date on all the latest and greatest blog recipes. Country Style Potato Salad is an American summer favorite. You can make up a huge batch for family reunions or scale the recipe for a dish for four.This potato salad is creamy and egg-y, and has a little bit of crunch from celery. It definitely epitomizes the potato salad you think of for summer picnics.This potato salad recipe is really flexible. You can add more spices, extra vegetables, and vary the kinds of potatoes you use. However you assemble it, it will take you to "back in the day."This potato salad recipe definitely falls on the "yes, I love mayo in my potato salad" side. It's a classic, and will take you back to your childhood. I wouldn't even object if you substituted Miracle Whip for the mayonnaise.First, to get extra potato-y creaminess in the dressing, use two or three kinds of potatoes. I used russet potatoes, which kind of crumble and get mixed into the mayo, as well as Yukon Golds and red potatoes, which hold their shape pretty much no matter how much you boil them.For the mustard in this recipe, I used Creole mustard, but feel free to use yellow, Dijon, spicy brown, or any other type of mustard you prefer.Creole Mustard is kind of a mixture of grainy mixture and horseradish that is popular in Louisiana. It adds a nice kick to this potato salad. I first tried it in shrimp remoulade and was hooked. It's also fabulous on beef dip sandwiches Of course this potato salad, in order to be traditional, must include sweet pickle relish!Plus, be sure to garnish the top of the potato salad with more sliced hard boiled eggs for that extra "something something."One of my favorite add-ins is a dash of Sriracha sauce. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper.Another fabulous ingredient is chopped cooked bacon or ham (I lean toward bacon of course).Be sure to check your veggie drawer in your fridge for anything that might be getting a little tired. Chopped dill, chives, or shallots would be great additions.Welcome to Progressive Eats, our virtual version of a Progressive Dinner Party. This month's theme is a Easy Summer Dishes, and our host is Barb who blogs at Creative Culinary If you're unfamiliar with the concept, a progressive dinner involves going from house to house, enjoying a different course at each location.With Progressive Eats it's a virtual party. A theme is chosen each month, members share recipes suitable for a delicious meal or party, and you can hop from blog to blog to check them out. Come along and see all of the delicious summer inspired dishes!Check out my recipe index for more amazing recipes. - Gikomba has bore the brunt of perennial infernos that have been occurring almost at an interval of one year - Some of the memorable related incidences occurred in April 2019, June 2018, October 2017 and June 2015 - The cause of the mysterious infernos has never been established despite the government ordering for investigations - All these cases have been occurring at night when the busy market is deserted A popular cereals and mitumba section of Gikomba market has been razed down by fire that occurred on the wee hours of Thursday, June 25. The cause of the mysterious fire is yet to be established, but Kenyans who have been witnessing the recurrent costly incidents are pointing fingers at land grabbers within the city. READ ALSO: Moses Kuria says BBI report will be released next week: "Nominated MPs will be increased to 162" Fire outbreak at cereals and mitumba section of Gikomba market. Photo: David Mboha. Source: Facebook READ ALSO: Kenyan tweep who dumped fiancee for old man now pregnant, shares cute photos of baby bump Gikomba, Kenya's largest open-air market, has bore the brunt of perennial infernos that have been occurring almost at an interval of one year. In February and April 2019, sections of the popular market were burnt by an inferno that occurred at night, leaving hundreds of traders counting huge loses. READ ALSO: Magazeti ya Alhamisi, Juni 25: Raila Odinga yuko Dubai kwa upasuaji Similar incidents had occurred previously, in June 2018, October 2017 and June 2015. All these cases have been occurring at night when the busy market is deserted. Despite the government and security officers talking tough about the perennial costly infernos, no action has been taken against perpetrators or even necessary safety measures put in place to protect the trading centre. At best, political leaders have been visiting the area to console the affected traders and offer small donations including revamping the burnt stalls. The latest incident has attracted the rage of Kenyans who have trooped to social media to demand answers from the government on who are the individuals behind the fire outbreaks. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. My mother did not want me, I was called a man eater - Antony Wanjiru | My Story | Tuko TV Source: TUKO.co.ke Four child witnesses may be called to give evidence in the case of former MasterChef contestant Ben Ungermann, who has been charged with the alleged sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl. Mr Ungermann disappeared from the current season of the TV cooking show with little explanation in mid-May, leaving viewers puzzled about his sudden departure. Ben Ungermann left MasterChef mid-season. Credit:Scenic Rim Eat Local/Heather Wehl It emerged last month that he had been charged on March 6 by Victoria Police with two counts of sexual assault. The alleged victim in the case is a 16-year-old girl. Mr Ungermann will contest the charges. Court documents show Mr Ungermann was charged in June with a third count of sexual assault, in which he allegedly intentionally sexually touched the victim's right breast without her consent. Actress Claire Foy reunited with close friend and The Crown co-star Matt Smith in London on Thursday for a socially distanced rehearsal of theatre show, Lungs. It's the first time Claire, 36, has been seen since it was claimed her ex-husband Stephen Campbell Moore, 40, is having a baby with Keeler actress Sophie Cookson, 30. Claire and Stephen announced their four-year marriage was over in February 2019. They are parents to Ivy Rose, four. He and Sophie have been together for 18 months. Spotted: Claire Foy reunited with The Crown co-star Matt Smith at the Old Vic in London on Thursday amid claims her ex-husband is expecting a baby with Keeler actress Sophie Cookson Reunited and it feels so good: Matt could be seen going through the stage door for a socially distanced rehearsal of their theatre show, Lungs Claire and Matt, 37, will stream their Old Vic theatre show this week, performing Duncan Macmillans comedic play about a couple wrestling with lifes dilemmas. Actress Claire looked summery on the day, wearing a black billowing dress which she teamed with yellow Birkenstock sandals. She carried a green and yellow bag and a folder in hand, and Matt arrived at the stage door separately in a grey T-shirt and joggers. Growing their family? Claire's ex-husband Stephen Campbell Moore was pictured with Sophie on Sunday - the couple have been dating for 18 months Sophie rose to fame as Christine Keeler in the BBC's drama about the Profumo Affair It was reported that Claire and ex-husband Stephen had parted long before they released their joint statement. We have separated and have been for some time, they said. 'We do however continue as great friends with the utmost respect for one another.' A source also told The Sun: 'After seven years together this came as a real shock to many of their friends, but theyre lovely people and are determined to keep everything civilized. Chic: Actress Claire looked summery on the day, wearing a black billowing dress which she teamed with yellow Birkenstock sandals Casual: Matt looked handsome in his grey T-shirt and joggers as he headed to work with his Crown co-star 'Obviously it has been a very sad period for both of them, and for their wider families. But they are wonderful parents, intelligent and both successful in their own right.' The news came just months after The History Boys star Campbell Moore had a life-saving operation to remove a brain tumour - his second in five years - in July 2017. Campbell-Moore originally discovered he had a walnut-sized tumour his pituitary gland in 2012 after an overwhelming bout of anxiety led to the actor suffering stage fright while preparing for an Arthur Miller play, prompting doctors to suggest he go for a brain scan. All over: Claire announced her split from Stephen in February 2019 but the couple are said to have parted ways some time before then Family: Claire has a four-year-old child called Ivy Rose with Stephen - pictured at the BAFTAs together in 2016 His second op took place while Foy was filming the second series of The Crown with co-star and screen husband Matt Smith, who plays Prince Philip. Claire met her husband - best known for his part in The History Boys - on the set of Season of the Witch in 2011, a film which starred Ron Perlman and Nicolas Cage. Meanwhile, Matt reunited with his long-term love Lily James, 31, in March after they were forced to live together in their shared house in London during lockdown. Back on: Meanwhile, Matt reunited with his long-term love Lily James in March after they were forced to live together in their shared house in London during lockdown Details: Claire looked lovely on the day in her summery ensemble teamed with bright accessories Former love: Claire met her husband - best known for his part in The History Boys - on the set of Season of the Witch in 2011, a film which starred Ron Perlman and Nicolas Cage The split followed rumours that Lily, who had been dating Matt for five years, had struggled to cope with Smiths close friendship with Claire. However, other sources said that the couple who met on the set of Pride And Prejudice And Zombies in 2014 were driven apart because of their hectic work schedules. But even before their official split, there were reports of tensions in their relationship, with Miss James absent from photographs taken at Smiths 37th birthday party in October. Royal role: Matt and Claire famously played the Queen and Prince Philip in The Crown (pictured) Playing lovers: Claire and Matt play a couple wrestling with lifes dilemmas in Lungs, (pictured) - a socially distanced version of the play will be streamed live from the Old Vic this week In December, Miss James prompted speculation that she had managed to move on from Smith by leaving a British Fashion Awards party in Mayfair in a taxi with handsome actor Max Ianeselli. That month she also went on holiday to South Africa with her friends, including stylist Rebecca Corbin-Murray, which she described as a post-traumatic stress getaway. During the jaunt, the actress, who got her breakthrough playing Lady Rose in Downton Abbey, dropped what appeared to be a hint by posting an image of her visit to a wild cat sanctuary on her Instagram page with the message National Cheetahs. Petition urging removal of names of British colonial figures from streets and landmarks to be taken to Parliament. Russ Vought, acting Director of the Office of Management and Budget, speaks during an interview with The Epoch Times at the CPAC convention in National Harbor, Md., on Feb. 29, 2020. (Samira Bouaou/The Epoch Times) Cut Red Tape Coalition Piling Up Deregulation Wins While Flying Under Washingtons Political Radar News Analysis Who you know and whose attention you avoid are often keys to getting big things done politically in Washington. Consider Office of Management and Budget (OMB) acting Director Russell Vought, who, from the bureaucratic trenches, leads President Donald Trumps campaign to deregulate the U.S. economy. A decade ago, Vought was vice president of Heritage Action for America (HAA), the legislative activism component of the Heritage Foundation, the nations largest conservative think tank. Jessica Anderson leads HAA today. Vought and Anderson have crossed paths before. Before her current tenure at HAA, Anderson was OMB associate director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, where she worked briefly with Vought, then OMBs deputy director. As HAAs executive director, Anderson heads a key group in a powerhouse coalition of conservative advocacy groups known as the Cut Red Tape Coalition. Others in the coalition are Club for Growth (CFG), the Competitive Enterprise Institute, the American Legislative Exchange Council, FreedomWorks, the Job Creators Network, Americans for Prosperity, and the Tea Party Patriots. The coalition wants to continue to expand after the CCP virus lockdown ends Trump policies, especially deregulation, that before the pandemics onset gave the country its strongest economy in decades. Simplifying regulations and removing barriers to innovation helped build our juggernaut economy that preceded COVID-19 and will help bring us back, CFG President David McIntosh said in an April 23 statement announcing the coalition. While liberals are pushing their big government agenda that will only create more dependency on government, this coalition is focused on getting government out of the way of job creators to reignite the economy, said McIntosh, a former Republican congressman from Indiana, and White House adviser during the first Bush presidency. With Congress split between Democrats and Republicans, the coalition for now is focused on encouraging officials throughout the Trump administration to continue to expand the deregulatory initiatives that killed more than eight old regulations for each new one, at an annual savings of more than $3,000 for every American household. Were not really relying that much on Congress for this strategy, Anderson told The Epoch Times on June 24. Ideally, they would come to the table and do more, but the reality is that there is a logjam, so our focus has been more on administration actions they can take through executive orders. To that end, the coalition published a list of recommendations in April, including a number that were implemented via two subsequent Trump orders, Anderson said. On May 22, Trump issued Executive Order 13924, Regulatory Relief to Support Economic Recovery, which directs federal departments and agencies to act by rescinding, modifying, waiving, or providing exemptions from regulations and other requirements that may inhibit economic recovery consistent with law and public health. President Donald Trump speaks during the Rolling to Remember Ceremony: Honoring Our Nations Veterans and POW/MIA from the Truman Balcony at the White House in Washington, on May 22, 2020. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images) Under 13924, Vought then issued a June 9 memorandum instructing officials to list all temporary suspensions and modifications, with explanations for whether each should be permanent. He estimated in recent congressional testimony that more than 600 such actions have been counted. Also on June 9, Trump issued Executive Order 13927 directing departments and agencies to expedite permitting for public infrastructure projects with temporary relaxation of excessively rigorous National Environmental Policy Act regulations. We saw that really as the opening salvo, Anderson said. The next goal for the coalition is pushing for congressional action. While Trump has done all the right things, Congress needs to step in and give the administration authority to cut more. Anderson acknowledged that hyper-partisan remarks like Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) accusing congressional Republicans of getting away with the murder of George Floyd are toxic obstacles to achieving bipartisan reforms. But the coalition is undaunted, she said. Weve been here before; weve had a divided Congress; this isnt necessarily new, she said, but the tactics for how you move conservative, free-market reforms through a divided Congress are not new. That means you have to bring to bear the grassroots and put the pressure on Democrat and Republican members alike, so they cannot back down, she said. McIntosh says there is deep, bipartisan public support for the deregulation being sought by the coalition. He cites an April CFG survey of 1,000 likely voters by WPA Intelligence that found 66% support and 34% oppose Congress giving President Trump the authority to waive costly regulatory requirements on American businesses in order to speed the economic recovery from the coronavirus epidemic. This has the support of 91% of Republicans, 62% of Independents, and 45% of Democrats. Trump is constantly criticized for his controversial Twitter posts, but McIntosh, who worked on deregulation issues for then-Vice President Dan Quayle, sees a tactical plus for the coalition there. Everything you did of this nature was going to end up on the front page of The Washington Post, he said, but with Trump, theyre covering whatever hes tweeting about, and the agencies can go about their business and not be panicky that theyre not going to be hauled in to explain why they got bad press. Contact Mark Tapscott at Mark.Tapscott@epochtimes.nyc Yemen on latest raid: All missiles, drones hit intended targets in Saudi Arabia Iran Press TV Wednesday, 24 June 2020 8:19 AM Yemen's Houthi Ansarullah movement has said that all missiles and drones used in the army's latest raid precisely hit their targets in Saudi Arabia, warning of further strikes on more sensitive locations inside the kingdom if it fails to end the bloodshed in Yemen. Mohammed al-Bukhaiti, a senior member of Ansarullah's political bureau, made the remarks on Tuesday shortly after Yemeni Armed Forces conducted large-scale attacks on a the headquarters of the Saudi Defense Ministry and general intelligence agency as well as King Salman Air Base, among other military targets in the capital Riyadh and Najran and Jizan regions. However, the Saudi-led coalition waging war on Yemen claimed it had successfully intercepted the drones and missiles coming from Yemen. Speaking to Lebanon's al-Mayadeen TV channel, Bukhaiti said all Yemeni missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) used in the operation had "reached their targets in Saudi Arabia, and none of them were shot down." The Riyadh regime, he said, was trying to cover up the losses it has suffered in the raids, adding that the military operation led Saudi Arabia and the UAE a key party to the coalition to change their position. "The Yemeni weapons are continuously making progress, and the next strikes will be more painful and against more sensitive targets," he noted. Bukhaiti said Yemen was not betting on a mere hope that Saudi and Emirati rulers would someday have their conscience awakened, "but rather on the enhancement of our defense capabilities." The latest Yemeni attacks lie within the framework of the nation's right to self-defense, Bukhaiti said. Also speaking on Tuesday, Brigadier General Yahya Saree, spokesman for Yemen's Armed Forces, stressed that the operation came in response to the "unjust embargo and brutal aggression" against Yemen. He vowed to conduct more such raids against the kingdom until the siege is lifted and its offensive comes to an end. Similarly, Yemeni Minister of Tourism Ahmad al-Aly warned of more "surprises" given "qualitative" progress in the country's military power, saying the Yemenis cannot remain silent in the face of Saudi crimes. "Saudi Arabia has started looking for a savior, and we tell them that the only savior is an end to the aggression against Yemen," he said. Moreover, Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam emphasized that the Yemeni operation was aimed at restoring stability to the country and securing an end to the Saudi-led blockade. The Yemenis have no option but to confront and resist the enemy, he said, urging international bodies to pressure the Saudi regime into ending the offensive. Since March 2015, Saudi Arabia and a coalition of its vassal states have been waging a bloody war on Yemen in an attempt to reinstall a Riyadh-backed former regime and crush the Houthis, none of which have been fulfilled. The Saudi military aggression, coupled with a naval blockade, has killed hundreds of thousands of people and plunged Yemen into what the UN calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address LOS ANGELES, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Since the sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic the United States has faced a supply constraint of quality N95 masks. With the continued difficulty of being able to secure N95 designated products, health officials have been encouraging business and public consumers to find FDA certified "substantial equivalents," such as the Air Queen mask to help address this shortage. Air Queen mask The term N95 basically means that a face mask will filter at least 95% of airborne particles and it is widely considered the gold standard of face coverings to protect individuals against harmful pathogens and other environmental contaminants. Traditionally used in the healthcare and industrial sectors the recent events related to the coronavirus outbreak have highlighted the need for a wider adoption of these extremely effective products to protect corporate workforces as well as individual families. Air Queen, produced by TopTec a leading South Korean manufacturer, uses a highly advanced nano-fibre material to provide extreme protection (in excess of 96% particle filtration) while simultaneously allowing for advanced breathability and comfort. Furthermore, its advanced design is not structurally compromised by ethanol cleaning products and can be reused, a highly beneficial feature to reduce consumables costs. Compared to peer group manufacturers, such as 3M, the Air Queen is quantum leap in technology and effectiveness as well as filtration and air flow. The Air Queen mask is a FDA 510k approved surgical respirator (K172500) with a use indication as follows, "to be worn by operating room personnel during surgical procedures to protect both the surgical patient and the operating room personnel from transfer of microorganism, body fluids and particulate materials." Therefore, the mask provides the maximum protection while being used even in day-to-day activities. The Air Queen is not NIOSH approved because of its ear loop design however, Independent research carried out by Nelson Labs confirms the company's products provide particle protection and air flow far beyond the level afforded by N95 rated products. Wearers of nano-filter surgical masks, specifically Air Queen products, were found to have lower heart rates, lower micro-environment and skin surface temperatures than subjects who wore standard N95 masks while performing similar tasks. In addition to the health and cost benefits, another key advantage of the Air Queen relates to its ability to distribute directly to the public. Air Queen's FDA 510K approval has an over the counter (OTC) indication. AirQueen.US has begun selling its products to retail, and wholesale buyers including hospitals, state governments, labour unions, retail chains and e-commerce buyers. The Air Queen comes in both Adult and Child Sizes. For bulk order inquiries please contact us at www.airqueen.us. For more details on the quality of the Air Queen and how to access its benefits please see the details page of the website at www.airqueen.us. Company contact: [email protected] PR contact: Tom Van Daele 310.804.2170 [email protected] SOURCE Air Queen Slate is making its essential coronavirus coverage free for all readers. Subscribe to support our journalism. The state of New York announced Wednesday it will begin requiring travelers from eight states where the number of coronavirus cases is surging to quarantine for 14 days. The new measure singles out visitors and New York residents arriving from Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. Neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut are suggesting a quarantine for people who are arriving from the hard-hit states, but acknowledged they do not have an enforcement mechanism to compel compliance. In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo says a failure to quarantine is punishable by fines that could run into the thousands of dollars. Advertisement The move comes as the United States recorded its highest daily total of new coronavirus cases with 36,880 new cases nationwide Wednesday. Cases of the virus are now rising in 20 states; four states on New Yorks quarantine list recorded their single-day highs in new cases: Florida, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas. The New York quarantine requirement applies to states that are recording positive coronavirus tests at a rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents, either in a single day or over a seven-day rolling average. New York is not the only state to suggest travelers quarantine, but most have so far not singled out certain states for extra screening; only several statesMaine, Rhode Island, and Hawaiihave made quarantining mandatory upon arrival from out of state. Advertisement Advertisement 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. Amid growing concern about the continually rising rates of infection, President Donald Trump announced he would still be traveling to his club in Bedminster, New Jersey, this weekend and will not quarantine despite the states new order. Trump has recently held events in Oklahoma and Arizona and travels with a large entourage of aides and security. The president of the United States is not a civilian, a White House spokesman said of Trumps refusal to quarantine. Anyone traveling in support of the president this weekend will be closely monitored for symptoms and tested for COVID and therefore pose little to no risk to the local populations. At least eight members of the Trump team working the presidents rally in Tulsa last weekend have tested positive. Leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will gather at a special session within the framework of the 36th ASEAN Summit on June 26 to discuss womens empowerment in the digital age for the first time. At a video-conference of the ASEAN Women for Peace Registry The session, initiated by Vietnam, aims to affirm the ASEAN leaders commitment to promoting gender equality and womens role in the building of the ASEAN Community and socio-economic development of the bloc. It also marks the 25th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. At the third ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Women (AMMW), themed Social Protection for Women and Girls: Toward the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 in Hanoi in 2018, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said women and girls play an important role in the ASEAN Community building, noting each of them must have equal rights in both family and society. Since ASEAN was established in 1967, women have made significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the member countries. They have worked hard to improve their role and position, with the establishment of the ASEAN Community Womens Circle in Hanoi in 2015, grouping wives and female officials of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representative offices of the ASEAN member countries in Hanoi. Over the past five years, the group has organised a range of cultural activities and people-to-people exchanges, contributing to enhancing intra-bloc connectivity. The ASEAN Women for Peace Registry (AWPR) was also formed in the Philippines in 2018 to promote womens participation and contributions to the peace processes, the settlement of traditional and non-traditional security challenges emerging in the region, and the implementation of ASEAN leaders Joint Statement on Women, Peace and Security in 2017. Vietnam is one of the countries that have gained remarkable achievements in gender equality, which have contributed to spurring national socio-economic development. To promote gender equality and increase social security for women and girls, the government has implemented and integrated relevant regional initiatives and priorities into national programmes and projects. It spends about 2.6 percent of the national gross domestic product (GDP) each year on policies and programmes on social assistance, covering women and girls. The country has made efforts in implementing the Law on Gender Equality 2006 and the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. A national strategy on gender equality for 2011-2020 has been promulgated with the aim of raising public awareness of gender equality, narrowing gender gap and improving womens position. There are more women engaging in political activities at all levels, with the rate of female parliamentarians reaching 27.1 percent, higher than the global figure of 23.4 percent and the Asian rate of 18.6 percent. Vietnam has a National Assembly Chairwoman and three female Politburo members for the first time. Notably, the first Vietnamese female officers have joined UN peace-keeping missions. Vietnamese women have also proven their role in business and other spheres, with the rate of female labourers standing at 48 percent. Still, Vietnam is continuing to perfect its relevant policies and laws, and optimise resources to ensure gender equality and womens empowerment./.VNA (Bloomberg) -- Singapores biggest telecom operators chose Ericsson AB and Nokia Oyj as their main 5G network providers, leaving Chinas Huawei Technologies Co. with less significant contracts in the city state. Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. chose Ericsson while a group that includes StarHub Ltd. opted for Nokia after the city-state gave final approval for the rollout of nationwide 5G coverage in the country Wednesday. Huawei, which has been a point of contention in the tensions between the U.S. and China, still has a foothold in the market as a provider for TPG Telecom Ptes smaller, local network system. The final awards were issued to Singtel and a group formed by StarHub and M1 Ltd. after they completed regulatory processes, including selection of preferred frequency spectrum lots and vendor partners, the Infocomm Media Development Authority said Wednesday. Provisional awards were made in April. TPG Telecom Pte Ltd. is being allocated the remaining frequency spectrum in the millimeter wave band to roll out localized 5G networks, the authority said. We never explicitly excluded any vendor, Minister for Communications and Information S. Iswaran said in an interview with Bloomberg Televisions Haslinda Amin on Thursday. You have a diversity of vendors involved in different aspects of the 5G system and that is in fact a positive outcome from our perspective, he said. Ericsson, Nokia Iswaran said Thursday the city-state has very clear security and resilience requirements, and the choices made by the telcos took this into account very clearly. Singtel, the countrys largest telco operator, said Wednesday it selected Ericsson to commence a period of negotiation to provide the 5G SA Core, RAN and mmWave network, with a view to finalising the contractual terms as soon as practicable. StarHub, which received spectrum rights jointly with M1, said the preferred 5G technology partner, subject to final contract, is Nokia for the 5G radio access network. Nokia is also the preferred technology supplier for StarHubs 5G core and mmWave networks. The Singapore company is exploring other network elements with Nokia, Huawei Technologies Co., and ZTE Corp., it said. Story continues TPG Telecom said its an active member of the Telecom Infra Project and will leverage the extensive OpenRAN vendor community along with Huaweis advanced network equipment for the implementation of 5G services. Singapores 5G Network Singtel and the StarHub-M1 group plan to introduce a standalone 5G network starting from January 2021. The country aims to have 5G coverage for at least half of the nation by the end of 2022 and the entire island by 2025. The plan sets up Singapore to join countries in the region such as China and South Korea, which have begun to offer commercial 5G services. The rollout is coming at a time when measures to curb the coronavirus have forced people around the world to stay and work from home, testing digital services and connectivity like never before. The technology is crucial for applications from autonomous driving to remote surgery. The announcement is also just a day after general elections were declared for July 10. U.S., China The Singapore telcos decision on providers comes amid worsening tensions between the U.S. and China. The U.S. administration has banned Huawei from its market for telecom equipment, as part of an effort to curb its presence in 5G networks globally. The Pentagon, in letters to lawmakers dated June 24, said it put Huawei on a list of 20 companies it says are owned or controlled by Chinas military. While the moves implications were not immediately clear, it opens the company to potential additional U.S. sanctions. Singapore has close economic and political ties with the U.S. and China, and last year indicated it would let its telco companies decide for themselves on suppliers. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said earlier this year it hadnt banned Huawei, but would evaluate it based on operational requirements. (Updates to add Singapore Minister S. Iswarans quote in fifth paragraph) For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.com Subscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source. 2020 Bloomberg L.P. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 01:12:07|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Hu Wei (3rd R), charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Sri Lanka, hands over the list of medical aid donated by China to Sri Lanka's Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi (4th L) at a handover ceremony in Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 24, 2020. China on Wednesday donated its third batch of medical aid to Sri Lanka to help the country fight the COVID-19 virus which has to date infected over 2,000 people in the country and caused 11 deaths. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua) COLOMBO, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday donated its third batch of medical aid to Sri Lanka to help the country fight the COVID-19 virus which has to date infected over 2,000 people in the country and caused 11 deaths. The medical aid, including 30,000 PCR testing kits, 30,000 disposable coveralls, 30,000 medical protective face masks, 600,000 surgical masks, and 30,000 medical goggles, was handed over by charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy to Sri Lanka Hu Wei to Sri Lanka's Minister of Health Pavithra Wanniarachchi at a ceremony in capital Colombo. "Today, it is my great pleasure and honor to hand over the latest batch of the Chinese government aid to our dear Sri Lankan friends which has become the main source for Sri Lanka to combat the pandemic," Hu said. In the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Sri Lanka and China have successfully brought the COVID-19 under control with three keys -- leadership, disciplines and unity. No single country can win on its own and the most powerful weapons are not money, equipment, GDP, etc but it is solidarity and cooperation, said Hu. On her part, Wanniarachchi recalled the two country's friendship since ancient times. "That is why when the Chinese government was facing the pandemic, Sri Lanka decided that it will offer all its strength and assistance to the Chinese government and its people," the minister said. She also thanked China for donating medical aid and equipment to Sri Lanka to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. "Sri Lanka will never forget the assistance provided by China and the help we have received," she added. China has also provided 175,000 masks to students across the country and will provide another 100,000 masks to the Elections Commission for the public health safety during the country's upcoming Parliamentary Elections. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 14:42:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KABUL, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Two army officers and 11 Taliban militants were killed and four militants and one army soldier were wounded during clashes Wednesday night, authorities said Thursday. In northern Baghlan province, two army officers and six Taliban militants were killed when Taliban attacked a national army military camp in Dand-e-Ghori, an area on the outskirts of provincial capital Pul-e-Khumri city, provincial government spokesman Nazir Najim told Xinhua. One soldier and four militants were wounded during the fighting which forced the militants to flee to nearby mountains. In Khash Rod district of western Farah province, five Taliban militants were killed after Afghan army repulsed a Taliban attack on security checkpoints in the desert province, the Afghan Defense Ministry said in a statement. The army personnel found and seized weapons and ammunition after the clashes. Enditem Officials said the shift in personnel decision-making coincided with the appointment in January of Trumps former body man, John McEntee, as director of the White Houses Presidential Personnel Office, which controls political appointments. Given a mandate by the president to curb leakers and others who are opposed to him, McEntee has taken a more aggressive role in hiring and firing and now is one of the most influential officials in the White House, according to current and former administration officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal personnel dynamics. LANSDALE People showed up in droves last Friday evening to participate in a demonstration celebrating Juneteenth in downtown Lansdale. It was a march of solidarity, said Shaykh Anwar Muhammad, president of Ambler branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The march began around 5 p.m. at Lansdale Borough Hall on 1 Vine St. Demonstrators of all ages headed down Main Street before circling back to the Borough Hall, according to Muhammad. I mean it was beautiful to see. It was amazing how many people showed up, he said. The evening was complete with speeches from a number of area dignitaries including Donald Lyons, vice president of the NAACPs Ambler branch, Lansdale Mayor Garry Herbert and Lansdale Police Chief Mike Trail. Lyons offered some historical context of the origins behind Juneteenth. The historic day marked the end of slavery, more than two years after President Abraham Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation, according to the National Registry of Juneteenth Organizations and Supporters. Union Major General Gordon Granger and his soldiers reached Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865 informing those there that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Herbert, and Ambler Mayor Jeanne Sorg, also issued proclamations in their respective towns recognizing Juneteenth, Muhammad said. While Muhammad emphasized the importance of Juneteenth, the community leader said he wanted to use the events platform to continue ongoing national conversations surrounding racism and police relations in the weeks following the Memorial Day death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. The incident sparked outrage and unrest across the nation, with protests popping up in major cities, including Philadelphia. In Montgomery County, several peaceful demonstrations occurred in Norristown, Ambler and Lansdale. Muhammad said the Ambler branch of the NAACP covers areas in North Penn, Upper Dublin and Wissahickon school districts. He added that his organization has worked with the municipal leaders and police chiefs on cultivating positive community relationships for months. Theres already been a rapport and a bridge being created from the community to law enforcement, he said. As an entrepreneur, Muhammad has been doing his part for years to create initiatives and have meaningful conversations with patrons at his shop, The Black Reserve Bookstore, located on West Main Street in downtown Lansdale. He touted the boroughs diversity and said he has high hopes for the town to be an example for other places to follow. Lansdale has the ability to be that change that we wish to see in the nation, and be the template of that change, Muhammad said. Muhammad added that he appreciates the local public participation as calls for change are echoed nationwide. I think people in this town see the need for whats going on right now. Obviously, because theyre participating and participating in alarming rates, Muhammad said. So this really has nothing to do with color. This is really not a color issue, its really a right and wrong issue. Its not a color issue. The things that are happening nationally are because theyre a right and wrong issue, he continued. So I think people are witnessing that, and understanding that, and thats why the response is so great right because people are saying, well this really has nothing to do with color, and everything to do with morals, and right and wrong.' New Delhi: The ICSE Board has cancelled the Class 10 and Class 12 exams, in the wake of coronavirus outbreak. The decision was taken just after the CBSE Board declared the cancellation of CBSE Board Class 10 and Class 12 exams. Senior advocate Jaideep Gupta for ICSE told the Supreme Court that he agrees with CBSEs decision and that exams for ICSE too stands cancelled. He further said the notifications for the same will be made accordingly. The Supreme Court was hearing on petition to cancel CBSE Board Exams. The apex court had been hearing petitions regarding the conducting of exams by the council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (ICSE) and the CBSE amid the pandemic. On being asked if the Board would follow whatever CBSE decides The advocate had made it clear that ICSE Board would follow the government's decision taken with respect to CBSE Board exams. The Supreme Court thus informed ICSE Boards counsel that CISCE Board is at the liberty to tweak the CBSE decision and follow its own informed decision. " " The London Bridge as we know it today spans the River Thames connecting two vibrant neighborhoods, the City of London and Southwark. TangMan Photography/Getty Images Crossing the River Thames between the City of London and Southwark, the London Bridge in some form has welcomed travelers for two millennia. Yet, despite its longevity and fame it even has its own nursery rhyme what people think of as the London Bridge is often not the London Bridge at all. In fact, do a Google search for "images of the London Bridge," and what you'll probably see instead are images of the Tower Bridge, the famous Victorian Gothic structure with two towers. But the London Bridge of today offers a much simpler profile, and while the current structure dates from the late 20th century, the story of the bridges that have stood on that site is considerably longer. Advertisement History of the London Bridge "The history is much more interesting than the Tower Bridge, which is what most people think the London Bridge is," says David Green, principal of global design firm Perkins&Will, who also is an expert on the history of cities, including the roles of transportation and bridges in their development. Today, the London Bridge, Tower Bridge and three others are managed by Bridge House Estates, established over 900 years ago. It's a charitable trust, and monies not required by the Bridge Maintenance Budget go to helping out needy Londoners via the funding arm, City Bridge Trust. The City Bridge Trust donates 30 million pounds annually in this way. According to the City of London, the first bridge across the Thames was built between 1176 and 1209. It was replaced in the early 19th century and a third time when the existing bridge was built. However, even before the 12th-century stone bridge, a series of wooden bridges had been constructed at the site, and the story of the London Bridge begins with a Roman invasion and the founding of the settlement of Londinium. What is called the London Bridge today got its start as a military pontoon bridge built by the Romans when they were settling the area, according to Green. For the past 2,000 years, the position of the bridge has remained a nexus for economic development, although its physical construction has changed several times. Timber bridges on the site were damaged by multiple fires and a storm. A final wooden bridge designed by Peter of Colechurch (aka Peter the Bridge Master, chaplain of St. Mary Colechurch) was completed in 1163 A.D. Henry II commissioned the first stone structure, also designed by Peter, on the site around 800 years ago. Slightly to the west of the timber bridge location, it was a simple masonry arched bridge, like the Pont Neuf in Paris, and included a drawbridge. This "Old London Bridge" was used as both a river crossing and a development site like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy. For half a century the stone bridge was home to many buildings, including residences, shops and a chapel dedicated to St. Thomas of Canterbury. In fact, there were about 200 buildings on the bridge, according to Green. With so much development, the bridge became constricted not to mention the bathroom facilities dropped straight into the Thames so the city started removing the buildings in the 18th century. " " This stone version of the London Bridge was topped with buildings, residences, shops and a chapel, which eventually caused it to become overcrowded and unstable. The British Library Advertisement London Bridge No. 2 As the London Bridge continued to be a major transportation route even without its buildings, structural problems appeared. The arches deteriorated, and the bridge, which had experienced a variety of damage, was also slowly sinking. By the 1820s, it was deemed structurally problematic, Green explains. Thus, a new bridge was proposed and completed in 1831. A masonry stone structure that was sturdier and highly engineered, it had been proposed by Scottish civil engineer John Rennie and constructed by his sons. Situated upstream from the 12th-century bridge, which was quickly demolished, it lasted just 140 years. By the 1920s, the city knew that renovation or reconstruction would be necessary, but the second bridge remained until the late 1960s when it was finally replaced. Interestingly, the 19th-century London Bridge was sold to Robert P. McCulloch, Sr., a chain saw magnate who founded Lake Havasu City, Arizona. He purchased the bridge for $2.4 million in 1968 plus shipping costs of around $240,000 and had it shipped to its new home, where it was reconstructed above a man-made channel. Today, it's the second most-visited tourist attraction in the state. " " Scottish civil engineer John Rennie designed this stone version of the London Bridge, which was dedicated in 1831 by Queen Victoria. It stood for 140 years. Library of Congress Advertisement The London Bridge Today The London Bridge we know today was designed by city engineer Harold Knox King with architects Mott, Hay & Anderson and William Holford & Partners. It was opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1973. The bridge features three spans founded on concrete piers and is constructed of concrete and polished granite, which is not as exciting as it sounds. "It's a fairly unremarkable piece of engineering, but it's turned into this amazing public space," Green says. The structure is similar to most overpasses in U.S. highway construction, and it is not generally somewhere tourists visits for its beauty, especially considering the historical architecture throughout London. However, the London Bridge offers an excellent location from which to take photos of the nearby Tower Bridge. Until Westminster Bridge opened in 1750, the London Bridge offered the city's only option for crossing the Thames. Today, it connects two vibrant neighborhoods. On the north side is the City of London, which is the financial sector, like Wall Street, says Catherine Mahoney, head of communications for charity and philanthropy at City Bridge Trust. To the south is Southwark, with the Borough Market, The Shard and the London Dungeon. Even with its current important status in modern London, the bridge remains a site of tradition, such as the 12th century right to use it to drive sheep into the City of London for sale. In 2013, 20 Suffolk and Texel sheep crossed the bridge in a reenactment of the historical charter as part of a fundraising effort. "It's a really cool, interesting bridge with a rich, interesting history," says Green. Advertisement Is the London Bridge Falling Down? So technically, the London Bridge has fallen down to some degree many times during its 2,000-year history. "Bridge piers are liable to damage from shipping and from the force of the river rushing through," Roger Hobbs, emeritus professor, department of civil and environmental engineering, Imperial College London, explains in an email. "This finished the life of the medieval bridge and probably earlier bridges. They also need maintenance before problems become serious/dangerous." So, where did the nursery rhyme we all grew up singing originate? It was first published in the mid-19th century, but it had probably been known long before that. There are a few prevailing theories about the song, including an 11th-century Viking attack, the 1666 Great London Fire, the unsubstantiated immurement of a person in the structure's foundation and the ongoing issue of the bridge needing repair. That leaves the question of the "fair lady" mentioned in the ditty, but no consensus has been reached there either. One possibility is Eleanor of Provence, who was Henry III's consort and controlled London Bridge revenue during the late 13th century. Another guess is the fair lady is Matilda of Scotland, a consort of Henry I, who had commissioned bridge projects more than a century earlier. It has also been suggested that it could be a member of the Leigh family, who claim one of their relatives was entombed below the bridge. But it's really anybody's guess. Now That's Morbid During the late Middle Ages and Early Modern Period, heads of traitors were impaled and displayed at the London Bridge's southern gateway, including that of Scottish hero Sir William Wallace. Advertisement Originally Published: Jun 25, 2020 Montgomery County staffers arrived at a flooded building Thursday morning after a roof drain on The Atrium Building in downtown Conroe broke and dumped hundreds of gallons of rainwater into the structure causing extensive damage to parts of all four floors. The Atrium, 210 W. Davis St., houses the countys several County Court at Law courts, the County Clerks Office and the countys records office for legal documents. The building is more than 30 years old, according to County Judge Mark Keoughs Chief of Staff Jason Millsaps. According to the Harris County Flood Warning System, the Conroe area received almost 4 inches of rain in the last two days. Wednesday night into Thursday evening, storms pushing through the region dumped almost two inches of rain on the Conroe area. The drain runs from the roof of the building, down an inside wall and out at the ground level. Millsaps said the water filled up the fourth floor before flooding the third, second and first floors. TURN AROUND: High-water locations reported after heavy thunderstorms hit Houston area It did that all the way down to the bottom, he said. There is a substantial amount of damage to at least three courtrooms and the records management depository. Some records did get wet but they are all digitized. Along with furniture in the courtrooms, including pews, chairs and tables, Millsaps said electronic equipment like audio and visual systems and computers were also drenched. There is no way to know if it is completely ruined or not at this time or if it just needs to dry out, he said. County Court at Law No. 2 Judge Claudia Laird said she was shocked to see the situation Thursday morning. BREAKING NEWS UPDATES: Get your Houston breaking news alerts delivered to your Inbox It looked like it was raining in the courtroom when I walked in this morning, she said. I just stood there dumbfounded. Laird said the flooding didnt affect some court proceedings because most of those are still being done remotely due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. We are still going forward, we are just doing it remotely, she added noting offices in the back of the building, including her chambers, were not affected by the water. The drain has been fixed Millsaps said but as of Thursday afternoon, the clean up of the building is expected to last through the weekend. The cost of the damage was not yet determined. MORE FROM THIS AUTHOR: Abbotts halt on elective surgeries is good news for Montgomery County, official says It will be a couple of days of determining what is not repairable and needs to be replaced, he said. The building remained open, Millsaps said and the judges had worked out ways to keep their dockets moving. We are thankful for the quick response from building maintenance and custodial staff, said Darin Bailey, chief deputy county clerk in the County Clerks Office. Our constitutional duty is to protect these records and we appreciate Rob Wright, assistant director of Building Maintenance and his team in assisting us so we can maintain the integrity of these vital records. cdominguez@hcnonline.com (Newser) The latest Supreme Court decision on immigration has gone President Trump's way. In a 7-2 ruling on Thursday, the court made it easier to deport asylum seekers at the border, reports USA Today. The decision means that people whose requests for asylum are rejected in their initial screenings aren't entitled to plead their case before a federal judge, per the AP. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan dissented. Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer agreed with the decision but didn't join Samual Alito's opinion because they say the ruling should be applied more narrowly than Alito suggests. story continues below Majority: Congress acted properly in creating a system for weeding out patently meritless claims and expeditiously removing the aliens making such claims from the country, Alito wrote. Congress acted properly in creating a system for weeding out patently meritless claims and expeditiously removing the aliens making such claims from the country, Alito wrote. Dissent: Todays decision handcuffs the Judiciarys ability to perform its constitutional duty to safeguard individual liberty," wrote Sotomayor. Todays decision handcuffs the Judiciarys ability to perform its constitutional duty to safeguard individual liberty," wrote Sotomayor. Impact: "The case, which concerns the fundamental question of who is entitled to seek habeas corpus, will affect thousands of asylum seekers," per the New York Times. "The case, which concerns the fundamental question of who is entitled to seek habeas corpus, will affect thousands of asylum seekers," per the New York Times. The individual: The case was brought by Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam of Sri Lanka, who was arrested near the Mexican border, reports NBC News. He argued that, as a member of the Tamil minority, he faced persecution or worse if sent home. He said he was once kidnapped and brutally beaten, though he could not identify his attackers (he was blindfolded) and thus say for sure why they beat him. (Read more US Supreme Court stories.) The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Riot police in Montenegro fired tear gas and detained pro-Serbian protesters outside the Interior Ministry building in the country's capital, Podgorica. The protesters rallied on June 24 to support a pro-Serbian opposition group embroiled in a local political dispute in the Adriatic coastal town of Budva. Lufthansa shares jumped by 10 percent on Thursday after investor Heinz Hermann Thiele dropped his objections to a 9 billion euro ($10.12 billion) government bailout to rescue the carrier hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. "I will vote for the proposal," Thiele, who recently increased his stake in Lufthansa to 15.5 percent, told the Frankfurter Allgemeine daily on Wednesday. His endorsement amounts to an 11th-hour respite for the airline after fears had swirled that he might veto the proposed rescue package, which will see the German state acquire a 20 percent stake and board seats, diluting existing shareholdings. Shareholders are due to vote on the bailout at Lufthansa's virtual extraordinary general meeting on Thursday. Thiele had been expected to have a virtual veto at the meeting as only 38 percent of shareholders have registered to vote. Germany's flagship airline has been brought to its knees by COVID-19 and what promises to be a protracted travel slump, and has sought a state rescue to avoid insolvency. 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 Billionaire Thiele had objected to the bailout terms and proposed an indirect government holding in Lufthansa via Germany's KfW development bank rather than a direct stake and board representation. Thiele's criticism had sparked fears the bailout would fail and Lufthansa would have to seek protection from creditors within days. Thiele's change of heart came after he held talks with the government on Monday. Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, who has refused to countenance changes to the complex deal, said on Monday he believed shareholders would take into account the fact that the deal was carefully negotiated with the European Union. Separately, the company struck a cost savings deal overnight with a union representing German flight attendants that would reap more than 500 million euros in savings. Follow our full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic here TORONTO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison" or the "Company") (TSX: DML) (NYSE American: DNN) is pleased to report that the nominees listed in the management proxy circular dated May 12, 2020 (the "Circular") for the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held today in Toronto (the "Meeting ") were elected as directors of the Company. Detailed results of the vote for the election of directors are set out below. View PDF version Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld David D. Cates 235,503,922 85.12 41,152,817 14.88 W. Robert Dengler 274,895,548 99.36 1,761,191 0.64 Brian D. Edgar 275,106,444 99.44 1,550,295 0.56 Ron F. Hochstein 224,143,579 81.02 52,513,160 18.98 Jun Gon Kim 236,167,648 85.36 40,489,091 14.64 Jack O.A. Lundin 235,221,069 85.02 41,435,670 14.98 Catherine J.G. Stefan 275,005,584 99.40 1,651,155 0.60 Patricia M. Volker 274,940,219 99.38 1,716,520 0.62 The Company is also pleased to report that all other items of business presented to its shareholders at the Meeting, as more particularly described in the Circular, were approved. The Company has provided more details on the results of all matters considered at the Meeting in its Report of Voting Results filed under its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar. About Denison Denison is a uranium exploration and development company with interests focused in the Athabasca Basin region of northern Saskatchewan, Canada. In addition to the Wheeler River project, Denison's Athabasca Basin exploration portfolio consists of numerous projects covering over 250,000 hectares. Denison's interests in the Athabasca Basin also include a 22.5% ownership interest in the McClean Lake joint venture ("MLJV"), which includes several uranium deposits and the McClean Lake uranium mill, which is currently processing ore from the Cigar Lake mine under a toll milling agreement, plus a 25.17% interest in the Midwest and Midwest A deposits, and a 66.57% interest in the J Zone and Huskie deposits on the Waterbury Lake property. Each of Midwest, Midwest A, J Zone and Huskie are located within 20 kilometres of the McClean Lake mill. Denison is also engaged in mine decommissioning and environmental services through its Closed Mines group (formerly Denison Environmental Services), which manages Denison's Elliot Lake reclamation projects and provides post-closure mine care and maintenance services to a variety of industry and government clients. Denison is the manager of Uranium Participation Corp., a publicly traded company which invests in uranium oxide and uranium hexafluoride. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARDLOOKING STATEMENTS Certain information contained in this news release constitutes 'forward-looking information', within the meaning of the applicable United States and Canadian legislation concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Denison. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as 'plans', 'expects', 'budget', 'scheduled', 'estimates', 'forecasts', 'intends', 'anticipates', or 'believes', or the negatives and/or variations of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results 'may', 'could', 'would', 'might' or 'will be taken', 'occur', 'be achieved' or 'has the potential to'. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the following: the benefits to be derived from corporate transactions; expectations regarding Denison's joint venture ownership interests and the continuity of its agreements with its partners; and expectations regarding the terms and continuity of, and revenues from, the UPC management contract. Forward looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made, and they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Denison to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Denison believes that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be accurate and results may differ materially from those anticipated in this forward looking information. For a discussion in respect of risks and other factors that could influence forward-looking events, please refer to the factors discussed in Denison's Annual Information Form dated March 13, 2020 under the heading 'Risk Factors'. These factors are not, and should not be construed as being exhaustive. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking information and the assumptions made with respect thereto speaks only as of the date of this news release. Denison does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information after the date of this news release to conform such information to actual results or to changes in Denison's expectations except as otherwise required by applicable legislation. SOURCE Denison Mines Corp. Related Links http://denisonmines.com/s/Home.asp The Emmerdale village set, near Leeds (Tim Whitby - PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images) Emmerdale has been hit by complaints after the character Jimmy made a joke about the coronavirus. The quip was made in one of the ITV soaps special lockdown episodes, which are set against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic. The scene saw Jimmy (Nick Miles) joking about not having to drop the children off at school any more because of the outbreak. Read more: Filming on EastEnders to resume Coming downstairs in his dressing gown, he quipped to Nicola (Nicola Wheeler): At least we don't have to do the school run. Thank you, coronavirus." Nick Miles from Emmerdale attends the Inside Soap Awards 2011 at Gilgamesh on September 26, 2011 in London, England. (Mike Marsland/WireImage) Jimmys joke did not go down that well with some fans, and broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has reportedly confirmed that it has received 12 complaints. The remark was also criticised on social media, with people suggesting it was ill-advised. One person posted on Twitter: Thank you coronavirus, says Jimmy. What were the writers thinking!!! Oh no they wasnt thinking at all. Over 40.000 deaths in case you had forgotten. Another tweeted: Cant believe Jimmy King has just said thank you coronavirus. What do we have to be thankful for honestly. Read more: Emmerdales Michelle Hardwick pregnant Emmerdales six special episodes focus on just two characters such as Cain and Aaron (Jeff Hordley and Danny Miller) and Chas and Paddy (Lucy Pargeter and Dominic Brunt). ITV worked within government guidelines, with social distancing in place. Filming units stayed together to work in designated studios and crew used their own sanitised equipment, and the episodes do not see any location filming, meaning fewer scenes to avoid camera moves. Cast members were also tasked with doing their own make-up and they could even wear their own clothes where possible. Andy Cross/MediaNewsGroup/The Denver Post via Getty ImagesBY: CONOR FINNEGAN, ABC NEWS (DENVER) As the world sees unprecedented protests calling for an end to police brutality and systemic racism in the name of George Floyd, a Black man who died while in police custody, the death of another Black man who was being detained by police has received renewed attention. Elijah McClain, 23, died after he was apprehended by Aurora, Colorado, police in August 2019. McClain's name has circulated throughout social media since Floyd's death, with some highlighting his case as yet another unarmed Black man to die and others demanding some form of justice. One petition, calling for the officers involved to be taken off duty and a more "in-depth" investigation be conducted, has garnered more than 2.2 million signatures. That petition continued to grow as of Wednesday afternoon. The story of McClain's death is "one of the many, many examples of an innocent young person who was absolutely minding his own business and was doing nothing wrong and was murdered by law enforcement," McClain family attorney, Mari Newman, told ABC News. McClain was walking home after buying iced tea at a corner store on August 24, 2019, when he was stopped by police, Newman said. He was wearing a ski mask on a warm night -- which Newman attributed to him getting cold -- when a person called 911 at 10:30 p.m. to report him for being "sketchy," according to an audio recording of the 911 call released by the Aurora Police Department. The caller told a 911 operator that a man, later identified as McClain, "has a mask on" and "he might be a good person or a bad person." The caller said that no weapons were involved and when asked if he or anyone else was in danger, the caller can be heard responding, "no." Police responded to the scene. Body camera footage showed McClain walking on the sidewalk with three officers approaching him. One tells him to stop multiple times, but McClain continued to walk. According to the body camera footage, that officer then puts his hands on McClain, saying "stop tensing up," while McClain replies, "let go of me." The two other officers then appear to put their hands on him at this point too, the video shows. McClain tells the officers he was "going home. "You guys started to arrest me and I was stopping my music to listen," McClain said, according to the body camera video. One officer says he wants to move McClain over to a grassy area, which is when McClain appeared to struggle with the officers. During the struggle, one officer shouts that McClain had tried to reach for another officer's gun, according to the body camera footage. The officer whose gun McClain allegedly reached for later can be heard in the body camera footage that he did not remember feeling McClain go for his gun. The officers bring him to the ground and place him in a carotid control hold -- which involves an officer placing his arm around a person's neck, restricting the flow of blood to the brain from the carotid arteries, according to a letter from Dave Young, the district attorney for Adams and Broomfield Counties, to then-Police Chief Nicholas Metz. "I was just going home," McClain cried out while on the ground, with an officer pinning him down. "I don't do that stuff. I don't do any fighting." McClain, who was placed in handcuffs, is seen at one point throwing up after the struggle with officers while he is on the ground. Paramedics with the Aurora Fire Department were called to the scene, which is department policy after the application of a carotid control hold. According to Young's letter, paramedics said that McClain remained combative and possibly suffered from a condition called excited delirium. McClain was later administered, by paramedics, what Newman alleged was an "excessive dose" of ketamine, which is used by medical practitioners and veterinarians as an anesthetic. Part of the fire department's protocol is to administer ketamine, with the goal of "rapid tranquilization in order to minimize time struggling," according to the DA's letter. The Adams County coroner said in McClain's autopsy report that there was a "therapeutic level" of ketamine in his system. "Even though he was totally restrained on the ground, the Aurora paramedics injected him with a dosage of ketamine," Newman said. "It was certainly not appropriate because he wasn't acting in any out-of-control way" when the ketamine was administered. After McClain was put in an ambulance, he suffered from cardiac arrest, according to police. Though police said McClain regained consciousness and was being treated at a local hospital, he died several days later. Young, the district attorney, declined to bring charges against the officers involved. Young wrote in a letter to Metz, which was obtained by ABC News, that McClain was "violently struggling" with the officers and there is "no evidence to dispute the perception of the officers in the need to escalate the use of force." The Adams County coroner ruled back in November 2019 that McClain's cause of death was "undetermined." Possible contributing factors were listed as "intense physical exertion and a narrow left coronary artery," according to the autopsy, which was obtained by ABC News. Newman said McClain did not have any underlying medical conditions. When reached for comment, police directed ABC News to previous statements they had made regarding McClain's death. "We fully understand the need for transparency throughout this entire investigation and we can appreciate the seriousness of this matter. ... We continue to offer our deepest condolences to the McClain family and friends during this very difficult time," Aurora police said in a statement two days after the incident. Newman, though, viewed it drastically differently. "It was straight up torture really. The police failed him on every level, I mean that doesn't even begin to capture it," she said. Newman said McClain's family has mixed feelings about seeing their son's case gain more attention. "They were very distraught and disappointed at how little attention his murder got at the time that it happened, so I think they're glad to see that people are now paying attention," she said. "I think it's also very hard ... to suddenly be thrusted to the limelight and having to talk about the very worst thing that's ever happened to them." Newman said she thinks the public is now facing a reckoning of how it views police. "A lot of the time people like to reassure themselves that the only people who get killed by law enforcement are people who were doing something wrong ... He wasn't doing anything wrong," Newman said. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis responded to the newfound attention on the case in a tweet on Wednesday. "Public confidence in our law enforcement process is incredibly important now more than ever. A fair and objective process free from real or perceived bias for investigating officer-involved killings is critical," Polis wrote. "I am hearing from many Coloradans who have expressed concerns with the investigation of Elijah McClains death. As a result, I have instructed my legal council to examine what the state can do and we are assessing next steps." Copyright 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Victoria's outgoing police commissioner says tackling an escalation in knife crime will be high on the agenda of his successor, after two fatal stabbings in Melbourne within a week. Graham Ashton's comments came on Thursday, as police arrested a man over the stabbing death of a 21-year-old in Melbourne's CBD on Monday and as a grieving family held a funeral for a teenage boy killed in a knife attack in the western suburbs earlier this month. Graham Ashton on Thursday at the opening of the new police centre in the CBD in his last week in the top job. Credit:Joe Armao The remarks came hours after a separate incident in which a security guard at a south-east Melbourne shopping centre was slashed across the arm with a knife. Police arrested Marco Deng, 22, on Thursday morning in relation to the death of Machar Kot, 21, after he was stabbed outside the Oaks Melbourne hotel in Market Street about 5am on Monday. Mr Kot died hours later in hospital. Dozens of dogs waiting to be butchered on order at a live animal market in China have been rescued as the country celebrates its annual dog meat festival, MailOnline can reveal. The dogs were found ready to be slaughtered in broad daylight by traders in Nanning, the capital of southern China's Guangxi Province, according to sources. The province is home to the annual Yulin dog meat festival, which takes place in the nearby city of Yulin. An animal campaigner said she had rescued 30 dogs waiting to be butchered at the 'live poultry' section of the Wu Yi Farmers' Market in Nanning, southern China's Guangxi Province The dogs were crammed into cages to be slaughtered on order at the market, according to the source. She claimed that customers could select the live dogs before 'placing their order' This year, the controversial event opened on the summer solstice despite the coronavirus pandemic and the government's recent call for people to treat dogs as 'companion animals'. Du Yufeng, a long-time Chinese animal rights campaigner, told MailOnline that she came across those dogs at the 'live poultry' section of the Wu Yi Farmers' Market in Nanning on Tuesday. She claimed that customers could select live dogs from rusty cages before 'placing their order'. Vendors would then kill the chosen dogs on site. The saviour, long-time animal rights campaigner Du Yufeng, said she bought the dogs alive from the traders after negotiating with them before hiring a car to take the pooches to safety Ms Du said she bought a total of 30 dogs alive from the traders after negotiating with them before hiring a car to take the pooches to safety. She is currently transporting them from Nanning to a shelter in Guangyuan, which is some 900 miles away in Sichuan Province. The animals will find a temporary home at the Bo Ai Animal Protection Centre, which was founded by Ms Du. The shelter is located in Guangyuan, some 900 miles away in Sichuan One video clip supplied by Ms Du shows her looking after the dogs in front of a market stall after purchasing the animals. Another video shows the rescued dogs being carried onto a minivan to be taken into safety by workers. Ms Du noted that the van had to make several trips to move the dogs from the market to suburban Nanning before they could board a bigger van together to be driven to Guangyuan. The animals will find a temporary home at the Bo Ai Animal Protection Centre, which was founded by Ms Du. Pictures supplied to MailOnline show butchered dogs being placed on the counter of market stalls in Yulin, China, as the city celebrated the summer solstice with the annual festival. 'This year's dog meat festival is the same as before,' said Du Yufeng, an animal rights campaigner The annual 10-day dog meat festival celebrates the summer solstice and usually attracts thousands of visitors, many of whom buy dogs for the pot that are on display in cramped cages China's central government last month signalled that it could ban canine meat from the dinner table after removing dogs from its official list of livestock. However, the government is yet to issue an order to forbid the eating of dogs in the country. The Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs called for 'some traditional customs about dogs' to change in the country and stressed that dogs were 'companion, rescue and service animals'. Two Chinese cities, Shenzhen and Zhuhai, have banned the eating of dogs in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. In late February, China issued a temporary ban on all trade and consumption of wild animals - a practice believed responsible for the global crisis. Activists said the city's major dog meat trading hub, the Dongkou Market, was busy. They said they saw vendors chopping up rows of slaughtered dogs for customers without face masks Another clip shows diners flaunting social distancing rules to gather and enjoy dog meat on the side of a road in Yulin to celebrate the summer solstice during the dog meat festival Despite those official moves and concerns over the spread of COVID-19, the Yulin dog meat festival opened on the summer solstice 'as usual', according to Ms Du. Horrifying videos show market vendors chopping up rows of slaughtered dogs for customers without wearing face masks. Another clip shows local diners flaunting social distancing rules to gather and enjoy dog meat on the side of a road. Ms Du was in Yulin at the weekend with six other activists to protest against the event. They visited the Public Complaints and Proposals Administration of the Guangxi Province in Nanning in the following days and handed in a petition to demand officials ban the festival once for all. 'The epidemic is so serious, and people here are still gathering to eat dog meat. Why are they still doing it and why the police are still allowing the locals to do it and even protecting them? These messages need to be heard,' Ms Du urged. A picture supplied to MailOnline shows police officers patrolling outside Yulin's No.1 Crispy Dog Meat Restaurant during the festival. The restaurant bills itself as an 'internationally renowned' restaurant serving dishes made with 'healthy dogs carefully raised by farmers' Ms Du and other activists pose for a picture outside the Public Complaints and Proposals Administration of the Guangxi Province. They visited the authority to urge it ban the festival Other accounts, however, suggested that even though the festival was still holding this year, its size was smaller than before. Restaurant workers involved in the week-long event, which they say started Sunday and has been renamed the 'Yulin Summer Solstice Festival', told AFP that attendance was down. 'The number of arriving customers has dropped a lot,' said a man surnamed Chen. He said the dog meat restaurant where he works would open as normal this festival without any special events or pricing like in past years. Heart-breaking footage shows piles of dog carcasses being sold at a market in Yulin this month According to insiders, most of Yulin's dog meat stalls and shops scattered around the city have relocated to one centralised area called Nanchao market ahead of the annual dog meat festival The pictures and videos were taken after Beijing last month removed dogs from its official list of livestock. Officials called for 'some traditional customs about dogs' to change in the country Some posts on the Chinese social network Weibo called for the festival to be cancelled entirely after COVID-19 and a recent fresh outbreak of the disease in Beijing linked to a wholesale food market. 'Is it not enough that (the festival) is infamous throughout the world? Where will food safety become a reality... Stop this damn festival at once,' one user wrote. Dog meat is traditionally believed to be good for the health in certain parts of China, but the habit has been in steady decline as more and more affluent urban dwellers choose to keep the animals as pets. The government is drawing up new laws to prohibit the wildlife trade and protect pets, and campaigners are hoping that this year will be the last time the festival is held. 'I do hope Yulin will change not only for the sake of the animals but also for the health and safety of its people,' said Peter Li, China policy specialist with the Humane Society International, an animal rights group. 'Allowing mass gatherings to trade in and consume dog meat in crowded markets and restaurants in the name of a festival poses a significant public health risk,' he said. Zhang Qianqian, an animal rights activist who was in Yulin on Saturday, said it was only a matter of time before the dog-meat festival was banned. 'From what we understand from our conversations with meat sellers, leaders have said the consumption of dog meat won't be allowed in future,' she said. 'But banning dog-meat consumption is going to be hard and will take some time.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 06:14:22|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WARSAW, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Tech giants Google and Microsoft will be investing a combined 3 billion U.S. dollars in Poland in the coming years, the head of the Polish Development Fund (PFR) announced on Wednesday. According to a tweet of Pawel Borys, the head of PFR, the declared investment means that the country will become a "digital hub" for central and eastern Europe. Google will be building a new data center in Poland worth 2 billion U.S. dollars starting in 2021, business newspaper Puls Biznesu reported on Tuesday. The company will also train 10,000 staff in the country, while building a cloud team there. Talking to the paper, Google Cloud director Magdalena Dziewguc said that the regional cloud will consist of three cloud regions. "Each of those infrastructures will be independent, technically and in terms of software." Microsoft publicly announced its one-billion-U.S.-dollar investment at the start of May. It will include a hyper-scale data center, as well as support for further development of digital skills and digital transformations. Enditem Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) Top scientists, researchers and ministers of health rose from a two-day virtual conference on Thursday to discuss a roadmap towards a coronavirus vaccine, calling for the lifting of intellectual property rights likely to limit access to a global vaccine and its fair distribution in Africa South Africa: Government adopts zero-budgeting approach to cut spending Finance Minister Tito Mboweni has announced a zero-budgeting approach that will see government cutting spending on programmes it can no longer afford. Mboweni said this when he tabled the Supplementary Budget Review at the National Assembly on Wednesday. The budget was necessitated by President Cyril Ramaphosas announcement that government would spend R500 billion to support the economys resuscitation following the outbreak of novel Coronavirus. He said Cabinet, under the leadership and guidance of President Ramaphosa, will narrow the deficit and stabilise debt at 87.4% of GDP by 2023/24. The Medium-Term Expenditure Framework process will be guided by the principles of zerobased budgeting which will be applied as a series of overlapping evaluation exercises targeted at large programmes. Our current system of Public Expenditure Reviews is a step towards zerobased budgeting. This means that we will try to reduce all expenditure that we thought we can no longer afford. After all, we are not as rich as we were ten years ago, he said. Mboweni said government would use the upcoming MTEF to pilot the approach. In the review accompanying this budget we set out our initial proposed fiscal path for the period ahead. We need to find spending adjustments of about R230 billion over the next two years. The Minister also said that tax measures of R40 billion over the next four years will also be required. Government will announce details to these tax proposals in the 2021 Budget. Government will also be allocating R3 billion to recapitalise the Land Bank. This Bank holds 29% of South Africas agricultural debt. The National Treasury is supporting the Land Bank find a solution to its default and craft a longterm restructuring plan. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The second session of Huaweis online 5G+, Better World Summit was held. Through live video streams, analysts, and representatives of operators and industry partners shared their thoughts on how innovative 5G applications could improve industry efficiency and security and bring value to industries such as port, agriculture, healthcare, and iron and steel. Bob Cai, the Chief Marketing Officer of Huawei Carrier BG, delivered the opening speech, calling for unlocking the potential of 5G and solidly strengthening 5G for business. 5G development has entered a new phase, Mr. Cai said, With over 80 5G networks commercially available worldwide, determining how to leverage 5G to create more value is currently a topic of great interest within the industry. Currently, 5G for business is still more of a branding concept, and more solid work needs to be done. To build a positive business cycle, work should be done in four aspects: technology, ecosystem, standards, and business model. Technology readiness: We must continuously innovate 5G technology and products to address the pain points of industries. For example, the 5G Super Uplink solution addresses various industries needs for optimal and always-available uplinks. Mature ecosystem: 5G industrial modules have been widely commercialized, and devices such as 5G cameras, 5G industrial CPE, and 5G industrial routers are now available in the market. Looking ahead, more commercial 5G devices are required for different industries in order to ensure the prosperity of the 5G ecosystem and lower the costs for industries to adopt 5G. Unified standards: In terms of 5G services for business, development from zero to one requires innovation, but further growth beyond one requires unified industry standards. Industries should take the lead to set 5G industry standards that allow 5G to be rapidly applied to industries. Shared commercial success: We must keep exploring business models of 5G services for business that can benefit all industry partners and help them grow together. Other guest speakers who attended the summit included Mr. Xu Mengqiang, General Manager of China Mobile Ningbo, Mr. Zhao Jie, Director of National Engineering Laboratory for Internet Medical Systems and Applications, Dr. Thomas Anken, Director of Digital Transformation Program of Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, Mr. Guo Lihong, Deputy Director of Engineering Equipment Dept of Hunan Valin Xiangtan Iron and Steel Co., Ltd., and Mr. Dimitris Mavrakis, Research Director of ABI Research. Each of them delivered a wonderful keynote speech. New Delhi, June 25 : The stopping of India's "normal, traditional patrolling pattern" in the Galwan Valley area by Chinese troops in early May led to a tense situation across the Line of Actual Control and caused the relationship between two countries to deteriorate, India's Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. In early May, the Chinese side had taken action to hinder India's normal, traditional patrolling pattern in the Galwan Valley area, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said. On May 5, there was violence at Galwan Valley between Indian and Chinese troops which was widely reported. Clashes happened in Pangong Lake but the situation was brought under control. Srivastava said: "The resulting face-off was addressed by the ground commanders as per the provisions of the bilateral agreements and protocols." But then China started tension across the Line of Actual Control (LAC), he said. "In mid-May, China sought to change the status quo in other areas of the western sector," he said. In response, India, in recent days, has made position clear on the unfolding developments in the region. On June 20, India had provided the relevant facts and clearly established it has been the "Chinese actions thus far which have led to increase in tension in the region and also to the violent face-off of June 15 with casualties". The MEA has stated that New Delhi had registered protest against Beijing's actions through both diplomatic and military channels, and made it clear that "any such change was unacceptable". Subsequently, senior commanders from both sides met on June 6 and agreed on a process for de-escalation and disengagement along the LAC that involved reciprocal actions. "Both sides had agreed to respect and abide by the LAC and not undertake any activity to alter the status quo," Srivastava said, adding that the Chinese side, however, departed from these understandings in respect of the LAC in the Galwan Valley area and sought to erect structures just across the LAC. When this attempt was foiled, Chinese troops took violent action on June 15 that directly resulted in casualties, leaving 20 Indian soldiers dead. "Thereafter, both sides remain deployed in large numbers in the region, while military and diplomatic contacts are continuing," he said. It was found that since early May, the Chinese side has been "amassing a large contingent of troops and armaments along the LAC", Srivastava said, adding that this is not in accordance with the provisions of various bilateral agreements, especially the key 1993 Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquility along the LAC. This notes, in particular, that "each side will keep its military forces in the areas along the LAC to a minimum level, compatible with friendly and good neighbourly relations between the two countries". "Obviously, the Indian side had to undertake counter-deployments and the resulting tension has thereafter expressed itself," he said. Respecting and strictly observing the LAC is the basis for peace and tranquility in the border areas and explicitly recognized so in the 1993 and subsequent agreements, the MEA spokesperson said. He said that Indian troops are fully familiar with the alignment of the LAC in all sectors and abide scrupulously by it. They have been patrolling all along the LAC, including in the Galwan Valley, for a long time, and all infrastructure built by the Indian side has always been on its own side of the LAC, he added. "The Indian side has never undertaken any actions across the LAC and has never attempted to unilaterally change the status quo," Srivastava said. However, that has not been reciprocated by the Chinese side and that from time to time has led to face-offs, he added. Over many years, both sides have developed patterns of patrolling and it is a reasonable expectation that patrols will not be obstructed in the discharge of their legitimate duties, the MEA spokesperson said that unfortunately, India has experienced, in the last many years, obstruction to patrolling that often accompany efforts to unilaterally change the status quo. Noting that to provide for situations where the two sides encounter each other, a set of procedures and norms have been mutually agreed upon, and are reflected in a number of agreements and understandings, he saidt, adding that while there have been occasional departures in the past, the conduct of Chinese forces this year has been in complete disregard of all mutually agreed norms. "The deployment of large body of troops and changes in behaviour has also been aggravated by unjustified and untenable claims," he said. The recent shift in the Chinese position on the Galwan Valley is one example, he said. The MEA spokesperson stressed that it is imperative that the established mechanisms are used by both parties to address the current situation. The meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) on Monday was, therefore, a significant development. "It was preceded by a discussion among senior military commanders on June 22 that focused on implementation of the understandings reached between them on June 6," he said. Srivastava said that Foreign Ministers of the two countries had a conversation on June 170 and had agreed that the overall situation would be handled in a responsible manner, and that the disengagement understanding of June 6 would be implemented. "We expect that the Chinese side to sincerely follow up on this understanding and ensure the expeditious restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas," said the spokesperson adding that a continuation of the current situation would only vitiate the atmosphere for the development of the relationship. With demand decreasing sharply, the textile and garment industry is expected to continue facing difficulties in Q2. Textile and garment shares prices are fluctuating. From the beginning of the year to April 15, the export value of garment and fiber products decreased by 6 percent and 6.6 percent, respectively, compared with the same period last year. According to Vitas, since the second half of March, many big clients from the US and the EU have asked Vietnamese enterprises to delay deliveries or cancel contracts. Therefore, VNDirect Securities believes that textile and garment exports will be more severely affected in Q2 after unsatisfactory business results in Q1. Its special report on the textile and garment industrys performance released in May showed that export turnover in Q1 was lower than the 3-year average level and decreased by 7.7 percent in comparison with the same period last year. Because of the openness of the economy, the interdependence among trading partners, the closure of western economies, and temporary lockdown in Vietnam, exporters have been seriously affected. The orders for Vietnams textile and garment companies are mostly from developed countries such as the US (50 percent of total export turnover) and the EU (12 percent). The orders for Vietnams textile and garment companies are mostly from developed countries such as the US (50 percent of total export turnover) and the EU (12 percent). This explains why the US and EU decisions to temporarily close the borders have dealt a strong blow to Vietnams textile and garment industry. In the first half of April, garment exports only brought turnover of $739 million, a decrease of 35.4 percent compared with the same period last year. While the demand for garments is decreasing dramatically, demand for cloth and medical face masks is soaring. This has partially helped alleviate the adverse impact of the Covid-19 epidemic. In March alone, Vinatex and its subsidiaries provided 15 million antibacterial face masks, while maintaining production of 35 tons of antibacterial knitted fabric. According to QY Research, the mask market was valued at $2.9 billion in 2019, and the figure is expected to reach $7.2 billion this year, up by 153.1 percent. Many textile and garment companies reported revenue and profit decrease for Q1. Thanh Cong Textile and Garment, Investment and Trade (TCM) had VND790 billion in revenue, down by 19.2 percent, and post-tax profit of VND34 billion, down by 20.9 percent. Soi The Ky reported turnover of VND617 billion, up by 1.9 percent, and post-tax profit VND52 billion, up by 0.3 percent. According to VNDirect, as of April 29, the textile and garment share price had fallen by 10.3 percent compared with the beginning of the year. In the long term, EVFTA and CPTPP trade agreements will be the supportive factors for textile and garment companies. Mai Lan Vietnams textile and garment companies suffer from JCPenney bankruptcy Once JCPenney files for bankruptcy, hundreds of textile and garment stores, including those in Vietnam, will have to cease and desist orders. The Colorado governor has reopened the investigation into the death of Elijah McClain, who died after being placed in a chokehold by cops and being sedated with ketamine. Governor Jared Polis announced Thursday he has ordered prosecutors to reopen the inquiry into the black unarmed 23-year-old's death after being 'moved' by speaking to the victim's mother. He said the state 'owe[s] it to his family to take this step' and warned that charges could be brought against the officers involved - after the Colorado District Attorney earlier defended his decision not to charge the cops. McClain died in police custody last year after buying iced tea from a convenience store and being stopped by officers who claimed he was 'suspicious'. Shocking bodycam footage shows the black man being tackled to the ground and put in a chokehold by cops, before he faints, vomits repeatedly, and begs 'I can't breathe' before going into cardiac arrest. His death has gained renewed attention following the Memorial Day 'murder' of black man George Floyd which has thrown the spotlight on several killings of black men and women in police custody across America. The Colorado governor has reopened the investigation into the death of Elijah McClain (pictured), who died after being placed in a chokehold by cops and being sedated with ketamine last year Polis announced the latest development in the case in a statement Thursday. 'I was moved by speaking with Elijah's mother and her description of her son as a responsible and curious child who became a vegetarian to be healthier, and who could inspire the darkest soul,' Polis said. 'His friends describe him as a gentle peacemaker who worked as a massage therapist and enjoyed playing the violin. Elijah McClain should be alive today, and we owe it to his family to take this step and elevate the pursuit of justice in his name to a statewide concern.' The governor has signed an executive order designating Attorney General Phil Weiser as a special prosecutor to investigate the case. 'Whenever someone dies after an encounter with law enforcement, the community deserves a thorough investigation,' Weiser said in a statement. 'Our investigation will be thorough, guided by the facts, and worthy of public trust and confidence in the criminal justice system.' Polis had suggested he could step in and take action over the case earlier this week. Governor Jared Polis (left) announced Thursday that he has ordered prosecutors to reopen the inquiry into the black unarmed 23-year-old's death after being 'moved' by speaking to the victim's mother. He has signed an executive order designating Attorney General Phil Weiser (right) as a special prosecutor to investigate the case. On Wednesday, he said on Twitter that his legal council would determine what steps state officials could take to examine McClain's death after public outcry from his citizens. 'Public confidence in our law enforcement process is incredibly important now more than ever. A fair and objective process free from real or perceived bias for investigating officer-involved killings is critical,' he wrote. 'I am hearing from many Coloradans who have expressed concerns with the investigation of Elijah McClain's death. 'As a result, I have instructed my legal council to examine what the state can do and we are assessing next steps.' The reopening of the inquiry comes after Colorado District Attorney Dave Young, the prosecutor who determined there was no wrongdoing by Aurora Police Department officers last year, defended his decision not to bring charges against the officers. On Wednesday, Polis said on Twitter that his legal council would determine what steps state officials could take to examine McClain's death after public outcry from his citizens 'Ultimately, while I may share the vast public opinion that Elijah McClain's death could have been avoided, it is not my role to file criminal charges based on opinion,' Young, who is with the 17th Judicial District, said in a statement, The Denver Post reports. 'But, rather, on the evidence revealed from the investigation and applicable Colorado law.' Young continued that his role as a district attorney is to review criminal activity investigations brought forth by law enforcement agents in his jurisdiction. 'That review is limited to a determination of whether the evidence supports the filing of a criminal charge under Colorado law. The standard of proof for filing a criminal case is whether there is sufficient evidence to prove any violation of law beyond a reasonable doubt.' Young added that McClain's death was 'tragic' and 'unnecessary', but based on the evidence given could not definitively say McClain died at the direct hands of police officers. 'The forensic evidence revealed that the cause of death was undetermined,' Young wrote. Aurora Police Department officers Jason Rosenblatt (left) and Randy Roedema (right) are two of the three officers who dispatched to a 'suspicious person' call on August 24, 2019 Officer Nathan Woodyard (pictured) also dispatched to the scene and was found to be within his jurisdiction as a police officer over the handling of McClain's arrest 'Specifically, the pathologist who conducted the autopsy stated that he was unable to conclude that the actions of any law enforcement officer caused Mr. McClain's death. 'In order to prove any form of homicide in the state of Colorado it is mandatory that the prosecution prove that the accused caused the death of the victim. For those reasons, it is my opinion that the evidence does not support the filing of homicide.' On August 24, 2019, three officers with the Aurora Police Department were dispatched after receiving a call of a 'suspicious person' wearing a ski mask and dancing to music, according to The Cut. The suspicious person, later identified as McClain, was reportedly walking back from a local convenience store after buying an iced tea. McClain was soon stopped by Officers Nathan Woodyard, Jason Rosenblatt and Randy Roedema, but he reportedly insisted he had done nothing wrong and kept walking. The three older men then reportedly tackled him to the ground, with one man putting McClain in a chokehold before paramedics later injected with a dosage of ketamine to sedate him. During this time, McClain reportedly briefly fainted, vomited repeatedly, said 'I can't breathe' and cried before going into cardiac arrest. In August 2019, 23-year-old Elijah McClain died following a confrontation with the police in the suburban Denver area after he suffered cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital He was later declared brain dead and placed on life support until he died on August 30, 2019. An initial autopsy determined McClain's cause of death was 'undetermined,' but reportedly listed other contributing factors like intense physical exertion and a narrow left coronary artery. All three officers were cleared of any criminal wrongdoings or protocol breaches by a review board in February. Young admitted that the three officers 'no doubt used force in this incident,' but 'based on the evidence and the law applicable at the time of Mr. McClain's death, the prosecution cannot disprove the officers' reasonable belief in the necessity to use force.' Young added: 'Although I may not agree with the officers' actions in this incident, the law requires me to determine if the force used was not justified beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury. 'Based on the facts and evidence of this investigation, I cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers involved in this incident were not justified in their actions based on what they knew at the time of this incident.' A petition shared to Change.org in early June that called for a re-examination into McClain has amassed more than 2.7million signatures out of a total goal of three million. 'Sign this petition to bring justice for Elijah. Demand these officers are taken off duty, and that a more in-depth investigation is held,' the petition reads. McClain's family has also called for another in-depth independent investigation into Officers Woodyard, Rosenblatt and Roedema's conduct over allegations of excessive force. Pictured (left to right): Aurora Police Department officers Nathan Woodyard, Jason Rosenblatt and Randy Roedema are at the center of revitalized calls to investigate the death of Elijah McClain McClain (pictured) was in a Colorado hospital for four days, during which time he was put on life support and declared brain dead 'I'm surprised how long it has taken for the world to take notice of this case,' McClain family attorney Mari Newman told CBS Denver. Newman suggested that McClain's case is finally receiving national attention after Floyd's death sparked a nationwide discourse on racism in America. 'It is very disappointing that it took the murder of somebody across the country for people here in Colorado to finally take notice. But, it is happening.' She added that McClain was an 'angel' and that the public can see through the department's attempts to avoid accountability. 'He was an angel among humans. He would go to play his violin on his lunch hour to animals who were waiting to be adopted so they wouldn't be lonely,' she said. 'This is not a person who should ever have been contacted by law enforcement, much less murdered in cold blood as he was. 'The public sees through that dishonesty, sees through that effort to avoid accountability, and is now standing up to say Aurora needs to stand up and do what is right.' Both Gov. Polis (left) and Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman (right) have recently joined those calling for an independent investigation into the fatal incident Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman had also called for an independent investigation into the fatal incident, saying he would ask the city council to vote for an independent investigation on July 6. Coffman said it was 'imperative we quickly and urgently move forward with this investigation so we can provide answers to our community.' 'We need to bring closure to this tragic incident by making sure every aspect of it is thoroughly investigated,' he said. The City of Aurora initially proposed an independent investigation, but discovered after the fact that the first man chosen to spearhead the probe was a former officer. Officials ended that effort and asked the city manager to nominate a different investigator. Aurora Public Safety policy committee Curtis Gardner announced on Wednesday that the committee forwarded a letter to the City Manager stating that the previous pick didn't meet their standards of 'neutrality.' 'While he is certainly an accomplished attorney after a long career in law enforcement, we didn't feel that his review would meet what the community wanted,' the letter read. 'Over the last several days, we have received thousands of contacts from all over the country - phone calls, text messages, emails and social media tags. The community has made clear they support our call for an independent investigation.' Pictured: A letter from Aurora Public Safety policy committee asked that the city manager nominate someone to lead the probe According to the Sentinel Colorado, McClain was a massage therapist who was described by loved ones and clients as 'gentle.' 'I don't even think he would set a mouse trap if there was a rodent problem,' his friend, Eric Behrens, said. He would reportedly spend his lunch breaks playing music at local animal shelters because he believed it would help soothe their anxiety. Elijah McClain's last words 'I can't breathe. I have my ID right here... My name is Elijah McClain. That's my house. I was just going home. I'm an introvert. 'I'm just different. That's all. I'm so sorry. I have no gun. 'I don't do that stuff. I don't do any fighting. Why are you attacking me? 'I don't even kill flies. I don't eat meat. But I don't judge people, I don't judge people who do eat meat. 'Forgive me. All I was trying to do was become better... I will do it... I will do anything. 'Sacrifice my identity, I'll do it. I'll do it. You all are phenomenal. You are beautiful and I love you. Try to forgive me. I'm a mood Gemini. 'I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Ow, that really hurt. 'You are all very strong. Teamwork makes the dream work.' Source: The Courier Daily Advertisement 'He had a child-like spirit He lived in his own little world. He was never into, like, fitting in. He just was who he was,' said April Young, one of McClain's clients. Marna Arnett, a friend and former client, added that McClain was the 'sweetest, purest person I have ever met.' 'He was definitely a light in a whole lot of darkness,' she said. In August 2019, a person called 911 around 10:30pm to report seeing a 'sketchy' person walking through the neighborhood, ABC News reports. The caller told authorities that a man, identified as McClain, 'had a mask on' and 'he might be a good person or a bad person.' His sister, Naomi McClain, later told Denver 7 that her brother would sometimes don a ski mask because he 'had anemia and would sometimes get cold.' Arnett added that McClain 'would hide behind that mask. 'It was protection for him, too. It made him more comfortable being in the outside world.' The caller confirmed that McClain did not have any weapons on his person at the time. When asked if anyone else was in danger, the caller responded 'no. Police body camera footage showed McClain listening to music as he walked home. Officers Woodyard, Rosenblatt and Roedema approached McClain in an attempt to stop him. According to police body camera footage, one officer put his hands on McClain, saying 'stop tensing up' while McClain asked to be let go and explains he was on his way home. 'You guys started to arrest me and I was stopping my music to listen,' McClain said. One officer said he wanted to move McClain to a nearby grassy area, which appeared to spark a struggle between the officers and McClain. During the incident, one officer claims that McClain reached for his gun, but can later be heard on body camera footage contradicting himself. He admitted he did not remember feeling McClain reaching for his gun. McClain was tackled to the ground and placed in a carotid control hold, which involved an officer place an arm around a person's neck. This can result in restricted blow flow to the brain from the carotid arteries,' Dave Young, the district attorney for Adams and Broomfield Counties, reportedly wrote in a letter to former Chief Nicholas Metz. 'I was just going home,' McClain cried out while detained and handcuffed on the ground. 'I don't do that stuff. I don't do any fighting.' McClain proceeded to vomit and plead with officers that he couldn't breathe while waiting for paramedics to arrive. Medics with the Aurora Fire Department reportedly claimed McClain was resistant and possibly suffered from 'excited delirium', so they administered ketamine to calm him down. Paramedics with the Aurora Police Department reportedly claimed that McClain (pictured) might have been suffering from 'excited delirium' at the time and administered ketamine The incident between McClain (pictured with a ski mask) and the three officers was captured on police body camera Ketamine is often used by veterinarians and medical practitioners as an anesthetic. The coroner found that there was a 'therapeutic level' of ketamine inside McClain's system. 'Even though he was totally restrained on the ground, the Aurora paramedics injected him with a dosage of ketamine,' said attorney Newman. 'It was certainly not appropriate because he wasn't acting in any out-of-control way when the ketamine was administered.' McClain was placed into an ambulance, but suffered cardiac arrest on the way to the hospital. Authorities said he was briefly responsive, but died four days later. Newman said McClain's death is part of a nationwide reckoning over how people view police-involved deaths and racism. 'A lot of the time people like to reassure themselves that the only people who get killed by law enforcement are people who were doing something wrong...He wasn't doing anything wrong.' McClain is one of several deaths of Black Americans while interacting with law enforcement. From left to right: George Floyd, Rayshard Brooks and Breonna Taylor George Floyd, 46, died on Memorial Day in Minneapolis, Minnesota, after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. During this time, Floyd, a father-of-five, could be heard pleading 'I can't breathe' before he became unresponsive and later died. Breonna Taylor, 26, was shot dead inside her home in Louisville, Kentucky, by a group of plainclothes officers using a 'no knock' warrant. Taylor, an emergency medical technician, was shot eight times and died on March 13. Rayshard Brooks, 27, was shot twice in the back during an confrontation with two officers outside a Wendy's restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 12. Brooks was reportedly intoxicated and fell asleep inside his vehicle, inadvertently blocking the drive thru line. An autopsy ruled Brooks' death a homicide. ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia - The Mongolian Peoples Party retained a strong parliamentary majority, preliminary election results showed Thursday, as the U.S.-allied nation sandwiched between Russia and China held onto its democratic principles amid economic woes. The MPP secured 62 of 76 seats, while the main opposition Democratic Party won 11 seats and three others were taken by independents and coalitions, the General Election Commission said Thursday. People followed strict social distancing measures during Wednesdays vote in a vast, landlocked country that has had considerable success in fending off the coronavirus. Voters maintained two metres between them while standing in lines at polling stations in the capital, Ulaanbaatar. Once inside the polling place, election workers checked their temperature and distributed hand sanitizer. Mongolia has recorded just 216 cases of COVID-19 as of Thursday, all of them imported, and no one has died. The election result marks the first time a single party has retained an absolute majority in consecutive elections. Previously the Mongolian Peoples Party and the Democratic Party had taken turns wielding a majority in the State Great Khural or were compelled to form coalition governments. The landslide victory will allow Prime Minister Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh to freely form a new cabinet or maintain his current cabinet without facing any opposition. He will, however, need to work with President Khaltmaagiin Battulga of the Democratic Party, who was elected in 2017 and was not on the ballot. Economic malaise, corruption and weak public services dominated concerns among the countrys 3.2 million people, about half of whom live in Ulaanbaatar. Turnout was more than 73 per cent among the countrys two million eligible voters, signifying the continuing strength of Mongolias democratic system instituted after a new constitution was adopted in 1992 following six decades of communism. The MPPs majority is down slightly from the 65 seats it won in 2016s election. Some scattered rural communities had yet to report their results, but that was not expected to have a significant impact on the final outcome. The MPPs victory was seen as partly based on its general competence in running government affairs and deft handling of COVID-19. Mongolia moved swiftly to close its borders in January to prevent the virus from spreading into its territory. Those diagnosed generally have been Mongolians returning from Russia and other nearby nations. The Ministry of Health says 158 have recovered and 57 remain in treatment and isolation. Health Minister Sarantuya Davaajantsan was re-elected with one of the highest vote counts in her district, in what appeared to be an endorsement of the governments handling of the pandemic. Pensioner Tungalag Jambal, 68, said he voted for his local MPP candidate based on the partys success in handling coronavirus and reducing Ulaanbaatars notoriously awful winter air pollution. I really hope they will keep doing what they are doing and support ordinary people like us, Jambal told The Associated Press. Others were less happy with the partys overwhelming victory. Ariunzaya Artbazar, a middle-aged volunteer with a Buddhist religious organization, said poverty had prompted many Mongolians to vote with their stomachs. The result clearly shows the need for an overhaul of the education system and traditional thinking, said Artbazar, who backed independent candidates. Enkhtur Tsiiregzen, 45, an internet entrepreneur, likened the election to a television talent contest. The result is important for the winners, but not beneficial to the public. It has always been like this, he said. The MPP appeared to have benefited from a split vote among the opposition in a race that saw 606 candidates seeking office. Each of the countrys districts elected two to three lawmakers and as many as 28 candidates ran in one district of Ulaanbaatar alone. Mongolias main asset is its vast mineral wealth, but it has struggled to attract foreign investment because of plunging commodity prices and disputes with large investors such as mining giant Rio Tinto. Corruption and a national debt that has bulged to about $23 billion (U.S.), or twice the countrys annual economic output, have also been a major drag on the economy. More than 30 per cent of Mongolias people live below the poverty line, and despite its success in holding down infections, the economy is set to shrink because of the pandemic while consumer prices are rising. Among six candidates who ran their campaign from prison, former Prime Minister Erdenebat Jargaltulga won in his home province of Selenge in northern Mongolia with a large majority. Jargaltulga was jailed in 2017 after being accused of misuse of power and cronyism. Its unclear whether the investigation into his alleged misdeeds will continue following his election. Mongolia has strived to maintain its political and economic independence from both Soviet-era patron Moscow which supplies virtually all of its energy needs and rising regional power China, which buys more than 90 per cent of its mining exports, mainly coal and copper. Washington has sought to encourage good governance and the growth of civil society in Mongolia, along with holding joint military drills and making Mongolia a NATO partner nation. Many Mongolias refer to the U.S. as their countrys third neighbour in recognition of the many varied exchanges between the two that help counter both Russian and Chinese influence. The MPP victory brings some stability during a turbulent era, but the fact that 27 of the partys winning lawmakers are new to office also represents a generational change for the party, said Julian Dierkes, an expert on Mongolian politics at the University of British Columbia. Perhaps the opposition, especially some of the new political forces, lost this particular battle but might be fighting a bigger war to change the political culture of Mongolia, away from the personalized patronage politics that are a breeding ground for corruption, toward more substantive policy debates that will give Mongolians a greater say in the future of their country, Dierkes said. A Brisbane man tried to take almost 90,000 images of children being abused with him when he went to Italy for a holiday. Border Force officers stopped David Clive Whitehead, 69, as he was trying to leave Brisbane with his partner on May 11, 2018. They seized a laptop containing 88,249 images depicting child abuse and a USB device with 184 images. A Brisbane man tried to take almost 90,000 images of children being abused with him when he went to Italy for a holiday (stock mage) Whitehead pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing child abuse material, two counts of using a carriage service for child abuse material and one count of attempting to export child abuse material. He was sentenced in the Brisbane District Court this week to 15 months in jail, fully suspended, with a two-year good behaviour bond. The maximum penalty for importing or exporting child abuse material is 10 years' jail or a fine of up to $525,000. COLUMBUS, OhioNew jobless claims in Ohio rose slightly last week, though the number of continued unemployment claims kept falling for the eighth straight week, according to state data released Thursday. For the week of June 14-20, 34,553 new claims were filed, up from 32,788 the previous week. Its only the second time in 11 weeks that new claims didnt decrease, though its far below the record of 272,188 new claims filed the week ending March 28, when bars, restaurants, and other non-essential businesses were closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, 461,558 continuing claims were filed, down from the record 776,302 for the week ending April 25, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. That marked a decrease of 27,245 continued claims from the previous week, according to department spokesman Bret Crow. In all, 1,395,184 of Ohios 11.75 million residents have filed for unemployment since the coronavirus crisis led Gov. Mike DeWines administration to close businesses starting in mid-March. Thats more than the number of claims filed during the past three years combined. During the past 14 weeks, the state of Ohio says it has paid $4.4 billion in unemployment compensation payments to more than 716,000 people. In addition, more than $2.8 billion in federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) payments has been paid out to more than 332,000 claimants. About 94% of claims have been processed, according to a department release. Nationwide, 1,480,000 people filed initial jobless claims, down 60,000 from the previous weeks revised level, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Read more Ohio coronavirus stories: Ohio reports 1,949 nursing home patients now dead with coronavirus 1-in-20 Ohio coronavirus tests are coming back positive, state reports Majority of Ohio voters agree with Gov. Mike DeWines pace of lifting coronavirus restrictions, poll finds Ohio Senate resumes hearings on resolution declaring racism a public health crisis Dance studios lawsuit claims Ohios coronavirus rules took a sledge hammer to state economy The original HOOVER SmartWash changed the way consumers clean carpets when introduced in 2018 by making carpet cleaning as easy as vacuuming. Unlike other carpet cleaners, SmartWash carpet cleaners are hassle-free with automatic cleaning, drying, and solution mixing technology. The new SmartWash PET is just as effective and easy to use: simply push forward to wash and pull back to dry. SmartWash PET also is easy to maintain; just remove, empty, and clean tanks and brushes when finished. Designed for pet owners and all types of busy homes, the HOOVER SmartWash PET incorporates three powerful features to deep clean the most challenging messes: The integrated Spot Chaser Pretreat Spray Wand tackles set-in stains with the power of OXY formula; Antimicrobial FlexForce PowerBrushes resist pet odors while agitating and penetrating carpet to remove ground-in dirt; and The Antimicrobial Pet Tool attaches to the eight-foot hose and eliminates tough stains on carpets, stairs, and upholstery. "Our original SmartWash Carpet Cleaner was a game changer. It literally made carpet cleaning as easy as vacuuming," said Jessica Rapp, Vice President and General Manager of TTI Floor Care North America. "Now, with SmartWash PET, we have taken that amazingly simple product and added new innovative features to solve for the spots, stains, and odors familiar to pet owners." Owning vs. Renting vs. Hiring: SmartWash PET is the Way to Go With people spending more time in their homes this year, it is the perfect opportunity to have a carpet cleaner at your fingertips. Carpets should be cleaned often, about 3-4 times a yearmore so in households with petsand the cost, benefits, and ease of use make the HOOVER SmartWash PET ideal. Rental machines are heavy, cumbersome, and can bring someone else's dirt into a home. Hiring a professional service is expensive and can inconvenience a family for hours while contractors are in the home. Owning the SmartWash PET is perfect for busy homes with pets and children, and the benefits are numerous: cleaning on one's own time as often as needed, the ease of operation, and a relatively small initial investment that may be recouped after as few as two uses. Priced at $299, the new HOOVER SmartWash PET is available now at Hoover.com. The original HOOVER SmartWash is also available at all major retailers. HOOVER offers an assortment of powerful carpet washers, hard floor cleaners, cleaning solutions and pretreat productsincluding its new OXY formula that permanently removes dirt, stains, and odors, and the HOOVER Paws & Claws Cleaning Solution, which is designed to effectively clean pet stains, odors, and messes. About HOOVER For more than 100 years, Hoover has been one of the most trusted brands in America, and consumers appreciate how Hoover's innovation can help simplify their lives. HOOVER designs powerful, easy-to-use products that clean the entire home from floor to ceiling. The comprehensive line of products includes cordless stick vacuums, uprights, carpet cleaners, hard floor cleaners, and cleaning solutions. HOOVER is a brand of TTI Floor Care North America, whose portfolio of leading brands also includes Oreck, Dirt Devil and HOOVER Commercial. TTI Floor Care North America is a subsidiary of Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. For more information, visit www.hoover.com. Hoover Online Press Room with Images: https://www.hoover.com/pressroom/ SOURCE Hoover Related Links http://www.hoover.com The police again on Thursday barricaded the main entrance to the national secretariat of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), reportedly on the orders of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu. This is the second time this week that they are barring workers and reporters from accessing the secretariat. It was sealed off for close to three hours on Tuesday by police officers who said their action was to maintain law and order against the backdrop of a sharp division in the partys National Working Committee (NWC). As gathered by PREMIUM TIMES, this latest development is to keep away from the facility the NWC members who have rejected their invitation to a virtual National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting called by Victor Giadom. President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to participate in the meeting slated to begin at noon on Thursday. The partys national vice chairman (South-south), Hilliard Eta, who the NWC named the interim chairman following the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole and the ailment of the national deputy chairman (South), Abiola Ajimobi, described the meeting as illegal and unconstitutional. We hereby respectfully implore Mr President to kindly avail himself with facts of the matter regarding the impasse presently experienced by the Party so as to guide him in his assessment of the matter because we are sure that the President if properly advised, would come to the conclusion that the meeting convened by Chief Victor Giadom bothers on illegality and criminality. We believe that attending such a meeting will amount to embracing illegalities and turning a blind eye to the infractions on the Constitution of our great Party, read an excerpt from the statement signed by both the partys national vice-chairman (South-south), Mr Eta and Waziri Bulama, the acting secretary on Wednesday. Mr Buhari declared support for the meeting, on Wednesday, saying the law is on the side of Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman. Although the agenda of the NEC meeting has not been stated, PREMIUM TIMES learnt that there are moves to dissolve the divided NWC. She never usually has so much as a hair out of place but Queen Maxima of the Netherlands appeared to fall victim to the elements today. The mother-of-three, 49, was caught up in a strong gust of wind as she arrived at the technology facility TechnoHUB in Woerden, situated between Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Maxima, who is a member of the Dutch Committee for Entrepreneurship, was seen chatting to staff at a social distance about the importance of well-trained technical personnel for small businesses and the impact of the coronavirus. The Dutch monarch, who is married from King Willema Alexander of the house of Oranage-Nassau, looked the part in a vibrant frock, teamed with brown matching accessories and sandals for the occasion. She never usually has so much as a hair out of place but Queen Maxima of the Netherlands (above) appeared to fall victim to the elements today The mother-of-three (pictured), 49, was caught up in a strong gust of wind as she arrived at the technology facility TechnoHUB in Woerden, situated between Amsterdam and Rotterdam She sported a statement bracelet and matching hooped earrings, while highlighting her slender frame with a white belt. Maxima donned a natural face of make-up while her blonde tresses were loose around her shoulders. The TechnoHUB is aiming to open in September and hopes to bring technical education and business closer together in the new school year. Maxima (pictured), who is a member of the Dutch Committee for Entrepreneurship, was seen chatting to staff at a social distance about the importance of well-trained technical personnel for small businesses and the impact of the coronavirus The Dutch monarch (centre) turned heads in a vibrant orange frock teamed with brown matching accessories and sandals for the occasion Last week, Maxima, who is the honorary chairman of the 'More music in the classroom' campaign, visited a school in the Hoeksche Waard region to promote the subject. The initiative aims to achieve structural music education for all 1.6million primary school children in the Netherlands. Maxima rocked the smart casual look for the outing in a white asymmetric blouse with a statement oversized bow on one shoulder, teamed with a pair of blue bootcut denim jeans. The royal (above) sported a statement bracelet and matching hooped earrings, while highlighting her slender frame with a white belt Maxima (pictured right) donned a natural face of make-up while her blonde tresses were loose around her shoulders The TechnoHUB is aiming to open in September and hopes to bring technical education and business closer together in the new school year. Pictured, Maxima arriving at the centre She carried a white and blue linen scarf and opted for a black leather clutch and navy blue stiletto heels, shielding from the drizzle under a clear umbrella. The Netherlands has started to ease out of their lockdown, with the nation re-opening certain cultural institutions following a downward trend in their COVID-19 death figures for over a month. Restaurants, cafes, theaters, concert halls, museums and cinemas returned with strict 1.5-meter social distancing measures observed after two and a half months' in coronavirus quarantine. Reservations are required for all activities and two people who are not from the same household can sit together at one table in restaurants and cafes. A maximum of 30 people are allowed in restaurants, cafes, theaters, concert halls and cinemas, as long as the 1.5-meter social distancing rules can be kept. The press conference announcing the Hanoi Investment and Development Cooperation Conference Prolonging the success of previous conferences, on June 27, Hanoi will organise the annual Investment and Development Co-operation Conference, marking the first of a series of events to be hosted by Hanoi in response in celebration of the citys 17thParty Congress, 1010th anniversary of Thang Long, Hanoi, and the 13rd Party National Congress. At the conference, the city will grant investment planning licenses for over 116 newly-registered projects with the total investment capital of VND339.6 trillion ($14.77 billion), and several existing projects with the total added capital of VND266.2 trillion ($11.57 billion). In addition, leaders of the city peoples committee will sign MoUs with organisations, enterprises, and investors with the total cost of $26.07 billion, including 23 with local enterprises (worth $17.85 billion) and 13 with foreign investors worth $8.22 billion. Furthermore, the city is calling for investment in 282 projects with the estimated combined cost of VND483.1 trillion ($21 billion). Organising the conference after Hanois lifting of the COVID-19 social distancing order sends a strong message about the efforts of the capital and Vietnam to lure investment from domestic and overseas businesses. More than ever, Hanoi remains a safe and stable investment destination for investors as the capital city is determined to be the pioneer among Vietnams localities in rebooting the economy in the post-pandemic period. The conference is an occation to connect the leaders of Hanoi Peoples Committee with leaders of cities and provinces and investment promotion centres to bring investors to the cities in the country in general and Hanoi in particular. In addition, based on the results of investment attraction since 2016 (the first year that Hanoi organised this event), parties will discuss solutions to increase the effectiveness of investment attraction. In 2020, Hanoi targets economic growth that is 1.3 times higher than the national average, with a budgetary revenue of VND285 trillion ($12.39 billion). Lock Haven University said today that the opening date for the fall semester and start of classes will remain Aug. 24, as was originally planned as the first day of the new school year. The university announced last week that face-to-face instruction will end prior to the Thanksgiving holiday and are now examining two options condensing the academic schedule or utilizing remote instruction following Thanksgiving to accommodate the earlier end to face to face instruction, according to a press release. Pennsylvanias State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) has set a deadline of July 15 to complete all campus reopening plans. LHU anticipates its plan will be completed, shared with the campus community and published on the universitys website in advance of that date, the release said. The university also reported that summer orientations began yesterday, virtually, with 100 first-time freshmen and transfer students participating in a general session. I was so pleased to welcome and address these new Bald Eagles who are part of our projected increased fall class the first in seven years, Dr. Robert Pignatello, Lock Haven president, said. The orientation went very well and we received positive feedback from parents and students. A Haven Resources session was also offered today, providing an opportunity for students to connect virtually with a wide variety of student service areas on both the main and Clearfield campuses, according to the release. One of the important messages stressed during the sessions was the need for personal responsibility to keep everyone safe, including the wearing of masks and social distancing. In addition, student affairs and admissions staff are working to implement several important programs for new and prospective students. The Office of Admissions will resume on-campus visits on July 13. In addition to keeping groups small and implementing a contactless check-in procedure, staff and visitors will be required to wear masks and all state-mandated social distancing guidelines will be in effect, the release said. The university also has extended the SAT/ACT test-optional policy for students seeking entry into the spring 2021 or fall 2021 entry terms. Admissions staff will continue to place heavy emphasis on high school curriculum and grades. Certain majors will continue to require test scores. For additional information, visit http://www.lockhaven.edu/admissions/freshman/ For more information on Lock Haven University, visit www.lockhaven.edu, email admissions@lockhaven.edu, or call 570-484-2011. Can digital taxes help fund the COVID-19 recovery in emerging markets? With digital payment services and streaming platforms experiencing rapid growth during the coronavirus pandemic, governments in emerging markets are looking at introducing digital taxes as a way of expanding state revenue. economicsCOVID-19technology By The Phuket News Thursday 25 June 2020, 10:45AM Photo: AFP The pandemic and associated lockdowns have caused commerce to shift online, as consumer purchases are increasingly made through digital channels. Meanwhile, streaming networks have seen a significant uptake in traffic over the first few months of the year, as have online conferencing services. In light of these trends and the significant economic pressures associated with the virus governments have been looking to enact or update digital tax policies to better reflect shifts in consumption patterns. Worldwide Momentum In July Indonesia imposed a 10% value-added tax (VAT) on digital products sold by foreign companies. This tax covers streaming services such as those offered by Spotify and Netflix as well as applications and digital games. The Indonesian government expects state revenue to drop by 10% this year, leading to a fiscal deficit of 5.1% the largest in a decade. However, given that the countrys booming digital economy is expected to generate revenues of $130bn by 2025, the tax could significantly boost state coffers as officials look to support post-pandemic growth. This development followed similar moves in India, where the government introduced a 2% tax on digital services provided by foreign companies. While covering streaming services, the law also taxes e-commerce revenues on sites such as Amazon. Going forward, the government in the Philippines is reviewing a proposal that would tax online shopping, social media advertisements and video and music streaming, while similar proposals have been advanced in Kenya. Digital taxation is also gaining traction in developed markets. France, which had been debating a tax on digital services for several years, announced in May that it would implement a levy by the end of the year. Pre-coronavirus measures Although the economic fallout of the pandemic has accelerated the introduction of taxes on digital services, some countries had already taken steps in this direction prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. For instance, Malaysia introduced a 6% digital tax on January 1, while Singapore also expanded its good-and-services tax (GST) to include digital services at the beginning of the year. Elsewhere, Norway was one of the first to include digital services in VAT rules back in 2011, at a rate of 25%. This was followed by similar moves in New Zealand, which extended its 15% GST in 2016, and Russia, which introduced a digital tax of 18% in 2017 that has since been revised upwards to 20%. Opposition to tax reform Such attempts to tax digital services have faced some opposition both before and during the pandemic. This has largely come from the US, where most of the worlds largest digital firms are based. In June the US Trade Representative, the government agency responsible for developing trade policy, announced that it was launching probes into a number of countries and trade blocs for implementing or planning to introduce new taxes on digital companies. The country is investigating Austria, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the EU, India, Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the UK amid concerns that taxes have been specifically crafted to target US companies such as Apple, Facebook, Google and others. Furthermore, in mid-June international media reported that the US had suspended talks with France, Italy, Spain and the UK over proposed changes to global taxation law, warning that they could face increased tariffs if they pressed ahead with digital taxation plans. The dispute threatens to derail international efforts to implement a new global tax framework for tech companies. Prior to COVID-19 the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) had been working with nearly 140 countries to rewrite global tax rules in response to the rising prominence of tech firms over the past few decades. New Digital Platforms Emerging Parallel to this, the ongoing boom in digital services has led to an increase in local options in emerging markets. In June GoPlay, the video streaming service of Indonesias multi-purpose app GOJEK, announced that it had secured funding from Singapores Golden Gate Ventures and Chinese investment firm ZWC Partners. Although officially undisclosed, regional media reported the funding was to the tune of $15m. This development is a seen as a vote of confidence in GoPlay, which was launched in September last year. Elsewhere, telecoms company Airtel Nigeria expanded into television services in January following the launch of its Airtel TV platform. While there has been growth in some streaming services during the period of COVID-19 restrictions, that demand has not always translated into profits. Regional media reported earlier this month that the Malaysian-headquartered, pan-Asia streaming service iflix is in talks to sell its operations amid persistent losses and debt troubles, while the company has ended its streaming operations in Bangladesh. Notwithstanding such cases, the proliferation of local digital options is a positive indication of the digital economy growth potential in emerging markets. Oxford Business Group This article is part of the Oxford Business Groups series Covid-19 Economic Impact Assessment. The series focuses on specific sectors in the markets the group covers, to give clarity to the situation on the ground. Advertisement Feast your eyes on this selection of stunning entries for the prestigious CEWE photography awards - taken by female photographers. The competition, which has previously had almost half a million entries from across the world, has shared the top images taken by female photographers in 2019 to launch its 2020 contest. CEWE is encouraging budding photographers to find the beauty in the small things, as well as discovering fresh perspectives in ordinary life in a time when many of us can't stray too far from home. However, the competition is also open to images taken at any time, meaning you can submit photos you have taken in the past. Clare Moreton, photo expert at CEWE UK, said: 'Now more than ever before, photos are connecting people from around the globe, so it's a great time to be launching the fourth edition of the CEWE Photo Award. 'With 448,152 photos submitted last year, the CEWE Photo Award is now the world's largest photo competition and we are looking forward to sharing lots more beautiful images from photography enthusiasts from across the world this year.' Here, FEMAIL shares the top images from last year's competition... Marina C. Hewig captured this incredible tunnel of lights in an image she called 'Timetunnel', which was taken in Kronshagen, Germany Meanwhile one couple posed for this stunning image in a photograph entitled 'A harmony' by Laura Moutinho, which was taken in Paris, France Photographer Gabi Steiner captured this stunning, peaceful image in Myanmar which she entitled 'Fischer, Lotus & Co' In this incredible shot, Jurica Galic managed to capture the electric colour of the walls as well as the walker's outfit in the image called 'Blue city', which was taken in Jodphur, India This electrifying image by Sofie Rysheuvels was taken in Sesriem, Nambia, with the magical photograph entitled 'Deadvlei star trails' Birds of a feather! Catherine Ogden managed to capture the stunning image of a Shimmering Starling in Beadnell, Northumberland Rock on! One photograph managed to capture the image of a drummer in full flow during a concert (pictured 'The drummer' by Sasa Huzjak, taken in Trencin, Slovakia) The images were submitted from photographers from all around the world , including Varanasi Joy by Louise Waldron, which was snapped in Varanasi, India While some images showed exotic destinations, other snaps reveal the everyday life of the photographers (pictured, 'Sibling love' taken by Sabine Doppelhofer in Graz, Austria) Meanwhile Nicole Glasner was able to capture the stunning 'Light painting on the lake' during a visit to Worthsee, Germany Other images showed incredible scenery, including The Wall by Linda Wie, which was taken in Bombo, Australia One walker, Annemarie Imgrund, snapped the stunningly eery 'Julier Pass hike' while out on a hike in Switzerland One incredible birds-eye shot revealed a snaking road through a snowy forest (pictured: 'Curvy road' by Tanja Kutzer, taken in Ettenhausen, Switzerland) While some images showed the exceptional scenery, others showed more mudnane scenes, including one showcasing tea leaves, by Stephanie Judd taken in Bern, Switzerland Other photographers snapped this black-and-white portrait of children (pictured, Brothers by Catherine Beltramini, taken in Crowborough, East Sussex) Other submissions to the competition include this exceptional photograph of a shark surrounded by a school of fish (pictured, 'Big shark, little fish' by Martina Andres, taken in Marsa Alam, Egypt) Submissions for the photography award included images of animals in their natural habitat, including 'Mirror dolphin' by Stephanie Vigetta, taken in Marseille, France. Wild and free! One photographer managed to snap the perfect image of a BMX biker taking off into the air ('Sunset shred' by Gisle Johnson, taken in yer, Norway) Taking to the waves! Jasmine Perrson managed to capture the stunning 'Power of Padang Padang' as she snapped surfers enjoying a ride in Bali, Indonesia The photography competition attracts hundreds of thousands of entries each year (pictured, Antiques by Jana Kupcakova, taken in Venice, Italy) While many of the photographs were taken outside, others had been shot in photography studios (pictured 'Yes' by Klaudia Furmanczak taken in Leszno, Poland) Another eerie shot shows a woman dancing against a white curtain with a mysterious shadow against the wall ('Dancing' by Ute Hartung, taken in Zirndorf, Germany) While many of the photographs come from people across the world, some have been taken in the UK and show familiar scenes (Sheep in the Snow by Jane Hamilton, taken in Stowe, Buckinghamshire) A bird skims across a lake in this stunning photograph 'freedom' by Susanne Karl, taken in Schwabisch Gmund, Germany 'The Lightness of Being' by Doris Jachalke taken in Luttich, Belgium, stands out from the other photographs as it showcases the incredible architecture NASA has stepped closer to allowing remote onboard computers to direct the search for life on other planets. Scientists from the NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre have announced first results from new intelligent systems, to be installed in space probes, capable of identifying geochemical signatures of life from rock samples. Allowing these intelligent systems to choose both what to analyse and what to tell us back on Earth will overcome severe limits on how information is transmitted over huge distances in the search for life from distant planets. The systems will debut on the 2022/23 ExoMars mission, before fuller implementation on more distant bodies in the Solar System. Presenting the work at the Goldschmidt Geochemistry conference, Lead researcher Victoria Da Poian said "This is a visionary step in space exploration. It means that over time we'll have moved from the idea that humans are involved with nearly everything in space, to the idea that computers are equipped with intelligent systems, and they are trained to make some decisions and are able to transmit in priority the most interesting or time-critical information". Eric Lyness, software lead in the Planetary Environments Lab at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), emphasized the need to have smart instruments for planetary exploration: "It costs a lot of time and money to send the data back to Earth which means scientists can't run as many experiments or analyse as many samples as they would like. By using AI to do an initial analysis of the data after it is collected but before it is sent back to Earth, NASA can optimise what we receive, which greatly increases the scientific value of space missions" Victoria Da Poian and Eric Lyness (both at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre), have trained artificial intelligence systems to analyse hundreds of rock samples and thousands of experimental spectra from the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA), an instrument that will land on Mars within the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Rover in 2023. MOMA is a state-of-the-art mass spectrometer-based instrument, capable of analyzing and identifying organic molecules in rocks samples. It will search for past or present life on the Martian surface and subsurface through analysis of rock samples. The system to be sent to Mars will still transmit most data back to Earth, but later systems for the outer solar system will be given autonomy to decide what information to return to Earth. First results show that when the system's neural network algorithm processes a spectrum from an unknown compound, this can be categorized with up to 94% accuracy and matched to previously seen samples with 87% accuracy. This will be further refined until being incorporated into the 2023 mission. Victoria Da Poian continued: "What we get from these unmanned missions is data, lots of it; and sending data over hundreds of millions of kilometres can be very challenging in different environments and extremely expensive; in other words, bandwidth is limited. We need to prioritize the volume of data we send back to Earth, but we also need to ensure that in doing that we don't throw out vital information. This has led us to begin to develop smart algorithms which can for now help the scientists with their analysis of the sample and their decision-making process regarding subsequent operations, and as a longer-term objective, algorithms that will analyse the data itself, will adjust and tune the instruments to run next operations without the ground-in-the-loop, and will transmit home only the most interesting data." The team used the raw data from initial laboratory tests with an Earth-based MOMA instrument to train computers to recognize familiar patterns. When new raw data is received, the software tells the scientists what previously encountered samples match this new data. Eric Lyness said: "The mission will face severe time limits. When we will be operating on Mars, samples will only remain in the rover for at most a few weeks before the rover dumps the sample and moves to a new place to drill. So, if we need to retest a sample, we need to do it quickly, sometimes within 24 hours. In the future, as we move to explore the moons of Jupiter such as Europa, and of Saturn such as Enceladus and Titan*, we will need real-time decisions to be made onsite. With these moons it can take 5 to 7 hours for a signal from Earth to reach the instruments, so this will not be like controlling a drone, with an instant response. We need to give the instruments the autonomy to make rapid decisions to reach our science goals on our behalf". See NASA's planned Dragonfly mission to Titan. This is part of NASA's "New Frontiers" program" Eric Lyness commented: "When first gathered, the data produced by the MOMA life-searching instrument is difficult to interpret. It will not shout out "I've found life here", but will give us probabilities which will need to be analyzed. These results will largely tell us about the geochemistry that the instruments find. We're aiming for the system to give scientists directions, for example our system might say "I've got 91% confidence that this sample corresponds to a real world sample and I'm 87% sure it is phospholipids, similar to a sample tested on July 24th, 2018 and here is what that data looked like". We'll still need humans to interpret the findings, but the first filter will be the AI system". The researchers note that data is expensive to send back from Mars, and gets more expensive as landers get further from Earth. "Data from a rover on Mars can cost as much as 100,000 times as much as data on your cell phone, so we need to make those bits as scientifically valuable as possible." said Eric Lyness. Commenting, Dr Joel Davis (postdoctoral researcher in planetary geology at the Natural History Museum, London) said: "One of the main challenges for planetary missions is getting the data back to Earth - it costs both time and money. On Mars, the travel time delay is around 20 minutes and this gets more the further you go out in the solar system. Given the finite lifespans of missions, scientists have to be very selective about the data they chose to bring back. These results certainly seem promising; having greater autonomy onboard spacecraft is one way of ensuring the usefulness of the data returned." Dr Davis was not involved in this work, this is an independent comment. The Goldschmidt conference thanks the NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre for their assistance in the preparation of this material. ExoMars is a joint European-Russian, European Space Agency-Roskosmos project. One of the central goals of the mission is to search for traces of past and present life. A key instrument is the Mars Organic Molecule Analyser (MOMA), which is a joint German-French-American investigation led by the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research in Gottingen. The Goldschmidt conference is the world's main geochemistry conference, hosted by the Geochemical Society and the European Association of Geochemistry. Held annually, it covers such material as climate change, astrobiology, planetary and stellar development and conditions, chemistry of Earth materials, pollution, the undersea environment, volcanoes, and many other subjects. For 2020 the scheduled Hawaii congress has been moved online, and takes place from 21-26 June, see https://goldschmidt.info/2020/index. Future congresses are in Lyon, France (2021) and the rescheduled Hawaii congress (2022). ### Lamar University is slowing down their plans to reopen as cases of the coronavirus continue to surge in Jefferson County and across the state. Lamar University is delaying a portion of our Phase III reopening plan until July 13, university spokesperson Shelly Vitanza told The Enterprise. We are continuing our current operations, including 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. business hours, most buildings remaining closed or operating on summer schedules, and our most vulnerable employees who have yet to return to campus continuing to work remotely until July 13. The university originally planned on reopening as soon as July 1. If need be, we will make further modifications to our reopening plans if infection rates remain high, Vitanza said. Other measures, including mandatory mask usage in all classrooms at all times, also have been implemented at the university. Masks or face coverings also will be required for indoor interactions where social distancing is not feasible, she said. The change comes as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott paused the states plan to reopen in order to corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business. I ask all Texans to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, washing their hands regularly, and socially distancing from others, the governor said. Lamar University was one of the first to close earlier this year when the threat of coronavirus first began to present itself in Southeast Texas. There have been 15 reported cases in the Lamar community, with one death due to complications possibly related to the virus. In a letter to staff and students, LU President Ken Evans said the delay allows us to more closely monitor the impacts of recent trends in COVID-19 infection rates across our state and region. As discussed by Governor Abbott and public health officials Monday and based on recent guidance from Jefferson County given the uptick in infection rates, I ask each of you to redouble your efforts we have taken to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and slow the spread of infection, Evans said in the letter. My hope is you will find these recommendations useful and apply best practices in both professional and personal settings. The university still is planning for a full return to campus in the fall, Evans said. Other colleges in Southeast Texas are continuing with their previous plans to reopen, while monitoring the ongoing situation. We are continuing with our Return to Campus plan and are currently in Phase Two, Lamar State College Orange spokeswoman Amy Moore said. As of right now, campus is open to employees, current and future students, and approved contractors Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed on Fridays. Phase Three is scheduled to begin on July 6, with campus opening from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and all buildings opening to the public. Lamar State College Port Arthur also is requiring face masks in accordance with local orders enacted this week. By following Judge Branicks order, as well as state and national protective protocols, LSCPA is hoping to do all it can to help curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, LSCPA spokesperson Dave Rogers said in a statement. As of Thursday afternoon, there were no changes announced regarding the Port Arthur schools plans to reopen. isaac.windes@hearstnp.com twitter.com/isaacdwindes LAPD headquarters in downtown Los Angeles. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times) Amid growing skepticism of police agencies that investigate killings by their own officers, top law enforcement officials in the Los Angeles region have reached a tentative agreement to cede the work instead to a centralized task force. Few details have been worked out, but an initial consensus to have all police killings investigated by the task force was reached this week by Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore, Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey and Anthony Miranda, vice president of the Los Angeles County Police Chiefs' Assn. The goal, according to a letter all four wrote to California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra, is to have cooperation from every law enforcement agency in the county, with those agencies, the LAPD and the sheriff's office contributing investigators. "The purpose of this task force is to further strengthen police departments to be transparent, objective, and accountable in their practices," the letter said. Becerra did not respond to a request for comment. Lacey, who has faced harsh criticism over her record of declining to prosecute most officers who use force against civilians, said she "wholeheartedly" supports the idea which would still leave the power to criminally charge an officer with her office. By sharing resources, we can assure that law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County no longer investigate their own when use of force turns deadly," Lacey said. "The proposed task force also would allow us to formalize protocols across all agencies and give every case the same investigative resources and level of scrutiny. The plan drew immediate criticism from some reform advocates who said it leaves investigations of police in the hands of police and smacks of political expediency for local law enforcement officials who suddenly find themselves in the cross hairs of increasingly influential reform groups. The task force would leave death investigations in the hands of local officers, but from various agencies. One protocol under discussion would prohibit task force members from investigating officers or deputies from their own agencies. Story continues Criminal justice reform advocates, including Black Lives Matter L.A., have long called for more independence in such investigations though they would like to see police removed from the equation entirely. In recent weeks, calls for independence have mounted: The U.S. Conference of Mayors recently called on cities to have independent investigators review police killings. A bill pending in Sacramento would require the state's Department of Justice to review fatal police shootings. Capt. John Burcher, Villanueva's chief of staff, said Villanueva came up with the task force idea a few weeks ago, and decided to reach out to Lacey and Moore about it in part because of the recent "public outcries over more accountability and transparency." Protests over police killings, of George Floyd in Minneapolis but also other Black men and women across the country, have been occurring in Los Angeles and elsewhere for the past month. Burcher and other officials stressed that the task force idea is in its infancy, and that while an agreement has been reached in principle, the agencies still have to hash out many details. Right now its just an idea. A steering committee hasnt even been formed, Burcher said. Moore said he has talked to Villanueva directly and to various other chiefs in the region about the task force, but they still "need to get together and figure out the nuances." Many local law enforcement agencies have different rules, and different equipment. The LAPD is controlled by its civilian Police Commission and reforms have been implemented over the course of decades. With so much at stake in cases in which police officers have killed someone, "you don't just willy-nilly go into an agreement saying, 'OK, we'll have someone else [investigate] it,'" Moore said. In the past, agencies have squabbled with each other during cross-border investigations, including as to when and whether to release certain evidence. And more disputes will arise if the rules for how the task force will operate aren't carefully worked out in advance, Moore said. One issue to discuss is body-camera footage, Moore said. Under protocols controlled by the Police Commission, the LAPD must release footage of shootings and other critical incidents after 45 days. Meanwhile, sheriff's deputies don't even have cameras. The agencies also have different rules as to whether or not officers can be compelled to give statements, and when in the investigation that can occur, Moore said. He remains confident the task force will work, but stressed it is in its earliest stages of being developed. Carl Douglas, who has litigated and investigated dozens of police shootings by the LAPD and the Sheriff's Department, said he "cannot imagine a worse idea if you want true reform." Under the new arrangement, law enforcement officers will still be investigating other law enforcement officers, and the public still won't get a truly independent investigation, he said. "The foxes are still looking after the hen houses," he said. "It is a public relations stunt to seem progressive. It comes at a time when both the district attorney and sheriff are desperately grasping for political survival. They are trying to exploit fair-minded Angelenos who are yearning for real reform." Few law enforcement leaders in the region have been spared criticism of late. Lacey is up for reelection. The concept of outsourcing investigations into police killings to a independent or somewhat independent body is not new. In San Francisco, the district attorney set up an independent investigations bureau to review law enforcement shootings. Bureau investigators go to all police shootings to do interviews, examine the evidence and do forensic testing. Local officials acknowledge that the new task force would not be completely independent. Still, they think it would help. Its still police investigating police, but I think the biggest takeaway from this is that were getting away from those closer relationships and everybody is held to a degree of accountability," said Burcher, Villanueva's chief of staff. "For instance if I investigate somebody who is a friend, who I worked with for a long time, I might consider a brother theres a chance I might be more influenced in my decision making as opposed to investigating somebody I dont know." Asked why the department doesn't also have an independent body for all internal administrative and criminal investigations if such bias is a fear, Burcher said, "You never know, that could be in the works down the road." L.A. County Chiefs Assn. President John Incontro, who is also San Marino Police chief, said he heard about the task force proposal Monday. "It could be a good thing, but we're not sure we are going to do it," he said. Incontro said many details need to be worked out before his organization would agree to participate. "We need to talk some more and need to hear from all our chiefs," he said. There was a sense of self-assurance and desperation in his voice. When Business Today spoke to one of IndiGo's pilots about his experience of flying during the Covid pandemic, he said much has changed in the aviation business since May 25, the day the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) allowed airlines to restart flights. From the pilot's perspective, the airline is flying a lot less passengers, and taxiing and take-off time has been substantially reduced, he said, on condition of anonymity. In addition, he doesn't have to take a breathalyser test before every flight because of risk of spread of the virus. His savings have been hit as his salary has been slashed by 15 per cent but the 38-year-old pilot does not have any grudges. "I have operated just four flights since the reopening. The airline is doing its best to limit the risk of exposure. Load factors are low. But it's good that we are flying again after sitting idle for two months," he says, adding that his flight hours per month have gone down considerably - from 80 hours before to 15-20 hours now. He hopes that the salary cuts could be reversed if IndiGo could fly more. "A 15 per cent cut is manageable. It's a question of overhead expenses. I don't own a luxury car, nor am I paying EMI for a big apartment like some other pilots. For me, the salary cut has translated into lower savings," he says. In March, just before the first lockdown, IndiGo had reduced staff salaries by 5-25 per cent across pay grades with senior management taking the steepest cut. This was followed by another cut in May (between 3 per cent and 12 per cent) in the form of leave without pay, ranging from one day to five days a month. Other airlines like SpiceJet, GoAir, Vistara and Air India have also slashed salaries. Not just its staff, IndiGo's management also believes the only solution out of the crisis is to fly more. But with capacity restriction of 33 per cent, imposed by the government till August, and decision on international flying likely only in July, there's a limit to which airlines can fly. Traffic Tales In a recent conversation with Business Today, IndiGo's CEO Ronojoy Dutta said contrary to popular belief that demand in the initial days would be high before dying down, his airline is witnessing a sustained upward demand trajectory. IndiGo started with about 220 flights a day in late May and went up to 350 in middle of June. Dutta says he's hoping the government will allow 50 per cent capacity as underlying trends support that kind of number. "Once it gets to 50 per cent, will we say, go to 70 per cent? I dont know. We will decide then. But at this point, all arrows are pointing up, and we want to add capacity," he says. However, analysts say it's only a matter of time before demand crashes. "The key drivers of demand are not going to pick up over the next three-six months," says Kinjal Shah, Vice President at ratings agency ICRA. ICRA says passenger traffic will remain under pressure till September with some recovery likely only after that. On a full-year basis, airline traffic is estimated to decline by 45-50 per cent. "It's not a question of real demand. What we are seeing is scare demand," says Amit Sinha, Partner at Bain & Co. Dutta, however, feels the bottom end of the market is likely to sustain traffic growth even if corporate demand is muted. "There are more virtual meetings, Zoom calls and all of that. So, people won't travel (for work meetings) because of the enabling facility of these technologies. In India, it is not easy to navigate if you want to go from point A to point B. So, it is a train versus plane issue. Remember, airline travel has become affordable," says Dutta. Even as Dutta is optimistic, the May data released by regulator DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) shows traffic has come down to a trickle. In the seven days in May, it was 2.81 lakh, down 98 per cent from May last year. To make it more complicated, the traffic is uneven. There's more traffic towards Eastern India. On routes like Mumbai-Patna, Mumbai-Dibrugarh, and Delhi-Kolkata, the load factor (seats occupied as percentage of total) is above 80 per cent, whereas on Patna-Delhi, it is in the region of 40-50 per cent. In order to capitalise on this traffic imbalance, Vistara has deployed its wide-body aircraft Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the Delhi-Kolkata sector. "The traffic is quite directional. Some flights are doing 100 per cent load factors. We are seeing more people moving out of Mumbai. Our network is being constantly reviewed," says Vinod Kannan, Chief Strategy Officer at Vistara. The Tata Group-owned airline is operating at 25 per cent capacity as against 30 per cent for IndiGo. The load factor at top five carriers stood between 44.1 per cent (Vistara) and 57.2 per cent (SpiceJet) in May. This is fairly low compared to the pre-Covid period. But airlines think this is partly due to fare bands introduced by the MoCA for three months till August. Based on flying hours, it has set seven fare bands. Airlines can take bookings for Goa-Mumbai between Rs 2,000 and Rs 6,000 per ticket. Similarly, fares can vary between Rs 6,500 and Rs 18,600 on a Delhi-Coimbatore flight. Airlines think that they have lost the flexibility to offer lower fares on routes with low load factors. The domestic aviation sector is extremely price-sensitive. Even FSCs (full-service carriers) like Vistara cannot charge a large premium over LCCs (low-cost carriers). Consumers typically prefer price over value. For instance, Jet Airways couldn't survive the cut-throat competition as its cost structure was that of an FSC while fares were closer to those charged by LCCs. Managing the Crisis Despite a steady start, there are four factors that continue to haunt airlines: Economic slump affecting demand, safety risk, lack of clarity on international flights and state-specific restrictions. For example, people travelling from Maharashtra to Karnataka have to undergo a mandatory seven-day institutional quarantine. Mumbai, which used to have 915 flights a day, is seeing 100 per day. Each state has own quarantine rules for passengers coming from other states. These are forcing people to postpone or shelve travel plans. Similarly, the international segment, which accounts for about 30 per cent of overall traffic, has been shut for nearly three months. Though there has been some movement on the international front through the MoCA's Vande Bharat Mission, which has flown over 2.5 lakh citizens home, Airlines do not make much money from such relief flights. Mumbai-based Centrum Broking has estimated that sliding revenues on a high cost base will result in two largest carriers - IndiGo and SpiceJet - posting losses in FY21. Market leader IndiGo, for example, is expected to record losses of Rs 1,401.6 crore, while SpiceJet is expected to report a loss of Rs 1,030.7 crore. CRISIL says the entire aviation sector is expected to lose Rs 25,000 crore revenue in FY21; this includes Rs 17,000 crore losses of airlines and Rs 5,500 crore of airport operators. To fund these losses, airlines will need additional funding of Rs 35,000 crore - in the form of debt and equity - that will push up the total sector debt to Rs 46,500 crore by 2021/22, says ICRA. In spite of severe headwinds, airlines are trying their best to stay afloat. Because of limitations on demand, almost all airlines have gone back to the drawing board where they are looking at each cost carefully. Fixed costs are employee salaries, aircraft rentals, etc. Variable items are fuel, landing and parking charges, maintenance, in-flight catering and ground handling. For most airlines, 40 per cent costs are fixed. Even after reducing salaries, fixed costs are likely to fall by about 7 per cent for the full financial year. This means they will have to do a lot more in other areas to minimise losses. IndiGo has converted its 10 aircraft into freighters carrying 17-20 tonnes of cargo per flight as against six-nine tonnes carried in the belly of a regular passenger flight. SpiceJet also recently converted three Bombardier Q400 passenger aircraft into freighters, taking its all-cargo fleet to eight. But what's the idea behind starting all-cargo operations? One, demand for transportation of medical and essential supplies and e-commerce is robust. International cargo rates have jumped nearly three times of late, which has improved profitability. Both Spicejet and IndiGo have also started offering private charter services for individuals and groups who are willing to pay a price for flying alone. "There's a lot of demand and they are good revenue generators for us. We are doing about 10 charters a day," says Dutta. But adding new revenue streams is just one part of the effort. Airlines have approached vendors and lessors to bring down cost of services like hotels, transportation and information technology. IndiGo has been able to freeze supplementary rentals for nine months since a large part of its fleet is grounded. "We continue to engage with partners. These are protracted discussions," says Vistara's Kannan. So, while airlines are making efforts to slash costs, prices of ATF (aviation turbine fuel), which accounts for 30 per cent of their costs, have moved up significantly after staying at record lows during the initial lockdown phase. This will impact bottom lines of airlines and bring down incremental margins that airlines will make by adding capacity in the days to come. The International Energy Agency has said that air travel is down 70 per cent globally this year, and since airlines are facing an existential crisis, demand for oil, particularly ATF, will be impacted until at least 2022. "This should be good news for airlines as low oil demand will translate into weak ATF prices provided the government doesn't interfere (with higher taxes) to make up for its revenue shortfall," says an aviation consultant. A New World Order A recent analysis by UK-based travel data provider OAG shows the pecking order of the largest airlines in the world has undergone a complete change. The new order is dominated by Chinese carriers with three airlines (China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China) in the top five list. IndiGo, which was the tenth largest carrier in the world in January, is nowhere to be seen. Dutta says airlines globally are being supported by their governments, but that's not the case in India. He says lack of support has led to issues with refunds. When domestic and international flights got cancelled during the lockdown, airlines issued credit shells against bookings. The shells, which are essentially a note from airlines against cancelled tickets that can be used for future bookings, were not liked by passengers, who demanded refunds in cash. This created a huge ruckus between airlines, travel agents and passengers. In mid-June, the Supreme Court directed airlines and the MoCA to find a way out to issue refunds to passengers whose flights were cancelled during the lockdown. "The government asked us to shut down all flights. Then, they said don't take future bookings. If we dont have future bookings, how do we pay for those refunds? We got caught in a bind as did the global industry. However, all US airlines, Air France and Air Canada got huge amounts of money from their governments. We got zero. We want to get out of this credit shell issue as quickly as possible. The best way of doing that is to put more flights in the air," says Dutta. Last month, the government did announce a slew of measures to support the aviation industry, including freeing up more airspace, boosting MRO (maintenance, overhaul and repair) services and auctioning of six more airports. But these have not found favour with the industry. Some have criticised the move saying this is not the right time to auction airports since the airports economics has changed. In fact, there are reports that the Adani Group is seeking more time to take over three (Lucknow, Mangalore and Ahmedabad) of the six airports it had won in an auction last year due to uncertainty created by the pandemic. Nevertheless, the crisis has also opened a door for airlines to buy distressed assets at a cheaper valuation. Chile-based LATAM, Colombia's Avianca Holdings and Australia's Virgin Australia Holdings have filed for bankruptcies in recent months. IndiGo's parent company InterGlobe Enterprises expressed interest in buying Virgin Australia but fell out of race. Back home, airlines are still holding on but it seems consolidation is inevitable. The government has already put Air India disinvestment on the back burner but the national carrier continues to bleed. This will swell its debt further and make its resale process tougher in the future. "There will be consolidation in the industry. Its highly unlikely that IndiGo will participate in it. We are a standalone airline, and we are happy with what were doing," says Dutta. While it's too early to believe domestic airlines will emerge stronger from the crisis, no matter how hard they emphasise that they will, the next few quarters are going to be painful for carriers. @manukaushik Liz Garbus (inset) said law enforcement (pictured during the arrest of a Golden State Killer suspect) helped solve the case. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images and Lars Niki/Getty Images "I'll Be Gone in the Dark" director Liz Garbus said law enforcement officers were critical to solving the case of the Golden State Killer, but that the role of police isn't always that simple. The Golden State Killer was a serial rapist and murderer who terrorized much of northern California in the '70s and '80s, and is the subject of a new HBO documentary. According to Garbus, California detectives working the crimes "really devoted themselves to this case and they did bring justice to the enormous number of the victims." "So that's when you see law enforcement working, finally, after way too long," she added. But the director also said that in other cases, the role of the police isn't always so positive. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories. Liz Garbus said law enforcement was key to solving the case of the Golden State Killer even though the role of police in criminal cases isn't always as positive. During an interview with Insider, Garbus shared her experience working with law enforcement while filming the upcoming HBO docuseries "I'll Be Gone in the Dark." The show is based on the true-crime book of the same name by the late Michelle McNamara, and follows McNamara as she searches for the Golden State Killer's identity before her death. "Michelle scored these relationships with law enforcement that were pretty strong, and it's interesting to look at it in the light of today," Garbus said. "[Retired detective] Larry Crompton and [retired investigator] Paul Holes, they really, really devoted themselves to this case and they did bring justice to the enormous number of the victims." "So that's when you see law enforcement working, finally, after way too long," Garbus added. Law enforcement have consistently shared composite sketches of the Golden State Killer with the public. Rich Pedroncelli/AP While the director praised Crompton and Holes' work on the case of the Golden State Killer, who's thought to be responsible for 13 murders and over 50 rapes, she said that their status as detectives might have made a difference. Story continues "It's a very different milieu than cops on the street and the kind of policing that we are all examining right now," Garbus told Insider, referencing the recent protests against police brutality (and calls for defunding the police force) that are taking place across the nation. Garbus also acknowledged that the role of law enforcement isn't always so clear-cut in other cases, and referenced her 2019 film "Who Killed Garrett Phillips?" The documentary focused on the case of Oral "Nick" Hillary, a Jamaican man who was accused of and arrested for murdering a white boy in upstate New York, despite a lack of evidence. "I've certainly made a number of films in my career that have examined the shortcomings of law enforcement and the criminal justice system," Garbus said to Insider. Focusing on McNamara as she works with law enforcement and fellow true-crime enthusiasts to identify and catch the notorious Golden State Killer, Garbus' new docuseries comes as protests against police brutality continue across the US, following the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis law enforcement. Many people are also calling for the defunding of police departments, citing continued violence against poor, Black, and brown people by officers as a reason to liquidate police budgets. And while "I'll Be Gone in the Dark" doesn't touch on issues of police brutality directly, it does feature law enforcement (and their efforts to track down and arrest the Golden State Killer) prominently. The first episode of "I'll Be Gone in the Dark" will premiere on HBO Sunday, and you can watch the trailer below. Read the original article on Insider Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriza Pinandita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 16:55 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661a31cb 1 World PPI-Dunia,Indonesian-students-abroad,Indonesian-diaspora,diaspora Free Members of the Indonesian diaspora, particularly in academia, have called on the government to boost its engagement with academics abroad by rolling out a more sustainable strategic partnership with them and fully utilize the skills of citizens living overseas. In a webinar hosted by the Overseas Indonesian Students Association Alliance (PPI-Dunia), several Indonesian students living abroad voiced their ideas on how to optimize the role of Indonesian scholars in national development. Fajar Haqi Ismaya, the coordinator of PPI-Dunia in the United States and Europe, said there was little engagement or sustainable and holistic cooperation made by the government to engage with the diaspora, particularly students and scholars. He said he believed they could offer brain gain or intellectual advantage to Indonesia instead of other countries. Theres a lot of collaboration between, for instance, PPI-Dunia and the government, but unfortunately, they are still partially conducted. There is no sustainable blueprint from the government to cooperate with PPI Dunia or the student diaspora in general to achieve Indonesias Vision 2045 [national development master plan], Haqi said. Separately, Theodorus Alvin, the coordinator of PPI-Dunia in Asia and Oceania, said that to achieve Indonesias Vision 2045, there were many things that Indonesia should prepare to embark on its journey. Utilizing resources from Indonesian scholar communities abroad was pivotal, he said. Read also: Govt mulls issuing diaspora bonds in November For instance, to invest in research. In the past few years, President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo has been calling on Indonesians abroad to return home and utilize their experience to help build the nation. In his first speech since his reelection in October 2019, he repeated the call, pledging to support the diaspora through the establishment of an institution to pool the talents of diaspora members who can contribute to Indonesia's development. However, the plan has yet to be realized. The government has said it would increase its outreach to strengthen the diasporas inclusion. At home, it has pledged to provide room at government agencies to ensure that diaspora affairs are included in their policies. However, Haqi and Theo were doubtful as to whether the government was able to give a platform to Indonesian human resources living abroad. Read also: Indonesian diaspora joins fight against pandemic at home According to data from PPI-Dunia, around 75,500 Indonesian students are currently studying overseas, but not all of them can be absorbed by sectors at home. The [intellectual] advantages would possibly go to countries that we are studying in, Haqi said. He added that the concern was how the government could play its role as a regulator. It is not like we are asking for jobs, but its about a cooperation blueprint, he said, adding that the diaspora could still give their contribution even from outside the country. Theo echoed the statement, saying that Indonesian students and scholars did not have to bring their knowledge back home. Read also: Indonesia seeks to persuade diaspora to come home Right now, you can transfer your knowledge or just practice the knowledge either in Indonesia or abroad, said Theo, who is pursuing his bachelors degree in Japan. As part of the Indonesian diaspora, basically you can contribute from anywhere in the world. In Japan, for instance, there are many Indonesian researchers and they hold high positions, he added. Theo added that the most realistic approach was to establish international cooperation, such as joint research. The other solution is to engage with private sectors [at home] because they have relatively more resources. Meanwhile, Haqi said he believed that the government could start by making a student diaspora community, for instance, or an organization such as PPI-Dunia, as a strategic partner to engage the Indonesian diaspora especially scholars across the world. By Express News Service MANGALURU: Five postgraduate doctors of Kasturba Medical College, who were deputed at Government Lady Goschen Hospital and Wenlock Hospital, have tested positive for the virus. District Health Officer Dr Ramachandra Bayari told The New Indian Express that five doctors (a 28-year-old male doctor and four female doctors) including three gynecologists from the KMC hospital are being treated at Wenlock Hospital, which is the designated COVID-19 district hospital. "We are tracing their primary contacts. It is a difficult process to track them since they attended on many patients on a daily basis. We have already quarantined over 30 doctors and medical staff, he said. Deputy Manager Marketing, Rakesh, told The New Indian Express that all these doctors had a mild cold and therefore their swab samples were collected on June 22 and sent for testing. Their reports were received on Thursday. "All of them are asymptomatic at present and are being treated at the designated COVID hospital. Their health condition is stable," he added. The areas where the infected doctors were working has been sanitised. The apartment they were living in at Attavar too has been sealed. White guilt, from central Minneapolis to both coasts, serves as convenient cover. The high-minded statements that come out of Minnesota's law schools, for example, are part of a big con, pervasive in other states and in other departments. Our academics pontificate about white privilege, systemic racism, police brutality, sentencing disparities, affirmative action, and reparations. They buzz with words, using self-righteous rhetoric to distract critics from something easy, a specific act, that would immediately reform law schools. If we really believe that the "rule of law" promotes democracy, we should all support a remedy that could quickly improve on the American experiment. It may take a rebel or a spy to blow down the castle's walls. Going local in Minnesota, I say the tired liberals should be pushed, even forced, to resign their positions now. Let's not wait for them all to retire or die. Clear them out for African-Americans to be hired in their spots. End the privilege of hypocrisy. Research the issue on your own. Start with supposedly liberal Minnesota. The internet, as much as cell phone cameras, provides easy accountability. Click the links for faculty pages at the law schools of Mitchell Hamline, Minnesota, and St. Thomas. Count the full-time faculty. (There are over 140.) Count the black persons. (I see no more than five.) Do the math. Blacks, thirteen percent of our population, are way underrepresented. Exclude me. Sure, I'm darker than some African-Americans, but my brown face doesn't count on either side of the white-black divide that festers here. Examine the University of Minnesota carefully. Does the black dean above a sea of old white faces come across as tokenism? Or a bold step for change? You decide. Avoid the snarky; it's obvious we're not a handsome bunch. Then look at the law schools at other states. My colleagues, if pressed, will identify various flaws in the argument for mass retirements. Obfuscating as much as justifying, they might say there is an inadequate supply of qualified black candidates. That's a lie. Lawyers white, black, and brown dream of these positions. Where else can you get a fat paycheck with benefits for teaching a couple classes per semester and for writing an occasional piece of "scholarship"? Think, I might convince my new dean to count what I'm writing in this piece toward the requirements. Talk about paying for the noose. My colleagues might stress credentials. That's a smokescreen, a bias against those with street experience. We have an ample supply of Harvard and Yale graduates. They don't offer anything profound. You could take every article in their Harvard Law Review and their Yale Law Journal for the last fifty years, and those contributions to humanity would weigh less than that from one Anton Chekhov story. I'm not saying what we do is meaningless; I'm saying it doesn't mean much when we are off in the clouds, far from flat reality. The surface is sometimes more important than the underlying substance. Symbols matter. We need more graduates from historically black colleges on our faculties. Under my reckoning, three Harvard graduates would gladly be traded away for a Howard graduate. At my law school, during a dark time, we took tuition dollars from underqualified African-Americans to pay the bills. We never made inroads for diversity, though, on the faculty. While we touted a class that was thirty percent "diverse," we lost one of our two African-American faculty members. United, the faculty eventually stopped the dean's exploitation. Some white colleagues might say we don't need to address our black deficit because they can speak for blacks. At my law school, during "diversity training," a white lesbian said she could speak for a black heterosexual two decades her senior who didn't want any part of her group indoctrination. Left unsaid was her possible belief that she was more "articulate" than he was, that her experiences with discrimination based on sexual orientation could fill in for ethnic or racial discrimination. Unlike her, I readily acknowledge the gaps in my own perspective. I am begging for more authentic people to have the protection of tenure to add their voices to our national discussion on race. My colleagues, trying to hoist me on my own petard, might save the personal for last. Why don't I resign first? Well, you see, I'm more endangered than the white liberal. How many do you suppose voted for Trump in 2016? I did, in large part to annoy them by being able to say I did. My identity group obnoxious, heterosexual, balding Iranian-Americans is certainly underrepresented. Even so, as soon as I learn that nine great white saviors have resigned their positions, I will give mine up, no more questions asked. Afsheen John Radsan teaches constitutional law at Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Syrian Military Accuses Israeli Forces of Attacking Army Positions in Hama Province Sputnik News 08:35 GMT 24.06.2020 BEIRUT (Sputnik) - Israeli air forces have attacked the positions of the Syrian armed forces in two cities in Hama province and the country's air defence systems repelled the attacks, the command of the Syrian armed forces said on Wednesday. "At 00:45 a.m. [21:45 GMT on Tuesday], Israel carried out a new act of aggression from the air, attacking several of our facilities in Salamiyah and Sabburah in the province of Hama," the statement said. According to the Syrian military, the country's air defence systems downed a big number of Israeli rockets that brought only some material damage. The Israeli armed forces have not commented on this information so far. On Wednesday morning, the Syrian media reported the activation of air defence systems in Hama province. A few hours earlier, Syrian army positions were attacked in As-Suwayda and Deir Ez-Zor provinces. Two Syrian servicemen were killed in these airstrikes. Israel frequently conducts airstrikes in Syria under the pretext of countering Iran's alleged military presence in the neighbouring country. The Jewish state usually asserts that its strikes come in response to rocket attacks on Israel from Syria. Damascus views Israel's attacks as an assault on Syria's sovereignty. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Former Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, once revealed that he always tell God he wants to die at the age of 70. Ajimobi stated... Former Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, once revealed that he always tell God he wants to die at the age of 70. Ajimobi stated this during an interview with Splash FM some weeks before he was hospitalized. Ajimobi, who spoke in Yoruba language during the interview, said his father died two months before he clocked the age of 70. My dad died with just two months to clock 70. So, I always say If I could make it to 70, then its enough. But when I was close and experiencing the goodness of life, I told God 70 is too small. Watch the video below: The two-term governor and former senator, however, succumbed to death today at the age of 70. Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi was born on the 16th of December 1949. He was formerly the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Oil and Chemical Marketing Company a subsidiary of Shell Petroleum, Nigeria. He left the oil sector in 2002 after 26 years and was elected in 2003 as a Senator of the Republic of Nigeria representing Oyo South Senatorial District on the platform of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). After one term in the senate, he contested in 2007 for the governorship of Oyo state under the banner of the All Nigeria Peoples Party, a bid which he lost. He recontested again in the April 2011 elections under the Action Congress of Nigeria and was elected Governor of Oyo State in a closely contested vote. Wrexham Primark set to reopen tomorrow This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jun 25th, 2020 All non-essential shops Wales have been given the green light to open this week On March 23 Wales first minister Mark Drakeford said all high street shops, except those selling food, pharmacies, banks and post offices are to close due to the spread of coronavirus. Many stores in Wrexham town centre reopened on Monday but Primark remained closed as the clothes chain worked through plans for Covid safe operating in Wales. Primark has now said it will open all its stores in Wales on 26 June, with extensive measures in place to help safeguard employees and customers. It has released a store walkthrough video showing what measures have been put in place. Primark CEO, Paul Marchant, said: We have really missed our customers in Wales, and we are delighted to be back open, providing customers with the quality, affordable products they love from Primark. While it might take a little longer to get into store, once inside, customers will find all their favourite Primark products and plenty of choice as usual. We have worked hard to make sure that clear signage and extra help will be there to guide them through the changes we have made to allow for social distancing. We are also asking customers to respect the measures we have put in place to help ensure shopping at Primark is an enjoyable, safe experience for everyone. Our products will be sold at our normal, great value prices which means there will be no sales or special offers when we re-open our doors. There is growing outrage over calls by activists, historians and journalists to replace The Star Spangled Banner as the national anthem because it was written by slave owner Francis Scott Key, and potentially replace it with John Lennon's Imagine. Historian Daniel E. Walker and activist and journalist Kevin Powell made the remarks in an article written by Yahoo Music Editor Lyndsey Parker titled 'Why it might be time to finally replace The Star-Spangled Banner with a new national anthem'. They say that because the song was written by Francis Scott Key, a white slave owner who made overtly racist remarks, it is no longer appropriate that lyrics he wrote should still be the national anthem given the ongoing cultural reckoning and recognizing of systemic racism in America. Powell suggested Lennon's Imagine as a replacement, calling it the 'most beautiful, unifying, all-people, all-backgrounds-together kind of song you could have'. The interview has now drawn the ire of many Twitter users who say it is an example of the Black Lives Matter movement being used to 'erase American history.' Daniel E. Walker and activist and journalist Kevin Powell both argued that the song should be replaced. Powell suggested John Lennon's Imagine as an alternative The Star Spangled Banner being performed at the Super Bowl in February by Demi Lovato Walker, who is also an author, said in the interview: 'The 53-year-old in me says, we can't change things that have existed forever. 'But then there are these young people who say that America needs to live up to its real creed. STAR SPANGLED BANNER LYRICS O say can you see, by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming, Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there; O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep, Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes, What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep, As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses? Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam, In full glory reflected now shines in the stream: 'Tis the star-spangled banner, O long may it wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. And where is that band who so vauntingly swore That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion, A home and a country, should leave us no more? Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution. No refuge could save the hireling and slave From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave: And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave. O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved homes and the war's desolation. Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the Heav'n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation! Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust' And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave! Advertisement 'And so, I do side with the people who say that we should rethink this as the national anthem, because this is about the deep-seated legacy of slavery and white supremacy in America, where we do things over and over and over again that are a slap in the face of people of color and women. 'We do it first because we knew what we were doing and we wanted to be sexist and racist. And now we do it under the guise of "legacy."' The lyrics come from the 1814 poem Defence of Fort M'Henry which Key, the son of a prominent white family, wrote after watching British troops descent on Fort McHenry between September 13 and 14, 1814. American troops defended Baltimore Harbor through the night and in the morning, Key was inspired by the sight of the American flag flying over the battlefield. It became the national anthem in 1931. Among the lyrics is: 'No refuge could save the hireling and slave, 'From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave.' Historians have long disagreed over what Key meant. Some say he inferred that slaves who had joined the British Colonial Marines deserved to die in the battle. Others argue that he was referring to the British forces in their entirety. Key made other, more racist remarks elsewhere. Powell said in the Yahoo interview: 'The Star-Spangled Banner was written by Francis Scott Key, who was literally born into a wealthy, slave-holding family in Maryland. 'He was a very well-to-do lawyer in Washington, D.C., and eventually became very close to President Andrew Jackson, who was the Donald Trump of his time, which means that there was a lot of hate and violence and division. 'At that time, there were attacks on Native Americans and Black folks both free Black folks and folks who were slaves and Francis Scott Key was very much a part of that. 'He was also the brother-in-law of someone who became a Supreme Court justice, Roger Taney, who also had a very hardcore policy around slavery. And so, all of that is problematic. And the fact that Key, when he was a lawyer, also prosecuted abolitionists, both white and Black folks who wanted slavery to end, says that this is someone who really did not believe in freedom for all people. 'And yet, we celebrate him with this national anthem, every time we sing it. 'Francis Scott Key, he was a big-time guy in terms of the American colonization of society. 'This was not just a person who just lived in the time period. 'This is a person who helped define the time period.' He and Walker are not the first to point attention towards Key and his role in history amid the ongoing Black Lives Matter movement. High school graduation singer Liana Morales refused to sing the song at her virtual graduation ceremony, choosing instead to sing Lift Every Voice and Sing instead. A statue of Key in San Francisco has been toppled by protesters. But critics leaped on calls to replace the national anthem, calling it a 'stupid' idea and claiming it amounted to 'woke folk' trying to 'erase American History'. Twitter leaped into criticism of the idea that the song should be replaced. Among those who tweeted was journalist Yashar Ali who called the Yahoo article 'stupid' Among critics was Megyn Kelly who tweeted: 'And...there goes the national anthem.' Others said: 'They want to remove the National Anthem and the Flag is next. People won't let them erase Truth of American History! Shame on YOU @YahooEnt' Cancel culture is the name now being given to the increasing trend of people being fired, institutions being dismantled and systems being broken down because they are considered offensive or racist. The national movement for racial equality was triggered by the killing of George Floyd in May by cops in Minneapolis who knelt on his neck for nine minutes while he pleaded that he couldn't breathe. It spawned a global discussion about police brutality and has shone a light on almost every other aspect of American life where racism persists, leading to an almost universal pledge to be less prejudiced. Part of the movement has seen the toppling of Confederate statues across America and removing media from pop culture that is offensive. Gone With the Wind was pulled from streaming services because it was accused of glorifying slavery and white privilege. While many say it is a long-overdue overhaul of pop culture, others- namely conservatives - believe it is going too far. If those on the left are going to support Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals as a way to help Dreamers, they should at least take a moment to try to understand why far from being a display of compassion DACA is actually an act of cruelty. They also wont find much compassion in a recent 5-4 Supreme Court decision that blocked an attempt to do away with the program. The swing vote was Chief Justice John Roberts, who acknowledged that the Trump administration had the power to use its executive authority to end a program that was, after all, created by the executive authority of the Obama administration. What bothered Roberts was that Trump didnt end the program in the right way by considering alternatives and weighing the harm to participants. The Tweeter-In-Chief caught that. After the ruling, Trump wrote on Twitter: The DACA decision, while a highly political one, and seemingly not based on the law, gives the President of the United States far more power than EVER anticipated. And he followed up with this: 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. To think, DACAs defenders cheered the High Courts decision. These folks are used to being handed a crumb and calling it a feast. Trump is ready to argue in this election year that with more than 40 million people filing for unemployment since the pandemic began America First means not just keeping out high-skilled foreigners who compete with Americans for jobs, but also getting rid of those who are already here. Joseph Edlow, deputy director for policy at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, is onboard with Trumps quest to purge immigrants from this land of immigrants. After the Supreme Courts decision, he said in a statement: Todays court opinion has no basis in law and merely delays the Presidents lawful ability to end the illegal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals amnesty program. The fact remains that under DACA, hundreds of thousands of illegal aliens continue to remain in our country in violation of the laws passed by Congress and to take jobs Americans need now more than ever. If you lost your job and you think the government owes you another one, help is on the way. But defenders of DACA need help, too. Many of them dont seem to understand the program theyre defending. DACA is not a humanitarian program, or it would be permanent. The program is temporary and based on two-year deferments that have to be renewed so these immigrants can work. Immigrants are the ultimate essential workers because many of the native-born have forgotten how to work. DACA is an enforcement scheme. And why is it cruel? In any negotiation, both parties must be on equal footing. It was heartless of President Barack Obama to unfairly take advantage of desperate folks stranded in the desert by offering them a sip of water not because it was the humane thing to do but as part of a quid pro quo with strings attached and a trap door. The desperate were going to agree to anything. In this case, more than 600,000 undocumented young people had to turn themselves into authorities, get photographed, be fingerprinted, and hand over their home address, where Immigration and Customs Enforcement could find their parents who were also presumably undocumented. Deferred action, eh? What action is being deferred? Its not citizenship, or a parade to welcome these so-called Dreamers as full citizens. Its deportation! Maybe DACA recipients, and their families, didnt get that. And, you can bet, it was always understood by Obama administration officials that this bill would come due one day. That includes the dastardly Janet Napolitano, the former Homeland Security Secretary, who bragged to Congress about how the number of deportations was going up and insisted for three years that the executive branch couldnt do what it ultimately did. Welcome to America. Uncle Sam can be a slick salesman. But theres no free lunch. Meanwhile, the young people trapped in this game think that Obama did them a favor by letting them put their head into the lions mouth, and that the Democratic Party is their friend and champion. They dont call them Dreamers for nothing. ruben@rubennavarrette.com Two days after a clash over pond in Phulel Majra village of Saha block in Ambala, police arrested four persons for attempt to murder on Thursday. The accused have been identified as Jaswinder Singh alias Lucky, Neeraj, Ravisen and Akshay alias Prince of Ambala. Three of them have also been booked for the murder of a 45-year-old man, in the same dispute on Wednesday. The complainant, Rahul, had stated that the accused Sagar, Rajendra alias Raja, Lucky, Vijay, Akshay, Sandeep alias Sunny, Neeraj and Ravi had threatened to kill him and his family members on June 23. Police said the accused will be presented before the court on Friday. By PTI NEW DELHI: A COVID-19 patient undergoing home quarantine in a containment zone in Shalimar Bagh here has alleged that no health care worker visited her for three days to take stock of her condition. Neha Bahri, 32, tested positive for coronavirus on June 20. Four days later, she has no clue if she needs any medicine and if a second test is required at the end of home quarantine. Bahri, mother of a 16-month-old boy, said that she had developed fever on June 12. Later, she lost her sense of taste. "After I underwent testing at a government facility in Prabhu Dayal Public School, the authorities told me the test results will be sent on my mobile phone," she said. Bahri underwent a rapid-antigen test, results of which are available within 15-30 minutes. After waiting for a day, she called up the authorities to know the status of her test results. "They said that I have got the virus, and that the local dispensary will contact and brief her soon," she said. Bahri claimed that when she did not receive any call, her husband rang up the dispensary himself and sought to know what needed to be done next. "The person who attended the call said it was a holiday and the family will receive a call on Tuesday," she claimed, adding that nothing happened on Tuesday, too. On Wednesday, the family got a call at 9:30 am and two health care workers went to their house to paste a poster on their gate around 2 pm, she claimed. "They did not tell us the standard operation procedures to be followed, if I needed any medicine or not 'Come to the dispensary and you will get all the information' they said," Bahri alleged. The woman claimed that the dispensary did not even give them an oximeter and that her husband had to arrange it for her. When contacted, a senior health official said the matter will be looked into. Here are some milestones in the history of Israel, founded more than seven decades ago. Israel is created in May 1948, formed out of British-ruled Palestine three years after the end of World War II when the Nazis killed more than six million Jews. Israel immediately comes under attack by its Arab neighbours but repulses them. More than 7,60,000 Palestinians are driven out or flee, becoming refugees. In 1956, Israel attacks Egypt alongside Britain and France, which are seeking to overturn the nationalisation of the strategic Suez Canal. They eventually withdraw under pressure from both the United States and the then Soviet Union. In June 1967, Israel wins a crushing victory over its Arab neighbours in the Six-Day War, seizing the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, from Jordan, the Golan Heights from Syria, and the Gaza Strip and the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt. In 1973, Egypt and Syria launch a surprise attack on the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur to try to win back their lost territories, but are repulsed. In 1978, Israel and Egypt agree on peace terms after talks brokered by the United States. The Camp David accords are the first peace agreement between Israel and an Arab state. The peace treaty is signed in 1979 by Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian president Anwar Sadat, who is assassinated two years later by Islamists opposed to the deal. A second peace accord, with Jordan, will follow in 1994. In 1978 and again in 1982, Israel invades civil war-wracked Lebanon in a bid to halt cross-border attacks by Palestinian militants. Israeli-backed Lebanese militiamen kill hundreds of civilians in the Sabra and Shatila Palestinian refugee camps on the outskirts of Beirut. Israeli troops remain in southern Lebanon until 2000. In 2006, after the abduction of Israeli soldiers by Shiite militant group Hezbollah, Israel launches a devastating month-long offensive in Lebanon. The first Palestinian intifada, or uprising, erupts in 1987. It ends in 1993 when Israel agrees to limited Palestinian autonomy in the West Bank and Gaza as an interim step towards a comprehensive peace agreement. The deal is sealed with an historic handshake between Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, who is assassinated two years later by a Jewish extremist. The second intifada breaks out in 2000 when right-wing Israeli opposition leader Ariel Sharon pays a provocative visit to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in annexed east Jerusalem. The Israeli army reoccupies much of the West Bank in a series of large-scale military operations and begins building a separation barrier between the two communities that in places cuts deep into occupied territory. The intifada ends in 2005. In 2005, Israel withdraws all troops and settlers from Gaza after 38 years of occupation. It imposes a crippling blockade after Islamist group Hamas seizes control in 2007. In 2014, Israel launches a new operation against Gaza, in which 2,251 Palestinians and 74 Israelis are killed. In December 2017, US President Donald Trump recognises Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a declaration condemned by the Palestinians who regard east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. In May 2018, Washington transfers its embassy to Jerusalem. In March 2019, Trump formally recognises Israel's 1981 annexation of the Golan Heights. On January 28, 2020, Trump unveils a controversial Middle East peace plan which provides for the annexation of swathes of the West Bank by Israel. On May 17, 2020, after a political crisis lasting more than 500 days, and three general elections in less than a year, Benjamin Netanyahu returns to power under a deal to form an emergency unity government with his election rival Benny Gantz. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Sunghee Hwang (Agence France-Presse) Goseong, South Korea Thu, June 25, 2020 13:45 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406618e30b 2 World South-Korea,North-Korea,Korean-war,inter-Korean,bilateral-relation,bilateral-ties,bilateral-tension,bilateral-spat Free From North Korean party headquarters to holiday homes to cemeteries, 70 years after the Korean War began its legacies line the Demilitarized Zone that marks where the fighting came to a standstill. A few kilometers from the DMZ's eastern end, a small stone villa stands on a cliff overlooking the white sands of Hwajinpo Beach in Goseong, South Korea. It lay in the North's territory before the outbreak of war, when it was the summer home of its founder Kim Il Sung, grandfather of current leader Kim Jong Un. Next to the stony steps leading up to the villa -- now a museum -- is a reprint of a faded 1948 black-and-white photo showing five children, among them Kim Jong Un's father and predecessor Kim Jong Il. Goseong county, along with a swathe of what is now South Korea's Gangwon province, is north of the 38th parallel line of latitude where the US and Soviet Union divided the peninsula after Japan's surrender ended the Second World War and its colonial rule over Korea. Surrounded by mountain ridges, the peaceful farming village of Haean was the site of some of the most fierce and bloody battles of the war, nicknamed the "Punchbowl" by a US war correspondent who said the area resembled a cocktail glass. "The South Korean and UN forces had to cross our village in order to advance northwards," explained tour guide and villager Lee Byeong-deuk. Pointing to a faint North Korean mountain top in the distance, Lee, who was born and grew up in Haean, said his hometown was also used for propaganda: a 1970s government housing project combined every two homes into one to make them look larger -- all of them facing north. Cheorwon county, 60 kilometers north of the 38th parallel, also changed hands after the 1950-53 conflict ended with an armistice. On a nearly empty road leading to a military checkpoint stands the concrete shell of a three-story building -- once the regional headquarters for the North's ruling Workers' Party. "Where we are standing now used to be North Korea," said tour guide Gim Yong-sun. Before the war, she said, the building was a site for questioning and torturing those accused of anti-communist activities. Now the tank treads left at the entrance by advancing South Korean and UN forces in October 1950 serve as a reminder of the brutality of a conflict that killed millions. Barbed wire fence Hundreds of North Korean troops who never made it home lie in a field outside Paju, the only cemetery in the South for enemy combatants. Many of the graves hold multiple remains, their simple granite markers saying only the number of they contain, and just a handful are named. At Panmunjom, the truce village in the DMZ with its emblematic blue huts, their successors on both sides come face-to-face. In recent years it has seen a series of summits bringing together the North's Kim, the South's President Moon Jae-in, and US President Donald Trump. But the armistice has never been replaced by a peace treaty, leaving the peninsula technically still at war, and inter-Korean relations are now in the deep freeze with nuclear negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington at a deadlock. At the western end of the DMZ, barbed wire fences surround the border island of Gyodong, less than five kilometers from North Korea. Barber Ji Gwang-sik was 13 when he fled Yonpek, his North Korean hometown, at the height of the conflict. It took "less than 30 minutes" for his family to travel across on a wooden boat, Ji told AFP, but for nearly 70 years he has been unable to return -- even though he can still see Yonpek from Gyodong. Now 82, he still waits for the day he will be able to return. "Only those who had the same experience understand the pain," he said. WHO director for Americas says 226,000 have died of COVID-19 in region FILE PHOTO: Director of the Pan American Health Organization Etienne, makes declarations to the media during a meeting of Public Health ministers of the Mercosur trade block to discuss policies to deal with the Zika virus, in Montevideo BRASILIA (Reuters) - Nearly half of all COVID-19 cases globally can be found in the Americas and the numbers continue to climb, the World Health Organization's regional director for the Americas, Carissa Etienne, said on Wednesday. As of June 23, there have been more than 4.5 million COVID-19 cases and 226,000 deaths reported in the Americas, she said in a virtual briefing from Washington. In Latin America and the Caribbean alone, cases have tripled from 690,000 one month ago to 2 million. There is now widespread transmission in Central America and in South America, as of this weekend, Brazil surpassed 1 million COVID-19 cases, joining the United States as the only other country in the world with cases in the seven digits. Etienne said the Caribbean was faring better but with hot spots flaring on the border of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, as well as in an area encompassing Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana. Brazil, the worst hit nation in Latin America, has increased testing in the last few weeks but is still not doing enough, said Marcos Espinal, communicable diseases director of the WHO's Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO). "Brazil is still not doing 10,000 tests per million inhabitants. That needs to be increased," he said. While the WHO's recommendation against non-essential travel remains in place, decisions on travel are up to each country's government, said PAHO director of health emergencies, Ciro Ugarte. "There is no such thing as zero risk. There is always risk. Currently, there exists no tool to decide who should be allowed to get on a plane and who should not," he said. Etienne said the region must be realistic and adjust to a new way of life with COVID-19. "In the absence of effective treatments or a widely available vaccine, we expect that over the next two years in the Americas we will experience recurring COVID-19 outbreaks, which may be interspersed with periods of limited transmission," she said. (Reporting by Anthony Boadle in Brasilia and Adriana Barrera in Mexico City; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Tom Brown) Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 15:50:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for a just and reasonable solution to the Palestine issue when delivering a written speech on Wednesday local time at the United Nations (UN) Security Council's video conference over the matter. The Palestine issue has always been at the core of the Middle East issue and a just and reasonable solution is a prerequisite for the region's lasting peace and security, Wang said, adding China is deeply concerned about the continuing tension between Palestine and Israel recently. He said that under the current circumstances, the four-point proposal put forward in 2017 by Chinese President Xi Jinping for settling the Palestine issue, is of more practical significance. Based on the proposal, China would like to emphasize the following four points, Wang said. Deviation from international consensus should be avoided. The "two-state solution" is the bottom line of international fairness and justice and history can not be reversed, he said. China supports Palestine in establishing an independent state with full sovereignty based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, Wang said, adding that the national rights of the Palestinian people should not be traded. Meanwhile, Israel's right to exist and its legitimate security concerns should also be fully respected, Wang added. He emphasized that relevant UN resolutions, the principle of "land for peace" as well as the general direction of the "two-state solution" should be observed and reaffirmed. Peaceful dialogue should not be abandoned, Wang said, calling for an early resumption of equal dialogue between Palestine and Israel to rebuild mutual trust, defuse conflicts and find a way to coexist peacefully. In accordance with relevant UN resolutions, the issue of the occupied West Bank should be resolved as soon as possible, said Wang, stressing that the final boundary between Palestine and Israel should be delimited through peaceful negotiations. International support should not be relaxed, Wang said, adding that the Palestine issue should remain at a core position of international agenda. He urged the international community to take an objective and fair stance and make sincere and real efforts for the peace process in the Middle East, saying that any plan that is detached from the Middle East peace track will not bring a long-lasting peace to the region. The humanitarian issues should not be ignored either, Wang said, calling for a full removal of the blockade of Gaza as soon as possible, as well as an earnest implementation of the obligations stipulated in the Paris Protocol and other international treaties. The international community should support Palestine's economic development and the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, so as to help improve the humanitarian situation in Palestine, Wang said. China and Palestine are true friends, Wang said, noting that the Chinese side always cares about the peace process in the Middle East, sticks to international axiom and justice, and supports any efforts that are conducive to easing the situation there. The UN Security Council bears the prime responsibility of safeguarding global peace and security, and is obliged to play its due role in pushing for a comprehensive, just and enduring solution to the Palestine issue, Wang added. Enditem While there are multiple pharmaceutical companies across the world that are working towards a coronavirus vaccine, there are only a handful that have reached advanced stages of trials. Moderna, and AstraZeneca that is developing the corona vaccine with Oxford University have been in the news for making headway in the trials. Johnson and Johnson, Sanofi, Inovio, Sinovac, CanSino are some of the other companies to have made significant progress. Additionally, a vaccine alliance that is backing at least nine candidates has identified manufacturers that can produce up to 4 billion doses of vaccine in a year. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI) has identified two or three manufacturing plants for each vaccine. They can currently produce two billion doses by 2021. The group is planning for eight to 10 regional distribution sites in order to avoid making everything centrally and trying to ship it around the world. Also read: Coronavirus vaccine update: UAE initiates final phase; South Africa, Brazil start clinical trials Here are the latest developments from the leading contenders for a coronavirus vaccine: Moderna: The US-based pharma company is all set for Phase III in July. The third phase of the trial will include 30,000 participants in the US. It will be conducted alongside the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). CEO Stephane Bancel said that the vaccine candidate has an 80-90 per cent chance of receiving FDA approval. "We know our platform. It works on MERS, Zika and CMV and so on. When you have the right sequence... you will get neutralising antibodies," he said. AstraZeneca: The company has started trials in South Africa and Brazil. University of Witwatersrand in South Africa is working with Oxford University to evaluate the candidate. Meanwhile the Brazil trials are sponsored by the Lemann Foundation. Moreover, AstraZeneca has signed its 10th deal for supply and manufacturing of its vaccine candidate. Symbiosis Pharmaceutical said on Wednesday it agreed to make and supply an unspecified number of units of the vaccine, AZD1222, for AstraZeneca to use in clinical trials. Johnson and Johnson: J&J has expedited its trials for the COVID vaccine. The final stage of the trial expected to begin in September has been pushed up to the second half of July. Like AstraZeneca, J&J believes this to be a race against time. The company expects to get approval for its candidate by early 2021. Johnson and Johnson has also received funds from US government's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development (BARDA) to speed up its vaccine development programme. The company is also in talks with European Commission to supply its candidate if it succeeds. Also read: Coronavirus vaccine update: Favipiravir hits Indian market; Remedesivir gets DCGI nod Inovio: Inovio began human trials for its coronavirus vaccine candidate in April. It expects to report interim results from the trial later this month, and added that it would begin mid-stage trials this summer. The pharmaceutical company said that it has received $71 million from the US Department of Defence (DoD) to scale up production of the company's devices that are used to administer its experimental COVID-19 vaccine into the skin. CanSino: The company is developing its corona vaccine with Academy of Military Science (AMS) and People's Liberation Army. The candidate is under Phase II of trials in China and has been approved for human trials in Canada. Pfizer: The company is aiming to make the COVID-19 vaccine candidate ready by October 2020. The CEO of the pharmaceutical company Albert Bourla said, "If things go well, and the stars are aligned, we will have enough evidence of safety and efficacy so that we can... have a vaccine around the end of October." The company is working with German firm BioNTech for possible vaccines. Sanofi Pasteur: French drugmaker Sanofi said that it expects to get approval for the corona vaccine that it is developing with GlaxoSmithKline Plc by the first half of next year. If successful, it would be available by April 2021. "We are being guided by our dialogue with regulatory authorities," said Sanofi research chief John Reed. Sinovac: Chinese vaccine-maker Sinovac has said that its candidate CoronaVac has witnessed immune response in Phases I and II of the trials. It said that the vaccine has not caused severe side effects and more than 90 per cent of the volunteers have induced neutralising antibodies. Also read: Coronavirus vaccine: When will it be ready? Moderna, AstraZeneca offer answers But should patients take the risk? When surveyed by The New York Times, many epidemiologists have said they were comfortable returning to their doctors. Health specialists said neglecting routine dental care was unwise. Some also noted that it is the dentists and hygienists who are more at risk of getting sick since they are the ones on the receiving end of any aerosol droplets that could contain the virus. The escalating impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic in the southwest Pacific is highlighted in Fiji, the regions second largest country with a population of just under 900,000. Along with other Pacific nations, Fiji has so far avoided the worst health effects, but its economic impact has been devastating. With tourism in total collapse, unemployment is soaring and the gross domestic product (GDP) plummeting. The tourist industry contributes nearly 40 percent to Fijis GDPabout $FJ2 billion ($US900 million)and directly or indirectly employs over 150,000 people. Fiji Airways last month sacked 775 workersmore than half its workforcewhile Air Terminal Services has axed 300 jobs and souvenir company Jacks of Fiji another 500. The Fiji Ministry of Economy reported in March that the economy is expected to contract by 4.3 percent in 2020, likely a significant underestimate. The debt-to-GDP ratio has already jumped from 48.9 percent before the pandemic to 60.9 percent, and will increase further. This is in a country where the minimum wage is just $FJ2.32 an hour and 28 percent of people live below the poverty line. Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, who seized power in a military coup in 2006, has used the pandemic to tighten his governments rule. A senior military officer, Brigadier-General Jone Kalouniwai, told the Fiji Sun that the COVID-19 emergency gave the countrys leaders good reasons to stifle criticism of their policies by curtailing freedom of speech and freedom of the press. The fight against COVID-19, he warned, was likely to end up violating the individual rights and rule of law that are at the heart of any liberal society. The government rests directly on the military, despite elections in 2014 and 2018 fraudulently hailed as democratic by Australia and New Zealand. Successive regimes have been authoritarian and anti-working class. Harsh austerity measures have been accompanied by the intimidation of opposition parties, repressive laws and rampant violence by the police and military. On June 9, Suva police raided the headquarters of the opposition National Federation Party (NFP) in an apparent crackdown on social media use. A video showed plain clothes officers rifling through files, papers and storage. NFP leader Biman Prasad told Radio NZ that officers spent an hour purportedly searching for documents relating to the partys social media posts, and possible payments regarding them. The government is moving to suppress wider stirrings of social unrest. In an unfolding crisis at the University of the South Pacific (USP), police questioned two USP staff following protests over the suspension of Vice-Chancellor Pal Ahluwalia, who exposed alleged corruption and mismanagement under the USP leadership group. Through early June, hundreds of students, faculty and staff protested the professors suspension and demanded the removal of the USP Executive Committee. Claiming breaches of COVID-19 restrictions by protesters, police searched the offices of the Fiji Times for photos of the students involved, some of whom would have been from other Pacific countries. The USP Students Association objected to the intimidating presence of police at the campus protests when there was no criminal activity to justify it. The controversy at the regions major tertiary institution, owned by 12 Pacific nations, prompted warnings that the universitys autonomy and academic freedom is under threat. While Ahluwalia was this week reinstated, Fijis representatives want to assert total control of the institution, according to journalist Michel Field. In a sign of growing political disarray, Fijis parliament is operating with only the government benches and three seats of the opposition NFP filled after the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) was suspended late last month for 60 days. SODELPA is Fijis main opposition party, occupying 21 seats in the 51-seat parliament. It represents the interests of a nationalist layer of the privileged chiefly Fijian elite. The party has been led since 2016 by Sitiveni Rabuka, the instigator of two military coups in 1987, then prime minister following the 1992 election and also a former chairman of the unelected Great Council of Chiefs. The suspension came after rival party factions submitted competing lists of executives and office holders. The Registrar of Political Parties, Mohammed Saneem, declared that SODELPA had breached Fijis 2013 constitution and could not legally function as a party. Saneem warned that SODELPA would be deregistered if its internal dispute was not resolved within the 60-day period. The Commission against Corruption is to examine claims of missing provisions in the partys constitution. The High Court ruled in April that the election of the partys president and deputy at the 2019 AGM was unlawful. The action was brought by the partys Suva branch and youth wing, who argued the AGM procedures were botched and politically manipulated. The judge ruled that the plaintiffs rights to freedom of political choice and to participate in a political party were violated when they could not participate in the AGM. The elections were voided, along with all decisions dating back to last June. Rabuka said the suspension was inevitable following the factional feuding, and would not be contested. Rabuka, who now postures as a moderate to appeal across traditional ethnic lines, is struggling to contain right-wing conservatives behind the indigenous, anti-Indian iTaukei movement, who will not accept the appointment of Vijay Singh as the partys first ever Indo-Fijian vice-president. The government is exploiting SODELPAs crisis. Without the presence of SODELPA parliamentarians, the parliamentary speaker Ratu Epeli Nailatikau last month blocked official questions from the NFP over the Fiji Sugar Corporations reduced payments to farmers for the 2019 harvest. Cane growers had allegedly been short-changed $US550,000 after a 30 cents per tonne deduction from the years final payout meant they received $US5 per tonne, insufficient to make ends meet. The speaker also decreed that parliamentary proceedings could no longer be shown on Facebook, giving the flimsy pretext that Facebooks auto-generated subtitles were incorrect and out of context. Fijis police, corrections and military officers are engaged in widespread repressive practices. Five officers have been charged, and four suspended, over their alleged assault of a villager in April. NFP parliamentarian Pio Tikoduadua was arrested when he posted a video on Facebook claiming police brutality over the incident. International human rights groups last month also called for an investigation into allegations published in the UK Guardian that commissioner of corrections Francis Kean, who is Bainimaramas brother-in-law, has routinely ordered the beating and mistreatment of prisoners and staff. Neither of the two regional powersAustralia and New Zealandhas condemned the blatantly anti-democratic actions of the Bainimarama government. Canberra and Wellington are seeking to strengthen relations with Fiji, including military ties. The aim is to incorporate Fiji into the escalating US-led militarisation of the Asia-Pacific region in preparation for war against China. The author also recommends: Tourism collapse threatens Pacific islands with deepening poverty [4 May 2020] Fiji First Party retains power in sham election [16 November 2018] New Zealand PM Ardern boosts relations on Fiji visit [7 March 2020] Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News N Augusta Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana (BBBSCI) recently began a virtual initiative to find mentors willing to uphold its commitment to youth in Indianapolis by partnering with the Indianapolis Indians. A virtual recruitment campaign, The Big Pitch, runs from June 1 through June 30 and targets companies, individuals, businesses and community partners across the city to encourage adults to volunteer as a Big, or mentor. We really focus on that inherent potential in every child, CEO Darcey Palmer-Shultz said. Theyre great kids. Our job is to connect them with people that will work with them, their parents and our team to encourage them to develop that potential. The organization creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships for local youth. Once matched, the youth can remain in the program until theyre 18 years old or until they graduate from high school. Mentor Willie Little signed up the day a grand jury declined to charge police officer Darren Wilson for killing Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. At the time, I felt like everybody wanted to be a social media activist, but I wanted to be about action, he said. Little met his mentee, Nigel Woodfolk, two or three months after signing up. The connection was instant between the two. Due to a lack of mentors in the community, Woodfolk had been on BBBSCIs waitlist for more than four years. He was finally matched with a Big when he was a middle-schooler. The Recorder is not using the last names for mentees because it is BBBSCIs policy to not release last names for minors. I think this matters in our community because there are so many people that have no direction, said Woodfolk, now a recent high school graduate. Mentors help them stay on track and give them a good role model to look up to. Today, BBBSCI serves more than 1,400 children annually in Marion, Johnson and Hamilton counties. Hundreds of youth in Central Indiana, like Woodfolk, are still waiting for a Big of their own. According to BBBSCI, the youth achieve higher self-confidence, better performance in school and avoidance of risky behaviors after just one year in the program. Each mentorship is customized to suit a childs individual needs and interests. I think a mentor is somebody who is really interested in learning and growing. Its a relationship and a friendship, Palmer-Shultz said. As much as mentors are there to guide and encourage the young person, it really has to be reciprocal for it to have the best impact. Woodfolk and Little were recently awarded Big and Little Brother of the Year at BBBSCI, which honored their long-lasting relationship. The Indianapolis community has a ton of little boys that are on a waiting list right now that need help. A lot of the people that are helping dont look like me, Little said. There are a lot of successful Black men in the city that need to step up and be a part of this. Woodfolk plans to attend Littles alma mater, the University of Indianapolis, to pursue a degree in pharmaceutical studies. Contact newsroom intern Mikaili Azziz at 317-924-5143. Follow her on Twitter @mikailiazziz. A Newark school will soon be the home of an urban farm that will be used to help educate students there about agriculture, business and health. Outdoor retailer L..L. Bean and The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a non-profit organization, announced the recipients of the annual L.L.Bean Community Fund Award and said that a $50,000 grant was awarded to the Rider Farm Greenhouse project to create an urban farm at West Side High School. The farm will be managed by an urban farmer, and staffed by students and will feature a hydroponic greenhouse, apple orchard, vegetable beds and an outdoor kitchen. Other projects include the creation of a community forest near as school in Huntington, Vermont and a park in Callicoon, New York. Now in the second year of our partnership with The Trust for Public Land, we are furthering our commitment to help get more people outdoors to experience the many benefits that come with time outside, Shawn Gorman, L.L.Beans Executive Chairman and great-grandson of L.L. Bean said in a statement. The three grant recipients selected this year aligned perfectly with our mission of making innovative outdoor spaces accessible to all, the first step to helping communities nationwide reap the countless benefits of spending time outside. School officials couldnt immediately be reached for comment. The announcement followed the release of the TPLs annual ParkScore Index which shows how the large the percentage of residents in a town live within a 10-minute walk of a park. Newark ranked relatively high on the list (69th) of U.S. cites with 94% of residents living within 10 minutes of a park. 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. Victoria has mysteriously backflipped on its request to deploy Australian Defence Force soldiers to help contain a second coronavirus wave in the state. Premier Daniel Andrews planned to bring in up to 1000 ADF troops from Thursday, to monitor hotel quarantine as well as provide logistical and medical support for the state's coronavirus testing blitz. But plans to have 850 of those ADF members involved in hotel quarantine are being revised. 'Our top priority is on planning and logistics assistance, and medical personnel to support our suburban testing blitz,' a state government spokeswoman said. 'We are finalising our plans for hotel quarantine, including any additional roles the ADF might be able to play.' But within hours of Mr Andrews promoting military involvement, the government changed its request and asked for a smaller number. The Victorian Government planned to bring in 1000 ADF troops from Thursday, monitoring hotel quarantine Australians have been warned to stay away from six council in Melbourne: Hume, Casey and Brimbank, Moreland, Cardinia and Darebin They will provide medical assistance and transport overseas arrivals to hotels. Talks are currently under way to negotiate a larger role for police and protective services officers, the Herald Sun reports. The government scrambled to combat lax procedures at quarantine hotels, after more than 30 new coronavirus cases were linked to two hotels. Security guards contracted the virus and some spreading it to their families. The change in plans comes after talks about whether police should be brought in to monitor hotels instead of the defence force. Victoria Police said hotel quarantine did not 'form a part of Victoria Police's duties in response to coronavirus'. The state government is understood to be planning to increase the role of police to monitor hotels where new returning travellers arrive. Premier Daniel Andrews planned to bring in up to 1000 ADF troops from Thursday About 10,000 residents will be tested each day in the 10 suburbs by 800 staff in a fleet of mobile testing vans. Pictured: testing staff are seen at a pop-up site at Keilor Community Hub Victoria recorded another 33 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, giving new impetus to the testing blitz, which aims to reach 50 per cent of residents in 10 virus hotspots. Keilor Downs, Broadmeadows, Maidstone, Albanvale, Sunshine West, Hallam, Brunswick West, Fawkner, Reservoir and Pakenham all have high rates of community transmission. 'The first three days are solely focused on Keilor Downs and Broadmeadows, but we will move to the balance of those suburbs over the course of a 10-day period,' Premier Daniel Andrews said on Thursday. About 10,000 residents will be tested each day in the 10 suburbs by 800 staff in a fleet of mobile testing vans. Victoria has been processing 18,000 tests a day, but that will ramp up to 25,000, with NSW, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland helping to process the virus tests. 'This is a public health bushfire and when it comes to the bushfires, we always work together,' Mr Andrews said. Opposition Leader Michael O'Brien blamed the need for the testing blitz on government failings, claiming the premier had to be 'dragged kicking and screaming to get the ADF in'. 'Daniel Andrews has been very quick to blame Victorian families for the spread of the coronavirus,' Mr O'Brien said. Of the 33 new cases, seven are returned travellers, nine are linked to known and contained outbreaks, six emerged after routine testing and the origin of another 11 cases are under investigation 'I think his government needs to actually look in the mirror and look at the mistakes that they have made.' Of the 33 new cases, seven are returned travellers, nine are linked to known and contained outbreaks, six emerged after routine testing and the origin of another 11 cases are under investigation. Thursday's figure is the highest daily number of new cases in Victoria since the surge started last week. Victoria's active cases jumped from 58 to 143 in the period June 17-24, while the rest of the country combined only had an increase of 20. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here The CH Foundation, an independent non-profit organization, has supported the Ghana Covid-19 Private Sector Fund with US$100,000 to help complete the construction of Ghanas first ever infectious disease isolation and treatment facility. The CH Foundation is the charitable arm of the CH Group, an indigenous Ghanaian-owned holding company engaged in the petroleum, real estate, agribusiness and waste management industries. Making the donation to the Ghana Covid-19 Private Sector Fund, the Chief Operating Officer of the CH Group, Cynthia Darko Acquaye, stated the company and its charitable arm recognise the importance of the infectious disease isolation and treatment centre and the contributions it would undoubtedly make to Ghanas fight back against the Covid-19 pandemic as well as the treatment and containment of other infectious diseases. Today we are going through one pandemic. We also know that our resources are limited in this country and so, to have the private sector take this initiative, to build a 100-bed infectious disease hospital, we thought that this was a noble cause that we needed to support, Madam Acquaye said. Ghanas economy can only fully flourish when among other things, health concerns have been addressed and effective remedies are put in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, she added. Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Ghana COVID-19 Private Sector Fund, Dr. Justice Yankson expressed gratitude to the CH Group for their donation towards the completion of the 100-bed infectious disease isolation and treatment facility, located at the Ga East Hospital in Accra. Madam Acquaye was accompanied to the project site by Chairman of the CH Group, Kwaku Bediako, Dr. Dan Amoah, Executive Director of CH Group, Kingsley Sarpong, Managing Director of Chase Petroleum Ghana Limited, Fuseina Abu, Managing Director of Gold Key Properties, Bartholomew Darko, Managing Director of Tema Tank Farm Limited and Yaw Okyere, HR Director of CH Group. The 100-bed infectious disease isolation and treatment facility located at the is expected to be ready for use by the end of June. It will cater for critically ill Covid-19 patients and, in subsequent years, be used to treat other infectious diseases. It is an initiative of the Ghana Covid-19 Private Sector Fund, which was set up by some Ghanaian business executives in response to the clarion call from President Akufo-Addo for a concerted national effort to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier this week, the Fund launched a crowdfunding initiative to raise money to complete its flagship project. With a few weeks to the official opening of the facility for use, the Ghana Covid-19 Private Sector Fund says it is offering as many Ghanaians with an opportunity with the #10GhanaChallenge to be part of history by contributing as little as 10 Ghana cedis each towards the first infectious diseases treatment facility in Ghana. The #10GhanaChallenge is mostly a social media campaign where after making a donation of 10 cedis, each donor is urged to produce a short video clip to announce their contribution and then nominate some friends to each contribute 10 Ghana cedis towards the project. You can donate by dialing the short code *718*25*219# on all networks and even though this is for you to donate just 10 cedis you can feel free to donate as much as you want, Managing Trustee of the Ghana Covid-19 Private Sector Fund Senyo Hosi says. Then after youve made your donation, you tag some of your friends on social media and challenge them to donate and share in the pride you feel. Watch video here: Jakarta, June 25 : Indonesian fishermen have rescued nearly 100 Rohingya refugees adrift on a boat near the coastal province of Aceh, weeks after a similar incident in Malaysia earlier this month, police said on Thursday. According to the police, the boat's engine had stopped working and it seemed to be sinking with 30 minors, 49 women and 15 men onboard when it was spotted by three Indonesian fishermen on Wednesday around four miles north of the island of Sumatra, reports Efe news. However, the number of people onboard has varied in reports by different sources. The fishermen alerted the local authorities and proceeded to rescue the Rohingya, who originally set sail from Myanmar and are currently in the waters close to the Seunuddon beach waiting to be brought to land, according to the police. A police spokesperson told local media outlets that a special team had been formed to examine the health of the refugees and find temporary lodgings for them. In early June, Malaysian coastguards had rescued 269 Rohingya who were also fleeing from Myanmar on a vessel near the northwestern island of Langkawi, where they remain in detention. Those rescued in Malaysia told the authorities that dozens of other passengers had died on the way. The recent rescue efforts resemble the 2015 refugee crisis when hundreds of Rohingya were left adrift on boats in terrible conditions after a human trafficking network was dismantled in Thailand and Malaysia. The route became less frequented subsequently. At that time, it was estimated that more than a million Rohingya lived in Myanmar's western state of Rakhine, but in August 2017 the Myanmar Army launched a military campaign against the mostly Muslim minority community, triggering a massive exodus. The military operation, which has led to the Myanmar government being accused of genocide in the International Court of Justice in The Hague, resulted in around 725,000 Rohingya fleeing to neighbouring Bangladesh. Myanmar does not recognize the Rohingya as citizens, having considered them to be Bengali immigrants and subjecting them to discrimination - including restrictions on their freedom of movement - for years. Exotic mixtures Recreating extreme conditions in the lab, like those in the interior of planets and stars, is very complex and can only be achieved for fractions of a second. An international research team led by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) has now presented a new, very precise method of evaluating the behavior of mixtures of different elements under high pressure with the help of X-ray scattering. The results hone previous measurements and reinforce the premise that the matter in planets like Neptune and Uranus can alter dramatically: the hot hydrocarbon mixture in the interior of the ice giants can produce a kind of diamond rain, as the researchers report in Nature Communications (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16426-y). Neither solid, nor fluid, neither gaseous, nor a plasma: the matter inside planets and stars can take on a particular intermediate state, at a temperature of thousands of degrees, and compressed a thousand times more than our Earth's atmosphere - experts call it warm dense matter. There is a lot we still don't know about it. Lab experiments are set to change all that but are technically highly complex because this exotic state does not occur naturally on Earth. Which all means that both the crafting and study of artificial warm dense matter is a challenge for investigators and theoreticians alike. "But in the last resort, we have to understand the processes in warm dense matter if we want to model planets," explains Dr. Dominik Kraus, lead author of the study and the mastermind behind the measuring method. "We now have a very promising new approach based on X-ray scattering. Our experiments are delivering important model parameters where, before, we only had massive uncertainty. This will become ever more relevant the more exoplanets we discover." Diamond showers - a planetary energy source At SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford University, the researchers studied the structure of the matter in mixtures that are typical for planets, in the case of ice giants, hydrocarbon, employing intense laser light. Standard plastic film served as a substitute for planetary hydrocarbon. An optical high-energy laser converts the plastic into warm dense matter: short, strong laser pulses generate shock waves in the film and compress the plastic to the extreme. "We produce about 1.5 million bars, that is equivalent to the pressure exerted by the weight of some 250 African elephants on the surface of a thumbnail," says Kraus, illustrating the dimensions. What happens is that the laser shock waves also heat up the matter to approximately 5,000 degrees. To evaluate the effect, researchers shoot an extremely powerful X-ray laser at the sample. Depending on how the light is scattered as it passes through the sample, they can draw inferences about the structure of the matter. The researchers observed that in a state of warm dense matter, what was formerly plastic produces diamonds. The high pressure can split the hydrocarbon into carbon and hydrogen. The carbon atoms that are released compact into diamond structures. In the case of planets like Neptune and Uranus this means that the formation of diamonds in their interior can trigger an additional energy source. The diamonds are heavier than the matter surrounding them and slowly sink to the core of the planet in a kind of diamond rain. In the process, they rub against their surroundings and generate heat - an important factor for planet models. X-ray scattering enhances measuring precision In an earlier experiment, Kraus and his team were the first to prove the possible formation of diamonds in planets using X-ray diffraction in an experimental setting (DOI: 10.1038/s41550-017-0219-9). But the diffraction patterns of X-ray light can only reveal crystalline structures. Using additional detectors, the researchers now also analyzed how the light was scattered by the electrons in the matter. They compared the various scattering components with one another as well as with theoretical simulations. This process enables precise scrutiny of the entire structure of matter. "In the case of the ice giants we now know that the carbon almost exclusively forms diamonds when it separates and does not take on a fluid transitional form," explains Kraus. The method is not only more sensitive than X-ray diffraction, it can also be used more extensively because it makes fewer technical demands on the light source for the analysis. The international research team is now planning to apply it to hydrogen mixtures similar to those that occur in gaseous planets and to compressed pure hydrogen as found in the interior of small stars. These experiments, which are planned to be conducted, among others, at the Helmholtz International Beamline for Extreme Fields (HIBEF) at the European XFEL, could help researchers to understand the many planets we already know about outside our solar system to ascertain whether life might even be possible on any of them. Fusion experiments could benefit practically from the new measuring method, as well. Fusion research also tries to recreate on Earth processes that occur under great pressure in stars. During inertial confinement fusion, deuterium and tritium fuels are heated to extremes and compressed - warm dense matter is an intermediate state. With the help of X-ray scattering, this process could be monitored precisely. ### Publication: S. Frydrych, J. Vorberger, N. J. Hartley, A. K. Schuster, K. Ramakrishna, A. M. Saunders, T. van Driel, R. W. Falcone, L. B. Fletcher, E. Galtier, E. J. Gamboa, S. H. Glenzer, E. Granados, M. J. MacDonald, A. J. MacKinnon, E. E. McBride, I. Nam, P. Neumayer, A. Pak, K. Voigt, M. Roth, P. Sun, D. O. Gericke, T. Doppner, D. Kraus: Demonstration of X-ray Thomson scattering as diagnostics for miscibility in warm dense matter, in Nature Communications, 2020 (DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16426-y) Additional information: Dr. Dominik Kraus Institute of Radiation Physics at HZDR Phone: +49 351 260-3657 | Email: d.kraus@hzdr.de Media contact: Simon Schmitt | Science editor Phone: +49 351 260-3400 | Email: s.schmitt@hzdr.de Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf | Bautzner Landstr. 400 | 01328 Dresden / Germany | http://www. hzdr. de The Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) performs - as an independent German research center - research in the fields of energy, health, and matter. We focus on answering the following questions: * How can energy and resources be utilized in an efficient, safe, and sustainable way? * How can malignant tumors be more precisely visualized, characterized, and more effectively treated? * How do matter and materials behave under the influence of strong fields and in smallest dimensions? To help answer these research questions, HZDR operates large-scale facilities, which are also used by visiting researchers: the Ion Beam Center, the High-Magnetic Field Laboratory Dresden, and the ELBE Center for High-Power Radiation Sources. HZDR is a member of the Helmholtz Association and has six sites (Dresden, Freiberg, Grenoble, Leipzig, Schenefeld near Hamburg) with almost 1,200 members of staff, of whom about 500 are scientists, including 170 Ph.D. candidates. This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. BRATTLEBORO - A 34-year-old Westfield man is charged with a federal firearms violation after he was arrested this week in Vermont after illegally purchasing a gun from an undercover federal agent, officials said. Eric LaFrance was arrested Monday in Brattleboro on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm. He purchased the gun from an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as part of an undercover operation, according to the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Vermont. LaFrance, because of a 2016 conviction for larceny of more than $250, is not legally allowed to possess any firearms. He denied the charge at his arraignment Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Brattleboro. He was ordered held without the right to bail pending a detention hearing. According to court documents, LaFrance in April attempted to purchase a gun from a licensed gun dealer in Brattleboro, but the dealer declined to sell because LaFrance was not a Vermont resident. LaFrance repeatedly attempted purchase, at one point claiming to be a Vermont resident. The dealer became suspicious and contacted federal officials. An undercover special agent with the ATF reached out to LaFrance and offered to sell him a firearm. The two arranged a meeting in Brattleboro just off Interstate 91. LaFrance purchased a .40-caliber Glock handgun in exchange for $340 in cash, some marijuana, and the trade of LaFrances .38 caliber revolver, according to documents. If convicted, LaFrance could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. Elleke Boehmer, University of Oxford Across cultures, the self-making powers of storytelling are widely recognised. Steve Biko, the South African Black Consciousness thinker, once said that we need to speak from where we stand. Seeing the impact of our environment on our thinking about ourselves can change our thinking, he suggested. Telling our stories is an important way of doing so. Though stories are universal, access to them is not. We are involved in a project thats trying to address this. The United Kingdom Research and Innovation funds Accelerate project is working with adolescent groups in Africa to understand how young people see their lives in terms of story. And how inequality configures their relations to storytelling. Weve found that the stories young people on the continent encounter in films, web content and even young adult literature tend to be about others, from elsewhere. There are barriers to having their own stories heard, and those stories tend to be undervalued. Our aim is to design appropriate interventions geared to improving adolescent lives through the activity of storytelling. What we found out To get closer to the issues we ran a workshop in Cape Town, called Narrative and Adolescence. Professional storytellers, performers and young peoples groups explored how storytelling approaches might allow adolescents to feel more positively centred in their contexts. We also wanted to discover more about the access young people had to stories. Using performance, drawing, and role-play, our workshop explored how storytelling provides a platform for thinking about our environments in new, self-aware ways. We immediately found that there are many different ways of thinking about story. There are negative stories tales of gangsters and pregnant teenagers and positive stories tales of breakthrough and survival featuring sparky trend-setters and valiant underdogs. We noticed many of the young people felt that the stories imposed on them by the media or chiding parents tended to be negative. We also noticed that they often saw positive stories as coming from elsewhere. Breakthrough stories in many cases involved an escape from their communities to affluent places abroad. Clearly, the young people felt motivated by different kinds of story, not only a particular set of stories, such as about national heroes, but an accessible spectrum of stories ranging from Cinderella tales through to self-help narratives. They also enjoyed the creativity of storytelling. Their enjoyment supported our sense that such activities might help improve their lives. The power of stories Our thinking about having your story heard correlates with research on narrative approaches in various fields, including medicine and economics. Many studies show how art can help structure experiences like illness, even when that experience seems to lack structure. Experiential psychology provides ample evidence that how we see the world is as important as how the world is. So, the activity of storytelling can itself make an impact on how we see the world. A newspaper report in which young South Africans were asked what they needed during lockdown underlines the importance of story as a platform to articulate their needs. They enjoyed hopeful stories of recovery involving people like them. Our workshops bore out these ideas. They pointed to our need to feel that wherever we are in the world, our storytelling is worth supporting. Uneven geographies of storytelling However, economic, social and other factors condition the way people access storytelling platforms such as theatre, spoken word events and reading groups. The geographies of storytelling are uneven. Which in no way means that African countries suffer a dearth of stories. Quite the contrary. Its the platforms for such creativity that are circumscribed. This means that where you come from affects the narratives you have available to feed your imagination. Though creativity is clearly not correlated to wealth, there are people whose material conditions limit their access to a range of possible narratives. Particularly to those narratives involving people like them speaking from where they stand. The interactions we have with young people in our ongoing research project suggest that reasons for narrative inequality include a lack of representation in global popular culture. They are not seeing enough of themselves in the stories they can access. Moreover, dominant value-systems tend to associate individual freedom with consumption. Audience members watch a screening of the film Black Panther in Nairobi, Kenya. YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images In South Africa, education and, increasingly, entrepreneurship, form the primary narratives of social aspiration. Other stories are not as strongly validated. Resources for storytelling are also lacking. These inequalities are exacerbated by factors like language and accent-marking. A 2016-18 Nigerian creative writing competition, organised by Accelerate researcher Isang Awah, interestingly demonstrated the reluctance of some young Nigerians to view themselves as central protagonists in their own stories. Awah suggests that a lack of stories featuring ordinary young Nigerians conditions the stories they consider valuable. As the writers Binyavanga Wainaina and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie argue, if we only have access to certain stories, we imagine in less exploratory ways. These two African authors insist on the need to throw off colonial models and to free imaginations. Biko, similarly, argued for the vital need for people to shape their own forms of consciousness. Expanding storytelling If we think stories matter, then two other things matter not just what stories we tell, but also how stories are accessed. If individuals are empowered by hearing stories that speak to their own conditions, then there is an excellent case for policy-makers and researchers on Africa to intervene to make more stories and more storytelling facilities available to more young African people. Alongside designing development interventions, we can expand the infrastructures of storytelling, for example by funding community radio stations and storytelling slams. We need to support adolescents on the continent with infrastructures that will enable them to tell their stories. The infrastructures of storytelling can be a powerful force for change. Zimpande Kawanu and Archie Davies are co-authors of this article. Zimpande, a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, is currently enrolled in the MFA programme at the University of Cape Town. Davies is a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in the Department of Geography at the University of Sheffield. Advertisements Elleke Boehmer, Professor of World Literature in English, University of Oxford This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The conversation The Railway Board on Thursday said that all regular mail, express and passenger services as well as suburban trains have been cancelled till August 12, amid the rising number of coronavirus cases in the country. The tickets, that have been booked for the regular time-tabled trains from July 1 to August 12, has also been cancelled. A full refund will be given to the passengers. However, all special trains -- 15 pairs running on the Rajdhani routes since May 12 and 100 pairs operating since June 1 -- will continue, an official order said. The order also said, "All tickets booked for the regular timetabled trains for journey date from 01.07.20 to 12.08.20 also stand cancelled. A full refund will be generated," the Railway Board order stated. Earlier, the Railways had cancelled all trains till June 30. The limited special suburban services which began recently in Mumbai to ferry essential services personnel identified by the local authorities will also continue to run, news agency PTI reported quoting officials. In an official letter on May 13, instructions were issued for cancellation and full refunds of tickets booked in the regular timetabled trains As the cases continue to surge across the country, coronavirus essentials like masks, gloves, sanitisers, bedroll kits will now be sold at the multi-purpose stalls at railway platforms, reported news agency PTI quoting railway officials. The stalls, run by private contractors, carry most items that travellers could require, like toiletries, books, medicines and packed eatables. The stalls will now also be able to sell essential items required to protect passengers from coronavirus infection, according to a set of instructions issued by the Railway Board. "Mindful of the fact that passengers travelling during these times might need certain essential items which they would need to buy in case they forget to get it from home, we have directed our multipurpose stalls to sell them. However, we have said that they have to be sold at MRP and no profiteering will be allowed through it," said a senior railway official. The official said bedroll kits, which are no longer provided onboard trains due to fear of the coronavirus spread, will also be available at these stalls. They will be sold as a kit -- with pillow, pillow covers, blankets, face towel -- as well as separately. "Since we have stopped giving these items because of the pandemic, passengers can buy either the entire kit or any item separately," the official said. The order issued last week stated that the emphasis was on maintaining hygiene and fulfilling needs of the passengers. "These takeaway bedrolls and other protective items should be of good quality and not exceed the MRP," the official said, clarifying that the stall owners are not bound to sell these items manufacturing by the Railways. Melbourne entrepreneur Mia Plecic, who transformed her bathroom with $4,000 by watching DIY tutorials on YouTube A businesswoman who learned how to renovate on YouTube has saved $11,000 by shunning professional tradespeople and transforming the bathroom of her one-bedroom apartment herself. When Mia Plecic, 28, bought her first home in central Melbourne in October 2019, she knew exactly how she wanted it to look - but that meant giving much of the flat an expensive facelift. After tradesmen quoted $15,000 for a bathroom makeover, Ms Plecic took matters into her own hands by building a new laundry, tiling the walls and installing a trendy pink sink for just $4,000 over the course of three weeks during lockdown. The entrepreneur from Geelong who says she has never been able to 'sit on an idea' taught herself basic plumbing and carpentry skills by watching free online tutorials, and told Daily Mail Australia that every woman can do the same. 'I think society has built us to have this fear of doing [home renovations] because a 'professional' needs to do it. Well I think anyone can, you just have to have the right mindset,' Ms Plecic, who has been involved with more than 20 start-up companies, said. Before: The bathroom of the central Melbourne apartment when Ms Plecic bought it in October 2019 After: Ms Plecic's finished bathroom, with a stylish vanity she built from a $99 IKEA benchtop and a $470 IKEA wash drawer A TikTok video she filmed to document the renovation has been viewed over 400,000 times since it was posted on Tuesday, attracting widespread praise from people who have her the perfect representation of a modern, independent woman. A long-time DIY enthusiast, Ms Plecic has owned a collection of handy tools for years and believes everyone should have at least a small kit for emergencies. She picked up whatever she was missing at her local Bunnings, including a crow bar to pry the old vanity from the wall, a large hammer to knock the laundry and a specialised chisel to pull up tiles. 'The guys at Bunnings were so helpful and friendly, I was sharing the journey with them whenever I went in,' she said. Ms Plecic watched top-rating videos to get a general consensus on the best way to approach each task, then started by ripping out the European laundry, tiles, toilet, shower screens, vanity and plasterboard and demolishing the partition wall. She was left with 'an empty shell' to transform exactly how she wanted to. The 'empty shell' bathroom after Ms Plecic ripped out the laundry, tiles, toilet, shower screens, vanity and plasterboard She floored the room with grey and white tiles from Bathroom Space and covered the walls with white and pink tiles from National Space Instagram stories show the progress of the project, including the vanity (left) and the tiles and toilet flush (right) which Ms Plecic was quoted $350 for installation alone Ms Plecic, 28, says anyone can renovate their home with patience and the right mindset First, she waterproofed and plastered the walls and floor with primer, sealant and paint from Bunnings. Once the final coats had dried, she floored the room with grey and white patterned tiles from Bathroom Space, which cost $39.95 per square metre, and covered the walls with white and pink tiles from National Space for $24.95 per square metre. Ms Plecic built the waterfall bench that covers her washing machine with a $99 benchtop from IKEA which she cut in two with a saw. She used another piece of the laminate as the top of her vanity, which she bought as a washstand for $470 in IKEA. The trendy pink and grey colour scheme was chosen to match Ms Plecic's latest business venture, Slick Stick - a mascara wand that smooths frizz and flyaway hair The European laundry (left) before renovation and the waterfall bench (right) Ms Plecic built by sawing a laminate countertop from IKEA in two The self-proclaimed 'go-getter' (pictured in her father's work clothes) has always done everything for herself Ms Plecic said the hardest part of the renovation was waiting to install her $279 Bunnings toilet, which forced her to use the communal bathroom in the gym of her apartment building. 'I felt like I was camping,' she laughed. And the bathroom wasn't the only project keeping her occupied during isolation. The self-proclaimed 'go-getter' also launched Slick Stick, a mascara-style wand that brushes down frizz and flyaways, leaving hair sleek and smooth for hours. With business always at the forefront of her mind, she ordered a $299 'millennial pink' sink from Bathroom Space that matches the colour of the packaging so she can photograph products in the comfort of her own home instead of hiring out a studio. 'It's a bathroom and a place where I can create content,' she said. The $299 'millennial pink' sink Ms Plecic ordered from Bathroom Space to match the packaging of her new hair product, Slick Stick Not content with one interior challenge, Ms Plecic also switched up her kitchen during lockdown, tiling the splashback and replacing the benchtops herself The only outside help hired was a tiler to fit the base of the shower, which Ms Plecic said 'looked like a jigsaw puzzle'. She acknowledged the renovation was 'purely cosmetic' without any structural changes to the pipes or sewerage system, which she would always hire a professional to complete. Not content with one interior challenge, Ms Plecic also switched up her kitchen during lockdown, tiling the splashback, replacing benchtops and installing a new oven, stove and sink. 'I'm crazy. I think I was going slightly mad but I'm pretty proud of myself,' she said. To learn more about Ms Plecic's DIY renovations, follow her on TikTok or Instagram. Advertisement Sightseers today prepared for a 674-step hike up the Eiffel Tower as the Paris landmark and 1,063 foot-symbol of France was reopened following three months of lockdown. The world's most-visited paid monument, which attracts some 7 million tourists each year, welcomed dozens of visitors after its longest closure since World War Two. Elevators to the top are out of service to allow for adequate social distancing and only the first and second floors will be accessible to the public. There are 674 steps up to the second floor (the 1,665-step stairway to the top is never open to the public), but just trekking to that floor alone will take around 45 minutes. Journalists from around the world outnumbered about 50 people, mainly French, who began the steep climb by stairs to the first two levels. 'I'm tearing up, but they're tears of joy. It's an emotional moment after these difficult months,' said Therese, visiting from the southern city of Perpignan. Elevators to the top are out of service, at least for the time being, and only the first and second floors will be accessible to the public. There are 674 steps up to the second floor (the stairway to the top is never open to the public), but just hiking to that floor alone will take around 45 minutes. People wearing protective face masks visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris on its reopening day to the public following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in France, June 25, 2020 Visitors wearing protective facemasks walk up the stairs as they visit the Eiffel Tower during its partial reopening on June 25, 2020, in Paris, as France eases lockdown measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus 'I'm going to climb, but slowly,' said the 60-year-old, wearing the obligatory face mask. 'And if I don't make it, it's no big deal!' 'It's very special to be here,' said Manuel Mehl, who came 'spontaneously' from Pfaffenhofen in Germany with his American wife Shanique Chintsanya. Patrick Branco Ruivo, director general of the site's operating company SETE, said the top would reopen on July 15, though just eight people will be allowed into the elevators at a time, instead of the usual 45. The 104-day closure cost the company 27 million euros (24 million) in lost sales, he said, adding that visitor numbers will be tightly limited for now. People queue up prior to visit the Eiffel Tower, in Paris, Thursday. Patrick Branco Ruivo, director general of the site's operating company SETE, said the top would reopen on July 15, though just eight people will be allowed into the elevators at a time, instead of the usual 45. The 104-day closure cost the company 27 million euros (24 million) in lost sales, he said, adding that visitor numbers will be tightly limited for now. A visitor wearing a protective facemask admires the view from the Eiffel Tower during its partial reopening on June 25, 2020, in Paris, as France eases lockdown measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus Tourists and Parisians will again be able to admire the view of the French capital from the Eiffel Tower after a three-month closure due to the coronavirus - but only if they take the stairs Visitors arrive for socially distanced queuing (left) to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris on its reopening day to the public following the coronavirus disease and a visitor admires the glorious view of the French capital (right) A visitor looks at the view from the Eiffel Tower, in Paris, Thursday, June 25, 2020. The Eiffel Tower reopens after the coronavirus pandemic led to the iconic Paris landmark's longest closure since World War Two Visitors look at the view from the Eiffel Tower during its partial reopening on June 25, 2020, in Paris, as France eases lockdown measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus. - Tourists and Parisians will again be able to admire the view of the French capital from the Eiffel Tower after a three-month closure due to the coronavirus -- but only if they take the stairs The Eiffel Tower usually receives about seven million visitors per year, some three-quarters from abroad. The absence of crowds was no problem for Iris Wang, a 25-year-old from China. 'It's more peaceful and quiet,' she told AFP. Alex, 15, visiting with his mother from the Netherlands, said: 'It's my first time in Paris and it's really great to be here - we saw the Eiffel Tower was opening today so we thought we should come.' A man walks past signs which indicate social distancing during a visit at the Eiffel Tower in Paris on its reopening day to the public following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in France A view of the River Seine and the Musee du quai Branly Jacques Chirac (R) seen from the Eiffel Tower during its partial reopening on June 25, 2020, in Paris, as France eases lockdown measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus A man looks out over the French capital as he stands on a viewing platform at the Eiffel Tower during its partial reopening on June 25, 2020, in Paris, as France eases lockdown measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus People queue up prior to visit the Eiffel Tower, in Paris, Thursday, June 25, 2020. The Eiffel Tower reopens after the coronavirus pandemic led to the iconic Paris landmark's longest closure since World War Two Ground markings were made to enforce social distancing, and SETE has promised 'daily cleaning and disinfection of public spaces at the tower.' France is one of the world's most visited countries, and its tourism industry has taken a hard hit under the lockdown to halt the COVID-19 pandemic, with hotels, restaurants, museums and theatres closed for three months. France lifted restrictions at European borders on June 15, and the tourism industry hopes that foreign visitors will start pouring in again as the summer season kicks off. A visitor looks at the view from the Eiffel Tower, in Paris, Thursday, June 25, 2020. The Eiffel Tower reopens after the coronavirus pandemic led to the iconic Paris landmark's longest closure since World War Two Visitors look at the view from the Eiffel Tower, in Paris, Thursday, June 25, 2020. The Eiffel Tower reopens after the coronavirus pandemic led to the iconic Paris landmark's longest closure since WWII A view of the Trocadero seen from the Eiffel Tower during its partial reopening on June 25, 2020, in Paris, as France eases lockdown measures taken to curb the spread of the COVID-19 caused by the novel coronavirus People walk past signs which indicate social distancing during a visit at the Eiffel Tower in Paris on its reopening day to the public following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in France At the Eiffel Tower, ticket prices for children have been halved for July and August. 'Parisians and French, now is the time to come to the Eiffel Tower, you won't have to stand in line!' Branco Ruivo said. While some of the tower's eateries have reopened, the Michelin-starred Jules Verne, which has its own elevator to a dining room perched 125 metres (410 feet) above the ground, will open on June 30. Seasoned journalist, Kweku Baako Jnr. has reprimanded the orchestrators behind the demolition of a building at the residence of the Nigerian High Commissioner in Accra. Some armed men stormed the premises of the Nigerian High Commission and demolished a building near completion. Head of security at the High Commission, Emmanuel Kabutey noted that the leader of the team that demolished the building told them they were acting under the behest of the National Security and that if any of us try, he will clear us off''. Nii Okwei Kinka Dowuona VI, the Paramount Chief of the Osu Traditional Area, has stated the Nigerian High Commission has trespassed on a parcel of land belonging to the Osu Stool. In a press release, he stated the land in question is not a state land, therefore, it is only the Stool that has the mandate to grant lease be it expired or otherwise". However, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service has arrested two persons in connection with the demolition. The Criminal Investigations Department in the course of investigation on Monday, 22nd June, 2020, arrested two persons involved in the demolition of a building on the premises of the Nigerian High Commission in Accra. Addressing the issue, Kweku Baako says the perpetrators should be prosecuted and be charged to rebuild the demolished structure. Kweku Baako released some documents revealing that the Lands Commission allocated the portion of land to the Nigerian High Commission in 2000 and 18 years later, the Commission also released the land to GLICO; hence stressing there is confusion over the land ownership, nonetheless it was not in the hands of the Osu Traditional Area to demolish the structure. To him, their action has subjected the image of the country to international ridicule. Meanwhile, President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has apologized to the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari over the incident. "It's an embarrassment to the country and to government. No wonder, the President has apologized . . . and the Minister of Foreign Affairs also went to the embassy and apologized. It's unwarranted, needless. It's subjected our international image to a certain level of ridicule . . . They must be apprehended and arraigned before court. Afterwards, they must be billed and do reconstruction at their own expense," Kweku Baako said on ''Kokrokoo'' on Peace FM. 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 RCA Communications Systems family of two-way radios. Discount Two-Way Radio and RCA Communications Systems have proven our product and sales models can go head-to-head with any major two-way radio manufacturer in the country. RCA Communications Systems and Discount Two-Way Radio, leading providers of industrial-grade two-way radio equipment, today announced a bold five-year growth strategy that will center around partnering with more than 200 authorized dealers across the country. The expansion plan is estimated to bring in an estimated $10 million in revenue. RCA Communications Systems and Discount Two-Way Radio joined forces in 2009 to distribute RCA products. Since that time, the partnership has sold more than 120 million radios to just under 100,000 clients working in the industries of construction, education, warehousing, manufacturing, oil and gas, and more. Now RCA Communications Systems and Discount Two-Way Radio want to duplicate their success by creating a coast-to-coast network of independent dealers. Currently, the network is comprised of just under 100 dealers providing dealer exclusive RCA professional grade two-way radio equipment to heavy-duty industries that require affordable, reliable, and durable communications tools. Discount Two-Way Radio and RCA Communications Systems have proven our product and sales models can go head-to-head with any major two-way radio manufacturer in the country. Now, we are expanding our footprint by introducing a line of RCA dealer-only radio models that will be sold throughout our well-supported dealer network, said Ben Burns, CEO and Founder of Discount Two-Way Radio and RCA Communications Systems. According to Burns, this is a great opportunity to help dealers in smaller markets because in many cases they have been neglected and depreciated by other major radio brands. Competitors in our industry rarely consider the customers requirements or provide them a solution that truly fits their needs. Most manufacturers push the dealers to sell whatever model they are pushing that particular month. We're going to fill this void with better support, longer warranties and lower prices, said Burns. Expanding the RCA Communications Systems two-way radio dealer footprint will be aided by the projected growth of the two-way radio market over the next five years. For example, a recent study by the market research firm Global Info Research projected that the two-way radio market will grow to a $30 billion industry by the year 2024. This growth will be fueled by businesses, governments, utilities, and public safety agencies incorporating two-way radios into their operations because the technology is less expensive, easier to use, and much more secure than cell phones. Specifically, Burns explained RCA Communications Systems will help independent dealers leverage three critical competitive advantages: Better Equipment Better Service Better Product Warranty Nobody can touch us on each one of those points. This will provide our dealer network a great leverage to penetrate markets that have been monopolized by other brands, explained Burns. For example, Texas Radios LLC recently started selling RCA two-way radios throughout San Antonio and Houston. Once we started selling RCA radios, we really started to like the brand. Theyre much less expensive than Motorola, they work great, and their warranty is better than other brands, so it was a great fit for us, said Matt Mahon, owner of Texas Radios LLC. Bob Turner is the former Director of Risk & Emergency Management for the Alvord Unified School District in Riverside, CA, and the current President of California Preparedness Resource, an organization that helps schools find the tools and resources to enhance school safety and security programs. He also recently signed on to be one of RCA Communications Systems dealers. I really like the RCA brand and the radios are perfect for what I do within the education environment. I used them when I was overseeing risk management at one of Southern Californias largest school districts and I still use them today, said Turner. ABOUT RCA COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS Based in Rancho Dominguez, CA, RCA Communications Systems provides industrial grade two-way radio equipment to industries throughout the United States. Currently distributed by Discount Two-Way Radio Inc., the RCA two-way radio line is going head-to-head with other major two-way radio brands, and emphasizes better service, warranties, and prices. The RCA Communications Systems network of dealer/distributors stretches from coast-to-coast. RCA Communications Systems is reinventing value in the two-way radio industry, providing reliable and instantaneous communications to the industries of construction, manufacturing, oil and gas production, warehousing, education, facilities management and more. RCA Communications Systems is the most trusted name in two-way radios. In the 30 years since opening in Oakland, Holy Land restaurant has only been in the news a handful of times, and each instance involved people either celebrating its menu of Israeli and Middle Eastern fare, or documenting some of owner Miri Levys community service activities. So when Levy recently started receiving negative comments online How dare you, You should teach your kids better, Shame on you she was confused. It turned out the messages were in response to a Minneapolis business also called Holy Land, a place unrelated to the Oakland business. And the Minneapolis company, which also sells Middle Eastern food, was under fire after racist posts made by the daughter of the owner surfaced on Twitter. In multiple posts, the woman made disparaging comments about Black people. During a pandemic when small businesses are struggling to turn a profit, especially family-owned restaurants like Oaklands Holy Land, a case of mistaken identity can have devastating digital consequences. Miri was worried the hostile attention meant for a place nearly 2,000 miles away could drive her out of business. I didnt understand what was happening. When I saw the messages, my heart just started racing, she said. I responded to some people, but I just didnt know what else to do. Levy first noticed something was wrong on June 4 when she posted a Facebook message in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. It came around the same time the Minneapolis business was beginning to draw notice on social media, a fact which Levy was unaware of at the time. We stand against racism. We stand against injustice. We stand against violence. We stand in solidarity with our Black colleagues and the entire Black community, the post read. Not long after Levy posted the message, a Facebook user commented: Children learn racism at home. Why did you wait until now to post such statement? Too little too late. Now you have our attention. In Minneapolis, people were calling for boycotts against the local Holy Land. Some grocery stores were pulling Holy Land items from shelves, and the companys owner issued an apology, as did his daughter, and said he would hire a consultant to train employees against racial bias. People rushed to Levys defense online, including one Facebook user who described Levy a Bay Area advocate who speaks out against racism. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. In some ways, the online confusion about the Holy Lands is understandable. Levy opened her business in Oakland in 1989 and the Minneapolis Holy Land opened in 1986. Both are family-owned, and at each place, the owners children are also employees. A similar case of mistaken identity happened at the Red Hen in Napa, before it closed last year. In 2018, the restaurant was mistaken for another of the same name in Lexington, Va., that refused to serve then-White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. But the Napa Red Hen fell into hot water of its own recently when old, racially insensitive Facebook posts purported to be made by its owner resurfaced on social media. Levy said the negative comments mistakenly aimed at her business have slowed. These days, she spends most of her time preparing hundreds of meals each week to be given to East Bay homeless, as well as frontline workers during the pandemic. The case of mistaken identity was just another hurdle for her business in 2020, she said, but it also provided her a chance to remind people of her connections to Oakland. Were a part of Oakland. We always have been, she said. Even with this happening, its still amazing to see the good side of people who support us. Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @JustMrPhillips To overthrow a free society from within, its citizenry must be brainwashed to reject its traditional principles, values, and institutions. Acting in support of the century-long progressive dream of turning America into a socialist-communist nation, Marxists in our midst are systematically destroying treasured symbols of America's heritage. A tiny slice of what's been happening: Vandals tear down statues of Union general Ulysses S. Grant, national anthem lyricist Francis Scott Key. Watch: Statue of George Washington draped in burning American flag toppled by cheering protesters. Baltimore statue of Washington defaced with red paint, graffiti saying Destroy Racists. Museum of Natural History announces removal of statue of former U.S. president, Theodore Roosevelt. BLM rioters attempt to topple statue of former U.S. president, Andrew Jackson, located near White House. I pledge allegiance to our Global Society: Elementary school principal tried to replace Pledge of Allegiance. BLM activists place KKK hood over head of 100-year-old statue of George Washington, demand its removal. Photo: Oregon rioters deface head of toppled Washington statue with red paint. Not welcoming to some: Leftist clergy at Virginia church where Washington prayed remove memorial plaque in his honor. Bostons Democrat mayor considers removal of racist statue of Lincoln standing beside emancipated slave. Thousands cheer as protesters topple statue of Thomas Jefferson at Portland high school named after him. Leftist students, faculty deeply offended by statue of Jefferson displayed in Rotunda at UVA, the university he founded. Students at Hofstra University demand removal of Jefferson statue. San Francisco school board votes to conceal mural depicting life of George Washington at high school bearing his name. Triggering, harmful, harassing: SMUs leftist administration moves 9/11 memorial flag display to remote area of campus. Leftist vandals deface Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of the American Revolution. The incidents above are but the tip of the iceberg a multitude of other attempts to wipe out symbols of America's heritage are proceeding unabated. Our country's most prominent Democrats have given a wink and a nod at what's being done to discredit America by smearing it as an incurably racist nation. Besides hating their country and everything it stands for, the masterminds behind these efforts have two other things in common: they all are revolutionary Marxists, and they all vote Democrat. I do not say that as a partisan swipe. I say it because it is true. Next up: Overwhelming America's predominant religion "Cultural Marxism" is the gradual process of grinding down Western democracies by subverting the pillars of their culture, the structures and institutions of family, religion, education, politics, law, the arts, and the media as they provide the social cohesion necessary to a functioning society. Challenge the legitimacy of these institutions, and a capitalist society can be overthrown from within in a way that goes largely unnoticed until it's too late. Twentieth-century Italian communist Antonio Gramsci is widely considered the father of Cultural Marxism. Known as Obama's ideological mentor, Gramsci summarized his stratagem for dismantling Christianity in western nations in this quote: Socialism is precisely the religion that must overwhelm Christianity. Socialism will triumph by first capturing the culture via infiltration of schools, universities, churches and the media by transforming the consciousness of society. Gramsci referred to his stratagem as "the long march through the institutions" i.e., infiltrating a society's cultural institutions and gradually supplanting the traditional values and principles of those institutions with communist doctrine. Operating via stealth and deception, Gramsci's under-the-radar disciples in this country have diligently labored to grind down every cultural institution in America, including its predominant religion. The left's attack on Christianity recently took an ominous leap forward in a tweet by militant Black Lives Matter activist Shaun King, who called for taking down symbols of "white Jesus and his European mother": In a related tweet, King referred to Christian churches as "a form of white supremacy" and urged his BLM followers to "tear them down." Shaun King is no bit player in Black Lives Matter his Twitter account has a million followers. What this communist revolutionary really means is that Christian churches must be taken down by force, as is happening to statues of Washington and Jefferson. That would never happen, you say? People who think that also never thought they would live to see statues of the Founders toppled by mobs of American Marxists who loathe their country. Another attack on Christian heritage occurred on June 20, when Marxist revolutionaries toppled an 18th century statue of a Franciscan priest who founded Catholic missions in California, to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with native people. Their end game: Turning America into a communist nation Five days before he was first elected, Barack Obama vowed to "fundamentally transform the United States of America." See the 10-sec. video of that chilling vow here. America always needs improving. No one disagrees with that. But is it such a sorry place that it must be fundamentally transformed? According to Obama, yes. To fundamentally transform a nation means to bring about profound changes to its principles, values and institutions. In the case of America, that means upending its two-party constitutional system in favor of single-party socialist rule, the unmistakable goal of the modern Democratic Party and its most revered leader, Barack Hussein Obama. My article "Barack Obama: A Traitor for the Ages" cites overwhelming and indisputable evidence that Obama has been influenced his entire life by a long trail of hardened communist revolutionaries with deep contempt for this country and its capitalist system. In the best-selling book, "The Naked Communist," former FBI Special Agent W. Cleon Skousen listed 45 communist goals for overthrowing America from within. Goal 15 calls for communist warriors to infiltrate and take control of at least one of America's major political parties. With the patriotic party of JFK having quietly morphed itself into the party of Marx, Gramsci and Obama, Goal 15 has clearly been accomplished. The 2020 elections will determine whether America falls from within to the party that betrayed its oath to protect and defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. To increase that party's chances in November, the ongoing race riots and on-going destruction of statues and other symbols of America's heritage are being actively incited by the Marxists in our midst. In a little over four months, the kind of country in which your children and grandchildren live out the rest of their existence will be determined. The choice on November 3 is stark: Liberty vs. Tyranny. Image credit: WCCO4 Minneapolis, screen shot via shareable YouTube. While counties in populous metropolitan Atlanta had the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the initial weeks following Georgia's first reported case, it was rural Southwest Georgia counties, with a higher number of black residents and lower number of ICU beds, experiencing the highest rates of infection and death per capita, investigators report. Among those counties with more than 10 cases, Terrell and Dougherty counties, both included in the Albany, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area, along with the Southwest Georgia counties of Randolph and Early, had the highest mortality rates in those first seven weeks ending April 24. By the end of their assessment period, Georgia counties with 50% or greater black residents had a 79% higher incidence rate than those with less than a 50% black population, and twice the mortality rate. These more rural Georgia counties also had a lower number of intensive care beds and primary care physicians per 100,000 population, Dr. Justin Xavier Moore and his colleagues report in the Journal of the American College of Emergency Physicians. They also had more individuals age 60 and older earning under $20,000 compared to counties experiencing lower mortality rates. It's likely that higher death rates in counties with less ICU beds are tied to treatment delays resulting from the need to transport patients elsewhere, investigators say. These counties identified as hotspots for COVID-19 are known as well for higher death rates from diseases like stroke and sepsis, corresponding author Moore and his colleagues say. "Hospital critical care capacity represents the most important medical care factor for preventing deaths from COVID-19," they write. "Understanding the geographic areas that have the highest disease burden and morbidity will allow policy makers, public health professionals and critical care providers to appropriately allocate resources and adequately prepare for the disease pandemic for specific populations." Race and rurality often are connected in disease, as they are in COVID-19, says Moore, epidemiologist in the Department of Population Health Sciences at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. "It's like these are different ingredients of a horrible recipe." That recipe also consistently includes poor social determinants of health, such as the conditions where you live, learn and work, mixed with a low proportion of health care services in many of these areas, which tends to have a multiplier effect that can overwhelm health services that are available and enable disease, Moore notes. An established history of distrust of health care systems by blacks, resulting from realities like the 40-year Public Health Service/Tuskegee Institute study in which black men with and without syphilis were followed for decades with some care but no actual treatment for syphilis, make some hesitant to seek care, Moore adds. Conflicting information that emerged and continues to emerge about COVID-19 likely also fuels that flame. MCG investigators and their colleagues at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, California, encouraged state and local governments to strongly support the southwestern portion of the state with more ICU beds, ventilators and emergency medical staff. "We can't just take our foot off the gas pedal," says Moore. "As a nation, we need to really rethink how we approach public health," he says to dramatically reduce lost lives and to prevent already struggling economies from being decimated by disease. Systemic racism plays a huge role and work must be done to repair relationships, he says. "I honestly believe a lot of people are afraid to seek certain care because of discrimination," so people may present with more advanced cases of all kinds of diseases, including COVID-19. Now is a good time to make permanent change, rather than a trend that passes like a hashtag, he says. Initially one out of every two people who got seriously ill with COVID-19 died in Georgia's rural, largely black communities, he notes, while today death rates are closer to 10% and to those from other serious medical problems like sepsis in the rest of the country, he says. "Lung cancer, sepsis, colorectal cancer, diabetes ... they all have a different pathophysiology in the sense of how they break down your body, but the problem is we have a persistent and long history of systemic racism disadvantages that have made it to where the social determinants of health are so heavily skewed in a negative way for blacks, Hispanics, the darker you are basically," Moore says. "It's not surprising; it's saddening and frustrating. The thing is, we just need better health care for people, period. I don't know how else to put it." Through April 24, there were 22,147 confirmed cases and 892 confirmed fatalities from COVID-19 in Georgia. As of June 22, the Georgia Department of Public Health was reporting 64,701 cases and 2,643 deaths in the state; Moore is currently doing a data review to see if the clear disparities he saw early in the disease spread continue to hold. Looking at deaths per 100K population more recently, the Southwest Georgia counties of Turner, Terrell, Randolph and Early were leading the state in mortality rates, according to the Department of Public Health. In May, largely black and rural Hancock County in Central Georgia also emerged as a hotspot with high death rates. Fulton County in metropolitan Atlanta --which has the largest population in Georgia and is about 45% black according the latest U.S. Census Bureau facts -- had the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, in fact the first two cases reported in Georgia were in Fulton County, the Georgia Department of Public Health reported March 2. The two individuals lived in the same household and one had recently returned from Italy. Georgia counties with a larger percentage of male residents also had significantly higher (19%) mortality rates from COVID-19 than those with higher percentages of females, investigators at MCG and their colleagues say. Other studies have suggested that males are more likely to have serious disease and to die. The current study looked at the impact of COVID-19 in all 159 Georgia counties from March 3 through April 24 and got the county specific information on confirmed cases and deaths from the Johns Hopkins 2019 Novel Coronavirus Data Repository. Investigators then linked COVID-19 data with county-level data on related issues like socio-demographics, access to health care and hospital critical care infrastructures from sources like Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services hospital reports, Moore says. ### Read the full study here. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 10:35:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HOUSTON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Governor of the U.S. state of Texas Greg Abbott said the state is facing a "massive outbreak" of COVID-19 as Wednesday marked the second straight day with a report of more than 5,000 new cases. According to the Texas Health and Human Services, as of Wednesday there were 125,921 confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in the state, over 5,500 more than Tuesday. The fatalities also increased 29 from Tuesday to reach 2,249. In Houston, the largest city of Texas, nearly 1,000 new cases were added on Wednesday. "The numbers are moving in the wrong direction, but we are asking people to do what we did early on and take this thing very seriously," Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a press briefing Wednesday afternoon. Turner also promised to give instructions to police and fire departments to monitor businesses, clubs and bars. He called for a crackdown on mask and occupancy violations, going as far as proposing a "board of shame" to identify non-compliant businesses, local media reported. In Dallas County, another populated area in Texas, officials said there was a "significant increase" in hospitalizations, local newspapers reported. "Today's number of hospitalizations and new COVID-19 cases continue a disturbing trend of a surge of a second-wave increase of COVID-19," County Judge Clay Jenkins said in a written statement on Tuesday. Jenkins believed there were mixed messages in guidelines in different areas of the state, asking Governor Abbott to implement effective rules in some counties to the entire state. "Because of all of the mixed messaging and confusion over the last six weeks, it would be best if there was a statewide plan on issues such as masking, workplace separation, workplace safety and limiting the number of people in facilities and at gatherings," local media Dallas Morning News quoted Jenkins as saying. Jenkins also asked people to continue to follow health guidelines and stop going places where masks are not worn. During television interviews by local TV stations on Wednesday, Abbott said "there is a massive outbreak of COVID-19 across the state of Texas." "There are some regions in the state of Texas that are running tight on hospital capacity that may necessitate a localized strategy to make sure that hospital beds will be available," he said. Abbott said state officials are closely watching hospital space. "We are looking at greater restrictions and some could be localized," he said, providing no details. The governor had initially ordered hospitals to suspend non-essential surgeries to help ensure that they weren't overwhelmed months ago when the pandemic was first spreading in the state. That ban was later lifted. During a separate interview with KDFM-TV, Abbott also said that hospital executives had assured him that they would be able to handle the rising numbers of patients. "If there are more people coming in with COVID-19, they will ensure that beds are available," he added. However, local media reported hospital beds are being occupied fast as the number of COVID-19 patients continued to grow in the past days. Houston TV station KHOU 11 reported Tuesday that 97 percent of ICU beds were occupied at the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical district in the country and the world. Twenty-seven of the ICU patients have COVID-19. The normal base occupancy rate at the center in 70 to 80 percent, said the report. Enditem The administrator of the Small Business Administration, Jovita Carranza, looks on during the daily briefing on the coronavirus outbreak. Mandel Ngan | AFP | Getty Images The speedy rollout of the Paycheck Protection Program put cash into the hands of business owners and it may have also paved the way for fraud. Those were the findings from a new report by the Government Accountability Office. The congressional watchdog released a 400-page report outlining its observations of the CARES Act and how the $2 trillion bill distributed emergency funding to Americans. The Small Business Administration had processed $512 billion in 4.6 million guaranteed PPP loans as of June 12. The proceeds were designed to cover up to eight weeks of payroll expenses, utilities, mortgage interest and rent. Borrowers, who now have 24 weeks to use the funding, are eligible for forgiveness if they use at least 60% of the proceeds on payroll costs. They may get partial forgiveness if they fall short of that amount. "SBA's PPP is the largest of these programs and one of the first to be implemented," the GAO said in its report on Thursday. "However, the limited safeguards and lack of timely and complete guidance and oversight planning have increased the likelihood that borrowers may misuse or improperly receive loan proceeds," the watchdog wrote. The GAO recommended that the SBA develop and implement plans to identify and respond to risks in the program to ensure its integrity, achieve effectiveness and address potential fraud. "SBA neither agreed nor disagreed, but GAO believes implementation of its recommendation is essential," the watchdog said. The agency responded to the report late on Thursday. "Unfortunately, the report minimizes the historic work that SBA has undertaken to implement the CARES Act and mischaracterizes SBA's engagement with GAO," wrote Carol Wilkerson, a spokeswoman for the SBA, in an email. "The PPP has been a historic success of an unprecedented scale." "While providing emergency economic relief to millions of small businesses nationwide, SBA made senior officials available for interviews with GAO and produced hundreds of pages of documents to GAO," Wilkerson wrote. Limited lender review A man walks his dog past a placard stating "ALL SMALL BUSINESS IS ESSENTIAL" outside Atilis Gym on May 20, 2020 in Bellmawr, New Jersey. Mark Makela | Getty Images Since borrowers needed money fast the first $349 billion PPP allotment ran out in less than two weeks the SBA streamlined the program and allowed lenders to rely on borrower certifications when they applied in order to determine the qualifying loan amount. "To streamline the process, SBA required minimal loan underwriting from lenders limited to actions such as confirming receipt of borrower certifications and supporting payroll documentation leaving the program more susceptible to fraudulent applications," the GAO said. It didn't help that the program was still developing even while underway. More from Smart Tax Planning: Work-from-home costs may get tax break in these states Here's where to get your tax return done for free IRS eases rules on retirement savings withdrawals The SBA had delivered 18 interim final rules and 17 updates to its "frequently asked questions," as of June 15, the GAO found. Those releases addressed key issues, including eligibility, figuring out payroll costs and loan forgiveness. In the trenches, CPAs and their business owner clients grappled with ensuring that they were using the funding correctly to maximize forgiveness. Confusion and uncertainty abounded. A need for oversight now toondelamour By PTI DEHRADUN: Under flak over the launch of a drug it claims be a cure for COVID-19, yoga guru Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved on Thursday insisted that it broke no law. "There is no room for confusion," the herbal products company said in a tweet. "The licence for the drug was obtained on the basis of the traditional knowledge and experience related to the medicinal virtues of Ashwagandha, Giloy and Tulsi," Patanjali spokesperson S K Tijarawala said. "The positive results of the clinical trials conducted legally on corona patients were shared," he added. In another tweet, the company said no illegal claim has been made on the label of the medicine. "Manufacture and sale of a medicine is carried out as per the rules laid down by the government and not in accordance with someone's personal belief or ideology," it said. "Patanjali has complied with all legalities," it said asking people to refrain from unnecessary commentary on the issue. The Haridwar-based company on Tuesday launched 'Coronil', claiming it can cure COVID-19. The company said the drug, when taken with another Patanjali product, had cured all coronavirus positive patients who took part in a trial within seven days. ALSO READ | Complaint filed in Bihar court against Baba Ramdev over Patanjali's COVID-19 medicine claim The trial, it said, was conducted in association with the National Institute of Medical Sciences, a Jaipur-based private institute. Hours after the launch of drug, the AYUSH ministry had asked Patanjali Ayurved to provide details on the research leading up to it and its composition, telling the company to stop advertising it till the issue is examined. On Wednesday, an Uttarakhand official said Patanjali Ayurved had only applied for a licence to manufacture an immunity booster against cough and fever. "There was nothing in their application related to the treatment of coronavirus," the state Ayurved department's licence officer Y S Rawat had said. The company was being sent a notice, asking for an explanation, the department said. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Thursday warned the yoga guru that the state government won't allow sale of "spurious" medicines. Police in Hong Kong on Thursday arrested 14 people after a protest in a shopping mall in the city, where China is getting ready to impose a draconian new subversion law. Riot police raided the YOHO mall in Yuen Long after a crowd gathered there chanting slogans of the protest movement that has shaken the city since June 2019. Chanting "Free Hong Kong, revolution now!" and "Disband the police," the protesters gathered at the mall as the city marks one year since protests erupted against plans by chief executive Carrie Lam to allow extradition to mainland China. Police said they arrested nine males and five females aged from 14 to 55 at the mall. The arrests came amid continuing concerns over provisions in the new law that will allow Lam to appoint judges to preside in trials under the national security law, which will see China's feared state security police given free rein to operate in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Bar Association (HKBA) said edited details of the draft law released by state news agency Xinhua at the weekend were "worrying." "Any such arrangement, if implemented, would be unprecedented and would undermine judicial independence in [Hong Kong]," the HKBA said in a statement this week. Currently, judges are appointed on the basis of their professional qualifications and experience by an independent commission of local judges, legal professionals, and public figures from other sectors, while executive involvement is kept to a minimum, it said. Neither Lam nor any other executive officer has the power to decide which judge should be appointed to hear a specific case, and the new law will change that by giving her additional powers in cases brought under the forthcoming national security law, the HKBA said. "Under the proposed national security law ... what is proposed ... confers a power upon the chief executive... which is currently exercised by the judiciary," it said, adding that the executive will already be prosecuting such cases, and shouldn't also be involved in picking judges to try them. Vote likely this week China looks set to forge ahead with draconian new legislation targeting acts of "secession, sedition and subversion" in Hong Kong, with a vote likely in its National People's Congress (NPC) standing committee this week, a top adviser to Beijing has said. State news agency Xinhua confirmed in a long article on the law on Saturday that it would target acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign or external forces that endanger national security. The law requires the setting up of a national security office under the direct control of the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Beijing to oversee the implementation of the law, the report said. A national security committee of cabinet officials, chaired by chief executive Carrie Lam, will also ensure the law is implemented in the city, it said. According to Xinhua, the city's police force has already set up a separate national security department to bring cases under the law, and the justice bureau will follow suit. It added that some "special cases" would be handled directly from Beijing, but gave no indication of what might constitute a "special case." A former deputy director of the pro-Beijing Basic Law Committee of advisers, Elsie Leung, said Beijing had deliberately not published the full text of the national security law for fear of sparking social unrest. She said Beijing had carried out "enough" consultation with people in Hong Kong to go ahead with the plan, which requires the city's executive, legislative, and judicial arms to prevent, suppress, and punish acts that "endanger national security," while election hopefuls will need to pledge to uphold the law before being registered as candidates, Xinhua said. Beijing will appoint a national security adviser for Hong Kong, which the city will take "necessary measures to strengthen the supervision and control of schools, social organizations, etc., in matters relating to national security," it said. But the agency was silent on whether the new law would be applied retroactively to actions that took place before it became law. New law widely condemned 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 standing committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), bypassing Hong Kong's Legislative Council (LegCo). The move has been criticized by foreign governments, legal experts and rights activists 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. Jimmy Pang, president of Sub-Culture Limited, which publishes books considered politically sensitive to Beijing, said his company still plans to bring sensitive titles to this years fair, including existing books about last years anti-government protests, the Tiananmen Square crackdown, and critiques of China and its leaders. He said some bookstores are worried that some publications will be regarded as "inciting" readers to subversion and secession as they deal with themes of protest, the pro-democracy movement, and independence. Democratic Party lawmaker Ted Hui said Beijing is hoping that a protest backlash will come after the law is implemented, so that its opponents can be prosecuted under its provisions. "They know there's going to be a backlash," Hui said. "So they would rather ... it came when the law is already in effect, so that if you go out to protest you can be imprisoned under the much harsher terms of this law." In its annual Country Reports on Terrorism 2019, issued on Wednesday, the U.S. State Department said that last year authorities in Hong Kong falsely characterized the acts of pro-democracy and human rights protesters as terrorism. The PRC spokesman in Hong Kong also falsely described the actions of protesters as showing signs of terrorism, the report added. Reported by Wong Lok-to for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Congress has been increasingly assertive in trying to pressure China as tensions grow between the worlds top economies. The Senate Thursday approved a bipartisan measure that would penalize banks doing business with Chinese officials involved in the national security law the country is seeking to impose on Hong Kong. The measure sponsored by Democrat Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and Republican Pat Toomey of Pennsylvania was approved by voice vote. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House with bipartisan support; it would need to pass that chamber before it reaches President Donald Trumps desk. The mandatory sanctions established in this bill will punish those in China who seek to undermine Hong Kongs autonomy or erode the basic freedoms promised to Hongkongers, Toomey said in a statement. Congress has been increasingly assertive in trying to pressure China as tensions escalate between the worlds two largest economies. Earlier this month, Trump signed legislation aimed at punishing Chinese officials for oppression of Uighurs and members of other Muslim minority groups. Van Hollen and Toomey combined their legislation with a symbolic resolution sponsored by Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri that condemns the Chinese government for breaking its obligations under the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration and the Hong Kong Basic Law. They are planning to also file it as an amendment to the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, which is a must-pass piece of legislation for Congress every year and gives the legislation a stronger chance of making it into law. In making the case for his bill, Van Hollen took a swipe at Hawleys resolution and said the sanctions legislation would have actual consequences for the Chinese Communist Party. From the perspective of the government of China, passing a resolution as the consequence to their action is hardly going to be taken seriously in Beijing, Van Hollen said. The bill would require the State Department to report to Congress every year about officials who seek to undermine the one country, two systems model that applies to Hong Kong. It gives the president the power to seize the assets of and block entry to the U.S. for those individuals. In that respect, it is similar to the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act passed by Congress last year and signed into law by Trump. But it goes a step further, applying those same sanctions to financial institutions that work with Chinese officials found to be interfering in Hong Kong affairs. The Trump administration sought changes to the original language before the bill could advance in the Senate, Van Hollen said. The amended legislation would apply sanctions against financial institutions only if a bank knowingly does business with an official who has already been sanctioned. The changes are intended to keep the penalties from capturing a broad swath of U.S. companies, according to an administration official familiar with the discussions. It gives banks a chance to know what entities are on the sanctions list before penalties are imposed, the person said. The bill includes a provision that allows Congress to overrule the president should the administration decide to unilaterally lift sanctions on someone. Toomey thanked Treasury Department officials with whom we worked extensively to get to the point where they are in agreement with this legislation. Some senators at a recent hearing asked whether unilateral U.S. sanctions would have any effect on the situation in the city, and suggested such an approach might actually backfire. By Trend UN is close to Azerbaijan in the fight against the pandemic, UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Ghulam Isaczai said. Isaczai made the remark in Baku at a briefing of the Operational Headquarters under the Cabinet of Ministers, Trend reports on June 25. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz On Tuesday, the Secret Service field office in Tulsa arranged for a special testing session at a hospital to determine if local agents had contracted the virus while assisting with the rally, according to two other people with knowledge of the testing. As part of the arrangement, doctors administered the test to both agents and some local officials in parked cars outside the hospital. Plaintiff: Senator Ivana Bacik is one of 10 Seanad members taking their case to court. Picture: Collins A three judge High Court is hearing a significant constitutional action over whether there is, as of now, a validly constituted Seanad entitled to sit and pass laws. The Seanad currently comprises 49 elected members of whom 10 have brought the action disputing arguments by the Taoiseach and State that the Seanad cannot meet and pass laws until a Taoiseach nominates 11 further senators to bring it to its full membership of 60. The case has potential far-reaching implications because, if the court agrees with the State, and a new government is not formed this weekend with a Taoiseach nominating 11 senators, very significant laws will lapse at midnight next. These include provisions of the Offences Against the State Act and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act relating to prosecution of serious criminal and terrorist offences and for trials before the non-jury Special Criminal Court. Opening the case yesterday, John Rogers SC, for the 10 senators, argued there is now a "legislative stalemate" in the State arising from the current political "impasse" and the respondents' "improper interpretation" of the relevant constitutional provisions. Opposing the case, Attorney General Seamus Woulfe, noting media reports suggested "no reasonable certainty" of a Taoiseach in the next few days who can nominate the 11, said it would be "risky" and potentially unlawful for the Taoiseach to advise the President when a first meeting of the Seanad can lawfully and constitutionally take place. The 10 plaintiffs are elected Senators Ivana Bacik, Michael McDowell, Ronan Mullen, Victor Boyhan, Gerard Craughwell, Annie Hoey, Sharon Keogan, Rebecca Moynihan, Marie Sherlock and Mark Wall. Their case, being heard by High Court President Ms Justice Mary Irvine, Mr Justice Denis McDonald and Ms Justice Niamh Hyland, centres on interpretation of Article 18 of the Constitution. Article 18.8 provides that the Seanad "shall be composed of 60 members, of whom 11 shall be nominated members and 49 shall be elected members". Mr Rogers said, as a result of a "volte face", the respondents have moved from saying the outgoing Taoiseach has no power to advise the President to fix a date for the first sitting to saying the outgoing Taoiseach has "discretion" to do so but has not because of the view the Seanad cannot lawfully meet until a Taoiseach nominates the remaining 11 senators. Article 18 "plainly" mandates the first meeting of the Seanad "shall" take place after the Seanad election, completed 74 days ago on April 4, he said. It made "no sense" for the defendants to say the Taoiseach can advise the President to fix a date for the Seanad to meet and at the same time say the Seanad cannot legislate. While Article 18.8 provides the Seanad "shall" be composed of 60 members, it does not say the Seanad must be fully composed before it can meet, he said. The Constitution provides for a situation where a Taoiseach has not, in certain circumstances, nominated 11 senators. The consequences of the view the Seanad must have 60 members to lawfully meet are far-reaching, including there would be "no functioning Oireachtas". Opening arguments for the defendants, the Attorney General said Article 18.8 unambiguously means a properly composed Seanad requires 11 nominated senators which can only be done by a new Taoiseach. The case is expected to conclude today with judgment reserved, possibly to tomorrow. In this May 1, 2019, file photo, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is taken from court in London. (AP) Washington: The US Department of Justice strengthened its case against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Wednesday in an indictment laying out new evidence that he recruited hackers and conspired to commit computer intrusions. Assange already faces 18 criminal charges in the US and the latest indictment does not add to that number but instead augments existing charges. The department's updated indictment alleges that Assange conspired with individuals from the LulzSec and Anonymous hacker groups, among other accusations. It also alleges that he gained "unauthorized access to a government computer system of a NATO country," according to a statement. Assange faces charges under the US Espionage Act for the 2010 release of a trove of secret files detailing aspects of US military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. Washington claims the 48-year-old Australian helped intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to steal the documents before recklessly exposing confidential sources around the world. Wikileaks posted on Twitter Wednesday that the "new Superseding Indictment against Julian Assange is a further pathetic attempt by the DOJ to dupe the public." Assange is currently in the high security Belmarsh prison in south London as he fights an extradition request by the United States. He took refuge in the Ecuadoran embassy in London in 2012 after skipping bail to avoid separate legal proceedings in Sweden, but was dragged out of the building by British police last year. The Houston Association of Realtors has stopped using the word "master" to describe bedrooms or bathrooms, a change prompted by a group of real estate agents that requested a review of the term. The association agreed to update the phrase to "primary bedroom" and "primary bath." It implemented the changes in its Multiple Listing Service and on har.com June 15. "This topic is currently being debated across the real estate industry, and the national standards organization for MLSs will be considering a similar change that could make 'primary' the new standard nationally," according to a statement from HAR. LOOPED IN: How the pandemic may change the way we build homes Tiffany Curry, a Houston real estate broker who recently became the first African-American owner of a Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices franchise, said she personally supports the change, though she was not part of the group that requested it. "'Master' represents a stigma and place in time that we need to move forward from. As a progressive, diverse city, Houston should be reflective of its citizenship," said Curry, a past National Association of Realtors board member. Some builders have already dropped the term. David Weekley Homes, for example, calls a home's primary bedroom an "owner's retreat." OPEN HOUSES: Once fancy affairs, open houses are stripped down, but surviving The National Association of Realtors said it is focused on addressing discrimination that still occurs in housing transactions. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, however, has advised NAR that the term "master bedroom" is not discriminatory and does not violate fair housing laws. "NAR sees no reason that real estate professionals cannot use the term, as there is also no evidence that it has any historical connection to slavery or any other kind of discrimination," according to a statement from NAR President Vince Malta. While HAR will no longer use the nomenclature, it will not block agents from doing so through discussions or marketing purposes. This article has been updated to provide additional information. Actor Priyanka Chopra Jonas is among the 50 celebrated filmmakers and actors who are invited as the ambassadors of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) this year-round. Besides Priyanka, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap has also been selected as an ambassador for TIFF which will be opting for digital screenings and virtual red carpets in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The festival is scheduled to kick off from September 10 to September 19, 2020. Also read: Priyanka Chopra Jonas or Lucy Hale: Who wore the Fendi striped dress better? TIFF 2020 The 45th edition of TIFF plans on screening 50 films during its 5-day festival run in physical theatres by adhering to the norms of social distancing. As per reports, physical screenings will require approval from health authorities as it depends on the area's reopening strategy to ensure the safety of people and maintain public health guidelines. Festival-goers can also opt to watch the film in drive-in screenings. Also read: Old Priyanka Chopra video saying 'Nepotism-Bollywood go hand-in-hand' surfaces amid debate For the first time since TIFF was launched, a digital platform for the festival is being built in order to connect with the audience beyond Toronto by hosting digital screenings. Besides digital screenings, various talks and special events will also be held at TIFF 2020. The co-head of TIFF, Cameron Bailey, explained through a public statement that the pandemic has hit TIFF hard, but they have chosen to respond to the crisis by going back to their original inspiration which is to bring the very best films to the 'broadest possible audience'. Also read: Sushant Singh Rajput's death: Priyanka Chopra 'stunned', recalls astrophysics discussions As per reports, screenings for press and various industry members will be shifting online. The festival's annual Tribute Awards event will also be going virtual this year-round. Films like Ammonite (UK), Another Round (Denmark), Fauna (Mexico/Canada) are scheduled to screen at the festival. Various renowned international cultural and film events including Cannes and Tribeca film festivals had to be cancelled this year in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Anurag Kashyap will be the ambassadors of TIFF 2020 alongside noted personalities like Ava DuVernay, Taika Waititi, Nicole Kidman, Martin Scorsese, Nadine Labaki, Alfonso Cuaron, Riz Ahmed, Tantoo Cardinal, Rian Johnson, Jason Reitman, Isabelle Huppert, Claire Denis, Atom Egoyan, Viggo Mortensen, Zhang Ziyi, David Oyelowo, Lulu Wang, Rosamund Pike, Sarah Gadon, and Denis Villeneuve, among various others. Also read: Unseen Pic of the day: When Priyanka Chopra was crowned as Miss World 2000; See photos Get the latest entertainment news from India & around the world. Now follow your favourite television celebs and telly updates. Republic World is your one-stop destination for trending Bollywood news. Tune in today to stay updated with all the latest news and headlines from the world of entertainment. SAGINAW, MI The Saginaw Police Department and several of its officers face federal lawsuits seeking more than $75,000, alleging officers neglect caused the drunken-driving deaths of a woman and her infant daughter. On Wednesday, June 24, attorneys filed federal lawsuits on behalf of the estates of Lindsey Drake and her daughter, Amiliana Sanchez. Drakes estate is represented by attorneys Mike and Aaron Nichols of East Lansing-based Nicholas Law Firm, while Amilianas estate is represented by John W. Fraser and Cheyenne Benyi of Okemos-based Grewal Law. The lawsuits name the Saginaw Police Department, the City of Saginaw, and police officers Julian Guevara, Tyler Williamson, Deshawn Harris, Isaac Babinski, and Matt Carpus as defendants. The suit with Drakes estate as plaintiff is requesting an amount exceeding $75,000, while the suit with Amilianas estate is seeking compensatory damages in an amount to be determined as fair and just under the circumstances by the trier of fact. Saginaw Police Chief Robert M. Ruth declined to comment on the lawsuits. Saginaw City Manager Tim Morales said the city does not comment on pending litigation. The suits allege that on June 24, 2016, Drake attended a party on Troop Street, accompanied by 34-year-old boyfriend Rodolfo M. Sanchez, their 4-month-old daughter Amiliana, and Sanchezs 18-year-old sister Nikki Cortez. At the party, Sanchez consumed alcohol and crack cocaine, the suits state. Sanchez argued with others at the party and learned the police had been called, prompting him to leave with Drake, his daughter, his sister, and another man, the suits state. Sanchez got behind the wheel of Drakes Chevrolet Malibu and began driving. The party-goer who had called 911 told police Sanchez was high and intoxicated just prior to leaving and that he was having a hard time walking and was staggering around, the suits state. After leaving the party, Sanchez drove recklessly, at speeds in excess of 95 miles per hour, through yield and stop signs, eventually pulling the car over after it began to smoke following an impact with a curb, the suits state. Around 4:07 a.m., the officers listed in the lawsuits encountered a shirtless Sanchez in Drakes stopped car at a gas station. They briefly detained him, had him exit the Malibu, and spoke with him, Drake, and Cortez. Rodolfo M. Sanchez in prison They then allowed all of the individuals to return to Drakes car with Sanchez still allowed to drive, even though he displayed obvious signs of intoxication including the odor of alcohol emitting from his person, the suits state. At the time, Sanchez did not have a valid drivers license and had been arrested the month prior on a drunken-driving charge, the suits allege. The Malibus registration was also expired, the suits allege. At about 4:22 a.m., Sanchez crashed the car into a large tree on northbound Michigan Avenue. Amiliana, who was in a car seat in the back of the car, and her mother, who was in the front passenger seat, died at the scene, while Cortez suffered severe injuries. Sanchez was also injured, but fled the scene, only to be caught by Michigan State Police troopers. A Saginaw County Sheriffs deputy interviewed Sanchez at an area hospital. During that interview, Sanchez indicated he had an encounter with Defendant Officers and was just pulled over before [he] hit the tree, the suits allege. He further stated, I told [Defendant Officers] that I was drunk and to take [me] to jail. He further stated that Defendant Officers had instructed him to Get the (expletive) out of the City at that scene. Sanchez also said he had a fifth of open liquor in the Malibu at the time. He also said he told the officers he didnt want to drive, but they told him to either to do or be arrested. Analysis of Sanchezs blood indicated his blood alcohol level was at 0.20 percent when the crash occurred. In Michigan, a person is legally intoxicated when their blood alcohol level reaches 0.08 percent. Sanchezs blood also tested positive for cocaine, THC, hydrocodone, and other substances, the suits state. Defendant Officers created a danger by releasing an intoxicated, unlicensed driver to operate a motor vehicle on the public roadway, the suits state. By permitting Lindsey, Amiliana, and Nikki to be passengers in the vehicle that Sanchez was driving, Defendant Officers created a danger that had been abated by their initial investigatory detention when the car was stopped near the gas station. Sanchez later pleaded no contest to operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing serious injury. A judge in January 2017 sentenced Sanchez to 150 months to 25 years in prison. The order from the officers deliberately endangered the lives of Amiliana and Lindsey by turning the car they were all riding in into a weapon, attorney Mike Nichols said. Ultimately, that weapon was used to cause the preventable deaths of two innocent souls and seriously injured another passenger. Mr. Sanchez was visibly and admittedly drunk, and there was no question about the officers duty to at least detain him, based on watching video from the officers body-worn cameras. The next court date for the lawsuits is pending. Related: Man sentenced to 12 years in prison for deadly drunken driving crash Man was arrested on DUI charge 1 month before crash deaths of infant daughter and her mother Man charged in crash deaths of infant daughter and her mother waives hearing Zivra & Eggplant Eggplant provides a future-proof platform that combines testing, monitoring, and the measurement of digital success. 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Responding to Conservative Party MP Flick Drummond on the implications for British interests of a dispute between a 'Commonwealth member and the world's largest democracy on the one side, and a state that challenges our notion of democracy on the other,' he described the escalation in eastern Ladakh as "a very serious and worrying situation", which the UK is "monitoring closely". "Perhaps the best thing I can say is that we are encouraging both parties to engage in dialogue on the issues on the border and sort it out between them," the prime minister said. In a statement in New Delhi on Wednesday, the ministry of external affairs said India and China have agreed that expeditious implementation of the previously agreed understanding on disengagement of troops from standoff points in eastern Ladakh would help ensure peace and tranquillity in the border areas. During the diplomatic talks between India and China, the situation in the region was discussed in detail and the Indian side conveyed its concerns over the violent face-off in Galwan Valley on June 15. Twenty Indian Army personnel were killed in the clash. The talks were held in the midst of escalating tension between the two countries following the violent clashes in Galwan Valley on June 15. The Indian and Chinese armies are engaged in the standoff in Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, Demchok and Daulat Beg Oldie in eastern Ladakh. A sizable number of Chinese Army personnel even transgressed into the Indian side of the de-facto border in several areas including Pangong Tso. Police are investigating the discovery of a noose that was found hanging from a Framingham middle school on Juneteenth, a historic holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19, also known as Freedom Day, police reported that a noose was found hanging from a structure outside a building on the Christa McAuliffe Charter Schools campus, according to a statement from school officials. No classes or other programming were running on campus due to the COVID-19 school closure, the statement said. The police are still investigating this hateful act against our McAuliffe community, and so we do not currently know who is responsible. In their statement, Christa McAuliffe Executive Director Kristin Harrison, incoming Executive Director Frank Tipton and Board of Trustees Chair Bob Berman called the racist act abhorrent and noted it stands in opposition to everything the school stands for and hopes to achieve. It is also, unfortunately, yet another example of the hate-filled acts that we have seen take place across our country in response to individuals and communities, including members of the McAuliffe community, taking a stand against racist systems and structures, the officials said. The incident comes as hundreds of protests continue to be organized throughout the world calling for an end to systemic racism and police brutality in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly 9 minutes. The noose found at the Framingham middle school is one of multiple racist acts reported in Massachusetts this month. Twenty white nationalist flyers as well as a noose were found across Yarmouth last week, the Cape Cod towns police department said in a statement Tuesday. In Eastern Massachusetts, swastikas were found spray painted on a Muslim womans car in Revere on June 11, and the words white power were discovered spray painted on the street. Groton police also reported racist and vulgar graffiti in the Middlesex County community last week. Law enforcement in the community are investigating the vandalism as a hate crime, police said. Following the incident in Framingham, counselors at the Christa McAuliffe school have been made available to students and employees. On-call faculty will continue to respond to counseling requests during the summer, Harrison, Tipton and Berman said in their statement. We are at a critical moment of vision and repair in this country, and we understand our distinctive position as an educational institution, the three school officials said in their statement. They added, Thank you for continuing to support McAuliffe as we stand up against racism and as we turn toward one another to encourage community healing. Anyone with information about the noose found at the Middlesex County middle school has been urged to call the Framingham Police Departments detective bureau at 508-532-5924. Local Corona Scams Contd People in Kansas, Missouri lost nearly $1.3 M to COVID-related scams KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Data from the Federal Trade Commission shows Americans have lost nearly $70 million to coronavirus scams since January. According to the FTC, consumers in Missouri lost $561,000, while those in Kansas reported losses of $711,000. That number only reflects the cases that were actually reported, meaning losses could be even greater. Police Push Back Against Protest Crackdown Demands Why is KC police union fighting outside investigations of officer-involved shootings? Kansas City's Fraternal Order of Police has filed a formal grievance protesting the involvement of the Missouri Highway Patrol in investigating officer-involved shootings. The grievance - filed Monday - illustrates the coming battle over the independent review of police department actions. That oversight will be critical if Kansas Citians are to have full faith in their police department. Postscript Published On Tragic Murder This Week Police identify 2 killed in apparent murder-suicide in the Northland by: FOX 4 Newsroom Posted: / Updated: KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Police have identified two people who died on Monday in what an officer said appeared to be a murder-suicide. Damone Williams, 45, and Jamie Williams, 48, were found dead in their home on the 9400 block of NE 91st Street. Police Want Conversation With Suspected Creeper Wanted: Noah Winkler KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Noah Winkler is wanted on a Jackson County warrant for sex offender registration violation. His original sex offense occurred during 2005 in Marshall, Missouri and involved the child molestation of a 15-year-old girl. His last known address was near 39th Street and The Paseo in Kansas City, Missouri. Help Find Golden Ghetto Pupper Overland Park police ask for help finding stolen SUV with dog inside Police in Overland Park are asking for help in finding a stolen SUV with the owner's dog inside.Police said the gold 1999 Nissan Pathfinder with Kansas license plate 105-JRV was taken about 5 p.m. Teacher Suspected Creeper On In The Styx Former Harrisonville teacher charged with sexual contact with a high school student JACKSON COUNTY, MO (KCTV) -- A former Harrisonville High School teacher has been charged with several felony counts for sexual activity with a high school student. Joseph F. Dahman faces five counts of sexual contact with a student. Prosecutors requested a $50,000 bond. KCPD Union Shares Counterpoint Police union argues detective charged in Cameron Lamb killing was justified KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Some in the community are thankful that a Kansas City police detective has been indicted in the deadly shooting of Cameron Lamb. Others, though, believe strongly that Det. Eric DeValkenaere did not commit a crime and his actions were justified. The president of the local police union certainly feels this way. Another Nasty Local Charge Harrisonville man charged with statutory sodomy, attempted statutory sodomy KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Harrisonville man has been charged with statutory sodomy or attempted statutory sodomy. Randall L. Griffin, 19, was taken into custody June 14 after police were dispatched to the 2000 block of Parkwood Drive on a "possible child molestation that had taken place earlier in the day," according to Harrisonville police. Life Lesson: Local School Crime Caught On Spy Camera Independence police attempt to identifying subjects who vandalized elementary school building, park equipment INDEPENDENCE, MO (KCTV) - Police are asking for the public's assistance in identifying two subjects who vandalized an elementary school building and park equipment. The Independence Police Department is attempting to identify the two subjects who vandalized the park equipment and school building at Cler-Mont Elementary School located at 19009 Susquehanna Ridge at about 12:45 a.m. KC Real Estate Scams Abound As self-guided tours grow in popularity, scammers target lock boxes and renters' cash KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Tonya Smith desperately needed a home for her and her children and was estactic when she believed she found on Facebook Marketplace. It was near the city's trendy 39th Street shopping area. "There was a number, and I contacted them," Smith said. In this roundup we offer a glimpse at mugshots, local news, and the ongoing culture war that attempts to limit the power of law enforcement.Developing . . . SUMMER vacation will soon give teachers a reprieve after a chaotic school year, but if a second COVID-19 wave disrupts education in the fall, beating burnout could be as simple as equipping teachers with fewer e-learning tools. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 24/6/2020 (577 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. SUMMER vacation will soon give teachers a reprieve after a chaotic school year, but if a second COVID-19 wave disrupts education in the fall, beating burnout could be as simple as equipping teachers with fewer e-learning tools. A new University of Winnipeg study on teaching during the pandemic has found educators are anxious about their students well-being and maintaining high engagement while working online. Being flooded with online resources has further overwhelmed them. "Some things that youd think would help people, like giving them instruction on technology or giving them new methods or giving them tons of sources off the internet, actually increased their exhaustion," said Laura Sokal, a professor of education at U of W, who led the spring survey. Sokal and her co-researcher, Lesley Trudel, surveyed 1,330 teachers across the country about their mid-pandemic teaching methods and coping strategies, from late April to early May. Respondents were asked questions in the first of three surveys Sokal and Trudel are organizing this year. The intent is to pinpoint how best to support teachers as they conduct distance learning. The first studys results indicate administrator and parent support lessened stress on teachers; Sokal said everything from principals reminding teachers they were allowed to log off for the day after school hours, to parents getting in touch, helped. Sarah Melo, a Grade 5 teacher at Ecole Julie-Riel, said Wednesday she had filled out the survey. It was during a time when she felt so overwhelmed with work as a teacher and impromptu tech support for families and parenting duties, that she was crying on a regular basis. A new University of Winnipeg study on teaching during the pandemic has found educators are anxious about their students well-being and maintaining high engagement while working online. Being flooded with online resources has further overwhelmed them. Mikaela MacKenzie / Winnipeg Free Press files "I worked more in the month of April than I ever have in my life," Melo said. It took about seven weeks to get into a rhythm, which now consists of pre-recorded YouTube lessons and daily videocalls with students. To overcome burnout, Melo said she had to limit teaching her own kids, a duty she will pick up in the summer. Next year, she said she hopes teaching students how to use Microsoft Teams early, should a transition to distance learning be required. 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. Wendell Head, president of the Hanover Teachers Association, wrote a blog post in May which has since made the rounds in education circles that likened teaching to the camel in the expression, "the straw that broke the camels back." "Even an incredibly strong and tough animal like (a camel) has limits, and if you just keep adding straws without taking any off, at some point that camel will collapse under that immense weight," Head wrote. He argues increasing class sizes and student needs, cuts to student services and a wage freeze were already "straws" on teachers backs, before pandemic-related concerns began. "Ive never seen or experienced the level of burnout amongst our members that Im seeing right now," he said in an interview this week. maggie.macintosh@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @macintoshmaggie Lady Colin Campbell has claimed Meghan Markle has cost Prince Harry 'most of his friends' and that the Duchess was 'rude' at his best friend's wedding in an extraordinary extract of her book Meghan And Harry: The Real Story, released today. The Jamaican-born British author, 70, has written the book about the Duke, 35, and Duchess of Sussex, 38, although it is not known whether she has ever met them. In an extract seen by FEMAIL, Lady Colin Campbell claimed a source told her Meghan 'froze out' other guests at the wedding of Prince Harry's best friend Charlie Van Straubenzee to Daisy Jenks. The release of the book comes ahead of Harry and Meghan's new biography Finding Freedom in August, which is co-written by Harper's Bazaar journalist Omid Scobie. Lady Colin Campbell has claimed Meghan Markle has cost Prince Harry 'most of his friends' and that the Duchess was 'rude' at his best friend's wedding (seen in 2018 at the wedding of Charlie van Straubenzee and Daisy Jenks) in an extraordinary extract of her book Meghan And Harry: The Real Story, released today In the new book, Lady Colin writes: 'A girl went up to Meghan, introduced herself, and said how beautiful she thought she was. She said she knew it was Meghan's birthday and wished her a happy birthday. Meghan looked at her as if she had committed a great faux pas by speaking to her and walked off. 'It was so cold', Campbell quotes 'someone who witnessed the exchange' as saying, 'really rude'. Claiming a further source told her that 'worse was to follow at the wedding breakfast, she continues: 'Another girl told Meghan how much she admired her, and how wonderful she thought she was that she and Harry were married and how well she thought she was doing. 'She told her she was rooting for them and wished them well. Meghan's response? She looked her up and down, turned away without saying a word her out for the rest of the wedding breakfast'. In an extract seen by FEMAIL, Lady Colin Campbell claimed a source told her Meghan 'froze out' other guests at the wedding of Prince Harry's best friend Charlie Van Straubenzee to Daisy Jenks (seen in Surrey in August 2018) The socialite, seen, who was married to Lord Colin Campbell for one year in 1974 before retaining the title, claimed Harry would be 'too weak' to leave Meghan, who she says has 'caused him to lose most of his friends' Meanwhile, according to Page Six, the socialite, who was married to Lord Colin Campbell for one year in 1974 before retaining the title, claimed Harry would be 'too weak' to leave Meghan, who she says has 'caused him to lose most of his friends'. Continuing to ride her Sussex-shaped fame wave, Page Six reports that an extract in the book reads: 'She's [Meghan] a total opportunist. 'She knew in advance she'd embark on commercial ventures, which royalty strictly forbids.' Claiming that Prince Philip nicknamed Meghan 'Tungsten', due to her 'rock-solid self belief', it continues: 'She now has what she wanted a millionaire's life in Hollywood. She's caused Harry to lose most of his friends. 'He's weaker than she. He's run ragged. Despite the sex, she will make his life miserable. He has no strength of character to leave her.' Lady Colin Campbell has branded Prince Harry 'pathetic' and claimed Meghan Markle (seen in January in London) will 'make him miserable' Yesterday Lady Colin told FEMAIL that she believes Meghan has political aspirations and hopes to one day run for president. Pictured: the duchess during a video address to leavers at her old high school Lady Colin, who penned the 1992 biography, Diana in Private: The Princess Nobody Knows, recently claimed she believes Meghan has political aspirations and hopes to one day run for president. The author has given a number of interviews about the couple in recent weeks, including one with The Sunday Times in which she said Meghan has 'squandered' the 'most wonderful opportunity' by leaving the royal family. She also claimed the signs Meghan would 'not adjust' well to life as a royal were apparent shortly after her wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018. Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of A Modern Royal Family is set to be released worldwide online on August 11 Campbell said she believes the Sussexes moving to the US is part of the plan to make the shift into the political sphere. 'I know the Duchess of Sussex has political ambitions and I've been told that one day she wants to run for President,' Lady Colin claimed. 'I think everything she is doing, leaving the royal family and moving back to California is part of her plan and she has taken Harry along with her.' At the beginning of the month Lady Colin told the Daily Mail about her new book,adding: 'It's called Meghan And Harry: The Real Story. 'There are plenty of revelations. I've had members of the Markle family to stay, but I'm not saying anything until closer to the book launch.' The release of her book comes ahead of Harry and Meghan's new biography Finding Freedom in August, which is co-written by Harper's Bazaar journalist Omid Scobie. Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of A Modern Royal Family, written by is set to be released worldwide online on August 11, with the hard copy on sale from August 20. A description of the biography on Amazon promises to offer an 'honest, up-close, and disarming portrait of the confident, influential, forward' Prince Harry, 35, and Meghan Markle, 38. The 320-page biography, due to be released in August, is expected to be a global bestseller. ' The New York Times has a good animated infographic the "traced the hidden spread of the epidemic to explain why the United States failed to stop it. At every crucial moment, American officials were weeks or months behind the reality of the outbreak. Those delays likely cost tens of thousands of lives." Restricting travel from China helped curb the spread at first, but infected travelers came in from all other parts of the world in February, leading to additional outbreaks. Tests developed by the CDC didn't work, which meant crucial tracking and tracing didn't happen. In late February and health experts recommended social distancing measures, but Trump ignored his health advisors and told Americans they should continue to fly, shop, work in offices and factories, and go about their normal lives. On March 2, New York mayor Bill de Blasio said, "I'm encouraging New Yorkers to go on with your lives and get out on the town." At that point, a pandemic was inevitable. The role of carbon pricing, market-based instruments, and nationally determined contribution implementation and application in Vietnam Host: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Time: 8am, June 25, 2020 Location: Flamingo Hotel, Dai Lai, Phuc Yen, Vinh Phuc Content: Policies related to the system of exchanging quotas on greenhouse gas emissions and carbon credits, carbon pricing tools through the research results of the VNPMR project to serve the state management of the carbon market in Vietnam - Objectives, progress and initial results of the Vietnam Partnership for Market Readiness (VNPMR) - World Bank activities to promote carbon pricing and market based instruments (MBI) - Role of carbon pricing and MBI in Vietnams policies on reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions - Role of private sector in application of carbon pricing tools in Vietnam - Financial mechanism in activities reducing GHG towards application of carbon pricing tools in Vietnam - Potential of GHG in producing steel and applicability of carbon pricing tools in Vietnam - Potential of reducing GHG in solid waste sector. VNPMR managed by World Bank Major activities: - Enhance capacity of building carbon pricing methods through MBI; and - Pilot selected market-based instruments to create background for piloting and implementing MBI in the selected fields of steel and solid waste. As a country heavily suffering from climate change and discharging over 120 million tonnes of solid waste per year, along with its infamous traffic jams, Vietnam has been regulating varying policies along with striving to build a carbon crediting market, in an attempt to cut emissions along with global wishes. So far, Vietnam has developed a portfolio for a strong clean development mechanism (CDM) and established a functioning governance framework from a very early stage. Under the Kyoto Protocols definitions, the CDM allows a country with a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission-reduction or emission-limitation commitment to implement an related project in developing countries like Vietnam. Such projects can earn saleable Certified Emissions Reduction (CER) credits, each equivalent to one tonne of CO2 which can be counted towards meeting the Kyoto targets. While CDM projects play an important role in sustainable socio-economic development as well as in environmental protection, they are still relatively new to Vietnam. CDMs exist to help developed countries achieve their climate commitments while assisting developing countries in achieving sustainable development. However, nations have thus far struggled to update rules for a new international carbon trading system under the Paris Agreement on climate change. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), Vietnam boasts great potential for developing CDM projects in at least 15 sectors. These include improving energy efficiency, exploitation and application of renewable energy sources, forestation and reforestation, change from the use of fossil fuels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, recovery of methane from garbage landfills and coal mining pits for disposal or for power generation or daily-life use, recovery and use of associated gas from oil fields, and more besides. Investors from any economic sector which brings about GHG emissions reductions are permitted to invest in a CDM project. So far the country has hosted over 255 CDM projects and 10 CDM programmes of activities registered by the CDM Executive Board. Dr. Oliver Massmann, general director at Duane Morris Vietnam LLC, said that the country has more chances to join the global CDM market but the highest challenge it faces is to make actual CDM ideas economically feasible. Over the last few years, Vietnam has made the transition from a predominantly agricultural to a mixed economy with considerable advancement of commercial and mechanical exercises. Fast development of peoples lives, in conjunction with the governments exertion regarding accessing electricity nationwide, have increased the demand for power, he said. This presently postures a major challenge for Vietnam to preserve supported development of the control segment and to realise vitality security. According to Massmann, while Vietnams power demand is increasing exponentially, application of CDM in the renewable energy sector will help handle challenges of climate change. Thus far, solid waste and the steel sector are the two piloted fields for Vietnam joining the carbon market. Vu Ngoc Anh, director of the Science Technology and Environment Department under the Ministry of Construction, said currently there are about 660 solid waste dumping sites with an area of at least one hectare, only 130 of which are hygienic. Most household solid waste is used to make compost, or is buried or burned a method of handling waste that creates the largest amount of GHG emissions. The target through the Partnership for Market Readiness (PMR) trust fund is reducing GHG in a way that is suitable with carbon crediting in solid waste management, Anh said. Along with that, market instruments in solid waste management will begin to be applied after 2020. Meanwhile, data from the Vietnam Steel Association shows that the sector is a power-intensive one. Currently, the whole sector consumes over 6,500 tonnes of oil equivalent per year, which can be reduced drastically thanks to renovating technologies that help to effectively save energy. The association has suggested that enterprises enhance management solutions to reduce power energy, particularly in regards to electricity. According to the Paris Agreement, Vietnam commits to reducing at least 8 per cent of GHG emissions by 2030, and up to 25 per cent if it receives effective support from the international community. Tang The Cuong, director of the Climate Change Department under the MoNRE, asserted that being aware of carbon pricing as an effective tool, Vietnam had participated in the PMR at the beginning of the programme. The results of co-operation with trust fund are currently being further developed and improved. As a country receiving technical assistance from the PMR, Vietnam not only receives direct benefits through capacity building, but also has the opportunity to participate in a forum to share knowledge and experiences from many countries, he said. Related projects focus on studying policies, mechanism promoting activities, and building Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action policies for both the steel industry and solid waste, in which carbon pricing is an instrument that captures the external costs that the public pays for. The World Bank admitted that the future of the carbon market is very complicated. For developing countries like Vietnam, joining the market is not only lining up with the worlds target of reducing GHG but also creating income and receiving modern technologies with fewer carbon emissions. Besides this, the bank says, if developing countries including Vietnam cannot harmonise state policy with international policy, they will not be able to overcome barriers of finance and technologies in the process of participating in a low carbon market. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Made Anthony Iswara (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 07:38 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406616d69f 1 National #education,Education,COVID-19,#COVID19,Nadiem-Makarim,Education-and-Culture-Ministry,tuition,BOS,higher-education,#higher-education,secondary-schools,#secondary-schools Free Private universities, teachers and students are urging the government to step up its education policies, criticizing its latest financial assistance as inadequate to address the concerns of the education sector during the pandemic. This follows Education and Culture Minister Nadiem Makarims announcement on Monday about a series of measures taken to help the education sector, including by relaxing university tuition fees and requirements for school operational assistance (BOS). We have heard not only from Commission X but also from members of the public that many schools and universities, especially private ones, are hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nadiem said during a hearing with House of Representatives Commission X, which oversees education. So last week, we responded to these complaints by rolling out several policies as well as tangible and real aid, he added. One new policies, for instance, allow students of state universities to either request delayed tuition payment, a reduction in fees or an instalment plan, depending on their financial situation. The ministry encourages private universities to do the same. It also stipulates that students who are on leave or not taking course credits no longer need to pay tuition fees, while those who are in their final semesters will only pay up to half of their tuition fees. The National Association of University Student Executive Bodies (BEM-SI) contends that the government should have cut tuition fees across the board without the need for students to request it, saying full tuition fees were unfairly charged from students who had their courses taught online during the pandemic. Read also: University BEMs urge Nadiem to cut tuition during COVID-19 'study at home' policy The tuition fee adjustments on offer now had already existed before the pandemic but would usually require students to go through long administrative processes and often have their requests rejected, he said. The lack of a policy to cut tuition fees could push down the participation rate in higher education, Lugas Presma of the BEM-SI said. And there are two possibilities: It could push up the numbers of students dropping out or taking leave or it could discourage potential new students from enrolling because of high fees. Private Universities Association (APTISI) chairman Budi Djatmiko said that failure to cushion the COVID-19 impact on university students could result in a spike in dropouts, which could cause a lost generation as a result of a jeopardized education. And that would be the governments biggest sin, he said. He praised the ministrys new policy to allocate Rp 1 trillion (US$70.6 million) to help 410,000 university students, mostly in private universities, pay their tuition fees. However, the government still only allocated a small portion of its total budget for private universities, he said. The state budget only earmarked 7 percent of the total university budget for private universities, with the remaining 93 percent going to state universities, according to his calculations. In addition, only half of the overall education budget is actually allocated for educational needs. Private universities are also part of Indonesia. So, why are they being treated differently? he said, adding that government support for private universities was crucial to improve overall access to higher education. About 88 percent of all universities are small-sized private universities with less than 10,000 students, according to Budi, while the remaining are state universities and large private universities. Read also: Indonesian schools not ready for new normal: Survey Meanwhile, Indonesian Teachers Association (PGRI) head Unifah Rosyidi lauded the governments decision to include private schools in its COVID-19 policies and modify requirements for grant recipients to alleviate the burden of pandemic-hit elementary and secondary schools. Before the pandemic, BOS Afirmasi funds were only given to state schools in the underdeveloped and remote regions, while BOS Kinerja funds were given to high-performing state schools. Under the new scheme, the government gives Rp 60 million per year to more than 56,000 state and private schools in regions that are hardest-hit by COVID-19. The grants can be used to pay honorarium-based teachers, fund home-learning needs like phone credit and internet plans, buy COVID-19 sanitary goods like soap and disinfectant or pay salaries of other school workers. But Unifah said she found goods procured using BOS funds through the ministrys electronic system called SIPLah were more expensive than the actual price and schools could only buy them at designated shops. The funds also usually need to go through multiple regional institutions before they could be used by schools, depending on each regions financial management regulations. She advised policymakers to review how the authority to distribute BOS funds was delegated between the central and regional governments, in order to cut bureaucratic procedures and yet maintain accountability. From the moment the coronavirus pandemic hit, throwing thousands of residents out of work, the fear has been that evictions would follow. Now, as reported by the Sun-Times on Friday, its beginning to happen. Unscrupulous landlords are using illegal methods to push out tenants who are behind in the rent. The problem threatens to grow worse, and could explode, unless government takes action. We favor intervention at the federal level, given the national scope of the problem, and given as well the limited ability of local governments to help without subverting market forces in ways that could make things worse. We favor the leveraging of federal assistance or tax breaks to encourage landlords and tenants to reach an accommodation. A specific bill we support, proposed by U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush, D-Illinois, would offer forgivable federal loans to landlords who waive rent and extend leases during the pandemic. As reported by Stephanie Zimmermann, calls to the Metropolitan Tenants Organization about illegal lockouts in Chicago roughly doubled from mid-March through mid-June compared with monthly averages. The actual numbers are not yet high about 41 calls a month compared with the usual 22. But only a fraction of tenants who are illegally evicted ever call for help. And in those rising numbers is a warning sign about a possible explosion in evictions once Chicagos housing court reopens. Illinois has imposed a moratorium on evictions due to nonpayment of rent through July 31, and some cities have passed ordinances requiring landlords to make good-faith efforts to help tenants. But some landlords are skirting the rules, locking out tenants and cutting off utilities. The immediate recourse for tenants is to call the cops, though theres some disagreement about how helpful the police have been. Housing experts predict a tsunami of evictions across the country as pandemic-related protections expire. As with so much else when it comes to COVID-19, the threat is national, the fallout is national and the best response would be national. Chicago Sun-Times By Express News Service NEW DELHI: In line with the Army tradition, the coursemates and comrades in arms of Galwan hero Colonel Santosh Babu got together at the National War memorial to lay a wreath to honour his exemplary courage, valour and supreme sacrifice. It was an emotional moment for everyone as no one had ever thought to remember ever smiling Santosh Babu this way. Col Santosh Babu was famously known as 'The Rajni for his unique accent and Jingle for his jovial nature amongst his coursemates and friends. He, with his cool composure and brilliance par excellence, had everyone look up to him. Col Bikkumalla Santosh Babu was commanding his battalion, in the icy heights of Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh. The Line of Actual Control in his Area of Responsibility became highly sensitive as the Chinese Army, against the protocols, executed huge build-up and occupied ridge of Patrol Point 14 along the Galwan Nala, overlooking the strategically important road connecting Durbuk-Shyok-Daulat Beg Oldi. This led to frequent face-offs and talks at various levels to de-escalate the situation. On the evening of June 15, Col Santosh Babu went to the area to verify the compliance of retreat to a designated point as per the agreement reached in the Corps Commanders meeting of June. The Chinese, however, attacked the Indian troop in which Col Babu was mortally wounded. He was an alumnus of Sainik School-Korukonda, National Defence Academy- Khadakvasla and Indian Military Academy- Dehradun. One coursemate said, He was truly an epitome of the Chetwode credo of the Indian Military Academy as the safety, honour and welfare of our country was above everything for him. Stories of Col Santosh Babu will keep inspiring the generations ahead in days to come. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Asif Shahzad (Reuters) Islamabad, Pakistan Thu, June 25, 2020 08:43 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066172c57 2 World Pakistan,pilot,plane-crash,coronavirus,coronavirus-effect,pandemic,SARS-CoV-2,virus-corona,novel-coronavirus Free The pilots of a Pakistan airliner that crashed last month, killing 97, were distracted and preoccupied as they talked about the coronavirus pandemic while preparing for an initial failed landing bid, the country's aviation minister said on Wednesday. The Airbus A320 of national carrier Pakistan International Airlines crashed on May 22 in the southern city of Karachi, killing all but two of those aboard as it came down a kilometer short of the runway on its second attempt. The aircraft had landed on its engines on the first attempt, before taking off again, the minister, Ghulam Sarwar Khan, told parliament as he presented an initial report on the disaster. The flight data recorder showed the landing gear was lowered at 10 nautical miles, Khan said, but then raised again 5 nautical miles from the runway, which he described as "beyond comprehension". The aircraft was "100 percent fit to fly" and there was no technical fault, he said, but added that the pilots were not "focused" because of the pandemic. "The discussion throughout was about corona," Khan said, referring to exchanges between the pilot and co-pilot he said he had listened to on the cockpit voice recorder. "Corona was dominant over their mind. Their family was affected [by the virus]." The report, reviewed by Reuters, did not spell out the pilots' conversation on the virus, but said they did not follow set protocols. "Several warnings and alerts such as over-speed, landing gear not down and ground proximity alerts, were disregarded," it added. "The landing was undertaken with landing gear retracted. The aircraft touched the runway surface on its engines." Both the pilots and officials at air traffic control did not follow set procedures, Khan said. "The captain and the co-pilot were experienced and medically fit," the minister said. Khan added that the data showed flight PK8303 from the eastern city of Lahore was at an altitude of just 2,200 m when 16 km from the runway, although it should have been at 762 m. Air traffic control drew the pilot's attention to the irregularity, and advised against landing, instead urging a go-around, Khan said. "When they were in landing position, they were warned by the controllers, but he said, 'I'll manage' and then they started discussing corona again." He said the inquiry report revealed the pilot had mentioned no technical fault during the final approach. "The last words from the pilot were, 'Oh God, oh God, oh God,'" Khan added. Pakistan has recorded 188,926 infections and 3,755 deaths in the virus pandemic, with a big spike in reported cases over the last month. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tributes to those who sacrificed their lives for establishing peace in the Korean Peninsula and said New Delhi stands by the Republic of Korea in its quest for permanent peace. In a video message to mark the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, he said India is proud to have contributed to this cause by deploying its 60 Para Field Hospital in the Korean Peninsula during the war. "I salute the resilience and resolve of the Korean people who have build a great country rising from the ashes of war," he said. The prime minister also appreciated the efforts made by President Moon Jae-in to preserve and promote peace in the Korean Peninsula. "The government and people of India stand by the government and the people of the Republic of Korea in their quest for permanent peace in the Korean Peninsula," the prime minister said. The message from the prime minister was screened during a commemorative ceremony to mark the occasion in Seoul, a statement said. The field hospital deployed by India had rendered yeoman service during the war and provided essential medical aid both to soldiers and civilians. North Korea invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950. The war, which continued till July 1953, cost millions of lives. It ended in an armistice. (Photo : Manhole Covers on Unsplash) Possible Corovirus Hotspots: US Tests Unusual Place for Early Signs of COVID-19 Infection (Photo : Martin Brechtl on Unsplash) Possible Corovirus Hotspots: US Tests Unusual Place for Early Signs of COVID-19 Infection The coronavirus has been found in an unexpected place--sewage, experts claimed. And they are now using human waste to collect data of coronavirus infections. According to Forbes' latest report, sewage is now being tested by hundreds of United States cities to find early signs of coronavirus hotspots. Many other places such as New York, Utah, Florida, California, and Oregon are also collecting poop samples from sewage to test for the coronavirus. Researchers claim that sewage allows for the detection of hotspots for the disease before the diagnosis of clinical cases. Gauging coronavirus infections in sewage According to Bloomberg Businessweek's previous report, New Castle began focusing on feces as an unusual source to gauge coronavirus infections and collect data points. Like most of the American communities during the federal government's initial pandemic response, the Delaware country of New Castle is still struggling with severe limitations and conflicting information regarding COVID-19 testing. "I firmly believe that we will have another outbreak of the virus this fall, so we will be firmly ready for that," said Ken Williamson, the head of research at the Oregon-based Clean Water Services. "We wanted to be able to sample from nursing homes, from hospitals and from potentially schools when the kids go back this fall," he added. Possible coronavirus hotspots According to Forbes' report, Williamson estimates that people secrete 10 million to a billion viruses for every gram of feces on a daily basis. This means that before a person develops symptoms, the coronavirus would appear in fecal matter. Local workers send the sewage samples they have collected to startup Biobot Analytics or university researchers to be analyzed. Meanwhile, a local analysis center is expected to be set up in New York. It is still unclear how much detectable COVID-19 virus is shed by people in their feces. Tyler Radneiki, an Oregon State University population biologist, said that in an ideal scenario health officials can investigate the identified hotspots using the information gathered by the researchers from sewage testing. According to the report, the sewage testing in Erie county, New York detected 20,000 cases of coronavirus on June 23. "Sewer surveillance has great promise to supplement contact tracing and other individualized approaches by providing rapid and frequent snapshots of the virus's prevalence at the community and municipality scale," said Dr. Kevin Bisceglia, a Hofstra University professor. $4.2 million was raised in April to estimate the scope of coronavirus by analyzing feces. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Phuket Hotels Association looks to reboot island tourism with Imagine Phuket campaign PHUKET: In Asias first international destination recovery initiative post-COVID-19, the Phuket Hotels Association and global hospitality branding agency QUO have joined forces to craft an aspirational relaunch campaign aimed at reviving travel to Phuket. By Press Release Thursday 25 June 2020, 04:43PM The Imagine Phuket campaign focuses on the sights, sounds, feelings, tastes and most importantly emotions that Phuket evokes in fans around the world, making them yearn for all they have missed during the global pandemic. Motivated by a desire to restore the islands tourism industry and save jobs, Phuket Hotels Association kicks off the campaign with a fresh logo and video, designed to evoke in travellers how incredible it will feel when they can share a perfect vacation with loved ones again. The initiative enables island hotels to come together with one voice and one message. Each property will be given the creative resources to personalize videos, images and logos with their own branding, creating bespoke versions of the campaigns inspiring message. By reaching the combined audiences of 75 participating hotels in the private sector, there is the rare opportunity for authentic, large-scale virality. Phuket has been one of the hardest-hit destinations in Thailand, and hotels have struggled to reopen. In a press conference on June 10, Phuket Chamber of Commerce President Thanusak Phungdet told reporters that COVID-19 had already cost the island over B120 billion (US$3.88bn) in lost income, with losses expected by to reach B280bn (US$9.055bn) by the end of the year if the situation doesnt improve. But despite unemployment increasing by over 34% YoY, according to local reports, island residents remain resilient. This campaign seeks to be the first small step toward recovery. With Phuket Airport open, and Thailand poised to reopen to international travel this summer, Imagine Phuket reminds viewers of the flavours of Thai food, the dreamlike limestone karsts of the landscape, the beguiling smiles and the feeling of freedom that comes with every visit to Phuket. Phuket is the leading resort destination in Asia and one of the most loved resort destinations anywhere in the world, says Anthony Lark, president of Phuket Hotels Association. Our members have come together with QUO to create a campaign, in both English and Thai, to evoke the soul of the destination, said Lark. As Asias most-visited island destination, with over 10 million arrivals last year, Phuket is among the first to embark on a significant relaunch. In the months after reopening, Phukets hotel industry is hoping that it will be able to attract many of Thailands 20 million domestic travellers. The Imagine Phuket video, and integrated social media campaign, are designed to drive emotion, said QUO CEO David Keen. We know that there is a massive desire to travel again, both locally and internationally. Our intent is to bring the story back to Phuket. Aimed at the international market, the campaign will reach the audiences of the best-known hotels in Phuket. From signage to buttons to long and short videos, each hotel will invite the world to dream, plan, envision and above all to Imagine Phuket with hope and anticipation. Watch the Imagine Phuket campaign introductory video here. English version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GospREAcZ2Y Thai version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akYSkZtmshQ NEW YORK, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 10,000 U.S. and global securities, announced that Soren Brinkmann, an attorney representing the law firm of Brinkmann Kronborg Henriksen (BKH Law), has been designated as an OTCQX sponsor representing the Nordic region. Soren Brinkmann, representing Brinkmann Kronborg Henriksen, is approved by OTC Markets Group to act as a sponsor for companies to be quoted on the OTCQX and OTCQB markets. Brinkmann Kronborg Henriksen is among the region's leading law firms with expertise in capital markets strategies. "OTC Markets Group is delighted to welcome Soren Brinkmann to our community of qualified OTCQX sponsors," said Joe Coveney, VP, International Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. "As public companies in the Nordic region continue to choose the OTCQX market as a cost-effective solution to access U.S. investors, it is important to engage professionals with a command of the responsibilities guided by the OTCQX Rules." To qualify for the OTCQX market, all U.S. and International companies must engage an OTCQX Sponsor. To learn more about the OTCQX Market, contact Joe Coveney at jcoveney@otcmarkets.com. About Brinkmann Kronborg Henriksen Brinkmann Kronborg Henriksen is a Danish law firm with an international perspective. The firm assists Danish companies in their international activities as well as advises foreign companies on Danish business law matters. Brinkmann Kronborg Henriksen is a member of Meritas, a leading pre-screened independent network of law firms focused on traders. Through Meritas, Brinkmann Kronborg Henriksen offers its clients quality assured advice in about 250 global markets from the network's almost 7,500 lawyers. About OTC Markets Group Inc. OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market and the Pink Open Market for 10,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com . OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN are SEC regulated ATSs, operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed Media Contact: OTC Markets Group Inc. +1 (212) 896-4428 media@otcmarkets.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1063619/OTC_Markets_News_Update_Logo.jpg Dr. Sonia Macieiewski (R) and Dr. Nita Patel, Director of Antibody discovery and Vaccine development, look at a sample of a respiratory virus at Novavax labs in Rockville, Maryland on March 20, 2020, one of the labs developing a vaccine for the coronavirus, COVID-19. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds | AFP | Getty Images Dr. Sonia Macieiewski (R) and Dr. Nita Patel, Director of Antibody discovery and Vaccine development, look at a sample of a respiratory virus at Novavax labs in Rockville, Maryland on March 20, 2020, one of the labs developing a vaccine for the coronavirus, COVID-19. Andrew Caballero-Reynolds | AFP | Getty Images As Covid-19 has swept across the globe, the public has gotten a rare glimpse into the long, expensive process of drug development. But while health experts hope for a Covid-19 vaccine sometime in 2021, the reality is that most drugs travel a much longer and complex path to market, due largely to the time and expense of clinical trials. The average cost of bringing a new drug to market has been estimated to be as high as $2.6 billion, with two-thirds of the cost going to clinical trials about 90% of which end in failure. Eager to streamline the process, researchers, pharmaceutical companies and a handful of tech start-ups have started experimenting with a new model: virtual clinical trials, also known as remote or decentralized trials. Whereas traditional clinical trials require participants to make frequent in-person visits to a clinic or hospital, virtual trials can allow researchers to recruit patients, gain consent, administer treatment, monitor safety and collect data without the subjects ever leaving home. A combination of regulatory restrictions and inertia had kept the virtual model from being widely adopted. Then came Covid-19. Going virtual in a hurry Throughout the spring, clinics and hospitals that served as trial sites were suddenly inundated with Covid-19 patients, forcing legions of researchers to halt their studies. Stay-at-home orders and fears of transmission also proved to be major interruptions. According to research firm GlobalData, more than 1,100 clinical trials across the U.S. and Europe had been disrupted as of May 20. Julie Sunderland, managing director and co-founder at Biomatics Capital, a health-care and life-sciences venture firm, said during the CNBC Healthy Returns Conference in May that several of the companies backed by her firm were scrambling to salvage ongoing trials. "I've got companies that are mid-trial in the oncology space where trials are related to acute cases," putting the health of the subjects at risk, she said. Other trials that centered on less urgent conditions were grappling with participants "who won't come in for follow-ups," she said, threatening to sink the entire process. "Companies are needing to adapt." Science37, a full-service virtual clinical trial platform, lets patients participate in drug development remotely. Science37 The crisis has driven a surge of interest in virtual clinical trials. Though no one keeps statistics on how many virtual trials are currently taking place, those who work in the field say the number of studies they are overseeing has risen exponentially since the virus took hold, accelerating a long-simmering trend that could forever change the face of clinical research. "I think it would have taken us at least five years to generate the adoption that we've seen today over a matter of 60 days," said Michelle Longmire, co-founder and CEO of Medable, a Palo Alto start-up that provides a platform for decentralized clinical trials. "We're seeing this across therapeutic areas, where before someone was like, 'Oh, we can't do that,' and now it's like, 'How do we do it, and not in a week, but tomorrow?'" In May, Medable raised $25 million in funding from GSR Ventures to extend product development and market adoption. Other prominent start-ups in the space include Science 37, a full-service virtual trial platform, and Unlearn.AI, a service that creates digital twins of patients to expand data sets. In April, Unlearn.A1 received $12 million in Series A financing led by 8VC. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also helped clear the path to virtual trials in March by issuing guidelines for clinical studies during the pandemic that included "evaluating alternative methods for assessments, like phone contacts or virtual visits, and offering additional safety monitoring for those trial participants who may no longer have access to investigational product or the investigational site." The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid also relaxed the rules for Medicaid reimbursement for telemedicine visits. Breaking barriers In addition to being cost effective, virtual trials solve a number of problems that have plagued the traditional model. Health care advocates have long complained that the travel and time requirements of traditional trials place too high a burden on participants, excluding large swaths of the population like working parents, rural communities and the poor. "It raises questions of who research is open to, who is research benefiting and what kind of data are we collecting?" said Heather Pierce, senior director of science policy and regulatory counsel at the Association of American Medical Colleges. Those burdens also contribute to high dropout rates, which are a major cause of trial delays and added expense. Eighteen percent of participants leave trials before completion, with scheduling constraints and financial hardship among the most-cited reasons, according to Forte Research. The virtual model helps addresses both those problems by expanding the pool of possible subjects and reducing the burden on subjects to remain in the study. However, virtual trials have their own barriers to entry. Subjects typically must have a smartphone, a strong internet connection and fluency in mobile technology, requirements that may exclude older and lower-income participants. And even with the advancements in mobile apps, monitors and telemedicine platforms that make virtual trials possible, they are still not considered appropriate for all kinds of studies. Phase 1 trials, which focus on patient safety, are not a good fit for the model, said Dr. Jonathan Cotliar, chief medical officer at Science 37. Nor are those that treat acute health problems like stroke, or those that require complicated measurements, like a brain scan or MRI. "We've had a lot of sponsors in the midst of Phase 1 who are asking us whether we can get involved," said Dr. Cotliar. "We've had to say no." Later-phase trials for medications that are taken orally or topically, or even those that require a simple injection, are better suited to the model, said Longmire. Dermatological trials, in particular, have become a common subject of virtual trials. The Road Ahead Plymouth, Massachusetts--(Newsfile Corp. - June 25, 2020) - Plymouth Rock Technologies Inc. (CSE: PRT) (OTCQB: PLRTF) (FSE: 4XA) (WKN# A2N8RH) ("Plymouth Rock", "PRT", or the "Company") a leader in the development of cutting-edge threat detection technologies, is pleased to announce the issuance by the UK Patent Office of patent PM333755GB that covers the utilization of millimeter wave (MMW) technologies for fast, contactless screening of passengers and individuals in highly secure environments. Harmless MMW technology is used in almost all airports in a portal form to safely screen people, providing a greater degree of search intelligence. This patent is one of the first of its kind to be issued where MMW technologies are utilized to penetrate various footwear materials. Launched in 2019, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology Apex Screening at Speed program is about systematically developing technologies for passenger screening by leveraging existing state-of-the-art technologies from industry, academia, national laboratories, and other government organizations. PRT's technology will work within the current systems such as advanced imaging portals. It will also resource other security projects and efforts complimentary to the task. "We are confident that the building of the PRT patent portfolio, combined with our in-house know-how, will provide our brand with immediate and long-term market relevance," said Dana Wheeler President and CEO of PRT. "This patent is an important component of our intended intellectual property roadmap. The granting of this patent whilst a significant achievement, is already being expanded by our team that will deliver further intellectual property that will cover both North America and the EU," concluded Wheeler. PRT is also pleased to announce that Dr. Matthew Southgate, co-author on the patent, has joined the PRT team, to assist in further product development as we move towards commercial trials of the Shoe Scanner (SS1) platform. "Today's marketplace is extremely competitive with the introduction of new technologies almost daily, however, it is rare to see a patent issued for a global technology leveraging both passenger convenience and removing operational headaches for the TSA," stated Douglas Smith, Chairman of the Board and former Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Homeland Security. "Combining patented cutting edge technology with the operational needs of the Department, is the "Holy Grail" for the frontline operational personal of the Department." concluded Smith. About the Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate Our mission is to enable effective, efficient, and secure operations across all homeland security missions by applying scientific, engineering, analytic, and innovative approaches to deliver timely solutions and support departmental acquisitions. https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/5075_dhs_science_and_technology_directorate_fact_sheet_april_2019_dl_v3.pdf About Plymouth Rock Technologies Inc. We are on a mission to bring engineering-driven answers to the most critical problems that threaten our safety. We work with government, law enforcement and military to innovate solutions for national security, defense and space systems. The Company is developing the next generation of threat detection solutions, The PRT X1 is a purpose built multirotor Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). The unit contains an integrated sensor package that combines Thermal detection with 4K HD real-time air-to-ground streaming. Our advanced threat detection methods fuse artificial intelligence with augmented reality interfaces to eliminate human operating error. Plymouth Rock products, both airborne and land-based, will scan for threat items at greater "stand-off" distances than current existing technologies. Our unique radar imaging and signal processing technology creates new opportunities for remotely operated, none intrusive screening of crowds in real time. Plymouth Rock's other core technologies include: (1) A Millimeter Remote Imaging from Airborne Drone ("MIRIAD"); (2) A compact microwave radar system for scanning shoe's ("Shoe-Scanner"). www.plyrotech.com ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dana Wheeler President and CEO +1-603-300-7933 info@plyrotech.com Investor Information: Tasso Baras +1-778-477-6990 Forward Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward - looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/58494 DES PERES, Mo., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Pizza innovator Pieology is pleased to announce the grand opening of its newest location at West County Center shopping mall in Des Peres, MO, just outside of St. Louis. This marks the third Missouri location for Pieology franchise owner Midwest Pie LLC . The latest Pieology, Store No. 8153, held a soft opening June 19 and will host a family friendly grand opening celebration from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on June 29 in the West County Center Food Court, Level 2 . The mall is located at 80 W. County Center Drive, Des Peres. Pieology will have a table set up in the Food Court where attendees can play a game for a chance to win: BOGO pizza BOGO salad Free Cinnamon Churro Pizza Free pizza "We're excited to strengthen Pieology's presence in the state with our third Missouri location, now open in West County Center," says Jeremy Bonk, Director of Operations for Midwest Pie LLC. Midwest Pie LLC is a locally owned and operated franchise that prides itself on giving back to the community through fundraising events and community activism. "After our warm welcome in St. Charles and South County, we're confident our new West County location will do just as well. Pieology makes their dough and sauce fresh daily and offers custom salads, along with our unbeatable customer service. Pieology has become a fast favorite among pizza fans all over the country." About Pieology Pizzeria Founded in 2011, the 130-restaurant franchise Pieology was created from the simple idea to turn America's most craveable food into an affordable and interactive experience. Pieology's mission is to inspire creativity in a positive atmosphere where guests can gather with family and friends, while enjoying their delicious pizza creations. Along with providing great food and a memorable dining experience, Pieology is committed to making a positive difference in the communities it serves, one pie at a time. To learn more about Pieology, visit www.pieology.com or find them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. SOURCE Midwest Pie, LLC dba Pieology Pizzeria He also helped his father write his four-volume memoir in Russian and then translated it into English. Nikita Khrushchev was first secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1953 to 1964 and chairman of the Council of Ministers, or premier, from 1958 to 1964, when he was deposed and relegated to obscurity. He died in 1971 at 77. Americans had a close-up look at the Soviet leader and his family in 1959, when he visited the United States at the invitation of President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Times were tense: The Soviets had beaten the Americans into space, launching Sputnik in 1957, and American schoolchildren practiced duck-and-cover drills as the threat of nuclear annihilation hung over the planet. The premier brought his son, then 24, with him on the trip. Americans who have observed and talked with him, The New York Times observed of Sergei Khrushchev, think he gives no sign of following in his fathers footsteps. Sergei Khrushchev said years later, in the interview with The Providence Journal, that during that trip his family felt as if they had landed on Mars, seeing things they had never imagined. It was palms, cars, highways, everything, he said. He took home movies of it all, including Times Square. They were especially baffled by the concept of Disneyland, then four years old but already a top attraction in Southern California. When told that his family would not be allowed to visit the park out of concerns for their safety, the premier exploded in anger: What is it? Is there an epidemic of cholera there or something? Or have gangsters taken hold of the place? Kolkata, June 25 : Veteran actress and BJP MP Roopa Ganguly has taken to social media to demand a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the untimely demise of Sushant Singh Rajput. While she spoke about how positive Sushant was as a person, she suspected foul play in the ongoing investigation. Ganguly expressed her demand in a series of tweets posted throughout Thursday. The actress-politician tagged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in each of her tweet. Her tweets come a day after the late actor's postmortem report was handed over to the police which cited his death as a "clear case of suicide with no other foul play". Her series of tweets ran: "We will be answerable to our future generations if we the parents, the colleagues, the friends and the family and the citizen of India fail to uphold justice now . I think an independent cbi investigation is necessary. #cbiforsushant." "We can not shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India. We owe it as common citizen, to our fallen beloved because his positivity meant a lot. #cbiforsushant." "Shall we just let this pass? Unanswered? The guilty not tried? Will we also not then be responsible for such a debacle of brilliance? #cbiforsushant." "We need clarity in understanding this in the true light of events so that we can not only do justice to such a brilliant and positive soul but to ensure that we try and eradicate the possibility of such events ever occurring in the future. #cbiforsushant." "Was the investigation done in a hurry ,trying to justify a pre decided narrative? If not so then why did the forensic team reached on 15th June ? #cbiforsushant." "The reason of death does not prove that the death was by hanging of one's self. Am I wrong in assuming that it could be otherwise? Please voice your opinion. #cbiforsushant." "Jo shaksh hastey hastey "Hum Dartey Nahin" bol sakta hain, woh zindegi se kaise haar maan sakta hain? (The person who can say 'I'm not scared' with a smile, how can he lose the battle with life?) #cbiforsushant." "Inconclusive reason of death is what the autopsy report points towards, an inconclusive reason of death. Then why does it seem that there is an attempt to influence general opinion towards a pre-determined result? #cbiforsushant," Roopa Ganguly shared in a series of separate tweets all carrying the hashtag #cbiforsushant." Meanwhile, veteran Bollywood actor Shekhar Suman has created a forum called #justiceforSushantforum demanding a CBI probe into the death of Sushant, even though the death is being investigated by Mumbai Police. Latest updates on Sushant Singh Rajput Death Mystery A summary of the latest Bank of Japan meeting shows many policymakers say that "Japan's economy has been in an extremely severe situation," due to the impact of COVID-19. But one policymaker does note that the economy "recently appears to have bottomed out." The central bank released a summary of its monetary policy meeting on Wednesday. The conference was held on June 15 and 16. The BOJ decided at the meeting to maintain its massive monetary easing policy. It also decided to increase financial support for businesses to about one trillion dollars. The summary shows a policymaker noted that the pace of the economic recovery will likely be slow. The official said this is because utilization rates for conventional services may decline, as people take the risk of contracting the coronavirus into account and make lifestyle changes. This is a tough time to be a cheerleader for the U.S.-Israel relationship. It is not easy to watch as our close partner - with the recklessencouragement of the White House - considers annexing parts of the West Bank, a policy that would imperil both countries' interests despite the clear availability of better alternatives. I am proud of my advocacy for the bond between these two nations, which has spanned my whole career as a scholar and think tank director. I argued publicly that the United States should move its embassy to Jerusalem. I opposed the Iran nuclear deal and urged senators to vote against that flawed agreement. I believe bolstering Israel advances U.S. interests, strengthening a pro-American ally in the world's most turbulent region. And yet even to an ardent proponent of U.S.-Israel cooperation, this example of it defies all logic. For Washington, it kills whatever slim chance remains for President Donald Trump's peace plan. For Palestinians, it validates the claim that Israel just wants territorial expansion. For Jerusalem, it abandons a relatively secure and surprisingly durable status quo for no real reason. If the U.S. and Israeli governments can't convince even me of the logic here, there is no hope they will convince others that annexation is anything but a domestic political maneuver fueled by the growing electoral power of Israel's ideologically motivated settlement movement, devoid of strategic rationale. Annexation emerged as a real possibility (rather than a theoretical policy favored by fringe figures) in January, when Trump unexpectedly appended a promise of U.S. backing for the move to the announcement of his long-awaited peace plan. Ever since, I have looked for a compelling explanation for why Israel should unilaterally extend its sovereignty over territory it long claimed was in dispute, a step that will undermine its legal justification to be in the territory in the first place. To my great regret, that search has been unsuccessful. Over the past two decades, Israel has offered Palestinians statehood based on progressively more generous territorial compromises and, when those offers were rejected, preserved a tolerable less-than-peace status quo. Under its octogenarian leader, Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority grouses about an array of indignities but not so much that it embraces violent uprising; it works closely with the Israeli government to counter the spread of the radical Hamas movement into the West Bank and prevent anti-Israel terrorism. This situation has allowed for both Palestinian self-government and Israeli settlement growth, all under ultimate Israeli security control. Israel's Army oversees the entire West Bank, its civil law governs its citizens living there, and it has accustomed the international community to this approach. Unilateral annexation is a radical departure. After hours of discussion with current and former senior Israeli government officials with intimate knowledge of the annexation initiative, it is clear to me that the idea springs from a gloomy view of Israel's strategic situation in which the world's consensus on what constitutes a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has lurched leftward - in a pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel direction - as Israeli politics has shifted rightward. Israel traditionally viewed the peace process as a way to achieve secure and defensible borders for the Jewish state; settlement growth, especially outposts deep in the West Bank, complicated this by providing a rationale to claim more land in an eventual deal. At the same time, much of the world moved in the opposite direction, viewing the entire area as legitimately Palestinian and negotiations as merely a mechanism for full Israeli withdrawal to the 1949 armistice lines from Israel's independence war. Many Israelis are worried that a future American administration might be sympathetic to this emerging global view. In 2016, as President Barack Obama's term wound down, his administration broke with decades of U.S. policy and declined to block a U.N. Security Council resolution labeling as illegal all Israeli settlements, including all construction in East Jerusalem. It horrified Jerusalem and fed a fear that its closest ally might someday join the chorus calling for Israel to return to what the late Israeli diplomat Abba Eban once called "Auschwitz borders." The Trump administration's more sympathetic approach, in the view of annexation advocates, gives Israel an opportunity to construct its own future without fear of American meddling. Just as with the embassy move, they believe annexation will trigger little global reaction. Once Israel has a sovereign eastern border recognized by the United States, other nations will reconcile themselves to the new reality. Indeed, advocates even contend that many Arab nations would actually welcome annexation for taking the territorial issue off the agenda, allowing them to pursue mutually beneficial ties with the Jewish state. There may be something to that analysis. Arab countries have warmed to Israel in recent years, as leaders routinely mouth bromides about the Palestinians while building common cause with Jerusalem against Iran and doing private business deals to take advantage of Israel's high-tech prowess. And in U.S. politics, the drift away from unwavering support for Israel within the Democratic Party is real. But neither trend is written in stone. This month, for example, the Emirati ambassador to the United Stateswrote an essay for Israel's largest newspaper telling Israelis they can't have it both ways - they must choose between annexation and normalization. And here in America, while a chorus of Israel critics received the most attention for their 2018 congressional victories, moderates won the vast majority of Democratic seats that night. A moderate candidate clinched the Democratic presidential nomination this year, even more swiftly and decisively than four years ago. Maintaining the status quo, therefore, may hold theoretical future risks, but annexation invites much more immediate dangers. These include, for example, the collapse of the Palestinian Authority; a third Palestinian intifada; the suspension of the peace treaty with Jordan, the Arab country most intimately connected with the Palestinians; or a rupture in diplomatic relations with Israel's allies abroad, including perhaps the imposition by European countries of sanctions on goods and people connected to Israel's annexed territories. I wanted to know why Israel would risk a favorable status quo to gamble on an uncertain international reaction. Why would Israel want to distract the world from Iran precisely when Tehran is breaking every remaining constraint in the 2015 nuclear deal? Why would Israel take steps that help prosecutors at the International Criminal Court assemble a case against it? Why would Israel invite the embarrassment of a President Joe Biden - one of the few non-Jewish political figures on the left to call himself a Zionist - revoking Trump's recognition of annexation? With every question, the annexation proponents with whom I talked kept returning to the same theme: Israel is essentially alone in the world; we need to take our destiny into our own hands. We know there will be some turbulence at the beginning, perhaps for a month or two, but we can withstand it. The time to act is now. My search for a rationale for annexation left me especially troubled and sad. The advocates with whom I spoke are shockingly defeatist about Israel's diplomatic future and vainly indifferent to the danger they are courting. For my part, it felt odd to speak out against a seminal policy shift jointly endorsed by American and Israeli leaders. But the potential for long-term damage to the relationship is so great that anything less would be derelict. The truth is that annexation will not end the debate about territory. The opposite is more likely. Israelis and Palestinians will still have competing claims, Israel will still lack internationally recognized boundaries, and the territorial aspect of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will remain unresolved. Along the way, annexation will badly degrade Israel's strategic environment by heightening tensions in the West Bank; worsening relations with Israel's treaty partner, Jordan; and turbocharging anti-Israel sentiment in Europe, the United Nations and other international institutions. In the longer term, annexation could lead Israel's closest friends - especially allies in Washington and key capitals like London and Berlin - to abandon the position that its very presence in the West Bank was a legitimate outcome of its defensive operations in the Six-Day War of June 1967. While the steady growth of settlements has eroded the image of Israel as a "legal occupier" pending a negotiated peace, annexation would confirm to many the view of Israel as an "illegal occupier" whose actions prevent a negotiated peace. And annexation is sure to accelerate partisanship over Israel in U.S. politics and make it increasingly unlikely that a future Democratic nominee ever calls herself a Zionist. Thankfully, a decision to annex West Bank territory is not a certainty. Even if Trump affirms his support for annexation, many actors abroad - Trump, the Palestinian leadership, key Arab states, even Biden - can affect Israel's choice. Domestically, Israel's security establishment can inject some realism into a debate that, surprisingly, is only beginning to focus on cost-benefit analysis. After reading polls showing that most Israelis don't support annexation, perhaps Netanyahu decides, as he has so often in the past, that prudence is the wiser course of action. If, despite all this, Jerusalem proceeds with annexation, friends of the U.S.-Israel relationship will be put to the test. I will work to protect this vital partnership, even while condemning this senseless move, but that work will become immeasurably more difficult thanks to those who choose ideological gratification without tangible gain. --- Satloff is the executive director of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. This story was last updated in June 2020. A Wisconsin mom has shared on social media an uplifting encounter with a good Samaritan who returned a family members lost wallet without a single cent missing. Michelle Dahlke, from De Pere, Wisconsin, took to Facebook on May 25 to share the pleasant surprise after 11-year-old Vince Hietpas from nearby Green Bay returned the wallet, which belonged to her 17-year-old stepson, Chase. Chase had returned from a Memorial Day fishing trip with a friend only to discover that hed lost his wallet along the way. I got home, checked my drawers, there was nothing in there, he told WFRV. Vince and his father came across Chases wallet next to a tree while walking in a local park. They saw the familys address printed on his drivers license and made the journey to their house. The familys RING doorbell camera showed Vince waiting patiently on the doorstep, wallet in hand, ready to return it to its rightful owner. Our watches and our phones were going off saying someone was at the front door, Michelle explained. We were across the street having a barbecue. Michelles husband, Jason, answered the door. Upon receiving the wallet, Jason gifted Vince what cash was inside (only $2), but as Vince rode off with his dad, Lorenzo, the Dahlkes wished they had done more. I was still kind of in shock that somebody could do a nice gesture like this, said Jason. So, Michelle decided to track down Vince and his father on social media. [W]e contacted this family, Michelle later posted on Facebook. The dad had Covid and was out of work. This family still gave the wallet back even though they have nothing! Lorenzo had been unable to return to his job at a meat-processing plant even after recovering from the virus. Vince, nevertheless, was satisfied with how it had turned out. We got two dollars and I was happy, Vince announced, adding, Doing the right thing is good. For Chase and the Dahlkes, however, the honest act warranted something more. (Courtesy of Michelle Dahlke) Harnessing the generosity of their local community, the Dahlkes started a GoFundMe campaign dubbed Vince, the 11 year old hero, & dad with Covid. At the time of writing, hundreds of generous donations had already donated over $10,000. On June 5, Michelle uploaded a video thanking all the kind donors for their contributions to the fund and explaining that the Dahlkes were presenting Vince and Lorenzo with the first of many installments, including a check for over $6,000, a plethora of gift cards, snacks, and clothes for Vince. When asked what he wanted, the only thing Vince requested was socks, Michelle said. So thankful for [Vince] and his dad, Michelle later posted on Facebook. There is so much hate in this world and so much negativity. Its time to focus on the positive. We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.com Merchants say they are grateful that a man they claim repeatedly harassed and threatened several State Street business owners was arrested Tuesday afternoon following an incident at Coopers Tavern on Capitol Square. But as protests reignited by that arrest turned violent, business owners say they want to know when the city will address larger concerns of violence and vandalism and begin to care about their livelihoods. Its getting more scary, said Abbul Lababidi, who has owned Princess of India Imports, a clothing and jewelry store, for 24 years at 306 State St. My customers, they call me, and they dont want to come down to State Street anymore. I dont know what were going to do. Business is very tough. Very tough. Statues were toppled, a state senator assaulted, windows broken and the state Capitol vandalized over several hours after the arrest of Devonere Johnson, 28, a Black activist. The vandalism was reminiscent of what took place the weekend after George Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody, which sparked nationwide protests. Police said, and videos showed, Johnson entered the patio of Coopers Tavern with a bullhorn and armed with a baseball bat. Johnson then followed a white customer inside the restaurant, calling him a racist through the bullhorn and using profanities, the video shows. When Johnson was confronted by police officers, a struggle ensued and at one point he escaped out of a squad car before two officers tackled him. But several business owners and the head of a Downtown business organization said the disturbance at Coopers Tavern was not an isolated incident. They said Johnson and others entered multiple businesses on State Street on Monday and Tuesday, played loud music, called business owners racists, threatened to burn buildings, demanded free food and drinks and knocked over patio chairs and tables. Tiffany Kenney, executive director of the Central Business Improvement District, said Johnson has been harassing the BID and her for more than a year and over the past week-and-a-half was actively harassing and threatening businesses up and down State Street and on Capitol Square. Im so bummed. This is a huge setback, Kenney said of the violence. Johnson remained Wednesday in the Dane County Jail. District Attorney Ismael Ozanne said at midday he hadnt yet received a referral for charges from police. Johnson is on probation until 2022 after pleading guilty in 2017 to felony theft. State Department of Corrections spokesman John Beard said regardless of the outcome of any court appearance Johnson may have in the coming days, he would remain in jail on a probation hold until DOC completes an investigation and decides whether to release him. More plywood Some business owners over the last week had begun to remove protective plywood from windows to make their businesses more inviting. But Kenney said Wednesday that at least five businesses have made requests to have their windows covered back up with plywood after the sheets were removed over the last 10 days. Many of those removed are adorned with artwork and destined for an exhibit so Kenney has ordered $2,500 in plywood to accommodate requests. Her executive board is also encouraging business owners not to remove plywood for the time being. We cant, in good faith, encourage any more board removal. Its just not feeling safe, Kenney said. The impact of whats happening on State Street is going to affect the whole Downtown. A number of business owners who spoke to a reporter were unwilling to be named or have their businesses identified for fear they or their businesses would face retribution from protesters. They said the government needs to do more to ensure State Street is safe and protect their businesses, including calling in the National Guard if needed. Moving ahead On Monday, a coalition of State Street businesses pleaded with the city to improve safety, offer subsidies to attract new businesses and to temporarily convert the street into a pedestrian mall. A letter with 19 requests asked for more security cameras, the removal of rocks from planters and to replace the glass at the now boarded-up visitor center adjacent to Lisa Link Peace Park. There were also requests for refunds on taxes and permit and license fees due to closures from COVID-19 followed by rioting and looting during protests. Khen Sinarack Bey Macviley has owned Rising Sons Thai Restaurant, 617 State St., since 2006, but began with a grocery store on South Park Street in 2000. The past few months have challenged her business, and shes hoping she can stay afloat amid the coronavirus pandemic and violence. I am hoping for peace. I dont like violence. Thats all I can say. I just hope everybody comes together and makes peace of everything, Macviley said. We already have a natural disaster, we dont need this at all. We all need to come together and make it work. State Journal reporters Anna Walters and Ed Treleven contributed to this report. Photos: See damage from Tuesdays protests near the state Capitol Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Hanoi is receiving a host of new high-tech projects by major foreign investors, Photo: Le Toan As the worlds leading wireless technology innovator and the driving force behind the development, launch, and expansion of 5G, Qualcomm last week opened a new representative office and research and development (R&D) centre in Hanoi, making it the companys first R&D facility in Southeast Asia. The new Hanoi office and R&D centre show Qualcomms long-term investment commitment and strong confidence in the local market. The new infrastructure will enable us to best serve customers demands, said Nam Thieu, country manager of Qualcomm Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. The Hanoi R&D centre is of strategic importance to Qualcomm. The US tech giant made the move after good performance in the country over the past years and is part of its strategy to expand further here. Qualcomm is one among hundreds of businesses which are seeking opportunities in Hanoi in the wake of its advantages which include a growing middle class, strong political geography, stable economic growth, and rising purchasing power. New orientations According to Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment (DPI), the city aims to attract high-quality foreign direct investment (FDI) and use it more effectively. The citys FDI attraction strategy continues to focus on prioritised sectors for each foreign investor based on their expertise. Accordingly, the citys most potential foreign investors will include South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Hanoi will focus on calling on foreign-invested projects with a priority to large-scale, high added value, high-tech, and environmentally-friendly projects of multinational corporations which help small- and medium-sized enterprises join global value chains, promote technology transfer, and develop the supporting industry, said Nguyen Manh Quyen, director of the DPI. Currently, companies from the US, Japan, South Korea, and the EU are heading to shift their investment out of China in the context of the US-China trade tensions, and now negative impacts from COVID-19 is accelerating the trend. For example, Japan is spending about $2.2 billion in support for its companies to allocate their factories out of China to the home country, or to Southeast Asia. In another case, Samsung Electronics has officially suspended mobile phone manufacturing in China, while other giants such as Sony, Apple, and Foxconn are planning for other locations outside China. In this context, Vietnam is gaining advantages thanks to its geographical location, low labour cost, and trained workforce. As a result of the trend, Hanoi is moving to lure a new possible investment wave. As planned, the city will develop industrial parks (IPs) and industrial clusters (ICs) with infrastructure available to attract future possible investment shifts in the fields of healthcare and high-tech electronics manufacturing from multinational corporations. It is also improving the business climate to increase its attraction. Looking ahead, the city aims to lure about $30-40 billion worth of total registered FDI during 2021-2025, meaning $6-8 billion annually, to disburse $20-30 billion worth of FDI in this period; to increase the percentage of businesses applying advanced technology, and governance, and environment protection by 50 per cent by 2025 and to 100 per cent by 2030; raise localisation rate to over 30 per cent in 2025 and 40 per cent by 2030; and trained workforce to over 70 per cent in 2025 and 80 per cent by 2030. Solutions To achieve the targets in line with the countrys new FDI attraction strategy by 2030, the capital city will centre on six key solutions. It will continue to improve the business environment to create more favourable conditions for businesses and investors, as well as protect their legitimate benefits in economic, trade, and investment disputes. Secondly, on-the spot investment promotion will be strengthened. As part of that, the city will continue to build an e-government to save time and cost for enterprises. Accordingly, public services can be fulfilled online such as business establishment registration, tax declaration and payment, customs, social insurance, registration of land-use right, and construction licensing. Next, new investment policies will be worked out to leverage private investment. Moreover, special incentives for investors will be also built. In addition, land will be made more accessible. Specifically, Hanoi will check land funds at the approved IPs and ICs, and fast-track their infrastructure development while building a portfolio of projects calling for private investment. Up till now, the city has 17 approved IPs, with five in preparation for infrastructure development and 107 ICs with 24 in the preparation process of construction. Also importantly, investment disbursement will be enhanced, striving to reach about $2-4 billion a year on average, focusing on large-scale projects, and those in the field of manufacturing in IPs. New opportunities Evidently, Hanoi, which is now boosting plans to develop into a smart city, and sci-tech applications, considering them among the key tasks in the 2021-2025 period, is bringing about plenty of new prospects ahead for foreign investors, including Qualcomm in high-tech sectors. In the front of realty, manufacturing and processing, trade and service, and agriculture, new opportunities are obvious on the back of the citys 2021-2025 socio-economic development plan. Accordingly, investment attraction in transport infrastructure, seaports, energy, IT and communications, and agriculture will be intensified. In anticipation of future growth potential, giants have been rushing to expand to and in Hanoi. They include Japans Nidec Chaun Choung Vietnam project of $174.5 million, the South Korea-invested Hanoi Lotte World Aquarium worth $47 million, the Twin Peaks expansion to $246 million, and TSQ Vietnam expansion of $67.5 million. Similarly, other outstanding names like Sumitomo with its $4 billion smart city project and Samsungs $220 million new R&D centre are speeding up expansion plans here. A number of enterprises, including foreign-invested ones (FIEs) are now queuing up to get investment registration certificates in the city. As expected over 1,000 domestic and international businesses will participate in the upcoming investment promotion meeting, scheduled for June 27, when the capital city will grant investment certificates and a number of MoUs to dozens of investors (see box). Potential projects focus on ICs, IPs, outlets, new urban areas, and waste treatment systems, among others. Moreover, the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement, expected to take effect in the coming months, will further drive more EU investment into the city. Hanoi is one of the countrys five most attractive destinations for foreign ventures. In the 2018-2019 period, the city always took the lead in FDI attraction with respective total registered FDI of $7.5 billion and $8.7 billion on the back of big improvements in the business climate. In the first five months, Hanoi attracted $1.18 billion in FDI, which is expected to rise to $1.5 billion in the second quarter, and $2.5 billion in the first half of the year. It is expected that the figure will be $5 billion in 2020. As shown in the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) 2019, Hanoi gained 68.8 points, up 3.4 percentage points from the previous year, ranking ninth among the 63 cities and provinces. Remarkably, among the 10 PCI indexes, the city saw eight improvements, such as land access (up 15 steps), and transparency and information access (up 19 notches). On this growth momentum, Hanoi remains an appealing spot despite the pandemic. In the first five months of 2020, it attracted over $1.18 billion worth of FDI. Singapore is the citys biggest foreign investor with $262.7 million, followed by Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. In the second half the capital targets to attract $2.75 billion FDI, thus enabling it to increase the figure to $5 billion by year-end. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Australian airline Qantas Airways Ltd. (QAN.AX, QUBSF.PK) announced Thursday that it expects fiscal 2020 result between breakeven and a small underlying profit before tax, impacted by significant reduction in revenue during the second half. Further, the company announced a three year plan to accelerate its recovery from the COVID-19 crisis and return to growth in changed market. The immediate focus of the plan is to rightsize the workforce, fleet and other costs according to demand projections, with the ability to scale up as flying returns. The company said the plan will result in a large number of job losses across Qantas and Jetstar. The plan targets benefits of A$15 billion over three years, in line with reduced flying activity including fuel consumption savings. The company also projects $1 billion per annum in ongoing cost savings from fiscal 2023 through productivity improvements across the Group. The company said it will reduce pre-crisis workforce by at least 6,000 roles across all parts of the business. Further, it continues the stand down for 15,000 employees, particularly those associated with international operations, until flying returns. Qantas plans to retire Qantas' six remaining 747s immediately, six months ahead of schedule. Also, up to 100 aircraft will be grounded for up to 12 months, and some for longer, including most of the international fleet. The cost of implementing the plan is estimated at A$1 billion, with most of this realised during FY21. Further, the company's Board announced that its plan to seek to raise up to A$1.9 billion, comprising of a fully underwritten institutional Placement to raise approximately A$1.36 billion and a non-underwritten Share Purchase Plan for eligible existing shareholders to participate of up to A$500 million. Proceeds from the Equity Raising will be used to accelerate the company's recovery, strengthen its balance sheet and position it to capitalise on opportunities aligned with its strategy. Regarding its 29,000 employees, the company said around 8,000 are expected to have returned to work by the end of July this year. It's anticipated that this will increase to around 15,000 by the end of calendar year 2020 in line with the opening up of domestic flying, and increase further during calendar 2021 and 2022 as the international network returns, reaching 21,000 active employees by June 2022. Redundancies are proposed to manage a surplus of around 6,000 roles, with the temporary surplus of around 15,000 managed through a mix of stand down, annual leave and leave without pay. Regarding the job losses, the company will consult with relevant unions. In Qantas and Jetstar, the job losses will include at least 1,450 in non-operational, mainly in corporate roles, due to less flying activity. Ground operations will impact at least 1,500 job losses across airports, baggage handling, fleet presentation and ramp operations due to less flying activity. The company also projects at least 1,050 job losses in Cabin crew, at least 630 job losses in Engineering and at least 220 Pilots. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de A man who was on bail for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend after she broke up with him then kidnapped and raped her on a secluded dirt track. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the terrifying assault, but has tried to appeal - calling it 'manifestly excessive'. The predator had already been charged with domestic violence offences after choking and sexually assaulting the woman on May 18, 2017 - a day after she ended their relationship. After being released on bail later that month, he stalked the woman on multiple occasions including calling her at work pretending to be a client and by creating an Instagram account under a false name to try to contact her. The man, who cannot be named to protect his ex-partner's identity, also broke into her home in Port Douglas in Queensland's far north three to four times before the violence came to a head on June 14 of that year. A far north Queensland woman was sexually assaulted by her ex-partner on a secluded dirt track despite him already being on bail (stock image) A Court of Appeal ruling states he broke into her unit after she returned from a night out with two friends. He locked the friends in the spare bedroom before entering his ex-partner's room with a knife. When she woke and tried to fight him off, the man knocked her out with a punch to the face - leaving her with swelling and bruising so severe she was unable to open one of her eyes, the judgement said. He then took off her clothes and sexually assaulted her, before carrying the woman naked and in a state of semi-conscious to his car where he bound her wrists and mouth with duct tape. 'He put her in the back seat and drove north towards Mossman [north of Port Douglas],' the judgement said. 'He continued to detain her in the car for hours. She made unsuccessful attempts to attract help and to get away.' The man then drove her to a secluded dirt track along Tinaroo Creek Road west of Cairns, where he parked for several hours and threatened to hit her again if she did not have sex with him. 'Later in the afternoon, he said he wanted to have sex before he took her home,' the ruling said. The man duct taped the woman's wrists and mouth before taking her to a secluded dirt track along Tinaroo Creek Road west of Cairns (pictured) 'She refused again but eventually agreed to avoid being hurt further and so that he would take her home.' The man pleaded guilty to ten counts including three of sexual assault, one of unlawful stalking with violence, one of burglary, one of deprivation of liberty and one of rape. He also pleaded guilty to a further 19 summary offences and was sentenced to 12 years in jail last year. He appealed the sentence on the basis it was 'manifestly excessive' but it was refused in a ruling delivered on Tuesday. 'That is a heavy sentence but it was imposed for extremely serious offending,' the judgement by the Supreme Court of Queensland's Court of Appeal said. He will have to serve 80 per cent of his sentence before being eligible for parole. A Chicago doctor who has recovered after contracting coronavirus earlier in the year is calling for a change in the law after being denied the chance to donate blood because he is gay. Dr Dillon Barron, who is an emergency room doctor, said that after he and his partner, Eric Seelbach, both recovered from contracting Covid-19, they decided to donate blood to help save other coronavirus patients, but were denied the chance because of their sexuality. Dr Barron told CBS Chicago: I really felt passionate about doing something; wanting to be in control and feel like I was helping people, and added: Were sitting on something that could be saving lives. In the US, men who have sex with other men (MSM) are not able to give blood if they have been sexually active within three months of the proposed donation, even if they are in a monogamous relationship or are practising safe sex. Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reduced the amount of time gay and bisexual men have to wait without sex, in order to give blood, from one year, to three months, amid the coronavirus pandemic and a shortage of plasma. However, Dr Barron believes that the relaxation of restrictions does not go far enough, and thinks now is the time to look into the science behind the stance. The issue has support from politicians, and basing decisions on whether gay and bisexual men have to wait to give blood on individual risk factors is the focus of House Resolution 989, which was introduced by several members of Congress at the beginning of June. The resolution calls for policies governing blood and blood product donation in the United States, to be be grounded in science and to allow donations by all those who can safely do so. The original ban, which is still the basis of guidelines today, was implemented in 1983 amid the HIV epidemic, and originally banned gay and bisexual men for life. However, with improved testing and screening, alongside the introduction of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is a short course of HIV medicines that if administered within 72 hours of exposure prevents the virus taking hold in the body, the waiting time has been modified to a year or less for a majority of Western countries. Dr Anu Hazra, an infectious disease physician at the University of Chicago, told CBS that there is no science currently to support, the ban on gay and bisexual men giving blood without abstaining from sex for three months, when many are not at risk of contracting the virus. An antibody test can take up to 90 days for HIV infection to be detected after an exposure, but Dr Hazra believes any waiting period should be decided through individual risk assessments for every donor, regardless of whether they are gay or straight. According to the House resolution: Lifting the Federal lifetime deferral policy on blood donation by an MSM could result in as many as 4,200,000 newly eligible male donors, of which 360,600 would likely donate and generate 615,300 additional pints of blood. Mr Seelbach believes that the additional pints of blood are not currently available because of bigotry or laziness or people who dont believe in science. Dr Barron and Mr Seelbach are calling for a change in legislation, and have received the backing of their representative, Illinois congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. She told the couple that there is no reason behind it thats based on science, and added: We really need to make progress, and what you are advocating is to help. House Resolution 989 has been referred to committee, and Ms Schakowsky is hopeful that blood shortages, amid the pandemic, will help convince members of Congress to change the legislation. Science says a cup of tea could help cool you down in hot weather. (Getty Images) From dipping our feet in the paddling pool, to pouring ourselves an ice cold drink, when were feeling hot there are plenty of tried and tested methods we might turn to to cool down, and making ourselves a hot drink certainly isnt one of them. But science has revealed sipping a hot cup of tea, or the like, could actually be the very best way of keeping cool. Sure a boiling brew is probably the last thing you fancy on a sweltering hot day, but the explanation about how a hot drink could keep you cool actually makes total sense. It is all to do with sweat you see. Here comes the science bit... It turns out drinking a hot drink increases the bodys heat load and the body responds to that by sweating. The moment the hot liquid makes contact with the bodys temperature receptors, the brain tells the body to produce more sweat. This sweat then cools on the surface of the skin, reducing the sensation of us being too warm and ultimately, making us feel cooler. Read more: What a heatwave does to the body Drinking a hot drink could cool you down. (Getty Images) We have Ollie Jay, a researcher at University of Ottawas School of Human Kinetics, to thank for that genius bit of info. Back in 2012, Jay conducted a series of experiments to analyse the effect a hot drink can have on your overall body temperature. And he and his researchers discovered that drinking a hot brew or the equivalent can actually cool you down, because it results in a lower amount of heat stored inside your body. Told you it would all make sense. But before you rush to stick on the kettle, it is worth noting that the hot drink/cool body trick wont work in all situations. If youre drinking a hot drink in an environment where the sweat wont evaporate, for example if youre somewhere really hot and humid, the hot drink trick may not have the same effect. Read more: 32 tips and tricks for sleeping during a heatwave Equally, drinking a hot cuppa while wearing long sleeves and leggings likely wont work. Thats because sweat needs to evaporate and the reduction in temperature caused by sweating needs to exceed the increase in temperature caused by drinking a hot drink. Story continues On a very hot and humid day, if youre wearing a lot of clothing, or if youre having so much sweat that it starts to drip on the ground and doesnt evaporate from the skins surface, then drinking a hot drink is a bad thing, Jay explains. Its also worth noting that the heat from the drink will also raise your body temperature a little. The hot drink still does add a little heat to the body, so if the sweats not going to assist in evaporation, go for a cold drink, Jay told Smithsonian.com. So, perhaps a steaming cup of tea isn't the best solution if you're working from home in this heatwave and dont fancy sitting at your desk in your bikini. Of course, the type of hot drink you opt for is also worth considering. According to Public Health England, people should steer clear of drinking too much caffeine or alcohol in the hot weather as this raises body temperature and can make you feel hotter. The NHS guidelines also state: Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and diluted fruit juice. Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine - tea, coffee and cola - or drinks high in sugar. Maybe well stick to dangling our feet in the paddling pool. But what if theyre lying? Rafael Agustin, 39, a TV writer in Los Angeles, said he has broken his quarantine only twice. Once to see the girl I thought I was dating, and then once to see the girl I now hope to be dating, he said. With both of them, he had a rule: They must be mask wearers. There were a few ways to make sure that was the case. He could ask them directly and check their social media accounts. But there is no way to know exactly what they were doing behind his back and out of the spotlight. Still, hell continue to insist. Today, face masks are the new condoms, Mr. Agustin said. If youre not using them, then youre not getting any action. So please use protection because you dont know if you might be a carrier. There Has Been Some Yelling Those whove been isolating in a group have been found a way to work around the strictures of quarantine from its beginning. But now, with the patchwork of reopenings across the country, disagreements are arising about which new pursuits may be permissible. Thomas Gunderson, 24, is an aviation student at Southern Utah University. By the end of March most students had left Cedar City, Utah, where he started living recently, having transferred from a different school. Three people he knew were still in Cedar City including his brother, 25, who works for a network marketing business and is his roommate, and two female students, 19 and 30, who live together. The group got whittled down to the few of us, he said. We decided this was going to be our Covid group. They are still socializing only together. At night they make food like tacos and watch television including Money Heist on Netflix. During the day they hike to Logan Canyon and the Great Salt Lake. They have decided not to go to restaurants, which are reopening, opting to wait to see whether the virus is halted or renews its spread. Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti state, has accused Babafemi Ojudu, special adviser to the president on political matters, of blackmail.... Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti state, has accused Babafemi Ojudu, special adviser to the president on political matters, of blackmail. The governor was reacting to a report in a national newspaper which alleged that Fayemi had visited the presidential villa in Abuja to win President Muhammadu Buhari over to Victor Giadom, deputy national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The report claimed that the visit was futile as the duo couldnt see Buhari despite spirited attempts. Shortly after the report was published, Buhari backed Giadom as the acting national chairman of the party. Reacting in a statement on Wednesday, Yinka Oyebode, Fayemis spokesman, alleged that the report was fabricated and sponsored by Ojudu, who works in the office of Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo to tarnish the governors reputation. He said Fayemi has been silent on the crisis rocking the party, adding that his remarks have been based on the position of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) which he heads. Oyebode said Fayemi had met with Buhari earlier, alongside three of his colleagues. He said the governor later visited the presidential villa to meet with Ibrahim Gambari, presidential chief of staff, adding that he did not go with Giadom. He urged Nigerians to ignore the story, saying it is an highly illogical concoction. The attention of the general public is being drawn to a misleading publication with headline Fayemis failed mission to Villa with Giadom, published in the online edition on Wednesday, June 24th, 2020, the statement read. The falsehood, we gathered reliably, was fabricated by a senior aide of the Presidency and a former Senator, Babafemi Ojudu, and planted in The Nation Newspaper, after it was rejected by some State House Correspondents, who rebuffed the former Senator for the misleading and malicious story. It is on record that Senator Ojudu, in his desperate bid to rubbish Governor Fayemi, had told his close associates that he would battle Governor Fayemi, who is also the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) with falsehood and cheap blackmail in his nefarious attempt to destabilize APC in Ekiti State. For the purpose of clarity, it is important to state that the Nations report was clearly a misleading one designed to cast aspersion on the person of Governor Fayemi and create an impression that the NGF Chairman is an unwanted visitor at the Villa. The largely unsubstantiated report was filled with bile, childish and unexplainable fury that signified nothing, just like a tale fit only for the tabloids. In setting the record straight, we hereby state unequivocally that Governor Fayemi had no plan nor reason to see Mr President on Tuesday late afternoon as maliciously presented in the Nations report. The Governor, had earlier seen Mr President at noon in company of three of his colleagues Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi), Governor Simon Lalong (Plateau) and Governor Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa). Also present at that meeting were the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof Ibrahim Gambari and Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. Governor Fayemi was in the villa later in the afternoon to see the COS and State Chief of Protocol (SCOP). The Ekiti State Governor was never denied any opportunity to see President Buhari as he did not ask to see the President and neither did he go with Chief Giadom. Governor Fayemis position on the APC crisis has been to consistently subsume his views in the position of the Progressives Governors Forum as expressed by the Chairman. He has not spoken on the party crisis in any public forum but continue to urge all members and lovers of the party to exercise restraint and support the leader of the party, President Mohammadu Buhari and other leaders desirous of resolution to give peace a chance. When TheCable sought Ojudus reaction to Fayemis allegation, he said: This is false. Not worth responding to. In the words of Socrates when the argument is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser. Meanwhile, Buhari will attend the national executive committee (NEC) meeting of the APC which Giadom fixed for Thursday. Last week in New York City, the author of the Declaration of Independence became the latest target of the statue wreckers as elected officials formally asked Mayor Bill de Blasio to remove the statue of Thomas Jefferson from City Hall. Councilwoman Debi Rose (D-Staten Island), representing the anarchists, said: [Jeffersons] words are all men are created equal but they were not matched by his action, which included the ability to sell, buy, mortgage and lease human beings. Roses argument, as so many others who have criticized Americas third president for owning slaves, is trivial at best, since his positions on slavery underwent several evolutions. Jefferson, in fact, always spoke out against institutional slavery throughout his political career. For example: In his Notes on the State of Virginia (1785), Jefferson held : The whole commerce between master and slave is a perpetual exercise of the most boisterous passions, the most unremitting despotism on the one part, and degrading submissions on the other. In his letter to Brissot de Warville, February 11, 1788, Jefferson wrote : You know that nobody wishes more ardently to see an abolition not only of the trade but of the condition of slavery: and certainly nobody will be more willing to encounter every sacrifice for that object. Jefferson not only condemned institutional slavery but he followed up on it: in 1783 he submitted a bill to Congress that would free all slaves by 1800; in 1807 he signed into legislation elminating the Atlantic slave trade , the law that outlawed the importation of African slaves. Although it did not end slavery, this significant piece of legislation highlighted Jeffersons opposition to slavery. The question remains, if Thomas Jefferson was against the practice of slavery, why did he not free his slaves? As David Barton explained in his New York Times Bestseller The Jefferson Lies, unlike George Washington, who liberated his slaves on his death in 1799, the law of Virginia prevented him from doing so. While he did free five slaves on the Monticello estate in his will upon his death in 1826 -- 130 enslaved individuals from the estate were sold later in 1827 -- Jefferson was unable to do so because of his massive debts incurred by himself, his parents and his father-in-law after the American Revolution, which at his death stood at $107,000 ($2 million in todays dollars). Under Virginia statutes, since slaves were valued considered property, creditors could seize them from their debtors to satisfy debts. This is why he capitalized on the increasing number and value of his slaves to achieve two things -- increase his access to capital and protect his slaves from sale. To prevent his bondspeople from being sold to absolve, for example the Wayles debt, Jefferson first mortgaged 52 slaves to Henderson, McCaul & Company, and then gave as collateral 98 other slaves to several friends and the Dutch firm of Van Staphorst & Hubbard. These mortgages demonstrated that an indebted Jefferson was trying to circumvent a legal obstacle -- slaveholders could not use verbal conveyances, or emancipation, to prevent slaves from being seized by creditors. His solution was to give mortgages to friendly creditors who were unlikely to take his slaves. Jeffersons principle, as opined by Ari Helo in Thomas Jeffersons Ethics and the Politics of Human Progress, was that, even if black people were inferior to white, it was contrary to human morality to hold them in bondage. Slavery prevented its victims from ever acquiring moral accountability as individuals. As human beings, they had to be given freedom to take their destiny in their own hands, even if outside America, which in a politically shortsighted manner he thought would resolve the slave dilemma. This is primarily why he advocated the expansion of slavery into the Louisiana territory he purchased from the Emperor Napoleon in 1803, hoping that it would hasten emancipation -- in his utopian mindset, he thought that deporting black Americans to Sierra Leone, for example, would provide them a sovereign and independent land of their own. His rationale was that spreading the institution to the West would increase the number of taxpayers, who would cover the costs of the deportation. Jefferson, nevertheless, remained relatively silent on the issue towards the end of his life. Author M. Andrew Holowchak explains that his reluctance to continue tackling slavery was because of his belief that to act then would be to act before the time was ripe for appropriate action. Action on slavery at the wrong time might result in more harm -- that is separation of the union [which eventually happened] -- than good. Jefferson realized that it would be hypocritical to help found a nation on the principle all men are created equal as long as some its people were enslaved by others. Hence, the reason why the original draft of the Declaration of Independence rejected slavery -- Jefferson accused King George III of waging a cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life and liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him, captivating and carrying them into slavery in another hemisphere or to incur miserable death in their transportation thither. Southern delegates, however, who represented the interests of slaveholders aligned with northern delegates representing the interests of slave-trading merchants, and together they succeeded in excluding Jeffersons original terminology from the Declaration. Their motivation was obvious: eliminating slavery would diminish their wealth. They, specifically from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, held up the vote for independence until they got their way. Jefferson eventually felt best to leave the slavery issue to be resolved by a future generation. To categorize Jefferson as a criminal oppressor of an enslaved people as the liberals are depicting him is not just a far stretch but unmerited. Notwithstanding his shortcomings, he should continually be honored for leaving us a great legacy for without him we would be void of the most fundamental rights contained in the First Amendement to the U.S. Constitution: freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, as well as the separation of church from state. [June 25, 2020] Shuman Glenn & Stecker Investigates Granite Construction Inc. Shuman Glenn & Stecker announces that it is investigating potential shareholder claims against certain officers and directors of Granite Construction Inc. ("Granite Construction" or the "Company") (NYSE: GVA). Granite Construction is an infrastructure contractor and a construction materials producer in the United States. The Firm's investigation relates to allegations raised in a class action lawsuit filed against the Company and certain of its senior officers in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. In this class action, it is alleged that the defendant made false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose: (1) that the Company assumed certain risks in connection with its heavy civil joint venture project bids between 2012 and 2014; (2) that there was an "untenable" imbalance of risk sharing between the Company and joint venture project owners; (3) as a result, the Company was reasonably likely to incur additional project costs for its joint venture projects; and (4) the Company was reasonably likely to incur additional costs in connection with certain project disputes. On May 20, 2020, the defendants' motion to dismiss was denied in part and the class action is now proceeding towards trial. The lawsuit alleges that the above misrepresentations damaged stockholders. On July 29, 2019, the Company disclosed that its second quarter 2019 financial results were negatively impacted by non-cash charges related to four legacy, unconsolidated heavy civil joint venture projects in Texas, California, New York and Pennsylvania collectively worth over $7.5 billion. On this news, the Company's stock price fell $7.98 per share, or nearly 18%, to close at $36.49. On August 2, 2019, the Company announced its second quarter 2019 financial results, including a $114.2 million revenue reduction due to the charges disclosed on July 29, 2019. On this news, the Company's stock price fell $2.78 per share, or over 8%, to close at $31.22. Granite Construction's stock currently trades for less than $18 per share. If you currently own Granite Construction common stock and are interested in discussing your rights, or have information relating to this investigation, please contact Kip Shuman toll free at (866) 569-4531 or email Mr. Shuman at [email protected]. Shuman Glenn & Stecker represents investors throughout the nation, concentrating its practice in stockholder litigation. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005737/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Dominic Cummings' war with the Civil Service received fresh backing today as a new report laid blame for coronavirus errors at the door of the Whitehall 'blob'. Boris Johnson's backroom fixer has set his sights on a sweeping reform, accusing mandarins of pandemic failures and reportedly saying that 'a hard rain is coming'. A new report by the Civitas think tank today attacks a 'scientific clique' within the system that ministers were too afraid to question in the early days of the crisis. It came as Mr Cummings, 48, faced a demand from a Civil Service union for a Parliamentary probe into his treatment of special advisers, or Spads, over fears he is trying to centralise power in No10. The FDA accused him of being 'overly confrontational' and attempting to 'centralise' control of advisers usually answerable to the ministers they worked for, in a letter to the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee. In the Civitas paper today, authors Jim McConalogue and Tim Knox wrote: 'It appears that the UK governments early shift from the public information health campaign towards lockdown was the result of a lack of political will to question ''the science''. Boris Johnson's backroom fixer is believed to have set his sights on a sweeping reform of the civil service, accusing it of pandemic failures and saying that 'a hard rain is coming' FDA union boss Dave Penman accused him of being 'overly confrontational' and attempting to 'centralise' control of advisers usually answerable to the ministers they worked for Dominic Cummings' long-running war with the civil service Dominic Cummings has written prolific blogs on government over years that give a glimpse into his thinking. In June last year, shortly before joining Mr Johnson at No10, he penned a 10,000-word post calling for an end to the 'Kafka-esque' influence of civil servants on politicians. He proposed creating independent 'Red Teams' to challenge official advice to ministers - who would be rewarded for overturning the orthodoxy. Mr Cummings has previously slammed support for ministers as 'extremely bureaucratic and slow' and said the civil service had presided over 'expensive debacle after expensive debacle'. He dismissed Westminster as 'the blind leading the blind', saying that for top mandarins 'management, like science, is regarded contemptuously as something for the lower orders to think about, not the ''strategists'' at the top'. Mr Cummings has been upsetting the Westminster establishment for years. He memorably nicknamed the educational establishment 'the blob' when he was adviser to Mr Gove at the Department for Education. In 2014, David Cameron reportedly branded him a 'career psychopath', and Mr Cummings resigned from government and accused him of 'bumbling from one shambles to another without the slightest sense of purpose'. Mr Cummings described Lib Dem former deputy PM Nick Clegg as 'a revolting character', which triggered Mr Clegg to dismiss him as a 'loopy ideologue'. Advertisement 'Ministers repeatedly stressed their deference to the advice coming from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag), the Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M) and Public Health England (PHE). 'These advisory groups to the government appear to have been granted ''a representational monopoly.'' This explains how one crucial modelling projection study persuaded the government to overhaul its approach to Covid-19 and then impose tougher lockdown measures to contain the virus. 'The deference to ''the science'' was not justified. The science made frequent mistakes. Worse, it led to inappropriate government responses to the pandemic.' Mr Cummings has been a longstanding critic of the way the civil service works, calling for more modern organisation and data-driven policies. The PM's most senior aide is said to have told colleagues the Cabinet Office will be stripped of powers after being found wanting during the crisis. In blogs before he was drafted in by Mr Johnson, he urged the introduction of 'red teams' explicitly tasked with finding reasons why the government should not be following policies. He has been an advocate of 'Super-Forecasters', individuals who have no specific expertise but are able to predict events because of their mental process. Mr Cummings has been particularly scathing about the way the Ministry of Defence runs its procurement. But he has also been accused of overstepping the mark, including by having one adviser to former chancellor Sajid Javid frog-marched out of Downing Street last year. Today Dave Penman, the FDA general secretary, wrote to PACAC chairman William Wragg urging the committee to investigate the role of special advisers under Mr Cummings. Mr Penman expressed concern over 'a consistent message that Special Advisers were being directed in their work and essentially centrally run'. 'Our concern is that, as was envisaged by the previous report, we have a cadre of Special Advisers with little security of employment and who are being directly managed by No 10 through the PMs Chief of Staff,' he wrote. 'Even without the concern over how this power over employment is being deployed, it is clear that there is a deliberate approach from No 10 to fundamentally change the nature of the role... 'These changes clearly dilute the special relationship between Ministers and their Special Advisers, including the responsibility they have for their conduct and create a series of constitutional contradictions.' There have been complaints from some Tory MPs that No10 is too inward looking and has been blundering over coronavirus because there is an 'iron curtain' around the PM. But according to the grass roots ConservativeHome website, in a Zoom call with other special advisers recently Mr Cummings flatly dismissed the idea that he wanted to take all power into No10 as a 'media invention'. He reportedly told Spads that 'anybody who has read what I've said about management over the years will know it's ludicrous to suggest the solution to Whitehall's problems is a bigger centre and more centralisation'. 'it's already far too big, incoherent and adds to the problems with departments.' he added. Mr Cummings apparently called for a 'smaller and more elite' central operation, and made clear that big changes were coming for No10 and the Cabinet Office. He insisted the coronavirus response had underlined problems in the structures and many officials now accepted the need for radical change, before concluding with the message: 'A hard rain is coming.' Tensions have been running high between civil servants, ministers and aides during the crisis that has engulfed the country. During a discussion about the government's coronavirus exit plan Mr Johnson is said to have asked: 'Who is in charge of implementing this delivery plan?' One of the sources said that silence followed before the PM looked at Sir Mark and said: 'Is it you?' Sir Mark then reportedly replied: 'No, I think it's you, prime minister.' Some in Westminster thought Sir Mark was being sidelined when the Duke of Cambridges private secretary, Simon Case, was drafted in to the previously-dormant role as No10s own Permanent Secretary. There was also speculation old scores were being settled when Sir Simon McDonald announced he was stepping down as the top mandarin at the Foreign Office last week. By Vrishti Beniwal and Shwetha Sunil Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants to make India more self-reliant, but if the experience over the past few years is anything to go by, its not going to be easy. Faced with disruptions to raw material supplies from China because of the pandemic and millions of job losses following a nationwide lockdown, Modi has ratcheted up calls to boost local manufacturing and reduce Indias reliance on imports. A shortage of personal protective equipment at the beginning of the outbreak increased his resolve -- and within the space of just two months, India has become the worlds biggest maker of PPE kits after China. That success has only emboldened Modi as he exhorts Indians to buy local goods. A military standoff with China is now adding fuel to those calls. Following a deadly clash between soldiers from both countries along a contested Himalayan border this month, Indian political leaders have called for a boycott of Chinese goods and possible higher tariffs on products from its neighbour. Traders, who were previously reluctant to snub cheap Chinese imports, have now come up with a list of 3,000 items, including toys, watches and plastic products, that can easily be replaced by local manufacturing. The push to cut imports this time is more pronounced in its economic nationalism, said Amitendu Palit, a senior research fellow at the National University of Singapore. The dominant thinking is if businesses give up imports, and start making the same products at home, then they would create jobs, and generate incomes in a self-sustaining process. Deja Vu Modi previously attempted to boost domestic manufacturing with his Make in India plan, but that had limited success. Under that initiative, the government pledged to cut red tape and assist companies looking to set up shop in the country. The ambition was to grow the share of manufacturing in the economy to 25% by 2020, from 15% in 2014. But strict local-content rules in that plan backfired by raising production costs for companies, while waning domestic consumption amid a protracted slowdown in the economy saw the manufacturing sectors share remaining almost stagnant at about 15%. Modi has little choice but to focus on manufacturing, given the slump in the dominant services sector -- the primary driver for employment growth. With the economy on course for its first full-year contraction in four decades, authorities see industrial growth as a key to creating jobs for some 1 million young people entering the workforce every month. India has outlined new measures to promote self-reliance, including prohibiting global companies from bidding for government contracts up to a value of 2 billion rupees ($26.4 million), and giving collateral-free loans to small businesses that account for about 48% of Indias goods exports. Analysts say the latest measures will do little to make local firms more competitive. These are all medium-term strategies India already had. Now it is taking a little bit of political colour, said N R Bhanumurthy, vice chancellor of Bengaluru Dr B R Ambedkar School of Economics. If you want to really deal with China you need to be very competitive. Thats not an overnight job. The politically influential Swadeshi Jagran Manch -- a group aligned with Modis ruling party -- has been at the forefront of pushing Indians to reduce their dependence on imports. But doing so is easier said than done. China is Indias biggest source of imports, with purchases including electronic goods, nuclear reactors and organic chemicals running into almost $70 billion last year. Beijing enjoys a trade surplus of about $50 billion with New Delhi. Self-reliance should be interpreted as making India more resilient in the coming years, rather than interpreting those words in its narrowest terms, said Kaushik Das, chief India economist at Deutsche Bank AG. The objective is not to reduce imports at any cost. Modi is also hoping to lure investment as businesses around the world look to reassess their supply chains and diversify their China operations. While this vision is good, we need policies, said Ram Upendra Das, head of the Centre for Regional Trade in New Delhi, describing the recent self-reliance pledge as more of a reiteration of the Make in India program. We need to upgrade physical infrastructure, social infrastructure. India has been trying to woo investors since the US-China trade war, but many favoured places like Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines instead, given concerns about Indias archaic land and labour laws. Frustrating Delays While India is in the process of simplifying labour laws and has cut corporate tax rates to bring it on par with Asian peers, challenges remain in the form of cumbersome land acquisition rules, foreign-exchange controls and lethargic bureaucracy. Companies including South Koreas top steelmaker, Posco, have given up on their India investment plans, owing to frustrating delays in land acquisition. The result is that India imports 6.69 million tons of finished steel despite being a net exporter of iron ore. Words alone wont be enough to attract investors, said Jayati Ghosh, an economics professor at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. The economy is in a state of collapse, she said. If youre a global company interested in a new location for part of your supply chain, you need excellent infrastructure. Republicans used to vastly outnumber Democrats in the Wyoming Legislature. Their 77-12 super-majority seemed destined to last forever. But if you ask a shadowy political group organized last year, the margin has suddenly narrowed to 21-12 without the Democrats picking up a single seat. WyoRINO has proclaimed that only 14 House members and seven state senators actually have real Republican values. The group has branded all the others Republicans in Name Only, claiming theyre just fakes. Sound crazy? Thats because it is. Scary, too, if voters buy this lame attempt to bul... New Delhi, June 25 : The situation in the four flash points -- Galwan Valley, Hot Springs, Depsang and Pangong Lake -- in Eastern Ladakh is still tense despite military-level talks between India and China ending on a positive trajectory, sources said on Thursday. India has increased deployment of forces and big guns by manifold across these places as the tension has escalated, said a senior government official, adding that China too has been building defence infrastructure on the other side. At Pangong Lake, Chinese troops have moved up to Finger 4 where they have brought over 120 vehicles and a dozen boats. The Chinese army has also opened up a new front in the area near the Depsang Bulge, a table-top plateau north of Galwan. They have built camps and deployed vehicles and troops. The build up by the Chinese army has again started at Patrol Point 14 in Galwan, Patrol Point 15 in Kongka La and Patrol Point 17 in Hot Springs, even though they had agreed to remove defence infrastructure. Further, defying the agreed mutual consensus to disengage, the Chinese People's Liberation Army troops have returned to Patrol Point 14 in Galwan Valley where the barbaric attack took place on June 15, in which 20 Indian Army soldiers were killed. The PLA has even set up tents and an observation point exactly where they were on June 15, sources said, adding that the Chinese have returned with huge reinforcements even after they agreed to withdraw their troops and dismantle their setups. Sources said that during the 11-hour-long Corps Commander-level talks between India and China on June 22, it was stated that there was "mutual consensus to disengage". It was also stated that "modalities for disengagement from all friction areas in Eastern Ladakh were discussed". The Corps Commanders of the two countries' militaries had met at Moldo to resolve the border issue and ease tension in Eastern Ladakh. This was their second meeting after the first one on June 6. The meeting took place between 14 Corps Commander Lt. Gen Harinder Singh and South Xinjiang Military District chief Major General Liu Lin and it happened on the lines of the one they held at the Chushul-Moldo border personnel meeting point in Eastern Ladakh on June 6. However, Chinese Army troops were back at the same location where the conflict took place. The Chinese Army deployment is a major concern for the Indian government, but the forces in Eastern Ladakh are ready for any conflict, sources said. On June 15, the clash occurred on the south bank of Galwan river, which flows in an east-west direction before its confluence with the Shyok river. The killings of 20 Indian Army soldiers were the first fatalities faced by the Indian Army in a clash with the PLA since 1975 when an Indian patrol was ambushed in Arunachal Pradesh. The Indian Army said that its soldiers went to the spot where the clashes happened without any animosity to check if the de-escalation agreement was being followed as promised, and were displaying friendly gestures to the Chinese side when they were attacked. Sources said that Indian soldiers were outnumbered by 1:5 ratio when they came under a "savage attack" from the Chinese soldiers at Patrolling Point 14. "The numbers were stacked up against the Indian Army troops. Yet, the Indian side decided to fight the PLA...," a source had said. China had also 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 source said. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text A New Jersey high schooler who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound two years ago committed suicide after being bullied by his classmates for nearly a decade while administrators and teachers did nothing to help him, his parents have claimed in a lawsuit. Carthoris Carter Uziel was a sophomore at Westfield High School, in Union County, when he died by suicide aged 15 in June 2018, a lawsuit obtained by DailyMail.com details. His parents, Gene Uziel and Frances Testini, say their son was subjected to years of vile abuse which included being called racial slurs, stalked home after class and even physically attacked on dozens of occasions by students in the school district. The suit, filed on June 16, also details how Carter was reportedly thrown against lockers, pushed to the ground, struck in the face by an ice ball and sexually assaulted multiple times at the hands of his fellow students. The purported bullying began at Edison and Roosevelt Intermediate Schools in 2010 and continued at Westfield High School right up until the teenagers tragic death. Beginning in 2010, Carter Uziel was subjected to an ongoing pattern of harassment, intimidation and bullying by students of [all three schools], the lawsuit states. Teachers, counselors and administrators were fully aware but deliberately indifferent to [the bullying], resulting in substantial harm to him and ultimately causing Carter to take his own life, the Uziel familys suit continues. Carthoris Carter Uziel was just 15-year-old when he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on June 17, 2018, a lawsuit obtained by DailyMail.com details The complaint alleges negligence, civil rights violations, hostile environment and retaliation. The Westfield Board of Education, Superintendent Margaret Dolan, and Westfield Township are all named as defendants in the suit. Spokespersons for both the school district and the town declined to comment. Both cited their practice of not commenting on pending litigation. Gene and Frances Uziel said they routinely pleaded with teachers at the school to do something about the alleged long-running abuse, but their protests always fell on deaf ears, they said. In a June 10, 2014, email, the couple reportedly informed Superintendent Dolan of a number of instances of bullying their son had fallen victim to while studying at Edison. The lawsuit details dozens of instances of bullying and at least three unspecified acts of sexual assault across the entire school year, all of which were reported to Principal Matt Bolton at the time though no action was taken, the suit says. One of the acts of bullying involved a student throwing an ice ball into the face of Carter, whose glasses reportedly broke from the impact. He was later thrown into a row of lockers by another student in the hallway of the school, which again was reported to Bolton. A spate of additional bullying then apparently occurred in the following academic year between November 2014 and May 2015. On May 20, 2015, a student with a prior history of bullying and other inappropriate behavior pulled down Carters pants in the middle of class. The student was not suspended for this action and Carter had to serve a detention, the suit states. The suit, filed on June 16, also details how Carter was reportedly thrown against lockers, pushed to the ground, struck in the face by an ice ball and sexually assaulted multiple times at the hands of his fellow students Carter was a was a sophomore at Westfield High School (above), in Union County, at the time of his death In the winter of 2016, Uziel was attacked and pushed up against a cabinet which knocked out the wind from him. His notebooks, homework and school supplies were also stolen and vandalized. The parents reported both incidents in emails and verbally to Superintendent Margaret Dolan, the suit states. In response, Dolan allegedly sent Gene Uziel a strongly-worded and dismissive email, accusing him of harassing district employees with his successive complaints about his sons treatment at school. You are the single and only parent out of the thousands of parents of our Westfield Public School students who has consistently attempted to harass and malign teachers, counselors, nurses and administrators in three different schools over several years, the email Dolan authored reads. Superintendent Margaret Dolan (above) allegedly sent Gene Uziel a strongly-worded and dismissive email, accusing him of harassing district employees with his successive complaints about his sons treatment at school I do not believe that the district must continue to respond to further inappropriate, intentionally offensive or harassing communications, the email continues, with Dolan adding the district will no longer respond to the fathers complaints. In retort, Gene responded: This email involves no name calling, just the facts. In summation, because we believe that Carter has been inappropriately placed in an unsafe learning environment, this impedes education. Its unclear if Dolan ever replied to Genes response. However, on December 22, 2017, the concerned father would once again contact Westfield Schools, this time emailing counselor Paul Valenzano to inform him his son had been bullied recently by two students. Gene further disclosed how, on December 20, one of the students had punched Carter in the nose and had stalked him for two days. In the same email, Gene informed Valenzano that during one lunch period, a number of students had used racial slurs against him, with one calling him a Jewish c***, in addition to a number of other unspecified insults. In April 2018, the father reported to a Spanish-language teacher that his son was still being bullied and had been called racial slurs again, the lawsuit states. Then, tragically, just two months later, on June 17, Carter Uziel committed suicide at home. The lawsuit states that Gene and Frances had encountered Cater immediately after hearing the shot ring out and witnessed him bleeding from his head. The two parents tried to administer first aid to save their sons life. He was taken to Rahway Hospital where he was pronounced dead just one hour later. The complaint alleges negligence, civil rights violations, hostile environment and retaliation. The Westfield Board of Education, Superintendent Margaret Dolan, and Westfield Township are all named as defendants in the suit Heidi Weintraub, the attorney representing Carters parents, said: Carter Uziel and his parents endured many years of pain and anguish not only because of the bullying to which Carter was subjected but also because of the districts failure to take the appropriate measures to protect Carter from any future harm. The purported bullying began at Edison and Roosevelt Intermediate Schools (left and right) in 2010 and continued at Westfield High School right up until the teenagers tragic death. The day after his death, Superintendent Dolan wrote a letter to the Uziel family. Words cannot convey the grief we feel in the Westfield Public Schools community, Dolans letter read. This tragic loss touches us all and we extend our condolences to Carters family. Heidi Weintraub, the attorney representing Carters parents, told TapIntoWestfield: Carter Uziel and his parents endured many years of pain and anguish not only because of the bullying to which Carter was subjected but also because of the districts failure to take the appropriate measures to protect Carter from any future harm. The districts failure to provide him with a safe environment to learn and grow cost him his life. Carter's parents are seeking compensatory and punitive damages, and have asked for a jury trial. In a blog post about Carters death, dated October 2018, the teenager was remembered as a friendly, kind and funny student who told lighthearted jokes and had a passion for theater. Carter was gentle. Patient. Funny. Vibrant. Genuine. He might not be here to see it, but the roots Carter planted will forever grow in WHS, the post reads. Teacher Warren Hynes added of Carter that I was a better teacher for having known him. For confidential support call the National Suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-8255 US Envoy Rules Out Moratorium on Deploying Intermediate-Range Missiles Sputnik News 17:49 GMT 24.06.2020(updated 17:54 GMT 24.06.2020) WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US Special Representative for Arms Control Marshall Billingslea on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of a moratorium on the deployment of intermediate-range missiles after the United States abandoned a respective treaty with Russia. "Simply put, it's not going to happen", Billingslea told reporters when asked about a moratorium, then repeated allegations that Russian violations destroyed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty. US and Russian technical working groups on arms control will meet in the coming days in Vienna, Billingslea said during a virtual panel discussion. "Of course this is an evolutionary process, I do hope after the expert and technical working groups meet in the coming days in Vienna that we will make sufficient progress", Billingslea said. The United States withdrew from the 1987 INF Treaty in August 2019 after formally suspending its obligations in February and triggering a six-month withdrawal process. Russian officials have repeatedly denied US allegations of violating the pact. Ambassador Marshall Billingslea continued on by saying that the United States is willing to extend the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START) but only based on special circumstances. "We are willing to contemplate an extension of that agreement but only under special circumstances", Billingslea said. Those conditions include progress on talks with China, addressing Russian programs, and improved verification. Billingslea further elaborated that the United States and Russia eye the second round of arms control talks in late July or early August and will again extend an invitation to China to join. "Sufficient progress was made ... we could even envision perhaps at the end of July or maybe the beginning of August a second round in Vienna, which I think is something that the world will welcome", Billingslea said. "China again will be called upon to attend". Russian-US consultations on strategic stability concluded on 23 June in Vienna. The Russian delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, and the US delegation was headed by Billingslea. The consultations lasted about ten hours. The Russian Foreign Ministry said following the talks that the two countries' officials had discussed the extension of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), which is set to expire in February 2021, and maintaining stability in the context of the INF treaty termination. The previous round of the Russian-US strategic consultations was held in Vienna on 16 January before the dialogue was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. Moscow, which repeatedly accused Washington of being reluctant to extend the core treaty, has welcomed the resumption of contacts. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address (Bloomberg Opinion) -- Obscured by the myriad stories of coronavirus global devastation are three headlines from the continent with no shortage of epidemics, man-made and natural disasters. That would be Africa. Of its 54 countries, six are among the top 10 fastest-growing economies in the world this year. The continent is the favorite bazaar for appreciating equity after Eastern Europe and has one of the stock market's best-performing industries: communications. Africa finds itself with fewer Covid-19 cases than other heavily populated regions. Even after testing almost tripled to 1.2 million, the director of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, John Nkengasong, said the continent's percentage is relatively small. Africa has the largest percentage of youth in the world, a higher average temperature and relatively more people outdoors most of the time, according to an April 28 report in the Financial Times. Although South Africa remains an outlier, with surging daily Covid-19 infections similar to the U.S rate, Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria reflect the continent's low percentage of cases relative to its population, according to Bloomberg News and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Even as the U.S. daily infection rate based on population declines, the measure is still 24 to 46 times higher than in Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria. The trend has its roots at the beginning of the 21st century, when another pandemic threatened much of the world. Ever since the 2002-2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), when the continent's sole infection was in Cape Town, Africa has leapfrogged the developed world in gross domestic product with a steadily growing share of global GDP, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Most recently, some 38 economists who contribute to Bloomberg cut their 2020 forecasts for the world, from a 3% growth rate to a decline of 3.7%, while simultaneously predicting a much less precipitous slide for Africa: from 3% growth to a decline of 2.5%. If these forecasts prove accurate, Africa would be among the half-dozen best-performing 18 major regions in 2020, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Story continues Africa dominates the list with countries forecast to grow the most in 2020. Rwanda is projected at 3.2%, Ethiopia and Ivory Coast at 3%, Uganda at 2.8% and Ghana at 1.9%, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. That helps explain why stocks from North America, Western Europe and Asia Pacific contributed 3, 2 and 1 percentage points, respectively, to the world benchmark's 8% loss, and Africa contributed just 0.24 percentage point to the deficit. It remains the best performing region, similar to Eastern Europe (0.2 percentage point), according to data compiled by Bloomberg. While the world equity benchmark declined 4% in 2020, Africa lost just 1%. Communications companies in sub-Saharan Africa so far this year lead all industries in Africa with a total return (income plus appreciation) of 22% more than twice the 9% earned by global health-care companies, the No. 1 performing industry in the world. Africa's appreciation in the stock market coincides with a similar rally by the continent in the emerging market for sovereign debt. After lagging much of the past two years, Africa's sovereign debt gained 24% since the beginning of April, or more than double the entire market's 10%, according to the Bloomberg Barclays Indexes. None of these achievements apparently were anticipated by some of the biggest investors, who retreated from emerging markets earlier this year when the coronavirus became a global pandemic. BlackRock, the largest money manager with $7.4 trillion of assets, allowed its Africa investments to decline 24% to $8.3 billion. Its Asia Pacific investment declined 20% to $115 billion, and its Eastern Europe valuation fell 31% to $9 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. All of which shows that Africa is the biggest economic and financial surprise in these perilous times. -- With assistance from Shin Pei, Richard Dunsford-White and Amine Haddaoui. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Matthew Winkler, Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of Bloomberg News, writes about markets. 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. Movie star and humanitarian Tonto Dikeh is out with her latest YouTube vlog Grub And Rub With KingTonto with entrepreneur Wale Jana as her guest. The mom of one is discussing the perfume industry with Wale and how to break in to a business characterized by more women in Nigeria. Captioning her post, Dikeh wrote: NEW EPISODE DROPS BY 5pm TODAY ? Being a man in a female dominated business may be difficult for some but with guidance, an open mind and the ability to multitask what a woman can do a man can do to! Join your favorite KING TONTO and my guest @walejana of @sapphirescents as we talk about perfumes, luxury and life! [embedded content] The 35 year old Port Harcourt native is a brand ambassador for Janas perfume brand sapphirescents and Nollywood actress Regina Daniels. Related Curious just how far your dollar goes in San Antonio? We've rounded up the latest places for rent via rental sites Zumper and Apartment Guide to get a sense of what to expect when it comes to scoring affordable apartments in San Antonio with a budget of up to $1,200/month. Take a look at the listings, below. (Note: Prices and availability are subject to change.) Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in this article may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. 6933 Border Brook Listed at $1,101/month, this 1,108-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment is located at 6933 Border Brook. In the apartment, you can anticipate a walk-in closet, a dishwasher and carpeted floors. The building features a swimming pool. Pet lovers are in luck: The property is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly. Future tenants needn't worry about a leasing fee. According to Walk Score's assessment, this location is car-dependent, is fairly bikeable and has some transit options. (See the complete listing here.) 5210 Texas 1604 Loop Next, there's this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment situated at 5210 Texas 1604 Loop. It's listed for $1,104/month for its 736 square feet. The building offers garage parking. The apartment also includes a mix of hardwood floors and carpeting, a walk-in closet and a dishwasher. Pet lovers are in luck: This property is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly. According to Walk Score, the area around this address is car-dependent, isn't particularly bikeable and has a few nearby public transportation options. (Take a gander at the complete listing here.) 2727 Treble Creek Here's a 1,068-square-foot two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment at 2727 Treble Creek that's going for $1,106/month. In the unit, you'll see a fireplace, a walk-in closet, a dishwasher and hardwood flooring. The building has garage parking. Good news for animal lovers: The property is both dog-friendly and cat-friendly. Walk Score indicates that this location requires a car for most errands, is somewhat bikeable and has minimal transit options. (See the full listing here.) Eckhert Road and Border Mist Drive (Eckhert Crossing) Finally, check out this one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment that's located at Eckhert Road and Border Mist Drive. It's listed for $1,109/month. The building has garage parking. Pets are not welcome. According to Walk Score's assessment, the area around this address is car-dependent, has minimal bike infrastructure and has some transit options. (See the complete listing here.) Working with a tight budget? Here are the cheapest rentals recently listed in San Antonio. This story was created automatically using local real estate data from Zumper and Apartment Guide, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Additionally, read on for five marketing tips for real estate agents to showcase local market expertise. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. TIANJIN, China, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- On the afternoon of June 23, the Fourth World Intelligence Congress kicked off in Media Theater, Tianjin. Wan Gang, Vice Chairman of CPPCC and Chairman of China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), attended the online opening ceremony. CPC Tianjin Committee Secretary Li Hongzhong addressed the congress. Li Xiaohong, President of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), congratulated the congress through video. Huai Jinpeng, Executive Vice Chairman of CAST, Zhang Guoqing, Mayor of Tianjin attended the meeting. Park Won Soon, Mayor of Seoul, Republic of Korea, delivered a speech via video. The congress was presided over by Gong Ke, Chairman of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations. 58.6 million people watched the cloud opening ceremony and theme summit at the same time on 40 live streaming websites and platforms, and the total number of views reached 392 million. Wan Gang pointed out that the congress is a high-end platform for artificial intelligence communication jointly created by Tianjin and CAST. We will open up big data, apply blockchain and innovate in cloud services during the pandemic prevention and control; promote the development of new industries, further drive the intelligent process and digitization of the entire industry chain, and continuously boost the close combination of artificial intelligence with real economy; create a new platform for employment, build an open source sharing platform, and forge the "Sci-Tech Innovation China" brand; continuously deepen basic research, build a world-class artificial intelligence development platform and industrial ecosystem; and promote international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. Li Hongzhong said that Tianjin comprehensively promotes the strategic layout of the new generation artificial intelligence industry, and intelligent technology is becoming the core driving force for high-quality development in the city. Tianjin will take the initiative to embrace the new era of intelligence, push forward the construction of a pioneer city in the fourth industrial revolution, build itself into an innovative city in intelligent technology, an energization city of the intelligent industry, and an ecological city of intelligent development, continuously optimize its business environment, and strengthen cooperation in intelligence fields with various parties from home and abroad. According to Li Xiaohong, Tianjin has embarked on a new way of innovation-driven development with the intelligence technology industry as the lead, and Tianjin Intelligent Port shows a promising future. Park Won Soon said that this year is a crucial year for the construction of 5G networks in Tianjin. He hoped Seoul and Tianjin will strengthen communications and share experience on the construction of intelligence industrial infrastructures. At the theme summit, representatives from the global intelligence technology industry and academia delivered speeches on site or via video accesses. Among them include Gao Wenjiu, academician of CAE, Ma Huateng, Chairman of the Board of Tencent, Max Tegmark, tenured professor at the MIT Department of Physics, Yang Yuanqing, Chairman of Lenovo Group, Yang Xu, Global Vice President of Intel Corporation, Edmund Phelps, laureate of Nobel Economics Award, Wang Jian, Chairman of the Technical Committee of Alibaba Group, and Raj Reddy, foreign academician at CAE and winner of Turing Award. Themed on Intelligence New Era: Innovation, Energization and Ecology, the Fourth World Intelligence Congress applied the modes of "meetings, exhibitions, contests and intelligence experience" to hold six cloud events namely, cloud promotion, cloud release, cloud bilateral talk, cloud intelligence experience, cloud intelligence technology exhibition, world intelligent driving challenge contest, "Fifth Space" intelligent safety competition, Tianjin "Haihe Talents" Entrepreneurial Competition, as well as 13 cloud parallel forums, cloud and on-site contract signing activities. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1196451/Congress_Venue.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1196452/Night_view_of_Tianjin.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1196458/The_4th_World_Intelligence_Congress_Logo.jpg Contact:Cui Kejia Tel:0086-400-019-0516, Mobile: 0086-15120084132 Email:wic@wicongress.org Mexico City, June 25 : Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador confirmed that it was very likely he would meet his American counterpart Donald Trump in Washington in the near future, saying the purpose of the gathering will be to mark the launch of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). "It's very likely that I'll go to Washington and meet with President Trump, and that'll be soon," Lopez Obrador said in a press conference on Wednesday, a day after the US leader said he would be receiving his Mexican counterpart at the White House. The Mexican President added that he hopes Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will also participate in the gathering, reports Efe news. "Since it'll be in Washington, we're hoping that the US government extends an invitation to the Canadian government. In any event, we'll be attending because it's very important to us to be able to participate in the start of this agreement," Lopez Obrador said. The Mexican leader said the meeting would not take place on July 1, the day the USMCA takes effect, because that date will mark the two-year anniversary of his election victory. But he added that "it could be immediately afterward". "It'll have to take place in the first days from the start of the treaty," Lopez Obrador said. In addition to celebrating the launch of the USMCA, the successor to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Mexican President said he wants to be in Washington to "thank the US government and Trump for the support we've received in facing the (Covid-19) pandemic because they helped us obtain ventilators". "On the part of the US government and President Trump there's been a relationship of respect for our sovereignty. We haven't had substantial differences with him. He's been respectful and there's even been cooperation," the centre-left Mexican head of state said. Mexico and the US reached an agreement last year to halt the northward flow of mostly Central American migrants after Trump had threatened to impose escalating tariffs on all Mexican imports (up to a level of 25 per cent by October 2019). As part of that agreement, Mexico deployed a new National Guard force to that country's southern border with Guatemala and agreed to take in more migrants pending their asylum hearings in the US. On Wednesday, Lopez Obrador said the agreement was an example of the neighbouring countries' having opted for "negotiation over confrontation." Also Wednesday, Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard tweeted about Lopez Obrador's plans to visit the US. "The Mexican government has proposed that on the occasion of the (July 1) entry into force of the USMCA (Lopez Obrador) could meet with the leaders of the US and Canada to launch a new trilateral stage of economic wellbeing and growth." He said the Foreign Relations Secretariat would provide information about the dates and schedule of activities. A visit to the White House would mark Lopez Obrador's first international trip since he took office in late 2018 and his first meeting with his US counterpart. His predecessor, Enrique Pena Nieto, met Trump in Mexico in 2016 after the latter secured the Republican Party's nomination The visit was controversial because the then-candidate had already pledged to build a wall spanning the US-Mexico border (and said Mexico would pay for it). Trump also had launched his campaign by saying in 2015 that the US's failure to implement tough immigration policy had resulted in crime, drugs and even "rapists" spilling across the border from Mexico. Bamako, Mali (PANA) - Six terrorists were neutralized and around twenty captured on Tuesday near Nyan village, in Bandiagara district of Mopti region in central Mali by the Malian defense forces, who also seized weapons and motorcycles, PANA learned from a security source The discovery of human remains unearthed from a grave at the Washington Cemetery are renewing calls for state government oversight at the graveyard. The Warren County Prosecutors Office has determined the old human bones were disturbed accidentally and there was no crime committed, according to a press release from the Washington Township Police Department, which has jurisdiction over the borough. But this grave disturbance is the latest in a slew of issues at the cemetery raised over more than two years by local officials, county residents and the families of those interred there. The Washington Cemetery, run by the Washington Cemetery Association, is located on a hill near Route 31 at the boroughs southern edge, stretching into neighboring Washington Township. It has almost 5,000 memorials with sections dating back to the 1800s. It includes the graves of a U.S. Medal of Honor recipient, Civil War veterans and a U.S. Senator, according to Ken Maxwell, a local genealogy enthusiast whose ancestors are buried in the graveyard. Maxwell, who lives in Washington Township, filed a state complaint against the cemetery in May of 2018. Hes not the only one. Cemeteries, generally, for obvious reasons, dont cause that many issues, Washington Borough manager Matthew Hall said. But this one does. The borough wrote to the New Jersey Cemetery Board asking it to intervene in 2018 and appeared before the board that September. An investigation was launched, but two years later no action has been taken. The board was still reviewing Maxwells complaint Jan. 31 of this year, according to a letter from a division of the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office. Maxwell provided lehighvalleylive.com with a copy of his correspondence with the board. The cemetery board is part of the states Division of Consumer Affairs, which licenses cemeteries and falls underneath the Attorney Generals office. A spokesperson for the cemetery board issued a statement Thursday morning. The board is very aware of the complaints against Washington Cemetery Association and its President Louis Cicalese, the spokesperson said in an email message. Two complaints are currently under investigation, including the one from Washington Borough. If either investigation reveals violations of specific board regulations, the board will seek to impose sanctions. A message left for the the Washington Cemetery Association, via Cemetery Development Co. in Long Branch, New Jersey, was not returned. Complaints surrounding the cemetery had slowed, Hall said. But the June 18 discovery of old human bones police say were located with brick, slate and casket debris have revived concerns. I would love for the Attorney General to look into this personally. ...The reality is municipalities have very little regulatory power, if any, over cemeteries, Hall said Tuesday. The state regulates cemeteries. Until the state of New Jersey and the cemetery board decide to do anything about this particular operator, nothing is going to change. Halls written to state Sen. Michael Doherty and Assemblyman John DiMaio, both R- Hunterdon, Somerset and Warren, for help. Police have referred the incident to the Division of Consumer Affairs, according to a news release. An employee at Dohertys office Tuesday said the senator planned to meet with some concerned residents that afternoon. The cemetery board says its been in contact with the borough and will stay in contact until the investigation concludes. The borough may take independent action against the cemetery for violations within its authority, the state spokesperson said. Headstones are damaged and overturned where large trees and branches fell in a section of the Washington Cemetery in Warren County. EXTEXT The borough tends to learn of new issues at the cemetery when theres a social media outcry. We have never really fielded many direct complaints, Hall said, noting he tries to monitor social media for issues. The remains spurred Maxwell to create a private Facebook group for families of those interred at the cemetery and concerned residents. The group hopes to prevent any further damage to their loved ones memorials, repair all of the damage to date, return it to being a peaceful, public place and stop garbage from blowing all over the cemetery. They want owners to be honest and above board, Maxwell says. Theres growing concern among some whove been been unable to locate marked graves where they believe they should be. The cemetery has become a popular burial place for some New York-area churches with new gravesites intermingling with existing ones, families say. Its creating a worry that the cemetery is improperly creating new rows amongst existing plots, potentially disturbing their loved ones finally resting place. Headstones have been toppled and smashed by fallen trees and buried under brush. Theres evidence that equipment was driven over headstones and stone and soil have been dumped over and around them, according to the boroughs 2018 letter. Some have been hit so many times they are now turned 45 degrees, Maxwell said, noting many of the old headstones sit on a pedestal that allows them to be easily disturbed. Maintenance at the site, particularly in older sections, is sparse to non-existent, according to the borough. A 600-foot road was built and trees removed without a permit or borough approval, according to the boroughs 2018 letter. The same goes for 53,000 square feet of soil that was moved in. While the Washington Cemetery Association did not respond to a lehighvalleylive.com inquiry, Maxwell did provide a letter Michael Baratta sent on behalf of the association to the Cemetery Board in response to Maxwells complaint. The letter states Maxwell does not have family buried in the cemetery or a plot himself. I can assume hes attempting to discredit the cemetery by staging photos and working with the local paper to stir up a perception that the cemetery is not well cared for, because he is concerned over the cemeterys plan to expand, Baratta wrote. He argues that the photos Maxwell provided show the cemetery after a bad storm felled several trees before they were cleaned up. If a memorial falls over and cannot be fixed, the association lays them neatly on their foundation. They tend to be made of limestone thats susceptible to crumbling from the elements, he wrote. It is unfortunate, but we can not fix them, Baratta wrote. This would be up to the family to replace the stone. .. Memorials have not been bulldozed as suggested in his letter. For those with family in Washington Cemetery, the operations show a total disrespect for the dead. They complain of overgrown markers, damaged and missing headstones and large holes. The desecration of graves is pretty bad, Maxwell, whose great uncle and his extended family are buried there, said. This should really not be going on. It is sickening. Some of the issues did seem to be lessening in recent months, Hall said, with few complaints of massive crowds for burials, garbage left behind or open burns occurring. But then the body was unearthed. We would like to see the cemetery well run, Hall said. Cemetery Development Co. and Baratta are also connected to Rosemount Memorial Park in Elizabeth, N.J. In July 2017, a nude corpse was found lying facedown on top of a coffin in an unfilled grave at an Elizabeth cemetery. At the time, the Cemetery Board said it was investigating. It was not the first time Rosemounts operations came under scrutiny. The cemetery in 2013 employed a man who had been convicted in a scheme to harvest and sell body parts from the corpses that passed through his Newark funeral home. In 1996, Rosemount and its two principal operators paid a $60,000 fine to the Division of Consumer Affairs to resolve accusations that bodies had been buried under sidewalks and up to nine people had been put in one grave. The operators, Louis Cicalese and Lawrence Nikola, also admitted to illegally reclaiming gravesites that families had bought but not used. Cicalese is listed as the president of the Washington Cemetery on its website. Editors Note: This story has been updated to include comment from the New Jersey Cemetery Board that was provided Thursday morning. Tell us your coronavirus stories, whether its a news tip, a topic you want us to cover, or a personal story you want to share. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. The sanctions restrict the bank's access to some financial transactions and to capital markets in the EU. The European Union's top court on Thursday upheld sanctions against Russia's second-largest bank VTB, dismissing the lender's appeal against the restrictive measures the bloc had first imposed in 2014 over the turmoil in Ukraine. The sanctions restrict the bank's access to some financial transactions and to capital markets in the EU, Reuters said. Read alsoEU further extends economic sanctions against Russia The EU imposed sanctions on Russia after it annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea from Kyiv in 2014 and stepped them up as Moscow went on to occupy eastern Ukraine, a conflict that has killed more than 13,000 people to date. As UNIAN reported earlier, heads of state and government of the European Union member states on June 19 decided to extend the economic sanctions related to the banking, financial and energy sectors of Russia for another six months. Portions of the Houston Police Departments use of force policy on how and when they can use batons and shoot at moving vehicles was recently unredacted, officials said. The now-public policies were among a large swath of changes that Chief Art Acevedo approved for the policing document, which was re-issued June 19 and renamed to Response to Resistance, Jeff Monk, HPDs open records manager, said Wednesday in an email. The changes come as police reform advocates call for more transparency in the wake of longtime Houstonian George Floyds death at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, as well as a string of six recent HPD fatal shootings. Meanwhile, a newly tapped task force of 45 community leaders whom Mayor Sylvester Turner also announced Wednesday are slated to review the latest use-of-force policy to identify potential law enforcement reforms. Acevedo said he wanted the policies to reflect Turners requests from an executive order earlier this month that enacted restrictions on how Houston police officers can use force. Among the requests was requiring officers to de-escalate, give a verbal warning and exhaust all other options before using deadly force. Requiring officers to intervene when they witness misconduct, as well as prohibiting choke-holds and firing at moving vehicles were already HPD policies prior to the executive order. A comparison of the revamped document to a previous version from 2015 approved by Acevedos predecessor Charles McClelland Jr. shows changes throughout, but with some policies effectively remaining the same in different words. Acevedo said the department made the language more clear. The new document expands on de-escalation techniques to reduce or minimize the use of physical force. Portions of HPDs use of force policy have been redacted since at least 2003. We wanted to make our policy as transparent as possible, Acevedo said. And make sure they can see what the rules of engagement are. Hard to question something that you dont have access to. A redacted version is what had been on HPDs website and what was given to council member Letitia Plummer when she asked for a copy to draft proposed police reform amendments. She held up her blacked-out copy during a June 10 city council meeting and admonished the department. If were doing everything right, then theres no reason to hide, Plummer then said. The Houston Police Officers Union later gave her an unredacted copy, she said Wednesday. Now HPD recently unredacted all those documents in the last 48 hours, Plummer said Wednesday. The pressure is working. Its working. We just have to keep our foot on the gas. The latest version unveils what was behind the redactions in the 2015 policy about batons, that officers are allowed to carry them to disturbance calls and events where there are a large number of persons. The language in both versions is identical and states that flashlights can be used like a baton, in some circumstances. Another previously unavailable section on pepper spray has similar wording to the prior document. Officers are not supplied with the spray but they can carry canisters on their duty belts as long as they are certified to use it from the police academy. The policy on moving or fleeing vehicles, which was also previously redacted, has been rewritten but reflects the prior policy. It states officers are still prohibited from firing a gun at a suspects vehicle unless someone in the car is threatening another person with something other than the car, such as if the driver is shooting at the officer. If the motorist is deliberately intending to hit the officer or a pedestrian the officer can only open fire if all other reasonable means of defense have been exhausted, like getting out of the way. The earlier order warns officers that they must be mindful that it is very unlikely that a firearm will disable or stop a vehicle. The change in disclosure also follows a Houston Chronicle request for information Monday for the redacted policies only to be told Tuesday that the department was advised by the Texas Attorney Generals Office in 2015 that they could withhold the information because the policies could compromise the security or operations of a law enforcement agency. The department on Wednesday reversed their decision, Monk said in an email. Another order, titled Response to Resistance Reporting, was created and elaborates on how use of force is reported, although much of the policies were already detailed in the 2015 use of force document. St. John Barned-Smith contributed to this report. Turkey isnt considering tightening its lockdown restrictions even though the number of daily coronavirus infections registered since they were eased is higher than anticipated, the health minister has said. Speaking to reporters following the weekly meeting of the countrys scientific advisory council, Fahrettin Koca blamed the uptick in cases on widespread complacency and failure to comply with social distancing. We can say that the numbers are higher than what we anticipated, Koca said. We see that many people are under the perception that we have returned to normal. This perception must rapidly be deactivated, he said. Follow latest updates on coronavirus here Turkey has witnessed an increase in the daily number of infections after the government authorised cafes, restaurants, gyms, parks, beaches and museums to reopen and eased stay-at-home orders for the elderly and young at the start of June. The country has been registering average daily infections of around 1,260 since June 12, up from around 800 to 900 previously. Koca on Wednesday reported 1,492 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total infections registered in the country since March to 191,657. He also said there were 24 new Covid-19 deaths, taking the total to 5,025. Last week, Koca said the resurgence of cases following the easing of restrictions were within expected limits. Click here for complete coronavirus coverage On Wednesday, the Interior Ministry said more than 7,000 people were fined for failing to wear masks on Monday and Tuesday the first two days that Turkey started imposing fines in 62 provinces where the wearing of masks has been made mandatory in public spaces. Pakistan Accuses India of Diverting Attention from China Stand-off While Downsizing Diplomatic Ties Sputnik News 10:24 GMT 24.06.2020 New Delhi (Sputnik): On Tuesday, India summoned a Pakistani envoy and asked to reduce the staff of Pakistan's High Commission by 50% in light of alleged espionage acts and dealing with terrorist organisations. It also said that Pakistan has "engaged in a sustained campaign to intimidate the officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad". Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi alleged on Wednesday that India is trying to divert attention from the ongoing border dispute with China by slashing the presence of Pakistan's High Commission staff by 50%, which is in violation of the Vienna Convention. "India's mood is clear [for all to see] as it wants to divert attention from its border dispute with China to Pakistan", the foreign minister was quoted by the Pakistani news channel Geo TV. He added that India is finding excuses to launch a false flag operation against Pakistan. On Tuesday night, Pakistan retaliated for the Indian move while summoning India's Charge d'Affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia in Islamabad and informing of Islamabad's decision to reduce the Indian High Commission's staff strength by 50% as well. The last time the two countries took such measures was back in 2001. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry's statement said "the baseless allegations made by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs as a pretext to seek 50% reduction in the staff strength of the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi". On Tuesday, India summoned the charge d'affaires of Pakistan to inform that it had decided to reduce by half the strength of the Pakistani diplomatic mission in New Delhi, citing alleged espionage acts by Pakistani diplomats and dealings. Last week, two officials of the Indian High Commission went missing in Islamabad and were found to have been detained on charges of careless driving. Earlier, officials of Pakistan's High Commission in New Delhi were expelled on suspicion of espionage. The diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Islamabad have deteriorated since August 2019, when India stripped Jammu and Kashmir, to which Pakistan also lays claim, of its special status. Qureshi's comments come as India and China have been engaged in a border face-off at the Line of Control in the Ladakh region over the last two months. The stand-off escalated into a direct confrontation last week, which resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers. The number of casualties on the Chinese side is unknown, however, Beijing has brushed off media reports claiming that 40 Chinese troops were killed as a result of the violent clashes in Ladakh. On Tuesday, the Indian Army announced that the two sides had agreed to disengage from the friction points. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Countries are very unlikely to impose another full lockdown even though there's a resurgence of new coronavirus cases in some parts of the world, analysts told CNBC. The situation is unlikely to be a repeat of March, Suresh Tantia, senior investment strategist at Credit Suisse's APAC CIO office, told CNBC's "Street Signs" on Thursday. That was when the pace of virus cases started to intensify in the U.S. and Europe, after first surfacing in China last December. "This second wave of virus is a concern for investors ... but I think the key difference is that unlike last time in March, this time it's highly unlikely that we would see a shutdown of the global economy," he said. "If you look at the March selloff, the reason why markets sold off was not because of the virus concerns, it was mostly because the global economy shut down," Tantia added. "It's a concern for the markets, but as long as we don't see a repeat of March ... I think markets will look through this and focus more on recovery over the next few quarters." The U.S. saw its highest number of cases in a single day on Wednesday, and reported 45,557 new cases at the end of the day, according to NBC News count. California saw more than 7,000 cases since Tuesday a 69% increase in two days; Florida also reported a record number of new cases. Both states represent two of the largest economies in the U.S. On Wednesday , June 24, the full California Senate voted 30-10 to pass Assembly Constitutional Amendment 5 (ACA 5), an initiative to overturn Proposition 209 and reinstate Affirmative Action in the state after 2 4 years. Th e constitutional amendment will now appear on the general election ballot in November for voters to decide whether to approve it or not. Assemblymember Dr. Shirley Weber (D-San Diego), chair of the Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) , and Assemblyman Mike Gipson (D-Carson) , co-introduced the bill. It is among the legislations deemed a priority for the CLBC in 2020. If voters approve the amendment in November, California will join 42 states that allow equal opportunity programs that support women and minorities. What your vote means today, in supporting ACA5, is that it w ould allow not just the 115,000 who signed a petition in opposition to it, said Sen. Holly J. Mitchell (D-Los Angeles) , a member of the California Legislative Black Caucus on the Senate floor before the vote. It will allow the 40 million residents to have the opportunity to weigh in. So colleagues, we must be affirmative in the action we take to bend the arc towards justice. ACA 5 moved through both houses of the state legislature without much friction. On June 10, the full California Assembly voted 60-14 in favor of the bill before it moved to the Senate. In 1996, voters passed Prop. 209 Also called the California Civil Rights Initiative, it banned discrimination or preferential treatment based on race or gender in public education, employment, and contracting. Pete Wilson was the governor of California when the constitutional amendment was enacted. Since becoming law, Prop. 209 has been a constant point of contention between opponents and supporters. People who oppose it point to data that shows how African Americans and other minorities have been negatively impacted by it in different arenas, including public sector employment, state government procurement and public university enrollment. We are the ones weve been waiting for. On this historic day I am incredibly grateful to all my colleagues, Weber tweeted after the Senate yay vote. We have a long way to go to achieve equality, but we are one step closer today, Although ACA 5 has increasingly gained widespread support across political, cultural and socio-economic divides in California , some of its staunchest critics remain vocally opposed . The Asian American Coalition for Education (AACE) and the Silicon Valley Chinese Association Foundation (SVCAF) are two groups that have organi zed to apply pressure on legislators to vote no . The California Federation of College Republicans (CFCR) submitted an opposition letter, signed by 26 registered student organizations, to the California State Senate ahead of this weeks floor vote. The letter notes how approval of ACA 5 would negatively affect Asian-American students. ACA 5 will not only legalize racial discrimination but further divide our state along racial lines, said CFCR spokesperson Kenneth Schrupp. As a student of mixed race, I find the practice of racial discrimination and categorization highly objectionable and even exclusionary. Another student organization, the Cal State Students Association, which has a membership of nearly half a million students enrolled in the states three s ystems of higher learning, wrote a letter in support of ACA 5. Since the passage of Prop 209, admissions rates for Asian American students in Californias most competitive schools have continued to decline, as has been the case for Native Americans, Black and Latinx students, it read. A health care workers union has called for the removal of Barbara Cass, a section chief overseeing health care quality and safety at the Connecticut Department of Public Health. The petition to remove Cass, a longtime nurse working for DPH, drew pushback from the governors office Thursday evening. The petition drive organized by the union, SEIU 1199 New England, claims Cass failed miserably in her job as section chief of the agencys healthcare quality and safety division, and alleges she regularly ignored worker demands for protective equipment during the crisis. That characterization drew a rebuke from Gov. Ned Lamonts office Thursday . Barbara Cass and the team at DPH have been working tirelessly to address issues of quality and safety in our nursing facilities, said Paul Mounds, Lamonts chief of staff, in an email. Barbara Cass is a dedicated nurse and public servant who has unquestionably helped to save lives throughout this public health pandemic. Chief among the issues raised by the union was a comment made by Cass at an April 24 news conference in which she said that nursing home workers were wearing protective gowns fashioned from trash bags at the preference of the employee, not the preference of the employer. She was referring to two complaints filed with DPH and the response she said inspectors were given when they asked employees why they were wearing trash bags instead of the proper protective gear. The petition circulated by the union characterized that statement and Casss actions as evidence of systemic racism. On Thursday, members of the union led a demonstration to deliver the petition calling for her removal at the departments headquarters on Capitol Avenue in Hartford. Mounds said Cass has worked with both labor and the nursing home operators on distributing supplies of protective equipment and has inspected numerous facilities. Barbara Cass was instrumental in the development of the nationally recognized COVID recovery center program and Connecticut is fortunate to have her help in guiding the states decision-making during this public health crisis, he said. A group of Democratic Senators and House representatives have introduced a bill that seeks to ban federal use of facial recognition technology. It follows an incident in which Detroit police wrongfully arrested a man after a facial recognition system incorrectly flagged him as a suspect. Thats believed to be the first wrongful arrest of its kind in the US. Senators Ed Markey (Massachusetts) and Jeff Merkley (Oregon) authored the Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act, which Reps. Pramila Jayapal and Ayanna Pressley co-sponsored, according to Vice. The aim of the bill is to prohibit biometric surveillance by the federal government without explicit statutory authorization. No federal agency or official would be permitted to acquire, possess, access or use biometric surveillance tech in the US under the proposed legislation. Nor could they use any information from a third-party facial recognition system. In addition, the bill would ban the use of federal funds to acquire that type of technology. The government would be allowed to use facial recognition tech, but only if there were a federal law in place to regulate it. Among the provisions it'd need to have are rules about the use and data retention of such systems; standards for facial recognition accuracy rates by skin color, age and gender; and protections for privacy, free speech and due process. The bill would also push state and local law enforcement to no longer use such systems. If they persisted without complying with a similar law or policy to the federal one, funding from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program would be withheld. That program funds training, equipment and supplies for police. No one should have to fear the government tracking and identifying their face wherever they go. No one should have to go through what the Williams family has gone through, American Civil Liberties Union Senior Legislative Counsel Neema Singh Guliani said in a statement. It's past time Congress halted the use of face recognition and stopped federal money from being used to invest in invasive and discriminatory surveillance. This bill should immediately pass. Meanwhile, Robert Williams, the man who was wrongfully arrested after the technology falsely marked him as a suspect, wrote about his experience in a Washington Post op-ed: [June 25, 2020] Worldwide Services Market Growth Disrupted by Economic Impact of COVID-19, According to IDC In April, International Data Corporation (IDC) forecast worldwide IT services and business services revenue would decline 1.1% year over year in 2020 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In a new update to the Worldwide Semiannual Services Tracker, the market is now forecast to shrink further, declining 2.8% this year. However, the 2021 growth rate has improved slightly from 1% to 1.4%, reflecting IDC's (News - Alert) optimism for a market rebound. The newest forecast is based on the Economist Intelligence Unit's May forecast for worldwide GDP in 2020, which will likely contract by around 4.4%, more than twice as much as the March forecast. After almost four months of shutdowns across most developed markets, the economic downturn in the first half of 2020 will be so severe that even a robust recovery in the next six months will not offset it. IDC's view on the supply side remains largely intact. Even as the major delivery countries (India, the Philippines, Czech Republic, etc.) were shutting down, services providers adapted quickly to working from home at scale and hatched contingency security plans. Buyers also have largely been quick to sign off on these plans. The transition has been a predominantly smooth one without major disruptions. Most providers see the COVID-19 crisis tipping organizations and consumers over to the digital world - a net positive in the long run. The downward adjustment in market size was largely attributed to a bigger demand-side shock. The scale and duration of the lockdowns are better reflected in these updated economic metrics. All major markets, according to May's GDP forecast, are suffering greater economic slowdowns or steeper declines compared to projections made in March. The Americas services markets are now forecast to decline 2.5% year over year in 2020, compared to the March forecast of nearly flat growth. Mid- and-long term prospects remain unchanged and the region is expected to return to growth of 2% in 2021 and more than 3% in subsequent years. In the near term, the economic outlook for Canada, Latin America, and the USA have all worsened. The US unemployment rate rose and Q1 GDP growth was particularly lackluster considering the shutdowns affected just one month in the quarter (March). We are seeing buyers pulling back or deferring projects (IT and business) to save cash. As a result, IDC lowered the US growth forecast to -2.7% in 2020. The project-oriented markets, particularly business consulting, bore the brunt as large US consultancies have already announced workforce reductions worldwide. IDC also tempered the 2020 outlook for managed services by roughly 1%, now down 1.6%. The outlook for the support services market is unchanged and remains at -1.0% with growth in hardware and software support offset by sharp declines in training and education. We still believe that outsourcing and support services are driven more by structural market forces than the demand shock. Overall, except for business consulting, all US foundation markets are forecast to outpace projected 2020 GDP growth. Services markets in Canada also saw a sharper decline in 2020 and weaker recovery is expected across most foundation markets in the coming years, reflecting the gloomier economic outlook as the shutdown drags on. Latin America will continue to grow but will slump to less than 2% for 202 with the outlook remaining unchanged from the March forecast. IDC has also updated its forecasts moderately in other regions due to changing economic outlooks. Western Europe will decline 5.2% year over year in 2020 moved downward by almost one percentage point from the March forecast. The worsening pandemic situation and subsequent longer-than-expected shutdowns will inevitably impact short-term revenue. However, as we are now less uncertain about the future and more confident of the path to recovery, the mid- to-long-term growth prospect was adjusted by increasing 2021 and 2022 growth rates by 1.5-2.0 percentage points per year to -1.8% in 2021 and +2% in 2022. Similarly, Central & Eastern Europe's 2020 short-term outlook was lowered while the mid- and long-term growth improved. This was largely due to changing conditions in Russia related to the pandemic and oil prices, and the availability of additional market data in smaller markets, such as the Baltics and central Asia. The Middle East & Africa market will contract by more than 5% in 2020 as major markets in the region are also flanked by shutdowns and the collapse in oil prices. We are still optimistic about a quick recovery and expect budgets and spending to return. In Asia/Pacific, a few key markets declined further since March, including Japan, Australia, and India, and the forecast was updated to reflect this. Japan will contract this year by 2.8% in 2020, revised downward by more than 1 percentage point with more economic metrics, such as weaker consumer spending in April and May, pointing to a weaker economy. We still expect the China market to deliver growth of 2.7% for 2020. Other major markets (Australia, India, South Korea, etc.) are slowing down dramatically in lieu of worsening economies. Overall, the Asia/Pacific region will slow to just 1.1% growth in 2020, revised down from 1.9% in the March forecast, but will likely see a faster recovery in 2021 and beyond. "Over the last few months of shutdowns around the world, services providers have largely shifted clients' core IT and business operations to 'work from home' environments relatively overnight without major hiccups," said Lisa Nagamine, research manager with IDC's Worldwide Semiannual Services Tracker. "This further demonstrates how adaptive and resilient vendors and buyers can be in the 'digital age'." "We will continue to see the services market growth outpace GDP growth, even during a crisis like this," said Xiao-Fei Zhang, program director, Global Services Markets and Trends. "The pandemic is clamping down on discretionary spending, and puts the brake on many projects for now, but this will be somewhat cushioned by managed services and support services contracts that support core operations of large enterprises and government agencies." 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. For more information about IDC's Worldwide Semiannual Services Tracker, please contact Kathy Nagamine at 650-350-6423 or [email protected]. 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005647/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] PLANE-LOADS of cargo destined for the USA are being transferred by road from Shannon to Britain before flying back over the Atlantic Ocean. The discovery made by Clare Fianna Fail TD Cathal Crowe has been described as ludicrous, and not very environmentally friendly and comes in spite of the fact that a transatlantic flight from Shannon can be completed in a little over five hours. Instead, what is happening is huge crates of personal protective equipment (PPE) made in the Mid-West region is delivered to Aer Linguss hangar at Shannon Airport, before being hauled overnight by road across to London Heathrow Airport. "The fact they are leaving a viable airport that could have much-needed cargo flights coming in and out at a time of crisis in aviation is appalling, Mr Crowe said, The cargo crates are within touching distance of Airbus aircraft which could have them in the States within five hours. Obviously it adds a lot of time and cost to getting the cargo out. They are increasing handling at two airports. At present, Mr Crowe says the cargo is taking a very circuitous route, cross-country to Wexford, on a ferry to south Wales before heading down to the British capital ahead of its transatlantic flight. I asked Aer Lingus why if it's lucrative cargo, can it not be shipped from Shannon. They said they don't do it from Shannon. It doesn't make financial sense to put this cargo on Irish flights as they would not have a load of passengers. But it shows there is still quite a healthy stream of cargo coming out of this region. It shows manufacturing is on the increase again. It doesn't make any sense logistically and environmentally for this to be transferred to Heathrow, he added. A spokesperson for Aer Lingus said its parent company, the International Airlines Group (IAG), serves its customers through a combination of road and air networks. This has enabled the delivery of a consistent and seamless service to the many businesses in the Shannon region that rely on our service, throughout the pandemic, they added. Meanwhile, Shannon staff are readying the airport as commercial flights resume on July 1. While the base was open through the pandemic for essential services, there were no scheduled flights. FILE PHOTO: A woman wearing a protective face mask, amid concerns over the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) asks for money at a traffic jam in central Cairo By Bozorgmehr Sharafedin, Ahmad Ghaddar and Laura Sanicola LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - Fuel demand is gradually recovering as coronavirus lockdown measures ease around the globe but a second wave of infections could swiftly undermine the trend, industry data showed. Road traffic in some of the world's major cities in June had returned to 2019 levels, data provided to Reuters by location technology company TomTom showed. But a resurgence of the virus in some places prompted drivers to stay home. Graphic: Shanghai traffic https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/ce/xklvyzgjlpg/Shanghai.JPG Congestion in Shanghai in the past few weeks was higher than in the same period last year. But in Beijing mobility dropped again in June as China's capital took steps to halt a new outbreak of the coronavirus. Graphic: Beijing traffic https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/ce/jbyprrlbmpe/Beijing.JPG Traffic in London and New York rose steadily in recent weeks although it remained well below pre-COVID 19 levels, TomTom data showed, while in Moscow it was back at last year's levels. Graphic: Moscow traffic https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/ce/rlgpdlkqapo/moscow.JPG U.S. gasoline consumption in the second week of April was half the level a year earlier, according to Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), which tracks weekly same-store gasoline volumes at 15,000 fuel stations, while June demand was down just 22%. Gasoline supplied, a proxy for demand, rose 9% in the week to June 19 but overall, in the past four weeks, fuel demand was down 17% from the same time a year ago, according to data released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration. A resurgence of coronavirus cases in states such as Arizona and Texas held consumption in check. Graphic: New York traffic https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/ce/xegvbmybbpq/New%20York.JPG "While gasoline demand is nearing pre-COVID winter demand levels, we're still down nearly 19% than a year ago," said Patrick DeHaan, head of gasoline analysis at GasBuddy. U.S. gasoline demand is typically lowest in winter and usually rises towards the summer, during the so-called driving season, when people normally head off on vacations. Story continues "Just because we are nearing pre-COVID levels doesn't mean we are out of the woods," DeHaan said. In Italy, oil products consumption in May was 3.64 million tonnes, up 36% from April but 28% below levels a year earlier. Britain, Italy and France recorded year-on-year falls in gasoline demand in April of more than 60%, the heaviest decline in the world according to Standard Chartered. Graphic: April gasoline demand https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/ce/yzdvxrrybvx/SC.JPG In Spain, the country's leading fuel distributor CLH Group said demand for its gasoline and diesel was rising, based on figures for withdrawals from its storage facilities. In the week to June 21, gasoline and diesel withdrawals were down 29% and 21% respectively from the same period last year, compared to 34% and 25% lower in the previous week, it said. The figures show a sharp rise in demand from April, when gasoline and diesel withdrawals were 79% and 57% lower year on year. In a further indication of rising demand, Northwest European gasoline refining margins picked up on Wednesday to $4.70 a barrel, the highest since late March. "A stronger gasoline market appears to be helping margins, as we see more economies returning to some form of normality," said Warren Patterson, ING's head of commodities strategy, but he said margins were still weak compared to pre-COVID 19 levels. Jet fuel consumption has also showed signs of recovery as European and other countries reopen borders to tourists and travel, although the pace of the rebound has been slower than for gasoline. The number of daily flights around the globe rose to 52,000 on Wednesday, compared to a low point on April 12 when the number of flights fell to 24,000, according to global plane tracking website Flightradar24. In February, there were more than 100,000 daily flights. Graphic: Number of commercial flight https://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/ce/yzdpxrdlbpx/share-card.png Wood Mackenzie analyst Yuwei Pei said her consultancy expected a slow recovery for jet fuel demand in China, even though economic activity had largely returned to normal. "The recovery to pre-crisis levels will not occur until the beginning of 2021," she said. (Reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin and Ahmad Ghaddar in London, Laura Sanicola in New York, Tim Hepher in Paris, Koustav Samanta in Singapore; Editing by Edmund Blair) The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman has revealed that Government is looking at slightly opening up the borders. Speaking in an interview, monitored by Journalist and Blogger Attractive Mustapha Nii okai Inusah, he said that it is not just about opening the borders but they are looking at some of the best practices outside the country and considering various suggestions to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Other countries have opened up slightly so we are also looking at the possibility of doing same, he added. The CEO said that currently all the suggestions and views coming in are still a rolling ball and though he does not know when things will be normalized, he thinks it is a very difficult situation because lives must be protected and livelihood must be considered in the decision making. He lamented that the creative and tourism industry has been badly hit because the industry relies on public gatherings and movement of people so if there is anything that bars flights from entering the country it is a big problem plus the tourist sites and attractions closing down because of the lockdown. According to him, gradually international data available to them shows a rebound of commercial flights coming back, but once the restrictions are lifted, he knows the country Aviation will not get to the level expected but its going to get better . Another hacker, Jeremy Hammond, who worked with LulzSec to expose private information from the firm Strategic Forecasting, or Stratfor, around the same time, refused to cooperate with the government and was held in contempt. But the new indictment includes chats in which Hammond told Sabu he attacked Stratfor a second time at Assanges indirect request and expressed frustration that he didnt get much material, especially when we are asked to make it happen with [WikiLeaks]. Assange says he cant suggest the hack for the obvious legal reasons but then goes on to name Stratfor as a good target. Wirecard's headquarters in Munich, Germany. (Matthias Schrader/AP) German payments firm Wirecard (WDI.DE) on Thursday collapsed into insolvency, just days after a 1.9bn (1.7bn, $2.1bn) hole in its accounts came to light. In a statement, the company said that it had decided to apply to the Munich district court to open insolvency proceedings, citing impending insolvency and over-indebtedness. Shares of the company were suspended on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange prior to the announcement. After claiming last week that the 1.9bn had gone missing from escrow accounts in the Philippines, and that it may have been the victim of considerable fraud, Wirecard then admitted that there was a prevailing likelihood that the funds did not exist. Over the weekend, banks in the Philippines said documents produced by Wirecard appeared to be false, and the countrys central bank also said the money had never entered its financial system. READ MORE: German authorities looking to arrest sacked Wirecard chief operating officer The company said on Thursday that it was currently evaluating whether it would have to initiate insolvency proceedings for subsidiaries of the Wirecard group. The accounting woes meant that Wirecard, long a darling of the European technology sector, was facing a severe cash crunch. The company had been holding emergency talks with its lenders to secure a financial lifeline. Insolvency proceedings mean that Wirecards creditors are likely to face protracted negotiations with administrators regarding the break-up of the companys assets. Creditors include Germanys Commerzbank (CBK.DE) and LBBW, as well as Dutch lenders ABN Amro (ABN.AS) and ING (INGA.AS). Markus Braun, the companys founder, resigned as chief executive at the end of last week, shortly after chief operating officer Jan Marsalek was dismissed. James Freis, an experienced compliance specialist, was appointed to lead the company on an interim basis. Accused of market manipulation, Braun was arrested by authorities in Munich on Monday (22 June). Braun has since been freed on bail, on the condition that he report to police on a weekly basis. Story continues This hole in the accounts emerged after a disclosure from accounting firm EY, which refused to sign off on the company's 2019 accounts. Wirecard joined Germanys DAX (^GDAXI) in 2018, bumping Commerzbank out of the blue-chip index. Hailed as a shining example of Germanys fintech prowess, the company has now become a national embarrassment. READ MORE: Millennials and Gen Z feel less stressed despite economic turmoil As prosecutors investigate the issues at the company, BaFin, the countrys financial regulator, is likely to face scrutiny over its failure to spot the glaring discrepancies in the companys accounts. In May 2019, a whistleblower told the Financial Times about financial and accounting irregularities at the payments firm. On top of issuing an almost outright denial of the report, Wirecard accused the newspaper of being involved in market manipulation. In October, a further report in the Financial Times based on internal spreadsheets and correspondence appeared to indicate a concerted effort to fraudulently inflate sales and profits at various Wirecard divisions. The controversy prompted the company to appoint KPMG to conduct an independent audit, and subsequent problems were finally discovered by EY, who were long-time auditors of the company. United Bankers' Bank and MK Decision Partnership MKs system gives community banks an enormous opportunity to grow their digital customer acquisition and streamline manual banking processes. United Bankers Bank (UBB), a $996 million-asset correspondent community bank, was in search of a FinTech partner to fulfill their vision of providing white label business credit card shopping experiences to their 75+ agent banks across 15-states. UBB was focused on deploying 75+ bank-branded credit card websites with online business credit card applications. On the back-end, UBB required a centralized loan processing software for faster, better credit decisions. As an ICBA Bancard client, UBB had heard from fellow community bankers and Bancard about MK Decision (MK). The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) had vetted and since promoted MK's Credit Card Origination System (CCOS) through their first ICBA ThinkTECH Accelerator powered by The Venture Center. MKs system gives community banks an enormous opportunity to grow their digital customer acquisition and streamline manual banking processes, said ICBA Bancard President and CEO Tina Giorgio. After speaking with United Bankers Bank about their digital transformation goals, I thought MKs platform presented synergies that would make them a good fit and was pleased to make introductions, - Giorgio said. Speaking further to the connection between UBB and MK, UBBs Chief Marketing Officer John Peterson recognizes why they chose to partner with MK. After meeting MK Decision, I felt confident in their mission and integrity. MKs business values aligned closely with UBBs. MK puts its customers first. This was made clear in our negotiation process when they fulfilled all of our requests with ease. In March 2020, as the United States economy shut down, UBB faced the COVID-19 quarantine head-on. With the help of MKs digital lending software, UBB transitioned smoothly to remote work. MK's Dashboard, a cloud-based loan origination system, empowered bankers to access credit profiles, leave notes for fellow underwriters, and offer timely credit decisions from their homes. Business as usual, in unusual times. In response to the sudden transition to remote work, UBBs Jill Robiller, assistant vice president of bank cards said, Even with 70 percent of our staff working remotely, we did not compromise on our efficiency and timeliness. With the help of MKs Dashboard, we were able to continue underwriting and approving applications from the safety of our homes. As part of UBBs project, MKs loan origination Dashboard will allow bankers to process credit card applications seamlessly by automatically pulling credit reports and generating financial ratios with MKs CreditConnect, and sending approved files directly to UBBs core processor FIS with MKs CoreConnect. Amidst branch-closures and social distancing, MK's end-to-end loan operating system allowed UBBs credit card team to collaborate digitally and continue transacting. UBB exceeded customer expectations by offering punctual credit decisions to those in need. After successfully adapting to COVID-19 and embracing the new normal, UBB recognizes this was a crucial first step towards their digital transformation. By implementing MKs CCOS, UBB is not only able to compete, but thrive. About MK MK Decision's mission is to help community financial institutions thrive by receiving more deposits and more loans. With a commitment to strengthen local economies, MKs platform gives community financial institutions a competitive advantage through simple, beautiful customer experiences and streamlined banker workflows. The MK platform supports a variety of financial products including checking & savings accounts, credit cards, and consumer, commercial, small business, and indirect loans. So far, MK is helping over 170 community banks acquire customers online. The company was founded in 2015 by Har Rai, Guru Dharam, and Jodha Khalsa and is headquartered in San Diego, CA. To learn more about MK, please visit http://www.mkdecision.com. About ICBA Bancard ICBA Bancard is the wholly owned payment services subsidiary of the Independent Community Bankers of America. ICBA Bancards community bank issuers generated $31.6 billion in sales volume in 2019 and are ranked collectively as the 24th largest credit card portfolio in the United States. ICBA Bancard enables thousands of community banks to provide competitive credit card, debit card, ATM and merchant processing solutions. The company also provides exclusive services to issuers including its Fraud Loss Protection Plan, marketing support, and product education. For more information, visit http://www.icbabancard.com About United Bankers Bank Headquartered in Bloomington, MN, United Bankers Bank is the nations first bankers bank, and a full-service provider of correspondent banking services to community banks in: Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, Indiana, Iowa, Wyoming, Idaho, Ohio, Oregon, Washington, Michigan California, and Illinois. For more information, please visit http://www.ubb.com. AIM, a Monroe High School program that pairs struggling students with adult mentors, has received a $1,000 donation from Toledo-based CEO Jeff Cooley. MONROE, MI / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / Allies in Monroe (AIM), an extension of the Monroe Public High Schools, has received a generous donation from the CEO of MLMC, Jeff Cooley. Donations like his allow AIM, which is a program that creates suitable matches between students and adult mentors, to focus on helping all of their participants succeed academically. The mentor and allies of AIM monitor their appointed students' attendance and grades with the intention of helping them improve their overall averages by 15% within the school year. Established business owner Jeff Cooley began his career in education before shifting gears, a reality that has allowed him to recognize the noble pursuits of teaching. Jointly, before relocating to Ohio, Cooley spent time working and living in Monroe County and inherently appreciates the value of supporting a community that he has grown to love. With 6 years of results, AIM has proved to be a successful scholastic incentive that has enhanced its students' GPA's, increased the number of students enrolling in continued education, and provided the township with more motivated and academically-inclined members of the workforce. The Monroe Public Schools system and AIM are both funded by an independent board, outside of national controls, and therefore rely heavily on community financial support from businesses, foundations, and individuals. AIM is open to all Monroe High School students, however the number of students that are able to be accepted into the program each trimester is dependent upon the amount of money that is raised. If you are able to donate, and thereby provide students the opportunity to advance themselves through AIM, please contact Monroe High School teacher David Henry at 734-265-3400. About Jeff Cooley With 30 plus years in the business sector, Jeff Cooley is an accomplished Director, Advisor and Investor. Having received his accreditation from Central Michigan University, Cooley began his career in business in Michigan at the La-Z-Boy Headquarters. Subsequently, he acted as the President and CEO of Calphalon, until the cookware company was attained by Rubbermaid Corporation in 1998 and Jeff was promoted to Global President. Currently, in his retirement, Jeff has chosen to expand his horizons and found MLMC, a business advisory firm. In this new role, Cooley is able to exercise his expertise in working with small businesses, encourages entrepreneurs and investors in their aspirations and setting them on the right track for financial gain. Contact: Jeff Cooley Email: news@jeffcooley.net SOURCE: Jeff Cooley View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/595227/Jeff-Cooley-Helps-Support-His-Local-AIM-Program The International Monetary Fund has sharply lowered its forecast for global growth this year because it envisions far more severe economic damage from the coronavirus than it did just two months ago. The IMF predicts that the global economy will shrink 4.9 per cent this year, significantly worse than the 3 per cent drop it had estimated in its previous report in April. The IMF said that the global economic damage from the recession will be worse than from any other downturn since the Great Depression of the 1930s. For the United States, it predicts that the nation's gross domestic product the value of all goods and services produced in the United States will plummet 8 per cent this year, even more than its April estimate of a 5.9 per cent drop. That would be the worst such annual decline since the US economy demobilised in the aftermath of World War II. The IMF issued its bleaker forecasts Wednesday in an update to the World Economic Outlook it released in April. The update is generally in line with other recent major forecasts. Earlier this month, for example, the World Bank projected that the global economy would shrink 5.2 per cent this year. "This is the worst recession since the Great Depression," Gita Gopinath, the IMF's chief economist, told reporters at a briefing. "No country has been spared. The IMF noted that the pandemic was disproportionately hurting low-income households, imperiling the significant progress made in reducing extreme poverty in the world since 1990. In recent years, the proportion of the world's population living in extreme poverty equivalent to less than USD 1.90 a day had fallen below 10 per cent from more than 35 per cent in 1990. But the IMF said the COVID-19 crisis threatens to reverse this progress. It forecast that more than 90 per cent of developing and emerging market economies will suffer declines in per-capita income growth this year. For 2021, the IMF envisions a rebound in growth, so long as the viral pandemic doesn't erupt in a second major wave. It expects the global economy to expand 5.4 per cent next year, 0.4 percentage point less than it did in April. For the United States, the IMF predicts growth of 4.5 per cent next year, 0.2 percentage point weaker than in its April forecast. But that gain wouldn't be enough to restore the U.S. economy to its level before the pandemic struck. The association of economists who officially date recessions in the United States determined that the economy entered a recession in February, with tens of millions of people thrown out of work from the shutdowns that were imposed to contain the virus. The US government has estimated that the nation's GDP shrank at a 5 per cent annual rate in the January-March quarter, and it is widely expected to plunge at a 30 per cent rate or worse in the current April-June period. In its updated forecast, the IMF downgraded growth for all major countries. For the 19 European nations that use the euro currency, it envisions a decline in growth this year of 10.2 per cent more than the 8 per cent drop it predicted in April followed by a rebound to growth of 6 per cent in 2021. In China, the world's second-largest economy, growth this year is projected at 1 per cent. India's economy is expected to shrink 4.5 per cent after a longer period of lockdown and a slower recovery than was envisioned in April. In Latin America, where most countries are still struggling to contain infections, the two largest economies, Brazil and Mexico, are projected to shrink 9.1 per cent and 10.5 per cent, respectively. A steep fall in oil prices has triggered deep recessions in oil-producing countries, with the Russian economy expected to contract 6.6 per cent this year and Saudi Arabia's 6.8 per cent. The IMF cautioned that downside risks to the forecast remain significant. It said the virus could surge back, forcing renewed shutdowns and possibly renewed turmoil in financial markets similar to what occurred in January through March. The IMF warned that such financial turbulence could tip vulnerable countries into debt crises that would further hamper efforts to recover. Its updated forecast included a downside scenario that envisions a second major outbreak occurring in early 2021. Under this scenario, the global economy would contract again next year by 4.9 per cent, it estimates. Also read: India stares at 5th recession: How is it different from the past downturns? People paint the exterior of the Seattle Police Department's abandoned East Precinct in Seattle, Wash., on June 19, 2020. (David Ryder/Getty Images) Businesses File Class Action Lawsuit Against Seattle Over Handling of Autonomous Zone Fifteen businesses and individuals filed a class action lawsuit against the city of Seattle over how officials handled the so-called autonomous zone that sprang up earlier this month, leading to chaos and mayhem on city streets. After the Seattle Police Department abruptly abandoned its East Precinct in the second week of June, protesters took control of barriers and re-positioned them to block off access to an area comprising about six blocks. Occupiers later stopped police from entering. Response times to crimes in the area, including rape, soared. Rather than seeking to restore order and protect the residents and property owners within [the zone named] CHOP, the city instead chose to actively endorse, enable, and participate in the occupation of CHOP, the lawsuit states. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, a Democrat, repeatedly praised the occupiers, saying the situation might lead to a summer of love. The city was actively involved in the occupation, providing portable toilets and helping replace a temporary barrier with a concrete one. Noting that armed occupiers manned checkpoints, rejecting some who tried entering the space, the plaintiffs said the situation made it virtually impossible for residents and businesses to access their buildings and conduct normal operations. Clients, employees, and delivery drivers became too scared to visit businesses or report to work because of the occupation, the plaintiffs reported. They recalled pleading with Durkan and other city officials to intervene in the increasingly dire situation, but being rebuffed. Businesses that havent shut down in the zone have seen a significant loss of revenue. The lawsuit pointed to Durkan openly stating that not all emergency calls would receive a police response following a break-in near the zone that police refused to directly respond to. The business broken into, Car Tender, is one of the plaintiffs. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan speaks at a news conference about the COVID-19 outbreak in Seattle, Washington, on March 16, 2020. (Elaine Thompson/Pool/Getty Images) People stand near tents setup outside of the Seattle Police Departments vacated East Precinct in the area known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) in Seattle, Wash., on June 23, 2020. (David Ryder/Getty Images) A man inside the Seattle autonomous zone uses a scope in Seattle, Wash. on June 11, 2020. (Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images) After a fatal shooting early June 20, officers didnt approach the area until about 20 minutes after the shots were fired. An Epoch Times reporter who spent days inside the autonomous zone found a lawless place that turned violent at night. He saw many buildings covered with graffiti and boarded up. Most of the slogans promoted anti-police messaging. The citys conduct has enabled the widespread destruction and vandalism of private property, the lawsuit states. The parties want a judge to issue an injunction restraining the city from continuing its policies of supporting and enabling the occupation of the area. They filed the suit in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. Calfo Eakes, the law firm that filed the suit, said the filing is not a step our clients have taken lightly. Plaintiffs stand in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and people who have peacefully protested in Seattle, the firm said in a release obtained by The Epoch Times. However, the city should not allow the right to peacefully protest and demand systemic change to manifest itself in acts of violence, harassment, and property damage. Matt McDermott, the son of the owner of Car Tender, in an interview with The Epoch Times in Seattle, Wash., on June 15, 2020. (Bowen Xiao/The Epoch Times) Rioters raise their fists as a fire burns in the street after clashes with law enforcement near the Seattle Police Departments East Precinct, in Seattle, on June 8, 2020. (David Ryder/Getty Images) The acts have caused residents and small businesses to incur tremendous economic loss and instilled in them a fear to live and work in a neighborhood many moved to because of its history of activism, diversity, inclusion, and community-led investment, the firm added. A spokesperson for the mayors office declined to comment directly on the lawsuit. City leadership have been on the ground daily having discussions with demonstrators, residents, and businesses and trusted community-based, black-led organizations to determine a path forward that protects the right to peacefully protest and keeps people safe, the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. Over the coming days, city officials and community groups are planning to encourage people to peacefully depart from the autonomous zone in the evening for their safety and the safety of the surrounding community, while also encouraging individuals to peacefully demonstrate across the city throughout the daytime hours. A spokesman for the City Attorneys office said in a statement to The Epoch Times: We intend to review this complaint and respond accordingly. Durkan promised to dismantle the zone after a deadly shooting over the weekend. The occupiers said late Wednesday that very few people remain in the area and called on people to continue the struggle through social media accounts. Two-year-olds were front and centre at Woodbine Mohawk Park yet again on Thursday morning (June 25), as the Campbellville, Ont. raceway hosted a 10-race qualifying session. Five of the tilts were dedicated to the youngsters, as freshman trotters were featured in half of the docket's races. The juveniles kicked off the session, as the two-year-olds stepped out onto the 'fast' track for the first five races of the morning. The fastest of the morning's freshman miles was trotted by the Blake MacIntosh-trained and Chris Christoforou-driven Rookie Season, who was sharp while leaving from Post 2 in Race 3. Christoforou allowed for a rival to assume the point in front of Rookie Season prior to the :31.2 quarter pole, but he then quickly pulled the pocket for the front early in the second quarter. Christoforou and Rookie Season made their way down to the half-mile indicator in 1:01.3 before navigating the turn and clicking off three quarters in 1:31. After having straightened for home, Rookie Season began to open up daylight on his foes. The Glidemaster colt had opened up a four-length lead at the head of the stretch, and completed his mile with a :29.3 final quarter. Rookie Season's win time was 2:00.3, and he was clear by four and one-quarter lengths at the wire. Rookie Season was a $6,000 purchase at the 2019 London Selected Yearling Sale. The colt is owned by the Hutt Racing Stable, of Malvern, Pennsylvania. The other victorious two-year-olds during the session were Grooms Halo (2:02.2), Mystic (2:00.4), Royal Tyrone (2:01.2), and Jula Magician (2:03). To view the harness racing results for the Thursday qualifying session from Mohawk, click the following link: Thursday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park (Qualifiers). Terrorist who was going to kill shopkeeper in J&K gunned down Highly radicalised terrorist arrested in Punjab and not surprisingly link goes back to the UK Day after Category A terrorist was killed, 2 more gunned down today in J&K Five Lashkar associates arrested in J&K India oi-Vicky Nanjappa Srinagar, June 25: Five terrorist associates linked to Lashkar-e-Tayiba have been arrested in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Thursday. A police official said the five were arrested from Narbal area of the district. Encounter breaks out in north Kashmirs Sopore Incriminating documents, arms and ammunition have been seized from them. A case has been registered and an investigation is on, the official added. IIT Bombay moves its classes online for the rest of 2020 amid Covid-19 outbreak | Oneindia News The development comes in the wake of attempts being made by the Lashkar-e-Tayiba to enhance capabilities in the Valley. The security forces have in 2020 gunned down over 100 terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir and this has dealt a body blow to these outfits. Police continue to investigate shooting that killed a man in Barelas on Tuesday afternoon. The Albuquerque Police Department on Wednesday identified 31-year-old Johnny Fajardo as the person who died. Valley Area Command officers responded to reports of shots being fired in the 1200 block of Barelas SW shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday. After arriving, officers located a deceased male on the street with an apparent gunshot wound, according to an APD news release. The initial investigation suggests the shooting was the result of a confrontation between two relatives. No arrests have been made in the case. The United States Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the Trump administration can deport some people seeking asylum without allowing them to make their case to a federal judge. The courts 7-2 ruling applies to people who fail their initial asylum screenings, making them eligible for quick deportation, or expedited removal. The justices ruled in the case of a man who said he fled persecution as a member of Sri Lankas Tamil minority, but failed to persuade immigration officials that he faced harm if he returned to Sri Lanka. The man was arrested soon after he slipped across the US border from Mexico. The high court reversed a lower court ruling in favour of the man, Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam, who was placed in expedited removal proceedings that prohibit people who fail initial interviews from asking federal courts for much help. The Trump administration has made changes making it more difficult for migrants, especially those from Central America to enter the US [File: Jose Luis Gonzalez/Reuters] Since 2004, immigration officials have targeted for quick deportation undocumented immigrants who are picked up within 100 miles (160km) of the US border and within 14 days of entering the country. The Trump administration is seeking to expand that authority so that people detained anywhere in the US and up to two years after they got here could be quickly deported. On Tuesday, a federal appeals court threw out a trial judges ruling that had blocked the expanded policy. Other legal issues remain to be resolved in the case. The administration has made dismantling the asylum system a centrepiece of its immigration agenda, saying it is rife with abuse and overwhelmed by meritless claims. Changes include making asylum seekers wait in Mexico while their cases wind through US immigration court, denying asylum to anyone on the Mexican border who passes through another country without first seeking protection there, and flying Hondurans and El Salvadorans to Guatemala with an opportunity to seek asylum there instead of the US. On Monday, the Trump administration published sweeping new procedural and substantive rules that would make it much more difficult to get asylum, triggering a 30-day period for public comment before they can take effect. The US became the worlds top destination for asylum seekers in 2017, according to UN figures, many of them Mexican and Central American families fleeing endemic violence. PARIS and CAMBRIDGE, Massachusetts, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ENTEROME SA, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company leveraging its unique knowledge of the microbiome-immunoinflammation axis to develop next-generation therapeutics, today announces a new financing totaling 46.3 million ($52.6million) to progress the clinical development of its therapeutic pipeline, including the first clinical trials of EO2401, a novel 'OncoMimic' cancer immunotherapy. As part of this financing, Enterome has closed a Series E round with new investors including SymBiosis, LLC, a microbiome-focused investment vehicle, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. Existing Enterome investors Seventure, Health for Life Capital, Principia, Omnes Capital and Nestle Health Science also participated in the round. In addition, Enterome has made a first drawdown from a loan facility provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB) under a 2018 agreement. Enterome will use the funds primarily to progress EO2401, an innovative, off-the-shelf immuno-oncology candidate, into the clinic in two cancer indications. The two Phase 1/2 clinical studies in glioblastoma and adrenal tumors, respectively, are planned to start during mid-2020. EO2401 is the first clinical candidate derived from Enterome's first-in-class OncoMimics platform. OncoMimics are microbiome-derived peptide antigens that closely mimic antigens expressed by tumor cells; they are selected based on their ability to trigger the rapid activation of memory T-cells that respond to gut bacteria and to direct a targeted cell-killing immune response against the tumor. EO2401 combines three OncoMimics present in aggressive cancers such as glioblastoma and adrenal malignancies. Enterome expects its second OncoMimic candidate, EO2463, a new multi-peptide cancer immunotherapy, to enter the clinic in 2021 for the treatment of B-cell malignancies (lymphomas and leukaemias). Enterome is also pursuing the development of its proprietary, next-generation EndoMimics platform, which is designed to produce a new generation of biologics with high potency and unique tolerability. These novel peptide/protein therapeutics are being developed for unmet medical needs in metabolic and inflammatory diseases. Enterome's lead EndoMimic candidate, EM101, is a human hormone mimetic produced by commensal bacteria. It is currently in pre-clinical development as a potential novel therapy for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Enterome will continue to invest in developing its world-leading Metasecretome technology, of which both the OncoMimics and EndoMimics platforms are key components. Pierre Belichard, Chief Executive Officer of Enterome, said: "We are extremely pleased to have completed this significant financing round, which represents an attractive balance of dilutive and non-dilutive funds. The financing will be used to progress EO2401, the first targeted immunotherapy generated from our unique OncoMimics platform. This platform capitalizes on the well-described, constant interaction between the microbiome and the immune system, resulting in a pool of memory T cells directed against specific commensal bacterial antigens that we have identified. We have discovered that some of these antigens bear striking similarity to those present on multiple cancer types and can induce a targeted, anti-tumor response hence 'OncoMimics'. We are exploiting this internal discovery to develop highly effective, off-the-shelf immunotherapies against cancers with significant unmet medical need. We look forward to starting the clinical development of this exciting new immunotherapy soon." Enterome will also use the proceeds to support its global partner Takeda Pharma to deliver proof-of-concept clinical data with EB8018 (sibofimloc/TAK-018), an oral FimH blocker for the treatment of Crohn's disease. "Takeda's participation in this fundraising round builds on our long-standing productive collaboration with Enterome which is focused on the clinical development of sibofimloc, an oral FimH blocker for the treatment of Crohn's disease," said Asit Parikh, M.D., Ph. D., Head, Gastroenterology Therapeutic Area Unit at Takeda. About Enterome Enterome is a world leader in the discovery and development of novel pharmaceuticals based on its unrivalled understanding of the interaction between the gut microbiome and the immune system (the 'microbiome-immunoinflammation axis'). Enterome is leveraging this expertise to develop a pipeline of clinical and pre-clinical candidates (small molecules, proteins and peptides) with a focus on cancer, autoimmune, inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Enterome has two unique platforms that are generating highly promising drug candidates: OncoMimics : highly effective, off-the-shelf immunotherapies against cancers (EO2401, EO2463). EO2401 is expected to enter Phase 1/2 clinical trials in patients with glioblastoma and in patients with adrenal malignancies, respectively, during mid-2020. EO2463, is being prepared as a clinical candidate for B-cell malignancies. : highly effective, off-the-shelf immunotherapies against cancers (EO2401, EO2463). EO2401 is expected to enter Phase 1/2 clinical trials in patients with glioblastoma and in patients with adrenal malignancies, respectively, during mid-2020. EO2463, is being prepared as a clinical candidate for B-cell malignancies. EndoMimics: a new generation of biologics for inflammatory diseases (EM101), Type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease. These highly productive platforms have been created using Enterome's world-leading Metasecretome technology, which gives it an unrivalled ability to generate precision drugs by using the natural reservoir of thousands of safe and tolerized effector proteins that are produced by the gut bacteria. Enterome's most advanced drug candidate is EB8018 (also referred to as sibofimloc/TAK-018), which selectively blocks the virulence factor FimH, is advancing through clinical trials in Crohn's disease. EB8018 has been partnered with Takeda globally, with Enterome retaining a significant profit share in the US. Enterome is headquartered in Paris (France) with operations in Boston (US) and is backed by leading venture capital investors. www.enterome.com Contacts Enterome Pierre Belichard, CEO Tel. +33 1 75 77 27 87 [email protected] Media Relations Mark Swallow / Sylvie Berrebi / David Dible Citigate Dewe Rogerson Tel. +44 207 638 9571 [email protected] Investor Relations Melody Carey Rx Communications Group Tel. +1 917 322 2571 [email protected] SOURCE Enterome Related Links https://www.enterome.com/ (Newser) A steady rise of coronavirus cases in Texas has forced Gov. Greg Abbott to pause his once-aggressive reopening of the state, reports NBC News. The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses," said Abbott's statement. "This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business." Abbott, who nine days ago boasted of his state's "abundant" hospital capacity, also ordered hospitals in the four of the biggest counties to put elective surgeries on hold, per NPR. Soon after, the Texas Medical Center in Houston announced that all of its ICU beds were occupied. story continues below The governor urged "all Texans to do their part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask, washing their hands regularly, and socially distancing from others." He did not, however, make masks mandatory, though various Texas cities have done so. Texas isn't the only state seeing a rise in cases, as Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nevada, and Oklahoma also reported single-day records this week, reports the AP. US deaths have been dropping in recent weeks, though the fear is that those numbers will begin rising soon, reports the Washington Post. "Deaths always lag considerably behind cases," Dr. Anthony Fauci told a congressional panel this week. (Read more Texas stories.) Selbyville, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/25/2020 -- Substantial growth in urbanization in major parts of the world along with the need for robust infrastructural solutions has amplified the global steel rebar market size over the past several years. Steel rebars are extensively used to provide superior tensile strength to the concrete. They are an integral part of a building and construction due to their high stress and reinforcement bearing capabilities that it provides to the cement/concrete matrix in the entire building structure. Moreover, the anti-corrosion properties of steel provide enhanced shelf life to the structures hence resulting in greater stability. Steel rebar companies have frequently carried out R&D to enhance their product offerings to increase their customer base and expand their geographical reach. Chinese steel rebar manufacturers have aimed at developing earthquake-resistant and superior-strength steel rebars due to the frequent earthquakes in the region requiring strong and reliable construction solutions. Request for a sample copy of this report @ https://www.decresearch.com/request-sample/detail/2081 A few key manufacturers of steel rebars include SAIL, Jindal Steel & Power Ltd., Kobe Steel, and Gerdau SA among various others. Expounded below are certain factors likely to impact steel rebar market trends in the coming years. High use of deformed steel rebars Deformed steel rebars are hot rolled and then deformed by twisting it and creating grooves over its surface. In the year 2018, the deformed rebar segmented led the overall market share and was responsible for nearly 75% in terms of revenue. The product is known to impart enhanced tensile and bonding strength, making it extremely suitable for use in vertical infrastructure. Basically, the steel is deformed to provide the hardened concrete more surface area to grip. Demand in Asia Pacific construction industry Asia Pacific steel rebar market share has witnessed exponential gains over the past several years owing to the measures undertaken by the government and private authorities to strengthen their infrastructural facilities, in order to accommodate the constantly growing population. The increasing presence of foreign companies in APAC due to the availability of cheap labor and low cost of raw materials has propelled the need for advances in commercial and industrial spaces. The region is witnessing some of the major construction projects proposed to be completing in the near future. One such example is the Hyundai Global Business Center in Seoul, South Korea. It is a 1771 ft, 105 story tower housing Kia Motors, Hyundai Motors, Hyundai Mobis, and other affiliated companies. Connected to the tower is likely to be a 40-story 265 super luxury hotel. The project was proposed to be completed by the end of 2021 however, due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent effect on the businesses, the project may be further delayed. Browse full table of contents (TOC) of this report @ https://www.decresearch.com/toc/detail/steel-rebar-market Adoption of basic oxygen steelmaking technology Basic Oxygen Steelmaking has been a leading steelmaking technology over the years. BOF uses iron ore as its base raw material in the form of steel scrap and molten pig iron. Oxygen is then blown into the melt under a slag where the oxidizing action transforms the raw material into steel. It is then further processed to form deformed or mild steel rebar. The alliance between governments and private companies to work on construction projects as well as the demand for steel as the main foundation of an infrastructure will drive the growth trends of steel rebar industry over the years. About DEC Research: DecResearch.com, powered by Global Market Insights, is an online aggregator of information on market research reports. The website provides comprehensive information as well as a detailed 'Table of Contents' for reports being regularly published by GMI. Four more people died of COVID-19 in the San Antonio area and nearly 350 new cases were reported Wednesday as officials warned that the situation in South Texas and across the state was becoming dire. We are in a crisis, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said during the daily city-county coronavirus briefing. We just plead with everyone to help us get out of this real deep trouble were in. Gov. Greg Abbott warned that the re-opening of the Texas economy could be in jeopardy because of dramatic increases in hospitalizations and new infections statewide. The numbers have completely spiked, Abbott said in an interview with NBCDFW in Dallas. On Wednesday, Texas reported record highs in confirmed new infections and in the number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals. Some 4,389 people are now hospitalized with COVID-19 across Texas more than twice as many as on June 12. Since Memorial Day, hospitalizations in Texas have increased 190 percent. If we are unable to slow the spread over the next few weeks, then we will have to re-evaluate the extent to which businesses are open, Abbott said. Because if its not contained in the next couple of weeks, it will be completely out of control and Texas will have to ratchet back. Abbott said he was leaving all options open because weve got to protect lives. In San Antonio, the Metropolitan Health District reported 347 new cases of the coronavirus on Wednesday, bringing the total to 7,814 since the start of the pandemic in March. The four new deaths pushed Bexar Countys total to 104. Two of those people a white man in his 80s and a white woman in her 90s were living at River City Care Center, an East Side facility where nursing-home residents who become ill with COVID-19 have been isolated. The two other deaths reported Wednesday were of a white man and a Hispanic man, both in their 50s. In what has become a familiar refrain, Wolff and Mayor Ron Nirenberg implored their constituents to practice social distancing, wash hands frequently and wear masks when in public. Nirenberg said people should assume anyone they encounter is infectious. You shouldnt go anywhere right now with this pandemic and the virus surging and think that youre safe in an interaction without the kind of health precautions that the medical experts are telling us to take, Nirenberg said. As of Wednesday, 555 people were being treated in San Antonio-area hospitals, an increase of 37 from the day before, Metro Health reported. Of those currently hospitalized, 164 were in intensive care and 82 were on ventilators. All three statistics have risen sharply since June 1. At that time, 93 people were hospitalized, 39 were in intensive care and 20 were on ventilators. To try to curb the spread of the virus, Nirenberg and Wolff have updated their emergency coronavirus orders to forbid outdoor gatherings of more than 100 people. Abbott allowed local officials to take that measure through an executive order signed earlier this week. But he made a litany of exceptions, including religious gatherings, swimming pools, water and amusement parks, zoos, aquariums and natural caverns. It is astounding the list of exemptions in these state orders, which we are bound to, Nirenberg said. You can drive a truck through them. The city and county have greater latitude to enforce orders handed down last week by Wolff and Nirenberg that compel businesses to require customers and employees to wear masks in situations where its difficult to maintain a 6-foot distance. Violators can be fined up to $1,000 though officials say they arent fining anyone yet. Within the last three days, city and county officers have made hundreds of visits to businesses and found the vast majority were complying, Nirenberg said. On 98 visits Tuesday, Nirenberg said city enforcers found 15 violations. Abbott has presided over a phased reopening of the Texas economy since the start of May. Thats when restaurants, retail stores, malls and movie theaters were allowed to resume operations with capacity limits. In late May, bars were allowed to open at 25 percent capacity and restaurants could go up to 50 percent capacity. Earlier this month, Abbott allowed most businesses to expand capacity further, and on Friday he permitted amusement parks and carnivals to reopen. Despite the surge in infections, Abbott said he opposes requiring Texans statewide to wear masks. He said he would not come down with the heavy hand of the law to force people to wear them although he recommended they do so. Joshua Fechter is a staff writer covering San Antonio government and politics. To read more from Joshua, become a subscriber. jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFReports Karnataka SSLC Exams 2020: 98.3% turnout on Day-1 India pti-Madhuri Adnal Bengaluru, Jun 25: Over 8.40 lakh students appeared for the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exam in Karnataka on Thursday, with COVID-19 measures like one student per bench and cap on their number per classroom being enforced by the authorities. As much as 98.3 per cent of students who registered for the Karnataka SSLC exams attended the same on Thursday, the first day. Amid pandemic peak, how St. Joseph's Convent Girls High School in Bengaluru is organising SSLC exam CBSE cancels class 10 and 12 remaining board exams amid Coronavirus pandemic | Oneindia News According to KSEEB officials, 7,71,878 students out of the total 7,85,140 students who had to appear for the Second Language (English/Kannada) paper held today, attended the exam. The government had decided to conduct the examination ignoring the opposition's appeal to put them on hold till the coronavirus is brought under total control. Former Chief Minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy had cautioned the government against conducting the exam, claiming there was community spread of Coronavirus. Chief minister BS Yeddyurappa said on Thursday there was no connection between the lockdown and the SSLC exams, adding they would go on as per schedule. Earlier, the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (KSEEB), on the directions of the state government decided to conduct the SSLC or the Class X board exams amid COVID-19 fears. According to KSEEB officials, as many as 8,48,203 students would take up the examination at 2,879 exam centres. Taking lessons from the pre-university college exam on June 18 where people thronged the examination centres ignoring social distancing norms, KSEEB officials in association with the health, police and transport departments made adequate arrangements inside and outside the examination halls today. The Board also roped in the Scouts and Guides at some places to make proper arrangements. At all the examination centres students were thermally screened and their hands sanitised before being allowed inside. As per government instructions, each bench had only one student. There were standing instructions that there should not be more than 18 to 20 students in each class. The students were allowed to travel free of cost in government buses or those hired by the department to reach the examination centres. Arrangements had been made for free transportation of students from the Kerala border to Sullia in Dakshina Kannada district for Kannada students in Kasargod in the neighbouring state. Yediyurappa wished the students appearing for the examination good luck. In a message, he said they should write the exam without any fear and appealed to them to wear masks, use hand sanitisers and maintain social distancing. Speaking to reporters, he said the government has made all necessary arrangements required for the examination. The chief minister said there was no connection between the lockdown and the SSLC exams, adding they would go on as per schedule. State Primary and Secondary Education Minister S Suresh Kumar visited many schools to inspect the arrangements made and spoke to the teachers deployed there. He said adequate arrangements have been made at the examination centres and that there was no need for people to be afraid. He said at a few places some glitches had surfaced which were resolved. In a tweet later, he said, "my deep gratitude to parents for their faith in the government, and heartfelt thanks to teaching and other govt staff members, police for their tireless work & dedication." "Children will fondly remember their care for a long time to come @CMofKarnataka," he added. The exams were originally scheduled from March 27 but were put on hold for an indefinite period due to the coronavirus induced lockdown then. While neighbouring states like Telangana and Tamil Nadu gave students general promotion, the Karnataka government said the exams cannot be avoided because it is a turning point in the academic career of children as they choose their stream based on the exam results. The exams will go on till July 4. JK Rowling - Joel C Ryan/AP An author who quit JK Rowlings literary agency in a row over transgender issues claims that the Harry Potter author has fallen in with the wrong crowd. Fox Fisher, a trans activist, suggested that Rowling is fearful of trans people. Fisher was one of four writers who left the Blair Partnership in protest at the agencys refusal to issue a public statement in support of the trans community, or to put its employees through a transgender training programme. Rowling has been accused of hate speech for posts on social media, including one that stated biological sex is real. Speaking on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Fisher said of Rowling: I think shes fallen in with the wrong crowd. I think she is very scared, very fearful of things when actually she just needs to spend some time with some transgender people who might also have been her fans. I respect all womens rights and when I talk about women I mean all women, including transgender women. I just think if she opened her eyes and saw that trans women are women, maybe wed be able to move forward. In a statement this week, the Blair Partnership said it had declined to meet the four authors demands to be re-educated to their point of view. Fisher said: It sounds pretty severe that we wanted them to be re-educated - I think our words have been changed a little bit. We invited them to have an open and honest conversation with us, to reaffirm their support for transgender authors and employees in a statement, as well as possibly doing training with the organisation All About Trans. Fisher insisted: It was never about denouncing anyones views or going against JK Rowling Of course Id never be able to change her views. Id never demand to change her views. All we wanted really was an open conversation. Story continues Baroness Nicholson, the Tory peer, was last night stripped from her position with the Booker Prize Foundation after tweeting her views on trans issues and same-sex marriage. She was honorary vice-president of the foundation and also co-founded the Lumos charity with JK Rowling. Following a meeting by the foundations trustees yesterday, the Booker Prize Foundation issued a statement which said: "We deplore racism, homophobia and transphobia and do not discriminate on any ground." Baroness Nicholson's honorary title "should with immediate effect, cease to end", they added. Authors including Marlon James, who won the Booker Prize in 2015 with A Brief History of Seven Killings, called for her removal in the wake of her remarks. Baroness Nicholson told The Guardian that she had voted against same-sex marriage in 2013 but rejected accusations of homophobia. Lumos, the childrens charity, said she had not played any part in Lumos since 2010. [June 25, 2020] Hagens Berman: Sonoma County Sued for Police Misconduct and Brutality, Federal Civil Rights Suit Demands Immediate Reforms to County's Police Cam Video Release Policies A recent victim of police violence filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the County of Sonoma, Town of Windsor, Sonoma County Sheriff Mark Essick, and individual officers, demanding monetary damages, as well as injunctive relief to alter Sonoma County's illegal policies with respect to the release of police body camera video footage, according to Hagens Berman. If you have been the victim of police misconduct and excessive force, contact Hagens Berman to learn more about your rights. The suit, filed on June 25, 2020 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, accuses defendants of violating the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution, as well as California's Constitution and common law. The action comes after the excessive use of deadly force during a welfare check, false arrest and imprisonment of La'Marcus McDonald, a 34 year-old African American male. According to the complaint, on July 9, 2019, the Windsor Police Department responded to a welfare check of Mr. McDonald, who was sleeping in a legally parked vehicle. Police officers detained Mr. McDonald and used "excessive and deadly force by slaming Plaintiff head first into the ground while holding his right arm, breaking off Plaintiff's two front teeth, knocking out a third, causing bleeding from the mouth, facial and arm lacerations, and rendering him unconscious," the complaint reads. The lawsuit states that officers then unlawfully arrested Mr. McDonald, filed a false police report and falsely imprisoned him, with the cooperation of supervisors. After reviewing the body camera footage, the Sonoma County District Attorney refused to prosecute Mr. McDonald. Sonoma County and the Sheriff's office nevertheless refuse to release the body camera footage to Mr. McDonald, despite a new California statute (Cal. Gov. Code 6254(f)(4)), requiring the release of such video within 45 days where use of force causes death or great bodily harm. The Sonoma Sheriff takes the position that a concussion and the loss of three front teeth does not constitute great bodily harm, which in turn allows them to not report the incident to the California Department of Justice, as required by California law (Cal. Gov. Code 12525.2(d)) and conceal the Sheriff's Office wrongdoing. "Hagens Berman demands justice for all citizens unlawfully targeted and attacked by the police, like Mr. McDonald," said Steve Berman, co-founder and managing partner of Hagens Berman. "For far too long, members of our society have been victimized by the authorities and denied their civil liberties. Public transparency, including the prompt release of body cam video footage, is absolutely necessary for police accountability." Berman added. Find out more about the civil rights lawsuit against Sonoma County. About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP is a national class-action and complex litigation law firm with nine offices across the country, fighting for the rights of consumers, whistleblowers, employees, investors and others. The firm's tenacious drive for plaintiffs' rights has earned it numerous national accolades, awards and titles of "Most Feared Plaintiff's Firm," and MVPs and Trailblazers of class-action law. More about the law firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005728/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] New Delhi: Following the Confederation of All India Traders's (CAIT) campaign for boycott of Chinese goods across the country, the Hotel & Guest House Association of Delhi declared that now onwards, no Chinese national will be given accommodation in Hotels and Guest Houses of Delhi. Hotel & Guest House Association of Delhi General Secretary Mahendra Gupta in his letter said that the Association has decided to boycott Chinese Goods which are being used in hotels and restaurants and henceforth will not be using any Chinese products in their establishments. The letter further said that the next step will be to contact Star Hotels in Delhi to also persuade them to join the movement. Delhi hotels & guest house association. "It is also to inform you that as a next step we shall also be contacting Star Hotels in Delhi and will impress upon them to join this movement," the letter said. Around 3,000 budget hotels and restaurants are part of the association. CAIT on June 10 launched a national campaign for boycott of Chinese goods across the country. The campaign titled "Indian Goods- Our Pride" aims to achieve reduction in imports of Chinese manufactured goods by 1 lakh crore (USD 13bn) by December 2021, CAIT said in a release. CAIT said, this campaign is an important step towards making the call for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "Vocal for Local" and "AatmanirbharBharat " successful. In the first phase of this campaign, CAIT has made a list of 3000 items which are currently imported from China and which are easily replaceable by Indian manufactured goods. CAIT will make traders and people across the country aware that instead of Chinese goods, Indian products should be sold and bought. (Natural News) During a panel presentation titled Summit on Protecting Children from Sexualization, hosted by the Heritage Foundation, a man who formerly lived as a woman after undergoing medical treatments and surgery and who later experienced regret and returned to living as a man, dared to say children are not born transgender. (Article republished from LifeSiteNews.com) This is a childhood development disorder, he added and for those last six words, YouTube has removed the entire three-hour video of the panel discussion, calling his words hate speech. The Daily Signal, an online publication of the Heritage Foundation, declared that YouTube had weaponized hate speech policy to censor its video. After an appeal of the decision to YouTube and Google which owns YouTube the Heritage video remained censored. We vehemently disagree with YouTubes decision to suppress valid medical information, wrote Rob Bluey, a Heritage vice president and executive editor for the Daily Signal. Not only is this decision anti-science, but its also part of an alarming trend of YouTube removing or blocking content that it doesnt like. In an email to The Federalist, YouTube asserted, Our hate speech policy prohibits videos which assert that someones sexuality or gender identity is a disease or a mental illness. We quickly remove videos violating our policies when flagged by our users. YouTube has decided, under the guise of hate speech, to censor the viewpoint that it doesnt like, said Emily Kao, director of The Heritage Foundations DeVos Center for Religion and Civil Society, who hosted the summit. This wont help children and families struggling with this disorder who want information from both sides of the debate. Walt Heyer The man who spoke those six words that offended YouTubes censors, Walt Heyer, is one of the most courageous men alive today. Born in 1944, Walt was married with children and had a good paying job. After 15 years of marriage, his wife filed for divorce, and in 1983, Walt underwent surgery to make himself appear like a woman and lived for eight years as Laura. He later experienced regret and detransitioned, reverting to being himself Walt once and for all. That was nearly 30 years ago. Walt is perhaps the worlds most important voice speaking out against the dangers of transgenderism, cross-sex affirmation, and sex reassignment surgery, which he refers to as the greatest medical fraud in history. In the fall of 2017, I was privileged to spend 10 days with Walt in Hong Kong, where we addressed a symposium at the University of Hong Kong concerning what is at stake regarding twin cultural threats of transgenderism and same-sex marriage, which were suddenly at the doorstep of the cosmopolitian but still deeply rooted in tradition city-state. I witnessed something extraordinary during those 10 days: every time Walt pulled his smartphone out of his pocket, he had a new text, email, or voice message from someone, somewhere in the world who had had second thoughts about transitioning and was now desperately searching for help to undo the harm he had done to body and psyche. Some had just undergone a destructive medical procedure days before; others had done so years or decades ago. These folks had to reach out to Walt because many Western countries have made it nearly impossible for those who experience regret after transitioning to find the help they seek. Thanks to his website, SexChangeRegret.com, Walt is a lifeline for those who are desperate to find help to revert. Walt Heyer stands by his statement In a subsequent video filmed last week for the Heritage Foundation which bleeps out those six words as if they were unutterable curse words Walt explained, YouTube will not allow you to hear six words uttered by me, a former transgender identifying person. I said that children suffering from gender dysphoria should not be encouraged to try experimental hormones and surgery. And I stand by that statement, he declared. During the original panel discussion, Walt did not mince words, explaining to the audience that he was there to put a human face on the destructive side of becoming a transgender. Affirming children into cross-gender identity is child abuse. Lets be honest, he declared. Its not physical abuse, but its psychological abuse. Its emotional abuse. And its sexual abuse. We cannot kid ourselves any longer. I stand before you with a mutilated body, redeemed by Christ We cannot ignore how devastating it is to young people to cross-dress them and affirm them, he emphasized. Im here as a witness to this. I stand before you with a mutilated body, and a life that was destroyed in many ways redeemed by Christ but destroyed because I was affirmed. I went to a gender therapist who said, all you need to do is have hormones and reassignment surgery. That was in 1981. I underwent the surgery in 1983 because they said this is the treatment for gender confusion. Wrong! Its destructive; its not treatment. Its further abuse[.] Cutting off body parts, and filling someone with hormones is one of the most destructive things you can do. And its not repairable. There are things that cannot be restored. Im here as a witness to tell you that we have to stop this nonsense. Walt also warned that schools have become complicit in perpetrating the destruction of childrens lives in this way. Schools have become the activist indoctrination location for children. There is nothing more important[.] The stable foundation of a country is the family. [Transgenderism] is an issue thats ripping families apart, and tearing lives apart, he concluded. Read more at: LifeSiteNews.com T wo teenage brothers who kicked a senior Rabbi to the ground as he walked along the street in north London have been convicted of an anti-Semitic attack. The boys, aged 15 and 16, picked out the victim due to his traditional Jewish clothes, shouting dirty Jew and kill the Jews as they launched the violent assault. The Rabbi, 54, who was visiting the UK from Israel for a wedding, was punched and kicked repeatedly until he fell to the ground, his glasses were knocked off, and he was left with an injured back and bleeding fingers. The two teenagers, who cannot be named due to their ages, ran away laughing after the attack in Amhurst Park, Stamford Hill at around 9.45pm on November 29 last year. They denied a racially aggravated assault but were convicted today following a two-day trial at Stratford magistrates court. Both boys, from Hackney, will return to be sentenced on July 21. Peter Alexandrou, from the CPS, said: This was an unprovoked and despicable act against a Jewish man who was holidaying in the UK. He was clearly targeted in this hate crime and should not have been subjected to such behaviour in our society. The prosecution case included strong witness evidence and CCTV footage of the attack as well as CCTV tracking the defendants leaving the scene after the assault. The shaken victim reported the attack to the local Jewish group, the Shomrim, who then contacted the police. They said the Rabbi had been punched, kicked, and thrown to the ground, and the attack only stopped thanks to the intervention of members of the public. Following a media appeal, the boys, then aged 14 and 15, were identified on CCTV images and handed themselves in to police. Their sentences are likely to be increased thanks to the racially-aggravated nature of the crime. Though race and racism are at the top of Americans public discussion, most white parents dont talk about those issues with their kids. Research on how white parents discuss race with their children is sparse. However, past research has shown that conversations about race, much less racism, are rare, even when these issues are highly visible for example, during the Ferguson protests in 2014. One study found that even though 81% of white mothers believed it was important to have such discussions, only 62% of them reported actually doing so. Of those who said they did, however, fewer than one-third of those people could actually recall a specific conversation. Teaching generations To understand the issue more deeply, we examined surveys of more than 2,000 adults ages 18 and older, collected from May 21 to June 14, 2020, in four major U.S. cities Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans and New York. We were seeking to understand how peoples views on race were influenced by their parents. It was part of an ongoing study looking at how peoples experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic have been shaped by their race. Our initial findings indicate that among white respondents, 65% said their parents had never or rarely had conversations with them about racism when they were children. In general, we found that younger white people were more likely to have parents who talked with them about about racism compared to those in older generations. Surprisingly, however, those in the youngest age group 18- to 25-year-olds were less likely to have parents who talked with them about racism very often (only 7%), compared to 26- to 40-year-olds (16%) and to those 41 to 55 years old (12%). We found that those whose parents talked with them about racism were themselves more likely to talk with their own children about it. However, even during this period of unrest, 27% of white parents of children between 6 and 11 years old told us they never talked with their kids about the need for racial equality. Story continues Another 15% said these conversations were rare, and 34% said they happened on occasion. Missing the point Research shows that the relatively small number of white parents who do discuss race with their children often use what are sometimes called colorblind approaches that downplay racisms significance in American society. These conversations usually involve emphasizing the sameness between all people, and minimize or deny the idea of differences between races. Typical themes include not seeing race or treating everyone the same, which ignore or even reject the existence of white privilege and racism. These discussions can promote a myth of meritocracy that claims anyone can succeed in the U.S. regardless of their race a belief shared by 57% of the white respondents in our survey. The problem with this colorblindness is that it ignores how racism is embedded in society for example, in where people live and what kinds of jobs and educational opportunities people have. Sometimes conversations can also be explicitly or implicitly racist, relying on racial stereotypes premised on the idea of inherent differences between race groups. Seldom are conversations anti-racist. An anti-racism dialog with children involves acknowledging racial inequalities and the historical and current reasons why they exist. They also include talking about ways a child could help actively undo racism and how not to be a bystander when they see racism being perpetrated. Changing perspectives Our data showed that white people who were taught by their parents about opposing racism and what our survey called the importance of fighting for racial equality were supportive of doing more to help racial minority groups hit harder by COVID-19. By contrast, people whose parents had never or rarely talked to them about anti-racism were more likely to feel that racial minorities are themselves at fault for their higher death rates from COVID-19. We also found that parents discussions with their kids helped them grow up to have more nuanced views on other aspects of racism in the U.S. Three-quarters of adults who had, as children, talked with their parents very often about racism said that racial minorities do not have the same opportunities as whites. A similar share, 69%, of them said race plays a major role in the types of social services that people receive, such as health care or daycare. And 69% also agreed that race plays an important role in who gets sent to prison. But of the adults whose parents never or rarely talked with them about racism, fewer than half 47% said racial minorities have different opportunities than whites. Similarly, fewer than half of these people felt that race plays a role in the types of social services people receive or in incarceration 49% and 48%, respectively. Resisting racism, challenging racist societal structures and advocating for equity have been an uphill battle shouldered predominantly by individuals, families and communities of color. Our research indicates that the more white parents talk with their children about the realities of American racism, the more aware those kids are, as adults, of inequalities in American life. [Like what youve read? Want more? Sign up for The Conversations daily newsletter.] This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. Read more: David Chae receives funding from the National Institutes of Health. Leoandra Onnie Rogers receives funding from the Spencer Foundation, the National Science Foundation, and the Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences. Tiffany Yip has received funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Charmaine Magumbe and Victoria Less will host Peterborough: Living in Colour - Becoming Anti-Racist on Saturday. The live Instagram event will feature conversations with Angela Connors, executive director of the Community Race Relations Committee, and Muna Ahmed from Black Lives Matter Nogojiwanong, with music by Beau Dixon and Max McWilliams. It will happen from 6:30-8 p.m. @racerelationsptbo on Instagram. The event was announced Wednesday with the placing of a banner at the Beth Israel Synagogue in Peterborough, also home to the Unitarian Fellowship. The Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough and Beth Israel Synagogue champion causes for both minorities and those in need. The issues facing the Black and Indigenous communities right now are at the forefront of our minds, a press release states. The Ghana Geological Survey Authority has warned that the country would be experiencing a stronger earth tremor soon. According to them, what happened last night is sending a strong signal of a much stronger earth tremor. Speaking on Okay FMs Ade Akye Abia programme, Mr. Nicholas Opoku, Head, Earthquake Monitoring, Ghana Geological Survey Authority and a Seismologist, explained that they did not foresee last night earth tremor. "It is also impossible for any agency or institution to determine when an earthquake will strike because theres no highly sophisticated equipment to determine when an earthquake will strike," he said. He said three types of trmor occurred yesterday, the first one which was described as the fore shock was 3.7, the main shock which was 4.2 and the after shock which was 3.7. He, however, appealed to people living in areas like Bortianor, Weija, McCarthy, the Aburi Mountains and those living close to the sea to begin to take extra precautionary measures to protect themselves because they are in earthquake prone areas. He, however, appealed to government to provide them with more equipment that will enable them to dispense their duties well. "We lack equipment, government has provided some but they are not enough, we need more modern and sophisticated equipment to be able to work effectively," he added. Histroy of earthquakes in Ghana Records indicate that the earliest earthquake in Ghana occurred in 1615 with magnitude greater than 6.0 on the Richter Scale. There are records noting that an earthquake in 1636 caused havoc in several parts of Axim in the Western Region. The last three major earthquakes occurred in Ghana in 1862, 1906 and 1939. The 1862 Accra earthquake had a magnitude of 6.5 on the Richter Scale and caused three fatalities in addition to the damage to property. Magnitude 4.6 and 4.9 seismic events also occurred in Accra in 1871 and 1872. The epicentre of the 1906 earthquake was near Ho collapsing buildings and causing severe damage. The June 1939 magnitude 6.5 earthquake, which was centred around James Town, was the most destructive in Ghanas history, causing an estimated $67.3 million damage at the time. This seismic event lasted about thirty seconds and killed 17 people and injured about 140 persons. Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video (Natural News) Many experts warned that ending the lockdown too soon would lead to a surge in coronavirus cases, and thats precisely what is now unfolding in Texas. The state reported 3,280 new cases on Monday, bringing the total for Texas to 114,881. Houston is one city that is already struggling to keep up with the surge in cases, and its not likely to slow down any time soon. A model from an epidemiologist at Baylor College of Medicine shows the area is on track to hit a peak of 2,000 daily hospitalizations by the middle of July, which is less than a month away. This would mean a rise of nearly 50 percent over the levels currently seen there, and the intensive care units in the region would be overwhelmed by such as high patient count. In fact, City of Houston Health Authority Dr. David Persse has said that several hospitals in the area are already operating either at capacity or over it. Moving patients to facilities in other areas would be off the table if the trend continues as they would likely also be struggling to stay on top of their own local cases. The 25-county area that is anchored by Houston has been setting record after record nine times in 11 days for new COVID hospitalizations, with Sundays number reaching 1,847 patients. ICU usage, meanwhile, has gone up to 89 percent, with the Texas Medical Center cautioning that its system could use up its base intensive care capacity in two weeks. And while the number of tests for COVID hasnt changed, the rate of people testing positive has tripled in recent weeks to hit 9 percent. Authorities have expressed concern that people are mistakenly interpreting the end of the stay-at-home orders as a signal to get back to their normal lives. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner remarked that all the progress made by the shutdown this spring was being undone by the current carelessness were seeing. He said: All of the good work that we did, shutting down, closing conferences and conventions were wiping away the success that we collectively achieved, and the sacrifices that people made in March, April and in May. That is why its absolutely essential for people to continue to practice social distancing and wear masks when they go out in public. The Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor, Dr. Peter Hotez, said that if the current trajectory continues, Houston could become the countrys hardest-hit area overall. Experts have also said that Houston could see another shutdown. Even if there is no officially mandated lockdown, many businesses could close their doors if their workers get sick. In fact, this is already happening, with 15 restaurants in Houston announcing temporary closures over the weekend due to employees testing positive. Lack of social distancing driving surge in cases Harris County Public Health Executive Director Umair Shah identified the march in honor of George Floyd that took place on June 2 as one driver behind the surge. The rally saw more than 60,000 people convening in downtown Houston. He also cited a layering effect, with each graduation ceremony, family picnic and protest causing the virus to spread invisibly, with many people not seeing symptoms for a week or longer. One aspect of the current surge that is particularly noteworthy is the higher rate of Texans under the age of 30 who have been testing positive for the virus. Experts say that is because this age group is more likely to attend social gatherings. While older people have become more vigilant, younger people are either careless or just more confident that theyll be able to fight the virus off, epidemiologists have said. These scary statistics coming out of Houston show us exactly what can happen when people become complacent and let their guard down. Although a lot of stay-at-home orders have now expired, that does not mean that the threat is over. Wearing a mask when you go out in public protects yourself as well as those around you, and its a low-effort way to reduce everyones risk and help ensure hospitals have the capacity and staff needed to help people who need emergency care for whatever reason. Sources for this article include: HoustonChronicle.com TexasTribune.org Muzaffarnagar, June 25 : While Uttar Pradesh has set a new record for sugar production this year, jaggery production has also been higher than expected in the state. According to the estimates of the trade organisations, this year, the production of jaggery in the entire Uttar Pradesh has been around 50 lakh tonnes -- 11 per cent higher than the average annual production of 4.5 million tonnes. Jaggery production comes under cottage and small scale industries and this year, the jaggery producing crusher was operational even in the Coronavirus-triggered lockdown period and due to good sugarcane crop, especially in western Uttar Pradesh, production has increased. President of the Federation of Gur (jaggery) Traders, Arun Khandelwal, said that the production of jaggery was underway even during the lockdown period and the supply of sugarcane was also constant. He said that production is currently underway in some units in the Muzaffarpur area and about 400-500 bags (40 kg in one bag) is arriving daily. According to sugar industry organisations, sugar production in Uttar Pradesh reached a record level this year due to increased sugarcane arrivals in sugar mills. Khandelwal says that this year, there was a bumper crop of sugarcane in the state and the recovery has also been good, so the production of not only sugar but also jaggery is more than many years. According to a release issued by the Indian Sugar Mills Association (ISMA) on June 2, Uttar Pradesh had produced 125.46 lakh tonnes as on May 31 in the current sugar season 2019-20 (September-October), the highest sugar production in the state. He said that about 30 lakh tonnes of jaggery is expected to be produced this year in western Uttar Pradesh. The jaggery business has also been profitable along with the increase in production during the lockdown period. Business sources state that when liquor shops were closed during the nationwide lockdown, the demand for jaggery increased in the countryside liquor production units, which fetched good prices for jaggery. According to information received from traders, there are currently about 11.50 lakh bags of jaggery stock in Muzaffarnagar cold storage, apart from jaggery stock in cold storage located elsewhere in the state. Muzaffarnagar is the largest market for jaggery in the country, from where, around 4,000 bags of jaggery are sent to different parts of the country daily. Businessmen said this time, jaggery is being sent to Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat. Donald Trump is a polarising figure. No US president since records began has had such consistently high approval ratings among his own party's supporters - the latest Gallup survey shows 85pc of Republicans give him the thumbs-up. Among Democrats, his approval rating in the same poll was just 5pc. Here in Ireland there is no polarisation of opinion on the US president. Trump is almost universally unpopular. Most people would like to see the back of him and many support his rival, Joe Biden, in November's presidential election. Few could argue that a Biden presidency would not be better for Ireland than a second term for the incumbent. On a whole range of issues - from security to climate change and the willingness to build alliances with like-minded countries - the Democratic candidate aligns more closely with Ireland's interests and values. Nor would Trump's unpredictability be missed if he failed to win a second term. He has generated uncertainties and insecurities in a world that already has more than enough of both. A calmer, more normal president, whose tweets do not cause global shock waves, would come as a welcome relief. But in two important respects a change of president next January will not herald a return to the past. These policy areas reflect important changes which have taken place in American politics and on which both parties are largely aligned. The first relates to China and the second concerns the benefits of international free trade. Both of these changes will have serious implications for Ireland. Make no mistake, the world is entering a second Cold War. The power struggle is centred on the Pacific Ocean, with the US and China as its main protagonists. This intensifying conflict will be different from the one which lasted for four decades from the late 1940s and pitted the world's democracies, led by the United States, against communist regimes centred on the Soviet Union. China differs from the Soviet Union in that it is not - for now at least - an imperialistic power with puppet regimes in many countries across the world. Nor does its ideology pose a threat to others - support for the imposition of the Chinese model in other countries remains next to non-existent, in contrast to the Soviet era when pro-Moscow sympathisers of various hues were to be found across the democratic world and beyond. In one respect, however, the current regime in Beijing has an advantage over the old Soviet Union: money. The Soviets had little of it. China has lots, and it is on course to overtake the US as the largest economy in the world within a few years. If the US suffers a much deeper slump than China as a result of the pandemic, as most economic forecasters predict, that will happen even sooner than expected. Some of China's economic success of recent decades has been as a result of trade with other countries. Its huge market has become important for many countries. Last year China was Ireland's fifth largest export market, with the value of goods sold exceeding earnings from exports to France and Spain combined. The regime in Beijing has been increasingly willing to use its clout against countries which displease it. Some governments which have excluded China's Huawei from their 5G mobile networks on security grounds have faced open threats from Beijing. Australia has been hit by tariffs on some of its exports to China for seeking an enquiry into the origins of the coronavirus. As the new Cold War intensifies, countries are increasingly likely to be forced to choose the American or Chinese side. That will be the case regardless of who is elected to the White House in November. The second big change in US politics of direct relevance to Ireland is attitudes to free trade. There is an unshakeable belief among swathes of American opinion that the country's industrial base has been decimated by openness to trade, and that this openness makes the US a less equal place when it comes to incomes and wealth. These beliefs are at best only partially true. They are usually uninformed by experience elsewhere. Ireland and most other European countries trade a lot more than the US, and therefore their companies face greater foreign competition. Yet they don't all have rust belts and they haven't all experienced a rise in inequality. In fact, across the developed world, countries which are more open to international trade also tend to have lower income inequality. Such points will not be made in the coming US presidential campaign. Neither candidate will talk of the opportunities for American workers and American businesses in foreign markets. Instead, the focus of debate will continue to be on the threats posed by foreign companies and foreign workers. Biden may be personally more favourable to freer trade than his party, but the Democrats have shifted markedly leftwards since he was vice-president. That is reflected among congresspeople and senators who have a vote on international trade issues. As such, the prospects of closer commercial links across the Atlantic under any circumstance have dimmed. As the anti-free trade impulse is, if anything, stronger among the Democrats than the Republicans, and is becoming stronger, there is a real prospect that transatlantic trade tensions will persist under a Biden administration. There is even the possibility that the two sides of the ocean will gradually decouple economically as protectionism becomes more prevalent. Sometimes shocks pass and things return to normal. Sometimes they don't. Trump may be an aberration, but the US has changed in important ways. So, too, has its role in the world. Nobody should expect a return to pre-Trump normality if Biden becomes president at the start of next year. And the pandemic has been a boon to the company, making it a good bet for investors. Robinhood has added an astonishing three million accounts in the first quarter of this year, bringing the total to 13 million. A growth chart that goes up and to the right is all well and good, but has Robinhood, as one person said to me, made the classic Silicon Valley mistake of applying games and brain hacks to an extremely important sector, even as it underinvested in key parts of the business like customer service? Robinhood has certainly doubled down on eliminating friction, which in Silicon Valley is almost like a religious tenet. Too many clicks are akin to a major sin to techies, as are too many just a sec warnings, even though most people find stop signs useful if irritating in real life. Its not clear yet how things went awry in Mr. Kearnss case, except that the way the app rendered his account before his death appeared to make him think that he was deep in a financial hole. Of his own accord, he was engaged in complex options trading, but without much oversight on the transactions and without enough information about options trading on the app. All added up, the calculation proved deadly for him. Options trading can be very risky and is not recommended for the inexperienced investor like Mr. Kearns. To do it, Robinhood requires an eligibility questionnaire and for a user to certify his investing experience, along with signing an acknowledgment of risk and a promise to read its materials on the topic. Other brokerage firms provide more substantive interactions on their riskiest financial instruments and even offer to explain risks in real-time conversations before allowing an investment to proceed. One investor I spoke with likened the Robinhood experience to giving a Ferrari to a kid without a drivers license. That kind of carelessness is especially problematic when it comes to young men, who studies have shown are more attracted to online trading, especially because of its often addictive characteristics, and whose emotional investment can be too high. In an interview with me this week, Mr. Tenev said the company could not comment on the specifics of Mr. Kearnss account because of privacy concerns. But clearly chastened and shaken by the tragedy, he acknowledged that fast growth has been a management issue. Former President John Dramani Mahama will be addressing the nation tonight regarding the Supreme Court ruling over the exclusion of the old voter Identification card as part of the requirement for the compilation of a new voters' register. Mr. Mahama will be speaking from the party's headoffice located in Adabraka, Accra at 8pm tonight. The Party's Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi has confirmed in a statement. The former President earlier this week asked Ghanaians to participate in any form of voter registration exercise that will be undertaken by the Electoral Commission (EC) in the build-up to the 2020 general elections. He says although his party, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has its own disagreements with the ECs insistence to use a new voters register for the polls, they will not undermine the democracy of the country should the Supreme Court not rule in their favour in the case challenging the legality of the compilation of a new electoral roll. Speaking during a community engagement at the Tongor area of South Dayi in the Volta Region, the NDC flagbearer urged the Chiefs and people to use their influence to encourage the citizenry to register in whatever registration the Supreme Court allows the EC to conduct in order to exercise their franchise on December 7, 2020. I want to remind all our citizens that, this year is an election year. The Electoral Commission has decided that it wants to conduct a registration exercise. We had disagreements with the Electoral Commission on what register to use and the matter has been at the Supreme Court and we are waiting for the Supreme Court for its verdict. Whatever verdict the Supreme Court gives, we are ready to be law-abiding citizens so we shall respect the verdict of the court. But whatever the verdict is, there is going to be a registration exercise whether a limited registration, new registration exercise, or validation of an existing register. Whichever registration it is, I will like to plead with Togbui to beat the gong to all our people to come out and register so that in December they can register and exercise their votes, he said. Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/25/2020 -- Medical tourism is one of the most dynamically growing industries today. Considered to be the direct impact of globalisation of healthcare, medical tourism certainly exhibits strong growth potential globally. However, based on FMI's research, the market of medical tourism is expected to concentrate within most of the emerging economies of the world. As developing nations are increasingly heading toward technological advancement and quality services in the medical and healthcare sector, the global medical tourism market is anticipated to witness robust growth over 2014-2020, predominantly in Asian countries. The top treatments people travel abroad for, include cancer therapy, cardiovascular surgeries, orthopaedic treatments, dentistry, cosmetic surgeries, reproductive treatments, weight loss therapies, health screenings, and medical tests and scans. In severe cases, a sizeable patient population also seeks second opinion from specialist doctors out of their countries. To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-249 Key Drivers High treatment costs and lengthy waiting times for medical procedures, being the two major factors in driving medical tourism, are also supported by easier and cheaper international travel. While the U.K.'s population prefers to travel abroad for bypassing long waits, patients from the U.S. travel outside for availing of treatments at cheaper costs. Medical excellence along with international accreditation are the key factors fuelling a majority of international patient flow, eventually boosting international medical tourism. Currently, over 600 medical departments and hospitals all over the globe are accredited by the U.S. Joint Commission International (JCI). The number of accredited facilities is projected to increase almost by 20% each year. This is another important driver associated with the market growth. Developing countries, with ever-evolving innovation and demonstrable achievements in medical research are estimated to accelerate the approaching medical tourist flow over the forecast period. Growing healthcare investments by various government and private sectors are also anticipated to further bolster the market growth. Key Restraints However, medical tourists are highly prone to a wide variety of health risks after they return. The conditions may include TB, paratyphoid, amoebic dysentery, deep vein thrombosis, and more; usually caused due to poor post-operative care and inadequate rest. This could affect the market to some extent. Stringent documentation processes, issues related to visa approval, and limited insurance coverage are reportedly some of the most deterring factors for the global market. Global Medical Tourism Market: Segmentation FMI's research on the global medical tourism market offers a six-year forecast, segmenting the market on the basis of type of medical treatment and geography. On the basis of the type of treatment, the market is segmented into cosmetic treatment, cardiovascular treatment, fertility treatment, dental treatment, orthopaedic treatment, and other general treatments. On the basis of geography, the market is segmented into Asia pacific, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, North America, and South America. Regional Outlook Some of the prominent medical tourism centres across the globe include Thailand, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Israel, Brazil, Turkey, the Philippines, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Canada, and the U.S. According to Patients Beyond Borders, the global medical tourism market is currently growing at an impressive rate between 15% and 25%, and the flow of patients seeking cross-border treatment options will be the highest in Mexico. South and Southeast Asia are expected to dominate the global market in the near future. Based on MTA's recently released Medical Tourism Index, there are 41 countries participating in the global medical tourism market. While India broadly secures #1, Israel ranks #1 in the quality of services and facilities. India is renowned for specialist cardiac surgeries, while Singapore is a popular medical tourism destination owing to the expertise in complicated surgical procedures. Thailand has been a popular destination for medical tourism and millions of patients have travelled to Thailand since 2006. It is also the top cosmetic surgery centre globally. Malaysia offers state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and treatments by highly skilled medical professionals, making it another sought after centre among medical tourists. With economically affordable treatment options and favourable government initiatives, Malaysia is anticipated to acquire one of the top market positions in the global medical tourism market, during the forecast period. Download Methodology of this Report @https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-249 Key Players: Global Medical Tourism Market Some of the top key players in the medical tourism industry include Asian Heart Institute (India), Apollo Hospitals (India), Prince Court Medical Centre (Malaysia), Gleneagles Hospital (Singapore), Min-Sheng General Hospital (Taiwan), Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital (Bangkok), Raffles Medical Group (Singapore), Clemenceau Medical Centre (Lebanon), Bangkok Hospital (Thailand), Bumrungrad International Hospital (Thailand), Fortis Healthcare Ltd. (India), Wooridul Spine Hospital (Korea), KPJ Healthcare Berhad (Malaysia), Anadolu Medical Centre (Turkey), and Asklepios Klinik Barmbek (Germany). While these players rank amongst they compete on the basis of exceptional service quality, optimum patient comfort, and relatively reasonable costs for various treatments. Several facilities are also undergoing mergers, acquisitions, affiliations, and joint ventures for delivering enhanced medical care, thereby strengthening their market positions. A few prominent examples of highly productive collaborations include the collaboration between Bumrungrad International Hospital (Bangkok) and IBM Watson for better cancer care, and the collaboration of Anadolu Medical Centre (Turkey) with Johns Hopkins Medicine (U.S.). This research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data and statistically-supported and industry-validated market data and projections with a suitable set of assumptions and methodology. It provides analysis and information by categories such as market segments, geographies, and applications. The report covers exhaustive analysis on: - Market Segments - Market Dynamics - Market Size - Supply & Demand - Current Trends/Issues/Challenges - Competition & Companies involved - Technology - Value Chain Regional analysis includes - North America - Latin America - Asia Pacific - Japan - Western Europe - Eastern Europe - Middle East & Africa The report is a compilation of first-hand information, qualitative and quantitative assessment by industry analysts, inputs from industry experts and industry participants across the value chain. The report provides in-depth analysis of parent market trends, macro-economic indicators and governing factors along with market attractiveness as per segments. The report also the maps qualitative impact of various market factors on market segments and geographies. Report Highlights: - Detailed overview of parent market - Changing market dynamics of the industry - In-depth market segmentation - Historical, current and projected market size in terms of volume and value - Recent industry trends and developments - Competitive landscape - Strategies of key players and product offerings - Potential and niche segments/regions exhibiting promising growth - A neutral perspective towards market performance - Must-have information for market players to sustain and enhance their market footprint Not So Formidable Unusual Number of Defeats Time for a Change The Democratic Party is preparing for a generational changing of the guard. Joe Biden, the partys presumptive presidential nominee, is 77, while all of the top three leaders in the U.S. House are even older, including 80-year-old Speaker Nancy Pelosi.Nonetheless, a number of candidates who are younger, more progressive and often non-white have been successfully challenging incumbents in Democratic primaries this year. Following Tuesdays voting in New York, it appears that four new legislators backed by the leftist Working Families Party or the Democratic Socialists of America will be heading to Albany.Voters are tired of the same old people going up there and representing them, says Eric Griego of the Working Families Party.Final results from Tuesdays voting in Kentucky and New York wont be known for days, due to the large number of absentee ballots, but Congressman Eliot Engel of New York, a 31-year House veteran who chairs the Foreign Affairs Committee, lost his race against educator Jamaal Bowman. Carolyn Maloney, another congressional veteran and committee chair, is clinging to a narrow lead against Suraj Patel, a hotelier and business professor who called this a change election.This is an early signal that there are tectonic shifts possible in November, says Daniel Squadron, a former New York legislator. This is a moment of change and frustration.The desire for change has been expressed all over the country. This month alone, the top state Senate leaders in New Mexico and West Virginia were defeated in primaries. Powerful committee chairs who shaped state budgets have been shown the door. In Pennsylvania, a half-dozen incumbent legislators were ousted, including long-serving members from Philadelphia, home to one of the last old-school political machines.In Pennsylvania, the progressives in the Democratic Party challenged incumbents, particularly in the state legislature, says Terry Madonna, a pollster and political scientist at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pa. Basically, its the progressives challenging what Ill call the Democratic status quo.Generally, few incumbent legislators are ever challenged in primaries. Most are still winning this year. But there have been enough high-profile losses to make it clear that incumbents who may have felt insulated by the fact that in-person campaigning has been largely put on hold by the coronavirus pandemic cant rest easy this year.Voters do want hope and a positive vision for the future, says Gaby Goldstein, political director for Sister District Project, which helps elect Democratic legislators but doesnt get involved in primaries. It is a rallying cry for Democrats and perhaps more broadly to have a future worth fighting for.They were known as the Formidable Five. Five conservative Democrats in the New Mexico Senate occasionally voted with Republicans to kill progressive bills, to the frustration of their House colleagues and Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. You get all these great House members sending bills over to the Senate, and the same five senators were working together to block the legislation, says Griego, New Mexico state director for the Working Families Party and a former Democratic state senator.On June 2, four of the five were defeated in primaries, including Mary Kay Papen, the president pro tempore, and John Arthur Smith, who has served for 32 years and chairs the Finance Committee. Their challengers were able to paint them as out of touch with district concerns. That was despite the fact that Papen in particular received heavy financial support from New Mexico Strong, a group funded by petroleum corporations such as Chevron Oil.Papen wasnt the only chamber leader to lose this month. Mitch Carmichael, president of the West Virginia Senate, was defeated on June 10 by Amy Nichole Grady, a teacher energized by state-level fights over teacher pay. Carmichael was one of two West Virginia senators defeated by teachers.On Tuesday, Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne turned back a challenge from Tiffany Dunn, a teacher who had helped organize protests in the state surrounding public pension funds.In West Virginia, Carmichael was also one of 10 sitting Republican legislators who lost in this years primaries, including a former state House majority leader.Thats an incredible percentage. In most recent cycles, only one in five incumbent legislators has even faced a primary opponent (the percentage ticking up a bit to 21.9 percent in 2018). Between 1994 and 2014, more than 97 percent of incumbent legislators won their primaries, according to Steven Rogers, a political scientist at St. Louis University. He notes that for incumbent legislators, primaries are like a cold a nuisance, but seldom fatal.This years numbers are striking, in part because of the usual circumstances that have upended campaigning. There are no parades to walk along, no service club meetings to visit, no hands to shake. Legislative candidates typically spend the bulk of their day knocking on doors, which is also verboten. All this seemed like it would play to the advantage of incumbents, who dont face the same challenges their opponents have in newly introducing themselves to voters.But campaigns have adapted. Everyone is holding virtual town halls. Some are trying to make the experience of connecting online more fun, hosting trivia contests or having people phone bank in groups, making their calls and then chatting among themselves through their screens. Its actually easier to get a big-name politician to show up for a fundraiser these days, Goldstein says, because they can appear online for 20 minutes and then quickly move on to their next call.In New Mexico, the Working Families Party rediscovered the phone. Griego estimated that his group made 50,000 calls, talking to about 10,000 individuals, mostly in the Papen and Smith districts. They called up and then reached back out to receptive listeners, not only comparing voting records but also walking them through the process of requesting and returning absentee ballots.The hands-on approach paid off. By the end of the day, our canvassers had talked to these voters three or four times, Griego says. The incumbents lost their advantage. They were doing robocalls, featuring endorsements or saying dont listen to these left wing groups.Incumbents also face the hurdle of running during a difficult time for the country. The pandemic is still raging and unemployment remains high. On top of that, there have been weeks of protests across the country, a clear expression of popular discontent.The quick collapse of the economy, coupled with concerns about COVID-19, could motivate voters to vote and vote for change, against incumbents, says Jaclyn Kettler, a political scientist at Boise State University. In general, it seems as though many people are unhappy or anxious and looking for ways to exercise their political voice.Kettler notes that in Idaho, several incumbent legislators were defeated in GOP primaries on June 2, largely by candidates who were more conservative and pushed back against Republican Gov. Brad Littles stay at home orders. In West Virginia, the main action in primaries was also on the Republican side. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum spent nearly $2 million of his own money in an effort to challenge legislators hed clashed with, helping to knock out Jeff Delzer, a fellow Republican who chairs the state House Appropriations Committee.In blue states, its Democrats who are going through a sorting process, with incumbents losing to younger, more ideological candidates. At the start of the last decade, Republicans were challenged in primaries by candidates aligned with the Tea Party or other factions. Now, its Democrats who have to watch their left flanks. That started to be evident in 2018, from the election of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez over a veteran member of Congress, to the defeat of numerous top Democrats in the Maryland Senate.There was a long period of time when there wasnt that challenge from the left, Goldstein says. Having a more organized progressive movement electorally is a huge development.Given delays in voting this spring, there are a lot of states yet to hold primaries this summer. In those contests and again in the fall incumbents may find themselves feeling more heat than usual, says Squadron, executive director of Future Now, which works with Democratic legislators on policy and politics but isnt involved in primaries.People are really focused on whos representing them, maybe more carefully than they were before, Squadron says. Despite the fact that traditional campaigning isn't happening, folks are expecting outcomes from their representatives. By Associated Press PHOENIX: President Donald Trump's national security adviser has warned China that the United States is waking up to the threat that it believes the Chinese Communist Party poses "to our great way of life" and will act to check the spread of Beijing's ideology. Robert O'Brien said that his speech challenging China was the first of many in the coming weeks by senior administration officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Attorney General William Barr and FBI Director Christopher Wray. "The days of American passivity and naivety regarding the People's Republic of China are over. America, under President Trump's leadership, has finally awoken to the threat of the Chinese Communist Party's actions and the threat they pose to our great way of life," O'Brien told a group business leaders in Phoenix. This latest verbal offensive is an extension of Trump's harsh words for Beijing's handling of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 120,000 Americans. It follows on the heels of former national security John Bolton's book that alleges Trump was soft on Chinese President Xi Jinping and other authoritarian leaders to advance his own political agenda. According to Bolton, Trump asked Xi for China to buy more agricultural products to help the president win farm states and told the Chinese leader that he was right to build detention camps to house thousands of Chinese ethnic minorities. That statement could make the president's tough-on-China mantra a hard sell. The Trump campaign released an online video last month that included clips of former Vice President Joe Biden previously describing the Chinese as "not bad folks" and saying economic growth in China was in the US interest. O'Brien harsh words come as China has rebuffed US efforts to negotiate a three-way nuclear weapons treaty with Russia and as the administration seeks Beijing's help in getting North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. The White House also is trying negotiate a new US-China trade agreement. The Trump adviser said the consensus for decades among American policymakers was as the US invested more in China and trained more Chinese engineers, scientists, bureaucrats and others, the faster China would liberalise - first economically and then politically. He said the US welcomed China into the World Trade Organization in 2001 with concessions and trade privileges while playing down China's human rights abuses and the theft of US technology, which hurt American businesses. "As China grew richer and stronger, we believed that the Chinese Communist Party would liberalise to meet the rising democratic aspirations of its people. This was a bold, quintessentially American idea. It was born of our innate optimism and by the experience of our triumph over Soviet communism. Unfortunately, it also turned out to be very naive," O'Brien said. O'Brien offered a list of Chinese activities that he said were aimed not only at repressing its own citizens, but influencing Americans. He said that he was not attacking the Chinese people, but the Chinese Communist Party. He said China has worked to eliminate "unfriendly" Chinese language media outlets worldwide and has turned to Twitter to spread anti-American disinformation. "In more than a dozen American cities, people listen to FM radio stations with subtle pro-Beijing propaganda," O'Brien said. Earlier this week, the administration designated the US operations of four major Chinese media outlets as "foreign missions" - an action that could force some of their staff to leave the country. He cited China's cybersecurity activities that he said collect personal data on millions of Americans. He said the administration is working to prevent certain companies such as the tech giant Huawei that are closely tied to the Chinese Communist Party's intelligence and security apparatus from accessing US data. Under Trump, the US has imposed restrictions on US semiconductor technology from going to Huawei and has limited the People's Liberation Army's ability to use student visa programs to place its officers in US colleges and universities. A day of regular maintenance on top of a water tower in Fresno, California, turned into an emergency rescue mission after sweltering conditions caused a worker's heart to stop and forced the rescue of two other men on Wednesday. The three workers were performing a scheduled inspection at the water tower on the campus of Fresno State University. Temperatures reached a high of 103 F in Fresno on Wednesday, the fifth time in the last six days the temperature topped triple digits. Conditions have steadily remained 5-10 degrees warmer than historical averages this week. While conditions were somewhat cooler in the morning, when the men were rescued, the air was still hot enough to present a considerable risk. Fire crews reached the heat exhausted workers around 10:30 a.m., local time, after the heat left them dangerously stranded on the water tower catwalk. "Temperatures soared to 90 between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., with an AccuWeather RealFeel near 100," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk said. The three employees were rescued by Fresno Fire Department firefighters around 10:30 a.m., local time, and one of the men was rushed to the hospital with apparent heat exhaustion. Fresno Fire spokesman said the crew member's heart had stopped and emergency workers needed to revive the man in an ambulance on the way to the hospital, according to The Fresno Bee. The fire department added that crews had to remove the other two workers from the tower as well, as they were not conditioned to climb the 130 feet down on their own. The men had to be carried off the water tower after heat rendered them too weak to climb down. "If they were working on, or right near the water tower, the water tower would have been absorbing the solar rays and temperatures would have been higher, perhaps much higher than the recorded air temperature at the airport," Houk said. The original ladder truck called in for the rescue came up 15 feet short of the catwalk where the workers were stranded, so the crew had to lower a hauling system to the tower to bring the men down. Story continues In the midst of the rescue efforts, Fresno Fire personnel also suffered from the oppressive heat, which forced the crews to rotate members and call in extra help. "It was so much work on the guys to perform the rescue that we had to rotate those crew members through to keep those bodies fresh," Battalion Chief Mike Gilbert said, according to ABC30.com. "Because you can get very dehydrated quick when you do operations like this when you have all of your gear on at higher altitudes." Keep checking back on AccuWeather.com and stay tuned to the AccuWeather Network on DirecTV, Frontier and Verizon Fios. IPO Edge, in partnership with Desert Hawk Gold Corporation, owner of a fully-permitted, operating mine in Utah, and The Palm Beach Hedge Fund Association, a Florida trade association for financial professionals, hosted Webinar on Wednesday, June 24 at 4pm EST/1pm PST The Case for Gold in an Era of Unprecedented Money Printing. CLICK HERE TO WATCH A REPLAY OF THE WEBINAR The Webinar featured Howard Crosby, Chairman of Desert Hawk Gold Corporation, an SEC reporting company that plans to list shares on a national exchange after the completion of its current offering. The company will issue up to $10 million in shares to fund expansion of current mine assets, explore the Kiewit Mine, and for general working capital. More details about the investment opportunity are available at: www.deserthawkgoldcorp.com Mr. Crosby discussed: Why gold has a place in a balanced portfolio Reasons to invest in a mine asset rather than physical gold Owning a mine rather than ETFs such as GratiteShares Gold Trust, SPDR Gold Shares, or iShares Silver Trust How the recent monetary stimulus by global central banks makes gold more appealing An overview of the Desert Hawk offering Benefits of investing in an operational and productive mine Advantages of investing in domestic rather than international mine assets About Howard Crosby: Howard Crosby is Chairman of Desert Hawk Gold Corporation. He has been president of Crosby Enterprises, Inc., a family-owned business advisory consulting firm since 1989. From 1994 to June of 2006 he served as president and director of Cadence Resources Corporation, a publicly traded oil and gas company, which was merged with an AMEX listed company in 2005. Mr. Crosby also was a founder and director of High Plains Uranium in 2004, and was a founder and director of US Silver Corp in 2006, which acquired the Galena Mine in the Coeur dAlene Mining District from Coeur dAlene Mines in 2006. From 2004 until March of 2016, Mr. Crosby was an officer and director of White Mountain Titanium Corporation, which is developing a world class titanium project in Chile. Mr. Crosby is also a director or advisor to a number of privately held companies. He received a bachelors degree from the University of Idaho in 1975. Story continues Contact: John Jannarone, Editor-in-Chief editor@IPO-Edge.com www.IPO-Edge.com Editor@IPO-Edge.com Twitter: @IPOEdge Instagram: @IPOEdge Matt Reyes Galindo doesnt believe Midland ISD representatives are listening to their constituents and is running for school board to change that. Galindo told the Reporter-Telegram this week he will run for District 1, a seat currently occupied by James Fuller. The election one of four school board seats on the ballot will take place in November. District 1 is in east Midland. It is bordered by Loop 250 to the north and includes areas around the following campuses: Milam Elementary, Lee Freshman High School, Pease Communications and Technology, Coleman High School, Gen. Tommy Franks Elementary (the former Crockett Elementary), Washington STEM Academy and Carver Center. Its definitely time for change, especially in District 1, Galindo said. Currently, the only meetings that are being held is when (the MISD boards and leadership) need a vote and need some type of support. And if the objective of a school board trustee is to represent the visions and the values of the community, (he or she) will have to actually meet with the community to know what those visions and values are. Galindo said he was inspired to run by the school boards canvassing of the November 2019 school bond vote, knowing there were 800 ballots missing. He also cited a plea by Fuller, calling for residents of District 1 to get involved. The 32-year-old Galindo noted that Fuller has been on the board since 1988 --as long as Galindo has been alive. I just think that District 1 needs a new vision, he said. Academic performance will be the main topic for Galindos candidacy. He said current board and district leadership hasnt made the progress needed with the number of failing schools increasing from four in 2018 to nine in 2019. Failing schools in District 1 include Pease and Washington STEM. Galindo, who grew up in east Midland and is a product of Midland public schools, said school performance is another area where the district is not shooting straight with residents, pushing a school performance framework that doesnt match what the TEA offers, as if to say the district does not have an issue with academic achievement. Galindo said he is not running as part of a political action group but will take his cues from the District 1 residents and MISD families. He said he hasnt cared for school politics, including being labeled as part of school district opposition by supporters of the November school bond. He said that as a parent of four children, the notion that he is against the district is ridiculous because if (the district) fails, my children fail. He said, as a representative, he wants to hear all sides, not just one that echoes MISD leadership. My main focus is trying to get folks as involved, Galindo said. At the same time, its letting them know and letting the board know that District 1 does care about their children, and that we want them to have the best education possible. Galindo is the first person to reach out to the Reporter-Telegram about a school district board candidacy. The oil and gas industry worker said he expects Novembers elections to be a referendum on current board leadership and Superintendent Orlando Riddick. Theres quite a bit of folks that are thinking about running, Galindo said. And one of the reasons is because we believe that were not in agreement to where the state of education is here in Midland and we want to hold him (Riddick) accountable. And its just not him. Its central office. We need to go back to the days when the school board was there to represent the people in their districts and not central office and the superintendent. The school board has to work with the superintendent not for the superintendent. And to do that, Galindo wants to be a representative that he said does not condemn folks for not being involved. I want teachers and I want parents to understand (that he isnt running for PACs, but for the people of Midland), Galindo said. I want to be the board member that represents them. The German state government has lambasted Pakistan for its proliferation record of nuclear weapons. Expressing its concern over the same, a report by the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg highlights that Pakistan continues to engage in the production and proliferation of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons of mass destruction. It further enunciates that the country is also trying to secure relevant know-how through illegal procurement from Germany. The report, which chronicles annual key developments on proliferation was released on June 16, 2020. "Iran, Pakistan, North Korea and Syria are still pursuing such efforts. They aim to complete existing arsenals, perfect the range, deployability and effectiveness of their weapons and develop new weapons systems. They are trying to obtain the necessary products and relevant no-how, inter alia, through illegal procurement efforts in Germany," according to the annual report of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution for Baden-Wuttemberg. Pakistan has been subject to a lot of scrutiny for its nuclear proliferation record. In 2004, the country's nuclear architect AQ Khan admitted to being a party in global proliferation, including providing designs to countries like North Korea. The report added that Pakistan's nuclear programme is directed against its sworn enemy India. It underlined that to bypass existing export curbs and embargoes, the countries referred to in the report, have created new procurement ways and means. Under these approaches, they can acquire goods in Germany and Europe with the help of "cover companies and, in particular, transport dual-use goods to risk states. Typical bypass countries include the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and China." The report further explains how "production and proliferation" of weapons of mass destruction pose a "serious threat to peace and international security" and the establishments need to set goals for preventing risk states from building and developing weapons of mass destruction and corresponding carrier systems. "In order to minimize risks, the State Office for the Protection of the Constitution sensitises those responsible there to make them aware of the danger and possible consequences of illegal knowledge transfer," the document underscores. Potential proliferation sources of know-how, according to the report, comprise universities, non-university research institutions, and research and training departments of companies. Also Read: Westinghouse set to ink pact with Nuclear Power Corp of India for nuclear reactors during Trump visit FILE PHOTO: People extract water from an unknown source in the low-income neighbourhood of Petare amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Caracas (Reuters) - Venezuela's western Zulia state has emerged as a hot spot for the COVID-19 pandemic as poorly supplied hospitals and chronic shortages of water and power make it difficult to prevent the disease from spreading. The government of President Nicolas Maduro has identified Zulia as an epicenter of the pandemic, with official statistics showing 590 cases and 10 deaths in the sweltering border state that shares a frontier with neighboring Colombia. But opposition leaders have questioned the official figures, noting a lack of transparency in the reporting of cases and persecution of reporters, doctors and nurses who have contradicted the authorities. "There are more deaths from coronavirus than the regime is announcing," said Juan Pablo Guanipa, an opposition legislator who represents the state of Zulia. "The figures they are presenting are not credible." Venezuela's information ministry and the Zulia government did not reply to requests for comment for this story. Officials say many of the cases originated in a sprawling food market that supplies much of Maracaibo, the Zulia state capital and Venezuela's second city. Known as the Maracaibo Flea Market, it has long been known for its overcrowding and poor sanitation. Venezuela on Monday reported 4,048 cases of coronavirus and 35 associated deaths. In some cases, patients die of symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, but their death certificates only refer to pneumonia or other ailments, according to two Zulia health workers. The country no longer publishes epidemiological data, leaving no way to compare current death rates of pneumonia with those of previous years. Earlier this month, 20 people diagnosed with coronavirus demanded to be released from forced quarantine at the University Hospital of Maracaibo, complaining about lack of food and running water. When staff refused, the patients said they were leaving anyway - and threatened to cough on or touch anyone who attempted to stop them, according to a doctor and a nurse with knowledge of the incident. Story continues Lacking protective equipment to prevent infection, the hospital staff had little choice but to let them out. The hospital did not respond to a request for comment. "Medical staff make four dollars (per month). They're not going to risk getting sick for the little money that they make," said one doctor, who asked not to be identified for fear of reprisals. Zulia has been among states hardest hit by Venezuela's crumbling power and water services, hampering efforts to maintain basic sanitation even in hospitals. Maduro says Venezuela has managed the outbreak better than other Latin American nations. He points to lower infection and death figures and insists that most cases can be traced to migrants returning from Colombia and Brazil. But the Zulia state doctors' association on Sunday issued a statement denouncing insufficient hospital beds and supplies, limited use of face masks in public spaces, and the use of low-budget hotels to quarantine COVID-19 patients. "The hospital is totally contaminated. Nobody knows who has COVID-19 and who doesn't," said one health worker at the University Hospital of Maracaibo who asked not to be identified. "Every floor is full of people, and they aren't doing anything about it." (Editing by Daniel Flynn and Tom Brown) In continuation of her offensive against the BJP government, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, on Thursday, accused the centre of picking pockets of people during a time of crisis, while referring to the continuous hike in fuel prices by oil companies despite relatively low cost of international crude due to global uncertainties triggered by the impact of coronavirus outbreak. She added that her party staged successful protests on the matter in Uttar Pradesh today. The government, by hiking the prices of Diesel and Petrol for the 19th continuous day today, has made this clear that the BJP has greater interest in picking peoples pockets even in the times of a crisis. The Congress party staged protests in all of UP today. The people are not willing to put up with this loot any longer, she tweeted on Thursday afternoon. Petrol price in Delhi was hiked to Rs 79.92 per litre from Rs 79.76 during the day while diesel rates were increased to Rs 80.02 a litre from Rs 79.88. The diesel price were increased for the 19th day in a row since the price revisions began on June 7 after a gap of close to three months due to the lockdown Also Read: Another hike in fuel prices, diesel crosses Rs 80 a litre mark in Delhi The Congress has launched nationwide agitation on the issue, with its state units leading protests on the issue in their respective regions. Earlier today, UP Congress president Ajay Kumar Lallu and several other party activists were arrested while protesting in Lucknow, said PTI. Congress workers had started their protest from the party headquarters in Lucknow and were going towards the Vidhan Sabha when they were stopped by the cops, the agency said. Priynaka is the party general secretary in charge of eastern UP and has been leading the partys drive to oppose the government on the issue of fuel price hike. The government has created history by picking peoples pockets in the times of crisis. Diesel prices have now crossed the price of petrol. When the prices of crude oil are sliding across the world, look at this method of looting people. The government raises the price of petrol and diesel by a few paise every day so that they avoid the impression of a rise in prices by Rs 8 a litre or Rs 9 a litre in one go, she had said in another tweet 24 hours ago. Congress has organized protests in several states over the issue. In Madhya Pradesh, senior party leader Digvijaya Singh was booked along with other party workers for taking out a cycle march to protest on the issue. Also Read: FIR against Digvijaya Singh, 150 Congress workers for cycle march against fuel price hike In Haryana, former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda slammed the centre alleging the rising fuel prices were bound to have a cascading effect and burden common people and farmers the most due to their dependence on diesel for irrigation and transport. In Bihar, opposition leader Sharad Yadav said that the double whammy of fuel price rise along with Coved pandemic will result in setbacks for the BJP in the coming Bihar elections, reported PTI. By PTI BENGALURU: Granting advance bail to a rape accused, the Karnataka High Court has expressed its reservations about the genuineness of the complainant's case while observing that her explanation that "after the perpetration of the act she was tired and fell asleep, is unbecoming of an Indian woman." The court also found it difficult to believe at this stage that the complainant was subjected to rape on the false promise of marriage "in the given circumstances of the case." The complainant is the employer of the accused for the past two years, it noted. "Nothing is mentioned by the complainant as to why she went to her office at 11 pm; she has also not objected to consuming drinks with the petitioner and allowing him to stay with her till morning; the explanation offered by the complainant that after the perpetration of the act she was tired and fell asleep, is unbecoming of an Indian woman," Justice Krishna S Dixit observed. "This is not the way our women react when they are ravished," the judge further observed while allowing the plea on June 22. Agreeing that the charges of rape, cheating and intimidation against the petitioner were serious in nature, the court observed that "seriousness alone is not the criteria to deny liberty to the citizen when there is no prima facie case from the police." The court took note of a letter allegedly written by the complainant that she would withdraw the complaint if a compromise was brought about. "Nothing is stated by the complainant as to why she did not approach the court at the earliest point of time when the petitioner was allegedly forcing her for sexual favours," the court observed. Further, the judge also found no ground to deny the accused advance bail as the victim did not offer any explanation for not alerting the police or the public about the conduct of the petitioner when she had been to a hotel for dinner and the petitioner, having consumed drinks, came and sat in the car. The court imposed a slew of conditions on the petitioner while granting him the relief including the execution of a personal bond of Rs one lakh and not tampering with evidence. M ore than 90 per cent of Londoners are wearing a face covering when using public transport in line with coronavirus prevention rules, Transport for London (TfL) official said today. The requirement came into force on June 15, and police have the power to impose 100 fines or ban people who do not comply. Staff are handing out free masks at stations, and TfL has said more than a million face coverings are available for transport users who forget or are unable to buy one. Vernon Everitt, TfLs Managing Director of Customers, Communication and Technology today praised Londoners as really savvy, saying: Weve seen compliance of 90 per cent plus in the wearing of mandatory face coverings. We started handing out face coverings to try and get people in the swing of using them, and the approach thus far has been to encourage and enable people to comply - and by and large they are. The people who turn up without one largely have forgotten or havent got the message. Its not out of rebellion against it. People want to comply. The majority of Londoners are reportedly wearing masks on buses / Reuters He added: Our customers are really savvy and want to do the right thing - for the purpose of this being to keep everyone else safe. TfL reported that more than 80 per cent of Tube travellers were compliant with the new rule on the first day it was implemented. Londoners with certain health conditions, disabled people and children under the age of 11 are not required to wear a mask. Mr Everett was speaking during a webinar with the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Thursday. He said that those unable to wear a mask can download a "card" from the TfL website which provides an explanation for other passengers. He added: Its designed to reduce the moments where there might be conflict or uncertainty around the network. Some scientists have warned that wearing a mask has to be done correctly, or it lessens its impact. The UK Government website advises that any mask worn should cover your mouth and nose while allowing you to breathe comfortably. It also states that it is imperative to wash hands or use hand sanitiser both before putting on and after taking off a mask. The website reads: Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth at all times and store used face coverings in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them. Do not touch the front of the face covering or the part of the face covering that has been in contact with your mouth and nose. Once removed, make sure you clean any surfaces the face covering has touched. Richard Burge, Chief Executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said businesses in the capital have a role to play in ensuring the safety of London's commuters. He said: The social distance challenge on Londons transport network is a wicked problem, and its vital that TfL and Londons business community come together to do what we can to mitigate the pressure on the network and keep commuters as safe as possible. Thats why London Chamber of Commerce and those joining us on the webinar this morning welcomed an open and wide ranging discussion with TfL about how we can tackle this challenge together. TfL has been contacted for comment. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 13:45:46|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HONG KONG, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The passenger volume and cargo volume at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) dropped 18.9 percent and 7.3 percent year-on-year respectively in fiscal year 2019/20, according to the latest annual report released by Airport Authority Hong Kong. The report for the fiscal year which ended March 31, 2020 showed that the passenger volume and cargo volume of the HKIA plunged to 60.9 million and 4.7 million tons respectively. Flight movement slid to 377,420. The report said that during the year, the Airport City development continued and significant progress on all projects was achieved. The construction of the Three-runway System (3RS) was progressing as planned, with the third runway on track to start service in 2022, and the entire 3RS project, which includes new buildings and related infrastructure, is expected to be commissioned in 2024. "We faced the double negative impact of the social unrest during the second half of 2019 and COVID-19 since early 2020," Jack So, chairman of the airport authority said. "The pandemic will pass, hopefully soon. We will continue to enhance HKIA's infrastructure and facilities which will drive the future development of the airport and contribute to Hong Kong's economic growth." Fred Lam, CEO of the airport authority, said that amid these challenges, the airport authority launched four rounds of relief measures worth some 4.6 billion HK dollars (about 593 million U.S. dollars) for the airport community, including airlines, retailers, caterers and franchisees. "The present downturn is unprecedented, but we are confident that when the disease subsides, air passenger demand will rebound. For this reason, we are maintaining our long-term development plans to meet future demands," Lam added. Enditem Duane Todman was a painter of still lifes, an artist influenced by masters old and new, and an endlessly striving work in progress when he died on May 23, the victim of a shooting in Schenectadys Hamilton Hill. Among the creations he left behind were dozens now on display at Albany Center Gallery including his most recent works reflecting classical aesthetics meshed with street art. He was starting to find his groove or his stride with those pieces trying to bring those worlds together, said Tony Iadicicco, executive director of the gallery. Todmans art is filled with emotion, he said, and marked with the sense that he was always pushing forward. Theres definitely like a rawness to the work itself, which I find very intriguing. Shining Light: Duane Ivan Todman will run through Saturday, July 18, at ACG, which will be open by appointment from 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day. In addition, ACG will host a celebration of life honoring Todman at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 11, outside the gallery at 488 Broadway. Masks and social distancing will be required; attendees will be allowed to view the exhibit inside in groups of 10, maximum. Tickets are $10 and available via eventbrite. Included in the show are 51 pieces spanning the last five years of Todmans life, maybe a little longer. Theyre still lives, portrait works that are here, Iadicicco said. Notebooks. Sketches. And then paintings and different mediums some are on recycled wood, some are on scrap paper, some are on the backs of other paintings. Todman, 27, was shot in the neck on the steps of a church after intervening in a dispute between a man and a woman. (Marlone Oinda, 21, of Middletown, has been charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession and use of a firearm.) The killing cut short the life and creative aspirations of an artist whod worked on his craft at the Electric City Barn and its sister hub, the Albany Barn, where he previously lived. Many of the works he left behind have the unfinished quality of an artist on a constant quest to improve, Iadicicco said. There are a few that come across as finished because theyre either framed or matted, but a lot of them just seem like theres more to the story and theres more work to be done to the pieces, he said. But I think thats kind of a common thread through all the pieces: that theres kind of an incomplete, and process of journey, throughout all the works. Todmans mother, Michelle Hightower, and sister, Essence Todman, are among the organizers of the July 11 event, which will benefit the newly established Duane X Foundation. Members of the Academy of Realist Art Boston will offer a presentation honoring Todman, who had just received a scholarship to attend. Please wish me luck, he told his mentor, the artist Len Tantillo, who quoted Todmans email in a column paying tribute to the gifted and driven young painter. I believe this would work wonders for my career, especially if I am able to figure out a way to go to school for the entire 3 years. In his column, Tantillo called Todman a fine young man. The world has missed out on the wonderful art within his soul. All he wanted out of life was to paint and be accepted as the artist he was. 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. Iadicicco agreed. Thats 100 percent on the mark, he said. Mounting the exhibit, he feels the energy that Todman would have brought, he said. And working with his family and close friends to bring the show to the space it really is a group effort to make it happen. . . . I just wish it was while he was here to appreciate it. Iadicicco first met Todman five or six years ago, when he visited the gallery at its old location on Columbia Street and asked questions about getting involved. He became a member. And while his work had been displayed in Art on Lark and ACGs Black Arts & Cultural Festival, he had long hoped for, and worked toward, a more focused exhibit of his art. In a text conversation with the gallery director shortly before he died, Todman said his goal was to have a show at the gallery within the next year or two, Iadicicco said, and that was very, very powerful to me. He told the determined young artist to keep at it. He was getting there, he assured him. That makes it very sad for me, Iadicicco said. I wish this show was here while he was still around, because I think itd be something that hed be proud of. In the Geto Boys Crooked Officer from 1993, the Houston rap group bears witness to racial profiling and police violence in the so-called Dirty South, before asserting: Mr. Officer, crooked officer, I wanna put your a-- in a coffin, sir. In the same year, New Yorks KRS-One referenced the racist origins of American policing in Sound of da Police, connecting the violent tactics used against enslaved Africans to the NYPD of the late 20th century and referring to an officer as a wicked overseer. North Korea has long wanted to develop long-range missiles that could reach the US. Now it may have achieved that. For years, North Korea has been working steadily to build missiles with sufficient range to strike at its potential enemies, no matter how far afield. For a long time, it has been producing missiles with the range to hit its regional neighbours, but what it really wants is to develop some which can strike as far away as the United States. Now, it may have done exactly that at least in theory. Why missiles and not, say, aircraft? Missiles have some unique advantages. The first is speed, the second is they are very hard to stop. Ballistic missiles fly in a parabolic arc towards their targets, leaving and then re-entering the Earths atmosphere at several times the speed of sound. This makes them very difficult to intercept. They can deliver a large warhead with reasonable accuracy very quickly and with a high chance of getting through an enemys defences. The longest-range missiles would take about 30 minutes to strike a target halfway around the world. North Korea has been very good at reverse-engineering old Soviet missile types, producing successful medium-range missiles like the Nodong, the technology which it exported in the mid-1990s first to Iran, which produced the Shahab-3 medium-range missile, then to Pakistan which built its own version, the Ghauri. A photo released by the official North Korean Central News Agency shows the test fire of a new weapon at an undisclosed location in North Korea in August 2019 [File: KCNA/EPA-EFE] The difficulties began for North Koreas engineers and missile designers when they started working on longer-range designs. Previous illegal missile launches since 2006 had resulted in UN sanctions against North Korea, which prohibited the transfer of missile technology. Test failures started to spike as engineers found it increasingly hard to incorporate their own designs with engines and parts bought on the black market. The Taepo-Dong-2, a missile with a theoretical range of 10,000km (6,200 miles), was sidelined after several such failures. A variant, the Unha-3, was eventually used to launch satellites, with a patchy success rate. Despite featuring prominently in military parades in North Korea, the Musudan intermediate-range missile failed every single test launch but one, blowing up soon after takeoff. In order to increase the range of a missile, designers often lengthen the body of an existing design, using the extra space for more fuel. This throws the balance of the missile off, making it unstable in flight. It then starts spinning out of control, tearing itself apart and rendering itself useless as a weapon. Results were partial at best, with engineers struggling to develop a reliable long-range missile and failures were far more common than successes. Then, in 2017, all that changed. Engineers must strike a balance between weight and length when designing missiles for longer distances [Al Jazeera] Success In May 2017, after three initial failures in April, the first successful test of the Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) was recorded. The largest single-stage missile to be made by North Korea, it flew for 787km (489 miles) before splashing down in the Sea of Japan. While this distance was kept short not to antagonise the Norths neighbours, its potential range was estimated to be 4,500km (2,800 miles), easily in reach of the US air and naval bases on the Pacific island of Guam. Several things became apparent to military observers. This missile had a new, powerful engine, the airframe was lighter than on previous models and it was using a more potent fuel. All these qualities were vital if this was to be a stepping-stone design for an eventual intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). A successful series of launches conducted in the second half of 2017 clearly showed the North Koreans had finally overcome the previous challenges that had plagued the programme. Kim Jong Un talks with scientists and technicians involved in nuclear weapons research at an undisclosed location, shown in an undated photo released by North Korean state media [File: KCNA/EPA] Kim Jong Un clearly thought so, as the design engineers were feted as heroes in the capital, Pyongyang. Although the projected range of the Hwasong-12 fell short of the 5,500km (3,400 miles) that defines the minimum range of an ICBM, North Korea now had a proven, successful intermediate stage on which to base the design for a long-range missile. Flushed with success, North Korea moved forward and successfully tested the Hwasong-14 on July 4, 2017, as Americans celebrated their national holiday. A two-stage missile, its projected range was at least 6,700km (4,160 miles), meaning it could target cities on the west coast of the United States, comfortably falling into the ICBM category. If that was not alarming enough to Western observers, on November 28, 2017, North Korea went ahead and successfully tested the Hwasong-15, a true long-range ICBM, capable of reaching most if not all of US major cities with a 500kg warhead. And that is not all. North Koreas designers also managed to test a solid-fuelled medium-range missile that year called the Pukkuksong-2. This was important for several reasons: the solid fuel meant fewer support vehicles were needed and the launch time was now a matter of minutes rather than hours. In 2017, the potential range of North Koreas largest single-stage missile was an estimated 4,500km within the reach of US military bases in Guam while its two-stage missile Hwasong-14 had a projected range of at least 6,700km, with the potential to reach the USs west coast [Al Jazeera] The missile was mounted on a tracked transporter, known as a transporter/erector/launcher or TEL. Most missile transporters are wheeled, meaning they have to stick to North Koreas rudimentary road system, with an increased risk of detection. But this one could go off-road and easily conceal itself. The missile itself was canisterised, which meant it could survive any potential knocks and bumps when travelling over rugged terrain. In short, the transporter could go anywhere, would be hard to find and had the ability to launch its missile very quickly. By the end of 2017, it became clear that North Korea had made a quantum leap in its design expertise. To remind the world why these missiles were being built, in September 2017, North Korea tested its most powerful nuclear device yet, at about 250 kilotons. For a sense of what that means, the Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear attacks were 16 kilotons and 21 kilotons, respectively. Getting there, but a long way to go With all these tests, the emphasis from commentators has mainly been on projected range and possible intended targets, to give the public an idea of what these new missiles could do. North Korea has launched its test missiles on what is called a lofted trajectory. This means the missile reaches maximum height rather than the maximum range, allowing designers to test engines, examine stresses on the missile body itself and generally see if the missile is stable in flight. Politically it is also wiser as already nervous neighbours do not have their airspace overflown, but this is still a long way from an operational test. There are still significant design challenges to overcome. Is the missile reliable enough to be considered an operational weapon rather than a political tool? Can the warhead survive re-entry into the atmosphere, considering it will be moving at hypersonic speeds, and friction-generating temperatures in the thousands of degrees Centigrade? Then there is the question of accuracy. A missile might be able to travel as far as Guam but is it accurate enough to hit anything of value, even with a nuclear warhead? People watch a television broadcast reporting a North Korean missile launch at the Seoul Railway Station on October 31, 2019 in South Korea; North Korea fired two short-range projectiles from a western region toward the East Sea, according to South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff [Woohae Cho/Getty Images] Yet despite these many challenges, it is clear that North Korea has come a long way, in just a few years, to developing a survivable, flexible, credible nuclear force. This would be a genuine deterrent to any military action against the North and a powerful bargaining chip in any future negotiations. The key is diversity and the successful test of an underwater-launched ballistic missile, the Pukguksong-3, in October 2019, gives North Korea a larger range of options. Now it can launch nuclear weapons on long-range ICBMs, from remote areas on its solid-fuelled, mid-range missiles and also potentially from its embryonic force of ballistic missile submarines. The country however still has a long way to go before it develops a true retaliatory second-strike capability. It has only tested its ICBM once, albeit successfully. Its submarines have never operationally tested a ballistic missile, opting instead to launch from an underwater barge (considered the safer option as it does not endanger a valuable submarine along with a trained crew). There is also little indication that North Korea has even mastered the production of a nuclear warhead that would be small and light enough to be carried by a missile. The USs missile force remains much larger than North Koreas, with at least 659 highly operational and reliable missiles and strategic bombers [Al Jazeera] Although much touted, in parades and via the worlds press, the truth is that North Koreas missile force is tiny at approximately 46 missiles, in comparison to that of, say, the US, which has at least 659 highly operational and reliable missiles and strategic bombers. Nevertheless, despite sanctions and a partial moratorium, the country has managed to successfully develop and refine its designs and is well on its way to having a viable range of options to deliver a nuclear weapon to its target. These options make it increasingly difficult for opposing military commanders to be certain they can stop all nuclear missile launches, weakening any guarantee that all of them could be intercepted and destroyed before at least one got through. This in turn lowers the chances of any successful military action against North Korea, helping to ensure the survival of the regime. The only choice, then, is for international negotiations with Kim Jong Un to resume, the leader now able to bargain from an increasingly strong position. Video production and additional reporting by Adam Adada. Africa is flavoured with a vibrant culture. Traditions and societal norms have been major pillars of the dominant culture of every nation. And that is what makes the sexual traditions in these countries different and exciting. Traditional values are ostensibly peculiar, but with western influence and adherence to the law, states have set up strict age of consent legislation. Today, with technological innovation and the massive influence on adolescents, consensual sex between them has sparked an enormous debate worldwide. Is it legal? What is the age of consent in African countries that would criminalize such acts? Image: pexels.com Source: UGC The majority of traditional African laws on sex were inherently gender-stereotypic, where females were subjected to certain unfair practices. However, with the emphasis on the elevation of quality of life the male and female gender, consensual sex is becoming the centre stage. That is why the age of consent in Africa is significant. Sexual autonomy is essential but with concise laws that punish the abusers. The legal age of consent in Africa varies between nations, and some legislation might even shock you. Nonetheless, such laws are created to reflect the desires of society and make sure there's adherence to proper sexual conduct rather than leaving matters hanging. What does the age of consent mean? The age of consent is the legal age whereby a person is considered mature enough to engage in sex. Therefore, any sexual relations with an individual under the legal age of consent might be regarded as rape. This is reliant on the laws of the country in question. It is integral that before any sexual activity, both parties consent. Again, laws relating to such matters vary in every country. The majority of countries in Africa prohibit sex with under-16s or under 18s, but in some regions, the age of consent can go as low as 14 years old. The Africa age of consent applied in all the countries is an excellent strategy for protecting the young population from sexual abuse and exploitation. However, there is considerable conflict between emotional and intellectual maturity when legalizing the age of consent in Africa. Are you wondering about the age of consent in African countries? Often, it is a gender-centric concern that is mostly discussed in terms of young women's sexuality and vulnerability. And considering the practices of the different cultures in various nations in Africa, you do not expect the legal age of consent in North Africa to be the same in South Africa. READ ALSO: Legal age of consent in different countries in the world Age of consent in Southern Africa South Africa is the most powerful nation in this region. What is the age of consent in South Africa? Although South African law defines a child as an individual under the age of 18, the legal age of consent in the country is 16 years old. This law applies to all genders and sexual orientations. This age of consent law means that any person under 16 years cannot consent to any sexual activity, and it might result in statutory rape or any other applicable law. However, the law has certain exciting exceptions. Children that engage in sexual activity and are aged between 12 and 16 years old are not going to be criminally charged. Also, it is not a criminal offence for a 12-year-old child to engage in sexual activity with another that is younger with two years. You have to peruse the South Africa Section 15 and 16 of the Criminal Law to understand everything. The age of consent for other countries in this region are: Mozambique: 16 years Zimbabwe: 16 years Namibia: 16 years Lesotho: 14 years Angola: 14 years Zambia: 16 years Malawi: 16 years Age of consent in West Africa West Africa is home to Nollywood, the most significant film production industry in Africa, and recognizable all over the world. With such a vibrant and diversified culture, the age of consent in this region varies in every country. For instance, in Nigeria, the age of consent is 18 years old, while in Ghana, it is 16 years old. When you go further to the west to Senegal and Liberia, you will learn that they have different ages of consent. Senegal has a lower restriction of 16 years, while Liberia's age of consent is 18 years old. Other countries in the region have the following ages of consent: Burkina Faso: 18 years Cameroon: 16 years Chad: 16 years The Gambia: 18 years Sierra Leone: 18 years Cote DIvoire: 15 years Togo: 15 years Benin: 16 years Equatorial Guinea: 18 years The legal age of consent in North Africa Image: pixabay.com Source: UGC North African countries are predominantly Arab, and many borrow from their traditions and religious beliefs. Although many have different laws, the age of consent in these nations is precise and has been given priority to protect the young population. The following are the ages of consent in North African countries: Angola: 14 years (sexual activity with persons under 16 is prohibited) Libya: 18 years (16-year-old girls can get married with parents consent) Morocco: 18 years Algeria: 16 years Western Sahara: Niger: 13 years Egypt: 18 years Mauritania: 18 years Mali: 15 years Chad: 16 years South Sudan: 18 years Sudan: Must be married Age of consent in Eastern Africa When asked, What age is the consent of sex in Africa? what comes to mind? Of course, your countrys laws have a significant effect on what will constitute your response. Eastern Africa is part of Sub-Sharan Africa and home to diverse cultures and well-developed nations. So, what are the age of consent in Somalia and other Easter Africa nations? Kenya: 18 years Uganda: 18 years Tanzania: 18 years Somalia: 18 years Eritrea: 18 years Ethiopia: 18 years Rwanda: 18 years Burundi: 18 years Central Africa legal age of consent Image: pixabay.com Source: UGC Central Africa is home to the second-largest country in Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and is very rich in mineral deposits. Also, the region is probably the most multilingual region in Africa. What is the age of consent for countries occupying this region? Republic of the Congo: 18 years Central African Republic: 18 years The Democratic Republic of the Congo: 18 years Gabon: 15 years The age of consent in African countries varies according to the region and the predominant culture in the country. Regardless of the age set by every nation, they all abide by the same narrative of protecting the young generation from sexual exploitation. READ ALSO: School heads want sex consent age pushed to 20 after Matiangi's lecture Supreme Court Njoki Ndung'u strongly opposes lowering of sex consent age to 16 Anglican Church of Kenya opposes proposal to lower consent age from 18 to 16 years Source: TUKO.co.ke Court in China's Hebei Jails Lawyer Who Took on Local Officials 2020-06-24 -- A lawyer who exposed wrongdoing and corruption among officials in the northern Chinese province of Hebei has been jailed for 14-and-a-half years on charges of "blackmail," RFA has learned. Wu Quan was handed the sentence by the Qiaoxi District People's Court in Hebei's Zhangjiakou city, which found him guilty of the charge, after being held in pretrial detention since December 2017. Wu's former defense attorney Huang Hanzhong said he was surprised by the harsh sentence. "The case against Wu was unusual in that it [the material facts it rested on] was entirely fabricated, rather than being a wrong decision or miscarriage of justice [based on undisputed facts]," Huang told RFA on Wednesday. "The case was totally fake." Wu's detention came after he wrote an article criticizing Wang Jiang, chairman of the Zhangjiakou Municipal People's Political Consultative Conference, for being behind the forcible requisitioning of farmland, the sale of a factory making alcoholic beverages at a below-market price, and covering up a mining disaster. "Family members of those affected by the mine disaster turned to Wu Quan for to fight for their rights," Huang said. "Wu Quan learned the facts of the mine disaster during the process of representing them." "So he reported it to the relevant departments and found that municipal authorities in Zhangjiakou had colluded with the mine owner to cover up the mining disaster," he said. Huang dismissed the allegations of "blackmail" against Wu, saying the case hadn't been proven and that there was no motive for such a crime. He said the Zhangjiakou police department had put out a public call for "evidence" against Wu after they detained him. "They crowd-sourced this so-called evidence after they arrested Wu Quan," Huang said. "They had no evidence of any crime having been committed before they detained him." Tortured by police Wu Quan had also been subjected to torture by police, who were looking for a "confession," Huang said. Wu's hands and feet were handcuffed to the interrogation chair for 48 hours straight, and he was denied access to sleep and water for long periods of time, he said. "He was locked up in a place where there was no heating in the basement for a long time, and subjected to methods of continuous fatigue, interrogation, and sleep deprivation, which is torture," Huang said. Repeated calls to Wu Quan's family members and defense lawyers went unanswered or unconnected on Wednesday. The public announcement calling for "evidence" against Wu on Dec. 19 read: "Wu Quan, male, lawyer from Weizhou township, Wei county. Criminally detained by the Zhangjiakou City Public Security Bureau on Dec. 18, 2017 on suspicion of extortion and blackmail." "In order to ascertain the facts of the case in accordance with the law and to effectively combat the crime, we are now soliciting clues about his criminal offense," the statement, which was posted to the Zhangjiakou police departments social media and mass SMS messaging service, said. "Anyone with knowledge of the case may provide the Zhangjiakou Municipal Public Security Bureau with clues," it said. Another rights lawyer tried Meanwhile, authorities in the southwestern region of Guangxi held the trial of rights attorney Chen Jiahong for "incitement to subvert state power" on Tuesday. However, Chen didn't attend court owing to coronavirus restrictions, participating via video link instead. His attorney Chen Yang declined to discuss the case. "I really want to talk about it, but it is inconvenient to talk about it, and I daren't," Chen Yang said. "Inconvenient" is frequently used by rights activists, lawyers and dissidents to refer to official pressure, harassment, or surveillance as the reason for their refusal to speak to the media. Court blocked off Hunan-based rights attorney Xie Yang, who went to the court buildings on Tuesday, said police had cordoned off the street near the court building. "I think all other court business was suspended just for the trial of Chen Jiahong," Xie told RFA. "They didn't let his mother sit in the public section; they said there wasn't enough room." "I had an altercation with them ... I said they should allow his parent to see her child for ethical reasons," he said. Chen was detained in April 2019 after he posted calligraphy to social media that read: "Liquidate this evil bureaucracy and promote democracy!" Xie said he wasn't optimistic about the outcome. Chen was a vocal supporter of Wang Quanzhang, Yu Wensheng, and other rights lawyer detained in a nationwide operation that began on July 9, 2015 and saw more than 300 lawyers and activists detained, questioned, or placed under surveillance and travel bans. Chen later had his license to practice as an attorney revoked in an annual review process often used to target outspoken lawyers. Reported by Gao Feng for RFA's 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 By Akbar Mammadov A criminal case has been launched against two officials of the Absheron District Executive Authorities under bribery charges, the Prosecutor Generals Office reported on June 23. A court in Bakus Binagadi district has sentenced the head of the Department of Architecture and Construction of the Absheron District Executive Authorities, Akif Aliyev to four months in jail on charge of bribery. The court has also ruled that Murad Ahmedov, the chief of Khirdalan city Housing Production Operation repair department No.3 of Absheron district executive power Housing and Communal Services Union will remand in custody for three month on charge of incitement to bribery and other articles of the Criminal Code. The criminal case against the two local officials was initiated after the investigation by the Anti-Corruption General Directorate under the Prosecutor General after it received appeals on illegal actions of officials of the Absheron district executive power. Prosecutor Generals Office revealed that Akif Aliyev had promised a citizen patronage for the construction project without the necessary documentation and a formal application for a construction permit to the district executive power. He had demanded AZN 3,000 in bribe from the citizen through Murad Ahmedov, who received an additional AZN 1,500 in bribes from the same citizen. Furthermore, using his close ties with Akif Aliyev, Murad Ahmedov deceived a citizen by falsely stating that he had the opportunity to change the technical conditions of a 96 sq / m non-residential area under the AAAF Park residential complex in Khirdalan city and prepare a sketch project, in exchange of AZN 2,500 as a bribe. Ahmedov was detained on 20 June while taking bribes from the citizen in the amount of 1,000 manats. The Prosecutor Generals Office noted that the mentioned illegal actions have been documented via audio-video recordings in accordance with the search operations carried out on the basis of the court decision. Necessary investigative measures are currently being taken to identify and prosecute other culprits in the criminal case, as well as employees of the district executive power involved in the violations, the General Prosecutors office noted. --- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Prince Harry and Meghan Markle became the subjects of criticisms once again after using a coronet despite no longer being working royals. After they departed from The Firm, royal watchers have noticed that Prince Harry and Meghan's digital media accounts are still up -- from their Instagram with over 11 million followers and the Sussex Royal website. Both still contains the word "royal," violating the agreement they made with Queen Elizabeth II before they officially departed in March 2020. However, they stirred more controversy after they used a crown in one of their communications after Megxit. The Controversial Letter Last week, StreetGames shared a copy of the letter they received from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. They added how grateful they are for the couple's letter and continued support amid the global crisis. Although most people applauded the Sussexes for the move, some netizens noticed the crown on the letter and called out the two for still using it. One person commented, "Still using the logo!! What don't you understand about your walk away from Royal Life? Still want the perks with none of the work?" "How nice of them to send this out using the symbol they have left behind. Must have leftover stationary," another one wrote before someone added: "Harry walked away from everything Royal, which includes crown logo. Meghan never was Royal." Prince Harry, Meghan Markle NOT Wrong As the negative feedback spread online, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams come into the defense of Prince Harry and Meghan and emphasized that they are still entitled to use the crown as part of their monogram. This is because the Duke of Sussex is the son of the heir to the throne, Prince Charles. "I think that the use of Sussexroyal.com, which is still the link to their website, is because they have not yet been able to launch Archewell, their non-profit charitable organization, owing to the pandemic," Fitzwilliams exclusively told Insider. He added that Meghan, who has been receiving several criticisms before and after her royal life, was also given the privilege to use the crown as soon as she got married to the royal prince. In February 2020, the royal couple announced that they would no longer use the name Sussex Royal after they stepped down as senior members of the royal family. "While the Duke and Duchess are focused on plans to establish a new non-profit organisation, given the specific UK government rules surrounding use of the word royal, it has been therefore agreed that their non-profit organisation, when it is announced this spring, will not be named Sussex Royal Foundation," their spokesperson said at that time. They did not mention, though, on whether their official logo would be affected by that decision. Meanwhile, one Twitter user did some research and found out that all royal family members -- even the non-working ones -- are allowed to use crowns in their monograms. So I saw some headlines questioning Harry and Meghan's logo on their last letter. So I googled other non working royals and found this. What's the problem with British media? pic.twitter.com/nLxoMmqhCr Agathe de Lili (@AgathedeLili) June 22, 2020 Princess Eugenie and husband Jack Brooksbank also use a crown logo though they were never considered as working royals. Meanwhile, Eugenie's sister, Princess Beatrice, and her fiance, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, also do the same thing. The British media continuously choose to condemn Meghan even after their exit. Still, the Sussexes supporters believe that they owe the duchess an apology this time for blaming her for something she is still entitled to do. READ MORE: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Make HUGE Mistake, Could ANGER Queen Elizabeth II! Published on 2020/06/25 | Source Kim Deog-young "Kim Il Sung's Children", a documentary shedding light on the fate of North Korean orphans sent to Eastern Europe after the Korean War, hits theaters on Thursday. Advertisement The film by Kim Deog-young delves into the fate of around 5,000 North Korean orphans sent to five Eastern European countries from 1952 to 1960. Kim scoured archives in Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic as well as the schools and dormitories where the children studied and lived. The documentary had its Korean premiere at the Pyeongchang International Peace Film Festival on June 20 before it opens in theaters on the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. Kim's previous films have focused on the Iraq War and the plight of North Korean defectors. He first became aware of the North Korean orphans in early 2004, when fellow filmmaker Park Chan-wook, a friend and fellow graduate of Sogang University, telephoned him while searching Eastern Europe for movie locations. Park told Kim about the plight of an 87-year-old Romanian woman named Georgeta Mircioiu, who was separated from her North Korean husband more than 40 years ago and was still waiting for him. Kim flew straight to Romania and interviewed her. Around 2,500 North Korean orphans were sent to Romania from 1952 to be educated. Eastern bloc countries accepted the orphans to gain boasting rights about Socialist solidarity during the Cold War. It was a North Korean appointed to supervise the orphans, Cho Jung-ho, with whom Mircioiu, an art teacher, fell in love, and the two got married in 1957. Cho was ordered back to the North in 1962 and Mircioiu went to Pyongyang with him. But Cho was hauled off to do hard labor in a notorious coal mine as soon as the couple set foot on North Korean soil. Mircioiu gave birth to their daughter in Pyongyang and returned to Romania. She still has no idea what happened to her husband. "I firmly believe that my husband is alive and will come back and I've been working on a Romanian-Korean dictionary for the last 30 years to remember the Korean language", she told Kim. "North Korea is a reclusive and abnormal state and it is virtually impossible to go there and report", Kim said. "That has regrettably caused people to rely on distorted information provided by some North Korea sources, so I couldn't resist the opportunity to delve into all the revealing materials that were suddenly available in Eastern Europe". The footage sent by some of the East European governments was taken around 60 years ago but still looks fresh. The orphans can be seen rising promptly at 6:30 a.m. to salute to a North Korean flag and a picture of nation founder Kim Il-sung. "I was able to confirm that the personality cult of Kim Il-sung was already in full swing in Eastern Europe in the early 1950s. These children were rejected by North Korea and sent to Eastern Europe where their lives were turned upside down. I believe it is our duty to shed light on the tragic fate of these children who were forgotten by history". (Natural News) As most large corporations have done in recent weeks, Microsoft has come out to condemn the death of George Floyd and promise major company changes to address systemic racism. And reading between the lines of this promise is an admission that Bing search results are being altered to help make the difference we want to see in the world. In an email to company employees, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella talked about how his company needs to take action in order to fix injustice in the world. He brought up the racism, bias and violence that he believes is experienced by the Black and African American community, adding that it is time for us to act in all arenas. This email, which is quite long, blathered on and on in typical corporate fashion about how much deep pain our communities are feeling, how Nadella himself needs to personally continue my journey of understanding and empathy, and how the Microsoft corporation needs to look inside and examine our organization. While the Bing search engine in not specifically mentioned in this email, Nadella did mention technological shifts that have to happen in order to bridge the gap between the culture we espouse and our daily lived experience. And he emphasized how we must do more and do it faster. As part of Microsofts plan to empower everyone on the planet, the company will be using its platform and resources to address systemic inequalities in our communities and in society broadly. This includes utilizing Microsoft technology, which includes Bing, to create a more equitable criminal justice system. Seeing as how Bing has already been exposed for altering its search results at the behest of communist China, it is hardly a stretch to imagine that the same thing is happening in the interest of promoting equality. Listen below to The Health Ranger as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, talks to Laura Loomer about how Big Tech platforms like Bing must be defeated in order for America to be free: Microsoft donates $1.5 million to six anti-white community organizing groups In addition to also funding a so-called Criminal Justice Reform Initiative, Microsoft has announced that it is donating $1.5 million to six different community organizing groups that, upon closer look, all prop black people up while pushing anti-white sentiments. The Black Lives Matter Foundation, Equal Justice Initiative, Innocence Project, The Leadership Conference, Minnesota Freedom Fund, and NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund will all be recipients of $250,000 each, compliments of Microsoft, along with a company match of all employee contributions. Together, through your giving and the company match, we have donated more than $15 million to civil rights, social action, and advocacy nonprofit organizations since 2015, Nadella proudly announced. As for Bing, this and all other Microsoft products will continue to reflect the values of our company and be directly informed by the needs of the Black and African American community. In other words, if blacks demand it, Microsoft will do it, even if it means tampering with the content that shows up during search queries. This is something to keep in mind when picking an internet search engine. Not that Google is any better, but Bing and Microsoft are now openly pandering to pro-black extremist organizations that are demanding all kinds of draconian changes to level the playing field and promote equality, even if it means manipulating search results. We have been on a cultural transformation journey and must accelerate our pace of change, Nadella emphasized at the end of his correspondence. Each of us, starting with me, must look at where we are as individuals, confront our fixed mindset and act. To keep up with the latest news about Big Tech censorship, be sure to check out Censorship.news. Sources for this article include: Microsoft.com BusinessInsider.com NaturalNews.com A group of Extinction Rebellion activists launched their new political party in London today by shoplifting from a supermarket 'because poverty sucks'. Five members of the new Beyond Politics party walked out of a Sainsbury's store in Camden with trolleys laden with food. They claimed it was an attempt to highlight the instability of food distribution and supplies globally. The group were not stopped by staff, though two activists did clash with security guards. They had earlier used a loudspeaker to proclaim that they were giving away free food. Five members of the new Beyond Politics party walked out of a Sainsbury's store in Camden with trolleys laden with food The activists also put stickers on food items that read: 'New lower price: free. Because poverty sucks'. The 'supermarket sweep' is the first in a series of stunts that will end with an event in central London on July 25. Beyond Politics has chosen shocking pink as their launch colour. Discussing the stunt, party member Benedict McGorty said: 'I'm not stealing food, I'm 'gift-aiding' it. We are changing the rules because the rules are plain wrong. This is not against Sainsbury's but the profiteering of a basic human need.' The group believe that the climate emergency and political failures have led to dwindling global food supplies. A spokesperson for the new party said: 'While the government gives billions to its corporate buddies, millions of families don't have enough money just to feed their kids. 'We want to establish a participatory democracy. We want to engage everyone and for people to be able to have their say. The current political system is incapable of making the structural changes necessary. We need a complete transformation of politics.' Beyond Politics' founders say that the current political system is corrupt and failing. They want to hand power to ordinary people through citizens' assemblies, and plan to field candidates across the country for future local, regional and national election. The activists also put stickers on food items that read: 'New lower price: free. Because poverty sucks' To start with, north London activist Valerie Brown will stand for mayor of London at next year's election. Extinction Rebellion's co-founder Roger Hallam is a driving force behind the party. He told the Guardian: 'We are seeing complete incompetence of the governing class. There have been 20,000 unnecessary deaths from Covid. The crowning glory is the inability of the political class to respond to the extinction of the human race.' Hallam says he is assisting with design and organisational work for the new political party and insists that it is separate from the Extinction Rebellion movement. WASHINGTON - President Donald Trumps top national security aides have been unable to reach a decision on whether to support an Israeli plan to annex significant parts of land the Palestinians claim for a future state, an impasse that could affect the timing of any action by Prime Minister Benjaimin Netanyahu. The White House said Thursday that consultations with Israeli officials will continue as they try to formulate a proposal that would support Trumps plan for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal. The Trump administrations decision on annexation could alter Americas position in the Middle East and affect Trumps election-year support with evangelical Christians, an important part of his political base. Virtually the entire international community opposes annexation, but many of Trumps domestic supporters enthusiastically back it. The announcement of a delay came a day after inconclusive talks about backing Netanyahus intention to extend Israels civilian administration to large portions of the West Bank. A senior administration official said U.S. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman and the administrations special envoy for Mideast peace Avi Berkowitz would travel to Israel Thursday for further discussions. The official said the White House meetings had been productive but added that there is yet no final decision on next steps for implementing the Trump plan. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Trump could side entirely with Netanyahu, who has cited July 1 as a hoped-for date for a decision, or endorse a less comprehensive takeover or oppose it outright, which is the most unlikely scenario. That date wasnt set in stone and the uncertainty of the Trump administrations position could make that date less likely. But Netanyahu is expected to act before the fall, given uncertainty over Trumps prospects for a second term and presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Bidens opposition to annexation. The partisan divide over annexation was highlighted Thursday with the release of a letter to the Israeli government signed by 189 House Democrats expressing concern about the annexation plan. Our fear is that unilateral actions, taken by either side, will push the parties further from negotiations and the possibility of a final, negotiated agreement, the lawmakers said. At stake for the Trump administration is its credibility with Arab partners cultivated by Trump and with European nations that he has antagonized on numerous fronts, from climate change to trade to the Iran nuclear deal. Potentially more persuasive politically for Trump and his team is that his decision will affect his standing with evangelical Christians whose support he needs to win reelection. Although his campaign believes evangelical Christians will overwhelmingly vote for Trump, the campaign is concerned about a drop-off in enthusiasm and potential participation among an essential group of voters. Among those favouring Netanyahus plan are Trump advisers such as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, as well as Friedman, the U.S. ambassador, and a number of Republicans in Congress. They say annexation, in addition to pleasing Trumps base, would make a peace deal easier because that step would blunt what they believe are unrealistic Palestinian expectations for a future state, according to officials familiar with the matter. They were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. But others in the administration and in Congress want to see no, or limited, White House recognition of potential annexation. They include Pentagon officials and Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and the architect of the Mideast peace plan, which has been roundly rejected by the Palestinians. People on this side of the debate worry that a robust public endorsement would alienate U.S. allies in the Middle East and beyond at a particularly sensitive time in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and threats posed by Iran. Jordan, one of only two Arab nations with a peace deal with Israel, and the United Arab Emirates, a key U.S. partner in the Mideast, have come out against annexation and warned of severe consequences for the region if Netanyahu goes ahead. The European Union has voiced strong opposition and U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said he hopes Israel will not proceed. Trumps reelection campaign has seen a weakening of intensity across many important voting groups, including evangelicals, during the pandemic, the economic recession and protests against racial injustice. Trump has tried in recent weeks to find ways to restore that intensity, in large part because his campaign hinges more on maximizing the turnout of his base than winning over a dwindling pool of undecided voters. Barely days after a bloody clash at the Galwan valley of Ladakh, the Chinese are back at the disputed site and have started raising tent-like structures, destroyed by the Indian Army on June 15, again. All this is happening when both the sides are engaging in military-level talks to disengage the troops from the disputed areas. Commanders from both the sides held the second round of discussions for almost 11 hours on Monday. Fresh satellite images show a huge Chinese build-up at the Patrol Point 14, ground zero of the bloody clash between Indian soldiers and the Chinese, which led to the death of 20 Indian soldiers and several Chinese troops. Both Indian troops and fresh satellite imagery have confirmed the Chinese tent build-up at the site, which was vacated after the clash. Maxar's Worldview-3 satellite images shared with IndiaToday.In show China has brought earth-moving vehicles, bulldozers, cranes and tar trucks, JCB machines at a large-scale construction site at the Patrol Point 14. Pre-fabricated sheds of the Chinese army can also be seen at the site. Also read: India-China border clash: Chinese defence ministry alleges recent border conflict caused by India While a few of Indian Army's tents can be seen around 500 meters away from the clash site, the Chinese build-up starts right at the point where the clashes happened and expands to over 2km area. However, experts suggest the Indian Army has a strategic advantage over China at Galwan, thanks to a strong vantage point from the higher grounds. On the Indian side, images show some tracks towards the higher mountains, which can give it a clear view of what's going on the ground. There are no such tracks on the Chinese side, suggest satellite images. India has also built some temporary structures on the other side of the river where the Chinese built-up has been captured. China's defence ministry on Wednesday said the border clash between China and India was "caused by the Indian side". "The Indian actions violated a consensus between the two countries and were a unilateral provocation," the Chinese ministry said on its social media account. Last week, its foreign ministry also laid claim over the entire Galwan valley, a claim that has been outrightly rejected by the Indian government. "The position with regard to the Galwan Valley area has been historically clear. Attempts by the Chinese side to now advance exaggerated and untenable claims with regard to the LAC there are not acceptable," the government said last week. Also read: Now, India throws the gauntlet! Imports from China held up at ports since June 22 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) The World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, has decried the lack of proper protection for frontline healthcare workers handling the coronavirus pandemic in Africa, which has exposed scores to higher rates of infection My primary care doctor would shame me for asking to be tested, Morrison, D-15th, said. I was just following the guidelines I had been provided to get tested every six months. And every time I would ask to be tested, he would shame me. And so I had to find another primary care doctor who never made me feel like that. (Photo : REUTERS) The cloud dust has already reached south America and is expected to reach southeast US in the coming days. A massive dust plume is coming from Africa and is traveling across the Atlantic Ocean arriving at the southeastern United States sometime this week. And according to experts, it's not looking good amid the coronavirus pandemic. Sahara dust plume to reach the US In a previous report by Tech Times, it was revealed that the Sahara Dust Plume is crossing the Caribbean Sea and has already caused a thick haze in Puerto Rico. It is expected to reach the US by Wednesday, June 24, or the following days. Although it's not something new, some experts have given further details about it, saying that it could be the biggest and most intense dust plume to come from Africa in over 50 years. Its size could aggravate health problems, especially respiratory diseases. The dust plume is so large that it can be seen from satellite imagery. Astronaut Doug Hurley, who is currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) also posted a magnificent photo of the dust plume from his view up in space and, suffice to say, it is indeed huge. We flew over this Saharan dust plume today in the west central Atlantic. Amazing how large an area it covers! pic.twitter.com/JVGyo8LAXI Col. Doug Hurley (@Astro_Doug) June 21, 2020 Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, massive dust clouds pose another health hazard On a typical day, it could already be problematic, as people who are sensitive to poor air quality and dust would suffer from allergies. Those who have asthma and other respiratory illnesses will also have a difficult time breathing. However, there is one massive problem: the US is the leading country with most cases of coronavirus infection which attacks the lungs and causes severe pneumonia to critically ill patients. "Dust particles are what we call particulate matter, and we know that breathing in fine particles of anything is not good for the respiratory tract - especially people who are sensitive to poor air quality," said geological sciences Professor Thomas Gill, from the University of Texas in El Paso. Read Also: NASA's 'Wright Brothers Moment' Will be on Mars With Launch of Ingenuity Helicopter on the Red Planet US healthcare system may need to prepare According to NBC News, Gregory Wellenius, an environmental health professor from the Boston University School of Public Health, there are emerging data suggesting that people affected by high levels of pollution are more at risk of developing severe cases of COVID-19. "There may be potential interactions between air pollution and COVID symptoms or progression, but it's still pretty early data," he said. Despite that, experts believe pollution could be incredibly dangerous in today's world. Additionally, the United States' healthcare system is already having a hard time due to the COVID-19 pandemic with hundreds of thousands of patients but limited bed spaces, experts, and protective gear. With that, Wellenius said that the potential problems that the dusty air might bring could add more pressure to the country's overburdened healthcare system. "Things like the wildfire season, hurricane season, and extreme weather events, including this dust storm, may be magnified this year because resources are already stretched thin," the professor said. He also reminded everyone that despite the fact that we are in the midst of a pandemic does not mean other hazards aren't happening. Read Also: Mercury Pollution has Reached the Deepest Trench, Plus the Mystery of California Earthquake Swarm Answered 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. [June 25, 2020] Blackline Safety Closes Q2 with $8.5M Revenue Blackline Safety Corp. (TSX.V: BLN), a global leader in gas detection and connected safety solutions, announced $8.5M record revenue for the quarter ended April 30, 2020. Total revenue grew to $8.5M with recurring service revenue increasing 58% to $6.6M from $4.2M in the prior year quarter. These results were achieved despite the quarterly impact of the emergence of COVID-19, declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005109/en/ Blackline Safety Q2 FY2020 infographic (Graphic: Business Wire) "There's no question that a major theme for most businesses in 2020 is COVID-19 and the impact of the global pandemic on the world. During the quarter, coronavirus reduced Blackline's growth rate as sales of new products were deferred by most prospective customers as they reacted to the pandemic," said Cody Slater, CEO and Chairman at Blackline Safety. "Despite the impact on our hardware sales, the strength of Blackline's offering was clear during this time as organizations around the world continued to rely on our connected services to keep their people safe. In fact, total field usage hours of our G7 wearables dipped less than 10% compared to pre-pandemic levels. The vast majority of our customers are essential businesses that span industrial sectors including manufacturing, public works and utilities. Blackline supported their continued operations during the pandemic, helping to keep their people safe wherever they work and whatever the challenge." "While hardware sales were limited by social distancing restrictions, the company saw the largest ever quarter-on-quarter revenue growth in its recurring service revenues, jumping from $5.6 to $6.6 million. This increase was driven by the deployment of product purchased in prior quarters and our strong retention rate, highlighting the value of Blackline's recurring service business model in these times of uncertainty." Blackline closed the quarter with a strong working capital position, including cash and short-term investments of $22.9M. Blackline's overall gross margin was 55%, an 11% increase over the prior year quarter with service margin improving to 71% from 65% due to growth of Blackline's recurring service revenue. Blackline achieved its sixth successive quarter of positive Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP metric that management believes is valuable for investors to use to track corporate performance. During the quarter, Blackline developed and launched its industrial contact tracing technology to help businesses assess and manage their social distancing and self-isolation programs. Blackline's new Close Contact report and other tools leverage its off-the-shelf and intrinsically safe G7 cloud-connected wearables that stream location-enabled data to the Blackline Safety Cloud. This new capability was released to Blackline customers at no additional cost, supporting contact tracing investigations. A suite of online reports provides businesses with an interactive map of close interactions while highlighting the individuals who had close proximity to an individual with symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19. One of a dozen interactive Blackline Analytics reports, the new Close Contact report has become one of the most used by Blackline clients to date. Since the close of Q2 FY2020, many regions around the world have begun a phased return-to-work program. As markets open up, Blackline has begun to see the reopening of sales opportunities that were deferred during pandemic lockdown. Second quarter highlights Thirteenth consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth Sixth consecutive quarter of positive Adjusted EBITDA Total revenue of $8.5M, a 3% increase over the prior year's Q2 Recurring service revenue of $6.6M, a 58% increase over the prior year's Q2 Product revenue of $1.9M, a 53% decrease over the prior year's Q2 Total revenue grew by 27% in the United States over the prior year's Q2 Overall gross margin percentage was 55%, an 11% increase over the percentage achieved in the prior year's Q2 Overall gross margin percentage was comprised of product and service margin percentages of 1% and 71%, compared to 22% and 65% in the prior year's Q2 Contracted future service revenue (Blackline Complete 3-year lease commitments) was $6.3M (News - Alert) at April 30, 2020 Total cash and short-term investments of $22.9M at April 30, 2020 Continued development of Blackline's new G7 EXO area gas monitor product line for launch in Q4 FY2020 Financial Highlights The subsequent values in this release are in thousands, except for percentages and per share data. Quarter Ended April 30 Six-Months Ended April 30 2020 2019 Change 2020 2019 Change Revenue $8,472 $8,189 3% $17,390 $14,418 21% Gross Margin $4,658 $3,570 30% $8,717 $6,412 36% Gross Margin Percentage 55% 44% 11% 50% 44% 6% Net Loss ($2,099) ($3,016) 30% (4,454) ($4,761) 6% Net Loss per Share ($0.04) ($0.06) ($0.09) ($0.10) Net Loss excluding stock-based compensation expense ($1,272) ($1,848) 31% ($3,533) ($3,466) (2%) Adjusted EBITDA $1,397 $253 452% $1,918 $286 571% Adjusted EBITDA per Share $0.03 $0.01 $0.04 $0.01 Key Financial Information Second quarter revenue was $8,472, an increase of 3% from $8,189 in the comparable quarter of the prior fiscal year with revenue growth of 27% in the United States quarter-over-quarter. Service revenue was $6,564, an increase of 58% compared to $4,165 in the same period last year. This growth was primarily driven by service revenue generated by increased adoption throughout international and diversified industrial markets of Blackline's connected safety devices and strong device renewals. Product revenue during the second quarter was $1,908, a decrease of 53% compared to $4,024 in the same period last year. The decrease here was an effect of the impact of COVID-19 on the ability for the company to generate new sales during the lockdown periods. An additional impact of the pandemic was the inclusion of a credit of $313 as a large UK customer reduced their planned deployment due to COVID-19. Gross margin percentage for the second quarter was 55%, which was an 11% increase to that achieved in the comparable quarter of the prior year, with the service revenue margin improving to 71% from 65% driven by the growth of Blackline's service revenue quarter-over-quarter. Adjusted EBITDA was $1,397 for the second quarter compared to $253 in the comparable quarter of the prior year. The increase in the Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was attributable to increased revenues and gross margin and reduced general and administrative expenses quarter-over-quarter. Blackline's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements and management's discussion and analysis on financial condition and results of operations for the period ended April 30, 2020 (including the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures) are available at www.sedar.com. All results are reported in Canadian dollars. About Blackline Safety: Blackline Safety is a global connected safety leader that helps to ensure every worker gets their job done and returns home safe each day. Blackline provides wearable safety technology, personal and area gas monitoring, cloud-connected software and data analytics to meet demanding safety challenges and increase productivity of organizations in more than 100 countries. Blackline Safety wearables provide a lifeline to tens of thousands of men and women, having reported over 120 billion data-points and initiated over five million emergency responses. Armed with cellular and satellite connectivity, we ensure that help is never too far away. For more information, visit BlacklineSafety.com and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to, among other things, Blackline Safety's expectation to realize potential from its intended investment in organic growth opportunities in 2020, Blackline's intention to expand its product offerings to total workplace connectivity and management's expectation that Blackline will continue to focus on its comprehensive approach to connected devices, live monitoring, consulting and integration services. Blackline provided such forward-looking statements in reliance on certain expectations and assumptions that it believes are reasonable at the time, including expectations and assumptions concerning business prospects and opportunities; customer demands, the availability and cost of financing, labor and services and the impact of increasing competition. Although Blackline believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Blackline can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information addresses future events and conditions, which by their very nature involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including the risks discussed in Blackline's Management's Discussion and Analysis. Blackline's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking information and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits Blackline will derive therefrom. Management has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information provided in this press release in order to provide readers with a more complete perspective on Blackline's future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists of factors are not exhaustive. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and Blackline disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, other than as required by applicable securities laws. 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005109/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] FILE PHOTO: The sun is seen behind a crude oil pump jack in the Permian Basin in Loving County By Devika Krishna Kumar NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices rose about 2% in a volatile session on Thursday, buoyed by signs of a marginal improvement in the U.S. economy and a tepid rise in fuel demand, but price gains were limited by rising cases of COVID-19 in some U.S. states. Brent crude rose 74 cents, or 1.8%, to settle at $41.05 a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude ended the session up 71 cents, or 1.9%, at $38.72. Road traffic in some of the world's major cities in June had returned to 2019 levels, data provided to Reuters by location technology company TomTom showed. Oil prices fell early, then found support as data showed fewer Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week and orders for key capital goods rebounded in May. Still, the decline in jobless claims was less than analysts expected and other data supported expectations that second-quarter GDP could shrink at as much as a 40% annualized rate. To kick-start the world economy devastated by coronavirus, central banks have unleashed trillions of dollars in stimulus. "Part of the rebound here is the idea that all the stimulus measures that central banks and the world's governments are pumping into the economy is going to have a positive impact on economic activity and that it will be supportive to demand," said Gene McGillian, vice president of market research at Tradition Energy in Stamford, Connecticut. "The only roadblock is if the number of COVID-19 cases picks up and we have to reimpose shelter in place measures but I don't think we can conclude that it's in the cards yet." New infections have surged in U.S. states including Oklahoma, Texas and Florida. Australia posted its biggest daily rise in two months. Despite recent regional increases in U.S. infections, "vehicle traffic continues to improve, international flights re-gain ground, employees phase back to work and discretionary activity picks up," said Michael Tran, managing director of energy strategy at RBC Capital Markets in New York. Story continues Still, investor worries about oil demand persisted a day after the International Monetary Fund predicted a deeper global recession than previously thought. A record crude supply cut by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies has kept the oil market much stronger than in April, when Brent hit a 21-year low below $16 a barrel and U.S. crude turned negative. Investors are waiting to see if the producers, known as OPEC+, extend their record cut beyond July. (Additional reporting by Alex Lawler in London, Sonali Paul in Melbourne and Koustav Samanta in Singapore; Editing by Marguerita Choy, Barbara Lewis and David Gregorio) Tunisian Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh warned Thursday that his country's economy, hit hard by the global coronavirus pandemic, would contract by around six percent this year, as public companies flounder. "All state enterprises are in bankruptcy," he declared in a speech to parliament. "The next battle is to save the state." Gross Domestic Product was on course to contract by six percent this year, he announced, noting also that in recent discussions with the IMF and World Bank, these institutions have begun working on the basis of a 6.8 percent contraction this year. These figures mark a deeper recession this year than the last official forecast of -4.3 percent made by the IMF Fakhfakh said that key sectors, notably tourism and textiles, would be hit hard, resulting in around 130,000 jobs being lost, while public debt would hit the "terrifying level" of 92 billion dinars ($33.5 billion, around 30 billion euros). He said GDP this year would fare worse "even than during the 2011 revolution" that toppled dictator Zine el Abidine Ben Ali, when the economy contracted by 1.9 percent year-on-year, according to World Bank data. A leading medical expert in China has predicted the number of COVID-19 patients in Beijing to fall to zero as early as mid-July. Zhang Boli, a specialist in traditional Chinese medicine, also expected 'single-digit' sufferers to remain in the city by the end of June. The Chinese capital has been battling a new wave of coronavirus infections since a cluster linked to a huge seafood market broke out two weeks ago. The city had 269 COVID-19 patients as of yesterday, according to the latest official figures. The city of Beijing has been battling a new wave of coronavirus infections since a cluster linked to a huge seafood market broke out two weeks ago. 269 people have been infected Mr Zhang, a member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, gave the forecast during an interview with Chinese news outlet The Health Times. He claimed that the spread of the disease had been under control, owing to swift containment measures. He said 90 per cent of the patients in this round had 'mild to ordinary' symptoms. 'I estimate that the number of patients will drop to single digits by the end of June and fall to zero at the mid-end July period,' he said. Zhang Boli, a Chinese expert, expected the city to have no COVID-19 patients left at the mid-end July period. He also predicted the patient tally to drop to single digits by the end of June Mr Zhang also stressed that traditional Chinese medicine played 'an important role' in the fighting against the new outbreak in Beijing. Doctors prescribed herbal drugs to most of the mild cases and used fusion treatment combining the Chinese and Western medicine on patients in critical condition, the expert said. China on Thursday reported 19 newly confirmed cases of coronavirus, including 13 in Beijing and one in neighbouring Hebei Province. The other five cases were brought by those arriving from outside the country, according to the Chinese National Health Commission. China on Thursday reported 19 newly confirmed cases of coronavirus, including 13 in Beijing and one in neighbouring Hebei Province. The other five cases were listed as 'imported' cases Among the latest patients in Beijing, one 60-year-old woman was diagnosed with the disease after receiving five tests in the space of eight days during quarantine, according to Beijing's health officials. She tested positive on her fifth check despite having been given a clean bill in all previous four tests. The pensioner shopped in Xinfadi, the seafood market where the outbreak is thought to have started, on June 3. She was taken to an isolation centre for medical observation on June 14. She had four throat swabs taken between June 15 and 22 and was only caught in the subsequent screening on Tuesday. The Chinese authorities have reported 4,634 deaths and 83,449 infections in the country since the virus was first detected in the central city of Wuhan late last year A total of 269 Beijing residents have contracted the disease since the outbreak started on June 11. All of them were being treated in hospitals as of yesterday, according to authorities. The Chinese authorities have reported 4,634 deaths and 83,449 infections in the country since the virus was first detected in the central city of Wuhan late last year. Worldwide, more than 483,000 people have lost their lives, and over 9.4million have been infected in the pandemic. You won't often see Kenny Rogers quoted in a piece on publishing, but his most famous lyrics have become something of a guiding principle for one author at least: myself. You gotta know when to fold 'em, Kenny sang, and especially, know when to walk away. As an author, I get it. Since 2007, I've had four books brought out by "traditional" publishers: two crime novels, a young adult story and a humorous non-fiction about GAA. This actually isn't bad, all told: many writers never see their books in print, and many more never get past a debut. Even with minuscule sales, four-times published is relatively successful. I've completed a further seven books, though (plus a few more with opening chapters, extensive notes, plot skeletons and so on). I've sold none of them to publishers. At this stage - my last was out in 2014 - it's increasingly unlikely that I will. Four from 11 isn't a great strike rate; my inner Kenny Rogers has been insisting, for a while now, that it's time to walk away. Until a few decades ago, that would have meant, in suitably literary fashion, The End. You gave it a good shot, it didn't work out, so now you pack away the Word files and artistic ambitions and get on with life as a "former novelist". Expand Close Rolling the dice: Darragh McManus / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Rolling the dice: Darragh McManus But online technology has changed everything. These days anyone can post anything to the internet, immediately and easily accessible to everyone on the planet - which is why I'm about to upload six novels to Amazon's Kindle Direct e-book service, roughly once a month, beginning with a young adult adventure called Red Raven. Self-publishing has long-existed - Marcel Proust, Virginia Woolf, Jane Austen and Walt Whitman are among the literary immortals to release their own work. The problem, until recently, was twofold: it wasn't taken seriously, and it was expensive. (Most of those writers, you'll notice, were well-off.) This, after all, is why authors sign with publishers in the first place: they'll pay for everything. Printing, distribution, marketing, cover design, copy-editing, whatever is required to transform your manuscript into a real book, bought and read by others: publishers handle the bill. In return, they get most of the profits (if there are any - most books, in reality, lose money). Were publishers of yore not interested in your masterwork, you could publish yourself through what were witheringly known as "vanity presses". Frustrated writers paid companies a whack of cash to print and distribute their book. This was inevitably considered the mark of someone, well, vain; not to mention egotistical, delusional and ridiculous. In the digital age, though, self-publishing has lost some of the stigma, becoming at least halfway respectable. There seems to be increased recognition that "self-published" doesn't automatically equate to "poor quality" (I can vouch for this personally - all my books are superb). On the flipside, not everything released by traditional houses is necessarily good. Expand Close The Driving Force by Darragh McManus / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Driving Force by Darragh McManus Video of the Day Meanwhile, the gatekeepers have been denuded of much power. The single most difficult thing, say virtually all my author pals, is not finishing their book: it's getting an agent or publisher to accept it. Nowadays the two are inextricably bound, as most houses won't accept submissions that don't involve an agent. Even if you don't want an agent, you have no choice if you want a foot in the door of major publishers. But the invention of e-books has democratised the process. You don't need an agent, or a publisher, any more. You don't have to pay typesetting, printing, storage, distribution and other costs: all that's required is to write the manuscript, do the necessary formatting (this takes just a few hours), create a blurb and fire it on to the internet. Should someone really want an old-school paper-and-ink version, print-on-demand services are cheap and straightforward. Self-publishing is now a gigantic part of the broader industry. A few figures prove the case: in 2018, the number of self-released titles increased by 40pc to 1.68 million. Last year, e-books accounted for 18pc of all publishing revenue; a significant proportion was self-published. The global market is now valued at more than $1bn. Notable DIY success stories of the past decade include Fifty Shades of Grey, The Martian and Amanda Hocking's novels. For my own adventures in self-publishing, I'm going e-book only; should they become an unlikely smash, I'll consider making them available in print. While there are several places to publish e-books - Smashwords, Lulu, Reedsy, Matador - I'm limiting myself to Kindle Direct. Amazon is the Big Daddy of self-publishing with a lion's share of the market, their system is very user-friendly, and they offer 70pc royalties. More importantly, I don't have time to do all the legwork on however-many separate platforms; it may be free monetarily, but time costs too. The books were written between - I feel rather faint typing this - 2002 (when I finished a literary novel called There is a Light and It Never Goes Out) and 2018 (a thriller, Devil Hang Over Me). In between, besides publishing those aforementioned four books, I completed a short-story collection, The Driving Force (2005), a novel about 1990s Cork called Pretend We're Dead (2012) and the comedy !!SuperHyperMEGASTAR!! (2015). Red Raven was begun as far back as 2010, inspired by the birth of our first child. This "final" draft was done and dusted in 2013, and sat on my hard-drive ever since. A mash-up of superhero comic-books, Celtic mythology and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, it retools the legendary Fionn MacCumhaill as a baddie, albeit a complex one. He plans to bring comrades from the realm of myths to our world, at Hallowe'en; three small-town teenagers and their ghostly mentor must stop him inadvertently destroying the universe. It's action-packed, exciting, funny and fun. I designed all covers myself, using moderately good skills assimilated over two decades in newspapers and magazines. For Red Raven, I commissioned a fantastic illustration from Cork artist Eoin Coveney; we worked together on this paper's Social Stere O'Types column in 2013-14. It's gorgeous: the only cover on which I spent money, but worth every penny. Red Raven is now available to buy on my Amazon author page. (As are all my old books - buy a few, I need the money.) All that remains is to sit back, light a fat cigar and wait for the money to start rolling in. Or maybe not. In truth, there are so many published each year - and with half the world writing their "lockdown novel/memoir", this will surely increase - that chances of commercial success are slim. Not quite zero, but slim. Essentially, I'm just rolling the dice here. But still: long-shot or not, it's a no-risk gamble. Even Kenny could get on board with that. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 03:34:37|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close Josep Borrell (L), the European Union's (EU) high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, speaks during a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Prime Minister's Office in Athens, Greece, on June 24, 2020. Josep Borrell said that the EU was determined to protect its external borders during his visit to Greece on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) ATHENS, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Josep Borrell, the European Union's (EU) high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said that the EU was determined to protect its external borders during his visit to Greece on Wednesday. Against the backdrop of increasing tensions between Greece and Turkey, Borrell visited the land border separating the two countries at Kastanies in Evros in northeastern Greece, accompanied by Greek Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Dendias. "I wanted to come here and see for myself and observe the situation on this external border of the EU," Borrell said. This visit was meant to "show our solidarity and to show how much we share your concerns," he said. "It is very clear that we are determined to protect the EU's external borders and to strongly support Greece's sovereignty... We have talked about how we can prevent an escalation," he said. Athens has been briefing its EU partners on Turkey's drilling activities in the eastern Mediterranean as well as its maritime claims and over-flights that have led to a significant deterioration of the relationships between Greece and Turkey and how this affects the EU's relations with Turkey, Borrell said. Wednesday's visit allowed him to gain a better understanding of the situation Greece was facing and may be facing in the future, he added. Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said that there is concern that migrants may again be allowed by Turkish authorities to reach the land border crossing, just as it had happened in late February and early March this year. The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has deployed forces along the border, and today some 110 officers from 20 member states are still stationed there, Borrell said. "Today, following a brief respite due to the pandemic, Turkey has once again declared that its land borders to Europe are open," Dendias said. Turkey "also persists in undermining security and stability, as well as peace, in the eastern Mediterranean," he added. CAIRO Egypt announced June 19 that it has officially called on the United Nations Security Council to intervene to restart the tripartite negotiations between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and ensure a fair and balanced solution to the dispute is reached. The Egyptian appeal came hours after Ethiopias Foreign Minister Gedu Andargachew told the Associated Press that his country will move ahead with filling the GERD without an agreement, adding, We are working hard to reach a deal, but still we will go ahead with our schedule whatever the outcome is. Meanwhile, in a June 20 speech at an air base, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said that Egypt's turning to the Security Council is intended to continue the political and diplomatic process. We need to move strongly toward concluding the negotiations and reach an agreement and solutions that achieve the interests of all, he said. Speaking during a June 15 video symposium organized by the Egyptian Business Council for International Cooperation, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said his country may turn to the Security Council to prevent Ethiopia from taking unilateral measures that may undermine Egyptian water rights, in response to what Egypt described as Ethiopias intransigence during the negotiations. Ethiopia has refused to yield to pressure as Egypt has invoked international treaties and conventions such as the Anglo-Ethiopian Treaty of 1902. The Ethiopian Ministry of Irrigation stated June 14 that Egypt was adhering to an unfair treaty in the distribution of water. Ayman Salama, a former professor of international law at Cairo University, told Al-Monitor, Since Egypt resorted to the Security Council, the council has now two options. First, the council may issue a non-mandatory and non-binding recommendation to the disputing parties under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, if it concludes that the continuation of the dispute threatens the peace and security of the concerned parties, or it may refer the issue to the International Court of Justice if it determines that the dispute is a legal one. The Security Council could also issue a binding resolution to all parties under Chapter VII of the UN Charter if it concludes that the dispute effectively threatens the peace and security of the concerned countries. He added, however, that if the Security Council deems that the tripartite dispute threatens international peace and security, then it may issue a resolution under Chapter VII. These resolutions are applicable not only to the parties to the conflict, but to all UN member states. This means that under Chapter VII, the Security Council can pass a binding resolution to stop the construction and filling of the dam until the three countries reach a comprehensive agreement, he said. However, Salama continued, I do not think the Security Council will issue a binding resolution under Chapter VII, especially since it was only informed of the dispute in May. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told the Associated Press June 22 that if the Security Council fails to bring back Ethiopia to the negotiation table and prevent it from filling the dam, We will find ourselves in a situation that we will have to deal with. When that time is upon us, we will be very vocal and clear in what action we will take. He stressed that Egypt has never threatened to take military action and always sought to reach a political solution in past years, while working to convince the Egyptian people of Ethiopias right to build the dam to achieve its development goals. On June 12, Egypt and Sudan expressed reservations about a paper submitted by Ethiopia outlining its vision for the filling and operating the GERD during the third meeting of the tripartite negotiations, initiated by Sudan. Spokesman of the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation Mohamed al-Sebai said in a press statement June 13 that the Ethiopian paper grants Addis Ababa the right to unilaterally amend the rules for filling and operating the dam in response to the rates of electricity production at the dam and Ethiopian water needs, disregarding the welfare of downstream nations. He further noted that the paper failed to provide any guarantees for the downstream countries in periods of short and prolonged drought, and does not provide any protection for them from the effects and serious damage that may result from filling and operating the dam. Sebai indicated that the paper also does not include in the Nile dam agreement a binding legal mechanism to settle disputes. Meanwhile, Egypt confirmed its adherence to the agreement reached during the Washington-sponsored negotiations on Feb. 12, which provided for filling the dam in stages and specific measures to deal with droughts that may coincide with the filling process, as well as long-term operating rules. Tariq Fahmy, a professor of politics at Cairo University, told Al-Monitor via phone that resorting to the Security Council is necessary and inevitable at this time. This step would clarify Egypts position and the damage it is sustaining from the building of this dam. Egypt may mobilize efforts in its favor within the Security Council to get a resolution to stop the [initial] filling of the dam, Fahmy said. But this requires great diplomatic effort. He explained that resorting to the world body would send a strong message to international institutions and organizations that provide financing for the construction of the dam, such as the World Bank. This could push them to halt their financing and undermine Ethiopias ability to fill the dam, he said. In a Skype interview during MBC Egypt's Happening in Egypt show on June 17, political analyst and director of the New Library of Alexandria Mostafa el-Feki said Sudan knows Ethiopia is seeking to renege on existing agreements regarding the distribution of the Nile River water quotas, in particular the 1959 Nile Water Agreement. He accused Ethiopia of wanting to annul law and history, which he said no one will tolerate. Feki, however, stressed the need to use all Egypt's resources such as mobilizing friendly countries to press for a fair agreement for all parties, ruling out the military option. In war, there are no winners, he said. A man holds a gun as a group blocks the road next to a burned Wendy's restaurant in Atlanta, Ga., on June 16, 2020. (Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images) Atlanta Removes Roadblocks Near Wendys Where Brooks Was Shot Atlanta police officers cleared roadblocks from a road near the Wendys where Rayshard Brooks was shot after an armed group said they took over the area, making it into a police-free zone. The Atlanta Police Department assisted in clearing University Avenue of barriers that had been blocking the road. It is now open to thru traffic, a police spokeswoman told The Epoch Times in an email late Wednesday. We did not remove any demonstrators or take any further actions, she added. Steven Gaynor, a police union official, told The Epoch Times in a text message earlier Wednesday that the armed checkpoint had been in place since the weekend and city officials were refusing to address it. One of the armed men said he and his compatriots were carrying guns to protect themselves because there is no police presence here. He was standing across the street from the Wendys at an adjacent BP gas station, in view of a barrier partially blocking the road. Asked what would happen if the police tried entering the area, the armed man said, The police arent allowed here, because theyre not here to protect us. A police spokesman told The Epoch Times earlier Wednesday that the department was monitoring the situation and planned to coordinate with community leaders and the Wendys property owner to address security issues and help preserve peace for this community as soon as possible. Interim Police Chief Rodney Bryant told reporters over the weekend that police officers would respond to any 911 calls. A man armed with a rifle stands guard at the memorial that has grown around the Wendys restaurant that was set on fire after Rayshard Brooks was killed, in Atlanta, Ga., on June 16, 2020. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) The Wendys restaurant that was set on fire by rioters after Rayshard Brooks was killed in Atlanta, Ga., on June 17, 2020. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Felicia Moore, the Atlanta City Council president, said Saturday that a group of armed young men with long guns and pistols were blocking off the Wendys. Residents who live nearby told media outlets they were having trouble with the group. Kimberlee Jones, president of the South Atlanta Civic League, a neighborhood association, told WXIA that her mother was stopped and they wouldnt let her through. An activist said he was assaulted by the group after refusing to hand over his phone. Brooks was shot in the early hours of June 13 after resisting arrest, stealing an officers stun gun, and firing it at least twice. As he moved away from one of the arresting officers, he reached back and tried firing the stun gun at the officer. Garrett Rolfe, the officer, fired his gun, hitting Brooks twice in the back. The manner of death was homicide, according to an autopsy. Rolfe was charged with felony murder by Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard. After the shooting, members of the community gathered outside the Wendys, which was eventually set on fire. Natalie White, 29, was arrested this week for allegedly torching the building. I ts an alert on your phone which cruelly reminds you. Right now you were supposed to have set your out-of-office and be on a flight to Mallorca for a sunny week of long lunches and late nights. Granted, the prospects for the summer are more cheerful than they were just weeks ago: discussions about air bridges are ongoing, and staycations are go as of July 4. But that wont stop you wistfully googling where Marianne Sheridans Italian villa is in Normal People (its called Tenuta di Verzano and is on Airbnb form an orderly queue). But you dont need to leave the capital for downtime. London is the best city in the world and you just need to adapt to holidaying at home. This is a guide. And you dont need to wake up at 3am to catch a budget flight. The preparation For a certain type, planning is the best part of the holiday. Before youve even thought about how youll get to the airport they will have posted a picture on Instagram of the local beach bar with the caption T-minus three weeks!, become experts in the particular region you are going to and bombarded your holiday WhatsApp group with suggested itineraries (they say suggested, theyve already made reservations). If you want to include them in your holiday with a socially-distanced park hangout, prepare for social media build-up. There will be Instagram posts about how they cant wait to see this one and WhatsApp messages planning your picnic this is actually a good idea as lots of restaurants require prebooking for takeaways now, like Four Legs in Islington look at Clerkenwell Boys Instagram for a spreadsheet of which restaurants open. No one wants FOMOF (fear of missing out on food) on holiday. The wardrobe You have spent lockdown in baggy leggings and a teambuilding T-shirt, with no idea where your makeup bag is. But this wont do now. A holiday calls for a different look to take you away to a better place. Channel Harry Styles in the Watermelon Sugar video he looks like hes raided a dressing-up box and that is the spirit you need. The more floral patterns and impractical beading the better. The itinerary Reopened: Head to the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park, London / AFP via Getty Images First you need some holiday reading. Bonjour Tristesse makes you feel youre in the South of France, or pick up Crudo by Olivia Laing for Tuscany pool scenes. Watch Selling Sunset for a holiday culture change it will take you to Los Angeles. Buy a paddling pool if you want to recreate that the bonus of holidaying at home is you dont have to jostle with fellow tourists for the best poolside lounger. Or you could venture for a swim in the recently reopened Serpentine or Redricks Lakes in Harlow. A foolhardy few have swum in the Thames, but never mind Covid-19, you risk a waterborne disease, so stick to an established spot. Canoeing clubs have reopened in Putney and on the Regents Canal. No holiday is complete without a day trip to a small town to look at a local museum or historical sight that you inexplicably have to queue for in the heat (there are plenty of opportunities to queue in London). You could go to see the big sights or, to recreate that day trip, look at your local blue plaques. If you are into obscure facts from the past, Hampstead and Highgate will spoil you go on a search for the house of Henry Cole, the man who sent the first Christmas card in 1843. All this knowledge will serve you well in your next quiz. There are pink plaques too in Highgate for overlooked women. Do send postcards you do after all probably wish your friends and family were here. Online postcard-sending service Bookblock.com donates 2 from every PositivePost card to the NHS. The menu 30 recipe boxes from top London restaurants to try at home 1 /40 30 recipe boxes from top London restaurants to try at home Shoryu Recreate the restaurants 12-hour tonkotsu pork ramen in your own kitchen. From 20, various locations, via japancentre.com Shuk The Borough Market stall is delivering all you need to make either its fish tagine or lamb meatball-filled pitas, or your own gooey babka cake. From 20, SE1 9AG, nationwide delivery via shuklondon.com Santo Remedio The Mexican favourites Remedy Kits offer a soothing (and generously portioned) Mexican spread, with taco fillings ranging from duck carnitas to bone-in short rib. From 45, nationwide delivery in England, Wales and parts of Scotland, santoremedio.co.uk The Galvin Brothers Make it to a Michelin standard with Galvin at Home. Brothers Chris and Jeff, whos restaurant La Chapelle holds a star, offer a weekly-changing three course menu which arrives chilled but needs a little finishing at home. Fortunately, theyve put together a video series to help with all the details, promising a gourmet meal in 15 minutes. Expect French-influenced British cooking; roasted duck, seared sea bass, candied beetroot. Each week offers a dedicated vegetarian menu, as well. Steven Joyce Pizza Pilgrims No pizza oven, no problem these margherita and nduja kits can be made with just a regular oven and a frying pan. From 15, various locations, nationwide delivery via pizzainthepost.co.uk @lateef.photography Wun's Tea Room & Bar Char siu pork comes ready for rolling in spiced sugar and putting under the grill, with bao blinis to carry the succulent meat. From 18.81, W1D 4DZ, delivery within a four mile radius of the restaurant via tearoom.bar Mac & Wild The Scottish restaurant has turned online butcher, selling recipe kits for its signature half-beef, half-venison Venimoo burger. From 28 (serves four burgers), EC2 and W1, nationwide delivery via macandwild.com @lateef.photography Berenjak The Iranian-style restaurant has launched its own online Berenjak Bazaar, where DIY kabab kits allow you to grill your own lamb koobideh and chicken jujuh. From 25, W1D 5AL, nationwide delivery in England and Wales via berenjakbazaar.com Hawksmoor The steak supremos are delivering rotating cuts of meat with all the trimmings, including bone marrow gravy, beef dripping oven chips and sticky toffee pudding. From 85, various locations, nationwide delivery via thehawksmoor.com Dishoom The Indian restaurants cult breakfast favourite is coming to your doorstep: recreate the bacon naan with a box filled with fresh dough balls, top quality meat and cream cheese and chilli sauce for slathering. From 16, various locations, nationwide delivery via dishoomathome.com Club Mexicana Vegans, you can have a fiesta at home too: the Mexican-inspired, plant-based taqueria is now delivering a meat-free Al Pastor kit, with more varieties set to be added soon. From 20 (serves 16 tacos), W1B 5PW, nationwide delivery via shop.clubmexicana.com Bocca di Lupo A four course feast from the West End favourite, filled with ready-to-heat treats from a monthly-changing region of Italy. From 52, W1D 7BB, London delivery via boccadilupo.com Le Swine The bacon butty masters are now making mornings better all across the country, sending out kits that fill milk and onion buns with old fashioned middle bacon, bacon butter and mushroom ketchup. From 12, various locations, nationwide delivery via leswine.co.uk Honest Burgers The British beef champion is delivering its superlative chuck steak and rib cap burger patties to your door, along with all you need to make its signature burgers. Vegans can also get hold of the Plant burger kit too. From 15, various locations, nationwide delivery via honestburgers.co.uk Chotto Matte This lively Peruvian-Japanese spot in Soho is packing up Nikkei favourites for diners to enjoy at home, with kits featuring all you need to make black cod aji miso, asado di tiro beef and much more. From 60, W1D 4RB, London delivery via chotto-matte.com Gymkhana, Trishna and Brigadiers JKS Restaurants has launched a delivery platform for its trio of top Indian restaurants, delivering ready-to-cook "Experience" feasts as well as individual dishes and booze. Experience boxes from 70 (serving from two to four people), W1 and EC4, nationwide delivery via ambassadorgeneralstore.com Adam Handling Restaurants The chef's Hame delivery service (named for the Scottish word for home) send his fine dining dishes to your kitchen, meaning nights in can come with truffle cheese doughnuts and beef tartare with elderberry and mushroom. Dishes from 12 (Sunday Lunch menu for two costs 150), WC2 and SW1, nationwide delivery via adamhandling.co.uk Lahpet The Burmese restaurant has opened up its pantry to customers, with recipe kits including tea leaf salad and coconut noodles. From 14 (boxes serve from two to six), E1 6JW, collection or delivery up to 10 miles from restaurant via lahpet.co.uk Bao Build your own bao buns, and fill them with either 12-hour braised pork or panko daikon. From 20 (serves six bao), various locations, nationwide delivery via baolondon.com Carol Sachs Arros QD Quique Dacosta is sending out home paella kits, complete with pan, spoon and the same stocks used in the restaurants. From 75 (serves six portions), W1W 8NQ, nationwide delivery via arrosqd.com Patty & Bun The fast food favourite has boxed up all the components for its signature burgers, and their vegan counterparts. In October, it will also launch a limited edition collaboration kit with Shake Shack. From 15 (serves four burgers), various locations, nationwide delivery via shop.pattyandbun.co.uk The Cheese Bar The London fromage master is delivering all you need to make it grilled cheese sandwiches and classic fondue. From 10, WC2 and NW1, nationwide delivery via the-cheese-bar-london.myshopify.com Nonna Tonda Fresh pasta through your letterbox via subscription, along with accompanying sauces, garnish and parmesan cheese. From 12.50 (boxes serve from two to six, first two deliveries are half price), SW1E 5NE, greater London delivery via nonnatonda.co.uk Lords of Poke Do your salads Hawaiian-style, with all the components for fish-filled or vegan poke bowls. From 20.25 (serves four bowls), W2 6BD, delivery within the M25 via lordsofpoke.com London Shell Co. Bolster your barbecue or snuggle down for a cosy autumn evening with a kit from the floating seafood restaurant, offering either fish ready for grilling or a in a hearty fish pie. From 60, W2 6DL, delivery within the M25 via shop.londonshellco.com Nic Crilly-Hargrave Farang Seb Holmess Thai hotspot is now selling ingredients, ready meals and curry recipe kits. From 18, N5 2XE, collection or delivery within an 8 mile radius, faranglondon.co.uk Tom Regester Burger and Beyond Get your dirty burger kicks with a kit to make the Shoreditch favourite's bacon butter buns and more. From 25 (serves four burgers), E1 6JE, nationwide delivery via burgerandbeyondshop.co.uk Strazzanti Emilia Strazzantis Sicilian Supper Club is now available as a four-course menu available for home delivery. From 25 per person (minimum order four people), various locations, London delivery via strazzanti.co The Vurger Co. Vegans, get your burger fix with the New York Melt meal kit, complete with fries. From 18.95, E1 6LD, nationwide delivery via thevurgerco.com Bancone The West End favourites have packed up their pastas and sauces, with the option to add antipasti and sides to your order. From 18 for pasta (kits serve from 2 to 4), WC2 and W1, delivery within five miles of Soho restaurant via bancone.co.uk Hotel breakfast buffets are one of the best bits of holidays, from the cheese table (which makes you feel pleasingly Germanic) to the installation art which turns out to be the bread station. There are decisions to make about how to pace yourself and you will inevitably take too much. You can recreate this without working too hard. Ritas Dining are sending out brunch kits for a Mexican breakfast (it includes a Corona lager youre on holiday so this is acceptable). If youre in west London or Islington get a breakfast delivery from Ottolenghi go large and have cake for the full hotel experience. Food is a way to transport yourself around the world. Rice Error by Bao is delivering in Hackney, Fitzrovia and Borough if you fancy a trip to Asia, while in Camberwell theres Kurdish Nandine. Prawn on the Lawn in Highbury provides everything you need to make Portuguese salt cod, including vinho verde wine. And Forza Wins pasta will spirit you away to Tuscany. If you want to cook yourself, Instagram account Italy Segreta (Secret Italy) provides pictures of sunsets of the Amalfi coast. All you need to do is add the spaghetti alle vongole and Campari spritz. The more elaborate the better when it comes to cocktails and be liberal with measures, its an easy way to get into the holiday spirit. Plenty of pubs are already open for takeaway: check out takeawaypints.co.uk/london Loading.... Summer lovin Were all starved of human contact so likely to be friendlier. You cant actually touch, but this is an exercise in delayed gratification. Set your Hinge picture to the last summer holiday photo you like and watch Love Island to get in the mood. Growing evidence shows that cloth face coverings, when worn consistently, can decrease the spread of COVID-19, especially among people who are not showing symptoms of the virus. Until now, face coverings had been strongly recommended. Under todays executive order, people must wear face coverings when in public places where physical distancing is not possible. In addition, certain businesses must have employees and customers wear face coverings, including retail businesses, restaurants, personal care and grooming; employees of child care centers and camps; state government agencies under the Governors Cabinet; workers and riders of transportation; and workers in construction/trades, manufacturing, agriculture, meat processing and healthcare and long-term care settings. Wearing a face covering is an easy thing to do that can make a huge impact for all of us. A major spike in cases would be catastrophic to the system, and without your cooperation, nurses and our fellow healthcare providers will have a harder time caring for sick patients for weeks and months to come, said Taylor. Technavio has been monitoring the automotive camera-based side mirrors market and it is poised to grow by USD 29.23 million during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 61% 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/20200625005454/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Automotive Camera-based Side Mirrors 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. BMW AG, Continental AG, Gentex Corp., Hyundai Mobis Co. Ltd., Magna International Inc., Panasonic Corp., Robert Bosch GmbH, Stoneridge Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation, and Valeo SA are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The growing uptake of automotive electronics has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Automotive Camera-based Side Mirrors Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Automotive Camera-based Side Mirrors Market is segmented as below: Application Passenger Cars Commercial Vehicles Geography APAC Europe South America MEA North America 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=IRTNTR44050 Automotive Camera-based Side Mirrors 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 automotive camera-based side mirrors market report covers the following areas: Automotive Camera-based Side Mirrors Market size Automotive Camera-based Side Mirrors Market trends Automotive Camera-based Side Mirrors Market analysis This study identifies the increased focus of OEMs on the development of autonomous vehicles as one of the prime reasons driving the automotive camera-based side mirrors market growth during the next few years. Automotive Camera-based Side Mirrors Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of vendors operating in the automotive camera-based side mirrors market, including some of the vendors such as BMW AG, Continental AG, Gentex Corp., Hyundai Mobis Co. Ltd., Magna International Inc., Panasonic Corp., Robert Bosch GmbH, Stoneridge Inc., Toyota Motor Corporation, and Valeo SA. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the automotive camera-based side mirrors 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 Automotive Camera-based Side Mirrors Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist automotive camera-based side mirrors market growth during the next five years Estimation of the automotive camera-based side mirrors market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the automotive camera-based side mirrors market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of automotive camera-based side mirrors 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 Application Market segments Comparison by Application Passenger cars Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Commercial vehicles Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Application Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison APAC Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 MEA Market size and forecast 2019-2024 North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity by geography Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Overview Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors BMW AG Continental AG Gentex Corp. Hyundai Mobis Co. Ltd. Magna International Inc. Panasonic Corp. Robert Bosch GmbH Stoneridge Inc. Toyota Motor Corporation Valeo SA 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/20200625005454/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/ Technavio has been monitoring the hydrogen compressor market and it is poised to grow by USD 648.74 million during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of almost 2% 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/20200625005511/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Hydrogen Compressor 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. Ariel Corp., Atlas Copco AB, Colfax Corp., HAUG Sauer Kompressoren AG, Hitachi Ltd., Hydro-Pac Inc., IDEX Corp., Mitsui E&S Holdings Co. Ltd., Siemens AG, and Trane Technologies Plc are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. Growing focus on using hydrogen in refineries has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Hydrogen Compressor Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Hydrogen Compressor Market is segmented as below: Technology Multistage Single-stage Geography APAC Europe North America MEA South America End-user Oil and Gas Chemicals Others Type Oil-based Oil-free Power Range Below 100 Hp 101 Hp 200 Hp 201 Hp And Above 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=IRTNTR44071 Hydrogen Compressor 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 hydrogen compressor market report covers the following areas: Hydrogen Compressor Market size Hydrogen Compressor Market trends Hydrogen Compressor Market analysis This study identifies rising demand for hydrogen from industrial sector as one of the prime reasons driving the hydrogen compressor market growth during the next few years. Hydrogen Compressor Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of vendors operating in the hydrogen compressor market, including some of the vendors such as Ariel Corp., Atlas Copco AB, Colfax Corp., HAUG Sauer Kompressoren AG, Hitachi Ltd., Hydro-Pac Inc., IDEX Corp., Mitsui E&S Holdings Co. Ltd., Siemens AG, and Trane Technologies Plc. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the hydrogen compressor 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 Hydrogen Compressor Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist hydrogen compressor market growth during the next five years Estimation of the hydrogen compressor market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the hydrogen compressor market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of hydrogen compressor 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 Technology Market segments Comparison by Technology Multistage Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Single-stage Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Technology Market Segmentation by End-user Market segments Comparison by End-user Oil and gas Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Chemicals Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Others Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by End-user Market Segmentation by Type Market segments Comparison by Type Oil-based Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Oil-free Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Type Market Segmentation by Power range Market segments Comparison by power range Below 100 hp Market size and forecast 2019-2024 101 hp 200 hp Market size and forecast 2019-2024 201 hp and above Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by power range Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison APAC Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024 North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 MEA Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity by geography Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Competitive scenario Vendor Landscape Landscape disruption Industry risks Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors Ariel Corp. Atlas Copco AB Colfax Corp. HAUG Sauer Kompressoren AG Hitachi Ltd. Hydro-Pac Inc. IDEX Corp. Mitsui E&S Holdings Co. Ltd. Siemens AG Trane Technologies Plc 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/20200625005511/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/ I love statues and monuments. All kinds of them. When we would take vacations as the littlest boys, Dad taught us that every statue, every monument, was a clue that there is a fabulous story to go with it. I dont care if the monument is of a white man, a black man, any woman, a Communist, a Cuban, an Indian chief, or my childhood favorite, the great train engineer Casey Jones. His gloves are bronzed and once stood in the side yard of my late cousins house, who was known as the Virgin Ninetta, in Vaughn, Ms. Thats where my Dad grew up and his very words are as true today. Statues are symbols of great men (and women.) Find out the story People who deface or ruin statues are criminals and belong in jail with the other stupids. How do I know? On this very week, Tuesday night is more exact, American urban terrorists attacked the state capitol in Madison, Wi., and toppled the statue of Hans Christian Heg. They ripped it from its pedestal, sprayed the former base with Black Is Beautiful paint, and by then they were so overcome with their rush of freedom and its mix of wanton depravity that get this -- they whacked Hans head off (no telling where it is) and flung with great might and laughing vigor the rest of the well-stomped statue into Lake Monona. By God, thatll show em! BLM!! All that remains today is just one pesky problem. Col. Heg was gut-shot and killed 152 years ago during a day of battlefield bedlam in far-away Chickamauga, Ga. Since then, that very statue has been the only clue to a very meaningful and quite wonderful slice of Americas history. I so hope a Wisconsin judge will have the opportunity to tell the protesters who morphed into rioters this story, just scant moments before those calloused free will morph into the confined with the other stupids. Hans Christian Heg immigrated to the United States from Norway with a big, fun crowd of noble opportunists in 1840. His family settled in Waukesha County, Wi., established a farm near Muskego, and embraced The American Dream. When word of the Gold Rush reached The Dairy State eight years later, young Hans declared, Nuts with shoveling (manure)! or, however such resolve is similarly expressed in the Norwegian tongue, and lit out to the sunny Land of Fruits and Nuts with his moms favorite pie pan. Alas, two years later, both his Pop and his Mom died and Hans, with the now battered and very empty pie pan, came back to run the farm in 1851 and support his younger brothers and sisters. He soon had his family growing everything and milking a herd of high butterfat cows in no time. Yet in the two years he spent out West, his eyes saw many things, and, upon his return, he had a heavy heart for those oppressed. He was elected as Wisconsins state prisons commissioner, and almost immediately began vocational programs, which included an unheard-of concept that allowed a number of low-risk inmates to work outside the walls for albeit meager wages. While I cannot find the root source, ol Hans absolutely hated slavery worse than curdled milk. Thats what got him into the prisons realm and revolutionized his hearts dream that every man is equal, that even criminals should be given an opportunity for betterment -- and earlier parole -- and precious little money to send to their families. Again, albeit meager, it gave a man wearing jail stripes the two things every man yearns besides freedom self-worth and self-respect. Unfortunately, there was great turmoil astir in the United States at this time. The industrial North was becoming more divided from the agricultural South and a perfect storm of blithering idiots go ahead and judge between one group of morons in blue to another group of morons in grey, however you like because I could care less -- but the undeniable First Rule of Stupid is that one fool can never fight against no one dont forget this -- it takes two or more completely crazy imbeciles to fight instead of talk. Many a historian believe had only the wise talked candidly, the war could have been prevented and over half-million Americans would have continued the American Dream. But, no The next time your ancestry atom gets you all juiced up whether your family start came over on the Mayflower or on the slave ship whose repentant captain would later pen the words to Amazing Grace know fully that your family tree contains some idiots, imbeciles, morons, and has a healthy sprinkling of stupids. Every family tree has a bad apple or two. And you know what that is called after you pour it twice through the strainer? Life. So get over it, yet never forget it was dummies on two sides who didnt just allow, but strongly encouraged us to kill one another just over 150 years ago. Every Civil War monument, no matter where, points to a four-year horror that began April 12, 1861 and ended May 9, 1865. There were 2,196 battles fought, in which 620,000 men were very foolishly killed -- 360,000 in the Union Army and 260,000 in the Confederate Army. Some 67,000 Union soldiers were killed outright, 43,000 died of wounds, and 130,000 were disfigured for life, often with missing limbs; 94,000 Confederate soldiers died of wounds. No. 1 reason: blood loss. Yet our focus is on one Union casualty, and it was his statue that was tumbled and torn Tuesday night, then flung amid raucous laughter into Lake Monona. Because he was so violently against slavery, it was the only reason Hans Heg accepted a commission as colonel as a Scandinavian regiment of the 15th Wisconsin Infantry in the fall of 1861. In March of 1862 they left Camp Randall and headed south. Nine months later, his lone regiment lost over 100 men at Stones River. The colonels horse was shot out from under him and, afterwards, his commanding general cited the immigrant from Norway as the bravest of the brave, and why? was never mentioned; he was fighting so that all men might be free. By February of 1863, Wisconsins 15th came into Chattanooga and spent, as we all know, a summer in hell. Then came Sept. 19, 1863 on a Chickamauga hay field when the fearless Col. Heg galloped his horse into a bloody melee. As he led the charge, a Minie ball which was actually a bullet poured of soft lead that spread with uncommon fury upon impact struck him, yet he continued to fight until massive blood loss made him fall back. He was rushed to a make-shift field hospital and sometime the next morning, he died a most-painful death in the grass at Chickamauga, Ga., all because he of virtue and decency was willing to give his very life so black men, women, and children, for years evermore would go free. Black voices say nothing of this. Instead, we hear the whine of rabble-rouser Shaun King, self-described as a Black Lives Matter activist who calls for his one-million-plus Twitter followers to destroy any Christian church that contain Jesus Christ statues, cut-glass windows, and most especially any white crosses due to their depiction of the white holy family, which King argued are forms of white supremacy and racist propaganda that promote oppression. Or, there is Nauseating Nancy, our Speaker of the House of whom there will never be a statue for the pigeons built, who is demanding that any and all statues of Civil War lineage, be removed from the Nations Capital. Its got to be the Ben & Jerrys ice cream In Baltimore, a statue of our Nations Founder, George Washington, is horribly defaced because he once owned slaves and, great golly, what becomes of Mr. Jeffersons Constitution? His slaves became some of legend. The common-sense reasoning, That was then, this is now falls on ears deafened by the promise, After we get a couple of monuments to strengthen the will of the crowd, Park Avenue will be 'prime-cut' for us treasure hunters first thing you do is grab some garbage bags and fill em up. Tell any police that you be helping with clean up. Dont you get it? The statues are just part of the set-up. That's where you taunt the police, whip those boys down hard, so when the looting starts you can give em a wink of the eye causestand down orders will have come from City Hall. We own Hizzoner! What will we soon rename Washington, D.C.? Loserville has to be among the early favorites. So it is, the only voice we should accept is that which is spoken in Latin: Pater, ignosce illis, non enim sciunt quod faciunt" Those are the first words our Jesus said from the cross: Father, forgive them for they know not what they do, yes, as the remains of Hans Christian Hegs monument was pulled from Lake Monona in Madison, Wi., yesterday, each of us must subscribe to our values and beliefs of what is right and what is wrong. The remaining wreck will now be discarded, along with the memory that until now has provided a clue why his likeness has graced the grounds of an immigrants beloved state capitol. May you now rest in peace, Colonel. royexum@aol.com The Governor of Texas is pausing the state's aggressive reopening as it battles a surge in record coronavirus cases and hospitalizations that has made it a virus hot spot. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Thursday he was halting elective surgeries in the largest counties and said the state would 'pause' its aggressive reopening weeks after he began lifting restrictions. The move came just one day after rapidly worsening coronavirus numbers in Texas continued to reach bleak milestones with the state reporting a record 5,550 new cases in a single day. The state has reported more than 11,000 new cases in the previous two days alone. TEXAS CASES: Rapidly worsening coronavirus numbers in Texas continue to reach bleak new milestones with the state recording more than 5,550 new cases in a single day Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Thursday he was halting elective surgeries in the largest counties and said the state would 'pause' its aggressive reopening weeks after he began lifting restrictions On Thursday, the number of hospitalizations climbed to nearly 4,400 patients, setting a new record for a 13th consecutive day. The surge in hospitalizations has resulted in the largest pediatric hospital in the country opting to start treating adult patients in Houston to help free up beds. Statewide, the number of COVID-19 patients has more than doubled in two weeks. The suspension of elective surgeries is designed to protect hospital space in the Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio areas. The pause on reopening does not roll back previous orders that already allowed much of the economy to reopen. Instead, the pause will slow down any planned expansion of occupancy levels at places including bars, restaurants, amusement parks and other venues. The state was among the first in the country to begin lifting its lockdown measures on May 1. 'We are focused on strategies that slow the spread of this virus while also allowing Texans to continue earning a paycheck to support their families,' Abbott said in a statement. TEXAS HOSPITAL: In Texas, which began lifting its shutdowns on May 1, hospitalizations have doubled and new cases have tripled in two weeks TEXAS DEATHS: The state recorded an additional 29 deaths on Wednesday compared to the record 58 on May 15 HOUSTON FORECAST: In Houston, daily infections are forecast to increase to more than 4,500 in the same time frame, according to PolicyLab projections 'The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses. This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business.' By reimposing a ban on elective surgeries, the Republican Gov is returning to one of his first actions when the virus first emerged in Texas in March. He later rescinded the order during an aggressive reopening of the state in May that lifted lockdown orders ahead of most of the country. Abbott this week has taken a newly urgent tone about the worsening trends and is now telling the public they should stay home. He has also urged Texans to wear masks in public. The governor hasn't issued a statewide mask order, but the state's cities and counties have imposed new orders on businesses to require customers and workers to wear face coverings. Abbott initially barred local officials from fining or penalizing anyone for not wearing a mask as the state reopened. After cases began spiking, Abbott said last week that cities and counties could allow businesses to require masks. As cases continue to rise, forecast models from the PolicyLab at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia predict that Harris County, which includes the city of Houston, will see daily infections increase to more than 4,500 by July 18. People gather on Sixth Street at night in downtown Austin, Texas on May 23. Texas bars, bowling alleys and other businesses were able to reopen for the start of Memorial Day weekend as part of Governor Greg Abbott's efforts to revive the state's shattered economy People stand at a bar in Houston, Texas on May 23. The new pause on reopening does not roll back previous orders that already allowed much of the economy to reopen Residents swim, paddle board and kayak in Barton Creek on May 20 in Austin, Texas after the state aggressively started lifting lockdown measures Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, told Bloomberg on Thursday that such a situation would be 'apocalyptic'. He said the worst was still yet to come because of 'the huge amount of transmission going on in our community'. It comes as health officials warn coronavirus cases are climbing rapidly among young adults in a number of states where bars, stores and restaurants have reopened - a disturbing generational shift that not only puts them in greater peril than many realize but poses an even bigger danger to older people who cross their paths. In states like Texas, young people have started going out again, many without masks, in what health experts see as irresponsible behavior. 'The virus hasn't changed. We have changed our behaviors,' said Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. 'Younger people are more likely to be out and taking a risk.' Health experts say the fact that younger people - who have so far been less likely to be hospitalized - are now accounting for a large number of the new cases could have have an impact on the death toll in several weeks. They point to the fact that young people could currently be infecting their elderly relatives and other at-risk people, which could drive up hospitalizations and deaths. A 19-year-old from Australia has been left with a 'face like a rectangle' after undergoing a cosmetic procedure to dissolve fat in her jaw. Sofia Marroquin shared a video on TikTok of her rectangular face and her family and friends' reactions when she came home from the treatment, which has since been viewed more than three million times. 'So just got some lovely needles into my face and my family has no idea what I've just done and I'm about to get their reactions,' Sofia said in the video. Scroll down for video A 19-year-old has been left with a 'face like a rectangle' after undergoing a cosmetic procedure to dissolve fat in her jaw (Sofia Marroquin pictured before and after) She then proceeded to move through her home, filming her mum and dad's shocked reactions. Sofia's dad audibly gasped when he saw his daughter and said 'oh my goodness', while her mother sighed: 'Oh Sofia'. The 19-year-old's sister burst out laughing and fell to the floor, while her best friend covered her mouth as Sofia joked 'I'm scared'. Sofia even filmed her local cafe owner's nonplussed reaction, as she tried to order a coffee. She then proceeded to move through her home, filming her mum and dad's shocked reactions (Sofia's dad's reaction pictured) Sofia also captured her mother and sister's reaction on camera (pictured) What is the 'Kybella treatment'? * Kybella is a nonsurgical injection technique used to reduce excess fat beneath the chin. * Each treatment takes about 15 to 20 minutes. It uses a synthetic form of deoxycholic acid. * No incisions are required, and the downtime is minimal in most cases, with some swelling to be expected. * The best candidate is an adult 18 years or older with moderate to severe fat beneath the chin. * As a nonsurgical procedure, there is little preparation required for Kybella. It's advisable to schedule the procedure well before any major events. * Though Kybella is nonsurgical, some common side effects include pain, swelling, bruising, redness, and numbness. * The recovery process associated with Kybella is minimal in most cases, and downtime varies from person to person. Minor side effects typically subside in one to two weeks. Source: Healthline Advertisement In a subsequent video, Sofia explained that her rectangular jawline was caused by temporary swelling following a 'Kybella treatment'. In this $500 treatment, injections are used to reduce fat under the chin. 'Okay, lots of people are confused as to why I made my face look like a rectangle,' Sofia said. 'I didn't purposefully make my face look like a rectangle. I got a treatment done called Kybella, which removes fat from the lower part of your face. 'Lots of people get it in the lower neck area to remove a double chin, but I got it in my jowls area.' In a subsequent video, Sofia explained that her rectangular jawline was caused by temporary swelling following a 'Kybella treatment' (pictured immediately after the treatment) Sofia said her area was 'really fatty' and covering up her jawline, which is why she wanted the treatment done. 'I wanted to remove that fat a little bit to make it look a little bit better,' she said. 'It's still really swollen and really numb.' She added in another video that the rectangle face only lasted 48 hours, and when she woke up on the third day, it continued to get better and better (pictured three days later) She added in another video that the rectangle face only lasted 48 hours: 'On the third day, when I woke up, it went down and kept getting better and better. Now, after a week, it has basically gone back to normal. There is still a little bit of swelling, but exactly one week until the final results!' she said. Since sharing the videos on her TikTok channel, Sofia has gone viral and ended up with close to 28,000 followers. 'It isn't a joke anymore but I wish it was,' Sofia captioned her profile. I cant wait. God, I cant wait, he said. Corporal Moore responded that he would not do that. Officer Piner is quoted as saying that society needed a civil war to wipe em off the map, to which Corporal Moore responded, Youre crazy. When supervisors confronted the officers with the recordings, each denied being racist and described the pressure that the police were experiencing because of the protests, according to the internal report. Officer Gilmore told the department that he was unnerved by the video he referred to in conversation because the Bible says not to bow to any idol, and that he treats everyone fairly. Officer Piner said he was under great stress from concern for his and his familys safety, the report said. He told supervisors that the comments were uncharacteristic of him, and he was out of control, according to the report. Corporal Moore told supervisors that he was off duty, at his home and using his personal phone in the conversation, and that he was extremely stressed and feeding off of Officer Piner and just venting, the report said. The three men could not be reached by telephone on Thursday. According to their termination letters, the three men were fired for standard of conduct violations, while Officer Piner and Corporal Moore also broke the departments policy on criticism and inappropriate jokes and slurs with hate-filled speech. The department said the three had been police officers since the late 1990s. Chief Williams said that normally, only a small amount of information is made public, according to personnel laws. However, in exceptional cases, when it is essential to maintain public confidence in the administration of the city and the Police Department, more information may be released, he said. Two men have been charged over an alleged robbery reminiscent of a Hollywood mafia movie beginning with a high-stakes card game and ending in a shooting. Kenny Wang was shot in the face and had six teeth knocked out when two men allegedly broke into his Sydney apartment to rob a private poker game. Police are certain the armed intruders had inside knowledge of the poker tournament and would have been aware there was at least $10,000 in prize money. Scroll down for video. New South Wales police are pictured arresting a man in relation to the poker match robbery Kenny Wang (pictured) was shot in the face and had six teeth knocked out when two men allegedly broke into his Sydney apartment to rob his private poker game Mr Wang and nine others were sitting down to a game of high-stakes Texas Holdem on June 13 in Wolli Creek when police say the two forced their way in and demanded cash and mobile phones. He was then pistol-whipped and shot at close range in the face. Mr Wang was later rushed to St George Hospital where he underwent surgery. Mr Wang's jaw was badly broken but he survived the terrifying attack. Detectives say the robbery was a well planned, targeted operation. 'There is no doubt that these perpetrators had some inside knowledge that there was going to be some cash in the premises that night,' Detective Acting Superintendent Grant Taylor said. Investigators say the men who allegedly robbed the poker game had 'inside knowledge' there would be large sums of money on hand Following extensive inquiries, strike force investigators, with assistance from the Tactical Operations Unit executed three search warrants at properties in Pemulwuy, Homebush West, and Fairfield on Wednesday. A 24 and 23 year old were arrested during the raids and later charged with armed robbery causing grievous bodily harm. The searches also uncovered a pellet gun, an electronic stun device and mobiles phones, as well as cannabis and cocaine, police said. While there are some restrictions around wagering on card games in New South Wales, it is not illegal to host a private poker tournament with friends. Despite the arrests, detectives say their investigations are still ongoing. The searches carried out at various Sydney properties also uncovered a pellet gun, an electronic stun device and mobiles phones, as well as cannabis and cocaine, police said Top nuclear physicist to lead Wits Professor Zeblon Vilakazi appointed as the Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal from 1 January 2021 The Council of the University of the Witwatersrand today announced the appointment of Professor Zeblon Vilakazi as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University from 1 January 2021. He takes the reins from Professor Adam Habib who leaves Wits at the end of the year to lead the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. Professor Vilakazi is the current Vice-Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Postgraduate Studies at Wits. Under his leadership, Wits research output has more than doubled, with the University increasingly producing more research with impact. He is widely published (325 papers) and highly cited with an h-index of 70. Professor Zeblon Vilakazi is the epitome of a world-class researcher who is globally recognised for his scientific work, and for his contribution towards developing higher education in Africa. He is a truly talented individual who is an inspiring exemplar for all Africans, says Mr Isaac Shongwe, Chairperson of the Wits Council, the highest decision-making body of the University. We are confident that Professor Vilakazi will ably lead Wits to its centenary in 2022 and beyond, steward a new vision for the academy, and reinvigorate the academic project in a higher education context that is rapidly changing. No stranger to technology and the digital world, Professor Vilakazi chairs South Africas National Quantum Computing Working Committee which seeks to develop a Framework for Quantum Computing and Quantum Technology driven research and innovation in South Africa. He is also instrumental in ensuring that Wits and other African universities have access to quantum computing networks. It is an honour for me to have been appointed to this prestigious position, says Professor Vilakazi. I am committed to working with my esteemed colleagues, fellow academics and smart, savvy students to create new knowledge, and to develop the high level skills required to move South Africa, and our economy forward. We also need to continue to develop the originators, innovators and critical thinkers who can help us solve the problems of the 21st Century. Professor Vilakazi is globally recognised for his expert knowledge in physics and nuclear research. He was instrumental in establishing South Africa's first experimental high-energy physics research group at CERN focusing on the development of the High-level Trigger for the CERN-ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). He also served as a visiting scientist at the Atomic Energy Commission and Alternative Energy in Saclay, France. Brief Biography of Professor Zeblon Vilakazi Professor Zeblon Zenzele Vilakazi joined Wits in January 2014 as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Postgraduate Affairs and was promoted to the position of Vice-Principal in April 2020. He has served as the Group Executive for Research and Development at the Nuclear Energy Corporation of South Africa (NECSA) and as the Director of iThemba LABS. Born in Katlehong, a township located on the East Rand, Professor Vilakazi obtained his PhD from Wits 1998. He was one of the first students from Africa to conduct PhD research at the European Centre for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland. This was followed by a National Research Foundation postdoctoral fellowship at CERN. Upon his return to South Africa he lectured at the University of Cape Town (UCT), where he was instrumental in establishing South Africas first experimental high-energy physics research group focusing on the development of the High-level Trigger for the CERN-ALICE experiment at the Large Hadron Collider. Vilakazi has been instrumental in developing key local and global partnerships that have cemented the Universitys position as a leader in innovation. This includes ensuring that Wits and other African universities can access to quantum computing facilities. Under his leadership, Vilakazi enabled the University to achieve its strategic objective of creating an enabling environment for a research-intensive and postgraduate-oriented university. This includes achieving one of the fastest growth rates in subsidy research outputs and the doubling of research income. He increased the number of postgraduate students to realise the Universitys vision of becoming a research-intensive African university. His international profile opened opportunities to serve as a visiting scientist at the Atomic Energy Commission and Alternative Energy in Saclay, France. Professor Vilakazi served as chairperson of the International Atomic Energy Agencys Standing Advisory Committee on Nuclear Applications from 2009 to 2011. He also served as a member of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics Working Group for Nuclear Physics. In 2010, Professor Vilakazi was nominated by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader. He is a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences. Professor Vilakazi is currently a member of the Programme Advisory Committee for Nuclear Physics at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research in Russia. For more, see the Curriculum Vitae of Professor Zeblon Vilakazi. Salt Lake City, UT (June 24, 2020) - Biomerics, LLC, a mid-market medical device contract manufacturer specializing in interventional and radiology markets, launched an online store to sell medical balloons. This new e-Commerce platform will sell a range of off-the-shelf Nylon, PET, and LDPE medical balloons. The fast-turn store enables engineers to develop and prototype next-generation catheters quickly. Chris Richardson, Director of Business Development at Biomerics FMI, expressed, "We have Well, there is lots going on in Flynn World. The presidents former national-security advisor, Michael Flynn, is obviously elated that, on Wednesday, a three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit granted his petition for a writ of mandamus i.e., it instructed District Judge Emmet Sullivan to grant the Justice Departments motion to dismiss the case against him. I have a column about the ruling up on the homepage. As reported by NRs Zachary Evans, moreover, Flynn defense lawyer Sidney Powell has filed an intriguing supplement the defenses concurrence in the Justice Departments dismissal motion. The supplement, also filed on Wednesday, includes notes said to have been handwritten by Peter Strzok, then a top FBI counterintelligence agent (and, of course, later fired for sundry misconduct). It is being widely reported that the notes concern a now infamous White House meeting about Flynn that took place on January 5, 2017. (I began writing about that meeting as soon as we learned about it in early 2018, and it is central to my book about the TrumpRussia investigation, Ball of Collusion). The meeting included the top political and law-enforcement leadership of the Obama administration President Obama, Vice President Biden, national-security advisor Susan Rice, deputy attorney general Sally Yates, and FBI director James Comey notwithstanding the insistence of Obama apologists that the administration did not permit law enforcement to be influenced by politics. (I would counter that mixing the two was the administrations M-O). I suspect the Strzok notes are about the January 5 meeting, too. There is, however, confusion on this point. The short supplement Ms. Powell filed states that Strzoks notes are believed to be of January 4, 2017 (emphasis added). Now, Powell received these notes from the Justice Department as part of its continuing review of the Flynn case (which was prosecuted by special counsel Robert Muellers staff). Obviously, she is privy to more information about the case than we are, and we do not know what, if anything, DOJ told her about the provenance of the notes. That said, I am skeptical about the January 4 dating. Story continues If its right, that would mean there were two meetings involving the same five people regarding the same subject matter on consecutive days. It seems highly unlikely to me that President Obama and Vice President Biden, along with Rice, met with Comey and Yates on both January 4 and 5. Plus, in connection with its motion to dismiss Flynn case, the government has previously disclosed FBI interviews of former deputy AG Yates and Mary McCord, formerly the chief of DOJs National Security Division. Both of them indicated that Yates did not know until January 5 that the FBI had intercepted conversations between Flynn and Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak. That was a somewhat embarrassing admission for them to make, so I dont think theres any reason to doubt it. (Yates should have been briefed before the White House meeting by McCord, who had been alerted by the FBIs then-deputy director, Andrew McCabe, on January 3. Perhaps McCord did not realize Yates was going to the White House on the morning of January 5; she had scheduled a briefing for Yates that afternoon. As a result, Yates first learned about the FlynnKislyak calls when Comey and Obama discussed them in her presence at the White House meeting.) Another peculiar thing: We have no basis to believe Strzok was present at the January 5 White House pow-wow at least the follow-on meeting involving the five top-tier officials, several rungs above Strzok. On that score, note that there were really two meetings on January 5. The first was for the chiefs of four intelligence agencies FBI, CIA, NSA, and ODNI to brief the president (presumably, along with his Veep and national security advisor) on their report assessing Russias interference in the 2020 election. The second was the follow-on meeting, involving only Obama, Biden, Rice, Yates, and Comey. There were several more people in attendance at the first January 5 meeting. Strzok was deeply involved in the assessment report. I dont know how much staff the intel chiefs brought along to make their presentation to Obama, so I suppose its possible Strzok was there, but Ive never heard that before. Plus, Strzoks notes appear to refer to the follow-on meeting, involving only the five highest ranking officials. It is more likely, then, that Strzoks notes were taken when someone later briefed him about the White House meeting that Strzok did not attend. I am hypothesizing here, of course, but if Im right, we should bear in mind that the notes would reflect, at best, a second-hand account. That would not make them inaccurate, necessarily, but its worth bearing in mind. The difference between January 4 and 5 is significant, and not just because it is unlikely that there were two meetings involving the five major players. January 4 is the date of the closing memo the FBI had completed to shut down its case on Flynn due to lack of evidence that he was a clandestine agent of Russia. In addition to that memo, the Justice Department previously disclosed to Powell important texts from that day. On the afternoon of January 4, Strzok texted the Flynn case agent (believed to be Joe Pientka, though the name is redacted in the disclosure) and was relieved to learn that the Flynn case (Crossfire Razor) had not yet been formally closed in the bureaus files, even though nearly all the steps necessary to do so (including getting Comeys approval) had been taken. Strzok promptly reported that the case remained open to Lisa Page, McCabes counsel (and Strzoks paramour). She replied, phew . . . . But yeah, thats amazing that hes still open. Good I guess. Strzoks agreed: Yeah, our utter incompetence actually helps us. Strzok subsequently told Pientka, 7th floor involved meaning the FBIs top hierarchy, Comey and McCabe. The issue at the time was that the bureau need[ed] to decide to what to do with Flynn with respect to the [redacted]. I suspect whats redacted is a reference to the FlynnKislyak communications the FBI had intercepted. Pientka said, I heard that might be the case yesterday [i.e., January 3]. Did DD [i.e., Deputy Director McCabe] send that material over? As noted above, we know McCabe had become aware of the FlynnKislyak calls on January 3 because thats when he informed DOJs McCord about them. To recap: In the January 4 texts, Strzok observed that the FBIs brass was trying to figure out what to do about the new Flynn information (i.e., the intercepted Kislyak calls) and expressing relief that the case was still open i.e., the bureau would not have to come up with a reason to either reopen the case or start a new case, neither of which could have been justified by the non-incriminatory substance of Flynns discussions with the Russian ambassador. The newly revealed notes attributed to Strzok contain no reference to Obama, the Justice Department, or any White House meeting. It is likely, therefore, that on January 4, Strzok and others at the FBI were preparing for Comeys scheduled briefing of Obama the following morning. It is improbable that Obama, Biden, Rice, Yates, and Comey had a meeting on January 4, and then met again on January 5. Now, onto what Strzoks notes actually say. If I am right that they reflect what he was told about the January 5 meeting, which he did not attend, they dont tell us much that we didnt already know. The handwritten notes appear in our Zachary Evanss report, linked above. What follows is a rendering of what Strzoks chicken-scratch says, based on my discussion with others knowledgeable about the case and my own perusal. The notes refer to people by initials, so let me first interpret those: NSA is National Security Advisor Rice; D is Director Comey; DAG is Deputy Attorney General Yates; VP is Vice President Biden; and P is President Obama. There is also a reference that looks like Apple I am not convinced that Apple is what it says, nor do I know to whom or what it refers. Where Ive added explanatory observations, my initials ACM appear in the brackets. Here is what the notes say: NSA-D-DAG: Flynn cuts. Other countries [ACM: Im not confident in countries] D-DAG: Lean forward on unless [ACM: all of it is hard to make out, and Im not confident in unless] VP: Logan Act P: These are unusual times VP: Ive been [ACM: theres a scratch out] on the intel committee for ten years and I never P: Make sure you look at things and have the right people on it [ACM: over instead of at has also been suggested to me, but it looks like at.] P: Is there anything I shouldnt be telling transition team? D: Flynn -> Kislyak calls but appear legit Apple Happy New Year. Yeah right. Not very enlightening. Flynn cuts refers to summaries of communications intercepted under FISA. The notes suggest that Biden may have been a more active participant in the discussion than previously revealed. But that shouldnt surprise anyone: The former vice president is a garrulous sort. In any event, his reference to the Logan Act, in quotes, could well mean that he was repeating something someone else had already said rather than making a suggestion on his own. (McCords interview indicated that the absurd notion of prosecuting Flynn under the Logan Act may have originated in the ODNI, and it may have been developed in discussions between the ODNI and FBI. The Justice Department appears to have been skeptical about it, at least internally.) I do think that there is significance in Strzoks notation of Comey acknowledging that the FlynnKislyak calls appeared legitimate. Strzok was a high-ranking FBI official who (a) had contact with Comey, (b) was in regular communication with McCabes office, and (c) worked closely with other bureau people who had regular access to Comey and McCabe. As a result, he was in a position to know Comeys (and the FBIs) take on the FlynnKislyak calls. Furthermore, as I observed above, the FBI was very relieved that the Flynn case had not been closed in their filing system. That only makes sense if they suddenly wanted to continue the investigation despite the lack of a valid reason for doing so. If the bureau had believed the FlynnKislyak calls were incriminating, the agents would not have cared whether the case had been formally closed because theyd know they had well-founded reasons to reopen it. That said, it is not a revelation that Comey knew there was nothing illegitimate about the incoming national security advisors discussions with the Russian ambassador. We already knew, from New York Times reporting, that the FBI had told Obama advisers that there was no evidence of a corrupt quid pro quo in the FlynnKislyak calls. And we already knew from Susan Rices January 20, 2017, Note to File email that Comey told Obama there was no indication thus far that Flynn has passed classified information to Kislyak[.] Consequently, if Strzok was accurately reporting his own or some other bureau officials recollection that Comey said the FlynnKislyak calls appear legit, that confirms other accounts previously disclosed. In a nutshell, Strzoks notes are significant in what they confirm, but they probably do not reveal anything new. More from National Review The coronavirus pandemic has thrown a record number of New Jerseyans out of work. And although the state has paid out more than a million claims, many thousands of workers who lost jobs in March still have not received a penny in benefits. Thats three months of not being able to pay rent or buy food and other necessities. Three months of struggling to support themselves and their families during a pandemic. The state Department of Labor, buried under an unprecedented volume of claims, says it simply hasnt been able to catch up with all claims. Amid fears over backlash in India and calls from various quarters for boycotting of Chinese products, Chinese smartphone company Xiaomi has covered its Mi-Store showroom with 'Made In India' banners. The development comes days after its India unit Managing Director Manu Kumar Jain said Xiaomi was more Indian than many of India's handset companies. The smartphone maker is among several Chinese companies facing backlash after the recent India-China border standoff. Xiaomi brand name outside Mi-stores has been replaced by 'Made in India' banners in Kolkata. It's written in the company's brand colour, saffron, on a white background. Kumar on Thursday tweeted that he was "super proud to share that majority of our TVs are #MadeInIndia! We employ thousands of team members across our India factories". Jain had recently said that "mob mentality" will not impact the company's business in India. On average, the company sources 65 per cent of the components for its smartphones and TVs locally, Jain had said. The company has provided employment to 50,000 Indian employees, he said, adding that 100 per cent of the data of Indian users stay in the country. Also read: Colour codes for desi, foreign products? New rules to show country of origin The India smartphone market is dominated by Chinese players. The company, founded by Chinese billionaire Lei Jun along with six others in 2010, claims to be India's number one smartphone brand. As per Counterpoint, Xiaomi has the largest market share of 30 per cent in India, followed by Vivo and Samsung with 17 per cent and 16 per cent, respectively. Also read: Shutting doors to others will not help India, CEA on 'Boycott China' sentiment Despite the 'Boycott China' chorus, there seems to be little impact on the sale of Chinese smartphones though. Jain's Wednesday tweet says the company's new smartphone Redmi Note 9 ProMax was out of stock in less than "50 seconds". "Thank you all for your love and support. #NoMiWithouYou. All of us are working very hard to bring more quantity next week," he added. India's apex trade body CAIT has also released a list of over 500 Chinese products to be boycotted, which include FMCG products, consumer durables, toys, furnishing fabrics, textiles, builder hardware, footwear, apparel, kitchen items, among others. Also read: 'Don't promote Chinese goods': Traders body tells Kohli, Deepika, Ranbir, other celebs [June 25, 2020] NexJ Announces Election of Directors TORONTO, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - NexJ Systems Inc., (TSX: NXJ), delivering intelligent customer management solutions to the financial services industry, announced results from its 2020 annual meeting of shareholders held earlier today. All five of the nominees listed in NexJ's Management Information Circular dated May 11, 2020 and proposed by management for election to the board of directors at the annual meeting of shareholders were elected as directors of NexJ. The directors will remain in office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are elected or appointed. The proxies received by management were as follows: E. Scott Beattie Votes FOR: 12,053,216 WITHHELD: 411,597 K. Ian McPhee Votes FOR: 12,056,351 WITHHELD: 408,462 William F. Morris Votes FOR: 12,100,101 WITHHELD: 364,712 William M. Tatham Votes FOR: 11,351,816 WITHHELD: 1,112,997 David Yach Votes FOR: 12,097,001 WITHHELD: 367,812 About NexJ Systems Inc. NexJ Systems provides Intelligent Customer Management. Our award-winning CRM is designed to help Wealth Management, Private Banking, Corporate and Commercial Banking, and Insurance firms revolutionize their business. Powered by artificial intelligence, our products help drive productivity, boost client engagement, and increase revenue. With users in over 60 countries, our customers benefit from our deep expertise across financial services verticals, strategic investment in innovation, and commitment to their success. Based in Toronto, NexJ has clients throughout North America, Asia Pacific and in Europe. For more information about NexJ visit www.nexj.com, e-mail [email protected], or call 416-222-5611. Join us on LinkedIn, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, or like us on Facebook. SOURCE NexJ Systems Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Brian McFadden left Westlife fans in shock when he departed the band in 2004 before later joining supergroup Boyzlife in 2016. And despite the time lapse since his departure, Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid found herself puzzled while chatting to the star, 40, on Thursday as she asked him how things were going in Westlife. Far from being affronted with the gaffe, Brian confessed: 'Not going to lie I get a bit confused sometimes as well, and go hang on which band am I in again?' Brian appeared on the show to discuss his Smiling Sessions in care homes where he has been performing remotely during lockdown. When Susanna went on to ask Brian about his career elsewhere she suffered the gaffe and did not ask him about his supergroup where he stars alongside Keith Duffy from Boyzone, using their two names to make the supergroup name. Back in January last year, when Westlife made their return, Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily and Shane Filan's efforts received the seal of approval from Brian. Taking to Twitter at the time Brian shared a clip from their comeback song Helle My Love and wrote: 'Love it! Great song great production. The boys are back!' Which band? Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid found herself puzzled while chatting to Brian McFadden, 40, on Thursday as she asked him how things were going in Westlife Way back when: Brian left Westlife fans in shock when he departed the band in 2004 before later joining supergroup Boyzlife in 2016 (Westlife, pictured in 2000) Westlife soared to fame in 1998 when they were formed in Dublin, with the original line-up also featuring Brian, who later left in 2004. The group broke hearts of fans around the globe when they announced plans to disband in 2012 before all embarking on respective solo careers over the years. When their comeback was announced in October 2018, tongues were wagging and endless reports swirling over the state of the remaining members of Westlife's relationship with Brian, yet the boys insisted there is absolutely no bad blood. Kian told MailOnline: 'There's no feud with Brian full stop. It's a very simple case of Brian was a part of the band for the first five years and the band existed for eight years without him and when we got back together Westlife was a four... Oh my! Far from being affronted with the gaffe, Brian confessed: 'Not going to lie I get a bit confused sometimes as well, and go hang on which band am I in again?' 'He's part of a band that doesn't exist. There's no negativity, no bad blood. There's only positivity and it's a case that the Westlife we're members of, is a four. That's it.' Echoing the sentiment, Shane revealed his daughter saw an image of Brian on one of the group's earlier records and did not know who he was. He said: 'Our kids, might have seen a picture on a disc and my daughter saw him and was like, "Who's that guy?" Because she never knew him. It was 15 years ago. My daughter wasn't born and she's 13 now'. Mark continued: 'We wonder when we'll stop being asked about it because it was 15 years ago. There was never a question of Brian being involved.' An off-duty cop from Los Angeles claimed that he found a tampon in his Starbucks Frappuccino. The cop's police union immediately called out the act and stated that it was a disgusting assault on law enforcement. However, the internet says that there is no way that what the cop found was a tampon and the public is now questioning the narrative due to the increase of false alarms from the police. Tampon in the frapp The incident happened on June 19 at around 2:30 p.m. The 36-year-old off-duty LAPD cop stated that he ordered frappuccino at a Starbucks in Diamond Bar, California, which is a part of the LA County. But the incident only came out in a report on June 22 after a police report was filed, according to FOX11. FOX11 reported that the off-duty cop was not in uniform when he went to Starbucks. He used his police union debit card on his purchase, which was how he was identified as a cop, according to the police report. He then found what he believed a tampon in his frapp when he was halfway done with his drink. The LAPD union was quick to release a statement about the incident. According to the statement, the assault was disgusting and that it was done by someone who clearly hated the cops and who does not have human decency. The statement also read that they hope the person responsible for the incident will be fired, arrested, and prosecuted for the repugnant and cowardly action. The picture of the alleged tampon was posted online and it led to dozens of women dragging the cop on Twitter after they pointed out that what he found in his drink was not even a tampon. Also Read: FDA Warns Consumers to Avoid These 9 Hand Sanitizers With Fatal Ingredient The Starbucks branch where the cop bought his drink was located in Target, and its workers are employees of Target and not of Starbucks. According to Target's statement, they have reviewed the video footage and they have not found any suspicious behavior. The sheriffs of Los Angles are also reviewing the surveillance footage from the store. Other incidents The Starbucks incident comes a week after police officers from New York were allegedly poisoned by an employee of Shake Shack who was said to have put bleach on the milkshake of the three cops. According to The Post, the incident escalated from the three officers getting a bad batch of milkshakes without any criminal activity to allegations of workers hating the cops and are trying to harm the officers. This came at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement where the public is asking for the defunding of the police. On June 15, the three officers ordered milkshakes from Shake Shack and found that they tasted odd and smelled weird, they suspected that the beverages had bleach in them and threw the drinks away. The initial report stated that the three cops were hospitalized, but it turns out that they never felt sick according to Eater New York. The incident became a crime scene investigation and caution tape was even put up, evidence was collected and the Detective's Endowment Association claimed that the cops were deliberately poisoned. In Georgia, a female police officer, who was dubbed by the internet as "Officer Karen". According to the New York Post, the officer posted a video of her crying because her McMuffin from McDonald's was unusually late and she was scared that it may have been tampered with. Related Article: Six People Hospitalized After Sniffing 'Suspect Package' Which Turned Out to Be Durian Fruit @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Editor's Note: Get caught up in minutes with our speedy summary of today's must-read news stories and expert opinions that moved the precious metals and financial markets. Sign up here! (Kitco News) - Loncor Resources (TSX:LN) said Thursday it agreed to a joint venture with Barrick Gold to explore the Ngayu gold belt in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Ngayu gold belt lies approximately 220 kilometres from the Kibali gold mine, operated by Barrick. Kibali produced record gold production of 814,000 ounces of gold in 2019, at all-in sustaining costs of US$693/oz. Under the joint venture, Barrick will manage and fund all exploration of the properties until the completion of a pre-feasibility study. Once the joint venture committee has determined to move ahead with a full feasibility study, a special purpose vehicle would be created to hold the specific discovery areas. We are pleased to see Barricks confidence in the Ngayu gold belt continue to grow. This New Barrick JV further consolidates the control of the Ngayu gold belt by Loncor and Barrick as partners, said Arnold Kondrat, CEO of Loncor, in a news release. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 21:54:08|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MUMBAI, June 25 (Xinhua) -- India's largest consumer goods company -- Hindustan Unilever has announced to re-brand its fairness cream Fair & Lovely and will have a more inclusive vision of beauty, said the statement by Unilever's Indian subsidiary on Thursday. The company will stop using the word "Fair" in the brand name "Fair & Lovely", whose annual sales is estimated around 560 million U.S. dollars and the new name will be coined in next few months after receiving regulatory approvals. The move follows the global #BlackLivesMatter movement that has triggered several companies to reposition this product segment over gender discrimination following the death of George Floyd in United States. Last week, U.S. based Johnson & Johnson announced that it would exit the fairness cream category in India and the Middle East. "We are making our skin care portfolio more inclusive and want to lead the celebration of a more diverse portrayal of beauty. In 2019, we removed the two-faced cameo as well as the shade guides from the packaging of Fair & Lovely and the brand communication progressed from fairness to glow which is a more holistic and inclusive measure of healthy skin," said Sanjiv Mehta, Chairman and Managing Director, Hindustan Unilever, whose product touches the lives of nine out of ten households in the country. Enditem Mumbai, June 25 : In a bid to promote tourism, the Maharashtra government has cleared a proposal to permit temporary shacks - similar to Goa and other international seaside destinations - on select beaches dotting the state's long coastline. The decision for 8 beaches as a pilot project, was approved at a Cabinet meeting presided over by Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, an official said here on Thursday. The project will be kickstarted with shacks coming up on beaches in Guhagar and Arevare in Ratnagiri, Kunkeshwar and Tarkarli in Sindhudurg, Versoli and Diveagar in Raigad, and Kelve and Bordi in Palghar district, said Thackeray. Those interested in putting up such temporary shacks can apply through the state tourism website for 2021 and the policy will be implemented in phases in other beaches. With the approval of Maharashtra Coastal Area Management Authority, a licence for 3 years will be issued for the temporary/seasonal shacks on the land designated by the Department of Tourism. For a non-refundable application fee of Rs 15,000 and refundable security deposit of Rs 30,000, an entrepreneur awarded the project can construct a maximum of 10 such beach shacks, each measuring 15x15 and 12 feet high, with a permissible 20x15 feet roof for protected seating arrangements. The annual fee payable to the government for the shacks will be Rs 45,000 in the first year, Rs 50,000 the second year and Rs 55,000 in the final year of the contract. While 80 per cent of the allotments will be reserved for locals to create jobs and there will be other conditions like timings from 7 am - 7 pm, sound limits, with CCTV cameras, etc. Besides the state government has accorded in-principle approval to the policy of privatisation of properties owned by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Ltd (MTDC) for development of tourism-related projects. In the first phase, it will include MTDC resorts at Matheran, Mahabaleshwar, Ganpatipule, Harihareshwar, Tadoba, Fardapur, for a limited period of sub-leasing with annual rents. According to the Hungarian foreign minister, his country is interested in good neighborly relations. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto says Hungary seeks to resolve what he called language issues of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine's Zakarpattia region as soon as possible to unblock the meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Commission. "So far, we're blocking the Ukraine-NATO Commission meeting. We frankly said that, as soon as issues related to education and the rights of the Hungarian minority in education are resolved, we will remove this veto and ensure that the meeting of the Ukraine-NATO ministerial committee can take place. I really hope this will be the case," he said at a joint press conference with Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Kyiv following the meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Hungarian Commission on Economic Cooperation, an UNIAN correspondent reports. Szijjarto also said Hungary disagrees with claims that it is doing anything against Ukraine. "I'd like to emphasize Hungary is interested in good neighborly relations. We are interested in resolving our discussion issues related to the use of language in education as soon as possible, and this also applies to the fact that we want to continue cooperation in the field of economics, trade," he added. Read alsoUkraine's MFA: Two more elements required before Zelensky-Orban meeting could be held in July As UNIAN reported earlier, on May 29, Szijjarto said the blocking of the Ukraine-NATO Commission meeting at a high level was connected with the Ukrainian educational legislation and the language law. He said the three joint commissions of Ukraine and Hungary in June should agree on steps that will resolve disputed issues in relations between two countries. Relations between the two countries slid to a chill after the Ukrainian parliament in 2017 passed a new education law. Hungary has since then been blocking meetings of the Ukraine-NATO Commission, claiming alleged violation of rights of Hungarians living in Ukraine due to the provision of the law that determines that the language of command in educational facilities shall be the state language, which is Ukrainian. According to the conclusion of the Venice Commission of December 8, 2017, the Ukrainian authorities were recommended to balance the language-related provision in the education law. By Akbar Mammadov Azerbaijan has passed a law that imposes fines for the violation of the state language norms in media. President Ilham Aliyev signed a relevant law on June 23. President Ilham Aliyev signed a Law on the amendment to the Code of Administrative Offenses. According to this law, a new article Article 533-1 has been added to the Code of Administrative Offenses of Azerbaijan. This new article considers violations of the norms of the state language in the mass media and advertising media. The introduced fines range from AZN 100 to AZN 1,000. Thus, individuals will be fined from AZN 100 to AZN 200, officials from AZN 300 to AZN 400, legal entities from AZN 500 to AZN 1000 for violation of the state language norms in the media and advertising media. --- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Kosovo President Hashim Thaci has been charged with 10 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity for his role in the countrys conflict in the 1990s, a tribunal in The Hague said on Wednesday. Wartime intelligence chief and former parliamentary speaker Kadri Veseli is also accused of war crimes by specialist prosecutors before the Kosovo Specialist Chambers. Veseli has denied the accusations. The charges against both men were brought on April 24 but not revealed publicly at the time, prosecutors said in a statement. The indictment alleges that Hashim Thaci, Kadri Veseli and the other charged suspects are criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders, the statement added. The accused are also facing other charges such as enforced disappearance of persons, persecution and torture. The crimes alleged in the indictment involved hundreds of known victims of Kosovo Albanian, Serb, Roma, and other ethnicities and include political opponents. Prosecutors said they decided to make the accusations public because Thaci and Veseli had made repeated attempts to obstruct the KSC. The charges will now be put before a pre-trial judge at the KSC for a decision to confirm them, the prosecutors said. Wartime atrocities Thaci was preparing for a summit at the White House on Saturday with Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vucic and local media reports suggested he had already left for the US. But US special envoy to Serbia and Kosovo Richard Grenell, who organised the White House meeting, said in a tweet that Thaci had cancelled going to the summit following the charges in The Hague. I respect his decision not to attend the discussions until the legal issues of those allegations are settled, Grenell said. Talks will now go ahead with Kosovos new Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti, who has moved to ease friction with Serbia. Thacis office did not specify his whereabouts. But before the charges were announced he gave an interview in Albanian capital Tirana and was headed from there to Frankfurt, the journalist who interviewed him told AFP. The EU-backed tribunal was established in 2015 to investigate crimes by independence-seeking ethnic Albanian guerrillas against mainly Serb civilians during the 1998-1999 war. The conflict pitted Kosovo Liberation Army guerrillas seeking independence for the southern Serbian province of Kosovo against Serbias forces, who withdrew from the territory after an 11-week NATO bombing campaign. The tribunal was created after a Council of Europe report tied former guerrilla leaders, including Thaci, to atrocities. The court announced earlier this year that it had handed down its first indictments against high-ranking Kosovo officials without naming them, but speculation was already rife that it included Thaci. Asked in April whether he would resign if he was charged, Thaci told local media he was not even thinking about it and would respond positively if he was asked to appear at the tribunal. Serious indictments News of the indictment was met with caution by many in Pristina. This court, if it works properly, will clean up the KLAs war (record), because it is extremely certain that no KLA soldier who has worn the uniform has committed crimes against Serb civilians, Skender Musa, a lawyer told AFP. These are very serious indictments. I hope they are not true and we will prove our clean war, added Ermal Emini, an economist. Kosovos ex-prime minister, Ramush Haradinaj, resigned last July after being summoned by the prosecutor for interrogation as a suspect. Veseli said in November he had been summoned by the court to be questioned. The allegations raised are completely untrue and do not hold. There is also no basis for the accusations that we were impeding the work of the court, Veseli said in Pristina. The KSC opened its doors in The Hague as the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) was winding down after almost 25 years of prosecuting crimes committed in the Balkans after Yugoslavias break-up in the early 1990s. Haradinaj was acquitted of war crimes by the ICTY in 2012. Kosovos independence war claimed around 13,000 lives, the majority of whom were ethnic Albanians. The territory unilaterally declared its independence in 2008 with backing from the United States and most of the West. But Serbia and its allies China and Russia have never accepted the move, and the status of Kosovo remains a major source of tension in the Balkans. Maya Jama is the star of a new campaign with adidas Swim, promoting body confidence in the stunning new shots. The TV and radio star broke her social media break to share two of the images from her latest collaboration, wowing in a low-cut black swimsuit. The first shot shows Maya chilling in a swimming pool, showing off her incredible figure in the halter-neck swimsuit. Water baby: Maya Jama is the star of a new campaign with adidas Swim, promoting body confidence in the stunning new shots Another shot shared by the star gives a glimpse of behind the scenes at the shoot, as a gorgeous Maya gets her hair styled. The star shared a powerful message alongside the images, explaining the ethos behind the campaign. 'New campaign for adidas. Celebrating body confidence whilst swimming,' a proud Maya wrote. 'Its important to love and accept our bodies no matter the shape or size our bodies are powerful & WE ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL.' Gorgeous: The TV and radio star broke has social media break to share two of the images from her latest collaboration, wowing in a low-cut black swimsuit 'Also its bloody hot today so make sure you stay hydrated and enjoy it while it lasts,' she added about the current UK heatwave. As well as scoring big name campaigns, Maya is set to up her bank balance further with a massive new TV deal. After she stepped down from her Radio 1 show last month, BBC bosses are reportedly keen to offer Maya a big money deal, believing she can be as 'big as Holly Willoughby'. The channel is said to be lining up a big money deal to present to Maya to keep her from going to a rival network. New ventures: Maya announced she was stepping down from her role as BBC Radio 1 Breakfast host last month (pictured on May 2) A source told The Sun: 'Maya is seen as one of the biggest stars on the box right now and could easily go on to be as big as Holly Willoughby. 'At the moment shes tied to the BBC with her Saturday night show and the door remains open for her to return to Radio 1. 'But other major channels would also love to have her so the BBC know they need to make sure they dont lose her, she appeals to a younger audience and has a massive following on social media too so she ticks a lot of boxes for the BBC.' MailOnline has contacted the BBC and Maya's representatives for comment. Last month, BBC Radio 1confirmed Maya had 'made the difficult decision not to continue her contract' after two years due to other commitments. Last week, Maya signed off on Twitter telling fans she needed to take a detox because she was 'feeling overwhelmed'. Please register or log in to keep reading. No credit card required! Stay logged in to skip the surveys. "Sir, I am Olaf, son of Harald," said the boy. "Harald the king." "Olaf the son of Trygve was a great friend of the Christian faith. Will you be like the man whose name you bear?" "I wish to learn," said the boy. "Do you see this heap of burnt beams and stone?" They were walking near a church, newly built, but ruins lay nearby. "It once was a great cathedral. Our people destroyed it." "I don't understand," said the boy. "Why would they destroy their own church?" "I mean our people," said Robert, Archbishop of Rouen. "Men of the north. Have you been on many raids, Olaf Haraldsson?" The boy furrowed his brow. "Of course," he cried. "I love to fight!" "Do you wish to put on the full armor of God?" The archbishop stopped and gestured toward the great port city. "What kind of life is it, your raiding, your putting seacoast towns to the torch, when you go back to Norway and spend your time with goats and pigs and endless feuds with other raiders and sons of raiders? What is it for?" "I don't know," said the boy. "Look at me," said Robert. "We Normans are of your blood. It is time you joined us in the Christian faith, the true faith. It is time for more than raids and feuds. You are the son of a king. What is it to be a king?" Olaf would try to solve that riddle for the rest of his life. But in 1010, at the age of fifteen, he was baptized in Normandy. So began his remarkable career of fighting for a unified and free nation, Norway, and for the faith he accepted in Rouen. Sorting out the nations "Sire," said the young man, "I can take down those armies, if you wish." The English king shook his head. His name was Ethelred, and he would be called "the Unready," not because he wasn't prepared, but because he was sometimes given bad advice. So he hesitated. "Young man, the Danes hold the bridge. You can't get near them. They drop great stones from that height. They have crushed several of our ships. We must storm them from the land." A disastrous proposition, but Ethelred could think of nothing else. That, or surrender. The River Thames flowed on in its power past the city of London. The River Thames flowed on in its power past the city of London. "Let the responsibility be mine, and the loss be ours," said the lad, turning to his fair-haired countrymen. He bore a grudge against the Danes for having murdered his father. He craved action, too, and had been on many a Viking raid along the coasts of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. "Go then, and God be with you." "Which god?" asked the lad. The men he fought beside did not all agree. Ethelred shook his head. "There is only one." "I know it," said the boy. So the lad Olaf instructed his fellows from Norway what to do. They would not hurl spears or shoot arrows at the Danes. That would be suicide. Instead they rowed in their several ships up toward the bridge. Each ship was covered by a "roof" of planks bound up with hazel branches and supported by pillars underneath, so that the boulders would rebound from them without harm. When they were under the bridge, Olaf had them loop iron cables around each of the great piers. That done, he cried, "Row, my men! Row!" And the river's current and the men's strong arms wrenched the piles from their beds, and what with all the soldiers and their boulders atop, the bridge gave way London Bridge, falling down, as it is remembered in the nursery rhyme. The Danes drowned in the Thames or fled, and the English rebels gave way and acknowledged Ethelred as their king. So continued the historical movement that would leave Danes in charge in Denmark, and the Normans and English in charge of England. One of the Norse poets sang out, "Odin makes our Olaf win!" But Olaf did not believe in Odin. The lawgiver "It was the king's custom," says the author of the saga of Olaf, "to rise betimes in the morning, put on his clothes, wash his hands, and then go to the church and hear the matins and morning Mass. Thereafter he went to the Thing-meeting, to bring people to agreement with each other, or to talk of one or the other matter that appeared to him necessary." The Thing was what the people of the north called assemblies for the common good, the redress of grievances, and the settling of disputes. Olaf, crowned king in 1015 at the age of twenty, sought out all the "things" up and down the coast of Norway, to bring together the petty princes and landholders, and to see that one law would prevail in a united nation. Says another poet: The king, who at the helm guides His warlike ship through clashing tides, Now gives one law for all the land A heavenly law, which long will stand. It was light, breaking into darkness. Let's not be too romantic about the Viking culture. The great novelist of Norway, Sigrid Undset, tells what might have happened during a time of plague, when some of the Norse in desperation slid back into their pagan practices: the ritual sacrifice of a small boy, to placate the dark gods beneath the earth. The Vikings were skilled sailors, brave and ferocious in battle, more admirable in defeat than in victory, for they believed that a man should rather die on the field after his chief had fallen than flee and save his life. They had much going for them, but they did not have the truth. And we must not confine these Northmen to Scandinavia. They swarmed over all the seas, raiding ports from Sicily and Russia to Ireland and Iceland. They traveled overland and sailed down the great Russian rivers to Constantinople. Waves of German pagans and heretics had once toppled Roman rule in the west, to usher in several centuries of cultural decline. This last wave of German pagans acted as a brake against a Europe ready to burst out into one of the greatest cultural flowerings in the history of the world. The last pier of the old bridge would fall and a new bridge would be built up in its place: the Vikings would accept the Christian faith. King Olaf was a central figure at the change. Let one story suffice as an example. The farther north you went in Norway and the farther up the mountains, the more likely were the people to cling to their old gods. So Olaf went with his bishop to a place called Gudbrandsdal, governed by a man named Gudbrand, who had many warriors loyal to him. In a skirmish along the way, Olaf captured Gudbrand's son, but spared him and sent him home to his father, telling him that he would be coming soon to bring the law and the true faith. Gudbrand scoffed, but that night he dreamed of a man surrounded with light, who warned him that if he rose against King Olaf, he would get no glory of it, and his flesh would be meat for the ravens. When Olaf arrived at Gudbrandsdal, the people looked askance. They were set in their ways. Said Gudbrand to Olaf, "We don't know anything about this God of yours whom we cannot see. But we can see our god, and you will see him too, mighty and terrible. But if your God is so great, let him make it a cloudy day tomorrow, without rain, so that we may meet again." Olaf kept watch all night in prayer. The next day the weather was cloudy, without rain. Then one of Gudbrand's men challenged Olaf to ask God to make it clear and sunny the next day, so that they might fight, or be converted. Again Olaf kept watch and prayed. The next day the people brought out their god, the hammer-throwing Thor, a huge hollow statue inlaid with silver and gold. "Where is your God, Olaf?" they taunted. Olaf turned toward Kolbein, one of his men, armed with a big war-club. "When they look away from their idol, strike," he said. Then Olaf said to the people, "Your god is blind and deaf, and cannot even move unless somebody carries him. But our God is advancing in great light. Do you not see him?" He motioned toward the rising sun. The people turned to the east. Then Kolbein struck. The idol was shattered, and from its hollow innards came forth mice and snakes. Gudbrand's people fled in terror. But Gudbrand, he was a practical man. "This idol cannot help us," he said. "We will accept your God." So did the rest of the people of that valley. Olaf left them some teachers of the faith, and Gudbrand himself built their church. Exile and death Olaf's measures were often severe, and powerful rivals, joining with his perennial enemy Canute of Denmark, drove him into exile in Russia. Olaf returned, and was slain at the battle of Siklestad in 1031. He was only thirty-six years old. In a relatively short time, though, he had accomplished much, and the Norse people revered him as a patriot and a Christian king. Soon pilgrims came to visit his tomb in Trondheim, where many miracles were attributed to his intercession. He was canonized Saint Olaf in 1164. Coronavirus FAQ What is the coronavirus? The coronavirus outbreak started in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and has spread worldwide. The new virus causes a disease known as COVID-19. The virus is part of a larger family of coronaviruses, which can lead to illnesses ranging from a mild common cold to more severe respiratory diseases such as SARS and MERS. Who is at risk and what are the symptoms? Public health experts say the new coronavirus is more contagious than the seasonal flu. The majority of people who become sick experience mild symptoms, but some become more seriously ill. People who contract the virus can develop pneumonia, and some have died. People who are elderly or have underlying medical issues are at greater risk of becoming more severely sick. Symptoms of the virus include a cough, fever and shortness of breath. What should I do if I develop symptoms? The North Dakota Department of Health advises that people call their health care provider to tell them about recent travel or exposure, and to follow their guidance. Try to avoid contact with other people in the meantime. What can I do to prevent the virus from spreading? The health department advises that people wash their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds. People who are sick should stay home from work or school, both to protect themselves and others with whom they would come in contact. Avoid touching your face, cover a cough or sneeze with a tissue or an elbow, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, and avoid contact with people who are sick. Where can I find more information? People with coronavirus-related questions can call the state health department hotline at 866-207-2880. Those who need medical advice should contact their health care provider. The health department's online coronavirus page: www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's online coronavirus page: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov THE FAMILY HOLIDAY by Elizabeth Noble (Michael Joseph 7.99, 432pp) THE FAMILY HOLIDAY by Elizabeth Noble (Michael Joseph 7.99, 432pp) Charlie Chamberlain wants to mark his 80th birthday in style. He hires a fabulous Cotswolds house and invites his children and their families. Theyre a troubled bunch: Nick is recovering from the death of his wife and Laura from a painful split, made worse by her son being accused of a dreadful crime. Only wealthy banker Scott seems happy, with his shiny, glossy, superficial-seeming American wife, Heather. But in a clever reversal of expectation, theres much more to Heather than meets the eye. Beneath the perfect make-up and dazzling smile beats a kind heart and a capable energy. By the end of the break, everyones in better shape. Packing in the style detail and deftly weaving many narrative strands together, Noble produces an absorbing, moving and uplifting read. LIAR LIAR by Lesley Pearse (Michael Joseph 20, 384pp) by Lesley Pearse (Michael Joseph 20, 384pp) Its summer in the city 1970s West London to be precise. Junior reporter Amelia finds a young womans body on a rubbish heap. After she persuades her editor to let her interview the victims family, her journalistic career is launched. But more murders follow, revealing the existence of a serial killer called the Chiswick Creeper. Amelias dogged pursuit of the story takes her via a violent relationship to the realisation that the murderer is someone she knows. As ever with Pearse, theres a grim backstory of difficult families and challenging circumstances. But there are good people, too, and the accessible prose and pacy plot make for a compelling page-turner. I particularly enjoyed the carefully maintained period flavour. THE GREEK HOLIDAY THE GREEK HOLIDAY by Maeve Haran (Pan 8.99, 368pp) by Maeve Haran (Pan 8.99, 368pp) Four middle-aged women pals recreate their student trip to Greece. Theyve all got problems theyre leaving behind. Nells divorce means relations with her daughter are still strained and The Other Granny has the monopoly over her granddaughter. Moira, a dry-stick academic, has been retired by her Cambridge college and has no idea what to do next. Penny is escaping ghastly husband Colin while Dora, a top London PR, wants to forget a professional disaster. On the idyllic, little-known island of Kyri, the four of them find solutions to their troubles, new love and a classical drama in which a statue of Aphrodite has been stolen by the local baddies. An engaging romance mixing heartwarming friendship with gentle humour in a gorgeous summer setting. A worker takes a measurement as they prepare to box the Christopher Columbus statue in Marconi Plaza in Philadelphia, Pa. on June 16, 2020. Read more The Christopher Columbus statue in South Phillys Marconi Plaza has been a site of tension over the last few weeks, including earlier this week, when armed white South Philadelphians provoked a brawl with Black Lives Matter protesters. The city yesterday announced plans to remove the statue. And in Fishtown, officials are investigating how police handled assaults against protesters during a June 1 demonstration. Over the Delaware River in New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy announced yesterday that people entering from certain states will have to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival because of rising coronavirus cases in those states. Josh Rosenblat (@joshrosenblat, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) Mayor Jim Kenney said yesterday that he will ask the Art Commission on July 22 to approve the removal of the Christopher Columbus statue in South Philly because of ongoing public safety concerns about the presence of armed individuals at Marconi Plaza. This statue in particular has become a point of conflict in recent weeks, as have other statues in other cities. Tensions seemed to boil over Tuesday, when police arrested four people, including a South Philadelphia man depicted in a video repeatedly using a racial slur and punching a Black photographer in the jaw. He was charged with assault, ethnic intimidation, and other charges. The events that unfolded on the night of June 1 in Fishtown are now being investigated by the District Attorneys Office and the Police Departments Internal Affairs Division. Theyre looking into potential wrongdoing by Capt. William Fisher and his subordinates as protesters and an agitated mob of white men, some with bats and metal pipes, squared off near the citys 26th District station, my colleagues Wendy Ruderman, William Bender, and Barbara Laker report. That night, dozens of Fishtown residents called 911 or the 26th District directly to say they felt unsafe. Between 4 and 10 p.m., there were 36 reports of a person with a weapon, but no arrests were made on any charge within a half-mile of the district headquarters, according to records. Investigators are now wading through photos and videos that surfaced on social media and were spread across the country. Theyre part of whats fueling a growing sense that policing in both Philadelphia and the nation is unequal and broken. As coronavirus cases continue to rise in parts of the South and West, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, as well as the governors of New York and Connecticut, said visitors and residents from eight states will be required to quarantine for 14 days. Those restrictions went into place at midnight. For now, the states covered in the new advisory are Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. Heres more on what you need to know about why the restrictions are in place and how long they might last. What you need to know today Through your eyes | #OurPhilly Ive never seen Atlantic City from this view. Thanks for sharing, @elevated.angles. 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 If you pay attention, you can hear the sound of this weight in voices that sometimes crack while trying to conceal disappointment and frustration and righteous rage. ... In the daily struggle to breathe in a society still weighed down by centuries of racism, still expecting those most marginalized to carry the baggage and burden. writes columnist Helen Ubinas about the sound of oppression. Columnist Solomon Jones writes about President Donald Trumps rally in Tulsa, Okla., where, according to Jones, Trump proved that hes only loyal to himself. With multiple crises facing Philadelphia, its a bad time for City Council to take its summer break, the Inquirer Editorial Board writes. What were reading Your Daily Dose of | The UpSide When a 10-year-old Audubon, Camden County, boy was reported missing in early June, the Haddonfield polices search team was called in to help. A bloodhound named Blue and his human partner jumped in, with Blues trained nose finding the young boy within 15 minutes. Lara Flynn Boyle was spotted stocking up on groceries in Los Angeles this Wednesday in a rare public sighting. The 50-year-old took the precaution of putting on a face mask for her outing amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. She opted for a California casual look, wearing a checked shirt and jeans with a pair of green shades and a glittering necklace. The essentials: Lara Flynn Boyle was spotted stocking up on groceries in Los Angeles this Wednesday in a rare public sighting Lara was glimpsed walking her dog in Los Angeles earlier this month - the first time she was snapped out in public in two years. Back in 2018 she hit the headlines when she was seen holding a Johnnie Walker Red Label bottle to her mouth as she drove. The Iowa-born actress broke into Hollywood in the 1980s, getting a Screen Actors Guild card via a bit part in Ferris Bueller's Day Off. She earned even greater fame on the David Lynch series Twin Peaks from 1990 to 1991 and became romantically involved with her co-star Kyle MacLachlan. Out and about: The 50-year-old took the precaution of putting on a face mask for her outing amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic Her dating history has also included Jack Nicholson, who is 33 years her senior, as well as actor and comedian David Spade. She was married to one John Patrick Dee III from 1996 to 1998 and has been married to her current husband, real-estate investor Donald Ray Thomas II, since 2006. Lara earned an Emmy nomination on The Practice and has also acted in such films as Wayne's World, Dead Poets Society, Red Rock West and Men In Black II. The last completed project Lara has acted in was the 2015 family comedy Lucky Dog, according to her IMDb page. The look: She opted for a California casual look, wearing a checked shirt and jeans with a pair of green shades and a glittering necklace She gave a rare interview to the Hollywood Reporter in October 2017 as the #MeToo movement began to take off. When she was asked if she was 'ever mistreated in your career' she replied: 'Oh, all the time. All the time! It happens all the time.' She said of her response: 'I looked at it on two levels: Do I want to flip burgers, or do I want to put up with someone not being appropriate with me? I chose the other side.' Lara explained that the experience 'still stays with you. You still remember things that were not quite appropriate, but you move on and that's all you can do I guess. I support all the actresses that have come forward.' Image: Twitter/@PypAyurved Amid the ongoing controversy over Patanjali Ayurveda's Coronil medicine as a "cure" for coronavirus infection, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, on June 25, warned the yoga guru Baba Ramdev that the state government would not allow the sale of 'spurious' medicines. Patanjali Ayurveda, while presenting the Coronil medicine on June 23, claimed that it had found a cure for coronavirus infection. The National Institute of Medical Sciences, Jaipur will find out whether clinical trials of @PypAyurved's 'Coronil' were done at all. An abundant warning to @yogrishiramdev that Maharashtra won't allow sale of spurious medicines. #MaharashtraGovtCares#NoPlayingWithLives ANIL DESHMUKH (@AnilDeshmukhNCP) June 24, 2020 "The National Institute of Medical Sciences, Jaipur will find out whether clinical trials of @PypAyurved's 'Coronil' were done at all. An abundant warning to @yogrishiramdev that Maharashtra won't allow sale of spurious medicines. #MaharashtraGovtCares #NoPlayingWithLives," the minister tweeted. Hours after the launch of Coronil, the Union AYUSH Ministry asked the firm to provide the details, telling it to stop advertising it till the issue was examined. 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 Coronavirus India News LIVE Updates At the launch, the company had claimed that its medicine can cure the contagious disease within seven days. It said Coronil, taken along with another product developed by it, had shown a 100 per cent success rate in clinical trials on infected patients, except those on life support. Ramdev had said the medicines were developed by Patanjali Research Center, Haridwar in association with privately-owned National Institute of Medical Science, Jaipur. Follow our full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic here HIGHLAND PARK, MI Magna International will expand its manufacturing facility in Highland Park after being awarded two new full-seating assembly contracts and incentives from the state of Michigan. The seating assembly plant expansion is expected to yield 480 new jobs, including 300 at entry level, and a $35.4 million private investment, according to a Michigan Economic Development Corporation news release. There are currently about 625 employees at the facility, 12800 Oakland Park Blvd. The plan comes as the auto supplier sector faces hard times after downtown and long restart process related to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. This is great news for Michigan workers, their families, and our economy as a whole as we lay a path for economic recovery and growth here in our state, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. The project includes a 5,000-square-foot expansion to the Highland Park site along with remodeling of the current facility, redesigning assembly lines, and adding two new automated store and retrieval shipping systems, 100 parking spaces and three shipping docks, The Detroit News reports. The MEDCs Michigan Stategic Fund board on Tuesday approved a $2.1 million Michigan Business Development performance-based grant for the project and a five-year, 100-percent State Essential Services Assessment exemption valued at $326,678. The MEDC says the incentives were critical to Magna choosing the Highland Park site over one in Moore, South Carolina, which already has space available to carry out the contract work. The full-seating assembly contracts run through 2026 and 2027, The Detroit News reports. We take great pride in being part of the auto industry, in making great seats for our customers, and in helping do our part for a safe and productive economic recovery, said Magna Seating President John Wyskiel. Magna has 30 facilities in Michigan, employing more than 10,000 people. Individuals can apply for jobs with Magna in several ways: Email Michigan Works Highland Park division at manufacturingjobs@mhrdi.org Online at www.magna.com/careers , search Highland Park location. In person at 12800 Oakland Park Blvd. in Highland Park Magna is a mobility technology company with more than 60 years in the automotive supply industry. In addition to complete seat systems Magna makes everything from mirrors and powertrains to electronics and body & chassis systems. It is the only auto supplier to engineer and assemble complete vehicles. The COVID-19 pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on justice systems all over the world. Courts are closing, reducing or adjusting their operations, affecting justice services, especially for marginalized groups. Structural inequalities are exacerbated as the economic fallout of the crisis unfolds and legal problems related to detention, employment, housing, and debt are on the rise. Risks of violence against women and children have increased, especially as many of us are confined at home. As we move to address some of these unprecedented challenges, the crisis also presents an opportunity to rethink how to ensure access to justice for all. UNDP and UNODC recently launched a guidance on Ensuring Access to Justice in the Context of COVID-19 which attempts to unpack what it means to safeguard timely, fair and effective justice as countries grapple with different stages of the crisis. The report reflects on how the crisis is affecting justice systems and points to a range of entry points to uphold human rights and adopt a people-centred approach to justice issues emerging due to the pandemic. First, the COVID-19 crisis has compromised justice. Groups that have faced discriminatory obstacles in the past now face even greater challenges. For people in detention, in addition to health risks, there are many issues related to prolonged imprisonment or pretrial detention due to postponed hearings or limited access to legal aid. In South Sudan, for example, UNDP has prioritized supporting the National Prisons Service with advice as well as information and communication materials to raise awareness among inmates and guards on the spread of COVID-19, alongside supporting national prosecutors and judges to expedite the decongestion of prisons and police detention cells through the application of the laws on bail and parole including through use of remote hearings and providing protective equipment. The data also indicates that gender-based violence is rising during the lockdown period and there is an urgency to address justice for women. At a minimum, courts need to be able to prioritize and hear urgent cases such as those related to gender-based violence. This needs to be complemented by preparing for an increase in demand for emergency hotlines, shelters, essential housing, legal aid, and police and justice services. In Fiji, UNDP is working with a civil society organization, Empower Pacific, to provide counselling and referrals including for gender-based violence. However, in many places the delays affecting the justice system are also impacting the ability to seek accountability. In DR Congo, COVID-19 has for now meant the suspension of investigation and prosecution efforts to address conflict-related sexual violence. Second, the oversight role of the judiciary is critical to make sure international human rights standards are respected during emergencies. Emergency regulations should be proportionate, non-discriminatory, time bound, strictly related to the contagion and subject to review. In Lebanon, Ukraine, Yemen, Kyrgyzstan and Zambia, UNDP is supporting new standard operating procedures and guidelines for law enforcement to guarantee accountability and people-centred approaches to protect and uphold human rights while enforcing COVID-19 related restrictions. Third, the crisis offers an opportunity to innovate. How can we better deliver justice and embrace digital transformation? As the justice sector puts in place business continuity plans, including for remote functioning, we can learn from this and identify what to retain in the future to better enable access to justice through technology. While seizing the opportunity to modernize the judiciary, a conscious effort must be made to harness technology to make sure that no one is being left behind the digital divide. In Pakistan, UNDP with the Peshawar High Court is establishing 14 virtual courts to ensure expeditious disposal of civil and criminal cases and provide opportunities for lawyers, parties and witnesses to join court proceedings through video. In Serbia, UNDP helped in setting up virtual meetings of police, prosecutors and social workers to expedite handling of cases of domestic violence and in Montenegro, UNDP together with the government developed a Be safe mobile app that enables victims of domestic violence to quickly request help. Equally important will be to put in place adequate privacy and security protection for users. In both Ukraine and Montenegro, UNDP is providing policy advice to the national authorities on privacy and data protection in deployment of COVID-19 digital solutions. Innovations and partnerships with bar associations, civil society, and the private sector to improve legal aid and assistance and rights awareness will be fundamental to delivering quality justice services to all. As an example, UNDP in Kyrgyz Republic has partnered with the private pro bono lawyers and tech companies to provide online free legal aid and support to survivors of sexual violence during quarantine. Finally, the long-term impact of the crisis accelerates us towards a tipping point. We need build an inclusive social contract. COVID-19 has exposed glaring inequalities and inequities. It has highlighted that without protecting the most marginalized and furthest behind, no one is safe. As people feel the brunt of both the public health and socio-economic impact of the crisis, the demand for meaningful change is rising, with worldwide movements demanding equality and social justice. People are asking who has justice, who is denied justice, and on whose terms these judgements are made? A new normal cannot simply restore justice services to their previous state. We need to reimagine how justice can truly be accessible and uphold the rights of people who have long experienced injustice and discrimination in order to secure a more inclusive social contract. SAN ANTONIO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV), a leading maker of International brand commercial trucks, proprietary diesel engines and IC Bus brand school and commercial buses, today joins the City of San Antonio, Bexar County and the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation (SAEDF) in a virtual groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate construction of Navistar's new industry-leading manufacturing facility in San Antonio. The virtual groundbreaking ceremony can be viewed at https://youtu.be/CoqC6erF-x8. Ceremony speakers include Navistar executives Troy A. Clarke, chairman, president and chief executive officer; Persio Lisboa, executive vice president and chief operating officer; and Mark Hernandez, senior vice president, global manufacturing. Texas leaders Governor Greg Abbott; City of San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg; Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff; City of San Antonio Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran; San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh; and SAEDF CEO Jenna Saucedo-Herrera also joined in the celebration. "This groundbreaking ceremony marks a milestone for us in the development of our new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility," said Clarke. "We are excited to become part of the San Antonio community and we're confident this facility will reinforce Navistar's gains in the marketplace." Located near Interstate 35, off U.S. Highway 281 and the frontage road connecting to Mitchell Lake Trailhead, the new 900,000-square-foot plant will have the capacity to produce Class 6-8 vehicles. Vehicle production at the facility is scheduled to begin early 2022, bringing more than 600 jobs to the San Antonio area. "It's an honor to welcome Navistar into the Lone Star State's thriving community of innovation, technology and economic momentum," said Greg Abbott, governor of Texas. "The state's partnership with a leader in commercial vehicle innovation will fuel Texas' COVID-19 recovery by providing great job opportunities to our diverse and highly skilled manufacturing workforce." The more than $250 million investment in Texas is a key component to the company's "Navistar 4.0" growth strategy. The location of the San Antonio plant allows for significant logistics improvements and a consolidation of the company's supply base. The new facility will also incorporate the latest manufacturing principles digital factory, connected machinery, robust lean manufacturing processes and cloud analytics to enable predictive quality and maintenance, and allow data-driven decisions to be made on the shop floor in real time. "We are excited to launch Manufacturing 4.0 concepts at our new facility, as these advancements will reduce manufacturing complexity and increase quality," said Persio Lisboa, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Navistar. "Sharing these new industrial advances and Manufacturing 4.0 concepts with our existing plants is an additional benefit we anticipate from our experience with this new facility." The industry-leading facility will include a general assembly line, body shop, paint shop and logistics center, as well as a truck specialty center, to make aftermarket modifications on-site. About Navistar Navistar International Corporation (NYSE: NAV) is a holding company whose subsidiaries and affiliates produce International brand commercial trucks, proprietary diesel engines, and IC Bus brand school and commercial buses. An affiliate also provides truck and diesel engine service parts. Another affiliate offers financing services. Additional information is available at www.Navistar.com. All marks are trademarks of their respective owners. SOURCE Navistar International Corporation Related Links http://www.navistar.com Massachusetts state officials will discuss new guidelines under which K-12 schools can reopen for the 2020-2021 school year. The announcement will be held at noon on Thursday with Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito joined by Secretary of Education James Peyser and Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey Riley. The decision to reopen schools was based in part because of the lower infection rate of COVID-19 among children and the negative impact of keeping children out of the classroom. The guidance includes new rules regarding face coverings and social distancing within schools. In a Suffolk University/MassLive poll released Wednesday respondents were split on whether they thought it was safe to send children back to schools for in-person learning, with 50.8% of respondents indicating they do not yet feel comfortable sending kids back to the classroom. Massachusetts health officials on Wednesday announced another 48 coronavirus deaths, bringing the statewide count to 7,938. Of the 48 deaths, 6 are considered probable COVID-19 deaths. Officials also confirmed another 172 cases of the virus, including 61 probable cases. Thats based on 7,369 molecular tests and 532 antibody tests reported on Wednesday. There are now at least 107,611 cases of the virus in Massachusetts, according to the states Department of Public Health. Massachusetts has reported a steady decline in COVID-19 cases as the United States hit a new single-day record this week. 38,115 new infections were reported by health departments across the U.S. on Wednesday, beating the past record set in late April. California, Florida and Texas as reported more than 5,000 new cases within each state. Watch the press conference, scheduled to start at noon, below: Related Content: Examining media coverage of protests worldwide As anti-racism solidarity protests continue around the world, new research suggests mainstream media have a tendency to focus on the violence and spectacle of a protest rather than the substance. That mentality and approach need to change according to Summer Harlow, assistant professor of journalism at the University of Houston Jack J. Valenti School of Communication. "How journalists cover protests and social movements matters because the more delegitimizing the coverage is the less likely the public is to support it," said Harlow, lead author of the study published online in the Journal of Journalism Studies. "Reporters should focus on the real issues, not just the violence you see on television or read about in newspapers between police and protestors or the inconvenience to bystanders. It hurts a movement's ability to be successful." Harlow and co-authors Danielle Kilgo at the University of Minnesota; Ramon Salaverria at University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain; and Victor Garcia-Perdomo at the University of La Sabana in Bogota, Colombia, examined the way protests are covered across mainstream, alternative and digital-only media outlets. The team analyzed more than 1,400 news articles in English and Spanish from 2015 spanning the globe related to human rights/justice, anti-government/corruption and socio-economic issues, among others. The articles had been shared on Twitter and Facebook allowing the researchers to consider the correlation between story characteristics and social media user engagement. The researchers found the type of protest, location of protest and type of media outlet were significantly related to whether these stories stuck to the protest paradigm - a pattern of negative coverage of protests, especially when the events are anti-status quo, that demonizes protesters and marginalizes their causes. "This goes back to traditional journalistic practices and values. If you are a journalist on a deadline, you rely on official sources such as law enforcement for information. As a result, protestors are seen as less credible and the reason why they are so upset gets lost in the coverage," explained Harlow, whose body of research centers on how news media cover protests and the relationship between journalists and activists. Previous research shows news coverage that follows the paradigm uses four frames, three of which delegitimize the root of the cause: riot, a focus on the violence; confrontation, a focus on clashes between protestors and police; spectacle, a focus on the drama or emotions; and debate - a media frame that legitimizes viewpoints and demands by emphasizing the reasons for the protest. In applying this framing to stories shared on social media, the study reveals articles published about socio-economic and human rights/justice protests in Europe, for example, focused less on confrontation and more on the debate. In Latin America/Caribbean and Asia, social media users leaned more towards the spectacle with a tendency to highlight the drama, oddity and circus of protests in these regions. Harlow, who will teach a course about media and social justice this fall, says recent protests in the United States over the killing of George Floyd and in support of Black Lives Matter, offer opportunities for all media outlets to improve their coverage. "George Floyd represents this moment where journalists can take what they've been doing all this time and change it," she said. "There's been this collective wake-up call among journalists who are now questioning the way it's always been done, and that maybe they haven't been doing it the right way." ### As anti-racism solidarity protests continue around the world, new research suggests mainstream media have a tendency to focus on the violence and spectacle of a protest rather than the substance. That mentality and approach need to change according to Summer Harlow, assistant professor of journalism at the University of Houston Jack J. Valenti School of Communication. "How journalists cover protests and social movements matters because the more delegitimizing the coverage is the less likely the public is to support it," said Harlow, lead author of the study published online in the Journal of Journalism Studies. "Reporters should focus on the real issues, not just the violence you see on television or read about in newspapers between police and protestors or the inconvenience to bystanders. It hurts a movement's ability to be successful." Harlow and co-authors Danielle Kilgo at the University of Minnesota; Ramon Salaverria at University of Navarra in Pamplona, Spain; and Victor Garcia-Perdomo at the University of La Sabana in Bogota, Colombia, examined the way protests are covered across mainstream, alternative and digital-only media outlets. The team analyzed more than 1,400 news articles in English and Spanish from 2015 spanning the globe related to human rights/justice, anti-government/corruption and socio-economic issues, among others. The articles had been shared on Twitter and Facebook allowing the researchers to consider the correlation between story characteristics and social media user engagement. The researchers found the type of protest, location of protest and type of media outlet were significantly related to whether these stories stuck to the protest paradigm - a pattern of negative coverage of protests, especially when the events are anti-status quo, that demonizes protesters and marginalizes their causes. "This goes back to traditional journalistic practices and values. If you are a journalist on a deadline, you rely on official sources such as law enforcement for information. As a result, protestors are seen as less credible and the reason why they are so upset gets lost in the coverage," explained Harlow, whose body of research centers on how news media cover protests and the relationship between journalists and activists. Previous research shows news coverage that follows the paradigm uses four frames, three of which delegitimize the root of the cause: riot, a focus on the violence; confrontation, a focus on clashes between protestors and police; spectacle, a focus on the drama or emotions; and debate - a media frame that legitimizes viewpoints and demands by emphasizing the reasons for the protest. In applying this framing to stories shared on social media, the study reveals articles published about socio-economic and human rights/justice protests in Europe, for example, focused less on confrontation and more on the debate. In Latin America/Caribbean and Asia, social media users leaned more towards the spectacle with a tendency to highlight the drama, oddity and circus of protests in these regions. Harlow, who will teach a course about media and social justice this fall, says recent protests in the United States over the killing of George Floyd and in support of Black Lives Matter, offer opportunities for all media outlets to improve their coverage. "George Floyd represents this moment where journalists can take what they've been doing all this time and change it," she said. "There's been this collective wake-up call among journalists who are now questioning the way it's always been done, and that maybe they haven't been doing it the right way." ### This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Mitchell Kukulka. Monday, June 22 9:45 p.m. Officers responded to a report of domestic assault in the 1400 block of Waldo Court. 9:24 p.m. A deputy responded to a Jerome Township location in reference to a report of two unknown male teenagers arguing in the street. The deputy checked the area, but was unable to locate the subjects. 5:28 p.m. Deputies were dispatched to a Village of Sanford residence for a report of an assault. The 57-year-old female victim stated she was punched in the face by a 56-year-old Lincoln Township man following a confrontation in Sanford. The woman did not have any injuries. The man was later located and arrested. The man resisted the deputy during the arrest, and was taken to the Midland County Jail. 11:52 a.m. Officers responded to a report of malicious destruction of property in the 1700 block of South Saginaw Road. 8:37 p.m. A deputy responded to a Mills Township residence for a damaged mailbox complaint. Contact was made with the complainant, a 67-year-old woman, who reported someone pulled her mailbox out of the ground and threw it in the ditch. There was no damage to the mailbox, and there are no suspects at this time. 7:51 a.m. A deputy responded to a Warren Township location for a report of an alarm. Contact was made with a 58-year-old man who said the alarm was activated in error. 6:40 a.m. Deputies responded to a car-deer crash in Lee Township. 5:49 a.m. Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the area of Sturgeon Avenue and Letts Road. 5:39 a.m. Officers responded to an assault in the area of South Saginaw Road and Eastlawn Drive. 5:06 a.m. Deputies were dispatched to a Greendale Township residence for a 33-year-old woman who reported she was assaulted by her 53-year-old girlfriend. The women live in Washington and were in Greendale Township visiting family. The 33-year-old sustained minor injuries, and the 53-year-old was arrested for domestic assault and transported to the Midland County Jail. 12:24 a.m. A deputy made telephone contact with a Coleman woman who said she received death threats from her niece's current boyfriend. The woman stated her niece's boyfriend has a child in common with a friend, and is upset he was not able to see his child today. The woman said she would seek a Personal Protection Order. By Akbar Mammadov NATO allies value the relationship with Azerbaijan, French Ambassador to Azerbaijan Zacharie Gross wrote on his Twitter page on June 24. "NATO allies value the relationship with Baku in an uncertain regional and international security context," Gross noted. The French envoy said that Azerbaijan's cooperation and partnership with NATO is practically the same age as the very independence and sovereignty of Azerbaijan. "This is of course not a coincidence," he added. Gross made his comments while re-tweeting the post of the Mission of Azerbaijan to NATO, which reads that "with its numerous Partnership Staff Post (PSP) officers serving in different NATO Headquarters, Azerbaijan is proud to contribute to military cooperation within NATO. It should be noted that earlier, the official website of NATO shared an article titled "We contribute to international stability" in which the picture of an Azerbaijani serviceman was also published. It was highlighted in the article that over the 25 years, the Alliance has developed a network of partnerships with non-member countries from the Euro-Atlantic area, the Mediterranean and the Gulf region, and other partners across the globe. -- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal It began in early May when officials learned a staff member at the Otero County prison tested positive for COVID-19. We asked that individual to be removed from shift, and then we traced their activity, said New Mexico Corrections Secretary Alisha Tafoya Lucero. Then on May 15, the first inmate started showing symptoms. From there, cases skyrocketed to more than 400 inmates or 76% and the prison seems unable to shake the virus. Eight inmates are now hospitalized, and three inmates from that prison have died. State health and corrections officials conceded Wednesday during an online briefing that all they can do is try to slow the spread. Health Secretary Dr. Kathy Kunkel said she believes that state corrections officials are doing everything they can despite the staggering number of cases. When you have a dorm style, cots 3 feet apart, its almost impossible to overcome it, she said, adding that officials continue to look for additional infection control techniques and solicit outside advice. Health Department epidemiologist Dr. Chad Smelser called it a very sneaky virus. Its efficient at moving around in populations, and its particularly good at the congregate setting such as this, he said. If you asked me, Would you be able to fully control it in a setting like this? my answer would always be, I highly doubt it. I think you do your best and be very aggressive. Protocols and problems During the briefing, Smelser, Kunkel and Tafoya Lucero outlined protocols in use, population reductions and difficulties theyve faced, including a lack of cooperation from federal agencies that share the Otero County Prison Facility and run other prisons in the state. Smelser and Kunkel praised the aggressive testing being done by NMCD over 5,000 tests statewide and said Health Department is pleased that much of the outbreak is in one facility. And to help make space and mitigate spread, Tafoya Lucero said the Corrections Department, at 80% capacity, has set a goal to reduce the population to 75% by the end of July through reviewing technical parole violators for re-parole consideration and working with county jails to explore options for relocation. In one such move, the department transferred 39 inmates from Otero County to the Penitentiary of New Mexico. As for the parole review, Tafoya Lucero said officials have released 71 inmates and continue to review individuals every day and release people that meet those criteria. The department is conducting weekly testing of all staff and testing inmates in isolated units every two to three days. Since March, Tafoya Lucero said, officials have implemented face coverings, increased sanitation, daily screening for incoming staff and social distancing when possible. They isolate inmates, asymptomatic from symptomatic, positive from negative and those who have recovered. Staffers who work in the medical wing with both state and federal inmates are isolated from the rest of the facility, and those who transport inmates to hospitals follow a very robust protocol, which includes quarantining in COVID-hotels before they return. But, Tafoya Lucero said of staffers, they definitely socialize with one another sometimes theyre roommates, or they carpool together. While weve done everything we can do to separate the two populations, there is still that human factor of people spending time with one another, she said. Shared campus, spread With Otero County Prison Facility being an unenviable model of virus spread in state prisons, the facility also shares its property and out-of-control infection rate with the U.S. Marshals and Immigrations and Customs Enforcements Otero County Processing Center. There are 275 cases among federal inmates at the Otero County Prison and 146 among detainees at the federal Otero County Processing Center. Although the state and federal agencies see the same issues, state corrections officials say the response has been much different. Multiple spokespeople with the private company that runs the federal facility and the U.S. Marshals Service did not respond to numerous questions and messages seeking comment. Were trying to work and engage with them, get them on board to do the same types of things that we are doing, Tafoya Lucero said, adding she also asked federal agencies to halt inmate transfers into locations with COVID-19 cases and to not allow staff to crisscross between the federal facilities. For instance, Kunkel said DOH provided standards and more than 500 kits to Otero County Processing Center with the expectation that they would adapt the aggressive testing seen at NMCD, but that has not been the case. We are supporting them, but the federal government could much more easily and much more effectively step in and protect these populations, she said. Kunkel said she believes the most effective intervention could come from New Mexicos congressional delegation as the DOH doesnt have that type of clout. With the federal facilities, in all honesty, weve had more difficulty with communication, Smelser said. Federal inmates scared Attorney Margaret Strickland, in an interview with the Journal, said two of her clients, both federal inmates at Otero County Prison, caught the virus. They are very scared, she said. Strickland has been told guards in the federal facility are going between pods without changing gloves or disinfecting and distributed one mask per inmate but with no opportunity to wash them. She said they have increased testing, but that was only recently. Her biggest concern now is the lack of information as she tries to secure release for her clients, who are behind bars on nonviolent charges. Your clients call you to find out whats going on, and you say, I dont know and I dont have any way to find reliable information for you, she said. Strickland added, We were assured that everything was OK, we didnt have anything to worry about and now theres been this huge outbreak and were still getting the same line, that everythings OK. Its about 10 minutes into our conversation that Maxine Peake first calls for the destruction of capitalism. Weve got to save humanity, says the venerated actor and activist, who in her youth was a card-carrying communist. Were being ruled by capitalist, fascist dictators. Its entrenched, isnt it? Weve got to the point where protecting capital is much more important than anybodys life. How do we dig out of that? How do we change? Weve arrived at this subject, somehow, by way of Fanny Lye Deliverd. Peake filmed the 17th-century Shropshire western four years ago I keep thinking its been and gone, and then Im like, Oh, no! but writer-director-editor-composer Thomas Clay is very particular, says Peake with a chuckle, so its only just seeing the light of day. She plays Fanny, downtrodden wife to the puritanical John (Charles Dance). Fannys not a shrinking violet, exactly, but shes indoctrinated into patriarchal servitude and extreme religion, and carries a heavy load because shes never been told she can put it down. Fannys a survivor, says Peake, whos quarantining at home in Manchester. Shes supposed to be in Palestine still, liaising with young activists, but she had to fly home when the world started shutting down. She had a horrific past life. The only option you had was to attach yourself to a man and get through it. But its the men that get it in the end. When young couple Thomas and Rebecca played by Freddie Fox and Tanya Reynolds barrel into Fannys life, they offer a radically different kind of outlook. Sin is but a word, says Thomas, an imposter of the rich to get poor men in order. Well, says Peake when I mention that line, if you talk about the formation of religion, its about control isnt it? And with whats happening in America at the moment, its about financial control. Its about keeping the poor in their place. As we speak, Black Lives Matter protestors are out on the streets after yet another killing of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, by police. I dont know how we escape that cycle thats indoctrinated into us all, continues the 45-year-old. Well, we get rid of it when we get rid of capitalism as far as Im concerned. Thats what its all about. The establishment has got to go. Weve got to change it. Born in Bolton to a lorry driver father and care worker mother, Peake is strident and expressive; if religion wasnt anathema to her, shed be perfect in the pulpit. Systemic racism is a global issue, she adds. The tactics used by the police in America, kneeling on George Floyds neck, that was learnt from seminars with Israeli secret services. (A spokesperson for the Israeli police has denied this, stating that there is no tactic or protocol that calls to put pressure on the neck or airway.) In 2018, Peake starred in Peterloo, the Mike Leigh film that recounted the deadly suppression of a peaceful protest by Manchesters cavalry in 1819. Its a little depressing that those sorts of things are still happening now. It is, isnt it? says Peake. And frightening. But I think we do have to remember the changes that were made along the way. I imagine this generation just feels completely adrift, but there is so much history of the struggle that can be learnt from. Peake in Fanny Lye Deliverd, a 17th-century Shropshire western Ever since she made her name 20 years ago in the Victoria Wood sitcom Dinnerladies, Peake has gravitated towards work of social substance. There was Veronica Fisher in Shameless, the black comedy set on a Manchester council estate; formidable barrister Martha Costello in legal drama Silk; health worker Sara Rowbotham in Three Girls, the devastating dramatisation of the Rochdale child sex abuse ring; and Desiree Akhavans ex-girlfriend Sadie in the criminally underrated Channel 4 comedy The Bisexual. To these roles, she brings no sheen or ego, just a steely intelligence and deep-rooted humanity a quality shared only by actors like Olivia Colman and Sarah Lancashire. Shes a regular on the stage too, usually up north, where she makes behemothic roles look easy and hackneyed lines sound fresh; she was a desperate, deluded Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire and a fretting, fidgety Hamlet. Peake believes in the power of performance. Im not saying we are the saviours of the human race, but a lot of people have a television, she says. When I was younger, I know it changed my view on the world. Then again, she adds, theres plenty of progress to be made. Theres massive deficits with actors of colour. I want more stories that represent Britain as it is. I still sometimes watch dramas and think, Well, that doesnt look like the street in Manchester that I live on. When Peake was growing up, there were white working-class young people on television. I cant imagine what its like to grow up and watch something thats in the corner of your living room and not see yourself reflected back. I cant imagine how that can affect you. Everyones got a story. But who are the gatekeepers who decide the story that will speak to people? They always get it wrong, dont they? Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Court in the act: Peake in BBC legal drama Silk (BBC) Still, Peake doesnt think art should only reflect the good stuff. In her 2018 comedy-drama Funny Cow, in which she plays an aspiring stand-up in the Seventies trying to make it into the boys club of comedy, her character unleashes a barrage of racist and homophobic jokes. So how do we reflect past realities while respecting current sensitivities? My whole thing is you cant wipe out history, because you dont learn from it, says Peake. When I tried pitching Funny Cow, people said, Well, youll have to get rid of all the jokes, and we went, Its the Seventies. Its Sheffield. Were trying to say how brutal and bigoted and racist and despicable this world was. We can never forget our history or we dont move forward and we dont learn. If we Americanise it or Hollywoodise it and rewrite it, then weve forgotten it and then were shocked when it comes around again. Peake believes we should be able to learn from our smaller slip-ups, too particularly when it comes to terminology. The thing with language is I think some people get frightened, she says. When people dont understand, they get frightened, and then they get embarrassed and then they get angry and then it turns ugly. We need to break down that embarrassment, dont we? Its alright to get it wrong as long as youre gonna move towards getting it right. Sometimes Id rather people say something wrong than never say anything because theyre too frightened. So you said something wrong nobody died! Somebody pulls you up on it, somebody tells you the right word, then you move on. But weve got so much shame and guilt in our society about putting a foot wrong. I think people should be allowed to make mistakes, as long as people make those mistakes with a view to going, Well how do I rectify this? But make that the culture. That its alright to get it wrong every now and again. Still, theres getting it wrong, and theres our current government and Peake is damned if shes letting Boris Johnson and his posse off so lightly. This countrys getting Dickensian, she says, spits almost. Weve not got leadership, were in a mess. Look at Covid. What an absolute shambles. People voted for this. The mind boggles. But it doesnt surprise me. Sadly. Im not going, Oh my God, I cant believe this has been dealt with so badly. I can believe it. Its dark times ahead. As Hamlet at Manchesters Royal Exchange Theatre in 2014 (Jonathan Keenan) Peake campaigned for the Labour Party at the last general election, and was a vocal supporter of Jeremy Corbyn even as many people turned their back on him. Those people who were normally Labour supporters who felt they couldnt vote Labour? Well Im sorry, they voted Tory as far as Im concerned, says Peake. And it breaks my heart, because you know what? I didnt like Tony Blair, but I still voted Labour because anythings better than the Tories. Theres a lot of people who should hang their heads in shame. People going, Oh, I can join the Labour Party again because Keir Starmers there, well shame on you. What does she think of the new Labour leader? You know what, at the end of the day, all I want is the Tories out. I think people will get behind Starmer, wont they? Hes a more acceptable face of the Labour Party for a lot of people who are not really left wing. But thats fine. Whatever. As long as the Tories get out, I dont care anymore. You cant be sad, youve just got to get on and organise, without standing at the rooftops and going, You reap what you sow! There were moments when I wanted to scream that, she adds with a doleful laugh, but no, weve got to keep moving forward. Peake might not be a communist anymore, but shes kept some of the lingo. I think you find solace in comrades, she says when I ask how she finds the energy to keep moving forward. Its knowing youre not alone. I must admit recently, politically, Ive felt a little bit of an island on my own especially in the acting fraternity. People are frightened of speaking, because theyve got careers and they need to pay the mortgages. Its hard, but when those little victories happen, it brings a lot of happiness. You join a long line of generations of people whove been kicking back. She laughs. And you go, Oh, well Im in that gang. Thats alright. Fanny Lye Deliverd is available now on Curzon Home Cinema as part of Ed Film Fest at Home UPDATE (25.06.20): This article has been amended to further clarify that the allegation that US police were taught tactics of neck kneeling by Israeli secret services is unfounded. The original version did carry a denial from Israeli police, however we are happy to further clarify the matter. VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / ZincX Resources Corp. ("ZincX Resources" or the "Company") (TSXV:ZNX) announces it has revised the 2020 plan for exploration on the Akie Property. Because of the risk of potential COVID impact on the exploration program, the Company and strategic partner Tongling Non-Ferrous Metals of China (Tongling) have agreed to initiate and complete the 3-hole drill and metallurgical testing program in the 2021 exploration season. The program was previously described in the news release dated April 6th. Mr. Peeyush Varshney, CEO of the Company, stated: "Our top priority is the health and safety of our employees, their families and the local First Nation communities that support the Akie project. We have taken this step to shift the planned 2020 drill program at Akie to next season out of an abundance of caution and with respect to community safety. As well, carrying out the more extensive drill program, funded by Tongling, in 2021 will allow the opportunity for Tongling to send senior executive delegations to the Akie site as intended." This season, the Company plans to execute on a focused field program on the Akie Project. This work will involve the continued evaluation of the Sitka Zone located along the eastern edges of the Akie property. Infill soil sampling will be completed to fully define the extensive open-ended 1,400 metre long Sitka Ag soil anomaly and continued resampling of the 2018 Sitka drill core will expand upon the known extent of this anomaly at depth. The soil sampling program will be conducted in conjunction with detailed structural mapping on important structural targets identified during the geo-structural interpretation using satellite imagery by Murphy Geological Sciences in 2017. A focus will be placed on the highly prospective area from the Cardiac Creek deposit extending 4 kilometres to the northwest to the North Lead Anomaly where drilling has encountered extensive mineralisation at depth. Other areas of interest on key regional properties such as Mt. Alcock and Yuen North may also be considered. Mr. Varshney continued: "In light of the uncertainty in the global resource and financial markets, which has followed in the wake of the worldwide health crisis, out of prudence we have taken, as of April 1, 2020, measures to preserve capital through the voluntary reduction of salaries and compensation of our senior management, employees and contractors. ZincX's fundamentals remain strong following the further investment by Tongling of $1,398,000. As previously noted, there is general agreement that the funds, which have already been advanced to the Company, shall be converted into shares at a price of 30 cents per share - close to a 400-per-cent premium to the Company's current share price. The Akie project is one of the premier global zinc projects in a top-tier jurisdiction with a demonstrated high-grade, large-tonnage, minable-scale deposit with expansion potential and enormous district exploration prospectivity. Planning is ongoing and the field program is currently scheduled for mid-July to mid-August. We look forward to updating the market as our field activities recommence in the coming weeks." Separately, the Company announces that its directors and officers have voluntarily surrendered a total of 2,005,000 previously granted stock options. About Tongling Non-Ferrous Metals Group Co. Ltd.: Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group Holdings Company Limited is a state-owned enterprise involved in mining and smelting copper and other non-ferrous metals. It was founded in 1949 in Tongling, Anhui, China and the first mine was put into production in 1952. Over the past 60 years Tongling has grown to a large-scale, diverse, fully integrated mining and smelting enterprise engaged in mining, mineral processing, smelting and refining of copper, lead, zinc, gold, silver and other nonferrous metals. The subsidiary and listed company, Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group Company Limited, was established in 1992 and listed on the main board of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 1996. Tongling has established an extensive economic, technical, and trade network with more than 30 countries and regions around the world. Their products are exported to over 10 countries including Japan, Germany, United States, and Singapore. Tongling's main products include cathode copper, gold, silver, copper wire, copper strip and copper foil, among others. The high purity cathode copper with the brand name of "Tongguan" is registered with the London Metal Exchange (LME) while the silver ingot with the same brand is registered with the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA). Tongling n also invests in resource exploration and development in many countries such as Canada, Ecuador and Chile. ZincX Resources previously reported that Mr. Hu Xinfu, Vice-President, Deputy General Manager of Tongling Nonferrous Metals Group Holding Company was appointed to the Board of Directors and sits as an independent director. Mr. Hu Xinfu is in charge of acquisition and exploitation of mineral resources both in domestic China and abroad, and is also responsible for production safety and environmental protection for Tongling. Tongling has other mining interests outside China; including the Mirador copper project in Ecuador which was acquired in 2010 by the CAN$678 million buyout of TSX listed Corriente Resources. The Tongling-led Chinese consortium put the US$1.4 billion Mirador copper mine into production in 2019. The Akie Zn-Pb-Ag Project The 100% owned Akie property is situated within the Kechika Trough, the southernmost area of the regionally extensive Paleozoic Selwyn Basin and one of the most prolific sedimentary basins in the world for the occurrence of SEDEX zinc-lead-silver and stratiform barite deposits. Drilling on the Akie property by ZincX Resources since 2005 has identified a significant body of baritic-zinc-lead SEDEX mineralization known as the Cardiac Creek deposit. The deposit is hosted by siliceous, carbonaceous, fine-grained clastic rocks of the Middle to Late Devonian Gunsteel Formation. The Company updated the estimate of mineral resources at Cardiac Creek in 2018, as follows: 5% Zinc Cut-Off Grade Contained Metal: Category Tonnes (million) Zn (%) Pb (%) Ag (g/t) Zn (B lbs) Pb (B lbs) Ag (M oz) Indicated 22.7 8.32 1.61 14.1 4.162 0.804 10.3 Inferred 7.5 7.04 1.24 12.0 1.169 0.205 2.9 The Company announced robust positive results from the 2018 Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). The PEA envisages a conventional underground mine and concentrator operation with an average production rate of 4,000 tonnes per day. The mine will have an 18-year life with potential to extend the life-of-mine (LOM) through resource expansion at depth. Key parameters for the PEA are as follows: Parameter Base Case1 Tonnes Mined 25.8 Mt Mined Head Grades 7.6% Zn; 1.5% Pb; 13.08 g/t Ag Tonnes Milled 19.7 Mt Milled Head Grades (after DMS2 upgrade) 10.0% Zn; 1.9% Pb; 17.17 g/t Ag Total Payable Metal (LOM) $3,960M3 Initial CAPEX $302.3M including $45.7M contingency LOM Total CAPEX $617.9M including $58.5M contingency All-in Total OPEX $102.4 per tonne milled Pre-Tax NPV7% $649M Pre-Tax IRR 35% Pre-Tax Payback 2.6 years After-Tax NPV7% $401M After-Tax IRR 27% After-Tax Payback 3.2 years 1. The base case used metal prices are calculated from the 3 year trailing average coupled with two year forward projection of the average price; and are: US$1.21/lb for zinc, US$1.00/lb for lead and US$16.95 for silver. A CDN$/US$ exchange rate of 0.77 was used. The NPV discount rate is 7%. 2. DMS = dense media separation. 3. All dollar amounts expressed in Canadian dollars. The PEA is considered preliminary in nature and includes mineral resources, including 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. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves have not yet demonstrated economic viability. Due to the uncertainty that may be attached to mineral resources, it cannot be assumed that all or any part of a mineral resource will be upgraded to mineral reserves. Therefore, there is no certainty that the results concluded in the PEA will be realized. Kechika Regional Project In addition to the Akie Project, the Company owns 100% of eight of eleven large, contiguous property blocks that comprise the Kechika Regional Project including the advanced Mt. Alcock prospect. The Kechika Regional Project also includes the Pie, Yuen and Cirque East properties which the Company maintains a significant 49% interest with partners Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TECK.B) and Korea Zinc Co. Ltd holding 51%. These properties collectively extend northwest from the Akie property for approximately 140 kilometres covering the highly prospective Gunsteel Formation shale; the main host rock for known SEDEX zinc-lead-silver deposits in the Kechika Trough of northeastern British Columbia. These projects are located approximately 260 kilometres north northwest of the town of Mackenzie, British Columbia, Canada. Ken MacDonald P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for the Company, is the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the technical information contained in this release. Mike Makarenko P.Eng, JDS Energy and Mining, is the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the PEA technical information contained in this release. The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ZINCX RESOURCES CORP. "PEEYUSH VARSHNEY" PEEYUSH VARSHNEY, LL.B CEO & CHAIRMAN SOURCE: ZincX Resources Corp. View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/595129/ZincX-Resources-Announces-Revised-2020-Exploration-Program-for-Akie OTSEGO COUNTY, MI A Michigan woman led police from multiple agencies on a 70-mile chase on I-75 that culminated at a Mackinac Bridge toll booth. The ordeal began when a Michigan State Police trooper stopped a 31-year-old woman from Waterford for a traffic violation on northbound I-75 near mile marker 276 in Otsego County at 8:55 a.m. on Thursday. The driver initially pulled over but fled the scene in a 2018 Volkswagen GTI after the trooper contacted her, police said. As the vehicle traveled north, Cheboygan County Sheriffs deputies observed the vehicle and gave chase toward the Mackinac Bridge where deputies successfully deployed stop sticks. Despite being damaged the vehicle continued across the Mackinac Bridge traveling on its rims, police said. The Mackinac Bridge Authority was notified of the situation and bridge traffic was halted. The vehicle arrived at the toll booth on the north side of the bridge at approximately 9:46 a.m. where troopers from the MSP St. Ignace Post were waiting. The driver was arrested without incident and lodged in the Otsego County Jail for fleeing and eluding. Jamaal Ellis j.vince photography / For the Chronicle Concerned citizens can help keep San Antonio bar and restaurant owners accountable by reporting crowded establishments not following COVID-19 state health protocols to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission as part of the agency's new undercover investigation. The statewide crackdown, Operation Safe Open, launched last weekend and resulted in 17 Texas bars receiving suspensions on alcohol permits for not following health protocols aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 18:24:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close LUSAKA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The government of Zambia has called for joint efforts among Commonwealth member states to address the challenges posed by COVID-19, a government official said on Thursday. Joseph Malanji, Minister of Foreign Affairs said the COVID-19 has left negative effects to health systems and economies hence the need for coordination in combating it. A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the minister was speaking during a Commonwealth COVID-19 Virtual Leaders Meeting. The meeting convened under the theme "Sharing Solutions in Challenging Times". He said the pandemic was adding to already unmanageable debt burdens and lack of critical financing in developing countries. The Zambian minister emphasized the need for concerted efforts among member states to address inequality and ensure the gains made towards the eradication of poverty and zero hunger are not reversed. "COVID-19 is an unprecedented challenge for our nations, but it is one that comes with many opportunities to rebuild better opportunities to tackle persistent inequalities and design more inclusive societies," he said. He further called on the Commonwealth to support calls for debt relief or cancellation for developing countries, enhanced collaboration in research for the vaccination and cure of COVID-19 and mobilization of resources from the local and international community. Enditem International Needs Ghana (INGH), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) with focus on transforming lives and changing communities has called on parents to be vigilant and monitor activities of adolescents on the internet to safeguard their safety. Ms. Rita Abla Dugbenu, Project Officer, INGH, said there was the need for parenting skills, which needed to be enforced while arriving at new forms of guiding children in the wake of technological advancement. She said this at a capacity building workshop for state agencies to end adolescent pregnancies in the Afadzato South and North Dayi Districts in Kpando. The workshop formed part of the Organisations Safe and Protective Environment for Adolescent Development (SPREAD) project to promote a safe environment for adolescent boys and girls that will prevent and reduce adolescent pregnancies, abuse and exploitation at the community levels. She noted that access of adolescent boys and girls to the internet exposed them to materials that could jeopardize their future, hence they needed parental supervision to prevent them from becoming vulnerable. Ms. Dugbenu said parents should ensure that materials their children accessed on the internet were educative and would enhance their growth, saying, advertisements could be disabled or restricted. The Project Officer urged adolescents to desist from accepting requests from unfamiliar accounts and engaging online challenges, desist from posting sensitive information and seeking financial help on the internet, which could expose them. She called on government to adequately equip decentralized agencies and departments to effectively educate adolescents. Mr Israel Akrobortu, Volta Regional Director, Department of Children at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection told the GNA that a worrying trend was online violence, which must be curbed. The Director called on the National Media Commission (NMC) to regulate contents on television because some contents were not good for adolescents. The SPREAD project is being carried out in 55 communities in eleven Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in three regions with the aim of targeting 7,000 girls, 4,000 boys and 16,500 community members to end adolescent pregnancies in the selected communities. 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 With the outbreak of COVID-19, Thermo Fisher Scientific, a US-based maker of scientific instruments, chemicals and consumables, has scaled up the global production of RT-PCR test kits from 50,000 a week in January, 2020, to 10 million a week in June. Consumables are goods that must be replaced regularly since they wear out or are used up. The RT-PCR kit is the gold standard for COVID-19 testing, and it is available in more than 50 countries, including in India. The test kits are mainly made in Kansas, US, but the company has a strong global supply chain that feed raw materials. The kit, called TaqPathCOVID-19 Combo Kit, will provide results within four hours of a sample being received by a laboratory. 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 Our teams continue to work round the clock to ramp up production, given the unprecedented nature of this situation, Amit Chopra, Managing Director, Thermo Fisher Scientific - India & Middle East, said in an email interview to Moneycontrol. Though the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has approved test kits developed by 114 companies, the country is testing only about 5,480 people per million, according to COVID-19 tracker Worldometer. This is much lower than the figures in US (90,831), Brazil (12,948) and Russia (124,137), which have higher number of reported cases than India. India has reported about 474,272 COVID-19 cases, and 14,914 deaths, so far. Thermo Fisher is also working with the US-based Mayo Clinic and China-based WuXi Diagnostics to develop a serology-based antibody test that will complement its PCR-based diagnostic test. The company has emerged as a critical supplier in the COVID-19 diagnostic value chain. It produces collection devices, sample preparation kits, personal protective equipment and other laboratory instruments. In addition, it supplies reagents - the critical chemical ingredients that are required to build a test kit. "We are closely monitoring all orders, and expediting freight modes wherever possible," Chopra said. With $25.54 billion in sales in 2019, the Waltham, Massachusetts-based company is the largest supplier of instruments, reagents, and personal protection equipment. India, apart from a huge market, is also a hub for research and manufacturing operations. Thermo Fisher has six manufacturing centres and two research and development centres in India, and it manufactures reagents on the country. Its main office is in Mumbai. We have significantly ramped up production of all reagents and products and do not foresee any challenge in meeting customer demands in India as well as globally," Chopra said. Chopra said the company has started opening all its sites in line with central and state government directives. He is optimistic about doing business in India. After more than two decades of relying on the Pennsylvania State Police to provide coverage to the small borough, Abbotstown with a population of just over 1,000 started its own one-man police force in January. People in the area were asking for local coverage, said Borough Manager David Bolton. I did the research and the budgeting to establish a police department. We recruited a chief who would be our code enforcement officer. And he was the former commander at our PSP barracks. Its only part-time: The department is available 20 hours a week and only enforces municipal codes. But it was a step away from full reliance on the state troopers who provided coverage to the area for criminal matters. Abbottstown is different from many of Pennsylvanias smaller towns, which have moved in the opposite direction by dismantling their own local police departments (citing financial concerns) and instead now rely solely on PSP. But despite having a part-time police force, Abbottstown borough still relies on PSP for criminal matters. Troopers still have to respond to serious crimes, such as domestic violence calls and assaults, as well as less serious, non-violent infractions. That kind of coexistence between municipal and state police is common throughout the state. Almost a quarter (1,725) of the states boroughs, towns and cities are patrolled by troopers in some capacity beyond their mandate to police the highways. But some Democratic lawmakers have been critical of those governments for dismantling a community police force. And as people in more cities and towns in rural counties across the state engage in protests against the police and specifically call for defunding police departments there is a question of what defunding the state police would look like. The problem state police officials say theyd face would be existential: Less money means fewer officers to police areas that theyve been forced to cover as a result of local governments actions. To the heart of the issue is police engagement within a community. Pennsylvania State Police, because theyre a statewide force covering multiple municipalities, wont always live in the towns they cover. Criminal justice reformers and politicians point to that as a problem, and say that officers need to have a stake in their neighborhoods, a practice called community policing that is widely regarded as a way to lower crime while increasing trust in law enforcement. Last week during testimony in front of the Senate Law & Justice and Judiciary committees, advocates and lawyers said that without community policing or an option to redistribute funds away from law enforcement and into social programs, police are being asked to do too much. Lack of funding has caused some of this problem, said Sen. James Brewster (D-Allegheny), who said during the hearing that police used to be able to walk around their neighborhoods and get to know people within their communities. Now, they just respond to calls, he said. Legislators in the past have recognized police mistrust from overpoliced communities, and have increased money for body cameras, implemented more training and even approved larger cadet classes for the state police. (Those funds for more police have partially been offset by the Motor Vehicle Fund meant for maintaining roads and bridges which is financed by various Department of Transportation fees and taxes.) State Police say theyre already squeezed for funds, and that in the past five years theyve done overhauls of their training based on a federal task forces findings on how to train police under the Obama administrations guidelines. And while critics argue that legislation and increased training hasnt solved the problem of structural racism within the state police department, a handful of bills proposed in the Senate aim to place more accountability on state and municipal police. It doesnt solve all the issues, but anything that we can do to restore trust I think we should do so, Haywood said in an interview. The bills proposed include appointing a special prosecutor within the Attorney Generals office that would oversee police misconduct. Haywood proposed the legislation alongside Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington). But legislation is the same as empty promises for activists and abolitionists who have heard similar arguments and push for legislation in the past. And while they are good ideas for the long term, they dont address the immediate needs of communities of color, said Brandi Fisher, president and CEO of Alliance for Police Accountability, an advocacy group in Pittsburgh. These ideas increase funds, but dont increase public safety, said Fisher, who is a proponent of defunding police departments and pushing those funds to social programs. She also testified at the hearing last week over video conference. But defunding the state police is not very likely, and wildly unpopular among legislators. Haywood, without taking a stance for or against less funding, said that because of the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus shutdown, he doesnt see state police getting more money, but I dont see [their budget] getting cut dramatically. And members of the Pennsylvania State Police, along with leaders in state police unions and fraternal orders, say that cutting funds ultimately means cutting personnel, which only harms municipalities that dont have a dedicated police force. Since 2013, more than 30 townships and boroughs have cut their departments and started to rely on State Police coverage for criminal matters. Scott Price, deputy commissioner of operations for PSP, said that cutting people from the state police would hamper coverage of areas, especially as more municipalities start using PSP for full-time coverage. Price said the arguments to defund the police are vague, and ultimately boil down to slashing people, not increasing services. Perhaps the discussion we should be having is not to defund the police and move that money towards social services, but look at the augmentation with social services, he said, explaining that police should be working in tandem with welfare workers, domestic violence groups and children services, rather than acting as the default first responder. The problem, Price recognized, is that rural townships and counties are not well equipped even to handle basic criminal investigations, which then get dumped on state police. You look at what we do with our personnel, and what we provide versus what local police can support, there are many things that local police just cant do, he said, referring to the forces ability to cover larger areas or run forensic labs. Towns that dismantled their police have saved tens of thousands of dollars each year in personnel and administrative charges that come with a police force, but that cost is then shifted over to the states Motor Vehicle Fund, which is being used partially to offset the costs for state police operations. This past budget season, Gov. Wolf proposed a funding model in the annual budget that would make sure every town and city pays a share in financing PSP. The model is an algorithm that sets the tax burden based on median income of the county, usage of the PSP and population totals. But the state police shouldnt be providing those services to towns and cities in the first place, says Rep. Mike Sturla (D-Lancaster). In a call, Sturla said that municipalities need to have their own police force and stop relying on the Pennsylvania State Police. He argued PSP should be similar to California Highway Patrol, only getting involved if crimes range across multiple districts or when forensic labs are needed. Townships have eliminated their police departments only to increase taxes elsewhere, he said, and by using PSP in lieu of community police, officers have only made trust among police worse. Unfortunately those kinds of municipalities arent defunding their police so they can hire social workers, he said. They in essence take money away from a local police officer who may understand those local situations because they are community police officers. PA Post is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom covering state government. For more, go to www.papost.org. EasyJet today declared it is ramping up flights as the government finalises a list of holiday destinations being exempted from quarantine rules. The company will operate from 14 UK airports from July 1, covering around half the 1,000 routes it was flying before the coronavirus crisis erupted. The news comes with Transport Secretary Grant Shapps set to unveil 'air bridge' deals with other countries in time for the quarantine rules to change on Monday. France, Spain, Italy and Greece are believed to be nailed on to secure deals that will allow UK tourists to visit with insurance in place and not face 14-day isolation on their return. However, there are signs that Portugal will be missed off the roll after a rise in infection cases recently. From the start of next month, easyJet will run around 500 flights each day across Europe, including over 900 flights a week to and from the UK. Easyjet will restart hundreds more international and domestic flights from July 1, as it also secured a major cash injection to bolster its finances in the face of the pandemic 'Air bridges' to France , Spain, Italy, and Greece have been all but confirmed, with the first flights set to take off on July 4 Britons began to arrive in Benidorm, Spain on Monday as coronavirus restrictions were eased amid the pandemic in Europe Tourists take selfies in front of Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy on June 19 as travel restrictions were loosened after months of lockdown On June 15, it restarted a 'small number' of flights for the first time since its aircraft were grounded in March. However passengers on the airline's first flight in three months were left furious when it become 'impossible' to maintain social distancing while the middle seat remained in use. EasyJet said it plans to fly around half of its 1,022 routes in July, before increasing to around 75 per cent in August. The announcement follows reports that air bridges will be available from next week to allow Britons to take holidays in other countries without quarantining for 14 days. When the company restarted a small number of flights on June 15, passengers on the first flight were left furious when the middle seat were not left vacant, making social distancing 'impossible' Meetings are taking place between ministers today to finalise agreements allowing people to travel from the UK to a small number of countries. However, formal announcement are not expected for a few more days. Currently there is a blanket requirement for all arrivals in the UK to quarantine for 14 days, making it impractical for many to travel. As the Foreign Office currently advises against all non-essential travel, it is also difficult to get insurance for leisure trips. Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Gibraltar and Bermuda will also reportedly be announced as destinations in the first round of 'safe nations' when the rules change on June 29. Greek tourism minister Haris Theoharis said the country wanted British tourists to return when it opens to European holidaymakers on July 1. 'The final decision, from the UK and our point of view, will be in place in the next few days and I'm hoping the announcement will be positive from both sides,' said Mr Theoharis, who indicated conversations with the UK Government over so-called 'air bridges' were going well. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme there was no need for those returning to the UK from Greece to be quarantined. 'The point is that Greece is a safe country - we have proven that during this crisis and we will continue proving this in the exit stages of the health situation,' said the Greek minister. 'We feel that the risk of someone contracting the disease in Greece is much lower than most of the countries in Europe and indeed the rest of the world.' Put to him that there was no point in the quarantine from those returning from Greece, Mr Theoharis replied: 'Correct.' Holidaymakers will be able to fly from 14 airports across the UK to a number of countries including France, Spain and Italy. Safety measures will be ramped up, with passengers and pilots required to wear face masks, food service won't be available, and intensive daily cabin cleaning Robert Carey, esyJet chief commercial and strategy officer, said: 'We are really pleased to be relaunching even more of our flights from 1 July and starting to get customers away on their much-needed summer holidays. 'Of course, the safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew remains our highest priority. 'This is why we have implemented a number of measures enhancing safety at each part of the journey from disinfecting the aircraft to requiring customers and crew to wear masks.' It came as the budget airline raised 419million from investors to help it withstand the continuing impact of coronavirus. The airline saw shares slip on Thursday morning after it revealed it secured the funding through a placing of 59.5million shares at 703p per share. The company slid to a 353million pre-tax loss for the year to March, falling from a 272million loss for the same period a year earlier. EasyJet said the share placing would shore up its finances after grounding all of its flights for 11 weeks as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Passenger numbers fell by 7.4 per cent, around three million people, in the year to March, as travel restrictions in February and March weighed on trading. Last month, the airline announced plans to shed around 4,500 jobs from its workforce as part of cost-cutting efforts. It also secured around 1.7 billion of additional funding, including around 600million from the Bank of England's Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF). Stopping Huawei's incursions into next-generation 5G networks has become a priority for President Donald Trump and he has personally appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other world leaders to ban the company that the US has linked to Beijing's intelligence gathering capability. Listing Jio among the "world's leading" telecom operators, Pompeo told reporters on Wednesday that it was one of the "Clean Telcos" for spurning Huawei, which he called a part of the "Chinese Communist Party (CCP) infrastructure". With a series on sanctions against Huawei that seek to bar other countries sharing US technologies with the Chinese company, Washington is pressuring them to ban it. In a later statement he outlined the makings of a virtual global alliance against the Chinese company in a world troubled by the COVID-19 pandemic originating in China and Beijing's efforts to take advantage of it strategically and economically. "The tide is turning against Huawei as citizens around the world are waking up to the danger of the Chinese Communist Party's surveillance state. Huawei's deals with telecommunications operators around the world are evaporating, because countries are only allowing trusted vendors in their 5G networks," he said. Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani had told Trump during his February visit to India that Jio was the only network in the world to not have a single Chinese component. Jio is reportedly trying the 'swadeshi' route for 5G and has applied to the Department of Telecommunications for permission to carry out lab tests for the technology without third-party participation. Facebook announced a $5.7 billion investment in Jio in April. While speaking to the media before the release of the State Department's annual terrorism report, Pompeo said that Jio along with some other Canadian, British and French telecoms was "disconnecting from the Chinese Communist Party infrastructure" by not using Huawei equipment. "They are rejecting doing business with tools of the CCP surveillance state, companies like Huawei," he added. He listed eight European countries, most of them from the former Eastern bloc, that have barred Huawei and said that in Canada "public opinion was overwhelmingly against Huawei" making operators choose other companies for 5G rollout. The US has not been able to persuade the big European nations, Germany and France, to restrict Huawei, while the UK, which has resisted Washington, is now reexamining Huawei's involvement in its networks. According to US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brian, Huawei is able to access sensitive and personal information wherever its equipment is installed and "by law, must comply with directives of the Chinese Communist Party" making networks using it vulnerable to Beijing's surveillance. Trump had brought up the security concerns with Modi during the February visit in a bid to stop Huawei's inroads into India's 5G networks. Trump told reporters after meeting Modi: "We discussed the importance of a secure 5G wireless network and the need for this emerging technology to be a tool for freedom, progress, prosperity, not to do anything with which it could be even conceived as a conduit for suppression and censorship." The Trump administration has put a series of sanctions on Huawei to cut off its access to US technology to develop or manufacture its systems. In the latest action against it, Washington barred the use of US equipment and software by companies anywhere to produce components for Huawei. This pits the US against several countries whose companies have ties to Huawei and could increase pressure on them to make a choice. Pompeo's statement indicated that Samsung, Nokia and Ericsson were alternatives. The U.S does not have comparable manufactures of 5G equipment. Short for fifth generation cellular network, 5G is capable of being more than 25 times faster than the 4G network and it has applications in manufacturing and in future technologies like self-driving cars. (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed on Twitter at @arulouis) --IANS al/ksk/ If nothing else, the toppling of three bronze sculptures last week in Golden Gate Park underscored a blunt fact: The age of heroic statuary has reached a dead end. This isnt breaking news in a country that in modern times rarely seems capable of memorializing anything except loss, such as the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. But only in the past few weeks have so many sculptures that mostly went up a century or more ago been challenged and with such force. Justified revulsion drives many of the actions, such as the removal of memorials to Confederate soldiers and racist politicians in cities across the South. But when protesters in Golden Gate Park pulled down statues of Francis Scott Key and Ulysses S. Grant in addition to long-controversial Junipero Serra, its hard not to see adrenaline-fueled vandalism in the mix. Whatever the motive, such works are obvious targets, especially when anger and frayed nerves are palpable in our nation. The 19th century sensibility was these bronze structures on pedestals, but were living in a 21st century world, said Susan Pontious, director of the civic art collection for the San Francisco Arts Commission. The commission and San Francisco as a whole has grappled for years with the question of what to do about memorials from another era that some people now see as offensive. San Francisco Recreation and Park Department The Christopher Columbus monument that was hauled away by the city on June 18 from the base of Coit Tower, for instance, was dedicated in 1957 as a symbol of ethnic pride in then-heavily Italian American North Beach. Speakers included Italys delegate to the United Nations, who spoke to the crowd of 2,000 in Italian that was understood by nearly everyone, according to The Chronicles article on the unveiling. In recent years, by contrast, the 12-foot tall statue has been the focus of criticism and occasional vandalism. Native American activists dont see a legendary explorer who crossed the Atlantic in 1492, but a glorification of the European subjugation of North America that followed Columbus arrival. Criticism had increased since the May 25 killing in Minneapolis of George Floyd, an African American, unleashed protests against systemic racism and police violence that have yet to end. Fearing destructive protests, the city removed the 2-ton sculpture because it doesnt align with San Franciscos values or our commitment to racial justice, an Arts Commission spokesperson said afterward. Serra arouses similar split emotions. The Franciscan friar who established missions along the California coast was canonized as a saint in 2015 the same year that one Native American leader described him to The Chronicle as the ultimate cultural intolerance that destroyed everything in the name of God. Jungho Kim / Special to The Chronicle Friday night, protesters pulled his statue to the ground. The mostly white crowd judging by videos then moved on to Key, lyricist of the Star Spangled Banner and a slaveholder. Next up was Grant, who owned one man but freed him in 1859, before becoming the most important general in the Civil War and, as the 18th president, battled the rise of the Ku Klux Klan in the South. While historians can debate the context and merit of such actions, another reaction might be: Why the heck is Key in Golden Gate Park? A Maryland resident who died in 1843, before California was even a state? Most of the statues that people think of traditionally as memorials were gifts, Pontious said. Many have little to do with San Francisco. They also tend to date to the 1920s and before, when ceremonial monuments were seen as rallying points by anyone with the resources to erect one. In Golden Gate Park you can find Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer who led the 1911 expedition to the South Pole, Scottish poet Robert Burns, a Roman gladiator and Ludwig van Beethoven. Theres also Gen. Henry Halleck a Civil War commander from San Francisco once described by President Abraham Lincoln as little more than a first-rate clerk. As a history major fascinated by how cities accumulate layers that signal ever-more distant times, Ive tended to shrug off culturally questionable sculptures, if I noticed them at all. One old guy on a pedestal is pretty much like the next, right? But Im also an older, straight, white male the embodiment of the forces that often installed those monuments. What I see as part of the urban landscape can be an affront or an assault to people of other backgrounds. The mainstream masses dont bother with realities that dont concern them, poet Camille Dungy wrote in 2017s Guidebook to Relative Strangers, a reflection on being African American in todays America. Who decides which stream should be the central stream, the authoritative path, for depictions of our diverse worlds? That question now confronts us. Yes, sometimes aggressively so. This is a moment of social unrest, said Walter Hood, an Oakland landscape architect and recent recipient of a MacArthur Fellowship, the so-called genius grant. Maybe its OK to overreact right now. Hood is co-editor of Black Landscapes Matter, a book coming out this fall thats the outgrowth of a panel he moderated in 2016 at UC Berkeley, where he is a professor. He also has designed such memorials as the Witness Walls in downtown Nashville, intended to bring to life that citys role in the Civil Rights movement. 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. Thats the exact opposite of the Confederate memorials that rose as whites in the South pushed to resegregate Blacks and deprive them of their voting rights. To Hood, thats part of the point. The more interesting memorials that have gone up (recently) are the ones that try to engage the narrative in a different way, Hood said. They force you to do the work, even if the facts are messy. Its not that traditional celebratory works are no longer made the San Francisco Giants home, Oracle Park, includes privately funded statues of such team legends as Willie Mays. But monuments since the Vietnam Veterans Memorial debuted in 1982 more often focus on loss, not personal achievements. One San Francisco memorial of this sort is at Mission and Steuart streets, a reminder of Bloody Thursday in 1934, when police shot dead several longshoremen who were protesting nearby. A more powerful example is the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park no sculptures, no detailed inscriptions, just serenity in which to contemplate people lost to that scourge. Another strand, more in line with Hoods effort to emphasize narrative, will be part of the new Harvey Milk Terminal at San Francisco International Airport. It will use neon to embed quotes from the slain gay rights leader within a stylized Castro Theatre marquee on the ceiling of the 360-foot-long underpass where travelers exit the terminal Its a more contemporary example of how you can commemorate a person and a movement, Pontious said of the artwork by Andrea Bowers, which is set to be installed when the terminal is completed. Ive been at the commission since 1990, and I dont recall us installing a traditional memorial during that time. As for the statues targeted last weekend, Mayor London Breed has called on city agencies to do a wholesale evaluation of the citys collection of monuments, since who and what we honor through our public art can and should reflect our values. If shared values somehow emerge from todays tumult, then that achievement will deserve a monument of its own. John King is The San Francisco Chronicles urban design critic. Email: jking@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @johnkingsfchron WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Qantas plans to cut at least 6,000 jobs and keep 15,000 more workers on extended furloughs as Australias largest airline tries to survive the coronavirus pandemic. Qantas announced a plan Thursday to reduce costs by billions of dollars and raise fresh capital. The plan includes grounding 100 planes for a year or more and immediately retiring its six remaining Boeing 747 planes. Chief Executive Alan Joyce said the airline has to become smaller as it braces for several years of much lower revenues. He said the furloughed workers faced a long interruption to their airline careers. The actions that were taking will have a huge impact on thousands of our people. This is something that weighs very heavily on all of us, Joyce told reporters. This is something that we dont make a decision on very easily. But the collapse of billions of dollars in revenue leaves us with little choice if we are to save as many jobs as possible longer term. Joyce said the airline entered the crisis in a better position than most airlines and remained optimistic about the future. This crisis has still hit us very, very hard and the impact will be felt for a long time, Joyce said. In a plan filed with the Australian stock exchange, Qantas said it would reduce costs by 15 billion Australian dollars ($10 billion) over three years and raise new equity of A$1.9 billion to help accelerate the airlines recovery and position it for new opportunities. Qantas employs about 29,000 people. Joyce said he expected only about 8,000 of them would be working by next month, and 15,000 by the end of the year. He said that as international routes opened back up over the next two years, he hoped the workforce would increase again to 21,000. He said the airline planned to be back to 40% of its pre-crisis domestic flying by July, but that international routes would take much longer to return. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said it wanted to help former Qantas employees suffering from the terrible job losses to find new work in other parts of the economy. He said he remained optimistic about the Australian economy, especially after the International Monetary Fund pointed out it was navigating the financial crisis better than most other developed nations. And thats where the hope comes from, Morrison told reporters in Sydney. Because the hope says that were on our way back. And as hard as these days are, there are better days ahead. Qantas shares were placed into a trading halt ahead of the announcement. The airlines shares are down just over 40% this year, but have recovered somewhat from March when they were down by as much as 70%. Hong Kong to launch health code system to facilitate people traveling to Guangdong, Macao Global Times Source:Xinhua Published: 2020/6/24 16:25:49 Secretary for Food and Health of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Sophia Chan said on Wednesday that Hong Kong will develop a local health code system to facilitate people traveling between Hong Kong and Guangdong, or Hong Kong and Macao. Chan said in a written reply to HKSAR Legislative Council members that the Hong Kong SAR, Guangdong province and the Macao SAR are considering a pilot scheme on mutual recognition of test results of COVID-19 and mutual exemption of quarantine in a bid to relax cross-boundary flow of people among the three places within certain limits. The "Hong Kong Health Code", one of the HKSAR government's preparatory tasks to complement the launch of the pilot scheme, enables the virus test results of participants of the pilot scheme in Hong Kong to be uploaded onto the code, Chan said. She introduced that before departing from Hong Kong, eligible persons with negative test results can connect to the electronic platform through a web browser using their mobile phones or other devices, and apply for the "Hong Kong Health Code" online and download it to the relevant mobile phone or device. To facilitate the mutual recognition of test results by the boundary control officers of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, participants of the pilot scheme can on their own accord choose to exchange the "Hong Kong Health Code" for use on the "Yuekang Code" system of Guangdong or "Macao Health Code" system of Macao for health declaration purpose when entering Guangdong or Macao, Chan said. She stressed that the "Hong Kong Health Code" computer system will only collect basic personal information and nucleic acid test results from applicants for the purpose of applying for the system, and applicants' information security including data will be protected in strict accordance with regulations. The HKSAR government will announce the details as soon as possible once the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR have completed discussion on the pilot scheme, said Chan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Get back our land from China, opposition MPs in Nepal demand India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 25: Three opposition MPs of the Nepali Congress have filed a petition demanding steps to take back lands encroached by China. In the petition at the Secretariat of Representatives, they have demanded steps to take back the encroached land through dialogue. In a bid to seize complete control, China has been making inroads into several territories in Nepal. China has also occupied a village in Nepal and allegedly removed the boundary pillars to legitimise its annexation, according to top sources in the government. After taking over a village, how China is encroaching land in Nepal The Chinese have completely occupied Rui village in Gorkha district and has it completely under its control. Further China has also occupied strategic lands at 11 places across Nepal. The Nepal government is however tight-lipped about it even as China occupied 36 hectares in four district of Nepal. IIT Bombay moves its classes online for the rest of 2020 amid Covid-19 outbreak | Oneindia News The source cited above tells OneIndia that the move by China has been a strategic one and has been done over the past two years. Nepal which has been making anti-India statements of late has completely surrendered to the Chinese, the officer also said. The list of 11 places was prepared by Nepal's Survey Department of Agriculture Ministry. Its report also said that China has been diverting the flow of rivers to increase its territory. Further the report added that a total of 10 hectares of land has been encroached in Humla district and the Chinese also diverted Bagdare Khola and Karnali rivers. Further in Rasuwa, district 6 hectares of land have been encroached as construction works brought diversions in Bhurjuk, Jambu Khola and Sinjen. Roti-Beti ties with India at stake as Nepal set to amend citizenship law The report further added that China has been expanding its network in the Tibet Autonomous Region as a result of which some rivers have changed their course and are flowing towards Nepal. The rivers are gradually receding Nepal territories and if this were to continue then the rivers will cede the maximum portion of Nepal's land towards the TAR. The report also states that there is a high possibility that over a period of time, China may develop its Border Observation Post of Armed Police in those territories. TORONTO - Ontario Premier Doug Ford doesn't want to see the Canada-United States border opened when the current closure expires July 21, considering the positive trends in the province compared to a COVID-19 resurgence in many states. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/6/2020 (576 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. TORONTO - Ontario Premier Doug Ford doesn't want to see the Canada-United States border opened when the current closure expires July 21, considering the positive trends in the province compared to a COVID-19 resurgence in many states. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has extended a ban on non-essential travel between the two countries until at least that day, and Ford said even after that it seems too early. "I know it's inevitable, we've got to do it, I just don't think we're ready right now," Ford said. "You see what's happening down in the states, you look at Florida, you look at Texas, Arizona, California I don't want to be those states." Several states set single-day COVID-19 case records this week, including Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas and Oklahoma. Ontario, meanwhile, has recorded fewer than 200 new daily cases for 10 out of the past 12 days and with a growth rate of less than one per cent for almost three weeks. "This isn't over. I can't stress it enough. We're doing great because everyone listened," Ford said. "But man, this thing comes back, that's what concerns me. So we have to stay focused and we can't let our guard down for a heartbeat. We let our guard down and look what happened to Florida, look what happened to California and Arizona and Texas. That's what happens when you're reckless, you're careless and you let your guard down." Ontario's chief medical officer, Dr. David Williams, said some of the states with roughly the same population as Ontario are reporting more than 1,500 new daily cases. In Ontario, no day has seen an increase over 700. "It says you cannot be casual about opening up," he said. "We'd like to get low enough to say with our methods, with our controls, with our protection, with our social circles, with our cohorting, we might even fend off a second wave." Ontario's Financial Accountability Officer said that last year the tourism, culture and heritage sectors generated $43.7 billion in economic activity, representing 4.9 per cent of Ontario's Gross Domestic Product. But until international travel can "significantly resume," the loss in annual spending by international tourists will reach $11.4 billion, the office said in a report Thursday. Ontario reported 189 new cases of COVID-19 Thursday, and 10 more deaths. Jen Zoratti | Next A weekly look towards a post-pandemic future delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. That brings the province to a total of 34,205 cases, including 2,641 deaths and 29,528 resolved cases. That's an increase of 192 resolved cases over the previous day, continuing a trend of those growing more quickly than active cases. The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 fell from 278 to 270. The number of people in intensive care and on ventilators 69 and 47, respectively fell to the lowest levels since the province started publicly reporting those figures at the beginning of April. More than 27,500 tests were completed in the previous day. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on June 25, 2020. Joe Biden has opened a double-digit lead over Donald Trump as voters say the president has come up short with the way he had handled the twin crises of the coronavirus pandemic and the killing of George Floyd at the hands of police, a poll released Wednesday shows. The New York Times/Siena College poll also found 57% believe the worst is yet to come with the coronavirus crisis, but Democrats and Republicans have a far different view of it. A total of 76% of self-identified Democrats say the worst is yet to come with the outbreak, compared to only 31 percent of Republicans. A total of 58% of independents felt this way. The poll found, 58% disapproved of the way Trump was handling the pandemic while 38% approved, and 62% disapproved of the way Trump handled the protests that followed Floyds killing, with only 29% in approval. Trumps overall job approval rating stood at 41%, with 56% disapproving, including 85% of Blacks and 69% of Latinos. White voters, who network exit polls reported voted for Trump by 57% to 37%, are split on his performance in office, with 48% approving and 49% disapproving. That helped Biden build a 50%-36% advantage over Trump. Again white voters were almost evenly divided, 44% for the Republican president and 43% for the Democratic challenger. Blacks supported Biden, 79% to 5%. That is Bidens largest lead to date and matched his 14-point advantage in a CNN poll taken earlier this month. He is ahead by 10 points in the Real Clear Politics poll average. Since presidents are elected in separate contests in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, national polls cannot accurately show where the race stands at any particular moment. After all, they accurately forecast Hillary Clintons popular vote win over Trump in 2016, but he became president after narrowly winning three traditionally Democratic states and exceeding the 270 electoral votes needed to be elected. What this poll did do was identify Trumps problems with constituencies key to his unexpected win four years ago. CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES: Live map tracker | Newsletter | Homepage For example, Trump led Clinton, 52% to 45%, among voters 65 and older, according to network exit polls reported by CNN. In this poll, he trails Biden, 47% to 45%. Among respondents in that age group, 52% disapproved of the way Trump handled the protests following Floyds death, with 40% approving. They were split over the way Trump handled the pandemic, with 49% disapproving and 48% approving. And even as Trump urged states to reopen, 55% of those age 65 and over said the top priority should be stopping the spread of the coronavirus, even if it hurts the economy. Only 35% made the economy the priority, even at the expense of public health. The poll of 1,337 registered voters was conducted June 17-22 and has a margin of error of 3 percentage points. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Credit: CC0 Public Domain A cluster of new coronavirus cases has emerged at a warehouse in the Italian city of Bologna used by express courier Bartolini, a local newspaper reported Thursday. The company uncovered 44 asymptomatic casesincluding two driversafter testing all workers at the warehouse in central-northern Italy following the discovery of two members of staff with the virus, the Resto del Carlino daily said. Bartolini (BRT) has closed the warehouse although deliveries continue. It was expected to test all staff who have come into contact with those with the virus, the daily said. Ten scientists in Italy on Wednesday released a joint statement declaring the coronavirus emergency to be "over". That sparked a heated reaction from colleagues who warned a second wave was likely if people let down their guard. Explore further Follow the latest news on the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 2020 AFP Prince William has visited Oxford University's coronavirus vaccine development facilities to learn more about researchers' work there. The royal was given a tour Wednesday of the manufacturing laboratory where the experimental vaccine has been produced. He also looked at a laboratory where samples from the clinical trial are being examined by researchers. The trials began April 23 and 10,000 people in the U.K are in the process of being vaccinated to assess the potential success of the treatment. Trials also began this week in Brazil and South Africa. Follow live updates on coronavirus here Oxford has agreed a global licensing agreement with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, which has struck deals with the U.S., U.K., the European Union, among others, to produce and supply the potential vaccine. Researchers aim to eventually make the vaccine available globally on a non-profit basis, including to low-income countries. Other vaccines are also in development and undergoing trials elsewhere, including in the U.S. and France. ] William was briefed by researchers leading the vaccine development and trial, and he also spoke with those who were taking part in the trial. On Tuesday, the royal spoke via video call to representatives from AstraZeneca and Oxford University and heard about the role of British science in the global response to the pandemic. The principal of a prestigious elementary school in Chicago has stepped down over a damning investigative report compiled by Chicago Public Schools, which has laid bare some of the educator's 'indefensibly unprofessional' actions towards parents and staff, including throwing chairs and bottles, using purportedly racist nicknames and belittling parents. Kurt Jones resigned from his $152,000-a-year position at the helm of Franklin Elementary Fine Arts Center last Friday, a month after Chicago Public Schools issued its report addressing his conduct. In it, the veteran educator, 46, was accused of giving black and Hispanic staff members nicknames like 'Aunt Jemima,' 'chicken wing,' 'KFC' and 'burrito boy'; addressing black mothers at the school as 'girl' and 'sister'; berating parents in front of their children, and throwing metal chairs, garbage cans and food. Kurt Jones, 46, on Friday stepped down as principal at Chicago's prestigious Franklin Elementary Fine Arts Center following the release of a damning report about his conduct Jones served at Franklin Elementary for four years, earning a six-figure annual salary The school sent out this letter to parents on Friday announcing Jones' resignation Jones acknowledged the veracity of some of the allegations outlined in the report, but denied others and more broadly defended his actions. District spokesperson told the Chicago Sun-Times, which has been covering the story for months, that Jones would have been terminated had he not quit on his own. In a comment to the paper, Jones touted his record as a Chicago educator and said that he is looking forward to sharing his side of the story. Jones, who was voted into office in 2016 by the Local School Council, which is made up of parents, teachers and community leaders, first came under fire in March, when Faye Jenkins, a cafeteria worker at Franklin Elementary, accused the principal of hitting her in the face with a hard water bottle and giving her a concussion. Jenkins, 49, filed a police report and the Chicago Police Department launched an investigation, which is still ongoing three months later. So far, Jones has not been criminally charged in connection with that incident. Since March, other current and former employees at Franklin Elementary have brought forth additional complaints against the principal, prompting the full-scale investigation. In his interviews with CPS officials, Jones acknowledged throwing the bottle at Jenkins 'during a game of dodgeball' with staff inside the school. He also confessed to throwing a metal chair from a school balcony inside the cafeteria. Jones told investigators he wanted to startle staff in an effort to create a lighthearted work environment. He further admitted to dropping metal chairs as many as 10 times over the past four years, despite getting a verbal warning about his conduct two years ago. CPS officials have concluded that Jones conducted himself in a 'categorically unprofessional' manner and deemed his behavior 'indefensibly unprofessional and unsafe,' according to reporting by the Sun-Times. Jones first came under fire in March after hurling a hard water bottle (right) at cafeteria worker Faye Jenkins, 49 (left) . The woman was hit in the face and suffered a concussion Jones, pictured above with former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, admitted to throwing the bottle during a game of dodgeball inside the school According to the report, Jones, who is white, inflicted upon some employees of color 'various feelings of harassment, discrimination and humiliation.' Black and Hispanic teachers and support staff complained that Jones regularly used racially charged monikers for them, including 'Aunt Jemima,' 'watermelon,' 'burrito boy' and 'KFC.' Jones denied calling anyone at the school 'Aunt Jemima,' but said that the other nicknames were given to one another by staffers. He claimed the nickname 'chicken wing' was an inside joke with a Black employee that had to do with their shared affinity for food from the restaurant Harold's Chicken. Jones insisted to investigators that none of the monikers were meant to deride anyone's race or ethnicity. Some staffers also reported hearing Jones refer to older teachers as 'grandma' and 'grandpa,' while others said it was not uncommon for the principal to call them a 'dizzy ho.' A member of the school's Local School Council, which includes parents, said the LSC had previously received a complaint that Jones is racially biased. Another parent told investigators that when speaking to black mothers at the school, Jones used a different tone or slang, and sometimes used the words 'girl' and 'sister,' instead of calling them by their proper names. Staffers spoke to Chicago Public Schools investigators, accusing Jones (third right) of giving black and Latino staffers racially charged nicknames Other black parents accused the principal of singling them out and picking on them for bringing their children late to school, or failing to put their phone away in the hallway. At least two parents told CPS that Jones had threatened to call child services on them for arriving late for pickup, or for allowing a student to miss too many school days. Some black parents accused Jones of addressing them differently because of their race and picking on them According to the Sun-Times citing the CPS report, multiple parents described the principal's conduct as condescending and belittling. They said Jones often yelled at parents in front of their own children and other teachers. The report also mentions allegations of questionable conduct toward students, including allegedly pulling on children's hair, hugging them and giving them back and neck rubs. Parents reported hearing, or being told by their children, that Jones, who is gay, routinely called himself a homophobic slur at school. Some members of the LSC defended Jones, calling the allegations against him exaggerated and arguing that student safety had been his top priority. Jones taught math at Franklin Elementary for five years before he was hired as principal at Libby Elementary in 2007. He returned to Franklin as principal in 2016. This past January, the LSC voted unanimously to extend his contract through 2024. Shmyhal urges Ukrainians to comply with rules and recommendations to make sure there is no need to put the country back on lockdown. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said Ukraine is being hit by a "serious wave" of COVID-19, and that the situation is getting worse. "Another anti-record as almost 1,000 patients with coronavirus were officially confirmed over the past day. The rise continues. We have got a wave of coronavirus," he said at a government meeting, according to an UNIAN correspondent. "Hospital load has increased significantly. There are regions where it's over 50%. Unfortunately, this sends a very negative signal, and this means we have been hit by a serious wave of the coronavirus incidence," the prime minister said. Shmyhal said second-wave hospitals should be prepared in certain regions. Read alsoUkraine reports new record daily COVID-19 spike "We can state the situation is deteriorating significantly," he said. Shmyhal urges Ukrainians to comply with quarantine so that there is no need to "close down the country" and impose strict restrictions. "Ukrainian doctors and epidemiologists tell us about one main reason, namely people ceasing to observe the restrictions. And local authorities continue to lift the curbs at the local level not to lose political points," he said. "Therefore, today we've received a clear result on the increase in the incidence in many regions. Although with the quarantine model we introduced, the incidence does not increase in other countries with the same restrictions that are being observed there, remaining at a moderate level," prime minister said. Shmyhal once again urged Ukrainians to comply with the quarantine restrictions. As UNIAN reported earlier, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Ukraine exceeded 40,000 as of the morning of Thursday, June 25. Of them, 994 cases were reported in the past 24 hours, the highest number to date. Advertisement Although the pilot study was not large enough to make definitive statements, the early findings strongly support a larger follow-up trial. Only a large scale randomized controlled trial can produce the definitive results necessary to drive changes in prescribing and clinical care guidelines. The researchers are planning a large study to definitively test the findings.The researchers are also seeking funding for further research into the effectiveness of medicinal cannabis in children with developmental disorders such as autism and Tourette syndrome.Associate Professor Daryl Efron, a clinician-scientist at MCRI who led the study, said this was the first investigation of cannabidiol to manage severe behavioral problems in children and adolescents with an intellectual disability. Most of the participants also had autism.The study found the medication was generally well-tolerated, and there were no serious side effects reported. All parents reported they would recommend the study to families with children with similar problems.Associate Professor Efron said severe behavioral problems such as irritability, aggression, and self-injury in children and adolescents with an intellectual disability were a major contributor to functional impairments, missed learning opportunities and reduced quality of life.He said conventional psychotropic medications, including antipsychotics and anti-depressants, were prescribed by Australian pediatricians for almost half of young people with an intellectual disability, despite limited evidence of their effectiveness. Given how extremely difficult behavioral problems were to treat in these patients, new, safer interventions were needed to treat this highly vulnerable patient group, he said."Current medications carry a high risk of side-effects, with vulnerable people with intellectual disability being less able to report side-effects," he said. "Common side-effects of antipsychotics, such as weight gain and metabolic syndrome, have huge health effects for a patient group already at increased risk of chronic illness."Cannabidiol is already being used increasingly to manage a range of medical and psychiatric conditions in adults and epilepsy in children.Associate Professor Efron said there was intense interest from parents and physicians in medicinal cannabis as a treatment for severe behavioral problems in youth with an intellectual disability."Parents of children with an intellectual disability and severe behavioral problems are increasingly asking pediatricians whether they can access medicinal cannabis for their child and some parents have reported giving unregulated cannabis products to their children," he said."We are also finding many physicians feel unprepared to have these conversations with their patients." Researchers from The Royal Children's Hospital, the University of Melbourne and Monash University also contributed to the study.Source: Eurekalert These locations staffed with U.S. Public Health Service officers and paid for with federal money were designed to end in May, after newer iterations of the testing program came into existence, health officials said. Those include 600 sites run primarily by private pharmacies, plus 13,000 locations run by community health centers. Meanwhile, Giroir said, coronavirus relief packages adopted by Congress have provided $11 billion to pay for testing, including at sites run by states and local governments. Pirates kidnapped five South Koreans and a Ghanaian after boarding their fishing vessel off Benin, Seoul's foreign ministry and the International Maritime Bureau said Thursday. The Ghanaian-flagged Panofi Frontier with 30 crew on board was attacked on Wednesday about 60 nautical miles south of the Beninese capital Cotonou, they both said. Seoul's foreign ministry said five of its nationals were seized along with a Ghanaian, and that the vessel had 24 more crew members on board. "Currently, the identity and the whereabouts of the kidnappers have not been identified," it said in a statement, adding it was working with the relevant organisations and countries to secure the Koreans' release. The International Maritime Bureau confirmed the attack by "armed pirates" and issued a warning to seafarers. Map of Benin. Pirates kidnapped five South Koreans and a Ghanaian after attacking their fishing vessel on Wednesday, south of the Beninese port city of Cotonou.. By (AFP) "All vessels are advised to maintain a vigilant anti-piracy watch and measures including at anchorages," it said in an alert. Noel Choong, head of the IMB's Kuala Lumpur-based piracy reporting centre told AFP it appeared the pirates had headed "into Nigerian waters with the kidnapped crew". The remaining sailors and the vessel were safe, he added. The incident comes about a month after eight foreign crew members kidnapped from a Singapore-owned container ship off Cotonou were freed. Benin lies at the heart of the Gulf of Guinea, which stretches 5,700 kilometres (3,500 miles) from Senegal to Angola. Coastal waters in the centre of the vast region have become an epicentre of pirate attacks, lootings and kidnappings for ransom. Many of the pirates come from Nigeria. The perpetrators are "increasingly seeking to target vulnerable vessels in waters beyond the traditional heartland of the Southern Niger Delta," said Dryad Global, a British maritime intelligence firm. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has staunchly defended the level of funding provided to the ABC, insisting the government has not cut its budget, and backed the national broadcaster's efforts to be more focused on regional and suburban Australia. The ABC announced a range of cuts on Wednesday, including 250 job losses and the end of the 7.45am radio news bulletin, in a bid to save $40 million. The measures triggered a wave of criticism about the funding squeeze imposed on the broadcaster by the Coalition in recent federal budgets. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has rejected criticism of the ABC's funding levels. Credit:Louise Kennerley Responding to the criticism, Mr Morrison said the ABC's budgeting decisions were a matter for them, and government funding for the broadcaster was increasing. "There are no cuts ... the ABC's funding is increasing every year," he said. The Berejiklian government has suspended plans to remap old-growth coastal state forests after last summer's bushfires burnt large swathes of woodlands including almost half the remnant primary forests of the north-east. The mapping was to have been used to identify sections of forest that might have been used for logging. The Natural Resources Commission announced the suspension on Thursday, noting bushfires had scorched more than 5 million hectares of NSW. Of the 890,000 hectares of native state forest burnt, more than 100,000 hectares of that was old growth. Burnt-out forest south of Moruya, on the NSW South Coast, from the 2019-20 bushfires. Credit:James Brickwood "This is a great result," Environment Minister Matt Kean told the Herald during a visit to the Blue Mountains. "It's a common-sense approach, especially following in the wake of the bushfires, that we protect and preserve our old-growth forests." WINNIPEG, Manitoba, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DELTA 9 CANNABIS INC. (TSX: DN) (OTCQX: VRNDF) (Delta 9 or the Company), announced today the voting results on the election of directors from its 2020 general and special meeting of shareholders of the Company (the Meeting). A total of 37,621,655 common shares of the Company (Shares) representing 42.17% of the 89,213,478 issued and outstanding Shares were voted in connection with the Meeting. Shareholders approved all items of business before the Meeting, including the election of directors as follows: Nominee # Votes For % Votes For # Votes Withheld % Votes Withheld Total John William Arbuthnot III 37,443,858 99.53% 177,797 0.47% 37,621,655 John William Arbuthnot IV 37,447,604 99.54% 174,051 0.46% 37,621,655 Joanne Duhoux-Defehr 37,485,951 99.64% 135,704 0.36% 37,621,655 Nitin Kaushal 37,510,593 99.70% 111,062 0.30% 37,621,655 Hugh Aird 37,533,841 99.77% 87,814 0.23% 37,621,655 Shareholders also voted in favour of the: (i) reappointing of Baker Tilly HMA LLP as the auditors of the Company until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company; (ii) adoption of the amended and restated stock option plan of the Company; and (iii) adoption of the performance and restricted share unit plan of the Company. For more information contact: Investor & Media Contact: Ian Chadsey VP Corporate Affairs Mobile: 204-898-7722 E-mail: ian.chadsey@delta9.ca About Delta 9 Cannabis Inc. Delta 9 Cannabis Inc. is a vertically integrated cannabis company focused on bringing the highest quality cannabis products to market. The company sells cannabis products through its wholesale and retail sales channels and sells its cannabis grow pods to other businesses. Delta 9's wholly-owned subsidiary, Delta 9 Bio-Tech Inc., is a licensed producer of medical and recreational cannabis and operates an 80,000 square foot production facility in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Delta 9 owns and operates a chain of retail stores under the Delta 9 Cannabis Store brand. Delta 9's shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "DN" and on the OTCQX under the symbol "VRNDF". For more information, please visit https://invest.delta9.ca/ Mobile-phone access is associated with increased use of contraception, lower gender inequality, and lower maternal and child mortality By giving women access to information they otherwise wouldn't have, mobile phones are transforming lives. Putting smart phones in women's hands could be a powerful tool to support sustainable development goals in the developing world, according to researchers from McGill University, University of Oxford and Bocconi University. The study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of the Sciences covers 209 countries between 1993 and 2017, and shows that access to mobile phones is associated with multiple indicators linked to global social development, such as good health, gender equality, and poverty reduction. The link between mobile phone access and female empowerment is stronger in less- and least-developed countries. Survey of women in Sub-Saharan Africa In an effort to better understand how mobile phones empower women, the authors also conducted an individual level analysis on 100,000 women from Angola, Burundi, Ethiopia, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe between 2015 and 2017. Though these sub-Saharan countries show slow fertility decline and infant and maternal mortality rates remain high, the adoption of mobile phones is fast spreading. Results indicate that, other things being equal, women who own a mobile phone have a 1% higher probability of being involved in decision-making processes about contraception, 2% higher likelihood of using modern contraceptive methods, and a 3% higher likelihood of knowing where to get tested for HIV with respect to women who do not own a phone. These effects are sizeable, as they are comparable to, if not bigger than, the effects of living in an urban area compared to living in a rural area. Similar effects are estimated on higher overall decision-making power within the household. According to the researchers, improved knowledge and enhanced decision-making power are the likely pathways through which the macro-level results emerge. The analysis of individual data also confirms that the effects are stronger in poorer and more isolated areas. Digital divides in the developing world Still, despite the proliferation of mobile networks, the researchers acknowledge that digital divides by gender and socioeconomic strata persist in the developing world. Women are less likely to own mobile phones on their own, use them less often when they have access, and have poorer information and communications technology skills compared to men, creating second-level (skill-related) digital divides on top of first-level (access-related) ones. "Our results suggest that deploying mobile-phone technology might serve to complement the role of other development processes such as educational expansion and economic growth rather than a replacement for it," says Luca Maria Pesando, a professor in the Department of Sociology and Centre on Population Dynamics at McGill University. ### About the study "Leveraging mobile phones to attain sustainable development" by Valentina Rotondi, Ridhi Kashyap, Luca Maria Pesando, Simone Spinelli, and Francesco C. Billari is published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1909326117 About McGill University Founded in Montreal, Quebec, in 1821, McGill University is Canada's top ranked medical doctoral university. McGill is consistently ranked as one of the top universities, both nationally and internationally. It?is a world-renowned institution of higher learning with research activities spanning two campuses, 11 faculties, 13 professional schools, 300 programs of study and over 40,000 students, including more than 10,200 graduate students. McGill attracts students from over 150 countries around the world, its 12,800 international students making up 31% of the student body. Over half of McGill students claim a first language other than English, including approximately 19% of our students who say French is their mother tongue. http://www.mcgill.ca/newsroom/ http://twitter.com/McGillU Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 09:26:25|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close KAMPALA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Senior officials in Uganda's ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party have said that the world needs to emulate China's people-centered development philosophy, a key ingredient in the country's social and economic growth and fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Richard Todwong, deputy secretary general of NRM, told Xinhua that it is upon the understanding of this philosophy that the Communist Party of China (CPC) has led the country along its path of social and economic development. "For the CPC, everything starts and ends with the people. This has put their people in the center of all that they do. The people are paramount above all," he said. Augustine Otuko, an NRM youth leader in eastern Uganda, described the CPC as a highly institutionalized party with structures running from local to national levels. "Under the CPC, there is wider consultation in different party structures about the needs and aspirations of the Chinese citizens. The consultations are aimed at guiding policy corrections or development. This makes people the heartbeat of the CPC," Otuko said. He said leaders across the world should adopt a people-centered approach in their decision-making, as it creates participatory contribution by both citizens and government agencies in the implementation of any development agenda. "Anything without the people becomes a myth," Otuko said. According to the two leaders, China's central focus on ordinary citizens explains why the country has managed to control the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting its wide spread in the populous nation. Under a people-centered approach, when a pandemic like the coronavirus attacks China, "it becomes the duty and responsibility of all party cadres and citizens to make safety of the people a priority," Otuko said. "Leaders at all levels were seen advocating and educating the masses on the coronavirus," he added. Enditem Last week, Canada lost a contest to Norway and Ireland for a rotating seat on the United Nations Security Council. It was a predictable outcome, though it seemed to catch the government off guard. The result raises a big question. How can these small countries, with economies, populations and militaries a fraction the size of Canadas, be chosen over us to sit on the UN Security Council? Why is Canada a member of the G-7 for 45 years; present at the creation of NATO; the inventor of UN peacekeeping; an architect of the World Trade Organization; and a founder of the G-20 losing out at the UN to smaller states that can only dream of such achievements? Why are we being rejected for the Security Council today, when in the past winning a place on that body was a foregone conclusion for Canada? Simply put, we are losing because we are not what we once were, and we suffer an inflated sense of what we are. More than a decade ago, the Harper government mounted a campaign for a seat on the Security Council. They lost to Germany and Portugal. No big deal, though, as Mr. Harper was never a fan of the UN, and he knew Canadians could not care less about a seat on the Security Council. But Mr. Trudeau is a big UN enthusiast. Since 2015, the Prime Minister has viewed a seat on the Council as a cornerstone of his foreign policy. Multilateralism, as embodied in the UN, has long been core to the Liberal brand, but presence on the Security Council is seen by Mr. Trudeau as a key part of his personal image. That is new for Canada. Consequently, a big campaign to get that Security Council seat was mounted years ago. It began under Stephane Dion, Trudeaus first foreign minister, continued under his successor, Chrystia Freeland, and concluded on the watch of Jean Philippe Champagne, the current minister. Yet, despite the priority the government attached to this file, Canada ended up with fewer votes at the UN this time around than under Mr. Harpers half-hearted pursuit a decade ago. Which begs another question: what does Canada need to do to win a seat on the Security Council these days? To have any chance, we need to be heavily engaged in the world. This means our official development assistance needs to be significant and visible; the Canadian Armed Forces need to have lots of boots on the ground in global hot spots; and we need a creative and influential diplomacy. Twenty years ago, the last time Canada won a Security Council seat, those conditions existed. The Canadian Forces were deployed internationally in large numbers and had been for years, notably with as many as 2,000 troops in the United Nations Protection Force, a UN mission trying to stabilize the former Yugoslavia. Canada was spearheading major diplomatic initiatives like the Ottawa Treaty on the banning of anti-personnel mines, the establishment of the International Criminal Court, and the creation of the G-20. And we even spent more on official development assistance (as a fraction of national income) than now. Today, Canada has fewer troops deployed internationally than at any time in 60 years. The governments diplomacy is flaccid and aimed chiefly at domestic political gains. And we are a well-known laggard on foreign aid. To be blunt, Canada isnt that relevant globally these days, though many Canadians still harbour the illusion that we punch above our weight. In reality, Canada is great at moralizing on the international stage, but we live in a world that is pay to play. And we dont pay. When he was first elected, Mr. Trudeau triumphantly claimed Canada is back. Five years on, following this weeks events at the UN, we can adjust that slogan to Canada is at the back of the bus, where we belong. GATINEAU, QC, June 25, 2020 /CNW/ - The world needs a sustainable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, Finland has joined forces with Canada and the Netherlands to host three high-level events to address the important role circularity plays in the economies of the future as well as in the fight against climate change and the nature crisis. Along with their partners, Sitra will showcase the tools and solutions countries need to build well-being and prosperity by hosting three events under the flagship of the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF): WCEFonline on September 29 and 30, 2020 and 30, 2020 A WCEF event on April 15, 2021 , in the Netherlands and online , in and online WCEF2021 from September 13 to 15, 2021 , in Toronto, Canada The three events will address the choice we face at this critical juncture. We can find our way back to growth by kicking "business as usual" into overdriveor we can capitalise on a shift that has already started, the shift toward the circular economy, which helps us to thrive in the long term. WCEFonline will share leading circular economy solutions for building more resilience The upcoming virtual event WCEFonline will show practical circular economy examples that will help us to seize this unique opportunity to rebuild our economies stronger, greener, and better. Throughout six sessions, WCEFonline will enable the circular community from all over the world to participate in the discussions. The sessions will provide different lenses through which business leaders and policymakers can assess the risks and opportunities associated with their resource dependence. The key questions will include how the circular economy helps in building more resilient businesses, why sustainable finance is key, and what governments need to focus on now to scale up the circular economy. The event will include keynotes from Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme; Frans Timmermans, Vice President of the European Commission; Stientje van Veldhoven, the Minister for the Environment of the Netherlands; the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change; and Jyrki Katainen, President of Sitra, among others. "To ensure a sustainable recovery, we need to take decisive measures that encourage the transition to a carbon-neutral circular economy that prospers in harmony with nature," says Jyrki Katainen, President of Sitra. A WCEF event in the Netherlands for decision makers The Netherlands, also an active member in the Platform for Advancing the Circular Economy (PACE), will organise a multi-stakeholder high-level meeting as part of the World Circular Economy Forum to address the links between the circular economy and climate. It will help to prepare for upcoming international climate negotiations and aim to position the circular economy higher on the COP and broader international agenda. The objective is also to broaden the coalition of the willing, build bridges between the public and private sector, and include more developing countries in the global debate on the benefits of circularity. The event will take place both in the Netherlands and online. "The Netherlands is very much looking forward to hosting a high-level WCEF meeting on the circular economy and climate change, on April 15, 2021. There is no doubt that the transition to a circular economy is crucial in reaching our climate goals. We need to recognise the large and cost-effective contribution that the circular economy can make in building a more sustainable society, especially in the post-COVID-19 world," says Stientje van Veldhoven, Minister for the Environment of the Netherlands. WCEF2021 will address systemic changes needed to accelerate the circular transition The landmark circular economy event of the year, the World Circular Economy Forum, will be held in Toronto, Canada. This event will mark the first time the annual forum is held in North America. WCEF2021 will build on the previous events to focus on the cross-cutting issues and topics that are central to economic recovery and the circular shift. WCEF2021 will identify the key actions and systemic changes needed to create the conditions for a thriving global circular economy. "The work to advance the circular economy must continue, and Canada is looking forward to hosting the World Circular Economy Forum in 2021. We will assemble the world's leading thinkers and innovators on the circular economy to take an in-depth look at opportunities in the North American and global context. This event will showcase the sustainable pathways needed to advance the transition to the circular economy around the world," says the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change. More information Further information on the WCEFonline event Media contacts: Samuli Laita, Leading Specialist, Communications and Public Affairs, Sitra, [email protected], tel. +358 40 536 8650 Further information on the WCEF event in the Netherlands Nicolette Rodenburg, Press Officer for Minister for the Environment of the Netherlands, [email protected], tel. +31 (0)6 - 53 20 08 52 Further information on the WCEF2021 in Canada Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, [email protected], tel.+1 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free) Read more about the World Circular Economy Forum. More information on Finland's work on the circular economy Mari Pantsar, Director, Carbon-Neutral Circular Economy, Sitra, [email protected], tel. +358 294 618 210 Read more about the World Circular Economy Forum. Read more about Sitra's work on the circular economy. The circular economy and the World Circular Economy Forum The Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra is an active fund for the future. We aim to create a fair and sustainable future, in other words, the next era of well-being. We work with partners to ensure that Finland can lead the way in the transition to a fair and competitive carbon-neutral circular economya new society in which our everyday lives and well-being are no longer based on excessive consumption and fossil fuel use. The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) is an annual event that brings together up to 2,000 business leaders, policymakers, and experts from around 100 countries to present the world's best circular economy solutions. WCEF also offers a platform for more focused events and side events, and WCEFonline brings the high-level content available to everyone around the world. The circular economy is the new paradigm for business, which aims to achieve economic growth through new sustainable business models. According to research from Accenture, the circular economy could generate US$4.5 trillion worth of additional economic output by 2030. The research identifies circular business models that will help decouple economic growth from natural resource consumption while driving greater competitiveness. Co-hosts Environment and Climate Change Canada informs Canadians about protecting and conserving our natural heritage and ensuring a clean, safe, and sustainable environment for present and future generations. Global uptake of the circular economy has increased over the past five years, and momentum is growing in Canada. More and more Canadian companies are testing out new circular business models; Canadian universities are conducting research into different pathways to a more circular economy; and policy initiatives are underway at all levels of government, including the Canada-Wide Action Plan on Zero Plastic Waste. Many Canadians are already participating in the circular economy. The Government of Canada is working to support the businesses and communities creating new economic opportunities that keep the value of our resources in the economy and out of the landfill. The Government of the Netherlands has set the ambitious target of being fully circular by 2050. This requires global collaboration and accelerating the circular economy agenda together with partners. The government is working with industry, civil-society organisations, knowledge institutions and other authorities to achieve a sustainable economy for the future. In this circular economy, there will be no more waste, as resources will be reused again and again. The government-wide Circular Economy programme sets out what we will need to do to achieve a circular Dutch economy by 2050. In addition to being responsible for the Government's circular transition, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management is committed to improving quality of life, access and mobility in a clean, safe and sustainable environment and enhancing climate adaptation strategies. The Ministry strives to create an efficient network of roads, railways, waterways and airways, effective water management to protect against flooding, and improved air and water quality. SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada Related Links http://www.ec.gc.ca Advertisement Twenty three percent of counties across the United States are now seeing an uncontrollable growth in new COVID-19 infections, according to a data map - as model projections show Phoenix could see 28,000 new cases a day by July 18. A color-coded data map, compiled by spatial analytics company Esri, shows how the US is faring in terms of infections by tracking the number of new COVID-19 cases on a county level. Updated data from Thursday shows that large parts of the South and Southwest are showing an 'epidemic trend' or 'spreading trend' for new coronavirus infections. The 'epidemic' trend is described as an uncontrolled spread, while 'spreading' indicates an outbreak that could still be controlled if preventative measures are taken. Of the 3,141 counties across the country, 745 are currently experiencing an epidemic outbreak and 1,232 are seeing spreading trends, according to the data map. Nearly 670 counties are currently seeing a controlled trend in new coronavirus cases. According to the map, the entire state of Arizona is seeing either epidemic or spreading trends. A color-coded data map, compiled by spatial analytics company Esri, shows that 23 percent of counties across the US are now seeing an uncontrollable growth in new COVID-19 infections. According to the map, the entire state of Arizona is seeing either epidemic or spreading trends The majority of counties in states like Florida, California, Georgia, the Carolinas, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi are seeing similar trends. About half the counties in Texas are currently seeing epidemic and spreading trends in new infections. Infections across the US have been surging for more than a week after trending down for over six weeks. Currently, the US has recorded more than 2.3 million coronavirus cases and more than 121,000 Americans have died from the virus. New cases and hospitalizations have been spiking to record levels in states like Arizona, Texas, California and Florida. Los Angeles County now has the most cases of all US counties with more than 85,000 confirmed infections. As cases continue to rise, forecast models from the PolicyLab at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia predict infections in Phoenix will rise to a staggering 28,000 new cases a day by July 18. That forecast is far worst than the daily cases epicenter New York City saw in mid-April. In Houston, daily infections are forecast to increase to more than 4,500 in the same time frame. Miami could see cases surge to more than 2,800 in the next three weeks. Researchers from the PolicyLab have warned that there is a risk Montgomery, Alabama; Little Rock, Arkansas; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Las Vegas, Nevada; and South Carolina could risk a similar resurgence. Data shows that the current levels in those cities is similar to where parts of Arizona, Texas and Florida were just a few weeks ago. The forecasts, however, show that many counties across the country are starting to see stabilizing cases. States like Oregon, Louisiana, North Carolina and California are showing improving four-week forecasts, according to researchers. It is not yet clear how much of this stabilization in risk for resurgence is related to masking policies or increased personal vigilance in distancing and hygiene practices as people have observed what is happening in other parts of the country, the researchers say. PHOENIX FORECAST: As cases continue to rise, forecast models from the PolicyLab at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia predict infections in Phoenix (above) will rise to a staggering 28,000 new cases a day by July 18 HOUSTON FORECAST: In Houston, daily infections are forecast to increase to more than 4,500 in the same time frame MIAMI FORECAST: Miami could see cases surge to more than 2,800 in the next three weeks David Rubin, the director of the PolicyLab, said the current forecasts may be an indication some states need to halt or scale back their reopenings. 'We've reached a point in communities throughout Arizona, Texas and Florida where the epidemic is accelerating at an alarming pace and may quickly overwhelm local health care systems -signaling a need to pause reopening plans,' Rubin said. 'For those other areas of rising concern in our model that have forecasts similar to those of Arizona just a few weeks ago, we would encourage local leaders to view our projections as an early warning system and enact swift response measures to prevent further widespread community transmission.' The current coronavirus surge has sent infections to dire new levels across the South and West with hospital administrators and health experts warning on Wednesday that politicians and a tired-of-being-cooped-up public are letting a disaster unfold. While newly confirmed infections have been declining steadily in early hot spots like New York and New Jersey, several other states set single-day records this week, including Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas and Oklahoma. Some of them also broke hospitalization records, as did North Carolina and South Carolina. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said the number of cases is going up due to what he describes as 'great testing'. Public health officials, however, say it only accounts for some of the increases as people continue to relax social distancing measures and states slowly reopen. Trump has repeatedly dismissed the threat of coronavirus and, at an event in Phoenix on Tuesday, said it was 'going away'. His comments are at odds with an internal document, compiled by the White House's taskforce team and obtained by NBC News, that shows cases are surging in states like Arizona and Texas. The document, which was released the same day Trump held the event in Arizona, showed that Phoenix was on a list of 10 cities with increasing cases. According to that data, Phoenix had the highest number of new cases, 13,169, compared to the previous seven days. It was a surge of 149 percent. Texas cities accounted for five of the 10 on the list. Palestine, which is south-east of Dallas, saw a 5,000 percent increase in cases. Meanwhile, Lakeland in Florida saw cases surge by 136 percent, according to the data. CALIFORNIA: In California, cases have surged nearly 70 percent in just two days. The state reported over 7,100 new cases on Wednesday, up from 4,230 on Sunday CALIFORNIA HOSPITALS: Hospitalizations have also reached record highs across the state in the past week TEXAS CASES: Rapidly worsening coronavirus numbers in Texas continue to reach bleak new milestones with the state recording more than 5,550 new cases in a single day TEXAS HOSPITAL: In Texas, which began lifting its shutdowns on May 1, hospitalizations have doubled and new cases have tripled in two weeks TEXAS DEATHS: The state recorded an additional 29 deaths on Wednesday compared to the record 58 on May 15 In California, cases have surged nearly 70 percent in just two days. The state reported over 7,100 new cases on Wednesday, up from 4,230 on Sunday. Hospitalizations have also reached record highs across the state with about 1,500 suspected or confirmed patients requiring intensive care. While Governor Gavin Newsom said part of the rise was due to testing, much is the result of people failing to engage in safe practices when gathering with friends and family, or visiting newly reopened businesses. Los Angeles County now has the most cases of all US counties with more than 85,000 confirmed infections. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti on Wednesday urged residents to stay home and wear masks while out in public. More than 20 members of a single Los Angeles family have tested positive for COVID-19 that resulted in the 60-year-old patriarch dying. The family insist they didn't attend or host any large gatherings and believe it spread due to one or two family members visiting the home. Florida's single-day count surged to 5,500 on Wednesday - a 25 percent jump from the record of 4,049 on June 20. In Texas, which began lifting its shutdowns on May 1, hospitalizations have doubled and new cases have tripled in two weeks. Rapidly worsening coronavirus numbers in Texas continue to reach bleak new milestones with the state recording more than 5,550 new cases in a single day. Hospitalizations in Texas have again hit record numbers, leading the largest pediatric hospital in the US to begin treating adult patients in Houston. In Arizona, emergency rooms are seeing about 1,200 suspected COVID-19 patients a day, compared with around 500 a month ago. If the trends continue, hospitals will probably exceed capacity within the next several weeks,according to Dr Joseph Gerald, a University of Arizona public health policy professor. 'We are in deep trouble,' Gerald said as he urged the state to impose new restrictions on businesses, which Governor Doug Ducey has refused to do. Dr Peter Hotez, an infectious-disease expert at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, said he worries that states will squander what time they have to head off a much larger crisis. 'We're still talking about subtlety, still arguing whether or not we should wear masks, and still not understanding that a vaccine is not going to rescue us,' he said. FLORIDA: Florida recorded a record high 5,508 new cases (left) on Wednesday, up from the previous record of 4,049 on June 20. Forty four new deaths (right)were recorded across the state on Wednesday ARIZONA CASES: Arizona reported 1,795 new cases on Tuesday, down from the record 3,591 new infections a day earlier ARIZONA HOSPITALS: The number of people admitted to Arizona hospitals with COVID-19 or suspected of having coronavirus on Tuesday was at 2,200 ARIZONA DEATHS: Arizona recorded 79 new deaths on Tuesday - compared to the 67 deaths recorded on May 8 The Texas governor initially barred local officials from fining or penalizing anyone for not wearing a mask as the state reopened. After cases began spiking, Abbott said last week that cities and counties could allow businesses to require masks. More than a dozen US states and some major cities have face-covering rules. California Governor Gavin Newsom last week told residents to wear masks at nearly all times outside the home. Newsom has said he will withhold pandemic-related funding from local governments that brush off state requirements on masks and other anti-virus measures in response to the soaring numbers. Washington Governor Jay Inslee on Tuesday ordered residents to wear face masks in public and Nevada's Governor Steve Sisolak said residents will have to wear masks or face coverings out in public beginning Friday. It comes as health officials warn coronavirus cases are climbing rapidly among young adults in a number of states where bars, stores and restaurants have reopened - a disturbing generational shift that not only puts them in greater peril than many realize but poses an even bigger danger to older people who cross their paths. In states like Florida, Texas and Arizona, young people have started going out again, many without masks, in what health experts see as irresponsible behavior. 'The virus hasn't changed. We have changed our behaviors,' said Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. 'Younger people are more likely to be out and taking a risk.' Figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that almost as soon as states began reopening people 18 to 49 years old quickly became the age bracket most likely to be diagnosed with new cases. Although every age group saw an increase in cases during the first week in June, the numbers shot up fastest among 18- to 49-year-olds. For the week ending June 7, there were 43 new cases per 100,000 people in that age bracket, compared with 28 cases per 100,000 people over 65. In Florida, young people ages 15 to 34 now make up 31 percent of all cases, up from 25 percent in early June. Last week, more than 8,000 new cases were reported in that age group, compared with about 2,000 among people 55 to 64 years old. Just over 820 Americans died from coronavirus on Tuesday, bringing the total death toll to more than 121,000. It is the highest number of daily deaths recorded in the past week after fatality rates started declining nationwide United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expects all member states to live up to their obligations under the relevant Security Council resolutions, his spokesperson said after a US State Department report classified Pakistan as a safe haven for terrorists. The US report had also underscored that Jaish-e-Mohammad founder Masood Azhar and 2008 Mumbai terror attacks mastermind Sajid Mir were widely believed to be living under the protection of the state in Pakistan. The report mirrors concerns expressed by New Delhi on numerous occasions about Pakistans complicity in sponsoring, promoting or supporting terrorists operating from its territory The UN chiefs spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters that the UN Secretary Generals office wouldnt comment on the US report. But he went ahead to deliver his message nonetheless. Obviously, as a matter of principle, we do expect all member states to live up to their obligations as laid out in any relevant Security Council resolution or Security Council decision, Stephane Dujarric told a media briefing in Washington, according to news agency Press Trust of India. At last count, Pakistan is home to 130 entities in the United Nations Security Councils 1267 Sanctions List. But several UNSC Sanctions monitoring teams have noted that Islamabad hasnt acted against most of them. Like when Islamabad told a visiting UNSC team in March this year that they had not been able to even identify or locate most of the 130 designated terrorists. According to counter-terror officials in Delhi, Pakistan acknowledges the presence of only 19 terrorists sanctioned by the UNSC on its territory including Jaish founder Masood Azhar who was designated global terrorist only in May last year, 10 years after India first pushed to have him blacklisted. The US had designated Azhar as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in 2010. The latest state department report noted that Pakistan had made no effort to use domestic authorities to prosecute terrorist figures such as Azhar and Lashkar operative Sajjid Mir. Sajjid Mir had ordered Ajmal Kasabs team of terrorists to kill the Israeli couple in Chabad House during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The United States has pushed Pakistan for long through threats and appeals to arrest and prosecute terrorists sheltered there. In the state departments 2019 country reports on terrorism released Wednesday, it had welcomed the prosecution of Hafiz Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Toiba, in 2019, along with 12 associates but underlined there were many others who had been left out. Hafiz Saeeds arrest and prosecution, for the ninth time, in 2019, had come under intense global pressure as Pakistan faced the possibility of being blacklisted at the initiative of the US by a global watchdog on terror financing and money-laundering, the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force. Pakistan narrowly escaped then, but has remained in the dock, as the US terror report reminded. The FATF expressed serious concern at its October 2019 plenary about Pakistans continued deficiencies but noted it had made some progress and extended the deadline for full Action Plan implementation to February 2020. A final call is expected later in the year, in October. By Park Moo-jong As a Korean proverb runs, "One would drink caustic soda, if it were free of charge." A joke of similar meaning also puts it that "if you like it for free, you'll become bald." One of my foreign friends asked what the proverb means, saying, "You're kidding. Swallowing caustic soda or lye can cause death." Actually, caustic soda, dubbed "yangjaenmul" in Korean, was a popular method of suicide for some people suffering from the hardships of life during the difficult times after the devastating Korean War that broke out June 25, 1950, 70 years ago yesterday. I explained to him, "The proverb and the joke warn of getting something for nothing and quoted an English saying, "There's no such thing as a free lunch." A Russian proverb is reminiscent of this truth: "Only mousetraps have free cheese." What the proverbs teach us is that we should not expect to get something good without having to pay for it or making any effort. Until the nation entered the era of industrialization in the 1970s after the Korean War ended in an armistice in 1953, the jobless flooded the streets, here, there and everywhere. During the lethargic times, people used to like something, free things, producing a self-mocking jargon: "Is there anyone who doesn't like free stuff?" The social trend of the time to wish for something for nothing generated rampant corruption among officialdom in that both are not the rewards for efforts, contributing to the spread of the "yangjaenmul" proverb. This proverb, however, was gone after the 1970s thanks to the successful economic development the nation has achieved from the ashes of the Korean War to global admiration. People have established a healthy social climate taking it for granted that sweating and working produces results, and South Korea has become one of the hardest-working nations in the world. However, this social trend is going into reverse. It is not too much to say that the government is taking the lead in making the people like getting something for nothing without any effort. All the political parties, either progressives or conservatives, were all out to buy votes with pork-barrel pledges in their April 15 general election campaigns without considering national finances or taking a lesson from the cases of Greece and Venezuela, for instance. The highlight of the trend is the emergency disaster relief funds the government granted to all households (numbering more than 20 million of a 52 million population) to help them cope with the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak. Of course, my family of three members got the free money of 800,000 won (about $670). Like most other citizens, I spent it dining out, buying Korean beef, fueling my car, etc. It took only four days for me to spend all the relief money. Yes, it was something good for nothing. Who refuses free money? By the way, the "generous" government's funds totaling 14.3 trillion won ($11.65 billion) is almost gone from the taxes people paid. The Bank of Korea announced "sad" news, in my opinion, that the Consumer Composite Sentiment Index (CCCI) rose to 77.6 in May, 6.8 percent up from the previous month; thanks to the emergency relief funds. Will the government be able to offer the free money again if the coronavirus pandemic persists in autumn? There are already voices calling for payment of additional relief funds. The series of "free grants" from the government, including the emergency disaster relief funds and unemployment compensation for young people and free education, to name a few, are something like a narcotic. Addicts, especially youngsters, don't like working hard. They wish for unearned income. They lose the will to work. Actually, many employers complain that their young employees even demand "dismissal" to be on the dole. Pork-barrel policies, no wonder, increase the national debt, forcing the government to issue deficit-financing bonds to finance the so-called welfare funds. Eventually, the growing generation will carry the burden of the snowballing national debt. The government has no way but to rake in taxes excessively, probably causing tax resistance in the worst cases. The government needs to mend its current policy designed to strengthen its intervention in the private sector with the people's money. Everybody knows it will be impossible for the government to push ahead with a welfare policy to distribute cash with debt. The (free) emergency disaster relief money the people are now spending is the tax they paid and they will have to pay for it later. People have to keep deep in mind that there is no such thing as a free lunch. But, unfortunately, there are many people in our society, especially politicians and public officials, who still enjoy free lunches. Park Moo-jong (emjei29@gmail.com) is a standing adviser of The Korea Times. He served as the president-publisher of the nation's first English daily newspaper from 2004 to 2014 after working as a reporter since 1974. Prime Minister Boris Johnson will allegedly give the go-ahead for foreign holidays on June 29, with air bridges to 10 countries in Europe set to be announced, the Metro newspaper reported. London, June 25 (IANS) Britons will reportedly be able to holiday in a number of European destinations, including France, Italy and Spain, from next week, but travel to the US and South America will not be permitted until at least December, media reports said on Thursday. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed on Wednesday to the Commons Transport Select Committee that an announcement on air bridges will take place on June 29. Trips to France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Turkey without the need for a 14-day quarantine have been "all but confirmed", MailOnline said in a report. Germany, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, Gibraltar and Bermuda were also said to be included in the list of destinations the government will deem "safe". The government's air bridge plans will reportedly expand over time, with trips to Canada, Morocco and the Caribbean expected to be available from August. Other medium-haul locations including Vietnam, Hong Kong and Dubai will reportedly be open to people from the UK from late August or September. However, holidays to the US, Mexico and South American countries will not be allowed until at least December, The Sun newspaper said in a report. "Intensive" phone conversations are said to be currently ongoing to finalise plans in Europe before next week. It was believed the plans will be finalised and signed off on Thursday in a meeting with officials from Downing Street, the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Home and Foreign offices. --IANS ksk/ Fashion has always been political. From Vivienne Westwood highlighting womens rights, climate change and wealth inequality on her catwalks, to the 2016 Super Bowl halftime show where Beyonce and her backing dancers entered the stadium clad in black leather and black berets, paying tribute to the Black Panther Party of the 60s. Or even the infamous Make America Great Again caps which Donald Trump made a cornerstone of his presidential election campaign. Activists, celebrities and brands continue to use fashion as a vehicle to make political statements and speak on social injustices. Because whether you care about fashion and choose to spend your yearly income on the hottest designer gear, or you refuse to succumb to the societal pressures of looking good, both say something about your view of the world. But with great activism comes great responsibility and in recent weeks, weve seen the demise of so many brands that seemed on-trend on the surface but which were perpetuating injustices. As I watched everything fall apart under the tensions of the Black Lives Matter movement, I wondered how an industry worth over 29bn worldwide had been able to increasingly thrive through so many economic upheavals while also becoming so incredibly tone-deaf to their consumers when it came to racial discrimination? Fashion began to unravel in early June after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota sparked a global uprising on the inequalities faced by black people against a system created to oppress them. Blackout Tuesday began with Universal Music announcing that their staff would be given a day of leave to reflect and rework their companys structure to combat the racial injustices felt by their colleagues and audience. The trend soon hit Instagram; black squares swept the grid and companies across the world started posting their own press releases condemning racism and showing their solidarity with the protesters. They were under pressure to say something, and fast perhaps before theyd fully understood their own part in the problem. Over the course of that week, brands also started to be named and shamed as their staff came out with statements of racism and micro-aggressions theyd experienced in the workplace. These multi-billion-pound businesses couldnt hide and suddenly an industry that thrived on its progressive approach to fashion and creativity had a lot to answer for when it came to how they actually treated people. Read More One of the clearest issues with the fashion industry is that it got away with using and abusing cultures and people when social media didnt exist. It was based on elitism: being white enough, skinny enough or rich enough. Brands were seen to outwardly steal from cultures while ethnic minorities rarely got a say. Working in the fashion industry has always been mesmerising for me. I remember the first few times being in a fashion cupboard amongst some of the most incredible garments. They would arrive from designers all over the world ready to be worn and photographed on the latest hot model. I fondly remember how giddy my fellow interns and I would get when an incredible new piece came in. However, over time the giddiness turned sour when I would realise how mistreated and unappreciated I was as a minority. Video of the Day From Marc Jacobs having his models wear faux dreadlocks in a Spring/Summer 2017 fashion show (a hairstyle known for its Rastafarian roots but often described by the same elitists as dirty), to Poppy Delevingne dancing and miming the words My hairs so nappy in a Tory Burch 2017 campaign (a derogatory term used to describe unkept afro hair), it always felt like designers were allowed to keep taking while never respecting or catering to those they took from. Most design houses wouldnt bat an eye and could swiftly move on because they didnt need to care. They werent being held accountable and those that did care, like me, were silenced. So, its not surprising that the Black Lives Matter movement has come as a shock to those who never saw, heard or experienced racism themselves. It has resulted in a number of high-profile fashionistas stepping down. Leandra Medine of Man Repeller and Jane Larkworthy, the Beauty Director of The Cut, to name a couple. At Conde Nast, black female staff took to social media to highlight how they had been mistreated while working at Vogue. Anna Wintour apologised, too, for Vogues failures on racism: I want to say plainly that I know Vogue has not found enough ways to elevate and give space to black editors, writers, photographers, designers and other creators. We have made mistakes too, publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant. I take full responsibility for those mistakes. Overnight, the industry lost its ability to approach race with such a lawless attitude. It began being held accountable to the irreparable damage it has done to many young women and men whove not only been previously silenced but shamed into leaving the companies they worked for. Fashion, like art, music and literature, thrives in the freedom of lawlessness. Its called the avant-garde. Its meant to give an alternative perspective on the mainstream, an escape from the social norm. Freedom of expression is not what we want to lose in our arts, but neither can we tolerate the constant taking advantage of minorities. The institutional structure of the fashion industry means concessions have always been made to protect those that have abused their power and position. As the Black Lives Matter movement continues to have a ripple effect across many other industries, companies and individuals are starting to grapple with how they could have got it so wrong before. I ask myself, What will the fashion industry look like when its no longer allowed to exploit the cultures of the people it so often dismisses? And, will the next generation of aspiring designers, stylists, editors, writers and directors feel like they have a chance to be a part of a world that has regularly closed the door in their faces? I hope so. But, systemic racism isnt fixed overnight and unfortunately, the pain of those who have had to endure it wont be healed overnight either. Telegraph The coronavirus pandemic hasnt gone away; theres a growing realization that the virus will be with us, at least, for some time to come. An increase in cases has revived fears of a lockdown although US Treasury Secretary Mnuchin has tried to allay those fears, stating that the US cannot afford another national lockdown. The month of May saw great news in the jobs report and the retail sales numbers, but international travel restrictions are still in place. While weve started reopening, itll be a long road back to normal. Which all makes dividend stocks a logical play. Return-minded investors can find a degree of safety in high-yielding equities, as the dividend will insulate the portfolios income stream. And even though dividend stocks tend to return less on share appreciation, there are still plenty out there that are showing high upside potential. Weve turned to TipRanks database to find three dividend stocks with yields starting at 7%, high by any standard, and with potential upsides starting at 13%. These are stocks that will both grow the portfolio and provide a steady income and success on multiple fronts is a key strategy to surviving a difficult market environment. Enbridge, Inc. (ENB) Well start in the energy industry. Enbridge the largest natural gas distributor in Canada, and the owner/operator of North Americas longest network of crude oil transport pipelines. With a $62.6 billion market cap, Enbridge had both the deep pockets and the essential niche to weather the coronavirus crisis. The company saw earnings rise sequentially during Q1, the corona quarter. EPS, at 62 cents per share, was up 34% from Q4, and beat estimates by 21%. Quarterly revenues were down year-over-year, at $8.96 billion, but beat the estimates by 5%. Looking ahead, Enbridge is expected to gross more than $32 billion on the top line this year. Enbridge also improved liquidity during the coronavirus crisis, adding a new $3 billion credit facility an issuing notes worth $4 billion. The company reports it now has access to $14 billion in cash and credit. The strong liquidity has allowed the company to maintain its dividend, which it declared on May 5 at 81 cents per common share. ENB dividend yield is 7.4%, a strong return when compared to the average dividend, just about 2%, found among S&P-listed companies. Story continues Evercore ISI analyst Durgesh Chopra is bullish on the stock, noting Perhaps not previously fully appreciated by the majority of US based equity investors, ENB offers surprisingly little sensitivity to volume fluctuation and overall supply dynamics of Western Canadian heavy and light production ENB is set to emerge post COVID in a much better position. It has streamlined ownership as well as its portfolio and paid down debt. We expect ENB to trade at a premium The analyst gives ENB shares a Buy rating, with a $55 price target indicating a robust 82% upside potential for the coming year. (To watch Chopras track record, click here) Wall Street agrees that ENB is a buying proposition. The stock has a Strong Buy analyst consensus, based on 10 Buy and only 3 Holds. Enbridge shares are selling for $30.16, and the $42.06 average price target suggests it has room for 39.5% growth this year. (See Enbridge stock analysis on TipRanks) Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure (FTAI) The next company on todays list, Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure, is an interesting investment. The company is structured as a REIT, but instead of investing in real estate, Fortress invests mainly in transportation assets. More than half of the companys portfolio is composed of aviation equipment meaning Fortress leases high-end commercial aircraft to operators. The company also has an oil refinery and terminal facility on the Texas Gulf coast, in addition to a number of smaller assets. Fortress boasts a high level of lease activity, with 69 of 76 aircraft and 108 out of 168 aircraft engines currently on lease agreements. The average remaining lease term for planes is 33 months and for engines is 14 months, giving Fortress a high level of stability due to recurring revenue. Steady recurring revenue allows Fortress to keep a reliable dividend. The company has paid out 33 cents per share quarterly without missing a beat since 2015. The annualized payment, at $1.32, makes the yield 11.1%. The high yield and solid reliability combine to make this an attractive equity for income investors. 5-star analyst Devin Ryan of JMP Securities is sanguine about Fortress future, writing of the company: [We] appreciate the firm will need to navigate some pretty meaningful headwinds in the near term (specifically within Aviation), we do believe it is better positioned than most to ride out the storm, from a capital and business model perspective, following substantial de-levering and improved liquidity in late 2019/early 2020. Importantly, in conjunction with earnings, the company declared its regular quarterly dividend of $0.33, and management was clear that it fully expects to continue to pay this dividend unless the operating backdrop deteriorates significantly further from its current view. Ryan gives the shares a Buy rating, and his $20 price target implies room for a hefty 77% one-year upside. (To watch Ryans track record, click here) The Strong Buy consensus rating on FTAI is unanimous Wall Streets analysts have given the stock 6 Buy ratings. The average price target is $15.83, which indicates room for 40% upside growth from the current share price of $11.31. (See Fortress stock analysis on TipRanks) Two Harbors Investment Corporation (TWO) Two Harbors, the last stock on our list, is a more tradition real estate investment trust. The company invests in real property, but its focus is on residential mortgage-backed securities. Management described the coronavirus crisis as unprecedented, and used liquidity measures to shore up the company portfolio during Q1. As a result, TWO reported 25 cents per share earnings in the first quarter of 2020, steady from the previous quarter. Steady earnings allowed the company to pay out 14 cents per common stock share in the quarterly dividend. This annualizes to 56 cents, and gives a yield of 10.4%. TWO has a history of adjusting its common stock dividend to maintain it at affordable levels; the result is a payout that may sometimes change from quarter to quarter, but which the company is committed to paying out to shareholders. Trevor Cranston, 4-star analyst with JMP, was impressed by Two Harbors ability to manage the COVID-19 hit. He wrote, Despite difficult market conditions, TWO was able to meet all margin calls during the first quarter, and sold substantially all of its non-agency credit assets in order to limit further risk going forward. Of the companys forward prospects, Cranston is optimistic: However, we believe returns on new investments are attractive in the agency MBS paired with MSR strategy, which should result in improved earnings once peak advancing requirements are past. A $6 price target suggests a 16.5% upside to the stock, in Cranstons view, and he accordingly rates the stock a Buy. (To watch Cranstons track record, click here) Two Harbors is currently selling for $5.15 and the average price target is in line with Cranstons, at $6.07. This implies a 16% upside for the stock in the coming year. The analyst consensus here is another Strong Buy, based on 6 Buys and 2 Holds set in recent weeks. (See Two Harbors stock analysis 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. Bengaluru, June 25 : Slamming the victim for not filing a complaint with the police soon after the incident, the Karnataka High Court granted anticipatory bail to an accused in a rape case against him, a lawyer said on Thursday. "Granting anticipatory bail to the accused, an employee in a private firm owned by the victim, on June 22, Justice Krishna Dixit said that it was 'unbecoming' of an alleged rape victim to have fallen asleep after being 'ravished' instead of filing a complaint against the accused soon," the defendant's counsel said here. The judge also observed that it was unbecoming of a woman to say she could not call the police or file a complaint, as she was tired and fell asleep after being ravished. "The anticipatory bail was granted because the victim did not raise an alarm when the accused got into her car; she consumed alcohol with him and failed to lodge a complaint against him at the earliest point after the incident,'' said the counsel, citing the order. The victim had alleged that her employee had developed sexual relations with her over the last 2 years on the pretext of marrying her. On a belated complaint, the police charged the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for sexual assault, cheating and criminal intimidation. When the prosecution opposed the bail, as the offence was criminal with supporting evidence, the judge said the 'serious nature' of the crime alone could not be a criterion to deny liberty to a citizen, especially when no prime facie case has been made by the police. Victoria will test 100,000 residents in Melbourne's coronavirus hotspots over the next ten days in a desperate attempt to control a second spike in infections. Premier Daniel Andrews announced 33 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday and declared there would be 'a suburban testing blitz' for the outbreak in suburban Melbourne over the coming days. Of Victoria's new coronavirus cases, there were seven in return travellers, nine linked to known outbreaks, six from routine testing and 11 under investigation. 'First things first, we are about to embark - in fact, we've already begun, it began early this morning - a suburban testing blitz,' Mr Andrews said. 'Broadmeadows and Keilor Downs, those two suburbs, with the highest number of community transmission cases, we will test 50 per cent of those suburbs over the next three days.' A woman gives directions to drivers at a drive-thru COVID-19 testing facility in Chadstone, Melbourne, on Thursday (pictured) Pictured: Drivers queue up for a COVID-19 test in Chadstone, Melbourne, on Thursday (pictured) Premier Daniel Andrews (pictured on Thusday) declared there would be 'a suburban testing blitz' for the outbreak in suburban Melbourne over the coming days VICTORIA'S SPIKE IN CORONAVIRUS CASES 25/6: 33 24/6: 20 23/6: 17 22/6: 16 21/6: 19 20/6: 25 19/6: 13 18/6: 18 17/6: 21 Source: Department of Health and Human Services Advertisement Mr Andrews said a 'thousand-strong' team would doorknock and speak to the local community to encourage them to get a free coronavirus test. 'Those two worst-affected suburbs, we have right now, and will have over the next three days, 50 per cent of those suburbs tested,' he said. 'That is about 5,000 tests per suburb, as well as, of course, each and every door that we knock on, each and every resident that we speak to, we're able to reinforce very simple but very important messaging. 'If you're sick, get tested. If you're sick, you cannot go to work.' Broadmeadows is in the local government area of Hume, while Keilor Downs is part of Brimbank. Victoria has identified six COVID-19 hotspots in the local government areas of Hume, Casey, Brimbank, Moreland, Cardinia and Darebin. Mr Andrews said there are ten suburbs where authorities are planning to test 50 per cent of residents. The next three days will focus on Keilor Downs and Broadmeadows, before targeting Maidstone, Albanvale, Sunshine West, Hallam, Brunswick West, Fawkner, Reservoir and Pakenham. Australians have been warned to stay away from six council in Melbourne: Hume, Casey and Brimbank, Moreland, Cardinia and Darebin (pictured) COVID-19 testing staff are seen at a pop-up site at Keilor Community Hub on Wednesday (pictured) Mr Andrews said the ten suburbs face 'a community transmission challenge'. 'We will move to the balance of those suburbs over the course of a ten-day period. That is about 100,000 tests,' he said. 'It may finish up being more than that.' There will be a total of 135 testing centres set-up to get Victorians tested. More than 1,000 Australian Defence Force troops are being deployed to Victoria to help fight the growing coronavirus problem. Mr Andrews said the ADF support would be 'critical' at the Melbourne Showgrounds testing site, where thousands of tests will be conducted. 'I've asked the prime minister - and I'm very grateful that he's agreed - to provide ADF support in a number of areas,' he said on Wednesday. 'Firstly, medical teams to support with those big, really big testing sites. Some other transportation support, particularly getting people from the airport to hotel quarantine.' A health worker conducts a coronavirus test in Chadstone, Melbourne, on Thursday (pictured) Mr Andrews (pictured on Thursday) said ten suburbs face 'a community transmission challenge' CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 27,244 Victoria: 20,269 New South Wales: 4,273 Queensland: 1,161 Western Australia: 692 South Australia: 473 Tasmania: 230 Australian Capital Territory: 113 Northern Territory: 33 TOTAL CASES: 27,244 ESTIMATED ACTIVE CASES: 269 DEATHS: 897 Updated: 5.31 PM, 11 October, 2020 Source: Australian Government Department of Health Advertisement Victoria's latest COVID-19 figures come after 20 positive tests and an additional death were recorded on Wednesday. A man in his 80s became the 20th person to die from COVID-19 in Victoria on Tuesday night. The nation's death toll climbed to 104 on Thursday, after a Sydney man's death was reclassified by NSW Health. The 85-year-old man was a resident at the Opal aged care facility in Bankstown where there was a small outbreak. NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant said the man's death has been reclassified after his doctor diagnosed COVID-19 as a contributing factor. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 on April 7 and died on April 27, after two negative swabs were recorded. NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said four new positive cases had emerged as of 8pm on Wednesday, including a seven-year-old from Lane Cove West Public School, who developed symptoms on Saturday. Victoria recorded an additional 33 cases of coronavirus on Thursday and NSW reported another death COVID-19 testing staff are seen at a pop-up site at Keilor Community Hub in Melbourne's west on Wednesday (pictured He echoed calls from his state government colleagues, urging NSW residents not to visit Melbourne. 'I think Victoria New South Wales have been in this together. We have worked very hard on these issues,' he said. 'But just for the moment it's clear that, and in the foreseeable future, it would be helpful if New South Wales residents were not travelling to the hotspots of Melbourne, not travelling to Melbourne if you can avoid it. 'Normally we welcome our Victorian cousins into New South Wales, very happy to have them. 'Right now I have to see I am asking Victorians, particular those from the hotspots in Melbourne, to not come into regional New South Wales and not come to Sydney.' Victoria's spike in cases has led to the return in panic buying, with Coles and Woolworths reinstating purchase limits toilet paper (pictured, Woolworths at Werribee Pacific) A shopper leaves a Costco outlet with a trolley full of toilet paper on Wednesday (pictured) in Melburne Victoria's spike in cases has led to the return in panic buying, with Coles and Woolworths reinstating purchase limits on items like toilet paper. On Tuesday, tensions were on the rise in COVID-19 hotspots from Melbourne's west to east. Residents could soon face mandatory lockdown in the six local government districts, Victorian health minister Jenny Mikakos warned. At Brimbank Shopping Centre in the city's north-west some worried shoppers were already stocking up on toilet paper, which had been stripped from supermarket shelves during panic-buying frenzies just months earlier. One Brimbank resident told Daily Mail Australia he had heard about people stockpiling again on morning radio and had come down to the shops to grab some rolls before they vanished. Reports spread quickly that a local shopping centre within the same municipality had already run out of the product. 'I'm not getting caught out again,' the man said. A steroid found to help severely ill coronavirus patients does nothing to help people with milder cases, a new study suggests. Last week, British researchers published preliminary findings showing that dexamethasone reduced death rates among patients on ventilators and those on supplemental oxygen without ventilation. But, in the full report released this week, results showed that patients not receiving any type of oxygen support fared better when receiving usual care rather than the drug. Since the early findings were first announced, demand for dexamethasone has surged by 610 percent, in some cases outstripping supply of the medication. Last week, UK researchers revealed that dexamethasone, a steroid, reduced death rates by one-fifth in those receiving supplemental oxygen (left) and by one-third in patients receiving mechanical ventilation (right) In patients not being given respiratory support, the study found that a slightly higher percentage of those receiving the drug died than those not being given it (pictured) For the study, published on pre-print site medRxiv.org, the team looked at more than 6,400 patients participating in the UK's RECOVERY trial. The trial, run by the University of Oxford, aims to identify treatment for those confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus. More than 2,100 patients were given six milligrams of dexamethasone daily for 10 days while more than 4,300 received usual care. Dexamethasone was found to have the most benefit among patients who were critically ill. The drug reduced deaths by one-third in patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation and by one-fifth in those receiving supplemental oxygen. However, it did not reduce mortality rates in people who were not receiving respiratory support. Steroids reduce activity of the immune system, which is beneficial in later stages of the virus but harmful in milder and early stage cases. Pictured: A figure shows how dexamethasone was better for severely ill patients, but also how usual care was better for mild cases Since preliminary findings were released last week, demand for the drug (pictured) increased by more than 600% in the US Patients given dexamethasone actually died at slightly higher rate than those who didn't receive it - 17 percent to 13.2 percent - but not enough to be significant. Senior author Dr Martin J. Landray, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at Oxford University, told The New York Times that this is likely due to the effect the medication has on the immune system. Steroids work by decreasing inflammation and reducing activity of the immune system, which can actually harm patients in the early stages of the virus. 'In the early phase of the illness, the immune system is your friend. It's fighting the virus, and dampening it is not a good idea,' Landray told the newspaper. It's in the later stages that the immune system becomes the enemy. This is when so-called cytokine storms, which occur when the body doesn't just attack the virus but also it own tissues and cells, crop up. 'In the later phase, the immune system is no longer your friend. It's responsible for the lungs failing, and dampening it down with steroids helps the situation and improves the chance of survival,' Landray said. The news that dexamethasone likely only helps severely ill patients hasn't stopped American doctors from trying to get their hands on it. Demand in US hospitals for the steroid has spiked more than six-fold, according to Vizient Inc, which buys drugs for half of US hospitals and other healthcare systems. The purchasing group said more than 2.8 million orders were made for the drug last week, up from 397,500 the previous week. On the day the preliminary findings were released, June 16, demand increased by 167 percent, according to Vizient. However, the fill rate of the drug fell from 97% to 54%, meaning pharmacies are having a tough time keeping up with demand. Pictured: A prone team turns over a patient with COVID-19 in the ICU at Stamford Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut, April 24 Manufacturers were only able to fill about half of those orders. The fill rate of the drug fell from 97 percent to 54 percent. This means that pharmacies had a hard time keeping up with demand. Luckily, many hospitals have been able to treat patients from their own inventories. 'What we're hearing from our members is that they are able to treat the patients who do require dexamethasone - they are treating them and they have [the] product,' Steven Lucio, vice president of pharmacy solutions at Vizient, told Reuters. 'The concern is, can the market continue to sustain this?' The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to approve emergency use of dexamethasone in coronavirus patients. What's more, the FDA says the injectable form of the drug has been in shortage since February 2019. The increased demand for cryptocurrencies in 2020 had prompted CoinJump, the reputable exchange platform, to further enhance its services and offer the best rates in the world for cryptocurrencies. People interested to buy or sell Bitcoin and Ethereum can now gain access to the best market rates, thanks to a series of new features implemented by CoinJump. Transparent fee structure and reliable market liquidity To ensure the best market quotes, CoinJump works with several important exchange platforms and mining pools, which means it offers to a liquid environment where customers can exchange Bitcoin and Ether against the Euro, without having to worry about the common flaws seen with other exchange platforms. CoinJump is all about cryptocurrency transactions and providing the best exchange solutions for customers. That is why both credit/debit cards and wire transfers are accepted as payment solutions by the exchange. Additionally, high volume purchases can benefit from an additional OTC deck in order to be able to close a market rate in a short period of time. CoinJump has a well-connected network of Bitcoin miners and popular exchange platforms, making it the first step into the cryptocurrency world. Transparency is one of the core values for CoinJump, the main reason why the company is providing details about the cost of exchanging cryptocurrencies. The exchange fee is currently 4.7% including VAT and each transaction is settled at the exchange rate determined when the exchange receives the money into its account. Bitcoin and Ethereum still dominating the market Despite a massive inflow of new altcoins, daily exchange volumes are still favoring Bitcoin and Ethereum, the two biggest cryptocurrencies in the world by market capitalization. Backed by years of existence, the cryptocurrency market continues to have trust in these two tokens, and that is why we continue to see BTC and ETH-denominated transactions elevated. CoinJump is fully aware of the current market trends and it had focused its offer solely on the biggest cryptocurrencies, to provide a reliable and affordable solution for people interested to exchange Bitcoin or Ethereum. To further enhance its attention to customers, CoinJump is now also providing a live chat feature on its website, where any individual can reach the Customer Support or the Compliance department and find an answer to any inquiry. With a broad set of exchange features, CoinJump is determined to keep providing access to the best cryptocurrency rates for BTC and ETH, ensuring all customers will benefit from using the most reliable tokens in the world. With a strong regulatory background, CoinJump further confirms its commitment to work on behalf of its clients at any point. About CoinJump CoinJump is one of the fastest and easiest exchange platforms designed for people to buy or sell Bitcoin and Ethereum. The exchange is well-known for its transparent fees and liquid market conditions, which led to customers accessing some of the best market rates. Coinjump is a registered exchange platform where people can exchange cryptocurrencies safely. Lyons-Valenti persuaded her workers and subordinates at her medical office to receive prescription medications from the Pennsylvania pharmacy that they did not need, often without giving them a medical examination or recording the prescriptions in their medical records, officials said. Lyons-Valenti wrote prescriptions for which insurance paid over $1.25 million and she received over $90,000 in kickbacks. In a fourth scheme, authorities alleged Lyons-Valenti signed five Louisiana pharmacy prescriptions for Judd Holt, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud for his role in the scheme, officials said. On each of the five prescriptions, Lyons-Valenti falsely stated that she had examined the patient and the prescriptions were necessary, when they were not, the release states. Lyons-Valenti also was charged with witness tampering for making false and misleading statements to a co-worker who was a federal grand jury witness, officials said. In addition, Goldis, who had a medical practice in Stratford, Camden County, admitted to signing four prescriptions for individuals who were not his patients at the request of Richard Zappala, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, officials said. MONTREAL - The head of a project to build a container terminal in Quebec City says the port expansion will help Canada claw back business from U.S. harbours. Don Krusel, executive director of the Quebec Port Authoritys $775-million undertaking, says the countrys share of container shipping traffic in North America has lost ground to beefed-up U.S. ports, falling 18 per cent since 2008. The shrinking market share is all the more striking as U.S. East Coast volumes surge due to shifting global supply chains. The growth of production in Southeast Asia has redirected some container shipping way from the West Coast and toward Atlantic ports. Imports from places like Vietnam and Malaysia and Cambodia and even India are increasing quite rapidly, Krusel said. Meanwhile, the advent of mega-ships has boosted the value of deep-water ports that can handle their larger hulls, with the Port of New York and New Jersey dredging the harbour at a cost of US$2.1 billion in 2016 to reach a depth on par with the Port of Quebec. As you move away from China and toward places in Southeast Asia, it then becomes more economical to transport a container ship through the Suez Canal, then the Mediterranean, and then to the East Coast. So the West Coast of North America is losing market share to East Coast. Its the same reason why Air Canada would rather fly a 737 than a Dash 8. Its economies of scale are improved. The more containers you can fit one vessel, the lower your greenhouse gas emissions are per container, but also your costs, Krusel said. In 2017, only one per cent of containers that came through New York-New Jersey docks arrived on a vessel of 13,000 TEUs or larger, according to the local port authority. In 2018, nearly 16 per cent of containers came via 13,000-TEU boats. Last year the proportion reached 23 per cent. The Port of Montreal can handle ships carrying up to 5,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) a metric based on container size while the Quebec City terminal will welcome ships of up to 13,000 TEUs. Quebec can handle all of the large ships which are the trend, whereas Montreal cannot, Krusel said. The Quebec Port Authority which currently does not have a container terminal is slated to begin construction next year and launch the facility in early 2024. The port authority announced a deal last year with Hong Kong port giant Hutchison Ports and Montreal-based Canadian National Railway Co. to build and run the terminal, which would be Eastern Canadas third alongside Montreal and Halifax. CN Rail CEO JJ Ruest has highlighted the underutilized network between Toronto and Halifax as manufacturing levels off in the eastern half of the country, leaving transport of consumer goods as a more promising opportunity for the railway. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 24, 2020 Companies in this story: (TSX:CNR) On April 15, President Donald Trump tweeted that the US is halting funding of the World Health Organization (WHO) and will carry out a review to assess the agency's role in mismanaging the coronavirus outbreak. In a quick response, the same day, billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft Co-founder Bill Gates said in a tweet that ending support for the WHO during a world health crisis is as dangerous as it sounds. "Their work is slowing the spread of Covid-19 and if that work is stopped, no other organisation can replace them. The world needs WHO now more than ever," Gates tweeted. Both tweets carry immense weight. The US government is the biggest donor of the WHO. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) is the second-largest. Both entities together account for nearly a quarter of the WHOs $5.3-billion funding expected from various quarters for the 2020-21 biennium. Any disruption in the fund flow can impact the budgetary plans of the WHO, half of which goes into managing acute health emergencies and polio eradication programmes across the world. The tweets suggested that the credibility and financial flexibility of the 72-year-old organisation was at stake, or at least the US wanted to give that impression, at a time when the WHOs efforts are needed most. Technically, a shortfall here can be compensated by someone else there. But in the WHOs case, that may not help. Only a small portion of the funds from WHO member-countries, including the US, comes as assessed contributions or un-tied membership-linked regular contributions. This revenue - contributions from member states and associate members recorded annually at the beginning of the year according to assessments approved by the World Health Assembly - has been shrinking as a percentage of the WHO's overall budget for several years now. What has been increasing is voluntary contributions like the ones given by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation where the money can only be used for a specific purpose. In other words, you cannot always replace one funding source with another. "The WHO is already grossly underfunded, and so many of its disease-control programmes will face cuts, although it is unclear whether or how new commitments from China will be channelled. An accompanying problem is the potential loss of legitimacy of the WHO and the disintegration of the international cooperation that is central to addressing global health concerns," says Anne-Emanuelle Birn, Professor of Critical Development Studies and Global Health, University of Toronto, Canada. "The WHO should heed democratic governance, as per its 1948 Constitution, with an ample dues-based budget, independent science-based decision-making, and democratic agenda-setting drawn from guidance from its annual World Health Assembly. Not only is the WHO's current $2.4-billion annual budget inadequate to the extreme, but the donor stronghold over 80 per cent of that budget means that the agency's agenda is set by special interests instead of people's health needs," she adds. Donor Grip Tied funds are useful when countries grapple with pandemics such as Covid-19. In fact, over 4.5 per cent of the WHO's biennium budget for years 2020 and 2021 is the Covid-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Management Fund committed by various member-countries and entities. Around 20.43 per cent of the WHO's budget is exclusively meant for eradication efforts of diseases such as polio. The problem comes when the WHO needs money to develop technical expertise elsewhere, but finds it difficult to divert funds for that purpose. David McCoy, Professor of Global Public Health at the Centre for Primary Care and Public Health at Queen Mary University of London, says the BMGF's influence will grow even more if the US sticks to its decision to not fund the WHO. "This should be a great concern because the WHO should not be so heavily influenced by an unaccountable private foundation," he says. According to McCoy, the most important reforms that should be undertaken in the WHO are financial. "The WHO needs to have a greater proportion of its budget made up of assessed contributions - ones that are not conditional. The technocratic arm of the WHO must be given greater independence to set budgets and priorities, with less donor and political interference. Since the US is the biggest source of funding, the WHO's budget would shrink and the impact of this will depend on the extent to which other counties fill the gap. (However), if US funding is stopped, the WHO would be able to escape the influence of the USA on the agency's functioning, which has not always been positive," he adds. Domestic Implications With a 0.56 per cent share in its funding, India does not play a significant role in the WHO's financial fortunes. But as a stakeholder, India has been a beneficiary of its technical expertise. If Kerala managed to put up a praiseworthy fight against the spread of Nipah before, and Covid-19 now, the essential protocols were available with the WHO. The organisation also sets standards for drug manufacturing, clinical trials etc, which help developing countries like India to adopt them. If the US continues to shun the WHO, it can put bilateral pressure on countries to act on its behalf, and India is not immune to such pressure. Sujatha Rao, Former Union Health Secretary, says the withdrawal of the US will affect the implementation of some key programmes, but will not have any major impact on Indias interests. "India is a founding member of the WHO. Most of the assistance provided by the WHO is technical in nature. Strengthening of the WHOs technical capability is what we have been discussing for a long time," she says. However, Rao adds that India should be concerned about the increasing dependency of the WHO on donors and tied funds. "If X organisation gives funds for polio eradication, they cannot be spent on any other activity except polio. This then distorts priorities as activities are taken up not in accordance with the needs of member-countries, but by what the donor wants," she explains. According to Rao, the increase in private voluntary funding has distorted priorities. "Developing and low-income countries stand to lose the most since they are very dependent on the WHO's technical support. This is also one of the reasons for the gradual neglect of surveillance and infectious disease control programmes, which in reality, is the core mandate of the WHO." The message is clear. With or without US funding, the WHO has been going through a difficult phase, where its dependence on tied funds has been increasing over the years. The US decision has only given member-countries an opportunity to think about the importance of the WHO and the flexibility it should enjoy in prioritising its health agenda. A popular DJ suspended by his Isle of Man station after he told listeners he had not benefited from 'white privilege' during a debate on Black Lives Matter has today been cleared by the Manx media regulator. Talk-show host Stuart Peters made the comments on June 3 when challenged by a black listener on his late-night programme and was taken off air the following day. He had told the caller that he had 'had no more privilege in my life than you have', adding: 'I'm a white man, you're a black man.' Mr Peters said his suspension from Manx Radio after complaints from 13 people - but messages of support from 27 listeners - amounted to an 'Orwellian attempt at mind and speech control'. Today the Isle of Man's Communications Commission said they considered Mr Peters' comments insensitive - but found they were not made to 'stir up racial hatred' and did not constitute a breach of their broadcasting code. Talk-show host Stuart Peters (pictured) was suspended when he denied he had benefited from 'white privilege' when challenged by a black listener on his late-night programme - but was cleared by the Isle of Man's broadcasting regulator today Its report, released today, said: 'Whilst issues surrounding race can be an emotive matter, the debate in question was conducted in a fair and measured way, and for the most part, in a calm and open manner. Mr Peters, 65, who has worked for Manx Radio on the Isle of Man for 20 years, had previously condemned the 'awful' and 'despicable' murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month 'The Commission is of the view that debates on subjects such as racism and discrimination are important to society and such debates should be open and balanced. 'While the debate during the broadcast in question was largely conducted in such a manner, the isolated incidents of insensitive comments were not in and of themselves sufficient for the Commission to intervene in a manner that would restrict the right to freedom of expression'. Mr Peters today said he would be back on the air on July 1 - but will no longer take calls from listeners. He said: 'I feel strongly that people should be able to discuss things rationally and respectfully its the only way to resolve our differences - and worry that free speech for all could be under threat of being choked by some. 'I believe that the vast majority of people are kind, considerate and open-minded, and I fully intend to ensure that their voices are heard. 'But I will not expose myself, Manx Radio or anyone else to the comments and abuse of the last three weeks, and have asked the station to remove the live phone-in element of my show'. He added: 'I would also like to thank the IOM Communications Commission for a thorough and fair report, and the thousands of people who have signed petitions and sent me messages of support. Of particular note is the Free Speech Union who took up my cause and provided friendly guidance and practical advice I would recommend them to anyone who has been told what to think or what to say'. Manx Radio's managing director Chris Sully, who launched the investigation, had said he couldn't comment at the time if the suspension. Today he said the station would 'learn' from the findings and added that the ruling was a 'starting point on a journey of open discussion on the subject, rather than the end of the road'. He said: 'We are grateful for the work that the team at the CC have done to reach a conclusion and now need time to work through the entire report to see what we can learn'. Mr Peters, 65, who has worked for Manx Radio on the Isle of Man for 20 years, had previously condemned the 'awful' and 'despicable' murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. He had also voiced his support for the Black Lives Matter protests. Pictured: Black Lives Matter protest in London Mr Peters, 65, who has worked for Manx Radio on the Isle of Man for 20 years, had previously condemned the 'awful' and 'despicable' murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. He had also voiced his support for the Black Lives Matter protests. But on June 3, the DJ was attacked on air by 28-year-old Jordan Maguire because he had written an earlier blog post stating that 'all lives matter'. According to Mr Maguire, this was 'derogatory'. 'For all lives to matter we have to raise the people of all creeds, colours, religions to the level that white people's privilege allows them to be,' the caller told the show. Mr Peters retorted: 'I've had no more privilege in my life than you have. I'm a white man, you're a black man, you say.' Mr Peters said afterwards: 'How anyone can take real offence at anything I said that night, or the way I said it, is beyond comprehension, and that so many most of whom probably haven't even heard the show want to see me lose my career because they imagine some slight is scary.' In the show, Mr Peters had questioned why the BLM movement triggered protests outside America, including at Tynwald, the Isle of Man's parliament. He told listeners: 'I can understand very clearly why people in America are protesting about it. I can understand why Black Lives Matter an American organisation is protesting about it. But what I can't understand is why people around the rest of the world are protesting, and specifically in the Isle of Man.' A campaign was then launched to reinstate the DJ and a petition was signed by almost 10,000 people. The Free Speech Union has rallied to his defence, warning the row is an attempt to shame individuals for not subscribing 'to the latest woke orthodoxies'. The organisation's director, Toby Young, added: 'The suspension of Stu Peters by Manx Radio just because he challenged the concept of "white privilege" is a clear breach of his right to free speech.' A city councilman in Arizona has drawn outrage after shouting 'I can't breath' to protest mandatory wearing of face masks to slow the spread of coronavirus, seeming to reference the dying words of George Floyd. Scottsdale councilman Guy Phillips, a Republican, made the remarks at a city hall rally on Wednesday to protest a city mandate that face coverings must be worn in public. Phillips, wearing a cloth face mask, approached the microphone and shouted 'I can't breathe' twice as the crowd yelled for him to remove the mask, before he triumphantly ripped it from his face. The incident drew swift condemnation, including from Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, who tweeted: 'Just flat out wrong. Despicable doesn't go far enough.' Scottsdale councilman Guy Phillips, a Republican, shouted 'I can't breathe' at a rally protesting the mandatory wearing of facemasks, seeming to mock the death of George Floyd About 200 people attended Wednesday's rally, which was titled 'Unmask Us' 'The final words of George Floyd should NEVER be invoked like this. Anyone who mocks the murder of a fellow human has no place in public office. Period,' Ducey continues. Floyd, whose death on Memorial Day in Minneapolis sparked weeks of unrest across the country, was caught on video saying 'I can't breathe' as a police officer knelt on his neck. Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane, a Republican, also blasted Phillips' remarks, calling them 'callous and insensitive.' Following the rally, Phillips said the comment had no connection to Floyd, telling the Arizona Republic that his remarks referred solely to the mask. 'It was hot and stuffy,' Phillips said. 'I did not mean any disrespect and there was no connection,' he said. Phillips, wearing a cloth face mask, approached the microphone and shouted 'I can't breathe' twice as the crowd yelled for him to remove the mask, before he triumphantly ripped it off A couple of hours later he issued an apology to the Floyd family. 'I am sorry about a comment I made today that was the same comment Mr. Floyd had made,' Phillips said. 'He didn't deserve what happened to him and I by no means was trying to make light of it by saying I cant breathe in a mask. Please accept my sincerest apology and that goes out to anyone who became offended,' he continued. About 200 people attended Wednesday's rally, which was titled 'Unmask Us'. The event was a protest against new rules imposed last week in Scottsdale that require wearing a face mask in public, as the number of coronavirus cases in the area continues to rise. An invitation for the rally asked 'Any Citizen of AZ who believes wearing a mask is a personal choice, and not a mandate' to 'put your best face forward.' Arizona is one of the nation's emerging coronavirus hotspots, where daily new cases have continued to rise. On Tuesday, the Arizona Department of Health Services reported 3,593 new coronavirus cases and 42 deaths, both records for the state. While the number of new cases on Wednesday dropped to 1,795, the number of deaths almost doubled, jumping to 79. Once it began opening, Arizona quickly rolled back restrictions, with Governor Duecy not making it a requirement for people to wear masks while out in public. Last Wednesday, amid spiking numbers, Ducey ordered that local government can pass measures forcing their residents to wear masks. Nearly 2 million people have signed an online petition that launched early in June calling for Aurora officials to reopen the investigation into the death of Elijah McClain a 23-year-old unarmed black man who died in August 2019 following an encounter with Aurora police and paramedics. The High Court has set aside six days in October for the hearing of former Independent News & Media (INM) chairman Leslie Buckley's application for the recusal of inspectors investigating a major suspected data breach at the company in 2014. Mr Buckley wants the appointment of barrister Sean Gillane SC and solicitor Richard Fleck revoked on grounds of "objective bias", claiming they omitted key evidence from an interim report. The claims have been rejected by the inspectors. Mr Justice Garrett Simons yesterday set an October 13 start date for the hearing of the application. The court heard Mr Buckley may also file a further application seeking to stay part of the inspection. Any such application is expected to be firmly opposed by the inspectors. Their counsel, Cian Ferriter SC, said it would have "potential to do huge prejudice" to their work. Sean Guerin SC, for Mr Buckley, said it wasn't his client's position that the work should be stayed entirely. He said "the appropriate line" to draw would be when the inspectors are ready to begin cross-examining witnesses. Following an application from former INM shareholder Denis O'Brien, the judge ordered that he be given a copy of the second interim report of the inspectors. Applications from several people for permission to use certain documentation in possible future litigation against INM and Mr Buckley over the alleged data breach were adjourned to a later date. The inspectors are investigating several issues, including the "interrogation" of INM data in 2014 at the direction of Mr Buckley and paid for by one of Mr O'Brien's companies. Mr Buckley claimed this was done as part of a cost-cutting exercise where he was seeking information about a contract. The discovery of a spreadsheet which suggested 19 names, including those of journalists, were searched for in the data raised doubts over this explanation. Among other issues being probed are claims Mr Buckley put pressure on former INM chief executive Robert Pitt to pay an inflated price for Newstalk, a radio station owned by Mr O'Brien. The deal was ultimately abandoned. In an affidavit, Mr Buckley rejected allegations he improperly favoured Mr O'Brien over other shareholders. Mr O'Brien is no longer involved in INM, after selling his shares to Belgian-Dutch group Mediahuis last year. In the affidavit, Mr Buckley said he felt his life has been ruined by the allegations and that former trusted friends and colleagues had shunned him in social settings. Governor Says COVID-19 Rate Is Unacceptable, Urges Precautions In a press conference Monday, June 22, Governor Greg Abbott said that it is obvious that COVID-19 is spreading at an unacceptable rate in Texas and that it must be corralled. The governor presented data showing a rapid increase in new cases, hospitalizations and the positivity rate, which is the ratio of confirmed cases to tests performed. The percentage of Texans receiving positive results after testing rose from 4.5 percent in late May to close to 9 percent as of Monday, the governor said. On Monday, Texas was continuing the trend of increased hospitalizations, with 3,711 in the state's hospitals battling COVID-19. Statewide, the overall case count was at 114,881 Monday, with 43,499 of those currently active and 2,192 fatalities. As of Monday, Hill County's overall case count was at 49, with 25 currently active, 17 recovered, one fatality and six cases not considered active but without a stated outcome. Of the two cases reported Monday, one was identified as a woman in her 50s from Hillsboro, and the second is a man in his 30s from Hubbard. The governor said that COVID-19 remains a very fast-spreading virus that will remain in Texas and the world until treatments are available. "As a result, we must find ways to return to our daily routine while also learning ways to coexist with COVID-19," he said. "Closing down Texas will always be the last option," Abbott said, but he stressed the importance of following guidelines to reduce the spread of the virus, including staying home when sick, sanitizing hands, social distancing and wearing masks. "I know that some people feel that wearing a mask is inconvenient or an infringement of freedom, but I also know that wearing a mask will help keep Texas open," Abbott said. Abbott said that not taking action to slow the spread will cause it to worsen, risking people's lives and ultimately resulting in the closure of more businesses. He also pointed out that the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has suspended alcohol permits for bars that are not following the state's requirements for reopening, and action has been taken by local governments to close areas where compliance has been a problem. "COVID-19 hasn't suddenly gone away," Abbott said, "but neither has our ability to slow the spread of it. We don't have to choose between jobs and healthwe can have both." In his update Monday, Hill County Judge Justin Lewis said that while summertime comes with a lot of distractions, Hill County residents must not lose focus on all the work they have put in over the last several months trying to contain COVID-19. Numbers are growing all over the state, and Governor Abbott has said that other actions may have to be taken if the rate of increase in cases does not slow down, Lewis said. The fewer cases we have in Hill County, the greater the probability that we are able to remain open and functioning if new restrictions come down, but based on the number of active cases currently reported by DSHS for our county, Im afraid new restrictions, if announced, would impact us. The judge added, We certainly cant control most of the factors influencing the states decisions about how to handle this pandemic, but what we can control is our actions and the steps we take to protect one another from the spread of this virus. Now is a good time to think about the fact that just because we have the right to do something doesnt mean its a good idea to do it. The judge asked everyone to voluntarily monitor their own actions and eliminate unnecessary activities or events that may increase community spread whenever possible. "We want everyone to live their life and enjoy their summer as much as possible, but we want to be smart about this situation and recognize the impact our actions have on others, the judge said. Lewis also said that while many metropolitan areas of the state have now made wearing face masks mandatory, wearing a mask in Hill County is not mandatory, but the county is asking for voluntary compliance. Technavio has been monitoring the modified starch market and it is poised to grow by USD 2.35 billion during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 4% during the forecast period. The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005667/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Modified Starch 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 concentrated, and the degree of concentration will accelerate during the forecast period. AGRANA Beteiligungs AG, Archer Daniels Midland Co., Cooperatie AVEBE UA, Cargill Inc., Emsland-Starke GmbH, Ingredion Inc., Qingdao CBH Co. Ltd., Roquette Freres SA, SMS Corporation Co. Ltd., and Tate Lyle Plc are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The emergence of modified starch-based plastic has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. Modified Starch Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Modified Starch Market is segmented as below: Application Food and Beverage Textile and Paper Pharmaceuticals Others Geography North America APAC Europe South America MEA To learn more about the global trends impacting the future of market research, download a free sample: https://www.technavio.com/talk-to-us?report=IRTNTR43758 Modified Starch 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 modified starch market report covers the following areas: Modified Starch Market size Modified Starch Market trends Modified Starch Market analysis This study identifies the use of novel technologies for the production and development of physically modified starches as one of the prime reasons driving the modified starch market growth during the next few years. Modified Starch Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of vendors operating in the modified starch market, including some of the vendors such as AGRANA Beteiligungs AG, Archer Daniels Midland Co., Cooperatie AVEBE UA, Cargill Inc., Emsland-Starke GmbH, Ingredion Inc., Qingdao CBH Co. Ltd., Roquette Freres SA, SMS Corporation Co. Ltd., and Tate Lyle Plc. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the modified starch 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 Modified Starch Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist modified starch market growth during the next five years Estimation of the modified starch market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the modified starch market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of modified starch market vendors Table Of Contents: Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Market characteristics Value chain analysis Market Sizing Market definition Market segment analysis Market size 2019 Market outlook: Forecast for 2019 2024 Five Forces Analysis Five Forces Analysis Bargaining power of buyers Bargaining power of suppliers Threat of new entrants Threat of substitutes Threat of rivalry Market condition Market Segmentation by Application Market segments Comparison by Application Food and beverage Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Textile and paper Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Pharmaceuticals Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Others Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Application Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 APAC Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Europe 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 AGRANA Beteiligungs AG Archer Daniels Midland Co. Cooperatie AVEBE UA Cargill Inc. Emsland-Starke GmbH Ingredion Inc. Qingdao CBH Co. Ltd. Roquette Freres SA SMS Corporation Co. Ltd. Tate Lyle Plc 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/20200625005667/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/ 'It is nobody's contention that uncomfortable questions regarding national security should not be raised. But that is a topic for another day and another time when the immediate threat has faded,' argues Vivek Gumaste. IMAGE: Mamata Orang, centre, and Sakuntala Orang, left, mother and sister rspectively, of Rajesh Orang, one of the 20 Indian Army soldiers murdered by the Chinese People's Liberation Army in Ladakh's Galwan Valley, at his funeral at Belgoria village in Birbhum district, West Bengal. Photograph: PTI Photo Even as the Indian government puts its head together to formulate a pragmatic approach to the formidable challenge posed by the Chinese threat, it is being broadsided by a dangerous, ill-timed, malignant domestic narrative, essayed by the 'pull down Modi' gang that speaks of policy failure, operational lapse and duplicity; an irresponsible baseless hectoring that will only serve to weaken the national resolve. A cardinal tenet of any civilised nation is that in times of war, people demonstrate cohesiveness and rally around the leader. The negativist campaign in play today, though masquerading as a well-intentioned debate, violates this dictum in its entirety. Leading the charge in this campaign of vitriolic calumny is a dated, over the hill Congress party desperately seeking to extract political mileage from a grim national predicament even at the cost of national security. Complementing the juvenile utterances of his master ('Surrender Modi', courtesy Rahul Gandhi), Kapil Sibal rolled out a series of five questions whose explicit purpose is to embarrass the government; these querulous interjections may have validity at another time but at this crucial juncture they come across as petty, vindictive and self-serving rhetoric. One of the pivotal arguments in this concocted composition is that Modi was so smitten by President Xi Jinping's aura and his own ambitions of being a world statesman that he misread the Chinese president's intentions. P Chidambaram indicts Modi (external link) for an error of misjudgement -- of failing to 'take a correct measure of Mr Xi' and accuses Modi of being conciliatory in the face of transgression. Ajai Shukla writing in The New York Times reiterates the same line albeit in a more vocal manner. He characterises Modi's China policy as being 'in tatters'. Using adjectives like 'pusillanimous', he portrays Modi as a gullible and expediently timid leader guilty of misjudging Xi, of being subservient to China and of being too late to 'discover his voice' in the current crises. None of these wild suppositions passes the test of evidence or logic. Modi's overture of friendship towards China did not preclude or compromise the nation's military preparedness. Nor did it act as a dampner to strike up new strategic partnerships with countries inimical to China like the US, Japan and Australia. In fact, China's current aggressive posturing is the direct result of India's accelerated pace of infrastructure build-up along the LAC in recent years and arguably also the fallout of the renewed impetus to the India-US strategic partnership. Since Modi came to power in 2014, there has been a concerted drive to shore up our infrastructure in the vicinity of the LAC. Bureaucratic hurdles have been removed (blanket approval for roads within 100 km of the LAC) and infrastructure build-up has increased at a faster rate: more roads have been constructed, more bridges built and more tunnels excavated in the last 6 years. Anil Dhasmana, former secretary, Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency, affirms (external link): 'The genesis of the building up of faster strategic infrastructure can be traced back to 2014, when the Modi government gave it a big push.' 'One of the first decision of the government was to issue a general approval in July 2014 for the creation of road network by the Border Roads Organisation within 100 km of aerial distance from the LAC,' points out Dhasmana. 'This general approval ensured that requirement of prior central government and other bureaucratic process were done away with.' 'This was in stark contrast to the approach taken by the UPA government where blocking of such sensitive infrastructure projects under various reasons was the norm. Only one tunnel was constructed between 2008 and 2014 while six tunnels have been made during 2014 to 2020,' notes Dhasmana. 'The construction of about 19 tunnels is also under progress.' 'During 2008 to 2014, 7270 metres of bridges were built, while 14,450 metres of bridges were built between 2014 and 2020. In the period between 2008 and 2014, roads of 3,610km were constructed on the border while 4,764 km of roads were built between 2014 and 2020,' the former RA&W chief points out. 'For about five decades after the 1962 War, the construction of these roads which were neglected has now been taken care of and it has been constructed in record period of time along the LAC.' 'Undoubtedly, India's push to build and upgrade infrastructure along the LAC is behind China's aggression and recent border skirmishes.' Lieutenant General A L Chavan (retd), former director-general of Military Training and General Officer Commanding 3 Infantry Division, concurs (external link): 'In 2014, we had no access by surface means to Daulat Beg Oldi and Sub Sector North for almost half of the year.' 'Now, we can drive from Darbuk to DBO in approximately six-eight hours, and it has given us major benefits in terms of domination of Depsang Bulge in the DBO area,' says Chavan. 'It may not be an overstatement to claim that we will be at par or better connected than the Chinese within the next couple of years if the present momentum is maintained,' the general points out. 'This has given a quantum jump to the morale of the forces operating in this area in extremely difficult, super-high altitude terrain with substantial areas in permafrost. The equipment we have, too, has improved considerably and is the best available in the world,' the general adds. India, under Modi, has acted as a mature nation: extending the hand of friendship without overlooking its national security interest. An overtly pessimistic and deprecatory interpretation of Indian military missions, especially those conducted under the aegis of the Modi government, is intrinsic to this negativist lobby. Nitpicking and scepticism rule the roost rather than an objective analysis. The current crisis suffers the same fate. Yogendra Yadav's contention (external link) that the government failed to act promptly as 'the government's entire focus was on perception management rather than management of the borders', is wrong. India acted in a responsible manner allowing negotiations to run their course before taking effective proactive measures. And when China failed to de-escalate as per the June 6 meeting of the respective military commanders, India acted decisively. The sequence of events as narrated by External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is as follows: China erected a 'structure' on India's side of the LAC even after the de-escalation agreement on June 6. The Indian patrolling unit evicted the Chinese and demolished the 'structure' leading to the conflagration. Satellite images (external link) shot a day after the June 15 combat show debris from the observation posts on a ridge on India's side of the LAC not present a week before. For the Indian Army to demolish a Chinese post in the present tense situations speaks of exemplary courage and second, it is highly improbable that such a mission would have been undertaken without the concurrence of the government -- indicating a clarity of thought and purpose. The Galwan incident emphasised the ability of the Indian Army to achieve its objective and by inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy sent out a strong message of deterrence to China. Anywhere between 35 and 43 Chinese were killed (American intelligence and ANI reports). So, despite the continuing distrust of our own doubting Thomases, emerging information appears to corroborate the Indian claims of significant Chinese casualties including the death of their local commanding officer. Post the Galwan episode, in a further show of determination, the government has deployed its specialised high-altitude warfare forces along the 3,488 km Line of Actual Control to counter Chinese aggression. It is nobody's contention that uncomfortable questions regarding national security should not be raised. But that is a topic for another day and another time when the immediate threat has faded. And at that time we should also seek an explanation from the Congress party which has governed India for more than 50 of India's 73 years of independent existence as to the cause of the power asymmetry between Indian and China; more specifically, we would like to know about the corruption scandal and the delay involving the completion of the strategic DSDBO road that is at the center of the current Indo-China confrontation. Commenting on the current political debate raging in the country, General Ved Prakash Malik, Indian Army chief during the Kargil War, remarked (external link): 'National security is the biggest issue. It is a matter of great sadness that our political parties are publicly raising their fingers on the issue of national security.' 'Of course, raising questions is your right, but instead of doing it publicly, discuss it in the meeting, it would do better,' the general added. Dissent and debate are the cornerstone of any democracy and it is important that we respect differing opinions. I have explicitly refrained at any time from terming those who differ with me as anti-nationals. But when someone indulges in such boorish behaviour that undermines our national resolve and attempts to demoralise our army while an expansionist power is hovering menacingly on our borders, then the gloves are off. My India: Musings of a Patriot. You can e-mail the author at gumastev@yahoo.com Photo credit: Eileen Costa From Harper's BAZAAR In 2017, The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology presented Black Fashion Designers, a groundbreaking exhibition that examines the significant, but often-unrecognized, impact that Black designers have had on fashion. The expansive survey featured approximately 75 looks by more than 60 designers from the past eight decades. These designers included 1950s society dressmaker Ann Lowe, who designed Jacqueline Kennedy Onassiss wedding dress; 1970s bright stars Stephen Burrows and Scott Barrie, who defined the disco eras glamorous body-con style; and rising talents of today, like LaQuan Smith and Pyer Moss designer Kerby Jean-Raymond. The exhibition was accompanied by a mobile tour with multimedia content for smartphones including archival video footage and designer interviews, which the museum has now made available online. The tour is narrated by legendary fashion journalist Andre Leon Talley, who recently published The Chiffon Trenches, a memoir charting half a century spent writing and styling for Womens Wear Daily, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Interview, and more. Here, we speak with Talley and the exhibitions co-curator Elizabeth Way about Black designers who have had a large impact on the fashion industry while often being less visible than their peers and, more importantly, how we can change that. What do you hope for online visitors to take away from viewing the 2017 exhibition Black Fashion Designers now? Elizabeth Way: One of the things my co-curator Ariele Elia and I really wanted to stress with this exhibition is that there is no one definition of Black style. Theres no one style that Black designers design in. We really wanted to highlight the multitude of talented Black designers that have been working in the fashion industry since the 1950s. Andre Leon Talley: There are many great Black designers. Stephen Burrows is on a par with Halston, who was his contemporary. Mr. Burrows is one of the great, great original talents. He is a self-taught man, and he created the most wonderful color-block clothes in the 1970s, clothes that were full of optimism. They just registered something that had not been seen before in fashion. They were like wearable art. Story continues Scott Barrie was another extraordinary designer of this time. And before Mr. Burrows and Mr. Barrie came on the scene, there was this great woman, Ann Lowe, who went unsung as one of the pioneers of Black style and design. Photo credit: Eileen Costa Theres one of Ann Lowes wedding dress in the exhibitionits gorgeous! ALT: Ms. Lowe is historically extraordinary. She was this wonderful lady who had come from the South in the 1950s and created clothes for all the Park Avenue socialites. Society women all up and down the Eastern Seaboard were dressed by Ann Lowe. She designed the gown Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis wore when she wed John F. Kennedy in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, in 1953. Ann Lowe had obviously seen her grandmother sew, and she created a career out of that. So that is the history of the Black designer, it comes out of the segregated South, it comes out of a folkloric ancestral recall. I would say that ancestral recall is very inherent in the work of the Black designer. Most of them are self-taught, and most of them remember their relatives sewing. This exhibit encompasses many individuals who make up a broader quilt of American fashion history. Photo credit: Eileen Costa I would love to hear more about your memories of meeting these Black fashion stars as a young editor for Womens Wear Daily in the mid-1970s. ALT: Well, it was a bit before my time, but Stephen Burrows was included in the Battle of Versailles fashion show in 1973. That was a big accolade for him to be chosen as one of five American designers to face off against the best of French talent. The others were Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta, Halston, and Anne Klein. He was the last to show and brought the house down. No one had ever seen so many Black models walking a runway. The soundtrack was Al Greens Love and Happiness, and the clothes had this kind of minimalistic elegance to them. Stephen Burrowss designs are always attuned to the body. His technique is very much a continuation of what Madame Vionnet created at the beginning of the 20th century. I think thats important for the history of fashion: He evolved the bias cut. Scott Barries clothes were very elegant and sensuous, in matte jersey. What I remember most about Scott Barrie is his success as a designer. He lived in a beautiful townhouse on the Lower East Side that was filled with white silk-satin Art Deco furniture. That was unique for me. I went to his house maybe twice. He wasnt a close friend like Stephen Burrows. Photo credit: Eileen Costa When I left to go to Paris in 1978 to become the fashion editor of Womens Wear Daily, which was a big moment in my career, Stephen Burrows gave me a going-away party at his house, and everyone important was there: Elsa Peretti; Bobby Breslow, the bag designer; Bethann Hardison. It was just a wonderful moment in time. Another of your friends featured in the exhibition is the experimentalist Andre Walker. His designs, like a jacket that turns into a capelet/halter top at the back, often hybridize several articles of clothing and they really dont look like anything else. What can you tell me about his inspirations? ALT: Andre Walker is another unsung hero of fashion. Hes sort of an underground designer who has been working in fashion since the 1980s. He showed twice in Paris. I went to two shows of his there in the early 1990s. He lives in Brooklyn with his parents who are quite religious. He is self-taught. Andre Walker is an extraordinary human being, and I think that some of the best examples of modern fashion in the exhibit are looks he designed for Rei Kawakubos store Dover Street Market. Photo credit: Eileen Costa The Activism section of the exhibition includes Pyer Moss designer Kerby Jean-Raymonds They Have Names T-shirt from spring 2016, which made a powerful statement in support of the Black Lives Matter movement and feels all the more poignant now. In what ways do you think fashion should use its platform to promote social justice? ALT: Well, I would say that was one of the most original segments of the exhibit. That was a very powerful moment to use the T-shirts, because T-shirts are a universal uniform. And they are very, very, very relevant today, because there are people in the streets globally protesting for Black Lives Matter. Protesting against the social injustice of the blue murders by policemen of young Black men and womenBreonna Taylor, Sandra Bland. They are not wearing high fashion. They are usually in T-shirts. The T-shirt is a very important item of clothing: a man, a woman, a child, a teenager, an elder person can walk in protest in the streets in a T-shirt. Its comfortable, its accessible, and its affordable. One of the many things that impressed me about George Floyds funeral was that the choir that was onstage behind Rev. Al Sharpton wore black T-shirts that said, I cant breathe. I cant breathe is a very strong, yet sad, important message that we have to really be keeping our minds on the fact that Mr. George Floyds humanity was taken out by a man who kept his knee on his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds. EW: That was very brave of Kerby Jean-Raymond, to have that show. He included a video that he made, in which he interviewed the families of victims of police brutality. He lost customers. He lost buyers over that. That was very brave of him to do. I think its important and wonderful when designers make statements. But if the fashion industry really wants to make a statement in support of social issues, the change has to also come from the top. Photo credit: Eileen Costa What actions would you like to see the fashion industry take to be more inclusive and supportive of Black designers? ALT: Global brands including Gucci and Prada have set up initiatives for Black members of the industry to advise them. Gucci was one of the first to have this advisory board that started, I think, about a year ago, which meets regularly to discuss things that are important to the roles of Black talent in the fashion industry. Thats very, very significant. EW: I agree 100 percent. I would also add that while its amazing that people in boardrooms are having these conversations, making this type of educational outreach, change will come when there is more diversity among the corporate leaders themselves. Andre, youve obviously mentored many young designers. How do you go about that? ALT: I have to give credit to my former mentors, the editors Diana Vreeland and Carrie Donovan. I had great role models. You just simply nurture through conversation or special opportunities, and encourage them to never give up. For example, I first read about LaQuan Smith in a New York Times piece that described how he was living in his grandmothers house in Queens and making patterns from newspapers. I remember thinking, This person has got something. I went to his first show and I was blown away. It was stunning. Stunning in its relevancy and its currency. By the time he had the second or third show, I had Serena Williams walking in it! She was in town for the US Open and I said to her, Youve got to come with me and be in LaQuan Smiths show. She never had a fitting for the dress she wore, but she closed the show. Photo credit: Eileen Costa LaQuan Smith is so extraordinary that I simply gave him $2,000 of my own money. One day I went and said to him, Take this check and use it to go to Paris. Paris is the mecca of style and fashion, and just seeing how light falls on the buildings there will inspire you. You dont have to go to Paris to do a certain thing. Im not saying you must go to Paris and try to go in and see a designer or get a job. I said, Just go there for a couple days. Go sit down and have a cup of hot chocolate, have a croissant, have a cafe in a restaurant in the open air. And he did. I saw him recently before the COVID came. I went to the studio in Queens, and hes still doing great work. He is extraordinary. He is self-made, and its extraordinary. EW: Id just like to add that the more people we have like you in a position to mentor people, the better. You sent LaQuan Smith to Paris the same way that Pat Cleveland sent Patrick Kelly to Paris. So the more people that we have in high positions, the easier its going to be for everyone, because these relationships do happen naturally. ALT: Yes, yes, yes, yes. Are there any other new names who have come onto the scene since the exhibition first opened in 2017 that youre excited about? ALT: Christopher John Rogers is a great designer. Hes the future. FIT should be trying to get some of his original designs in their collection. EW: Yes! Were definitely working on it. ALT: I also want to say congratulations on your upcoming new boss at Harpers BAZAAR. Its a great moment in the history of fashion. You Might Also Like On June 24, a federal appeals court ordered a lower court to allow the case against Michael Flynn, the former National Security Adviser, to be dismissed. The decision was requested by the Justice Department, ending the legal saga that started from the Russian investigation. Flynn is finally free The decision came in a 2-1 ruling and order from judges on the U.S Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The lawyers of Michael Flynn made an appeal, asking for a writ of mandamus. The writ of mandamus is an order asking a government official to fulfill a duty. The request from Flynn's lawyers directed District Judge Emmet Sullivan to approve the motion to dismiss submitted by the Department of Justice. Judge Sullivan did not grant the motion immediately and instead sought to hold hearings regarding the issue. This move angered Fynn's allies. Judge Sullivan's decision to keep Flynn's case open despite the request from the prosecutors to dismiss it was eventually preceded by the decision of the DOJ to drop the case against Flynn even after he pleaded guilty to the charges. The DOJ stated that Flynn's FBI interview does not justify Flynn's investigation. President Donald Trump tweeted about the decision and expressed his happiness about the outcome. A senior DOJ official told Fox News that the Justice Department is pleased by the appeals court decision to drop Flynn's case. The Republicans were happy with the decision, but the Democrats were not. They slammed the department and stated that it has been politicized under the leadership of Attorney General Bill Bar. The stunning move of the Justice Department was made the last month after it dropped its case against Flynn because they have reviewed all the circumstances and facts of Flynn's case and concluded that it was not enough for investigation and was unjustified. Also Read: Deadly Mass Shooting in Minneapolis Kills One, Injures 11 The motion to dismiss the case came after notes from the FBI were discovered. The notes talked about the purpose of Flynn's interview if it was to find out the truth about the Russian interference during the 2016 elections or to get Flynn to lie and ensure that he gets fired or charged. In the end, Flynn faced charges and he was fired from the Trump administration. The notes, which the FBI's former head of counterintelligence Bill Priestap wrote after meeting with former FBI Director James Comey and former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, showed officials discussing the interview in advance. Russian investigation Aside from being a part of the investigation done by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, Flynn was also fired from his position as the national security adviser. The firing came after he was accused by the Trump administration of misleading Vice President Mike Pence and other White House officials about his phone calls with Sergery Kislyak In December 2016, Flynn talked to Kislyak about Russia's interference in the U.S elections. Flynn did not know that he was being wiretapped at that time, and in January 2017, he was quested by FBI agents on the communications. The FBI used Flynn's answers to form the basis for the false-statement charge, Flynn later pleaded guilty to the charge. Related Article: Trump Threatens Protesters of Possible Jail Time for Vandalism, Defacing President Andrew Jackson Statue @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. TELEMMGLPICT000231528037.jpeg Boris Johnson is facing a growing rebellion from Tory MPs who want to guarantee the right of lone migrant children to seek refuge in the UK. Six Conservative MPs including former ministers Tim Loughton and Andrew Mitchell have joined with Labour to back an amendment to the immigration bill to guarantee the rights of lone migrant children to be reunited with any family legally in the UK. Yvette Cooper, chair of the Home Affairs Committee, who tabled the amendment said: Without urgent action, next year vulnerable lone child and teenage refugees will lose important rights to rejoin family in the UK who can care for them. A Brexit negotiating paper released last month revealed that the UK is seeking to ditch its mandatory obligation under the so-called Dublin agreement to take in the asylum-seeking children, replacing it with a right for EU nations to request their transfer to join relatives in Britain. It coincided with the closure of the so-called Dubs Scheme, under which 478 unaccompanied child refugees were resettled in the UK over the course of four years. The amendment to the Immigration (EU Withdrawal) Bill would transfer the EU rule into UK law when the Brexit transition period ends. Ms Cooper said: By January, both the Dublin and Dubs routes for child refugees to get sanctuary here will end. The Government has said it wants family reunion for child refugees to continue but has not set up a legal framework to do it and we are running out of time. Thats why we tabled the amendment. Mr Loughton, who also sits on the Home Affairs Committee, 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. A Government spokesman said protecting vulnerable children was a key priority and more than 7,300 children had been safeguarded in the year up to March 2020 and more than 44,900 children since 2010. He said: '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 au VA Governor Encourages Snitching on Churchgoers NEWS PROVIDED BY Liberty Counsel June 25, 2020 RICHMOND, Va., June 25, 2020 /Christian Newswire/ -- Governor Ralph Northam wants residents to file a complaint against neighbors, friends, and churchgoers who they feel aren't complying with his executive order about Phase 2 restrictions regarding social distancing, masks, and establishment capacities. The Virginia Department of Public Health is urging residents to "snitch on" public gatherings and other activities that violate the governor's Coronavirus orders, including church services. The health department's website has been updated with a "Complaint Report Form" with dropdown options to anonymously report citizens who exceed the emergency limits on building capacity or refuse to wear masks to the state. The form allows users to specify the "type of establishment" they're reporting, including indoor gun range or religious service. Additional types of establishments that can be reported are grocery or convenience stores, restaurants, brick and mortar retail stores, wineries or breweries, personal grooming service[s], gyms, and other. However, there is not an option to report unmasked crowds of more than 50 people that protest, vandalize communities, destroy personal property, or threaten police officers. The website states: "If you have observed violations of Executive 63 or Executive Order 65 and wish to file a complaint, fill out this report form as completely as possible. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has the authority to enforce Executive Order 63 and section A of Executive Order 65. VDH will review your complaint and forward it to your Local Health Department." Regarding in-person worship services, under Northam's Phase Two rules, "religious services must be limited to no more than 50 percent of the lowest occupancy load on the certificate of occupancy of the room or facility in which the religious services are conducted. Individuals attending religious services must be at least six feet apart when seated and must practice proper physical distancing at all times (with the exception of family members)." Liberty Counsel represents Lighthouse Fellowship Church on Chincoteague Island in the federal lawsuit against Governor Northam after he sent police to serve a summons to Pastor Kevin Wilson for holding a church service for 16 people spaced far apart in a sanctuary that is rated for 293 people. The charge is violating Northams COVID Order 55 with a penalty up to a year in jail and/or a $2,500 fine. Yet, commercial establishments in the area were filled with people. Northam has stated, "Wearing a mask could literally save someone's life." Yet selfies of the governor without a mask on and surrounded by beachgoers appeared on social media in May. Two days later, he signed an executive order requiring residents to cover their faces or face punishment. Northam also called the lockdown protestors "selfish" for violating quarantine and then publicly supported the George Floyd mobs overflowing city streets. Liberty Counsel Founder and Chairman Mat Staver said, "Governor Ralph Northam has created a gestapo where residents are encouraged to report neighbors for exercising their First Amendment right to attend a worship service without fear of punishment. The governor is trying to drop his heavy hand on churches with unconstitutional restrictions but supporting protests, demonstrations and riots. Encouraging people to snitch on churchgoers is reprehensible." Liberty Counsel provides broadcast quality TV interviews via Hi-Def Skype and LTN at no cost. SOURCE Liberty Counsel CONTACT: Mat Staver, 407-875-1776, Liberty@LC.org Related Links lc.org/ SoftBank Group Corp founder Masayoshi Son has stepped down from the board of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. The announcement was made on Thursday. The billionaire said that his departure should not be seen as due to disagreement. "It's not like we had a fight. This was perfectly amicable," said Son during a virtual shareholder meeting. He said he was "graduating" from Alibaba's board. It must be mentioned that Alibaba co-founder Jack Ma is also stepping down from SoftBank's board at the same time. "With Jack serving his full term today, I will also leave as a board member of Alibaba. It's not because I have lost hope (in Alibaba) or that we had a fight or anything like that. Jack will graduate from us, so I should also graduate as an Alibaba board member. On the same day, effective today, I wished to retire from the board of Alibaba," Son said. He added "For us, Alibaba remains the largest share asset." Son was an early investor in Alibaba and helped in the journey of the company to reach its current valuation of $600 billion. Son was on Alibaba's board when it went public in 2014 recording the largest initial public offering in history. Son had been on Alibaba's board for about 15 years, while Ma had been on SoftBank's board for 13 years. Both Son and Ma are two of the most successful entrepreneurs of their generation. According to a report in Bloomberg, both have also relied on each other for advice for decades. Alibaba is one of Son's most successful investments so far as well as SoftBank's most valuable asset. When Alibaba was a little-known web portal that sought to connect Chinese manufacturers with foreign buyers, Son invested $20 million in the e-commerce platform. That was in the early 2000s. Now that stake is worth more than $150 billion, according to Bloomberg. Not only did that investment boosted Son's reputation as an investor, it also helped him raise the $100 billion Vision Fund. However, with the recent WeWork fiasco and a string of setbacks due to companies such as Wag Labs, Zume Pizza and Brandless Inc, SoftBank has taken a beating of $18 billion. Nevertheless, Son's Thursday shareholder meeting saw him being optimistic and convinced that a global digital transformation and AI would both be accelerated during the coronavirus pandemic. He also believed that it would help in the investments in firms such as TikTok's parent company ByteDance. SoftBank is in the process of offloading about $42 billion of assets to fund stock buybacks and slash debt to assure investors. Also read: SoftBank Group to sell 5% of domestic telco to raise $41 billion via asset sales Also read: SoftBank reports $13 billion loss as tech bets via Vision Fund nosedive A 37-year-old Florida-born religious Jew, Jack Teitel, who had resettled in the West Bank, was arrested and later sentenced to two life terms after being convicted of killing a Palestinian taxi driver and a West Bank shepherd and of committing a number of attempted murders, including the pipe bomb attack. While Professor Sternhell described himself as a super Zionist, in his books, speeches and regular columns for the liberal newspaper Haaretz he vigorously opposed the proliferation of settlements in the occupied West Bank. He called them a cancer, propagated by people he characterized as religious Zionists. He argued that Israel lacked a moral imperative to retain West Bank land seized during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. Whereas the conquests of 1949 were an essential condition for the founding of Israel, the attempt to retain the conquests of 1967 had a strong flavor of imperial expansion, he wrote in his book The Founding Myths of Israel, first published in 1996. (An English-language edition was released two years later.) Among his fundamental arguments was that the Labor Zionist founders of Israel had proved to be much less committed to instilling socialist ideology than to imposing political control over the new nation. After an escalation in hostilities in recent years between Israeli forces and Hamas, the Islamic militant group that controls Gaza, Professor Sternhell again identified what he considered the precursors of fascism in Israeli society: deification of the nation, ethnic determinism and, as a recent editorial in Haaretz put it, making the supremacy of the society and the interest of societal redemption a central value, at the expense of the individual and of equality among the participants in societal activity. [June 25, 2020] Qlik Announces 2020 Global Transformation Awards PHILADELPHIA, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Qlik today announced the winners of its annual Global Transformation Awards, recognizing customers who are using Qlik to lead with data when driving their digital transformations. The awards were presented by Poornima Ramaswamy, Qliks Executive Vice President, Strategic Clients, at QlikWorld Online, the companys global customer and partner event. The winners represent a cross-section of organizations from various industries that are leveraging data and analytics to drive significant business outcomes. Were proud to celebrate these leading brands who are leveraging Qlik to drive more value from their data, said Mike Capone, Qlik CEO. Every customer is on a journey with their data to new discoveries and possibilities, and we look forward to continuing to expand the impact of their data for outcomes. The 2020 Qlik Global Transformation Award Winners: HDFC Life : HDFC Life is one of Indias leading life insurance companies, offering a complete range of individual and group insurance solutions covering over fifty-one million people. Over 80 percent of HDFC Lifes 19,000 employees are leveraging Qlik for insights across the entire policy journey, with data now informing product transition, strategic decision-making and risk management. : HDFC Life is one of Indias leading life insurance companies, offering a complete range of individual and group insurance solutions covering over fifty-one million people. Over 80 percent of HDFC Lifes 19,000 employees are leveraging Qlik for insights across the entire policy journey, with data now informing product transition, strategic decision-making and risk management. HSBC : HSBC Bank, N.A., (HSBC) is part of the HSBC Group, one of the worlds largest banking and financial services organizations, serving millions of customers through its global businesses. HSBCs Wealth and Personal Banking division is accelerating businessvalue through Qlik across its U.S. retail business, achieving a high user adoption rate while empowering its U.S. branches and more than 2,800 active users a week with data to review performance metrics, gain insights into customer needs and deliver the best products and services. : HSBC Bank, N.A., (HSBC) is part of the HSBC Group, one of the worlds largest banking and financial services organizations, serving millions of customers through its global businesses. HSBCs Wealth and Personal Banking division is accelerating businessvalue through Qlik across its U.S. retail business, achieving a high user adoption rate while empowering its U.S. branches and more than 2,800 active users a week with data to review performance metrics, gain insights into customer needs and deliver the best products and services. Novartis : Novartis is a global healthcare company that provides solutions to address the evolving needs of patients worldwide, reimagining medicine to improve and extend peoples lives. Novartis is enabling over 40,000 employees through hundreds of Qlik applications across multiple business functions with both guided and self-service analytics. Data through Qlik is helping to accelerate product innovation, improve backbone operations and customer engagement including the development of new medicines while also reducing manufacturing costs and improving sales. Novartis is a global healthcare company that provides solutions to address the evolving needs of patients worldwide, reimagining medicine to improve and extend peoples lives. Novartis is enabling over 40,000 employees through hundreds of Qlik applications across multiple business functions with both guided and self-service analytics. Data through Qlik is helping to accelerate product innovation, improve backbone operations and customer engagement including the development of new medicines while also reducing manufacturing costs and improving sales. Vancouver International Airport: Canadas second busiest airport and the top-rated airport in North America for the last 11 years, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a world-class hub. YVR is leveraging Qlik Data Integration and Analytics together across the entire organization to focus capital project and operational planning efforts to materially reduce connection times. Its new Data Hub Ecosystem, which combines Qlik and Snowflake, has enabled the airport to cut the time-to-run metric from 33 hours to just a few minutes. Follow QlikWorld Online as it unfolds on Twitter via @Qlik and #QlikWorld . About Qlik Qliks vision is a data-literate world, one where everyone can use data to improve decision-making and solve their most challenging problems. Only Qlik offers end-to-end, real-time data integration and analytics solutions that help organizations access and transform all their data into value. Qlik helps companies lead with data to see more deeply into customer behavior, reinvent business processes, discover new revenue streams, and balance risk and reward. Qlik does business in more than 100 countries and serves over 50,000 customers around the world. 2020 QlikTech International AB. All rights reserved. All company and/or product names may be trade names, trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners with which they are associated. Media Contact: Derek Lyons Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-658-5310 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Foster carers have saved an 'unrehomeable' Great Dane named Bruno who was on the brink of being euthanised. Anna, 42, and Melissa, 23, fostered the puppy in December, before fearing he would be put down if he was returned to AdoptaDane Rescue Queensland Inc. AdoptaDane Queensland, who rescued Bruno, said there were claims he had attacked, bitten and lunged at people. Anna said in March the Great Dane cross was 'unrehomeable' due to alleged behavioural and health issues. Foster carers have saved a 'unrehomeable' Great Dane named Bruno who was on the brink of being euthanised 'In December and January, AdoptADane received information that a Great Dane, Bruno, which it had placed in the hands of AdoptADane foster carer, Anna, had shown potential signs of aggression,' she said. Bruno's original owner Kelly Marsh had taken in him, his parents and siblings from a friend when they were a month old. AdoptaDane Queensland, where Bruno came from, said there were claims he had attacked, bitten and lunged at people Ms Marsh said she planned on keeping Bruno, but it didn't work out. 'All I really wanted was for Bruno to be loved and in a place where everything is provided for him,' she told The Courier Mail. 'Melissa did the right thing, she protected him and she's paid for everything for him as well.' Bruno underwent professional training and was booked in for another six months of behavioral lessons. He also passed a temperament test by a different dog behaviourist. The Saving Bruno Facebook page, which has gained thousands of followers since the saga began, confirmed the dog will stay with Anna and Melissa. Bruno underwent professional training and was booked in for another six months of behavioral lessons 'Bruno wants to give you the great news, he doesn't have to worry anymore and will live out his days with his family,' the post said. 'As AdoptADane takes very seriously the responsibility and safety of its foster carers, it sought to have Bruno returned to them. 'In recent weeks Bruno has been assessed by dog behaviour specialists arranged by Anna and Melissa, who jointly share Bruno's care, that have determined that Bruno's well-being is well-served by him remaining in their care. 'AdoptADane no longer seeks the return of Bruno. As such, Bruno will remain in the care of Anna and Melissa as his owners.' This suggests that the coronavirus epidemic has reached North Korea despite all denials by the regime. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un chaired his first virtual meeting on Tuesday, which was a "preliminary" meeting ahead of a Workers Party gathering. Unification Ministry spokesman Yeo Sang-gi told reporters on Wednesday that the videoconference was "unprecedented." The videoconference was also the North Korean leader's first public appearance in 16 days. One source said, "Students have returned to school, while people gathered in large groups for rice planting, which resulted in a resurgence in coronavirus cases there." North Korean media has shown images of people wearing masks as they gathered for rallies protesting against South Korea. Kim had apparently spent his time in a villa in remote Kangwon Province since February, seeking to stay away from densely populated infection hotspots like Pyongyang. One defector who used to be a high-ranking North Korean official said, "Quarantine measures in North Korea are aimed primarily at protecting the health of the leader." 90 Day Fiance star Caesar Mack has made it clear that he feels Maria used him for his money. In an interview with The Domenick Nati Show that aired on June 21, Caesar claimed that he gave Maria $90,000 a year over the course of five years. I wasnt taking no days off. Thats real. Thats no bullsh*t, you guys. That is no bullsh*t. Thats saving up my tips and everything. Thats a fact, he said. Caesar Mack of 90 Day Fiance | Instagram @caesar_mack Caesar Mack says he met up with Maria in real life Caesar revealed on 90 Day Fiance: Self-Quarantine that hed actually traveled to Ukraine and met up with Maria in real life. When TLC producers learned of the trip, they asked Caesar and Maria for photos so they could feature them on the show. In his interview with Nati, Caesar claims that Maria would only give TLC the pictures if they paid her $3,000. RELATED: 90 Day Fiance: Caesar Mack Says He Unknowingly Paid for Maria to Go on Vacation With Jesse Meester While They Were Dating The producers asked her for pictures and she didnt want to give up any of the pictures. She said, Those pictures are for me only. She just told me, Theyre for me only and if they want pictures, theyre gonna have to give me $3,000 for pictures. And thats what she told me, he said, To prove that I was actually with Maria in Ukraine. Caesar says Maria deleted all the trip photos from his phone As for why Caesar didnt just hand over the pictures himself, he still maintains that Maria deleted them all from his phone. The messed up thing about it is, I lent her my phone and after we took the pictures she says, Here, let me check out the pictures on your phone. So I let her take a look at it, and after she took a look at it we went downstairs to the Uber. And then after she left I went back up and I looked in my Google Drive and she f*ckin erased all the damn pictures, he said. RELATED: 90 Day Fiance: Geoffrey Paschel Is Standing up for Both Varya Malina and Mary Wallace Online Caesar says he tried to recover the photos with the help of a friend once he got back to America, but to no avail. I had a friend of mine go through my phone and actually go into my Google Drive and look for it and we couldnt find any of the damn pictures. Any of them. Any of them at all. I couldnt believe it, he said. Caesar says he knows a lot of people think hes lying. But hes sticking to his story. I know everybody thinks its a lie. But its actually the truth. I actually went down there. I could show you the stamp on my visa, the stamp on my passport. It was f*cking crazy, he said. Read more: 90 Day Fiance: Geoffrey Paschel Says Varya Malina Apologized to Him for How Her Mother Treated Him Film producer Steve Bing, the ex-partner of Liz Hurley, took his own life, a coroner has ruled. Bing, 55, was found dead in Century City, Los Angeles, on Monday. He died as a result of "multiple blunt trauma", the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's Office said, with TMZ reporting he fell from an apartment building. The filmmaker and philanthropist took his own life and the case is now closed, the coroner added. Bing co-wrote 2003 comedy film Kangaroo Jack and invested 64m ($80m) in the 2004 animation The Polar Express starring Tom Hanks. He also helped finance the Rolling Stones concert film Shine A Light. According to reports, he inherited his $600m (480m) fortune from his real estate developer grandfather when he was 18 and dropped out of Stanford University to break into Hollywood. His publicist Michelle Bega told Sky News she was "overwhelmed trying to process this unbelievable and sad event". Bing was father to Liz Hurley's teenage son Damian, although he denied it until DNA tests proved otherwise. Hurley, who dated him for 18 months in 2000, paid tribute on Instagram, posting: "I am saddened beyond belief that my ex Steve is no longer with us. It is a terrible end. "Our time together was very happy and I'm posting these pictures because although we went through some tough times, it's the good, wonderful memories of a sweet, kind man that matter. "In the past year we had become close again. We last spoke on our son's 18th birthday. This is devastating news and I thank everyone for their lovely messages." :: Listen to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Spreaker Damian Hurley, 18, wrote online: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone that has reached out following the devastating news. "I'm trying to reply to as many of you as I can, but please know I will always remember your kindness. This is a very strange and confusing time and I'm immensely grateful to be surrounded by my phenomenal family and friends." Story continues Former US president Bill Clinton was also among those who paid tribute to him, saying he "loved him very much". He said: "He had a big heart, and he was willing to do anything he could for the people and causes he believed in. "I will miss him and his enthusiasm more than I can say, and I hope he's finally found peace." Bing donated money to Mr Clinton and was reportedly instrumental in helping him return two American reporters from North Korea in 2009. Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK Beachgoers trek across Lighthouse Field State Beach in Santa Cruz. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) As California reported back-to-back record numbers of coronavirus cases this week amid the continued reopening of the state, Santa Cruz County has decided to fully reopen its beaches, noting that the restrictions were becoming increasingly difficult to enforce. The county, which has upheld some of the state's strictest shelter-in-place guidelines longer than many other locales in California, will lift all beach closures at midnight,officials said. The current order closed beaches from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all activities except walking across the sand to enter the water, though people could still use the ocean for recreational purposes during that time. Beachgoers also were prohibited from picnicking, sunbathing, sitting or congregating in a stationary setting when the beach was open in the mornings and evenings, typically for walking or running along the shoreline. But residents have continued to ignore the rules, officials said. Its become impossible for law enforcement to continue to enforce the closures, Santa Cruz's health officer, Dr. Gail Newel, said Thursday. People are not willing to be governed anymore in that regard. The county had intended to keep the beach restrictions in place until after the July 4th weekend, but efforts to enforce the closure have become increasingly more difficult, Newel said. The countys current order is set to expire July 6 and will not be renewed, officials said. That means the countys directives will align fully with state orders. California remains in the latter portion of Stage 3 of its reopening plan, which has allowed for the reopening of gyms, bars, restaurants, nail salons and most other businesses. The state is monitoring 15 counties for surges in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations, numbers that could force a tightening of reopening plans. Santa Cruz County's face covering mandate is still intact, in keeping with the new statewide requirement, and some other public health orders connected to facilities like skilled nursing home will also remain, Newel said. Children over the age of 2 will no longer have the option to wear a face covering, however; that will now be a requirement. This may seem stringent and difficult, but it has proven to be manageable in countries around the world," she said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised that those with breathing problems and children under the age of 2 refrain from wearing face masks. The county of roughly 273, 000 has recorded three deaths related to COVID-19 and more than 330 infections. According to state data, Tuesday marked its highest daily spike of 23 cases. [June 25, 2020] Cartegraph Acquires PenBay Solutions, Combines Best-of-breed Infrastructure Management Tech Cartegraph today announced the acquisition of PenBay Solutions, LLC, a leading provider of facility management and space planning software. Combining PenBay's location-centric facility management capabilities with Cartegraph's asset, work and resource management solutions provides public and private organizations with a truly comprehensive infrastructure management platform. Local governments, utilities, universities and commercial campus owners can use this Esri-powered platform to manage operations and maintenance activities across their buildings and infrastructure portfolio. In turn, software users will optimize the performance of their assets, drive efficiencies, improve space utilization, maximize resources, and reduce costs through smarter, data-driven decisions. "Infrastructure owners have an incredibly important job. Roads, buildings, parks, and water networks are long-term investments that require ongoing optimization," said Cartegraph CEO Josh Mallamud. "That's why we focus on embedding domain expertise in our products and services and invest so heavily in customer success. We develop, implement and support our platform-partnering with our customers over the long term to ensure they are successful in their efforts to become the best possible stewards of their infrastructure." By extending the power of Esri's ArcGIS platform to every facet of indoor, outdoor, above- and below-ground infrastructure management, organizations will improve the performance of their infrastructure assets, extend their useful lives and optimize resource allocation on operations and maintenance activities. Whether it's repavin a road or fixing a leaky faucet, maintenance crews efficiently inspect the condition of any asset, receive work assignments and track resources-like labor, equipment and materials-from anywhere. Leaders tap into real-time dashboards and a two-way ArcGIS integration to weigh scenarios, monitor budgets, build capital plans, optimize space allocation, create move plans and tell their stories to elected officials and constituents. "We joined forces with Cartegraph because it is hands down the best operations and maintenance platform on the market," said Bill Barron, Cartegraph managing director of buildings and infrastructure and former CEO of PenBay Solutions. "It was important to us to team up with a company who shared our location-centric and customer success-focused DNA. By bringing these teams and solutions together, we're creating a powerful platform that empowers infrastructure owners to drive high-performance operations of their mission-critical assets." All Cartegraph products are built on the foundational technology of Esri. With a map on every screen, the platform leverages location as the unifying data point-driving tightly integrated workflows for indoor and outdoor asset, work and space management. "Indoor GIS is an area where business partners really help to add value to ArcGIS," said Robert Laudati, director, Global Partners and Alliances, Esri. "We have been working with the PenBay team in this area for many years and are excited about how Cartegraph, also a long-standing strategic partner, will be able to bring new capabilities to our Esri customers through the combination of Cartegraph and ArcGIS Indoors." For more information on managing your building and infrastructure operations, please visit cartegraph.com/UC. Additionally, Esri Virtual User Conference attendees can visit Cartegraph booth #V120 to see the comprehensive solution in action. About Cartegraph: Cartegraph builds safer, more resilient and sustainable communities through better stewardship of buildings and infrastructure. They offer powerful, intuitive SaaS (News - Alert) solutions that help government agencies, higher education institutions and businesses manage their physical assets and associated operations. With Cartegraph software, users optimize the life of their infrastructure, deploy maintenance resources efficiently and increase productivity to drive high-performance operations. For more information, visit cartegraph.com. About PenBay Solutions, LLC: PenBay Solutions, LLC is a technology leader in using geographic information systems (GIS) technology for facility management, including the extension of GIS inside the building. PenBay Solutions' InVision software suite is an innovative, commercial, off-the-shelf facilities GIS software solution that helps you tackle challenges-indoors and out-and empowers you in making better-informed decisions about your facilities throughout their lifecycle. About Esri Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, offers the most powerful geospatial cloud available, to help customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969, Esri software is deployed in more than 350,000 organizations including 90 of the Fortune 100 companies, all 50 state governments, more than half of all counties (large and small), and 87 of the Forbes Top 100 Colleges in the US, as well as all 15 Executive Departments of the US Government and dozens of independent agencies. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial information technology, Esri engineers the most advanced solutions for digital transformation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics. Visit us at esri.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005510/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Our client is clearly the victim, but BPD and the SAO charged him with an imaginary assault that is not supported by any witnesses and with burglary for running into his friends home when he heard gunshots, Egan said. There is no evidence to support the charges against him, and we are calling on the States Attorneys Office to immediately drop the charges. This young man is the unequivocal victim in this scenario, and to treat him otherwise is a miscarriage of justice. RSH Global Private Limited, a leading Indian personal care company, under the aegis of its brand Joy, announced the launch of new Joy Mineral Sunscreen with natural chemical-free SPF. Additionally, Joy also signed digital sensation, Mithila Palkar as its brand ambassador for the Sunscreen category. Joy Personal Care is one of the largest sunscreen players in India with around 20% market share in terms of volume. With the launch of Mineral Sunscreen, Joy aims to further strengthen its presence in the sunscreen category. What makes this sunscreen stand out from the rest is its natural chemical-free SPF formulation of the product which will be available at a competitive pricing. The campaign for the mineral sunscreen focuses on making sunscreen a daily skincare routine. In the campaign, Mithila highlights how she is picky about natural elements in her life, right from natural soap to organic tea and veggies. She is also bullish about natural products when it comes to skin care and hence, a Joy mineral sunscreen with natural chemical free SPF is an absolute daily skin care routine. Sunil Agarwal, Chairman, RSH Global, said Today consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the prolonged effects of UVA & UVB rays on the skin and hence, consideration for broad spectrum protective sunscreen is on the rise. Therefore, the campaign focuses on making sunscreen a daily skincare routine - an innovative skin friendly product. The concept of Mineral sunscreen or No chemical sunscreen is new in the mass category and has wider significance in the derma category. Zinc oxide being an inorganic compound is one of the key ingredient of this sunscreen, it works on the concept of reflectance technology and provide broad spectrum protection from UVB and UVA rays by sitting atop the skin & physically block the rays from getting absorbed into the skin. Were very optimistic about our new offering in the sunscreen category and are sure that the edge that the product has over the other alternatives would be apparent to the consumers. Poulomi Roy, CMO, RSH Global, said New age content has been hailed by the youth of the country and Mithila Palkar has become synonymous with the new age content. She has nationwide popularity and thats what mattered when we signed her for the brand. She has a great influence over the youth and we believe that she will bring a fresh youthful vibe to Joy and the sunscreen category. We are confident that the youth will be able to connect with our brand and the campaign story. The narrative of the ad is extremely clear & relatable. In our life when most of us make sure that we lean to natural products, why not think natural even while choosing a sunscreen! Mithila Palkar, newly signed brand ambassador for sunscreen category, said, Thrilled to endorse the second product of Joy Personal care. A sunscreen is a part of my daily skin care routine & thats what the TVC is all about, the difference is in the product. The concept of Mineral sunscreen or No chemical sunscreen is very innovative. A 100% natural SPF is something that we all would look forward to. The integrated campaign will have multiple legs including, print ads and multi-city activations. Joy Personal Care has a range of natural based non-oily sunscreen offerings that provide broad spectrum UVA + UVB protection. This product range includes Joy Hello sunscreen SPF20 with Raspberry seed oil; Joy Hello Sun Sunscreen SPF30 with Carrot seed oil & Chamomile extracts; Joy Hello Sun sunscreen SPF40 which has Papaya & Saffron extracts, and Joy Hello Sun Tinted sunscreen SPF50. Sonora, CA The Sonora Police Department reports a man was arrested following an alleged incident involving an illegal weapon. It happened at 9:30am on Wednesday at the Heaven For Kids Park on Greenley Road. The PD received a report of a man swinging around a set of nunchucks and causing a disturbance. The PD adds, During the investigation, the officer located 46-year old Joseph Worthington of Sonora nearby at his residence. Worthington was found to be in possession of nunchucks, which are illegal in the state of California. Worthington was ultimately arrested and booked at the Tuolumne County Jail. Bail was set at $10,000. Bengaluru, June 25 : The Karnataka government has identified 418 private hospitals for Covid treatment in its preparation to deal with escalating cases, an official said on Thursday. "Ab-Ark empanelled private hospitals for Covid...418. SAST online bed strength, 63,900," said Health and Family Welfare Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Pandey. Among the identified beds, there are 4,467 ICU beds and 1,264 ventilators. Within the 63,900 beds, 6,418 are high patient flow beds while 10,465 have regular flow. The state government has directed all private hospitals with Covid treatment facilities to reserve 50 per cent capacity for public authorities to refer patients. It has also capped the treatment cost of Covid patients in such facilities. "The escalating number of persons infected by Covid and in need of treatment has made it imperative to involve private hospitals, corporate hospitals, nursing homes and others," said Pandey. Currently, most of the Covid cases are being treated in government hospitals which will now be augmented by the private facilities. The Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) has been designated as the nodal agency to assess private hospital bed capacity and calculate the number of beds that will be requisitioned. However, Covid patients referred to private hospitals by the public authorities will be treated for free as the government will bear that cost. "For Covid patients referred by the PHIs to private healthcare providers, the cost of the treatment is completely free for the patient and the government will pick up the cost," he said. Meanwhile, exclusive ophthalmology and dental hospitals have been excluded from this order invoked under the National Disaster Management Act. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text The Delhi police on Thursday filed a charge sheet before a court here against seven people in connection with the alleged murder of a local during the communal violence in north east Delhi in February. The Crime Branch of the Delhi police filed the charge sheet before the Metropolitan Magistrate in the case of alleged murder of a 22-year-old man, named Monis, who died due to head injuries received during the riots in Brijpuri area on February 25. According to the charge sheet, articles like lathi, danda (stick), talwar (sword) have been recovered from the possession of the accused and Monis' mobile phone has also been recovered from one of them. The charge sheet has been filed under sections 147 and 148 (rioting), 149 (unlawful assembly), 327 (causing hurt voluntarily), 436 (mischief by fire), 302 (murder), 120 B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. The offences entail a maximum punishment of death penalty. Investigation has revealed that as a consequence of riots occurring on February 24, people from the other community also united and came out on the streets of Brijpuri for retaliation, said the charge sheet. It further said that on February 25, people from both the communities came face to face at various places in north east Delhi including at Brijpuri road, which connected several colonies of both the communities. People from both sides took to the streets, one community clamouring anti-CAA slogans and the other pro-CAA, it said, It added that soon, slogans with intent to raise feelings on communal lines were also being shouted and the situation turned ugly and the mobs started to clash, pelting stones and using fire-arms. The mob also stopped people traversing through the area and asked them to establish their religious faith, and subsequently attacking anyone belonging to the other community, the charge sheet said. Monis (22), who worked as a labourer, was passing through Brijpuri road while returning to his home when he was caught and allegedly beaten by the mob, according to the charge sheet. Further investigation against other accused persons was going on, the charge sheet said. Communal clashes had broken out in northeast Delhi on February 24 after violence between supporters and protesters of the new citizenship law and spiralled out of control, leaving at least 53 people dead and scores injured. By Akbar Mammadov Azerbaijans Defense Minister has opened another new military unit, the ministry press service reported on June 24. The Deputy Minister of Defense for Logistics, Lieutenant General Fuad Mammadov has attended the opening of the military unit. Mammadov inspected the newly built mess hall, the guard town, and guardhouse, as well as other service and administrative facilities in the military unit. The new mess hall, designed to serve military personnel, is equipped with modern boilers, stoves, refrigerators, and other household appliances, as well as proper furniture and equipment. In the mess hall, there is a food warehouse with refrigerating chambers, the ministry said. The ministry noted that in the new military unit, all the necessary conditions have been created for professional training and improving the combat skills of military personnel. it should be noted on June 23, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry opened a military unit of Air Forces in the frontline, and new engineering infrastructure of the Engineering Troop. --- Akbar Mammadov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @AkbarMammadov97 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz The two engineers also reported on several continuing secondary road projects in the county, including bridge replacements on S Avenue and 65th Street, a drainage project near Fredonia and other work. The supervisors also approved three applications that will allow two utility companies to construct power equipment on county rights of way as well as a 20-year contract that will allow the Iowa Communications Network (ICN) to install a fiber optics cable on the new Wapello bridge. Initially the latter request had been denied by the supervisors because of the countys prior experience with Windstream Communications failing to remove a cable from the old bridge. That failure eventually led to a several-month delay in constructing the new bridge. However, ICN officials later met with the board and advised them on the need for the cable to serve a new communications tower that was installed at the Louisa County Complex. The officials also indicated the county would be able to run feeders off the cable to serve the county annex and courthouse. Other action taken by the board on Tuesday included: Mahindra World City Jaipur, a joint venture between Mahindra Lifespace Developers and Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation, announced that it has signed four companies from the IT/ITeS, medical devices, manufacturing and warehousing logistics sectors. These clients viz. Programmers.io; Vitromed Healthcare; Bansal Oil Mill; and Bhagwati Group are investing to establish new facilities/ expand existing operations at MWC Jaipur. MWC Jaipur is the chosen destination for these MSME clients' due to its strategic location; ready plug-n-play infrastructure along with an established ecosystem enabling Ease of Doing Business in operations. This ensures faster time-to-market benefit for all industrial clients. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Crude oil prices moved higher on Thursday, recovering from losses in the previous two sessions, despite continued concerns about energy demand outlook in the wake of reports showing a surge in new coronavirus cases. Data showing a bigger than expected increase in U.S. durable goods orders contributed to oil's uptick. Uncertainty about the pace of recovery after the IMF report said the global economy will see a more severe contraction this year than earlier forecast weighed on crude oil prices earlier this week. West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures for August ended up $0.71 or 1.9% at $38.72 a barrel. Brent crude futures moved up $0.74 or about 1.8% to $41.05 a barrel. Traders also reacted positively to assurance by White House Economic Advisor Larry Kudlow who said the economy is unlikely to be shut again. The Commerce Department said durable goods orders spiked by 15.8% in May after plunging by a revised 18.1% in April. Economists had expected durable goods orders to surge up by 10.9% compared to the 17.7% nosedive that had been reported for the previous month. Excluding a significant rebound in orders for transportation equipment, durable goods orders jumped by 4% in May after tumbling by 8.2% in April. Economists had expected a 2.5% increase. Despite recent data showing an increase in crude production from U.S. shales, the major oil producers' compliance with agreed production cuts supported oil's rise. 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. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia testifies during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on COVID-19/Unemployment Insurance on Capitol Hill in Washington on June 9, 2020. (CAROLINE BREHMAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) Trump Administration Takes Aim at Environmental Activist Investors WASHINGTONThe U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) proposed a rule on June 23 to prevent special interest activists from interfering with retiree investments. The rule, which aims to protect American investors, will not allow retirement-plan fiduciaries to sacrifice financial returns for environmental, social, and other policy goals. Private employer-sponsored retirement plans are not vehicles for furthering social goals or policy objectives that are not in the financial interest of the plan, Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia said in a statement. Rather, ERISA plans should be managed with unwavering focus on a single, very important social goal: providing for the retirement security of American workers. Through the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), DOL oversees private retirement funds such as 401(k) accounts and pensions to protect savings of Americans from mismanagement and abuse. According to the DOL, $10.7 trillion is invested in private pension plans. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues have become major investment factors in recent years, with many prominent asset managers making significant commitments to sustainable investing. Flows into sustainable funds increased nearly fourfold last year compared to 2018 and the number of conventional funds claiming to consider ESG factors in their investment process rose to 564 from 81 during the same period, according to Morningstar. Many investors understandably want to do good while also doing well. But the standards for ESG investing are often unclear and sometimes contradictory, Scalia wrote in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal. He said ESG rating providers have different approaches that confuse investors. Facebook, for example, received both top and below-average ESG scores from different rating providers, he noted. Other studies show that when investments are made to further a particular environmental or social cause, returns unsurprisingly suffer, he added. Sustainable investing came under fire recently as critics argue that asset managers sacrifice investment returns or take on additional risk to invest sustainably. Investment funds are accused of divesting from the fossil fuel industry and voting proxies in favor of ESG-related shareholder resolutions because of rising pressure from activist shareholders. Activist investors such as hedge funds have been pushing companies to pursue environmentally and socially responsible activities for their own political agenda, they argue. The DOLs proposal is the right move, according to Ike Brannon, economist and president of Capital Policy Analytics, a consulting firm. I think its one thing for people to invest in ESG funds at their own volition, but fiduciaries have no right to sacrifice the retirement funds of millions of investors for a political agenda, he told The Epoch Times. The notion that ESG investing somehow achieves greater returns for them is a canard. Its hard to assess how the new rule will impact the ESG investing in the United States. It will be interesting to see whether investors move more of their non-retirement portfolio towards ESG funds; if this does not occur, then I think we will be hard-pressed to say that retirement fund managers were putting money in ESG funds to respect the preferences of these investors, Brannon said. He also noted that in the long term, the rule could help domestic energy production. Proponents believe that the investment communitys interest in ESG issues has allowed corporate leaders to focus on sustainability practices that both benefit their firms bottom line and create a positive impact for society. They also claim that the ESG funds deliver premium returns. Last year, sustainable funds outperformed their conventional peers, according to Morningstar. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce welcomed the DOLs proposal, stating that the measure would protect investors and retirees. Americans who are struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic should not have to sacrifice part of their retirement income because of politics, which is what drove the 2015 policy, Tom Quaadman, executive vice president at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement. The DOL under the Obama administration changed its guidance for fund managers to focus on ESG issues in the investment process. That has prevented them from focusing on their fiduciary responsibility to achieve the best investment return for their customers, according to the Chamber. Special interest activism has no place, any time, in meddling with the retiree investments of hard-working Americans, Quaadman said. There is a 30-day comment period for the DOLs proposal. If adopted, the rule would take effect 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. According to George Michael Gerstein, counsel at law firm Stradley Ronon Stevens & Young, ESG funds that have a short history and low assets under management will be particularly vulnerable under the new rule. Press Release June 25, 2020 Speech by SENATOR PANFILO M. LACSON League of Provinces of the Philippines Forum More at: https://pinglacson.net/2020/06/25/speech-on-the-anti-terrrorism-bill-before-the-league-of-provinces-of-the-philippines-forum/ To Governor Presbitero Velasco, Jr., the National President of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP); Gov. Dakila Carlo Cua, National Chairman; Gov. Susan Yap; to all the members of this honorable organization, my colleagues in public service, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon. Allow me to express my gratitude for your overwhelming support to the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill. As mentioned by no less that Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano during last week's webinar, 784 local government chiefs already signed the Manifesto in Support to the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill as of June 17. This alone shows us a clear picture that there is indeed a demand for a stricter and effective counter-terrorism measures on the ground. Terrorism sows fear and violence so broad and indiscriminate that everyone - literally you and me - could fall prey of these heinous acts of terror. Our country stands one of the most vulnerable, ranking 9th among countries in the world that were most negatively impacted by terrorism based on the Global Terrorism Index released in 2019. No less than our people have borne witness to several incidents of these atrocities. Two decades ago, in December 2000, 20 people died and more than 100 others were injured in what we know as the "Rizal Day Bombings." In 2015, our entire nation was appalled by the news that 44 members of the elite Special Action Force of the PNP perished in the hands of armed rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, as they pursued their mission to capture a Malaysian terrorist and bomb maker named Zulkifli Abdhir a.k.a. Marwan, who was considered the 'Osama Bin Laden of Southeast Asia'; and bomb makers Basit Usman and Amin Baco. Hindi rin nawawala sa ating alaala ang sinapit ng Zamboanga City noong 2013 sa kamay ng Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) at Marawi City noong taong 2017 sa pananakop ng mga militanteng miyembro ng Maute-ISIS. Samantala, naitala noong 2018 ang pinakaunang kaso ng 'suicide bombing' sa bansa na kumitil ng buhay ng sampu (10) sa ating mga kababayan. At noong 2019, ang isa sa hindi natin malilimutan ay ang suicide bombing sa isang katedral sa Jolo, Sulu, na isinagawa ng mag-asawang Indonesian na kumitil sa buhay ng 23 katao at nagdulot ng pinsala sa mahigit isang daang silbilyan. Against this backdrop is the country's legislative framework against acts of terror - Republic Act 9372, otherwise known as the Human Security Act of 2007, which since its enactment 13 years ago has remained toothless and a dead-letter law. Needless to say, our country needs an Anti-Terrorism law that would provide a strong legal backbone to support our response to terrorism. I must say that the course of the ongoing campaign against the Anti-Terrorism Bill, dominated by massive misinformation and misconception, unfairly devalues this legislative measure on many fronts. Hence, as the principal sponsor and one of the authors of the bill, it is incumbent upon me to take every available platform to shed light on the legislative intent and merit of this measure, and how it is fundamentally founded on the rule of law and protection of basic civil rights, contrary to the massive disinformation which has already gained traction especially on social media. Allow me to begin with the most controversial provision under the Anti-Terrorism Bill, which is now being challenged as unconstitutional by former Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio as well as IBP President Domingo Egon Cayosa. * Section 29 - Detention Without Judicial Warrant of Arrest The records of the Senate archives will tell us that the phrase "having been duly authorized in writing by the Anti-Terrorism Council..." was actually Senator Franklin Drilon's amendment in the Human Security Act of 2007, later accepted by another giant in the legal profession, the sponsor of the Human Security Act of 2007, former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, and is merely being retained in the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. The same phrase contained in Section 18, (entitled "Period of Detention Without Judicial Warrant of Arrest") of the Human Security Act of 2007, and which has the same language of Section 29 of the Anti-Terrorism Bill, was voted favorably by a number of distinguished legal experts and luminaries both in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Justice Carpio has acknowledged that Section 18, similarly worded as Section 29 of the bill, has NOT been ruled unconstitutional by the High Court. Only, sadly, he said it in another way, the reason of which he alone would know. For the life of me, I could not understand why the honorable Justice thinks this argument works for his cause when the Supreme Court is clear on the matter of "presumption of constitutionality." To underscore, the Supreme Court, in Tano vs Socrates, GR No. 110249 dated August 21, 1997 ruled, and I quote, "It is of course settled that laws (including ordinances enacted by local government units) enjoy the presumption of constitutionality. To overthrow this presumption, there must be a clear and unequivocal breach of the Constitution, not merely a doubtful or argumentative contradiction. In short, the conflict with the Constitution must be shown beyond reasonable doubt. Where doubt exists, even if well-founded, there can be no finding of unconstitutionality. To doubt is to sustain." It is difficult to understand why a former justice would not know such basic and significant jurisprudence. Anyway, to allay any fears, Section 29 ensures safeguards to avoid abuses by requiring a written notification to be immediately given to the judge of the court nearest to the place of arrest, with copy furnished to the Anti-Terrorism Council. We have proposed that the same notification be also provided to the Commission on Human Rights - a requirement not present under the Human Security Act of 2007. At this point, allow me to also debunk the false claims that are gaining traction in various mainstream and social media platforms: * First, a law enforcer cannot arrest or detain a person on mere suspicion alone. The legislative intent of the bill is clearly to premise Section 29 on a valid warrantless arrest, as also lawfully allowed in other crimes that are not related to terrorism. The provision is compliant with Rule 113, Section 5 of the Revised Rules of Court. Under the proposed Anti-Terrorism Law, a warrantless arrest is allowed under the same circumstances as in any other crime, by virtue of (a) in flagrante delicto arrest; and (b) a hot pursuit arrest. It was never the intention of Congress to amend the rules on warrantless arrest or what we also refer to as a citizen's arrest. Justice Carpio has stretched his qualms over the bill by citing my statement during a Senate deliberation. He said, and I quote: "In the exact words of the principal author of the law, even if hindi naman siya nag-commit ng crime, hindi pa nangyari, puwede na natin arestuhin." The statement in question was in reference to acts preparatory to the commission of terrorism. In my response, during the interpellation of Sen. Gordon, I made clear that we never intend to amend the rules on warrantless arrest or citizen's arrest, and hence, safeguards are still in place. But as we deal with the crime of terrorism, we need to adopt proactive measures that will prevent even the planning phase of the crime. Thus, I explained that under the proposal, we included the proposition to penalize even "inchoate offenses," or preparatory acts that are deemed criminal even without the actual harm being done, provided that the harm that would have occurred is one the law tries to prevent, such as terrorism. Preparatory acts, as a rule, are not punishable unless - I repeat, UNLESS - these acts are punishable in themselves as independent crimes. It is for this reason that the Revised Penal Code specifically provides that conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion, treason, insurrection and coup d'etat are, indeed, crimes. We added planning, training, preparing and facilitating the commission of terrorism under Section 6 as INCHOATE OFFENSES punishable under the bill because these acts are being performed towards the accomplishment of the desired purpose that is - terrorism. It is also pursuant to United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 1373, which states that planning and preparation, among others, are established as serious criminal offenses in domestic laws and that the punishment should duly reflect the seriousness of such terrorist acts. Kapag nakita ng mga pulis habang nagpapatrulya, in plain view sa isang liblib na lugar sa kagubatan ng Sulu o Basilan na may mga nagtitipon-tipon at nagsasagawa ng pagsasanay at pagpaplano ng sabay-sabay na pagpapasabog ng iba't-ibang pasilidad ng irigasyon at tore ng linya ng kuryente, pati ang ilang simbahang Katoliko at mga palengke - kumpleto ang mga sketches sa mapa kung saan ang mga lokasyon ng targets nila, kasama na ang improvised suicide vests at detonating devices - ang gusto bang mangyari ng butihing dating mahistrado ay maghintay muna ang mga pulis na may mangyaring aktwal na pagsabog at pagkitil ng buhay ng maraming inosenteng sibilyan bago nila isagawa ng mga pulis ang panghuhuli sa mga taong halos nasa harapan na nila? Hindi ba krimen nang maituturing ang ganung gawain kahit hindi pa nagaganap ang malawakang pagpapasabog? Iyun po ay isa lamang halimbawa ng INCHOATE OFFENSE na hinahangad na maparusahan sa ilalim ng panukalang batas na Anti-Terrorism Law. Kayo na po ang humusga. Moving on, if the ATC has no authority to order an arrest based on suspicion, it clearly has no authority to detain suspected terrorists and much more, fix the period of detention to 14 days, extendible to another 10 days. Policy decision po ito ng Kongreso at naaayon sa Saligang Batas. To emphasize, the allowable periods of detention are determined by Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code, a general law which can be amended by Congress. Looking back at the deliberations of the Constitutional Commission in 1986, records would show that the ConCom delegates at the time did not have any intention of restricting the powers of Congress to fix the allowable period of detention arising from an arrest. Clearly, the three-day limitation to deny a person the privilege to file a petition for the writ of habeas corpus was incorporated in the provisions of Article VII Section 18 of the Constitution as a "safeguard" in case the President, in the exercise of his powers, suspends the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code mandates the law enforcer to deliver an arrested person to the proper judicial authorities through the inquest prosecutor within the allowable periods of detention. * Secondly, the Anti-Terrorism Council's "written authority" under Section 29 is NOT AN AUTHORITY to order an arrest. As I have mentioned, the Anti-Terrorism Bill strictly complies with lawful warrantless arrest by virtue of the in flagrante delicto and hot pursuit rule under the Revised Rules of Court - in both cases, the arrests are immediate in nature. That said, it is illogical, inconsistent and even absurd to think that the ATC will issue a "written authorization" to an arresting officer before effecting the warrantless arrest granting the immediacy and spontaneousness of the circumstances leading to the arrest. The members of the Congress in crafting the HSA, as well as the ATB, are fully aware that only a judge can issue an order of arrest. In fact, when we asked Director General Alex Monteagudo of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) which is the Secretariat of the ATC, he said that never, since the passage of HSA in 2007, has the agency released a "written authority" to law enforcers to arrest or detain suspected terrorists. Isn't that enough proof that the written authority mentioned in Section 18 of the Human Security Act of 2007, as similarly written in Section 29 of the Anti-Terrorism bill is never intended to authorize the ATC to order an arrest? To underscore, the written authority issued by the ATC under Section 29 of the ATB is to be directed to its duly designated deputies such as law enforcement agents and military personnel specially tasked and trained to handle the "custodial investigation" involving violations of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 as proposed, considering the complexities and nature of terrorism. Not all police officers are trained interrogators and investigators, especially involving a crime as complex and complicated as an act of terrorism. These specially-trained law enforcement officers and military personnel shall need a written authority to be deputized by the ATC to perform such tasks. Atty. Cayosa, in his letter reply to this representation, stated that "Section 29 could not refer to allowable warrantless arrest under Rule 113 because anyone can actually effect a warrantless arrest under Rule 113 without any need for any written authority from anyone." I am saying exactly the same thing. While it is true that anyone can effect a warrantless arrest, not everybody is trained to properly conduct a custodial investigation particularly of a crime as complex as terrorism. Atty. Cayosa remains adamant in his own interpretation of Section 29 of the ATB notwithstanding receipt of our letter addressing his concerns. The term "custody" in Section 29 of the Anti-Terrorism Bill pertains to the lawful custody after a valid warrantless arrest pursuant to Section 5, Rule 113 of the Revised Rules of Court. It is only after a valid warrantless arrest that the law enforcement agent or military personnel, authorized in writing by the ATC, may conduct a custodial investigation. Section 29 does NOT amend the Rules on Warrantless Arrest. Section 29 seeks to provide an exception to the periods stated in Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code with regard to the crime of terrorism. * Lastly, the Anti-Terrorism Council's authority to "designate" terrorist individuals and organizations does not authorize arrest and detention. On the provision for "Designation of Terrorist Individual, Groups of Persons, Organizations or Associations" under Section 25 of the bill, Justice Carpio argues that, and I quote: "once so designated, the individual can now be arrested upon order of the ATC because the individual is engaged in terrorism." This is plain and simple - wrong. Arrests, same with detention, are not the intended consequences of "designation." Designation is purely an executive and administrative process intended to trigger the issuance of a "freeze order" of properties and assets of designated terrorist individuals or terrorist organizations/associations. In fact, not a single mention of the word "arrest" is found under Section 25 of the bill. A thorough reading and analysis of the provisions in the proposed measure will prove former Justice Carpio wrong in his assertion. Designation serves as a mechanism to trigger the enforcement of targeted financial sanctions currently lacking in our present law. This mechanism, made possible only through an order issued by the Anti Money Laundering Council (AMLC), not the Anti-Terrorism Council - I repeat that, not the Anti-Terrorism Council - could stop the flow and use of funds or assets to terrorist organizations or associations. More so, 'freezing of assets' under this proposed measure is also actually consistent with the existing provision of Section 11 of RA 10168, otherwise known as the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. The provision also complies with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 and for the purpose of preventing designated terrorists from accessing their funding by freezing their accounts so the same cannot be used to carry out a terrorist attack. A designated person is allowed under this measure to question the freeze order by filing the necessary petition with the Court of Appeals. We even added a provision under this bill to allow partial withdrawal of frozen funds/assets for humanitarian reasons as well as for reasonable family needs and sustenance of the designated person. With respect to Justice Carpio, he must have confused "designation" with "proscription" of terrorist groups, organizations or associations. Designation is administrative and not criminal in nature. To effect an arrest, a designated terrorist group or organization must first be proscribed. Proscription under Section 26 of this bill requires court intervention where a full blown hearing will take place before an organization may be considered a terrorist organization. It may be done only upon an application filed by the DOJ before the Court of Appeals with due notice and opportunity to be heard given the suspected terrorist groups or organizations or associations. Even membership in a proscribed terrorist organization goes through the same due process of law where the burden is on the DOJ to prove. To properly interpret the nature of the power of the ATC, it would be erroneous, if not careless to rely on reading Section 29, or the "Detention without Judicial Warrant of Arrest" - alone. In fact, the last paragraph of Section 45 particularly states, and I quote: "Nothing herein shall be interpreted to empower the ATC to exercise any judicial or quasi-judicial power or authority." In other words, the ATC's power is limited and that they were not given any authority to order arrest or even wiretap. Muli po - nais ko ring linawin na ang Anti-Terrorism Council ay hindi bagong akda ng Anti-Terrorism Bill. Mayroon na po talaga tayong Anti-Terrorism Council simula pa lamang nang maipasa ang Human Security Act noong 2007. Since then, the ATC has been organized as a central policy-making, supervising, coordinating, and monitoring body of the government's anti-terrorism efforts. Lest I forget, I wish to emphasize: the Anti-Terrorism Bill will not stifle political dissent and freedom of speech. In defining "Terrorism" in the proposed Anti-Terrorism Bill, we included a proviso under Section 4 to guarantee the constitutionally protected right to free speech. It reads: "xx terrorism as defined in this Section shall not include advocacy, protest, dissent, stoppage of work, industrial or mass action, and other similar exercises of civil and political rights, which are not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person, to endanger a person's life, or to create a serious risk to public safety." In all of our discourses in understanding the definition of "terrorism," our general guide should be ACT + PURPOSE. We should bear in mind that "terrorism" refers to both the commission of any of the terrorist ACTS in order to fulfill any of the PURPOSES mentioned under the bill. Simply put, the battlecry must be loud and clear: Ang Anti-Terrorism Bill ay para labanan ang mga terorista, hindi ang mga nagpoprotesta. As local chief executives who have eyes and ears on the ground - you know firsthand how terrorism can hamper the progress of your localities. Hindi na bago sa inyo ang bigat ng dagok ng terorismo sa lokal na ekonomiya at turismo, ang pangingikil sa lahat ng negosyo pati na sa programa ng gobyerno, dami ng buhay na kinitil ng mga terorista at ang epekto ng patuloy na pamumuhay sa takot ng inyong nasasakupan dahil sa banta ng armadong terorista. Needless to say - terrorism generates a circle of fear that broadens and widens through time and across borders. We all share stories of terrorism from different bounds and circumstances, but there remains to be a single, evident truth: Terrorism puts innocent lives in peril. Hence, as local leaders who remain true to their word of serving the public, we should keep our guard for the safety and well-being of our constituents. No good governance thrives in fear, vulnerabilities, and atrocities that terrorism poses in our day-to-day lives. History will speak of how you have decided for the interest of your people. Let it be a transformational turn to speak clearly and resoundingly against terrorism. The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 as a proposed law has one clear message: To "terrorists" who commit crimes against the Filipino people, against humanity, and against the Law of Nations, our policy will be one that is swift, effective and constitutional. Again, I wish to thank the League of Provinces of the Philippines for your invaluable support to this proposed measure. Mabuhay po tayong lahat. Ganja and charas worth Rs 2.10 crore have been seized and four people arrested in Pune district, a Customs official said here on Thursday. Two trucks coming from Andhra Pradesh were intercepted on Wednesday and 868 kg of ganja worth Rs 1.04 crore, charas worth Rs 75 lakh and some other narcotic drugs were seized from cavities made in the roofs of the vehicles, he said. "We had information about trucks carrying contraband from Andhra Pradesh heading for various places in Maharashtra," he said. Customs teams kept a watch on Naldurg-Solapur road near Boramani and followed the two trucks. The vehicles were stopped and searched after they entered Pune district, the official said. "The total seizure was worth Rs 2.10 crore. The four persons who were travelling in the trucks were arrested and the probe is underway," he added. Indian Parliament The Congress on Wednesday accused the government of hiding behind rules to escape parliamentary oversight and demanded that a session be held soon to answer key queries of opposition parties. "This government has walked the extra mile to hide behind rules, to escape parliamentary oversight. This is nothing short of the emasculation of Parliament," Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said at a virtual press conference. "Unfortunately, presiding officers of both the Houses should have walked the extra mile to prevail upon the government, not should try to subvert Parliament in this manner and escape parliamentary oversight," he also said. His colleague and party spokesperson Gaurav Gogoi said a country like Nepal has passed a bill that reorganizes the boundary between India and Nepal, with all the resources and might. Citing the government's experience of having conducted a bilateral summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart, he said, "Surely we can have a special session of Parliament to discuss important issues, keeping in mind both social distancing and the importance of national security". "It is a sign of authoritarianism and only an effort by the BJP government to buy time so that it can escape the questions which have been asked by the people of India through the major opposition parties," Gogoi alleged. Tewari also said it is extremely unfortunate and regretful that while one can have a Russia, India, China trilateral summit virtually, the G-20 can be held and an all-party meeting on China can be held virtually, "why can't this government hold a virtual session of Parliament". He said parliaments are meeting virtually around the world and cited examples of Great Britain and Portugal. He wondered why the standing committee on defence, the consultative committee on defence and the standing committee on health have not met virtually. Opposition members, especially from the Congress, have been demanding a Parliament session to discuss key issues confronting the country like the coronavirus pandemic and the "Chinese intrusions into India at Ladakh". To a question on BJP president JP Nadda's "dynast attack" on Rahul Gandhi, Tewari said it is the same BJP which "did not consider India's foreign policy and strategic interests as a Holy Cow". "Those people, who are accusing the Opposition of being anti-national for raising valid questions when the government has put its head in the sand like an ostrich, should reflect on their conduct between 2004 and 2014. "If the prime minister does not want the Opposition to ask him any question, he should issue a public apology for the behaviour of his party between 2004 and 2014 when they were in the Opposition," he said. Gogoi said the "BJP would do a better job of running the government if it listened and heeded Rahul Gandhi's advice instead of attacking him personally". "Instead of criticizing us, the BJP would do a better job if they took Rahul Gandhi's advice," he said. By PTI MUMBAI: As many as 65,000 ASHA workers in Maharashtra are likely to get a monthly pay hike of Rs 2,000 as an incentive for their hard work during the time of the COVID-19 crisis, a government official said. The Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers) have so far been earning about Rs 10,000 per month, he said. "State Health Minister Rajesh Tope has finalised a proposal for their salary hike which would be discussed in the Cabinet meeting. If the proposal is cleared, the ASHA workers would get a monthly hike of Rs 2,000," the official from the health and family welfare department said on Wednesday. CLICK HERE FOR COVID-19 LIVE UPDATES Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the ASHA workers have been assigned the task of surveillance in urban and rural areas and the state government now plans to give them an incentive for their work. As of now, their salary structure includes a basic payment of Rs 2,000 each contributed by the state and the Centre along with additional payment as per their efficiency and the number of people they cover (as part of various government welfare schemes), the official said. "Now, the state wants to increase its contribution by Rs 2,000," the official said. A migrant workers rights group has blasted a plan by the provincial government to allow international agricultural labourers to keep working even if they test positive for COVID-19. In a Wednesday news release, Migrant Workers Alliance for Change said it was horrified and enraged by part of the Ontarios government plan to combat the novel coronavirus on farms that will allow asymptomatic workers with the virus to continue to work in clusters of infected employees separated from the rest of the workforce. Migrant Workers Alliance for Change calls for an immediate reversal of this decision, and stop-work orders to be issued in places with positive cases while guaranteeing full income for workers on the farms which are closed or have infections through 21 paid sick days, said the advocacy groups release. The federal government must stop the province from proceeding with this directive that jeopardizes public health. Allowing infected workers to stay on the job provided they are isolated from everyone else on a farm was part of Premier Doug Fords plan, announced Wednesday, to combat the spread of the potentially lethal virus, which has sickened hundreds of migrant farmhands in Ontario, particularly in the Windsor-Essex region, where there are more than 300 active cases. In Niagara, at least 65 employees of Pioneer Flower Farms have become infected. In almost all cases, the workers did not bring the virus with them to the farms, but contracted it while in the community in which they work. Ford also announced the province, co-ordinating with public health units, will send mobile COVID-19 testing units to farms to test workers. Niagaras acting medical officer of health, Dr. Mustafa Hirji, said his department has done some mobile testing at the Pioneer farm, but has not been informed as to the details of the provincial governments plan to test thousands of workers on hundreds of farms in Ontario. Hirji said there has been some reluctance on the part of workers to leave the farm to get tested out of fear a positive test would mean the loss of their job, or even deportation. During his Wednesday news conference, Ford assured migrant workers they would not be fired if they became sick and they would be eligible for provincial unemployment benefits. The trepidation about offsite testing also extended to farm operators, who are worried about further exposure of their workers. In some cases, they had an assessment centre set up for workers to go to, but the concern was having workers from multiple farms congregating together for tests, and how safe is that for the workers and for the farms? said Keith Currie, president of Ontario Federation of Agriculture. Ford lashed out at individuals who have launched racist diatribes against the workers after the farm outbreaks. If you dont appreciate a migrant worker, then you go out in the fields and work your back off when it is 100 degrees in the middle of the summer, he said. If you see a migrant worker, as a matter of fact, maybe you should say Thank you for working your back off, because a lot of people arent willing to do the work they do. Ford said farms are entirely dependant on seasonal cycles and need workers immediately, which is in part why the government is allowing infected workers to continue to work as clusters of asymptomatic, COVID-19-positive employees. Hirji said while the idea of clusters can work, and public health did consider it an option for Pioneer, his department ultimately abandoned the idea. The problem, Hirji said, is workers who said they had no COVID-19 symptoms were exhibiting signs of the viral infection, albeit very mildly. He said some people can have symptoms that are so minor a person dismisses them. It is only after a public health investigation it is learned that person did briefly have symptoms, and was therefore capable of spreading the virus. Currie said clusters are a way for farms to continue agricultural production, particularly at key seasonal moments when crops have to be planted or harvested. He said the move is just one of several steps the industry has to take. There are some issues, including housing, where its been made clear because of the pandemic we have to do a better job to protect our workers, and their safety has to be the No. 1 concern, said Currie. The workers alliance, meanwhile, said the provincial plan is effectively forcing sick labourers to continue working, placing them and others at increased risk. (Ford) is prioritizing profit and big business interests over migrants ability to protect themselves from illness and death, Kit Andres, for the Niagara branch of the Migrant Workers Alliance, said in statement. We call on Ontario to reverse the decision and on the federal government to give workers the power to protect themselves by giving permanent resident status to all migrants now. Error. Page cannot be displayed. Please contact your service provider for more details. (17) A group of retired teachers in central Vietnam refused to stand by and watch disabled kids not attending school. It is Monday morning and a class in Quang Ngai Province begins to receive students like at any other school in Vietnam. The only difference is that this class at the center for community activities in Tinh Giang Commune, Son Tinh District, only has retired teachers and the students all have physical or intellectual disability. After she retired as a teacher, Pham Kim Tuyen, 61, began to visit local families with disabled children who did not attend school. Touched by their situation, two years ago she decided to start a special class for such children. She asked some other retired teachers to join her, saying "we can still make a contribution." Eventually there was a group of six teachers. Commune authorities backed them and gave them use of a room at the community center, desks and chairs. Pham Kim Tuyen shows a student how to write a letter. Photo by VnExpress/Trong Quoc. The class began in September 2018. It has 15 students. Tuyen says, "There were 15 in the beginning, but one died of Down syndrome and then another came from a neighboring commune." The class functions on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Besides literature and mathematics, the children also learn other basic skills. They have various disabilities such as having crooked arms, lack of speech and limitations in intellectual and adaptive behaviors. They range in age from eight to 28. The teachers stand beside them and tell them what to do step by step. Pham Nhat Duy is the youngest in the class. He has cerebral palsy and could not walk or hold anything in his hand. After two years in the class, with the teachers also paying attention to his basic motor skills, he is now able to hold a carton of milk or a bowl of rice and even write. He has also become more articulate. He says: "My name is Duy. I wish to become a factory worker. My father works in a clearing in the mountain forest, my mother cooks, and my grandfather cuts grass to feed the cows." Asked if he loves his teacher, Duy replies immediately that he adores Tuyen. Pham Nhat Duy with his mother and a teacher (L) at the special class. Photo by VnExpress/Trong Quoc. Nguyen Kim Huong, 64, says she has seen many disabled students who could not get along with other children or cope with lessons at school. "There are cases of students with disabilities having to drop out of school, but at home they do not receive the care they need because their parents are busy working. This class is where they have a chance to study and improve." Knowing each student and being fully aware of their family situations, Tuyen and the other teachers do not wish for dramatic improvements or for the children to instantly become excellent students. All they expect is gradual progress. When they first attended the class two years ago, some of the students were scared and even cried. Most were shy and did not talk much. But now everything has changed. They greet the teachers when arriving and leaving, and do the same to their parents at home. They no longer pick food from the floor and eat, and know about personal hygiene. Nguyen Hoai Linh, 17, has bent limbs caused by muscular dystrophy but is clever and diligent. From not being able to hold a carton of milk properly, he can now write a little. "What is special about these students is their love for music and dancing," Tuyen reveals. A scene at the class designed particularly for students with disabilities by retired teachers. Photo by VnExpress/Trong Quoc. The teachers work for free. But the class needs books and other equipment, and has to have occasional parties and give the students small gifts to cheer them up. For all this they have received some donations from benefactors and charity organizations. Sometimes Tuyen has to ask for help like she did recently, calling a benefactor and asking for an air conditioner since the weather has been very hot and uncomfortable for the students. Vo Van Tam, chairman of Tinh Giang Commune, said the class has been receiving assistance from people across the country. Asked for how long she and the other teachers would keep going, Tuyen said the class will remain open until no more students show up. "We really wish to see our students make progress, learn more and more, integrate with the community and feel less isolated and lonely." The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) has proposed listing private tutoring as a conditional business field, but experts think this will not be a good solution. Nguyen Thu Hang, a parent in Hanoi whose son goes to a secondary school in Cau Giay district, said the mathematics teacher of her son is present at all parents meetings, where he always complains about students learning capacity. The students in this class are very bad at math. I am afraid they will fail the entrance exams to state-owned high schools, he said. After hearing the teachers repeated presentations, Hang and other parents realized that the teacher wants the students in the class to attend his extra classes. If they dont, they may fail the entrance exams to state-owned high school. According to Hang, some parents unwillingly send children to the teachers extra classes, because they fear the teacher will victimize the students who dont go. Going to extra classes for fear of persecution is what many students throughout the country are doing. Parents have repeatedly called on MOET to prohibit private tutoring, saying that school hours are enough for students. Paying fees for extra classes is a burden for many families. In order to put private tutoring under strict control, MOET released Circular 17 which says teachers have to register for their extra classes. At the beginning of new academic year, teachers are asked to promise that they wont break regulations. However, some experts warn that prohibiting private tutoring would be an extreme action, saying that many students have real demand for private tutoring. In order to put private tutoring under strict control, MOET released Circular 17 which says teachers have to register for their extra classes. At the beginning of new academic year, teachers are asked to promise that they wont break regulations. However, the management agency still cannot put everything under its control. In the latest move, MOET proposed that the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) add private tutoring to the list of conditional business fields. However, the solution remains controversial. Nguyen Quoc Binh, headmaster of Le Quy Don Secondary and High School, agrees that private tutoring is a real demand and the service should not be prohibited. However, he believes that teachers at general schools should not be allowed to give private tutoring. This is the job of learning centers, where teachers are not from general schools, but are freelance teachers. In this case, students would have no fear of persecution. Nguyen Quoc Vuong, an education expert, also thinks that it is necessary to exclude extra teaching from general schools functions. Teachers may be absorbed in teaching extra classes for money and spend less time on official school hours, and may show discriminatory treatment to students who dont attend extra classes. Thanh Lich Will private tutoring be considered a conditional business in Vietnam? The Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) has sent a dispatch to the National Assemblys Economics Committee and Ministry of Planning and Investment on adding private tutoring to the list of conditional business fields. After years of controversy, Disney announced Thursday that the Splash Mountain ride will be "completely reimagined." The iconic log flume is based on "Song of the South," a movie so racist that Disney has refused to release it in any form since 1986. Nonetheless, the ride, which opened in 1989, drew on the film's animated sequences for its theme and storyline. The ride will be redone with the characters of "The Princess and the Frog," Disney's only feature film starring a Black princess. The film is set in New Orleans the ride is directly adjacent to New Orleans Square in Disneyland and will follow the movie's characters as they prepare for Mardi Gras. "The new concept is inclusive one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year," the company said in a statement. "Song of the South," released in 1946, is Disney's most controversial film by far. Even at the time of its release, Disney employees, film critics and movie-goers considered its depiction of Black people outdated or outright racist. The movie centers around a white boy living on a plantation in the Reconstruction South. There, he meets a formerly enslaved man named Uncle Remus who tells him folktales about Brer Rabbit. Even the movie's signature number "Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah" appears to have derived from a minstrel song called "Zip Coon." Disney said the conceptual design work "is well underway" for the new Splash Mountain although a timeline for the ride's renovation is not yet available. Splash Mountain is at three Disney parks: Disneyland, the Magic Kingdom at Disney World and Tokyo Disneyland. According to a press release from Disney, only Disneyland and Disney World's rides will be redone at this time. Disney has a long history of closing or completely redoing rides, although generally because the ride's popularity began to wane with visitors. Splash Mountain, particularly in hot weather, is one of the resort's most popular attractions. "It's important that our guests be able to see themselves in the experiences we create," Disney Imagineering Creative Development and Inclusive Strategies Executive Carmen Smith said in a statement. "Because we consider ourselves constant learners, we go to great lengths to research and engage cultural advisors and other experts to help guide us along the way. I am incredibly proud to see this work continue to move forward with great support from leadership across Disney." Katie Dowd is the SFGATE managing editor. Email her: katie.dowd@sfgate.com | Twitter: @katiedowd Los Angeles: Disneyland in California on Wednesday delayed its planned reopening as coronavirus cases climb in the US state. The resort near Los Angeles, including Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, had planned to welcome visitors back July 17, pending government approval. Disney said in a statement that Californian officials would not issue reopening guidelines before July 4, leaving the theme parks insufficient time to restart as proposed. "Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart our business, we have no choice but to delay the reopening of our theme parks and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials," a statement said. No new reopening date was announced. Disneyland is the world's second-most visited theme park, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each day, but it closed in mid-March due to coronavirus concerns. The postponement leaves the California resort trailing other Disney theme parks. Shanghai Disneyland and Hong Kong Disneyland have already resumed activities. Tokyo Disney is set to reopen July 1, with the Paris and Orlando, Florida parks planning to start up again in mid-July. California, the nation's most populous state, saw a daily record of 7,149 new coronavirus cases Tuesday, to pass 190,000 total. Tom Reel/Staff photographer A pause is being put on tubing season at one New Braunfels outfitter as coronavirus cases surge in Central Texas. The Float In, a private park on the Comal River, said it has spent the last few weeks welcoming "flocks" of guests. Tuesday night, the family-owned business posted a Facebook notice alerting customers of a temporary closure due to the spike in cases. Tanaz Bhathenas Hunted by The Sky is a lyrical narrative, a historical fantasy saga that touches upon age old issues like untouchability and the caste divide in a mythical world. The heroines are the female Robinhoods, who wanted to protect the underprivileged, in this case the non-magus from the royal magis. Like all fairy tales, there is an evil King Lohar, who fears his death by a prophecy which claims he will die at the hands of a female star. The Sisterhood of The Golden Lotus comprises strong, spirited and fiery women who are bound together by a common goal to avenge justice and protect the kingdom from downfall. From the runaway Queen Juhi (One of Lohars many wives) to the feisty females Kali and Ambar (women whose journeys have been intertwined after their personal sagas of torture) or the sharp and spunky Gul, who is the main protagonist. The fairy tale must have an evil feminine character: in this case it is Major Shyla, who is vicious and abuses her power fearlessly. Suffering is different for different people. The gods never give you more than you can bear at a certain time in your life. Perhaps they have other tests planned for you. Other challenges that they might only re-veal in the future, Juhi, wisely reveals. The theme is simple. A girl with magical powers symbolised by a star on her body has been destined with a secret mission to kill the king. In order to protect him, the hunt is on for all females with stars on their body . These young girls are cruelly dragged from their homes and brutally killed. But, the real one with magical powers alludes the Kings powerful henchmen that include General Tahmasp and Major Shyla, who in a sub plot are competing with each other. The prophecy never mentioned if the girl would also be from Ambar, so he decided to hunt for her across Svapnalok, sending his Sky Warriors to the other three kingdoms as well. Naturally, this made the rulers of Jwala, Prithvi, and Samudra furious. They called Lohars actions a blatant abuse of power. They also feared a rebellion from within their kingdoms as more girls began disappearing. The setting is obviously Indian with a lot of colloquial terms being used to identify traditions, objects and even weapons. This fictional narrative constructively uses its story telling format to teach women the art of learning self-defence tactics, in this case Yudhnatam to not just empower themselves but also protect the weak. The conversations between the female characters highlights the importance of reigning in ones emotions while using the powers of focus and inner strength to defeat the enemy. This novel has a very desi Harry Potter kind of vibe, where the language is just as compelling and the visual imagery created through the authors word is simply enchanting. I drew inspiration from two different periods of Indian history while writing this story: the intellectual brilliance of Vedic India and the splendour of the medieval courts. Mythology also plays a role in this series, and I have drawn on both parts of my heritage-Indian and Persian-to conceive my own myths, Tanaz explains in a note at the end of the book. Trump Campaign Sues Super PAC Over Ad Claiming President Called Virus a Hoax The Trump campaign filed a defamation lawsuit against a pro-Democrat super PAC over an advert that featured a manufactured statement that claimed President Donald Trump called the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus a hoax. The lawsuit, filed June 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin (pdf), says that Priorities USA Action (PUSA) produced an advert featuring a false and defamatory statement that harmed the reputation of the Trump campaign. President Trump never referred to the virus itself as a hoax, the Trump campaign said in a statement. PUSA is identified in the court filing as an intervenor defendant. The Trump campaign previously filed a defamation lawsuit in April against NBC affiliate Northland Television (WJFW-NBC), the defendant in the suit. The TV station was among various media outlets that broadcast the advertisement, the Trump campaign stated in its latest complaint. The complaint says that the advertisement, titled Exponential Threat, as well as another substantially similar advertisement, titled One Week Later, were produced through piecing together different audio clips from Trump campaign events to manufacture a blatantly false statement that was never said by candidate Trump: The coronavirus, this is their new hoax.' The PUSA ads knowingly and intentionally misattributed the Manufactured Statement to candidate Trumpa statement that PUSA knew that candidate Trump never said, the complaint continues. The Trump campaign demands a trial by jury over its allegations and seeks judgment against PUSA, as well as damages in an amount to be determined at trial, and legal fees. South Carolina Rally Comments The complaint noted that, Defendants assert that the Manufactured Statement was made by candidate Trump at a campaign rally for the Trump campaign in Charleston, South Carolina. People cheer as President Donald Trump appears at a rally in North Charleston, South Carolina, on Feb. 28, 2020. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) At the rally on Feb. 28 Trump said: Now the Democrats are politicizing the coronavirus, you know that, right? Coronavirus, theyre politicizing it. We did one of the great jobs. You say, Hows President Trump doing? They go, Oh, not good, not good. They have no clue. They dont have any clue. They cant even count their votes in Iowa. They cant even count. No, they cant. They cant count their votes. One of my people came up to me and said, Mr. President, they tried to beat you on Russia, Russia, Russia. That didnt work out too well. They couldnt do it. They tried the impeachment hoax. That was not a perfect conversation. They tried anything. They tried it over and over. Theyve been doing it since you got in. Its all turning. They lost. Its all turning. Think of it. Think of it. And this is their new hoax, he added. The audio referred to in the complaint appears to have spliced disparate parts of Trumps remarks from that rally. President Donald Trump appears at a rally in North Charleston, South Carolina, on Feb. 28, 2020. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images) On Feb. 29, the day after the rally, Trump explained his remarks in a press conference. Im not talking about whats happening here; Im talking what theyre doing, he said, referring to Democrats. Thats the hoax. The Trump campaign said in its complaint that PUSA created the ads to affect voting behavior of members of the voting public and influence the 2020 presidential election as defeating candidate Trump is a core tenet of its mission, citing a page on the PUSA website for its assertion. Cease and Desist Letters The Trump campaign on March 25 sent WJFW-NBC a cease and desist letter after which the Wisconsin TV station allegedly aired the ad 36 more times over 11 days, according to the previous lawsuit the Trump campaign filed over the advertisement. In the latest suit, the Trump campaign alleged that PUSA obtained a copy of the cease and desist letters sent to various TV stations over the ads, but disregarded the issue and also doubled down and expanded the distribution of the PUSA ads for broadcast more frequently and on more TV stations. Further, through its counsel, PUSA sent TV stations broadcasting the PUSA ads throughout the country a letter in response to the Trump campaigns cease and desist letters, the complaint added. Upon information and belief, PUSA widely distributed its letter response to TV stations broadcasting the PUSA ads. The Trump campaign said in the complaint that TV stations, including the defendant WJFW-NBC, subsequently continued to accept PUSAs purchase of advertising air time to broadcast the advertisements, apparently relying on the assertions in PUSAs response letter that the manufactured statement was true. The Trump campaign is using the force of law to end circulation of these erroneous and defamatory ads. The American people should be able to trust in the accuracy of the content aired, especially in reference to their president, and these lawsuits will help ensure that both the sponsors of this ad and those circulating it are held accountable for their malicious actions, Jenna Ellis, Senior Legal Adviser to the Trump campaign, said in a statement. Tom Ozimek contributed to this report. June 25, 2020 Seven-year agreement puts patients at heart of service design to support increased excellence across specialist care, research and local care provision Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Guildford, UK - Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust today announced a seven-year managed service agreement to deliver on the Trusts' vision to set new standards of excellence for cardiac care in the UK and globally. The partnership will combine the latest innovations in technology for integrated cardiovascular solutions to deliver on the quadruple aim: better health outcomes, lower cost of care, and an improved experience for patients and staff. The service improvement program will support the co-design of new patient pathways and workflows, all with the aim of delivering the best care experience for patients. "The Cardiology team at Leeds Teaching Hospitals are very proud of the quality of cardiac care we are able to deliver for our patients," said Dr Chris Pepper, Clinical Director for Cardiology at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. "We see this partnership as a hugely exciting and positive opportunity to improve this further. We look forward to being able to provide state-of-the-art cardiac imaging as part of a highly efficient and forward-looking cardiology service for the people of Leeds and West Yorkshire. We also look forward to a positive and collaborative working relationship with Philips." The agreement includes six fully featured interventional cardiac suites based on the Philips Azurion platform, including two specialized electrophysiology suites and a structural heart suite, as well as advanced patient monitoring and ultrasound systems. The Azurion platform provides an intuitive, seamless approach for minimally invasive procedures that will support Leeds' clinicians to focus on treating the patient, and its administrators as they strive to improve productivity and efficiency through intelligent resource management. Dr Pepper continued, "We are now working through the backlog of patients and other challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. We need to keep services running and have been supported through our partnership with Philips including in reorganizing lab allocations and maintaining patient flow, which has been of substantial benefit. Our cath labs are an essential part of our operations, so when two of our systems recently needed urgent repair, we were happy that Philips was able to resolve the issues without impact on our daily workflow. Our state-of-the-art ultrasound systems have also helped us maintain efficiency after the first wave of COVID-19 patients and will help streamline and facilitate further recovery." "Cardiovascular disease is one of the world's leading causes of death [1] and in the UK we are now seeing more people dying of heart disease at younger ages than in previous years," said Neil Mesher, General Manager of Philips UK & Ireland. "The COVID-19 pandemic has shown what we can achieve when we combine our collective resources to combat an urgent, complex challenge. It's with this spirit that we look forward to working side-by-side with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to improve the region's cardiac health." Leeds Cardiac Clinical Services Unit sees over 25,000 patients a year and offers specialist cardiology services to a regional UK population of over 5.4 million across West Yorkshire. As both a local care provider and international specialism centre, the Trust operates an aspirational international innovation programme that not only benefits the local population but also the global cardiology community by developing cutting-edge techniques to meet challenging patient presentations. With both local and international objectives, Leeds has decided to work in partnership with Philips on a long-term basis to ensure these aspirations are met. [1] https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/heart-and-circulatory-diseases-in-numbers/death-rates-over-time For further information, please contact: Mark Groves Philips Global Press Office Tel: +31 631 639 916 Email: mark.groves@philips.com Twitter: mark_groves Emily Wells-Burr Philips UK & Ireland Tel: +44 7825 105 685 Email: emily.wells-burr@philips.com About Royal Philips Royal Philips. Attachments Solidarity People Before Profits Brid Smith speaking at a march in Dublins city centre organized to demonstrate opposition to the formation of a new government involving Fianna Fail or Fine Gael. People Before Profit TD Brid Smith has been called on to apologise for online comments she made about a High Court judge. Earlier this week, Mr Justice Garrett Simons found a sectoral employment order made by Business Minister Heather Humphreys had been made outside her powers and was unconstitutional. This meant a law guaranteeing minimum pay in the sector was struck down. Ms Smith put up an image of Mr Justice Simons on Facebook with the caption: This is Garrett Simons. Hes a high court judge. He earns over 200,000 euro a year. And hes just put the boot into workers. Since 1946, Irish workers have had the protection of registered employment agreements which gives them legal rights to rates of pay and conditions. Yet all of these rights have been removed from workers at the stroke of a pen by one upper class judge. @bridsmithTD #HighCourt pic.twitter.com/a2JQdfVGu0 People Before Profit (@pb4p) June 24, 2020 She also released a statement in which she criticised the judgement as scandalous and said it tells us a great deal about the judicial system in this country. She wrote: The irony that a judge earning over 210,000 euro a year can be worried that an electrician on 45,000 euro may be overpaid will not be lost on the workers affected. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan accused Ms Smith of a sinister and personalised attack on a judge. He wrote on Twitter: It is sinister to see a judge of our courts under attack in a highly personalised and viscious manner, most especially when such attacks come from an elected member of Dail Eireann. It is sinister to see a judge of our courts under attack in a highly personalised and vicious manner, most especially when such attacks come from an elected member of Dail Eireann. It is redolent of petty dictators and in effect undermines the very fabric of our democracy. Charlie Flanagan (@CharlieFlanagan) June 25, 2020 Fine Gael TD Jennifer Carroll MacNeill called on Ms Smith to withdraw her remarks and apologise for the. She said: Deputy Brid Smiths attack is a new ultra-low in the race to the bottom of this ultra-populism. We have seen where this approach goes in the past. We see it today in the disintegration of established democracies in the US and the UK, we see our judicial counterparts in Poland under sustained attack with the concomitant impact on the protection of minorities. I am calling on Deputy Smith to immediately withdraw her remark, apologise and publicly state her support for the protection of our independent judiciary and the separation of powers. Nothing less is acceptable. The chairman of the Bar Council Micheal P OHiggins released a statement following Ms Smiths remarks and said targeting a judge amounts to an attack on our democracy and is something that all of society should be gravely concerned about. The Chairman of the Bar Council has criticised PBP TD Brid Smiths online comments about a High Court judge following his ruling on minimum pay and entitlements for electricians. pic.twitter.com/RQHdl8T17g Aine McMahon (@AineMcMahon) June 25, 2020 He said: For a legislator to personally criticise a member of the judiciary, for doing the job society asks them to do, is dangerous and completely unacceptable. The President of the Law Society of Ireland, Michele OBoyle, described the comments as shocking, unwarranted and dangerous. It is entirely appropriate for a politician to disagree with a judges decision, she said. They have a remedy which is to appeal the decision or seek a change in the law. It is not appropriate, however, for a politician to launch a personalised attack on the impartiality or the integrity of a judge. Such an attack risks undermining the necessary mutual respect between branches of Government required by the Constitution. It threatens respect for the law and even the rule of law which protects all of us. I call on all who respect the rule of law to reject populist attacks on the judiciary and to distance themselves from this latest very regrettable example. Ms Smith said she will not apologise or withdraw her remarks. She said: I dont accept the Bar Councils opinion nor am I impressed by the mock outrage of them, various other barristers, legal experts or the Minister. Criticism of the judgment and the judge is not an attack on democracy and such hyperbole serves only to underline my original point; the class bias and accountability of our judicial system. I do not accept that these decisions are solely the result of a King Solomon-like learned judge pouring over manuscripts and arriving at his decisions without fear or favour. My wife woke up this morning and thought she might have COVID. We called the Hamilton County Heath Department hotline and someone answered on the third ring. Not a voice mail, a real person. She told us they they were already out of their supply for rapid testing but recommended two pharmacies, one on Highway 58 and one on Hixson Pike. We chose the one on 58. A pharmacist ... (click for more) Bengaluru, June 25 : Amid rising Covid-19 cases, a senior Karnataka minster on Thursday ruled out enforcing lockdown again in Bengaluru, which began Unlock 1.0 on June 1. "No lockdown again in Bengaluru. Only containment zones in the city where large number of Covid-19 cases are reported will be sealed," state Revenue Minister R. Ashoka told reporters here after a cabinet meet on the growing number of infections in the state capital. Following demand by the opposition parties to re-impose lockdown to contain the coronavirus spread, Ashoka said there were divergent views on the issue and the state government would discuss it with health experts and other stakeholders. "Daily wage labourers, who were most affected by an extended lockdown earlier, do not want it again in the city as it would hit their livelihoods,'' asserted Ashoka. Echoing Ashoka, state Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan said that with board exams for Class 10 getting underway earlier in the day, there is no question of re-imposing lockdown in Bengaluru or other cities and towns in the state. "As Class 10 exams began, I don't think the question of imposing lockdown again in Bengaluru or other cities or towns in the state will rise," Narayan told reporters. The first Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) board exam in English and Kannada subjects for Class 10 students was held across the southern state under Covid cloud as per lockdown guidelines. The state government has called for an all-party meeting of 28 legislators from this tech city on Friday to discuss the measures to contain the virus spread. "Though Covid cases have been rising, we have to take a pragmatic view of them as we have reopened the economy under Unlock 1.0 since June 1. The cases are rising for various reasons, including influx of outsiders with infection," said state Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai. On the demand for re-imposing lockdown by the Congress and the Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S), Bommai said the opposition parties have been inconsistent, as they opposed lockdown when it was extended and now want it again when it has been lifted. "It is not a question of opposition's demand, but we have to see what is the need of the hour. We are consulting health experts and have called for an all-party meeting on Friday to assess the overall situation," Bommai said. The state government has already re-imposed lockdown in five civic wards in the city since Tuesday till July 1 to contain the corona virus spread. The death rate has also gone up in the city and the state due to ILI cases, which are common in this (rainy) season. Of the 442 new cases reported from across the southern state in the last 24 hours, Bengaluru accounted for 113, taking its tally of positive cases to 1,791. With 505 discharged so far, including 30 on Thursday, the number of active cases is 1,207. Of the 170 Covid deaths in the state, Bengaluru accounted for 78. Earlier in the day, Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa had warned the denizens to follow the Covid control measures or face another lockdown across the city. "If you don't want Bengaluru to be sealed down once again, better cooperate and maintain distance," Yediyurappa said ahead of the cabinet meeting. Admitting that infections were rising in the city by the day, the Chief Minister said that efforts were being made to contain them by sealing down areas where more cases were surfacing. "Bengaluru is better off compared to the other cities and has emerged as a role model for the whole country," he asserted. On Tuesday, the city civic body re-imposed lockdown in 5 wards in the city to reduce the spread of the infection as more cases were reported of late Aaaand this is why women dont come forward. Fuck off. Reply Thread Link I mean, IF it was false and aimed at ruining his career...is he wrong for doing it? He won't win; it's not like he was denied some massive amount of money or benefit because of this. Tbh, if someone accused me of a major crime that would legit ruin me and my career and it was 100% false, I would drag them to hell and back with lawsuits and everything I possibly could to make sure they suffer, and they'd deserve every second of it. The people who falsely accused him (if it was false) deserve to suffer. It makes the actual victims face EVEN MORE self doubt about coming forward without 'evidence.' There's a special place in hell for people who falsely accuse and make up sexual assault stories just to hurt people. Reply Parent Thread Link Nah, he's right to do it if it's really a false accusation. Even if he proves it's fake the articles and screenshots are out there, by making a lawsuit he's ensuring when it's looked up in the future this is mentioned too. It's a shitty situation all around but if it's false the blame needs to be put on those responsible for the lie and not someone trying to protect their reputation. Reply Parent Thread Link He looks like Terry Richardson in that pic TMZ used Reply Thread Link I really think so in that case given how awful that pic is and knowing that gross photographers fucked up history of sexual assault..... that he might be aware of and is stanning him. Too unflattering now considering right now Reply Parent Thread Link i'm sorry, justin bieber ain't shit but what kind of leap is this? he might be stanning terry richardson? he looks like shit and has been wearing those stupid glasses for years. the stretch of it all. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link This whole thing has been.... a lot to process. Reply Thread Link It really is Reply Parent Thread Link just like that ugly blonde hair hes has lol Reply Parent Thread Link genuine question but in terms of damages awarded for defamation, don't you need to prove that you actually lost an opportunity equivalent to that amount or at least lost the potential of such an opportunity? Reply Thread Link Yea he aint gonna win. He just wants to bankrupt the accusers with legal fees Reply Parent Thread Link Thats exactly the vibe is what Im tryin to sayin in here Reply Parent Thread Link It varies from state to state. You can recover for damage to reputation but punitive damages would get you more money. Im not saying Bieber has actually suffered damages (lets be real this is a scare tactic), but in theory he could recover. Reply Parent Thread Link Oh he definitely has a case, and theyll definitely have to settle because I doubt these ladies have $20 million edit: I see what youre asking now lol. Its an arbitrary number. He could probably show things like lost followers or a downward trend in revenue as a result of the allegations. Or say it damaged his personal life. Idk. But the $ is just a # Edited at 2020-06-26 12:34 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link there has been some really weird stuff going on at twitter Reply Thread Link Earlier today a now suspended account made false accusations against Harry. It was disproven by the use of a photo from Sept 2013 trying to pass it as their own from Jun 2016 We have forwarded this persons IP address to Hs team so they can take measureshttps://t.co/DkfssEMFEY pic.twitter.com/g532kjp5SN Harry Facts. (@HarryFacts) June 22, 2020 Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lol that's the woman that has pictures with EVERY celebrity Reply Parent Thread Link omg not Stalker Sarah Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Stalker Sarah??? I've been launched back to 2009. Reply Parent Thread Link This is a serious post and topic and I feel bad for laughing. But part of me is still cackling at them using a picture of Stalker Sarah. Reply Parent Thread Link I'm glad I'm not the only person whose reaction to this was "IS THIS STALKER SARAH" because otherwise I'd feel really old Reply Parent Thread Link I should sue him for having that face The things I have to look at when opening ONTD! Reply Thread Link Oh Reply Thread Link omfg goodbye lmao! Reply Parent Thread Link I'm sure they have that much money. Reply Thread Link Yeah. Id love to see how this turn out. As if that person done got dem money lying around and got bored, was in mood for some chaos and Bieber was their target for whatever reason he find to legally gain these requested $20M for defamations due to SA/potential rape claims. Yeah. Totally logical. He sure got himself a solid case and looking to drain the last dime there is. /s Reply Parent Thread Link probably will set up garnishments from paychecks and payment plans Reply Parent Thread Link the trailer park Reply Thread Link Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy to take unto himself the soul of our dear brother here departed, we therefore commit his body to the ground; earth to earth, biebers to trailerparks, dust to dust Reply Parent Thread Link May his White Trailer Park Jesus bless him then Reply Parent Thread Link Oh fuck off. You already brought awareness to it/brought "receipts", just leave it.... Reply Thread Link I feel so bad for the actual survivors of sexual assault. These fake twitter accusations for clout or whatever need to stop. Shame on people who even think of doing such a thing. Reply Thread Link ia like could they please take it to court before putting all parties at risk on social media? it's weird Reply Parent Thread Link I think this is very much being done on purpose to discredit real allegations that came up recently. Reply Parent Thread Link Yeah, its really infuriating. And I think its done on purpose by trolls to make a point that accusers are always lying. Reply Parent Thread Link i just don't get how this turned into a trend out of nowhere. so many false accusations coming out back to back. it's too coincidental and it makes me wonder if this is by design to purposefully undermine the metoo movement. Reply Parent Thread Link Doesn't he have to prove he lost money or something? Not just his ego? Reply Thread Link If it goes to trial, right? Otherwise this is probably just to get them to publicly apologize and admit they lied + a tactic to prevent any future accusers (real or otherwise) from potentially going forward. Reply Parent Thread Link People need to be more careful about what they retweet and give attention to on social media, there's no fact checking it seems, people just get caught up in the rush of it all. Reply Thread Link It's pretty much a given these days that people consume news in soundbites. ONTD is a prime example of this a lot of the time. People just comment for commenting sake. Edited at 2020-06-25 10:34 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link It's fun to comment. Reply Parent Thread Link Tbh because of social media and the way the internet operates in general. I had a strong feeling that at some point someone or groups of people would make a fake claim. I knew people would mess with the "believe women" thing because there was this underlying "don't question or doubt just believe" aspect to it that I knew would not go far. It's very easy to take advantage of feeling on the internet. Reply Parent Thread Link Exactly. Ontd does the same. It's so harmful as it's used to dismiss actual victims. Reply Parent Thread Link Reddit is the worst at this. As long as some dude acts like hes an expert in something thousands of people will upvote and spread his knowledge. Ive gotten completely false information off there at least 5 times. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I thought it was proven they were lying? Im all about believing women, but I thought this was a false claim. Idk. Reply Thread Link i think the second claim was "proven" to be lying. and then he addressed the first woman with "receipts" but i still think he's lying. Reply Parent Thread Link It was proven they were lying. He was seen and there are pictures of him somewhere else the days of both claims. Reply Parent Thread Link he looks like he does 70s back alley gay porn lol Reply Thread Link As if hed go down the Aaron Carter OF route. Bet tho. Thats a certain vibe Reply Parent Thread Link (Newser) Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and nine other former separatist fighters were indicted Wednesday on a range of crimes against humanity and war crimes charges, including murder, by an international prosecutor probing their actions against ethnic Serbs and others during and after Kosovos 1998-99 independence war with Serbia. The charges were made public on Wednesday as both the European Union and the US intensify efforts to facilitate a durable settlement to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo after decades of tensions and thousands of lost lives. Because of the indictment, Thaci has postponed his trip to Washington, where he was to meet Saturday for talks at the White House with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, the AP reports. story continues below "The President of Kosovo has just informed us that he has canceled his trip to Washington, DC, following the announcement made by the Special Prosecutors Office," tweeted Richard Grenell, the US envoy for the Kosovo talks. Grenell added that the talks will still go ahead, with Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti. A statement from the prosecutor of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers said Thaci and the nine others "are criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders" involving hundreds of Serb and Roma victims, as well as Kosovo Albanian political opponents.Other charges include enforced disappearance, persecution and torture, he said. A pretrial judge at The Hague-based court is currently studying the indictment and could still reject it if there is not enough evidence to back it up. (Read more Kosovo stories.) PM: Vietnam yet to reopen door for international travelers Vietnam is not ready to reopen its door for international travelers as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is evolving in a complex manner both regionally and globally, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has said. PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc affirms Vietnam has yet to reopen the door for foreign travellers, but only specialists, business executives and skilled workers This is the consistent policy of the Vietnamese government with top priority given to protecting peoples health, PM Phuc told permanent members of the Government at a meeting in Hanoi on June 24. Yet, he did not rule out the possibility of resuming international commercial flights to several markets where the COVID-19 has been brought under control, but stressed the time should be carefully taken into account to ensure the virus cannot be transmitted into Vietnam. At the same time, the PM asked ministries, agencies and localities to be highly vigilant against the possible recurrence of the virus within the community as it has happened in several countries, in an attempt to safeguard the important results Vietnam has achieved in combating the epidemic over the past months. Vietnam has so far recorded a total of 352 coronavirus cases with no single death. As many as 329 cases have fully recovered and have been discharged from hospital, making up nearly 94% of the total number of infections. Vietnam has also gone through 69 days without new locally transmitted infections. Most of the newly detected cases recently returned from epidemic hit countries, but they could not pose any risk to the community as they were placed in quarantine upon their arrival. The government has only permitted foreign specialists, business executives and highly skilled workers to enter and undertake projects in Vietnam, PM Phuc said, adding that these individuals must be subject to medical surveillance and a 14-day quarantine period according to regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control. In addition, he said the government allowed businesses to resume sending Vietnamese labourers abroad under signed labour contracts with partners if they are accepted by the recipient countries. The PM also asked designated agencies and localities to tighten control over Vietnamese returnees from epidemic hit countries as more and more Vietnamese citizens stranded overseas due to COVID-19 will be repatriated in the time to come. It was reported that Vietnamese airlines have conducted 33 flights to bring home approximately 8,000 Vietnamese citizens from 42 countries and territories. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 35,000 Vietnamese nationals abroad have expressed their desires to return to the homeland. The PM agreed to create conditions for about 14,000 selected citizens to return home in the first phase. Unemployed Australians could be pushed to do farm work to fill the void left by thousands of backpackers who left the country during the coronavirus pandemic. A federal parliamentary inquiry is studying the economic recovery of the tourism, health and farming industries on the other side of COVID-19. The pandemic has meant there are 50,000 less backpackers in Australia, with the inquiry looking into the prospect of unemployed Australians taking jobs generally done by travelers. 'Once borders reopen they will be key to filling some roles where Australian workers are usually not available, particularly in regional areas,' NSW Liberal MP Julian Leeser told ABC. Unemployed Australians could be encouraged to take up farm work to fill the void left by backpackers who left Australia due to the coronavirus (stock image) Julian Leeser (pictured) said the inquiry will raise issues for small businesses who depend on tourist staff to prosper Mr Leeser will chair the inquiry, with the coronavirus period forcing his committee to suspend another investigation into migration in regional Australia after reporting no recommendations. Australia's unemployment rate is predicted to rise to 10 per cent in the June quarter, with 1.4 million Australians expected to be without work. Working-holiday staff generate around $3billion into the Australian economy annually. Mr Leeser said the inquiry will raise issues for small businesses who depend on tourist staff to prosper. The coronavirus pandemic has lead to enormous queues outside unemployment offices around the country. Pictured: Centrelink in Melbourne 'It is particularly important to people in rural and regional Australia who rely on the working holiday-maker workforce to help them keep their businesses running,' he said. The inquiry will receive submissions until July 24. Victorian Farmers Federation spokeswoman Emma Germano was dispassionate towards the inquiry after noting that findings from previous investigations have been routinely ignored by the government. Ms Germano said the industry relies on backpacker workers because there are no viable options alternatives to generate a workforce. 'Industry has long made recommendations to improve the worker holiday program to make it fit for purpose, and put protections in place for the worker and the employer,' she said. While ramping up the international campaign against Chinese telecommunications manufacturer Huawei, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has declared Reliance Jio a "clean" network for not using Huawei's equipment, keeping it safe from Beijing's intelligence intrusions. Listing Jio among the "world's leading" telecom operators, Pompeo told reporters on Wednesday that it was one of the "Clean Telcos" for spurning Huawei, which he called a part of the "Chinese Communist Party (CCP) infrastructure". Stopping Huawei's incursions into next-generation 5G networks has become a priority for President Donald Trump and he has personally appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other world leaders to ban the company that the US has linked to Beijing's intelligence gathering capability. With a series on sanctions against Huawei that seek to bar other countries sharing US technologies with the Chinese company, Washington is pressuring them to ban it. In a later statement, he outlined the makings of a virtual global alliance against the Chinese company in a world troubled by the COVID-19 pandemic originating in China and Beijing's efforts to take advantage of it strategically and economically. "The tide is turning against Huawei as citizens around the world are waking up to the danger of the Chinese Communist Party's surveillance state. Huawei's deals with telecommunications operators around the world are evaporating, because countries are only allowing trusted vendors in their 5G networks," he said. Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani had told Trump during his February visit to India that Jio was the only network in the world to not have a single Chinese component. Jio is reportedly trying the 'swadeshi' route for 5G and has applied to the Department of Telecommunications for permission to carry out lab tests for the technology without third-party participation. Facebook announced a $5.7 billion investment in Jio in April. While speaking to the media before the release of the State Department's annual terrorism report, Pompeo said that Jio along with some other Canadian, British and French telecoms was "disconnecting from the Chinese Communist Party infrastructure" by not using Huawei equipment. "They are rejecting doing business with tools of the CCP surveillance state, companies like Huawei," he added. He listed eight European countries, most of them from the former Eastern bloc, that have barred Huawei and said that in Canada "public opinion was overwhelmingly against Huawei" making operators choose other companies for 5G rollout. The US has not been able to persuade the big European nations, Germany and France, to restrict Huawei, while the UK, which has resisted Washington, is now reexamining Huawei's involvement in its networks. According to US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brian, Huawei is able to access sensitive and personal information wherever its equipment is installed and "by law, must comply with directives of the Chinese Communist Party" making networks using it vulnerable to Beijing's surveillance. Trump had brought up the security concerns with Modi during the February visit in a bid to stop Huawei's inroads into India's 5G networks. Trump told reporters after meeting Modi: "We discussed the importance of a secure 5G wireless network and the need for this emerging technology to be a tool for freedom, progress, prosperity, not to do anything with which it could be even conceived as a conduit for suppression and censorship." The Trump administration has put a series of sanctions on Huawei to cut off its access to US technology to develop or manufacture its systems. In the latest action against it, Washington barred the use of US equipment and software by companies anywhere to produce components for Huawei. This pits the US against several countries whose companies have ties to Huawei and could increase pressure on them to make a choice. Pompeo's statement indicated that Samsung, Nokia and Ericsson were alternatives. The U.S does not have comparable manufactures of 5G equipment. Short for fifth generation cellular network, 5G is capable of being more than 25 times faster than the 4G network and it has applications in manufacturing and in future technologies like self-driving cars. Notwithstanding the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, Exide Life Insurance Co Ltd with a focus on customer retention and speedy claim settlement hopes to match its FY20 business performance this fiscal, a top company official said. Before the pandemic enforced lockdown, when the industry was expected to grow by 15-20 percent in 2020-21, the objective of the company was to grow upwards of twice the pace of the industry, Exide Life Insurance Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kshitij Jain said. "We were aiming to grow at least by 30 percent in the year 2020-21. But the pandemic and lockdown has changed all that... projection (growth) for the full year right now I think would be a wishful thinking, it cannot be based on any facts. So what I can say is that, we expect that our business will come at least flat if not show some growth," Jain told PTI in an interview. However, the company said it won't be able to share the growth figures for FY20 because of their internal compliance and legal requirements currently. Right now the focus of Exide Life Insurance is not on new business growth but on ensuring that high level of customer retention and satisfaction, he 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 The Exide Life MD and CEO expects that renewals will do well this year because customers would not like to loose the cover of their existing policy. He further said that 95 percent of the insurer's business comes through traditional plans and hoped that this product focus is going to help the company in these uncertain times because customers want the guarantee of assured returns which the company is able to provide in traditional plans. "In renewals, we are seeing this trend. In fact this month, we are expecting that we are going to do upwards of Rs 200 crore of renewals. So it is looking quite good," Jain said. Exide Life as on date manages assets of roughly around Rs 16,000 crore and bulk of the investment happen to be in risk-free debt instruments of which about 95 percent happen to be in government securities and triple A bonds, he added. Jain said the company, which mainly generates business from tier II and III cities, had transformed itself to a digital-first company three years back and this helped the company a great deal during the lockdown period. When asked by when the company could hit the capital markets, he said : "We do not see any immediate need to do this. So, there are no immediate plans as far as listing is concerned." Further, Jain said that company has achieved the highest ever claim settlement ratio of 98.15 percent last fiscal and aspire to better it even further. He also said that the company last week has got one claim request for a COVID-19 related matter and has settled the payment at the earliest following advisory of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) on the pandemic. Exide Life Insurance Company Limited, a 100 percent subsidiary of Exide Industries, commenced operations in 2001-02 and is headquartered in Bengaluru. The life insurer distributes its products through multi-channels viz. Agency, Banc assurance, Corporate Agency & Broking, Direct Channel and Online. During the financial year 2018-19, the company achieved total premium income of over Rs 2,800 crore. PTI KPMDRR . Questioning the link between China and the Congress, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday alleged that both the Chinese government and the Chinese embassy in India contributed to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF) a trust chaired by Congress president Sonia Gandhi with former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi and P Chidambaram as trustees. The BJP, led by Union law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, also alleged that RGF had pushed for a free trade agreement between the two countries, leading to a huge trade deficit skewed in favour of China, and that the donation led to the Congress supporting China. The Congress, in turn, said the BJP was engaging in diversionary tactics, questioned it on visits and exchanges between the BJP and the Communist Party of China (CPC) over the past decade, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a strange bonhomie with China even as borders were insecure, and claimed that questioning the patriotism of the Congress was outrageous. The political war of words between the two parties on the national security intensified with the BJP alleging that RGFs annual report for 2005-06 showed it received donation from the embassy of the Peoples Republic of China and was listed as a donor. They (Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi) are attacking the Narendra Modi government and supporting China because of these donations to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, Prasad said. The document clearly shows the embassy as a donor. The Congress should explain why such affection for China? There is a Foreign Contribution Regulation Act that says any political party or organisation cannot accept foreign funds, and the RGF was an extension of the Congress party. Did they take permission before taking money? Did they inform the government why they had taken the money? he asked. Amit Malviya, head of the BJPs social media team, tweeted: Not just the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in India but even the government of Peoples Republic of China is a donor to the Rajiv Gandhi foundation. Addressing a virtual rally in Madhya Pradesh, BJP president JP Nadda said during the 2017 Doklam standoff, Rahul Gandhi was secretly holding talks with Chinas ambassador to India in Delhi. Today, during Galwan Valley clash also Congress is misleading the country, Nadda said. The Congress, in turn, alleged that PM Modi shared a strange bonhomie with China, though India had not benefitted from it. At a virtual press conference, party spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged, There is a strange kind of bonhomie between Narendra Modi and China, a two-decade-old bonhomie. Why doesnt the country get the benefit of that bonhomie? Whatever is happening on the border today, is it despite the bonhomie which you have with China, or is it because of the bonhomie which you have with China? The allegation was echoed by the partys foreign affairs department chief Anand Sharma, who said that questioning the patriotism of the Congress which had led the freedom movement was outrageous. Khera also questioned the role of India Foundation, an organisation closely affiliated with the BJP, in strengthening the bonds with China. Why does India Foundation keep visiting these countries? Who do they meet? Whats the outcome? Whats the role of NSA Ajit Dovals son Shaurya Doval? He keeps attending these meetings through India Foundation? These are important questions in the light of what is happening, he said. HT tried to reach out to Shaurya Doval, but there was no response till the time of going to press. A visualization of one of the researchers experiments, browsing from health to news to educational contexts, which shows particularly dense connections of user IDs between health care and news websites. Credit: Cornell University Internet trackers are more likely to follow people who visit popular health sites, such as WebMD.com and mayoclinic.org, to other types of sites, a Cornell Tech study has foundsuggesting that advertisers might be more likely to target people based on sensitive health information than previously understood. The study examined how the order in which users visit 15 major health, education and news sites affects the way third-party trackers follow them around the internet. Although the health sites may have fewer trackers than other types of sites, the researchers found, those trackers are more persistent in following page visitors. "The health care context is really appealing to advertisers, since it's such sensitive data that allows advertisers to know a lot about you, or even manipulate you to click on an ad that relates to your health problem," said Ido Sivan-Sevilla, a postdoctoral fellow at Cornell Tech's Digital Life Initiative and first author of "Unaccounted Privacy Violation: A Comparative Analysis of Persistent Identification of Users Across Social Contexts." The paper was co-authored by Helen Nissenbaum, Cornell Tech professor of information science and director of the Digital Life Initiative, and Cornell Tech master's students Wenyi Chu and Xiaoyu Liang. It will be presented July 21 at the Federal Trade Commission's PrivacyCon 2020. "We wanted to look beyond this one-way mirror of our websites and see what's actually happening among the different social contexts of web browsingto what extent trackers persistently identify users across different social contexts," Sivan-Sevilla said. "Instead of studying web tracking in bulk, across thousands of websites, we aimed to learn how advertisers take advantage of the fact that the web is comprised of should-be distinct social contexts such as health care, education and news." Third-party web trackers are entities that collect browsing information about visitors to websites. They are embedded in nearly every website, allowing content publishers to offload website functions such as advertising to other parties. For example, whenever people visit the New York Times websiteincluded in the studydozens of third-party trackers may be collecting data about which articles they read. People's search habits contain valuable information for advertising, site analytics or other uses, which third-party trackers may then use themselves or sell to other companies. In the study, the researchers sought to empirically investigate whether social contextsthe types of websites people are visitingmatter for trackers. They based their research questions on Nissenbaum's theory of privacy as contextual integrity, which she developed and described in her 2010 book, "Privacy in Context: Technology, Policy and the Integrity of Social Life" (Stanford University Press). According to the theory, privacy demands appropriate flows of informationfor example, the information that flows between friends is subject to different rules and norms from the information that flows between an employee and a supervisor. In the context of this study, tracking people from a health site to a news site is a violation of privacy according to the theory of contextual integrity, Sivan-Sevilla said. "We expect our information from the health care context to be used for health advice, rather than for commercial purposes by advertisers in other websites." Third-party trackers commonly remember visitors based on unique user identifiers stored via cookies, small pieces of information placed in our internet browsers. The researchers conducted six experiments representing all possible browsing sequences between health, education and news contexts. For each experiment, the researchers determined which user identifiers from the first context were persistently used by trackers in the following two contexts. Researchers found that users are followed among all three types of social contexts, between every pair of websites they studied. They also found that health care websites are most likely to link users' identifiers to other types of websites. Previous studies had found fewer trackers on health care sites, suggesting these sites were less risky for users' privacy. Looking at the tracking alongside other contexts revealed new patterns, the researchers found. It's important to examine what third-party trackers are doing, Sivan-Sevilla said, because they're unregulated and little-understood despite the vast volume of information they collect, use and sell. "The purpose of our research group is to start building a contextual understanding of tracking practices, adding a distinctive perspective to existing studies," Sivan-Sevilla said. "We want to shed more light on this complex ecosystem of web tracking, hopefully hold the industry more accountable and show regular people what's actually happening here." More information: Unaccounted Privacy Violation: A Comparative Analysis of Persistent Identification of Users Across Social Contexts. Unaccounted Privacy Violation: A Comparative Analysis of Persistent Identification of Users Across Social Contexts. drive.google.com/file/d/196ONO 6bk3bJ__RhC9SAk/view Photo: The Canadian Press A government whistleblower ousted from a leading role in battling COVID-19 alleged Thursday that the Trump administration has intensified its campaign to punish him for revealing shortcomings in the U.S. response. Dr. Rick Bright, former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, said in an amended complaint filed with a federal watchdog agency that he has been relegated to a lesser role in his new assignment at the National Institutes of Health, unable to lend his full expertise to the battle against COVID-19. The complaint also said Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar is leading a co-ordinated effort to undermine Bright in his new duties, and that has led to former colleagues shunning the sidelined scientist. The pressure is coming straight from the top, the complaint said, with President Donald Trump calling Bright an angry, disgruntled employee and setting the tone for a campaign of public disparagement" to unnerve and intimidate the whistleblower. Bright, a vaccine expert, was supposed to be working on virus diagnostic tests in his new job at NIH. But he is cut off from all vaccine work, cut off from all therapeutic work, and has a very limited role in the diagnostic work, said the complaint. His extremely narrow role is confined to making contracts with diagnostics companies that have already developed diagnostics, to scale up their production. Where Bright previously oversaw 200 hundred or more projects at BARDA, he's now been given responsibility for five to eight projects, involving diagnostic tests already approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The complaint said former colleagues of Bright's at his old agency are now avoiding him. It described a conversation with one such colleague, who is not identified by name. The former colleague is quoted as saying that the agency's new acting director, Dr. Gary Disbrow, had warned him to be very careful about dealing with Bright. The complaint said Disbrow had explained that Azar was very angry with Dr. Bright and was on the war path. (Disbrow) explained that Secretary Azar directed HHS employees to refrain from doing anything that would help Dr. Bright be successful in his new role. Disbrow also said that Secretary Azar said that if anyone were to help Dr. Bright be successful, there would be hell to pay, the complaint said. HHS spokesman Michael Caputo took to Twitter to denounce more misleading claims. Bright's whistleblower complaint is filled with one-sided arguments and misinformation that have been completely debunked, Caputo wrote. When will the media stop carrying his water? But lawyers Debra Katz and Lisa Banks, who represent Bright, said in a statement that he was correct about the many issues he raised months ago from his warnings about the scarcity of masks ... to the administrations failure to develop diagnostics and stockpile therapeutics. "The failure of the administration to heed those warnings has had a catastrophic effect on this country, they added. The Office of Special Counsel, an agency that investigates complaints from government whistleblowers, previously found reasonable grounds that Bright was punished after trying to warn the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services early this year that the nation was unprepared for the coronavirus outbreak. Bright is a flu and infectious-disease expert with 10 years at the biomedical agency, which is known as BARDA. His particular focus was on vaccine development. At NIH he was supposed to be working on coronavirus testing, but he is now alleging that he has been sidelined. The agency that Bright had led is a unit of HHS that focuses on countermeasures to infectious diseases and bioterrorism. Bright had received a job performance review of outstanding before he was summarily transferred in April, with his agency email cut off without warning. Investigators earlier requested that Azar reinstate Bright in his old job while they looked into his allegations. In the complaint, Bright's lawyers ask that Azar formally remove himself from that decision. In his initial complaint filed last month, Bright said the final straw for his bosses seemed to come when he resisted efforts to flood the New York area with hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug once touted by Trump as a game changer for COVID-19. Bright said he argued successfully for limiting approved use of the drug to certain settings, such as hospitals treating COVID-19 patients. Trump has since revealed that he has taken hydroxycholoroquine, apparently to try to prevent infection after several White House staffers tested positive for the coronavirus. The Food and Drug Administration recently revoked its emergency use approval for the malaria drug's use on COVID patients, citing known heart risks and unproven benefits against the virus. With more than half of the states total COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes, state public health officials said they are making progress to address the issues. Two long-care facilities in west-central Illinois are among those affected by outbreaks, and two deaths have been reported involving residents of the Jacksonville center. There have been 126 confirmed coronavirus cases in Morgan County, 59 of which are attributed to an outbreak at Aperion Care, a long-term care facility, on June 11. Forty-six of the cases were among residents and the remaining involved staff members. In Cass County, an outbreak was first reported Friday when 20 people tested positive for coronavirus. Those diagnosed included residents and staff members from Cass, Morgan and Menard counties. Two additional cases were confirmed Wednesday. The facility has not been identified. There have been 120 COVID-19 cases reported in Cass County; 75 people have recovered and one person is hospitalized. U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Evanston, said Tuesday during an Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing that the government needed to be doing more to address the matter. There is a crisis in our nursing homes that persists, and that we insist that the government do more to help, Schakowsky said. Others at the hearing in Washington, D.C., criticized governors for requiring patients to return to nursing homes. Even with CDC guidance in hand, some governors chose to ignore that guidance and they actually forced sick nursing home patients back to nursing homes committing the deadliest of the pandemic, said U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Oregon. Last week, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the states policy was to have COVID-19 patients transferred from hospitals back to nursing homes after they recovered. Those people were still isolated when they returned to the long-term care facility. Each nursing home has a slightly different measure depending on multiple floors, or wings on one floor, Pritzker said. You dont remain COVID-positive after youve recovered for very long at all in fact, and so theyre trying to take a measure of what the science says and act upon that at the nursing home. U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, said that was protocol on all levels at the beginning of the pandemic. As a matter of fact, thats how an infected person got back to one of the senior facilities in my home town of Taylorville early on, Davis said Friday. But we addressed it in Taylorville, quarantined that facility. He said 14 days later, that facility had no residents with COVID-19. I dont know what the governor has done, but I do know that because of what weve seen here and elsewhere I dont think any hospital is sending patients back to senior facilities that are positive tests and if they are, stop, Davis said. Illinois Department of Public Health Director Ngozi Ezike said there are 25 facilities where such patients are transferred and the state is making progress. We have had a decrease in the number of weekly totals of deaths from the nursing homes, week after week for the last six weeks, so we are doing better, Ezike said. We are having fewer deaths. "I think were moving in the right direction and we think the stats show that with a decreasing number of fatalities in nursing homes across the state, she said. The latest data from the Illinois Department of Public Health on COVID-19 and long-term care facilities showed there were 21,390 positive cases and 3,649 deaths. Thats more than half of the 6,707 total deaths statewide attributed to COVID-19 as of Tuesday. Venice Commission finds primacy of Russias Constitution legitimate Khabriyeva RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov 13:18 25/06/2020 MOSCOW, June 25 (RAPSI) The European Commission for Democracy through Law (the Venice Commission) has acknowledged that the primacy of Russias Constitution is totally legitimate, according to Co-Chair of the working group on drafting amendments to the Constitution, Director of the Institute of Legislation and Comparative Legal Studies at the Government of Russia Talia Khabriyeva. It is absolutely unacceptable that some continue to misinterpret the opinion of the advisory body on constitutional matters of the Council of Europe as to Article 79 of Russias Constitution, Khabriyeva said when commenting on the Commissions opinion on the draft amendments to Russias Constitution of June 18 in her address to a working group meeting on Thursday. She believes that in its conclusions the Venice Commission recognized that the supremacy of the Constitution was absolutely legitimate, since the balance between national and international law is to be determined by a state itself as it is its sovereign right. The Venice Commission noted, according to Khabriyeva, that in the countries where Constitutions prevail over international treaties (almost all European states, U.S., Japan) these documents may collide; however, in such cases the Commission says the issue is to be decided in the framework of a dialogue between the European Court of Human Rights and a respective Constitutional Court. Russias Constitutional Court has started such a dialogue already, Khabriyeva observes. WASHINGTON - Top Trump administration health officials sought Wednesday to dampen a controversy over an end to federal management of 13 coronavirus testing sites, insisting the change does not diminish access to diagnostic tests, even as the number of infections soar in many states. Brett Giroir, an assistant secretary in the Department of Health and Human Services who is the government's coronavirus testing coordinator, said seven sites in Texas and five elsewhere were part of an early phase of a federal community testing program for the virus that he called "antiquated," saying they have been kept open a month longer than planned. Giroir's remarks, in an unusually lengthy conference call with journalists lasting nearly an hour, marked the second consecutive day that senior health officials publicly distanced themselves from President Donald Trump's assertion during a campaign rally Saturday that he had directed officials to "slow the testing down." After White House officials later said the president had not been serious, Trump said, "I don't kid." Giroir said Wednesday afternoon: "No one has told me, suggested, intimated, passed a note, hinted, sent a carrier pigeon that we should decrease testing. It's quite the opposite." HHS's explanation that it is not backing away - and that federal funds for tests are now plentiful - did not entirely soothe local officials. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, a Democrat, said the shift in who runs the sites "puts a strain" on that city's resources as cases of the virus are rising rapidly there. The controversy over the test sites involves the last 13 of 48 locations created starting in March when testing materials were in short supply. These locations - staffed with U.S. Public Health Service officers and paid for with federal money - were designed to end in May, after newer iterations of the testing program came into existence, health officials said. Those include 600 sites run primarily by private pharmacies, plus 13,000 locations run by community health centers. Meanwhile, Giroir said, coronavirus relief packages adopted by Congress have provided $11 billion to pay for testing, including at sites run by states and local governments. Federal officials complied in April with requests from governors and lawmakers to keep the 13 sites in federal hands through June, rather than May. "We're not pulling the rug out from anyone," Giroir said. With the federal government still providing swabs and testing kits, he said, "the resources have now matured so the states and local communities, who control public health, are empowered" to operate the testing sites. "We are not withdrawing federal support," Giroir said, "Federal support is coming in a different way." He called the original system bulky and inefficient, dating to a time in the pandemic when states did not have enough testing capacity. He said most of the 13 are transitioning to being run by state or local health officials. In a few instances, he said, the sites were being closed because state or local officials decided that community health centers, drugstores or other places residents can get tested are nearby, making the original sites redundant. He singled out two large testing sites in Houston, where he characterized officials as "very happy to take this under state control." That portrayal differs from the sentiments from four Houston-area congressional Democrats who wrote Tuesday to HHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, contending that changing who runs the sites would be "harmful and irresponsible." The letter asks federal officials to continue to manage the testing sites in Houston and surrounding Harris County through August. After Giroir's conference call, Turner criticized the shift at a news conference about that city's spiking coronavirus cases. Highlighting that Houston was averaging 650 new cases a day, he said two large testing sites in the city are "hugely important." Turner said their transfer to local control "is going to pull resources away from other sites" elsewhere in the city. "It puts a strain on us, but those sites are too important to shut down." Evacuating during a hurricane can be a scary and confusing process, and for those who need to head to an emergency shelter, finding a place to stay that accommodates pets can be difficult. Experts say it's essential for pet owners to plan in advance where theyll house furry members of the family since many hotels and shelters dont allow pets. Emergency shelters across the Palmetto State are managed and overseen by the American Red Cross. These shelters generally do not allow dogs, cats, birds or other household pets unless theyre service animals, said S.C. Red Cross spokesman Ben Williamson. In order to maintain recommended social distancing measures necessary to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, shelter occupancy will be significantly limited this year, leaving little room to accommodate pets. Because of COVID-19, the Red Cross is unable to welcome any pets into our shelters for hurricane season, Williamson said. Even before the coronavirus pandemic swept across the country, the Red Cross already limited household pets at its emergency shelters. Thats because some evacuees may be allergic to pets, Williamson said. Others might be nervous or uncomfortable around them. We welcome anyone into our shelters. We dont turn anyone away, he said. We want to make sure everyone can come to our shelters and not have issues. Charleston County does have a facility pre-identified to house domesticated household pets and their owners seeking shelter from category 1, 2 and 3 hurricanes, said Charleston County Emergency Management Director Jason Patno. The shelter is co-located, meaning that owners and their pets will be in the same facility. But all pets will be housed in cages or containers in an area separate from where their owners stay. The facility is located at 3765 Leeds Ave. in North Charleston. Owners should bring food, medications and a crate for their pet. The shelter does not accept exotic animals, and animals demonstrating aggressive behavior might be turned away, Panto said. Much like emergency hurricane shelters, pet-friendly shelters are shelters of last resort, Panto said, and residents are highly encouraged to relocate on their own away with a family member or friend away if possible. Kay Hyman, spokeswoman for the Charleston Animal Society, agreed. The pet disaster shelter should be your last resort if you have nowhere else to go, Hyman said. These types of shelters are very bare bones, Hyman said, and animals are typically kept in crates separate from their owners. This can be stressful for both the owners and the pets, she said. Charleston Animal Society usually does get reports of pets that have been abandoned or displaced in the wake of mandatory evacuations, Hyman said, although theres not nearly as many cases as there were a few years ago. In this day and age with neighborhood chat groups, people are very quick to speak up, whether it's a pet thats been lost or a pet thats been left behind during an evacuation, she said. Berkeley County will continue to operate a pet-friendly shelter at Cane Bay High School throughout this hurricane season. Individuals seeking shelter can bring their pets with them to this facility and are responsible for feeding, walking and cleaning up after them. All shelters are first-come, first-served, said Berkeley County spokeswoman Hannah Moldenhauer. The Cane Bay shelter can house approximately 100 pets. In Horry County, where Hurricane Dorian caused severe flooding last year, there are no emergency shelters where residents can bring pets along, said spokesman Thomas Bell. Residents are encouraged to make plans for housing arrangements in the event of a mandatory evacuation with friends and family members in advance. Another good option is to ask your pets groomer or veterinarian to find out if they know of any helpful resources, Bell said. During Hurricane Florence in 2018, some Horry residents were able to drop their pets off at the countys Animal Care Center. Some of the shelters stray dogs were relocated to Greenville to make room. But that plan came about spontaneously, and isnt an official Horry County pet plan. Its not something we guarantee is available for every storm, every time, Bell said. The county is working to develop a more concrete plan for household pets during an evacuation, Bell added. Its something that we know is an issue that keeps people from evacuating so if that is something we can solve or at least work to solve then that is definitely something worthwhile for the county to look into, he said. Should the need for emergency shelters arise in Dorchester County, there will be a pet-friendly location, said spokeswoman Tiffany Norton. But as a rule, the county doesn't release the locations of its shelters until the spaces are ready to be opened, she said. Owners will not be able to stay in the same space with their pets, she said, although they will be in the same facility. They will only be able to visit with them and take them out for walks. Residents need to bring their own crate or carrier, bedding, food, food and water bowls, medicine and toys. For help finding a pet-friendly hotel, individuals can visit Charleston County's hurricane preparedness page or visit http://www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/ A man watches a TV screen showing a news program with a video of the demolition of the inter-Korean liaison office building in Kaesong, North Korea, at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, June 17, 2020. AP The United States remains focused on denuclearizing North Korea amid Pyongyang's increased provocations against Seoul, a senior Pentagon official said Wednesday. David Helvey, acting assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, said the North's recent actions underscored the importance of maintaining a strong readiness posture between Washington and Seoul, with Pyongyang threatening to take military action before suspending such plans on Wednesday. "Korea remains the hardest of hard targets," he said during a virtual seminar hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "It's hard to determine tactically what North Korea is going to do on a day to day basis, even though I think we'd all agree that strategically, North Korea, particularly under Kim Jong-un, is very predictable and understandable." Helvey said the Department of Defense has worked to maintain an effective deterrent in support of the diplomatic efforts aimed at the "final and fully verified denuclearization" of the North. "Our policy, as I've said, remains very much focused on denuclearization," he said. "It's a denuclearization that we believe can only realistically be obtained through a diplomatic process. I mean, that's certainly our strong, strong preference." Helvey said that while there has been "some progress," it's unclear whether North Korea is committed to the process that will result in a "much brighter future" for its people. A Michigan man has been hailed as a hero after drowning in the St Joseph River while rescuing a friend's eight-year-old son last week. The deadly incident took place last Friday evening in Berrien County, Michigan. The body of Matthew Kihlstrand, 45, was recovered from the river on Sunday. An autopsy determined that Kihlstrand, of Baroda, died of accidental drowning after pulling the eight-year-old struggling in the water to safety. Hero: Matthew Kihlstrand, 45 (left), drowned in a Michigan river on Friday after rescuing his friend's son, eight-year-old Levi (right) Kihlstrand and another adult were on a pontoon boat on the St Joseph River (pictured) with three children when Levi began struggling in the water The child's father, identified on social media as Kyle McCallum, on Wednesday night posted a touching Facebook tribute to Kihlstrand, expressing his gratitude for his friend's selfless act. 'This is the face of a hero,' he wrote. 'Matthew Kihlstrand died saving my son from drowning. His last moments were submerged below the St. Joseph River, pulling my son up and pushing him above water where two other heroes, Cameron and Austin, helped my son get to safety. 'I hate the fact that I cannot thank him for what he did, but I can help keep his memory alive. I never really thought I would ever experience something like this, but I did. It can happen. Cherish your loved ones and truly appreciate the time you get with them. Thank you Matthew, Austin, Cameron and God!' According to the Berrien County Sheriff's Office, Kihlstrand and another adult were on a pontoon boat with three children when McCallum's son, Levi, who was swimming in the river, began struggling. Based on the accounts of witnesses, the boy, who was not wearing a life vest, lost his balance in the water from waves of jet skies and was swept by the current down the river. According to witness accounts, Kihlstrand jumped in the water to save Levi, but then found himself struggling against the swift, cold current Levi's father posted this touching tribute honoring his friend for his selfless act Kihlstrand, whom Levi's mother described in a Facebook post as a close family friend, jumped into the river without a moment's hesitation to rescue Levi. 'From what Levi had told me, they were both under the water and Matt grabbed him and pushed him so hard and far out of the deep,' wrote Brittani Evett in her lengthy post. Two men from Indiana named Cameron and Austin who were camping in the area heard cries for help and swam across the river to try and rescue Levi and Kihlstrand. Levi's dad thanked Kihlstrand and two other bystanders who bravely jumped in the water One of the men, according to Evett's account, placed Levi on his back and got him to shore while braving a swift, cold current. His friend dove multiple times to locate Kihlstrand, who had gone under, but could not find him. 'Matt died saving my son...... he didnt even hesitate,' the mother wrote. 'He is a hero, I want to scream this to the entire world!!! he was such a good, kind, and selfless man. I wish he had never drown [sic], I wish both of them survived. 'No amount of words can express my gratitude and my grieving pain I have endured during these days since this horrible tragedy. I can never repay or hug Matt for what he did and endured, but I pray to him and have been thanking him non stop.' Levi's mother detailed the events of Friday in this lengthy status update, which paid tribute to Kihlstrand and two other men who helped with the rescue Kihlstrand, who worked in sales, is survived by his parents and siblings. He is pictured above with his beloved dog, Murphy Evett also profusely thanked the two Indiana men who, despite being complete strangers, risked their lives to rescue her son and try and save Kihlstrand. 'I have spoken to them on the phone and probably said thank you a million times But that doesnt seem like enough, they saved my son,' she wrote. 'He is alive because of three heros [sic], one who will never be forgotten.' According to his obituary, Kihlstrand was born and bred in Michigan, and earned a Bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Western Michigan University. He spent most of his career in the hospitality industry, before switching gears and finding work in sales in the construction industry. 'He was known for his generosity and he gave whatever he could to whoever was in need,' the obituary read. 'He was a great friend, a kind spirit, and had an unmatched appreciation for people. Though his time was shorter than we hoped, we celebrate his spirit and selfless heroic actions that saved the life of a child.' Kihlstrand is survived by his parents, two siblings and nieces and nephews. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-24 23:48:48|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close -- The 10-day fair was moved online for the first time due to the COVID-19 epidemic. -- It drew nearly 26,000 domestic and foreign enterprises, with 1.8 million products exhibited. -- Despite going virtual, the fair still brought a considerable number of orders to domestic exhibitors. It has also created an excellent platform for overseas enterprises to tap into the Chinese market. by Xinhua writers Cui Enhui, Zhou Qiang, Ding Le and Meng Yingru GUANGZHOU, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The 127th China Import and Export Fair, or Canton Fair, concluded online on Wednesday in south China's Guangdong Province. As a major global trade event so far this year, the 10-day fair, deemed as an important barometer of China's foreign trade, was moved online for the first time in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong, due to the COVID-19 epidemic. It drew nearly 26,000 domestic and foreign enterprises, with 1.8 million products exhibited. Screen shot taken on the website of the 127th China Import and Export Fair, or Canton Fair, shows a representative of TCL speaking during a product launch event on June 17, 2020. (Xinhua) The major innovative event has demonstrated China's resolve to expand opening-up and jointly ensure the security of international industrial and supply chains. It has also explored a new path in international trade development and promoted win-win cooperation. KEEPING FOREIGN TRADE STABLE Despite going virtual, the country's oldest and largest trade fair still brought a considerable number of orders to domestic exhibitors as overseas buyers remain optimistic about "Made in China." "Due to the impact of the pandemic, many consumers in Europe and the United States had to stay at home. This increased our air conditioner sales despite downward economic pressure," said Li Xueliang, with Jiangmen POSI Refrigeration Appliance Co. Ltd., a company in Jiangmen City, Guangdong. According to Li, European buyers were interested in buying about 2 million U.S. dollars worth of the company's mobile air conditioners during the trade event. As of Monday, Guangzhou Dayun Motorcycle Co. Ltd., one of the exhibitors, had received more than 30 intent orders from customers in 18 countries along the Belt and Road (B&R). Liu Junqiang, deputy general manager of Guangzhou Dayun, said the company is increasing its focus on the B&R market, with sales to the B&R market continuing to grow and accounting for more than 60 percent of the total. "The event held amid the pandemic will surely boost confidence in the recovery of global trade. Apart from the new technology, new products and new marketing at the online fair, it presents new opportunities for us," said Wu Peiyuan, general manager of the international trade department of the company. A representative (R) of the fitness equipment manufacturer Relax Health Industry Co., Ltd. promotes treadmills via a livestreaming channel of the 127th China Import and Export Fair in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 15, 2020. (Photo by Liang Xiaopeng/Xinhua) China's trade with countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) saw steady growth in the first five months, with the volume up by 4.2 percent year on year to 1.7 trillion yuan (about 241 billion U.S. dollars), accounting for 14.7 percent of China's total foreign trade, customs data showed. Having become China's largest trading partner this year, ASEAN also continued its buying enthusiasm at the Canton Fair. Cai Bin, manager of the business department of a Chinese medicine company, based in southwest China's Chengdu City, has been keeping in close contact with many old customers at the fair. "So far, the deliveries are on the way to our clients in Thailand and Singapore, and we're stocking up for those from Malaysia," he said. According to Cai, their transaction volume stayed the same as that of previous fairs on the whole. "As far as the current market environment is concerned, it is not easy for foreign trade enterprises to maintain their customer numbers and market shares," Cai said. "The other role of the online exhibition is that the presence of enterprises on the official website means that they have resumed operations, which will reassure their old customers," he added. Screen shot taken on the website of the 127th China Import and Export Fair, or Canton Fair, shows a participant introducing toy products via livestreaming on June 15, 2020. (Xinhua) SHARING CHINESE MARKET OPPORTUNITIES The online Canton Fair has created an excellent platform for overseas enterprises to tap into the Chinese market. Gao Shiwang, director of the industry development department of the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Machinery and Electronic Products, said that with the epidemic largely under control, the country is stepping up efforts to ensure the security of the industrial chain, which is an important reason for international buyers to pay attention to the Canton Fair. Litans International Corp., a Canada-based agricultural products company, has participated in the global trade event since 2012. It brought products such as ice wine and maple syrup this time. "After decades of reform and opening-up, China has grown into a huge consumer market for imported food. The younger generation of consumers have a strong desire for high-quality imported food," said Yuan Li, general manager of the company. In order to achieve better results at the fair, the company set up a team responsible for online communication, negotiation and follow-up services. "We feel confident and motivated because we have found new business opportunities for cooperation at the fair, which will help us further explore the market in China," he said. The Canton Fair continued to set up import exhibitions, where exhibitors and products from B&R countries accounted for 72 percent and 83 percent respectively, according to Li Jinqi, director general of the China Foreign Trade Center. Malaysian and Chinese participants attend a virtual signing ceremony in conjunction with the 127th China Import and Export Fair, or Canton Fair, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, June 17, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) The vitality of China's consumer market and its strong demand for high-quality imported products also impressed Boy Chua, chairman of Sin Sing Coffee Sdn Bhd in Malaysia. Chua said that due to the huge potential of the Chinese market, they still have much space for growth. The company showcased 30 products on the Canton Fair's official website, including black and white coffee and white milk tea, as well as malt chocolate drinks, hoping to broaden sales channels in the country. The company plans to focus on expanding in China this year, and the Canton Fair plays a key role in improving the reputation of their brand and products, added Chua. (Video reporters: Huo Siying and Hu Nayun; Video editor: Yang Zhixiang) [June 25, 2020] Squadle Sense Thermal Scanner Enables Restaurants, Retailers to Monitor Employee and Guest Safety CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Squadle, a technology company that enables multi-unit operators to simplify complex operations and streamline food safety , today announced the Squadle Sense Thermal Scanner, a new offering that enables restaurants, convenience stores, and food retailers to screen employee and guest health. Squadle Sense combines contactless devices, mobile apps, and web analytics so individuals can safely self-screen and comply with regulatory requirements. The new Thermal Scanner provides restaurants with a way to adapt to the changing foodservice environment by providing temperature screening while social distancing in one simple product," said Le Zhang, co-founder, and CEO of Squadle. "This is a logical extension for our platform, which currently delivers the industrys fastest and most accurate way to take temperatures for food safety compliance, and this new product brings the same proven technology to a restaurant's most important asset -- its workforce." Squadle Sense Thermal Scanner is a wall or stand-mounted sensor that leverages Squadle's patented ZeroTouch measurement technology and works both online and offline. Employees can sign in with an app or keycard, then stand in front of the wall-mounted sensor for a scan that takes seconds. Above-normal temperatures will trigger a manager alert and the need to take action. The product can also be configured for guests, triggering helpful tasks when guests come on-premises. The durable, ruged, and compact hardware was designed to withstand the pressure and traffic for any restaurant or retail environment. Self-check Apps are available for both restaurant employees and operators. Employees can open the app on a separate device before they step in front of the temperature scanner to answer a set of quick screening questions from the American Health Association that will determine if they are in compliance with local health requirements. The administrators app provides visibility across all employee results and includes action prompts whenever a potentially ill person is identified, so they can quickly take action and prevent at-risk individuals from entering the premises. Squadle Checklists Integration ensures every employee is being scanned for each shift, and seamlessly integrates Thermal Scanner results into a restaurants existing Squadle Checklists system. Using a process that managers are already familiar with, Squadle Sense triggers quick and timely corrective actions for both employees and guests, requiring manager sign-off. Availability The Squadle Sense Thermal Scanner is available for pre-order today, with shipments to early customers starting in Fall 2020. The offering includes industry-leading thermal scanning technology, 24/7 tech support, and a worry-free hardware warranty. For more detail on the new Squadle Sense Thermal Scanner, visit https://page.squadle.com/thermal-scanner or read more about it here in Squadles blog. About Squadle Squadle is a technology company committed to delivering flexible, user-friendly applications that enable multi-unit operators, convenience stores, and retailers to simplify complex operations and streamline food safety. By combining its proprietary digital checklists, patented sensor automation, and machine vision technology with its customer first approach, Squadle delivers intuitive, out-of-the-box ready products. Squadles customers operate tens of thousands of locations worldwide and include the largest and most respected brands in their industries. Learn more at www.squadle.com . Media Contact: Derek Stangle, Squadle, Inc. [email protected] https://www.squadle.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8c063226-6c44-41b4-9ba7-a57c07d817bf [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By PTI LONDON: Britain's leading doctors' associations are calling on UK Home Secretary Priti Patel for an automatic fee-free extension of the short-term visas of many Indian doctors stranded in the lockdown as they await their international qualification exams in the UK. The British Medical Association (BMA) and British Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (BAPIO) issued a joint letter to the minister on Tuesday to highlight the plight of around 220 overseas doctors, many of them from India. These young medics came to the UK to complete their Professional Linguistic and Assessments Board (PLAB) assessment earlier this year and remain in limbo following the suspension of their exams and international flights. "These doctors, clinically qualified, ready and eager to work in the UK, had just this one final hurdle to cross before they were able to offer their vital skills and expertise to the NHS [National Health Service]," said Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA Council Chair. "And with a bill of almost 1,000 pounds looming to extend their visas they will not only be disappointed and frustrated, but they will now be incredibly anxious as they face severe financial pressure. "Given restrictions on international travel and the high cost of flights, returning home simply will not be an option either," he said. The BMA highlights that the NHS relies on these "talented international colleagues" and the postponed exams mean massive pressure not only on the doctors but also on the UK's health service. "In the mean-time the Home Office should do the decent thing and automatically, and without charge, extend the visas of this group of doctors, who are currently stranded with no income and at risk of financial hardship," added Nagpaul. Doctors who acquire their primary medical qualification outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) region, from countries like India, are required to complete a PLAB-2 assessment at the UK's General Medical Council (GMC) headquarters in Manchester in mock hospital settings before they can be allowed to practise in the NHS. The March 2020 PLAB-2 exams were postponed just as the Covid-19 pandemic struck, with visa extensions offered until July. With the exams not expected to resume until August, the BMA and other doctors' groups have warned that a fresh extension until at least the end of the year is needed. "We would urge you grant a further automatic extension, free of charge, to these doctors until the end of December 2020. "This consideration would go a long way to ensuring these doctors are attracted to training and working in the NHS so in the long run such a goodwill gesture will most certainly pay off," notes the joint letter. The letter was also signed by the Association of Pakistani Physicians of Northern Europe, the Nepalese Doctors Association, the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain, and the British International Doctors' Association. "Overseas doctors, as you will appreciate, form the backbone of the NHS and it is imperative that given the workforce shortages, we do all we can to accommodate these doctors. "Their plight, far away from family, inability to work as doctors in this country or to be able to help their native country through these turbulent times, is not to be underestimated," it adds. In April, Patel had announced a fee-free one-year extension of visas set to expire before October 1 for international NHS and healthcare workers. However, short-term visit visa extensions are in force only until the end of July. "We are incredibly grateful to all overseas health and care workers fighting this invisible enemy," Patel had said at the time. The doctors' associations are now insisting that the same approach is necessary for doctors who would eventually go on to make up the future workforce of the NHS. (Newser) Democrats will hold an almost entirely virtual presidential nominating convention Aug. 17-20 in Milwaukee, using live broadcasts and online streaming, party officials said Wednesday. Joe Biden plans to accept the presidential nomination in person, the AP reports, but it remains to be seen whether there will be a significant in-person audience to see it. The Democratic National Committee said in a statement that official business, including the votes to nominate Biden and his yet-to-be-named running mate, will take place virtually, with delegates being asked not to travel to Milwaukee. Biden's campaign manager, Jen OMalley Dillon, said the drastically altered convention won't be an impediment. "Vice President Biden intends to proudly accept his party's nomination in Milwaukee and take the next step forward towards making Donald Trump a one-term president," she said. story continues below It's the latest sign of how much the COVID-19 pandemic has upended life and the 2020 presidential election. Not even during the Civil War or World War II did the two major parties abandon in-person conventions with crowded arenas, drawing tens of thousands of people to the host city for the start of the general election campaign. Party Chairman Tom Perez said scaling back Democrats' festivities is a matter of public health. He sought to draw a contrast with President Trump's push for a traditional convention in North Carolina, clashing with the states Democratic governor, Roy Cooper, and public health officials over the details amid the pandemic. "Unlike this president, Joe Biden and Democrats are committed to protecting the health and safety of the American people," Perez said. Democrats also plan events in satellite locations around the country to broadcast as part of the convention. (Read more Democratic National Convention stories.) As the South African economy comes back to life after the lockdown necessitated by the tragedy that is Covid-19, e-commerce companies are racing to innovate and better serve customers. As supply chains slowly roll into action, a problem retailers and brands now face is how to quickly create the content required to market their goods. Imagine the chaos of being a huge fashion brand, and your entire range has been delayed and you now have to shoot an entire line in a few days, never mind a month, says Craig Bellingham, the founder of Studio[]irmack, a unique visual studio that embraces automated photographic technology, smart machines and intelligent software to enable retailers and brands to shoot high-end productions without the sometimes and potentially expensive traditional photographic setup and post production.Digital transformation is radically changing the way that online trading is being done. For example, in the past, e-commerce entrepreneurs needed to invest in top-flight fashion photographers and crews, but today at Studio[]irmack, based in Cape Town, offers a setup supported by smart technology that can do a full fashion e-commerce shoot from shoes to belts, boots and buckles in mere minutes. with, or without a model depending on ones requirements, he explains.Today, Studio[K]irmack has evolved from a top retail and digital production studio into a world-class photographic and content studio comparable with global standards because Bellingham invested in importing leading-edge smart technology from Styleshoots and OrbitVu. These are both top European technology companies that specialise in the automation of photography and videography for top global brands. The result is world-class imagery that is quick and efficient to produce. No matter the brand, no matter the subject matter, the fact is that consumers interact better online with great product photography and video. Great visuals and the way it is considered and portrayed online is the window to your product - make it shine.Studio[]irmack now offers brands six world-leading automated content machines that are the future of imagery production, and that boasts an unrivalled image production process. Each machine is a highly evolved specialist smart studio that allows fast, professional image creation for almost any product. Cutting edge technology makes the capture process user friendly - so much so that setting up shoots is a cinch for brand managers and brand creatives.E-commerce offers this country one of the real growth opportunities, Bellingham explains, citing a recent Nielsen study that reveals the surge in online shopping post-pandemic. The research showed that 37% of South Africans now say they shop more online than ever before.The study revealed that the lockdown was catalysing e-commerce, in a move that would speed up digital purchasing. Amid the strange new world of Covid-19, online grocery shopping has been a lifeline for many South African consumers, who have desperately sought out safe and secure shopping alternatives amidst the uncertainty of lockdown living, Nielsen SA retail lead, Gareth Paterson, recently reported . As a result, available online shopping platforms, especially for groceries, medicines, and other necessary items, have seen a surge in usage over the last few weeks as consumers prefer not to venture into stores and have increasingly opted for these reduced touchpoint alternatives.Bellingham believes that this will drive e-commerce forward as increasing numbers of local shoppers have now become more comfortable with digital and are increasingly more comfortable with online ordering. Familiarity and trust grow e-commerce, thats been evident in the growth of online retail in all economies, and South Africa will be no different, says the design disruptor who is reinventing the way retail content is captured.I am a firm believer that investing in innovation not only builds our agencys offering, but also really helps to build out industries. This is why Im betting on tomorrow despite the fact that there are so many pessimistic outlooks for this country out there. What the analysts and rating agencies often overlook are the intangibles - the innate ability of locals to transform, and out-imagine our outcomes. Weve got resilience, determination, and solidarity - the very hallmarks for reformation.Bellingham reports that his Cape-based studio is an African first. Its the first company of its sort on the continent that offers brands, both large and small, access to the best e-commerce photographic and digital imaging technology in the world. The smart machines and studios can be rented or Studio[]irmack can manage the entire production process.Our automated solutions boost product photography while helping brands and agencies cut costs and streamline workflows. We help and empower companies to speed up their visual content production, an interesting stat is that customers remember 80% of what they see and 20% of what they read, Bellingham says.The pace of retail is accelerating, and brands are looking to move to market much quicker. This is why theres a massive push to create quick and accurate edited video content and stills for fashion, electronics, health, liquor and lifestyle brands. Today, were able to do complex e-commerce shoots in a fraction of time if compared to a more traditional approach. This makes a massive difference in a time-pressed, stressed market, Bellingham says, adding: Innovation very often is what jump-starts both e-commerce and economies.Brands readily embracing this faster approach to automating content production at Studio[]irmack include Adidas, Ackermans, Dunns, Hi-Tec, Studio88, Pick n Pay, Frankees, Leatt, Freedom of Moment, Puma, Falke, Watch Republic, New Balance and some production-based agencies.Visit www.studiokirmack.co.za Studio[]irmack are sole agents for OrbitVu in ZA. www.orbitvu.co.za Follow Studio[]irmack on Instagram @studiokirmack , Facebook @StudioKirmack and on Twitter @StudioKirmack Employees work inside a Foxconn factory in the township of Longhua in the southern Guangdong province, China. Photo by Reuters/Bobby Yip. Key Apple supplier, Taiwans Foxconn, has said for the first time that Vietnam is its largest manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia. Young Liu, its chairman, mentioning this at the companys annual general meeting on Tuesday, said Taiwan, India and Vietnam have been the locations where the world's largest contract manufacturer has been expanding its operations in the last two years. Foxconn invested 6 billion New Taiwan dollars ($203 million) in Vietnam in 2018 and 2019, and NT$11 billion ($372 million) in India in the same period, he said. Google's upcoming smartphone, Pixel 5, would be produced in Vietnam later this year by a Foxconn affiliate, multiple sources told the Nikkei Asian Review. Foxconn first came to Vietnam in 2007. Its three plants in the country manufacture and assemble computers, car parts and other electronics. Experts say Vietnam has become a promising manufacturing destination for multinationals post-pandemic thanks to its early and effective efforts to contain the novel coronavirus. Apple has started assembling its wireless earphone Airpods Pro in Vietnam, while Microsoft is scheduled to produce notebooks and desktop computers in the northern region from this quarter. Owners will be allowed back on Irish racecourses next month, as part of new measures which will ease current strict protocols in place to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. Horse Racing Ireland has announced two owners per horse will be permitted to attend for their race(s) only from July 20 - while from July 1, international entries can resume in premier handicaps as well as all black-type races under both codes. The moves follow new Government amendments in Ireland for the phased reopening of businesses, and will take effect before the start of the high-profile Galway Festival on July 27. HRI chief executive Brian Kavanagh said: We are delighted to be able to confirm today that owners will be permitted to return to the racecourse on July 20, with certain restrictions. Owners play a key role in Irish racing, and their loyalty during this difficult period has been especially noteworthy, and from July 20 two owners per horse will be allowed to access the racecourse to see their horse run. It is one of several HRI amendments, some to be introduced on July 1 and others on July 20, to regulations which have been in force since the sport returned behind closed doors earlier this month. Coronavirus antibody tests may not be as 'game changing' as Boris Johnson claimed. (Getty Images) A group of doctors has questioned how game changing coronavirus antibody tests really are. Boris Johnson praised their potential early in the outbreak, with the government later buying 10 million of the kits when Public Health England (PHE) studies suggested their effectiveness. On 21 May, health secretary Matt Hancock called a reliable antibody test an important milestone that would safely free survivors of the infection from the confines of social distancing. A month later, Baroness Dido Harding who heads the NHS test and trace programme stressed it is unclear to what extent antibodies protect against a second coronavirus infection. This sentiment and other concerns has been echoed by the group of senior medics, with one stressing we dont have much data and we cant trust any of it. Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street for Prime Minister's Questions at the House of Commons. (Getty Images) Antibodies do not guarantee immunity Antibodies are immune-fighting proteins released when the immune system picks up on an infection. Once the infection has passed, memory antibodies circulate at low levels in the blood. If the infection is identified again, the immune system ramps up production of these proteins, preventing the virus from taking hold. Testing positive for coronavirus-specific antibodies suggests an individual has some protection against the infection, however, no one can say for sure this is the case or how long it lasts. After reviewing the studies carried out to date, Professor Jon Deeks from the University of Birmingham concluded we dont have much data and we cant trust any of it. Antibodies do not guarantee immunity against hepatitis C, flu or the virus responsible for bronchiolitis inflammation and congestion of the small airways. What people really want to know from these tests is, am I safe from infection?, said Dr Al Edwards from Reading University. These tests, at the moment, cant answer that. Assuming coronavirus antibodies do ward off a second infection, how long that lasts is unclear. A measles vaccine offers lifelong protection, while the most effective jab against cholera leads to antibodies being produced for just five years, hence the need for boosters. Story continues The coronavirus is one of seven strains of a class of viruses that are known to infect humans. Others include Severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (Mers), which killed 774 and 858 people in their 2002/3 and 2012 outbreaks, respectively. People who were infected with Sars and Mers produced antibodies against these illnesses following infection, for up to three years in some cases, said Dr Tom Wingfield from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. However, it is not clear whether the presence of these antibodies means that a person is immune to a repeat infection. No confirmed cases of Sars have been reported since 2004, while only a handful of Mers incidences arise every year. A gap in expert knowledge over coronavirus antibodies has caused many to dismiss immunity passports, an idea that was floated early on. Dr Andrew Preston from the University of Bath called them attractive but some way off. Nevertheless, NHS England and NHS Improvement wrote to trusts on 25 May asking them to offer antibody testing at short notice and ramp up capacity to thousands of samples a day. I share the concerns that antibody testing is being rolled out before we fully understand the immune response to [the coronavirus], what the results of these tests may mean and what actions to take based on test results, added Dr Wingfield. Another critical unknown is what advice to give someone who has a positive or negative antibody test and how the result and such advice might influence their behaviours, including social distancing, and thereby impact upon [the coronavirus] transmission. Accuracy of tests questioned Putting uncertainties about the extent of coronavirus immunity aside, other concerns linger. The government bought its kits from the pharmaceutical giants Abbott and Roche. According to Professor Sheila Bird from The University of Edinburgh, there are several problems with PHEs evaluation of these tests. These include the quality of samples, the absence of specific data according to age and sex, and the use of repeat samples. The group of experts wrote in the BMJ: Currently, there are no openly available data to compare the performance of these platforms. A PHE spokesperson said: Our evaluations have been completed in record time using the samples and tests that were available to us. We are confident that the volume of samples and methodology was of a high standard. Abbott and Roche tests boast 99% and 100% specificity, respectively. A high specificity suggests if an individual has not been infected, the kit should not incorrectly pick up on antibodies, known as a false-positive. Writing in a feature for The BMJ, journalist Stephen Armstrong said: These figures came from the companies themselves and were based on those initial PHE studies and their own marketing material rather than peer reviewed research. Roches marketing material claims its test has a sensitivity ability to correctly pick up on antibodies of 100% 14 days after a patient was confirmed to have the coronavirus. Abbott claims the same accuracy at 17 days after symptom onset. The PHE studies evaluating the kits also used date of symptom onset. The discrepancy between the times used makes it difficult to compare the two test kits, yet alone standardise them for use by the NHS, wrote Armstrong. A Cochrane review, considered the gold-standard of research, revealed none of the 54 studies that evaluated the tests validity fit the standards for reporting diagnostic accuracy, added Professor Deeks. Matt Hancock described a reliable coronavirus antibody test as an 'important milestone'. He is pictured at a media briefing in Downing Street. (Getty Images) Government spent 16 million on inaccurate tests that lie in storage The group of experts also stressed routine testing of patients is neither clinically urgent nor a clear public health need. It takes time away from laboratory staff, as well as hard pressed general practitioners being expected to provide patient counselling around the results, they wrote. This push to introduce a non-evidence based test for uncertain gains risks inefficient use of scarce resources, added the experts. We would like to see a carefully developed and clearly articulated strategy for serological testing, with clear scientific or clinical aims (or both) as part of a unified COVID-19 response strategy. COVID-19 is the respiratory disease that can be triggered by the coronavirus. The financial consequences of all this antibody testing may also be vast. The UK government has already spent 16 million ($19.9 million) buying antibody tests from China that proved inaccurate, many of which now lie in storage, wrote Armstrong. When it ordered 10 million of the Roche and Abbott tests, financial details of the deal were not disclosed. If the Abbott test is supplied at cost, however, there is evidence to indicate that the NHS will spend 79 ($98) per test. In a statement to The BMJ, the department of health and social care said: We do not currently know how long an antibody response to the virus lasts, nor whether having antibodies means a person cannot transmit it to others. Nevertheless, it added antibody testing will play an increasingly important role as we move into the next phase of our response to this pandemic. 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 The Philadelphia suburbs are officially moving to the green phase on June 26. That means businesses and many retail shops are open at a 50 percent occupancy and crowds are allowed to gather with up to 250 people. It is good news for shopping fans, with four malls operated by Preit (or a Preit affiliate) revealing their re-opening plans. Heres whats open in each mall and what the opening will look like for shoppers. Exton Square Mall 260 Exton Square Parkway, Exton. extonsquare.com Mall hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. New protocols include limiting the number of shoppers, and only having two entrances. Shoppers will need to wear face masks, and parents will need to be there to escort their children. The mall also has sanitizing stations around. Common area seating has been removed and food court seating is limited. Here are the stores that will be open on June 26. Anna Knows Homes Boscovs Chick-fil-A (curbside ordering and pickup) Downingtown Area Robotics Exton Region Chamber of Commerce Gold Buyers Green Life Spa Habitat iGeeks Lenscrafters LOFT Main Line Health (appointment only) Moda Menswear Nail Boutique National Home Furnishings Pro Nails Reliable Communications Show Mall Time After Time TD Alterations Together We Share Vexmen Whitford Flowers Whole Foods Zara Brow Bar Zumiez Opening on July 1: Loft. Plymouth Meeting Mall 500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting. Shopplymouthmeetingmall.com Mall hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. New protocols include limiting the number of shoppers and requiring face masks to be worn. The mall also has sanitizing stations around. Common area seating has been removed and the play area is closed. Here are the stores that will be open on June 26. Art Expo Benihana (take-out and dining) Bertuccis (take-out, delivery and patio seating) Boscovs (open and offering curbside pickup) Brow Bar Burlington California Pizza Kitchen (open and offering curbside pick-up, take-out and delivery) Chick-fil-A Chipotle (take-out and delivery) Dairy Queen Deep Six Dicks Sporting Goods (open and offering curbside pickup) Edge Fitness J. Crew Factory (open and offering curbside pickup) KareFoot Massage Legoland Discovery Center Loft (open and offering curbside pickup) Main Street pizza (delivery) MARS Michaels (open and offering curbside pickup and same day delivery) Millers Ale House (open for curbside, take-out and delivery) Mini Melts Perfume Island PF Changs (take-out) Plymouth Barber (appointments required) Plymouth Performing Arts Red Rose Spa Redstone (patio seating and take-out) Restore Cryotherapy Roll by Goodyear Subway The Rock Shop Time After Time Whole Foods Opening on July 15: AMC Theatre. Springfield Mall 1250 Baltimore Pike, Springfield. Shopspringfieldmall.com Mall hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. New protocols include limiting the number of shoppers and only having one entrance. Shoppers will be required to wear face masks. The mall also has sanitizing stations around. Common area seating has been removed. American Eagle/Aerie Auntie Annes Carrabbas (take-out) Gap Macys Target Tony Lukes Opening on July 1: Justice and Loft. READ MORE: Take a peek inside Legoland Philadelphia Willow Grove Park Mall 2500 W. Moreland Road, Willow Grove. willowgroveparkmall.com Mall hours will be 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. New protocols include limiting the number of shoppers and requiring face masks to be worn. The mall also has sanitizing stations around. Common area seating has been removed. Here are the stores that will be open on June 26. 90s Baby Ice Cream Aerie American Eagle Bearded King Bloomingdales (open and offering curbside pickup) Body Selection Cellairis Chick-fil-A (delivery and curbside pickup) Deep Six CBD Dynasty Sports East Meets West Full Size Run Garage Go! Games and Toys iDesign 2 Island of Treats Journeys Lane Bryant Lasaka Lids Loft Macys (open and offering curbside pickup) Nordstrom Rack Normans Hallmark Pandora Precision Watches and Jewelry Pro Nails Quality Home Care Razor Reeses Salon Relax Zone Massage Roll Ups Saladworks Scentsations Sears Shades and More Shaded Screens Silver Jewelry Snipes Stewarts All American TGI Fridays (takeout) The Cheesecake Factory (takeout) Time After Time Yard House (patio seating, curbside pickup and delivery) ZAGG Zara Brow Bar Zumiez Opening June 29: Lenscrafters Opening June 30: Abercrombie and Fitch and Hollister Opening July 1: Cell station, iColor, Lush, Stride Rite Opening July 3: Sephora, The Walking Company Opening July 10: Build-A-Bear Opening July 13: Windsor India registered nearly 17,000 cases on Wednesday, taking its total count to 473,105, an increase of 3.7% according to the Health Ministry. Around 14,900 people have died in the country from Covid-19 so far, with 418 fatalities being reported in the past 24 hours. With 13,012 new recoveries, Indias recovery rate has improved to 57.4%; and death rate has come down marginally to 3.1%. National capital Delhi and financial capital Mumbai account for 40 per cent of the total number of Covid-19 deaths across India. And, Delhi has overtaken Mumbai in the total number of Covid-19 cases. While Delhi's tally has risen to over 70,000, Mumbai has so far reported 69,625 positive cases. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the Indian economy faces an even deeper downturn than projected in April as the country grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic. It has projected a sharp contraction of 4.5 per cent in FY21, a steep drop from its April forecast of a 1.9 per cent expansion. The international body has called this a "historic low" for India. Well, the price war for antiviral drug remdesivir has already begun in the domestic pharmaceutical market between two Indian drug majors Cipla and Hetero Healthcare. Hetero has priced the injectable drug at Rs 5,400 per 100 mg vial, while Cipla is saying the price should be less than Rs 5,000 per vial. Each patient will need six vials for the course of treatment. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has said that he expects the number of Covid-19 cases across the globe to reach 10 million next week. Hospital administrators and health care experts have warned that parts of the US could be on the verge of becoming overwhelmed by a resurgence of coronavirus, lamenting that politicians and a tired-of-being-cooped-up public were letting a disaster unfold. Listen to the podcast for more [June 25, 2020] CMG Raises $25 Million from Top Financial Firms to Digitally Connect Equity Capital Markets Participants New York, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capital Markets Gateway (CMG) , a financial technology firm that is modernizing the equity capital markets (ECM), today announced it received a strategic investment of $25 million from several financial firms including Barclays, Citi, Fidelity Investments, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley as well as existing investors including Canaccord Genuity, Franklin Templeton, StageDotO, and Shea Ventures. The funding will be used to support the companys growth and expand its solution to be the first ECM platform in the U.S. to provide digital connectivity between the buy-side and sell-side. Capital raising remains a time-consuming and costly process for every constituent involved. CMGs platform addresses an otherwise fragmented and inefficient process through a common solution that establishes a cohesive channel between equity capital markets participants, providing transparency into deal flow. CMG has already grown to support nearly 100 buy-side firms representing $12 trillion in AUM and 15 investment banks. The companys current customers benefit from actionable intelligence through its existing products like DataLab which currently includes streamlined workflow tools, real-time data, and analytics. Now, with strategic partners from the sell-side, the company will launch new platform functionality to create greater efficiencies for the ECM capital formaion process. Its clearer now more than ever in the current environment that the way we do business today demands modern, agile, accessible, and transparent solutions no matter where your desk is and no matter where your team members and partners are, said Greg Ingram, CMG CEO and co-founder. Companies access the capital markets to raise money that will ultimately drive expansion, innovation, and employment growth, which is why we have built an integrated capital markets platform that will optimize the deal flow process for all market participants. We are humbled by this tremendous validation from some of the top names in finance all of whom share in our vision. CMGs unique platform provides an efficient service in accessing the global capital markets, said Todd Sandoz, Interim Co-Head of Global Equities at Barclays. We have actively followed the companys growth in recent years and are proud to support its mission to make transactions more efficient and less resource-intensive for the industry and for our clients. We look forward to its continued innovation in the space." "As significant technological innovations continue to be implemented across many facets of Wall Street, we are delighted that CMG is bringing much needed enhancement to the ECM capital formation process. A more efficient market translates to more business getting done business that results in job creation, innovation, and economic growth, said Ben Batory, SVP, Equity Trading at Franklin Templeton. Vanguard is dedicated to advocating for investors by providing innovative, world-class solutions that help advance the financial services industry, said Warren Pennington, Principal, Head of Vanguard Fintech Ventures. "As a strategic partner of CMG's, we are looking forward to working to improve the current capital markets infrastructure and provide better outcomes for investors. For more information about CMG, please visit www.cmgx.io . About Capital Markets Gateway Capital Markets Gateway (CMG) is a financial technology firm that is modernizing the equity capital markets (ECM). CMG connects investors and underwriters via a neutral platform that delivers integrated ECM data and analytics, unrivaled transparency, and workflow efficiencies. Providing a digital system of record for firm-wide deal activity, CMG helps clients make more timely, better-informed decisions. Launched in 2017 by a team of ECM practitioners, the CMG platform is currently relied upon by nearly 100 buy side firms representing $12 trillion in AUM and 15 investment banks. For more information visit www.cmgx.io . [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] The Cyber Police of Ukraine have conducted a major special operation and registered the cases of illegal activities by dozens of people who had obtained access to public and private databases and attempted to sell information from them. Deputy Interior Minister of Ukraine Serhiy Honcharov said during a press briefing in Kyiv on Thursday that during the recent month and a half the police have carried out extensive work aimed at detecting the cases of data leakage from various databases. "Thirty-six searches were carried out, the criminal activities of 25 people were proved, suspicion notices were served and one person was detained," he said. The police also seized illegal copies of 30 databases, including that of public registrars, he said. First Deputy Head of the Cyber Police Department of the National Police of Ukraine Serhiy Kropyva said that the special operation was conducted in ten regions of Ukraine. "We have opened criminal cases on fraud, distribution of sensitive information and unauthorized intrusion in electronic operation systems. A total of 34 criminal cases were launched," he said. Kropyva said he could not voice the names of the companies whose databases were stolen, however he noted that these companies worked in the areas of insurance, logistics services, those were also public and private banks. 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... On Wednesday, representatives from ASEAN, along with Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Australia and China participated virtually in the 10th RCEP inter-sessional ministerial meeting On Wednesday, representatives from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), along with Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Australia and China participated virtually in the 10th Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) inter-sessional ministerial meeting. This was the third major RCEP meeting to be held via video conference on account of the coronavirus pandemic this year, following the 29th and 30th rounds of negotiations in April and May. The joint statement that emerged at the end of the ministerial meeting was a brief one that limited itself to just four points two of which acknowledged COVID-19 and the grouping's 'unwavering' support for multilateral trade despite the pandemic. While the first point merely took note of the fact that a meeting was held, it was the fourth that caught the eye: "India has been an important participant in the RCEP negotiations since the launch in 2012. We believe that India's participation in RCEP would contribute to the advancement and prosperity of the region. We therefore wish to emphasise that the RCEP remains open for India." And why not? As the data below shows, India is already a pretty useful trade partner for most of the RCEP members: Now, imagine those numbers in a scenario where tariffs and duties are slashed following India's hypothetical return to the fold and the signing of an agreement the latter is something members are keen to conclude this year. It was in November, it may be recalled, that India took an unprecedented or at least deemed to be so in some quarters step and walked away from the RCEP. "The present form of the RCEP Agreement does not fully reflect the basic spirit and the agreed guiding principles of RCEP. It also does not address satisfactorily India's outstanding issues and concerns. In such a situation, it is not possible for India to join the RCEP agreement," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi at last year's Bangkok summit as the country withdrew from the negotiating table. The RCEP dilemma explained (without lazily appropriating Hamlet) The biggest concern for India at present, and about what the prime minister was most likely speaking, is the elimination of tariffs that would have to be undertaken if he was to put pen to paper on the RCEP agreement. With tariffs out of the way, India's domestic markets would be flooded with cheaper products and agricultural produce and local producers would lose business. Of course, and much as with the entry of foreign e-retailers, there's always two sides to the coin. Before and for some time after the entry of the Amazons of the world into the Indian market, there was a sense of both enthusiasm and concern. Apprehension was writ large across the faces of those who prophesied that the end of 'mom and pop' kirana stores was nigh. On the other hand, customers and those small-time retailers who envisioned being part of the mega e-retailer's network were excited at the prospect. The RCEP raises a similar dilemma despite the fact that the ruling party, Opposition parties (see here) and a handful of irrelevant political stragglers (see here) were largely on the same page after Modi's remarks last year. Meanwhile, such commentators as former NITI Aayog vice-chairman Arvind Panagariya and economist Jeffrey Sachs expressed their disappointment at India's decision to opt out of the mega trade agreement. So what's the Government of India to do? On offer is access, for Indian agriculture, manufacturing and other sectors, to a variety of untapped markets (Laos, Cambodia and Brunei to name a few) and the opportunity to make further headway into such markets as Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines. So too is greater access, for Indian consumers, to a greater variety of products electronic and otherwise and produce at affordable prices. Additionally, being part of the RCEP will allow Indian players the opportunity to participate in major global supply chains. All of which sounds great, except when you consider the downside. India's misgivings stem from the hard-to-dismiss and very real notion that as a member of this partnership, cheap Chinese goods (largely) and Antipodean agricultural exports (to an extent) will take over Indian markets and could force local businesses and farmers out of business. In any case, India has always and it could be argued, rightly, considering the number of people who will be affected demonstrated a wariness when it comes to opening up certain markets to FDI, leave alone market access. And this has left the country open to accusations of protectionist policies. In its bid to protect a key industry, New Delhi this week slapped anti-dumping duty on steel imports from China, Vietnam and South Korea. In fact, it is this circumspection and unwillingness to let go of key tariffs and duties that has seen several of India's free trade agreement negotiations stall or fall by the wayside. The India-EU FTA talks are an example of this phenomenon and the resumption of the process to review the India-ASEAN FTA has been put off until after the RCEP is inked. The next step Compared to November 2019, the Indian economy today is much worse off not least because of coronavirus-related reasons. However, and if the joint statement is anything to go by, getting back into the RCEP fold is still something the 15 countries in the grouping are interested in pursuing. This is evident in Vietnamese Ambassador to India Pham Sanh Chau's remarks to The Print that "We believe that if India does not feel comfortable in joining RCEP at the moment then Vietnam, as the chair of ASEAN, will facilitate the conclusion of the agreement in Vietnam territory under our chairmanship. And after that we will facilitate the entry of India into this agreement at a later stage, which is at the most comfortable time for India." Signing a free trade agreement in coronavirus-affected (never mind post-COVID) world is likely to invite greater risks and will amplify existing concerns due to all the uncertainty that abounds. It is for that very reason that India must not rush to get back into the RCEP. However, returning to the negotiating table with a view to bargaining hard for a more equitable deal for India is the way to go. While it is more than likely that back-channel discussions to this effect are already underway, New Delhi must prepare an airtight case that includes preparing for everything China may throw its way and go public with its desire to return to negotiations. If for no other reason, this will at least signal India's intentions to return to the fold, even if the final result is an RCEP minus India. As for being thorough about preparation, The Times of India's report in the wake of India's decision to walk out of the deal is instructive. It points out that "as [RCEP] negotiations proceeded, it became clear to Indian negotiators and their political leaders, that this was an unequal FTA between India and China, where China has refused to concede on any of the big issues that India had. It wasn't also helped by the fact that Indian officials negotiated very poorly, making concessions that were indefensible." Sam Wood and Snezana Markoski are still very much in honeymoon mode after tying the knot back in December 2018. The Bachelor couple couldn't keep their hands off each other during a workout at Sam's Melbourne gym, The Woodshed, this week. Snezana, 38, posted a selfie with Sam, 40, in the fitness centre's swanky modern concrete bathroom. Hot: Sam Wood and Snezana Markoski are still very much in honeymoon mode after tying the knot back in December 2018. The pair couldn't keep their hands off each other during a workout at Sam's Melbourne gym The Woodshed this week The hunky trainer put his hands around his wife's very slender waist as she posed in a pair of sexy leggings and a matching black crop top. The mother-of-two showed off her incredible abs and toned legs in her workout ensemble. She also flaunted her youthful visage by going makeup free and tying her long bronde locks up in a high ponytail. Looking good! The mother-of-two showed off her incredible abs and toned legs in her workout ensemble Snezana and Sam met on the third season of The Bachelor in 2015, and married in Byron Bay in December 2018. They are proud parents to three children: baby Charlie, daughter Willow, two, and 14-year-old Eve - Snezana's daughter from a previous relationship. Earlier this year, Snezana and Sam revealed how they celebrated Charlie taking her first steps. Genetically-blessed: Snezana and Sam met on the third season of The Bachelor in 2015, and married in Byron Bay in December 2018 Appearing on Channel Seven's The Morning Show, 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. 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.' CrossFit founder and former chief executive Greg Glassman has decided to sell the fitness company to Eric Roza, two weeks after stepping down amid widespread criticism for his reaction to the death of George Floyd. In leaked remarks earlier this month, Glassman told gym owners: 'We're not mourning for George Floyd I don't think me or any of my staff are.' He also sent a tweet that was widely criticized. He has also come under fire following allegations that Galssman created a sexist working environment and sexually harassed staff. Roza, a CrossFit athlete and founder of CrossFit Sanitas in Boulder, Colorado, will also become the company's CEO, he said in a tweet on Wednesday. In a public statement from Roza addressed to the CrossFit community, he said that he would be working hard to regain the trust of those who have became disillusioned with CrossFit. He also ackowledged the 'divisive statements' and 'allegations' surrounding the controversies with Glassman. Pictured: CrossFit founder and former CEO Greg Glassman, pictured wearing a shirt that reads 'unbuyable', has now announced that he will be selling the company as well following a number of controversies 'My view is simple: Racism and sexism are abhorrent and will not be tolerated in CrossFit,' Roza wrote. 'We open our arms to everyone, and I will be working hard to rebuild bridges with those whose trust we have lost. 'I come to you with deep humility and the realization that we have hard work to do. I am committed to listening, I am committed to learning, and I am committed to leading positive change. 'Most of all, I am committed to CrossFit and to you, as a member of our community.' Roza is also on the broad of several companies, including mental health startup SonderMind and wealth-management firm Crestone Capital, according to his LinkedIn profile. In a Tweet citing Glassman, CrossFit wrote: 'It is time for the founder to bid adieu. 'I started a company with some essential and elegant truths that nobody could, or maybe would, tell. It resulted in the fastest growing chain in world history. It did so well and became so popular that it has become a thing far larger than I could have hoped.' CrossFit did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment. Reuters could not reach Glassman for a comment. The founder-CEO faced a lot of flak for his controversial tweet, which also resulted in Adidas AG-owned Reebok ending its 10-year-old partnership with CrossFit. Glassman had then apologized and announced his decision to step down. CrossFit CEO Greg Glassman, pictured, resigned after his controversial remarks on a Zoom call with gym owners about the death of George Floyd were leaked Eric Roza, pictured, will now take over as owner and CEO of CrossFit following the purchase from founder Greg Glassman In a statement from Eric Roza, who is buying the company from Greg Glassman, he said that he will be working hard to regain the trust of those who became disillusioned with CrossFit during Glassman's ownership Glassman came under fire for his leaked reaction to the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died at the hands of police officers in Minneapolis after a white police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes on May 25 sparking nation-wide outrage. In leaked remarks earlier this month, Glassman told gym owners: 'We're not mourning for George Floyd I don't think me or any of my staff are.' 'Can you tell me why I should mourn for him? Other than that it's the white thing to do other than that, give me another reason,' he asked a Minneapolis gym owner who had questioned why the brand hadn't posted a statement supporting Black Lives Matter. He also came under fire for a tweet he sent on June 6. Responding to a tweet from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) in which it described racism and discrimination as a public health issue that needs an urgent response, Glassman retweeted the post with the words: 'It's FLOYD-19.' Glassman later stepped down as CEO of CrossFit, Inc, which he founded in 2000, adding: 'I have decided to retire.' In his resignation statement, Glassman said: 'On Saturday I created a rift in the CrossFit community and unintentionally hurt many of its members. 'Those who know me know that my sole issue is the chronic disease epidemic. I know that CrossFit is the solution to this epidemic and that CrossFit HQ and its staff serve as the stewards of CrossFit affiliates worldwide. 'I cannot let my behavior stand in the way of HQ's or affiliates' missions. They are too important to jeopardize.' In a lengthy statement, CrossFit apologized for not publicly announcing its support for Black Lives Matter. In audio of the the Zoom call reported by Buzzfeed News, Glassman said of Floyd, 'I don't think that there's a general mourning for Floyd in any community.' CrossFit CEO Greg Glassman resigned after his controversial remarks on a Zoom call with gym owners about the death of George Floyd were leaked. He has now been accused of of helping to create a sexist workplace culture at the company Earlier this week, Glassman was also accused of helping to create a sexist workplace culture where men rated women on how much they wanted to have sex with them. A number of ex-employees told The New York Times the former CEO would sexually harass staff. They said such was the culture at the company even the WiFi password was a sexist obscenity. His ex wife Lauren Jenai confirmed the culture former employees have described, adding: '100 percent. That happens every day, all day.' She said: 'He's the father of my kids. I care about Greg and about CrossFit but this should be addressed.' Glassman's ex wife Lauren Jenai, pictured, confirmed the culture former employees have described, adding: '100 percent. That happens every day, all day' 'They are nasty about women and they talk freely in front of them and it does make my skin crawl', Jenai added. 'I think it does need to be said that both Greg and I, and our friends, have raw senses of humor. There is a lot of that banter that I dont find offensive but the difference was, I was in a position of leadership so my job didnt depend on how I responded to those remarks. 'For me, the bigger problem than the language is the culture behind it. If you speak out, youre out. Ive seen it firsthand, over and over and over.' Jenai announced in October last year she was set to tie the knot with her fiance, Franklin Tyrone Tucker, who is being held in prison ahead of his murder trial. A CrossFit spokesman confirmed Glassman denies all of the allegations against him. They suggested the claims were part of a wider push by people, including Jenai, to 'devalue the company and buy it for scraps'. But accusations leveled at Glassman include him taking pictures of female colleague's chests and pulling at their clothes. One worker says: 'There was a constant narrative about women. He was always descriptive in nature about it...bragging about sexual escapades.' Another said: 'The systematic way they chip away at your self-confidence, I had never experienced anything like that.' Reporting their claims was difficult, they say, as Glassman's sister Katie was the highest ranking female executive. In 2012 former employee Julie Kelly threatened to file a sexual harassment lawsuit. Glassman is said to have told former Navy Seal Andy Stumpf: 'I had to pay that w***e.' Stumpf added: 'I cannot count the number of times that derogatory and specifically sexual comments were made about female staff members directly in my presence.' Athlete Lindsey Johnson said she heard stories of 'straight-up bullying and sexual harassment of women'. Three white men have been indicted on murder charges in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, a Black man fatally shot while running in a suburban neighborhood near Georgias coast. Prosecutor Joyette Holmes announced Wednesday that a grand jury has indicted Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael and William Roddie Bryan Jr. on charges including malice and felony murder in Arberys death. This is another positive step, another great step for finding justice for Ahmaud, for finding justice for this family and the community beyond, Holmes said at a news conference outside the Glynn County courthouse in Brunswick that was streamed online by news outlets. Arberys death has often been invoked during protests against racial injustice that have broken out across the nation since George Floyds death last month under a white Minneapolis police officers knee. Arberys death also fueled a renewed push for a state hate crimes law in Georgia, which state lawmakers passed on Tuesday. Lawyers for the McMichaels have cautioned against a rush to judgment and have said the full story will come out in court. A lawyer for Bryan has maintained that his client was merely a witness. Arbery was slain Feb. 23 when Greg and Travis McMichael, a white father and son, armed themselves and pursued the 25-year-old Black man running in their neighborhood. Greg McMichael told police he suspected Arbery was a burglar and that Arbery attacked his son before being shot. Arberys family has said he was out for a jog. Bryan lives in the same subdivision, just outside the port city of Brunswick. Bryan said he saw the McMichaels driving by and joined the chase, Georgia Bureau of Investigation agent Richard Dial testified earlier this month at a probable cause hearing. It wasnt until May 7 two days after Bryans cellphone video leaked online and stirred a national outcry that the McMichaels were arrested. Bryan was arrested on May 22, and an arrest warrant said he tried to confine and detain Arbery without legal authority by utilizing his vehicle on multiple occasions before Arbery was shot. Bryan told investigators that Travis McMichael cursed and said a racist slur as he stood over Arbery, moments after he fatally shot him, Dial testified. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation took over the case after the video surfaced. The state attorney general appointed Holmes, whos the district attorney in Cobb County near Atlanta, to prosecute after the local district attorney recused herself because Greg McMichael had worked for her and two other outside prosecutors also stepped aside. In addition to malice murder and felony murder charges, the McMichaels and Bryan each are charged with two counts of aggravated assault and one count each of false imprisonment and criminal attempt to commit false imprisonment. Under Georgia law, a felony murder charge means that a death occurred during the commission of an underlying felony and doesnt require intent to kill. Malice murder requires malice aforethought, either express or implied. Any murder conviction in Georgia carries a minimum sentence of life in prison, either with or without the possibility of parole. Court functions in Georgia have been severely limited in recent months because of a statewide judicial emergency declared by the chief justice of the state Supreme Court in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Holmes said they were able to call in a grand jury that had been impaneled prior to the judicial emergency. Attorneys for Arberys mother and father issued statements applauding the indictment and stressing their desire to see the three men convicted and sentenced for his death. Bob Rubin, a lawyer for Travis McMichael, 34, said in an email that prosecutors choose the facts they want to present to a grand jury when seeking an indictment. The defense team has found other facts that are an integral part of the case, he wrote. To this indictment, Travis McMichael will plead not guilty, and we look forward to presenting all of the facts regarding this tragic death in a court of law, Rubin wrote. Attorney Kevin Gough, who represents Bryan, 50, spoke to reporters at the county courthouse right after Holmes announced the indictment. We welcome the action of the grand jury today, Gough said. While we disagree with it, its an important step in the process to moving this case closer to the speedy trial that Roddie has demanded. He said his client has committed no crime and has cooperated with law enforcement officers from the beginning. Lawyers for Greg McMichael, 64, did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Wednesday afternoon. Even if Gov. Brian Kemp signs the state hate crimes legislation passed this week, it couldnt be applied retroactively to this case, Holmes told reporters. The U.S. Department of Justice has said its assessing whether federal hate crimes charges are appropriate. HERNDON, Virginia, June 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year, Deltek surveys leaders in the architecture and engineering (A&E) industry to identify benchmarks, trends and market outlook to help businesses identify their strengths and opportunities for improvement. This year, Deltek is launching the 41st Annual Deltek Clarity Architecture & Engineering Industry Report for North America, and for the first time, an additional global perspective to monitor the same trends and benchmarks throughout the EMEA and APAC reg! ions. Regardless of location, A&E firms are facing the same challenges across the business. Finding time to nurture client relationships, competing priorities for project managers and increasing profitability are the top challenges identified in North America, EMEA and APAC while the strategies for addressing these challenges vary by region. Emerging Technology Trends Impacting Firms One of the key focus areas for the Deltek Clarity A&E Industry Report is how technology trends are impacting the industry. Emerging technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and geolocation, are becoming increasingly important to A&E firms globally. In North America, the top three trends most important for firms are IoT, geolocation and augmented/virtual reality. In EMEA and APAC, the top three trends are similar with IoT, geolocation and big data rising to the top of the list. Examining the various regions shows firms are addressing their challenges with emerging technologies in different ways. While EMEA and APAC firms are putting people at the heart of addressing technology challenges, North American firms are focused on the strategic and process side of the equation. EMEA and APAC firms noted that identifying and developing technology subject matter experts, hiring staff or acquiring a company with necessary expertise and identifying a champion to lead the initiatives are the top strategies for firms. In North America, A&E firms are focused on developing strategic plans for implementing technology trends, educating staff on trends and developing a budget for strategic investment. There is no right or wrong answer in strategy, but what's important is that firms take these challenges and develop action plans to better incorporate emerging technologies into their businesses.A Benchmarking to Drive Business Forward When setting targets for the business, it's critical to evaluate if a firm's targets are realistic a are targets too low or are expectations too high? The Deltek Clarity report delivers insight into numerous key performance indicators (KPIs) that are common in the industry such as projects on budget, utilization rate, operating profit, employee turnover rates and many more to enable firms to benchmark their business performance against other companies like theirs. With the industry in flux, monitoring KPIs is more important than ever. Companies can use the benchmarks as a starting point to set more realistic targets, but then set up their solutions and processes to monitor the business consistently and frequently. If a company is global, it can now compare some of these key metrics to others within the same geography to ensure the targets are aligned regionally. While the numbers themselves are a snapshot in time, this resource helps companies establish a realistic starting point, identify which KPIs they should be monitoring and empowers firms to do something about their business. What the number says is only a piece of the story. Using the KPIs, as well as the top challenges companies are facing, as a conversation starter with other leaders within the business, can help uncover underlying challenges or strengths. It's also an opportunity to determine if technology is supporting the business or is creating more barriers. Some companies have the tools they need, but outdated processes are holding them back while other companies are still managing their business and monitoring their KPIs on spreadsheets and outdated systems. Leveraging Technology to Address Top Challenges As more firms explore digital transformation, they face challenges with not only the technology, but outdated processes. When looking at what the top firms are facing, processes and technology are at the core of nearly every challenge. A&E firms around the world are struggling with project managers having competing priorities. Firms are looking to address these challenges through more clearly defined responsibilities and better processes or best practices. Business developers are struggling to find time to nurture client relationships and the top challenge is the same across regions. Financial managers are looking for ways to better manage profitability while firms continue to struggle finding and retaining employees. By looking at some of the key trends and challenges facing A&E companies around the world, firms can start to take a closer look at their own processes and their own technology to better understand where there are opportunities to up-level their technology, expedite their journey to digital transformation and streamline processes to make their business more efficient and effective. Bringing Clarity to the Conversation The Deltek Clarity report is a catalyst for meaningful conversations with leadership teams, management and employees, to help them uncover the barriers to success, identify areas for improvement and ensure alignment of initiatives across the business. The full reports will give firms greater insight into business and pinpoint where there is room for improvement. Deltek can help a firm's digital transformation through technology and process improvement so it can move its business forward. It's time to bring clarity to the conversation and take action to power project success. For more information, download the Architecture & Engineering Industry Studies for North America and EMEA & APAC or visit Deltek.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1010738/Deltek_Logo.jpg By Kaushik Basu ITHACA The COVID-19 pandemic has caused massive disruptions to markets, supply chains, and world trade. This has forced a reckoning with many traditional policies and should be treated as an opportunity to rethink some of the ideas that economists have long taken for granted including the basic notion of what makes an economy function efficiently. That notion goes back to 1776, a landmark year during which Adam Smith published "The Wealth of Nations," America's 13 states declared independence, and the same day, July 4, the philosopher David Hume held a dinner party for his friends, including Smith, to mark the twilight of his life. Smith's path-breaking work, along with later highly influential contributions by Leon Walras, Stanley Jevons, and Alfred Marshall, transformed economics. We learned that markets can function smoothly without a central authority, because the actions of ordinary people trying to earn more and purchase the goods they want create tugs and pulls of demand and supply, causing prices to rise and fall. As this idea became formalized, the social norms and customs on which markets also depend became part of the woodwork tacit assumptions that we ignored, because they are so unchanging in normal times, and then forgot were there. But a disruption such as the one caused by COVID-19 reminds us how much we take for granted. I realized this during the nearly three months I spent in Mumbai during the lockdown, when family and friends told me of conflicts, showdowns, and frayed nerves in the city. Whereas some residents were castigated for not wearing face masks or for violating social-distancing norms, others were criticized for overdoing the lockdown. Some residents' associations photographed anyone who stepped out of their home, even if they were alone and far away from anyone else, arguing that such behavior was irresponsible. Because the behavioral requirements brought about by the pandemic are novel and have yet to stabilize, we are more aware of them than we are of longer-established social norms. Markets also rely on such norms, most of which, having evolved over time and become routine, lie beyond economists' explicit assumptions. As Karl Polanyi, Mark Granovetter, and others have argued, the economy cannot be understood as though it stands apart from society. Certain social and institutional preconditions must be present for an economy to function effectively. But the economics profession widely overlooked these important reminders, or, at best, put them aside with a nod. In my book "Beyond the Invisible Hand," I argued that trade and exchange depend not only on technical assumptions of which all economists are aware, such as the law of diminishing marginal utility, but also on other conditions that we take for granted. These include being able to trust one another and our ability to communicate, which allows us to negotiate and conclude deals. But no economist writes down "can talk" as an assumption. It is regarded as a given. Unfortunately, this approach has led to big gaps in our understanding of how the invisible hand works. Many conservative economists stress that as long as governments do not intervene and curb individual freedoms, economies will function efficiently. The invisible hand will do it all. But they forget that efficiency also requires many curbs on how we behave, such as not punching other traders in the face and running away with their goods. This oversight has in turn led to major policymaking mistakes, such as the "Washington Consensus," which advocated curbing government intervention in the economy and tightly controlling fiscal deficits. As Joseph Stiglitz has pointed out, this so-called Washington consensus was in fact confined to the area between Washington's 15th and 19th Streets, where the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank are housed. Nonetheless, this new orthodoxy was then thrust upon all developing economies, regardless of whether they met the social and institutional conditions these policies require. Not surprisingly, the measures often backfired. Fortunately, there is now a growing recognition that price adjustments are not the sole or even the necessary factors that help markets to clear. In a recent paper, Michael Richter and Ariel Rubinstein show that markets can clear in different ways, some of which rely entirely on social norms. In most households, even large ones, the refrigerator is left open and its contents do not have prices marked. But the refrigerator does not get drained within moments of being stocked. Many kinds of behavior are socially forbidden, and in some societies these prohibitions have become so deeply embedded psychologically that no outside authority is needed to enforce them. This opens up a potentially large research agenda regarding the norms we should encourage to make economies more equitable and productive. The COVID-19 pandemic, by making the tacit overt, has raised awareness of this challenge and interesting findings are beginning to appear. In a recent paper, for example, Wooyoung Lim and Pengfei Zhang use laboratory experiments to show how pro-vaccination behavioral norms can arise voluntarily, potentially helping populations to achieve herd immunity. But not all good norms arise voluntarily; nor do societies have to wait for the slow process of evolution to unfold before converging on them. Instead, contemporary research should enable us to isolate desirable norms that we can then consciously try to nurture. For example, we have now learned that during pandemics, we should stay six feet (two meters) from others and wear face masks. This did not happen voluntarily, or because those who did not follow these norms died, but because research by epidemiologists taught us these norms, and governments enforced or encouraged adherence to them. One hopes that the disruption caused by COVID-19 will likewise spur economists to identify norms that can help us build a more equitable, prosperous, and sustainable world. Kaushik Basu, a former chief economist of the World Bank and chief economic adviser to the government of India, is professor of economics at Cornell University and nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. His article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org). California Sen. Kamala Harris says her vocal opposition to a police reform bill backed by Republican senators is "not at all" about her aspirations as a potential running mate to former Vice President Joe Biden in November. The bill, written by Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, would incentivize police departments to ban chokeholds and no-knock warrants following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, but the legislation does not formally ban the practices. Senate Democrats blocked the bill from going forward Wednesday after arguing the GOP proposal do not go far enough to address police reform. A Democratic alternative, the Justice in Policing Act, mandates these changes and would alter the federal statute for police misconduct by holding officers personally liable for damages in lawsuits. "We cannot proceed with what theyre offering," Harris told reporters Tuesday. "Its empty. Its empty. Theres no question that if we are in the majority in the Senate and that if Joe Biden were president, there would be a lot more movement. Harris has made a smattering of cable news appearances in recent days to speak out against the GOP bill, and also battled Texas Sen. John Cornyn on the floor of the Senate in a moment that has since gone viral on social media. Cornyn pushes Harris on why she wants committee hearings and negotiations over any piece of police reform legislation before a floor vote, alleging she wants to "have these negotiations occur behind closed doors." "Don't you think that sort of interaction and debate and negotiation out in front of all 330 million Americans would be beneficial to healing our country and coming to some consensus about what the appropriate reforms should be?" Cornyn asks. "Indeed," Harris replies. "That is the beauty of the judiciary committee. Our meetings are public meetings." An awkward silence follows Harris' reply, and a video of the interaction has amassed 23,000 retweets and 3.8 million views on Twitter. According to Politico, Harris told reporters Tuesday that she was "not at all" thinking about her chances of becoming Biden's vice presidential pick during the debate. Harris is reportedly a strong front-runner in a narrowing group of women Biden is considering picking. Scott, the GOP's lone African American senator, ripped into Harris and other Senate Democrats who stopped the bill from moving forward. The actual problem is not what is being offered," Scott said during a fiery speech on the Senate floor Wednesday. "It is who is offering it. ... As a black man, I get the who being the problem. Its one of the reasons why I went to Senator McConnell and said I want to lead this conversation. ... What I missed in this issue is that the stereotyping of Republicans is just as toxic to the outcomes of the most vulnerable communities in this nation. ... They cannot allow this party to be seen as a party that reaches out to all communities in this nation." Scott later appeared to take a swipe at Harris and other female Democratic senators reportedly under consideration to be Biden's running mate when he accused the other party of playing "presidential politics." "You see, this process is not broken because of the legislation," he said. "This is a broken process beyond that one piece of legislation. It's one of the reasons why communities of color, young Americans of all colors, are losing faith in the institutions of authority and power in this nation. Because we're playing small ball. We're playing for those in the insulated chambers. We're playing for presidential politics. That's small ball. Playing the big boys game is playing for the kids who can't represent themselves. And if you don't like what you see, change it. We offered them opportunities, at least 20 I offered, to change it." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Eric Ting is an SFGATE digital reporter. Email: eric.ting@sfgate.com | Twitter:@_ericting Kunj Bihari Agarwala, Managing Director, Rupa, is very enthused about Prime Minister Narendra Modis call for Voval for Local. He affirmed, We remain committed to strengthening India by embodying the true essence of Make in India. We are For the Indians. Of the Indians. By the Indians. Agarwala further says, We are the first and foremost brand to make and provide quality hosiery products (innerwear and outerwear) in India for the last 50 years. As a national brand, we will continue to give 100% support to Prime Ministers initiative by manufacturing all our products in India, strengthening our distribution network, growing our retail footprints and reaching out to as many Indian customers as possible from the biggest metro cities to the smallest of rural towns, he adds. Headquartered in Kolkata since 1968, Rupa today has 10 big brands and over 8,000 SKUs for men, women and kids, with state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities established across India. The company has brands and products across Economy, Mid-premium and Premium segments. Agarwala further informs, We are the first apparel brand from India to scale the peak of Mount Everest in May 2019. As Indians, we are very proud of this achievement. Speaking about the growth of Brand Rupa, he notes that Indian consumers of today are well informed about brands and dont need anyone to convince them. They know what they want. What has kept Indian consumers coming back to Rupas products over the last 50 years has been excellent quality, variety in styles, designs and colours, and best value for money, says Agarwala. Our motto is Customer Satisfaction and it is our customers who have made us market leaders, he affirms. While he refrains from revealing details about Rupas campaign and marketing strategy, Agarwala informs, We are discussing media strategy internally among senior management and our business partners at present. Digital, of course, will be very important for us and we are working on the best strategy that will give us maximum impact. Read More KYIV The Ukrainian and Hungarian foreign ministers have met for the second time in less that a month as the two neighboring states seek to overcome an impasse over a restrictive language law in Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and his Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szijjarto, met in Kyiv on June 25 as they chaired a session of the Ukrainian-Hungarian Economic Cooperation Commission. After the talks, Kuleba said that officials from both countries will meet to discuss Ukraine's controversial language law before a summit between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban can take place in Kyiv in July as scheduled. The minister said the sides planned to sign a memorandum during the summit that will "cover the whole range of issues concerning our bilateral cooperation." On May 29, Kuleba travelled to Budapest where he and Szijjarto discussed, among other things, the Ukrainian language law, which Hungary says restricts the right of Ukraine's ethnic Hungarian minority of approximately 125,000 people to be educated in their native language. Budapest has been blocking NATO initiatives aimed at building closer ties with Ukraine since the country in September 2017 adopted the law that emphasizes the instruction of Ukrainian in publicly funded schools and curtails the teaching of minority languages such as Romanian, Russian, and Hungarian. Ukraines ethnic minorities and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) have criticized the law, which PACE said "does not appear to strike an appropriate balance between the official language and the languages of national minorities." The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress traded accusations about lack of democracy in their respective political parties on the 45th anniversary of the Emergency on Thursday. Union home minister Amit Shah attacked the Congress and said the opposition party should ask why the Emergency mindset continues. He made a pointed reference to Tuesdays Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, where former union minister RPN Singh had called for refraining from direct attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh, who is in-charge of the partys affairs in Jharkhand, insisted Congress leaders should criticise the governments policies and raise people-centric issues. However, he was countered by all senior and young leaders, including Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who praised former Congress president Rahul Gandhi for taking on Modi. For his part, Rahul Gandhi has said he will continue to attack the prime minister, adding it is Modi alone who formulates policies and takes all decisions in the government. I cannot attack Rajnath Singh or Nirmala Sitharaman or anyone else. All decisions are taken by Modi. He is the defence minister, the finance minister, the education ministereverything, and I am not scared of him. If the CWC doesnt want me to attack him, I will stop it, Rahul Gandhi was quoted as saying at the meeting by a Congress functionary. Singh then clarified that all he wanted was a calibrated attack on the government on its policies and decisions. In a series of tweets to mark the 45th anniversary of the Emergency, Shah took a dig at the Congress leadership and the Gandhi family without naming it. During the recent CWC meet, senior members and younger members raised a few issues. But, they were shouted down. A party Spokesperson was unceremoniously sacked. The sad truth is leaders are feeling suffocated in Congress, he tweeted and attached a link to a news report about the proceedings at the CWC. Shahs comment was in reference to the removal of Sanjay Jha as the partys spokesperson, after he criticised and questioned the Congress leadership in an opinion piece. In a separate tweet, Shah said, As one of Indias opposition parties, Congress needs to ask itself: why does the emergency mindset remain? Why are the leaders who dont belong to one dynasty unable to speak up? Why are leaders getting frustrated in Congress? Else, the disconnect with the people will keep widening. Shah said it was due to the efforts of lakhs of people that the Emergency was lifted, but democracy is still missing in the Congress. Democracy was restored in India but it remained absent in the Congress. The interests of one family prevailed over party interests and national interests. This sorry state of affairs thrives in todays Congress too! he tweeted. The Congress vehemently denied these allegations, but Shah pinned the blame for the Emergency on the Gandhi family, without naming names. He said, On this day 45 years ago, one familys greed for power led to the imposition of the Emergency and turned the nation in to a prison. The press, the courts, free speechall were trampled over. Atrocities were committed on the poor and the downtrodden. Shahs comments drew a sharp response from Congress leaders. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala tweeted, And so spoke those, who occupied present positions by forcibly retiring & humiliating every patriarch & colleague who built them. And the list is long....Sh. L.K. Advani, Sh. M.M.Joshi, Sh. Keshubhai Patel, Sh. Kalraj Mishra, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Sh. Haren Pandya, Sh. Sanjay Joshi. Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister and Rajya Sabha member Digvijaya Singh questioned Shahs statement and said the Congress party considers the Gandhi family a binding force. Who in Congress is opposed to Rahul ji or Priyanka ji? Name one senior leader? Whole Congress unitedly stands with Nehru Gandhi Family. They are the binding force. What is more important is the ideological clarity among Congress leaders junior or senior which is harming the Party, he tweeted. In a separate tweet, Singh said, Rather its lack of Ideological Clarity that leads to ambiguous stand. Why do some shy away from fighting RSS? Its divisive Ideology of Polarisation & Anti Poor, Anti Farmer, Anti Labour policies are destroying the Unity & Integrity of India, destroying its Socio Economic fabric. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON [June 25, 2020] Alexander Zingman Says Belarus Agriculture Deal Will Boost Zimbabwe's Food Security HARARE, Zimbabwe, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Zimbabwe's Honorary Consul to Belarus Alexander Zingman said an ambitious $58 million deal between the two countries will revolutionalise Zimbabwe's agriculture industry. The first batch of modern farm machinery has been shipped to Harare, including 20 grain harvesters for grain and maize, 100 tractors, and 52 seed drills, with the second batch expected by December. "This deal brings Belarusian expertise in agriculture and engineering to Zimbabwe. Both countries have been expanding ties since 2015 and this deal is a win-win for both," said Alexander Zingman. Zimbabwe's president Emmerson Mnangagwa had called for a comprehensive project to modernise and mechanise the entire agricultural sector. The country is reeling from the economic effects of coronavirus, a disastrous drought and Cyclone Idai last year, leaving over 5 million people in ned of food aid. The agriculture deal was signed in 2018, with Belarus providing farming machinery and advanced technology to Zimbabwe, as well as training for local farmers in cultivation, seeding, irrigation, and crop harvesting. It also provided the project with long-term financing for the acquisition of equipment. AFTRADE DMCC represents all the leading manufacturers in Belarus. It has set up a servicing centre in Harare to provide spare parts and warranty services. Mobile service vehicles will also cater to farming communities in the provinces. Belarusian technical specialists have been sent to Zimbabwe for one year to provide training to farmers in modern farming techniques. Zimbabwean specialists will get two months training in Belarus. "This project will enable Zimbabwean farmers to boost the productivity of their land and to reduce their losses through timely crops harvesting. The result will be that farmers can ensure the food security of Zimbabwe itself and, where possible, also raise their income levels by exporting their produce," said Zingman. Belarus and Zimbabwe are complementary in many ways when it comes to trade. Belarus provides sophisticated technology and investment, which Zimbabwe can use to boost its economy and productivity. Bilateral trade was over $30 million for the past 3 years. For the first four months of 2020, trade between Belarus and Zimbabwe has already exceeded $7 million. The two countries are also developing joint projects in geology, farming and transport, as well as the construction of a solar power plant near Harare. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] By PTI NEW DELHI: Jamia Millia Islamia University student Safoora Zargar, who was released from Tihar Jail after being lodged there for nearly two months, on Thursday said she needed time and space to get her health and life in order and thanked everyone who had spoken up for her. Zargar, a member of the Jamia Coordination Committee, was booked under the stringent anti-terror law -- Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) -- in connection with the violence that broke out during protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in northeast Delhi in February. She walked out of jail on Wednesday after the Delhi High Court granted her bail in the case. Zargar, who is 23 weeks pregnant, received support from student activists and civil society organisations, who accused the police of "witchhunting" and demanded her release on account of her pregnancy. "I am grateful to the almighty and all those who have spoken out for me within India and outside, and deeply grateful to the Delhi High Court for this order of release," she said in her first statement after her release from jail to PTI. The Delhi High Court had granted bail to Zargar on Tuesday, as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta did not oppose the court's decision on humanitarian grounds. "I am immensely grateful to my family for standing by me and going through this trauma and worry. I need time and space to get my health and life in order and I do not wish to say anything else at this point of time. I am grateful to my lawyers," she said. At the outset, Mehta, representing Delhi Police, submitted that Zargar can be released on regular bail on humanitarian grounds and the decision should not be taken on the merits of the case and made a precedent. The court said she shall not indulge in any activity for which she is being investigated, hamper or interfere with the on-going investigation or influence the witnesses. It also said that in case Zargar needs to travel, she has to seek permission from the trial court and will get in touch with the investigating officer of the case over the phone once in 15 days. Zargar, who was arrested by the Special Cell of Delhi Police on April 10, had challenged the June 4 trial court order, denying her bail in the case, in the high court. Communal clashes had broken out in northeast Delhi on February 24, after violence between the new citizenship law supporters and protesters spiralled out of control, leaving at least 53 people dead and scores injured. US federal prosecutors in Los Angeles have tied the activities of an arrested Chinese military officer conducting research at the University of California to that of a Chinese defendant charged in another high-profile case, in what Washington sees as a coordinated pattern of spying. The indictments reflect the US government's efforts to prevent advanced technologies developed in America from being transferred to China's military, as lawmakers and government officials all the way up to President Donald Trump warn of Beijing's attempts to undermine national security. Xin Wang, who was charged with visa fraud on June 12 after being arrested while waiting for a flight from Los Angeles to Tianjin, "is not the only PLA officer who has entered the United States, funded by the [China Scholarship Council] and on false pretences, to collect information from the United States for the [People's Republic of China]", Nicola Hanna, US attorney for the Central District of California, said in an indictment. "PLA Lieutenant, Yanqing Ye, was indicted in the District of Massachusetts with, among other things, visa fraud and acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government," according to the indictment, which was also signed by Christopher Grigg, chief of the Department of Justice's national security division. Ye was one of two Chinese nationals arrested in January for lying about their links to the Chinese government. She studied and conducted research at the department of physics, chemistry, and biomedical engineering at Boston University's Center for Polymer Studies from 2017 to 2019. Those indictments were announced together with that of Charles Lieber, the chairman of Harvard University's chemistry department, who was charged with lying about his participation in China's Thousand Talents Plan. Xin Wang was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport. Photo: EPA-EFE alt=Xin Wang was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport. Photo: EPA-EFE Story continues The Chinese embassy did not immediately respond to questions regarding the two defendants. Last month, the White House announced restrictions on graduate students from China, targeting those "associated with entities in China that implement or support China's Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) strategy, from using F or J visas to enter the United States". Wang and Ye entered the US on J visas. "Protecting the innovations, creations and inventions that power our country are vital to our economic prosperity and national security," Trump said in the announcement. Wang's indictment said that his "conduct is consistent with the PRC's overall program of collecting US technological and scientific information through both espionage and individuals who use their professional positions to gain access to such information". According to the complaint authorising Wang's arrest, the defendant holds a position in the People's Liberation Army that "roughly corresponds with the level of major" and continues to be paid by the PLA. Wang had said on his visa application, completed in 2018, that his military service ended in 2016. Similarly, the complaint against Ye said that she claimed on her US visa application, submitted in August 2017, to have ended her military service a month earlier. Ye admitted her PLA rank during an April 2019 interview with an FBI agent, as she was waiting for a flight back to China from Boston, it said. The Justice Department confirmed that Ye remains in China. The FBI released a wanted poster for Ye Yanqing, who the Justice Department confirmed remains in China. alt=The FBI released a wanted poster for Ye Yanqing, who the Justice Department confirmed remains in China. Prosecutors in Ye's case contend that Ye "was being directed by senior leaders of the PLA while conducting research at Boston University", working with two individuals identified as "co-conspirator A" and "co-conspirator B" at China's National University of Defence Technology. Ye claimed to have had minimal contact with these individuals, but customs officials in Boston found evidence to the contrary, including "numerous WeChat conversations with Co-conspirator B", with one "focused on a risk assessment model designed to assist the PLA in deciphering data for military applications", according to the indictment against her. Wang was on a two-year postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) to study "the metabolic function of adipose tissue" " the scientific term for fat. The indictment said that Wang was instructed by his supervisor in China, a lab director at the country's Fourth Military Medical University, to bring back information on how to "replicate" the UCSF lab where he conducted his research. Wang, prosecutors also contended, "had already sent UCSF research to his PRC laboratory via email". The indictment also said that "Wang had wiped his personal phone of all WeChat messaging content" before arriving at the Los Angeles airport. While both defendants are charged with visa fraud, Ye is also facing charges of making false statements, acting as an agent of a foreign government, and conspiracy. Court dockets for the two defendants do not yet list any legal representation for either of them. "There is no doubt that stealing technology and know how from universities, labs and companies is a key part of China's strategy," said Oriana Skylar Mastro, resident scholar at Washington-based think tank American Enterprise Institute. "This strategy is designed to fuel its domestic economy, support military modernisation efforts, and help Beijing become a global leader in key sectors laid out by [President Xi Jinping']s Made in China 2025." The 2025 initiative, launched in 2015, aims to guide the country's industrial modernisation, including the substitution of foreign technology with innovation developed on the mainland. "While we cannot say definitely whether these two individuals are a part of this broader strategy, we know that such a strategy exists," said Skylar Mastro, who is also an assistant professor at Georgetown University. "It's unfortunate that this means greater scrutiny for Chinese nationals that come to the US to do research, most of whom are not here under false pretences." Corri Zoli, director of research at the Institute for Security Policy & Law at Syracuse University in New York, went further: "I can't imagine that the Chinese government would be sending active-duty military officers to academic tech programmes, who are on their payroll and engaging is some sort of transfer of research technology, and they're not somehow involved" in an orchestrated tech transfer strategy, she said. "These efforts are very much a kind of fourth-generation warfare or information-warfare-type strategy, and this is the way of our contemporary world," Zoli added. "It's not just China doing this. It's everybody. This is the way that we're evolving into a new battlespace, but China happens to be very, very effective at it." 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. The U.S. saw a record number of new coronavirus cases in a single day, with 45,557 diagnoses reported Wednesday, according to a tally by NBC News. Wednesday's cases top the previous highest daily count from April 26 during the first peak of the pandemic in the U.S. by more than 9,000 cases, according to NBC News' tracking data. The World Health Organization reported its single-day record on Sunday, with more than 183,000 new cases worldwide. Health experts said Monday that the resurgence in cases in Southern and Western states can be traced to Memorial Day, when many officials began loosening lockdowns and reopening businesses. More from NBC News: The Northeast has reported significant decreases in cases as authorities have maintained policies about social distancing and wearing masks. Visitors who travel from U.S. hot spots who arrive in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will be asked to quarantine for two weeks, their governors announced Wednesday. Unfortunately, as many states struggle to contain the virus after having prematurely loosened restrictions, hospitals are becoming overwhelmed by patients. In Florida, where more than 109,000 cases have been reported, available capacity for adult intensive care units is only 21 percent, according to state data updated Wednesday. Only 12 percent of Arizona's ICU beds are available, the state health department reported Tuesday. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, praised California's response and likened the battle against the coronavirus to a social justice crusade. "Californians have risen to the occasion on social issues so well in the past, you've been the leaders in the country on those things," Fauci told the Sacramento Press Club on Wednesday. "This is an issue that really has social responsibility associated with it," he said. Even so, California also recorded its biggest single-day tally of new cases Wednesday. An additional 7,149 reported cases brought the state's total of confirmed cases to 190,222. Gov. Gavin Newsom pleaded with Californians on Wednesday to continue covering their faces. "You're not invincible from COVID-19," Newsom said. "Quite the contrary. This is a disease that easily spreads, very easily spreads." Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa on Thursday expressed concern over the rise in coronavirus cases in capital city Bengaluru and urged people to maintain social distancing and sanitisation to avoid another lockdown. I urge people to maintain social distancing and sanitisation if Bengalurians dont want one more seal down, the chief minister said. Bengaluru has reported total 1,685 cases of coronavirus so far of which 418 people have recovered and 75 have succumbed to death. There are over 500 Covid-19 containment zones across the city currently. In the last 24 hours, Bengaluru reported over 170 fresh Covid-19 infections. Karnatakas Covid-19 tally has crossed the 10,000-mark. As of today, the state has 164 fatalities while 6,151 patients have recovered from the disease in the state. Also read: Take strict action: Delhi HCs directive against erring hospitals But we are also thinking about the number of cases which is increasing in Bengaluru. I urge people to maintain social distancing and sanitisation if Bengalurians don't want one more seal down: Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa https://t.co/K5TXkA9UIG ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2020 Karnataka has witnessed a surge in coronavirus cases. According to state data, within a month the state has reported nearly 7,000 more coronavirus cases. On May 31, under lockdown 4, Karnataka reported 3,200 Covid-19 cases, of which Bengaluru accounted for over 350 cases. Under Unlock 1, on June 24, Karnatakas Covid-19 tally crossed the 10,000-mark while Bengaluru reported over 1,600 cases in total, data published by Bangalores civic body Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike shows. On Monday Karnataka Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai had said that clusters of Covid-19 areas in Bengaluru with 3 to 4 or more cases will be sealed and maximum testing will be conducted. CM Yediyurappa had called an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss measures to control the surge in Covid-19 cases in Bengaluru. Officials were directed by the CM to strictly implement lockdown measures in the clusters which have reported more number of infections. A strict lockdown has been implemented in the clusters across Bengaluru that have reported a large number of Covid-19 cases. The Assam Higher Secondary Education Council (AHSEC) will release Assam Board 12th Result 2020 on Thursday (June 25) at 9 AM. The result will be declared on AHSECs official website hsinfo.in, ahsec.nic.in. A press statement issued by the board's secretary Manoranjan Kakati stated that besides the official website of AHSEC, www.ahsec.nic.in and hsinfo.in, the results will also be available at various other websites - www.asssamresult.in, www.schools9.com, www.newsnation.in, www.newsstate.com, www.iResults.net, www.EduAssam.com, www.vidyavision.com, www.exametc.com, www.ExamResults.net/assam/, www.assamresult.co.in, etc. Here's how to download Assam Higher Secondary results 2020: Visit the official website of the Assam Board at ahsec.nic.in -After the official announcement, the AHSEC board will share the link to check the results on its official website itself. -Click on the link showing "Assam HS Result 2020". -Enter your registration and date of birth details and then click on submit. -The HS AHSEC Result 2020 will then appear on your screen. Download or take a printout of the result. Students can also check the result on the official AHSEC result app, or via SMS. To get result via SMS, students will be required to send SEBA20 to 57766. Around 2.34 lakh students had appeared in the class 12 exams this year, which were held from February 12 to March 14 at around 72 centres across the state. The declaration of result was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country. Earlier, the AHSEC Board had released results for 10th class exams on June 6. In 2019, Assam registered a passing percentage of 60.23. Meghashree Bora topped the exam after securing 594 marks out of total 600. It may be recalled that Indias top athlete Hima Das also appeared for the AHSEC class 12 exams in 2019 and passed it with first division The House of Representatives on Thursday is set to pass an extensive policing reform bill along party lines, with Democrats pushing for nationwide bans on chokeholds and no-knock warrants in drug cases, greater transparency on police misconduct and requiring officers to wear body cameras. The House package, prompted by nationwide protests over the May 25 killing of George Floyd in police custody and calls to address decades of systemic racism, expands the definition of excessive force, paving the way for victims to file claims against individual officers. Dubbed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, lawmakers expect the bill to pass along party lines, with Republicans and the Trump administration favoring a proposal in the GOP-controlled Senate from Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina. Rep. Karen Bass of California, the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, said the entire Democratic caucus stood on the shoulders of the CBCs founders, who more than 40 years ago began the push for policing reform in Black communities. Bass drew a historical line between the advent of cellphone videos capturing Floyds and others deaths with television footage exposing Americans to the mistreatment of Black people during the Civil Rights movement. She said many Americans before Floyds death even questioned cellphone videos, wondering What crime did he commit? He must have done something to deserve to be killed. Not this time, Bass said. Sadly, people around the world are marching for human rights in America, Bass added. The United Nations has held discussions about human rights in America. We are supposed to be the beacon of hope for human rights in other countries. And the Justice in Policing Act is a bill for human rights in our country. Similar to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump last week, the Senate package makes federal grants available to police departments that reform and meet higher training standards. The Senate bill calls for data collection on the use of force; the Democratic bill calls for a federal registry of officers with a track record of misconduct. The Senate package, blocked by Senate Democrats Wednesday in a procedural vote, calls for a study on no-knock warrants and defined chokeholds more narrowly than the House bill. Both packages make lynching a federal crime. Lawmakers have said its likely that party leaders meet to hammer out a deal. But in an interview with CBS News radio on Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi implied compromise would not come easy. Were saying no chokeholds, she said. Theyre not saying no chokeholds. I mean, theres a big difference there. Whats the compromise? Some chokeholds? I dont see what the compromise is. Pelosis comment that the the GOP package was effectively trying to get away with murder was quickly rebuked by Republican lawmakers. Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York called Pelosis remark absolutely disgusting and credited Scott for being an incredibly effective policymaker and leader on racial justice and policing reform. Scott, after his bill was blocked by Senate Democrats Wednesday, warned that people would forget about the need for reform if nothing was done. And you know whats going to happen? Something bad. And well be right back here talking about what should have been done. We could do something right now, he said. .@SenatorTimScott: "We'll move on. People will forget about it. And you know what's going to happen? Something bad. And we'll be right back here talking about what should have been done...We could do something right now." Watch complete remarks here: https://t.co/a9rfVOKMz9 pic.twitter.com/hUSL0Uygxo CSPAN (@cspan) June 24, 2020 National and statewide polls show Americans broadly support protesters calls for police reform. A Suffolk University poll released Wednesday by WGBH, MassLive, The Boston Globe and State House News Service showed nearly 80% of Massachusetts residents believe Floyds death was not an isolated incident but rather a sign of broader discrimination against Black people by police. Related Content: Mumbai, June 25 : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a charge-sheet against Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor, his family, Dewan Housing Finance promoters and others in the Rs 3,700 crore fraud case, said an official, here on Thursday. The charge-sheet, filed before the Special CBI Judge, has named Kapoor, his daughter Roshni Kapoor -- promoter of DoIt Urban Ventures (India), DHFL's Kapil R. Wadhawan, Dheeraj R. Wadhawan, and other companies like Belief Realtors and RKW Developers. It follows a case registered in March by the CBI under various laws, including the Prevention of Corruption Act, against the accused and other unknown entities pertaining to fraud charges against Yes Bank. On March 9, the CBI searched the premises of the accused. In early May, two months after Kapoor's arrest on March 8, even the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed separate charge-sheet before a Mumbai Special Court with charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The ED is separately probing allegations of Rs 600 crore paid to a company controlled by Kapoor and his family members by a company linked with the scam-tainted DHFL. The Kapoors, including his wife and three daughters, allegedly got huge amounts in kickbacks through the companies owned by them for sanctioning huge loans to some corporate entities that later turned into non-performing assets. DHFL founders, Kapil Wadhawan and Dheeraj Wadhawan, were arrested in April by the CBI in the same case from Mahabaleshwar, a hill station. They were absconding since the start of the probe. The CBI has charged that Yes Bank invested Rs 3,700 crore in short-term debentures in DHFL for which the Wadhawans paid Rs 600 crore kickback to Kapoor in the form of a loan to DoIT Urban Ventures, owned by his daughters. Indian Army Chief to give assessment of LAC tensions to political leadership at high level meet India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 25: General M M Naravane will brief the top leadership on the situation at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) amidst the tension with China. The Indian Army Chief returned after a two day trip to east Ladakh theatre. He took stock of the situation and also met with the soldiers who were injured in the Galwan Valley clash on June 15. The assessment to be put out by the Army Chief would be crucial for the political leadership to chart out the next course of action. The assessment is also crucial as tensions are high at the LAC, although there has been no flare up after the June 15 incident. In addition to this, the Army Chief would also be holding discussions with Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat and the Indian Air Force and Navy chiefs. Also Read: He would brief them about the force requirements on the ground. A decision on this would be handled by the CDS. General Naravane would also provide the political leadership with an assessment on the ground, after the new satellite images emerged. During his two day visit, he had an on the spot assessment about the stand off points with China in east Ladakh. He had also directed the troops to enhance patrolling of all the 65 points on the Line of Actual Control with the support of the Indo-Tibet Border Police. Even as diplomatic talks continue, India still remains skeptical of China. Following the virtual meet of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs said that both sides promised to implement disengagement. During the talks, both sides emphasised on the importance of respecting the Line of Actual Control. The MEA said that the Indian side conveyed its concerns on the recent developments in Eastern Ladakh, including on the violent face-off in the Galwan Valley area on June 15 that had resulted in casualties. In New Delhi, officials say that the issue is far serious than the one that was at Doklam. We know this is a long haul and we do not see the Chinese disengaging in any meaningful manner. The primary intent of the Chinese is to change the way India sees itself and also on how it deals with the rest of the world. Hence China is forcibly changing the status quo on the ground, the officer cited above said. IIT Bombay moves its classes online for the rest of 2020 amid Covid-19 outbreak | Oneindia News The virtual meet of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs is the second one since June 5 and was held through video conference. The next level after the WMCC is the Special Representative mechanism. However, there is no indication whether the two sides intend to convene the meeting anytime soon. 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. The local council in Bournemouth, England, declared a major incident after thousands flocked to the beach Europe is facing an upsurge in coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization warned on Thursday, as the disease continued its rampage through the Americas. The WHO said some European health systems risked being overwhelmed, yet officials have continued to rescind restrictive measures designed to combat the virus's spread, with France reopening the Eiffel Tower to tourists for the first time in three months. However, Europe's current caseload compares favourably with that of the Americas, where Brazil and the United States recorded almost 80,000 infections between them on Wednesday. While some US states have moved to reimpose restrictions, Brazilian expert Domingos Alves warned that his country was sending people "to the slaughterhouse" by reopening too soon. Governments are still struggling to balance public health needs of fighting a virus that has infected almost 10 million people and killed almost 500,000 with the damage that lockdown measures are doing to their economies. The International Monetary Fund is the latest to quantify the economic harmpredicting that global GDP will plunge by 4.9 percent this year and wipe out $12 trillion over two years. Until a vaccine or treatment is found, however, experts have warned that restrictions could be the norm. Several drugs have been tested and the EU gave a boost to the prospects of anti-viral drug remdesivir on Thursday by recommending it for usethe first treatment to be given the green light in Europe. COVID-19 in Latin America and the Caribbean by country as of June 24 at 17h00 GMT 'Tears of joy' In the face of the grim news, a few dozen mostly French tourists braved scorching heat in Paris to climb the Eiffel Tower's iron stairs as the lifts were deemed too small for social distancing. "I'm tearing up, but they're tears of joy. I'm going to climb, but slowly," said Therese, 60, from the southwestern city of Perpignan. "And if I don't make it, it's no big deal!" Norway, which has some of the most severe travel restrictions still in force, said on Thursday it would aim to relax the measures with Schengen and EU nations by mid-July. In Britain, some took the new relaxed regime too far on Thursday, with thousands crowding on to the beach in the English coastal town of Bournemouth to soak up the sun on the hottest day of the year. The local council declared a major incident and said the beachgoers' behaviour had been "just shocking". A few dozen tourists braved scorching heat in Paris to climb the Eiffel Tower's iron stairs as the lifts were deemed too small for social distancing Pushed 'to the brink' The joyous reopening of tourist sites and beaches was dampened by a new warning from the WHO that the virus is not yet done with Europe. Some 30 European countries have seen increases in the past two weeks, said WHO regional director Hans Kluge. "In 11 of these countries, accelerated transmission has led to very significant resurgence that if left unchecked will push health systems to the brink once again in Europe," he said. The WHO has repeatedly urged governments not to give in to lockdown fatigue, but the decimated airline industry once again illustrated how catastrophic the measures have been for some sectors. Australia's Qantas announced it was cutting 6,000 staff and Germany's Lufthansa moved closer to a $10 billion state rescue when the plan was approved by the European Union. Governments have been desperately trying to keep firms from laying off staff and Spain on Thursday extended its state-funded furlough scheme until the end of September, three months longer than it had planned. China, where the disease was first detected last year, declared that it had controlled an outbreak in Beijing that had briefly raised fears of a second wave 'Completely out of control' The Americas are bearing the brunt of the virus at the moment, with total deaths in Latin America and the Caribbean passing 100,000. New cases are also on the rise in the south and west of the United States, with White House adviser Anthony Fauci warning the next two weeks would be "critical". Texas Governor Greg Abbott said his state, which was one of the most aggressive about reopening, could see new restrictions. "If it's not contained in the next couple of weeks, it will be completely out of control, and Texas will have to ratchet back," said Abbott, an ally of President Donald Trump. While the situation in Europe and the Americas continued to cause global concern, localised outbreaks in Asia and the Middle East also raised alarm bells. Iran's death toll surpassed 10,000 on Thursday, with health officials recording more than 100 fatalities for the seventh consecutive day. New York is far from being back to normal, its Grand Central station almost empty of commuters on Wednesday Neighbouring Iraq, too, registered more than 100 deaths on Thursday, a national record. China, where the disease was first detected late last year, declared that it had controlled an outbreak in Beijing that had briefly raised fears of a second wave and prompted restrictions and several million tests. Explore further Virus cases surge in Americas as IMF warns of economic carnage 2020 AFP John Richard Knott, Sr., 95, of Hollywood, MD passed away on June 19, 2020 at his home in Hollywood, MD He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Pilkerton Knott, who passed on June 20, 2010. They were Happily married for 65 years. Richard was also preceded in death by his siblings; brothers Herbert Knott, Edward Knott, sister Margaret Knott. He was also preceded in death by his daughter Linda Ching Swarey and sons Charles William "Bill" Knott (Donna) and Leonard Knott (Margaret). He is survived by his children Johnny Knott (Donna), Darlene Ridgell Knott, Terry Knott (Donna) and grandson Shawn Knott (Susan). He had 17 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren. As well as daughter in laws Margaret Knott and Donna Knott. Richard was born to parents Charles W. Knott, Sr. and India Knott on March 9, 1925 in the "Knott House". Which was built for his parents, located on historic Sotterley Plantation in Hollywood, MD. His father worked 50 years as a farm manager at Sotterley. Richard himself and his brother Edward both worked at Sotterley for many years. In total, the Knott family worked for the owners of Sotterley for over 100 years. Richard grew up on Sotterley learning to hunt, farm and tending the animals. Later at the age of 18, he bought a farm on Forest Landing Road in Hollywood, MD, with his brother Herbert Knott. Soon after, he began buying and selling oysters from the Patuxent River and was a captain of an oyster buy boat for 25 years. Richard had fond memories of the time spent working on the water and loved sharing stories of the people he encountered along the way. He also was a very successful real estate agent and also raised tobacco, soy beans, corn and black angus cattle. Later in life, Richard pursued an interest of local history. He, along with his grandson, Shawn, wrote Memories of Sotterley, The Good Old Days on the Patuxent and a book about local county legend, Buck Briscoe. Richard was very proud of them and was always eager to share his personal stories and make the stories come alive. Richards' nickname was "Sharpie" and to his grandchildren he was known as "Poppy". He possessed an uncanny ability to recall facts and events; his memory was truly "sharp as a tack" until the end. He took great pleasure in retelling stories of yesterday and also making sure that you had the facts right on stories that you told. He had a sense of humor, paired with rugged, yet charming curiosity. He was definitely "old school" and had no problem telling it like it is. You always knew where you stood with him. He was truly a one-of-a-kind man. Although, he had the stern and heavy handedness needed of an ole' waterman, he also possessed an abundance of empathy and kindness when you least expected it. He loved caring for his farm, watching his cows and the baby calves grow strong. He also took great joy in seeing his grandchildren grow up over the years. He often bid you a fond farewell by saying "God Bless You". God Bless You Poppy. Rest in Peace. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM with prayers recited at 7:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home Leonardtown, MD. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, June 25, 2020 at 10:00 AM in St. John's Catholic Church Hollywood, MD with Father Ray Schmidt officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Steve Hoopengarder, Donald Insley, William "Allie" Raley, Jeff Franz, Charles William "Billy" Knott, Jr, and Francis Russell. Honorary pallbearers are Charles "Pete" Mattingly, Robby Ching, and David Knott. A reception will be held postponed until COVID-19 social distancing law limitations are that so this special man can be honored properly. As India and China continue talks over disengagement at the LAC, the Chinese government is increasingly facing flak from countries across the world for its aggressive actions. Here are a few reasons why China is on the back foot. READ: Delhi: Amid Sloganeering, Protests Erupt Against China In Front Of Nepal Embassy China on the backfoot US Designates Chinese Media Houses as Foreign Missions: On 23 June, US administration designated four more Chinese media organizations -- China Central Television, China News Service, People's Daily and the Global Times as foreign diplomatic missions claiming that they have been under the control of the Chinese Communist Party. In February 2020, US designated Xinhua, China Global Television Network, China Radio International, China Daily and People's Daily as foreign missions. READ: China Tried To Intrude But We Responded: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Japan Changed Status of Senkakus Islands: On 22 June China hurriedly sent coast guard ships to Senkakus islands, which it claims as its own, after Japan passed a bill changing its administrative status. China Hold Back on Casualty Figure Announcement: Videos of parents of Chinese soldiers killed in the Galwan clashes collecting ashes from the airport have been doing rounds on social media as China stripped them off due funeral and gun salute. Afraid of US Backing India: A Chinese mouthpiece published articles claiming India should be cautious about West instigation at a time when US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned China for escalated tensions with India by calling the Communist Party of China as a rogue actor. READ: Trudeau: Bowing To China Would Put Others At Risk Fretting Over Taiwan-India Relations: China has violated Taiwans airspace eight times in the last two weeks, as Taiwan offered support to India over the LAC clashes. Getting Called Out For Uighur Muslims: On 17 June, US President Donald Trump signed a bill condemning Chinese concentration camps for the Uighur Muslims. G7 Called Out China For Hong Kong Security Bill: On 17 June, G7 issued a statement expressing concern about Chinas plans to impose new security laws in Hong Kong. UK has also threatened to use UK human rights laws to sanction Chinese officials if the legislation is passed. READ: India Slams China, Says They Are 'amassing Troops At LAC Since May' Amid Talks Red paint was splattered across the Christopher Columbus statue in San Antonio's Columbus Park on Thursday. The vandalism at the park, located on the western edge of downtown, was discovered by an officer on patrol around 4:30 a.m. No one was in the vicinity of the park at the time, police said. A work order was filed to remove the paint and the case is under investigation. An officer on the scene with the San Antonio Park Police said law enforcement will increase patrols in the area. On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio councilman wants Columbus Park renamed, statue removed "This is exactly what we were trying to avoid," said Paolo Cristadoro, a spokesperson for the Christopher Columbus Italian Society of San Antonio. The society, created in 1890 to help local immigrant Italian families, donated the statue to the city in 1957. The statue reads: Christopher Columbus (1435-1506) Discoverer of the New World 1492. Now, along with District 1 Councilman Robert Trevino, the society based steps away from the statue is pushing for the monument to be removed and returned to the society's possession. They also want Columbus Park to be renamed Piazza Italia. Although the Christopher Columbus statue in the park does not have the same associated feelings for us as it does for others, we want to be respectful and considerate of what it symbolizes and how it impacts them, society officials said in a statement. We want to ensure that the replacement of the statue preserves the story and representation of San Antonios strong Italian community," the statement continues. Last week, Trevino filed a council consideration request asking that the item be placed on the council governance committees agenda. The item was not on the agenda for Thursday's meeting, Cristadoro said. He implored the City Council and Mayor Ron Nirenberg to consider the item. Cristadoro noted that while the society recognizes the right to protest, members want to avoid the statue becoming a flash point. The group is concerned about someone getting hurt in a potential clash between protesters and counter-protesters. He said the society is not affiliated in any way with groups seeking to protect the statue. "We want to protect the statue, protect the property and protect lives," he said. Statues of the Italian explorer have been targeted amid nationwide protests against police brutality. A Columbus statue in Boston was beheaded and another in Richmond, Virginia was toppled and thrown into a lake. Credited with discovering America by many textbooks, Columbus is viewed by others as a colonizer whose arrival in what Spain called the New World led to a genocidal slaughter of indigenous Americans. The vandalism in Columbus Park marks the second such incident this month in San Antonio. On June 1, anti-white supremacy slogans were found scrawled in red spray paint on the white marble of the Alamo Cenotaph. WASHINGTON (AP) The number of laid-off workers seeking U.S. unemployment benefits dipped only slightly last week, and the economy shrank in the first three months of the year evidence of the ongoing economic damage being inflicted by the viral pandemic. The economy, which contracted 5% in the January-March quarter, is widely expected to shrink at a roughly 30% annual rate in the current April-June quarter. That would be the worst quarterly contraction, by far, since record-keeping began in 1948. The government reported Thursday that the number of laid-off workers who applied for unemployment benefits declined slightly to 1.48 million last week. It was the 12th straight drop. Still, applications for jobless aid have declined just 5% in the past two weeks, a much slower rate of improvement than in April and May. Whats more, an additional 700,000 people applied for jobless benefits last week under a new program for self-employed and gig workers that made them eligible for aid for the first time. These figures arent adjusted for seasonal variations, so the government doesnt include them in the official count. The steady if slow decline in applications does suggest that the job market is gradually healing from the pandemic, which shuttered businesses and sent the unemployment rate up to 14.7% in April, its highest level since the Great Depression. The total number of people who are receiving jobless aid also fell last week, to 19.5 million from 20.3 million, evidence that employers are rehiring some of the workers who had been laid off since mid-March. In addition, the government said Thursday that orders for durable goods surged nearly 16% in May, reflecting a rebound in some business activity. Still, the pace of orders and shipments remains far below pre-pandemic levels. And excluding the volatile transportation category, so-called core orders for durable goods rose only modestly last month, reflecting still-sluggish business investment. The latest economic figures coincide with a sudden resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the United States, especially in the South and West, thats threatening to derail a nascent economic rebound. On Wednesday, the nation set a record high of new coronavirus cases. Many states are establishing their own records for daily infections, including Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas and Oklahoma. Cases of coronavirus have also jumped in Florida and Georgia. Should those trends continue, states may reimpose some limits on businesses that would likely trigger job cuts. Whether by choice or by government order, fewer consumers would shop, travel, eat out and visit bars or gyms. All those scenarios would result in renewed layoffs and hinder the economy. Nervous investors sent stock prices plummeting Wednesday over escalating fears that the economy will suffer further damage from the disease. The health crisis continues to cast a dark shadow over the economic landscape, said Bob Schwartz, a senior economist at Oxford Economics, a forecasting firm. Before this weeks heightened worries about the pandemic, many economists had been relatively optimistic. In May, the unemployment rate unexpectedly declined, though to a still-high 13.3%. Consumers began spending again, sending retail sales jumping by a record amount. And sales of new homes rose as record-low mortgage rates fueled buyer interest. In May, employers added 2.5 million jobs, a surprise gain. Still, that hiring represented just one-ninth of all the jobs that have been lost since the pandemic struck. And about 30 million Americans remain unemployed. The economy shrank at a 5% annual rate in the first three months of the year, the government estimated Thursday. Yet economists envision a much sharper plunge in the April-June quarter a rate of up to 30%, which would be the worst since record-keeping began in 1948. Analysts expect the economy to rebound in the second half of this year before potentially regaining its pre-pandemic level in late 2021 at the earliest. Yet all that assumes that the pandemic doesnt intensify, force widespread business closures again and set the job market and the economy even further back. If it does, the damage could be dire. For now, real time data on small businesses suggests that the economys improvement slowed in June compared with May and then stalled in the past week in some states that had reopened their economies the earliest. Homebase, a company that provides scheduling and time-tracking software to small companies, says the proportion of small businesses that have reopened has leveled off. As of Monday, 78% of U.S. small businesses that it tracks were open, little changed from a week earlier. In Florida and Texas, the proportion of small businesses that have closed has actually risen as a result of the resurgent viral outbreaks. Apple said late Wednesday that it would re-close seven of its stores in the Houston area, which is suffering a spike in cases. Last week, it had said would re-close 11 other stores in four states. Economists at Goldman Sachs have upgraded their economic forecasts for the rest of this year and next year in light of the retail sales gains and other positive data. But they warned that a significant second wave of cases this fall that would force business closures could slash growth next year by more than half. For the unemployed, the federal government has been providing $600 in weekly benefits, on top of whatever state jobless aid recipients are receiving. This federal money has pumped nearly $20 billion a week into the economy and enabled many of the unemployed to stay afloat. A majority of recipients are even earning more than they did at their old jobs, raising concerns that this could discourage some of them from returning to work. But the $600 a week in aid will expire after July, and Trump administration officials have said they oppose an extension. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have introduced compromise measures. The $600 a week has been a major help to Alexis ONeill, who was laid off in March from an accounting job at an aviation fuel company. ONeill, 49, who lives with her mother in Ann Arbor is looking for a job that would allow her to work from home so she could avoid putting her mother at risk of contracting the virus. She has applied for at least a dozen jobs but has received no responses except an acknowledgement of her application. Many open jobs now seem to offer lower pay than before the pandemic struck. Compounding the dilemma for ONeill, Michigan is stuck with the nations second-highest state unemployment rate, 21.2%. The job market is terrible, she said. Everything either pays so badly or doesnt come with benefits. THERE were emotional scenes in Limerick Circuit Court as a young man pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death. Both the defendant - Michael Butler, aged 32, of Elton Court, Meelick - and members of the deceaseds family wept openly. Michael McNamara, aged 40, of Monabraher Road, Ballynanty, died in UHL after he was struck by a BMW being driven by Mr Butler on Kileely Road, Thomondgate at 11.30pm on July 23, 2017. Mr Butler also pleaded guilty to drink driving, no insurance or driving licence. The court heard that Mr Butler had gone drinking after an argument with his partner earlier in the day; had driven to get a pizza and fill up the car. John OSullivan BL, prosecuting, said Mr McNamara, who was carrying a bag of cans, was crossing the road. He had attained the centre of the road when he was struck by the front left passenger side of the BMW, said Mr OSullivan, who read out eye witness testimony from two women. One said: The car swerved and went out of control. The noise of the bang was so loud. I screamed. The cans went into the air. Mr OSullivan said a garda forensic collision investigation found that Mr Butler was driving at between 71.7kms and 85.9kms and there was a sudden swerve to the right immediately before impact. Garda Brian Carroll, of Henry Street, said after Mr Butler was arrested he gave a specimen which showed 61mgs of alcohol per 100mls of breath. Answering questions from Mr OSullivan, the garda said this was almost seven times over the limit for a specified motorist like Mr Butler or almost three times for an authorised driver. Mr OSullivan read out a statement by Mr Butler to gardai in which he said he saw Mr McNamara running across the road and braked. He saw me, stopped and ran again. He hit the front side of my car. Im sorry. Im sorry. I keep running it over in my head, read out Mr OSullivan, who added that the independent witnesses do not support Mr Butlers statement that Mr McNamara was running. A victim impact family on behalf of the McNamara family was read out. They said they have been living an absolute nightmare and stressed the impact drink driving can have. The family said that Mr McNamara was the apple of his mothers (Pauline) eye and detailed the effect it has had on her health including having to use a wheelchair. We are all heartbroken. Michael was in the prime of his life. We miss him dearly every day and will for the rest of our lives. We hope justice is done, said the statement. Mr McNamaras brother, Christy, also prepared a statement. The brothers had been together earlier that evening. His last words to me were Ill see you in the morning. We were always so close, inseparable. This has broken my heart. I had to phone my daughter who was on holiday in Spain to tell her - my heart broke into a million pieces. I miss having a few drinks with him. He took a piece of all of us that day, wrote Christy McNamara. Family members cried as the victim impact statements were being read out. Pat Barriscale BL, defending, expressed his clients deepest and humblest apologies Questioning Garda Carroll, he asked if Mr Butler and his partner had a domestic argument, not a violent one, earlier that day. The garda agreed. Mr Barriscale said this set in train the foolish action of drinking. The court heard Mr Butler went for one pint, then went to his mothers house for dinner and then consumed three, four or five pints. When he returned to his own house he took his partners car to get a pizza. The barrister said his client noticed the tank was nearly empty and he decided to fill it before he returned home. Garda Carroll agreed. Mr Barriscale put it to the garda that Mr Butler swerved / attempted to avoid the collision. Yes, said Garda Carroll. Mr Barriscale said often drunk drivers involved in collisions try and flee the scene but Mr Butler didnt. No. He remained at the scene, said Garda Caroll. His first concern was that an ambulance be called? asked Mr Barriscale. Yes. Then he went back to his car, Garda Carroll, who added that Mr Butler told gardai he had been drinking before being asked and made admissions. In mitigation, the barrister said his client has no previous convictions, co-operated fully, worked all his life and has three children. I have little to say about Mr Butler because he is a man of good character; led a successful, happy life; an unremarkable life until this moment of crass stupidity. It was out of character and he has shown genuine remorse, said Mr Barriscale, who then read out a letter penned by Mr Butler. To all Ive hurt, upset and put through pain, I am deeply sorry for my huge error. I did take a chance. It is right now I pay for my actions. I wish I could turn back the clock. My sorry is heartfelt. I never committed a crime in my life. I made a terrible human error. I wish the family of the deceased well, read out Mr Barriscale as Mr Butler wept. Judge Tom ODonnell said these are extremely difficult cases. There is no turning back the clock. I want time to consider it, said Judge ODonnell. New Delhi, June 25 : Chinese nationals will not be able to access budget hotel or guest house accommodation in the national capital, as the tussle between the Asian giants has led to an avalanche of anti-China sentiment in India. Accordingly, the Delhi Hotels & Restaurant Owners Association (DHROA) announced that budget hotel or guest house accommodation will not be provided to Chinese nationals in Delhi. The development comes as DHROA extended full fledged support to "Boycott Chinese Campaign" of the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). "In view of the nefarious activities of China, it has been decided that no Chinese will be accommodated in Delhi's hotels and guest houses from now onwards," CAIT said in a statement. "Delhi has about 3,000 budget hotels and guest houses with about 75 thousand rooms." Furthermore, DHROA decided not to use any Chinese made products in their hotels and guest houses. As per the statement, CAIT will now make all efforts to rope in various sectors to join the campaign. "CAIT will now contact national organizations of transport, farmers, hawkers, small scale industries, consumer entrepreneurs themselves, women entrepreneurs and connect them with this campaign," the statement said. In addition, CAIT said that by December 2021, traders along with Indian citizens will reduce the imports from China to the tune of Rs 1 lakh crore. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text CHICAGO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Veltex Corporation -- OTC Markets symbol ("VLXC ") -- Veltex Corporation ("the Corporation") announced today that its Board of Directors at a Special Meeting has authorized a common stock repurchase program. The new program authorizes the repurchase of up to three million dollars ($3,000,000) of the Company's outstanding common stock. The program is to take effect immediately. Under this program, management is authorized to repurchase shares through Rule 10b5-1 plans, open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, block purchases or otherwise in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. Depending on market conditions and other factors, repurchases may be made at any time or from time to time, without prior notice. The Corporation may expand, suspend, or discontinue the program at any time. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares, if any, that will be repurchased by the Corporation, and the Corporation may discontinue purchases at any time that management determines additional purchases are not warranted. Chairman of the Board, R. Preston Roberts remarked, "The Board's approval of this program reflects our confidence in our corporation's intrinsic value. Repurchasing stock is one means of underscoring our commitment to enhancing shareholder value. We are pleased to have the capacity and flexibility to return capital to our shareholders while remaining inquisitive on accretive acquisition opportunities." www.Veltex.com Safe Harbor Statement Forward Looking Statement Safe Harbor Statement Certain of the above statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. This press release includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by phrases such as Veltex or its management "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "foresees," "seeks," "forecasts," "estimates" or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements herein that describe Veltex's business strategy, outlook, objectives, plans, intentions, or goals also are forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Any statements made in this press release which are not historical facts contain certain forward-looking statements; as such term is defined in the Private Security Litigation Reform Act of 1995, concerning potential developments affecting the business, prospects, financial condition and other aspects of the company to which this release pertains. The actual results of the specific items described in this release, and the company's operations generally, may differ materially from what is projected in such forward-looking statements. Although such statements are based upon the best judgments of management of the company, Veltex, as of the date of this release, significant deviations in magnitude, timing and other factors may result from business risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the company's dependence on third parties, general market and economic conditions, technical factors, the availability of outside capital, receipt of revenues and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the company. The company disclaims any obligation to update information contained in any forward-looking statement. This press release shall not be deemed a general solicitation. SOURCE Veltex Corporation Related Links http://www.veltexcorporation.com DENVER, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Results of a recently commissioned Total Economic Impact (TEI) study that Forrester Consulting conducted on behalf of CenturyLink show significant financial benefits for companies that use CenturyLink's network-based DDoS mitigation service. The purpose of the "TEI of CenturyLink DDoS Mitigation Service" study was to examine the potential return on investment (ROI) enterprises may realize by deploying the service. Results of the study include: Benefits By The Numbers ROI of 222% over three years, and recovery of initial investment in less than six months. Total present-value benefit of $1.6 million over three years. over three years. Seventy-five percent reduction in mean time to detect (MTTD) and mean time to resolve (MTTR). Twenty percent decrease in suspicious activity, and 25% decrease in attempted intrusions on average. Near elimination of outages due to DDoS attacks, and decommissioning of legacy DDoS products, which combine for up to $0.4 million in benefit. The study also revealed that customers who use CenturyLink to prevent DDoS attacks avoid a litany of other costs including legal fees, public relations activities, end-customer support services, end-customer credits, and regulatory compliance costs which can often be many multiples of the actual lost revenue. "CenturyLink is in a unique position to use our network as the first layer of defense because we own and operate one of the largest IP backbones on the planet," said Christopher Smith, CenturyLink's vice president of global security services. "We deploy 85+ Tbps of BGP FlowSpec-initiated mitigation defenses to drop bad traffic at the network edge, and then our sophisticated, multi-terabit scrubbing infrastructure remediates even the most advanced attacks. This preemptive protection stops attacks before they happen and delivers more clean traffic to our customers' doors. This, in turn, helps relieve some of the pressure their teams feel to quickly detect and respond to malicious activity." According to Forrester's 2019 Global Security Survey, DDoS attacks accounted for 24% of all external security attacks in 2019. Because much of CenturyLink's DDoS mitigation service is automated, most of the cost savings that customers experience up to $1.2 million comes from the ability to optimize their network security teams to focus on other priorities. This helps break the "resource vortex" that many companies experience when their highly skilled security analysts spend hours detecting and resolving threats rather than focusing on developing new security strategies against future threats. Forrester provides insights into the cybersecurity staffing shortage1: "A cybersecurity staffing shortage is the industry's accepted truth. Projections indicate a shortfall of at least 2.2 million candidates. Security automation and orchestration (SAO) solutions orchestrate security processes and automate activities, allowing teams to work faster and more accurately." For more information about CenturyLink's network-based DDoS mitigation service or other security solutions, visit https://www.centurylink.com/business/security.html. Additional Resources: The TEI of CenturyLink DDoS Mitigation Service is a third-party source of information. As such, we have not independently verified the data set forth therein, cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. and disclaim any liability regarding same. About CenturyLink: CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is a technology leader delivering hybrid networking, cloud connectivity, and security solutions to customers around the world. Through its extensive global fiber network, CenturyLink provides secure and reliable services to meet the growing digital demands of businesses and consumers. CenturyLink strives to be the trusted connection to the networked world and is focused on delivering technology that enhances the customer experience. Learn more at https://news.centurylink.com/. Citations: 1 "Reverse Cybersecurity's Self-Inflicted Staffing Shortage," Forrester, Jeff Pollard, et al, July 18, 2019 SOURCE CenturyLink, Inc. Related Links http://www.centurylink.com The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday filed a chargesheet against Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor, his daughter Roshni Kapoor and promoters of Dewan Housing Finance Limited (DHFL) Kapil and Dheeraj Wadhawan alleging that the Kapoors and Wadhawans conspired with each other to siphon off public money and benefit themselves, two officials familiar with the development said. The agencys chargesheet comes just before the 60-day deadline for filing a chargesheet from the date of arrest was to end. Wadhawans were arrested by CBI on April 26 from a Mahabaleshwar government facility after it was found that they had slipped out of Mumbai quietly with their whole family during the lockdown. Under the prevention of corruption act, CBI is supposed to file a chargesheet within 60 days of the arrest of an accused failing which the person is eligible for bail. A senior CBI officer cited above said they will soon arrest Rana Kapoor and interrogate him. Wadhawans have already been questioned and are currently lodged in jail. ALSO READ | YES Bank fraud: Wadhawans seek bail on merits of the case The agencys first chargesheet, officials said, focuses on criminal conspiracy by Rana Kapoor in the investment of Rs 3,700 crore by Yes Bank in short term debentures of DHFL between April and June 2018, for which Kapil Wadhawan paid a kickback of Rs 600 crore to the Kapoor family in the garb of a loan of Rs 600 crore. This amount was given by Wadhawan to M/s M/s DOIT Urban Ventures, a wholly owned subsidiary of RAB Enterprises in which Roshni Kapoor is a director. This money (Rs 600 crore), CBI has found, was given to DOIT on the basis of a mortgage of a sub-standard property having very meager value and by considering the future conversion from agricultural land to the residential land. The DHFL never repaid the banks Rs 3700 crore neither the bank asked. Subsequently, Yes Bank also sanctioned a loan of Rs 750 crore to RKW Developers Pvt Ltd a company belonging to Dheeraj Wadhawan for their Bandra reclamation project. The money reached the parent company DHFL without any investment in the said project. ALSO READ | Yes Bank Fraud: Court refuses to release properties sealed by CBI CBI suspects that over 100 shell companies were used by the Kapoor family for diverting their ill-gotten wealth. The officers hinted that this is the first of many chargesheets which will be filed against the fraudsters. Kapoors lawyer Subhash Jadhav and Wadhawans lawyer Amit Desai refused to comment. Rana Kapoor is first former MD-CEO of a private bank ever been chargesheeted by both CBI and Enforcement Directorate. Earlier, while filing a chargesheet for money laundering against him on May 6, ED had claimed that Rana Kapoor used the Yes Bank as his personal fiefdom to carry out illegal activities and was the architect of a financial fraud aimed at creating wealth for himself and his family. The 62-year-old former banker has been accused of impropriety, illegality and rampant misuse of power in what the anti-money laundering probe agency described as the hallmark of a scam that had been brewing for many years. ED has claimed in its chargesheet that practices followed by the Yes Bank under Kapoors regime promoted a poor credit and compliance culture, centralization of power and lack of institutionalization, putting it in a situation where its survival came into question. LOBAMBA Once again, government has been labelled as not being ready to reopen schools and should postpone the proposed opening date, which is July 6, 2020. This was the view of a majority of MPs who debated the Minister of Education and Training, Lady Mabuzas report on the schools reopening yesterday in the House of Assembly. The MPs were of the view that this was not practical, particularly because the E56 million budget was not even available at present. First to debate the issue was Maphalaleni MP Mabulala Maseko, who called for the ministry to exempt the Grade VIIs and Form IIIs from writing the examinations because they were controlled in Eswatini. Nkwene MP Vulimpompi Nhleko said it was clear that government was testing the strength of the COVID-19 with the lives of the pupils. Requirements He said he had consulted with the head teacher of Mkhondvo High School, who said the ministry had informed them that they could not reopen schools without fulfilling certain requirements which needed money. He said the school did not have the money to meet all the demands. Mangcongco MP Oneboy Zikalala asked if the ministry would tour all schools before they were reopened. The MPs there were only 11 days left before July 6 and knowing the slow pace of the government process, not everything would be in place. What if you reopen the schools and find a positive case, what will happen then? wondered MP Zikalala. The MPs also expressed concern about transport arrangements as they submitted that the pupils came from various parts of the country. Meanwhile, Kwaluseni MP Sibusiso Dlamini suggested that under the present status quo, the ministry should consider scrapping the Grade VII certificate altogether. Maybe we can consider the Form IIIs and Form Vs but who in this day and age needs a Grade VII certificate to get employment? submitted the Kwaluseni MP. He also asked if the ministry would provide special transport for the pupils. Testing As much as the minister has tabled a good report, I am against testing the waters with pupils lives, he said. Shiselweni MP Strydom Mpanza said the minister had reported that parents were expected to scan their children before they left for school and wondered if the scanners had been purchased for the families. He further asked if pupils would be punished for failing to maintain social distancing. I am also curious about this E56 million budget, has it been passed and where is the money? he asked. Nkhaba MP Zakhele Magongo also said the ministry or government could not set the date for reopening of schools without any budget or money available. Meanwhile, Motshane MP Robert Magongo urged his colleagues not to buy into the ministers well written report. He said they all wanted to send their children to school, but added that the report should have been accompanied by another from the Ministry of Health, endorsing the reopening of schools. He wondered if the ministry was ready to test all the pupils should there be an infection. Numbers of positive cases are now shooting up and you want us to send the children to school, I am against that, MP Robert submitted. Ngwempisi MP Mthandeni Dube thanked the minister for submitting a report which he said was sending their children to their graves. He said government was not ready at all to send pupils to schools and kept repeating that the ministry was digging graves. Although the MP was asked to withdraw the graves statement, he reluctantly did so. Instead, he submitted that the 2020 academic year should be considered a gap year. MP Dube said all the pupils must repeat the grades they were in and the school calendar would start again next year. Instead you are now sending the pupils out and they will return home to the elderly whom it has been stated are the most vulnerable (to the virus), he said. Sithobelweni MP Bhekitje Dlamini also said government was not ready to reopen schools, particularly because of the lack of access to water needed to fight the pandemic. Drinking He said his area had about eight high schools, which had not even been assessed, adding that they did not even have drinking water let alone water to wash hands. The MP further said the winter was too cold and the pupils could even do a shoddy job and not wash their hands for the stipulated 20 seconds. Gege MP Musa Kunene also submitted that the E56 million budget was still a dream. He asked what government would do if for example 10 pupils would test positive at Evelyn Barring High which had a high enrolment. Schools were closed when the country only had three cases, but now we want to reopen them yet the figures are over 600, he stated. The MPs further asked if the E56 million would include school fees which goverment would assist parents with. MP Kunene also asked the minister if they could not go back and re-engage Cambridge on the postponement of the examinations as this was a global pandemic. Hosea MP Bacede Mabuza said government only had 11 days to fix the infrastructure in schools and provide personal protective equipment (PPEs). He said government was just not ready for July 6 and called for a review of the proposed date. The legislators said it was interesting that as MPs they were still debating about the reopening date yet government had chosen to pronounce itself on the issue. Meanwhile, Manzini North MP Macford Sibandze said just looking at the figures in South Africa since schools reopened, government should reconsider, especially since about 1 800 pupils in that country had tested positive. On another note, Nkilongo MP Timothy Myeni said he supported the idea of the reopening of schools as COVID-19 was a virus that would be around for a while. He wondered if the virus continues for two more years and government continues to close schools. President Donald Trump's national security adviser warned China on Wednesday that the United States is waking up to the threat that it believes the Chinese Communist Party poses to our great way of life and will act to check the spread of Beijing's ideology. Robert OBrien said his speech challenging China was the first of many in the coming weeks by senior administration officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Attorney General William Barr and FBI Director Christopher Wray. The days of American passivity and naivety regarding the Peoples Republic of China are over, OBrien told a group business leaders in Phoenix. America, under President Trumps leadership, has finally awoken to the threat of the Chinese Communist Partys actions and the threat they pose to our great way of life. This latest verbal offensive is an extension of Trump's harsh words for Beijing's handling of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 120,000 Americans. It follows on the heels of former national security John Bolton's book that alleges Trump was soft on Chinese President Xi Jinping and other authoritarian leaders to advance his own political agenda. According to Bolton, Trump asked Xi for China to buy more agricultural products to help the president win farm states and told the Chinese leader that he was right to build detention camps to house thousands of Chinese ethnic minorities. That statement could make the presidents tough-on-China mantra a hard sell. The Trump campaign released an online video last month that included clips of former Vice President Joe Biden previously describing the Chinese as not bad folks and saying economic growth in China was in the U.S. interest. O'Brien harsh words come as China has rebuffed U.S. efforts to negotiate a three-way nuclear weapons treaty with Russia and as the administration seeks Beijing's help in getting North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. The White House also is trying negotiate a new U.S.-China trade agreement. The Trump adviser said the consensus for decades among American policymakers was as the U.S. invested more in China and trained more Chinese engineers, scientists, bureaucrats and others, the faster China would liberalize first economically and then politically. He said the U.S. welcomed China into the World Trade Organization in 2001 with concessions and trade privileges while playing down Chinas human rights abuses and the theft of U.S. technology, which hurt American businesses. As China grew richer and stronger, we believed that the Chinese Communist Party would liberalize to meet the rising democratic aspirations of its people, OBrien said. This was a bold, quintessentially American idea. It was born of our innate optimism and by the experience of our triumph over Soviet communism. Unfortunately, it also turned out to be very naive. O'Brien offered a list of Chinese activities that he said were aimed not only at repressing its own citizens, but influencing Americans. He said he was not attacking the Chinese people, but the Chinese Communist Party. He said China has worked to eliminate unfriendly Chinese language media outlets worldwide and has turned to Twitter to spread anti-American disinformation. In more than a dozen American cities, people listen to FM radio stations with subtle pro-Beijing propaganda," O'Brien said. Earlier this week, the administration designated the U.S. operations of four major Chinese media outlets as foreign missions an action that could force some of their staff to leave the country. He cited China's cybersecurity activities that he said collect personal data on millions of Americans. He said the administration is working to prevent certain companies such as the tech giant Huawei that are closely tied to the Chinese Communist Partys intelligence and security apparatus from accessing U.S. data. Under Trump, the U.S. has imposed restrictions on U.S. semiconductor technology from going to Huawei and has limited the Peoples Liberation Armys ability to use student visa programs to place its officers in U.S. colleges and universities. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rizki Fachriansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 26 2020 The Denpasar Immigration Office in Bali is set to deport a Syrian national for holding a mass yoga gathering in Ubud amid public health concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. The Syrian citizen, identified as Barakeh Wissam, was reportedly responsible for organizing an event at the House of Om Community Center on June 18 that was attended by more than 60 people, mostly foreigners. According to the immigration office, Wissam violated a 2020 Health Ministry regulation on large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) as well as a 2020 Bali gubernatorial decree on COVID-19 prevention and mitigation. The latter stipulates that public events must be limited to a maximum of 25 participants. 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 By Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on Wednesday directed a federal judge to drop a criminal case against President Donald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI, handing the Justice Department a victory in the politically charged case. By Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court on Wednesday directed a federal judge to drop a criminal case against President Donald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI, handing the Justice Department a victory in the politically charged case. Wednesday's ruling by a three-judge panel is likely to anger Democrats, who have accused Attorney General William Barr of improperly meddling in criminal cases to help benefit the Republican Trump's friends and political allies. A source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Wednesday's ruling will likely be appealed to a larger panel of the federal appeals court. Trump, who has signaled a possible pardon for Flynn, welcomed the ruling. "Im very happy about General Flynn. He was treated horribly," Trump told reporters at the White House. In the 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of Flynn and the Trump administration in preventing U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan from exercising his discretion on whether to grant the department's motion to clear Flynn, who twice pleaded guilty. The ruling prevents Judge Sullivan from hearing arguments at a July 16 hearing from retired judge John Gleeson, whom he appointed as a "friend of the court" to argue against dropping the case. "In this case, the district courts actions will result in specific harms to the exercise of the executive branchs exclusive prosecutorial power," wrote Judge Neomi Rao, who was appointed by Trump. "The contemplated proceedings would likely require the Executive to reveal the internal deliberative process behind its exercise of prosecutorial discretion." Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general, was one of several former Trump aides charged under former Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation that detailed Moscow's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Flynn twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his conversations with Russia's then-ambassador, Sergey Kislyak. He then switched lawyers to pursue a new scorched-earth tactic that accused the FBI of entrapping him, and asked the judge to dismiss the charge. WILKINS DISSENTS Judge Robert Wilkins, an Obama administration appointee, dissented. He said the Justice Department's flip-flop on the case raised questions that merited further scrutiny by the District Court. "In 2017, the then-Acting Attorney General told the Vice President that Flynns false statements 'posed a potential compromise situation for Flynn' with the Russians," Wilkins wrote. "Now, in a complete reversal, the government says none of this is true." "This is no mere about-face; it is more akin to turning around an aircraft carrier." After the Justice Department took the highly unusual step of seeking to abandon the case against Flynn, Sullivan appointed Gleeson to argue against the Justice Department's request. He also asked Gleeson to weigh in on whether Sullivan should hold Flynn in contempt for lying when pleading guilty. Sullivan has said he cannot serve as a "rubber stamp" and must carefully review the facts in this "unprecedented" request. In the majority opinion on Wednesday, the appeals court called Sullivan's appointment of Gleeson "troubling," and said it was granting Flynn's petition to get the case dismissed to "prevent the judicial usurpation of executive power." Gleeson had urged Sullivan to proceed with sentencing Flynn and accused the department of "gross abuse of prosecutorial power" in to "provide special treatment to a favored friend and political ally of the President of the United States." Beth Wilkinson, a veteran Washington trial lawyer who argued the case on Judge Sullivan's behalf before the appeals court, declined to comment. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; additional reporting by Steve Holland and Mark Hosenball; Editing by Alistair Bell and Howard Goller) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. NASA Hints at Potential Deal With Bezos' Blue Origin and Other Firms Announcing New Space Plan Sputnik News 10:48 GMT 24.06.2020 The initiative will be part of NASA's plans to commercialise space travel and is an offshoot of the Commercial Crew Programme the agency signed with private US aerospace companies. Last month, it resulted in the first manned mission to the International Space Station from American soil since 2011. NASA announced a plan to fly astronauts and other personnel on future commercial suborbital spaceflights on 23 June. The agency has created a new office called the Suborbital Crew (SubC) whose goal is to perform a system qualification, or safety assessment, to enable NASA astronauts, principal investigators, and other NASA personnel to take advantage of these unique capabilities. "We've seen how industry can develop innovative crew transportation systems that meet NASA's safety requirements and standards. Now we'll be looking at a new way of enabling NASA personnel to fly on commercial suborbital space systems by considering factors such as flight experience and flight history", said Kathy Lueders, associate administrator for Human Exploration and Operations at NASA Headquarters. NASA said private space companies are preparing to offer suborbital space flights as a service and noted that it wants to be a buyer. The companies in question are Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin, which is working on its first mission with a reusable rocket and capsule system called New Shepard, and Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic. The latter inked a partnership deal with NASA this week on private space missions to the International Space Station. Under the agreement Virgin Galactic will look for individuals interested in purchasing tickets to the ISS, prepare them for the mission, and provide a suitable transportation. There has been no information on the timeline, requirements, and cost of the future space trips. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Advertisement Boris Johnson's RAF Voyager plane took off for the first time today after receiving a 900,000 red, white and blue paint job. The jet's tail fin had previously been spotted inside a hangar at an airfield in Cambridgeshire, where it underwent a new Brexit paint job to help the PM fly the flag for the UK when he travels to international summits. The RAF Voyager - which was previously a military grey colour - has been resprayed in white, with a Union flag on the tailfin and United Kingdom written in gold on the fuselage. Ministers hope the new design - which is much more visible than the usual military grey - will help boost 'Brand Britain' abroad, although critics have mocked it as an expensive folly that will make Mr Johnson look like Austin Powers on tour. The RAF Voyager has undergone a 900,000 paint job, replacing the old grey design with a red, white and blue colour scheme Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the government was willing to spend money to 'promote' the UK abroad The plane was shown off today for the first time since its paint job and will now be used by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the royal family on foreign trips The Prime Minister's Voyager landed at RAF Brize Norton, in Carterton, Britain, after being painted at Cambridge Footage of the plane taking off from Cambridge today has been shared online, with mixed reviews from Twitter users The new appearance bears a striking resemblance to the retro livery that adorned the British Airways fleet from 1974 to 1980, known as the Negus design. Footage of the plane taking off from Cambridge City Airport to fly back to its base in RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, has had mixed reception upon take off among Twitter users. Mark Vipond wrote: 'Looks splendid! A great advert all around the world for our newly independent United Kingdom.' Another user wrote: 'It looks like its part of the British Airways fleet. 900k and they couldn't think of something more original?' Amanda White said it was 'worth every penny,' The PM will share the plane with members of the royal family who wish to use it when they travel abroad. Britain does not have a prime ministerial plane used solely by Downing Street, unlike many other countries such as America's presidential jet, Air Force One. Labour said it showed the government had the wrong 'priorities' when people across the country were worried about jobs and the education of their children. But Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said the government was willing to spend money to 'promote' the UK abroad. 'The work on voyager is part of that promotion,' he told the daily coronavirus briefing. Officials have insisted the plane would still be able to fulfil its military role as an air-to-air refuelling tanker. Downing Street also defended the 900,000 price tag. At the time the price tag was revealed, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'That incorporates the cost of creating a design that will promote the UK around the world without compromising the plane's vital military role. 'At every stage we have worked to ensure value for money for the UK taxpayer and all of the work has been undertaken in the UK, directly benefiting British suppliers.' Scaffolding surrounds the plane as it was re-painted at the Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group in Cambridge on June 19 Tape outlines the area where the Union Jack was to be painted on Boris Johnson's Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft Royal Air Force is written on the side of the plane as it gets its makeover to repaint the plane the colours of the Union Jack The plane is wrapped in a blue coating as it is repainted in Cambridge at the Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group The Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft is surrounded by scaffolding and wrapped in a blue coating in Cambridge as it is repainted A circle on the side of Boris Johnson's RAF plane is mapped out and ready to be painted in Cambridge on June 19 The RAF Voyager, used by the Prime Minister and the royal family, took off from an airport in Cambridge with its new paint job today Criticism has been voiced over the cost of changing the plane from its usual grey appearance to red, white and blue The interior of the RAF Voyager had a 10million makeover back in 2016, when David Cameron was prime minister United Kingdom has been written in gold across the side of the plane, which flew over Cambridge on Thursday afternoon The new appearance bears a striking resemblance to the retro livery that adorned the British Airways fleet from 1974 to 1980, which was known as the Negus design On the cost, the spokesman said: 'That incorporates the cost of creating a design that will promote the UK around the world without compromising the plane's vital military role. 'At every stage we have worked to ensure value for money for the UK taxpayer and all of the work has been undertaken in the UK, directly benefiting British suppliers. 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. Following the 10million makeover, RAF Voyager was first used to take David Cameron and other ministers to the Nato summit in Poland in July 2016. Mr Johnson has previously questioned why the plane was grey, saying he would like to have a 'Brexit plane' to help him travel the world and promote the Government's vision of global Britain. He also complained in 2018 while foreign secretary that the RAF Voyager jet, which is shared by the Prime Minister, senior Cabinet members and the royal family, 'never seems to be available'. The side of the plane is marked with Queen Elizabeth's Royal Cypher and says United Kingdom in gold letters The 'Vespina' is pictured at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, today after the government spent nearly a million pounds repainting it The Royal Air Force Voyager aircraft lands on RAF Brize Norton runaway in Oxfordshire today The RAF Voyager aircraft emerged from a hangar at Cambridge City Airport today, where it has undergone a 900,000 paint job Twitter users had mixed opinions as the RAF Voyager took off after its first flight with a new 900,000 paint job today The Negus livery first adorned the British Airways fleet from 1974 to 1980, directly after the merger of BOAC and BEA, which led to the formation of the airline customers know today. When it initially flew, the Negus livery was the first time an aircraft had carried 'British Airways' since 1939, back when the original British Airways Limited merged with Imperial Airways to form BOAC. In the design, the Union Jack is not present on the body of the plane and is instead adorned on the tailfin of the aircraft. The livery was designed by creative agency Negus & Negus, giving it its name. As BEA and BOAC merged to become British Airways in 1974, elements of both of their liveries were incorporated together to create the Negus. The Voyager aircraft used by the PM (pictured at PMQs today) on foreign trips is to get 'national branding', rather than the standard grey that makes it less visible in the sky Now, to mark BA's centenary, a Boeing 747 will be repainted in the Negus design. The 747-400, registration G-CIVB, entered the IAC paint bay at Dublin Airport last Saturday where it is being repainted with the first version of the Negus livery. The repainted 747 will return to Heathrow and enter service later this month flying to long-haul destinations served by the Boeing 747, with the design remaining on the aircraft until it retires in 2022. The Negus is the fourth and final heritage design to be painted on a British Airways aircraft. Alex Cruz, British Airways' Chairman and CEO, said: 'Rumours have been circulating for quite some time about this final livery, so it's exciting to confirm it is the Negus design. It's particularly significant for us because it's the first design worn by the British Airways that we all know today, with the distinctive lower case 'a' and the Union Flag on the tailfin.' A glimpse of the jet's tail fin could be seen on Wednesday, as the new-look RAF Voyager prepared for take off today (Thursday) A file photo of the RAF Voyager in its usual military grey, which makes it less visible in the sky - unlike the colourful new design After receiving a paint job at Marshall Aerospace at Cambridge airport, the public was able to get its first glimpse of the new look RAF Voyager The Voyager took off from Cambridge City Airport on Thursday afternoon as it returned back to base at RAF Brize Norton An RAF source said: 'Boris and others will use it to go around the world and wave the British flag. 'It will be diplomatic and it will be appropriate. I imagine it will be in great demand when it gets its new and smart paint job.' The source played down the prospect of a lurid Austin Powers look for the plane, adding: 'The aircraft will not be a flying Union Jack. It won't be the whole of the airplane, it will be a part of it.' The source said the plane could be changed back to grey 'very quickly' if deemed necessary in a wartime scenario. 'It will have a lot of functionalities. If we went to war, and all the assets needed to deploy to the Middle East for example, we would change the colour,' they said. Labour's Louise Haigh said: 'When families across the country are worried about their jobs, health and the education of their children, they will rightly question the Government's priorities when they are spending almost a million pounds redecorating a plane which in all likelihood has been grounded for months because of the coronavirus.' The expensive paint job was panned by critics, who suggested it would make the PM look like Austin Powers on tour He said that the leaked diagram, which was being shared among the aviation industry as early as Wednesday night, seemed 'legitimate' In May 2018 Mr Johnson asked why the Voyager needed to be grey as he said he needed his own plane in order to boost Britain's post-Brexit trade prospects. Mr Johnson added that it was 'striking' such a plane did not yet exist and suggested that it could be a different colour. He added: 'And also, why does it have to be grey? The taxpayers won't want us to have some luxurious new plane. But I certainly think it's striking that we don't seem to have access to such a thing at the moment.' Trump threatens a veto as civil rights groups and police unions square-off over changing rules for use of force. Responding to the anti-police protests that have swept the United States, the US House of Representatives has passed ambitious and far-reaching legislation on police reform. The legislation seeks to ban neck holds of the kind that killed George Floyd and would lift legal obstacles that shield police from lawsuits. It would authorise $2.5bn for independent investigations of police abuse and open avenues for replacing some police in communities with social workers. Broadly backed by US civil rights groups, the Democrat-drafted House bill attempts to put into law the demands of protesters who have rallied across the US for police reforms. It is opposed by police unions and President Donald Trump. In America today, a Black American is three times more likely to be killed by police compared to a white person, said Representative Jim McGovern, a leading House Democrat. Police shoot, arrest and imprison more people in our country than in similar advanced nations. Its the exception when an officer who broke the law when committing a fatal shooting is convicted of a crime. Its not the norm, McGovern said. The legislation passed roughly along party lines in a vote of the full House on Thursday night, but what happens next is unclear. The House bill will stall unless Democrats and Republicans in the US Congress, who are far apart on key issues in the bill, can find a way to work together. President Donald Trump has taken a hardline law and order stance against anti-police protests and is trying to blame Democrats for damage to public parks and statues [File: Patrick Semansky/AP Photo] The White House warned on Wednesday that President Trump would veto the measure. In a policy statement, the Office of Management and Budget called the Democratic bill over-broad and excessive and said it would fail to bring law enforcement and the communities they serve closer together. The Senate on Wednesday failed to muster enough votes to take up a Republican-backed policing bill that would authorise nearly $7bn in new grants for police. Civil rights groups came out strongly against the measure and Democrats refused to let it come to the Senate floor for debate. Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump said Democrats want to weaken our police. They want to take away a lot of the strength from our police and from law enforcement generally, and we cant live with it. We cant live with it, Trump said at a news conference. The National Association of Police Organizations, a coalition of police unions and associations with 240,000 members nationwide, said in a letter to House legislators that opening the door to potential lawsuits would have a chilling effect on police. And, chokeholds are a vital tool to have when use of deadly force is justified, the police letter said. New York Police Department officers stand in formation after arresting multiple protesters marching after curfew on Fifth Avenue [File: John Minchillo/AP Photo] Floyd was killed by police in Minneapolis on May 25. Videos from bystanders and security cameras showed four officers kneeling on his body including one on his neck while Floyd lay handcuffed, face down in the street. Protests erupted across the country triggering confrontations between protesters and police who used nightsticks, tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets in more than 125 separate incidents in 39 states and Washington, DC, according to Amnesty International. We are at an inflexion moment in our country, said Representative Karen Bass, the chair of the 55-member Congressional Black Caucus and lead sponsor of the legislation in the House. Although we might be partisan today, we might get some votes tomorrow, Bass said, citing backchannel conversations she has had with Republican leaders. But Representative Tom Cole, a Republican, said police reform appears stuck in a partisan logjam. We have obviously gotten off to a partisan start and that does not give me a lot of optimism that we will get something passed through the House and the Senate and signed by the president, Cole said. The left is determined to tear down America's cultural heritage and history. Not on President @realDonaldTrump's watch. pic.twitter.com/HGUifMXZDI The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 24, 2020 As he begins his re-election campaign, Trump has adopted a tough stance towards the protests and repeatedly tweeted phrases like LAW AND ORDER and blamed Democrats for the violence and looting that has accompanied the protests. Democrats interpret Trumps demands for law and order as a racist dog whistle aimed at fomenting more division, said Representative Alcee Hastings, an African American legislator who is 82 years old. Ive seen and heard that phrase for all of my cognizant years, Hastings said on Wednesday. I have seen clan burnings in my hometown of Altamonte Springs, Florida. Ive seen a man hanging from a tree, a Black man that I knew, outside of my home city, he said. Protesters with shields and gas masks wait for police action as they surround the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in Richmond, Virginia [File: Steve Helber/AP Photo] Trump plans to issue an executive order by the end of the week directing the FBI and the US Department of Justice to aggressively prosecute protesters who damage or deface Confederate and other statues, which the president threatened could result in 10-year jail sentences. And the president went further on Wednesday seeking to blame Democrats for looking the other way as protesters attack statues and monuments. Theyre looking at Jesus Christ. Theyre looking at George Washington. Theyre looking at everybody, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Trump said. Not gonna happen not as long as Im here. It is a happy ending not to be sneezed at. A handkerchief belonging to Marilyn Monroe has single-handedly saved a historic Paris theatre from bankruptcy after its owner sold it at auction for 300,000. For decades, the silk handkerchief, with floral embroidery and a border of ivory lace, had pride of place in the baroque hall of the Comedie Italienne, France's only theatre dedicated to the Italian commedia dell'arte. Its owner, Attilio Maggiulli, kept the handkerchief as a lucky charm and it even inspired a play called 'Le Mouchoir de Marilyn' (Marilyn's Handkerchief), in which the star has a love child with John F Kennedy. Mr Maggiulli told 'Le Parisien' that the handkerchief had been found by a concierge at the Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York, in a room in which Monroe had been staying in 1960. He offered it to the artist Andy Warhol, who in turn passed it on to Leo Castelli, a gallery owner. In 1983, Mr Castelli gave the handkerchief to Mr Maggiulli as a keepsake at a time when he was renting him a small theatre space in Soho, New York. Almost 40 years later, Mr Maggiulli said the gift had proved a godsend for the theatre, which was facing financial ruin in February shortly before the coronavirus outbreak struck. The handkerchief was sold to an unnamed bidder described as "someone who adores the theatre and admires Marilyn", according to Claudine Durand-Simone, Mr Maggiulli's associate. "We were able to reimburse colossal debts and the mortgage is paid," Ms Durand-Simone said. "It was a happy surprise." After 46 years in the hands of its Italian boss, the theatre remains up for sale, though here too the tale may have a happy ending - a couple of affluent theatre-lovers are in "advanced" talks to take over and will reportedly offer to allow the Comedie Italienne to continue its shows for eight months of the year. ( Daily Telegraph, London) The parents of a Union County teenager who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound two years ago have sued the school district, claiming he was bullied by fellow students for nearly a decade and that administrators and teachers did nothing. Carthoris Carter Uziel was a sophomore at Westfield High School when he died by suicide at age 15 in June 2018, according to court papers. Uziels parents, Gene and Francis, say their child was called racial slurs, stalked and physically attacked repeatedly by students in the district, according to the suit, filed June 16 in Superior Court of Union County. The suit states Carter Uziel was thrown against lockers, knocked to the ground, hit in the face with an iceball, which broke his glasses, and sexually assaulted multiple times. The bullying occurred at Edison and Roosevelt Intermediate schools and later at Westfield High School, the suit claims. Beginning in 2010, Carter Uziel was subjected to an ongoing pattern of harassment, intimidation and bullying by students of (all three schools), the lawsuit states. Teachers, administrators and counselors were fully aware but deliberately indifferent to (the bullying), resulting in substantial harm to him and ultimately causing Carter to take his own life, the lawsuit states. The lawsuit names the Westfield Board of Education, the superintendent of schools and Westfield township. The complaint alleges negligence, civil rights violations, hostile environment and retaliation. Mary Ann McGann, community relations coordinator for Westfield schools, said Thursday the district cannot comment on pending litigation. Kim Forde, spokeswoman for the town, also declined to comment. Westfield township officials did not immediately respond Thursday morning to requests for comment. The parents said they frequently called and emailed teachers and administrators but their complaints always fell on deaf ears. On May 20, 2015, a student with a prior history of bullying and other inappropriate behavior pulled down Uziels pants in class. The student was not suspended for this action and Carter had to serve a detention, the suit states. In the winter of 2016, Uziel was attacked and his notebooks, homework and school supplies were vandalized. The parents reported both incidents in emails and verbally to schools Superintendent Margaret Dolan, the suit states. In March 2016, the superintendent allegedly sent Gene Uziel a terse email accusing him of harassing district employees. You are the single and only parent out of the thousands of parents of our Westfield Public School students who has consistently attempted to harass and malign teachers, counselors, nurses and administrators in three different schools over several years, Dolans email states, according to the suit. I do not believe that the district must continue to respond to further inappropriate, intentionally offensive or harassing communications, the email allegedly said, adding that the district would no longer respond to the fathers complaints. In December 2017, Gene Uziel emailed a school counselor to report his son had been punched in the nose by two students who had stalked him for two days. In the same email, Gene Uziel said students had cursed his son and used racially offensive names that derided his Jewish heritage. In April 2018, the father reported to a Spanish-language teacher that his son was still being bullied and had been called racial slurs, the lawsuit states. Carter Uziel killed himself on June 17, 2018. The day after his death, Superintendent Dolan released a letter to parents. Words cannot convey the grief we feel in the Westfield Public Schools community, the letter said. This tragic loss touches us all and we extend our condolences to Carters family. In a local blog post dated October 2018, Carter Uziel was remembered as a friendly student who told lighthearted jokes and had a passion for theater. Carter was gentle. Patient. Funny. Vibrant. Genuine. He might not be here to see it, but the roots Carter planted will forever grow in WHS, the blog post states. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors can be reduced. If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Tomorrow, beginning at 10 a.m. in the East, the Supreme Court will start issuing its final opinions of the term. The big cases yet to be decided include: June Medical Services v. Russo (regarding abortion), Trump v. Mazars USA and Trump v. Vance (regarding access to President Trumps tax returns case), Little Sisters of the Poor Sts. Peter and Paul Home v. Pennsylvania (regarding the conscience exemption from Obamacares birth control mandate), and Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue (regarding tax credits and religious schools). Having incorrectly predicted the result of Michael Flynns case in the D.C. Circuit, and not having listened to oral argument in any of the Supreme Court cases listed above, I will not predict their outcome. I do know that conservatives have just lost two big Supreme Court cases the absurd ruling that Title VIIs ban on employment discrimination on the basis of sex extends protection to gays, lesbians, and transgender individuals and the strained ruling that President Trumps executive order reversing President Obamas executive order on DACA is unlawful. For what its worth, some of Washington, D.C.s top conservative lawyers are pessimistic about the rest of the term. Theres a sense that, as a general matter, Chief Justice Roberts has joined forces with the four left-liberal Justices to form a center-left majority. Theres also a lack of confidence that Justices Gorsuch and Kavanaugh are solid conservative votes. I share the concern over Roberts. As for Gorsuch and Kavanaugh, I think its too early to tell. Gorsuchs opinion in the Title VII case raises legitimate concern, but may be a one-off. Well know more by this time next week. The way these things go, if the two new Justices arent reliable conservatives at this juncture, we can expect the worst from them within ten years. In the Trump tax return cases, theres concern that the Chief Justice will stick it to Trump because he hates the president. Is this concern justified? I dont know. In the abortion case, the issue is whether the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuits decision upholding Louisianas law requiring physicians who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a local hospital conflicts with the Supreme Courts binding precedent in Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt. I sense little optimism from plugged-in conservative lawyers that the pro-life side will prevail. I should note, however, that there is a limit to how plugged in to the Supreme Court one can be. Theres a bit more optimism that the Court will stand up for religious freedom in the two cases where this, broadly speaking, is the issue. But even if the conservative side prevails here, this term will still be a bad one for conservatives if the Court, on top of what it already has done, backs the left in the cases involving Trumps tax returns and abortion. Stay tuned. ASEAN Coordinating Council holds third meeting in Hanoi The 26th ASEAN Coordinating Council Meeting was held in Hanoi on June 24 with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh chairing the event. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh presides over the meeting With the Western-leaning, reformist agenda of Iran President, Hassan Rouhani, neutered by the unilateral withdrawal of the U.S. from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in 2018, hardline groups led by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) have been able to gradually recoup all of their previous power and influence, and more. The additional part has been a definitive pivot away from any notions of engagement with the West and Iran seeking to push Iraq firmly into the Sino-Russian power bloc. This was highlighted again by last weeks announcement that Iraqs Parliamentary and Economic Investment Committee is to re-open the file of the Sino-Iraq agreement agreed last September. This arrangement - agreed during the visit by Iraqs then-Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to Beijing with the purpose of expanding Chinas then US$20 billion of investment in Iraq in addition to the US$30 billion annual trade between the two countries - was already broad and deep enough to be a regional game-changer. It comprised eight major memoranda of understanding that incorporated virtually unlimited oil and gas sector exploration and development, the provision of materials, technology and expertise, and an extensive infrastructure build-out over the next 20 years. This is in line with Chinas One Belt, One Road (OBOR) multi-layered, multi-generational programme. It tangibly began in earnest last October, with the announcement from Iraqs Finance Ministry that the country had started a programme to export 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil to China as part of the deal. Chinese firms Zhenhua Oil and Sinochem were the importers of the Iraqi barrels involved, and all of the trade financing surrounding these exports was done by the China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation, OilPrice.com understands. Chinas modus operandi in its colonial plans around the globe is firstly to extend assistance to the specific area that a country needs help with most, and then to leverage that to work outwards into all other areas that are of use to its OBOR project. Sri Lanka, is a prime example of Chinas standard colonial template at work, with Beijing beginning its push into the country by granting unlimited loans to beleaguered former President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, for his pet Hambantota Port Development Project. This project as the Chinese well knew - stood little chance of succeeding as a port and when it failed to generate any significant business and Rajapaksa was voted out of office, the new government was unable to meet the loan repayment demands. At that point, the new Sri Lankan government had little choice but to hand over the port to China (plus 15,000 other acres of surrounding land) for a period of at least 99 years. Hambantota may have been useless as a standard port from the money-making perspective, but for China it is of enormous strategic significance, overlooking South Asias major sea lanes, and allowing it in the future to establish a dual use (commercial and military) facility for naval assets. Related: Three Companies That Are Bigger Than The Entire Oil & Gas Industry And so it is with Iraq. In addition to being granted significant reductions in oil prices from Iraq (and on oil and gas prices from Iran, as per an earlier agreement), China will be allowed to build factories in Iraq (and Iran), with a corollary build-out of supportive infrastructure (most importantly for its OBOR, railways), all overseen by its own management staff from Chinese companies on the ground in Iraq. Such people will also be entitled to protection, which will be in the form of Shia Iraq military and/or Shia militia (a mixture of Iraqi and Iranian personnel), plus Chinese security personnel. Crucially, though, all of these Iranian and Iraqi security people and indeed all Shia militia in Iraq will be under Iranian control from now on. As part of this, Iranian companies initially led by subsidiaries of the IRGC-controlled Khatam al-Anbia and by Mapna will be on the ground working with Chinas CRRC, and also with Rosoboronexport, Russias state-owned monopoly for the export of all military and dual-use products, services, and technologies. A key part of the recent two-year deal agreed between Tehran and Baghdad for the supply from Iran to Iraq of electricity and gas supplies was that Iran would from now on be in complete control of all Shia militia in Iraq, with Iranian military and intelligence officials on the ground in Iraq to co-ordinate and to train where necessary, a senior oil and gas figure who works closely with Irans Petroleum Ministry told OilPrice.com last week. It was agreed to by the new [Iraq] Prime Minister, [Mustafa al-Kadhimi] for two main reasons: first, [al-] Kadhimi needed the support of the Fateh Coalition to be made prime minister, and Fateh has very close links to the IRGC and, second, Iraq does not have the finances to spend on this at a time when it needs all money it can get hold of to pay salaries and benefits to its people or face more widespread protests, he said. Consequently, Iran was able not only to secure complete control of all Shia militia groups in Iraq [largely in the south, where many of the oil fields lie, and the key export hub at Basra] but also to tell Iraq that it needs to push ahead with the deal made with China last year, and to expand its parameters, he added. The railway infrastructure in Iraq will be built out after the completion of the network in Iran by China, allowing for the transport of all manufactured products from China into, ultimately, Europe. In this context, Irans Vice President, Eshaq Jahangiri announced last August that Iran had signed a contract with China to implement a project to electrify the main 900 kilometre railway connecting Tehran to the north-eastern city of Mashhad. Adjunct to this, Jahangiri added that there are also plans to establish a Tehran-Qom-Isfahan high-speed train line and to extend this upgraded network up to the north-west through Tabriz. Tabriz, home to a number of key sites relating to oil, gas, and petrochemicals, and the starting point for the Tabriz-Ankara gas pipeline, will be a pivot point of the 2,300 kilometre New Silk Road that links Urumqi (the capital of Chinas western Xinjiang Province) to Tehran, and connecting Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan along the way, and then via Turkey into Europe. Related: Bullish Sentiment Is Fueling A Wave Of Oil Trades At the same time, prior to the appointment of al-Kadhimi, as prime minister, Iraq had been working on new laws that were to regulate the operation of a reconstruction agency, the primary function of which, according to the Iran source, was to: Allow China to just get on with its plans, without the usual red-tape. All of these initiatives are back on track, the source underlined, with al-Kadhimi having come to the conclusion given the countrys parlous economic state, and rising unrest against the remnants of U.S. occupation that siding fully with Iran (and, by extension, China and then Russia) is the only solution that holds up the chance of a near-term fix for Iraqs ongoing financial and security problems. Iran can lend immediate security support to Iraq, just as it did in the Kurdish uprising in the north after the 2017 independence vote, and China and Russia can give wider support to Iraq, as they each have Permanent Member votes two out of the five [the others are the U.S., the U.K., and France] on the UNSC [United Nations Security Council], the source told OilPrice.com last week. Chinese money, equipment and technology (in addition to the aforementioned personnel) should, Baghdad and Tehran think, allow Iraq to gradually increase its oil production to the 7 million bpd targeted by end-2022, and then to the 9 million bpd target figure that had previously been the intermediate figure (between 7 million bpd and 12 million bpd by end-2018) in place before the troubles with Islamic State began across the country. Critically, it would also allow Iraq to move forward with the build-out of the Common Seawater Supply Project (CSSP), in the absence of U.S. supermajor ExxonMobil, as part of the broader Integrated South Project (ISP). Before ExxonMobil pulled out the last time, the [CSSP] smaller project was always likely to be a joint project between Exxon and CNPC [China National Petroleum Corporation], and China now thinks that it can handle the entire thing, even the roll-out into the full ISP, said the source. Indeed, the full ISP would suit Chinas OBOR purposes, as it also includes corollary projects to construct oil pipelines, storage facilities, and pumping stations. Additionally, China would take all of the oil that Iraq could produce, the source underlined. As recently as last October, Iraqs Electricity Minister Louay al-Khateeb wrote: China is our primary option as a strategic partner in the long run...We started with a US$10 billion financial framework for a limited quantity of oil to finance some infrastructure projects...[but] Chinese funding tends to increase with the growing Iraqi oil production, [and is] to be used differently from the previous policies, through construction, investments and operationalization [sic] of the reconstruction council. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: For the past eight days, Victoria has registered double-digit new COVID-19 cases with six Melbourne suburbs being identified as infection hotspots. In response to the outbreak, authorities have strongly discouraged people from travelling to and from the areas of Brimbank, Hume, Casey, Moreland, Cardinia, and Darebin. This worries the Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria chairman Eddie Micallef, who explained to ABC radio on June 23 that Brimbank, Moreland and Cardinia have large migrant communities who may not necessarily understand the new health regulations. Micallef said The education tool or information that comes out may not be fully understood. The health literacy of those groups is not outstanding and sometimes their access to support services is below average. There are over 4,000 households where English is not spoken as a first language in Hume. A study done in 2016 by Hume City Council found that over 88,300 residents do not speak English at home. In Brimbank, 63.7 percent (39,352) of the households speak another language other than English. State Health Minister Jenny Mikakos, who lives in Darebin, said the government has doubled its efforts in reaching non-English speaking residents and has translated coronavirus material into more than 50 languages. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has recommended all the states to start using rapid antigen testing in all containment zones and hospitals. Reuters Known as Standard Q COVID-19 Ag kit, each of the unit costs Rs 450 and gives out results within 30 minutes of conducting the test. With this, ICMR aims to increase COVID-19 testing in the country as a record number of fresh COVID-19 cases are added to the tally every other day. Since the ICMR recommended antigen detection test does not require any specialised machine, it can be employed easily across centres for quick diagnosis. A PTI report confirms that the testing kit has been evaluated for its efficiency by both ICMR and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Developed by a South Korean bio-diagnostic firm, ICMR found the antigen test to have a very high specificity with moderate sensitivity," as quoted in the report. COVID-19 testing kit Medical personnel puts a swab sample into a vial at a mobile COVID-19 testing center in New Delhi (Representative Image: Reuters) ICMR has recommended the use of the rapid antigen tests in the following settings: - All containment zones in states - All central and state government hospitals - All central and state government medical colleges - All private hospitals approved by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare (NABH) - All private labs approved as COVID-19 testing labs by ICMR and accredited by National Accreditation Board for Laboratories (NABL) Other COVID-19 testing kits A medical health worker holds a test sample at a school turned test centre for COVID-19 in New Delhi (Representative Image: Reuters) The antigen testing kits have been suggested for use in both hospitals and in containment zones. In hospitals, ICMR suggested the use of testing kits for all symptomatic Influenza Like Illness (ILI) patients. In addition, asymptomatic patients hospitalized for chemotherapy and transplants and those over 65 years with co-morbidities should also be tested. People with similar symptoms, living in containment zones or hotspots, should also be tested with the antigen testing kit. Those in direct and high-risk contacts with co-morbidities, even if asymptomatic, should also be tested. ICMR recommended the use of antigen kits along with the gold standard RT-PCR test as sign of those suspected for COVID-19 but tested negative by rapid antigen test. A positive test result, however, should be considered as true positive and does not need reconfirmation by RT-PCR test. The rapid antigen test kits have already been used in the containment areas of Delhi last week. As the apex body urged all the concerned authorities to scale up testing for coronavirus patients, it mentioned it is imperative that testing should be made widely available to all symptomatic individuals in every part of the country and contact tracing mechanisms for containment of infection are further strengthened." RapidScales Cloud Verified platform coupled with their recent adoption of Horizon DaaS 9.0 further enhances their VMware SD-WAN offering, increasing their ability to help customers work effectively from anywhere, at any time, on any device. RapidScale, a Cox Business company, announced today that their upgraded cloud solution is now available to enable remote workforces. These solutions include VMwares SD-WAN by VeloCloud, VMware Horizon DaaS 9.0, and RapidScales Microsoft 365 email and productivity suite, combined with Microsoft Teams collaboration tools. Together, they provide remote workers with the capability to work effectively anytime, anywhere, and on any device, helping to drive increased efficiency, productivity, and security. RapidScale integrates these solutions with a powerful Identity as a Service (IDaaS) add-on based on Microsofts Azure Active Directory delivered through RapidScales customer portal. Recent enhancements to the Horizon DaaS component of RapidScales remote worker solution include operating system-level anti-virus/anti-malware on every desktop, additional desktop configuration options, and native Windows 10 to maximize application compatibility and give users a consistent experience between their physical and virtual machines. RapidScale is also including managed DaaS configuration services at no additional cost that feature image management, desktop policy configuration, and managed firewall services. Now more than ever, we need to help organizations keep their businesses running. The advanced technology powering our DaaS and SD-WAN solutions enables us to empower more companies to succeed in their businesses, said Duane Barnes, chief operations officer, RapidScale. Our cloud solutions that focus on application delivery and performance, combined with identity management, will help IT leaders manage their environments and employees. As a VMWare Cloud Verified partner, RapidScale can better support organizations of all sizes that need to enable remote employees to work more securely and effectively. RapidScale not only supports organizations in their transition to the cloud but also helps meet their business objectives of reducing legacy IT costs and offloading tedious IT tasks so they can focus on business strategy. We are thrilled to have RapidScale onboard as a VMware Cloud Verified Partner, said Jim Aluotto, senior director, Cloud Provider Business, Americas Region, VMware. RapidScales Cloud Verified platform coupled with their recent adoption of Horizon DaaS 9.0 further enhances their VMware SD-WAN offering, increasing their ability to help customers work effectively from anywhere, at any time, on any device. About RapidScale Flexible enough for the SMB and powerful enough for the enterprise, RapidScale, a Cox Business company, is a global managed cloud services provider helping organizations increase IT productivity, improve security, and empower remote workforces. Some organizations partner with RapidScale to manage portions of their IT, while others offload it all. Through our global network of data centers and our 24/7/365 high-touch support team, we obsess over creating an exceptional IT experience through a human approach to managed cloud. For more information on RapidScale, visit http://www.rapidscale.net. About Cox Business The commercial division of Cox Communications, Cox Business provides voice, data, and video services for more than 355,000 small and regional businesses nationwide, including health care providers; K12 and higher education; financial institutions; and federal, state and local government organizations. The organization also serves most of the top-tier wireless and wireline telecommunications carriers in the U.S. through its wholesale division. For more information, please visit http://www.coxbusiness.com. Media Contact Nikki Salazar nikki.salazar@rapidscale.net A black man who was shot inside Seattle's Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) last week claims it was a 'hate crime' carried out by a group of white supremacists who dropped the N-word before opening fire on him. DeJuan Young, 33, was shot in the arm on Saturday amid a weekend of gun violence in the police-free zone, also known as the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP), that left two people wounded and a 19-year-old man dead. Speaking from his hospital bed at Harborview Medical Center, Young told local news station KIRO 7, he had been fleeing the area after hearing gunshots ring out when a group of four men approached him and shot him. Scroll down for video Speaking from his hospital bed at Harborview Medical Center, DeJuan Young said he was shot in the arm after a group of KKK or Proud Boys members opened fire on him at the CHAZ last week Young, 33, said he was fleeing the area when he was approached by the group of men. He told local media he is 'positive it was a hate crime' Scenes at the CHAZ turned deadly last weekend after 19-year-old rapper Lorenzo Anderson was shot and killed, and two other men were injured 'Basically I was shot by, I'm not sure if they're Proud Boys or KKK, but the verbiage that they said was "hold this n*****", and shot me,' he said. Young said he was pushed onto the hood of the car by the force, before one of the men stood on top of him and continued to fire. He tried to shield himself but was shot in the arm in the process. His attackers, he said, then got away. Young was saved by volunteer medics inside the zone who drove him to the hospital when police and fire crews failed to respond after they were blocked off by protesters, he told King 5. 'I put my life in their hands and they didn't let me down,' he said. Still, Young, who said he's 'positive this was a hate crime' questioned why the police and paramedics weren't able to protect him. 'I understand everybody's going to say, "Oh, it was the CHAZ zone and ya'll asked for the police not to be there, so don't act like ya'll need them now.' 'But technically I was outside that area. I was in Seattle streets. So what's the excuse now?' he said. The 'police-free zone' was set up on June 8 after days of protests in the area and city officials have since faced mounting pressure to take back the area. Pictured: CHAZ protesters marching down Interstate 5 on Tuesday Police entered the zone on Saturday after the shooting and said they were trying to get help to the victims but they were met with angry crowds Scenes at the CHAZ turned deadly on Saturday after 19-year-old rapper Lorenzo Anderson was shot and killed and another person was critically wounded. His killer is yet to be arrested and there are mixed reports over their motive; some say it was a personal dispute, others are calling it a right wing attack. Hours later on Sunday, a 17-year-old victim was shot in the arm but declined to speak with detectives, police said. Nineteen-year-old rapper Lorenzo Anderson was shot and killed on Saturday inside the autonomous zone in Seattle. His killer is yet to be arrested and there are mixed reports over their motive; some say it was a personal dispute, others are calling it a right wing attack Police on Saturday said they tried to get to the victims but were met with a crowd of angry protesters who screamed at them. The fire department also says it was unable to gain access to put the victims in ambulances because EMTs are not trained to extract patients from hostile crowds. Those on the inside said they are not hostile and that it was merely another example of police and fire departments not responding quickly enough to the death of a young black man. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, facing local and national pressure to crack down on the protests, said on Monday officials would move to wind down the blocks-long, autonomous zone set up two weeks ago. The 'free zone' was set up on June 8 after days of protests in the area. The crowds overran the police precinct there, sending cops who were inside fleeing. It was at first peaceful and saw people watching movies in the street and ordering vegan pizza. As time has worn on, some say the message of the protest has gotten lost. Two members of the African American Community Advisory Council were booed when they tried to tell protesters that the message had been 'hijacked'. The mayor did not give a deadline but said officers would soon move back to the precinct. The government has decided to step up quarantine of all Russian ships as soon as they enter Korean ports from Wednesday after Russian sailors who arrived in Busan last Sunday tested positive for coronavirus. As of Wednesday, Russia ranked third in the world with some 600,000 coronavirus cases after the U.S. (23.5 million) and Brazil (11.5 million). Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip said, "Quarantine officers will board all Russian ships to disinfect." Until now they only boarded Chinese, Italian, and Iranian ships. There is still no plan to do the same for American and Brazilian ships despite the high infection numbers in their home countries. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Californians are toppling statues and challenging controversial place names in solidarity with the nationwide demonstrations against police brutality and systemic racism. Heres a look at some of the actions being taken across the state amid a national reckoning over how we memorialize history and honor racial justice in public spaces. San Francisco Christopher Columbus statue, Coit Tower: Officials removed the 4,000-pound statue, with the citys Arts Commission commenting that the monument was not reflective of the citys values. Officials said the removal was also a matter of public safety, as the statue had been vandalized multiple times and a social media flyer was circulating that encouraged people to take it down and throw it in the bay. It is now in storage. Junipero Serra statue, Golden Gate Park: On June 19, a 30-foot replica of Serra in Golden Gate Park was pulled down by protesters, memorialized in a viral Twitter video. Serra, the 18th-century Franciscan friar canonized in 2015, was the founder of nine California missions and a controversial figure who has been criticized for the domination of native people. Jungho Kim / Special to The Chronicle Francis Scott Key statue, Golden Gate Park: Demonstrators in San Francisco also took down a statue of Star-Spangled Banner lyricist Francis Scott Key, who was a slaveholder. Ulysses S. Grant statue, Golden Gate Park: Protesters also vandalized and toppled a statue of the Civil War general, who led the Union army to victory. Grant had one slave, William Jones, whom he freed in 1859. Fort Bragg The town, which is named after Confederate general Braxton Bragg, decided not to go through with a November ballot measure to change the towns name. Instead, the mayor will appoint a committee to come up with other names for the town. Tahoe area Michael Macor / The Chronicle Owners of the Lake Tahoe ski resort Squaw Valley are considering a name change as the term squaw is a derogatory term against Native American women. Sacramento Columbus statue, Capitol rotunda in Sacramento: Top lawmakers in Sacramento announced that the marble sculpture of the Italian explorer and Queen Isabella would be removed. A statue of John Sutter was removed at Sacramentos Sutter Medical Center on June 15. Sutter was a colonizer of California and founded Sutters Fort, which would later become Sacramento. Many places around the city are named after Sutter, but historians have written about his enslavement of Native Americans. Daniel Kim / Associated Press Los Angeles Junipero Serra statue, Placita Olvera: Protesters toppled a statue of Serra located within a historic district in downtown Los Angeles, and then defaced it with red paint. Junipero Serra statue, Mission Hills: The Fernandeno Tataviam Band of Mission Indians covered the statue, which depicts Serra with his arm around a native indigenous child, in black trash bags and chains on Saturday. The tribe would like to see the state permanently removed. Chula Vista Christopher Columbus statue, Discovery Park: On June 12, the statue was removed due to safety concerns before a planned protest. It is unclear if the move was permanent. 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. Ventura Junipero Serra statue, City Hall: Local leaders vowed to remove the statue of Serra in front of City Hall, releasing a statement that said the sculpture would be moved to a less public area. Folsom State park officials are discussing a possible name change to the recreation area currently called Negro Bar. Placerville A petition earlier this month calls to change the welcome sign for the El Dorado County town, which now reads Old Hangtown. Critics say the nickname celebrates a racist history, and the petition has received more than 5,000 signatures. A counterpetition to keep the moniker has garnered more than 13,000 signatures. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Park officials last week removed their only known reference to the 255-foot Robert E. Lee Tree, so named to honor the Confederate general, by pulling the name from an online list of the planets 30 biggest sequoias. The tree at Grant Grove, 50 miles east of Fresno, is the worlds 11th largest. Kellie Hwang is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kellie.hwang@sfchronicle.com Santa Cruz County will reopen its beaches to the public beginning Friday, ending a two-month near-ban on beach activity, county health officer Gail Newel said in a video announcement Thursday morning. The county issued strict shelter-in-place limitations on beach access in May as a means of discouraging outsiders from visiting the region and potentially exacerbating the spread of the coronavirus. The county had planned to keep beaches off-limits through the Fourth of July weekend and had indicated earlier in June that beaches could remain closed through the summer. But on Thursday, Newel said the county is reversing course. Effective today at midnight, the beach closure will end so thats big news, Newel said. Wed hoped to continue the closure until after the Fourth of July weekend, but its become impossible for law enforcement to enforce that closure, and people are not willing to be governed anymore in that regard. The rules implemented in May had closed Santa Cruzs beaches to the public, with some exceptions. People were allowed to cross the sand between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to swim in the ocean and jog for exercise. But typical beach activities like sunbathing, picnicking and volleyball were not allowed. For the past two months, law enforcement officers have been patrolling beaches, policing activity on the sand and, at times, issuing $1,000 citations to beachgoers. In spite of the rules, people have continued to flock to popular beaches in the area during sunny weekends. Locals had expressed frustration with the beach closures. A group of Capitola residents, organized under a Facebook group called Reopen Santa Cruz County Beaches Safely, had threatened to sue the county over the restriction, calling it unconstitutional. Other beach communities in California had put similar restrictions in place notably Los Angeles County, which relaxed its rules earlier this month. Santa Cruz had been the last holdout in the state. As far as I know, we were the last county to have a local restriction on the beaches, Newel said Thursday. Santa Cruz County has registered 337 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with spikes in cases surrounding Mothers Day, Memorial Day and high school graduation celebrations. The county recorded its third coronavirus-related death earlier this week. Family gatherings seem to be the greatest cause of new cases, Newel said. Newel said Santa Cruz Countys local shelter-in-place order would expire on July 6 and the county would align with the states mandates going forward, including the mask requirement. Businesses in the county have been reopening with new rules and requirements but some elements of the countys reopening process still need to be ironed out. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, for example, will remain closed for the foreseeable future. As far as (reopening) big tourism activities such as the boardwalk, Im not going to make any guesses about when the governor might make any new decisions about shelter-in-place standards, Newel said. Gregory Thomas is the Chronicles editor of lifestyle and outdoors. Email: gthomas@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @GregRThomas A motorcyclist died after crashing into a wire fence Tuesday evening in unincorporated Sonoma County, a California Highway Patrol spokesman said. The 48-year-old victim's name was Jason Craig, and he lived in Santa Rosa, according to sheriff's Sgt. Juan Valencia. The crash happened at about 5:35 p.m. Tuesday on a curve on Annapolis Road near Stewarts Point-Skaggs Springs Road in a remote part of the county, CHP spokesman Officer David deRutte said. Craig was on a BMW motorcycle riding east on Annapolis Road when he ran off the road on a slight left curve and hit the fence. Firefighters went to the scene and tried to revive him but they were unsuccessful, deRutte said. CHP officials do not believe any foul play was involved and they do not believe the motorcyclist was impaired by drugs or alcohol. The rider was with a group, which stopped when the crash happened, deRutte said. Copyright 2020 by Bay City News, Inc. Republication, Rebroadcast or any other Reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Nigerians on social media are reacting to the released footage of Hushpuppis arrest in Dubai. In a fresh Twitter trend, Hushpuppi, and Dubai, Nigerians have aired their views on what the update means to them. Some Twitter users stressed that Hushpuppis arrest is coming on handy as they took the opportunity to advice young people. READ ALSO Dubai Police Release Video Of Hushpuppis Arrest Advertisement Hushpuppi was arrested on multiple counts of fraud that the Dubai police have said amounts up to and over, Dh150 million ($40.9m) with some luxury cars and items in his possession. See Reactions Here: https://twitter.com/AsiwajuLerry/status/1276156834026590209?s=20 https://twitter.com/gyaigyimii/status/1276157834602954753?s=20 In Nigeria today, if you question the source of a man's wealth, people will call you a hater. Our kids are bold enough to say they want to be yahoo boys when they grow up because they see how fraudsters like Hushpuppi are celebrated. We lost the plot a long time ago. Baldilocks (@Baldilocks__) June 25, 2020 https://twitter.com/royzkingin/status/1276158545663340544?s=20 You cant be making illegal moves and still want to be showing off on social media, it will raise eyebrows. Thats what finished Hushpuppi. I wonder if he read about what happened to Pablo Escobar when he attempted becoming a public figure. MONITORING_SPIRIT (@Sonjoe_Kutuh) June 25, 2020 Now those youths out there "God when-ing" on his Instagram posts and looking up to Hushpuppi would realise that hard work diligence pays in the long run. It might be difficult and rough in the begining, but never compromise honesty and diligence in that your "small" business. Wale Adetona (@iSlimfit) June 25, 2020 In a bid to weaken Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduros illicit regime, the United States has sanctioned five Iranian ship captains who delivered oil to the South American country on June 24. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that the ships from Tehran delivered nearly 1.5 million barrels of gasoline along with some related components. Pompeo also warned the mariners against doing business with Maduros government as the US showcases support for the Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido. Washington has said that the rogue regimes of both Tehran and Caracas have joined their common interests of suppression and corruption of their citizens money. Mike Pompeo also said that Iran is wasting its peoples resources to support Venezuela, where Maduros leadership resulted in the mismanagement of its own resources. US Secretary of State, The Maduro regime has mismanaged Venezuelas abundant natural resources to the point that it must import gasoline from Iran, and Maduros claims of equal and fair gasoline distribution are fooling no one. Irans continued support to Venezuela is yet another instance of Iran wasting its peoples resources on ill-conceived foreign adventurism that prolongs suffering abroad, he added. Read - US: Police Overhaul Dims, But House Democrats Push Ahead On Vote Not worth the risk In the same statement, Mike Pompeo has referred to the mariners who are supporting either Iran or Venezuela in its businesses and said that they should understand it is not worth the risk. While noting that the only solution to the problems arising in Caracas is democratic transition, US Secretary of State has also threatened any individual or entity who is hoping to indulge with both the regimes to face consequences. Meanwhile, as a result of sanctions announced on June 24, all five captains assets will be ceased further impacting their careers and prospects. Mike Pompeo said, Individuals and entities will face consequences from the United States if they do business with the Iranian regime, Maduro, or his cronies. Read - US: Census Shows White Decline, Nonwhite Majority Among Youngest Serious questions on Irans activities The US-Iran tensions that have grown tenser in recent months as they are also at odds when it comes to nuclear programs. Just days after the UNs nuclear watchdog passed a resolution critical of Iran, US Secretary of State noted that Tehrans refusal to give access to its sites raises serious questions about what the Islamic republic is attempting on 'hiding'. Mike Pompeo also said on June 25 that Irans choice if being uncooperative with the IAEA is separate from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or the nuclear accord of 2015. But, according to him, it is simply about if Iran will honour its own legally binding obligations. .@SecPompeo: Irans denial of access to @iaeaorg inspectors and refusal to cooperate with the IAEAs investigation of potentially undeclared nuclear material and activities raises serious questions about what Tehran is trying to hide. pic.twitter.com/02ABDttIFf Department of State (@StateDept) June 25, 2020 Read - South Korea, US Urge North To Implement Denuclearization Pledges Read - US Attacks Xi Jinping Directly; Accuses China's President Of Failing On Covid Transparency NEW YORK, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Veritonic, the Audio Intelligence Platform, today released its 2020 Audio Logo Index, the annual ranking of the sonic brands of top consumer businesses. Insurance giants Liberty Mutual, State Farm, and Farmers Insurance took the top three spots, with Veritonic Audio Scores of 88, 87, and 86, respectively. Little Caesars, Intel, and T-Mobile were also among the top 10. The report analyzed 56 of the top brand audio logos across the US and UK markets; a separate report measuring the logos of Australian brands, co-presented by Southern Cross Austereo, was released last week. "Audio plays an important role in driving recall and stickiness for people and we have clearly seen via our data and Veritonic's data that our audio logo, which we introduced in late 2018, is staying with consumers," said Jenna Lebel, Chief Marketing Officer at Liberty Mutual Insurance. "When you don't have a tangible product, brand cues become an important way to get consumers to remember your brand and what you sell. We believe strongly that our audio strategy is really driving strong top of mind brand awareness for us." With consumers moving rapidly toward more audio-centric lives, as evidenced by the rise of podcasts, smart speakers, and more, brands are increasingly looking to sound to develop deeper relationships with customers. The Audio Logo Index measures consumer response to audio signatures -- including how memorable they are, if they're correctly associated with the brand, and emotional resonance -- as one marker of that impact. The Veritonic platform combines Machine Listening and Learning (M-LAL) with the responses of over 3,400 people and assigns each sonic brand a Veritonic Audio Score, the only standard measure of audio creative effectiveness. Other key findings of this year's Audio Logo Index include: Leveraging brand name in audio logos drove high performance. State Farm, for example, reintroduced its name into its audio signature and jumped 14 points on the Index; Nationwide, by contrast, removed words from its sonic brand, resulting in a 28-point drop in proper brand association. Similarly, in the UK, the majority of the top half of logos included the brand name, including those from Heinz and GoCompare. While Insurance was the top-performing sector in the US, Automotive brand logos were among the lowest scorers; on average, they were correctly associated with the brand less than 3% of the time Intel's logo, driven by its iconic melody and firm establishment in the market, was the most consistent performer globally, with high scores in the US, UK, and Australia Brands leveraging melodic logos were, on average, 24% more memorable This year's Logo Index also looked more broadly at sonic branding in the context of Covid-19. Several brands made adjustments to their standard sonic ID in ads, including Liberty, Home Depot, and State Farm. Many, for example employed a 'softening' and slowing-down of their iconic brand melody in many spots, and in some instances even changed that melody. Nearly 50% of respondents said it improved their perception of the brands. "Even with this great success, we knew we needed to transform the sonic brand and make it mean something more to our audiences within our COVID-19 advertising," Liberty Mutual's Lebel continued. "We wanted to convey our authentic empathy as a brand, and felt that came through beautifully with the piano version of the jingle. The world needed something a little softer and more gentle during a complicated and trying time." "The fact that so many of these iconic brands are thinking so carefully about sonic presence right now is a testament to how crucial sound is in creating the most powerful connection between consumer and brand," said Veritonic CEO Scott Simonelli. "The audio logo is obviously only the tip of the iceberg -- it's amazing to see so many forward-thinking businesses understanding just how important an all-encompassing audio strategy is, and how those strategies are paying off." To order a copy of the 2020 Audio Logo Index, visit www.audiologoindex.com. --------- Veritonic is the audio intelligence platform, empowering marketers to understand and quantify the most effective way to use sound. It's the first analytics platform built specifically for businesses to navigate the audio market easily and maximize the massive opportunity it presents. From the podcast, streaming, or radio ads that drive sales, to where you stand relative to competitors, to what makes the most resonant sonic brand, Veritonic is one place to answer every critical question about marketing in audio. Powered by "Machine Listening and Learning", the Veritonic platform scores and benchmarks audio assets quickly and comprehensively, guiding brand leaders like Visa and platforms like Pandora to make decisions that cultivate deeper relationships with customers through sound. www.veritonic.com SOURCE Veritonic Related Links veritonic.com Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took his son out for ice cream on Wednesday in his first family outing since the country started easing out of its pandemic lockdown. Photograph: Justin Trudeau/Twitter Wearing masks, the Canadian leader and his six-year-old son Hadrien were cheered at Chocolats Favoris in Gatineau, Quebec. And what was the icecream that the six-year-old chose? Hadrien is said to have settled on a vanilla cone with a cookie topping while dad bought a vanilla cone dipped in chocolate for himself. Canada's provinces and territories declared states of emergency mid-March, closing schools and non-essential businesses in response to the pandemic. June 24, 2020 News By Jim Garamone , DOD News Defense.gov Changes in Tech, Strategy Drive Missile Defense Changes to technologies, strategy and capabilities make a good case for closer cooperation among the combatant commands, the services and allies in regard to missile defense, military officers charged with this crucial mission said. At yesterday's virtual conference sponsored by the Missile Defense Advocacy Association, the idea that the return of great power competition has shifted the missions of missile defense was the unifying theme. China and Russia are investing heavily in building new missile capabilities in everything from hypersonics to cruise missiles to various ranges of ballistic missiles. But other nations most notably Iran and North Korea remain threats, too, and missile defense capabilities from afloat, on the ground or in space must cover that total range, the conferees said. In the 1980s, critics derided missile defense as a "Star Wars" fiction. That fiction, if it ever was, is now more of a reality than ever. "[Missile defense] is about just protecting this country," said Navy Vice Adm. Jon Hill, the director of the Missile Defense Agency. "It is about layered defense to protect the country or deployed forces and our allies." While the agency works on the capabilities, the combatant commands must field and use them. Whether it is Aegis destroyers in the East China Sea or Patriot missile batteries in Saudi Arabia or soldiers manning the missile fields of Alaska, the problem set is constant: "We've got to be able to sense it, got to be able to see it, got to attribute it, and then we [have] got to be able to intercept it," said Lt. Gen. Daniel L. Karbler, the commander of Army Space and Missile Defense Command. But there are differences among the combatant commands, and commanders must constantly talk and share information and best practices. Changes to the National Defense Strategy are intensely felt in U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, which is facing a China actively trying to overturn the existing international order. "China invests heavily in air and missile systems to project 'anti-access, area denial,' which challenges a free and open Indo-Pacific," said Navy Rear Adm. Steve Koehler, IndoPacom's director of operations. China should be a concern for all combatant commands, the admiral said, because the nation is becoming increasingly capable. "China represents the greatest long-term strategic threat to security in the 21st century, not only in the Indo-Pacific, but to the entire globe," he said. "The Communist Party of China is actively seeking to supplant the established rules-based order in order to dictate new international norms and behaviors." The National Defense Strategy directs the military to retool after 20 years of counterinsurgency warfare to protect against existential threats and near-peer adversaries. U.S. military investments must aim at maintaining the deterrent effect of missile defense. The program has to harness advanced capabilities based on leading edge technologies, all of the officers said, and missile defense must be adaptable to changing threats and different parts of the globe. It also must be inclusive. The United States works with close allies including the NATO nations, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Israel and Saudi Arabia. The defense of the homeland is paramount. "We're not resting on our laurels," said Air Force Maj. Gen. Kevin A. Huyck, director of operations for U.S. Northern Command. "It's through advancements in technology, continual testing, and then looking at how we bring in new advances in the systems that we currently have, and then an eye to the future." This includes better sensors, the next-generation interceptor and better command and control architecture, he said. "Failure is really not an option we've heard a lot of that before," Huyck said. "I see that as the threats continue to evolve, we do have to evolve to maintain our technical and our military advantages. What we need to be mindful of is what this does to our overall architecture and the need to improve." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BERLIN An American-mediated initiative to stabilize the Balkans, which the Trump administration hoped might burnish its foreign policy credentials in an election year, was postponed on Thursday after one of the main participants, President Hashim Thaci of Kosovo, was indicted on war crimes charges. Mr. Thaci had been expected to meet on Saturday at the White House with his Serbian counterpart, President Aleksandar Vucic, at a summit mediated by Richard Grenell, an envoy for President Trump. American officials hoped the gathering might pave the way for longstanding tensions between the two Balkan countries to finally be settled. Kosovo broke away from Serbia in 1999, aided by a NATO-led bombing campaign, but Serbia has never recognized Kosovos independence. Transport links between the two countries remain limited while economic ties are strained. Mr. Grenell hoped Saturdays summit might galvanize trade and business relationships between the two countries, providing momentum for more formal peace talks later in the year. HMNZS Aotearoa set sail for New Zealand on June 10 from the Republic of Korea, Minister of Defence Ron Mark says. "Aotearoa is the Royal New Zealand Navys new fleet tanker and will extend the fleets range and endurance during operations that span from Antarctica to the Equator and beyond," says Mark. "Aotearoa has been designed to support both combat and civilian operations, and to deliver humanitarian relief and support for disaster recovery." Built to replace the decommissioned fleet tanker, Endeavour, the new ship can carry up to 22 containers of supplies and produce 100 tonnes of fresh water each day. The fuel carrying capability of 9,500 tonnes is capable of refuelling multiple vessels. Aotearoa will sail into Auckland harbour accompanied by a welcoming flotilla at 9.30am tomorrow morning. A flypast by the Royal New Zealand Air Force will also take place at 10.40am. The ship will berth for the first time at Devonport Naval Base where her commissioning will take place next month. "To deliver this significant ship, New Zealand and South Korea have worked closely to meet both countries strict pandemic response requirements, ensuring final testing and delivery to New Zealand will be completed safely," says Mark. "Sea trials were successfully undertaken in February and March. While most of the work has been completed in South Korea, final work and testing of specialised military systems will be completed in New Zealand. "Plans for Aotearoas arrival in New Zealand have been developed to comply with COVID-19 border restrictions. Approval for the voyage has been granted by the New Zealand Government in accordance with these border control policies and include a testing regime and use of the 16 day delivery voyage for isolation. "Along with the Korean delivery crew, 11 New Zealand defence personnel who undertook project management and inspection activities will also return on the ship." The Ministry of Defence and the New Zealand Defence Force has worked with Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Customs, Maritime New Zealand, the State Services Commission, Ministry of Health and other agencies to ensure the plan puts safety first. "This vessel enhances our national resilience as well as our ability to support our friends and neighbours throughout the Pacific and beyond," says Mark. Customs officials from Chennai and Bengaluru have arrested a 25-year-old Malaysian national who was working in an online shopping portal firm for importing drugs from Frankfurt, Germany, recently. The arrested has been identified as Ravi Kumar, Indian origin, Malaysian national who is a BBA graduate from a private college (Christ) in Bengaluru and is working as a quality analyst in Amazon, Bengaluru. Based on the intelligence, the Air Customs postal intelligence unit had detained a postal parcel which had narcotics substance arrived in Chennai from Frankfurt. On examining the parcel the officials found light yellow pills and light pink pills which were tested to be Methyllenedioxy- methamphetamine (MDMA), each yellow pills had 225 mg of MDMA and pink pills had 285 mg of MDMA. The parcel was addressed to a person in Erode in Tamil Nadu. When officials checked on the address Kumar's mother was staying there. She informed her son's Bengaluru address and he has not returned home since lockdown. Kumar was staying in an apartment in Koramangala. The officials arrested him and took him to Chennai. He has been booked under the NDPS Act and has been remanded in judicial custody. MDMA is known as Ecstasy, a party drug that alters mood and perception and is chemically similar to both stimulants and hallucinogens which produce feelings of increased energy and pleasure. Dosage above 120 mg is considered to be high and can be fatal, the officials stated. In Ischgl, Austria, was infected a large part of the population with the Coronavirus. According to the Medical University of Innsbruck, 42.4 percent of the in a comprehensive study investigated citizens ' anti-bodies have developed to the Coronavirus. This is the world's highest previously published value, said the Director of the Institute for Virology, Dorothee von Laer, on Thursday in Innsbruck. Antibodies in the blood are considered to be evidence for a recent infection. Ischgl with its Apres-ski bars is considered the focal point for the spread of the Coronavirus in Austria and Parts of Europe. According to information from Austrian authorities have, at times, attributed 40 percent of all cases in Germany to Ischgl. Many German tourists have been infected after their Conviction in Ischgl face. A Commission in the Federal state of Tyrol, is now to take the much-criticised crisis management under the magnifying glass. striking that of the positive for antibodies people tested previously, only 15 percent of the diagnosis had to be infected, said of Laer. "85 percent of those who have made the infection, did this go unnoticed by." Despite the high antibody value, no herds was also achieved in Ischgl-immunity. Decisive for the decline of cases, quarantine, and social distance were, it was said. Around 80 per cent of Ischgl's population took part in the study. 1473 subjects were between 21. and 27. April has been investigated. Updated Date: 25 June 2020, 09:19 The two factions of the Hinduja family have been sparring long before the Hinduja Bank dispute came to light days ago. Markets and the world at large missed the first signs of crack in the family that emerged as far back as September last year. Sparks flew at the board of the group's Rs 4,861-crore business process management company Hinduja Global Solutions, a listed company, between Srichand Parmanand Hinduja's two daughters - Vinoo and Shanu - and Prakash Hinduja's son Ramkrishan Hinduja over running the company. Ramkrishan was the Chairman, Shanu was the co-chairperson, while Vinoo was a director in the eight-member board of the company. They all left the board by resigning in September 2019. ALSO READ: Hinduja brothers in battle: What went wrong in the family? People familiar with the developments say the differences among the family members impacted the functioning of the board and also the business. The tension within the family was building up for over a year. Vinoo and Shanu, both directors on the board, represented their father Srichand in Hinduja Global Solutions. In fact, he was the one who founded the company. He is still the chairman of Hinduja Group. They exited the board due to strained relationship in the family. Ramkrishan also left the company because of the same reason. People in the know say there was an agreement to disengage the family from both sides for the benefit of the company. It helped the group function smoothly by making way for professionals to run the show. ALSO READ: Hinduja brothers' rift out in the open: All you need to know The eight-member board of the Hinduja Global Solutions, with a substantial 67.24 per cent promoter stake, now has no member of the Hinduja family on it. Hinduja Global Solutions reported revenues of Rs 4,861 crore with profits of Rs 176 crore in 2018-19. The company has clients across the US, Europe Asia and Middle East. This listed company on the Indian bourses has a market cap of Rs 1367 crore. Hinduja family's dispute has come out in the open as Srichand and his three younger brothers - Gopichand, Prakash and Ashok - are involved in multiple litigations in the courts of the UK, New Jersey and Switzerland. The main dispute is over a letter signed by the four brothers six years ago over their rights in the group assets. Srichand, who played a key role in building the group, is now disowning the letter by saying that it has no legal effect whatsoever. While the disputes are on, the three brothers have issued a statement saying that the ongoing litigations will not have any impact on global businesses, which will continue to function as they have so far. "We hope you will understand that these are private family matters which are now the subject of litigation and we cannot comment any further," the release stated. ALSO READ: Hinduja brothers in battle; disputed Switzerland bank owns 5% in Ashok Leyland A Polish man caught growing a large amount of cannabis in Midleton was given a three-year jail term today which was suspended on condition that he would return home to Poland within the fortnight. Konstantyn Pererwa came before Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing. He had pleaded guilty cultivating cannabis on March 2 2015 at his home at Woodview Lawn, Saleen, Midleton. He also admitted the more serious charge of having the drugs at a time when their street value exceeded 13,000. The defendant had been in custody pending sentence for the drugs crimes. However, Siobhan Lankford, defence senior counsel said that the accused was anxious to leave Ireland and rehabilitate himself at home in Poland. Ms Lankford suggested that the prosecution was not opposed to the defendant leaving Ireland and this was confirmed today at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Sean O Donnabhain was told that the gardai did not expect Pererwa to come to garda attention in the future. Prosecution barrister, Donal McCarthy, said: If he went away and stayed away the gardai would not object. He had no previous convictions and he cooperated with gardai. The sentencing had been adjourned until today for the defence to make arrangements for the defendant to fly back to Poland. Ms Lankford said a one-way ticket had been booked for the defendant to fly from Dublin to an airport in Poland on July 9. Judge O Donnabhain accepted the suggestion that the prospects for the defendant to rehabilitate would be enhanced by living in his own country. The judge imposed a sentence of three years, suspended on condition that the accused would not return to Ireland for at least five years. Pererwa left Ireland shortly after the offence was detected. He was arrested recently on a European arrest warrant and brought back to face charges related to the case that dated back to March 2015. Ms Lankford SC said he pleaded guilty immediately on his return to Ireland and did not try to obstruct the extradition process. A Catholic church in Detroit has fired its music director after someone learned that she was married to a woman, and urged the executives to invoke the church's 'morality clause'. Terry Gonda, 59, found out on Wednesday that she was being fired from her job of 30 years for her relationship. Last week the Supreme Court ruled that the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination due to gender, also applies to sexual orientation. However, religious organizations are considered exempt and have historically been granted immunity from lawsuits due to separation of church and state. Terry Gonda, pictured with her wife Kirsti Reeve, was fired on Wednesday by the church Gonda married Kirsti Reeve, 51, whom she met in 1994 during a trip to England, in 2011. Reeve moved to the U.S. and converted to Catholicism for Gonda. 'It's a shot to the head from headquarters,' Gonda told the Detroit Free Press. 'The dehumanization of this is just not right.' The church, St John Fisher in Auburn Hills, made no secret of why she was being fired. 'I received a call from the Human Resource director for the Archdiocese in response to a communication the diocese received regarding your marital status,' wrote Monsignor Michael LeFevre, the pastor of the church, in a June 12 email. 'When asked, I confirmed that you and Kirsti had informed me of your marital status some five years ago; now the Archdiocese is choosing to activate its morality clause to terminate your employment.' She was summoned to a meeting on Wednesday and officially terminated. Gonda tears up her severance letter in front of supporters in Detroit on Wednesday The couple, who married in 2011, are pictured praying before the Wednesday meeting to fire her LeFevre has not commented on the firing. The Detroit Archdiocese said: 'As a long-standing practice, out of respect for the privacy of those involved, the Detroit archdiocese does not comment on personnel matters.' Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron has advocated for conversion therapy for homosexuals, urging Catholics in 2017 to pray for 'those with same-sex attraction who do not see the truth and goodness of Christ's call to them, that they might undergo repentance and conversion to receive healing and peace.' His teachings run contrary to those of Pope Francis, who in 2013 said: 'If a person is gay and seeks God and has good will, who am I to judge?' In 2018 the Pope told a gay man: 'God made you this way'. The Roman Catholic Church does not recognize same-sex marriage, however. Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron has advocated for conversion therapy for homosexuals Gonda said she was left in turmoil by the decision, but refused to condemn her former colleagues. 'My heart just hurts because I have an outpouring of love for them,' she told the paper. 'I love them. I believe that they believe they're doing the right thing - they're trying to protect the church.' She said she was always made to feel welcome by the church, and the former pastor, who retired five years ago, described her as a 'model person' with a deep love of God, who enhanced his parish. 'Everything that I saw of Terry was of God,' said Rev. Jerry Brzezinski, who worked there for 32 years. 'It didn't really make any difference one way or another over who you were or what you were about in terms of your lifestyle. 'She was a good person. Her life was of God.' Gonda and Reeves married in 2011 in Washington DC, having met in 1994 in England Gonda said she was speaking out to try and reassure her supporters at the progressive church. She intends to be front row, with her wife, at Mass on Sunday. 'I need to say something,' she said. 'People are terrified, thinking, "If they can fire Terry, I'm next." 'My soul is filled with grief. But in my soul, something is happening. 'There are signs. God is in this. God is preparing us for what's in store. There must be a better way.' Sheran Tioran, 77, who has been a parishioner at St John Fisher for more than 40 years, joined Gonda outside her parish with a group of supporters on Wednesday. 'I'm saddened and I'm angry,' she told the paper. 'For us here at the chapel, this is not the Jesus that I know.' Tioran has known Gonda for 32 years and called her firing 'unjust and un-Christian.' 'These are man-made rules,' Tioran said of the so called morality clause and ministerial exception used to fire Gonda. 'Jesus would not be turning Terry and Kirsti away. He'd be welcoming them with open arms. It's just ridiculous.' Lisa Brown, who ran the parish's campus and young adult ministry for 17 years, said Gonda's firing was a big loss to the church. 'She literally saved lives,' Brown said. 'Her way of accepting people and just being present helped so many young people who were disowned by their own family, or who were not accepted for who they were.' New Delhi, June 25 : As gold prices in Delhi crossed the Rs 50,000 mark for 10 grams, driving this surge is the frenzy in the gold trading markets in London, New York and Switzerland as record demands for delivery of gold are coming, unprecedented in recent times. Gold prices zoomed to Rs 50,405 per 10 grams as the safe haven asset hit new highs. In a blog, Ronan Manly, precious metals analyst with BullionStar has flagged some of the unsual going ons in the London and New York markets. There have been large trading losses at bullion banks, for example HSBC, Manly said. The gold borrowing rates have been rising, bullion banks are scrambling to secure physical gold to send to New York, there have been sharp drops in COMEX gold futures open interest (OI), huge volumes of gold bar exports from Switzerland to New York, record gold inventory build-ups in COMEX approved vaults and record numbers of COMEX gold contracts moving to delivery (June and April). Trend watcher Ritesh Jain said in a tweet, "Something which has not happened in the history A stunning 2.8 M oz of gold was marked for delivery in last month contract... equating 88 tonnes worth $4-5B. Somebody is really taking a big call that USD will be devalued significantly." Jain has pointed out that the huge gold delivery is linked to a potential weakness on the anvil in the US dollar. Manly said the COMEX 100 oz gold futures contract, along with the London OTC gold market, between them have a near monopoly on gold price discovery, and are the playground of the LBMA bullion banks such as JP Morgan, HSBC, Scotia, and Goldman Sachs which dominate and control both venues. On the Comex, while the April deliveries of 31,666 contracts were unprecedented, that was just a warm up, something which became apparent when the intent for deliveries notices for the June contract started showing up from late May onwards, manly wrote. On 29 May, first notice day for June deliveries, COMEX released a report showing that short holders had indicated that they were moving an incredible 28,375 contracts for delivery on the first day, which was nearly as many contracts as went through in the whole of April, itself a previous record month. Manly said from there the contracts intending to deliver just piled, over 7,000 the next day, 6,000 the day after that, to a situation where there are now 52,010 June contracts lined up for delivery. That's 5,201,000 ozs of gold or 161.7 tonnes. With June Open Interest now at tiny levels, it looks like 5.2 million ozs is now more or less the amounts of gold warrants which will be delivered for June. With 5,201,000 ozs of gold (161.7 tonnes) involved in these delivery notices, this is interestingly just a few tonnes more than all the gold that was exported from Switzerland to the New York during March and April, i.e. 42.7 tonnes in March and 110.6 tonnes in April, for a combined 153.3 tonnes. "Switzerland never normally exports gold to the US. In fact, the US usually exports gold to Switzerland gold to Switzerland - to be refined. Why was 153.3 tonnes rushed into New York during late March and April. Were these COMEX deliveries known about in advance?" Manly wrote. Experts say the rally in gold prices is primarily on account of new COVID cases globally. This in turn has dented hope of a quick global economic recovery and US Fed's comment on bleak employment outlook in the US. The rupee depreciating against the US dollar is also helping rally in gold prices in India. "Gold prices have rallied over 15 per cent (YTD) and nearly 25 per cent up in the last 1 year. Expect gold to remain in focus till clarity emerges on a vaccine and new cases are under control," Nish Bhatt, Founder & CEO, Millwood Kane International said. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text According to the records, a club called the "7 Deadly Sins" was responsible for the deaths of 7 people. Morgan County Investigators said that two suspects charged 'capital murder', weren't happy about the actions of other club members. The others they said went to a Valhermoso residence and executed seven individuals for yet to be known reasons, reported AL. Two of the club members in custody, John Michael Legg, aged-19, of Danville, and Frederic "Rick" Allen Rogers, aged-22, of Hartselle got mad at the others for not following them. One of the witnesses told that firearms owned by Legg and Rogers were stolen. This was in the affidavit submitted by Jordan Byrd of the sheriff's criminal investigative division. Both Rogers and Leg were in an Oregon jail for capital murder charges in Morgan County, related to the 4-gun related deaths at 522 Talucah road. According to the authorities, they are members of a local club called "Seven Deadly Sins," confirmed in Mercury News. Another affidavit was presented to the Morgan County Circuit Judge Charles Elliott, a female witness testified that more cases happened before the murders. It was mentioned that the female is a case witness, not to any crime committed by the suspects. An SMS allegedly sent by Rogers mentioned the problem was solved and suggested that if there were any inquiries, he can say that he is on vacation. It was sent two hours later, when the shooting was reported, based on what the witness said. Perpetrators Legg and Rogers were subject to a 14-day manhunt all over the US with 25 law enforcement agencies involved. The pair got nabbed on Sunday afternoon in Oregon, Marion County, apparently there because of Roger's relatives. Also read: Grisly Remains of a Missing Oregon Woman Found Hidden in Brush as Big as a House The seven people they murdered were James Wayne Benford, 22, William Zane Hodgin, 18, Roger Lee Jones Jr., 20, Tammy England Muzzey, 45, Emily Brooke Payne, 21; Jeramy Wade Roberts, 31, and a female, 17, all identified by Morgan County Coroner Jeff Chunn. Since the 17-year old female is a minor, her name is kept private. The witness's affidavit According to reports, the FBI violent crimes task force was reached on Thursday for more information related to the case. During the investigation, the female witness revealed that she stayed at the Seven Deadly Sins clubhouse. Members were Rogers, Legg, and the victims Jones, Roberts and Benford. A sixth male is also part of the group based on the records, cited Crimeonline. Both Legg and Rogers were not happy with some of the members. It was Legg whose guns were stolen by some members. It was decided by the two+ to correct the behavior of erring members. This is what happened on the evening of June 4. The reference to wiping the slate clean and going by force foretold the murders. Also, the suspects said that the club will be dismantled at night's end. The witness got an SMS at 1:35 am on June 5th, asking her to take care of "Ducky', owned by Rogers. A 911 call at 11:32 sent the authorities to a house at Valhermoso Springs when shots were heard on June 4. What was found were seven victims shot several times, with a dead dog and a small fire, noted on USA Today. Deputies saw smoke from the house and the dead bodies. Investigators did not find any smartphones on the victims. It seems they two went in without any problem and started killing everyone. The affidavit noted that Legg's mobile was shut at 10 pm on June 4, but was active on June 5 shortly in Kansas. Relate article: Woman Shot Dead, Man Injured Due to Altercation Over Dog Poop @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay will go completely online next semester in view of the COVID-19 pandemic so there is no compromise on the safety and well being of students, its director said on Thursday. The decision, the first by any IIT, followed deliberations that went on till late night Wednesday. This is the first time in the institute's 62-year history that a new academic year will start with no students on campus. Other IITs are likely to follow suit with similar announcements for the autumn semester that runs from July till December. "After a long deliberation in the Senate, we have decided that the next semester will be run purely in the online mode so that there is no compromise on the safety and well being of the students. The COVID pandemic has made us rethink the way we impart education to our students, IIT-Bombay Director Subhasis Chaudhuri said in a statement to the media. "To ensure that our students begin the academic year without further delay, we are planning on extensive online classes details of which will be informed to all students in due course of time," he added. With a large section of students coming from economically weak families, the director also appealed for donations to help bridge the digital divide. "A large section of our students come from economically less privileged families and would require a helping hand to equip them with the IT hardware to take these online classes. We look forward to your overwhelming support to help these bright young minds to continue their learning without any further hindrances or delays," he said. IIT-Bombay's announcement comes at a time the HRD Ministry is holding discussions on revising the academic calendar in view of the spike in COVID-19 cases. HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank' on Wednesday asked the University Grants Commission (UGC) to revisit the guidelines for intermediate and terminal semester exams and the academic calendar. He said the foundation for revisited guidelines shall be the health and safety of students, teachers and staff. According to officials, exams for final year university students planned to be held in July are likely to be cancelled and alternative modalities of assessment will be worked out. An opportunity will be given to students to improve their score at a later stage, they said. The commencement of the academic session, earlier planned for August for existing students and September for freshers, is expected to be deferred to October. However, no final decision has been taken yet and revised guidelines are expected to be announced within a week. The guidelines are advisory in nature. The various IITs have been deliberating on delaying calling students to campus this year. "Considering the challenge of uncertainty thrown by the pandemic, it is not wise to delay the academic session because we don't know yet that by when will it be completely safe to call students on campus. It is better we start the academic session and figure out ways to help students who may not have access to computer or internet," an IIT-Delhi official said. The highest-ever single-day surge of 16,922 COVID-19 cases pushed India's total tally to 4,73,105 on Thursday whereas the death toll climbed to 14,894 with 418 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry. With this, India has registered over 14,000 cases for the sixth day in a row. Also read: 'Decision on board exams to be out on Thursday,' says CBSE to Supreme Court Jenrick faces calls to resign amid donor row over controversial development approval Robert Jenrick is facing calls to resign after documents revealed he was "insistent" a controversial development was agreed before a new levy would cost its Tory donor backer millions. Boris Johnson backed the beleaguered Housing Secretary, with the head of the civil service saying the Prime Minister "considered the matter closed". But a stash of documents and texts released after pressure from the opposition showed multi-millionaire Tory donor Richard Desmond urged Mr Jenrick to approve the east London development scheme so that "Marxists" did not get "doe for nothing". Antibody tests being rolled out without proper assessment, leading experts warn Coronavirus antibody tests for NHS and care staff are being rolled out without "adequate assessment, leading experts have warned. A letter from academics and clinicians raises concerns about the performance of the tests, the clinical reasoning for them and the cost. The first phase of the Government's programme for the tests, which can tell whether a person has had the illness in the past, will assess health workers. Clinicians will also be able to request the tests for patients in both hospital and social care settings if they think it is appropriate. Britons 'will be able to fly to France, Italy and Spain next week' Air bridges will be available from next week to allow Britons to take holidays in other countries without quarantining for 14 days, it has been reported. The Government is expected to finalise agreements in the coming days to allow travel from the UK to a small number of countries including Spain, France and Greece. The news follows Transport Secretary Grant Shapps indicating air bridges would only be agreed with countries which have a coronavirus test and trace system at the same standard as that used in Britain. Judi Dench: Some major theatres won't reopen in my lifetime Dame Judi Dench has said that she believes some major theatres will not reopen in her lifetime. Discussing the state of the UK's theatre industry amid the lockdown, the veteran stage and screen actress, 85, said: I can't see how it's going to recover. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that theatres and concert halls are able to reopen from July 4, but not for live performances. Strictly to return to television screens after pause due to coronavirus Strictly Come Dancing will return to television later this year, but with a shorter series than usual, the BBC has confirmed. The show would usually be due to return at the end of September but its launch is expected to be slightly delayed because of coronavirus precautions. The corporation previously confirmed that the professional dancers are poised to start rehearsing remotely at the end of July and could be isolated along with key production members to enable group numbers to still go ahead. On this day... 1797: Admiral Nelson was wounded in the right arm by grapeshot. He had it amputated that afternoon. 1867: The first patent for barbed wire was taken out by Lucien Smith of Kent, Ohio. 1876: Custer's Last Stand took place at Little Big Horn, Montana. The Sioux Indians, led by Crazy Horse, killed Custer and all 264 soldiers of his 7th US Cavalry. 1945: The United Nations Organisation was founded. 1953: John Christie was sentenced to death for murdering four women including his wife. He is believed to have killed three others, including Beryl Evans and her daughter in 1950, for which Timothy Evans was found guilty and hanged. 1969: Pancho Gonzalez and Charlie Pasarell played a record 112-game singles match on Wimbledon's Centre Court, lasting five hours 12 minutes. Gonzalez, aged 41, won. 1990: 7,000 king penguins killed themselves on uninhabited sub-Antarctic Macquaine Island. Bodies were piled four deep in this bizarre mass suicide, and the reason remains a complete mystery. 2009: Tributes from the world of music, film and celebrity flooded in following the death of 50-year-old "King of Pop" Michael Jackson. 2019: SpaceX launched its heftiest rocket with 24 research satellites. TORONTO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ACLU president Susan Herman today said a 2015 report on the Minneapolis police proved the department was "highly racist" five years before one of its members killed George Floyd this May. Herman made the remarks at the 30,000-attendee online conference Collision from Home, produced by the team behind Web Summit the world's largest tech conference. "In 2015 the ACLU did a report on the Minneapolis police department, which showed clearly that the Minneapolis police department was highly racist they were arresting people over eight times as often for minor offences. And so the police department did adopt some minor reforms. They were doing bias training and, hey, it didn't work. It's not enough," said Herman. Herman articulated her vision for defunding the police, something she said is "misunderstood" and that "makes people nervous", adding, "The people who are afraid of defunding the police are the people who are fortunate enough to be in a position where the police make them feel safe. Not everyone feels safer when the police are around some people feel more threatened." Herman said defunding the police means reconsidering when we want police-based response to societal issues or whether different responses would be both more appropriate and effective. "A quarter of the people who police end up arresting are people who have mental health issues and people who are acting strangely. So if we had real mental health services to deal with these people, or if we dealt with homelessness or drug addiction, in ways other than having the police have a major footprint all over the place. Number one we would be reducing the opportunities for the police to be effecting what I think almost inevitably is arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement." "And number two we could use the money in better ways. The city of Los Angeles spends almost a third of its city budget on policing. They just agreed to reduce that by some, but the idea of defunding is maybe we could use that money in better ways that would actually keep us safer," said Herman. Watch a clip from the interview here . About Susan Herman: Susan Herman is president of the ACLU. She holds a chair as centennial professor of law at Brooklyn Law School, where she teaches constitutional law, criminal procedure, and a new seminar titled 'Covid-19 and the Constitution'. About Collision: Collision is known by CBC as the "TIFF for tech", while Inc. Magazine calls it the "fastest-growing tech conference in North America". Collision is set to move online for 2020 with Collision from Home. Collision will return to Toronto as a physical event for the second year from June 21-24, 2021 at the Enercare Centre. About Web Summit: Forbes says Web Summit is "the best tech conference on the planet"; Bloomberg calls it "Davos for geeks"; Politico, "the Olympics of tech"; The Guardian, "Glastonbury for geeks"; and, in the words of Inc. Magazine, "Web Summit is the largest technology conference in the world". Whatever Web Summit is, it wouldn't be possible without an incredible team of over 200 employees based in Dublin, Lisbon, Toronto and Hong Kong, including world-class engineers, data scientists, designers, producers, marketers, salespeople, and more. They've disrupted an old industry by building incredible software and designing mind-blowing events, revolutionising how people and ideas come together to change the world. Useful links: Collision images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/collisionconf/ Collision speaker lineup: https://collisionconf.com/speakers Collision schedule: https://collisionconf.com/schedule SOURCE Web Summit As Britons gear up for a return to the office post-lockdown, many will have started dusting off their work wardrobe - and becoming reacquainted with their heels. A large number of us won't have looked at a stiletto since March, when restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs were closed and the country was urged to work from home. So will there be a return to high heels in the coming weeks? Or have women across Britain got used to the luxury of a flat shoe? Anthony McGrath, celebrity stylist and lecturer at the Fashion Retail Academy in London, told FEMAIL: 'Since people have stopped leaving the house to go to work and visit restaurants, clubs or bars, they have been seeking out more comfortable clothing to wear, and that goes for shoes too. As Britons gear up to return to the office from lockdown, many will have started dusting off their work wardrobe - and becoming reacquainted with their heels. Pictured: stock image 'Flat shoes had been rising in popularity even before coronavirus think back to pictures of students on nights out, with women matching their best clubbing attire with a pair of trainers. 'But since the lockdown, the numbers of people turning to this style of footwear has exploded. 'Flats, pumps and flip flops have become the go-to shoes while heels are collecting dust at the back of the wardrobe. 'In the short-term, even when pubs and restaurants reopen, social distancing restrictions will likely mean Brits will be meeting up for quick casual catch-ups rather than long, drawn-out meals and nights out. 'That's going to have an impact on their choice of outfit too, making it much more likely, in the short term, that they'll cling on to the more relaxed wardrobe that has found favour over the past few months.' Celebrity stylist Anthony McGrath said flat shoes had been rising in popularity even before coronavirus - but since the lockdown, the numbers of people turning to this style of footwear has exploded. Pictured: Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio, a brand ambassador for Pretty Ballerinas, donning a pair of their pumps David Bell, founder of Pretty Ballerinas, a brand that specialises in ballet flats, pumps, loafers and moccasins and is a favourite among celebrities, told FEMAIL that sales are up 60 per cent since this time last year. He added that the company has gone from 'lockdown and furlough' to 'all guns blazing'. 'It's crazy but fun times,' David said. 'We are seeing a lot of interest in classic round toe ballerinas - sales are up 60 per cent since last year like for like where we are open. 'Web traffic is also up 100 per cent since last year. We have created a whole digital department to improve the customer experience which has helped. David Bell, founder of Pretty Ballerinas, a brand that specialises in ballet flats, pumps, loafers and moccasins and is a favourite among celebrities, told FEMAIL that sales are up 60 per cent since this time last year. Pictured: influencers Gayle Rinkoff (left) and Naomi Ross (right) show off their flats 'We see signs all around that the ballerina is back and are looking to open stores in growing markets - as seen by our recent opening in the department store SKP Beijing, where sales are going gangbuster and we are struggling to keep up replacing what's selling.' However, Anthony said he expects people's attitudes will shift yet again once lockdown measures are more significantly eased. 'Don't bet against the heel making a comeback once the country can put all quarantine measures behind it,' he said. Wednesday, June 24, 2020 On July 1, join in the online conversation introducing AFTR, technology that helps with modern-day mourning. With funerals and in-person interactions impacted by social distancing, AFTR provides a new way to stay connected. This event is part of Reimagine: Life, Loss & Love, a Worldwide Virtual Festival. Virtual Visits: A New Concept in After Death Care, takes place at noon EDT/9:00 a.m. PDT on Wednesday, July 1. Sign up at this page to participate. Funerals, memorial services and mourning have been dramatically affected by social distancing requirements to fight the coronavirus pandemic. With mourning traditions disrupted, new technology and apps can help us stay connected to our loved ones in meaningful ways. How can technology help? Join in this virtual conversation with Joseph Schechter, founder and CEO of AFTR in New York City, Omer Haim, AFTRs Director of Global Business Operations in Tel Aviv, and Gail Rubin, Certified Thanatologist and The Doyenne of Death in Albuquerque, New Mexico. AFTR has created an app to virtually visit the resting places of loved ones, using solar-powered cameras in cemeteries. They also offer AFTR Messaging, enabling people to share digital messages and videos with loved ones after death has occurred. Learn how you can stay connected forever. Reimagine: Life, Loss, & Love is a global community of interested artists, storytellers, healthcare professionals, innovators, designers, faith and community leaders, organizations and individuals, banding together to launch a Worldwide Virtual Festival on embracing life, facing death, and loving fully, during COVID-19 to amplify the end-of-life conversation. Review and register for all Festival events here. Share this: LONDON In a decisive break with the hard-left wing of Britains opposition Labour Party, its new leader dismissed a senior lawmaker on his leadership team Thursday for having shared an article online that the party said contained an anti-Semitic conspiracy theory. The dismissal by the new Labour leader, Keir Starmer, represented a pronounced shift from the handling of allegations of anti-Semitism under Jeremy Corbyn, his predecessor, who led the party to a catastrophic election defeat in December as voters expressed anger in part over the partys sluggish response to anti-Semitism in its ranks. It also amounted to a broader rebuke of Labours hard left. The lawmaker who was dismissed, Rebecca Long-Bailey, was the member of Mr. Starmers team most closely identified with Mr. Corbyns leadership. Her inclusion in the shadow cabinet a group consisting of the most senior opposition lawmakers had been seen as an attempt to unite competing factions within the party. Mr. Starmer, who comes from the more moderate wing of Labour, asked Ms. Long-Bailey to step down from his leadership team after she had praised an English actress who, without citing any evidence, blamed training by Israeli security services for the tactics used in the killing of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis. Mr. Floyds death last month was a catalyst for widespread protests in the United States and elsewhere over police brutality against African Americans and other people of color. Recently Sonu Nigam started a dialogue about favouritism in the Music Industry and also claimed Bhushan Kumar and his music company T-series hold a monopoly in the industry. In response to the accusation, Bhushan Kumar's wife Divya Khosla Kumar took to her Instagram and shared "The Bitter Truth #SonuNigam", she captioned the post. Sonu Nigam Divya Khosla , ; Watch video | FilmiBeat In the 11-minute video, Divya Khosla Kumar questions Sonu Nigam about his allegations and if he has every given a newcomer a chance, whereas T-Series has given a break to many newcomers. "You (Sonu) are such a legend. How many people have you given a break to? No one." Divya even revealed that "97% people working in T-Series are outsiders, not industry kids." Divya also called in her chef Sheru on camera to reveal Sonu's origins and how he was debuted by T-series. Sheru revealed, Sonu used to 'sing in Delhi's Ramleela for Rs 5. It was there that Gulshan Kumar spotted him, recognised his talent and gave him a flight ticket to Mumbai'." It was this part of the video that had turned into a field trip for Twitter users, many have been sharing clips from the video and have asked why didn't Divya make a TikTok video instead? Netizens's React To Divya Khosla Kumar's Video One fan wrote, "Divya Khosla Kumar bringing her family chef "sheru" to counter Sonu Nigam is sending me .......phle to over acting ke 500 kaato iske... #DivyaKhoslaKumar" While another fan wrote, "his whole saga of Divya Khosla Kumar and Sheru is so funny They definitely should get a filmfare award for this performance . Why didn't she make a tik-tok video? " Twitter User Claims Her Reaction Means Sonu Nigam Told The Truth Another Twitter user claimed that her reaction means that something did happen. "@iamDivyaKhosla And the filmfare best supporting actor goes to Sheru. Sonu Nigam definitely have told something true. Otherwise, there wouldn't be this big reaction. Why this lady is making herself the laughing stock ? #DivyaKhoslaKumar," wrote the user. Divya On Me Too Allegations In the video, Divya also claims that Sonu left T-series after Gulshan Kumar was assassinated and "joined another music company instead of helping Bhushan Kumar during T-Series' trying times." She went on to counter Sonu's claims and asked, "Did Sonu Nigam ji have relations with Abu Salem?" Talking about #MeToo allegation against Bhushan Kumar, Divya added that the allegations were fabricated and they decided to not press charges against the accuser. "What is #MeToo Sonu ji? Should I accuse you of #MeToo? Should I say you are a #MeToo rapist? Will you turn into a #MeToo rapist then?" she added. Divya concluded the video by saying that she decided to make a video after being inspired by the Bhagavad Gita, and says, "The war is on." Divya Khosla Kumar Calls Sonu Nigam 'Thankless' After He Threatens To Expose Her Hubby Bhushan Kumar Monali Thakur And Adnan Sami Back Sonu Nigam's Allegation On Music Industry Barbara Ferrer speaks during a news conference after she was appointed Los Angeles County's public health director by the Board of Supervisors on May 1, 2018. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) To the editor: I am unclear on why many Americans are so up in arms in this fight against COVID-19 when it comes to wearing a mask. This disease has killed many more people than the 9/11 terrorist attacks, after which rules were put into place that we continue to observe today. ("L.A. County health director receives death threats over coronavirus rules," June 22) We did not threaten the lives of Transportation Security Administration agents because we did not like the changes. Rather, we understood the new rules were necessary to prevent another attack. We are now fighting a different war against an invisible threat, and when health officials ask us to wear a mask as an easy way for us to wield a weapon against COVID-19, we should thank them, not threaten their lives. This disease is killing us, putting strain on our healthcare system and weakening our economy all effects that our enemies would surely celebrate. When we don't wear masks, we contribute to our defeat. No one is asking anyone to pick a political party or go to war. Just wear a mask. Christina Rodriguez, Highland .. To the editor: Is it just a coincidence that the health officers of Los Angeles County and Orange County who received threats the latter of whom was intimidated into resigning are both women? I think not. This is ignorant, selfish and misogynistic. Darlene Moses Olympius, Yorba Linda .. To the editor: The ostriches have struck again. Put your head in the sand and the virus will go away. Kill the messenger and the virus will go away. Worship the president and the virus will go away. Death threats to our public health officers? Depraved! Disbelieve science? Stupid! Ignore the threat? Double stupid! Jean Brandt, Encino .. To the editor: Some sheriffs in California said their departments will refuse to enforce California's order on face coverings. One cited the "potential for negative outcomes during enforcement encounters." Police don't seem overly concerned about potentially negative outcomes during enforcement encounters when they protect the jobs of officers with long histories of using excessive force, but they balk when faced with the apparently daunting task of asking people to wear a mask. Story continues These sheriffs have left the job of mask enforcement (and the risk of negative outcomes) to the general public and shown, once again, that they have less concern for public safety than protecting their worst-behaving officers. By refusing to enforce the state order, these law enforcement officials have (unwittingly, I'd assume) helped to support the case for shifting our massive public safety investments to more effective uses, also known as "defunding the police." Morgan Martin, Santa Monica A wetland nature reserve was recently established in Thai Thuy district in northern Thai Binh province. A view of the Thai Thuy Wetland Nature Reserve in Thai Binh. The Thai Thuy Wetland Nature Reserve covers 6,560ha of land, including 1,500ha that is strictly protected, 4,800ha set aside for ecological recovery, and an area for administrative services. The reserves goal is to preserve biodiversity in the districts coastal wetlands, in particular globally-threatened migratory birds, help maintain the biological balance in local wetlands, ensure environmental security, and mitigate the impact of climate change. It is also intended to encourage engagement among the local community in managing and sensibly capitalising on wetland ecosystem services. Addressing the ceremony announcing the decision on the establishment of the reserve on June 24, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Vo Tuan Nhan said Vietnam is home to about 12 million ha of wetlands, which are important for food security and economic activities such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and tourism, while holding scientific, educational, cultural, and historical value for the Vietnamese people. The coastal wetlands in Thai Thuy district are rich in biodiversity and have been recognised as wetlands of national and international importance, he noted. Nhan added that the establishment of the Thai Thuy Wetland Nature Reserve also shows local authorities commitment to protecting the environment and preserving wetland ecosystems./.VNA Coping with climate change in Vietnam's wetlands As a member state of the Ramsar Convention, Vietnam has carried out many activities to encourage and enhance the conservation of wetlands to cope with climate change. The novel coronavirus, which was first reported in Wuhan city of China, has not only dented equity market performance, but also punctured the earnings and economy. The market recovered from its March lows, especially after many economic activities resumed in June. The biggest gainers since March lows, among sectors, were Pharma/Healthcare and Telecom which shot up 60 percent and 45 percent, respectively. And these are expected to emerge as leaders post COVID-19 pandemic, majority of experts feel. As there are only three players in the telecom sector, and data is the need of the hour with more and more people working from home, experts feel it will continue to be in demand and further tariff hikes are likely which can boost companies' earnings. Pharma/Healthcare, which was biggest underperformer for many years, came back into action due to COVID-19 and every country is in a hurry to find vaccine, hence experts feel the sector could remain in action going forward. Speciality chemicals, consumption and technology could be other themes that could emerge as leaders, going forward, experts suggest. "In the current context, we believe that the traditional consumer-facing businesses with good cash flows and minimum leverage should do well, apart from technology, telecom, pharma, and speciality chemicals," Bhavesh Sanghvi, Chief Executive Officer at Emkay Wealth Management told Moneycontrol. Siddhartha Khemka, Senior Vice President | Head-Retail Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services also said post COVID-19 pandemic, some of the themes /sectors they believe could emerge as leaders are telecom, healthcare, speciality chemicals, while one can look at rural consumer space as a recovery play. While explaining in detail, Khemka said telecom is one sector which has seen rise in usage and continued business operations during the past few months. "With the lockdowns and work from home, usage of phone and data has increased multifold. We are also witnessing higher transaction of subscribers from 2G to 4G leading to rise in average revenue per user (ARPUs)." With consolidation phase over in telecom, Motilal Oswal can expect improving tariffs / ARPUs along with low capex going ahead to support financials over the next 2-3 years. Bharti Airtel is their preferred pick in the space followed by Jio through Reliance Industries. Khemka believes healthcare is a defensive play. "Though the sector had been under pressure for last few years, the pandemic has opened up lot of opportunities for the sector. We have not only seen improved regulatory environment, but also higher demand," he reasoned. Motilal Oswal likes diversified players like Dr Reddy's Labs. "Some unique plays would be API manufacturers (Divis Labs, Alkem Labs), diagnostic labs (Dr Lal Pathlabs), medical insurance (ICICI Lombard) in the overall healthcare space," he said. "Indian specialty chemical manufacturers are benefiting from the increasing trend of de-risking of procurement from China by global chemical leaders. Additionally, depreciation of rupee and sharp correction in crude price should also benefit," said Khemka which likes companies like PI Industries and SRF in this space. He feels the rural economy is looking attractive due to various leavers like good Rabi Crop Season, forecast of a Normal Monsoon, Government Spending and increase in MSP, Urban migrant labor going back to the villages. "All these are likely to boost demand for the rural economy. Within the rural plays one can look at segments such as tractors (M&M), two-wheelers (Hero Motocorp), and select FMCG (HUL, Britannia)." However, sectors that one can avoid are cyclicals, infrastructure and commodities. Khemka expects these sectors to underperform till the more stability in global and domestic economy. In fact above mentioned sectors are beaten down due to low demand following COVID-19 and these are related to economy, hence can't see major recovery at least in FY21. Rusmik Oza, Executive Vice President, Head of fundamental Research at Kotak Securities likes capital goods, construction, utilities, metals and oil & gas, but he said most of these are economy related sectors, hence would report very poor numbers in FY21 due to COVID-19 and lockdown. "However, the low base and recovery in the economy will lead to very high growth in FY22 earnings. Hence from a FY22 perspective most of these economy related sectors look attractive," he added. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment expert on Moneycontrol.com are his own and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. "Reliance Industries Ltd. is the sole beneficiary of Independent Media Trust which controls Network18 Media & Investments Ltd which publishes Moneycontrol." A former soldier has broken his silence on alleged war crimes with the bombshell admission Australian troops stepped over the line while fighting in Afghanistan. A long running inquiry by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force is investigating allegations against special forces in Afghanistan from 2005 to 2016. The military watchdog, with the assistance of New South Wales Justice Paul Brereton is examining at least 55 separate allegations of unlawful conduct by Australian soldiers, including claims they killed unarmed Afghani men and children. An unnamed soldier has broken ranks with bombshell revelations his colleagues 'stepped over the line' while serving in Afghanistan as he expressed his own remorse. A former soldier (pictured) has broken his silence on alleged war crimes by Australian troops in Afghanistan, ahead of finding from a four year inquiry being handed down 'I could have done something. I didn't do it,' he says in a preview for Sunday's episode of 60 Minutes. 'And I have to live with that for the rest of my life.' Still psychologically affected, the soldier broke ranks to allege there was a serious breach of ethics while he served in Afghanistan, which resulted in the deaths of unarmed Afghanis. 'Part of the Geneva convention is that whether it's a combatant or non combatant, he's under my care. Period,' the soldier said. 'What we did and what happened there was very wrong.' The preview shows the soldier breaking down after coming face to face with the shattered family of an Afghani man killed, who demanded answers. 'Why did they kill our father? What was his crime,' the son asked. 'I could have done something. I didn't do it,' the unnamed soldier (pictured) told 60 Minutes Justice Paul Brereton recently warned the likelihood the inquiry findings will cause 'distress' for some soldiers involved 'cannot be completely avoided.' 'However, I can confirm that before the final report is delivered, persons who are potentially the subject of any adverse finding or recommendation will be afforded procedural fairness,' he wrote in the letter obtained by the ABC. 'From the outset, the Inquiry has been conscious of the potential for its proceedings to have an impact on the mental health of witnesses [and others who may be affected or involved]. In the letter to RSL national president Major General Greg Melick and SAS Association President Lieutenant Colonel Peter Fitzpatrick, Justice Brereton said the inquiry team had ensured psychological support was provided to soldiers ahead of the findings, which are due to be handed down shortly. This Afghani man demanded answers after his father was allegedly killed by Australian soldiers However another media report earlier this month revealed findings are unlikely to allege criminal wrongdoing by individual soldiers. Senior barriers believe the findings will instead focus on actual circumstances surrounding particular incidents and which ones need criminal investigation. 'I can't emphasise this enough, his job is a fact-finding exercise,' one barrister told The Australian. It's understood special forces troops embroiled in the inquiry have already been told they have been named as 'potential persons of interest'. Another barrister said troops who received notices were 'potentially in trouble' but believed it wouldn't be taken any further than that. 'You're being told, formally by legal notice, that there is the potential for a finding to be made against you and are invited to respond as to why such a finding should not be made against you,' he told the publication. New Delhi: ISRO Chief K Sivan on Thursday announced new ways in which the private sector will be able to work in the space sector to explore more. The space organisation said the private sector will be allowed to carry out space activities like building of rockets, satellites and providing launch services. Terming this a "major reform", Sivan said the private sector can also be part of the inter-planetary missions of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The Union Cabinet on Wednesday cleared a proposal to set up the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACE), to let the private sector play a key role in space activities, including planetary exploration missions, PMO minister of state Jitendra Singh said. Addressing an online media briefing, Sivan said the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (In-Space) has been created under the Department of Space as a separate vertical for taking independent decisions with respect to permitting and regulating space activities of the private sector. He said the move will not only enable accelerated growth of the space sector, but will also help the Indian industry play a major role in the global space economy. "This is going to be a major system and reform in the Department of Space. In-Space will have its own directorates for technical, legal safety and security, activity promotion as well as for monitoring purposes so that they can take an independent decision," Sivan said. New Space India Ltd, a PSU under the department of space, will try to reorient space activities from a supply-driven model to a demand-driven one, ensuring optimum utilisation of Indias space assets. This move comes weeks after finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the space sector will be opened up to private entities under the Rs 20 lakh crore Atma Nirbhar Bharat package. These reforms will enable the Indian Space Research Organisation to focus more on research and development activities, new technologies, exploration missions and the human space flight programme. Some planetary exploration missions will also be opened up to the private sector, the minister added. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 20:15:58|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TEHRAN, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry on Thursday condemned fresh U.S. sanctions against the captains of five Iranian oil tankers who carried fuel to Venezuela recently, semi-official Fars news agency reported. Such embargoes prove the "failure" of U.S. administration's "maximum pressure campaign" against the Islamic republic, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Abbas Mousavi said. The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on five Iranian ship captains who had delivered oil to Venezuela. "As a result of today's sanctions, these captains' assets will be blocked. Their careers and prospects will suffer from this designation," the U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday. He warned any mariners against doing business with the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Mousavi described the sanctions as another "desperate" move by the U.S. against Iranian individuals, and a sign of the "miserable failure" of the Trump administration's pressure policy. "Despite the U.S. pressure, Iran and Venezuela remain steadfast in countering unlawful American sanctions," Mousavi stressed. Former Big Brother star Daniel 'Saxon' Small was one of the show's most memorable stars back in 2003. But now the 36-year-old has revealed why he would never do reality TV again after his rise to stardom on the show. Daniel spoke to Now to Love on Thursday, saying with the widespread use of social media it has changed the fame game for housemates. Vocal: On Thursday, former Big Brother star Daniel 'Saxon' Small, 36, (L) revealed why he would NEVER do reality TV again and the reason he thinks the show has 'died', as told to Now to Love. Here: Alongside wife, Mareete 'I think reality TV these days is a million miles away from when I was on the show, mainly because of social media,' Daniel told the website. 'I feel the world is a little more unforgiving and judgemental of those who take the plunge on the TV screen,' he said. 'You've got to be brave as hell or a little crazy, or both to jump in the ring these days.' 'I feel the world is a little more unforgiving and judgemental of those who take the plunge on the TV screen,' said Daniel, who went by the name 'Saxon' in the house. Here at 19 Daniel added he won't be watching the revamped series on Channel Seven, due to his allegiance to former host Gretel Killeen. 'The show died in my opinion when she wasn't in front of it,' he said. Daniel has largely retreated from the spotlight since his sojourn into reality TV as a 19-year-old all those years ago. In March, he married new wife Mareete - with the couple settling on the Gold Coast. Iconic: Daniel added he won't be watching the revamped series on Channel Seven, due to his allegiance to former host Gretel Killeen. 'The show died in my opinion when she wasn't in front of it,' he said. Here: Daniel and Gretel Sydney, 2004 New life: In March, he married new wife Mareete - with the couple settling on the Gold Coast In the past, he has been open about how reality TV affected him. 'I did what any single 19-year-old would do when he saw an overnight explosion in attention from the opposite sex,' he told news.com.au. Despite media speculation at the time, Saxon insisted he was never romantically involved with Big Brother host Gretel, though the pair travelled together to Africa to film a documentary and he spent time at her place in Sydney. Big Brother continues Sunday at 7pm on Channel Seven A record spike in COVID-19 cases in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh on Thursday triggered the biggest single-day jump of close to 17,000 infections in the country even as Maharashtra decided to undertake antigen and rapid antibody tests for the disease in the worst hit state. IMAGE: A man wearing a protective mask walks past a graffiti paying tribute to police and healthcare workers during a lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease in Mumbai. Photograph: Francis Mascarenhas/Reuters According to the Union Health ministry data, COVID-19 cases rose by the highest-ever number of 16,922 to reach 4,73,105, while the death toll climbed to 14,894 with 418 new fatalities. This was the sixth consecutive day when coronavirus cases increased by more than 14,000. Consequently, India has added 92,573 cases since June 20, and over 2.82 lakh this month alone since June 1. However, the recovery rate has improved to 57.43 per cent, according to the Health ministry. It also said there are 33.39 COVID-19 cases in India for every one lakh population, as against the global average of 114.67. Also, the country has 1.06 deaths per lakh population, which is amongst the lowest in the world and the global average is 6.24, it added. A central team led by Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry Lav Agarwal will visit Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana between June 26 and 29 to coordinate with the state officials in strengthening COVID-19 management efforts in those areas. According to officials, the team will also review the measures undertaken by the states for containment of COVID-19. Maharashtra recorded the highest daily jump of 4,841 new cases and the tally rose to 1,47,741, a state health official said. Gujarat was in the fourth position with a tally of 28,943 while Telangana reported 10,331 cases, according to health ministry data. Twelve states have reported over 10,000 cases. Tamil Nadu recorded 3,509 new virus cases, the highest single day increase so far, to take the infection count to 70,977, a health department bulletin said. Andhra Pradesh also scaled a new high of 553 cases to reach a count of 10,884. IMAGE: A health worker collects a swab sample of a man for the COVID-19 test at Urban Primary Health Centre, in Bikaner. Photograph: ANI Photo The Maharashtra government said it would conduct antigen tests, which would provide results of the COVID-19 tests within an hour, unlike the current waiting period of over 24 hours. Health Minister Rajesh Tope said one lakh antigen test kits will soon be made available in the state. The diagnostic technique tests nasal fluid swabs. "Procurement orders have been given. Priority would be given to conduct this test on the frontline COVID-19 workers, such as essential services staff, health workers, police and others," he told reporters in Mumbai. The state government has also decided to undertake rapid antibody tests kits for which were being supplied by a South Korean company. "It will help the state in finding out whether a person has contracted COVID-19 infection," Tope said. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a total of 75,60,782 samples have been tested across the country up to June 24 with 2,07,871 samples being tested on Wednesday. In some good developments for Mumbai, the growth rate of coronavirus cases in the city is decreasing with every passing day, the data released by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) showed. As of Wednesday, the city had reported 69,625 infection cases and a death toll of 3,962. But the average doubling rate of cases--the number of days during which cases double--has now crossed 40 days, while the average growth rate of cases has dropped to 1.72 per cent, the civic body said. On June 24, the doubling rate of infection cases stood at 41 days from 30 days on June 16, while the average growth rate declined to 1.72 per cent from 2.30 per cent on June 17, it said. 'While on one hand, a positive growth is being reported in the average doubling rate, the average growth percentage is also reporting a decline every day. Both these things are definitely comforting for Mumbaikars,' the BMC release stated. IMAGE: Health workers wearing Personal Protective Equipment carry the body of a person who died due to the coronavirus disease, at a crematorium in New Delhi. Photograph: Anushree Fadnavis/Reuters The populous state of Uttar Pradesh recorded 636 new cases to cross the 20,000 mark with 12,370 being added to the count since June 1 when the Centre began the "Unlock-1" phase, gradually lifting the curbs imposed nationwide to contain the spread of the pandemic. Gautam Buddh Nagar in the National Capital Region(NCR) alone recorded 143 new cases, the biggest single day spike, official data showed. Delhi, which is poised to launch door-to-door surveys from June 27, recorded 3,390 new cases to take the total to 73,780. Delhi is the worst affected city and is also in the second spot in the all India tally. The Karnataka government, meanwhile, ruled out fresh lockdown for now in Bengaluru, putting to rest speculation it was planning such a move in view of the spike in cases. "There will be no lockdown in Bengaluru. It is clear, no lockdown in Bengaluru," Revenue Minister R Ashoka said after a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa and attended by senior Ministers, including himself, and officials. There will be only containment zones in the city and regions that have a large number of cases will be sealed, he told reporters here. A total of 1,791 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the city so far. The number of COVID-19 cases in the state which stood at 3,408 as of June 1 crossed the 10,000 mark on Wednesday with the capital city topping the districts in the infection count. The caseload is now 10,560. The neighbouring state of Kerala reported over 100 COVID-19 cases for the seventh consecutive day, taking the total to 3,726. Lameck Masina Malawi's Electoral Commission has started announcing preliminary results from Tuesday's re-run of last year's presidential election. Local media gave opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera a comfortable lead over incumbent President Peter Mutharika. In the court-sanctioned re-run, President Mutharika, leader of the Democratic Progressive Party, (DPP) is running against Lazarus Chakwera, leader of the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and little known Peter Kuwani of the opposition Mbakuwaku Movement for Democracy (MMD). Announcing the results at the main tally center Thursday in Blantyre, Electoral Commission Chairperson Chifundo Kachale said the commission had received results from 26 of the countrys 28 districts. He read out returns from three districts; Chiradzulu, Mwanza and Likoma, which were the first to submit their counted ballots to the tally center. The results for Likoma; the MCP candidate Lazarus Chakwera got 2,981 votes, and Peter Domic Sinosi Kuwani for MMD got 31 votes, while Arthur Peter Mutharika of the DPP got 1,690 votes. In results from other two districts, President Mutharika was leading, while Chakwera came second and Kuwani, last. Kachale said that as of Thursday morning, the commission had finished verifying results from about one-fifth of the districts and promised to complete the rest soon. We continue to emphasize that we are committed to get this job done as soon as possible. We wouldnt want to create any anxiety by delaying this process needlessly, you have our greatest commitment that come this evening, you see significant progress districts we have managed to clear. However, Malawian media, including the state-owned Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, said Chakwera held a strong lead with 55 percent of the vote, compared to 40 percent for Mutharika. Eisenhower Mkaka, Secretary General of the MCP, told VOA the party does expect changes from the figures that local media announced, because those figures reflect vote totals the party collected from its monitors across the country. There could be some changes because unlike in the past, what the Commission is now doing according to the law is to look at the null and void votes. So, in some cases they are determining that No, this shouldnt be a null and void [vote]. There might be some small, small, changes but not material enough to change anything. VOA could not reach DPP officials for comment but the partys spokesperson, Nicholas Dausi, told a local radio station Thursday that he will comment after official final results are announced. The Malawi Electoral Commission is expected to announce final results within eight days from the day of voting as required by law. Lockheed Martin Corp. recently paused F-35 Joint Strike Fighter deliveries over an internal gas issue that could cause the stealth fighter to explode if struck by lightning. The company said Wednesday that maintainers performing a routine maintenance check at the Ogden Air Logistics Complex in Utah found damage to a tube within the Onboard Inert Gas Generation System, known as OBIGGS, in the Air Force's variant of the Lightning II jet. Read Next: Navy Ship Names Could Fall Under Pentagons New Diversity Review "Lockheed Martin initiated a delay in deliveries while we verified F-35 production is conforming to specifications with regard to OBIGGS installation," the company said in a statement. "We are working with the F-35 Joint Program Office on a root cause corrective action investigation to determine next steps, as it appears this anomaly is occurring in the field after aircraft delivery." While deliveries have resumed after a nearly four-week pause, the JPO has advised local F-35A squadron commanders to avoid flying "within 25 miles of lightning or thunderstorms," according to the statement. Lightning strikes on aircraft are statistically rare, occurring about once per year according to the Federal Aviation Administration. The advisory guidance will remain in place until the root cause and corrective action investigation is complete, said JPO spokeswoman Brandi Schiff. "The safety of F-35 operators remains an enduring high priority for the JPO," Schiff said in an email. Earlier this month, Bloomberg reported the flawed tubing was found within 14 of 24 Air Force models of the fighter jet undergoing inspection. Lockheed Martin spokesman Brett Ashworth told Defense News the flaw seems to be limited to the Air Force's variant of the jet, which is also the version flown by the majority of the program's international partners. The OBIGGS works to replace much of the oxygen built up in the fuel tank with nitrogen. Doing so helps prevent vapors in the fuel tank from combusting should the jet be struck by lightning. The F-35 has seen this problem before: The Pentagon's Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) disclosed the deficiency, dating back to 2009, in a 2012 report, saying, "The system is not able to maintain fuel tank inerting through some critical portions of a simulated mission profile." The Defense Department at the time called for a similar moratorium on flights during storms to avoid lightning strikes. The deficiency prompted a redesign to "more uniformly distribute the nitrogen-enriched air throughout the fuel tanks," according to a DOT&E report. The flight restrictions were lifted in 2014 following a fix, according to Defense News. The F-35 program's total cost has been projected at more than $1 trillion over a 50-year service lifetime. Its past has been plagued with breakdowns -- including engine fires, structural cracks, and peeling and crumbling insulation in its cooling lines -- along with cost overruns. Production was also halted for two weeks in November after developers discovered a "co-mingling" of different types of fasteners being used on the aircraft. Despite continuing issues, the Pentagon in October finalized a $34 billion agreement with Lockheed for the next three batches of F-35s -- firming up a deal for 478 F-35 aircraft, the largest purchase to date. -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214. Related: Trump Hints at Removing Foreign Manufacturers from F-35 Supply Chain The Houston Furniture Banks newest effort factors original art into the things that make a house a home.Launching its Art Gallery with an Art for All event at 6 p.m. June 25, the HFB is both bringing art into its program and hosting an auction that will raise money for its No Kids on the Floor initiative. The event on Facebook live will include a virtual tour of the furniture bank. The event has two components, one an effort that features the work of nearly two dozen Houston artists who each donated art that HFB clients can select for their homes. The second component is a live auction already under way that will raise money for the campaign to provide mattresses to children who otherwise might sleep on the floor. Here for Dafonte. The phrase has become a popular rallying cry, a much-used hashtag on social media thats been printed on protest signs outside the Oshawa courthouse at the trial of off-duty Toronto police Const. Michael Theriault and his brother, Christian. For nearly three years, the case involving Dafonte Miller, a Black man who lost his eye in a violent confrontation with the brothers on a Whitby street, has garnered attention and drawn outcries. Since the December 2016 clash, scores of supporters have been there for Dafonte, decrying the alleged actions of an officer and his brother and a system they say attempted to cover for them. The brothers, meanwhile, said on the night of the alleged assault they feared for their lives, both defending their actions as self-defence. Now, in the midst of a societal reckoning over policing and anti-Black racism a movement that has seen near-daily protests across North America over excessive police force against Black and Indigenous people the already symbolic case has taken on even greater meaning, just as the judgment is set to be released. Via live broadcast on YouTube Friday morning, Ontario Superior Court Justice Joseph Di Luca will release his decision in one of the GTAs most contested cases of alleged violence against a young Black man. The Theriault brothers, who each face one count of aggravated assault and attempting to obstruct justice, have pleaded not guilty. Both sides now await the outcome and the reaction that will ensue. If a case like this cannot be successfully prosecuted in Canada, then there is no hope for justice, said Kingsley Gilliam, one of the founding members of the Black Action Defence Committee, formed in 1988 after the fatal police shooting of Lester Donaldson in Toronto in 1988. Gilliam, who travelled to Oshawa to witness the 10-day trial last fall the vast courtroom frequently full, especially during Millers testimony is encouraging calm before the verdict, saying the public response should be guided by the decision and the reasons. Until then, he is putting his faith in the system. Online, a GoFundMe campaign started by a relative of Millers to cover outstanding health-care costs has raised $35,000 in less than two weeks. A Change.org petition calling on Ontarios Ministry of the Attorney General and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to provide justice for Miller has attracted more than 135,000 signatures. We are with you Dafonte Miller, Black Lives Matter Toronto wrote on Twitter Wednesday. And we will continue to be with you until justice is served. Its such an important case, said Julius Haag, University of Toronto criminologist who researches policing, calling the case a touchstone event highlighting the wider issues of police oversight and accountability now getting broad public attention. We can expect that the incident and the events surrounding it will continue to be a reference point as groups advocate for changes to our policing arrangements, he said. The brothers trial last fall saw conflicting versions of events, heard harrowing 911 calls, and saw testimony from Miller and, on the final day of evidence, Michael Theriault. What preceded the violent confrontation on Dec. 28, 2016 is contested. Miller, 19 at the time, said he and two friends were walking down Whitbys Erickson Drive when they were stopped by the Theriault brothers, who had been in their garage, and asked what they were doing, eventually prompting Miller to run away with the brothers to chase after him. The Theriaults say they were in their garage when they heard rustling that sounded like someone was going into their parents Ford F150 truck. When they opened up the garage door, they say they saw two men get out of the truck and run in opposite directions. They ran after Miller. All sides agree a violent fight happened next. Both brothers say they caught up to and fought Miller, Michael Theriault telling the court he punched Miller as hard as he could in self-defence including throwing a punch that caused Millers catastrophic eye injuries. Michael Theriault told the court he feared for his life because Miller was attacking him and Christian Theriault with a metal pole. My intention was to disarm Mr. Miller, Michael Theriault testified, so he could stop hitting me and my brother with that pole. Miller told the court that it was Michael Theriault who was wielding a pipe, and that hed been punched, kicked and struck with the pipe so hard he thought he might die. Miller said Michael Theriault continued to strike him with the pipe even as he banged on a strangers door, screaming for help. I didnt think that I was going to make it to the hospital, Miller said. Who was wielding the pipe will be central to Di Lucas judgment. The approximately metre-long pole was found at the scene, spattered with only Millers blood. Crown lawyers entered a photo into evidence of the front of the home where Miller had sought help, showing a scratch on the front door. They suggested it was made by Michael Theriault as he swung the pipe at Miller. Lawyers for the Theriaults said Miller had a motive to arm himself with the pipe after he was caught in the act of committing the indictable offence, namely, stealing from the Theriault family truck. Its also not clear where the pipe came from; Miller said he hadnt seen it before he was struck with it, while the Theriaults said Miller may have pulled it from the side of a nearby house. Christian Theriault, who did not take the stand at trial, told Durham police investigators Miller may have had the pipe in his pants. Court heard from a forensic pathologist that the most likely cause of the injury to Millers eye was at least one punch, though he said it was possible it was caused by the pipe. Michael Theriault was not injured in the alleged assault, while Christian Theriault had a cut on his hand and later reported suffering a concussion. Witness testimony will also play a role in Di Lucas decision-making. Jim Silverthorn, a veteran Toronto Fire district chief, testified that when he was awoken in the middle of the night by screams, he looked outside and saw two men beating on a third so hard he thought it could become fatal. Silverthorn called 911 and told the dispatcher that one of the two people hed seen beating a third was using what looked like a pipe to stab down a person on the ground. The larger police accountability issues in the case have been present since the charges were laid against the Theriault brothers in July 2017 seven months after the incident. Millers lawyer, Julian Falconer, has alleged that the two police services attempted to cover the whole incident up: Durham Regional police and Toronto police, which employs both Michael Theriault and his father, Det. John Theriault. Neither police service contacted Ontarios civilian police watchdog, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) the agency that investigates civilian injuries involving police, even if the officer was off-duty under certain circumstances. The SIU was only called in months later, by Falconer and it was only then that the brothers were charged. When Durham police arrived on scene, they found Miller seriously injured but charged Miller, not either Theriault; Millers charges, which included assault with a weapon, were later withdrawn by the Crown. During the Theriaults trial, court heard a Durham police officer, upon learning Michael Theriault was an officer, handed him handcuffs to place on Miller. Kate Puddister, a University of Guelph professor who researches police oversight, said the case speaks to the issue of police culture, and the concern, whether real or perceived, that officers may be reluctant to betray a fellow officer. For me, as someone who is concerned about police oversight, this case highlights why the civilian model of police oversight is really considered the gold standard, because it is trying to remove that element, she said. Toronto police chief Mark Saunders denied accusations of a coverup. Facing outrage over the case, the Toronto police board asked the Waterloo Regional Police to conduct an external review of how Toronto police handled the incident. That review is on hold pending the completion of the criminal trial. In their closing written arguments in the case, the Theriault brothers lawyers said the case is not about race. They also said it is not about excessive use of force by an off-duty police officer or civilian. The lawyers made repeated mention of the divisive nature of the trial and urged Di Luca to acquit the brothers. Although Miller is without a doubt deserving of sympathy, that shouldnt determine the outcome of the case, said Michael Lacy, lawyer for Michael Theriault. Lacy stated that Miller had lied on the stand, that his testimony had been false, and that his claims that he was attacked by Michael Theriault with a pipe simply cannot be believed. If Di Luca found the Theriaults guilty it would vindicate lying on the stand which constitutes a miscarriage of justice, Lacy said. Sympathy does not dictate the result in a case, Lacy said. (Miller) is not entitled to the verdict that he wants. The community is not entitled to a particular verdict. Di Lucas judgment will be given live at 9:30 a.m. Friday. With Star files Wendy Gillis is a Toronto-based reporter covering crime and policing for the Star. Reach her by email at wgillis@thestar.ca or follow her on Twitter: @wendygillis A Central team led by Ministry of Health and Family Welfares Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal will visit Gujarat, Maharashtra and Telangana between June 26 and June 29 to interact with the state government officials and coordinate with them to strengthen ongoing efforts for the management of Covid-19 in those states, a statement from the Health Ministry indicated on Thursday. Across the country, in the last 24 hours, a total of 13,012 Covid-19 patients have been cured and discharged from hospitals and other medical facilities. So far, a total of 2,71,696 patients have been cured of the coronavirus infection, according to health ministry data. Indias recovery rate currently stands at an encouraging 57.43%, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Monday. ALSO READ | Nearly 17,000 new Covid-19 cases in 24 hours push Indias tally to over 4.7 lakh Covid -19 positive cases per lakh in India now stands at 33.39 as against the worlds 120.21 cases per lakh. The deaths per lakh in the country are currently amongst the lowest in the world with 1.06 deaths per lakh against the global average of 6.24 deaths per lakh, the health ministrys data said. India on Thursday recorded 16,922 new cases of Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, the highest till date, increasing the countrys coronavirus tally to 4,73,105. According to the Union health ministrys update on Monday morning, the number of active cases in the country are 1,86,514. The country also saw 418 fatalities in the last 24 hours, which pushed the death toll to 14,894. Earlier, India had recorded another highest single-day jump of nearly 16,000 Covid-19 cases on Wednesday. National capital Delhi, which is the second worst-hit state in terms of coronavirus caseload and deaths, overtook Mumbai after the number of cases soared by 3,788 to touch 70,390. ALSO READ | Take strict action: Delhi HCs directive against erring hospitals amid Covid-19 pandemic Mumbai, has so far recorded 69,625 cases, according to official figures. In all, 12 states now account for more than 10,000 coronavirus cases as they continued to report record daily spikes that were mainly attributed to augmented testing. In India, Maharashtra remains the worst-hit state by the coronavirus pandemic accounting for almost one-third of the countrys tally with over I.40 lakh cases. T wo Metropolitan Police officers have been arrested after photographs were allegedly taken of the bodies of two sisters murdered in a north London park. The bodies of Nicole Smallman, 27, and Bibaa Henry, 46, were discovered in Fryent Country Park, Wembley, shortly after 1pm on June 8. Detectives believe the pair were stabbed to death in the early hours of June 6 by a stranger who suffered injuries during the attack. The suspect is still at large. Last Wednesday the Metropolitan Polices Directorate of Professional Standards was informed that non-official and inappropriate photographs had been taken by police at the crime scene. Two serving officers were arrested by the Independent Office for Police conduct on Monday, on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. Met Police statement on death of Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry found dead in Wembley The pair, who are based on the North East Command, were bailed pending further enquiries and have been suspended from duty. Commander Paul Brogden said: I am horrified and disgusted by the nature of these allegations; a sentiment which will be shared by colleagues throughout the organisation. If true, these actions are morally reprehensible and anyone involved will be robustly dealt with. I am limited in terms of being able to comment further about the matter at this time in order not to compromise the IOPC investigation. Senior representatives from the MPS and the IOPC visited the parents of Bibaa and Nicole to inform them of these serious allegations and confirm that it is now subject to an independent investigation with full co-operation from the MPS. "This deeply disturbing information will no doubt have created additional trauma for a family who are already grieving the devastating loss of two loved ones. I can only start to imagine the impact of this; and Id like to sincerely apologise to them for this further burden. I know that the wider community will share our shock and repulsion at these allegations and whilst our focus remains with Bibaa and Nicoles family we are also listening to the concerns our communities and key stakeholders will want to raise about these allegations. The sisters were both daughters of former Chelmsford Archdeacon Wilhelmina Smallman, the first woman from a minority ethnic background to hold the title of Archdeacon in the Anglican church. Police released a picture of the sisters taken in the park on the night they were murdered They had met with friends in the park at around 7pm on June 5 to celebrate Ms Henrys birthday, and by midnight only the two sisters remained. They were found more than 36 hours later, while forensic officers later recovered their mobile phones in a pond some distance away. After the sisters failed to return home, member of their family and friends filed a number of missing persons reports. The IOPC is separately investigating Scotland Yard's handling of the case. In a statement the IOPC's Director for London Sal Naseem described the allegations "sickening". Mr Naseem said: These are sickening allegations and when we were made aware by the Metropolitan Police, we acted quickly to arrest the officers involved in order to seize vital evidence. The victims family are naturally extremely distressed at this turn of events and we are ensuring that they are updated as our investigation is progressing. The IOPC added that the Met is handling matters involving those members of the public who may have received those images. Mayor Sadiq Khan tweeted: "Londoners will be disgusted by these sickening allegations - and I'm deeply concerned about the impact this will have on the victims loved ones", Mr Khan said. "I welcome and support the @metpoliceuk decision to refer this to the IOPC for independent investigation." Last week the sisters' parents made an emotional plea to the public for help to catch their killer. In a statement they 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. "The pain we feel as a family is so deep no words can express how we are feeling. This has had a devastating impact on our lives and each day gets worse to think our daughters, Bibaa and Nicole, are not with us and that they have been brutally killed by someone. "We are appealing to anyone who may have seen, heard, or know something to please contact the police who are investigating what has happened to our daughters, Bibaa and Nicole. Samantha Young, California Healthline's California politics correspondent, helped moderate a discussion hosted by the Sacramento Press Club about California's response to the coronavirus crisis. The discussion touched on the reopening of the economy, Gov. Gavin Newsom's order requiring Californians to wear face coverings and whether hospitals are ready to handle a surge in cases as infections continue to rise statewide. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading public health voice on the COVID-19 pandemic, kicked off the event, with praise for the state's approach. He urged Californians to keep social-distancing and wear their masks. His comments were later echoed in a panel discussion that included Dr. Sara Cody, Santa Clara County's public health director, who was one of the drivers behind the nation's first stay-at-home order; Dr. Sarah Medeiros, an emergency medicine physician at UC Davis Health; and state Assembly member Jim Wood, a Democrat who chairs the Assembly Health Committee. By Ayya Lmahamad Azerbaijan has made changes to the SMS permit system introduced during the two-week coronavirus lockdown. From now on, response to SMS messages of citizens who request permission to leave their homes, will be sent within 15 minutes instead of 1 minute, the State Agency for Provision of Services to Citizens and Social Innovations reported on June 25. Residents send free SMS to 8103 to obtain permission to leave their homes. Response to messages by mobile application "E-Tbib" will be sent within 5 minutes. According to the information, some citizens, abusing the rapid receipt of responses to appeals (99.4 percent of appeals for 1 minute), send a text message not when leaving the house, but when approaching a police checkpoint. So far, 3,475,000 SMS have been sent by citizens to the short number 8103 to get permission to leave the house, of which 774,000, or 22 percent, did not receive a confirmation answer due to inappropriate content. Changes have also been made in rules of wearing masks. As of June 25th, bus will not be allowed to leave the bus stop unless all passengers wear a face mask, head of the Baku transport agencys press service Mais Agayev told. Azerbaijan first introduced quarantine regime on March 24, and on June 18 decision was taken to extend special quarantine regime until August 1. On June 18, Cabinet of Ministers announced decision to impose a two-week strict quarantine regime. It should be noted that under the new lockdown rule, citizens are allowed to leave their place of residence only after obtaining SMS permissions. In the positive response SMS message it is indicated the time during which the permit is valid. Operation of shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, beauty salons, as well as museums, exhibition halls, sport and beaches was also suspended until July 5. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz California's Disneyland announced on Wednesday it would no longer reopen as planned on July 17, as the state is not expected to release specific guidelines for theme parks until after July 4. Why it matters: Daily recorded coronavirus infections in California have continued to hit new highs this week, per the state's health department data. California on Thursday issued a statewide order requiring people to wear face coverings in public. What they're saying: "Given the time required for us to bring thousands of cast members back to work and restart our business, we have no choice but to delay the reopening of our theme parks and resort hotels until we receive approval from government officials," Disney said in a statement on Wednesday. Disney said it has signed agreements with 20 union affiliates to bring employees back to work. Those include pledges to increase safety protocols. The Downtown Disney District will reopen on July 9, the company said. Go deeper: Disneyland and Disney World to close due to coronavirus outbreak A Berwyn-based development firm has started building a 304-unit apartment complex in Conshohocken that would add to the boroughs already bursting downtown. The 450,000 square-foot rental apartment complex at 51 Washington St., to be built by LCOR, is a quarter-mile from Conshohockens main drag on Fayette Street and joins the boom of commercial and residential development in the one-square-mile borough that borders the Schuylkill River. LCOR, which focuses on constructing large, mixed-use properties, said the seven-story development about 355 feet from Conshohockens new SEPTA train station was designed to allow easy access to public transportation. With its growing employment opportunities and close proximity to Philadelphias city center, Conshohocken is a thriving economy to which were eager to contribute, Peter DiLullo, LCORs principal and senior vice president, said in a statement. It would rank among the biggest projects that are underway in Conshohocken, the largest of which is $325 million SORA West, an ambitious and expansive mixed-use development by the Philadelphia-based investment and development company Keystone Property Group. A 11-story, 427,000-square-foot office building at the corner of Fayette and West First Streets would become the headquarters for the pharmaceutical distributor AmerisourceBergen and serve as the anchor for SORA West. The Philadelphia commercial real estate company Binswanger represents AmerisourceBergen. A 1,500-space parking garage and 165-room hotel with a restaurant would surround AmerisourceBergens office. The developer has also said it intended to convert the nearby 139-year-old Conshohocken Firehouse into a gastropub as part of the project. Other sizable developments, such as the 14-story, 260,000 square foot Seven Tower Bridge office building built by Oliver Tyrone Pulver Corp. and its partners, have drawn ire from some borough residents. They have complained that new high-end commercial and real estate properties are increasing the boroughs living costs. The average rent in Conshohocken was $1,556 in March 2017, and grew to $1,638 in February 2020, according to the national apartment listing service RentCafe. The national average in March 2017 was $1,337 and $1,468 in February. The boroughs average rent price closely compared with Philadelphias, at $1,652. Overall, the cost of living in Conshohocken the 28th most expensive place in Pennsylvania was 11% higher on average than the rest of the state , and 17% higher than the national average, according to the Irvine, Calif.-based ERI Economic Research Institute. Rent prices at LCORs 51 Washington St., which will have units ranging from studios to two-bedrooms, will span $1,650 to $2,800, said Donna Haldipur, a company spokesperson. The complex is expected to be ready for rentals by the fall of 2022. Staff writer Joseph N. DiStefano contributed to this article. President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from across the country, are gathered at the State H... President Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from across the country, are gathered at the State House for the partys National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. As at noon, the Executive Council Chambers of the State House had been packed with attendees for the NEC, which was called by factional Acting National Chairman of the party, Chief Victor Giadom. The attendees include Governors, National Assembly leaders, as well as some national and state party executive members. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is also in attendance. Governors of Nasarawa, Niger, Jigawa, Plateau, Imo, Kogi, Yobe, Gombe, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Kwara, Kebbi, Kano and Ekiti are some of those present. Also present are Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; Deputy Speaker Idris Wase; House Leader, Hassan Dogowa and the Deputy Chief Whip, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Nnenna Ukeje. President Buhari had, on Wednesday, confirmed that he will be attending the National Executive Council meeting of the party called by a man who in the reckoning of the Majority of National Working Committee members no longer has a locus standi in the party as he has been suspended and his position in the NWC filled up. President Buhari, however, stated that the law is on the side of Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Marimaca Copper Corp. (Marimaca Copper or the Company) (MARI.TO) is pleased to provide a summary of the metallurgical test work which has been completed for its flagship Marimaca Copper Project (Marimaca or the Project), as well as an outline of the current detailed metallurgical work, which is ongoing and is expected to be completed in the current quarter. Highlights The three phases of column and bottle roll test work already completed indicated fast leaching and favourable recoveries, especially in the dominant oxide mineral zones which comprise the majority of the deposit - Average 84% recovery of the total copper was obtained in bottle roll testing completed on ore samples taken from mineral zones comprising the expected early years of mine life -- Average recoveries were 4.8% higher than average acid soluble copper across all samples -- Indicates leaching recovery, in a heap leach operation, is likely to exceed the acid soluble copper percentage for the mineral sub-zones of Marimaca Phase 4 test work is underway and expected to be completed later this month with results to be released during Q3 - Includes material from La Atomica and Atahualpa which were outside of the original mine plan - Tests will include acid leaching with seawater, with and without added chloride ions, conducted in bottle rolls; 30cm mini-columns; 1.5m columns; and in a ROM le ach characterisation for low grade material Phase 5 test work will commence in Q3 to further refine results from first four phases and address variability across the deposit Michael Haworth, Executive Chairman of Marimaca Copper commented: Metallurgy is one of the key de-risking milestones to address in the development of any mining project. For Marimaca, we have already completed multiple phases of test work to assess the deposits metallurgical characteristics. The results have been very pleasing, especially with respect to the materials which approximately comprise the first five years of the potential mine life, which is the all important payback period. The results show recoveries of over 84% of total copper, on average, in laboratory scale testing. Perhaps most importantly, these results exceeded the expected acid solubility ratio of the ore samples tested. This means that some of the minor copper bearing minerals, which werent initially identified as acid soluble, are also amenable to acid leaching and gives us great optimism for the potential for higher recoveries in an eventual heap leaching operation. Story continues It is also clear that, with the amount of technical work and de-risking milestones achieved already, we are well ahead of a typical PEA stage of development. The Phase 4 metallurgical program, which is due to be completed later this month and released during the third quarter, will significantly advance our knowledge and provide additional data across many parts of the deposit. This will provide the Company with a robust geometallurgical model which, in turn, will allow a detailed life of mine analysis of metallurgical recoveries for future studies. Phase 5, which is expected to commence in the 3rd quarter of this year, will allow us to focus on optimizing a very exciting copper project, as we move into the next phases of study. Marimaca Copper Project Overview Marimaca Copper released an updated Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for Marimaca of 70 million tonnes, with an average grade of 0.60% total copper, within the Measured & Indicated Categories (approximately 420Kt of contained copper) and 40 million tonnes, with an average grade of 0.52% total copper, within the Inferred Category (approximately 224kt of contained copper) (refer release on 2 December 2019). This represents an increase of almost 100% from the MRE released in April 2018 and makes the Project one of the most significant copper oxide discoveries in Chile in the last decade. The Company is currently undertaking a PEA for the Project, which is anticipated to be completed in July 2020. The Project is expected to benefit from low upfront capital development costs and, due to the favourable geometry of the orebody and relatively simple oxide processing through SX-EW, management believes the Project will have very competitive operating costs, delivering compelling economics in the PEA. Overview of Metallurgical Test Work Programs Completed The Company has completed three phases of metallurgical test work between April 2017 and March 2018, with a fourth phase currently underway and expected to be completed and released to the market in the coming months. A fifth phase, which extends the previous programs will commence in the 3rd quarter of 2020. The results of Phases 1, 2 and 3 were included in the NI43-101 Definitive Feasibility Study for Marimaca 1-23, released on the 29th of June 2018. These tests have been carried out by Geomet S.A., a well known Chilean laboratory with considerable experience in metallurgical programs for copper deposits in Chile. Phase 4 has been designed and executed under the supervision of Marcelo Jo of Jo & Loyola Process Consultants, who has 35 years experience in processing. He is supported by Randolph E. Scheffel, a Consultant Metallurgical Engineer with over 35 years experience in copper processing. These tests were completed on materials obtained from Marimaca to characterise the metallurgical response of the deposit to different operational conditions. The first three phases were performed on a variety of parameters including agglomeration conditions, granulometry, column height, irrigation rates and acid consumption. These tests were followed up with more detailed analysis including bottle roll Iso-pH tests. The fourth phase program, which is almost complete, comprises broader, more detailed and rigorous programs, which will provide the final technical data and information required for a Preliminary Feasibility Study. A fifth phase will be undertaken to refine any remaining areas of potential risk or gaps in information and knowledge of the Project. This will likely include optimisation of both acid consumption and recoveries, as well as addressing variability across the deposit, and providing information for the completion of a Definitive Feasibility Study. Figure 1 below shows the locations of samples used in Geomet Phase 1-2-3-4 testing programs. Figure 1: Plan Showing Location of Samples from Marimaca Geomet Test Work Programs Phases 1 to 4 is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ab516c02-1aed-4d7d-9fcc-3080a0831d59 METALLURGICAL TESTING PHASES 1 & 2 The first two phases of metallurgical test work, carried out in April and September 2017, were preliminary in nature and designed to characterize the Marimaca Projects copper oxide metallurgical response. Seven composite samples were prepared for column leaching tests, considering the mineral zones of the deposit which were identified at that time. The copper oxide species present are brochantite, atacamite, chrysocolla and copper wad. The observed gangue minerals include scarce calcite. Most of the oxides occur as fractures impregnation and filling. The following table shows the chemical characterization of each sample, the main copper species and composite location. Sample CuT % CuS % Solubility Rate % Average Acid Consumption kg/t Mineralogical Characterization (location) M1 0.88 0.71 80 49 Chrysocolla (Pit 2) M2 1.47 1.17 79 32 Brochantite/Atacamite > Supergene sulfide (Pit 2) M3 0.49 0.32 65 53 Wad dominant (Pit 2) M4 0.81 0.71 87 39 Chrysocolla (Pit 1) M5 1.14 0.97 85 39 Brochantite/Atacamite (Pit 1) M6 0.62 0.47 75 30 Wad dominant > Supergene sulfide (Pit 1) M7 0.58 0.40 69 23 Mixed Primary Sulfides-Supergene > Oxides (High Pit) Table 1: Summary of Sample for Met Testing Phases 1 & 2 Description of the Tests In April 2017, Geomet S.A. laboratory was commissioned to start Phase 1 of the initial metallurgical program which included the mechanical preparation of the ore samples, its characterization, head granulometry analysis, sulphation tests, ISO-pH tests, leaching tests at two granulometries in seven columns of 6 diameter and 1 meter height in duplicate, tailings analysis was considered for each test. A key outcome of the tests was the estimation of potential copper dissolution that may be expected in a leaching operation, which is the ratio of acid soluble copper (CuS %) to total copper in a sample (CuT %) (the acid Solubility Ratio), as shown in the above table. The laboratory procedure to determine CuS is to contact a 1 g of pulverized ore sample with 50ml of sulfuric acid solution at 5% v/w, while agitating for one hour and analyze the copper dissolution. Based on the previous Phase 1 results, Geomet S.A. was commissioned in September 2017 to execute Phase 2 of the metallurgical program using the same samples, which considered more specific parameters to further optimize the testing results, to inform future process design parameters, including: Particle size: - 90% below half inch Irrigation Rate reductions in irrigation rates from phase one to find an optimal rate Acid in Agglomeration sulphation tests to identify acid deficit and triangulate optimal acid application Column Leaching Tests performed at different heights ranging from 1.6m to 3.0m Leaching time, application rate and acid consumption Conclusions The overall metallurgical response from the first phase showed favourable results supporting good recoveries for the different ore samples tested. Leach kinetics were rapid with 70% to 80% of total copper recovered within the first one third of the leach cycle. Recoveries ranged from 77% +-3% for the Chrysocolla to 58% +-3% for the mix of primary sulphide and supergene oxides. Average acid consumption across the samples was, on average, slightly over 40kg/t, indicating a mid range acid consumption profile. The table below shows recoveries and acid consumptions: Sample CuT % CuS % Recovery (%) Acid Consumption (kg/t) Mineralogical Characterization (location) M1 0.88 0.71 77% +-3% 42 +- 4 Chrysocolla (Pit 2) M2 1.47 1.17 67% +- 3% 50 +- 4 Brochantite/Atacamite > Supergene sulfide (Pit 2) M3 0.49 0.32 62% +- 3% 52 +- 4 Wad dominant (Pit 2) M4 0.81 0.71 77% +- 3% 42 +- 4 Chrysocolla (Pit 1) M5 1.14 0.97 76% +- 3% 37 +- 3 Brochantite/Atacamite (Pit 1) M6 0.62 0.47 70% +- 3% 38 +- 3 Wad dominant > Supergene sulfide (Pit 1) M7 0.58 0.40 58% +- 3% 40 +- 3 Mixt Primary Sulfides-Supergene > Oxides (High Pit) Table 2: Phase 1 & 2 Summary of Metallurgical Results per Sample Given the preliminary nature of this testing, it was expected that significant further optimisation and improvement would be achieved in following test work campaigns with respect to recovery and acid consumption. METALLURGICAL TESTING PHASE 3 Phase 3 testing, which was completed in March 2018, was primarily focused on defining the metallurgical response on ore samples which would be expected to be representative of the first five years of extraction. For this reason, the samples tested had a higher proportion of brochantite/atacamite and chrysocolla. 37 composites from 13 drill holes were selected, 10 reverse circulation (RC) and 3 diamond drill holes (DDH). Test Description This test program included the head chemical characterization of all composites (CuT, CuS, FeT, Al, Mg, CAA, CO3, AlS, FeTS and MgS) and the completion of 42 iso-pH 1.5 tests, 37 of them at 48hrs and 5 at 72 hrs. Main Results The results of the bottle tests are summarized in table 3 below. Virtually all samples show total copper recoveries which exceeded the acid solubility ratio for the sample. This confirmed the work completed and results received in Phases 1 & 2. Sample ID Leach Time CuT CuS Solub. Ratio Avg. Copper Ratio Leach Rec./CuS Acid Consumption Head (h) AQ (%) (%) Recovery (%) (%) Gross Net CO 3 CAA (kg/t) (kg/t) (%) (kg/t) M-4 48 1.01 0.81 80 84.7 1.06 35.8 22.9 0.15 28.8 M-5 48 0.74 0.48 64.73 74.8 1.16 30.4 22.1 0.15 35.5 M-6 48 0.37 0.26 70.05 82 1.17 44.3 39.8 1.1 48.1 M-7 48 0.87 0.55 63.35 74.9 1.18 33.3 23.3 0.05 37.8 M-8 48 1.66 1.36 81.64 84.6 1.04 40.8 19.4 0.05 40.2 M-9 48 1.13 0.87 77.1 84.7 1.1 40.3 26 0.45 50.3 M-10 48 0.67 0.53 79.54 86.5 1.09 39.9 31.2 0.4 37.5 M-10 72 0.67 0.53 79.54 87.7 1.1 42.3 34 0.4 37.5 M-11 48 0.61 0.47 76.78 83.7 1.09 39.4 31.6 0.6 34.6 M-12 48 1.05 0.96 90.93 93.3 1.03 42.2 27 0.1 48.2 M-13 48 0.65 0.56 86.27 88.7 1.03 33.5 24.8 0.4 52.2 M-13 72 0.65 0.56 86.27 89.9 1.04 40.4 32.4 0.4 52.2 M-1 48 0.5 0.43 85.03 83.7 0.98 45.3 39.6 0.82 36.8 M-2 48 0.46 0.37 81.08 86.9 1.07 44.7 38.8 0.86 37.5 M-3 48 0.62 0.48 77.56 82.9 1.07 47 40.1 1.05 35.3 M-14 48 1.77 1.63 91.9 95.8 1.04 75.9 52.7 1.9 83 M-15 48 1.32 1.09 82.39 91.4 1.11 71.7 54.2 2.48 69.2 M-16 48 0.83 0.63 75.55 76.7 1.02 64.7 56.4 2.62 70.7 M-17 48 0.38 0.28 74.84 80.5 1.08 81.9 77.8 3.86 75 M-17 72 0.38 0.28 74.84 82.9 1.11 85.3 81 3.86 75 M-18 48 0.78 0.68 87.42 88.9 1.02 39.3 29.6 0.32 61.1 M-19 48 0.54 0.45 82.54 81 0.98 57.7 52.2 1.65 58.1 M-20 48 1.14 0.9 78.78 80 1.01 78.1 65.7 2.57 68.4 M-21 48 0.82 0.72 88.46 87.5 0.99 18.5 8.8 4.34 30.5 M-22 48 1.18 1.09 92.83 90.5 0.97 66.7 52.4 2.13 44.5 M-23 48 1.65 1.58 95.62 93.9 0.98 97.7 76.9 3.96 86.5 M-23 72 1.65 1.58 95.62 93.9 0.98 104.6 83.9 3.96 86.5 M-24 48 1.62 1.41 86.82 89.8 1.03 51.9 32 0.31 37.3 M-25 48 0.4 0.31 77.7 82.8 1.07 33 28.1 0.59 18.1 M-26 48 1.05 0.87 82.83 82.7 1 41.8 29.1 0.36 49.4 M-27 48 0.54 0.43 80.36 82.1 1.02 35.4 29.2 0.63 33.2 M-28 48 0.43 0.33 78.32 79.7 1.02 43.1 38.2 1.37 38.9 M-29 48 0.57 0.5 88.88 88.7 1 60.2 52.9 1.97 46.8 M-30 48 0.85 0.62 73.9 84.2 1.14 48.5 39.2 0.2 38.6 M-31 48 0.59 0.36 62.26 78.3 1.26 32.5 26.4 0.58 38.9 M-32 48 0.72 0.52 72.55 82.8 1.14 40 31.6 0.74 27 M-33 48 0.47 0.34 71.52 77.6 1.09 48.1 43 1.71 71 M-34 48 0.76 0.57 74.71 80.4 1.08 51.6 42.7 1.66 41.8 M-35 48 1.04 0.61 58.81 72.5 1.23 46.2 35.5 0.74 12.3 M-35 72 1.04 0.61 58.81 71 1.21 52.3 42.1 0.74 12.3 M-36 48 0.42 0.34 80.79 82.4 1.02 59.1 54.1 2.16 46.1 M-37 48 1.84 1.56 84.63 87.2 1.03 79.8 56.8 2.39 71.2 Table 3: Iso-pH tests, CuT recovery and acid consumption Conclusions For the 42 samples, average recoveries exceeded the acid solubility ratio of the samples by nearly 5%. The average total copper extraction was 84.15%, and the average of the acid solubility ratio was 79.4% across the samples. This confirmed the conclusion from previous test work, that a portion of the acid insoluble copper, in some cases a very meaningful portion, was dissolved. This also agrees with the assessment of the likelihood of leaching potential of the materials tested to exceed the acid solubility ratio. This is thought to be a result of the increased exposure time to acid in the case of the bottle rolls, exposure time of 5hrs and 72hrs, when compared to 1hr in the initial acid solubility test. The average net acid consumption across the samples was 39.3 kg/t continuing to indicate a mid range acid consumer. It should be noted that acid consumption may be further optimised by adjusting concentrations, but this work will be completed in later phases of testing. METALLURGICAL TESTING PHASE 4 The Phase 4 metallurgical test work program commenced in January 2020 and is expected to be completed by the end of June 2020 and released during the 3rd quarter. Following on from the results received in Phases 1, 2 and 3, this phase was designed to be broader in its coverage of the metallurgical response of Marimaca, providing significantly more detail with respect to certain mineralisation sub zones and addressing some aspects of variability across the deposit. Composite samples were taken considering the updated mineral subzones, which are now defined as follows: Bronchantite / Atacamite; Chrysocolla; Wad; Mixed; and Enriched. Each zone has different copper mineral species and, it was noted, in the tests conducted in the Phase 3 program, the overall leaching recovery exceeded the acid solubility ratio across the samples. Assessing the leaching characteristics of each subzone, and their true leaching potential, will be an important step in developing a robust geometallurgical model, which can consider variability across the deposit and provide data to optimize future design. The solubility ratio for copper oxides such as atacamite, brochantite and chrysocolla, which dissolve quickly when exposed to acid, is a good predictor of leachability. However, where the minerlization has several copper bearing minerals with different dissolution characteristics under these leaching conditions, the copper acid solubility ratio may underestimate the acid leaching potential for heap leach operations, especially where some copper sulphides such as chalcocite, covellite and bornite are present, as these sulphides could be partially dissolved under oxidation conditions. For this reason, it is also common to assay for cyanide soluble copper when assaying copper oxide samples. This gives an indication of the total leaching potential because cyanide dissolves some of the copper sulphides that may be present in the sample and assumes that, during the leaching operation, some oxidation reactions, such as, ferric leaching and/or cupric chloride leaching occur. Due to these reactions during sulphide leaching it can be inferred that copper dissolution in a leaching operation may materially exceed the copper acid solubility ratio identified. Phase 4 metallurgical testing is addressing this point through both mini column and 1.5 m column testing under different leaching conditions. Tests being undertaken in Phase 4 include: Head Chemical Characterization with sequential copper analysis Particle size characterization 1.5 iso-pH test with and without seawater Acid and chloride leaching tests in 30 cm mini-columns 1.5 m columns tests; and ROM leaching in 1m3 iso containers of a low grade wad sample with minor presence of chrysocolla, atacamite and secondary sulphides. METALLURGICAL TESTING PHASE 5 Phase 5 metallurgical testing will be informed by the results and synthesis of information obtained in all the previous metallurgical testing programs. Scoping is currently underway for this work and the Company expects that this will provide sufficient information required for a bankable feasibility study and to move into detailed design and engineering. The test work program will consider parameters including, but not limited to, agglomeration conditions, column height, granulometry, irrigation rate, acid concentration and leaching cycle time. A core objective of the Phase 5 test plan is to complete the full evaluation of metallurgical variability of the resource, extending on the variability work which is being competed as part of the Phase 4 program. The sample base used in this program will be much larger and will provide data on multiple permutations of mineral sub-zone which may be expected during operations. Qualified Person The technical information in this news release, including the information that relates to geology, drilling and mineralization was prepared under the supervision of, or has been reviewed by Sergio Rivera, Vice President of Exploration, Marimaca Copper Corp, a geologist with more than 36 years of experience and a member of the Colegio de Geologos de Chile and of the Institute of Mining Engineers of Chile, and who is the Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101 responsible for the design and execution of the drilling program. The Qualified Person for other content than geological information of this news release is Luis Tondo, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Marimaca Copper, a mining engineer with more than 30 years of experience and a Fellow of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, who is the Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. All QPs confirm they have visited the project area, reviewed relevant project information, allowing the correct technical judgement in their respective areas of expertise, in turn used in the writing and reviewing the contents of this news release. Marimaca Copper and the Marimaca Project Marimaca is fast becoming recognised as one of the most significant copper discoveries in Chile in recent years as it represents a new type of deposit which challenges accepted exploration wisdom and promises to open up new frontiers for discoveries elsewhere in the country. Marimaca is hosted by intrusive rocks while the numerous manto deposits in the same region are hosted by volcanics. With a lack of new copper exploration discoveries in Chile, the growing Marimaca resource is a high-profile development project as it is situated in the coastal belt at low elevation close to Antofagasta and Mejillones. This prime location could enable its future development at a reduce capital cost relative to many other copper developments. Marimaca will benefit from nearby existing infrastructure including roads, powerlines, ports, a sulphuric acid plant, a skilled workforce and seawater and a relatively low environmental impact. Contact Information For further information please visit www.marimaca.com or contact: Tavistock +44 (0) 207 920 3150 Jos Simson/Emily Moss marimaca@tavistock.co.uk Forward Looking Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements under applicable Canadian securities legislation. These statements relate to future events or the Companys future performance, business prospects or opportunities. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the impact of a rebranding of the Company, the future development and exploration potential of the Marimaca Project. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Marimaca Copper, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: risks related to share price and market conditions, the inherent risks involved in the mining, exploration and development of mineral properties, the uncertainties involved in interpreting drilling results and other geological data, fluctuating metal prices, the possibility of project delays or cost overruns or unanticipated excessive operating costs and expenses, uncertainties related to the necessity of financing, the availability of and costs of financing needed in the future as well as those factors disclosed in the Companys documents filed from time to time with the securities regulators in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Marimaca Copper undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Leora Martin, a resident of an assisted-living facility in Indiana, just celebrated her 100th birthday on June 13, 2020. It hasn't been an easy journey for her as she battled through times of hardship and adversity throughout the years. Just recently, she was diagnosed with COVID-19 in April. But a week before her birthday, she received the good news that her diagnosis was now behind her. Aside from winning the battle against the current pandemic, she also beat pneumonia last year. Martin is no stranger to disastrous times as she's also a survivor of cancer and World War II. She now lives to tell the tale of all the catastrophes that went down in her life, which she successfully triumphed over. In celebration of her 100 years, she and her twin sister from California, Delora Bloomingdale, were caught up in a Zoom call, singing Happy Birthday to each other and looking back on their childhood memories together. Martin recalls her medical triumphs all throughout the years and told The Elkhart Truth how relieved she is to be in the clear. She recounts being prodded with needles during her days as a cancer patient and thinking she would not survive her bout with pneumonia last year. Also Read: Coronavirus Survivor: Four Year Old Boy Survives Virus While Fighting Cancer! Coronavirus No Match For Centenarian As the coronavirus outbreak took a beating on senior centers and nursing homes in many regions of the country, Martin became one of the 76 residents at Greenleaf Health Campus to test positive for COVID-19. According to Marilou Snell, Martin's daughter, her mother was generally asymptomatic, exhibiting only minor signs such as exhaustion and appetite loss. She shares how her mother's facility was on lockdown, which is why they couldn't visit her at the time. Her daughter adds how they were all devastated when they heard about their mother's COVID-19 diagnosis. She says it was hard to hear news about the virus and then find out that your mother has it. They had feared for the worst, she added. According to Indiana's virus website, about 5,147 long-term care facility residents have been infected. Furthermore, 1,140 cases ended up in fatality. In the overall state tally, there are 43,140 coronavirus cases and 2,386 deaths. Strong Woman, Conquering Hurdles Left and Right World War II was a scary time for those who lived through it. It is known to be the biggest and deadliest war in history. World War II involved more than 30 countries. For Leora Martin, it was only one of the things in her list that she made through. According to Snell, her mother remains alert and sharp. She proves to be a true fighter, indeed. During her birthday, Leora cheerfully held a sign that read, "COVID-19 can't stop me from turning 100." When Martin was asked about her secret to living a long life, she answered, "Keep moving, and keep loving others." Martin's assisted-living facility, Greenleaf, also celebrated last week. On Friday, its staff members announced that their facility was officially free of the coronavirus. Read Also: 101-Year-Old Spanish Flu and World War 2 Survivor Has Now Beat COVID-19 As Well Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday assured his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif of Beijing's continuous support for the Iranian nuclear deal amid US attempts to prolong the international arms embargo on Iran, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said after the teleconference between the two diplomats MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th June, 2020) Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Wednesday assured his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif of Beijing's continuous support for the Iranian nuclear deal amid US attempts to prolong the international arms embargo on Iran, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said after the teleconference between the two diplomats. Earlier in the month, Wang sent a letter to the UN Security Council President and the Secretary General of the United Nations where he criticized the US initiative to indefinitely extend the UNSC arms embargo against Tehran despite the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) provisions, especially considering that Washington was no longer a party to the deal. The US floated a corresponding resolution to the council earlier in the week. "China is opposed to any attempt to change the contents of the JCPOA and the Security Council Resolution 2231, and the US has no right after withdrawal from the JCPOA to resort to the mechanisms planned in this regard," Wang told Zarif as quoted by the Iranian Foreign Ministry. The ministers also condemned "the US' bully-style unilateralism, and expressed decisive support for multilateralism and the principles of international law." In 2015, Iran signed the JCPOA with China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and the European Union. It required Iran to scale back its nuclear program and severely downgrade its uranium reserves in exchange for sanctions relief, including lifting the arms embargo five years after the deal's adoption. In 2018, the United States abandoned its conciliatory stance on Iran, withdrawing from the JCPOA and implementing hard-line policies against Tehran. The current embargo, negotiated as part of the 2015 deal, expires in October. Maine Governor Janet Mills has been criticized after she was seen at an ice cream parlor without a mask - flouting her own pandemic orders that all residents must wear face masks in public or face a $1,000 fine. Mills, who has served as Maine's governor since 2019, was reportedly spotted with a young woman at Stonington Ice Cream Company in the small town of Stonington. The photo taken on Saturday shows Mills and the young woman smiling while neither of them wear mandated face masks. Word quickly spread of Mills' photo, prompting her critics to label her a hypocrite and blasting her over her coronavirus pandemic restrictions. Ice cream shop owner Ron Watson initially shared the photo on Facebook, but later removed it as a political frenzy began. 'There was no point in having it up,' he told Bangor Daily News. Maine Gov. Janet Mills (left) was photographed at an ice cream shop in Stonington, Maine, without a mandated face mask Rep. Genevieve McDonald, who was reportedly with Mills earlier that day, said the governor sometimes removes her mask for photos. Maine has the eighth-fewest cases per capita in the US under Mills' leadership, with just 2,971 confirmed cases and 102 deaths. Maine's numbers are substantially dwarfed when compared to epicenter New York, which recorded more than 390,000 cases and nearly 25,000 deaths. The United States reported 2,382,702 cases nationwide and a death toll of 122,020. But conservatives have fought Mills throughout the pandemic, with protesters organizing anti-lockdown demonstrations and filing lawsuits over businesses restrictions. Pictured: Protesters rally against the executive orders by Maine Gov. Janet Mills keep some of Maine businesses closed to help prevent the spread of coronavirus President Donald Trump called Mills a 'dictator' for not reopening the state fast enough. Earlier this month, Mills allowed Maine to enter Phase 2 of their reopening plan. The state may enter Phase 3 in early July. Part of Mills' pandemic response has been ordering residents to wear face masks or coverings any time they're out in public. Failure to follow state orders can result in jail time and a hefty fine. 'A violation of the Governors Executive Order on face coverings is by statute punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of $1,000,' Lindsay Crete, spokesperson for the governors office, said in a statement. Maine health officials have lauded residents for wearing face masks in public and following health guidelines, but several businesses are reportedly torn over whether to enforce the rule. Face masks have become increasingly political, as President Trump and Vice President Pence have both appeared in public without face coverings. An Associated Press-NORC poll in May found that Democrats were more likely to wear face masks. Mills' apparent mishap was further exacerbated when the photo was shared by Republican 2nd Congressional District candidate Adrienne Bennett on Tuesday. Bennett captioned the photo: 'Rules for thee, not for me.' Republican 2nd Congressional District candidate Adrienne Bennett used the photo in a political attack against Mills on Tuesday Bennett: 'If you or I went to Stonington Ice Cream Company without a mask, Governor Janet Mills would charge us with a Class E crime, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine' 'NO MASK FOR MILLS? If you or I went to Stonington Ice Cream Company without a mask, Governor Janet Mills would charge us with a Class E crime, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a $1,000 fine,' wrote Bennett. 'But it is ok for Mills to go mask-less? It's time to end the double standards and political control. Either lift the order, or Mills should hold herself to the same standard she has been threatening Mainers with. 'Do you think Mills will pay the fine or do the time? If Mills won't follow her own order, why should we?' Some Mainers held protests to fight lockdown orders imposed by Mills earlier this year (pictured) Rep. McDonald appeared to lash out at critics by noting that the young woman pictured is a young, underage relative who was dragged into political tit-for-tat. 'This positive moment for her was used as a political implement,' McDonald said. 'Having your picture taken with the governor is exciting. To have it splashed across Facebook as a tool of hatred was disappointing.' DailyMail.com reached out to Mills' office for further comment. Mills has not publicly responded to the outcries, but instead has continued to put focus on safely reopening the state. In a series of tweets, she urged residents to 'remain vigilant.' 'These reopenings represent a positive step forward for Maine and our economy, but Maine people and businesses must remain vigilant,' she wrote. 'The increasing, and in some instances record high, number of COVID-19 cases in other states are cautionary tales for Maine as we continue our reopening, monitor the prevalence of the virus here, and look towards our economic recovery. Mills urged Mainers to continue to practice public health guidelines during the pandemic in a series of tweets Maine has recorded 2,971 confirmed coronavirus cases and 102 deaths Maine is currently in Phase 2 of reopening, but may enter Phase 3 in early July 'Nothing would be more devastating to our economy than a significant surge in the virus that sickens and kills more people and jeopardizes our health care capacity. 'By taking good care of ourselves and others, we can continue to reopen safely.' In other parts of the country, states that are already underway with reopening plans have recorded concerning coronavirus spikes in recent weeks. Twenty three percent of counties across the United States are now seeing an uncontrollable growth in new COVID-19 infections, according to a data map. States like Arizona, Texas, California and Florida have recorded particularly troubling spikes in hospitalizations and cases. A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode said Bola Tinubus dominance in the All Progressives Congress (APC) has come to an end after President Muhammadu Buhari declared that he was backing Victor Giadom as the acting National Chairman of the party. Mr Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos state, is highly regarded as the national leader of the APC. Mr Fani-Kayode said the former governor has been thrown under the bus and retired from politics. Mr Giadom, from Rivers State, is an ally of the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi. Both Mr Tinubu and Mr Amaechi have been engaged in an intense and devastating power struggle within the APC, one which led to the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as the partys national chairman. Mr Giadom was suspended from office as the deputy national secretary of the APC by the National Working Committee (NWC) to ward off his attack on the party structure which is dominated by Mr Tinubus loyalists. The NWC appointed Abiola Ajimobi, the deputy national chairman (South) of the APC, as acting chairman. But that did not stop him (Giadom) from pursuing his claims that he is the authentic party chairman, after the Court of Appeal upheld the suspension of Mr Oshiomhole recently. Mr Giadom said he is backed by a court order. President Muhammadu Buhari [PHOTO CREDIT: Bashir Ahmad] President Buhari in a statement from his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Wednesday afternoon, said he would attend the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting convened by Mr Giadom because the law is on the side of Victor Giadom as Acting National Chairman. Mr Fani-Kayode (@realFFK) said on Wednesday on Twitter, First Oshiomole is kicked out by the Court of Appeal. Then his preferred replacement, Ajimobi, falls into a coma. Then his arch rival, Giadom, is recognised by Buhari as Nat. Chairman. Conclusion: it is over for Tinubu. He has been thrown under the bus & retired from politics! Tsai urges against 'unilateral actions' in Diaotuyais dispute ROC Central News Agency 06/24/2020 06:52 PM Taipei, June 24 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen () on Wednesday urged all parties involved in the territorial dispute over the Diaoyutai Islands in the East China Sea to avoid taking "unilateral actions" that could escalate regional tensions. The decades-long dispute resurfaced recently after a Japanese city decided to change the administration designation of the islands, and Tsai reiterated Taiwan's claim over the islands while issuing the appeal against destabilizing actions. The president also repeated her administration's pledge to protect Taiwanese fishermen's rights to operate in waters near the Diaoyutais, which are also claimed by China and Japan, where they are known as the Senkakus. Tsai made the comments two days after the Ishigaki City assembly voted to change the name of the administrative zone that includes the Diaoyutais, resulting in a protest from Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). The move infringed on Taiwan's territorial claims, the MOFA said, reiterating that no unilateral actions would change the fact of Taiwan's sovereignty over the Diaoyutais. Following Monday's vote, the administrative zone, now known as Tonoshiro, will be called Tonoshiro Senkaku starting in October, according to Japanese media reports. In a Wednesday press release, MOFA further noted that based on its understanding, Ishigaki's decision was largely made to counter China's recent moves in sending its patrol vessels to repel Japanese fishing boats operating in waters near the Diaoyutais. MOFA said Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) regularly has one to three patrol vessels in the area to protect Taiwanese fishing vessels in the area. It said the CGA patrols have been successful in protecting Taiwanese fishermen because no Taiwanese fishing vessel operating in the East China Sea has been confiscated by the Japanese Coast Guard since 2016. Meanwhile, MOFA said it is in talks with the Japanese side after a Taiwanese fishing vessel was briefly stopped by two Japanese fishing boats when the three were operating in the East China Sea on Tuesday. According to the CGA, the Yilan-registered vessel "Sheng Fu No. 16" called for the CGA's help after the two Japanese vessels asked it to stop operations on Tuesday morning. The Taiwanese boat originally thought the two vessels were Japanese official vessels until they were later identified as recreational fishing boats, according to the CGA. The Japanese ships left the scene before a CGA patrol vessel arrived. CGA said such harassment violated the terms stipulated in a Taiwan-Japan Fisheries Agreement, and it asked MOFA to discuss the issue with the Japanese. The 2013 deal was signed to allow Taiwanese and Japanese fishermen to operate freely in overlapping areas of their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in the East China Sea despite the sovereignty dispute. (By Wei Kuei-hsiang, Wang Cheng-chung, Chen Yun-yu, Shen Ru-feng and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ls NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address (Adds lawmaker comment) By Alexandra Alper and Idrees Ali WASHINGTON, June 24 (Reuters) - The Trump administration has determined that top Chinese firms, including telecoms equipment giant Huawei Technologies and video surveillance company Hikvision, are owned or controlled by the Chinese military, laying the groundwork for new U.S. financial sanctions, according to a document seen by Reuters on Wednesday. A U.S. defense official speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed the authenticity of the document and said it had been sent to Congress. Washington placed Huawei on a trade blacklist last year over national security concerns and has led an international campaign to convince allies to exclude it from their 5G networks. The list of 20 companies that Washington alleges are backed by the Chinese military and operate in the United States was first reported by Reuters. It also includes China Mobile Communications Group and China Telecommunications Corp as well as aircraft manufacturer Aviation Industry Corp of China. The designations were drawn up by the Defense Department, which was mandated by a 1999 law to compile a list of Chinese military companies operating in the United States, including those "owned or controlled" by the People's Liberation Army that provide commercial services, manufacture, produce or export. The Pentagon's designations do not trigger penalties, but the law says the president may impose sanctions that could include blocking all property of the listed parties. Huawei, Hikvision, China Mobile, China Telecom, AVIC, the White House and the Chinese embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comment. The Pentagon has come under pressure from lawmakers of both U.S. political parties to publish the list, amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over technology, trade and foreign policy. Last September, top U.S. Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer, Republican Senator Tom Cotton and Republican Representative Mike Gallagher penned a letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper raising concerns about Beijing's enlisting of Chinese corporations to harness emerging civilian technologies for military purposes. "Will you commit to updating and publicly releasing this list as soon as possible?" they asked in the letter. Story continues On Wednesday, Cotton and Gallagher issued a statement praising DOD for releasing the list and urging the president to impose economic penalties against the firms. The list will likely add to tensions between the world's two largest economies, which have been at loggerheads over the handling of the coronavirus pandemic and China's move to impose security legislation on Hong Kong, among multiple points of friction that have worsened this year. Last week, China threatened retaliation after U.S. President Donald Trump signed legislation calling for sanctions over the repression of China's Uighurs. The list "is a start, but woefully inadequate to warn the American people about the state-owned and -directed companies that support the Chinese government and Communist Party's activities threatening U.S. economic and national security," Republican Senator Marco Rubio, who sponsored the Uighur bill, said in a statement. SPOTLIGHT ON U.S. TIES The list will also turn a spotlight on U.S. companies' ties to the Chinese firms as well as their operations in the United States. In 2012, U.S.-based General Electric Co set up a 50/50 avionics joint venture with AVIC known as Aviage Systems to supply equipment for Chinas C919 passenger jet. The Defense Department list also includes China Railway Construction Corporation, China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp (CASIC), as well as CRRC, the world's largest maker of passenger trains which has clinched contracts in Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles by underbidding rivals. The companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Many of the companies listed are already in the crosshairs of U.S. regulators. Both Huawei and Hikvision were added to a Commerce Department blacklist last year, which forces their U.S. suppliers to seek licenses before selling to them. In April, the U.S. Justice Department and other federal agencies called on the Federal Communications Commission to revoke China Telecom (Americas) Corps authorization to provide international telecommunications services to and from the United States. The telecoms regulator rejected a similar request by China Mobile last year that had been pending for years. (Reporting by Alexandra Alper and Idrees Ali; Additional reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Jonathan Oatis, Howard Goller, Grant McCool and Cynthia Osterman) SAN RAMON, Calif., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- CMG Financial, a privately held, well-capitalized mortgage banking firm headquartered in San Ramon, California, congratulates its loan officers who earned placement on the annual top originator lists published by Scotsman Guide, Mortgage Executive Magazine, and National Mortgage News, including 18 loan officers who were recognized by all three publications. CMG Financial As a company, CMG Financial was also recognized as a top lender in all three origination channels and total volume. Scotsman Guide named CMG Financial 11th in Wholesale Volume, 7th in Correspondent Volume, 17th in Retail Volume, and 13th in Overall Volume. CMG Financial proudly applauds its 18 top originators recognized by Scotsman Guide, Mortgage Executive Magazine, and National Mortgage News: Kory Kavanewsky, Vice President, Production - Western Division, Coronado, CA Carey Ann Cyr, Area Sales Manager, Franklin, TN Christopher Minjarez, Area Sales Manager, Austin, TX Ryan Holford, Senior Loan Officer, San Ramon, CA Jim Collins, Senior Loan Officer, Portsmouth, NH Justin Hrabovsky, Branch Manager, Austin-Slaughter, TX AJ Lane, Sales Manager, Portsmouth, NH Joseph Cipollo, Senior Loan Officer, Hooksett, NH Jill Lyons, Sales Manager, San Ramon, CA Kevin Long, Area Sales Manager, Hendersonville, TN Joshua Campbell, Branch Manager, Rapid City, SD Carlo Colantonio, Branch Manager, San Antonio, TX Meghan Merrill, Senior Loan Officer, Concord, NH Don Blaize, Area Sales Manager, Biloxi, MI Scotsman Guide honors top originators in nine categories: top dollar volume, most loans closed, top purchase volume, top refinance volume, top FHA volume, top USDA volume, top VA volume, top HELOC volume, and top mortgage brokers. Sixty-three CMG Financial originators placed in seven out of the nine categories and 27 of those originators placed in multiple categories. To qualify for Mortgage Executive Magazine's Top 1% Originators List, originators must exceed annual personal production levels of $30 million. These production levels do not include the loan volume of associate or junior originators who collaborate and earn commission on the same loan files. Thirty-seven CMG Financial originators ranked in the top 1% including two originators who qualified for the esteemed top 200 originators in the country, Kory Kavanewsky and Carey Ann Cyr. National Mortgage News honors the top 400 originators by number of units originated so loan officers are not limited by location or loan product types. Eighteen CMG Financial originators ranked on this year's distinguished list. "CMG Financial is proud to provide a platform for originators to succeed and service their clients, and humbled that these amazing sales professionals have chosen CMG as a home to trust us with their business," said Tony Giglio, Senior Vice President, National Retail Production Manager. "We've got the best sales team on the planet that truly cares about the customers they serve and the community they are a part of." About CMG Financial CMG Financial is a well-capitalized, privately held mortgage-banking firm founded in 1993. The company makes its products and services available to the market through three distinct origination channels including Retail Lending, Wholesale Lending, and Correspondent Lending. CMG Financial currently operates in all states, including District of Columbia, and holds federal agency lending approvals with HUD, VA, RHS, GNMA, FNMA, and FHLMC. Throughout the mortgage banking and housing markets, CMG Financial is widely known for responsible lending practices, industry and consumer advocacy, product innovation, and operational efficiency. Media Contact: Madelynn Graham Phone: 443.455.1137 Email: [email protected] Related Images scotsman-guide-top-mortgage-lender.png Scotsman Guide Top Mortgage Lender CMG Financial Related Links Join CMG CMG Financial | Elite 18 SOURCE CMG Financial We live in extraordinary times. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our lives came to a standstill with shelter-in-place orders on March 14. Following this public health and economic crisis came the national debate on racial disparities and police accountability. Every one of us has been directly impacted. Its a time to feel sobered and be reflective. So, how do we move forward? Issues and opportunities looking forward Public health. Responses from our departments of labor and public health during the coronavirus exposed the fault lines of inefficient, big government bureaucracy. We need to push for greater accountability and efficient processes for a better and more timely delivery of critical services and accurate reporting within these agencies. We can do this. Education. It will be critical to safeguard the quality of public school education in our state focused on equal opportunity for all students with stronger local accountability. We also need to ensure state funding adequately addresses the school shutdowns, particularly in our urban districts. Reopening Connecticuts economy. We need to work proactively with our local businesses to support them in economic recovery from the impact brought on by coronavirus. We must set smart policy to encourage job creators to settle and stay in Connecticut. Our governor will continue to run the state by executive order until Sept. 9. Decisions how to reopen are being made with specific criteria guiding each phase of reopening with input from legislators and constituents. Its critical to find the practical balance between public health and getting people back to work. Safety and police accountability. Connecticut has some of the highest police recruiting, and best training and accountability standards in the country. This will be an opportunity to validate what our police departments are doing well and identlfy areas that would benefit further development. I will keep you updated. Absentee voting and mail-in ballots. The governor recently announced his intention to make a statutory language change, allowing all residents the option to vote absentee during any future pandemic. This makes good sense. In addition, there may be legislation allowing a full mail-in balloting process for the November election a safeguard in the event of a coronavirus rebound. It will be imperative that this process be safe and secure with custody of control assured, to protect the integrity of our elections. State budget. The pandemic has taken a toll on our already unsteady finances. With projected deficits of $570 million for fiscal year ending June 30, and $2.3 billion for next fiscal year, we must make adjustments to our $40 billion biennium budget. Practical budget cuts will have to be made to address the shortfall, though there is a group of legislators calling for tax increases. Despite these serious fiscal challenges, many state union employees are in line to receive a 3.5 to 5 percent pay increase on July 1, at a cost of $197 million. Many taxpayers in our state have lost their jobs, been furloughed or forced to take pay cuts. For this select group of state workers to get increases now is simply not right. Connecticut union leaders, with support of the majority party in Hartford, refuse to reconsider, despite the financial detriment to our state. This makes no sense. Lets work together With Connecticut in a state of disruption, we have a tremendous opportunity to change the way we view state services and what we can do better. Given our significant fiscal issues, this is the time to pivot. Together, lets make an honest assessment of what services government should continue to deliver and which are better left to the private sector to do in a more cost efficient and effective way. Though our Capitol has been shutdown, Ive been active from home, connecting with constituents, helping them navigate state agencies and deal with key issues. My passion hasnt changed nor my respect for good policy, a fair process and the importance of doing the right thing for people in Connecticut. We will survive these extraordinary times and come out with life lessons, opportunities and silver linings we didnt expect. Of this, Im sure. Working together will be key. Please stay in touch. I post resources and updates regularly on my state web page repterriewood.com and also communicate via eblast on a regular basis. You may sign up for my eblast on my webpage or by emailing me at terrie.wood@cga.ct.gov. It is deeply important to me to hear your thoughts and perspectives. Accra, June 23, 2020 - As part of efforts to complement Africas drive to build a cadre of home-grown business leaders across the continent, Academic City University College, a premium Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics tertiary institution has launched its innovative Bachelor of Business Administration in the Entrepreneurship programme. The programme which is expected to commence September 2020 will equip students with requisite skills to build competence in entrepreneurial and management functions, enable them to work across various disciplines as well as the knowledge that enables them to set up their businesses. This unique programme will seek to encourage and support the incubation and acceleration of concepts or projects that students may have coming into the programme or developed during their course of study to help them transition concepts into the enterprise before or soon after graduation. Research has shown that the skill set of entrepreneurs and enterprising people will increase in the coming decades. Not only do entrepreneurs drive economic growth but often socially-oriented entrepreneurs also contribute to solutions on environmental and social issues. Employers also need workers who combine holistic problem-solving and analytical skills with relevant knowledge and such entrepreneurial competencies as pro-activity, independence, flexibility, perseverance, and sound communication skills. According to the President of Academic City, Prof. Fred McBagonluri, the university is committed to playing a vital role in the building and sustaining of entrepreneurial culture among the young generation on the African continent. Our flagship entrepreneurship programme will provide students with a thorough grounding in developing businesses from a practical perspective hence grounding them in enterprise management. This will help to immerse them in the startup world and enable them to develop their own enterprises, he said. He further stressed currently, large enterprises tend to recruit young people who have entrepreneurial spirit and skills to drive organizational growth. This propelled us to develop this innovative programme to nurture students to be creative, innovative and goal-driven to keep a competitive edge and be ready for the future global marketplaces Dr. Linda Deigh, Dean of Faculty of Business, Entrepreneurship and Communication Arts expressed optimism that the new programme will produce young and skilled entrepreneurs who will take advantage of todays dynamic entrepreneurial environment. We look forward to welcoming our first entrepreneurship cohorts next academic year to equip them with the necessary skills to help them identify industrial and societal problems and create solutions through exploring key learning in business start-ups, and venture growth and development, she said. Following the negative impact of the deadly novel COVID-19 pandemic on the world economy and individual livelihoods, Academic City has introduced a special study package to help reduce the financial burden on parents seeking tertiary education for their children this year. The special study package will include an extended limited period of an early bird tuition reduction up to 50% for selected programmes. This innovative incentive will apply to both local and foreign students. Academic Citys elite undergraduate degree programmes in Engineering, Information Technology, Business Administration and Communication Arts are carefully and strategically designed taking into consideration world class STEAM education to develop students to become more practical, hands-on and productive. Domino's Rain Check Registry is filled with everything the pizza-loving couple will need to get through long days of creating change-the-date cards, negotiating with florists and rescheduling honeymoon plans. Gift card packages include "Virtual Bachelorette Party" and "Vendor Call-A-Thon" among other postponed wedding registry options. "We created Domino's Wedding Registry because pizza-loving couples have shared over the years how Domino's pizza was a part of their big day," said Kate Trumbull, Domino's vice president of advertising. "With so many weddings being postponed or scaled back in 2020, we knew those couples might need some extra love from those around them, because everything is better with pizza." Couples who choose to create a Rain Check Registry can select from packages including "Small Wedding Now, Big Celebration Later" or even "Bridal Shower, but Make it Virtual," depending on what twists and turns their wedding plans have taken. After the couple creates their registry, they can share their wish list with family and friends on social media or with a unique URL. All gifts will be delivered to the lucky recipients as Domino's eGift cards. Even if a couple isn't registered, supportive family and friends can still send eGift cards from any Rain Check or Wedding Registry packages at dominosweddingregistry.com. About Domino's Pizza Founded in 1960, Domino's Pizza is the largest pizza company in the world based on retail sales, with a significant business in both delivery and carryout pizza. It ranks among the world's top public restaurant brands with a global enterprise of more than 17,000 stores in over 90 markets. Domino's had global retail sales of over $14.3 billion in 2019, with over $7.0 billion in the U.S. and nearly $7.3 billion internationally. In the first quarter of 2020, Domino's had global retail sales of over $3.4 billion, with over $1.7 billion in the U.S. and over $1.7 billion internationally. Its system is comprised of independent franchise owners who accounted for 98% of Domino's stores as of the end of the first quarter of 2020. Emphasis on technology innovation helped Domino's achieve more than half of all global retail sales in 2019 from digital channels, primarily online ordering and mobile applications. In the U.S., Domino's generates over 65% of sales via digital channels and has developed several innovative ordering platforms, including those developed for Google Home, Facebook Messenger, Apple Watch, Amazon Echo and Twitter as well as Domino's Hotspots, an ordering platform featuring over 200,000 unique, non-traditional delivery locations. In June 2019, through an announced partnership with Nuro, Domino's furthered its exploration and testing of autonomous pizza delivery. In late 2019, Domino's opened the Domino's Innovation Garage adjacent to its headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan to fuel continued technology and operational innovation while also launching its GPS technology, allowing customers to follow the progress of the delivery driver from store to doorstep. Order dominos.com AnyWare Ordering anyware.dominos.com Company Info biz.dominos.com Twitter twitter.com/dominos Facebook facebook.com/dominos Instagram instagram.com/dominos YouTube youtube.com/dominos Please visit our Investor Relations website at biz.dominos.com to view news, announcements, investor presentations, earnings releases and conference webcasts. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1196216/Domino_s_Rain_Check_Registry.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/330435/dominos_pizza_new_logo.jpg SOURCE Domino's Pizza, Inc. Related Links http://dominos.com As for CPS, Jackson said: We will be putting together multiple scenarios for how we reopen the schools. We saw the guidance from (the Illinois State Board of Education) yesterday which was also helpful and will be utilized in our planning. The district also intends to seek feedback from all our stakeholders, she said. The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the Trump administration can deport some people seeking asylum without allowing them to make their case to a federal judge. The high court's 7-2 ruling applies to people who are picked up at or near the border and who fail their initial asylum screenings, making them eligible for quick deportation, or expedited removal. The victory came on the heels of two defeats, with the Supreme Court ruling 6-3 in favor of civil rights for gay and transgender people, and 5-4 against Trump's plan to end DACA. The justices ruled Thursday in the case of man who said he fled persecution as a member of Sri Lanka's Tamil minority, but failed to persuade immigration officials that he faced harm if he returned to Sri Lanka. The man was arrested soon after he slipped across the U.S. border from Mexico. Justice Samuel Alito wrote the high-court opinion that reversed a lower-court ruling in favor of the man, Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam, who was placed in expedited removal proceedings that prohibit people who fail initial interviews from asking federal courts for much help. 7-2 majority: Only Sonia Sotomayor (back, second from left) and Elena Kagan (back, second from right) did not agree with the ruling Policy approval: Donald Trump's administration has made get-tough moves on immigration a key plank of his time in office, and Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Stephen Breyer agreed with the outcome in this case, but did not join Alito's opinion. In dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote, 'Today's decision handcuffs the Judiciary's ability to perform its constitutional duty to safeguard individual liberty.' She was joined by Justice Elena Kagan. Lee Gelernt, the American Civil Liberties Union lawyer who argued the case in the Supreme Court, said the outcome will make it hard to question the actions of immigration officials at the U.S. border. 'This decision will impact potentially tens of thousands of people at the border who will not be able to seek review of erroneous denials of asylum,' Gelernt said. Since 2004, immigration officials have targeted for quick deportation undocumented immigrants who are picked up within 100 miles of the U.S. border and within 14 days of entering the country. The Trump administration is seeking to expand that authority so that people detained anywhere in the U.S. and up to two years after they got here could be quickly deported. On Tuesday, a federal appeals court threw out a trial judge's ruling that had blocked the expanded policy. Other legal issues remain to be resolved in the case. The administration has made dismantling the asylum system a centerpiece of its immigration agenda, saying it is rife with abuse and overwhelmed by meritless claims. Changes include making asylum-seekers wait in Mexico while their cases wind through U.S. immigration court, denying asylum to anyone on the Mexican border who passes through another country without first seeking protection there, and flying Hondurans and El Salvadorans to Guatemala with an opportunity to seek asylum there instead of the U.S. On Monday, the Trump administration published sweeping new procedural and substantive rules that would make it much more difficult to get asylum, triggering a 30-day period for public comment before they can take effect. The United States became the world's top destination for asylum-seekers in 2017, according to UN figures, many of them Mexican and Central American families fleeing endemic violence. New Delhi: The Union cabinet has approved the Rs 15,000 crore Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund with an interest subsidy scheme to promote investment by private players and MSMEs in dairy, meat processing and animal feed plants. The fund is part of the Rs 20 lakh crore stimulus package announced in May to help people affected by the lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and is expected to create 35 lakh jobs. The eligible beneficiaries under the Scheme would be Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), MSMEs, Section 8 Companies, Private Companies and individual entrepreneur with minimum 10 percent margin money contribution by them. The balance 90 percent would be the loan component to be made available by scheduled banks. Government will provide 3 percent interest subvention to eligible beneficiaries. There will be 2 years moratorium period for principal loan amount and 6 years repayment period thereafter. Government would also set up Credit Guarantee Fund of Rs. 750 crore to be managed by NABARD. Credit guarantee would be provided to those sanctioned projects which are covered under MSME defined ceilings. Guarantee Coverage would be upto 25 percent of Credit facility of borrower. The INR 15,000 cr. AHIDF and the interest subvention scheme for private investors will ensure availability of capital to meet upfront investment required for these projects and also help enhance overall returns/ pay back for investors. Such investments in processing and value addition infrastructure by eligible beneficiaries would also promote export of these processed and value added commodities, an official release said. June 25 : Actor Abhay Deol just took to his social media profile and drew a parallel between his 2012 release Shanghai and current politically charged Bollywood! Since the sad demise of Sushant Singh Rajput, Abhay Deol has been dropping one bomb after the other by talking openly and truthfully about the recent buzzword 'Nepotism'. He has not been mincing words since then and today he has come up with another hashtag #MakingWhatBollywoodWouldnt by comparing it to his critically acclaimed movie 'Shanghai'. The 'DEV. D' actor shared a poster of his film 'Shanghai' and wrote, "Shanghai, released in 2012. A contemporary Indian take on the Greek NOVEL "Z" by author Vassilis Vassilikos. Directed by Dibakar Banerji this film puts systemic corruption in politics front and center, with devastating impact. Extremely relevant today. Looks like these days one could make a film about the corrupt practices of Bollywood! By the way, not sure if the current outrage will give rise to an Independent Hindi film and music industry, without the unoriginal tag of " bollywood", but it sure feels good to hear loud voices from within the industry, risking their careers for the bigger "picture" (pun intended).( @priyasreedharan we gotta make another movie! What Wasim Khan's Instagram handle?) #makingwhatbollywoodwouldnt" 'Shanghai' film revolves around the lives of group of people who embark on a journey to unravel the mystery behind a social activist's death. Like the film unravels the dirty truth of our politics, the same situation is currently prevailing in the bollywood and the music industry, where the ugly and the bitter truth are slowly coming out. The dirt behind those gleaming lights is coming out in the public! The actor who has appeared in several critically acclaimed films, earlier spoke about why he boycotted the award functions as they being the 'FamilyFare' functions only recognise the filmy families and the star kids! With one post after the other, we must say the actor is really not shying away to speak about the harsh and bitter realities of the industry. Kudos!! Schmidt, who is originally from North Dakota, became the clerk in Morrill in August 2015 after her position as a control operator for Union Pacific Railroad was moved to Texas. Schmidt was offered a position as a dispatcher in Omaha, but didnt want to make the move there as husband Matt leases farm ground in the Morrill area, and I really didnt want to move again anyway, she said. When the Morrill clerk position came open, she decided to give it a try. Its very challenging, Schmidt said. There is always something different happening. You have to be able to switch gears in a matter of minutes. Something is always changing. What I like the most is seeking out opportunities for Morrill and trying to help improve the community, betterment for the community, for the residents. The people here are very nice, very good people. Morrill is currently working with the Panhandle Area Development District on grant funds for a nearly $500,000 storm sewer project and an Owner Occupied Rehabilitation project. A new police vehicle was 55% paid for through a grant, and the village has also used grant funds for generators, a siren and a wood chipper. Royal Mail Plc said it will cut around 2,000 management posts, or about 20% of the total, in a bid to streamline the business after the coronavirus outbreak accelerated a decline in letter volumes.Britains 500-year-old postal service plans to reduce costs by 500 million pounds ($620 million) over the next two years by paring labor expenses and reining in capital spending, it said in a statement Thursday. Chairman Keith Williams is seeking to reignite a turnaround plan at Royal Mail after taking on an executive role last month following the surprise exit of Chief Executive officer Rico Back, who had clashed with unions over planned productivity gains. While the Covid-19 crisis has boosted home parcels deliveries as people shop online, business-to-business mailings have slumped. Our plan for the group was to have parcels around 70% of the business by 2024. Thats coming about more quickly, and what youve seen is a very quick transition from letters into parcels, Williams said in a phone interview. Williams said Amsterdam-based parcels arm General Logistics Systems remains a key activity, despite analysts touting the prospect of a split. While there are few synergies between the UK and overseas operations, having an international presence is clearly important, he said. Shares of Royal Mail traded 7.3% lower at 166.80 pence as of 9:36 a.m. in London, where the company is based. The stock has declined 26% so far this year. Royal Mail said it plans to accelerate the pace of operational change in the UK to ensure long-term sustainability, and will seek to revisit the so-called universal service obligation governing daily deliveries to better reflect user needs. Labor costs should fall by 130 million pounds this year and capital spending by 300 million pounds over the next two. Even with the changes, the main UK parcels, international and letters division is likely to be materially loss-making in fiscal 2021, the company said. The business was already lurching toward a loss even before the pandemic amid a labor dispute that saw Back clash with the Communications Workers Union. Williams said hes seeking to open talks on future pay and the issues raised by the labor group, as well as the need for change. Given that the company wanted to engage with its largest UK union, CWU representing the majority of the UK workforce, todays announcement was suspiciously devoid of any new developments, said Daniel Roeska, an analyst at Bernstein, in a note. This would indicate to us that discussions are still ongoing and it was not possible to reach common ground on the transformation plan, he added. Royal Mail, which wont pay a dividend this year, has also racked up costs during the viral outbreak after increased overtime payments and expenses for hiring agency workers and buying protective gear. The company mapped out two scenarios for the year ahead, one with a 10% decline in UK GDP that could shave as much as 250 million pounds from revenue, and the other for a 15% slide in the economy that could wipe out 600 million pounds and add more than 250 million pounds in Covid-related costs. The company posted an adjusted pretax profit of 275 million pounds for the year ended March 31. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. Global Urgent Care Apps Market was valued US$ 398.4 Mn in 2017 and is expected to reach US$ 4832 Mn by 2026, at a CAGR of 36.61% during a forecast period. The report is majorly segmented into types, Clinical Areas, and region. Further, Urgent Care Apps Market based on type includes Pre-hospital Emergency Care & Triaging Apps, In-hospital Communication & Collaboration Apps, Post-hospital Apps, Medication Management Apps, Rehabilitation Apps, and Care Provider Communication & Collaboration Apps. Further, Clinical Area includes Trauma, Stroke, Cardiac Conditions, and Other Clinical Areas. The report segments the Urgent Care Apps market into various sub-segments, hence it covers the market comprehensively. The market numbers are further split across different regions the report had segmented the geographies into five continents i.e. North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Detailed analysis by region with the competitive landscape & benchmarking of the key players make the report comprehensive and enable the informed decision making. Request For Report sample @ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/10819 Based on the type, the post-hospital apps category held the large share in the global urgent care apps industry. Rising awareness of mobile apps to manage medications among patients is a major reason for the post-hospital category being the large share of the market. Since an increasing number of road accidents, the trauma category i.e. to physical injuries of sudden onset is estimated to be large in a market. The stroke segment is expected to grow at the high growth rate in the next few years because the increasing number of stroke patientas i.e sudden death of brain cells due to lack of oxygen, caused by blockage of blood flow and rising number of players providing stroke specific apps used in Emergency Medical Services and rehabilitation facilities. The growth of urgent care apps market is affected by a number of factors, such as the increasing the selling product of the company in a particular area. Some benefits of urgent care apps are growing penetration of 3G and 4G networks, rising concentration on patient-centric healthcare delivery by using smartphones. The major factors that are expected to restrain the growth of urgent care apps market during the forecast period. Such as the wide usage of consumer instant messaging apps, poor internet connectivity in several countries, and the high volume of miscategorized apps on Android and Apple stores. The increasing focus on patient-centric healthcare delivery and the implementation of patient data safety regulations are the major drivers of the urgent care apps market. Taking into an account of the geographical landscape, the North American region was large during the historical period and it is predicted to remain as the large region throughout the forecast period as well. The increasing focus on patient-centric healthcare delivery and the implementation of patient data safety regulations are the major drivers of the urgent care apps industry in North America. Some of the major players in the urgent care apps market are Pulsara, Allm Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., Vocera Communications, PatientSafe Solutions, TigerConnect, and others. Scope of Global Urgent Care Apps Market: Global Urgent Care Apps Market, by Type Pre-hospital Emergency Care & Triaging Apps In-hospital Communication & Collaboration Apps Post-hospital Apps Medication Management Apps Rehabilitation Apps Care Provider Communication & Collaboration Apps Global Urgent Care Apps Market by Clinical Area: Trauma Stroke Cardiac Conditions Other Clinical Areas Global Urgent Care Apps Market, by Region North America Europe Middle East & Africa Asia Pacific Latin America Key players operated in Global Urgent Care Apps Market: Pulsara Allm Inc. Johnson & Johnson Services Inc. Vocera Communications PatientSafe Solutions TigerConnect Others. More Info of Impact Covid19 @ https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/covid-19-analysis/10819 Overnight reports from Jacksonville police: Alexis M. Crafton, 20, of 328 E. Beecher Ave. was arrested at 9:51 p.m. Wednesday on a domestic battery charge after being accused of punching her mother in the face. She was also arrested on a domestic battery charge after being accused of punching her stepfather in the face, according to a police report. Diana, Princess of Wales in Sydney in 1996. (Getty Images) Princess Diana feared she wouldnt date anyone after her divorce from Prince Charles, because she thought she had too much baggage, according to a new documentary. Jennie Bond, former BBC royal correspondent, revealed that Diana was worried about her love life after her divorce, which she also said Diana did not want. Bond told Channel 5s Diana in her Own Words: I said to her Diana, you are going to have men beating a path to your door. And she said I wont, I wont, who would take me with all the baggage I come with? Diana did go onto date after her relationship with Prince Charles broke down, and dated Dr Hasnat Khan from 1995 to 1997. After that broke down, she dated Dodi Fayed. Both were killed in a car crash in Paris in August 1997. Former correspondent Bond, 69, formed a friendship with the princess despite her BBC job, and the pair bonded over both being mothers. Diana, Princess of Wales, wearing her rings on the day her divorce was finalised. (PA Images) Read more: Prince Harry and Meghan Markles new job: Couple sign up as speakers for star-studded NYC agency But much of what Diana told Bond she would later tell her was not to be reported. In the documentary, which is to be aired on Saturday evening, Bond also revealed that Diana did not want her divorce from Prince Charles, and thought they could work together. Diana and Charles separated in 1992, but did not divorce until 1996, after the Queen instructed them to. Bond said: Diana was pretty unsettled with the divorce, she didn't want the divorce, she told me, It's not something I want. I think she felt somehow they could continue as separated but partners and parents to the two boys. I think she really did try to make it work, or wanted it to work. Diana revealed to the New Yorker in 1997 that she had thought she and Charles would be a good team, with her shaking hands and him making speeches. Diana wanted to work with Charles despite their split. (PA Images) Read more: Princess Diana onscreen: How actors have portrayed the iconic royal Bond added: She found the day of the divorce extremely hard. She did go out, she was seen in public, and she was hurting badly. Story continues She told me that it was an extremely difficult day, but she went home and burst into tears. The documentary explores how Dianas increasing distance from the Royal Family put her at odds with the other members, but reveals she tried to stay in the circle for the sake of her sons, Princes William and Harry. The final straw for the Queen is said to be her 1996 Panorama interview with Martin Bashir in which she said she had not been supported by the Royal Family as she adjusted to the new way of life. But it was the same interview in which she had revealed some of her hopes for the future, saying: I sit here with hope because theres a future ahead, a future for myself, for my husband and for the monarchy. Patrick Jephson, Dianas former private secretary, said the interview was painful and meant there was no way back. Read more: Charles and Camilla mark 15 years of marriage: Their love story Documentary makers Channel 5 explained: We observe Diana break free from the royal family to find a new role, and a new voice. Now she was determined that her words would change the world. From AIDS patients to land mine victims, she gave a voice to the vulnerable, used a picture to paint a thousand words as she reinvented her image, and verbally fought back against those who criticised her mission. Dianas life was cut short tragically at the very moment she had found freedom, happiness and her lifes calling. But death would not silence her, and her words live on. Diana: In Her Own Words airs at 9pm on 27 June on Channel 5. TDT | Manama Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has clearly expressed its full solidarity with Egypt. This includes strengthening Egypts initiative to achieve security, stability and prosperity in Libya, on its western borders, and to unify the Arab position in combatting extremist terrorist organisations and in rejecting foreign interference in Libyan and Arab affairs. Bahrains attitude is rooted in the belief that Egypts security and stability are an integral part of the pan-Arab security and that Cairos security is vital. Bahrain and Egypt have come together to resolve the Libyan crisis as stated in the closing statement of the Arab Foreign Ministers Council. The statement has also affirmed the Arab commitment to the unity and sovereignty of Libya, the integrity and stability of its territories, the well-being of its people and democratic practices in its future. The state and its institutions were called on to resume their role in serving the Libyan people without foreign interference. The statement also stressed the need for the United Nations and the international community to force all external parties to remove mercenaries and to work towards unifying the military and security institutions in Libya as part of a political solution. Bahrain sees Egypt as the pulsating heart and safety valve of the Arab nation thanks to its great army, moderate policy, commitment to Arab unity, security, peace, development and prosperity in the region. In acknowledgement of Cairos sacrifices in defending the Arabian Gulf and for its humanitarian stances in assisting its development and educational re-emergence since the start of the 20th century, Bahrain will always remain supportive of Egypt. In appreciation of Egypts status in the heart of the Arab and Islamic nation, Bahrain supports their fight against extremism and terrorism. As a reflection of the fraternal, long-standing relations between the two countries, Bahrains official and popular media have supported Egypts right to defend its borders and protect its national security over the last few days. CNBC.com's MacKenzie Sigalos brings you the day's top business news headlines, and what to watch as the coronavirus pandemic continues sweeping through the U.S. On today's show, CNBC's Meg Tirrell breaks down how rising case counts have caused some states to put their reopening plans on pause. Plus, CNBC's Kate Rooney has the latest numbers on how the pandemic is affecting the largest swath of the nation's workforce Millennials and Generation Z. Texas pauses reopening plan and elective surgeries as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations rise Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Thursday that the state will pause any further reopening as it continues to report record increases in Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations. Businesses that were permitted to open under the previous phases can continue to operate at the designated occupancy outlined by the Texas Department of State Health Services, according to statement from Abbott's office. "The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses. This temporary pause will help our state corral the spread until we can safely enter the next phase of opening our state for business," Abbott said in the release. Young people are stressed out all over the world, but don't blame the pandemic For Gen Z and millennial individuals in countries all over the globe, anxiety levels are high. Nearly half of Gen Zs (48%) and millennials (44%) say they are stressed all or most of the time, according to the 2020 Deloitte Millennial Survey, released Thursday. The causes of high stress are rooted in financial concerns, family welfare and career expectations. But don't put the Covid-19 pandemic at the top of that list. The coronavirus outbreak has brought an economic downturn in the U.S. and globally, and even amid some signs of rebound, uncertainty continues to weigh on the global economy and markets. Verizon is pulling advertising from Facebook and Instagram North and South Korea on Thursday separately marked the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, a conflict that killed millions of people and has technically yet to end. Communist North Korea invaded the US-backed South on June 25, 1950, as it sought to reunify by force the peninsula Moscow and Washington had divided at the end of the Second World War. The fighting ended with an armistice that was never replaced by a peace treaty, leaving the peninsula and millions of families split by the Demilitarized Zone. "The Korean War is the war that has made us what we are today," said South Korean President Moon Jae-in at a ceremony Thursday evening. "We long for peace. However, if anyone threatens our people's safety and lives, we will firmly respond," he said, noting the two Koreas' competition for dominance "ended a long time ago" with South Korea's economy "more than 50 times" larger than the North's. Nearly 150 soldiers repatriated from Hawaii after being excavated in the North were formally received at the ceremony. Video messages from the leaders of the 22 foreign nations that made up the UN coalition defending the South were played. Earlier, Seoul and Washington's defence ministers reaffirmed their commitment to defending "the hard-fought peace". Up to three million Koreans died in the conflict, the vast majority of them civilians. Nearly 37,000 Americans were among the more than 40,000 UN soldiers killed, and Western estimates say China, which backed the North, saw 400,000 fatalities, while Chinese sources put it at about 180,000. - 'Cede not an inch of ground!' - The North has a different history of the period, which it knows as the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War, and insists that it was assaulted first, before it counter-attacked. In Pyongyang, citizens and soldiers attended a war heroes' cemetery on the outskirts of Pyongyang to lay flowers before the graves and bow. "Cede not an inch of ground!" read an inscription on a statue of a machine gunner. The official Rodong Sinmun newspaper carried more than 10 stories on the war, including an editorial asserting that a US invasion had turned "the entire country into ashes" but that it had forced the "aggressors" to sign a "surrender document". "A ceasefire is not peace," it said. "The enemy is aiming for the moment that we forget about June 25 and lower our guard." The nuclear-armed North, which is subject to multiple international sanctions over its banned weapons programmes, says it needs its arsenal to deter a US invasion. Negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington have been deadlocked for months, leaving inter-Korean relations in a deep freeze despite a rapid rapprochement in 2018 that brought three summits between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the South's President Moon Jae-in. - White doves - At the site of one of the key battlefields in Cheorwon county near the Demilitarized Zone a handful of surviving South Korean war veterans marked the anniversary. "It is our misfortune that the South and North had to live for nearly 70 years in confrontation because of the war," a veteran said, before releasing white doves as a symbol of their hopes for a final peace settlement. Most South Koreans prefer "peaceful coexistence" with the nuclear-armed North to unification, a survey by Seoul's Korea Institute for National Unification showed Thursday. Only 26.3 percent of respondents favoured unification, while 54.9 percent preferred peaceful co-existence with the North. Kim on Wednesday suspended plans for military moves aimed at the South, after the North raised tensions last week by demolishing a liaison office on its side of the border that symbolised inter-Korean cooperation. Seoul's relationship with Washington has also been strained by the Trump administration's demands that it pay more towards the cost of keeping 28,500 US troops on the peninsula to protect the South from its neighbour. A young girl with her brother on her back walks past a stalled M-26 tank at Haengju, Korea in June 1951 Factfile on the 1950-1953 Korean War South Korean honour guards carry portraits and urns of compatriot soldiers killed during the 1950-53 Korean War, during a burial ceremony The fighting ended with an armistice that was never replaced by a peace treaty -- here unidentified Korean refugees rest after being forced to flee in 1951 An actor dressed as a Korean War-era soldier holds a dove during a ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the start of the fighting, in Cheorwon, near the Demilitarized Zone BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 25 Trend: The 330 and 500 kilovolt open switchgears, 8 power blocks, Dispatcher Management Center, main and auxiliary areas, buildings and facilities of the Azerbaijan Thermal Power Station have been launched after major overhaul. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the event. The head of state was informed of the conditions created at the station. (Photo : Photo by Nahel Abdul Hadi on Unsplash ) 'Anonymous' and 'LulzSec' Hired by WikiLeaks Founder? Here's What They Found (Photo : Photo by Vishnu R Nair on Unsplash ) 'Anonymous' and 'LulzSec' Hired by WikiLeaks Founder? Here's What They Found The United States Justice Department now accuses WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange of recruiting hackers from the top two biggest hacking organizations, 'Anonymous' and 'LulzSec.' The anti-secrecy website allegedly hired people from the hacking organizations in order to post some of the government secrets and leaks to their site. WikiLeaks accused of hiring 'Anonymous' and 'LulzSec' Last year, WikiLeaks founder was charged with the superseding indictment, maintaining the earlier 18 counts of computer intrusion and Espionage Act violations. Most of the content on WikiLeaks is controversial government secrets submitted by anonymous sources. When Assange was arrested, he was charged with several violations like conspiring with former U.S. Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning and leaking documents including diplomatic cables and military files on the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, that harmed the U.S. and its allies and aided its adversaries. The U.S. government said that WikiLeaks destroyed national security due to this action. However, Assange's team sees this as a threat in journalism since Assange acts as a journalist entitled to First Amendment protection. It was also the argument used by his team regarding the new additional charges. "The government's relentless pursuit of Julian Assange poses a grave threat to journalists everywhere and to the public's right to know. While today's superseding indictment is yet another chapter in the U.S. Government's effort to persuade the public that its pursuit of Julian Assange is based on something other than his publication of newsworthy truthful information," said by Assange's lawyer, Barry Pollack. "The indictment continues to charge him with violating the Espionage Act based on WikiLeaks publications exposing war crimes committed by the U.S. Government." WikiLeaks worked with a teen to steal info of bank Aside from allegedly hiring hackers from famous hacking organizations, WikiLeaks founder was also accused of working with a 17-year-old teen to give them information from a bank. The website also forces the teen to steal more information from the bank, including the accounts of government officials' audio recordings. WikiLeaks allegedly promised to their hackers that they will not be faced with any legal liability once they join and submit entries to the website, especially when you are not a U.S. official. This won't mean additional years for Assange Though the prosecutors have other claims against Assange and the groups of hackers, Engadget reported that it will not assure a longer sentence for the suspect. However, the government looks forward to having this evidences to put stronger ties against Assange and pin him down on the case. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. North and South Korea are today marking the 70th anniversary of the conflict that famously never ended; the Korean War began on 25 June 1950 and stopped, with only an armistice, in 1953. In the South, veterans of the war were due to meet for a low-key commemoration that was expected to feature video messages from US president Donald Trump and other world leaders. The main daily state-run newspaper of the North marked the day with a front-page commentary calling for people to follow in the footsteps of those who fought to defend the nation. Several decades have passed, but the danger of war has never left this soil," the newspaper said, blaming hostile forces for seeking to crush North Korea. Just two years ago, it looked like unprecedented talks between the leaders of the two Koreas, China and the US might result in a permanent peace treaty finally being signed - but in recent months, inter-Korean relations have dramatically deteriorated. Improving relations with South Koreas nuclear-armed neighbour was one of the main tickets through which president Moon Jae-in was elected, yet his goal of achieving peace on the Korean peninsula seems as far off as it has ever been in the past seven decades. How did the Korean War begin? After the end of the Second World War, Korea was to be granted independence from Japan, which had colonised it since 1910. But in the short term, from 1945 the country was administered by two different Allied forces - the northern half by the USSR, and the south by the US. While the Soviets set up a North Korean Peoples' Army equipped with Russian tanks an artillery, the US command in the south kept its local presidents forces to a minimum, fearing his expressed aim of uniting the peninsula by force. In 1948 the leaders of the two halves - Syngman Rhee installed by the US in the south, and Kim Il-sung, who fought alongside communist forces during the Chinese civil war, in the north - declared their territories the Republic of Korea and the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea respectively. Clashes broke out regularly along the border, and after a series of increasingly bloody skirmishes the North Korean Peoples' Army invaded on 25 June 1950, catching the US command off-guard and sweeping south to try and take the key strategic port city of Pusan. What happened during the war? The first year of the war was categorised by big swings in territorial control. Through the United Nations, the US declared North Korea as an aggressor and mobilised peacekeeping reinforcements from countries including Britain and Australia. These forces held onto Pusan and then, in mid-September 1950, launched a counterattack that pushed the North Korean forces back well above the 38th parallel, the line of latitude that was used to divide the countries and became their de facto border. In mid-October, the US General Douglas MacArthur met with president Harry Truman and declared the war would be won by Christmas, according to the historian Michael Hickey. MacArthur had not reckoned on the intervention into the war of China. Beijing overtook the Soviets as the key ally for North Korea, flooding soldiers into the Korean peninsula in order to keep the conflict away from its own borders in November. The UN forces were pushed back to a position well south of Seoul, but finally rallied and slowly advanced north again throughout the spring of 1951. The two sides finally settled into entrenched positions approximately along the 38th parallel, and began a long two-years stalemate. How did it end? The war devastated both North and South Korea as the line of control swept up and down the country. Some estimates put it that 70 per cent of all casualties were civilians. North Korea was flattened, Bruce Cumings, a professor of history at the University of Chicago, told the New York Times. The North Koreans see the American bombing as a Holocaust, and every child is taught about it. For much of the last two years of the conflict, both sides sought peace, as it became apparent that neither would achieve its goal of destroying the opposing regime and reunifying the peninsula. Peace talks dragged on mainly because of an argument over what to do with thousands of North Korean prisoners of war held on the Souths prison island of Koje. The North insisted they all be returned to their country of origin, but many did not want to be repatriated. A deal was finally reached that allowed some to claim asylum, and in July 1953 Operation Big Switch saw each side hand over thousands of captive combatants across the line of control. The fighting ended when an armistice was signed, though never ratified by South Korea, on 27 July 1953, The Demilitarised Zone or DMZ was created along the border, and a UN commission was established to oversee the armistice. Throughout the war, historians say between three and four million people were killed. Of those, it is estimated that the dead included almost 40,000 US forces personnel, 400,000 Chinese (according to the Pentagon), 46,000 South Koreans, 215,000 North Koreans and 1,000 British soldiers. So what happens next? The Korean War represents the ultimate forever war, a low-level conflict with dangerous flareups that have claimed countless lives over decades, said Harry Kazianis, director of Korean Studies at the Washington-based Center for the National Interest. There is no sign it will formally be concluded anytime soon, he added. A group of Chinese veterans used Thursdays anniversary to call for lasting peace. We hope to use our voice -- as Chinese veterans who fought against the West -- to urge more people to unite, 87-year-old veteran and Shanghai resident Yu Jihua told the AFP news agency. But while Seoul continues to push for a permanent peace treaty, the greatest priority for its ally the US has now become the need to remove North Korean leader Kim Jong-uns nuclear arsenal, which could have the potential to reach the mainland United States. Progress in talks on denuclearisation has, like inter-Korean relations, spiralled rapidly downhill since the historic summit between Mr Kim and Mr Trump in Singapore in June 2018. On Wednesday, Mr Kim ordered a suspension of military redeployments to the border that would have undone all the progress made in 2018, but levels of tension remain very high. The US and South Korea marked Thursday by issuing a joint statement reminding Pyongyang to meet its commitments made in Singapore - when Mr Kim pledged to work towards the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and US Defence Secretary Mark T. Esper said they "remain firmly committed to defending the hard-fought peace on the Korean Peninsula, to include supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts for the complete denuclearisation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea". The statement, which talks of the USs ironclad commitment to the defence of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), makes no mention of working towards a permanent peace treaty. Why it matters: Like smartphones, wireless earbuds can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which is concerning when you consider how many hours they spend inside your ears. For those germaphobes out there, LG has announced a new pair of buds that come with a UVnano charging case. The Korean tech giant has unveiled Tone Free HBS-FN4 and HBS-FN6 earbuds, the latter of which comes with a case that cleans the buds while theyre being charged. The case uses ultraviolet light focused on the silicon ear gel tips and the inner mesh to eliminate 99.9 percent of bacteria, including E. coli and S. aureus. It wont remove chunks of dirt or ear wax, though, so theyll still need cleaning by hand now and again. "Several studies have shown that earbuds can harbor more bacteria than a kitchen cutting board," warned LG, adding that this could potentially cause ear infections. LG says the case provides up to an hour of listening time after a five-minute charge, and both models allow for six hours of usage when fully charged, with the case providing three full charges for a total of 18 hours of listening. The earbuds feature audio from English A/V component manufacturer MeridianLG's audio partner for the last two years. They use the companys Headphone Spatial Processing (HSP) tech that simulates the experience of listening to real speakers while producing crystal clear vocals. Both models also feature customized EQ sound settings developed by Meridian, with each mode offering four unique presets. LGs self-cleaning tech first arrived in the Tone+ Free earbuds that were launched in South Korea last year. It introduced the $199 Tone Free true wireless earbuds to the US earlier in 2020, which included a UVnano case The new HBS-FN6 Tone Free model arrives in the US and Europe next month. No word yet on price. "Anecdotally we are hearing reports of good booking numbers in regions across the state, which is great news for operators who have had an extremely difficult past six months," Ms Coddington said. "Places like the Whitsundays, Agnes Waters, the Granite Belt and the Sunshine Coast, just to name a few, have all reported strong bookings for the June-July school holidays and we know that often there is a last-minute surge of bookings, so that is positive." Tourism Industry Council chief executive Daniel Gschwind said the mood from tourism operators was positive overall, after a number of months of uncertainty, but added that the benefits of reopening the state were not being felt equally. "Accommodation providers in the south-east corner are doing quite well with bookings at the moment," Mr Gschwind said. "The story is not as bright for those farther afield, in places like north Queensland or the outback, where customers would want to have access to flights for a start, and also they rely more on interstate travel, which still has a bit of a question mark over it." The state government has listed July 10 as the potential date for opening the borders to interstate travel, with a decision to be made by the end of June. There has been a lot of pressure put on the Premier from southern states to open the borders earlier to help boost struggling tourism operators. However, with the low number of virus cases within Queensland, the government has taken a cautious approach. Mr Gschwind said operators in south-east Queensland were benefiting more from the relaxed movement, because people were more likely to get into their car than onto a plane during the pandemic. The government has announced flight deals for a number of areas, including the Whitsundays, which Mr Gschwind said is reporting a spike in bookings after the subsidised flights were announced. In its latest report, federal government body Tourism Research Australia said tourism generated $28.3 billion for Queensland's economy in both direct and indirect revenue in 2018-19. That number is expected to be vastly down for 2019-20, and Mr Gschwind said even with the bump from internal travel, most operators were not making up the shortfall. "They're happy to have some business as opposed to not having any; the mood is quite optimistic, but we're not out of the woods yet," he said. "The borders being opened will make a big difference: southerners like to come here for their winter holidays, and they tend to take longer holidays than local tourists." Complicating matters is the social-distancing measures that remain in place for venues, with 20 people allowed in a venue at a time, but with more allowed if the operators have submitted a social distancing plan. University of Southern Queensland tourism expert Frances Cassidy said many small operators in the Granite Belt region were already at capacity under the regulations, which would not be lifted further until after the school holidays are over. "Because of the social distancing, there are only so many spaces in the restaurants and so many rooms to be had," she said. Loading Ms Cassidy said the Granite Belt was a comfortable distance to drive from Brisbane, which meant it was seeing benefits from the reopening that more regional areas were not. "I think people are a bit wary at the moment and lack the confidence to go further afield [for holidays]," she said. "There are actually some really good deals out there at the moment, but we need to give consumers the confidence to travel again." Ms Cassidy said she believed the tourism sector would bounce back eventually, but it was going to be a long road, and not everyone would make it. "Some of the operators are starting to see pretty good figures come in, considering its only a few months since all of this started," she said. "I think it will all bounce back quicker than people were expecting, but many regional operators are struggling, and if we can do something as simple as taking a holiday to assist them, hopefully they will make it through the year." Even within the south-east of the state there are operators who havent seen as much of a bump as they would like. Maggie Best, co-manager of Meridian Tower Hotel at Coolangatta near the NSW border, said the resort has been hit hard by the border closures, and domestic tourism has only gone a small way to making up the shortfall. The building has a mix of temporary and permanent accommodation, and usually sees its empty rooms filled with interstate and overseas visitors over the winter season. "We get the same winter weather as Brisbane, and we have the same thickness of skin, so Brisbane people arent coming to the southern Gold Coast for a beach holiday in the middle of winter," Ms Best said. Maggie Best, co-manager of Meridian Tower Hotel. Credit:Isabella Porras "Weve had a few bookings, which is good, but theyre coming for a few days at a time. But Victorians, people from NSW, they come and stay for four weeks, eight weeks - they stay all winter." Mr Gschwind said while the school holiday bump would help many operators, the states tourism industry was large and complex, and would take time to recover even once the pandemic is over. Centrelink contractors who live in six Victorian coronavirus hotspots have been stood down, overstepping advice from the nation's top medical expert, and told to apply for JobSeeker welfare payments until the risk of community transmission eases. The directive has distressed staff and oversteps guidance from Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy, who said this week authorities did not want people living in coronavirus hotspots to be prevented from working. Chief Medical Officer Dr Brendan Murphy said people from coronavirus hotspots should still go to work. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen On Tuesday, Chandler Macleod - a large labour hire firm supplying contractors to Centrelink - advised about 100 Centrelink contract staff who live in six Victorian local government areas identified as COVID-19 hotspots they would be stood down. The directive was issued by Services Australia, Centrelink's parent agency. A low-budget remake of the Extraction trailer has stunned everyone from actor Chris Hemsworth to the Russo brothers. Made by a group of young Nigerian filmmakers known as Ikorodu Bois, the video is a DIY version of the Extraction trailer, made using household items such as brooms and cans of soft drinks. Sharing a side-by-side video on Twitter, the Ikorodu Bois wrote, We so much love this movie and we hope @chrishemsworth and @netflix sees this remake, pls retweet. The tweet has received over 70,000 retweets and close to 2,00,000 likes, attracting the attention of everyone from Hemsworth and the Russos to even Netflix. The Russo brothers were so impressed that they invited the young filmmakers to the Extraction 2 premiere. This is awesome! We would love to have you guys at the #Extraction 2 premiere...DM us and well get you there! the wrote. This would be a dream come through and this is the Day weve been waiting for all our lives, The Bois wrote back. Hemsworth shared their trailer on Instagram and wrote that their version might be better than the actual film. Huge shout out to these amazing young film makers @ikorodu_bois for recreating @extraction trailer shot for shot! I think your version might be better than the original !! @netflixfilm, he wrote. Director Sam Hargrave also shared the video and wrote, So awesome!! These amazing young filmmakers from Nigeria recreated the #Extraction trailer shot for shot. Such ingenuity!! Bravo. Link to their full-length original video on twitter in my bio. CHECK IT OUT! The official Netflix account replied to the Russos tweet and wrote, Love this! in all caps. This is awesome! We would love to have you guys at the #Extraction 2 premiere...DM us and well get you there! https://t.co/6eufmJMgT7 Russo Brothers (@Russo_Brothers) June 24, 2020 Also read: Extraction interview: Chris Hemsworth, director Sam Hargrave rave about genuinely great person Randeep Hooda Extraction, written by Joe Russo and shot partially in India, became the most-viewed Netflix original film after its April debut. The action adventure also starred Randeep Hooda, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Priyanshu Painyuli, David Harbour, Golshifteh Farahani and Pankaj Tripathi. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump laid a wreath at the Korean War Memorial on Thursday to mark the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the war. The two stood - the president saluting and the first lady with her hand over her heart - as a trumpeter played 'Taps.' Afterward they paid their respects at the memorial, the first couple spent several minutes talking to veterans who were present. The president saluted them and Melania Trump, in a black and white dotted $1300 Rosetta Getty dress, smiled at them. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump laid a wreath at the Korean War Memorial to mark the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the war President Trump saluted and Melania Trump had her hand over her heart as a trumpeter played Taps President Trump salutes a Korean War veteran The Trumps exchange a glance after the laid a wreath at the Korean War Veterans Memorial President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump reflected in the granite wall at the memorial The Trumps stayed a few feet away from the Korean War veterans. No one shook hands and no one wore face masks. After the meet and greet, Superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks Jeffrey Reinbold gave the first couple a tour of the monument. The Korean War Veterans Memorial is dedicated to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in the Korean War. It sits on the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial. The memorial is composed of a granite wall with stainless steel statues of soldiers in front of it. There are images of troops moving by sea, land and air sandblasted onto the surface of the wall. A squadron of 19 soldiers, including members from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, are in the memorial space in front of the wall, surrounded by green shrubbery. After the first couple laid a wreath at the memorial and paid their respects, they spent several minutes speaking with Korean War veterans Melania Trump smiles and greets the veterans Superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks Jeffrey Reinbold gave the first couple a tour of the monument About 36,000 U.S. soldiers were killed in the Korean War President Trump and Melania Trump arriving at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, which sits near the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall When the statues are reflected on the granite wall behind them, there appears to be 38 soldiers, which represents the 38th parallel, the dividing line of North and South Korea during the conflict. Nearly 5 million people died in the Korean War, which has technically yet to end. About 36,000 U.S. soldiers were killed. Communist North Korea invaded the U.S.-backed South Korean on June 25, 1950, as it sought to reunify by force the Korean peninsula. The fighting ended with an armistice in 1953 that was never replaced by a peace treaty, leaving the peninsula split by the Demilitarized Zone. Tensions have deepened between the North and South in recent days as North Korea ramped up its aggression by blowing up a Seoul-built liaison office on its territory and threatening to take steps to nullify 2018 tension-reduction deals. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Low-cost carrier Ryanair will challenge the nine-billion euro rescue of Germany's Lufthansa, one of the world's biggest airlines, before an EU court, a top executive said on Thursday. "We have said to the commission we will appeal all other decisions and all approvals: the same goes for today's approval of aid to Lufthansa," Juliusz Gomorek, Ryanair's chief legal officer, told reporters. Explore further Ryanair says will appeal Lufthansa rescue deal 2020 AFP Trojan Holding, one of UAEs leading construction companies, has launched the fourth edition of its Trojan Young Engineers programme to empower the next generation of engineers. The programme, which began on June 23, is being offered online for the first time, providing an invaluable opportunity for students across the country to gain first-hand exposure and experience of working in the industry. The first phase of the digital programme will aim to equip the next generation of the engineers with the knowledge and skills of how construction projects operate on a daily basis, said the statement from the company. The programme is part of Trojan Holdings commitment to foster the new generation of engineering leaders in the region, it added. Since launching in 2016, the programme has benefitted more than 300 young engineers and is set to expand to universities across the Middle East by the end of the year. The programme is being led by the company's managing director Engineer Hamad Al Ameri, who is keen to give a platform to build the industrys leaders of tomorrow. "While a university qualification can potentially open the doors to a career, experience remains one of the most important assets for a graduate. As a qualified engineer myself, I know how vital that is in what has become a competitive job market," stated Al Ameri. "One needs to quickly adapt to the dynamic environment and apply all the theoretical knowledge possessed. An internship program is the best way to put this academic knowledge into practice," he added. Trojan Holding is committed to giving back to the community and through the Trojan Young Engineers programme, it will help UAE's future leaders of the construction industry gain the practical knowledge and understand the day-to-day responsibilities of the sector. The latest edition of the programme will focus on Abu Dhabis new Waters Edge development at Yas Island. The students were selected from Abu Dhabi University, Khalifa University, American University of Sharjah, University of Sharjah and Al Ghurair University following an introduction of the programme by Trojan Holding. During the programme, these students will virtually explore the under-construction project with the guidance of Trojans engineers, learn about the day-to-day responsibilities and gain an insight of the career in both management and construction roles. According to Al Ameri, Trojans experts will also deliver a technical presentation to the students as well as highlighting the importance of adhering to safety requirements. Following the conclusion of the programme, Trojan Holding will award six-week internships to students who demonstrate the right attributes such as enthusiasm, practical skills, courage and leadership based on an online assessment, he added. Central Pennsylvanias only Apple store will reopen to the public this week. The store at the Park City Center in Lancaster will reopen on Friday, according to Rachel Gallagher, senior general manager of Park City Center. The mall itself is reopening on Friday when Lancaster County moves into the green phase. The store will follow the malls modified hours -- 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Gallagher said she expects about half of the malls tenants to reopen on Friday. Boscovs and JCPenney have been open. Stores with outside entrances were permitted to reopen in Lancaster County on June 5. Kohls will also reopen on Friday. Apple is located 541 Park City Center in Lancaster. The store is currently open for curbside pickup. --Business Buzz --Sign up for PennLives newsletters Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. We need your support. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. You can follow Daniel Urie on twitter @DanielUrie2018 and you can like PennLives business page on Facebook at @PennLiveBusiness Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer With more than 20 years of public service, the last eight as sheriff of Fort Bend County, Troy Nehls is the clear choice in the July 14 Republican primary runoff for the U.S. House District 22 seat. Nehls faces Kathaleen Wall, a tech startup investor and major GOP donor who is making her second largely self-financed run for Congress. The winner will square off against Democrat Sri Preston Kulkarni in November to fill the seat left open by the retirement of U.S. Rep. Pete Olson, R-Sugar Land. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted a maritime training exercise with naval ships and aircraft from Italy and France, June 24 2020. The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) conducted a maritime training exercise with naval ships and aircraft from Italy and France, June 24 2020. Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is underway in formation in the Atlantic Ocean. The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, deployed aboard the ships of the Bataan ARG, is serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. European Command. (Picture source: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Theodore W. Ritchie/Released) The exercise included precision maneuvering operations off the coast of Sicily involving the ARG flagship, the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5), and the Italian amphibious transport dock ship ITS San Giorgio, as well as the French amphibious assault ship FS Mistral and the French frigate FS Guepratte. Additionally, aircraft embarked aboard Bataan, including MV-22B Ospreys from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 365 (Reinforced) and MH-60S Seahawks from the Navys Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, conducted dynamic landings on the flight deck of the Mistral, while French Alouette and Gazelle helicopters and an Italian SH101-A helicopter conducted landings on the flight deck of Bataan. The Bataan ARG also includes the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), which is operating in the Mediterranean Sea, and the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51), which is operating in the Black Sea alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78). The Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) is underway in formation in the Atlantic Ocean. The 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, deployed aboard the ships of the Bataan ARG, is serving as the theater reserve force for U.S. European Command. (Picture source: U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Theodore W. Ritchie/Released) Bataan ARG and 26th MEU consist of more than 4,000 total Sailors and Marines, who are operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe after more than five months deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, which includes the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. ARGMEUs operate continuously across the globe and provide the geographic combatant commanders with a forward-deployed, flexible and responsive sea-based MAGTF. The blue-green team is fully capable of conducting operations across a full spectrum of conventional, unconventional and hybrid warfare. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. The first thing that I have to say is that I am an African-American man living in the Minneapolis area. I have to state this now; otherwise, I would probably be called a racist. Most people think Black Lives Matter is a grassroots, black-created, black-run organization dedicated to fighting racism. It most certainly is not. The Black Lives Matter movement is the creation of a group of a few very wealthy individuals, non-profit corporations, and the corporate media. (Incidentally, 90% of the U.S. media is controlled by only six corporations.) The official Black Lives Matter website, BlackLivesMatter.com, states that Black Lives Matter is a global network foundation that is active in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada. A global network! Who funds Black Lives Matter? It's funded by billionaires George Soros (Open Society Foundation), Rob McKay (Taco Bell heir), the Ford Foundation, the Borealis Philanthropy, the Democracy Alliance, and many others. Not exactly what I would call a black-run grassroots organization. If these facts alone don't cause you to rethink the whole Black Lives Matter thing, then you just aren't paying attention. Check out the links here and here. Black Lives Matter began in 2013 when the media suddenly started focusing a tremendous amount of attention on what they portrayed as the rise of unjustified, racially motivated killings of African-American men by white police officers. That's the way that the media portrayed it, but the facts say otherwise. Are police shootings of African-American men on the rise? No, they are not. In fact, they are on the decline. According to the Juvenile and Criminal Justice Report, the rate of police killings of African-Americans has fallen by 70% over the last 4050 years. Are white racist police the biggest murderers of African-Americans? No, far from it. The Black Lives Mattermedia cabal is demonizing the police and portraying them as our number-one foe, but the facts once again say otherwise. According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, 2,925 African-Americans were murdered in 2018. Eighty-nine percent of them (2,600) were murdered by other African-Americans. That same year, 209 African-Americans (7%) were killed by the police (justified or otherwise). So let's do the math here: 2,600 African-Americans killed by other African-Americans and 209 killed by the police (justified or otherwise). So who is killing African-Americans? Other African-Americans. But whom do the media put all of their focus on? The "white racist" police. This media-produced false narrative reached its pinnacle with the death of George Floyd. The media have practically deified him. He's in nationwide TV commercials, online ads, public service announcements. He's on billboards. (We are talking millions of dollars in advertising. Who's paying for this?) His image is graffitied on buildings, businesses, and walls from coast to coast. He's on national magazine covers. This list goes on and on. Hundreds attended his memorial service and funeral, which included Al Sharpton (surprise!), the governor of Minnesota, the mayor of Minneapolis, and many big-name celebrities. So who is this George Floyd? Is he some great civil rights leader? No he was a violent career criminal with a long criminal record. George Floyd was released from prison in Houston, Texas in 2014 following an arrest for aggravated robbery. He had been in jail at least five other times. His arrest record included theft, drug possession, and criminal trespass. He was also the leader of a home invasion ring. They entered a woman's home, and Floyd threatened to kill her by pointing a gun at her stomach while they ransacked the place looking for drugs and money. (Check out the link to his criminal record.) Nice guy, huh? And this is the one that the Black Lives Mattermedia cabal is using as its international poster boy. A violent career criminal. Well, at least you can't say they don't have a sense of humor. The Black Lives Mattermedia cabal is not what it makes itself out to be. It is a wolf in sheep's clothing. They pretend to be the liberal friends of African-Americans, but in reality, they are their mortal enemies. The policies that they so aggressively push cause nothing but more damage to the African-American community. Under the guise of eliminating racism, they push a policy to "Defund the Police." This is right on the front of the Black Lives Matter website. Under the guise of eliminating racism, they push a policy that they call "Stop The Mass Incarcerations." This is a policy that promotes the release of prison inmates before their time is up and putting them back on the street. Under the guise of eliminating racism, they push for the decriminalization of drug offenses and the immediate pardon of all of them existing, with reparations paid to those convicted. So sum this up. In the African-American community, where there is the highest crime rate and the biggest problems with drug abuse, they push to release the inmates from prison and put them back on the streets, let drug use and drug-dealing run wild, and then take away the police. What do you think the outcome of these policies will produce? More crime and drug abuse in the African-American community. High crime and drug areas minus police equals hell easy math. Policies that promote more crime and drug abuse in the black community are what I call anti-black policies. These guys make the KKK look like angels by comparison. What we are seeing happening in the world right now under the guise of "eliminating racism" the destabilization of society, the protest, rioting, looting, burning, and killing is not a mass of spontaneous grassroots events. It's all thoroughly coordinated by those at the top of the Black Lives Mattermedia cabal. They are indeed the enemy of African-Americans, but they are actually the enemy of us all. African-Americans are just being used as cannon fodder in their game of global domination. Leslie Taha is an African-American writer, author, artist, and former guest columnist for the Tacoma Tribune. He is the author of the book The Architects of Rap, and he runs the website, "NewAfricaRadio.com." lestaha@gmail.com Image: Johnny Silvercloud via Flickr (cropped). Recap: Were just under six weeks away from Samsungs (online only) Unpacked event, where the company is expected to unveil the Galaxy Note 20 along with the Galaxy Fold 2, new Galaxy BudsX, Galaxy Watch 3, and possibly the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition. While Samsungs three big handsets are being revealed at the same time, they wont be released simultaneously. Thats according to South Korean media, which claims the devices will launch one month apart. As reported by SamMobile, Samsungs Vice Chairman, Lee Jae-yong, is said to have met with other execs earlier this month to review the companys management strategy and discuss launch plans for the second half of the year. According to industry sources, it was decided to use a monthly release schedule that starts in August with the Galaxy Note 20. Following the Note 20s launch, Samsung will release the Galaxy Fold 2 in September and the Galaxy S20 Fan Edition in October. The wearables, meanwhile, will reportedly launch alongside the Note 20, which makes sense. With Apples new line of iPhones usually launching in September, Samsung could draw some of the spotlight away from its rival if the Galaxy Fold 2 arrives around the same time. We've also heard that a new, 5G-capable Z Flip and Galaxy Tab S7 tablet will be announced at the Unpacked event, but there's no word on when they might launch. As is usually the case, the next Galaxy Note series will be similar to this years S-series, though the standard Note 20 model is rumored to use a 1080p/60Hz display. The phones are also said to feature flatter screens, rather than the curved design found in previous Notes. The S20 Fan Edition is essentially a slightly trimmed down version of the S20 that boasts some of its flagship featuresSnapdragon 865, 5Gbut costs less. Previous rumors claimed it would launch next year following a CES reveal, so well just have to wait and see. Samsungs Unpacked event takes place on August 5. Assange already faces 18 criminal charges in the US and the latest indictment augments existing charges In this May 1, 2019, file photo, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is taken from court in London. (AP) Washington: The US Department of Justice strengthened its case against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Wednesday in an indictment laying out new evidence that he recruited hackers and conspired to commit computer intrusions. Assange already faces 18 criminal charges in the US and the latest indictment does not add to that number but instead augments existing charges. The department's updated indictment alleges that Assange conspired with individuals from the LulzSec and Anonymous hacker groups, among other accusations. It also alleges that he gained "unauthorized access to a government computer system of a NATO country," according to a statement. Assange faces charges under the US Espionage Act for the 2010 release of a trove of secret files detailing aspects of US military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. Washington claims the 48-year-old Australian helped intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to steal the documents before recklessly exposing confidential sources around the world. Wikileaks posted on Twitter Wednesday that the "new Superseding Indictment against Julian Assange is a further pathetic attempt by the DOJ to dupe the public." Assange is currently in the high security Belmarsh prison in south London as he fights an extradition request by the United States. He took refuge in the Ecuadoran embassy in London in 2012 after skipping bail to avoid separate legal proceedings in Sweden, but was dragged out of the building by British police last year. Portland will receive a yet-to-be determined portion of a $550 million settlement with the herbicide manufacturer Monsanto over long-running environmental contamination from its products, the city announced Wednesday. More than a dozen cities have sued Monsanto since 2015 over polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, which the company produced between the 1930s and 1977. The chemicals, which had a wide array of industrial uses, were banned in 1979 after it was revealed they had harmful health effects on people who came in contact with them, even in small doses. The colorless compounds were in high demand for decades because of their utility. They were fire-retardant and used in paint products, electric devices and hydraulic oils until the federal government banned them in 1979. PCBs are one of several chemical pollutants found in sediment at the Portland Harbor, a superfund site that runs from just north of the Broadway Bridge to the Columbia River slough. Portland officials said evidence showed Monsanto, the only company to make PCBs, was aware of the health impacts of the chemicals but continued to manufacture them. Monsanto was aware it was manufacturing harmful toxic chemicals and it continued to do so for many years, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said in a statement. Today, we are holding Monsanto accountable for its reckless actions that caused harm to our community. The impacts (of) PCBs on our community are not quantifiable, but this settlement is one way to address decades worth of harm. When the suit was filed, Monsantos vice president for global strategy, Scott Partridge, said the company voluntarily stopped producing PCBs more than 40 years ago and didnt use or dispose of any PCBs in the state of Oregon. This lawsuit is baseless and undermines the ongoing EPA cleanup efforts, and Monsanto will defend itself accordingly, Partridge said. The company did not return a request for comment on the settlement. The settlement must be approved by a judge, which could take several months, but the money will go toward helping Black, Indigenous, and communities of color that have been disproportionately impacted by environmental contamination, according to the city. Monsanto will also pay attorneys fees for the city, officials said. The exact amount Portland will receive will be decided when the settlement is approved. -- Kale Williams; kwilliams@oregonian.com; 503-294-4048; @sfkale Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Reuters Europe's biggest technology conference, the Web Summit, is in talks with the Portuguese government to organise its annual event in Lisbon in December, a month after originally planned, its founder Paddy Cosgrave said on Wednesday. "Every government anywhere in the world would hope the situation improves and normality might be able to return to their city and country," Cosgrave told an online news conference. The format of the summit is likely to be decided in early October, adhering to Portugal's health protocols, and will be reviewed weekly until the opening day on 2 December. Should it take place it could be one of the first big international events to be staged since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced the cancellation of events from music festivals to the Olympic Games. The online version of the summit will host up to 100,000 founders, partners, and speakers on its conference platform, the company said in a statement. Tickets for the event in Lisbon will go on sale in early October, provided Portugal's health protocols permit events at that time. Events or gatherings of 10 or more people are currently banned in Lisbon due to localised outbreaks in and around the city. It is not yet clear what measures will be required of this year's Web Summit to reduce risk of contagion and how many people will be able to physically attend it. "Whatever the limitations are I want to ensure we do something spread all over Portugal and share a little more with the world than just Lisbon," Cosgrave said. "There is a lot more to discover and there are great things happening all over Portugal." The Web Summit, which moved from Dublin to the Portuguese capital in 2016, attracted around 70,000 participants last year, drawing speakers from leading global tech companies and startups, as well as politicians. The company also has plans to open up its online conference platform to customers who organise large, bespoke events. The department has never had a good reputation of being responsive to the needs, fears and concerns of the members of the black community, Brooks said. People need to accept that as fact. Its an opportunity for law enforcement to engage differently with the community and proactively act on the fears that they hear from them. On 17 May 2019 we published an article about Ms Stephanie Banasko headlined "'88 DAYS A SLAVE' Moaning Brit backpacker claims she had to do 'hard graft' four-hour days fruit picking in Australia". The article has been removed from the website, and we now accept that at no stage did Ms Banasko complain about four-hour days. We apologise to Ms Banasko for any suggestion to the contrary, and for any upset caused to her. COVID-19 Facts Update As the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic continues, physicians and medical researchers are facing questions about newly recognized symptoms, antibody testing and what the public can expect in the near future. Some also have expressed concern for the health of protestors who have been gathering in large numbers to decry racial injustice in America. ADVERTISEMENT Unfortunately, as pandemic conditions continue, so does the possibility of becoming infected with COVID-19 if youre in close contact with others who may be infected, said infectious disease specialist Rekha Murthy, MD, vice president of medical affairs and associate chief medical officer at Cedars-Sinai. While large gatherings still are not recommended from a public health perspective, Murthy advised that if individuals find themselves in such a situation, they should follow established safety measures to avoid a COVID-19 infection: wearing a mask, frequent hand hygiene and maintaining physical distance from others. Protestors should be aware of and protect themselves from the personal health risks they face as they rightfully protest other risk factors of systemic racism leading to health inequities, Murthy said. Aggressive policing, brutality and injustice, poverty, employment discrimination and lack of access to health care all contribute directly to the publics health. According to the nonprofit APM Research Lab, emerging data regarding COVID-19 mortality reveals deep inequities by race, most dramatically for African Americans. The COVID-19 mortality rate for African Americans is 2.4 times as high as the rate for whites and 2.2 times as high as the rate for Latino and Asian Americans. At Cedars-Sinai, we are working hard to enable and achieve health equity for all, Murthy said. The Newsroom spoke with Murthy and infectious disease specialist Michael Ben-Aderet, MD, associate director of Hospital Epidemiology at Cedars-Sinai, for the latest on what we know about COVID-19 and how the public including protesters can protect themselves. ADVERTISEMENT If you have COVID-19 but dont have symptoms, can you still put others at risk of catching the virus? Yes. The incubation period for COVID-19, which is the time between exposure to the virus (becoming infected) and symptom onset, is on average five to six days, but it can be up to 14 days. During this period, also known as the pre-symptomatic period, some infected persons can be contagious. Therefore, transmission from a pre-symptomatic case can occur before symptom onset. These facts support the recommendation by experts for the use of face masks by the general public when in crowded outdoor or indoor spaces to control spread of COVID-19. Public health officials advise protesters to monitor for symptoms for two weeks after attending a large public event. How long does the infection last? With COVID-19, theres a wide spectrum ranging from mild respiratory illness to fatal disease, with everything in between. The majority (80%) of people with infection have mild illness and recover. People with moderate or severe clinical illness tend to be sick for a couple of weeks. Though you may be able to detect viral particles in the respiratory secretions of a previously infected patient for several weeks after theyve recovered, the risk of transmitting infection to others is highest during the first week of illness. Is there anything unique about the course of the infection? Patients can have about five to eight days of a mild feverish illness, and if their condition is going to worsen, it happens very rapidly. Thats a unique aspect of COVID-19 and a big challenge because this illness tends to linger in a mild state before worsening. It can catch patients off guard, which means they have to keep a close eye on their symptoms for up to two weeks. In addition, some people may have other symptoms unrelated to respiratory illness early in the course, such as fatigue, sore throat, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea or headache. How can you tell if your cough is related to COVID-19 versus something like seasonal allergies? Symptoms of allergies like hay fever tend to be subtle and persistent. Symptoms of a viral illness like influenza or COVID-19 tend to be more severe and accompanied by multiple symptoms, such as a cough that progressively gets worse and a fever, which would not be associated with seasonal allergies. What is current treatment advice? Treatment guidance is rapidly evolving due to active research. For mild illness outside of the hospital, its still supportive care to manage symptoms. Inside the hospital, we have amazing teams investigating all possible therapies and swiftly enrolling patients in clinical trials. There are some very promising trials happening at Cedars-Sinai and elsewhere, including new antiviral medications and donated plasma. Will the spread of COVID-19 lessen during hot summer months? The short answer is, we dont know. In general, we would not expect summer to be a real cure for this. Weve seen significant spread during the summer in South America, South Africa, Australia and Southeast Asia. We wouldnt make the assumption that summer will change things. This is a new pathogen, and we dont know how it will behave. Could COVID-19 become a seasonal virus? Its too early to tell. We dont truly understand why influenza is seasonal. Many of the viruses we experience are seasonal, even in areas that do not have severe winters. That science is poorly understood, and we dont know where COVID-19 will fit in. Should people wear a mask in public? Currently, wearing a cloth face covering is a key component in the public health approach to ending stay-at-home orders and allowing us to return to a more normal kind of life. It helps reduce the viruss ability to spread to others, including those with and without symptoms. The focus is on flattening the curve through continued public health measures including social distancing and good hand hygiene. Do smokers and vapers run a higher risk of getting COVID-19 or a worse infection? While we dont have a large population of smokers and vapers at our hospital, its been well reported that they suffer worse outcomes from documented cases in other places. They also suffer worse outcomes from many respiratory viruses such as influenza. Smoking impairs your ability to have an immune response in your lungs. If youre doing anything that damages your lungs, it puts you at risk for further damage. As stay-at-home restrictions start to lift, how do we keep ourselves safe? We need to continue practicing the same measures that weve adopted during this pandemic: performing frequent hand hygiene, avoiding people who are symptomatic with respiratory illness, avoiding touching your face and surfaces, covering your cough and being careful when coming into contact with large numbers of people. How will our lives continue to be different? This pandemic is going to have a lasting effect on our society. People are now cognizant of how viral illness spreads, and COVID-19 is not the only viral illness out there. We expect there will be a heightened awareness of infectious disease risk, hesitancy around large gatherings and tight quarters in places such as airplanes and more skepticism of people being really close together in general. L: House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) holds a press conference in the Capitol building, Washington, on March 7, 2019. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) R: U.S. Attorney General William Barr testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 1, 2019. (Nicholas Kamm/AFP/Getty Images) Pelosi Downplays Potential Barr Impeachment Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) on Thursday rejected the possibility that House Democrats would impeach Attorney General William Barr after some Democrats alleged that he took political considerations in handling cases related to President Donald Trump. The speaker suggested that the November election would be an alternative to impeachment. A hundred and thirty-one days from now, we will have the solution to many problems, one of them being Barr, Pelosi said during a live event. But she claimed that Barr is a disgrace to the Department of Justice. The Department of Justice hasnt responded to a request for comment. At this point, lets solve our problems by going to the polls and voting on Election Day, 131 days from now, Pelosi said during the live event, hosted by the Washington Post. This week, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) suggested that House might impeach Barr, who is slated to testify in July in front of the panel. Were looking into that, we may very well, Nadler told reporters on Wednesday when he was asked about impeachment after a hearing where two DOJ prosecutors said Barr had politicized an investigation into Roger Stone. He added, I think the weight of the evidence and of whats happened leads to that conclusion. Nadler previously said in an interview on CNNs State of the Union Sunday that he believes pursuing an impeachment inquiry against Barr would be a waste of time. Republicans still control the Senate. Reps. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) and Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) have also called for Barrs impeachment. It came after a court ruled that former national security adviser Michael Flynns case could be dismissed, giving a win to the Trump administration and the DOJ. A spokesperson for the DOJ, Kerri Kupec said Thursday that Nadlers threat is political in nature. If people have a problem with Bill Barr coming back to the Department of Justice to restore one system of justice, not a two-tiered system, I think that says a lot more about the critics than it does about the attorney general, Kupec told Fox News. Because that is what he has done again and again. He approaches all cases with an open mind. He judges them according to the facts and the law without regard to political consideration, Kupec continued. This is what he promised to at his confirmation, this is what he has done throughout his tenure as attorney general, and that is what he will continue to do until his last day as AG. Kupec on Wednesday also confirmed that Barr accepted an invitation to appear at a House Judiciary Committee hearing for oversight in July. Urban transformation missions such as PMAY (U), AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission have proved to be a boon in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said on June 25. At present, more than 22,000 houses are being dedicatedly used as COVID-19 facilities in various states and Union Territories, the minister said at a webinar to mark the 5th anniversary of PMAY (U), Smart Cities Mission (SCM) and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). Additionally, various innovative strategies, outreach activities are being documented for wider dissemination and replication among stakeholders. For this purpose, COVID Urban Practices (CUP)-19, a dedicated dashboard, has been developed and made operational to facilitate exchange of best practices, Puri said. The integrated command and control centres (ICCC) developed under the Smart Cities Mission have helped cities in their fight against COVID, he said, adding that the 47 operational ICCCs became war-rooms and have played an effective role in COVID response. During the current Covid-19 crisis, 47 command and control centres created under the smart cities mission are serving as crisis management control rooms, helping monitor the on-ground situation while leveraging various technological innovations. About 33 more ICCCs are at various stages of implementation and very soon we will have 80 Smart cities with their ICCCs, Puri 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 Pune, each case of the city has been mapped using geospatial information systems, and city administration is monitoring the areas and creating buffer zones where patients tested positive with the COVID-19 infection, he explained. This data, he added, is being used to make containment plans by city administration. "In Bhopal and Ujjain, the ICCC is being used as a helpline for telemedicine and counseling services for citizen." According to Puri, nearly 5,151 projects worth over Rs 2 lakh crore have been identified in 100 smart cities. "So far, the mission has tendered around 4,700 projects worth Rs 1,66,000 crore, which is about 81 percent of the total projects proposed. Under SCM, an additional 1,000 projects amounting to Rs 32,500 crore have been tendered and 1,000 projects amounting to Rs 36,000 crore have begun in the last one year, he said. As for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-Urban), 35 lakh houses have so far been delivered to beneficiaries while 65 lakh houses are currently under construction, he stated. The government has set a target of 1.12 crore houses in urban areas by 2022 under PMAY - Housing for All. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has received validated demand for about 1.12 crore houses under PMAY (U). Approvals for 1.05 crore houses have already been sanctioned, of which work on 65 lakh projects have begun and 35 lakh have been built and delivered to beneficiaries across the country. The number of houses sanctioned in last five years under the mission is almost eight times, more than those sanctioned under earlier urban housing schemes in the preceding 10 years, Puri said. On Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), the minister said the initiative is helping cities expand and upgrade their wastewater treatment infrastructure by adding more than 4300 MLD of sewerage treatment capacity and another 3000 MLD capacity addition being done by states. The ministry has so far provided 79 lakh household water tap connections and 45 lakh sewer connections in the country. "Seventy-six lakh conventional streetlights have been replaced with energy-efficient LED lights which have led to energy savings of 167 crore units per annum, resulting in a reduction in CO2 emission by 13 lakh tonne per annum," he said. Owing to the implementation of the reform across 2,057 cities, including 444 AMRUT cities, Indias ranking rose to 27th position in the World Banks 2020 Ease of Doing Business in construction permits, moving up from 181 rank in Doing Business Report 2018, showing remarkable improvement since the implementation of the reform, the minister said. Credit rating exercise has been undertaken in 469 of the 500 Mission citiesout of which 163 cities have been found to be investible grade. During 2019-20, eight cities raised Rs 3,390 crore through municipal bonds to undertake capital investment projects aimed at improving service delivery and city level infrastructure, he said. Puri also launched the city finance portal that would provide financial statements of all cities on a single platform to enable sharing and learning of best practices and to help urban local bodies in accessing market funds. Ryanair has filed a complaint to EU antitrust regulators about alleged talks between Lufthansa's Italian unit Air Dolomiti and three Italian airlines to fix prices, the chief legal officer of Europe's biggest budget airline said on Thursday. The complaint also cites alleged price fixing in Austria involving Lufthansa's local unit Austrian Airlines. "I can confirm that the price fixing cartel complaint was filed with the European Commission," Ryanair's Juliusz Gomorek told reporters. "In Austria, where Lufthansa has a subsidiary, in the context of the bailout of that subsidiary, we have government officials talking about potentially introducing minimum prices," he said. Earlier this month, Austria said it would introduce a minimum ticket price of on average 40 euros ($45), a shot at budget airlines' heavy discounts and following its 450 million-euro bailout of Lufthansa's Austrian Airlines. Gomorek also pointed to Italy "where Lufthansa has its subsidiary, we have that subsidiary talking about getting together with three other airlines to discuss and maybe agree what price levels they may feel comfortable at." The European Commission said it had received the complaint and would assess it. Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines declined to comment. Gomorek last week wrote to European Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager's head of cabinet Kim Jorgensen calling for action against Lufthansa's Air Dolomiti, Alitalia, Neos and Blue Panorama, according to the letter seen by Reuters. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie WATERLOO REGION A new initiative hopes to match Black, Indigenous and people of colour with vacant seats on local nonprofit boards to help diversify representation in the region. Beisan Zubi says it is a mutually beneficial initiative to help visible minorities discover new opportunities and for local boards of directors to better represent the community around them. If we look at the representation on boards across the region, it is predominantly white, said Zubi, a local resident who works in the tech sector. She also ran for a seat on regional council last year. It is really not representative of the community they help and serve. Zubi said many local nonprofits and charities recognize they lack diversity on their boards, but there hasnt been much momentum to recruit more Black, Indigenous and people of colour. She hopes her new matchmaking program, Get on Board, can help change that. We are having conversations about representation in leadership right now, and I think organizations need to take a very frank inner look at themselves, Zubi said. Zubi said many boards of directors typically recruit members through word of mouth, which makes it difficult to find people from outside their own networks. They havent approached multicultural communities, she said. On the other hand, she has heard from people of colour who are reluctant to apply to a board of directors because they fear being tokenized. I dont think this is going to fix systemic racism, its not, Zubi said. But it can help Black, Indigenous and people of colour be heard and to also help them with networking, experience in a new sector, leadership and public speaking skills. That is why Zubi thinks she can help bridge the gap. Interested individuals can apply using a form on Zubis website The New Rules and she will match those candidates with local organizations that suit the individuals interests. She has seen a number of people reach out since she launched the initiative on Monday. Zubi hopes to match 100 people to different local organizations over the next year. I think it is doable, she said. Zubi has already heard from other cities interested in adopting a similar model. All you need is somebody to be the matchmaker. I think this could be really great for the broader community. To learn more, visit thenewrules.ca/get-on-board. Thursday looks set to be another scorcher with the mercury likely to hit 33C (Danny Lawson/PA) Scorching temperatures saw the mercury rise to 30 in parts of the UK before midday but thunderstorms are expected to bring downpours and lightning strikes to the western half of the country. Thursdays high could top the 32.6C (90.7F) reached on Wednesday, making it the hottest day of the year so far. But there have been warnings not to be tempted to cool off in open water, following the deaths of two people in recent days in Berkshire and Scotland. #UV levels will be high or very high for much of the UK today pic.twitter.com/In4DcMQc28 Met Office (@metoffice) June 25, 2020 A 10-year-old boy died after getting into difficulty in Loch Lubnaig, near Callander in the Highlands on Wednesday evening, Police Scotland said. Meanwhile, a body was found following a search for a missing man at Lulle Brook in Cookham, Berkshire. A cousin told the PA news agency that Syrian refugee Eyad Al Ryabi had gone into the water on Tuesday evening to try to help his friend. The friend survived and was taken to hospital, Thames Valley Police said. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) tweeted: Although the weather is hot, the water is not. Cold water shock can take your breath away please do not be tempted to cool off in open water and #BeWaterAware. People have also been warned to stay hydrated while out and about in the hot conditions, with sunseekers flocking to beaches in huge numbers in recent days, despite social distancing measures still being in place. Expand Close Bournemouth beach was packed on Wednesday as temperatures soared to the hottest of the year so far (Andrew Matthews/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bournemouth beach was packed on Wednesday as temperatures soared to the hottest of the year so far (Andrew Matthews/PA) An amber level three heat-health alert, issued by the Met Office, was extended on Thursday to take in Yorkshire and the east and south of England as well as the West and East Midlands. The warning requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups, according to the Met Office website. Health authorities have encouraged those most vulnerable many of whom have been shielding during lockdown to protect themselves amid the exceptionally hot weather forecast this week. Public Health England (PHE) said older people, those with underlying health conditions, and very young children were all more at risk from the higher temperatures. It is expected temperatures in west London could reach 33C (91.4F), while parts of Wales could see the mercury rise to 34C (93.2F). The thermometer had already hit 30C at Porthmadog in Wales on Thursday morning. The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms across Northern Ireland, Wales and the west of Scotland and England, with the storms set to move eastwards into Friday. The rainfall brings a risk of flooding and disruption to some places, the forecaster said. Temperatures reached 32.6C (90.7F) at Londons Heathrow Airport at 2.46pm on Wednesday making it the hottest day of the year so far. Met Office meteorologist John Griffiths said there was a low chance that the Welsh Marches the area along the Welsh border could see temperatures of 34C (93.2F) very locally. Should that happen, it would be the hottest June on record in Wales, surpassing the previous peak of 33.7C (92.7F) on June 18, 2000. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) The storms are expected to continue from midday on Friday through to Saturday morning, with another yellow warning in place for the whole of the UK. Areas hit by the storms could experience torrential downpours with between 30mm to 50mm of rain falling in an hour. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) People have been advised to keep cool and stay hydrated where possible. The Met Office said UV levels were expected to remain at eight across many parts of the UK on Thursday. Dr Michaela Hegglin, associate professor in atmospheric chemistry at the University of Readings Department of Meteorology, said Thursday could see some of the highest UV levels ever recorded in Britain. She said: This is because of a combination of factors. We are at the summer solstice, when the sun is almost directly overhead at one oclock. UV levels this high are rare in the UK, so people with light skin should be very careful to avoid getting burnt. While UV is important for getting vitamin D and keeping us healthy, too much of it can cause skin cancer or eye cataracts. Expand Close (PA Graphics) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp (PA Graphics) Friends, family and neighbours have been urged to keep checking on the vulnerable, who might still be spending more time at home due to coronavirus, by keeping in touch on the phone. Shoppers have also been advised to be aware they could be forced to spend extra time in the sun as a result of social distancing measures, and warned to protect themselves by bringing water and wearing high factor sunscreen. Expand Close The scene on the beach in Bournemouth, Dorset, on Wednesday (Andrew Matthews/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The scene on the beach in Bournemouth, Dorset, on Wednesday (Andrew Matthews/PA) Dog owners have been urged to avoid exercising their pets during the hottest part of the day, with Vets Now, a provider of emergency veterinary care, warning that the average survival rate of a dog diagnosed with heatstroke was 50%. Meanwhile, fire chiefs said they wanted to debunk this myth that hand sanitiser left in hot cars could pose a fire risk. Roy Wilsher, NFCC chair said: We want to reassure people that this product will not combust if left in a car even on the hottest day. For hand sanitiser to cause a fire it would need to come into contact with a spark. Hand sanitiser is very important in the fight against the spread of Covid-19, therefore it is is essential we debunk this myth. People are advised to keep their hand sanitisers containers closed and out of direct sunlight and ensure they keep it away from any naked flame. London Fire Brigade has warned people not to have barbecues on dry grass, not to drop cigarettes or matches, and not to leave rubbish such as glass bottles lying around amid a risk they could start fires. This Morning I received a call with the heartbreaking news of the death by suicide of Shaquille Carty in Island Harbour. This incident took place at the residence of my sister Gwen Webster. I immediately went to visit the home, where members of the Royal Anguilla Police Force were on the scene. I also contacted Mr. Cartys parents to express my deepest condolences. House of Assembly The Valley, Anguilla Tel: +1 (264) 497 5081 I humbly ask members of the general public to allow the families involved to mourn privately. It is also critical at this time to provide counselling services for all relevant persons who have been emotionally impacted by this tragic event. I ask for prayers for the families and our community of Island Harbour as we come to grips with what has transpired. I am deeply committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of our children and our families. We all must work to keep our respective communities and Anguilla safe. We must reaffirm our faith in the Almighty and strive to be our brothers keeper; bearing one anothers burdens as we fulfil the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE: BWA) ("BorgWarner") announced that shareholders of Delphi Technologies PLC ("Delphi Technologies") approved BorgWarner's all-stock acquisition of Delphi Technologies at a special meeting today. An overwhelming majority of Delphi Technologies' shareholders voted in favor of the transaction. "We appreciate that a large majority of Delphi Technologies' shareholders have voted to approve the transaction, underscoring the value that we believe is inherent in bringing our companies together," said Frederic Lissalde, President and CEO of BorgWarner. "We are now one step closer to delivering the expected significant benefits of this transaction to our combined stakeholders. We look forward to closing the transaction which is expected to occur in the second half of 2020." "We are pleased with the strong support from our shareholders for this transformative transaction, which we believe will create a leading propulsion technologies company that is uniquely equipped to serve OEMs and aftermarket customers around the world," said Richard F. Dauch, CEO of Delphi Technologies. "We are excited to join forces with BorgWarner and look forward to delivering long-term value for all of our stakeholders." BorgWarner and Delphi Technologies are continuing to work diligently towards closing the transaction, which is subject to the receipt of the remaining required regulatory approvals and satisfaction or waiver of other closing conditions, including the sanctioning of the scheme of arrangement by the Royal Court of Jersey. About BorgWarner BorgWarner is a global product leader in clean and efficient technology solutions for combustion, hybrid and electric vehicles. With manufacturing and technical facilities in 67 locations in 19 countries, the company employs approximately 29,000 worldwide. For more information, please visit borgwarner.com. Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This communication may contain forward-looking statements as contemplated by the 1995 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act that reflect, when made, Delphi Technologies' or BorgWarner's respective current views with respect to future events, including the proposed transaction, and financial performance or that are based on their respective management's current outlook, expectations, estimates and projections, including with respect to the combined company following the proposed transaction, if completed. Such forward-looking statements are subject to many risks, uncertainties and factors relating to Delphi Technologies' or BorgWarner's respective operations and business environment, which may cause the actual results of Delphi Technologies or BorgWarner to be materially different from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. All statements that address future operating, financial or business performance or Delphi Technologies' or BorgWarner's respective strategies or expectations are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "could," "designed," "effect," "evaluates," "forecasts," "goal," "guidance," "initiative," "intends," "pursue," "seek," "target," "when," "will," "expects," "plans," "intends," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "projects," "potential," "outlook" or "continue," the negatives thereof and other comparable terminology. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the possibility that the proposed transaction will not be completed; failure to obtain regulatory approvals or to satisfy any of the other conditions to the proposed transaction; adverse effects on the market price of BorgWarner's shares of common stock and on Delphi Technologies' or BorgWarner's operating results; failure to realize the expected benefits of the proposed transaction; failure to promptly and effectively integrate Delphi Technologies' businesses; negative effects relating to any announcements relating to the proposed transaction on the market price of Delphi Technologies' ordinary shares or BorgWarner's shares of common stock; significant transaction costs and/or unknown or inestimable liabilities; potential litigation associated with the proposed transaction; general economic and business conditions that affect Delphi Technologies, BorgWarner or the combined company following the consummation of the proposed transaction; changes in global, political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory forces; changes in tax laws, regulations, rates and policies; future business acquisitions or disposals; the scope and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and actions taken by governmental authorities in response thereto; the significant and unprecedented market disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the businesses, operations and financial conditions of BorgWarner and Delphi Technologies; competitive developments; and the timing and occurrence (or non-occurrence) of other events or circumstances that may be beyond Delphi Technologies' or BorgWarner's control. For additional information about these and other factors, see the information under the caption "Risk Factors" in Delphi Technologies' most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" filed on February 13, 2020, the information under the caption "Risk Factors" in Delphi Technologies' Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on May 7, 2020, the information under the caption "Risk Factors" in BorgWarner's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" on February 13, 2020, and the information under the caption "Risk Factors" in BorgWarner's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 filed with the SEC on May 6, 2020. Any forward-looking statements by Delphi Technologies or BorgWarner speak only as of the date of this communication or as of the date they are made. Delphi Technologies and BorgWarner each disclaim any intent or obligation to update or revise any "forward looking statement" made in this communication to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time, except as may be required by law. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Delphi Technologies, BorgWarner or their respective directors, executive officers or any person acting on behalf of any of them are expressly qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. CONTACTS IR contact: Patrick Nolan Phone: +1 248-754-0884 Email: [email protected] PR contact: Michelle Collins Phone: +1 248-754-0449 Email: [email protected] SOURCE BorgWarner SAN FRANCISCO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- FinancialForce , provider of the only modern ERP suite and the #1 professional services automation ( PSA ), today announced the availability of two new tools to help organizations manage risk and collaborate efficiently in the pandemic environment, whether they are currently stabilizing their business, getting back to work, or growing. FinancialForce Risk Tracker helps organizations assess risks to their revenue and cash flow, thus improving decision making and the speed of remediation. The application monitors signals related to COVID impact and is now available on the Salesforce AppExchange . FinancialForce's new PSA Zoom Connector enhances productivity for remote and distributed professional services teams, allowing them to quickly convene Zoom meetings while collaborating on projects in FinancialForce PSA. Risk Tracker and the PSA Zoom Connector are the first solutions from the newly launched FinancialForce Labs, an innovation hub in which FinancialForce experts collaborate with customers to speed the release of new technologies to market. FinancialForce Labs focuses on meeting specific needs or addressing external events and trends, and its solutions complement the products and services that FinancialForce offers through its established roadmap. In some cases -- such as with Risk Tracker, FinancialForce Labs innovations will be offered to the larger Salesforce community at no charge. FinancialForce Risk Tracker complements companies' existing operational systems by providing an executive level summary of financial risk. The technology aggregates operational signals from unstructured data in customer relationship management (CRM), FinancialForce PSA, and FinancialForce ERP Chatter feeds. The application leverages Salesforce Einstein Analytics and can be extended to incorporate additional predictive signals from both structured and unstructured Salesforce data. "Companies today are under pressure to mitigate risk and re-vitalize sales pipelines and cash flow intakes," said Bryan Miller, Vice President, HCM Practice Leadership, Bluewater. "However, many reporting systems are blind to unstructured data -- such as comments about customer opportunities, contacts, projects and accounts -- that when combined with other data can provide a complete picture of business and account health. Synthesizing signals from different areas of the organization--including finance, sales, and customer success teams--allows a business to gain the focus it needs to make sound decisions and manage customer and prospect relationships for the best outcomes." FinancialForce originally built Risk Tracker to monitor signals within its own business, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. After successfully using the app to identify risk and appropriate mitigations, the company decided to make the solution available to help other organizations manage risk without invasive system changes. In the case of FinancialForce's own customer success teams, the power of Risk Tracker was used in conjunction with the Gainsight platform to help customer success managers better support customers during the pandemic. As a result, Gainsight honored FinancialForce with the COVID-19 Readiness 2020 award as part of Gainsight's 2020 GameChanger Awards program. "FinancialForce showed urgency and worked towards implementing a 'risk framework' to better forecast and manage churn in the time of COVID-19," said Meenal Shukla, Senior Client Outcomes Manager, Gainsight. "What is impressive about this team is the agility and speed with which they sprung into action when the needs of their business changed." The new FinancialForce PSA Zoom Connector also addresses the evolving environment caused by the pandemic by offering seamless and efficient collaboration for geographically dispersed teams. PSA Zoom Connector enables services teams who use Zoom to schedule and join Zoom calls within the FinancialForce PSA application. By supporting collaboration in context, project stakeholders can spend more time on impactful activities. Available to PSA customers at no extra charge through the FinancialForce Customer Community, the PSA Zoom Connector also integrates with Chatter. "The global pandemic highlighted the ability of our existing ERP and PSA solutions to meet customer needs in changing environments, but also revealed opportunities to provide more support through special innovations," said Dan Brown, Chief Product and Strategy Officer at FinancialForce. "With our newly launched FinancialForce Labs, we are excited to introduce innovations that answer the urgent need for real-time risk awareness and fast, efficient remote collaboration. We are excited these innovations also support our customers' digital transformation by allowing them to gain even more value from powerful technologies like Salesforce Einstein, Zoom and Gainsight." About FinancialForce FinancialForce offers customer-centric business applications on the leading cloud platform from Salesforce. We accelerate business growth with the only modern ERP suite and the #1 professional services automation (PSA), enabling real-time insights and intelligent decision-making. See your customers in full color with Salesforce and FinancialForce. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, FinancialForce is backed by Advent International, Salesforce Ventures, and Technology Crossover Ventures. For more information, visit www.financialforce.com . SOURCE FinancialForce Related Links https://www.financialforce.com Dalhousie University is one of Canadas world-leading, research-intensive universities. What made this possible? The answer is a sharp focus on research and innovation, as economic, environmental, health, societal and cultural shifts have presented the university with new opportunities. Dalhousie is pioneering research in a wide array of disciplines, generating over $181 million in funding in 2019-20, an increase of $12.9M from the previous year. According to the latest data from the Canadian Association of University Business Officers (CAUBO), the university is home to 81% of all the research revenue awarded to universities in Nova Scotia. Dals external research funding comes from a variety of different sources, including the federal and provincial governments; foreign governments; industry; institutes, centres and networks; and not-for-profits (see a full overview here). Through innovative research, Dal has added to the intellectual, social and economic capital of Nova Scotia and our region more broadly. Faculty members and research trainees are continuously seeking new and exciting opportunities for discovery, applied and community-driven scholarly or artistic work. They are collaborating together, with scholars from other institutions and in partnership with governments, industry, non-governmental organizations and communities, to develop new ideas and innovative advances, and create impact. The result of many of these ideas and advances has been the creation of a wide range of businesses that generate jobs, wealth and stronger economies for Nova Scotia and Canada. While the impact of Dalhousie research and innovation can be seen across all sectors of our economy, it is perhaps most visible and impressive in the ocean sector. Dalhousie has a stellar international reputation as a powerhouse in ocean research. The universitys multidisciplinary approach and involvement in international research projects allows researchers to contribute to the most pressing ocean challenges of our time. Dalhousies excellence in this field is demonstrated by the Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI), funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund. OFI is fostering the development of disruptive ocean technologies and data solutions to support the growing ocean tech industry in Atlantic Canada, as well as innovations needed to support transformation in the sustainable fisheries and aquaculture industries all while conducting groundbreaking work on the environment and sustainability. I am incredibly honoured to serve this amazing institution with regional, national, and global impact, says Alice Aiken, Dalhousies vice-president research and innovation. Our success relies on providing an environment where everyone can achieve excellence, and one that encourages ground-breaking work while at the same time further expanding opportunities for pioneering research. The future of Dalhousie is bright, and its thrilling to be a part of it. In this article, youll have the opportunity to learn more about Dals researchers who are having a big influence on the local, national and global landscape. Aiding the global fight against COVID-19 In addition to being the director of the Canadian Center for Vaccinology (CCfV), Dr. Scott Halperin is a Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology and Immunology at Dal, and the head of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the IWK Health Centre. His research focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of preventable diseases. In May 2020, the Prime Minister announced that the first Canadian clinical trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine will be led by Dr. Halperin and his team of researchers at Dal. The team is following up on work done by their industry partners from CanSino Biologics, which has already begun human vaccine trials in China. Dr. Halperin used the early data from those studies to support the successful application for a clinical trial in Canada. The Canadian Phase I study will further expand the information about this vaccine. The National Research Council (NRC) will work with the manufacturers so the vaccine can be produced and distributed here at home, if it proves successful. But his work doesnt stop there. Dr. Halperin is also looking at the policy implications of the virus. In March 2020, he received funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to study public policy and its social implications in the context of COVID-19. He and his colleagues in Bangladesh and China are exploring how individuals and communities understand and react to the disease and how public health policy affects them. Their findings will be used to improve the process by which public health policies are created and implemented. Understanding how policy can be more effective will have implications not just for this outbreak but for future ones, says Dr. Halperin. We learned a lot from the SARS outbreak and those learnings are already being used by policymakers. The importance is making sure policymakers have those learnings so mistakes are not repeated and the public health response is better with every outbreak. A national and international leader in childrens pain research As the Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Childrens Pain, and a Killam Professor in Dalhousies Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dr. Christine Chambers examines the role of developmental, psychological and social factors in childrens health, with a focus on childrens pain. She is also the Scientific Director of Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP), a not-for-profit organization, funded by the Networks of Centres of Excellence, which has a mission to improve childrens pain management by mobilizing evidence-based solutions. Additionally, Dr. Chambers spearheads the #ItDoesntHaveToHurt initiative for parents, which generated 150 million content views worldwide in just one year, trended nationally on social media several times, and won multiple national and international awards. In January 2020, she was appointed as the Scientific Director for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health (IHDCYH). In this role she is working with her community to identify research priorities, developing funding opportunities, building partnerships and translating research evidence in policy and practice to improve the health of children and youth in Canada and around the world. Dalhousie has provided the ideal environment and supports in which my research program was able to grow and flourish, says Dr. Chambers. The leaderships commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and their support and facilitation of innovation and partnerships, have been critical in supporting our success and in ensuring that our research is able to positively impact the lives of children and families. Inspiring the next generation of explorers and scientists Dr. Sara Iverson is globally recognized for her ground-breaking and interdisciplinary research, which has had implications for the conservation and management of mammal, seabird and fish populations. Dr. Iverson is also the Scientific Director and Principal Investigator of the global Ocean Tracking Network (OTN). Headquartered at Dals Steele Ocean Sciences Building, OTN deploys state-of-the-art ocean monitoring equipment and marine autonomous vehicles (gliders) in key ocean locations and inland waters around the world, and is tracking more than 245 keystone, commercially-important and endangered species. The Network has established partnerships with a global community of telemetry users and stakeholders to document the movements and survival of aquatic animals in the context of changing environments, with the aim of providing better governance and stewardship of the worlds marine and freshwater resources. OTN receives support from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and is the is the only national research facility in Atlantic Canada to receive funding from CFIs Major Science Initiatives (MSI). Funding is also provided by Research Nova Scotia, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), as well as financial contributions from OTN partners across Canada and from around the world. Dr. Iverson has studied the populations and physiological ecology of seals and sea lions throughout the Northwest Atlantic, Arctic, and North Pacific oceans, the Bering Sea and even the Hawaiian Islands. She has also studied polar bears across the Canadian Arctic, whales in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, and seabirds in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska. Many young women have been trained in Dr. Iversons lab and field programs, and have been inspired by the huge, varied and fascinating fields that cut across marine biology. These women have gone on to occupy professional positions in academia, industry and the private sector, and are themselves now mentoring more young women to become the next generation of marine biologists. Dalhousie has demonstrated its world leadership through its highly innovative interdisciplinary work that is spread across many faculties and departments and through its ground-breaking international research initiatives, which are working towards healthier and more sustainable oceans and communities across the globe," says Dr. Iverson. Latest images show China adding new structures at disputed Galwan Valley, site of brawl that killed 20 Indian troops. China appears to have added new structures near the site of a deadly border clash with India in the western Himalayas, fresh satellite pictures show, heightening concerns about further flare-ups between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Indian and Chinese military commanders agreed on Monday to step back from a weeks-old standoff at several locations along their disputed border following the June 15 clash in the Galwan Valley in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed, the deadliest clash between the two countries in 45 years. The satellite images showing new construction activity in the week following the brutal hand-to-hand combat underline the challenge of disengagement and the risk of the accord still falling apart because of overlapping claims in the arid territory. The Galwan Valley, where the clash occurred, falls within a remote stretch of the 3,380-km (2,100-mile) Line of Actual Control (LAC) the de facto border established following a war between India and China in 1962 that resulted in an uneasy truce. The pictures shot on Monday by US-based space technology firm Maxar Technologies show what appear to be extensive Chinese structures on a raised river terrace overlooking the Galwan River. India says the area where the structures have sprung up are on its side of the poorly defined, undemarcated LAC between the two Asian nuclear powers. China says the whole of Galwan Valley, located at about 14,000ft (4,300m), is its territory and blames Indian troops for triggering the clashes. The new activity includes camouflaged tents or covered structures against the base of a cliff, and a short distance away, a potential new camp under construction with walls or barricades. The camp was not seen in pictures made available to Reuters news agency the previous week. Nathan Ruser, a satellite data expert at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said the build-up suggested there was little sign of de-escalation. Satellite imagery from the Galwan Valley on June 22nd shows that disengagement really isnt the word that the [Indian] government should be using, he said in a post on Twitter. On the Indian side, defensive barriers can be seen in the latest images which were not visible in pictures taken in May. An Indian forward post appears to be scaled back compared with images a month ago. Chinas foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the apparent activity. Indias defence ministry also did not respond to a request for a comment. Indian military officials have previously said they will be closely monitoring the planned disengagement process and verify it on the ground. There is a trust deficit so far as the Chinese are concerned, said former Indian army chief Deepak Kapoor. So if they are telling us verbally they are ready to pull back, we will wait to see it on the ground. Until then the armed forces will be on alert. Meanwhile, Indias army chief on Wednesday visited Galwan Valley to review his troops preparedness amid tensions with China. He also visited injured soldiers in a hospital in Leh, Ladakhs region largest city. An Indian army tweet said General Manoj Mukund Naravane visited forward areas in eastern Ladakh and reviewed operation situation on the ground. The trip comes amid news reports that the Chinese army had crossed the disputed border in another strategic area in the Depsang Plains. There was no immediate comment by the Indian army. The Indian Express newspaper reported that the intrusion was seen as another attempt by the Chinese to shift the Line of Actual Control farther west on the disputed border. Rahul Bedi, a defence analyst, said that despite claims of mutual disengagement, the tensions between Indian and China forces were still high along the LAC. India is trying to match Chinas military assets in the region. The Chinese have ingressed disputed areas where both sides are trying to manoeuver the situation to their advantage, Bedi said, adding that he did not see a quick end to the crisis. With the finance and contracts committee (F&CC) of the municipal corporation (MC) giving a nod to the appointment of a contractor, the modern slaughterhouse facility in the Haibowal dairy complex is expected to commence operations in a month. The construction of the Rs 19.5-crore project, hanging fire for over a decade, was completed in January. The MC floated tenders for the selection of a contractor for five times, but only a single contractor came forward for running the facility each time. Finally, the MC decided to appoint the only contractor, who has offered Rs 35 lakh to the MC per annum for a 10-year contract. The committee approved a resolution, issuing a work order to the contractor, during a meeting held at mayor Balkar Sandhus camp office here on Wednesday. MC also received consent of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) on Wednesday for operating the plant, which was pending for the past six months. The facility is capable of slaughtering 2,000 poultry birds per hour in two shifts of eight hours each; and 1,000 goats, sheep and pigs. The MC House has fixed Rs 150 for slaughtering a goat/sheep, Rs 10 for a poultry bird and Rs 100 for a pig. The officials said the facility also has an effluent treatment plant, a preservation and chilling facility, and a blood processing unit. Once commissioned, the facility will enable the MC to implement a complete ban on illegal slaughtering in the city. Meat traders will have to get the animals slaughtered at the facility and will be allowed to sell only this meat at their respective shops. The officials said illegal slaughtering results in unhygienic conditions and the waste, including blood, is also dumped in the sewers, which is illegal. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had taken a note of the same in the past and directed the MC to stop illegal slaughtering. The MC is also establishing five modern shops at various locations of the city from where the contractor will be able to sell meat. Three shops have also been constructed on the Gill, Metro and Hambran roads. MC senior veterinary officer Dr YP Singh said, The F&CC has issued the work order and the facility is expected to become operational in a month. The amount payable by the contractor would be increased by 5% every year. No illegal slaughtering will be allowed in the city. Holland Park could be renamed after the statue of a slave-owning politician who fought to abolish the trade was vandalised with red paint. The affluent neighbourhood in west London was named after the first Earl of Holland Henry Rich, whose family profited from the slave trade. But the moniker, which was also given to a Kensington park and an underground station, could be reviewed after a statue of his descendant was vandalised amid the Black Lives Matter protests. A monument to 19th-century politician Henry Vassall-Fox, the third Baron Holland, was left splattered with red paint within the picturesque park on Wednesday. A cardboard sign reading 'I owned 401 slaves' was perched in the bronze statue's arms, with the number painted on the plinth alongside red handprints. A monument to Lord Holland, which sits in Holland Park, west London, has been splattered with red paint, and a cardboard sign in perched on his arms saying 'I owned 401 slaves' The number relates to the dozens of plantations Lord Holland owned in Jamaica through his wife Elizabeth Vassall's family. But Lord Holland had consistently opposed the trade and was part of the 1807 government which pushed through the first Slave Trade Act. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has suggested the statue could be placed under review as part of a 'conversation about the figures we see in our public realm', the Telegraph reported. The neighbourhood could also be investigated for links to slavery, alongside the park, Tube station and electoral ward as part of Sadiq Khan's London-wide public realm review. A spokesman for Kensington and Chelsea Council said: 'In London we must oppose racism in all its forms and we fully support everyone's right to protest peacefully. 'The Mayor of London has launched his London-wide public realm review and we expect this to consider station names, statues and street names. Henry Richard Vassall Fox, 3rd Baron Holland, by Sir George Hayter (died 1871), given to the National Portrait Gallery, London in 1978 A spokesman for Kensington and Chelsea Council said: 'In London we must oppose racism in all its forms and we fully support everyone's right to protest peacefully' (Pictured: Holland Park) 'Any decisions will need to take into account the views of local people and we are absolutely committed to representing the views of residents in our diverse communities in Kensington and Chelsea.' The Legacies of British Slave Ownership, a project by UCL, shows Lord Holland was given payment following the Slave Compensation Act 1837. The UK emancipated enslaved people in 1833, but then raised the equivalent of 17billion in compensation money, and awarded it to slave owners such as Lord Holland. Who was Lord Holland? The slave owner was born on November 21, 1773, in Wilshire and became a major force in politics during the 19th century. He was the son of Stephen Fox, second Baron of Holland and Lady Fitzpatrick. Holland inherited the Barony at the tender age of one in 1774 after his father died, and his mother passed away just a few years later on his fifth birthday. As a teenager he studied at Eton before going to university at Oxford. He took his seat in the House of Lords on 5 October 1796 and was later admitted to the Privy Council on August 27, 1806. Holland married Elizabeth Vassall on July 6 1797 and they had two sons and two daughters. Despite owning a number of plantations in Jamaica through his wife, Lord Holland was against the slave trade. Lord Holland died on October 22, 1840, after a short illness at his home, Holland House. He was buried on 28 October in Millbrook Church, near Ampthill, Bedfordshire. Advertisement Prior to the 2008 financial crash It was the largest state-sponsored pay-out in British history. Lord Holland was associated with three claims in total, and received a 7,211 payment. Vassall-Fox came to own the slaves through his marriage to Elizabeth Vassall after the death of her former husband in 1800. After his demise Lord Holland was said to have adopted the name Vassall in 1800 'to safeguard his children's rights to his wife's West Indian fortune'. However an article by VE Chancellor, called 'Slaveowner and antislaver: Henry Richard Vassall Fox, 3rd Lord Holland, 18001840' claims that Vassall-Fox hated the slave trade. It said: 'By the unexpected death of his wife's first husband in 1800, Holland found himself the reluctant, but effectual proprietor of the Vassall plantations in Jamaica. 'This placed him in a moral and political dilemma which confused his thinking.' The piece - which appears in Volume I, 1980, of the Slavery and Abolition Journal - adds that he 'abhorred the slave trade' but when challenged on it he justified the existence of slavery in terms of the right to property. It is not clear at this stage if any specific group was responsible for vandalising the statue. It comes amid a nationwide discussion of Britain's imperial past prompted by the killing of George Floyd by US police officers. Mr Floyd's death has sparked worldwide protests with millions of people taking to the streets. It has also prompted debate about the background of people who have monuments that sit in public spaces throughout the UK. On Tuesday workers in Plymouth found 'Nazi' had been scrawled across a statue to Nancy Astor - the first woman MP to take her seat in the Houses of Parliament. The statue, which was unveiled last November by former Prime Minister Theresa May, has been boarded up today to hide the graffiti. Critics say she was regarded as having anti-catholic and anti-semitic views, and some claim she may have been a Nazi sympathiser. The word 'Nazi' was written on her plinth and the Antifascist Circle, a political symbol associated with the Social Democratic Party of Germany in the 1930s, was also scrawled on the monument. A 'hit list' of 78 statues and memorials to some of Britain's most famous figures has been created by an anti-racism group urging local communities to remove them because they 'celebrate racism and slavery' Workers from Plymouth City Council arrived this morning to board up the statue to prevent further damage ahead of its clean-up. The statue was paid for by a crowd-funding campaign and unveiled in November last year. The statue of Lord Holland is not on the list compiled by a website called 'Topple The Racists' which was created in the wake of the Black Live Matter movement. It has identified dozens of landmarks from Sir Walter Raleigh Gilbert's Bodmin Beacon to Lord Kitchener's memorial in the Orkney Islands that they say need to be removed 'so that Britain can finally face the truth about its past'. Organisers have said they were inspired by the 'direct action taken by Bristolians', referring to the tearing down of slave trader Edward Colston's statue on earlier this month, before it was thrown into the harbour. Statue of first female MP Nancy Astor is defaced by vandals with 'Nazi' spray painted on its plinth after it appeared on hit list of 'racist' statues to be torn down By Luke May for MailOnline Vandals have scrawled 'Nazi' across a monument to the first women to take her seat in the Houses of Parliament. Workers in Plymouth discovered the graffiti on a statue of Nancy Astor in Plymouth Hoe on Tuesday, after weeks of monuments being targeted across the country. The plinth of the statue, unveiled by Theresa May last November to celebrate 100 years since Mrs Astor's election, had 'Nazi' written across the former MP's signature and the Antifascist Circle, a political symbol associated with the Social Democratic Party of Germany in the 1930s, was also scrawled on the monument. The Nancy Astor statue at the Plymouth Hoe has been boarded up after vandals painted the word 'Nazi' on the monument. The graffiti was discovered on Tuesday It comes amid a nationwide discussion of Britain's imperial past prompted by the killing of George Floyd by US police officers. Mr Floyd's death has sparked worldwide protests with millions of people taking to the streets. It has also prompted debate about the background of people who have monuments that sit in public spaces throughout the UK. Workers in Plymouth have boarded up the bottom of the statue to Ms Astor - who has garnered criticm post-humously in recent years for having anti-catholic and anti-semitic views, and some claim she may have been a Nazi sympathiser. In 1934, as Jewish people fled Nazi Germany, she was heard to ask: 'There must be something in the Jews themselves that had brought them persecution throughout the ages'. The statue was paid for by a crowd-funding campaign and unveiled in November last year. Vandals scrawled 'Nazi' where Nancy Astor's signature is inscribed on her statue in Plymouth Hoe on Tuesday The Nancy Astor statue was unveiled in November 2019 by former Prime Minister Theresa May, who called her a 'brave and trailblazing woman' Who was Nancy Astor? The American-born British politician was the second woman to be elected as an MP in Britain and the first to take her seat in the Houses of Parliament. Nancy Astor took her seat in the Houses of Parliament in 2019 She stood for Plymouth Sutton from 1919 to 1945, winning the seat for the Conservative Party after her husband Waldorf Astor inherited his father's peerage and joined the House of Lords in 1918. Known for her wit and sharp tongue, in a meeting with Josef Stalin in 1931, Viscountess Astor reportedly asked the Soviet leader: 'When are you going to stop killing people?', to which Stalin replied 'When it is no longer necessary for the protection of the state'. There has been criticism of her anti-Catholic and anti-semitic views, particularly after a campaign succesfully raised the money to build a statue in her honour in Plymouth last year. During one conversation at London's Savoy Hotel, in 1934, as Jewish people fled Nazi Germany, she was heard to ask: 'There must be something in the Jews themselves that had brought them persecution throughout the ages'. During the Second World War one pro-Soviet MP referred to her as 'The Member for Berlin'. Advertisement Speaking at the unveiling last year, Theresa May said: 'I am honoured to be here to unveil this magnificent statue to a brave and trailblazing woman 'When Nancy Astor become the first woman to take her seat in the House of Commons 100 years ago our country and our democracy was changed for the better. 'Her arrival in parliament ushered in a new era, finally giving a voice to a huge swathe of the population who, for too long, had been missing from our politics and our lawmaking. 'It was of course the culmination of many generations of campaigning, protest, suffering and struggle. 'She was the first woman to enter it by her own right - the first to take her seats on the green benches among more than 700 men. 'And the first to raise to her feet and speak not just for the people of Plymouth, but for more than half the population.' Elsewhere this week, a Manchester councillor has slammed graffiti on a statue of Oliver Cromwell as 'mindless vandalism'. The leader of the Parliamentarians in the English Civil War is a controversial figure over his conquest of Ireland, which saw many Irish civilians killed. On Monday a statue of the general in Wythenshawe Park, Manchester, had the words 'Cromwell is a cockroach,' 'f*** racist' and the Black Lives Matter acronym 'BLM' scrawled across it. Thousands of people were massacred during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. The vandalism of the statue has divided opinion in Wythenshawe. Councillor Glynn Evans, who represents the Brooklands ward, said: 'It's just mindless graffiti. He did some things wrong, like with the Irish people. 'The pyramids were built by slave labourers - would we pull them down? It's history. People haven't found that statue offensive for many years. It's just because of what has happened in America and all over. It's somebody jumping on the bandwagon. 'If the council decides to move it then fine, but (the vandalism) is making the park look a mess. People take their children to the park, we have visitors from all over. To go on and spoil that, it's mindless vandalism.' Councillor Sarah Judge, who represents Woodhouse Park, said she supported the Black Lives Matter protests, but said she feared that the act of spraying the statue with graffiti could 'distract' from the movement. John Boyega was left in hysterics after his Twitter followers believed he'd accepted a fan's marriage proposal on Wednesday. The actor, 28, took to his social media to hit back at the claims after someone made a fake account to accept the fan's proposal on his behalf. In a viral video shared on Monday, the fan said it was for him as she showed off her figure before saying: 'John if you're watching this I'm 5' 7 and I have a lot of free time.' Shock: John Boyega was left in hysterics on Wednesday as his followers believed he was ENGAGED after fake account accepted a fan's marriage proposal She added in the caption: 'This video is for John Boyega please consider me for marriage. I have good genes (never had braces) and I can learn how to cook.' Realising fans believed the fake account which had accepted the proposal on Wednesday, John refuted the claims on his own Twitter account. 'Pls why is the TL saying Ive just accepted marriage proposal? Lol Im here minding my own business oo,' he wrote at first [sic].' Proposal: In a viral video shared on Monday, the fan asked John to 'please consider [her] for marriage and joked she could 'learn how to cook', and he realised fans thought he'd accepted Proposal: The fan said the video was for him as she showed off her figure before saying: 'John if you're watching this I'm 5' 7 and I have a lot of free time' As some fans shared memes of characters in wedding dresses, including Homer Simpson, John reacted with laughing emoji's and responded: 'Nah Im outta here! jehovah be with you all !' John then joked: 'Nah the TL has become my Nigerian parents today pls pls let me fulfill purpose before you all kill me.' He went on: 'So someone faked a response from me and Im being beaten for it. Twitter is f****d up.' Reaction: John refuted the claims, and responded to fans' funny memes and said Twittter 'became my Nigerian parents' and asked them to 'let me fulfill my purpose' John then shared a person's tweet in which they asked the fan who had posted the original proposal video to send them a direct message as they'd 'consider [her] for marriage.' In response, the Star Wars actor said: 'What kind of corny response is this ? At least if youre pretending to be me...add sauce to your approach na' He then concluded: 'Nah all of you that were convinced by the fake profile come and beg me.' Joking around: John concluded, 'Nah all of you that were convinced by the fake profile come and beg me' Earlier this month, John thanked his fan's for the 'love' they have sent since his speech at a London protest and said the black community needs 'everyone' to fight for change. The actor recently gave an impassioned speech at a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park following the killing of George Floyd. Taking to Instagram, John shared several photos of himself visiting schools in Southwark, London and said it's important to 'maintain momentum'. He wrote: 'I want to thank you all for the love and support you have shared over the last few days, although nothing I have done is for praise, or is truly even enough, in the grand scheme of things. Looking ahead: Earlier this month, John thanked his fan's for the 'love' they have sent since his speech at a London protest (pictured) 'This is an intense time for our community, and the most important thing is for us to maintain momentum and not lose sight of how critical it is to pursue long term solutions and commitments, for the sake of our generation, and the next. 'Our individual pursuits of success and belonging remain, but now more than ever, its important to use this movement as fuel to inspire new ways of thinking, building, and growing, together. 'I believe any great movement starts with a renewal of the mind. I know youre all thinking, whats next? Where do we go from here? Because Im thinking the same s**t! 'Conversations about black businesses, ownership and support are happening, and I will continue to have these conversations with the full intention of birthing ideas that are sustainable and tangible.' Five Indian-origin techies among UK's Top 50 Women in Engineering 2020 list Five Indian-origin engineers were named among the United Kingdom's Top 50 Women in Engineering for 2020 list. (From L-R) Chitra Srinivasan, Kusum Trikha, Dr Barnali Ghosh, Anusha Shah and Ritu Garg, who were among the Women's Engineering Day awardees. Photos courtesy: UKAEA, @WSP_UK, Mottmac, Arcadis, @Ritu_garg Chitra Srinivasan, a control and software engineer at the UK Atomic Energy Authority's (UKAEA's) fusion research lab at Culham Science Centre near Abingdon in south-east England, transport engineer Ritu Garg, seismic engineer Barnali Ghosh, climate change expert Anusha Shah and senior engineer Kusum Trikha for the Women's Engineering Day awards. Judged by a panel of industry experts, the awards seek to recognise female talent within engineering and is coordinated annually by the Women's Engineering Society. In its fifth year, the awards focused on sustainability - celebrating female engineers who are making a significant contribution to achieving net zero carbon emission. The UK Atomic Energy Authority hailed Ms Srinivasan's success as part of a team developing fusion energy as a carbon-free source of electricity that could be used around the world. "I am an upcoming engineer in fusion research and this achievement is highly encouraging for me," she said. Ritu Garg, a senior transport engineer at Arup, was recognised for her work involving the formulation and delivery of sustainable transport solutions. She is also part of a global initiative helping national governments unlock the economic power of zero-carbon sustainable cities. Dr Barnali Ghosh, as technical director at Mott Macdonald, focuses on developing seismic resilience in infrastructure, using the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Among the other Indian-origin winners, Anusha Shah, as resilient cities director at Arcadis, supports organisations to meet net zero targets and become climate resilient and Kusum Trikha as senior engineer at WSP specialises in multi-million-pound low-carbon energy projects. Sally Sudworth, the Women's Engineering Society's Honorary Secretary and head judge for the awards, said, "The panel of judges was thrilled by the outstanding achievements demonstrated by all of the winners and by the difference being made by the candidates." With the coronavirus outbreak, the awards were celebrated in a virtual International Women in Engineering Day event. Members of the armed forces are to be used in Australia as part of efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus. Troops are expected to arrive in Victoria on Friday a day after the state recorded its highest 24-hour tally of infections in two months. The second most populous state in the country plans on using military in quarantine operations amid a spike in Covid-19 cases. Victoria reported 33 new infections on Thursday, marking nine days of double digit new cases. It has around 200 current cases out of a country total of 270. Ambulances and mobile test centres have been deployed in the state in a bid to stop the spread of the virus. Daniel Andrews, Victorias premier, said authorities are beginning a testing blitz across the 10 most affected suburbs. We have ambulances and other vans that will literally be at the end of peoples streets, he said. We will see these [case] numbers go up in coming days. Victorias efforts to contain the virus will be supplemented by around 1,000 Australian military personnel who are expected to arrive on Friday, Linda Reynolds, the minister for defence, said. The bulk of the troops will assist with the mandatory 14-day quarantine of anyone who arrives in Australia. Ms Reynolds said about 150 personnel will also help with Victorias testing programme. The surge in new cases comes just weeks after Australia began easing social distancing restrictions. Authorities believe the increase in new cases stemmed from family meet-ups while people have mild symptoms. Scott Morrison, the prime minister, said Australia has safeguards in place to prevent the virus growing beyond the control of authorities, as he insisted states and territories must continue to reopen large swathes of the economy. Weve gotta live alongside Covid. Its not going anywhere, Mr Morrison told reporters in Sydney. Weve gotta keep forging ahead. More than 7,550 people have tested positive in the country to date. Meanwhile, the death toll stood at 104 on Thursday. Additional reporting by agencies Bengaluru: A woman does not sleep after being sexually assaulted, said the Karnataka High Court while giving pre-arrest bail to a rape accused. The court said this is not how Indian women react when they are assaulted, doubting the version of the complainant in the present case. The explanation offered by the complainant that after the perpetration of the act she was tired and fell asleep, is unbecoming of an Indian woman; that is not the way our women react when they are ravished," held Justice Krishna S Dixit. The judge added the complainant could not explain why she went to office at 11 in the night, drank with the accused and also allowed the accused to stay the night with her. The court further noted the complainants charge that she was sexually assaulted on a false promise of marriage was a bit difficult to believe" given the fact that the accused was in her employment for the last two years but she never complained earlier. While mentioning another reason for granting bail, the Court said that the woman neither alerted the police nor the public about the conduct of her employer". Besides, there was also a letter adduced by the accused that read the complainant was willing to compromise and withdraw her complaint on certain conditions. Thus, there are sufficient grounds to admit the petitioner to Advance Bail, especially when granting of bail is the rule and denial is an exception," maintained Justice Dixit. The High Court gave its order on June 22, three days after the accuseds pleas for similar relief was rejected by a sessions Court on June 19. The Court further noted that another concern was the Covid-19 pandemic, which poses threat of infection to detainees in prison. It, however, said that imposing strict conditions will ensure the accused does not escape during the bail period. The conditions included asking accused not to leave the jurisdiction of the court and presenting himself before the jurisdictional police twice a month. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a joint news conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda in the Rose Garden of the White House on June 24, 2020 in Washington, DC. Reached for comment about Newsome's Fox News interview, a BLM spokesperson told CNBC, "As BLM has told Mr. Newsome in the past, and as is still true today, Mr. Newsome's group is not a chapter of BLM and has not entered into any agreement with BLM agreeing to adhere to BLM's core principles." In his tweet, Trump falsely described Newsome as a "Black Lives Matter leader." But in reality, Newsome has repeatedly angered the founders of the official Black Lives Matter movement by adopting their moniker and raising money off of it, while espousing an approach to racial justice that is far more militant than the main branch of the Black Lives Matter movement. Trump was quoting Walter "Hawk" Newsome, who was a guest on Fox News earlier in the day. In the same interview, Newsome also said that BLM activists should be applauded for arming themselves with guns, and he said his threat to "burn down this system" could be either figurative or literal, depending upon one's viewpoint. Trump, seizing on a quote by a man who runs a fringe Black Lives Matter knock-off group, and a chant that is not popular with protesters, suggested in tweets that the loosely organized racial justice movement poses a threat. WASHINGTON President Donald Trump on Thursday launched his most direct attacks to date on the nationwide Black Lives Matter movement for racial justice. CNBC reached out to the White House to ask if the president was aware that Newsome was not actually a "Black Lives Matter leader," but a spokesman did not respond to questions. Exactly one minute after Trump tweeted out Newsome's quote, he posted another tweet about BLM. This time, Trump railed at New York Mayor Bill De Blasio's recently announced decision to paint a "Black Lives Matter" mural on Fifth Avenue in front of one of Trump Tower, the site of Trump's former residence. It is one of five such murals being painted throughout the city. TRUMP TWEET Trump claims in the tweet that a chant about killing police is "their chant," referring to the Black Lives Matter movement. But that chant has not been popular with protesters in New York or anywhere else in the country in the wake of George Floyd's killing in late May in Minneapolis. Five minutes after the mural tweet, Trump tweeted, "LAW AND ORDER!" one of his most oft-repeated phrases ever since the start of the nationwide movement for racial justice that was triggered by Floyd's death. The tweets come near the end of a week during which the president, trailing badly behind Democrat Joe Biden in presidential polls, has repeatedly sought to sow fresh racial divisions among Americans. In the past seven days, Trump has deployed a racist nickname for the deadly coronavirus, demanded that a toppled Confederate statue in Washington be restored, tweeted context-free videos of black people attacking white people, tweeted a doctored video purportedly showing a "racist baby," and accused former President Barack Obama of "treason." By cranking up the same culture wars that helped Trump to win the White House in 2016, the president hopes to galvanize his core supporters, and to drive a wedge between suburban middle-class White voters and the activists protesting in cities across the nation. Yet polls increasingly show that Trump's strategy is backfiring. Instead of siding with Trump against the protests, some of which have turned violent, a majority of Americans say the country's leaders should focus on the underlying reasons for the protests, and not on cracking down on protesters, even ones who break the law. A New York Times/Siena College poll released this week found that 63% of registered voters said they would rather back a presidential candidate "who focuses on the cause of protests, even when the protests go too far." Only 31% said they would prefer to support a candidate "who says we need to be tough on demonstrations that go too far." "Lewis and his team have helped us navigate the current pandemic while continuing franchise development in the United States and internationally. Lewis' experience transforming companies to achieve rapid growth and his commitment to fitness make him the perfect CEO for World Gym," said Guy Cammilleri. Lewis Stanton added, "World Gym is a storied brand that helped to shape the modern fitness industry as we know it. I am honored to lead this passionate team and to continue to grow this company globally. We are focused on helping our franchised and corporate gyms reopen and be successful." Stanton has been the CEO in multiple companies across several industries. He was the COO and CFO of a prominent publicly traded technology company which was a leader in the hospitality industry. Stanton has also advised many companies, both as a consultant and a board member, on strategies and tactics for rapid growth and value creation. Since joining the company, Stanton has appointed a new Chief Operations Officer, Jarrod Saracco. Saracco is a 25-year veteran of the health and fitness industry with experience in every level of club operations. As Founder and President of Health Club Doctor Inc, he has travelled the world helping fitness businesses of all shapes and sizes reach maximum profitability. He has been a featured presenter and keynote speaker at major industry conferences, has held countless workshops and webinars around the world, has been a published author in industry trade magazines and other journals. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge and support across many functions, including lead generation, sales, daily operations, systems and processes, gym equipment selection and more. "Working with our corporate-owned gyms and several of the franchisees over the last few weeks, I have seen the talent and limitless potential in the World Gym family," said Jarrod Saracco. "I am looking forward to growing this iconic fitness brand by leading our operations team, supporting all of our corporate-owned and franchised World Gym locations and ultimately, helping our more than 1,000,000 members in 15 countries achieve their fitness goals. I'm excited for what lies ahead." Over the past few years, World Gym has continued to grow, adding 39 new gyms in 2019. World Gym International credits its growth to the strength of the modernized World Gym brand. For more information on World Gym International, please visit worldgym.com or follow @worldgymglobal and #FitnessTruth on social media. For more information on franchising a World Gym, please visit worldgymfranchising.com. About World Gym International The iconic World Gym brand was founded in 1976 by Joe Gold during the glory days of "Muscle Beach" in Santa Monica, CA when serious fitness collided with the world of Hollywood celebrities. Since then, World Gym has evolved into an internationally recognized brand that has captured the imagination of fitness enthusiasts around the globe. World Gym is dedicated to creating a network of ultimate workout destinations everywhere. With its headquarters located in Southern California, World Gym currently has over 200 locations in 15 countries and territories. To learn more about World Gym and franchise opportunities with this storied brand, please visit worldgym.com. Press Contact: Brian Rosman DOG AND A DUCK [email protected] 323.443.7780 SOURCE World Gym International Related Links https://www.worldgym.com GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Police are worried about a dramatic surge in auto thefts in the metro Grand Rapids area, with some tied to other crimes such as cell-phone store robberies. Since June 8, at least 36 vehicles have been stolen from greater Grand Rapids area dealerships, police said Wednesday, June 24. They describe it as a dangerous pattern of criminal activity because, in some cases, the people behind the thefts are using the vehicles to drive erratically and unsafely around the area. Grand Rapids police also think some have been used to help commit other crimes, including store break-ins. The majority of thefts at dealerships have happened along the 28th Street SE corridor. Police say they are particularly concerned because many of those driving the stolen vehicles have shown little regard for other drivers. Officers with the Combined Auto Theft Team, a joint effort involving detectives with Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Wyoming police, have been working to solve the thefts. They are also working with police in Big Rapids and Holland, as well as sheriffs investigators in Ottawa and Mecosta counties. So far, several arrests have been made. Police said many of those arrested so far are juveniles. Anyone with information about recent auto thefts in the greater Grand Rapids area can call police at 616-456-3380 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or to to www.silentobserver.org. Related Vehicles stolen from dealer lead Holland police on pursuit into Kent County General Suleiman Muhammad Khalouf was found dead in his office, two hours after giving a speech about the Caesar Act writes Baladi News. Pro-regime news pages mourned the death of Gen. Suleiman Muhammad Khalouf on Tuesday, without specifying the location or cause of his death. The pages shared news that the prominent general had been killed. He had worked as Director of the Signal College in Homs. Informed sources indicated that Khalouf was killed in his office after attending a morning meeting at his place of work, and speaking about the Caesar Act, saying that it would not impact Syrians. Sources added that after the meeting, Khalouf entered his office. He died two hours later. Khalouf comes from the village of Tel al-Tarmas in rural Homs. He is originally part of the Haddadin tribe, which many generals who worked with Hafez al-Assad came fromincluding Salah Jadid. Also from this family is Rami Makhlouf, whose assets and money were seized by Assad, igniting threats and intimidation between the two sides that have reached a large number of Alawites. According to media reports, Makhlouf has the loyalty of high-ranking officers in the regimes forces, and as such is able to use them against Assad if necessary. 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. Trade (Image: Reuters) India's exports are expected to decline by around 10 percent in FY21 and in case of a second wave of novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, outbreak, the contraction may reach 20 percent, according to Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). "Initially, looking into the lockdown challenges and projected decline in global trade, we expected 20 percent decline in our exports. However, two days back, the WTO trade estimates for the second quarter puts the contraction only at 13 percent. We do not expect much improvement in demand," Sharad Kumar Saraf, President, FIEO, said. It expects export recovery to be led by pharmaceuticals, medical and diagnostic equipment, technical textiles, agriculture and processed foods, plastics, chemicals and electronics. "Since domestic demand for petroleum products is extremely low, we may see increasing exports of petroleum as well for such companies to sustain in business," FIEO said in a press conference jointly addressed by Ajay Sahai, its DG and CEO. FIEO has suggested a three-pronged strategy: a) Focusing on countries which are providing demand stimulus like the US, UK and many other advanced and emerging markets; b) Exploring countries having high anti-China sentiments: US, EU, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and Canada; and c) Revisiting economies depending on crude and commodities exports as prices of such products are likely to be subdued. Saraf said that boycotting Chinese goods may not be feasible as India is dependent on Chinese imports, but New Delhi should try to reduce its dependence on Chinese products. 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 "Much dependence on China can be reduced with short to long term plans. India has been able to reduce its import dependence in the mobile sector and the same can be replicated in other sectors of electronics, telecommunication and formulation of specialty in chemicals, etc," FIEO said. On free trade agreements (FTA), it is of the view that India has not been able to gain much as these were not targeted towards its major markets. "We should focus on FTAs with our major export destinations like the US and EU. A BTIA (Bilateral Trade and Investment Agreement) with the EU has become all the more necessary as Vietnam has signed an FTA and Investment Protection Agreement with the EU," Saraf said. India is competing with Vietnam in the EU market and such FTAs will give the latter an edge, particularly in apparel, leather goods, footwear, tea-coffee, furniture and electronics. "Though Indias exports of electronics are not substantial, in the years to come, we see exponential growth in electronic imports due to a lot of investments flowing into the electronic sector led by attractive fiscal support," Saraf said. BELMAR, N.J., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ellavoz Shared Values Opportunity Fund has made its first investment in the Newark Arts Commons, which is converting the original St. Michael's hospital buildings into a new destination for the arts in downtown Newark, New Jersey. The Fund is a partnership between Ellavoz Impact Capital, a social impact Qualified Opportunity Fund management firm, and New Jersey Community Capital (NJCC), the state's largest community development financial institution. According to Robert Hutchins, Managing Director of the Ellavoz Shared Values Opportunity Fund, "The Ellavoz Impact Angels have oversubscribed to the funding request for the Newark Arts Commons. This project fulfills our goal of investments that return both an appropriate tangible risk-adjusted market-internal rate of return and a measurable social impact return." The development offers deeply discounted space for arts-focused non-profits GlassRoots, Newark Arts and Project for Empty Spaces allowing them to continue their mission in downtown Newark, while also creating a new hub for the arts community, further solidifying Newark's stature as one of the country's most vibrant arts communities. The upper floors will be transformed into co-living apartments managed by Common, the premier company on the forefront of the shared-housing model. This living solution addresses the challenges in Newark's residential rental environment and caters to the needs of today's mobile professionals, essential healthcare workers, and nearby university students. The current development team includes Community Asst Preservation Corporation (CAPPC), which is a subsidiary of New Jersey Community Capital. Jeff Crum, Chief Investment Officer of NJCC, said, "We are very pleased and excited to have the Ellavoz Shared Values Opportunity Fund as an investor and partner. We look forward to working with them on future projects in New Jersey." Social Impacts include: 80 jobs will be created during the development phase 40 permanent jobs will be created The building will provide flexible creative space for nearly 100 artists annually The upper floors will be transformed into 92 co-living apartments managed by Common 500 low- and moderate-income youth will be served annually by on-site projects The development encompasses two interconnected buildings that served as the original St. Michael's Hospital and have been a part of Newark's history for nearly 150 years. Construction of the building on the corner of Central Avenue and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. was initiated in 1869 by the Sisters of the Order of St. Frances. St. Michael's offered 130 beds to patients regardless of race or color. About New Jersey Community Capital New Jersey Community Capital is a nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) that provides innovative financing, investment, and support to sustainable community development ventures that develop and preserve affordable homes, increase jobs, improve educational opportunities, and strengthen neighborhoods to ensure that underserved communities can thrive. For more information, visit www.newjerseycommunitycapital.org. About Community Asset Preservation Corporation Community Asset Preservation Corporation (CAPC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of New Jersey Community Capital. CAPC is a non-profit organization that acquires vacant and abandoned properties to stabilize and revitalize communities. CAPC partners with local community builders and contractors to rehabilitate and return properties to productive use as quality, affordable housing. For more information, visit www.capcnj.org. About Ellavoz Impact Capital Ellavoz Impact Capital is the management company for the Ellavoz Shared Values Opportunity Fund and the Ellavoz Impact Angel Network. The Angel Network represents high net worth individuals, family offices, and businesses that believe innovative opportunity fund investing in underserved communities will result in positive financial and social impact returns. The Angel Investors' collective experience and resources will change lives and build communities for future generations. To learn more about the Ellavoz Shared Values Opportunity Fund or to become a member of the Ellavoz Impact Angel Network, visit us at www.ellavoz.com. Or Call Us: Robert Hutchins, 908.330.2029 Christopher Ferry, 732.616.8847 Related Images image1.png SOURCE Ellavoz Impact Capital live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Indian IT companies may forgo filing fresh H-1B petitions for FY21 and also delay filing extensions for their employees this year, sources have said. Uncertainty due to the coronavirus outbreak and the recent US decision to freeze work visas till year-end are the reasons these firms are reluctant to go ahead, say immigration and industry experts. Varuni*, an engineer, was looking forward to a project in the US and her company had initiated an H-1B extension. "But now the company has chosen not to proceed with it, she said. I was told that they would be applying it next year. But there is no guarantee. Who knows what will happen in the next year, she 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 A source in another IT firm said the company had decided not to file any fresh H-1B or H-1B extensions till the virus crisis ended and entry bans lifted in the US. Also Read | H-1B visa ban may not make that big a dent in top IT firms' revenues. Here's why More companies are likely to take similar decisions in the coming months, two immigration experts told Moneycontrol. Indians are one of the largest beneficiaries of H-1B visa meant for skilled employees. For FY21, 67 percent of more than 2.5 lakh registrants for H-1B lottery were from India, according to the US Citizenship Immigration Services (USCIS). Also Read | What happens to H-1B workers stranded in India? They have until June 30 to apply for the visa but as the process is expensive and uncertainty high, companies are likely to play safe, say experts. Indians make up more than 60 percent of the 85,000 H-1B visa petitions that are approved every year. Close to a lakh Indians get their H-1B visa renewed and extended every year, according to the US State Department data. Top Indian H-1B employers include TCS, Infosys, Wipro and Cognizant. Why are they doing this? While the processing will continue for those who have filed fresh H-1B petitions for FY21, visa stamping will be delayed and travel cannot happen before January 2021. For new petitions, companies, however, are likely to take a step back. Also Read: H-1B visa ban | Deeply disappointed by this proclamation, says Apple CEO Tim Cook The USCIS will start accepting new petitions from March 2021 and by then companies will get more clarity on COVID-19 as well as immigration reforms. A majority of the Indian employees who got their H-1B stamped this year were unable to travel because of the COVID-19 crisis. This could also play a role in companies choosing not to fresh file petitions. An H-1B visa is valid for three years. In an earlier interaction with Moneycontrol, Sheela Murthy, founder, Murthy Law Firm, said about 20 percent of the firms were shying away from sponsoring H-1B petitions due to uncertainty over immigration. US President Donald Trump, who is facing an election in November, has taken a hard stance on immigration and jobs, with his war cry of America First. The executive order (EO) passed by Trump hasnt helped either. Joel Yanovich, immigration attorney, Murthy Law Firm, said there was still a lot of confusion among employers about who it applied to. So far, we have not seen any employers actually deciding not to file a case based on it. But, since the EO is so recent, its possible we may run into that in the near future, Yanovich added. The pandemic has wrecked the economy and IT firms are anticipating a drop in business volumes. Though recovery is predicted from October, experts say it will be a year before the sector reaches the pre-COVID-19 level of growth. With remote working becoming a norm, travel and visa dependency, in general, are likely to come down. In its annual report, India's largest IT firm TCS said it was looking to reduced visa dependency and travel cost as it embraces remote working and increasing localisation in the US. Milind Lakkad, Chief Human Resources Officer, TCS, said in the annual report that with teams working from home, in-person interactions are now replaced with virtual collaboration and has made physical location irrelevant. This would mean that traveling to onsite locations, particularly for initial transitions and knowledge transfer, potentially reducing the visa dependency. The company said that they would make work from home (WFH) permanent, where it expects 75 percent of its employees to WFH by 2025. (*name changed to protect identity) Click here for our entire coverage of the H-1B issue Russia Stages Massive 'Victory Day' Parade Amid Pandemic By RFE/RL June 24, 2020 Russia staged a postponed Victory Day military parade in Moscow on June 24 with President Vladimir Putin seeking to solidify support ahead of a referendum that could pave the way for his extended rule. The parade commemorating the 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II is traditionally held on May 9. Putin reluctantly postponed the event until June 24 because of the coronavirus pandemic. The date coincides with the 75th anniversary of the first Soviet Victory Day parade in 1945. For Putin, the event is particularly significant this year as it falls ahead of a July 1 national vote on controversial amendments to the constitution that would open the door for the Russian leader staying in power until 2036. That vote had been scheduled for April 22 but was also postponed because of the pandemic. Since coming to power two decades ago, Putin has sought either as president or prime minister to restore symbols of the Soviet and Russian past to boost patriotism. On June 14, a new Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces was consecrated outside Moscow to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of what the Kremlin calls the "Great Patriotic War," a conflict in which more than 20 million Soviet soldiers and citizens perished. But the spectacle of military might in Moscow's Red Square involving some 14,000 troops from 13 countries, more than 200 historic and modern military vehicles, and 75 aircraft was overshadowed by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Most of the troops in the parade were from Russia. Also taking part were forces from Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Serbia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Russia has reported 600,000 coronavirus infections, giving it the third-highest number in the world. Deaths stand at more than 8,000, but real numbers are believed to be much higher. Russia began lifting mass coronavirus restrictions in recent weeks, but new cases remain stubbornly high at above 7,000 a day. Putin has spent much of the pandemic conducting affairs of state remotely from his residence outside Moscow. On June 24, the Kremlin limited access in Red Square to the area where Putin sat along with foreign leaders and World War II veterans of Soviet forces. Those veterans had been placed under quarantine ahead of the parade. Soldiers taking part in the parade also had been tested and placed in quarantine ahead of the parade. Speaking from a podium on Red Square, Putin told the gathering: "It's impossible to imagine what would have happened to the world if the Red Army hadn't defended it." Putin said Soviet soldiers "did not need war, nor other countries, nor glory, nor honor. They sought to finish off the enemy, win, and return home. And they paid an irreplaceable price for the freedom of Europe." Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin had urged spectators to stay at home and watch the parade on television. Meanwhile, several cities that would normally hold smaller parades canceled them or went forward without crowds. Many foreign leaders also stayed away. The presidents of France, the Czech Republic, Croatia, and China had planned to attend the parade on May 9. But they all canceled their plans to travel to Moscow after the event was rescheduled for June 24. Kyrgyz President Sooronbai Jeenbekov traveled to Moscow for the event but missed the parade after two people aboard his flight to the Russian capital tested positive for COVID-19 upon their arrival. Jeenbeekov's office told RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service that the head of the presidential office's foreign policy unit, Daniyar Sydykov, and a bodyguard had tested positive for the coronavirus. The presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Serbia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan all attended the gathering -- sitting together in a section with Putin and the World War II veterans. The de facto leaders of Georgia's breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, which Russia recognizes as independent states, also attended, along with the Bosnian Serb member of Bosnia's multiethnic presidency, Milorad Dodik. After the parade, Putin laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Kremlin Wall to honor the memory of those killed in World War II. Later, at a ceremony in the Kremlin, Putin handed the 2019 State Prizes to laureates for achievements in science and technology, literature and the arts, and for humanitarian activities, charity, and human rights. The ceremony for awarding the State Prizes is usually held on Russia Day -- marked each year on June 12. But this year, Putin presented Gold Star of Labor Hero medals to several laureates instead. The State Prize is Russia's highest award for scientific and cultural contributions to society and the state. In 1992, the award replaced the Soviet-era State Prize of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian and Kyrgyz Services, AFP, and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/putin-victory- parade-reform-vote/30687536.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 Flash China hopes India can strictly observe and implement the consensus reached with China, work with China and take real actions to restore peace and stability in the border areas, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Wednesday. Speaking at a regular press conference, Zhao said that recently the incident in the Galwan Valley in the western section of the China-India boundary has received much attention. "I already went through the ins and outs of the whole incident on June 19. The merits of what happened are very clear. None of the responsibility lies with China," he said. First, it is the Indian border troops who crossed the line first. The Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western section of the boundary is clear. The Galwan Valley lies on the Chinese side of the LAC. The Chinese border troops, who have all along been patrolling the area, know very well the situation of management and control on the ground. Since April this year, the Indian side has been building roads and bridges at and across the LAC in the Galwan Valley, unilaterally changing the status quo. China has lodged representations on multiple occasions. On the early morning of May 6, Indian border troops crossed the LAC under the cover of night, trespassed into China's territory and deliberately made provocations. The Chinese border troops were compelled to take necessary measures to respond to the situation on the ground and strengthen management and control along the border. Second, it is the Indian side that violated bilateral consensus and started provocations first. In the presence of China's diplomatic representations and military pressure, India originally agreed to withdraw its personnel who crossed the LAC and dismantled the facilities it built across the line as China demanded. In the first round of commander-level talks on June 6, the Indian side promised that it would not cross the estuary of the Galwan river to patrol and build facilities. The two sides also agreed to build observation posts on either side of the Galwan river estuary. However, the Indian side later reneged on the consensus, wantonly demanded that China dismantle its observation post, and once again crossed the line for provocations, which triggered the conflict. Third, India violated international rules and attacked China first. On the night of June 15, Indian frontline troops breached the agreement of the commander-level talks, once again crossed the LAC, and demolished the tents built by the Chinese side. When the Chinese army officer and staff came to negotiate as per customary practices on handling border-related issues, the Indian troops attacked them in an abrupt and violent manner, which led to fierce physical confrontations and casualties. The adventurous acts of the Indian army seriously violated the agreements reached between the two countries on the border issue, and breached the basic norms governing international relations. They are of a vile nature and have severe consequences. Zhao told reporters that as agreed by the Chinese and Indian foreign ministers during their phone call on June 17, both 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 talks, 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. From June 22 to 23, the two sides held the second round of commander-level talks and agreed to jointly take necessary measures for de-escalation, peace and tranquility in the border areas. "We hope India can strictly observe and implement the above-mentioned consensus, work with China and take real actions to restore peace and stability in the border areas," Zhao said. Thiruvananthapuram: The United Nations (UN) celebrated Jan Seva Divas on Tuesday and honoured Health Minister K.K. Shailaja to tackle the coronavirus epidemic. The event was held on a virtual platform, attended by United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other top UN personalities, who praised all leaders for effectively dealing with the coronavirus, including the health of Kerala Minister K.K. Shailaja. On this occasion, Shailaja said that the experience of dealing with Nipah virus and two floods (2018 and 2019) helped control the time from the corona. She stated, "Since the Corona cases started coming to Wuhan, Kerala had followed the WHO's guidelines and we followed all standard operating protocols and international regulations and thus we were able to increase the contact expansion rate to 12.5 percent. CM Pinarayi Vijayan of Kerala said on Wednesday that 152 new cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic have been registered in the state, 81 patients have recovered and 1691 people are under treatment in different districts. The total number of cases in the state has increased to 3603, out of which 1691 cases are active. Herd immunity could potentially be reduced to 43 percent: Study 45 years of Emergency, Nadda says 'blackest chapter of democracy' UP police arrested three culprit in illegal ammunition Citywide Photo: Dale Cruse/Flickr While enforcing its protest-related curfew in early June, SFPD disproportionately targeted Black San Franciscans for arrest, city data shows. The data was requested anonymously under the city's Sunshine Ordinance, and shared by a source with Hoodline. It shows that during the five days of curfew from May 31 to June 4 110 people were cited and 30 people were booked by police. 28% of the former group and 43% of the latter group were Black, even though African-Americans represent only 5% of San Francisco's population. Meanwhile, white people were underrepresented in both citations and arrests in comparison to their population size. 41% of those cited and 30% of those arrested were white. White people represent 45% of San Francisco's population. In all, 31% of overall citations and bookings during curfew fell on black San Franciscans, nearly as many as the 39% of the total that white San Franciscans accounted for. This means police confronted Black citizens for breaking curfew at a rate of over six times the percentage that would be indicated by the city's demographic distribution. And of people actually booked by the police, 43% were Black compared to 30% white meaning Black citizens were more likely to be physically detained, rather than cited and released, than white ones. Image: Anonymous/Hoodline Tipline Mayor London Breed implemented the May 31 curfew in response to "incidents of vandalism and violence" in the protests that have gripped the country since the death of George Floyd. (Her office did not respond to a request for comment on the statistics.) The curfew gave the San Francisco Police Department the power to cite and book anyone outside after 8 p.m., unless they could prove that they were going to or from work. Like departments around the country, SFPD has been under the spotlight for years for racism in its ranks. But the disparity in the curfew arrests is particularly glaring in light of the protests against police racism that prompted it. In response to the statistics, SFPD spokesperson Robert Rueca said that all of the people detained were "reasonably believed to be committing criminal acts." He noted that legally, anyone standing outside after 8 p.m. would be self-evidently committing a crime. "What we do know is, there was a lot of damage done to businesses and a lot of looting done after the peaceful protesters had finished doing their marches and their assemblies," he said. The Haryana government is not signing any new business pact with Chinese firms and recently cancelled tenders for two power projects worth Rs 750 crore in which they were the lowest bidders, Chief Minister M L Khattar said on Thursday. "As far as Haryana is concerned, no new agreement is being signed with Chinese companies," said Khattar, when asked about the state government's response to the rising anti-China sentiments amid the increasing Indo-China border tensions. Khattar said the state government will give priority to Indian companies. Interacting with media persons after holding a 'janata darbar' in his home constituency here, Khattar said the state government recently cancelled its Power Department's two tenders worth Rs 750 crore, which were likely to be allotted to Chinese firms. Notably, the Haryana government had on June 20 decided to float fresh tenders for installing pollution control units at two of its thermal plants in the state. Earlier, it had launched tenders for the work, which also attracted bids from some Chinese companies. The state government earlier this month scrapped the process of assigning the contract. According to an official statement on June 20, in both the tenders, L-1 bidders (lowest bid) were the Chinese and the prices received were competitive. "Though the rates received were competitive, the Haryana government has decided to cancel these tenders and to float fresh ones for domestic bidding on the pattern of NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation), which is allowing bidders which are registered in India only". While blaming China for the global spread of coronavirus infection in a webinar by Kurukshetra University on June 6, Khattar had urged people to use 'Made in India' products and give up the lure for Chinese goods. On some parents' bodies seeking concession in fees by private schools amid the coronavirus-hit academic activities, Khatar said the state government has asked schools to charge tuition fees only following talks held between school managements and parents. Both the parents' bodies and the school managements were suggested to resolve the matter amicably, he said. Responding to another question, the chief minister said, "The state government is committed to 'zero tolerance' towards corruption. In the future also, strict action will be taken in corruption cases." On the ongoing work on digitalisation of land records in Haryana, Khattar said the entire land data records would be made online in the near future. The Survey of India is currently marking land in the state using drones, he said. "In coming times, entire land records will be available online. It will eliminate all land-related issues. Along with this, marking of the lands of municipal corporation and municipalities of the state is also being done to get the information about their ownership rights," he said. The chief minister earlier held a 'janata darbar' here to redress public grievances, during which he interacted with over 100 people and assured them speedy redressal of their problems. During the 'Jan Sunwai-Janata Darbar' programme that lasted for nearly four hours, Khattar gave patient hearings to each of the complainants and directed officers concerned to look into their complaints. During the interaction, Khattar also received some complaints, which could be resolved only after an investigation and assured the complainants to look into them closely. Taking cognizance of a complaint related to Employment Department, Khattar ordered the suspension of the district employment officer with immediate effect after he was found to be absent during the Janata Darbar. Later when the chief minister was told that the officer was absent due to some unavoidable reasons, he promised to reconsider his suspension order. Carly Fiorina, the former chief executive officer of Hewlett-Packard who sought the Republican presidential nomination four years ago, said in a new podcast that she plans to vote for Democrat Joe Biden in the fall. Fiorina said she continues to be a registered Republican but considers the election a "binary choice" and has made clear she cannot support President Trump. "I am encouraged that Joe Biden is a person of humility and empathy and character," Fiorina said on an episode of "The Ticket" podcast released Wednesday. "I think he's demonstrated that through his life." Fiorina was the Republican nominee for a U.S. Senate seat from California in 2010 before seeking the GOP presidential nomination in 2016. She briefly became the vice presidential running mate of another Republican hopeful, Sen. Ted Cruz (Tex.), before he suspended his campaign. Trump responded on Twitter to word that Fiorina is siding with Biden this year. "Failed presidential candidate (thank you President Trump!), Carly Fiorina, said she will be voting for Corrupt Joe Biden," he wrote. "She lost so badly to me, twice in one campaign, that she should be voting for Joe. No complaints!!!" Several other prominent Republicans, including former national security adviser John Bolton, have expressed misgivings about Trump but stopped short of saying they will support the former vice president. Asked about that by the podcast's host, Edward-Isaac Dovere of the Atlantic, Fiorina stressed that she sees the race as a "binary choice." "I'm not voting for Trump, but it's a binary choice. So if faced with a binary choice on a ballot: yes," she said, regarding voting for Biden. "He will get a lot of pressure, as all politicians do, to be a politician," she said. "And yet I think what the nation is looking for is a leader. What's the difference? Well, politics is about win-lose. I'm right; you're wrong. It is, unfortunately, often about an argument between extremes. Leadership, on the other hand, is about problem-solving and making progress and changing the order of things for the better, which means it's about humility and empathy and collaboration." Fiorina has said she voted for Trump four years ago, despite disparaging comments he made about her looks. "Look at that face!" Trump said to Rolling Stone. "Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?" In its annual report on terrorism, the US State Department accused Iran of providing a safe haven for senior members of al-Qaeda. When you see Iranian fingerprints on so many different terrorist groups around the world, it shouldnt come as a surprise that Iran would also have connections to al-Qaeda, said Ambassador Nathan Sales, who leads the State Department's Counterterrorism Bureau. Sales told reporters Wednesday that Iran has allowed al-Qaeda operatives to move freely within the country to facilitate the movement of fighters and money into neighboring countries. If Iran wants to rejoin the community of responsible nations, here is a start: Crack down on the terrorists that caused 9/11. Crack down on the terrorist proxies that foment violence around the world, he added. This isnt the first time the Donald Trump administration has claimed the Shiite-led country acts as a sanctuary for the Sunni terrorist group. Last October, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee "there is no doubt that there is a connection between Iran and al-Qaeda. Pompeos testimony raised questions over whether the administration was building a case to attack Iran by invoking the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. The AUMF is directed at the perpetrators of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks al-Qaeda and its associates. But to justify the January drone strike in Baghdad that killed Iran's most powerful military commander, Qasem Soleimani, the administration instead cited the 2002 law that authorized the Iraq war. The terrorism report, provided annually to Congress, describes Irans authorities as unwilling to bring to justice senior members of al-Qaeda residing in the country or identify those it is holding in its custody. Iran has allowed AQ [al-Qaeda] facilitators to operate a core facilitation pipeline through Iran since at least 2009, enabling AQ to move funds and fighters to South Asia and Syria, the report said. Hamza bin Laden, the son of the late al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, is thought to have lived in Iran before he was killed in a US operation in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region in September 2019. Describing Iran as the worlds worst state sponsor of terrorism," the report also listed Tehrans continued support for armed groups throughout the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Iran also backs a number of Shiite militias in Iraq, including Kataib Hezbollah. The United States blames the group for a number of attacks on American interests in Iraq in the past year, including a rocket attack that killed an American civilian contractor at a base near Kirkuk in December and another that left two US service members dead at Camp Taji in March. The State Department report also said the Iranian regime uses the clandestine foreign wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), known as Quds Force, to provide support to terrorist organizations, provide cover for associated covert operations, and create instability in the region. In April 2019, the United States designated the IRGC, including the Quds Force, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. An aesthetics doctor has revealed how she has seen a huge rise in bookings for an innovative new neck tightening treatment, as an increased number of Brits are unhappy with how they look on video calls during lockdown. Cosmetic Surgeon Dr Lucy Glancey, of Dr Glancey Clinics London and Essex, told FEMAIL she has had an influx of inquiries for the non-invasive 'NeckTite' procedure - with bookings up by 400 per cent. The tightening treatment uses radio frequency to breakdown fat around the jowls and neck, and give a 'lifted, contoured' look to the jawline and surrounding area. It claims to last up to five years, but will set you back 1800-2800 depending on the area treated, and if liposuction is needed on top. Cosmetic Surgeon Dr Lucy Glancey, from London, told FEMAIL she has seen a huge rise in bookings for a neck tightening treatment, as an increased number of Brits are unhappy with how they look on video calls (seen left before and right after) Dr Glancey said: 'FaceTime and Zoom calls are now the new norm since lockdown, but for many the often unflattering angle and lighting has given them a complex about their chin and jawline area. 'Whilst Botox and filler in the jawline area is easy and popular, it doesnt last forever and is a very temporary solution. 'People are realising that video calls could be here to stay, and are anxious to get their jawlines seen to.' She explained: 'NeckTite is an innovative minimally invasive procedure which uses radio frequency in order to tighten the soft tissues of the face and neck. The tightening treatment uses radio frequency to breakdown fat around the jowels and neck, and give a 'lifted, contoured' look to the jawline and surrounding area (seen left before and right after) It claims to last up to five years, but will set you back 1800-2800 depending on the area treated, and if liposuction is needed on top (seen left before and right after) 'The procedure contours the neck, removing excess fat from sagging skin and then tightening it. It is a safe, non-surgical way of treating fat and loose skin in the neck area.' The NeckTite procedure works in one hour-long single session to contour the neck by removing excess fat and tightening sagging skin, using heat from a radio frequency device. Cosmetic Surgeon Dr Lucy Glancey, of Dr Glancey Clinics London and Essex, told FEMAIL bookings up are by 400 per cent Targeting what is sometimes referred to as 'turkey neck', a small incision is made into the neck following a local anaesthetic, before the device is inserted to target problem areas. The new treatment claims to be able to result in soft tissue around the neck area contracting by up to 40 percent. Dr Lucy Glancey told FEMAIL the treatment is gaining popularity over the more invasive neck lift, as results are 'quickly visible and long lasting', and there is no scarring - as well as being less expensive. As Boris Johnson loosens lockdown rules, salons and clinics are reopening their doors, with social distancing methods in force. PODGORICA, Montenegro - Montenegrin police have detained dozens of people after seven officers were injured in clashes with pro-Serb opposition protesters in several towns. Police say two opposition lawmakers were among those detained during protests late Wednesday in the capital, Podgorica, and other towns. The incidents reflect mounting political tensions in the small Balkan nation ahead of a parliamentary election set for Aug. 30. Main opposition parties in the country of 620,000 people are seeking closer ties with Serbia and Russia. The Montenegrin government on Thursday described the riots as a well-known pattern of certain political subjects aimed at destruction of the state and its institutions and fueling of instability in Montenegro. The demonstrations on Wednesday erupted in the coastal town of Budva, where tensions have been high for days over a dispute among municipal authorities. Police in Budva used tear gas to disperse the protesters, and detained 17 people. An opposition party, the Socialist Peoples Party, on Thursday accused the state of police brutality in Budva and attempts to affect the vote in the town. On Wednesday, hundreds gathered in other towns and started throwing rocks, bottles and other objects at police. At least 50 people were detained at various locations, police said. In Budva, opposition parties have refused to hand over power after the ruling Democratic Party of Socialists gained majority support in the local assembly. Tensions in Montenegro also have soared in recent months over a religious property law that is opposed by the Serbian Orthodox Church. Thousands have protested the law, which the church says would allow the state to take away its property. The government has denied that the law does this. Montenegro split from much-larger Serbia after a referendum in 2006. It joined NATO in 2017, over strong opposition from Russia, and wants to enter the European Union next. A resident asked city council to defund the police at a city tax meeting on Wednesday, adding that she doesnt like to see the militarization of the force through its acquisition of a light armoured vehicle. Nicola Koyanagi, 27, told council at a virtual meeting that shes a Japanese-Canadian, and asked council to fund areas such as affordable housing and harm reduction programs instead of police. Council gave police $26.3 million to operate the service in 2020, a cost that Koyanagi called astronomical. City police have accepted a light-armoured vehicle from an anonymous donor, but Koyanagi said it "will not keep our community safe" but make marginalized people feel unsafe. "I'm asking councillors to never again increase the police budget," she said. At a virtual meeting on Wednesday, people had their chance to speak to council about the potential for a tax hike of up to 3.5 per cent in 2021. Koyanagi was one of 10 people who registered in advance to speak. Councillors are considering a new city staff report that suggests an all-inclusive tax increase of three per cent for 2021. The increase could end up being as high as 3.5 per cent: City staff will provide a report later in 2020 on the prospect of seeking up to a further 0.5 per cent in taxes, in case council must have matching funds available to access any post-pandemic grants from other levels of government. A previous report to councillors in May states that the city has lost $6.8 million in revenues from sources such as parking fees, arena fees and transit. "I absolutely think we need to raise taxes," said artist and arts manager Kate Story, referring to the recovery of this lost money. But another speaker, small business owner Andrew Roudny, said the city is already overtaxing its citizens and that a tax increase will discourage people from moving here. Sheila Nabigon-Howlett urged council to think more about the climate crisis and to hike the fines to $100 for motorists who idle their vehicles. Unless we follow through on our plans and promises, catastrophe looms, she said. Tricia Clarkson asked council to buy two electric city buses plus charging infrastructure. E-buses will encourage citizens to take public transit because its fun to travel on a clean-energy e-bus with zero emissions, she said. There was no debate from council Wednesday on whether to go along with staffs suggestion of a three per cent tax increase. Councillors will decide on July 13 whether to ask staff to write draft budget documents with a three per cent increase in mind. Egypt President Abdel Fattah El Sisi stressed on Thursday the importance of reaching a comprehensive agreement among all the parties on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). In a phone call, Sisi told his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa that Nile water is an existential matter for all Egyptians. He stressed on the necessity of reaching a comprehensive agreement between all the parties over the filling and operation of the dam refusing any unilateral steps which could harm Egypt's water rights, Presidential Spokesman Bassam Rady said. The two leaders tackled GERD developments in light of Egypt's request to the United Nations Security Council to intervene in the issue to reach a just and balanced deal. Ramaphosa noted that he is looking forward to intensifying coordination with Egypt in the coming period on this major issue, hailing Egypt's sincere political will to resolve the crisis. Search Keywords: Short link: Opinion Article 25 June 2020 COVID-19 hit the travel industry like a tidal wave, and hotels have spent the past several months being tossed around like a cork. Now, for hoteliers, it's time to find the surface and start swimming. Advertisements Make no mistake, hoteliers will need to adjust to a new normal going forward. But there are ways to power full steam ahead toward profitability. Here's how hotels can succeed in a post-COVID-19 world: Construct a Recession-Proof Operation Hoteliers need to prepare for a bumpy ride. U.N. jobs reports put global job losses close to 200 million. Chances are that as things level off, many of those jobs will come back but many won't. Alarmingly, all signs point to an extended global recession. One World Bank report suggests the global economy will shrink by 5.2% this year. Luckily, hoteliers don't have to sit back and watch their operations crumble. They can use data to recession-proof their hotels now and reap higher profits during tough economic times. Here's how: Focus on Profit Relying on revenue numbers alone to set hotel strategies has never been a good idea. During a recession, it's easy to see how limiting metrics like RevPAR really are. As hoteliers see less and less cash coming in, it's critical to focus on how much money is flowing to the bottom line. That means using more complete metrics, such as gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR), to benchmark performance. Improve Operations With less revenue to work with, hoteliers need to make up ground elsewhere. The best way to boost profit during tough economic times is to lower operating costs and increase productivity. By diving into operational figures, hoteliers can see which parts of the operation are profitable, and which operations to pull back in order to free up cash. Trim Costs The leaner a hotel operation is, the more easily it can roll with the punches. That's why hoteliers need to take time now to reexamine costs, such as: Food and beverage (F&B) costs Maintenance and property costs Utility costs Payroll Cutting costs across the board may not make sense. But by looking at where money is flowing, hoteliers can see where cutting back makes the most sense. Make Customer Safety and Experience a Priority Regardless of how drastically visitors' behaviors change in the wake of COVID-19, one thing will remain a linchpin of hotel success: customer experience. For hoteliers, now's the time to reexamine spaces and invest in subtle changes that will create a more pleasant customer experience. Here's a short list of additions to consider: Sanitation stations Visitors will have germs on their minds for long after the COVID-19 era is over. By adding sanitation stations at entrances and exits and other public spaces, hoteliers can encourage better hygiene and peace of mind. Visitors will have germs on their minds for long after the COVID-19 era is over. By adding sanitation stations at entrances and exits and other public spaces, hoteliers can encourage better hygiene and peace of mind. Self-service payment systems Hoteliers don't need to eliminate cash altogether, but adding self-service payment options keeps hotel guests from passing germs on to employees. Plus, it adds a layer of convenience for guests who want independence. Hoteliers don't need to eliminate cash altogether, but adding self-service payment options keeps hotel guests from passing germs on to employees. Plus, it adds a layer of convenience for guests who want independence. F&B mobile app deliveries By adding mobile ordering options to F&B or other room-service functions, hoteliers don't just ease the fears of guests who are uncomfortable congregating. They can also open up new revenue streams from customers who aren't staying at the hotel. Before making big investments in new infrastructure, it's best that hoteliers familiarize themselves with current maintenance costs. By understanding how much is being spent now, it will be easier to see where it's feasible to add new resources in the future. Keep a Close Eye on Labor In the months and years ahead, employers across the hospitality industry will need to rehire staff and bring employees back into the fold. Unfortunately, it's tough to build a successful hiring plan when the future is murky. And there are many questions floating in the air: Will there be a second wave of COVID-19 cases? How long will it take for the global economy to recover? What will travel demand look like in the future? With many unknowns lingering, hoteliers need to be prepared to adjust their labor strategies quickly. That all starts by examining key metrics: Management wages and salaries Nonmanagement wages and salaries Outsourced labor totals Admin and general labor costs Sales and marketing labor costs Going forward, successful hoteliers will use data to drive payroll decisions. By keeping a finger on the pulse of labor costs, they'll have the raw materials to set up hiring plans for every scenario. Use Data to Steer Post-COVID-19 Decisions It may take a while before travel markets stabilize. When they do, the hoteliers who have a firm grasp of their operational benchmarking will come out ahead. Even if the hospitality industry continues to face choppy waters, hoteliers who use data to chart a clear course will have everything they need to convert higher profit. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) stands with members of the Congressional Black Caucus during a news conference to unveil legislation to combat police violence and racial injustice at the U.S. Capitol in Washington on June 8, 2020. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters) Republicans Respond to Democrats Blocking Debate on the JUSTICE Act Republicans expressed disappointment at Democrats for blocking the police reform legislation introduced by Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.). The GOP senators criticized the opposing party for voting no on the motion to proceed in order to keep the issue alive for the 2020 election. GOP senators weighed in on the action the Democrats took to effectively cancel a debate or any possible negotiations on the Scott bill. Democrats say they disagree with parts of @SenatorTimScotts bill. Fine. The Senate has a way to settle policy differences. Its called legislating. The only reason to duck the whole process is if Democrats would rather preserve a campaign issue than find a partisan solution, said Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). Republicans also warned of the message blocking the bill sends to citizens who want to see real change, and the danger communities are in until this issue is addressed. Disappointed to see @SenateDems block even consideration of the JUSTICE Act. Instead of debating and negotiating the Dems decided to block any bill proposed by Republicans. The safety of our communities needs to be a top priority, said Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.). We are in dangerous times; the source of this danger is not the failure of this bill on this floor at this time. Nope. This is merely a symptom of the danger that I believe is right in front of us, this is only a symptom of a much deeper issue a systemic problem, said Sen. Tim Scott. This is a broken process. Beyond that one piece of legislation. Its one of the reasons why communities of color, young Americans of all colors are losing faith in the institutions of authority and power in this nation, because were playing small ball, added Scott. Sen. Scott emphasized that his legislation aims to build a better relationship between law enforcement and the affected communities, instead of choosing to listen to one group over the other. Many on the left and the Democrat party have advocated for defunding and dismantling police departments. Police union leaders have also expressed that they feel abandoned by lawmakers. Today, we lost, I lost a vote on a piece of legislation that would have led to systemic change in the relationship between the communities of color, and the law enforcement community, Scott said. We would have broken this concept in this nation that somehow someway, you have to either be for law enforcement, or for communities of color. That is a false binary choice. Its just not true. Adding, And my friends on the other side, just said no, not no to the legislation. They just said no. And why am I saying that they didnt just say no to the legislation. Scott said Democrats did not want to engage with the process even when they were offered the chance to amend the JUSTICE Act. We offered them opportunities, at least 20 I offered, and their answer to me was: you cant offer us 20 amendments. I said why not, they said: well because Mitch McConnell wont give you 20 amendments. I spoke to Mitch McConnell, he says you can have 20 amendments. I told him that, we went to a press conference yesterday and we set an open process. They didnt want an open process, added Scott. Democratic efforts to shut down the conversation are a betrayal of the moment that presented itself to this nation to move forward. Tim has worked his heart out to try to move the process along. Im very disappointed that it was shut down before it started by Senator Schumer, said Sen. Lindsey Graham. Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said their party opposed the JUSTICE Act because it was woefully inadequate and that 136 civil rights organization sent them a letter opposing the bill. This bill woefully falls short of the comprehensive reform needed to address the current policing crisis and achieve meaningful law enforcement accountability. It is deeply problematic to meet this moment with a menial incremental approach that offers more funding to police and few policies to effectively address the constant loss of black lives at the hands of police, the letter stated. Schumer said the signatories urged the Democrat senators to vote no on the motion to proceed. Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday accused the Republicans of trying to get away with murder of George Floyd, with their police reform legislation. When Speaker Pelosi says, one of the most heinous things I can imagine that the Republicans are actually trying to cover up murder the murder of George Floyd, with our legislation, said Scott. She knows that she can say that, because the Democrats have a monopoly on the black vote, he continued. In the 2016 presidential election, black men and women overwhelming voted, over 80 percent, for the Democrat candidate, Hilary Clinton. Instead of going forward and getting what you want now theyve decided to punt this ball until the election, you know why because they believe that the polls reflect a 15-point deficit on our side. Therefore, they can get the bill they want in November, he continued. The fact that Senate Democrats voted to block debate and an open amendment process on meaningful police reforms is outrageous and unacceptable, said Rob Portman (R-Ohio). COLEBROOK In accordance with Connecticut state orders and advisories, the Colebrook River Lake recreation areas are open and accessible to the public should individuals and their families wish to get outside for healthy, outdoor recreational activity. according to a statement. The main entrance will be open 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. The North End & Boat Launch will be open day during light hours only, 7 days per week. For this measure to continue, and for the health and safety of all, visitors must adhere to the following guidelines: Stay home if feeling sick. Avoid activities where individuals will come in close contact with one another and/or gathering in groups of 25 or more. Maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet, and wear a cloth face covering. Should crowds of 100 or more begin to form at various locations, visitors are asked to leave that area, choose a different location or return at a later date/time. Practice healthy personal hygiene. Leave no trace. Take all trash, including pet waste, with you when you leave the property. Avoid touching surfaces frequently touched by others including, but not limited to, benches, picnic tables, railings and signs. These surfaces are not being cleaned. Sanitize your hands if you do. For further details and up-to-the-minute news before visiting the dam, visit either the departments Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ColebrookRiverLake, go to www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Colebrook-River-Lake/__;!!Ivohdkk!wZ-rhVgK3oms_eElnUp4OQhl5BL5qX7z5QrY1BuF2gc_m9QBpWlxy_H2bXyF_eYwFg$ or call the Colebrook Dam Project Office at 860-379-8234. Laurel Music Camp begins June 27 online NEW HARTFORD Laurel Music Camp, the oldest music camp in the country was originally scheduled to run from June 27-July 3, at Camp Workcoeman in New Hartford. Although the in-person experience will have to be put on hold, the Laurel tradition is now online.! Camp Director Phil Giampietro said, Laurel Music Camp has been here for young musicians every year since 1945, and this year will be no exception. During the usual season, Laurel Music Camp offers performance opportunities for high school-aged musicians in concert band, chorus, jazz band, and orchestra. The Virtual Laurel Music Camp will offer master classes for all ages given by our nationally recognized ensemble conductors, and workshops, led by Laurel Music Camp Senior Staff. Participants can also join regular evening traditions like Solo night, Stunt night, and a massive Ukulele ensemble. Bringing the experience online also allows the staff to add new activities to the week, such as a Music Careers Round table, where young musicians can learn how their talents can be applied in their professional lives to more than just performing and teaching, according to a statement. Virtual Laurel Music Camp runs June 27-July 3. There is no fee to atted, but all campers must register in advance. Go to www.laurelmusiccamp.com to register. Laurel Music camp is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving over 150 high school age musicians each year. Founded in 1945, Laurel is the oldest music camp in the state, currently offering performance opportunities for choir, jazz band, concert band, and orchestra. Visit www.laurelmusiccamp.com, or email publicrelations@laurelmusiccamp.com for more information. Nuvance Health offers first aid, CPR class Nuvance Health is offering the Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED certification class free of charge to high school students who were unable to complete the course in school due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The course is offered to students living Litchfield as well as in Dutchess, Putnam and Ulster counties. The promotion is available from June to September for Heartsaver classes at various locations. Successful class completion provides two-year certification of the American Heart Association First Aid CPR AED training, covering techniques for all age groups. Certification allows for employment opportunities in babysitting, day care work, day camps and more. Registration is required; go to medicaleducation-nuvancehealth.enrollware.com/schedule. Participants are asked to use promotional code CPRSTUDENT2020 at checkout to avoid the fee. Proof of high school student status including student ID, transcripts, graduation letter and/or report cards is required. For more information, call Community Education Supervisor Wendy Hennessey at 845-475-9742 (TTY 1-800-421-1220) or email wendy.hennessy@nuvancehealth.org. Home buyer seminar is June 30 American Eagle Financial Credit Union will hold a First-Time Home Buyer Online Seminar at 6 p.m. June 30. The seminar is in culmination of National Homeownership Month, according to a statement, and 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, the statement reads. 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, please contact Larry King at larry.k@aefcu.com. CHS class reunion planned The 50th Year Reunion for Central High School, Bridgeport, CT, has been set for Sept. 26, 2020, at the Stone Barn at Whitney Farms, Monroe. Alumni may obtain further information by sending an email to centralbpt1970@gmail.com or by joining the Facebook group Bridgeport Central High School Class of 1970. Second Indianhead Division holding reunion FOX LAKE, ILL - The Second (Indianhead) Division Association is searching for anyone who served in the Army's 2nd Infantry Division at any time. For information about the association and the 99th annual reunion in Kansas City, Missouri, Sept. 23-27, go to www.2ida.org/99th-annual-reunion/ or contact Bob Haynes at 2idahq@comcast.net or call 224-225-1202. The racing driver who died in a high-speed crash in Oregon last year has been posthumously awarded the female world land speed record. Jessi Combs reached 522.783mph during the world-record attempt in the Alvord Desert last August but the 39-year-old died when her car went up in flames. Despite her death, Guinness World Records has certified the new benchmark which beats the previous female record of 512mph - set by Kitty O'Neil in 1976. Jessi's boyfriend Terry Madden said in response that 'no record could ever be worth her not being here, but it was a goal that she really wanted'. Jessi Combs (pictured) reached 522.783mph during the world-record attempt in the Alvord Desert last August but the 39-year-old died when her car went up in flames The 56-foot, 52,000-horsepower 'jet car' went up in flames during the record attempt last year Combs's family said at the time of her death that her 'most notable dream was being the fastest woman on Earth', which she has now achieved. Madden said yesterday that it was 'hard for me to even look at the car without crying', but said he was 'so proud of her' after the record was confirmed. 'She woke up that morning to an alarm saying 'let's make history' and we had an absolutely amazing day,' Madden said. 'On the morning run she broke her previous top speeds and we went back to the trailer and had a long heart to heart - she had a few things that were bothering us safety wise and I told her I would support her no matter what she decided to do. 'She decided she was going to run that one last afternoon run to back up her record and then walk away from it for good and let her back up driver go for the overall world record instead of her. 'That was to be the last time she ever got in that car. It has torn me apart that all I had to do is say let's go and we would have left before that run. 'She asked my opinion and I told her to go for it if it was what she wanted. That conversation has torn me apart every day since the accident.' Officials later found that the crash was caused by a wheel failure likely linked to a collision with something in the desert. Madden said: 'I can 100 per cent tell you beyond any doubt that she did everything exactly as she was supposed to.' Just days before her death, Combs had posted on Instagram acknowledging her quest to break 512mph Jessi Combs' boyfriend, Terry Madden (right), opened on Instagram about his most beloved memories with the late race car driver and 'Mythbusters' star since she died in a car wreck The 56-foot, 52,000-horsepower 'jet car' went up in flames moments after video footage of the record attempt finished. The North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger had already kicked up a large plume of dust kicked up as Combs aimed for the record. Combs, who formerly starred in Mythbusters, and her team were trying to top the previous record set in 1976 by Kitty O'Neil. In 2013 she had broken the women's land speed record for a four-wheel car with 398mph, and joined the North American Eagle Supersonic Speed Challenger team later that year. Combs was 'was one of the rare dreamers with the bravery to turn those possibilities into reality and she left this earth driving faster than any other woman in history,' her family said in a statement after the crash. Shortly before her death, she had posted on social media: 'It may seem a little crazy to walk directly into the line of fire... those who are willing, are those who achieve great things. People say I'm crazy. I say thank you.' Madden previously said he was the first one to reach Combs immediately after the accident and that he and her crew 'did everything humanly possible to save her.' Born in Rapid City, South Dakota, Combs had a lifelong dream to become a race car driver. She graduated from WyoTech in Wyoming with a degree in Custom Automotive Fabrication and eventually fell into television. She hosted various automotive shows, including Xtreme 4x4, Overhaulin', Truck U, and Two Guys Garage. An image posted by Jessi Combs on August 24 shows her team assembling as they prepare for the trip James Roday and Dule Hill are back for more detective buddy comedy antics in Psych 2: Lassie Come Home, which starts streaming July 15 on Peacock. The 44-year-old A Million Little Things actor stars as 'psychic' crime consultant Shawn Spencer, and the 45-year-old West Wing alum is back as his reluctant partner Burton 'Gus' Guster. The San Francisco-based duo return to Santa Barbara upon hearing their former boss, Police Chief Carlton Lassiter (Timothy Omundson), is hallucinating at a hospital after getting shot. Starts streaming July 15 on Peacock! James Roday (L) and Dule Hill (R) are back for more detective buddy comedy antics in Psych 2: Lassie Come Home 'Lassie is seeing things,' Shawn notes. Gus replied: 'Ghosts.' 'Not necessarily ghosts,' Shawn said. Gus replied: 'Probably ghosts.' Reprising their roles: The 44-year-old A Million Little Things actor (L) stars as 'psychic' crime consultant Shawn Spencer, and the 45-year-old West Wing alum (R) is back as his reluctant partner Burton 'Gus' Guster Supernatural? The San Francisco-based duo return to Santa Barbara upon hearing their former boss, Police Chief Carlton Lassiter (Timothy Omundson), is hallucinating at a hospital after getting shot Vroom! Hijinx in the trailer include the funnymen using pseudonyms like 'Sean Spicer' and 'Lego my Eggo,' wearing furry coats on a motorcycle, and playing with an amputated hand Hijinx in the trailer include the funnymen using pseudonyms like 'Sean Spicer' and 'Lego my Eggo,' wearing furry coats on a motorcycle, and playing with an amputated hand. 'This is a Lassie mystery,' Shawn said. 'The stakes are possibly life and death, which means I need my collection of mustaches in order to snoop around undetected...for Lassie.' Psych 2 also features Maggie Lawson, Kirsten Nelson, Sarah Chalke, and Emmy nominee Joel McHale, who has a cameo as the late father of Chief Lassiter. Shawn said: 'This is a Lassie mystery. The stakes are possibly life and death, which means I need my collection of mustaches in order to snoop around undetected...for Lassie' Flashback: Psych 2 also features Maggie Lawson, Kirsten Nelson, Sarah Chalke, and Emmy nominee Joel McHale (L), who has a cameo as the late father of Chief Lassiter Excited for more? Lassie Come Home is a direct sequel to Psych: The Movie, a two-hour TV movie, which aired on the USA Network in 2017 Lassie Come Home is a direct sequel to Psych: The Movie, a two-hour TV movie, which aired on the USA Network in 2017. Both movies are spin-offs of the Fletch-inspired detective dramedy series Psych, which ran for eight seasons between 2006-2014. And there is more to come as Psych creator Steve Franks tweeted on April 16: 'Four more movies. You know, not counting this one. Then we figure out all the other ways to keep doing this.' Musical version too! Both movies are spin-offs of the Fletch-inspired detective dramedy series Psych, which ran for eight seasons between 2006-2014 Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 05:50:38|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Major U.S. business associations have voiced opposition to the Trump administration's reportedly proposed tariffs on imported aluminum from Canada, which would hurt American manufacturers and undermine the spirit of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). "This attempt to re-impose aluminum tariffs on our Canadian neighbors would be a major mistake. It would completely undermine the spirit of our newly-negotiated USMCA and would reignite trade tensions with our biggest trading partner," National Foreign Trade Council (NFTC) President Rufus Yerxa said Wednesday in a statement. "It will also hurt the most dynamic U.S. manufacturers in sectors like autos, food products and construction, all in a vain effort to prop up inefficient domestic aluminum producers by branding Canada a national security threat," he said. Yerxa warned that American exporters will "undoubtedly face Canadian retaliation" and American consumers will also pay the price if the Trump administration moves forward with new tariffs. "It would indeed be sad if the administration fails to recognize why such an action a few days before entry into force of USMCA would undermine our credibility as a reliable trading partner, not just with Canada, but with other potential free trade partners like the U.K. and Japan," he said. Neil Herrington, senior vice president for the Americas Department at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, also said Tuesday that "bringing back these tariffs would be like a bad horror movie." "Most of the U.S. aluminum sector opposes them, and they'll hurt American manufacturers who use aluminum as an input. Canada will surely retaliate against U.S. exports. This is the wrong way to mark the entry-into-force of the new North American free-trade agreement on July 1," Herrington said. The warnings from major business groups came after multiple U.S. media reported on Tuesday that the Trump administration is considering re-imposing tariffs on aluminum imports from Canada later this week. The U.S. business community has widely opposed the imposition of tariffs on imported steel and aluminum since they were first announced in 2018. After considerable push back from the business community, the Trump administration suspended these tariffs for Mexico and Canada as part of USMCA negotiations in May 2019. The USMCA is scheduled to enter into force on July 1 after all three countries have completed their domestic procedures to implement the agreement. Enditem There are lots of reasons we need a government this weekend. One of them is to stop a meltdown in public healthcare. Covid-19 has compromised an embattled healthcare system so much that unless urgent and radical action is taken, there will be a loss of life many times higher than the already devastating death toll. Doctors are talking about undiagnosed and untreated cancers, lack of care for people with chronic conditions, longer waiting lists for urgent surgery, patients with time-critical illnesses unable to see specialists for years, sick children unable to access diagnostics and lots more. The pandemic is a perfect storm. Covid-19 patients need treatment. Measures including personal protective equipment, testing, and tracing require a lot of money. The cancellation of treatment during the surge has led to a large jump in waiting lists. And, critically, the need for new infection-control measures means a massive fall in our capacity to provide care. Estimates suggest between 15pc and 30pc of hospital beds must now stay empty. We have around 11,000 in-patient hospital beds in the public system. Slaintecare planned to add 2,600 over several years. Covid-19 may have just wiped out a similar number in a matter of weeks. Some surgeons are estimating they'll be able to perform around half the number of procedures they previously could in the same time. A similar fall in capacity is suggested for diagnostics like MRIs, with even bigger falls for more invasive diagnostics like scopes. It's going to take longer, and cost more, to do less. Before Covid arrived, Ireland had the longest waiting lists in Europe, the lowest level of consultants and the second lowest level of hospital beds. Safe staffing levels were not being met. Three times more doctors deregistered last year than in 2016. The number of vacant consultant posts has been going up for several years. When Covid-19 arrived here, our healthcare workers responded with extraordinary skill and effectiveness. Yet on Tuesday we heard that Ireland has the highest rate of Covid infections in healthcare workers in the world. A sign of a healthcare system under too much strain. Systems with spare capacity are resilient to shocks. Systems already stretched to breaking point are not. It's like hitting a big pothole driving a well-serviced car below the speed limit, versus hitting it when driving a car with bald tyres and dodgy suspension at well above the speed limit. The pothole might damage the first car, but it could write off the second one. Which brings us back to the pressing need for a new government. The programme for government contains impressive healthcare goals and policies. It has the potential to be transformative. But all of that is contingent on dealing with the impact of Covid and this lost capacity. To do this, at least three things need to happen at the same time. First, temporary capacity needs to be sourced from outside the public system. This means forming strategic partnership with private providers. It means funding the National Treatment Purchase Fund to secure treatment for patients and expanding its remit to also secure diagnostics and mental health care. We should also look at extending the timeline of care. For example, a surgeon's duty of care could extend beyond the operating theatre into recovery. Second, we need to adapt the public system to help our clinicians get more from it. This includes running diagnostics suites and operating theatres longer. Which means urgent hiring requirements, which in turn necessitates tackling the reasons why there are so many vacant posts and why we struggle to retain locally trained healthcare workers. It means cutting out wasteful practices, like patients having to stay in hospital for days just to be on a priority list for an MRI. Third, we need to accelerate Slaintecare. Telemedicine was used successfully during Covid - that needs to be expanded. New technologies need to be deployed, like monitoring patients with chronic conditions at home. Care pathways need to be tightened up to connect GPs and other community-based healthcare professionals directly to specialists and diagnostics. Electronic patient records need to be launched. The new regional organisation needs to be rolled out. A workforce plan needs to be published with hiring and staffing targets set and met. New contracts need to be signed with GPs, pharmacists and consultants. The primary care centres need to be fully utilised, including community-based diagnostics and specialist care. The new mental health strategy needs to be implemented. We need to move on the new maternity hospitals. Long-term residential care and respite care need new supports and investment. And much, much more. The clock is ticking. Stephen Donnelly is the Fianna Fail spokesperson on Health and Disability and a Dail Deputy for Wicklow She's the founder of inclusive nude-tones lingerie brand Rose and Bare. And on Thursday, Natalie Roser stunned in a peasant-style bodice crop top, while appearing to be naked from the waist down. However, upon closer inspection, the 30-year-old was just showing off one of her cheekiest designs yet: a nude g-string. Very cheeky! On Thursday, Natalie Roser (pictured) appeared angelic as she posed bottomless bathed in sunlight... but not all was what it seemed 'The afternoon sunlight makes my Rose and Bare Little G completely disappear against my skin,' Natalie cheekily captioned the post. The blonde beauty pulled her long locks into a high ponytail, subtly accentuating her stunning natural features with bronzer and highlighter on her cheekbones. Natalie celebrated her 30th birthday last month. Blonde beauty: Natalie Roser stunned in a peasant style bodice crop top in a new Instagram post on Thursday, and appeared to be completely naked from the waist down Her partner, former Neighbours star Harley Bonner, shared a heartwarming tribute to her on the day. The 29-year-old actor posted a series of loved-up photos of the couple to Instagram and professed his love for the blonde beauty, who he started dating in 2017. 'Happy 30th to my darling angel!! I love this life with you. More than anything. What a beautiful privilege,' he wrote. 'Thank you for your enormous, unwavering love and understanding. You are heaven,' he added. 'I love this life with you': Her beau Harley Bonner shared a sweet tribute to his girlfriend Natalie on her big day. Both pictured 'I really need to learn more languages because every day I wake up to your gorgeous face the words "I LOVE YOU!" fall shorter and shorter of the way I feel.' In one photo, Harley kissed his girlfriend while she embraced him from behind, while another showed the pair posing as they ate ice-cream. The couple is believed to have started dating in 2017, shortly after Natalie ended her engagement to personal trainer Dan Adair. The loved-up pair relocated back to Australia earlier this year, moving into an apartment in Rose Bay, Sydney, after residing in LA. MEXICO CITY, June 24 (Reuters) - Spanish power generation company Iberdrola has suspended the construction of a plant in Mexico after failing to reach a contract to supply power to the state power company, CFE, a local official said on Wednesday. The mayor of Tuxpan, the city where the plant was to be constructed, told local media that the company had already invested about $40 million in the project and that the land, permits and other logistics were in place to begin construction. "They did not start because they did not have this important signature (from CFE), because they feared that in the end they would be left as a white elephant," the mayor, Antonio Aguilar, told local radio station MVS Radio. "It is very unfortunate," Aguilar added, saying the company informed him of its decision. Iberdrola and CFE did not respond to requests for comment. The planned investment in the eastern port city of Tuxpan, in Veracruz state, totaled $1.2 billion, according to local media reports. Veracruz Governor Cuitlahuac Garcia wrote in a post on Twitter that the project had not been canceled, but its construction will be put up for tender by the CFE. "I contacted our friend Rocio Nahle, Secretary of Energy, and she has confirmed that the project for Tuxpan will continue, but that it belongs to @CFEmx and the state company will tender its construction," Garcia wrote. Last week, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador accused Iberdrola of mounting a media campaign against his government as well as unspecified acts of graft. A representative for Iberdrola in Mexico said the company had no comment on the matter. (Reporting by Noe Torres and Adriana Barrera; Editing by Leslie Adler) Owner/Winemaker, Christopher Missick, in the midst of harvest. Greatness is only achieved in the face of adversity. It took a lot of extra work...but the results are worth it. It's been a challenging three months for the Finger Lakes wine industry, but amidst obstacles, Bellangelo Winery on the West Side of Seneca Lake (about hour's drive from Rochester, NY), continues to make great strides, strengthening its status as one of the New York wine industry's most consistent acclaimed producers. For the fifth year in a row, Bellangelos Rieslings and Sparkling wines have garnered honors from Americas premiere wine journals and periodicals. Most recently, Bellangelo earned three spots in the June 2020 issue of Wine & Spirits Magazine, as among the 100 Best For $20 Or Less. Additionally, four wines were earmarked for honors as Best U.S. Riesling. The honored wines include Bellangelos 2016 Sparkling Riesling, a sparkling wine produced in the traditional method that received one year of barrel aging in neutral oak, and nearly two years in tirage. Additionally, the winerys 2018 Dry Riesling, 2018 Kashong Glen Riesling, and 2018 Gibson Vineyard Riesling were also highly praised. 2018 was an exceptionally difficult vintage, recounts Christopher Missick, winemaker at Bellangelo. Greatness is only achieved in the face of adversity. As in all things in life, our team took the challenge of a difficult vintage to heart, and managed to produce some of our best wines to date. It took a lot of extra work in the vineyard, and an incredible amount of precision on the crush pad, but the results are worth it, Missick added. These honors come in the wake of an entirely redesigned elevated seated-tasting experience at Bellangelo. In the wake of Covid-19 and the opening of its tasting rooms with new social distancing requirements, the winery made changes to incorporate an innovative level of virtual engagement. All 32 wines available at the winery have a virtual tasting available, where customers can follow along with winemaker Chris Missick, as he discusses site selection, vinification, tasting, and food pairings. A preview of the new tasting format can be found here: https://youtu.be/gZJoh-isIOM Additionally, customers can utilize QR codes at the entrance and posted throughout the tasting rooms, to manage their tasting entirely on their phones. What we really wanted was a way to engage our customers on an even deeper level, while encouraging sustainability and reducing our use of paper, Missick said. Missick adds, As a small business, the shutdown was really hard on all of us. I would say we all experienced the full range of emotions of fear, discouragement, and anxiety. We are prepared mentally for all the issues we confront in agriculture, but this was another trial altogether. We are reopening safely, with an even better experience, and are determined to continue the standard of excellence we have become known for. You can review the new tasting experiences at the winery website, http://www.Bellangelo.com, and visit their tasting rooms in Dundee, NY and Geneva, NY. The winery's brands, including Can Do, are currently represented by Wright Beverage Distributing in Rochester, NY, and Luxowine in Puerto Rico, and are seeking strategic partnerships throughout the U.S. The US agency in charge of processing immigration applications said on Wednesday it was preparing to furlough nearly 70% of its workforce unless it received fresh funding, a move employees say could bring an already backlogged system to a virtual halt. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is dependent on fees from new immigration applications for its operations and is facing a historic budget shortfall. Republican President Donald Trump has made cutting legal and illegal immigration a centerpiece of his 2020 re-election campaign. New regulations and a series of executive actions, along with travel restrictions put in place in response to the coronavirus pandemic, have dramatically reduced the number of immigrants coming to the United States. A USCIS spokesperson said in a statement that the agency has already seen a 50% drop in fees since March when most travel and immigration stopped as countries moved to control the spread of coronavirus. USCIS has asked for a $1.2 billion bailout from Congress to avoid the projected staff reductions. On or before July 2, approximately 13,400 USCIS employees will receive notice that if USCIS must proceed with an administrative furlough, they would be furloughed beginning August 3, the USCIS spokespersons statement said. The furloughs, if implemented, will for sure cause noticeable delays immediately, said one USCIS employee who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to speak on the record. There are already so many backlogs to work through. Its insane to even contemplate how bad this is going to get. The staff of the Refugee, Asylum and International Operations division of USCIS was informed in an email seen by Reuters that notices were being sent on July 24 and 25 to approximately 1,500 employees of the 2,200 on staff in that unit. Those kept on would be a skeleton crew to keep the lights on, the email said. On Monday, Trump signed a presidential proclamation banning entry for several categories of temporary visa holders and extended a ban on some green card applicants, which the administration said would help open more jobs for unemployed Americans. Critics say the measures will hurt the economy. New York, June 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Carbonated Ready-to-Drink Tea Market Research Report by Packaging Type, by Ingredients, by Products Type, by Distribution Channel - Global Forecast to 2025 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05913736/?utm_source=GNW On the basis of Packaging Type, the Carbonated Ready-to-Drink Tea Market is studied across Metal Can and Plastic Bottle. On the basis of Ingredients, the Carbonated Ready-to-Drink Tea Market is studied across Starter Cultures and Yeast Extract. On the basis of Products Type, the Carbonated Ready-to-Drink Tea Market is studied across Energy Drinks and Recreational Drinks. On the basis of Distribution Channel, the Carbonated Ready-to-Drink Tea Market is studied across Convenience Stores and Supermarkets. On the basis of Geography, the Carbonated Ready-to-Drink Tea Market is studied across Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. The Americas region is studied across Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and United States. The Asia-Pacific region is studied across Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand. The Europe, Middle East & Africa region is studied across France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. Company Usability Profiles: The report deeply explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Carbonated Ready-to-Drink Tea Market including Coca-Cola, Lactalis, Nestle, PepsiCo, Starbucks, Suja Juice, Sunny Delight Beverages Co., Talking Rain, TeaZazz, and Unilever. FPNV Positioning Matrix: The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Carbonated Ready-to-Drink Tea Market on the basis of Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape. Competitive Strategic Window: The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies. The Competitive Strategic Window helps the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. During a forecast period, it defines the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19: COVID-19 is an incomparable global public health emergency that has affected almost every industry, so for and, the long-term effects projected to impact the industry growth during the forecast period. Our ongoing research amplifies our research framework to ensure the inclusion of underlaying COVID-19 issues and potential paths forward. The report is delivering insights on COVID-19 considering the changes in consumer behavior and demand, purchasing patterns, re-routing of the supply chain, dynamics of current market forces, and the significant interventions of governments. The updated study provides insights, analysis, estimations, and forecast, considering the COVID-19 impact on the market. The report provides insights on the following pointers: 1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on sulfuric acid offered by the key players 2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyzes the markets 3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments 4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players 5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and new product developments The report answers questions such as: 1. What is the market size and forecast of the Global Carbonated Ready-to-Drink Tea Market? 2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Carbonated Ready-to-Drink Tea Market during the forecast period? 3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Carbonated Ready-to-Drink Tea Market? 4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Carbonated Ready-to-Drink Tea Market? 5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Carbonated Ready-to-Drink Tea Market? 6. What are the modes and strategic moves considered suitable for entering the Global Carbonated Ready-to-Drink Tea Market? Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05913736/?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. __________________________ A Middlesex County middle school student was selected as one of ten finalists of the 2020 3M Young Scientist Challenge for her project using robot swarms that work together to aid in healthcare, agriculture, construction, security and military operations. Samhita Pokkunuri, of Carl Sandburg Middle School in Old Bridge, will compete against other finalists for a grand prize of $25,000 and the title of Americas Top Young Scientist, contest, organizers said in a news release. Samhita designed and programmed multiple robots to mimic swarm intelligence for use in collecting information to aid in various settings, the announcement said. The concept is similar to swarm intelligence employed by living creatures, including ants, to accomplish tasks as a group. Samhitas project seeks to apply that intelligence to robots. I love solving complex problems using scientific principles, Samhita said in a video explaining her project. Samhita will also work with a 3M scientist to move her concept to reality through a summer mentorship, the companys announcement said. The finalists will compete during a viral event in October because of the coronavirus pandemic, according to organizers. Inspirational moments of community are all around us and the need for action is clearly strong -- now more than ever, we are looking to the next generation to help improve the world we live in, and the 3M Young Scientist Challenge is a great platform for them to express what and how they want to see change, Denise Rutherford, senior vice president of corporate affairs at 3M, said in a news release. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. The funeral of senior IRA figure Bobby Storey is to take place in Belfast on Tuesday. Mr Storey (64), from west Belfast, died in England on Sunday following an unsuccessful lung transplant. His funeral is delayed as the family wait for his body to be returned home. Mr Storey's remains will leave his home in Owenvarragh Park at 10.30am for 11am Mass at St Agnes' Church on the Andersonstown Road and afterwards to Milltown Cemetery, where his friend and former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams will give an oration. Thousands of mourners are expected to attend and senior republicans have been urged to ensure social distancing measures are respected. Read More Mr Storey's remains will arrive at his family home at 6pm tonight, and his wake will be open to the public from 10am to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday. The IRA's former director of intelligence, Mr Storey was popular within the Provisional movement. He was reputed to have planned the 1983 escape of 38 prisoners from the Maze, the 2002 Castlereagh RUC base break-in, and the 2004 Northern Bank robbery. He was also a key figure during the peace process and had been Sinn Fein's chairman north of the border. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald called him a "very deeply committed Irish republican". Read More This week DUP Policing Board member Mervyn Storey called on republican leaders to make sure social distancing was in place at the funeral. He added: "We also have to remember that, whatever your view on the individual involved, this is still a grieving family and we want to see policing of the crowds as proportionate and appropriate." It is understood that Sinn Fein Policing Board member Gerry Kelly has met with the PSNI to discuss arrangements. South Africa: Government to borrow $7 billion as debt rises Finance Minister Tito Mboweni says government will need to borrow US$7 billion from international finance institutions as one of the measures to cover the budget hole brought about by South Africas response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, measures and reforms would need to be implemented to narrow public debt post the pandemic, including a restrain on spending and improving revenue collection. Mboweni said this when he tabled the National Treasurys supplementary budget in the National Assembly on Wednesday. He announced a projected total consolidated budget spending, including debt service costs, that will exceed R2 trillion for the first time ever. Our early projection is that gross national debt will be close to R4 trillion, or 81.8 percent of GDP by the end of this fiscal year. This is compared to an estimate of R3.56 trillion or 65.6 percent of GDP projected in February. Without external support, these borrowings will almost entirely consume all of our annual domestic saving, leaving no scope for investment or borrowing by anyone else. For this reason, we need to access new sources of funding. Government intends to borrow about US$7 billion from international finance institutions to support the pandemic response. We must make no mistake, these are still borrowings. They are not a source of revenue. They must be paid back, he said. To respond to the pandemic, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a R500 billion relief package. To limit the impact of the pandemic on the economy, the Reserve Bank has reduced the repurchase rate to 3.75 percent, its lowest level since 1973, providing relief to indebted households and businesses. Banking-sector regulations have been eased to encourage lending. Banks have provided R30 billion of relief to customers. According to the Supplementary Budget review, governments R500 billion fiscal relief package provided significant support to households and businesses. But governments weak fiscal position going into the crisis means that it cannot afford to fully offset the effects of the pandemic, the National Treasury said. Spending restraint, improved revenue collection to stabilise debt The National Treasury said in its Supplementary Budget Review that narrowing the budget deficit and stabilising the debt-to-GDP ratio require continued spending restraint, economic measures to boost long-term growth and reforms to state-owned companies to reduce their reliance on public funds. Additional tax revenue should come primarily from improved tax collection as enforcement is strengthened to enhance compliance, alongside other revenue measures. In the long term, South Africa needs sustainable public finances to support highly redistributive spending on education, healthcare and social welfare. By increasing confidence and investment, fiscal sustainability promotes, the National Treasury said. - SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. The founder of Black Lives Matter's New York chapter has threatened to 'burn down this system' unless the United States changes its ways - remarks that Donald Trump on Thursday labelled 'treason, sedition, insurrection'. Hawk Newsome spoke to Fox News on Wednesday night, and was asked about his June 3 interview with DailyMail.com. In the interview with DailyMail.com he said that the black rights group is 'mobilizing' its base and aims to develop a highly-trained 'military' arm to challenge police brutality head on. 'We want liberation. We want the power to determine our own destiny. We want freedom from an oppressive government, and we want the immediate end of government sanctioned murder by the police. 'And we prepare to stop these government sanctioned murders by any means necessary. 'We are preparing and training our people to defend our communities.' Newsome was asked about those comments on Fox News. 'If this country doesn't give us what we want, then we will burn down this system and replace it,' he told host Martha MacCallum. 'And I could be speaking figuratively. I could be speaking literally. It's a matter of interpretation.' Hawk Newsome, Chairman of BLM's Greater New York chapter, told DailyMail.com the Black rights group is 'mobilizing' its base and aims to develop a highly-trained 'military' arm to challenge police brutality head on Newsome spoke to Martha MacCallum on Fox News on Wednesday night Donald Trump tweeted his displeasure at Newsome's remarks on Thursday Trump on Thursday hit back at Newsome, calling his marks 'treason, sedition, insurrection'. Racial tension has exploded across the country since the killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis on May 25. Hundreds of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of cities from coast to coast, calling for police reforms. But the protests, largely peaceful, have sometimes turned violent, with looting and arson. Hawk Newsome pictured at a Black Lives Matter rally in New York City on June 7 Newsome says his chapter is now raising a 'war chest' and plans to build a headquarters in an unused church in New York. But while big money donations have been flooding in from celebrities and high worth individuals, he insists his group won't accept the 'corporate dollar'. Pictured: Peaceful Black Lives Matter demonstrators in Bryant Park NYC on June 2 Protests have taken place across the United States since Floyd's killing on May 25 The protesters have also targeted monuments and statues, including those of Confederate soldiers and the Founding Fathers, spray-painting them with graffiti and pulling them to the ground. Newsome said the movement is about 'saving lives' and it should be praised for supporting the Second Amendment. He said the protest was getting positive results. 'Let's observe the history of the 1960s, when Black people were rioting,' he told the tv channel. Newsome told Fox News on Wednesday night that he could neither condone nor condemn rioting 'We had the highest growth in wealth, in property ownership. 'Think about the last few weeks since we started protesting. 'There have been eight cops fired across the country. 'I don't condone nor do I condemn rioting. 'But I'm just telling you what I observed.' Newsome insisted the Black Lives Matter movement is about 'saving lives' and its adherents should be 'applauded' for upholding the Second Amendment. 'Nobody's talking about ambushing police officers,' he said. 'We're talking about protecting lives. 'There's nothing more American than that. 'We talk about uplifting and upholding the Second Amendment but it seems to be the hypocrisy of America that when black people start talking about arming themselves and defending themselves, [that] talk is "violent". 'But when white people grab assault rifles and go to our nation's, their state capitals, it's all good.' MacCallum opened the discussion by referencing DailyMail.com's interview, and asking Newsome: 'You have said that violence is sometimes necessary in these situations. What exactly is it that you hope to achieve through violence?' Newsome contested the premise of her question. 'Wow, it's interesting that you would pose that question like that,' he said. 'Because this country is built upon violence. What was the American Revolution, what's our diplomacy across the globe? 'We go in and we blow up countries and we replace their leaders with leaders who we like. So for any American to accuse us of being violent is extremely hypocritical.' The pair then discussed Martin Luther King Jr and his legacy, before Newsome tried to get the host to agree that Jesus was Black. At the conclusion of the interview, Newsome told MacCallum: 'I just want Black liberation and Black sovereignty, by any means necessary.' As of Wednesday morning, things don't look good for older, more centrist Democrats in New York state. In a showdown that's reminiscent of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's huge 2018 upset, former middle school principal Jamaal Bowman seems poised to unseat Eliot Engel, a 16-term white incumbent representing the majority-minority 16th District, right next to AOC's. Bowman had the backing of many progressive leaders and organizations, including the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, the Working Families Party, and Justice Democrats, the organization that helped AOC win her seat. Last year, when Justice Democrats announced their endorsement, an unnamed Democratic official told a reporter, "No one is afraid of those nerds. They don't have the ability to primary anyone." But one of the biggest gets for Bowman was the endorsement from AOC herself, which apparently infuriated Engel. In a video on Twitter, he denounced AOC for making an endorsement, saying, "This is not a dictatorship, this is a democracy." He explained his opposition to political endorsements: "We shouldnt have one person, from high, even though shes a colleague of mine, think that she can anoint whoevers elected." Not long after that, Engel landed a high-profile endorsement from Hillary Clinton, her first of the election cycle. Oddly, Engel made no public denunciations of Clinton's endorsement, and he also racked up public backing from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and New York governor Andrew Cuomo. Like many veterans in the Democratic Party, Engel has a record littered with questionable votes and positions. He was one of a handful of Democrats in the House who voted for the invasion of Iraq, and as the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he opposed then president Obama's 2015 nuclear treaty with Iran. He also told NPR that he opposed any effort to hold Saudi Arabian leader Mohammed bin Salman accountable for the murder and dismemberment of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, characterizing the killing as a "disagreement" between Salman and the U.S. As The Intercept reports, this was Engel's first competitive primary since 2000. Story continues Bowman's edge grew as protests against police brutality started to spread across the country. Engel, who represents a mostly Black and Hispanic district, voted for the 1994 crime bill, officially known as the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act, which was directly responsible for swelling the U.S. prison population to the largest in the world, primarily by targeting Black people for petty crimes. And it didn't help his case when he was caught on a hot mic at a Black Lives Matter event early in June saying, "If I didn't have a primary, I wouldn't care." Absentee votes are still being counted, but in a testament to level of grassroots organizing behind him, Bowman has maintained a 20-point lead over Engel. In something of a victory speech delivered on Tuesday night, Bowman again laid out his commitment to social justice: "Poverty is not a result of children and families that don't work hard; our children and families work as hard as anyone else. Poverty is by political design. And it's rooted in a system that has been fractured and corrupt and rotten from its core from the inception of America." The Bowman-Engel race drew a lot of media comparisons to Ocasio-Cortez's race. A major distinction, though, is that after AOC unexpectedly ousted her opponent, the high-ranking House Democrat Joe Crowley, other incumbents were more on guard and prepared for progressive challengers. Ocasio-Cortez also faced off against primary opponents on Tuesday, including Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, a former Republican with substantial campaign donations from Wall Street executives. AOC handily won with more than 70 percent of the vote. The Lawyer Behind the Biggest LGBTQ+ Legal Victory in History Chase Strangio explains how the ACLU won the Supreme Court ruling protecting LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace, and what comes next. Originally Appeared on GQ WASHINGTON - A United States government whistleblower ousted from a leading role in battling COVID-19 alleged Thursday that the Trump administration has intensified its campaign to punish him for revealing shortcomings in the U.S. response. Dr. Rick Bright, former director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, said in an amended complaint filed with a federal watchdog agency that he has been relegated to a lesser role in his new assignment at the National Institutes of Health, unable to lend his full expertise to the battle against COVID-19. The complaint also said that Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar is leading a co-ordinated effort to undermine Bright in his new duties, and that has led to former colleagues shunning the sidelined scientist. The pressure is coming straight from the top, the complaint said, with President Donald Trump calling Bright an "angry, disgruntled employee" and setting the tone for a campaign of "public disparagement" to "unnerve and intimidate" him. Bright, a vaccine expert, was supposed to be working on virus diagnostic tests in his new job at NIH. But he is cut off from all vaccine work, cut off from all therapeutic work, and has a very limited role in the diagnostic work, said the complaint. His extremely narrow role is confined to making contracts with diagnostics companies that have already developed diagnostics, to scale up their production. Where Bright previously oversaw 200 or more projects at BARDA, hes now been given responsibility for five to eight projects, involving diagnostic tests already approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The complaint said former colleagues of Brights at his old agency are now avoiding him. It described a conversation with one such colleague, who is not identified by name. The former colleague is quoted as saying that the agencys new acting director, Dr. Gary Disbrow, had warned him to be very careful about dealing with Bright. The complaint said Disbrow had explained that Azar was very angry with Dr. Bright and was on the war path. (Disbrow) explained that Secretary Azar directed HHS employees to refrain from doing anything that would help Dr. Bright be successful in his new role. Disbrow also said that Secretary Azar said that if anyone were to help Dr. Bright be successful, there would be hell to pay, the complaint said. HHS spokesperson Michael Caputo said on Twitter that Brights complaint is filled with one-sided arguments and misinformation that have been completely debunked. When will the media stop carrying his water? HHS released a statement attributed to Disbrow on Thursday saying: I did not make any of these statements and Secretary Azar has never spoken to me in the manner alleged. I have also never instructed any BARDA employee not to talk to Rick. In fact, I had a conversation with him yesterday about how to collaborate ... I am confused by these untrue statements and allegations, which distract from the important work we are doing in response to the coronavirus. But Brights lawyers, Debra Katz and Lisa Banks, responded that he stands by his allegations in the complaint. The lawyers say Brights early warnings about the coronavirus have been proved right and the failure of the administration to heed those warnings has had a catastrophic effect on this country. The Office of Special Counsel, an agency that investigates complaints from government whistleblowers, previously found reasonable grounds that Bright was punished after trying to warn the White House and HHS early this year that the nation was unprepared for the coronavirus outbreak. Bright is a flu and infectious-disease expert with 10 years at the biomedical agency. His particular focus was on vaccine development. At NIH, he was supposed to be working on coronavirus testing, but he is now alleging that he has been sidelined. The agency that Bright had led is a unit of HHS that focuses on countermeasures to infectious diseases and bioterrorism. Bright had received a job performance review of outstanding before he was summarily transferred in April, with his agency email cut off without warning. Investigators earlier requested that Azar reinstate Bright in his old job while they looked into his allegations. In the complaint, Brights lawyers ask that Azar formally remove himself from that decision. In his initial complaint filed last month, Bright said the final straw for his bosses seemed to come when he resisted efforts to flood the New York area with hydroxychloroquine, a malaria drug once touted by Trump as a game changer for COVID-19. Bright said he argued successfully for limiting approved use of the drug to certain settings, such as hospitals treating COVID-19 patients. Trump has since revealed that he has taken hydroxychloroquine, apparently to try to prevent infection after several White House staffers tested positive for the coronavirus. The FDA recently revoked its emergency use approval for the malaria drugs use on COVID-19 patients, citing known heart risks and unproven benefits against the virus. Ever since the coronavirus sent millions of people home to work, people have been predicting that remote work will endure after the pandemic is over. Color me skeptical. I cant imagine everyone not wanting to race back into the office the minute it is safe to do so. But my wife and I both have full-time jobs, and we have been home with our two young kids. The corporate world isnt debating a post-pandemic future of continuing the lockdown, but instead of working remotely from home while kids are at school and cafes are open. So set aside the challenges of the last few months with school closures and social distancing, and consider whether traditional offices may be a thing of the past. Some companies clearly think it is. My fellow Bloomberg columnist Tyler Cowen has bemoaned the tech industrys apparent conversion. Slack, the messaging technology company, announced last week that most of its employees would have the option of permanently switching to remote work, and that it would increasingly hire people into remote-work positions. Facebook expects that half its workforce could be remote in the next five to 10 years. Last month, Twitter announced that its employees could continue working from home permanently. Other employers are changing policies as well. Nationwide Insurance is planning to close offices around the country by Nov. 1, moving those employees to permanent telework status. Barclays CEO Jes Staley said in April that the notion of putting 7,000 people in a building may be a thing of the past. There is some preliminary evidence that remote work is working. Or, at least, that is isnt failing. Upwork, an online staffing company, recently published results from a survey of hiring managers. The survey finds that over half of the U.S. workforce is working from home. Fifty-six percent of hiring managers think the shift to remote work has gone better than they had expected. Exclusive: How P/C Insurance Pros Are Faring Working From Home During Pandemic During the coronavirus outbreak, 78% of employees in the property/casualty insurance industry say they have worked from home 50% or more of the time. The experience has been a mixed bag. Around one-third of managers think remote work has increased productivity, while 23% think productivity has dropped. Over six in 10 hiring managers report that as a result of the pandemic, their organizations workforce will be more remote than it was before. But its critical that managers not overlearn lessons from the pandemic. This spring, managers were nervous that productivity would tank during the shutdown because telework would be unsuccessful. Employees would slack off during the day without colleagues and supervisors nearby, and given all the distraction of home. Surely this anxiety was communicated inside businesses, and workers got the picture. Many likely ramped up their effort during the shutdown to prove to their bosses that they were still valuable as teleworkers. With the rest of the world shut down, too, people had to put off a lot of the functions of normal life, not just going out for social reasons, but also for important things like doctors appointments. Add to this workers worries about recession-driven layoffs, and its no surprise that many managers see productivity increases. But a company that permanently switches to telework once the pandemic is behind us would be doing so in a very different environment. If telework is the norm and layoffs arent a pressing concern, workers may not put in special effort. And with the world opened up, the boss cant be sure employees are tethered to their homes, the way they have been. Like many, I have been surprised by how well working from home has gone. My usual in-person interactions with colleagues have translated quickly and efficiently to Zoom and phone calls. But the sudden nature of the pandemic shutdown meant that I had well-established relationships with all my now-remote colleagues. These relationships were built on months and years of in-person interactions. Its much easier to work with someone productively using Zoom and email if you have a well-established relationship with them first. Now that the U.S. is in its second quarter of telework, new employees will be hired in this environment. How quickly they integrate into corporate communities and ramp up their contributions will be a much better indicator of whether a company should go remote permanently than the experience with remote work from this spring. Productivity is something of a black box, but anyone with coworkers knows the important role that emotional intelligence plays in getting work done. Being able to read someones body language, tone of voice, or slight changes in facial expression is often critical to work in a team setting. It is hard to learn how to interpret these idiosyncratic forms of expression outside of the social setting an office provides. Likewise, trust, group cohesion and collegiality develop in large part through the informal interactions that occur in workplaces throughout the day. In the Upwork survey, nearly one-third of hiring managers reported that reduced team cohesion has been an issue with remote work. Managers should think twice before assuming productivity wont suffer without this subtle elixir. Having a good working relationship with people outside your immediate group is also important. In an office, you bump into many people once or twice a week while getting coffee or walking to the building from the parking lot, bus or train. In an office setting, you are acquainted with them. Under remote work, they are strangers. Some of the relatively few studies on remote work do show that working from home increases productivity, but those that I am aware of examine companies in which work is solitary. For example, a Chinese travel agency randomly assigned some call-center employees to work from home, leading to a 13% performance increase in that group. The applicability of this result to many businesses is limited. Similarly, the writing part of my job is a relatively solo task, and my editors at Bloomberg work in New York while I work in Washington. I have great relationships with my editors, but I see them in person several times per year, which is invaluable to making my remote arrangement work. Pandemic teleworking has led some to speculate that cities themselves may be depopulated, with people flooding to small towns when given the option to work remotely for big companies. But work from anywhere models suffer even more from the problems of remote work, because workers would have even fewer opportunities to interact in person with their colleagues. The economic benefits of close proximity are well known. Under work from anywhere, professional networks would fray, or wouldnt even form. Creativity would suffer. Career opportunities, particularly for young people, would diminish. Lifetime productivity would fall. And the perceived benefits of working from anywhere for those who would rather not live in cities would diminish greatly over time if that business model was heavily utilized. The cost of living in smaller cities and towns would rise, and in major cities it would fall. The coronavirus pandemic has changed daily life more quickly than any event in modern memory. It will leave lasting effects. But once it is behind us, life will normalize to a greater degree than many seem to think. A lot of employees will work from home a few more days per month than they used to. Flying across the country for a one-hour meeting may be a thing of the past. But businesses operated as they did before the pandemic for good reasons, and once the virus is vanquished, those considerations will remain as compelling as ever. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Trends Talent Maunakea, Hawai'i - Astronomers have discovered the second-most distant quasar ever found using three Maunakea Observatories in Hawai'i: W. M. Keck Observatory, the international Gemini Observatory, a Program of NSF's NOIRLab, and the University of Hawai'i-owned United Kingdom Infrared Telescope (UKIRT). It is the first quasar to receive an indigenous Hawaiian name, Poniua`ena, which means "unseen spinning source of creation, surrounded with brilliance" in the Hawaiian language. Poniua`ena is only the second quasar yet detected at a distance calculated at a cosmological redshift greater than 7.5 and it hosts a black hole twice as large as the other quasar known in the same era. The existence of these massive black holes at such early times challenges current theories of how supermassive black holes formed and grew in the young universe. The research has been accepted in the Astrophysical Journal Letters and is available in preprint format on arXiv.org. Quasars are the most energetic objects in the universe powered by their supermassive black holes and since their discovery, astronomers have been keen to determine when they first appeared in our cosmic history. By systematically searching for these rare objects in wide-area sky surveys, astronomers discovered the most distant quasar (named J1342+0928) in 2018 and now the second-most distant, Poniua`ena (or J1007+2115, at redshift 7.515). The light seen from Poniua`ena traveled through space for over 13 billion years since leaving the quasar just 700 million years after the Big Bang. Spectroscopic observations from Keck Observatory and Gemini Observatory show the supermassive black hole powering Poniua`ena is 1.5 billion times more massive than our Sun. Poniua`ena is the most distant object known in the universe hosting a black hole exceeding one billion solar masses," said Jinyi Yang, a postdoctoral research associate at the Steward Observatory of the University of Arizona and lead author of the study. For a black hole of this size to form this early in the universe, it would need to start as a 10,000 solar mass "seed" black hole about 100 million years after the Big Bang, rather than growing from a much smaller black hole formed by the collapse of a single star. "How can the universe produce such a massive black hole so early in its history?" said Xiaohui Fan, Regents' professor and associate department head of the Department of Astronomy at the University of Arizona. "This discovery presents the biggest challenge yet for the theory of black hole formation and growth in the early universe." Current theory holds the birth of stars and galaxies as we know them started during the Epoch of Reionization, beginning about 400 million years after the Big Bang. The growth of the first giant black holes is thought to have occurred during that same era in the universe's history. The discovery of quasars like Poniua`ena, deep into the reionization epoch, is a big step towards understanding this process of reionization and the formation of early supermassive black holes and massive galaxies. Poniua`ena has placed new and important constraints on the evolution of the matter between galaxies (intergalactic medium) in the reionization epoch. "Poniua`ena acts like a cosmic lighthouse. As its light travels the long journey towards Earth, its spectrum is altered by diffuse gas in the intergalactic medium which allowed us to pinpoint when the Epoch of Reionization occurred," said co-author Joseph Hennawi, a professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. METHODOLOGY Yang's team first detected Poniua`ena as a possible quasar after combing through large area surveys such as the UKIRT Hemisphere Survey and data from the University of Hawai'i Institute for Astronomy's Pan-STARRS1 telescope on the Island of Maui. In 2019, the researchers observed the object using Gemini Observatory's GNIRS instrument as well as Keck Observatory's Near Infrared Echellette Spectrograph (NIRES) to confirm the existence of Poniua`ena. "The preliminary data from Gemini suggested this was likely to be an important discovery. Our team had observing time scheduled at Keck just a few weeks later, perfectly timed to observe the new quasar using Keck's NIRES spectrograph in order to confirm its extremely high redshift and measure the mass of its black hole," said co-author Aaron Barth, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Irvine. In honor of its discovery from atop Maunakea, 30 Hawaiian immersion school teachers named the quasar Poniua`ena through the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai'i's A Hua He Inoa program led by renowned Hawaiian language expert Dr. Larry Kimura. "We recognize there are different ways of knowing the universe," said John O'Meara, chief scientist at Keck Observatory. "Poniua`ena is a wonderful example of interconnectedness between science and culture, with shared appreciation for how different knowledge systems enrich each other." "I am extremely grateful to be a part of this educational experience - it is a rare learning opportunity," said Kau'i Kaina, a high school Hawaiian immersion teacher from Kahuku, O'ahu who was involved in the naming workshop. "Today it is relevant to apply these cultural values in order to further the well-being of the Hawaiian language beyond ordinary contexts such as in school, but also to ensure the language lives throughout the universe." ABOUT NIRES The Near Infrared Echellette Spectrograph (NIRES) is a prism cross-dispersed near-infrared spectrograph built at the California Institute of Technology by a team led by Chief Instrument Scientist Keith Matthews and Prof. Tom Soifer. Commissioned in 2018, NIRES covers a large wavelength range at moderate spectral resolution for use on the Keck II telescope and observes extremely faint red objects found with the Spitzer and WISE infrared space telescopes, as well as brown dwarfs, high-redshift galaxies, and quasars. Support for this technology was generously provided by the Mt. Cuba Astronomical Foundation. ABOUT W. M. KECK OBSERVATORY The W. M. Keck Observatory telescopes are among the most scientifically productive on Earth. The two 10-meter optical/infrared telescopes on the summit of Maunakea on the Island of Hawai'i feature a suite of advanced instruments including imagers, multi-object spectrographs, high-resolution spectrographs, integral-field spectrometers, and world-leading laser guide star adaptive optics systems. Some of the data presented herein were obtained at Keck Observatory, which is a private 501(c) 3 non-profit organization operated as a scientific partnership among the California Institute of Technology, the University of California, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Observatory was made possible by the generous financial support of the W. M. Keck Foundation. The authors wish to recognize and acknowledge the very significant cultural role and reverence that the summit of Maunakea has always had within the Native Hawaiian community. We are most fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct observations from this mountain. For more information, visit http://www.keckobservatory.org. ### Premier Gladys Berejiklian has asked shoppers to remain calm after reports of bare toilet paper shelves in NSW following the reinstatement of product limits in Victorian supermarkets. Toilet paper was in short supply at Coles and Woolworths at Roselands in Sydney's south-west on Thursday, the Herald has been told. Empty toilet paper shelves at Roselands Woolworths, left, and Coles. Posting on social media, shoppers also complained of empty shelves at Coles Merrylands and Woolworths Leichhardt in Sydney, as well as Coles Toronto in Lake Macquarie. On Wednesday afternoon Coles, Woolworths and IGA said they would reinstate product limits for toilet paper, hand sanitiser, paper towels, flour, sugar, pasta, minced meat, long-life milk, eggs and rice at all their Victorian stores. Dallas, Texas, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Biodiesel Market Size 2019 by Feedstock (Vegetable Oil [Soybean oil, Canola oil, Other edible oils], Animal fats[Poultry, White grease, Tallow, Others]), by Application (Fuel[Automotive, Marines, Others], Power Generation, Others), by Region and Forecast to 2025 study provides an elaborative view of historic, present and forecasted market estimates. Adroit Market Analysis report on the global biodiesel market offers a holistic view of the market from 2015 to 2025, including factors such as demand dynamics, limitations, opportunities, threats, and regulatory overview. The report addresses both the present situation and future developments in the global and regional markets. The report also measures the market competition with the use of the five powers and positions of Porter's leading competitors based on their product range, regional presence, strategic initiatives, and total revenue. Prominent players involved in the global market for biodiesel have been studied in detail. Request a pdf sample at https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/153 The global market value of biodiesel is projected to surpass USD 47.90 billion in 2025. The growing prominence of biofuels as an alternative source in place of conventional fossil fuels is the key factor to supplement market growth. Increasing usage of biodiesel in power generation and automotive fuels is also projected to supplement market growth over the forecast period. Biodiesel is an advanced biofuel that is sustainable and clean burning and can be made from various sources such as vegetable oils and animal fats. Biodiesel is seen as a renewable, domestic, and safe biofuel. Due to environmental degradation and resource depletion of conventional fossil fuels such as coal, the biodiesel industry is expected to see rapid growth in the coming years. Biodiesel is increasingly being used in the automotive industry, as it is consistent with the current system for engine and fuel use. Biofuels are used in power generation to run electricity generators. The global biofuel market overall is estimated to be witnessing impressive growth in the coming years. Browse the ful report with Table of Contents and List of Figures at https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/industry-reports/biodiesel-market The global biodiesel market is categorized by the feedstock and application segment. By the feedstock segment, vegetable oils dominated the market in 2019. High production capacities of soyabean oil, canola oils & corn oil along with cheaper price and know-how awareness about the process supported the market growth. In terms of application, the fuel segment dominated biodiesel demand owing to the growing usage of biodiesel in passenger cars. By region, Europe dominated the biodiesel demand with >37% market share in 2019, whereas Asia Pacific emerged as the fastest-growing region. Rapid growth in end-user industries is projected to fuel the demand for biodiesel in the coming years. Direct purchase the report at https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/researchreport/purchase/153 The global biodiesel market is a highly fragmented industry with the presence of a large number of players. Major players in the global biodiesel market include Bunge Limited, Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), Neste Corporation, Wilmar International Limited, Biox Corporation, Cargill Inc, Terravia Holdings Inc., Renewable Energy Group Inc, Munzer Bioindustrie GmbH and several others. Are you looking for a DISCOUNT? If yes, then get in touch with us at https://www.adroitmarketresearch.com/contacts/discount/153 Major points from Table of Contents: Chapter 1. Introduction Chapter 2. Research Methodology Chapter 3. Market Outlook Chapter 4. Market Outlook Chapter 5. Global Biodiesel Market Overview, By Feedstock Chapter 6. Global Biodiesel Market Overview, By Application Chapter 7. Global Biodiesel Market Overview, By Region Chapter 8. Company Profiles Chapter 9. Competitive Landscape Access research repository of Upcoming Reports @ https://adroitmarketresearch.com/upcoming.html About Us: Adroit Market Research is a global business analytics and consulting company incorporated in 2018. Our target audience is a wide range of corporations, manufacturing companies, product/technology development institutions and industry associations that require understanding of a markets size, key trends, participants and future outlook of an industry. We intend to become our clients knowledge partner and provide them with valuable market insights to help create opportunities that increase their revenues. We follow a code Explore, Learn and Transform. At our core, we are curious people who love to identify and understand industry patterns, create an insightful study around our findings and churn out money-making roadmaps. A Pakistani man could face death penalty in Dubai for allegedly murdering an Indian businessman and his wife inside their villa during a break-in and robbery bid. Hiren Adhiya and Vidhi Adhiya, both in their 40s, were killed inside their villa while their daughter sustained injuries at the Arabian Ranches last Thursday. Dubai Police arrested the Pakistani man within 24 hours after allegedly committing the crime. The Dubai Police said the Pakistani man gained access to the Indian family's home in Arabian Ranches through their unlocked verandah door last Thursday. While investigations are still ongoing, lawyers believe that the suspect will face multiple charges, including premeditated murder of the couple, attempted murder of their daughter and burglary. "He will be charged with premeditated murder of the couple and will be additionally charged with attempted murder of their daughter," said Hasan Elhais, legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates. "The number of victims he killed being more than one, and the fact that the murder was associated with another crime - theft - the penalty as per Article 332 of the UAE Penal Code is death," Elhais was quoted as saying. He explained that some circumstances of the crime are considered by law, which is a reason to stiffen the punishment. "The factors that the theft happened during night time and he did it while carrying a weapon, are recognised by law as elements that allow judges to stiffen the punishment against the defendant up to life in jail as per Article 383 of the penal code," added Elhais. He pointed out that according to the same law, there are five circumstances when life term jail is awarded for theft. These include when a theft happens at night; if it is committed by two or more people; offenders carry a weapon; if it is happened in an inhabited place by gaining illegal access and if it happened by the use of force or threat," Elhais added. The police said the suspect broke into the villa on June 18 while the family was sleeping. He took a wallet containing Dh 2,000 (Rs 41,229) and went into the bedroom searching for more valuables. When the man woke up, the attacker stabbed him. The wife also woke up and the suspect stabbed her. He kept stabbing them until they died. When their 18-year-old daughter woke up and saw her parents in a pool of blood, the attacker stabbed her in the neck and escaped, police said. The daughter sustained minor injuries and she managed to call Dubai Police. Officers found the knife one kilometre away from the villa and identified the suspect. Protests against 5G mobile services, like this one in the northern city of Turin in Janaury, are just one of the worries operators are facing as they labour to introduce the technology in Italy Italy's 5G project, launched to great fanfare in October 2018 with frequencies going for top dollar at auction, has since fallen victim to sky-high costs and red tape. The next generation wireless network technology will not only be faster and capable of handling more connected devices than the existing 4G, it's expected to fuel development of new technologies for consumers, businesses and defence alike. Keen to take advantage, Italy held auctions at the end of 2018two years before neighbour Franceand raised over 6.55 billion euros ($7.3 billion)far above the minimum 2.17 billion euros Paris is hoping to bring in this autumn. "The culture of mobile telecommunications in Italy has always been ahead of its time. The peninsula was the first country in the world to launch 3G," Andrea Rangone, a professor at the Polytechnic business school in Milan, told AFP. But the high prices paid for frequencies, coupled with Italy's slow bureaucracy, are proving a headache for operators. The auctions have led to "much higher costs for companies than in other countries", and "a sharp drop in profitability," said recently Enrico Barsotti, number two at mobile operator WindTre. "Investing in Italy is very difficult: the limits on electromagnetic emissions are among the strictest in the world, and there is no certainty about time frames because of bureaucracy," he said. Permit problems Getting the necessary permits "depends on rules that vary from one region to another, or even from one municipality to another," Barsotti said. Fastweb, a broadband operator that has partnered with WindTre for 5G, also told AFP the authorisation process was "likely to slow down the deployment of 5G networks considerably". Frustrated operators also fear damage from another quarter: fake news. They have urged the government to tackle reports 5G could be dangerous for customers, with Fastweb pointing out "the frequencies used are exactly the same as those used over the past 20 years for other mobile technologies". These issues have not stopped operators from commercially launching 5G with dedicated subscriptions. Telecom Italia (TIM) is already offering 5G in nine cities, including Rome, Turin, Florence and Naples, and will do so "soon" in other cities like Milan. The aim is "to cover the entire population by 2025/2026," it said. Pick up in 2021? Digital Transformation expert Gianni Ferranti said "there could be a resumption of 5G development in 2021, if the government maintains tax incentives for companies investing in digitisation and automation, and if the average prices of mobile phones capable of connecting in 5G fall". A row over whether Chinese telecom giant Huawei, the world's largest supplier of telecom network equipment, could pose a risk to 5G security in the West has been largely absent in Italy. "Italy has tried to remain as neutral as possible," professor Rangone said. Rome nevertheless decided in 2019 to exercise its "special powers" to verify trade agreements entered into by operators, in order to "protect national security". TIM said for its part it had "adopted a policy of having a diversity of suppliers, so as not to be dependent on any one company in particular"a common policy among operators. Explore further Huawei loses out in Singapore 5G bid 2020 AFP Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Galih Gumelar (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, June 26 2020 After around six months of investigation, the Attorney Generals Office (AGO) has named 13 asset management companies and a Financial Services Authority (OJK) official suspects in a case of alleged corruption and money laundering surrounding state-owned insurer PT Asuransi Jiwasraya. Jiwasraya is accused of mismanagement when it invested its premium revenue from the JS Saving Plan, one of the companys insurance products, in multiple assets. As a result, it failed to pay out Rp 16 trillion (US$1.1 billion) in matured policies due in February to its policyholders. AGO spokesman Hari Setiyono said that the OJK deputy commissioner for capital market monitoring, identified only as FH, was a new suspect in the case. The office accused him of abuse of power, which allegedly paved the way for Jiwasraya's investment mismanagement during FHs tenure as OJK department head of capital market monitoring from 2014 to 2017. 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 WASHINGTON - Yearning for change, a group of progressive Black Democratic congressional hopefuls is rushing toward the national stage, igniting rank-and-file enthusiasm in a party dominated by aging white leaders. Charles Booker, 35, a first-term Kentucky state legislator who grew up poor, is vying for a Senate nomination against a rival whos outraised him 40 to 1 and is backed by national Democratic leaders. Jamaal Bowman, 44, an educator and political neophyte, is seeking a New York congressional seat held by the House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman, whos endorsed by Hillary Clinton and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. They and others ran in Tuesdays Democratic primaries in New York, Kentucky and Virginia, and it remains unclear how many of them will win. But the days message was clear: A fresh set of candidates of colour wants to steer Democrats leftward, even as presumed presidential nominee Joe Biden sets a more centrist course to woo moderate voters this November. The leadership of the party has to catch up with public opinion, which is largely progressive, Mondaire Jones, whos fighting for a vacant seat from a tony district in New York Citys northern suburbs, said in an interview. Jones said he enthusiastically backs Biden but the former vice-president must advance a vision of America that is more progressive than what hes set forth if he wants to energize liberal voters. The world has changed, Bowman said in a statement. Congress needs to change, too. As election officials count boatloads of mail-in ballots prompted by the coronavirus pandemic, The Associated Press hasnt declared winners in many close primaries. But one victor was Cameron Webb, a Black physician and lawyer who defeated three white rivals in a GOP-held Virginia district Democrats hope to capture in November. Tuesdays primaries occurred in a Democratic Party led by Biden, 77, Pelosi, 80, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, whos 69. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, a self-described democratic socialist and progressive leader who lost his bid for the presidential nomination this year, is 78. But another hero of the left, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is only 30. And in one indication of the partys sensitivities, Biden has already said he will choose a woman as his vice-presidential running mate and faces pressure to pick a person of colour. Booker, Bowman and Jones have gained momentum from the Black Lives Matter movement and the nationwide protests following last months killing of George Floyd by a white police officer in Minneapolis. Their strong showings have spotlighted that candidates who can tap into that energy can garner significant votes from African Americans and white progressives. While each has emphasized social justice, they and others say their appeal goes beyond racial issues. All, for example, have supported the Green New Deal and Medicare for All proposals dear to many liberal voters. Sean McElwee, a political analyst for progressive candidates, says liberal-leaning millennials are entering the age when people tend to vote more often. That produces increasingly successful progressive candidates, especially people of colour who can appeal to liberal and minority voters, he said. Were a little bit over white male progressive candidates, McElwee said. Sochie Nnaemeka, New York state director of the progressive Working Families Party, said candidates of colour also gain appeal from their authenticity. They have lived experiences, Nnaemeka said. Theres no translation needed for Jamaal Bowman to talk about the crisis of police brutality. Bowman, challenging 16-term veteran Rep. Eliot Engel in a district covering parts of the Bronx and Westchester County, grew up in public housing in New York. Despite Tuesdays races, Rep. Daniel Lipinski, D-Ill., one of Congresss most conservative Democrats, is the only Democratic incumbent to lose this year. And moderates dispute that Democrats are becoming controlled by progressives and that Black voters inevitably skew to the left. They note that the moderate Biden decisively clinched the presidential nomination over Sanders with lopsided support from African American voters. They say the dozens of Democratic freshmen elected in 2018, giving them House control, included centrist lawmakers of colour such as Reps. Colin Allred, D-Texas, and Xochitl Torres Small, D-N.M. There is a new generation coming thats very diverse, said Jim Kessler, an executive vice-president of the centrist Democratic group Third Way. But it would be a mistake to say the next generation only represents the far left of the party. According to AP VoteCast, a survey of voters, about 2 in 10 people who voted for Democratic candidates in 2018 were Black and about 1 in 10 was Hispanic. About half identified as liberal, including 2 in 10 who said they were very liberal, with most of the rest moderates. Booker is seeking the Democratic nomination for Senate in Kentucky against former Marine combat pilot Amy McGrath. Schumer has backed the centrist as his partys best chance to defeat Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in the GOP-heavy state. Other candidates of colour seeking Democratic congressional nominations Tuesday included Ritchie Torres, a New York City council member running for an open seat from a diverse Bronx district. Suraj Patel is a businessman trying to oust 14-term Rep. Carolyn Maloney in New York City. Former Rep. Steven Israel, D-N.Y., who ran House Democrats campaign committee, largely attributed progressives energy to the antipathy in the party to President Donald Trump. Trump has unleashed a tremendous intensity and energy among activists, and they have no patience in waiting their turn to run for higher office, Israel said. ___ Associated Press writers Alan Suderman in Richmond, Va., Karen Matthews in New York and Emily Swanson and Stephen Ohlemacher in Washington contributed to this report. VANCOUVER, BC, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - Galiano Gold Inc. ("Galiano" or the "Company") (TSX: GAU) (NYSE American: GAU) (formerly Asanko Gold Inc.) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an At-The-Market Offering Agreement dated June 25, 2020 (the "ATM Agreement") with H.C. Wainwright & Co. (the "Lead Agent") and Cormark Securities as co-agent (together with the Lead Agent, the "Agents"). Under the ATM Agreement the Company may, at its discretion and from time-to-time during the term of the ATM Agreement, sell, through the Lead Agent, common shares of the Company (the "Common Shares") for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to US$50.0 million (the "Offering"). Sales of Common Shares will be made through "at-the-market distributions" as defined in the Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 44-102 - Shelf Distributions, including sales made directly on the NYSE American stock exchange (the "NYSE American"), or any other recognized trading market upon which the Common Shares are listed or quoted in the United States. No offers or sales of Common Shares will be made in Canada on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the "TSX") or other trading markets in Canada. The Company will pay the Agents a commission of 3.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds from each sale of Common Shares and has agreed to provide the Agents with customary indemnification and contribution rights. The Company will also reimburse the Agents for certain specified expenses in connection with the ATM Agreement. In addition, in connection with Gold Fields Limited's ("GF") existing pre-emptive right to maintain its 9.9% pro rata ownership interest in the Company, the Company has agreed to sell to GF, from time to time during the term of the Offering at GF's election, on a private basis, such number of Common Shares as represent 9.9% of the Common Shares issued under the Offering, if any. The Company will determine, in its sole discretion, the date, price and number of Common Shares to be sold under the Offering, if any. Any Common Shares sold in the Offering will be distributed at market prices or prices related to prevailing market prices from time to time. The Company is not required to sell any Common Shares in the Offering at any time. The Offering is being made by way of a prospectus supplement dated June 25, 2020 (the "Prospectus Supplement") to the Company's existing U.S. registration statement on Form F-10 (the "Registration Statement") and Canadian short form base shelf prospectus (the "Base Shelf Prospectus") each dated June 11, 2020. The Prospectus Supplement relating to the Offering has been filed with the securities commissions in each of the provinces and territories of Canada (other than Quebec) and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The Prospectus Supplement and the Registration Statement are available on the SEC's website (www.sec.gov) and the Prospectus Supplement (together with the related Base Shelf Prospectus) is available on the SEDAR website maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators at www.sedar.com. Alternatively, the Lead Agent will provide copies of the Prospectus Supplement (together with the related Base Shelf Prospectus and the Registration Statement) upon request by contacting H.C. Wainwright & Co., LLC, at 430 Park Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, New York 10022, by e-mail: [email protected] or telephone: (646) 975-6996. The Company expects to use any net proceeds of the Offering for general corporate and working capital requirements, including, but not limited to, funding ongoing exploration and operations at the Asanko Gold Mine, funding the Company's working capital requirements, repaying indebtedness outstanding from time to time, completing future acquisitions and/or for other corporate purposes. The NYSE American has approved the listing of the Offered Shares offered hereunder, subject to official notice of issuance. The TSX has conditionally approved the listing of the Offered Shares, subject to the Company fulfilling all of the listing requirements of the TSX. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor will there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. About Galiano Gold Inc. Galiano is focused on creating a sustainable business capable of long-term value creation for its stakeholders through organic production growth, exploration and disciplined deployment of its financial resources. The company currently operates and manages the Asanko Gold Mine, located in Ghana, West Africa which is jointly owned with Gold Fields Ltd. The Company is strongly committed to the highest standards for environmental management, social responsibility, and health and safety for its employees and neighbouring communities. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements and information contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, which we refer to collectively as "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are statements and information regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that are based upon assumptions about future conditions and courses of action. All statements and information other than statements of historical fact may be forward looking statements. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "seek", "expect", "anticipate", "budget", "plan", "estimate", "continue", "forecast", "intend", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" and similar words or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: statements with respect to the sale of Common Shares by the Company pursuant to the Offering; the expected use of proceeds received from the Offering by the Company, if any; and the Company's fulfillment of the TSX's requirements for the listing of the Common Shares which may be offered pursuant to the Offering. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions, including, but not limited to: that the Company makes sales of Common Shares pursuant to the Offering and employs the proceeds therefrom as currently expected; and that the Company is able to fulfill the TSX's requirements for the listing of the Common Shares which may be offered pursuant to the Offering. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained herein. Some of the risks and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, include, but are not limited to: the Company not making any sales under the Offering and receiving no proceeds therefrom; the Company employing the proceeds from the Offering, if any, in a manner different than currently contemplated; and the Company not receiving TSX approval for the listing of the Common Shares that may be issued pursuant to the Offering. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, you are cautioned that this list is not exhaustive and there may be other factors that the Company has not identified. Furthermore, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by reference in, this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Galiano Gold Inc. Minister for Health Simon Harris TD has today congratulated Emer Cooke on being nominated as the new Executive Director of the European Medicines Agency. Ms Cooke was nominated by the EMA Management Board at an extraordinary virtual session today and was chosen from a shortlist of candidates created by the European Commission. Ms Cooke, an Irish national, is currently the Director of the Regulation and Prequalification Department at the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, a position she has held since November 2016. Speaking today, Minister Harris said: I want to congratulate Emer on her nomination. This is an incredible achievement. Emer has proven herself to be a leader in her field and we are delighted she has been nominated to take up this role at such an important time for healthcare and the EMA in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Department of Health looks forward to working closely with her over the coming months and years. NOTES TO EDITOR: Ms Cooke has 30 years experience in international regulatory affairs, 18 years of which were in leadership roles. She worked for the pharmaceutical unit of the European Commission from 1998 to 2002 and at EMA between 2002 and 2016, where she held positions including Head of Inspections and Head of International Affairs. Ms Cooke holds a degree in pharmacy from Trinity College, Dublin in Ireland. She has additional Masters degrees in Science and in Business Administration, also from Trinity. Klaus Vedfelt | Getty Images Jacksonville District 117 school officials are working to develop a plan for the return to in-person learning after the state released its guidelines. Students ended the school year through remote classes because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The state on Tuesday released guidelines for social distancing, classroom setup and attendance for students to return to classrooms. More than half of Toronto's population is foreign-born -- a higher proportion than New York, Paris, London or Sydney -- and about 52% identify as a visible minority. But the city's diversity fades in the upper echelons of its financial firms. At Canada's Big 6 banks and two large life insurers, 10% of top executive roles and 8% of non-executive board positions are held by visible minorities, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Of 188 top executive and board positions at those eight companies, only one is occupied by someone who's Black -- a bank board member who lives in Chicago. Canada has opened the door to large numbers of immigrants in recent years, and bank executives are quick to highlight the rising diversity of the industry's workforce. At most banks, more than a third of their staff in Canada are non-White. Executives face more pressure than ever to do something about the glass ceiling that has long faced those employees. "A lot of these companies are going to lose great talent if they do not act, because quite frankly they need those people who are stuck in middle management," said Wes Hall, a prominent Black Canadian executive whose firm, Kingsdale Advisors, counsels boards and executives on governance matters. "Once they start leaving in droves it's going to create a huge void in the company that you just can't ignore any more." Last month's killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody spurred protests around the world, including in Canada, where it has reignited a debate about equality and corporate power. Hall has teamed up with some top executives -- including Victor Dodig, chief executive officer of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce -- to launch the BlackNorth Initiative, which has a goal of increasing the number of Blacks on boards and in executive roles. Financial firms in Canada have left a lot of room to improve on that measure. And some believe it may be time for a more aggressive approach to changing the racial makeup of banks' senior leadership. "You've got to set objectives and measure what the important milestones are towards that objective and what needs to get done, and know quickly when you're not on the path to success," Royal Bank of Canada CEO David McKay said Tuesday in an interview. "If you keep doing the same old, same old, then we'll get the same outcome. We have to approach this differently." Two banks -- Bank of Montreal and National Bank of Canada -- have no racial diversity on their boards or among top executives. There are no minorities in the C-suite of Royal Bank, CIBC and insurer Sun Life Financial Inc., though they have some minority representation on the board. "While we've made progress -- and we can see it in our succession pool -- we need to do more to strengthen those pools so that we have broader diversity," Royal Bank Chief Human Resources Officer Helena Gottschling said in an interview. "We will not look like what we look like forever." Royal Bank, Canada's largest lender by assets, has a program to accelerate development for minorities that targets leaders one or two levels below the executive branch and is doing more sponsorship and recruitment to change that "top-of-the-house view," Gottschling said. As of last year, 19% of executives and 27% of new executive appointments were visible minorities. Sun Life, which has less diversity at the top than rival Manulife Financial Corp., is increasing diversity efforts including setting targets to lift the percentage of vice-presidents and above who are from a diverse ethnic or racial background, CEO Dean Connor said. "Frankly we've not done enough on diversity by skin color, background, visible minority," Connor said in a June 8 interview. "That's something that we're going to redouble our efforts on." CIBC is the only major Canadian lender with a Black person in a board or top executive role, with director Michelle Collins, though she's the sole minority at that level in the company. "We are experiencing the effects of decisions made probably 10, 15 sometimes even 20 years ago, which is really the development cycle it takes to get to executive or even board levels," Anne-Marie Dunn, senior vice president of enterprise talent at CIBC, said in an interview. "If you add to that the reality that even a small amount of unconscious bias in any system can create a ripple effect, a bit of an anti-leverage point, that can impede progress." At CIBC's board-approved executive roles in Canada, 18% are held by visible minorities. The lender aims for 22% by 2022. National Bank's numbers are reflective of its home base of Quebec, where boosting francophone representation in senior roles was a priority for decades, spokesman Claude Breton said. The Montreal-based lender spent the past 15 years trying to boost women and now aims to go further on visible minority representation, which stands at 24% of its overall domestic workforce. "We've been growing our pipeline, and now representativity at the senior manager level of 14% is close to market availability and is still progressing well," Breton said. "With regards to executive roles, market availability strongly differs between Toronto and Montreal, more so when French is factored in." Bank of Nova Scotia, which has significant operations in Latin America, counts two of its top executives and two directors as visible minorities, though such representation in the overall Canadian workforce slipped to 24.1% in 2018 from 28.4% two years earlier. "The bank is moving at all levels to advance diversity and inclusion through several important initiatives," Dominic Cole-Morgan, a Scotiabank senior vice-president, said in an emailed statement. Toronto-Dominion Bank ranks among Canada's best for diversity, with minorities making up 38.1% of its Canadian workforce and 17.6% of vice-president and higher roles. Three top executives including CEO Bharat Masrani are of South Asian descent, as is one independent director on the board. "To build our capacity for innovation and drive results, we need to engage all backgrounds, skill sets and mindsets to create value in a unique and inclusive environment," Girish Ganesan, global head of diversity and inclusion at Toronto-Dominion, said in an emailed statement. The lack of Black people in top financial jobs isn't lost on Deland Kamanga, who is Black and heads global markets at Bank of Montreal. He said he has seen a impact from targets and a hiring push that helped many -- but not all -- groups gain faster access to corporate Canada. "Look how the demographics have changed in the '70s, '80s and '90s and look at the commensurate employment of those people -- it's been spectacular," Kamanga said in an interview. "The one group that's been left behind has been Black." Kamanga has been pushing change and he's optimistic: He's on the leadership committee for inclusion and diversity and co-chairs a group for Black employees, created after Darryl White became CEO in 2017. Minorities hold 39% of the Canadian jobs at the bank and more than a third at the senior manager level and above, despite having none at the top. "I see people slowly starting to move up and I see that next level down, more and more people," Kamanga said. "I really do think it's time, because the pipeline is there." Malyaban Ghosh: India should try to localize most of the goods that are presently imported from China in the next few years but the Centre should balance emotion with the economy while devising ways to counter China immediately, said executives at Mints Pivot and Perish webinar on Thursday. The prevailing border standoff between two countries, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers has resulted in significant deterioration in bilateral relations. India, as a retaliation is also mulling an increase in tariffs on Chinese imports. Consignments from China are also being inspected at the ports across the country. According to Naushad Forbes, co-chairman, Forbes Marshall, India should see this current aggression from China correctly as an act of great aggression and something that needs to pushed back very forcefully on the military side. We should keep in mind the numbers and it suggests that China is our largest trading partner and we export goods worth $15 billion per year. Our imports from China are around $75 billion and most of it is manufactured goods. These days we see delays taking place of consignments coming into the country and see extra inspections. This may make us feel good but will it achieve anything substantive?" added Forbes. Can we diversify our sourcing away from China,? Yes, we should but can we do it over night? No, we cannot. Chinese manufacturers will discover that we are moving away from them is when they dont see orders. We dont need to announce it or seen to be doing it visibly. Otherwise that may end up hurting ourselves." Automobile manufacturers in India are dependent on China for the import of certain critical electronic and engine related parts since there is no option of souring them locally. With the advent of the new stringent Bharat Stage 6 emission norms and connected features in vehicles, manufacturers had to be dependent on imports since some of the parts like catalytic convertors, fuel injection systems and other electronic parts based on semi conductors which are not manufactured in India and the ones available in China are also cost competitive. According to Deepak Jain, president, Automotive Component Manufacturers Association of India (ACMA), there needs to be a balance between the emotions and the economy, when it comes to retaliating against China. As component manufacturers, we are a very integrated supply chain and we have almost $ 4.75 billion worth of exports coming directly from China, which accounts for almost one fourth of the total imports. These are components in which India currently does not have manufacturing capability and probably because of scale we have gone to China for sourcing. Hence there should be no knee jerk reactions to China," added Jain. 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!! Instead of checking Wirecard's balance sheet, the BaFin decided to protect the company by ordering a ban on short-selling its stock. "The fact that not only speculators, but above all the London Financial Times were on the offensive against Wirecard caused a patriotic reflex from the German side," Spiegel wrote in an editorial this week. "At times, some seemed to lose professional distance in the duel between London and Frankfurt." The charge was as true of the German press as of the regulators. While Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung described Wirecard's dealings as a "betrayal" this week, and Handelsblatt compared them with the forged Hitler diaries, last year no German mainstream publication looked seriously into the FT's allegations. The Wirecard scandal comes less than five years after the "dieselgate" emissions scandal, which left German carmakers' reputations in tatters. Credit:Bloomberg Instead, the German press gleefully printed unsourced allegations leaked by regulators, naming one of the journalists under investigation and claiming British reporters had been offered 1m in bribes to publish negative reports about Wirecard. As recently as two months ago, sharedeals.de, a German stock trading website, published an editorial under the headline of "Wirecard: a debacle for the Financial Times". This week, the tone from the press and politicians was different. "Who checked Markus Braun's castles in the air? Who decided to leave the FT in a fix rather than properly investigate their allegations of improper third-party dealings?" Handelsblatt demanded in an editorial. "The Ministry of Finance and the BaFin have got some explaining to do," said Florian Toncar, an MP from the pro-business Free Democratic Party (FDP). "If Wirecard and its top management are actively involved in fraud, both the auditing and possible failures by the BaFin must come under scrutiny," said Danyal Bayaz of the Green Party. Yet as late as Monday, Olaf Scholz, the German finance minister, was still trying to defend the BaFin's handling of the case. "The supervisory authorities have worked very hard," he told the German press. "They did their job". Twenty-four hours later, Scholz was forced into a humiliating about-turn. "Auditors and regulators don't seem to have been effective here," he said. the Wirecard debacle is just the latest in a series of scandals that have turned Germany's reputation for financial probity into a distant memory. "The BaFin has already admitted its mistakes. They have to be identified and remedied as quickly as possible." Felix Hufeld, the head of the BaFin, has described the Wirecard debacle as "shaming for Germany" and accepted responsibility. He will have to face the Bundestag finance committee in the coming days, and his job is under threat. "Germany has a good reputation when it comes to financial services," Altmaier said this week. "We must not allow individual companies to destroy the reputation of an entire industry." But the truth is that the Wirecard affair is far from an isolated case in recent German business history. Markus Braun, the former chief executive once hailed for turning the company around, faces charges that carry a prison term of up to seven years. Credit:Bloomberg It comes less than five years after the "dieselgate" emissions scandal, which left German carmakers' reputations in tatters. For years, the world believed that German marques had made advances in technology that made it possible to run clean diesel cars with astonishingly low emissions at affordable prices. But in 2015, it emerged that the real technology behind it was the so-called "defeat device": software that enabled the cars to cheat at emissions tests. The initial scandal centred on Volkswagen and its sister brands Audi and Porsche, but Mercedes owner Daimler and BMW have since been engulfed in claims. Nor has the German banking sector been immune from scandal. Deutsche Bank is currently embroiled in litigation before the US Supreme Court over Congress' attempts to force it to divulge information about Donald Trump's finances. Deutsche was willing to lend Trump hundreds of millions of dollars at a time when no other major institution would touch him - a move now seen as part of a highly risky approach that has left the bank looking precarious. Nor has the BaFin been untouched by controversy. The regulator has a track record when it comes to patriotic impulses. In 2016, it attempted to block the proposed 24 billion merger of the London Stock Exchange and the Deutsche Borse because it did not want the new headquarters to be in London. The merger was eventually killed off by the European Commission on the grounds it would create a monopoly. But that did not stop the BaFin going after Carsten Kengeter, the Deutsche Borse chief, whom it accused of insider trading and buying stocks in the exchange when he knew of the proposed merger. Loading Kengeter denied the allegations but was forced to step down. The investigation against him eventually fizzled out following a deal that saw both him and Deutsche Borse pay fines but admit no guilt and face no criminal charges. The Wirecard affair may not have come out of nowhere, but it has dealt a body blow to German corporate confidence. Until a month ago, San Quentin State Prison had dodged a nightmare risk. The coronavirus hadnt taken hold in the lockup where poor ventilation, shared eating and showering facilities and close quarters can boost infections as happened in other state prisons. Then came some 121 inmates from the Chino state prison, the better to avoid the virus that was skyrocketing at the San Bernardino County institution. But the new arrivals hadnt been recently tested, a Chronicle investigation found, and they were housed in cells alongside San Quentin prisoners and near guards. Within days, inmates reported chills, fevers and breathing problems, all telltale signs of the virus. Guards and staffers also came down with the same symptoms. There was little doubt about the source. Everybody was clean until the Chino bus(es) came, inmate Marlon Slaffey told The Chronicle. As of Tuesday evening, there were 407 in-custody and 43 staff cases at San Quentin. A smaller number of inmates sent to Corcoran State Prison in Kings County had a similar effect, with 131 prisoners and 26 employees infected. Prison officials arent providing a convincing explanation for the bungled transfers. Nor are they offering anything more than hurry-up fixes on containing the surging numbers. Staff at the Marin prison said they were left out of the loop with little advance word on new inmates or the background of the problem. State Sen. Nancy Skinner, a Berkeley Democrat who has long focused on prison matters, is calling for a Sacramento hearing on Wednesday to investigate the issue. Last week U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar beseeched prison authorities to take steps promptly. The infections are a significant failure of policy and planning, he said. Assemblyman Marc Levine, a Democrat whose Marin County district includes San Quentin, was likewise fed up. We need accurate information, Levine said. The political and legal pressure isnt new for Californias crowded prisons. In 2005, the federal courts found that medical care was so flawed, it met the level of cruel and unusual punishment. That led to extra oversight, additional spending and early releases to alleviate overcrowding. Now those partial answers are unraveling due to the viral outbreak. As the disease spread, inmate advocates pushed the prison system to release vulnerable prisoners and take extra safety steps to prevent San Quentin and other prisons from becoming breeding grounds. State lawyers argued back, and prison higher-ups devised the transfer plan to moderate the growing toll of infected inmates. Over 3,800 prisoners and 400 staffers have tested for the virus at 35 state lockups holding 110,000 inmates, but the bulk of the totals were at three facilities including Chino. That set an appealing idea in motion: Ship medically fragile or aging inmates to other prisons where the numbers were small and conditions safer. But prison authorities failed to test the transferred inmates until it was too late and the virus had begun shooting through the larger population. The failure to test inmates or prepare San Quentin is leading prison authorities to scramble for quick answers. Infected inmates are shunted to solitary confinement cells usually tapped for hard cases. Movement within San Quentin is all but halted by a quarantine. A team of UC Berkeley health experts offered a list of suggestions including a tent hospital on prison grounds, overhauled medical staff and reduced inmate numbers, but ideas have gone nowhere. The prison system needs a far better response to a deadly outbreak that it knew was coming. The extra sentence of a lingering illness or death cant be tolerated. This commentary is from The Chronicles editorial board. We invite you to express your views in a letter to the editor. Please submit your letter via our online form: SFChronicle.com/letters. By IANS MUMBAI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a charge-sheet against Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor, his family, Dewan Housing Finance promoters and others in the Rs 3,700 crore fraud case, said an official, here on Thursday. The charge-sheet, filed before the Special CBI Judge, has named Kapoor, his daughter Roshni Kapoor -- promoter of DoIt Urban Ventures (India), DHFL's Kapil R. Wadhawan, Dheeraj R. Wadhawan, and other companies like Belief Realtors and RKW Developers. It follows a case registered in March by the CBI under various laws, including the Prevention of Corruption Act, against the accused and other unknown entities pertaining to fraud charges against Yes Bank. On March 9, the CBI searched the premises of the accused. In early May, two months after Kapoor's arrest on March 8, even the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed separate charge-sheet before a Mumbai Special Court with charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The ED is separately probing allegations of Rs 600 crore paid to a company controlled by Kapoor and his family members by a company linked with the scam-tainted DHFL. The Kapoors, including his wife and three daughters, allegedly got huge amounts in kickbacks through the companies owned by them for sanctioning huge loans to some corporate entities that later turned into non-performing assets. DHFL founders, Kapil Wadhawan and Dheeraj Wadhawan, were arrested in April by the CBI in the same case from Mahabaleshwar, a hill station. They were absconding since the start of the probe. The CBI has charged that Yes Bank invested Rs 3,700 crore in short-term debentures in DHFL for which the Wadhawans paid Rs 600 crore kickback to Kapoor in the form of a loan to DoIT Urban Ventures, owned by his daughters. The African Unions Executive Council will hold an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss the dispute between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a diplomatic source told Ahram Online on Thursday. The source said that AU Executive Council members and representatives of Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan will attend the video meeting, set for 3pm Cairo time (GMT+2), which aims to give the African body the opportunity to help reach a consensus over the long-standing disagreements. The meeting comes in response to a call from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the current chairman of the African Union. The United Nations Security Council will discuss the GERD dispute on Monday. Recent talks between Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan broke down after Addis Ababa refused to commit to a legally binding deal on how the dam should be operated and filled. Ethiopia has said it will start filling the dam's reservoir in July, regardless of whether a deal is reached with Egypt and Sudan. Cairo has asked the Security Council to intervene to restart talks between the three countries in order to reach a "fair and balanced" agreement on the mega-dam, which has been under construction on the Blue Nile in the Ethiopian highlands since 2011. Egypt had previously told the Security Council in an official letter that Ethiopia's unilateral filling of the dam would "constitute a threat to international peace and security." Ethiopia sent a letter to the same body to defend its stance. Sudan also sent a letter on Wednesday to the Security Council saying that it is deeply concerned about Ethiopias decision to start filling its controversial dam on the Blue Nile without prior agreement with the two downstream countries. Search Keywords: Short link: A meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Hungarian Commission on Economic Cooperation will take place in Kyiv on Thursday. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto has arrived in Ukraine. "Glad to meet my Hungarian colleague Peter Szijjarto in Kyiv today. We are reviving the Ukrainian-Hungarian intergovernmental economic commission after almost 7 years of pause. Time to unlock the true potential of economic cooperation between Ukraine and Hungary," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on Twitter on June 25, 2020. The Ukrainian foreign minister also posted a photo from a meeting with his Hungarian counterpart. A meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Hungarian Commission on Economic Cooperation will be held in Kyiv on Thursday. Read also"Ice has broken": Zelensky could meet with Hungarian PM As UNIAN reported earlier, on May 29, Kuleba paid a visit to Budapest to meet with Szijjarto. Following the meeting, he said that together with his Hungarian counterpart he would recommend Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to hold a meeting in Kyiv in July. Kuleba said Ukraine offered that a document be signed with Hungary fixing that ethnic Hungarians represent "historical and cultural heritage" of Zakarpattia region, not its "problem." In turn, Szijjarto said the three joint commissions of Ukraine and Hungary in June should agree on steps that will resolve disputed issues in relations between two countries. Swains Island DXpedition Dear friends -- Due to the Covid-19 pandemic it is still impossible to travel to Swains Island. This means that we have to postpone our DXpedition until spring 2021 at the earliest. Alex Jennings and the team will start planning again as soon as we are allowed to travel to American Samoa without restrictions (such as 14 days in quarantine). All equipment already purchased is waiting for us in Pago Pago. We are very disappointed with this postponement, but if we look at it from a positive angle, propagation will be better next year! We continue our Swains DXpedition project and keep you informed via our mailing list, website and the social media channels such as Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/swains2020) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/swains2020). The Swains DXpedition Team https://swains2020.lldxt.eu/ In an interview with NPR on Thursday, Mr. Barr said Mr. Berman was living on borrowed time from the beginning because the president had not appointed him. And when Jay Clayton, the Securities and Exchange Commission chairman, indicated an interest in running the Manhattan office, Mr. Barr said, it created an opportunity to put in a very strong person as a presidential appointment to that office. I certainly was aware that given the current environment, anytime you make a personnel move, conspiracy theorists will suggest that theres some ulterior motive involved, Mr. Barr said. More than any other federal prosecutors office, the Manhattan office had pursued investigations that angered Mr. Trump. During the case against Mr. Cohen, for instance, prosecutors had indicated that Mr. Trump directed the hush money payments, although the office was not seeking charges against the president. In addition to prosecuting Mr. Cohen, the presidents former personal lawyer, the office has also been investigating his current one, Rudolph W. Giuliani, over his actions in Ukraine. Other points of contention included how to proceed against a state-owned Turkish bank that was eventually indicted in an alleged scheme to avoid U.S. sanctions on Iran, and the Justice Departments decision to assign the United States attorney in Brooklyn to oversee all investigations into matters related to Ukraine. Mr. Bermans office successfully fended off that oversight. The conflict erupted publicly last Friday, when Mr. Barr announced that Mr. Berman was stepping down and would be replaced temporarily by an ally of the administration. Mr. Berman then issued his own statement saying he had no intention of resigning. By Saturday afternoon, amid the unusual standoff, Mr. Barr informed Mr. Berman that Mr. Trump had fired him and that he would be replaced temporarily with Mr. Bermans own deputy. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Cloudy with snow showers developing after midnight. Low 25F with temps rising to near freezing. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40%.. Tonight Cloudy with snow showers developing after midnight. Low 25F with temps rising to near freezing. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 40%. Londoners as Britain basks in sunshine. Photo: Peter Summers/Getty Images A union is calling for a legal maximum workplace temperature to be introduced in Britain as the country faced its hottest day of the year so far on Thursday. The mercury reached 33.3C (91.94F) at Heathrow Airport on the outskirts of west London, sparking calls for employers to also prevent uncomfortably high temperatures at work. The retail workers union Usdaw called for a 30C maximum working temperature, and a lower limit of 27C for those involved in strenuous work. It also said employers should be expected to adopt cooling measures when temperatures edge beyond 24C. There is no legal maximum temperature for workplaces in Britain. But the Health and Safety Executive recommends workplaces should normally be at least 16C, or at least 13C if much of the work involves rigorous physical effort. READ MORE: Major incident declared as thousands flock to south coast in hot weather The HSE has said previously that high temperatures in some workplaces, such as glassworks and foundries means a meaningful maximum temperature cannot be given. Appropriate control measures mean it is possible to work safely in such conditions, according to the government body. But British workplace regulations state that the temperature in all indoor workplaces shall be reasonable during working hours. Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary, said: As temperatures rise this week we want workers to know that employers are expected to take reasonable steps to deal with uncomfortably high temperatures. Special care needs to be taken as workplaces implement necessary social distancing and coronavirus safety measures. He added that outdoor workers controlling queues or collecting trolleys need sun and heat protection, some sort of shade if possible, suitable clothing, sunscreen of factor 30 or above, water to prevent dehydration and frequent breaks. Now that fans cannot be used, indoor workers need cool drinks, more frequent breaks, relaxed dress code, along with opportunities to remove masks and face visors, he added. Story continues He warned that temperatures above 24C could spark heat exhaustion. People start to suffer loss of concentration, there are increases in accidents and loss of productivity. Symptoms include irritability, dizziness, headaches, nausea and fainting. The hot weather has seen the authorities declare a major incident on the south coast of England, as crowds flocked to beaches to enjoy the sunshine. Beachgoers were reported to be packed in like sardines. Council chiefs in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole said services were "overstretched," as thousands arrived at the coast despite being urged by the police to stay away amid the coronavirus pandemic. The UK government has been approached for comment. Excavation activities for the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility began with first blast on June 23. Workers inspect the space cleared by the blast 3,650 feet below ground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota. They will eventually excavate hundreds of thousands of tons of rock to make way for the international Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, hosted by Fermilab, and LBNF, which is the infrastructure that supports and houses the experiment. Credit: Kiewit Alberici Joint Venture It started with a blast. On June 23, construction company Kiewit Alberici Joint Venture set off explosives 3,650 feet beneath the surface in Lead, South Dakota, to begin creating space for the international Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment, hosted by the Department of Energy's Fermilab. The blast is the start of underground excavation activity for the experiment, known as DUNE, and the infrastructure that powers and houses it, called the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility, or LBNF. Situated a mile deep in South Dakota rock at the Sanford Underground Research Facility, DUNE's giant particle detector will track the behavior of fleeting particles called neutrinos. The plan for the next three years, is that workers will blast and drill to remove 800,000 tons of rock to make a home for the gigantic detector and its support systems. "The start of underground blasting for these early excavation activities marks not only the initiation of the next major phase of this work, but significant progress on the construction already under way to prepare the site for the experiment," said Fermilab Deputy Director for LBNF/DUNE-US Chris Mossey. The excavation work begins with removing 3,000 tons of rock 3,650 feet below ground. This initial step carves out a station for a massive drill whose bore is as wide as a car is long, about four meters. The machine will help create a 1,200-foot ventilation shaft down to what will be the much larger cavern for the DUNE particle detector and associated infrastructure. There, 4,850 feet below the surfaceabout 1.5 kilometers deepthe LBNF project will remove hundreds of thousands of tons of rock, roughly the weight of eight aircraft carriers. The emptied space will eventually be filled with DUNE's enormous and sophisticated detector, a neutrino hunter looking for interactions from one of the universe's most elusive particles. Researchers will send an intense beam of neutrinos from Fermilab in Illinois to the underground detector in South Dakotastraight through the earth, no tunnel necessaryand measure how the particles change their identities. What they learn may answer one of the biggest questions in physics: Why does matter exist instead of nothing at all? "The worldwide particle physics community is preparing in various ways for the day DUNE comes online, and this week, we take the material step of excavating rock to support the detector," said DUNE spokesperson Stefan Soldner-Rembold of the University of Manchester. "It's a wonderful example of collaboration: While excavation takes place in South Dakota, DUNE partners around the globe are designing and building the parts for the DUNE detector." A number of science experiments already take data at Sanford Underground Research Facility, but no activity takes place at the 3650 level. With nothing and no one in the vicinity, the initial excavation stage to create the cavern for the drill proceeds in an isolated environment. It's also an opportunity for the LBNF construction project to gather information about matters such as air flow and the rock's particular response to the drill-and-blast technique before moving on to the larger excavation at the 4850 level, where the experiment will be built. "It was important for us to develop a plan that would allow the LBNF excavation to go forward without disrupting the experiments already going on in other parts of the 4850 level," said Fermilab Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility Far-Site Conventional Facilities Manager Joshua Willhite. Following a period of excavation at the 3650 level, the project will initiate excavation at the 4850 level. Every bit of the 800,000 tons of rock dislodged by the underground drill-and-blast operation must eventually be transported a mile back up to the surface. There, a conveyor is being built to transport the crushed rock over a stretch of 4,200 feet for final deposit in the Open Cut, an enormous open pit mining area excavated in the 1980s. As large as the LBNF excavation will be, the rock moved to the surface and deposited in the Open Cut will only fill less than one percent of it. Excavation at the 3650 level will be completed over the next few months, with blasting at the 4850 level planned to begin immediately after. Explore further Physicists celebrate as vital component of global neutrino experiment arrives at CERN More information: DUNE at LBNF: DUNE at LBNF: lbnf-dune.fnal.gov/ BRUSSELS - Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe and his Luxembourg counterpart Pierre Gramegna threw their hats into the leadership ring Thursday, joining Spains Economy Minister Nadia Calvino as official candidates to head the powerful bloc of 19 nations using Europes single currency. The person eventually named president of the Eurogroup faces a mammoth task chaperoning the eurozone through what is predicted to be Europes deepest recession in a century, as the coronavirus ravages economies around the world. Portugals Mario Centeno announced on June 11 that he was stepping down as Eurogroup president after completing his 2.5-year term. Should she be named, Calvino a respected economist well known to European Union officials for her years of work at the European Commission would be the first woman to hold the job. Donohoe pledged that if elected, I will work to chart a common way forward on building the European recovery, strengthening the eurozone economy, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth for member states and their citizens. In a tweet just before the deadline for submitting candidates expired, Gramegna said: I will use my 6-year experience, all my energy and diplomacy for this task. Todays momentous challenges require consensus and compromise between all eurozone members - small or large, he said. Eurogroup finance ministers will discuss the candidates merits at their next video meeting on July 9. Presidents are elected by a simple majority vote. Centeno will step down three days later. We will strike the right balance, but with one idea in mind, to elect a president that can handle all goals and challenges in the coming months and years. The choice will not be trivial, it will be of high quality, Centeno said earlier this month. The Eurogroups main task is to ensure the close co-ordination of economic policies among the 19 member countries. While an unofficial body in EU terms, it remains extremely powerful and its image was badly tainted in Greece for its handling of the countrys debt crisis. The candidacy of Calvino, who is also one of the four deputy prime ministers in Spains left-wing coalition government, had been rumoured for weeks. She worked for 12 years at the blocs executive commission; four of them in charge of the EU budget. Since joining Socialist leader Pedro Sanchezs Cabinet, she has been a staunch defender of economic orthodoxy and often perceived as a moderate counterbalance to the anti-austerity approach of the coalition governments small partner, Pablo Iglesias Unidas Podemos (United We Can). ___ Aritz Parra in Madrid contributed to this report. A day before the House votes on legislation to create the 51st state, Cotton cast the years-long effort to lift D.C. to statehood as a power grab by the Democratic Party. In a speech on the Senate floor, he dismissed the District as a city with little to offer other than lobbyists and federal workers. He made no mention of other defining aspects of the city, including its African American history, drawing outrage on social media and rebuke by some Democrats. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 13:51:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, recently exchanged congratulatory messages with Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima on the birth of a giant panda cub in the European country. Xi and Peng said in their letter that the new cub, born in May by giant panda Wu Wen in a Dutch Zoo, is a cause for celebration. The cub, they said, is a beautiful fruit of China-Dutch friendship and an important achievement in bilateral cooperation in biodiversity conservation. Meanwhile, they noted that since the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic, the governments and people of the two countries have given each other a helping hand and written a beautiful tale of friendship that features them sticking together through thick and thin and helping each other. China, they added, attaches great importance to the development of bilateral relations, and stands ready to work with the Netherlands to turn challenges into opportunities, promote epidemic control and bilateral exchanges in a coordinated way, and lift bilateral ties to new levels. The Dutch royal couple, for their part, said they were greatly delighted and heartened by the birth of the cub. The new life, they added, is not only a symbol of the fruitful relationship between the two countries, but also a contribution to the protection of global biodiversity. The Dutch side pays high attention to bilateral cooperation against COVID-19, they said, adding that only with solidarity and cooperation can countries around the world prevail over the global crisis. Noting that Netherlands-China relations enjoy a solid foundation, they said the Dutch side is willing to continue to work with China to cope with the impact of the pandemic and bring bilateral exchanges back to normal as soon as possible. Enditem Advertisement A major incident was declared in Bournemouth today after thousands of people flocked to Britain's beaches, leaving the emergency services 'stretched to the absolute hilt' on the second hottest day of the year in a row. Furious council bosses said they were 'appalled' at the scenes on the Dorset coast, blasting the 'irresponsible behaviour and actions of so many people' as temperatures hit 91.9F (33.3C) in southern England this afternoon. Police desperately urged people to 'stay away' and 'think twice before heading to the area', while Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council said 558 parking enforcement fines had been issued - the highest on record. A whopping 33 tonnes of litter has been removed from the beaches today and there has been illegal camping, littering, anti-social behaviour - including drunken fights among beachgoers - and gridlock on the roads. Detectives revealed the chaos caused by a 'significant volume of people heading to one area', where some people were so eager to get a good spot that they camped overnight on the beach. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council said services were 'completely overstretched' as huge crowds of visitors defied advice to stay away. The shocking scenes sparked fury as social distancing became impossible on packed beaches, raising the chilling prospect of a second wave of coronavirus. England's Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty today warned cases of Covid-19 'will rise again' if Britons do not follow social distancing guidance, as he urged sun seekers to enjoy the weather 'in a way that is safe for all.' Meanwhile, working Britons took to social media to claim the furlough scheme - where the Government agrees to pay 80 per cent of an employee's salary during the Covid-19 crisis - should be scrapped because too many staff off work are heading to the coast. At the start of the crisis, Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed the furlough scheme to protect jobs, and the Treasury is now paying 7.5million workers to stay at home which the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates will cost 100billion. Crowds gather on the beach in Bournemouth in Dorset today on another scorching day for much of Britain Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth today as temperatures soar across the country again Crowds gather on the beach in Bournemouth this afternoon as people make the most of the very hot weather again Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth today as families flock into the water Beachgoers enjoy the sunshine as they sunbathe and play in the sea on Bournemouth beach in Dorset this afternoon Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth this afternoon as temperatures continue to rise in Britain Beachgoers enjoy the sunshine as they sunbathe and play in the sea on Bournemouth beach in Dorset this afternoon Visitors crowd together as they enjoy the hot weather on the beach at Bournemouth in Dorset this afternoon Police patrol near to the beach in Bournemouth as hundreds of people flocked to the seaside this afternoon People make their way along the footpath leading to the packed beach at Bournemouth in Dorset this afternoon A member of the ambulance service looks out from Bournemouth Pier in Dorset today as crowds gather on the beach Extra police patrols and security were today protecting refuse crews and traffic wardens in Bournemouth as thousands of people arrived in the town on trains, and council leader Vikki Slade said: 'We are absolutely appalled at the scenes witnessed on our beaches, particularly at Bournemouth and Sandbanks, in the last 24 to 48 hours. 'The irresponsible behaviour and actions of so many people is just shocking and our services are stretched to the absolute hilt trying to keep everyone safe. We have had no choice now but to declare a major incident and initiate an emergency response. The numbers of people descending down here are like those seen on a bank holiday.' Meanwhile, there was a major alert for a high risk of sunburn especially in the South West today with the absence of aircraft in the skies set to give the UK its highest levels of ultraviolet radiation because of a reduction in plane contrails. The Met Office said UV rays, which can increase the risk of skin cancer, could reach nine in Devon and Cornwall today, which is 'about as high as it gets really in the UK' and are more commonly seen in the Mediterranean. Temperatures hit 91.9F (33.3C) at London Heathrow Airport at about 3pm, making it the hottest day of 2020 for the second consecutive day after the mercury got to 90.7F (32.6C) in the same spot yesterday. Dorset Police Assistant Chief Constable Sam de Reya added: 'These are unprecedented times and we are urging people to stay away from the area of Bournemouth beach and other Dorset beaches. 'We continue to work very closely with BCP council and other partners to ensure the safety of the public. We are also deploying additional resources to provide increased patrols in the vicinity to help tackle any issues of anti-social behaviour and other offences being committed. 'The declaration of a major incident allows us to bring agencies together so we can take actions available to us to safeguard the public as much as possible. Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole council said services are 'completely overstretched' and declared a major incident as Chris Whitty warned cases of Covid-19 'will rise again' if social distancing does not take place Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth today as local authorities in the area declared a major incident Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth today as they pack the seafront in the Dorset town A social distancing warning sign is displayed against a backdrop of a crowded beach in Bournemouth this afternoon Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth today as the UK sweats through a mini-heatwave Crowds gather on the beach at Bournemouth in Dorset today with hundreds of people going into the sea Crowds gather on the beach in Bournemouth today as the UK continues to enjoy the hot weather Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth in Dorset this afternoon as the hot weather continues Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth today as Britain enjoys a summer heatwave Crowds gather on the beach in Bournemouth today making social distancing difficult during the mini-heatwave Beachgoers enjoy the sunshine as they sunbathe and play in the sea on Boscombe beach in Bournemouth today Police officers patrol near to the beach in Bournemouth as the beach was packed with sun seekers amid rising temperatures The UK is experiencing a summer heatwave, with temperatures in many parts of the country expected to rise above 30C and weather warnings in place for thunderstorms at the end of the week Some Twitter users suggested the furlough scheme should be stopped because too many people are heading to the beach 'We are also reliant on people taking personal responsibility and strongly advise members of the public to think twice before heading to the area. Clearly we are still in a public health crisis and such a significant volume of people heading to one area places a further strain on emergency services resources. 'This influx of visitors to our area places a significant increase in demand on our service and we would ask people to please bear with us. We would therefore stress again that we are asking people to please stay away from the area.' No foreign holidays and sunshine provide hope for seaside businesses This week's combination of sunshine, no foreign holidays and school closures has brought record takings to some seaside businesses who are hoping the second half of the season could be a bumper time. Reece Holland, chairman of the Bridlington Leisure Association, said some of the businesses which are allowed to open in the East Yorkshire resort saw big takings yesterday as visitors flocked to the seaside. But Mr Holland said the a number of businesses in Bridlington, including two bars, have not survived the lockdown, and he still does not know whether the July 4 reopening of his family's amusement arcade, pub and ice cream parlour will see them break even. People enjoy the heat today in Bridlington, East Yorkshire He said: 'I've spoken to a few different people on the harbour who've got different businesses and yesterday was one of their busiest ever days. It's due to the fact that people have been cooped in. 'They've got money in their pockets and the weather's fantastic, there's nowhere else to go, there's no holidays. If 10,000 leave the UK every day to go on holiday, they're not now. And where are they going to go? They're going to come to the coast, aren't they? And rightly so.' Mr Holland said he is preparing to fully open his businesses on July 4 with a range of special measures in place. These include one-way systems in the amusement arcade with hand sanitisers by the machines and extra staff to continually clean. But he said he is still poring over the 40-page Government guidelines and cannot be confident he will make any money. Mr Holland said: 'Everyone thinks as soon as you get the green light it's fantastic and money will be coming back in. But I'm actually concerned now that, as soon as we open, there's going to be that many procedures we have to put in place that I might actually lose money. People queue outside a fish and chip shop in Bridlington today 'At the moment, although I'm not earning any money, I'm not losing money. 'The day those doors open, I could potentially lose money because I need to take my staff off furlough and all the bills start up again.' But he said there is potential for the second half of the summer season to be good for seaside towns. Mr Holland said: 'I think we're going to have a good back-end. 'September, October is going to be better than normal. I do believe that a lot of English and British people who normally go to Tenerife, Lanzarote, Spain, they're going see what Bridlington and what the Great British seaside can offer. 'I think they'll be coming back again as long as we've got some good weather. We've got some of the best beaches here and don't want for anything else.' Advertisement Tobias Ellwood, the Conservative MP for Bournemouth East, said Dorset Police and the local council are unable to cope amid reports of 500,000 visitors and two-hour traffic jams, with cars queuing back for 15 miles along the A338 and A31. Many motorists have been parking illegally on double yellow lines, over cycle lanes and on pavements, seemingly happy to take a 35 parking ticket rather than queue and wait for a space. Other visitors, who have travelled from as far as Birmingham, camped out illegally overnight on the sand. Residents on Sandbanks said people emerged from their tents in their pyjamas this morning and went to the toilet in sand dunes. Mr Ellwood urged the government to step in and help control the situation otherwise risk causing a second wave of coronavirus in Dorset. He said: 'Bournemouth is deluged with visitors and the local authority cannot cope. 'We have the perfect storm of incredible weather and a liberation of some Covid-19 guidelines and given the wider consequences of a second spike, the government needs to offer assistance and respond to this dangerous event that is happening within a national health emergency. 'It is beyond the local capabilities to be able to control the roads and manage the situation. Volunteers and traffic marshalls can only do so much to get people to cooperate and move along. 'It is important that Westminster sees what is happening on the frontline and responds with assets to provide support. 'When you have mass demonstrations in London the Metropolitan Police can call on other forces to help and I think this is what needs to happen here. The police locally are overwhelmed, they cannot be everywhere. The number of police officers is based on the number of residents in the county, not visitors.' Mr Ellwood also slammed the 'selfish' people who failed to take their litter home with them. He said: 'These are selfish people who are threatening to prolong the pandemic and also litter our beautiful beaches.' Stephen Allen, a resident of Sandbanks, said: 'It is the illegal camping that gets us. You see people coming out of their tents in their pyjamas and head off into the sand tunes with toilet roll. It is very unpleasant. 'There has been illegal parking happening all over the place. Cars have parked on cycle lanes, double yellow lines and on the pavements. 'They would happily take a 35 parking fine rather than queue for hours on end for a car park space which will probably cost them the best part of 10.' Further along the Dorset coast at Lulworth, a local councillor told of the abuse she received when she tried to turn people away because the area was full. The local authority agreed to set up road barriers when the main car parks at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door become full. Laura Miller has been manning one of the barriers. She said: 'I have been shouted and sworn at and one guy spat at me. These are people who have travelled three or four hours in their car, they are hot and grumpy and then they are turned away. 'Some drivers have ignored our barriers and just knocked them over and driven through.' She said that the beach at Durdle Door resembled the aftermath of a music festival last night. She said: 'The behaviour of some visitors has been foul. There are large groups of people who are totally ignoring social distancing rules. 'We filled up 30 bin bags of rubbish and the beach stinks of weed. It was like the aftermath of a festival. Most of the visitors have come from London but others have travelled from Birmingham, Bristol and Peterborough.' Some working Britons claimed the furlough scheme - where the Government agrees to pay 80 per cent of an employee's salary during the Covid-19 crisis - should be scrapped because too many staff off work are heading to the coast and making social distancing impossible, raising the chilling prospect of a second wave of the virus. A nurse told MailOnline: 'This is ridiculous, the furlough holiday should end. It is so unfair to many nurses working on the front line self employed. 'Not only am I putting myself and husband at risk and unable to see my children and grandchildren, but feel it is so unfair that we are hit with tax bills despite all these individuals enjoying the sunshine and being paid [while] I swelter at work in full PPE to maintain services in urgent care.' Paul Dulson, from Bournemouth, Dorset, tweeted: 'I live a few miles from Bournemouth beach and do not visit because of this madness. A great case for ending the ridiculous furlough and getting kids back to school.' Another added: 'Why are the people not at work? Oh, that's right, they all on furlough receiving 80 per cent of their salary paid for by me, to go to the f***ing beach. Meanwhile the likes of me is working my a*** off in this heat.' And a third said: 'Just end the furlough scheme now. It's there to protect jobs whilst we protect ourselves. We're obviously not wanting to protect ourselves anymore, so let's just stop paying people to sit on the b****y beach.' A group of women play cards on the grass in St James Park, London after sunbathing amid the soaring temperatures today Dozens of Britons had flocked to the busy park to enjoy the sunshine on the sweltering day amid the coronavirus crisis Others sought shade under trees as the UK experienced sweltering temperatures across the board this afternoon Britons relax in deckchairs in St James Park, London on what could be the hottest day of the year as temperatures soared Britons queue for drinks outside the Globe pub in Borough Market, London as temperatures soared this afternoon Queues stretched along the length of the pub as Londoners waited for their turn to order drinks at the busy establishment Britons swim in the canal at Hackney Wick, east London as social distancing becomes difficult in packed locations In Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, Britons relaxed on the banks of the River Thames as a few sunseekers took to the water People play in the River Cam in Grantchester near Cambridge on what could be the UK's hottest day of the year with scorching temperatures forecast to rise even further A group of sunseekers enjoy the cool water in the River Cam, Grantchester amid the sweltering heat this afternoon People punt in the River Cam in Grantchester near Cambridge as temperatures continue to rise this afternoon A couple relax on an inflatable boat in the River Thames as Bourne End, Buckinghamshire amid scorching temperatures People enjoy the sunshine at a park in Manchester city centre this morning as the mini-heatwave continues across Britain Passengers walk along the platform after getting off a busy train as people make their way to Brighton beach this afternoon Girls jump from a jetty into the sea as crowds of people gather on the beach in Southend-on-Sea this afternoon A view of the beach in Brighton today as people flock to the Sussex coast to make the most of the warm weather Sunseekers on Weymouth beach in Dorset today as temperatures continue to soar across Britain Visitors enjoy the hot weather on the beach in Bournemouth, Dorset, this afternoon Matilda Swian (left), 19, and Millie Skelhorn (right), 19, enjoy the warm weather in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, as the mercury soared People sunbathe by the sea in the baking heat in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, with plenty of others doing the same in the glorious weather Maia Benstead (left), 19, and Lauren Sharpe (right), 19, enjoy the warm weather in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, as the stride through the sea A sunbather photographs the deer in Richmond Park, west London, as they stroll through a stream to keep cool during the heatwave Groups of people enjoy the toasty weather in Potters Fields, next to the iconic Tower Bridge, in central London this afternoon People are seen sunbathing at St James's Park in London this afternoon as they make the most of the hot weather A woman dips her toe in the fountains at Trafalgar Square in London this afternoon during the mini-heatwave A woman sunbathes on a boat on the River Thames in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, as a man slowly steers it through the water At the start of the crisis, Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed the furlough scheme to protect jobs, and the Treasury is now paying 7.5million workers to stay at home which the Institute for Fiscal Studies estimates will cost 100billion. There was a tragedy in Worthing, West Sussex, as a woman in her 50s died after suffering a 'medical episode' on the beach. Tourists were evacuated to make way for the air ambulance but she could not be saved. Meanwhile more public toilets are now opening, with up to 3,000 available for use according to the Lockdown Loo website, including 15 in Brighton and Hove, seven in Bournemouth, six in Eastbourne and six in Blackpool. The good weather is due to change tonight as thunderstorms form across the west of the UK, with up to 1.6 inches of rain set to fall in two hours from 4pm along with lightning, hail, strong winds and possible power cuts. There was also a high alert for dangerous UV radiation levels today. Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: 'The sun is as strong as it gets at the moment because we're so close to the solstice. We've got peak sun strength, clear skies, plenty of sunshine - it's the perfect ingredients for high UV.' People head to the beach at Southend-on-Sea as coronavirus lockdown measures are relaxed and temperatures soar Brighton beach was packed with sun seekers, making social distancing impossible in the beauty spot this afternoon There was a tragedy in Worthing, West Sussex, as a woman in her 50s died after suffering a 'medical episode' on the beach today, police said. Tourists were evacuated off the sand to make way for the air ambulance but she could not be saved A group of friends enjoy a drink while sitting in deckchairs on the beach at Brighton in East Sussex this afternoon Beachgoers enjoy the hot weather on Barry Island today as Wales starts to ease its way out of the Covid-19 lockdown Beach goers enjoy the hot weather on Barry Island in Wales today as much of Britain makes the most of the conditions Thousands of people flock to Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon despite the coronavirus pandemic continuing People walk along the seafront at Bridlington in East Yorkshire today on another very hot day for the country A boy jumps into the water today at the Three Shires Head, the point where Cheshire, Staffordshire and Derbyshire meet A woman sunbathing on Brighton beach in East Sussex this morning as the hot weather continues for Brighton People walk through Green Park in London today as the capital experiences temperatures above 90F People enjoy the sunny weather at Windsor in Berkshire today as the mini-heatwave continues Among the main reasons for high UV levels given by experts are a hole in the ozone layer that opened earlier this year, and the time of year so near the solstice combined with limited cloud cover and water vapour. But Michaela Hegglin, a professor in atmospheric chemistry at the University of Reading, added it was also down to a lack of plane contrails, which normally create clouds reflecting UV rays away from the ground. The expert told the Telegraph the negative impacts of UV levels were massively outweighed by the positive impacts of lower levels of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions during the coronavirus crisis. She said today could see some of the 'highest UV levels ever recorded' in Britain, adding: 'This is because of a combination of factors. We are at the summer solstice, when the sun is almost directly overhead at 1pm. 'UV levels this high are rare in the UK, so people with light skin should be very careful to avoid getting burnt. While UV is important for getting vitamin D and keeping us healthy, too much of it can cause skin cancer or cataracts.' Ozone holes are an annual thinning of the ozone layer over Antarctica, caused by stratospheric chlorine. Every year ozone layers fall drastically during the Southern Hemisphere's spring and the Arctic can be affected too. People enjoy the warm weather on Brighton beach this afternoon on what is another very hot day for much of Britain A woman enjoys the sunshine as she relaxes at Battersea Park in South West London this morning People jump into the water during the sunny weather in Windsor in Berkshire today Two women laugh as they are photographed at Clapham Common in South West London this afternoon A view of the beach in Brighton today on another day that has seen temperatures soar above 90F in some areas Families enjoy the warm weather at the beach in North Berwick, Scotland, today as the UK makes the most of the heatwave Thousands of people soak up the sun on Brighton beach today with temperatures soaring once again in Britain Two women go paddle boarding in the sea at Southsea in Hampshire this morning as temperatures soar across the UK again People soak up the sun on Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon as the hot weather continues People stand on board a packed train as they make their way to Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon Experts think this started happening in the 1970s as a result of the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were popularly found in aerosols. The hole forms in the Antarctic when cold air is trapped by strong circulating winds. This leads to the formation of ice clouds, which break down chlorine-containing compounds. It makes the area especially susceptible to ozone depletion, but ozone from other areas returns over the affected poles every year. Temperatures reached a peak yesterday at Heathrow Airport at 2.46pm, making it comfortably the hottest day of the year, beating the previous record on May 29 when Dawyck in the Scottish Borders hit 84F (28.9C). Met Office meteorologist John Griffiths said there was a 'low chance' the Welsh Marches - the area along the Welsh border - could see temperatures of 34C (93.2F) 'very locally'. Should that happen, it would be the hottest June on record in Wales, surpassing the previous peak of 92.7F (33.7C) on June 18, 2000. The UK June record was set on June 28, 1976, when Southampton hit 96.1F (35.6C). Four-year-old boys Sai Robson and Sunny Louden enjoy the water in the hot weather at Edinburgh's Holyrood Park today Passengers disembark a packed train as people make their way to Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon People relax on the grass on the southern bank of the River Thames in the shadow of Tower Bridge in London today Cows use the River Thames to cool off in Bourne End, Buckinghamshire, today as the hot weather continues Families enjoy the warm weather at the beach in North Berwick, Scotland, today as children play in a lake A woman holds a book on Clapham Common in South West London today as the hot weather continues A woman looks out to sea as she enjoys the warm weather at the beach in North Berwick, Scotland, this afternoon People soak up the sun on Brighton beach in Dorset today as sunseekers head for the coastal areas of Britain Zed the black Labrador makes a splash in the pond at Clapham Common in South West London this afternoon Thousands of people flock to Brighton beach in East Sussex today despite the coronavirus pandemic continuing Police break up huge party on Brighton seafront with hundreds of youngsters sent home from the beach after scuffles broke out Police broke up a huge Brighton seafront party last night and sent hundreds of youngsters home after scuffles broke out. Ten police vehicles were called to Hove Lawns, West Sussex at 8.40pm yesterday amid reports of 'pockets' of violence in the gathering. The youths chanted at the officers, with one eyewitness calling it 'like a stand-off between hundreds of youths and police'. Police break up an impromptu beach party where hundreds of predominantly young adults and teenagers on Hove Lawn this evening on the hottest day of the year so far Locals believe the youngsters 'would have finished GCSEs and (had) their end-of-year prom'. One resident called the situation 'pure mayhem'. Officers issued a dispersal order for the green near Grand Avenue. Councillor Chris Henry said: 'Let's not leave our young people behind in the Covid recovery plans. Police break up an impromptu beach party where hundreds of predominantly young adults and teenagers on Hove Lawn this evening on the hottest day of the year so far 'It's understandable that they're bored and missing their friends, so we need to ensure their safety and develop activities for young adults so that police and the local community can focus on real crime and staying safe from Covid. 'Hove Lawns tonight shows how badly solutions for young people are needed and how youth services are needed more than ever.' Advertisement The public has been reminded to take care around water throughout the summer, amid concerns people might be tempted to take a dip to cool down. It comes as Thames Valley Police said yesterday evening that they had found a body following a search for a missing man at Lulle Brooke in Cookham, Berkshire. The man, who was in his 30s, was understood to have got into difficulty in the water on Tuesday evening. A cousin said Syrian refugee Eyad Al Ryabi had gone into the water on Tuesday evening to try to help his friend. The friend survived and was taken to hospital, Thames Valley Police said. Meanwhile a man in Middlesbrough was taken to hospital after jumping into shallow water at a popular beauty spot. Volunteers from Cleveland Mountain Rescue team were finishing a 'litter sweep' when they came across the incident a Cod Beck reservoir, near Osmotherley, North Yorkshire, yesterday. A 21-year-old man suffered a leg injury after he jumped into the water and was unable to walk. A spokesman for the Cleveland Mountain Rescue Team said 'the water was a lot shallower than he expected' and as a result, was in a lot of pain. The man was being treated by ambulance crews at the scene when rescue team arrived. Volunteers transported the ambulance stretcher to the patient while a doctor helped to treat him. Once loaded on to the stretcher, the team helped push the injured man to a waiting ambulance. He was then taken to hospital for further treatment. Eight mountain rescuers and two response co-ordinators involved in the incident for around 40 minutes. Others were on standby from their training locations but were not required. Crews are now warning people of the dangers of jumping into water. The spokesman added: 'It is perhaps worth reminding people about some of the risks of jumping into water - it might be shallower than they think and 'cold water shock' is a very, real danger. Put simply - it's very dangerous - don't do it.' Thunderstorms are forecast to form in the south west and south east of England, Wales, western Scotland and Northern Ireland from 4pm today. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather alert for those areas until 9am tomorrow, warning of disruption due to flooding, lightning strikes, hail and wind. The storms are expected to continue from midday on Friday through to 6am on Saturday, with another yellow warning in place for the whole of the UK. Areas hit by the storms could experience 'torrential downpours' with up to 2in (50mm) of rain falling in an hour. Beachgoers enjoy the sunshine as they sunbathe and play in the sea on Boscombe beach in Bournemouth today A view of the beach in Brighton today as temperatures soar above 90F in parts of the country for the second day in a row Paddle boarders at Bourne End in Buckinghamshire today as the country enjoys further hot weather A woman sunbathes at Clapham Common in South West London today as the scorching temperatures continue Sunseekers queue for portable toilets on Brighton seafront today as people flock to the Sussex coast this afternoon One-year-old Ella Jones enjoys sitting among the wild flowers at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh this morning Thousands of people soak up the sun on Brighton beach in East Sussex today as the hot weather continues Denbi. the four-year-old Shepherd Staffie, enjoys the water in the hot weather at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh today Two people go for a walk through Battersea Park in South West London this morning as they enjoy the sunshine NW London warned they could run out of water TONIGHT Britons in north west London and Middlesex have been warned their water supply could be disrupted this evening as suppliers struggle to keep up with demand. Affinity Water said it experienced much 'higher demand for water' today due to the 'exceptionally hot weather', which could cause a reduction of water pressure or loss of supply. Those in Edgware, Greenford, Harrow, Mill Hill, Northolt, Pinner, Ruislip, South Harrow, Wembley and South Ruislip have been told to expect interruption to the supply between 5.30pm and 11pm. The supplier urged those in the affected areas to keep their water usage to a minimum to reduce demand on the network during these hours. In a statement, it said: 'If you are experiencing a reduction of your water pressure or loss of supply, this is due to much higher demand for water at present due to the exceptionally hot weather. 'We expect your water supply to be restored to normal pressure later this evening.' Affinity Water has put an additional 108 million litres of water a day into its network of pipes in an attempt to cope with the warmer weather. Advertisement Yesterday's good weather saw people flock to beaches in huge numbers despite social distancing measures remaining in place. The Met Office raised its heat alert level to three, as health authorities encouraged those most vulnerable - many of whom have been shielding during lockdown - to protect themselves amid the 'exceptionally hot weather forecast this week'. Public Health England (PHE) said older people, those with underlying health conditions, and very young children were all more at risk from the higher temperatures. The amber level three, which remains in place for the West and East Midlands, requires social and healthcare services to target specific actions at high-risk groups, according to the Met Office website. People have been advised to keep cool and stay hydrated where possible. The Met Office said UV levels were expected to remain at eight across many parts of the UK today. Emer O'Connell, consultant in public health at PHE, said it was important that people kept checking on the vulnerable, as many continued to spend more time at home due to coronavirus. 'You will need to do things differently this year, for example keeping in touch by phone,' she said. Shoppers have also been advised to be aware they could be forced to spend extra time in the sun as a result of social distancing measures. And dog owners have been urged to avoid exercising their pets during the hottest part of the day. Vets Now, a provider of emergency veterinary care, warned that the average survival rate of a dog diagnosed with heatstroke was 50 per cent. A woman throws a frisbee as people enjoy the warm weather at Bridlington in East Yorkshire on another very hot day A couple enjoy the hot weather on their canal boat on Bridgewater Canal in Walton Hall in Cheshire this morning Unicyclist Jason Auld practises in front of the Scottish Parliament whilst enjoying the hot weather at Holyrood Park today People sunbathe at Battersea Park in South West London as temperatures soar once again in Britain Zachary Bower, four, and Isabelle Bower, eight, make sandcastles at Bridlington in East Yorkshire this morning Josh Atkins, 14, and Oliva Atkins, ten, play in the sea at Bridlington in East Yorkshire this morning Two women look at their phones while sunbathing at Battersea Park in South West London this morning A group of women enjoy the warm weather on Hastings beach in East Sussex today as the mini-heatwave continues Ten-year-old Noah plays in his paddling pool as he cools off in his garden during hot weather in Hertford today A group of women enjoy sunbathing among the fishing boats at Hastings in East Sussex today Two men enjoy the warm weather in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, today as the UK enjoys another day of the mini-heatwave Visitors to Hastings make the most of the hot weather today as the mini-heatwave continues for Britain A young man enjoys the hot weather in the sea off Brighton beach in East Sussex this afternoon People enjoy the warm weather in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, today as sunseekers flock to beaches around the UK A couple relax in the warm weather and sunshine on the southern bank of the River Thames in London this afternoon Sarah Emberson (left) and John Kelly (right) pose with their children Eirnn, Eve, Elliot and Elise next to their homemade recreation of Glastonbury - which was due to have been taking place this weekend - at their home in Hertfordshire today Tents on Bournemouth beach this morning as people camped overnight on the Dorset coast for the best spot today Boy, 10, dies after getting into difficulty in Scottish loch amid frantic search by emergency services A boy has died after getting into difficulty in a Scottish loch amid a frantic search by emergency services. The ten-year-old passed away at Loch Lubnaig near Callander in Stirlingshire yesterday. The child was reported as having 'difficulty in the water' at 5.35pm after he reportedly fell into a river near the loch. Loch Lubnaig near Callander in Stirlingshire (file picture) A four-hour rescue operation involving a helicopter was launched. Police said the incident was not suspicious. A spokesman said: 'A ten-year-old boy has died following an incident in Loch Lubnaig, near Callander, on June 24. 'Emergency services were called around 5:35pm to reports of a child experiencing difficulty in the water. Sadly, the boy died. There are no suspicious circumstances and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.' Advertisement The RSPCA said it had received 330 calls in regard to animal welfare and the hot weather since March 23, adding it was expecting 'hundreds more' as temperatures increase this week. Meanwhile, fire chiefs said they wanted to 'debunk this myth' that hand sanitiser left in hot cars could pose a fire risk. Roy Wilsher, National Fire Chiefs Council chair said: 'We want to reassure people that this product will not combust if left in a car - even on the hottest day. For hand sanitiser to cause a fire it would need to come into contact with a spark. 'Hand sanitiser is very important in the fight against the spread of Covid-19, therefore it is is essential we debunk this myth.' People are advised to keep their hand sanitisers containers closed and out of direct sunlight and ensure they keep it away from any naked flame. London Fire Brigade has warned people not to have barbecues on dry grass, not to drop cigarettes or matches, and not to leave rubbish such as glass bottles lying around amid a risk they could start fires. In Dorset, stunned officials in Bournemouth today slammed 'vile idiots' who left 20 tons of litter strewn across the resort's beaches following the hottest day of the year. They blamed a 'breakdown in decent, civic behaviour' for the appalling mass of rubbish left behind by over 100,000 visitors - and volunteer litter pickers found many of the public bins were still half empty. Shocking pictures taken at 4.30am this morning before the local council's beach cleaning team arrived to clear the mess have sparked fury on social media. Temperatures are expected to hit 33C or 34C in Britain today (left) after the hottest day of the year so far yesterday (right) The Met Office has warned of very high UV levels today (left) as well as a very high pollen count for hayfever sufferers (right) The Met Office has issued thunderstorm warnings for the West from 4pm today (left) and the whole country tomorrow (right) More public toilets are now opening, with up to 3,000 reported as available for use according to the Lockdown Loo website, including 15 in Brighton and Hove, seven in Bournemouth, six in Eastbourne and six in Blackpool. Stunned officials in Bournemouth today slammed 'vile idiots' who left 12 tonnes of litter strewn across the resort's beaches Officials in Bournemouth blamed a 'breakdown in decent, civic behaviour' for the appalling mass of rubbish left behind Shocking pictures were taken at 4.30am today before the council's cleaning team arrived to clear the mess in Bournemouth Rubbish which was collected from the beach piled high at Durdle Door in Dorset this morning as the hot weather continues The bins on Jesus Green in Cambridge overflowing with rubbish today as the hot weather continues Litter strewn across a park in Bournemouth in Dorset today as people continue to head to the beach to enjoy the heat A sheep sits next to an overflowing bin in the shade at Tredegar Comprehensive School in Wales this morning Andy Meldrum skis on some of the remaining snow patches on the slopes of Meall a'Bhuiridh in Glencoe today The sun rises at Blyth in Northumberland as Britain sweats through a June heatwave with temperatures set to climb further A woman looks at the English lavender prior to it being harvested at Roskorwell Farm at St Keverne in Cornwall yesterday Vikki Slade, the leader of Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council, said: 'It doesn't matter what we do, these vile idiots will ignore the rules. The disgusting mess left on our beaches makes me want to weep. 'People urinating within sight of loos, parking illegally and just accepting the fine and ignoring the message of don't come to Dorset is a breakdown of civic behaviour.' One of the litter pickers on the beach was Peter Ryan, 61, who founded the community group Dorset Devils. He said: 'It is sad, disappointing and disgusting to see the beach in such a state. It is the jewel in the crown of the area and it does not deserve to be treated like this. 'There were so many empty beer bottles, vodka bottles and cans of all varieties left on the sand, even though some of the bins on the pier were half empty. They've shown no care whatsoever for this beautiful environment.' Twitter users posted a series of memes complaining that the high temperatures overnight had left them too hot to sleep Claire Shouksmith told the Bournemouth Echo today that she saw 'several piles of human faeces, toilet paper and nappies', dog mess, urine stains down the pavements, cars still badly parked yesterday and a 'disgusting' stench. At the beach, she said there was 'masses of rubbish', a 'stench of urine and more faeces', dog mess in the sand despite not being allowed on that part of the beach, campfire debris and broken beer bottles on the sand. She said: ''I've lived here for 14 years it's usually lovely, clean and peaceful, busy when the weather hot but never have I seen the place left in this horrific state. Why the hell do people think they can use the streets as a toilet? 'The actual toliets are open all day! When did just leaving your rubbish anywhere become acceptable behaviour and as for the campfires in the sandbleft for people to walk through and burn their feet, I'm lost for words.' In the North West police foiled an illegal rave on the beach, seizing a generator, a DJ mixing deck and 20 speakers. Five arrests were made as well as 60 parking tickets issued and 15 dispersal notices at Formby beach, Merseyside. A section 34 Dispersal Zone was put in place until 2.30pm on Friday as a direct response to the number of people flocking there in the hot weather. It's 'Weston-super-Mud'! Tourists are spotted stuck in mud flats trying to reach the water in Somerset town Tourists were spotted stuck in mud flats trying to reach the water in a seaside town - dubbed 'Weston-super-Mud'. One onlooker said more than 100 people had made their way to the water during low tide in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset. With temperatures hitting the 90Fs, some people headed for a dip - but a large group got stuck in mud. Pictures show members of the local coastguard trying to help as the revellers tried to go for a paddle. A Weston-Super-Mare Coastguard Rescue Team spokesman confirmed they were called to the scene. One witness said: 'There was over 100 people seen making their way across the mud to reach the sea. Some were carrying children and were observed struggling to get back to the shore.' Tourists were spotted stuck in mud flats trying to reach the water in a seaside town - dubbed 'Weston-super-Mud'. One onlooker said more than 100 people had made their way to the water during low tide in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset With temperatures hitting 90F highs yesterday, some people in Somerset headed for a dip - but a large group got stuck in mud Advertisement Gardeners work to get picturesque walled gardens looking like a sea of colour before visitors are welcomed back Gardeners have worked round the clock to get walled gardens designed by Sir Walter Scott looking like a sea of colour, before visitors are welcomed back. Scott, who is considered to have popularised tartan and invented the historical novel, lived at Abbotsford House near Galashiels in the Scottish Borders, where he died in 1832. He also designed the walled gardens, wanting them to be 'intimate' and connected to the house, which was built in Baronial style as a 'castle in miniature'. Tim Owen, head gardener of Abbotsford House, once home of Sir Walter Scott in the Scottish Borders, works in the garden The walled gardens, which would have been used as kitchen gardens during Scott's lifetime, are now a sea of colour The gardens will reopen to the public on July 1 - having had just two people looking after them, although locals have been able to wander around the estate including the banks of the River Tweed. The walled gardens, which would have been used as kitchen gardens during Scott's lifetime, are a sea of colour having been lovingly maintained during the lockdown. And this week, 15 volunteers were thrilled to be allowed back to tend to rose beds and apple trees. Entry is usually ticketed but that is being waived and a donation is being asked for. Head gardener Tim Owen said: 'We have been keeping things going as well as possible. The intention was to keep the garden going for people, as it would be as if people were coming in. Our main focus was on the walled garden. 'In other areas we would go round and check the estate. We have got three miles of woodland paths for all abilities, and where the lockdown has eased we have seen families out and about. Mr Owen, 54, said: 'Everybody that's involved loves the place. It has given volunteers a boost being allowed to come back' The gardens in the Scottish Borders will reopen to the public on July 1 - having had just two people looking after them 'The walled gardens, in Scott's time, were kitchen gardens. We have got vegetables, fruit, apple trees and pear trees. We try to plant it to keep it going until the end of November.' The walled gardens already have a one-way system in place and will be open to visitors on a donations basis. Signs will be put up reminding people to keep a physical distance. Mr Owen, 54, added: 'Everybody that's involved loves the place. It has given volunteers a boost being allowed to come back.' Entry is usually ticketed but since the five-metre mile travel restriction has been in place, the estate has been open to visitors. Losses have racked up to 350,000 with no visitors coming in - and the gardens had only been opened for a couple of weeks before it had to close. But the National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded 224,200 to pay for day to day costs. Is a hosepipe ban on the way? Water levels in reservoirs are dropping so much that BEACHES have appeared A hosepipe ban has been threatened after temperatures in Britain soared causing water levels in reservoirs to drop so much that beaches have appeared. As people flocked to beaches and beauty spots, utility bosses warned that the dry weather and extra use of water during lockdown mean a drought is likely. Dramatic pictures show how dry reservoirs in the North West of England have become. Levels have dropped at the Wayoh, Yarrow and Rivington reservoirs in Lancashire so much that some families have even flocked there to sunbathe. Yarrow Reservoir at Rivington in Lancashire is pictured today with very low levels during the mini-heatwave for Britain Levels have dropped at the Yarrow reservoir in Lancashire so much that some families have even flocked there to sunbathe But water bosses are now warning they may have to take 'additional measures' - which could include a hose pipe ban - to keep taps flowing and prevent a crisis. Water suppliers United Utilities has written to households to say it is doing everything it can 'to avoid having to introduce any water restrictions'. The firm urged people to take 'simple measures that can make a massive difference', including avoiding using hosepipes which can save a whopping 1,000 litres an hour. The letter states: 'Our reservoir levels across the North West are getting to the point when we may need to take additional steps to protect our remaining water supplies. Jumbles Reservoir, near Bolton in Greater Manchester, is also looking dry today after levels continued to drop through June Jumbles Reservoir is pictured today as United Utilities issued a hosepipe warning after witnessing a big increase in the demand for water 'We know every drop counts so we've got extra teams spotting and repairing leaks across the region too.' Demand for water increased with the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic as people stayed at home. After with the driest May on record in England and the sunniest start to the spring since records began in 1929, water bosses are urging people to make simple changes. A United Utilities spokesman said: 'Our reservoirs are lower than normal for the time of year because of the unusually fine, dry spring we have had. 'This coupled with more people are at home due to Covid-19, and some recent very warm weather has, at times, seen customers using much more water than you'd expect. 'Even with some sudden heavy downpours over the last week in some parts of the North West, we've not had enough rain to make much of a difference as we're still using water quicker than the reservoirs can fill up. Low water levels at Yarrow Reservoir in Lancashire are pictured today with levels in the North West continuing to drop through June People visit the Jumbles Reservoir today amid concerns over low rainfall and warmer temperatures across the country 'And with this week's forecast promising some very hot days ahead, we expect demand for water to increase once again. As a responsible company, we're keeping a close eye on things and have put well-tested contingency plans in place. 'This includes using our huge regional interconnected system of pipes to move water around our region so that we take less from sensitive water sources wherever we can, stepping up our action on leaks and cutting our own water usage. 'We are asking our customers to help because water is a precious resource that we share with the North West's environment. 'There will never be a better time to make those simple changes - such as turning off the tap while brushing your teeth - which have little impact on your daily life, but could add up to a big difference.' Advertisement Popular Sussex beach forced to close its car parks amid astonishing demand One of Sussex's most popular beaches has been forced to close its car parks after high demand paralysed the road network. Police have also closed the A259 on the approach to the seaside destination of Camber Sands because of the sheer volume of traffic. Today is set to be the hottest day of the year so far. A spokesman for Rother District Council said: 'Camber Sands car parks are already full and closed and a police road closure is in place - do not travel to Camber.' Police closed the A259 on the approach to Camber Sands (pictured this week) because of the sheer volume of traffic Camber Sands was also gridlocked yesterday after 'thousands of cars' descended on the area and overwhelmed the car parks. Pictures taken from the scene yesterday showed cars stacked up along the narrow roads with nowhere to move. The huge demand has left Rother District Council concerned that emergency services would be delayed to the area in the event of an accident. Officers in Rother are in attendance at Camber Sands and have pleaded with people to not come to the area. It is the second day running that huge crowds of people have flocked to Camber Sands in the hot weather, enforcing closures. A council spokesman said yesterday: 'On the hottest day of the year so far, we have again seen a huge number of people heading to the beach which led to all three car parks and the overflow field being closed at 1pm. 'This resulted in gridlock with thousands of cars queuing for hours with nowhere to go - despite signs on the main roads advising people car parks are full.' TOKYO, June 25 (Reuters) - Japan's National Security Council may pick a replacement for the Aegis Ashore missile-defence system by October, according to public broadcaster NHK, and the country's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, has suggested one option could be a first-strike weapon. The surprise decision this month by Defence Minister Taro Kono to suspend Aegis Ashore has reignited a discussion in government and local media about whether Japan should obtain the capability to attack enemy bases to stop North Korean ballistic missiles and counter a growing threat from China's military in East Asia. The government is concerned about Aegis Ashore's cost, and the possibility of spent booster rockets falling into populated areas. Before Japan picked the missile-defence system in 2018, ruling party lawmakers agreed that attacking missile bases didn't contravene the country's war-renouncing constitution because doing so would be an act of defence. That conclusion prompted a decision to buy 1,000-kilometre (621 mile) range air-launched cruise missiles that could hit North Korea from the Sea of Japan. But it would be difficult to use such missiles to hit mobile launchers without satellite targeting capability, experts say. Any first-strike policy would represent a fundamental and controversial shift in military posture that could spur concern among Japan's neighbours. The United States, Japan's key ally, has also had reservations about Tokyo gaining an independent strike capability. Other alternatives to Aegis Ashore could include increasing the number of airborne early warning aircraft or deploying drones that could monitor missiles sites and attack if a launch were judged to be imminent. Without an Aegis Ashore substitute, Japan would have to rely more on Aegis radar-equipped ships that patrol the Sea of Japan and Patriot missile batteries that are a last line of defence against incoming warheads. Keeping even two Aegis ships permanently on patrol, however, requires several vessels and hundreds of sailors that Japan's stretched navy might need elsewhere. Story continues Kono will speak at a news conference in Tokyo starting at 0700 GMT. The former foreign minister, who has a reputation as a maverick, has called for phasing out nuclear power, a stance at odds with government energy policy, and has advocated for a looser immigration policy. Until recently Kono has been seen as something of a dark horse in the race to succeed Abe, but in a Mainichi newspaper poll after his Aegis Ashore decision, he ranked third among voters as preferred next premier. ($1 = 107.4500 yen) (Reporting by Tim Kelly, additional reporting by Linda Sieg; Editing by Gerry Doyle) Councilmember Cherelle Parker, 9th District, speaks at a rally and protest to support sanitation workers who are requesting hazard pay and PPE, at LOVE Park, in Philadelphia, June 09, 2020. Read more On Thursday, City Council unanimously passed a charter amendment to prohibit unconstitutional stops in Philadelphia. The amendment will appear as a ballot question in the November election for voters to approve. The measure might seem symbolic and redundant (unconstitutional should already mean prohibited) but is an important step to recenter the discussion about stop-and-frisk and about the cost to society from daily and routine police misconduct. Stop-and-frisk has been a political flash point in Philadelphia. Many politicians, including the current mayor, have run on promises to abolish stop-and-frisk often without explaining what they mean. But despite many promises, stop-and-frisk was not abolished. Last year, the Philadelphia Police Department stopped nearly 77,000 pedestrians 70% of whom were Black. In 1968, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that officers are allowed to stop and question pedestrians if, based on their professional experience, they believe that criminal activity may be afoot. A frisk is allowed if there is reasonable suspicion that the pedestrian is armed. In Philadelphia, police officers routinely stop people without reasonable suspicion. According to the latest report of the ACLU of Pennsylvania to the court as a part of a 2011 settlement regarding stop-and-frisk, in 16% of stops the officer did not articulate reasonable suspicion. That translates to nearly 12,000 instances in which a persons constitutional rights were violated by police in 2019 alone. The citys own audit of unconstitutional stops estimated that only 9,272 stops were made without reasonable suspicion. It is extremely rare for an officer in Philadelphia to find a gun during stop-and-frisk less than 1% of stops, according to the ACLU analysis. The staggering number of unconstitutional stops is a big improvement from the past. In 2012, more than 40% of stops lacked reasonable suspicion. Every unconstitutional stop is both a civil rights violation and potentially harms public safety further eroding trust in police and rendering evidence inadmissible. In January, months before police officers in Minneapolis killed George Floyd, Councilmember Cherelle L. Parker introduced the charter amendment banning unconstitutional stop-and-frisk. By focusing on unconstitutional stops, Parker has focused the conversation in a practical way. If voters support the charter amendment but next years ACLU report shows persistence of unconstitutional stops, that means the Philadelphia Police Department is defying both the Constitution and the will of the people of Philadelphia. We also need to focus on constitutional but unfair or unnecessary stops especially since racial disparities in who is being stopped persist. Even through the end of March and April, when the police nearly halved the number of stops due to COVID-19, the percent of black pedestrians and drivers stopped went up. About 40% of stops, according to the ACLU, are for minor violations like being in a park after hours. Any reason that is merely an excuse to stop Black Philadelphians should be considered illegitimate by the Police Department. In the midst of the wave of protests against racial bias in policing, the city filed with the court an experts response to the ACLUs report on racial bias in stop-and-frisk. While the response does not disagree with the overall conclusion that racial bias persists, it suggests methodological flaws in the analysis. It also includes logic that can only be defined as victim blaming. The expert suggests that one reason for the high rate of frisks of Black pedestrians could be that Black detainees viewed the police with more wariness and/or skepticism and officers view this wariness as suspicion that the detainees were in possession of weapons. READ MORE: Amnesty International won a Nobel Prize for fighting torture. Next up: Philly police | Will Bunch That kind of logic shows a failure to grasp the reckoning that this moment demands and is unlikely to lead to the changes needed in policing in Philadelphia. Stop-and-frisk is only one of the many hotbeds of unconstitutional policing in Philadelphia. Another is the citys infamous narcotics unit, wrapped in one controversy after another to the point that a judge is now considering if any product of the units work should be considered untainted. As calls to defund the police mount, police leadership should identify the practices and officers that lead to unconstitutional violations, and terminate them. Every illegal stop-and-frisk or lie on a warrant actively hurts public safety both by reducing trust and preventing evidence from being presented in court. Philadelphias taxpayers should not have to pay for that. A court in the Indonesian capital on Thursday convicted and sentenced an Islamic State-inspired militant and his wife to 12 years and nine years in prison, respectively, following their convictions for a stabbing rampage last year that injured the countrys then-security minister. Syahrial Alamsyah, 51, and Fitri Diana, 20, were found guilty of criminal conspiracy and using violence to instill terror during the October 2019 attack on then-Minister Wiranto and two other people who accompanied him during a working visit in Pandeglang, a town in Banten province. Based on expert testimony, what the defendants did was an act of terrorism, West Jakarta District Court chief judge Masrizal ruled while issuing the courts verdict during the remote session. Syahrial, also known as Abu Rara, attended the hearing remotely from a detention center in Bogor, just south of Jakarta. The couple said they accepted the verdicts and would not appeal. The sentences were lighter than the prosecutors request of 16 and 12 years. In the name of God, I accept it wholeheartedly, Syahrial said. The judges also ordered the state to pay compensation to Wiranto and another stabbing victim, Fuad Syauqi, in the amount of 37 million rupiah (U.S. $2,600) and 28.22 million rupiah ($1,986), respectively. Also sentenced was Syahrials accomplice, Samsudin, to five years for taking part in a conspiracy to target foreign workers in Banten. No attacks occurred. Wiranto, who was then coordinator minister for security, legal and political affairs, was stepping out of a car in Pandeglang on Oct. 10, when the couple armed with knives attacked him and two other people, the indictment said. Wiranto, 73, suffered two deep wounds in the stomach and required surgery. He has since recovered. The attack was witnessed by villagers including children who had gathered to welcome Wiranto, a former armed forces chief. Videos of the incident circulated on social media soon after the stabbing. Islamic State link The indictment said the couple were linked to Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), a local militant network linked with Islamic State (IS). The indictment also accused Syahrial and Fitri of involving a child in terrorism, by allegedly bringing their 12-year-old daughter to the attack. The court heard that Syahrial had pledged allegiance to IS in October 2018 in East Java province and had diligently followed online lectures by Aman Abdurrahman, the JAD founder and chief ideologue who was sentenced to death in 2018 for orchestrating a series of terrorist attacks. Indonesia, the worlds largest Muslim-majority country, has been hit by a string of terrorist attacks since the early 2000s, with more recent strikes blamed on IS-affiliated militants. Authorities blame militants for the countrys deadliest terror attack the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people and several other deadly blasts. 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 Sanofi is considering cutting hundreds of jobs and will discuss potential steps with staff representatives over the coming days, five sources said on Thursday, the latest move by the French drugmaker's chief executive Paul Hudson to cut costs. Management will meet staff representatives on Friday and Monday next week to outline a restructuring plan, five sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. They declined to be identified as the plan is still confidential. The reorganisation could involve several European countries and possibly others outside the region, as well as all the divisions of Sanofi except the vaccines and rare diseases unit Genzyme, the sources said. Three sources said around 1,000 jobs in France were at risk. One of the sources said the cuts would take place over a three-year period, with no forced redundancies. Sanofi said strategy matters would be discussed at two meetings convened for June 26-29. 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 "Information will be shared with staff representatives first and no redundancy plan will be presented then," the company said in an e-mailed statement. The discussions come after Hudson announced in December plans to cut 2 billion euros ($2.24 billion) in costs by 2022. He joined the company in September from Novartis. "The COVID-19 (pandemic) had slowed the announcement, but (the measures) are part of the CEO roadmap," one of the sources said. Hudson has pledged to commit resources in areas where he believes Sanofi can secure leading positions. Since his arrival, the company ended research in diabetes and cardiovascular, an area where Sanofi had lost ground over the years, narrowed the number of its divisions and set out higher profit targets. The group has also been bulking up, including in the lucrative field of cancer drugs. It announced a deal last year to buy US biotechnology firm Synthorx for about $2.5 billion. Vaccines are also a top priority and the company is currently working on two candidates to prevent COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus that has killed more than 483,000 globally, one in partnership with GlaxoSmithKline and another with US Translate Bio. Sanofi said on June 16 it would invest 610 million euros at two French sites to turn them into a hub dedicated to research, development and production of vaccines, with some 200 new jobs expected to be created on one of the locations. The environment ministry has received thousands of requests for extending the time frame for submitting public comments or objections to the draft Environment Impact Assessment Notification 2020, which is set to expire in five days on June 30. The draft, which is expected to overhaul the process of environmental regulation of infrastructure projects, is in the eye of a storm because it has contentious clauses on regularising projects that violate environmental norms and shortening the time frame for public hearings. The environment ministry has received thousands of requests from civil society organisations, legal researchers and students in the past month for further extending the period for comments and addressing concerns regarding the draft. We have informed the environment ministers office about these representations. A decision hasnt been taken on extending the time for comments. As of now, it stands at June 30, said Sharath Kumar Pallerla, director (policy wing) in the environment ministry. The draft notification was first released for comments on March 23 and people were provided a 60-day window to send comments or objections. But owing to the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown and stiff resistance from environmental groups, the environment ministry had extended the time frame for comments from May 22 to June 30. The draft has been in the public domain for nearly 100 days now. In fact, we issued a zero draft to get peoples comments in April 2019, following which we held public consultations in several cities on the draft. Recently, we had consultations with industrial associations and accredited environmental consultants. But still we are receiving representations to extend time on this notification, Pallerla said. After June 30, the thousands of comments received on the draft will be submitted to an expert committee, which will vet the comments and incorporate them in the draft if the members think its necessary or the draft will be notified as is. An RTI enquiry filed by an activist, a copy of which HT has seen, said the environment ministry was flooded with representations on the draft. Till April 20, the ministry had received 1,190 emails, of which 46 emails included suggestions and 1,144 emails had requests for extending the time frame for submitting comments. A joint secretary in the ministry had said she received more than 4,000 representations. Since the EIA notification and any change thereto is of great significance to the management of environment in the country as a whole and to the matters of access and utilisation of natural resourcesit is suggested that we may extend the time frame to a total of 180 days from the time of issue on March 23, she wrote in a note to the environment minister. The note was, however, signed off with June 30 as the date till which the period for comments will be extended. Pallerla confirmed the ministry had received a lot of requests, following which it decided to extend the time for public responses. More than 50 university student unions, college environment clubs and youth groups from different parts of the country wrote to the environment ministry on Thursday, demanding the draft be put on hold and rewritten according to recommendations by environmental experts. As we emerge from Covid-19, we need to make a choice about what kind of India we wish to live in. Our youth have decided to grow up on a land which has thriving forests and clean rivers, a balanced economy that places importance on sustainability and communities, and a system of policymaking that promotes dialogue with the citizens of India, the statement by student unions said. The students campaign against the current draft EIA 2020 is led by Ashoka University along with members of All India Students Association, Youth4Swaraj, JNUSU, Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER), Jain University and Jindal Global Law School. The students wrote they had observed the effects of a weak environmental policy in recent months, as in the case of Mumbais Aarey forest, which was cleared to build a metro shed despite massive protests, Vizags LG Polymers gas leak on May 7 and Assams Baghjan gas blowout, which has allegedly destroyed a wetland and threatened biodiversity in Dibru Saikhowa National Park. The environment ministry has 725 days, almost two years to issue the final notification based on the number and nature of comments received. Many of them are demanding strengthening environmental regulation in the light of the threefold crisis of health, climate and economy. This period between the draft and final notification should not be used to introduce the proposed changes into the existing 2006 notification, as has been done in the past with other laws such as the coastal regulation zone, said Kanchi Kohli, legal researcher at the Centre for Policy Research. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Yang Hailing, an interior of handmade sachets in Huaibei City, East China's Anhui Province, makes sachets as souvenirs of the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival. [Xinhua/Li Xin] Yang Hailing, the inheritor of traditional handmade sachets in Huaibei City, East China's Anhui Province, recently went all out to fill the increasing orders from all over the country, as the Dragon Boat Festival approaches. Wearing sachets filled with Chinese herbal medicines for the festival is a traditional folk custom in China, which can help soothe the nerves and prevent mosquito bites. Yang was dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation in making sachets. She developed various designs by using cultural elements of lotus tents, zodiac signs, lanterns, gourds and Chinese knot. The unique and novel appearances which make the traditional sachets closer to modern life have met more customers' tastes, according to Yang. The Dragon Boat Festival, observed on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, falls on June 25 this year. It is established in remembrance of the Chinese patriotic poet Qu Yuan of the state of Chu during the Warring States period (475-221BC). On the day, people tend to eat Zongzi, drink realgar wine and hang branches of moxa and calamus around the doors of their homes to ward off evil spirits. Dragon Boat race is also an important part of the celebration which is popular throughout the country. Yang Hailing sews the outer pocket of a sachet with colorful silk cloth. [Xinhua/Li Xin] Yang Hailing's husband Wu Zengye grinds the perfume materials including wormwood and vanilla as stuffing of the sachets. [Xinhua/Li Xin] Yang Hailing fills the crushed herbal medicines into the sachets. [Xinhua/Li Xin] Yang Hailing demonstrates sachets made by herself. [Xinhua/Li Xin] Tiger-shaped handmade sachets displayed at Yang Hailing's store [Xinhua/Li Xin] Sachets decorated with Chinese character of "fortune" (red) and floral patterns exhibited at Yang Hailing's store. [Xinhua/Li Xin] (Source: Xinhua/Translated and edited by Women of China) [June 25, 2020] Doorkee Raises $5.7M in Funding to Grow Tech Platform Focused on Reinventing Rent for Landlords, Apartment Seekers and Departing Tenants Doorkee, the all-in-one digital platform offering landlords and tenants a modern solution to the antiquated rental process, today announced that it raised $5.7 million in early-stage funding. The round was led by prominent New York City landlord Simon Baron Development and early-stage venture capital firms Corigin Ventures and Alpha Edison, which both have significant experience investing in proptech startups. Investors in the round also included well-known landlords Stonehenge NYC and Bushburg Properties. Simon Baron, Stonehenge and Bushburg have been instrumental in helping Doorkee scale and refine its differentiated value proposition, which focuses on providing a better moving experience for all involved. Co-founders John Fagan, CEO, and Jordan Franklin, COO, created Doorkee in 2019 to streamline and optimize the rental process by creating a peer-to-peer market that solves for inefficiencies and common problems experienced by landlords, departing tenants and apartment seekers. By bringing the entire process online, Doorkee creates a flywheel effect that benefits all parties: Landlords can easily integrate Doorkee's platform into their existing leasing systems, saving them money on new tenant onboarding, eliminating broker fees, reducing in-house leasing costs, gaining free advertising and cutting the costly, unnecessary vacancy time between tenants. can easily integrate Doorkee's platform into their existing leasing systems, saving them money on new tenant onboarding, eliminating broker fees, reducing in-house leasing costs, gaining free advertising and cutting the costly, unnecessary vacancy time between tenants. Departing Tenants are incentivized to notify landlords of their plans to move as early as 100 days in advance, earning a reward of $1,000 on average for coordinating virtual tours at their convenience. Dearting tenants using the Doorkee platform are providing notice an average of 71 days in advance, resulting in nearly six weeks of extra time for landlords to find replacements. are incentivized to notify landlords of their plans to move as early as 100 days in advance, earning a reward of $1,000 on average for coordinating virtual tours at their convenience. Dearting tenants using the Doorkee platform are providing notice an average of 71 days in advance, resulting in nearly six weeks of extra time for landlords to find replacements. Apartment Seekers gain access to rental inventory farther in advance, giving them added flexibility to schedule virtual tours, sign a lease months earlier than previously possible and eliminate the hefty cost of using a broker - which in New York often averages as much as 15% of annual rent. News - Alert) of apartment renting - created with the end user in mind as a practical, intuitive solution that is engineered to provide all the tools you need in one place. It also eliminates the need for expensive brokers on all sides of the transaction." In New York City, where Doorkee is currently operating, rental broker fees total approximately $600 million per year. Doorkee's end-to-end digital platform is engineered to put this money back into the pockets of landlords and renters by providing them with full control over the rental process. The platform is designed to dramatically reduce the amount of time apartments sit vacant between tenancies, helping to reduce the estimated $3.1 billion in unnecessary annual vacancy costs across New York City. These benefits are core reasons why Doorkee has managed to steadily grow its landlord and renter user base since its launch in September 2019. Capital from the fundraise is being used to expand Doorkee's platform, as well as fuel its expansion into other major markets across the U.S. "Simply put, removing the middle man has allowed us to create significant cost savings for landlords and renters alike. For example, the total cost to New York landlords of using Doorkee is around 60% lower than the typical combined broker fee and vacancy cost, representing an average savings of around $5,000 per apartment," said Franklin. "The time for innovating the rental process is long overdue, and this has never been more true than in the situation we find ourselves in today with COVID-19, which is forcing people to transact almost entirely online. This reflects an acceleration of shifting consumer behaviors that have been long in the making. We are confident it will have a meaningful impact on consumer behavior for the long-term, further supporting the significant market opportunity to scale our platform." Landlords currently using Doorkee own more than 40,000 rental units throughout New York City. In addition to Simon Baron Development and Bushburg Properties, other notable landlords on the platform include Corigin Real Estate, Plaza Management, First Service Residential, MD Squared and R.A. Cohen & Associates. Ryan Freedman, General Partner of Corigin Ventures, added, "Doorkee is exactly the type of business we look to partner with. In addition to being run by knowledgeable, passionate and forward-thinking founders, the platform is layering innovative technology over a daily life experience, helping to enhance the way renters transact and landlords operate." Matthew Baron, President at Simon Baron Development, said, "As a landlord with hundreds of rental units across New York, one of the most difficult logistical hurdles to overcome is resident turnover. We often find out less than 30 days in advance that a tenant doesn't plan to renew their lease, which presents us with a short runway to market and lease the space - often resulting in longer vacancy time between tenants. This is why a platform like Doorkee is so promising, and it's why we chose to invest. They're helping us to reduce our vacancy time, leading to significant cost savings, and providing a viable alternative to the traditional rental process that benefits us and our tenants." Prior to founding Doorkee, Fagan worked for the legal team at BlackRock and as a lawyer and consultant Voya Financial. Franklin led integrations at Element Solutions Inc. and was a lawyer at Greenberg Traurig. These experiences contributed to their business and legal acumen. Fagan became a broker and Franklin became a licensed real estate salesperson during the creation of Doorkee. About Doorkee Doorkee is the all-in-one digital platform offering landlords and tenants a modern solution to the antiquated rental process. The platform reimagines the rental experience, providing an end-to-end, tech-enabled leasing solution that eliminates broker fees, reduces vacancies and streamlines the search process. As a result, Doorkee is able to deliver savings to the people at the center of the equation - landlords and tenants. Currently, many of New York City's most prominent landlords are using Doorkee to augment or replace outdated procedures and help bring high-quality tenants into their buildings. Doorkee currently operates throughout New York City and plans to expand nationally. For more information, please visit www.doorkee.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005213/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Kaytie Boomer got to the Sanford Dam shortly after the Edenville Dam, upstream, had burst on May 19. She was poised to capture what was about the happen, but first she had to get over what she saw. Debris, pontoon boats, huge trees it was insane how much was just pressed up against this dam, including the water that was already overflowing the entire downtown of Sanford. Boomer is our MLive photographer in the mid-Michigan area. She has captured some of the most dramatic images of what happened during and after what is being called a 500-year flood. The dam failures drained two lakes, destroyed much of Sanford and has spawned a mounting number of lawsuits. MLive returns regularly for updates on the cleanup and recovery. Boomer and Isis Simpson-Mersha, a reporter for us in Saginaw and Bay City, remain struck by the magnitude of the destruction. The words that keep popping up in my head are complete devastation, said Simpson-Mersha. Most of the (Sanford) downtown is completely wiped away. The buildings that are still standing are marked with Xs, waiting to be demolished. Said Boomer: Sometimes, theres just a mailbox, and a square of bricks where a home used to be. Theres a whole neighborhood like that, where the flood plain is, thats totally wiped out. But on each visit, Boomer and Simpson-Mersha also find heartening stories about the human spirit. One woman Ive been talking to didnt have power in her house for three weeks, Boomer said. At the same time, theyre gutting their houses, saving all they can. The resilience of these people has been amazing. While many residents did not have flood insurance, organizations and individuals have pitched in with donations of food and appliances, housing assistance and help in cleaning up. Everyone is saying, Were still pulling together to make things happen. That is really inspiring to see, Simpson-Mersha said. Boomer describes a persistent positive spirit in the community, even amid devastation. The people that are still there, theyre keeping a sense of humor because, they all say, What are we supposed to do? We just have to move on, we have to hit the next step, we have to rebuild our lives, Boomer said. Theres no other option, than to start over. # # # For more on why the Edenville Dam failure was a disaster waiting to happen, and a discussion on larger issues on Michigan dams and the aftermath of the Sanford flood, listen to the podcast above featuring Boomer, Simpson-Mersha, and MLive environmental reporter Garret Ellison. John Hiner is the vice president of content for MLive Media Group. If you have questions youd like him to answer, or topics to explore, share your thoughts at editor@mlive.com. From the hotel terrace where he ate breakfast, Phil Pelzer could almost pretend nothing had changed. Yes, the maitre d had aimed a temperature gun at his head before allowing him near the buffet. And he wouldnt usually serve himself eggs in gloves and a mask. But the friendly waitresses still addressed him in halting German, and the sun still warmed his pale, tattoo-covered arms. For Pelzer, a plumber from Alsdorf, Germany, who has long taken his annual vacation on the Spanish island of Mallorca, the important things were still in place. Theres still sun, theres still sand, he said. Maybe its not quite so much fun as before, but its still a holiday. On that wan enthusiasm rests a continents hopes. Pelzer and his family were among the 400 or so German tourists who traveled on June 15 to Mallorca as part of a pilot program run in collaboration between the tour company TUI and the Balearic Islands regional government. It was originally conceived as a way for both the vacation hot spot and the tour company to test their preparedness to once again receive visitors after months of lockdown. But even before the Pelzers boarded the plane in Dusseldorf, Spain had decided it couldnt afford to wait to learn the results. On June 21, spurred by both economic necessity and its neighbors rush to open, the Spanish government formally ended its state of emergency and opened its borders again to European tourists. As much of Europe abandoned its mandatory quarantines and followed suit, the pilot program was watched across the continent with acute interest and no little anxiety. TUI had sold out the two flights in a matter of hours. But would that level of interest be sustained? Would it be enough to offset the loss of American and Asian tourists whose return might still be months away? Would it be safe for both the visitors and the locals who received them? And would making them safewith all the personal protective equipment and social distancing requiredturn a relaxing break into something more closely akin to a hospital stay? Story continues As Europe begins its recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, countries are attempting to find a middle ground between protecting public health from a virus that still poses a threat and reviving moribund economies. Perhaps no sector faces higher stakes than tourism. It was, after all, travel that supercharged the pandemic, allowing a virus to move from the markets of Wuhan, China, to the ski resorts of Italy, the conference halls of Germany, and the ports of Japan and California. And in the absence of a vaccine, its clear that tourisms necessary componentsnot just its airplanes and cruise ships but also its hotels, restaurants, museums and festivalsremain important vectors for the viruss potential transmission. Yet in Europe especially, tourism is also critical to the economy. In the 27 nations that make up the European Union, up to 11% of the collected GDP derives directly from tourism (compared with 2.6% in the U.S.). In Paris alone, tourism represents the single largest industry, bigger even than services or fashion, and the 38 million who visit the city annually keep nearly 12% of all working Parisians employed. Its been a cliff, vertigineux, says Paris Deputy Mayor Jean-Francois Martins of the drop-off brought about by the lockdowns. There will be millions and millions of Paris visitors missing from the beginning of the crisis until we get back to normal. The pain stretches up and down the food chain, from stalwart airlines like Lufthansa and SAS that are teetering on the brink of bankruptcy to small companies like Athens Insiders, which organizes everything from afternoon tastings at Athens markets to weeklong archaeological tours. When Greece locked down in mid-March, we had 100% cancellations, says Anthia Vlassopoulou, the CEO and a co-owner of the 18-person company. Because it caters primarily to American tourists, she doesnt expect any of them back until 2021. We predict revenues will be down 90% for the year, Vlassopoulou says. Our only hope is persuading our clients to postpone their trips rather than canceling them so that we dont have to refund their deposits. Government bailouts and unemployment subsidies have kept manythough by no means allenterprises on life support during these past few months, but as countries pull back assistance, the projections are dire. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Europe is on track to lose 18.4 million tourism-related jobs and $1 trillion in GDP in 2020. It might seem trivial in the context of a global health emergency, but finding ways for Europeans like Phil Pelzer and his family to safely enjoy a summer vacation could provide a lifeline to millions of people. It could also be crucial to Europes future. Just like the debt crisis of a decade ago, the coronavirus poses a threat to an already fragile European unity. The economic and political bloc relies on multilateral cooperation, open borders and free movement of peopleall of which were tossed out the window during the worst of the crisis. As they cautiously reopen, each European country is taking its own approach to border controls and health protocols. But rebuilding a tourist economy is something they must do together. If they succeed, European unity might just come out stronger. German tourists arrive at the Riu Bravo Hotel in Platja de Palma during a pilot reopening on June 15. | Paolo VerzoneVU for TIME As the coronavirus began to proliferate outside China, Europe was among the first places to feel its full impact. Although the first cases were detected in France, Italy quickly became an epicenter and the first European country to impose a draconian lockdown. There and in a few other countries like Spain, France and the U.K., infection and mortality rates spiraled almost out of control. Other countries, like Germany, have had relatively high infection rates but managed to avoid the devastating rate of mortality through a combination of extensive testing and quick action. And then there are a handful of places like Denmark and Greece that, through a still mysterious combination of good policy and good luck, have managed to avoid the full brunt of the disease. The majority of countries in Europe are now well past the peak of their outbreaks. During the spring, when it became clear that the summer season would be limited at best, many began investigating the creation of so-called corridors or bubbles that would allow citizens of areas that appeared to have the virus under control to travel safely. The idea is to create green zones that would first unite geographic areas where the virus was under control and economic activity could be restored, says Bary Pradelski, an economist at Frances National Centre for Scientific Research. He and colleague Miquel Oliu-Barton wrote an article on the European policy think-tank site VoxEU in late April that would prove influential in how both France and Spain approached their reopenings. The plan, he says, would be to bridge those zones with others in a similar situation. The Baltic states, for example, united in mid-May to allow citizens of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to visit one anothers countries unimpeded. More recently, Denmark opened its doors to Germans, Norwegians and Icelandersthough not its neighbors in Sweden, which has substantially higher infection and mortality rates. The E.U.s leadership endorsed the approach, noting in a report on May 13 that handled correctly, safely, and in a coordinated manner, the months to come could offer Europeans the chance to get some well-needed rest, relaxation and fresh air, and to catch up with friends and family in their own member states or across borders. But as Pradelski points out, that coordination hasnt been entirely forthcoming. The earliest zoning just conformed to national borders, which had nothing to do with the realities of the virus, he says. Now were seeing bilateral agreements, but we hope theyre just the starting point. He hopes the E.U.s executive body will set Union-wide benchmarks for testing and border controls. Unless we find common standards, people are not going to feel safe. And then there will not be enough demand for tourism. Playa de Palma, Mallorca, a member of the Riu Concordia Hotel staff at work cleaning and disinfecting a room on June 16, 2020. | Paolo VerzoneVU for TIME But these will always be guidelines; ultimately, individual member states call the shots over their own borders. As a result, the current situation is a sometimes bewildering patchwork of exemptions. Austria, for example, has chosen to bar visitors from Spain, Portugal, Sweden and the U.K. Greece requires a test for the virus from anyone arriving from Italy, Spain, the Netherlands and Sweden, among others. Even Denmark, which on June 18 announced it was opening its borders, continues to bar entrants from Sweden, one of the few countries in Europe still seeing new case numbers rise. All member states are currently haggling over which non-E.U. countries sufficiently meet health and other criteria to be permitted in July and beyond. (And it doesnt look good for the U.S.) The dire economic situation doesnt necessarily encourage member states to cooperate and may, in fact, be fostering a sense of competition. Being first out of the gate was certainly part of the calculation for Mallorcas pilot program. We wanted to verify the protocols we had put into place, says Iago Negueruela, the minister of tourism for the Balearic Islands regional government, because we knew that as islands coming out of this in the summer, we would be [popular with tourists]. But we also wanted to do it because it allows us to position ourselves, with regard to Europe as a safe destination. The fact of being first has its own potential. In some ways, Mallorca, the largest of the Balearics, is the perfect microcosm for a Europe attempting to recover from the pandemic. A relatively early and near total shutdown allowed the chain of Balearic Islands in which it sits to avoid the kind of carnage experienced in Madrid and Barcelona, but the islands outsize reliance on tourism34.8% of the GDPmakes it highly vulnerable to whatever comes next. And because neither American nor Asian tourists travel to Mallorca in great numbers (Germany and the U.K. are its biggest markets), it offers a clear reflection of how the rest of the continent might welcome visitors from a range of nearby countries. It matters that we were the first to do this, Negueruela said after the first flights landed. We were on the news in every country last night, and were seeing it have a bandwagon effect, with more flights being announced and more hotels opening. There is a kind of competition with other regions and countries, so its good to be out there first. But internecine rivalry for the same diminished pool of visitors isnt the only divide the crisis has opened. In March, wealthy northern countries refused to send medical aid to the harder-hit south or to issue joint bonds that could mitigate recovery costs. Italy, in particular, was furious. In April, European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen apologized to the country for the E.U.s lack of solidarity, but the damage had already been done. At the beginning of this crisis, COVID-19 showed all the European Unions weaknesses, says Irene Caratelli, the director of the program in international relations at the American University of Rome. To meet a transnational crisis by closing national borders was idiotic. It seemed that were only European when were growing economically. When there are costs, the national borders come back up. Caratelli has been encouraged, however, by more recent collaborations. At the end of May, the Commission proposed a 750 billion ($845 billion) aid package to jump-start the recovery in the hardest-hit countries and protect the single market from being splintered by levels of wealth and economic growth. The so-called frugal fourAustria, Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmarkcontinue to resist supporting the more indebted (and tourism-reliant) countries to their south. But more crucially, Germany, the blocs largest economy, which insisted on punishing austerity reforms for hard-hit economies post-2010, has softened its hawkish stance and backed a joint recovery plan. Its starting to seem now, paradoxically, that this is the kind of crisis that could trigger the European Union to go in a more federalist direction, Caratelli says. A lifeguard keeps watch from behind a face mask at a half-deserted Platja de Palma beach on June 16. | Paolo VerzoneVU for TIME Yet the simple realities of travel in this pandemic age arent doing the E.U. any favors. One of the most visible benefits of the E.U. for ordinary citizensthe freedom of movement across open bordershas, at least for the time being, disappeared. Passengers on the two packed planes that landed in Palma de Mallorca on June 15 from Germany had to fill out two separate lengthy forms before they could disembark, then undergo temperature scans, interviews and the kinds of passport checks not seen within most of Europe in decades. Once they made it through all the checkpoints at the Mallorca airport, the pilot-program travelers encountered a wide gamut of protocols intended to keep them, as well as locals, healthy. Some of these were invisible; at the two Riu hotels where they were lodged, occupancy had been cut to 50%, with entire wings set aside in case it became necessary to quarantine anyone; cleaning personnel wiped down surfaces with color-coded cloths and disinfected rooms with a powerful antiviral. Other measures were highly visible; in addition to undergoing temperature checks every time they entered the dining room, guests had to wear masks in public areas and avail themselves of one of the 70-odd bottles of hand sanitizer placed around each hotel. For Txema Delgado, who has been working as a pool attendant at the Riu Concordia for four years, the new routines mean a lot more work. He now has to thoroughly disinfect every deck chair after its used and wipe down every handrail within five minutes of a guests touching it. But I dont mind, he says. I think it reduces the guests fear. They seem very calm and happy, almost like nothings happened. Out on the boardwalk, Christian Laforcade would like to be able to say the same thing. With his signature bandanna wrapped around long curly hair, he has overseen the venerable beachfront restaurant Zur Krone since 2007, cheerfully serving bratwurst and aioli to the German tourists who are the primary visitors to Platja de Palma, the resort area east of the city. Laforcade reopened the restaurant in May to serve whatever locals were around. Im the brave one, he said with a smile as he gestured down an otherwise abandoned boardwalk. Or the crazy one. And he couldnt hide his economic concerns. In this business you make most of your money in just a few months. By October, its over, he said. Weve lost March, April and May entirely. And June is not looking good. Normally this time of year wed be serving 60 to 80 breakfasts a day. How many have I served today? Zero. Pedro Martin, who owns another restaurant, La Celta, two doors down, said he would be staying closed for the foreseeable future. I dont trust it yet, Martin said about when he might reopen. I wont trust it until we see the planes in the sky and we know that those planes are full. Business owners may be desperate for the streets of Palma to be filled with drinking, carousing touristsbut other locals arent so sure. A schoolteacher who works in Magaluf, Montse Guasch says she personally doesnt miss the kind of turismo de borrachera (drunk tourism) the town is known for. Shes also delighted that she is able to snag an outdoor table at a city center bar during peak hours. She is aware tourism has to return for the good of the local economy, she says. I just hope it comes back different: higher quality, more respectful, more sustainable for the environment. She is hardly alone. In the years leading up to the pandemic, another kind of crisis was building throughout Europe as tourist numbers surged uncontrollably. Tour buses, low-cost airlines and gigantic cruise ships delivered masses of sightseers to historic city centers, disrupting local housing markets, damaging the environment and turning entire neighborhoods into no-go zones for residents. Now, with the rupture that the pandemic has brought, many see an opportunity to reduce tourisms negative impact and remake it into something more sustainable. A tourist arriving from Germany onboard the TUI operator bus at Palma de Mallorca airport on June 15, 2020. | Paolo VerzoneVU for TIME Perhaps in no place is that case stronger than Venice, where tourist numbers have been so great that the municipal government tried imposing turnstiles at the citys main entryways to control access. Vacillating administrations have never managed to apply long-standing proposals to restrict the number of short-term rental apartments or to redirect cruise ships. But where they failed, the virus has succeeded. For the first few weekends it was only people in the [local] region who were allowed, says Francesco Semenzato, a co-founder of Venezia Non e Disneyland (Venice Is Not Disneyland), a citizens platform that draws attention to the impact of mass tourism on the city. And lots of them came they saw it as an opportunity to take back their city. Even now, when its open to other Europeans, it feels different. Before it was a lot of day-trippers and people who came just to check Venice off their list. Now you can tell that people are interested in what is really here. If tourism was like this for the rest of our lives, it would be amazing. Although Semenzato doesnt place much hope in the local governments backbone to impose change, he hopes that one of the pandemics by-productsa chance to experience their city as a real, livable placewill give Venetians the will to fight for stricter regulations. His sentiments are shared by Paris deputy mayor. We can take the decision to make this crisis an opportunity to reinvent tourism, Martins says. We want to go from mass tourism to tourism that melts into the mass. To that end, the city is weighing measures that include a ban on giant tour buses and a limit on districts with Airbnb apartments. Whether there will be enough collective will to see these kinds of measures through during a time of economic hardship and even recession remains unclear. But many countries are trying to buffer the potential losses by promoting the staycationand opening up the potential of summer vacations to the underprivileged. Italy is issuing vouchers of up to 500 ($565) to families that earn below 40,000 ($45,100) a year and choose to travel domestically, while Spain just launched an expensive, if somewhat melodramatic, ad campaign heralding the glories of a holiday at home. This summer will be the opportunity of a lifetime, Martins says. You can go to the Louvre, and no one will be there! Of course, all these recovery measures could quickly come to a halt if cases surge again. Those fears were on the mind of one employee at the Riu hotels, even as she expressed relief to be working again. Just today they announced an outbreak at a meatpacking plant in Germany1,000 people infected, said the hotel worker, who requested anonymity in order to speak freely. What if one of those people comes here? I have my parents and children to take care of. I worry a lot about getting sick. For his part, Phil Pelzer felt safe. The hotel seems to be taking a lot of precautions. And weve been wearing masks back in Germany, so that didnt bother me, he said, as he and his family headed off to pick up their rental car for a day they planned to spend touring the islands interior. In many ways, he represents the kind of tourist Europe is banking its hopes on: family-oriented, more interested in sightseeing and lounging on the beach than in getting wasted and, above all, willing to spread some cash around. I dont know if Id say its my dream vacation, he said. But were still having fun. With reporting by Vivienne Walt/Paris and Madeline Roache/London By PTI WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday that the Chinese threat to India and Southeast Asian nations is one of the reasons America is reducing its troop presence in Europe and deploying them to other places. Pompeo made the remarks in response to a question at the Brussels Forum that he had addressed virtually. When asked why the US had reduced the number of troops in Germany, Pompeo said that if US troops were no longer there, it was because they were being moved to other places. He said the actions of the ruling Chinese Communist Party meant there were "threats to India, threats to Vietnam, threats to Malaysia, Indonesia and the South China Sea challenge." "We are going to make sure the US military is postured appropriately to meet the challenges," he said. Last week Pompeo criticised the Chinese Army for "escalating" the border tension with India and militarising the strategic South China Sea. He also described the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) as a "rogue actor." In a scathing attack on the Chinese government, Pompeo said that the Communist Party of China wants to undo all the progress the free world has made through institutions like the 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 the PLA troops at the Galwan Valley in Ladakh on June 15. Earlier this month, Pompeo has that China's actions, be it on the India border, or in Hong Kong or in the South China Sea, have been part of the behaviour of the ruling Communist Party in Beijing in the recent past. China has been fast expanding military and economic influence in the Indo-Pacific region, triggering concern in various countries of the region and beyond. China is engaged in hotly contested territorial disputes in both the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Beijing has built up and militarised many of the islands and reefs it controls in the region. Both areas are stated to be rich in minerals, oil and other natural resources and are vital to global trade. In Bihar, at least 83 people lost their lives while 30 others were injured in thunderstorms and lightning that struck several parts of the state on Thursday. The lightning also killed more than 15 cattle in Khagaria district. Large scale damage to property has also been reported from various districts. After media reports of 83 people being killed in a single day due to lightning in Bihar emerged, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on Twitter. In some districts of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, heavy rains and lightning caused the death of many people. The state governments are engaged in relief work with promptness. I express my condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in this disaster, the prime minister tweeted on Thursday. 13 people died in Gopalganj, eight each lost their lives in Madhubani and Nawada, six each in Siwan and Bhagalpur, 5 each in East Champaran, Darbhanga and Banka, three each in Khagaria and Aurangabad, two each in West Champaran, Kishanganj, Jehanabad, Jamui, Purnia, Supaul, Buxar and Kaimur and one each in Samastipur, Sheohar, Saran, Sitamarhi and Madhepura, Disaster Management Principal Secretary, Pratyaya Amrit said. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar has expressed grief at the loss of lives and has announced a compensation of Rs four lakh each for the kin of the deceased and proper treatment for the injured. He asked people to adhere to safety norms during bad weather conditions and follow the guidelines issued from time to time by the disaster management department. The secretariat said monetary help to those who had lost animals and cattle will also be extended. Reports from Gopalganj said all the victims were farmers and residents of Barauli, Manjha, Vijaipur, Uchkagaon and Kateya localities. The lightning stuck when they were working in their fields. There was chaos at the Gopalganj Sadar Hospital, where the victims were brought for treatment. The entire emergency ward was itself flooded. Attendants of the injured patients created a ruckus, but the situation was brought under control after intervention of senior medical officials. District magistrate Arshad Aziz said seven injured people were admitted in Sadar Hospital for treatment. He said compensation would be given to the families of the deceased as per the rules. In Khagaria, a woman died and five minors were injured in Choutham locality. More than 15 cattle also died after being hit by lightning. The accident occurred while all of them were working in a paddy field. Five people were killed by lightning strikes in Darbhanga. Officer in-charge of the district disaster management department, Pushpesh Kumar said that in Uchhati village under Biraul block a woman died on the spot due to lightning while she was planting paddy in the field. Two women were injured in the incident. The injured women were sent to the Primary Health Center for treatment. Reports from Madhubani said that eight people including four of a family, besides a farmer and two others were killed in the Phulparas and Benipatti police station areas. Officials in East Champaran said, while a 49-year-old man died and three others were injured at Belwatiya village under Sagauli police station of East Champaran, a 14-year-old girl, a resident of Surendra village under Raxaul police station, was killed in the lightning strikes. All the three people who sustained injuries are undergoing treatment at a local hospital in Sagauli and the body of the deceased has been sent to Motihari Sadar Hospital for autopsy, said Mithilesh Kumar, station house officer, Sagauli police station. In neighbouring West Champaran district, two villagers were killed in Narkatiaganj subdivision of the district. Last year too, lightning had killed 39 people in Bihar during the monsoon season. (With inputs from Sandeep Bhaskar in Bettiah and Bishnu K Jha in Darbhanga) 25/06/20 John Murphy (44), of Buckingham Street, Dublin 1, leaving court where he was accused of making false reports regarding a bomb hoax in the Phoenix Park. PIC: Collins Courts A DUBLIN man has been sent for trial accused of making hoax reports that bombs had been planted at the Wellington monument in the Phoenix Park. John Murphy (44) is alleged to have sparked a security alert by making bogus phone calls to gardai. He had a book of evidence served on him when he appeared in Dublin District Court. Judge Colin Daly returned him for trial to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Mr Murphy, with an address at Buckingham Street in the north inner city is charged with three counts of making false reports that an offence had been committed or tending to give rise to apprehension for the safety of people and property. All three offences are alleged to have happened at an unknown location on May 16, 2019. When the case came before the court, a state solicitor said a book of evidence was ready and had been served on the accused. The DPP was consenting to the accused being sent forward to the present sittings of the circuit court, he said. Judge Daly gave Mr Murphy the formal notice that he had 14 days to provide any alibi details to the prosecution. He also ordered the prosecution to furnish the defence with copies of the accused's garda interview videos. Mr Murphy was not required to address the court and has not yet entered a plea to the charges. Following an application by defence solicitor Michael Kelleher, the judge extended free legal aid to cover one barrister in the circuit court. The court previously heard the accused was unemployed and on social welfare. The DPP had consented to the case being dealt summarily at district court level but another judge had refused jurisdiction to deal with it at an earlier hearing. The court was given an outline of the prosecution evidence on the previous date. The court heard it would be alleged officers in the Garda Communication Centre on Harcourt Street received a number of calls. It was reported that the caller had planted a number of bombs at the Wellington Monument. Garda units including a helicopter unit were dispatched, however, no device was found. The court heard that the accused was traced through his phone number and he made admissions following arrest. Qantas could sack even more staff if Victoria's recent coronavirus outbreak puts a pin in interstate travel, experts have warned. The iconic Australian airline announced on Thursday it will slash 6,000 jobs - 20 per cent of its workforce - as the government's lockdown of international borders continues to cripple the aviation industry. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce also said the 15,000 workers already stood down will remain out of work 'for some time'. The staff cuts come just days after Qantas cancelled all of its international flights other than those between Australia and New Zealand until September due of the pandemic. But aviation experts predict the worst of the job cuts are still to come if the Victorian Government's 'suburban testing blitz' in Melbourne doesn't keep new cases down. Air crew walk through the Qantas Terminal at Sydney Airport on June 19. 15,000 staff members already stood down will remain out of work 'for some time' Aviation experts predict the worst of the job cuts are still to come if the Victorian Government's 'suburban testing blitz' in Melbourne (pictured) doesn't keep new cases at bay Airline Ratings founder Geoffrey Thomas said staff keeping their jobs is dependent on Victoria stopping the spread of the virus. 'It's a very dynamic situation. You've still got 15,000 people on furlough,' he told the Daily Telegraph. Mr Thomas said another lifeline for jobs at Qantas will be the trans-Tasman 'bubble,' allowing air travel between Australia and New Zealand. Strategic Aviation Solutions chairman Neil Hansford warned Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk could use Victoria's rise in cases as an 'excuse' not to reopen the borders, axing even more flights. Mr Joyce on Thursday said the opening of state borders was crucial to the plan, and negotiations with state and territories were ongoing on how to manage public heath risks. CEO Alan Joyce said widespread overseas travel was unlikely until mid-2021 - with a skeleton schedule operating in the meantime 'This year was supposed to be one of celebration for Qantas. It's our centenary. Clearly, it is not turning out as planned,' Mr Joyce said. The three-year plan aims to have 21,000 active employees by June 2022. The Qantas Group currently has 29,000 staff. Mr Joyce added widespread overseas travel was unlikely until mid-2021 - with a skeleton schedule operating in the meantime. 'We have never experienced anything like this before - no-one has. All airlines are in the biggest crisis our industry has ever faced,' he said. 'Revenues have collapsed, entire fleets are grounded and the world biggest carriers are taking extreme action just to survive. 'IATA the peak body for airlines says it will take more than three years for global travel to return to 2019 levels.' Prime Minister Scott Morrison has acknowledged the aviation sector will need ongoing help, with JobKeeper wage subsidies and other coronavirus support measures to end in September. 'We are just working through the best way to target and deliver that support,' he said on Thursday, adding that could include JobKeeper or other measures. Unions have reacted to the job losses and ongoing stand downs with fury. ACTU president Michele O'Neil said the airline had abandoned its workers to preserve profits, and said the prime minister's refusal to extend JobKeeper payments to all aviation workers had left thousands without support. Aviation experts have warned Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk could use Victoria's rise in cases as an 'excuse' not to reopen the borders The staff cuts come just days after Qantas cancelled all of its international flights other than those between Australia and New Zealand until September because of the pandemic The Australian Services Union said the cuts were 'premature', given Qantas had one of the best balance sheets of any airline in the world. 'Cutting jobs and capacity now will only hamstring the industry and economy - Qantas is shooting itself in the foot,' ASU assistant national secretary Linda White said. The airline's fleet of 12 Airbus A380s used for long-haul flights will be grounded for three years and moved to storage in California's Mojave desert. Last Wednesday, the airline cancelled all of its international flights until October apart from those to New Zealand in anticipation of the opening of a trans-Tasman bubble. The cancellations came on the same day Trade Minister Simon Birmingham announced the country's borders will remain closed for another four months. The Eiffel Tower, Paris's most emblematic monument, began welcoming tourists and locals on Thursday after a three-month closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But visitors will have to take the stairs. The first visitors were allowed in at 10am Thursday and the more energetic ones began the 600 steps up to the second floor. The lifts will be out of bounds until 1 July, to make sure people respect the physical distancing regulations to limit the risk of infection. For the time being, the top level of the Paris landmark is off limits to the public since the lifts taking visitors from second to top floor are small said the Eiffel Tower website adding that it might reopen during the summer. The number of visitors per floor will be limited for the time being and everyone over the age of 11 will have to wear a face mask, said the operator. Ground markings will be in place to make sure people keep their distance, with daily cleaning and disinfection of public spaces at the tower. The Eiffel Tower, which marked its 130th anniversary in March last year, emerges from its longest closure since World War II in time for the busy summer tourist season. France is one of the most visited countries in the world, with an average of seven million visitors every year. The lockdown introduced to limit the spread of Covid-19 dealt a severe blow to the country's tourism industry, closing hotels, restaurants, museums and cinemas for three months. The Louvre museum, another of Paris's major tourist sites, is due to reopen on 6 July, while the Palace of Versailles reopened earlier this month. France opened its borders to other European countries on 15 June and the tourism industry is banking on foreign tourists returning in large numbers. * Samba jumps on merger speculation * Samba, NCB in merger talks- Sources * QNB weighs on Qatar By Maqsood Alam June 25 (Reuters) - Most Gulf stock markets fell on Thursday as the number of coronavirus cases across the region climbed, with Saudi's index the exception as banking stocks lifted it to a slightly higher close. The number of novel coronavirus cases in the six Gulf Arab states has doubled in a month to more than 400,000, as the region's two biggest economies this week fully lifted curfews imposed to combat the infection. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index was up 0.3%. Samba Financial Group (Samba) closed 4.1% higher before it and National Commercial Bank (NCB), the country's largest lender, asked the stock exchange to suspend trading for one session ahead of a material announcement. Citing sources, Reuters reported that the lenders are in early talks about a merger. NCB, shares of which closed flat on Thursday, abandoned a plan to merge with Riyad Bank in December. Riyad Bank closed 3.4% higher. Dubai's main share index lost 0.6%, weighed down by a 1.1% fall in Emirates NBD Bank and a 0.7% drop in blue-chip developer Emaar Properties. Emirates NBD, Dubai's largest lender, began cutting hundreds of jobs this week after the coronavirus crisis accelerated planned lay-offs, Reuters reported, citing three sources. Although the full scale of the redundancies was not immediately clear, one source estimated Emirates NBD was cutting some 10% of its staff, equivalent to around 800 people. In Abu Dhabi the index retreated 1%, with First Abu Dhabi Bank down 1.6%. The Qatari index eased 0.4%, hurt by a 1.6% decline in the Gulf's largest lender Qatar National Bank. Fitch Ratings on Wednesday said that Qatar's banks are at risk of volatile external funding conditions. In Egypt, the index was down 1.3% with most of its constituents falling. Commercial International Bank Egypt led the losers with a drop of 2%. SAUDI ARABIA gained 0.3% to 7,232 points ABU DHABI declined 1% to 4,286 points DUBAI fell 0.6% to 2,087 points QATAR eased 0.4% to 9,185 points EGYPT down 1.3% to 10,891 points BAHRAIN slipped 0.1% to 1,279 points OMAN was flat at 3,526 points KUWAIT lost 0.2% at 5,657 points (Reporting by Maqsood Alam in Bengaluru) By PTI NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has started a Telegram channel through which he would soon start engaging with people directly. The official Channel of Shri Rahul Gandhi, Member of Parliament, will soon be verified, sources said. His Telegram channel has around 3,500 members so far. A telegram channel is a messaging application where the administrator alone can post messages and views. The channel is a tool to broadcast public messages to a large audience. Gandhi has been using direct messaging to reach out to the public and he often uses his Twitter and Facebook accounts to attack the government on its policies. Gandhi also launches attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his social media accounts. The Ghana Electrical Dealers Association (GEDA) has engaged Zoomlion Ghana Limited (ZGL) to disinfect its business area at Opera Square, Accra, also known as Cowlane. The exercise, which started around 7am, saw ZGL deploy one of its boom atomisers together with a disinfection crew with knapsack spraying machines to disinfect the area. The crew disinfected the two lorry terminals at the Opera Square area, open spaces along the Old AMA traffic light, Judicial Service, the Ghana Post Office, and the Rawlings Park areas, as well as the Cowlane Central Mosque. Also disinfected were about 400 shops and stores at Opera Square. Speaking to a cross-section of journalists after the exercise, the 2nd Vice-Chair, GEDA, Hajia Munia Buari, lamented that the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic had not only slowed down their business but dealt a devastating blow to them. Honestly, business has been very slow because a lot more people now do not come to trade with us due to COVID-19, she bemoaned. In addition, Hajia Buari said members of GEDA had also not been able to import electrical materials from China because of travel restrictions brought about by the COVID-19. That, coupled with the low patronage of their business, had dealt a severe blow to GEDA members, she stressed. She explained that GEDA engaged Zoomlion to undertake the exercise to protect their members and also keep their customers who come to trade with them safe from the pandemic. And even before the announcement of the partial lockdown in some parts of the country, GEDA had ensured that all its members religiously implemented the COVID-19 preventive protocols. All shops and stores under our umbrella, were to have Veronica buckets together with liquid soaps and alcohol-based sanitisers to be used by shop owners and their customers. And, I must confess that our members have fully complied with these protocols, she said. The 2nd vice-chair of GEDA, however, indicated that effective today, the association would enforce the wearing of nose masks. In fact, any of our members who fail to comply with this directive would not be allowed to trade in the area! she cautioned. She disclosed that the association had also put in a request for COVID-19 stimulus package for its members. And if this package is made available to us, we believe it will cushion members of GEDA from the harsh brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, Hajia Buari stressed. In a brief remark, the General Manager, Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Greater Accra Region, Mr Ernest Morgan Acquah, explained that the essence of the exercise was to keep the Opera Square which is the trading hub of GEDA members, safe and clean from the attack of the COVID-19 disease. 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 US senators are demanding to see the Pentagon's ufo files as they push for influence over a secretive Navy program. The Senate Intelligence Committee wants defense chiefs to publish a report on the Pentagon's UFO program and any phenomena it observes. The committee says it 'supports the efforts of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon Task Force' - appearing to confirm that such a program still exists. In 2017 the Pentagon acknowledged funding a secret multi-million dollar program to investigate UFO sightings, although defense chiefs claimed it had ended in 2012. Senators now want to regulate the program - saying the public should be better informed of its activities. In April 2020 the Pentagon released footage from three sightings of unidentified objects. One of the videos was captured off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, in 2015 (pictured) The Senate's focus on the program stems less out of a concern over extraterrestrials, and more from the threat posed by real-world US adversaries such as China. The Pentagon admitted earlier this month that a nuclear detonation in space by Russia or China was among the possible threats to US interests. The US is particularly worried about China's espionage capabilities, including use of drones and other aerial technology. The UFO program, managed by the Office of Naval Intelligence, is responsible for 'collection and reporting on unidentified aerial phenomenon, any links they have to adversarial foreign governments, and the threat they pose to US military assets and installations.' But senators said that information sharing had been 'inconsistent' and called for a detailed report on the program's progress and any phenomena it observes. The provision is part of the 2021 intelligence authorization bill, which has yet to make its way to the full Senate. If it passes, the Pentagon will have 180 days to submit a report to Congress. The Pentagon said in 2017 that an earlier operation called the Advanced Aviation Threat Identification Programme had ended in 2012. 'It was determined that there were other, higher priority issues that merited funding and it was in the best interest of the DoD to make a change,' a spokeswoman said at the time. But the Pentagon was less clear about whether the UFO program continues to hover somewhere in the vast universe of the US defense establishment. 'The DoD takes seriously all threats and potential threats to our people, our assets, and our mission and takes action whenever credible information is developed,' the spokeswoman said. Another video shows the notorious 2004 'Tic Tac' incident (pictured) that was recorded over the Pacific Ocean In April this year, the Pentagon released three videos taken by US Navy pilots showing mid-air encounters with unexplained objects. The grainy black and white footage had previously been leaked and the Navy had acknowledged they were genuine videos. One of the videos was shot in November 2004 and the other two in January 2015. In one, a weapons sensor operator appears to lose lock on a rapidly moving object which seconds later suddenly accelerates away to the left and out of view. In another video which is tracking an object above the clouds, one pilot wonders if it is a drone. The Department of Defense said it was 'releasing the videos in order to clear up any misconceptions by the public on whether or not the footage that has been circulating was real, or whether or not there is more to the videos.' 'The aerial phenomena observed in the videos remain characterized as 'unidentified,'' the Pentagon statement said. Retired US Navy pilot David Fravor, who saw one of the 'UFOs' in 2004, said the object he saw had been moving erratically. 'As I got close to it ... it rapidly accelerated to the south, and disappeared in less than two seconds,' Fravor told CNN in 2017. 'This was extremely abrupt, like a ping pong ball, bouncing off a wall. It would hit and go the other way.' Former Nevada senator Harry Reid, whose state hosts the top secret Area 51 Air Force facility, welcomed release of the videos. 'I'm glad the Pentagon is finally releasing this footage, but it only scratches the surface of research and materials available,' he tweeted. 'The U.S. needs to take a serious, scientific look at this and any potential national security implications. The American people deserve to be informed.' Oregon lawmakers are looking at temporarily shelving one of the three police accountability proposals pushed by lawmakers of color ahead of the special session now underway in Salem. Earlier this month, the Legislative People of Color Caucus called for action this year on specific law enforcement reforms in the wake of George Floyds killing by Minneapolis police and nationwide demonstrations against police brutality, including across Oregon. One of the proposals: Put the Oregon attorney general in charge of investigating deadly use of force and law enforcement use of force that results in serious injury. But with little time to modify the proposed bill to address questions and concerns raised by police and the Department of Justice during a days-long special session, legislative leaders and the People of Color Caucus agreed to instead create a special House-Senate committee to come up with proposals to decrease police use-of-force and improve accountability and transparency in police discipline in 2021. Keep up with the Oregon Legislature by signing up for our 2020 Oregon Legislature newsletter. Rep. Janelle Bynum, a Happy Valley Democrat and member of the People of Color Caucus, said lawmakers want to take more time so they can identify policies that would achieve meaningful improvements to police oversight. We wanted time to vet the proposal for its structure, cost and expected outcomes, Bynum wrote in an email Thursday afternoon. We were also uninterested in the least worst option meaning we didnt want to choose the lesser of two systems that arent actively pursuing justice on our behalves. We want a quality framework for moving forward that wont backfire on us years down the road. Bynum, who noted that she has personally invested many hours into getting everyone to the table, said that prosecutors, sheriffs, police chiefs and officers all seem to be in alliance that we need to make structural changes to our system. The letters filed so far reflect that and I think it means something significant has changed in Oregon. Our goal is to make these changes with our eyes wide open and community voices centering the work, Bynum wrote, during a brief break from public hearings that stretched throughout much of the day. Sen. Lew Frederick, a Portland Democrat who is also a member of the caucus, said it formed a workgroup to receive input from the community and work together on the more comprehensive issues surrounding investigation and prosecution of use-of-force. So this is not a surprise and it guarantees future important discussions going much deeper into a cultural change, Frederick said in a written statement. Referring to the slate of police reforms still under consideration in the special session, he said, These bills are just the tip of an iceberg. Multiple left-leaning groups and individual Oregonians sent testimony in support of the caucuss original proposal to the Legislature. At the same time, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblums administration said lawmakers should spend more time vetting the plan and give the Department of Justice money to pay for the expanded workload. Lawmakers need to work out fiscal and operational details of the attorney general taking over such investigations, currently conducted by district attorneys when there is deadly use of force, Department of Justice lobbyist Aaron Knott wrote in a letter to lawmakers on Thursday. That work is a poor fit with the pressured timelines of this special session and should be conducted instead by a workgroup that would allow for a more thorough exploration of the standards by which the appropriateness of an officers use of force should be evaluated, Knott wrote. This is of crucial importance If the legal standards used to assess the reasonability of an officers use of force are not carefully tailored and fairly balanced, the composition of the investigative team will do little to effect the ultimate outcome. The only other public opposition to the attorney general taking over the investigations comes from the Oregon Coalition of Police and Sheriffs. In testimony submitted Thursday, the groups lobbyist Michael Selvaggio objected to the attorney general taking on such a role because Oregons top law enforcement official is elected in a partisan race. Instead, Selvaggio suggested lawmakers pass a mandate for county prosecutors to have grand juries review all deadly uses of force and release the juries findings to the public. The other two top priorities the caucus announced in early June were passing a plan to make it more difficult for labor arbitrators to overturn police discipline and a bill to create a work group that would propose restrictions on police use of force for the 2021 legislative session. Lawmakers have since introduced a longer list of proposed changes, including a ban on chokeholds and statewide database of police law enforcement discipline, which also received public hearings this afternoon and could be amended and voted out of committee later today. -- Hillary Borrud: hborrud@oregonian.com; @hborrud Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Govinda Yashvardhan Ahuja , | FilmiBeat Govinda's Son's Car Meets With An Accident In Juhu As per a report in IBTimes, the accident took place around at 8.30 pm when Yashvardhan was driving around Juhu on June 24, 2020. His car was hit by another car being reportedly driven by a company driver of Yash Raj Films. While nobody was injured, the headlight of Yashvardhan's car was damaged. No Police Case Was Registered The report further stated that no case was registered, and both the parties resolved the issue mutually. A Navbharat Times report states that the opposite car, which collided with Yashvardhan's car, was being driven by someone working under Aditya Chopra's Yash Raj Films. On A Related Note, Govinda's Son Yash Is Yet To Make His Bollywood Debut "I want my son Yash to be better work than me, We had sent him to London for studies. He went to Met Film school. (When he joins the film industry) nothing wrong will happen to him at the workplace, everything will be right," Govinda was quoted as saying by a tabloid. Meanwhile, the star kid in an interview in 2017, said that he loves direction but acting is his passion. Currently, Amid The Lockdown, Govinda Has Been Interacting With His Fans On Instagram Recently, the actor celebrated 21 years of Haseena Maan Jaayegi, which also starred Sanjay Dutt, Karisma Kapoor and Pooja Batra. Govinda shared a post on his Instagram page which read, Oh Yaaaar 21 saal hogaye !! Main kya bhadhaai ho .. bhadhaai ho .. Balle Balle !! @duttsanjay @therealkarismakapoor @poojabatra @smitathackeray #21years #of #haseenamaanjayegi." (Natural News) Dear white Christians: Its time for you to feel shame and embarrassment for being white, for you are guilty of being born white, because white people are inherently racist. Not only do you white Christians owe black people an apology, but you should submit humbly before them, and pay reparations. Thats the message Chick-Fil-A CEO Dan Cathy promoted recently on national television. Cathy is calling on all white Christians to kneel before people with darker skin tones, and he wants all Christians to shine the shoes of black strangers to repent for being racist white bigots. Christians instructed to feel shame and pay reparations to Black Lives Matter On the broadcast, Dan Cathy led by example. Brandishing one of his companys brushes, Cathy moved toward and kneeled down in front of the shows other guest, an African American musician named Lecrae. Then, Cathy went on to shine Lecraes shoes in an act of repentance for being white. Beaming from ear to ear, Lecrae looked amused, watching Cathy brush over his shoes with exaggerated strokes. When white guilt Dan Cathy was through with his pathetic display of black foot worship, Lecrae laughed and said that Cathy can now give him some stock in Chick-Fil-A. Cathy paused for a second to think, but quickly continued on with his diatribe about white people needing to show repentance for the sins of racism. He said he once bought 1500 shoe brushes for Chick-fil-A employees so they could shine black peoples shoes to show remorse for their inherent white supremacy. According to this ideology of false guilt and racial submission, white people are to come to grips with the fact that they are inherently racist and the most supremely racist group alive today. They are not only guilty of racial sins today, but they are also guilty of racist crimes committed by their ancestors. In order to be a good Christian, whites are supposed to kneel before black people, shine their shoes, and pay them reparations. By shining shoes, white Americans can express shame, embarrassment, humility and contrition, Cathy said. Pastors across the country are now joining in with Black Lives Matter protestors to confess their racial sins toward the black community. By kneeling and feeling white shame, Cathy and other Christian leaders can feel rest assured that they did their part in eradicating racism from the world. Now they can focus on giving up their salaries to the black community or else face extortion from the Black Lives Matter demonstrators who are pillaging businesses and publicly shaming anyone who disagrees with them, until they get what they want. The violent mob will continue to take advantage of these Christian suckers who pollute Christianity with false guilt and virtue-signaling. Who needs to repent to God, when you can just kneel before a black man and be cleansed of your racist sins? What will Dan Cathy do when these Black Lives Matter thugs, who tear up property and attack law enforcement, are not appeased and come to his home and attack him? Sources include: InformationLiberation.com NaturalNews.com NaturalNews.com New Delhi: After violent faceoff with Indian Army at Galwan Valley in Eastern Ladakh, China has now positioned its troops in Depsang plains on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The reason behind the latest move of China appears to be India's strong stand on several fronts simultaneously, according to Zee News report. India has already completed the construction of DSDBO road, besides making a road from Drubuk to DBO along the LAC, giving sleepless nights to China, which is now opening several fronts on the Sino-India border. India has now increased its capability to keep an eye on Chinese activities from Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO). Talking about China's aggression on border, Veer Chakra awardee Retd Captain Tashi told Zee News that China never expected that India will ever be able to build a bridge in the Galwan Valley. China also failed to assess that India will give a befitting reply to its action on LAC," he added. Indian Army recently managed to construct a bridge in the Galwan Valley in just 72 hours. China tried to scuttle the move but India was determined to go ahead. Indian road to DBO is visible to China, and from this location, every activity in the Chinese territory can be watched. Retd Captain Tashi said that China is so upset by the road to the DBO that it now wants to encircle India in Galwan Valley and Depsang to check Indian access to the DBO, by opening new fronts in many more areas including Demchok. Indian Army, however, is fully prepared and committed to protect its territory on the LAC. The Army is on high alert from DBO to Galwan Valley, Paigyang, and Demchok against any misadventure on part of China. In another development, the government today decided to focus on improving the infrastructure in the border areas of Ladakh. The construction of as many as 54 mobile towers has started in Ladakh, besides building a mobile tower in Demchok near the LAC. According to sources, the Nubra region will get 7 mobile towers, Leh will get 17 mobile towers, Zanskar will get 11 mobile towers while in Kargil will have as many as 19 mobile towers. On Wednesday, India and China agreed to implement disengagement and de-escalation to ensure peace at the Line of Control (LAC). The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, "The Indian side conveyed its concerns on the recent developments in Eastern Ladakh, including on the violent face-off in Galwan Valley area on 15th June that had resulted in casualties. In this regard, it was emphasised that both sides should strictly respect and observe the line of actual control." In order to resolve the existing situation peacefully, both the nations also agreed to maintain communication both at diplomatic and military levels including under the framework of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC). Experts at a webinar on tackling simultaneous disasters like super cyclone Amphan and Covid-19 underlined the major risks involved in handling of such multiple emergencies. They mostly stressed on the need for effective implementation of stringent rules and regulations while participating in the event organised by the Centre for Disaster Management Studies (CDMS), Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University here, an official release said Thursday. CORONAVIRUS SPECIAL COVERAGE ONLY ON DH GGSIPU Vice Chancellor Dr Mahesh Varma said, "Rules and regulations are in place for various disaster emergencies in our country. The need is that all the major stakeholders execute them on ground keeping in mind the catastrophic effects of twin/multiple disasters at one time." Acknowledging the efforts of the CDMS in organising the webinar, he also insisted on community preparedness when such a secondary disaster persists. Chairman Odisha PSC Brig (Dr) LC Patnaik focussed on the aspects of governance, management and resources of the coastal states which were affected by the super cyclone. He stressed that disaster professionals including central government officials, private sector authorities and non-profits organisations need to analyse their strategies and develop synergised frameworks that can be enacted in handling such challenging times. For latest updates and live news on coronavirus, click here Experts from National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) elaborated on the policies, framework, implementation, last mile connectivity and resilient infrastructure development in the given reference. Maj Gen RC Padhi, Former Additional Surveyor General of India, articulated on how GIS and remote sensing technologies can be a force multiplier in managing a crisis situation. Former Vice Chairman, Bihar SDMA, Anil Sinha spoke on how the state administration could formulate customised plans for specific regions within the state and explained how the district administration had the highest responsibility. Follow: Coronavirus India update: State-wise total number of confirmed cases, deaths on June 25 Besides former secretary, DCMG, Ministry of Defence, Brig. (Dr) Vinod Dutta, the webinar was attended by various academicians, research scholars, industry and government officials, the release said. The CDMS, established by the university in 2005, promotes research, professional academics and extension work in various aspects of disaster management and provides specialised training to personnel engaged in disaster management and capacity building, it added. Eiza Gonzalez is apologizing for the use of blackface in a telenovela she starred in when she was 15. Photos of the actress in blackface resurfaced online from her time on the telenovela Lola, Erase Una Vez in 2007 amid photographs of her spending time with Timothee Chalamet in Mexico. I am deeply sorry and ashamed about having worn blackface makeup show in images circulating, Gonzalez, 30, said in a statement obtained by Page Six. As a 15-year-old child actor on my first job in a Mexican telenovela, I was pressured against my will, and with no negotiating power, I could not advocate for myself in the situation. I wish I had the voice and knowledge then that I have now, she added. Photos of the actress dressed in geisha garb also circulated online. Gonzalez addressed the photos in her statement, saying, The other image in question is from a trip I took to Japan. RELATED: Jimmy Kimmel Apologizes for 'Embarrassing' Old Blackface Sketches: 'I Have Evolved and Matured' According to my host, it is considered an intercultural exchange to dress up in their traditional clothing and makeup, Gonzalez explained. It is seen as an appreciation of their culture, however, I understand that out of context, this calls for a dialogue about contemporary cultural appropriation. She continued, As a Mexican woman and an immigrant, I have faced racism and ignorance throughout my life and career. I would never intentionally participate in anything that I knew would cause harm or distress to another person. More than gestures of apology, it is my responsibility to educate myself and use my voice to stand up for others, she added. And again I deeply apologize for hurting anyone. Representatives for Gonzalez did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. Story continues Gonzalez has attended a number of Los Angeles protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in recent weeks and has been vocal with her fans to help push for change. To help combat systemic racism, consider learning from or donating to these organizations: Campaign Zero (joincampaignzero.org) which works to end police brutality in America through research-proven strategies. ColorofChange.org works to make the government more responsive to racial disparities. National Cares Mentoring Movement (caresmentoring.org) provides social and academic support to help Black youth succeed in college and beyond. FILE PHOTO: The company logo for pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca is displayed on a screen on the floor at the NYSE in New York (Reuters) - AstraZeneca has signed its tenth supply-and-manufacturing deal for its experimental COVID-19 vaccine with a Scotland-backed firm as the British drugmaker ramps up efforts for wider trials of the potential treatment. Symbiosis Pharmaceutical said on Wednesday it agreed to make and supply an unspecified number of units of the vaccine, AZD1222, for AstraZeneca to use in clinical trials. The companies did not provide any financial terms of the deal. AstraZeneca Chief Executive Officer Pascal Soriot last month warned that the company was running out of time to effectively test the vaccine as the number of cases decline in Europe. Brazil last week became the first country outside of the UK to begin human testing of the vaccine AstraZeneca licensed from the University of Oxford. About 3,000 people in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have enrolled for trials. Scotland's economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, supported the establishment of Symbiosis Pharmaceutical in 2011 and provided it with capital. "It is fantastic to see the continued success of Symbiosis in Scotland, and I applaud the vital work they are undertaking," Scotland's Trade Minister Ivan McKee said in a statement. AstraZeneca has doubled manufacturing and supply capacity for its potential coronavirus vaccine to over 2 billion doses with deals such as those involving Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates-backed firms and India's Serum Institute. There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for the illness caused by the new coronavirus, but about a dozen vaccines from more than 100 candidates globally are being tested in humans. (Reporting by Pushkala Aripaka in Bengaluru, Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips and Sriraj Kalluvila) When the pleas of a fully grown, 46-year-old man reach the point of moaning for his mother, that man is broken in heart, mind and spirit. The oppressors knowingly with a false sense of superiority, sprinkled with glee self-appointed themselves to be the judge, jury and executioner of Mr. George Floyd as they disregarded the fact that they were in the public in broad daylight and being videoed for the world to see. When a grown man cries out for his deceased mother in tones reminiscent of the painful moans uttered by his former slave parents, such punishment is sending that mans soul back to a time when there was absolutely no hope and no relief, except for the relief ushered in by death. But the slave masters in the case of George Floyd were four inhumane individuals, while disgracing the uniform of the Minneapolis Police Department, and thought that the blue code of silence would once again protect them from the wrath of a public seething with No justice, no peace! The challenges of the Minneapolis police-public relations are no different than that in many cities and towns around America. Race and racism compounded by cultural incompetency are a big part of the problem; however, actually the real problem and the associating challenges are a very serious universal problem that supersedes police and public engagement. Someone sold a lie and a bunch of folks bought the lie. When a grown man cries and moans for his momma to the point of urinating on himself, he is at that moment of anguish desperately reaching out for that which his original essence inherently knows is his right: namely, that all men are created equal and endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rightslife, liberty and the right to breath. But someone told the lie that these self-evident inalienable rights were not the inherent property of the children of Africa; and too many of Americas police bought that lie. Not only did the police buy that lie, our education system also bought that lie, as well as many of our faith leaders. They, too, bought that lie and even tried to use Bible stories such as Noahs sons to support that lie. They wrongfully concluded that Noahs son Ham is the father of all Africans, a people cursed to be hewers of wood and drawers of water for the world. Such lies and religious misinterpretations make it easy for one race to look down upon another race. This is the root problem of Americas systemic racism. So putting the knee on the neck in order to cut off the lifeline that connects the heart to the intellect (brain) didnt start with Minneapolis or Americas police. It started when lies were sold in the name of religion that allows one to mute their own human consciousness and sensitivities in order to falsely justify the mental, social and physical killing of another human being. However, even a muted conscious will respond to a grown man moaning for his momma. Prophet Muhammed said, Paradise is at the foot (the foundation) of the mother. Christ Jesus said in his moment of anguish, Behold, your mother! When you hear a grown man cry for his mother even the police blue code of silence will shout, No justice, no peace! and even kneel with the protesters. Yes! Even white silence will shout I cant take it anymore! But sadly, the White House remains silent. The necessity of Black Lives Matter will continue as long as people continue to buy the lie that the children of Africa dont matter. The BLM movement is an indictment against white racism, white silence and white patronizing. An indictment that will continue until the lie has been crucified and removed eternally from our society. Now is the time to uproot and destroy the lie. A time period that was birthed when a grown man groaned, Momma! Michael Mikal Saahir is the resident Imam of Nur-Allah Islamic Center. He can be reached at nur-allah@att.net or at 317 753-3754. By PTI MUMBAI: Actor Aditi Rao Hydari on Wednesday said she is looking forward to her upcoming Malayalam movie "Sufiyum Sujatayum", which is the first film in the language to have a direct-to-OTT release. Also starring Jayasurya, the musical love story is set to premiere on July 3 on Amazon Prime Video. The film marks Aditi's return to Malayalam cinema, 14 years after her big-screen debut with "Prajapathi", co-starring south star Mammootty. "'Sufiyum Sujatayum' is a special film for me. I been lucky to work with some incredible people across India, and this film marks my debut as the leading lady of a Malayalam film. The film is an innocent love story, where love is unburdened by prejudices and discrimination," Aditi said in a statement. The "Wazir" actor said the movie is a drama narrated with a lot of "sensitivity and honesty" and she had a great time working with a brilliant cast and crew. "I'm looking forward to the audience's response. I hope they get immersed in the world of Sufi and Sujata like I did and I hope everyone makes their own special connection to the characters and the story," she added. The streaming platform also unveiled the trailer of "Sufiyum Sujatayum". Jayasurya, who plays the male lead, said Malayalam film industry is known for rolling out good stories and their new movie fulfils that promise. "I play the role of the husband to Aditi's character. An interesting and nuanced role of a husband that knows of his wife's love for another man, and tries to find ways to keep his family together. There's a lot that we're trying to convey through the film and one will have to watch the movie and be part of it to know how beautifully these sequences take place," he said. Directed by Naranipuzha Shanavas, "Sufiyum Sujatayum" is backed by actor-producer Vijay Babu through his banner Friday Film House. Babu said Aditi and Jayasurya are perfectly cast in the film which attempts to chronicle a simple but nuanced take on love. "With the movie releasing on Amazon Prime Video we are glad that the film will reach a global audience allowing them to revel in Malayalam cinema," the producer said. The film joins a host of other titles across Hindi, Tamil and Telugu acquired by Amazon Prime Video to have a digital release. Amitabh Bachchan-Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer "Gulabo Sitabo", helmed by Shoojit Sircar, and "Penguin", the Tamil/Telugu thriller, featuring Keerthy Suresh, hit the platform this month. Vidya Balan's "Shakuntala Devi" biopic is scheduled to directly head to Amazon in near future, skipping a theatrical release owing to the coronavirus pandemic-induced shutdown. WHILE two local councilllors had rebelled against the Programme for Government with a third saying hes deeply unhappy with whats on offer - there was shock in Fianna Fail circles this Tuesday when one of the three men quit the party. Long-serving councillor Eddie Ryan has sensationally resigned from Fianna Fail, which, he says, has treated him scandalously. The Galbally man made the announcement at a meeting of the Cappamore-Kilmallock municipal district held in Colaiste Iosaef, Kilmallock this Tuesday afternoon . Prior to Tuesday's meeting as grass-roots FF party members returned their ballot papers, Cllrs Ryan and Kevin Sheahan revealed they voted no on the historic deal which would see the Soldiers of Destiny go into coalition with the Green Party and Fine Gael. And the partys second general election candidate Michael Collins, who is set to be elected the new mayor of Limerick next week, said: Its a very difficult choice as a senior party member. Both Niall Collins and Willie ODea have endorsed the deal which among other things will see a rotating Taoiseach, and a pledge to ban the sale of new and the importation of second-hand petrol and diesel cars from 2030. But many local party members have said they are voting for the deal through gritted teeth. High-profile Askeaton councillor Sheahan, a former mayor of Limerick, has voted no to the deal, and says he has urged other local party members to do likewise. "If the Greens get their way they will destroy rural Ireland," he stated, 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. Newcastle West based councillor Michael Collins, meanwhile, is bemoaning the fact the deal will see the State end support for the Shannon LNG project at Ballylongford. Theres a lot in [the programme] which is going to be unfavourable to rural Ireland and I have a big issue with that. The Greens seem to also be pushing for certain roads not to be built. If it puts the M20 in question, I'd have a problem with that. Its a vital piece of infrastructure that has to be built for the development of Limerick, he said, adding hes concerned about a situation of the tail wagging the dog. He's still undecided on the deal, but said: There are six votes in my house and well be voting en-bloc. Independent councillor Emmett OBrien, a former member of Fianna Fails national executive, said if he was still in the party, theres no way he would vote for the deal thats on offer. To go in with a bunch of headbangers like the Greens is just off the wall. The Green party is showing Ireland what they are, which is a bunch of watermelons. Green on the outside, really red on the inside. Its a neo-marxist party which is intent on taking down the system. The people of Ireland and rural Limerick are going to pay a heavy toll for the Greens being in government, said the Pallaskenry man. Green councillor Sean Hartigan laughed off this criticism, saying Cllr OBrien is just stirring it up. Cllr Sheahan said he would like to see Fianna Fail go and talk to Independents if the current government deal is rejected. However, his party colleague Bridie Collins, Adare, does not think this is the right approach. She said: I would hate to see us go back and have to talk to Independents. In previous governments, the Independents have done really well. Their wants or wishes have had to be pandered to. Some of it has been very good, but generally I find their needs are very insular and area-specific. They are not for the greater good of the country, and right now we need this. Elsewhere in West Limerick, the Abbeyfeale based Fianna Fail councillor Francis Foley says he will be backing the programme. I think we need a government. We have to work together, and we have to ensure common sense will prevail if we go in to government. In every situation there needs to be some compromise. The country is going through a rough time. We need a stable government, said Cllr Foley, who is the leader of the Newcastle West municipal district. With the polls closing on Friday, it appears that despite opposition from Fianna Fails grass roots, the real battleground for the government deal will be in the Green Party, where a 66% threshold is needed for it to pass. Cllr Hartigan and his party colleague, Cllr Sasa Nowak have said they will be backing the deal. All parties are expected to announce the results of their votes late on Friday. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 12:34:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close A signboard promoting Zongzi, a sticky rice dumpling wrapped up with bamboo or reed leaves, is seen at a food court in Sydney, Australia, on June 19, 2020. With social restrictions still on shopping and dining in restaurants, and no dragon boat race, making and eating Zongzi has become the only way for many Australian Chinese to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, which fell on Thursday this year. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei) SYDNEY, June 25 (Xinhua) -- With social restrictions still on shopping and dining in restaurants, and no dragon boat race, making and eating Zongzi has become the only way for many Australian Chinese to celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival, which fell on Thursday this year. Zongzi is a traditional and iconic food, which Chinese people enjoy on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival. It is a sticky rice dumpling wrapped up with bamboo or reed leaves. Normally, people in southern parts of China like to eat salty ones, having sticky rice with pork, salted yolk or even mushrooms and chestnuts while people in northern parts of China prefer the sweet variety, having sticky rice with red jujubes or grinded red beans. Zhang Peng, owner of Ample Grocery in Wollongong, started to replenish her Zongzi stock nearly three months before the Dragon Boat Festival. "Due to the COVID-19 restrictive measures, the logistics was affected and many products were in shortage weeks before. Zongzi is very important for the Dragon Boat Festival and the flavor diversifies. I want to make sure every customer could find his or her favorite ones," Zhang told Xinhua. Getting enough stock was not the only challenge posed by the pandemic. To facilitate customers who were not able to go shopping for various reasons, Yan Zhe, manager of Ustore in Zetland, opened an online ordering and home delivery service. "For safe and health, we use our own staff and cars to deliver. All the Zongzi are delivered to customers the same day they are delivered to our store by the food processors," Yan said. He told Xinhua this new way of selling Zongzi not only helped more people be able to enjoy a taste of home, but also flourish his business. His store already sold hundreds of Zongzi, and some new flavors such as the purple sticky rice with grinded red beans were sold out before the festival began. Nevertheless, there are some positives to life under the pandemic, such as more time spent at home. Zhang told Xinhua the sales of finished Zongzi in his store reduced 30 to 40 percent this year, but the raw materials for making Zongzi such as sticky rice, leaves and red beans witnessed a remarkable increase because many people now have time to cook, and would like to try the traditional technique for themselves. "Even some local Australians bought materials and make Zongzi with their Chinese friends. Many friends of mine also showed their products on the social media. No matter it looks good or not, it is the atmosphere of the festival, and that matters," he said. This year Annie, whose son studies in Australia, tried to wrap Zongzi herself. Her husband works in China and cannot celebrate this year's festival with them due to the travel ban. She thought the traditional way of celebrating might bring a stronger sense of ceremony. "We took video of how to make Zongzi and send to my husband. This makes us feel like we are celebrating the festival together," Annie said. Unlike Annie, Mrs. Jiang has hand-made Zongzi for dozens of years. Her Zongzi, large in size, with rich fillings and classic recipe, have become a signature snack in the restaurant run by her son in northern Sydney. It takes her more than one whole day to prepare, wrap and cook the Zongzi, but Jiang never complained nor gave up, even though the restaurant and their booth in the local market were affected by the pandemic. "Our hand-made Zongzi is very popular among the regular customers, especially during the Dragon Boat Festival. Some of them even drive from other suburbs. They told me it is the taste of home and that's why I will continue to do it," she said. By Nuzulack Dausen DAR ES SALAAM, June 24 (Reuters) - A Tanzanian subsistence miner hit the jackpot on Wednesday after the government handed him a cheque for 7.74 billion Tanzanian shillings ($3.35 million) for the two largest tanzanite gemstones ever found. The two dark violet-blue gemstones, each about the size of a forearm, were discovered by Saniniu Laizer in one of the tanzanite mines in the north of the country which are surrounded by a wall to control cross-border smuggling of the gemstones. The first gemstone weighed in at 9.27 kg while the second weighed 5.103 kg, a mines ministry spokesperson said. Tanzanite is a gemstone found only in a small northern region of the East African nation. "Today's event... is to recognise the two largest tanzanite gemstones in history since the beginning of mining activities in Mirerani," Simon Msanjila, mines ministry permanent secretary, said at a ceremony in Simanjiro district in Tanzania's northern Manyara region. Laizer was pictured on Tanzanian television being presented with a large cheque after the Bank of Tanzania bought the gemstones. President John Magufuli phoned to congratulate Laizer live on television. "This is a confirmation that Tanzania is rich," Magufuli told minerals minister Doto Biteko. Tanzania last year set up trading centres around the country to allow artisanal miners to sell their gems and gold to the government. Artisanal miners are not officially employed by any mining companies and usually mine by hand. Magufuli inaugurated the wall around tanzanite mining concessions in northern Tanzania in April 2018, in an attempt to control illegal mining and trading activities. At the time he said 40% of tanzanite produced there was being lost. (Reporting by Nuzulack Dausen in Dar es Salaam, Editing by Helen Reid and Elaine Hardcastle) Trump Says Some US Troops Cut in Germany Will 'Probably' Move to Poland Sputnik News 20:11 GMT 24.06.2020(updated 20:49 GMT 24.06.2020) US President Donald Trump claims that some of the US troops removed from Germany over Berlin's alleged delinquent payments to NATO will be relocated to Poland. "We're going to be reducing our forces in Germany," Trump said on Wednesday during a joint press conference with Polish President Andrzej Duda, citing Berlin's "delinquency." "Some will be coming home and some will be going to other places ... Poland would be one of those other places - other places in Europe." "They [Poland] asked us if we would send some additional troops - they'll be paying for the sending of additional troops - and we'll probably be moving them from Germany to Poland," he added. He went on to assert that the people of Germany are unhappy over the fact that Berlin is paying Moscow "billions of dollars" for energy via the Nord Stream pipeline. "What's that all about? You're spending billions of dollars to Russia, then we're supposed to defend you from Russia?" Trump ask rhetorically during the June 24 news conference. Duda is the first foreign leader to visit the White House since the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic hit the US. News of the shift of US troops from Germany to Poland follows a recent report on the matter by Polish daily Dziennik Gazeta Prawna. According to the outlet, the US intends to deploy some 2,000 US troops to Poland and is expected to transfer 30 F-16 fighter jets from Germany to Poland. It was also reported that the Polish military would be receiving five second-hand US C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft. Over the past several weeks, Trump asserted that Germany has not held up its end of a NATO agreement that envisions every member nation spend at least 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defense. However, the target number is expectation and not a rigid requirement, meaning that Berlin is not technically "delinquent" by dedicating just 1.4% of its GDP to affairs of the Bundeswehr in 2019. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BARNEVELD, The Netherlands, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Infor, a global leader in business cloud software specialised by industry, today announced that Dutch Flower Group (DFG), the world's largest flower and plants trader, has selected Infor CloudSuite M3 for its subsidiaries Bloom - Green Partners, Van Dijk Flora, Superflora and JZ Flowers to help automate business processes to improve the use of resources and increase efficiency. The Dutch Flower Group retail companies, as mentioned, needed an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution to help further automate their operations and provide financial and reporting flexibility to help make the companies more agile and future-proof. Dutch Flower Group uses a system it started to work with at the beginning of this century. This system is not able to support the company in achieving its ambitions. As the group operates in a highly competitive market that digitalizes fast and deals with unique complexity for instance, the great variety of flowers available for assembling bouquets IT modernization became critical. At the same time, DFG was prudent in deploying a new ERP system. "After a thorough analysis, we selected Infor because of their proven industry-specific solution and great fit with the team," said Michel van Hout, CIO at Dutch Flower Group. "If you undergo a major operation, you look for a professional surgeon that you trust and feel comfortable with; that's what we have with Infor. After matching Infor's license model to our needs and dynamics, we have some exciting times ahead, and we are happy Infor is supporting us in this new adventure. For Dutch Flower Group, this means that we can review and rethink our processes and benefit from an ERP system that has a higher level of integrated capabilities. For Infor, we challenge them to help us make process improvements in our industry through greater use of automation." Every week, Dutch Flower Group delivers, on average, 75 million flowers, 10 million bouquets and 10 million plants to consumers. Once Infor CloudSuite M3 is live, DFG hopes to harmonize and professionalize its existing business processes to make integrations run smoothly. Van Hout says: "Our goal is that we want to realize an automation rate of 90 percent and reduce manual work. We want to fully utilize the qualities of our workforce and achieve truly integrated processes instead of departmental optimization which was our only option in the past. We want to reduce working with many Excel sheets, but more importantly remove the 'hidden factories' that are below the surface. Finally, we want to achieve an integrated logistics and finance ERP solution. All in all, we want to better handle resources, decrease waste and improve our turnaround times." With Infor CloudSuite M3, Dutch Flower Group is investing in its future by enhancing its backend technology to better meet the growing needs of its industry and customers. "The Infor CloudSuite M3 solution is particularly well-suited to the needs of companies like Dutch Flower Group, which rely on aspects like cost reduction, operational efficiency, flexibility and speed," said Kees van den Houten, VP & managing director Infor Benelux. "We look forward to expanding our relationship with Dutch Flower Group and helping them build a modern, powerful and agile IT footprint for years to come." About Dutch Flower Group Dutch Flower Group was established on 1 January 1999 as a result of a merger between the export companies of two families: Van Zijverden and Van Duijn. It is a unique family of more than 30 specialized trading companies each with their own customer focus and approach which, together, serve the entire floral chain. They offer their customers top-quality cut flowers, mixed bouquets and plants. Dutch Flower Group has 4,600 employees and, in 2019, generated a turnover of more than 1.6 billion. For more information, please visit https://dfg.nl/en/. About Infor Infor is a global leader in business cloud software specialized by industry. With 17,300 employees and over 68,000 customers in more than 170 countries, Infor software is designed for progress. To learn more, please visit www.infor.com. Infor customers include: The top 20 aerospace companies 9 of the top 10 high tech companies 14 of the 25 largest U.S. healthcare delivery networks 19 of the 20 largest U.S. cities 18 of the top 20 automotive suppliers 14 of the top 20 industrial distributors 13 of the top 20 global retailers 4 of the top 5 brewers 17 of the top 20 global banks 9 of the 10 largest global hotel brands 7 of the top 10 global luxury brands Media contact: Lubbers De Jong Anke van Heerebeek [email protected] 0648203864 SOURCE Infor Related Links http://www.infor.com Carolyn Van Houten Democrats will hold an almost entirely virtual presidential nominating convention Aug. 17-20 in Milwaukee using live broadcasts and online streaming, party officials said Wednesday. Joe Biden plans to accept the presidential nomination in person, but it remains to be seen whether there will be a significant in-person audience there to see it. The Democratic National Committee said in a statement that official business, including the official vote to nominate Biden, will take place virtually, with delegates being asked not to travel to Milwaukee. WASHINGTON - The State Department on Thursday named 10 countries that it said engaged in government-sponsored forced labor, qualifying them for the lowest possible ranking in an annual report on human trafficking. The bottom of the list was dominated by long-standing U.S. adversaries such as China, Cuba, North Korea and Russia, but it also included U.S. ally Afghanistan. The report cited an Afghan government "policy or pattern" of recruiting child soldiers and sexually enslaving boys in government compounds, a practice known as "bacha bazi." It urged officials to increase investigations and prosecutions of suspected traffickers. This was the first year in which governments were named as complicit in human trafficking under a law signed by President Donald Trump requiring the countries be dropped to the lowest ranking of Tier 3. That could trigger sanctions and aid cuts. "It's a perversion of any government's reason for existence: to protect rights, not crush them," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in introducing the report. "The United States will not stand by as any government with a policy or pattern of human trafficking subjects its own citizens to such oppression. "The United States will work tirelessly to free those still enslaved. We will help restore the lives of those who have been freed. And we will punish their tormentors." Other countries whose governments were listed as endorsing human trafficking were Belarus, Myanmar, Eritrea, South Sudan and Turkmenistan. Cuba was included primarily for its program of sending doctors and other medical workers abroad and confiscating most of their salaries. China and North Korea were condemned for using forced labor, including Muslim Uighurs detained in camps in China's Xinjiang province. Nineteen countries were listed as having the most dismal records. "This really brings into focus state-sanctioned human trafficking," said John Cotton Richmond, head of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. He called it "a particular challenge, where it's not just a government is failing to protect people from criminal traffickers in the country. The government itself is acting as the trafficker." The annual report is closely watched by many countries that bristle at being included in the lowest rankings. While most of the worst offenders have been widely criticized for human rights abuses, some countries that ended up in Tier 2 and that level's "watch list" - only half a step above the lowest ranking - are established democracies. In putting Ireland on the Tier 2 watch list, the State Department noted that there had been no convictions for human trafficking since a trafficking law was amended in 2013. The State Department downgraded Japan to Tier 2, a ranking reserved for countries that are making efforts but falling short. The report said that Japan had prosecuted and convicted fewer traffickers than in previous years and that some traffickers had received only fines. In his written introduction to the report, Pompeo said the novel coronavirus pandemic is probably contributing to more human trafficking. "We know that human traffickers prey upon the most vulnerable and look for opportunities to exploit them," he said. "Instability and lack of access to critical services caused by the pandemic mean that the number of people vulnerable to exploitation by traffickers is rapidly growing." Richmond said no statistics are available yet but described anecdotal reports from the field as "very concerning." For example, he said, stay-at-home orders mean some victims have had to quarantine with their traffickers. "The bottom line is that traffickers have not shut down," he said. "Traffickers are continuing to exploit people. And as vulnerable people become more vulnerable due to covid, it's making it easier and easier for traffickers to operate." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriza Pinandita (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 19:28 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661a8924 1 World Rohingya,Rohingya-people,refugee-crisis,Rakhine-state,North-Aceh,Foreign-Minister-Retno-Marsudi,Retno-Marsudi Free The Indonesian government has said that it has provided emergency assistance to dozens of Rohingya refugees who found themselves stranded in northern Aceh waters. The 94 refugees, consisting of 49 women, 15 men and 30 children, were rescued by local fishermen on Wednesday. The fishermen Faisal, 40, Abdul Azis, 40, and Raja, 30 rescued the foreign nationals from a sinking cargo ship using their fishing boat, the KM 2017.811, kompas.com reported. Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said on Thursday that the emergency assistance was given based on humanitarian considerations, despite the border restrictions Indonesia has in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, we will continue to work with countries in the region through various mechanisms on early detection measures, as well as to prevent boat people from taking unsafe journeys at sea from their country of origin, Retno said in Thursdays press briefing. According to reports, the refugees would be returned to sea once their boat is repaired. Read also: Amnesty urges Indonesia to protect Rohingya stranded in Aceh waters The North Aceh administration said that, based on a meeting conducted by the regencys consultative leadership board (Muspida), the authorities agreed to let the Rohingya continue their journey to their initial destination. What has been conveyed by the regional leadership communication forum [Forkopimda], we will follow. We have also performed COVID-19 tests on [the refugees]. We have followed all of the health protocols, North Aceh administration regional secretary Risawan Bentara said as quoted by kompas.com on Thursday. Currently, the Rohingya refugees are being held in a temporary shelter in Lhokseumawe. They were said to be in weak condition and authorities were providing them with food. Several countries in Southeast Asia have imposed strict restrictions at their borders since the start of the pandemic, including restrictions on the entry of refugees to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. Malaysia, for instance, is considering a plan to turn back nearly 300 Rohingya refugees who were detained by local authorities after they arrived last week on a damaged boat, Reuters reported. Meanwhile, authorities in North Aceh said they had considered many options before deciding that they would release the refugees back to sea. Read also: Indonesia, Australia explore solution to Rohingya refugee crisis under Bali Process After we repair their boat, we will provide them with fuel for the boat. The Indonesian Navy and the Water and Air Police Unit will escort them until they leave Indonesian waters, North Acehs 011 Lilawangsa military resort commander Col. Inf. Sumirating Baskoro said on Thursday. Though an official decision on the matter from the Aceh government is pending, the Indonesian government in general remains attentive toward the Rohingya crisis. During the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting earlier this week, Retno said that the migration of boat people could not be separated from the crisis. An accelerated repatriation process is key, she said. Saying I cant breathe, the 23-year-old unarmed Black man died after a scuffle with police in Colorado last year. The governor of Colorado has appointed the states attorney general as a special prosecutor to investigate the death of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old unarmed Black man who died after an officer used a chokehold on him and medical responders injected him with the sedative ketamine in August 2019. Thursdays announcement comes amid growing pressure on United States authorities to reexamine McClains death, with authorities reportedly receiving thousands of phone calls and emails. Meanwhile, more than 2.7 million people have signed an online petition calling for a new review, while #elijahmcclainwasmurdered has trended on social media. Police involved in the Aurora, Colorado death had previously been cleared of wrongdoing by the Aurora Police Department, while the district attorneys office has said an investigation found no criminality on behalf of the officers. However, attention has returned to the case in the US amid a national movement against institutional racism sparked by the police killing of George Floyd in Minnesota in May. Colorado Governor Jared Polis said he decided to sign an executive order appointing state Attorney General Phil Weiser to investigate McClains death after he was moved by speaking with Elijahs mother and her description of her son as a responsible and curious child who became a vegetarian to be healthier, and who could inspire the darkest soul. Elijah McClain should be alive today, and we owe it to his family to take this step and elevate the pursuit of justice in his name to a statewide concern, he said in a statement. How did McClain die? Police were called on Elijah McClain, 23, as he walked to his home in Aurora, Colorado from a local shop on August 24, 2019. Family later said he had gone to buy his brother an iced tea. The caller reported that McClain was acting suspiciously, wearing a ski mask and waving his arms in the air. Family later said McClain often wore a face mask because he had anaemia and became cold easily. Three officers arrived at the scene and told McClain to stop, and when he did not comply the officers tackled him. One of the officers later said McClain had attempted to grab another officers gun during the struggle, according to the body camera footage. Today I signed an Executive Order designating Attorney General Phil Weiser to investigate and, if the facts support prosecution, criminally prosecute any individuals whose actions caused the death of Elijah McClain. Executive Order: https://t.co/efmVp0mhGS Statement below: pic.twitter.com/M5q14GoHPE Governor Jared Polis (@GovofCO) June 25, 2020 During the scuffle, an officer put McClain in a chokehold, causing him to vomit and briefly pass out, according to local reports. The officers then called emergency medical services, who administered ketamine to sedate McClain. McClain suffered a heart attack in the ambulance and died a week later after his family took him off life support. The Adams County Coroners Office conducted an autopsy, saying the manner and cause of death remain undetermined. The autopsy noted that intense physical exertion and a narrow coronary artery contributed to McClains death. What was said during the incident? Body camera footage released by authorities captured the audio of the encounter. Police said their cameras were knocked off during the scuffle. The footage shows police approaching McClain and telling him to stop. McClain does not immediately comply, and tells the officer to let go of me. Meanwhile, the officer tells McClain to stop tensing up. I am an introvert, please respect the boundaries that I am speaking, McClain says. Im going home, leave me alone. An officer is then heard telling him to relax or Im going to have to change this situation. A supporter holds up a shirt to call attention to the death of Elijah McClain in Denver, Colorado [David Zalubowski/The Associated Press] McClain tells the officers: You guys started to arrest me and I was stopping my music to listen. Let go of me. As an apparent struggle ensues, McClain can be heard gasping for air and crying. An officer is heard saying stop fighting or youre going to get tazed. I cant breathe please stop, says McClain. My name is Elijah McClain. Thats all I was doing I was just going home Im an introvert, Im different. McClain is later heard saying: Im so sorry, I have no gun, I dont do that stuff, I dont do any fighting I dont do violence, I dont even kill flies, I dont eat meat, Im a vegetarian, I dont judge people. As more officers respond, one is later heard threatening to unleash a dog on McClain if he keeps messing around. Why were police cleared of wrongdoing? In November of last year, Adams County District Attorney Dave Young said an investigation into the incident found no criminal actions by the police. On Thursday, Young reiterated in a statement that the evidence did not amount to criminality, citing the inconclusive autopsy. He also said it could not be proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the force used was not justified. Meanwhile, after an internal review by the Aurora Police Department, investigators announced in February that the officers had acted within policy and consistent with training. As @AuroraGov's Public Safety policy committee, we sent the following letter to the City Manager requesting his recommendations for individuals to complete the independent investigation into the death of #ElijahMcClain at our July 16 meeting.@AllisonHiltz @LawsonForAurora pic.twitter.com/10ri9YoLn3 Curtis Gardner (@CurtisForAurora) June 24, 2020 The city of Aurora had previously proposed an independent review of the case, but that plan stalled when it was revealed the person chosen to lead the inquiry was a former police officer. Auroras Mayor Mike Coffman announced on Wednesday that he has moved up a vote to choose a new independent investigator to lead a city probe into the actions of police and medical responders in McClains case. Who was Elijah McClain? Friends have told local media that McClain had been working as a massage therapist in the area for four years, describing him as a gentle and idiosyncratic person who brought positive energy and was interested in natural healing. He had a child-like spirit, friend April Young, a manager at a massage shop, told the Sentinal. Elijah McClain was not conditioned to the norms of America He lived in his own little world. He was never into, like, fitting in. He just was who he was. Colleagues told the news site that McClain would often spend his lunch breaks playing guitar or violin, sometimes bringing the instruments to local animal shelters to play for cats and dogs. That love of music has led friends to suggest that McClain was likely dancing when the police were called on him. Richa Sharma By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Imposing a plastic generation fee, a penalty for failing to collect used plastic and a plastic credit trade mechanism are among the proposed guidelines by the Centre for brand owners, importers and manufacturers for management of plastic waste in India. The Guideline Document Uniform Framework for Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) by the Environment ministry calls for setting up a National Producer Responsibility Organization Advisory Committee (PROA), which will be a national authority to govern plastic waste management. In 2019, PM Narendra Modi called for making India free of single-use plastic by 2022. India produces 9.4 million tonne of single-use plastic every year. The Environment ministry has suggested several models which can be adopted by manufacturers. The ministry also said penalties shall be imposed on producer, importer, brand owner for the portion of waste not collected as against the targeted collection. A single national registry for registration of all stakeholders like producers, importers, brand owners, re-cyclers, etc with allocation methods to meet individual state data requirements. The program shall promote the inclusion of waste pickers in a manner which improves their working conditions and incomes, the document said. Turncoat presidential niece Mary Trump has found another adversary in her family her own brother who was on her side when she sued the family two decades ago. Fred Trump III said Mary is still bound by a nondisclosure agreement with the Trump family and should not have written the blockbuster book that she is planning to publish next month. The book, Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man, threatens to tell all about President Donald Trump's rise to power and expose all the family's closest secrets. Pre-publicity for the book says Mary, 55, will describe a 'a 'nightmare of traumas, destructive relationships, and a tragic combination of neglect and abuse'. In a statement issued exclusively to DailyMail.com by the president's son Eric Trump, Fred said: 'At the time that our lawsuit with the family was resolved, Mary and I had each received a generous financial settlement from the family and were more than willing to agree to execute non-disclosure provisions, all of which had been approved and recommended by our attorneys and advisors at that time.' 'In my opinion, those provisions of the 2001 settlement agreement are still in effect and binding today and I have continued to honor them.' President Donald Trump's niece Mary Trump is writing a tell-all book which promises to blow the lid off all the family's most closely guarded secrets. Her brother Fred Trump III tells DailyMail.com that Mary is still bound by a nondisclosure agreement and should not have written the book Fred said he and his family 'have a strong relationship with our extended family and have had no involvement or interest in the preparation of this book'. Mary and her brother Fred III filed suit against Donald and Robert Trump and their sister Maryanne Trump Barry (pictured together in 1990) in 2000, for wrongful termination of medical benefits and coverage In his statement Fred said he and his family 'have a strong relationship with our extended family and have had no involvement or interest in the preparation of this book.' And he said that Mary's claim that his son William who suffers from cerebral palsy has been cut off by the president and his three surviving siblings is false. Mary and Fred III are the children of Fred Trump Jr, (pictured), the eldest brother of the President who died in 1982 aged 42 after a lifetime of battling alcohol addiction 'As is also known by Mary, our son William has been very well provided for financially for many years through the William Trump Medical Fund by my aunts and uncles, Maryanne, Donald, Elizabeth, and Robert; for which we are very appreciative.' DailyMail.com's attempts to contact Fred Trump were unsuccessful. One estimate says that William, who turns 21 next week, receives up to three-quarters of a million dollars a year for his condition. Just last week, when news of the proposed book first broke, Donald Trump said he had a good relationship with Fred III. The president and his siblings say they would suffer 'irreparable harm' if Mary's book is published. In an application for a temporary restraining order, they say: 'No amount of monetary damages can ameliorate the loss that will be suffered if Mary Trump is allowed to violate the settlement agreement and publish'. Mary Trump, who lives in Rockville Centre on Long Island, New York, has been in hiding since news of the book was revealed last week. DailyMail.com tracked her down to her $2 million vacation home on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on Tuesday. She would not discuss the book. 'There will be a time and a place,' she said, adding: 'Have a great day. Enjoy. It's a beautiful spot.' President Trump says Mary is bound by the nondisclosure agreement that was signed in the light of a court case brought by Mary and Fred following the death of their grandfather the president's father Fred Trump Sr. The family patriarch had all but cut them out of his will following the death of their father Fred Jr. in 1981. In their 2000 lawsuit Fred III and Mary said: 'At the time the will was executed, my grandfather was suffering from senile dementia and significant memory impairment. 'My brother and I believe that the will is the product of undue influence and coercion by defendants upon my grandfather, who clearly lacked the requisite mental capacity to make a will.' Trump and his family are desperate to stop the book from ever seeing the light of day. Robert Trump the president's younger brother said he was 'deeply disappointed' with Mary, adding: 'Her attempt to sensationalize and mischaracterize our family relationship after all of these years for her own financial gain is both a travesty and injustice to the memory of my late brother, Fred, and our beloved parents. I and the rest of my entire family are so proud of my wonderful brother, the president, and feel that Mary's actions are truly a disgrace.' Fred III and Mary alleged the Trumps acted in 'retaliation' for them challenging the will of Fred Trump Sr. (pictured with Donald in 1988) who died in 1999. Mary alleged that Fred Sr. was suffering from 'significant mental impairment' when he rewrote the will eight years before his death The new will divided the bulk of the inheritance among his living children, meaning Mary and Fred III only got $200,000 each because their father was dead. Pictured l-r: Robert, Elizabeth, Fred Jr, Donald and Maryanne Fred said that Mary's (pictured) claim that his son William who suffers from cerebral palsy has been cut off by the president and his three surviving siblings is false Publisher Simon & Schuster said in a statement to DailyMail.com: 'As the plaintiff and his attorney well know, the courts take a dim view of prior restraint, and this attempt to block publication will meet the same fate as those that have gone before.' Just last week, a court declined to stop the release of a book by former National Security Advisor John Bolton. The publishers said Mary a registered Democrat 'has written a compelling personal story of worldwide significance, and we look forward to helping her tell her story.' Mary and Fred III filed suit against Donald and Robert Trump and their sister Maryanne Trump Barry in 2000, for wrongful termination of medical benefits and coverage. Conversations with 83-year-old Trump Barry, a retired federal appeals court judge, are said to be included in Mary's book. TIMELINE OF FALLOUT BETWEEN TRUMP SIBLINGS AND THEIR NIECE AND NEPHEW For decades: Fred Sr agrees to pay Fred Trump Jr's family's medical bills. 1970: Fred Trump Jr and his wife Lisa Trump divorce. 1982: Fred Jr dies aged 42 after a lifetime of battling alcohol addiction. Fred Sr agrees to cover Lisa's medical expenses and those of her children, the lawsuit states. September 18, 1991: Fred Sr changes his will. Mary and Fred III allege he did so under the undue influence of Donald and the rest of the family. June 25, 1999: Fred Sr dies. His estate goes into probate. June 30, 1999: William Trump, Fred III's son, is born with severe disabilities and seizures which requires extensive medical treatment. Early 2000: Mary and Fred III challenge Fred Sr's will because they claim he was manipulated into cutting them out by Donald, Robert and Maryanne. March 30, 2000: Trump family informs Mary, Fred III and their mother that their health insurance benefits, which they had all their lives, would be terminated on May 1 that year. Fred III's son William's benefits would terminate on April 1 - just two days later. April 27, 2000: Fred III, his wife, Mary and their mother sue the Trump family, claiming they are cutting off their health insurance in retaliation for challenging Fred Sr's will. Later in 2000: The case is eventually settled and the terms are not in the court file. Advertisement In decades-old legal papers exclusively revealed by DailyMail.com this week, Mary and Fred III claimed that after providing health insurance for decades, the Trump family 'unilaterally' canceled it 'maliciously and without excuse or justification.' Fred III and Mary alleged the Trumps acted in 'retaliation' for them challenging the will of Fred Trump Sr., who died in 1999. Mary alleged that Fred Sr. was suffering from 'significant mental impairment' when he rewrote the will eight years before his death. She said Donald and his siblings manipulated him into nearly cutting out her and Fred III from the will. Doctors testified that Fred Sr. was in severe decline at the time. Dr. Ronald MacKenzie, wrote in a report dated October 11, 1991 that 'it was clear throughout the interview that he has significant memory impairment.' Four months later Professor Rajendra Jutagir said Fred Sr. 'did not know his birthdate, was unsure of his age and turned to his son for help in responding to some questions.' The new will divided the bulk of the inheritance among his living children, meaning Mary and Fred III only got $200,000 each because their father was dead, according to reports. The case was eventually settled and the terms are not in the court file. One Trump source told DailyMail.com that Fred and Mary actually received several million dollars. In an affidavit from the 2000 lawsuit against the Trump siblings, Mary claimed she discovered that in September 1991 Fred Sr. rewrote his will so it 'virtually disinherited' her and her brother. When they challenged the will in probate court, the Trump family allegedly canceled their health insurance in 'retaliation,' she said. Mary and Fred III claim the Trumps lied during the probate for Fred Sr.'s estate by saying he had 'not a scintilla of diminished capacity' when he changed the will in 1991 at the age of 85. But doctors who examined Fred Sr. around then said he had early signs of dementia and couldn't even remember his birthday nor details of a story read to him 30 minutes prior, according to medical reports included in the lawsuit. The documents allegedly show that Robert Trump told doctors in 1992 that Fred Sr.'s memory had seen a 'notable decline' for the past two years, flatly contradicting his later testimony to the probate court. The court papers also suggest that Fred Sr.'s judgment may have been further impaired by problems with alcohol. Mary and Fred III even claim their grandfather may not have been the one to sign his revised will and contend it was 'allegedly' signed by him. In an affidavit Mary Trump claimed: 'At the time the will was executed, my grandfather was suffering from senile dementia and significant memory impairment. 'My brother and I believe that the will is the product of undue influence and coercion by defendants upon my grandfather, who clearly lacked the requisite mental capacity to make a will.' Fred Sr. built up The Trump Organization into a vast real estate empire and Fred Trump Jr. was his eldest son. But Fred Jr. battled alcoholism his entire life and died at the age of 42 in 1982. After his death, health insurance for Fred III, Mary and their mother Lisa was covered by one of Fred Sr.'s companies. That included coverage for Fred III's disabled infant son William born five days after his great grandfather's death who needed round the clock nursing care for his seizures. The president and his siblings claimed William did not need such care and dismissed it as 'expensive babysitting.' Instead of hiring a nurse, Fred III should take a CPR course from the American Red Cross in case William has another cardiac arrest and resuscitate the boy himself, the siblings said. DailyMail.com spotted Mary in Long Island on Friday (pictured) but she left over the weekend for Cape Cod where her condo is 56 steep steps above a sandy beach on Cape Cod Bay Mary, who lives in Rockville Centre on Long Island, New York, has been in hiding since news of the book was revealed last week. DailyMail.com tracked her down to her $2 million vacation home on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, on Tuesday. She would not discuss the book In her affidavit Mary claimed: 'For the defendants to threaten the health of a 10-month-old infant in order to try and force a settlement and thereby cover up their own duplicitous conduct is obscene. Mary's book titled Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man is scheduled to be released in July 'They have lied in the probate proceeding and they are lying in this proceeding, attempting to paint themselves as kind, loving and concerned individuals when nothing could be farther from the truth.' In her affidavit Mary said she met her Uncle Robert at the Drake Hotel in New York in mid-1999. 'The purpose of the meeting was my uncle's attempt to persuade us to sign waivers and consents to the probate of my grandfather's will. 'When we expressed reluctance to do so, my uncle immediately stated that (the health insurance company) had already expended $125,000 for William's care. 'This barely veiled threat surfaced again a number of times, more blatantly, during the course of probate proceedings.' In February 2000, five months after the will was changed, Robert took Fred Sr. to Geriatric Medicine Associates at Mt Sinai Hospital in New York for an evaluation of his memory. Mary claimed Robert told the doctors then that Fred Sr.'s memory had been in 'notable decline' for the past two years. Mary argued: 'This was the same man who swore at his deposition, as did his brother and sister, that his father was mentally fit at the time he made his will.' Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 21:49:49|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close by Xinhua writer Lu Jiafei BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday predicted that the global economy will shrink by 4.9 percent this year, a bleak economic outlook as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ripple across the globe. This is a moment when China and the United States should work even closer, not the other way around. As the world's top two economies, they shoulder a special responsibility in stabilizing global economic growth, and in delivering a robust economic bounce-back from the pandemic-induced contraction. The China-U.S. phase-one economic and trade agreement signed in January has cleared some clouds overshadowing the global economy, and injected a dose of certainty for a perplexed world. However, the deal's implementation went off to a bumpy start as the sudden strike of the coronavirus pandemic has crippled global trade and battered the world economy. Some skeptics even questioned whether the trade deal would risk a short shelf life. Despite all these bad news, China has so far honored its commitment in the trade deal. According to Customs data, China's imports of U.S. agri-products increased by 1.1 times to about 5 billion U.S. dollars in the first quarter this year, among which, the soybeans totaled 7.814 million tons, an increase of 2.1 times. The Wall Street Journal, noting that the U.S.-China trade jumped by almost 43 percent in April from March, called China "a rare bright spot for U.S. farmers and other exporters" amid the ravaging coronavirus outbreak. And China has made it abundantly clear in this year's government work report that it "will work with the United States to implement the phase one China-U.S. economic and trade agreement." Nonetheless, it takes two to tango. For the bilateral trade relations to prosper, and the world economy to return to growth, the United States has a critical role to play. Yet what has been going on in Washington is indeed troubling. Some China-hardliners and trade hawks in the current U.S. administration have used the pandemic to crank up economic nationalism and trade protectionism, and to sell their "de-coupling from China" theories to the American public. A few days ago, White House trade advisor Peter Navarro even declared on TV that America's trade deal with China is "over," a claim only later dismissed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who tweeted that the agreement is "fully intact." Despite all the anti-free trade rabble-rousing in Washington, the confidence of American businesses in the Chinese market remains strong. According to a new study by the Rhodium Group, U.S. companies have announced 2.3 billion dollars in new direct investment projects in the Chinese market in the first quarter, almost the same as last year's quarterly average. Even U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a long-time China hawk, has admitted that "the challenges of American economic growth and prosperity are deeply intertwined today with the Chinese economy." A successful implementation of the China-U.S. trade agreement relies on both sides to honor their respective commitments. Washington should realize that by seeking economic and political tensions with Beijing, it is risking derailing the prospect of the trade agreement. A break-up of the hard-won trade deal serves no one's interests. Washington should check its own protectionist impulse and start working with Beijing in good faith, so as to ensure that the trade pact that has cost the two sides almost two years to build will not collapse. Cooperation is the only right option for China and the United States. As the international community is still grappling with the pandemic and its economic fallout, it is more imperative than ever for the two sides to join hands and work together. Enditem Tourists and Parisians panted their way up the stairs of the Eiffel Tower Thursday as the iron monument reopened after its longest closure since World War II due to the coronavirus, with the lifts still closed as a health precaution. The initial crowds of dozens of people braving blazing early summer heat were a far cry from the usual queues at the tower's base in the centre of the French capital. But the moment of the reopening of the great edifice was a symbolic one the country emerges from the virus lockdown. The first visitors had to tackle the steep climb to the first or second level by the stairs, with elevators as well as the top observation deck off-limits because of social distancing concerns. "I'm tearing up, but they're tears of joy. It's an emotional moment after these difficult months," said Therese, visiting from the southern French city of Perpignan. "I'm going to climb, but slowly," said the 60-year-old, wearing the obligatory face mask. "And if I don't make it, it's no big deal!" - 'More peaceful' - Those brave enough for the challenge in the heat mounted via the eastern leg or pillar of the 10,100-tonne landmark, coming back down via the west pillar to prevent ascending and descending visitors crossing on the stairs. Turning around halfway is not allowed, and many people stopped their ascent at the first floor -- more than 300 steps from ground level. As security guards went around reminding people to wear keep their masks on, Mexican engineering student Alex Mena, who lives in Belgium, said he timed his first-ever visit to Paris to coincide with Thursday's reopening. "Coming to Paris without seeing the Tour Eiffel is like eating cake without the cherry," he said, even though he found wearing a mask was "annoying". Tape markings on the ground enforced social distancing, and site operator SETE has promised "daily cleaning and disinfection of public spaces at the tower." The middle seats on three-person benches were marked off-limits, and visitors were offered sanitising hand gel at regular intervals. SETE director general Patrick Branco Ruivo said the tower's top level would not reopen until July 15. When it does, just eight people will be allowed per elevator instead of the usual 45. The 104-day closure cost the company 27 million euros ($30 million) in lost sales, Branco Ruivo said, with visitor numbers not expected to return to normal anytime soon. The Eiffel Tower usually receives about seven million visitors per year, some three-quarters from abroad, but ticket sales will remain limited to prevent potentially dangerous crowds. The absence of crowds was no problem for Iris Wang, a 25-year-old from China. "It's more peaceful and quiet," she told AFP. - 'Now is the time!' - France is one of the world's most visited countries, and its tourism industry has taken a hard hit under the lockdown to halt the COVID-19 pandemic, with hotels, restaurants, museums and theatres closed for three months. France lifted restrictions at European borders on June 15, and the tourism industry hopes that foreign visitors will start pouring in again as the summer season kicks off. At the Eiffel Tower, ticket prices for children have been halved for July and August. "Parisians and French, now is the time to come to the Eiffel Tower, you won't have to stand in line!" Branco Ruivo said. Parisian actress Sabine Beaufils, 57, did exactly that. "It's great! I haven't been here for a long time," she told AFP as she admired the view from the first floor through her sunglasses, snapping pictures with her mobile phone. "Parisians don't come often, because of the queues. This time, no queue, nothing! By 10:00 am we were inside, it's extraordinary!" she enthused with a big smile. While some of the tower's eateries have reopened, the Michelin-starred Jules Verne, which has its own elevator to a dining room perched 125 metres (410 feet) above the ground, will open only on June 30. T hree white men have been accused of murder after a black man was shot dead as he jogged near his home in the US state of Georgia. Prosecutors announced that a grand jury has indicted Travis McMichael, Greg McMichael and William Roddie Bryan Jr on charges including malice and felony murder in Ahmaud Arberys death. Video footage showing the killing of the 25-year-old in the coastal town of Brunswick emerged on social media and went viral last month, 10 weeks after his death, sparking a national outcry. Days later, the two men seen confronting Mr Arbery in the video, former police officer George McMichael, 64, and his son, Travis, 34, were taken into custody and charged with murder. Bryan Jr, 50, who recorded the shooting on February 23, was later arrested and also charged with murder. The killing has been invoked during protests against racial injustice that have broken out across the US since George Floyds death last month in Minneapolis. A grand jury yesterday returned a nine-count indictment against all three men, charging each with malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault and false imprisonment. A statue of a 19th century US vice president and slavery advocate John C Calhoun in Charleston, South Carolina, has been pulled down. The council and mayor voted unanimously to move it to an appropriate site where it will be protected and preserved. New Delhi, June 25 : On the occasion of the 45th anniversary of Emergency, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tributes to the people who fought for the protection of democracy in India, saying the country will never forget their sacrifices. In a tweet in Hindi, Modi said, "Emergency was imposed on the country exactly 45 years ago. At the time, people who fought for the protection of India's democracy, suffered torture, I salute them all! The country will never forget their sacrifices." He also attached one of the episodes from his monthly programme 'Mann ki Baat' held last year, where he spoke at length about the Emergency. The announcement of Emergency was made on June 25, 1975, days after the Allahabad High Court found former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi guilty of electoral malpractices and disbarred her as a parliamentarian for six years. For much of the Emergency period, most of Indira Gandhi's political opponents were jailed and the press was muzzled. Modi's remarks came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a swipe at Indira Gandhi, saying one family's "greed for power" led to the imposition of Emergency 45 years ago when the country was turned into a prison. In a series of tweets, Shah said, "On this day 45 years ago, one family's greed for power led to the imposition of Emergency. Overnight the nation was turned into a prison. The press, courts, free speech... all were trampled over. Atrocities were committed on the poor and downtrodden." He said that due to the efforts of lakhs of people, the Emergency was lifted. "Democracy was restored in India, but it remained absent in the Congress. The interests of one family prevailed over party interests and national interests. This sorry state of affairs thrives in today's Congress too," Shah said in another tweet. The Home Minister also asked the Congress why even after 45 years, the Emergency mindset still remains. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Tunisian rapper A.L.A (Ala Ferchichi), known as the spearhead of the Tunisian trap music scene, must appear in court on Oct. 12. His arrest May 6 for possession of cannabis with intent to supply cannabis sparked a massive online protest. However, after two days of pre-trial detention, the rapper was sent home May 8 to await trial. A.L.As lawyer, Ghazi Mrabet, said the artist might benefit from the 2017 drug law reform. When it concerns a first offender, judges now can impose a fine or grant pardon after predetention instead of imprisonment, Mrabet told Al-Monitor. For the protesters, cannabis arrests are closely linked to police brutality and repression of youth culture. Hezb El Warka (Leaf Party), a movement seeking cannabis legalization, seized the occasion to start an online petition, calling on the government to legalize recreational cannabis use. Today, six weeks after its launch, the initiative continues to grow. Up until 2017, the Tunisian drug bill, commonly known as Law 52, had the reputation of being one of the worlds harshest drug laws, with a mandatory minimum of one year in prison plus a monetary fine of 1,000 Tunisian dinars ($350) for persons found guilty of possession of small amounts of drugs or its use. The law stood apart as the only bill in the Tunisian Criminal Code that deprived judges of their discretion; judges were not permitted to consider mitigating circumstances. Consequently, by December 2015, Human Right Watch reported that 7,451 people prosecuted for drug-related offenses in Tunisia were held in prison, of which 5,200 were convicted of using or possessing small amounts of cannabis. Former member of parliament Kwawla Ben-Aicha characterizes the 2017 amendment as a hard-won deal between the preceding parliament and Beji Caid Essebsi, former president and founder of Nidaa Tounes. Essebsi aimed to reduce prison overcrowding and made the repeal of Law 52 one of his key electoral promises, but sadly this has led nowhere. Even fellow party members voted against the draft law, Ben-Aicha, then-member of parliament for the Machrouu party, a breakaway of Nidaa Tounes, told Al-Monitor. As a way to reduce prison overcrowding, the drug policy reform has hardly been successful. According to a research document published in 2019, 6,000 Tunisians 25% of the prison population were still detained for having consumed, produced or sold cannabis. These figures show that the reforms do little to solve the prison problem, pro-legalization groups argue. The recidivism rate is about 100%, and in that case a jail sentence still follows, Wahid Mkadmi, spokesman of the Collective for the Legalization of Cannabis (COLEC), told Al-Monitor. As stated by Mkadmi, Tunisias repressive approach of cannabis use increases harm. By seeing it purely as a criminal justice issue, the state jeopardizes youth health and safety. After serving jail time your life is destroyed, he added. Instead, the Tunisian pro-cannabis lobby, predominantly embodied by COLEC and the Leaf Party, both established in 2019, advocate for the complete legalization of cannabis recreational and medicinal and the establishment of a government-controlled monopoly on cannabis production. In this way, we make sure that cannabis products meet quality and safety standards. Plus, legalizing cannabis will bring considerable economic benefits, Mkadmi said. According to 2017 figures from the Tunisian Association of Toxicology, there are approximately 400,000 cannabis users in Tunisia. Mkadmi, by contrast, noted, Tunisia counts 3 million cannabis users 300,000 of whom use it on a daily basis. Mrabet attributes this increase to the "forbidden fruit effect." He noted, Anything forbidden becomes attractive. Like any other country with severe anti-drugs laws, cannabis use continues to increase in Tunisia. Tunisian parliamentarians, however, kept the issue from the political agenda, since the cannabis debate in 2017. Parliamentarians avoided the topic so as to not lose any votes since Tunisians are generally conservative, Mrabet added. Yet, unexpectedly, cannabis emerged as a popular campaign issue in the 2019 presidential race, when a majority of the 26 candidates, including current Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh, and candidates of three of the five governing parties, pleaded for depenalization. Ben-Aicha suggested the presidential candidates wanted to piggyback on the success of the pro-legalization movement. Politicians began to get interested once they discovered how powerful the movement had become among the youth. Some immediately supported the cause, others were reluctant, only discreetly supporting it, Ben-Aicha said. So far, however, the government has shown little eagerness to deliver on its campaign promise. Reason for Mongi Rahoui, a member of parliament and 2019 presidential candidate for the leftist Democratic Patriots' Unified Party, to question the political commitment for cannabis legalization. It was pure political advertising. None of them had a clear program, Rahoui, who got 0,8 % of the votes in the presidential elections and one seat in the parliamentary elections, told Al-Monitor. At this time of economic crisis, the country could benefit enormously from a legalization strategy that includes the health and economic gains of cannabis." But Ben-Aicha doubts whether this is politically an opportune time to launch the next step. For this type of sensitive topic, deputies must be approached as independent individuals instead of representatives for their political party. Either way, the proposal is unlikely to pass in parliament, she said, adding that she has been pushing for change since 2017. The political wind has changed, and as such the nature of the 2019 elected parliament which is not only fragmented but also predominantly conservative suggests that every attempt is unlikely to succeed. According to civil society, more optimism is justified. In the previous parliamentary term, we saw that even the people of the conservative Muslim-democratic Ennahda movement currently with 52 parliamentarian seats, i.e., Tunisias largest party shifted their position on sensitive issues. Everybody can change, Mkadmi said. Repeatedly documented police brutality against its users has made cannabis a controversial topic in the country. Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is facing the anger of its citizens for its handling of the Coronavirus pandemic and also for its "weak" foreign policy after the country decided to incorporate Indian territories into its new political map, thus, weakening the country's age-old relations with India. Now, reports suggest that all is not well withing the ruling party as well after Executive Chairperson of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Pushpa Kamal Dahal lambasted the government for its lacklustre performance during the party's Standing Committee meeting which began earlier on Wednesday. 'One has to be objective while...' According to a report in 'My Republica', in his speech at the meeting, Dahal said that the government has failed to live up to the people's expectations in this difficult situation. He also accused KP Sharma Oli of violating the "understanding" reached at the party's top level in terms of power-sharing on rotational basis. Oli defended the government and said that his administration is doing its best to serve the national interests. He also said that the ruling party leaders themselves are acting as the opposition party leaders. "The government has been doing its best to contain the COVID-19 pandemic while expediting development works across the country. One has to be objective while criticizing the government," Oli said. Oli also said that the government is working to safeguard the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "We recently issued a new political and administrative map of the country. This was a historic task," Oli said. READ | Nepal says 90 pc of its coronavirus cases are foreign returnees, mostly from India 'You should not feel that...' Another report said that during the meeting, both Prime Minister K P Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda traded barbs. The meeting of the powerful 45-member body that was cancelled twice in the past, finally took place Wednesday, after mounting pressure and accusations that Oli had hijacked the party and the government and was running it in an authoritarian way. READ | After Nepal obstructs flood maintenance work, Bihar Minister seeks Centre's intervention Speaking at the beginning of the meeting which will continue on Friday Oli said even his good work, his efforts to establish socialism in the country and his strong commitment towards nationalism were not being defended by the partys leaders. By humiliating me, you should not feel that your stature has gone up, he told Prachanda. Earlier, Nepal has blamed India for the rise of novel coronavirus cases in the country, with the country's PM KP Sharma Oli saying the virus strain from India looked "more lethal" than those from China and Italy. READ | Nepalese try to abduct Indians as tensions rise along border villages amid map row Nepals National Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed the Constitution Amendment Bill to update the country's political and administrative map incorporating three Indian territories. India has termed as untenable the "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims by Nepal after its lower house of parliament on Saturday unanimously approved the new political map of the country featuring areas which India maintains belong to it. READ | Cong tells govt to act against Nepal FM channels beaming anti-India content across border (With PTI inputs) A three-year-old in the Bronx has been left with first and second degree burns after a firework shot through his family's top floor window - the latest incident detailing just how much of a nuisance have become not just in New York City, but across the country. The young boy had been sleeping when was woken up by the fireworks, watching them from his family's sixth-floor Highbridge apartment on Wednesday night just after midnight. His 17-year-old brother filmed the scene, the New York Daily News reports. Fireworks in the city are illegal. He can be heard screaming once the fireworks come shooting through the window. 'I thought it was a shooting but it was all fireworks,' said Jesus Rosario, the boy's father. 'It was so loud and there were so many. I come outside and the baby started crying and he comes out and he's bleeding. The young boy had been sleeping when was woken up by the fireworks, watching them from his family's sixth-floor Highbridge apartment on Wednesday night just after midnight. Those believed to have set the fireworks alight are seen bottom right The young boy suffered first and second degree burns on his arms after the fireworks went off 'There was a lot of smoke and a lot of things caught fire for two, three seconds. He was mostly scared. He was describing it: 'Firework came in and boom!'' The 32-year-old father said that the fireworks have been happening in the area for the last few weeks. 'This is out of hand,' said Rosario. 'This could have been worse. If it was a bigger firework, anyone could have been killed with that. When I got downstairs, I couldn't even get to the car because there was a box flipped over that was shooting fireworks.' The father was able to get the group responsible to leave the area, once he started yelling at them. Police are searching for a group of four to five men who are said to retrieve fireworks from a gray Ford Fusion that has a Pennsylvania license plate, NBC New York reports. 'I thought it was a shooting but it was all fireworks,' said Jesus Rosario, the boy's father. 'It was so loud and there were so many. I come outside and the baby started crying and he comes out and he's bleeding' Police released this image of who they believe is behind the fireworks attack Another image which was released by cops of who they believe set off the fireworks which injured the three-year-old boy His frustrations mirror those in New York and across thew country. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio recently announced that he was creating a special task force geared at stopping vendors and firework resellers. 'We want to go after the big fish. We want to go after those who are making the biggest impact,' de Blasio said in a Tuesday press conference. 'We know there are suppliers outside of New York City where a lot of this is coming from.' 911 call centers have received 13,215 calls for illegal fireworks from the start of 2020 up until June 21, according to the NYPD. The bulk of those calls - 12,578 - have occurred in the last month. That is a stark contrast to the 1,007 calls made for the same period in 2019. But the uncertainty in who all is taking part in the illegal activity has become a source of ire as some have noted that even firemen in the city are popping fireworks. The FDNY is currently investigating an incident allegedly involving Brooklyn firefighters filmed firing off their own fireworks at a Crown Heights fire station on June 16, officials said in a statement to the Independent. But outside of New York, folks in cities across the United States have been asking for a crack down on the loud nuisances. The San Bernardino Police Department in California has been sharing their captured hauls on social media, stating: 'Our fireworks teams are out there seizing illegal fireworks and taking enforcement actions against those who are lighting them. Your SBPD officers will continue to work through the night searching for additional firework violators.' But outside of New York, folks in cities across the United States have been asking for a crack down on the loud nuisances. The San Bernardino Police Department in California has been sharing their captured hauls on social media Some 3,270lbs of fireworks have been confiscated and some 21 people have been arrested by the department Some 3,270lbs of fireworks have been confiscated and some 21 people have been arrested, according to KTLA. 'Safe and sane' fireworks are only allowed south of 210 freeway in San Bernardino from July 1 to July 4. The city recently amended its municipal code to up their fine for those who use illegal fireworks. Illegal fireworks were also found to have been the cause of a brush fire in the city of Colton in California on Tuesday night 'It took six engines and a Battalion Chief to protect the surrounding structures and extinguish the fire,' the City of Colton Fire Department said in a Wednesday morning statement. No injuries or property damage was reported in the fire. Illegal fireworks were also found to have been the cause of a brush fire in the city of Colton in California on Tuesday night A prisoner is challenging the governments ban on automatic release for terror offenders, claiming it violates human rights. Isis supporter Mohammed Zahir Khan was jailed for encouraging terror attacks in 2018 and was due to be freed in February before the rules changed. His impending release provoked headlines describing a race against time to pass an emergency law that was announced by the government a day after the Streatham terror attack. It was the third knife rampage in just over two months to be launched by a convicted terror offender, following the Fishmongers Hall attack in London Bridge and a stabbing by two inmates inside a high-security jail. The suspect arrested over the Reading attack, where three victims were killed on Saturday, had been released from prison after serving a non terror-related sentence 16 days previously. The Terrorist Offenders (Restriction of Early Release) Act 2020 came into force on 26 February - days before Khans scheduled release. It was expected to block the automatic early release of around 50 people who had already been jailed for terror offences, and the government has subsequently proposed new laws aiming to keep terrorists in jail for longer. The change forced offenders who had been given standard determinate sentences to serve two thirds of their sentence before being considered for release by the Parole Board, rather than being freed automatically at the half-way point. Lawyers representing Khan say the terms of legislation breach human rights, are directed against people holding particular Islamic beliefs and have a disproportionate impact on Muslims. Robert Buckland, the justice secretary, disagrees and lawyers representing the government are arguing for the challenge to be dismissed. At a preliminary hearing in May, Mr Justice Garnham ruled that Khan had an arguable case. North East Counter Terrorism Unit photo of Mohammed Zahir Khan, who was jailed in May 2018 for encouraging terrorism and stirring up religious hatred (North East Counter Terrorism Unit) Fellow High Court judges Lord Justice Fulford and Mr Justice Garnham began considering detailed arguments at a virtual hearing on Wednesday. Hugh Southey QC, who is leading Khan's legal team, told the court that new provisions breached the European Convention on Human Rights. He argued that the Terrorist Offenders (Restriction of Early Release) Act 2020 violated the right to liberty, the right not to be held guilty of an offence which did not constitute an crime when it was committed, and the right not to suffer discrimination. Mr Southey said the changes had produced inconsistency and led to terrorist prisoners being treated differently from other prisoners. He claimed that judges should declare them incompatible with human rights legislation, but Sir James Eadie QC, leading Mr Buckland's legal team, said Khan's challenge should be dismissed. He told the court the rules were not discriminatory, because they applied equally to all relevant terrorist offenders, regardless of race or religion. As of 31 March, there were 238 people jailed for terror-related offences in the UK, of which 77 per cent were Islamists and 18 per cent far-right extremists. Sir James said parliament was entitled to distinguish terrorist offenders because of the risks they posed, and the difficulties managing those risks. Khan, 42, admitted five counts of encouraging terrorism, one count of disseminating terrorist publications and two counts of inciting religious hatred via his social media accounts. He is originally from Birmingham but was a shopkeeper living in Sunderland when he was handed a four-and-a-half year prison sentence at Newcastle Crown Court in May 2018. UK terror plots that were foiled by security services Show all 14 1 /14 UK terror plots that were foiled by security services UK terror plots that were foiled by security services Oxford Street terror plot Lewis Ludlow was jailed for life in March 2019 for planning a 'spectacular multi-victim attack' on Oxford Street in London. He pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey last year to plotting an attack in the UK and funding Isis abroad EPA UK terror plots that were foiled by security services Rosie Cooper MP plot Jack Renshaw admitted plotting to kill his local Labour MP with a machete in June 2018. Renshaw bought a 19in machete intending to use it to kill Rosie Cooper, MP for West Lancashire. His plan was foiled by whistleblower Robbie Mullen, who heard of the plot in a meeting of alleged and convicted National Action members in the Friar Penketh pub in Warrington Hope Not Hate UK terror plots that were foiled by security services 'Poppy terror plot' Nadir Ali Sayed, his cousin Yousaf Shah Syed, and Haseeb Hamayoon, were charged with terrorism offences over an alleged plot to behead a member of public. The trio were arrested in London and High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire on 6 November - three days before Remembrance Sunday in 2014 PA UK terror plots that were foiled by security services National Action arrests Following the arrest of six men in 2018 on suspicion that they were members of the banned far-right terror group National Action, two were jailed. Christopher Lythgoe was found to be leader of the banned group and jailed for eight years, while Matthew Hankinson was jailed for six years. While it was found that Lythgoe did not encourage Jack Renshaw's plot to kill a Labour MP, the judge noted that he "did nothing to stop or discourage" the attack PA UK terror plots that were foiled by security services Shane Fletcher A self-described 'loner', Fletcher planned to kill members of the public at a football match in his home town of Workington. He had been referred to the government's Prevent programme nine moths prior to his arrest after stating that he dreamed about "shooting up a mosque" PA UK terror plots that were foiled by security services Heathrow airport arrests A 19-year-old from Coventry man was arrested at London's Heathrow airport on suspicion of preparing for acts of terrorism in November 2014 UK terror plots that were foiled by security services Extradition of Abu Hamza Radical muslim cleric Abu Hamza was extradited to the US in 2014 after having been jailed in the UK for 7 years for 11 offences under the Terrorism Act Getty UK terror plots that were foiled by security services South East Counter Terrorism Unit arrests Six people were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences after a series of dawn raids in the south of England in October 2014. Three men and three women were detained separately in two properties in Portsmouth, one in Farnborough and one in Greenwich following an operation by the South East Counter Terrorism Unit. Counter-terror officers said they had disrupted what was believed to be the early stages of what could have turned into a significant plot PA UK terror plots that were foiled by security services October 2014 arrests Three men were arrested in central London on 13 October as part of an investigation into Islamist-related terrorism. The arrests come nearly a week after five men were arrested in dawn raids that Whitehall officials said may have foiled the early stages of a plan to attack the UK Peter Macdiarmid/Getty UK terror plots that were foiled by security services Anjem Choudary arrest Anjem Choudary, the radical activist and co-founder of the banned al-Muhajiroun group, was arrested in September 2014 as efforts intensify to disrupt the ideological backers of young British Muslims travelling to fight in foreign conflicts. Mr Choudary was among nine men held on suspicion of supporting a banned terrorist group and encouraging terrorism. The arrests came shortly after Mr Choudary fired off a series of angry tweets after David Cameron called on MPs to back air strikes against Islamic State militants in Syria Oli Scarff/Getty UK terror plots that were foiled by security services North West Counter Terrorism Unit funds seizing Police seize 250,000 of cash intended to fund Isis at Manchester Airport and north-west ports. Using powers under the Terrorism Act, the money was confiscated by officers from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit in Ocotber 2014 Getty UK terror plots that were foiled by security services Tarik Hassane arrest A medical student who was offered a place at a London university has been named among four men who are being questioned by counter-terror police after a series of raids across the capital. Tarik Hassane, 21, is believed to have been Tasered when he was arrested on suspicion of being involved in a "significant" Islamist terror plot on 7 October 2015 UK terror plots that were foiled by security services Abu Qatada removed from UK Radical preacher Abu Qatada will not be returning to the UK after being cleared of terror charges in Jordan in 2013 Reuters UK terror plots that were foiled by security services Haider Ahmed knife plot Teenage Isis supporter Haider Ahmed purchased a 15ins hunting knife and threatened to launch a stabbing attack on the Tube. Prosecutors said he may alternatively have been planning to rob someone with the weapon to fund his travel to fight for Isis in Syria He was jailed for preparing an act of terrorism in June 2019 Counter Terrorism Policing South East Khan, who had shared Isis propaganda and posted messages saying Shia Muslims should be burned alive, will be considered for release in November 2020 under the new regime. The case will continue on Thursday. It comes as parliament considers a new raft of laws aimed at keeping terrorists in prison for longer. Under the Counter-Terrorism and Sentencing Bill, judges would also be able to increase the sentence for any crime punishable by more than two years in prison by finding a terrorist connection. The law would force terrorists given extended determinate sentences to serve the entire term in prison, rather than being released on licence, but only if the maximum penalty for the crime was life. Recommended Terrorist prisoners free to network and radicalise inmates in UK jails Legal changes would see those found guilty of selected offences, such as planning attacks, handed a minimum 14-year prison term and monitored for up to 25 years after their release under a new serious terrorism sentence. They would also increase the maximum penalty from 10 to 14 years imprisonment for several terror offences, increase licence periods and introduce lie detector tests for released prisoners. It comes amid concerns about Islamist radicalisation and networking in prisons, after a recent trial heard that convicted terrorists were free to exchange jihad banter and discuss attacks inside HMP Belmarsh. A Ministry of Justice impact assessment for the new law said that while longer sentences could give terrorists more opportunity to engage in deradicalisation programmes, there is a risk of offenders radicalising others during their stays in custody. Last year, the Parole Board warned that jailing low-level extremists can result in them becoming more likely to commit terrorist acts when they are released. A 2016 report on Islamist extremism in prisons sparked the creation of separation centres to remove influential extremists from the general population, but only one of four units is now in operation. Additional reporting by PA Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 14:10 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066193b0c 1 World Rohingya,Rohingya-Muslims,aceh,Foreign-Minister-Retno-Marsudi Free Amnesty International has called on Indonesian authorities to ensure immediate protection for dozens of Rohingya refugees, who were rescued by local fishermen after they became stranded in the waters off North Aceh on Wednesday. These children, women and men have likely been at sea for weeks, if not months. Their basic needs, such as food, clothes, water, medicines and proper shelter, must be met, Amnesty International Indonesia executive director Usman Hamid said in a statement. The human rights group also urged Indonesia to "step up" dialogue with regional leaders to save the refugees. "The Indonesian government must initiate intensive communication with country leaders in ASEAN and the Bali Process to rescue all of the people still stuck on perilous boats," Usman said. The Bali Process is a multistate framework cochaired by Indonesia and Australia that facilitate discussion and information sharing on refugees, human trafficking and related transnational issues. Established in 2002, the framework has 49 members, including Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia and Thailand, as well as several international agencies. Meanwhile, Malaysia is considering a plan to turn back nearly 300 Rohingya refugees detained by local authorities after they arrived last week on a damaged boat, Reuters reported. Kuala Lumpur said it would no longer accept Rohingya refugees after it tightened its borders to prevent a new wave of coronavirus infections. Amnesty International has criticized Malaysia's plan as hugely alarming and a clear violation of international law. Read also: Indonesian fishermen rescue dozens of Rohingya refugees in Aceh waters In the time of COVID-19, we also urge all countries in the region to ensure the wellbeing of refugees and not to send them back to the sea. Under international law, all countries have the obligation to protect and rescue people at risk of serious harm," Usman said. Aceh authorities confirmed on Wednesday that at least 94 Rohingya refugees, mostly women and children, were stranded in the waters off the coast of Seunuddon district, North Aceh. However, Amnesty International Indonesia estimated that the number of refugees could be as high as 145, and were first spotted in apparent distress. The refugees are thought to have fled the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar. Three Indonesian fishermen who were apparently passing nearby rescued the refugees from a listing cargo vessel and took the refugees aboard their fishing boat. Members of the police and the Indonesian Military were reportedly deployed to check on the condition of any passengers remaining on the stranded vessel. Local authorities also confirmed that they were coordinating on managing the refugees. Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said on Wednesday that Indonesia and other ASEAN countries must prioritize the repatriation of Rohingya refugees to Myanmar's Rakhine state, although she acknowledge that realizing the plan was unlikely during the pandemic. "Efforts shall continue to prepare voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation [of the refugees]," she said, while calling for measures to prevent more refugees from making such a dangerous journey by sea. They are victims of migrant smuggling and human trafficking. There must be preventive measures against it," she said. (trn) The death of George Floyd showcased the reality of police brutality that sparked the world in outrage. The Black Lives Matter movement also revived as people started to take a stand and fight for justice. Several opportunists started taking advantage by looting even from Black-owned businesses soiling the good intent of the movement. Niko Nance viral Facebook photo Located in Abilene, Texas, a certain Abilene resident by the name of Niko Nance, who is a black man, claims that he was actually beaten for wearing a specific white t-shirt that had the print "white lives matter too" in black. Nance had posted a picture of himself confidently putting on the shirt on Facebook. He then claimed that just a few hours later, he was then beaten by a number of black men in the parking lot of a specific local bar. According to Nance, he was bleeding from both his nose and his mouth saying that he didn't think people would react like that. Nance claimed that he was first punched before being thrown to the ground. He also said that he never really reported the incident to the police and just a few hours later, the picture that he had posted on Facebook suddenly went viral. The Facebook post has already garnered thousands of likes and also shares topped with hundreds of comments in which some of them are positive while some of them are quite negative. The picture has gained attention all across the country. Nance's stand on what he did Nance pointed out that he wore the t-shirt in order to spread the message that everyone is equal and he said that he wanted to show his support for other cultures as well that are already supporting them because that apparently is "the way to be a union." Nance claimed that he supports the Black Lives Movement and noted that the recent riots and also the violent protests have definitely had a negative effect on himself. According to Nance quoting Martin Luther King, "The violence right now is not the dream Martin Luther King had." When asked if he would go out again and put on the t-shirt, Nance replied with a strong "definitely" explaining that he is standing for an idea that is much bigger than the current situation. The death of George Floyd The Black Lives Matter movement is a movement against police brutality to black people as a number of them have already been wrongfully murdered in the hands of police due to discrimination due to their skin color. George Floyd, who allegedly used a counterfeit bill, was brutally murdered under the knee of a certain cop named Derek Chauvin while he begged for his life saying "I can't breathe." Although the bystanders were begging the police to get off of Floyd as they could clearly see his struggle, they only stopped when an ambulance arrived. Former Bachelor star Kirralee 'Kiki' Morris has been caught up in a police search after a daytime traffic stop near Sydney's largest Westfield shopping centre. The 32-year-old model was pictured standing on Grafton Street in Bondi Junction at 11am on Thursday as plain clothes and uniform police looked through the vehicle. Kiki is understood to have been the passenger in the car, which was being driven by her friend Lucas Azzopardi. A police source told Daily Mail Australia the check was routine and ended with both Ms Morris and Mr Azzopardi being allowed to continue on their way. Former Bachelor star Kirralee 'Kiki' Morris (left) has been caught up in a police search after officers pulled over a vehicle being driven by her friend Lucas Azzopardi (right) on Thursday Ms Morris, 32, was pictured standing outside the car as police rummaged through after pulling the pair over at Westfield, in Bondi Junction, about 11am There is no suggestion the pair were involved in any wrongdoing in relation to Thursday's police stop. Mr Azzopardi is currently facing criminal charges of supplying prohibited drugs and selling restricted substances. But when contacted by Daily Mail Australia he denied any wrongdoing in relation to those matters and said he was confident he will be cleared of all charges before the courts. 'It was a random check, it was the wrong person thats not my car, I'm just borrowing it,' he told Daily Mail Australia of Thursday's incident. Mr Azzopardi owns eastern suburbs business Nutrition Station and is a regular on the areas social scene. Kiki first appeared on Richie Strahan's season of the Bachelor in 2016, before going on to take part in a subsequent season of the Bachelor in Paradise. A police source told Daily Mail Australia the check was routine and ended with both Ms Morris - who first appeared on Richie Strahan's season - and Mr Azzopardi being allowed to continue on their way 'It was a random check, it was the wrong person thats not my car, I'm just borrowing it,' Mr Azzopardi told Daily Mail Australia of Thursday's police stop She was last year forced to front court herself after her ex-boyfriend was charged with assaulting her in a domestic violence incident. Jeremy Banks was accused of slapping and choking her in a 2018 incident. He was convicted but has since appealed his sentence to the NSW District Court. Studio 10 was forced to apologise to its audience this morning after Sydneys meanest TV critic, Rudi Vanderstone (aka TripleMs Lawrence Mooney) dropped some clangers at the expense of industry names. It wasnt so much that he called the 10 morning show a place on television where careers can go to die, or that he described MAFS as real estate agents and beauticians falling in love under the auspices of alcohol to rub their skin together. It wasnt even lamenting that this weekend he would have been waiting around for 3 hours for a woke speech from a half-talent voted by the Australian public as Gold. But it may have been the gag at the expense of Ryan Phelan, mispronouncing David Koch with a Dutch accent and referring to morning TV as home to sl*t-shamming and casual racism. The look on Natarsha Bellings face said it all she soon apologised to viewers. We just need to apologise for our viewers for the offensive language in that last segment, she said. For everything in fact! Joe Hildebrand added. Tomorrow for TVs morning of mornings TripleMs Rudi will launch The Steaming Brown Logies for 2020 in honour of the weekend the authorised event was due to be held. You know you want to France, Germany and Italy on Thursday called on forces in Libya to cease fighting and for outside parties to stop any interference in a bid to try and get political talks back on track. "In light of the growing risks of a deterioration of the situation in Libya ... France, Germany and Italy call on all Libyan parties to immediately and unconditionally cease fighting," the countries said in a joint statement. "They also urge foreign actors to end all interference and to fully respect the arms embargo established by the United Nations Security Council." Ties between NATO allies France and Turkey have soured in recent weeks over the Libyan conflict. Short link: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to make millions on the professional speaking circuit after reportedly signing with a high-profile agency who represent Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as Bill and Hillary Clinton. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who quit their royal life in Britain to set up home in Los Angeles, have struck a deal with the New York-based Harry Walker Agency. Former President Barack Obama reportedly earned almost 320,000 for one 2017 speech, while the Clintons averaged almost 200,000 per appearance in 2014. It is unclear what speaking fees will be for the Duke and Duchess, who will speak both together or individually, the Los Angeles Times reported. A source close to Harry and Meghan reportedly confirmed the couple had signed with the agency, which industry insiders say will net them millions as they seek financial independence away from the royal family. It is expected they will offer their services as keynote speakers with big money corporations and community forums in future. Harry in February spoke at an event hosted by investment banking giant JP Morgan where he revealed he had been in therapy for the past three years. The Dukes team had held discussions with Goldman Sachs about forming a partnership. However, Majesty magazine editor Ingrid Seward has warned that Harry and Meghan may have to tell stories about their time in the royal family to justify their fees. She said: No one wants to pay to hear them sounding off about gender equality and the environment. Harry and Meghan will really have to up their ante, and they will absolutely have to tell some stories about the Royal Family. The have reportedly said they will now focus their efforts on social issues such as racial injustice, in line with the Black Lives Matter movement, while continuing to highlight subjects such as gender equality, mental health and environmental concerns. The Queen banned the couple from using their HRH titles for their private work as well as stopping them from using the Sussex Royal brand that had collected 11million followers on Instagram. The couple have set up a new enterprise called Archewell, named as the inspiration for their son Archie, but reportedly last week hit a stumbling block with the United States Patent and Trademark Office after submitting their application on March 3 who described the plans as too vague. Follow Us on Facebook @LadunLiadi; Instagram @LadunLiadi; Twitter @LadunLiadi; Youtube @LadunLiadiTV for updates When the coronavirus pandemic hit the United States in early March, it didnt take long for Texas Roadhouse CEO Kent Taylor to jump into action to protect both the lives and the livelihoods of his employees. Taylor, who also founded the popular restaurant chain, bought latex gloves, masks and eyewear for the workers in his nearly 600 restaurants, and also got to work creating a sort of stimulus package specifically for the Texas Roadhouse family. Its how I was raised. I did what I felt was right, Taylor, 64, tells PEOPLE in this weeks issue. This is that kind of time where you have to persist and think differently and take care of those that are with you and lift everyones spirits and march forward. For starters, Taylor donated his yearly salary and bonus, totaling more than $800,000 and even as business has slowed amid the shutdown, the company has so far not had to lay anyone off or cut pay. For more companies with heart, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe here. Courtesy Texas Roadhouse Kent Taylor He also contributed another $5 million to an emergency fund called Andys Outreach, which he set up for his employees 18 years ago to help with things like rent and mortgage payments, utility bills and funeral expenses. We were doing that to take care of our people that might have a loved one die that needed money for a funeral or an operation, he explains of its origins. It would transition to where people gave part of their paycheck, whether 10 cents of $10, to help our people during times of need. Taylor says he noticed that many of his workers were looking to the fund for help, and that its funds were quickly getting depleted, which prompted him to donate millions of his own. RELATED: Rihanna and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey Donate $15M to Mental Health Services amid Coronavirus Im 64 years old and I call people under 55 kids. So I have 70,000 kids, and you want to take care of them, he says of his employees. I relate it to my own personal family and I want to take care of my family, is how I look at it. Story continues Taylor knows what it is to struggle, and his experiences are a big part of the reason why he feels a push to help others; during the early days of Texas Roadhouse in the early 1990s, Taylor was a single parent raising two daughters, and had to lean on his parents for financial support and, at times, housing. When youre down and out, that sticks in your head, he says. A lot of people think when you make it later in life it leaves, but it stays in your brain. Later in life you want to give back in the same way. RELATED: Target Raises Minimum Wage to $15/Hour, Gives Bonus to Hourly Employees Working amid COVID-19 So far, Taylor says the response to his efforts has been great, and that hes received hundreds of thank you letters some of which have even made him shed a few tears. The businessman whose company is based in Louisville, Kentucky says that when all is said and done, he hopes his generosity will be something his employees take with them. I want them, he says, to transfer the love were showing them to other people. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 25 Trend: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has congratulated President of the Republic of Djibouti Ismael Omar Guelleh. Dear Mr. President, it is on the occasion of the national holiday of the friendly Republic of Djibouti Independence Day that on my behalf and behalf of the people of Azerbaijan I wish to cordially congratulate you and your people, the Azerbaijani president said. The present level of relations between Azerbaijan and Djibouti, that are based on good traditions and mutual respect, is gratifying, President Aliyev added. I am confident that our beneficial cooperation within across such international platforms as the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation and the Non-Aligned Movement will continue to develop successfully. I seize this opportunity, to wish strong health and success to you, and peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Djibouti, the Azerbaijani president said. MOUNTAIN VIEW (dpa-AFX) - Google announced a licensing program to pay publishers for high-quality content that will form part of 'a new news experience' launching later this year. Brad Bender, Google's VP of Product Management, News, wrote in a blog post that the company has partnered with local and national publications in Germany, Australia and Brazil. The company has been in discussions with its publisher partners for several months. The new product, in support of the news industry, will be launched first on Google News and Discover. The company said it is engaged in talks with many more partners and plan to sign more in the coming months. The company will also offer to pay for users' free access to read paywalled articles on a publisher's site. With this, paywalled publishers can grow their audiences, and people will get an opportunity to read content they might not ordinarily see. Stefan Ottlitz, managing director of Germany's SPIEGEL Group, which is Google partner, said, 'This interesting new partnership with Google will allow us to curate an experience that will bring our award-winning editorial voice into play, broaden our outreach and provide trusted news in a compelling way across Google products.' According to Paul Hamra, Managing Director and publisher of Australian news titles including InQueensland and InDaily in South Australia, finding new channels and new audiences for its premium content, in safe and curated environments, is a high priority, and the partnership offers that. Google expects the new endeavor to support its ongoing efforts with the Google News Initiative, which was launched in 2018, aiming to help journalism thrive in the digital age. The News Initiative, amid the coronavirus pandemic, has provided funding to more than 5,300 local publications across the globe. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de French jihadist Tyler Vilus appeared before the Paris criminal court on Wednesday for the start of a week-long trial into his role within the Islamic State armed group where he is accused of serving as an 'emir.' He faces life in prison. Well-known in France's extremist circles, Vilus is accused of belonging to a terrorist organisation, commanding a group of ISIS militants and 'aggravated murder.' He took the dock on Thursday sporting thin pleats, short beard and black designer polo shirt. His trial--the first in France for crimes committed in Syria--is a big catch for the French justice system as it seeks to prosecute returning terrorist fighters. Thirty-year-old Vilus is like no other. A close friend of the mastermind of the 13 November attacks in Paris in 2015, he has always been suspected of being the "twelfth man." Although the terror suspect denies any involvement in the deadly assault on the Bataclan concert hall five years ago, the shadow of France's worst attack is likely to hang over this trial. Over the next week, the Paris criminal court will endeavour to uncover whether Vilus had any responsibility in the attack as well as reveal the personality and background of the man described as an ISIS 'emir.' Turkey arrest His case dates back to July 2015 when he was arrested in Turkey travelling on a Swedish passport. Barely arrested, Vilus managed to raise the alert from his phone by sending messages to a Turkish number that were later intercepted. "I got arrested () I will contact you when I go out, if I go out (sic)". "When I go out, I will act." His correspondent turned out to be Belgian jihadist Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the mastermind of the Paris attacks. He told investigators later that he made Abaaoud believe he was planning an attack when in fact he was trying to leave IS to travel to Mauritania. Among the first French-speaking fighters to leave for Syria, Vilus and Abaaoud established close ties in the self proclaimed caliphate of Islamic State. Departure for Syria Vilus moved to Syria in 2013 after a first experience in Tunisia alongside radical Salafist groups. Said to be disappointed by the encounter, he resettled in Syria's Aleppo region and quickly moved up the ranks of IS. While there, he frequently welcomed his mother, Christine Riviere, nicknamed "Jihadi Granny." Vilus sent several messages to Rivierelater seized by investigatorsrelaying how he had become not only a police officer but an emir to a group of French fighters. His mother is said to have replied: I knew you'd do well, you're made for that. Riviere was jailed for ten years in 2017 for belonging to a terrorist organisation and financially supporting ISIS. She told investigators it was 'normal' that she send her son money. Execution on video Vilus is described by investigators as wearing multiple hats. He is alleged to have been a recruiter, fighter and a member of ISIS' police. Originally from Troyes in Eastern France, Vilus first attracted the terror group's attention by posting videos of propaganda on social media. On his Facebook page he pledged allegiance to ISIS and encouraged readers on Twitter to carry out violent acts in their home countries if they were unable to fight in Syria. In April 2015, he was captured in a video by ISIS showing two members of the Syrian Free Army being executed. The images show Vilus in uniform, with a kepi on his head to protect him from the sun, a walkie-talkie in his hand and a weapon in his belt. Vilus is not suspected of being one of the hooded executioners but he is seen containing the crowd. "I had no role in this execution. I had just left the mosque," he later told investigating judges. Verdict awaited Judges will be tasked with deciding the extent of Vilus' involvement in the armed terror group and whether he should be put behind bars for life. His lawyer, Louis-Romain Riche, has called for the right to the presumption of innocence to be respected. Riche has also criticised the courts for holding Vilus in solitary confinement for nearly five years despite the government being sanctioned twice for the unlawful practice. The lawyer also argues that his client has shown no signs violence during his time behind bars and has even taken up a degree in pscyhology. Whether that will be enough remains up to the court, which will deliver its verdict on 3 July. Expert Technical Appointments BISHOPSGATE, LONDON / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2020 / The Board of Directors of SolGold (SOLG.L)(SOLG.L) is pleased to advise of the appointment of Mr Peter Holmes to the position of Director of Studies and Mr Steven Belohlawek to the position of General Manager-Underground Development and Mining. Peter is a mining engineer and brings to SolGold extensive experience in large scale mining projects with a focus on project execution, which includes tailings management and above ground infrastructure. His career in the industry has spanned over 30 years and has covered a variety of roles and jurisdictions including Australia, Canada, USA, Africa, South America, Middle East, and Asia. During this time Peter has worked for a number of mining companies including 10 years with Barrick Gold based in Toronto working globally, Placer Dome and Normandy Poseidon, overseeing the successful execution of a number of projects including Buswagi, Osborne, Cortez Hills, Jabal Sayid and Barrick Gold's Pueblo Viejo project with a CAPEX of US$3.6 billion. Peter's experience includes Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru working in both projects and operations which he brings to the group. Peter's professional background has comprised of senior leadership positions that have included strategic planning, technical studies, as well as more hands-on operationally focussed roles. Peter, alongside Eduardo Valenzuela (Executive General Manager Studies) will be focussed on the Alpala Deposit Prefeasibility Study and Definitive Study workstreams and programs. Steve is an underground mining engineer with over 20 years of project development and operations experience at world-class, large-scale mines in Australia and Indonesia. His career is built upon large scale underground mine design, scheduling, project development, mine commissioning and ramp-up. His experience includes 10 years at the Freeport underground block cave Grasberg mine expansions during which existing underground mines were expanded and two new super block caves were developed. The depth of these mines and their scale have few precedents. His experience also includes mine project development and establishment of sub-level cave and operations execution and planning of large-scale open-stoping mines including Olympic Dam with BHP, Telfer sub level cave construction with Newcrest, Big Gossan Mine and Deep Mill Level Zone with Freeport Indonesia and Hilton and Enterprise mines with Mount Isa Mines. Steve's expertise covers a broad skill set from feasibility studies through to large-scale underground mine planning and operations. Story continues Commenting on the appointments, SolGold CEO Mr Nick Mather said: "The appointment of both Peter Holmes and Steven Belohlawek is strategically important to the Company's growth in the next stage of its development. They both bring a fine-tuned skill set to SolGold that complements the forward-thinking dynamic and country changing projects that the Company will develop. We are committed to developing the strength of the SolGold team as we enter the next stage of the Company's lifecycle. SolGold's PFS programme continues with a September 30, 2020 objective. With the conditional royalty funding from Franco-Nevada, and the recently completed equity raising of US$40 million, the Company is fully funded for the next 18 months." By order of the Board Karl Schlobohm Company Secretary CONTACTS Nicholas Mather SolGold Plc (Chief Executive Officer) nmather@solgold.com.au Tel: +61 (0) 7 3303 0665 +61 (0) 417 880 448 Karl Schlobohm SolGold Plc (Company Secretary) kschlobohm@solgold.com.au Tel: +61 (0) 7 3303 0661 Ingo Hofmaier SolGold Plc (GM - Project & Corporate Finance) ihofmaier@solgold.com.au Tel: +44 (0) 20 3823 2131 Gordon Poole / Nick Hennis Camarco (Financial PR / IR) solgold@camarco.co.uk Tel: +44 (0) 20 3757 4997 Andrew Chubb Hannam & Partners (Joint Broker and Financial Advisor) solgold@hannam.partners Tel: +44 (0) 20 7907 8500 Ross Allister / David McKeown Peel Hunt (Joint Broker and Financial Advisor) solgold@peelhunt.com Tel: +44 (0)20 7418 8900 Clayton Bush / Scott Mathieson Tel: +44 (0) 20 3100 2227 Liberum (Joint Broker) solgold@liberum.com James Kofman / Darren Wallace Cormark Securities Inc. (Financial Advisor) dwallace@cormark.com Tel: +1 416 943 6411 Follow us on twitter @SolGold_plc ABOUT SOLGOLD SolGold is a leading resources company focussed on the discovery, definition and development of world-class copper and gold deposits. In 2018, SolGold's management team was recognised by the "Mines and Money" Forum as an example of excellence in the industry and continues to strive to deliver objectives efficiently and in the interests of shareholders. SolGold is the largest concession holder by land mass, and most active explorer in Ecuador and is aggressively exploring the length and breadth of this highly prospective and gold-rich section of the Andean Copper Belt. The Company operates with transparency and in accordance with international best practices. SolGold is committed to delivering value to its shareholders, while simultaneously providing economic and social benefits to impacted communities, fostering a healthy and safe workplace and minimizing the environmental impact. Dedicated stakeholders SolGold employs a staff of 700 employees of whom 98% are Ecuadorian. This is expected to grow as the operations expand at Alpala, and in Ecuador generally. SolGold focusses its operations to be safe, reliable and environmentally responsible and maintains close relationships with its local communities. SolGold has engaged an increasingly skilled, refined and experienced team of geoscientists using state of the art geophysical and geochemical modelling applied to an extensive database to enable the delivery of ore grade intersections from nearly every drill hole at Alpala. SolGold has 86 geologists, of whom 30% are female, on the ground in Ecuador exploring for economic copper and gold deposits. About Cascabel and Alpala The Alpala deposit is the main target in the Cascabel concession, located on the northern section of the heavily endowed Andean Copper Belt, the entirety of which is renowned as the base for nearly half of the world's copper production. The project area hosts mineralisation of Eocene age, the same age as numerous Tier 1 deposits along the Andean Copper Belt in Chile and Peru to the south. The project base is located at Rocafuerte within the Cascabel concession in northern Ecuador, an approximately three-hour drive on sealed highway north of the capital Quito, close to water, power supply and Pacific ports. Having fulfilled its earn-in requirements, SolGold is a registered shareholder with an unencumbered legal and beneficial 85% interest in ENSA (Exploraciones Novomining S.A.) which holds 100% of the Cascabel concession covering approximately 50km2. The minority equity owner in ENSA is required to repay 15% of costs since SolGold's earn in was completed, from 90% of its share of the distribution of earnings or dividends from ENSA or the Cascabel concession. It is also required to contribute to development or be diluted, and if its interest falls below 10%, it shall convert to a 0.5% NSR royalty which SolGold may acquire for US$3.5m. Advancing Alpala towards development The resource at the Alpala deposit boasts a high-grade core which is targeted to facilitate early cashflows and an accelerated payback of initial capital. SolGold is currently assessing financing options available to the Company for the development of the Alpala mine following completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study. Mineral Resource Estimate #3: Mineral Resource of 2,663 Mt @ 0.53% CuEq for 9.9 Mt Cu, 21.7 Moz Au and 92.2 Moz Ag in the Measured plus Indicated categories. Mineral Resource of 544 Mt @ 0.31% CuEq for 1.3 Mt Cu, 1.9 Moz Au and 10.6 Moz Ag in the Inferred category SolGold's Regional Exploration Drive SolGold is using its successful and cost-efficient blueprint established at Alpala, and Cascabel generally, to explore for additional world class copper and gold projects across Ecuador. SolGold is the largest and most active concessionaire in Ecuador. The Company wholly-owns four other subsidiaries active throughout the country that are now focussed on thirteen high priority gold and copper resource targets, several of which the Company believes have the potential, subject to resource definition and feasibility, to be developed in close succession or even on a more accelerated basis compared to Alpala. SolGold is listed on the London Stock Exchange and Toronto Stock Exchange (LSE/TSX: SOLG). The Company has on issue a total of 2,072,213,495 fully-paid ordinary shares and 183,662,000 unlisted options exercisable at various prices. Quality Assurance / Quality Control on Sample Collection, Security and Assaying SolGold operates according to its rigorous Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) protocol, which is consistent with industry best practices. Primary sample collection involves secure transport from SolGold's concessions in Ecuador, to the ALS certified sample preparation facility in Quito, Ecuador. Samples are then air freighted from Quito to the ALS certified laboratory in Lima, Peru where the assaying of drill core, channel samples, rock chips and soil samples is undertaken. SolGold utilises ALS certified laboratories in Canada and Australia for the analysis of metallurgical samples. Samples are prepared and analysed using 100g 4-Acid digest ICP with MS finish for 48 elements on a 0.25g aliquot (ME-MS61). Laboratory performance is routinely monitored using umpire assays, check batches and inter-laboratory comparisons between ALS certified laboratory in Lima and the ACME certified laboratory in Cuenca, Ecuador. In order to monitor the ongoing quality of its analytical database, SolGold's QA/QC protocol encompasses standard sampling methodologies, including the insertion of certified powder blanks, coarse chip blanks, standards, pulp duplicates and field duplicates. The blanks and standards are Certified Reference Materials supplied by Ore Research and Exploration, Australia. SolGold's QA/QC protocol also monitors the ongoing quality of its analytical database. The Company's protocol involves Independent data validation of the digital analytical database including search for sample overlaps, duplicate or absent samples as well as anomalous assay and survey results. These are routinely performed ahead of Mineral Resource Estimates and Feasibility Studies. No material QA/QC issues have been identified with respect to sample collection, security and assaying. Reviews of the sample preparation, chain of custody, data security procedures and assaying methods used by SolGold confirm that they are consistent with industry best practices and all results stated in this announcement have passed SolGold's QA/QC protocol. See www.solgold.com.au for more information. Follow us on twitter @SolGold_plc CAUTIONARY NOTICE News releases, presentations and public commentary made by SolGold plc (the "Company") and its Officers may contain certain statements and expressions of belief, expectation or opinion which are forward looking statements, and which relate, inter alia, to interpretations of exploration results to date and the Company's proposed strategy, plans and objectives or to the expectations or intentions of the Company's Directors. Such forward-looking and interpretative statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors beyond the control of the Company that could cause the actual performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from such interpretations and forward-looking statements. Accordingly, the reader should not rely on any interpretations or forward-looking statements; and save as required by the exchange rules of the TSX and LSE or by applicable laws, the Company does not accept any obligation to disseminate any updates or revisions to such interpretations or forward-looking statements. The Company may reinterpret results to date as the status of its assets and projects changes with time expenditure, metals prices and other affecting circumstances. This release may contain "forwardlooking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forwardlooking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans for developing its properties, successful completion of the NSR Financing, future gold stream financing, resource estimates, the lifting of travel-related COVID-19 restrictions, results of exploration activities, development of the Alpala project, future funding participation by Cornerstone, future budgets to complete a feasibility study and re-activation of operations . Generally, forwardlooking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forwardlooking 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 forwardlooking information, including but not limited to: timing of the lifting of COVID-19 related-related restrictions, satisfactory completion of site visit due diligence by Franco-Nevada, the ability to complete future financings on terms acceptable to SolGold, transaction risks; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; future prices of mineral prices; accidents, labour disputes and shortages and other risks of the mining industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forwardlooking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Company and its officers do not endorse, or reject or otherwise comment on the conclusions, interpretations or views expressed in press articles or third-party analysis, and where possible aims to circulate all available material on its website. This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: SolGold PLC View source version on accesswire.com: https://www.accesswire.com/595196/SolGold-PLC-Announces-Expert-Technical-Appointments Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Philip R Stone (The Jakarta Post) The Conversation Thu, June 25, 2020 14:37 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661958b9 3 Destinations pandemic,memorial-site,dark-tourism Free We know of death, we hear of it, we see it, and we guard against it. But compared to bygone ages, rarely do we have direct experiences of the dying. But COVID-19 has changed this for many people. Death now masquerades as fatality statistics, as politicians and the media occupy us with morose indicators. Ordinary people are dying and the dead are becoming extraordinary by their mass numbers. But with an invisible disease, questions are raised as to how we collectively remember those who have passed away. In some parts of the world, moves are afoot to begin commemorating COVID-19 victims. In Germany, a temporary shrine has been established. Plans have been announced in the UK for an emergency services memorial, which will be dedicated to people killed in the line of duty including recent COVID-19 heroes. Yet a memorial to the ordinary dead of COVID-19 remains elusive. Remembering the dead Visitor sites that commemorate victims of disease are rare, but they do exist. In the UK in Derbyshire, the village of Eyam trades on its unenviable history of encountering the Black Death in 1665. On Roosevelt Island in New York, haunting ruins of the Smallpox Memorial Hospital stand as an obscure monument to this infectious disease. Then theres the AIDS Memorial Quilt, a unique fabric of social history that remembers those who perished from AIDS in the 1980s and 1990s. And, theres also the Fighting SARS Memorial Architectural Scene in Hong Kong Park, which bears witness to the traumas of the 2003 Sars outbreak. Though one of the most deadly global pandemics the Spanish flu is mostly without memorial. Despite killing up to 100 million people, the cultural amnesia surrounding the 1918 pandemic might help explain the lack of preparation for COVID-19. The Spanish flu has largely sunk into commemorative oblivion. Though a visitor exhibition in 2018 at the Florence Nightingale Museum in London, provided a hint as to how future generations will remember COVID-19. Wuhan and tourism Undoubtedly, the COVID-19 pandemic will become our shared, if not contested, heritage. Scrutiny of political and medical responses, disaster modeling and tales from the deceased will form future memorial narratives. And in some ways this may already be happening. Recent reports suggest that Wuhan the the place where the first reports of COVID-19 emerged from has become a desired destination for Chinese tourism. It seems Chinese visitors want to go to Wuhan to support their hero city. Though this may be more about red tourism a niche market in China where patriotic ethos is fostered by the Communist Party to provide political legitimacy. Either way, the idea of visiting places linked with death and disaster, known as dark tourism, has a long historical precedence. But over recent years, increasing numbers of tourists have been visiting these dark sites which includes former concentration camps, war memorials and exhibitions, natural disaster sites, decommissioned prisons and places of atrocity. Dark tourism packages and sells trauma as a tourist experience. But dark tourism experiences can also act as a reminder of death and bring our mortality into sharp focus. In this sense, dark tourism has, to some extent, domesticated death and grants the dead a place in the public realm. It also allows the significant dead to remind us of our fights, follies and failures. Tragic history The world is littered with dark tourism sites that showcase our disputed heritage. And the demand for dark tourism will not diminish after this pandemic. Rather, dark tourism has the potential to herald new visitor sites that commemorate COVID-19 victims. Despite ethical ambiguities that death has now become a spectacle and dark tourism commodifies our noteworthy dead it also offers space to showcase tragic memories and memorialize our heritage that hurts. While commemoration might be contested, without it our dead are dispatched to history. Indeed, COVID-19 and its victims will eventually be forgotten without memorials. Of course, memorial mania and even competition between monuments for the most visitors exists. But a national COVID-19 memorial for the pandemic dead has potential to be a visitor attraction in its own right. Its here that dark tourism can help shine a commemorative light on a pandemic that has gripped society and the emotion of visiting such experiences can forewarn future generations of the risk of disease contagion. For now, tourism has been economically ruptured under COVID-19. But it will re-emerge. And, when it does, dark tourism can help commit the pandemic to our collective consciousness. Ultimately, it can signal warnings from history for future generation, --- Philip R Stone, Executive Director, Institute for Dark Tourism Research, University of Central Lancashire This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. The Central Board of Secondary Educations (CBSE) decision to cancel the pending board examinations for classes 10 and 12, which were scheduled to take place from July 1 amid the Covid-19 pandemic, came as a relief to students, parents and schools but it left some concerned over how the alternative assessments mechanism and college admissions will work. While the Class 10 exams in Hindi, English, science and social science were going to be conducted only in north-east Delhi, Class 12 exams across the country were remaining in 12 subjects, including Hindi, geography, business studies, biotechnology, and sociology. An additional 11 subjects were pending for Class 12 students in NE Delhi schools. I would not have been able to study for the two remaining papers that were to be held in July. We lost our house, my books, our shop, and everything in the riots. I just want to pass my exams , said Mohammad Fazil, a Class 10 student and a resident of north-east Delhis Brijpuri, who has been waiting for four months for his board exams to get over. There has been enough anxiety over this. I just wanted it to get over, he said. On May 18, the national school board announced that papers postponed due to the February riots and Covid-19 pandemic would be conducted between July 1 and 15. It said in April that the board will only conduct exams in main subjects that will be required for promotion and admission in higher education institutions. In addition, Class 12 students from north-east Delhi were also slated to appear for their mathematics, economics, history, biology, political science, chemistry, physics, accountancy and English examinations. Responding to a plea filed in the Supreme Court against conducting exams, the board said no further exams will be held for Class 10 students. Those in Class 12 will be given a chance to appear for exams whenever it was held, if they wanted. On Thursday, the board said the evaluation will be made on a special marking scheme based on the last three exams. Later in the evening, it announced that this will be based as a calculation of average score of the three subjects that a student has already taken and scored the maximum in. If a student has taken three of fewer tests, the average will be based on best-of-two. Parents had been worried that their children were being asked to appear for their papers amid rising Covid-19 cases. The cancellation of exams is a relief for them. Students, however, are still concerned as they are trained to focus on board scores and are wary of how it would affect their prospects, said Aparajita Gautam, president of Delhi Parents Association. Before it was clear that internal assessments will not be used to determine the theory paper score, a group of Class 12 students started a petition on change.org, an online petitioning forum, opposing such a plan. Their contention was based on the fact that school-level internal assessment is unlikely to be a standardised process across institutions. Naman Maheshwari, an aspiring engineer and Class 12 student of Mayo International School in IP Extension, said, Many students dont perform well in school exams and are likely to score around 10-15 marks more in their boards. These students will be at a disadvantage. Arsh Malik, a class 12 student of Victoria Public School in Yamuna Vihar, said Thursdays order had left many confused. We have been calling teachers to understand what is happening with our exams. Personally, I would want to opt for the internal assessment mode because it has just been too long now. No one knows when the Covid-19 situation will get better. Hazel Bali, class 12 student in Vasant Kunj, said most students are anxious as there is little clarity on the marking system. This is distressing because everybody focusses on their performance during board exams and often dont pay much attention to school papers, she said, adding that she has a scholarship to study in the US. Most school principals are waiting for a clear direction from the board. Ameeta Wattal, principal of Springdales Road, Pusa Road, said, This decision is balanced given the present circumstances. The open-ended solution caters to both groups those who want to appear for their exams and improve their scores and others who dont want to appear for their papers. We are waiting for the board to come up with the modalities. Tania Joshi, principal of The Indian School in Sadiq Nagar, said: We will take all safety measures for the students who want to appear for their papers whenever it is conducted next. We must keep in mind that we cant keep waiting endlessly for the exams to take place. On June 17, Delhi education minister Manish Sisodia had also written to the HRD minister, requesting him to cancel pending class 10 and 12 papers. I am happy that todays decision was taken in the best interest of students and providing relief to parents, Sisodia tweeted. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Jenkins is charged in the May 31 killing of Richard Mitchell, 25, of Oxon Hill, Md., which occurred about 1 p.m. in the 2500 block of Elvans Road SE. Mitchell died at a hospital. Defeating Daesh Highlights of the Week June 24, 2020 U.S. Central Command SOUTHWEST ASIA, June 24, 2020 -- Our partners in Iraq and Syria are leading the way to find and eliminate Daesh fighters and their finance, logistics, and media networks. "Heroes of Iraq Phase III continues to prove the Iraqi Security Forces superior capabilities against Daesh," said Col. Myles B. Caggins III, Coalition military spokesman. "Troops from the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, and Intelligence services worked closely together for a successful mission to defeat Daesh in the rural land between Samarra and Kirkuk." During the week of June 17 - 23, 2020, the following actions happened in Iraq: - June 17: A joint force from Military Intelligence Detachments affiliated with the 16th Division and the 75th Infantry Brigade, captured a terrorist wanted by the Iraqi Judiciary in Sourj village, al-Shoura sub-district, south of Mosul. https://www.facebook.com/lntelligence153/posts/1604225093085838 - June 18: Based on intelligence, Military Intelligence Detachments from the 7th Division captured a terrorist wanted by the Iraqi Judiciary in Haditha district, Anbar province. The captured terrorists had worked with the so-called Wilayat Anbar. https://www.facebook.com/lntelligence153/posts/1605428752965472 - June 18: A joint force from Military Intelligence Detachments and the 1st Regiment, 39th Infantry Brigade, affiliated with the 10th Division, captured a terrorist wanted by the Iraqi Judiciary in Albu Ali al-Jassem area, Ramadi Island, Anbar province. The captured terrorist committed offenses involving burglaries and the bombing houses belonging to members of the Iraqi Security Forces during Daesh occupation of the city. https://www.facebook.com/mod.mil.iq/posts/2880972425465577 Our partners in Iraq and Syria are leading the way to find and eliminate Daesh fighters and their finance, logistics, and media networks. "Heroes of Iraq Phase III continues to prove the Iraqi Security Forces superior capabilities against Daesh," said Col. Myles B. Caggins III, Coalition military spokesman. "Troops from the Iraqi Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, and Intelligence services worked closely together for a successful mission to defeat Daesh in the rural land between Samarra and Kirkuk." During the week of June 17 - 23, 2020, the following actions happened in Iraq: - June 17: A joint force from Military Intelligence Detachments affiliated with the 16th Division and the 75th Infantry Brigade, captured a terrorist wanted by the Iraqi Judiciary in Sourj village, al-Shoura sub-district, south of Mosul. https://www.facebook.com/lntelligence153/posts/1604225093085838 - June 18: Based on intelligence, Military Intelligence Detachments from the 7th Division captured a terrorist wanted by the Iraqi Judiciary in Haditha district, Anbar province. The captured terrorists had worked with the so-called Wilayat Anbar. https://www.facebook.com/lntelligence153/posts/1605428752965472 - June 18: A joint force from Military Intelligence Detachments and the 1st Regiment, 39th Infantry Brigade, affiliated with the 10th Division, captured a terrorist wanted by the Iraqi Judiciary in Albu Ali al-Jassem area, Ramadi Island, Anbar province. The captured terrorist committed offenses involving burglaries and the bombing houses belonging to members of the Iraqi Security Forces during Daesh occupation of the city. https://www.facebook.com/mod.mil.iq/posts/2880972425465577 - June 19: Iraqi Counter Terrorism service (ICTS) continues to pursue Daesh remnants in Hatra desert, Ninawa province. https://www.facebook.com/iraqicts/posts/3292196824144950 - June 19: In coordination with the Government of Iraq, Coalition aircraft blasted a Daesh cave and eliminated four terrorists in Ninawa province. - June 19: In coordination with the Government of Iraq, Coalition aircraft destroyed three Daesh camps in Wadi al-Shai, Kirkuk province. Wadi al-Shai is a rural area and a known hiding place for Daesh terrorists. Blowing up Daesh hideouts in rural locations ultimately results in security in cities and villages. https://www.inherentresolve.mil/Releases/News-Releases/Article/2226977/camp-closed-coalition-obliterates-rural-isis-hideout/ - June 19: Based on intelligence, troops from the 3rd Regiment, 60th Infantry Brigade, 20th Division, conducted a search operation in al-Rambousi village, al-Qairawan sub-district, Sinjar district. A number of homemade explosive devices, mortar rounds and rockets were found and subsequently destroyed by the Field Engineering Detachment. https://www.facebook.com/mod.mil.iq/posts/2881711532058333 - June 19: Based on intelligence, troops from the 3rd Regiment, 60th Infantry Brigade, 20th Division, conducted a search operation in al-Rambousi village, al-Qairawan sub-district, Sinjar district. A number of homemade explosive devices, mortar rounds and rockets were found and subsequently destroyed by the Field Engineering Detachment. https://www.facebook.com/mod.mil.iq/posts/2881711532058333 - June 19: Troops from the 9th Infantry Brigade, 5th Infantry Division carried out a search operation south of Buhriz and Arab Juboor villages towards the banks of Diyala River. A Daesh hideout containing two homemade explosive devices and two mortar rounds was found and subsequently destroyed by the Field Engineering Detachment. https://www.facebook.com/mod.mil.iq/posts/2881709815391838 - June 19: In a continuation of efforts being exerted by the 14th Infantry Division to clear roads and agricultural lands of mines and other explosive remnants of war, a force from the 51st Brigade surveyed their area of responsibility to reduce the threat on peace and security. A number of homemade explosive devices and detonators were found and subsequently destroyed by the Field Engineering Detachment. https://www.facebook.com/mod.mil.iq/posts/2881732158722937 - June 21: Based on intelligence, the 3rd Regiment, from the Commando Brigade, Diyala Operations Command, conducted a search operation in Imam Weiss village, al-Miqdadiya District. A number of mortar rounds, remnants from Daesh, were found and subsequently destroyed by the Field Engineering Detachment. https://www.facebook.com/mod.mil.iq/posts/2883630538533099 - June 21: Based on intelligence, forces from the 7th Infantry Brigade, affiliated with Jazeera and Anbar Operations Commands, conducted a search operation in Wadi Hauran, Anbar province. Three hideouts containing two mortar systems, a number of mortar rounds and a rocket launcher were found and seized. Additionally, a vehicle rigged with explosive was found and subsequently destroyed. https://www.facebook.com/mod.mil.iq/posts/2883910255171794 - June 22: Based on intelligence, troops from the Commando Brigade and the Military Intelligence Detachments, 7th Division, in cooperation with Iraqi National Intelligence Service (INIS), carried out a joint operation in Salah Ad-Din desert. A number of underground Daesh hideouts were found and destroyed. - June 22 - Present: Under the guidance of the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, al-Kazemi, and under the supervision of the Joint Operations Command-Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces commenced the Operation "Heroes of Iraq" Phase 3. The operation aims at purging Daesh remnants and securing and stabilizing Salah Ad-Din province and adjacent geographic areas within Diyala, Samarra, and Kirkuk provinces, an area of (4,853) km2. Combined forces from Iraqi Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, Popular Mobilization Forces and Tribal Crowds participated in the operation with the support of Iraqi Army Aviation, Iraqi Air Force, Coalition aircraft and other Intelligence agencies. As a result of the operation, 10 hideouts, 4 tunnels, 4 safe houses and a number of water crossing and supply routes used by Daesh militants were destroyed. Additionally a large number of explosive devices were disposed of, three manufacturing factories for explosive devices were found and new military routes were established in support of combat operations in Salah Ad-Din province. https://www.facebook.com/mod.mil.iq/posts/2884444591785027 - June 22: The 19th Commando Division conducted a search operation in al-Farisiyah, al-Ruwa'iyyah, and al-Abd Ways areas in Jurf al-Nasr. A number of mortar rounds, an artillery round and a projectile, remnants from Daesh, were found and subsequently destroyed by the Field Engineering Detachment. The operation was part of Operation "Heroes of Iraq" Phase III and was conducted within the geographic boundaries of the 1st Commando Brigade. https://www.facebook.com/mod.mil.iq/posts/2884765215086298 - June 22: A force from the 1st Regiment, 92nd Infantry Brigade, 16th Division, in cooperation with the Intelligence unit, found and seized a weapons cache containing a number of mortar rounds, two homemade explosive devices and a rocket, in Atashana Mountains in Mosul. https://www.facebook.com/mod.mil.iq/posts/2884441761785310 - June 22 - 23: A joint force from the 2nd Brigade and the 4th Regiment, 4th Brigade, Rapid Response Division, launched a search and clearing operation under the 3rd phase of Operation "Heroes of Iraq", in the valleys West Amerli district. The forces destroyed boats belonging to Daesh militants, near the Aqso river northwest Amerli sub-district, Tuz Khurmatu, Salah Ad-Din province. https://www.facebook.com/erdforcesbatting/posts/1211815222498888 - June 23: At the request of the Joint Operations Command - Iraq, French jets launched two airstrikes in Samarra, in support of the 3rd phase of Operation "Heroes of Iraq". The airstrikes destroyed a Daesh hideout and killed all terrorist militants inside. The Coalition will continue to help Iraqi Security Forces in the fight against Daesh. - June 23: Field Detachments from Ninawa Intelligence and Security Directorate, in coordination with a joint security force, captured a terrorist wanted by the Iraqi Judiciary in Ba'aj district, west of Mosul. Meanwhile, Field Detachments from Diyala Intelligence and Security Directorate, in cooperation with the 2nd Regiment, 5th Division, seized a weapons cache belonging to Daesh terrorists in Mandali sub-district, Baladrooz district. The seized cache was subsequently destroyed by the Field Engineering Detachment. https://www.facebook.com/mod.mil.iq/posts/2885282771701209 - June 23: Based on intelligence, a joint force from the Military Intelligence Detachments, from the 7th Division and the 8th Infantry Division, in cooperation with the Iraqi National Intelligence Service (INIS), seized a number of mortar systems and mortar rounds in the plains of Rawah, al-Reek, and al-Sha'bani in Anbar Desert. Additionally, the joint force raided a Daesh hideout in al-Shalala area in Anbar. The seized materials and the hideout were subsequently destroyed by the Field Engineering Detachment. https://www.facebook.com/mod.mil.iq/posts/2885662671663219 June 23: Based on intelligence, a force from the 27th Brigade and the 8th Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, in coordination with the Tribal Crowd and the support of Iraqi Army Aviation carried out a special operation in Hauran Valley. During the operation, a cache of ammunition belonging to Daesh militants was destroyed, a Daesh vehicle was burned, a cache of rockets and mortar rounds was seized and a number of Daesh safe houses and tunnels were found. https://www.facebook.com/mod.mil.iq/posts/2885621291667357 During the week of June 17 - 23, 2020, the following actions happened in Syria: June 17: The elite Counter-Terrorism Unit within the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with air cover from the International Coalition arrested two members of Daesh cells, in Markada, south of Hasaka, during a security operation. Weapons and military equipment were found in their possession. Removing Daesh fighters, weapons and explosive material remains a top priority as Daesh continues to plot attacks against innocent civilians and our partners throughout Iraq and northeast Syria. Removing Daesh fighters, weapons and explosive material remains a top priority as Daesh continues to plot attacks against innocent civilians and our partners throughout Iraq and northeast Syria. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A special prosecutors office responsible for investigating Kosovos 1998-99 uprising against Serbian rule said it had indicted Kosovo President Hashim Thaci for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity that included the murder of nearly 100 people, according to a report in Reuters. The Specialist Chamber was set up in The Hague in 2015 for handling of cases that involved alleged crimes by KLA guerrillas during the war which led to Kosovos independence from Serbia after a decade. Reuters KLA's alleged abuse of power The indictment is the result of a lengthy investigation and reflects the SPOs (Special Prosecutors Office) determination that it can prove all of the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, the SPO said in a statement. It said others had also been indicted including Kadri Veseli, a former speaker of Kosovos parliament. Thaci and Veseli, both ex-top commanders in the KLA, have previously denied involvement in any war crimes during the late 1990s conflict. The SPO gave no details of the alleged war crimes. It also said Thaci and Veseli were believed to have carried out a secret campaign to overturn the law that created the Court and otherwise obstruct the work of the Court in an attempt to ensure that they do not face justice. Reuters Thaci pulls out of White House trip There was no immediate reaction from Thaci. But his office said later on Wednesday he had cancelled a trip to the White House in Washington for a planned first round of U.S.-mediated talks with Serbia on normalising relations - among conditions the European Union has set for either country to join the bloc. The Specialist Chamber is governed by Kosovo law but is staffed by international judges and prosecutors. War crimes allegations against the KLA first surfaced in a 2011 report by the Council of Europe rights agency that accused guerrillas of killing civilian Serbs and ethnic Albanian political opponents during the 1998-99 conflict. Reuters Local efforts to investigate alleged KLA war crimes have so far been foiled by widespread intimidation in the tiny state where clan loyalties run deep and former rebels are lionised. The special prosecutors office is based in the Netherlands partly to help ensure protection of witnesses. Hospital administrators and health care experts warned desperately Wednesday that parts of the US are on the verge of becoming overwhelmed by a resurgence of the coronavirus, lamenting that politicians and a tired-of-being-cooped-up public are letting a disaster unfold. The US recorded a one-day total of 34,700 new Covid-19 cases, just short of the nations late-April peak of 36,400, according to the count kept by Johns Hopkins University. While new cases have been declining steadily in early US hot spots such as New York and New Jersey, several other states set single-day case records this week, including Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nevada and Texas. Some of them also broke hospitalization records, as did North Carolina and South Carolina. People got complacent, said Dr Marc Boom, CEO of the Houston Methodist hospital system. And its coming back and biting us, quite frankly. The stock market slid sharply Wednesday as the viruss resurgence clouded investors hopes for a relatively quick economic turnaround. The virus in the U.S. has been blamed for over 120,000 deaths the highest toll in the world and over 2.3 million confirmed infections. Floridas single-day count of new confirmed cases surged Wednesday to 5,500, a 25 per cent jump from the record set last week and triple the level from just two weeks ago. In Texas, which began lifting its shutdowns early on, on May 1, hospitalizations have doubled and new cases have tripled in two weeks. At Houston Methodists eight Texas hospitals, the Covid-19 patient count has tripled in the last month, to 312. About 20 per cent of the coronavirus tests the hospitals conduct now come back positive, compared with roughly 2 per cent to 4 per cent in mid-May. If the trends dont change, the 2,000-bed hospital chain could have 600 coronavirus patients in the next three weeks and could be forced to cancel nonessential surgeries, Boom said. We need everybody to behave perfectly and work together perfectly to slow the infection rate, Boom said. When I look at a restaurant or a business where people ... are not following the guidelines, where people are just throwing caution to the wind, it makes me angry. In Arizona, cases will probably exceed statewide hospital bed capacity within the next several weeks if the trend continues, said Dr. Joseph Gerald, a University of Arizona public health policy professor. We are in deep trouble, said Gerald, urging the state to impose new restrictions on businesses, which Gov. Doug Ducey has refused to do. Without such steps, Gerald said, the death toll will reach unheard-of levels. Infectious-disease expert Dr. Peter Hotez said he worries that the states will squander what time they have to head off a much larger crisis. Were still talking about subtlety, still arguing whether or not we should wear masks, and still not understanding that a vaccine is not going to rescue us, said Hotez, of the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott initially barred local officials from fining or penalizing anyone for not wearing a mask as the state reopened. After cases began spiking, he said last week that cities and counties could allow businesses to require masks. Both Abbott and Ducey are Republicans. In Florida, several counties and cities have recently started requiring masks in public places and cracking down on businesses that dont enforce social distancing rules. In a sign of the shift in the outbreak, New York, Connecticut and New Jersey announced they will require visitors from states with high coronavirus infection rates to quarantine themselves for 14 days. That is a turnaround from March, when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued such an order for visitors from the New York City area, where cases were surging at the time. Cases are also surging in some other parts of the world. India reported a record daily increase of nearly 16,000 new cases, with an outbreak in the capital city of New Delhi becoming a rising concern. Mexico, where testing rates have been low, also set a record with more than 6,200 new cases. But China appears to have tamed a new outbreak in Beijing, once again demonstrating its ability to quickly mobilize its vast resources by testing nearly 2.5 million people in 11 days. China on Wednesday reported 12 cases nationwide, down from 22 the day before. In Europe, countries are both easing and increasing restrictions as the outbreaks evolve. Slovenia reintroduced mandatory use of face masks in public transportation and other enclosed public spaces after cases spiked in recent days, while Belgium said theaters and swimming pools could reopen next month. Infections there have nosedived over the past two months. In Africa, African Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief John Nkengasong said the outbreak is picking up speed very quickly, with a steep increase in cases and deaths as more countries loosen lockdowns. Africa has seen nearly 325,000 cases and over 8,600 deaths. Worldwide, more than 9.2 million people have been confirmed infected, and close to a half-million have died, by Johns Hopkins count. The seven-month-long trial of accused Claremont serial killer Bradley Robert Edwards has finally finished with the judge expecting to deliver his verdict within three months. Edwards, 51, denies murdering secretary Sarah Spiers, 18, childcare worker Jane Rimmer, 23, and solicitor Ciara Glennon, 27, in 1996 and 1997. The confessed rapist and ex-Telstra technician has sat through a 95-day Western Australia Supreme Court trial, which included more than 200 witnesses, as well as DNA and fibre analysis. The seven-month-long trial of accused Claremont serial killer Bradley Robert Edwards (pictured) has come to an end But the verdict is not expected to be handed down for another three months. Pictured: Bradley Robert Edwards Justice Stephen Hall retired to consider his verdict on Thursday, saying he intended to remand Edwards in custody until September 24, but could deliver his decision sooner. Earlier, defence counsel Paul Yovich completed his lengthy closing submissions, saying given the absence of Ms Spiers' remains, it could not be proven her attacker intended to murder her. He also said Edwards' opportunity to commit the crime was 'so tight' that he was highly unlikely to have done it. Ms Rimmer and Ms Glennon were murdered, and likely by the same person, given they had similar injuries and their bodies had both been concealed the same way in bushland, Mr Yovich conceded. But the evidence did not prove it was Edwards, he said. Even if Edwards was found guilty of murdering Ms Rimmer and Ms Glennon, propensity was not enough to convict him of murdering Ms Spiers, he said. Mr Yovich added Justice Hall could not act on a 20-year-old assumption that the women were victims of a serial killer. Secretary Sarah Spiers, 18, was the first victim of the Claremont serial killer Childcare worker Jane Rimmer, 23, was the second victim of the Claremont serial killer Solicitor Ciara Glennon, 27, was the third victim of the Claremont serial killer 'It is perfectly plausible that different offenders are responsible for these offences,' he said. 'No doubt the community and the families of the victims yearn for closure, but a conviction or convictions founded on inadequate evidence and not by powerful satisfaction beyond reasonable doubt on any of the counts will not constitute proper closure." Day six of Mr Yovich's closing submissions were largely focused on the fibre evidence. Prosecutors allege fibres from Edwards' work clothes and his Holden Commodore VS station wagon were found on Ms Rimmer and Ms Glennon. Fibres were also recovered from a 17-year-old girl Edwards admits twice raping at Karrakatta Cemetery after abducting her from a dark park in Claremont in 1995. But Mr Yovich said none of Edwards' clothes were tested, nor was his vehicle seized at the time for examination. The Western Australian Supreme Court in Perth, were the trial is being held, is pictured 'All of those (forensic) opportunities have been lost,' Mr Yovich said. He also suggested it was possible the fibres on the women came from other contact, such as bumping into people while out in Claremont. In addition to the double rape, Edwards has pleaded guilty to attacking an 18-year-old woman as she slept at her Huntingdale home in 1988. The families of all the victims have attended much of the trial and even the coronavirus pandemic could not derail the judicial process. Edwards has showed little emotion throughout, except the occasional smile towards his parents sitting in the public gallery. POMPEO GROUP PRESENTS A FREE WEBINAR: "The webinar will cover everything from resume building, applying to jobs, preparing for interviews, to following up with potential employers." Paul Pompeo Job Search in the New Normal is a free webinar that offers valuable resources and clarity for job seekers eager to get back into the workforce. 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Event Contributor This webinar is brought to you by Engage Creative, a branding and integrated marketing firm that brings relevance, clarity, and power to their clients most valuable asset, their brand. *up to a limit of $1,000 WASHINGTON Four days before the 2016 presidential election, Republican candidate Donald Trump arrived for a campaign rally at an airplane hangar in Wilmington, Ohio, that belonged to an aviation company called Air Transport Services Group, or ATSG. The companys chief executive at the time, Joe Hete, was a reliable supporter of the Republican Party. In his speech, Trump promised to drain the swamp and spoke at length about the deleted emails of Hillary Clinton, a favorite topic. Trump has not been back to Wilmington since then. But his administration has not forgotten about ATSG. Last month, an ATSG-owned charter airline company, Omni Air, secured a $67 million bailout as part of the congressional coronavirus relief package. That came on the heels of a $77.65 million contract with the Department of Defense for international charter airlift services. An Omni Air International Boeing 767. (Liam Allport via Flickr) In addition, Omni Air has charged the federal government exorbitant prices for high risk deportation flights for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency tasked with addressing the plight of millions who live within the United States without proper documentation. The expense was related to the unwillingness of airlines other than Omni Air to conduct such flights. The case of Omni Air illustrates what the presidents critics have feared would happen with the CARES Act, the $2 trillion relief package passed by Congress in March. This brazen betrayal of CARES Act intent needs immediate strong scrutiny, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., told Yahoo News. Congress intended CARES Act grants to keep airline workers on the job, not bankroll the Trump administrations unconscionable anti-immigration crusade. Trump officials are exploiting a loophole to misuse taxpayer money and continue deportations during a pandemic. Congress should act to help stop it. Passenger airlines were devastated by the coronavirus pandemic, which essentially stopped all global travel for several months. Sympathy for airlines did not run especially high, though, in part because Americans were chronically frustrated by the discomfort of flying amid relentless cost cutting and seat shrinking. And in recent years the major carriers had used their profits for stock buybacks, which benefit investors but not employees. Story continues A pilot wearing a protective mask walks through Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Va., on June 9. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images) The language of the coronavirus relief bill affords Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin a high degree of discretion in the airline-assistance effort, for which Congress allotted $32 billion. The amount to be received by each air carrier or contractor is based on its payroll expenses from 2019, the Treasury Department explains on its website. There are limited details about how those funding determinations were made. The main conditions stipulated by Congress were that airlines receiving coronavirus relief funds could not engage in share buybacks or lay off employees until the end of the current fiscal year on Sept. 30. Treasury has not released any details on the process of how they determined award amounts for the airline companies, says Sean Moulton, a senior policy analyst with the nonpartisan Project on Government Oversight. (After this article was published, a Treasury spokesperson emailed to say that Moultons assertion has no grounding in fact, noting that Treasury has, in fact, issued a guidance to airlines.) So far, 427 aviation companies have received coronavirus-related support from the Treasury. Recipients include well-known giants like Southwest ($3.2 billion) and many much smaller companies like Catalina Flying Boats ($569,176). Of those 427 companies, 407 received less money than Omni Air. And of those that did receive more, most are large passenger carriers. And even some of those, including JetBlue, Alaska Airlines and Spirit, received less per aircraft than Omni, which operates only 15 airplanes (it does not appear that fleet size figured into Treasury's calculation, with a spokesperson telling Yahoo News that the $67 million award was based on $88 million of salary and benefit expenditures reported by Omni Air for the relevant period). Among nonpassenger airlines, the largest grant went to Atlas Air, a cargo carrier that like Omni Air works closely with the Pentagon. It received $406 million from the Treasury Department, even though it also appears not to have lost any business during the pandemic. The Trump administrations idea of saving the economy is giving tens of millions in free tax money to a private airline [like Omni] that already profits massively from doing ICEs deportation dirty work, said Kyle Herrig, president of the progressive government watchdog group Accountable.US, which has been tracking how the administration spends coronavirus funds. Every dollar wasted like this is a dollar not being spent to help small businesses and workers struggling to make ends meet, Herrig added. The White House has reached a new low in their disastrous response to this crisis. Paul Cunningham, director of corporate communications for ATSG, the Omni Air parent company, sent Yahoo News a statement confirming the $67 million grant. The statement said the airline, which employs more than 800 people, must refrain from conducting involuntary furloughs or reducing employee rates of pay or benefits, while limiting executive compensation and maintaining regular services. Donald Trump speaks in front of his plane during a campaign event at an Air Transport Services Group hangar in Wilmington, Ohio, on Nov. 4, 2016. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) I cannot answer questions related to flights or customers, Cunningham wrote. He also declined to answer questions about the companys finances, in particular whether Omni Air was experiencing hardship at the time of its request to the Treasury Department. No aviation expert contacted by Yahoo News had any insight into why Omni Air did so much better than significantly bigger counterparts that employ many more people. ATSG donates exclusively to Republican candidates through its political action committee. One of its lobbyists is Kevin DeWine, formerly the head of the Ohio chapter of the GOP and second cousin to Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican. The Trump administration has repeatedly vowed that politics has played no part in either this or any other coronavirus-related funding decision. Political affiliation has absolutely no bearing on the Payroll Support Program, including applicant eligibility, the amount of assistance provided or use of funds, a Treasury spokesperson told Yahoo News. Democrats were infuriated by Mnuchins recent refusal to reveal who has benefited from a $600 billion small-business loan program (Mnuchin eventually relented and said he would make the information public). Like the airline bailout, the small-business loan program is part of the CARES Act, a complexly cobbled-together set of grants and loans meant to stimulate spending by consumers and keep businesses from laying workers off. Democrats worry that Trump and his Republican allies on Capitol Hill have used the coronavirus crisis to justify the transfer of millions of taxpayer dollars to well-connected companies like Omni. Republicans, meanwhile, have argued that distributing money as quickly as possible was their sole objective. What their Democratic opponents see as instances of corruption, Republicans regard as nothing more than the natural outcome of an immense effort to rescue the American economy. A United Airlines plane prepares to land at San Francisco International Airport on June 1. (David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images) But even though the Omni grant may have adhered to the Treasurys opaque guidelines, the airline and other coronavirus-bailout recipients have faced scrutiny from Congress, in particular the Democratic-controlled House. Its troubling, if not surprising, to see a company behave this way, Jennifer Ahearn of the watchdog group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington told Yahoo News. This kind of behavior is the reason Congress built oversight into the structure of the CARES Act. In addition to disputing suggestions of political influence, the Treasury Department spokesperson explained that the standard for determining air carrier eligibility was set by Congress on a bipartisan basis, and each applicants eligibility is verified by the Department of Transportation before any funds are disbursed. A Transportation Department spokesperson said his agency only verified that carrier applicants had the proper federal credentials to apply for relief funds, and referred questions back to the Treasury Department. DOT reported its findings to Treasury, which is responsible for administering the financial assistance provisions of the CARES Act, the spokesperson told Yahoo News. Omni Air is hardly a stranger to government funding. The Pentagon contracts the airline to fly uniformed personnel around the world. Omni is also part of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet, whose participants including major civilian airlines like American and Delta agree to work with the federal government as needed. During the war in Iraq, Omni was one of several airlines to benefit from the constant movement of people and cargo between the United States and the Middle East. To this day, Omni Air continues to benefit from Defense Department contracts. Last fall, the Pentagon awarded Omni a contract for $77.7 million, which was to go toward airlift services. The airlines more controversial operations, however, have involved deportation of immigrants. In March 2018, Omni flew 110 Kenyan, Somali and South Sudanese immigrants from the United States to Nairobi, Kenya, according to press reports from that time. Later that year, Omni earned the ire of the Cambodian-American community when it participated in the expulsion of 46 Cambodian immigrants from the United States. At the time, the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance called that the largest deportation flight of Southeast Asian refugees in United States history. In August 2019, Omni flew 40 deported Ghanaians back to their native country, on the western coast of Africa. An Omni Air DC-10 military charter from Hawaii at Long Beach Airport in California. (John Murphy via Flickr) According to documents obtained by news outlet Quartz, Omni specializes in special high-risk charter flights. The passengers on those flights are immigrants who potentially have significant criminal records. Other airlines have refused to engage in such transports because outrage over Trumps hard-line immigration policies has resulted in boycotts of companies that contract with ICE. Because of this effective monopoly, Omni Air has been able to charge astonishingly high prices, according to reporting by Quartz, which obtained internal ICE records to that effect. Last year, a single Omni flight carrying 163 high risk deportees back to Asia cost the federal government $1.8 million, Quartz reported. In May, Omni flew 167 Indian immigrants from the United States to Amritsar, a city in the northern region of Punjab. ICE did not respond to a request for comment about its work with Omni. News of Omnis coronavirus relief package outraged Asian-American organizations, some of which had denounced the airline when it deported the Cambodian immigrants in 2018. Its shameful that funds are being diverted from frontline communities on the ground to businesses, like Omni Air International, who are profiting from separating families, said Aarti Kohli, executive director of the Asian Law Caucus. But with a low public profile and few disclosures about its operations, the murky airline as Omni has been described by the Center for Human Rights at the University of Washington has suffered no ill effects from participating in one of the most controversial policies of the Trump administration. To the contrary, Omni has proved a profitable entity for ATSG. When the parent company released its first-quarter earnings in May, it noted that revenues were up 12 percent, or $41.1 million, to $389.3 million. The increased revenue was the result mainly from growth in Omni Air and another subsidiary, Air Transport International. Two weeks later, ATSG got more good news when the Treasury Department announced that Omni Air would be awarded its $67 million grant. That means that in the last eight months it has received more than $140 million from Washington, not counting the millions it continues to charge for deportation flights no other airline is apparently willing to conduct. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Union say talks with Rowan Foods have broken down This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jun 25th, 2020 Unite the Union say talks between them and Rowan foods regarding health and safety issues and the payment of staff self-isolating due to the Covid19 outbreak on site, have broken down. Unite has been seeking assurances around improved health and safety measures on site to prevent further outbreaks of coronavirus amongst the workforce. It has also been seeking full pay for staff who are being required to self-isolate though Covid19. Dave Griffiths Unite Regional Officer said, Unite is extremely disappointed by the manner in which Rowan Foods have conducted themselves during discussions with us, both during and prior to the Covid19 outbreak at the plant. Our members employed by Rowan are extremely concerned that the company has not taken the health and safety concerns that Unite has been raising since early June, with the urgent attention that they demand. Workers who are frightened for their own, and their familys safety, must be reassured that no stone is being left unturned in the efforts to further protect them from contacting Covid19 whilst at work. Rowan Foods should immediately introduce full pay for workers who are off work due to either having Covi19 or self-isolating after being contacted through Welsh Governments Test, Trace and Protect system. For workers already suffering from low pay it is morally bankrupt to then ask them, through no fault of their own, to self-isolate and survive on SSP. The simple fact is that some workers will continue to come to work and ignore the guidance if they are suffering financial detriment. Protecting workers and the general public cannot be done on the cheap. Rowan Foods, who are an extremely profitable company, supplying some of the biggest names in the UK food industry have to step up to the plate. They have to put the appropriate health and safety measures alongside adequate financial support for the workforce, if they are to get themselves out of the current crisis that has enveloped them. Last night we put the statement to Oscar Mayer, owners of Rowan Foods, and asked for comment on the health and safety concerns raised and asked if full pay will be introduced. This morning Oscar Mayer said, The safety of our colleagues remains our priority and our focus is on remaining COVID-19 secure as a site; we continue to follow government guidelines at all times for our own safety and the safety of our colleagues. We have been proactively introducing new operational changes at the site for some months now, since the issuing of Government guidance for the food industry In March 2020, to ensure that we maintain social distancing wherever practically possible, and have also included new mitigations such as screens and visors. In addition, at the same time we implemented a behavioural safety system and Social Distancing Champions throughout the factory to ensure colleagues are socially distancing. All of these changes were made in conjunction with advice by the regional Environmental Health Officer and our onsite Health & Safety teams. These measures have limited the impact on our teams. We continue to work with public health authorities. In line with Government guidance we are paying staff who are off work due to COVID-19 Statutory Sick Pay from the first day of absence. Last week prior to the incident being declared an outbreak the First Minister said he had discussed local issues with the union, and appeared satisfied with what he had been told. The Health Minister this week said Earlier this week, I met unions representing the workforce at the two North Wales plants and agreed a set of wider actions, focusing on workforce wellbeing. A meeting will be held later this week with the sector, unions and employers to discuss worker benefits. The Ontario Harness Horse Association (OHHA) is happy to announce that the board of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has accepted their request to become an organizational member. The OFA is involved in every aspect of farm business and rural life as the voice of Ontarios farmers. The OFA has been the voice of farmers in Ontario for over 80 years. OFA provides 51 localized County Federations of Agriculture for strong leadership and local representation. It includes 31 organizational members and affiliates representing a majority of Ontarios commodities. We are pleased that the board has accepted our application to become members," stated Jim Whelan, president of OHHA. "OHHA has worked with the OFA over the years, and with many of our members already OFA members as well, it made sense to establish this formal relationship. OFA is in regular communication with elected officials from all levels of government, and along with the efforts of OHHA will help raise awareness of the importance of the horse breeding and racing industries and all of the related jobs and economic activity that they generate. The OFA provides a number of benefits to individual members, and OHHA strongly encourages its members to take advantage of the resources that are available through an individual membership in the organization. To see the benefits of OFA membership, click here. OHHA has a long relationship with the OFA, and I look forward to working collaboratively with president Keith Currie and the entire team at the federation, stated Whelan. For more information on the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, click here. (OHHA) Rain claimed a first in 2019. Vodacom, with a little help from temporary spectrum, followed in May this year. Now its the turn of South Africas number two mobile operator MTN to launch 5G. MTN Group plans to launch its 5G commercial network in South Africa next week. A virtual launch event will herald the move on 30 June. The turnaround seems to have been a quick one. When telecommunications equipment maker Ericsson announced last November that it had been selected by MTN South Africa to build its new 5G core mobile and radio network, it added that 5G commercialisation was planned between 2020 and 2022. The initial focus of the rollout is expected to be on use cases and applications relevant in the South African context, defined as enhanced mobile broadband, fixed wireless access, and the Internet of Things. The original announcement added that MTN and Ericsson would be working together to identify and develop 5G use cases and applications that will contribute to the digital transformation of industry verticals. Rain launched the countrys first commercial 5G network in partnership with Chinas Huawei Technologies in 2019 in Johannesburg and Tshwane, offering subscribers unlimited data at speeds of up to 700Mbps for R1,000 per month. Since launch Rain has doubled its 5G coverage; this was achieved by adding more sites and providing a new 5G router to users. Rain is hoping to expand its 5G coverage to Cape Town and Durban before the end of this year. Rain, however, is a fixed wireless access service. Vodacoms launch to the mobile market covered three cities: Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. It was able to fast track the launch by using temporary spectrum assigned by the South African telecommunications regulator ICASA. AUSTIN, Texas, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Financial Gravity Companies, Inc. (OTCQB: FGCO) and its subsidiary, Forta Financial Group, Inc., announced that the Matt Rzepka Team has left Cambridge Investments to join Forta Financial Group as registered representatives and advisors. Forta Financial Group is a dually registered broker dealer and registered investment advisor with the resources necessary to help advisors compete and win. Forta helps advisors achieve their goals and grow their business utilizing four key differentiators Entrepreneurship, Practice Management, Marketing/Leads, and Financial Innovation. Scott Winters, CEO of Financial Gravity explained, "Matt is exactly the profile of the consummate professional so highly admired in our industry that we want to be a part of the leadership in our company. He has a tremendous reputation and proven skills of building a strong organization." Matt Rzepka replied, "I plan to begin immediately adding over 1,000 existing accounts and about $45 million in AUM (Assets Under Management) to Forta Financial Group and Financial Gravity. I look forward to working with the full suite of services offered by all of the different Financial Gravity subsidiaries to provide to my clients." Rzepka provides services to clients across the country and will continue to operate out of Kalamazoo, Michigan. He is a CPA and CFP professional and has earned an extensive list of licenses and certifications throughout his career. Rzepka attended Saginaw Valley State University where he met his beautiful wife Amber, and they reside in Kalamazoo with their two children Elizabeth and Paul. He is joined in his transition to Forta by his business associate Philip Kehoe. About Financial Gravity Companies, Inc. Financial Gravity Companies is a parent company of financial services companies including brokerage, wealth management, estate planning, family office services, risk management, business and personal tax planning, business consulting, and financial advisor services. Financial Gravity's mission is to synergistically bring together companies that create symbiotic advantages to each other in order to bring a complete financial experience to our clients. www.financialgravity.com Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including factors that could delay, divert or change any of them, and could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from the current expectations. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect Financial Gravity's business, and Financial Gravity undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. SOURCE Financial Gravity Companies, Inc. Related Links http://financialgravity.com A statue of former U.S. vice president and slavery advocate John C. Calhoun is raised by crews (Meg Kinnard/AP) A statue of former US vice president and slavery advocate John C Calhoun has been pulled down in Charleston. Calhoun, known as the The Cast-Iron Man in the early 1800s for his unbending support of Southern states rights, was a zealous defender of slavery which led the US to civil war. His statue proved difficult to dislodge, with contractors eventually using a diamond cutter to bring the likeness down after 16 hours of work. Charleston Parks director Jason Kronsberg said that unforeseen conditions were partly to blame for the delays, particularly a large bronze piece, deep inside the granite cylinder on which Calhoun stood. Expand Close A statue of former US vice president and slavery advocate John C. Calhoun lies on its back as crews prepare to move it to storage (Meg Kinnard/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A statue of former US vice president and slavery advocate John C. Calhoun lies on its back as crews prepare to move it to storage (Meg Kinnard/AP) Crews, which began the dismantling process at midnight on Tuesday, discovered the bronze when a concrete saw failed to cut through. Mr Kronsberg said that a company that had planned once the statue was down to use a diamond-tipped chainsaw to chop up the towering monument instead spent hours hacking away at the cylinder. Charlestons council and mayor voted unanimously on Tuesday to move it to an appropriate site where it will be protected and preserved, the latest in a wave of actions arising from protests against racial injustice in America. I believe that we are setting a new chapter, a more equitable chapter, in our citys history, said Mayor John Tecklenburg. Expand Close The removal was the latest in a wave of actions arising from protests against racism and police brutality against African Americans. (Meg Kinnard/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The removal was the latest in a wave of actions arising from protests against racism and police brutality against African Americans. (Meg Kinnard/AP) Dozens of residents spoke for and against the statue at Tuesdays council meeting. Grace Clark, a Charleston resident who said her family has lived in the city since the late 18th century, asked them to please not remove our history. Not all history is good but it is our history. Ms Clark offered an idea that city leaders had considered in the past, adding contextual information about Calhouns history with slavery, rather than taking down the monument. The removal comes days after the fifth anniversary of the killing of nine black parishioners in a racist attack at a downtown Charleston church. It also comes as cities nationwide debate the removal of monuments to Confederate leaders and others, and as thousands of Americans join street protests in the wake of George Floyds death under a Minneapolis police officers knee. Expand Close People gather in Marion Square to watch the removal (Meg Kinnard/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp People gather in Marion Square to watch the removal (Meg Kinnard/AP) Calhouns support of slavery, which he called a positive good, never wavered. He said in speeches on the US Senate floor in the 1830s that slaves in the South were better off than free Blacks in the North. With his pro-slavery Calhoun Doctrine, he led the South toward secession before he died in 1850. The statues ultimate resting place will be decided by a special panel and the mayor has anticipated it would go to a local museum or educational institution. The entrance to a Macy's department store is closed behind barriers and storm shutters remains closed in Orlando, Fla. Macys said Thursday its laying off 3,900 corporate staffers, roughly 3% of its overall workforce, as the pandemic takes a financial toll on the retailer's business. Read more Macy's is eliminating a quarter of its corporate workforce, slashing 3,900 white-collar jobs in a sweeping effort to cut costs during the coronavirus pandemic. The layoffs announced Thursday come just months after the beleaguered retailer announced it would close 125 stores - about a fifth of its total - and shed 2,000 positions after a disappointing holiday season. The company also is scaling back staffing at its Macy's and Bloomingdales stores, distribution facilities and customer service centers, but says it will "adjust as sales recover." The department store chain projected the moves would save it $630 million a year. The pandemic "has significantly impacted our business," chief executive Jeff Gennette said in a statement. "While the reopening of our stores is going well, we do anticipate a gradual recovery of business . . . We know that we will be a smaller company for the foreseeable future." Coronavirus-related store closures have led to a precipitous drop in sales that has roiled the retail industry, which was in trouble long before the pandemic. Six national retailers - including department store chains J.C. Penney and Neiman Marcus - have filed for bankruptcy since May. As many as 25,000 brick-and-mortar stores are expected to permanently close this year, according to Coresight Research, which will have far-reaching effects on shopping malls, workers and local communities. Macy's latest announcement, analysts say, shows that retail job cuts - which until now had been largely concentrated among store employees and hourly workers - are beginning to reach white-collar positions in office buildings. "This is a significant number of layoffs and it really underlines the fact that while Macy's has done a good job of securing financing to see it through this crisis, it is still burning through cash," Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail. "It is a long-term retrenchment, and an acknowledgment that sales are nowhere close to what they used to be." Analysts say Macy's, though, is in relatively good shape. The probability that it will default on its loans in the coming year has declined from 44% in April to 17% in June, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence, as stores reopen and sales inch back up. Macy's has also obtained about $4.5 billion in financing that Gennette said would make it "a more stable, flexible company." "Macy's is doing what it can to quickly cut costs - which, in this case, means cutting corporate jobs," Saunders said. "But the truth is, its costs are still way in excess of profits." The nation's largest department store chain furloughed the majority of its 125,000 employees in mid-March, after coronavirus-related closures led to a steep decline in sales. Many of those workers are expected to return to work in July, as the company systematically reopens stores across the country. The latest round of troubles comes on top of what was already a difficult time for the retailer. Annual sales fell 1.6% to $24.6 billion last year, as the company lost out to online competitors. In February, it said it would close offices in San Francisco and Lorain, Ohio, as well a customer service center in Tempe, Ariz., resulting in a 10% reduction of corporate and support staff. Macys shares closed Thursday at $6.50, down 4.1%. The stock has lost more than 61% of its value year to date. The LTRI ranks in the top one per cent of global academic institutions in molecular and cell biology. A number of its researchers are on the front lines of discovering how best to identify and treat COVID-19, including looking at how the virus spreads and exploring new drug therapies. "Larry and Judy Tanenbaum are visionary supporters of research," said Louis de Melo, CEO of Sinai Health Foundation. "Thanks to their generosity, LTRI is at the forefront of a significant number of advances and treatments related to the COVID-19 pandemic." Jeff Wrana, senior investigator at LTRI, is using his robotics lab to develop a mass scale COVID-19 blood test. He is exploring, with fellow LTRI investigators Mike Fralick and Keiran Campbell, whether application of artificial intelligence might identify COVID-19 patients at risk of severe disease. "Turning ideas into scientific advances wouldn't be possible without people like Larry and Judy Tanenbaum," Wrana said. "The work being done today is our best hope for a world free from the fear of COVID-19 and will provide a road map of how to tackle other infectious diseases that might emerge in the future." The global spread of COVID-19 has demonstrated the important need for research and science. One of the biggest challenges facing scientists today is stable funding. "Philanthropists have an essential role to play in combating the historic health challenge of COVID-19," said Larry Tanenbaum. "Sinai Health's researchers are some of the best and brightest minds in the world. We are proud to fuel their scientific discovery because they in turn are our best hope for future treatments and cures." Andras Nagy, senior scientist at LTRI, is working on getting his lab up and running after the pandemic resulted in many being shut down. He's exploring the use of cells to secrete antibodies that block viral infection as a promising way to treat and possibly prevent COVID-19. "This funding will allow us to assemble a toolkit, which was designed to support cell therapy cures for degenerative diseases, and apply it towards infectious diseases," Nagy said. "COVID-19 has become a powerful catalyst to find new ways to eradicate epidemics and pandemics, even those for which vaccines have not been developed or failed." In 2013, the Tanenbaums gave a transformative $35 million gift in support of research at Mount Sinai Hospital. This has helped propel LTRI into a globally leading research institute attracting world-leading researchers and infrastructure. To support COVID-19 research at LTRI please go to TanenbaumMatch.ca SOURCE Sinai Health Foundation For further information: Amanda Ferguson, Manager, Public Relations, Sinai Health Foundation, [email protected], 647-248-7434 Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Robin Millard (Agence France-Presse) Geneva, Switzerland Thu, June 25, 2020 07:17 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406616c57e 2 World ILO,migrant-workers,coronavirus,coronavirus-effect,COVID-19,COVID-19-infection,pandemic,economic-impact,remittance Free Millions of migrant workers who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic are expected to return home to already overburdened labor markets, the UN said Wednesday. Migrant workers were left exceptionally exposed to the virus and the economic shutdown it triggered, said the United Nations' International Labor Organization. "This is a potential crisis within a crisis," said Manuela Tomei, director of the ILO's conditions of work and equality department. "Many millions of migrant workers, who were under lockdown in their countries of work, have lost their jobs and are now expected to return home to countries that are already grappling with weak economies and rising unemployment." The ILO estimates there are 164 million migrant workers worldwide -- nearly half of them women -- comprising 4.7 percent of the global labor force. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many migrant workers were unable to return home due to travel bans, and found themselves stuck. Nonetheless, Nepal is expecting around 500,000 people who have lost their jobs abroad to return home, mainly from the Middle East and Malaysia. India has already repatriated more than 220,000 migrant workers, mostly from Gulf states. Meanwhile some 250,000 have headed back to Bangladesh, more than 130,000 to Indonesia and more than 100,000 to Myanmar, Michelle Leighton, chief of the ILO's labor migration department, told a virtual press conference. Ethiopia is expecting between 200,000 and 500,000 to return by the end of the year. Essential sectors The ILO said that in many parts of the world, migrant workers were concentrated in sectors deemed essential during the coronavirus lockdowns, such as health care, transport, services, domestic work and agriculture. However, they were also more vulnerable to losing their jobs and income during economic crises. The ILO said migrant women in domestic and care work were among the most vulnerable during the crisis, facing additional work and care demands, with entire families at home during lockdowns. Tomei said migrant workers were over-represented in sectors in which physical distancing is difficult, they very often hold temporary jobs, and job loss often means a loss of work and residence permits, pushing them into irregular status without protections. She said migrant workers were "invisible to COVID-19 responses" despite the essential work they did, and needed to be factored into national plans. She also called for greater cooperation between countries of origin and destination to help returning migrants. Returning migrant workers could also bring skills that could help their home economies rebuild after the COVID-19 downturn, said the ILO. But the families of returning migrants could suffer financially from the loss of remittances normally sent to them. A mother who was fed up with her tired old leather couch decided to transform it during lockdown - by giving it a coat of paint. Brave Jacqueline Alcroft, 34, from South Ayrshire, Scotland, told how she was reluctant to buy a new sofa because her two-year-old 'wrecks everything in sight'. Remembering a YouTube video she'd seen, in which a woman painted a fabric chair, she decided to have a go herself - and is thrilled with the results. Jacqueline shared before and after photos on Facebook, where she received over 1,000 comments from impressed users. Speaking to FEMAIL, Jacqueline told how the transformation - for which she used a 750ml tin of Frenchic paint - cost her less than 20. Brave Jacqueline Alcroft, 34, from South Ayrshire, Scotland, told how she was reluctant to buy a new sofa because her two-year-old 'wrecks everything in sight' 'I used to watch loads of YouTube videos and I remembered watching a woman painting a chair before so when I got fed up with my dated sofa I thought, I'm going to just go for it!' she said. 'The colour was flaking off of my sofa anyway and it was starting to look a bit scabby, but now it looks like my dream sofa. 'The paint was 17.95 and the brush was a gift from a lovely friend. It took me about five hours; the first and second coats took most of the time.' Jacqueline started by cleaning the couch with sugar soap and leaving it to dry. 'It hasn't cracked, peeled or transferred and has been finished for over three weeks,' she explained. Slide me Remembering a YouTube video she'd seen, in which a woman painted a fabric chair, Jacqueline decided to have a go at painting her couch herself - and is thrilled with the results (pictured before and after) 'It feels exactly the same as it did before, its not sticky and it's very soft to touch. I did not use any other product on it except the sugar soap and the Al Fresco paint, but I might need to wax it at some point.' Writing about her 'lockdown project' on Facebook, Jacqueline admitted she is 'now painting everything in sight Dusky Blush'. 'I am actually in love with the result,' she wrote, adding that the Frenchic Al Fresco range, which she used for the couch, is not designed for fabric or leather. 'I have a 750ml tin which has so far done three coats on my front door (a work in progress) and three coats on the couch. I still have over half the tin left after all that.' She added that the cushions are not removable, so to get the paint between the gaps without it sticking, she 'leaned on it with her body weight and sat there until it was touch dry'. A fan commented in response: 'Now that's dedication!' For more information about Frenchic paint, visit www.frenchicpaint.co.uk The Shenzhen-listed Zoneco, which specializes in breeding, processing and distributing seafood products, faked its 2016 and 2017 annual reports by misrepresenting its harvest data, Chinas securities regulator said. Chinas securities watchdog has fined Zoneco Group Co. Ltd. 600,000 yuan ($84,813) after determining through satellite data analysis that the fishery enterprise had been cooking its books. Shenzhen-listed Zoneco, which specializes in breeding, processing and distributing seafood products, faked its 2016 and 2017 annual reports by misrepresenting its harvest data, the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said in a Wednesday statement (link in Chinese). The CSRC also penalized 15 managers with fines ranging from 30,000 yuan to 300,000 yuan, according to the statement. The regulator also banned four Zoneco managers from the securities industry or serving as a listed companys executive or director for periods ranging from five years to life. Zoneco, founded in 1958, posted losses in 2014, 2015 and 2017. In early 2016, its stock was slapped with special treatment (ST) status a tag given to firms facing regulatory issues or financial distress. The company got out of trouble after it posted a profit for that year. However, according to the CSRCs findings, the company actually booked a loss for that year, which would have left it subject to delisting because it had lost money for four straight years. The CSRC said that Zoneco inflated its profits by 131 million yuan in 2016 and also falsified profits for the following year, according to a CSRC document (link in Chinese) released this month. To figure out what was actually going on, the CSRC used the satellite positioning data of company fishing vessels to trace their possible routes, with help from aquatic research institutions. That allowed the regulator to finish its investigation and conclude the company had been misreporting its costs and profits. In 2018, Zoneco posted a net profit of 32.1 million yuan, a 104.4% increase from the previous year, according to its 2018 annual report (link in Chinese). In the first quarter of 2019, Zoneco was back in the red, reporting a net loss of 43.1 million yuan, according to its first-quarter report (link in Chinese) for that year. On Wednesday, Zonecos share price fell 1.29% to 3.06 yuan. Contact reporter Timmy Shen (hongmingshen@caixin.com) and editor Michael Bellart (michaelbellart@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. AMMAN, Jordan - Growing desperation in Syria could trigger another mass exodus unless donor countries send more funds to alleviate hunger and the international community ensures aid shipments can reach the war-ravaged country, the head of the U.N. food agency said Thursday. World Food Program Executive Director David Beasley said its critical to keep aid flowing through border crossings, at a time when growing numbers of people are literally on the brink of starvation. He spoke to The Associated Press ahead of next weeks donor conference for Syria, hosted by European Union in Brussels. The conference attempts to raise several billion dollars each year to alleviate the fallout from Syrias nine-year-old war, which has displaced millions of people. Actual payouts typically fall short of pledges made at such gatherings. The WFP Syria operation faces a funding shortfall of $200 million this year. The conference next Tuesday comes amid a global economic recession brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, and an economic meltdown in Syria where the local currency has spiraled out of control. Syrias economic turmoil has been made worse by the financial crisis in neighbouring Lebanon, Syrias main link with the outside world. Beasley said donors must be aware that the dramatic situation in war-shattered Syria could set off another river of refugees, as it did in 2015. At the time, a million refugees reached Europe, crossing mainly from Turkey to Greece, and to a lesser degree from countries such as Libya to Italy. If sufficient aid does not reach Syria, the countrys 6.5 million internally displaced people are going to do what it takes to feed their children, which means they will migrate, he said. So we need to address this now. Otherwise we are going to be in a situation similar to 2015 when we had mass migration, he added. Since then, Syrias neighbours have largely closed their borders, and the flow of aid from neighbouring countries into Syria has become the subject of intense political wrangling. U.N. aid deliveries from Iraq were halted early this year, after Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution allowing continued shipments across that border and reducing the number of crossing points for aid deliveries from four to just two, from Turkey to the northwest. That has left much of the territory in northern Syria cut off from outside aid. The Security Council is now considering a draft resolution that would reopen the border crossing with Iraq for six months to allow the delivery of aid as Syrians combat the pandemic. Aid agencies have urged the council to ensure a lifeline for food and medical services to many who live in overcrowded displacement camps. The draft resolution would also extend the mandate for the two border crossings from Turkey to deliver humanitarian aid to Syrias mainly rebel-held northwest for a year. Around 4 million people are crammed into the territory buckling under repeated government offensives. The coronavirus pandemic has contributed to a significant deterioration of food security in Syria, where more than 80% of the population lives in poverty. The financial crisis in Lebanon, where many Syrians had kept their money in Lebanese banks, and the prospect of new U.S. sanctions targeting anyone around the world from doing business with Syrian officials or state institutions, have sent the local currency crashing, throwing more people into poverty. So, now of a nation of 20 million people, 9.3 million people go to bed hungry, food insecure, every day, every night in Syria, Beasley said. A million of those dont know where they will get their next meal. They literally are on the brink of starvation. ___ Associated Press writer Zeina Karam in Beirut contributed reporting. HARARE, Zimbabwe, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Zimbabwe's Honorary Consul to Belarus Alexander Zingman said an ambitious $58 million deal between the two countries will revolutionalise Zimbabwe's agriculture industry. The first batch of modern farm machinery has been shipped to Harare, including 20 grain harvesters for grain and maize, 100 tractors, and 52 seed drills, with the second batch expected by December. "This deal brings Belarusian expertise in agriculture and engineering to Zimbabwe. Both countries have been expanding ties since 2015 and this deal is a win-win for both," said Alexander Zingman. Zimbabwe's president Emmerson Mnangagwa had called for a comprehensive project to modernise and mechanise the entire agricultural sector. The country is reeling from the economic effects of coronavirus, a disastrous drought and Cyclone Idai last year, leaving over 5 million people in need of food aid. The agriculture deal was signed in 2018, with Belarus providing farming machinery and advanced technology to Zimbabwe, as well as training for local farmers in cultivation, seeding, irrigation, and crop harvesting. It also provided the project with long-term financing for the acquisition of equipment. AFTRADE DMCC represents all the leading manufacturers in Belarus. It has set up a servicing centre in Harare to provide spare parts and warranty services. Mobile service vehicles will also cater to farming communities in the provinces. Belarusian technical specialists have been sent to Zimbabwe for one year to provide training to farmers in modern farming techniques. Zimbabwean specialists will get two months training in Belarus. "This project will enable Zimbabwean farmers to boost the productivity of their land and to reduce their losses through timely crops harvesting. The result will be that farmers can ensure the food security of Zimbabwe itself and, where possible, also raise their income levels by exporting their produce," said Zingman. Belarus and Zimbabwe are complementary in many ways when it comes to trade. Belarus provides sophisticated technology and investment, which Zimbabwe can use to boost its economy and productivity. Bilateral trade was over $30 million for the past 3 years. For the first four months of 2020, trade between Belarus and Zimbabwe has already exceeded $7 million. The two countries are also developing joint projects in geology, farming and transport, as well as the construction of a solar power plant near Harare. SOURCE Embassy of the Republic of Belarus in South Africa More than 17,000 Australians signed up for controversial married dating site Ashley Madison per day during lockdown, with the bulk of those subscriptions from three New South Wales cities. The platform, which is marketed to people who are in relationships, studied the locations of new members who have joined since mid-April to determine where cheating is most rampant Down Under. Cities in New South Wales took the top three spots, with Albury on the state's southern border in first followed by Coffs Harbour on the mid-north coast and Newcastle, two hours north of Sydney, in third. Canberra, the country's capital, was fourth while the Western Australian port city of Bunbury, one hour south of Perth, rounded out the top five. Scroll down for video The railway station in Albury, southern New South Wales, which has Australia's highest number of subscriptions to controversial married dating site Ashley Madison in the past two months Queensland led the way for online affairs with seven cities in the top 20, including major centres like the Gold Coast and Brisbane and regional outposts like Townsville and Toowoomba. Tourist hotspots Adelaide, Cairns, Hobart, Sydney, Perth and Melbourne all featured despite the federal travel ban on overseas visitors since March 28. Conversations between adulterous lovers are now taking place earlier in the day, with the platform reporting a 'significant increase' in messages between 10am and 11am and midday and 3pm over the past two months. Top 20 cities for infidelity 1. Albury, NSW 2. Coffs Harbour, NSW 3. Newcastle, NSW 4. Canberra, ACT 5. Bunbury, WA 6. Gold Coast, QLD 7. Mackay, QLD 8. Geelong, VIC 9. Rockhampton, QLD 10. Darwin, NT 11. Townsville, QLD 12. Toowoomba, QLD 13. Wollongong, NSW 14. Adelaide, SA 15. Cairns, QLD 16. Brisbane, QLD 17. Hobart, TAS 18. Sydney, NSW 19. Perth, WA 20. Melbourne, VIC Source: Ashley Madison More residents of Albury, Coffs Harbour and Newcastle have signed up for married dating site Ashley Madison since April than any other place in Australia (stock image) Advertisement Key signs of a serial cheater * They are harder to detect because they have mastered their craft * They go out of their way to tell you that their ex was insecure and that they have friends of the opposite sex * They get defensive when you ask about their night or who they were with * They will confess their undying love for you and in the same breath suggest you get help as you are ruining the relationship with your insecurities * They use lines like 'why are you being so insecure all of a sudden?' Advertisement The website suggests people are using working hours as a cover to chat with potential affair partners. The 17,000 daily subscription count represents an increase of 1,500 on the 15,500 new members it saw per day in 2019. Ashley Madison chief strategy officer Paul Keable said the surge in subscriptions is a sign of the extraordinary strain Australians have been under since the outbreak began. Coffs Harbour (left) and Newcastle (right) which saw the second and third highest numbers of subscriptions to the adulterous platform The Australian Parliament building in Canberra, which had the fourth highest subscription rate 'These cyber affairs serve as a release valve for individuals dealing with increased pressures in their marriage and domestic lives,' he said. Mr Keable believes the website offers an opportunity to those struggling to release some of that pressure without ending their relationships prematurely. 'With divorce rates reported to have increased in countries that have initiated their reopening, we're offering an alternative pathway to help people cope and ultimately help couples preserve their marriage once the dust has settled,' he said. Kenneth Imasuagbon, an aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary poll for the Edo state governorship election, has withdrawn from the race. The announcement was made by Imasuagbon on Thursday just before the commencement of the primary election in Benin, the state capital. Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, would have contested against him had he not stepped down. It is believed that Obaseki has the support of the PDP leaders in his bid to seek second term. Read Also: Court Stops Obaseki From Contesting In PDP Governorship Primary Advertisement As it stands, Obaseki will contest against Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the APC candidate, in the governorship election in the state scheduled to hold in September. Interestingly, the two of them were also front line candidates in the 2016 election, which saw Obaseki emerge as governor. An old video of Sara Ali Khan praising her Kedarnath co-star Sushant Singh Rajput has surfaced online. Sara debuted as an actress alongside Sushant in the Abhishek Kapoor directorial that released in 2018. Sushant died by suicide on June 14, 2020, and reports revealed that the late actor had been battling depression for the past six months. Sushant Singh Rajput: Sara Ali Khan Sushant | FilmiBeat In the video, during a press conference for their film, while talking about Sushant, Sara says, "I don't know how I've done in the film. I've really, really tried my best. But I don't think I would've been able to do any of it without Sushant. He has just been the most helpful person to have had. There were days when I was a little lost, I was a little scared, but he was just always hands-on. Whatever broken Hindi I speak, Sushant has taught me, and while on set with him I also managed to learn some acting." According to director Abhishek Kapoor, Sushant was affected by all the attention going towards Sara during the promotions of the film Kedarnath, since it was a star kid's debut. In an interview, Abhishek said, "I remember when Kedarnath was coming out, the media had just slammed it. I don't know what happened, he could see that he was not getting the kind of love because everything was centred around Sara at that time. He was just kind of lost. When the film released and it did really well, I sent him a message." Coming back to Sara Ali Khan, her father Saif Ali Khan, in an interview with The Times of India revealed that Sara was shocked and 'very, very, very upset' after finding out about Sushant's death. "She liked him very much. She was quite impressed with certain aspects of his personality. She told me he was very intelligent, that he could discuss, you know, Jean-Paul Sartre and he could discuss various aspects of philosophy and engineering and that he had learned how to shoot with a bow and arrow left-handed, and he was very fit as well as very hard-working, and a good actor," Saif said. Saif also worked with Sushant in Dil Bechara, the film is set to release on Disney Plus Hotstar on July 24, 2020. Saif Ali Khan Reveals How Daughter Sara Reacted When She Heard About Sushant Singh Rajput's Death Sushant Singh Rajput's Last Film Dil Bechara To Premiere On Disney+Hotstar On July 24 Around 10 a.m. Thursday, King was one of the first people of the day to make the pilgrimage to the house. Though signed posters tied to the fence around the house proved that at least two people beat him there the night before. Toyota hybrid vehicles can be purchased with a zero % APR financing rate right now at Toyota of Santa Maria Toyota of Santa Maria is currently offering a zero % APR financing rate on any hybrid Toyota vehicle for drivers in the Santa Maria area. This special financing rate is available when customers sign up for a 60-month loan for certain vehicles or a 36-month loan for the 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid. Customers who are interested in taking advantage of this zero % APR financing plan should seek credit approval through Toyota Financial Services. This can be done on the dealerships website, toyotasm.com. Eligible customers must be approved with a Tier 1 or Tier 1+ credit score. Down payment amount needed will vary by credit score. To get credit approval, customers should navigate to the website and use the Finance drop-down menu to find the Online Credit Approval link, which will take them to a quick form. After filling out the form, customers can expect a quick response from the dealership via the customers preferred method of communication. This sales event lasts into early July. Customers who are considering purchasing one of the following Toyota vehicles are encouraged to act quickly to take advantage of this temporary offer: 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, 2020 Toyota Prius, 2020 Toyota Corolla Hybrid, 2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid, 2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid or 2020 Toyota Prius Prime. Drivers in Santa Maria who would like to learn more about special offers and incentives at Toyota of Santa Maria can stop by the dealership or use the dealerships website. The demonstrator arrested near the remnants of a Confederate monument in Mobile cannot go near the area until his next court date in October, a Mobile municipal judge said Wednesday. Anthony A. Ford spent Tuesday night in Mobile Metro Jail after he was arrested and booked on a charge of desecrating venerated objects. Today, his 29th birthday, Ford was given a $500 cash or corporate surety bond and an Oct. 21 court date. A Mobile police spokeswoman later said that Ford will be charged with criminal mischief third degree. During a brief bond hearing, Mobile Municipal Judge R.A. Bucky Thomas told Ford that it would be in your best interest to stay away from the monument that once held the Confederate Navy Adm. Raphael Semmes statue. Do not have contact with that area, Thomas said. Am I crystal clear on that? Replied Ford, Absolutely. Do not return to there as a condition of your bond, Thomas said. If you violate that, you will be subject to being put into jail. Ford was arrested around 4 p.m. Tuesday at the statue during a demonstration involving about a dozen protesters. The protest was peaceful, but the demonstrators brought sidewalk chalk with them and wrote statements such as Black Trans Lives Matter on the base of the monument. Mobile police warned the demonstrators not to write messages on the monument itself, but did permit the group to write on the sidewalk area surrounding the structure. Shortly after the warning was issued, Ford was arrested. Antonio Moore, 34, a Mobile resident who helped organize the demonstration, said that Ford didnt actually write any messages on the monument itself and that he was mistakenly arrested. Were trying to compile the photo and video evidence to prove he didnt write on the statue, said Moore. Were working on proving that he didnt do what they said he did. Moore said he was going to discuss with Ford about making a public statement in the coming days. The demonstration on Tuesday was the groups second effort at hosting a gathering at the Semmes monument, which sits at the median at Government and Royal streets. An event that was supposed to occur last week ended after police told the group to disburse because they were in violation of the citys noise ordinance. Moore, ahead of Tuesdays council meeting, requested and received a waiver of the noise ordinance so the group could assemble outside the monument. He said that he feels the police attention was overkill. I think the whole thing is more political than anything else, said Moore. They are trying to send a message of hey were tough. (Mobile police) couldve done anything else couldve done a warning. They did an arrest and a night in jail over childrens chalk that washes off. The demonstration on Tuesday occurred on the same day that the Mobile City Council verbally agreed to keep the Semmes monument in the citys possession and have it displayed at the History Museum of Mobile. The Semmes statue was removed overnight on June 4, out of concern over it potentially being damaged during a protest. Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, whose administration oversaw its removal, said he wanted it displayed within the museum. The city was fined $25,000 by the Alabama Attorney Generals Office for violating the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act of 2017, which prohibits an entity from removing a monument that is over 40 years old. The fine is expected to paid for through online fundraising. More Information Read the full statement of Chief William McKenna here: I am very saddened, yet at the same time very excited to announce my retirement from my position as Chief for the great City of Middletown. This decision was hard, yet after taking everything into consideration I feel that I am at peace with this decision and I am excited to pass the torch to the other great men and women of this department. I gave the City my very best for 25 plus years, 8 of them as the Chief. To be a Chief means to be "all-in"...fully dedicated and willing to be on call at all times. The position demands full attention, and fine details need to always be examined whether it is during the course of your work day, or after hours when you are woken up from the sounds of your phone going off. I can say with 100% confidence that during my time spent as Chief, I gave every single second of my full devotion to my office, to the department and to the community. I was dialed in on making the best decisions to keep our department members free of harm, the community safe from the dangers and making the commitment to move the City in the right direction. I gave it my very best and I feel strong that we are in a better position today because of it. For the past 8 years as Chief, and for the several years prior to that while serving in a Command position, my cell phone never left my side...never was out of sight. I took a deep pride in answering those calls and responding to the calls from home. I always answered the calls because it was a part of my responsibility to do so and to make decisions for the betterment of the department and city. Many times I stopped in my tracks to deal with situations that needed my input or direction. This commitment to the job comes with a cost. It took valuable time away from family and loved ones, and most of the times diverted my attention elsewhere when I could have been focused on more important things which included my time spent with family. I am now ready to let the calls go and focus my full attention on my family and the support group who were also "all-in" during those many years of my commitment as Chief. My mother, father, wife, sisters, brother-in laws, in-laws and my children all understood the time commitment that I made many years ago to serve as a leader in the MPD. Each one of them supported me and pushed me to be the best I could possibly be, and understood the sacrifices that it takes to be there for others (outside the family) when duty calls. They grew to understand that their son, Dad, husband or brother wasn't constantly walking away from the family dinner or holiday because he was bored, he was leaving to take care of a brother or sister officer, or to handle a critical incident or to deal with a situation which I was expected and prepared to deal with. I am now ready to hand the phone over to other ready, willing and able members of the department. And they are prepared. As you will see in my letter to the Mayor, the MPD is in great hands. We worked hard on building strong leaders who will work hard to continue the culture of building relationships in the community, serving with respect and honor and providing the best service we can possibly give to the community. They will strive for a dominance to make the MPD one of the most well respected Police agencies in the state. They will work hard in making Middletown a great place to live and visit. Our citizens need to know that we have great, experienced men and women who strive to fulfill their oath of office to serve Middletown proudly with a commitment to excellence. As we work hard, I urge the citizens of Middletown to appreciate our men and women. They are great people, like you, who also have made many sacrifices in their lives to serve others. We have taken much pride in building a very solid foundation of dedicated officers who work hard in meeting the expectations of both the department, as well as the citizens who make up the great Middletown community. I will miss these officers deeply and they know I will always be there for them if they are in need. Middletown has been great to me and the friendships that I have made with officers, stakeholders and citizens alike will remain in place for years to come. I will be leaving a part of me when I depart, yet those of you who I have come to love and respect will remain my friends, and will always be in my thoughts and prayers forever. I always had a plan to leave in the month of July to reap the benefits of enjoying the warm weather and outdoor festivities. Well, here it is folks, although we are all dealing with some unusual times with social distancing, etc., I made the decision that July of 2020 is the July it's happening. I am leaving on great terms with the City and I know I am leaving a department of remarkable leaders who will fill in the gaps. Deputy Chief Timbro will be sworn-in as the Acting Chief as the Mayor takes his time to fill my position with a full time Chief. DC Timbro will ensure the department moves full steam ahead and the transition period should be seamless. I gave it my all, and I am excited to pass the torch to DC Timbro and the other great members. I am so excited to give my 100% devotion to my family and loved ones moving forward...and I feel bad for the golf instructor who has to try to straighten me out! Thank you to those in Middletown who I have worked alongside with for many years to make Middletown great. Thank you to Mayor Drew for having the confidence in me to lead our department. I wish Mayor Florsheim the very best in continuing to make our Middletown a better place and I am confident he will strive to support the department as he has done in our short 6 month relationship thus far. So many others to thank, yet I am sure we will be talking soon. To the Middletown community..let's stay strong. Good people working together can make huge positive strives. Great people will make a great future. To the men and women (sworn and civilians alike)...my friends of the MPD...it is you who made my time as Chief a success. My send-off to you yesterday was very difficult, words can't even express the emotions that overcome me. A lot to say, yet I love you. You are the best. To my family and loved ones...thank you for letting me take this ride...I love you. Daddy's coming home! God Bless all of you! Chief McKenna Middletown Police Department How did we get to this? How is that something that virtually every doctor and scientist recommends wearing a mask to reduce the spread of the coronavirus has become something to argue over? Why have some people redefined this simple act as weak or stupid or a violation of their rights? Were better than this. Lets start acting like it. Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branicks order requires all customers and workers at businesses to wear masks. Other county judges in Texas have done the same thing, and many businesses had required them for employees anyway. This is an order that all of us need to obey. Its easy to comply with, and it will reduce the chances that you spread the virus to someone else. To a lesser extent, it will also prevent you from inhaling the virus from someone else. The coronavirus can be spread by various forms of contact, but the most common means of transmission is inhaling air that has been exhaled by someone who is infected. This is what people do in pandemics, even during severe flu outbreaks, and it works as well as anything. Its not perfect, because nothing is, but it helps and its infinitely better than doing nothing. Yet somehow, these basic facts have become a dividing point in our society, about as useless as any that we can remember. Shopkeepers who politely ask customers to put on a mask are angrily told they will go somewhere else. An Enterprise photographer working on our story about the first day of the order was threatened and cursed by a group of unmasked men as they entered Parkdale Mall. As that story reported, a store owner in Beaumont has a 3-year-old daughter who has leukemia and therefore needs to take extra steps to avoid bringing the virus into her home. Yet she had to abandon a voluntary mask policy for her store when some customers threatened to boycott her. In a poll on our website, about two-thirds of the early respondents said they would comply with Branicks order on wearing masks. Others said they disagreed but would comply. Good for them. Yet more than 1 in 5 said they would defiantly not comply. One person dismissed the order as pure political BS. Good grief. Youre not being asked to donate a kidney, as one local hospital worker tartly observed on the poll. Youre simply being asked to wear a mask to protect yourself and others. This basic action could prevent you or someone in your family from getting the coronavirus or giving it to someone else. Thats a reality even if you are young and healthy which is not even a complete guarantee that you wont become sickened by the virus. Think of this like the speed limit on any road. You comply and expect everyone to do so for the greater public good. Its not an infringement on your liberty, its a way to reduce accidents and fatalities. Please put on that mask so we can all get one day closer to the day when no one has to wear one. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Wednesday he expects to meet with US counterpart Donald Trump in early July to kick-start the new North American trade deal. "It's very probable that I will go to Washington and meet president Trump and that will be soon. We are just waiting to define the character of the meeting," said Lopez Obrador at his morning press conference. The two leaders have not met in person since Lopez Obrador assumed the presidency in December 2018. Lopez Obrador said his government hopes that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will also attend the meeting, with the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) among the three North American countries due to come into force on July 1. "In any case, we will attend because it's important for us to participate in the start of the deal, which I consider historic and very timely." The meeting won't happen on July 1 as that's the date Lopez Obrador celebrates the anniversary his election victory, but he said it would come soon afterward. On Tuesday, Trump said he expected to welcome Lopez Obrador to the White House "very soon." Last month, Lopez Obrador said he expected to meet Trump in June or July and would thank him for supplying Mexico with more than 200 ventilators to help fight the coronavirus pandemic. The three countries signed the trade agreement -- known as T-MEC in Spanish -- in November 2018 to replace, at Trump's insistence, the old North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that was launched in 1994. Operations to control the blowout and fire in Oil India Limited's (OIL) natural gas well in Tinsukia district of Assam have hit a hurdle with incessant rains causing floods and damaging a bridge near the site, the petroleum major said on Thursday. The connecting roads to the Baghjan well, which has been spewing gas uncontrollably for nearly 30 days, have been submerged in flood waters. Currently, there is only one connecting road, Plastic Park Road, which is narrow at places, resulting in challenges in movement of men and material, according to an OIL statement. A bridge between Doomdooma and Baghjan road was also damaged due to heavy rains since the last three days, it said. "The developments are severely affecting the progress and planning of work for capping the Well Number 5," the statement said. On OIL authorities' request, Army personnel will assess the condition of the bridge to plan their next course of action, it said. Regarding preparation for capping the well, the OIL said its team held a meeting with Singapore-based M/s Alert, ONGC and the Crisis Management Team (CMT) team to chalk out a plan in the wake of the floods. Personnel of the Singapore-based firm has visited the well site to assess debris clearing work in the post flood situation. Civil work is in progress in spite of inclement weather and soft soil condition, the statement said. Meanwhile, the impact on oil and gas production due to protests led to production loss of 88 MT of crude oil and 0.15 MMSCM of natural gas as reported on Wednesday, the PSU said. Operations were disrupted in 14 oil wells and one gas well and cumulative production loss since May 27 last due to blockades is 8482 MT of crude oil and 10.85 MMSCM of natural gas, the OIL added. Over 9,000 people are staying in 13 relief camps after the May 27 blowout. A fire broke out at the well on June 9, killing two fire fighters of the OIL. Two OIL staffers have been suspended for alleged negligence of duty in the gas well blowout, a company official had said. The Sun has asked the High Court to throw out Johnny Depps libel claim against the newspaper (Yui Mok/PA) Johnny Depp is waiting to find out if his libel claim against The Sun newspaper can go ahead, following a shock move by lawyers for the tabloid less than two weeks before a planned trial. The 57-year-old actor is suing the tabloids publisher, News Group Newspapers (NGN), and its executive editor, Dan Wootton, over an April 2018 article which referred to Mr Depp as a wife-beater. The article related to allegations made against Mr Depp by his ex-wife, actress Amber Heard, 34, that he was violent towards her during their marriage claims he strenuously denies. Expand Close Amber Heard alleges Johnny Depp was violent towards her during their marriage (Anthony Devlin/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Amber Heard alleges Johnny Depp was violent towards her during their marriage (Anthony Devlin/PA) In a surprise turn of events, just under two weeks before a trial of the Hollywood stars claim is due to begin, NGNs legal team asked trial judge Mr Justice Nicol to strike out Mr Depps claim at a hearing on Thursday. Adam Wolanski QC argued Mr Depp was in serious breach of a court order to disclose further evidence ahead of the trial because he had not given NGNs legal team access to a text message exchange in which he discussed drugs. He said the messages, between Mr Depp and his assistant Nathan Holmes, were relevant because they were sent around the same time as an alleged row between the actor and Ms Heard while the pair were visiting Australia in 2015, and about which there is a stark conflict in their respective evidence. But the actors lawyers resisted the move, with his barrister David Sherborne telling the court the messages were not relevant as they did not go to the issues between the parties and that Mr Depp had been frank about his drug taking history. Expand Close Amber Heard and Johnny Depp married in Los Angeles in February 2015 (Jonathan Brady/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Amber Heard and Johnny Depp married in Los Angeles in February 2015 (Jonathan Brady/PA) During the virtual hearing, Mr Wolanski read out passages of Ms Heards evidence in which she claims she was subjected to a three-day ordeal of physical assaults by her former husband, during which time he was taking MDMA, also known as ecstasy, and drinking heavily. The barrister said Ms Heard alleges she was subjected to assaults after she challenged Mr Depp for taking a number of pills and washing them down with red wine. Mr Wolanski said Mr Depp expressly denies that he took the drugs, that Ms Heard found a bag of pills or that the pair had any conversations about drug use during that time. Instead, the actor claims the row between him and Ms Heard was not about drugs, but was caused by discussion of a post-nuptial agreement Ms Heard did not agree to, which Mr Depp said caused her to go into a prolonged and extreme rage, the court heard. But Mr Wolanski said a series of text messages, which he referred to as the Australia drugs texts, between Mr Depp and Mr Holmes demonstrated the actor was trying to get drugs during the Australia visit. The defendants claim, wrongly, that Mr Depp has withheld this document because it is profoundly damaging to his case; their implied accusation being that he withheld it deliberately. This is untrue David Sherborne, representing Mr Depp He read out messages sent in late February and early March 2015 shortly before the alleged incident between Mr Depp and Ms Heard and told the court the texts included references to happy pills, which he said referred to MDMA, and to cocaine. Mr Wolanski said: There is a stark conflict of evidence as to whether the claimant took or had in his possession MDMA and other narcotics whilst in Australia in early March 2015. The Australia drugs texts on the face of it demonstrate that the claimant was at the very least seeking to obtain such drugs from Mr Holmes in late February and early March 2015, and in all probability had obtained and taken them. David Sherborne, representing Mr Depp, said the actor had not deliberately withheld evidence and argued the text messages were not relevant because the core issue in the case was not about his drug use. He said: The defendants claim, wrongly, that Mr Depp has withheld this document because it is profoundly damaging to his case; their implied accusation being that he withheld it deliberately. This is untrue. Mr Sherborne said NGNs legal representatives have had access to the text messages as they form part of the evidence in separate US libel proceedings Mr Depp has brought against Ms Heard, and that Mr Depp is aware they have been given access to those documents. Expand Close Johnny Depps former partner Winona Ryder is expected to give evidence (Yui Mok/PA) PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Johnny Depps former partner Winona Ryder is expected to give evidence (Yui Mok/PA) He added: Secondly, the issue in this case is whether the defendants can prove that the claimant committed serious domestic violence and put Ms Heard in fear. It is not about whether Mr Depp asks for drugs. Mr Justice Nicol said he would give his ruling on the strike-out application as soon as possible and that there may be a further hearing on Monday. If the judge does rule in favour of NGN, Mr Depp can ask the court for relief from sanctions, which could see the trial go ahead in any event. A three-week trial at the Royal Courts of Justice in London which was due to start in March, but was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic is set to begin on July 7, with Mr Depps former partners Vanessa Paradis and Winona Ryder among the witnesses expected to give evidence. Mr Justice Nicol said at the end of Thursdays hearing that the trial would take place in one courtroom, with strict social distancing measures, and up to four overspill courtrooms would be used to accommodate those wishing to observe proceedings. He said it was too soon for the court to consider reducing the distance between people from two metres, following the Governments announcement on Wednesday which revised the rule to one-metre plus. The court has heard Mr Depp intends to travel from his home in France to London to give evidence, while Ms Heard is believed to have already travelled to the UK from California. The libel claim against NGN and Mr Wootton arises out of publication of an article in The Sun in April 2018, under the headline: Gone Potty How can JK Rowling be genuinely happy casting wife-beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film? Mr Depp has brought separate libel proceedings against Ms Heard in the US, which the court has previously heard are ongoing. The pair met on the set of 2011 comedy The Rum Diary and married in Los Angeles in February 2015. In May 2016, Ms Heard obtained a restraining order against Mr Depp after accusing him of abuse, which he denied. The couple settled their divorce out of court in 2017, with Ms Heard donating her seven million US dollars (5.5 million) settlement to charity. Chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham Vietnam) Nicolas Audier shared his views on the development of commercial relations between the European Union and Vietnam in a recent interview with Tuoi Tre News. The interview was held on the sidelines of a roundtable discussion on the EVFTA organized by the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (CCIFV) in Ho Chi Minh City on June 17. Audier also answered additional questions from Tuoi Tre News in a follow-up email exchange after the event. Vietnam will cut 65 percent of import taxes on EU commodities after the deal takes effect, while the rest will be erased over the following ten years, according to the EVFTA. Meanwhile, the EU will eliminate more than 70 percent of tariffs on Vietnams commodities after the deal comes into force with the remainder being phased out over the next seven years. The accord is poised to take effect on August 1. Benefits for EU enterprises The EVFTA allows Vietnam to offer the opportunity for European companies to develop and expand their activities in the market of 95 million people directly in the heart of ASEAN, a region with over 620 million inhabitants spread across ten countries. Privileged access to these markets presents a real chance for development and economic strengthening for European companies, Audier said. The EU mainly exports goods such as machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, and agricultural products to Vietnam, so these sectors will see the greatest benefits from the deal, he added, noting the European service sector will also be boosted by this FTA as it establishes openness to public markets. The EuroCham Vietnam chairman stressed that not only will the EVFTA offer mutual benefits to European and Vietnamese companies, but it will also benefit the citizens of each member country, which should not be overlooked. Advantages for Vietnamese enterprises The EVFTA should result in US$16.4 billion a year in additional exports from Vietnam to the EU by 2035, Audier asserted. The trade balance is very positive for Vietnam, and this trend should continue. Due to EVFTA, Vietnamese companies can now access the European market, which consists of almost 500 million consumers, he told Tuoi Tre News. Vietnam mainly exports telecommunications equipment, clothing, and food products to the EU. The textile and clothing sector will also be one of the biggest beneficiaries of this agreement. Besides the commercial aspect, EVFTA is a so-called 'new generation' comprehensive agreement in that it encompasses new goals such as environment sustainability and worker protection, the EuroCham chairman pointed out. The agreement is based on compliance with international standards in all the areas taken into account in the agreement. Workers make shirts at a garment factory in Vietnam. Photo: T.V.N. / Tuoi Tre COVID-19 boosts EU investments in Vietnam The outbreak of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has brought unprecedented challenges to countries around the globe and is expected to have a significant impact on Vietnams economic development this year, Audier continued. Following the COVID-19 crisis, but also due to the escalation of global trade tensions, many investors see Vietnam as a relevant and topical destination, and European countries are among those who view the country in a positive light. Europeans have long been important investment partners in Vietnam. The EU is today Vietnams 5th-largest FDI partner, with around $24 billion invested in more than two thousand projects since 2018, mostly in key sectors such as manufacturing, electricity, and real estate, according to the Delegation of the EU to Vietnam. Given these elements, if there is to be a change, it can only be toward an intensification of European investments in Vietnam. The entry into force of EVFTA will only accentuate this trend in the long-term and confirm the intensity of the EUs trade ties with Vietnam, Audier said. From left: Nicolas Warnery, French Ambassador to Vietnam, Thibaut Giroux, president of CCIFV, Nicolas Audier, president of EuroCham, and Jean-Jacques Bouflet, vice-president of EuroCham pose for a group photo on the sidelines of a roundtable discussion on the EVFTA organized by the CCIFV in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, June 17, 2020. Photo: CCIFV Great opportunity to empower Vietnam Vietnams current economic situation allows it to free itself from its dependence on the Chinese and American markets, according to Audier. This liberalization movement can also accelerate if Vietnam seizes the opportunity presented by the EVFTA to make it an ASEAN hub for foreign investors. In other words, he said, the time has come for Vietnam to step up its efforts to attract investment from Europe to take advantage of the trade deal. Based on international standards, the success of the EVFTA's application in Vietnam is conditional on reforms and economic restructuring in the direction of modernity and efficiency. The government will be able to rely on precious partners to bring more European investments to Vietnam, Audier said. The accord is also a great opportunity for Vietnam to present itself as a reliable and modern trading partner on the world stage by increasing its position in the value chain, he added. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Big data or big brother By Steven L. Shields I read an interview recently with the CEO of a biomedical company. He was extolling recent privacy rulings that would allow his firm and others to access all of our personal information. He argued that better medical care could be developed and provided with the data. This idea of "big data" that's sweeping through industry has spawned its own businesses. Many computer-related firms are "mining" all of our data. There's even one guy who has gone through social media and copied all of our photos to build the world's largest database of people's faces and body images. He stands to make billions by selling our pictures to law enforcement agencies (and perhaps some not-so-legal entities) to create massive facial recognition databases that will be used for nefarious purposes, despite the "good" that is claimed. With their loosening of privacy controls, the Korean National Assembly and other parliaments around the world are selling us down the river. In many respects, we are already victimized by big data. If you are a Facebook user, for example, they use your data to track what you are buying, which ads you are looking at, which pages you follow. That's why you get bombarded with so many pointless and often dishonest ads as you try to scroll through your newsfeed. I recently paid for an item produced from what turned out to be a fake company. Thankfully, I paid through PayPal, which refunded my money when even they couldn't get anything more than an automatic message from the seller. Google does something similar to Facebook. When you type in a search for something, all kinds of things pop up. What many don't realize is that organizations or companies can pay a fee to Google. Hence, their sites pop up before others on a related search, without being noted as advertising. The internet is to blame. For all its convenience with communication and research, there is an insidious undercurrent to this whole idea of being "online." We've heard it all. Banks and other commercial entities assure us that our data (credit card numbers, or whatever) is totally secure on their servers. Yet, time and again, those prominent places get hacked, and our data is stolen. Data breaches happen so often, I doubt anything is safe. But we all shop online. And we don't think twice about saving our credit card information to the merchant's website. The card numbers run through the systems all over the world between our merchant, their bank, our bank and the clearing agency. There are dozens of places where sensitive information passes through the internet. Despite the benefits of computers and the internet and there are a multitude the much-dreamed-for leisure time that computers would provide has proved to be more elusive than a greased pig. I spend more time on the computer, doing more daily tasks than I ever did when I kept my bookkeeping by hand and used a typewriter to compose books and articles. There's always something more to be done. As we have gone paper-free, making multiple backups of our files on our computers is critical. How many times have I experienced a hard drive crash and loss of data? I pay a ton of money for a "cloud" service for real-time backup. I also have two large-capacity hard drives to which I back up my main computer hard drive daily. I don't want to lose my data ever again. We try to save trees by going paperless, but the disposal of electronic devices is terrible for the environment. We can't seem to escape. The idea of big data scares me. Who will have access to my information? How can they be trusted to act only in my best interests? What will they really use it for? Sadly, there is nothing you or I can do about this. Whatever information we thought was personal is long gone. We can only hope and pray that we won't fall victim to the evil elements in business, government and the world. Steven L. Shields (slshields@gmail.com) has lived in Korea for many years, beginning in the 1970s. He served as copy editor of The Korea Times in 1977. He is a retired clergyman and vice president of the Royal Asiatic Society Korea. Vietnam will, for the first time, apply revenue risk allocation for public-private partnership initiatives from early 2021, but the application will be restricted to certain projects to ensure bankability. Foreign investors constantly view potential moves in Vietnamese infrastructure schemes, Photo: Le Toan The National Assembly (NA) last week adopted the Law on Public-Private Partnership Investment, drafted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, with 92.75 per cent vote in favour. Under the law, the revenue risk allocation between the investor and the state gets high support aiming to leverage private investment in the future. Under the law, not all public-private partnership (PPP) projects can enjoy the revenue risk sharing mechanism. Only PPP initiatives facing a drop in revenue can get revenue risk allocation, while not applying for loss-making PPP ventures, or those losing capital. Specifically, when the actual revenue reaches less than 75 per cent of the revenue in the financial plan under the PPP contract, the state shall share with the investor and the PPP project enterprise 50 per cent of the difference between 75 per cent of the revenue in the financial plan and the actual revenue. The revenue share reduction is applied when the following strict conditions are satisfied: Projects applying build-operate-transfer (BOT), build-transfer-operate, and build-own-operate contracts; change in plans, policies, and relevant laws resulting in revenue reduction; implementation of all measures to adjust the fee of products and public services, adjusting the term of PPP project contract but not guaranteeing that minimum turnover is 75 per cent; and having been audited by the State Audit Office of the revenue reduction part. When actual revenue reaches more than 125 per cent of the revenue in the financial plan under the PPP contract, the investors and PPP project enterprises shall share with the state 50 per cent of the difference between the actual revenue and 125 per cent of the revenue in the financial plan. Sharing increased revenue shall be applied after adjusting the price, fee of products, public services, adjusting the term of PPP project contract and to be audited by the State Audit Office. Le Net, lawyer at LNT & Partners told VIR, The introduction of the profit/loss sharing mechanism to the market will be a good signal for investors, thus encouraging international financiers to join PPP infrastructure development in the following years. Some economists are concerned it is still unclear if this mechanism is automatic or optional, or conditional to successful negotiations. If it is automatic, the principle applied to determine the extension should be clarified in the guiding regulations. If it is conditional, it is unlikely that the investor will willingly concede a reduction of the concession, despite higher revenues, noted Vaibhav Saxena, lawyer at Vietnam International Law Firm. Similarly, senior economic expert Nguyen Tri Hieu said that banks still hesitate to lend BOT initiatives for fear of capital increase and long period of investment and high risks. BOT - a type of PPP model - is the most popular model in Vietnam. To attract private investors in BOT transport projects, the government should make plans, and investors have opportunities to gain reasonable profit. Funding for PPP projects can be done via issuance of government bonds. Earlier, international development partners like the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, as well as international ventures like Lotte E&C, Taisei, and others have raised their concerns over the issue, hoping that the newly-approved law on PPP investment will ease all when it comes into effect from January 2021, clearing the way for domestic and international private financiers to join future projects. For years, revenue-risk allocation in PPP initiatives has been a controversial topic because of their high risk of losses and lack of a completed legal framework and risk-sharing mechanism. Thus far, the power sector has been the most successful sector at attracting foreign investment in BOT projects, while other sectors, especially transport, have seen failures. Previously a number of BOT initiatives have hit the rocks, including Dau Giay-Phan Thiet Expressway the first pilot transport project in the PPP format despite strong interest among powerful international investors. Meanwhile, other BOT initiatives are credit stuck, such as at Huu Nghi-Chi Lang, Van Don-Mong Cai, and Trung Luong-My Thuan. Many of them have halted construction for a number of years due to loan access problems. Also last week, the NA adopted the amendments to the Law on Investment and the amendments to the Law on Enterprises. Expected to take effect from early 2021, the two amendments will consist of a number of improvements in market access, investment incentives, and more besides, thus creating more favourable conditions for business and investment activities in the future. VIR Bich Thuy [June 25, 2020] RepRisk Partners With Battlefin to Offer ESG Datasets for the Alternative Data Community RepRisk, a pioneer and leader in ESG data science combining machine learning and human intelligence, has formed a strategic partnership with alternative data platform and marketplace BattleFin that will significantly expand alternative data buyer access to ESG risk data. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200624005748/en/ RepRisk's daily-updated dataset on nearly 150,000 companies linked to ESG and business conduct risks will be available through BattleFin's global alternative data marketplace, Ensemble. Investors, hedge funds, and other buy-side professionals will now be able to test, evaluate, and purchase RepRisk ESG data seamlessly within Ensemble. Through Ensemble, clients will be able to efficiently integrate and mine datasets for signals and leading indicators, as well as identify new sources of alpha. RepRisk's rules-based methodology ensures data integrity and quality, enabling hedge fund managers and quant investors to run extensive analyses to identify market trends or risk signals. "We have been observing an increasing demand for alternative data across the industry as investors and fund managers look for new ways to generate alpha and gain an edge on the competition," said Alexandra Mihailescu Chicon, Executive Vice resident Sales and Marketing at RepRisk. "Our partnership with BattleFin broadens our exposure to the alternative data buyer by facilitating their access to our 14 years of data history that can be used for back testing and enabling them to incorporate our data into their own proprietary trading algorithms." "Finding interesting alternative datasets is key to our business and one of the differentiators of our Ensemble platform. RepRisk helps us increase the power of the platform and gives our subscribers immediate access to the RepRisk data. Data buyers can test and evaluate the data immediately which is an absolute game changer," said Tim Harrington, CEO of BattleFin Group, Inc. About RepRisk Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Switzerland, RepRisk is a pioneer in ESG data science that leverages the combination of AI and machine learning with human intelligence to systematically analyze public information and identify material ESG risks. RepRisk's flagship product, the RepRisk ESG Risk Platform, is the world's largest and most comprehensive due diligence database on ESG and business conduct risks, with expertise in 20 languages and coverage of 140,000+ public and private companies and 35,000+ infrastructure projects. For more than a decade, the world's leading financial institutions and corporations have trusted RepRisk for due diligence and risk management across their operations, business relationships, and investments. Find out more on reprisk.com. About BattleFin BattleFin is a technology and events company focused on bringing alternative data to the world. Our Ensemble platform allows corporations, hedge funds and investment firms to Source (News - Alert), Evaluate, Test and Purchase alternative data. BattleFin Alternative Data Discovery Days are One-on-One meeting and content events held in London, Hong Kong, Miami and New York. www.battlefin.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200624005748/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] After hours of discussion, the Boston City Council approved a $3.61 billion operating budget for the coming fiscal year amid calls for drastic cuts to the citys police department and demands for structural changes to address racial inequities. The operating budget was approved by a vote of 8-5. The Boston Public Schools budget was also approved, and a host of other funding measures were approved as well. The vote comes as the public debate around police reforms intensifies. Mayor Marty Walsh last week declared racism a public health crisis, and pledged to reallocate 20% of the Boston Police Departments overtime budget towards community programs for youth, for homelessness, for people struggling with the effects of inequality. But city lawmakers had pushed for more in recent days. The council sent a letter to Walsh requesting, among other things, a 10% cut to the police departments budget, and a reallocation of funds toward social services. On Wednesday, a majority of councilors said they recognized the need to pursue transformational change, but acknowledged the real costs associated with the coronavirus pandemic. My vote today reflects the fact that our spending priorities directly impact our ability to get resources and services out to our residents, which are critically especially during this pandemic, Councilor Annissa Essaibi-George said. My vote today does not mean, however, this is a perfect budget. Essaibi-George added that she believes the budget serves as a strong foundation for the work ahead, and that failing to pass it does a disservice to the work up to this point. Others echoed the need to pass the budget for lack of an alternative proposal in the face of an impending recession. We share politics, we all feel the urgency of this moment, but the council cannot speedily negotiate a new better budget from the mayor without a counter-proposal, Councilor Kenzie Bok said. That is like saying you can lean out over a cliff without attaching the rope that is supposed to pull you back. The budget includes $80 million increase for Boston Public Schools, $13 million for Boston Public Health Commission, $18 million in housing investments, as well new funding for the citys library and parks system. But the funding proposals dont go far enough to address longstanding racial inequities in the city, including disparities observed in budgetary funding decisions, several councilors said. The (Boston Police Department) overtime budget is the equivalent of nearly half of the entire Public Works Department, Councilor Ricardo Arroyo said. Councilor Andrea Campbell voted against the operating budget, noting that the coronavirus pandemic has disproportionately affected communities of color. How many times in our history have we told people of color to wait for another time or another moment? Campbell said. We need a budget that resonates in every single neighborhood in the city of Boston. Long before COVID-19 and the murder of George Floyd, Boston was found to be one of the most unequal cities in this country, Campbell said. Councilor Michelle Wu, who also voted against the operating budget and has spearheaded an effort to take inventory of police departments military assets, said she thinks its worth pursuing more in this moment. We must be honest with our constituents and ourselves, Wu said. We wont solve all the citys challenges by June 30. We wont end systemic racism this next fiscal year; but no one is asking us to. What we owe our constituents and and our communities is to deliver the measure of justice, equity and relief that meets this moment. Related Content: Television actor Shardool Kunal Pandit, who has acted in shows such as Bandini, Godh Bharaai, Kitani Mohabbat Hai 2 and Kuldeepak, has returned to his home town Indore after falling on tough times. He said that though he did not want to leave Mumbai, he was unable to manage his expenses. In an interview with The Times of India, Shardool said that he has been out of work for eight months due to health problems. I have been unwell for almost a year with three relapses of jaundice. I had to let go of the reality show, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge, because of that. I was offered a web series before the lockdown, but I have no clue whats happening on that front. I was already facing a financial crunch, and my savings, too, dried up during these three months, he said. Also read | Happy birthday Karisma Kapoor: 20 best photos with Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan, Taimur from her family album Professional setbacks and ill health took a toll on Shardool mentally. I slipped into depression following a string of rejections, failures, prolonged health woes and friends alienating me. I consulted a therapist last November and surrounded myself with friends like Karan Patel and Ankita Bhargava, who stood by me. I also took to painting, meditation and writing, he said, adding that he is still recovering. Shardool said that he is unable to sustain himself in an expensive city like Mumbai and has no choice but to go back to his home town. I dont want to leave, but I have no option left. Whether I am working or not, I have to pay the rent and meet other expenses. Even if I bag a project tomorrow, the payment will start rolling only after three months as per the industry norm. The waiting period for a TV artist is back-breaking, as your expenses dont stop, he said. Television shoots are slowly resuming after a green signal from the Maharashtra government. All shoots were put on hold since mid-March, on account of the coronavirus pandemic. The industry has suffered losses of crores, with many actors being rendered jobless. Follow @htshowbiz for more Singapore Telecommunications selected Ericsson to commence a period of negotiation to provide the 5G SA Core, RAN and mmWave network. (FILE PHOTO: ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images) By Abhishek Vishnoi and Yoojung Lee (Bloomberg) -- Singapores biggest telecom operators chose Ericsson AB and Nokia Oyj as their main 5G network providers, leaving Chinas Huawei Technologies Co. with less significant contracts in the city state. Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. chose Ericsson while a group that includes StarHub Ltd. opted for Nokia after the city-state gave final approval for the rollout of nationwide 5G coverage in the country Wednesday. Huawei, which has been a point of contention in the tensions between the U.S. and China, still has a foothold in the market as a provider for TPG Telecom Ptes smaller, local network system. The final awards were issued to Singtel and a group formed by StarHub and M1 Ltd. after they completed regulatory processes, including selection of preferred frequency spectrum lots and vendor partners, the Infocomm Media Development Authority said Wednesday. Provisional awards were made in April. TPG Telecom Pte Ltd. is being allocated the remaining frequency spectrum in the millimeter wave band to roll out localised 5G networks, the authority said. We never explicitly excluded any vendor, Minister for Communications and Information S. Iswaran said in an interview with Bloomberg Televisions Haslinda Amin on Thursday. You have a diversity of vendors involved in different aspects of the 5G system and that is in fact a positive outcome from our perspective, he said. Ericsson, Nokia Iswaran said Thursday the city-state has very clear security and resilience requirements, and the choices made by the telcos took this into account very clearly. Singtel, the countrys largest telco operator, said Wednesday it selected Ericsson to commence a period of negotiation to provide the 5G SA Core, RAN and mmWave network, with a view to finalising the contractual terms as soon as practicable. StarHub, which received spectrum rights jointly with M1, said the preferred 5G technology partner, subject to final contract, is Nokia for the 5G radio access network. Nokia is also the preferred technology supplier for StarHubs 5G core and mmWave networks. The Singapore company is exploring other network elements with Nokia, Huawei Technologies Co., and ZTE Corp., it said. Story continues TPG Telecom said its an active member of the Telecom Infra Project and will leverage the extensive OpenRAN vendor community along with Huaweis advanced network equipment for the implementation of 5G services. Singapores 5G Network Singtel and the StarHub-M1 group plan to introduce a standalone 5G network starting from January 2021. The country aims to have 5G coverage for at least half of the nation by the end of 2022 and the entire island by 2025. The plan sets up Singapore to join countries in the region such as China and South Korea, which have begun to offer commercial 5G services. The rollout is coming at a time when measures to curb the coronavirus have forced people around the world to stay and work from home, testing digital services and connectivity like never before. The technology is crucial for applications from autonomous driving to remote surgery. The announcement is also just a day after general elections were declared for July 10. US, China The Singapore telcos decision on providers comes amid worsening tensions between the U.S. and China. The U.S. administration has banned Huawei from its market for telecom equipment, as part of an effort to curb its presence in 5G networks globally. The Pentagon, in letters to lawmakers dated June 24, said it put Huawei on a list of 20 companies it says are owned or controlled by Chinas military. While the moves implications were not immediately clear, it opens the company to potential additional U.S. sanctions. Singapore has close economic and political ties with the U.S. and China, and last year indicated it would let its telco companies decide for themselves on suppliers. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said earlier this year it hadnt banned Huawei, but would evaluate it based on operational requirements. (Updates to add Singapore Minister S. Iswarans quote in fifth paragraph) 2020 Bloomberg L.P. When the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) fired tear gas at protesters on May 29, the smell and the burn lingered in the air. For the following two days, people walking downtown could still smell faintly the chemicals that sent protesters running for cover the night before. While the tear gas has long since dissipated from the air, the effects of the chemical weapon are still being felt. Thats why the American Civil Liberties Union (ALCU) of Indiana has filed a lawsuit against IMPD on behalf of Indy10 Black Lives Matter in hopes to ban the department from using tear gas and other chemical weapons on protesters again. Ken Falk, executive director of the ACLU of Indiana, said the use of tear gas infringed upon citizens rights to protest. The First Amendment is not always quiet, Falk said. Our right to protests means we have the right to be loud, especially when we are feeling so strongly about issues. The reaction, then, simply cannot be to indiscriminately use chemical weapons on people practicing their constitutional rights. Throughout the three days IMPD used tear gas on protesters, unintentional targets including a church group worshipping at Monument Circle were tear gassed. While IMPD concedes it is nearly impossible to target tear gas, representatives argue the effects are short-lasting and non-lethal. There are few immediate alternatives to the use of CS [tear gas] for riot control, IMPD said in a statement. And while our preference would be to work with our community members to prevent large-scale violent events, once riots have begun, law enforcement officers need tools to quickly disperse violent individuals in a way that does not cause long-term harm to the residents they serve. IMPD also cited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to say the effects of tear gas are short-lived. Jessica Louise, an organizer for Indy10, was tear gassed several times and said IMPD is downplaying the seriousness of tear gas. Trying to negate that trauma would be like describing a heart attack as a short-lived event, Louise said. [Tear gas] is alarming, it creeps up like a slow fog, and then the air changes and you start getting anxiety. We were seeing a range in responses from people having a light cough and rubbing their eyes because it was a little itchy, and other people were brought to their knees and screaming because of the pain. Louise also takes issue with IMPD using tear gas in the midst of a pandemic that affects the respiratory system. Throughout the country, there have been reports of disrupted menstrual cycles among people who have been tear gassed, and 22-year-old Sarah Grossman died of an asthma attack two days after being tear gassed in Columbus, Ohio. I have experienced some disruption to my personal reproductive health and have spoken with medical professionals who have expressed outrage about tear gas being used, Louise said. Im interested in seeing the long-term effect it has on Black and brown people, who it largely affected. On June 22, Mayor Joe Hogsett announced an independent review board, which consists of a three-member Response Review Committee (RRC) to examine IMPDs response to protests. This review will give our community a clearer understanding of the events that transpired at the start of this month, and will be a guiding document for tailoring law enforcement responses in the future, Hogsett said in a statement. The findings from the RRC will be made available by the end of the year, but Falk hopes the lawsuit results in swift action from the city. The best case scenario, the city agrees to sit down with the plaintiffs and work out a result to make sure this never happens again, Falk said. There is no need to spend the next year or more litigating this case. Its about more than just promising this isnt going to happen again, but also creating other methods to deal with protests. We want a clear resolution to make sure this doesnt happen again. Contact staff writer Breanna Cooper at 317-762-7848. Follow her on Twitter @BreannaNCooper. Police move toward a crowd of protesters May 31 after using tear gas to try to disperse them. (Photo/screenshot from Recorder video) The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Trump administration on Thursday in a landmark immigration case involving the asylum process. In the case, Dept. of Homeland Security v. Thuraissigiam, the court ruled 7-2 that if an asylum seeker is denied asylum during the beginning of the intake process, the applicant may not appeal that decision in federal court. The ruling also defines how the right to habeas corpus is applied to asylum seekers. The case was brought by Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam, a Sri Lankan national and ethnic Tamil who fled the country after he was blindfolded, beaten, and abducted by unknown assailants. Thuraissigiam sought asylum in the U.S. His claim was rejected because he did not know the identity of his attackers and therefore could not establish a credible threat of persecution. Thuraissigiam subsequently filed a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, saying that his experience was similar to instances of persecution against Tamils in Sri Lanka. Justice Samuel Alito wrote in the opinion that Thuraissigiams request for relief falls outside the scope of the common-law habeas writ. In addition, the court ruled that asylum seekers detained inside the U.S., including Thuraissigiam who was detained 25 yards inside the border, should be treated the same as people detained at the border itself. This means that the government is entitled to reject asylum applications at the intake level, without appeal, for foreigners who are detained anywhere inside U.S. borders. Liberal Justices Stephen Breyer and Ruth Bader Ginsburg joined the majority ruling, but wrote that they believed the ruling only applied in Thuraissigiams case. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan dissented, with Sotomayor writing, Todays decision handcuffs the Judiciarys ability to perform its constitutional duty to safeguard individual liberty and dismantles a critical component of the separation of powers. More from National Review Israeli envoy to the United Nations Danny Danon slammed the international community today for supporting the Palestinian campaign against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus annexation plan and against the American peace plan. Addressing the UN Security Council, Danon said, "Some in the international community choose to reward the Palestinians rejectionism and ignore reality. Instead of confronting the Palestinian leadership, they have tried to appease them by buying every rotten bill of goods the Palestinians were selling. This approach of blindly accepting the Palestinian narrative and demands has not and will not lead to a lasting and sustainable end to the conflict. The ambassador accused the international community of supporting a false narrative touted by the Palestinians. The Security Council holds every six months a meeting dedicated to the situation in the Middle East. Todays meeting focused entirely on Israels annexation plan, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres opening the session. Also attending were Danon, Palestinian foreign affairs chief Riyad al-Maliki and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Foreign ministers from China, Indonesia, South Africa and Tunisia represented their countries in the discussion, as did UK Minister of State for the Middle East and North Africa James Cleverly. Calling upon the Israeli government to abandon its annexation plan, Guterres said, "I address you today with a deep sense of concern over the evolving situation in Israel and Palestine. We are at a watershed moment. Israels threat to annex parts of the occupied West Bank has alarmed Palestinians, many Israelis and the broader international community. If implemented, annexation would constitute a most serious violation of international law, grievously harm the prospect of a two-State solution and undercut the possibilities of a renewal of negotiations. The secretary-general called upon the Quartet (the UN, the United States, the European Union and Russia) to step in and create a new framework for Israeli-Palestinian talks, without any preconditions. Shortly before the meeting, Guterres directly addressed the Israeli government, saying, I hope that this voice of reason that is not only mine, it is echoing across the world, will be heard by the Israeli authorities and that annexation does not take place on July 1. French envoy to the UN Nicolas de Riviere, who holds the councils presidency this month, warned, "Such a decision would further undermine the stability of a region undermined by crises and Israels relationship with its Arab neighbors. After the meeting, France published a joint statement with Germany and the UK saying that any annexation move, whether big or small, will inevitably affect Europes close relations with Israel. It appears clear that the UN and the European Union are employing their heaviest artillery in a last-ditch effort to curb Netanyahus intention of bringing his plan for a Knesset vote July 1. Even the UK minister, representing one of Israels closest and strongest allies, tweeted, "The UK position on annexation is clear: it would be contrary to international law and deeply damaging to peace prospects. New Delhi, June 25 : After the BJP attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his visit to China in 2008, the Congress on Thursday launched a counter-attack, asking the saffron party what has the country gained from BJPs relation with the Chinese Communist Party. The Congress alleged that the BJP sent three delegations to China during the tenure of three party Presidents in the past, including the term of Rajnath Singh. Addressing a press conference, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said, "We want to know if the BJP has been sending delegations to China to strengthen the bonds between the Communist Party and the BJP. What has the country gained out of this? Why are the borders insecure despite the bonds that you have?" Khera said that the Congress did not have any objection to the track 2 diplomacy, but wants answers from the Prime Minister as he had good relationship with China as a Chief Minister, and what the country has gained from Chinese President Xi Jinping's visits to Ahmedabad and Mahabalipuram. The Congress alleged that the Prime Minister gets very angry with anybody who asks simple questions like -- Are our borders safe? Has there been any incursion? Or can the Indian Army continue patrolling the areas of Ladakh it was patrolling since April 1, 2020? The Congress also objected to National Security Advisor's (NSA) son travelling to different countries. "Why does the India Foundation visit different countries? Whom do they meet? What's the outcome? What's the role of NSA Ajit Doval's son Shaurya Doval who keeps attending these meetings through the India Foundation? These are important questions in the light of what's happening now," said Khera. A 31-year-old pregnant mother died after being stabbed around the neck whilst trying to save her three-year-old daughter from armed robbery attack. The armed robbers numbering three had forcibly broken into the home of the pregnant mother, Juliana Adusei, and her husband, Francis Adusei, a pastor, at Heman New Site close to Santasi, a suburb of Kumasi, around 1.30 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, and robbed the couple of an amount worth $1,000. The robbers were said to have stabbed the little girl when they demanded more money from her parents who insisted that there was no other money left to be given to them. The robbers were persistent that the couple should hand over all their monies to them, because the pastor had withdrawn some amount of money just recently from the bank. When the couple begged them, they mercilessly stabbed their daughter. In her attempt to save her daughter from further attacks, Juliana was also stabbed around the neck by the angry robbers, dying instantly from her wounds. According to sources, the husband of the deceased who is a pastor at Mountain Zion International Church readily surrendered the money on them to the robbers who were all masked. It said the pastor also told the police that he and his wife pleaded and explained to the robbers that the $1,000 is all they had on them in the house at the time, but their pleas even got the robbers more infuriated, as they stabbed their daughter. The mother, the report added, could no longer withstand the pain that her daughter was going through, so she decided to disarm one of the robbers that held a kitchen knife, but she was not lucky as she was stabbed to death instantly. According to the source, the robbers then fled the scene with the money. Policemen who went to the scene after receiving distress calls found the deceased lying in a pool of blood in a supine position in the couple's bedroom. The body was taken to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for preservation and autopsy. The little daughter is also receiving treatment in the same hospital. Police have, therefore, mounted a serious search for the robbers who committed that heinous crime. Daily Guide Los Angeles: Adult film star Ron Jeremy was charged with raping three women and sexually assaulting a fourth in incidents in West Hollywood from 2014 to 2019, the Los Angeles County district attorney said on Tuesday. Jeremy, 67, is among the biggest names in the pornography industry, having appeared in more than 2,000 adult films starting in the 1970s. Prosecutors said Jeremy, whose real name is Ronald Jeremy Hyatt, forcibly raped a 25-year-old woman at a home in West Hollywood in May 2014, according to a statement from Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey. They also alleged he sexually assaulted two women, aged 33 and 46, on separate occasions at a West Hollywood bar in 2017, and forcibly raped one of them. In a fourth incident, prosecutors said Jeremy forcibly raped a 30-year-old woman at the same bar in July 2019, the statement said. Jeremy did not enter a plea when he made his first court appearance in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, City News Service reported. He was ordered held in custody in lieu of $6.6 million bail and will be formally arraigned on Thursday. If convicted of all the charges, Jeremy faces a possible maximum sentence of 90 years to life in state prison. Jeremy`s manager, Dante Rusciolelli, said on Tuesday he had dropped the porn star after hearing of the charges. "We hope that these allegations against him are not true, but if they are, we hope that he is prosecuted to the full extent of the law," Rusciolelli wrote in an Instagram posting. When Rolling Stone reported allegations of sexual misconduct by Jeremy in 2017, he told the magazine he had "never and would never rape anyone." BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 25 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has attended the opening of the Museum of State Symbols in Mingachevir. The head of state was informed about the exhibits, which are demonstrated in the museum. It was noted that there were nine sections in the exhibition hall of the Museum of State Symbols, the construction of which was completed in April this year. It displays maps of Azerbaijan made by the Museum of History of the National Academy of Sciences relating to different periods, figures of medieval warriors, flags of states and khanates of Azerbaijan from the Middle Ages, coats of arms of Azerbaijani cities of the 19th century, old metal coins and paper money. The museum exhibits include coats of arms and flags of the Azerbaijan SSR, ceremonial uniforms of military personnel and combat banners of the Armed Forces, photographs depicting the inauguration of national leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev, statements about state symbols, postage stamps, orders, medals and badges of honor. An outdoor stage with 200 seats has been built in the area where the Museum of State Symbols is located. President Ilham Aliyev was informed about the reconstruction work being carried out in Dostlug and Nasimi parks. It was noted that both parks had all the conditions for organizing interesting recreation for local residents and visitors to Mingachevir. Hungary plans to lift a veto on meetings of the NATO-Ukraine Commission as soon as the issues related to education of Hungarian ethnic minorities in Ukraine are settled, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto has said. "Currently we are blocking a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine [Commission], but we have said openly that as soon as the issues related to the rights to education of the Hungarian ethnic minorities are settled, we will lift the veto and ensure a NATO-Ukraine meeting at the level of ministers. I really hope it will happen that way," he said during a joint press briefing with his Ukrainian counterpart, following the fourth meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Ukrainian-Hungarian Commission on Economic Cooperation in Kyiv on Thursday. The minister also said that the issues of the use of language and education for the Hungarian ethnic minorities in Zakarpattia region are still on agenda. "However, it is very important to discuss these issues in a civilized manner and we must guarantee that these issues under discussion would not make our cooperation and its development in other areas impossible," he said. NWSBA swearing-in ceremony held 6/11/20: Gary Newland, President, Mohammad Ahmad, 1st VP, Kenneth Apicella, 2nd VP, Anthony Calzaretta, Treasurer, and Stephanie Garces Donat, Secretary "Together, we will continue to provide the highest quality of legal services to the citizens of northwest suburban Chicago. Newland also looks forward to leading the Association through the challenges created by COVID-19. Also in attendance at the Zoom Installation Cocktail Party was Attorney and Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, the U.S. Representative for Illinois 8th congressional district. He was first elected in 2016 to succeed Tammy Duckworth, who gave up the seat to successfully run for the U.S. Senate. Congressman Krishnamoorthi serves on the House Oversight Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. The Congressman was presented the Truth to Power award from President Newland for his service to the community. The NWSBA 2020-2021 executive board is made up of a dynamic group of individuals from different ethnicities, backgrounds, and practice areas. The executive board members include the following attorneys: 1st Vice President Mohammad Ahmad; 2nd Vice President Kenneth Apicella; Treasurer Anthony Calzaretta; and Secretary Stephanie Garces Donat. In addition, Attorney Dave Sax will serve as Parliamentarian; Attorney George Sachs will be back-up Parliamentarian; and the attorney for the Association is Adam Berger. According to Newland, the NWSBA is committed to helping members master new technologies in order to move society forward under the rule of law. Newland stated under his leadership, The NWSBA will embrace innovation and change to educate, inform, and help our members manage the shifting of the court process under what appears to be almost daily rule changes. Together, we will continue to provide the highest quality of legal services to the citizens of northwest suburban Chicago. Newland also looks forward to leading the Association through the challenges created by COVID-19. About NWSBA In 1960, the Articles of Incorporation were signed and the Northwest Suburban Bar Association (NWSBA) was formed. The NWSBA is a local, voluntary bar association serving the northwest suburbs of Chicago. With over 600 members, they are dedicated to improving the quality of life in the community by inspiring excellence in the practice of law. To learn more about the NWSBA, visit https://www.nwsba.org/ Karnataka SSLC Exam 2020 is beginning from today at various centres across the state. The state government decided to go ahead with exams with utmost precautions after the parents, students, political parties expressed their fear of health risk during class 10th exams. Many mock drills, inspections were conducted and guidelines have been issued to the centres. About 848,203 students will appear in the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination today, said Karnataka Health Minister B Sriramulu on Wednesday. "Social distancing needs to be followed and the mask should be used. Minister of and I have already held a lot of meetings. Students from containment zones will be carefully handled," said Sriramulu. Commenting upon the situation arising in the state due to Covid-19, Sriramulu said, "There is a panel of experts to decide about lockdown. There has been an opinion that the Covid-19 test should be increased. Workers, traders, and others should be categorised in 15 categories and tests must be conducted," he added. Sriramulu further said that there will be a meeting of task force on the coming Monday. "All the issues will be brought to the notice of the Chief Minister at the task force meeting, then CM will take a call on what needs to be done," he said. Meanwhile, Suresh Kumar, Minister of inspected the schools and places where SSLC exams will be held. Earlier Karnataka Minister S Suresh Kumar had announced that SSLC examinations, which were stayed in view of the pandemic, will be conducted 'between June 25 and July 4' in the state. According to the Union Health Ministry, Karnataka has 9,721 Covid-19 cases including 150 fatalities. States like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh cancelled their state exams and announced that they would assess students based on their past performance, Karnataka, on the other hand, is conducting the examinations. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) [June 25, 2020] Khoros Care Now Offers Google's Business Messages to Serve Customers Online Khoros, a global leader in customer engagement software, today announced that it offers Google's Business Messages. Google's (News - Alert) newest channel makes it easy for customers to initiate rich messaging conversations with brands and integrates with Khoros Care's intelligent response platform. Khoros Care empowers brands and their customer care agents with the industry's easiest-to-use conversation management, analytics, and workforce management tools to dramatically reduce call volume and operational costs while increasing customer satisfaction and agent efficiency. By consolidating digital support channels in a centralized hub, brands can serve customers across web chat, SMS, in-app messaging, reviews, communities, and messaging channels like WhasApp, Facebook (News - Alert) Messenger, Apple Business Chat -- and now, Google's Business Messages. Google's Business Messages is the easiest way for billions of Android users, and iPhone (News - Alert) users with Google Maps, to discover and message brands on Google Maps and Search. With rich, asynchronous messaging capabilities, Google's Business Messages enhances conversations with carousels, quick replies, and photos, in addition to showing expected wait times, answers to frequently asked questions, and the ability to connect with a live agent seamlessly. "Google Maps and Search have become synonymous with convenience and brand discovery. So, enabling these highly visible entry points as a messaging channel is an incredibly useful tool for both consumers and brands," said Mike Betzer (News - Alert), general manager of Khoros Care. "Business Messages is a game-changer, and we're confident it will quickly become an essential channel for our brand partners who want to improve how they communicate with and support their customers." Learn more about Khoros Care and Google's Business Messages. To request a demo of Khoros Care harnessing Business Messages visit khoros.com/demo. About Khoros Khoros, built from Spredfast + Lithium, is the leading customer engagement platform built to turn siloed knowledge into enterprise value, and customers into contributors. By connecting consumer insights across all departments, Khoros gives companies the ability to run their business with their customers, anticipating their needs and accelerating sales, loyalty, and innovation. With 2,000+ brands, including 52 of the Interbrand 100 companies, and ten offices globally, Khoros powers approximately 500 million digital interactions every day. From social media to online communities and messaging to digital customer care, Khoros helps companies authentically connect with customers throughout their journey. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005641/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Chinese telecommunications equipment giant Huawei lost out to Nokia and Ericsson in building Singapore's main 5G networks, but may be involved in the broader ecosystem at a reduced capacity. Local telcos were given the final approval on Wednesday by the country's regulator, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), to start building the two nationwide networks. They were provisionally selected in April and had to complete the regulatory process. 5G refers to the fifth generation of high-speed mobile internet that aims to provide faster data speeds and more bandwidth to carry growing levels of web traffic. Singapore Telecommunications said it is in talks with Sweden's Ericsson to be the main vendor for its 5G and localized networks. Separately, a joint venture between Starhub and M1, called the Joint-Venture Consortium, said it selected Finland's Nokia as the preferred technology partner to build its 5G network. Singtel and the joint venture between Starhub and M1 will each build a standalone 5G network. These are infrastructure designed using 5G-specific technologies, providing wide-area coverage using the most efficient spectrum available. They are also very expensive to build. All four telcos in Singapore are also going to offer localized 5G services. No vendor exclusion Last October, IMDA clearly spelled out Singapore's requirements in terms of performance, security, and resilience that local telcos must ensure their 5G networks have, according to the country's minister for communications and information, S Iswaran. He told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" on Thursday that Singapore did not prevent Huawei from participating in the city-state's 5G infrastructure. He pointed out that few of the telcos were looking at working with the Chinese firm as well as its Shenzhen-headquartered rival, ZTE, on some parts of the networks. Starhub said Nokia is the preferred technology supplier for its localized network. It added that it is exploring other network elements with various vendors including Huawei and ZTE. M1 said it will look to work with multiple vendors, including Huawei, to deploy localized networks. IMDA said that TPG Telecom, which lost out on the bid to build one of the standalone networks, will be allocated spectrum to roll out localized 5G networks. Huawei is a supplier for TPG. "If you look at it purely by its outcome, it's very clear - a) we did not specifically exclude any vendor, b) the process has been a rigorous and competitive one and c) the outcome is an ecosystem where there are diverse players," Iswaran said. "I would add, as we look ahead, our 5G ecosystem will continue to evolve and there will be more opportunities for various technology players to participate." Huawei is one of the major names in the race to build 5G infrastructure. But, the United States has accused the company of including security vulnerabilities in its hardware that could be used for espionage by Beijing. Washington has urged its allies to exclude the tech firm from their 5G networks. Huawei has denied allegations that it colludes with Chinese intelligence. Focus on security and resilience The premises of businessman Shravan Gupta and six other places were raided by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday in connection with the VVIP chopper scam, officials said. Gupta is former managing director of real estate company Emaar MGF. The officials said that Guptas premises were searched to look for evidence of money laundering in the 3,727 crore scam. The action is being taken under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), they added. Gupta or his spokesperson could not be located for comments by the ED during raids. He was earlier questioned by the ED in 2016. Gupta is currently the promoter of realty firm MGF. Emaar, meanwhile, issued a statement saying Gupta has no role in the company. Emaar and MGF had parted ways few years back and Mr Shravan Gupta has no role in Emaar India and is also no longer on the Board of the Company. Emaar India is directly under the control of its parent Emaar Properties PJSC, Dubai, and is fully in compliance with rules and regulations of the law of the land. As a responsible corporate, Emaar India will cooperate with any government agency. Officials believe Gupta had links with European middleman Guido Haschke, who played a key role in bringing the bribe money to India. Haschke was reportedly a director on the board of Emaar-MGF in 2009. The officials said that the fresh action against the businessman has come about after certain revelations made by an accused in the case and some fresh evidence obtained by the agency. The ED slapped money laundering charges in this case following allegations of irregularities in purchase of 12 VVIP choppers from Italy-based Finmeccanicas British subsidiary AgustaWestland. The deal was scrapped by India in 2014. The agency had seized Guptas assets worth 10.28 crore in 2018 on charges of allegedly holding undisclosed deposits in a Swiss bank account. CLEVELAND, Ohio City prosecutors filed a motion Thursday to drop criminal charges against a Bail Project employee arrested in downtown Cleveland during a curfew in the wake of protests that later became riots. Cleveland prosecutors filed the motion to drop two misdemeanor charges of failing to comply with the citys order against Anthony Body, who works for the non-profit Bail Project, which uses donations to post bail for people jailed on low-level and non-violent offenses. The prosecutors motion will need formal approval by Cleveland Municipal Judge Michael Nelson. The next hearing is scheduled for July 1. Body said he was happy that the charges will be dismissed, but that he worries for people who arent as well-known in the community. I have connections around the city, but what about the people who dont? What about the people that plead out just so they can go home, Body said. I had a lawyer and am lucky there are people around who know who I am. More than a dozen people were arrested on charges of violating the curfew. Those cases are still pending. Body was arrested on June 2, two days after the protests in downtown Cleveland over the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd. Mayor Frank Jackson imposed the curfew for several days, and called in the Ohio National Guard. Body spent the morning of his arrest at the Justice Center attending arraignment hearings for some 56 people who were arrested during the protest. He spoke with a Cleveland Municipal Court judge for several minutes that day. He posted bail for a few people and rode his bike across the Detroit-Superior Bridge to meet a friend outside the curfew zone who brought him lunch. He estimated some 15 officers swarmed him. Body said he tried to explain to the officers he worked and lived downtown and showed them his county-issued badge that allows him access to the Justice Center for work. The officers issued him a citation. He returned to his apartment, changed clothes and called the Bail Project to try and get more money to post bail for those jailed after the protest. He got the money and rode his bike back to the Justice Center around 7 p.m. and was again stopped by police. Officers arrested Body and he spent about 25 hours in the jail. Read more from cleveland.com: Cleveland dispatcher accused of calling Black Lives Matter terrorist organization on Facebook, as police complaints double in June Cleveland police Black Shield president clarifies defund the police stance after internal backlash Couple shot with projectiles while photographing Justice Center damage during Cleveland protests: it felt like we were just target practice Ohio BCI, sheriffs department investigating after protester shot with bean bag round lost eye Kenyans have been treated to official drama in the Senate, as emotions ran high on the impeachment of Kirinyaga Governor Anne Mumbi Waiguru. Contestations on whether the senate would use the plenary versus the committee way to prosecute the case were purely based on political hubris and grand standing rather than material facts. To begin with, it is a matter of mundane procedure that any issue brought to the floor of the house is referred to a relevant committee. In the case of an issue that cuts across several of them, this is usually referred to joint sessions of those committees, or a special ad-hoc one is constituted for that sole purpose. READ ALSO: Senator Mwaura appointed to Speaker's Panel, to take up the Speaker's role when both are absent In the case of an impeachment, the devolution committee would naturally be the one to do so but it has now become the tradition of the senate that a select committee be constituted for that very purpose. Due to the high politics involved in the impeachment process, it is important to look at both the merits of the committee versus the plenary way. The constitution of a committee very much depends on who gets appointed, usually based on political allegiance. In the current scenario, Jubilee Coalition has the upper hand since out of 11 members; it sponsors 6 people, while the NASA coalition sponsors 5 members. With the advent of the handshake and the consequent widening fissures within the Jubilee party, a combination of the handshake senators provide for a super majority in such a committee. The plenary option requires the marshaling of troops by all shades of political opinion and portends a broader population of opinion on the subject matter. The challenge though is the presentation of the evidence and cross examination of witnesses, with 67 senators having a go at the issues at hand. READ ALSO: Majority of Kenyans think Governor Waiguru will survive impeachment: "A waste of time" The plenary way therefore is more dramatic, and allows for settling of political scores in the full glare of the media. It is thus more interesting and illuminating to the members of the public. The committee way is far neater as it gives opportunity to Senators to thoroughly interrogate the matters at hand and to properly cross examine the witnesses. However, the report must be tabled on the floor of the house, debated, and its recommendations adopted or rejected. Nevertheless, there are different courts that have a say on this public matter. The first is the political court. Whether a political office holder should be subjected to a political process, and that his/her accusations are adjudged by fellow politicians is a dicey matter altogether. READ ALSO: Anne Waiguru: Governor's impeachment trial kicks off in Senate The second court is the legal court, whose mandate rests with the judiciary, and thirdly, the court of public opinion that is undefined and usually driven by the popular sentiments as propagated by members of the fourth estate. Parliament in it standing orders confers its committees powers of the high court in summoning witnesses and adducing evidence as well. That such a process of interrogation is expected to be as judicious as a court of law brings to the fore the soft underbelly of the thin line between political versus legal matters. You cannot resolve a political matter purely on legal terms since in the academy we use logic to arrive at conclusion, while in politics, one is taught to use emotions and facts on the ground to arrive at a decision; the very essence of elective versus appointive offices. READ ALSO: List of 11 senators proposed to hear Governor Waiguru's impeachment motion The political method is thus materially different from the legal method. Such is the dichotomy that a political court such as the senate plenary must be seized off in its deliberations, considering the ever shifting personality rather than issue based politics. As a matter of precedence, it was wise for Justice Weldon Korir to dismiss Waigurus pleading that the county assembly be injuncted from its proceeding due to procedural objections. This is because of the fact that the political court must finish its work before the legal court can take up the matter. It was thus wrong for the magistrate in Kirinyaga to purport to stop the county assembly from conducting its legislative proceedings ab initio. Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru (r) distributing food to residents affected by COVID-19 in her county. A 11-member Senate committee would determine her fate. Photo: TUKO.co.ke Source: Original Any acts of omission or commission on the part of both the county assembly and the senate will form material evidence in a court of law in terms of the procedure that has been followed thus far if any of the parties decide to follow this route. READ ALSO: Kenyan newspapers review for June 10: Waiguru impeachment motion likely to flop in Senate In spite of the above, elements of accountability at the state level are very thin at the sub-state (county) level, leaving oversight measures to impeachment as an only and ultimate recourse for abuse of office or settling of political scores. The casual manner in which this is happening begs the question as to how we can strengthen devolution, by strengthening oversight in the counties. All of the above necessitate the need for a proper impeachment procedure law that clears the cobwebs on the pathway to be followed for an impeachment to take place away from bare knuckle political contestations that we are currently witnessing. The writer is Honorable Isaac Mwaura, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance and Budget. The views expressed in this opinion piece are hers and do not necessarily represent the position of TUKO Media Ltd in any way. We welcome writers, bloggers, photographers and all sorts of noise makers to become a part of our Blog network. Send your opinion, story or both to news@tuko.co.ke. Do you have a groundbreaking story you would like us to publish? Please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690. Contact Tuko.co.ke instantly. Source: TUKO.co.ke Lufthansa shares jumped more than 27pc in early trade on Thursday after billionaire investor Heinz Hermann Thiele endorsed a 9bn government bailout to rescue the carrier hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. "I will vote for the proposal," Thiele, who owns a 15.5pc stake in Lufthansa, told Frankfurter Allgemeine daily on Wednesday. His endorsement amounted to a respite for the airline after fears had swirled that he might veto the proposed package, which would see Germany buy 20pc of the company. Shareholders are due to vote on the bailout at Lufthansa's virtual extraordinary general meeting on Thursday. The company struck a cost savings deal overnight with a union representing German flight attendants that would reap more than 500m in savings. For the first time, researchers from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and their colleagues have succeeded in using RNA sequencing as an alternative to immunohistochemistry for cancer diagnostics. Their study was published in Biomedicines. The conventionally used method for cancer diagnostics relies on immunohistochemical dyeing of tumor tissue sections. It allows to detect the presence and measure the concentration of marker proteins characterizing malignant growths. The procedure involves immersing a tumor sample in hot paraffin. Once cooled, a block of paraffinized tissue is cut into thin sections, which are then dyed and studied with a microscope. The resulting images indicate whether the tumor is malignant and what its molecular type is. This information is crucial for selecting the right therapy. Another method, RNA sequencing involves determining the sequence and the number of molecules for each RNA present in the cell. The resulting data, referred to as the transcriptome, reflects the activity of all genes in the cell. To analyze such vast arrays of data, bioinformaticians employ specialized algorithms and compile transcriptome databases for different human cells and tissues. The authors of the recent paper in Biomedicines have proposed that RNA sequencing be used as an alternative and complementary technique to the conventional immunohistochemical dyeing. Under this approach, the same paraffinized tumor fragments can be used in the analysis. This means no additional biopsy is required, and the two techniques will be fairly easy to combine. "We have shown for the first time that the findings of both methods are in perfect agreement for the selected set of biomarkers. It's just that immunohistochemistry requires a much greater number of experiments -- one for every biomarker considered -- meaning that much more biomaterial is needed. In turn, RNA sequencing enables us to quantitatively characterize the work of all protein-encoding genes, and there are about 20,000 of them!" said principal investigator Anton Buzdin, who heads the Laboratory for Translational Genomic Bioinformatics at MIPT and leads the Research Department at Oncobox. In their study, the researchers showed a clear correlation between the expression levels of four tumor marker genes measured via RNA sequencing, and the results of immunohistochemical dyeing. "We are convinced that RNA sequencing has a great future in medical diagnostics. Hopefully, our latest study has brought that future a little closer," Buzdin added. ### Besides researchers from the MIPT Laboratory for Translational Genomic Bioinformatics, the research reported in this story involved scientists and medics from the Institute for Personalized Medicine of Sechenov University, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of RAS, Karelia Republic Oncological Hospital, Oncological Dispensary of the Republic of Karelia, Vitamed Clinical Center, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Kaluga Regional Oncological Hospital, and Oncobox (U.S.). The study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation. The recent worldwide protests over the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis police officer have led many organizations, businesses and individuals to take note of the Black Lives Matter movement and express their support for people of color. The Massachusetts Association of School Committees is hoping that its 319 member school committees will pass resolutions on anti-racism as well. Springfield School Committee member Denise Hurst is one of the association members who worked on the resolution, which has been sent to all of the school committees as a template to follow when preparing their own. These issues that have long existed were thrust into the national spotlight and because of that we really felt like this was an opportunity for us to hold ourselves accountable as well as the districts and their leadership accountable and to ensure that we were looking at what are our policies and practices and how much do they feed into the racial injustices that exist, Hurst said. The resolution, which calls on school districts to offer professional development on diversity, equity and inclusion for its staff; hire a diverse teaching staff; and for curriculum to include the history of racial oppression and works from diverse perspectives was crafted by Hurst and Ludlow School Committee member Jacob Oliveira. The focus right now has been on institutions like police departments, but its important to look at our schools and see what they are doing to be anti-racist, Oliveira said. We decided to put words to paper that tick off a few areas that are important to us, like having a diverse curriculum that includes works written by black authors and diverse perspectives. Hurst said it is important to recognize that the Black Lives Matter movement was created by a nonprofit organization and is not a political issue. In districts like Springfield, Holyoke, Chelsea, Boston and Lawrence where a majority of the students are people of color we cannot say all lives matter because we are minimizing the lives of the majority of our students, she said. We (school committees) have to acknowledge that the things we do day in and day out can have a racist undertone to them. Hurst said she hopes the resolution will get districts thinking about their hiring processes when it comes to recruiting diverse teachers and whether those decisions are being made through the lens of equity. As a woman of color I know these injustices exist and people like myself encounter them every day and we figure out how to navigate them, she said. Its unfortunate that something so tragic had to happen for people to take notice, but we really felt like its a time where people are open and receptive to understanding that they need to be anti-racists to help eradicate the systemic and institutional racist practices that exist in our day to day structures within our school buildings. The association also issued a resolution demanding that unfunded mandates relating to COVID-19 be funded by the state. The resolution touches on the funding that will be required for additional staffing, transportation and material expenses in order to open safely according to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education guidelines issued to school districts on June 5. School business officers estimated the cost of the average size school district which is about 3,500 students. They believe it would cost close to $1.4 million just for next year to provide recommended personal protective equipment, transportation and other guidelines. So think of the cots to the city of Springfield, and other larger districts which are struggling right now, Oliveira said. He said it is the states responsibility to find resources to pay for the cost of the additional safety measures necessary before schools can re-open. Districts can not be on the hook for this. We are already facing uncertainty with the fall semester and the state needs to step up to the plate and help school districts and our community pay for the things we will need to start the school year, he said. Hurst said the unfunded mandates are also an equity issue. We are always expected to do more with less and you are talking about communities that have already had issues around poverty and hunger and adequate funding as well as the digital divide and now we have to open our doors to populate our school buildings and keep students and staff safe and its going to be really difficult, she said. If we have to provide PPEs and additional transportation we are going to have to cut into things like art and music and and additional services for families which we have worked so hard to restore in the past few years. Related content: BERGEN, Norway, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- BerGenBio ASA (OSE:BGBIO), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel, selective AXL kinase inhibitors for severe unmet medical need, announces positive clinical and translational data from Cohort B, stage 1 of in the phase II trial (BGBC008). This cohort of the trial is evaluating bemcentinib in combination with MSD's Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in previously treated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with confirmed progression on prior immune checkpoint therapy. The trial is recruiting the second stage of the cohort. The data was presented today by Professor Hani Gabra M.D. Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer of BerGenBio ASA, at the Next Gen Immuno-Oncology Congress, a virtual event, see: https://events.marketsandmarkets.com/3rd-annual-marketsandmarkets-next-gen-immuno-oncology-congress/#. The presentation will be available on the Company website in the Presentations section www.bergenbio.com/investors/presentations/ BerGenBio announced on 15th January 2020 that stage 1 of this trial cohort had met its primary end point of overall response rate and criteria were met for expansion of this cohort to a second stage. The Company reports that Cohort B, stage 1 included 12 evaluable patients for cAXL, BerGenBio's proprietary composite-AXL (cAXL) immunohistochemistry biomarker. Seven of these 12 patients were scored cAXL positive, six of these seven patients reported clinical benefit, including1 PR and 1 PRi (unconfirmed) and 2.5 fold improvement in mPFS. Further, an update was presented for Overall Survival data from cohort A, where cAX-postive patients reported 12-month OS of 79% and mOS of 17.3 months (data still maturing), whereas cAXL-negative 60% and 12.4months respectively and in-line with historic controls. The BGBC008 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03184571) is conducted in three cohorts evaluating the safety and benefit of bemcentinib and Keytruda combination in refractory NSCLC patients. Cohort A (fully recruited, patients that are refractory to first line chemotherapy), Cohort B (enrolling second line patients who have received single agent checkpoint inhibitor in the first line) and Cohort C (that enrols second line patients refractory to the first line treatment of checkpoint inhibitor in combination with chemotherapy), cohorts B2 and C are actively recruiting patients. The study is being sponsored by BerGenBio in collaboration with MSD, a tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey, USA, who continue to supply Keytruda for use in the study under a collaboration agreement signed in March 2017. Richard Godfrey, Chief Executive Officer of BerGenBio, said: "This interim clinical and translational data adds further confidence to the potential patient benefit of selective AXL inhibition with bemcentinib, to reverse resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors in selected cAXL-positive patients who have relapsed on immunotherapy. This would be a highly desirable alternative to the second-line chemotherapy standard-of-care. Top line data from expansion cohorts B2 and cohort C should be available towards the end of 2020." About AXL AXL kinase is a cell membrane receptor and an essential mediator of the biological mechanisms underlying life-threatening diseases. In cancer, AXL suppresses the body's immune response to tumours and drives cancer treatment failure across many indications. AXL expression defines a very poor prognosis subgroup in most cancers. AXL inhibitors, therefore, have potential high value at the centre of cancer combination therapy, addressing significant unmet medical needs and multiple high-value market opportunities. Research has also shown that AXL mediates other aggressive diseases. About Bemcentinib Bemcentinib (formerly known as BGB324), is a potentially first-in-class selective AXL inhibitor in a broad phase II clinical development programme. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating bemcentinib in multiple solid and haematological tumours, in combination with current and emerging therapies (including immunotherapies, targeted therapies and chemotherapy), and as a single agent. Bemcentinib targets and binds to the intracellular catalytic kinase domain of AXL receptor tyrosine kinase and inhibits its activity. Increase in AXL function has been linked to key mechanisms of drug resistance and immune escape by tumour cells, leading to aggressive metastatic cancers. About BerGenBio ASA BerGenBio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative drugs targeting AXL as a potential cornerstone of therapy for aggressive diseases, including immune-evasive, therapy resistant cancers. The company's proprietary lead candidate, bemcentinib, is a potentially first-in-class selective AXL inhibitor in a broad Phase II oncology clinical development programme focused on combination and single agent therapy in lung cancer, leukaemia and COVID19. A first-in-class functional blocking anti-AXL antibody, tilvestamab, is undergoing Phase I clinical testing. In parallel, BerGenBio is developing companion diagnostic tests to identify patient populations most likely to benefit from bemcentinib: this is expected to facilitate more efficient registration trials supporting a precision medicine-based commercialisation strategy. BerGenBio is based in Bergen, Norway with a subsidiary in Oxford, UK. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: BGBIO). For more information, visit www.bergenbio.com Contacts Richard Godfrey CEO, BerGenBio ASA +47-917-86-304 Rune Skeie, CFO, BerGenBio ASA [email protected] +47-917-86-513 International Media Relations Mary-Jane Elliott, Chris Welsh, Lucy Featherstone, Carina Jurs Consilium Strategic Communications [email protected] +44-20-3709-5700 Media Relations in Norway Jan Petter Stiff, Crux Advisers [email protected] +47-995-13-891 Forward looking statements This announcement may contain forward-looking statements, which as such are not historical facts, but are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions. These assumptions are inherently subject to significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors. Such risks, uncertainties, contingencies and other important factors could cause actual events to differ materially from the expectations expressed or implied in this announcement by such forward-looking statements. This information is subject to 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 The following files are available for download: SOURCE BerGenBio ASA Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 19:49:54|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BERLIN, June 25 (Xinhua) -- More than half of German citizens (51 percent) had no holiday plans this year, according to a survey published by the market research institute YouGov on Thursday. Around one in five (21 percent) had "smaller holiday plans" than last year, while 18 percent would spend their holidays largely unchanged, according to the survey among more than 2,000 German citizens on behalf of the Deutsche Presse Agentur (DPA). Among Germans who had holiday plans, more than half expected their holidays to be somewhat restricted by the coronavirus crisis, while 33 percent expected even strong or very strong restrictions. Only 9 percent expected to have no restrictions, according to the survey. Of those planning a holiday, 36 percent intended to travel within Germany, while 30 percent planned holidays abroad, the survey found. In mid-June, Germany lifted travel warnings for member states of the European Union (EU), non-EU Schengen states and Britain, replacing them with individual travel advice. Travelers should take "special caution" and should keep abreast of the situation in their country of destination in regard to travel and safety instructions, according to Germany's Foreign Office. Enditem The curtain came down Thursday on the week-long political turbulence in Manipur with all four National People's Party MLAs submitting a letter backing embattled Chief Minister N Biren Singh to Governor Najma Heptulla, days after they resigned as ministers and joined forces with the opposition Congress. NPP chief Conrad Sangma, who arrived in Imphal in the afternoon, said his party MLAs will withdraw their resignation which were not accepted by the Governor yet. The efforts to salvage the Bharatiya Janata Party government came to fruition after the MLAs were flown to New Delhi by Sangma, also the Meghalaya chief minister, and BJP's pointsman in the North-East Himanta Biswa Sarma, for a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and saffron party president J P Nadda. The four had complained about 'mistreatment' by the chief minister. With their return to the North-East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), the BJP-led coalition of parties in the region, the Biren Singh government now has the support of 27 MLAs in the assembly whose strength has come down to 52 after the resignations and disqualification of eight lawmakers. Accompanied by Sangma and Sarma, the four MLAs drove down to the chief minister's office from Raj Bhavan where Singh warmly received them and all shook hands with each other. Since their resignation were yet to be accepted, all the four technically remain ministers and need not take oath afresh. "We had meetings with Nadda and Shah, and we expressed all our grievances and concerns we had as a part of this alliance," Sangma told reporters outside the airport. "Both the leaders understood and assured us that all the issues will be addressed and taken care of," he said. At the peak of the political crisis when the Biren Singh government looked on the brink of collapse, the Speaker had accepted the resignation of three BJP MLAs who had quit both the party and assembly membership. He had also disqualified the lone Trinamool Congress MLA who had withdrawn support from the government. Three of the seven MLAs, who had won the 2017 polls as Congress nominees and later switched over to the BJP, were also disqualified. The petitions relating to their disqualification were heard by the Manipur High Court and also the Speaker's Tribunal. They were barred from voting in the June 19 Rajya Sabha election in the state. One Congress MLA had been disqualified several months ago. The effective strength of the House was reduced to 52 after the resignation and disqualification of MLAs and Biren Singh needed the support of 27 legislators for his government to stay afloat. He now has the backing of 18 MLAs of the BJP, four each of the NPP and Naga People's Front and one of the Lok Janshakti Party. Himanta Biswa Sarma, the canny NEDA convenor and Asssam minister, kept shuttling between Guwahati and Imphal all these days, sometimes in the company of Sangma. BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav also visited the state, apparently to felicitate BJP's Rajya Sabha poll winner Leishemba Sanajaoba, the titular king of Manipur, but did his bit to save the government. His victory at the peak of the political crisis, when the Biren Singh government appeared to have lost majority, indicated that the BJP dispensation might survive the headwind. Sanajaoba had defeated Congress nominee T Mangi Babu by four votes. The Congress made a failed attempt to pull down the BJP government taking advantage of the discontent in the ruling alliance. After trouble erupted on June 17 when nine MLAs withdrew support to the government, Congress had swung into action and roped in the disgruntled lawmakers to float the Secular Progressive Front (SPF). It hoped to form a coalition government led by former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh. Ibobi Singh, however, found himself in the soup after he was questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation in an old corruption case in the midst of political machinations. When asked whether the NPP will now pull out of the SPF, Sangma said, "Obviously we will." "It gives us a lot of confidence that the two national leaders (Shah and Nadda) will be looking into the affairs of the state," he added. Sangma said there will be some changes in the portfolios but all the four NPP MLAs will continue as ministers. The Congress emerged as the single largest party after the 2017 assembly polls but fell short of a majority in the House. The BJP had then formed a coalition government with the help of NPP and others. The BJP and its NEDA allies are in power in all the eight states of the North-East. MEXICO CITY - Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said Wednesday he plans to travel to Washington to meet with President Donald Trump, an announcement that was met with a storm of criticism in Mexico. Lopez Obrador said he wants to make his first trip abroad in the first week of July to mark the start of the new U.S.-Mexico-Canada free trade accord, which was negotiated with the Trump administration. Trump is deeply unpopular in Mexico because of his remarks about the country. And Mexicans remember former President Enrique Pena Nietos ill-starred meeting with Trump that many feel strengthened Trump as a candidate in the 2016 election. Mexicos Foreign Relations Department then issued a statement saying Lopez Obradors administration wants to steer clear of the U.S. elections. The two leaders have displayed surprisingly cordial relations despite ideological differences. Trump said of Lopez Obrador on Tuesday: Hes really a great guy. I think hell be coming into Washington pretty soon. Lopez Obrador has called Trump a friend and said his administration has shown respect for Mexico Roberto Velasco Alvarez, the Foreign Relations Departments director of North American affairs, wrote in his Twitter account that Mexican diplomacy is based on building bridges with all people. The main objective of the meeting proposed by President Lopez Obrador is promoting our interests, and is not related to internal (U.S.) political processes, Velasco Alvarez wrote. The critics were out in force, though. Mexicos former ambassador to the U.S., Arturo Sarukhan, called the trip a colossal political, electoral, diplomatic and long-term strategic error. Trump is only interested in using the Mexican president as a theatrical prop for the elections, wrote Sarukhan. For broad sectors of U.S. society, visiting Trump now, when the country is experiencing its deepest social and ideological crisis in 50 years ... will be interpreted by many here as a show of support for the most polarizing president in modern U.S. history. Though he is famous in Mexico for declining international travel, Lopez Obrador said early Wednesday that he wants to go to Washington. He said he hopes Canada will participate in the meeting as well, but at any rate we will go because it is very important to participate at the launch of an agreement that I consider historic. The president has studiously avoided conflict with Mexicos much larger neighbour, even after Trump threatened to put crippling tariffs on Mexican goods imported into the U.S. unless Mexico did more to stop migrant caravans. Mexico effectively blocked the caravans. Trump angered many Mexicans when as a candidate in 2016, he said Mexicans crossing the border brought drugs, crime and tremendous infectious disease to the U.S.. At the time, critics said Pena Nieto gave him a pulpit when he invited both U.S. candidates to Mexico City in 2016, but only Trump accepted. After taking office, Trump continued to promise to build a border wall and make Mexico pay for it. In a recent piece for the Washington Post, Mexican columnist Leon Krauze wrote about the 2016 meeting, Why would Lopez Obrador, who was so critical of Pena Nietos decision to prop up Trump during a contentious election, risk international opprobrium and condemnation at home over the exact same mistake? Krauze noted Lopez Obrador hasnt yet discussed meeting with Democratic Party candidate Joe Biden. It could simply be another step in the Mexican presidents strange appeasement of the American president, a plan that has led him to embrace controversial immigration measures far from the humanitarian approach he promised as a candidate, Krauze wrote. 'India will keep trying to avoid conflict.' 'This is the moment when we draw a line in the sand.' IMAGE: General Manoj Mukund Naravane, chief of the army staff, in Ladakh, June 24, 2020. "I hope the government wakes up, understands that the way they have been handling security and strategic affairs. They don't have the luxury of time," strategic affairs expert Sushant Sareen -- Senior Research Fellow at the Observer Research Foundation and author of Corridor Calculus: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor & China's comprador model of investment in Pakistan -- tells Rediff.com's Prasanna D Zore in the concluding segment of a two-part interview. The Chennai summit at Mahabalipuram -- that was part of the famed Wuhan Spirit -- between the two powerful leaders of the top two populous countries in the world did end on a happy note. What soured after that? The Wuhan spirit is a ghost (after what happened at Galwan). I don't know what soured, but where was the Wuhan Spirit when it came to issues of great importance to India? The Chinese position on Kashmir, for example, taking it to the UNSC (United Nations security council) happened post Wuhan. The Chinese fingering us on Masood Azhar was post Wuhan. The Chinese obstructing us on a number of other issues was post Wuhan. What were we getting out of Wuhan anyways? I am not against such informal summits, but there has to be some deliverables at the end of it. What tangible goals did the two informal summits achieve for India? Some, critics would say, other than the martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers. So very clearly, after the martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers, if at all, there was something which somebody was trying to extract from these summits, that is dead and gone. I have nothing against leaders meeting at an informal level trying to develop a better understanding of their positions, etc. I can also understand nothing tangible coming out of it. But, at the very minimum, one thing must happen: A better understanding between the two countries (of their respective positions on contentious issues); that there is a greater effort to try and move into a much more cooperative and less confrontationist direction. But if none of that has happened, then I think that entire policy framework under which we were dealing with the Chinese will now need to be thrown out of the window. Do you think the Galwan Valley massacre of 20 Indian soldiers has snowballed into a huge diplomatic blunder for Prime Minister Modi's informal summitry? Would you agree? I wouldn't say a blunder because I don't know how something treacherous that the Chinese have done is a diplomatic blunder of Modi. If at all it is a blunder, then that blunder has been made by China. Because Modi trusted Xi Jinping so much and now the Chinese gave India the Galwan Valley martyrdom of Indian soldiers? I don't think Mr Modi's is anybody's fool. Nobody trusts anybody, especially in politics. This is most certainly not diplomatic blunder. I think what you can say is that Mr Modi certainly tried to change the way India-China relation was structured. He made a very bold gamble to try and improve relations with the Chinese, just as he tried it with the Pakistanis. Now somebody can find fault with whether he should have gone that far or taken that path. That's a matter of debate. What you cannot deny him is that he made a very strong effort to try and improve relations with China. What Galwan has done is, it has poured water over all those efforts. But to say that Galwan is a diplomatic blunder would be unfair (to Modi). But what Galwan has done is, it has probably thrown the most significant strategic, economic and security challenge, which will now confront the Modi government. In 2018 we had Indian and Chinese troops standing eyeball-to-eyeball in Doklam for 73 days fighting in Bhutan. Yet the two leaders put it behind them and came up with the Wuhan Spirit. Then the two leaders met again at Mahabalipuram under the shadow of abrogation of Article 370 in the then state of Jammu & Kashmir. Would the two leaders dare to meet again, formally or otherwise, now that India has lost 20 soldiers to Chinese misadventures? Would Modi still bet on another informal summit as and when the situation improves along the LAC? Over the last six years the one big thing over which I have always burned my fingers is trying to predict what Mr Modi is going to do next. Frankly, I have no idea. Whether there will be an informal summit somewhere and whether he will go in for it or not, I am very clear on one thing. He is not afraid of taking risks when it comes to foreign policy. But in my personal view we need to understand that signalling is extremely important in international relations. For India to now engage with the Chinese in the same way as we were doing in the past, whether it's the informal summits, whether it is any other kind of diplomatic engagements, will convey a very, very, negative message to the Chinese in the sense that they will think Indian leaders talk big, but they don't have what it takes to stand up against us. To reiterate what I have been saying, the entire framework of policy towards China needs to go back to the drawing board. And if you don't do it, then whatever you do, is likely to be misconstrued by the Chinese. Modi has invested so much political capital in building an informal diplomacy template for solving bilateral issues between the two most populous countries in the world. Perhaps he wanted to leave an imprint on how diplomacy should keep pace in modern times. Has the India-China standoff in Galwan valley put paid to Modi's informal brand of diplomacy? Like I said, I don't know whether it has, but I think it should. It has also demonstrated the limits of personal diplomacy or personality-based diplomacy. Now, there is certainly something to be said for adding a personalised form of diplomacy to the larger structural diplomatic relations that you have with any other country, especially a country which is ruled by a political strongman or an authoritarian leader or a dictator or whatever. If you can bring a level of personal affinity into the larger structural relationship between countries, it can help you remove a lot of irritants, even make breakthroughs which otherwise would be caught up in the structural, bureaucratic obstacles. Very clearly, this personalised diplomacy hasn't worked in China's case. Because after all, at the risk of repeating myself, whether it is on our sensitivities on CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor), sensitivities on delineating the LAC; they've been stuck up on that; whether it's on the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group), whether it's on Masood Azhar, eventually they gave in, but the circumstances under which they gave in was vastly different or dragging us to the UNSC on Kashmir. You name the issue. To my mind, there's enough of a red line which had been breached, after which, we should have really downgraded our level of engagement with the Chinese to show them angry we are. Very clearly, the addition of personalised diplomacy hadn't made any significant dent on the structural diplomacy between India and China. So, what is the purpose being served by the personalised diplomacy? Would you think that the Galwan Valley martyrdom of 20 Indian bravehearts is this Modi's Nehru moment of 1962? That is really a big exaggeration. India-China relations has always been troublesome and there is no point downplaying it or brushing it under the carpet and there's no point pretending that these things happen. Sorry, but these things (the martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers) don't happen. This surely is not a 1962 moment; far from it. But this is, like I said, probably the most significant security and strategic challenge which now confronts the Modi government. What path the Modi government now takes will be critical in determining the future course of relations between India and China and also the future course of Indian diplomacy: The larger strategic context in which India is going to be operating, what are the kind of relationships India will need to forge with other countries that are spooked by the Chinese expansionism. I think all those things are now going to come to a head. We have been waffling on many of these issues. If you do not break out from diplomatic template that has guided India's China policy then I am afraid we'll continue to work on the same old wages. The Chinese will keep pushing India; India will keep trying to avoid conflict. The LAC will remain unsettled; the interpretation and the reinterpretation, and perception and the misperception of the LAC will keep changing. This is the moment when we draw a line in the sand. What's your assessment of the Galwan standoff and what's the road ahead for India? We need to be very clear that what has happened in Galwan was not a localised issue; it is part of a larger strategic posturing which the Chinese have been doing. Secondly, the effort seems to be that this immediate crisis which is staring us in the face, there are efforts being made to defuse it by both sides and it's possible that it gets diffused without any further escalation. I don't think any side wants an escalation at this point in time. But just as what happened in the late 1950s, events of the late 1950s leading up to 1962, I think we are at that moment now. So, almost 60 years later, we are back to that moment, which led up to 1962. And I would really hope that the government wakes up, smells the coffee, understands that the way they have been handling security and strategic affairs. There's really need to relook at it and they don't have the luxury of time. Whatever modernisation programmes, whatever firepower, whatever other wherewithal, whatever manufacturing capabilities (India must build), you need to move like we did it yesterday. And that is my one fear that once the immediate crisis is over we have a tendency of going back to business as usual. Finally, we really need to start looking at our strategic alignments. This nonsense about strategic autonomy, which is meaningless, and which nobody understands what it actually means, I think needs to be junked and we really need to start rethinking the kind of strategic alignments we have to get into and whatever price has to be paid for that we need to be ready to pay it. Unless, of course, you want to work on the same wages, which means that the Chinese keep pushing us. This is a moment of truth. We need to decide upon the direction our foreign policy has to take. If we don't, then I'm afraid there will be another Galwan. Production: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com A resident from the sprawling Black township of Soweto, south of here, has become the first South African to be injected with a trial vaccine for COVID-19 as scientists seek a treatment for the virus which has infected millions and killed hundreds of thousands across the globe. Mhlongo (24), is one of about 2,000 South Africans who will take part in the international study after the potential vaccine was developed at the Oxford Jenner Institute in the UK. After receiving an injection during the trial on Tuesday from Shabir Madhi, head of vaccinology at Wits University and director of the South Africa Medical Research Council's vaccines and infectious diseases analytics research unit, Mholongo said he wanted to learn about COVID-19 and help doctors find a cure for the virus. Madhi is also a member of the panel advising the South African government on the pandemic. "This is a landmark moment for South Africa and Africa at this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we enter winter in South Africa and pressure increases on public hospitals, we need a vaccine now more than ever," said Madhi at the virtual launch of the trial, which is being run at multiple sites in South Africa. The South African participants will be joined by 5,000 in Brazil, 4,000 in the UK, with an additional 10,000 participants planned, and up to 30,000 expected to be enrolled in the US. Officially known as the Ox1Cov-19 Vaccine VIDA-trial, the South African component of the trial is also a first for the African continent. Amid the optimism, experts pointed out that the vaccine being tested is one among the more than 100 that are currently being researched all over the world. In South Africa, at least 1,00,000 people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and more than 2,000 have died from virus since March when the President declared a state of disaster and national lockdown which is continuing at Level 3 of a five-level strategic approach to fight the pandemic. "Vaccines are amongst the most powerful tools to mitigate life-threatening diseases. Without a vaccine against COVID-19, there will likely be ongoing contagion, causing severe illness and death," said Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice Principal and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research and Postgraduate Affairs at Wits University. He said his institution was committed to cooperate with Oxford University in the trial. Prior to the launch, the South African study was subject to rigorous reviews and was approved by both the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the Human Research Ethics Committee of Wits University. "It is essential that vaccine studies are performed in southern hemisphere countries, including in the African region, concurrently with studies in northern hemisphere countries," said Helen Rees, Chair of SAHPRA and Executive Director of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI). "This allows evaluation of the efficacy and safety of candidate vaccines to be assessed in a global context, failing which the introduction of many life-saving vaccines into public immunisation programmes for low-middle income countries frequently lags behind those in high-income countries." There has been much debate internationally, including at the World Health Organisation, that the vaccine, when it is found, be made available to all countries at low or even no cost to developing countries, and not only be sold in rich and developed nations only. "As the world rallies to find health solutions, a South African endeavour for the development of an effective COVID-19 vaccine is testament to our commitment of supporting healthcare innovation to save lives," said Glenda Gray, President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council, which is funding the project with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The project also has the support of the South African government. "The National Department of Health is excited at the launch of this vaccine trial, which will go a long way to cement South Africa's leadership in the scientific space," Sandile Buthelezi, the Director General of Health in the National Department of Health. "With COVID-19 infections increasing every day, the development of the vaccine will be the last solution in the long term, and we are fully behind the team leading this trial," said Buthelezi. ARMYANSK, Ukraine -- A court in Russia-controlled Crimea has postponed a preliminary hearing in absentia against a veteran Crimean Tatar leader and prominent Soviet-era dissident who has vehemently opposed Russia's illegal annexation of the peninsula from Ukraine in 2014. The court in the Crimean city of Armyansk was scheduled to start the hearing for Mustafa Dzhemilev on June 25, but postponed it after it turned out that neither the defendant, nor his legal team, had received official papers from prosecutors, Dzhemilev's lawyer, Nikolai Polozov, said. "The defense is not aware of the essence of the accusations, which witnesses the prosecuting side plans to summon to the trial, nor what evidence will be presented in the courtroom. Under these circumstances, it is impossible to start the process," Polozov said. Russia's Investigative Committee said in April that it had launched a probe against the 76-year-old member of the Ukrainian parliament on charges of "illegally crossing the Russian border, the careless storage of a firearm that led to serious consequences, and the illegal possession of ammunition." Ukraine's presidential representative office in Crimea has condemned the move by the Investigative Committee, calling it politically motivated. Dzhemilev was the chairman of the Crimean Tatar's self-governing assembly -- the Mejlis -- until it was banned by pro-Moscow representatives in Crimea. Dzhemilev was a leading human rights activist during the Soviet era and served six jail sentences in Soviet prison camps from 1966 to 1986. He is also known for going on a 303-day hunger strike -- the longest in the history of the Soviet human rights movement. Dzhemilev has been banned from Crimea since Russia occupied and seized control of the peninsula. Rights groups and Western governments have denounced what they call a campaign of oppression targeting members of the Turkic-speaking Crimean Tatar minority and others who opposed Moscow's rule. The majority of Crimean Tatars opposed the Russian takeover of their historic homeland. She has still not officially announced she is pregnant. But Sophie Turner's baby bump was distinctly visible behind her flowing Oasis tee when she and Joe Jonas were glimpsed in Los Angeles this Wednesday. The 24-year-old Game Of Thrones actress and her husband both took the precaution of wearing MasQd face masks amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Out and about: Sophie Turner's baby bump was distinctly visible behind her flowing Oasis tee when she and Joe Jonas were glimpsed in Los Angeles this Wednesday Wearing her long blonde hair down, the Dark Phoenix star held her husband's arm as the pair of them walked down a tranquil sunlit street together. Meanwhile Joe showed off his toned arms in a Hawaiian shirt and slipped into a pair of dark jeans, accessorizing with aviators. He and his brothers Nick and Kevin reunited last year as the Jonas Brothers, the band that catapulted them all to fame over a decade ago. The boy band became stars together as teens and split up in 2013, but got back together last March with their hit single Sucker. Side by side: The 24-year-old Game Of Thrones actress and her husband both took the precaution of wearing face masks amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic Sophie and Joe had two weddings, a quick American ceremony and then a star-studded affair in the South Of France last summer. Their first nuptials took place at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas on May 1 just after the pair attended the Billboard Music Awards. Although she has not publicly said she is pregnant Sophie has been seen with an apparent bump lately while out for masked walks with Joe. During a video-conference interview on Conan this March, Sophie dished about pouring tequila shots for Joe but never mentioned drinking any herself. Relationship history: Sophie and Joe had two weddings, a quick American ceremony and then a star-studded affair in the South Of France last summer Earlier this month Sophie and Joe attended a Black Lives Matter protest in Los Angeles where she held a sign that read: 'WHITE SILENCE IS VIOLENCE.' Sophie posted an Instagram album of her experiences at the protest and wrote in the caption: 'No justice, no peace.' Los Angeles has been one site of the protests and riots after the George Floyd killing - including an estimated 20,000-person march on Hollywood Boulevard early this month - amid an ongoing statewide ban on mass gatherings. A former NSW Police officer allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at her home in Sydney's south while wearing his police uniform, a jury has heard. Kristian Dieter Glaser, 44, is facing trial in the NSW District Court on a charge of having sexual intercourse with the woman without consent between July and August 2013. He has pleaded not guilty. Kristian Glaser leaves court on Thursday. Credit:Edwina Pickles On Thursday, Crown prosecutor Michael Gleeson said in an opening address that Mr Glaser, who was an officer in 2013, was either on-duty or had just finished work when he went to the woman's apartment still wearing his uniform. "At that time both were in the NSW Police Force," Mr Gleeson said. A third Sydney school has been forced to close in under two weeks after a student contracted the deadly coronavirus. The year seven student at Camden High School in the city's southwest tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. New South Wales Education said specialist teams will move in on Friday to carry out deep cleaning. A year seven student at Camden High School in Sydney's southwest has tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday The School posted a message on Facebook to informs parents of the concerning situation 'The school will be non-operational for the on-site attendance of staff and students tomorrow to allow for contact tracing to occur,' the department said in a statement. 'New South Wales Health has requested anyone who has been unwell or has flu-like symptoms to be tested at one of the COVID-19 clinics. 'Only students who are unwell with a fever or respiratory symptoms such as a sore throat or cough need to be tested.' Students who attend the school will now undertake 'at-home learning' until the situation is resolved. 'The school will continue to support students with at-home learning arrangements while the school site is non-operational,' New South Wales Education said. 'Learning materials are available online through the department's Learning from home site.' The infection comes just one day after a year two student from Lane Cove West Public School in Sydney's north, tested positive for COVID-19. About two weeks prior, Laguna Street Public School in the Sutherland Shire was also forced to shut its doors after a staff member tested positive. Just one day earlier a year two student from Lane Cove West Public School in Sydney's north, tested positive for COVID-19 On June 14 a staff member at the Sutherland Shire's Laguna Street Public School also tested positive for coronairus Despite the string of coronavirus cases in schools, other classrooms in New South Wales will remain open. Of the 3,162 confirmed infection recorded in New South Wales, only five cases are active. A clinic has been set up at Camden Hospital, 61 Menangle Rd, for anyone who may have symptoms and wants to get tested. Rapper Hurricane Chris arrested for murder in Louisiana Rap artist Hurricane Chris, known for the hit A Bay Bay, has been arrested on a murder charge in Louisiana. The rapper, whose real name is Christopher Dooley Jr., was arrested early Friday on one count each of second-degree murder and illegal possession of stolen things, Shreveport Police said in a news release. Dooley, 31, of Shreveport, was being held without bond at the city jail. Online jail records did not indicate if he had an attorney who could speak on his behalf. Police responded shortly after 1 a.m. Friday to a reported shooting at a gas station in Shreveport, news outlets reported. Officers found one person suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at a hospital. ADVERTISEMENT Dooley, who had gone into the gas stations store, initially told police that he had shot a man who he thought was trying to steal his vehicle. But video footage appears to show otherwise, police said in a news release. The car Dooley was in had also been reported stolen from Texas, the release said. The Shreveport native, who is the godson of former Democratic state Rep. Barbara Norton, is best known for his 2007 album 51/50 Ratchet, which includes his hit single, A Bay Bay. That tracks music video has nearly 30 million views on YouTube. A man who authorities say is responsible for a shooting earlier this month in Harrisburgs Allison Hill neighborhood was taken into custody Wednesday in Massachusetts, according to the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. The U.S. Marshals Task Force arrested 19-year-old Tristan Douglas Campbell Wednesday in West Boylston, Massachusetts, in connection to the June 6 shooting. Campbell is charged with aggravated assault and two firearms offenses. Harrisburg police had asked for the publics help finding Campbell before his arrest. READ MORE: 3-year-old girl found dead in bathtub, malnourished and bruised; 3 adults charged, including 1 on the run 3 teens are walking on Pa. railroad bridge when train comes; 1 girl is dead Daughter accused of setting up her 81-year-old dad for brutal robbery: Pa. state cops MEMOIR ANIMAL TRUST by Julian Rota (Bramble Press 21, 330pp) Julian Rota is an eminent antiquarian book dealer: its a genteel-sounding world which, he admits, actually contains quite a number of dodgy characters, Del Boys and barmy bibliomaniacs. In his spare time, though, he also works as a volunteer at Trindledown Farm in Berkshire, a branch of the National Animal Welfare Trust. And its his experiences of working with the animals here which make up much of this book, interspersed with salty opinions and slightly unexpected tangents, such as his love of reggae music. It all adds up to a quirky but enjoyable memoir. Julian Rota (pictured) who volunteers at Trindledown Farm in Berkshire, has penned a memoir sharing his experiences If they were human beings, the animals that come to Trindledown might well be described as deeply troubled. They may have been atrociously neglected, beaten, or starved ... like Inca the pony, who had outlived his usefulness and been left to starve, tied to a tree. One of the downsides of working with such maltreated animals must surely be that it does nothing for ones estimation of ones fellow human beings. The huge reward, though, is gradually gaining that animal trust of the punning title. The process really is similar to working with traumatised children: slowly, one day at a time, even the most mistrustful can come to learn that not all human beings are cruel and vile. But patience is obligatory. Even when he has been butted to the ground by an annoyed goat, or knocked over by a sheep called Donny, Rota still feels he is among friends. He begins to bond with a variety of colourful characters, while realising along the way that a lifetime of lifting heavy boxes of books has prepared him surprisingly well for lugging around bales of hay. He even grows to love the earthy, wholesome smells of the muck heap (not to everyones taste I realise). Among his new friends are Puddy, a 35-year-old black Shetland mare who moves slowly and becomes very impatient if we are slightly late accommodating any of her various wants and needs. One of these is a regular sugar-free mint. Theres Popeye, a grey Welsh Cob: Local birds seem to have a particular fondness for his hair as prime nesting material, much to his annoyance. Theres Molly the beautiful and uber-intelligent Collie possibly too intelligent not to be neurotic as well, rather like some people I know. And theres Ernie the pig, who loves oranges, but only if they have been chopped in half. Julian revealed that he cannot relate to alpacas (pictured), especially because one has a tendency to spit He admits though that he finds the alpacas utterly enigmatic and he cannot relate to them at all. Especially when one of them, Matilda, has a tendency to spit, though shes not got me yet. Hes struck again and again by how like us they are, and thinks deeply about our vexed relations with other species. We eat them, exploit them, drive them to extinction, and shower love and affection and little tartan coats on a chosen few yet its all terribly awry and unsustainable. The author is just as muddled as the rest of us though, admitting he still eats meat, explaining endearingly: I think of myself as a hypocritarian (flexitarian is a kinder word). He rages against the lunacy of Chinese traditional medicine, with its catastrophic effects on populations of rhinos and tigers, sea horses and pangolins: whole species consumed to feed a demand based on non- scientific idiocy. Closer to home, he would love a libertarian Right To Roam Act in England like they already have in Scotland, allowing English people shock, horror! the legal right to actually walk across their own native land. Yes please. All in all, it makes for a rambling but touchingly sincere and thought-provoking read, with odd moments of James Herriot-style interspecies slapstick which are enough to make a cat laugh. WOOD RIVER Madison County 911 is moving ahead with equipment updates for its call centers despite the lack of an approved consolidation plan. Director Dana Burris told members of the Emergency Telephone System Board of the plans at its monthly meeting Wednesday. She said on June 22 state officials gave the county the go-ahead to begin replacing some of the equipment, which is almost 10 years old. The county currently has a court challenge pending to the states denial of its consolidation plan, which would reduce the number of 911 call centers, called Public Service Answering Points, or PSAPs, to eight from 16. We just dont know how long its going to take to get through the court system, Burris said of the appeal. The equipment is 10 years old and in computer terms thats ancient. Burris said they are working with AT&T, which provides service for the countys 911 system. The eight PSAPs that will be part of the planned consolidation will be the first to receive the new technology. After that, if a consolidation plan has not been approved, the remaining PSAPs will get the upgrades. She said actual cost estimates are expected to be available next month. The actual work is expected to start in the late fall, and will take several months. The state-mandated consolidation has been on hold for several years. On Nov. 20 the Illinois State Police 911 coordinator notified the county that its consolidation plan had been denied. In October Madison County 911 appeared before the states 9-1-1 advisory committee, which voted not to recommend the plan. State law requires Madison County to cut in half the number of Public Service Answering Points, or PSAPs, which handle 911 calls. The number of PSAPs and a dispute over direct dispatching were the main issues with the plan, according to a copy of the notice sent to Burris. For more than three years the ETSB has been working on the consolidation plan. Hearings and final actions on the plan were delayed by several issues, primarily opposition from St. Clair County. As part of its plan, Madison County had included an unmanned backup PSAP housed in the 911 offices in Wood River as one of the dispatch centers to be closed. The state says the station, referred to as MADCOM, does not count and the county must close an additional PSAP. The state also took issue with the lack of direct dispatching, where individual units are dispatched to specific incidents. Instead, dispatching in Madison County for police calls is done via radio broadcast by dispatchers, which are then acknowledged by the units answering the calls. For many fire departments, especially smaller volunteer departments, dispatching is done by a general call-out with the first responding members radioing acknowledgement to dispatchers. The ETSB suit maintains that MADCOM counts as a PSAP under the law, and that the countys dispatch system complies with state law. Any court action has been delayed until at least July 8 because of the pandemic. The thing that troubles me is that none of this stuff is new, and we keep coming back every year with the same thing, he said. And personally, I just find that absolutely unacceptable. . . . This has to be addressed and stopped. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has significantly increased its forecast for the contraction in global economy, warning that it will take a cumulative $12 trillion hit over 20202021. Updating its forecast yesterday, the IMF said the global contraction for 2020 would be -4.9 percent, some 1.9 percentage points below the forecast it issued in April. It said the COVID-19 pandemic has had a more negative impact on activity on the first half of 2020 than anticipated, and the recovery is expected to be more gradual than previously forecast. Overall, this would leave 2021 gross domestic product (GDP) some 6.5 percentage points lower than the pre-pandemic projections of 2020. Hundreds line up at the Pittsburgh International Airport parking lot, while volunteers from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, load boxes of food into cars during a drive-up food distribution. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) These forecasts assume that financial conditions will remain broadly at current levels following the major interventions by the US Fed and other central banks when markets froze in mid-March. However, given the divorce between financial markets and the underlying real economyexemplified by the surge in stock markets, above all in the USit is highly likely that turmoil will return. The IMF said the disconnect between the rebound in financial markets and the underlying economic prospects raised the possibility that financial conditions may tighten more than assumed. It said the synchronised and deep downturn in the first quarter was more severe than expected, except for a few countries, and indicators pointed to a more severe contraction in the second. The plunge into conditions not seen since the Great Depression began with a supply shock as firms halted economic activity as a result of measures taken against the pandemic. But this had now been compounded by a broad-based aggregate demand shock as firms, faced with precipitous falls in their markets, supply interruptions and uncertain future earnings prospects, cut back on investment. This steep decline in economic activity had resulted in a catastrophic hit to the global labour market. The IMF cited estimates by the International Labour Organisation that the decline in hours worked in the first quarter was equivalent to the loss of 130 million jobs. The loss in the second quarter is expected to be equivalent to 300 million jobs. The impact on the labour market had been particularly acute for low-skilled workers who do not have the option of working from home. It cited estimates from the International Labor Organization that of the approximately 2 billion informally employed workers worldwide close to 80 percent have been affected. The IMF said its projections implied a particularly negative impact of the pandemic on low-income households worldwide that could significantly raise inequality. Just as COVID-19 has become a disease afflicting the poorer sections of the working class in every country, so they are the most affected by its economic consequences. The IMF said that for the first time ever all regions of the world are expected to experience negative growth in the 2020. Growth in the advanced economy group is projected at -8 percent this year. The US economy is predicted to contract by 8 percent, Japan 5.8 percent, the UK 10.2 percent, Germany 7.8 percent, France 12.5 percent and Italy and Spain 12.8 percent. In 2021, as long as there is no second wave of infections, the IMF said there would be growth of 4.8 percent, leaving global GDP down by about 4 percent from its level in 2019. In the group of emerging market and developing economies growth is forecast to be -3 percent this year, 2 percentage points below the April forecast. The economic impact in Latin America, now a major centre of infections, is particularly severe, with the two largest economies, Brazil and Mexico, projected to contract by 9.1 percent and 10.5 percent respectively. The IMF update pointed to the contraction in world trade, close to 3.5 percent in the first quarter as a result of weak demand, the collapse of cross-border tourism and disrupted supply chains that were exacerbated in some cases by trade restrictions. It said that beyond the pandemic policymakers had to address the economic issues underlying trade and technology tensions as well as what it called gaps in the rules-based international trading system. It warned that without a durable solution to the frictions the eventual recovery from the COVID-19 crisis would be endangered. There is, however, no prospect of such a solution emerging. In the course of the pandemic the Trump administration has stepped up verbal attacks on China and moved to increase pressure on hi-tech Chinese companies such as Huawei. Moreover, the trade war measures are widening. The US has withdrawn from talks with France and other European powers to resolve the conflict over their moves to impose a so-called digital tax on the revenues raised in their countries by US hi-tech firms such as Google and Facebook. An investigation has been carried out by the Office of the US Trade Representative on the proposed taxes under Section 301 of the 1974 Trade Actthe same section used to impose tariffs on $360 billion worth of Chinese goods that remain in place despite the phase one trade deal agreed to in January. The Trump administration has made it clear it is opposed to the present organisation and rules of the World Trade Organization which it says have worked to the detriment of the US. The conflicts will not be resolved if a Democratic administration comes to power because the Democrats are even more bellicose on the issue of China than Trump. The IMF update recorded the massive impact of the rise in government debt both as a result of limited social security measures and the money provided to corporations. It is expected that total government debt as a proportion of GDP in advanced economies will exceed the levels reached as a result of World War II. Debt will rise to 130 percent of GDP compared to the peak of 120 percent in the war. This statistic has decisive economic and political implications. Following World War II, major countries were able to run down their debt because of the growth in the world economy during the post-war economic boom. Today, there is no such boom waiting in the wings. Even before the pandemic struck, world economic growth was slowing with significant falls in investment and trade. The present situation does not resemble World War II but rather the aftermath of World War I when, in a stagnant world economy, the accumulation of debt used to finance the war, led to a series of economic crises and was one of the driving forces for the ongoing and deepening attacks on the working class through the two decades that followed. Despite everything Trump gave Israel, there are signs that it may not stand behind him in his bid for a second term The ongoing row between US President Donald Trump and former National Security adviser John Bolton raises many questions about the motives behind Boltons tell-all book, The Room Where It Happened, in which he describes Trump as ignorant and did not deserve to become president of the most powerful country in the world. More importantly, what is the position of the Jewish lobby and American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on this quarrel, and why did they not intervene to prevent Bolton from continuing to attack Trump, especially since both Trump and Bolton are considered good friends of AIPAC and Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mentioned several times that Trump is one of Israels greatest supporters among US presidents across history. Not only has Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and Israeli sovereignty over the occupied Golan Heights, AIPAC Spokesman Josh Block commented on Boltons appointment as national security adviser in 2018 by saying: Bolton is a very important and effective player for the US and always a strong advocate of issues supporting Israel. Bolton attacked former Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders in February because the latter criticised AIPAC and refused to participate in their annual convention in March. It is surprising that AIPAC has not intervened to calm tensions between the two great friends of Israel, Trump and Bolton. Boltons actions cannot be interpreted as a personal vendetta against Trump who fired him in September 2019 and described him as a disaster and his manner rude and stubborn. Bolton, who has extensive experience in US political life, knows how his interests as a politician and lawyer can be hurt if he clashes with someone whom AIPAC views as a true friend of Israel. Therefore, the only assumption left is that Bolton perhaps knows that the Jewish lobby does not object to his assault on Trump. Although recognising Trumps generosity towards Israel during his tenure, there is evidence that Israel and AIPAC are not willing to link Trumps decisions of recognising Jerusalem as Israels capital, relocating the US embassy there and ending aid to the Palestinian refugee organisation UNRWA to their acceptance of Trumps peace plan proposed in January. Especially since this step would mean establishing a Palestinian state on nearly 70 per cent of the West Bank and all of the Gaza Strip, which is unacceptable for radical right-wing parties that have been in Netanyahus coalition governments since 2009. AIPAC and Netanyahu said they are willing to accept a Palestinian state but did not approve the map included in Trumps plan, which omitted annexing the Jordan Valley region to Israel. It is clear that Bolton, who rejects a two-state solution, strongly fought with Jason Greenblatt, Trumps Middle East peace envoy and co-creator of Trumps peace plan. Greenblatt resigned a few days before Bolton was fired, but withdrew his resignation after Bolton left. This means Bolton lost his battle to Greenblatt and team Trump, and Boltons position is closer to Israels unofficial stance of rejecting a Palestinian state and the borders suggested in Trumps plan. Evidence that the quarrel about creating a Palestinian state and its borders was at the core of the dispute between Trumps administration, Israel, the Jewish lobby and Bolton, are statements by David Hayani, chairman of the Yesha Settlement Council in the West Bank. In early June he told Haaretz newspaper: Trump and his Middle East adviser Jared Kushner are not friends of Israel. It is unclear why Netanyahu is in a hurry to annex the Jordan Valley without waiting for the deadline given to the Palestinians to accept it in Trumps proposal, but it is clear Netanyahu is willing to clash with Trump. Therefore, it is logical that Netanyahu will not ask AIPAC to intervene to stop Bolton from attacking Trump. In other words, Israels right wing and its leader Netanyahu are convinced that Trump has nothing more to offer Israel. Trump sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Israel in May to urge them not to unilaterally annex the Jordan Valley, which raised the alarm that Trump is willing to pressure Israel if key Arab states pressure the Palestinians into accepting Trumps plan, or at least say they are willing to look at it with reservations. Accordingly, we can infer that neither Netanyahu nor AIPAC are willing to support Trump in his upcoming race for the White House, and Boltons book could further undermine his chances of winning a second term. The important question now is: is it in Israels interest for Democratic candidate Joe Biden to win the election, since he told AIPACs convention in March that if he wins the presidency, he plans to dismantle Trumps proposal and replace it with US sponsorship of Palestinian-Israeli negotiations. Keeping Trump in the White House for another four years will not benefit Israel, and could in fact hurt Israel if he insists on preventing Tel Aviv from annexing the Jordan Valley. Biden, on the other hand, could spend months, a year or more envisioning an alternative US role in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Netanyahu was able to freeze negotiations with the Palestinians and stand up to former US president Barack Obama to block Obamas vision of a negotiated solution between the two sides, based on a two-state solution and establishing a Palestinian state on most of the West Bank. Netanyahu can also block any possible attempts by Biden if elected to impose a negotiated solution on Israel. During the back and forth game which Netanyahu excelled at with Obama, settlers were able to expand their settlements further and swallow up more Palestinian territories. This could happen again with Biden if he wins the White House in November. In conclusion, it seems AIPAC is content with Boltons book and will not intervene to stop his attacks on Trump. *A version of this article appears in print in the 25 June, 2020 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Plans to revive negotiations between two longtime Balkan foes hurtled off the rails even before the next round of talks got started. The already faint hopes for a breakthrough between the neighbors -- and the chances of a diplomatic win for the U.S. -- all but evaporated when the president of Kosovo was accused of having committed war crimes, just as he was preparing to meet his Serbian counterpart at the White House. It's now unclear if any such event will happen at all. The Specialist Prosecutor's Office in The Hague filed a 10-count indictment charging Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and other separatist fighters with offenses during the war with Serbia more than two decades ago that include "murder, enforced disappearance of persons, persecution, and torture." The indictment alleges that Thaci and others are "criminally responsible for nearly 100 murders." A pretrial judge is reviewing it to decide whether to confirm the charges. Thaci was expected in Washington on Saturday for talks organized by the U.S. envoy for the Balkans, Richard Grenell, with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. The event was an attempt to help resolve historic disputes between the neighbors. It's unclear if there will be a meeting at all after Kosovo's Prime Minister, Avdullah Hoti, expected to fill in for Thaci, also said he won't travel to Washington after the criminal charges that shocked many in Europe's newest state. "As a result of charges submitted by the Special Prosecutor's Office, I need to return to Pristina to deal with the situation," Hoti said on Facebook. The Serbian side hasn't commented and it's unclear if Vucic -- who's fresh off a landslide election victory -- will still travel to Washington. The Serbian leader was in Moscow earlier this week, where he was among the attendees of a parade to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II. The Washington talks suddenly being in doubt also gives an opening for the European Union to seize back the initiative to lead the negotiations. EU-mediated talks between the Balkan neighbors stalled in 2018, but the bloc wants to revive them in a competing effort as the U.S. also seeks a prominent role to broker a deal. Thaci last month said he was in favor of U.S. leadership. It's unclear what the indictment means for the complex dynamic between Vucic, 50, and Thaci, 52. The former foes -- one an ex-Kosovo Liberation Army commander known as "The Snake," the other once a minister of the late Serb strongman President Slobodan Milosevic -- know each other well and have spent years negotiating. Still, a measure of animosity has always remained, surfacing at times in the form of unpleasant barbs and reminders of the atrocities committed by both sides during the wars of the 1990s. More than 10,000 people, mostly ethnic Albanians, died in the conflict that ended with the 1999 NATO bombing that forced Serb troops out of Kosovo. The air raids were launched in response to a brutal campaign by the Serbia-led Yugoslav army to keep control of the then-province, which resulted in more than a millions being driven across the border to neighboring countries. Another tribunal, established by United Nations and also based in the Netherlands, indicted and tried Milosevic and other Serb officials for war crimes in Kosovo, as well as for atrocities in previous conflicts in Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Milosevic died in custody in 2006, before a verdict. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, with the backing from U.S. and most European Union states. Serbia still regards Kosovo as its historic heartland and relies on Russia and China to prevent its full international recognition. Kosovo Response Diplomatic efforts and bilateral ties aside, the court, which is investigating crimes against ethnic Serbs, Roma, other minorities and political dissidents during and after the 1998-99 independence war, said it decided to issue the notice because of repeated efforts by Thaci and others to obstruct and undermine its work. Thaci, who in the past always rejected similar allegations, and Kosovo officials didn't respond to calls and emails seeking comment. Kadri Veseli, a former head of Kosovo's parliament and ex-commander in the rebel force accused along with Thaci, rejected the charges as unfounded, Koha.net reported. The indictment is "unfair and unusual" and the charges are "completely untrue and do not stand," Veseli said, accusing the court of playing politics by making its move a few days before Thaci's visit to the White House. Pushkar Banakar And Mayank Singh By Express News Service NEW DELHI: India and China on Wednesday held diplomatic talks and agreed to maintain communication to resolve the existing situation peacefully even as the Chinese defence ministry and foreign ministry continued to blame India for the June 15 violent face-off and reiterated their claim to the Galwan Valley area. Also, Chinese defence ministry spokesperson Wu Qians claim that the defence ministers of both sides were in communication over phone after the June 15 incident, was rubbished by India. No conversation took place between the two ministers, highly placed sources in the ministry of defence said. At the 15th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs, the Indian side was represented by Joint Secretary (East Asia) Naveen Srivastava while the Chinese delegation was led by the director general of the department of boundary and oceanic affairs of the Chinese foreign ministry. The two sides discussed in detail the developments in the India-China border areas, in particular the situation in Eastern Ladakh. The Indian side conveyed its concerns on the recent developments in Eastern Ladakh, including on the violent face-off in Galwan Valley area on 15th June that had resulted in casualties. In this regard, it was emphasised that both sides should strictly respect and observe the Line of Actual Control (LAC), a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs said. According to the MEA, the two sides reaffirmed that they should sincerely implement the understanding of disengagement and de-escalation that was reached between senior commanders on June 6. The two delegations agreed that implementation of this understanding expeditiously, in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols, would help ensure peace and tranquillity in border areas and the development of broader relationship between the two countries. Earlier in the day, the Chinese defence ministry demanded that Indian troops to be withdrawn from Galwan Valley and accused Indian diplomats and media personnel of spreading large amounts of fake news. Its foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian accused the Indian side of going against the bilateral pact. China reiterates Galwan claim, accuses India of crossing line The Indian side at first agreed to withdraw personnel from Galwan Valley and so it did, and it dismantled its facilities as requested by the Chinese side. During the first commander-level meeting on June 6, the Indian side committed to no trespassing in Galwan Valley for patrolling and building. The two sides agreed to set up observatory posts at the two sides of the Galwan river estuary, but the Indian side went against this agreement and asked China to dismantle Chinas posts and also it crossed the LAC, he said. Wu Qian claimed that China had sovereignty over the Galwan Valley and that Chinese troops had been patrolling the area. Since April this year, the Indian forces have built facilities in the region, and China has repeatedly made representations and protests on this. In the early hours of May 6, the Indian border guards crossed the line and entered the Chinese territory... attempted to unilaterally change the status of border control. The Chinese border defence force had to take necessary measures to strengthen onsite response and control of the border area, he said. Quian also blamed India for openly violating the June 6 consensus on June 15 and provoking China. Chinese officers and soldiers were suddenly violently attacked. This triggered physical clashes resulting in casualties, he said. No contact between def ministers Chinese defence ministry spokesperson Wu Qians claim that the defence ministers of both sides were in communication over phone after the June 15 incident, was rubbished by India Meetings with friends, family reunions, senior residences, hospitals, agricultural companies, slaughterhouses and imported cases. The dozen or so coronavirus outbreaks active in Spain do not follow a single pattern. The virus is out there, taking advantage of any opportunity to infect others. Medical experts say the country is not seeing anything unexpected: they knew that outbreaks would occur. Whats important, they say, is controlling them in time. But these experts are concerned about the publics increasingly relaxed attitude towards prevention measures. This attitude, they warn, could lead the pandemic to escalate out of control. The coronavirus outbreaks are reflected in the data. The report from the Spanish Health Ministry on Wednesday showed the highest number of new daily infections in three weeks: 196, without taking into account the figures from Castilla-La Mancha, which could not be added due to technical problems. One has to go back to June 3 to find a worse number: 219. Although Madrid recorded the highest number of new cases (50), Aragon has seen the biggest spike in infections, with 49 cases recorded in 24 hours. This is the region where an outbreak of coronavirus has forced four comarcas administrative regions smaller than provinces to move back to Phase 2 of the governments deescalation plan. It gives us the impression that we were unable to communicate the seriousness of the situation Pedro Rascado, Semicyuc Outbreaks are to be expected and they can be overcome as long as they are controlled and limited, which depends on public healthcare systems, explains Rafael Manuel Orti Lucas, the president of the Spanish Association of Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Hygiene. They have to be ready to track down contacts and the system we have is not perfect. While [outbreaks] are limited to a slaughterhouse, a certain neighborhood with special characteristics, a hospital where a patient could be infected, they are acceptable; this is what is happening and it is foreseeable. But the expert warns: What worries us is if [the outbreak] escapes to the community via parties, outdoor drinking sessions, events, social gatherings in neighborhoods or summer festivities, and it is not detected by the public health system, which will be less well staffed in the summer. If this were to happen, an outbreak would turn into uncontrolled community transmission, which would lead to a second wave of the pandemic, as is currently happening in South Korea. In other countries that have seen a rise in cases, this situation does not apply because they are still in the first wave, according to the experts. In Ortis opinion, although the public has generally responded well to the coronavirus safety measures, we are seeing a certain relaxation. The risk of the disease remains and it seems like that is sometimes forgotten, agrees Pedro Gullon, from the Spanish Epidemiology Association. Pedro Rascado, the coordinator of the Covid-19 contingency plan at the Spanish Association of Critical, Intensive and Coronary Medicine (Semicyuc), is also concerned about some peoples behavior: It gives us the impression that we were unable to communicate the seriousness of the situation. Outbreak: a group of three or more cases A protocol from the Spanish Health Ministry defines an outbreak as any group of three or more confirmed or probable cases with an active infection in which an epidemiological link has been established. Despite this definition, which was made on June 16, each regional authority has their own way of referring to these groupings. In Andalusia, for example, the regional government denies that it has any outbreaks its health chief, Jesus Aguirre, instead uses the English word clusters even though they meet the Health Ministrys definition of an outbreak. Regional authorities, following their own criteria, are the ones who decide whether or not to announce an outbreak. The central Health Ministry presents the aggregated data every few days at a government press conference. At the last conference on Monday, Fernando Simon, the director of the Health Ministrys Coordination Center for Health Alerts, announced that 12 of the 36 outbreaks detected in Spain since the beginning of the deescalation process remained active. A medical center in Binefar, one of the comarcas affected by the coronavirus outbreak in Aragon. EL PAIS The ministry has decided not to identify the provinces where the outbreaks are active, nor how many positive cases each one has. The data fluctuates a lot and some regions are more sensitive than others when it comes to defining them [outbreaks], explains a ministry spokesperson. Although regional authorities report each outbreak to the ministry, this data is centralized and not made public, meaning it is up to the regions to show transparency over this public health issue. Some outbreaks have been identified thanks to reports from workers unions, including a case at the chicken company Uvesa in Rafelbunyol, in Valencia. On Wednesday, a day after the complaint was filed, the Valencian government confirmed that seven coronavirus cases had been detected at the company. No clear pattern Using the data provided by the regions and press reports, it is possible to trace the outbreaks that are currently active or have been in the past few days. EL PAIS has identified 18 outbreaks that account for more than 330 cases. An analysis of these situations highlights that unlike a month ago, when almost all outbreaks originated in parties or family reunions, now there is no clear pattern. There are outbreaks in hospitals, like the two in the Basurto and Txagorritxu hospital in the Basque Country, which authorities consider controlled, and the one in Rio Hortega hospital in Valladolid, where 21 infections have been detected. There are also outbreaks that are believed to be linked to family or social gatherings: one in Pamplona with 21 confirmed coronavirus cases, another one in Granada, with 10 cases, and a third in Orio in the Basque Country. Txagorritxu hospital in the Basque city of Vitoria, where a coronavirus outbreak was detected. Lino Rico The workplace has also been the site of many outbreaks. The largest of them is among fruit pickers in Huesca province in Aragon. Regional authorities on Wednesday reported 17 new cases in the comarcas of Bajo Cinca, Cinca Medio and La Litera, and 15 in Bajo Aragon-Caspe. These areas have been forced to return to Phase 2 of the coronavirus deescalation plan and regional authorities have asked residents to limit travel to and from the affected areas. Simon warned on Monday that there is a risk that the outbreak could spread to the neighboring province of Lleida in Catalonia because there is a lot of exchange and contact. Authorities are currently investigating whether a contagion among 24 fruit pickers in La Juneda, near Lleida, is connected with the cases in Huesca. In Lleida, seven fruit pickers have also been placed in quarantine in a hotel after testing positive for Covid-19. In these type of outbreaks, like those that occurred in April and May in meatpacking factories, the working and living conditions of the workers, most of whom are migrants, play a large role. We have not been able to prevent [new outbreaks] with enough forcefulness, it appears that adequate security measures do not exist, says Gullon. Companies must invest in prevention, in transportation systems in which workers are not crowded in together, adds Ildefonso Hernandez, from the Spanish Public Health Association (Sespas). In Malaga, an outbreak was detected in the Red Cross shelter, with 15 cases as of Wednesday, the regional government reported. In Algeciras, 17 people have contracted the virus in an outbreak linked to two boarding houses in the city. Imported cases Several outbreaks are linked to imported cases, like a migrant boat that arrived in Fuerteventura in Spains Canary Islands with 11 infected people aboard. In Murcia, another outbreak with 17 infections was caused by a case that arrived from Bolivia. In Navalmoral de la Mata in Caceres, an outbreak of 17 infections originated in another region, according to the Extremadura regional government. And in Galicia, authorities are investigating if the only known outbreak in the region where at least seven people have tested positive in the municipalities of Ribeira and A Pobra in A Coruna is connected to a person who arrived from Brazil. There are also cases in senior residences. In Lleida, the private senior home Castillon began to detect positive cases on June 14, after visits were allowed again. Now 18 people have been infected. In Extremadura, the residents of two homes in Plasencia and Casa de Caceres have been isolated after testing positive. These, however, are not considered active outbreaks as they are old cases that were detected before the deescalation process but continue to test positive, explained a spokesperson. Senior home Castillon in Lleida, which began detecting coronavirus cases on June 14. Europa Press Although these outbreaks have not been directly linked with young people, epidemiologists are concerned about the images of large parties and outdoor drinking sessions where basic safety measures are not being respected. As Simon warned on Monday: It may be that they [young people] do not suffer [from coronavirus] but they could turn into spreaders. According to Simon, the average age of coronavirus patients has fallen from 60 to 50 in a month. This could be due to several reasons, including the fact that tests are now being done on everyone who has coronavirus symptoms. During the peak of the crisis, tests were only done on the most serious cases who needed hospital assistance, and who tended to be older people. Several regions have launched information campaigns aimed at young people. Its important to address them specifically because perhaps traditional mediums dont reach them, says Antoni Trilla, an epidemiologist in the central governments team of experts. A high percentage of people under 35 live with their families. If there is transmission among young people, it is easy for it to reach seniors and perhaps even easier for [young people] to relax [safety measures] because they are not at such high personal risk, adds Hernandez. English version by Melissa Kitson. City officials are preparing to hand out millions of dollars to San Antonio small businesses. The aim is to make 1,000 grants, some as much as $75,000, to businesses with 20 employees or fewer. LiftFund, the San Antonio-based small business lender, will administer the program, and business owners will be able to apply any time between July 13 to July 24. Its essential, as micro- and small businesses are our largest providers or creators of jobs, that a micro- and small business grant fund specific to COVID-19 relief be stood up, said Celina Pena, chief advancement officer at LiftFund. She runs the nonprofits grant programs. Were hoping this money... is going to help them through the next two quarters, she said. The grants will help small businesses safely reopen and bring back lost jobs. City Councils economic and workforce development committee this week moved forward with the plan. Self-employed business owners are eligible for grants up to $10,000. Employers with one to five employees can receive up to $25,000, while business owners who employ up to 10 people can get up to $50,000. Businesses with 11 to 20 employees can land grants up to $75,000. To be eligible, businesses must have been established before August 2019 and have annual revenue of less than $2 million. Owners also must demonstrate theyve lost more than 15 percent of their revenue due to the pandemic, and the business cannot have already received a loan or grant from a similar program operated by Bexar County. Professional services businesses, such as physicians office and law firms, as well as gambling businesses, national franchises, sexually-oriented businesses, payday and auto loan providers, liquor stores and businesses that a city employee has a financial stake in are ineligible for the program. Grant recipients will be notified no earlier than Aug. 10. Many micro-businesses have had difficulty securing federal funding, such as the Paycheck Protection Program or Economic Injury Disaster Loan, because they lacked a relationship with a local banker or were unclear on loan repayment guidelines. One-third of local businesses that applied for a PPP loan did not receive funding, according to city data. Only one in three local businesses that sought disaster loans received them. I do think that businesses are hesitant about debt, Pena said, and then terms are not very clear as it relates to PPP. The citys small business support initiative comes after Bexar County assembled its own grant fund for small- and micro businesses. The application period for the county fund closed June 19. Pena said demand for the county grants, which LiftFund also administered, was high. LiftFund received more than 1,500 applications seeking $23 million in funding from the $6.5 million fund. We know small businesses are struggling, she said. Steven Nivin, an economist who teaches at St. Marys University, said last week that most of the businesses that will be forced to close permanently due to the pandemic will likely be micro businesses. Of the 1,700 establishments that Nivin expects to go out of businesss, 95 percent of them employ 25 workers or fewer. This city is putting a total of $38 million, largely from federal CARES Act funding, toward small business support. The majority of the funds $27 million will go toward the small business grants. Another $5 million will be set aside to provide on-the-job training for up to 950 unemployed workers. The city will direct workers to small businesses, where they can get training for up to 12 weeks while also receiving a $450 weekly stipend. As part of the small business relief package, the city in late April distributed $2 million worth of PPE equipment to 5,000 local businesses. Bexar County officials this week are also giving out 1 million masks to area businesses. With COVID-19 cases rising rapidly in Bexar County in recent weeks, Pena said federal lawmakers may approve another round of financial assistance later this year or in 2021 to meet the demand from small businesses. If you think about PPP and (Economic Disaster Injury Loan), Ive never seen the federal government work that quickly on standing up something so fast, Pena said. Im hopeful that there is a good push for additional COVID-19 relief programs. diego.mendoza-moyers@express-news.net A Romanian widower who was married to an 81-year-old British vicar 54 years his senior has said that he is now ready to collect the 150,000 life insurance and find 'new love'. Florin Marin, 27, also banned his late husband Philip Clements' family from attending his funeral and cremation in Romania after they called him a 'gold digging leech'. Mr Clements, who moved to Bucharest to be with Marin, died on May 31, 2020, and left all of his fortune to his toyboy. In addition to the life insurance, Marin will receive a 100,000 flat in Bucharest that was put into his name before his husband died, and a 2,000-a-month-for-life pension. In contrast, Mr Clements' older brother, 71-year-old Anthony, was left with just two 'favourite family photographs'. Mr Marin (right) said that Mr Clements (left) became sick with a fever last month after he ran out of medication during the coronavirus lockdown, before being taken to hospital. He tested negative for COVID, but died overnight on May 31 Detailing exactly what he received in the will, Mr Marin said he will get 150,000 from a life insurance policy, a 100,000 apartment in Bucharest that was put into his name, and a 2,000-for-life British pension - unless he remarries In an interview with The Sun Online, Marin - a model - said he was now looking to the future, and plans to scatter his late husband's ashes at a local lake next week. 'My plans for my future - I will get in love with someone else,' he said, speaking outside the crematorium in Bucharest. 'I am only 27-years-old. The life, it's in front of me. I hope to find someone nice.' He added that he did not expect to find someone like Mr Clements again, saying 'Phillip will remain in my heart all my life.' Marin explained that he did not invite his late husband's family to the funeral because they had accused him of being a 'leech'. Another of Mr Clements' brothers, 76-year-old Brian, was the one who branded Mr Marin a 'leech' who 'got what he always wanted'. In contrast to the 150,000 Widow Florin Marin will get from a life insurance policy, a 100,000 house that was put into his name before Mr Clements died, and a 2,000-a-month-for-life pension - Phillip's brother Anthony has been given two family favourite photographs (pictured) A favourite family photo Of Anthony Clements (71), brother Of Deceased Former Vicar Philip Clements, pictured with his brothers on their mother's 90th birthday, Dover, Kent At the time, Mr Marin hit back at his late husband's family. During an interview with ITV's This Morning he insisted: 'All the time people are thinking when someone marries a woman or a man, more old than him or her, it's just about money. 'No it's not like that. It's not like that. No. No. It wasn't,' he said. 'Yes, he left me in the will and I'm married to him, he's my husband. What his family said, I want to tell them to mind their own business, and best wishes in their lives.' Mr Clements, who had only recently moved to Romania this year, fell ill in May and was taken to a hospital in Bucharest after running out of medication during the coronavirus lockdown. While he tested negative for Covid-19, he passed away overnight on May 31 in a room unable to receive visitors due to coronavirus restrictions in place. Mr Marin said this morning that 'It's not like that' when asked if he had married Mr Clements for his money Florin said he then received a call around midnight on May 31 from the hospital confirming that his husband had passed away. 'My darling people, it is not my fault that left me with this money,' the 27-year-old said. He added the the amount was 'not that huge, it's not like saying, wow, it's one or two million pounds.' The couple met on the online dating site Gaydar and got married three years ago in Kent - but their relationship hadn't been plain sailing. They experienced turbulence early on when Mr Clements tried living in Bucharest. Rows over Mr Marin's clubbing into the early hours and an alleged affair with a Spaniard named Jesus saw the former vicar move back to England after just a few months, despite having sold his home to live in the Romanian capital. They even appeared on the Jeremy Kyle show together. Mr Clements (right) sold his home in Kent for 214,750 before moving to Romania and buying a flat in Bucharest. He returned to England shortly after because the pair experienced turbulence in their relationship, but Mr Clements said they reached an understanding and were living together again, before he was admitted to hospital The couple rekindled their relationship, and Mr Clements sold his house in the UK and moved out to Romania where the pair lived off his teaching and church pension. Prior to his death, Mr Clements had said of Marin: 'I love him to bits, if we were permanently separated, I would be the most unhappy person in the world.' The furious relatives of Mr Clements have been quite adamant in their belief that Marin had ulterior motives. Brother Anthony said: I told my brother this many times. Florin is nothing but a gold digger who set out to rob my brother from the moment they met. And now he has got what he wanted. The man is a disgrace. I made my feelings clear many times. What has happened speaks for itself. Florin has cashed in and has done very well out of my brother. Pictured: Anthony Clements, brother of Phillip, who passed away alone on May 31 in a Bucharest hospital room that was closed to visitors amid the coronavirus pandemic. The retired postman added: The whole family feels the same way. Ive spoken to my other brother Brian about it too and hes not happy either about the way Florin has taken advantage of Phillip. We were supposed to inherit Philips estate but now its all gone to Florin. But its not about the money because I would rather have my brother alive. What angers us is the way hes been treated by his husband. He claims the pair were 'always fighting and breaking up. On one occasion about four years ago I went to console Philip because he was in bits. I supported him through it, but I also told him that Florin was no good for him.' Mr Clements fell ill during the coronavirus lockdown after running low on medication and initially refused to go to hospital (pictured left at home not long before he died) but was eventually taken there by Florin (pictured on the ward right) where he was put in isolation before passing away He described his his late brother as 'a very intelligent man but not very street wise and it was easy to pull the wool over his eyes and take advantage of him. I could see what was going on but sadly, he couldnt. In an exclusive interview with MailOnline after Mr Clements' death, Mr Marin said: 'People will think that I am a widow with a black hat who is crying, and I did cry, but two days is enough. 'Philip didn't want me to cry, he wanted people to be happy whatever happened. 'I don't want to show people my feelings because my husband died, because some people take advantage of that and there are people who are happy because of your sadness,' he added. 'I am 27 years old and I'm not challenged.' The World Bank Group and the Australian Government have agreed to extend their strategic partnership in Vietnam with a commitment of a further AUD5 million (US$3.43 million) to support Vietnams economic recovery and protect the most vulnerable from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Robyn Mudie and the World Bank Country Director for Vietnam Ousmane Dione are at the signing ceremony on the extension of their strategic partnership in Vietnam. Photo courtesy of World Bank The funds, provided by the Australian government and administered by the World Bank Group, are additional financing to the ongoing Australia-World Bank Group Strategic Partnership - Phase 2 (ABP2) that focuses on supporting Vietnams development agenda through knowledge sharing and advising policy-making. The additional funding will help address emerging challenges and critical needs of Vietnam post COVID-19, said Ousmane Dione, the World Bank Country Director for Vietnam. By providing support in key areas such as private sector development, trade integration, and innovation, the program aims to help the countrys economy gain back its full potential in the fastest and most sustainable way, he said. Vietnam should be very proud of how it has tackled COVID-19. The next challenge for Vietnam, as for Australia, will be to replicate the successes of the health response in the economic response, said Robyn Mudie, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam. I am proud of the role the Australia-World Bank Group Strategic Partnership is playing in Vietnams economic recovery. It will continue providing world-class economic advice and analysis for Vietnams leaders and policy makers to accelerate economic recovery, with an increasingly strong focus on gender equality and social protection, she said. The Government of Vietnam has been effective in containing the COVID-19 pandemic with a limited number of cases and no registered deaths. The pandemic, however, has shaken the countrys traditional resilience to external shocks with economic growth in the first quarter reaching only 3.8 per cent compared to projected growth of 6.5 per cent prior to the crisis. In order to mitigate economic and social impacts of COVID-19, it is critical for the government to target sectors and activities that create jobs and improve long-term productivity and growth, such as infrastructure, innovation, social protection, health, and education, according to the World Bank. To address the potential loss of human capital from COVID-19, the activities to be funded will protect and support vulnerable groups, including by strengthening social safety nets with more efficient and effective delivery of social security payments; narrowing human capital gaps, particularly for ethnic minorities, with a well-designed ethnic minority national targeted programme; and improving gender equality in legal frameworks. The funds will also be directed towards economic recovery activities, including accelerating the execution of the investment programme while deepening trade integration, supporting the private sector in strengthening resilience against future shocks through structural reforms, and taking advantage of the digital agenda by reducing transaction costs for the government, people, and businesses. This programme of work takes forward part of the AUD10.5 million commitment from Australia toward Vietnams COVID-19 recovery efforts, discussed in a meeting between Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, Robyn Mudie, and Vietnam's Minister for Planning and Investment, Nguyen Chi Dung, on 5 June 2020. The ongoing ABP2 program, signed in April 2017, aims to support the countrys key national reforms, which are intended to gradually benefit millions of Vietnamese people and help the Southeast Asian country reach its ambition of becoming a high-income economy by 2045. VNS The head of the company that operates the Uniqlo clothing chain has pledged 10 billion yen, or about 94 million dollars, of his own money to medical research under two Japanese Nobel laureates. Yanai Tadashi, chairman and CEO of Fast Retailing, held a news conference on Wednesday at Kyoto University. He was joined by Honjo Tasuku, co-winner of the 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and Yamanaka Shinya, co-winner of the same prize in 2012. Yanai described cancer and the coronavirus as the biggest medical challenges. He said he will donate 500 million yen, or about 4.6 million dollars, every year over the next decade for research and training at the university's Center for Cancer Immunotherapy and Immunobiology. The center is headed by Honjo. Yanai pledged another 500 million yen for coronavirus research led by Yamanaka. He will also donate the same amount every year for nine years starting in fiscal 2021 to build a facility for low-cost production of iPS cells. Honjo expressed gratitude, saying it is an advantage for a private fund to be able to use money for new, freely created ideas. Yamanaka said he feels a heavy responsibility. He said he cannot ensure 100 percent success, but his team will do its best. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 25, 2020 | PADUCAH By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 25, 2020 | 11:24 AM | PADUCAH A Kevil man who was the chief building inspector for McCracken County was killed Thursday morning in a crash on Blandville Road. The McCracken County Sheriff's Office says deputies responded at around 7 a.m. to a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of Blandville Road and North Gum Springs Road. The investigation revealed 61-year-old David Flowers of Kevil's vehicle traveled down an embankment and struck a tree head-on. Flowers was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Flowers had been the department director for building inspections in McCracken County since 2008, according to Deputy County Judge-Executive Steve Doolittle. He worked with Flowers when they were both city and county employees. "David was an exceptional guy. He was well-liked and friendly and loyal to his job and his community. He like to help people and solve problems for them. He will sorely missed around here," Doolittle said. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 03:39:36|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell speaks during a press conference following a vote in the U.S. Senate to acquit President Donald Trump on impeachment on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., the United States, Feb. 5, 2020. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua) The key procedural vote on a Republican police reform bill was seen as a setback in Congress' effort to pass legislation in the near future. WASHINGTON, June 24 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Senate Democrats on Wednesday blocked a Republican police reform bill from advancing as they push for bipartisan talks on a plan to overhaul law enforcement following a national outcry against police brutality and racism. The key procedural vote, 55-45, was seen as a setback in Congress' effort to pass legislation in the near future. Senate Democrats said the Republican bill was insufficient, calling it an irredeemably flawed answer to the problem of systemic racism in law enforcement. Republican senators criticized Democrats for declining to even begin floor debate on the measure. In a floor speech on Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell accused Democrats of giving a "last-minute ultimatum" by turning "this routine step into a partisan impasse." U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (2nd R) walks by the Senate Chamber during Day 2 of the Senate impeachment trial on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., the United States, on Jan. 22, 2020. (Photo by Ting Shen/Xinhua) "The bill is a ruse and nothing will get done," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor Wednesday prior to the vote. The Republican bill requires additional disclosures about the use of force, codifies reporting requirements on the use of "no knock warrants," provides incentives for chokehold bans and makes lynching a federal crime. The Senate Democratic proposal would ban chokeholds and no knock warrants in federal drug cases, and limit qualified immunity for police officers to make it easier to sue police, local media reported. Both sides want to pass anti-lynching legislation and provide de-escalation training for police. Republicans unveiled the measure last week, led by the only African American Republican senator -- Tim Scott from South Carolina. In response, Democrats called on Republicans to come back to the negotiating table to come up with a bipartisan solution that the Senate can then vote on. The Democratic-led House is expected to pass its sweeping police reform legislation on Thursday, though Senate Republican leaders have said they would not take up that measure, setting the stage for a bitter stalemate on the issue. The South Loop organization which trains and educates youth on activism was feeding protesters pizza and giving them water and access to bathrooms before city officials entered the building and issued a cease-and-desist order threatening fines and arrests. The lawsuit alleges the city violated the organizations First Amendment rights, among other freedoms, and asks a judge to block enforcement of the order. It also seeks monetary damages. Gogglebox stars Lee and Keith vented their frustrations on Instagram on Wednesday, after visiting a Melbourne supermarket, only to find the shelves once again stripped of toilet paper. It comes after Melbourne's recent spike in coronavirus cases, prompting people to start panic buying once more. 'There's no toilet paper again. People, please. Didn't we learn from this the first time?' an exasperated Keith, 59, told the camera in a video posted to the couple's Instagram. Round two: Gogglebox stars Lee and Keith vented their frustrations on Instagram on Wednesday, after visiting a Melbourne supermarket, only to find the shelves once again stripped of toilet paper 'Apparently not Keith,' responded Lee, 58, from behind the camera. Standing in front of the empty supermarket shelves, Keith continued to vent his anger about the situation. 'Jesus. Get fair dinkum. We're not in the panic. Get fair dinkum... I need to wipe my Tijuana!' he continued. 'There's no toilet paper again. People, please. Didn't we learn from this the first time?' an exasperated Keith, 59, told the camera in a video posted to the couple's Instagram Both Coles and Woolworths were forced to reintroduce buying limits in Victoria on Wednesday as panic-stricken shoppers stripped shelves. 'Didn't we learn the FIRST time,' the couple captioned the video, after panic buying resulted in a shortage of toilet paper back in March. And many of Lee and Keith's Instagram followers appeared equally dismayed by the incredible scene. Here we go again: It comes after Melbourne's recent spike in coronavirus cases, prompting people to start panic buying once more 'Seriously, where are their brains at?' commented one fan, with the couple responding, 'Not in their heads that's for sure'. 'What's wrong with people. If no one panic buys there's enough for EVERYONE!! You'd think they'd have learnt the first time around,' wrote another follower, with the couple responding, 'We know right.' Wrote one person: 'People are crazy, they couldn't have used all they bought last time. How much can you s**t!!!' Mitie has confirmed plans to snap up rival outsourcing group Interserve's support services arm for 271million, in a move that will create a firm employing nearly 80,000 people, making it the biggest facilities management company in the country. Subject to shareholder approval, Interserve's shareholders will end up with 120million in cash between them and a 23.4 per cent stake in Mitie. Mitie, which currently employs 37,500 staff, posted an annual operating profit of 86million today, with the group's share price rising over 6 per cent in early morning trading. Mitie has confirmed plans to snap up rival outsourcing group Interserve's support services arm If the deal gets the green light from shareholders, the combination of Mitie and Interserve's support services businesses would create a mega business with over 3.5billion worth of revenue. Mitie also unveiled plans for a 201million rights issue today, claiming the quest for extra cash was a 'prudent move' aimed at helping to strengthen its balance sheet in the face of Covid-19. The cash raised from the rights issue will also help Mitie fund the takeover of its rival. For Mitie's shareholders, the company's top brass have confirmed they are not putting forward any final dividend recommendations, 'given the need to conserve cash in the COVID-19 situation.' Between the 18/19 and 19/20 financial years, Mitie's shareholders have seen their dividend payouts fall by 67 per cent, from 4p a share to 1.33p a share. Having risen over 6 per cent earlier, Mitie's share price is now up 3.75 per cent or 3p to 83p. A year ago, the group's share price stood at around the 151.8p mark. On the Covid-19 front, Mitie's boss Phil Bentley, said: 'In the first two months of our current financial year, our business proved more resilient than initially expected, reflecting the essential nature of the services we provide to customers. 'The decline in revenue was 12% with a drop through to profit of 20%. As further cost saving initiatives kick-in, we would expect the profit drop-through impact to reduce. 'Year to date average net debt of 86m at 31 May 2020 is at the lowest point for over 10 years and has benefited from tax deferral support from HMRC. Early indications show that June trading will also be better than expected.' 'As the lockdown eases, we are working with our customers to ensure their employees can safely return to work.' Last year, Interserve entered into a pre-pack administration Bentley said Mitie had already launched a new cleaning product called Citrox Protect', which, he claimed, 'provides surface protection against certain coronaviruses.' Commenting on Mitie's proposed acquisition of Interserve, Bentley said: 'This will be a transformative acquisition, expanding the scale and footprint of our business to create the UK's largest facilities management company and accelerate the delivery of Mitie's long-term technology-led vision. 'The transaction will better balance our public and private sector divisions; driving greater returns from the investments we have made in technology and customer service over the past three years. Together, we will create a true UK facilities management champion and partner to UK business, with over 77,500 exceptional employees.' Last year, Interserve entered into a pre-pack administration, overseen by accountants at EY. While Interserve derives the bulk of its revenue from public sector work, Mitie rakes in most of its cash from the private sector. Mitie and Interserve have both been involved with the NHS Nightingale hospitals commissioned by ministers to assist the health service through the pandemic. Newest camouflage combat uniforms to be distributed to all PLA troops PLA Daily Source: China Military Online Editor: Wang Xinjuan 2020-06-24 18:42:46 BEIJING, June 24 -- The Chinese military's new-style combat uniforms featuring the newest camouflage pattern that debuted during the military parade in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China are currently being tried on by some troops and will be allocated to all troops as planned, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, at the regular press conference on the afternoon of June 24. Snr. Col. Wu also confirmed that the service members at the Chinese PLA Support Base in Djibouti are wearing the latest outfit, as online photos showed. The new camouflage uniform is designed and developed independently by China. Based on the Type-07 camo, improvements have been applied to the new uniform in terms of color, patterns, fabrics and military accessories. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address By Azernews By Ayya Lmahamad Azerbaijan transported 22 more citizens of Kazakhstan back to their country, local media reported with reference to Baku Port on June 24. According to the information, 22 citizens of Kazakhstan, 10 citizens of Azerbaijan and 1 citizen of Russia, who have the right to live in this country, were transported to Kazakhstan via Professor Gul ferry from the Baku port on June 24. The passengers tested negative for COVID-19 before departure. On May 13, Kazakhstan approved a new procedure for crossing the state border for the period of quarantine restrictions, according to which the Kazakh port "Kuryk" resumed acceptance of citizens of Kazakhstan and other countries with the right to enter the country. During May and June, 78 Kazakh citizens and 24 foreign nationals departed from the Baku port. Azerbaijan first introduced quarantine regime on March 24 and closed its borders over COVID-19. Everything possible is being done to protect those responsible for a major outbreak of COVID-19 infections among meat processing workers in England and Wales. Unite, the largest union in the UK, is playing a central role in this conspiracy. Based on further testing, the rate of infections among meat processing workers has surpassed those originally announced by three companies, which resulted in the temporary shutdown of affected sites at the end of last week. At the 2 Sisters chicken factory in Llangefni, Anglesey, Wales, with a workforce of 560, the total number of workers testing positive is now 175. At Rowan Foods in Wrexham, Wales, which employs 1,500 workers, cases have risen from the 38 originally reported to 70, including family members of employees. No update has been provided in relation to the outbreak in England at Kober Ltd in Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire, which had reported at least 150 cases. This figure had been disputed as an underestimation based on leaked reports. The 2 Sisters factory is the only one of the three that remains closed until July 2, while employees self-isolate. This is the biggest outbreak of COVID-19 in workplaces since the first case of the pandemic was recorded in the UK. Unite has reported that it is aware of five other sites with suspected outbreaks but did not identify the locations. It is entering tripartite talks with the Welsh Labour government and employers designed to stem growing social anger and provide a clean bill of health to the corporations, whose criminal negligence has compromised the safety of thousands of workers and those in local communities. The flood of empty assurances coming from Public Health Wales (PHW) and Public Health England is in inverse proportion to any measures to ensure further containment of the outbreak. The pandemic has been able to rage precisely because these agencies, along with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), are beholden to the companies. On April 3, police were called to workers at Rowan Foods Limited, who had staged a walkout over the unsafe conditions in the factory. In response, Rowan Foods has cited PHW to claim that the outbreak of the virus did not originate in its factory. The three companies responsible for the industrial outbreak of COVID-19 dominate the food industry and are suppliers to leading supermarkets and fast food chains. The 2 Sisters Food Group is owned by Boporan Holdings and supplies a third of all poultry products consumed in the UK. Rowan Foods is owned by Oscar Meyer Quality Foods. Kober, which employs 500, is owned by supermarket chain Asda for which it supplies bacon rashers and joints. Asda is the British subsidiary of the US transnational, Walmart. The exploitative and dangerous conditions in these workplaces are the basis on which the wealth of their billionaire owners has been coined. It provides a devastating indictment of the government, which designated these industries essential and which have operated throughout the pandemic under minimal safety regulations. Low pay and recourse only to Statutory Sick Pay paid at 95.85 per week have magnified the risk of the virus spreading, as workers cannot afford to go sick. Along with other unions, Unite has been responsible for policing these conditions. Since the outbreak began, the overarching aim of Unite has been damage limitation to safeguard its collaboration with the Johnson governments premature return to work. Last Friday, Unite called for a crisis meeting with the Welsh government and employers over the outbreak. Labours health minister, Vaughan Gething, has taken up the offer and is due to meet with employers and unions this week. This is under conditions in which a third meat processing plant in Wales, at Merthyr Tydfill, has seen an increase in infections. The Kepak meat plant had 34 cases linked to the site since April and 8 new cases in June. In a press briefing, Gething described food producers as being generally good at following COVID-19 workplace regulations and said that there are very good examples of this around Wales. We also know that the meat processing sector, operating margins can be very tight, many people are employed on fairly low pay and levels of statutory sick pay mean many people feel they have no choice but to carry on working when they are ill, he added. The Labour minister described the profit margins of some of the wealthiest corporations as tight. On Tuesday, he stated that there was no evidence of a wider community transmission and did not see the need for local lockdown measures. The Labour Party in West Yorkshire was involved in a cover-up in relation to the outbreak at the local Asda meat processing factory. In a spat with Tory Health Minister Matt Hancock, local Labour MP Tracy Brabin said his revealing the outbreak was like being thrown to the wolves. She claimed no-one in Kirklees should be concerned [about a coronavirus outbreak in a large local factory]. Having spoken to the council theyve acted very swiftly, Im proud of them but Im really frustrated Matt Hancock took it on himself to announce it like that. Labour-run Kirklees Council admitted it had kept the Kober outbreak from the public because it doesnt combat the spread of the virus, compromises patient confidentiality and it could discourage businesses and organisations from coming forward in future. The cover-up by the Labour Party and unions extends back to April with the outbreak at the Cranswick Convenience Foods meat slicing factory in Wombwell, Barnsley that claimed the lives of three workers, with nine confirmed cases. The employer, local Labour authority and the GMB union contrived to ensure that even a 48-hour closure for a deep clean did not take place. This was publicly revealed only on June 22, in an article in the Yorkshire Examiner, when local Labour MPs noted that the HSE had failed to conduct a site inspection. John Healey MP confirmed that the HSE had only contacted the company via e-mail and accepted its assurances that measures had been put in place, asking, If they didnt do a site visit when three people died, what would it take? But this admission was only made following e-mails sent to Labour MPs including Healey by Leander Lupton, the partner of 55-year-old Dave Baxter, a Cranswick employee, who died of the virus on April 19. Ms Lupton told the newspaper, They have put measures in place only since there have been deaths and hospital admissions. People dont speak up because theyre scared for their jobs. Meat processing factories across the world have become a breeding ground for the virus and working in them a potential death sentence for workers in the US, Brazil, France, and Germany. They have become major hotspots because workers are crammed in on assembly lines working up to 12 hours a day with line speeds and air conditioning systemsin which air is constantly cooled and circulateddetermined by corporate interests, not workers safety. Unites collaboration with the corporations and the Johnson government is based on supporting the national interest. This makes future employment and terms and conditions conditional on the increased drive for profitability and competitiveness. The unions use any minor concession from the companies to justify their slavish support for corporate interests over workers rights. Unite was full of praise for 2 Sisters Food Group because it agreed to full pay for workers at its Llangefni factory during the two weeks of self-isolation. The COVID-19 outbreak in the meat processing factories underscores the need for independent rank -and-file committees linking the fight for workplace safety with a broader restructuring of the economyto end the stranglehold exerted by the corporate and financial elite over every aspect of life, including the right to life itself. A UPS driver made an Oklahoma customers Memorial Day weekend extra special when he stopped mid-delivery to untangle the American flag outside her home. The considerate, patriotic gesture was caught on the customers doorbell camera. The hero of today is my UPS driver, homeowner Chelsie Root Ashley posted on Facebook on May 22. My USA flag was rolled up so he stopped and fixed it before he left. Happy Memorial Weekend! Ashley posted her comment beside the doorbell cam footage, which shows the UPS driver delivering a package to her doorstep before taking pause beneath the American flag displayed on the front of her home. The flag had rolled up in the breeze and was no longer flowing freely. The driver stops in his tracks, retrieves the flag from its stand, untangles the fabric, and places it back in its original position. Before leaving, the driver straightens the flag with one last flourish of his hand. A number of netizens left comments beside Ashleys post; one called the driver a true patriot, while another commented, Its the little things. Ashley later clarified that the UPS drivers name is Trent Langley, adding that his patriotic gesture deserves ample recognition. Speaking to Fox 23 News, Ashley explained that she noticed Langleys handiwork after checking her doorbell camera app on her phone. He didnt know anyone was watching him, she said, but he just did it just to do it. I thought it was so cool what he was doing when no one was looking. Just weeks before Ashleys flag-fixing UPS driver paid her home a visit, another delivery driver made headlines for a sweet gesture caught on a customers doorbell cam. On May 2, an Amazon delivery driver in Idaho was captured praying outside the home of a sick infant after reading a note pinned on the front door by the babys parents. Raquel and Derek Pearsons 8-month-old son, Lucas, has a congenital heart defect. The Amazon driver, later identified as Monica Salinas, read the Pearsons note of explanation and took a moment to bow her head in prayer for the childs health and safety. I was delivering a package and I saw a message on the door explaining that the baby at home needed many things and was grateful for us delivering things, Salinas explained, speaking to Catholic News Agency. It touched my heart. I said, Dearest God, please protect this family through your precious blood, and this baby, so that he may grow to become a man, Salinas shared. Raquel revealed that the cam footage brought her to tears. My husband and I saw the video and started crying, she said. We were very grateful that a stranger would take time out of her very busy day to pray for our baby. After the moving doorbell cam clip was posted on social media, the Pearsons local community recognized Salinas; the driver reached out to the couple herself. God has always been very important in my whole life, Salinas explained, and I would like to let everyone know that God is good. I always tell people, every day, that God is good. (Courtesy of Chelsie Root Ashley) We would love to hear your stories! You can share them with us at emg.inspired@epochtimes.nyc Ford Motor Co. issued a safety compliance recall and a safety recall June 25 for multiple models built this year. Safety compliance recall for select 2020 Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator vehicles In affected vehicles, the attachment bracket for the second-row drivers side headrest may not have been sufficiently welded to the seat frame. An improperly welded headrest bracket may have reduced strength and may not adequately restrain an occupant in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition. This action affects 2,620 vehicles in the United States, 159 in Canada and 19 in Mexico. Affected vehicles were built at Kentucky Truck Plant as follows: *Ford Expedition vehicles from Feb. 26 to March 18, 2020 *Lincoln Navigator vehicles from Feb. 27 to March 16, 2020 Dealers will inspect the seat structure and replace, if required. The Ford reference number for this recall is 20C12. Safety recall for select 2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty vehicles with 6.7-liter engine and 10R140 transmission Affected vehicles were built with a transmission torque-converter damper plate that was not tempered, resulting in a brittle damper plate that may fracture. A fractured damper plate could cause the engine to stall and require increased brake pedal effort when coming to a stop. The engine can be restarted, and mobility may be regained if the driver shifts to neutral or park. However, there could be an unexpected, aggressive reengagement when shifting to drive or reverse and the potential for another engine stall. The vehicle will continue to exhibit these symptoms until the service fix is completed. This condition can increase the risk of a crash. Ford is not aware of any reports of accident or injury related to this condition. This action affects 13 vehicles in the United States and two in Canada. Affected vehicles were built at Kentucky Truck Plant from Jan. 13 to Feb. 19, 2020, and at Ohio Assembly Plant on Jan. 29, 2020. Dealers will replace the transmission. The Ford reference number for this recall is 20S33. Source: Ford Motor Co. Profit-sharing did give workers an incentive to be more productive. It also reduced the need for layoffs during recessions, because payroll costs dropped as profits did. But it subjected workers to the risk that when profits were down, their paychecks would shrink. And if a company went bankrupt, theyd lose all their investments in it. (Sears phased out its profit-sharing plan in the 1970s and filed for bankruptcy protection in 2018.) The best profit-sharing plans came in the form of cash bonuses that employees could invest however they wished, on top of predictable base wages. Profit-sharing fit perfectly with the evolution of the American corporation. By the 1950s, most employees of large companies had spent their entire working lives with the company. Companies and their employees were rooted in the same communities. C.E.O.s typically worked their way up, and once at the top rarely earned more than 20 times the average wage of their employees (now theyre often paid more than 300 times more). Over a third of private-sector workers were unionized. In 1958 the United Auto Workers demanded that the nations automakers share their profits with their workers. Some remnants of profit-sharing remain today. Both Steelcase Inc., an office-furniture maker in Grand Rapids, Mich., and the Lincoln Electric Company, a Cleveland-based manufacturer of welding equipment, tie major portions of annual wages to profits. Publix Super Markets, which operates in the Southeast, and W.L. Gore, the maker of Gore-Tex, are owned by employee stock ownership plans. America still harbors small worker cooperatives owned and operated by their employees, such as the Cheese Board Collective in my hometown Berkeley, Calif. But since the 1980s, profit-sharing has almost disappeared from large corporations. Thats largely because of a change in the American corporation that began with a wave of hostile takeovers and corporate restructurings in the 1980s. Raiders like Carl Icahn, Ivan Boesky and Michael Milken targeted companies they thought could deliver higher returns if their costs were cut. Since payrolls were the highest cost, raiders set about firing workers, cutting pay, automating as many jobs as possible, fighting unions, moving jobs to states with lower labor costs and outsourcing jobs abroad. To prevent being taken over, C.E.O.s began doing the same. Sustained efforts by officials of the Pakistan high commission in New Delhi to allegedly recruit young men from Kashmir for terrorist training was one of the factors behind Indias decision to halve the strength of the mission, people familiar with developments said on Thursday. Reports from intelligence agencies show that 399 young men from Jammu and Kashmir had been issued visas by the Pakistan high commission since January 2017, and the current whereabouts of 218 of them are unknown, the people said on condition of anonymity. India asked Pakistan on June 23 to reduce the strength of its mission in New Delhi by 50% in a week, saying the actions of Pakistani officials were part of a larger policy of supporting cross-border violence and terrorism. Pakistan rejected and condemned what it said were baseless Indian allegations and informed New Delhi of its decision to reduce the Indian high commissions strength within seven days as a reciprocal measure. The people cited above said intelligence reports had shown that Pakistan has been targeting young men from Kashmir for terrorist training, and equipping and arming them to carry out attacks similar to the one in Pulwama in February 2019. The officials of the Pakistan high commission were involved in these efforts to foment trouble in Jammu and Kashmir. Such attacks are used by Pakistan to project internationally as the work of local resistance fighters, said a person. Citing one specific instance, the people said five heavily armed terrorists of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) were tracked and killed by security forces on April 5 after they infiltrated into Keran sector of Jammu and Kashmir from Dudhnial in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on the night of March 31-April 1. Three of the five terrorists were identified as Adil Hussain Mir, Umar Nazir Khan and Sajjad Ahmed Hurrah, all residents of Jammu and Kashmir who had travelled to Pakistan in April 2018 on visas issued by the Pakistan high commission in New Delhi, the people said. Indian security agencies have uncovered other instances of Pakistani officials in New Delhi being allegedly linked to terror activities. While investigating the case of Jammu and Kashmir Polices deputy superintendent Davinder Singh, who was caught with two Hizbul Mujahideen commanders on January 10, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) found that all three were in constant touch with an assistant in the Pakistani mission named Shafqat, the people said. Shafqat, they added, was allegedly a conduit for hawala transactions and terror financing. A theory has been circulating online that the masks worn to protect against COVID-19 can trap carbon dioxide, causing the wearer to re-inhale the gas, with potentially fatal results. But local health experts said that story is a bunch of hot air. Masks will not impede your ability to adequately extract oxygen from the air, said Dr. Zane Saul, Bridgeport Hospitals chief of infectious disease. I promise. Memes recently began popping up on Facebook and other social media sites theorizing that wearing masks can reduce oxygen flow and cause such conditions as hypercapnia, in which elevated carbon dioxide levels in the blood can cause dizziness, shortness of breath, headache and, in extreme cases, death. But experts quickly debunked that theory. The odds of a healthy individual being smothered by their exhaled breath from using an approved face mask is small to zilch, said Kagya Amoako, assistant professor and graduate coordinator of biomedical engineering at the University of New Haven. If you can still breathe in air wearing an approved breathable face mask, then your exhaled air can escape through and around your mask. A post on the Hartford HealthCare web page also dismissed the killer mask theory, though it pointed out that the N-95 respirators, typically used by health care professionals, can limit oxygen flow somewhat, but not enough to cause hypercapnia, or hypoxia, a condition in which the blood isnt getting enough oxygen. And, experts said, commercially available masks are highly unlikely to restrict oxygen flow. Saul said, given the vital role masks play in preventing COVID-19, the killer mask story is distressing. Masks are essential, and my thought is that, in Connecticut, were doing pretty well in getting people to wear masks, he said. On the off chance that someones mask is causing them shortness of breath, Amoako said, thats an easy fix wear a different mask. If one feels impeded in taking in breaths with any particular mask, then in the long run, that mask could pose poor blood gas exchange risks such as low oxygen content and high carbon dioxide content in blood, Amoako said. One must switch to an approved gas permeable and protective mask especially if they feel shortness of breath. Business mogul Osei Kwame Despite is mostly known for his success as a businessman and also his benevolence. Our Manifesto: This is what YEN.com.gh believes in Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Ghana More recently, his popularity has soared because of his handsome sons who have been making waves on social media with their swag. Since the plush the wedding of his first son Kennedy Osei in February 2020, not a week passes without one of the Peace FM owner's sons making catching attention on social media. But while the sons may be dominating social media, Osei Kwame Despite is also blessed with some beautiful daughters. The first of them happens to be Henrietta Adwoa Shecnk (nee Osei). Henrietta who is believed to be around the age of 31 years completed her basic education at Merton International School at North Ridge in Accra in 2006. She then went to Holy Child School in Cape Coast where she completed in 2009 before enrolling in the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS). After getting a Bachelor's degree in E-Commerce and Customer Management from UGBS in 2014, she proceeded to the University of Warwick in the United Kingdom for a Master's degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship in 2016. Upon her return to Ghana, she took up an appointment as a relationship officer at Best Point Saving and Loans, one of her father's companies. Prior to her Master's degree, she had had working stints as a sales assistant and administrative assistant at Despite Music Shop and Neat Foods, which are all part of her father's big franchise. In 2017, Despite's first daughter married a young man known Kwaku Shecnk who is said to be the son of an importer in a plush wedding. Meanwhile, Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong has recently talked about Osei Kwame Despite's riches. In an interview with Paul Adom Otchere on his Good Evening Ghana show, Ken Agyapong advised Ghanaians to learn from Despite rather than envy his riches. 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 Earlier this week, Netflix announced that it had challenged some of the biggest Hollywood stars and directors to shoot their quarantine life for a special short, which will be featured on the streaming platform. Apart from Kristen Stewart and Maggie Gyllenhaal 15 other filmmakers are participating in the compilation called Homemade. In the project helmed by Jackie filmmaker Pablo Larrain, each short will be of five to seven-minute films about life in quarantine during the Coronavirus pandemic. Variety.com reported that Kristen will shoot for the film from LA, while Maggie will be sending her piece from Vermont, which will also mark her directorial debut before The Lost Daughter. Other directors involved in the project are, Paolo Sorrentino from Rome, Italy; Ladj Ly from Clichy Montfermeil, France; Rachel Morrison from Los Angeles, US; Naomi Kawase from Nara, Japan; Nadine Labaki and Khaled Mouzanar from Beirut, Lebanon; Gurdiner Chadha from London, UK; and Ana Lily Amirpour. Pablo Larrain On Homemade Pablo Larrain revealed that Homemade is about "adversity, and how we are all from different countries, cultures and circumstances, but for a very unique moment of humanity, we're all sharing very similar circumstances in different contexts". Each Short Will Be Five To Seven Minutes Long The director added that the experiences around the globe are different. "We're going through different situations, but there are many things we have in common. That was the heart of this and the challenge we faced," he added. He also revealed that the experience of working on Homemade felt like a "very strange, beautiful, unique film festival." Pablo: Working On Homemade Felt Strange, Beautiful, Unique According to the report by Variety, the directors were instructed to use equipment only found at home, and share glimpses of their working lives and focused on the unprecedented moment. Homemade will release on Netflix on June 30. Kristen Stewart To Play Princess Diana In Pablo Larrain's Spencer Bulbbul Movie Review: Anushka Sharma's Netflix Film Will Make You Root For The Chudail V-ZUG Holding AG / Key word(s): IPO Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 KR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Press release dated June 25, 2020 V-ZUG Group: Spin-off of the Metall Zug Group and listing on SIX Zug, June 25, 2020 - The V-ZUG Group has been spun off from the Metall Zug Group. The shares of V-ZUG Holding AG will be traded on SIX Swiss Exchange from today, June 25, 2020. Metall Zug AG continues to hold around 30% of V-ZUG shares and remains an anchor shareholder. Previously part of the Metall Zug Group, V-ZUG Holding AG, including its direct and indirect subsidiaries, has been spun off from the Metall Zug Group and will be listed on SIX Swiss Exchange today, June 25, 2020. Under the spin-off and listing, shareholders of Metall Zug AG were allocated one registered share of V-ZUG Holding AG per type A registered share and ten registered shares of V-ZUG Holding AG per type B registered share. Zurcher Kantonalbank is acting as Sole Lead Manager for this transaction. Metall Zug AG continues to hold around 30% of V-ZUG shares as a strategic shareholding. In connection with this listing, a Shareholder Information Brochure (in German only) containing extensive information on the V-ZUG Group is available at https://www.vzug.com/ch/en/spin-off-and-listing. V-ZUG rises to the challenges V-ZUG is a byword for innovation and quality. As the market leader in Switzerland, it enjoys an excellent reputation. To continue writing this success story in the future and harness the advantages that Switzerland offers as an innovation and production base, the V-ZUG Group initiated a far-reaching process of transformation over the past few years. The main priorities of the initiatives are: Despite the additional efforts required to accomplish this far-reaching transformation, the V-ZUG Group has maintained its leadership position in Switzerland. The growth in international business is exceptionally high, up 31.4% year-on-year in 2019. Today this transformation process is largely underway or has already been implemented. Key strategic projects such as the vertical factory and investments in platform technologies are well on the way. The V-ZUG Group is also committed to sustainable technologies and production methods in all areas and is aiming to achieve CO2 neutrality at production facilities in Zug by 2021. As an independent, listed company, the V-ZUG Group can further strengthen and visibly position its brand as well as benefit from the additional strategic flexibility. V-ZUG aims to secure sustainable success with strategic initiatives. The key goals are to further improve customer service efficiency with the support of digital solutions, to substantially increase international business sales, and to ensure that the V-ZUG brand continues to be made known as a premium brand in the relevant markets abroad. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic The V-ZUG Group has so far been relatively marginally affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The appropriate precautions put in place hampered manufacturing productivity and prevented sales-boosting measures such as the advisory services provided at the ZUGORAMA stores or to customers at home. On the other hand, work to remedy previously identified internal problems proceeded to plan during the transition to a new ERP. While the progress made in this area and the impact of COVID-19 are presently balancing each other out, it is impossible to estimate the further medium to long-term consequences of the pandemic. Information to recipients of this press release You are receiving this message plus future ad hoc information about V-ZUG Holding AG as a subscriber of ad hoc information about Metall Zug AG. If you no longer wish to receive ad hoc information about V-ZUG Holding AG, you can unsubscribe at any time. Key dates August 17, 2020 Publication of results for the first half of 2020 March 17, 2021 Publication of the annual report April 29, 2021 Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders About the V-ZUG Group V-ZUG is Switzerland's leading brand for household appliances. Located in the heart of Switzerland, V-ZUG has been developing and producing kitchen and laundry appliances for more than 100 years. As the market leader in Switzerland, the V-ZUG Group also markets its products in selected premium markets abroad. The V-ZUG Group offers an extensive service as well. In Switzerland alone, over 300 service technicians are on hand for the V-ZUG Group. The V-ZUG Group presently employs a staff of about 2,000. V-ZUG Holding AG is listed on the Swiss Reporting Standard of SIX Swiss Exchange, Zurich (securities number 54 248 374, ISIN CH0542483745, ticker symbol VZUG). V-ZUG Holding AG processes personal data in accordance with its privacy statement available at: https://www.vzug.com/ch/en/privacystatement. Further information Adrian Ineichen Chief Financial Officer Phone: + 41 58 768 60 03 Christof Gassner Head of Corporate Communications & IR Phone: + 41 58 768 60 50 The press release is available at https://www.vzug.com/ch/en/media, the Share Information Brochure (in German only) in connection with the listing of the shares of V-ZUG Holding AG at https://www.vzug.com/ch/en/spin-off-and-listing and the analyst presentation at https://www.vzug.com/ch/en/financial-reports (English). Additional features: File: Press release (pdf) End of ad hoc announcement Five people were injured Wednesday night after a boat they were on crashed into an embankment in Westport, authorities said. Officials responded around 10:48 p.m. to a report of a marine vessel that had run aground on the Westport River off Cadmans Neck Road, according to a Facebook post from the Westport Fire Department. A total of eight people were on the boat at the time of the crash. Those on the vessel ranged in age from 14 to 24, the post said. The boat left the waterway, went ashore and struck a tree, WCVB reported. When first responders arrived at the scene, they needed help getting through heavy brush to reach the boat, which was on the riverbank roughly 20 feet below the yard of the nearest home, according to the Westport Fire Department. Two of the injured individuals were taken to Rhode Island Hospitals trauma center. One of the people taken to the center was flown there by helicopter with severe injuries, officials said. Three other individuals were taken to nearby hospitals, and the remaining three were released at the scene, according to authorities. The crash remains under investigation by the Westport Police Department and Massachusetts Environmental Police. Over the weekend, New York City has witnessed a blood bath. In 72 hours, there were 125 shootings reported. This violent crimes streak took the lives of more people recently. People who died by getting shot has been increasing from the start of June. The trail of death and violence peaked from Friday to Sunday with a total of 28 people shot to death, as reported in the Daily Mail. These are the statistics that were gathered by the NYPD that showed a 342% increase in shooting the week before. Compared to last year, it was just 12 only, but this time the figures are alarming. Looking over the stats prepared by the NYPD, it is 414% up for those killed by guns from Monday to Sunday. Conversely, that is 74 for 2020, and just 14 the year before. All of these violent crimes were committed from Friday to Sunday in a span of 72 hours. The crimes were reported in four out of five locations in NYC. According to reports, on Friday, there were 5 people shot. On Saturday, the figure rose to 18 and on Sunday, there were two more cases. There were two fatalities reported in CBS New York. The place in NYC that had more gun violence was the Bronx during the weekend. This is where 4 of the shootings happened, another 2 was in Queens and just one was reported in Manhattan. One of the victims was a 35-year-old clothing designer and graffiti artist Kenneth Singleton. His murder was captured via video when he was shot so close at his neck while washing his car. His residence was at the East New York section of Brooklyn, and he died on Saturday. The police are perplexed and there's not suspect yet according to Brinkwire. Also read: Black Organizers Do Not Trust White Protestors in the Seattle Autonomous Zone The spike in gun killing was reported not only in New York but in other US cities as well. In Chicago, the death toll from shooting is 14 people, with five children dead and 100+ people shot from Saturday and Sunday. A trail of violence and death included several more US cities and dozens of deaths. Michael LiPetri, Chief of Crime Control Strategies said that it was the same as June 1996. He related this to the New York Post last Monday. Mayor Bill de Blasio called the occurrence very troubling in a Monday press brief. He added that in prior years, there was excessive violence in New York in the 1990s. At the height of the violence, crime was everywhere, but he stated these days will not come back. One possible reason according to the NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea is the disbanding of the plainclothes unit, which took the illegal guns of the streets. Because of the demand for police reform, the unit was disbanded after protestors wanted justice for George Floyd. Shea admitted that anti-crime units were also part of the number of shootings and complaints according to BBC. The blood bath in NYC was expected, with 125 shooting and the storm is here now. People should have listened. Related story: NYPD Cops Strike on July 4 to Let NYC Be 'Cop-Free' for Independence Day @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Gambias renowned justice minister Abubacarr Tambadou, who established a probe to investigate abuses under the countrys ex-dictator and spearheaded the international defence of Myanmars Rohingya, has resigned, the government said Thursday. The tiny West African state said that Tambadou will step down as minister and attorney general effective from June 30, for an unspecified job at the United Nations. Appointed justice minister in 2017, Tambadou was instrumental in setting up The Gambias Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission, designed to investigate abuses committed under the countrys former dictator, Yahya Jammeh. Jammeh ruled the former British colony with an iron fist for 22 years, but fled the country in January 2017 after losing a presidential election to relative unknown Adama Barrow. In January of this year, amid calls from Jammehs supporters for his return, Tambadou said that the ex-dictator would be arrested and held to account if he returned from exile. The lawyer-turned-politician also won international renown in 2019 for filing a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Myanmar of genocide in its campaign against the Rohingya minority. The Gambia is a poor Muslim-majority country of some two million people and the smallest on mainland Africa, narrowly straddling the river that gives it its name. On Thursday, President Barrows office released a statement praising Tambadous patriotic and selfless service as justice minister, and for helping restore The Gambias international image. Reed Brody, a human rights lawyer for Amnesty International, similarly praised the 47-year-olds record. We didnt always agree with Tambadou, but he always listened to human rights advocates and especially to Yahya Jammehs victims, Brody said. Dawda Jallow, a barrister, will replace Tambadou as justice minister and attorney general from July, the government said. Young people engaging in risky behaviours such as sexting may experience anxiety as Covid-19 restrictions ease and they begin to socialise again, the National Youth Council of Ireland has warned. In a bid to get young people talking about sexting sending, receiving, or forwarding sexually explicit messages, photographs, or images on digital devices the NYCI is launching new guidance and resources today. The Let's Talk About Sexting toolkit was developed by the NYCI that represents more than 380,000 young people with support from An Garda Siochana. NYCI national youth health programme manager, Rachael Treanor, said online communication became the main source of interaction and connection for young people with significant people in their lives because of the restrictive measures: And with this reliance on the online world, there is a possibility young people could engage in risky behaviours such as sexting. As restrictions begin to ease over the coming months, and young people begin to attend youth clubs and meet friends, some will experience anxiety due to risky sexual behaviours which they may have engaged in during the Covid-19 restrictions. Romantic relationships comprise of intimacy, physicality, emotions, and the overall experience of being close to another. However, for all of us, regardless of our stage of life, our relationships have changed during Covid-19." She referred to a recent report from the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol) warning that activity around the distribution of child sexual exploitation material online appears to be on the increase: This reflects what we are hearing anecdotally across our networks regarding a potential increase in risky behaviours and means that young people may be more vulnerable online during the pandemic." As restrictions ease, NYCIs National Youth Health Programme will be working with youth workers to support young people to look after their sexual health and build healthy relationships as we enter into a new normal," Ms Treanor continued. We want to continue to support youth workers help young people build their communication skills and confidence around their sexual health. This toolkit Lets Talk about Sexting is a starting point for youth workers to engage in that conversation. Let's Talk About Sexting is available for download on youth.ie/health In northern Portugal, Tiago Carvalho is nervously counting the days until his business has to stand on its own two feet again. The restaurant owner in Braga, home to the countrys oldest cathedral, says revenue is less than a third of what it was before the coronavirus kept tourists away and confined locals to their homes. Even with lockdown restrictions largely rolled back, customers have stayed away, reflecting the slow pace of recovery across Europe. Unless that changes soon, Carvalho and thousands of others like him are in trouble. At the end of July, Portugal plans to stop its so-called simplified layoff program, which like dozens of similar government programs across Europe has helped keep people in their jobs by paying part of the compensation for staff unable to work. The cliff edge for firms and workers in Portugal echoes those looming over much of Europe. In coming months, emergency programs will expire across the continent, creating the risk of a second-wave hit to the economy. The layoff measure has to continue or else restaurants will have to dismiss workers, said Carvalho, 40, who runs two eateries in Braga and acts as a spokesman for a local group representing about 140 restaurants. One lunchtime last week, he served only two tables at one of his restaurants. After July, the Portuguese government plans to transition to other measures that include incentives for companies to keep jobs, but the impact is uncertain. Governments elsewhere are also aware of the danger. Many are tapering programs rather than shutting them off, and some are trying to extend support further despite the pressure on budgets. But that may not be enough, with demand across the continent well off its pre-crisis levels, and perhaps unlikely to be fully restored any time soon. Figures from Insee, Frances statistics office, show activity in Europes second-largest economy still more than 10% below normal. For companies, particularly small firms with limited cash reserves and razor-tight margins, that gap could be the difference between survival and collapse. Closure means job losses, and a negative spiral of rising unemployment and falling demand, all of which is bad news for already battered economies and strained public coffers. Governments have already pumped billions into support schemes , and blown out their budgets in the process. At the center are furlough programs, with more than 45 million workers protected during shutdown. However, some of those are temporary, meaning they may only be delaying job losses. Allianz SE warned in a report this month that 9 million of those people face an elevated risk of becoming unemployed in 2021 because of the fiscal policy cliff. In the UK, a survey of employers estimates a quarter of furloughed workers could lose their jobs when the government begins reducing its subsidy. The Bank of England has warned many benefit recipients may become permanent casualties of the crisis. Former Governor Mervyn King said last week that the UK program shouldnt end too early, but be maintained right up until the point we see GDP very close to where it was before Covid-19. Across Europe, many economies will suffer double-digit slumps in output in 2020. The big hit will be this quarter, the peak of lockdown restrictions. Thats almost certain to be followed by a steep rebound, but rocketing GDP numbers dont necessarily translate into a sustainable recovery. Eduardo Zamacola, head of Spains textile association, knows that early signs can be deceiving. After once-confined Spaniards started to shop and travel following the end of curbs on public life, stores enjoyed a burst of activity -- which he fears could quickly fizzle out as concerns about the future weigh on confidence. This is going to be a very difficult long-distance race, he said. Europe Support To help economies back on their feet, some countries are betting traditional fiscal stimulus can spark a rebound. Germany is rolling out a 130 billion-euro ($147 billion) spending package after earlier unleashing more than 1.2 trillion euros to stabilize its economy, Europes largest. Chancellor Angela Merkels government has vowed to spend whatever it takes to get the country growing again, including extending its renowned Kurzarbeit wage-support program. After years of German budget surpluses thats been welcomed by other nations, but the country is a rare exception in Europe. Most of its peers face stressed finances. That puts pressure on European institutions to deflect the pressure. The European Central Bank is keeping investor concerns about ballooning national debt at bay with huge bond-buying in the euro zone, and the European Union plans to back that up with a 750 billion-euro fiscal package. Such support gives countries the scope to dig even deeper. Italy has extended furlough programs to 18 weeks from 14 weeks, which will protect some workers until the end of the summer. Prime Minister Giuseppe Contes government is also planning to stretch its finances with another 10 billion euros in stimulus, even though the nations debt ratio looks set to top 150% of GDP this year. For businesses who saw daily life change as governments switched off their economies, its clear that switching them back on is proving far harder. The need to guarantee we keep jobs isnt going to end in July, said Antonio Saraiva, president of the Portuguese Business Confederation. The crisis doesnt end by decree, and consumption doesnt start by decree. The Sacred Heart School in Tullamore may be nearly 200 years old but its at the cutting edge of education due to its integrated use of technology in the classroom. Teachers and students at the all-girls school now use individual Microsoft Surface devices that allow them to embrace online tools and interactive teaching techniques inside and outside of the classroom. This digital approach to learning came into its own during Covid-19 lockdown, with teachers and students able to quickly adapt to remote lessons. To find out more about the Co Offaly schools journey towards the classroom of the future, we spoke to its deputy principal Orla Healy. Preparing students for a changing world The school was quick to see that it needed to prepare its students for a changing world. As they used to tell the parents of incoming first years, many of the jobs that the girls would have in the future did not yet exist. Our principal Pauline McKenna is always looking to see how teaching and learning could be enhanced and advanced, says Orla. We knew that technology was the way to go. Expand Close Orla Healy, deputy principal of Sacred Heart School in Tullamore / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Orla Healy, deputy principal of Sacred Heart School in Tullamore An extensive research process started eight years ago to source suitable software and hardware before the decision was made to provide every teacher with a new Microsoft Surface device which was funded by the Board of Management of the school. Over the course of a year, Microsoft engaged in extensive training with the school on tools like OneNote, Flipgrid, Immersive Reader and Office 365 to prepare for the transition. This allowed them to develop at a very fast pace. The training that Microsoft would have provided in that year was vital, says Orla, noting the time and effort that teachers put in to develop their skills. The current fifth year group purchased their own Windows device when they entered first year. Subsequent years would later upgrade to the Microsoft Surface Go. We didnt have the problems youd imagine, like them dropping the device etc, adds Orla. That would be one thing wed say to other schools. The students actually love their device and wouldnt give it up to anybody. Its like an extension of their arm. The change ushered in a move away from the chalk and talk approach where children watch while the teacher works at the board. Now, teachers can take their device and walk around the room, projecting whats on their device onto the board and students can project their screen to share their work also. This changed the culture of how they do things in the classroom. Microsoft OneNote provides a digital canvas or whiteboard that is easily shared with students, where teachers can write, type or add links, videos, images and audio for students. It allows for a more interactive and immersive learning experience. Classrooms have become active spaces where different groups work on different collaborative projects and students can work at a pace that suits them. The teacher can allocate and oversee multiple projects via Microsoft Teams and use it to orchestrate the class. All while the students use it to discuss, share files and collaborate on projects in real time, both in and out of the class. Classes can even be recorded and students can rewatch them at their own pace. Virtual folders have also replaced physical ring binders. This use of Office 365 can even make learning more accessible, with tools like the Immersive Reader. It can help students with dyslexia by providing audio versions of written documents or by providing visual clues for words. This move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to lessons is ideally suited to a generation of digital natives and is already improving student grades and engagement. It definitely has improved all the students engagement, says Orla. They love learning like this. They love being able to be organised with their One Note folders. They love being able to access lesson recordings to review and reinforce what was covered in class. And the teachers have become much better at that. Some of them were quite shy at the beginning of lockdown about putting their face on the camera! Now theres no problem at all and nearly everything is done through Teams. That took a long time, but the jump was quick in the end. A seamless shift to remote learning When the Covid-19 crisis closed our schools, Sacred Heart School already had the technical infrastructure and knowledge in place to adapt to remote teaching. Classes were conducted over Teams, recorded so that they could be conveniently accessed, and assignments could be easily corrected and returned with a variety of feedback methods possible, including audio, inking and text comments. The experience justified the schools leap of faith, proving that this approach could work inside and outside the classroom, and it reinforced how these tools could support teaching and learning. What has happened is we did it, we did it really well, but we put in the training and thats really important, recalls Orla. Technology is only a learning tool. At the end of the day, how you teach and how you engage with your students is as important or more important. Its about the work you put up for your students, the work that you put into the work that you put up, how you teach it and the passion that you have for your subject. This can never be underestimated. Embracing technology as a teaching tool Stephen Eustace is a teacher and a customer success manager with Microsoft, who has worked with Sacred Heart School and other Irish schools to help them to improve the learning experience with Microsoft tools. He praised the work that has been done at the Tullamore school. Expand Close Stephen Eustace, customer success manager with Microsoft / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Stephen Eustace, customer success manager with Microsoft I definitely feel that Sacred Heart are leading the field, Stephen says. They are doing some very innovative things inside and outside the classroom with the technology. I like how the technology is woven into the school day. Its not just This is our teaching and this is our tech. They have married them effectively and theyre getting the best of both, if you will. Theyre using it very effectively. He noted that Microsofts Surface devices and Microsofts Education platform can benefit both the students schoolwork and their development of future-ready skills. Its not just about the tool, its not just about the tech and its not just about the learning of the curriculum, he explains. Its about whole student development as well. Im always thinking how we can prepare students for the world of whats next? Not necessarily the world of work, just the world of whats next. It is important to support students' development of key skills such as communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. All of that is intertwined and interwoven in what youre doing as an educator, so youre not just teaching maths. Youre not just teaching maths using a specific tool. Youre using a tool thats emerging, engaging, that allows this real, whole student development to take place. For schools that are interested in adopting more technology into the classroom or into their learning experiences, Stephen has one simple piece of advice. The best time to start off is right now. The best time to start off with Microsoft Education Platform is right now because the features have never been better. Todays the best day. To find out more and continue your learning journey, visit Microsofts Remote Learning website. Sponsored by Introduction Good afternoon. It is an enormous pleasure to co-host this event with the W20. The EBRD is extremely pleased to join W20 as a knowledge partner after having worked with this very important and influential group for many years. It has taken a long time since the Brisbane Summit in 2014, in fact - but it is right and, I would argue, imperative that gender now sits confidently at the G20 table. The G20 cannot claim to be the premier forum for international economic cooperation - representing more than 85 percent of global GDP and two thirds of the worlds population - if half of that two thirds are not equally at the centre of policy decisions. So, this is an important agenda for the G20, for all of us. Thank you very much for the invitation to speak. At the EBRD we have been stepping up our activities to support gender equality over the last half decade. We know there is still a long way to go. We also believe that making progress on this front is more important today than ever before. We can all see how the world is grappling with one of the worst crises of my - relatively long lifetime. This crisis is exposing entrenched systemic and structural inequalities. They require renewed vision, determination and action to overcome. Many countries across the globe are, quite rightly, already planning their strategies for the post-COVID-19 economic recovery. Despite the severity of the crisis, I firmly believe we now have a big opportunity. An opportunity to build back better and in way that does not yearn for the old normal but shapes a more inclusive and sustainable future. For the EBRD, building gender equality - and private-sector oriented solutions - into the recovery is part of a vision for a better future, one that boosts economic resilience and sustainability for a long time to come. First, however, let me explain briefly why gender equality is a topic I am so passionate about. Different people form their views about the importance of equality be it of gender, race or any other kind for many different reasons. For me, my personal experience is key in defining where I stand on any given issue. I am surrounded by strong women every day at work. Indeed, we have worked very hard to increase the number of women in senior and middle management positions at the EBRD and to nurture the sort of atmosphere that empowers them and all women from top to bottom of the Bank. When I joined the EBRD, we had one woman on our top management team. We now have four. And I have been blessed and shaped by the presence of strong women in my personal life, not least my mother, wife, and daughter. My mother raised me mostly on her own in a foreign country and was a school teacher who focused on kids with learning difficulties and poor English language skills. My wife has excelled as an academic. And my daughter determinedly carves out her own path through life as an artist. There are three traits courage, resilience, and creativity that I see in the women closest to me and others, which I think everyone in the business world can learn from. It certainly will not escape your notice that these three traits are some of the most important attributes for any individual, business, or country, trying to get through this pandemic and come out better on the other side. Together, we want to chart the path to rebuild better economies and societies where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. The huge impact of the coronavirus on the health of populations and economies has both exposed and exacerbated socio-economic gaps. We see in the data that women are more likely to bear the brunt of the economic disruption and health risks caused by the pandemic. On average, women account for 59% of medical doctors and 88% of nursing personnel in the EBRD regions; and are the overwhelming majority of workers in the care sector. Women are also shouldering the burden at home. And, with schools closed and elderly relatives shielding themselves, the unpaid workload increases, well above the average 5 hours per day of unpaid domestic and care work undertaken by women across the EBRD regions. Under lockdowns, victims of domestic abuse, usually women, are more exposed and less able to seek and access social and institutional support. Women are more likely to be in precarious employment or self-employed in the sectors hardest hit by the crisis: retail, hospitality and food-related services. And, of course, we were some way off achieving gender equality before the crisis started. So now we risk reversing the progress made over the past decades and finding ourselves even further from our goal. Gender Responsive Roadmap to COVID-19 Crisis Recovery Yet, when I look at the audience in the virtual room today, I am reminded of the power of partnerships to achieve more than the sum of our individual actions. And, as I suggested earlier, amidst all the bad news, there are definitely opportunities here to be leveraged. Vibrant multilateralism is key to taking advantage of these opportunities and the G20 is a group that I strongly believe can make a big difference in showing solidarity in responding to this crisis. The W20s role is critical in advocating for women as a crucial part of the economic recovery and growth story. The EBRD and W20 are jointly committed to helping G20 leaders develop today the gender-responsive recovery policies that preserve the gender equality gains achieved so far. And to lay the groundwork for societies that benefit from the full participation of women in economic activity in the future. Multilateral development banks such as the EBRD have a vital role to play in shaping and implementing the gender responsive roadmap to recovery. Before we turn to the panel, let me say a few words about EBRD-specific approach to promote gender equality. The EBRDs work with the Private Sector & COVID response The EBRD has a unique mandate among the MDBs to promote private and entrepreneurial initiative and to foster transition towards open market-oriented economies which are: competitive, integrated, resilient, green, well-governed, and inclusive. Since our establishment some 30 years ago, we have invested more than 145 billion in over 5,700 projects. Today, we operate in 38 economies, from Morocco to Mongolia, Estonia to Egypt, and 79% of our investment is in the private sector. The Bank launched its first Strategy for the Promotion of Gender Equality in 2016 to promote womens access to finance, skills and services. Some questioned why a private sector-focused Bank needed a gender strategy at all. Work on gender belonged to the social realm, they argued. What a decisive turning point it was when, at long last, decision-makers at the Bank finally accepted the economic logic of gender equality! Since then our gender inclusive projects have steadily grown, year after year. And given our boots on the ground in more than 50 regional offices, we have been able to respond quickly to the economic downturn caused by Covid-19. Our Solidarity Package ensures that the Bank will adapt and scale up existing instruments and develop new initiatives to provide finance. We combine this finance with enhanced policy support to help combat the immediate economic threat from restrictions in response to the virus, and prepare our countries for the post-virus era. For example, our flagship Women in Business programme recently passed the 500 million financing landmark, providing credit to more than 60,000 women-led small and medium-sized companies in 18 countries. We have also extended more than 20,000 training opportunities to women, youth and other vulnerable groups. It is thanks to these projects and our presence in our countries of operation and not just in capital cities - that we know a lot about firms and the sectors of the economies in which we invest. On policy engagement we have facilitated the removal of job restrictions for female employment in Kazakhstan through policy dialogue between the private sector and the Government of Kazakhstan. We built bridges between the private sector and Kazakh government there which did not previously exist. Thanks to this dialogue, 100 occupations have already been removed from the list of jobs banned to women. And we continue to work with the Kazakh government to drop the remaining 180 over the coming years too. And the EBRD is leading on rapid support for workers affected by this crisis. Earlier this month, as a direct result of recommendations put forward by the EBRD and the ILO, the Government of North Macedonia adopted a decree on extending the unemployment benefits scheme to cover all workers whose employment contracts were terminated in the immediate days following the beginning of the lockdown. Data tells us that women-led businesses are in fact performing better than others during the crisis. The EBRD is assisting with crisis management tools, and supporting ways to structure businesses to survive and maintain employment through the crisis. More broadly, EBRD supports the resilience of women with its gender-sensitive and inclusive approach to infrastructure work. For example, in Egypt and Kazakhstan, we are helping women gain green skills and employment opportunities in the high-growth renewable energy sector. Just like everyone else, we have shifted our offer online too. Women-led entrepreneurs are signing up in droves to our virtual webinars, making the most of technology and using their networks to find creative solutions to get through the crisis. For example, we are expanding our work with UNDP under the joint Skills for an Inclusive Future Network to include the provision of knowledge advisory services in digital transformation and digital skills development. We are also supporting labour ministries in assessing the impact of the Covid-19 crisis on enterprises and workers, including the identification of groups/sectors hardest hit. Conclusion This is one of my last events as EBRD president, a role and responsibility I have cherished over the past eight years. The fact that one of my last public appearances in the job is at an event on this topic is no accident. One of the key messages I wish to bequeath the institution as I depart is the centrality of gender to achieving the EBRDs very purpose: the creation of modern, sustainable and open market economies. A week today I will be stepping down as President and my formal relationship with the EBRD will end. But I hope that the work we started on nurturing the leadership, culture and skills for progress on gender both internally and externally continues. And indeed intensifies. Thank you very much, and I look forward to the rest of the discussion. US President Donald Trump had on Tuesday suspended the H1B visas till the end of the year. New Delhi: India on Thursday conceded that the recent decision by the United States to suspend the H1B visas till the end of the year is likely to affect movement of Indian skilled professionals, but said it is assessing the impact of the order on Indian nationals and industry in consultation with stakeholders. Pointing out that the US has always welcomed talent, India also said it hopes that Indian professionals will continue to be welcomed in the US in the future. Reminding the US that high-skilled Indian professionals bring important skill sets, bridge technological gaps and impart a competitive edge to the US economy, New Delhi said, they have also been a critical component of the workforce that is at the forefront of providing COVID-19 related assistance in key sectors, including health, information technology and financial services. In a blow to Indian techies, US President Donald Trump had on Tuesday suspended the H1B visas till the end of the year. The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialised fields. The technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year. According to some estimates, before the coronavirus pandemic hit the globe, the US issued 85,000 H1-B visas every year out of which Indians reportedly get about 60,000 visas. Therefore, the US move could now severely affect the Indian industry especially the IT sector. In a statement, the MEA said, We have seen the Proclamation issued by President Trump on June 22 temporarily suspending entry of certain categories of non-immigrant visa-holders & their family members till December 31, 2020. This is likely to affect movement of Indian skilled professionals who avail of these non-immigrant visa programmes to work lawfully in the US. We are assessing the impact of the order on Indian nationals and industry in consultation with stakeholders. The MEA further said, People-to-people linkages and trade & economic cooperation, especially in technology and innovation sectors, are an important dimension of the U.S.-India partnership. High-skilled Indian professionals bring important skill sets, bridge technological gaps and impart a competitive edge to the US economy. They have also been a critical component of the workforce that is at the forefront of providing COVID-19 related assistance in key sectors, including health, information technology and financial services. It added, The US has always welcomed talent and we hope our professionals will continue to be welcomed in USA in the future. The US had on Tuesday said, The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) had significantly disrupted Americans livelihoods and that the overall unemployment rate in the United States nearly quadrupled between February and May of 2020 producing some of the most extreme unemployment ever recorded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The US had further said while the May rate of 13.3 percent reflects a marked decline from April, millions of Americans remain out of workand that American workers compete against foreign nationals for jobs in every sector of our economy, including against millions of aliens who enter the United States to perform temporary work. The US had added, Temporary workers are often accompanied by their spouses and children, many of whom also compete against American workers. Under ordinary circumstances, properly administered temporary worker programs can provide benefits to the economy. But under the extraordinary circumstances of the economic contraction resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, certain nonimmigrant visa programs authorising such employment pose an unusual threat to the employment of American workers. Air Serbias Airbus A330-200 aircraft has operated humanitarian cargo-only flights to Yerevan and Minsk on several occasions over the past week to deliver medical aid and equipment in the fight against the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic. The jet brought ten ventilators, ten patient monitoring devices, 500.000 surgical masks, 100.000 protective masks, 25.000 protective glasses, 25.000 visors, and other necessary equipment to Armenia. A total of two flights were operated to Yerevan. In addition, the carrier transported ventilators, bronchoscopes and other diagnostic equipment, oxygen concentrators, and personal protective equipment to Minsk on two special flights. Over the past four months, Air Serbia has operated over thirty flights to China to transport medical supplies, while its A330 jet has also been used to carry aid to Italy and Banja Luka, as well as bring supplies from Los Angeles. Pulitzer Prize winner Mike Hiltzik, the most prominent business commentator in California, roused himself to engage in an extended spanking of the CalPERS board for acting like a group of kindergarteners in harassing board member Margaret Brown. But the bigger sins in Hiltziks eyes are that the board is devoting energy to petty antics like this while the fund is in trouble, and even worse, expressly denying their legal and fiduciary duty to oversee staff. As regular readers know, the latest contretemps is that pro-accountability board member Margaret Brown filed suit against board president Henry Jones to challenge the process that CalPERS has adopted for sanctioning board members. The targeted board member is denied the opportunity to rebut charges and appeal the decision and the legality of the action taken against them. Having one person act as prosecutor, judge, jury, and executioner is at best out of Alice Through the Looking Glass, and at worst out of gangland. Its even more questionable given that Brown was the only board member to oppose Jones successful campaign for re-election. As Hiltzik also details, the substantive claims that Jones and CalPERS have made against Brown dont hold up to scrutiny. Over the years, Hiltzik has called out CalPERS many governance lapses, from demanding that long-standing board president Rob Feckner and his short-lived successor, Priya Mathur, resign over their negligent oversight during a bribery scandal, to the boards harassment of JJ Jelincic, to its unseemly defense of resume fabricators Chief Financial Officer Charles Asubonten and CEO Marcie Frost (Asubonten was turfed out; the board continues to doggedly defend the visibly-her-head Frost and bestow lavish pay raises on her).1 So this latest sorry episode is all too familiar. Hiltzik backs Browns claims that Jones actions against her amount to retaliation. Hiltzik describes recent incidents where Brown has bucked the cozy, staff-toadying majority, including opposing repeated raises for CEO Marcie Frosts pay, which has nearly doubled since she arrived in 2016,2 Brown calling out Chief Investment Officer Ben Meng for lying to the board and beneficiaries about having exited tail risk hedges right before they would have produced a $1 billion payoff, and opposing Mengs plans to load up on risk, despite widespread commentary by top pros about pervasive nosebleed valuations, in a desperate effort to hit unrealistic return targets. Hiltzik further points out that the claim that Browns use the Twitter handle @calpersmargaret was illegal is flat out false: CalPERS says the board took action only after it warned Brown several times that her use of the funds name in her social media handles violated the law and its rules. Brown says she changed her handles in response to the board cease and desist warnings, but apparently it was never enough. the board seems to be taking a rather crabbed view of the sanctity of the CalPERS name. Its true that state law prohibits individuals or companies from using the name or insignia of a government agency without authorization, but the law applies to misuse for the purposes of implying an endorsement of a product or service, which is not what Brown was doing. The law also carves out an exception for anyone with an expressed connection with the government agency such as, say, membership on the CalPERS board of administration? This refutation is more than sufficient. But recall in our post, we provided more evidence that CalPERS is engaged in what Hiltzik called a witch hunt by only going after Brown and giving other current and former board members a free pass for conduct that is somehow uniquely heinous when Brown engages in it: On top of that (and I have to confess I am kicking myself for not having mentioned it), CalPERS other basis for going after Brown was that she violated their trademark and supposedly their copyright (when single words cannot be copyrighted. Clive pointed out in comments that CalPERS characteristic laziness and favoritism means that is a non-starter: I was speaking with a colleague in my TBTFs legal departmentSo I asked about what I already knew a little of trademark infringement and copyrights. My legal friend advised that, in order to have any solid grounds for litigation, it would need to have on an absolute basis, tackle any and every copyright infringement everywhere. It must do so both systematically (it cant have one rule for some and another rule for others) and it must do it pro-actively (it has to show that it goes looking for transgressions). Even if it does that, there are some terms which, even though their intellectual property rights owners might wish otherwise, are so demonstrably part of the common vocabulary and everyday natural usage or familiarity that no court will rule that enforcement is possible or proportionate Hiltzik also criticized CalPERS board for fiddling while its portfolio burns. He cited their sub-par performance in public and private equity, the latter a mere 1.6% in the second half of calendar 2019 versus an unduly forgiving benchmark, which still clocked in at 4.4%, and that over time, CalPERS has only been a middle of the road performer compared to its peers, even though CalPERS has unparalleled staffing and access to experts. While Hiltzik said that might be a function of CalPERS size, its almost-as-big Sacramento sister CalSTRS consistently bests CalPERS returns. Hiltzik also gave us a generous shout-out, supporting our regular lambasting of the funds lapses and in particular, its appalling refusal to focus solely on beneficiary interests: Instead of scrutinizing Mengs omission of clearly relevant information at the March 18 meeting, board members subsequently piled on Brown. At the April 20 meeting of the boards investment committee, members excoriated Brown by name for allegedly taking her criticism to the public having coerced and helped other people get with misinformation, in the words of investment Committee Chair Theresa Taylor. I think its incumbent on us to call on bad behavior when we see it, Taylor said. Taylors complaint implicitly referred to the financial blog nakedcapitalism, whose proprietor Susan Webber has expertly dogged CalPERS investment and administrative failings for years. Webber, a financial analyst who writes under the name Yves Smith, says Brown wasnt the source of her reporting on Mengs management of the hedge. What the blowup underscored was the boards weird misconception of its own responsibilities. At the April 20 meeting, Taylor remarked that the board and staff works as a team. As Webber observes, thats absurd. The board exists to oversee the staffs work, not to play footsie with its employees. In fact, Webber correctly states, the boards sole legal duty is to the beneficiaries. Sometimes that will involve calling out bad behavior by the staff when it sees it such as obscuring the truth about a hedging strategy. Need we also point out that Taylor lied when she tried to smear Brown for peddling misinformation? It want simply that Brown wasnt the source, but even if she had been, the story on the botched hedge was true (and first reported by Bloomberg). As much as it is important to CalPERS beneficiaries and California taxpayers for Hiltzik to call out CalPERS continuing governance atrocities, it was still unfortunate to see him feel compelled to concede a CalPERS whinge about Brown, that shes brash or as McKinsey would say of every woman up for partner in my day, that she has a style problem. To revert to Hiltziks kindergarten metaphor, depicting Brown as the one behaviorally out of line is like coming on the scene after a child has been repeatedly bullied to see the victim finally stand up, and ignore the preceding pummeling. For instance, in her second board meeting, Brown attempted to raise a point of order. Roberts Rules of Order says a point of order is always in order and must be considered immediately. Instead, Henry Jones cut Brown off and Theresa Taylor turned off her microphone! This is banana republic level antics. Shortly after that, CalPERS staff illegally locked Brown out of her office, yet Brown was somehow the bad guy for publicizing that abuse in order to get it remedied. Browns conduct in public meetings, as one can see in board videos, is inoffensive and professional. What has the board steamed up is her delivering on her promise, that if she cant get problems and abuses cleared up through internal channels, shell go to the press. This started even before she joined the board, when she unearthed misconduct in the election process. In the course of investigating some of the issues Brown has tried to remedy, she has sent her correspondence, where shes set forth her case clearly. Shes inevitably either completely ignored or given what Erin Brockovich would call a lame assed response. This is completely improper from a governance standpointyet we are to believe that Brown is out of line? The reason the board and staff cant abide Brown is she is a classic Fat Tony of Nassim Nicholas Talebs The Black Swan, street-smart with a finely-tuned bullshit and fraud detector. It must drive them nuts that she so quickly sees through the nonsense theyve bought into. The board and staff reactions are uncomfortably like cult members clinging desperately to their false but emotionally comforting beliefs and viewing anything other than rigid conformity as a threat. In keeping with the California/Los Angeles theme, this clip from the popular crime show, NCIS Los Angles, seemed apposite. Forgive the image quality. The tow-headed agent, Marty Deeks, has gone undercover to investigate the cult, the Church of the Unlocked Mind, for having gotten members to sell military secrets. If youve watched CalPERS board meetings with any frequency, it isnt a stretch to put the boards regular self-humiliation, in the form of saying things that are nonsensical or reveal stunning ignorance, on a par with the self-slapping in the segment above. (And for those who want to see the bad guys get their come-uppance, the denouement for that segment is here). Needless to say, no wonder Taleb has become an ally of Brown. Shes the only sane person in the board room. . ______ 1 Hiltziks concern is well founded. Weve learned that then Chief Investment Officer Mark Anson warned Feckner at least twice about the way Buenrostro was pressing Ansons investment staff to prefer particular deals; thats the sort of thing that should send alarm bells ringing in a well-functioning agency. Feckner instead told Anson off. Insiders believe that Anson left CalPERS for the UK fund manager Hermes due to the failure to investigate signs of high-level misconduct. 2 Recall that search firm Heidrick & Struggles handled the search and almost certainly also would have conducted a comp survey to determine what to offer candidates for the post. So theres no justification for these egregious pay increases, particularly in light of CalPERS mediocre investment performance and Frosts numerous failures as CEO. Hiltzik mentions her embarrassing support of fabulist Charles Asubonten; theres also the protracted embarrassment of CalPERS incoherent, shape-shifting, and corruption-friendly private equity new business model which has hopefully died under its own weight. And there are other ticking time bombs set to blow on her watch, such the likely success of litigation opposing CalPERS aggressive and discriminatory rate increases on its long-term care policies, and legacy assets as an item on the closed session agenda, which suggest CalPERS has been lying about its valuations of some holdings and is trying to figure out how to get its way out of fraudulent reporting. FMCG major Hindustan Unilever on Thursday said it will remove the word 'Fair' from its popular skin care brand 'Fair & Lovely', as part of a rebranding exercise in the wake of growing voices against racial stereotypes. The company said its other skincare portfolio will also adopt a new holistic vision towards beauty that cares for everyone and celebrates all skin colours. "Taking forward the brand's journey towards a more inclusive vision of beauty, the company will stop using the word 'Fair' in the brand name Fair & Lovely'. The new name is awaiting regulatory approvals and we expect to change the name in the next few months, Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) said in a statement. As part of the rebranding, the company will also be announcing the new name for the 'Fair & Lovely' Foundation, set up in 2003 to offer scholarships to women to help them pursue their education. HUL Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Mehta said that in addition to the changes to Fair & Lovely, the rest of HUL's skincare portfolio will also reflect the new vision of positive beauty. In 2019, we removed the cameo with two faces as well as the shade guides from the packaging of Fair & Lovely and the brand communication progressed from fairness to glow which is a more holistic and inclusive measure of healthy skin, he added. These changes were very well received by consumers, Mehta claimed. The new name is awaiting regulatory approvals and the pack with the revised name will be available in the market in the next few months, he said. Activists were campaigning on Change.Org, a platform where supporters mobilise to seek change in communities, through petitions asking the company to drop the brand or its name. Chandana Hiran, who started the Change.org petition and calls herself a feminist and change-maker in her Twitter profile, said she thanks Unilever on behalf of more than 10,000 people who had signed her petition. "I have goosebumps as I read this! Kudos to you @Unilever I'm so so so happy rn. And I thank you on behalf of over 10k people who signed my petition for this to happen, she tweeted. The company said it will continue to evolve its advertising, to feature women of different skin tones, representative of the variety of beauty across India. The brand's vision is to adopt a holistic approach to beauty that cares for people, that must be inclusive and diverse -- for everyone, everywhere. The brand is committed to celebrating all skin tones, it said. Nida Hasan, country director, Change.org India, said, "It is hard to ignore the role of Fair and Lovely advertisements in shaping colourism in India. The decision by HUL is a much needed acknowledgment of India's diversity. Just recently, Johnson & Johnson announced a similar move based on a citizen driven petition." Over the years, many women have dared to call out colourism and racism inherent in these fairness' products through petitions on Change.org, Hasan said, adding that she is "glad that Change.Org was a part of this citizen-driven story that challenged the status quo and resulted in a celebration of diversity". HUL's parent Unilever announced the next step in the evolution of its skincare portfolio to "a more inclusive vision of beauty -- which includes the removal of the words fair/fairness', white/whitening', and light/lightening' from its products' packs and communication. As part of this decision, the Fair & Lovely brand name will be changed in the next few months." Commenting on the move, Unilever President (Beauty & Personal Care) Sunny Jain said, We are fully committed to having a global portfolio of skincare brands that is inclusive and cares for all skin tones, celebrating greater diversity of beauty." He further said, "We recognise that the use of the words fair', white' and light' suggest a singular ideal of beauty that we don't think is right, and we want to address this. As we're evolving the way that we communicate the skin benefits of our products that deliver radiant and even tone skin, it's also important to change the language we use. Several FMCG companies are concerned about their brands after 'Black Lives Matter' protests across the globe. Recently, the US healthcare and FMCG giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has stopped the sale of its skin-whitening creams globally, including India. Skin-whitening creams is considered to be a big market in India in the personal care segment and several FMCG players, including Procter & Gamble, Garnier (L'Oreal), Emami and Himalaya operate in the segment with their respective products. International human rights activists have slammed the South Korean government for not supporting a North Korea resolution of the UN Human Rights Council for a second year running, according to Voice of America on Wednesday. Greg Scarlatoiu, the executive director of the Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, said, "Seoul used to be one of the key members of an informal coalition of like-minded UN member states that produced very significant and very effective measures addressing the human rights situation in North Korea. [But now] Seoul has given up the high ground it once held." Phil Robertson, the deputy director of Asia Division at Human Rights Watch, added, "President Moon Jae-in's approach to North Korea can be best characterized as abandoning any human rights principles he ever stood for. His shameful appeasement of [North Korea] and its leaders betrays the UN Human Rights Council's earnest efforts to hold North Korea accountable for its horrific record of rights abuses." And Robert King, a former special envoy for North Korea human rights issues at the U.S. State Department, said, "The series of temper tantrums by [Kim Jong-un's sister] Yo-jong rejecting valid human rights criticism should be acknowledged. When a child throws a tantrum, ignoring it only encourages such behavior to continue. I regret that Seoul did not speak out." Suzanne Scholte of the Defense Forum Foundation said, "There is no nation on Earth that has a higher moral obligation to the suffering people [in North Korea] than [South] Korea. They should be at the forefront of advocating for the improvement of human rights in North Korea." A Kenyan appellate court has passed a judgment against the USD 3.2 billion Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project between Kenya government and the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), calling the contract as illegal. Kenyan activist Okiya Omtatah and the Law Society of Kenya, an association of practising advocates, filed a petition in 2014 against the bidding process of the contract and tried to halt the construction. The petitioners said the project was not put up for tender and bidding process was not duly followed despite it being a government contract, the cost of which would be borne by the Kenyan taxpayers. READ | Earthquake Of 4.5 Magnitude Hits Mizoram, Fifth In One Week READ | Delhi Surpasses Mumbai's COVID-19 Tally Even As State Govt Plans House-to-house Screening However, when the trial was in the High Court, the judges were convinced that the government documents presented by the complainants to support their claim, which the government described as classified, were obtained illegally. Hence the High Court had expunged the documents from court records and dismissed the case, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported. The complainant then filed a fresh appeal in the Court of Appeals which handles the cases arising from the High Court's decisions in Kenya. The Court of Appeals or the Appellate Court observed that state-run Kenya Railways had failed to comply with and violated the country's law "in the procurement" of the multibillion-dollar Chinese-funded project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), according to SCMP. The court of appeals has passed a judgment in favour of the complainant even as the projects have been completed and operational since 2017. What will transpire next is unclear as to whether the Kenyan Government will challenge the ruling of the appellate court or seek its interpretation in the Supreme Court. Both CRBC and Kenya Railways defended the agreement, saying that the Kenyan government had negotiated a financing deal with Exim Bank of China for two loans, each amounting to USD 1.6 billion, to support the two SGR projects, which have been completed and are being used for passenger and cargo services. READ | US Calls Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Jio 'clean Telco' For Rejecting Work With China's Huawei READ | At WMCC Meeting With China, India Stresses On Both Sides Respecting LAC Amid Faceoff The government which is in shambles due to the COVID-19 pandemic has also been under pressure to pay the Chinese debt hence it is now pressing the importers to use the cargo services of the railways for transporting the goods. This has not gone down well with the importers and truckers as they opine the transport through railways is more expensive than the trucks. The Africa Star Railway Operation Company, a subsidiary of CRBC manages the operations of both passenger and cargo trains on the SGR. The Kenyan parliament has maintained that Kenya railway is yet to pay the management fees of USD 380 million to Africa Star Railway. This seemingly forms a part of the pattern of debt-trap diplomacy followed by China under the BRI wherein the Chinese first lend large monies to developing nations under the garb of development and burden the host nations with debts, ultimately acquiring the assets as a means of repayment. (With ANI inputs) Flash Northwestern Beijing's Yanqing district unveiled online celebration programs of the Dragon Boat Festival to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases. The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as Duanwu Festival on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar, falls on June 25 this year. During the holiday, people have the traditions of eating zongzi, a traditional Chinese food made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves, drinking realgar wine (xionghuangjiu) and holding dragon boat race. People can experience Yanqing's "cloud" festival through playing with a WeChat H5 program whereby one can enjoy a series of online festival-themed activities including wrapping zongzi, rowing a dragon boat and hanging wormwood on the doorframe to drive bad luck or diseases out. In addition, the program enables users to appreciate Yanqing's scenery of the Great Wall at Badaling section and ancient cliff dwellings. People can also play H5 games to win the International Horticultural Exhibition tickets. Composer Loris Tjeknavorian creates "memorable" piece in home quarantine 06/25/20 Source: Tehran Times TEHRAN - Loris Tjeknavorian, the 82-year-old Iranian composer, has said that he has created one of the most memorable pieces of his life during the home quarantine. Speaking to Mizan on Tuesday, he said, "I have worked on a special piece over the past four months for which I have not selected a name as yet, but it is the outcome of contemplation and mediation during the home quarantine. I believe it will be one of the most memorable works of my professional life." Composer Loris Tjeknavorian in an undated photo. "Despite the government's permit for reopening concert halls after about a four-month shutdown, everything is still closed and I think it is impossible to perform any concert at present, but I have many pieces ready to be performed," he added. "The pandemic caused great losses for musicians, however, it also provided great opportunities for them to create new and innovative works in their solitude during the home quarantine," Earlier in April Tjeknavorian released a 12-minute composition named "Corona". The piece was composed in three movements named "Assault", "Death" and "Life". Loris Tjeknavorian: "Corona" for strings in three movements "The first step to fight the coronavirus is to observe all the health tips to get rid of this new disease soon, but as long as this situation continues we should try to do our best. If we are artists or musicians we need to work harder and if not we need to increase our personal knowledge," he said at that time. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath The Uttar Pradesh government has imposed a ban on the installation of new China-made meters by the state power department, days after 20 Indian Army personnel were killed by Chinese troops in a clash in Ladakh's Galwan Valley, an official said on June 23. "Installation of Chinese meter has been banned in the state," an official spokesman of the power department said. "The details have been sought about orders of Chinese meters and equipment and also contracts of Chinese items awarded in the past one year," he said. All India Power Engineers Federation president Shailendra Dubey has welcomed the decision. "In power plants, boilers and tubes and other equipment are brought from China as they are cheap. It's a truth that the quality of Chinese equipment is not good," he said. He said their association demands that equipment used in power plants be purchased from public sector company Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL). It will also help achieve the objective of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India), he added. Castro, Duboce Triangle Inside The Mask Shop at 4072 18th St. | Photos: Steven Bracco/Hoodline Here's a brief roundup of recent changes to Castro businesses during the shelter-in-place. Openings Kokak Chocolates (3901 18th St.) Kokak Chocolates opened June 17 at 3901 18th St., in the former Cafe UB space, which closed in 2017. Kokak Chocolates is now open at 3901 18th St. Along with their signature bonbons and chocolate bars, Kokak Chocolates offers a variety of chocolate and coffee drinks, as well as a distinctive cacao porridge. Hoodline reached out to owner Carol Gancia for comment but did not receive a response. Gancia is also the founder of Burlingame-based video production company Ripplemakers, Inc. She was twice awarded a Northern California Emmy for KQED's Check, Please! Bay Area, in 2016 and 2017. Kokak Chocolates opens directly across the street from Le Marais Bakery, which opened in the former Samovar Tea Lounge space in 2017. Kokak Chocolates is open Wednesday - Friday from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. The Mask Shop (4072 18th St.) The Mask Shop opened at 4072 18th St. in May, underneath Italian restaurant Poesia. Owner Michael Petri tells Hoodline the store is a pop-up shop, and he's looking for a more permanent location. The Mask Shop is now open at 4072 18th St. The shop offers a variety of masks made on site, ranging in price from $15-$25. Petri says The Mask Shop is also planning to offer scarves, gators, hoodies and dog clothes. On Sunday, Petri said the shop will host a "captive drag show" for Pride. The show will run from 12 p.m.-6 p.m., consisting of 15 minute mini-shows. Drag queens and attendees will be required to follow all social distancing guidelines. After Pride, Petri said the shop will begin making masks benefiting the Rainbow World Fund, to help raise funds for aid to LGBTQ refugees in Uganda. The Mask Shop is open Tuesday through Sunday until 6 p.m. and until 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Closings San Francisco Pet Grooming (209A Sanchez St.) San Francisco Pet Grooming at 209A Sanchez St. has now closed. Open since at least 2007, the pet grooming store appears to have quietly closed in May. Story continues San Francisco Pet Grooming has closed at 409A Sanchez St. On a recent visit by a Hoodline reporter, all the fixtures inside the shop had been cleared out, and an awning that used to advertise the store had been removed. Calls to the shop seeking comment have not been returned. At this time it's unclear if the store has permanently closed or if it's looking for a new location. Verizon store (2199 Market St.) A Verizon store at 2199 Market St. has permanently closed. On a recent visit to the store by a Hoodline reporter, all the signage had been removed from the building. The Verizon store at 2199 Market St. appears to have closed. The store is independently owned and operated by Victra, based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Spokesperson Sarah Cronin confirmed to Hoodline that the store has permanently closed. According to its website, Victra employs over 4,500 people at over 1,000 locations in 46 states. Three other locations in San Francisco, at 3200 Geary Blvd., 2300 Lombard St., and 1513 Sloat Blvd. remain open. Open since 2013, the store has often been the victim of vandalism to its glass windows. These closures add two more businesses to the list of Castro establishments permanently shuttered during shelter-in-place, including Gloss N Glam (258 Noe), Best in Show (545 Castro), Active Nutrition (2275 Market), and The Castro Republic (2295 Market). Thanks to Hoodline tipsters Cary S. and Denny! If you've seen something new (or closing) in the neighborhood, text your tips and photos to (415) 200-3233, or email tips@hoodline.com. If we use your info in a story, we'll give you credit. With the 'Boycott China' chorus growing stronger than ever in the wake of heightened tension between India and China, the Hotel and Guest House Owners' Association (Dhurva), which is a budget hotel body based in Delhi, has said it'll not allow Chinese guest to stay in their hotels and guesthouses. The association's decision comes in the wake of India's biggest traders body CAIT (Confederation of All India Traders) urging businesses to boycott Chinese products to support Indian businesses and economy. CAIT has released a list of over 500 Chinese products to be boycotted, which include FMCG products, consumer durables, toys, furnishing fabrics, textiles, builder hardware, footwear, apparel, kitchen items, among others. The body aims to reduce import of Chinese finished goods by $13 billion or about Rs 1 lakh crore by December 2021. The apex traders' body has appealed to celebrities to stop endorsing products of Chinese brands as a mark of respect for Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the Galwan Valley attack in Ladakh. In an open letter, CAIT has appealed Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Virat Kohli and others to stop endorsing Chinese products. It also invited celebrities including Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Shilpa Shetty, Madhuri Dixit, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar and others to join the campaign to boycott Chinese products under its flagship national movement 'Bharatiya Saaman-Hamara Abhiman'. CAIT also wrote to over 50 top industrialists in India including Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata, Adi Godrej, Azim Premji, Kumar Mangalam Birla and Anand Mahindra to support Boycott China campaign and stop using imported Chinese parts in their businesses. CAIT has been at the forefront of an anti-Chinese products campaign in India following the spread of coronavirus that originated in Wuhan province in China and has ravaged global economy including India. The heightened tensions between the two countries in the Galwan province in Ladakh over the last two months that reached a flashpoint on the night of July 15 with the martyrdom of 20 Indian soldiers has further exacerbated matters. James Birdsong, owner of The Barber Shop Plus in Easton, spent his Wednesday installing plexiglass frames in between workstations at his Northampton Street store. The chairs are all the CDC-recommended six-feet apart, but adding a barrier between customers will hopefully provide an extra feeling of safety. Barbershops and hair salons across the Lehigh Valley are employing precautionary measures such as Birdsongs idea as they begin to reopen after a dormant three months due to coronavirus. Barbershops in Warren County were able to reopen on Monday via New Jerseys reopening regulations, and shops in the Lehigh Valley will open their doors on Friday as Lehigh and Northampton Counties enter the green phase. Update 11:44 a.m.: Gov. Abbott announced late Thursday morning that hes ordering hospitals in Dallas, Harris, Travis and Bexar counties to suspend elective procedures to free up space for COVID-19 patients, and this editorial has been updated to reflect that breaking news. In addition, any additional relaxing of the remaining restrictions imposed by the state on businesses ability to reopen will be paused until the spike in new COVID-19 cases ends. After weeks of touting abundant hospital capacity as the primary data-driven rationale for reopening Texas, it is time for Gov. Greg Abbott to take immediate action. There is no time to wait a few weeks to see how things play out, as he suggested on Wednesday. News that the Texas Medical Center, the worlds largest medical complex, is at 98 percent of normal capacity and could exceed its limits at any moment, should be a flashing red light for the governor to reverse the dangerous course he has been pursuing. To be clear, Houston is not experiencing the death rates seen in the New York area at its peak, but the leading indicators point to a looming crisis. Abbott can show leadership in two ways. First, he should continue to urgently advise all Texans to avoid crowds when possible and make it mandatory they wear masks when they cannot. Second, he should immediately authorize local officials to impose further restrictions, including possibly slowing down the reopening of businesses, as local conditions warrant. Greater Houston Partnership CEO Bob Harvey sounded a similar note on Wednesday, urging businesses to send employees back to working from home, if possible. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner warned that the city will crack down this weekend on businesses that are flouting state and local restrictions for COVID-19. The governor should get behind these efforts but also take official action. Abbott took a step in the right direction on Thursday when he announced that the state will "pause" any further reopening until the spike in COVID-19 cases subsides. He also ordered all licensed hospitals in Harris, Bexar, Dallas and Travis counties to postpone elective procedures to protect hospital capacity for COVID-19 patients. But he allowed reopened businesses to continue operating at the occupancy limits laid out in his earlier orders and didn't roll back any of the current reopening phase. Nor did he authorize local officials to impose further restrictions to respond to the fast-changing situations in their jurisdictions. Texas reported record highs Wednesday in total positive tests and current lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients in hospitals. The 4,389 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in the state are more than double the number on June 12. Hospitalizations in Texas have increased 190 percent since Memorial Day, the first real benchmark of Abbotts reopening strategy. These numbers, coupled with the meteoric rise in cases, demand a response by the governor. And yet, Abbott has refused to order a statewide mandate on face coverings and has moved forward with reopening restaurants, bars, salons, gyms, theme parks and other businesses while easing restrictions on public gatherings. Medical authorities have repeatedly warned of the heightened risks associated with re-opening. And Abbott finally conceded the obvious this week when he publicly took notice of the coronavirus spikes and suggested his plan may not be working. If we are unable to slow the spread over the next few weeks, then we will have to re-evaluate to the extent to which businesses are open, Abbott said. Because if its not contained in the next couple of weeks it will be completely out of control and Texas will have to ratchet back. But why wait any longer to risk such a disaster? With models projecting that even TMCs emergency surge ICU resources could be exhausted by July 6 if the steep rate of new COVID hospitalizations continues, Dr. Peter Hotez, one of the countrys top experts on infectious disease, has a better timeline in mind than the governors wait a couple weeks and see approach. I want to see a plan in place before the weekend, he said. Gov. Abbott, are you listening? You will learn questions to ask yourself as you begin to understand Gods ways over our ways Author L. J. Klotz tackles an ageless question in God, is My Loved One in Hell? A Different Kind of Grief ($13.49, paperback, 9781631293603; $21.99, hardcover, 9781631293610; $6.99, e-book, 9781631293627). Klotz spent 34 years working with hospice patients and their families. She shared their grief and heard them voice doubts and worries about unsaved loved ones that were close to death or who had already passed. These loving believers carried guilt about failing to convert their loved ones to Christ, or anger at God for condemning them to Hell. Now Klotz uses her study of the Scriptures to address these issues for grieving families. You will learn a perspective that takes you, literally, out of this world; our fallen, mortal world. You will learn questions to ask yourself as you begin to understand Gods ways over our ways, said Klotz. L. J. Klotz has had a varied career as a sailplane pilot, a real estate manager, a respiratory therapist and a Christian writer. She holds an Associates in Respiratory Therapy as well as a degree in Theology and Christian Education. She and her husband Bill live in Florida. Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the worlds largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. God, is My Loved One in Hell? is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is seen in a police van, after he was arrested by British police, in London on April 11, 2019. (Henry Nicholls/Reuters) Julian Assange Charged In WikiLeaks Hacking Case Involving Chelsea Manning: Court Documents Julian Assange was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges related to his role in one of the largest breaches of information in U.S. history, the U.S. Department of Justice said Wednesday. The WikiLeaks founder was charged with conspiracy to obtain and disclose national defense information, conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, and multiple counts of obtaining and disclosing national defense information, according to unsealed court documents. Although the indictment doesnt add counts to Assanges May 2019 indictment, it does broaden the scope of the charges. According to the charging document, Assange and others at WikiLeaks recruited and agreed with hackers to commit computer intrusions to benefit WikiLeaks, the DOJ said in a statement. The indictment cites several past cases in which Assange is alleged to have broken the law. He allegedly obtained Guantanamo Bay detainee assessment briefs, U.S. State Department documents and secret Iraq rules of engagement. There was reason to believe that the information was to be used to the injury of the United States and the advantage of any foreign nation, the indictment alleges. In 2010, Assange gained unauthorized access to a government computer system of a NATO country, The Department of Justice statement said. In 2012, Assange communicated directly with a leader of the hacking group LulzSec, and provided a list of targets for LulzSec to hack. The court documents mention Chelsea Manning who was convicted of leaking over 700,000 government documents and sentenced to 35 years in jail in 2013. The conviction was the largest regarding a leak of government files for the purpose of leaking them to the public in U.S. history, The New York Times reported. President Barack Obama commuted Mannings sentence in 2017. However, Manning was returned to jail after refusing to testify in the WikiLeaks trial, according to The New York Times. Wednesdays court documents include a timeline of Assanges correspondence with Manning. Manning is alleged to have begun communicating with Assange in 2010. Assange faces up to 10 years for 17 out of the 18 counts and five years for the remaining count. He is currently in the United Kingdom on an extradition request from the United States, according to the Department of Justice statement. Assange was arrested in April 2019 by British authorities after living in the Ecuadorian Embassy since 2012, the Times reported. By Thomas Catenacci From The Daily Caller News Foundation Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. The CBSE will not conduct the class 10th examination while the students of Class 12th will be given an option of appearing in exams after conditions are conducive, the Solicitor General told the Supreme Court on Thursday. The Class 12th students will get option to appear in exams or take assessment based on past three exams. The assessment results will be out by July 15, the Solicitor General told the court. The centre will release a proper scheme of internal assessment by Friday. The matter has been adjourned to June 26. Talking about the scheme, SC pointed out that the scheme should clearly spell out that : * Assessment will be basis of admission into future courses * Time- frame to assess whether conditions are conducive * The decision to hold such exam in future to be taken at central level and not left to states *Centre to file fresh affidavit by tomorrow. The Court will hear the matter tomorrow after Centre files a new affidavit clearing doubts raised by Court. Follow CBSE live updates here The top Court said that there needs to be clarity in scheme as the delay in conducting exams will clash with admission process of universities. The court told the centre that conducive conditions may vary from state to state and hence, centre must consider when they will revisit their decision, may be after a month. The Supreme Court of India was hearing a plea filed by some parents whose children were to appear in the CBSE board exams. The top court had on June 17 asked the CBSE to consider cancelling the pending class 10th and 12th board examinations and allot marks on the basis of internal assessment. Earlier, on Tuesday, CBSE had told SC that the deliberations for cancelling remaining Class 10 and 12 board exams are at an advanced stage and a final decision in this regard is likely to be finalised by Wednesday after which the bench of Justices AM Khanwilkar, Dinesh Maheshwari, and Sanjiv Khanna said they will wait for CBSEs decision and deferred the next hearing to Thursday. The parents had said in the plea that the board students could be exposed to COVID-19 infection if they appear for exams amid rising number of coronavirus cases in India. They also stated that the CBSE has cancelled the exam of Class 10 and 12 for its around 250 schools situated abroad and the board has decided to award marks based on either practical exams or an internal assessment because of the Coronavirus pandemic. The CBSE board exam was postponed due to the coronavirus lockdown. However, on May 18, the ministry of human resource development released a revised time table for the pending board exams. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has asked all countries to make it an urgent responsibility to suppress transmission of the coronavirus and save lives, as research into vaccines and therapeutic continues. It said the number of Coronavirus cases was expected to reach 10 million cases within the next week as more than 9.1 million cases with about 470,000 deaths have been reported to the WHO presently. Dr Tredous Anamom Ghebreyesus, the WHO Director General, said at a media briefing that the most effective way of saving lives was to provide oxygen to patients who needed it. He said several news reports highlighted the vital role of oxygen in treating patients with severe and critical COVID-19. Those patients could not get enough oxygen into their blood by breathing normally and needed higher concentrations of oxygen and support to get it into their lungs, he said. The WHO Director General said when left untreated, severe COVID-19 deprived the human cells and organs of the needed oxygen, which ultimately led to organ failure and death. "WHO estimates that at the current rate of about one million new cases a week, the world needs about 620,000 cubic meters of oxygen a day, which is about 88,000 large cylinders, but many countries are now experiencing difficulties in obtaining oxygen concentrators," he noted. Dr Ghebreyesus said WHO and its United Nations partners were working with manufacturers across the world through a variety of private sector networks to buy oxygen concentrators for countries that needed them the most. Through such networks in recent weeks, the WHO had succeeded in buying 14,000 oxygen concentrators to be sent to 120 countries in the coming weeks. It had also identified a further 170,000 concentrators that could be available over the next six months, with a value of US$100 million dollars and has bought 9,800 pulse oximeters, a simple device used to monitor oxygen in a patient's blood, which are being prepared for shipment. Dr Ghebreyesus said another challenge was that many patients with critical disease needed a higher flow rate of oxygen than was produced by most commercially available concentrators. "WHO is supporting several countries to buy equipment that will enable them to generate their own concentrated oxygen in larger amounts. This is a sustainable solution for COVID-19 and beyond, but requires technical expertise for maintenance." In a related development, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo is planning to announce the end of the Ebola outbreak in the east of the country, after almost two years of struggle. In total there have been almost 3,500 cases, with about 2,300 deaths and 1,200 survivors. Dr Ghebreyesus said the WHO was proud to have worked under the leadership of the Government of the DRC to bring the outbreak under control. "This has been possible, thanks to the service and sacrifice of thousands of Congolese health workers, working side by side with colleagues from WHO and many other partners." The Director General observed that many of the public health measures successful in stopping Ebola were the same measures now essential for suppressing COVID-19, thus finding, isolating, testing and caring for every case and relentless contact tracing. These were the measures that must remain the backbone of the response in every country as there were no short-cuts, he said. ---BBC The latest victim of weeks of violence, which has led cities like Seattle to act as if they were the Navajo Nation, is not just decimated cities, but an open mind. The Far Left i.e., the mainstream Democratic Party is now endorsing yet another assault on our freedom book-burning. In 1933, students in Berlin set on fire roughly 25,000 great works, including, among others, those of Franz Kafka, Heinrich Heine, and Thomas Mann. Such works did not comport with the state-imposed ideology. We are now witnessing another totalitarian effort, likely to be imposed, if not through legislation, then at least through political arm-twisting and concomitant socioeconomic pressure, to control what we read, think, and believe. The first step is removing any artistic work, whatever the medium, be it film, literature, art, or otherwise, whose depiction of blacks is anything but respectful. By such logic, we must ban Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (The Prioress's story tells of a Christian child murdered by Jews), Marlowe's The Jew of Malta (self-explanatory) Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice (we all remember Shylock), and Dickens's Oliver Twist (for those who forgot, Fagin was a Jew). This is merely the tip of the iceberg. We will then cull our artistic heritage and identify and ban every work critical of or offensive to American Indians, illegals, gays, the elderly, secularists, and any other self-identifying subgroup spawned by our obsession with identity politics. One of the first victims of this purge will be the Bible. God just didn't have the politically correct view of homosexuality and free love. He was certainly too critical of Sodom and Gomorrah. Remember the origin of the word "sodomy"? I would like to believe that when all of this were said and done, we would still have comic books to read, but I suspect that our superheroes were far too dismissive of the rights of the villains they slew. After all, weren't the superheroes racially profiling the Black Manta? What are the underlying assumptions behind this lunacy? First, the cultural Gestapo believes we are all too gullible and far too stupid to form our own judgments of right and wrong. We shouldn't, for example, be able to see the film The Help because, despite its sympathetic portrayal of blacks, moviegoers will believe that the entire race is fit only to cook and clean for whites. We are also wholly incapable of appreciating irony, innuendo, or subtlety in an artistic work or delving beneath the surface to appreciate artistic intent. Second, no matter how brilliant an artistic creation may be, it is fatally flawed if it fails to treat any self-identifying group with the respect it deserves, not as human beings, but as members of that subgroup. One cannot produce a great artistic work unless he wait, that pronoun is per se prejudicial; it should be "heshe" treats even possible affected classification with due deference. Judged by this standard, all great artistic creations will fall short. Third, we no longer identify in this country as Americans. We no longer see ourselves as one or define our greatness through our bonds with our fellow citizens. Instead, we have allowed our obsession with over-indulging the sensitivities of those who prefer to identify as different to deny the rights and freedoms of the majority. Indeed, in this warped way, there is no longer a majority and that is the beauty of it. We are not linked by our commonality; we are divided by artificial differences. Our overzealous desire to protect our separateness has indeed separated us completely. Therefore, because we are all so special and needy in our separateness, no artistic creation can be permitted to offend our separate identities. Our selfhood has become defined by our difference. A black man is only black; he can have no beliefs or even thoughts that aren't informed by his black identity. We are all merely a small part of a human being, and that part needs special care because offending that "specialness" kills us at our barren core. Brussels, 20 June 2020 (SPS) - Deputies of the European Parliament called Wednesday the Spanish Government, in a letter sent to the Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, to speed up the decolonization process in Western Sahara and assume its historical and legal responsibilities towards the Sahrawi people. The European MPs said in a letter that the recent decision of the Supreme Court which establishes that the fact of being born in Western Sahara before 1975 doesnt give the right to the Spanish nationality of origin, is another denial from Spain towards its legal and historical responsibility and of its occupation for several years of Western Sahara which was its 53rd province and which had representatives in the legislature (Curtis), before being deliberately divided by Madrid and illegally given to Morocco, as part of Madrid agreements of 14 November 1975. The letter broached the historic decision of the International Court of Justice in 1975 which judged that Morocco doesnt have any sovereignty over the territory of Western Sahara, which was reaffirmed by the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs in 2002, in a different form, i.e. that Madrids arrangement didnt transfer the sovereignty of Western Sahara and didnt grant to any of the signatories the status of the administering power, a situation that Spain cant transfer unilaterally because it contradicts with the legal and political reality. The European MPs expressed their strong condemnation of this decision, which reflects the clear political intentions against the Sahrawi people and the decolonization issue of Western Sahara, demanding that the Prime minister takes the responsibility of this phase and takes all the measures to respond to it, starting with the efforts aimed at establishing high-level diplomatic relations with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) and the granting of the Spanish nationality to the descendants of the former Spanish colony (Western Sahara) (SPS) 062/SPS/APS Almost half of the population of an Austrian alpine resort hit by a coronavirus outbreak have antibodies, indicating they had been infected in the pandemic, researchers said on Thursday. Thousands became infected after holidaying in Ischgl and other ski resorts in the western province of Tyrol around early March, transmitting the virus not just in Austria but also abroad in Germany, the US, Singapore, Hong Kong and elsewhere. A study by the Medical University of Innsbruck now shows 42.4 percent of those living in Ischgl are thought to carry new coronavirus antibodies. Serology tests on the blood can show antibodies indicating whether someone has had the virus in the past and may have some level of immunity. Some governments are pushing antibody tests as a way to examine levels of potential immunity as they try to restart economies after virus lockdowns. But the WHO has warned there is still no evidence that people who test positive were immunised against getting infected again. "In Ischgl, we have the highest seroprevalence ever shown in a study. Even if we can't conclude this means those in Ischgl have herd immunity, a good part of the population should have protection" from contracting the virus for now, research leader Dorothee von Laer said, using a term referring to a level of mass immunity. She said only 15 percent of respondents had previously tested positive for the virus so "85 percent did not notice they were infected" with about half of them having had such mild symptoms that they dismissed them as a cold. For the study, 79 percent of the population -- or 1,259 adults and 214 children from some 480 households -- were tested between April 21 and 27. Among those under 18 years old, just 27 percent had antibodies, which could be because they had less contact to infected people or because their immune system reacts differently to the virus, according to epidemiologist Peter Willeit. More studies, such as on how long the antibodies stay in the blood, could be conducted later. Many of those who were infected in Tyrol's alpine resorts have filed legal complaints, blaming local authorities for not acting quickly enough to protect travellers. Authorities have rejected the accusations, saying the region carried out contact tracing as recommended by the World Health Organization and that Ischgl's ski season was cut short on March 13, shortly before the region was put under quarantine. Von Laer said the virus is thought to have been around Ischgl -- dubbed the "Ibiza of the Alps" thanks to its packed bars and buzzing nightlife -- from at least mid-February onwards. The first case that became public dates to March 7. A previous study, based on tests in April, showed an estimated 4.71 percent of people in 27 communities with large numbers of infections had new coronavirus antibodies. A sample size of 540 people was tested for this study. Overall, the country of nine million people has been spared the brunt of the crisis, reporting less than 17,400 cases and 700 deaths to date. A Soviet-era polio vaccine is gaining renewed attention from researchers as a possible weapon against the new coronavirus, based in part on research done by their mother, Dr Marina Voroshilova Moscow: To the boys, it was just a sugary treat. To their parents prominent medical researchers, what happened in their Moscow apartment that day in 1959 was a vital experiment with countless lives at stake and their own children as guinea pigs. We formed a kind of line, Dr Peter Chumakov, who was seven at the time, recalled in an interview. Into each waiting mouth, a parent popped a sugar cube laced with weakened poliovirus an early vaccine against a dreaded disease. I was eating it from the hands of my mother. Today, that same vaccine is gaining renewed attention from researchers including those brothers, who all grew up to be virologists as a possible weapon against the new coronavirus, based in part on research done by their mother, Dr Marina Voroshilova. Voroshilova established that the live polio vaccine had an unexpected benefit that, it turns out, could be relevant to the current pandemic: People who got the vaccine did not become sick with other viral illnesses for a month or so afterward. She took to giving the boys polio vaccine each fall as protection against flu. Now some scientists in several countries are taking a keen interest in the idea of repurposing existing vaccines, like the one with live poliovirus and another for tuberculosis, to see if they can provide at least temporary resistance to the coronavirus. Russians are among them, drawing on a long history of vaccine research and of researchers, unconcerned about being scoffed at as mad scientists, experimenting on themselves. Experts advise that the idea like many other proposed ways of attacking the pandemic must be approached with great caution. We are much better off with a vaccine that induces specific immunity, Dr Paul Offit, a co-inventor of a vaccine against the rotavirus and professor at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, said in a telephone interview. Any benefits from a repurposed vaccine, he said, are much shorter-lived and incomplete compared with a tailored vaccine. Still, Dr Robert Gallo, a leading advocate of testing the polio vaccine against the coronavirus, said that repurposing vaccines is one of the hottest areas of immunology. Gallo, director of the Institute of Human Virology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, said that even if the weakened poliovirus confers immunity for only a month or so, it gets you over the hump, and it would save a lot of lives. But there are risks. Billions of people have taken live poliovirus vaccine, nearly eradicating the disease. However, in extremely rare cases, the weakened virus used in the vaccine can mutate into a more dangerous form, cause polio and infect other people. The risk of paralysis is estimated at one in 2.7 million vaccinations. For those reasons, public health organisations say that once a region eliminates naturally occurring polio, it must stop routine use of the oral vaccine, as the United States did 20 years ago. And this month, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases delayed a study designed by Gallos institute, the Cleveland Clinic, the University of Buffalo and Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center to test the effectiveness of live polio vaccine against the coronavirus using health care workers as subjects. The agency raised safety concerns, including the chance of live poliovirus making its way into water supplies and infecting others, according to researchers familiar with the study application. The press office of the NIAID declined to comment. But other countries are moving ahead. Trials with the polio vaccine have begun in Russia and are planned in Iran and Guinea-Bissau. A specific vaccine for the coronavirus would be one that trains the immune system to target that virus specifically, and more than 125 vaccine candidates are under development around the world. Repurposed vaccines, in contrast, use live but weakened viruses or bacteria to stimulate the innate immune system more broadly to fight pathogens, at least temporarily. The first polio vaccine, developed by Dr Jonas Salk, an American, used inactivated virus particles of killed virus. It had to be injected, an obstacle to immunization campaigns in poorer countries. When that vaccine was widely introduced in 1955, Dr. Albert Sabin was testing a vaccine using live but attenuated poliovirus, which could be taken orally. But in the United States, with the Salk vaccine already in use, authorities were reluctant to take the perceived risk of conducting live-virus trials. Sabin gave his three strains of attenuated virus to a married pair of virologists in the Soviet Union, Dr Mikhail Chumakov, founder of a polio research institute that now bears his name, and Voroshilova. Mikhail Chumakov vaccinated himself, but a medicine intended primarily for children needed child test subjects, so he and Voroshilova gave it to their three sons and several nieces and nephews. Their experiment enabled him to persuade a senior Soviet official, Anastas Mikoyan, to proceed with wider trials, eventually leading to the mass production of an oral polio vaccine used around the world. The United States began oral polio vaccinations in 1961 after it was proved safe in the Soviet Union. Somebody has to be the first, Peter Chumakov said in an interview. I was never angry. I think it was very good to have such a father, who is confident enough that what he is doing is right and is sure he will not harm his children. His mother was, if anything, even more enthusiastic about running the tests on the boys, he said. She was absolutely sure there was nothing to be scared of, he said. Something Voroshilova noticed decades ago has renewed interest in the oral vaccine. A typical healthy child is host to a dozen or so respiratory viruses that cause little or no illness. But Voroshilova could not find any of them in children soon after they were immunised against polio. A huge study in the Soviet Union of 320,000 people, from 1968 to 1975, overseen by Voroshilova, found reduced mortality from flu in people immunised with other vaccines, including the oral polio vaccine. She won recognition in the Soviet Union for demonstrating a link between vaccinations and broad protection against viral diseases, likely by stimulating the immune system. Voroshilovas and Chumakovs work clearly influenced their sons minds as well as their health; not only did all of them become virologists, they embraced self-testing as well. Peter Chumakov today is chief scientist at the Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology at the Russian Academy of Sciences and co-founder of a company in Cleveland that treats cancer with viruses. He has developed about 25 viruses for use against tumours all of which, he said, he has tested on himself. He is also now taking the polio vaccine, which he grows in his own laboratory, as possible protection against the coronavirus. Dr Ilia Chumakov, a molecular biologist, helped sequence the human genome in France. Dr Alexei Chumakov, who was not yet born when his parents experimented on his brothers, worked as a cancer researcher at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles for much of his career. While working in Moscow, he developed a vaccine against hepatitis E, which he tested first on himself. Its an old tradition, he said. The engineer should stand under the bridge when the first heavy load goes over. Dr Konstantin Chumakov is an associate director of the US Food and Drug Administrations Office of Vaccine Research and Review, which would be involved in approving any coronavirus vaccines for use in Americans. He is also a co-author, with Gallo and others, of a recent article in the journal Science that promotes research into repurposing existing vaccines. In an interview, he said he cannot remember eating the sugar cube back in 1959 he was five years old but approved of his parents experiment as a step toward saving untold numbers of children from paralysis. It was the right thing to do, he said. Now there would be questions, like, Did you get permission from the ethics committee?. Andrew E Kramer c.2020 The New York Times Company BEIJING, June 24 (Xinhua) -- China's inactivated COVID-19 vaccine candidate has started its phase-3 clinical trial globally in the United Arab Emirates, according to the vaccine developer China National Biotec Group (CNBG). The clinical trial was officially initiated after a cooperation agreement was signed Tuesday, during a videoconference jointly held in Beijing, Wuhan and Abu Dhabi, the company said, adding that it is the first time that China's self-developed vaccine has carried out phase-3 clinical research internationally. The CNBG will cooperate with Group 42 (G42), an Abu Dhabi-based artificial intelligence and cloud computing company, in the clinical trial. They will also cooperate in the localized production of the vaccine. The inactivated vaccine developed by the Wuhan Institute of Biological Products under the CNBG completed its phase 1 and 2 clinical trials in China. The results showed a good safety record and no severe adverse reactions were found in clinical trials, and vaccine receivers inoculated with two injections in different procedures and doses have all produced high titers of antibodies. For those receiving two injections at an interval of 28 days, the seroconversion rate of neutralizing antibodies reached 100 percent. Another inactivated COVID-19 vaccine developed by the CNBG's Beijing Institute of Biological Products has also entered into clinical trials. To increase its manufacturing capacity, the company has built a large production unit in Beijing that can meet high bio-safety protection requirements. The unit will be able to produce 120 million doses of vaccine per year once mass production begins. Another vaccine production facility in Wuhan is expected to produce 100 million doses after completion. The clinical research of vaccines is usually divided into three phases. Phase-1 clinical trials mainly evaluate the safety and phase-2 clinical trials evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine, as well as the immunization procedures. Phase-3 clinical trials evaluate the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in a larger population. Liu Jingzhen, chairman of Sinopharm which the CNBG is affiliated to, said the company will accelerate international cooperation in clinical trials and maintain close communication with the World Health Organization. The company will also make efforts to ensure the accessibility and the affordability of the vaccine, Liu said. India on Thursday held China responsible for the violent faceoff at the Galwan Valley in Ladakh and accused it of amassing troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in violation of all agreed norms. The Indian position on the months-old standoff was outlined in a lengthy and sharply worded statement from the external affairs ministry as tensions simmered due to the continuing Chinese military build-up in several sections of the LAC, especially in Ladakh, which has been the focus of the stand-off. Explaining the context of the standoff and the issues the two sides are trying to address, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said in a statement: At the heart of the matter is that since early May, the Chinese side has been amassing a large contingent of troops and armaments along the LAC. This is not in accordance with the provisions of our various bilateral agreements, especially the key 1993 Agreement on the Maintenance of Peace and Tranquillity along the Line of Actual Control in the India-China Border Areas. This agreement states each side will keep its military forces in areas along the LAC to a minimum level compatible with friendly and good neighbourly relations. Following the Chinese build-up, India had to make counter deployments and the resulting tension has thereafter expressed itself. New Delhi reiterated that it has been patrolling in Galwan Valley for a long time, and has never attempted to change the status quo. However, it added the same has not been reciprocated by the Chinese side. Both sides had developed patterns of patrolling over many years and it is the reasonable expectation that patrols will not be obstructed in the discharge of their legitimate duties. However, the Indian side has experienced obstruction to patrolling that is often accompanied by efforts to unilaterally change the status quo along the LAC. Indian troops are fully familiar with the LACs alignment in all sectors and abide scrupulously by it. They have also patrolled all along the LAC, including in Galwan Valley, for a long time, the statement said. Yesterday, China, for the first time, admitted casualties on its side in the violent brawl with Indian soldiers, but claimed that numbers were not very high. On the other hand, 20 Indian soldiers died defending their country on June 15. On Tuesday, Zhao Lijian, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, had dismissed as fake news a statement by minister VK Singh that the PLA could have suffered double the number of casualties compared to the Indian army. China on Wednesday launched a twin diplomatic attack against India with its foreign and defence ministries blaming New Delhi for the Galwan Valley clash and alleging that the external affairs ministry and Indian media were spreading false information about the incident. On June 20, India, for the second time, rejected Chinas claim on Galwan Valley in Ladakh and reiterated that the violent clash of June 15 was triggered by Chinese efforts to build structures on the Indian side of the LAC. The MEA spoksperson had said the position with regard to Galwan Valley was historically clear. He added, Attempts by the Chinese side to now advance exaggerated and untenable claims with regard to Line of Actual Control (LAC) there are not acceptable. They are not in accordance with Chinas own position in the past. ALBANY As coronavirus cases continue to decline in the Capital Region, local health officials and doctors are urging parents to catch their children up on routine immunizations and well-child visits that many put off during the height of the pandemic. Declines in routine immunizations have been observed both locally and nationally, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting in May that the number of non-influenza and measles-containing vaccines being ordered through the national Vaccines for Children Program fell precipitously in the weeks after coronavirus was declared a national health emergency. In New York, vaccine orders fell by 55 percent in April outside New York City compared to the same period last year, according to the state Department of Health. They began to rebound slightly the following months, but orders were still 35 percent lower in May and 11 percent lower in June compared to the same period last year. The declines were most significant among children over two, when immunization efforts transition from the initial protective doses given to newborns and toddlers to booster shots designed to maintain protection against disease as children age. Albany County Health Commissioner Elizabeth Whalen said the countys immunization program has administered zero vaccines so far in the second quarter of 2020, compared to 208 that were administered during the same period last year. Were just not getting people calling and asking, she said. Weve had no requests for vaccinations, so we want to get the word out. The decline is a concern, Whalen said, because people are starting to venture outside their homes more as the state reopens. County resources are heavily focused on COVID-19 and will remain that way for some time. An outbreak of another disease would divert those resources at a time when all hands on deck are needed, she said. We dont want to leave our children susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases, and when we lapse on the recommended vaccine schedule we know there is always the risk of that, she said. We had a mumps outbreak on the SUNY campus a couple years ago. These things arent unheard of, so we have to stay vigilant. Medical professionals who have talked to parents say the reasons for them staying away are mostly related to fear of contracting COVID-19 in a health care setting. That fear has dissipated some as cases across the region have waned, they said. But some people were also just trying to comply with stay-at-home orders. Dr. Nathan Graber, a pediatrician with St. Peters Pediatrics practice in Clifton Park, said he saw a major decline in well-child visits during the first month of the pandemic. Office staff worked hard to keep in touch with families and remind them of the importance of routine immunizations and other care, he said. A lot of families were afraid about what the virus might do to themselves or their kids, he said. Or they were afraid they would bring it home to a vulnerable member of their household, such as an elderly parent or grandparent. That fear has led to a noticeable drop in other routine health services, including cancer screenings for adults. Physicians practices and other health care providers have implemented safety precautions they hope will reassure patients, such as increased disinfection of surfaces and equipment, having staff wear masks and other personal protective equipment if needed, and reducing capacity inside their buildings by shifting to virtual care where possible and reconfiguring waiting rooms. Well-child visits for children under two are especially important, said Dr. James Saperstone, a pediatrician with CapitalCare Pediatrics in Guilderland. The younger the infant or child the more important it is to keep track of how well theyre growing, he said. You want to check height and weight and measure the size of their head. Theres discussion around nutrition and feeding, then theres the whole universe of developmental issues that can occur when a child starts to develop motor skills and language. Saperstone and Graber say early intervention is key to improving outcomes for children who develop autism spectrum disorder or other cognitive issues. Early intervention is extremely effective for improving outcomes but we can only intervene if we pick up on it early and we can only do that if parents maintain regular well-child visits, said Graber. Saperstone said he saw a small decrease in immunizations at the start of the pandemic, but that it has only really persisted among older children who require booster shots. Parents are bringing their infants and their kids under five in, he said. A lot of their motivation, of course, is theyre thinking about sending their kids to camp this summer or to school in the fall. I think everyones banking to some degree on school reopening. Interestingly, both Saperstone and Graber said they noticed a significant drop in sick visits this spring. Graber believes thats because stay-at-home orders have kept children from spreading contagious diseases among themselves, such as colds, stomach flu, and hand, foot and mouth disease. The converse of that, they note, will be an uptick in illness come fall should school reopen. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has not yet announced plans for reopening school, and considerable debate is underway about the safest way to do it. I think theres going to be a big spike in the number of COVID cases when fall comes, Saperstone said. If we can get through fall, I think were going to be good. I think theres going to be a vaccine, and certainly there will be better options for treating the sick. Replica Analytics and Sunnybrook's Czarnota Lab receive key seed funding to de-risk Ontario intellectual property TORONTO, June 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ - FACIT, a commercialization venture firm, announced the newest recipients of Ontario First seed capital through the latest round of its Prospects Oncology Fund: Ottawa-based data science start-up Replica Analytics Ltd., and medtech innovator Dr. Greg Czarnota of Toronto's Sunnybrook Research Institute. Replica Analytics Ltd. is a new venture created by Dr. Khaled El Emam, a serial entrepreneur whose previous venture, FACIT-backed Privacy Analytics, was acquired by IMS Health. Replica Analytics is developing modeling software to create synthetic data based on real clinical datasets. High quality synthetic data is increasingly sought after by researchers, the pharmaceutical industry, and other entrepreneurs who require the datasets to build new models and enable AI innovation in healthcare. Dr. Czarnota, Senior Scientist and Director of the Odette Cancer Research Program at Sunnybrook Research Institute, has developed technology consisting of specialized ultrasound hardware and data analysis algorithms for analyzing ultrasound RF-data. The algorithms quantitatively predict the responsiveness of breast tumours to standard chemotherapy by measuring tissue structural characteristics associated with tumour response prognosis. Both investments represent potentially important advancements in cancer care. FACIT's investments strategically address the seed-stage gap experienced by Ontario's life sciences sector, fueling promising cancer breakthroughs towards a value inflection point and helping local start-ups establish and anchor jobs in the province. Recipients of the Prospects Oncology Fund have demonstrated a clear understanding of their technology's differentiation, the competitive landscape and how the innovation will address an unmet need. This reflects FACIT's unique, collaborative commercialization model that emphasizes the importance of early commercial planning alongside research strategy in order to maximize the value of Ontario intellectual property, prevent export of technology value, and increase the potential of innovations reaching the patient. "We are pleased to support these Ontario entrepreneurs, providing both capital and commercialization expertise as they build and create value for their homegrown technologies," said Dr. David O'Neill, President of FACIT. "Capitalizing on made-in-Ontario life science innovation reinforces Ontario's emerging biotech ecosystem, creating jobs and supporting the province's post-pandemic economic recovery." Together with its strategic partner the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, FACIT has a mandate to translate Ontario's most promising cancer innovations to the benefit of patients and the Ontario economy. A focus on Ontario First commercialization of intellectual property has the unique potential to develop a favorable path for the province's economic stimulus during these unprecedented times, ensuring entrepreneurs are supported within a local biotech community. With support from the Government of Ontario, FACIT continues to make strong, positive impacts in the commercialization of Ontario innovations, ultimately ensuring great science has a translational pathway to Ontario patients. About FACIT FACIT is an award winning commercialization venture firm that builds companies with entrepreneurs to accelerate oncology innovation, with a portfolio that has attracted over $850 million in investment to Ontario. Blending industry experience, capital and the unsurpassed clinician-scientist network of its strategic partner the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), FACIT capitalizes on the province's investment in research and healthcare to the benefit of the local economy and patients worldwide. FACIT's commercialization portfolio includes Turnstone Biologics, Fusion Pharmaceuticals, Triphase Accelerator and other biotechnology organizations. Cancer Breakthroughs. Realized. facit.ca. About Replica Analytics Ltd. Replica Analytics develops unique technologies for generating privacy protective synthetic data that maintains the statistical properties of real data. The company enables fast and effective access to high utility data while meeting global regulatory obligations. About Sunnybrook Research Institute and Dr. Greg Czarnota Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI) is the research arm of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre one of Canada's premier academic health sciences centres fully affiliated with the University of Toronto. SRI is one of the fastest growing hospital-based research enterprises in Canada with well-established programs in basic and applied research, developing innovations in care for more than 1.3 million patients annually. As a Senior Scientist at SRI, Dr. Czarnota conducts research focused on using ultrasound imaging and spectroscopy at conventional and high frequencies to detect apoptosis and other forms of cell death in response to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. SOURCE FACIT Inc. Related Links http://facit.ca/ Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City, the state capital, on Thursday affirmed the membership of Pastor Osagie Ize-iyamu as an aut... Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City, the state capital, on Thursday affirmed the membership of Pastor Osagie Ize-iyamu as an authentic member of the All Progressives Congress, APC. One of the counsels to the APC candidate, Douglas Ogbakwa, Esq, told DAILY POST that the court in affirming Ize-iyamu as fully registered APC member noted that the waiver granted by the partys National Working Committee was unnecessary. Details later Grains by the lb can generally be had for a reasonable price. They also generally qualify for free and flat rate shipping when a retailer offers that. Full 50 or 55 lb sacks of malt are another story altogether. The per lb price of sacks can be tempting, but shipping charges can be confiscatory. Bulk Malt Deal Tips and Tricks Look at Total Cost Price per lb delivered to your door is the most important thing when it comes to value. Biting on a low cost sack of grain with high shipping is equally as bad as biting on a high cost sack of grain with free shipping. Compare total cost. If free or flat rate shipping is an option always makes sure to put together an order that qualifies for discounted shipping. Deals can periodically found on Amazon Offerings and prices can vary wildly, but its worth a quick look when it comes time to buying grain. Buy Local-ish Look for a shop in the same general geographic location. It makes sense that shipping from one state away would cost less than shipping across the country. This isnt always the case, but its a good place to start. Try the following shops, each has general geographic area to help Wunder Grain AIHs Wunder grain offering is a mix and match of grains. Wunder = I wonder what it is. Availability is touch and go, but when its available its one of the best deals out there if youre not picky and just wanting to brew. Its sold in 10 lb bags and typically qualifies for free shipping to many US addresses. Buy 5 to get the equivalent of a sack and qualify for free shipping. Wunder Grain 10 lb bag 10 lb Bags at Williams Brewing Williams Brewing has select malt available in 10 lb bags. These qualify for their free or flat shipping. Buy 5 x 10 lb bags and you have the equivalent of a sack of grain. Base Malt in 10 Pound Bags Deal on All Grain Kits Adventures in Homebrewing discounts seasonal homebrew beer recipe kits by 20%. Selections include both all grain and extract options. Shipping is free to many US addresses with a qualifying order. 20% Off Seasonal All Grain Kits | 20% Off Seasonal Extract Kits Make a Friend, Get a Great Deal on Grain Make friends with your local brewery or brew pub and they just might let you purchase grain from them a great price. Bulk Grain Storage Options Vittles Vault Review! Grain Mill Reviews All Grain-Related Reviews: A collection of reviews that weve tagged as directly or indirectly related to all grain brewing Hands on Review: Vittles Vault Stackable Storage Bins for Homebrew Grain Storage! Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions. top:bulkgrain tag:itsapage tag:tpr Kashmir: The security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam on Wednesday busted a terror module of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and arrested five terrorist supporters. The SSP of Budgam police in a statement said, "Acting on a specific input Budgam police and Army 2 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) arrested five terror associates from Narbal area during a search operation." The terror associates have been identified as Imran Rashid, Ifshan Ahmad Ganie, Owais Ahmad, Mohsin Qadir and Abid Rather. The police recovered 28 live rounds AK 47, one magazine AK 47 and 20 posters of LeT from their possession. The statement further said that the group was involved in providing logistic support and shelter to LeT terrorists and that they have been active in the area for last few months. An FIR under relevant sections of UAPA has been registered in police station Magam and further investigations are being made. Now Open 25 June 2020 Located on the harbor in the heart of downtown Newport, RI, the newly built and locally owned Brenton Hotel is slated to open in July. The six-story hotel sits directly on Newport's bustling waterfront, and features 57 rooms and suites, two food and beverage venues and on-site parking. Floor-to-ceiling windows throughout The Brenton'spublic spaces and guestrooms offer panoramic views of the world-renowned harbor and majestic historic cityscape. The Newport experience of the Brenton Hotel extends well beyond the front door and within its walls. From the Roof Top, six stories above the harbor, unparalleled views of Newport are paired with classic and creative cocktails and small bites. And, in the marina just steps from the Brenton, the hotel's private 36' Hinckley Picnic Boat is docked, ready to whisk guests away for private escapes and intimate sunset sails around the bay. Meticulously researched and thoughtfully designed by its local owners, working with Group One Partners of Boston, MA, the hotel celebrates Newport's architectural heritage and development over the past 400 years, with nods to local landmarks like the 18th-century Colony House and the 19th-century Opera House Theater. An engaging interpretation of traditional Newport architecture, the exterior features wood siding, sailcloth stucco and a stone base honoring Newport's past. Arriving in grandeur, guests are first greeted by the unencumbered views and light breezes of what seems like a nautical mansion. A grand spiral staircase leads from private parking to theLiving Room, where guests are welcomed by the sights and sounds of the convivial brass bar, the casual conversation of locals after a day of sailing, and the taste of a coastally inspired shared plates menu and craft cocktails. A standard room at the Brenton Hotel is a relative term: Guest rooms begin at 450 square feet with king beds facing the floor-to-ceiling windows. Each room features a chaise sitting area with mini bar and walls adorned with an in-room gallery of locally inspired photography featuring famed moments and notable events that contribute to Newport's allure. Just past the sitting area, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors open to either a Juliet or fully furnished balcony for guests to take in sea-breezes and fresh air. With natural hues accented by nautical blues, brass and natural wood furnishings, every guest room is thoughtfully designed to inspire a calming guest retreat with interior finishes that evoke the feeling of a luxury yacht. The traditions of New England design are honored and accented with historic notes that bring forth a contemporary feel, beginning with the private brass lantern entry to each guest room. Guest room beds define comfort with 400 thread count all-cotton linens from Matouk, the 100-year old luxury linen company based in Fall River, MA, made specifically for the Brenton Hotel, and wrapped around custom, handmade mattresses from Connecticut-based Mattress Concierge. Spacious, glass-cornered bathrooms feature a full wall of natural light, with privacy shading, stand-up glass surround shower, and a wrought iron vanity with custom white countertops and hand basins. The bathrooms feature private water closets, a luxurious nod to the hotel's marine setting. Room categories include city view and waterfront rooms; two-bedroom waterfront suites; penthouse waterfront king and corner king rooms; and penthouse two-bedroom waterfront suite. The Brenton Hotel is located on the waterfront at 31 American's Cup Avenue at the corner of Long Wharf. For additional information and reservations, please visit www.brentonhotel.com. Boycotting Chinese products may not be feasible for India as the domestic industry is dependent on inputs from the neighbouring country, FIEO said on Thursday. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) President SK Saraf said that India needs to be cautious while banning or restricting Chinese goods. It is "not feasible as we are dependent so much on Chinese products," he told reporters. India can cut its dependence on Chinese goods only when it becomes self-reliant and start producing same goods in India or source from other markets. In the wake of increasing border tensions between the two countries, voices are getting stronger to restrict or boycott Chinese goods in the country. He added that it should be left with the people whether they want to buy Chinese goods or not. FIEO Director General Ajay Sahai said "knee jerk" reaction on Chinese goods is not good. According to the federation, India's exports to China grew from USD 16.5 to USD 16.95 billion in 2019 while imports declined from 73.8 billion to 68.2 billion in 2019. Similarly, India's exports to Hong Kong in 2019 stood at USD 11.5 billion as against imports of USD 17.3 billion imports. "We need to look into the totality of trade with China and Hong Kong. Much dependence on China can be reduced with short to long term plans," Saraf added. Sylvia Bolle had a difficult decision to make: Protect her mother from COVID-19 or let a PSW step in, trusting they do the same. For three months, Bolle has served as her 88-year-old Hamilton mothers stand-in caregiver. The registered nurse put her moms personal support worker (PSW) service on hold in March to minimize her risk of contracting COVID-19, taking over her care herself. She took a leave of absence from her job with Hamilton Health Sciences to do so. Now, with the COVID case curve flattening and the economy opening up, Bolle planned to reschedule PSW care this week and return to work. But then she read an article in The Spectator. When I saw the big article in the paper I was like, Oh my gosh, there is it, Bolle said, referring to an article in Fridays paper detailing the tragic story of Michela Caruso, an 87-year-old who died in hospital after a PSW exposed her and her husband to the virus in their home. The PSW reportedly worked at the Rosslyn Retirement Residence, where 16 residents have died and 64 tested positive for the virus, along with 22 staff. The case confirmed one of Bolles worst fears that a PSW would get sick and bring the virus into a home. Now shes worried that could happen to her mom. Its a catch-22, said Bolle, who lives near St. Catharines and drives 45 minutes to see her mom every day or every other day in Hamilton. Do I let a PSW go back into her home ... or do I come in? And what if I unknowingly bring it in? Hers is a predicament faced by many Ontario families, said Miranda Ferrier, president of the Ontario Personal Support Worker Association (OPSWA). (Families) are afraid, rightfully so, that the PSW coming in may be exposed to COVID in congregate care settings, Ferrier said. She said PSWs are just as afraid as families that they will catch the virus or spread it. And while PSWs should take every precaution to minimize exposure and transmission, some are still working in both congregate care settings and in peoples homes and thats allowed, Ferrier said. The province has deemed agency workers and contract staff essential visitors, exempting them from the provinces emergency directive that care staff work exclusively in one congregate care setting so they are allowed to continue to work in multiple care settings. Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath raised the Carusos case and concerns about agency worker exemptions during question period in the provincial legislature Wednesday. In April, the premier told families there would be an iron ring protecting seniors, Horwath said. And he dismissed concerns about temporary agency workers who were exempted from restrictions on working at multiple facilities. He promised screening and oversight, he promised protection. The Caruso family didnt get it. Minister of Long-Term Care Merrilee Fullerton responded by saying the province is working to improve long-term care. The province says fewer than two per cent of PSWs, registered nurses and registered practical nurses in long-term care homes are agency staff. Bolle said she is concerned a PSW will work in a congregate care setting and unknowingly bring the virus into her moms home. She realizes even if the PSW isnt working in congregate care, they are likely working in other clients homes, but she feels that is a lower risk. The provider through which Bolles mom receives care, Saint Elizabeth Health (SE Health), said in an email that staff do work in retirement homes and in clients homes, but those working in a long-term care facility with an outbreak must self-isolate for 14 days before returning to work in a private home. SE Health spokesperson Madonna Gallo said all PSWs must wear masks and eye protection when working with clients. Additional precautions are taken if a client has a probable or confirmed case of COVID-19. Staff also screen themselves and their clients for symptoms and know to stay home if they are sick, Gallo said. We are always happy to discuss any potential concerns with clients and families and measures to ensure their safety, she added. The Hamilton Niagara Haldimand Brant Local Health Integration Network and province both said they have guidelines to minimize the number of workers going into any one location. Ferrier described current issues in seniors care as somewhat cyclical. Because clients paused in-home PSW care during the pandemic, some PSWs looked elsewhere to make up for lost hours, picking up other jobs or working for multiple agencies, perhaps increasing risk of exposure. Gallo said working for more than one employer is strongly discouraged by SE Health. Ferrier said her advice to Bolle is to get in writing from SE Health that PSWs caring for her mom will not also work in a congregate care settings. In the meantime, Bolle has decided to extend the PSW service suspension. She plans to continue caring for her mom and will also return to work part-time. She said she works in a low-risk outpatient unit and feels its safer for her to continue with care, rather than take a chance that a PSW working in multiple homes per day takes over. She believes her decision was the right one. If something happened I would feel terrible, she said. I would feel so responsible. ConsumerAffairs is not a government agency. Companies displayed may pay us to be Authorized or when you click a link, call a number or fill a form on our site. Our content is intended to be used for general information purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment based on your own personal circumstances and consult with your own investment, financial, tax and legal advisers. Company NMLS Identifier #2110672 Copyright 2021 Consumers Unified LLC. All Rights Reserved. The contents of this site may not be republished, reprinted, rewritten or recirculated without written permission. 'Glow & Lovely' might soon greet you from the shelves with Hindustan Unilever seeking trademark registration for the new name as the FMCG major has decided to drop the word 'Fair' from its popular fairness cream 'Fair & Lovely'. While, HUL, a subsidiary of British-Dutch multinational company Unilever PLC, did not disclose the new name for its "Fair & Lovely", the company had approached the Controller General of Patent Design and Trademark to get the name 'Glow & Lovely' registered on June 17, 2020. According to the portal ipindiaonline.gov.in, the company's application has been sent for 'Vienna Codification'. Once an application is submitted before the trademark registry, it is sent for inspection done at various stages and figurative elements as a logo are sent for a trademark search to check for its distinctiveness, as per Vienna Agreement. When contacted for comments, a HUL spokesman said trademark protection is an important aspect for any brand and in this case, the company has applied for several trademarks in 2018. "Some of them have received registration, while some applications are pending. We may choose to register other brand names too. We want to manage the unveiling of the new brand name carefully because we want to make sure that the market isn't filled with counterfeit products that are unsafe. We will not be able to confirm what the new name will be," the spokesperson said. HUL had earlier also applied under the same trademark name "Glow & Lovely" on September 7, 2018. It was, however, rejected. For the 'goods and service description' in its latest application, HUL stated that the intended use for "Glow & Lovely" would include soaps, oils, creams, lotions, beauty masks, facial packs etc. It would also cover skin care preparations, shaving preparations, pre-shave and aftershave preparations, cologne, depilatory preparations, sun-tanning and sun protection preparations. Earlier in the day, HUL announced that it would remove the word "Fair" from its popular skin care brand "Fair & Lovely", as part of a global rebranding exercise by its parent Unilever. While the move has come at a time when there are growing voices against racial stereotyping, the company insisted that its step has got nothing to do with the current anti-racism movements in the West, saying it has been working on the evolution of the Rs 2000-crore brand for many years. HUL said its other skincare portfolio will also adopt a new holistic vision towards beauty that cares for everyone and celebrates all skin colours. This follows Unilever's policy for all its beauty and personal care brands, which will evolve "to a more inclusive vision of beauty that celebrates and cares for all skin tones, and no longer uses the words 'white/whitening', 'light/lightening or fair/fairness'" Singapore Airlines has launched its 2020 app challenge, an initiative which seeks digital solutions to address real business challenges. The competition, now in its sixth year, presents an opportunity for innovation startups to work with the airline and be part of the future of air travel. ') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write(' ') } // --> ') } else if (width >= 425) { console.log ('largescreen'); document.write('') } else { console.log ('nompuad'); document.write('') } // --> Given the current effect Covid-19 is having on the aviation industry and the subsequent drive for digital and contactless travel solutions, the relevance of the challenge has perhaps never been greater. Having launched the #SIACares initiative, Singapore Airlines is already innovating in this area, including becoming the first airline to launch a companion app that allows customers to control the IFE system from their own devices. For the 2020 app challenge, Singapore Airlines is seeking startups with innovative solutions to 10 Problem Statements across six Challenge Themes. Startups can be teams or individuals from anywhere around the world, from any industry, and submissions can be made to address one or multiple challenge statements across the six themes (see below). There are four stages to the challenge, with the first being the submission round. Submissions must be made via https://appchallenge.singaporeair.com/startup and the closing date is 23:59 (GMT +8) on 12th July 2020. Shortlisted teams will be announced on 20 July to progress to the selection stage, followed by prototyping and the grand finale, due to take place on 2 October. Challenge Themes and Problem Statements Theme 1: Seamless travel experience How can we automate the process of identifying damaged baggage? How can we manage in-cabin baggage to ensure a smooth boarding experience? How can we re-imagine a customers life onboard Vistara flights? How can we use technology to reduce catering waste and automate the inflight delivery of pre-ordered meals? Theme 2: People and operations How can we use gamification to assess the suitability of candidates for cabin crew roles? How can we leverage intuitive digital tools to assist engineers in pre-departure activities? Theme 3: Beyond travel How can we enable new shopping experiences at physical touchpoints through personal mobile devices? Theme 4: Travelling in the new norm How can we build robust capabilities that address customers concerns on their health and safety across their travel journey, both on ground and in flight? Theme 5: New business opportunities How can SIAs assets and global brand be leveraged to launch new products, services and businesses that are adjacent to and complement its core business? Theme 6: Sustainability How can we develop new approaches to broaden our sustainability initiatives? Finalists will be invited to pitch to Singapore Airlines senior management and top executives. Solutions with business potential will be fast-tracked into the SIA Accelerator Programme, where startups will build a proof-of-concept of their solution with the airline. Prizes Up to five startups from the Grand Finale round will fast-track implementing their solutions through the SIA Accelerator Programme: 10-week programme to implement your solution through a proof-of-concept Dedicated SIA business mentor and NUS advisor to co-develop solution Access to Singapore Airlines and key partners APIs Workspace and facilities at Singapore Airlines Digital Innovation Lab, KrisLab Funding support For further details and to apply, visit https://appchallenge.singaporeair.com/startup The toppling of Ulysses Grants statue in Golden Gate Park on Friday night reminds us that we need an engaged, passionate debate about Grants legacy, but we cannot depend upon the whims of a dictatorial mob to deepen our understanding of our nations troubling history. Some monuments should come down, and Confederate monuments are the simplest target. For years, U.S. historians have urged federal, state and city governments to dismantle the memorialization of traitorous Confederate slave owners. Many of those statues were propaganda for Jim Crow segregation, and removals could lead to engagement with history, not evasion of it. When Southern state governments prevented cities and counties from making their own decisions, many historians celebrated extreme efforts by local governments and private individuals to evade those stifling prohibitions. But San Francisco operates under no such limits. We need to try to persuade each other about the proper standards for whom we memorialize and how we deal with monuments to figures from the Spanish and Anglo American settler colonial past. Persuasion can be effective, especially when critics make their voices heard. Look at the moving statement by Supervisor Catherine Stefani supporting the Arts Commissions decision (correct in my view) to remove the Christopher Columbus statue at Coit Tower last week, or at the debate in much of the region and state over the statues of Junipero Serra, or at San Joses 2017 decision to remove the Columbus statue in its City Hall. We need more debates about the troubling memorials in California, and those debates must go beyond Confederates. The Golden Gate Park mob permitted no such analysis, debate and persuasion Friday night. It tore down statues of composer and slave owner Francis Scott Key and of Spanish-colonizing friar Serra, but the Grant statue is the one that puzzled onlookers. Why Grant, many people asked? In U.S. history, Grant is best known for leading the U.S. Army to victory over the slaveholders rebellion, for guiding the Army through its defense of freed peoples voting rights during Military Reconstruction, and for smashing the Ku Klux Klan as president. Tearing down his statue on Juneteenth seemed peculiar, because the June 19, 1865, emancipation that Juneteenth commemorates was proclaimed by a major general under Grants command, acting on what he knew to be Grants understanding of the wars emancipatory impact. For these reasons, it might seem peculiar to debate, rather than celebrate, Grant. But a deeper engagement with his life and legacy would be informative and possibly surprising, both to Grants admirers and to the mob. How should we think about Grants position on slavery? Grants father was ardently anti-slavery but Grant himself was mostly quiet on the issue before the war, and his actions speak for themselves. Grant married a woman from a slave-owning family, took and sometimes oversaw the labor of her familys enslaved people, and obtained ownership of a man named William Jones. But then, as Grant struggled financially and could have hired Jones out for funds, Grant freed the man. How should we think about Grants postwar commitment to crushing racist terrorism in the South? He endorsed the 15th Amendment that protected the right to vote. When Southern whites launched terrorist campaigns to prevent Black people from voting, Grant imposed martial law on several South Carolina counties in 1871 to crush the first Ku Klux Klan. When white terrorists counterattacked in 1873-1874, Grant requested the most sweeping peacetime powers in U.S. history to destroy them, powers so sweeping that Congress refused. But later in 1875, a cynical and exhausted Grant declined to send the Army to stop a white revolution against Mississippis biracial government, even as the states governor pleaded for help. And Grants statue raises broad questions that we should all struggle with: How should we think about 19th century white Northerners who crushed the slaveholders rebellion but also crushed native people in the West? Should we ever memorialize a person involved in the nations settler colonial project? Here Grant again presents complications. Like many white Northerners, he expected white people to settle the West and the military to defend those white people against natives. But he also tried to shift from a wartime footing to a paternalistically racist peace policy that intended to civilize native people based on white Christian norms. Grant appointed the first native Commissioner of Indian Affairs. But Grants condescending reforms collapsed under opposition. By the end of his second term, Grant oversaw an unjust war against the Lakota, and the Army he once commanded was yet again an instrument for a brutal settler colonialism. Other aspects of Grants life also should trouble both heroic and demonic portrayals. During the Civil War, he expelled Jews from the military district he controlled; as president, he appointed far more Jewish men to federal office than any prior chief executive, perhaps more than all prior presidents combined. Grant was the most admired man in the post-Civil War northern states, and squandered hopes for his presidency by trusting corrupt and incompetent aides. When the mob members tore down Grants bust, they unknowingly built upon a 150-year effort to erase and defame him. After the war, Confederate apologists launched a brutally effective propaganda campaign against Grant to obscure the true history of slavery, the Civil War and the white Southern terrorist campaigns against Reconstruction. Over the past few decades, balanced historians and biographers, including UCLA professor Joan Waugh, restored his reputation as a military leader and civil rights-oriented president. Other historians have wrestled with his legacy for native history and Jewish American history. But as the mob tore Grants statue, some celebrants on social media unknowingly repeated neo-Confederate canards, grabbing onto racist, reactionary propaganda to justify an alleged act of social justice. Grant was not always heroic. He is precisely the kind of figure we should wrestle with because he raises deep questions about the relationship among slavery, emancipation, the Civil War and settler colonialism. For too long, we as a country have shied away from that engagement. By acting rashly on Friday night, the members of the mob denied residents a chance to do so. Now, the question for us is whether we can fulfill both obligations: to take our nations history seriously including the most dishonorable parts and to model a democratic and inclusive process of discernment, debate and discussion. Can we reason together? Gregory Downs is a professor of history at UC Davis and author of three books about Reconstruction, co-author of National Park Services first theme study on Reconstruction and co-editor of the Journal of the Civil War Era. FILE PHOTO: A woman walks past a television screen showing North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un during a news report on North Korea firing several short-range projectiles from its east coast, in Tokyo By Tim Kelly TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan is to consider the acquisition of weapons able to strike enemy missile launchers to bolster defence against North Korea after a decision to cancel the Aegis Ashore missile defence system, the defence minister said on Thursday. Any first-strike capability would represent a fundamental shift in Japan's military posture that could raise the concern of neighbours. The United States, Japan's main ally, has also had reservations about it gaining an independent strike capability. The minister, Taro Kono, reignited debate this month over whether Japan should get the capability to strike enemy bases to stop North Korean ballistic missiles attacks and counter a perceived growing threat from China when he suspended deployment of two Aegis Ashore installations. "I don't think we are excluding any option before discussions," Taro Kono told a news conference when asked whether a strike capability would be on the agenda of the National Security Council when it considers options. Kono's surprise decision to cancel the Aegis Ashore system came after concern about its cost and the possibility of spent booster rockets falling into populated areas. But even before Japan picked the missile-defence system in 2018, ruling party lawmakers had agreed that attacking missile bases did not contravene Japan's war-renouncing constitution because doing so would be an act of defence. That conclusion prompted a decision to buy 1,000-km (621 mile) range air-launched cruise missiles that could hit North Korea from over the Sea of Japan. But it would be difficult to use such missiles to hit mobile launchers without satellite targeting capability, which Japan does not have, experts say. ALTERNATIVES Kono said Japan would need to clearly define what it meant by a pre-emptive, or first, strike before considering whether it was a viable option. Other alternatives to Aegis Ashore could include increasing the number of airborne early-warning aircraft or deploying drones that could monitor missiles sites and attack if a launch was seen as imminent. Story continues Without an Aegis Ashore substitute, Japan would have to rely more on Aegis radar-equipped ships that patrol the Sea of Japan and Patriot missile batteries that are a last line of defence. Keeping even two Aegis ships permanently on patrol, however, requires several vessels and hundreds of sailors. Kono, a former foreign minister, also described recent Chinese activity in the disputed South China Sea and elsewhere in Asia as "alarming". He also said he was "suspicious" about the state of health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un following recent speculation he was not well. He did not elaborate. Until recently, Kono has been seen as something of a dark horse in the race to succeed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, but in a Mainichi newspaper poll after his Aegis Ashore decision, he ranked third among voters as preferred next premier. He has called for phasing out nuclear power, a stance at odds with government policy, and has advocated for a looser immigration policy. (Reporting by Tim Kelly; Editing by Jason Neely, Robert Birsel) This picture released by the Indonesian Navy shows a boat carrying Rohingya people about eight km (five miles) offshore in the Malacca Strait between Indonesia and neighboring Malaysia, June 24, 2020. Fishermen rescued nearly 100 Rohingya after their boat broke down off Indonesias Sumatra Island, but the fishing boat that picked them up got stranded after running into its own technical problems, police in Aceh province said Wednesday. The Indonesian fishing crew saw the Rohingya boat with 94 people onboard drifting at sea and moved them onto their own boat late Monday, according to North Aceh police chief Tri Hadiyanto. The fishermens boat broke down while trying to reach the shore, he said. Today police, the military and local officials came to the site of the boat, which is four nautical miles off the coast, Hadiyanto told BenarNews, referring to the broken down fishing boat. Meanwhile in nearby Malaysia, the coast guard chief said that an unknown number of Rohingya had died and their bodies were thrown overboard from a boat before it was towed to Langkawi Island earlier this month. Malaysian authorities have detained the 269 Rohingya who were on that boat. In Aceh, a community leader, Muhammad Hasan, said local officials had agreed to transfer the 94 rescued Rohingya once they reached the shore of the northwestern Indonesian coast. The plan is to evacuate them to the Syamtalira Bayu fish market, because there are shelters there, Hasan told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Footage shared by the local civil protection agency showed rescuers approaching the fishing boat, which carried what the man in the video described as Burmese people. Were seeing children and women. We will pick them up and rescue them, the voice in the video said. Police said 15 men, 49 women and 30 children were rescued. The Rohingya boats origin and the destination were not immediately known. The 94 people were hungry and weak when they were discovered in waters off the Indonesian coast, the Associated Press quoted a local official as saying. Lilianne Fan, spokeswoman for the Geutanyoe Foundation, a humanitarian charity established in Aceh in 1999, praised the community for offering to support the refugees. Once again, the fishermen of Aceh show us true humanitarianism, rescuing Rohingya refugees whose boat was sinking, she said in a Facebook post, adding that villagers were preparing food for those on the boat. To help others, regardless of background, religion, nationality, is an obligation and a tradition that must be respected. Our Aceh team has been coordinating closely with the courageous fishermen and the local government in this response and stands ready to provide assistance, she said. About 1 million Rohingya who fled from Myanmars Rakhine state are sheltering in refugee camps in and around Bangladeshs Coxs Bazar district. U.N. investigators have accused Myanmars military of carrying out killings and other atrocities against the stateless Rohingya during a 2017 offensive, which forced more than 730,000 across the border into Bangladesh to join thousands who had previously fled there. Groups of Rohingya have packed onto boats and set sail for Malaysia and other locations in search of asylum, but have often been turned away. In Jakarta, Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said the human rights situation in Rakhine came up during a meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers on Wednesday. Retno said she urged leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to facilitate a voluntary, safe and dignified repatriation plan for Rohingya refugees. Repatriation is still a priority for Indonesia. We must continue to try to bring them back to their homes, the Rakhine state, Retno said at an online press conference. Late last year, ASEAN leaders agreed to form an ad hoc task force to help repatriate the Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh to Myanmar. On Wednesday, the director of the Indonesian office of Amnesty International, Usman Hamid, called on the government to allow the Rohingya boat people to land in Aceh. This is really concerning. There are many children and women in the group, Usman told BenarNews. They must be given basic needs such as food, clothing, clean water and adequate shelter. Malaysian coast guard chief: Some of them had died at sea On June 8, Malaysian authorities towed a disabled boat ashore and detained 269 Rohingya after dozens jumped overboard and began swimming to Langkawi, an island off the northwest coast of peninsular Malaysia. The landing marked the first time that Rohingya had been allowed to disembark in Malaysia for more than two months. Two days later, Mohd Zubil Mat Som, the chief of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), the countrys coast guard, told BenarNews that another Rohingya boat carrying 300 people was sheltering north of Langkawi off the Thai island of Koh Adang. Thai officials at the time said their navy could not locate a boat. On Wednesday, Mohd Zubil said the boat carrying 269 had been carrying more than 300 Rohingya. He referred to the boat as number 2 adding the Rohingya had left boat number 1 which had been carrying more than 800 before the transfer. Officials have not located the boat which apparently had been carrying as many as 500 refugees. We were informed that over 300 individuals were transferred onto Mother Boat 2, but some of them had died at sea and they were thrown overboard. This we got through the interviews with the 269, he told reporters in Putrajaya. Asked about the number of deaths, Mohd Zubil said, Im not sure, they said about 300-plus while 269 arrived here. You can figure it out yourself. Throughout the region, meanwhile, countries have closed their borders to foreigners in recent months over fears tied to the COVID-19 pandemic. Human rights groups have raised alarms about the impact of such policies on boatloads of Rohingya and have urged countries in the region to allow the boats to land. In April, hundreds of Rohingya men, women and children were said to be starving when brought ashore in Bangladesh following a nearly two-month failed journey to Malaysia during which dozens died, officials and survivors said. Chris Lewa, the coordinator of the Arakan Project, an NGO that advocates for the rights of Rohingya people, told BenarNews last week that it was aware then of a Rohingya boat still at sea with hundreds of people on board. As far as we know, there is only one boat remaining at sea with as many as 500 aboard. Reportedly a large trawler carrying about 800 sailed from the Bay of Bengal early April and these passengers were divided into two boats at sea sometimes in May, Lewa said. One of these two boats is the one intercepted with a damaged engine in Malaysia on 7 June. We are not aware of any other boat unless the large trawler decided to again divide passengers into smaller boats, Lewa told BenarNews. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Chicago Police said brothers Abel and Ola Osundairo were paid $3,500 by actor Jussie Smollett to stage what Smollett claimed was a racist and homophobic attack on him in January 2019. Before concluding Smollett had orchestrated the attack, police raided the brothers' home as they were returning from a trip to Nigeria and identified them as persons of interest. But they were released without being charged after they told police they were paid to stage the attack. Smollett was charged with disorderly conduct, had charges dropped by the Cook County State's Attorney's office and was subsequently hit with a fresh round of charges this past February. All the while, the brothers' attorney said they were willing to testify against Smollett at trial. But, reports CBS Chicago's Charlie De Mar, that's all changed because the brothers question the handling of the storage of the items that were taken in the February 2019 raid. "It's been over a year and they need to give us our stuff back," said Abel Osundairo, speaking exclusively to De Mar. Brothers Ola and Abel Osundairo / Credit: CBS News Abel Osundario and his brother, Ola, will no longer testify willingly against Jussie Smollett, according to their attorney, Gloria Schmidt Rodriguez in part because the brothers say they're still bring treated like suspects despite being cleared by police. "I would understand if we were defendants in the case, which we are not," Abel Osundiaro said. It was Valentine's Day 2019 when Chicago Police kicked in the Osundairos' front door to serve a search warrant when the brothers were still under investigation and took numerous items. They included a safe containing a 9mm gun and ammunition. Abel Osundairo is a legal gun owner. "Legally, it belongs to me, and I want to know its whereabouts," he said. The Osundairos' stuff is sitting in a Chicago Police evidence locker and the brothers want it back. Attorney Schmidt Rodriguez has filed a motion with a judge for their belongings to be returned. Story continues "Most of the stuff isn't even mine," Abel Osundairo said. "They belong to my oldest brother, my mother, my sister. They even took my dog's toy." On Wednesday, Abel Osundairo filed a police report. The brothers and their attorney say they are in an administrative dispute with the CPD over the items seized in that 2019 raid specifically the whereabouts of the 9mm gun and ammo inside the safe. "Of course I'm skeptical, because you are saying one thing one day and another thing another day," Abel Osundairo said. "It's just another thing we have to go through." Chicago Police say the gun in question is accounted for and is being preserved as evidence. The CPD provided documentation to De Mar to corroborate the whereabouts of the gun. Police added they will cooperate with a judge's order to turn over or produce evidence if appropriate. As for Smollett, the new indictment filed against him in February charged the actor with six counts of disorderly conduct, accusing him of filing false police reports that he was attacked on the way home from a Subway in the middle of the night in January 2019. Cook County prosecutors dropped the original case against Smollett, dismissing 16 counts of disorderly conduct last March without requiring he admit any wrongdoing. It was a controversial move just weeks after he'd pleaded not guilty. A special prosecutor later was assigned to look into the entire case after a judge found "unprecedented irregularities" in how Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx handled it, specifically by handing it over to her second-in-command after announcing she had recused herself. Smollett has pleaded not guilty to the new indictment. A judge earlier this month denied a request by Smollett to drop the new charges. Minneapolis police union leaders on "horrific" video of George Floyd's death, racism in policing Massive Saharan dust cloud makes its way to Southern states still battling coronavirus Bubba Wallace on federal investigators' announcement of no charges, advocating for change Mumbai, June 25 : Actor Abhishek Bachchan recalled the days when he along with the team of "Players" went out on the streets of New Zealand and danced with the locals there. "I remember it was my birthday and Aishwarya had flown down to be with me. The same evening New Zealand had also won the 'Rugby 7's' tournament in Wellington. Needless to say it was a memorable night. Everybody was on the streets in celebration. It was amazing. In the middle of all this chaos. We all managed to bump into another desi there who was playing the dhol. You can imagine what we all did after that. Wellington was jamming to the beats of the dhol and the streets were filled with New Zealander's dancing the Bhangra thanks to the 'Players'," he shared. Released in 2012, "Players" featured Abhishek, Bipasha Basu, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Neil Nitin Mukesh. Apart from this, Abhishek also spoke about working with Rohit Shetty in the film "Bol Bachchan". "'Bol Bachchan' was the reunion of team 'Zameen'! It was so nice to see Rohit Shetty grow and evolve from his first film 'Zameen' to the mega director of Bol Bachchan. Ajay Devgn and Rohit are like brothers to me. Very protective and loving towards me. I was so honoured to work with all the wonderful cast they had put together for this film," he added. Abhishek accepted that it was a bit "intimidating" to work with such talented people on "Bol Bachchan". "A cast filled with some of the best comedic talent we have in India. To be honest it was intimidating. You had the bring you 'A' game to set everyday or these actors would have you for breakfast. So exciting. A very challenging role and I hope I managed to fulfil Rohit's vision for Ali/Abhishek. "Rohit believes in treating his entire unit like one big happy family from everyone eating together to playing together to travelling together to making a super-hit together! What an experience," Abhishek wrote. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Air travel restrictions, which are to be eased by the second week of July, will still apply to passengers arriving from Britain. Ministers decided to exclude Britain from the plan to join air bridges with other European countries, despite fears it could affect diplomatic relationships. Read More In a memo given to a Cabinet sub-committee on Covid-19, ministers were told it is highly unlikely Britain will be included in an approved list of countries safe for foreign travel which means those arriving from Britain must still undergo a 14-day quarantine period. Expand Close Controls: Transport Minister Shane Ross wants to make face masks mandatory on public transport. Picture: Damien Eagers / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Controls: Transport Minister Shane Ross wants to make face masks mandatory on public transport. Picture: Damien Eagers This is because Britains attempt to tackle the virus has been significantly poorer than Irelands. The memo said Britain has raised concerns over the restrictions on those flying into Ireland. Application of further restrictions by Ireland to travel from Britain will add to those concerns, and may be seen as a unilateral suspension of the Common Travel Area by us, it added. Meanwhile, face masks are set to become compulsory on public transport. Transport Minister Shane Ross will bring a memo to Cabinet making it compulsory for passengers to cover their faces when travelling on buses and trains. The move follows increasing concerns about the lack of compliance among commuters and shoppers with public health guidance on wearing face coverings in public settings. The Cabinet is also to sign off on plans to begin easing air travel restrictions by the second week of July. After a lengthy Cabinet sub-committee yesterday it was agreed Ireland should enter so-called "air bridge" arrangements with other EU countries that have had similar or better success in tackling the virus. This will clear the way for summer holidays to countries that are deemed safe to travel to. However, Britain will not have restrictions lifted, despite the fact that Ireland is excluded from Britain's quarantine rules for foreign travellers. Concerns were expressed at the meeting over an increase in cases of the virus in Ireland from people who have travelled overseas. It was also noted there have been spikes in a number of EU countries where restrictions have been lifted. The Cabinet sub-committee memo said Ireland's approach to easing restrictions will be "partially based" on the EU approach, and will "draw on" the European Commission's approach for determining the success of a member state in tackling the virus. "However, it is proposed that, at least initially, Ireland should adopt a more gradual, cautious approach in identifying comparable or 'approved' countries," it adds. The memo says restrictions will continue to apply to travel from countries not deemed safe and "mandatory restricted movement" will be introduced. The Government also plans to introduce temperature testing, diagnostic testing and improved contact tracing to "identify potential cases of the virus and limit any travel-related spread". It comes as the Dail's Special Committee on Covid-19 Response will today be warned a resurgence of the virus is "inevitable" as more air travel is permitted. Prof Paddy Mallon of the UCD School of Medicine will tell TDs there is ongoing community transmission in the US, Sweden and parts of the UK and there has also been a resurgence of cases in Portugal and outbreaks in Germany. His statement to the committee says this highlights how "Ireland is still very much within a geographical high-risk zone for Covid-19". Prof Mallon adds: "I and others in the infectious diseases clinical community believe it is inevitable that we will experience a resurgence of cases as we relax restrictions and permit more travel." Prof Mallon says that, in this context, a "highly effective programme of rapid testing, contact tracing and community actions becomes a priority in maintaining our national biosecurity". He will warn that despite the "optimism" of recent weeks, "we are still in the midst of a national health emergency and our citizens are at no less risk of severe illness and death if they contract Covid-19 infection now than they were back in March". Prof Mallon says lessons learned must be translated into actions and resources "but we have a very narrow window of opportunity". Continued from Page 1 Students sanitize at Lysterfield Primary School on May 26, 2020 in Melbourne, Australia. (Daniel Pockett/Getty Images) NSW School Shuts as Child Tests Positive A Sydney primary school will be shut for cleaning after a student tested positive for the coronavirus. Lane Cove West Public School in Sydneys north will close on June 25 for deep cleaning after a year two student was confirmed to have COVID-19, the NSW Department of Health says. The school will be non-operational for the on-site attendance of staff and students to allow for contact tracing to occur, the statement on Wednesday night said. It came as NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the damage caused to Victorian border towns such as Albury-Wodonga would deter any attempt to restrict movement between the states. For a community like Albury-Wodonga, they dont see themselves as two separate towns, they see themselves as one community, Berejiklian told ABC television on Wednesday. A hard border closure would be detrimental to a part of the country that doesnt have cases. Were not in the business of having hard border closures. Victoria on Wednesday confirmed another 20 cases of COVID-19 amid an outbreak in outer-suburban Melbourne, taking to 213 the number of diagnoses over the past 10 days. NSW on Wednesday reported 10 new cases all in hotel quarantine from 13,278 tests. Berejiklian has repeatedly criticised interstate travel restrictions and said she wont agree to border closures with any of NSWs neighbour states. But she again urged against travel to Melbourne, particularly its six current COVID-19 hotspots: the local government areas of Hume, Casey, Brimbank, Moreland, Cardinia and Darebin. Residents of those hotspots should not be moving around the community, the premier said, and NSW businesses should deny service to anyone from outer-suburban Melbourne. She also implored NSW residents to avoid visiting Melbourne altogether. But Berejiklian said she was confident her Victorian counterparts would get the outbreak under control before drastic measures were required. About 3159 COVID-19 cases have been reported in NSW to date, with none in intensive care. Berejiklian again encouraged NSW residents to seek testing if they felt unwell. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt this week said Australias international borders would remain closed for a very significant amount of time as global coronavirus infection rates accelerate, potentially until a vaccine is secured. The number of coronavirus infections around the world has exceeded 9.3 million. Sydney Wirecard has collapsed owing creditors almost $US4 billion ($5.8 billion) after disclosing a gaping hole in its books that its auditor EY said was the result of a sophisticated global fraud. The payments company filed for insolvency at a Munich court saying that, with 1.3 billion euros ($2.1 billion) of loans due within a week its survival as a going concern was "not assured". Wirecard shares have shed 98 per cent since the scandal broke. Credit:Bloomberg Wirecard's implosion came just seven days after EY, its auditor for more than a decade, refused to sign off on the 2019 accounts, forcing out chief executive Markus Braun and leading it to admit that $US2.1 billion of its cash probably didn't exist. "There are clear indications that this was an elaborate and sophisticated fraud involving multiple parties around the world," EY said in a statement. Brynne Soukup was in the middle of a work phone call from her bedroomin Dayton, Texas,when a friend sent her a link to the news on Facebook. "Look, look!" Soukup, 49, whispered to her partner, Kerri Pettit. "I can't believe it. That's huge." In a landmark 6-to-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled on June 15 that federal sex discrimination protections extend to gay and transgender workers like Soukup, making clear that employees cannot be fired under federal law simply because of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Within days, Soukup's lawyers filed a federal lawsuit against Frontier Airlines citing the ruling, accusing the company of discrimination, retaliation and "perpetuating a severe and pervasive hostile work environment" that contributed to Soukup's termination in February 2019 as a regional operations manager for a staffing and ground services provider for commercial carriers. "If they're willing to do that to me, what about the general public? The person that comes up and is checking in? What about a flight attendant?" Soukup said. "As a company, they need to do better. You just don't do that to people." Jennifer F. de la Cruz, a spokeswoman for Frontier Airlines, said in a statement, "It is our policy to not discriminate based on gender, race, ethnicity, age or sexual orientation." She added that Soukup was never an employee of Frontier Airlines. Soukup's former employer, Flight Services & Systems LLC, did not respond to requests for comment. Soukup's lawsuit is the start of what legal experts anticipate will be a wave of litigation testing a Supreme Court ruling that many in the LGBTQ community are comparing to the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015. Much like the marriage equality ruling helped shift public opinion toward gay rights, LGBTQ advocates hope this decision will spur more inclusive workplaces for the transgender community - especially in the 25 states, including Texas, Alabama, South Carolina and Indiana, that did not previously mandate such protections. "What's going to happen is people will be willing to take more risks being public about who they are, earlier perhaps," said Sydney Duncan, a transgender woman and pro bono attorney in Birmingham, Ala., focused on LGBTQ rights. "That's not to say this has been some elixir for the stigma we face down here in the South sometimes, but I think it's going to help ... define the narrative around being trans." While many of the largest corporations in these states had already put in place policies against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, the ruling will probably prompt smaller and closely held companies to reconsider these issues, said Paul Smith, a professor at Georgetown Law School who argued the landmark 2003 Supreme Court case Lawrence v. Texas, in which the court ruled that laws prohibiting private activity between consenting gay adults are unconstitutional. "Suddenly, the whole nature of the relationship between LGBT people and their employers in many parts of the country is going to be fundamentally changed," Smith said. In addition to asserting their rights in court, he said some LGBTQ employees may feel more confident pushing back against discrimination in the workplace, or being open about their identities with colleagues. Although the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission decided in 2015 that gay and transgender individuals were federally protected, the outcome of such cases remained uncertain in the courts until the Supreme Court ruling. Daroneshia Duncan-Boyd, a transgender woman in Birmingham, said she hopes the ruling will bolster an EEOC complaint, pending for years against a former employer she alleges fired her after harassing her for her gender identity about five years ago. Aiko Herbert, a transgender man in Columbia, S.C., said the ruling has motivated him to consider legal action against a former employer he says fired him in March, shortly after he began testosterone treatment. Even if he doesn't end up pursuing a case, he said, "I don't have to feel like I'm walking on egg shells because of my identity." The ruling gave one conservative Catholic the "peace of mind" to consider coming out at work - a TV news station in a small, rural town in north-central Texas. The news producer still uses a male name and pronouns in public, but has identified privately as Stephanie since age 11, and has begun looking into resources at a local transgender center. The Supreme Court ruling, Stephanie said, was "liberating." "I have already started telling people at work, and am painting my nails regularly now," said Stephanie, 37, who asked not to be identified by a full legal name because of workplace concerns. For Soukup, the ruling provided a clear-cut cause of action for her discrimination lawsuit against Frontier Airlines, her lawyers said. Soukup had worked in the aviation industry for more than two decades before she landed a dream promotion with her employer, Flight Services & Systems, in February 2018, managing ground handling and wheelchair services for major airlines at eight airports, according to the lawsuit. As she traveled to airports across Texas and the South, no one ever asked about her personal life, and that's how Soukup liked it. Nearly a decade earlier, she had legally changed her name and begun living openly as a woman. But she said she had never felt the need to talk about her transgender identity. As far as any of her colleagues or bosses knew, she was simply Brynne. All of that changed in late 2018, the lawsuit says, when a subordinate told Soukup about a disturbing conversation with a manager at Frontier Airlines. The airline was one of the company's most important clients, the lawsuit says, and had significant control and influence over FSS employees. According to the lawsuit, a subordinate told Soukup a Frontier manager had used demeaning and derogatory terms about her. "That he-she is a waste of space" the manager allegedly told the subordinate. A different subordinate told Soukup the same man again outed her, saying, "you know (Soukup) is a transgender, right?" according to the lawsuit. Frontier did not offer a response to Soukup's lawsuit. FSS did not respond to requests for comment. Soukup said she reluctantly complained about the manager's alleged harassment to the human resources department at Frontier Airlines and to FSS management in January 2019. On Feb. 6, 2019, a human resources representative from Frontier said the company had concluded a "complete and thorough investigation" but did not outline any actions it had taken to address the complaint, and did not contact Soukup for any additional information, the lawsuit alleges. Less than a month later, Soukup received unexpected news: Her company was demoting her, putting her on probation and requiring her to move to New Orleans - hundreds of miles from her home, at that time in Austin - or else she would be fired, she alleged. Despite never having had a negative evaluation, Soukup says, the new role would move her from overseeing the managers at eight airports to managing one airport with only five flights a week. Meanwhile, the Frontier manager she says disparaged her remained employed by the company, according to the lawsuit. "Here I've done nothing but excelled in the job, and because of who I am you feel like you have to make me go away?" Soukup said in an interview. "It really hits hard when you know it's because of your core being." When she refused to transfer, she was fired, Soukup said. The benefits office initially told Soukup she was disqualified from receiving benefits, stating, according to her lawyers:"Our investigation found you quit your last work when you refused to transfer to another location. The request to transfer to another location was reasonable. Your reason for quitting is not considered good cause connected with the work." The benefits office later reversed its decision, allowing her to collect unemployment. After her termination, Soukup began the administrative process needed to bring a lawsuit against Frontier Airlines and her former employer. But she faced an uphill battle in Texas, which had no explicit protections against employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. And had the Supreme Court justices ruled against the LGBTQ protections this month, Soukup's case would have had little hope of holding up in a federal court. "They could have easily killed it," Soukup's lawyer, Daniel Ross, said. "Instead they went ahead and opened the door for it." Greg Nevins, senior counsel at Lambda Legal, said the ruling means LGBTQ workers "now have a seat at the Title VII table," referring to the law that protects employees against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex and religion. "That doesn't mean we're going to enjoy the meal that's being served," Nevins said. "But there won't be this anvil around your neck that you have to get rid of before you can start to litigate." Advocates still expect clashes with religious organizations. Kelly Shackelford, president of the conservative First Liberty Institute, said he is anticipating new conflicts for faith-based businesses. "Religious liberty will be used as a defense, as a shield, but will it be strong enough against all these new lawsuits in all these new areas? I believe it should be, but we don't know," Shackelford said. "How do they protect themselves and how do they follow their faith requirements in the best way they can and not be all of a sudden embroiled in lawsuits?" Soukup knows the ruling does not guarantee her case will be successful; only a tiny percentage of discrimination lawsuits against employers result in a judgment in the plaintiff's favor. And even after last week's news, her celebration was a quiet one. She saw several friends on Facebook post comments criticizing the Supreme Court ruling. She still didn't feel comfortable saying anything to colleagues at her new job, at a company called Sage Parts, which supplies replacement parts for ground support equipment. None of her colleagues knew about her identity before the filing of the lawsuit. "Just because there's a law that doesn't necessarily change how somebody thinks," Soukup said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 25 By Eldar Janashvili - Trend: The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) held a foreign exchange auction with the participation of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), during which Azerbaijani banks acquired $41.6 million, Trend reports on June 25 citing CBA. According to CBA, demand from the banks at the auction increased by 26 percent or by $8.6 million compared to the previous auction. Considering the number of days remaining before the next scheduled auction, as well as with the aim of ensuring uninterrupted currency trading by the banks, the demand of banks at the auction will be fully provided during weekends. The first foreign exchange auction in a long time was held with the participation of SOFAZ on March 10, 2020, during which Azerbaijani banks acquired 323.2 million manat ($190.1 million). The CBA began to hold foreign exchange auctions through unilateral sale of foreign currency in competitive conditions since mid-January 2017. In March 2020, it was decided to hold extraordinary foreign exchange auctions in connection with the increased demand of the population for foreign currency amid the failed OPEC+ deal, which entailed a sharp decline in oil prices. (1 USD = 1.7 AZN on June 25) --- Follow the author on Twitter: @eldarjanashvili Due to the change in consumer behaviour as many opt for shopping online and prefer digital payments, Google has introduced a host of new features to help small businesses create their online presence. The new features introduced on Google My Business app and Google Pay for Business will help small businesses to be discovered by customers across Google search and maps, and even start accepting digital payments. With the new tools, Google aims to help small businesses in India impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, recover and rebuild by going digital. "We have consistently invested in programs and solutions to remove the barriers that come in the way of small and medium businesses benefiting from digital. And every month we drive over 150M direct connections between these businesses and customers including calls, online reservations and direction requests. But the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing lockdowns have accelerated the need for many more businesses, especially small businesses to adopt technology and get online to minimise the disruption and recover," says Shalini Girish, Director-India, Google Customer Solutions. The national rollout of 'Nearby Stores' Spot on Google Pay will help local businesses get discovered by customers in their vicinity. Additionally, merchant establishments can indicate their business hours, whether social distancing measures are in place at the store and the essential goods presently in stock. The 'Merchant Loans' on Google Pay for Business has over 3 million merchants that are using Google Pay for Business app to accept and make payments digitally. Google Pay is also working with partner financial institutions to surface their loan offerings for merchants, which can be availed within Google Pay for Business app. It will be available soon. Promoted pins on Google Maps will help businesses stand out during these moments by displaying a prominent, square-shaped pin. Business owners can also highlight specific services such as pick-up and delivery, or other unique offerings to make shopping convenient. As video conferencing services are helping business continuity, businesses of all sizes can get Google's premium video meetings service Meet for free. With G Suite essentials, Google also plans to offer professional-grade versions of Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides available for free through September 30. "We recognise that recovery will come in different stages for different businesses and navigating the digital world can be a daunting experience for many. Under our Digital Unlocked program, we are proud to have supported over 1 million businesses and individuals to gain from our digital skilling program in India. And we will be doubling down on this effort to help businesses across all parts of India to unlock the full value of going digital by not just helping them connect with more customers online and offline," says Girish. Making it easier for the small businesses to discover all the Google resources, it has launched Grow with Google Small Business hub in India. This hub will act as a single destination for all small businesses to get access to all the products and tools they need to go digital, maintain business continuity and get access to helpful resources like quick help videos, support pages to learn digital skills. Available in English as of now, this will soon be made available in Hindi as well. ALSO READ: Google to show fact-check labels on image search results ALSO READ: 'Disappointed; stand with immigrants,' says Sundar Pichai on Trump's H-1B suspension order ALSO READ: Google Pay not a payment system operator: RBI to High Court If the stress hormone level is elevated for a long time, this can be seen in the hair. Credit: RUB, Marquard Starting university is an exciting phase for everyone. However, children from academic households exhibit significantly more stress during this period than those from non-academic families. A Swiss-German research team has found this out by analyzing the hair of female first-year students. Study authors Professor Alex Bertrams from the University of Bern and Dr. Nina Minkley from Ruhr-Universitat Bochum (RUB) have concluded that students may be stressed by the fear of jeopardizing the social status of their families if they fail their degrees. They published their report in Frontiers in Psychiatry on 5 June 2020. Stress hormone accumulates in the hair In stressful situations, the body releases an increased amount of the hormone cortisol, which also reaches growing hair and is stored there if the levels remain high over a lengthy period of time. By analyzing the hair, researchers can identify the phases when a person had more stress. In order to find out whether the stress levels of young people from different family backgrounds differ when they're starting university, the research team recruited a total of 71 test persons. "The only inclusion criteria were that they started their first semester and that they had sufficiently long hair," explains Nina Minkley from the Behavioural Biology and Didactics of Biology research group at RUB. "In the end, this meant that we recruited almost only women, and we decided not to include the few eligible men to avoid falsifying the results." Strands of hair and questionnaires The participants supplied the research team with three thin strands of hair each, which were cut off near the scalp. Since a hair grows about one centimeter per month, the researchers examined the latest one and a half centimeters that had grown in the six weeks since the beginning of the semester. In addition, the participants filled out questionnaires in which they provided information about their parents' educational background. They were also asked about the stress they subjectively perceived. It emerged that first-year students from academic households where at least one parent had a university degree exhibit higher stress levels than those from non-academic households, even though they didn't differ in other respects. The subjectively perceived stress levels, for example, were the same. Stress due to impending loss of status The research team interprets this result as an indication of female students from academic households being under greater pressure, because failing their study would result in a loss of status for them and their families. This is in line with findings in sociological studies, which have shown that children of academics tend to go to university even if their academic performance isn't expected to be successful, based on their school grades. "Children of non-academics, on the other hand, can only win and are therefore probably less stressed," concludes Minkley. Explore further Researchers find some hair greying is due to stress and thus can be reversed More information: Alex Bertrams et al, Preliminary Indications That First Semester Students From Academic Households Exhibit Higher Hair Cortisol Concentrations Than Their Peers From Nonacademic Households, Frontiers in Psychiatry (2020). Alex Bertrams et al, Preliminary Indications That First Semester Students From Academic Households Exhibit Higher Hair Cortisol Concentrations Than Their Peers From Nonacademic Households,(2020). DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00580 A US district judge sentenced a 46-year-old inmate to more prison time Tuesday after he escaped federal custody in fall 2019. US District Judge Thad Heartfield sentenced Robert Lloyd Young, of Bruceville, to 18 months in federal prison. Young, who was one of four inmates arrested during the investigation, pleaded guilty to the charge in January, according to a news release from the office of the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. Another pandemic is about to rise in the future. But its already taunting the lives of most people around the world. Diabetes, a worldwide-known disease that could affect anyone, has a new update involving the recent pandemic, coronavirus. It turns out that once you are diagnosed with positive COVID-19, there's a lot of chances that you would next have Type-1 diabetes. Here's what experts have to say. Coronavirus triggers a high level of sugar in the body, according to research READ ALSO: [VIRAL] Effects of Face Masks on Human Body Revealed by Doctor; How to Make Your Own Face Mask Nature reported new evidence of Coronavirus linkage to diabetes infection. Researchers from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, claim that COVID-19 could make a patient have diabetes. One example was an 18-year-old student Finn Gnadt from Germany. He was diagnosed with a positive Coronavirus disease in mid- April. After a month of treatment, doctors revealed that he also developed type-1 diabetes due to the viral infection. Tim Hollstein from the University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein in Kiel, the doctor assigned to Gnadt, suspected that the virus strands might have destroyed the -cells of the patient, which responsible for hormone insulin. Here's the 'dynamite' of Coronavirus READ ALSO: COVID-19: the United Kingdom, South Africa to Start Coronavirus Vaccine Pilot Paul Zimmet, who studies the metabolic disease at Monash University, explains this theory. He calls diabetes as the 'dynamite' of Coronavirus for patient death. He and other researchers from the university found that dozens of people admitted for the virus were also diagnosed with higher sugar levels, resulting in possible diabetes. "In science, sometimes you have to start off with very small evidence to chase a hypothesis," said Zimmet. "Diabetes itself is a pandemic just like the COVID-19 pandemic. The two pandemics could be clashing." Other universities in the United Kingdom also wants this assumption to be validated in future studies. "We need to keep an eye on diabetes rates in those with prior COVID-19, and determine if rates go up over and above expected levels," says Naveed Sattar, a metabolic-disease researcher at the University of Glasgow, UK. If you have diabetes, you're 12x likely to die with COVID-19 According to the new data released by the country's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the study shows that patients with diabetes are 12 times more likely to die with Coronavirus. Other underlying conditions, like heart failure, could also trigger coronavirus death for patients. However, here's what other experts want to imply. "Well-constructed epidemiological cohort studies and mechanistic and experimental studies are needed," said Abd Tahrani, a clinician-scientist at the University of Birmingham, United Kingdom. ALSO READ: COVID-19 Antibody Levels of Recovered Patients Quickly Decline in Just a Few Months 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In Simon Weckerts Google Maps Hacks, a performance art work, a man pulls a little red wagon filled with 99 cellphones through Berlin. Drawing on the nostalgia of the Radio Flyer wagons and globes of my childhood, the piece seeks to disrupt Google Maps and to make a point about aggregated data by causing a virtual traffic jam. I remember conveying stuffed animals and favourite books around the block in my toy wagon, and travelling to my parents birthplaces by tracing a finger across the globe to a non-existent Ukraine (then a part of the Soviet Union). Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 25/6/2020 (576 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion In Simon Weckerts Google Maps Hacks, a performance art work, a man pulls a little red wagon filled with 99 cellphones through Berlin. Drawing on the nostalgia of the Radio Flyer wagons and globes of my childhood, the piece seeks to disrupt Google Maps and to make a point about aggregated data by causing a virtual traffic jam. I remember conveying stuffed animals and favourite books around the block in my toy wagon, and travelling to my parents birthplaces by tracing a finger across the globe to a non-existent Ukraine (then a part of the Soviet Union). Technology such as Google Maps has reshaped our lives, from how we navigate to how we keep informed and work. Librarians like me face challenges in maintaining traditional means of accessing and delivering information to our users while embracing innovative media. We appreciate the value of both analogue (print books, manuscripts, maps, globes) and digital resources such as Google Maps, databases and digital archives. One format captures the history of institutions in general, and of libraries, in particular. The other allows for more equitable and experimental access. Yet, being an advocate for print can be a thankless task. Students and their professors rely increasingly on libraries e-resources. As libraries closed during the pandemic, they were replaced with digital spaces. But what is lost when entire libraries go online? Technology vs. temporal experience The value of print has been challenged before by technological innovations. At the turn of the 20th century, graphophone discs were predicted to replace written novels and plays for the spoken word. By mid-century, microcards were to revolutionize publishing and copyright; microfilm would allow for the large-scale reproduction of originals of materials. In the 21st century, low-circulating print books and high-demand ebooks are used as reasons to acquire ever more digital content. What libraries rarely consider, though, is the extrinsic (artifactual) worth of their circulating holdings rather than their intrinsic (informational) value. Also, lost in the debate is the value of time: the time taken to browse shelves, to select a book and to read it and see traces of its use. While exploring the history of the universitys library collection in our archives, I consulted dozens of old accession catalogues. These catalogues allow researchers to trace the librarys growth daily and yearly. Important information can be gleaned about titles in the collection, such as their bibliographical elements and provenance history. One can discover details about the librarys history such as, books gifted by Queen Victoria, Frederick I (Grand Duke of Baden), the Meteorological Office in London, Trinity College in Cambridge or, more locally, the British historian Goldwin Smith of The Grange (today part of the Art Gallery of Ontario). This information cannot be discovered online. It requires meticulous research of half a million handwritten entries across a span of 50 years. Social history of books Where books come from is fascinating to researchers. Personal libraries provide insights into collectors lives, as do individual volumes donated to our institutions. These books often include physical traces associated with the original owners, such as signatures, dedications and book plates. We may see marginalia or doodles, newspaper clippings, photographs or flowers pressed inside as bookmarks. These discoveries help us map the social history of a particular volume. Unlike pristine new digital editions, older or donated books show signs of use that go beyond a circulation statistic. Our university library, for example, holds a book on 19th-century Russian drama with the following note pasted in: "Bring a bottle of bubbly, sweetie, and have some fun. (Saffys doing a science project at the poly-wollege and wont be there!)" Other library books reveal ownership. The University of Toronto Library has a memoir of a Russian revolutionary (bound with several pamphlets by Leo Tolstoy and Maxim Gorky) bearing the ink stamps of the Russian Branch of the Socialist Party in Quincy, Mass. These sample traces a playful note inserted inside a book or an old ownership stamp lead us to wonder what fun was had while Saffy was away, or curious about the history of Russians in Massachusetts and how the book got from Quincy to Toronto. 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. Such notes and stamps may be documented as notes in print or online catalogue records for rare books (not always), but rarely do traces of ownership beyond an occasional autograph get recorded for circulating material. While many libraries might own the same edition of a title, each copy may reveal something different about its former owners or readers. Preserving library histories In 2019, two graduate students of literature at the University of Virginia (UVA) worked frenetically to save their librarys card catalogue, slated to be discarded during a renovation. They discovered index cards that contained notes about physical volumes not reflected in the online catalogue. The catalogue also documents changes in publishing and reading preferences over time. It reveals how UVAs collection was rebuilt following a fire in 1895 that largely destroyed it, and what volumes were held in the universitys founding years prior to the blaze. Similarly, the University of Toronto library lost most of its collection following the great fire of 1890. While our card catalogue has been discarded, we have retained an original shelf list (a set of catalogue cards for books ordered by call number) for material acquired from 1890 until 1959. This will allow researchers to study seventy years of our librarys history. How many stories and discoveries are yet to be related thumbing through these cards and browsing our book shelves? The Semantic Web and linked-data initiatives will surface library collections across the world, but machines cannot discover what is hidden in our card catalogues or lost forever when print copies are discarded or no longer collected. Ksenya Kiebuzinski is the Slavic resources co-ordinator and head of the Petro Jacyk Resource Centre at the University of Toronto Libraries, University of Toronto. This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 22:09:29|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MADRID, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The Spanish government confirmed on Thursday that Nadia Calvino, the country's minister for economic affairs, will be a candidate to preside over the Eurogroup of 19 eurozone finance ministers. Calvino, 51, has ample experience in European affairs, having held the post of director-general for budget at the European Commission between 2014 and 2018. "I have submitted my candidacy for the presidency of the Eurogroup with the commitment to keep working for a strong and prosperous euro area to the benefit of all European citizens," Calvino said on Twitter. She enjoys the support of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who commented that "It would be an honor for the government of Spain and for me as prime minister if Nadia Calvino became president of the Eurogroup, a vital organization for cooperation and the construction of a stronger and more united Europe." "It would be the first time a Spaniard and a woman led this institution," tweeted Sanchez. The vote to elect the successor to current Eurogroup President Mario Centeno from Portugal will be held in July. Enditem Mitron, the self-proclaimed 'Indian TikTok' that took social media by storm weeks ago before being suspended by Google, has crossed over 1 crore downloads on the Google Play Store. In a note shared with News18, Mitron's founder Shivank Agarwal has claimed that the app is one of the fastest growing on the Android store in India, and at the moment, is ranked above popular global short video social media platforms such as TikTok, or even the more holistic Instagram. However, while Agarwal and his colleague and Mitron's co-founder Anish Khandelwal may rejoice the new milestone, it remains important to note that the Mitron app seems far from failsafe and instantly trustworthy right now. Agarwal and Khandelwal have, for starters, appear to have removed all mention of ShopKiller e-Commerce from the apps pages. They have also registered the Mitron.tv domain, and put up a full-page privacy policy document. However, one quick look through the policy shows that it is not purpose-built for Mitron. On the contrary, a quick search for plagiarism (of all things) shows that Mitrons privacy policy is one that is generic, and may have been created using one of the myriad online privacy policy generators. While large chunks of Mitrons overall privacy policy text is word for word identical to many others, the promoters of the app have strategically removed mention of any such disclaimer. Keeping the latter, in fact, would have appeared more responsible, since many may look at such online generators if a lean team is maintained. However, whats a bigger giveaway is that Mitron has offered privacy redressals for its users under the European General Data Protection Rights a clause that does not even apply to Indian citizens. This seems like a farcical addition, since Mitrons entire pledge is that it is an Indian app, built from scratch by Indians and purposed specifically for Indians. A prior report by CNBC-TV18 had found that before being suspended, Mitron had hastily added a privacy clause that fell under Californian law, which too was completely meaningless for Indian users. The continued addition of hasty privacy policies is a worrying trend, and shows that the makers of the app do not particularly take the privacy issues seriously. So far, the interface of Mitron looks largely the same as what was present before. However, Khandelwal has claimed that they have pushed six updates over the past one month, hence making the app different from what it offered before. Going forward, Khandelwal says that a number of additional features would be launched to Mitron in the coming months. With this in sight, it will be interesting to see if the new updates improve the app on overall terms. Islamabad, June 25 : The Pakistan government has decided to convert locust swarms, which have been described by some as a bigger threat than the coronavirus pandemic, into fertilisers with the help of communities, a media report said on Thursday. The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (NFS&R) has proposed that locusts collection will be incentivised through community mobilisation to control the hoppers at the grass-root level, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday. " Initially, locust will be unruffled through community mobilisation under the incentivised scheme," it added. Professionals will also be involved from research, extension, academia and civil society in compost processing activities. Later, a standard compost will be made from a mix of locust and other bio-waste material. The expected outcomes from the project will be to improve crop productivity by 10-15 per cent, reduction in the use of recommended chemical fertilisers up to 25 per cent, improve soil organic matter (SOM), soil fertility and soil health. Through this scheme organic farming will be promoted in Pakistan. The locust plague across the country is feared to create food shortages, and the Pakistani government earlier this year declared national emergency over locust swarms after the pest destroyed large quantities of crops across the country. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text GABORONE, June 25 (Reuters) - Botswana issued its first licences allowing three private companies to generate their own power which will mostly be destined for export, the energy regulator said on Thursday. The Independent Power Producers (IPPs) have received 15-year generation licences and will produce a combined 827 megawatt (MW) of power. State-owned Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) is currently the sole producer of electricity but the country is looking to diversify with several private investors at various stages of setting up coal, gas and solar power projects. We need to come to a point where we no longer import but become exporters of electricity, said Botswana Energy Regulatory Authority chief executive officer, Rose Seretse. Energy & Natural Resource Corporation, which is owned by Strata, plans to construct a 600 MW coal-fired power station, Tlou Energy has been granted a licence to produce 2 MW of power through coal-bed methane and Sese Power, owned by First Quantum Minerals and African Energy have been licensed to generate and export 225 MW of power. Despite its huge estimated coal resources of 212 billion tonnes, the diamond-rich country only has two operating coal mines with several investors at various stages of setting up coal mines for either export or power generation. Lack of adequate rail infrastructure and the high costs of road transportation have been holding back investments in Botswana coal sector. (Reporting by Brian Benza Editing by Tanisha Heiberg and Chizu Nomiyama) UN chief calls on Israel to drop West Bank annexation plans Iran Press TV Wednesday, 24 June 2020 1:30 AM United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called on the Israeli regime to drop plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, saying the move would constitute a "most serious violation of international law." Guterres made the remarks in a report to the UN Security Council on Tuesday and warned that the Israeli annexation plans would be "devastating" for hopes of fresh negotiations and a so-called two-state solution. "I call upon Israel to abandon its annexation plans," the UN chief said in the report, adding that such a move would "threaten efforts to advance regional peace." "If implemented, this would constitute a most serious violation of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations," Guterres underlined. "This would be calamitous for Palestinians, Israelis and the region." The report comes ahead of the Security Council's twice-yearly meeting on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which is scheduled on Wednesday. Meanwhile, an estimated one thousand protesters in Tel Aviv slammed the regime's annexation plans and expressed concern that the scheme could lead to more violence. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing a number of criminal indictments, has repeatedly said that he would commence cabinet-level discussions for annexing more areas in the West Bank on July 1, in accordance with US President Donald Trump's so-called deal of the century. The American president officially unveiled his much-condemned Middle East plan in January at the White House with Netanyahu on his side, while Palestinian representatives were not invited. Back in late 2017, Trump enraged Palestinians by recognizing the whole Jerusalem al-Quds, both its eastern and western parts, as Israel's "undivided capital," a highly-provocative move he took in the face of historic Palestinian demands that the city's eastern part serve as the capital of their future state. The annexation scheme, which has already been categorically rejected and condemned by Palestinians, largely gives in to Israel's demands while creating a Palestinian state with limited control over its own security and borders. It enshrines the occupied Jerusalem al-Quds as Israel's "capital" and allows the regime to annex settlements in the West Bank and the Jordan Valley, which Israel occupied in 1967. In response to Trump's highly-provocative scheme and Israel's annexation plans, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared the end of all agreements signed with Tel Aviv and Washington on May 19. Israel's aggressive settlement expansion and annexation plans have dealt a serious blow to any prospects of peace. The last round of Israeli-Palestinian talks collapsed in 2014. Among the major sticking points in those negotiations was Israel's continued settlement expansion on Palestinian territories. More than 600,000 Israelis live in over 230 settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem al-Quds. Israelis fatally shoot Palestinian at checkpoint In a separate development on Tuesday, Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian man in the occupied West Bank over claims that the slain Palestinian had attempted to run over a police officer at a checkpoint near the city of Jerusalem al-Quds. Witnesses said the Palestinian, identified as Ahmad Erekat, was left to bleed to death on the ground as soldiers prevented Palestinian medics from approaching him. Palestine's Wafa news agency, citing Palestinian officials, said the 27-year-old was rushing to the nearby city of Bethlehem to pick up family members from a beauty salon on his sister's wedding day. Saeb Erekat, secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organization, said the man killed was his relative and that his wedding was also slated for next week. "This young man was killed in cold blood. What the occupation army (Israeli military) claims, that he was trying to run someone over, is a lie," he said. A video of Erekat's lifeless body lying next to his car has been circulated on social media, with Israeli forces stepping over the body as blood can be seen flowing across the road. Clashes in the occupied West Bank come as the Israeli regime presses ahead with a highly controversial plan to annex territories it occupied against the international will after the 1997 war with Arab countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In February 2012, Suzette Jordan, a 38-year-old single mother of two girls, left a well-known nightclub in a busy street in Kolkata with a man who she had befriended. In the car, three other men were waiting. That night, she had said, she was held down by the men and gang-raped. The next morning, she was thrown out of the car. Sixteen months and a lot of political turmoil later, Jordan had told reporters that she is tired of being called the 'Park Street rape victim'. "I am tired of hiding my real identity. I am tired of this society's rules and regulations. I am tired of being made to feel ashamed. I am tired of feeling scared because I have been raped," she told reporters. Cut to 2020. Just two days ago, the Karnataka High Court, while granting a pre-arrest bail to a man accused of rape, cheating and criminal intimidation, noted that it was unbecoming of an Indian woman to sleep after she is ravished. "The explanation offered by the complainant that after the perpetration of the act she was tired and fell asleep, is unbecoming of an Indian woman; that is not the way our women react when they are ravished," held Justice Krishna S Dixit. The judge added the complainant could not explain why she went to office at 11 in the night, drank with the accused and also allowed the accused to stay the night with her. Agreeing that the charges of rape, cheating and intimidation against the petitioner were serious in nature, the court observed that "seriousness alone is not the criteria to deny liberty to the citizen when there is no prima facie case from the police." Jordan died in 2015 amid the battle to get justice. But the one thing she left behind was her powerful words, "Enough is enough". She was not going to be ashamed for drinking, for partying, for wanting to have a good time with a stranger she met at a night club. READ: 'Slept? Not How Indian Women React After Sexual Abuse': Karnataka HC Grants Bail to Rape Accused The court observation may have have been triggering for many and most of them would have quietly gone on to the read the next news item, reminding themselves, "This is why I never reported my rape story." But among the ones who took to social media to express their anger, a tweet read, "I'm an Indian woman & I was raped during a vacation. I continued with my vacation and had fun. But I did not report because of fear of such sickening comments." Over the years, we have heard various defence against rape. "Boys will be boys... they make mistakes,"Chowmein leads to hormonal imbalance evoking an urge to indulge in such acts", "One should not be adventurous being a woman" are just some of those. But this bizarre understanding of rape and what constitutes it is not limited to India. In an article on Harvey Weinstein's course case, an article in Atlantic noted, "Usually, the victim never sees a courtroom. Police tend to pursue only cases involving a righteous victimfor example, a woman raped by a stranger with a gun, in an alley, who fought back, who had a clean record, and who had no alcohol in her system. That is a real rape, worthy of investigation. But 80 percent of the time, the victim knows her assailant. Prosecutors avoid those cases, even if they believe the woman, anticipating that a jury will not." The "he said, she said" conundrum is pretty much how rape cases are fought and concluded in across the world. It's funny and tragic (at the same time) that even a global movement #MeToo movement did not manage to make the judiciary and the system understand the issue of consent. How does a woman prove she resisted if she doesn't have the marks of bruises and injuries? How does she prove that even if she drank alcohol she wasn't giving consent to her sexual assaulter? How does she prove that it's not remorse of consenting to sex and later regretting? How does she prove that it was fear that forced her to behave 'normally'? In the Weinstein case, at least one alleged victim told The New York Times that she opted not to come forward, because her lawyer warned her that Weinstein would hire investigators to dig through her past. Weinsteins defense attorney, Donna Rotunno, spelled out the modern-day equivalent of the chastity requirement, If you dont want to be a victim, dont go to the hotel room. A woman who goes to a man's hotel room, a woman who befriends a stranger, a woman who drinks, a woman who wears short clothes, a woman who didn't physically fight her abuser is not seen as a woman who can be raped. Underlining its dismal reputation as one of the worst places in the world to be a woman, in 2018, one woman reported a rape every 15 minutes on average in India, according to the annual crime report released by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Only 27% of these led to convictions. But, these are just reported cases. In India, an estimated 99.1% of sexual violence cases are not reported, and in most such instances, the perpetrator is the husband of the victim. Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted in 2015-16 show that the average Indian woman is 17 times more likely to face sexual violence from her husband than from others. So, what do you think these women do when their husbands forget about consent because after, all they are 'married'? They go back to sleep, they go back to making tea for their husbands the next morning, they go back to their usual routine of taking care of their household and their jobs, they go back to their lives as if everything is 'normal'. There's more to this. The persistent stereotype of real rape involves a male stranger who violently penetrates a woman who will resist and fight and probably pick a flower vase to hit the assaulter's head. However, this isn't the reality. Sexual assault can be in so many forms that when it doesn't match up to the 'violent' narrative, forget judges, it can make it difficult for survivors to recognise that it was, and still is, sexual assault. It is important to note what exactly is unbecoming though. To sleep after being raped and often while being raped or is 'unbecoming' to rape? In Ireland, a woman was raped and sexually assaulted by her then boyfriend multiple times while she was asleep. She was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder and had to quit her job. Seven years into her marriage, Mandy Boardman one day woke up with a dissolving pill in her mouth. She had no recollection of taking a pill and was very confused. Another night she woke up with her clothes off. One day, when she looked through her husband's phone, she found out videos that her husband took. In a heartbreaking account, she narrates that he would drug and then rape her. During the trial, the judge had asked her to 'forgive' her husband. While our conversations have moved to men and women equality for a while and even if little changes happened in the society, the law, it seems, across the world, has a lot of catching up to do. She just returned to Los Angeles after enjoying a lengthy stay at Kim and Kanye's $14million ranch in Wyoming with ex Scott Disick, 37, and their three children. And Kourtney Kardashian attempted to shake off her vacation vibes on Wednesday afternoon by running errands in Beverly Hills. The 41-year-old POOSH founder erred on the side of caution by donning a white face mask during her outing. Back to business: Kourtney Kardashian was seen running errands in Beverly Hills on Wednesday afternoon Kardashian covered up her famous curves beneath an off white hooded sweatshirt and a pair of off white sweatpants. Her long raven hair was tied up into a bun and she had a pair of black designer sunglasses over her eyes. Kourtney carried a black backpack in her hand and slipped her feet into a pair of reflective New Balance sneakers. The former KUWTK star was joined on her errand run by an unidentified female pal who resided in the front passenger's seat of her black SUV. Monochromatic: Kardashian covered up her famous curves beneath an off white hooded sweatshirt and a pair of off white sweatpants Buddy system: The former KUWTK star was joined on her errand run by an unidentified female pal who resided in the front passenger's seat of her black SUV Earlier in the day, Kourtney sent temperatures soaring on Instagram when she shared a throwback photo of herself donning a striking bronze bikini. The stunning image was posted on the official POOSH Instagram page and showed Kardashian emerging from the sea with her wet hair gathered in her hand. 'Have your abs gone on a hiatus,' the caption read. 'Kick things back into gear with help from @amandaeliselee's top moves designed to poosh your pooch away.' Stunning: Earlier in the day, Kourtney sent temperatures soaring on Instagram when she shared a throwback photo of herself donning a striking bronze bikini It's unknown exactly what lavish trip the photo is from, but it appears to be from a trip in May 2018, as she posted a photo in the same bikini with the same ocean behind her. Though she appeared to be longing for a tropical getaway, Kourtney recently had her country cravings satisfied during a trip to Wyoming with ex Disick and their three children, son Mason, 10, daughter Penelope, seven, and son Reign, three. Rumors regarding the a potential 'reconciliation' between the pair - who originally split in 2015 - began to circulate due to Scott's presence in Wyoming. Disick unknowingly added fuel to the fire on Monday, when he left a flirty comment on an Instagram post of Kourtney's that showed her wearing one of his flannel shirts. Rumors: Disick unknowingly added fuel to the fire on Monday, when he left a flirty comment on an Instagram post of Kourtney's that showed her wearing one of his flannel shirts Father's Day: Kourtney even honored the Talentless founder on Father's Day by sharing a family photo to her Instagram page To top it all off, Scott split from his girlfriend of three-years Sofia Richie, 21, just last month. But, according to a new report by People, Scott and Kourtney are 'not back together' but are 'incredibly close'. Kourtney even honored the Talentless founder on Father's Day by sharing a family photo to her Instagram page. 'Happy Fathers Day, thankful for you and these three special ones,' wrote Kardashian in her post's caption. Photo: Jeff Gunn/Flickr Read on for the most recent top news you may have missed in New York City. Shocking video shows homeless man attacked with firework in New York City Horrifying video from New York City shows a homeless man being attacked with a firework. Read the full story on ABC11 WTVD. New York City man exonerated after spending 25 years in prison for a crime he did not commit Samuel Brownridge was wrongfully convicted for a 1994 murder in St. Albans, Queens. Read the full story on ABC News. Pandemic may force New York City to lay off 22,000 workers "We are runnig out of options here," Mayor Bill de Blasio said, referring to the economic impact of the outbreak. "That is the blunt truth. Read the full story on The New York Times. Iconic NYC McDonald's in Times Square closes for good If you're a tourist in New York City, or even a harried local trying to get across midtown Manhattan, you've seen it, or maybe eaten in it the giant McDonald's on 42nd Street in Times Square with the Broadway-style marquee. Read the full story on NBC10 Boston. Brooklyn Bloods members slapped with federal charges for brazen gun warfare Seven members of a Brooklyn Bloods street gang called the Elite Assassin Millas including the crime outfit's reputed "godfather" were busted Wednesday for terrorizing East New York with a campaign of gun violence, racketeering and murder, officials said. Read the full story on New York Post. This story was created automatically using data about news stories on social media from CrowdTangle, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback. COVID-19: Belgium Clarifies Tax Deadlines For Non-Resident Individuals by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels 25 June 2020 On June 24, 2020, the Belgian Ministry of Finance issued a clarification of tax payment deadlines for non-resident individuals after the tax authority issued tax statements with the wrong due dates. The deadlines in question depend on the dispatch date of tax statements relating to 2019 income tax returns for non-residents. Due to a technical error, the statements failed to reflect the two-month extension to the payment deadline put in place because of COVID-19. The clarification is as follows: A Queens County, N.Y., Surrogates Court judge on Thursday rejected a request to bar President Trumps niece, Mary L. Trump, from publishing a tell-all book about the family because the court lacked jurisdiction in the case. Judge Peter J. Kelly recommended that Robert S. Trump, the presidents brother, take to another court his claim that publishing the book, Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the Worlds Most Dangerous Man, would violate a nondisclosure agreement signed by Ms. Trump. Insofar as the petition seeks a declaratory judgment, this forum is presumptively improper, Mr. Kelly wrote. Charles Harder, a lawyer for Robert Trump, said he would now file suit in the New York State Supreme Court, which is a lower-level court in the state, in an effort to stop Simon & Schuster from publishing the book on July 28. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 22:26:23|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close MOGADISHU, June 25 (Xinhua)-- Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo on Thursday called for a crucial security meeting between the federal government and leaders from the federal member states to be held in July to discuss key issues ahead of the elections. Farmajo said in a statement said the meeting scheduled for July 5 to 8 in Mogadishu will discuss the elections, security, the fight against al-Shabab, the constitutional review and economic development. "The Federal Government of Somalia emphasizes the importance of this conference, as it complements the political, security and economic achievements of the Somali people and guides the democratic process of our country," he said in a statement. The meeting comes as the Horn of African nation is expected to hold parliamentary elections in October while presidential polls will take place in February 2021. The meeting between the national and federal member state leaders comes amid pressure from the international community to bring national and regional leaders together ahead of the 2020/21 polls. Somalia, with the help of the international community, is making urgent preparations for universal suffrage elections. Parliamentary and presidential elections took place in late 2016 and early 2017 through a system of indirect suffrage. Enditem A university in Iran has acknowledged that it has reprimanded and suspended students for organizing a memorial gathering for the victims of a Ukrainian airliner shot down over Tehran in January. Earlier, Ensafnews website in a brief report had said that 20 students were punished for organizing a candle-burning ceremony to honor the victims. The date of the event was not mentioned. Following this report, the communications office of Mohaqeq Ardebili University issued a letter asking Ensafnews to publish it. The university said in the letter that students did not ask for a permit for the gathering and they should be punished for disrupting order on the campus. Therefore, the university reprimanded and suspended 15 students. The university has asked all those who respect the law and the rights of universities to show support for the decision. Irans Revolutionary Guard fired two anti-air missiles in the early morning of January 8 at a Ukrainian airliner with 176 passengers and crew on board as it took off from Tehrans international airport. The plane crashed killing all onboard. Iran has withheld the flight recorders, refusing to hand them over to the Ukraine or another country for analysis. Its investigation of the incident it called human error has remained secret and no clear report has been issued. After the incident protests took place in several Iranian cities and many were arrested. Some writers and artists also criticized the governments handling of the case and some were arrested and jailed. The Islamic Republic of Irans laws formally allow protests with permits but in practice no critics or opponents receive permission to organize gatherings and marches. Paris, France (PANA) - Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF) Wednesday condemned the repression of media professionals in the province of Mongala, northwest Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), after the authorities removed six journalists on 17 June Flash U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he probably would send some U.S. troops from Germany to Poland during his joint press conference with visiting Polish President Andrzej Duda. Duda, the first foreign leader to visit the United States since the coronavirus outbreak, said at the conference that there is a possibility of a further increase in American troops in his country. Such a move might further raise security concerns from Russia, which has repeatedly voiced opposition to NATO's military buildup near its border. "They (Poland) asked us if we would send additional troops ... and we will probably be moving them from Germany to Poland," said Trump, stressing that Poland would pay for it. Trump praised Poland's fulfillment of its so-called "monetary obligation" under NATO while criticizing Germany's "delinquency" on military spending. "We gotta be reducing our forces in Germany, some will be coming home, and some will be going to other places, but Poland would be one of the other places," he added. Trump also noted that he looks forward to signing a defense cooperation agreement with Poland. A senior administration official said Tuesday that they were working on the legal details of the agreement, and the U.S. Air Force plans to rotate an MQ-9 drone squadron into Poland and establish an aerial port there once the agreement is signed. Poland will hold its presidential election on Sunday, and the media widely reported that Duda was counting on the visit to give him a boost on his re-election campaign. Trump confirmed last week that his country would reduce the U.S. troop level in Germany to 25,000, which raised speculations that some of the troops could be relocated to Poland. In a Sunday piece on The Wall Street Journal, National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien noted that several thousand troops currently stationed in Germany might be reassigned to other countries in Europe. Washington and Warsaw have been strengthening their security and diplomatic ties. The two countries are on the same page on multiple regional issues such as Iran nuclear issue, alleged Russia's threat as well as the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project. Poland, which joined NATO in 1999, has long sought the deployment of a permanent U.S. military force on its territory. The U.S. military has approximately 4,500 rotational troops in Poland. Principal Administrator - Risk assessment of chemicals, Paris, France Organization: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Country: France City: Paris, France Office: OECD Paris, France Closing date: Wednesday, 1 July 2020 Principal Administrator - Risk assessment of chemicals ( Job Number: 13648 ) Application Closing Date: 01-07-2020, 9:59:00 PM The OECD is a global economic forum working with 37 member countries and more than 100 emerging and developing economies to make better policies for better lives. Our mission is to promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world. The Organisation provides a unique forum in which governments work together to share experiences on what drives economic, social and environmental change, seeking solutions to common problems. The Environment Directorate (ENV) supports governments in identifying and implementing the environmental policies needed to support a cleaner, more resource-efficient and low-carbon green growth path. The ENV team is made up of environmental specialists, economists and scientists who undertake cross-country analysis, review country performance, develop projections, facilitate work-sharing, collect data and indicators, and develop policy recommendations. The ENV meetings and conferences provide a forum for discussions amongst governments and with business and civil society partners on critical environmental challenges. ENV is looking for a Principal Administrator to support the work programme of the Environment, Health and Safety Division (EHS) of the Environment Directorate. The selected candidate will be responsible for leading teams of staff for projects on Hazard Assessment of chemicals and Authorisation of Pesticides, and will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Environment, Health and Safety Division. Through the OECD Environment, Health and Safety Programme, countries work together to develop and co-ordinate activities related to the safety of chemicals (including manufactured nanomaterials), pesticides and biocides and products of modern biotechnology. The main objectives of the programme are to protect human health and the environment by assisting countries to (a) anticipate, identify and prevent or manage the risks of chemicals and products of modern biotechnology and (b) to ensure efficiencies and optimal use of resources for governments and industry through harmonisation of policies and instruments and (c) by creating mechanisms for sharing work in areas of mutual interest. Main Responsibilities Programme management Oversee the organisation and co-ordination of the OECD Hazard Assessment Programme. This includes: o the work on the co-operative hazard assessment of chemicals and the development of novel methodologies for the hazard assessment of chemicals, including the use of integrated approaches to testing and assessment and information from adverse outcome pathways; o the work on assessment of effects from the cumulative exposure to multiple chemicals; o the work on (Quantitative) Structured Activity Relationships; (Q)SARs, such as the development of software for the prediction of the properties of chemicals; o the development of IT tools for the notification and reporting of properties of chemicals; and o the activities related to improving wider access to information on chemical properties and assessments, tools and guidance developed at OECD, such as the development of web portals and web applications. Oversee the organisation and coordination of the OECD Pesticides Programme. This includes: the development of Test Guidelines and guidance documents to assess pesticide exposure by identifying residues in food or animal feedstuffs; the development of harmonised guidance on the methods and approaches used to assess the safety of biological pesticides; activities related to the identification and prevention of the illegal trade of pesticides through the development of best practice guidance and facilitating the exchange of information amongst governments; the work related to identifying issues associated with the safety of emerging and converging technologies, including RNAi-based pesticides and the application of pesticides using digital and mechanical technologies, and developing tools or guidance to assess the safety of such technologies; and activities related to facilitating and promoting work sharing among countries for pesticide evaluations, through the development of electronic tools; Lead, support and supervise the work of professionals in hazard assessment of chemicals and authorisation of pesticides, consultants and support staff, defining tasks, objectives and deadlines; and monitoring progress, including managing the performance cycle of staff. Lead the fundraising efforts for the projects related to pesticides and hazard assessment of chemicals. Liaison and support Lead and organise support to countries and industry in their implementation of these programmes. Liaise and maintain close contact with relevant OECD directorates, other stakeholders as well as international and regional organisations concerned with work related to the programme. Organise and prepare meetings and workshops on various aspects of chemicals testing and assessment as well as the assessment and authorisation of pesticides. Provide support for expert meetings associated with these topics. Follow-up on the outcome of the meetings. Represent the OECD EHS Programme at various external meetings or conferences. Disseminate the findings of the OECD EHS Programme at relevant meetings and conferences. Tags access to information animal feed biotechnology economist fundraising green growth programme management risk assessment Undertake other tasks, as assigned, related to the implementation of the Environment, Health and Safety Programme. Ideal Candidate Profile Academic Background An advanced university degree in chemistry, toxicology or biological sciences, engineering or related topics. Professional Background Eight to ten years of professional experience working on various aspects of the development or implementation of government policy and programmes on the safety of chemicals or pesticides. This experience may have been acquired in national governments, agencies, research institutes, intergovernmental organisations or a combination of the above. Experience of systems used in classification and labelling of chemicals. Experience with pesticide registration and re-registration processes. Experience in developing and reviewing policies concerning the testing and assessment of chemicals or pesticides. Experience in undertaking hazard or risk assessments of chemicals or pesticides. Experience in developing technical guidance regarding the testing and assessment of chemicals or pesticides including through the use of in vitro test methods or (Quantitative) Structure Activity Relationships. Experience in developing high-level specifications for IT-tools (e.g. for reporting and disseminating the properties of chemicals, predicting the properties of chemicals or for submitting authorisation dossiers of pesticides). Experience in managing project teams of analysts. Tools Experience with using software for reporting the properties of chemicals (such as IUCLID or equivalent) and for predicting the properties of chemicals (such as the OECD QSAR Toolbox or equivalent). Languages Fluency in one of the two OECD official languages (English and French) and knowledge of the other, with a commitment to reach a good working level. Core Competencies For this role, the following competencies would be particularly important: Achievement focus, Drafting skills, Flexible thinking, Managing resources, Teamwork and Team leadership, Client focus, Diplomatic sensitivity, Negotiating, Strategic networking, Strategic thinking. Please refer to the level 4 indicators of the OECD Core Competencies . Contract Duration Two-year fixed term appointment, with the possibility of renewal. What the OECD offers Monthly base salary starting from 8790 EUR, plus allowances based on eligibility, exempt of French income tax. Selection Process For retained candidates, written tests/video-recorded interviews are foreseen August and panel interviews are planned for October. Please note that the appointment may be made at a lower grade based on the qualifications and professional experience of the selected applicant. The OECD is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes the applications of all qualified candidates who are nationals of OECD member countries , irrespective of their racial or ethnic origin, opinions or beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, health or disabilities The OECD promotes an optimal use of resources in order to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. Staff members are encouraged to actively contribute to this goal. The Egyptian frigate "Suez" and the Spanish frigate "Numancia" conducted on Thursday a joint naval exercise in the Red Sea at Berenice Military Base in the Southern Fleets zone. The drills come as a part of the general command of the Armed Forces' plan to boost military cooperation and exchange expertise with friendly countries. The naval exercise included carrying out many training activities to enhance the maritime security in the southern Red Sea area in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The training, the second of its type with the Spanish navy in a short period, aims to benefit from the Spanish capabilities in achieving mutual interests and promote military cooperation between Cairo and Madrid. Search Keywords: Short link: The face of Tou Thao haunts me. The Hmong-American police officer stood with his back turned to Derek Chauvin, his partner, as Chauvin knelt on George Floyds neck for 8 minutes and 46 seconds and murdered him. In the video that I saw, Tou Thao is in the foreground and Chauvin is partly visible in the background, George Floyds head pressed to the ground. Bystanders beg Tou Thao to do something, because George Floyd was not moving, and as he himself said, he could not breathe. The face of Tou Thao is like mine and not like mine, although the face of George Floyd is like mine and not like mine too. Racism makes us focus on the differences in our faces rather than our similarities, and in the alchemical experiment of the U.S., racial difference mixes with labor exploitation to produce an explosive mix of profit and atrocity. In response to endemic American racism, those of us who have been racially stigmatized cohere around our racial difference. We take what white people hate about us, and we convert stigmata into pride, community and power. So it is that Tou Thao and I are Asian Americans, because we are both Asian, which is better than being an Oriental or a gook. If being an Oriental gets us mocked and being a gook can get us killed, being an Asian American might save us. Our strength in numbers, in solidarity across our many differences of language, ethnicity, culture, religion, national ancestry and more, is the basis of being Asian American. But in another reality, Tou Thao is Hmong and I am Vietnamese. He was a police officer and I am a professor. Does our being Asian bring us together across these ethnic and class divides? Does our being Southeast Asian, both our communities brought here by an American war in our countries, mean we see the world in the same way? Did Tou Thao experience the anti-Asian racism that makes us all Asian, whether we want to be or not? Story continues Let me go back in time to a time being repeated today. Even if I no longer remember how old I was when I saw these words, I have never forgotten them: Another American driven out of business by the Vietnamese. Perhaps I was 12 or 13. It was the early 1980s, and someone had written them on a sign in a store window not far from my parents store. The sign confused me, for while I had been born in Vietnam, I had grown up in Pennsylvania and California, and had absorbed all kinds of Americana: the Mayflower and the Pilgrims; cowboys and Indians; Audie Murphy and John Wayne; George Washington and Betsy Ross; the Pledge of Allegiance; the Declaration of Independence; the guarantee of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; all the fantasy and folklore of the American Dream. Two immigration officers interrogate Chinese immigrants suspected of being Communists or deserting seamen at Ellis Island. | Bettmann Archive/Getty Images Part of that dream was being against communism and for capitalism, which suited my parents perfectly. They had been born poor to rural families, and without much formal schooling and using only their ingenuity and hard work, had become successful merchants. They fled communist Vietnam in 1975, after losing all of their property and most of their fortune. What they carried with themincluding some gold and money sewn into the hems of their clothesthey used to buy a house next to the freeway in San Jose and to open the second Vietnamese grocery store there, in 1978. In a burst of optimism and nostalgia, they named their store the New Saigon. I am now older than my parents were when they had to begin their lives anew in this country, with only a little English. What they did looms in my memory as a nearly unimaginable feat. In the age of coronavirus, I am uncertain how to sew a mask and worry about shopping for groceries. Survivors of war, my parents fought to live again as aliens in a strange land, learning to read mortgage documents in another language, enrolling my brother and me in school, taking drivers-license examinations. But there was no manual telling them how to buy a store that was not advertised as for sale. They called strangers and navigated bureaucracy in order to find the owners and persuade them to sell, all while suffering from the trauma of having lost their country and leaving almost all their relatives behind. By the time my parents bought the store, my mothers mother had died in Vietnam. The news nearly broke her. Somehow the person who wrote this sign saw people like my mother and my father as less than human, as an enemy. This is why I am not surprised by the rising tide of anti-Asian racism in this country. Sickened, yes, to hear of a woman splashed with acid on her doorstep; a man and his son slashed by a knife-wielding assailant at a Sams Club; numerous people being called the Chinese virus or the chink virus or told to go to China, even if they are not of Chinese descent; people being spat on for being Asian; people afraid to leave their homes, not only because of the pandemic but also out of fear of being verbally or physically assaulted, or just looked at askance. Cataloging these incidents, the poet and essayist Cathy Park Hong wrote, We dont have coronavirus. We are coronavirus. Looking back, I can remember the low-level racism of my youth, the stupid jokes told by my Catholic-school classmates, like Is your last name Nam? and Did you carry an AK-47 in the war? as well as more obscene ones. I wonder: Did Tou Thao hear these kinds of jokes in Minnesota? What did he think of Fong Lee, Hmong American, 19 years old, shot eight times, four in the back, by Minneapolis police officer Jason Andersen in 2006? Andersen was acquitted by an all-white jury. A classroom composed of Chinese children in New York, 1900 | Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone/Getty Images Confronted with anti-Asian racism from white people, the Hmong who came to the U.S. as refugees in the 1970s and 1980s were often resettled in diverse urban areas, some in dominantly Black communities where they also confronted racism. Stories abounded within our community of battery, robberies and intimidations by our Black neighbors, Yia Vue wrote recently. Hmong people live side by side with their African-American neighbors in poorer sections of town, with generations of misunderstanding and stereotypes still strongly entrenched on both sides. Yet when Fong Lee was killed, Black activists rallied to his cause. They were the loudest voices for us, Lees sister Shoua said. They didnt ask to show up. They just showed up. Unlike the engineers and doctors who mostly came from Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and Indiathe model minority in the American imaginationmany Hmong refugees arrived from a rural life in Laos devastated by war. Traumatized, they were resettled into the midst of poverty and a complicated history of racial oppression of which they had little awareness. Even the Hmong who condemn Tou Thao and argue for solidarity with Black Lives Matter insist that they should not be seen through the lens of the model-minority experience, should not be subject to liberal Asian-American guilt and hand-wringing over Tou Thao as a symbol of complicity. Christian minister Ashley Gaozong Bauer, of Hmong descent, writes, Weve had to share in the collective shame of the model minority, but when have Asian Americans shared in the pain and suffering of the Hmong refugee narrative and threats of deportation? Like the Hmong, the Vietnamese like myself suffered from war, and some are threatened by deportation now. Unlike many of the Hmong, a good number of Vietnamese refugees became, deliberately or otherwise, a part of the model minority, including myself. The low-level racism I experienced happened in elite environments. By the time I entered my mostly white, exclusive, private high school, the message was clear to me and the few of us who were of Asian descent. Most of us gathered every day in a corner of the campus and called ourselves, with a laugh, or maybe a wince, the Asian invasion. But if that was a joke we made at our own expense, it was also a prophecy, for when I returned to campus a couple of years ago to give a lecture on race to the assembled student body, some 1,600 young men, I realized that if we had not quite taken over, there were many more of us almost 30 years later. No longer the threat of the Asian invasion, we were, instead, the model minority: the desirable classmate, the favored neighbor, the nonthreatening kind of person of color. Or were we? A couple of Asian-American students talked to me afterward and said they still felt it. The vibe. The feeling of being foreign, especially if they were, or were perceived to be, Muslim, or brown, or Middle Eastern. The vibe. Racism is not just the physical assault. I have never been physically assaulted because of my appearance. But I had been assaulted by the racism of the airwaves, the ching-chong jokes of radio shock jocks, the villainous or comical japs and chinks and gooks of American war movies and comedies. Like many Asian Americans, I learned to feel a sense of shame over the things that supposedly made us foreign: our food, our language, our haircuts, our fashion, our smell, our parents. What made these sentiments worse, Hong argues, was that we told ourselves these were minor feelings. How could we have anything valid to feel or say about race when we, as a model minority, were supposedly accepted by American society? At the same time, anti-Asian sentiment remained a reservoir of major feeling from which Americans could always draw in a time of crisis. Asian Americans still do not wield enough political power, or have enough cultural presence, to make many of our fellow Americans hesitate in deploying a racist idea. Our unimportance and our historical status as the perpetual foreigner in the U.S. is one reason the President and many others feel they can call COVID-19 the Chinese virus or the kung flu. Japanese-American residents of Los Angeles wave a farewell to relatives and friends who are being deported to Japan in October 1941. | Hulton-Deutsch Collection/Corbis/Getty Images The basis of anti-Asian racism is that Asians belong in Asia, no matter how many generations we have actually lived in non-Asian countries, or what we might have done to prove our belonging to non-Asian countries if we were not born there. Pointing the finger at Asians in Asia, or Asians in non-Asian countries, has been a tried and true method of racism for a long time; in the U.S., it dates from the 19th century. It was then that the U.S. imported thousands of Chinese workers to build the transcontinental railroad. When their usefulness was over, American politicians, journalists and business leaders demonized them racially to appease white workers who felt threatened by Chinese competition. The result was white mobs lynching Chinese migrants, driving them en masse out of towns and burning down Chinatowns. The climax of anti-Chinese feeling was the passage of the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act, the first racially discriminatory immigration law in American history, which would turn Chinese entering the U.S. into the nations first illegal immigrant population. The Immigration and Naturalization Service was created, policing Chinese immigration and identifying Chinese who had come into the U.S. as paper sons, who claimed a fictive relation to the Chinese who had already managed to come into the country. As the political scientist Janelle Wong tells me, while European immigrants were confronted with widespread hostility, they never faced the kind of legal racial restrictions on immigration and naturalization that Asian Americans experienced. American history has been marked by the cycle of big businesses relying on cheap Asian labor, which threatened the white working class, whose fears were stoked by race-baiting politicians and media, leading to catastrophic events like the Chinese Exclusion Act and the internment of Japanese Americans in 1942. The person who wrote that sign I remember seeing as a child, blaming the Vietnamese for destroying American businesses, was simply telling a story about the yellow peril that was always available for fearful Americans. The reality was that downtown San Jose in the 1970s and 1980s was shabby, a run-down place where almost no one wanted to open new businesses, except for Vietnamese refugees. Today, Americans rely on China and other Asian countries for cheap commodities that help Americans live the American Dream, then turn around and blame the Chinese for the loss of American jobs or the rise of American vulnerability to economic competition. It is easier to blame a foreign country or a minority, or even politicians who negotiate trade agreements, than to identify the real power: corporations and economic elites who shift jobs, maximize profit at the expense of workers and care nothing for working Americans. To acknowledge this reality is far too disturbing for many Americans, who resort to blaming Asians as a simpler answer. Asian Americans have not forgotten this anti-Asian history, and yet many have hoped that it was behind them. The slur of the Chinese virus has revealed how fragile our acceptance and inclusion was. In the face of renewed attacks on our American belonging, the former presidential candidate Andrew Yang offered this solution: We Asian Americans need to embrace and show our Americanness in ways we never have before We should show without a shadow of a doubt that we are Americans who will do our part for our country in this time of need. Many Asian Americans took offense at his call, which seemed to apologize for our Asian-American existence. Yangs critics pointed out that Asian Americans have literally wrapped themselves in the American flag in times of anti-Asian crisis; have donated to white neighbors and fellow citizens in emergencies; and died for this country fighting in its wars. And is there anything more American than joining the police? Did Tou Thao think he was proving his belonging by becoming a cop? None of these efforts have prevented the stubborn persistence of anti-Asian racism. Calling for more sacrifices simply reiterates the sense that Asian Americans are not American and must constantly prove an Americanness that should not need to be proven. Japanese Americans had to prove their Americanness during World War II by fighting against Germans and Japanese while their families were incarcerated, but German and Italian Americans never had to prove their Americanness to the same extent. German and Italian Americans were selectively imprisoned for suspected or actual disloyalty, while Japanese Americans were incarcerated en masse, their race marking them as un-American. Asian Americans are caught between the perception that we are inevitably foreign and the temptation that we can be allied with white people in a country built on white supremacy. As a result, anti-Black (and anti-brown and anti-Native) racism runs deep in Asian-American communities. Immigrants and refugees, including Asian ones, know that we usually have to start low on the ladder of American success. But no matter how low down we are, we know that America allows us to stand on the shoulders of Black, brown and Native people. Throughout Asian-American history, Asian immigrants and their descendants have been offered the opportunity by both Black people and white people to choose sides in the Black-white racial divide, and we have far too often chosen the white side. Asian Americans, while actively critical of anti-Asian racism, have not always stood up against anti-Black racism. Frequently, we have gone along with the status quo and affiliated with white people. The Japanese owner of this grocery store in Oakland, California displays a sign reminding pedestrians of his loyalties to America, and not Japan, in 1944. | Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images And yet there have been vocal Asian Americans who have called for solidarity with Black people and other people of color, from the activist Yuri Kochiyama, who cradled a dying Malcolm X, to the activist Grace Lee Boggs, who settled in Detroit and engaged in serious, radical organizing and theorizing with her Black husband James Boggs. Kochiyama and Lee Boggs were far from the only Asian Americans who argued that Asian Americans should not stand alone or stand only for themselves. The very term Asian American, coined in the 1960s by Yuji Ichioka and Emma Gee and adopted by college student activists, was brought to national consciousness by a movement that was about more than just defending Asian Americans against racism and promoting an Asian-American identity. Asian-American activists saw their movement as also being antiwar, anti-imperialism and anticapitalism. Taking inspiration from the 1955 Bandung Conference, a gathering of nonaligned African and Asian nations, and from Mao, they located themselves in an international struggle against colonialism with other colonized peoples. Mao also inspired radical African Americans, and the late 1960s in the U.S. was a moment when radical activists of all backgrounds saw themselves as part of a Third World movement that linked the uprisings of racial minorities with a global rebellion against capitalism, racism, colonialism and war. The legacy of the Third World and Asian-American movements continues today among Asian-American activists and scholars, who have long argued that Asian Americans, because of their history of experiencing racism and labor exploitation, offer a radical potential for contesting the worst aspects of American society. But the more than 22 million Asian Americans, over 6% of the American population, have many different national and ethnic origins and ancestries and times of immigration or settlement. As a result, we often have divergent political viewpoints. Todays Asian Americans are being offered two paths: the radical future imagined by the Asian-American movement, and the consumer model symbolized by drinking boba tea and listening to K-pop. While Asian Americans increasingly trend Democratic, we are far from all being radical. What usually unifies Asian Americans and enrages us is anti-Asian racism and murder, beginning with the anti-Chinese violence and virulence of the 19th century and continuing through incidents like a white gunman killing five Vietnamese and Cambodian refugee children in a Stockton, Calif., school in 1989, and another white gunman killing six members of a Sikh gurdwara in Wisconsin in 2012. The murder of Vincent Chin, killed in 1982 by white Detroit autoworkers who mistook him for Japanese, remains a rallying cry. As do the Los Angeles riots, or uprisings, of 1992, when much of Koreatown was burned down by mostly Black and brown looters while the LAPD watched. Korean-American merchants suffered about half of the economic damage. Two Asian Americans were killed in the violence. All of this is cause for mourning, remembrance and outrage, but so is something else: the 61 other people who died were not Asian, and the majority of them were Black or brown. Most of the more than 12,000 people who were arrested were also Black or brown. In short, Korean Americans suffered economic losses, as well as emotional and psychic damage, that would continue for years afterward. But they had property to lose, and they did not pay the price of their tenuous Americanness through the same loss of life or liberty as experienced by their Black and brown customers and neighbors. Many Korean Americans were angry because they felt the citys law-enforcement and political leadership had sacrificed them by preventing the unrest from reaching the whiter parts of the city, making Korean Americans bear the brunt of the long-simmering rage of Black and brown Angelenos over poverty, segregation and abusive police treatment. In the aftermath, Koreatown was rebuilt, although not all of the shopkeepers recovered their livelihoods. Some of the money that rebuilt Koreatown came, ironically, from South Korea, which had enjoyed a decades-long transformation into an economic powerhouse. South Korean capital, and eventually South Korean pop culture, especially cinema and K-pop, became cooler and more fashionable than the Korean immigrants who had left South Korea for the American Dream. Even if economic struggle still defined a good deal of Korean immigrant life, it was overshadowed by the overall American perception of Asian-American success, and by the new factor of Asian capital and competition. This is what it means to be a model minority: to be invisible in most circumstances because we are doing what we are supposed to be doing, like my parents, until we become hypervisible because we are doing what we do too well, like the Korean shopkeepers. Then the model minority becomes the Asian invasion, and the Asian-American model minority, which had served to prove the success of capitalism, bears the blame when capitalism fails. The National Guard at the Korean Pride Parade in Los Angeles on April 29, 1992 following the riots that swept the city after three of four police officers accused of the 1991 beating of Rodney King were cleared of all charges. | Ted SoquiCorbis/Getty Images Not to say that we bear the brunt of capitalism. Situated in the middle of Americas fraught racial relations, we receive, on the whole, more benefits from American capitalism than Black, brown or Indigenous peoples, even if many of us also experience poverty and marginalization. While some of us do die from police abuse, it does not happen on the same scale as that directed against Black, brown or Indigenous peoples. While we do experience segregation and racism and hostility, we are also more likely to live in integrated neighborhoods than Black or Indigenous people. To the extent that we experience advantage because of our race, we are also complicit in holding up a system that disadvantages Black, brown and Indigenous people because of their race. Given our tenuous place in American society, no wonder so many Asian Americans might want to prove their Americanness, or to dream of acceptance by a white-dominated society, or condemn Tou Thao as not one of us. But when Asian Americans speak of their vast collective, with origins from East to West Asia and South to Southeast Asia, who is the we that we use? The elite multiculturalism of colored faces in high places is a genteel politics of representation that focuses on assimilation. So long excluded from American life, marked as inassimilable aliens and perpetual foreigners, asked where we come from and complimented on our English, Asian immigrants and their descendants have sought passionately to make this country our own. But from the perspective of many Black, brown and Indigenous people, this country was built on their enslavement, their dispossession, their erasure, their forced migration, their imprisonment, their segregation, their abuse, their exploited labor and their colonization. For many if not all Black, brown and Indigenous people, the American Dream is a farce as much as a tragedy. Multiculturalism may make us feel good, but it will not save the American Dream; reparations, economic redistribution, and defunding or abolishing the police might. If Hmong experiences fit more closely with the failure of the American Dream, what does it mean for some Asian Americans to still want their piece of it? If we claim America, then we must claim all of America, its hope and its hypocrisy, its profit and its pain, its liberty and its losses, its imperfect union and its ongoing segregation. To be Asian American is therefore paradoxical, for being Asian American is both necessary and insufficient. Being Asian American is necessary, the name and identity giving us something to organize around, allowing us to have more than minor feelings. I vividly remember becoming an Asian American in my sophomore year, when I transferred to UC Berkeley, stepped foot on the campus and was immediately struck by intellectual and political lightning. Through my Asian-American studies courses and my fellow student activists of the Asian American Political Alliance, I was no longer a faceless part of an Asian invasion. I was an Asian American. I had a face, a voice, a name, a movement, a history, a consciousness, a rage. That rage is a major feeling, compelling me to refuse a submissive politics of apology, which an uncritical acceptance of the American Dream demands. But the rage that is at the heart of the Asian-American movementa righteous rage, a wrath for justice, acknowledgment, redemptionhas not been able to overcome the transformation of the movement into a diluted if empowering identity. In its most diluted form, Asian-American identity is also open to anti-Black racism, the acceptance of colonization, and the fueling of Americas perpetual-motion war machine, which Americans from across the Democratic and Republican parties accept as a part of the U.S. Refugees from Vietnam descend a flight of stairs from an airplane in Oakland, California, April 1975 | Ted StreshinskyCorbis/Getty Images My presence here in this country, and that of my parents, and a majority of Vietnamese and Hmong, is due to the so-called Vietnam War in Southeast Asia that the U.S. helped to wage. The war in Laos was called the Secret War because the CIA conducted it and kept it secret from the American people. In Laos, the Hmong were a stateless minority without a country to call their own, and CIA advisers promised the Hmong that if they fought along with them, the U.S. would take care of the Hmong in both victory and defeat, perhaps even helping them gain their own homeland. About 58,000 Hmong who fought with the Americans lost their lives, fighting communists and rescuing downed American pilots flying secret bombing missions over Laos. When the war ended, the CIA abandoned most of its Hmong allies, taking only a small number out of the country to Thailand. The ones who remained behind suffered persecution at the hands of their communist enemies. This is why Tou Thaos face haunts me. Not just because we may look alike in some superficial way as Asian Americans, but because he and I are here because of this American history of war. The war was a tragedy for us, as it was for the Black Americans who were sent to guarantee liberties in Southeast Asia which they had not found in southwest Georgia and East Harlem, as Martin Luther King Jr. argued passionately in his 1967 speech Beyond Vietnam. In this radical speech, he condemns not just racism but capitalism, militarism, American imperialism and the American war machine, the greatest purveyor of violence in the world today. In another speech, he demands that we question our whole society, which means ultimately coming to see that the problem of racism, the problem of economic exploitation and the problem of war are all tied together. Little has changed. The U.S. is still a country built on war and for war. This is why Vietnam, meaning the Vietnam War, continues to haunt this country, stuck in a forever war. And this is why Tou Thaos face haunts me. It is the face of someone who shares some of my history and has done the thing I fear to do when faced with injusticenothing. Addressing Tou Thao, the poet Mai Der Vang, also Hmong, wrote in her poem In the Year of Permutations: Go live with yourself after what you didnt do. Thao was complicit in adding to the/ perpetration of power on a neck Never truly to be accepted/ always a pawn. While the life of a Hmong-American police officer descended from refugees is different from that of a stereotypical model-minority Chinese-American engineer or a Vietnamese-American writer like me, the moral choices remain the same. Solidarity or complicity. Rise against abusive power or stand with our back turned to the abuse of power. If we as Asian Americans choose the latter, we are indeed the model minority, and we deserve both its privileges and its perils. Our challenge is to be both Asian American and to imagine a world beyond it, one in which being Asian American isnt necessary. This is not a problem of assimilation or multiculturalism. This is a contradiction, inherited from the fundamental contradiction that ties the American body politic together, its aspiration toward equality for all, bound with its need to exploit the land and racially marked people, beginning from the very origins of American society and its conquest of Indigenous nations and importation of African slaves. The U.S. is an example of a successful project of colonization, only we do not call colonization by that name here. Instead, we call successful colonization the American Dream. This is why, as Mai Der Vang says, the American Dream will not save us. Asian Americans should not exist in a land where everyone is equal, but because of racisms persistence, and capitalisms need for cheap, racialized labor, Asian Americans do indeed exist. The end of Asian Americans only happens with the end of racism and capitalism. Faced with this problem, Asian Americans can be a model of apology, trying to prove an Americanness that cannot be proved. Or we can be a model of justice and demand greater economic and social equality for us and for all Americans. If we are dissatisfied with our countrys failures and limitations, revealed to us in stark clarity during the time of coronavirus, then now is our time to change our country for the better. If you think America is in trouble, blame shareholders, not immigrants; look at CEOs, not foreigners; resent corporations, not minorities; yell at politicians of both parties, not the weak, who have little in the way of power or wealth to share. Many Americans of all backgrounds understand this better now than they did in 1992. Then, angry protesters burned down Koreatown. Now, they peacefully surround the White House. Demanding that the powerful and the wealthy share their power and their wealth is what will make America great. Until then, race will continue to divide us. To locate Tou Thao in the middle of a Black-Hmong divide, or a Black-Asian divide, as if race were the only problem and the only answer, obscures a fatal statistic: the national poverty rate was 15.1% in 2015, while the rate for African Americans was about 24.1% and for Hmong Americans 28.3%. Youa Vang Lee speaks in front of thousands of people attending a memorial rally for George Floyd at the Minnesota State Capitol on May, 31, 2020. | Brooklynn KascelPolaris The problem is race, and class, and wara country almost always at war overseas that then pits its poor of all races and its exploited minorities against each other in a domestic war over scarce resources. So long as this crossbred system of white supremacy and capitalist exploitation remains in place, there will always be someone who will write that sign: Another American Driven Out of Business by [fill in the blank], because racism always offers the temptation to blame the weak rather than the powerful. The people who write these signs are engaging in the most dangerous kind of identity politics, the nationalist American kind, which, from the origins of this country, has been white and propertied. The police were created to defend the white, the propertied and their allies, and continue to do so. Black people know this all too well, many descended from people who were property. My parents, as newcomers to America, learned this lesson most intimately. When they opened the New Saigon, they told me not to call the police if there was trouble. In Vietnam, the police were not to be trusted. The police were corrupt. But a few years later, when an armed (white) gunman burst into our house and pointed a gun in all our faces, and after my mother dashed by him and into the street and saved our lives, I called the police. The police officers who came were white and Latino. They were gentle and respectful with us. We owned property. We were the victims. And yet our status as people with property, as refugees fulfilling the American Dream, as good neighbors for white people, is always fragile, so long as that sign can always be hung. But the people who would hang that sign misunderstand a basic fact of American life: America is built on the business of driving other businesses out of business. This is the life cycle of capitalism, one in which an (Asian) American Dream that is multicultural, transpacific and corporate fits perfectly well. My parents, natural capitalists, succeeded at this life cycle until they, in turn, were driven out of business. The city of San Jose, which had neglected downtown when my parents arrived, changed its approach with the rise of Silicon Valley. Realizing that downtown should reflect the image of a modern tech metropolis, the city used eminent domain to force my parents to sell their store. Across from where the New Saigon once stood now looms the brand-new city hall, which was supposed to face a brand-new symphony hall. I love the idea that a symphony could have sprung from the refugee roots of the New Saigon, where my parents shed not only sweat but blood, having once been shot there on Christmas Eve. But for many years, all that stood on my parents property was a dismal parking lot. Eventually the city sold the property for many millions of dollars, and now a tower of expensive condominiums is being built on the site of my parents struggle for the American Dream. The symphony was never heard. This, too, is America. So is this: the mother of Fong Lee, Youa Vang Lee, marching with Hmong 4 Black Lives on the Minnesota state capitol in the wake of George Floyds killing. I have to be there, she said. She spoke in Hmong, but her feelings could be understood without translation. The same happened to my son. Nguyen is a Pulitzer Prizewinning novelist and a University Professor at the University of Southern California Correction, June 29, 2020 The original version of this story misstated the spelling of the last name of the police officer who killed Fong Lee. It is Andersen, not Anderson. The London Stock Exchange (LSE) Group has announced that Anna Manz will become its new chief financial officer from November after spending four years in the same role at chemicals firm Johnson Matthey. Manz will succeed David Warren, who declared his intention last year to retire from the group after joining the LSE Group in July 2012. Warren will step down as CFO when Manz starts but remain with the group until his retirement date of June 24, 2021, to ensure a seamless transition, the exchange said in a statement. The LSE Group agreed to buy Refinitiv last year. Should the European Commission give the deal a green light, the enlarged business would potentially become a major rival to Bloomberg She will join the company soon after the European Commission expects to give its ruling on LSE Group's 21billion agreed purchase of market data firm Refinitiv. Refinitiv and the LSE Group initially agreed to a tie-up at the beginning of August last year. Should the EC give the deal a green light, the enlarged business would potentially become a major rival to the financial data titan Bloomberg. Manz said she looked forward to working with the company 'to deliver further value, including the benefits of the proposed transaction with Refinitiv.' According to her LinkedIn page, the Oxford University graduate began her career as a trainee at consumer goods giant Unilever before joining drinks multinational Diageo, where she stayed for 17 years. Her career at the FTSE 100 firm took her to the USA and then Ireland, where she became finance director. She then held the same role in the marketing and Asia-Pacific divisions before ending her time there as a group strategy director. Johnson Matthey's revenues have gone up and down since she became its chief financial officer. Johnson Matthey recently announced it would cut around 2,500 jobs in the coming three years They were 12.03billion in the twelve months to the end of March 2017 but fell to 10.75billion in the 2018/19 period before recovering to 14.58billion in the most recent financial year. Despite that, its operating profits plummeted by over a quarter to 388million, and a fortnight ago, the precious metals business stated that it would cut around 2,500 jobs in the coming three years. Johnson Matthey manufactures catalytic converters for cars, among other products. However, since the pandemic began, automobile sales have nosedived, thereby impacting the London-based firm's revenues. Shares in LSE Group were up 1.6 per cent by mid-afternoon to 8,143p. [June 25, 2020] ParkMobile partners with the City of Birmingham, Alabama, to bring smarter parking to The Magic City BIRMINGHAM, Ala., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ParkMobile, the leading provider of smart parking and mobility solutions in the United States, has partnered with the City of Birmingham, Alabama, to allow residents and visitors to pay for parking through their mobile devices. The ParkMobile app will be available at approximately 4,000 meters in the city's downtown area by July 1st, 2020. Over the coming days, city workers will be installing signs and decals at metered parking locations. With the recent COVID-19 crisis, many city leaders are encouraging residents to use the app versus the meter to prevent the spread of the virus. ParkMobile is a free app available for both iPhone and Android devices. To pay for parking with the app, a user enters the zone number posted on stickers and signs around the meter, selects the amount of time needed and touches the "Start Parking" button to begin the session. The user can also extend the time of the parking session on their mobile device, without having to go back to the meter. Beyond Birmingham, the app can be used to pay for parking anywhere ParkMobile is accepted in the United States. "The City of Birmingham, Alabama, is happy to partner with ParkMobile to provide our downtown with a contactless payment option for parking," says Randall L. Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham. "Our partnership with ParkMobile continues the City of Birmingham's commitment to reimagining our transportation infrastructure. The ParkMobile app not only modernizes parking but also will limit commuters' contact with prking meters that's a big plus in this age of social distancing. I look forward to the innovations ParkMobile will bring to our evolving city." There is one important change that Birmingham drivers need to be aware of. Previously, drivers could park in spaces with broken meters for free. With the implementation of the new ParkMobile system, drivers will still need to pay using the app, even if the meter is out of order. If a driver for some reason is unable to use the app, the driver still has the option to relocate to a different space with a functioning meter. ParkMobile has a rapidly growing audience in the state of Alabama, with availability in Montgomery and Mobile. The app is already widely used across the Southeast in Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee and more. There are currently over 600,000 monthly users of the ParkMobile app in the Southeast region and that number has grown 125% over the past two years. "As an Atlanta-based company, we're very excited to bring ParkMobile to our neighbors to the west on I-20," says Jon Ziglar, CEO of ParkMobile. "As a result of COVID-19, we're seeing a rise in contactless parking payments in cities across the country as people and it is good to see that people in Birmingham will now have this option." About ParkMobile ParkMobile, LLC is the leading provider of smart parking and mobility solutions in North America, using a contactless approach to help millions of people easily find, reserve, and pay for parking on their mobile device. The company's technology is used in thousands of locations across the country, including 8 of the top 10 cities as well as college campuses, airports, and stadiums. People can use ParkMobile solutions to quickly pay for on-street and off-street parking without having to use a meter or kiosk. Additionally, ParkMobile offers parking reservations at stadium venues for concerts and sporting events. Reservations are also available in metro area garages, allowing people to drive into the city without having to worry about finding parking. ParkMobile has been named to the Inc. 5000, Deloitte Fast 500, Smart Cities Connect "Smart 50," and the Atlanta Journal Constitution's Top Workplaces. Additionally, the company won the 2020 Stevie Awards for Achievement in Product Innovation and the 2019 Stevie Awards for Most Innovative Tech Company and Best Travel App. For more information, visit ParkMobile.io or @ParkMobile on Twitter. ParkMobile Contact: Jeff Perkins, CMO [email protected] Birmingham, AL Contact: Rick Journey, Director of Communications [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/parkmobile-partners-with-the-city-of-birmingham-alabama-to-bring-smarter-parking-to-the-magic-city-301083821.html SOURCE ParkMobile, LLC [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] George Lupu, 36, (pictured) and his partner, Victoria-Elena Tudor, 'brazenly' hid a woman underneath a blanket in the boot of their Vauxhall SUV A Romanian man who tried to smuggle two Albanians into Britain in a car while his baby daughter slept on the back seat has been jailed for 20 months. George Lupu, 36, and his partner, Victoria-Elena Tudor, 'brazenly' hid a woman underneath a blanket in the boot of their Vauxhall SUV and her young son across the rear footwell. With Lupu driving and Tudor, 33, in the passengers' seat, they approached the Channel Tunnel entrance at Coquelles in France where border guards quickly noticed the poorly-hidden pair along with 1,000 in cash in his jacket pocket. Images showed the woman, dressed in jeans and black hooded jacket, as she left the boot. Her son's foot, clad in a distinct Adidas trainer, could also been seen protruding from underneath the baby seat. Meanwhile, Lupu and Tudor's one-year-old daughter was asleep in the back seat. The Albanians found in the vehicle were passed to French border police, and the couple, from Stratford, London, were arrested and later charged with assisting unlawful immigration to the UK. Images taken by French border police showed the woman, dressed in jeans and black hooded jacket, as she left the boot An investigation was launched by the Home Office's Immigration Enforcement unit, but during multiple interviews, the couple declined to answer questions. The couple appeared at Canterbury Crown Court in Kent in September, 2019, charged with assisting unlawful immigration to the UK. Lupu pleaded guilty and although Tudor initially pleaded not guilty, she changed her plea during a hearing at the same court on March 4, 2020. During a hearing on Monday, Lupu was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment and Tudor was sentenced to 20 months, suspended for two years. Chris Philip, Minister for Immigration Compliance and the Courts said: 'This was a brazen, unsophisticated, attempt to circumvent the UK's immigration laws. 'We are working around the clock with law enforcement and international partners to tackle people smuggling, a criminal offence that so often takes advantage of vulnerable people.' Rachel McAdams gushed about bringing her nearly two-year-old son to her first film, since becoming a mom in 2018. The 41-year-old Mean Girls star recently opened up about brining her youngster to Iceland and Scotland during the filming of her upcoming movie Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. 'I mean, being able to take him to Iceland, he'll never remember any of it, but I feel like somehow that might stick to his soul and his personality a little bit, so it was great to get to travel,' she told ET. Doting mom: Rachel McAdams opened up about bringing her nearly two-year-old son on set to her first film, since becoming a mom in 2018 On being a working mom, she added: 'It was wonderful to go out into the world and get to work at the same time. I felt really lucky to be able to do that.' As she and her boyfriend Jamie Linden remain under isolation together with their little one, McAdams is enjoying her family's 'quality time' together. 'It's such extraordinary circumstances,' she reflected of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, while noting she initially worried about the developmental impact social distancing would have on her child. 'I mean, being able to take him to Iceland, he'll never remember any of it but I feel like somehow that might stick to his soul and his personality a little bit, so it was great to get to travel,' she told ET While she rarely discusses her tot to the public, the Academy Award nominee recently called him a 'very welcome distraction' under lockdown. 'I have a very welcome distraction in my son, who is two. So, that's pretty much what I do all the time,' she told the LHSF Canada Steam-a-thon, while raising money for the COVID-19 Response Fund. McAdams added: 'It's true, he's so entertaining! I thought about that, 'Would I rather be alone in quarantine? Or with my family?' 'It was wonderful to go out into the world and get to work at the same time. I felt really lucky to be able to do that' she said of being a working mom (seen in 2018) In her same ET interview, the Game Night star also dished on working with Will Ferrell in their Netflix comedy, which will be released on June 26. 'He's the loveliest mad man ever,' she gushed, before also calling him the 'funniest man on the planet.' The Notebook actress continued: 'He's so warm and lovely as well. We just really had a great time. Sometimes movies that look fun aren't actually fun, behind-the-scenes.' OverDrive, a Cleveland, OH-based digital reading platform for libraries and schools, is acquiring the assets of RBmedias library business, including the RBdigital platform in North America, the United Kingdom and Australia. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. The acquisition of RBdigital will bring enhanced content and features to the OverDrive platform, to serve the needs of libraries around the world, including access to new release Recorded Books audiobooks. Moreover, OverDrive will be exploring the addition of popular RBdigital services like digital magazines from ZINIO to the OverDrive platform. There will be no change to RBmedias publishing businesses which will continue to supply their titles to libraries and direct-to-consumer services worldwide. These brands include Recorded Books, Tantor Media, HighBridge, Kalorama Audio, ChristianAudio, Gildan Media, GraphicAudio, W.F. Howes in the United Kingdom, and Wavesound in Australia. Founded in 1986 by Steve Potash, CEO, OverDrive is a digital reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide. The company is delivering a large catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and other digital media to a network of 48,000 libraries and schools in 78 countries. OverDrive, named a Certified B Corp in 2017, is owned by KKR, a global investment firm. RBmedia is a global leader in spoken audio content and digital media distribution technology that reaches millions of consumersat home, in the car, and wherever they take their mobile devices. RBmedia produces exclusive titles and delivers the finest digital content through its RBdigital and Audiobooks.com platforms. The company is a large producer of audiobooks with a catalog of more than 45,000 exclusive titles through its content brands: Recorded Books, Tantor Media, HighBridge, Kalorama Audio, ChristianAudio, Gildan Media, GraphicAudio, W. F. Howes in the United Kingdom, and Wavesound in Australia. RBmedia is also owned by KKR. FinSMEs 25/06/2020 Astronomers have discovered the second most distant quasar ever found, using the international Gemini Observatory and Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), Programs of NSF's NOIRLab. It is also the first quasar to receive an indigenous Hawaiian name, Poniuaena. The quasar contains a monster black hole, twice the mass of the black hole in the only other quasar found at the same epoch, challenging the current theories of supermassive black hole formation and growth in the early Universe. After more than a decade of searching for the first quasars, a team of astronomers used the NOIRLab's Gemini Observatory and CTIO to discover the most massive quasar known in the early Universe -- detected from a time only 700 million years after the Big Bang [1]. Quasars are the most energetic objects in the Universe, powered by their supermassive black holes, and since their discovery astronomers have been keen to determine when they first appeared in our cosmic history. Systematic searches for these objects have led to the discovery of the most distant quasar (J1342+0928) in 2018 and now the second most distant, J1007+2115 [2]. The A Hua He Inoa program named J1007+2115 Poniuaena, meaning "unseen spinning source of creation, surrounded with brilliance" in the Hawaiian language [3]. The supermassive black hole powering Poniuaena is 1.5 billion times more massive than our Sun. "Poniuaena is the most distant object known in the Universe hosting a black hole exceeding one billion solar masses" said Jinyi Yang, a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Steward Observatory of the University of Arizona. For a black hole of this size to form this early in the Universe, it would need to start as a 10,000 solar mass "seed" black hole about 100 million years after the Big Bang, rather than growing from a much smaller black hole formed by the collapse of a single star. "How can the Universe produce such a massive black hole so early in its history?" wondered Xiaohui Fan, Regents' professor and associate department head of the Department of Astronomy at the University of Arizona. "This discovery presents the biggest challenge yet for the theory of black hole formation and growth in the early Universe." Current theory suggests that at the beginning of the Universe following the Big Bang, atoms were too distant from one another to interact and form stars and galaxies. The birth of stars and galaxies as we know them happened during the Epoch of Reionization, beginning about 400 hundred million years after the Big Bang. The discovery of quasars like Poniuaena, deep into the reionization epoch, is a big step towards understanding this process of reionization and the formation of early supermassive black holes and massive galaxies. Poniuaena has placed new and important constraints on the evolution of the matter between galaxies (the intergalactic medium) in the reionization epoch. The search for distant quasars began with the research team combing through large area surveys such as the DECaLS imaging survey which uses the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) on the Victor M. Blanco 4-meter Telescope, located at CTIO in Chile. The team uncovered a possible quasar in the data, and in 2019 they observed it with telescopes including the Gemini North telescope and the W. M. Keck Observatory both on Maunakea on Hawai'i Island. Gemini's GNIRS instrument confirmed the existence of Poniuaena. "Observations with Gemini were critical for obtaining high-quality near-infrared spectra which provided us with the measurement of the black hole's astounding mass," said Feige Wang, a NASA NHFP fellow at the Steward Observatory of the University of Arizona. In honor of its discovery from Maunakea, this quasar was given the Hawaiian name Poniuaena. The name was created by thirty Hawaiian immersion school teachers during a workshop led by the A Hua He Inoa group, a Hawaiian naming program led by the 'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai'i. Poniuaena is the first quasar to receive an indigenous name. "In addition to the teamwork of the telescopes of NOIRLab that made this discovery possible, it is exciting to see the collaboration of science and culture in local communities, highlighted by this new name," said Chris Davis, Program Officer at the National Science Foundation. "I am extremely grateful to be a part of this educational experience -- it is a rare learning opportunity," said Kaui Kaina, a High School Hawaiian Immersion Teacher from Kahuku, Oahu who was involved in the naming workshop. "Today it is relevant to apply these cultural values in order to further the wellbeing of the Hawaiian language beyond ordinary contexts, such as in school, but also so that the language lives throughout the Universe." ### Notes [1] This corresponds to a redshift of 7.52 or a lookback time of 13.02 billion years. [2] The full name of the quasar is J100758.264+211529.207 [3] Pronounced: POH-knee-ew-aah-EH-na. More information This research was presented in a paper to appear in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. The team is composed of Jinyi Yang (University of Arizona), Feige Wang (University of Arizona), Xiaohui Fan (University of Arizona), Joseph F. Hennawai (University of California, Santa Barbara), Frederick B. Davis (University of California, Santa Barbara), Minghao Yue (University of Arizona), Eduardo Banados (Max Planck Institute for Astronomy), Xue-Bing Wu (Peking University), Bran Venemans (Max Planck Institute for Astronomy), Aaron J. Barth (University of California, Irvine), Fuyan Bian (European Southern Observatory), Roberto Decalari (INAF), Emanuele Paolo Farina (Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics), Richard Green (University of Arizona), Linhua Jiang (Peking University), Jiang-Tao Li (University of Michigan), Chiara Mazzucchelli (European Southern Observatory), and Fabian Walter (Max Planck Institute for Astronomy). NSF's National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory (NOIRLab), the US center for ground-based optical-infrared astronomy, operates the international Gemini Observatory (a facility of NSF, NRC-Canada, ANID-Chile, MCTIC-Brazil, MINCyT-Argentina, and KASI-Republic of Korea), Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), the Community Science and Data Center (CSDC), and the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. It is managed by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA) under a cooperative agreement with NSF and is headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. The astronomical community is honored to have the opportunity to conduct astronomical research on Iolkam Du'ag (Kitt Peak) in Arizona, on Maunakea in Hawaii, and on Cerro Tololo and Cerro Pachon in Chile. We recognize and acknowledge the very significant cultural role and reverence that these sites have to the Tohono O'odham Nation, to the Native Hawaiian community, and to the local communities in Chile, respectively. Links Research paper Photos of the Gemini Telescope W.M. Keck Observatory release Contacts: Jinyi Yang University of Arizona Phone: +1 520 360 3966 Email: jinyiyang@email.arizona.edu Xiaohui Fan University of Arizona Phone: +1 520 626 7558 Email: fan@as.arizona.edu Peter Michaud NewsTeam Manager NSF's NOIRLab Gemini Observatory, Hilo HI Cell: +1 808 936 6643 Email: pmichaud@gemini.edu Amanda Kocz Press and Internal Communications Officer NSF's NOIRLab Cell: +1 626 524 5884 Email: akocz@aura-astronomy.org THE Tullamore river is full of rubbish and rats a local councillor has claimed. Cllr Declan Harvey also alleged that raw sewage is going into the river, something he had reported to Irish Water but the utility said it was an issue for Offaly County Council. Speaking at this month's meeting of Tullamore Municipal District, Cllr Harvey said he contacted the Environment Section of the council who confirmed it was a matter for Irish Water. Cllr Harvey, a native of Dillon St, said at that street and the Healy St end of the river an overflow area was full of rubbish. The amount of rats, magpies and crows pulling at these bags is unbelievable, he added. Cllr Sean O'Brien noted there was a bad stench coming from the bags dumped in the river. Environment and Housing Officer, Mary Hussey said the council will be putting pressure on Irish Water to carry out works there. She added that she would get the town's litter wardens to investigate the dumping issue at Healy St and Dillon St. Ms Hussey also revealed that no submissions had been received on the Tullamore Living River Project and the Manager's Report is now being prepared to bring to the full council. The Tullamore Living River Project Part VIII planning process advertised the commencement of public consultation from February 24 until April 9 but due to the Covid 19 extension the consultation continued until June 4, she outlined. Ms Hussey explained that the idea of the project was improve water quality in the river and to create a wetland area to the west of Tullamore. Cllr O'Brien asked that some timelines be placed on the project as it will have an impact on the centre of Tullamore. Cllr Tony McCormack recalled the council was to have received a waste water report from Irish Water referring to the northside of the town in 2018. 'I would ask what is the situation with that report, he added. Ms Hussey said she had been reliably informed the council will soon be getting the report and the delay was due to the amount of data which had to be collected. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. Coronavirus cases are climbing rapidly among young adults in a number of states where bars, stores and restaurants have reopened a disturbing generational shift that not only puts them in greater peril than many realize but poses an even bigger danger to older people who cross their paths. In Oxford, Mississippi, summer fraternity parties sparked outbreaks. In Oklahoma City, church activities, fitness classes, weddings and funerals seeded infections among people in their 20s, 30s and 40s. In Iowa college towns, surges followed the reopening of bars. A cluster of hangouts near Louisiana State University led to at least 100 customers and employees testing positive. In East Lansing, Michigan, an outbreak tied to a brew pub spread to 34 people ages 18 to 23. There and in states like Florida, Texas and Arizona, young people have started going out again, many without masks, in what health experts see as irresponsible behavior. The virus hasnt changed. We have changed our behaviors, said Ali Mokdad, professor of health metrics sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle. Younger people are more likely to be out and taking a risk. In Florida, young people ages 15 to 34 now make up 31% of all cases, up from 25% in early June. Last week, more than 8,000 new cases were reported in that age group, compared with about 2,000 among people 55 to 64 years old. And experts say the phenomenon cannot be explained away as simply the result of more testing. Elected officials such as Floridas governor have argued against reimposing restrictions, saying many of the newly infected are young and otherwise healthy. But younger people, too, face the possibility of severe infection and death. In the past week, two 17-year-olds in Florida died of the virus. And authorities worry that older, more vulnerable people are next. People between the ages 18 and 50 dont live in some sort of a bubble, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said. They are the children and grandchildren of vulnerable people. They may be standing next to you at a wedding. They might be serving you a meal in a restaurant. The virus has taken a frightful toll on older people in the U.S., which leads the world in total deaths, at over 120,000, and confirmed infections, at more than 2.3 million. Eight out of 10 deaths in the U.S. have been in people 65 and older. In contrast, confirmed coronavirus deaths among 18- to 34-year-olds number in the hundreds, though disease trackers are clamoring for more accurate data. For months, older adults were more likely to be diagnosed with the virus, too. But figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that almost as soon as states began reopening, the picture flipped, with people 18 to 49 years old quickly becoming the age bracket most likely to be diagnosed with new cases. And although every age group saw an increase in cases during the first week in June, the numbers shot up fastest among 18- to 49-year-olds. For the week ending June 7, there were 43 new cases per 100,000 people in that age bracket, compared with 28 cases per 100,000 people over 65. With the shift toward younger people, some hospitals are seeing a smaller share of their COVID-19 patients needing intensive care treatment such as breathing machines. They are sick enough to be hospitalized, but theyre not quite as sick, said Dr. Rob Phillips, chief physician executive of Houston Methodist Hospital. He said he still finds the trend disturbing because young people definitely interact with their parents and grandparents, who could be next. In one Florida hospital system, nearly half the COVID-19 patients were on ventilators during April compared with less than 3 percent now, said Dr. Sunil Desai, president of the Orlando Health hospital system. Some of the young people who have fallen ill describe stretches of extreme pain and fatigue. My chest and my body hurt. Almost like Id gotten in a car accident, said Emily Ellington, 25, of suburban Austin, Texas, who tested positive about six weeks after the state began reopening. In Florida, where many restaurants and bars reopened in early May, 32-year-old Kristen Kowall of Clearwater dined out with her fiance in early June. Like others in the restaurant, she didnt wear a mask. She tested positive over the weekend. I just feel really groggy and tired. It hurts to walk. Especially my ankles and knees, it feels like my bones are going to fall apart, she said. I definitely would advise people from going out. Its not worth it. The increase among young adults may not all be due to reopenings and could also reflect wider testing that has reached younger, less sick people. Yet since May, younger adults have had a higher share of tests come back positive than their older counterparts. In late March and April, that wasnt the case the highest positive rates were in people over 65. For the past month, roughly 7 percent of tests done on 18- to 49-year-olds nationwide have come back positive. That is about 2 percentage points above older groups of adults. Amid the surge, some Florida cities and counties are requiring people to wear masks before entering businesses. An Orlando bar popular with University of Central Florida students had its liquor license suspended after more than 40 people who went there upon its reopening tested positive. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis warned other bars they could lose their licenses if they dont follow social distancing guidelines. If you go in, and its Dance Party USA, dancing up to the rafters theres no tolerance for that, he said. ___ AP journalists Meghan Hoyer in Washington, Sean Murphy in Oklahoma City, Mike Schneider in Orlando, Florida, and David Pitt in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this report. Johnson reported from Washington state. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Actor Sonam Kapoor on Wednesday shared a picture from her childhood, featuring mother Sunita and siblings Rhea and Harshvardhan. She shared the picture as an Instagram story. The black-and-white picture shows Sunita holding Harshvardhan in her arms and has another arm around Rhea while Sonam stands next to her. Sonam looks no more than 10 years old. On Fathers Day, Sonam had tweeted to not only wish her father on the occasion but also to accept that she was privileged. She had said, Today on Fathers Day id like to say one more thing, yes Im my fathers daughter and yes I am here because of him and yes Im privileged. Thats not an insult, my father has worked very hard to give me all of this. And it is my karma where Im born and to whom Im born. Im proud to be his daughter. Today on Fathers Day id like to say one more thing, yes Im my fathers daughter and yes I am here because of him and yes Im privileged. Thats not an insult, my father has worked very hard to give me all of this. And it is my karma where Im born and to whom Im born. Im proud Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) June 21, 2020 Also read: Sonam Kapoor shares hateful messages shes got after Sushant Singh Rajputs death, explains viral Koffee With Karan video The star kids of Bollywood have been under intense scrutiny following the untimely and shocking death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput by suicide. The actor was reportedly suffering from depression and the reason for his death has been confirmed by police as asphyxia due to hanging. However, there has been a raging debate about culture of promotion of star kids and what is seen as systematic ouster of talent not hailing from film families. Sonam had been staying in Delhi ever since her return from London in mid March. A day before her birthday on June 9, her husband Anand and she reached Mumbai. On reaching her parents home, she had posted a picture with her sister and thanked her husband for making it possible. She had written: Back with my main.. thank you my incredible husband @anandahuja. Pictures from her midnight celebrations flooded the internet a celebrations began. In fact, it was a lavish home affair, despite the lockdown. There were cakes, balloons and flowers. A particular balloon shaped as number 35 was also part of the celebrations to denote her age. Follow @htshowbiz for more SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON MEXICO CITY, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- For the Mexican businessman Olegario Vazquez Aldir, health has become an essential factor for the development of every society. This has been made clear throughout his tenure as president of Grupo Empresarial Angeles (GEA), a consortium of which Hospitales Angeles are part. According to his philosophy and vision for offering quality health services for the well- being of Mexicans, last October, he announced an investment of 16 billion pesos. GEA would distribute the investment for the remodeling, expansion, and construction of its hospital complexes. Derived from the Covid-19 pandemic that has kept the world on hiatus since last December, Vazquez Aldir has set as a primary objective the remodeling of the Hospital Angeles de Pedregal located south of Mexico City, as this is a badge for the business holding company it heads. "The private sector in our country has maintained investment in the health area, as something essential. For this reason, the largest group in Mexico in health, Angeles Hospitals, is carrying out the remodeling process of one of its icons, the Angeles del Pedregal Hospital," said the businessman. Currently, the Hospital Angeles de Pedregal is made up of more than 35 thousand square meters of construction. As part of the expansion works, the development of two new levels in the Hospitalization Tower, a second tower for a center of excellence and services, in addition to 11 parking levels. "Today it is vital to have an adequate hospital network. The experience of the Covid-19 pandemic should teach us that investment in health is never less. Today just as private hospitals join efforts with the Federal Government to deal with the pandemic, the news of the remodeling of the Hospital Angeles Pedregal should fill us with joy," emphasized Vazquez Aldir. SOURCE Olegario Vazquez Aldir Parents of students of different private schools in Kolkata have staged a demonstration, demanding 50 per cent waiver of tuition fees. Around 100 parents, under the banner of the United Guardians Association, staged the demonstration at College Square on Wednesday. They also reached out to the Chief Ministers Office, demanding her intervention on the issue if the private schools do not heed to their pleas. We demand that the school authorities take only the tuition fees from guardians this year and waive other charges such as transport, development and electricity, said Supriyo Bhattacharya, the convenor of the association. We also demand that the schools should charge only 50 per cent of the tuition fee and the schools that have taken the full amount already should return the half of it, he said. Bhattacharya said if the demands are not met, the guardians will start a bigger movement. Guardians are not in a position to pay full fees due to the economic hardships caused by the lockdown, he said. Many guardians also staged protests in front of a private school in the Ranikuthi area in south Kolkata. Demonstrations also took place outside a school in the Chandni Chowk area in central Kolkata. Besides, some parents also protested against fee hike at a school in Durgapur in Paschim Bardhaman district. There has been a series of protests in the past one month against hike in school fees in different parts of the city, and the state. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has asked private schools not to hike fees, considering the difficulties faced by guardians in the present situation. Education Minister Partha Chatterjee also warned of strict action if any school went ahead with the decision to hike fees. BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said the government should intervene and resolve the issue. The guardians have been forced to hit the roads as they have been pushed to the wall, he said. When contacted, several private schools said it was not possible to provide any such waiver in fees. We were conducting online classes throughout this lockdown. Our teachers are working from home through laptops provided by the school. How can we reduce the tuition fees? We didnt hike it this year but it is not possible to lessen the fees by half, said the principal of a south Kolkata boys school. The principal of a school in Belgharia said, The drivers of our school buses, the security staff, the maintenance staff cannot go without pay just because classes are not being held. The guardians knew very well they have to pay a particular amount while admitting their wards. Now, if all of them demand waivers how can that be possible? We can consider exceptional cases on humanitarian grounds, he said. Granting advance bail to a rape accused, the Karnataka high court has expressed its reservations about the genuineness of the complainant's case while observing that her explanation that 'after the perpetration of the act she was tired and fell asleep, is unbecoming of an Indian woman'. The court also found it difficult to believe at this stage that the complainant was subjected to rape on the false promise of marriage 'in the given circumstances of the case'. The complainant is the employer of the accused for the past two years, it noted. "Nothing is mentioned by the complainant as to why she went to her office at 11 pm; she has also not objected to consuming drinks with the petitioner and allowing him to stay with her till morning; the explanation offered by the complainant that after the perpetration of the act she was tired and fell asleep, is unbecoming of an Indian woman," Justice Krishna S Dixit observed. "This is not the way our women react when they are ravished," the judge further observed while allowing the plea on June 22. Agreeing that the charges of rape, cheating and intimidation against the petitioner were serious in nature, the court observed that 'seriousness alone is not the criteria to deny liberty to the citizen when there is no prima facie case from the police'. The court took note of a letter allegedly written by the complainant that she would withdraw the complaint if a compromise was brought about. "Nothing is stated by the complainant as to why she did not approach the court at the earliest point of time when the petitioner was allegedly forcing her for sexual favours," the court observed. Further, the judge also found no ground to deny the accused advance bail as the victim did not offer any explanation for not alerting the police or the public about the conduct of the petitioner when she had been to a hotel for dinner and the petitioner, having consumed drinks, came and sat in the car. The court imposed a slew of conditions on the petitioner while granting him the relief including the execution of a personal bond of Rs one lakh and not tampering with evidence. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New York Citys Conflict of Interests Board announced Thursday that it had levied a $2,500 fine against the head of the five boroughs Board of Elections. City Board of Elections Executive Director Mike Ryan, a resident of Staten Island, admitted to accepting an inappropriate gift in relation to a two-night Manhattan hotel stay in 2016 worth $762.80, and paid for by the company Election Systems and Software. Ryan had worked for ESS in an unpaid position with its National Customer Advisory Board from 2013 while in his BOE position of executive director to 2018 when he resigned following a New York 1 investigation that exposed alleged payments ESS made for Ryans travel. For the actions that led to the fine, ESS, a vendor that provides ballot scanners to the BOE, paid for his room ahead of one of a Customer Advisory Board meeting in August 2016. Before his first nights stay at the hotel, Ryan told the COIB that he socialized with other members of the advisory board, and felt it would have been inconvenient for me to commute from my home in Staten Island to give a presentation to the Advisory Board at 8:45 a.m., according to a COIB case document. He admitted that he did not have a similar reason for the second night, but that he did not realize he was in violation of the city charter when he accepted the gift. A spokesman for COIB said confidentiality restrictions meant the board could not comment as to whether there are other investigations ongoing into Ryans alleged improprieties. Ryan and the city BOE declined to comment further. A Sydney cafe chain has sacked its manager who allegedly fired a black barista because of the colour of his skin. Ayo Oluwalana, a journalism graduate from London, sparked a media storm when he was let go from XS Espresso in Bondi. Mr Oluwalana claims the manager told him that the locals were 'a bit racist' and preferred to be served by the other barista 'who's a white guy'. XS Espresso announced this week that the manager, who is also a person of colour, no longer works for the company. Scroll down for video Ayo Oluwalana (pictured), who came to Australia from the UK, said he was working at the XS Espresso Cafe in Bondi, Sydney on Thursday when the manager told him he was fired XS Espresso announced this week the manager, who is a person of colour, no longer works for the company 'XS Espresso has a ZERO racism tolerance. We have not taken this matter lightly,' the company said. 'The store is currently under the management of Head Office. 'Ayokunle has been offered further employment opportunities within XS and the offer stills stands during his remaining time in the country, as his VISA expires in November.' Mr Oluwalana was fired from the job on Thursday last week after working just five shifts. In his video, he claimed the manager approached him, saying there had been complaints about his coffee. 'I was very surprised, given I have only heard good things and I have only got compliments about it. Mr Oluwalana said that was 'a bit of a shame,' which the manager responded with the locals of Bondi 'like their coffee a certain way' 'Then he goes, ''Well, you know how Bondi is, the locals are a bit racist.'' so I am like, ''Oh, so that's the real reason?'' And he's like, ''Yeah, they like their coffee made by the people that are there already, by the barista that's there already,'' who's a white guy.' Mr Oluwalana's video went viral with hundreds showing their support for the sacked barista, prompting the cafe to apologise. XS Espresso said staff members had received threats and harassment since the post went viral. Mr Oluwalana thanked everyone who helped him share his story after the company apologised. 'The individual who was involved will experience appropriate consequences and their fate at the company is yet to be determined,' the company said XS Espresso Cafe released a statement on their Facebook page which was accompanied by a picture with text that read: 'As a brand, we stand in solidarity against systemic racism' 'I wish I could be angry but for some reason, I can't find that switch to be able to turn it on,' he said. He said he was 'shocked' to see how far his video had gone. 'I'm moving on and I'm happy to put a pin in it, to move on and to not waste any more time on this situation,' he said. 'I am surprisingly not sad or angry, but more so pleased and proud of the response shown, that gives me faith in the world in these current times.' Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland believes she will bring a unique perspective to the committee drafting the Democratic Partys platform to be voted on at its national convention. Its no secret, I know what it is like to live paycheck to paycheck, she told the Journal about her selection to the committee. I know what it is like to piece together health care. I know what it is like to be on food stamps. Im the daughter of two veterans. Haaland was appointed to the 15-person Democratic National Committee Platform Drafting Committee by DNC Chairman Tom Perez earlier this week. Im grateful to have been asked to serve by Chairman Perez, the congresswoman said. Im grateful to be serving with a group of national policy leaders, including some of my progressive colleagues, (Reps.) Barbara Lee (of California), Katherine Clark (of Massachusetts) and Sylvia Garcia (of Texas). Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is chairing the committee. The panel is supposed to have its work finished before the partys national convention Aug. 17-20 in Milwaukee. However, the pandemic has plans up in the air. Im not sure how the (Joe Biden presidential) campaign and the DNC will do the convention with respect to our health crisis in our country right now, Haaland said. Well wait and see what they plan. Haaland said the committee will have a gathering, but believes much of its work will be done by Zoom calls. She said she was looking forward to bringing my progressive values and crafting our partys platform, and paying attention to urgent issues like climate change, health care and criminal justice reform that weve seen protested about across our country the past couple of weeks. The first-term representative said one of her priorities since becoming a member of Congress has been the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women. Protecting the environment, fighting violence against women and fighting for working families are all important issues, she said. I look forward to giving my perspective on those issues. Democratic Party of New Mexico Chairwoman Marg Elliston praised Haalands selection to the committee. As one of the first Native American women elected to Congress and as a lifelong New Mexican, Congresswoman Haaland has a critical perspective to share during the platform drafting process, she said in a news release. We know that as part of this team of Democratic leaders, she will fight for policies that support working families, protect the environment, and address the need for justice in policing. Her input will be critical in creating a platform that understands the needs of all Americans. DETROIT The University of Michigan doesn't owe students any refunds for switching to online instruction in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, largely because it has the authority to decide any instruction method it wants to use, according to a court filing. In the filing this month, university lawyers argued that a lawsuit filed by students seeking money for being forced to take classes online needed to be thrown out by the state's Court of Claims. Among the arguments made in the filing: Academic freedom principles place the power to decide on instruction in the hands of the university alone, and the state's Constitution gives the university's Board of Regents sole control over how its money is spent. The University of Michigan is among eight public universities in the state and several across the nation being sued by students who say remote instruction wasn't what they paid money for and that they deserve a refund for that tuition money. UM is the only state institution to respond in filings to the suits against the majority of the state's public university, all of which are filed by the same attorney representing different students at each school. Three students walk toward the Michigan Union building on University of Michigan main campus in Ann Arbor, Tuesday, March 17, 2020. UM switched to remote instruction for the final 27 days of the winter semester after Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued various stay-at-home orders. The university paid refunds of $1,200 for students who had been living in campus housing and moved out. But no refund was paid for tuition. Classes continued online, with students allowed to drop classes. More: Growing number of students suing colleges that moved classes online amid pandemic Among the other schools facing lawsuits filed by students are the University of Arizona, Boston University, Brown University, Drexel University, George Washington University, Indiana University, the University of Miami, Purdue University and Vanderbilt University. Students suing the universities have argued their instruction was lessened by being online. The University of Michigan doesn't debate that in its response, but says the decision on how to deliver instructions rests solely on the shoulders of the university and courts need to stay out of it. Story continues "As the United States Supreme Court warned in Regents of the University of Mich v Ewing, based on the First Amendment, courts must exercise judicial restraint and show 'great respect for the faculty's professional judgement' regarding academic decisions," UM's lawyers wrote. "Academic freedom for universities is 'a special concern of the First Amendment.' Academic freedom has been defined to include 'four essential freedoms' of a university to determine for itself on academic grounds 'who may teach, what may be taught, how it shall be taught, and who may be admitted to study.'" The lawsuit also needs to be tossed because the court has no jurisdiction over UM in how it spends money, the lawyers say. In person, online classes or a mix: Colleges' fall 2020 coronavirus reopening plans, detailed The lawyer for those suing rebutted the university's claims. "We agree that the university is entitled to academic freedom, but the university is not above the law," David Fink said in a statement. "The students paid the university to provide services that the university could not deliver housing, meals and classroom education. We understand that the pandemic made it impossible to deliver some of these services, but the students and their families should not have to pay for services they did not receive. "In the end this is a simple contract case. If you leave your apartment, you dont continue to pay rent; if a meal plan cannot be honored, you expect a partial refund, and, if you paid for classroom education, you expect a refund if the school cannot provide that." No dates have been set for any hearings or decisions in this case or the other lawsuits against other public universities in Michigan. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: University of Michigan: No student refund for switch to online classes President Cyril Ramaphosa says violence against girls and women is South Africa's "second pandemic." The nation has one of the world's highest rates of rape and femicide, and several recent, especially brutal killings have enraged the public. But activists say they need to see real change, not just words, from leaders, to protect victims. Like a lot of teenagers, Thembelihle Nleya dreams big. But since she was raped earlier this year by a man in her slum-like neighborhood in Johannesburg, this 13-year-olds dreams have turned dark. I want to be a sound engineer and a lawyer. Yeah, but there are times when I feel like my dreams are shattered. I just feel like my dreams are shattered. Nothing will ever be good for me again, she said. Shes one of countless South African girls and women who fall prey, every day, to what President Cyril Ramaphosa described as a war of gender-based violence. "As a man, as a husband and as a father to daughters, I am appalled at what is no less than a war being waged against the women and the children of our country," he said. Police murder statistics show that a woman is killed every three hours. Official statistics on sexual assault may not show the full scope of the problem, researchers say, because many victims dont report the incident to police. Given Sigauqwe, who works with non-profit organization Sonke Gender Justice, says patriarchy the belief that men rule in the family and society is the main culprit. He praised Ramaphosa for his strong words, but said that its the seemingly innocent ones that cause problems. A lot of comments that are made in the home seem quite innocuous. But there's nothing innocuous If you're operating in this system of patriarchy where to show your strength, you need to beat up someone," he said. "I'm particularly worried about the seemingly harmless behavior that we, I suppose, we promote in our homes, because that, for me, we are indirectly forming ticking time bombs. Seventeen-year-old Aquilline Shaku says shes seen how words can hurt. Like, last week when my dad came home, I don't know what happened. So he started shouting at my mom and, like, swearing at her. So I went out and cried because I didn't think it was something that could happen to me," she said. "At first I thought that gender-based violence is about physical abuse only. But then when I realized how my mom has been emotionally abused, it broke me apart because now she's, like, part of that struggle of trying to fight to get out of that kind of relationship. But my dad doesn't allow her to go. Activist Thokozani Ndaba founded an organization for girls in an impoverished part of northern Johannesburg. She says that while women and girls of all backgrounds are affected by gender-based violence, she started this program here because its particularly lacking in resources. There was an 11-year old who was raped in 2018 and she gave birth to an HIV-positive child, and she was positive. And in 2018 how is that possible? So this is how the program started. We have an after school program, where after school they can come here. Because the only thing thats around you saw all those men drinking at 10 in the morning there's nothing, there's no hope. It's a dire situation. And all they know is to grab young people that they see around and rape them, and destroy their lives, because their lives are already destroyed. Ndaba, like many activists, is calling for harsher penalties for sexual assault. Thembelihle agrees. She recently learned when she saw him on the street that the man who raped her was released on bail. That provoked a tailspin of emotions. Question: Do you think he should go to jail for a long time? Answer: Yes, I think so. Like, there are a lot of girls, there are a lot of women in this area. Why didnt he go to some woman, instead of come to me? There are a lot of girls and women who he could have a relationship with, not to come and rape me. But these young women say they will not let their assailants redefine their lives, and their dreams. EDITOR NOTES: ALL the young participants at Ntethelelo Foundation have their parents sign a blanket media waiver at the beginning of the year allowing any media interviews sanctioned by the group. We took the extra step of asking each interviewee if she was comfortable and keen on the interview. Furthermore, note that all of our in-person interviewees wore masks, as a viral precaution. By Ayya Lmahamad Azerbaijan will pay a lump sum of AZN 190 ($111.7) for citizens in Baku, Sumgayit, Ganja, Lankaran, Absheron, Yevlakh, Jalilabad and Masalli regions where a two-week coronavirus quarantine regime has been imposed. The Cabinet of Ministers adopted a relevant decision on June 23, the Ministry of labor and social protection press service has reported. The payment is meant for those who lost their jobs due to special quarantine regime and worked informally, as well as to the persons whose unemployment insurance and targeted state social assistance period has expired and to people with disabilities, who interrupted the training courses. The same group of citizens received AZN 190 in April and May as well in connection with coronavirus. A one-time payment program of AZN 190 ($111.7) per month was introduced in April-May. The payment is scheduled for June and will be transferred to bank cards of these people. It should be noted that in accordance with presidents instruction and based on the action plan approved by the Cabinet of Ministers, measures are being taken to support employment and social security of 4.8 million people nationwide in connection with the pandemic. Moreover, another decision of the Cabinet of Ministers provides for the continuation of payments of targeted state social assistance to low- income families, the term of which has expired, to people with expired disability, including persons under the care of children under 18 with disabilities, as well as students of vocational training courses, during which a break occurred. The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection and the Ministry of Finance have been instructed to resolve issues arising from this decision. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz New Delhi, June 25 : Amid the rising chorus for boycotting Chinese products and the government's proactive steps to lower dependence on imports, India's growing mobile and electronics industry seems to be at the receiving end of the sudden aversion to imports from the northern neighbour. In a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) has said that all China-origin imports of the electronics industry have come under adverse action by the customs at the ports without prior warning, which has impacted the supply chain. "There was refusal to clear followed by delays, and now, talk about 100 per cent examination. The logistics of seamless movement is in total disarray," ICEA Chairman Pankaj Mohindroo wrote in the letter. In another letter to Ajay Bhushan Pandey, Secretary, Department for Revenue, and Ajit Kumar, Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC), ICEA has noted that there is an across the board system delay in assigning DoE numbers, and queries are being raised for regular materials and all shipments are being subjected to open examination, including opening of each box and repacking, among other issues. ICEA noted that essential parts, components and accessories required for manufacturing in the 200 plus factories which came up following the adoption of 'Make in India', 'Digital India' and 'Phased Manufacturing Programme' (PMP) in the mobile industry have been impacted. The industry body raised concerns in the letter to the FM that if the supply chain is broken, there will be severe shortage of essential communication equipment such as smartphones, tablets and laptops required for the health network, work-from home and online education, since alternative supplies are not available in the local and global markets amid the Covid-19 outbreak. Mohindroo noted that these goods are contributing valuable customs duty and IGST to the Central and state exchequers. He also mentioned that companies have received word from Chennai, Mumbai and Delhi airports about the new examination procedure for all China origin consignments of being subject to 100 per cent examination, and urged the FM that the 100 per cent examination of only China origin goods be stopped so that the supply chain moves without hurdles. "There are enough checks on inputs in the system, and there is little likelihood of any danger from China origin imports. Of course, dumping actions have to be checked, and this is best done by the law," he said. -- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed [Scott Bowling] Aside from seeking money (anywhere from as low as $180 to $1 million, depending on the case), we asked Estavillo what his intentions were behind launching the multiple lawsuits. "What I wanted to do was exploit the weakness of each console and show that they're not impervious to flaws ... each console has a flaw and they should fix it," he said. During the interview as well as in some of his court filings, Estavillo claimed to be suffering from a variety of psychological maladies, and has repeatedly stated that he uses online gaming as his primary form of communication. "I told this other interviewer and it's true I actually have no friends. I rely on online gameplay for socialization." Though he's yet to win a case, his first (by default) could come as soon as December 3 the end of Sony's 30 days to respond to a summons. If he does, that would mean $180,000 and a "no contest" ruling against Sony. Though he said he'll keep some of the money he may win, he noted that, "Half the money I get is gonna go to God. I'm giving half the money I get to We talked to Estavillo about a variety of other topics from what games he plays to why he's subpoenaing celebrities instead of experts but due to sheer length we've broken the rest of the interview out after the break. Update: Erik Estavillo emailed us this evening to say that Sony has responded to his summons, thus closing out the possibility of a default settlement. The first hearing will be in early 2010. On his lawsuits: I don't have any outside the game industry. Just actually one lawsuit for each major console maker and one for the PC. So there's four total. [Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, and Activision Blizzard] On what games he plays/which consoles he owns: I own all three, currently my Xbox is out getting repaired. I'm playing On why he's suing, why he plays online: I told this other interviewer and it's true -- I actually have no friends. If anyone wants to test that, they can check my phone records -- cell phone or home phone -- and find out that I don't call anyone and no one calls me. I rely on online gameplay for socialization. He [the judge] didn't really give me a chance. He was already on Sony's side when I went in and I could tell. On End User License/Terms of Service Agreements: You just have to click it. In my complaint I said there are even little kids who click it. There are little kids who play Resistance, like 8 years old, who play it. So they don't even read the EULA as most people don't. I'm sure you don't right? I mean, who does? I tried to invalidate that with Judge Whyte in the first case and he didn't wanna hear it. Like you said, there's a terms of service, takes care of the refunds. And I still think people who are banned should be refunded for their downloadable content. For instance, I downloaded Warhawk. That's like 30 bucks. And I got PSN cards which were in excess of 100, maybe 150. So I said to the judge can we at least be refunded, and he referred to the EULA. What I did was appeal the decision ... Because he [the judge] didn't really give me a chance. He was already on Sony's side when I went in and I could tell. Richard J. Mooney, the lawyer for Sony, he just gave a simple, maybe a paragraph, to the judge, and I tried to talk and the judge just didn't wanna hear it. He said, "Well, you know, I agree with Sony." On Sony and arriving at the price for "pain and suffering" and "punitive damages": There's four cases. They're not interrelated or interlinked. They're separate cases. I sued [Sony] because when they banned me, they banned my whole console. Which is like a $500 waste there, because I can't go online anymore, which was one of my ways of socializing. So when I sued for $55,000, that was something called punitive damages. Where you're trying to penalize a company, and that was what I was trying to do penalize them for banning someone. If I was cheating or somehow modified my system then I could understand the ban, but they simply banned me for talking. And I thought they should be penalized for that, hence the punitive damages and pain and suffering. I actually have a five-to-ten page pain and suffering document that I turned in as evidence as my doctors can attest to. My doctors looked at the pain and suffering evidence and realized I was suffering and doubled my meds [medicine] because of it. So that's pain and suffering, with punitive damages, add those two together, and you get $55,000. On financing multiple lawsuits: I'm on disability so I get SSI [Supplemental Security Income] and SSA [Social Security Administration] benefits for a total of $800 a month. I don't get a lot of money, it's only $800. So when I file my cases I always ask for a fee waiver. You fill it out and if they grant you the fee waiver -- which I've been granted in all my cases, because I can't afford to file since I'm on disability. Since I'm not paying a lawyer, I represent myself in all my cases. So it costs zip. Joystiq: To be clear, you're unemployed? Correct, I'm on disability. WoW is actually harmful when they cancel your account ... or when any company cancels your account like Sony canceled mine. On why he's suing game companies: What I wanted to do was exploit the weakness of each console and show that they're not impervious to flaws. Each console has a flaw and they should fix it. Or not do it (like ban people on the PlayStation) or disable the homebrew channel or get a red ring. When I go to court about the Xbox suit I'm gonna mention On subpoenaing celebrities (rather than "experts"): Medical professionals cost money I believe. If you subpoena them and want their expert advice they're gonna charge you, which I can't afford. I can't afford expert witness. Also, expert witnesses like Winona Ryder on Catcher in the Rye I didn't get like a professor of literature which I guess I could have. I chose Wynona Ryder and Martin Gore, one part is because what I say about them is ... Martin Gore through his lyrics you can tell he's sad, lonely, alienated. And on another website, someone asked Martin Gore what his songs mean to his fans and he said, "well, they appeal to the most dysfunctional people." That's what Martin Gore said himself. So, I know he's sad lonely and alienated just through the songs he writes, so that's why I subpoenaed him. And Wynona Ryder was because her liking of Catcher in the Rye and mine. I have always read the book. There's a theme of alienation in the book, would you agree? Joystiq: Yes. Winona Ryder knows about alienation because she read the book ... I know it's a little far fetched as most people would see, as where the Bill Gates one isn't because he's part of Microsoft. I believe the celebrity subpoenas where people don't agree with ... you know there's a WoW [ Erik Estavillo has been given a handful of nicknames by the press recently he listed "Professional/PSN Plaintiff," "The Serial Suer" and a few others when he spoke with Joystiq this morning. He assured us though, time and time again, "That WoW lawsuit , that's my final lawsuit. So people know, I'm not suing any more companies." In case you missed it, Estavillo is currently engaged in four separate lawsuits one with Microsoft , one with Nintendo , one with Sony (in both Federal and State court), and one with Activision Blizzard . "One lawsuit for each major console maker and one for the PC, so four total," he clarified to us.Aside from seeking money (anywhere from as low as $180 to $1 million, depending on the case), we asked Estavillo what his intentions were behind launching the multiple lawsuits. "What I wanted to do was exploit the weakness of each console and show that they're not impervious to flaws ... each console has a flaw and they should fix it," he said. During the interview as well as in some of his court filings, Estavillo claimed to be suffering from a variety of psychological maladies, and has repeatedly stated that he uses online gaming as his primary form of communication. "I told this other interviewer and it's true I actually have no friends. I rely on online gameplay for socialization."Though he's yet to win a case, his first (by default) could come as soon as December 3 the end of Sony's 30 days to respond to a summons. If he does, that would mean $180,000 and a "no contest" ruling against Sony. Though he said he'll keep some of the money he may win, he noted that, "Half the money I get is gonna go to God. I'm giving half the money I get to CBN [Christian Broadcasting Network], local churches, charities, or poor people on the street."We talked to Estavillo about a variety of other topics from what games he plays to why he's subpoenaing celebrities instead of experts but due to sheer length we've broken the rest of the interview out after the break.Erik Estavillo emailed us this evening to say that Sony has responded to his summons, thus closing out the possibility of a default settlement. The first hearing will be in early 2010.I don't have any outside the game industry. Just actually one lawsuit for each major console maker and one for the PC. So there's four total. [Microsoft, Sony, Nintendo, and Activision Blizzard]I own all three, currently my Xbox is out getting repaired. I'm playing Dragon Age right now, and Mario Kart for the Wii. And I have a lot of Guitar Hero . Resistance 1 and 2, Killzone 2 and Warhawk pretty much exclusives for the PlayStation.I told this other interviewer and it's true -- I actually have no friends.If anyone wants to test that, they can check my phone records -- cell phone or home phone -- and find out that I don't call anyone and no one calls me. I rely on online gameplay for socialization.You just have to click it. In my complaint I said there are even little kids who click it. There are little kids who play Resistance, like 8 years old, who play it. So they don't even read the EULA as most people don't. I'm sure you don't right? I mean, who does?I tried to invalidate that with Judge Whyte in the first case and he didn't wanna hear it. Like you said, there's a terms of service, takes care of the refunds. And I still think people who are banned should be refunded for their downloadable content. For instance, I downloaded Warhawk. That's like 30 bucks. And I got PSN cards which were in excess of 100, maybe 150. So I said to the judge can we at least be refunded, and he referred to the EULA. What I did was appeal the decision ...Because he [the judge] didn't really give me a chance. He was already on Sony's side when I went in and I could tell. Richard J. Mooney, the lawyer for Sony, he just gave a simple, maybe a paragraph, to the judge, and I tried to talk and the judge just didn't wanna hear it. He said, "Well, you know, I agree with Sony."There's four cases. They're not interrelated or interlinked. They're separate cases.I sued [Sony] because when they banned me, they banned my whole console. Which is like a $500 waste there, because I can't go online anymore, which was one of my ways of socializing. So when I sued for $55,000, that was something called punitive damages. Where you're trying to penalize a company, and that was what I was trying to do penalize them for banning someone. If I was cheating or somehow modified my system then I could understand the ban, but they simply banned me for talking. And I thought they should be penalized for that, hence the punitive damages and pain and suffering.I actually have a five-to-ten page pain and suffering document that I turned in as evidence as my doctors can attest to. My doctors looked at the pain and suffering evidence and realized I was suffering and doubled my meds [medicine] because of it. So that's pain and suffering, with punitive damages, add those two together, and you get $55,000.I'm on disability so I get SSI [Supplemental Security Income] and SSA [Social Security Administration] benefits for a total of $800 a month. I don't get a lot of money, it's only $800. So when I file my cases I always ask for a fee waiver. You fill it out and if they grant you the fee waiver -- which I've been granted in all my cases, because I can't afford to file since I'm on disability. Since I'm not paying a lawyer, I represent myself in all my cases. So it costs zip.To be clear, you're unemployed?Correct, I'm on disability.What I wanted to do was exploit the weakness of each console and show that they're not impervious to flaws. Each console has a flaw and they should fix it. Or not do it (like ban people on the PlayStation) or disable the homebrew channel or get a red ring. When I go to court about the Xbox suit I'm gonna mention Lemon Laws . That's what I'm gonna use against Xbox. And I also subpoenaed Bill Gates. But what I want people to know the most is that I'm not gonna file anymore court cases. 'Cause, you know, I think I've done enough. I just wanna give power back to the gamer. That's all. People might see it differently, but that's all I wanted to do. So that gamers don't have to take it, you know?Medical professionals cost money I believe. If you subpoena them and want their expert advice they're gonna charge you, which I can't afford. I can't afford expert witness. Also, expert witnesses like Winona Ryder on Catcher in the Rye I didn't get like a professor of literature which I guess I could have. I chose Wynona Ryder and Martin Gore, one part is because what I say about them is ... Martin Gore through his lyrics you can tell he's sad, lonely, alienated. And on another website, someone asked Martin Gore what his songs mean to his fans and he said, "well, they appeal to the most dysfunctional people." That's what Martin Gore said himself. So, I know he's sad lonely and alienated just through the songs he writes, so that's why I subpoenaed him.And Wynona Ryder was because her liking of Catcher in the Rye and mine. I have always read the book. There's a theme of alienation in the book, would you agree?Yes.Winona Ryder knows about alienation because she read the book ... I know it's a little far fetched as most people would see, as where the Bill Gates one isn't because he's part of Microsoft.I believe the celebrity subpoenas where people don't agree with ... you know there's a WoW [ World of Warcraft ] craze. I would give you the YouTube link about a WoW kid who had his account canceled and he went crazy. What I want to do is bring national attention to not just that video but I wanna bring national attention to how video games are harming ... for instance, I'm not against gaming like Jack Thompson would be, but WoW is actually harmful when they cancel your account. Or when any company cancels your account like Sony canceled mine. It's just harmful to the gamer and I'm trying to bring national attention, hence why I subpoenaed celebrities because they will bring national attention to this. All products recommended by Engadget are selected by our editorial team, independent of our parent company. Some of our stories include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, we may earn an affiliate commission. A Lufthansa flight attendant wears a mouth guard with the slogan 'Yes to the rescue package' at a demo in front of Lufthansa headquarters at Frankfurt Airport, Germany on 25 June. Photo: Arne Dedert/picture alliance via Getty Images After many weeks of negotiations, shareholders in German flag carrier Lufthansa (LHA.DE) have agreed at an extraordinary general meeting to the conditions of a 9bn (8.1bn, $10.08bn) government bailout, that includes Berlin taking a 20% stake in the airline and getting two seats on the supervisory board. The airline had almost run out of runway, burning through 1m in cash reserves an hour trying to stay alive. Like its international rivals, Lufthansa was forced to ground most of its fleet for several months as the coronavirus pandemic spread to Europe and across the world. Berlin will pay 300m for its shares. The rest of the package comprises 5.7bn as a silent capital contribution and 3bn as a loan from state-owned development bank KfW. "We have no more money," Lufthansa management told shareholders in the online meeting on Thursday. "We will also have to implement painful personnel measures. Chief executive Carsten Spohr described the bailout as "without a doubt a historic moment for our company." READ MORE: Coronavirus: Qantas axes 6,000 staff in 'very painful' cutbacks Ryanair chief executive Michael OLeary had said in a statement in May that he will appeal at EU level against this latest example of illegal state aid to Lufthansa, which will massively distort competition. "There is a good offer on the table, Lufthansa shareholders should accept it," federal finance minister Olaf Scholz had said on Thursday before the vote. Lufthansa has been privatised since 1997 when it sold the last state-owned shares. Now, 23 years on, the government has stepped back in. On 3 June, the airline reported first quarter net losses of 2.1bn, as lockdowns brought the global aviation industry to a standstill. The deal appeared to be in danger of collapsing this week, after German billionaire Heinz Hermann Thiele, one of the countrys richest men, voiced strong opposition to the government getting such a large stake, and so cheaply, in the airline. Story continues Thiele, the majority stakeholder in Knorr-Bremse, also recently sold off shares in the brakes company to the value of 750m, causing speculation that he would use it to increase his investment in the German flag carrier. He also has enough Lufthansa shares to have stopped the share sale at todays meeting, due to a reduced amount of shareholders registered to participate. In the final hours ahead of the shareholders meeting, Thiele did an about-face, telling the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung on Wednesday evening that he would back the deal after all, as he did not want to be seen as having helped drive Lufthansa into bankruptcy. Shortly before the AGM on Thursday, Lufthansa and cabin crew union UFO agreed on a package for staff that will protect them from being made redundant for four years, and a raft of other measures. "With the crisis package that has now been decided, the company can avoid layoffs for the 22,000 cabin employees of Deutsche Lufthansa AG for the period of the crisis," Lufthansa said in a statement. READ MORE: EasyJet raises 419m in battle to survive coronavirus crisis European Union regulators also signed off on the airlines 6bn recapitalisation plan on Thursday, on the condition that there will be a ban on dividends, share buybacks and acquisitions until it has paid back its state aid. Lufthansa already agreed with the EU Commissions demands that it relinquish some landing slots at its hub airports of Frankfurt and Munich to competitor airlines. In May, the EU approved a 7bn French state bailout for Air France-KLM (AF.PA). The US State Department and human rights groups have expressed alarm over reports that the family of an American citizen, once a political prisoner in Egypt, is being harassed and intimidated by Egyptian security forces. A statement filed in a US court by Mohamed Soltan, a 32-year-old human rights defender who spent nearly two years in a Cairo prison, alleges armed security forces raided the homes of his relatives overnight on two occasions this month. Five of his male cousins, all in their early 20s, were subjected to enforced disappearance for two days. The men, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW), are now serving 15-day detentions pending investigations over charges of spreading false news and joining a terrorist organization. Their harassment is seen as retaliation for a suit Solton filed earlier this month in the US District Court for the District of Columbia against former Egyptian Prime Minister Hazem el-Biblawi. The suit alleges Soltans imprisonment, torture and near death in prison between 2013 and 2015 were the direct results of actions taken by the highest levels of the Egyptian government, including by Biblawi. The 83-year-old former premier, who lives in the United States and serves as an executive director at the International Monetary Fund, is accused of the attempted extrajudicial killing of Soltan and overseeing his torture. The 46-page complaint also names Egypts current president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. On Wednesday, the US State Departments Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs said it was concerned by the reported raids and arrests of Soltans relatives. We are concerned about reports that relatives of U.S. citizen and former detainee Mohammad Soltan are facing acts of intimidation in Egypt. We will continue to monitor the situation and take seriously all allegations of harassment and intimidation, the bureau tweeted. In August 2013, Soltan participated in a weekslong peaceful sit-in at Cairo's Rabia al-Adawiya Square protesting the militarys ouster of Egypt's first democratically elected president, Mohamed Morsi. The Egyptian army and security forces dispersed the protesters in a violent crackdown that killed at least 817 people in under 12 hours, according to HRW. Soltan was shot in the arm and later arrested. Charged with spreading terror and broadcasting fake news, the Ohio State University graduate was sentenced to life in prison in April 2015 before he was ultimately released. In a statement on Wednesday, 21 human rights and other groups called on the Egyptian authorities to immediately release Soltans relatives and end the systemic reprisals against human rights activists and their relatives. These reprisals appear aimed at obstructing justice and silencing Egyptian activists, even if they are no longer in Egypt, said Neil Hicks, senior director for advocacy at the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, in a statement. Egypts crackdown on human rights defenders, journalists and civil society has intensified in recent months. This week, the family of activist Sanaa Seif, whose brother Alaa Abdel Fatah has been detained since September, said she was abducted by security forces in Cairo. Mithun Chakraborty was worried for his family as the the 'only earning member' during the pandemic Egypt: news outlet editor arrested Operation by eight officers in Cairo newsroom (ANSAmed) - CAIRO, JUNE 25 - The editor of an Egyptian independent news website, Nora Younis, was arrested with the charge of operating an illegal website, Middle East Eves reports, quoting a tweet of the agency ''Manassa'' and the lawyer of the journalist, who has also written for the Washington Post. In what appears to be a new attack against media freedom in Egypt, the website reports, the arrest occurred after a raid carried out at the website's newsroom in Cairo by eight plainclothes officers. The arrest took place on Wednesday, said Middle East Eye (Mee), which has also been shut down in Egypt like Al Manassa and some 500 additional sites. The human rights activist, a critic of the Egyptian government, was taken to a police precinct in Cairo, in the district of Maadi, where she is awaiting a court hearing scheduled today. A personal computer was seized as part of the operation. Officers did not show an arrest warrant, according to the website of Amnesty International, which asked authorities to protect the journalist from torture or mistreatment. Al Manassa, a website founded in 2015 by Younis who also managed Al-Masry Al-Youm, a popular independent Egyptian daily, said they had requested a license already in October 2018 but had never received a reply. The lack of a response is often used in Egypt as a pretext to close independent media outlets, denounced Mee. Egypt is ranked 166th out of 180 countries and territories in the 2020 World Press Freedom Index drafted by Reporters Without Borders and is among the four countries that arrest the highest number of journalists according to the Committee to protect journalists (Cpj). Lina Attalah, director of independent (and obscured) news site Mada Masr, was arrested in May, Mee recalled. (ANSAmed). (ANSA). After a series of sometimes contentious meetings this week and last, a discussion between local activists and the Cumberland County commissioners regarding police reform and racial justice is bearing some fruit. A debate during Wednesdays commissioners meeting left off with the activists, part of the civic group Capital Region Stands Up, agreeing to meet with the commissioners to hash out language for a resolution regarding the importance of equality for Black and brown people, a request that is the most legally achievable of the activists demands. The group is also calling on the county to enact more substantive reforms, which include hiring and firing policies in the county sheriffs office and the creation of a law enforcement oversight board, part of a national reform movement against police brutality in the wake of the death of George Floyd. But the commissioners expressed skepticism last week that some of these changes were within their legal purview under Pennsylvanias government structure, an issue that county solicitor Keith Brenneman elaborated on this week. The difficulty is state law, Brenneman told the activists. This board is governed by the third-class county code, and they have their authority based only on what the Legislature gives them. The less technically complex discussion regarding a simple resolution also exposed some political fault lines, with Democratic Commissioner Jean Foschi being much more comfortable with the phrase Black lives matter in and of itself, and offering to act as an intermediary between the activists and Republican Commissioners Gary Eichelberger and Vince DiFilippo, who voiced objections to what they said were the political implications of the term. Ill reiterate what Ive said before, which is the moniker black lives matter has come to refer to the movement, Eichelberger said; during last weeks meeting, Eichelberger had said you are promoting a narrative that is unhelpful by hiding behind a slogan when asked to endorse the phrase black lives matter. I am happy to pass a resolution that reiterates the American ideal that all men are created equal, as enshrined in the nations founding documents, Eichelberger said this week. I am not taking on the baggage of the movement, at least not until I see several things take place. Those things would be a renunciation of the street terrorism that has been occurring in the name of black lives matter, Eichelberger said, as well as addressing what he sees as a disrespect and disregard for basic American institutions including historical markers although he was not referencing the Confederate monument issue, Eichelberger stressed and a movement which continues to denounce economic freedom and free markets. Tearing those things down is not the way we achieve that, Eichelberger said, in reference to racial equality. DiFilippo had expressed a similar sentiment in an interview last week. Yes, black lives matter. But I don t know that I necessarily support that group without knowing more about what they stand for, DiFilippo said. As I said last week, Ive always believed in equality for all and that all lives matter, he told the activists Wednesday. Thats not a difficult thing to put into verbiage. Activist Kathleen Keadan argued that the Republican commissioners were the ones making it about a slogan, given that Capital Region Stands Up has no control over connotations Eichelberger may associate with groups that use the Black Lives Matter title. I think what this group is really asking for is that we abandon this preconceived notion about what black lives matter means, Foschi said, suggesting that the message was that its important that the county comes forward and says that black and brown lives are important, just as important as white lives and just as important as anyone else who lives in Cumberland County. With my help, we can work on a resolution and I can take it to the commissioners and say can we tweak it? Foschi offered to the group. Questions of law That may be the easier part of the groups request, as Brenneman suggested this week. The activists are also asking for a list of reforms that include a commitment to not using non-disclosure agreements in settlements of police misconduct cases; not hiring officers who were fired for cause elsewhere; creating a citizen oversight board for the county sheriffs office; and making use-of-force data more publicly available. The crux of the matter arises from Pennsylvanias relatively diffuse system of government, in which the county has little control over municipal police departments, which do the lions share of law enforcement in the state; the county sheriffs office has a more limited role, given that its primary duties are prison transport and courthouse service. Even if the demands are limited to the county sheriffs office, there are two issues that will need to be considered, Brenneman said. Firstly, the countys ability to create the powers of an oversight commission is limited by state enablement; secondly, the county sheriff is an independently elected official and has powers over his office separate from the county commissioners. In an interview, Cumberland County Sheriff Ronny Anderson said that he already does not negotiate NDAs for terminations, and that the department does not hire deputies who have been fired for cause elsewhere. Neither policy is written, either through Anderson himself or into the collective bargaining agreement with the deputies union. Anderson and Brenneman both said that any policy would not be institutional. Section 1620 of the Pennsylvania County Code, state law that creates the structure of county governments, specifies that, while county commissioners set the salaries of row officers and their staff, commissioners cannot use this power to impact the elected officers ability to hire, fire, and supervise their own employees. I agree with both of those [policies], but for me to put it in written policy, if a new sheriff were elected, under their 1620 rights, they could do away with all of that, Anderson said. You may convince [the commissioners] that its a great idea, and it may be a great idea, but the point is they cant tell the sheriff what to do under the county code, Brenneman told the activists this week. Further, its not binding on anyone if its not in the collective bargaining agreement, he said. But activist Dom Holmes argued that, since the issue with NDAs and officers records is not addressed in the union contract, any written stance by Anderson and the commissioners would be useful. Theres nothing in [the union contract] that prevents this, Holmes said. [Anderson] already in practice supports two of our demands. The union hasnt challenged those actions so we have no reason to believe the union would all of the sudden take action to challenge these. Anderson also noted that the ability of law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania to share details of why officers were fired is not uniform and limited by liability concerns. This will likely be changing, however, under legislation currently moving through Harrisburg. Pennsylvania House Bill 1841 would create a database of officer employment information that would require agencies to share information about officer misconduct, taking the onus off local officials. The bill passed the House unanimously on Wednesday, and moves to the state Senate. Anderson has also agreed that it is within his purview to share more information publicly, such as use of force data. Deputies incident reports must disclose any use of force, although Anderson does not specifically track metrics such as the number of times Tasers are drawn, or pepper spray used. Id have to create some kind of report to track it. We dont have a system right now that does that. Wed have to come up with a way to go through all the incident reports and pull that out, Anderson said. The final request from the activists is the most legally murky. Police review boards or oversight commissions exist in Pennsylvania. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh both have them, and Allegheny County is debating the creation of one. All have the ability to receive complaints about specific officers. But those jurisdictions have powers that others dont, either through home rule or through Philadelphias unique status as the states only first-class county under the tiered powers system enumerated in the Pennsylvania County Code. Brenneman described those as a completely different governmental structure compared to a third-class county without home rule, such as Cumberland. Activists from Capital Region Stands Up suggested that, even if the county does not have the legislative authority to vest power in an oversight board, even a simple advisory commission would be worthwhile, even if it cant directly delve into individual cases of officer misconduct. This is why even a simple resolution is worthwhile, activists said, because it would allow the county to at least use the power of the bully pulpit. Keadan said she was looking for acknowledgement that Black and brown citizens are the ones that are disproportionately targeted by police brutality. When there are people who are unfairly targeted and vulnerable in our community, we need to lift them up, Keadan said. You are the largest governing body in Cumberland County, and thats a part of your job to set the tone. Foschi agreed, citing recent allegations of harassment and intimidation of the Somali community in the Mechanicsburg area. By putting it in writing and getting it out into the public, were saying you cant do that here, this is not a community that tolerates spray-painting peoples homes, this is not a community that tolerates picking on children, Foschi said. I dont necessarily disagree with any of that but I think its important that we get the verbiage right, Eichelberger said, adding that he didnt want a resolution that painted all police officers in a bad light. But, he said, we seem to have a good way forward. Email Zack at zhoopes@cumberlink.com. Love 1 Funny 1 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 5 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. BOSTON, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Thought Industries, the world's leading B2B customer training platform provider, today announced it has won a 2020 Gold Award for Best Learning Management System Website Content from eLearning Industry, the largest online community of eLearning professionals in the industry and media publishing company. The company also won Silver Awards for Best Design and Overall Website. "There are hundreds of LMS solutions which are competing for attention and high-quality leads," comments judge Lynne McNamee, President of Lone Armadillo. Judge Gordon L. Johnson continues, "It's critical for LMS websites to be optimized for both search engines and people. Some of the websites we found were head and shoulders above the rest, achieved a powerful first impression, and created the perception of a modern software product." In conjunction with eLearning Industry, these awards reflect a detailed analysis of the SEO, design, and content efforts of over 300 websites in the corporate learning management space. Awards were given to the top websites in each category as well as overall ranking. "We couldn't be more excited to honor the winners of the Top 10 Best LMS Websites. The LMS market is vast, so you need to be cautious in order to win LMS buyers' hearts right from the start. Thus, with this award, we believe we keep buyer personas engaged to the right piece of information when selecting the appropriate LMS for their needs. Also, we sincerely hope the selected website examples will help clear out any questions," said Christopher Pappas, founder of eLearning Industry Inc. "Providing valuable resources and information to our customers and prospects searching for the best customer training platform for their needs and delivering that experience in an elegant manner is of critical importance," said Michael Daecher, CMO, Thought Industries. "Recognition of our efforts from eLearning Industry is a stamp of approval we're moving in the right direction." Judges Lynne McNamee and Gordon L. Johnson are leading marketing experts in the corporate learning industry. They evaluated over 300 websites to determine the 2020 winners. A full list of winners can be found in the eBook at eLearning Industry. About eLearning Industry eLearning Industry is a network-based media and publishing company founded in 2012. It is the largest online community of eLearning professionals in the industry, and was created first and foremost as a knowledge-sharing platform to help eLearning professionals and instructional designers connect in a safe online community where they can stay up to date with the latest industry news and technologies, and find projects or jobs. https://elearningindustry.com About Thought Industries Thought Industries powers the business of learning by providing the world's leading B2B customer training platform. The company was founded in 2014 around the core belief that online learning experiences should be modern, intuitive, engaging, and scalable. Today, our team builds and maintains the only learning solution with completely native tools and integrations that drive higher engagement, learner proficiency, and retention rates for our customers. Headquartered in Boston, Thought Industries has offices across North America and Europe. For more information, visit www.thoughtindustries.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. SOURCE Thought Industries Related Links www.thoughtindustries.com [June 25, 2020] OriginClear Builds on Oman Presence with Appointment of AlMansoori Specialized Engineering as Regional Agent OriginClear Inc. (OTCQB: OCLN), The Water Company For The New Economy, today announces it has entered into an Agency Agreement with AlMansoori Specialized Engineering (MSE), a unit of AlMansoori Group. MSE is the leading provider of oilfield services in the Middle East. Founded in 1977, the company has grown to a skilled workforce of over 3,000 across 24 countries throughout the region. The alliance is intended to capitalize on efforts by OriginClear's licensee in Oman, Special Oilfield Services, with which MSE has a joint venture, so that achievements in Oman can be expanded throughout the region. "Similar to our recent strategic partnership with Permionics of India, OriginClear now partners with AlMansoori, which we believe will be a strategic ally in the Middle East-North Africa (MENA) Region," said Bill Charneski, Senior Vice President of OriginClear. "AlMansoori brings essential capabilities as a leader in the oil & gas market and as an oil service company they are with their customers daily and bring a highly skilled and experienced engineering staff," said Nabil Alalawi, CEO of AlMansoori Specialized Engineering. "We know that effective water treatment is a major requirement for the MENA region. We are always looking for new technologies for the treatment of produced water and based on pilot testing. Therefore, OriginClear's Electro Water Separation (EWS) and Advanced Oxidation (AOx) technologies are a leap forward in chemical free water treatment." Alalawi added, "Our division was created to oversee product development and the manufacturing process as well as enhance relations with current and prospective partners. Our business is looking to create any technology or equipment for use in the oil and gas industry from our Abu Dhabi base. The fit with OriginClear is perfect." "The introduction of OriginClear to AlMansoori is a result of our joint venture in Oman, Special Oilfield Services (SOS (News - Alert)). SOS has been a licensee of OriginClear's EWS and AOx technology since late 2018 and we expect to benefit from their early efforts." "Commercializing a technology such as EWS and AOx overseas has many hurdles, including having the engineering support to assist in the design solution for new projects, developing a customer proposal formatted to meet customer requirement and, finally, the design details to manufacture the product," said Bill Charneski, senior vice president of OriginClear. "And last and most important, customers need training, startup assistance and service, which are best supplied locally. We believe that AlMansoori is best suited to accomplish all of the above for our customers in the MENA countries." About OriginClear, Inc. Water is our planet's most valuable resource, and the mission of OriginClear is to provide breakthrough water treatment and conveyance products that effectively improve the quality of our planet's waters by returning them to their original and clear condition and deliver the highest quality water to end-users. By 2020, the global water services market will have doubled in just one decade into a trillion-dollar industry. But 80% of all sewage in the world is never treated, and up to 35% of all clean water is lost in transit. This calls for self-help solutions at the point of use, a movement known as decentralized water treatment. Our mission is to enable this decentralized water revolution by providing rapid deployment, point-of-use water treatment and conveyance products and technologies that enable water independence and help make clean water available for all. For more information, visit the company's website at www.OriginClear.com. Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Signup for our Newsletter OriginClear Safe Harbor Statement: Matters discussed in this presentation contain forward-looking statements. When used in this update, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "may," "intend," "expect" and similar expressions identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations of the Company and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. These include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with our history of losses and our need to raise additional financing, the acceptance of our products and technology in the marketplace, our ability to demonstrate the commercial viability of our products and technology and our need to increase the size of our organization. Further information on the Company's risk factors is contained in the Company's quarterly and annual reports as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason except as may be required under applicable law. There cannot be any assurance that our agreements with AlMansoori Specialized Engineering will enable us to generate any revenue. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005290/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Eiza Gonzalez is apologizing for her past use of blackface. The Hobbs & Shaw actress in headlines this week for her new romance with actor Timothee Chalamet saw controversial images of herself resurface on social media. One with blackface was from the 30-year-old Mexican stars time on the Spanish-language telenovela Lola, Erase una vez (Lola, Once upon a time) 15 years ago and the other, of her dressed like a geisha with lightened skin, was from a trip to Japan, she explained in an apology. I am deeply sorry and ashamed about having worn blackface makeup shown in the images circulating, she said in a statement to the New York Posts Page Six. As a 15-year-old child actor on my first job in a Mexican telenovela, I was pressured against my will, and with no negotiating power, I could not advocate for myself in the situation. I wish I had the voice and knowledge then that I have now. She went on to explain the photo of herself dressed as a geisha with her face painted white. Eiza Gonzalez, pictured in March, is apologizing for wearing blackface 15 years ago as a telenovela star. (Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images) The other image in question is from a trip I took to Japan, she said. According to my host, it is considered an intercultural exchange to dress up in their traditional clothing and makeup. It is seen as an appreciation of their culture, however, I understand that out of context, this calls for a dialogue about contemporary cultural appropriation. Gonzalez ended by saying, As a Mexican woman and an immigrant, I have faced racism and ignorance throughout my life and career. I would never intentionally participate in anything that I knew would cause harm or distress to another person. More than gestures of apology, it is my responsibility to educate myself and use my voice to stand up for others. And again I deeply apologize for hurting anyone. Yahoo Entertainment has reached out to Gonzalezs rep for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Gonzalez, who also appeared in Baby Driver and will be in Godzilla vs. Kong, was spotted kissing Lady Bird actor Chalamet, 24, on a Mexican getaway in Cabo San Lucas over the weekend. They have yet to publicly address the romance rumors. Story continues His fans have been among those posting the controversial images of Gonzalez in an attempt to question if she is the right woman for him to date. Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: The IRS is trying to renege hundreds of thousands of dollars in coronavirus relief payments it says it mistakenly sent to inmates across the country. However, the legislation authorizing the federal payments did not expressly exclude jail or prison inmates, The Associated Press reports. The IRS hasnt disclosed what legal authority it has to take back the funds; its website points to the unrelated Social Security Act, which bars incarcerated people from receiving some old-age and survivor benefits. A couple weeks after checks of up to $1,200 began to go out to most people who filed income tax returns for 2018 or 2019, the IRS directed state correction departments to intercept and return payments erroneously sent to prisoners, the report said. Congress passed the $2.2 trillion coronavirus rescue package in March. The IRS doesnt yet know how many payments went to prisoners, but its at least in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, IRS spokesman Eric Smith said. The Kansas Department of Correction intercepted more than $200,000 in checks by early June, the report said. Idaho and Montana combined had seized over $90,000. Washington state had intercepted about $23,000 by that time. Officials in Vermont, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Arizona and California estimated that they each intercepted fewer than a dozen checks as of early June. Oregon prison officials had seized 25 payments, with 21 returned to the IRS and four given to relatives or joint tax filers. The Utah prison system had seized 28 checks. Prisoner advocates are calling foul on the IRS for its attempt to renege the money. It appears that the IRS is just making this up, said Wanda Bertram, a spokeswoman for the Prison Policy Initiative, a think tank focusing on the harm of mass incarceration. She says prison officials are accustomed to intercepting tax documents to screen for potential scams, priming them to follow the IRS request. READ MORE: Michigan reports 353 new coronavirus cases, 19 new deaths Popular Traverse City wineries, restaurants on possible COVID-19 exposure list Thursday, June 25: Latest developments on coronavirus 11 more coronavirus cases linked to East Lansing bar, total climbs to 25 [June 25, 2020] Elite Hearing Network Launches Support Initiatives for Practitioners on the Front Lines Elite Hearing Network applauds the hearing health care industry and its practitioners around the world for stepping up, and stepping in, to continue helping those in need of hearing assistance. Individuals impacted by hearing loss face a greater risk of falls, social isolation and depression, and the population most at risk - our seniors - are also the most susceptible to the dangers of COVID-19. In fact, the CDC reports 80 percent of COVID-19-related deaths in the U.S. are adults age 65 years and older. "The importance of maintaining quality hearing health care is more important than ever," says Dr. Megan Johnson, an audiologist with 18 years' experience who owns and operates Johnson Audiology in Chattanooga, Tennessee. "We know untreated hearing loss can lead to increased anxiety and social isolation in our patients. That's why it's critical, especially during these times, that our audiologists and hearing care practitioners receive the advocacy they need to in turn provide vital care to their communities. The community Elite Hearing Network focuses on is vital to not only my practice but also the Hearing Healthcare Industry." Despite these challenges and pressures, our hearing health practitioners continue to play a vital role in ensuring the most vulnerable among us have consistent access to essential services, and this is why Elite Hearing Network has launched a series of programs and initiatives to support these vital front line workers as they continue their critical work. "As the longest tenured leader in the buying group space, we see it as our responsibility to provide actionable resources to our members," says Scott Holstine, Vice President of Operations for Elite Hearing Network. During my recent visit with practitioners throughout the Midwest, this responsibility has never been more evident. The time to deliver on that promise is now." Advocacy Advantage (A24U) Applicable insurance benefit plans and programs for practitioners and their employees. BOOST A third-party dedicated call center allowing scalability upon an office return. Elite Advocacy Center New online portal allowing for networking and communication amongst peers. Patient Pathways Relational marketing designed to speak directly from practitioner to patient. Reboot 2020! Practices participating in the investment of local community and awareness of ensuring patient safety as appointments which were lost or cancelled due to COVID-19 are recovered. "We began our promise to provide advocacy almost a year ago, and while we could never have predicted the challenges currently presented, we are delivering on our promise now more than ever," says Holstine. "Our goal in launching these programs is clear: galvanize our members and our industry to best continue providing patients what they need." Elite Hearing Network's continued commitment to being the best advocate for practitioners has never been more important. Community will always be at the core of our contribution, and we are proud to provide a suite of offerings that not only supports but also helps stimulate our industry's return. About Elite Hearing Network Elite Hearing Network, a subsidiary of Amplifon S.p.A, the world-wide leader in the hearing health care industry for more than 60 years, is the largest network of independent hearing care providers in the United States. The network offers access to all major manufacturers as well as strategic business support and solutions for private practices, ENT clinics, hospitals, hearing aid dispensers, and universities. The network was established in 1998.? About Amplifon? Amplifon, global leader in the hearing care retail market, empowers people to rediscover all the emotions of sound. Amplifon's around 17,000 people worldwide strive every day to understand the unique needs of every customer, delivering exclusive, innovative and highly personalized products and services, to ensure everyone the very best solution and an outstanding experience. Amplifon operates through a network of around 11,000 points of sale in 28 countries and 5 continents. More information about the company is available at www.amplifon.com/corporate. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005826/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Filmmaker Kim Lyang poses for a photo before an interview with The Korea Times at the newspaper's office in Seoul, June 17. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk By Kwak Yeon-soo It was not until she turned 30 that director Kim Lyang began to pay much attention to her father's life. Before then, she was fairly indifferent toward her father Ju-young, who spent much of his time at home drinking and lamenting that he would never be able to see his relatives in North Korea again. Kim Ju-young was born in the seaside village of Dancheon-gun, South Hamgyeong Province in North Korea in 1932 during the Japanese occupation and then settled down in Busan after the Korean War. He believed he would be able to return to his hometown eventually, but this belief was crushed when the truce line was drawn. He was among the tens of thousands of Koreans whose families were separated during the war. He settled down and started a family in South Korea, but was consistently framed as "white," a term that was used to refer to anti-communist prisoners of war or a person "whose ideology was discolored." The director confessed that she had not been aware of her father's grief, longing and guilt until she decided to shoot a documentary about him. "After giving birth to my first child, I read Park Wan-suh's books including 'Who Ate Up All the Shinga' and 'Warm Was the Winter That Year' to recover from postpartum depression," Kim said during a recent interview with The Korea Times. Park is an acclaimed novelist who has written many works that focus on the tragedy of the Korean War and missing home. "That's when I started to make efforts to understand my father as a displaced person," she added. Her documentary film "Forbidden Fatherland" follows Ju-young as he recounts his past. After coming to South Korea, Ju-young buried deep his emotional scars and gradually lost his smile. "What distinguishes my work from others that explore the lives of displaced people is that I intentionally excluded war stories. Instead, I focused more on how the trauma of the first generation of displaced people is handed down to their descendants, leading to a generational conflict within the families," Kim said. In the documentary film, the 48-year-old director interviews many other displaced people who couldn't return to their hometown in the North after fleeing into the South during the Korean War. "I tried to avoid telling heroic tales or success stories of displaced people," she said. "With the support of many organizations such as the Red Cross and the South-North Separated Families Council, I searched for those who have experienced difficulties in settling down and aren't socially active." To her surprise, many came forward to share their stories of "division (of the peninsula)" and "family." However, it was more difficult to interview the second and third generations of displaced people, according to Kim. "Through a series of interviews, I realized that the wounds of history continue to afflict family relationships," she said. "There was a case where an ideological conflict stemming from the tragic history led to family discord." Kim Lyang in a scene from "Forbidden Fatherland" / Courtesy of Ours Film Now, more than ever, companies need to quickly acclimate to the new realities of the stay-at-home economy - particularly the monitoring of fast-changing consumer needs The report provides a fully realized picture of the multi-billion dollar landscape of Stay-At-Home brands during the pandemic, and why its important to understand the myriad of consumer insights thatre key for success. Report analyzed key trends in 12,208,256 online mentions surrounding 10 Stay-At-Home industries, 97 brands, and 10 activities using Digimind Social Listening and Socialbakers Analytics tools. Provides in-depth analysis of the conversations and social media performance of the top 5 most spoken industries: E-Commerce, Live Streaming, Gaming, Food Delivery, and Video Conferencing. Provides in-depth analysis of the conversations and social media performances of the top 10 brands on social media: Disney+, Netflix, Nintendo, Subway, McDonald's, Amazon, Zoom, Microsoft, Sony, and Spotify. Breaks down key conversations and topics surrounding Stay-At-Home brands, and the top mentioned Stay-At-Home activities: Watching Videos, Listening to Music, Playing Video Games, and Reading. Delivers 9 key actionable insights for brands to seriously consider, based on unique consumer behaviors and needs. Conversational analysis and actionable insights of the Stay-At-Home Industries Report are backed by Digiminds advanced technology for trend tracking and consumer insights, used by some of the most successful brands and agencies. CMO of Digimind, Aurelien Blaha states Now, more than ever, companies need to quickly acclimate to the new realities of the stay-at-home economy - particularly the monitoring of fast-changing consumer needs - if they wish to thrive beyond this pandemic. Simply put, these are challenging times, and consumer intelligence is key to succeeding. An uncertain future stands before all companies and agencies, and its important to recognize the value of reliable consumer insights as a way to better protect your brand reputation, avoid communication crises, and optimize your marketing strategies for a more successful path forward. For more insights on Stay-at-Home industries, and the social media landscape surrounding these important brands in 2020, download the full report: Download Here About Digimind Digimind is the most trusted AI-powered social media listening and competitive intelligence software, designed for brands and agencies who want to accelerate digital transformation through an insights-driven approach. Recognized by Forrester and Gartner, Digiminds best-in-class technology transforms social and online data into actionable business insights, enabling marketers to effectively plan, execute, and analyze their marketing strategy. Founded in 1998, Digimind is headquartered in New York, Paris, Singapore, and Rabat, serving more than 600 customers worldwide. Learn more at http://www.digimind.com. About Socialbakers Socialbakers is the trusted social media management partner to thousands of enterprise brands and SMBs. Leveraging the largest social media data-set in the industry, Socialbakers AI-powered social media marketing suite helps brands large and small ensure their investment in social media is delivering measurable business outcomes. With over 2,500 clients across 100 countries, Socialbakers is the leading social media management platform, tracking 10 million social profiles across all major social platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Google+, and VK.com. Socialbakers has been a Facebook Marketing Partner since 2011, a Pinterest Marketing Partner since 2017 and a LinkedIn Marketing Partner since 2017. For more information, visit http://www.socialbakers.com. The autistic teenager who threw a six-year-old boy off a Tate Modern viewing platform had initially targeted the Shard, a court has heard. Jonty Bravery, now 18, attempted to enter the UKs tallest skyscraper before heading to the London art gallery on 4 August last year. Prosecutor Deanna Heer told the Old Bailey he travelled to the Shard, next to London Bridge station on the banks of the River Thames, and asked about buying a ticket for its viewing area. Ms Heer said he did not have enough money and added: He was later to admit that he was asking where the next highest building was. Bravery walked to the Tate Modern, which is free to visit, and was seen looking over the railings of the 10th floor viewing platform and behaving in an unusual way. The victim and his parents, who were French tourists on holiday in the UK, entered the area minutes later. CCTV footage showed him turning towards the victims family as the boy skipped a little way away from his parents. As [the boy] approached, the defendant scooped him up and, without any hesitation, carried him straight to the railings and threw him over, said prosecutor Deanna Heer. The CCTV footage shows him falling head-first towards the ground. Bravery, then 17, was seen backing away from the railings while smiling and appearing to laugh immediately afterwards. When challenged by the victims father, Bravery told him he was mad and witnesses described him having a big smile on his face. Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor Show all 15 1 /15 Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor Emergency crews attend the scene at the Tate Modern art gallery after a six-year-old boy was thrown from the 10th-floor viewing platform by a teenager. PA Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor The young boy was taken to hospital by air ambulance . He fell five storeys before landing on a roof below at the central London art gallery. AFP/Getty Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor A 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. PAP Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor Emergency crews attending a scene PA Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor Visitors in a lock down inside after the incident Isabella Knazek/PA Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor A police officer looks out from the viewing platform PA Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor People look on at the emergency crew in attendance PA Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor The Tate Modern building was evacuated AFP/Getty Images Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor Police were also supporting the family of the injured six-year-old PA Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor PA Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor A sign posted outside of the Tate Modern reminding visitors the gallery closed PA Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor AFP/Getty Images Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor The viewing platform were the boy was pushed from AFP/Getty Images Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor The art gallery reopened the day after, however the viewing level remained closed PA Tate Modern: Six-year-old boy 'thrown' from 10th-floor Getty Images The teenager, from Ealing in west London, then sought out Tate staff and confessed: I think Ive murdered someone, Ive just thrown someone off the balcony. The boy fell five storeys before landing on a roof, and was left with life-changing injuries. He remains in a wheelchair with constant care, and it is not known whether he will make a full recovery. Ms Heer said the victim was fortunate not to die, adding: This was a whisper away from a murder. The court heard Bravery had planned the offence well in advance and researched the easiest way to kill someone. Ms Heer said the teenager conducted a variety of searches including, are you guaranteed to escape prison if you have autism?, what are the chances of death if you push into the River Thames? and a web page entitled how to get away with rape. The prosecutor added: He narrowed it down to three possibilities: strangling a woman or a child, drowning a child, or throwing someone off a tall building. Jonty Bravery smiled and laughed after throwing a six-year-old boy off the Tate Modern viewing platform, a court heard Bravery told medical experts he felt indestructible and on top of the world after throwing the boy from the viewing platform. He was under the care of Hammersmith and Fulham Social Services at the time, and living in supported accommodation. Bravery was described as abusive and aggressive towards staff, and assaulted a female care worker in 2017. At the time of the attempted murder, he was under one-on-one supervision but was allowed to go out unaccompanied for four-hour periods. The court heard that Bravery has autism spectrum disorder and a personality disorder, both of which are relevant to understand his behaviour. A recording, taken by one of Braverys care workers in autumn 2018, suggested opportunities to stop the attack were missed. In the next few months Ive got it in my head Ive got to kill somebody, he could be heard saying, describing his urge to push someone off a building in central London. It could be the Shard, it could be anything just as long as its a high thing and we can go up and visit it and then push somebody off it and I know for a fact theyll die from falling from a hundred feet. The former care worker who took the recording told the BBC that Bravery had mentioned similar plans several times, adding: There were a few incidences regarding trying to hurt people, life-wrecking incidences that he had planned in his head. In a victim impact statement, the victims parents said they had not felt able to leave their sons side for more than a couple of hours because they are so scared of losing him. Doctors said Braverys victim was lucky to survive the 10-storey fall (PA) The act committed by this defendant against our son is unspeakable, they added, saying their son was unable to trust people and would like to slap Bravery for what he did. Bravery pleaded guilty to attempted murder in December. He sat with his T-shirt pulled over his head, then crouched on the floor with his back to a videolink camera as details of the case were read out at Thursdays sentencing hearing. Bravery said that he had been seriously unhappy and hearing voices telling him to hurt and kill people for months before the attack. He told police he had to prove a point to every idiot who said he had no mental health problems, saying he wanted to be on the news so when it is official no one can say anything else. In a series of social media posts before the attack, which have since been deleted, his father Piers Bravery attempted to raise awareness of autism and urged the health secretary to do your job and stop more children dying. Bravery is currently being held in a secure unit at Broadmoor Hospital. The judge, Mrs Justice McGowan, said she would not sentence him until Friday morning, adding: It is obviously not a straightforward case. Additional reporting by PA Shuttered: Lemon and Duke is one of the pubs taking action against FBD FBD has formally shelved plans to pay shareholders a dividend, bowing to pressure from European regulators. On February 27th FBD's board proposed a final dividend of 35m for the 2019 financial year, subject to ratification at the insurer's annual general meeting (AGM). That meeting was originally scheduled for May 8th, but was delayed as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions. FBD said yesterday that the agm will now go ahead on July 31st. However, the proposed dividend has now been shelved until after the full impact of Covid-19 has worked through the system. For FBD that will include the cost of any payouts under business interruption policies over which the insurer is in legal disputes with hundreds of customers. FBD said it has set aside what it called a "precautionary reserve of 22m" to cover costs that may be incurred in relation to the business interruption claims. The reserve will be included in claims costs in half-year results to the end of June. FBD has faced a huge backlash from business customers - and hundreds of legal actions - over its refusal to pay out on business interruption claims to companies shut by the Covid-19 outbreak. A handful of test cases are now before the courts, and the outcome of those cases will determine whether or not the insurer does eventually pay out. Dublin pub Lemon & Duke is one of four test cases to be heard in October, with implications for hundreds of other businesses concerning insurance liability. The company said it remains confident that the dividend will eventually by paid. "Taking into account the statement issued in April by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) urging the suspension of all discretionary dividend distributions, the heightened uncertainty resulting from Covid-19 and the importance of maintaining capital in the business, FBD has decided not to proceed at this time with the proposed dividend payment for the 2019 financial year," it said. "Here, I don't exist -- I die little by little," said Hamid, a young Algerian, his gaze fixed on Mediterranean waters he sees as his route to a better future. "My only hope is to leave for Europe." Like thousands of citizens from the Maghreb, the 28-year-old has chosen to risk his life by crossing the Mediterranean on a makeshift boat. With the coronavirus pandemic further squeezing already scant economic opportunities, Algerians and Tunisians are more determined than ever to reach Europe. The deadly nature of their gamble was underlined again this month when 60 people, mostly women and children, drowned off the Tunisian coast. But this has not put Hamid off. An engineer by profession, he has work, but is forced to live with his parents because his salary is not enough to rent a separate apartment. His friends Djamel and Mohamed are also set on making a seaborne bid from Annaba, a northeastern city that is a popular launchpad for illicit crossings to Europe. The migrants are known locally as "harraga", "those who burn" -- a reference to successful travellers setting their identity papers alight upon reaching their chosen destination, to avoid repatriation. A protest movement that started early last year in Algeria and quickly toppled longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika had sparked young people's hopes for a better future at home / AFP/File A protest movement that started early last year and quickly toppled longtime president Abdelaziz Bouteflika had sparked young people's hopes for a better future at home. But as the unprecedented peaceful movement has been ever more harshly repressed and the oil-dependent economy has tanked on low crude prices, illegal departures have ticked up again. Djamel said that with people being arrested for simply "posting opinions on Facebook", making for the seas "has become a question of survival". - 'Society regressed' - Algerian defence ministry figures show authorities arrested 1,433 people trying to depart illegally from Algeria's shores in the first five months of this year -- more than three times the figure for the same period of 2019. The monthly numbers of detentions dropped dramatically from 828 in January to just 16 in March, as the country's coronavirus outbreak kicked in. But Kouceila Zerguine, a lawyer based in Annaba, is convinced that actual migrant departures from Algeria are anyway far higher than the official figures. "You have to multiply that number by 20," because you have to account for those who actually complete their trip without being intercepted, Zerguine said. Sociologist Mohamed Mohamedi said the Hirak protest movement had offered citizens brief "hope of shaping a life" in Algeria. But, he said, "the return of the 'harraga' is due to the return of hopelessness". Mahrez Bouich, a professor of philosophy and politics in Bejaia in northeastern Algeria, agreed that the lack of hoped-for changes, along with economic stagnation, were to blame. The pandemic has "exacerbated social inequalities and injustices", Bouich said. Despite a 2009 law that punishes migrants intercepted at sea with six months in prison (five years for smugglers), growing numbers of Algerians are attempting the crossing -- often more than once. Aboard the boats are doctors, nurses, policemen, the unemployed and entire families, lawyer Zerguine said, arguing that the phenomenon cannot be explained by unemployment alone. Those who decide to leave "want to live with the times, they want more freedom and dignity". Mohamed, the prospective migrant, said Algeria's social conservatism had overlooked young people. "My grandparents are more open in spirit than my parents -- it's mad," he said. "Society has regressed and I refuse to regress with it." - 'Unemployment strangles us' - In neighbouring Tunisia, clandestine departures towards Europe quadrupled in the first five months of the year compared to 2019, according to the UN refugee agency UNHCR. And while a growing number of migrants attempting the crossings are from West Africa, Tunisians also appear to have ever more reason to leave. Many are disillusioned with the aftermath of the country's 2011 revolution, while the coronavirus pandemic has further crushed their economic prospects, said Khaled Tababi, a sociologist specialising in migration. Many jobs have simply disappeared, especially in the tourism sector, he said. Said El Ketari, an unemployed 28-year-old from the Sfax region of central-east Tunisia, stayed in Italy illegally for seven years before he was expelled in 2019. Ever since his unwanted arrival home, he has been eyeing the chance to cross the Mediterranean again. "Living in a foreign country hit by the pandemic is easier than living here without money, without prospects and with the unemployment that strangles us," he said. The ferrochrome market moved into a third consecutive year of oversupply following a surge in prices at the end of 2016, which was underpinned by demand from China. Sustained demand growth saw both chromium ores and ferrochrome supply reach annual records year-on-year, keeping pace ahead of demand and building an overhanging surplus. The surplus supressed prices in 2019 for both ore and ferrochrome, causing nearly half of supply to operate at a loss towards the tail-end of the year. In response to prolonged low prices, the market seemed poised to rebalance in 2020 as producers started cutting production prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. London: UK, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The COVID-19 pandemic is set to impact the chromium industry much like most markets experiencing intermittent suspensions, however, it seems that the pending supply deficit is more likely to be softened because of the virus. The impact on chromium demand in stainless steel globally, while supported with stimuli in China, will see a decline back to 2017 levels and soften the impact of ferrochrome furnace closures headlining in South Africa. South Africa has faced over a decade of rising production costs and loss of competitiveness related to increasing electricity tariffs and the need to invest in systems that allow for a secured and consistent power supply in the wake of rolling blackouts, dubbed "load shedding". While COVID-19 has reduced the load on the national electricity grid and halted load shedding for a short time, producers in South Africa seem to have used the lockdown to fast track closures of plants. In the meantime, global economic trends in the oil and gas industry and exchange rates have lowered US$-equivalent costs across the board and saved most marginal producers from closing permanently thus far this year. As a result, and including the exposure to Chinese stainless steel markets, the chromium industry will see limited lasting impacts directly due to COVID-19. The Andhra Pradesh high court (HC) on Thursday announced the suspension of its functioning till Sunday on the ground that there was an outbreak of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), a day after HC registrar-general B Rajasekhar (59) died of cardiac arrest in Vijayawada. Chief Justice JK Maheshwari has directed that the functioning of the HC has been suspended till Sunday due to an outbreak of Covid-19, according to a notification issued by the HC registrar. The notification also said the work of metropolitan sessions judge court in Vijayawada has also been suspended till Sunday. Though the notification said the reason for the sudden closure of the HC for four days was an outbreak of Covid-19, it did not specify whether it occurred within the premises of the court. A senior advocate, who refused to be quoted, said the decision was taken following the sudden death of Rajasekhar on Wednesday. He was declared dead at a private hospital in Vijayawada. We were told Rajasekhar had tested Covid-19 positive after he passed away. He had come in contact with a few judges before he collapsed in the court. Besides, some judges also went to the hospital to pay their last respects. The Chief Justice might have announced holidays for the court in a bid to sanitise its premises, the advocate said. It is not yet known whether the Chief Justice, other judges and staff members of the court would undergo Covid-19 tests following Rajasekhars death, he added. The Chief Justice recently issued stringent guidelines for all the court employees, security personnel and visitors in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic. As per the guidelines, the court officials and staff should not leave the headquarters without prior permission from the registrar-general. If anybody goes out by obtaining a permit, then that person must undergo quarantine before resuming duty. Thermal screening at the courts entry point is mandatory and only those who are found wearing masks are allowed to enter the premises. There is strict compliance with social distancing norms and visitors to the court are allowed to stand in designated circles, the notification added. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Jamaal Ellis j.vince photography / For the Chronicle Concerned citizens can help keep Houston bar and restaurant owners accountable by reporting crowded establishments not following COVID-19 state health protocols to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission as part of the agency's new undercover investigation. The statewide crackdown, Operation Safe Open, launched last weekend and resulted in more than a dozen Texas bars receiving suspensions on alcohol permits for not following health protocols aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19. Two Houston bars were among those cited; Handlebar Houston off Washington Avenue and Barge 295 in Seabrook. The Korean War started on June 25, 1950, when Communist North Korean troops launched a surprise attack across the 38th parallel into South Korea. Many of the veterans in attendance said they hoped for more peaceful relations with North Korea, but weren't optimistic as they said Pyongyang's policies hadn't changed. Around 500 attendees, including residents, local government officials, and 370 war veterans attended the ceremony. U.S.-led United Nations forces battled Chinese and Soviet-backed North Korea in the war which killed three million soldiers and civilians and left five million refugees. North and South Korea are still technically at war since the conflict ended in a truce without a peace treaty. Political tensions between the rival Koreas had been rising over Pyongyang's objections to plans by defector-led groups in the South to send propaganda leaflets into the North. Stalled negotiations regarding economic sanctions imposed because of the North's nuclear weapons program had also fuelled tensions. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 22:08:06|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close ISLAMABAD, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan on Thursday said it is disappointed with a latest U.S. report on terrorism which claims "Pakistan continued to serve as a safe haven for certain regionally focused terrorist groups," rejecting it as "self-contradictory." The Foreign Ministry of Pakistan said "we are disappointed" with the U.S. State Department's Country Reports on Terrorism 2019 "which is self-contradictory and selective in its characterization of Pakistan's efforts for countering terrorism and terrorist financing." "Pakistan is fully aware of its responsibilities as a sovereign state. We reject any insinuation about any safe haven. Pakistan will not allow any group or entity to use its territory against any country," a foreign ministry statement said. The statement pointed out that while the report has recognized that al-Qaeda group has been seriously degraded in the region, it neglected to mention Pakistan's crucial role in decimating al-Qaeda, thereby diminishing the threat that the terrorist group once posed to the world. The statement said the report has acknowledged the sharp decrease in the incidence of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. "However, it neglects to explain that this was only possible because Pakistan's resolute counter-terrorism operations have targeted proscribed groups and outfits without discrimination." The Foreign Ministry of Pakistan reminded the United States that it is Pakistan that faces the threat of terrorism from externally based and foreign sponsored groups. The statement said the report has also failed to acknowledge the full extent of Pakistan's support for the Afghan peace process, which has created a historic opportunity for lasting peace in the region. "Pakistan's positive contribution and facilitation of U.S.-Taliban direct talks culminating in the Peace Agreement of February 29, 2020 are widely acknowledged, including by the U.S. and its leadership," the statement said. Pakistan hopes that future U.S. reports will fully acknowledge the entire spectrum of Pakistan's counter-terrorism efforts and present a fair and correct perspective of this global threat, according to the statement. Enditem Russell Crowe is a tough actor to land for a role. The 56-year-old Australian was a remote guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday, and during their chat he spoke about how he almost turned down two movies in his repertoire. The first was his new film Unhinged, which comes out next month, but surprisingly the second, perhaps the most famous movie he's ever done, was 2000's Gladiator, which won him Oscar gold as Best Actor. He's a tough one: Russell Crowe chatted with Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday, about how he almost turned down his role in 2000's Gladiator, which won him Oscar gold as Best Actor Crowe called making Gladiator which was released 20 years ago last month 'a unique experience,' partly because, according to the actor, 'the [initial] script that they had was so bad.' 'It was just so bad,' Russell continued. 'It was like, Okay, ummm. Yeah.' But the producer Crowe was speaking to at the time didn't know he had seen an early version of the script, and succeeded in convincing the Insider star to still meet with Gladiator's acclaimed director, Ridley Scott. 'The producer didn't know I'd actually already been able to get a copy,' Crowe explained to Fallon. 'But the thing he said was, "I don't want to send you the document we have because you won't respond to it." 'He said, "But, I want to encourage you to have a meeting with Ridley Scott, and heres the thing that I want you to think about: its 180 AD, you're a roman general and you're being directed by Ridley Scott. Just think about that."' Hi opinion: Crowe called making Gladiator released 20 years ago last month 'a unique experience,' partly because 'the [initial] script that they had was so bad' Wow: 'It was just so bad,' Russell continued. 'It was like, Okay, ummm. Yeah' The rest is history, as Russell shared that he and Ridley 'clicked on that first meeting.' The film, of course, went on to win Academy Awards not only for Crowe, but also for Best Picture, Best Sound, Best Visual Effects and Best Costume Design. One would assume that the early version of the script that initially turned Crowe off to the role was extensively revised as well, since Gladiator's screenplay was also nominated for an Oscar that year (it lost to Almost Famous, the script of which was written by Cameron Crowe, no relation to Russell). The rest is history: The producer Crowe was speaking to at the time succeeded in convincing the Insider star to still meet with Gladiator's acclaimed director, Ridley Scott, and they 'clicked' And although Russell remembers working on Gladiator as 'an extremely difficult job' and that 'there was definitely a little risk involved at the time,' he acknowledges that the gamble paid off in a huge way. 'By the time I was leaving the set, I definitely felt the collective energy of that cast,' he reminisced. 'It was fantastic... Everybody just lived in that world that Ridley created.' 'Twenty years later people still talk about,' Crowe also added. 'That doesnt happen with every movie.' Reminiscing: Although Russell remembers working on Gladiator as 'an extremely difficult job' and that 'there was definitely a little risk involved at the time,' he acknowledges that it paid off Golden boy: The role won him an Oscar in 2001 Up next, the A Beautiful Mind actor can be seen in Unhinged, a thriller about a man with road rage who eventually cracks. In his chat with Fallon, he said he initially turned that project down as well, because it frightened him, but when he saw how the film's description intrigued his friends, he changed his mind. Unhinged will be released next month in theaters that have reopened amid eased coronavirus restrictions. A drive from one end of the San Antonio area to the other would take travelers clear across several cities, states and countries. A Google Map search showed the distance from Boerne to Floresville is about a 56-mile drive. READ ALSO: These are the top 10 suburbs to raise a family in the San Antonio area, according to Niche With that distance, you can travel across the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait from Djibouti to Yemen or drive from New York City deep into Long Island. San Antonio's distance also compared to the most populated city in North America - Mexico City. Below are states, cities and countries that are similar in distance to San Antonio. Editor's Note: With so much market volatility, stay on top of daily news! Get caught up in minutes with our speedy summary of today's must-read news and expert opinions. Sign up here! (Kitco News) - Market participants appear to be using pullbacks in gold prices as "buying opportunities," said Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch. After rising to $1,780 an ounce early Wednesday, spot metal fell back to around $1,760 but was holding there around there early Thursday. Golds reversal lower Wednesday on a day when stocks plunged could have been a sign of renewed "forced selling to generate liquidity," as has happened during other periods of risk aversion over the past three months, Fritsch said. "As compared with previous episodes, however, the price slide so far has been only moderate," he said. "What is more, it is noticeable that falls in the gold price are still being viewed by investors as buying opportunities." For instance, Fritsch pointed out, gold exchange-traded funds tracked by Bloomberg registered inflows of 13.5 metric tons yesterday, roughly half of which was attributable to SPDR Gold Trust. "We therefore regard the latest weakness in the gold price as temporary and envisage new highs in the near future," Fritsch said. Following a vote by the Northampton City Council last week to cut hundreds of thousands of dollars from the police departments budget, the agency will now eliminate five full-time positions. Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper announced the decision Wednesday, noting that the changes stemmed from the agencys 2021 budget being slashed by 10%. A big portion of the cut, $475,426, was made directly to the departments staffing funds. The personnel cuts mean one vacant position will remain unfilled. The agency will lay off another three individuals, including one employee who was scheduled to attend the next police academy as well as two others currently in the academy who are expected to graduate in a few weeks. An additional officer resigned Monday, and his position will also remain unfilled, according to Kasper. Officer Josh Wallace was removed from his position as the citys full-time school resource officer as well. He will now be serving as part of the departments patrol unit, the chief noted. In these increasingly difficult times, we remain committed to best serving the complex public safety needs of our community, Kasper said. After widespread protests against racial injustice and countless calls for law enforcement agencies across the country to be defunded, the Northampton City Council voted on June 19 to cut $669,957 in funding from the communitys police department. In his budget proposal submitted last month, Mayor David Narkewicz, initially sought to increase the agencys funding by $193,579 or 2.88% in fiscal year 2021. Narkewicz sought to trim that proposal, though, in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man who died after a white Minneapolis police officer kneeled on his neck for nearly 9 minutes, which sparked demands to overhaul policing in the U.S., I realize that our world has changed dramatically since I submitted this budget on May 18, Narkewicz said in early June. In Northampton, protests against systemic racism and police brutality have drawn thousands of individuals, and hundreds tuned into a string of city council meetings regarding the communitys law enforcement budget, expressing disapproval of the mayors initial FY 2021 budget proposal for the citys police department. Narkewicz later proposed $19,066 in cuts to police funding, marking a 0.28% decrease from the agencys funds in FY 2020, according to a letter the mayor wrote to City Council President Gina-Louise Sciarra. Still, dozens of residents took to another city council meeting earlier this month to argue the mayors cuts were not enough. Many participants in the legislative bodys public hearing argued money from the Northampton Police Department should go to other city services, like public education, health and housing. At the city councils June 18 meeting, officials first considered a 15% decrease in the Northampton Police Departments budget, though Kasper spoke out strongly against motion, estimating the proposed cut would cause the agency to lose 12 or 13 officers. 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. Ward 5 City Councilor Alex Jarrett withdrew his motion to reduce the police department budgets by 15% after Kaspers comments, and before voting for the 10% cut, councilors debated introducing gradual decreases to the law enforcement agencys funds. Related Content: MDC Alliance legislators yesterday snubbed a meeting called by MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe, with less than 20 turning up at the Harvest House. After recalling 13 MPs, Khupe is trying to impose her authority on the legislators, most who still regard her rival Nelson Chamisa as their legitimate leader. Deputy spokesman Khaliphani Phugeni told reporters that 30 plus legislators had attended the parliamentary caucus, but refused to name them. However, sources within the opposition party said under 20, out of 103, attended. The caucus was well-attended, we had 30 plus MPs here, I dont have their names but I will share the videos with you, it was amazing, Phugeni said. The MDC-T claims that under the Alliance, it sponsored a total of 103 legislators who should now be under the direct control of Khupe. But MDC Alliance presidential secretary Jameson Timba said the MPs snubbed Khupe. The legislators of the MDC Alliance have remained loyal to their conscience, timba said. Authorities are asking for help finding a missing foster child whos been gone for more than two weeks. Zion Gallaher, 16, went missing from Portland on June 7, according to the Oregon Department of Human Services. Hes believed to be in danger. The Department of Human Services said Zion knows the downtown Portland and Sandy areas well. The agency didnt detail the circumstances of his disappearance in a news release Wednesday. Zion stands 5-foot-10 and weighs 180 pounds. Authorities said anyone who suspects they have information about his whereabouts should call 911 or a local law enforcement agency. -- Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015 Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. The Shiv Sena on Thursday hit out at the Centre over rising fuel prices across the country. Sena mouthpiece Saamana, in an editorial, said the Centre was giving a free hand to oil companies, although crude oil prices havent risen. In a jibe, the editorial said the increasing fuel prices might be filling the coffers of the Centre, but it should keep in mind that it is emptying the pockets of common man. Fuel prices were hiked for the 19th day in a row on Thursday. After an 82-day hiatus, oil companies restarted revising prices in line with costs on June 7. In the past 18 days, diesel and petrol got dearer by 10.48 and 8.50, respectively, the editorial said. In a strongly worded editorial, the Sena said fuel prices are any governments source of revenue, but there should be a limit to it. Only two things are increasing in the country today Covid-19 count and fuel prices... There is at least an attempt to curb the Covid-19 spread, but there is total silence on the rising fuel prices. Since the lockdown ended, the Covid-19 cases have increased and since unlock fuel prices are skyrocketing, the editorial said. The editorial added that for the first time ever, diesel became costlier than petrol in the country in New Delhi. The write-up in the Marathi daily added that although the country has been unlocked, people still do not have jobs. The government unlocked the country to bring the economy back on track, but oil companies have unlocked the prices of petrol and diesel to their advantage, it said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON * GRAPHIC-Global methane intensity: https://tmsnrt.rs/318gDAX * GRAPHIC-Russian methane emissions estimates: https://tmsnrt.rs/3ex9wG7 * GRAPHIC-Sources of Russian methane: https://tmsnrt.rs/2Z0ZO8p By Shadia Nasralla LONDON, June 26 (Reuters) - Last fall, European Space Agency satellites detected huge plumes of the invisible planet-warming gas methane leaking from the Yamal pipeline that carries natural gas from Siberia to Europe. Energy consultancy Kayrros estimated one leak was spewing out 93 tonnes of methane every hour, meaning the daily emissions from the leakage were equivalent to the amount of carbon dioxide pumped out in a year by 15,000 cars in the United States. The find, which has not been reported, is part of a growing effort by companies, academics and some energy producers to use space-age technology to find the biggest methane leaks as the potent heat-trapping gas builds up rapidly in the atmosphere. Kayrros, which is analysing the satellite data, said another leak nearby was gushing at a rate of 17 tonnes an hour and that it had informed Yamal's operator Gazprom about its findings this month. Gazprom did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the leaks identified by Kayrros. Up to now, estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from industries have relied mainly on paper-based calculations of what's pouring out of tailpipes and smokestacks, based on the amount of energy consumed by people and businesses. But as satellite technology improves, researchers are starting to stress test the data - and the early results show leaky oil and gas industry infrastructure is responsible for far more of the methane in the atmosphere than previously thought. Such a revelation would heap pressure on energy companies already targeted by climate activists and investors for their contribution to carbon dioxide emissions - to find and plug methane leaks. The new satellite discoveries of methane leaks could also lead to more stringent regulatory regimes targeting natural gas, once seen as a "clean" fossil fuel, as governments seek to combat climate change, experts say. While scientists generally agree that calculating emissions based on consumption works well for carbon dioxide, it is less reliable for methane, which is prone to unexpected leaks. Story continues Methane is also 80 times more potent during its first 20 years in the atmosphere and scientists say that identifying methane sources is crucial to making the drastic emissions cuts needed to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. "What this now shows is that the avoidance of that fossil leakage actually can have a larger impact than what was anticipated earlier," said Imperial College London climate scientist Joeri Rogelj, who is one of the authors for reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). PIVOTAL DISCOVERY A study in February's Nature magazine reinforced the idea that the oil and gas industry produces far more methane than previously thought as it suggested emissions of the gas from natural causes have been significantly overestimated. The findings don't let farming off the hook - it's still responsible for a quarter of the methane in the atmosphere - but they suggest mud volcanoes and natural oil and gas seepages have been taking some of the heat for the energy industry's leaks. Some big oil and gas companies such as BP and Royal Dutch Shell are tackling the issue by investing in satellite companies or signing monitoring deals so they can find and plug their leaks and stick to pledges to slash emissions. The push to detect emissions from the sky began when U.S. advocacy group Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and universities including Harvard used aerial measurements to show methane leaks from America's oil and gas heartland were 60% above inventories reported to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. That 2018 report was pivotal, said Christophe McGlade, a senior researcher at the International Energy Agency (IEA). "What they found from actual ground and aerial measurements is that the engineering-based approach can really underestimate total emissions," he said. "Maybe if emissions were higher in the United States than previous estimates, maybe they were higher in other parts of the world too?" A year later, Canadian greenhouse gas monitoring company GHGSat found another major leak at pipeline and compressor infrastructure near the Korpezhe field in Turkmenistan. In an October report, GHGSat estimated the leak released 142,000 tonnes of methane in the 12 months to the end of January 2019 and said then it was the biggest on record. GHGSat said the leak was plugged in April 2019 after state oil company Turkmen Oil was notified. Turkmen Oil officials could not be reached for comment. The company declined to comment when asked about it in November. "That one emission that we found together represents about one million cars taken off the road per year," said GHGSat founder Stephane Germain. Now, the more recent Kayrros discovery has added to the evidence that undetected methane leaks from the energy industry are a global issue and a major one. RUSSIA IN THE SPOTLIGHT Kayrros said its analysis of the satellite data showed concentrations of methane around compressor stations along the pipeline linking Russian gasfields to Europe. The Yamal-Europe pipeline stretches 2,000 km (1,250 miles) from Germany through Poland and Belarus to Russia where it joins the 2,200 km SRTOTorzhok pipeline to Siberia's gasfields. Gazprom estimated that about 0.29% of the 679 billion cubic metres of gas it moved through its pipeline network escaped as methane emissions in 2019. Yamal has an annual capacity of about 33 billion cubic metres. "These figures correspond to the best global practices," Gazprom said in a June 10 statement about its emissions. Kayrros also discovered leaks from oil and gas installations in the Sahara Desert in North Africa. "Early results show that the estimates we have been relying on for the last years and decades are probably too low and we're finding more methane coming out of various industries and regions than we thought was the case," said Christian Lelong, director for natural resources at Kayrros. McGlade said the IEA increased the projected contributions of several countries in central Asia and North Africa in its Methane Tracker this year because of the satellite detections. He singled out Russia as one country where official methane emissions estimates were likely too low. "Our estimates suggest that Russia is actually among the higher emitters globally. There does appear to be evidence from satellites of leaks along some of its large gas pipeline routes," McGlade said. The Kremlin did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the IEA estimates. MORE SATELLITES The scrutiny from space is set to intensify. GHGSat aims to launch two new satellites this year while the EDF advocacy group plans to launch its own satellite in 2022. The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is also working on a satellite monitoring programme for greenhouse gas emissions, specifically in the United States. Shell signed a deal with GHGSat last year to work towards covering its sites globally, saying it hopes to get its methane leakage rate down to 0.2%, or below, by 2025. BP is planning to cover its sites with constant measurements by 2023 and invested $5 million this month in Satelytics, an analytics firm that tracks methane emissions using satellites. BP, Shell and U.S. non-profit EDF - along with Eni, Total, Equinor and Wintershall Dea - sent policy recommendations to the European Union in May, asking the world's biggest gas importer to standardise the gathering of methane emissions data by 2023, using satellite technology. U.S. oil companies have also been exploring ways to detect methane emissions, said Howard Feldman, senior director for regulatory and scientific affairs at the American Petroleum Institute. Exxon Mobil Corp, for example, said this year it was field testing eight detection methods, including satellites and aerial surveillance with drones, helicopters and planes. (Additional reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Richard Valdmanis and David Clarke) The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade is looking for a partner providing legal services to help it handle the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC)s investigation on tires imported from Vietnam. The ideal partner must have professional capacity and experience in providing consulting for trade remedy cases initiated by the United States, or resolving disputes at the World Trade Organization (WTO). It must also have knowledge of U.S. laws and procedures or dispute resolution mechanisms in dispute settlement cases at the WTO. The information was confirmed by the ministrys Trade Remedies Authority of Vietnam on Wednesday after the DOC officially launched an anti-subsidy investigation into a number of automobile tire products originating in Vietnam. Last year's data released by United States customs indicates that Vietnam exported tire products worth approximately US$525 million to the U.S. market. The initiation of the investigation came after the DOC had received a petition for anti-dumping investigation on Vietnamese tire imports on May 13. In total, the investigation into the case is anticipated to last for 12 months and has the option of being extended for an additional six months. Throughout the probe, the DOC may choose to issue preliminary conclusions, as well as applying anti-dumping and temporary anti-subsidy measures. After receiving information regarding the petition, the Vietnamese trade ministry moved to begin activities aimed at supporting enterprises being investigated by the U.S. side. Particularly, the ministry has been exchanging and consulting with Vietnamese agencies and export businesses, in addition to the U.S. side, to clarify the contents of the petition. The ministry has been closely coordinating with related ministries to report the incident to the prime minister while also proposing plans on handling the case in order to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Vietnamese firms. In an effort to respond effectively to the case, the ministry has recommended that Vietnamese exporters should be active in stepping up comprehensive cooperation with the DOC throughout the investigation process. The ministry will closely cooperate with relevant Vietnamese agencies to assist them in providing all necessary information to the DOC for assessment. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Unilateral annexation is a radical departure. After hours of discussion with current and former senior Israeli government officials with intimate knowledge of the annexation initiative, it is clear to me that the idea springs from a gloomy view of Israels strategic situation in which the worlds consensus on what constitutes a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has lurched leftward in a pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel direction as Israeli politics has shifted rightward. Israel traditionally viewed the peace process as a way to achieve secure and defensible borders for the Jewish state; settlement growth, especially outposts deep in the West Bank, complicated this by providing a rationale to claim more land in an eventual deal. At the same time, much of the world moved in the opposite direction, viewing the entire area as legitimately Palestinian and negotiations as merely a mechanism for full Israeli withdrawal to the 1949 armistice lines from Israels independence war. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison sued ExxonMobil, Koch Industries and the American Petroleum Institute on Wednesday, alleging they deceived and defrauded Minnesotans about climate change. The lawsuit, filed in Ramsey County District Court, accuses the oil companies and trade group of consumer fraud and deceptive trade practices. It seeks unspecified restitution, a corrective public education campaign and an injunction against continued violations. Were here suing these defendants API, ExxonMobil and Koch for hiding the truth, confusing the facts and muddling the water to devastating effect, Ellison said at a news conference. At least 15 other government entities have brought similar lawsuits, including Massachusetts, New York and Rhode Island. New York lost its lawsuit against ExxonMobil in December. Ellison wouldnt specify a dollar figure for the damages hell seek but said, its going to be a lot. He said it could be akin to Minnesotas $7 billion 1998 settlement with the tobacco industry. Leaders of several environmental groups participated in the attorney generals news conference, including Sam Grant, executive director of the climate change group MN350. We want Exxon, Koch, and API to pay for their lies. Their acts of fraud harmed all Minnesotans. We deserve our day in court, and we stand with future generations, Mr Grant said. ExxonMobil denounced the lawsuit as baseless and without merit. This lawsuit is part of a coordinated, politically motivated campaign against energy companies, spokesman Casey Norton said in an email. Legal proceedings like this waste millions of dollars of taxpayer money and do nothing to advance meaningful actions that reduce the risks of climate change. The chief legal officer for the American Petroleum Institute, Paul Afonso, said in a statement: The record of the past two decades demonstrates that the industry has achieved its goal of providing affordable, reliable American energy to U.S. consumers while substantially reducing emissions and our environmental footprint. Any suggestion to the contrary is false. Flint Hills Resources, a subsidiary of Koch Industries that operates a refinery in Pine Bend, Minnesota, said it was reviewing the lawsuit. Associated Press reporting Playboy millionaire Gianluca Vacchi, 52, and his pregnant girlfriend Sharon Fonseca, 25, continued to entertain their Instagram followers on Wednesday. The social media sensation shared a video while showering with his dog before his stunning partner showed off her burgeoning bump in a playful video. Sporting a keyhole swimsuit, the brunette beauty appeared tickled by the difference in her bump's appearance in a head on shot and a sideways angle. Ruff ride! Playboy millionaire Gianluca Vacchi, 52, and his pregnant girlfriend Sharon Fonseca, 25, continued to entertain their Instagram followers on Wednesday Sharon proved she is taking to pregnancy swimmingly as she beamed while larking around in the stunning snap and cradled her bump. It comes after Gianluca said their 27-year age gap doesn't 'concern' him. The businessman and stunning model are expecting their first child and candidly discussed their romance in a new interview. In the chat, Gianluca revealed he has the energy of a 15-year-old boy and Sharon made him 'suffer' at the start of their relationship to win him over. Wow! The social media sensation shared a video while showering with his dog before his stunning partner showed off her burgeoning bump in a playful video Blooming: Sharon proved she is taking to pregnancy swimmingly as she beamed while larking around in the stunning snap and cradled her bump The couple spoke from their lavish mansion in Bologna, Italy, which boasts three swimming pools and 38 acres of land, after returning from their penthouse in Miami, Florida. Asked about whether the 27-year age gap concerns him, Gianluca told HELLO! magazine: 'Not at all, if it doesn't bother her. Even though I have this white beard, my enthusiasm is that of a boy of 15.' While Sharon added: 'Gian is an open book, a man from whom I can learn something different every day. And then there's his spirit and energy [like a 15-year-old's].' To which Gianluca joked that they should increase it to 18-years-old as he can drive at that age. Bumping along nicely: She added a caption reading: 'When you take a frontal pic vs. on your side right???' Smitten: It comes after Gianluca said their 27-year age gap doesn't 'concern' him Parents-to-be! The businessman and stunning model are expecting their first child and candidly discussed their romance in a new interview Candid: In the chat, Gianluca revealed he has the energy of a 15-year-old boy and Sharon made him 'suffer' at the start of their relationship to win him over The couple met two years ago on the set of one of his music videos and the Italian millionaire admitted he was struck by the 'incredibly sexy' Sharon. Although Gianluca revealed that the model played hard to get at the start of their romance, he joked: 'She made me suffer a lot, that's for sure. I thought that same night she would fall into my net, but I was wrong!' Sharon is currently three-months pregnant with their first child and shared that she hopes to give birth in America to a little girl. They will find out the baby's sex at a later scan. She has a gynaecologist in both Miami and Italy, they split their time between the two. Idyllic: The couple spoke from their lavish mansion in Bologna, Italy, which boasts three swimming pools and 38 acres of land, after returning from their penthouse in Miami, Florida The couple also admitted that they didn't expect to be parents now but are very 'happy' over the news and 'fully welcome' their baby. Gianluca has a daughter called Ginevra Mavilla from a previous relationship, who was born on July 6, 2002, in Italy. Earlier this week, Sharon shared some stunning photos of her blossoming baby bump to Instagram. The 25-year-old beauty donned a red swimsuit and denim shirt for the stunning pool shoot and shared a heartfelt caption about her changing body. Expecting: Earlier this week, Sharon shared some stunning photos of her blossoming baby bump to Instagram The model said: 'Last time I posted a picture in a bikini I got so many comments about my stretch marks, and honestly it made me happy. 'Now more than ever I'm so proud of my body and what it is capable of doing! I'm growing another human inside of me, what a miracle! 'Coming from modelling I know first hand how people expect you to look... and thank God I never got inside of my head changing my body image when my 'agencies' tried to convince me to stop working out, to not get muscles, or to count calories. NO! Heartfelt: The beauty shared a touching message about her changing body, describing their baby as a 'miracle' Posing: The 25-year-old beauty donned a red swimsuit and denim shirt for the stunning pool shoot and shared a heartfelt caption about her changing body Mother to be: Sharon said she is 'proud' of her changing body as she embraces motherhood 'Be your own beauty, without worrying about your size, type of hair, SKIN COLOUR or whatever 'society' makes you think is beautiful.' Sharon is clearly excited to have her first child and is enjoying spending time with Gianluca in Bologna during lockdown. Last month, Gianluca shared a clip comparing his 'bump' with his girlfriend as he pretended to deflate his stomach. Happy couple: Sharon and Gianluca are expecting their first child together, while the playboy has daughter, Ginevra, from a previous relationship Sweet: Last month, Gianluca shared a clip comparing his 'bump' with his girlfriend as he pretended to deflate his stomach The cute couple reached out and pretended to 'pop' each other's stomachs, with Gianluca sucking in to deflate himself, whilst Sharon's baby bump of course stayed pronounce. Gianluca captioned the video: 'Deflating mode doesn't work for everyone...' The couple previously took to Instagram to announce their happy news as they put on a very loved-up display together, before sharing a picture of Sharon's bump. Bumping along nicely: Taking to Instagram, the playboy millionaire shared a clip comparing their 'bumps' as he pretended to deflate his stomach Gianluca told his 15.2 million followers: 'Today is Mother's Day and of course my first thought goes to my mom. 'But I have to say that whenever I have thought of a potential mother for my son, that woman had Sharon's characteristics.' He then shared a picture of himself bending down on one knee as Sharon showed off her bump in a cropped shirt. He wrote: 'Thank you so much for the love you gave us. We are very grateful to life for this beautiful gift. ' Gianluca, famous for his Instagram dancing videos, was first linked to Sharon in April 2017. He was previously in a relationship with supermodel Giorgia Gabriele, but they split in 2017 - she first shared his dancing videos which went viral. Coronavirus Updates: Maharashtra registered 5,024 new coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the tally of cases in the state to 1,52,765, while the number of fatalities reached 7,106 with 175 new deaths. Auto refresh feeds Hello and welcome to the ICC U19 World Cup Group B match between India and Uganda. The Boys in Blue are through to the Super League quarter-finals with two wins in two and will be expected to have it easy against Uganda. Stay tuned for further updates. Toss update: Uganda have won the toss and opted to field first. We would have batted first. All our players are fine but are under isolation,"stand-in India skipper Nishant Sindhu at the toss. OUT! Caught by Brian Asaba at first slip and Harnoor Singh has to depart. Partnership broken at a time when the openers were looking to forge a 50-plus partnership. Harnoor Singh c Brian Asaba b Christopher Kidega 15 FIFTY! Another half-century for Angkrish Raghuvanshi, he gets to the milestone with a fine boundary towards deep midwicket. OUT! Caught by the fielder at mid-off and Nishant departs. Pascal Murungi with the wicket. Nishant Sindhu c Christopher Kidega b Pascal Murungi 15 CENTURY! Pulled it away towards deep square leg fence for a boundary and Angkrish reaches his hundred. CENTURY! Raj Bawa gets to his century, for him, there was no turning back from the word GO today. OUT! Partnership broken as Angkrish Raghuvanshi's innings comes to an end. Caught by Cyrus Kakuru. A ngkrish Raghuvanshi c Cyrus Kakuru b Yunusu Sowobi 144 OUT! Edged and caught by keeper Kakuru as Kaushal Tambe departs. Kaushal Tambe c Cyrus Kakuru b Pascal Murungi 15 OUT! Incredible one-hand catch by Baguma at extra-cover to see off Dinesh Bana. Just incredible stuff! Dinesh Bana c Joseph Baguma b Pascal Murungi 22 OUT! Caught by Vicky Ostwal at point and Brian Asaba departs. Once again, Hangargekar with the wicket. Brian Asaba c Vicky Ostwal b RS Hangargekar 5 OUT! Bowled by Nishant Sindhu and Ronald Opio has to depart. Opio goes for the sweep but misses it. Ronald Opio b Nishant Sindhu 11 GAME OVER! Suwubi is run-out after a mix-up with Musinguzi, and this means Uganda bundle out for just 79. Isaac Ategeka, who retired hurt after getting hit on his left arm, won't come back to bat. India make it three wins in three Group Games as they head for the Super League quarter-finals That's all we have from this game. India will next play their Super League quarter-final game, hoping all players stay fit for that. We'll be back for that one. Until then, it's goodbye and good night! Another blow for Uganda as Brian Asaba departs. He's caught by Vicky Ostwal at point with Hangargekar claiming his second wicket. Captain Pascal Murungi is the new batter. Triple blow for Uganda. Ronald Lutaaya was the latest to depart, getting caught by Nishant Sindhu at mid-on. Uganda are struggling for runs, but can newcomer Ronald Oplo get some runs on board? 23 runs from the last three overs for Uganda, and that can bring a smile on the faces of their fans watching this match. Raj Bawa is into the attack for the first time today, and concedes nine runs. OUT! Bowled by Nishant Sindhu and Ronald Opio has to depart. Opio goes for the sweep but misses it. Ronald Opio b Nishant Sindhu 11 Nishant Sindhu with the wicket of Opio as Uganda lose their fourth wicket. Just when Uganda were looking to gather a small momentum, they lose another wicket. OUT! Juma Miyaji is the latest to depart. He goes out for a seven-ball duck, that adds more misery to Uganda. They are five down, half their side back in the pavilion. Joseph Baguma is the new batter. Nishant with his third wicket this match. Baguma this time, and Nishant goes down the leg side. Baguma tries to play this down leg, but misses and the ball hits the stumps. Clean bowled! Christopher Kudega is the new batter. GAME OVER! Suwubi is run-out after a mix-up with Musinguzi, and this means Uganda bundle out for just 79. Isaac Ategeka, who retired hurt after getting hit on his left arm, won't come back to bat. India make it three wins in three Group Games as they head for the Super League quarter-finals Raj Bawa is the Player of the Match for his knock of 162* That's all we have from this game. India will next play their Super League quarter-final game, hoping all players stay fit for that. We'll be back for that one. Until then, it's goodbye and good night! Coronavirus LATEST Updates: Maharashtra registered 5,024 new coronavirus cases on Friday, taking the tally of cases in the stateto 1,52,765, while the number of fatalities reached 7,106 with 175 new deaths. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has extended all restrictions on international flights till 15 July. However, the ban does not include cargo and special flights. The DGCA order also mentioned that the competent authorities will have the freedom to run special flights on select roots. Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain tested negative for COVID-19 today, almost two weeks after he tested positive for the novel coronavirus. He will be discharged from hospital care today. Odisha registered a total of 6,180 confirmed cases on Friday after 218 more individuals tested positive for the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours, said the health department on Friday. Of the total fresh cases, 198 cases were reported from various quarantine centres and 20 cases are local contacts. Besides, seven personnel of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), who had returned to the state after cyclone Amphan restoration work in West Bengal, have also tested positive for the virus. Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking him to instruct apex regulatory bodies for professional programmes to "endorse the decision of state government" regarding cancellation of major examinations. Maharashtra has decided to cancel the final year examinations for both professional and non-professional courses last week. Assam has extended the lockdown in Guwahati for the next two weeks from Monday to check the spread of coronavirus. Only pharmacies will be open, Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said this afternoon as he announced one of the strictest lockdowns in the city since the beginning of the pandemic. A night-curfew will also be observed across Assam for the next two weeks, Sarma added. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday of the 26,000 positive cases in the National Capital, only 6,000 patients have been hospitalised as most of them have mild symptoms and are being treated at home. "In the last one week, the number of beds occupied has been around 6,000 despite almost 3,000 new cases daily as they do not require hospitalisation. COVID19 cases in Delhi are mild and most of them don't require hospitalisation. Right now, we have over 13,000 beds ready," said Kejriwal. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said that the testing capacity for COVID-19 has been increased by three times in the National Capital. He further said that at least 45,000 patients have been cured of the viral infection so far. "Number of COVID-19 cases in Delhi is high but, the situation is under control and there is no need to worry. We've increased testing by three times but positive cases have increased by around 3000 per day only. Out of the total COVID-19 patients, approx 45,000 people have recovered," said Kejriwal. Aatma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rojgar Abhiyan will provide motivation and learning to other states as well, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday during the launch of the scheme for migrant labourers in the state. "Uttar Pradesh is bigger than many countries of the world. Looking at the hard work done by the state government during the pandemic, we can say that it has managed to save 85,000 lives," said the prime minister. In the past 24 hours, two more COVID-19 fatalities and 190 fresh cases have been reported in the Maharashtra Police. With this, the toll in the police force climbed to 56 while, the total number of positive cases stood at 4,516. The Supreme Court on Friday approved the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) notification to cancel the Class 10 and Class 12 exams, scheduled from 1 take place from 1-15 July, of remaining subjects in view of coronavirus. "We accept the notification issued by CBSE. Any other petition considering the subject of conducting exams for Class X and XII by CBSE scheduled for July 1 to July 15, 2020, stands disposed off by this order. ICSE in principle will issue similar notification," ordered the apex ccourt. Of the total 4,90,401 confirmed coronavirus cases in India, the total number of patients who have been cured of the viral infection are over 2.85 lakh. This takes the COVID-19 recovery rate across the nation to 58.25 percent. With 407 casualties in the past 24 hours the COVID-19 toll across the nation climbed to 15,301 on Friday, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. With this, the COVID-19 mortality rate stood at 3.12 percent. India registered 17,296 new COVID-19 infections for the first time in a single day, taking the total confirmed cases over 4.90 lakh on Friday. The figure also includes 1,89,463 active cases. Homegrown pharma major Hetero is et to deliver the generic version of antiviral drug Remdesivir to states across the country for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Sold under the brand name Covifor, the drug has been priced at Rs 5,400 per vial and will be available at hospitals to treat the infection. Delhi and Maharashtra - the two worst-hit states in the country by the pandemic will be the first to receive the first batch of the antiviral medicine. The Hyderabad-based drugmaker has dispatched 20,000 vials of Covifor to five states. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday will launch a 125-day campaign to provide employment to migrant workers and others in Uttar Pradesh, who lost their jobs during coronavirus pandemic. Modi will launch the Atma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh Rojgar Abhiyan, being undertaken as part of the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan that the prime minister started on 20 June for 116 districts in six states in the country. India on Thursday recorded close to 17,000 new coronavirus infections, pushing the overall tally to 4.73 lakh as the number of fatalities inched closer to 15,000, according to the Union Health Ministry's data. The surge in cases over the past few days also led to the cancellation of a number of exams in the country, including the pending papers of CBSE Class 10 and ICSE. COVID-19 cases spike in India, but recovery rate improves The data updated at 8 am showed the daily COVID-19 cases increased by 16,922 to reach 4,73,105, while the death-toll climbed to 14,894 with 418 new fatalities. This was the sixth consecutive day when coronavirus cases increased by more than 14,000. On 20 June, the country registered an increase of 14,516 cases. On June 21, the increase was of 15,413 cases; 14,821 cases on 22 June; 14,933 cases on 23 June; and 15,968 cases on 24 June. Consequently, India has added 92,573 cases since 20 June, and over 2.82 lakh this month since 1 June. However, the recovery rate has improved to 57.43 percent, according to the health ministry. The number of active cases stands at 1,86,514 while 2,71,696 people have recovered and one patient has migrated. A total of 13,012 COVID-19 patients were declared cured in a single day on Thursday. The total number of 4,73,105 confirmed cases included foreigners. According to ICMR, a total of 75,60,782 samples have been tested up to 24 June with 2,07,871 samples being tested on Wednesday. Of the 418 new deaths, 208 were in Maharashtra, 64 in Delhi, 33 in Tamil Nadu, 25 in Gujarat, 14 in Karnataka, 11 in West Bengal, 10 each in Rajasthan and Haryana, nine in Madhya Pradesh, eight each in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, five each in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Uttarakhand. Bihar, Goa and Jammu and Kashmir have reported one COVID-19 fatality each. Of the total fatalities, Maharashtra tops the tally with 6,739 deaths followed by Delhi (2,365), Gujarat (1,735), Tamil Nadu (866), Uttar Pradesh (596), West Bengal (591), Madhya Pradesh (534), Rajasthan (375) and Telangana (225). The COVID-19 death toll reached 188 in Haryana, 164 in Karnataka, 124 in Andhra Pradesh, 113 in Punjab, 88 in Jammu and Kashmir, 57 in Bihar, 35 in Uttarakhand, 22 in Kerala and 17 in Odisha. Chhattisgarh has registered 12 deaths, Jharkhand 11, Assam and Puducherry nine each, Himachal Pradesh eight, Chandigarh six, Goa two and Meghalaya, Tripura and Ladakh have reported one fatality each. More than 70 percent deaths took place due to comorbidities, the health ministry said. Maharashtra has reported the highest number of cases at 1,42,900 followed by Delhi at 70,390, Tamil Nadu at 67,468, Gujarat at 28,943, Uttar Pradesh at 19,557, Rajasthan at 16,009 and West Bengal at 15,173, according to ministry data. The number of COVID-19 cases has gone up to 12,448 in Madhya Pradesh, 12,010 in Haryana, 10,444 in Telangana, 10,331 in Andhra Pradesh and 10,118 in Karnataka. It has risen to 8,209 in Bihar, 6,422 in Jammu and Kashmir, 6,198 in Assam and 5,752 in Odisha. Punjab has reported 4,627 novel coronavirus infections so far, while Kerala has 3,603 cases. A total of 2,623 people have been infected by the virus in Uttarakhand, 2,419 in Chhattisgarh, 2,207 in Jharkhand, 1,259 in Tripura, 970 in Manipur, 951 in Goa, 941 in Ladakh and 806 in Himachal Pradesh. Puducherry has recorded 461 COVID-19 cases, Chandigarh has 420, Nagaland has 347, Arunachal Pradesh 158 and Mizoram 142 cases. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu together have reported 120 COVID-19 cases. Sikkim has 84, Andaman and Nicobar Islands has registered 56 infections so far while Meghalaya has recorded 46 cases. "Our figures are being reconciled with the ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research)," the ministry said, adding, 8,493 cases are being reassigned to states. State-wise distribution is subject to further verification and reconciliation, it added. Several exams cancelled across India due to pandemic Following opposition from parents against holding CBSE Class 10 and 12 papers, the Ministry of Human Resource Development and the board have decided to completely cancel pending papers for Class 10, which were to be held from 1 July. The exams for remaining subjects of Class 12 have been indefinitely postponed, and have also been made optional. Students who choose not to give exams will be assessed on the basis of their performance in the past three exams held at the school level. Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE Class 10) and Indian School Certificate (ISC Class 12) have also declared that they will follow CBSE's pattern in according marks to students, and holding exams. Detailed guidelines by all boards are awaited on this. Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET) examination to be conducted by CBSE on 5 July has also been postponed in view of the present circumstances. Globally, infections near 10 million Global coronavirus cases crossed 9.5 million on Thursday, a day after WHO predicted the world's tally will cross 10 million before the week ends. Worldometer reported that 48,618 people have died due to the virus so far. The Chinese mainland has recorded 83,449 COVID-19 cases. A total of 97 asymptomatic patients are under medical observation. China's death toll stands at 4,647, including six from the Hong Kong SAR and seven from the Taiwan region. Indonesia crossed 50,000 cases today and the US has recorded over 2.3 million confirmed cases, with a death toll of over 121,000, John Hopkins University, which is also tracking global coronavirus cases said. Europe has seen a resurgence of COVID-19 cases as many countries begin to ease restrictions for curbing the spread of coronavirus, the World Health Organization's (WHO) regional director for Europe Hans Kluge said on Thursday. "While the European Region is reporting a decreasing proportion of global cases than earlier in the year, the region continues to report close to 20,000 new cases and over 700 new deaths daily. Last week, Europe saw an increase in weekly cases for the first time in months," Kluge told reporters. He said 30 countries have seen increases in new cases over the past two weeks. The WHO also warned that the pandemic has not yet peaked in many countries and that it was "still intense," especially in America. France opened up the iconic Eiffel Tower after a record 104-day lockdown. Tourists who are trickling back to Paris were delighted to find the landmark open when some other attractions in the French capital remain closed. The Louvre Museum isn't reopening until 6 July. Disney, meanwhile, delayed its California theme park's reopening as cases in US continued to surge. With inputs from PTI The US has recorded its worst day on record for daily coronavirus cases as new infections topped 38,000 in a single day Wednesday, sparking fears that the nation is headed for a second wave of the deadly outbreak. A staggering 38,115 new infections were reported in the last 24 hours, according to The COVID Tracking Project, marking the highest number of daily cases since the killer virus first touched down on US soil. A tally by Johns Hopkins had the daily new positive cases at 34,700. The total reported by the COVID Tracking Project dwarfs the previous record of more than 36,000 on April 25 when the nation was thought to be at the peak of the pandemic. More than 120,000 Americans have now been killed by the virus, with the death toll reaching 121,979 and confirmed cases standing at 2,381,538 as of midnight Wednesday, according to the John Hopkins tally. States that rushed to ease their lockdowns and return to business as usual are seeing record highs in cases and hospitalizations this week and a new model is warning that the US death toll could top 180,000 by October. The three most populous states of California, Texas and Florida each set new records for the number of new daily infections, all topping more than 5,000 cases in the last 24 hours. The US has recorded its worst day on record for daily coronavirus cases as new infections top 38,000 in a single day Wednesday, according to The COVID Tracking Project The resurgence in cases is threatening to wipe out two months of progress made in the US as a mounting outbreak sweeps across the South and West. While infections have been declining steadily in early hot spots such as New York and New Jersey, several states set single-day records this week, including Arizona, California, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas and Oklahoma. Seven states of Arizona, Arkansas, California, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas are also recording their highest number of hospitalizations since the pandemic first started ravaging the nation. California announced a shocking 7,149 new infections Wednesday for its latest daily tally Tuesday, taking the state total to 190,222 cases. A concerning 4,095 residents are currently hospitalized with the virus, after hospitalizations skyrocketed 29 percent over the past two weeks. More than 30 percent of the states available intensive care beds are now filled by COVID-19 patients. Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom said he would withhold pandemic-related funding from local governments that brush off state requirements on masks and other anti-virus measures in response to the soaring numbers. Florida's single-day count surged to 5,506 Wednesday, a 25 percent jump from the record set last week. In Texas, which was one of the first states to start reopening back in April, hospitalizations have doubled and new cases have tripled in two weeks Oklahoma too reported a record day on Wednesday, with 482 daily cases taking the state total to 11,510. This marked the third time in the past week the state reported record one-day increases, including the previous high of 478 new cases on Sunday and 450 on Thursday. It comes after President Trump plowed ahead with his campaign rally in Tulsa - where attendees were not required to wear masks or social distance - despite repeated warnings from local health officials. In Texas, which was one of the first states to start reopening back in April, hospitalizations have doubled and new cases have tripled in the last two weeks alone. Governor Greg Abbott told KFDA-TV the state is facing a 'massive outbreak' and might need new local restrictions to preserve hospital space. The Houston area's intensive care units are nearly full, and two public hospitals are running at capacity, Mayor Sylvester Turner said. Houston Methodist's Boom said Texans need to 'behave perfectly and work together perfectly' to slow the infection rate. 'When I look at a restaurant or a business where people... are not following the guidelines, where people are just throwing caution to the wind, it makes me angry,' he said. The Texas governor has been forced to backpedal somewhat on his more relaxed approach to the virus. California announced a shocking 7,149 new infections for its latest daily tally Tuesday Another 52 Californians died while 4,095 residents are currently hospitalized with the virus - of which 1,268 are in ICU Oklahoma health officials on Wednesday reported a record one-day spike in the number of positive COVID-19 cases, with 482 positive tests reported in a 24-hour period He initially barred local officials from fining or penalizing anyone for not wearing a mask as the state reopened. But after cases began spiking, Abbott said last week that cities and counties could allow businesses to require masks. Some business owners have slammed the Republican governor saying it is too little too late as the outbreak has also spread across Texas. 'I can't risk my staff, my clientele, myself, my family and everybody else in that chain just because other people are too inconvenienced to wear a piece of cloth on their face,' said Michael Neff, an owner of the Cottonmouth Club in Houston. Tech giant Apple made the decision to shut down its retail stores in Houston Wednesday. Alabama hospitals are also buckling under the weight of the pandemic, with just 17 percent of intensive-care beds available Wednesday - including just one in Montgomery, said Dr. Don Williamson, head of the Alabama Hospital Association. 'There is nothing that I'm seeing that makes me think we are getting ahead of this,' he said. Over in Arizona, emergency rooms are seeing about 1,200 suspected COVID-19 patients a day, compared with around 500 a month ago. If the trends continue, hospitals will probably exceed capacity within the next several weeks, said Dr. Joseph Gerald, a University of Arizona public health policy professor. 'We are in deep trouble,' said Gerald, who is urging the state to impose new restrictions on businesses - something Governor Doug Ducey has so refused to do. Dr. Peter Hotez, an infectious-disease expert at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, said he worries that states will squander what time they have to head off a much larger crisis. 'We're still talking about subtlety, still arguing whether or not we should wear masks, and still not understanding that a vaccine is not going to rescue us,' he said. In a reversal of events, the governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut all announced Wednesday that anyone coming from states that are still seeing high coronavirus numbers will have to quarantine for 14 days. The quarantine applies to any state with infection rate of 10 infections per 100,000 people on a seven day rolling average or 10 percent of the total population testing positive. The states that currently applies to are Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas. With cases surging to record highs, experts revised the leading coronavirus model and predicted the US death toll will reach nearly 180,000 by October 1. The modeling released on Wednesday by University of Washington researchers forecasts 179,106 deaths (with a range of 159,497 to 213,715) by October 1 The modeling released on Wednesday by University of Washington researchers forecasts 179,106 will be killed (with a range of 159,497 to 213,715). But the school's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation estimates the numbers would drop to 146,047 (with a range of 140,849 to 153,438) if most of the population wears face masks. By August 1, 5,000 lives could be saved, September 1, 17,000 lives saved and October 1 a total of 33,000 lives spared with majority use of the nose and mouth coverings. 'People need to know that wearing masks can reduce transmission of the virus by as much as 50%, and those who refuse are putting their lives, their families, their friends, and their communities at risk,' IHME Director Dr. Christopher Murray said in a statement on Wednesday. He added that even as states open up, the US is still 'grappling with a large epidemic on a course to increase beginning in late August and intensifying in September'. Worldwide, over 9.4 million people have been confirmed infected, and nearly 500,000 have died, by Johns Hopkins' count. A group of Jewish summer camp operators has filed a lawsuit against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for his decision to keep overnight camps closed this summer due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Association of Jewish Camp Operators and a group of parents argue that the statewide closure of overnight camps is a violation of their constitutional rights of the free exercise of religion and the fundamental rights of parents to control the religious education and upbringing of their children, the Times-Union reported. Earlier this month, Health Commissioner Howard Zucker said reopening overnight camps would be too risky. The state had previously said day camps would be allowed to open with certain restrictions. In the complaint, overnight camp operators contended that they intended to reopen with strict safety measures in place to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits COVID-19 New York [June 25, 2020] National Integrated Cyber Education Research Center Unveils Rebrand to CYBER.ORG The National Integrated Cyber Education Research Center (NICERC) today announced the organization's rebrand to CYBER.ORG, unveiling a new website, logo and plans to reach even more K-12 students and teachers across the country with cyber education content, career awareness and teacher professional development. "The rebrand reflects a significant step forward in our mission to ensure that every K-12 student in the U.S. has access to cybersecurity education," said Kevin Nolten, director of CYBER.ORG. "With the U.S. facing a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals in the workforce projected to reach 1.8 million unfilled jobs by 2022, we know there is an urgent need to build cybersecurity skills and fill the workforce pipeline with students who are prepared to pursue cybersecurity careers. This is a matter of national security and combatting it starts with an increase in foundational cybersecurity awareness at every level of education." Despite the critical need to build the cybersecurity workforce pipeline, investments in K-12 cyber education have been modest. In fact, according to a new benchmark study released today by CYBER.ORG., less than half of K-12 students in the U.S. are currently receiving some type of cybersecurity education, and access to those resources varies considerably. The study, "The State of Cybersecurity Education in K-12 Schools" conducted by the EdWeek Research Center, also revealed that students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds where schools are in close proximity to technology companies and post-secondary institutions with cybersecurity programs had the greatest access to cyber education, while students from less advantaged socioeconomic backgrounds were the least likey to have the option for cyber education. Additionally, educators say that most students are not well-informed about the educational and career requirements associated with cybersecurity jobs. The Gold Standard for K-12 Cyber Education With funding from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency (CISA)'s Cybersecurity Education Training Assistance Program (CETAP) grant, CYBER.ORG has proven its model of targeting K-12 students with cyber career awareness, curricular resources and teacher professional development is effective for encouraging students to pursue cyber careers. In a Louisiana pilot study, high schools with teachers having access to CYBER.ORG curriculum sent on average four times as many students into cyber-related college or university degree programs as those who did not. Currently, more than 18,000 teachers across all 50 states and three U.S. territories are enrolled in the CYBER.ORG content platform, which is available at no cost. The organization plans to build on its more than ten years of expertise in K-12 cyber education to expand access to more states and districts across the country. Cyber Standards Initiative As a first initiative as CYBER.ORG, the organization is also launching a process to develop state standards for cybersecurity education, in coordination with state departments of education and stakeholders from government and industry including CISA and Palo Alto (News - Alert) Networks. Education standards, the learning goals for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level, are used by educators to select curriculum that will help students meet those standards. Currently, there are only a few models of state-developed cybersecurity standards and no national standards specific to cybersecurity. "The lack of uniform standards makes bridging the cybersecurity workforce gap and scaling cyber education difficult," said Chuck Gardner, director of curriculum for CYBER.ORG. "By developing a set of national cybersecurity standards, CYBER.ORG will build on its existing work to promote cyber education and create a visible impact on the cybersecurity workforce by providing a structure for the next generation of learners and their teachers." Professional Development CYBER.ORG will also expand access to teacher professional development by offering online trainings and resources. Teachers are a critical force multiplier in efforts to spark interest in and awareness of cybersecurity careers, and professional development is key to building knowledge and confidence to introduce cyber education in the classroom. CYBER.ORG has trained more than 12,000 educators to deliver cyber education in their schools and classrooms. Recently, two educators from the CYBER.ORG community received the inaugural Presidential Cybersecurity Education Award from the U.S. Department of Education. Donna Woods of Canyon Springs High School in Moreno Valley, California and Kara Four Bear of New Town Middle School in New Town, North Dakota were selected for instilling cybersecurity skills, knowledge and passion in their students. Both educators are users of CYBER.ORG's K-12 cybersecurity education curriculum and have participated in the organization's professional development programs. About CYBER.ORG CYBER.ORG, formerly The National Integrated Cyber Education Research Center (NICERC), is a cybersecurity workforce development organization that targets K-12 students with cyber career awareness, curricular resources and teacher professional development. The United States Department of Homeland Security supports CYBER.ORG through a grant from the Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency (CISA) to develop and distribute cyber, STEM, and computer science curricula to educators across the country. For more information, please visit http://www.CYBER.ORG. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005222/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Coronavirus (COVID-19) tally as compiled by Johns Hopkins University. (Previous numbers in parentheses.) Total U.S. confirmed cases: 2,600,727 ( 2,557,980) Total U.S. deaths: 129,545 (125,864) Total global cases: 10,350,645 (10,189,350) Total global deaths: 506,827 (502,719) Los Angeles is the new epicenter Early in the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, New York City emerged as the epicenter of the virus while Los Angeles reported relatively few cases. Those roles have now reversed. The Los Angeles County Health Department reports more than 100,000 confirmed cases of the virus so far, with nearly 3,000 new cases a day. The largest number recorded so far among any age demographic is among young people between 18 and 40. Barbara Ferrer, the director of public health for Los Angeles County, calls the increase in cases and hospitalizations alarming. Younger patients occupying Houstons ICU Texas has experienced a huge increase in coronavirus cases during June, and intensive care units (ICU) in Houston hospitals are starting to fill up. But the patients are significantly younger than those who pushed New York hospitals to the tipping point in April. The New York Times reports that nearly one-third of the ICU patients in Houstons Methodist Hospital system are under the age of 50. Its a similar situation in nearby states. A significant number of new infections are of people in their 20s and 30s. An economic case for masks The idea of wearing a face-covering in public has become a contentious issue in some circles, infused with politics. But an economist at Goldman Sachs suggests that the economy would heal faster if everyone would wear a mask in public places. Jan Hatzius, the banks chief economist, worked with his team to probe the link between face masks and COVID-19 health and economic outcomes. They determined that a national requirement for everyone to wear a mask could cut the daily rate of infections by a full percentage point. That result, Hatzius said, could prevent another shutdown order that would eliminate more jobs and shave 5 percent off the nations economic growth rate. Fauci says follow strict guidelines critical to stopping the virus Health officials are testifying before a Senate committee today, providing updates on the coronavirus and the outlook for the next few weeks. Dr. Anthony Fauci, head of the National Institute for Allergy and Infection Diseases (NIAID), testified that municipalities that continue to follow safety rules will have the best chance of safely reopening schools this fall. If we adhere to guidelines that have been carefully laid out, that will help to keep the level of infection down and make it easier to get the children back to school, Fauci said. Fauci said the states where cases are surging may have reopened too quickly and may have needed to follow stricter rules as they reopened. What happens in Vegas Just two weeks after casinos on the Las Vegas strip reopened with social distancing rules in place, some casino employees have filed a lawsuit, saying their health and safety arent being protected. The suit was filed against the owners of Harrahs, MGM Grand, and Bellagio casinos. Specifically, the complaint alleges the casinos were slow to shut down food and beverage facilities on their premises after some employees tested positive for the coronavirus. The suit was filed in federal court by Culinary Union Local 226 and Bartenders Union Local 165. Around the nation WASHINGTON U.S. officials estimate that 20 million Americans have been infected with the coronavirus since it first arrived in the United States, meaning that the vast majority of the population remains susceptible. Thursday's estimate is roughly 10 times as many infections as the 2.3 million cases that have been confirmed. Officials have long known that millions of people were infected without knowing it and that many cases are being missed because of gaps in testing. The news comes as the Trump administration works to tamp down nationwide concern about the COVID-19 pandemic as about a dozen states are seeing worrisome increases in cases. The administration also looks to get its scientific experts back before the public more as it tries to allay anxieties about the pandemic while states begin reopening. Since mid-May, when the government began stressing the need to get the economy moving again, the panels public health experts have been far less visible than in the pandemics early weeks. Twenty million infections means that about 6% of the nations 331 million people have been infected. Its clear that many individuals in this nation are still susceptible, Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said on a call with reporters Thursday. Our best estimate right now is that for every case that was reported, there actually are 10 more infections. Coronavirus in Oregon: Latest news | Live map tracker |Text alerts | Newsletter Previously, CDC officials and the nations top infectious-disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, have said that as many as 25% of infected people might not have symptoms. Theres an enormous number of people that are still vulnerable, said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, vice dean at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. It still remains a potentially lethal disease. Its a roll of the dice for everybody who gets the illness. Also, youre rolling the dice for other people who you may give the virus to. The new estimate is based on CDC studies of blood samples collected nationwide some by the CDC and others from blood donations and other sources. Many infections were not caught in early testing, when supplies were limited and federal officials prioritized testing for those with symptoms. Administration officials are pointing to the new data to allay public anxieties, claiming that while there have been significant spikes, they have the outbreaks well in hand. They maintained they were not trying to minimize a public health crisis, but said the nation is in a markedly different place with the virus now than when the U.S. last saw similar infection numbers in mid-April, when testing infrastructure was weaker. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity late Wednesday to discuss the matter candidly. This is still serious, Redfield said on the call with reporters Thursday. But Im asking people to recognize that were in a different situation today than we were in March or April, with more cases today in younger people who are not as likely to develop serious illness or die from infection, he said. President Donald Trump, who refuses to wear a face mask in public, has been playing down the virus threat, insisting recently that its fading away, its going to fade away. Redfield said infection prevalence rates ranged from 1% in some areas of the West Coast to much higher in New York City. Several independent experts said the methods and locations of sampling are key to interpreting the numbers. Dr. Thomas Tsai, a Harvard University health policy researcher, said 20 million seems reasonable, but most of these estimates exist in a range and its important to know how wide that is. Its hard to interpret this just from a single number and without the context for it, such as what locations were sampled and whether it was truly a random slice of a population or areas of low or high prevalence, which can skew the results. Justin Lessler, a researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said 20 million infected is about what youd expect based on the case fatality rate and the number of deaths that have occurred so far in the U.S. Despite the phaseout of daily White House coronavirus briefings, the administration has been closely monitoring data on the spread of COVID-19 and has been deploying teams from the CDC to identify and stem outbreaks around the country. A dozen states in recent weeks have seen a worrisome uptick in new cases, as well as in the more critical measure of the percentage of positive cases discovered in tests performed. Seven states have seen more than 10% of tests come back positive. And troublesome spikes in Sun Belt states have dominated news coverage in recent days, to the consternation of Trump administration officials. They point instead to more nuanced county-level data, which shows positivity rates exceeding 10% in just 3% of the nations counties. Yet they acknowledge that some of the areas with the highest transmission rates are generally the most populous, suggesting tens of millions of Americans could be living in areas with spiking infections. As states reopen, the administration says it is up to governors and local officials to determine how to respond to the spikes. Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott, for example, recommended that most residents remain home for their safety, as his state sees virus infections increasing in major metro areas. The CDC teams, officials said, are working to trace new outbreaks and reinforce protective measures like social distancing and mask wearing in hard-hit areas and to remind vulnerable populations to take extreme precautions. The administration says those efforts have helped slow new infections in North Carolina and Alabama, where they were deployed earlier this month. One of the hard-hit areas is Phoenix, where Trump held an event Tuesday with thousands of young attendees, nearly all of whom were maskless. The officials say the nature of the outbreak now is different than months ago, when deaths topped more than 1,000 per day for weeks and hospitals were stretched beyond capacity across the country. The new increase in positive cases, they said, is capturing what has long been there. They say it is only now showing up in data because the U.S. has increased testing and surveillance. Meanwhile, mortality data has steadily declined, as have hospitalizations in all but a few hot spots. To the administration officials, that reinforces their hypothesis that millions unknowingly had the virus earlier this year. Through early May, federal guidelines prioritized testing for symptomatic people, those exposed to a positive case and those in high-risk environments. With testing far more widespread now, officials believe 50% of new cases in Florida and Texas are among people ages 35 or younger, and most of them are asymptomatic. The U.S. is testing about 500,000 patients per day. On a per capita basis, the U.S. rate falls behind several other countries, including Spain, Australia, Russia and Iceland, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University. There is no scientific consensus on the rate of testing needed to control the virus. But many experts say the U.S. should be testing roughly 1 million to 3 million people daily to catch new cases and prevent flareups. Administration officials said they expect to be able to run 20-40 million tests per month beginning this fall. Testing is constrained by laboratory supplies needed to run the tests but also lack of demand for tests in some areas. --The Associated Press Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. Fianna Fail is set to take charge of the housing crisis if a new government is elected this weekend. The party has been pushing for the housing portfolio during negotiations with Fine Gael and the Greens, and is expected to land the controversial department if a deal is done. The new Fianna Fail housing minister will oversee a 50,000 social housing construction programme along with a major affordable housing scheme to allow first-time buyers get on the property ladder. It is also understood negotiations are ongoing over which party should take control of the Department of Health. "You couldn't have another Fine Gael housing minister but you could leave them in health with the pandemic still being an issue," a Fianna Fail source said. Over the last five years, Fianna Fail has been extremely critical of Fine Gael's approach to the housing crisis. It is planning a major shake-up of the State's approach to building new homes. However, a Fine Gael source warned Fianna Fail is going to have a "horrid time" in the Department of Housing. The source said the Programme for Government was "written by Fine Gael and wrapped in wool that allows Fianna Fail and the Greens tout wins that are completely unrealistic". Meanwhile, Simon Coveney is expected to remain as Foreign Affairs Minister and will focus on Brexit negotiations as well as Ireland's term on the UN Security Council. Yesterday, Fianna Fail TD Jim O'Callaghan, who has been tipped for the Attorney General's Office, backed a call for a minister to be appointed to tackle domestic violence. Mr O'Callaghan's remarks came as the Dail debated what is believed to be a surge in domestic violence during the coronavirus lockdown. He said it must be a "nightmare" for a woman to find herself in an abusive or violent relationship and this was made worse by the restrictions introduced due to the pandemic. He added that the State has not responded adequately to the issue and the proposed programme for government recognises that there is an "epidemic" of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence. Separately, the Green Party are seeking a stand-alone Climate Action Department which would oversee the Government's plans to reduce carbon emissions by 7pc a year over the next 10 years. Meanwhile, a Green Party source said several constituency organisations had reported back to headquarters that support for the deal is as high as 70pc in some areas. It comes after a poll of the 185 members of the party's youth wing, the Young Greens, showed almost 66pc were against the deal. However, a senior Green Party figure said this was a good result for the party as he expected far more people in the youth organisation to vote against the deal. "I'm actually heartened 33pc are for it," the source said before adding they thought it was going to be 90pc voting against. Despite fears over the impact of the youth membership on the final vote, it has emerged there are just over 600 members of the party who are aged between 16 and 30 years old. However, there are internal concerns in the Greens over the impact their Northern Ireland membership will have on the final vote. The Greens' leader in the North, Clare Bailey, has called for a no vote and has been supported by the vast majority of her elected representatives. WASHINGTON - U.S. Marshals have been told they should prepare to help protect national monuments across the country, according to an email directive viewed by The Washington Post, as President Donald Trump has vowed stern punishment for those who vandalize or destroy such structures as part of police violence protests. In an email, Marshals Assistant Director Andrew Smith wrote that the service "has been asked to immediately prepare to provide federal law enforcement support to protect national monuments (throughout the country)." "This is a challenging assignment due to the breadth of possible targets for criminal activity," Smith wrote. He said the Marshals Incident Management Team would start a Joint Operations Center in Springfield, Va., to coordinate, and every deputy in the Special Operations Group would be made available to help as soon as Thursday. He also asked other districts and divisions to identify people they might be able to lend to the effort until July 8. On Monday, protesters attempted to topple a statue of President Andrew Jackson in a park next to the White House, though police in riot gear intervened and stopped them. That night, Trump tweeted his dismay, and the next morning he wrote that he had "authorized the Federal Government to arrest anyone who vandalizes or destroys any monument, statue or other such Federal property in the U.S. with up to 10 years in prison, per the Veteran's Memorial Preservation Act, or such other laws that may be pertinent....." Earlier Wednesday, defense officials said that the Army activated about 400 unarmed members of the District of Columbia National Guard to "prevent any defacing or destruction" of monuments. Jackson, a former general in the U.S. Army, was known for his harsh treatment of Native Americans as president. He signed the Indian Removal Act, which led to the relocations of thousands of Native Americans and the deaths of thousands more. Across the country, protesters have toppled statues of figures from America's sordid past - including Confederate generals - as part of demonstrations against racism and police violence. Some attempts have grown heated; in New Mexico, a man was shot and wounded in a demonstration to tear down a monument to Spanish conquistador Juan de Onate, a 16th-century despot who massacred indigenous people. The protest grew contentious after an armed militia group showed up at the scene. It was not immediately clear how many Marshals would be involved in the work, or what, precisely, they would be doing. The assignment is unusual, as Marshals - who come under the Department of Justice - typically work providing security for courthouses, transporting prisoners, apprehending fugitives and protecting witnesses. It was the U.S. Park Police who dispersed the demonstrators around the Jackson statue. A spokesman for the Marshals service said Wednesday, "We don't confirm or deny any enforcement actions that we might take." - - - The Washington Post's Alex Horton contributed to this report. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 17:16:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close VIENNA, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) daily basket price dropped to 38.17 U.S. dollars a barrel on Wednesday, compared with 39.85 dollars on Tuesday, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations released on Thursday. Also known as the OPEC reference basket of crude oil, the OPEC basket, a weighted average of oil prices from different OPEC members around the world, is used as an important benchmark for crude oil prices. Enditem Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 02:58:47|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HELSINKI, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Finland's Digital and Population Data Services Agency reported on Wednesday that 19,027 children were born in the country between January and May this year, 609 more than in the same period in 2019. The figures indicate that the prolonged decline in Finland's birth rate is now over, Anna Rotkirch, a leading national population expert, said on Wednesday. "We are now halfway into the year and birth rates have remained higher than a year ago," Rotkirch noted. She was appointed this month by the government as an official investigator of the birth rate issue. Besides evaluating the causes of the decline, she is charged with drafting policy directives for correcting the situation. Commenting on the latest figures in the Finnish business daily Kauppalehti, Rotkirch noted that the number of women giving birth around the age of 30 has been on the increase. "This indicates that optimism is gradually returning," she said, citing the pre-coronavirus economic upswing as one reason. Rotkirch told Kauppalehti that despite the recent increase in the birth rate, the preceding years' negative trend means that the number of school starters in the 2020s will be lower than in the previous decades. This change will also affect the housing market. Rotkirch noted that this situation is not unique to Finland as 15 other countries and regions in the world have a comparably low birth rate. In 2019, the birth rate in Finland reached a record low since the famine years of the 1860s, with 45,600 children born that year. The fertility rate (average number of children per woman) was 1.35, the lowest since records began. Enditem Facing mounting pressure from the public, Colorado Democratic Gov. Jared Polis vowed on Wednesday to explore how the state could re-examine the 2019 death of 23-year-old black man Elijah McClain, who died after being detained while walking down the street in Aurora, Colo. McClain's death has come back into the public spotlight during the last month of demonstrations against racism and police brutality, following the death of George Floyd who was killed after police in Minneapolis pinned him to the ground for several minutes. The 23-year-old was walking home wearing a ski mask and dancing to music on Aug. 24, 2019, when someone called 911 to report him as suspicious. Police tried to stop him, but he kept walking, insisting that he had done nothing wrong and had a right to continue his walk. Then, officers tackled him, placed him in a chokehold, and restrained him. A paramedic who arrived on the scene later injected him with ketamine to subdue him. McClain had a heart attack while being taken to the hospital. He suffered brain damage and was placed on life support until he died on Aug. 30, 2019, the Denver Post reported. After an internal investigation, the Aurora Police Department found the officers involved in the stop had acted within the bounds of acceptable policy and training. The local district attorney declined to prosecute any criminal charges related to McClain's death. The city had proposed an independent review of the case, but after the first man chosen to head the inquiry turned out to be a former police officer, Aurora officials scrapped that effort and asked the city manager to nominate a different investigator. Celebrities like Michelle Branch and Kacey Musgraves have recently voiced support for a new inquiry into McClain's death, and an online petition to suspend the officers and reconsider the case now has more than 2.6 million signatures. "Public confidence in our law enforcement process is incredibly important now more than ever," Polis said on Twitter. "I am hearing from many Coloradans who have expressed concerns with the investigation of Elijah McClain's death. As a result, I have instructed my legal council [sic] to examine what the state can do and we are assessing next steps." Despite Polis's willingness to pursue a state-level investigation, it remains to be seen if he can order such an action. Past attempts to intervene in local police investigations have not succeeded, the Denver Post reported. Some local Aurora officials have voiced support for potentially reexamining the case, however. Mayor Mike Coffman on Wednesday accelerated a vote to choose a new independent investigator to scrutinize the actions of the police and paramedics involved in McClain's death. And city council member Curtis Gardner sent a letter on behalf of the city's public safety committee to the city manager, urging him to nominate a neutral investigator to take a second look at the case. "Over the last several days, we have received thousands of contacts from all over the country - phone calls, text messages, emails and social media tags," the committee said in the letter. "The community has made clear they support our call for an independent investigation." The Republican-controlled Senate has confirmed Mississippi Judge Cory Wilson to a lifetime seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, handing President Donald Trump his 200th successful judicial appointment and further cementing the right-wing takeover of America's federal court system. Civil rights groups immediately condemned Wilson's confirmation, pointing to the judge's long record of attacking the Affordable Care Act and defending voter suppression tactics like photo ID laws. Lena Zwarensteyn, Fair Courts Campaign director at the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, ripped Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, for ramming through a judge with a "record antithetical to 'equal justice under law.'" "While the people demand policing reform and relief from the COVID-19 pandemic, McConnell is doubling down on stacking our courts," Zwarensteyn said in a statement. "These efforts to dismantle our civil and human rights will reverberate for generations to come. Wilson's record against civil rights and healthcare, and his lack of judicial temperament and experience, should have disqualified him." Pull Quote There is no longer a single U.S. Circuit Court vacancy for the first time in four decades. Wilson's confirmation by a largely party-line vote Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) joined every Democrat in voting no means there is no longer a single U.S. Circuit Court vacancy for the first time in four decades. Progressives have warned that the president's disproportionately young judicial picks could have a decisive impact on the environment, labor law, civil rights, and other significant areas of U.S. society for decades to come. Last November, McConnell bragged that he and Trump are "changing the federal courts forever." The White House celebrated the milestone on Twitter: HuffPost reporter Jennifer Bendery highlighted some of the reasons why civil rights groups were so alarmed by Wilson's appointment and lobbied hard against his confirmation: He has described the Affordable Care Act as "illegitimate," "perverse," and "liberal-utopia-dictated healthcare." He supports "the complete and immediate reversal" of Roe v. Wade. He called same-sex marriage "a pander to liberal interest groups" and "an attempt to cast Republicans as intolerant, uncaring and even bigoted." In a 2011 op-ed, Wilson dismissed the NAACP's concerns about a proposed Mississippi voter ID law as "poppycock." He ripped the Justice Department in 2013 for sending election observers to the state, which has a long history of voter suppression and intimidation, and instead suggested federal officials go after incredibly rare cases of "voter fraud." Pull Quote "While the people demand policing reform and relief from the Covid-19 pandemic, McConnell is doubling down on stacking our courts." Erinn Martin, policy counsel at the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said in a statement that Wilson's confirmation "threatens the welfare of black and brown communities in the Deep South," over which the Fifth Circuit presides. "The confirmation of Mr. Wilson, a vociferous opponent of voting rights and access to healthcare, is an affront to many of the low-income Black and Brown communities who comprise the majority of the region the Fifth Circuit hears cases from," said Martin. "President Trump could not have found a more biased, unqualified, and anti-civil rights nominee." The World Bank Group and the Australian government have committed a further AUD5 million (US$3.4 million) to supporting Vietnams economic recovery and protecting the most vulnerable from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the bank said in a press release on Wednesday. The fund, provided by the Australian government and administered by the World Bank Group, is additional financing to the ongoing Australia-World Bank Group Strategic Partnership - Phase 2 (ABP2) that focuses on aiding Vietnams development agenda through sharing knowledge and advising policymaking. The additional funding will help address Vietnams emerging challenges and critical needs after COVID-19, said Ousmane Dione, World Bank country director for Vietnam. By providing support in key areas such as private sector development, trade integration, and innovation, the program aims to help the countrys economy gain back its full potential in the fastest and most sustainable way, Dione elaborated. Vietnam should be very proud of how it has tackled COVID-19, said Robyn Mudie, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam. The next challenge for Vietnam, as for Australia, will be to replicate the successes of the health response in the economic response. I am proud of the role the Australia-World Bank Group Strategic Partnership is playing in Vietnams economic recovery. It will continue providing world-class economic advice and analysis for Vietnams leaders and policymakers to accelerate economic recovery, with an increasingly strong focus on gender equality and social protection. Vietnam has well contained the COVID-19 pandemic, with 352 confirmed cases, 329 recoveries, and no documented deaths, according to Ministry of Health statistics. The health crisis has shaken the Southeast Asian countrys traditional resilience to external shocks, as its economic growth reached only 3.8 percent in the first quarter, compared to a projected rate of 6.5 percent prior to the pandemic, the World Bank said. In order to mitigate the economic and social impacts of COVID-19, it is critical for the Vietnamese government to target sectors and activities that create jobs and improve long-term productivity and growth, such as infrastructure, innovation, social protection, health, and education. To address the potential loss of human capital from the pandemic, the activities to be funded will protect and support vulnerable groups, including by strengthening social safety nets with more efficient and effective delivery of social security payments; narrowing human capital gaps, particularly for ethnic minorities, with a well-designed ethnic minority national targeted program; and improving gender equality in legal frameworks. The funds will also be directed toward economic recovery activities, including accelerating the execution of the investment program while deepening trade integration, supporting the private sector in strengthening resilience against future shocks through structural reforms, and taking advantage of the digital agenda by reducing transactions costs for the government, people, and businesses. This program of work takes forward part of the AUD10.5 million ($7.2 million) commitment from Australia toward Vietnams COVID-19 recovery efforts, discussed in a meeting between Ambassador Mudie and Vietnams Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung on June 5. The ongoing ABP2 program, signed in April 2017, aims to support Vietnams key national reforms, which are intended to gradually benefit millions of Vietnamese people and help the Southeast Asian country reach its ambition of becoming a high-income economy by 2045. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! PODGORICA -- Montenegrin police have detained dozens of people following pro-Serbian rallies in Podgorica and other cities across the Balkan country. The rallies were called by opposition figures who are seeking closer ties with Serbia and Russia. The June 24 protests reflect mounting political tensions in Montenegro ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for August 30. Protests broke out in the Adriatic coastal town of Budva where tensions have been high for days due to a dispute between municipal authorities. Police in Budva used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators and detained 17 people. In the capital, Podgorica, police say 18 protesters were detained. Authorities say dozens of other protesters also were detained at demonstrations in other locations. The tensions in Budva began on June 17 when Mayor Marko Carevic, who is loyal to Montenegro's pro-Serbian opposition, refused to hand over power to the ruling coalition after losing majority control in the local assembly. Earlier this year, the Serbian Orthodox Church led weeks of protests in Montenegro against a religious law that the church leaders claimed would strip the church of its property in the country. That law came into force in January. It says religious communities must prove their ownership of property before 1918 -- the year Montenegro joined the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and its church was absorbed by the Serbian Orthodox Church, losing all of its property in the process. The Serbian Orthodox Church says the law is aimed at retaking its property. Montenegrin officials have repeatedly denied that claim. Montenegro split from Serbia in a referendum in 2006. It has further distanced itself from Belgrade and its Orthodox ally Russia since then, taking a pro-Western foreign-policy course and joining NATO in 2017. Montenegro also has been negotiating steps toward becoming a member of the European Union. Serbian nationalists in Montenegro and Serbia have never fully recognized Serbia's separation from Montenegro, which they claim is a historic Serbian territory. With reporting by AP SEOUL, South Korea, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor Group received the most model-level awards in the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS), as seven models ranked highest in their segments. Kia Motors Corporation tied for the highest in overall initial quality with a score of 136 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), making it the highest-marked mass market brand for the sixth consecutive year. It tallied four segment wins and brand level award the most for an individual brand. Kia Forte (compact car), Kia Sedona (minivan), Kia Sorento (upper midsize SUV) and Kia Soul (small SUV) each ranked highest in their segments. Hyundai and Genesis, respectively, won in two and one segments. For Hyundai, J.D. Power ranked Hyundai Tucson as the best compact SUV in initial quality, while Hyundai Veloster also earned the top score in the compact sporty car segment. In addition, Hyundai Accent and Elantra both finished second in their respective segments, while Santa Fe finished third. Genesis led the premium segment as the top-ranked premium nameplate for four consecutive years. The G70 scored 129 PP100 to rank as the top Compact Premium Car for the second year in a row. The 2020 U.S. Initial Quality Study is based on responses from 87,282 purchasers and lessees of new 2020 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study, which provides manufacturers with information to facilitate the identification of problems and drive product improvement, was fielded from February through May 2020. The 2020 study, redesigned for its fifth generation, is now based on a 223-questionnaire covering nine vehicle categories: infotainment; features, controls and displays; exterior; driving assistance (new for 2020); interior; powertrain; seats; driving experience; and climate. About Hyundai Motor Group Hyundai Motor Group is a global corporation that has created a value chain based on automobiles, steel, and construction and includes logistics, finance, IT and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group's automobile brands include Hyundai Motor Co. and Kia Motors Corp and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on all challenges, we are working to create a better future for all. More information about Hyundai Motor Group, please see: www.hyundaimotorgroup.com More information about Hyundai Motor and its products can be found at: worldwide.hyundai.com or globalpr.hyundai.com Visit the Kia Motors Global Media Center for more information: www.kianewscenter.com For more information on Genesis and its new definition of luxury, please visit https://www.genesis.com Disclaimer: Hyundai Motor Group believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader. SOURCE Hyundai Motor Group Related Links http://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com COLUMBUS, Ohio - The State Medical Board of Ohio is expected to soon evaluate whether to expand the list of conditions for medical marijuana to include cachexia, also known as wasting syndrome. Cachexia (pronounced kuh-KEK-see-uh) occurs as a result of other diseases -- such as cancer, HIV and AIDs, kidney or heart failure or advanced kidney disease. Its usually characterized by weight loss -- including a breakdown of the muscles. Eventually it becomes generalized weakness, and then falls and a gradual decline, said Dr. James Michael Weeks, a Cincinnati internal medicine physician who made the request to add cachexia. And of course, once people have no muscle mass left, eventually they die. Weeks started One Heart Medical in Cincinnati to see patients who could be helped by medical marijuana. Twenty-two states allow cachexia in their medical marijuana programs, including in Michigan and Illinois, he said. Despite a preliminary recommendation from a subcommittee of medical board members, its far from a shoo-in for cachexia. The board last summer said that once a condition is added, it can never be removed -- even if theres new research showing marijuana is ineffective or harmful. Lawmakers who crafted the 2016 law legalizing the drug disagree with the boards interpretation, saying the legislature never intended conditions to be immutable. But if the board holds the same position this year, patients with cachexia will have to wait for legal cannabis. Why cachexia? Several local physicians have referred cachexia patients to Weeks, assuming it was already on the states list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana. In some cases, patients suffered with cancer, AIDS or other conditions currently on the qualifying conditions list and could legally obtain marijuana through those ailments. However, others had conditions that are not on the list, which is one reason he wants to add wasting syndrome, said Weeks, who still works part-time as a hospitalist. How would marijuana work? Patients with cachexia can lose their appetites, which makes their symptoms worse. Weeks argued in his petition to the state medical board that marijuana may stimulate their appetites. Getting them to be able to stimulate appetite and reversing that in the short-term can be important for them to survive, Weeks said. From a palliative care standpoint, I have had patients approaching the hospice setting. The patient doesnt want to eat anything. And then they use a little cannabis tincture thats enough to stimulate the appetite, and they can eat a common food they always enjoyed with their family. And enjoy the food. Do pharmaceutical drugs treat cachexia? When it comes to traditional pharmacologic drugs, we give a lot of medicines that arent even approved for cachexia, but for the side effects of appetite, Weeks said. One of the medicines, he said, is an anti-depressant that makes patients sleepy and takes several months to work. Steroids are also prescribed, but come with side effects, he said. Its especially tricky to use pharmaceutical drugs on people on dialysis for kidney disease. You dont want to give medicines that are metabolized by the kidneys, Weeks said. If they were to take a cannabis capsule, its metabolized through the liver. So the cannabis works well for that patient. What about Marinol? A pharmaceutical drug on the market, Marinol, can also treat wasting syndrome. Marinol contains a synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. But Weeks is a believer in the whole plant. Marijuana, in addition to THC, or contains trace amounts of CBD, or cannabidiol, and 200 other chemical components. What theyve found is that when the components are together, i.e. whole plants, they work better in harmony together, Weeks said. When you use the THC alone, you get some benefits, but you dont get the harmony with the trace components than when youre using the whole plant. So whats next? A subcommittee within the medical board has been meeting over the last several months to review petitions for new conditions that had been submitted late last year by members of the public. It immediately rejected some conditions, including a not-so-serious petition for Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals fans to use marijuana to cope. Earlier this month, the subcommittee voted to recommend that the full medical board approve cachexia and reject anxiety and autism. The full boards next scheduled meeting is July 8, although its agenda isnt yet online to know whether cachexia will be evaluated. Meantime, a proposed ballot measure to legalize recreational marijuana appears to be on pause during the pandemic. Carrie Taylor, a Marysville resident with twins with autism, is one of the Ohioans behind the recreational proposal. One of her sons self-injures 196 to 304 times a day, and conventional pharmaceuticals are not helping. Shes disappointed in the medical board for not giving her the option to try medical marijuana. The full board rejected the condition for the first time last year, and will likely reject it again this year. Our voice is not being heard right now, Taylor said. These doctors have this thought in their mind, and theyre obviously set in stone where they stand. Were not trying to give them something thats not legalized with other medical purposes. More coverage: Man who requested Ohio medical marijuana for Browns, Bengals fans says it could help them cope Once an illness is added to the Ohio medical marijuana list, can it be removed? Ohio medical marijuana 1 year in: What you need to know about successes, struggles of the states program Board rejects Ohio medical marijuana for autism and anxiety, sides with traditional medicine For many Ohio marijuana users, the grass is greener in Michigan Communist Party media in China rebuked and threatened Nova Scotia lobster shippers this week for expressing concerns over new roadblocks to getting products into China. The party tabloid Global Times says recent border measures are about food safety after a COVID-19 outbreak was linked to a Beijing food market, "rather than an excuse to target any specific country." "It's Canada's choice to export to China, and Canada needs to abide by Chinese regulations, which may be adjusted when necessary in accordance with the COVID-19 situation," Bai Ming, a research fellow at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Co-operation, told the Global Times on Monday. The tabloid, known for its nationalist tone on international issues, discounted complaints raised by Canadian lobster shippers quoted in CBC News reporting. It also linked the issue to the arrest in Canada and ongoing extradition proceedings against Huawei chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou. CBC "Experts warned that the Canadian side should be fully aware that its attitude in Meng's case is the only roadblock between the two countries," it said. "If the Canadian side does not remove it, a disruption in the lobster trade might be just the tip of the iceberg in bilateral trade, as fraught ties have already undermined confidence in business communities on both sides." Chinese authorities began random testing of imported food after a COVID-19 outbreak earlier this month was traced to a cutting board used on imported Atlantic salmon at the Xinfadi market in Beijing. Live lobster shipments from Canada, valued at $457 million last year, were particularly vulnerable. Most of that lobster comes from Nova Scotia, which has seen its sales in China soar in recent years. After the inspections started, some Nova Scotia companies cancelled live shipments rather than risk delays of up to 36 hours waiting for test results when the perishable product arrives. Story continues Exporters must now also sign a Chinese customs declaration assuming liability if COVID-19 is detected. Obsorne Burke of Victoria Co-op Fisheries in Cape Breton, which ships frozen lobster to China, refused to sign. Ben Nelms/CBC He's leery of the Chinese legal system and dubious about the risk of the coronavirus, citing public health agencies in Canada and elsewhere that say there is no scientific evidence the virus is transmitted by food or food packaging. "We have to take a stand or push back and say this does not make any scientific sense," he said. The Global Times said exporters should get over it. "The newly adopted requirements for coronavirus-free declarations apply to all suppliers across the world and all food products," it said in a front page editorial this week, one of two articles devoted to the issue of Canadian lobster shipments. Steve Lawrence/CBC The tabloid hit back at reaction from Canadian lobster exporters quoted by CBC. "A major Chinese salmon importer told the Global Times on Monday that all of its suppliers are co-operative and willing to sign the declaration as they 'want to do business with China,'" Global Times reported. "The company said, compared with Canada, it prefers to do business with countries like Chile, which has a mature, industrialized industry chain and is also co-operative with and respectful of Chinese regulations." Trudeau government avoids taking stand The question of whether lobster shippers should sign a declaration that assumes some form of liability for COVID-19 in China has split the Nova Scotia lobster industry. Some exporters have agreed to sign the declaration, others have not. The Nova Scotia Seafood Alliance has lawyers from the Atlantic Canadian law firm Cox Palmer reviewing the document and drafting a declaration shippers could send to customers in China that asserts the safety of the product without assuming liability. The industry group says there is no consensus among members at this point for a unified response. The Global Times article challenged those who have opted not to sign. "Since the Canadian exporters are so confident about their management, why don't they have the courage to sign the declaration," Bai asked, noting that Canada ought to understand, "China has such a regulation only because there is a risk of the virus spreading." The Trudeau government avoided taking a stand when asked by the Nova Scotia government whether exporters should sign the declaration. 'Absolutely not acceptable,' says MP Global Affairs Canada said since the customs demand was delivered by Chinese companies "to the industry from industry," the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is leaving it to individual exporters to decide whether they sign. "It's absolutely not acceptable," said Chris d'Entremont, a Nova Scotia Conservative Member of Parliament. D'Entremont said the federal government should explain to industry exactly what accepting liability might mean. "We should be understanding through CFIA what exactly the implications are going to be here. To accept a certain liability is one thing on your product, but a liability for the spread of a virus is something completely different. I think this is a humongous overreach by China," he said. The Chinese embassy in Ottawa did not respond to a request for comment from CBC News. MORE TOP STORIES Firms are among 20 White House determined are backed by Chinese military, document seen by Reuters shows. The Trump administration has determined that top Chinese firms, including telecoms equipment giant Huawei Technologies and video surveillance company Hikvision, are owned or controlled by the Chinese military, laying the groundwork for new United States financial sanctions, according to a document seen by Reuters News Agency on Wednesday. A US defence official speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed the authenticity of the document and said it had been sent to Congress. The list of 20 companies that Washington alleges are backed by the Peoples Liberation Army also includes China Mobile Communications Group and China Telecommunications Corp, as well as aircraft manufacturer Aviation Industry Corp of China. The designations were drawn up by the Defense Department, which was mandated by a 1999 law to compile a list of firms owned or controlled by the Peoples Liberation Army that provide commercial services, manufacture, produce or export. The Pentagons designations do not trigger sanctions, but the law says the president may declare a national emergency which would allow him to penalise any companies on the list that operate in the US. Huawei, Hikvision, China Mobile, China Telecom, AVIC, the White House and the Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Pentagon had come under pressure from legislators of both US political parties to publish the list, amid rising tensions between Washington and Beijing over technology, trade and foreign policy. Last September, top US Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer and Republican Senator Tom Cotton penned a letter to Defense Secretary Mark Esper raising concerns about Beijings enlisting of Chinese corporations to harness emerging civilian technologies for military purposes. Will you commit to updating and publicly releasing this list as soon as possible? they asked in the letter. A COVID-19 virus particle hanging out on a Rollingen womans left hand has expressed concerns that shes trying to get it drunk. Another round already? the virus said after Bettina Mueller covered her hands in sanitizer for the third time in an hour on Wednesday afternoon. Probably not a good idea, lady. But okay, it continued, its initial mistrust turning into feelings of warmth for the 46-year-old primary school teacher. You only live once. After another round, the virus suddenly remembered it had something to do, but it couldnt recall what. Anyway, the task could wait until tomorrow. Whats this, number seven or eight? the virus later said when Bettina applied sanitizer for the fourteenth time in just under three hours. I think Ive had enough. Running out of the high-quality gel shed bought at a pharmacy in Mersch, Bettina switched to a bottle of cheap industrial-strength liquid sanitizer made from leftover wine stocks. Whoa, that aint cognac, the virus said. Funny, the more you drink, the better it tastes. I should stop. Or should I take off my clothes? it continued. Who wants to see my RNA? Sources indicate that the virus had wanted to enter the host through a mucous membrane, invade a cell, and replicate itself millions of times. However, upon waking up the next morning on the hosts bathroom floor, without its lipid membrane and with its RNA all twisted, it cursed its poor luck and announced it would die of shame. Read more at wurst.lu Photo credit:iStock The middle of a pandemic-induced recession, with millions of people out of work and the future uncertain, does not seem like the best time to drop big bucks on a home. That is, unless youre a wealthy city dweller and that home is a luxury property with an in-ground pool and plenty of acreage, far from the potentially infected urban hordes. Interest and prices in the luxury housing market rose sharply in May, according to a recent realtor.com report. (Realtor.com defines luxury as the top 5% of the most expensive homes in a given market.) And demand in that sector has shifted from sleek, urban high-rises to popular vacation destinations where buyers can score larger, more private residences in less populated areas. "COVID-19 and the recession have not affected everyone equally," says Javier Vivas, realtor.com's director of economic research. "We're coming off a great economic boom ... and home buyers in the luxury tier have accumulated wealth for these types of purchases. This is not atypical, as high net worth individuals are traditionally less affected by recessionary blips, and some see it as an opportunity to invest or offload cash into real estate." This increase in demand for high-end homes is driving prices up. The entry point for luxury homes rose to a median $2.97 million in May. That's up 0.5% from April and 6.1% from the previous May, when no one had even heard of COVID-19. In addition, views of luxury home listings on realtor.com shot up 7.3% year over year in May. That was a departure from April, when views of such listings plummeted 9.5% compared with the previous year. In the New York City region, an early U.S. epicenter of the pandemic, members of the richest 1% focus their home searches on the Hamptons, a string of exclusive beach communities on the eastern end of Long Island; in upscale parts of New Jersey; and the New York City suburbs. (Prices for luxury properties in the city itself remained steady though, a slight improvement over the mild declines they were seeing before the pandemic.) Views per property on luxury listings rose 72% annually in the Hamptons in May. They also shot up 40% in Union County, NJ; 30% in Bergen County, NJ; and 28% in Somerset County, NJ. Before the pandemic, listing views were up only 10% to 21% in these areas. "COVID-19 hit these regions hard and early compared to the rest of the country, prompting potential buyers to reassess their needs and priorities," says Vivas. "With the lockdowns and lingering health concerns, buyers of all ages are placing more value on extra space and privacy, with more opting for safer and larger spaces at the expense of [the] urban living lifestyle," he adds. "That's made the suburbs and exurbs more attractive, particularly for households who can afford the price tag and those who can work virtually." Other popular destinations were the desert getaway of Palm Springs, CA, and Greenwich, CT, a wealthy enclave just outside of New York City. Luxury listing views rose 28% and 24% in those locations respectively. However, not all high-end markets fared as well. Interest has waned in Honolulu; Key West, FL; Pebble Beach, CA; and Colorado ski towns in Eagle and Summit counties. There was also still a shortage of luxury listings. The number of $1 million-plus homes on the market dropped 15.6% year over year in May. These homes also took a bit longer to sella median 89 days on the market in May compared with 71 days a year earlier. The post What Recession? The Luxury Housing Market Is Back and Vacation Destinations Are Hot appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Madrid, Spain, June 25, 2020announced today that insurance technology expert Juan Antonio Costa has joined the company as Country Manager, Spain & Portugal, in the company's newly-opened Madrid office, in charge of bringing the benefits of Duck Creek's solutions to a new market and broader audience. His addition to the Duck Creek team is part of the company's strategic European expansion plans and investment in the Spanish and Portuguese market; Duck Creek's primary Spanish office in Madrid joins its development office in Barcelona as the insurance solutions provider moves to expand in Spain and Portugal with a presence in the heart of Spain's capital city. Juan Antonio has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance sector. Prior to joining Duck Creek, Juan held the position of Sales Director at Swiss insurtech weFox, in charge of launching the company in the Spanish market. Recently, Juan took part in various consulting and business development projects to help insurers improve their P&L (profit & loss) accounts. Juan Antonio has a degree in Business Administration from Universidad San Pablo-CEU, several post-graduate degrees from IESE or HEC, and an Executive MBA in business administration from IE. "After decades working in many areas of the insurance industry, including insurance distribution and its various channels (both traditional and digital), managing operations for P&C technology companies, as well as leading numerous consulting projects aimed at managing innovation and improving the efficiency of operations, I have been able to build a solid 360 vision of the market," Costa said. "Paradigms are changing in products, channels, customer experiences, response times, and flexibility. To meet this need, technology should be a catalyst and not the bottleneck that it often is. This is why Duck Creek is a key partner in helping insurance companies in their digital transformation processes and enabling them to exceed the expectations set by their stakeholders. Spain and Portugal are key markets for Duck Creek, and we are committed to success in both; I am proud to be able to help make this happen as soon as possible." Bart Patrick, Managing Director for Europe at Duck Creek Technologies, said, "We are very excited to have Juan join our team in Iberia; his knowledge of the marketplace and deep business experience makes him an excellent addition to lead our local expansion efforts." "The European market is a significant component of our overall growth strategy," said Eugene Van Biert, Chief Revenue Officer of Duck Creek Technologies. "Juan Antonio's knowledge of the marketplace and his deep business and technical experience make him a great choice to lead our efforts in Spain and Portugal. We're thrilled to have him on board." About Duck Creek Technologies Duck Creek Technologies is a leading provider of core system solutions to the P&C and General insurance industry. By accessing Duck Creek OnDemand, the company's enterprise Software-as-a-Service solution, insurance carriers are able to navigate uncertainty and capture market opportunities faster than their competitors. Duck Creek's functionally rich solutions are available on a stand-alone basis or as a full suite, and all are available via Duck Creek OnDemand. For more information, visit www.duckcreek.com. Media Contact: Paul Rechichi Racepoint Global 617-624-3295 prechichi@racepointglobal.com MOSCOW -- When Julia Obertreis, a professor at a university in Bavaria, Germany, checked her e-mail on June 22, she was surprised to see a message from the Russian Embassy in Berlin. It touted a revisionist article about World War II authored by none other than Russian President Vladimir Putin. Attached to the e-mail was a German translation of Putin's text -- all 9,000 words of it. What rankled Obertreis most was the direct appeal with which the embassy's message ended. "The Russian president's article will undoubtedly arouse considerable interest among your readers," read the e-mail, a copy of which Obertreis, of Friedrich-Alexander University, shared with RFE/RL. "With that in mind, we propose that you use Vladimir Putin's article when preparing future lectures on history." Baffled, Obertreis took to Twitter to register her chagrin over what she saw as an unsolicited attempt to influence her teaching. It turned out the same e-mail had gone out to many other German historians, who took to the platform to likewise make their views clear. "I'm not sure if I should be laughing or crying," wrote Anke Hilbrenner, a historian of Eastern Europe at Goettingen University. "Putin is again playing the historian," Martin Aust of Bonn University tweeted. Revisionist Views Putin's article, titled The Real Lessons Of The 75th Anniversary Of World War II, has been subject to major controversy since its publication in U.S. journal The National Interest on June 18. It cites archival documents but is riddled with grammar mistakes and odd phrasing. The Kremlin has denied accusations by a Russian historian that a quote attributed to Hitler is a fabrication. The extended monologue on history reads like a summary of revisionist views Moscow has actively advanced in recent years, as it rails against what it calls Western distortions of World War II and reminds the world of the Soviet role in defeating Nazi Germany -- at the price of almost 27 million lives. Photo Gallery: Parade Amid A Pandemic: Russia Holds Massive WWII Victory Day Celebrations Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Russia staged a massive Victory Day military parade in Moscow on June 24 to commemorate the 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The lavish event was supposed to have been held on May 9 but was postponed due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Moscow's COVID-19 lockdown measures have since relaxed and President Vladimir Putin went ahead with the parade, seeking to solidify support ahead of a referendum that could pave the way for his extended rule. Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Email to a Friend Share on LinkedIn The text, the latest in an array of combative Russian public statements on the subject by Putin, incensed governments of the Baltic states for its suggestion that they willingly relinquished sovereignty to occupying Soviet forces. In Warsaw, it prompted condemnation -- but apparently little surprise -- for its claim that Poland was responsible for its double invasion by Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939, enabled by a secret protocol to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, which Putin justifies as defensive. 'Memory War' In e-mailed comments to RFE/RL, Aust of Bonn University admitted he was "taken by surprise" when the Russian Embassy's message dropped in his in-box. But he said he viewed Putin's article as part of a memory war that Eastern Europe has waged with Russia in recent years, and was sympathetic to some of its conclusions, including Putin's condemnation of British-French appeasement of Hitler in 1938 and the emphasis on the enormous suffering the German invasion of 1941 inflicted on the Soviet people. But he calls other parts of the text distortions. "No historian in Germany will subscribe to blaming Poland for World War II. That is completely outlandish," he said. "My guess is that quite a lot of colleagues will use Putin's text as a source that can be studied to learn more about the mechanisms of politics of history in general, and antagonistic memory culture in particular." But in Russia, the successor state to the Soviet Union, the views Putin expressed enjoy widespread support, with many people angry their country is sometimes overlooked in discussions of the Allied victory over fascism. Commemorative events in the West that fail to mention the Soviet contribution provide fodder for Moscow's claims that a deliberate campaign to rewrite World War II history is under way, and that Russia is its target. The recent bloody skirmishes at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the India-China border have pushed back the relation between both the countries at least by a decade. Any summit, formal or informal, will be off the agenda in the foreseeable future. The Wuhan spirit is dead and buried. India must not cave in to Chinas expansionist design. China has all along refused to accept the sanctity of the LAC and intruded into our territory every now and then over the last several decades. India refused to put up any meaningful resistance to restore the status quo in the past due to the ... Eight days after they withdrew support to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led ruling coalition in Manipur, all four National Peoples Party (NPP) legislators pledged their support to the ruling coalition on Thursday. The MLAs met governor Najma Heptulla the Raj Bhawan in Imphal and backed the government. All four are likely to be re-inducted as ministers soon. A delegation of National Peoples Party led by Conrad Sangma along with Himanta Biswa Sarma called on me and all the 4 MLAs gave their letter of support to the BJP led government in the state of Manipur, Heptulla tweeted. The development came a day after lawmakers, who flew out of Imphal on Tuesday, met Union home minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda in New Delhi. They were accompanied by NPP chief and Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma and senior Assam minister and convener of North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), Himanta Biswa Sarma. Both leaders gave us a very patient hearing and all issues which were there we expressed them all in detail to them. They have understood what the problem is and have assured that all issues will be addressed and taken care of, Sangma told journalists. But the Delhi meeting may have upset some sections of the state BJP unit with two senior leaders expressing their opposition to any deal struck with the NPP. They put the party in a spot. They tried to pull out support at the last minute and when they realised the BJP government will not topple, they agreed to come back with conditions, said a senior party leader on condition of anonymity. A second leader said the BJP was not falling short of numbers and would complete its full term. There is a problem between the leaders that needs to be sorted out; but for now the CM is unlikely to be replaced. Going forward the national leadership will ensure that concerns of all sides are met, a senior leader based in Delhi said. The three-year-old ruling coalition ran into a crisis on June 17 when three BJP MLAs resigned and six others four from NPP, one from Trinamool Congress and one independent -- withdrew support to the N Biren Singh government. The MLAs joined hands with the opposition Congress and formed a Secular Progressive Front (SPF). Leaders from the SPF met the governor twice, seeking convening of a special assembly session to hold a floor test. In the middle of the crisis, the BJP candidate won the Rajya Sabha election on July 19 securing 28 votes to the Congress picks 24. On Wednesday, a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) team questioned Congress leader and former chief minister O Ibobi Singh in connection with a case of alleged misappropriation of funds. The only way for BJP to be in power in Manipur is by using CBI against Congress MLAs, maneuvering Raj Bhawan to slow down attempts by Congress to form government along with allies and by giving pressure to Manipur MLAs by calling them to Delhi, Manipur Congress spokesperson Nignombam Bupenda Meitei said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Meth hidden in nesting doll recovered outside Calaveras Courthouse Evidence photo in Oscar Freer arrest June 2020 CCSO Photo View Photo San Andreas, CA A methamphetamine-stuffed curio found hidden in the bushes outside a Mother Lode Courthouse landed a local in jail. Calaveras County Sheriffs spokesperson Sgt. Greg Stark recounts on-duty deputies providing security at the Calaveras Superior Court observed a male exit a vehicle and head towards the courthouse last Friday. On his way towards the building, the suspect detoured from the main path and placed something in the landscaping just before entering the building. The deputies who observed the mans actions searched the area and discovered a wooden object that turned out to be a wooden nesting doll, that upon further scrutiny, was found to be holding numerous packages of meth. The discovery prompted a call to the Narcotics Enforcement Unit, who swiftly arrived and awaited the suspects return to pick up his stash. The man, later identified as 35-year-old Oscar Freer of San Andreas, was arrested as he walked back to recover the doll, which was later determined to contain 9.6 grams of meth. He was booked into Calaveras County Jail with a $30,000 bond for possession of a controlled substance and for an existing failure to appear bench warrant relating to previous narcotics charges. A n Australian school has sparked uproar after banning students from having the popular mullet hairstyle. The mullet, in which the hair is grown long at the back of the head and shorter on top and at the front, is seen by many as a typically Australian haircut - the country even hosts its own mullet-themed festival. But it appears to have gained a mixed reputation, with some bars refusing people with a mullet entry in recent months. And the Mater Dei school in Perth appears to be the latest institution to wage war against the popular haircut. The school is reported to have sent a letter to parents telling them not to come to school with a mullet, which "is seen as an extreme hairstyle" The letter, shared to Reddit, adds that the mullet is "not in keeping with the personal presentation of a Mater Dei student. If your son currently has this style, please ensure this is rectified by the start of Term 3. The letter sparked debate online, with one commenter calling the ban "class war" and "anti-Australian." But others were more supportive. One user commented: Its fairly standard for a private school to regulate hair and uniform. The parents know this when they sign up Mater Dei headteacher Annette Morey said that the school's strict dress code aims to foster a sense of "unity" and "belonging". She told local outlet Perth Now: "We encourage students to strive for personal excellence in all aspects of their education, including the way in which they present themselves." OAKLAND (BCN) Oakland's school board voted unanimously Wednesday evening to abolish the school district police force by January, adopting the "George Floyd Resolution to Eliminate the Oakland Schools Police Department." Citing the disproportionate arrests of Black students by Oakland's school police, as well as the district's "obligation to promote the healthy development of each one of its students" and the many alternative ways to handle discipline inside schools, the board directed the superintendent to take steps required to eliminate the department. From the 2015-2016 school year through 2019-2020, Black students have accounted for 73 percent of arrests in city schools but just 26 percent of enrollment, according to the resolution. This "preemptive policing," according to the resolution, is undermining the economic and public health of Oakland's Black community and restricting access to graduation and opportunity. "This moment is a culmination of years of hard fought advocacy, youth and family leadership and community work," the Black Organizing Project, which has pushed for years for Oakland Unified School District to eliminate its police, said in a statement. "We are overwhelmed with emotion and filled with gratitude for this historic win," the group said in its statement. In the five years from 2013-2014 through 2018-2019, the district spent $9.3 million on its armed police force, according to the resolution; the figure does not include the more visible unarmed security officers who patrol school entrances and events. In the same period OUSD laid off 33 restorative justice coordinators but only three police officers, according to the resolution. The resolution mandates training for all OUSD staff in implicit bias, antiracism, and culturally responsive supports. And it directs the superintendent to tell the board by Aug. 20 how she will launch a community-driven effort to revise the district's safety plan. 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. Budget hotels, restaurants and guest houses in the national capital and holy town Mathura Vrindavan have decided that they will boycott goods from China and not provide accommodation to its nationals amid border standoff. Image used for representational purpose. Photograph: Lisi Niesner/Reuters. The Delhi Hotels and Restaurant Owners Association, which has more than 3,000 budget hotels and restaurants as members in the national capital, has written to the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) informing about the decision and the grouping's full support to CAIT's boycott Chinese goods campaign. Likewise, the Mathura Vrindavan Hotel Owners Association, with 125 hotels and guest houses as its members, said it will also boycott goods from china and not allow accommodation to Chinese nationals. Against the backdrop of violent clashes earlier this month between India and China in eastern Ladakh that killed 20 Indian Army personnel, there has been a growing clamour in certain quarters for boycotting Chinese products. Delhi Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association General Secretary Mahendra Gupta said the members will not take bookings or serve Chinese nationals and have also decided to boycott using Chinese goods in their establishments. Around 3,000 budget hotels and restaurants are part of the association. These establishments get five to six per cent of their bookings from Chinese nationals, he said. "We are pleased to inform you that our association has decided to wholeheartedly support the campaign of CAIT and as such we have decided to boycott Chinese goods which are being used in our hotels and restaurants and henceforth we shall not be using any Chinese products in our establishments," the Delhi Hotel & Restaurant Owners Association said in the letter to CAIT. The Association said it has also decided not to provide rooms to 'any Chinese national at a time when China is repeatedly in attacking mode on our brave Indian forces'. While, the Mathura Vrindavan Hotel Owners Association said, "Our association has decided that we will not accommodate any Chinese nationals." Its General Secretary Amit Jain told PTI that the move was an expression of anger against the killing of Indian soldiers in clashes with Chinese troops in the Galwan valley. Further, the Delhi Hotels and Restaurant Owners Association said it will also contact hotel associations of other states to make a similar decision. 'It is also to inform you that as a next step we shall also be contacting Star Hotels in Delhi and will impress upon them to join this movement,' the Association said in its letter to CAIT. CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal while welcoming the decision of the Hotels Association said that with such a decision it is quite evident that people from all walks of life are more willing to join its campaign. He said CAIT will now make efforts to rope in other sectors like farmers, transporters, small industries, consumers, hawkers, self entrepreneurs, women entrepreneurs, etc and make an appeal to them to join the campaign. By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON, June 24 (Reuters) - The state of Minnesota on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the American Petroleum Institute, Exxon Mobil Corp and Koch Industries for what it called a decades-long campaign to deceive the public about climate change. The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges by states, cities, and citizen groups targeting fossil fuel companies over their role in global warming. Attorney General Keith Ellison said the state believed the oil and gas industry's main lobby group, as well as Exxon and Koch, violated Minnesota laws barring consumer fraud, deceptive trade practices and false advertising. The complaint alleges the companies and industry body "strategized to deceive the public" about climate science to protect their business interests and accused them of a "multi-pronged campaign of deception" conducted over the last 30 years. "The fraud, deceptive advertising, and other violations of Minnesota state law and common law that the lawsuit shows they perpetrated have harmed Minnesotans health and our states environment, infrastructure, and economy, Ellison said. He said the state has asked a Minnesota district court to require the defendants to fund an education campaign on climate change and pay for damages caused by global warming. The API did not directly comment on the lawsuit, but said the oil industry had been working to provide "affordable, reliable energy to U.S. consumers while substantially reducing emissions and our environmental footprint." Any suggestion to the contrary is false, said API Chief Legal Officer Paul Afonso. Officials at Exxon and Koch did not immediately respond to requests for comment. At least 15 other plaintiffs, including states, cities and youth and citizen groups, have filed similar lawsuits against the oil and gas industry, including Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. In December, Exxon prevailed in a case brought by New York that accused the oil major of failing to disclose the financial risks of climate change to investors. (Reporting by Valerie Volcovici Editing by Marguerita Choy) Australian government has added AUD5 million ($3.43 million) to a financial aid package to help Vietnams economy and population mitigate the impact of Covid-19. The funding, provided by the Australian government and administered by the World Bank Group, adds to the Australia-World Bank Group Strategic Partnership - Phase 2 (ABP2) that focuses on supporting Vietnams development agenda through knowledge sharing and policy advising. The partnership, first commenced in 2012, aims to share knowledge and strengthen policies and programs for selected development priorities in Vietnam. The first phase of the partnership, from 2012 to 2017, boasts several key achievements, including improved national connectivity and access to markets, increased sustainable access to clean water and sanitation, and improved poverty reduction strategies for rural communities. The second phase, from 2017 to 2021, aims to further progress Vietnams priority economic reforms by targeting five key issues: trade and competitiveness; transport; Mekong Delta climate resilience; alongside gender and ethnic minorities. The additional $3.43 million "will help address emerging challenges and critical needs across Vietnam post Covid-19," said Ousmane Dione, World Bank country director for Vietnam, adding that by providing support in key areas like private sector development, trade integration and innovation, the program aims to help the countrys economy gain back its full potential in the fastest and most sustainable way. The program of work takes forward part of the AUD10.5 million ($7.2 million) commitment from Australia to Vietnam to boost Covid-19 recovery, discussed between Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Robyn Mudie and Vietnam's Minister for Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung on June 5. Vietnam, despite its internationally acclaimed response to the novel coronavirus pandemic, has taken heavy hits across all sectors, making its initial economic expansion target of 6.8 percent a challenge to achieve, said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at a National Assembly session last month. The country's economic growth in the first quarter amounted to only 3.8 percent. People have also been struggling to find jobs, with many mostly reliant on unemployment benefits. The number of people filing for unemployment in May surged 44 percent year-on-year to 157,900, according to the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs. Around 26,000 companies also suspended their business in the first five months, a 36 percent increase. In the worst case scenario, the number of workers affected by the pandemic could rise to 7.2 million in the second quarter, the ministry estimated. The country has recorded 352 Covid-19 cases so far, with 23 remaining active and no deaths. No community transmission has been recorded in over two months. A Barclays investment banker was today cleared of 'carelessly' killing a motorcyclist, 32, he hit in his 55,000 Land Rover while taking his daughter to boarding school. Derek Shakespeare, a managing director at Barclays, was accused of 'not looking properly' when his 4x4 pulled out of a junction and into the path of Peter Lowe. Jurors heard Mr Lowe was knocked off his red Yamaha and suffered multiple severe injuries which he never recovered from. Mr Shakespeare, who was travelling in his Discovery XS, said he double checked left and right before pulling out and was not distracted. Derek Shakespeare, left, outside Winchester Crown Court, was today cleared of causing death by careless driving after pulling out a junction and into the path of Peter Lowe, pictured right The senior banker, 52, 'thought it was clear' and said the incident deeply impacted him, telling police 'words cannot express how devastated I am'. He rushed to help Mr Lowe as he lay dying and bleeding from his mouth and nose by getting him to lay in the recovery position and flagging down help. Mr Shakespeare was today told by Judge Andrew Barnett 'you can leave the dock without any further stain on your character' as he was cleared of causing death by careless driving. Jurors spent just one hour deliberating their verdict following the accident at a crossroad on the A343 in Nether Wallop, near Andover, Hampshire. Winchester Crown Court was told that less than a mile before the collision Mr Lowe travelled 64mph on a village road which had a speed limit of 30mph. After Mr Shakespeare walked free, Mr Lowe's tearful mother said she was 'really disappointed' with the verdict. Cambridge-educated Mr Shakespeare is co-head of Barclays' Mergers and Acquisitions business in the UK, having worked for the bank since 2010. He has enjoyed a long career in City banking and owns a number of companies including a yachting firm, a yacht racing club and a trust which oversees a prestigious private boarding school. The school, Walhampton School in Lymington, is one of the most sought-after preparatory schools in Hampshire, which costs up to 8,670 per term, and he sits on the board of governors as chairman of the finance committee. The father-of-three, whose children attended the school, lives nearby in Walhampton in a large country house thought to be worth at least 2 million. Winchester Crown Court, pictured, was told that less than a mile before the collision Mr Lowe travelled 64mph on a village road which had a speed limit of 30mph (file photo) The court had heard Mr Shakespeare told police he had driven the route '20 or 30 times', was not distracted and 'looked left and right, then left and right again' before pulling out at 7pm on October 28, 2018. Mr Shakespeare said in a police interview: 'I've thought about it pretty much non-stop since, I have racked my brain and I simply cannot fathom why I did not see the bike. 'Words cannot begin to express how devastated I am and the sympathy I wish to convey to his family. I'm devastated I've been involved in an accident that resulted in a tragic loss of life.' The jury heard Mr Lowe, from Porton, Wiltshire, had cannabis in his system which suggested 'recent usage'. Mr Lowe's family, including his mum Sandra and sister Claire, sat in on the four-day trial and wept from the public gallery as the court heard grisly details about the crash. He has been described by his family as a loving uncle who 'was always full of fun and life, compassionate and caring'. He never regained consciousness after being knocked out by the collision. After the verdict, Sandra said: 'I'm just really disappointed that we weren't successful. I love my son the same as I did the day he died and I'm just sad I will never see him again.' Mittleman Brothers recently released its Q1 2020 Investor Letter, a copy of which you can download here. The Mittleman Global Value Equity Fund Class P declined 33.4% in AUD (net of fees) in the first quarter of 2020, underperforming the MSCI ACW Total Return Index by 23.7%. You should check out Mittleman Brothers top 5 stock picks for investors to buy right now, which could be the biggest winners of the stock market crash. In the said letter, Mittleman Brothers highlighted a few stocks and Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc. (NYSE:SPB) is one of them. Spectrum Brands is a hardware manufacturing company. Year-to-date, Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc. (NYSE:SPB) stock lost 30.2% and on June 24th it had a closing price of $45.81. Here is what Mittleman Brothers said: "MIM exited its position in SPB in February at around $60, down only 6.2% including a dividend. The sale was to fund other purchases and it proved a somewhat timely exit with SPB closing at $36.37 on 31 March 2020. Spectrum was a mixed bag over the past couple of years, with a manufacturing mishap and some other unforced errors muting performance, but since MIM started buying its predecessor entity in 2009 around $20, and its successor Harbinger Group (HRG, which is now the SPB holdco) since December 2010, MIM has made satisfying returns. The stock is attractively priced now down in the $30s and MIM is considering re-entering the position." In Q1 2020, the number of bullish hedge fund positions on Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc. (NYSE:SPB) stock decreased by about 47% from the previous quarter (see the chart here), so a number of other hedge fund managers seem to agree with SPB's downside potential. Our calculations showed that Spectrum Brands Holdings Inc. (NYSE:SPB) isn't ranked among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds. The top 10 stocks among hedge funds returned 185% since the end of 2014 and outperformed the S&P 500 Index ETFs by more than 109 percentage points. We know it sounds unbelievable. You have been dismissing our articles about top hedge fund stocks mostly because you were fed biased information by other media outlets about hedge funds' poor performance. You could have doubled the size of your nest egg by investing in the top hedge fund stocks instead of dumb S&P 500 ETFs. Below you can watch our video about the top 5 hedge fund stocks right now. All of these stocks had positive returns in 2020. Story continues Video: Top 5 Stocks Among Hedge Funds At Insider Monkey we leave no stone unturned when looking for the next great investment idea. For example, 2020s unprecedented market conditions provide us with the highest number of trading opportunities in a decade. So we are checking out stocks recommended/scorned by legendary Bill Miller. We interview hedge fund managers and ask them about their best ideas. If you want to find out the best healthcare stock to buy right now, you can watch our latest hedge fund manager interview here. We read hedge fund investor letters and listen to stock pitches at hedge fund conferences. Our best call in 2020 was shorting the market when the S&P 500 was trading at 3150 after realizing the coronavirus pandemics significance before most investors. You can subscribe to our free enewsletter below to receive our stories in your inbox: [daily-newsletter][/daily-newsletter] Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin would accept if asked to be 2020 Democratic nominee Joe Biden's running mate, she said on ABC's "The View" on Thursday morning. "If he were to ask me to be his running mate, I certainly would," she said. Asked if Biden should choose a woman of color as his running mate, as has been suggested in some Democratic circles, Baldwin noted that the former vice president is likely weighing many factors. "Well, I certainly think that when Joe Biden announces his running mate in likely the beginning of August, it will be an historic choice, and if he chooses a woman of color, I think that there are such exceptional candidates that he's interviewing and vetting, but I have to respect that Joe Biden has his own process and his own things that he's evaluating," she said. "I've got to suspect he's looking into the very strong relationship he had with President Obama when he served as vice president, and he's certainly weighing all sorts of factors and I have to respect that he has his own process." Baldwin is poised to potentially make history as the first openly gay U.S. vice presidential candidate, should 2020 Democratic nominee Joe Biden select her as his running mate. "I have always sought not to make history, but to make a difference, and I think as more and more people understand that I am there fighting for them and the issues that concern us all, that things have changed over time," she said. PHOTO: In this Feb. 3, 2020, file photo, Senator Tammy Baldwin walks though the Senate subway in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. (Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images, FILE) Baldwin, who represents Wisconsin, was the first openly gay woman to be elected to the Senate in 2012. The 58-year-old senator, who is widely expected to be a contender for the vice presidential pick, supports progressive policies like Medicare for All and the House Democrats' legislation for police reform. Her state, Wisconsin, played a deciding role in the 2016 election and will again be under the microscope in 2020. President Donald Trump visited the state Thursday, highlighting the importance of Wisconsin voters to the president's campaign. It was his second trip to the state since January and the president planned to hold a Fox News town hall from the state Thursday night, an attempt to reach Wisconsinites during the era of coronavirus. On Wednesday, a poll from Marquette University showed Biden leading in a head-to-head matchup against Trump among registered voters in the state, 49 to 41 percent. Story continues We know that the path to the presidency goes right through the state of Wisconsin. It's always on that list, Baldwin said. Wisconsin remains a close race: 44% of respondents said they have a favorable view of Biden, while 42% say they have a favorable view of Trump. 46% of respondents said they have an unfavorable view of Biden, while 54% said they have an unfavorable view of Trump. Some 71% of Wisconsin registered voters said they feel that there is a lot of discrimination against Black Americans today, which limits their chances to get ahead, though nearly 1 in four respondents said they opposed calls from the Black Lives Matter movement to "defund the police," a term that broadly refers to diverting funds from police departments and instead putting it toward community health and safety services. MORE: Why protesters want to defund the police after George Floyd's death At the same time, 81% of Wisconsin registered voters said the support restructuring the role of police and requiring greater accountability for police misconduct, the poll found. Not unrelated to its key role in the fate of the election, Wisconsin is also the intended location for the Democratic National Convention this summer, where Biden will accept the Democratic nomination to run against Trump this November. Biden and the DNC announced yesterday, however, that theyve made the decision to hold the convention virtually. MORE: Biden intends to accept nomination in Milwaukee, as Democrats move forward with scaled-back national convention Trump and the Republican National Committee, conversely, still intends to hold the party's convention in person, despite health risks. MORE: Trump, GOP say national convention will be moved, after tense standoff with North Carolina Baldwin called the contrast evidence of Trumps failure of leadership and called attention to Wednesdays record-high for positive coronavirus test results in the U.S. Hes pretending as though this pandemic is behind us and yet yesterday we set the single highest day of COVID positive test results, and each of those represent people. Statistics are people, Baldwin said. She said she still believed Milwaukee, the city where the convention will be held, will still be able to conduct business around the convention, which is a huge draw for political tourism. It will, no doubt, be a much smaller economic boon than if the convention was live in person for thousands of media, delegates and politics who normally attend every four years. We'll have Joe Biden in Milwaukee accepting the nomination, and we will be safe and healthy because safety and health is a priority for Joe Biden, Baldwin said. Sen. Tammy Baldwin on The View weighs in on historic choices before Biden in veepstakes originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Jon Frutkin, Principal Attorney at Radix Law We are appreciative of all those that have followed us through email updates and our YouTube channel, Jon Frutkin said. Radix Law is proud to announce that its weekly podcast Small Business Update is now included by all the major directory services, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcast, Stitcher and iHeart Radio. Attorneys Jonathan Frutkin and Adam Buck host and discuss the rapidly changing government programs, laws and regulations that effect small business owners. The podcast also features international newsmakers like Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-06), Alerus Bank Regional President Rob Schweister, and southern Africa business leader Chad Chawanda. The 30 minute podcast also talks about big legal decisions impacting business owners and proposed legislation that can impact the workplace. Jonathan Frutkin is a frequent media commentator who has appeared on Fox-10, ABC-15 and CBS / AZ Family during the recent COVID-19 crisis. He has also appeared on iHeart Radio and is a frequent contributor to print publications including the Arizona Republic and several community newspapers. We are appreciative of all those that have followed us through email updates and our YouTube channel, Frutkin said. To have all these top podcast directories immediately include us as a resource for business owners is really gratifying. By Trend The US government continues to support the State Security Service of Georgia responsible for keeping the country safe from Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), Trend reports referring to the US Embassy to Georgia. "This week, our Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) donated highly technical equipment to help Georgia with WMD detection and identification, as well as necessary tools for their maintenance," says the US Embassy to Georgia. Specifically, this equipment will be used for countering improvised weapons of mass destruction and for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) response. The equipment requires special knowledge for its effective usage, which is why DTRA will also be providing necessary training for their Georgian counterparts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 20:24:04|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close HELSINKI, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 infection in Finland remains stable and is clearly declining, Finnish health authorities said on Thursday, adding that ways of reducing infection risk in crowded work dwellings are considered. Liisa-Maria Voipio-Pulkki, Director General of Strategy Affairs at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, said at a press conference that there are no indications that the recent easing of restrictions, such as allowing restaurants to open, has accelerated the infection rate in Finland. In testing, the ratio of infections now has been one positive out of two hundred tests taken in the country. However, COVID-19 among migrant workers living in crowded dwellings has raised concern in the wake of some chains of infections. Taneli Puumalainen, the chief physician of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), said authorities are now considering ways of strengthening the current instructions for the situation. "Measures will be adopted to lower this kind of risk," he said. No details have been given, but inhabitants in joint dwellings are in most cases workers hired from outside Finland. In addition, Puumalainen said Finland plans no testing at airports. He underlined that Finland has opened travel only from countries where the infection rate is comparable with Finland, and thus arriving or returning travelers are not considered to be a risk. The Finnish government is to decide on further opening to EU countries on July 10, based on the occurrence rates reported then. According to THL, as of Thursday afternoon, Finland has a total of 7,172 COVID-19 infections. The death toll reached 327, while an estimated 6,600 people have recovered. Enditem FRANKFURT/NEW YORK- Bayer AG, after more than a year of talks, agreed to pay as much as $10.9 billion to settle close to 100,000 U.S. lawsuits claiming that its widely-used weedkiller Roundup caused cancer, resolving litigation that has pummeled the companys share price. The German drugs and pesticides maker has come to terms with about 75% of the 125,000 filed and unfiled claims overall, it said in a statement on Wednesday of the deal to end legal disputes it inherited with its $63 billion takeover of Monsanto in 2018. The settled cases over Roundup and other glyphosate-based weedkillers account for about 95% of those currently set for trial, it added. Bayer Gambles on Science to Let It Keep Selling Roundup, Mitigate Future Claims The findings by the scientific review panel would be binding on Bayer and anyone who has used Roundup but not developed cancer. The Roundup settlement is the right action at the right time for Bayer to bring a long period of uncertainty to an end, Bayer Chief Executive Werner Baumann said. Unfortunately, we have to pay an awful lot of money for a product which is perfectly regulated. The company said it will make a payment of $8.8 billion to $9.6 billion to resolve the current Roundup litigation including an allowance expected to cover unresolved claims and $1.25 billion to support a separate class agreement to address potential future litigation. Bayer did not admit liability or wrongdoing. Bayer is not getting complete relief, but trying to do as much as it can to calm uncertainty, said Adam Zimmerman, a law professor at Loyola Law School who has followed the litigation. Record Settlement The deal dwarfs previous out-of-court product liability settlements, such as Merck & Co.s $5 billion deal to end litigation over its withdrawn painkiller Vioxx, and Bayer deals worth $2 billion to settle claims of harm caused by its Yasmin and Yaz birth control pills. Ken Feinberg, who was appointed settlement mediator by a federal judge more than a year ago, said that while nearly 25,000 claims remained unsettled there will be no more trials as cases settle in coming months. Bayer wisely decided to settle the litigation rather than roll the dice in American court, said Feinberg, who has mediated other high-profile disputes, including over the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster and Volkswagens diesel emissions scandal. APPEALS TO CONTINUE The three cases that have gone to trial will continue through the appeals process and are not covered by the settlement, Bayer said. A U.S. federal appeals court on Monday permanently blocked California from requiring a cancer warning on glyphosate-based Roundup. That ruling is separate from the wider litigation over whether Roundup causes a type of blood cancer. The company, whose management in April regained shareholder support for its handling of the litigation, has denied claims that Roundup or its active ingredient glyphosate causes cancer, saying decades of independent studies have shown the product is safe for human use. Bayer said it expects to maintain its investment grade credit ratings and intends to keep its dividend policy. The prospect of a surge in fresh lawsuits, fighting more than 20 trials a year and the accompanying unfavorable media coverage swayed Bayer to come to terms with claimants. We are well aware of the negative impact high profile trials already have had on our business and reputation, Baumann said. Bayer shares are down 29% since it closed the Monsanto deal in June 2018. At one point last year as juries ruled against the company, Bayers market value had fallen below what it paid for Monsanto. As of April, the company had been sued by 52,500 U.S. plaintiffs who blame glyphosate-based weedkillers for their cancer, up from 48,600 in February. Law firms had lined up tens of thousands of additional claimants with cases yet to serve. Continue to Sell Bayer will continue to sell Roundup, which Monsanto first brought to the market in 1974. It will not add a cancer warning label to the product, a company spokesman said. Bayer has repeatedly said Roundup is safe and important to farmers who use the herbicide in combination with the companys genetically modified seeds. Potential future cases will be governed by a class agreement subject to court approval. The agreement includes the establishment of an independent scientific panel that will determine whether Roundup can cause cancer and, if so, at what minimum levels. Bayer and the plaintiffs are bound by the panels determination and no new lawsuits can be filed while the experts evaluate the science, a process expected to take about four years, Bayer said. Separately, Bayer agreed to resolve most cases in litigation over waste water contaminated with PCB, which Monsanto manufactured before 1977, for $820 million. It also came to terms for up to $400 million to resolve lawsuits brought by land owners who say their crops were damaged by neighbors using Bayers dicamba-based weedkiller. The product is alleged to evaporate easily and waft away from the target field. (Reporting by Ludwig Burger and Tina Bellon; Additional reporting by Jonathan Stempel and Patricia Weiss; Editing by Maria Sheahan and Bill Berkrot) Topics Lawsuits Claims USA Brisbane City Council will fast-track development applications for "minor changes" and domestic-level new houses and alterations, sparking concern from opposition councillors that developers will have a "free run" in the city and face less public scrutiny. During the council's budget debate, city planning committee chair Krista Adams announced changes to planning and development processes to "reduce red tape" and support the building industry during the pandemic economic recovery. Domestic house and dwelling development applications will be fast-tracked for Brisbane residents. Credit:Robert Shakespeare "What I'm hearing from industry is that the fourth quarter of this year will be the tipping point," Cr Adams said. "It's from September onwards that they'll begin to hurt. Projects will begin to wrap up and cashflow for new projects will have dried up." Many actors have come forward about their experiences of being cast out from the industry as an outsider. Fans believe that Sushant was unwelcomed in the industry, leading to his depression. According to police reports, Sushant was suffering from depression for the past six months and has also been prescribed anti-depressants by doctors. Sushant Tweets Delete, |FilmiBeat The Mumbai police have launched an investigation and have been questioning the late actor's friends and family for the past 10 days. They now suspect that the actor's tweets were deleted from the micro-blogging site Twitter. While Sushant was quite active on Instagram, it is hard to believe the actor wasn't active on Twitter, since there are no tweets after December 27, 2019. According to a report in Bollywood Hungama, the police will be sending a letter to Twitter asking for his detailed activities in the past six months to carry out further investigation. After the news of Sushant's death hit the internet, screengrabs of Sushant's final tweets went viral on social media. However, the late actor's team soon revealed that the tweets were fake. The viral tweets claimed that they were posted just hours before the actor died by suicide, and subsequently deleted them. In the alleged tweets, Sushant talked about his mental health and why he is thinking about ending his life. On Wednesday, the final post mortem report submitted to police by a team of five doctors revealed that there was no foul play. It stated the cause of death as asphyxia due to hanging. There were no struggle marks on the body or any ligatures found in his nails. Sushant Singh Rajput's Deleted Tweets That Hinted About His Suicide Go Viral; REAL OR FAKE? Sushant Singh Rajput's Final Postmortem Report: No Foul Play, Death By Suicide This figure shows the dust rings around young stars captured by the Gemini Planet Imager Exoplanet Survey, or GPIES. The rings show a diversity of shapes and sizes, made more extreme by the different projections of the rings on the sky. CREDIT UC Berkeley image by Thomas Esposito Astronomers this month released the largest collection of sharp, detailed images of debris disks around young stars, showcasing the great variety of shapes and sizes of stellar systems during their prime planet-forming years. Surprisingly, nearly all showed evidence of planets. The images were obtained over a period of four years by a precision instrument, the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI), mounted on the 8-meter Gemini South telescope in Chile. The GPI uses a state-of-the-art adaptive optics system to remove atmospheric blur, providing the sharpest images to date of many of these disks. Ground-based instruments like GPI, which is being upgraded to conduct similar observations in the northern sky from the Gemini North Telescope in Hawaii, can be a way to screen stars with suspected debris disks to determine which are worth targeting by more powerful, but expensive, telescopes to find planets -- in particular, habitable planets. Several 20-, 30- and 40-meter telescopes, such as the Giant Magellan Telescope and the Extremely Large Telescope, will come online in the next couple of decades, while the orbiting James Webb Space Telescope is expected to be launched in 2021. "It is often easier to detect the dust-filled disk than the planets, so you detect the dust first and then you know to point your James Webb Space Telescope or your Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope at those systems, cutting down the number of stars you have to sift through to find these planets in the first place," said Tom Esposito, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, Berkeley. Esposito is first author of a paper describing the results that appeared June 15 in The Astronomical Journal. Comet belts around other stars The debris disks in the images are the equivalent of the Kuiper Belt in our solar system, a frigid realm about 40 times farther from the sun than Earth -- beyond the orbit of Neptune -- and full of rocks, dust and ice that never became part of any planet in our solar system. Comets from the belt -- balls of ice and rock -- periodically sweep through the inner solar system, occasionally wreaking havoc on Earth, but also delivering life-related materials like water, carbon and oxygen. Of the 26 images of debris disks obtained by the Gemini Planet Imager (GPI), 25 had "holes" around the central star that likely were created by planets sweeping up rocks and dust. Seven of the 26 were previously unknown; earlier images of the other 19 were not as sharp as those from GPI and often didn't have the resolution to detect an inner hole. The survey doubles the number of debris disks imaged at such high resolution. "One of the things we found is that these so-called disks are really rings with inner clearings," said Esposito, who is also a researcher at the SETI Institute in Mountain View, California. "GPI had a clear view of the inner regions close to the star, whereas in the past, observations by the Hubble Space Telescope and older instruments from the ground couldn't see close enough to the star to see the hole around it." The GPI incorporates a coronagraph that blocks the light from the star, allowing it to see as close as one astronomical unit (AU) from the star, or the distance of the Earth from our sun: 93 million miles. The GPI targeted 104 stars that were unusually bright in infrared light, indicating they were surrounded by debris reflecting the light of the star or warmed by the star. The instrument recorded polarized near-infrared light scattered by small dust particles, about a thousandth of a millimeter (1 micron) in size, likely the result of collisions among larger rocks in a debris disk. "There has been no systematic survey of young debris disks nearly this large, looking with the same instrument, using the same observing modes and methods," Esposito said. "We detected these 26 debris disks with very consistent data quality, where we can really compare the observations, something that is unique in terms of debris disk surveys." The seven debris disks never before imaged in this manner were among 13 disks around stars moving together though the Milky Way, members of a group called the Scorpius-Centaurus stellar association, which is located between 100 and 140 parsecs from Earth, or some 400 light years. "It is like the perfect fishing spot; our success rate was much greater than anything else we have ever done," said Paul Kalas, a UC Berkeley adjunct professor of astronomy who is second author of the paper. Because all seven are around stars that were born in the same region at roughly the same time, "that group itself is a mini-laboratory where we can compare and contrast the architectures of many planetary nurseries developing simultaneously under a range of conditions, something that we really didn't have before," Esposito added. Of the 104 stars observed, 75 had no disk of a size or density that GPI could detect, though they may well be surrounded by debris left over from planet formation. Three other stars were observed to host disks belonging to the earlier "protoplanetary" phase of evolution. What did our solar system look like in its infancy? The extent of the debris disks varied widely, but most ranged between 20 and 100 AU. These were around stars that ranged in age from tens of millions of years to a few hundred million years, a very dynamic period for the evolution of planets. Most were larger and brighter than the sun. The one star, HD 156623, that did not have a hole in the center of the debris disk was one of the youngest in the group, which fits with theories of how planets form. Initially, the protoplanetary disk should be relatively uniform, but as the system ages, planets form and sweep out the inner part of the disk. "When we look at younger circumstellar disks, like protoplanetary disks that are in an earlier phase of evolution, when planets are forming, or before planets have started to form, there is a lot of gas and dust in the areas where we find these holes in the older debris disks," Esposito said. "Something has removed that material over time, and one of the ways you can do that is with planets." Because polarized light from debris disks can theoretically tell astronomers the composition of the dust, Esposito is hoping to refine models to predict the composition -- in particular, to detect water, which is thought to be a condition for life. Studies like these could help answer a lingering question about our own solar system, Kalas said. "If you dial back the clock for our own solar system by 4.5 billion years, which one of these disks were we? Were we a narrow ring, or were we a fuzzy blob?" he said. "It would be great to know what we looked like back then to understand our own origins. That is the great unanswered question." ### More than 100 researchers have contributed to GPI and the GPI Exoplanet Survey, and more than 35 were involved with the debris disk survey. The work was supported by the National Science Foundation (AST-1518332), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NNX15AC89G) and Nexus for Exoplanet System Science (NExSS), a research coordination network sponsored by NASA's Science Mission Directorate (NNX15AD95G). NSF's NOIRLab (National Optical-Infrared Astronomy Research Laboratory) operates the international Gemini Observatory, which is a facility of the US, Canada, Chile, Brazil, Argentina and South Korea. Other co-authors are Michael Fitzgerald of UCLA, Gaspard Duchene, Eugene Chiang, Ian Czekala and James Graham of UC Berkeley, former UC Berkeley researchers Robert De Rosa, Megan Ansdell and Franck Marchis, former graduate students Marshall Perrin and Jason Wang, and former undergraduate students Pauline Arriaga, Justin Hom and Malena Rice. Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Retiring Police Chief Kerr Putney called for the SBI review to determine if police tactics on Fourth Street had been legal. But the report, which was based largely on interviews with police, did not make that judgment. If SBI investigators talked to protesters, they did not quote them. The report also accepts the police departments assertion that the protests had become violent during the night, describing those targeted by the chemical agents on Fourth Street as rioters in the second paragraph. In videos preceding the incident, the marchers appear peaceful leading up to their confrontation with police. SBI spokeswoman Anjanette Grube told the Observer that the agency followed its policies in conducting the review. We investigate allegations of possible criminal activity and that is what we were investigating in this case, Grube said. We dont make a determination as to whether a crime has been committed. We gathered evidence and facts at the request of the chief, but we do not make charging decisions or any ultimate decision as to whether any crime has occurred. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 01:01:26|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close YAOUNDE, June 24 (Xinhua) -- Cameroonian police are on high alert for dangerous weapons after two improvised devices exploded in the capital, Yaounde, a senior police officer said on Wednesday. Didier Ngah, police commissioner, said security has been enhanced and counter-terror measures have been put in place to secure the capital after two devices exploded on Sunday in the Central African country. He did not give details about the explosion but local media reported that two security posts were attacked by gunmen using the improvised devices. There will be systematic checks of all vehicles and neighbourhoods in the capital in view of finding arms, ammunitions and dangerous drugs, Ngah said in an order issued to police in the city. In January, Cameroon police chief Martin Mbarga Nguelle warned of possible separatist attacks in the capital, urging the police to adopt a higher level of vigilance in "sensitive posts" and to report any suspicious activities. Armed separatists want the Northwest and Southwest English-speaking regions to secede from the majority French-speaking Cameroon and form a new country called "Ambazonia." They have been clashing with government forces since 2017. Enditem Virtual learning and personalized learning have been at the forefront of education reform discussions for over a decade. One leader of this sector, Summit Public Schools, has been backed by almost $200 million philanthropic dollars from the Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative, the Gates Foundation, and others. Summit Public Schools has aggressively marketed its Summit Learning Platform to schools across the United States since 2015. As a result, the Summit Learning Program is now one of the most prominent digital personalized learning programs in the United States. In Big Claims, Little Evidence, Lots of Money: The Reality Behind the Summit Learning Program and the Push to Adopt Digital Personalized Learning Platforms, Faith Boninger, Alex Molnar, and Christopher M. Saldana, of the University of Colorado Boulder, provide a thorough analysis of Summit Public Schools, an 11-school charter network operating in California and Washington. Summit Public Schools began marketing its proprietary Summit Learning Program to potential partner schools in 2015 as a free, off-the-shelf, personalized learning program; it is now used in nearly 400 schools nationwide. The marketing message of Summit Learning Program trades on the alleged success of the Summit Public Schools. Summit claims to have developed a science-based personalized learning model of teaching and learning that results in all of its students being academically prepared for college. It further claims that its students succeed in college and are prepared to lead successful, fulfilled lives. These successes, it claims, are the result of its unique approach to personalized learning and the use of the digital platform at the heart of its approach. None of these claims made by Summit Public Schools have been confirmed by independent evaluators. In fact, other than scant bits of self-selected information provided by Summit itself, Boninger, Molnar and Saldana found no evidence in the public record that confirms the claims. Nor did Summit Public Schools provide the information that the authors solicited in a California public records request. Despite the lack of evidence to support the claims made by Summit Public Schools, the Summit Learning Program has been adopted by nearly 400 schools across the country. While Summit has offered positive anecdotes and some selected data, there is no solid evidence that partner schools are experiencing the promised success; to the contrary, there have been a number of reported incidents of problems and dissatisfaction. Further, the student data collected pursuant to the contracts between Summit and these partner schools presents a potentially significant risk to student privacy and opens the door to the exploitation of those data by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative and possibly by unknown third partiesfor purposes that have nothing to do with improving the quality of those students educations. Virtual education and personalized learning are at the top of the education reform agenda in large measure because of hundreds of millions of dollars in funding and advocacy by philanthropic organizations (e.g., the Gates Foundation), large digital platforms (e.g., Facebook and Google), and venture capitalists anxious to access the school market. Exacerbated by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, schools across the country are struggling to find safe ways to educate their students. The rapid spread of the Summit Learning Program, despite its risks and lack of transparency, provides a powerful example of how policymakers are challenged when faced with a well-financed, self-interested push for schools to adopt digital personalized learning programs. Boninger, Molnar and Saldana provide policymakers with recommendations to protect the public interest by establishing oversight and accountability mechanisms related to digital platforms and personalized learning programs. Find Big Claims, Little Evidence, Lots of Money: The Reality Behind the Summit Learning Program and the Push to Adopt Digital Personalized Learning Platforms, by Faith Boninger, Alex Molnar and Christopher M. Saldana, at: http://nepc.colorado.edu/publication/summit-2020 This research brief was made possible in part by the support of the Great Lakes Center for Education Research and Practice (greatlakescenter.org). The National Education Policy Center (NEPC), a university research center housed at the University of Colorado Boulder School of Education, produces and disseminates high-quality, peer-reviewed research to inform education policy discussions. Visit us at: https://nepc.colorado.edu Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) The Department of Education is calling on the private basic education sector to defer increases in tuition and other fees for next school year as parents and learners currently face financial constraints due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The department said in a statement Thursday that while it recognizes the need of the private schools to "ensure sustainability, this objective must be balanced with the accessibility" of quality basic education services to learners. DepEd said any application for tuition increases should be "reasonable" and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The agency also urged private schools to be transparent in the structure of fees as it said that there had been concerns raised about this matter. Concerns of private schools are set to be tackled in a meeting next week, Tonisito Umali said during a Senate hearing on education policies in the new normal. Earlier, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations, or COCOPEA, asked authorities to provide cash subsidy for school personnel, free internet access for some schools, tax incentives, and "less regulatory policy environment" for a smooth transition to flexible learning options. The organization argued they need support to survive the current crisis. COCOPEA, which represents 2,500 private schools nationwide, noted the coronavirus crisis forced 100 private schools to end their academic year early. 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 The Deputy Comptroller-General of Immigration (DCGI) in charge of Finance and Administration, Mrs. Judith Dzokoto-Lomoh, has urged the public to continue adhering to the COVID-19 safety protocols in order to contain the spread of the virus in the country. Let us wear the nose mask properly, it should cover the bridge of our nose and all the way down under the chin, she said. Mrs. Dzokoto-Lomoh made the remarks on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Immigration when she received personnel protective equipment (PPE) for the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) at its National Headquarters in Accra, donated by Transsion Technology Ghana Limited (TTGL). The PPE include 5,000 medical nose masks, 1,600 N95 nose masks, 800 medical goggles, 10 boxes of bottled water and 2,000 single-use hand gloves. She admonished the public to desist from pushing the nose mask under the chin to rest on the neck. The DCGI Dzokoto-Lomoh expressed gratitude to the company and assured them that the donated items will get to the personnel who are at the frontiers combating the coronavirus. The Senior Administrator of Transsion Technology Ghana Limited, Ruth Boatemaa Boakye who handed the items said the company was delighted to contribute its quota to the fight against the deadly virus. Case counts of infected persons keep soaring, and it is important that we support the Immigration Service, one of the security institutions in the country playing a critical role in the fight against the virus, she added. ---citinewsroom The long-awaited Atascocita Park opened to Lake Houston area residents on the rainy morning of June 24. Composed of a large playground with high skywalks, a 1-acre dog park for both large and small breeds, a sizeable picnic pavilion, a 2-acre natural pond with a boardwalk and paved trails, the new 21-acre site offers the community a place to get outside and take in nature. The $11.5 million development is part of the greater Harris County Precinct 2 park system. CORONAVIRUS UPDATES: Abbott says Texas facing 'massive outbreak' Atascocita Park is located at 17302 West Lake Houston Parkway, Atascocita, and is open from dawn to dusk, Monday through Sunday. Inclement weather this morning canceled the grand opening event for the park as authorities warned of flash flooding risks in the area. However, after the 7 a.m. opening, the sky cleared of rain toward the middle of the day and people arrived with their families to use the trails and take in the views from the boardwalk. Im so excited for Atascocita Park to finally open, said Harris County Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia. The area is growing at a tremendous pace, and residents will now have a place to get away and enjoy the great outdoors. From the walking trails through the trees to the boardwalk over the natural pond and the massive playground, this park is sure to provide residents with a unique and fun experience. ON HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Turner announces 45-member task force to consider HPD reforms Atascocita resident Bev Hiller brought her young grandson to the park for opening day and said she has been anticipating the opening for a while. She normally exercises by walking with a friend and said they were excited to see what the park had to offer. We just could not wait for this place to open and see what it was all about, Hiller said. Today Ive got my grandson so we havent been able to walk all that much, but we will be. While the novel coronavirus has caused many to stay inside, this park opening provides a new spot to enjoy the outdoors in the local community for free. Garcia, like other Harris County officials, urged those who attend the park to wear face coverings and socially distance to help prevent the potential spread of COVID-19. MORNING REPORT: Get the top stories on HoustonChronicle.com sent directly to your inbox Garcia announced at the Lake Houston Chamber of Commerce Atascocita BizCom on June 11 that the Atascocita trails project is in phase two of design. The $5 million project should be completed by the second quarter of next year, Garcia said. For more information on Precinct 2, visit their website at https://www.hcp2.com/. savannah.mehrtens@chron.com Google is set to automatically delete user data including their location and search history after 18 months, in a landmark update to its privacy settings. YouTube was also included in the shakeup, and will now start removing users' history data after 36 months. Google said the longer time period was needed to improve the platform's video recommendations. The technology giant's chief executive, Sundar Pichai, announced the change, saying the company believes it should only 'keep your information for as long as it's useful and helpful to you'. Previously, users have been required to activate their own data deletion controls and set time limits. Google has said it will start deleting all user data automatically after 18 months YouTube, which is owned by Google, will start deleting user data after 36 months. The company said it needed to keep the information for longer to improve video recommendations Announcing the change, Mr Pichai said: 'We continue to challenge ourselves to do more with less, and today we're changing our data retention practices to make auto-delete the default for our core activity settings. '(The change means) your activity data will be automatically and continuously deleted after 18 months, rather than kept until you choose to delete it. 'Last year we introduced auto-delete controls, which give you the choice to have Google automatically and continuously delete your Location History, search, voice and YouTube activity data after three or 18 months.' He said that YouTube would store users' data for longer because users would benefit from the video recommendations made by the platform's algorithms based on search history. Google added that users can still choose to manually shorten the retention periods, should they wish to. Google's chief executive, Sundar Pichai, announced the changes to Google's platform. He is pictured in Brussels, Belgium, in January this year 'If you've already had location history and web and app activity turned on, we won't be changing your settings,' he said. 'But we will actively remind you about the auto-delete controls through in-product notifications and emails, so you can choose the auto-delete setting that works for you.' Among other changes announced, Google said it would add access to Google account settings directly from it search engine, so user could search for 'is my Google account secure?' and be guided to their privacy and security settings. The company said it was also making it easier to access its Incognito mode on mobile - which allows users to carry out searches and visit websites without that activity being logged. Already available on iOS and coming soon to Android, Google said users will be able to access Incognito by pressing and holding on their Google profile image in the top corner of the Search screen. The meeting is held online at the International Convention Center (Hanoi) (Photo: VNA) The country will host the 36th ASEAN Summit online on June 26, an event that will include a plenary of ASEAN leaders, with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to act as the host. The event will also include three specialised meetings, with one focused on empowering women, and the others including dialogues with representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, and with young people and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council whose mandate is to provide private sector feedback and guidance to strengthen the blocs efforts towards economic integration. It is expected that about 10 major documents will be inked at the summit, including a declaration by the ASEAN chair which is aimed to further cement the blocs solidarity in fighting the pandemic and beefing up economic development; a joint statement on the ASEAN vision, and a joint statement on fostering high-quality human resources within the region. PM Phuc is expected to highlight new co-operation and development orientations of the ASEAN in 2020 and beyond, with strengthened co-operation in fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Especially, he will also likely underscore the need to implement a shared plan for regional economic recovery after the pandemic has been eradicated. Last week, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Quoc Dung worked with ministries and agencies to settle preparations for the 36th ASEAN Summit. Vietnam has also consulted with ASEAN member states and the blocs partners about the agenda of the summit, which is also expected to see a discussion about the East Sea. Due to COVID-19, the Vietnamese government decided to organise the event online. This 36th edition was originally planned to take place in the central city of Danang during April 6-9 but was inevitably cancelled due to the pandemic. On March 19, PM Phuc sent a letter to leaders of member states as well as New Zealand on rescheduling the summit, along with the ASEAN-New Zealand Leaders Summit that was planned to be held in Danang on April 8-9. Vietnam has been active in rallying collective responses to the COVID-19 pandemic within the region and between the ASEAN and its partners in accordance with the Cohesive and Responsive theme of Vietnams 2020 ASEAN chairmanship role. One of the more vivid examples of this was the organisation of the Special ASEAN and ASEAN+3 summits on COVID-19 on April 14 under the chairmanship of PM Phuc. By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday rejected a call to swap an imprisoned Huawei Technologies Co Ltd [HWT.UL] executive for two citizens held by Beijing, saying such a move would set a bad precedent and harm Canada. Shortly after Vancouver police arrested Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou on a U.S. arrest warrant in December 2018, Beijing detained two Canadian man on security charges. Last week they were charged with suspected spying. A group of 19 prominent figures, including former cabinet ministers and diplomats, this week wrote a letter to Trudeau urging Ottawa to halt the extradition proceedings against Meng. This, they said, would boosting the chances of China freeing the two men. Trudeau, who has dismissed repeated calls from China to intervene in the case against Meng, said the signatories were wrong to call for her release. "(This) would endanger the millions of Canadians who live and travel overseas every single year. We cannot allow political pressures or random arrests of Canadian citizens to influence the functioning of our justice system," he told reporters. The wife of one of the detained men on Tuesday urged Canada's justice minister to consider intervening in the case, saying her husband was in an increasingly dire predicament. Although Beijing insists there is no connection between the Meng and the two Canadians, Trudeau said there was a clear link. "We deplore what China did ... and will continue to remain steadfast and strong," he said, adding that it would be "absolutely unacceptable" to let Beijing think it could get what it wanted by arresting Canadians. China has also blocked imports of Canadian canola seed and meat products. Trudeau, asked whether Ottawa might impose sanctions on Chinese officials, said Canada was looking at a range of options but gave no details. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Richard Chang) A study analyzing and describing US police-involved fatalities across racial/ethnic groups at the level of individual metropolitan statistical areas publishes June 24, 2020 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE, by Gabriel Schwartz and Jaquelyn Jahn from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In the wake of George Floyd's death at the hands of the police in Minneapolis and the following surge of protests against police violence, uncovering specific data on police-related fatalities in the US has never been more critical. In order to estimate rates of fatalities involving police for every metropolitan statistical area (MSA) in the US -- a level of geographical precision that surpasses previous work in this area -- Schwartz and Jahn analyzed 5,494 police-related fatalities from 2013-2017, using a comprehensive and independently-validated database, Fatal Encounters (endorsed by the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics). The analysis excluded 1,670 cases reported as suicides, accidents, or vehicle collisions; 547 deaths also lacked race/ethnicity data, and so were excluded from the portion of the analysis related to racial/ethnic inequities. While Fatal Encounters offers the most comprehensive data on police use of deadly force in the US at this time, it likely misses a number of similar cases because not all of these incidents are reported. Other limitations with the dataset include a possibility of racial/ethnic misclassification, since race was not self-reported, and a risk of misclassification of cause of death (e.g.: accidental versus non-accidental death). The database also does not include the circumstances around each police-related fatality, and it's unclear if every fatality in the database would have been prevented had the police not become involved. The data showed large variation in the number of police-involved fatalities across MSAs generally -- rates of fatal police violence were nine times higher in the metro area experiencing the highest rates than the least lethal metro area. Across all groups, fatalities were higher in the West and South than in the northern Midwest and Northeast. The data also shows large inequities in the rates at which White and Black people were killed during police contact. Across all MSAs, Black people were on average 3.23 times more likely to be killed than White people (95% CI: 2.95, 3.54, p < 0.001). The specific rates varied greatly across MSAs: Black fatalities ranged from 1.81 times greater than White fatalities in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell MSA, to 6.51 times greater than White fatalities in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin MSA. In general, MSAs with low rates of police-related fatalities against White people tended to exhibit more extreme Black-White inequities. The authors did not calculate MSA-specific rates for people of other races/ethnicities, including Native American, Middle Eastern and Asian/Pacific Islander, due in part to the low total number of deaths for these groups in the Fatal Encounters database. Importantly, Schwartz and Jahn compare rates of fatal police use of force to the general population, and not to the number of general police contacts with the population, making it impossible to examine rates of fatal police use of force relative to all police contacts. While this paper is descriptive, and thus does not attempt to draw conclusions about the causes of the observed disparities, the authors suggest that place-specific policies, such as firearm regulations, levels of segregation, differences in police training and police department protocols, may help to explain differences in incidence rates. The data highlights the fatal impact of disparate police use of force on populations and on public health. More and better data, as well as an awareness of the varying historical contexts across the US at a metropolitan and even at a neighborhood level, will enable researchers to dig further into the reasons behind these described disparities to address the public health issue of police-related fatalities in the US. The authors add: "People's risk of fatal police violence varies hugely from one metro area to another; some metros have death rates 9 times those of other cities, which points to how preventable these deaths are and why so many people are protesting police violence across the country." They conclude: "Nationally, Black people are at much higher risk of being killed by the police, but in some places the difference is truly enormous: Black Chicagoans are more than 650% more likely to be killed than White Chicagoans." Attending these events are fun since most of the community has been apart for a while but it is also very dangerous for some residents within our community, the briefing said. When residents gather together especially indoors without using face coverings and not being physically distant from each other along with singing, shouting, talking, laughing, etc., it increases the risk of spreading this infection among these crowds like a wildfire. Burke County Public Information Officer Lisa Moore told The News Herald she understands how difficult it is to miss out on normal worship services. As a person of great faith, it was difficult even for me not to be able to go to my regular church service and worship with my church family, Moore said. But the risk of this infection to those who would be attending services indoors was just too great. She said her church and others like it were able to find ways to connect with their congregation and offer worship services in different and creative ways. Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker still wont answer questions about how much the state has lost through a nationwide scam targeting unemployment systems, but he said the state is seeing thousands and thousands of attempts to steal money from the unemployment trust fund. The Republican governor responded to questions about unemployment delays for new applicants during a news briefing that focused on plans to reopen K-12 schools in the fall. He said the state is getting calls from a variety of places from people saying they didnt get their check. Sometimes the calls are legitimate, sometimes not. We are putting mechanisms in place that have been recommended by the feds and by others to double check and triple check that people are in fact who they are, the Republican governor said Thursday. In some cases, its a very complicated exercise to figure this out. He added: Were not happy about the fact that we cant just continue to make the funds available as quickly as we possibly can, but people are working really hard to make sure people are in fact who they say they are. The scam targeted state unemployment systems as Massachusetts and other states are seeing historic unemployment levels in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. More than a million people have applied for unemployment benefits in Massachusetts, either through the traditional system or the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program set up for contractors and self-employed people who lost business during the coronavirus pandemic. Both are overseen by the Department of Unemployment Assistance. Baker said the traditional system is paying almost 700,000 people, and the PUA is paying roughly 300,000 people. This is an enormously difficult issue, and the best I can say about this at this point in time is we stood up the program before anybody else did, Baker said of the PUA, which the state set up ahead of schedule. In late May, Massachusetts had a third-party vendor review 150,000 jobless claims that looked suspicious. Baker said at a recent news conference that all but roughly 5,000 passed the review. The rest were undergoing second- and third-level reviews. Baker did not identify the vendor, and few details have been released since then. The DUA declined to offer more information, citing an ongoing investigation. The scam was detected a month later by the U.S. Secret Service. The New York Times reported that a Secret Service memo suggests a Nigerian fraud ring was behind the scam and that it could lead to potential losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The scam first hit Washington state, who reportedly lost hundreds of millions of dollars in fraudulent unemployment claims. Baker has repeatedly said he will not comment on how much money Massachusetts has lost. Im not going to speak to any of the specifics on that. Washington was in fact sort of the canary in the coal mine on this. It was their experience that led to notifications that went to other states, including ours, to give us a heads up that we really needed to get aggressive about making sure there was representation on this stuff, Baker said during a news briefing on June 15. Its very important to us that people get the money theyre entitled to, but its also very important to us that they in fact be the people that their application says they are. Related Content: Returned travellers who test positive for coronavirus during their mandatory 14-day stay in Melbourne hotels are being moved via ambulance to a CBD facility dubbed the "hot hotel" by security and health staff working for the state. Hundreds of private security staff have been working at Melbourne's quarantine hotels since March, guarding returned travellers and taking them on their daily or weekly walks so they can get fresh air. A SkyBus arrives at Crown Promenade on Thursday. The buses carried returned overseas travellers beginning their mandatory 14-day hotel stay. But due to failings in the system, there have been outbreaks at two of the hotels the Rydges on Swanston and the Stamford Plaza with 34 security guards, hotel staff and people with whom they have had contact testing positive for COVID-19. More than 18,500 people have now spent a mandatory two weeks in a room at one of the quarantine hotels. Kelowna, B.C., nursing student in civil suit against RCMP says wellness checks need to change The Kelowna, B.C., nursing student seen in an apartment surveillance video being dragged by an RCMP officer down a hallway before being stepped on during a wellness check says police should be accompanied by a health professional. "I thought, 'What's going to happen after this? Where am I supposed to go when the people who are supposed to protect you are the ones that are abusing you?'" Mona Wang, 20, said in an interview with CBC about her experience. On January 20, Wang, who says she has history of anxiety, was having a panic attack. She had been in contact with her boyfriend in Vancouver, but when she stopped responding to his texts, he got worried and called emergency responders to check up on her. "I had self-harmed a little bit and drank two glasses of wine and ingested some medication. I wasn't really in the best state due to the alcohol and [the medication]," she said. RCMP officer Cpl. Lacy Browning arrived alone at Wang's Kelowna condo to do the wellness check. In her notice of claim, Wang alleges Browning used excessive force during the check, at one point punching Wang and leaving her with bruises on her face, while shouting at her "to stop being so dramatic." Surveillance video later shows Browning dragging Wang across the hallway, and later, stepping on her head. "So many people in the building were walking past, people I see on a daily basis. It felt so humiliating and so degrading," Wang said. "I was of no threat to her. I had my hands cuffed behind my back, laying on the floor on my stomach." The RCMP have denied the allegations and say Browning used reasonable force given the circumstances. In Browning's statement of defence, she alleges Wang had a box cutter in her hand. After she removed the knife, Browning claims the student was initially unresponsive but then became combative, and started yelling that she wanted to be killed. "The defendant Browning then struck the plaintiff several times with an open palm, which subdued the plaintiff sufficiently for the defendant Browning to successfully handcuff the plaintiff," the legal response states. Story continues Wang denies she was holding a box cutter, saying it was across the room. The case is still before the courts. Watch Mona Wang talk to CBC's Lien Yeung about her experience: Growing number of mental health calls to police The police say the number of mental health calls officers have had to respond to has grown exponentially in recent years. Brenda Lucki, the RCMP commissioner, said RCMP have an important role to play in these situations. "When someone is holding a knife and suffering from a mental health crisis, that is not the time to be bringing in mental health practitioners," she said during the House of Commons public safety and national security committee meeting Tuesday. "It's time for the RCMP to go in, get that person calm, get them to a place of safety and get them the help they need." In Surrey, RCMP say they responded to 7,000 mental health calls in 2019. The detachment has made an attempt to better respond to these calls by creating the Car 67 program. In it, a mental health nurse is paired with an officer to attend certain calls. Cpl. Scotty Schumann, an officer with the program, says it is disheartening to see people struggling with mental health issues and not getting the help they need. He also noted the expertise of the nurse in specific situations. "There's definitely times when, without the nurse, we may have apprehended someone not recognizing the signs of a mental health issue," Schumann said. Ben Nelms/CBC Wang says that kind of pairing could be a good way to prevent what happened to her. "I don't believe that police officers should go alone to a wellness check," she said. "[And] I think it's very important for a mental health nurse or a social worker or any other kind of allied health to accompany police because they have the skills needed." Referring to her own training, Wang says nurses are specifically taught to use de-escalation techniques without resorting to force. "We have combative and aggressive patients all the time," she said. "It's telling them that your feelings are valid and speaking through it." Renewed scrutiny on wellness checks Wang is not the only one calling for significant change to wellness checks. Her case and others have put increased scrutiny on the role of the police in dealing with mental health crises. Since the beginning of April this year, at least four people have died in Canada during the course of a police-involved wellness checks. Martin Diotte/CBC Meenakshi Mannoe, with Vancouver's Pivot Legal Society, says she's not surprised by these stories, citing past deaths in the Lower Mainland such as Tony Du, a 51-year-old man who was shot by police in 2014 after brandishing a two-by-four at a Vancouver intersection, and Kyaw Naing Din, who was killed in his Maple Ridge, B.C. home in 2019. Both men had mental illnesses. Mannoe says the use of police to deal with mental health crises shows that too many people are being failed by the mental health system. "For folks that contact the RCMP for a wellness check or any kind of check or any kind of police authority, it represents the failure of community services. It is people at their wits end about who to call," she said. She said there needs to be more support and funding for peer-support workers, counsellors and health professionals. "It's so important that we respond to people empathetically and also in culturally-safe, trauma-informed ways rather than use of force or potentially lethal use of force." Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment There is value in every human life. We are all children of God and I cant imagine just watching anyone burn. No matter what other people have done to me, or other officers, I thought, This guy deserves to make it home safely to his family.' This is how Daylan McLee of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, describes his decision to rescue a police officer from a mangled police car as flames were spreading into the cabin. Police officials have credited McLee with saving the life of Officer Jay Hanley. Uniontown Police Lt. Thomas Kolenciks voice cracked as he told reporters at the scene, Daylan actually said, Im not going to let him die. Theres just no words to describe, you know. Heres what made Daylan McLees bravery especially unusual: he has been the victim of injustice in the past. McLee, who is Black, spent a year in jail after an incident in March 2016 before a jury acquitted him of all charges after reviewing security video. That was a year away from his children and his mother, who was ill at the time and passed away last year. He had another run-in with officers a few months ago, when he ran from a porch gathering after officers in plain clothes and vests approached with guns drawn. He said they did not announce they were officers and that he stopped running and put his hands behind his head when they said they were police. He said he was charged with fleeing and resisting arrest, but added that during the arrest, an officer kicked him in the face through a fence, splitting his lip. He said the use of force was caught on a security camera and that he plans to fight the charges. After saving Officer Hanleys life, McLee said he couldnt blame every police officer for his bad interactions with some: We need to work on our humanity . . . thats the main problem of this world. He added: I dont want to be called a hero. I just want to be known as an individual whos an upstanding man. The true source of our personal worth This week, were focusing on reasons for encouragement in the midst of discouraging times. Daylan McLee points the way forward when he states: There is value in every human life. We are all children of God. However, his second sentence explains his first in ways that might surprise our secular culture. It is conventional wisdom in our capitalistic society that our value as humans lies in our abilities and achievements. One of the reasons racial discrimination is so wrong is that it holds back racial minorities from their rightful opportunities to become all they can become. According to our culture, we are what we do, how much we earn, how we look, what we own, where we live, and who we know. Everyone should have the same right to achieve success as everyone else. The claim that every person deserves the same opportunities to achieve what our society defines as success is absolutely true. But the way our society defines success is absolutely false. You and I did not earn the right to be born. We brought nothing into this world and we will take nothing from it. The abilities and gifts with which we strive to achieve were given to us by our Creator through our parents and by the Holy Spirit. I did nothing to deserve the manual dexterity with which I am typing these words and the eyesight with which I am reading them. Or the blessings of a loving family and comfortable home in which to grow up. Everything I have done has been done with abilities I developed but did not create. The same is true for you. The source of our personal worth is not found in our capacities or circumstances. And that fact is very good news. 'Act, O Lord, for your names sake' In Jeremiah 14, the prophet prays for his sinful people: Though our iniquities testify against us, act, O Lord, for your names sake (v. 7a). He does not pray for God to forgive them because they deserve intrinsically to be forgiven. Nor because they have done anything to merit such mercy and grace. Nor because they can do anything to earn such compassion. He prays for God to forgive his people on the basis of Gods nature, not theirs. We often think that Jesus died to save us because we were worth saving. The fact is, he died to save us because he loves us (Romans 5:8). In fact, he loves us enough to die for us again, right now. And he loves us because he is love (1 John 4:8). Not because we were or are lovable. Not because there is anything in us that merits his love. Our Savior loves us simply because he loves us. As Frederick Buechner notes, God doesnt love people because of who they are, but because of who God is. As a result, there is nothing you must do to earn his love and nothing you can do to lose it. No matter what happens with the pandemic and the economy, God will still love you. No matter your race or life experiences, God loves you. No matter your past sins or future failures, God still loves you. 'We ought to lay down our lives for our brothers' Now its our turn: By this we know love, that [Jesus] laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers (1 John 3:16). Because God commands us to love one another (John 13:34), we know that we can. He would not tell us to do something we cannot do with his help. In fact, the Holy Spirit can produce the fruit of love in our lives (Galatians 5:22). But the Spirit can give only what we will receive. If we will ask God to give us his love for those we meet today, and then act in the belief that he has answered our prayer, our love will change the world one soul at a time. Why is the fact of Gods unchanging, unchangeable love relevant to you right now? How will you make it relevant to someone today? This piece was originally published at the Denison Forum China refutes theft slander from US and slams its visa restrictions PLA Daily Source: China Military Online Editor: Chen Lufan 2020-06-24 18:13:33 BEIJING, June 24 -- A spokesperson of China's Ministry of National Defense on Wednesday criticized the United States' slanderous nonsense on China-related intellectual property issues and its visa restrictions on Chinese students and researchers. Following the US banning some Chinese students and scholars from entering the country early this month, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a press statement that the US "will not tolerate China's attempts to illicitly acquire American technology and intellectual property from the US' academic institutions and research facilities for Chinese military ends." "The slanderous nonsense from the US is nothing but another bout of persecution mania," said Chinese Defense Spokesperson Senior Colonel Wu Qian at a regular press conference when being asked to comment on the slander. China has always followed a path of independent scientific research and has made remarkable achievements in a range of high-tech fields, which is a fact widely acknowledged by the international community, he refuted. Speaking of the visa restrictions, Wu said that it violates the lawful rights and interests of Chinese students and researchers. The move, which harms others without benefit to the US itself, seriously disrupts technological and cultural exchanges between China and the US, and damages people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, said Wu. Wu urged the US administration to view China's development from an objective and rational perspective, introspect about its own problems, and refrain from going down the wrong path any further. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WESTPORT The ReOpen Westport Advisory Team reviewed a phased-in approach to reopening the Westport Library at its meeting Thursday now that the libray has begun its phase one reopening offering curb-side pickup only. In terms of reopening the building again, weve been working very closely with the town on our plans, Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer said. As of Wednesday, he said, only 15 percent of libraries in the state have opened their buildings to the public with none open in Fairfield County. Its not the same as opening a business or restaurant, Harmer said. Aside from the schools, no other public building gets the kind of foot traffic that public libraries do and thats especially true here in Westport, where nearly 1,500 people were coming through our door prior to the shutdown. Health and safety will be priorities for each of the librarys five phases, which range from curbside pick-up services in phase one, which began June 15, to a full-service return to the new normal in phase five. The plan also considers potential for reversion to earlier phases if significant new outbreaks of COVID-19 occur across the state, Harmer said. Were prepared to go backwards if we need to. A thorough cleaning and inspection of the library was done to prepare the building for reopening, he said. Workplace modifications have also been done including guidelines to control traffic. In phase two, the library will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Occupants will be limited to only 100 people including staff at any given time and masks will be required to enter. This will be done to reinforce social distancing, Harmer said. Were going to start slow and steady here. Harmer said this phase will start on July 13. It may vary how long it will take before the library proceeds to the next phase. In phase three, patrons will be allowed to be in the library for an extended period of time. The cafe will also be opened with a scaled-down menu and some smaller library programs may be provided. In this phase, the library will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The plan is to provide expanded on-site services with certain restrictions in place, Harmer said. The majority of library services will be reintroduced in phase four, but larger group gatherings will still be restricted. Harmer said the library will also return to regular operation hours in this phase. Phase five will see a full service return to our new normal whatever that happens to be, Harmer said. At this point, we think the infection rate is considered low or non-existent and theres a vaccine thats finally available. ReOpen Westport Advisory Team Chair Jen Tooker highlighted the importance of the librarys reopening. She said the library will be the first opening of a large public space in Westport. Our schools arent open. Our town hall is not open. Our senior center is not open, Tooker said. When we talk about reopening Westport, the impact of opening the doors again at the library even though were talking about a five-phased approach is quite a big deal for this community. First Selectman Jim Marpe praised Harmer and his staff for developing the plan. We couldnt ask for a more thorough and thoughtful plan, he said. dj.simmons@hearstmediact.com The number of coronavirus infections in Pune's Pimpri-Chinchwad surpassed the 2,000-mark on Tuesday. Notably, this had been estimated by the civic body at the beginning of June, The Indian Express reported. Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar told the publication that he had made the prediction that coronavirus cases would increase to between 2,000 and 3,000 during a civic general body meeting. Pimpri-Chinchwad was designated a non-Red Zone area a month ago and it has since witnessed a surge in Covid-19 cases. In a steep increase of more than 700 per cent in a month, the cases climbed from 274 on May 22, to 2,100 as of now. But the municipal commissioner does not attribute the rise in the caseload to the unlocking of the city. He said that a vital factor was the ramping up of testing capacity and added that they were experiencing a few infrastructure issues which have been resolved now, resulting in more people getting tested. "After the continued rise in cases by month-end, the number will start coming down as we will test more people and quarantine them...," Hardikar was quoted as saying. He noted that out of the over 2,000 cases reported, close to 1,300 infections were from slums and chawls. Hardikar said that owing to the high population density and congested conditions in slums, social distancing measures are not strictly practised, resulting in an increase in the number of cases. Hardikar said that many cases had also surfaced from containment zones and added that as of now, there are 150 containment zones. He remarked that despite removing 110 containment zones, more keep cropping up. He, however, assured that with the heightened testing, isolation of the infected and awareness drives, there would be a fall in the cases. In Pimpri-Chinchwad, 60 Covid-19 patients have succumbed to the viral infection. Out of these, 35 were reported from Pimpri-Chinchwad and the remaining 25 from areas beyond the city limits. Meanwhile, Pune city recorded 501 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, taking its count to 13,654, a health official said on Wednesday. The city's death toll due to the virus reached 545 with 17 succumbing to the infection, he said. But 155 patients were also discharged from the hospitals, the official added. Maharashtra recorded as many as 208 coronavirus deaths, taking the state's fatality count to 6,739, a health department official said on Wednesday. As many as 3,890 new Covid-19 cases were registered in Maharashtra on Wednesday, taking the count of those infected to 1,42,900, the official added. Phuket Town launches mobile history museum PHUKET: Phuket City Municipality together with Museum Siam, the popular discovery museum located at Sanam Chai in Bangkok, have launched a mobile museum to promote the basic history of Phuket. Culture By The Phuket News Thursday 25 June 2020, 02:03PM The mobile museum hopes to educate people about the local culture of Phuket through displays and interactive games. Photo: Phuket City Municipality The vehicle, called the Museum Phuket Muse Mobile, is aimed at teaching local children and other residents on the island, as well as tourists when they come, the history and development of Phuket. Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupana at the launch of the mobile museum in Phuket Town yesterday (June 24) explained that Museum Phuket Muse Mobile is the first knowledge truck of its kind in Phuket. The truck contains two small exhibitions. The first is called Phuketnagara, which shows the origin and development of Phuket in four eras forest, mining, city, and tourism with a special focus on tin mining, which played an important role in the development of Phuket. The other exhibition is called Peranakannitat:, which explains through displays the history and culture of the Straits-Chinese Peranakan people. Visitors can learn through games about the architecture, clothes and foods in Phuket, Mayor Somjai said. Hopefully, this will create the learning society which will be an important step of sustainable development, she added. Mayor Somjai explained that the mobile museum will be relocated to popular tourist attractions as well as schools and other educational institutions in order to deliver knowledge to tourists and local people. The Museum Phuket Muse Mobile today (June 25) is located at Queen Sirikit Park in Phuket Town. After it serves its term there, it will be relocated to Saphan Hin Park, and then to Bang Neaw Municipal School, and other schools, respectively, Mayor Somjai said. Any persons looking to contact those organising the Museum Phuket Muse Mobile can contact them by calling 094-8077873 or through the Museum Phuket Facebook page. The new norm of contactless service has eliminated personal interaction from a lot of restaurant delivery services. But that defeats the purpose for David Cabello, who wants everyone to know how amazing his clients' food is. So drivers for Cabello's company, Philadelphia-based Black and Mobile, ask consumers to pose for happy photos with their bags of fish hoagies from Daaiyah Delicious or spiced lamb shanks from South Jazz Kitchen. Black and Mobile posts the images on Instagram and Facebook, with shout-outs to the restaurants--all of them Black-owned. "You don't get that kind of personal attention and cross-promotion from bigger delivery services like Uber and Door Dash and Grubhub," says Keenya Cain-Wiggins, owner of the takeout and catering business Shugar Shack Soul Food, in Glenolden, Pennsylvania. "It's such a beautiful partnership." Black and Mobile delivers for 50 restaurants in the Philadelphia area and another 23 in Detroit. An Atlanta branch launches next month. The business charges restaurants 20 percent of the total order cost--on the low end for the industry--and allows clients to raise their prices by 20 percent on its platform to recoup the charge. Other services charge closer to 30 percent or more, "and they are killing Black businesses with that," says Cabello, 25. "These people worked too hard to start their businesses to have someone take that money out of the community." When Black and Mobile releases its app next month, the percentage charged will drop further for restaurants that use its service exclusively, he adds. Black and Mobile's clients enthusiastically back its mission. "Their motto is 'Deliver the culture,' and that's what they're doing, which is awesome," says Nicole Thomas, owner of Mt. Airy Deli. The 25-year-old business serves a solid base of regulars. But Thomas says Cabello has attracted new customers who are in search of Black-owned restaurants. Some members of the public have been critical. Cabello says he's been called racist on Instagram and Facebook--as well as in person--for serving exclusively Black-owned restaurants, a charge he dismisses with a sigh. "I don't promote hating anybody. I promote loving our people and supporting our businesses," he says. "No one is going to save us if we don't save ourselves." An election sparks a mission Cabello's mother, now a manager at Black and Mobile, raised three sons alone in Northeast Philadelphia while their father was incarcerated. As a teenager, Cabello earned money for his family with a snow-shoveling and lawn-mowing business called Weather Workers. At school he performed well academically but acted out, getting expelled once and held back twice. Cabello ultimately made it to Shippensburg University. But he dropped out during his third semester, the day after Donald Trump's election. "I thought if Trump can get elected, who knows what is next," he says. "I wanted to dedicate my time to helping Black-owned businesses." For the next few years, Cabello worked at a Black-owned bookstore, where he helped with marketing. To supplement his income he delivered for Uber Eats, Postmates, and Caviar. "One day, I was delivering food on my bike, and I realized I had made $1,100 in 30 hours," he says. "I thought, 'If I can make this much money delivering food, how much could I make if I owned the company?'" He went home and typed "How to start a delivery service" into YouTube, the beginning of months of research. He quickly spied an opportunity. "There were no Black-owned services doing this," he says. And by restricting his clients to Black-owned restaurants he could continue his mission. A slow start--and then the pandemic In November 2018, Cabello signed his first customer. But then a gym accident left him unable to ride his electric bike. "I was crying, miserable," he says. "I thought, I am never going to start." He finally relaunched in early 2019, trading off dispatch and delivery duties with his twin brother, Aaron. To keep money coming in, he continued to deliver for other companies. For the first few months, just three or four restaurants signed on. By the end of 2019, Black and Mobile had fewer than 20 restaurants and had sold just $25,000 worth of food. Then came the pandemic. Inside dining ceased. Deliveries surged. Within weeks more than 30 new clients joined the platform. In April, diners ordered $70,000 worth of food over Black and Mobile, more than the previous three months combined. Shugar Shack Soul Food's Cain-Wiggins coaxed Cabello to extend his service to Philadelphia-adjacent Delaware County, where Shugar Shack is part of a growing cluster of Black-owned restaurants. "Black and Mobile is spreading the word about African-American restaurants in every city they go into," Cain-Wiggins says. "It keeps us motivated to see them growing and getting their name known and then spreading the word about us." In the capitals of the two Koreas, flagship museums offer radically different accounts of the same conflict -- the war launched to unify the peninsula but that now defines its division. In Pyongyang, a giant statue of a North Korean soldier holding aloft a flag stands in front of the museum to the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War, as the conflict is known in the country. An enormous stone tablet stands nearby, engraved with the handwriting of the North's founder Kim Il Sung, grandfather of current leader Kim Jong Un, proclaiming that his forces' "heroic achievements shall shine for ten thousand generations". In Seoul, metal plaques lining the wall of the War Memorial of Korea list more than 190,000 South Koreans and members of the US-led United Nations coalition "who died defending the Republic of Korea". Both museums feature monumental statues of combatants and civilians engaged in the struggle. The war began 70 years ago on Thursday, when North Korean forces poured across the 38th parallel, where Moscow and Washington had divided the peninsula -- then a Japanese colony -- in the closing days of the Second World War. The North insists to this day that it was attacked first by the United States and its South Korean "puppets". After two days of "preliminary bombardment", said guide Choe Un Jong at the Pyongyang museum, "the enemies intruded one or two kilometres into our country". "Our Korean People's Army frustrated the enemy's surprise attack and immediately they turned over to the counter-offensive." But historians have found extensive documents in Soviet archives on Kim's requests for permission to invade from his main backer Joseph Stalin, and the planning for the operation. And at the Seoul museum, curator Go Hanbin was dismissive. "No one else in the world but the North is making such a claim," he said. "The war stemmed from their drive to unify the whole Korean peninsula under the communist regime." - 'Sworn enemies' - North Korean forces took Seoul in just three days as the South's ill-equipped army crumbled, and pressed on almost to victory before the defenders turned the tide with the Incheon Landing, recapturing Seoul and advancing rapidly northwards. Pyongyang fell in October and the South and UN coalition advanced almost to the Chinese frontier -- the North calls it a "temporary strategic retreat" on its part. Alarmed, China's Communist leader Mao Zedong sent millions of his forces -- dubbed "People's Volunteers" rather than soldiers -- to intervene, who mounted "human wave" attacks in a conflict marked by brutal combat in bitter conditions. Seoul fell again, before being recaptured once more as the conflict settled into a war of attrition, accompanied by saturation US bombing of the North. Two halls at the Pyongyang museum are dedicated to the Chinese contribution, but guide Choe said their efforts were "not decisive". The armistice that ended hostilities in 1953 along a line not far from the original 38th parallel, after millions of deaths, is portrayed as the defeat of the US. Jon Gu Kang was a military doctor during the war and later rose to become the North's first woman general. She met Kim Il Sung on five occasions and was 88 when she spoke to AFP at the museum in 2017. "The United States have been our sworn enemies for a century and my blood runs cold thinking about them," she said. "We cannot live under the same sky." - 'Unnecessary, bloody disaster' - For the North, the war is a key element of its national identity and the claim to legitimacy of Kim Il Sung and his descendants: that he defeated two of the great imperialists of the 20th century -- Japan and the US -- within a generation to secure and defend Korea's independence. As such, analysts say, it is crucial for Pyongyang to maintain the narrative that it was attacked first. "If you admit that you were not attacked, that you wanted to liberate the South and you failed it would make the war what it actually was," said Andrei Lankov of Korea Risk Group, "an unnecessary, bloody disaster". "But if you keep insisting that you were attacked and you held your ground, you are not an unlucky adventurer who created a mess, but a heroic winner who won the war fighting foreign aggression." Pyongyang still proclaims reunification as its objective, and has spent decades developing a nuclear weapon and ballistic missile arsenal -- at the cost of international isolation and multiple sets of sanctions. It says it needs the weapons to deter any US invasion. The conflict was "definitely, unconditionally" more important to the North, said Lankov, where it was "part of the foundation myth". Attitudes in the South are more mixed. The South defines itself far more by what it is today: an established democracy after it overturned decades of military rule, the world's 12th-largest economy, technologically advanced, and a double Olympic host. "South Korean people mostly perceive the Korean War as one of many historical events," said curator Go at the War Memorial in Seoul. "A long time has passed since the war" and some visitors criticise the museum for a "narrow perspective" on South Korean victories, he added. Outside his museum stands a statue of the Park brothers, who fought on opposite sides but recognised each other at the battle of Wonju and embraced. A plaque says: "The statue expresses reconciliation, love and forgiveness." Two kayakers swept out into Lake Erie during inclement weather on Wednesday were rescued by Detroit coastguardsmen. The kayakers rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit crew were part of a group of four three of them under 14 years old and one 23-year-old who were swept out to open water after 9 p.m. on June 24 off Port Bruce in Ontario, Canada, Aylmer Express reports. Two of the kayakers were rescued by local boaters before the USCG arrived. The three youths were kayaking on the lake when conditions turned rough and windy, preventing them from paddling back to shore and sweeping them farther out to open water, the report said. Witnesses on shore called for a rescue. The 23-year-old paddled out to help, but also got stuck on the water. The USCG was called in by the Canadian Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, the report said. The helicopter arrived around 10:10 p.m., which was after two kayakers were rescued by boaters. The two young kayakers remaining in the water were located using the helicopter, and a rescue swimmer was lowered to bring them to a nearby good Samaritan vessel, which brought them to shore, USCG Air Station Detroit said in a Facebook post. One of the youths was treated for mild hypothermia, Aylmer Express reports. Search and rescue is a team sport and always remember that you, as a member of the public, are part of that team, the air station said on Facebook. The kayakers were both wearing life vests. The air station reminds water recreators to wear life vests and practice safe boating so that we can find and assist you in the event of a search and rescue. READ MORE: Authorities investigate possible noose found in Grosse Pointe school Erosion forces 400-ton historic buildings move away from Lake Michigan Invasive spotted lanternfly could threaten Michigan fruit, hops, tree crops A terminally ill Alabama inmate serving a 99-year sentence for rape that occurred in Mobile County died Tuesday, nine days after he tested positive for COVID-19, the state Department of Corrections said Wednesday. Allen Barton, an inmate at the Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore County, tested positive for the coronavirus June 14 at the prison infirmary after showing symptoms of the disease. He was considered to be high-risk for the virus because of advanced chronic health conditions and was taken to a local hospital June 18. Barton was under the hospitals care until his death Tuesday. An autopsy to determine his cause of death is pending. The Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) extends its sympathies to the Barton family and his loved ones during this difficult time, the agency said in a statement. Statons infirmary remains on medical isolation, ADOC said. Barton is the fourth Alabama inmate to die after testing positive for COVID-19. Additionally, one inmate at Easterling Correctional Facility in Clio tested positive for the coroanvirus and was taken to a local hospital. They remain at the hospital for treatment while the dorm where the inmate was housed remains on quarantine. Another inmate at Montgomery-based Kilby Correctional Facility tested positive for the virus. That inmate was placed in medical isolation within the prison infirmary, where they are receiving treatment. The Kilby infirmary is on quarantine. UPPER DARBY A strong breeze lifted a new flag to prominence over the Upper Darby community Wednesday afternoon as Mayor Barbarann Keffer raised the rainbow Pride flag over the township building for the first time. The rainbow flag has been a symbol of pride for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities for the past 40 years and is often used as a symbol off gay pride in parades and festivals. Pride Month is held in June of each year to commemorate the Stonewall riots, which occurred in late June, 1969 in New York City, and is recognized as the birth of the modern gay rights movement. Keffer said the flag is a show of commitment to the advancement of LGBTQ+ rights and solidarity with the community in its ongoing struggle for full and meaningful recognition and equality. Its been a long time coming but I am proud that our Upper Darby Township government has just made a public affirmation of the fundamental dignity and equality of our LGBTQ+ community members, Keffer said. This is another step toward delivering on my promise of a more-inclusive Upper Darby where everyone is treated with respect and no one is left behind. A group of area activists wanted to hold the first Upper Darby pride event this year but it was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic ,said Vincent Rongione, the townships chief administrative officer, who assisted with the flag raising. They hope to re-organize for next year. The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce donated the flag which has eight stripes including black and brown, and is known as the Philadelphia Pride flag. The additional stripes highlight issues for people of color in the LGBT community. Upper Darby reached out to us through a mutual colleague in the LGBTQ community and we were thrilled to be a part of the first public pride display in their history, said Philadelphia-based business and political advocate Jonathan Lovitz, who is also NGLCCs senior vice president. Public recognition and affirmation are the first steps toward economic inclusion and full equality. NGLCC is a national advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for the LGBT business community and the exclusive certifying body of LGBT-owned businesses in the United States. They are represented in the Delaware Valley by the Independence Business Alliance. Levity thanked Keffer for not letting her first Pride month in office pass without acknowledging the LGBT communities struggles and said the future of the movement and of the Pennsylvania. is through diversity and inclusion. We want to thank leaders from the William Way Center in Philadelphia for helping us make this happen and we hope it is the beginning of a new and meaningful partnership, said Keffer. At this moment, and especially in a community as diverse as ours, we felt it was more important than ever to fly the Philadelphia Pride flag, which has the additional brown and black stripes, highlighting the LGBTQ issues of people of color, to show that we understand that no one is free until everyone is free and no one is equal until everyone is equal. Keffer said working with William Way Center, and the LGBT Chamber shows that Upper Darby is open for business and more importantly open to the real conversations and hard work of building a better, more inclusive, and more equal shared future. A proposed ordinance to mandate people wear masks in Goose Creek sparked a heated debate and was defeated Thursday night. The ordinance, which was voted down 4-3, would have instituted a $25 fine for those not wearing one. City Council members Corey McClary, Gayla McSwain and Christopher Harmon voted in favor of the ordinance. Jerry Tekac, Kevin Condon, Debra Green-Fletcher and Mayor Greg Habib voted against it. Habib cast the final vote at the council meeting, saying he didn't think the policy would be effective as COVID-19 cases spike throughout the state. He followed up with a resolution that strongly encouraged residents to wear masks in public places. While it was unanimously approved, it does not have the force of law. Columbia, Charleston and Greenville have all passed ordinances that require residents to wear masks in public spaces, in part because Gov. Henry McMaster hasn't implement a statewide order, leaving it up to municipalities to issue their own restrictions. "I don't expect him to make that call," Habib said. "The Mayors Association sent him a letter asking him to enact a state order. ... I don't want to speak for the governor, but I know he doesn't like to make orders restricting freedoms." Despite complaining about the absence of a state-wide mask mandate, he passed the buck on to McMaster and said it's a state issue and that a local mandate would not be possible to enforce. "I think wearing a mask is a good thing, I think that passing an ordinance to look like a leader ... is an exercise to look like you're doing something," Habib said. "I want things that are effective." McSwain brought the issue to Habib's attention and an emergency meeting was called to address it. "Municipalities all around us are passing these ordinances," McSwain said. "People want their kids to be able to go back to school. That's not going to happen unless we do this." The decision to shut down an ordinance comes as COVID-19 cases skyrocket in South Carolina. "It's inconvenient, I get that," McClary said. "We're trying to protect our residents. We don't want Goose Creek to shut down again. ... Everybody has to do their part." Attorney General Alan Wilson issued an opinion Wednesday saying the local ordinances are legal. The city-specific regulations, however, are too piecemeal to quash the statewide spike in infections, state epidemiologist Dr. Laura Bell said. S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control data shows there are 249 confirmed COVID-19 cases and as many as 1,500 possible cases in Goose Creek. Part of the reasoning the ordinance did not pass was insight from Goose Creek Police Chief LJ Roscoe, who suggested the ordinance would have been a headache for officers to enforce. "I don't think it's enforceable," Roscoe said. "It would be a big strain on the police department." Earlier Thursday night, the city of Charleston passed an ordinance that would require masks starting Friday afternoon. Any unmasked person who ignores a warning about the ordinance is subject to a $50 fine and businesses are responsible for keeping their employees in compliance. MANZINI About 14 800 employees will bear the brunt of the liquor ban announced by government on Tuesday. The 14 800 employees is an estimate figure issued by the Swaziland National Liquor Association (SNLA) based on the fact that there are 3 700 liquor licence holders known to it. The SNLA Secretary General, Thamsanqa Hlatshwako, said on average, each establishment employed about four people while those who ran wine and malt outlets had more employees as they were also awarded a licence based on the fact that they operated a restaurant. Given the ban of alcohol by government, he said the economic repercussions would have a devastating impact on the liquor industrys workers. Hlatshwayo said they would not be able to remunerate any employees for the next two months as they had just recently reopened when government made a fresh announcement through a press briefing that alcohol sales would be banned from July 1, 2020. The announcement was made by the Prime Minister, Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini. Layoffs Hlatshwako said due to the recent developments, workers would be on unpaid layoffs for the duration of the ban and some of them would lose their jobs permanently. Hlatshwayo said this was because the businesses in the industry had no money to remunerate their employees as they would not be gnerating any income. The businessman said since they had not been operating for about three months, they were swimming in debts and most of them had to borrow money in order to replenish their stock. This, he said, was on June 15, 2020, when the ban on alcohol sale was lifted. He said other liquor retailers, especially bars, struggled to reopen and some were still closed because their operational costs were a bit high compared to bottle stores. Thereafter, he said while they were hoping to raise money to repay the debts, service their loans and pay landlords, government singlehandedly banned the sale of alcohol again. He said this meant that after waiting for about three months, government only allowed them to operate for 10 days following the fresh ban on the sale of alcohol for two months, starting from July 1, 2020. This simply means that the money we borrowed to stock the alcoholic beverages will be locked in the storerooms and refrigerators in our liquor stores, yet on the other hand, our financial service providers are expecting us to repay them with interest, he said. Again, he said landlords, who had been patient with them for the past three months, had given them a grace period to settle the debts since the ban on alcohol sales was lifted on June 15, 2020. However, since government has already announced the two-month ban on alcohol sales, our landlords have made it clear that they cannot survive without collecting rent for five months. As a result, they are anticipating chucking us out of their structures, the secretary general said. Landlords In fact, he said the landlords were no longer interested in doing business with them because they were unreliable in paying rent. He said they could not blame the landlords because the rent they paid was their major source of income. This means that some of the businesses in the industry will not be able to reopen when the ban on alcohol sales is lifted in August, Hlatshwayo said. He said it was on that note that as an association, they foresaw unpaid layoffs that would affect at least 14 800 workers in the industry and that some of the employees would eventually be unemployed. Compensation In that regard, the secretary general said they believed government was not supposed to close businesses without compensation. He said they were still consulting regarding the matter because they wanted government to provide relief to the workers and businesses affected by the ban. However, he emphasised that he would not say much about the issue of relief from government because consultations were still ongoing as they wanted to get the best possible way forward for their businesses. Again, he said in business, it did not make sense to be a given to close operations as there was a lot of planning involved. The painful thing is that the liquor traders did nothing wrong, he said. Moreover, the secretary general said even during the 10 days in which they were allowed to operate, they had no business at all. He said this was because while other businesses operated normal hours, liquor outlets were allowed to operate between 11am and 5pm from Monday to Thursday. Our businesses were closed during certain days and hours and there was no business at all, the secretary general added. He emphasised that since they were expecting to conclude their consultations within two days, they would make proposals to government regarding the best possible way this matter could be handled. Asked to clarify Israel's plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank as soon as next week, Israeli diplomats don't have much to say, because they don't know what they are. The uncertainty puts the nation's representatives in the uncomfortable position of having to fend off allies peppering them with requests for information, according to a foreign ministry official, who asked for anonymity to discuss internal affairs. A ministry spokeswoman declined to comment. The absence of guidance has raised concern among Israeli officials about a lack of preparedness -- and questions about whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu actually plans to take action at all. The uncertainty extends to the military, where troops have been ordered to accelerate readiness, but commanders haven't seen any maps, according to an Israeli official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss classified information. Netanyahu has vowed to begin extending Israeli sovereignty to land Palestinians claim for a future state as soon as July 1, prompting an outcry across the world. Yet with just days to go, the government hasn't spelled out -- in public or apparently in private -- what it intends to do. Netanyahu's office also declined to comment for this story. "We're sort of haphazardly leaping into this," said Chuck Freilich, a former deputy national security adviser and member of the Commanders for Israel's Security group, which opposes the move. "This isn't the way you go about one of the most important and consequential decisions in Israel's history." If annexation was once a fringe idea, then a confluence of factors emboldened Netanyahu last year to pledge to act on it in the throes of a hard-fought election campaign. The maximum option would be to claim 30% of the West Bank in line with the Trump administration's Middle East peace plan. Netanyahu could also pare that back to annexing major settlement blocs, or a symbolic piece of land in the strategic Jordan Valley. Today more than 400,000 Jewish settlers live inside the West Bank alongside 2.6 million Palestinians, in land Israel captured from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East war. Extension of Israeli sovereignty is widely deplored as a violation of an international treaty forbidding annexation of occupied land. Israel argues it wouldn't be violating the convention because the territory was never under Palestinian sovereignty. Nabil Abu Rudeina, an aide to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, has implied retaliation for such a move, saying "there will be no security and stability without giving the Palestinian people their rights." Security cooperation with Israel has already been halted. The armed wing of the Gaza Strip's ruling Hamas group said annexation would be considered "a declaration of war on our people." "We will make the enemy bite at its fingers with regret for this decision," a spokesman said in a video message. In the dark about when or how annexation might happen, Israeli security forces have been preparing for a range of possible scenarios including high-intensity fighting in the West Bank and Gaza, and reduced cooperation with Egypt and Jordan, according to the official familiar with Israeli defense issues. The military has refrained from exercises in the West Bank to avoid any misunderstandings about Israel's intentions, the official said. Whether or not Netanyahu moves ahead may be dependent on developments at the White House. The Trump administration has endorsed annexation within the framework of its peace plan, but Palestinians have flatly rejected the Trump plan as heavily biased in Israel's favor and refused to negotiate it. Trump aide Kellyanne Conway said Wednesday that the administration is discussing the West Bank and would have an announcement soon. A ticking clock could encourage Netanyahu to move quickly. Donald Trump is the only U.S. president to endorse annexation, but he's running for re-election in November against former Vice President Joe Biden, who opposes it, as do leading Democrats in Congress and many American Jews. "You have to ask to yourself why do it at this time aside from the fact that Trump is still in power, and a kind of legacy for the prime minister," said Yarom Ariav, a former Finance Ministry director-general. Young black males serve burned community in Minn. with pop-up grocery store Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The Man Up Club, led by Korey "XROSS" Dean Sr., is helping restore a sense of community with pop-up grocery locations in Minnesota in response to the looting and riots that broke out following the death of George Floyd while in police custody. Deans vision of helping the community goes back to many years ago when he first desired to launch a mens ministry and help young black men pursue higher education. The dream was kicked into high gear following the unrest that came from racial injustice in his home town and as he saw a need in his community. With a goal to empower young black males to make positive choices while preparing them for post-high-school education, Dean used his influence to rally young men to help make a positive impact during trying times. Were building a pop-up grocery store, if you will, just so we can serve our community, Dean said, according to Faithwire. Because some of our stores are burned, some of our stores are closed because of the COVID-19. So you add this tragic death and situation on top of COVID and you can kind of get a glimpse of the magnitude from which the community is suffering. Dean revealed that he was traumatized by the murder of Floyd and the aftermath. I was devastated to see the police officer with his knee on the neck of George Floyd. That was heart-wrenching to me. And I thought about the long-term implications of what had occurred and the historical perspective of what continues to be perpetuated in America, he added. For me, I have an advantage. My advantage is my faith my faith in Jesus Christ. And I believe that God is in control of all things. The ministry leader said the pop-up stores are a service by young black men who are fulfilling their civic responsibility. The stores consist of providing essential needs, including food and hygiene supplies. Dean credited the community as a whole for donating the items. The Man Up Club first drew attention online when Dean led a powerful prayer while in the streets of Minneapolis. He declared, We ask for your forgiveness for any of the sins we have committed, that you would allow us to tap into who you are, and that we would walk like you, and talk like you, and that we would love like you. We bless your name. Help us to keep peace in this city. Help us to keep peace in this country and all over the world. In Jesus name, amen! After working with more than 500 African American high school students, Dean realized that "it was the African American male who faced the most challenges to reach graduation on time and experienced the most stumbling blocks to become successful beyond high school," according to The Man Up Club website. His mentor-leadership organization is designed to "equip these young boys and prepare them to become valued competing members of society." Royal Mail today revealed it is cutting 2,000 jobs as it announced a management overhaul to help slash costs in the face of the coronavirus crisis. The postal service said the restructuring plans will see it save 130million in staffing costs next year as it reported a 31 per cent fall in annual profits. Royal Mail is also cutting 300million in spending over the next two years. It has 9,700 managers, with senior executive and non-operational roles to be hardest hit. It comes six weeks after the group's chief executive Rico Back quit following two years in charge and major battles with unions over a 1.8billion restructuring plan. A Royal Mail postman empties a postbox in Glasgow during the coronavirus crisis on April 1 Royal Mail is one of a raft of companies in the UK to announce hefty job losses due to the pandemic, including British Gas owner Centrica and easyJet and British Airways. Keith Williams, interim executive chairman at Royal Mail Group, said the firm is taking 'immediate action' on costs to offset the Covid-19 impact. Rico Back leaves the job at Royal Mail after agreeing his departure with the board He said: 'In recent years, our UK business has not adapted quickly enough to the changes in our marketplace of more parcels and fewer letters. 'Covid-19 has accelerated those trends, presenting additional challenges.' On the job cuts, Mr Williams said: 'We are committed to conducting the upcoming consultation process carefully and sensitively. 'We will work closely with our managers and their representatives during this difficult period.' In May, German businessman Mr Back agreed with the board to step down with immediate effect and will leave the company on August 15. Hamburg-born Mr Back founded and ran the company's German arm GLS for almost three decades before taking over as group chief in 2018. But Mr Back - dubbed 'the Flying Postman' because he commutes to Britain from Switzerland - attracted criticism for running Royal Mail from his 2.3million home overlooking Lake Zurich during the crisis, having left the UK after the lockdown. Mr Back attracted criticism for running Royal Mail from his 2.3million home in this apartment block overlooking Lake Zurich during the crisis, having left the UK after the lockdown Mr Back will be replaced by a duo of Keith Williams, who becomes interim executive chairman, and Stuart Simpson, who will be the temporary chief executive. Rico Back: Career of the 647,000-a-year flying postman Rico Back, 66, founded and ran Royal Mail's German arm GLS for almost three decades before taking over as group chief in 2018. He was appointed the first managing director of German Parcel in 1989, before establishing the European-wide firm General Parcel in 1992. Seven years later he led the sale of this to Royal Mail, and by 2002 a uniform brand called General Logistics Systems (GLS), was established. The Hamburg-born businessman became known as 'the Flying Postman' because he normally commutes to Britain from Switzerland each week. The married father-of-four used to spend his weekends at a luxurious 2.3million home overlooking Lake Zurich, before returning to Britain to work during the week. But when he flies to the UK he covers the costs himself, including those of his London accommodation. He took over as group boss from Dame Moya Greene in 2018, receiving 6million for changes to his contract. He was paid 647,000 last year but can earn up to 2.7million. Advertisement Mr Back had promised a 1.8billion pound programme last year to transform Royal Mail into a sustainable, profitable operation by 2024. But that turnaround plan was delayed by labour unrest and the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus crisis. The company also said in May that costs rose by 40million, driven by overtime and agency resource costs due to coronavirus-related outlays. Critics had said Mr Back, dubbed 'the Flying Postman' because he commutes to Britain, was too far away to effectively run Royal Mail and called for him to resign. Mr Back has been working from his 2.3million family home, a luxury penthouse overlooking Lake Zurich. The father-of-four, who took over as Royal Mail boss two years ago, usually travels by air to the UK for the working week and returns to the property during weekends. But after the postal service's London office was shut on March 24, it is understood Mr Back returned to Switzerland and has remained there. He took over as group boss from Dame Moya Greene in 2018, receiving 6million for changes to his contract. He was paid 647,000 last year but can earn up to 2.7million. Dame Moya oversaw the privatisation of Royal Mail in 2013 and also settled a long-running dispute on pay, pensions and a shorter working week for employees. Royal Mail revealed earlier in the crisis that revenue from UK parcels, international and letters dropped by 22million in April, compared to the same month last year. In April, the postal service said it had halted all Saturday letter deliveries until further notice as it continues to suffer from staff shortages. Letters that have to be signed for as well as tracked items and those sent by special delivery are still being delivered on Saturdays. The service restriction came after union leaders encouraged postmen to call in sick rather than risk catching the virus on their rounds. Royal Mail delivery vans are parked at the Mount Pleasant sorting office in London in 2016 Royal Mail workers have been designated as key workers to keep deliveries going during the pandemic. In March, the Communication Worker's Union lobbied for deliveries to be cut back to just three days a week with homes receiving post every other day - but the plan was not implemented. Nigel Frith, a senior market analyst at www.asktraders.com, said: "Retail and aviation seem to have been the main focus where job losses, redundancies and cost-cutting for companies have taken the worst hit during the pandemic. It's more surprising that Royal Mail is cutting 2,000 jobs during a global pandemic. With a saving of 130 million for a reconstruction that has been accelerated by the virus, will this be the start of a new set of sectors that will rapidly begin to make job cuts? Perhaps Royal Mail noticed their losses in good time, and unlike other companies, are adamant to save and adapt as quickly and as strategically as they possibly can - which ultimately leads to people losing their livelihoods. Royal Mails redundancies, like other brands, prove that if you cannot keep up and adapt quickly enough to trends that are happening, then you will get left behind as a company. Ideally, Royal Mail need to look at their competitors such as DPD, Yodel, and Hermes, and see if they can offer their customers something extra which will then allow the UK to use them more often - the question is, will there even be any Royal Mail in 10 years? Families visiting loved ones in nursing homes dont have to show proof they have tested negative for COVID-19, health officials say. A clarification came Wednesday from Ontarios chief coroner, Dr. Dirk Huyer, who has taken on responsibilities for the provincial testing regime that requires anyone visiting a long-term-care resident to have been checked and cleared in the previous two weeks. There has been a misunderstanding at some long-term-care facilities because the provincial policy requires an attestation of a negative test. It does not require the documents, Huyer told reporters Wednesday as the number of nursing homes with outbreaks of the highly contagious virus fell by four to 62 according to figures released Wednesday by the Ministry of Health. Visits are not allowed at homes with outbreaks, which can be cases in residents or a staff member recovering at home in self-isolation. Nursing-home employees are continuing to catch COVID-19, with the number of active cases in staff rising by 22 to 368. It is not known whether they caught the virus in the community or on the job. It is perhaps a reflection of the gradual reopening of the economy, which were watching very carefully, Health Minister Christine Elliott said. It is a concern whenever we see the numbers going forward, and especially with respect to long-term-care homes, because the populations there are so vulnerable. About 1,800 nursing-home residents have died in the pandemic, which has seen 5,400 infected with COVID-19. Of those cases, 205 remain active. Premier Doug Ford said families whose loved ones died or had other troubles in long-term care are welcome to testify at his promised independent commission into how the novel coronavirus hit nursing homes so hard. As the commission moves forward, people will be able to come out and tell their story, said Ford, who has pledged the effort will begin in July but has not yet named a commissioner, terms of reference or a location. I want to hear the stories, Ive heard a lot of stories, mind you, but I want to hear the stories until it never happens again, added Ford. While the premier has acknowledged the nursing home system is broken, NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is calling for a full judicial public inquiry into how it was unprepared for COVID-19. Overall, Ontario has declined to 2,049 active cases of the virus that has infected just over 36,000 people in the province since late January. A Star compilation of data from health units Wednesday at 6 p.m. showed another 203 confirmed and probable cases in the previous 24 hours, with another 14 deaths raising the toll to 2,677 fatalities. The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 fell by 10 to 278 with 73 in intensive care and 48 on ventilators to breathe, down from 75 and 54 the previous day, according to the Ministry of Health figures. The pool behind in East Brunswick, N.J., on June 23, 2020. (Alexander Lewis/The Asbury Park Press via AP) 3 New Jersey Family Members Drowned in Pool, Officials Said None Could Swim Authorities investigating the deaths of three New Jersey family members, including an 8-year-old girl, found that they couldnt swim and drowned in a pool. A statement from the East Brunswick Police and the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office said that despite initial reports that the three were electrocuted, it doesnt appear that the victims knew how to swim. The above-ground pool was mostly shallow at 3 feet deep, but there was a portion of the pool that was 7 feet deep, the statement said. In another statement, the prosecutors office wrote that Bharat Patel, 62, his 33-year old daughter-in-law Nisha Patel, and her 8-year-old daughter, of East Brunswick, were identified as the victims. The countys regional medical examiner found their causes of death to be drowning and ruled the manner of death as accidental for the three victims, according to the prosecutors office. Neighbors told CBS that the Patel family recently moved to the area. Its painful. Its painful, Yamini Patel was quoted as saying. Its just horrible. Its tragic, said a neighbor who saw the victims being pulled from the pool, reported NJ Advance Media. When officials arrived on the scene, the three victims were found unresponsive in the pool, and they were pronounced dead shortly after being found, authorities said. Authorities previously found that electricity did not play a role in the accident. An investigation into the case is continuing, and anyone with information is asked to call police or prosecutors with the East Brunswick Police Department at (732) 390-6900, or Detective Mark Morris of the Middlesex County Prosecutors Office at (732) 745-3927. Photograph: Colin Underhill/Alamy A proposal to repeal Californias 24-year-old ban on affirmative action will go before voters in November after it passed the state senate on Wednesday. The bill would remove rules in Californias constitution, passed in 1996, which bar universities and government agencies from giving preferential treatment on the basis of race or sex. Related: The impact of affirmative action at the University of California in one graphic The proposed amendment, known as ACA 5, comes amid a national reckoning on racial injustice, triggered by the killing of George Floyd and other publicized cases of racist violence, and rejuvenates a decades-long conversation about the degree to which colleges and government employers can consider race in admission and hiring decisions. In an emotional session on the senate floor, in which numerous lawmakers of color recounted personal experiences of discrimination, Steven Bradford, a Democrat from Los Angeles who is black, challenged his white counterparts to count the times theyve entered a room in which they were the only members of their race. I know about discrimination. I live it every day. We live it in this building, Bradford said. Quit lying to yourselves and saying race is not a factor, he added. The bedrock of who we are in this country is based on race. We are living in a moment when so many are finally opening their eyes to the structural and institutional racism that has burdened the black and brown communities for generations, Lorena Gonzales, the co-author of the bill, said in advance of Wednesdays vote. Once you acknowledge that, then the next step you must take is to correct that injustice. With ACA 5, we have an opportunity to do something, she said. Under the governorship of Pete Wilson, who made opposition to affirmative action a centerpiece of his bid for the presidency, California became the first of eight states to ban affirmative action in college admissions. A study published by the Brookings Institution found the states that implemented the ban saw their share of underrepresented students go down in the years that followed. Story continues In California, admissions rates for black and Latino students have dropped since the ban on affirmative action, according to data from the California department of education. In 1994, before the ban took effect, the admission rates for black students who applied to UC schools was six percentage points below the average admission rate for all students; Latinos were admitted at higher than average rates. Today, UC admission rates are 16 points below average for black students, and six points below average for Latinos. Patricia Gandara, a research professor of education at UCLA and co-director its Civil Rights Project, said the impact of Prop 209, which banned affirmative action, was seen most acutely at UCLA and UC Berkeley two of the states flagship universities. Since 1995, a smaller percentage of all applicants to UC schools have been admitted, as universities didnt expand to keep pace with demand. But the number of black and Latino students admitted to UCLA and UC Berkeley dropped by 70% to 75% at the two universities, compared to just 35% and 40% for Asian and white applicants. The numbers just got worse and we never really gained it back even to the level where we were before 1995. In California, were desperate to recruit bilingual teachers. But Prop 209 has really tied our hands in terms of being able to recruit students from underrepresented groups and bring them into the pipeline, said Gandara. Today, about two-thirds of high school graduates in California are latino, black or Native American, but those students account for only a third of incoming freshman, she said. The proposal would not create racial quotas, which in 1978 the US supreme court found to be unconstitutional, but rather would allow universities to create race-conscious strategies like targeted outreach in order to boost diversity. A protest against the death of George Floyd at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus in June. Photograph: Eugene Garcia/EPA The ban on affirmative action has survived a number of challenges over the years. Some of the push to keep it in place has come from advocacy groups who argued that using race as a factor in admissions could disadvantage Asian students. The Silicon Valley Chinese Association Foundation, for example, argues ACA 5 would amount to de facto racial quotas that could work against Asian students, who on average score higher on standardized tests. ACA-5s proposal to legalize racial preferences erodes Americas fundamental principles of equal opportunity, merit and individual liberty. It further hurts the unity of our society, at a particularly vulnerable moment facing our nation and California, the group said in a press release. That race-conscious admissions policies discriminate against Asian students was central to a lawsuit against Harvard that was rejected by a federal judge in 2019. Janelle Wong, a professor of Asian American Studies at the University of Maryland, said that much of the pushback to a repeal on affirmative action has been led by older, first-generation Chinese American groups that have campaigned against the repeal through misinformation stating falsely that institutions will institute racial quotas that will slash representation of Asian American students. As Asian Americans, particularly Chinese Americans, have gained influence in the political system, they have mobilized against a variety of efforts to racially integrate schools and programs that try to ensure equity, said Wong. It comes from a sense of sense of scarcity an assumption that there arent enough resources for all. And its also about prestige and a fear that Chinese American students will lose seats at UC schools and Ivy League universities, she said. Despite organized opposition among certain demographics, survey results indicate the majority of Asian Americans favor affirmative action. Yet, while much of the focus in the affirmative action debate is on college admissions, the proposal would have more important implications for the states K-12 system, said Elisha Smith Arrillaga, the executive director of The Education-Trust West, a research organization that advocates for student equity. Currently, education officials in California can allocate resources to students based on income, but not race. Race and income overlap, but theyre not synonymous, said Smith Arrillaga. If we were allowed to consider race, we could target funds to black and brown students who need the most support. We could invest in resources like summer bridge programs, which help colleges recruit and retain students of color. Right now we dont have the tools to do that. It would also help to recruit a more diverse pool of teachers, she said. According to data from the California Department of Education and California Credentialing Commission, more than 250,000 students in California attend schools without a teacher of the same race and more than half of all schools dont have a single black teacher. A lot of the pushback to repealing affirmative action has been racism doesnt exist. But recent events surrounding the killing of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and so many others has made clear that we can no longer pretend racism doesnt exist, and if we want to fight it, we have to use race-conscious policies. Thats what ACA 5 does, said Smith Arrillaga. Now that members of the state senate have ratified ACA 5, it will go before voters as a state ballot measure in November. If approved at the ballot box, colleges and institutions will determine how race will be considered in applications. Maintaining peace along China-India border requires common effortDefense Spokesperson PLA Daily Source: China Military Online Editor: Li Wei 2020-06-24 17:12:30 BEIJING, June 24 -- For the recent China-India border tensions, India should severely punish those who are accountable for the clash on the evening of June 15, and work with China together to maintain the peace in border region, said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People's Republic of China (PRC), at a regular press conference on June 24. For the current situation in the border region between China and India, Wu stressed that China has sovereignty over the Galwan Valley region and the Chinese border troops have been patrolling and on duty in this region for many years. He introduced that since April this year, the Indian border troops have begun to unilaterally built facilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Galwan Valley region, regarding which China has lodged representations and oppositions for many times. In the early morning of May 6, the Indian border troops trespassed into China's territory, built fortification and barricades and impeded the patrol of Chinese border troops, in an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo of border control and management. The Chinese border troops have been forced to take necessary responding measures and strengthen management and control in these areas. With China's vigorous push, the two sides agreed to hold bilateral communications through multiple channels. On June 6, the border troops of both countries held the first Corps Commander-level meeting and reached consensus on easing the situation through concrete measures. 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 on-scene commanders. However, on the evening of June 15, India's front-line troops, in violation of the agreement reached at the Corps Commander-level meeting, once again crossed the LAC for deliberate provocation, and even violently attacked the Chinese officers and soldiers who went there for negotiation, thus triggering fierce physical conflicts and causing casualties. In response to such a deliberate provocation, "Chinese border troops took decisive countermeasures in self-defense, resolutely fought back against the violent acts of the Indian side, and effectively safeguarded China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Wu. "India should bear the full responsibility for the incident that was solely and completely triggered by its breach of consensus and unilateral provocations. The Chinese side demands that India should severely punish those who should be held accountable, strictly discipline its frontline troops so as to ensure that such incidents do not happen again". After the clash, China and India have stayed in close communications through military and diplomatic channels, Wu said. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar reached an agreement over a phone conservation to handle the Galwan Valley clash justly and fairly and cool down the situation on the ground. The second Corps Commander-level meeting was held on June 22 where the two sides exchanged views on the management and control of border tensions and the maintenance of peace and stability in the border areas. Regarding to the future border situation, Wu expressed that China and India are important neighbors to each other. Maintaining a peaceful and tranquil border region is in the common interests of both sides and requires common efforts as well. China hopes that "India will work with China, follow faithfully the important consensus reached between the two leaders, abide by the agreements reached between the two governments, and properly handle relevant issues through dialogues and negotiations on various levels. The two sides should make great efforts to jointly ease current border tensions and uphold peace and stability in these areas", Wu said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address For the first time, American legislation in defense of international religious freedom has reached into the Chinese Politburo. Last week, President Donald Trump signed into law a bill to authorize sanctions against any officials in Chinas top political body responsible for ongoing persecution against the countrys Muslim Uighur minority. Passed by Congress with only one no vote, the action follows on the heels of this months release of the State Departments 2019 Report on International Religious Freedom (IRF). During the reports public release, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lauded the United Statess commitment. America is not a perfect nation by any means, we always strive towards that more perfect union, trying to improve, he said. [But] there is no other nation that cares so deeply about religious freedom. Such commitment was marked this week by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Each day from June 2229 highlights an issue of concern, whether domestic or international. Yesterday (June 24) the focus was on China. Last summer, the government-affiliated Chinese Catholic Patriotic Associationrepresenting about half of Chinas estimated 12 million Catholicscondemned US criticism after the State Departments second Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom advocated for the 800,000 to 2 million Uighurs and other Muslim minorities who have been arbitrarily detained in internment camps. But one month later, the Chinese government permitted the first consecration of a Vatican-ordained bishopa result of Pope Francis signing a controversial 2018 deal with Chinese authorities in an attempt to unite Rome with the underground Catholic church. The US bipartisan consensus evident in the Uighur law reflects Pompeos assertion. First amendment rights guarantee freedom for all religions, and Americans generally desire for such liberty to extend worldwide. But is there particular concern over Christian persecution? And is religious liberty eroding at home? Two new polls suggest declining Catholic attention abroad, while the faithful grow more worried about the US. Aid to the Church in NeedUSA (ACNUSA), an international papal agency that supports suffering and persecuted Christians in more than 140 countries, surveyed 1,000 US Catholics. First conducted in 2018, the 2020 results were tallied in January and released in March. COVID-19 had not yet overwhelmed American attention. At the time, more than 9 in 10 found the persecution of Christians to be very or somewhat severe. This percentage held firm from 2019. However, the share of very severe fell 11 percent year-over-year (41% vs. 46%). And a similar drop marked those who were very concerned about global Christian persecution (52% vs. 58%). While still high levels of concern, the 2020 percentage ranked lowest on the list of five global issues surveyed by ACNUSA. Very concerned Catholics ranked human trafficking first (79%), followed by poverty (70%), climate change (57%), and the refugee crisis (55%), with Christian persecution (52%) last. But like Christian persecution, most issues also decreased from the year before, while the rankings changed slightly. Human trafficking remained first, but fell from 82 percent in 2019. Poverty remained second, but fell from 74 percent. The refugee crisis was third, at 60 percent. And though climate change held steady at 57 percent, it ranked fifthbelow Christian persecutionin 2019. Two years ago, the genocidal campaign waged by ISIS against Christians and other minorities in Iraq and Syria had only just begun to decline, but memories of that atrocity have faded since then, said George Marlin, ACNUSA chairman. This may well help explain the apparently lesser concern. Now the pandemic and resulting economic crisis have distracted Catholics even further, said Edward Clancy, ACNUSA director of operations. I was relieved to see the religious freedom report wasnt delayed and moved to the back burner, he said. Whether concern is down or not, it cant be left to disappear. China, however, is not yet on the Catholic radar. Iran ranked No. 1 on ACNUSAs surveyed list of nations where the persecution of Christians is perceived to be most severe. It was followed by North Korea, Iraq, and Syria. Iran also topped the poll in 2019, followed by Iraq, Afghanistan, and North Korea. In lamenting the overall yearly decline, Marlin highlighted inadequate media coverage of Islamist terror in Nigeria and Africas Sahel region, Hindu nationalism in India, and state repression in China. Even following the agreement with Pope Francis, the Chinese government has recognized only 3 of an estimated 20 Vatican-consecrated underground bishops. Theres a great darkness over parts of the world, Pompeo said in his rollout speech, where people of faith are persecuted or denied the right to worship. China and Nigeria received special approbation in the latest IRF report. China was renewed by the State Department as a country of particular concern. Nigeria was placed for the first time on its special watch list. Will these nations be reflected in ACNUSAs 2021 poll? Pompeos words have weight, giving the situation in those countries more priority, said Clancy. Will this lift Catholic concern? I dont know. What is needed is repetition and consistency. At least prior to COVID-19, ACNUSAs advocacy may have been paying off. Bucking the trend of yearly decrease, 27 percent of US Catholics now perceive their local bishop to be very engaged on the issue of Christian persecution. It was 24 percent in 2019. Similarly, the perception of their local parishs engagement rose to 22 percent, from 19 percent the year before. (Perception of Pope Francis engagement dropped slightly, from 51 percent to 47 percent.) It is not a dramatic increase, said Joop Koopman, ACNUSA communications director. But the awareness spread through church communications means there has been a little more noise. Yet a little less impact. Though 7 in 10 Catholics said prayer was a very important personal initiative to help the persecuted church, other indicators fell. Raising awareness in the parish declined to 59 percent, from 62 percent in 2019. And donating money to aid agencies also declined to 53 percent, from 55 percent the year before. Following Pompeo, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback highlighted the Trump administrations efforts in creating the 27-member International Religious Freedom Alliance. During the question-and-answer session, he spoke of sanctions applied against Chinese companies abusing the Muslim Uighur minority. These are the same tools preferred by the US Catholic community. ACNUSAs question on what should be done to deter the persecution of Christians around the world also reflects a slight decline from 2019 figures. First among the very important responses was diplomatic pressure at 55 percent, down from 61 percent. Economic sanctions ranked second at 53 percent, down from 56 percent. Emergency asylum (52%) and financial aid (48%) remained roughly stable, while military intervention rose to 46 percent, up from 42 percent in 2019. The least favored response was to arm local Christian communities, where the very important percentage held steady (40% vs. 41%). In a separate survey of 2,055 registered voters (1,223 of whom were Catholic) conducted in November by Real Clear Politics in partnership with EWTN, the biggest Catholic-themed cable television network, religious freedom commanded less attention among Catholics than the population at large. One-third of registered voters called it a major concern, but only 3 in 10 Catholics did likewise. And 4 in 10 registered voters (39%) called it a deal breaker for whom they would support as a candidate, but only 34 percent of Catholics said the same. (Religious freedom was not defined as domestic or international.) Yet 7 in 10 Catholics agreed that America as a nation was becoming less tolerant of religion in general. And by a margin of 2 to 1, registered Catholic voters (62% vs. 31%) wanted Christian values to play a more important role in society. It may well be the case that domestic issues take precedence over global issues, said Koopman, given our very polarized political landscape. But given the importance of international religious freedom, Clancy expressed hope that the uproar over Trumps visit earlier this month to the Saint John Paul II National Shrine would not drown out the message. The president had announced an executive order to make IRF issues more central in the State Departments formation of foreign policy. But coinciding with widespread protests following the police killing of George Floyd, the Catholic archbishop of DC slammed the hijacking of the revered popes legacy. I hope it does not become divisive, said Clancy. The optics and politics of it are just a side issue. And since racial justice and COVID-19 have completely consumed American attention, he said, ACNUSA has turned its attention to another of its core prioritieshelping the suffering church around the world care for its poor. They just may face an uphill battle reminding American Catholics. In a world where up to 300 million Christians are confronted with various forms of harassment and outright persecution because of their faith, said Marlin, the US church simply must do more to inform and galvanize the faithful. Convicted serial bomber Eric Robert Rudolph is asking that his life sentence be set aside and that he be released from a Colorado prison for time served. In his handwritten appeal, Rudolph argues that under his interpretation of the law, his acts no longer qualify as crimes of violence. Rudolph, now 53, is serving life sentences in the federal maximum-security ADMAX prison for the Jan. 29, 1998 bombing at the New Woman, All Women Health Care Clinic on Birminghams Southside and for blasts in Altanta, Ga., including the Olympic Park bombing. The Birmingham blast killed Birmingham Police Officer Robert Sande Sanderson, who was moonlighting as a security guard at the clinic, and seriously injured nurse Emily Lyons. One person was killed in the 1996 Olympic Park bombing. Rudolph avoided the possibility of execution by pleading guilty on April 13, 2005 to the bombing in Birmingham and bombings in Atlanta, including the Olympic Centennial Park blast in 1996 that injured more than 120. The other Georgia bombings were at a Sandy Springs abortion clinic in 1997 and an Atlanta gay club, also in 1997. In a manifesto he wrote after his guilty plea, Rudolph said about the Birmingham bombing, Because I believe that abortion is murder, I also believe that force is justifiedin an attempt to stop it. Following the Birmingham bombing, the search for Rudolph became one of the largest manhunts on American soil. Hundreds of law enforcement officers flocked to Rudolph's home in North Carolina. They would spend the next five years, and tens of millions of dollars, searching for the elusive Rudolph who using his survivalist skills - had seemingly disappeared into the vast western North Carolina mountains. He was captured by a rookie police officer on May 31, 2003 when Rudolph was foraging for food in a Murphy, N.C. dumpster. Rudolph this week in an 11-page handwritten appeal noted his guilty pleas and pointed to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling U.S. v. Davis that the residual clause is unconstitutionally vague in violation of the Fifth Amendment right to due process. He said he is entitled to resentencing because his original sentence was in excess of the maximum authorized by law or was imposed in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States. Mr. Rudolph,' he wrote, didnt agree to serve sentence maintained in violation of the U.S. Constitution,' he wrote. Your browser does not support the audio element. Despite immense hardship, a woman in her fifties from the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang has fended for two orphaned children as if they were her own for more than a decade, while struggling to give them a chance at a better life. Ho Thi Ngoc, 53, has shown her two adoptive teenage sons love to overcome the troubles of an impoverished life for the past 12 years. The little money she does earn from her odd jobs goes directly to supporting the two boys, aged 15 and 13, who have been staying with her before they learned to walk. Unconditional love Ngocs family left their hometown in Go Cong Dong District, Tien Giang for an impoverished neighborhood sprawling along the Saigon River in District 2, Ho Chi Minh City several years ago. The ninth of 14 siblings, Ngoc was forced to quit her studies in second grade and helped support her family with menial work, including herding cattle and ferrying passengers by boat. After the settlement was relocated, her family moved to a rented room nearby, eking out a modest living through odd jobs around town. One of her neighbors was a young couple who moved to the metropolis as they could not make ends meet in their rural hometown in the northern province of Phu Tho. The couple gave birth to their first son, Luong Phuoc Dat, or Ti, in 2005. Their dream for a better future was shattered when the wife died of heart disease aggravated by the birth of their second son, Luong Dat Phat, or Bin, in March 2007. Just three days after his wifes funeral, the father left his two baby boys behind and never returned. Early one morning, Ngoc and others rushed to break into the locked tenement after hearing the boys cries from the familys rented room. With their father gone, the older boy wouldnt stop crying. His baby brother, who was less than one month old then, passed out and couldnt cry until my mom fed him some milk, Ngoc recalled in tears. After reporting the case to local authorities, the kind-hearted woman, who was single and worked at an eatery to support her mother, found herself caring for the boys. I wouldnt ignore an injured animal, let alone two kids, she shared. Upon her mothers death three years later, Ngoc continued to fend for her two adopted sons all by herself. Even though her affection for the boys grew significantly, she kept reminding herself that she would hand them over to their biological father if he ever returned to take them home. I dont need praise from the public nor mind scornful remarks that the adopted sons will leave me when they grow up. They are my sons. My days are packed with joys as the first thing I see every morning is my boys sleeping soundly, Ngoc said. The middle-aged woman has had her plate full working from dawn till dusk to put food on the table and provide for her boys, meaning she did not even think about getting married. Well aware of the difficult road that lay ahead of them, Ngoc was determined that her sons were given the opportunity for a proper education and a stable future to turn their lives around. Thanks to her employers help, she managed to send the boys to school. Ngoc and her boys then left for Long An Province, approximately 45 kilometers west of Ho Chi Minh City, where the school her sons would attend is located. Eventually, despite her objections, Dat, the elder son, decided to drop out of school after finishing sixth grade to help her earn a living. Dat peddled lottery tickets for two months before landing a job at a life vest factory with a stable salary to help his mother support his younger brother, who was in fourth grade. Ho Thi Ngocs adoptive sons offer incense to their biological mother in their rented room in Long An Province, located in Vietnams Mekong Delta. Photo: Son Lam / Tuoi Tre Blood and adoptive mothers Ngoc had never concealed the fact that the two boys are her adopted sons, which they had always taken as a joke until this March, when she gave them an ID photo of their blood mother, her only keepsake from their past. They are old enough now to know the truth. In case something goes wrong with me, they would at least have some clues to search for their biological father, Ngoc explained, adding the only thing she remembered about the man was his surname. They learned the truth at around the same time that Vietnam was dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; Ngoc was temporarily laid off from a packaging factory and Dats work had been suspended. There were days when the trio got by with only some boiled veggies. Dat asked his employer to pay him a small sum in advance which he used to print a large photo of their blood mother to put on a makeshift altar with food for the death anniversary of their mother, who defied her doctors warnings that she might die during child delivery to give birth to his brother 12 years ago. I dont really want anything, except work that earns me money to support my mom and brother, Dat said, adding he dreamed of becoming a driver, and there would be five years ahead before he could obtain a drivers license. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! (TNS) For K-12 students and teachers, the sudden switch to distance learning was for many a massive experiment. Several local older students said they thought it worked well, while parents of younger students had more trouble with the format.Allie Gaston, who graduated from Kelso High School in Washington a few weeks ago, said distance learning went more smoothly than she thought it would.It went a lot better than I expected because my teachers were great about communicating with us and if I ever needed help they would get back to me within a few hours, she said.And the quality of her classes was similar to in-person instruction, Allie said. She spent about six hours a week on video calls for classes and five hours working on assignments, she said.I know that some of our work got cut back, but we were still keeping busy and doing at least a couple assignments for each class each week, she said.Recent Kelso grad Haley Herbert also said she felt the workload was the same, but one difference was that teachers were more flexible.It didnt necessarily ease up but you could definitely reach out to your teachers and come up with a solution if something was going on, Haley said.Longview mom Rachel Pierce has a different view on online learning. Pierce said she felt her second, eighth and 10th graders missed out on crucial learning, adding that shes been having them do extra online assignments to fill the gaps.Distance learning has been a lot more stressful than it needs to be, she said.Across the nation, school district have struggled to keep students engaged while at home, and local numbers reflect that.In Kelso, elementary engagement averaged 82% from April 20 through June 12. Elementary students were all sent paper packets, while middle and high schoolers used a combination of packets and online learning. About 53% of middle schoolers engaged with their classes from April 20 through June 19, and 61% of high schoolers engaged with their work over the same period.Wallace elementary principal Ray Cattin said his school averaged higher engagement due to the hard work of staff. Wallace created a student engagement team that knocked on doors, made phone calls and tracked down every student.Some days, he said, the school had 100% engagement.The most important thing was checking in on them and making sure they were okay and the second thing was academics, Cattin said.That helped teachers connect with parents who were also frustrated by the situation, he said, and opened the door for teachers to provide academic and physical resources.For what it was and what we had to shift to instantaneously, I think it went pretty well, Cattin said. Its obviously not optimal, and the teachers hated the fact that kids were not in their classroom. They love these kids ... but they were able to connect with parents and say we get it, were frustrated, too. In Longview, district spokesperson Rick Parrish said the engagement numbers started around 90% and dropped some over the rest of the year, although he did not have exact numbers.Quite honestly, thats what we expected to happen as students get closer to the end of the year, he said Especially with the year extended by an additional week ... but overall we were really happy with it.He said the high numbers were likely due in part to the mass Chromebook distribution. By the time distance learning started, over 3,000 Chromebooks had been handed out to students, Parrish said.Youve got to give credit to our teachers, our educators, our principals and our paraprofessionals, Parrish said. The education model was turned on its head and they were asked to quickly figure out how to serve kids remotely. Its a testament to the creative hard work and determination of our teachers.Longviews Cascade Middle School teacher Amy Johnson said by the middle of the remote learning period, she was averaging 85% to 90% engagement in her classes.Based on the fact that it was mandatory, overall I thought it was a success with my students, Johnson said, but added that her students were already comfortable using Google Classroom.And even though she kept her standards high, Johnson said she did cut down some of her lessons and was more flexible with late assignments.I pared down some of the rigor a little bit, and had to pick and choose the topics, she said. I had to spread it out because it was becoming overwhelming for them.The best part, Johnson said, were weekly video meetings where she got to see her students faces, check in, and make sure they stayed engaged in school using funny hats or discussion topics.I had to have a variety of ways to get them engaged. It took some creativity, but it was also fun, she said.However, Pierce said very few of her childrens classes had live instruction over video, something she wanted to see more of. As a parent, she said she had trouble keeping track of everything her kids were supposed to do.While her second grade daughter only had one class to keep track of and Cascade Middle School sent out a list of student assignments every week, her son is on an individualized learning plan and does different assignments than most of his classmates, Pierce said.I wish the high school (sent a list) because I dont know what shes supposed to be doing until I see she had 20 late assignments and is failing three classes. Then I can sit down with her and make sure it happens, Pierce said of her sophomore daughter.Recent graduate Allie said that the biggest thing the distance taught her was accountability, which she said would serve her well at Grand Canyon University in the fall.It helped me practice discipline, which is what it will be like in college since I wont have anyone there to remind me to do my work, she said.Crystal Tift, a paraeducator at St. Helens Elementary, said she also struggled with discipline, but in her case it was trying to keep the attention of kindergartners over Zoom. She runs remedial reading groups that are typically very hands-on.They didnt have those (hands-on) things, so youre just doing it out of what you have and hopefully theyre catching on, she said.Tift said she had sporadic participation in her remedial classes, and thought her young students struggled to stay in the school mentality.Some students couldnt connect to the Zoom calls, she added, though she thought the district did everything it could to get students connected. However, Tift herself had to upgrade her internet service to be able to video chat.It was difficult just to try to figure things out and get set up, she said.Even so, it was so good to see their little faces and get to interact with them, Tift said.Im glad Im a para and not a teacher, she said. Im stressed enough worrying about the kids I normally have in my small groups.While academics went smoothly, Johnson said she noticed the lack of social support wearing on her students.The novelty was wearing off, you could see it in their faces, she said. They did so well with remote learning I had to try to incorporate the social piece and that was a bit more of a challenge.She assigned her students to have a video chat lunch with a classmate and pretend youre at Cascade.They appreciated it. It was a give and take. We were all in this together, Johnson said.The lack of social interaction was also something Pierce said she worried about, more so than academics although she said her eldest daughter was losing note-taking skills.It would worry me if my kids were normal, she said, explaining that her youngest is in accelerated classes, her eldest has autism and retains information well and her middle child has his individualized plan, so he will get help at whatever level hes at when he goes back.In the end, Pierce said it was a new kind of education experience for everyone, albeit a frustrating one.Its a learning experience for all of us and hopefully if we have to do this again it will be better, she said.Haley voiced similar feelings but said she appreciated the open dialogue with her teachers.Our teachers were almost learning alongside us. They know what theyre doing when youve been teaching 20 years in front of classroom, but nobody knew how to adapt so it was a lot of asking us for feedback, she said.And while she said there are certainly benefits to using more digital learning in the classroom, she doesnt think what she experienced these past few months should be the future of high school education.I think that now that Ive learned to adapt to it and what skills suit me, I could definitely see myself doing it. But it wouldnt be my top choice, she said. 25.06.2020 LISTEN Intra-party elections often called primaries, provide adequate authority to delegates in representative democracies. Delegates are given the power to elect persons for national elections. Delegates are equally representatives of the masses of the communities which are affected by political decisions. In many countries, party elections are conducted on fairgrounds, by electing candidates that are intellectually fit, capable of competing with others from different political parties. A different political culture is being developed in our setting, which is welcomed and embraced by all political parties. This culture is monetizing elections, both internal (intra-party) and national elections. Recent happenings in the political landscape of Ghana reveal a compromised democratic authority conferred on delegates to perform some party procedural functions. Delegates are supposed to be well-informed, enabling them to vote based on interests which cannot be influenced. Such persons need to have integrity that is not compromised. The dangers we are exposed to as a result of compromised democratic authority given to delegates are very numerous. The reason is, the delegates become intellectually and politically biased in their choices. Their prejudiced decisions on many occasions, do not favour the principles and tenets embedded in representative democracies. In such a democracy, delegates are given the power to elect those a party deem fit to deliver the common good to the masses. I raised some reasons for rejecting the participation of political parties in grassroot elections in one of my articles. Monetization of political procedures and processes was one of the reasons. This anti-democratic act, monetization, is being accepted as a norm in the newly-developed political culture. It is now cherished by the main political parties and their delegates. The electors keep accepting gifts which can be seen to be bribes from the elected. It is true that there cannot be acceptance without an offer. Those who accept such gifts have weakened integrity. The two major political parties of our country meander in this illegality, monetization. The primaries of the ruling party and that of the main opposition party have shown the extensive practice of this heinous act and the likelihood of it compromising the authority of delegates. The political integrity of the persons to be elected and that of the delegates are already jeopardized by the practice of this act. The intrinsic values of democratic procedures and processes are diminished through this act. Monetization is growing in political parties because the representatives of the masses called delegates have a weakened political morality, that allows them to be influenced in such elections. If the elected do think of giving gifts without strings attached, they can do that months before holding party elections and the scope of such acts of benevolence can be expanded to include others who are not delegates. The intentions of those to be elected are not mere altruism, they demand votes in return. The compromised democratic authority of the delegates give opportunities to those to be elected to exploit them and the procedures put in place to have competent persons for the parliamentary elections. If the delegates are firm to reject gifts from parliamentary aspirants, there cannot be vote-buying and monetization. There is a crisis that political scientists of the country must managed. They need to have a national debate as to how delegates must be chosen from parties and the functions of such delegates in party elections. Expertise of erudite political scientists collated in properly-established meetings and discussions may be the solution to such a problem. The minority leader expressed the sentiment that the levels of monetizing political elections need to be reviewed to take caution in dealing with this anti-democratic act. The Parliament of Ghana must not overlook his call for a national debate on this matter. The Power to stop the growth and practice of this new political culture by the law-makers is unlimited. The review of activities of monetization undertaken by persons within political parties is a necessity as it will help the institutions fighting corruption. Monetization contributes, to a greater extent, to the corruption of persons and the institutions in the country. Though some people in Parliament will reject this call because they are beneficiaries, their rejections must not be a constraint to get the appraisals and inputs of experts to solve this issue. The debate must tackle the qualities of delegates and their qualification in making politically-correct decisions. Many of the delegates do not have natural and open-minded conscience to elect persons to represent a constituency. There is the need to modernize the system of giving authority to delegates to make unprejudiced selection of parliamentary candidates. The deterioration of the current system of intra-party representation is gradually leading us to the acceptance and practice of monecracy, a political culture hitherto forbidden. This system, if allowed to thrive, will engulf all political elections and have a very deep impact on other elections in Ghana. What is realised at the primaries of the ruling party and the main opposition party are the immediate effects of a compromised democratic authority given to delegates to act freely fairly on behalf of the masses. Barack Obama, a former President of the United States once said I always believe that ultimately, if people are paying attention, then we get good government and good leadership. And when we get lazy, as a democracy and civically start taking shortcuts, then it results in bad government and politics. The seamless acceptance of items and cash occasionally, allow for shortcuts. People who are elected through a compromised system should acknowledge their inability to win party elections on fair grounds. If this culture is given a fertile ground to thrive, it will repel competent people from being active in politics and deprive others the opportunities to serve the state loyally. The complaints of the lack of protection for experienced Parliamentarians will get worsen in the future without deliberate attempts to stop it immediately. Delegates of political parties do not strive to cherish fearless honesty and so their integrity to act conscientiously on behalf of others is extremely compromised. Emmanuel Kwabena Wucharey Economics Tutor Kintampo SHS. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE New Mexico health officials on Wednesday announced the largest number of new coronavirus cases in Bernalillo County in a single day so far this month, even as new case numbers decline in other parts of the state. Of the 156 new positive COVID-19 test results statewide, 34 came from the states most populous county, according to state Department of Health data. While the increase might end up being a blip, it comes several weeks after large protests in Albuquerque over the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. However, Health Department spokesman David Morgan said Wednesday that the agencys contact investigations have not shown Black Lives Matter protests to be the root of any uptick in cases. Meanwhile, four additional deaths were reported in New Mexico on Wednesday due to complications from COVID-19, bringing the states death toll from the disease to 480. Two of those who died were individuals in their 90s who were residents of the Village at Alameda, an assisted living facility in Albuquerque. Both of those individuals had underlying health conditions. The other two coronavirus-related deaths occurred in San Juan County, where a man in his 70s died, and in Colfax County, where a woman in her 90s died. The death in Colfax County was the first in that northern New Mexico county since the coronavirus outbreak began in mid-March. Overall, the number of new COVID-19 cases in New Mexico has decreased in recent weeks, based on a rolling average. At the same time, however, coronavirus case numbers have increased over the past two weeks in neighboring Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma and Utah, according to the online site covidexitstrategy.org. That development has prompted Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and top state health officials to urge New Mexicans to stay home when feeling sick and to wear a mask when in public settings. The governor has largely held off from easing business restrictions since dine-in restaurants, gyms and salons were allowed to reopen at limited capacity on June 1, although breweries were allowed to start gradually reopening on June 12. The states current emergency public health order runs through July 1 but is expected to be extended by Lujan Grisham, with some changes possible. As of Wednesday, the Department of Health had designated 4,984 New Mexico coronavirus cases as having recovered, meaning an overall 45.4% statewide recovery rate. Coronavirus Hotline 1-855-600-3453 Non-health-related COVID-19 questions 1-833-551-0518 Leslie Little-Riggs has done just about everything there is to do in the nursing profession. From child pediatrics to caring for chemotherapy patients, Little-Riggs has pretty much seen it all over her 30-year career. Through storms Harvey and Imelda, she worked as a nurse practitioner for Jefferson County to ensure employees received the necessary health assistance. So when the unexpected coronavirus pandemic meant nurses were needed more than ever, Little-Riggs diverse experience made her the perfect choice to facilitate front-line care in Southeast Texas. A six-county testing site was set up at Jack Brooks Regional Airport, and Little-Riggs was responsible for making sure it all ran smoothly. It was just another challenge that Little-Riggs was ready to tackle. No one quite wanted to commit to that airport, but nursing is a lifelong commitment and Ive always been a go-getter, Little-Riggs said. You do what you have to do to keep people safe and protected. Little-Riggs first task at the airport site was assembling a team to help handle what would turn out to be a massive number of people looking to be tested. She hired nine nurses, most being practitioners or surgical assistants who had been furloughed. I really looked to hire those nurses because they knew the importance of infection control, Little-Riggs said. During a 32-day span, nearly 3,700 people were tested at the airport, Little-Riggs said. The site was shut down roughly three weeks ago as individual counties took over testing duties. After first graduating from Lamar University in 1989, Little-Riggs eventually went back to school in 2002 and was part of Lamars first class to receive a Master of Science in Nursing. As a student at Lamar, Little-Riggs met instructor Donna Wilsker. Once Little-Riggs earned her Masters degree, she was later hired as a nursing instructor herself and taught alongside Wilsker for nearly 15 years. It was more than a working relationship. The two became close friends. When Wilsker was hospitalized years later after a cardiac arrest, Little-Riggs was by her side at Harbor Hospice of Beaumont until the very end in 2017. Leslie monitored my wifes last heartbeats with her stethoscope, and her facial expression told all of us present that my wife of 44 years was gone, said Ira Wilsker, Donnas widower. Leslie is as fine of a person as a person can be. For the last nine years, Little-Riggs has served as a nurse practitioner at the Jefferson County Employee Health Clinic. What Im doing now is probably the most rewarding because I can take all of the different things Ive done over 30 years of nursing and combine it all together to take care of our community. Now more than even, Little-Riggs believes nurses are the backbone of the health care system. Shes just happy to play her part. Nurses are often the first ones that get cut because of costs, but health care wouldnt exist without us, Little-Riggs said. When this pandemic has been at its worst, nurses have been there to step up. They all need to be thanked because theyre coming into contact with it on a daily basis. mfaye@beaumontenterprise.com twitter.com/mattGfaye Hari Singh, the owner of famous Iruttu Kadai Halwa shop in Tirunelveli died by suicide on Thursday after he was tested positive for the coronavirus. The 70-year-old was found in a room at a private hospital where Singh had been undergoing treatment for the last few days. Singh's son-in-law and co-owner of the shop was also tested positive for the CVID-19. Singh was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday after he had complained of urinary infection, according to The Times of India. Upon admission, Singh was tested for the COVID-19 and his results came back positive at around 11:00 am on Thursday. "Around noon, he was found hanging," deputy commissioner of police for Tirunelveli city (law and order) S Saravanan told the daily. Singh's mortal remains have been handed over the Tirunelveli Government Medical College for post-mortem after which it will be handed over to his family. Located in the Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli district, Iruttu Kadai Halwai is a famous shop and attracts crowds from all over the country for its halwa. The shop has also served as a tourists spot for all visiting Tirunelveli. The death of the owner has affected many people in Tamil Nadu, some of them took to Twitter to express their condolences to the family of the deceased. Also Read: Around 40% of Pakistani pilots hold fake flying licenses Also Read: Mike Pompeo praises Reliance Jio as 'clean telco' amid row over Huawei Filipino teacher Ronnel Mas reacts to being taken into custody by National Bureau of Investigation agents in Santa Cruz, Philippines, on May 12, 2020. A Philippine court dismissed sedition charges Thursday against a teacher accused of offering U.S. $1 million to anyone who would kill President Rodrigo Duterte, saying the suspect had a right to free speech although his alleged threat was reprehensible. Ronnel Mas, 25, was unlawfully arrested, Judge Richard Paradeza of the Olongapo City Trial Court, north of Manila, ruled in throwing out the charges that stemmed from a message posted on Twitter, in which a bounty of 50 million Philippine pesos was allegedly put on Dutertes head. The author of the said post should be made liable and punished to the fullest extent of the law, the judge said in his ruling. However, no matter how contemptible or reprehensible the post is, the person or persons suspected to be responsible [for] the posting of the subject provocative text should be afforded their constitutional rights. Agents with the Philippine justice department arrested Mas from his residence in Santa Cruz, a town in northwestern Zambales province on May 11 after he allegedly tweeted a message, which said I will give a 50 million peso reward to whoever will kill Duterte. A criminal complaint was filed against Mas on charges of inciting sedition, which is punishable by up to six years in prison, and of violating the countrys cybercrimes law. The main pieces of evidence used against him were his confession while under custody and a statement given by Julius Hallado, a fellow teacher, who said he was not sure if Mas owned the Twitter account on which the alleged threat was posted. Mas later begged for forgiveness and said he had written the offensive message to get attention. He said the post was not intentional. Even if the confession is gospel truth, if it was made without the assistance of counsel, it is inadmissible in evidence regardless of the absence of coercion or even if it had been voluntarily given, the court ruled Thursday. [M]ere intelligence information that the suspect committed the crime will not suffice, the court added. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Mas apology was welcome, but it would not spare him from potential prosecution. Dutertes government, meanwhile, has been widely perceived as going after its critics and clamping down on free speech and press freedom. It shut down the countrys leading broadcaster, ABS-CBN Corp., after the network could not secure a congressional franchise to renew its license, while lawmakers failed to deliberate on the permit in a timely manner. On June 15, Maria Ressa, a top Philippine journalist and chief editor of the Rappler news website, was convicted by a Manila court for libel, in what press and rights groups here said was a ruling aimed at silencing critics of the Duterte administration. Aie Balagtas See contributed to this report from Manila. A consensus seems to have developed over the need for police reform, but theres a debate on how to do it. Trent Hargrove, Diversity Officer with the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and Terrence Alladin, assistant professor of criminal justice at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pa., are guests at noon Thursday on Live On with Joyce Davis on PennLives Facebook page. They will analyze the proposals now being debated at the national, state and local levels, and offer their thoughts on what reforms are needed to ensure police protect and serve all people equally. In an Op-ed published in PennLive, Alladin says, after years of unbridled authority over minority communities, it is time to hold police accountable. And he says citizens must play a strong role in watching over police who patrol our communities. The Pennsylvania Bar Association also is committed to pushing for police reform, and Hargrove will discuss how lawyers are viewing the current controversy over how to control police and stop the killing of African Americans. Bring your questions and comments today at noon to PennLives Facebook page. Thanks for visiting PennLive. Quality local journalism has never been more important. You deserve the best. Not a subscriber yet? Please consider supporting our work. And please subscribe to Battleground PA to stay abreast of the issues in the 2020 elections! Accra, Ghana Great news! Ghanaian and Nigerian nonprofits are now able to join the Google for Nonprofits program. Get access to a number of Google's paid products, tools, and nonprofit services at no cost. These include: G Suite for Nonprofits helps your nonprofit organisation to collaborate online more effectively. It provides smart, secure business apps like Gmail, Docs, Calendar, Drive, and Hangouts Meet, so you can focus on what matters. In addition, Hangouts Meet Premium features are available to all G Suite users through 30 September, 2020. helps your nonprofit organisation to collaborate online more effectively. It provides smart, secure business apps like Gmail, Docs, Calendar, Drive, and Hangouts Meet, so you can focus on what matters. In addition, Hangouts Meet Premium features are available to all G Suite users through 30 September, 2020. Ad Grants provides up to $10,000 a month of in-kind advertising on Google Search and will be available for six months, through October 2020. Online ads can help you attract donors, raise awareness for your organisation, and recruit volunteers while dealing with the effects of COVID-19. provides up to $10,000 a month of in-kind advertising on Google Search and will be available for six months, through October 2020. Online ads can help you attract donors, raise awareness for your organisation, and recruit volunteers while dealing with the effects of COVID-19. YouTube Nonprofit Program offers premium features for nonprofit organisations to reach a global audience and amplify their cause on their YouTube channel. offers premium features for nonprofit organisations to reach a global audience and amplify their cause on their YouTube channel. Google Earth and Maps give nonprofits access to compelling data visualisation tools to track and share their organisation's impact. Each of these products offers ways for nonprofit organisations to not only promote the work that they do, but also collaborate and work smarter with Google's online services. At WACSI, we are excited to support the Google for Nonprofits program by validating Ghanaian and Nigerian nonprofits according to a global standard. By working with Google and TechSoup, we hope that many nonprofit organisations will be able to benefit from Google's technology products to be more efficient in their work. Getting started with Google for Nonprofits in Ghana and Nigeria To join the Google for Nonprofits program, request an account at the Google for Nonprofits website . If you do not already have a Google account for your organisation, you will need to create one. Once your organisation has passed the validation process, you will be able to access the program benefits through your organisation's Google for Nonprofits account. For more information on our technology donation programme for nonprofits in West Africa, send us an email at: [email protected] or call us on: +233201857766 / +233500550662 A 13-year-old girl from Chicago was showing her mother a new dance move at their West Side home on Saturday when a stray bullet came bursting through a window and struck the child in the neck, killing her. Amaria Jones was one of more than 100 people who were shot, 14 of them fatally, between Friday evening and Monday morning in Chicago. Four of the victims who died were children, the youngest being just three years old. Amaria's mother, Lawanda Jones, told CBS Chicago her final memory of her daughter was seeing the girl reaching out, with blood gushing from a bullet wound in her neck. Scroll down for video Amaria Jones, 13, was dancing with her mother inside their Chicago apartment on Saturday night when a stray bullet came bursting through the window. She was fatally shot in the neck Lawanda Jones said her last memory of her daughter is seeing her reaching out with blood gushing from the wound in her neck Jones said before 9pm on Saturday, Amaria, the youngest of her five children, was showing her a dance routine she learned on the social media app TikTok when gunfire erupted outside their home in the 1000 block of North Leclaire Avenue in the South Austin section. A bullet went through the window, pierced the family's television and struck Amaria in the right side of her neck as she danced. 'I turned around and I was looking for her and she was on the ground reaching out like this, holding her neck,' Jones recalled the harrowing moment. 'I was like, "What?! What?! What?!' Amaria was rushed to Stroger Hospital of Cook County, where she died about 30 minutes later. Jones said her daughter loved to talk and dreamed of becoming an attorney, reported WLS-TV. Gunfire erupted outside the Jones family home in the 1000 block of North Leclaire Avenue in the South Austin section before 9pm on Saturday The shooting that claimed the 13-year-old's life also injured two teenage boys who were sitting on the porch outside Jones' home. A 16-year-old boy was shot in the left leg and a 15-year-old suffered a wound in the lower back. Both were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in good condition. As of Thursday morning, no arrests have been made in connection to Amaria's death. Her mother, who lost a nephew to gun violence a year ago, called on the person who took Amaria's life to come forward. Just two hours before Amaria (left) was shot at home, three-year-old Mekhi James (right) was killed while riding in the backseat of his father's car Mekhis 27-year-old father was the intended target when someone fired shots at the vehicle, but he is not cooperating with detectives Jones also expressed her condolences to other parents who lost children during the 72 hours of bloodshed over the Father's Day weekend. Just two hours before Amaria was shot, three-year-old Mekhi James was struck by gunfire and killed while riding in the backseat of his stepfather's car a few blocks from the Jones residence. The burst of homicidal violence comes nearly a month after Chicago had its deadliest Memorial Day weekend since 2015 as nine people were killed and another 27 wounded in shootings. HINGHAM, Mass., June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Hollywood Agency, an integrated public relations and communications agency servicing both consumer and B2B brands, announces first-half momentum and new capabilities. Recent new clients and projects include a holistic health and wellness app, a puzzle and gaming company, a tick control tube brand, a national autism nonprofit and an exclusive property development in Utah. To support the agency's growing client and project base, Hollywood has expanded its personnel to include a notable senior-level promotion and several new hires. Monica Higgins , vice president, was promoted in December. This Hollywood veteran is celebrating five years at the agency, and continues to play a key role in the agency's growth, expanding the scope of work for large clients including STANLEY Healthcare and TOMY International, and focusing on new business development. Higgins is currently leading agency accounts in the juvenile, healthcare and hospitality industries. , vice president, was promoted in December. This Hollywood veteran is celebrating five years at the agency, and continues to play a key role in the agency's growth, expanding the scope of work for large clients including STANLEY Healthcare and TOMY International, and focusing on new business development. Higgins is currently leading agency accounts in the juvenile, healthcare and hospitality industries. Stacy Clougherty , vice president, joined the Hollywood team in January with a focus on client management and new business. Clougherty has a combination of agency, in-house and consulting experience and currently manages Samsonite, Verv and Kaon Interactive. , vice president, joined the Hollywood team in January with a focus on client management and new business. Clougherty has a combination of agency, in-house and consulting experience and currently manages Samsonite, Verv and Kaon Interactive. Caitlin Snider , account supervisor, brings to Hollywood high-level skills from her experience at integrated marketing and communications agencies in Boston , where she worked on a wide variety of accounts in various industries. Her current clients span everything from pet products to theatre. , account supervisor, brings to Hollywood high-level skills from her experience at integrated marketing and communications agencies in , where she worked on a wide variety of accounts in various industries. Her current clients span everything from pet products to theatre. Lindsay Carroll , art director, supports creative initiatives for the agency, current clients and new business opportunities. She has worked on projects for brands including the iconic Big Boy Restaurants. In response to the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on local and national businesses, the agency has launched a restarter communications kit designed to support companies and their immediate communications needs as they reopen. "The Show Must Go On" is a series of packages and a la carte options built on industry feedback and years of experience. These fully customizable programs help position small to midsized companies to survive and thrive beyond this challenging moment in time. Download the kit here. "We kicked off 2020 with new, fantastic and diverse client projects," said Darlene Hollywood, founder and principal of Hollywood Agency. "The addition of these brands along with the outstanding talent that we've acquired to support current and potential clients has laid a foundation that will hopefully help us prepare for future growth during this difficult business climate." Hollywood Agency announces this momentum and restarter kit in conjunction with the launch of an updated website designed by in-house Art Director Lindsay Carroll. Read more about the restarter kit and website on Hollywood's Backstage blog. About Hollywood Agency Hollywood Agency is a nationally recognized integrated communications firm that specializes in making brands famous. With a focus on partnering with compelling brands whose culture and values mirror its own, Hollywood Agency works with innovators in the consumer goods and services, technology and healthcare industries. Named one of the fastest-growing private companies in Massachusetts twice, Hollywood Agency has earned more than 40 industry awards. To learn more, visit hollywoodagency.com or follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Hollywood Agency www.hollywoodagency.com 781.749.0077 18 Shipyard Drive, Ste. 3A, Hingham, MA 02043 Media Contact : Kim MacKenzie 781.749.0077 x24 [email protected] SOURCE Hollywood Agency Related Links http://www.hollywoodagency.com THE ISSUE: Attorney General William Barr has repeatedly undermined justice and corrupted his office in service of the president. THE STAKES: If the rule of law is to mean anything, Congress must hold him to account. It is time for Attorney General William Barr to be impeached. Since he first tried to manipulate public opinion by falsely depicting the findings of the Mueller investigation, Mr. Barr has been corrupting the U.S. Justice Department and despoiling the position he holds at its helm. His loyalty has been not to the Constitution he swore an oath to uphold, but to a president he holds above the law. To list just some of the particulars is to beg the question of why he even continues to hold office. There was Mr. Barr's false and misleading claims that Special Counsel Robert Mueller's report exonerated President Donald Trump of colluding with Russia in its interference in the 2016 election and obstructing Mr. Mueller's investigation. There was Mr. Barr's launch of a criminal probe of the Russia investigation, clearly to lend legitimacy to Mr. Trump's wild narrative of "spying" and an attempted coup. There was Mr. Barr's involvement in trying to suppress a whistleblower's revelation that Mr. Trump had asked Ukraine's president to dig up dirt on his Democratic opponent, former Vice President Joe Biden conduct for which Mr. Trump was quite appropriately impeached. There was Mr. Barr's own abuse of his office to investigate Mr. Biden. There was Mr. Barr's involvement in trying to get his own department to go soft on two convicted cronies of Mr. Trump's the president's friend and operative Roger Stone, and former national security adviser Michael Flynn, both convicted in connection with the Russia probe. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. There was Mr. Barr's recent move to remove the chief prosecutor for the Southern District of New York, who was overseeing multiple investigations involving the president's inner circle. And there was Mr. Barr's ordering of the forcible removal of peaceful protesters from a park and relief workers at a church in order to clear a path for Mr. Trump to stage a Bible-brandishing propaganda video. So transparently political and abhorrent an abuse of power was it that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, apologized for even seeming to have been a part of it. And from Mr. Barr? Nothing. No apology for trampling the constitutional rights of people to peacefully assemble and seek a redress of grievances from their government. No shame, apparently, at his outright lies. We are not so naively idealistic as to expect the president's Republican allies in the Senate to put aside partisanship and do the right thing for the nation by removing Mr. Barr from office. But we do expect the House of Representatives to do its job and hold him accountable for abuses of power that surely constitute the "high crimes or misdemeanors" for which he may be impeached not let this all slide until the election. Congress must send a message that such abuses will not be impotently tolerated, but will be fully documented for the American people, and for history. And so it is time for every member of Congress to again reveal where they stand: with the rule of law, or with those who set themselves above it. Sinn Fein is proposing an economic stimulus plan for the tourism and hospitality sectors. This plan - amounting to over 860 million - would revive two sectors hit hardest by the Covid-19 pandemic, providing a boost to counties like Laois/Offaly and regions heavily dependent on tourism and hospitality, according to Laois-Offaly TD, Brian Stanley. Under this scheme, every adult in the State would receive a voucher worth 200, while every child would be entitled to a voucher worth 100, that can only be spent in businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors. If there was an estimated 50% take-up, the scheme would cost 430 million. The tourism and hospitality sectors have been hit the hardest during the Covid-19 pandemic and urgent government intervention is required to support workers and families and to save jobs and businesses. Tourism is the States largest indigenous industry, employing 265,000 people, with 68% of these jobs outside of Dublin," Deputy Stanley commented. 92% of workers in the accommodation and food sectors have received the Pandemic Unemployment Payment or have been on the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, while the Irish Tourism Industry Confederation is estimating a hit to the sector in the region of 3.5 billion in 2020. With restrictions on travel remaining in place, Sinn Fein believes a substantial economic stimulus is urgently needed to revive these sectors. As well as supporting hundreds of jobs, this plan will give workers and families the welcome option of a break away after what has been an extraordinarily difficult period. Similar stimulus plans have been introduced around the world. Italy has a similar plan to encourage people to holiday at home, Vienna is giving residents vouchers for restaurants in the city and the United States is distributing billions of dollars in stimulus cheques directly to residents. Our plan would see each adult receive a non-means tested 200 voucher to be used in domestic businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors, with a 100 voucher for each child. This would be non-means tested and available to every resident in the State. It is essentially a staycation for Irish citizens to spend in Ireland. That means it will assist those unable to afford a break, but also encourage those who can to spend their vouchers, plus more, in our local economies. This is an investment in jobs and businesses. Without intervention now, thousands of jobs will be lost permanently, costing the State considerably more in the long run. "We need to regenerate the Irish economy; we need our people back to work. It is better to put money into pockets and tills now, than to spend it on jobseekers payments in the future. FRONT PAGE An article on Wednesday about testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee on the new surge in coronavirus cases misspelled the given name of one of the doctors testifying. He is Adm. Brett P. Giroir, not Brent. TRACKING AN OUTBREAK An article on Tuesday about Nordic countries that have closed their borders to Sweden because of concerns about the coronavirus misspelled the given name of the editor in chief of Altinget, a political website, and incorrectly rendered a portion of a quote from him. The editor is Jakob Nielsen, not Jacob. Mr. Nielsen referred to the divide between Denmark and Sweden as the deepest since the Second World War, not the deepest since the First World War. SPORTS A picture caption with an article on Saturday about a German leagues sequestered competition during the pandemic, misstated the given name of a player on the N.B.A.s Washington Wizards. He is John Wall, not Kevin. ARTS An article on Wednesday about a letter to the director of the Guggenheim from the museums curators calling for greater diversity in its staff, board and exhibitions misstated the timing of the Guggenheim Museums decision to hire Ashley James as a curator. It was days after a panel discussion in November 2019, not several months later. Demi Moore has been cast in the upcoming pandemic-themed thriller Songbird produced by Michael Bay. The 57-year-old actress will appear in the film along with Craig Robinson, 48, Paul Walter Hauser, 33 and Peter Stormare, 66, according to an article Wednesday by Deadline. The film was being produced by Michael, 55, in partnership with Catchlight Studios and Invisible Narratives. Pandemic thriller: Demi Moore, shown in February in Paris, has been cast in the upcoming pandemic thriller Songbird Songbird will be filmed in Los Angeles as one of the first movies to begin production since Hollywood came to a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic. Production of the movie by director Adam Mason will employ strict social distancing practices as well as innovative filming techniques. The filmmakers also have been providing remote training for the cast. Songbird takes place two years in the future amid a lingering pandemic as the virus continues to mutate. Hollywood producer: Michael Bay, shown in December in Miami, is a producer of Songbird The film's story, told from a street level perspective, centers around an essential worker with a rare immunity who overcomes obstacles to be with his girlfriend locked within her home. The city in an attempt to curb the pandemic has been bisected into haves and have-nots and Demi will portray a matriarch determined to protect her family and maintain her way of life. Bay also is a producer of the upcoming sequel A Quiet Place Part II. Funny guy: Craig Robinson, shown in January in Los Angeles, also has joined the cast Filming soon: Paul Walter Hauser, seen in January in Los Angeles, also has joined the cast The horror film co-produced, written and directed by John Krasinski, 40, who also stars in the sequel, is scheduled for release on September 4. It was originally due to be in theaters in late March, but its release was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Megan Fox, 34, recently took to social media to detail her experiences in Hollywood and addressed an audition with Michael when she was a teenager. Referencing the time Michael asked her to wear a bikini and dance under a waterfall in Bad Boys II, Megan wrote, 'I was around 15 or 16 years old when I was an extra in Bad Boys II. There are multiple interviews where I shared the anecdote of being chosen for the scene and the conversations that took place surrounding it. It's important to note however that when I auditioned for Transformers I was 19 or 20.' Migrants: Italy out of five top host countries, EU (ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, JUNE 25 - Asylum requests in the EU are rising for the first time since 2015 - 740,000 in 2019, up 11% on 2018, according to the annual report released by the European Asylum Support Office (EASO). However, for the first time in five years, Italy is not among the top five host countries, according to the report. Over half of applications were filed in Germany (165,615), France (128,940) and Spain (117,795). Greece had 77,275 requests, followed by the United Kingdom (44,835 applications received), which replaced Italy (43,770, down 27% compared to 2018). With a significant drop of irregular migration along the central Mediterranean route, the increase in requests for international protection - observed EASO - is partly due to the boom of requests presented by citizens of Venezuela and other Latin American countries. Venezuelans, with 46,000 applications, ranked third among nationalities that presented applications (+103% on the previous year). Syrians came first (80,000 requests), followed by Afghans (61,000). Difficult political conditions in Venezuela and South America caused a boom in applications filed in Spain, which increased by over 100% compared to 2018, because ''often the language and cultural relations can play a role in the choice of country in which a request is filed'', the agency observed. Among migration trends, EASO moreover reported that over one-fourth of overall requests (188,500) were presented by citizens of countries that did not have a visa requirement in the Schengen area as is the case of western Balkan and eastern partnership countries like Ukraine. (ANSAmed).. Lome, Togo (PANA) - Togo Wednesday recorded its 14th death linked to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and seven new confirmed cases, the ministry of Health told PANA here Preferred Hotels & Resorts is celebrating the highly anticipated return of travel by making a series of valuable updates to its I Prefer Hotel Rewards loyalty programme. From a new Flexible Member Rate and an Elite Platinum Offer to the brands first-ever I Prefer E-Gift Cards and more than 25 new participating hotels worldwide, these programme enhancements demonstrate Preferreds unwavering commitment to offer best-in-class independent hotel experiences to its loyal and discerning I Prefer members as they ask, Where Next? following an extended period at home. Listening to and engaging with our loyal I Prefer members throughout this pandemic has been a top priority, and through these candid dialogues, we have learned that they want greater flexibility and more diverse offers as travel restrictions are lifted, said Jeri Salazar, Vice President of Loyalty for Preferred Hotels & Resorts. We are confident that the decisions weve made to enhance the programme will provide travellers with a less restrictive, more valuable way to book authentic, one-of-a-kind independent hotel experiences whenever they decide to travel next. Flexible Member Rate Recognising the importance of member-only value and flexibility, Preferred Hotels & Resorts is doubling down through a new Flexible Member Rate that offers access to savings of 10 per cent or higher on top of the best available rate when they book stays at more than 300 participating hotels. The new flexible rate is also fully cancellable up through day of arrival, providing travellers with the peace of mind needed if travel plans get disrupted. Bookings must contain a valid I Prefer member number and be made through PreferredHotels.com, IPrefer.com, the I Prefer app, the GDS, participating hotels websites, or the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Global Reservations team. The new rate is available now for travel through December 31. Elite Platinum Offer In addition to everyday Elite member benefits which include complimentary room category upgrades, early check-in and late check-out, VIP welcome amenities, free internet, and 50 per cent bonus points earning per eligible stay the newly launched Elite Platinum Offer features daily breakfast for two and a resort credit of $100 per stay that can be used toward on-property expenditures. Available for travel now through December 31, this unique benefit is valid exclusively to I Prefer Elite members for stays at more than 170 participating properties worldwide such as JA Manafaru (Maldives); The Upper House (Hong Kong); Grand Hotel Tremezzo (Lake Como, Italy); Finca Cortesin (Casares, Spain); Shutters on the Beach (Santa Monica, California); and Grand Velas Riviera Maya (Mexico). Members can access this benefit by visiting www.PreferredHotels.com/eliteplatinum or contacting I Prefer member services. I Prefer E-Gift Cards with 20 per cent Bonus Value For the first time ever, Preferred Hotels & Resorts is offering I Prefer E-Gift Cards, which are available for a limited period now through June 27 as part of the companys International Pineapple Week celebrations. The I Prefer E-Gift cards may be purchased exclusively online now in denominations of $100 and $250 with no expiration date, which can be used towards future stays at participating hotels and resorts in the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. As an additional gesture of hospitality, every purchase comes with 20 percent more value in the form of a $20 or $50 bonus card, respectively. To purchase I Prefer E-Gift Cards, see participating hotels, and read terms and conditions, visit [shop.preferredhotels.com/giftcards]shop.preferredhotels.com/giftcards through June 27. Newest Hotel Options for I Prefer Travels With a portfolio of more than 700 distinctive hotels and resorts worldwide, I Prefer offers the benefits of a robust points-based loyalty programme with access to authentic hotel experiences to suit every travel need. More than 25 new properties have recently joined Preferreds prestigious loyalty programme, including Biltmore Hotel (Coral Gables, Florida); Montage Healdsburg (Sonoma County, California); The Social House (Nairobi, Kenya); Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay (Fnideq, Morocco); La Villa Haussmann (Paris, France); Brenton Hotel (Newport, Rhode Island); Palmaia, The House of AiA (Riviera Maya, Mexico); Bluedoors York Luxury Suites (Medellin, Colombia); Rancho Santana (Rancho Santana, Nicaragua); Middle Eight (London, United Kingdom); Hayfield Manor (Cork, Ireland); Deltapark Vitalresort (Gwatt, Switzerland); JA Oasis Beach Tower (Dubai, UAE), and Noku Maldives (Noonu Atoll, Maldives). Protecting I Prefer Members Hard-Earned Loyalty Status and Points Today, Preferred Hotels & Resorts made the official announcement that it was extending the points expiration date for all I Prefer members globally through December 31. In March, Preferred was among the first travel companies globally to announce its plan to protect the hard-earned benefits of its loyalty members by announcing that all I Prefer Elite members globally will maintain their status through June 30, 2021, regardless of their travel activity this year. With more than 3.5 million travellers currently enrolled in membership, I Prefer is complimentary to join. Travellers who would like to take advantage of these exclusive promotions are invited to enrol in the program via www.IPrefer.com/enroll. - TradeArabia News Service 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) The National Investigating Agency (NIA) has found alleged terror links between suspended J&K DSP Davinder Singh and officials of the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi, The Times of India has reported. Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Superintendent of Police Davinder Singh was arrested on January 10 for allegedly ferrying two Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists in a vehicle on the Srinagar-Jammu Highway. The case was initially lodged by the J&K police, and later taken over by the NIA, while Singh was suspended. During its investigation into the terror case, the central agency found that Singh was in touch with Pakistan High Commission officials with regards to his activities in aiding terrorists and furthering terror activities in the Valley, sources told the newspaper. The sources also said NIA has identified the middle man or the go-between through whom Singh would communicate with the junior staff at the Pakistan High Commission. He is likely to be booked soon. Read Also: Suspended J&K DSP Davinder Singh granted bail in terror case The charge sheet, which is to be filed in the first week of July, is expected to bring more clarity on these details. The source said Singh used to act as a conduit for terror funds, arranging a safe passage for monetary transactions, as well as sourcing and transporting weapons. Another source told the publication that the emerged terror link was one of the factors that led to India reducing the strength of Pakistan High Commission officials in Delhi. This is not the first time that NIA has traced back terror links to the Pakistan High Commission. In 2017, during the investigation of a terror funding case against leaders of the Hurriyat Conference, the role of Pakistan High Commission officials as providing funds and directions to foment tensions in the Valley had emerged. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 25 By Eldar Janashvili - Trend: The foreign trade operations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan amounted to $44 million from January through May 2020, having dropped 2.8 times compared to the same period of 2019, Trend reports citing statistical bulletin of the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Azerbaijan. According to the report, the export of Azerbaijani products to Kazakhstan in the first five months of this year amounted to $12.6 million, while a year earlier this figure was equal to $9.8 million. Thus, over the reporting period, Kazakhstan purchased products from Azerbaijan by $2.7 million more than in the same period of the previous year. The share of Kazakhstan in the total export of Azerbaijan also increased by about 0.07 percent, from 1.11 to 1.18 percent of the total export. Import of Kazakh products to Azerbaijan dropped almost three times, declining year-on-year from $114.7 million to $31.3 million. The share of Kazakhstan in the total import of Azerbaijan also decreased by 1.22 percent, from 1.97 to 0.75 percent of the total import. In general, the ratio of export-import in foreign trade relations between the two countries for the reporting period remained significantly biased towards the import of Kazakhstani products. Thus, if for the same period of 2019, foreign trade relations were markedly outweighed by imports - 92.1 and 7.9 percent, then the ratio of imports and exports in the reporting period amounted to 71.3 and 28.7 percent, respectively. Thus, the balance of foreign trade between the two countries for the reporting period remained negative for Azerbaijan and decreased by $93.6 million to $ -18.7 million. In the first five months of 2020, the total foreign trade turnover of Azerbaijan amounted to $11.1 billion, which is 22.9 percent less compared to the same period of 2019. The balance of foreign trade turnover on an annualized basis increased by 0.9 percent and remained positive, amounting to $2.8 billion. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @eldarjanashvili Indian Army Chief Manoj Mukund Naravane (center), along with members of the Indian Armed Forces, salutes next to the coffins of two soldiers during a ceremony at Palam Technical Airport in New Delhi on Oct. 21, 2019, after they were killed in artillery fire along the de-facto India-Pakistan border in Kashmir. (Sajjad Hussain/AFP via Getty Images) Outstanding employer status is based on independent employee trust audit Evaluation Criteria heavily weighted on employee trust in Teleperformance 95 nationalities employed by Telepeformance in Portugal; a highly diverse workforce 2020 GPTW certification is the 10 th consecutive year Teleperformance in Portugal has been recognized consecutive year Teleperformance in Portugal has been recognized 70% of Teleperformance employees worldwide work in certified 'top employer' operations Safeguarding employment and the health safety of employees remain top global priorities Regulatory News: Teleperformance (Paris:TEP), a leading global group in digitally integrated business services, announced today its award-winning multilingual hub operations in Portugal received the prestigious Great Place to Work Institute's independent certification for an unprecedented 10th consecutive year. Telepeformance employs over 10,500 people from 95 different nationalities in Portugal, delivering key business services across all major industry sectors in 36 languages for the world's top companies. Teleperformance maintains 11 state-of-the-art campus in Portugal. Almost 100% of the staff are deployed through its innovative 'Cloud Campus' work-at-home (WAH) model. Both the GPTW 2020 certification and Teleperformance's rapid, successful conversion to WAH in Portugal are particularly positive developments due to worldwide Covid-19 pandemic operating challenges. Mauricio Korbivcher, CEO and Country Manager, GPTW Portugal, said"Our team congratulates Teleperformance for its 10 consecutive years of being recognized by its own employees and certified as a Great Place to Work. To earn a Great Place to Work certification once is very challenging for any company, but to achieve it 10 consecutive years in a row represents a huge and long journey. This sustained recognition reflects continuous hard work at strengthening the employee value proposition and aligning HR policies and practices packages offered by company to benefit their people. Pandemic or not, this outstanding consistency in employee trust shows Teleperformance in Portugal remains laser-focused on taking care of its highly diverse staff; taking care of people means you are taking care of the business. Employees voluntarily participated in confidential surveys by rating Teleperformance with GPTW methodology TRUST credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie (same methodology in 60 countries)." Joao Cardoso, CEO, Teleperformance Portugal, said "Receiving this award again from the Great Place to Work Institute is an enormous honor. It is independent recognition of our continuous commitment to our employees, to quality training programs, to the right tools for the professional growth of our people and to a high-quality working environment and infrastructure. We have grown together over the years in talent management, training and organizational culture. Work-Life balance has also been a priority for us. Being distinguished in this field by the GPTW institute, based largely on the confidential surveys of our own people, is important reinforcement that we are making a positive difference." With a top global priority of employee well-being, twenty-one (21) separate Teleperformance country operations including Portugal are currently recognized as top employers by third party evaluators: Albania, Argentina, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Greece, Germany, India, Kosovo, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Philippines, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and United Arab Emirates. Teleperformance Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Julien, said: "Teleperformance in Portugal is a consistently outstanding overall benchmark for both our Group and the industry as a whole. Our especially diverse operations there, represented by 95 different nationalities, serve as a key proving ground for multilingual hub delivery across CEMEA, as a global customer experience innovation lab and as a testbed for our new worldwide Cloud Campus work-at-home model among other initiatives. Employee care always remains a top Group priority. Earning the Great Place to Work Institute's certification for 10 years in a row requires a truly special commitment; this accomplishment is reflective of a highly motivated and successful team of professionals that truly care about each other as a family while performing without limits." ABOUT TELEPERFORMANCE GROUP Teleperformance (TEP ISIN: FR0000051807 Reuters: TEPRF.PA Bloomberg: TEP FP), a leading global group in digitally integrated business services, serves as a strategic partner to the world's largest companies in many industries. It offers a One Office support services model combining three wide, high-value solution families: customer experience management, back-office services and business process knowledge services. These end-to-end digital solutions guarantee successful customer interaction and optimized business processes, anchored in a unique, comprehensive high tech, high touch approach. The Group's 331,000 employees, based in 80 countries, support billions of connections every year in over 265 languages and 170 markets, in a shared commitment to excellence as part of the "Simpler, Faster, Safer" process.This mission is supported by the use of reliable, flexible, intelligent technological solutions and compliance with the industry's highest security and quality standards, based on Corporate Social Responsibility excellence. In 2019, Teleperformance reported consolidated revenue of 5,355 million (US$ 6 billion, based on 1 $1.12) and net profit of 400 million. Teleperformance shares are traded on the Euronext Paris market, Compartment A, and are eligible for the deferred settlement service. They are included in the following indices: CAC 40, CAC Support Services, STOXX 600, S&P Europe 350 and MSCI Global Standard. In the area of corporate social responsibility, Teleperformance shares have been included in the Euronext Vigeo Eurozone 120 index since 2015, the FTSE4Good index since 2018 and also the Ethibel Sustainability Excellence Europe index (confirmed in 2019). For more information: www.teleperformance.com Follow us on Twitter: @teleperformance View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005563/en/ Contacts: FINANCIAL ANALYSTS AND INVESTORS Investor relations and financial communication department TELEPERFORMANCE Tel: +33 1 53 83 59 15 investor@teleperformance.com PRESS RELATIONS Europe Laurent Poinsot Karine Allouis IMAGE7 Tel: +33 1 53 70 74 70 teleperformance@image7.fr PRESS RELATIONS Americas and Asia-Pacific Mark Pfeiffer TELEPERFORMANCE Tel: 1 801-257-5811 mark.pfeiffer@teleperformance.com Drs. James Pace Jr. James Pace Sr. and Temp Sullivan Offer Comfortable Dentistry in Nashville, TN Sedation dentistry alone can have a big impact on a patients experience at the dentist. Belle Meade Family Dentistry now offers trusted dentistry paired with relaxing sedation dentistry services in Nashville, TN. In an effort to help all patients receive the care their oral health and overall health needs, they encourage even those with dental anxiety amid the COVID-19 pandemic to experience the comforting benefits of sedation treatments. The team at Belle Meade Family Dentistry has been serving their community with comprehensive, high-quality dental care for over three decades. With this experience comes an understanding of the seriousness of dental anxiety or fear. Whether fear of the dentist is caused by a past dental experience, a sensitive gag reflex, or oral sensitivity, they have helped many patients with dental anxiety overcome their apprehension and receive the care they need. Sedation dentistry alone can have a big impact on a patients experience at the dentist. At Belle Meade Family Dentistry, this team also pairs it with minimally invasive technology, gentle and efficient treatments, and a warm and caring atmosphere, to ensure patients are not only comfortable during their visit, but end up enjoying it as well. Offering all-inclusive dentistry at their state-of-the-art practice in Nashville, they can combine sedation dentistry with a number of services including: Dental implants Laser periodontics Emergency dentistry Tooth extractions Pediatric dentistry Root canal therapy Preventive care The importance of preventive dentistry is greatly emphasized by the dentists at Belle Meade Family Dentistry. If left untreated some dental concerns can lead to inflammation, infection, and systemic complications. For example, unrestrained gum disease has been shown to spread throughout the body and has been connected to cardiovascular diseases, stroke, diabetes complications, and a weakened immune system. Those who are ready to conquer their dental anxiety and receive the dental care they need are invited to learn more about sedation dentistry in Nashville, TN by calling 615-298-2030. To learn more about the trusted dentists at Belle Meade Family Dentistry visit http://www.bellemeadedental.com. About the Doctor Belle Meade Family Dentistry serves the Nashville, TN area with full-service family dentistry, for 35 years running. Dr. James Pace Sr. has served as a Chairman of the Nashville Dental Society and as a delegate to the Tennessee Dental Association. He was a 2015 Patients Choice Award Winner, has consistently received recognition by the Tennessee Dental Association for his hours of continuing education, and has led and participated in multiple dental and medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic. Dr. Temp Sullivan earned his fellow in laser dentistry at World Clinical Laser Institute and serves as a delegate for the Tennessee Dental Association and as a member of the Peer Review committee for TennCare. Dr. James Pace Jr. received the 2011 Tennessee Dental Associations Ace Award. The team at Belle Meade Family Dentistry strives to provide the finest quality dental care for patients in a warm, caring, and clean environment. They execute the most advanced dental care with every service, including teeth-in-a-day dental implants, Invisalign, the Pinhole Surgical Technique and laser dentistry. To learn more about the dentists at Belle Meade Family Dentistry and the services they offer visit http://www.bellemeadedental.com or call 615-298-2030. Joe Biden leads President Donald Trump by at least six points in six new battleground state polls and a victory in three of them would be enough to hand the presumptive Democratic nominee the White House. Trump beat rival Hillary Clinton in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Florida, Arizona and North Carolina in the 2016 contest - a swath of victories that put him in the Oval Office. But a new New York Times/Siena College surveys of those states shows the president has lost ground in all of them to Biden, with the Democrat holding a double digit lead in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. 'The Fake News and phony Fake Suppression Polls have never been worse. The Lamestream Media has gone CRAZY!,' Trump tweeted on Thursday in response. Additionally, Trump's once strong lead among white voters has essentially vanished - a voting bloc that was key to his 2016 win. It was white working-class voters in battle states who catapulted Trump to victory. Biden holds a 21-point lead among white college graduates in the new poll. And he holds the lead among Black registered voters, 92 per cent to Trump's 5 per cent in a new Washington Post-Ipsos poll. If Biden should win any combination of the three states in the poll - along with all the states Clinton carried in 2016 - he would have enough electoral college votes to capture the White House. The Times noted those six states were chosen for the poll because of 'their mix of major cities, old industrial hubs, growing suburbs, and even farmland.' A separate New York Times/Siena poll released Wednesday gave Biden a 14 point national lead. And Biden leads Trump by 10 points in the Real Clear Politics polling average. The new poll also reveals the frustration among voters is with Trump - not necessarily a strong outpouring of support for the former vice president. The poll found that 55% of Biden voters say their vote is more against Trump while 80% of Trump voters say their vote is primarily for Trump. Joe Biden leads President Donald Trump by at least six points in six new battleground state polls - a victory in three would hand him the White House It remains early in the general election contest - neither man has been formally nominated by their party yet, which will take at this summer's political conventions - and with the election four months away it gives Trump plenty of time to turn his numbers around. While additional polls have show voters give the president low marks on his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and race relations in the wake of the death of George Floyd, they give Trump high marks on the economy - an issue he has made central to his re-election platform. Some Republicans, like Senate Majority Whip John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, have advised President Trump to consider a change in tone President Trump, in recent remarks, has take a divisive tone, seizing on culture wars and using race-baiting language in his speeches to supporters. He has referred to the coronavirus by the racial slur 'Kung flu' and demanded protection for statues of Confederate officials that Black Lives Matter protesters and state officials are taking down. Several Republicans have suggested a change in tone, while noting Trump rarely takes advice. 'He's good with the base,' Senate Majority Whip John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, told CNN Wednesday. 'But all of the people who are going to decide in November are the people in the middle, and I think they want the President at a time like this ... to strike a more empathetic tone.' He added: 'It'll probably require not only a message that deals with substantive policy, but I think a message that conveys perhaps a different tone.' Francis Conole conceded Thursday to Dana Balter in the Democratic primary election for the 24th Congressional District, even though more than 60% of the votes have not yet been counted. Balter led Conole, 64-32%, after almost 17,000 Democrats voted at the polls on Election Day. But Conole, 42, an Iraq War veteran from Syracuse, didnt concede Tuesday night because more than 30,000 absentee ballots remained to be counted. Ballots postmarked by Election Day will be valid if they are received by June 30. Conole changed his mind Thursday afternoon and said he called Balter to congratulate her for winning the Democratic nomination. Balter will face Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, in the November election. Im very proud of the campaign we ran and critical issues we will continue to fight for, Conole said in a statement. Our mission is not done. Central New York and our country face great challenges ahead and yet great opportunities. We need a leader who will fight for us. That leader is Dana Balter. Conole offered a full-throated endorsement of Balter, saying she has a tenacious spirit, keen intellect and compassionate way that is so much of what we need in our government right now. Conole said he wants Democrats to unite behind Balter, 43, of Syracuse, as she makes her second attempt to unseat Katko. Katko, a three-term congressman, defeated Balter by about 5 percentage points in the 2018 election. He won his previous two elections by more than 20 percentage points. Balter in a statement Thursday night thanked Conole for running a strong campaign and said she looked forward to uniting the party. The incredible turnout in this election, by mail and in-person, is a sign that voters are ready for change this November, Balter said. Democrats voted in record numbers in the 24th District primary election on Tuesday. About 31% of eligible voters cast ballots at the polls and through absentee ballots, the most in a Democratic congressional primary in 38 years. Onondaga County Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny had said it will probably take until July 8 to count the absentee ballots and declare an official in the winner in the election. All New York voters were allowed to vote by mail with absentee ballots because of the coronavirus pandemic. In the interim, supporters of Balter and Conole united Wednesday to raise money for the eventual nominee. The group of prominent local Democrats said the party couldnt afford to wait for the results to start raising money for the nominees campaign in November. Balter and Conole each raised about $874,000 to spend on their campaigns before the primary election. Conole received a boost in the final two weeks of the campaign when Vote Vets Action Fund spent $200,000 on TV ads supporting his candidacy. MORE ON 2020 NY PRIMARY Democratic congressional primary records highest vote total in 38 years Election Day 2020: NY primary voting results for Central New York Dana Balter opens wide lead over Francis Conole in Democratic primary George Phillips concedes to Claudia Tenney in 22nd Congressional District Joe Biden finishes night with big lead in CNY presidential primary vote Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Newsfrom Japan Tokyo, June 25 (Jiji Press)--Japan's Mizuho Financial Group Inc. <8411> said Thursday that it expects to meet its goal of cutting its outstanding loans to coal-fired power plant projects to zero by fiscal 2040. At a general meeting of shareholders, the megabank group expressed its confidence to reach the goal 10 years earlier than planned in its new investment and loan policy for such plants with high carbon dioxide emissions announced in April this year. "It is our mission as a financial institution to encourage power and energy companies to undergo structural transformation," Managing Executive Officer Naoshi Inomata said in response to a question from a shareholder. He said that the company will aim for the realization of a carbon-free society through dialogue with clients. A shareholder proposal by nonprofit organization Kiko Network that Mizuho revise its articles of incorporation to make it mandatory to disclose its investment and loan plan for a carbon-free society every year was voted down. However, it was backed by a third of participating shareholders, only from advance votes. [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.] Simpson is one of several service members whose actions have come under scrutiny in recent months as the U.S. military grapples with white extremism in its ranks. The military has wrestled with the problem for decades, but the issue is receiving new attention amid a broader conversation about race and discrimination prompted in part by the death of George Floyd, a black civilian who was killed in police custody last month. (Natural News) The Russian Revolution of 1917 was one of the 20th centurys most monumental events, ushering in a decades-long communist system of government that saw the Soviet Union rise to the stature of a global superpower. The violent uprising marked the end of the Romanov dynasty and centuries of Russian Imperial rule, History.com noted, adding that it was led by Bolshevik Party leader and Leftist revolutionary Vladimir Lenin. Before becoming the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, the Bolsheviks destroyed the tradition of czarist rule mostly by destroying nearly all of the history associated with the czars monuments, statues, history books and other references to the countrys monarchical past. Lenin got the peasant masses to follow him by convincing them that the ruling class, along with the capitalist economic, social, academic and cultural systems and institutions they had built, were inherently corrupt, unfair and systemically biased against them. Are we seeing some of the same activities now being put in place by the American Left, with the blessing and assistance of an increasingly Marxist Democratic Party? The answer, without question, is yes. The biggest difference now, compared to the days when Lenins Red Army was fighting the capitalist-czarist White Army, is there is not nearly as much violence. Yet. Rather, as the National Review notes: Were in the dawn of a high-tech, bloodless Cultural Revolution; one that relies on intimidation, public shaming, and economic ruin to dictate what words and ideas are permissible in the public square. Its become clear that the American Left has seized upon a couple of recent events to launch an all-out effort to destroy our country from within, to seize control of the levers of power through intimidation and, where necessary, force. The perceived weakness of President Donald Trump combined with the economic collapse caused by coronavirus-related shutdowns and the disturbing death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police have provided American Leftists with their Lenin moment. The revolution is manifesting itself in the Democratic Party, as noted by Samuel Culper, founder of Forward Observer. He wrote this week: One of the more interesting trends were watching is the bifurcation of the Democratic Party. In structure, its slightly reminiscent of how the Republican Party broke along the Conservative Inc. establishment and the Tea Party starting in 2009. Theres a political insurgency being waged within the Democratic Party, pitting establishment moderates against their socialist challengers. Socialist-Marxists are leading the political insurgency. They include Squad members Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, and Ilhan Omar, whose rhetoric could have been ripped right out of any speech given by Lenin or his Communist successors. Culper notes that gaining a socialist foothold nationally is one thing, but thats all it will be for the foreseeable future a foothold. Where the revolution is really going to come from is at the state and local levels: By gaining more power at the local and state levels electing lower court judges and district attorneys, for instance socialists can do more to form a judicial blockade against what they describe as neo-liberal and fascist policies at the national level. The argument has proven accurate with regard to the political power exercised by the courts and city councils during the COVID-19 shutdowns and, more recently, the riots and civil unrest. Local politicians can also provide cover for socialist disruption and facilitate the socialist insurgency. Culper goes on to note that Prof. Frances Fox Piven has recently encouraged socialists and Marxists not to shy away from using violence in local activism (hence the destruction of statues, monuments and other historical references to our founding not just those tied to slavery and inequality). In calling for a revolutionary transformation, Piven has warned socialist followers not to fall on this very narrow path of nonviolence, arguing that the violent capacity of the crowd is an important way of defending its ability to exercise disruptive power. While the socialist movement builds counter-institutions, militant trade unions, local economies, and autonomous zones and turns grassroots organizing into social power its political organizations are expanding representation in Congress and injecting socialists into state and local political positions, Culper writes. This is yet another sign of how the United States is changing, and is another indicator that socialist success has staying power. Whether or not President Trump is reelected is of little consequence. If he is, then the violence will only increase; if hes not, the violence will only increase. The difference is there will be less push-back on the federal level without Trump in the White House. Sources include: ForwardObserver.com NationalReview.com President Donald Trump has called Carly Fiorina a failed presidential candidate, after she said she will vote for Joe Biden in the 2020 election. Ms Fiorina, who was the only woman running in the 2016 Republican presidential primary, said that she will be voting for the presumptive Democratic candidate in November, during an appearance on The Atlantics podcast, The Ticket. Ms Fiorina said: Ive been very clear that I cant support Donald Trump, and added: You know, elections are binary choices. I will say this: I think, I hope, that Biden understands that this moment in history calls for him to be a leader, not a politician. When asked if that means she will be voting for Mr Biden in the 2020 presidential election, the 65-year-old replied: Well, its not til November is it? Im not voting for Trump. Its a binary choice. So if faced with a binary choice on a ballot, yes. In reaction to Ms Fiorinas comments, the president tweeted: Failed presidential candidate (thank you President Trump!), Carly Fiorina, said she will be voting for Corrupt Joe Biden. During the 2016 primary, Ms Fiorina pulled out of the race and became Ted Cruzs proposed running mate, before he also left only seven days later. This made Ms Fiorinas vice presidential candidacy the shortest in US history, and Mr Trump added: she lost so badly to me, twice in one campaign, that she should be voting for Joe. No complaints!!! During her appearance on The Ticket, Ms Fiorina said she thinks Mr Biden will make a better president than Mr Trump, because he can find common ground on a bipartisan basis. Ms Fiorina added that although they disagree on policy, I am encouraged that Joe Biden is a person of humility and empathy and character. I think hes demonstrated that through his life. Recommended Trump says protesters want to topple statues of Jesus and Lincoln The former candidate voted for Mr Trump in 2016, but speaking to CNNs Poppy Harlow in December 2019, Ms Fiorina said it is vital that he be impeached. She did not confirm at the time if she would vote for the president in November, but said: It depends who the Democrats put up. Ms Fiorina is not the first Republican to publicly state that they will be voting for someone other than the current president in Novembers election. Colin Powell, the former secretary of state under George W Bush, told CNNs Jake Tapper earlier this month that he will vote for Mr Biden. Mr Powell told the host that he did not vote for Mr Trump in 2016, and added: I certainly cannot in any way support President Trump this year. The former secretary of state said that he is close to Mr Biden on a social matter and on a political matter, and he is now the candidate and I will be voting for him. The Trump administrations former national security advisor, John Bolton, who is poised to release a memoir about his time in the White House, recently said that he wont vote for the president. I dont think hes fit for office, Mr Bolton told ABC about Mr Trump. I dont think he has the competence to carry out the job. I dont think hes a conservative Republican. He added: Im not gonna vote for him in November. Certainly not gonna vote for Joe Biden either. Mr Bolton said that he will figure out a conservative Republican to write in. ORANGE The Orange Community Farmers Market will open Thursday, but like everything else it will look different than in the past because of social distancing - and there are no food trucks scheduled, although organizers are seeking them for future weekly markets. Knowing that most all community events have been canceled, we are excited to be able to hold the farmers market under the current conditions and are happy to welcome new vendors this season, Market Master, Annemarie Sliby said. We appreciate the public and the vendors patience in following the states guidelines. Sliby said the only sad aspect this year is that there cant be as much congregating in other years there were concerts or instrumental music and people gathered and chatted. But live music isnt allowed because it encourages congregating, she said. Sliby said there are fewer vendors, but some new vendors, including produce from Treat Farm. The big void is in food trucks - except a few that sell bread and bakery products because the usual food trucks canceled last minute or didnt sign up. Im looking for food, she said, noting food vendors are popular because vendors, buy food as well as market attendees. She said officials of other farmers markets that have already been held this season tell her sales have been good - despite new regulations, because people are looking for fresh fruits and vegetables. The Orange Community Farmers Market runs Thursdays through Sept. 24 - rain or shine - from 3:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. The market is held under the pavilion at the Orange Fairgrounds, High Plains Community Center, 525 Orange Center Road in Orange. Sliby said more vendors are welcome, as there is plenty of room to expand onto the fairgrounds. She said its too late for food trucks to join this week, as they have to be approved by the health department, but anyone interested in future weeks can contact her at ASliby@orangeedc.com or call 203-891-1045. Sliby is also executive Director of Orange Economic Development Corporation. Among the new guidelines as directed by the state because of the pandemic are: Visitors will enter and exit through marked areas only, rather than in a free form way. Visitors should not congregate and a limited number of people will be allowed at each vendor area at one time and need to maintain 6 feet from one another Visitors and vendors must wear a mask, covering their nose and mouth. Vendors will be spaced over 6 feet apart. The public will not be allowed to touch products. Reusable bags are discouraged; vendors will not be allowed to handle reusable bags. Food samples have been eliminated. In addition, hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance and a hand-washing station will be available on site. A press release from Sliby states that If anyone is sick, has a temperature or has been in contact with a COVID-19 positive patient, they should stay home. Vendors will be selling farm-grown products including vegetables, fruit, meats, baked goods, honey, sauces, jams, and more. Farms from the local area who will be present, include Grassy Hill, Oronoque, Shamrock, Sugaree Acre, and Treat. Other vendors include Simply Jam, Sweet Seidners, Wankes Yankee Hot Sauce, and Wave Hill Breads. For vendor information, visit the website at: www.FarmMarketOrange. com. In this February 17, 2016 photo, then Rep. Cory Wilson, R-Madison, discusses a transportation issue during a House Transportation Committee meeting at the Capitol in Jackson, Mississippi. / Credit: Rogelio V. Solis/AP The Senate on Wednesday confirmed President Trump's federal judge nominee, Cory Wilson, a Mississippi attorney and former state legislator who has called for the "complete and immediate" reversal of Roe v. Wade. Wilson will sit on the traditionally conservative 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, a highly-watched court by abortion-rights activists.In 2007, during a state congressional campaign, Wilson sought the endorsement of Mississippi Right to Life, a state affiliate of the country's largest anti-abortion rights groups. During that process, the attorney filled out a questionnaire identifying his position on abortion rights, indicating that he was in favor of the "complete and immediate" reversal of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that nationally legalized the procedure.Wilson agreed with Mississippi Right to Life's anti-abortion rights platform on nearly all but one issue. While the activist group believed abortion should be available to "save the life" of the patient, Wilson did not. He indicated on the questionnaire that he believed abortion should be illegal in all cases, including when the procedure could save the patient's life. Only 26 countries, including El Salvador and Iraq, have such strict abortion laws in place, according to data compiled by the Center for Reproductive Rights, an abortion rights law firm. "Forty years on, we still live under Roe v. Wade, the result of a liberal activist court," Wilson wrote in a 2012 opinion piece supporting Mitt Romney's presidential run. Related video: Which states have restricted abortion access amid pandemic Wilson did not return a voicemail and email requesting comment. Mississippi Right to Life did not respond to an email requesting comment. On Wednesday afternoon, the Senate confirmed Wilson, President Trump's 200th nominee, to the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals by a vote of 52 to 48. With Wilson's confirmation, Mr. Trump has now filled all vacancies to the federal circuit courts. Story continues When asked about his stance on abortion during his Senate confirmation hearings, Wilson declined "to comment on political issues... that may come before the court," but said any political or personal views do not "play any part in deciding cases" as a judge.Through judicial nominations, Mr. Trump has pledged his commitment to overturning abortion protections. On the campaign trail in 2016, Mr. Trump told voters that if he were elected Roe would be overturned "automatically... because I am putting pro-life justices on the court." Anti-abortion rights groups praised the confirmation on Wednesday. In a statement emailed to CBS News, Tom McClusky, the President of March for Life Action, wrote Mr. Trump had "successfully reshaped the Federal Judiciary in a positive way." "Already we have seen positive developments in cases involving women and the unborn," McClusky said. The Supreme Court could soon rule on its first major abortion rights case since Mr. Trump's two appointees Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh took the bench. The highly anticipated decision in the case, June Medical Services v. Russo, will indicate their willingness to dismantle the current legal protections surrounding abortion rights.Wilson's new court, the traditionally conservative 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, is highly influential court for abortion rights activists on both sides of the issue. Covering Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, the court is tasked with handling some of the country's strictest regulations on the procedure. Earlier this year, the federal court ruled that Texas could ban abortion services amid the coronavirus pandemic as part of the state's ban on some medical procedures. In 2018, the court upheld the Louisiana restriction at the center of June Medical Services v Russo, despite a Supreme Court decision from 2016 that found a nearly identical law out of Texas unconstitutional. Massive Saharan dust cloud makes its way to Southern states still battling coronavirus Oxford scientists test possible coronavirus vaccine in South Africa Bubba Wallace on federal investigators' announcement of no charges, advocating for change On Friday, June 26, 2020 at 6 p.m., contract crews will close a section of Tallant Road near Apison Pike in Collegedale to install a new sanitary sewer line crossing. The contractor will work around the clock until the work is completed. Barring complications this is expected to occur by the end of the day on Saturday. Detours will be posted during the work.This work is being done as part of the SR 317/Apison Pike improvement project in Collegedale. Wright Brothers Construction Co., Inc.of Charleston, Tennessee is the contractor for the $93.1-million project. The project is slated for completion on or before June 30, 2025. For more information on the SR-317/Apison Pike improvement project, check the project website at: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/projects/region-2/apison-pike.html. Prof Paddy Mallon said he believes that "it is inevitable that we will experience a resurgence of cases as we relax restrictions and permit more travel" (stock photo) Airline passengers arriving in Ireland in August as holiday traffic increases will bring Covid-19 infection with them, a leading infectious disease consultant warned today. Prof Paddy Mallon, a specialist in St Vincents Hospital pinpointed August as well as the upcoming flu season as potential danger points in a resurgence of the infection. He said it was essential there was an essential testing and tracing system here to pick up the infection quickly and the turnaround time is still not good enough. It takes over two days from point of referral for a test to tracing contacts and it should be one day, he told the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 Response. He also said there is still no coherent plan for managing the Covid-19 pandemic in Ireland. The flu vaccine should be mandatory for health workers, he added. Asked about the spread of the virus in nursing homes he said from his experience there was a big variation in how individual homes coped with the risk. The key is examining the management of nursing homes, he added. We are only now beginning to understand the impact of this first wave on the health of our citizens. There is no effective pharmaceutical treatment or vaccine to prevent acquisition or spread of this infection. In addition to the large number of deaths we have witnessed in Ireland, as highlighted earlier this week to this committee, many of those affected, even young and healthy individuals, experience considerable morbidity and prolonged recovery times. Read More Accepting any level of ongoing community transmission puts peoples health at risk and will further hold back economic recovery. Ongoing community transmission, such as that seen in the United States, Sweden and parts of the United Kingdom, together with resurgence of cases in Lisbon and the outbreaks reported in Germany serve to highlight that Ireland is still very much within a geographical high risk zone for Covid-19. "I and others in the infectious diseases clinical community believe that it is inevitable that we will experience a resurgence of cases as we relax restrictions and permit more travel. In this context, control of SARS-CoV-2 virus within our communities, through a highly effective programme of rapid testing, contact tracing and community actions, becomes a priority in maintaining our national biosecurity. Prof Mallon's comments come as the World Health Organisation (WHO) reported an increase in daily cases for first time in months. Regional director for WHO in Europe, Hans Kluge, said in a press conference today that the pandemic continues to accelerate, with a record number of new coronavirus cases reported on Sunday - 183,020 confirmed in 24 hours. "Over 2.5 million cases have been reported from Europe. While the European Region is reporting a decreasing proportion of global cases than earlier in the year, the Region continues to report close to 20,000 new cases and over 700 new deaths daily," Mr Kluge said. "Last week, Europe saw an increase in weekly cases for the first time in months. For weeks I have spoken about the risk of resurgence as countries adjust measures. "In several countries across Europe, this risk has now become a reality 30 countries have seen increases in new cumulative cases over the past two weeks. "In 11 of these countries, accelerated transmission has led to very significant resurgence that if left unchecked will push health systems to the brink once again in Europe." How do you like your ribs? Rotary Burlington-Lakeshore is hosting a socially distant, drive-thru Ribfest on July 1 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 777 Guelph Line. Guests will pull into the Burlington Centre parking lot from the Guelph Line entrance, stay in their vehicles and have food vendors in gloves and masks take and deliver orders. Four award-winning barbecue teams will be in attendance serving ribs, pulled pork and chicken. Jay Thomblison, president of Rotary Burlington-Lakeshore, said the event is about bringing back some of what was lost during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the cancellation of so many community events, we are hoping to bring a little joy into the summer of 2020. The drive-thru Ribfest will help Rotary raise funds for our local community. Rib teams in attendance will include Camp 31 BBQ, Billy Bones BBQ, Pistol Petes Smokehouse and Uncle Sams BBQ. There will also be food offerings from East Side Marios and Blaze Pizza. This event is a fundraising initiative of Rotary Burlington-Lakeshore, which for the last 23 years has hosted Canadas Largest Ribfest in Burlington at Spencer Smith Park. The organizers have raisedmore than $3.5 million for local, national and international charities through this event, and wanted to continue giving this year, despite the decision to cancel their regular Labour Day Ribfest event due to the ongoing public health situation. Nepal on Thursday reacted on reports of encroachment of its territory by China and asserted that its boundary with China is demarcated. In an official statement, Nepal added that the boundary between both the nations was delineated and demarcated on the basis of the Boundary Treaty of October 5, 1961. It also added that the "boundary markers No. 37 and 38 reported as missing in the media reports have never been erected as agreed between the two countries owing to natural conditions". "Attention of the Ministry has been drawn to the reports in the media regarding Nepal-China boundary and encroachment of Nepali territory. The news allegedly based on the report of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development which that Ministry has already refuted and clarified stating that such report doesnt exist and that the subject matter doesnt fall under its jurisdiction," read the statement. "It may be recalled that the boundary between Nepal and China was delineated and demarcated on the basis of the Boundary Treaty of 5 October 1961 and the subsequent protocols signed between the two countries. Boundary Markers No. 37 and 38 reported as missing in the media reports have never been erected as agreed between the two countries owing to natural conditions," further read the statement. "The Government of Nepal will solve through mutual consultation between the concerned authorities of the two countries in case any issue arises. The Ministry requests the media to verify the information from the relevant authorities before commenting on such sensitive matters which may adversely affect the relations between the two friendly neighbours," said the letter. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Thu, June 25, 2020 22:03 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a40661aad01 2 Entertainment Taylor-Swift,Katy-Perry,Stonewall,LGBTQ,united-states,music Free While Pride month is coming to an end, a star-studded cast of musicians and artists will take part in a special livestream event commemorating the anniversaries of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, and the Supreme Courts 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges for marriage equality. The special Stonewall Day event will be live-streamed on Friday from 11:45 p.m. to 2 p.m. Western Indonesian Time on Logos Facebook and YouTube pages. Some of the biggest names in the music industry will participate in the global livestream, including Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Kesha, Demi Lovato and Hayley Kiyoko. Cynthia Erivo, Christian Siriano, George Takei, Donatella Versace, Chelsea Clinton, Siriano, George Takei and Lilly Wachowski will also take part in the digital celebration, which will be hosted by trans advocate and model Geena Rocero. Former United States president Barack Obama will deliver a message of support to the LGBTQ community during the livestream. Read also: Forsaken transgender pioneers recognized 50 years after Stonewall While the Stonewall Day event will be live-streamed for free, donations will be encouraged to raise funds for LGBTQ+ youth organizations that have been most affected by COVID-19. Since we launched Stonewall Day three years ago, our goal has been to honor those who stood up and bravely took action to ignite the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. The spirit of the Stonewall rebellion lives on in all of us. If our history has taught us anything, it is that our greatest moments have come from helping and supporting each other, Dr. Yvette C. Burton, president of the Pride Live board of directors, said in a statement. Although multiple Pride festivities have been canceled in the light of the coronavirus pandemic, Billy Porter and MJ Rodriguez will participate in a three-hour virtual march and rally to raise funds for the Marsha P. Johnson Institute and LGBTQ+ people of color. The fundraising event, dubbed Shes a Riot, will be broadcast on Zoom this Thursday with tickets available to purchase via Eventbrite. This article is part of the Debatable newsletter. You can sign up here to receive it Tuesdays and Thursdays. It has been exactly one month since George Floyd was killed by the police, and still, the protests and their reason for being continue. In the streets, in the press, in academe and in Congress, Americans are insisting on radically divergent futures for policing. Which path should the country take? Heres what people are saying. Abolish the police The idea of eliminating policing as we know it is foreign to most Americans, but it is not new. A concept with roots in the midcentury civil rights and prison abolition movements, it has certainly become more mainstream in recent years: In 2017, Tracey L. Meares, a professor at Yale Law School who served on the Obama administrations Presidents Task Force on 21st Century Policing, wrote that policing as we know it must be abolished before it can be transformed. The rationale for abolition traces back to the genesis of American policing. As Mariame Kaba, an activist and organizer, explains in a Times Op-Ed, policing evolved in the South in the 1700s and 1800s from slave patrols, white vigilantes who enforced slavery laws by capturing and returning black people who had escaped enslavement. In the North, policing emerged as a way to control an unruly underclass, which included African-Americans, Native Americans, immigrants and the poor, in service of the rich. Everywhere, she writes, they have suppressed marginalized populations to protect the status quo. The European Union is set to reopen borders among its members countries by the first of July. They closed in March in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. EU plans to reopen to the wider world, however, are under discussion right now in Brussels. As of now, Americans are likely to remain barred from entry because of the growing coronavirus infection rate in the United States. On June 11, the European Commission said "travel restrictions should not be lifted for countries where the spread of the coronavirus is worse than the average EU member plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. In the U.S., new coronavirus infections have risen to the highest level in two months, based on numbers from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. The U.S. on Tuesday reported 34,700 new cases of the virus, bringing its total number of cases to close to 2.4 million, the most in the world. The U.S. has also had more deaths from COVID-19 than any other nation, at more than 121,000. On Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he is working with Europeans and others on how to reopen. He said, Were working on finding the right way to do that, the right timing to do it, and the right tactics to have in place. Brazil, India and Russia are also seeing very high numbers of COVID cases. Their citizens are expected to remain banned from travel to EU countries. The COVID-19 spread has slowed greatly across the EU, especially in the 26 countries that make up Europe's visa-free Schengen Area. Each year, more than 15 million Americans visit there, traveling from one country to another without stopping to show a passport. EU leadership plans to open to outside countries based on several measures, including the number of new infections per 100,000 in population. The EU will also look at national COVID control efforts like testing, treatment and reporting actions. EU officials say the opening process needs to be coordinated to permit visa-free passage between member countries. The EU will reconsider the list of acceptable countries every two weeks. And the EU suggested it would not be likely to reopen its borders to countries that have not reopened to E-U members. On March 11, American President Donald Trump barred travel to the U.S. from the Schengen Area. More than 10 million Europeans visit the United States each year. Trump said in a statement, "Transmission of the virus by infected individuals seeking to enter the United States from the Schengen Area threatens the security of our transportation system and infrastructure and the national security." 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 tactic - n. a planned approach to doing something coordinate - v. working with another person or entity transmission n. to send something infrastructure n. the buildings, roads, bridges and dams of a place A driver had a lucky escape when an out-of-control Tesla rammed into the back of his parked car seconds after he sat down inside it. Shocking footage taken in San Francisco, California, shows the Tesla smash into the car at an estimated 60mph, violently shunting it and the vehicle parked beside it sideways. Incredibly, the driver leaps out of the parked car uninjured. The mans wife, who posted the video, said the neighbor driving the Tesla was also unhurt. A Tesla driver slams into a parked car at '60mph' according to a neighbor after he lost control of the car The white Tesla slams into the black SUV at speed, knocking it into the car parked next to it In the video, the bearded man walks up to his parked black SUV, opens the door, takes off his bag and sits in the driving seat. A loud rumble is heard as the white Tesla comes from behind and rams into the parked car at speed, which still has its door open. The crash pushes the black SUV into the parked red car next to it with the man still inside as someone shouts 'what the hell'. He gets out of the car unscathed after shouts are heard and walks up to the Tesla, which has come to a stop. The man gets out of his car after the crash unscathed and walks towards the Tesla to check on the driver The man's wife said: 'My neighbor lost control of his Tesla and rammed into my husbands car at 60 mph. 'Like a boss, my husband jumped out, uninjured, and was funny in his confusion. This was taken with my house camera and no one in either car was injured.' It is not clear whether the car was driving on its autopilot feature. Benjamin Dean, 39, was killed in the crash on July 21 2019 in San Francisco. His wife Kelly was critically injured. They were visiting the city to celebrate their third wedding anniversary The footage, which was recently shared online, occurred on October 28 last year, three months after a Tesla crashed into two pedestrians in San Francisco, killing one. Benjamin Dean, 39, was fatally struck in the crash at around 2.08pm in the Tenderloin district on July 21. An investigation into a March 2018 crash in Mountain View, California, determined that the driver who died, 38-year-old Walter Huang, was playing a video game at the time of the crash. The Apple employee was driving the car semi-autonomously, the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said in February this year. Walter Huang, an Apple engineer and father-of-two, died after his Tesla veered off U.S. 101 in Silicon Valley and into a concrete barrier in March 2018. The wreckage of his Tesla is pictured above The complaints Walter Huang made to his family and friends were detailed in a trove of documents released on Tuesday by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. The findings of its investigation into his death were released in February this year Yoshihiro Umeda, 44, was killed in April 2018 after a Telsa driving on Autopilot ran him over after the driver fell asleep behind the wheel The company was sued on April 28 this year by the family of a Japanese man who was killed when a driver fell asleep behind the wheel of a Model X and the vehicle 'suddenly accelerated.' The case concerns the 'first Tesla Autopilot-related death involving a pedestrian,' according to court documents. Documents filed in San Jose federal court by widow Tomomi Umeda and daughter Miyu Umeda claimed Yoshihiro Umeda, 44, was the victim of a 'patent defect' in Tesla's technology. The Supreme Court has dismissed the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) legal challenge over the EC exclusion of the existing voter ID as requirement for the compilation of a new voters' register. The existing voter identification card and birth certificates cannot be used as proof of identity to register in the upcoming voter registration exercise. Find below the Supreme Courts ruling IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF JUDICATURE, THE SUPREME COURT (CIVIL DIVISION) SITTING IN ACCRA ON THURSDAY THE 25TH DAY OF JUNE, 2020. Parties:- Johnson Asiedu Nketia representing the Plaintiff in JI/9/2020 as General Secretary. 1st Defendant absent in J1/9/2020. Samuel Tettey representing the 2nd Defendant in J1/9/2020 and 1st Defendant in J1/12/2020. Plaintiff in J1/12/2020 present. Counsel Godwin Tamakloe for the Plaintiff in J1/9/2020 with him Seth Nyaaba. Godfred Yeboah Dame, Deputy Attorney General for the 1st Defendant in J1/9/2020 and 2nd Defendant in J1/12/2020 with him Clarence Kuwornu, Chief State Attorney. Justin Amenuvor for the 2nd Defendant in J1/9/2020 and 1st Defendant in J1/12/2020 with him Hope Agboado. Cosmas Anpengnuo for the Plaintiff in J1/12/2020. BY COURT: As per the attached orders, the decision of the Court is unanimous. SUIT NO. J1/9/2020 By a unanimous decision the following orders are hereby made:- RELIEF ONE Already struck out as withdrawn. RELIEF TWO This relief is granted subject to the fact that all eligible voters must make themselves available for registration as directed by the Electoral Commission pursuant to Public Elections (Registration of Voters) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 C. I. 126. RELIEF THREE This relief is granted subject to the Voter Registration card issued to an eligible voter under the prevailing constitutional Instrument C. I. 126. RELIEF FOUR Dismissed RELIEF FIVE Dismissed RELIEF SIX Is dismissed We however reiterate the decision of this court in Abu Ramadan & Mimako (No.2) v Electoral Commission & Attorney-General (No.2) [2015-2016] 1 SCGLR 1 where the court per Benin JSC stated: If the law provides for alternative ways of performing the task, the discretion is vested in the actor in deciding within the limits imposed by article 296 of the Constitution as to which one of them would best suit the task on hand. The court continued by re-emphasising the fact that the Electoral Commission in exercising their discretion in the discharge of their constitutional mandate in cleaning the voters Register should be deemed as authorised to be acting within the law and the regulations therein, and cannot be faulted even if it is considered that there is a more efficient mode or method available. RELIEF SEVEN It is dismissed subject to the provisions contained in C. I. 126. RELIEF EIGHT It is refused and we also reiterate our decision in Abu Ramadan (No.2) supra where this court held that the Electoral Commission in performing their mandate under Article 45 of the Constitution 1992 cannot be compelled to act in a particular manner unless there is clear evidence that they have acted unconstitutionally. SUIT NO. J1/12/2020 RELIEF ONE Is dismissed RELIEF TWO Is dismissed RELIEF THREE Is dismissed and we reiterate this court's decision in Abu Ramadan (No.2) already referred to supra in Suit No. J1/9/2020. RELIEF FOUR Is dismissed and we reiterate our position in Abu Ramadan (No. 2) supra. RELIEF FIVE Is dismissed We reiterate this court's decision in Abu Ramadan (No.2) where the court stated that:- In the exercise of its original jurisdiction, it was not permissible for it to substitute its own decisions for that of the body of persons exercising the discretion conferred on it by the Constitution unless they act contrary to it. The court further emphasized that, that was necessary to keep the court itself within its proper limits in order to give effect to the supremacy of the law. RELIEF SIX Is dismissed as same has already been dealt with in relief three supra. CONSEQUENTIAL ORDERS In the exercise of the powers conferred on us under Article 2 (2) of the Constitution 1992, we hereby make the following orders:- 1. It is hereby ordered that all stakeholders and the Ghanaian eligible voters are directed to comply with Articles 42 and 45 of the Constitution and the Public Elections (Registration of Voters) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 C.I. 126 as regulated by the Electoral Commission i.e. 2nd Defendants in Suit No. J1/9/2020 and 1st Defendants in J1/12/2020 in carrying out their constitutional mandate in the compilation of a new voters register. 2. By this decision, the Electoral Commission i.e. 2nd Defendants in Suit No. J1/9/2020 and 1st Defendants in Suit No. J1/12/2020 are hereby directed to commence the compilation of the voter registration exercise as scheduled. 3. By these decisions and, by virtue of Article 130 (2) of the Constitution any court in which same or similar action is pending or yet to be filed shall apply the decision rendered by the Supreme Court in these consolidated suits. Reasons will be filed on or before the 15th of July 2020. SGD. ANIN YEBOAH CHIEF JUSTICE SGD. J. V. M. DOTSE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT SGD. P. BAFFOE-BONNIE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT SGD. N. S. GBADEGBE JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT SGD. S. K. MARFUL-SAU JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT SGD. N. A. AMEGATCHER JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT SGD. PROF. N. A. KOTEY JUSTICE OF THE SUPREME COURT Americas tragic history of injustice towards minority groups has created a wealth gap that needs to be addressed and specific efforts need to be made to close it. Not through redistribution programs, but by following a biblical plan that does not depend on government intervention, but rather, personal initiative. God created a system, which if followed, will bring personal blessing and create a just system for all. This program can be taught in our churches to ensure Gods people are empowered for financial progress. God did not intend for all to be equal when it comes to wealth distribution. If that were His plan, He would not have had to add the 10th Commandment to warn us against coveting what our neighbor has that we do not have. Greed is wanting more of what I already have. Coveting is wanting what someone else has. God commanded us not to covet or to be greedy. If equality was His goal, the parable of the talents in Matthew 25 would not speak of God distributing differing amounts of talents. In every field of human endeavor, there is a disparity between abilities and outcomes. Although God did not plan for economic equality, He does require us to seek to operate within a system of economic justice. This means everyone, Jew and Gentile alike, should be equally free to achieve the rewards of their efforts. He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8). Implementing Gods Economic Cycle There is an economic cycle that we should follow to create financial health and growth that God designed for our good. Let me lay it out step by step: Work We work; God provides. If we are able to work but prefer not to, we will suffer. Work creates our source of income and financial foundation to build upon. "All hard work leads to profit, but mere talk leads to poverty" (Proverbs 14:23). Give To honor the Lord for what He provides, we give first. We are created to be givers. This is our highest priority and should be done with joy and not under obligation." Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops" (Proverbs 3:9). Save After we give, we save a portion of all of our income. Repeat after me, give first, save second. God said that the tiny ant grows wise because they know how to save without a commander or overseer forcing them to do it. "Go to the ant you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise" (Proverbs 6:6). Spend Our net spendable income is what we have leftover after we have done our giving and saving. Spending should never come first in our priorities. This is the money we use to pay taxes, eliminate debt, and support our lifestyles. "The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets" (Proverbs 21:20). Invest This is money that is placed at risk to enable you to receive a return on your earnings. It is also money that grows to enable you to start a business, own shares in companies that create jobs, and build capacity to plan for the future. "Invest in seven ventures, yes, in eight; you do not know what disaster may come upon the land" (Ecclesiastes 11:2). Work, Give, Save, Spend, Invest If you practice these financial habits, in that order, your personal economy will always be in good shape. But something else happens in this cycle that cannot be missed. You are helping other people grow and improve their economy too. Follow along with me through that list again. When you work, you contribute to the well-being of a customer who receives the product or service you produce, and the owner of the company grows its bottom line because of your efforts. This creates more jobs and more opportunities. When you give, you expand Gods kingdom and help those who cannot work and therefore need our charitable help. You eliminate inequalities and show compassion to the least of these. When you save, you create financial stability, so you are able to buy a home, avoid debt, and build a sustainable future for you and/or your family. You demonstrate wisdom and the essential fruit of the Spirit, self-control. When you spend, you support the companies that provide the goods and services you need so they can continue to operate. Consumer spending puts money back into the economy, so it benefits other businesses and their employees. When you invest, you risk money to try new things, produce innovative solutions, and find new ways to improve lives. Even a failed investment produces useful knowledge of what did not work. Investing ensures the entire economic cycle continues to spin and grow more opportunities for others. The more individual cycles that are spinning in a nation, the better the health of that national economy. The fewer of these cycles spinning, the poorer the nation. Now you know why free societies seek to obtain very low levels of unemployment. Without jobs, the entire cycle breaks down. Looking back at the cycle again, if any of these steps breaks down, pain will result in your personal life as well as in your community and nation. In other words, we each need to have a strong personal economy so that others can benefit and be blessed with jobs from our economic activity. When we each follow Gods cycle, it creates economic growth and blessing for others. This closes the wealth gap, breaks dependency, and brings a just system for all. I hope you will learn more about this plan, implement it in your life and take it to others in your family, church, or business. Joe Biden brought his presidential campaign to Lancaster Thursday. The former vice president talked to families about how theyve been helped by the Affordable Care Act. Hes giving a speech on health care and how he plans to make sure all Americans have coverage. The speech, which lasted about 30 minutes, was streamed on his Facebook page. You can watch it here. Today, I'm delivering remarks on my plan to make affordable health care available to every American. Tune in to watch live: Posted by Joe Biden on Thursday, June 25, 2020 The presumptive Democratic nominee, Biden has made four visits to Pennsylvania in recent weeks. Last week, he appeared in Delaware County. Biden criticized President Donald Trump for supporting a lawsuit that would overturn the Affordable Care Act. Mr. President, drop the lawsuit, Biden said. Stop trying to get rid of the Affordable Care Act. While Trump has resumed holding campaign events before large crowds, Biden has opted for smaller gatherings with a select number of people. Biden also said it was cruel and callous trying to upend the Affordable Care Act during the coronavirus pandemic, which has led to more than 120,000 deaths nationwide. He also directly attacked the president for his coronavirus response and for not pushing for more aggressive testing of COVID-19. Widespread testing is the key to opening our economy again, Biden said. He thinks finding out that more Americans are sick will make him look bad, Biden said. And thats what hes worried about. Hes worried about looking bad. In his speech, Biden linked the countrys economic recovery to its response to the pandemic. To fix the economy, we have to get control over the virus, Biden said. Biden said hed be unveiling more specifics on his health care plan in the next few weeks. But he said if elected, he would get to universal coverage quickly. He pointed to giving Americans a public option of a government-run health insurance program, similar to Medicare. Biden said Americans need a public option, now more than ever. He noted it was especially important with 20 million Americans out of work. They need a president who will go in the White House and fight like hell to get Americans the health care coverage they need, Biden said. Biden said health care coverage was personal to him and his wife, Jill. He noted the loss of his son, Beau, who died of cancer at age 46. Democratic presidential candidate, former Vice President Joe Biden, left, listens to Laura Raslevich, of Pittsburgh, during a meeting with families who have benefited from the Affordable Care Act, Thursday, June 25, 2020, in Lancaster, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)AP Pennsylvania has been widely described as one of the key battlegrounds in the race for the White House. A new poll today shows Biden with a 10-point edge over Trump in the Keystone State. The New York Times/Siena College poll found 50 percent of Pennsylvania voters preferred Biden, while 40 percent supported the presidents bid for re-election. The poll surveyed 651 registered voters between June 8-16 and had a margin of error of 4.2 percent. The poll also found Biden leading Trump in five other battleground states: Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida, Arizona and Wisconsin. The poll found Biden leading in Michigan and Wisconsin by 11 percentage points. According to the poll, Biden leads in North Carolina by 9 points, he holds a 7-point edge in Arizona and a 6-point lead in Florida. The margin of error in the other states ranged from 4.1 percent to 4.6 percent. Political analysts note Trump has defied pollsters before in 2016, including in Pennsylvania. Trump won the Keystone State in 2016 on his way to winning the White House. He narrowly defeated Hillary Clinton by less than 1 percentage point - about 44,000 votes - in Pennsylvania. He was the first Republican presidential candidate to win Pennsylvania since 1988. The Trump campaign issued a statement pointing to the presidents work to control prescription drug prices and criticized Obamacare for raising health care costs. Pennsylvanians havent forgotten that healthcare premiums skyrocketed 120% due to Obamacare, and now Joe Biden supports a public option that many argue would pave the way for a government takeover of health care that would kick millions off their private insurance programs, Trump campaign spokeswoman Melissa Reed said in a statement. Meanwhile, President Trump has lowered prescription drug costs and is expanding affordable options for all. The contrast couldnt be clearer. A poll last week found Biden with a smaller lead over Trump. The CNBC/Change Research poll released June 17 found Biden with a 3-point edge, 49 percent to 46 percent. Expect to see plenty of Biden and Trump between now and November. The president visited Allentown last month and has made several visits to the Keystone State, including a packed rally at the Giant Center in Hershey in December. More from PennLive As monuments are toppled nationwide, what should Gettysburg do with its 40 Confederate statues? In communities of color, Pa. primary was marred by irregularities, including voter intimidation, advocates say Casey, Toomey stand behind political divide as police reform proposals head for failure NASAs Project Artemis will see the first woman and next man on the moon by 2024. Its an ambitious timeline that requires a huge amount of preparation, and that includes quite a few not-so kickass elements of space travel. Such as toilets. Astronauts have gotta poop in some fairly challenging circumstances, and now NASA is crowdsourcing ideas that will make things easier. Of course, space toilets do already exist (at the International Space Station, for example), but NASA wants a new iteration thats smaller, more efficient and critically works in both microgravity and lunar gravity. Current space johns are designed for microgravity (weightlessness) only. Lunar gravity is approximately one sixth of Earths gravity, so bodily fluids and the like will fall down, but more slowly, which brings its own icky challenges. Competitive toilet designs can be submitted to innovation network HeroX, which is managing the contest on NASAs behalf. Theres $35,000 in prize money up for grabs, plus the unending personal glory of being able to say you helped designed a moon toilet. Theres also a junior category for under-18s. As the press release tactfully states, We know that students may think about this design problem without the same constraints as adults. Theres a fairly extensive list of technical requirements for the sought-after toilet, and creators will have to take into account a host of factors including female needs and sickness. For example, while the preferred method for capturing vomit will be emesis bags (throw up bags), NASA says that bonus points will be awarded to designs that can capture vomit without requiring crew members to put their head in the toilet. Yum. Deadline for submissions is August 17th, with adult winners announced on September 30th, and junior winners on October 20th. BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Austria's production index declined at a faster pace in April, amid a fall in both industrial production and construction output, data from Statistics Austria showed on Friday. The production index decreased 21.4 percent year-on-year in April, following a 9.6 percent fall in March. This development was attributable to the slump in production in the metal industry, machine and vehicle construction, and mineral oil processing and reflected developments throughout the EU, the agency said. Industrial production fell 22.0 percent annually in April, and construction output decreased 19.4 percent. On a month-on-month basis, the production index declined 15.1 percent in April, following a 7.0 percent fall in the prior month. On a monthly basis, industrial production fell 15.3 percent in April and construction output declined 14.3 percent. 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. TORONTO, June 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Sidewalk Labs CEO Dan Doctoroff today saidA that while tech can help reduce inequality, it won't defeat racism. Doctoroff made the remarks at the 30,000-attendee online conference Collision from Home, produced by the team behind Web Summit a the world's largest tech conference. "We all know that racism is persistent in our cities. We're seeing horrible evidence of it daily now, and that doesn't count the thousands and millions of incidents we don't see. There's not a technological answer to that. That's everybody recognising that black lives do matter. "That's on our political leaders, our community, our police forces and we are just going to have to work so much harder in addressing that," said Doctoroff. Doctoroff went on to call for a development model that adequately redistributes the wealth generated in major cities across the world. "To create more equitable cities we're going to have to develop a new model of what I've called inclusive, sustainable, resilient growth. "The reality is if we look at the growth model that cities have used over the golden period over the last 25 years, it's been to some extent a growth at any cost, and we haven't focused this much on the distribution of the benefits of that growth." Watch a clip from the interviewA here . About Dan Doctoroff: Dan Doctoroff is chairman and CEO of Sidewalk Labs. Prior to joining Sidewalk Labs he was president and CEO of Bloomberg L.P., the leading provider of news and information to the global financial community. Dan serves on the boards of the University of Chicago, World Resources Institute, United States Olympic Committee, Bloomberg Philanthropies and Human Rights First. About Collision: Collision is known by CBC as the "TIFF for tech", while Inc. Magazine calls it the "fastest-growing tech conference in North America". Collision is set to move online for 2020 with Collision from Home. Collision will return to Toronto as a physical event for the second year from June 21-24, 2021 at the Enercare Centre. About Web Summit: Forbes says Web Summit is "the best tech conference on the planet"; Bloomberg calls it "Davos for geeks"; Politico, "the Olympics of tech"; The Guardian, "Glastonbury for geeks"; and, in the words of Inc. Magazine, "Web Summit is the largest technology conference in the world". Whatever Web Summit is, it wouldn't be possible without an incredible team of over 200 employees based in Dublin, Lisbon, Toronto and Hong Kong, including world-class engineers, data scientists, designers, producers, marketers, salespeople, and more. They've disrupted an old industry by building incredible software and designing mind-blowing events, revolutionising how people and ideas come together to change the world. Useful links: Collision images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/collisionconf/ Collision speaker lineup: https://collisionconf.com/speakers Collision schedule: https://collisionconf.com/schedule Millicom Annual General Meeting of Shareholders Luxembourg, June 25, 2020 Millicom International Cellular S.A. (Millicom) today held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM). The AGM approved all of the resolutions proposed by the Board of Directors and Millicoms Nomination Committee. The AGM approved the annual accounts and the consolidated accounts for the year ended December 31, 2019, and approved that the profit of USD 708,920,835 shall be allocated to the profit or loss brought forward account of Millicom. The AGM re-elected Mr. Odilon Almeida, Mr. Tomas Eliasson, Ms. Pernille Erenbjerg, Ms. Mercedes Johnson, Mr. Lars-Ake Norling, Mr. Jose Antonio Rios Garcia and Mr. James Thompson as Non-Executive Directors, and elected Mr. Mauricio Ramos as a new Executive Director of Millicom, for a term starting on the day of the AGM and ending on the next annual general meeting to take place in 2021 (the 2021 AGM). Mr. Jose Antonio Rios Garcia was re-elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors. All of the current and former Directors of Millicom who served at any point in time during the financial year ended December 31, 2019, were formally discharged by the AGM for the performance of their mandates. The AGM also approved the re-election of Ernst & Young S.A., Luxembourg as the external auditor of Millicom for a term ending on the day of the 2021 AGM. All resolutions proposed to Millicoms AGM as set out in the convening notice published by way of a press release on May 12, 2020, were duly passed, including: (i) the remuneration to the Board and external auditor; (ii) the instruction to the Nomination Committee; (iii) the share repurchase plan; (iv) the guidelines and policy for senior management remuneration; and (v) the share-based incentive plans for Millicom employees. Further details can be found in the convening notice for the AGM. Biographical details of the new Executive Director are as follows: Mauricio Ramos has been the CEO of Millicom since April 2015. Before joining Millicom, he was President of Liberty Globals Latin American division, a position he held from 2006 until February 2015. During his career at Liberty Global, Mauricio held several leadership roles, including positions as Chairman and CEO of VTR in Chile and President of Liberty Puerto Rico. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Charter Communications (US), and formerly served as Chairman of TEPAL, the Latin American Association of Cable Broadband Operators, and the Board of Directors of the GSMA. He received a degree in Economics, a degree in Law, and a postgraduate degree in Financial Law from Universidad de Los Andes in Bogota. -END- For further information, please contact Press: Vivian Kobeh, Corporate Communications Director +1-786-628-5300 press@millicom.com Investors: Michel Morin, VP Investor Relations +1-786-628-5270 investors@millicom.com Sarah Inmon, Investor Relations Manager +1-786-628-5303 investors@millicom.com About Millicom Millicom (NASDAQ U.S.: TIGO, Nasdaq Stockholm: TIGO_SDB) is a leading provider of cable and mobile services dedicated to emerging markets in Latin America and Africa. Millicom sets the pace when it comes to providing high-speed broadband and innovation around The Digital Lifestyle services through its principal brand, TIGO. As of December 31, 2019, Millicom operating subsidiaries and joint ventures employed more than 22,000 people and provided mobile services to approximately 52 million customers, with a cable footprint of more than 11 million homes passed. Founded in 1990, Millicom International Cellular S.A. is headquartered in Luxembourg. Attachment Local Black leaders say they were caught off guard and felt disrespected when Mayor Joe Hogsett announced a new public safety partnership with the Criminal Justice Lab at New York Universitys School of Law earlier this month. Thats because the city didnt consult them beforehand, leaving the impression that the mayors office would rather turn to an outsider to learn how to address the systemic issues that plague Black Indianapolis. We have the capacity to lead, and for whatever reason, hes not interested in seeking out community response before he makes an announcement on how hes going to spend money or how hes going to study us, Indy10 Black Lives Matter organizer Jessica Louise said of Hogsett. Louise said this is another example of why there is distrust between the community and city. A group of Black leaders had a phone call with Tim Moriarty, special counsel to the mayor, and Deputy Mayor David Hampton to discuss their concerns within a few days of the announcement. Toby Miller, director of the Race and Cultural Relations Leadership Network, was on the call and described it as a frank, candid, brutal, honest conversation about the mayors office not consulting Black leaders before getting involved in a partnership to address public safety. Black leaders on the call laid out a list of demands, according to Miller, which included embracing a Black agenda developed in 2019, reviewing the civilian complaint process and reestablishing the Indianapolis Commission on the Social Status of Black Males. The city-county council and Hogsett recently announced a proposal to reestablish the commission, which will identify factors such as education and employment that act as barriers for Black males. Marshawn Wolley, policy director for the African American Coalition of Indianapolis, wrote in a recent Recorder column the partnership was met with a clear, unmistakable rejection by Black leaders. Wolley, who helped spearhead the effort to establish a Black agenda last year, said in an interview city officials have local answers waiting for them. In order for the city to have credibility, they need to do the things the Black community has asked them to do first, he said. Among those requests is a use-of-force board, which Hogsett and former Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Bryan Roach said they could create following the police shooting of Aaron Bailey in 2017. (There is currently a proposed use-of-force board, but some Black leaders say it doesnt include enough civilian participation. Ashley Gurvitz, CEO of the Alliance for Northeast Unification, said the announcement was kind of a shock but that she does think the city chose a good partner. My ultimate goal is to see that, whether it was intentional or not, that were all in alignment now, she said. We cant go another day with the chaos thats happening right in our own backyard. None of the Black leaders the Recorder interviewed for this article said the city consulted them prior to announcing the partnership. Taylor Schaffer, a spokesperson for the mayors office, said the office was in contact with Black community leaders and organizers throughout the past several weeks but didnt directly answer questions about if those conversations specifically included the partnership. Schaffer said members and leaders with the city-county council were briefed before the announcement. City-county council President Vop Osili did not respond to an interview request. Leroy Robinson, chair of the city-county councils Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee, also didnt respond to an interview request but tweeted at Hogsett: Shouldnt the partnership be with our local activists, community organizers & grassroots leaders? (Asking for a friend.) Part of the citys partnership with NYU includes bringing together stakeholders from public health agencies including community members, educators and law enforcement to create a new definition of public safety and justice. But Black people in Indianapolis say theyve seen enough of these sorts of task forces and committees. We done had enough studies, said Derris Ross, founder of The Ross Foundation, which serves the east side around 42nd Street and Post Road. Ross said it doesnt matter that Ann Milgram, who led the disbanding of the police department in Camden, New Jersey, in 2012, is founding director of the Criminal Justice Lab and part of the partnership. It doesnt matter what accolades and titles you have, Ross said. That will never measure up to people who are actually living in oppression. Contact staff writer Tyler Fenwick at 317-762-7853. Follow him on Twitter @Ty_Fenwick. Community members discuss what should be included in a Black agenda at an October 2019 event at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church. (Photo/Tyler Fenwick) Advertisement China appears to be building new structures near the site of a deadly border clash with Indian troops earlier this months - despite both sides pledging to 'disengage'. Satellite images taken on June 22 show what appears to be a new Chinese encampment and road under construction on a terrace overlooking a bend in the Galwan River, where a month ago there was nothing. Meanwhile defensive positions appear to have been built on the Indian side, and a nearby forward operating base appears to have been significantly scaled back when compared with images taken of the same area on March 22. It comes after 20 Indian troops were killed and 76 wounded in brutal hand-to-hand fighting with Chinese forces, because guns are banned in the region. China is also thought to have lost men, but has not reported any deaths. Slide me Escalating tensions: The left-hand satellite image shows a region of the Galwan Valley on May 22, before clashes between Indian and Chinese troops, where there appears to be a single structure with a large Indian base nearby. The image on the right shows the same area on June 22, with a new road and camp on the Chinese side, and what appear to be new defensive positions on the Indian side along with a much-smaller base Slide me No backing down: This area is thought to have been the site of vicious hand-to-hand fighting between Indian and Chinese troops on June 15, that saw at least 20 killed. Indian analysts say the new Chinese camp, shown right, appears to be a mile over their side of the border - though China claims the whole region rightfully belongs to them Road to ruin? A satellite image taken on June 22 shows a road under construction on the Chinese side of the border, including several trucks, tents, diggers and cranes, along with a newly-constructed culvert over the river While the images were taken a month apart, Reuters news agency - which has access to more photos from space technology firm Maxar - reports most of the construction has happened in the last week. Both sides have repeatedly pledged to pull back from the disputed region, with the latest statement issued just yesterday - when India was pictured sending more troops and jets to the frontlines. India says the area where the structures have sprung up are on its side of the poorly defined, undemarcated Line of Actual Control or the de facto border between the two Asian giants. China says the whole of Galwan valley, located at about 14,000ft above sea level, is its territory and blames Indian troops for triggering the clashes. Nathan Ruser, a satellite data expert at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said the buildup suggested there was little sign of de-escalation. 'Satellite imagery from the Galwan Valley on June 22nd shows that 'disengagement' really isn't the word that the (Indian) government should be using,' he said in a post on Twitter. Show of force: This newly-released image shows a Chinese base further along the valley. Both sides have officially agreed to 'disengage' in the region, though observers say forces are building on both sides Indian soldiers walk at the foothills of a mountain range near Leh, the largest town close to the disputed border, on Thursday. Locals say forces have been massing despite governments promising to back off An Indian Air Force's Chinook helicopter is seen flying over the arid terrain of Ladakh, the region where the disputed border - officially known as the Actual Line of Control - is located Indian fighter jets fly over Leh on Thursday as part of a show of strength following what military sources say has been a Chinese takeover of contested territory China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the apparent activity. India's defence ministry also did not respond to a request for a comment. Indian military officials have previously said they will be closely monitoring the planned disengagement process and verify it on the ground. 'There is a trust deficit so far as the Chinese are concerned,' said former Indian army chief Deepak Kapoor. 'So if they are telling us verbally they are ready to pull back, we will wait to see it on the ground. Until then the armed forces will be on alert.' (Reporting by Simon Scarr and Sanjeev Miglani; Additional reporting by Tony Munroe in Beijing; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) MELBOURNE, Australia The last of Japans eight planned destroyers capable of intercepting ballistic missiles has started sea trials ahead of its commissioning, even as the country ponders its next move following its decision to suspend plans to introduce ground-based systems for that role. The destroyer Haguro left shipbuilder Japan Marine United Corporations shipyard at Isogo, near Yokohama and south of the Japanese capital Tokyo, this morning for its first sea trials. The ship is to be commissioned in 2021. It is 170 meters long, displaces 8,200 tons and is fitted with 96 Mk 41 Vertical Launching System cells that can fire a variety of missiles, including those used for ballistic missile defense. Haguro is the second ship of two Maya-class destroyers for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and its the countrys eighth destroyer to be equipped with the Aegis combat system for air and ballistic missile defense. The sea trials for the Haguro comes as Japan scrambles for a solution following its decision last week to suspend plans to deploy the Aegis Ashore system. Japan had planned to deploy two such systems, with one each at the north and south of its main island of Honshu, to provide early warning and interception coverage for the entire country against North Korean ballistic missiles. Japan unveils its hypersonic weapons plans However, Defense Minister Taro Kono announced last week that plans to deploy the Aegis Ashore were suspended. His ministry is now seeking alternatives to fill the ballistic missile defense gap. Local media, citing various unnamed defense officials, have floated a number of different options, including the continuing use of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces Aegis destroyers or placing Aegis Ashore onto floating platforms. The former is unlikely to work in the long term, given that keeping three destroyers at sea at all times to provide around-the-clock ballistic missile defense for all of Japan is unsustainable, which was one of the key drivers behind the planned acquisition of Aegis Ashore. Story continues National broadcaster NHK reported that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is likely to hold a meeting with the countrys national security community this week to withdraw the Aegis Ashore deployment plan and set a new direction for the countrys security strategy, possibly seeking an alternative to Aegis Ashore. NHK added that one of the alternatives would be for Japan to increase its standoff strike capability to enable it to conduct retaliatory strikes against launch facilities used to conduct missile strikes against Japan. However, this is likely to face strident political opposition, including from the party with which Abe has formed a governing coalition. The reason given for last weeks suspension was ostensibly due to the costs and technical issues surrounding the development of the SM-3 Block IIA interceptor. However, the local governments and residents of both locations where Japan had planned to build the Aegis Ashore installations had launched vociferous campaigns against the planned deployment. Around 359 million years ago, there was a mass extinction of terrestrial life forms on Earth, and it all happened due to ozone layer depletion. Much of the prevailing forest ecosystems and species of fish and tetrapods were killed during the last great mass extinction event. Twitter To date, the event was unexplained for its causes. Now scientists say that the mass extinction was caused by harmful UV-B radiation that entered the Earth due to a reduced ozone layer. Researchers at the University of Southampton have found out that the mass extinction at the transition of Earth from Devonian to Carboniferous (geological time periods) was coincident with a major climatic warming. The warming ended an intense Devonian glacial cycle but with it, caused the reduction of the ozone layer. Scientists analysed the rocks dating back to the time to conclude that, unlike other mass extinctions, volcanic eruptions were not the reason for this mass extinction. Such an extinction mechanism has been newly discovered as per the scientists and has serious consequences for Earth in todays time, with global warming on the rise. Ozone layer experiment Researchers at the University of Southampton taking samples in Spitsbergen. (Image: Sarah Wallace-Johnson/ SciTechDaily) The team collected rock samples from the ice-capped and steep mountains of East Greenland as well as from the Andean Mountains above Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. While the former region was located in the southern hemisphere in the Devonian period, the latter was much closer to the Earths south pole at the time. The variation thus helped scientists judge what was happening at different locations at the time of the mass extinction. The team then dissolved the rocks in hydrofluoric acid, thus releasing microscopic plant spores, preserved in the cold climate for hundreds of millions of years. When the scientists examined these samples under a microscope, they found bizarre spines on the surface of many of the spores. This was concluded to be a sign of a damaged DNA because of exposure to UV radiation. Many spores had even developed dark pigmented walls as a protection from the high UV levels. Ozone layer importance for life Helicopter leaving the team on Rebild Bakker, East Greenland. (Image: John Marshall/ SciTechDaily) The mass extinction was thus, not caused by any geological event on Earth but due to high UV radiations on the planet, indicating a collapse in the ozone layer for a brief period. In this period, a huge portion of the prevailing life on Earth died to due to exposure to harmful levels of UV radiation. The study is significant in a crucial aspect. Scientists warn that this is a fundamental aspect of planet Earth. Whenever it becomes too hot, its ozone layer is considerably depleted, allowing harmful UV radiations to enter the Earths atmosphere. Now published in the journal Science Advances, the study concludes ozone loss during rapid warming is an inherent Earth system process with the unavoidable conclusion that we should be alert for such an eventuality in the future warming world. Here we are in the midst of what is by far the greatest boom in the growth of information technology in human history. So why is it again that we want to switch to a system of voting by that antiquated system often derided as snail mail? That technology dates back to 1776, when Ben Franklin was postmaster general and John Hancock was signing the Declaration of Independence. Mail-in ballots with verification by signature might have made sense back then. But using such ancient technology these days is a recipe for endless delay and a lot of legal squabbling. The prior system of voting in person could have used some improvement perhaps. But at least it had the virtue of delivering a verdict in most contests just an hour or two after the polls closed. Back in the prior century, when the telephone was the high-tech communication device, I worked for a newspaper in Ocean County that had a midnight deadline on Election Day. We still managed to post the results from 30 towns in the next mornings paper. Now these things can drag on indefinitely. A classic example was the California Democratic presidential primary on March 3. Bernie Sanders was still in the race against eventual winner Joe Biden at that time. Sanders could have used a big bounce. But it was April before the final count of mail ballots showed he had scored a decisive victory in the largest state. We dont have Election Day, one California pol was quoted as saying. We have election month. Thats what we can expect in the July 7 primary elections. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Phil Murphy declared this will be a vote-by-mail election. The Legislature agreed. I hope they dont make a habit of it. Both liberals and conservatives are already pointing out serious flaws in the system. Representing the liberal side of the argument was Henal Patel of the Institute for Social Justice, part of a coalition of progressive groups that went to court to point out the weakest link in the vote-by-mail chain. Thats your signature. Its the sole method of determining the legitimacy of your ballot when it arrives at election headquarters, where it is compared to the signature on file from the time you first registered to vote. Peoples signatures change over time, Patel told me. And the people making this comparison arent handwriting experts. Theyre looking at it and saying does it match or not? In many cases the answer is not. One such case occurred in a May 12 special election in Paterson. The victim was none other than state Assemblyman Benjie Wimberly. A New Jersey Spotlight article pointed out that not only the assemblyman but also his wife and two sons had their ballots rejected for reasons hes still trying to understand. That article also pointed out that one in 10 mail ballots were thrown out in that election, mostly because of the signatures. That will change, thanks to a court order in that suit. Now when they give you a notice they have to send you a letter asking if you declare this is your vote, Patel said. If you do so in the July 7 election, then it will get counted as long as it is received by July 14. But that grace period will cause even further delay in determining a winner. Right now we have a settlement, Patel said. But the litigation continues as we figure out a long-term solution. State Assemblyman Bob Auth would like to see the solution be a return to the good old days of in-person voting. The Bergen County Republican said vote-by-mail can become extremely labor-intensive for candidates. You might have had everything set up to have the get-out-the-vote operation focused on one day, Auth said. Now all of a sudden you have a campaign cycle that increases exponentially because the window of time gets so broad. Thats because the mail votes start to trickle in weeks before Election Day. Now a candidates get-out-the-vote effort has to check on a daily basis to see whether potential supporters have voted yet. A month ahead of time you have to start contacting people, Auth said. And you have to keep talking to them, which costs you money. Guess whos likely to have the most money in next years gubernatorial and legislative elections? That will almost certainly be the governor, Auth said. Hell be flush with cash and people will be falling all over him to send him money, Auth said. So its easy to see why Phil Murphy might like vote-by-mail. As for the rest of us, we deserve a system that befits the 21st century, not the 18th. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 09:40:12|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SHANGHAI, June 25 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 pandemic will not change China's role as a hot investment destination with a flexible and robust economy, Ker Gibbs, president of American Chamber of Commerce Shanghai (AmCham Shanghai), told Xinhua in an interview. Noting that China is still attractive to foreign companies, Gibbs said the package of measures the country has rolled out to lure and support foreign investment will help secure its role as an investment magnet. "We were happy to see measures including trimming the negative list, optimizing the business environment and strengthening intellectual property protection," he said. Figures by the National Bureau of Statistics showed that China's economic recovery continued to be on track with manufacturing, investment and consumer spending picking up, in keeping with Gibbs's observation. "I was impressed by the flexibility and dexterity of China's economy," he said. "Some restaurants closed their dining rooms and kept the kitchen open for take-outs even though they've never done that before. Also, retailers accelerated their e-commerce businesses to adapt to the new situation," said Gibbs. Gibbs was also surprised by how quickly domestic demand has recovered. "The Chinese market is quite big and there's still quite a lot of room to grow, even in the post-COVID-19 era," he said. "Most members of American Chamber of Commerce Shanghai have recovered quite well." With regard to calls amid the pandemic for moving supply chains away from China, Gibbs believes that the country still has an irreplaceable role in the global supply chain with unique advantages in manufacturing and logistics. A recent survey by AmCham Shanghai showed that in the short term, over 70 percent of respondents had no plans to relocate the production and supply chains from China due to COVID-19. In the long term, around 40 percent of respondents said they will keep their supply chains in China, while 52 percent said they had no plans to move out. "There is no mass exodus (from the Chinese market) as a result of COVID-19. Our survey showed that companies are considering adjustments to their business strategy since COVID-19 has changed the way people viewed their supply chains as companies have put more focus on risk management," he added. He also highlighted the importance of healthy and stable development of Sino-U.S. economic and trade relations. "Nobody's happy about the trade tension between China and the United States, and we'd like to see it go away," he said. "At a time when COVID-19 is still threatening the global economy, I think it's important and helpful to uphold a spirit of cooperation." Enditem With the ongoing uncertainty caused by COVID-19, 2020 is shaping up to be one of the worst years on record economically, and Australian startups are particularly feeling the pinch as many investors withdraw funding. However, a silver lining, perhaps, is that the pandemic poses an opportunity for startups to challenge bigger businesses and to grow, adapt and pivot. The versatility, agility and vision of startups are going to work in their favour at this time if they have the right leadership. For the last decade, startups have contributed to the Australian GDP almost as much as the entire Creative and Entertainment industry. According to PWCs The Startup Economy, by 2033, startups will generate around 540,000 jobs. Although most of these jobs focus on information media and technology, there are many opportunities for other industries too. Its important for startup founders to have their global growth strategy in mind from day one in Australia; as the country is geographically isolated from the rest of the world, it therefore has a limited population to sell to. Startups such as Canva and Prospa have, and continue to, pave the road for other Australian startups to expand into the wider market. Startups now have an increasing connection with the global market which is exciting to see. Here are our top five Australian startups to follow in 2020 and beyond. 1. AfterPay Founded by Nick Molnar and Anthony Eisen in 2015, AfterPay might be one of the most famous companies in this list. No wonder, as it has been seen in most large retail shops across Australia. Afterpay is a financial technology that went public in 2016 and developed its mobile app back in 2017. From there, it increasingly becomes a bull market. The startup company offers its customer a buy-now-pay-later service to its customer for free and with no interest. The most appealing aspect about AfterPay is their four fortnightly payments, offering a payment plan alternative to one-time purchase fees. According to the latest report back in 2019, Afterpay total revenue reached $251.6 million (AUD). Although the global business experienced a fall in its stocks at the beginning of the pandemic, the finance company bounced back with a soaring 66% increase in their stock prices. There are two possible reasons why AfterPay is thriving this year. The first one is the increasing need for money loans from customers during the economic crisis. Second is the increase of eCommerce businesses and more opportunities for AfterPay to provide a simple and secure method of payment online. 2. Sherpa Founded by Mathieu Cornillon, Ben Nowlan & Bastien Vetault in 2014, Sherpa is one of the most promising Australian startups to follow this year. Although Sherpa is not as famous as the aforementioned Afterpay, it is older and equally stable. Sherpa is a mobile and web-based delivery service that mainly operates in Sydney and Melbourne. However, the company is currently preparing to expand itself to the Asian market. Similar to other delivery startups like Deliveroo and Uber, Sherpa provides on-demand services using crowdsourcing methods. However, what makes them different is that they extend their delivery services beyond culinary and mobility. Sherpa accepts almost every parcel and is able to deliver them within an hour. It could be called the Uber-version of Australia Post. Sherpas business model has been developed in several Asian countries like Indonesias Gojek services. While it has been successful in those countries, Sherpa hasnt gained similar fame to those others delivery companies yet. Sherpa is currently providing a no contact delivery, and so stands out as one of the most needed services during the pandemic. With the increasing need from both small business and individuals, 2020 might be the year for Sherpa to gain more exposure and revenue. 3. Immediation Legal services are extremely traditional, following archaic rituals at times, and many practices from decades ago are still relevant today. However, a former barrister, Laura Keily, is proving that it doesnt need to be that way, founding Immediation back in 2017 to revolutionise legal services. Being an online-based business, Immediation provides fast and affordable legal services that can be easily accessed by small businesses. The company works mainly by providing an online platform for dispute resolution so their client can avoid stepping in a courtroom, which could be expensive and time-consuming. Immediation promises result within 30 days, which is relatively fast compared to the average 18 month court hearing. Consisting of lawyers with different ranges of expertise, Immediation has simplified one of the most intangible but essential aspects of society: justice and law. Thus, it is just a matter of time before this company, brining a fresh idea of law to the 21st century, becomes a well-known company. That time may well be this year, with coronavirus adding to the need for legal support, for example with increased M&A activity, commercial rent disputes and employee rights disputes (in the case of returning from JobKeeper). 4. TecMask The only eCommerce startup in this list, Tecmask is a company that sells disposable masks as more than just a mere health necessity. Launched in 2015, Tecmask aims to make face masks a fashion accessory. The company was formed by father and daughter duo Maddy and David Scarf way before COVID-19 hit. During the pandemic, the demand for mask and hygiene product has skyrocketed. Tecmask is one of the many companies that has benefitted from the pandemic in terms of sales activity; as of January they have been an experiencing 8000% increase in revenue. With the uncertainty of the pandemic, it is evident that Tecmask is going to be more relevant this year. The epidemic has definitely change Australians way of life, including peoples perceptions of hygiene and health. Later on, after the pandemic is over, this company will likely be a part of our lifestyle. 5. Giraffe Technology Founded by four young Australians with different backgrounds, Giraffe Technology helps those who work in the housing and design industry. They offer a user-friendly platform that transforms a 2D design into a 3D version. Think Canva for urban designers. The pandemic has proven that more jobs than previously thought can be done online. That includes urban planning and architecture. However, with the Giraffes collaborative feature and the spatial visualisation feature, it is possible to even do architectural design remotely and relatively easy. The main reason the company will thrive this year, however, lies in the need for rapid property development. So far, the pandemic has been emphasising the most significant issues that Australia has been experiencing, which includes the housing issue. Now, the government and urban planner are trying to develop more sustainable housing and infrastructure, and this technology that can quicken this process. Keep up to date with our stories LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. DENVER, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Content marketing has remained broken for many years. Using AI-generated writing briefs, AUTHLIO has eliminated these long-standing problems, and thanks to a partnership with FIRESIDE, has now developed an affordable content marketing solution for small business owners . Small business owners face a dilemma when producing content. On one end of the scale they can pay for high volume, low quality, super cheap blog posts, and on the other they can opt for low volume, high quality, expensive editorial pieces. FIRESIDE marketing for small business AUTHLIO, The best writers, powered by artificial intelligence. The low quality blog posts aren't liked by Google or humans, but many small businesses simply don't have the budget to be paying $1,500 for the higher quality. AUTHLIO is a new type of content company that fills that gap between the two content types. AUTHLIO uses an AI system that analyzes a Client's topic, whether it be CBD oils, DIY divorce, destination weddings, etc, and builds a model in its mind of the audience that is seeking that content, as well as Google's own interpretation of that topic. For the audience, AUTHLIO determines who is searching, but much more importantly, why they are searching that topic. What underlying problem are they trying to solve? What questions are they trying to get answers to? The output is a series of intelligent writing briefs that are handed to a team of professional writers, all of whom have at least a bachelor's degree and are native English speakers. The briefs guide the writer on headline and subheading choice, as well as keywords, keyword density, and the actual questions the audience is interested in hearing about. This process saves the writers approximately 75% of their time, bringing the price of high quality articles down from $1,500 to less than $400. "When our Clients receive their content from AUTHLIO," says Brittany Sarconi, Chief Fire Starter at FIRESIDE, "they already know it's going to work with Google's algorithms for ranking, AND that it is going to resonate with the audience that it is looking to help!" FIRESIDE Clients also receive an output from the AI process that lists the questions the audience has in their mind. "We do this in part by using the growing volume of voice searches that are happening using smart devices," says Dax Hamman, Founder at AUTHLIO, "When we type a search we tend to enter a statement, but when we perform a voice search, human nature is to ask a question instead. These questions are a gold mine for a brand to gain a deeper understanding of its audience." The new partnership between the two companies brings AUTHLIO's services in line with FIRESIDE's fixed price of $500 per month, per service. Each FIRESIDE Client opting for the content service will receive 1.5 articles per month, the AI learnings, and a licensed image for each piece of content. Sarconi adds that "small business owners often can not compete with bigger brands with deeper pockets, especially when it comes to content. As is our mission, we are helping to eliminate that problem with partnerships like this." To learn more about this content marketing service, and other FIRESIDE services, you can book a call directly with the team . About FIRESIDE: FIRESIDE Group has a mission to provide high quality marketing services to small businesses. For too long small business owners have been ripped off by agencies and let down by freelancers. FIRESIDE provides effective marketing services at a fixed monthly fee, with no long term commitments. All enquiries to Brittany, Chief Fire Starter, [email protected], 646-709-6927. SOURCE FIRESIDE Group The University of California Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive announced on Thursday that Julie Rodrigues Widholm will succeed Lawrence Rinder as the institutions director and chief curator. Her appointment comes at a time when museums across the country are trying to chart a path forward amid an ongoing global health crisis and simmering social unrest. Im really trying to see this moment and all of the challenges were facing as an opportunity to make the changes that we should have been making and thinking about all along, Ms. Widholm, the current director and chief curator of the DePaul Art Museum in Chicago, said in an interview this week. Prioritizing equity, inclusivity and accessibility has long been her goal. Under Ms. Widholms direction, the programming at DePaul has consistently highlighted work by women, people who are L.G.B.T.Q. and artists of color. She has also helped to grow the museums collection and expanded its scope by acquiring pieces by artists from historically marginalized groups. More than 500 new works have been added during her tenure. Most recently, Ms. Widholm started an initiative at DePaul that seeks to help rectify the underrepresentation of Latino artists who live and work in the United States. These efforts, she said, were informed by the professional outlook that she plans to bring with her to Berkeley, one of the countrys leading university museums, specializing in visual arts. BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jun. 25 By Nargiz Sadikhova - Trend: Kazakhstan is ready to provide individual support measures to German investors, Kazakhstans Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar said, Trend reports with reference to the press office of Kazakhstans prime minister. Sklyar had a discussion with representatives of German businesses during the 29th meeting of the Berlin Eurasian Club held via videoconference. The parties talked development of bilateral cooperation in agriculture and the attraction of German investment in the agricultural sector of Kazakhstan. During the meeting Sklyar noted that intensive work with strategic investors is a priority outlined by Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and the government will support German business for the successful implementation of joint projects in the country. At the same time, ensuring food security is becoming more relevant and is directly related to the development of agriculture. To implement projects in the agricultural sector, Kazakhstan is ready to provide individual support measures to German investors. To this end, the Government Working Group is operating, which promptly and legally promotes the implementation of joint investment projects, he said. Kazakhstans Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Almas Aidarov who also took part in the meeting said that agribusiness is an attractive sector for investment, potential partners are offered subsidies, soft loans, special taxation plans. In turn, Chair of German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations Oliver Hermes noted that Germany, as always, considers cooperation with Kazakhstan as one of the priority areas in foreign economic activity and German business is ready for cooperation. --- Follow the author on twitter: @nargiz_sadikh New Delhi, June 25 : With an eye on elections, the Congress is now drafting its senior leaders into state politics with the aim of strengthening the state units. The Congress, which once had very strong regional satraps, is now lacking strong personalities in state politics after the demise of Vilasrao Deshmukh in Maharashtra and Y.S.R. Reddy in Andhra Pradesh whose son Jaganmohan Reddy has drifted from the Congress and is the Chief Minister now. The Congress party this month nominated B.K. Hariprasad, a former general secretary and former Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, to balance power and caste equations in the state. "The high command nominated Hariprasad as he is a senior Backward Classes leader, belonging to the Idiga community," state Congress leader Prakash Rathod said. The Congress has also decided to tap another community -- the Bilivas in Karnataka who are involved in toddy tapping, are similar to the Backward Classes and are in traditional occupations in the Mangaluru region. This community once produced stalwarts like Janardhana Poojary who had quite an influence in coastal Karnataka. The Congress has decided to tap this segment through Hariprasad. The OBC component in Karnataka is quite a significant chunk in the political spectrum. Congress leaders Siddaramaiah, D.K. Shivakumar, B.K. Hariprasad and Dalit leader Mallikarjun Kharge along with minorities can put up a good show against the BJP, said a party leader from the state. On Wednesday, Sonia Gandhi decided to field Tariq Anwar for the Bihar Legislative Council, but Anwar could not file his nomination due to some technical reasons. Party state president Madan Mohan Jha said, "he is being replaced due to technical issues". Sources say that Anwar is not a voter in the state which is mandatory to become a member of the Council. Anwar who has been in national politics for a long time has been union Minister and one of the foremost and prominent Muslim faces in the state. A senior leader said ahead of the Bihar assembly polls that though Tariq Anwar could not file his nomination but it will boost the Congress image among the minority segment, the votes which Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been vying for. Sources say more leaders may be drafted into state units and this could be reverse rehabilitation in their respective states. The Madhya Pradesh government fell because of rebellion in the party ranks so now the party needs experienced hands. Leaders of the Grand Alliance in Bihar met on Wednesday and pledged to fight the polls together and get the minority votes in the state. The Congress has now to keep the alliance together as RJD's Lalu Prasad is in jail after being convicted in the fodder scam. Congress state in-charge Shakti Singh Gohil said after the Grand Alliance meet that "A preliminary meeting of six political parties was held today to discuss the issues and concerns with respect to coming Bihar election. The parties reaffirmed solidarity and assured each other that we shall work together to expose the anti-people government of Bihar." More than 13k Covid patients have been cured in last 24 hrs: Health Ministry One third of active Covid cases, deaths in UP reported from 8 NCR disricts Medical teams assess whether patients can be isolated at home or need to be taken to hospital: Manish Sisodia A health worker collects a swab for Covid-19 Ag Antigen Test, at a testing centre in Nangal village, in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo) India registered record one-day jump of 16,922 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday taking the countys tally to 473,105, while with 418 more fatalities due the virus, the death toll has gone up to 14,894, according to the Union ministry of health and family welfare. Click here for complete coronavirus coverage The total cases across the globe have soared to over 9.4 million whereas the toll stands at 482,109, according to Johns Hopkins Universitys tally. The United States continues to be the hardest hit nation with 2,380,452 cases of coronavirus disease. It is followed by Brazil and Russia while India is the fourth most worst affected country due to the pandemic. As cases continue to surge, firms and researchers are racing towards developing a vaccine in record time there are many candidates in the works, and theres a general consensus that one is likely to be ready by next year, perhaps the shortest time in which a vaccine for a major disease has been developed. Follow latest updates on coronavirus here [June 24, 2020] United States Air Force Awards Digital Mobilizations Inc. Contract for Strategic Transformation Support WARRENTON, Va., June 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital Mobilizations Inc. has received award of a United States Air Force contract for Strategic Transformation Support (STS). Air Force STS is an IDIQ contract to provide Strategy and Transformation consulting services to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force Office of Business Transformation (SAF/MG) and Deputy Chief Management Officer (DCMO) in managing and improving enterprise-level Strategic Transformation Initiatives. "The Air Force has a great tradition of innovation, results, and leadership. As our national security challenges evolve, so must the business and management operations of the Air Force. This prime award to Digital Mobilizations Inc. signals the Air Force's commitment to a new model of acquiring consulting services and expertise. We are thrilled to be recognized by the Air Force as a consulting leader and we look forward to exceeding the customers' expectations for access to world-class transformation expertise," said Lanny Cornwell, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Mobilizations Inc. <>Contract Details AFSTS is a five-year contract with a $990M potential contract value. Under this contract, Digital Mobilizations Inc is one of eight companies that will advise the Air Force on strategies and implementation plans to transform AF business operations. Digital Mobilizations Inc. will deliver using its innovative Enterprise Engineering strategy development and execution services. The DMI approach translates leading commercial and public sector organizational, operational, and technological best practices into strategies that will advance global Air Force operations. The DMI approach is a unique blend of strategy, expertise, research, and prototyping that produces tangible transformation outcomes at an enterprise scale. About Digital Mobilizations Inc. DMI is a Warrenton, VA based boutique strategy and transformation advisory firm. We utilize a unique approach to help our clients solve the right problems, align organizations, translate, and transition strategies and mobilize in the digital era. DMI assists Fortune 500 and federal government clients in their enterprise-level transformation efforts. For more information on Digital Mobilizations Inc. www.digitalmobilizations.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-states-air-force-awards-digital-mobilizations-inc-contract-for-strategic-transformation-support-301083178.html SOURCE Digital Mobilizations Inc. [ Back to the Next Generation Communications Community's Homepage ] Amid simmering tension between India and China, Delhi Hotel & Restaurant Owners Association (DHROA), a body representing budget hotels in the capital, on Thursday said it was closing doors for all Chinese nationals. Heeding the boycott China call by trade bodies, the association is also banning use of Chinese goods on its premises. Hotels in Delhi, however, continue to remain shut due the COVID-19 pandemic, raising speculations across the industry about the moves effectiveness. DHROA, which represents all hotels in Delhi with room tariffs up to Rs 3,500, said, it has decided not to give any room to any Chinese at a time when China is repeatedly attacking Indian soldiers. Further, it will get in touch with hotels associations of other states and urge them to take similar action. The association now plans to bring star-rated hotels on board in banning Chinese nationals. ALSO READ: Top headlines: Sebi on insider trading, pvt investment in space research The hotel owners in Delhi have collectively taken this stand. While, we have already banned Chinese goods at our hotels, we are boycotting Chinese from today, Mahendra Gupta, general secretary of DHROA told Business Standard. An executive at a prominent five star hotel, however, said, that unless hotels are allowed to open doors for guests, such an announcement does not make any real sense. It seems to be a hollow promise given the hotels continue to remain shut, he said. While on 8 June, following Unlock 1.0, malls and restaurants were allowed to welcome customers, hotels were not given permission. With COVID-19 cases touching record high in the capital, many of the prominent hotels including Taj Mahal Hotel on Man Singh Road have been turned into quarantine centres. Estimates suggest, out of the 75,000 budget hotel rooms in the capital, nearly 4 per cent, or 3,000, are occupied by Chinese guests, on an average. However, hoteliers are optimistic that revenue from other guests will compensate for any losses arising due to the ban on Chinese nationals as budget hotels in Delhi have a high occupancy rate of over 80 per cent round the year. ALSO READ: India coronavirus dispatch: Can one spread virus if one isn't symptomic? DHROAs move comes after traders body Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) held protests against use of Chinese goods amid the boycott China campaign. The hotel owners association said it fully supported CAITs stance. The Ghanaian government on Thursday reiterated its commitment to restoring to its original state, the residential building of the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana that was demolished a few days ago following an attack. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that armed men had attacked the mission on Friday night and demolished the official residence of the High Commission of Nigeria, which was under construction. Shirley Ayokor Botchewey, Ghanas Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, said this while briefing journalists in Ghana on the outcome of the investigation into the attack. She said, The Land Commission will formerly inform the Osu Traditional Council that in August, 2000, offer was made to High Commission of Nigeria, irrespective of the title of land in question. The offer was accepted by the High Commission and payment was made accordingly that constituted a contract. The Land Commission will proceed to issue a Land Certificate to the High Commission of Nigeria, to regularise its ownership of the property in question. Ghana will take immediate steps to engage the Osu stool and all stakeholders on the impasse. Ghana will ensure that the demolished building is restored to its original state as soon as possible. The High Commission of Nigeria will take appropriate steps to obtain building permit for the construction. She added that a committee consisting of officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana Police Service, National Security, and the Lands Commission had been constituted to investigate the unlawful demolition of the building. According to her, based on a preliminary investigation, Nigeria paid for the land 20 years ago, even though the High Commission could not produce the lease, land title certificate and building permit of the land. She, however, gave an assurance that the government of Ghana would actively engage the Nigeria government at the highest level, to address the impasse and help calm tensions in both countries. She said that arrests had been arrested in relation to the demolition and that the case had been prosecuted in court for conspiracy to crime and cause of unlawful damages. (NAN) Invest in the USA (IIUSA) is pleased to share that the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) joined IIUSA in advocating for reform and long-term reauthorization of the EB-5 Regional Center Program. The EB-5 Regional Center Program allows federally authorized Regional Centers to pool EB-5 visa applicants investments to exponentially fuel U.S. local and regional economies with projects that create and save thousands of American jobs. IIUSA Executive Director Aaron Grau stated, Reforming and cementing a long-term reauthorization can generate more than $9B annually of non-U.S. taxpayer investment into our economy to create and save jobs, just when our economy needs it most. Grau continued, Thats why we are so pleased and grateful to the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for joining our effort. USHCC represents many of the businesses and jobs this reauthorization will impact and their voices are respected on Capitol Hill. Unlike all other visas, federal statute requires that each EB-5 visa applicant make a significant up-front investment into a U.S. economic development project (either $900,000 or $1.8 million depending on where the project is located) AND create or retain at least 10 U.S. jobs; no jobsno visa. United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Ramiro A. Cavazos noted that, immediately after the 2008 financial crisis, EB-5 investors helped spark the economy, generating over $20 billion in non-U.S. taxpayer investments and creating more than 730,000 American jobs. We need that kind of spark again now more than ever. For more information about the EB-5 Regional Center Program and IIUSAs advocacy, please visit http://www.iiusa.org Founded in 2005, Invest in the USA (IIUSA) is the national membership-based 501(c)(6) not-for-profit industry trade association for the EB-5 Regional Center Program (the Program). Our members account for a vast majority of capital formation and job creation in the U.S. resulting from the Program. The USHCC actively promotes the economic growth, development, and interests of more than 4.37 million Hispanic-owned businesses, that combined, contribute over $700 billion to the American economy every year. It also advocates on behalf of 260 major American corporations and serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local chambers and business associations nationwide. For more information, please visit ushcc.com. 25.06.2020 LISTEN As part of its promise to continuously provide financial and business skills to female entrepreneurs, Africas largest retail bank, Access Bank, has unveiled the second edition of its Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton campaign. The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Africa 2020 Campaign is designed to provide female-owned businesses across Africa an opportunity to access finance and world-class business training as well as mentoring opportunities. This programme has been designed to create an enabling environment for female entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Commenting in the initiative, the Managing Director for Access Bank Ghana, Olumide Olatunji noted that as a leading commercial bank in Africa, Access Bank has made significant investments aimed at enhancing growth in the Small and Medium-size Enterprise sector. The Bank is also a major advocate for women entrepreneurs through innovative offerings such as the W Power Loan, a concessionary loan financing for women to grow their business as well as other Business Support Services. He further stated that the Pitch-a-ton is an expansion of the Womenpreneur Business Workshop, under the Banks women proposition, the W Initiative. We launched the Pitch-a-ton initiative last year in Nigeria as part of our value proposition as the No. 1 Bank of Choice for women in Africa and we received a tremendous amount of applications with innovative business ideas. This year, we have decided to extend this innovative business idea contest to female entrepreneurs here in Ghana and beyond, he added. Being the first women-in-business support initiative of its kind, the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton 2020 will be open to business women in other Access Bank subsidiaries including Rwanda, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Gambia and DR Congo. Speaking during the launch, the Group Head for W Initiative at Access Bank Plc., Ayona Trimnell revealed that the Pitch-a-ton will provide over USD 20,000 in financial grant to winners as well as a unique capacity building programme in collaboration with the IFC, to empower women entrepreneurs. Access Bank has continuously used various strategies to engage its customers to boost their business viability, particularly during this period of COVID-19 pandemic including the W Webinar Series which tackles various topics of business continuity, redesigning business model for resilience among others. Interested participants can learn more and apply by visiting https://womenpreneur.ng/ About the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Africa 2020 The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton Africa 2020 programme is designed as a 3-month period incorporating pitching sessions and 8 weeks of mini-MBA training. Interested persons across the continent who meet the criteria are required to fill an online application. The five hundred candidates selected from this pool will then send in a sixty seconds video pitch which will be screened by a credible panel of business experts to select fifty finalists. As part of the graduation requirements, fifty finalists will pitch their businesses, infusing learnings from the mini-MBA and will stand an opportunity to win financial grants of more than USD 20,000. In Detroit, authorities were striving to solve the puzzle on the identity of the thief who has stolen five watches from a Shinola outlet. Around $3,800 worth of merchandise has been taken by the shoplifter. A security video that recorded the incident was pulled by investigators. Detectives used the grainy footage to identify the person who appeared in the video and used facial recognition software to determine the suspect. A hit came out: a man named Robert Julian-Borchak Williams, 42 years old from Farmington Hills, Mich., over 25 miles northwest of Detroit. In January, authorities arrested Williams at his home while he was standing on his front lawn with his wife and two daughters who were emotional watching the cops placing their father in the patrol car, NPR reported. Melissa Williams, the wife of Robert, desperately demanded where the police officers will take her husband. Mrs. Williams remembers an officer answering her to Google it. Robert Williams was interrogated by the officers in a room and placed three photos in front of him, where two of the photos were taken by the store's surveillance camera and the other is his state-issued driver's license photo. In an interview, Robert Williams stated the picture only showed a big Black guy and did not see any resemblance after all. Read also: LAPD Horrified After Finding Tampon on His Starbucks Drink, Claims It's a 'Disgusting Assault' Williams also stated that while the detective was flipping the third page, which contains his state-issued driver's license, he said the computer got it wrong and admitted that he was the man on the third picture. But he refused that he was the man captured by the surveillance camera. While being interrogated, he picked up the photos taken by the surveillance camera and held it near his face telling the police officers that not all Black people are look alike. According to Williams' lawyer, he was detained for 30 hours and was bailed out until a court hearing on his case. In a report by Forbes, during the hearing, a prosecutor of Wayne County dropped the charges against Williams since the evidence presented was insufficient. Civil rights experts claimed that Williams was the first documented example of someone being wrongfully arrested based on the false hit generated by the facial recognition technology. Based in the charging documents, what made Williams' case different was that his arrest was prompted by the facial recognition technology, which was conducted by Michigan State Police in a crime laboratory as requested by the Detroit Police Department. Despite the repeated claims of Williams' party saying that the match generated by the artificial intelligence was incorrect, the pursuit of Williams as a probable suspect of the incident came. The suspect in the incident was caught in the security camera wearing a red St. Louis Cardinals hat. As a Detroit native defended he would never be wearing such hat by any chance. Lawyer Phil Mayor said with the ACLU of Michigan that the police who arrested Williams never asked him any question before being arrested. They did not even ask if the arrested has his alibi, nor asked him to own a red Cardinals hat. And they even failed to ask Williams where he was that day. On Wednesday, a complaint against the Detroit Police Department was filed by the ACLU of Michigan asking the authority to refrain from using the software in investigations. Related article: Ahmaud Arbery Shooting: Grand Jury Indicts Three Men in Murder Charges @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. [June 25, 2020] RiskIQ Announces the RiskIQ Interlock Partner Program SAN FRANCISCO, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RiskIQ , the leader in attack surface management, today announced the RiskIQ Interlock Partner Program, an ecosystem and collaboration framework for leading security solution providers to enable proactive attack surface management and protection for companies of all sizes. RiskIQ Interlock Partner Program is a next-generation partner program enabling members to rapidly deploy RiskIQ attack surface visibility and internet security intelligence across their enterprise security ecosystem (or infrastructure) for automated and informed threat detection, investigations, and prevention. Transformation initiatives, which have been accelerated by COVID-19, are producing an ever-expanding and dynamic digital presence for all companies. New applications and infrastructure are being deployed outside the control and purview of IT or Security teams. Meanwhile, adversaries are global, sophisticated, and agileconstantly tunings their approach and tactics. To keep pace, enterprises have deployed a broad range of security solutions and services providers all requiring visibility and data to power them. RiskIQ Interlock Partner Program was designed to address these challenges and empower the security ecosystem with the data, intelligence, and interoperability needed to detect, investigate, and remediate threats faster and more effectively than ever before. RiskIQs solutions are powered by the companys proprietary Internet Intelligence Graph, which absorbs internet data on a massive scale and continuously maps the billions of relationships between internet-exposed infrastructure worldwide. RiskIQ Interlock Partner Program enables other security vendors to easily tap into petabytes of current and historic internet intelligence to inform and automate their solutions and improve the efficacy of their customers security operation programs. More than 80% of RiskIQ Interlock Partner Program members also rely on RiskIQ solutions internally to help protect their own company, brand, and assets. The RiskIQ Interlock Partner Program will focus on the security market segments: Market Segment Use Case and Value Proposition End Detection & Response Seamlessly enriches endpoint telemetry with petabytes of Internet security intelligence Accelerates investigations and incident response Discovers unmanaged, shadow IT, and rogue assets SIEM & SOAR Attack Surface discovery, management, and risk reporting Automates IoC and event enrichment Accelerates incident response and threat hunting Automates remediation, detection, and protection actions Vulnerability Risk Management Discovers and identify new assets outside the firewall that require monitoring and scanning Streamlines patching and remediation activity Enhances security posture and risk reporting Most vendors design partner programs to aggregate data and workflow operations around a single solution or platform, but we've taken a different, more open approach with ours," said Brandon Dixon, RiskIQ VP of Strategy. "RiskIQs Interlock Partner Program focuses on peer-to-peer engagement, and as the name suggests, it's about quickly and easily creating connectedness across the security ecosystem, with data and value accruing to both partners and ultimately achieving improved security and reduced risk for all customers." "We value our partnership with RiskIQ. As an early partner in the CrowdStrike Store, the RiskIQ App extends the power of our cloud-delivered CrowdStrike Falcon platform providing security teams with 360-degree visibility and monitoring of their entire digital attack surface so that customers can more quickly spot and stop a breach," said Andy Horwitz, Vice President of CrowdStrike Store. "The combination of CrowdStrike and RiskIQ enables our customers to gain complete context with external internet intelligence and internal endpoint data to help accelerate threat investigation and incident response. We look forward to the opportunity to participate in the Interlock partner program and believe it will provide another opportunity for CrowdStrike and RiskIQ to partner and create more effective security ecosystems." For more information on the RiskIQ Interlock Partner Program and to find out how to sign-up to become a partner, please visit https://www.riskiq.com/partners/ . About RiskIQ RiskIQ is the leader in digital attack surface management, providing the most comprehensive discovery, intelligence, and mitigation of threats associated with an organization's digital presence. With more than 75 percent of attacks originating outside the firewall, RiskIQ allows enterprises to gain unified insight and control over web, social and mobile exposures. Trusted by thousands of security analysts, security teams, and CISO's, RiskIQ's platform combines advanced internet data reconnaissance and analytics to expedite investigations, understand digital attack surfaces, assess risk, and take action to protect the business, brand, and customers. Based in San Francisco, the company is backed by Summit Partners, Battery Ventures, Georgian Partners, and MassMutual Ventures. Try RiskIQ Community Edition for free by visiting https://www.riskiq.com/community/ . To learn more about RiskIQ, visit www.riskiq.com . 2020 RiskIQ, Inc. All rights reserved. RiskIQ is a registered trademark of RiskIQ, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners. Contact Holly Hitchcock Front Lines Media 805-801-9798 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Angry purchasers and a jilted real estate brokerage have filed separate lawsuits against the owner of a Dundurn Street building after a planned condominium conversion project was axed one day before the deals would become official. A group of 32 individuals and corporations that purchased units in the converted industrial building at 220 Dundurn St. S. is seeking $6 million in damages from Denis Vranich and three of his companies for breach of contract and acting in bad faith for allegedly terminating the sales agreements on Dec. 30, one day before the conditions on the deals were due to expire. Mint Realty, a Waterloo-based realtor operating as Condo Culture, is seeking $2.1 million in damages in a separate suit for sales commissions allegedly owed that werent paid out because the agreements were terminated prior to closing. Vranich denied any wrongdoing in a statement provided by a law firm that has acted for him in other matters. The owner has acted in accordance with the terms as set out in the contracts and looks forward to confirmation from the court, according to the statement provided on Vranichs behalf. None of these allegations have been tested in court. Vranich, the son of major Hamilton developer Darko Vranich, purchased the 1.6-hectare property in 2007 for $1.5 million. Originally constructed in 1928 by National Hosiery Mills to manufacture silk stockings, the property near Main Street and Highway 403 was acquired by the Hamilton Board of Education in 1967 for use as a vocational training centre, storage and a film library and then declared surplus in 1996. Over a number of years, Vranich developed the property into a 124-unit apartment building and a few years ago he decided to convert the property to a registered condominium and sell the units, according to the statements of claim. Vranich retained Condo Culture as the listing brokerage for a large number of the units and Condo Culture states in its court filings that it ultimately agreed to Vranichs request to accept payment of all commissions when the deals closed. Through 2018 and 2019, some of the units were purchased by investors, some of the units were purchased by people looking to live in their units and some of the units were purchased by tenants already living at 220 Dundurn St. S. Most of the units in the purchasers lawsuit were bought for amounts in the low $300,000s, with a couple in the $400,000s and one at $523,400. Tenants who purchased their units and investors who had tenants living in their units prior to the closing of the sales were allegedly told that up to 10 months of rent payments would be applied to reduce the purchase price once the deals closed. According to the statements of claim, there were two conditions on the purchases that had to be fulfilled by Dec. 31 for the deals to close the city had to approve the condominium conversion and Vranichs company had to have at least 90 firm purchase agreements in place. Last September, the city approved the conversion and the building was registered as Wentworth Standard Condominium Plan No. 585 on Sept. 12. The only condition remaining was the firm sale of at least 90 units by Dec. 31. In July 2019, a large sign was erected in front of 220 Dundurn St. S. stating the building was over 95 per cent sold and the same information was posted on the buildings website, according to the statements of claim. If true, that would have represented at least 118 sold units, well beyond the threshold of 90 sales needed to satisfy the final condition. The Condo Culture lawsuit alleges that by Aug. 20, Vranich had assured the brokerage 120 of the units had been sold. Instead, the prospective owners of the units received an email on Dec. 30 indicating the sales agreements were terminated due to the vendor being unable to secure 90 firm purchase agreements, according to the purchasers statement of claim. Mitch Taylor said he was speechless when he read the termination notice. Taylor is a Kitchener-based realtor who also worked at one point for Condo Culture selling units at 220 Dundurn. He purchased three units himself and a fourth unit jointly with his father. Some of his real estate clients also purchased units in the building. Once the termination notice was delivered, my business reputation took a massive hit, Taylor said in an interview. To be honest, I thought it was a joke maybe from some of my former colleagues who Im friends with, said Taylor. I was in disbelief. From my perspective, it was seven figures of real estate that just evaporated in the blink of an eye, he said. I saw the reason at the end of the termination notice and I thought Thats not right. Taylor said he believed they had sold enough units to commence closing. Chris Hinchcliffe had lived at 220 Dundurn until he found a house he liked around the corner. When he moved out, he purchased one of the units. The unit had a tenant paying a little over $1,400 a month in rent and Hinchcliffe said he was told 10 months of the rent a little over $14,000 would be applied to his purchase price once the deal closed. He remembers the email arriving while he was at a party with friends. He assumed it was confirmation that the sale had closed. I was shocked, Hinchcliffe said. I work in the area. I live in the area. I saw that sign every day. I was immediately suspicious and I thought That doesnt make any sense. As the purchasers began to investigate what had happened, they discovered something odd. On Dec. 23, the property, all of the units, storage lockers and parking spaces were sold by one of Vranichs companies to a numbered corporation he is also alleged to own. A corporate search shows Vranich as the sole officer and director of the numbered corporation, according to the purchasers statement of claim. Vranich did not respond to a request to confirm he is the owner of the numbered corporation. At this point, theyve sold the units to two different purchasers, said Andrew Francis, a lawyer representing the purchasers in their lawsuit. The purchasers point out in their statement of claim that if all 124 of the units were sold on Dec. 23 from one Vranich company to another, the final condition of at least 90 firm sales must have been met. After the purchases were terminated, the purchasers allege they were eligible to receive their deposits back if they signed a release, but they would not receive any interest. They also allege they lost out on any increase in value of the units as well as any equity that would have been applied to the purchase price. The purchasers lawsuit alleges Vranich and his companies conspired to avoid their obligations under the agreements to complete the sales of the subject units to the plaintiffs in favour of a more lucrative deal. The purchasers are also seeking three orders in their statement claim an order that their purchase agreements are firm and binding, an order setting aside the transfer of units between Vranichs companies, and an order that the transfer of units between the two companies is null and void. Taylor said the experience has caused him a tremendous amount of emotional, mental and physical stress. This has taken a massive toll on me and my family, he said. Hinchcliffe, meanwhile, said the whole thing was just very, very frustrating. Im really excited about the growth thats going on in Hamilton, he said. Its a little bit frustrating if this is how its happening and this is the kind of thing thats going on. State police say missing Lykens teen Mariah Key Houser has been found safe. Houser, 15, was last seen by her mother at their home on Monday night, but was believed to have left her home on Tuesday morning or afternoon, police said. State police thanked the public for sharing their alert and said Houser was found unharmed. Police and the FBI are still looking for an Amish teen out of the Lancaster area, who has been missing since this weekend. Read more on PennLive: A Punjab Police sub-inspector (SI) was shot dead in Abohar sub-division of Fazilka district late on Wednesday night. The 32-year-old cop, Gurwinder Singh, was standing near a medical store in Basant Nagar when four men arrived in a car and shot at him thrice. The SI was rushed to a local civil hospital where he was declared brought dead. VICTIM CAME FROM A FAMILY OF COPS Gurwinder, whose father retired as an assistant sub-inspector, was recruited in the Punjab Police in 2017. His uncle is also posted at a local police station. A senior police official, requesting anonymity, said, So far, it appears the cop was murdered for personal reasons However, Ferozepur range deputy inspector general of police Hardiyal Singh Mann said the police was exploring multiple possibilities and will soon crack the case. A case was registered against unknown assaulters. The victim is survived by his parents and two sisters. June 24, 2020 News By David Vergun , DOD News Defense.gov Mission of Leaders: Prevent Great Power Wars, Says Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff A year ago, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff went to Normandy, France, for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. While there, Army Gen. Mark A. Milley said during his keynote address today at the Naval War College's virtual graduation ceremony, he met a veteran of that landing and asked him what his lesson from World War II would be for those in uniform today. "He looked up at me and tears came to his eyes and he said, 'General, never let it happen again. Never let it happen again,'" Milley said. The Naval War College, located in Newport, Rhode Island, develops strategic and operational leaders. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, today's graduation ceremony was held virtually. The international order, which includes processes, policies, laws and organizations, is designed to prevent another great power war, such as World Wars I and II, where about 150 million were killed, Milley told the graduating class. Although wars have taken place since World War II, none approach that magnitude of death and destruction, he added. Today, however, the international order is under tremendous stress, the chairman said, as China and Russia seek to weaken it, North Korea threatens the U.S. homeland and Iran promotes and supports terrorism throughout the region. "Today, your mission, my mission, is to prevent another great power war and maintain the great power peace," he said, laying out three ways to achieve this. First, be vigilant, he said, and identify signs of aggression, especially during periods when America is weary from conflict or is otherwise preoccupied. These are times aggressors sense opportunities, he said. Rapid military expansion, aggressive foreign policy, economic intimidation, violations of international norms, growing nationalism and bellicose rhetoric are among those signs of aggression, and many of these indicators in the international environment, Milley added. "Hone your ability to understand the context of what you read day to day by being an avid consumer of multiple forms of media, daily review of current intelligence, study international politics and geostrategy, and have a deep understanding of military history," he advised the graduating officers. The second lesson, he said, is to maintain a high degree of readiness for the joint force so as to preserve the peace by deterring adversary aggression. Third, he said, is to appreciate the importance of allies and partners. "We're most successful when we collaborate to achieve common security goals," he said. Navy Rear Adm. Shoshana S. Chatfield, the Naval War College president, also offered some advice, telling the graduates to continue to invest in personal and professional development outside their area of expertise. "Be informed by others who have different ways of thinking," she said. "You are duty-bound to take your enhanced intellect, your improved analytical skills and your expanded perspective and to lead." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Resident competes for Mrs. Wyoming title Bree McMullan is no stranger to beauty pageants. Bree's youngest daughter, Rylie, was crowned the 2019-2020 Baby Miss All American Girl for Wyoming and earned the national photogenic award while competing at the All American Girl National Finals last year. Bree's two other daughters compete on the pageant circuit as well and pageants are something Bree's in-laws have a lot of experience competing in. When the opportunity to become Mrs. Sweetwater County arose, Bree decided to jump into the pageant scene and compete herself. "Now is my time," she remembers thinking to herself when she applied. Bree was selected to be Mrs. Sweetwater County after submitting an application to the Mrs. Wyoming Pageant organizers and will compete for the Mrs. Wyoming title in Denver July 15 at the Denver Mart DriveIn. Interviews and the individual segments will be filmed the weekend prior and will be edited into a film shown July 15 at the drive-in theater, after which the winners will be crowned. The event is hosted in conjunction with the Mrs. Colorado Pageant as the two pageants are owned by the same organizing company. The Mrs. America Pageant was established to honor married women throughout the United States. According to the website pageantplanet.com, the pageant is the longest-running pageant for married women, originally being established in 1939 as the Mrs. American Pageant. However, the modern incarnation of the pageant was started in 1977 after the original pageant went dormant in 1968. Contestants compete in three categories: evening gown, interview and fitness or swimsuit events and are evaluated by a panel of judges. The coronavirus pandemic has impacted the pageant like every other event and changes were made to the format to accommodate social distancing and other health guidelines. While the pandemic will result in a different experience, Bree's excitement hasn't waned. "I've been excited to go since before coronavirus hit," she said. The main crown Bree seeks is the Mrs. Wyoming title, but there is also a people's choice category where visitors to the http://www.mrscoloradoamerica.com website can vote on their preferred competitors. Bree said her first experience competing on a national stage was while she assisting Rylie during the All American Girl National Finals in Las Vegas. Rylie was 18 months old at the time and Bree was on stage as she presented her daughter to judges. "I felt like I rocked the stage," Bree said about the experience. This time, Bree said she feels like she's showcasing a new side of herself. She said she's always had confidence in who she is, but is making that aspect more well-known as she prepares for the pageant. Showing that confident side of her personality is what she finds most appealing about the competition, saying she feels a sense of accomplishment because she's a mother to five children. Those children, especially her daughters, have shared in Bree's excitement. She said her oldest daughter has been cheering her on as she prepares for the pageant. "She tells me everyday, 'you're going to earn the crown,' 'you're going to do this,'" Bree said. Even Rylie has gotten excited for the upcoming pageant, taking an interest in what Bree will wear. "My baby loves my dresses," she said. Regardless of if she ultimately wins or not, Bree plans to have fun with the experience and hopes to teach her girls to have fun with their competitions as well. Bree hopes to use this experience to bring more positivity into the world, wanting to inspire her family and the residents of western Wyoming. "I'd love to be able to win and bring that positivity and energy to this side of the state," she said. So far, Green River has thrown its support behind Bree and her Mrs. Wyoming campaign. She said several businesses and residents have provided her with a great deal of support as she prepares for the competition. Some have provided financial support while other's have helped though fundraisers and events to help Bree attain her Mrs. Wyoming dream. As the July 11 weekend approaches, the exhilaration she feels only continues to grow. "I'm super excited about it ... it'll be a great time for me," Bree said. "My goal no matter what is to become the next Mrs. Wyoming." A previous life on screen Bree isn't native to Wyoming, but she fell in love with the state and Green River when she moved to the area with her older sister. She decided to stay and met her husband, Robert, soon after. "I loved it here. I didn't want to go home," she said. While living in Utah, Bree had worked for a modeling agency while in high school. During that time, she appeared in "Everwood," a 2002-2006 television series which included future movie star Chris Pratt in its cast. She also worked as an extra for "High School Musical." Bree took up social causes as well, being a member of the Utah Phoenix Alliance, a group opposing tobacco use in films. China has urged Japan to resist striking a deal with the United States to host American intermediate-range missiles on its soil and instead maintain its defence-oriented policy. Beijing said on Wednesday it would not sit idly by if the US sought to deploy such missiles on its doorstep, but rather would take "all necessary countermeasures". "In the meantime, China hopes Japan and other countries can take regional peace and stability into consideration, act prudently and say no to the US " which wants to deploy intermediate-range missiles on their land " so they don't fall victim to a US geopolitical plot in the region," defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian told a press conference. In a separate press briefing, China's foreign ministry urged Japan to maintain its "exclusively defence-oriented" policy as laid out in its constitution. "Because of historical reasons, Japan's military security trends have always received the attention of the international community and its Asian neighbours. We urge Japan to earnestly learn the lessons of history," ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said. Tokyo should "continue to follow the path of peaceful development with concrete actions", he said Beijing's comments came in response to reports the US is considering deploying intermediate-range missiles in Asia after withdrawing from the Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in August. Under the Cold War-era arms control pact, signatories agree not to "possess, produce or flight-test" ground-launched cruise missiles that have a range of 500-5,500km (310-3,400 miles). Intermediate-range missiles are considered highly dangerous because of their short flight duration " which makes them hard to detect and defend against " and their ability to carry multiple nuclear warheads. Tensions have been rising between China and Japan, which is a close military ally of the US, as Washington and Beijing have locked horns on multiple fronts, including trade, technology and the military. Story continues Senior officials from China and the US met in Hawaii earlier this month but failed to reach consensus on any of their disagreements. While their willingness to hold the talks could be seen as a step towards halting the hostilities, the dialogue itself only exposed the huge divisions between the two nations. Lian Degui, an expert on Japanese affairs at Shanghai International Studies University, said Beijing would not tolerate weapons like the intermediate-range missile being positioned so close to its territory. "This is explicitly aimed at China and can be seen as the US preparing for a military confrontation in the future," he said. "Relations between China and Japan would collapse if such missiles were deployed on Japanese soil." Besides positioning weapons of its own to counter the missile threat, Beijing might also introduce punitive measures against Japan to hit its economy, he said. In 2017, China imposed economic sanctions on South Korea and boycotted all travel to its eastern neighbour after Seoul agreed to host the United States' Terminal High Altitude Area Defence system, which consists of a sophisticated radar and interceptor missiles designed to spot and knock out incoming ballistic missiles. 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. SDP chairman Paul Tambyah (left) and secretary-general Chee Soon Juan speaking during the Meet The Press: Alternative Ideas and Proposals for Post-COVID Singapore held on the night of 24 June, 2020. (SCREENCAP) SINGAPORE Top members of opposition party Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) said on Wednesday (24 June) night that there are no indications of three-cornered fights in the upcoming 10 July General Election. Secretary-general Chee Soon Juan spoke briefly about its attempts to work together with other opposition parties, I'm just glad to hear that theres an effort to make sure that there are no three-corner fights. We don't know any other situation where there's going to be another party in the constituencies that we are contesting in this time, he added. SDP chairman Paul Tambyah also noted, It's very encouraging from what we've heard so far. There's no indication that there will be any three-corner fight. Besides that, Singapore voters are an educated and informed electorate. So, I don't think that's a major issue. Both were speaking during a one-hour virtual session titled Meet The Press: Alternative Ideas and Proposals for Post-COVID Singapore held on video-conferencing platform Zoom and screened live on Facebook. Earlier in the wee hours of Wednesday, Reform Party (RP) had announced that it will no longer contest West Coast Group Representation Constituency (GRC) as part of an agreement with Tan Cheng Bocks Progress Singapore Party (PSP), to avoid a three-cornered fight with ruling party People's Action Party (PAP). The five constituencies that SDP intends to contest in the upcoming elections are the same as in GE2015 Holland-Bukit Timah and Marsiling-Yew Tee GRCs, as well as the Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang and Yuhua single-member constituencies (SMCs). The party has not unveiled any of the 11 candidates that they will be fielding, although Dr Chee had on Sunday confirmed that he would be contesting in Bukit Batok SMC for the second time. The 57-year-old first ran for it in the 2016 by-election, pulling in 38.8 per cent of the votes cast and losing to the PAPs Murali Pillai. GE during pandemic? Bizarre The opposition leaders also voiced their concerns and disappointment about the ruling party holding an election just weeks after the city-state emerged from a partial lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, Singapore has 42,623 cases of COVID-19. Story continues Party leader Chee Soon Juan described the decision as bizarre and quite shocking. This is all done because the PAP has calculated it that it's in their political interest to do so. The interests of the people, the welfare of the people and public safety, comes secondary, he said. And since the elections would be held as Singapore undergoes Phase 2 of its reopening with social distancing restrictions in place, there have been challenges posed to the partys campaigning efforts, said Dr Chee. A major blow Dr Chee had posted about earlier on Wednesday in a Facebook post was the rejection of an application by the police for a three-day Walk The Talk, an event where he would travel around the city-state on foot to raise funds for the party. Dr Chee had said in the post he conducted a similar fundraiser in 2015. The reason for the rejection, as given by the police, was that cause-based activities, even if carried out by one individual, might cause crowds to gather, which would put people at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, he added. Dr Chee had also written, If the police are afraid of activities that might cause crowds to gather during the pandemic, why did the PAP call for elections now? During the virtual media event, the party chief noted the polices rejection of the application has left the party high and dry. We need all the funds that we can get to make sure that we run an effective campaign. (Selling merchandise at physical rallies) was another source of revenue. Now that these two have been banned, we can only do it online, said Dr Chee. We cannot depend on state funds, the People's Association, and so forth. We only have the people to fall back on. And while the party has had some 50,000 views for its more popular digital efforts, it pales in comparison with the millions of people watching mainstream media and TV every night, said Dr Tambyah. Agreeing, Dr Chee said, The ministers come on Channel 8, 5, and CNA, night after night, month after month, year after year for the last more-than-half a century. That does something to the mindset of the Singaporean. As much as we're going to try to use online campaigning, it's still an uphill struggle. But nonetheless, that's all we have going for us and we're going to use that to the best of our abilities. Because of the pandemics growing economic impact on Singapore, the proposed solutions in the partys Four Yes, One No election campaign remain relevant, if not more so, according to Dr Chee. The campaign, unveiled in late-April, tackled five key proposed changes: suspending of Goods and Services Tax (GST) till end-2021, paying retrenchment benefits to workers affected by the pandemic, providing the bottom 80 per cent of over-65 retirees with a monthly income of $500, putting people first and stopping the government from raising Singapore to one with a 10 million population. Dr Chee also revealed details on the partys extension of the proposed retrenchment insurance programme, titled RESTART (Re-Employment Scheme and Temporary Assistance for the ReTrenched). Workers on the proposed scheme are allowed to come together in groups of 10 to propose a viable business plan and apply to the government to have their benefits withdrawn in one lump sum, rather than over the original one-and-a-half-year period, he added. That will put them into gainful employment, into starting an enterprise... I think it'd be good for Singapore if we're making a serious and genuine effort to restructure our economy. I think this is one way that we can do to stimulate innovation and creativity, said Dr Chee. On whether voting in SDP candidates would gain enough traction for the campaign to be translated into action, Dr Tambyah quipped, I think 11 SDP MPs is going to send a really powerful message. For Yahoo News Singapore's latest general election news and happenings, head to yhoo.it/SGGE2020. Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at t.me/YahooSingapore Related stories: You can love Singapore and yet not vote PAP: Lee Hsien Yang GE 2020: This GE is 'like no other', Singaporeans must be 'completely united' PM Lee GE2020: Bread-and-butter issues to dominate more than ever amid COVID-19 analysts Sixteen million family members in the U.S. are caregivers for the more than 6 million people living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). For many caregivers in rural areas such as northern Arizona, health disparities prevent them from accessing the healthcare and support services they need. COVID-19-related isolation is adding to their burden, potentially contributing to their stress, anxiety and depression, and adversely affecting their physical health. To address the heightened health risks these caregivers face, a multidisciplinary team of researchers from the Southwest Health Equity Research Collaborative (SHERC), a grant-funded initiative of Northern Arizona University's Center for Health Equity Research (CHER), received a one-year, $250,000 administrative supplemental grant from the National Institutes of Health. The researchers will study the unique needs of caregivers of persons with ADRD living in northern Arizona, identifying how health and caregiver support resources have changed during COVID-19 and how family caregivers are coping with current COVID-19 related caregiving demands. "We are interested in the health of diverse caregivers in northern Arizona and the resources they use and need to maintain their physical, emotional and mental well-being," said NAU Regents' Professor Julie Baldwin, principal investigator of the study and director of CHER. "Our long-term goal is to develop programs that provide support to caregivers and reflect the unique assets of populations in northern Arizona." Co-investigators on the study are Heather J. Williamson, assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, Michael J. McCarthy, associate professor in the Department of Social Work, Dorothy J. Dunn, associate professor in the School of Nursing, and Evie Garcia, associate professor in the Department of Educational Psychology. To conduct the study, titled "A Multilevel Examination of Health Equity among Ethnic and Rural ADRD Caregivers," the researchers are recruiting family caregivers of individuals with ADRD to participate in focus groups and surveys. The team will produce a report on the health care and social support resources that are available to caregivers in northern Arizona, and participants will receive personalized maps and information on what resources are close to them. Researchers will use results from the project to inform culturally based programs for Hispanic/Latino, Native American and rural caregivers and to promote future policies, practices and research initiatives that support them. "We hope that community members will find these county-specific reports of caregiver resources helpful as a tool to either advocate for resources that are lacking and to know what things are available to them that they might not have known about previously," Williamson said. ### If you are a family caregiver of someone with ADRD living in northern Arizona (Apache, Navajo, Coconino, Gila, Yavapai or Mohave counties) and want to participate in a focus group or survey or both, contact Rachel Bacon at Rachel.Bacon@nau.edu or (928) 523-5794. The project is funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities of the National Institutes of Health (3U54MD012388-03S1). Introduction I have found over the decades that the Lord speaks to me most clearly through a combination of personal experience and scripture. The latter generally interpreting the meaning of the former in a way that is Christ-centred and can provide the basis for Spirit anointed preaching and teaching. I have long believed that it is through such prophetic ministry that transformation will come to the Church in Australia. Stress Recently I have been under huge stress. With up to 20 online meetings a week, Zoom and WhatsApp, some of which I must lead with up to 20 faces on my screen, things were getting too much. When we add all this to my normal writing and mentoring, I was being overwhelmed. Then one day, over a quite minor issue, I lost self-control (Galatians chapter 5 verse 23) and got really angry with my wife. (All fixed up now.) Unworthy A few days after the above incident I was out praying early in the morning. Quite frequently I ask the Lord to speak through my prayers, preaching and writing in a prophetic way. On this occasion something came over me, surely the Spirit of God, and I felt so deeply unworthy of serving the Lord that these normal petitions couldnt cross my lips. The sentiment was, We are unworthy servants (Luke 17:10). My heart was being assailed by the Holy Spirit, for, out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew chapter 12 verse 34). Like Peter deeply embarrassed, I fell on my knees before the Lord (Luke chapter 5 verse 8). Obviously, apart from the grace of Christ, my sin discounted me from speaking for the Lord. This was a healthy experience, but there was however something much deeper to come. Seeing the End It was a few weeks after the above encounter, as I was out praying in the midst of a storm (1 Kings chapter 19 verses 11-12), that the precise word my wife had used to describe my anger outburst came to mind. This unpleasant but fair word was fury. Suddenly a bright light from God broke into my spirit revealing to me that my anger was the exact opposite of the truth of the gospel. There is no way that the heavenly Father could ever be furious with my wife as a forgiven and justified child of God. She, me too, will be presented blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy (Jude 24). This is the truth of the End into which believers will be immersed forever. Praise the Lord. Fury however is exclusively the fate of the damned (Romans chapter 2 verse 8). In my anger I had been led astray by the prince of darkness (Acts chapter 26 verse 18) to act out the exact opposite of the Truth as it is in Jesus. Light from Light Amazingly, just as Jesus declared of himself, I am the light of the world (John chapter 8 verse 12), he says of us, you are the light of the world.let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew chapter 5 verse 14, 16). Paul exhorts us, you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (Ephesians chapter 5 verse 8). By sharing in Christ, spiritual illumination has become as much of our identity as God himself is light (1 John 1:5). This is an incredible grace and one which is rarely appreciated or fully lived out. I thank God for the painful experiences which have opened up my inner eyes to such amazing spiritual depths (Ephesians chapter 1 verse 17-18). Conclusion We are commanded at times in scripture, especially in periods of unworthiness, to examine ourselves (1 Corinthians chapter 11:27-28) to see if there be any wicked way in us (Psalm 139 verse 24). The entrance of the light of the Word is painful, but it is glorious (Psalm 119 verse 130), because it is a re-enactment of the death-and-resurrection of Jesus. May the Lord speak to us deeply. U.S. President Donald Trump was at the southwestern state of Arizona Tuesday to inspect the border wall with Mexico and deliver a campaign speech to highlight his achievements on immigration. This week, his administration is suspending certain temporary work visas for foreigners. Voter ID laws are becoming more common and more strict, and the stakes for American democracy are high and growing higher by the year. New research from the University of California San Diego provides evidence that voter ID laws disproportionately reduce voter turnout in more racially diverse areas. As a result, the voices of racial minorities become more muted and the relative influence of white America grows. In a study published in the journal Politics, Groups, and Identities, researchers focused on turnout changes across the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections in states that had recently passed strict photo voter ID laws: Alabama, Mississippi, Virginia and Wisconsin and compared those changes to other states with similar racial compositions that had not passed laws. They found the turnout gap between white counties and racially diverse counties grew more within states enacting new strict photo ID laws. Such results lead to "an already significant racial skew in American democracy growing even more pronounced," according the authors. Contrary to previous studies on voter ID laws, the researchers used actual voter turnout data, rather than surveys gauging attitudes towards voting. "By using official turnout data, we eliminate concerns over inflated or biased turnout patterns from self-reported surveys," said co-author Zoltan Hajnal, a professor of political science at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy. "This analysis provides more precise evidence that strict voter ID laws appear to discriminate." The researchers define strict voter identification law as any electoral law that requires voters to present identification before their ballot will be officially counted. Currently, 36 states have voter ID laws that, at a minimum, request identification and 11 of these states have strict voter ID, requiring ID (all of which have been passed since 2000). Since the study was completed, four additional states--Kentucky, North Carolina, Arkansas and North Dakota--have passed strict voter ID laws. Kentucky's legislation was recently passed in April. In swing states, a decline among non-white voters can have major electoral impacts To determine if the implementation of strict photo ID laws discriminate, the authors looked to see if turnout in racially diverse counties declined relative to turnout in predominantly white counties more in states enacting strict voter IDs, than it did in states not enacting such laws. To gauge this, the researchers used data from official county-level aggregate vote totals for all 3,142 counties in the U.S. They added census data on the racial and ethnic breakdown of the voting age population by county. The findings revealed that when these laws are enacted, turnout in racially diverse counties declines more than in less diverse areas and more sharply than it does in other states. "As the share of counties' non-whites increases, so does the negative impact of strict ID laws," Hajnal and co-authors write. "For example, voter turnout in counties with a 75 percent non-white population declines 1.5 points more in states that just adopted strict ID laws than in states that didn't implement a strict law." The authors added, "Given that the margin of victory in Wisconsin in the 2016 Presidential election was only 0.77 percentage points, this is a meaningful effect." Implications for the courts, which have served as the primary battle ground over these laws Proponents of voter ID laws argue they are necessary to reduce voter fraud and instill greater legitimacy in the democratic process. Critics cite that racial and ethnic minorities are less likely than whites to have ready access to valid identification. The authors point out that no two voter ID laws are identical, and laws in different states may be targeting different groups. For example, North Dakota's strict law requires an ID with a residential street address, which may disproportionately target and impact Native Americans who live on reservations without an official street address. By contrast, Texas's initial law allowed residents to use a concealed carry gun license but not a state issued student ID--a pattern that critics felt favored whites and disproportionately impacted Black and Hispanic residents. The researchers noted that in many ways, the courts have served as the primary battle ground over these laws. Almost every strict ID law has been challenged in the courts. In past proceedings, the courts' rulings have appeared to rest more than anything else on the balance between the burden that these laws pose on racial and ethnic minorities and the state's interest in the integrity of the electoral process. And that balance often seems to rest on the weight of the empirical evidence about the burden these laws pose to minorities. "If courts are indeed trying to gauge the burden these laws impose on minorities and others, then this new data should help the courts with their deliberations," the authors write. In conclusion, they note "this research is an effort to expose inequalities and discrimination in the political system that will hopefully lead to awareness of those inequalities and even more so, to changes in the laws that could reduce them." ### The coronavirus crisis has worsened pre-existing conflicts and mass violence thereby further increasing the risk for minority groups, according to new data collected by Minority Rights Group International (MRG) and the Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights. A map by Peoples Under Threat shows that while on one hand, numerous indigenous people are systematically exposed more to the illness, on the other hand, they might be made scapegoats in conspiracy theories, thus increasing the risk of bias and violence. Also, most minority groups are finding it hard to access health care services, either due to their remote locations or due to discrimination. Earlier reports have shown that in the UK, minorities and ethnic groups have been the most vulnerable during the coronavirus crisis. Analysis of Covid-19 cases and deaths in England and Wales has revealed that black men and women are more prone to the disease. Similarly, a study on coronavirus trends in the UK has shown that those with a South Asian background, especially Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Indian heritage, are more likely to die from coronavirus after being hospitalised. Another report from Europe suggested that there was a disturbing pattern of racial discrimination observed during coronavirus policing. Amnesty International said in a report that cops who were enforcing lockdown restrictions during the health emergency had disproportionately targeted minority and ethnic groups and subjected them to unnecessary violence on grounds of race. READ: South Asians are More Likely to Die of Coronavirus in a UK Hospital, This is Why READ: Coronavirus Detected in Bangladesh Camp Home to More than 1 Million Rohingya Refugees The index uses authoritative indicators to understand which countries would be more vulnerable to mass violence against minority groups and this year, Syria tops the list followed by Somalia, South Sudan and other countries. "Coronavirus has made all people feel under threat, but for minorities and indigenous peoples living under threat is neither unprecedented nor the new normal, but merely an extension of daily vulnerabilities, augmented by the virus", says Joshua Castellino, MRGs Executive Director. "Communities affected by violence and conflict are exposed to daily hardships, but as the virus hits, these will be exacerbated, calling for urgent attention to the notion of human security and ensuring it is a right for all," he further added. According to MRG, the factors that cause conflicts between these groups are already present - socio-economic inequalities, bad governance, climate change and the constant competition for resources that are already scarce. In the absence of political stability and good governance, most minority groups are left even more vulnerable during the Covid-19 crisis. It adds to the already precarious conditions of these groups who in the past have gone through discrimination, violence and even mass migration. Furthermore, such conflicts limit access to healthcare which leaves these groups in the lurch. "International leaders are fond of saying that were in this together, but in reality both governments and armed opposition groups in the worlds conflict zones are weaponizing the pandemic to gain a short-term advantage, seeking to deny medical or sanitary supplies to their enemies or even targeting hospitals and clinics for attack", said Mark Lattimer, Executive Director of the Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights. Thousands of people, who have been displaced by conflicts are now living in refugee camps, like the one in Cox's Bazaar in Bangladesh, or the ones near Syria and Yemen. Isolated due to lockdown measures, these people are more at risk of contracting the virus and do not even have proper medical supplies to aid them. Police are hunting a suspected predator after he approached a girl on her way to school on Tuesday. The man allegedly approached the 13-year-old girl in the car park of a shopping centre at Winmalee, in Sydney's Blue Mountains, at around 8am. According to police, the man allegedly offered the girl a lift, who declined and left the scene. The student notified staff after arriving at school later that morning. A 13-year-old girl was approached by a man on her way to school in the car park of the shopping centre on White Cross Road at Winmalee (pictured) in Sydney's Blue Mountains Blue Mountains Police Area Command have commenced an investigation and have appealed to the public for information on the incident. The man has been described as white, with brown hair and a graying beard. He was seen wearing a green jacket with a hood, blue work pants with reflective bands and boots. His vehicle is thought to be a white Mitsubishi Express van, which was towing a trailer. The recent airstrikes, conducted by Israel, hit a number of targets and caused casualties. These events were reported by both sides of the conflict. Late on Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes in Syria killed at least seven people, including two Syrian soldiers and five pro-Iranian militia members, according to SANA and a Britain-based watchdog said. Below are two stories publish on a government news agency and an opposition news agency. Syrian Air Defenses Intercept Israeli Aggression SANA (official news agency) Shortly after midnight, Syrian air defenses intercepted an Israeli aerial aggression on Salamyieh and Sabburah in the Hama countryside and downed a large number of missiles before they reached their targets. A military source told SANA that at 12:45 am, the Israeli enemy launched a new aggression which targeted a number of the Syrian military sites in Salamyieh and Sabburah in the Hama countryside. The source added that immediately after the missiles were spotted, the armys air defenses targeted them and downed a number of them before they reached their targets, and they only caused material damage. Earlier on Tuesday evening, a number of the military sites in the countryside of Deir ez-Zor and Suweida provinces were targeted by a missile aggression, and two soldiers were martyred and others were injured, in addition to causing material damage. A military source said that at 9:17 pm on Tuesday evening, hostile air targets coming from the east and northeast of Palmyra launched a number of missiles at military sites in Kabajib to the west of Deir ez-Zor and in the al-Sikhnieh area. Meanwhile, one of the army sites has been targeted near Salkhad to the south of Suweida. The source added that two soldiers were martyred in the aggression and four others were injured, in addition to causing material damage. In recent years, the Syrian air defenses have intercepted many Israeli attacks, which have been perpetrated to raise the morale of the collapsing terrorist organizations, which the Syrian Arab Army have been inflicting heavy losses upon. Israeli Bombing Kills and Injures Syrian Government Forces Members at Several Sites in Syria Smart News (opposition website) On Tuesday night, Israeli air and missile strikes hit Syrian government forces sites in Deir ez-Zor, Suweida, and Hama, eastern, southern and central Syria, killing and injuring several. Syrian government media said that Israeli warplanes coming from east and northeast Palmyra in Homs bombed military headquarters in the governorates of Deir ez-Zor and Suweida, killing two Syrian government forces members and injuring four others. The bombing also caused damage. The sources added that on Tuesday night, Israeli warplanes targeted military headquarters in the Salamiyeh area and Sabburah, east of Hama. A similar bombing also hit the town of Kobajjep, south of Deir ez-Zor, and the city of Salkhad, south of Suweida. A private source from the city of Salamiyeh, who preferred to remain anonymous for security reasons, reported to Smart News that the bombing targeted the 47th Brigade, which includes Iranian forces overseeing a long-range missile system southeast of Hama, and the onion plant in the city of Salamiyeh, which is an ammunition depot for National Defense militias. The bombing hit the fodder plant in Aqarib al-Safiyah, which is next to a training camp for Iranian forces, in addition to the cultural center in Sabburah, which is the headquarters of the National Defense militias. The source added that the bombing also hit a checkpoint of Iranian forces in Ithriyah, east of Hama, where there are about 40 members permanently. 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. New Delhi, June 25 : Director Thomas Kail feels the "Hamilton" movie gained an "extra virtue" amid the COVID-19 disruption, and says it will remind people of the feeling of getting together to experience a story coming alive on the stage. The film was scheduled to release in theatres in 2021, but as cinema halls continue to reel from the global shutdown due to the pandemic, Disney have decided to release the movie on a streaming platform. "Disney was planning on coming out (with the film) 15 months later, (but when we decided to release now), (they) put all hands on deck with us and it just felt like an opportunity to lower the barrier to entry," Kail said during a virtual press conference with select media, including IANS, before release of the film. "In this moment, where not only are there no 'Hamilton's, but there are no live performances. There are no concerts. There's no Broadway. There's no regional theatre. The fact that this was something that captured what it felt like to be in a theatre in June of 2016, all of sudden became an extra virtue," he added. The director continued: "Because it's a reminder of what it is like to sit in a room with a group of people, you've never met, and have that experience." It was in 2015 when "Hamilton" came to life and won hearts by narrating the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton with a blend of hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway. With exploration of the history of the US, the musical shared a glimpse of the present, going on to become an important cultural influence. During its successful run, it won several Tony Awards, a Grammy and the Pulitzer Prize for drama. As a director of the filmed version of "Hamilton", Kail wanted to honour the world created by Hollywood's multi-hyphenate talent Lin-Manuel Miranda. Looking back at the process of translating the musical, he said: "We shot the whole thing in three days from June 26 of 2016... The shows that we did with an audience did not stop. The cameras were positioned in the audience. The audience sat around them, and we just ran the show as we always did. "We had six cameras with six camera operators, and then three fixed cameras for the Sunday and the Tuesday show... I wasn't spending any of my time thinking about performance. My job was to capture. My job was about honouring," he added. The director, also known for his work on "Fosse/Verdon", feels the task for him was to try to create a document of "what it felt like to be in that room" with the team. "I think what we tried to do is embrace the love we have for being in the theatre and the love we have for the theatre, but also take some of the cinematic techniques and try to apply them to a form that I think the musical can support, and this company deserved it. My task was how do I honour this group and how do I try to create this experience so we can share it with as many people as possible," he added. Kail noted that he tried to preserve the work of the whole team in true sense. "It was that simple. There's something very unifying about that idea. The proximity that you gain in experiencing this in a cinematic way," he added. Filmed at The Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York in June of 2016, the multi-award winning stage musical, featuring the original Broadway cast, will release on Disney+ Hotstar Premium on July 3. (Sugandha Rawal can be contacted at sugandha.r@ians.in) -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text Burma World Bank: Myanmar Economy to See Growth Drop by 6.3% This Fiscal Year Due to COVID-19 Drinking water delivery men in downtown Yangon during the stay-at-home period imposed to curb the further spread of COVID-19. / The Irrawaddy YANGONThe latest report from the World Bank says Myanmars economic growth could drop from 6.8 percent to 0.5 percent this fiscal year, as the country has been severely hit by impacts from COVID-19. The 2019-2020 fiscal year began on Oct.1, 2019 and ends on Sept. 30. The global COVID-19 pandemic is dealing a severe blow to Myanmars economy, the report said. The slowdown in economic growth threatens to partially reverse Myanmars recent progress in poverty reduction while reducing the incomes of households that are already poor, the bank said. According to the report, if Myanmar controls the domestic spread of the coronavirus and the global economy swiftly recovers, Myanmars GDP growth rate is projected to bounce back to 7.2 percent in the 2020-21 fiscal year. In this scenario, poverty rates would increase in the short term and will not return to pre-crisis levels until fiscal year 2021-2022. At the moment the medium-term outlook for Myanmars economy is positive, but there are significant downside risks due to the unpredictable evolution of the pandemic, said Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Myanmar, Cambodia and Lao PDR. Under the downside scenario, poverty rates would remain above their pre-crisis level until at least the 2022-2023 Fiscal year, the bank said in a press release. Though the agriculture and technology sectors have remained resilient, disruptions in supply chains and weakening global demand have negatively impacted the industrial sector in the country, according to the bank. Industrial production is expected to contract by 0.2 percent in current fiscal year as lockdown measures restrict access to labor, the closure of the overland border with China disrupts the supply of industrial inputs, and consumer demandboth domestic and internationalremains soft, the bank said. The World Bank warned that precautionary behavior and travel bans continue to negatively impact wholesale and retail trade, tourism-related services and transportation. It said that exports will likely remain weak for the rest of the fiscal year due to the ongoing disruption of supply chains and weakening external demand. The bank warned that, as a result, tax revenues may decline by 6 percent, year-on-year, in the current fiscal year. The report also looked at the Myanmar governments response to the crisis through the COVID-19 fund and Economic Relief Plan (CERP), the bank said. Robust policy actions are urgently needed. It will be important for the government to boost the effectiveness of the CERP by ensuring flexibility in spending targets, extending support to smaller enterprises and ensuring all poor households can benefit from the plan, Sherman said. The CERP seeks to ease the impact of the pandemic by implementing new measures and response plans, ranging from monetary reforms and increased government spending to measures to strengthen the health care system in the country. In April, the World Bank warned that Myanmars GDP growth was projected to slow to 2-3 percent in the current fiscal year due to COVID-19, and that the economic impact will hit poor and vulnerable households across the country badly. Myanmars economy has faced a significant slowdown since late January, with small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism, garment, border trade and export sectors being hit the hardest, causing massive losses for producers, exporters and workers. Last week, State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said that government expects the most severe economic impacts of COVID-19 will be felt in the final four months of this year. However, she reassured people in Myanmar that the government is well prepared to address the impacts. Burma Myanmar to Launch Investment Policy Review Shipping containers at Asia World Port in Yangon / The Irrawaddy YANGONMyanmar has finalized its second Investment Policy Review (IPR) with the help of the France-based Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to identify further policy reforms needed to make the country a more attractive destination for quality, responsible investment for both foreign and local investors. At a press conference in Naypyitaw on Wednesday, the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Economic Relations (MIFER), U Aung Naing Oo, said the ministry and the OECD completed a final review process on Tuesday. The OECDs review provides Myanmar with a comprehensive overview of global and regional investment trends, policies and practices affecting Myanmars investment climate, according to the MIFER. The permanent secretary said the latest policy review identified investment policies that need to be improved and reforms that need to be worked on, and also makes clear what needs to be done to pursue more investment. U Aung Naing Oo said the IPR is expected to published during the next three months. In a press release, MIFER said it welcomed the reviews findings and noted that investment policies have been revised to ensure a level playing field for all investors and to create a favorable, predictable and friendly investment climate in the country. Myanmar conducted its first IPR in 2014, covering areas such as investment promotion and facilitation, financial sector reform, infrastructure development and responsible business conduct. It pushed a range of key investment-oriented reforms, including the drafting of the Myanmar Investment Law and the Myanmar Companies Law, according to the MIFER. The MIFER said the second IPR would cover additional areas such as connectivity; investment frameworks that support green growth; fostering secure and well-defined land rights; and enhancing the role of economic zones. Since the National League for Democracy (NLD) took office in 2016, it has implemented several economic reforms including passing a new Companies Law in 2018 and launching an online company registration system to boost confidence among foreign investors. However, Myanmar faced a significant decline in foreign investment from US$9.5 billion (13.22 trillion kyats) in fiscal 2015-16 to $6.6 billion in 2016-17 and $5.7 billion in 2017-18 after Western investors turned away from the country due to the Rohingya crisis. In October 2018, the country introduced the Myanmar Investment Promotion Plan (MIPP), which aims to attract more than $200 billion in investment from responsible businesses over the next 20 years. MIPP projects are expected to receive $8.5 billion from fiscal 2021-22 to 2025-26; $12.3 billion from 2026-27 to 2030-31; and $17.6 billion from 2031-32 to 2035-36. Since late 2018, Myanmar has held investment and business forums both abroad and at home, with Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore among Asian countries, and the US, UK, Czech, Hungary and Australia among Western nations. The government organized a Union-level investment summit in Naypyitaw and four major investment forums in Yangon and Mandalay regions, and in Rakhine and Chin states, inviting both local and foreign investors to attend. In the World Banks latest ease of doing business ranking, Myanmar moved up six places to 165th. The bank cited several reforms including an easier environment for starting a business and greater protections for minority investors. In the first eight months of FY2018-19, which began in October, Myanmar received $4.15 billion and approved $4.39 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI). As of Wednesday, the MIC had approved a total of 1.3 trillion kyats worth of local investment so far this fiscal year. Last week, Union Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations U Thaung Tun said Myanmar was on track to meet its FDI target of $5.8 billion for this fiscal year based on current data. He said securing a steady flow of investment would be crucial to reviving the countrys economy, which has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. You may also like these stories: Construction on Chinas BRI Deep Sea Port to Start Soon in Myanmars Rakhine State: Govt Myanmar SMEs Urge Suu Kyi to Ease COVID-19 Loan Policies Myanmar Confident About Reaching Investment Target, Despite COVID-19 A giant, dense plume of Saharan dust is shrouding much of the Caribbean as it heads westward toward Central America and the southern U.S. this week. Why it matters: The dust cloud blanketing Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and eastern Cuba on Tuesday prompted authorities to issue health warnings across the region as air quality plummeted to unhealthy levels, per Reuters. A tweet previously embedded here has been deleted or was tweeted from an account that has been suspended or deleted. Pablo Mendez Lazaro, from the University of Puerto Rico's School of Public Health, told AP, "This is the most significant event in the past 50 years. Conditions are dangerous in many Caribbean islands." Aallergist and American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology president J. Allen Meadows said in a statement on Tuesday that dust storms and air pollution "can make asthma symptoms worse and make breathing more difficult." The big picture: Per the NOAA, the Saharan Air Layer (SAL) is a mass of "very dry, dusty air" that forms over the Sahara Desert in northern Africa. SAL outbreaks usually occupy a two- to 2.5-mile-thick layer of the atmosphere with the base starting about one mile above the surface. It reduced visibility in some areas to five miles when it reached the eastern Caribbean over the weekend, per a NOAA statement. "The main impacts of the Saharan dust are a whitening of the sky during daylight hours, redder sunsets, and decreased air quality," NOAA said in a statement on Tuesday. What to expect The Saharan dust layer is due to hit the Florida Peninsula and Gulf Coast "in the coming days," according to NOAA's Storm Prediction Center. A doctor and public health expert based in Houston, Texas warned Wednesday that the states record numbers of newly confirmed coronavirus cases could signal the start of a major disaster one that could take Houston in the direction of New York City. Speaking to the Houston Chronicle, Dr Peter Hotez, co-director of the Centre for Vaccine Development at Texas Childrens Hospital, gave a stark diagnosis of where Texas and its largest city currently stand, several weeks after most lockdown orders were lifted. Its absolutely horrifying. Im terribly upset about what I see happening. There were some predictive models out of Pennsylvania that actually showed this. This is why I didnt want Texas to open up as early as it did. Texass governor, Greg Abbott, was one of the first in the nation to allow his state to begin reopening for business after weeks in lockdown. He himself privately admitted at the time that doing so would result in more cases, but the plan went ahead nonetheless However, the states seven-day average rate of positive tests has now surpassed the warning level Mr Abbott himself set, and the number of cases hit a record 5,551 on Wednesday the previous record having been set the day before. Dr Hotez has been sounding the alarm for several weeks, especially in recent days. One interview with a local ABC station saw him warning that the city of Houston is seeing trends reminiscent of the outbreak New York, by far the USs worst-hit city so far. People can make the argument, well, if youre seeing an increase in the number of cases, maybe thats due to more efficient testing or expanded testing, but one thing you cannot hide are the hospitalisations and the ICU cases ... Look, right now were at about half ICU capacity if those numbers continue to rise over the next week or so, we may be in a situation where we see a situation thats similar to what happened in New York City over the spring, in which theres a big surge and it becomes difficult to manage so many patients. And thats where the death rate starts to go up, the mortality rate starts going up. So one of the reasons Im speaking out about this is I want to prevent that situation for our city. Dr Hotez testified to Congress at the beginning of March, when the US outbreak was just beginning to gather steam, that his team at Texas Childrens Hospital had in fact had a vaccine for a different coronavirus strain ready to go in 2016, but that back then, nobody was interested in a coronavirus vaccine and they could not obtain sufficient funding to proceed. More than three months on, Dr Hotez told the Chronicle the states response has now slipped backwards to a dangerous point. I think we should be on red alert for coronavirus threat level. We need to head in that direction. Six months into this epidemic, and were basically to square one. Deputy High Commissioner of United Kingdom Andrew Flemming took to twitter to praise 'Andhra Pradesh success model'. In his tweet, Andrew Flemming said that the world should take lessons from the success of Andhra Pradesh model to tackle Covid-19. The Deputy High Commissioner of the United Kingdom for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Andrew Fleming took to Twitter to shower praises on the way the Andhra Pradesh government has dealt with the Corona pandemic. His tweet says that AP has tested 14,049 per million, mobilised a network of 4.5 lakh volunteers to work with 11,158 village secretaries & pioneered tech to monitor quarantine compliance. The Honble Deputy HC further goes to the extent of saying lessons for the world ( globe) meaning that the success of model and strategy of Andhra Pradesh has a lot of lessons in store for administrations across the country . The AP success model as it is now being called had received widespread appreciation from people across the country. From the Union Health Minister Dr.Harshvardhan to Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, from various national media houses to the likes of the Indian Medical association , people across professions and social spheres have lauded the success of Andhra Pradesh in the recent past. Also Read: Class 10 and 12 board exams scrapped, CBSE tells top court Article documenting Andhra Pradesh success in tackling COVID19. AP has tested 14,049 per million, mobilised a network of 4.5 lakh volunteers to work with 11,158 village secretaries & pioneered tech to monitor quarantine compliance. Lessons for the https://t.co/0mUUDvB0gG Dr Andrew Fleming (@Andrew007Uk) June 25, 2020 Also Read: Our arms not to hatch eggs: Adhir Ranjans provocative remark on LAC standoff The states strategies or initiatives have also been adopted by multiple other states in India which reiterates the same. Kerala, TN , Bihar, Telangana are a few states which adopted intiatives like the Volunteer system, technological tools to trace and contain , door-to-door surveys which were successfully implemented by Andhra Pradesh. Even the United Kingdom was seen calling for volunteers post the success of the volunteer system in AP being covered majorly by National and international media. Also Read: UK urges India, China to engage in dialogue to resolve worrying standoff For all the latest National News, download NewsX App The Bloomberg described the event as the worlds largest tech conference. As many as 25 Vietnamese hi-tech and e-commerce companies and several universities are attending the event. Over 600 speakers, including Prime Minister of Canada Justine Trudeau, General Director of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will mention a range of topics, from technology, digital communications to music, politics and culture. Vietnam and Canada hold the potential of sharing human capital in the research and development of key technologies, building strategic alliances with private organisations, start-ups and universities to develop new technologies or upgrade existing ones, as well as facilitating technological transfer for common goals, co-Director of the Canada Vietnam Trade Council Femi Oloruntoba told Vietnam News Agency in a recent interview in Ottawa. The two countries established their diplomatic ties in 1973 and joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Two-way trade was approximately CAD8 billion (around US$6 billion) in 2019. Nguyen Phuong, CEO of FPT Canada, said Canada still lacks engineers to join the government and firms digital transformation projects, such as automation and application of artificial intelligence to improve business efficiency. He added that it offers a great chance for Vietnamese enterprises. Julie Nguyen, Director of the Canada - Vietnam Trade Council, said the non-profit organisation has been operating for a decade and coordinated with the host authorities to introduce the Vietnamese market and connect the two countries businesses together. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issued updated guidance for K-12 schools Thursday on schools reopening in the fall. If the current positive public health metrics hold, we believe that when we follow critical health requirements, we can safely return to in-person school this fall with plans in place to protect all members of our educational community, Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey C. Riley said. The decision to reopen schools was based in part on the lower infection rate of COVID-19 among children and the negative impact of keeping children out of the classroom. There is a clear consensus from both education and medical groups: we must keep in mind not only the risks associated with COVID-19 for in-person school programs, but also the known challenges and consequences of keeping students out of school, Riley said. While remote learning has improved over the course of the school closures, there is no substitute for in-person instruction when it comes to the quality of students academic learning. In-person school plays an equally important role in our ability to support students social-emotional needs, including their mental 4 and physical health, and in mitigating the impacts of trauma. We also recognize how disruptive school closures have been to families trying to maintain regular work schedules and manage household needs, including childcare, while also facilitating remote learning. The 28-page guidance includes guidance for schools, parents and students. It outlines social distance requirements in the classroom as well as the need to keep children home if they feel unwell. Among the requirements include mandate masks for all staff and students in second grade and older. Students in kindergarten and first grade will be encouraged but not required to wear masks. Face shields may be an option for those students with medical, behavioral, or other challenges who are unable to wear masks/face coverings, the guidance states. Transparent masks may be the best option for both teachers and students in classes for deaf and hard of hearing students. Breaks from wearing masks will be scheduled throughout the day when social distancing allows. Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito will be joined by Secretary of Education James Peyser and Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Jeffrey Riley during their noon press conference to discuss the guidance on Thursday. Read the full report below Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne allowed a controversial rezoning process to proceed against the repeated advice of his own department, including a warning about the involvement of allegedly corrupt planning consultant John Woodman. State government documents released to The Age have shed new light on the Casey land scandal under investigation by the states anti-corruption watchdog IBAC. They include high-level briefs to the minister over five years about the proposed rezoning of industrial land in Cranbourne West, a suburb in Casey, to the much more lucrative residential. Planning Minister Richard Wynne. Credit:Pat Scala Concerns raised by The Age about the rezoning were central to six weeks of explosive public examination by IBAC, which heard evidence of Mr Woodman's plan to steer the rezoning known as amendment C219 to approval Note: This story has been corrected to reflect ballots are being mailed by local clerks. Local clerks have begun mailing absentee ballots for the Aug. 4 primary election to registered voters who requested them, the Secretary of States office said in a statement Thursday, June 25. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer have pushed for increased absentee voting in light of the coronavirus pandemic. No one should be forced to choose between their health and their right to vote, and in Michigan no one has to, Benson said. We have been hard at work to ensure even in the midst of a pandemic voters have the full range of options for how to cast their ballot, and can be assured no matter how they choose to do so it will be safe and secure. The state is providing numerous options to cast ballots in the upcoming Aug. 4 election, including absentee by mail, absentee at a ballot dropbox or their local clerks office, in-person at their clerks office or a satellite office in the 14 days prior to the election, or at a polling location on election day, the SOS Office said. A 2018, voter-passed ballot initiative that increased access to absentee voting requires that clerks mail absentee ballots at least 40 days prior to an election for those who request them. The May election, which is much smaller than the upcoming Aug. 4 and Nov. 3 presidential elections, served as a pilot program of sorts for the absentee ballot application mailing. Bensons office spent $650,000 to mail absentee ballot applications to every known registered voter. While few visited physical polling locations, the turnout via absentee ballot was record-breaking for a May election, Benson said. Following the success of the May election, Benson announced absentee ballot applications would be mailed to registered voters for the remainder of the elections in 2020, which drew the attention of President Donald Trump. Trump criticized Bensons plan on Twitter. Trump initially incorrectly stated that Benson planned to mail actual absentee ballots, rather than applications, but later corrected the statement. Trump posted on Twitter: Michigan sends absentee ballot applications to 7.7 million people ahead of primaries and the general election. This was done illegally and without authorization by a rogue Secretary of State. I will ask to hold up funding to Michigan if they want to go down this Voter Fraud path! Benson responded that she was dumbfounded the president would criticize efforts to increase voter access. The SOS received at least $11.3 million in coronavirus-related grant funds related to administer safe elections this year. The SOS hasnt finalized plans for spending the grant funds, but tentatively has marked $4.5 million for absentee ballot application mailings, $650,000 for improvements to absentee ballot envelopes, $2.2 million for personal protection equipment, $1.5 million in matches to local municipalities for election tabulators and scanners, $500,000 for efforts to make absentee ballots more accessible to people with disabilities, SOS spokesman Jake Rollow said. Anyone interested in volunteering to help with the upcoming election may visit Michigan.gov/DemocracyMVP to learn more. Residents interested in voter registration can learn more at Michigan.gov/Vote. COVID-19 PREVENTION TIPS In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home (door handles, faucets, countertops) and carry hand sanitizer with you when you go into places like stores. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also issued an executive order requiring people to wear face coverings over their mouth and nose while inside enclosed, public spaces. Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus. More on MLive: Michigan to register outgoing prisoners to vote All elections may be conducted by mail May election draws record number of ballots Benson dumbfounded by Trump statements Thursday, June 25: Latest developments on coronavirus Opening Michigan gyms is essential to public health, experts say. But it also threatens it. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jorn Poltz and Karen Lema (Reuters) Munich, Germany/Manila, Philippines Thu, June 25, 2020 08:53 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066173ee9 2 SE Asia Philippines,Wirecard,scandal,payment,firm,Germany,money-laundering Free Wirecard's $2.1 billion accounting scandal is being investigated by the Philippines, which said that the German payments firm's former chief operating officer Jan Marsalek may be in the country. Philippine Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said on Wednesday that he had instructed state investigators to coordinate with the central bank's anti-money laundering council in investigating Wirecard. Marsalek was fired by Wirecard on Monday after it disclosed that the billions, purportedly held at two Philippine banks which have denied any connection with the German firm, probably did not exist. "There are some indications that he may have returned recently and may still be here," Guevarra said in a text message to reporters, adding that immigration records showed the 40-year-old Austrian had been in the Philippines from March 3-5. The Munich prosecutor's office intends to seek Marsalek's arrest, German business daily newspaper Handelsblatt reported. Germany has no extradition treaty with the Philippines. The Munich prosecutor's office declined to comment, as did the court that would need to approve any arrest warrant. Marsalek's lawyer could not be reached for comment. Former chief executive Markus Braun, who was arrested in Munich on Monday on suspicion of misrepresenting Wirecard's accounts and of market manipulation, was released on Tuesday after posting bail of 5 million euros ($5.64 million). Although a warrant against Braun - another Austrian - has been lifted he remains under investigation. Braun's lawyer Alfred Dierlamm declined to comment. 'Clarity unlikely' During Braun's 18 years as CEO, Wirecard grew into a $28 billion 'fintech' firm that won a spot in 2018 in Germany's DAX blue-chip index. It fell from grace last Thursday when auditor EY refused to sign its 2019 accounts. Braun said Wirecard may have been a victim of fraud before he quit last Friday. The ensuing scandal has rocked Germany's financial establishment, shown regulators to have been asleep at the wheel, and sent Wirecard shares down by more than 80%, to value the business at around $2 billion. Bank of America Merrill Lynch slashed its share-price target to 1 euro from 14 euros on Wednesday, saying customers may be starting to abandon Wirecard, while banks it owes 1.75 billion euros to may be weighing the closure of credit lines. "These developments may make the business unsustainable," its analysts wrote in a note. "Clarity on the underlying business is unlikely to arise for some time." Southeast Asian ride-hailing and payments company Grab said it had put a partnership with Wirecard on hold. The alliance, which is backed by Softbank, was part of a broader pact with the Japanese investor that put money into Wirecard last year. Crisis manager New CEO James Freis, a former financial investigator at the US Treasury and compliance chief at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, is holding crisis talks with a consortium of 15 banks led by Germany's Commerzbank. With Wirecard having failed to file audited financials, the banks could call in the loans at any time. Some creditors do not, for now, favor tipping Wirecard into insolvency, but they are demanding full transparency as they seek to get their money back, people close to the matter said. With the disclosure of the financial hole wiping out a decade of cash flows, it will be tough for Wirecard to survive even with a debt restructuring as underlying profitability could be weak, said Richard Sbaschnig, a forensic accountant at CFRA. Wirecard's potential break-up value is likely to be limited, Sbaschnig added, as earnings appear to have been negative in 2018 after stripping out the impact of the obscure third-party acquiring partners at the centre of the suspected fraud. German financial regulator Bafin, which has filed a revised claim against Wirecard to prosecutors, has parachuted in an official to stabilize its Wirecard Bank subsidiary. Wirecard Bank holds 1.4 billion euros, according to the most recent figures, on behalf of depositors whose claims would senior to those of bank lenders to parent company. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved an agreement with Turkey on military-financial cooperation. The corresponding decision was made at a government meeting on Thursday. This agreement was signed on February 3, 2020. It stipulates that the Turkish government will provide Ukraine 200 million Turkish liras for a certain period for the purpose of purchasing goods and services for military purposes mainly from Turkish firms and companies. In addition, the government approved a protocol between countries on the implementation of financial assistance. This document assumes that the Turkish government will provide Ukraine with 5 million Turkish liras for the training of the Armed Forces in training centers of Turkey. Australia's media regulator wants misleading advertisements to be governed under a new voluntary code aimed at tackling problems with misleading or harmful content on websites such as Facebook and Google. Misinformation and 'fake news' have been a constant challenge for social media sites but the national bushfire crisis and coronavirus pandemic have led to an increase in inaccurate and misleading content online. Australian Communications and Media Authority chairman Nerida O'Loughlin. Credit:Rhett Wyman Chair of the Australian Communications and Media Authority Nerida O'Loughlin said the regulatory framework will attempt to reduce the harm to users of such misinformation online. "We want to see a reduction in the impact of potentially harmful information potentially arising from this misinformation on digital platforms," Ms O'Loughlin said. "But the other side of that coin is assisting users of those to be able to identify quality news and information and then make the choice as to whether they want to be guided by that information." Advertisement Ohio automotive startup Lordstown Motors has unveiled its Endurance electric pickup truck, with help from Vice President Mike Pence who took part in the demonstration. Pence rode onstage in the passenger seat of the prototype truck at the presentation on Thursday at the company's plant in Lordstown, Ohio, where full-scale production will begin early next year. 'It's a nice ride, and I'm a truck guy,' Pence commented as he took the podium. 'After a heartbreaking day in 2019, to see this kind of a comeback - I hope you see it's a testament to the confidence the people of this company have in the people of this community,' said Pence, referring to the shuttering of the GM parts factory that now houses Lordstown Motors. Vice President Mike Pence rode onstage in the passenger seat of the new Endurance electric pickup truck at an unveiling event on Thursday in Lordstown Motors' Ohio factory Lordstown CEO Steve Burns introduces Pence at the event. Lordstown hopes to be the first electric pickup to market 'It's a nice ride, and I'm a truck guy,' Pence commented as he took the podium Founded just last year, Lordstown Motors has ambitious plans to compete with established rivals Ford, General Motors, and Tesla, all of which plan to release electric pickup trucks in the coming years. Lordstown plans to be the first to hit the market, however, and is already taking orders from fleet customers for its $52,000 Endurance. Headquartered in an abandoned GM parts plant in northeast Ohio, Lordstown Motors hopes to be the anchor of what it is calling 'Voltage Valley,' a hub for electric vehicle and battery manufacturing. Taking the stage at Thursday's event, Lordstown CEO Steve Burns touted the Endurance's innovative in-hub motor design. Rather than a traditional drive train, the Endurance uses hub motors that independently power each wheel -- a design that has been used in heavy machinery and military equipment, but never in a commercial passenger vehicle. 'Even a Model T had 700 moving parts in its drive train. We have four,' Burns said, touting the design as both simple and powerful. 'We will have the best traction of any pickup ever made. We will be the safest pickup truck ever made,' Burns vowed. Lordstown is already taking orders from fleet customers for its $52,000 Endurance Rather than a traditional drive train, the Endurance uses hub motors that independently power each wheel 'We will have the best traction of any pickup ever made. We will be the safest pickup truck ever made,' Burns vowed The Endurance will have a range of 250 miles per charge, a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, and peak horsepower of 600hp To fulfill Burns' vow to bring the first electric pickup truck to market, it will have to race on a very tight timeline The Endurance will have a range of 250 miles per charge, a towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, and peak horsepower of 600hp. Earlier this week, Lordstown announced its first fleet customer, after Servepro, a fire and water restoration company, signed a letter of intent to purchase 1,200 Endurance electric pickup trucks. The vehicles will be delivered in early 2021 when full scale production begins. Also on Thursday, Goodyear Tire & Rubber announced a strategic relationship with Lordstown Motors and said it would acquire new Endurance vehicles for its fleet. Pence said Lordstown has presold 14,000 vehicles. 'For the folks we sell to, fleets, cost is king,' Burns said, pointing out that the lifetime costs of the Endurance beat combustion competitors when fuel costs are factored in. To fulfill Burns' vow to bring the first electric pickup truck to market, it will have to race on a very tight timeline. GM plans to build its first electric pickup truck in 2021. Tesla plans to start building its electric Cybertruck in 2021, while Nikola Corp plans to build an electric truck by 2022. Electric vehicle startup Rivian plans to build an electric pickup truck starting in late 2020, while Ford will introduce an electric F-150 truck in 2022. All will be competing for a slice of the U.S. pickup market, where last year, there were 2.5 million full-size pickups sold, according to Kelley Blue Book data. The Lordstown factory in Ohio is located in a former GM parts factory that was shut down in early 2017 The facility hopes to produce as many as 60,000 electric trucks per year when production hits full scale The new Endurance pickup truck is seen driving inside the company's factory in Ohio Independent motors will power each wheel on the Endurance, an innovative design seen in this sketch Designers are seen working with a clay model of the new Endurance pickup truck The sprawling former GM plant's fate became a political lightning rod after the largest U.S. automaker announced its planned closure in November 2018, drawing condemnation from President Donald Trump and many U.S. lawmakers. On Thursday, the campaign of Trump's presumptive Democratic rival in the November election, former Vice President Joe Biden, said 'Trump and GM abandoned Ohios union workers.' The campaign cited a 2017 Trump speech in nearby Youngstown, Ohio, in which Trump said jobs were 'all coming back' and urged residents: 'Dont move. Dont sell your house.' As recently as 2016, the GM plant employed 4,500 workers. Its March 2019 closure was devastating to the area. Lordstown Motors has to date hired just 70 employees and about 100 contractors. Lordstown Motors, which is 10 percent owned by Workhorse Group, bought the former GM plant and equipment for $20 million as part of its ambitious plan to begin delivering electric pickup trucks to customers by year end - a goal which has since been delayed to January. State Democratic Chairman David Pepper called Pence's visit a 'photo op' in an area where Trump failed to keep promises to 1,700 GM workers displaced by the former plant's closure. GM has since built a battery plant near the Lordstown site, employing 1,100 workers. Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, who represents the Mahoning Valley, said he welcomes Pence to the region and seeks the administration's commitment to building a robust electric vehicle market there. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, said he and first lady Fran DeWine won't be visiting with Pence on Thursday because they are avoiding crowds due to the coronavirus. He said during a briefing with reporters that he has not asked Pence to wear a mask, as the state Health Department advises. 'I am not going to tell the vice president what to do,' he said, 'but this is how we all stay safe and help each other.' [June 25, 2020] Collision from Home: Twitter CTO: Misinformation Campaigns Backed by States Among Most Harmful on Twitter TORONTO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Twitter CTO Parag Agrawal today spoke of the challenges Twitter faces with surges in both use and fake accounts during the Covid-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests. Agrawal made the remarks at the 32,000-attendee online conference Collision from Home, produced by the team behind Web Summit the world's largest tech conference. Agrawal said the surge in Twitter use "presents a fascinating challenge, especially in the context of the pandemic" and outlined how misinformation campaigns backed by states are among the most harmful on the platform. "The most dangerous fake accounts actually don't look fake on the surface. They're the ones that inflict the most harm. An interesting category of that is state-backed manipulation attempts. "We see a pattern where we find over time these fairly sophisticated campaigns to manipulate the conversation and (we) are able to attribute them to some state. When we do identify them, we make a public disclosure. We actually release the entire dataset, often many terabytes, so that external researchers can look into that, learn more about patterns that we might not have even seen and make us smarter going forward to be able to detect them better," said Agrawal. Agrawal said he's "proud of the team for keeping the service up and running through these challenging times, in a moment when people were most interested and eager to use it," and spoke of what he considers Twitter's mission. "We think our mission as a company is to serve the public conversation. The last few months have affirmed our belief in the importance of public conversations, as a people. Beyond that, we have an important role to play in serving the public conversation Twitter as service," said Agrawal. To this end, Arawal spoke of the millions of fake Twitter accounts that get suspended every week before even posting a single tweet, as well as the technology Twitter uses to root out bad actors. "We suspend millions of accounts every month before anyone on Twitter ever sees them or before they're able to tweet, get into your timeline, get into search they get suspended. Additionally we take millions of accounts every week that we challenge to determine if they are human. "We have a large amount of algorithms that are proactively monitoring behaviours of various accounts over time, detecting patterns, which we see when we look at accounts not as a single account, but as aggregates of large amounts of accounts and we see anomalies which can't be explained by normal usage," said Agrawal. Watch a clip from the interview here . About Parag Agrawal: Parag Agrawal is the CTO of Twitter. He first joined the company in 2011 as a software engineer, having previously worked on research internships at AT&T, Microsoft and Yahoo!. About Collision: Collision is known by CBC as the "TIFF for tech", while Inc. Magazine calls it the "fastest-growing tech conference in North America". Collision is set to move online for 2020 with Collision from Home. Collision will return to Toronto as a physical event for the second year from June 21-24, 2021 at the Enercare Centre. About Web Summit: Forbes says Web Summit is "the best tech conference on the planet"; Bloomberg calls it "Davos for geeks"; Politico, "the Olympics of tech"; The Guardian, "Glastonbury for geeks"; and, in the words of Inc. Magazine, "Web Summit is the largest technology conference in the world". Whatever Web Summit is, it wouldn't be possible without an incredible team of over 200 employees based in Dublin, Lisbon, Toronto and Hong Kong, including world-class engineers, data scientists, designers, producers, marketers, salespeople, and more. They've disrupted an old industry by building incredible software and designing mind-blowing events, revolutionising how people and ideas come together to change the world. Useful links: Collision images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/collisionconf/ Collision speaker lineup: https://collisionconf.com/speakers Collision schedule: https://collisionconf.com/schedule View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/collision-from-home-twitter-cto-misinformation-campaigns-backed-by-states-among-most-harmful-on-twitter-301084109.html SOURCE Web Summit [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Malawi's opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera appeared headed for victory Thursday in a re-run of a presidential vote that was scrapped over massive irregularities, unofficial tallies showed. Voters went to the polls on Tuesday for a second time in a year to elect a president after the Constitutional Court ordered fresh elections in a historic vote seen as a test for democracy in the southern African country. Results compiled from each of the 5,002 polling centres and tallied by the public broadcaster MBC and Times newspaper, gave Chakwera a dominant 59 percent lead ahead of incumbent President Peter Mutharika's 38 percent. Mutharika, in power since 2014, won 38.5 percent of last year's discredited vote in which Chakwera garnered 35.4 percent. The country's electoral commission said Thursday it had received results from 26 of the country's 28 districts -- representing 82 percent of the total vote. But it did not say when it would release the full results as it appealed for patience and calm. The cancellation of Mutharika's victory, was historic as it made Malawi just the second country south of the Sahara to have presidential poll results set aside, after Kenya in 2017. The cancellation of Mutharika's victory, was historic as it made Malawi just the second country south of the Sahara to have presidential poll results set aside. By AMOS GUMULIRA (AFP/File) Rarely do courts in Africa annul election victories of incumbent presidents. Opposition politicians in neighbouring countries have already congratulated the 65-year old Chakwera. "New life to Malawi! Congratulations to the President Elect. Kudos to state organs' professionalism & citizens' vigilance.Well done Malawi!," tweeted Nelson Chamisa, Zimbabwe's main opposition Movement for Democratic Change-Alliance (MDC-A). Mmusi Maimane, the former leader of South Africa's main opposition, the Democratic Alliance also tweeted "my friend, brother and leader has just won the Malawian elections. I just got off the phone with him and celebrate his achievement... Change is coming," Maimane tweeted. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said on Thursday that people flying into New York from higher-risk coronavirus states would be traced once they landed to ensure they were following the 14-day quarantine he has imposed. Cuomo announced on Wednesday that people who come to New York, New Jersey or Connecticut from any state where infections are greater than 10 people per 100,000 residents would be subject to a 14-day quarantine when they arrive. As of Thursday that applies to nine states; Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, Utah and Texas. On Thursday morning, Cuomo told CNN that it would be enforced by tracking people who fly in to New York and subjecting them to random checks. 'You fly into New York, we'll have your name, we'll know where you're supposed to be staying. Scroll down for video Cuomo warned on Thursday that people flying into New York will be subject to random calls ups by New York will follow up with travelers from states with a high Covid-19 infection rate to ensure they're quarantining, @NYGovCuomo says. "If you're not, then you're in violation of the law, and you'll have a mandatory quarantine and you'll be fined."https://t.co/xJWMyH5hvV pic.twitter.com/RvOTE7Fsbo New Day (@NewDay) June 25, 2020 'There will be random checks. You get pulled over by a police officer and he looks at where your residence is, how long have you been here, if you get sick and go to a hospital from out state and you test positive and you've been out of the 14 days...you've violated the law and you're going to have a problem,' he said. WHO HAS TO QUARANTINE AFTER COMING TO NY Alabama Arkansas Arizona Florida North Carolina South Carolina Washington Utah Texas Advertisement 'We know people who fly in, we know what flight you came in on, we'll have inspectors that are randomly calling names on the list to make sure you're quarantining and if you're not, you're in violation of the law and you'll be fined. 'I think most people are going to honor it,' Cuomo said. If a person is caught having traveled to New York from one of the high risk states and they are not quarantining, they can be fined $2,000. If they are caught a second time, the fine is $5,000 and if they are found to have 'caused harm', they face a fine of $10,000. Cuomo said New York's slow reopening plan had been 'vindicated' by the fact its numbers continue to decrease while other states are seeing spikes. New York City is currently in phase two which allows outdoor dining and haircuts. Phase three - when indoor dining at 50 percent capacity and nail salons will resume - is due to open on July 6. Forcing people to quarantine from other, high risk states, he said, was 'just common sense'. 'We do not want the virus coming in on a plane again,' he said. For the last three days, the average number of people dying across the state was 17. At its worst in April, the number was nearly 800. There are now fewer than 1,000 people in the hospital with COVID-19. At the height of the pandemic, that number was more than 18,000. Hospitalizations in New York City are now less than 1,000 for the first time since March Cuomo shared a slide showing the states where coronavirus numbers continue to rise An Apple employee in New York City takes the temperature of a customer before allowing them inside the store A water at Cipriani's Downtown in New York City on June 24 wearing a mask and gloves Twenty-seven states are still seeing rising coronavirus case numbers and rising hospitalization numbers. Seven states hit their highest coronavirus hospitalizations this week. Texas, which was one of the first states to start reopening back in April, has also reached an all-time high of new cases leading Republican Governor Greg Abbott to backpedal on efforts to get back to business as usual and tell people not to leave the house unless they need to. In Florida, where new cases surged 87 percent last week, Governor Ron DeSantis warned Tuesday he will be cracking down on bars and restaurants that flout social distancing guidelines, after reports of large parties across the state. A similar hard line is being adopted in New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy said Monday, in response to images circulated on social media which showed large crowds gathering at newly reopened bars and restaurants. Experts are warning that the nationwide increase in infections is largely coming from a spike in cases among young people who are ignoring social distancing measures and testing positive for the virus. 'You are putting people's lives in jeopardy,' Cuomo said of the states that reopened 'too early'. Just over 820 Americans died from coronavirus on Tuesday, bringing the total death toll to more than 121,000. It is the highest number of daily deaths recorded in the past week after fatality rates started declining nationwide New Delhi, June 25 : The Congress has demanded a virtual session of Parliament to discuss the Indo-China face-off and other issues pertaining to national importance, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the fuel price hike. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said, "There should be virtual session to discuss important issues. During the 1962 war, BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee demanded a session and the then Prime Minister accepted that demand." He said even the parliamentary committees should meet to discuss and raised questions as to why they were stalled. The Congress said that Vajpayee even led a protest on the issue in 1962. "It is unfortunate that the presiding officers of both the Houses should have walked the extra mile in order to prevail upon the government, not should try and subvert Parliament in this manner and escape parliamentary oversight," said Manish Tewari while demanding for the session. Former Union Minister Manish Tewari said, "It is extremely unfortunate and we say it with great regret that while you can have Russia, India, China trilateral summits virtually, while the G-20 can be held virtually and all party meeting on China can be held virtually, this Government has walked the extra mile in order to hide behind rules, in order to escape parliamentary oversight. Tewari said, "This is nothing short of emasculation of Parliament". He said, "It can be understood that you cannot possibly convene a full session of Parliament, though the Parliaments are meeting virtually around the world. Great Britain is an example, in Portugal the Parliament has met virtually, but, why can't the Standing Committee of Defence meet, why can't the Consultative Committee on Defence meet, why can't the standing committee on Health meet." Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi said, "We can have a special session of Parliament to discuss important issues, keeping in mind both social distancing and the importance of National Security." Congress alleged that it is a sign of authoritarianism and it is only an effort by the BJP government to buy time so that it can escape the questions which have been asked by the people of India through the major opposition parties. -- Syndicated from IANS [June 25, 2020] The European Equity Fund, Inc. Announces Results of Annual Meetings of Stockholders The European Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE: EEA) (the "Fund") announced today the results of its Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 25, 2020. Each of the three Class III Directors nominated by the Board of Directors, Dr. Kenneth C. Froewiss, Dr. Wolfgang Leoni and Mr. Christian H. Strenger, was elected to serve for a term of three years and until his respective successor is elected and qualifies; one Class II Director nominated by the Board of Directors, Dr. Holger Hatje, was elected to serve a term of two years and until his successor is elected and qualifies; and one Class I Director, Ms. Hepsen Uzcan, was elected to serve a term of one year and until her successor is elected and qualifies. Stockholders also ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent auditors for the Fund. Stockholders did not approve the proposal requesting the Fund to take the steps necessary to declassify the Board of Directors. A copy of the portfolio manager's presentation from the meeting is posted to the Fund's website at www.dws.com. For more information on the Fund, including its most recent month-end performance, visit dws.com or call (800) 349-4281. Important Information Investing in foreign securities, particularly those of emerging markets, presents certain risks, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, and market risks. Any fund that concentrates in a particular segment of the market will generally be more volatile than a fund that invests more broadly. The shares of most closed-end funds, including the Fund, are not continuously offered. Once issued, shares of closed-end funds are bought and sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The price of a fund's shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, a fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below, or above net asset value. Investments in funds involve risk. Additional risks of the Fund are associated with international investing, particularly of emerging markets, such as currency fluctuations, political and economic changes, market risks, government regulations and differences in liquidity, which may increase the volatility of your investment. Foreign security markets generally exhibit greater price volatility and are less liquid than the US market. Additionally, the Fund focuses its investments in certain geographical regions, thereby increasing its vulnerability to developments in that region and potentially subjecting the Fund's shares to greater price volatility. Some funds have more risk than others. These include funds, such as the Fund, that allow exposure to or otherwise concentrate investments in certain sectors, geographic regions, security types, market capitalization, or foreign securities (e.g., political or economic instability, which can be accentuated in emerging market countries). The European Union, the United States and other countries have imposed sanctions on Russia in response to Russian military and other actions in recent years. These sanctions have adversely affected Russian individuals, issuers and the Russian economy. Russia, in turn, has imposed sanctions targeting Western individuals, businesses and products. The various sanctions have adversely affected, and may continue to adversely affect, not only the Russian economy, but also the economies of many countries in Europe, including countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The continuation of current sanctions or the imposition of additional sanctions may materially adversely affect the value of the Fund's portfolio. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the laws of such state or jurisdiction. "War, terrorism, economic uncertainty, trade disputes, public health crises (including the recent pandemic spread of the novel coronavirus) and related geopolitical events could lead to increased market volatility, disruption to US and world economies and markets and may have significant adverse effects on the fund and their investments." NOT FDIC/ NCUA INSURED MAY LOSE VALUE NO BANK GUARANTEE NOT A DEPOSIT NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY The brand DWS represents DWS Group GmbH & Co. KGaA and any of its subsidiaries such as DWS Distributors, Inc. which offers investment products or DWS Investment Management Americas, Inc. and RREEF America L.L.C. which offer advisory services. (R-076750-1) (06/20) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200625005904/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] ANCHORAGE, Alaska - More than 18 million acres of a petroleum reserve in Alaska will be opened to oil and gas drilling under a plan released Thursday by federal officials, who touted it as being key to President Donald Trumps goal of increasing energy production. Todays action is one more significant step in the process of delivering on his promise, Interior Secretary David Bernhardt said in a statement. The Department of Interior released the environmental review for the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska, which covers an area the size Indiana. The area was set aside by President Warren Harding in 1923 for its potential petroleum value. The 23-million-acre site on the western North Slope contains about 8.7 billion barrels of oil, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Environmentalists decry opening up the reserve, worried about what drilling could do to wildlife such as polar bears and a large caribou herd. This plan turns its back on unique and spectacular Arctic wildlife species and sells their key habitat out to the oil industry, said Nicole Whittington-Evans, Alaska program director for Defenders of Wildlife. It gives away critical habitat for imperiled polar bears and vital habitat for caribou and migratory birds to oil companies that will only exacerbate the climate crisis by expanding into a fragile frontier area with new drilling, she said. It is bad for the Western Arctic and bad for the planet. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management last fall released a draft, holding public meetings across Alaska and a comment period where people could weigh in on four alternatives, including two that would have allowed lease sales on lands designated as special conservation areas under the Obama administration. The Interior Department cited public comments in advancing a new option that would increase the area open to development leasing by about 7 million acres. The 18.6 million acres total under this preferred plan, or 82% of the reserves subsurface area, will be open to oil and gas drilling, officials said in a release. In the plan, the Teshepkpuk Lake area would see some stipulations, including limits on when drilling could occur to mitigate impacts on caribou calving and on bird habitats. The lakes special area designation would allow for geographic boundary changes to account for changing caribou calving patterns. The plan also calls for ramps and special road pullouts to accommodate subsistence hunters. The BLM worked with state, local, tribal, and private sector stakeholders to propose management prescriptions that achieve a balance between conservation stewardship, being a good neighbour, and responsibly developing our natural resources to boost local and national economies, said Chad Padgett, the state director of BLM Alaska. Members of Alaskas all Republican congressional delegation hailed the plan. As Alaskans work toward economic recovery, having a robust plan to unlock the potential of one of the most promising areas on the North Slope is a powerful tool, said U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski. NPR-A holds billions of barrels of oil that will ensure the continued operation of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System and support good jobs for thousands of Alaskans. David Krause with The Wilderness Society said this was no time to dismantle conservation protections for fragile Arctic landscapes. Though long expected, the final environmental impact statement is another sad and harmful development in this administrations shameful race to destroy public lands by auctioning off wild, irreplaceable ecosystems for industrial development, he said. The environmental impact statement will be followed by the BLMs Record of Decision, to be printed in the Federal Register. Aviation minister says more than 30 percent of countrys commercial pilots committed fraud to obtain licences. Islamabad, Pakistan Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has suspended 150 pilots after questions over the authenticity of their licences emerged, a spokesman told Al Jazeera. The announcement comes a day after an initial investigation found human error was primarily responsible for a PIA plane crash that killed 98 people in southern Pakistan last month. Out of our 434 pilots, 150 will be grounded as of today, PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan told Al Jazeera by telephone from Karachi, where the crash took place on May 22. It will totally cripple us. But we cannot take risks with this. Thursdays suspensions will remain until investigations can be carried out to verify the authenticity of the pilots licences. The airline will primarily look into allegations that the pilots did not sit for the examinations themselves and sent others instead. We are following reports from Pakistan regarding fake pilot licenses, which are concerning and represent a serious lapse in the licensing and safety oversight by the aviation regulator. We are trying to obtain more information on the matter, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said in a statement on Friday. Seventeen pilots were suspended in January 2019 over similar allegations following a probe into an air crash in the southwestern Pakistani town of Panjgur where a plane carrying 43 passengers careered off the runway after making an unsafe approach said Khan. No one was injured in that incident. PIA acknowledges the AAIB report and have already taken measures learning from it. An independent Flight Data Monitoring setup established to monitor & analyze all flights. All pilots with dubious licenses will be grounded. Safety is more imp. than any commercial interest PIA (@Official_PIA) June 24, 2020 On Wednesday, Pakistani aviation minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan told Parliament that 262 of Pakistans 860 active, licensed pilots had been found to have suspect licences. [They] were found not to have given their exams themselves, said Khan. They give money and have a dummy candidate sit in their place. On May 22, 98 people were killed when a PIA Airbus A320 crashed into a residential neighbourhood about 1.4km (0.9 miles) from Karachis Jinnah International Airport. The initial investigation report, released by Khan on Wednesday, said human error by the aircrafts pilots and air traffic controllers was primarily to blame for the crash. Crash report disputed The Pakistan Air Line Pilots Association (PALPA) disputed the reports findings, with a spokesperson telling Al Jazeera it was not satisfied that there had been pilots trained to fly the same model aircraft involved in the investigation. PALPA did not offer any immediate comment on Thursdays licence suspensions. The air accident investigation boards initial report found that the pilot involved in the May 22 crash had ignored three warnings from air traffic control regarding the aircrafts excessive altitude and speed during approach. The aircraft attempted a landing without its landing gear in place, causing its engines to hit the runway three times before the pilot lifted off again, the report said. On his second approach, the pilot reported that both engines damaged by the impact with the runway had failed. The aircraft crashed into a dense residential neighbourhood just short of the airport on its second approach, killing 97 of the 99 people on board. A child, who was in one of the 29 homes destroyed by the crash, was also killed, hospital officials told Al Jazeera. Aviation Minister Khan said a government inquiry was ongoing into all 262 alleged cases of fraud in obtaining pilots licences. PIAs spokesman told Al Jazeera that any pilots found to have lied about their credentials will be terminated. State-owned PIA is the largest of Pakistans commercial air carriers, with smaller airlines Serene Air and Air Blue taking up most of the rest of the countrys air traffic. Representatives for those airlines whose pilots were also included in the list of alleged dubious licence holders were not immediately available for comment. Asad Hashim is Al Jazeeras digital correspondent in Pakistan. He tweets @AsadHashim. McDonald's plant-based burger, the P.LT., is no longer available following a six-month trial of the burger in southwestern Ontario. (McDonald's) McDonalds Plant-Based Burger Trial Ends, No Firm Plans to Add PLT to Menu McDonalds six-month trial of a plant-based burger has not resulted in the burger being added to its menu, and information about it has been removed from the companys website. The burger, called P.L.T. (plant, lettuce, tomato), was tested in two consecutive trials from September 2019 to April 2020 at 28 McDonalds restaurants in southwestern Ontario. The fast-food chain selected Canada to be the test market for its first plant-based burger, made by Beyond Meat, with a view to offering the P.L.T. on the menu in its restaurants across the globe. The start of the trial was promoted heavily and received lots of media attention, but ended quietly with all the information removed from the chains website. CBC News reported on June 25 that McDonalds has no updates on the future of the P.L.T. McDonalds Canada spokesperson Veronica Bart told CBC that the company is still evaluating learnings from the trial to to help inform future plant-based menu decisions. Beyond Meat CEO Ethan Brown told CBC: Theres been no change in information since we began this test and got good results in the beginning and got good results at the end. Toronto-based retail consultant Bruce Winder said the impact of the pandemic may have influenced McDonalds plant-based burger plans. Its pretty hard to sort of make a decision on rolling out a product across the world, or even across America, when youre in the middle of a crisis, he told CBC. Winder has just published his new book Retail Before, During & After COVID-19. Pressure from competitors Its not the first time for McDonalds to launch a non-meat burger. The company had a McVeggie Deluxe burger in the Canadian market in 2002, but it only lasted three years due to low demand. Tim Hortons also launched a line of non-meat menu offerings last year but dropped them before long for the same reason. Burger King, A&W, and Harveys have fared better, with plant-based menus launched last year still available. McDonalds CEO Chris Kempczinski told CNBC in an interview on April 30 that a plant-based burger will eventually be part of the restaurants menu and will be altered for taste from country to country. When we bring plant-based on the menu, we need to be confident that theres a sufficient level of demand that really will allow it to stick on the menu, he said. Dalhousie University professor and food distribution and policy expert Sylvain Charlebois said fast food burger chains need to consider the demand from the growing number of non-meat eaters. Its about recognizing that food demand is more fragmented. It needs to portray that through its menu, he told CBC. He also suggests Tim Hortons fail in the Beyond Meat product line is because customers go for coffee and donuts are not necessarily non-meat eaters. McDonalds already has non-meat menus in the following countries, including Finland, Sweden, India, South Africa and Australia. The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] College campuses have historically been a place for activism. So with the protests about systemic racism and calls for police reform sweeping the nation, Lamar University on Tuesday hosted Changemakers, a virtual town hall bringing together students and local Black leaders to understand this moment of racial unrest. Kelly Brown and Kathryn Washington, co-organizers and professors at Lamar University, invited local Black leaders including Jefferson County Sheriff Zena Stephens, Beaumont Independent School District superintendent Shannon Allen, NAACP Beaumont chapter chair Michael Cooper, 100 Black Men-Beaumont President John Eugene, the Rev. Oveal Walker III and BISD board member Zenobia Bush to answer submitted questions. We want to use the resources that Lamar University has to support young change-makers in their pursuit for equal justice for Black Americans, Brown said. Were asking local leaders, activists and advocates to share their knowledge and offer inspiration. Other panelists included Lamar President Ken Evans, Ehsan Zaffer with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Office (Civil Rights and Civil Liberties) and Dr. Rahn Bailey, assistant dean of clinical education at Charles R. Drew University. One of the first topics addressed to the sheriff was how to improve the relationship between the community and police. Stephens said that peace officers must do the little bit extra to nurture that relationship, adding that law enforcement has failed to help foster that relationship. As a leader, I am reassessing the skills needed. Its not important to be a good shot or know how to drive a police car, Stephens said. We need people who understand that the community does not trust us. The responsibility falls on me and continuing to hire people who want to make a difference. I put that responsibility squarely on the back of the leaders of those (law enforcement) agencies. Stephens also addressed a question regarding how to address people who dont know or pretend they do not know their actions or words are insensitive regarding race. The sheriff said the most important thing is to not minimize feelings. At the sheriffs department, it seems to be Black lives matter and blue lives matter. Those ideas are not exclusive for me, Stephens said. I am a 30-year police officer and I am an African-American. But I think it is important for me as a police officer to understand and, more importantly, I expect my police officers to understand why I dont support blue lives matter flags on my website. When you are having conversation about racial issues, dont minimize it to whining or complaining. Stephens said she is educating her younger officers about why a blue lives matter emblem on a police car in minority communities might be viewed as offensive. Other socially relevant topics discussed Tuesday afternoon included how young Black activists deal with the emotional fatigue and the toll social media can take. Bailey, who is a psychiatrist, stressed the importance of taking breaks from social media. Social media is overwhelming and can be difficult to manage. Emotional overload happens, Bailey said. I encourage it to be used in a positive way. How you engage with social media and how you actively participate is important. Finding a space that works for who you are can play a role in keeping you energized. Walker, the pastor at Mount Cavalry Missionary Baptist Church, was asked to speak about his experiences as an activist in the 60s compare to those of today. There were few whites that marched with Blacks compared to what we are seeing today, Walker said. We have more people working together than back in the 60s. Other topics Tuesday included what people can do on a federal level to bring about social change, how the education system can help mitigate the systemic racism and what people can do to continue to help the current movement. After the opening discussion, students and the panelists broke off into three groups for live-stream discussions on crucial conversations, women in the movement and mobilizing. It was in one of those forums that former Beaumont United students, Jakevian Wilson and Kynnedi Jackson, along with other students, talked extensively about their experiences dealing with racism. At the end of the town hall both Brown and Washington expressed the importance of building off this initial town hall. I hope everyone who participated was able to learn and grow. I hope this is only the first step, Brown said. If one seed was planted today then it was a success. This is the time and push for change. I hope we can all grab on to the urgency of now to make sure this becomes a true movement and not just a moment in time. jorge.ramos@beaumontenterprise.com https://twitter.com/byjorgeramos Princess Margaret's closest confidante Lady Anne Glenconner has revealed how the spirited royal 'loved' dancing to reggae music, and would shush the Queen if she interrupted her during The Archers. Appearing on Lorraine today, the royal's former lady-in-waiting, 87, revealed how she had to smooth things over with a cup of tea after the Princess refused to speak to the Queen while listening to Radio 4. She also spokea about Margaret's love of Mustique, where Lady Glenconner's late husband offered Princess Margaret and Antony Armstrong-Jones, Earl of Snowdon, a piece of land on their privately-owned Caribbean island as a wedding present. The pair would often visit the Island and Lady Glenconner said some of Princess Margaret's 'happiest memories' were on Mustique, where they hailed her 'our Princess'. Scroll down for video Princess Margaret's closest confidante Lady Anne Glenconner, 87, told today's GMB how she had to smooth over a spat that occurred over The Archers when the Queen came to visit her younger sister (pictured together in 1948) Appearing on Lorraine today, Lady Glenconner told Margaret told The Queen to be 'shush' after she kept speaking over BBC4 Radio programme The Archers during her visit Lady Glenconner explained that once while Margaret was ill, she had to resolve a spat between the two sisters with a 'cup of tea' after Margaret told the Queen to be quiet. 'Princess Margaret was in bed and the Queen came and I waited in the drawing-room and I soon heard her come downstairs. I said "Is everything okay?" she said, "No it, isn't, Princess Margaret is listening to the Arches and every time I say something she tells me to shush". 'So I went off and turned the wireless off and we made a cup of tea, but it all ended all right.' She also spoke about her 'tremendous memories' of the time she spent with Margarat in Mustique. 'I have a huge number of photos, and the house that Colin gave her was the only house she owned and she really loved it,' she said. 'I think some of the happiest times she had was there, the people of the Caribbean loved her. 'They called her "our Princess" and she loved dancing to reggae bands. We had a really good time.' Princess Margaret experienced a mild stroke in 1998 at her holiday home in Mustique and died aged 71 at King Edward VII's Hospital in London in 2002, having suffered another stroke that resulted in cardiac problems. Princess Margaret's closest confidante Lady Anne Glenconner, pictured with Margaret at Sandringham, told that some of Margaret's 'happiest memories' were on Mustique She told host Lorraine Kelly that she resolve the spat between the two sisters with a 'cup of tea' Lady Glenconner served as a maid of honour at Coronation of Elizabeth II in 1953 and insisted that she has 'such great admiration' for the Queen, who has 'never put a foot wrong. She said: 'I felt so honoured to be chosen as a maid of honour, I have such great admiration for the Queen. 'She's never put a step wrong and holds the whole royal family together. Really I think she's fantastic, I really do. 'Being part of the Coronation is something I will never forget the best thing I've ever done, people ask if it was my wedding but I say no the Coronation.' Actress Shefali Jariwala, who is best known for her Kaanta Laga music video, appeared in the very popular season of Bigg Boss. The actress has been quite open about her desire to adopt a baby and has previously called Sunny Leone her inspiration, after the latter adopted her daughter Nisha. She was also seen talking about it on Bigg Boss with fellow contestant Hindustani Bhau. Now, she has said that she and her husband, actor Parag Tyagi often face conservative questions from people about it. She also said that she has wanted to adopt a child from a very young age. Talking to Bollywood Life, she said, "It is a very brave decision, especially in the culture we belong to. Why don't you have your own kids? It is reserved for those who cannot have their own. Parag and I do not come from that space. Adoption is something I wanted to do as I find the thought very beautiful. "I was first introduced to it when I was 10 or 12, at a very impressionable age. I have carried it since then. Parag and I have been wedded for four-five years now and obviously, people are asking us about a baby. It is quite normal," she added. She also said that initially Parag was not able to understand her emotion. She also said that it was absolutely crucial for the couple to be on the same page about their big life decision. Shefali opened up about process of adoption to be complicated and spanning years. While her family is supportive, they will be taking more time to come in terms with it. She also said that even when she is okay with either boys or girls, she wants to adopt a baby girl or "Lakshmi" as boys find homes more easily. Follow @News18Movies for more TOKYO, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Japanese real estate technology company GA technologies (main office: Minato-ku, Tokyo, securities code: 3491) is pleased to announce the start of a joint research project in the ConTech domain. This research will be conducted in collaboration with the Furukawa Lab (*1), a research group led by Associate Professor Yasutaka Furukawa, a leading figure in the field of image analysis and 3D modeling in the real estate and architectural domains. Professor Furukawa is associated with the GrUVi Lab and the VML Lab at Simon Fraser University (Canada). The starting point for this project is to improve precision for a deep learning (AI) floorplan scanning system, BLUEPRINT by RENOSY, which was released as a beta version in July 2019. Key points - Joint research with Furukawa Lab, a leading research group in image analysis and 3D modeling in the real estate industry - The first step of the research will be to improve precision for an AI floorplan scanning system, BLUEPRINT by RENOSY - Evaluating potential use in 3D modeling and Building Information Modeling (BIM), and the provision of building data to the real estate market - Overview of research: BLUEPRINT by RENOSY is a semi-automation tool that generates CAD files from floor plans for condominium renovations. Image recognition technology to detect walls and windows as well as an optimization process to ensure consistency in the position of each element is vital for this process. By applying the Furukawa Lab's advanced knowledge of image recognition and optimization, GA technologies aims to increase the precision of each process and develop a tool that minimizes human input. Boasting a market scale of 50 trillion yen (*2), the Japanese construction industry is second only to the automotive industry. At the same time, the construction industry lags in the adoption of technology promoting workflow optimization, resulting in over 300 more hours of overtime than the average across all industries. (*3) GA technologies developed BLUEPRINT by RENOSY to respond to the urgent need for the adoption of technology in the construction industry. To further improve the precision of BLUEPRINT by RENOSY and expand its adoption, the company will be launching joint research projects in the ConTech domain. The first of these projects is the collaboration with the Furukawa Lab. The first aim for this research project will be to reduce the time required for BLUEPRINT by RENOSY to generate the CAD diagram by 90%. GA technologies then aims to apply its research to 3D modeling using scanned diagrams and eventually work towards its use in BIM. Comments on research motivation and goals: - Comments from Professor Yasutaka Furukawa of the GrUVi Lab and the VML Lab at Simon Fraser University "With the remarkable advancement of deep learning and other forms of machine learning technology, the automation of image analysis is becoming the norm in the real estate and construction industries. My lab has contributed to the commercialization of this technology in the real estate industry by being at the forefront of research in areas such as the automated conversion of floorplan images to CAD files and the automated generation of floorplans using depth images. Through joint research with GA technologies, I want to take the first step towards expanding the scope of application for this image analysis and restoration technology from a focus on floorplans, which are mainly used as visual references for customers, to use in Building Information Modeling such as building schematics that can be used in actual construction and renovation work." - Comments from GA technologies President and CEO Ryo Higuchi "While Japan continues to promote workstyle reform (*4), the construction and real estate industries still face numerous issues related to the reliance on labor-intensive processes. Thus far, we have provided various products aimed at improving the efficiency in processes in the real estate and construction industries. We are incredibly honored to be given the opportunity to work with the members of the Furukawa Lab, which is internationally recognized for its research in the fields of image analysis and artificial intelligence in the real estate and construction industries. We hope that by applying the results of this joint research, we will be able to further enhance our services, and contribute to the promotion of workstyle reform for the entire industry." (*1) The Furukawa Lab is internationally recognized for its numerous achievements in research related to image analysis and 3D modeling in the real estate and construction industries. Many of its research results have been recognized at world-leading conferences on image analysis and artificial intelligence, including ICCV and CVPR. (*2) Source: MLIT Estimate of Construction Investments FY2018 (*3) Source: MLIT Construction Industry Workstyle Reform Acceleration Program (FY2018) (*4) Workstyle reform: The "Work Style Reform Law" was passed on June 29, 2018, by the Abe administration to improve the Japanese working environment. - About BLUEPRINT by RENOSY URL: https://blueprint.renosy.com/ Photo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M105954/202002207081/_prw_PI1lg_ha93GfTk.png A system that uses deep learning (AI) to read floorplans and automatically generate digital data (CAD data) for existing buildings requiring renovation design. - Overview of GA technologies Company name: GA technologies Co., Ltd. Representative: Ryo Higuchi, President and CEO URL: https://www.ga-tech.co.jp/en/ir/ Main office: Sumitomo Fudosan Roppongi Grand Tower 40F 3-2-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo Established: March 2013 Capital: 1,168,698,450 Japanese yen (As of May 31, 2020) Businesses: - Operation of "RENOSY", a comprehensive PropTech brand (Real estate information media, real estate brokerage, real estate sales, design and construction, real estate management) - Developing BtoB PropTech SaaS Products. - Research on real estate big data using AI - Operation of "Shenjumiaosuan", a Japanese real estate platform for investors in Greater China and other international PropTech business. Group Companies: ITANDI Inc., Modern Standard Co., Ltd. and other 3 companies. - Overview of Furukawa Lab at Simon Fraser University Lab website: https://www.cs.sfu.ca/~furukawa/ Simon Fraser University website: https://www.sfu.ca/ Director: Associate Professor Yasutaka Furukawa Main research themes: Research in reconstructing 3D models of historical buildings using large volumes of photographs taken by tourists, research in establishing 3D models by analyzing images of room floorplans, etc. Professor Furukawa has a remarkable record of success in research related to image processing in the real estate and construction domains. SOURCE GA technologies Co., Ltd. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 20:24:35|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close SYDNEY, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Australian mainstream media Seven News has publicly apologized to Richard Yuan, chairman of the Australia-China Goodwill Association, for false reporting. Seven News, Australia's No. 1 TV network, said in its statement Wednesday on its website that a previous fake news report "Cash, Coronavirus and baby formula: The truth about Wuhan's mercy flight to Australia" published in May has been purged. The report said Yuan, chairman of the Australia China Entrepreneurs Club, attempted to sell a shipment of medical supplies to Australian government agencies in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. "Yuan has advised Seven that neither he nor his Association, namely Australia China Goodwill Association (ACGA), sought to profit (nor have they profited) from the shipment of supplies, but rather intended that they be donated to local communities," it said. "Seven accepts that this is the case and apologises to Mr Yuan and his family," the Seven News said. The Wuhan's mercy flight, a cargo plane loaded with around 70 tons of personal protective equipment including face masks, medical gloves and other emergency medical aid, touched down in Sydney on April 8. It was the first flight out of Wuhan after the city lifted restrictions against the COVID-19 pandemic. As Australia suffered from medical supplies shortage at that time, the flight organizers hoped this could provide support to local hospitals and communities to fight the pandemic. West Michigan Community Mental Health (CMH) serves consumers from every ethnic background, race, religion, sexual orientation and gender because we know behavioral health issues don't discriminate. Unfortunately, as a nation we've recently witnessed discrimination and unfathomable acts of abject cruelty and violence against people of color. As the chief executive officer of our local CMH, it's my duty to address the institutionalized racism that allows these acts of tremendous violence to continue and the consequences it has on the mental health of everyone, especially black citizens. What we have recently publicly witnessed with incidence of police brutality and the subsequent outpouring of public anger has been emotionally traumatic and painful. I have been pleased to see the leadership and clear public statements from local authorities about their position on race and violence and hope other community leaders will speak out as well. As a person with privilege based upon my upbringing and the color of my skin, the words I have don't express the pain I feel deep in my chest about the societal context that allows such acts of tremendous violence to continue. That said, the reality is my feelings are quite irrelevant. What matters is my behavior, the behavior of our community and the behavior of West Michigan CMH in response to such events. These recent acts of violence are a continuation of a pattern that has been allowed to occur in our moments of silence about critical issues of social justice. These recent incidents are more public and therefore more visible; but for each recent act we've so painfully witnessed, there are thousands more that occur each day that go unnoticed. These visible acts, our silence, and the millions of day-to-day small injustices create a society where we accept and normalize mistreatment and alienation of people of color. And the impact of our silence in the face of injustice extends beyond race to all marginalized groups -- people living in poverty, people with disabilities, people of differing sexual orientations. Racism and marginalization create trauma that affect the mental health and stability of our communities and our country. This is a social justice and power issue that West Michigan CMH is committed to confront to be truly present for our staff, our communities, and the people we serve. If you're wondering how these national issues affect our local communities, you don't have to look far to see the magnitude of impact. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, both Oceana and Lake counties are designated as High Needs Geographic Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) for Mental Health and Geographic HPSAs for Primary Care. Mason County is designated as a Migrant Seasonal Worker Population HPSA for Primary Care and a Low-Income Population HPSA for Mental Health. The ratio of citizens to mental health providers in Lake County is 1,890:1, much higher than the statewide ratio of 450:1. Multiple Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNAs) completed by District Health Department No. 10, Spectrum Health and Munson Healthcare confirm the needs in our communities including: 1) High rates of mental health and substance use disorders and inadequate access to treatment, 2) Poor overall physical health and high prevalence of health risk behaviors, and 3) Significant levels of poverty, trauma and other high-risk behaviors contributing to poor health outcomes. Suicide rates in our three counties are above the national average and 41% of teens in Lake County reported symptoms of a major depressive episode in the past year. Abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs remain a significant concern. In Lake County, about 1 in 10 teens report drinking alcohol in the past month and 1 in 4 adults identify as a smoker, a rate nearly 50% higher than the national average. About 1 in 8 teens in the three counties report vaping in the past month, and about 1 in 8 used marijuana in the past month. All of the CHNAs conducted in the past five years have identified significant disparities in access to behavioral health treatment for certain racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ communities, and individuals living in poverty. 25 percent of Lake County residents, 16 percent of Mason County residents and 17.5 percent of Oceana County residents live below the poverty level, all higher than state and national averages. Racial disparities affect access to care and healthcare outcomes, including behavioral health outcomes in Lake, Mason and Oceana counties. Although the recent atrocities did not occur here, the inequities described above are evidence of institutionalized racism that perpetuates differential treatment of people of color and marginalized citizens. This can be a divisive issue, but it cannot be divisive for West Michigan CMH. We must be united in our effort to challenge and address racism if we are to continue to be successful in our efforts to provide high-quality behavioral health care services to anyone in our community who expresses a need. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said, "In these days of difficulty, we Americans everywhere must and shall choose the path of social justice, the path of faith, the path of hope, and the path of love toward our fellow man." The quote was so impactful to me, that I took a photograph of it at his memorial. For over a year it hung on the door in my office as a reminder that this is what we promise the people and communities we serve. West Michigan CMH will be courageous and fearless in our own work to improve access to and outcomes of care for every person who asks us for help. We will be a place of hope in our community for people who are marginalized or traumatized by marginalization. We will provide services critical to support recovery based upon each individual's need, no matter their race, ethnicity, age, gender, income, social status, sexual orientation or beliefs. We will be part of the change that creates paths of faith, hope and love out of the marginalization and discrimination. Together we will renew, rebuild, and recover. -- Lisa Williams, PhD, is the chief executive officer at West Michigan Community Mental Health. She can be reached at (231) 845-6294 or email lisah@wmcmhs.org. The Nigerian police has arrested a 43-year-old man, Mr Ikechukwu Ekenta, for allegedly raping his 3-year-old daughter. The accused, who hails from Ikeduru- Ogwah, Mbaitolu Local Government Area of Imo state, took advantage of his daughter, Kamsiyochukwu Ekenta while his wife was in the hospital to deliver their child. Recounting her ordeal, the little girl said her daddy put his komkom (Penis) inside her private part while she was asleep and she said the pain woke her up. Speaking at the Professor Dora Akunyili Women Development Center, Awka, Mr Ikechukwu Ekenta blamed the act on the devil. Advertisement The wife of the alleged rapist, Mrs Uzoamaka Ekenta, explained that she found out after she returned from the hospital. According to her, she noticed her child was acting like she was in pain while bathing her so she questioned her and she accused her dad of penetrating her. Mrs Ekenta said she asked her husband what transpired and he admitted committing the crime but claimed he used his finger. Read Also: Lady Allegedly Raped By DBanj Files Criminal Complaint However, the girl taken to the hospital where it was revealed that he used his penis, not his hands as he claimed. The mother of the little girl stated that she complained to her husbands parents but they threatened to deal with her if she tells anyone. Not too long ago, the airline industry was preparing for a surge in passengers, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasting 8.2 billion air travelers in 2037. But in April, air travel declined 98% from last year as countries closed their borders in efforts to stem the coronavirus pandemic. "We think airlines are going to probably lose an unprecedented $84 billion in 2020," Brian Pearce, chief economist for IATA, said in an interview with CNBC. "We're really only just starting to see countries negotiating bilateral openings of markets. For example, the Trans-Tasman bubble between Australia and New Zealand, China and Singapore, as well as China and Korea." Still, Pearce said he expects a recovery in the second half of 2020. Domestic vs. international travel While international travel will likely remain volatile for now, countries like China, the U.S. and Indonesia have resumed domestic air travel. "It will be enough to kickstart the airline industry in some countries," Pearce said. "For many airlines, they do depend on international air travel." Government assistance key to saving airlines Government aid will be important in ensuring the continuity of airlines, said Keith Mason, head of the Centre for Air Transport Management at Cranfield University. "We're going to see a consolidation in the market where airlines that are fully independent are struggling to survive, are going to go out of business," he said in a CNBC interview. Some airlines are already displaying significant disruption, including Flybe in the U.K., Virgin Australia and Trans States Airlines in the U.S. Governments are increasingly offering financial assistance to keep ailing carriers afloat, including the U.S., Australia and Taiwan. IATA predicted that a total of $200 billion in global government support may be needed. Impact on leisure and business travel In the past, low-cost carriers increased demand in the leisure travel market, particularly in the Asia Pacific region. Emerging markets like China, India, Indonesia and Thailand were predicted to be among the largest air passenger markets over the next decade. But the coronavirus pandemic's financial impact may leave the world with a smaller airline industry. That, in turn, could drive up prices and weaken demand. Furthermore, the profitability of business travel has deteriorated. Companies that used to depend on air travel to conduct business before the pandemic have found workarounds in video conferencing. "It's reasonable to assume that business travel may lose 1 in 5 trips," Cranfield University's Mason said. A roadmap to recovery For some children, screen time before bed translates to less sleep. According to a study from the Arizona State University Department of Psychology, media use in the hour preceding bedtime impacts how kids sleep, especially children who struggle to self-regulate their behavior. Frequent media use before bed in these children predicted later bedtimes and less sleep. The work is now available online in Psychological Science. "Among kids who used the same amount of media in the hour before bed, we found differences that were explained by a personality characteristic called effortful control," said Leah Doane, associate professor of psychology at ASU and senior author on the paper. "Kids who score low on measures of effortful control are the ones who struggle to wait to unwrap a present or are easily distracted. We found a strong association between media use in the hour before bed and when these kids went to sleep and how long they slept. Media use before bed was not associated with the sleep of kids who scored high on measures of effortful control." The research team spent a week following 547 children, aged 7-9 years. The participant group was socioeconomically diverse and lived in rural and urban areas. The parents kept daily diaries that tracked the children's media use and sleep patterns. They also completed a survey that asked about their children's temperament, including their ability to self-regulate behavior. For the entire week, the children wore specialized wrist watches called actigraphs that tracked their movement and also ambient light. The actigraph data gave the research team detailed information about when and how long the children slept. The children slept an average of 8 hours a night and used media before bed for an average of 5 nights during the study week. Children who did not use media before bed during the study week slept 23 minutes more and went to bed 34 minutes earlier than children who used media most nights during the study week. "Media use was generally associated with a shorter sleep duration, but this effect was most pronounced in children with low effortful control," said Sierra Clifford, a research scientist at ASU and first author on the paper. "The impact of media on sleep was also an average affect, meaning that it reflects habitual media use rather than occasionally staying up late to watch a movie." The children who scored low on measures of effortful control slept the least amount of time when they consistently used media in the hour before bed during the study week. These children slept approximately 40 minutes less per night. Media use before bed did not affect the sleep of children who scored high on effortful control, which was approximately 35 percent of the study participants. "Media exposure mattered for the children who measured lowest in effortful control," Clifford said. Children with low effortful control might struggle with switching their attention from watching media before bed to calming down and falling asleep. But because effortful control is a personality characteristic, it is more difficult to change. "Instead of parents wondering how to help their child better regulate their behavior, they can try to focus on creating more consistent sleep and media use schedules," Doane said. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Report Bariatric Surgery Devices Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Procedures (Adjustable Gastric Band, Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy, Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass), And Segment Forecasts, 2012 - 2022 The global bariatric surgery devices market is expected to reach USD 2.8 billion by 2022, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growing incidence rate of obesity has led to many government initiatives at regional as well as global level to increase the awareness related to obesity and undertake various incidence curbing action plans. For instance, the South Wales government launched the NSW Healthy Eating and Active Living Strategy 2013-2018 for preventing obesity. In addition, to strategic planning, the governments of developed nations are also funding universities to design strategic interventions to control the rising obesity. For the year 2014, New Zealand invested USD 40 million for its Healthy Families NZ anti-obesity initiative. Moreover, industry players are also trying to tackle the rising problem of obesity by launching new products. In February 2017, a startup company, Allurion Technologies, located in Massachusetts, U.S. filed a regulatory filing to report the USD 19 million raised amount out of the target of USD 27 million. The funds were intended to use for the development non-endoscopic gastric balloon, Ellipse. This device is in the form of capsule which when swallowed, is inflated in the stomach and deflates after months and is passed out without the need for anesthesia for its removal. This device is anticipated to revolutionize the bariatric surgery devices market due to its ease of use over the forecast period The demand for non-invasive surgeries is also increasing, as non-invasive surgeries save time, cost, and decrease hospital stay. Governments are also encouraging the use of more incisionless surgeries in order to decrease the cases of infection. For instance, in July 2015, the FDA approved a balloon device, where the balloon is directly swallowed using a sterile solution. Access Research Report of Bariatric Surgery Devices Market @ www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/bariatric-surgery-devices-industry Further Key Findings from the Report Suggest: Gastric bypass surgery dominated the market in 2014 due to its early adoption since 1960 and the fact that it is the combination of both restrictive and malabsorptive procedures. The sleeve gastrectomy surgery is expected to witness rapid rise in demand owing to, the procedure's incision-less nature. The fact that the procedure does not involve re-routing the intestine is also likely to drive segment growth. With the FDA approval of ReShape balloon, there has been a recent FDA filing for Ellipse device, which is swallowed and gets excreted naturally after four months. North America was the largest regional market owing to the presence of market players introducing innovative technologies to improve patient care. Favorable government initiatives are also expected to play pivotal roles in the European market growth. For instance, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) formed two funding research programs namely the Competence Network Obesity and Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) Adiposity Diseases with budgets allocated at around USD 26 million for 2012-2015. Asia Pacific followed North America in terms of obesity and overweight prevalence. This coupled with the presence of large untapped opportunities is expected to help the Asia Pacific bariatric surgery market register the fastest growth over the forecast period. Some key players of this market include Covidien Plc, Intuitive Surgical Inc., TransEnterix Inc., Allergan Inc., USGI Medical Inc., Semiled Ltd., Cousin Biotech, GI Dynamics Inc., Johnson and Johnson and Mediflex Surgical Product. Grand View Research has segmented the bariatric surgery devices market report on the basis of procedures: Procedure Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2022) Adjustable Gastric Band (AGB) Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy (VSG) Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) Biliopancreatic Diversion with a Duodenal Switch (BPD-DS) Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2022) North America Europe Asia Pacific Latin America MEA 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. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New government spending in response to the recession will likely have little effect on economic growthyet will produce more government debt, finds a new study released today by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank. In the coming months, as governments contemplate trying to kickstart the economy with more spending, they should recognize that evidence indicates this approach is ineffective and results in more government debt, said Jake Fuss, Fraser Institute economist and co-author of Is Fiscal Stimulus an Effective Policy Response to a Recession? For example, during the 2008-09 recession, the U.S. stimulus package caused government debt to increase while failing to increase economic activity. Instead, most individuals and businesses chose to save the temporary payments from government. In fact, according to much of the U.S. research, each dollar of government stimulus spending produced less than one dollar of economic activity. The study also finds that government spending can crowd out private-sector economic activity (investment, for example) that would otherwise have happened. Consequently, fiscal stimulus based on spending increases will likely produce lower economic growth and hinder recovery rather than help it. Before implementing any fiscal stimulus package, policymakers must consider the potential implications on both the economy and government balance sheets, particularly as governments across Canada face large deficits and mounting debt, said Tegan Hill, Fraser Institute economist and study co-author. MEDIA CONTACTS: Jake Fuss, Economist, Fraser Institute Tegan Hill, Economist, Fraser Institute To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact: Mark Hasiuk, 604-688-0221 ext. 517, mark.hasiuk@fraserinstitute.org Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter | Like us on Facebook Air bridges will be available from next week to allow Britons to take holidays in other countries without quarantining for 14 days, it has been reported. The Government will finalise agreements in coming days to allow people to travel from the UK to a small number of countries including Spain, France and Greece, according to reporting by The Times, The Sun and The Daily Telegraph. The news follows Transport Secretary Grant Shapps indicating air bridges would only be agreed with countries which have a coronavirus test and trace system at the same standard as that used in Britain. Mr Shapps told the Commons Transport Select Committee there would be an announcement about air bridges on Monday, but the Telegraph reported the unveiling would take place at the weekend. Asked what key considerations formed the negotiations, Mr Shapps said the ability of a country to alert people if they have been in contact with a person who has coronavirus is one of the factors. Outlining the questions being asked by UK officials, he said: Do they have something equivalent to our NHS Test and Trace system? The Test and Trace system is enormous here now. Weve got the capacity to test far more than is immediately required but that would allow for any uplift anywhere. Does the country were talking to have that kind of capability? He said another issue being considered is the level and trajectory of the disease in a destination. Mr Shapps added that introducing air bridges is a massive priority, saying: I understand entirely the pain that aviation is going through. I know both for airports, for airlines and actually for ground handlers as well, this coronavirus has been a complete disaster. There were mixed reports on Thursday over whether Portugal would be included in the UKs plans after a spike in coronavirus cases in the country. Since June 8, all passengers bar a handful of exemptions have been required to go into self-isolation for 14 days when they arrive in the UK. People who fail to comply can be fined 1,000 in England, and police are allowed to use reasonable force to make sure they follow the rules. A lot of hikers get hurt in the backcountry each year. Sometimes, theyre fortunate enough to walk or limp back to their car on their own, like Levin did. But if a hiker snaps an ankle or suffers heat exhaustion and loses the ability to walk out of the wild unassisted, they must find some way to inform local authorities about their predicament. Then the situation becomes a search-and-rescue (SAR) operation: SAR providers who could be employees of state agencies or local volunteers organize a rescue party, rustle up the requisite medical gear for the mission, and clomp into the wild to find the injured hiker, treat their injuries and transport them out of the backcountry to the nearest regional hospital. Rabat's cafes and restaurants reopened their doors on Thursday for the first time in three months amid an easing of virus restrictions. The Moroccan government allowed the reopening of gyms, hair salons and restaurants in the city at 50% of their capacity. All venues have to abide by social distancing and hygiene measures. Footage showed streets in Rabat were slowly coming back to life. ''Thank God, we are free, we spent three months in a lockdown, stuck between the house and the street next door and I hope that is the last phase," said a resident. Cafes welcomed their first customers while maintaining social distancing between tables. ''We follow the health measures, a committee came to guide us, as you can see there is duck tape between tables and a meter and a half and more between the tables," said Adib Sadika, coffee shop owner. In the capital's neighbouring city of Sale, people flocked to the beach to enjoy the summer sun. Morocco, where a lockdown has been in place since March 20, has reported confirmed 11,279 cases of the virus, and 216 deaths. By Express News Service BENGALURU: The big test for both the state government and the 8.48 lakh students writing the class 10 board SSLC examination, started on Thursday. Students across the state were seen queueing up in chalked out boxes, meant for social distancing, at the exam centres, as early as 7:30 am, while the exam is scheduled to begin at 10:30 AM. More than a lakh officials are deputed for the smooth conduct of the exam. Police personnel, healthcare workers and members of scouts and guides thermal screened the examinees, sanitised their hands and kept masks ready for disbursing. The state has 8,48,203 students who will write the examination that will be held till July 4 . The minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Suresh Kumar said that as many as nine students are in home quarantine and 10 are being treated for COVID 19 -- these students will not be attempting the papers this time, and will be given a chance later. As many as 27 examination centres have been shifted out of containment zones across the state. As a counter to the growing number of containment areas, the department has set up two examination centres in each taluk as back-up, in case any centre gets sealed off. Separate rooms are to be allocated for symptomatic students and those from coming from containment zones. Each classroom would have just 18-20 students this year (unlike 32 students per room in 2019) to facilitate distancing at the exam hall , primary and secondary education minister Suresh Kumar had said. #Karnataka 2879 centres & 8.48 lalk students. SSLC board exam for class 10 students begins today @NewIndianXpress @XpressBengaluru pic.twitter.com/jynPAz3NYX Pearl Dsouza (@pearl_tnie) June 25, 2020 'Police personnel did not disperse parents after dropping examinees': Minister It has been observed that in several examination centres, the police personnel had not dispersed the parents after dropping their children. "The police need to be active in getting the crowd dispersed. We had noticed in a few centres like Hogasandra where parents are waiting. They need to drop and move away from the area," says D Shashi Kumar, GS AM, Primary and Secondary education. Interstate examinees: Students coming from Kerala, Maharashtra write exams in border centres DDPI Chikkodi on Thursday morning said SSLC students coming from Maharashtra to give their board exam at Boragaom and Bedikihala centres were picked up at the border at 8 am and were brought to their exam centres on KSRTC buses after being checked up for body temperature and administering sanitizers. At the exam centres, they were again subjected to health check-ups and were provided with N95 masks. They were given appropriate directions before being let into their examination halls Kerala domicile students writing the SSLC Exam in Karnataka today, marked 100 percent attendance. State Transport facilities were arranged and all 367 students reached their exam centres at Dakshina Kannada, said department officials. 20 students stopped from writing exams in Gadag Twenty SSLC students from Gadag district were stopped from attending the exams on Thursday as they turned primary contact of a Covid patient. All the students were staying at a Government Hostel in Lakshmeshwar of Gadag district where a student who had come from Vijayapura was tested positive for Covid on Wednesday night. The administration has taken swab samples of all 20 students and has sent for testing. The students will be allowed to attend the supplementary exams, said an administration member. Social distancing boxes missing in Uttarahalli school After extensive preparations, exam centre at Karnataka Public School at Uttarahalli found some of the social distancing boxes missing. The boxes that were marked out with powder on the muddy ground were wiped out by the heavy spell of rain the previous night that lashed the city the previous night. Officials sprang to reamarking the boxes in time for the students. 150 buses ferry students esp from rural parts in Kolar A total of 20,906 students will appear for the SSLC Examination, in the 70 Examination Centres in Kolar District The District Administration has operated a total of 150 buses including private buses particularly from the rural parts of the district. Almost all centres saw a designated box marked for social distancing,, free masks were distributed in several schools to students who had no mask. They were thermal scanned and hand sanitized before being allowed into the exam hall. Deputy Commissioner of Kolar, Satyabhama and officials paid visits to schools in the morning. 338 out of district students choose centres in Mysuru A total of 39,822 students are appearing for the exam in Mysuru district of which 338 students are from other districts who have chosen to face the examination in Mysuru, despite the COVID-19 scare. The Department of Public Instruction officials has procured over 40,000 masks which were distributed to the students. Arrangements were made for 22 students from the containment areas in the district to write the exam in separate classrooms. With public and organisations advised against assembling in groups outside the exam centre to distribute masks and sanitisers, unnecessary crowd was not seen outside the examination centres. Help desk, police patrolling to ensure maximum safety at exam centres in Shivamogga A total of 24,904 students and 610 repeaters will appear for the exam in two private examination centres in the city. Traffic and police constables were strictly ordered not to let anyone near the examination centres. Police double-checked for social distancing violations near the centres. Section 144 of CrPC was imposed in 200 metres radius of the examination centers. Traffic police were seen patrolling near exam centres. BEOs visited the exam centres as the exam started. To ensure a peaceful environment for students writing the exam, the police ensured that the road in front of the exam centre (which is near the city market) was closed completely. Among necessary precautions, help desks were set-up at the exam centre that helped students to the designated hall rooms and seats. Parents were strictly asked to vacate the surroundings of exam centres. Students from rural areas were ferried to the exam centre by KSRTC buses, ensuring social distancing till they reached the halls. Polls open in seven-day vote on constitutional reforms that would allow Russias leader to seek re-election twice more. Russians have begun voting in a seven-day referendum on constitutional amendments that would allow President Vladimir Putin to run for re-election twice more and potentially remain in the top job for the next 16 years. Election officials said they were opening polls on Thursday across the country before the official July 1 vote to avoid overcrowding that could spread coronavirus infections. Masks and disinfectant gels are being made available to 110 million voters across 10 time zones, from the Kaliningrad exclave on the Baltic Sea to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky on the Pacific Ocean. The Kremlin reluctantly postponed the vote scheduled for April 22 as COVID-19 infections increased and officials imposed restrictions to slow the pandemic. Putin, who has already been in power as president or prime minister for the past 20 years, introduced the reforms to the 1993 constitution in January this year, and they were hastily adopted by both houses of parliament and regional legislators. He has insisted that Russians vote on the changes even though a referendum is not legally required, arguing that a plebiscite would give them legitimacy. Resetting the clock Among other changes, the reforms would reset Putins presidential term-limit clock to zero, allowing him to run two more times and potentially stay in the Kremlin until 2036. Under current rules, 67-year-old Putins current term in the Kremlin would expire in 2024. Putin has cultivated a reputation as a guarantor of the Russian states stability, in contrast with the turbulence of the post-Soviet 1990s before he came to power. Although his approval rating has declined to a personal record low as Russia struggles with the coronavirus pandemic, Putin still maintains broad support. About 59 percent of Russian adults approve of Putins work as president, according to a nationwide survey last month by the countrys largest independent pollster, Levada Centre. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny has slammed the vote as a populist ploy designed to give Putin the right to be president for life. It is a violation of the Constitution, a coup, he said this month on social media. The oppositions campaign against the reforms failed to gain momentum. Rallies scheduled in the Russian capital, Moscow, in April were barred under virus restrictions against public gatherings. The No website, which collected signatures of Russians opposed to the reforms, was blocked by a Moscow court, forcing it to relaunch under another domain name. New constitution in bookstores With the revised constitution already on sale in Moscow bookstores, the outcome is seen as a foregone conclusion. Experts at state-run pollster VTsIOM this week projected that as many as 71 percent of voters would cast their ballots in favour. Yet the vote comes as Putin is suffering historically low approval ratings over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic and the economy. The independent polling group Levada published a survey last month that showed his ratings at an all-time low of 59 percent. However, on top of resetting Putins term limits, the reforms promise to enshrine conservative values that the Kremlin hopes will resonate with voters and attract a large turnout. They include a mention of Russians faith in God despite a long history as a secular country, and a stipulation against gay marriage, which is not allowed under current legislation. Ballot leaflets, posters, and billboards throughout Moscow do not mention Putin or lengthening the presidents term limits. The campaign instead features scenes from family life, like a child kissing her grandmother with the slogan for a guaranteed retirement. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 19:52:31|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close TOKYO, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Japanese Defense Minister Taro Kono on Thursday said the government has decided to scrap a plan to deploy land-based missile defense systems at two sites in Japan. The decision was made at a National Security Council meeting convened Wednesday at which Kono officially told a meeting of Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), chaired by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, about the retracting of the plan to deploy the Aegis Ashore missile systems. "After deliberations at the National Security Council, we have come to the decision to cancel the deployment in Yamaguchi and Akita prefectures," Kono told LDP lawmakers. He also said the ministry had struggled to find alternate sites for the two missile batteries. Kono had already indicated last week the deployment of the Aegis Ashore missile system in Yamaguchi and Akita prefectures would be halted owing to major technical issues and mounting costs. Japan first decided to deploy the two missile defense systems, made by the United States, in 2017. Kono said on June 16, one day after he unexpectedly announced the plan was unfeasible, that the initial decision to deploy the two missile batteries was "correct at the time." But in a monumental U-Turn on the matter, Kono told a House of Representatives Security Committee that it can no longer "be deemed rational given the cost and time required to prepare for its operation." The 180-billion-yen (1.7 billion U.S. dollar) missile defense system, of which 12 billion yen (112 million U.S. dollars) has already been paid to the United States, was supposed to be online in fiscal 2025 and aimed to operate in support of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) Aegis-equipped destroyers. Kono, however, said that guaranteeing the rocket booster of the system's interceptor missile would, after a launch, land in a designated Self-Defense Force training area or the sea, was no longer a promise the defense ministry could keep, without the hardware being further reconfigured. The costs involved in further modifying the the Aegis Ashore's Standard Missile-3 Block IIA interceptor to address its technical issues, would equal the 200 billion yen (1.86 billion U.S. dollars) and more than 10 years already spent in enhancing the technology, Kono said. Were the systems to be deployed, recession-hit Japan would have to fork out a total of 450 billion yen (4.19 billion U.S. dollars) including 30 years in maintenance costs, the defense minister also said. The plan has, since its conception, been met with a myriad of problems aside from mounting costs, including but not limited to a staunch public backlash from residents in candidate sites for the missile system and monumental gaffes made in key geological surveys for potential sites. Akita Governor Norihisa Satake told reporters he had heard from Kono by telephone in the morning that the central government "will not deploy hereafter Aegis Ashore units in Japan." Satake said that the scrapping of the plan had brought relief and that safety concerns voiced by local residents about the possible harmful effects of electromagnetic waves emitted by the system's radar had eased. "I'm relieved that anxiety among local residents has faded," Satake was quoted as saying, although stressed that a lot of time had been wasted, intimating that those living in the prefecture had suffered undue anxiety. "But, I wonder what this two and a half years since the Cabinet approval to deploy the batteries were for?" Satake remarked. Local residents had voiced persistent concerns over the safety of the system, as well as its deployment in the prefecture making it a possible site of attack if Japan were drawn into a conflict. Yamaguchi Governor Tsugumasa Muraoka also expressed his relief, telling reporters that he was "grateful" for the government's decision. The defense ministry had also come under fire from opposition parties and the public for using flawed data to select sites for hosting the controversial land-based missile launcher system. Officials from the defense ministry initially used Google Earth virtual globe software to display cross sections of candidate locations' topography, but failed to correctly calculate distances and altitudes correctly, due to not accounting for the necessary scale reductions, as was widely reported at the time. Officials then reportedly used rulers and protractors to calculate the elevation angle of mountain peaks at at least nine out of 19 candidate sites in the Tohoku region, leading to some potential deployment locations being erroneously rejected for being too steep and for possibly blocking radar signals. Satake, at the time, indicated that it was possible that the GSDF's Araya Training Area in Akita Prefecture was selected as a candidate site for the Aegis Ashore missile system, prior to any geological surveys, erroneous or otherwise, being carried out by the government. Copyright 2020 Albuquerque Journal The state judge presiding in two sexual assault trials involving a paramilitary religious sect leader removed herself from the cases Tuesday after prosecutors raised questions about Facebook posts made by her husband about the cases. State District Judge Amanda Sanchez Villalobos recused herself from two pending criminal cases against Peter Green, whom police identified as a lieutenant colonel in the Aggressive Christianity Missions Training Corps, which was based near Fence Lake, southwest of Grants. Sanchez Villalobos said in a short order that she was recusing herself for good cause, without any elaboration. She ordered Green released to house arrest earlier this year after 2 years in jail. That order led to criticism of Sanchez Villalobos on a local Grants Facebook page. Her husband, Victor Villalobos, posted a defense of her actions while criticizing the prosecutions case. Victor Villalobos is also his wifes campaign manager in her uncontested run for election to the judgeship that Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham appointed her to last year. Prosecutors in the case filed a motion asking Sanchez Villalobos to recuse herself because her husbands Facebook posts may have created an appearance of bias. Green is charged with four counts of criminal sexual penetration of a minor under the age of 13. Four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor under the age of 13 against Green were dismissed by Sanchez Villalobos earlier this year. One case was filed in 2017, and another case, which charges Green with sexual assault, kidnapping and other charges was filed in 2019. The cases involve different children, and some of the allegations date back to 2012 and earlier. Greens attorney, after winning his release, alleged prosecutorial misconduct against Assistant District Attorney Mandana Shoushtari for making comments about the case on her Facebook page. Shoushtari left the 13th Judicial District Attorneys Office to run in the primary to replace District Attorney Lemuel Martinez, who is not seeking reelection. She was defeated in the Democratic Party primary. Libya: FM says stopping the war means safeguarding Italy 'Terrorists are very often among people fleeing' conflict (ANSAmed) - ROME, JUNE 25 - Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio has written on Facebook that ''the conflict in Libya, which, as a reminder, is close to Italy's coasts, also implies migrants who flee a war and seek shelter elsewhere. And very often terrorists as well are hiding among these people who are fleeing. Working intensely to stop the war in Libya means therefore stabilizing the region, but at the same time securing our country, our coasts, our citizens''. Di Maio went on to write that ''yesterday in Tripoli I met Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarrak, Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha and Foreign Minister Mohammed El-Taher Hammuda Siala. They presented me with a proposal to change the 2017 memorandum, meeting requests we had made as Italy to safeguard the human rights of people and to regulate migrant flows. I can tell you that we are going in the right direction''. (ANSAmed). (ANSA). (CNN) The International Monetary Fund has slashed its global economic forecasts for 2020, saying the coronavirus pandemic is causing a much steeper recession and a slower recovery than initially expected. The organization said Wednesday that it thinks global GDP will contract by 4.9% this year, downgrading its estimate from April, when output was forecast to shrink by 3%. That was already due to be the deepest slump since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The pandemic is causing an "unprecedented decline in global activity," according to the IMF. It said the global labor market has taken a "catastrophic" hit, movement outside the home remains depressed, companies have cut back on investment and consumer spending has dropped significantly. "The Covid-19 pandemic has had a more negative impact on activity in the first half of 2020 than anticipated, and the recovery is projected to be more gradual than previously forecast," the IMF said in its report. The outlook is slightly rosier than those provided by the World Bank and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which have recently forecast that global GDP would shrink by 5.2% and 6%, respectively, before rebounding in 2021. But the IMF warned of a "higher-than-usual degree of uncertainty" around its forecast, which it said was based on a number of assumptions, including stable financial conditions. And it pointed to the difficulty of charting the trajectory of the virus and measures to contain it, as well as the impact of voluntary social distancing on spending, the consequences of new workplace safety measures and lingering unemployment. Though every region is expected to face a recession in 2020, there will be "substantial differences across individual economies," the IMF said. China, which got a head start on the recovery, is expected to log growth of 1%, in part due to policy support from the government. India's economy, meanwhile, is forecast to shrink 4.5% following a longer lockdown and slower-than-expected recovery. The US economy is expected to shrink by 8%, while output across the 19 countries that use the euro could decline by 10.2%. Countries in Latin America that are still struggling to contain the virus will also be hard hit. Brazil's economy is expected to contract by 9.1%, while output in Mexico could decline by 10.5%. The IMF expects the global economy to grow by 5.4% in 2021, still 6.5 percentage points below pre-coronavirus projections. However, much depends on ongoing stimulus support, the group said. So far, governments have announced nearly $11 trillion in fiscal measures, per the IMF. This story was first published on CNN.com The recession is much worse than the IMF expected and the hit to jobs 'catastrophic' A farmer has filmed a hilarious exchange with his pet goat and insists they have their 'own way of communicating'. Omar Murso recorded his 'conversation' with seven-month-old Lino while they were resting on a hillside in Tangier, Morocco. Omar is heard in the video making bizarre sounds and the goat responds in kind - as if he understands him. Hilarious footage of a goat from Morocco communicating with its owner has surfaced Omar, who keeps Lino as a pet, recorded the conversation on June 13. He said: 'Lino is the smartest goat I have ever had. I can't believe how many people are impressed with his intelligence. We have a connection, our own way of communicating.' Researchers have found goats to be intelligent and curious with excellent memories. When bred as pets, instead of for agricultural use, they are able to develop complex emotional relationships, in the same way as a pet dog or horse. Goats can also communicate with their owners by staring at them when they are struggling to complete tasks. Lino, a seven-month-old goat, can be seen bleating in response to his owner, Omar, who says that friends and family are often astounded by his pet's intelligence For example, if they cannot reach food placed just beyond their reach, the goats will gaze repeatedly between the snack and a human in the same room, biologists at Queen Mary University of London found. Dogs have been found to use similar approaches. Goats are also sociable animals, and can become depressed when separated or isolated from others, and their inquisitive nature allows them to explore and investigate anything they come across that appears unfamiliar. By Lambert Strether of Corrente. #COVID19 At reader request, Ive added this daily chart. The data is the John Hopkins CSSE data. Here is the site. The three main poles of our multipolar world: If youre asking which political system took better care of its citizens, and working class, in particular China, Europe, or the United States its not hard question to answer, is It? I hold no brief whatever for the CCP, and believe them to be as incapble of nobless oblige simple human decency as our own ruling class, and therefore Id speculate that the balance of class power is different; Chinas elites fear their working class in a way that United States elites do not. AZ: Fewer than 200 ICU beds available in Arizona as state reports more than 60,000 coronavirus cases [ABC15]. There are 198 Adult Intensive Care Unit beds available in the state, or 12%, as of Wednesday, state data shows. There are currently 1,495 ICU beds, or 88%, in use. FL: Florida has less than 25% of its ICU beds available, state data shows [News4Jax]. Florida is currently seeing a surge in new coronavirus cases with the states seven highest daily increases since the pandemic began coming in the last week. But its not clear if thats whats causing the near-shortage in ICU beds. In fact, a Jacksonville doctor told News4Jax on Wednesday that at least locally most of the patients coming to the hospital with COVID-19 right now arent showing severe symptoms that require ventilators. OTOH, it looks like the State is gaming the capacity figures. FL: Homestead Hospitals ICU at Capacity, Baptist Health Officials Say [NBC6]. Baptist Health confirmed that Homestead Hospitals intensive care unit is at capacity due in part to coronavirus and more patients having elective surgeries, officials said Tuesday. Baptist Health officials said they are able to transfer patients to other hospitals in their system to manage capacity. Regular beds can also be converted to ICU and acute care beds if needed, they added. TX: TMC 2-Week Projection Using Bed Occupancy Growth [Texas Medical Center]. Handy chart: TX: Texas governor says there is a massive coronavirus outbreak across the state after reopening [CBS]. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Wednesday the state is facing a massive outbreak in the coronavirus pandemic and that greater restrictions may be necessary.. New restrictions would be a reversal of Texas reopening plan, which has been moving forward this month despite the continued increase in cases and hospitalizations. The view from AEI and Pfizer: We need to get through one more cycle with Covid this fall/winter but then we'll reduce its threat with technology. We'll have to manage respiratory illness with more vigilance, but the major Covid threat is a brief moment in our long history. We must work to limit its impact. https://t.co/NYP9pwqIqj Scott Gottlieb, MD (@ScottGottliebMD) June 24, 2020 With technology sounds like a deus ex machina to me (or, to put it less kindly, And then, a miracle occurs! That doesnt mean I think the situation is hopeless; just whats worked has been well-understood public heatlh thinking dating back to the Victorian era, not shiny toys. That, and doctors and nurses fighting through cases to learn which treatments work.) Politics But what is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? James Madison, Federalist 51 They had one weapon left and both knew it: treachery. Frank Herbert, Dune They had learned nothing, and forgotten nothing. Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Perigord Since were getting closer to the election, maybe its time to start looking at the electoral map. As of June 21: NPR and U.S. News forecasts added. Lots of new polls. And get so far the consensus remains the same. Click the map to create your own at 270toWin.com So, taking the consensus as a given, 270 (total) 204 (Trumps) = 66. Trump must win 66 from the states in play: AZ (11), FL (29), MI (16), NC (15), PA (20), and WI (10) plus 1 to win not tie = 102. 102 66 = 36. So if Trump wins FL, MI, NC, and PA (29 + 16 + 15 + 20 = 80), he wins. Thats a heavy lift. I think Ive got the math right this time! 2020 Biden (D)(1): Dems warm to Bidens bunker strategy [Politico]. In the three months Biden launched his stay-at-home campaign from his cellar TV studio, his lead has grown to double-digits in national polls while Trump has pinballed from crisis to crisis. While the presidents approval ratings have suffered under the weight of Trumps handling of the pandemic, an economic recession and protests over racism and police brutality, Biden just posted his widest lead yet 14 percentage points, according to a New York Times/Siena poll released Wednesday. Trump is running against Trump. And its smart of Biden to not get in the way of that, Hilary Rosen, a consulting partner of top Biden adviser Anita Dunn, said in echoing the sentiment in the campaign. Its become a referendum on Trumps behavior. Democrats who were once alarmed that Biden needed to do more are suddenly perfectly happy with a schedule that keeps him as close as possible to his Wilmington, Del., home most days. Only recently has he begun to make forays beyond his own neighborhood. The beauty part of a Democrat running and winning as Not Trump is that they make no policy commitments. To voters, I mean. Not donors. UPDATE Biden (D)(2): Blackstones Tony James Hosts Fundraiser for Biden [Bloomberg]. Blackstone Group Inc. Executive Vice Chairman Tony James hosted a small, high-dollar fundraiser for Democratic nominee Joe Biden on Wednesday. James and his wife, Amabel, led the virtual event for 30 donors with Biden, whos been appearing nearly daily at fundraisers before the end of the quarter next week. Biden has been seeking to balance his efforts to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for his campaign from wealthy donors with the policy concerns of progressives who hope to see him enact tough rules on Wall Street if elected Weve got to bring it back, weve got to rebuild the middle class and this time weve got to bring everybody along. Everybody of color. Those with disabilities. Weve got to bring them all along. When we do, everybodys better off, he said. We can all win together, James responded. Wut: This time. Trump (R)(1): Will 2020 Be a Repeat of 1972 and 1984 or a Version of 1994? [Cook Political Report]. For 38 months, President Trumps job-approval numbers have seemed impervious to news developments, either positive or negative. His approval numbers declined through 2017, as he ended his first year under 40 percent, but through 2018 and 2019 they gradually ticked up to the mid-40s. Apart from that modest ebb and flow, his numbers just didnt move. Even in the early stages of the coronavirus crisis and the economy going off a cliff, his numbers were frozen in place. But starting about the beginning of April, seven weeks before George Floyds tragic death in Minneapolis under the knee of a police officer, Trumps approval rating started declining. His RealClearPolitics average peaked on March 30 at 47 percent with a 50 percent disapproval; as of Monday afternoon, his approval stood at 42 percent, with 55 percent disapproving. When matched up with Joe Biden, Trump typically trailed by about 5 or 6 points. At the end of March, the numbers started oscillating, as undecideds jumped from about 5 percent to 12 percent of the electorate. Then, beginning two weeks ago, about five days after Floyds death, a new pattern set in. Now the RCP average shows an 8-point lead for Biden. If we look at only live telephone interview surveys, his lead swells to about 10 points. Trump (R)(2): This is the best American policy in 50 years [Ryan Cooper, The Week]. he United States is in the pit of the deepest recession since the 1930s. And yet, a recent study from the University of Chicago using Census data found that the poverty rate actually decreased from 10.9 percent in early 2020 to 8.6 percent in April and May. Thats not just unusual and highly welcome, it is the lowest rate ever recorded since the government began keeping official poverty figures in the 1960s. The reason is two parts of the CARES Act, passed back in March: the one-off economic rescue payment (which gave $1,200 to most individuals, and $500 to children) and the huge expansion of unemployment benefits. Despite ongoing administrative difficulties, these programs are certainly the most progressive policy America has seen in over half a century nothing else since Medicare, Medicaid, and various civil rights laws from the mid-1960s can compare in impact. Now, that doesnt mean these programs will persist. However, its worth nothing that the CARES Act with Orange Hitler in the Oval Office, and a Republican Senate has been far more effective in relieving suffering for the working class than Obamas miserably inadequate response to the Crash of ~2008 and the subseqent foreclosure crisis, when Democrat held the House and the Senate, and Obama was the greatest orator of our time and the next FDR. Its a funny old world. * * * UPDATE Booker edges ahead of McGrath in too-close-to-call Kentucky Senate Democratic primary [NBC News]. With 12 percent of the states precincts reporting, Booker, whose candidacy has received the support of progressive lawmakers and groups around the country, led McGrath 45.1 percent to 40.2 percent, or by just over 3,200 votes, according to NBC News. The race remains too close to call, NBC News projects. The current tally includes only votes cast in person at the polls on Tuesday. Hundreds of thousands of mail-in ballots that will likely determine the outcome of the race have not yet been counted and will not be for days. So Booker edges ahead due to his late surge. Now we get to see how many voters the DNC suckered into early voting for McGrath. Still, good news in my book. If Booker wins, that would be truly seismic. Realignment and Legitimacy Coronavirus threatens democracy, prominent figures warn [Politico]. The future of liberal democracy is under threat because of the Covid-19 pandemic, as even democratically-elected governments have accumulated emergency powers that restrict human rights, numerous prominent figures argue in an open letter published Thursday. It was signed by such well-known Americans as former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, former Vice President Walter Mondale, former Trump national security adviser H.R. McMaster, former U.S. Sens. Tom Daschle and Gary Hart, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, former House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt, and Hollywood actor Richard Gere. Oh. Introducing the Great Reset, world leaders radical plan to transform the economy [The Hill]. For decades, progressives have attempted to use climate change to justify liberal policy changes. But their latest attempt a new proposal called the Great Reset is the most ambitious and radical plan the world has seen in more than a generation. At a virtual meeting earlier in June hosted by the World Economic Forum, some of the planets most powerful business leaders, government officials and activists announced a proposal to reset the global economy. Instead of traditional capitalism, the high-profile group said the world should adopt more socialistic policies, such as wealth taxes, additional regulations and massive Green New Deal-like government programs. Every country, from the United States to China, must participate, and every industry, from oil and gas to tech, must be transformed, wrote Klaus Schwab, the founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, in an article published on WEFs website. In short, we need a Great Reset of capitalism. Schwab also said that all aspects of our societies and economies must be revamped, from education to social contracts and working conditions. Joining Schwab at the WEF event was Prince Charles, one of the primary proponents of the Great Reset; Gina Gopinath, the chief economist at the International Monetary Fund; Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations; and CEOs and presidents of major international corporations, such as Microsoft and BP. Activists from groups such as Greenpeace International and a variety of academics also attended the event or have expressed their support for the Great Reset . No wonder the reaction to Michael Moores Planet of the Humans was so vicious. Americas Democratic Unraveling [Daron Acemoglu, Foreign Affairs]. Fighting through the anti-Trump ranting, we come to this: U.S. institutions were vulnerable to Trumps attack because public trust had been quietly ebbing away from them for some time The financial crisis of 2008, and the subsequent bailout for banks, only accelerated the trend toward inequality and deepened distrust in Congress, the judiciary, the Federal Reserve, and regulatory agencies. To regain that trust, the next administration must confront endemic racism as well as economic inequality. Good jobs must once again be on offer for most Americanseven those without college degrees . Redressing these wrongs will go a long way toward restoring faith in American democratic institutions. But the next administration must also redouble its commitment to bureaucratic expertise, competence, and autonomy. Institutions dont merit public trust if they serve the interests of the president or other politicians instead of the interests of the people. Americans deserve better. One hopes they will use the ballot box, and if necessary the streets, to make sure that they get better. Once again? * * * UPDATE Oy: This is so sad pic.twitter.com/anfoKiw1Hm Wesley Yang (@wesyang) June 25, 2020 OTOH, Id argue that the success (at least in cultural terms) of the Sanders slogan #NotMeUs, as well as the protests generally, would indicate that matters are not nearly as bleak as this poll suggests. Stats Watch At reader request, I added some business stats back in. Please give Econintersect click-throughs; theyre a good, old-school blog that covers more than stats. If anybody knows of other aggregators, please contact me at the email address below. 20 June 2020 Initial Unemployment Claims 1,480,000 This Week [Econintersect]. Market expectations for weekly initial unemployment claims (from Econoday) were 1,250 K to 1,400 K (consensus 1,340 K), and the Department of Labor reported 1,480,000 new claims. The more important (because of the volatility in the weekly reported claims and seasonality errors in adjusting the data) 4 week moving average moved from 1,781,500 (reported last week as 1,773,500) to 1,620,750. The pandemic has so far caused a 47,532,000 job loss. Likely half of this number are now employed]. Handy chart: Initial claims are stalling at roughly 10x pre-COVID levels pic.twitter.com/up5x5ea6VA Nick Bunker (@nick_bunker) June 25, 2020 The curve is similar to new confirmed cases; I wonder if the initial claims curve lags covid, and will turn up in the near future. GDP: Third Estimate 1Q2020 GDP Unchanged at 5.0%. Corporate Profits Declined. [Econintersect]. The third estimate of ffirst-quarter 2020 Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was unchanged at -5.0%. The coronavirus lockdown is the reason for the decline and pushed GDP into contraction. No doubt the U.S. economy is in a recession. I am not a fan of quarter-over-quarter exaggerated method of measuring GDP but my year-over-year preferred method showed a significant decline from last quarter. Durable Goods: Headline Durable Goods New Orders Improved In May 2020 [Econintersect]. The headlines say the durable goods new orders improved after months of decline. Our analysis shows the rolling averages declined. The data this month was better than expected however, the previous months were revised down. In the adjusted data, the improvement in new orders was widespread however, this sector remains deep in contraction. * * * Commodities: U.S. soybeans are heading back to trans-Pacific shipping lanes and thats driving up prices of the agricultural commodity. China has ramped up its purchases of U.S. soybeans making the crop profitable again for U.S. farmers after the coronavirus pandemic slammed demand [Wall Street Journal]. Soybean futures are up 7% since April and some traders believe the market momentum could push the prices to their highest level in over a year. China is behind the growth, with purchases of nearly 5 million metric tons of American soybeans in the past month. The Shipping: Supertanker rates collapse: The dam has burst' [American Shipper]. Some sayings pop up again and again in shipping circles: The way to make a small fortune in shipping is to start with a big one. Moving cargo is what you do between buying and selling ships. If analysts say the market can only get worse, buy. Theres also one that goes: If there are 98 ships and 101 cargoes, boom, 98 cargoes and 101 tankers, bust. Alas, there are now a lot more tankers than cargoes. Rates are sliding, owners are capitulating, and charterers have the upper hand. Rates for very large crude carriers (VLCCs; tankers that carry 2 million barrels of crude) from the Middle East Gulf (MEG) to Asia were down to $20,000 per day on Wednesday, with the global average assessed at $26,537 per day by brokerage Howe Robinson. The dam has burst, and VLCC rates have taken an overdue nosedive, said the brokerage Fearnleys in a new report. The Bezzle: Wirecard Files For Insolvency, Seeks Court Protection [PAYMNTS.COM]. Wirecard, the embattled Germany payment services company, said Thursday (June 25) it was filing for insolvency. The decision comes less than a week after auditors disclosed $2.1 billion of supposed deposits were missing from two Philippines banks. Shares have fallen by more than 90 percent and the company has lost nearly $12 billion of market value. Wirecard becomes the first member of the countrys Frankfurt Stock Exchange to go out of business, ChannelNew Asia.com (CNA) reported. Tech: Normal google is a bad version of what was google news and google news is useless. Everything gets worse Atrios (@Atrios) June 25, 2020 Accurate. See, were not the only ones! Tech: Apple Inc.s decision to insource its semiconductors is raising big questions for the electronics giants suppliers. Apple is breaking off a 15-year agreement with chip supplier Intel Corp. as part of a broader strategy to replace third-party parts with components designed in house. Apples drive toward its own custom components may have harsh repercussions for the broad eco-system of technology parts makers [Wall Street Journal]. Several supply Apple even as they fear the company will start making the components they produce. Thats a concern at the heart of many supplier-buyer pacts, but Apples scale and the high value of tech components make it a matter of survival for many companies. Tech manufacturers Imagination Technologies and Dialog Semiconductor were staggered by earlier Apple insourcing decisions. Such moves give Apple greater control over its components, however, and can reduce costs by eliminating a link in the supply chain. Shows you why ecosystem was always a terrible metaphor; after all, a panda doesnt decide one day to in-source its bamboo. * * * Todays Fear & Greed Index: 48 Neutral (previous close: 48 Neutral;) [CNN]. One week ago: 51 (Neutral). (0 is Extreme Fear; 100 is Extreme Greed). Last updated Jun 25 at 12:28pm. The Biosphere I believe this video might be of Wukchumnis earthquake: LANDSLIDE AFTERMATH: A visitor captures the eerie silence and the devastation caused by a landslide caused by an earthquake struck a California campground. pic.twitter.com/dLyCsn3vZZ ABC News (@ABC) June 25, 2020 But the prose is a bit weird. Possibly auto-generated? Health Care What to know about the 14-day quarantine requirement for New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut [Philadelphia Inquirer]. The governors of New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut announced Wednesday that anyone traveling into their states from areas with a high level of community spread of the coronavirus must quarantine for 14 days. New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut will continually update and publish on their websites a list of states to which the new advisory applies. Right now, it includes Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. Chutzpah! Unfortunately, upstate New York wasnt able to similarly defend itself from New Yorks rich. From the Times How the Virus Won: Or New Orleans from Mardi Gras revelers, highly unlikely to be essential workers: The whole thing makes me so angry and disgusted. Then this classic example of media/party incest doesnt help: Not objective but true,the facts tell the story.NY had & has its struggles but they're doing way better than what we see elsewhere & no way that happens without the Luv Guv dishing the real 24/7.He works with relentless intensity & NY's better for it.And as a brother, I am proud. pic.twitter.com/M1TrAtQwCo Christopher C. Cuomo (@ChrisCuomo) June 25, 2020 The Luv Guv?! Get a room! (Chris Cuomo, of course, famously broke quarantine.) Trumps never gonna win the coastal Blue states, so why he doesnt run against them, I dont know. He really needs to get Bannon back on the team. The shift of the coronavirus to primarily red states is complete but its not that simple [WaPo]. Its not exactly clear how New York, New Jersey and Connecticut established the metrics used for recommending quarantine or why it ignores states like California [lol]. It is clear, though, that the locus of the pandemic has shifted to states that were more likely to support Trump four years ago. However, the fact that only Trump counties in Clinton states have seen both static per capita and overall rates of increase in recent weeks complicates attempts to overlay this shift onto politics itself. * * * Outpatient visits rebound, but some specialties like pediatrics lag behind [Health Care Dive]. Outpatient visits have rebounded across the country, but they are still substantially lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic gained a foothold in the U.S., according to a report from Harvard University researchers who analyzed data from Phreesia, a healthcare technology company. Overall, outpatient visits are down 11% as of the week of June 14, compared to the prior-year period. However, the cumulative deficit is much larger. When looking at the period between March 15 through Saturday, visits are down nearly 40% from the same period a year earlier. Yet, over the past week, visits to some specialists have returned to normal, including dermatology and rheumatology. However, pediatric practices are among the hardest hit and have seen the greatest decline in visits when comparing specialties, according to Thursdays report, the third in a series tracking outpatient volume. Our Famously Free Press Why Did the Washington Post Get This Woman Fired? [WaPo]. Last week, when Sue Schafer learned that the Washington Post planned to publish a story about one of the dumbest things she had ever done, she had the same question that many readers would have about the resulting 3,000-word article, Blackface Incident at Post Cartoonists 2018 Halloween Party Resurfaces Amid Protests: Why is this newsworthy? Readers within the Post newsroom were asking the question, too. No one Ive spoken with at the Post can figure out why we published this story, said one prominent reporter at the paper. We blew up this womans life for no reason.. The Post said Schafers transgression was news because it happened in front of Toles and somewhere possibly in the vicinity of columnist Dana Milbank. Somewhere possibly in the vicinity of Dana Milbank Class Warfare UPDATE For Portland, Ore., Woman, Home These Days Is Where She Parks Her Minivan [NPR]. Lavon is 67 years old, a retired school bus driver, and she was recently furloughed from her part-time job at Avis Rent-a-Car. In March, she also found herself without a home so she started living in her minivan on the streets of Portland, Ore. For the past few months, Lavon has been keeping an audio diary of her experience being newly homeless. Her first night living in her car, Lavon didnt know where to park and feel safe. She drove around and found a road in an industrial area on the west side of Portlands airport. The road is lined on both sides with people living in their cars, RVs and trailers. Many look as if they have been parked there a long time: They have awnings and furniture set up. Lavon parks alongside them each night, and although she doesnt interact with her neighbors much, she says she feels theres safety in numbers.. Lavon has struggled with housing instability since she was a kid. She grew up with a single mom who worked multiple jobs, and they moved around a lot. Im just one of those people thats always on the move, not always willingly, Lavon says. Thats just how my life has gone.' Just let me take a moment to find one of the Tweets produced by The Bidens Platitude Generator: The American people are tough, resilient, and always full of hope. Theres not a single thing we can't do if we do it together. Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) June 23, 2020 Many look as if they have been parked there a long time. News of the Wired There would be no sign if this had not already happened: Oh no pic.twitter.com/vp1P1JIdfF Emily Herring is extremely online (@EtheHerring) June 23, 2020 Correct: * * * Readers, feel free to contact me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, with (a) links, and even better (b) sources I should curate regularly, (c) how to send me a check if you are allergic to PayPal, and (d) to find out how to send me images of plants. Vegetables are fine! Fungi and coral are deemed to be honorary plants! If you want your handle to appear as a credit, please place it at the start of your mail in parentheses: (thus). Otherwise, I will anonymize by using your initials. See the previous Water Cooler (with plant) here. Todays plant (ChiGal): ChiGal: For some reason the iphone focused on the droplets rather than the buds; maybe if I was a physicist I would understand how they morphed the horizontal wood siding of the house into a grid. (The grids are there if you look. What I dont understand is if, with the proper depth of field to get the buds and the droplets both, the grid effect would still happen. Readers? And a bonus plant (BH): This ghost mushroom's bioluminescence pic.twitter.com/4TW0fA9puC Daniel Holland (@DannyDutch) May 17, 2020 * * * Readers: Water Cooler is a standalone entity not covered by the annual NC fundraiser. So if you see a link you especially like, or an item you wouldnt see anywhere else, please do not hesitate to express your appreciation in tangible form. Remember, a tip jar is for tipping! Regular positive feedback both makes me feel good and lets me know Im on the right track with coverage. When I get no donations for five or ten days I get worried. More tangibly, a constant trickle of donations helps me with expenses, and I factor in that trickle when setting fundraising goals: Here is the screen that will appear, which I have helpfully annotated. If you hate PayPal, you can email me at lambert [UNDERSCORE] strether [DOT] corrente [AT] yahoo [DOT] com, and I will give you directions on how to send a check. Thank you! The fire is still burning 70 years after Col. Paul Rusch offered up his insight. A flame that may be troublesome to the world has been lighted in Korea, the U.S. Army officer said on hearing the news of the outbreak of war on the peninsula. A former staff member of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Japan, Rusch was attending a national conference in Carlisle of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, the laymens organization of the Episcopal Church. It was June 26, 1950, the day after the North invaded the South, setting in motion a three-year civil war followed by an uneasy truce that continues to this day. Generations have passed and American soldiers are still stationed in South Korea. Japan in peril Seven decades ago, the Red Scare was deeply entrenched in the minds of Western leaders. There was fear of a domino effect should the North, supported by China and the Soviet Union, overwhelm the South backed by the United States and the United Nations. The Japanese stand at a crossroads, threatened by a sleepless form of Marxism which is attempting to penetrate every area of Japanese life, Rusch told The Sentinel newspaper. They feel, a little more realistically than other countries, the great arms of Communism trying to engulf them. Japans military machine has been completely junked, he said. She could not carry on an act of aggression within a generation, even if she willed it, without the help of a foreign power. Rusch was teaching economics at St. Pauls University in Tokyo when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, prompting U.S. involvement in World War II. A civilian, Rusch was taken captive but later released in a prisoner exchange. He joined the Army upon his return stateside. During the war, Rusch was instrumental in establishing a school on the home front that trained 6,000 officers and enlisted men in Far Eastern languages. After Japan was defeated in August 1945, Rusch served as an intelligence specialist on MacArthurs staff during the early years of the post-war occupation of Japan. The June 1950 conference at Dickinson College in Carlisle drew delegates from all across the U.S. and countries as far away as England, Liberia and the Philippines. Rusch had plans to return to Japan to spread Christianity as the executive vice president of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew in that country. An appeal for peace Rusch was not the only one attending the conference who had something to say about Korea. On June 30, The Sentinel reported that Christian men from nine different countries called for greater understanding and closer cooperation among the peoples of the world to bring peace out of the global chaos. It was the general consensus that present world turmoil, notably the crisis now confronting the world in Korea and other parts of the Far East, stems directly from failure to practice as well as preach the doctrine of love for our fellow men, the story read. The delegates who spoke included Tadao Kaneko, general secretary of the Brotherhood in Japan. Let me state that from the ashes of the war in the Pacific, we of the Japanese Brotherhood have literally become the shock troops of our church and Christianity in Japan, Kaneko said. Not only must we rehabilitate our destroyed churches, but we have launched a relentless campaign to bring the 83,000,000 human beings in Japan proper to know the Christ. If we are to capture, not only Japan but all Asia, for Christ and world brotherhood, a great awakening of Christian fellowship among laymen must be stirred up, Kaneko said. Your own leaders tell us that Japan must be the new takeoff place in bringing peace out of the present crisis in Asia notably Korea, at the moment. Your great Gen. Douglas MacArthur, to whom all the Orient looks for leadership today, has underlined this for the whole world to understand. Early reports The war in Korea hit home locally on June 26. That day, The Sentinel reported that Dickinson College was waiting for word from one of its faculty members about his plans. The college had granted William Lonsdale Tayler a years leave of absence so that he could teach students at the Seoul Christian University. Tayler was spending time at his home in the Woodstock Valley of Connecticut when the war broke out. He had originally planned to return to Carlisle for several days before flying to Seattle to catch a ship to South Korea. Kris Jensen of New Cumberland was not as fortunate. He was one of five American Methodist missionaries who were captured by North Korean soldiers in their first strike across the 38th parallel, according to a wire service story that was published in the July 8 edition of The Sentinel. While other missionaries escaped from the city of Kaesong, northwest of Seoul, these five were cut off by Red troops together with an Australian Methodist missionary, the story said. We have heard nothing from them since, said Rev. L.C. Brannon of Newville, Alabama, one of 29 Methodist evacuees from Korea. The wire service story reported that Jensens wife escaped and was evacuated to Japan. Later editions of The Sentinel refer to a Kris Jensen serving as a missionary in South Korea after the war. Email Joseph Cress at jcress@cumberlink.com. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. EgyptAir announced on Thursday it will resume air traffic between Egyptian airports and more than 29 destinations starting 1 July. According to the statement of the Egyptian flag carrier, air flights will resume to and from 17 destinations in Europe, four destinations in Africa, four destinations in the Gulf and Middle East, three destinations in North America and Guangzhou in China. EgyptAir will operate flights during the first week of July to 13 cities in Europe (Amsterdam, Athens, Brussels, Budapest, Paris, Rome, Milan, London, Frankfurt, Munich, Berlin, Vienna, and Istanbul), three cities in Africa (Addis Ababa, Juba, and Tunisia), four cities in the Middle East (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Beirut), and three destinations in North America (Washington, New York, and Toronto), said the statement. Flights to Barcelona, Copenhagen, Geneva, and Madrid in Europe as well as to Dar as-Salam in Africa will be added within the next few weeks in addition to one point in the Far East to Guangzhou, China, as of 8 July, the statement read. EgyptAir suspended international flights in late March to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Passengers can check the days of operation, book their tickets, check the travel regulations and safety precautions in addition to any changes to flight schedules on http://egyptair.com, the call centre, or through EgyptAir offices worldwide, the statement said. The flights will follow the instructions of safe distancing and necessary precautions to protect the travelers and ensure their safety. Customers can check travel dates, book tickets, and check travel regulations of each country and safety precautions adoped by EgyptAir through the company's website http://egyptair.com, call center or through EGYPTAIR offices worldwide, the statement said. Search Keywords: Short link: I supported the decision of Wooster Square community leaders to take down the statue of Christopher Columbus and move it to a place for civic education and to replace it with a new statue that honors the contributions of Italian immigrants and Americas rich immigrant history. I also support renaming the Christopher Columbus Family Academy. The focus on Christopher Columbus and what happened in the Americas to Native peoples is an important period to be explored and re-examined as we reunite our country, but it has nothing to do with why my mother and I and communities across the New Haven area were celebrating Columbus Day every year. I come to this with a unique position with my deep-rooted history in the Wooster Square community. My father came to New Haven from Italy as a young man. He was filled with hopes and dreams, but he could not speak English. Laughed at, he left school because of that language barrier. Despite the lack of a formal education, he would go on to fight for the Italian language to be taught in New Havens public schools. My mother worked in the sweatshops of New Haven doing piece work. In 1957, when I was barely a teenager, the Franklin Street fire claimed the lives of 15 people, mostly Italian immigrants. We worked to survive. Both of my parents blocked the bulldozers when the city of New Haven threatened to put a highway through our neighborhood. My father started the Wooster Square Neighborhood Association to revitalize, diversify the neighborhood, and to create a more welcoming environment. Our ancestors immigrated from Amalfi, Scafati, Minori and Maori in search of the promise of opportunity. And when they arrived, they rejected Old World ideas about privilege and power. They challenged the prejudice they faced in their new American home. And, they founded the community organizations on whose shoulders we stand today: St. Trofemina, St. Catello, Societa Maria Maddalena, St. Andrew and Santa Maria delle Virgine. When the Italian-American community celebrates Columbus Day, we are celebrating the accomplishments of those of Italian descent. We are celebrating our parents, our grandparents and their contributions to our lives, our heritage and our country. None of our celebrations of Christopher Columbus were celebrations of the conquest of the Americas or the triumph of colonialism over native populations. I attended and spoke at nearly every Columbus Day dinner before and after being elected to the U.S. Congress. I sometimes spoke of Columbus navigation skills. But my speeches were about the Italian-American immigrant experience. I reminded people that America is a nation of immigrants and that our ancestors would have not been able to come if our current refugee and immigration policies were in place then. Italians arrived in this country with a foreign language, many with darker skin and the Catholic faith. Domestic workers looking for employment would find ads warning: Catholics need not apply. So, once here, new arrivals had to stick together. The reality of American life was often harsh; the discrimination deep, challenging and hurtful. In March 1891, 11 Italians were hanged in New Orleans by an angry mob after eight had been acquitted of murdering the police chief. A young civil service commissioner in Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, said the Italians, got what they deserved. In 1920, two Italian-Americans were tried for a murder for which there was only tenuous and circumstantial evidence. So, when Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were found guilty and eventually executed, many felt the true crime being punished was being Italian. When I was just a girl, the New Haven Police Department came down Wooster Street because of an illegal fireworks display for the Fourth of July, and I heard a police captain say, Lets break the guineas backs. I was in front of my grandmothers pastry store. My father was holding my hand. Ours was a community that faced intolerance and discrimination. Our hard-work faith family and strong community helped each generation succeed. We must never forget that America is an immigrant country. I believe we must also become more conscious of what happened to Indigenous populations in the Americas, New England and across the country throughout its founding. I believe that struggle must be recognized by holidays and monuments and I favor an Indigenous Peoples Day. I oppose moves anywhere to substitute Indigenous Peoples Day for Columbus Day. That makes Italian-Americans invisible again and disrespects my history. So, I look forward to focusing on what matters: a statue and holidays that symbolize the Italian-American immigrant experience and an America that welcomes all immigrants. It was at the unveiling of the New Haven Columbus Monument in 1892, on the 400th anniversary of Columbus historic voyage, then Mayor Joseph Sargent said, May this statue serve to eliminate any differences between Italians and Americans. May this statue maintain peace and prosperity for future generations. That work goes on. We must do it together. U.S. Rosa DeLauro represents Connecticuts Third District. Six foreign criminals a day are being released from prison on to Britain's streets instead of being deported, figures show. A total of 2,152 offenders including killers, sex attackers, robbers and drug dealers were freed into the community last year after finishing jail sentences. The figure is up 70 per cent in just four years. In total, a record 8,497 foreign-born criminals were living in the UK at the end of March instead of being forced out of the country up 68 per cent from 5,053 in 2015. Six foreign criminals a day are being released from prison on to Britain's streets instead of being deported, figures show. Home Secretary Priti Patel has promised 'tougher action' to speed up deportations Home Secretary Priti Patel has promised 'tougher action' to speed up deportations but critics last night accused the Home Office of overseeing a 'shambles'. Under the rules, any foreign criminal sentenced to more than 12 months in prison is liable for automatic deportation. However, guidelines say those who have finished their jail terms should be detained only if removing them is a realistic prospect. It means that instead of being locked up until they are thrown out, they are released to be 'managed in the community'. But many abscond and slip off the radar, potentially putting the public in danger. Errors that let killer stay in UK Hani Khalaf, 22, (pictured) bludgeoned Jairo Medina, 62, to death in London's Hyde Park in August 2016 Officials missed six chances to kick illegal immigrant Hani Khalaf out of Britain before he murdered a carer. The 22-year-old Egyptian bludgeoned Jairo Medina, 62, to death in London's Hyde Park in August 2016 for his mobile phone and a few pounds. Khalaf was free to live in the UK despite falsely claiming to be a Syrian refugee when he arrived in Kent two years earlier hidden in a lorry. The career criminal had previously been arrested at least six times for theft and fraud, but was released rather than deported as he repeatedly lied about his identity. In 2017, Khalaf was sentenced to a minimum of 26 years in jail for murder as a judge suggested that his case should prompt a review of the law. Judge Wendy Joseph QC said the killer had 'no respect for the law'. Khalaf was sent back into the community repeatedly and Mr Medina, a Colombian, paid for it 'with his life', she added. Advertisement Reading terror suspect Khairi Saadallah, from Libya, was released from prison 16 days before the attack that left three dead. Some of those released use human rights or asylum laws to avoid being sent back home, or do not have travel documents and cannot be removed immediately. Nearly a third 2,430 have been on the loose for more than five years. A further 3,055 have dodged being booted out for between 12 months and five years. It comes after a series of scandals affecting the Home Office. Last month the Daily Mail reported how the victim of the Rochdale child sex grooming gang came face-to-face with her abuser in a supermarket even though he should have been deported two years ago. The girl was 13 when she became pregnant by paedophile Adil Khan, 50. The taxi driver and two other men were due to be sent back to Pakistan after being released. David Spencer, research director at the Centre for Crime Prevention think-tank, said: 'This is a shambles. It is scandalous that there are thousands of foreign criminals living freely in our communities when they should long since have been deported to their own countries. 'These figures show all too clearly how hamstrung the Home Office is by the current human rights legislation and how badly reform is needed in order to keep the British people safe.' In April the Supreme Court dealt a major blow to Miss Patel's promise to remove more foreign offenders. Judges said criminals could avoid deportation if they would get poorer healthcare in their homeland than on the NHS. It came in the case of a 33-year-old Zimbabwean drug dealer who used the European Convention on Human Rights to claim he would not receive life-saving treatment in Africa. Miss Patel has ordered a review of asylum law that will force claimants including criminals to lodge all their arguments at the beginning of a case. This would stop them from submitting 'spurious' claims under different areas of human rights law to delay their deportation. The Home Office said more than 52,000 foreign criminals have been removed since 2010. Those released into the community are subject to bail conditions with monitoring, including electronic tagging and telephone contact, it added. A spokesman for the Home Office said: 'Foreign national offenders should be in no doubt of our determination to deport them. But as the Home Secretary made clear in Parliament earlier this week, tougher action is needed. 'The process is complicated, and there are barriers to overcome, but we are actively looking at all options, including legislative changes.' An alleged IRA man jailed for raping teenage boys at a republican safe house over two decades ago was initially held on 23-hour lock-up and was subject to severe verbal abuse by other prisoners, the Court of Appeal has heard. Belfast native Seamus Marley was back before the three-judge court today, where his legal team argued he should be given more time to lodge an appeal against his conviction. According to the judge who jailed him last year, Marley used his standing in the republican movement, a movement well capable of clandestine killings, to silence his victims. The 46-year-old, with a last address at Belfield Court, Stillorgan Road in Dublin, had pleaded not guilty to sexually assaulting and raping the two boys in Co. Louth on dates in the early 1990s. A Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty on six counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape following a six-day trial in May 2019. The verdicts were unanimous and Mr Justice Paul McDermott sentenced him to seven years in prison. Marley had filed for an appeal against his conviction outside of the required 28-day period in which to lodge it. A defendant normally has 28 days from the date of sentence to file a notice of intent to appeal. His barrister, Michael Bowman SC, today applied to the Court of Appeal for an extension of time so the case can go to full hearing. He said that his client had informed his legal team after his guilty verdicts that he wanted to appeal his conviction. His legal team had advised him that he had to wait until his sentence was imposed. However, he had misunderstood and thought that he had to appeal both. He wasnt processing information correctly, said Mr Bowman. He noted that Marley had a history of depression and anxiety and that he was on lock-up for 23 hours a day during his initial time in custody. This was for his own protection, as he had been subject to severe verbal abuse by other prisoners because of his suggested membership of the IRA and his conviction for being a child rapist. Mr Bowman said that Marley had also been warned that to succeed might not be in his interest because he would then have two trials and maybe a significant prison sentence. However, he said that Marley had later read a book and realised that he could appeal conviction without it affecting sentence. Counsel said that his client was dealing with a case from 1991 onwards, with it first being reported in 2014. There was a delay in terms of years, he said, noting that Marleys delay could be measured in terms of weeks. Patrick Gageby SC contested the application on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). He cited case law to support his case, and submitted that the interests of the two victims and the desire for finality of proceedings were highly relevant circumstances. Justice John Edwards, presiding with Justice Patrick McCarthy and Justice Isobel Kennedy, reserved judgment in the case. One in four people aged 65 or older has diabetes. The disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and a major contributor to heart disease. Experts have recommended that the best way to slow the progression of diabetes--and help prevent its many complications--is to maintain strict control of blood sugar levels. For healthy younger people, this means keeping the target blood sugar level (known as A1c or HbA1c) lower than 6.5 percent to 7.0 percent. For older adults who have a limited life expectancy or who have advanced dementia, however, maintaining that target blood sugar level may cause more harm than good. For example, these older adults may not live long enough to experience potential benefits. What's more, maintaining these strict blood sugar levels can raise the risk of potentially harmful events such as low blood sugar (also known as hypoglycemia). This can cause falls or loss of consciousness. For these reasons, many guidelines now suggest targeting higher HbA1c targets--such as between 8.0 percent and 9.0 percent--for older adults who have multiple chronic conditions or limited life expectancy, or who live in nursing homes. There is not much existing research to guide health care practitioners as to what the appropriate levels of diabetes medications are for this group of older adults. There is also little information about the effects for these individuals of taking fewer or lower dose of diabetes medications. Experts suspect that lessening diabetes treatment in these older adults has the potential to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations due to lowering the risk for harmful drug events and increasing the patients' comfort. In order to investigate the issue, a team of researchers conducted a study--one of the first national studies to examine potential overtreatment and deintensification of diabetes management in nursing home residents with limited life expectancy or dementia. The researchers chose nursing home residents to study because admission to a nursing home could give healthcare practitioners a chance to learn more about patient goals and preferences and to review and adjust medications accordingly. The researchers published their results in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. The researchers examined information from Veterans Affairs nursing homes from 2009 to 2015. Their goal was to learn more about older adults with diabetes, particularly those nearing the end of their life or who have dementia. The researchers investigated whether these older adults were overtreated for diabetes, whether they had their diabetes medication regimens lessened, and what effects might result from lowered doses, types and/or different kinds of medication. The researchers wanted to learn specifically how often diabetes treatments were lessened. Among the nursing home residents identified as potentially overtreated, the researchers examined how much their diabetes treatment regimens were lessened during the 90 days of follow-up. The researchers did not consider insulin dose changes, because insulin doses may be influenced by factors such as eating habits. The researchers said they observed potential overtreatment of diabetes in almost 44 percent of nursing home admissions for veterans with diabetes and veterans who had limited life expectancy or dementia. Potentially overtreated residents were about 78 years old and were nearly all male and non-Hispanic white. Two-thirds of the residents had been admitted to nursing homes from hospitals. A total of 29 percent had advanced dementia, almost 14 percent were classified with end-of-life status, and 79 percent had a moderately high risk of dying within six months. Many were physically dependent and had heart disease and/or potential diabetes-related complications. In addition, about 9 percent of overtreated residents had a serious low blood sugar episode in the year prior, emphasizing the need for deintensification. Nearly half of residents received two or more diabetes medications, and those with higher HbA1c values of between 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent received more diabetes medications than those with lower HbA1c. The researchers concluded that many veteran nursing home residents with limited life expectancy or dementia may be overtreated for their diabetes at the time of admission. The researchers suggested that future studies examine the impact of deintensification on health outcomes and adverse events to better understand the risks and benefits of diabetes management strategies in this group of older adults. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has sent a note of protest to the Russian diplomatic service in connection with the Russian Federation holding "military parades" in the territory of annexed Crimea without agreement with the Ukrainian side, which is regarded as a provocation, the press service of the Foreign Ministry said. "This provocation once again confirms that Russia deliberately goes on to further escalate tensions in Ukrainian-Russian relations and does not want to resolve the problematic issues caused by armed aggression of the Russian Federation and its occupation of part of the sovereign territory of Ukraine," it said. The corresponding note of protest has been handed over to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the ministry's press service said Wednesday night, June 25. The ministry called the open neglect by the Russian side of the current legislation of Ukraine and international law, in particular, UN General Assembly resolution /Res/68/262 of March 27, 2014 "Territorial integrity of Ukraine" in connection with holding on June 24, 2020 of so-called parades of the Russian Federation Black Sea Fleet units on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the victory over Nazism in the temporarily occupied territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol, as well as Russian armed forces in the temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions without coordination with the Ukrainian side. "We regard the demonstration of military equipment by the Russian Federation during so-called military parades in the temporarily occupied territories of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol as a continuation of Russia's policy of militarization of the Crimea, which poses a serious threat to European security. It is especially cynical that the Russian occupation administration involves minor children for militaristic purposes," the ministry said. The Foreign Ministry also believes that holding these parades in temporarily occupied Donetsk and Luhansk with the military equipment demonstration, in particular, 155mm howitzers 2A65 Msta-B, 122mm howitzers 2C Gvozdika, multiple launch rocket systems BM-21 Grad, Strela-10 anti-aircraft missile systems, T-72 tanks, BTR-80 armored vehicles, BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles is a gross violation of obligations of the Russian side to the Minsk agreements. "Ukraine requires the Russian Federation to immediately cease internationally unlawful acts against the state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and take comprehensive measures to de-occupy part of the sovereign territory of Ukraine, including the withdrawal of all its armed forces, military equipment and mercenaries," said the Foreign Ministry. ALBANY Consumer groups and at least one state senator are blasting a plan by the gas and electric utility NYSEG to raise its rates amid the coronavirus pandemic. The state Public Service Commission recently began a review of how utilities across the state should approach their rate setting in light of the unemployment and business closures caused by the pandemic. However, staff at the PSC revealed earlier this week that it had reached a potential settlement with NYSEG that could potentially allow it to increase electric delivery rates by 25 percent over three years - an additional $145 over that period. The deal would still need to be approved by the PSC's five commissioners. Although National Grid is the dominant gas and electric utility in the Capital Region, NYSEG provides gas and electric service to parts of Saratoga, Rensselaer, Columbia and Greene counties. After the PSC announced that a settlement had been reached on Monday, PULP and AARP both decried the decision to allow NYSEG to raise its rates at this time. AARP's state director Beth Finkel said now is not the time to raise customer rates. One of the worst economic crises in the last century is not the time to increase NYSEG customers electric delivery rates by nearly 25 percent," Finkel said. "This proposal from the Public Service Commission staff and the (utility) is inconsistent with Gov. Cuomos and the PSCs own goals in launching a special COVID-19 proceeding aimed at curtailing unnecessary spending by utility companies and ensuring consumers are protected." Richard Berkley, executive director of PULP, which stands for the Public Utility Law Project of New York, said the group was "appalled" at the settlement decision. "Utilities are supposed to act in the public interest, but the companies actions today are anything but in the public interest, which is why PULP also applauds the Public Service Commission and Gov. Cuomo for launching a special COVID-19 proceeding to rein in unnecessary spending by utilities and push the utilities to lower harmful economic impacts upon consumers," Berkley said. NYSEG officials, however, defended the rate settlement, noting that it provided numerous benefits to its customers, including a $16.5 COVID-19 relief fund that would provide $100 credits to "vulnerable" residential and business customers. The settlement filed today puts customers first and, upon approval, will provide immediate COVID-19 relief to residential and commercial customers, while also limiting the rate impact to ensure that (NYSEG) customers will continue to have among the lowest electric and gas rates in the state, said NYSEG CEO Carl Taylor. The proposed plan will enable much needed investment in our infrastructure and harnesses the power of technology to make our electric system more resilient, providing for a better customer experience. It also re-affirms our commitment to build more economic, social and environmentally sustainable communities throughout the areas we serve. NYSEG said that the first electric delivery rate increase in October would add $2.49 to the average electric bill. In 2021, monthly electric bills would rise $4.13. Another $5.54 in added delivery costs would hit monthly bills in 2022. Delivery costs are just half of a typical electric bill. The other half is the actual electric supply that is set by the market. The rate settlement also includes new rates for NSYEG's sister company, RG&E, although that utility mainly serves the Rochester area. State Sen. Jen Metzger, who represents Sullivan County and parts of Delaware, Orange, and Ulster counties, also decried the NYSEG rate settlement. "It is outrageous that the parties to this rate case have agreed to impose a nearly 25 percent increase in electric rates over three years, in total and utter disregard for the pandemic and the economic toll it has taken on residents and small businesses in our region," Metzger said. NYSEG and RG&E do not take raising rates lightly," said Michael Jamison, the utilities' senior corporate communications manager. "This proposal comes after months of thoughtful discussions with stakeholders about how the companies can continue to best serve our customers in light of the COVID-19 situation. "In addition to making needed investments in our electric system, this proposal provides direct bill credits and economic development programs for customers who may be impacted by the pandemic," Jamison said. "Simultaneously, this proposal keeps our rates the lowest in the state compared to other utilities. Ultimately, our system is aging and requires investments. Compounded by harsher and more frequent storms, this agreement makes needed investments directly in our infrastructure, in our effort to trim trees which are responsible for more than half of all NYSEG outages and in our efforts to create a more resilient electric system," Jamison said. The PSC is asking the public to submit comments on the settlement through July 23 through its website or through mail. The Presiding Member (PM) of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, Mr. Joseph Korto, has condemned a piece of fake news that has attracted unwholesome attention to the TMA. At a General Assembly meeting on Wednesday, he lamented that the claim in sections of the media that TMA requests to fund EC was a pure fabrication attributed to him and by extension, the TMA, saying the mischief was unacceptable. The fabrication is beyond measure and so outrageous that I wonder how a longstanding journalist could make it in the first place. What is even worst is that, they attributed it to the TMA, the Assembly must stand up to this mischief and cure it before it becomes another aimless talking point. Mr. Korto, who is also the Dean of Presiding Members in Greater Accra and the longest serving Assembly member in the country said. Mr Korto, who was speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra said sections of the media claimed that the TMA had requested for clearance to fund the Electoral Commission and its calendar of activities for the upcoming elections in December. He said they attributed the claim to the Presiding Member, even though he told the GNA that he never ever made any such suggestion. A representative from the EC, the Tema Metropolitan Director of Electoral Commission, Mr. Manasseh Ofosuhene, sat in the Assemblys meeting on Tuesday and after the Metropolitan Chief Executive gave his sessional address in accordance with section 28 (1) of the Local Governance Act, Act 936 of 2016, I asked him what the ECs plans were in respect of special provisions for the vulnerable and the elderly. As the Assembly traditionally helped the EC with logistics for the elderly and the vulnerable, I asked him why the EC was always handicapped in that area and whether the EC did not budget for this. To this he answered in the affirmative, meaning the EC did not budget for it, Mr. Korto recalled to the agreement of Assembly Members present. Mr Korto said the next day, it was on the front page of a newspaper that the TMA had decided to sponsor the Electoral Commission. According to the newspaper, the Assembly propositioned the EC with a request to be its sponsor. Whoever this reporter is, does he or she not know the basic tenets of governance; that it is Parliament which approves budgets and programmes of the EC? Mr. Korto, who is rumoured to be up for appointment as the Dean of Presiding Members nationwide, asked. Assembly Members including; Mr. Ebenezer Kudjoe, alias Shark, who doubles as the Tema Metro Director of NADMO and even third party attendees of that meeting took turns to condemn the story. I think it is very unfortunate that such things still occur in our countrys press, said the Tema MCE, Felix Mensah Nii Annang-La. An Executive Member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Stephen Ashitey Adjei, alias Moshake, who also attended the meeting in the Public Gallery, also condemned the yellow journalism in the country. I was there on Wednesday and can say it for a fact that nowhere at all did the experienced PM or the Assembly pledge to fund the Electoral Commission. This is a story purely cooked in the imagination of the reporter and it is really shocking, I see this kind of rough media propaganda method against the TMA as temptation to lower journalistic standards, such half-truths and lies will end up making it difficult to trust some tabloids. The Ten Commandments law says Thou shall not lie, but lying has become so institutionalized that society now largely de-sensitize to it. Moshake said. Since the Assembly and the media are inseparable, it would be a brilliant idea if the hardworking Presiding Member and the mother Assembly could please forgive. After-all, forgiveness is for our own benefit, if you forgive your neigbour his or her trespasses, the Lord Almighty good God Jah Jehovah will also forgive you your trespasses. 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 Beverage brand Pepsi on Thursday announced a fund-raising initiative in association with the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) and leading online food delivery aggregator Swiggy to provide 25 lakh meals to the workers of restaurant community who are in distress. As part of the initiative, whenever any consumer adds any soft drink to a meal order on Swiggy from June 25 to July 19, Pepsi will contribute part of the proceeds in respect of each soft drink ordered to the NRAI Covid-19 Relief Corpus. Follow latest updates on coronavirus here This fund will be further used to provide meals (dry ration) to restaurant workers who are suffering due to the current challenging times, said the beverage company. The offer is valid on any packaged soft drinks ordered from restaurants listed on Swiggy platform which includes carbonated soft drinks, packaged iced tea, packaged juices and packaged juice-based drinks and is not restricted to just the purchase of Pepsi. The restaurant industry is an integral part of our ecosystem and has been severely impacted by the ongoing health challenge. Both restaurants and restaurant workers are struggling, said a PepsiCo India spokesperson. Click here for complete coronavirus coverage Hence, in our endeavour to find various meaningful ways to provide support to the ecosystem, we found that mobilising a movement with consumers and providing food security support to our restaurant workers and their families who are in distress is a timely intervention and need of the hour. Hawk Newsome, right, a leader in the Black Lives Matter movement, at a rally in New York on May 15, 2020. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) Black Lives Matter Organizer: If US Doesnt Give Us What We Want, Then We Will Burn Down This System The chairperson of Black Lives Matters New York chapter said activists will burn down the current system in the United States if theyre not given what they want. If this country doesnt give us what we want, then we will burn down this system and replace it. All right? Hawk Newsome said. And I could be speaking figuratively. I could be speaking literally. Its a matter of interpretation, he said during an appearance on Fox News The Story on June 24. Violence has taken place at or near Black Lives Matter protests across the country in recent weeks. The protests followed the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, in policy custody in Minneapolis. All four officers involved in the arrest were fired and charged with murder or aiding and abetting murder. Hawk Newsome, a leader in the Black Lives Matter movement, speaks during a rally in New York on March 16, 2019. (Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) Newsome argued that the looting and destruction has led to results. Lets be very real and lets observe the history of the 1960s. When black people were rioting, we had the highest growth in wealth, in property ownership. Think about the last few weeks. Since we started protesting, there have been eight cops fired across the country, he said. When protests were peaceful in previous years, protesters were told of a need for due process any time a police officer hurt someone, Newsome said. But the moment people start destroying property, now cops can be fired automatically. What is this country rewarding? What behavior is it listening to? Obviously, not marching. But when people get aggressive and they escalate their protest, the country listens, cops get fired; now you have police officers, you have Republican politicians talking about police reform. The organizer said that the United States is built upon violence, referencing the American Revolution and how the country has replaced leaders it didnt like in various countries. So for any American to accuse us of being violent, its extremely hypocritical, he said, alleging that when black people talk about arming and defending themselves, the reaction is to paint it as violence, but when white people do the same, its all good. The vandalized Lake Street/Midtown metro station after a night of protests and violence following the death of George Floyd, in Minneapolis, Minn., on May 29, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Newsome clarified that he neither condones nor condemns rioting. He added later, I just want black liberation and black sovereignty, by any means necessary. Newsome traveled to Minneapolis in May when rioters destroyed dozens of businesses. He told CBS 6 after returning to New York, When the fires were burning, and people were chanting, I just felt liberated for a brief moment, and I felt for one of the only times in my life that the government had no control over me. Black Lives Matter was founded in 2013 after George Zimmerman, a Hispanic American, was acquitted in the killing of Trayvon Martin, a black teenager. The group says its mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. Recently, the group has joined the push to defund police departments, with some calls to abolish the departments completely. Members and organizers also are pressuring lawmakers to place a number of restrictions on police officers. Co-founder Patrisse Cullors has described herself and and another co-founder, Alicia Garza, as trained Marxists, or adherents to theories promoted by Karl Marx, known as the founder of communism. The Democratic National Committee officially endorsed Black Lives Matter in 2015, and Cullors said on June 19 that her organization has a new goal: to remove Republican President Donald Trump from office. Matthew Vadum contributed to this report. By PTI LOS ANGELS: Civil War epic "Gone With the Wind" is back on HBO Max, over two weeks after it was pulled from the streaming platform, now accompanying historical context and a disclaimer about the 1939 film's controversial depiction of the black people and overt positive view of slavery. The development comes as media companies reappraise content in the wake of protests over police brutality and systemic racism after the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota last month. The play of "Gone With the Wind" on the streamer is now preceded by a video from TCM host and University of Chicago cinema and media studies professor Jacqueline Stewart, who informs viewers, "You're about to see one of the most enduringly popular films" of all time, but warns "the film has been repeatedly protested, dating back to the announcement of its production" due to its glorification of the antebellum South and stereotypical characters of the black community. The film, which has for long been considered controversial, takes place in the American South on a plantation outside Atlanta and narrates the love story of southern aristocrats Scarlett O'Hara and Rhett Butler, played by Hollywood icons Vivien Leigh and Clarke Gable, respectively. According to Deadline, a second newly added video by HBO Max is the 2019 TCM Classic Film Festival panel that Donald Bogle moderated titled "Gone With the Wind: A Complicated Legacy". The four hour-long film, directed by Victor Fleming, also starred Hattie McDaniel and Olivia de Havilland. Based on on the 1936 bestseller by Margaret Mitchell, "Gone With the Wind" received eight Oscars at the 12th Academy Awards, including best picture, director, adapted screenplay, actress and supporting actress for McDaniel. Third clip included with the film on the streamer, titled "Hattie McDaniel: What a Character!", details the the Oscar winner's career and talents. McDaniel, who played house servant Mammy at the O'Haras, became the first black person to win the award but due to racial segregation at the ceremony she sat separately from her co-stars, at a table at the back of the room. Stewart said contemporary viewers should watch the movie "to reflect on their own beliefs". "'Gone With the Wind', with its landmark production values, signature scenes and iconic characters has shaped the way generations have pictured slavery and the reconstruction period that followed," the scholar said. "It is not only a major document of Hollywood's racist practices of the past, but also an enduring work of popular culture that speaks directly to the racial inequalities that persist in media and society today," she added. Recently, the film came under the microscope after "12 Years A Slave" screenwriter John Ridley's op-ed, titled "Hey, HBO, 'Gone With the Wind' romanticizes the horrors of slavery. Take it off your platform for now", appeared in the Los Angeles Times. In response to the article, HBO Max, the recently launched streamer from WarnerMedia, said they removed the film for now but it will eventually return featuring a "discussion of its historical context and a denouncement" of its racist depictions. After the streamer took the film offline, "Gone With the Wind" shot to the top of Amazon's film and TV bestseller list in its DVD, Blu-ray and the 70th Anniversary Edition forms. Williams, who lives with her daughter and mother in the upstairs apartment of an Austin two-flat, above her aunt and uncle, said she was turned away from one such plan. Even though she checked all the other boxes, she said she was denied because her uncles account was registered to the same address, unlike similar buildings where each apartment has its own. More than 33% of households in Austin lack internet connectivity, affecting 8,000 neighborhood children, according to an April report by Kids First Chicago and the Metropolitan Planning Council. My initial focus will be hiring and training a team of sales representatives in Seattle, Phoenix, and Denver. TAS United, LLC, a call center and answering service headquartered in Texas, is pleased to announce that Clay McElroy has been promoted to Regional Sales Manager of the Western Territory from his prior position as Account Executive. In this role, Mr. McElroy will build, develop, and lead a team of sales representatives focused on driving growth for the company in the Western part of the United States. As TAS United pursues a presence in the Western region of the country, my initial focus will be hiring and training a team of sales representatives in Seattle, Phoenix, and Denver, said Clay McElroy. These key markets are home to businesses in a myriad of growing industries, such as clean tech, maritime, aerospace, energy, finance, and life sciences, as well as a hub for many start-up companies. TAS United is well-positioned to support these growing businesses by providing the call processing, virtual receptionist, and answering services they need to streamline their operations and elevate client service. Despite the turbulent times, TAS United continues to grow and expand into major markets in the U.S., said Dan Kilday, Director of Sales and Client Engagement at TAS United. Clays promotion to Regional Sales Manager supports our strategic endeavors and positions TAS United for continued growth. His unparalleled devotion and tireless work ethic make him the perfect choice to lead this team. Mr. McElroy has more than 15 years of experience in the call center industry, having worked in both a sales and operations capacity. He came to TAS United in 2018 as a result of the companys acquisition of Stenocall, a call center in Lubbock, Texas. Prior to his call center experience, Mr. McElroy worked in various roles, including as a Regional Recruiter/Trainer for Gap Inc. He also served on active duty for the U.S. Coast Guard for six years. Mr. McElroy holds an MBA from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas and a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Tulane University in New Orleans. He serves as a member of the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries International, Inc. and Meals on Wheels America. For more information about TAS Uniteds call processing and answering services, please call 210-258-5700 or 800-310-8269 or visit http://www.tasunited.com. About TAS United, LLC TAS United, LLC, headquartered in Texas, is an answering service and call center that provides highly-personalized, secure call processing solutions for its customers throughout the U.S. TAS United maintains offices in San Antonio, Houston, Austin, El Paso, Lubbock, Corpus Christi, and Beaumont, Texas, as well as the Midwest. Operating from a custom technology platform supported by trained bilingual agents, TAS United delivers live and automated answering services and customized scripting to customers in a myriad of industries, including: healthcare/medical, construction, education, energy/natural resources, legal, real estate, government, hospitality, and e-commerce. The company's founding partners have extensive industry experience, which enables them to maintain a strong focus on product innovation and a dedication to elite customer service in todays highly competitive answering service market. For more information, please contact 800-310-8269 or visit http://www.tasunited.com. Media Contact: Dan Kilday, Director of Sales & Client Engagement, 210-561-8700, dkilday@tasunited.com By Trend Over the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces have violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops 30 times, Trend reports on June 25 referring to Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. The Armenian armed forces were using large-calibre machine guns and 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 per cent 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 Amid speculation of another lockdown in Karnataka to contain rising cases of Covid-19, Revenue minister R Ashoka on Thursday ruled out a full lockdown of the state capital Bengaluru. Lockdown will not be imposed on the entire city of Bengaluru, he said. On Friday, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa is scheduled to meet all legislators from Bengaluru cutting across party lines to take a decision on the capital. Yediyurappas deputy C N Ashwath Narayan also cautioned that another lockdown might trip the economic revival. Thats (lockdown) a suggestion by many opposition leaders. At present that question doesnt arise. Revival of economy has just started. Livelihood is very essential. If you go back, I think it becomes very difficult and people will face problems, said C.N. Ashwath Narayan according to ANI. Earlier in the day, chief minister Yediyurappa had expressed concern over rising Covid-19 cases in Bengaluru and urged people to maintain social distancing and sanitisation to avoid another lockdown. On Monday, the government had decided to seal four major areas in the state capital Bengaluru to contain the spread of Covid-19. The states health minister B Sriramulu said that there is no community transmission in the state. Seal down has been implemented at four locations in Bengaluru. More tests are being done in these locations. We have also made arrangements to test senior citizens, Sriramulu said after a cabinet meeting according to ANI. Situation is under control, theres no community transmission. Were working with the CM. We took opinion from experts. Theyre of the opinion that people from outside are coming to Bengaluru so the number of cases are increasing here, he said. Covid-19 cases in Karnataka crossed the 10,000 mark on Wednesday. Earlier, JD (S) leader and former CM H D Kumaraswamy had demanded that the government impose a 20-day statewide lockdown to prevent the rapid spread of the virus. On Wednesday, Kumaraswamy appealed to the people of the state to impose a self-declared curfew and stay at home asserting that life was more important than the economy. Thais on Wednesday marked the anniversary of a 1932 revolution which ended absolute monarchy with heavily symbolic events, demanding reforms to a political system dominated by the arch-royalist army. Protesters dressed as soldiers and a pre-dawn holographic display were among the subversive ways activists chose to commemorate Thailand's transition from absolutism to a constitutional monarchy on June 24, 1932. Marking the revolution has become increasingly taboo under the government of former army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha. The military describes itself as the protector of the kingdom's unassailable monarchy, which is headed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. He is shielded from criticism by harsh lese majeste laws. "We will revive the soul of the People's Party from 88 years ago," said Anon Numpa, an activist lawyer who organised the rally. After years of coups, violent crackdowns and short-lived civilian governments, Thailand remains a country sharply divided. The arch-royalist establishment holds power but is facing an increasingly bold youth-focused movement, fuelled by social media and tired of the kingdom's yawning inequality and constricted freedoms. A projection near the Democracy Monument -- which was covered in a barricade and ringed by police -- included a recording of the declaration by the People's Party, a group of military and civil officers who staged the 1932 bloodless coup. Later, at parliament, protesters unveiled a replica of a small bronze plaque marking the 1932 anniversary. The original was embedded in the ground of Bangkok's Royal Plaza for decades before it mysteriously vanished in 2017. - 'We want our country back' - Activists say the missing plaque is emblematic of a wider whitewashing of Thai political history. "They (the army) are trying to decrease the people's power," said activist Pachanee Kamnak, urging revisions to the country's army-scripted constitution. At sundown, scores gathered at a skywalk in downtown Bangkok, carrying signs that said "we want freedom", while one protester mimed reading a book by Jit Phumisak, a famed anti-dictatorship philosopher who was killed in 1966. Frank discussion or reporting on the monarchy from inside the kingdom is impossible under the lese majeste laws. But last week, Prayut gave a rare explainer of the law, saying it has not been used in recent years at the "mercy" of the king. Still, critics say there has been a surge of charges under other laws -- including the Computer Crimes Act. The disappearance over two weeks ago of pro-democracy activist Wanchalearm Satsaksit -- wanted by authorities for allegedly breaching the act -- has also brewed discontent with Prayut's administration. Protester Jenny, who would only provide her nickname, said she followed the news of Wanchalearm's disappearance closely. "It makes me want to cry," she told AFP. "I came here to show the people who control this country that... we want our country back." Prayut is already facing the economic fallout of the coronavirus crisis -- which has paralysed Thailand's tourism-reliant economy and left millions jobless. The pandemic has seen an emboldened Thai social media light up with rare references to the king's apparent absence in Germany during much of the crisis. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Bogota, Colombia Thu, June 25, 2020 13:33 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406618bae8 2 Entertainment Ciro-Guerra,Colombia,director,#MeToo,sexual-harassment Free Eight women accused Colombian director Ciro Guerra -- known for his film "Embrace of the Serpent" -- of sexual harassment and assault in an article published Wednesday. Seven women said the 39-year-old filmmaker sexually harassed them, while an eighth said she had been sexually assaulted by Guerra, all between 2013 and 2019 in various cities in Colombia, France, Germany, the US and Mexico, according to the Volcanicas magazine. The accusers chose not to reveal their identities "to avoid backlash." According to their accounts, Guerra engaged the women in "uncomfortable sexual conversations" and invited them back to his apartment or hotel. He "forcefully touched them sexually, kissed them and, in one case, committed sexual abuse, even as they clearly, directly and repeatedly told him 'no'", the magazine said. Guerra denied the accusations and said he would seek to clear his name through the legal system. Read also: France drops sexual assault probe against director Kechiche "I offer my apologies to everyone who has been affected, to everyone who has had to read these horrors, lies and malicious words," he said in a statement. "I have the peace of being innocent," he added in a video. The women said some of the abuses took place during the Cannes Film Festival and at the Cartagena International Film Festival in Colombia. The accusers, who also did not reveal their nationalities, said they worked in film as actresses, costume designers or other crew members. Volcanicas magazine said the women do not intend to file any kind of formal complaint against Guerra in an effort to avoid potential humiliation during the legal process. Guerra is one of the most internationally famous Colombian directors, whose 2015 film "Embrace of the Serpent" won accolades at Cannes the same year. It was nominated for best foreign language film in 2016. Realme announced the Realme X3 and Realme X3 SuperZoom. Realme also announced the Realme Buds Q and an Adventure Backpack. Despite strong anti-China sentiments consuming the country in the midst of a border skirmish with Chinese troops in Eastern Ladakh, Realme hosted an online-only launch event, launching the Realme X3( 24990 at Tatacliq) SuperZoom, the Realme X3, the Realme Buds Q and an Adventure Backpack. Out of them, the X3 SuperZoom is already available in Europe, having launched in May. The other three products are a first for the company. There isnt much of a difference between the Realme X3 SuperZoom and the regular Realme X3, except for the zooming capabilities of the camera. Lets cover the similarities first. Both the Realme X3 SuperZoom and the Realme X3 are powered by the Snapdragon 855+. Its a bit strange to see a new smartphone with last years flagship chipset, but its actually a clever way to bypass the mandatory 5G modem (which has no use in India for now), without compromising too much on the performance. The Snapdragon 855+ is based on the 7nm manufacturing process with the prime core capable of going up to 2.96GHz. The Adreno 640 GPU is also quite capable as we have seen in devices like the OnePlus 7T, Asus ROG Phone II last year. Both phones also rock LPDDR4X RAM and UFS 3.0 storage, along with a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with 120Hz refresh rate. Realme claimed the phone comes with 90.5% screen to body ratio and Corning Gorilla Glass 5. They also sport a 4,200mAh battery with 30W fast charging support. Realme X3 with a 12MP regular telephoto lens The Realme X3 series runs on the new RealmeUI based on Android 10. They also support Dolby Atmos audio. As for the cameras, both smartphones rock the 64MP Samsung GW-1 sensor with a 26mm, f/1.8 lens, along with an 8MP ultrawide camera with f/2.3 lens and a 2MP macro lens. On the front, there are two selfie cameras drilled into the display. The primary is a 32MP Sony IMX616 sensor while the second is an ultra-wide Sony IMX 471 f/2.0 shooter. Now the differences. What sets the Realme X3 SuperZoom apart from the Realme X3 is an 8MP f/3.4 periscope telephoto lens capable of going to 124mm and 5X optical zoom and OIS. The telephoto lens on the X3 SuperZoom is also capable of doing astrophotography. which is one of the biggest highlights of the device according to the company. The regular Realme X3 comes with a 12MP telephoto lens with f/2.5 lens. The zooming capabilities of the regular X3 are not known yet. While the interior is more or less the same across the X3 series, the Realme X3 SuperZoom comes with 8GB and 12GB RAM coupled with 128GB and 256GB storage. The Realme X3, on the other hand, will be more affordable with a 6GB and 8GB RAM variant with 128GB storage on both. Realme Buds Q specs and features The Realme Buds Q is designed by French artist, Jose Levy and is based on the shape of cobblestone with a frosted finish, which the company claims makes it comfortable and ergonomic to carry. The buds weight 3.6 grams while the box itself is 35.3 grams. Realme claims a 20-hour music playback when charged with the charging case. The buds also support Bluetooth 5.0 and touch-based controls. The buds itself have a beak-like structure, to fit well in the ears. They come in three colours Black, White and Yellow. The buds house 10mm dynamic bass boost drivers using PEEK&PU polymer composite diaphragm. The buds also have a low-latency mode for gaming, bringing the latency down to 119ms. To enable the low latency mode, just press both buds against your ears till you hear a car revving. The buds also support hi-res AAC audio. On a single charge, Realme claims each bud lasts 4.5-hours. It tops up using a micro-USB port and takes two hours to fully charge. The Realme Buds Q are also IPX4 water-resistant which makes it splashproof against rain and sweat. Realme X3, Realme X3 SuperZoom, Realme Buds Q and Realme Adventure Backpack price and availability The Realme X3 starts from Rs 24,999 for the 6GB RAM and 128GB storage variant, while the 8+128GB storage is priced at Rs 25,999. Meanwhile, the flagship Realme X3 SuperZoom is priced at Rs 27,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage, while the 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant is priced at Rs 32,999. The Realme X3 will go on sale from 25th June on Flipkart and Realme.come while the X3 SuperZoom will go on sale on Flipkart from June 30th. The Realme Buds Q is priced at Rs 1,999 and will go on sale from July 1st on Realme.com and Amazon India. Lastly, the Realme Adventure Backpack is priced at Rs 1,499 and will be available on Flipkart, Amazon India and Realme.com from July 1st. Rising coronavirus cases will also add to existing problems in war-torn country, UN humanitarian chief warns. The United Nations humanitarian chief has warned that Yemen will fall off the cliff without massive financial support. Mark Lowcock told a closed Security Council meeting on Wednesday that many more people will starve to death, succumb to COVID-19, die of cholera and watch their children die because they have not been immunised for killer diseases. He added that the coronavirus was spreading rapidly across Yemen and about 25 percent of the countrys confirmed cases have died five times the global average. With the health system in collapse, we know many cases and deaths are going unrecorded, said Lowcock. Burial prices in some areas have increased by seven times compared to a few months ago. Lowcock said the coronavirus is adding one more layer of misery upon many others including appalling multi-casualty incidents and the countrys economy, which is heading for an unprecedented calamity. He pointed to the rapid depreciation of the Yemeni currency, the rial, a 10 to 20 percent rise in food prices in just two weeks, and the best available data indicating that remittances may have already fallen between 50 and 70 percent. A virtual pledging conference for Yemen hosted by the UN and Saudi Arabia on June 2 saw 31 donors pledge $1.35bn for humanitarian aid, including about $700m in new funds, Lowcock said. Thats only about half of what was pledged last year, he said, adding that it was far below what was needed to keep humanitarian programmes going. Reduced pledges from the Gulf region account for essentially all of the reduction, said Lowcock, whose speech was distributed by his office. Water and sanitation programmes that serve four million people will start closing in several weeks, he said. About five million children will go without routine vaccinations, and by August, we will close down malnutrition programmes. A wider health programme that helps 19 million people will stop, too, he said. 200622124439279 We have never before seen in Yemen a situation where such a severe acute domestic economic crisis overlaps with a sharp drop in remittances and major cuts to donor support for humanitarian aid and this of course is all happening in the middle of a devastating pandemic, Lowcock said. On Tuesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for more pressure to be applied to Yemens warring parties to come together to arrange a ceasefire in the war that has cost more than 10,000 lives, displaced two million people and sparked the worlds worst humanitarian disaster. In 2014, Iranian-backed Shia Houthi rebels overran the capital, Sanaa, and much of Yemens north, driving the government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi into exile. A US-backed, Saudi-led coalition intervened the following year to try and restore Hadis rule. The war has settled into a deadlock, compelling significant regional players to seek an exit. Connecticut will try reopening public schools full time and in person this fall. That is the guidance offered up Thursday by state officials two months before the start of school in September and with a summer of COVID-19 uncertainty still to get through. We are not going back to normal by any stretch of the imagination, Commissioner of Education Miguel Cardona acknowledged in releasing the guidelines during the governors daily pandemic briefing. At the same time, he said students want to get back to school and the state is at the point where officials feel students can be brought back safely all day, every day if the infection rate of COVID-19 in the state continues to decline. Gov. Ned Lamont agreed. Our kids have not been a classroom in months now, Lamont said. We wanted to make sure we have as close to a traditional classroom experience as we could for these kids. But during the press briefing, the governor also called schools the most complicated part of the states reopening efforts. Built into the guidance is the recognition that there may have to be a plan B and even a plan C if cases of the virus, which shut down all schools to in-person learning in March, rise dramatically. After schools moved to distance learning, the governor and commissioner moved the targeted reopening date more than once before announcing in early May that distance learning would continue for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year. Also in May, the state issued guidelines for running summer school. The rules were so involved that many school districts decided it best to continue instructing students remotely over the summer. So much has changed since late April, Cardona said of the fall plan. If we continue the trajectory, we are able to provide a safe learning environment for students with the safeguards we have identified. The Dos and Donts The one-page overview of the reopening guidance issued Thursday will be followed up on Monday with a more comprehensive, 50-page plan that officials said is still being finalized. The plan calls for schools to put in the state-mandated 180-day school year and hold full, five-day weeks for the states 535,000 students. Lamont said that was important to give parents and employers something they could bank on in terms of schedules that allow them to get back to work. Cardona said his department is working with school districts to carve out space in schools so social distancing can occur in gymnasiums, auditoriums and cafeterias. It is also helping districts develop plans to help students who have lost academic ground or who have been left traumatized by the pandemic. The exact amount and source of those extra resources is still under discussion. Lets see what the budgets come back with, Lamont said. We dont have an infinite amount of money but we are there to be supportive. Students and staff, where possible, will be required to wear masks that cover mouth and nose when in school buildings. Even young students. We want it to become a norm in school, Cardona said. Exceptions will be made for students or staff who cant safely wear masks and for teachers when they are instructing a class. The commissioner conceded there is no way to keep students from hugging teachers or each other. There will be frequent hand washing but students wont be tested for the virus and temperatures will not be taken when they enter school. The plan is to encourage students in kindergarten through the eighth grade to stay together with the same group or cohort all day but the state is not dictating class sizes, simply saying desks should be spread apart as much as possible. The plan calls for school buses to run at near capacity with extra cleaning protocols in place between rides. It will be up to districts to come up with strategies for how to serve school breakfasts and lunches and how to successfully reroute hallways and stagger dismissals. A step in the process Most school districts, at the state Department of Educations directive, have been working on their own re-opening plans. Lamont said a statewide plan provides consistency. On Thursday, Bridgeports Acting Superintendent Michael Testani said he is definitely OK with the idea of going back to school full time. In his district, many students were not able to access at-home lessons on computers this spring. Some parents have asked Testani during his Friday Facebook live sessions if they can continue distance learning in the fall if they dont feel comfortable sending their children back. Cardona said parents should be given the option of continuing remote learning. We need to respect everyones level of comfort, Cardona said. A return to distance learning, or some combination of in- and out-of-school learning, needs to be planned for if there is a resurgence of the virus, he added. There will be a red to green color-coded Covid-spread chart to indicate the intensity of community transmission of the virus. A return to full-normal wont come until there is full containment or a vaccine, he said. Cardona said the reopening guidance was developed with input from educators, parents and students and in close consultation with the state Department of Public Health. But some are already raising concerns. Don Williams, executive director of the Connecticut Education Association, the states largest teachers union, said bringing all students back at the same time presents a lot of challenges. The safety protocols will only be as good as the weakest link, Williams said. Social distancing in schools is no good if students are riding school buses to and from schools that are at capacity, he said. Williams also wants more assurance that the state will adequately fund efforts to keep students safe and make up for learning lost last spring. Chris Phipps, acting chairman of the Ansonia Board of Education, said he would be reviewing the comprehensive report, as will his school boards re-entry committee. Im a little surprised that they seem to have lessened all the social distancing requirements, he said. Health and safety of the students and the staff have to be the first concern. Norwalk Board of Education Chair Sarah LeMieux also had reservations. Im really, deeply concerned, LeMieux said. What might make sense for rural parts of the state is unlikely to work in more densely populated Fairfield County and urban centers where the needs are greater, she said. It seems to be a really inequitable plan to me, LeMieux said. Im hopeful that people will think twice about this. In New Haven, before Thursdays announcement, a New Haven Public Schools task force had prepared for two possibilities: a fully online return to school and a hybrid model with students attending school in person only five days every two weeks. We may need to tweak a few things, because it looks like everyone is coming back at full capacity, said New Haven Superintendent of Schools Iline Tracey. Tracey said the states guidance to maximize social distancing is likely to be difficult in an urban district such as New Haven with 21,000 students. A packed school like (Wilbur) Cross, when they transition its like being on Broadway. How will they do that? she said. I guess well have to take out some of the added furniture in some classrooms to see how best we can spread the space out, she said. She said the district may consider installing plexiglass around teachers desks. As districts were encouraged by the state to spread students out by using their entire building plan, Tracey said it sounds like the district might need to hire more teachers. That will have fiscal implications, she said. Additionally, having transportation operate at full capacity will prove difficult because of requirements to have adult bus monitors ride with students. We need to exude the confidence that everyone will be safe when they return, she said. lclambeck@ctpost.com; twitter/lclambeck Star of the moment Daisy Edgar-Jones was pictured enjoying a walk on Thursday following the news Normal People will return for TWO new specials. The 22-year-old looked stylish in a plaid wrap mini dress which suited her perfectly. The beautiful actress teamed it with black leather flat mules and a matching satchel bag as she stepped out into the sunshine. Wonderful actress: Daisy Edgar-Jones stepped out wearing a plaid mini wrap dress as it's revealed Normal People will return for TWO new specials following the show's huge success Return: Series one broke BBC iPlayer records as fans can't get enough of the show - Daisy pictured in her role as Marianne alongside Connell (played by Paul Mescal) She tied her brunette locks up in an effortless 'do and finished off her look with gold vintage earrings and brown sunglasses. The day before, it emerged that Normal People will return for two specials after series one broke BBC iPlayer records as fans still can't get enough of the hit show. The drama, based on the novel of the same name by Sally Rooney, follows Irish students Connell (Paul Mescal) and Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) as they navigate social and class dynamics from school to university. Talented: No doubt Daisy will be in hot demand following the success of the show Exciting: The two specials will air on Friday June 26 on RTE Does Comic Relief in Ireland, with Paul and Daisy reprising their roles The two specials will air on Friday June 26 on RTE Does Comic Relief in Ireland, with Paul and Daisy reprising their roles. The charity's co-founder Richard Curtis thrilled fans when he confirmed the news, which will imagine the lead characters' lives several decades into the future. Speaking on RTE Radio 1's Sunday with Miriam, he said: 'There's a beautiful piece called Normal Older People, which is imagining what would have happened to Marianne and Connell 40 years from now. Plot: The charity's co-founder Richard Curtis thrilled fans when he confirmed the news, which will imagine the lead characters' lives several decades into the future More to come: The programme will look at the couple '40 year from now' 'I promise you, these are two very special bits. It's so much better than anything we've ever made. 'I mean I can't even say all about it because there's a guest star in it. But it's really, it's really beautiful. 'One of the things about Comic Relief is it just gives opportunities for things to happen that would never happen. 'I can't imagine any context in which they would have allowed this little sort of extra special into the world of Normal People.' Richard also confirmed that series director Lenny Abrahamson will also return to helm the specials. Daisy and Paul bonded during filming of the series with the actress recently calling him a 'friend for life'. Speaking to Porter magazine, she said: 'I feel very lucky to have met Paul through this process. He's a wonderful, wonderful person and a very giving actor...he'll be a friend for life.' It comes after Normal People was revealed to be the most watched show on BBC Three ever. The first episode of the drama has now been watched by 6.75 million devices just two months after it aired, making it the most popular programme on the channel ever. Although Normal People was originally a BBC Three show, the programme was also shown weekly on BBC One. Richard said: 'I promise you, these are two very special bits. It's so much better than anything we've ever made' (pictured in April 2020) Normal People has also been a huge hit in America and is being streamed on Hulu. Controller for BBC Three Fiona Campbell previously said of the show's success: 'We're delighted that Normal People has been such a success and so many people have come to iPlayer to watch it. 'From the initial read-through, the phenomenal thought and preparation the directors put into everything from the aesthetics and locations through to the costumes, we felt this incredible piece would always be unique, and it's clear the audience thinks so too. 'It's a modern masterpiece which has helped in catapulting the careers of two brilliant young actors, and we're looking forward to bringing more drama to BBC Three in the future.' You can watch Normal People on BBC Three, or on Stan in Australia. Some health professionals have written an open letter to the Electoral Commission warning of more COVID-19 more infections and deaths should a mass voter registration exercise be held. The health professionals comprising doctors, nurses, laboratory professionals among others insisted that the exercise has the potential of compromising the health of the Ghanaian population hence must be halted. We have never expected our work as health professionals to be easy, but neither do we expect it to be suicidal. We wish to advise that caution is exercised in undertaking any activity that has the potential to accelerate the spread of COVID-19. We believe the impending mass registration exercise falls in this category and has the potential to compromise the health and wellbeing of the population leading to unwanted pain, trauma, and possibly deaths as the past few days have shown. The workers who are 113 in number further outlined seven reasons why the electoral management body must reverse its decision to go ahead with the registration exercise in the build-up to the 2020 general elections. Our intent for writing this letter is not to contest your legal mandate to compile a voters' register, but to share with your team the potential health dangers this proposed exercise may foist on the nation especially considering the recent wave of COVID-19 infections and deaths that continue to stretch the capacities of health care facilities; we are steadily reaching breaking point, portions of the letter read. Read the open letter below: THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF GHANA RIDGE -ACCRA GHANA June 24, 2020 ATTN: MRS. JEAN MENSAH CHAIRPERSON, THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF GHANA Dear Madam, AN OPEN LETTER TO GHANA'S ELECTORAL COMMISSION: MASS VOTER REGISTRATION WILL RESULT IN MASS DEATHS FROM COVID-19 We the undersigned healthcare practitioners mainly made up of medical doctors, nurses, laboratory professionals and other allied health personnel having keenly followed developments in our country in relation to COVID-19 together with our experiences as frontline actors, wish to provide some insights to guide your decision to conduct a mass voter registration exercise in the coming weeks. Our intent for writing this letter is not to contest your legal mandate to compile a voters' register, but to share with your team the potential health dangers this proposed exercise may foist on the nation especially considering the recent wave of COVID-19 infections and deaths that continue to stretch the capacities of health care facilities; we are steadily reaching breaking point. As healthcare providers, we are confronted on a daily basis with increasing counts of infected patients including the critically-ill, increasing number of deaths that show no signs of abating anytime soon and a general feeling of exasperation among the populace all against a background of our pre-existing mandate to provide care to all Ghanaians, whether infected with COVID-19 or not. We have never expected our work as health professionals to be easy, but neither do we expect it to be suicidal. We wish to advise that caution is exercised in undertaking any activity that has the potential to accelerate the spread of COVID-19. We believe the impending mass registration exercise falls in this category and has the potential to compromise the health and wellbeing of the population leading to unwanted pain, trauma, and possibly deaths as the past few days have shown. Our decision to write this letter is informed in no small measure by the following: Learning from previous mass registrations exercises in the country, we are worried that a mass voters' registration exercise will promote the gathering of people in a manner that will inadvertently undermine the principles of social distancing and therefore facilitate the community spread of the disease. Voter registration is very important for our nation's democracy and governance, but in our considered view, nothing can be prioritized over the sanctity of human The president was right when he said What we do not know is how to bring people back to life. Indeed, we cannot bring back the dead. It is this basic truth that we seek to re-echo, in lieu of preserving the lives of those governed as a first priority, and then all other things may follow. This is the essence of governance. You would agree that the voters' registration exercise falls squarely in that category of ALL OTHER THINGS. We must collectively work to ensure all lives in Ghana are firmly secured and protected against the pandemic, and this requires us to resist the temptation to carry out any activities that can potentially cost us the very lives we work hard to protect and preserve. We are deeply worried that a mass registration exercise at this time and the resultant public gatherings that will ensue will lead to the relegation of the principles of social distancing, a key weapon in mitigating this From a public health perspective, these gatherings will only serve as a channel for the spread of the disease through person to person contact as well as contact with contaminated surfaces. The anticipated clustering of polling stations will only serve to increase the likelihood of a person to person contact triggering a new wave of infections. This is inevitable. We should remember that in a factory in Tema, one super- spreader was the source of up to 500 new infections. There are many super-spreaders who may turn up on registration day. Available records show that our country, Ghana is so far one of the worst affected cases of COVID-19. For instance, in the West-African sub-region, Ghana is only second to Nigeria in terms of the absolute number of cumulative cases and mortality rates. As at the time of writing this letter, the Ghana Health Service records indicate a total case count of 14,568 with 95 deaths. In addition, our country is presently recording an average of over 200 COVID-19 cases daily with frightening consistency since the early part of June. The sudden rise of over 200% in the number of our citizens who have died from COVID-19 is indeed a worrying concern. These undoubtedly illustrate the depth of the quagmire our health care infrastructure is saddled with. It is our fervent hope that good science and healthy public policy will find a fruitful intersection as far as dealing with the pandemic is concerned. It is clear that our country is heading towards a major public health catastrophe with fatal ramifications for our nation if we don't chart a different As frontline health workers, we have not been spared by this pandemic. We have lost worthy members of the fraternity including Professor Plange-Rhule, Dr. Harry Boateng, Nurse Sophia Addo, and many beloved Ghanaians to this All loss of life is painful, but when it hits close to home it is a totally different experience. We share in the pain of all families who have lost their loved ones, particularly whilst performing their professional duties. We presently carry a heavy burden of guilt and fear. Guilt because such deaths leave us with a feeling that we did not do enough to protect our own colleagues, and fear because we worry that we may also succumb to this contagion in the performance of our duties. Currently, 25 doctors in the Ashanti Region are infected by COVID-19 according to reports by the Ghana Medical Association (GMA), and over 100 nurses are infected in the same region. This situation closely mirrors what is going on in other regions. Our commitment to saving the lives of our fellow citizens should not be taken to mean we are happy and willing to die in the course of our professional roles. It is against this background that we express deep worry that an activity such as the mass registration you seek to carry out will compromise the protocols spelt out to reduce transmission and rather promote community spread of the dreaded COVID-19 ultimately making the masses victims of this disease. Our lives as healthcare workers matter too, and our prayer is for you to reconsider your decision to conduct a new voters' registration exercise. Our regular health infrastructure suffered from many vulnerabilities even before the advent of COVID-19, and the new normal for us is becoming unbearable. The treatment and isolation centers with their hard-working staff are particularly taking a heavy toll. Last week, the Ashanti Regional Director of Health indicated the shortage of beds in treatment and isolation centers. There have been reports of some of our colleague contact-tracers abandoning their jobs on account of a lack of funds to pay them. Compounding all of this is the limited number of ventilators and the limited number of qualified staff to man this equipment round the clock. For a country with only about 200 ventilators serving a population of 30 million, the worst mistake would be to treat this pandemic with soft gloves. We must learn from the experience of Burundi where political considerations were placed above the spread of COVID-19, and the resultant effect has been the demise of that country's president and other major political personalities. Lessons from Brazil should be very instructive about the effects of disregarding social distancing protocols. We fail to see the point in massing up at registration centers to register only to contract a potentially fatal disease. We worry about the EC staff and so should you too. In spite of best efforts to secure them PPEs, their absolute safety cannot be guaranteed, much less potential registrants who will not be in PPEs. There are also people (diagnosed and undiagnosed) with many health vulnerabilities, making their situation even riskier. It is worth emphasizing that dead men and women cannot vote, and so we invite you and your team to join us in exercising a strong moral judgment in favor of respecting the lives of fellow citizens and ourselves against the pandemic. Someday when the conditions are favorable for this exercise, we will join you as professionals to carry out a successful exercise. In conclusion, we wish to strongly encourage you and your office to consider a process that will minimize mass gathering and promote the principles of social distancing as well as the protocols established by the World Health Organization (WHO). In our view, given that the existing biometric register has been used successfully to conduct a significant number of elections including two presidential and parliamentary elections, two District Assembly elections since 2012 and a referendum by your outfit in 2018 to create six new regions, we find it plausible that same register will suffice for our impending elections. Those who have recently attained voting age can be accommodated in a special registration exercise with much lower risks due to the fewer numbers. Respectfully, this should stand to reason. It is our fervent prayer that this supplication to you and your office will be given favorable consideration in the interest of our dear country. Please consider this letter as an appeal to save us and other Ghanaians from COVID-19 and its wide-ranging ripple effects. For further clarification or media interest in the issues raised in this letter, please feel free to contact any of the following Dr. Pius Essandoh 0246141460; Dr. Vishnu N.L Abayateye 0243059985; and Dr. Gameli Aheto 0200199755. Thank you for the attention, and in anticipation of a reversal of your decision to compile a new voters' register. Yours sincerely, ___Signed___ 1. Dr. Joojo Nyamekye-Baidoo 2. Dr. Vishnu N.L Abayateye 3. Dr. Melvin Agbogbatey 4. Dr. Elikplim Ahiable 5. Dr. Kekeli Adanu 6. Dr. Sefakor Adinyira 7. Dr. Henry Selase Akpaloo 8. Dr. Claude Enyam Woanyah 9. Dr. Woedem Tettey 10. Dr. Priscilla Orleans Kpodoh 11. Dr. Justicia Kyeremeh 12. Dr. Solomon Odemey 13. Dr. Leslie Issa Adam-Zakariah 14. Dr. Christian Debrah 15. Dr. Afriyie Ansah 16. Dr. Emmanuel Sogah 17. Dr. Gameli Aheto 18. Dr. Dennis Ansah 19. Dr. Clarence Mante 20. Dr. Barbara Fenyi 21. Dr. Samuel Sule Saa 22. Dr. Charles Adiepena 23. Dr. Jacqueline Anita Sowah 24. Dr. Pius Essandoh 25. Dr. Mordecai Owusu 26. Dr. Daniel Alifoe 27. Dr. Philip Sanjok 28. Dr Sandra Adams Sallar 29. Dr phoebe sarfo 30. Dr Alberta Azas 31. Dr Chidinma Ohanechu 32. Dr Etornam Anyigbah 33. Dr Naa Ayeley Sena Mills Tetteh 34. Dr Ruth Dedei Aryeetey 35. Dr Jemima Alemonai 36. Dr Jonathan Neequaye 37. Dr Sunquist Ankamah 38. Dr Adolph Garfo 39. Dr Naa Martekuor Vanderpuye 40. Dr Mariam Shittu 41. Dr Richmond Okronipa 42. Dr Akosua Nyame-Kusi 43. Dr Christian Frimpong 44. Dr Felicia Akuribire 45. Dr Duke Agbodeka 46. Dr Samuel Horner Brew 47. Dr Tobias Ninnang 48. Dr Sheila Issahaku 49. Dr Eric Tseklu 50. Dr Charles Sosu 51. Dr Enaam Adanu 52. Dr. Franca Darkwa 53. Dr. Rockson Dorkeh 54. Dr. Naa Hammond 55. Dr. Ruth Clottey 56. Dr. Isaac Asirifi-Ofosu 57. Dr. Theodore Wordui 58. Dr Mary Anne Zuolo Aalangdong 59. Dr. Elorm Daketsey 60. Dr. Safianu Alhassan 61. Dr Gideon Poku 62. Dr. Kwame Afriyie 63. Dr. Harrison Hammond 64. Dr. Francis Eshun 65. Dr. Timothy Kopah 66. Dr. Barbara Yebuah 67. Dr. Felix Abeyifah Bowuo 68. Dr. Abdul Samed Sulemana 69. Dr. John Kanyiri Yambah 70. Dr. Etornam K. Grentsi 71. Dr. Reuben Oppong 72. Dr. Ekow Harrison 73. Dr Jonas Afari 74. Dr Boni Moses Tay 75. Dr Efua Yankah 76. Dr. David Gobapen 77. Dr. Michael Zobi 78. Dr. Roma Garner 79. Dr. Rex Bonsu 80. Dr. Afua Nkansa 81. Dr. Samuel Adusei 82. Dr. Anthony Ayambire 83. Dr. Collins Ntiamoah 84. Dr. Nana Wireko 85. Mr. Francis Tetteh 86. Ms Claudia Cobblah 87. Ms Sandra Okullo 88. Mr. Michael Akwetey 89. Mr Ayitey Kenneth 90. Mr. Abdul Majeed Mumuni 91. Mr. Forster Dzasimatu 92. Mr. Anyagre Jonathan 93. Mr. Asumah Yussif Kamagtey 94. Ms. Claire Bangdome 95. Ms. Belko Farila 96. Mr. Shelter Agbeko Bobie 97. Mr. Livingstone Dablu 98. Ms. Enukware Ekua Ofori 99. Mr. Sylvester Nakotey 100. Mr. Michael Dzodzodzi 101. Ms. Patience Gyasi 102. Mr. Leander Agohaah 103. Mr. Emmanuel Asimah 104. Ms. Princella Tebu 105. Ms. Patricia Odooley Odoi 106. Mr. Theophilus Mensah Amfo 107. Ms. Betty Nkansah Osei Mensah 108. Ms. Nadia Abdul Karim 109. Ms. Dina Woode 110. Dr. Abigail Nyarko 111. Dr. Sheba Fiadzormor 112. Ms. Lauretta Elloh-Donkor 113. Mr Kennedy Napare I cant think of too many businesses one could go into that have much better emotions attached to them than an ice cream parlor or truck. I mean, who feels anything but happy about going to get ice cream? Whether its a frozen custard stand, the old Carvel stores or even soda fountains from days gone by, everyone loved cones, sundaes, banana splits and even Fudgie the Whale. And lets not forget about Italian ices, right up there with ice cream and custard as mouth-watering summer treats. To this day, as a transplanted Delaware Valleyan, I still get ribbed about the fact that we call it water ice down there, which actually is pretty dumb when you stop and think about it. Heres a gallery of vintage photos looking back at outings for ice cream in New Jersey. If you have vintage photos youd like to see in our slide shows, send them in an email to greghatalagalleries@gmail.com. Dolphins can learn new skills from their fellow dolphins. That's the conclusion of a new study reported in the journal Current Biology on June 25. The findings are the first to show that dolphins are not only capable of learning new ways to catch prey, but they are also motivated to learn from peers, not just from their mothers, the researchers say. "Our study shows that the foraging behavior 'shelling'--where dolphins trap fish inside empty seashells--spreads through social learning among close associates," says Sonja Wild, who conducted this research for her doctorate at the University of Leeds. "This is surprising, as dolphins and other toothed whales tend to follow a 'do-as-mother-does' strategy for learning foraging behavior." Another aspect that makes the findings especially intriguing is that shelling represents only the second reported case of tool use in dolphins. The dolphins of Shark Bay, Western Australia, are also known to use marine sponges as foraging tools to help them catch prey, according to the researchers. Wild and her colleagues made the discovery during boat-based surveys in Shark Bay between 2007 and 2018. In almost 5,300 encounters with dolphin groups over that time, they identified more than 1,000 different Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). They also caught a select few in the act of shelling 42 times. "During shelling, dolphins chase their prey--usually a fish--into empty shells of giant gastropods, insert their beak into the shell, bring it to the water surface and then shake it about to drain the water out of the shell, so that the fish falls into their open mouth," Wild explains. The researchers saw 19 different individual dolphins perform this shelling behavior. They note that there are surely more 'shellers' in the population than they saw, since the whole event may only take a few seconds and could easily be missed. The question then was: how had this new way of foraging spread from one dolphin to the next? To find out, the researchers used social network analysis, taking into account the social network, genetic relationships, and environmental factors. Their analysis concluded that the shelling behavior spreads socially primarily within--rather than between--generations, providing the first evidence that dolphins are also capable of learning from their peers, not just their mothers. "The fact that shelling is socially transmitted among associates, rather than between mother and offspring, highlights the similarities between cetaceans [the group including dolphins, whales, and porpoises] and great apes in the way cultural behaviors are passed on," says Michael Krutzen, University of Zurich, who initiated the study. "Indeed, despite having divergent evolutionary histories and occupying different environments, there are striking similarities between cetaceans and great apes: both are long-lived, large-brained mammals with high capacities for innovation and cultural transmission of behaviors," he adds. Wild noted that not all shelling dolphins seem to engage in the behavior at the same frequency. "Some dolphins use shells quite regularly during foraging, while others have only ever been seen with a shell once," she says. "So, while there may be other explanations, it's possible that some dolphins have mastered the skill more than others." Wild says that the findings have important implications for understanding how dolphins may be able to adapt behaviorally to changing environments. "Learning from others allows for a rapid spread of novel behaviors across populations, and it has been suggested that species with the capacity for learning from others in this way may be better able to survive," she says. ### This work was supported by a Swiss National Science Foundation Grant, Seaworld Research & Rescue Foundation (SWRRFI) Australia, National Geographic Society, A.H. Schultz Stiftung, Claraz-Schenkung, Julius-Klaus Stiftung, and W.V. Scott Foundation. Current Biology, Wild et al.: "Integrating genetic, environmental and social networks to reveal transmission pathways of a dolphin foraging innovation" https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(20)30756-9 Current Biology (@CurrentBiology), published by Cell Press, is a bimonthly journal that features papers across all areas of biology. Current Biology strives to foster communication across fields of biology, both by publishing important findings of general interest and through highly accessible front matter for non-specialists. Visit: http://www.cell.com/current-biology. To receive Cell Press media alerts, contact press@cell.com. I completely agree the death of Justus Howell was a tragedy, and my heart truly goes out to the family of Justus Howell on the senseless loss, as it has since this incident occurred in 2015, Nerheim said in the statement. However, the result of the independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting that ended with the death of Justus Howell shows the officer was justified in his use of deadly force. Elderly people with COVID-19 would be shifted into designated facilities with other infected people instead of nursing homes under legislation that passed the Michigan Senate this week. Senate Bill 956 is a rebuke of Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmers executive order that allowed otherwise stable COVID-19 patients to be transferred to nursing homes with residents who arent infected, so long as the COVID-19 patients were isolated. Critics in the legislature have said the administrations policy put vulnerable nursing home populations at risk of contracting the disease - and in a 24-13 vote, the Senate moved to prohibit nursing homes from housing COVID-19 patients unless the facilities have demonstrated to the state their ability to care for them with adequate staffing and personal protective equipment. Im still appalled that this happened, Sen. Peter Lucido, the bills sponsor, said of the administrations policy. For some yet unknown reason, state officials made these decisions to bring COVID-19 patients into facilities with disastrous results. Under the legislation, people with a COVID-19 diagnosis would begin being transferred to facilities exclusively dedicated to caring for coronavirus patients starting Sept. 15. Michigans Department of Health and Human Services would be tasked with setting up dedicated facilities in each of the states eight health care regions, which would be designed for patients ineligible for admission into a hospital, nursing home or another long-term care facility. The bill passed over objections from many Democrats, many of whom argued the legislation would interfere with the rights of patients and families to make decisions about their health care. I cannot vote for a bill that violates an individuals basic civil rights, said Sen. Curtis Hertel, Jr., D-East Lansing. The moment that someone tests positive, you remove all choice from them, their family and their doctor. Two Democrats - Sens. Dayna Polehanki, D-Livonia, and Paul Wojno, D-Warren, joined Senate Republicans in voting for the legislation. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives and would need to pass the House and be signed by Whitmer to become law. 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: Mass coronavirus testing in nursing homes may lead to spike in Muskegon County cases Michigan adds nursing home-specific coronavirus data to stat disclosures Michigan will identify nursing homes with coronavirus outbreaks. It comes too late for some families. Minister of Transportation and Leader of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi has reacted to the crisis rocking the ruling party, APC at both national and state levels. Amaechi, in a statement released by his media office said he has decided to steer clear of the in-party politics because people know him as being blunt which sometimes can be misunderstood for arrogance. The former governor of Rivers state said he wondered why the crisis within the APC cannot be resolved, especially when all members of the party are adults. Read his statement below What is happening in APC, I dont know; what is happening in Rivers State, I dont know. What Ive done is to keep away from politics. Even if Im bothered, itll be internally. Theres nobody there (in the party) who is a child; were all adults. I dont want to get involved in politics. Nigerians know me for being blunt and honest. Some see it as arrogance, some see it as being brash, whatever it is. What do I need to say that I have not said before? Its internal dynamics of politics, its internal struggle. So, I have said it several times. When we fought in 2015, I said this country cannot continue the way it is going. Im not helpless, but Im doing what they call siddon look, I believe that no matter how angry you are, no matter how institutions are manipulated, a judge once said Im allowed to be wrong, thats why you have the court of appeal, thats why you have the supreme court. So if you think that what the state judiciary is doing is wrong, then you go to the Court of Appeal, you go to the Supreme Court and ensure you exhaust the due process. There are more than 10 litigations bordering on the leadership crisis in the party at the Federal Capital Territory, Edo and Rivers states. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 18:12:19|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close COLOMBO, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Thursday called upon his citizens to take stringent measures based on health guidelines to prevent a re-emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic in the island country. In a statement on his official twitter account, President Rajapaksa said that while most countries are suffering from COVID-19, Sri Lanka has achieved a remarkable victory through collective efforts, but the virus is yet to be eradicated. "Negligence could spread the virus again," the president said. The number of COVID-19 cases in Sri Lanka surpassed the 2,000 mark on Thursday. A total of 11 deaths have been reported. According to the government information department, the latest patients who tested positive for the virus were those who had been repatriated from the United States and India recently and were in quarantine centers. Authorities have said that no public transmission of the virus has been detected in the country since April 30. Sri Lanka is set to open its airports on Aug. 1 for foreign tourists with strict health guidelines in place. The public, too, have been urged to maintain health guidelines such as wearing face masks, maintain social distancing, and washing hands in order to prevent a second wave of the virus. Enditem SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Philip Lowe, makes a speech on March 19, 2020 in Sydney, Australia. (Brendon Thorne/Getty Images) Australian Banks Urged to Continue Supporting Households and Businesses as Relief Measures Are Reviewed Australias top financial regulators have urged banks to tap into their capital buffers to continue supporting households and businesses as preparations are made to unwind relief measures over the coming months. The Council of Financial Regulators (CFR) quarterly meeting held on June 19, while expressing cautious optimism, noted uncertainties surrounding the economic recovery, coupled with long-lasting effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg attended the meeting briefly and discussed how banks should respond once the governments support packages begin to be unwound later this year. The relief packages included loan deferral programs introduced in late March across the four major banks, allowing customers facing hardship from the pandemic shutdown to pause repayments for up to six months (unpaid interest will be added to the outstanding loan balance to be paid during the remainder of the term). As of June 19, nearly $237 billion worth of business and home loans, including 485,065 home loans and 216,372 business loans, have been granted repayment holidays, according to the data collated by Australian Bank Association (ABA). The trend graph also showed that the number of deferred loan numbers have been rising each week but at a diminishing rate. The council, which includes the Reserve Bank, corporate regulator ASIC, and prudential regulator APRA, stressed the importance of the continuous flow of credit for the economic recovery, urging banks to use their extra capital buffers to support businesses and households. Members agreed that financial institutions, regulators and governments will need to continue to show flexibility in order to support the objectives of economic recovery, resilience of financial institutions, and fair household and business outcomes, The Councils media release stated. APRA has reiterated that the large capital buffers above regulatory minimums that were built up in more favourable times ought to be used during this extreme shock, it added. Members encourage institutions to make use of their capital buffers to continue to support businesses and households. Concerns Remain as Mortgage Relief Reviewed The June meeting coincides with the start of the three-month review of deferred loans, as most major banks have begun to check in with their customers to work out a more suitable solution for each customer. The Commonwealth Bank (CBA), which currently has 127,000 home loan deferrals, kicked off the reviewing process on June 24, encouraging customers to restart their repayments as soon as they can. A spokesperson told The Epoch Times that 15 to 20 percent of these customers are still making some type of repayment. The nations largest bank has also signalled the transition of its financial assistance packages in a bid to come up with a more personalised solution for each customer. It announced earlier that its automatic loan deferrals will stop at the end of the month, and customers will be offered more tailored support, including Interest Only repayments and reducing repayments to the minimum. As Australia enters the next phase of the coronavirus pandemic, customers still seeking assistance are increasingly requiring solutions that can only be delivered through more individualised support, which may include a deferral if considered appropriate for the individual customers circumstances, it said in a statement on June 5. A spokesperson for ANZ told The Epoch Times that it is also starting its three-month review with its customers to assess whether further hardship assistance is likely to be required. ANZ has issued around 100,000 loan deferrals and so far five percent have resumed full repayment. National Australia Bank (NAB) CEO Ross McEwan told Australian Financial Review earlier this month that about 10 to 15 percent of their customers in a deferral had asked to resume normal payment schedule after being contacted for the assessment. As the review is still at an early stage, no bank has had a definite answer to how many loans may get back to normal repayments in another three months time. There are concerns that more mortgage borrowers may default on their loans come September when both governments JobKeeper wage subsidies and banks loan deferral program end. Recognising uncertainties over economic recovery, banks are bracing for hard times ahead. It is reported that the four major banks have set aside a total of $5 billion in provisions to cover loans that might not be repaid due to the pandemic. During an interview with ABCs AM program on June 23, McEwan warned that the pandemic will leave banks less profitable in the short to medium term with the possibility of a W-shaped economic recovery. Phoebe Burgess became visibly emotional when asked about the struggles of single motherhood on The Morning Show on Thursday. The 31-year-old blogger, who finalised her divorce from retired NRL star Sam Burgess last month, told hosts Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies that her life isn't as glamorous as it may seem on Instagram. 'There's not makeup every day, it's not glam being a single mum,' said Phoebe, who shares custody of daughter Poppy, three, and son Billy, one, with her ex-husband. 'It's not glam being a single mum': Phoebe Burgess became visibly emotional when asked about the struggles of single motherhood on The Morning Show on Thursday 'I do have help [from] their grandparents. My parents are amazing,' she said, appearing to hold back tears. The influencer explained that she tries to be honest with her followers about life as a single parent, insisting: 'I don't like to portray a perfect scenario. It's not perfect.' Phoebe also said she refuses to share certain aspects of her life on social media for the sake of her children's privacy. 'I like to keep a little bit to myself and protect the kids, in a way. I don't want to embarrass my children, and I don't want them to have to read things later in life that might upset them. I'd rather get there first,' she said. The former journalist spent COVID-19 lockdown living with her parents, Mitch and Sarah Hooke, at their country estate near Bowral, NSW, with her two children. During her time in self-isolation, Phoebe kept her Instagram fans entertained by posting a slew of glamorous photos of herself swanning around in designer outfits. Lockdown in luxury! The former journalist spent COVID-19 lockdown living with her parents, Mitch and Sarah Hooke, at their country estate near Bowral, NSW, with her two children She regularly uploads sponsored posts spruiking a variety of different brands, including Ostelin vitamins, Glasshouse candles, LOccitane en Provence cosmetics and fashion label Witchery. Back in April, Phoebe finalised her divorce from retired South Sydney Rabbitohs star Sam after five years of marriage. Phoebe reportedly walked away with 70 per cent of their marital wealth, according to The Daily Telegraph. Life's a fashion show! During her time in self-isolation, Phoebe kept her Instagram fans entertained by posting a slew of glamorous photos of herself swanning around in designer outfits The former couple, who married in 2015, split for a second time in October last year, after initially separating in December 2018. Sam reportedly moved out of their $3.8million home in Sydney's Maroubra towards the end of September 2019. Phoebe told Stellar magazine in March she had never expected her marriage to fail. It's over! Back in April, Phoebe finalised her divorce from retired South Sydney Rabbitohs star Sam (left) after five years of marriage 'I had an idea about how I wanted them (my children) to grow up and that's not going to happen now,' she tearfully confessed. 'But I'm adjusting and I embrace being their mum every day. And if that's being a single mum, then I'll embrace that as well. 'I'm just trying to... make sure they're surrounded by love, regardless of how that family looks.' business Explained | AGR woes: Will Vodafone Idea survive, or is Indias telecom sector headed for a duopoly? Vodafone Idea has so far paid Rs 6,854 crore in Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues against a demand of Rs 58,254 crore from Department of Telecommunications (DoT) University News A widely respected authority on diversity issues in criminal justice, Dr. Boyd has decades of experience as an educator and a law enforcement professional. He will oversee the implementation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan for the university. Lorenzo Boyd, Ph.D. University of New Haven President Steven H. Kaplan, Ph.D., has named Lorenzo Boyd, Ph.D., to the newly created position of vice president for diversity and inclusion/chief diversity officer. Dr. Boyd has served as the University of New Havens assistant provost for diversity and inclusion and director of its Center for Advanced Policing and is a nationally recognized authority on community policing and racial justice. President Kaplan said, It was clear that the university has an incredibly talented and effective person in Lorenzo. He is highly respected both internally and externally as a thought leader and has demonstrated a strong commitment to our students and belief in our mission. Simply put, I couldnt imagine the University of New Haven finding someone more uniquely qualified to lead our important efforts toward inclusive excellence that need to begin immediately. Dr. Kaplan had announced the creation of the new post several weeks ago as part of a series of institutional initiatives in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd and the nationwide examination of police brutality and racial injustice led by Black Lives Matter. Dr. Boyd will serve as an adviser to President Kaplan and serve on the Presidents Cabinet as well as the universitys Leadership Council. He will play a pivotal role in developing and leading the implementation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Plan for the university. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to begin immediately collaborating with units across campus to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts already ongoing and implement new initiatives. Dr. Boyd will help lead the university in creating and sustaining an environment that demonstrates inclusive excellence for all and will oversee the important work of the universitys Myatt Center for Diversity and Inclusion. "I couldnt imagine the University of New Haven finding someone more uniquely qualified to lead our important efforts toward inclusive excellence that need to begin immediately." President Steven Kaplan, Ph.D. Dr. Boyd joined the university in 2019, and his expertise and efforts have helped to build the universitys Center for Advanced Policing into a national resource for professional development, with a central focus on building levels of empathy and cultural competence among police leaders and officers. He is a nationally recognized leader in police-community relations and an authority on urban policing, diversity issues in criminal justice, race and crime, and criminal justice systems. He credits his 14-year tenure in the Suffolk County (Mass.) Sheriffs department working in policing, corrections, and the courts in shaping his approach to teaching, research, and training. Dr. Boyd is also a faculty member in the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven. He has taught at the university level for 20 years. Prior to joining the Lee College faculty, he was associate professor and chair of the departments of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore and previously was the masters program coordinator for the University of Massachusetts Lowells School of Criminology & Justice Studies. A former president of the Academy of Criminal Justice Science and a life member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Dr. Boyds expertise was sought out in the aftermath of high-profile shootings in Baton Rouge, Dallas, and Ferguson. In 2019, he led a study addressing issues of racism, bias, and police and community relations at Yale University after a white graduate student called the police to report a black graduate student who was asleep in a residence hall common room. While working as an associate professor and graduate coordinator of criminal justice at Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, N.C., he was asked by the citys police chiefto create a community-policing program. After observing the communitys high levels of unemployment, drug use, and transience, and lack of afterschool programs, Dr. Boyd recommended the city first develop a community-wellness program. As an adviser to the Fayetteville police chief for eight years, he worked with city agencies to make numerous improvements and held community-police forums where residents could talk about complaints, including concerns about racial profiling, and police officers could share their own experiences. He then created a community-policing program that included training modules for sworn and non-sworn personnel on topics including ethics and leadership; researched and developed new evidence-based policing strategies; and assisted with officer recruitment. Widely published, Dr. Boyd recently authored the book Massachusetts's Criminal Justice System. His writing has also appeared in Race and Justice, the Journal of Ethnicity in Criminal Justice, and Criminal Justice Studies: A Critical Journal of Crime, Law and Society. He received his Ph.D. in sociology from Northeastern University, his M.A. in applied sociology from the University of Massachusetts Boston, and a B.A. in sociology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. "I have no doubt that his fine leadership and collaborative approach to working with members across the university will helpenhance and sustain an environment that demonstrates our core value and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity for each and every member," President Kaplan said. An F-22 Raptor shows the internal bays as it does a fly-by during the airshow at Joint Andrews Air Base in Maryland on Sept. 16, 2017. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images) US Fighter Jets Intercept Russian Warplanes Near Alaska for Fifth Time in June U.S. planes intercepted another group of Russian warplanes near Alaska, marking the fifth intercept of planes in the past three weeks. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) confirmed that F-22 planes and a KC-135 Stratotanker intercepted two Russian Il-38 aircraft about 50 miles from Alaskan territory. They were flying through the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to the department. The Russian aircraft came within 50 miles of Unimak Island along the Aleutian island chain, spending approx. four hours in the ADIZ before exiting. The Il-38s remained in international airspace and at no time did the aircraft enter United States or Canadian sovereign airspace, it added. The U.S. intercept continues a trend of increased Russian military activity near Alaska. Out of nine intercepts near Alaska in 2020, five of them occurred in the past three weeks. An F-22 Raptor escorts a Russian TU-95 Bear flying near the Alaskan NORAD Region airspace in a file photo. (Air Force) For the fifth time this month, NORAD has demonstrated our readiness and ability to defend the homeland by intercepting Russian military aircraft entering our ADIZ, said Gen. Terrence OShaughnessy, the head of NORAD, in a statement. He said the measures taken by the military ensure we are meeting the challenges and operating through the COVID-19 environment to defend our nations, just as NORAD forces have for more than 60 years, referring to the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic. Last week, F-22 Raptors along with a KC-135 Stratotanker and E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft intercepted Russian planes and jets in two incidents. A week prior to that, F-22 Raptors intercepted two Russian bomber formations. At the time, the Russian Ministry of Defense posted a video online of their planes taking the planned flight before they were intercepted by the U.S. fighter jets. The ministry confirmed the U.S. intercept of its aircraft. At certain stages of the route, Russian planes were escorted by the U.S. Air Force F-22 fighters, the ministry said, noting that the flight lasted for about 11 hours, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported. And in May, the U.S. military said two Russian Su-35 fighter jets flew in an unprofessional and potentially unsafe manner while trying to intercept a Navy spy plane over the Mediterranean Sea. In The Know by Yahoo A restaurant customer is sparking a wave of online backlash after publicly complaining about their servers attire, which featured a dont be racist T-shirt. The diner, who goes by the name Jason Lassiter on Facebook, shared his negative review following a meal at the Chowder House, a soup and sandwich shop in Fairbanks, Alaska. Writing a review on the eaterys Facebook page, Lassiter complained that his servers outfit was not professional and that he didnt need to see an employees ideology plastered on a shirt. This isnt a professional shirt for work and will be the last time I visit your establishment, Lassiter also wrote in his review, which has since been deleted. I know my patronage alone wont effect you but good luck with your social warrior campaign. The bad review came to light after the server in question, who goes by bryantinak on Twitter, shared a photo of the shirt they were wearing that day. Bryantinak originally wrote that their employers were mad about the outfit, but the mangers later clarified that they had misunderstood. Someone complained about me wearing my favorite shirt today on our Facebook page, now I cant wear it at work anymore, the employee wrote. Someone complained about me wearing my favorite shirt today on our Facebook page, now I cant wear it at work anymore :.( pic.twitter.com/3Ssnl9hPDc Black Rights Are Human Rights (@bryantinak) June 17, 2020 As it turns out, the Chowder House management was only angry at Lassiter, calling his review an absurd complaint. The restaurant also added that Bryantinak was free to continue wearing their T-shirt (which, in full, says: hi. dont be racist. thanks.). The server shared a series of follow-up tweets as the situation developed, explaining that Lassiter was being roasted on Facebook before he deleted his post. Bryantinaks original tweet has since garnered more than 100,000 likes. Story continues With the story continuing to gain traction, Bryantinak chimed in with one final update. In an act of support, the Chowder House decided to purchase a dont be racist T-shirt for each of its staff members. The support went beyond the restaurant, too. Thousands of Twitter users also weighed in on the situation, with many praising the restaurant for its response. Your boss is doing well. Kudos to yall, one user wrote. This thread is everything thats good in this world!! Congratulations to you and your employees!!! Bravo!! another added. Others were simply critical of Lassiters review, calling his behavior scummy and racist. Lol ya cause dont be racist is a controversial statement. Glad hes being roasted, one commenter wrote. Thats a lot of words for Im racist, another added. Several commenters also asked how they could buy the T-shirt, a question Bryantinak responded to by sharing a link to the Etsy store where they bought it. https://t.co/5MphR5eWvD The shirt^^ Black Rights Are Human Rights (@bryantinak) June 19, 2020 If you liked this story, check out In The Knows article on the 8-year-old who staged a Black Lives Matter protest inside his online video game. More from In The Know: This all-female Mariachi band is challenging gender norms Shop our favorite beauty products from In The Know Beauty on TikTok Shop Black and excellently with these 10 Black-owned brands Subscribe to our daily newsletter to stay In The Know The post Restaurant customer sparks backlash after complaining about employees anti-racism T-shirt appeared first on In The Know. NC Protect enhances out of the box security to prevent data loss, misuse and unauthorized access to, and sharing of, business-critical information in Microsoft Teams files and chats. NC Protect provides advanced information protection capabilities that leverage and enhance existing Microsoft security investments to provide a simpler, faster and cheaper solution to automatically identify and secure business-critical information in Teams. Nucleus Cyber, a provider of advanced information protection solutions, today announced the latest release of NC Protect with new security features and rapid deployment for Microsoft Teams. Advanced information barriers, security scopes, private channels and guest access controls simplify and enhance out of the box security to prevent data loss, misuse and unauthorized access to, and sharing of, business-critical information in Microsoft Teams files and chats. Microsoft Teams (Teams) has seen explosive growth from 20M to over 75M users in the past few months to support remote work. However, a recent survey shows data loss has also spiked in the wake of remote work, stemming from downloads of classified company information and increases in the number of files being shared in chats and messages. With 74% of companies surveyed by Gartner planning to permanently shift some of their personnel to remote work, this presents a long-term information security challenge for many organizations. Companies have embraced Teams en masse to facilitate internal and guest collaboration during the pandemic, with many leaving security on the backburner to accelerate the transition to remote work. They also see the advantages of continuing this model after the crisis making it crucial to plug information security gaps now, said Kurt Mueffelmann, CEO of Nucleus Cyber. NC Protect provides advanced information protection capabilities that leverage and enhance existing Microsoft security investments to provide a simpler, faster and cheaper solution to automatically identify and secure business-critical information in Teams. It ensures internal and external Teams users can collaborate securely from anywhere, now and in the future. NC Protect for Teams dynamically adjusts access to and protection of chats and files shared in Teams based on user and content attributes to ensure an organizations business-critical data is being used and shared according to company policies and industry regulations. New capabilities for Teams in NC Protect include: Advanced Information Barriers Out of the box Information Barriers completely cut off all communication and collaboration between users or groups of users. NC Protects flexible Information Barriers allow users to communicate and collaborate on permitted projects or topics, while simultaneously preventing unauthorized or accidental sharing of specific types of information between parties (e.g. trade secrets, insider information, etc.). Selectively blocks chat and sharing of files via chat or the files tab between individuals or groups of users based on their user attributes or the content within the chat. Removes tabs and apps from the Teams UI based on user attributes. IT Friendly Private Channels provide the ability to simplify the creation and management of private channels to restrict access to specific individuals within a Team. Restricts private channel access based on user attributes without increasing the number of site collections in SPO to support those channels. Reduces admin overhead over time associated with managing large numbers of site collections and simplifies backup and lifecycle tasks. Security Scopes are a set of information protection rules that can automatically be applied to Teams based on the team member, chat or file content and context to prevent accidental data leaks. Automatically applies rule sets to multiple Teams or sites as content or member attributes change. For example, if a guest user is added, a Team can be automatically moved to a new scope and rules applied. Guest access is simplified and more secure with the ability to automatically control what content guests can see in a Team based on their user attributes, eliminating the need to create separate Teams for guests to control access to specific types of content. For example, content that is marked internal use only can be hidden from guest users in the Team. Simplified Install and Administration thanks to new capabilities within Microsoft APIs. NC Protect has been streamlined into a single Azure app to reduce deployment, run cost and administration time. It also features an updated user experience to simplify use and product training, as well as reduce the time needed for NC Protect administration. The latest release of NC Protect is now available to customers to safeguard business-critical information in Teams and supports information protection in other Microsoft Office 365 apps including SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, Exchange and Yammer. About Nucleus Cyber Nucleus Cyber is a provider of advanced information protection solutions that prevent data loss and protect against insider threats. The companys NC Protect solution leverages existing technology investments to provide a simpler, faster and cheaper solution to tailor information protection for file sharing, messaging and chat across collaboration tools. For midsize to large enterprises and regulated industries it protects business-critical content in cloud collaboration tools Microsoft Office 365SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive, Exchange and Yammer, plus Dropbox, Nutanix Files and Windows file shares. For more information visit nucleuscyber.com or follow @nucleuscyber. Trump critic condemns term Kung flu' for COVID-19 cheered on by college students at rally Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment President Donald Trump again referred to the coronavirus as the Kung flu before a packed campaign rally at an Arizona megachurch as fans cheered, drawing criticisms as some feel the term does more harm than good amid a rise in harassment and hate crimes against Asian Americans during the pandemic. There has never been anything where there has been so many names, Trump said of COVID-19 pandemic on Tuesday night before a packed crowd gathered at Dream City Church in Phoenix, Arizona. Trump was speaking at a "Students for Trump" rally organized by the conservative advocacy group Turning Point Action. I can give you 19 or 20 names for [the virus], Trump said. Its got all the different names. As the president was listing different names, such as Wuhan Virus or the Chinese Virus, someone in the crowd shouted, Kung flu! When the president used the term himself, the crowd of young people at the church erupted with applause. Some people call it the Chinese flu, the China flu, right? Trump said. Ive never seen anything like it. For months, Trump has been criticized in the media for using certain names for the virus, such as the Wuhan virus or the Chinese virus, with some commentators calling such remarks racist. Trump has defended the use of such terms as he has tried to drive home the point that the virus originated in Wuhan, China. The Trump administration and other world leaders have criticized Chinas transparency and during the pandemic and accused the World Health Organization of covering up for Chinas mismanagement. Since the spread of the virus worldwide, China's Communist Party has been actively campaigning state and national lawmakers to heap praise on the regime instead of condemning it. Sen. Roger Roth, Wisconsin Senate Speaker, said the CCP reached out to him twice to urge him to pass a resolution praising China for its "handling of the coronavirus." Roth said the CCP even sent him a written resolution to use in the state Senate, according to an Epoch Times investigative report. Members of the administration had previously expressed outrage over an allegation that a White House official used the term Kung flu. In March, White House adviser KellyAnne Conway considered Kung flu to be highly offensive. But in recent days, Trump has more than once used the term Kung flu, a play on words with the form of Chinese martial arts called Kung Fu and the animated film "Kung Fu Panda." He used the term in his campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, over the weekend and again on Tuesday night before the crowd at the evangelical megachurch. Conway spoke with reporters Wednesday and tried to defend Trumps comments at the Tuesday night rally by stressing that the president has made very clear he wants everybody to understand ... that the virus originated in China. And had China been more transparent and honest with the United States and the world, we wouldn't have all the death and destruction that unfortunately, we've suffered, Conway stressed. She added that polls suggest that the number of Americans who view China as an adversary has nearly tripled. Thats obviously owing to this global pandemic that were suffering, Conway said. China does not deny responsibility and well continue to look at that. Ron Sider, the founder of Evangelicals for Social Action who has published over 40 books, including The Spiritual Danger of Donald Trump, released this month, told The Christian Post that an investigation into the viruss origination in China is necessary. But he warned that the use of terms like Kung flu only stoke racial tensions at a time when attacks and hate crimes against Asians in the U.S. have shot up during the pandemic. Sider said several contributors in the new book, which features essays from 30 evangelical Christians, lament and condemn President Trump's frequent stoking of racist sentiment. Honest insistence on careful scientific research into how COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China, is important and valid, Sider said. But racist labeling of COVID-19 is unchristian and will probably encourage more racist attacks on Asian Americans. Tragically, Trump's use of the derogatory term fits with his continuing divisive actions and failure to unite the country as it grieves George Floyd's murder and demands that racism against American minorities end now, Sider added. In her remarks to the press, Conway stressed that the president is only trying to say that China is responsible. While the president is saying it, he is also saying, This virus came from China, she said. In May, Human Rights Watch reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has fueled anti-Asian racism worldwide. According to the international human rights monitoring group, government leaders and senior officials have in some instances directly or indirectly encouraged hate crimes, racism and xenophobia be using anti-Chinese rhetoric. HRW accused several political parties and groups in the U.S., U.K., Italy, Spain, Greece, France and Germany of latching onto the Covid-19 crisis to advance rhetoric that demonizes refugees and foreigners. Racism and physical attacks on Asians and people of Asian descent have spread with the Covid-19 pandemic, and government leaders need to act decisively to address the trend, Human Rights Watch Asia Advocacy Director John Sifton said in a statement. Governments should act to expand public outreach, promote tolerance, and counter hate speech while aggressively investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. Earlier this year, the media lashed out at Trump for referring to the virus as the Chinese virus, China virus or Wuhan virus. Yet several lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle and news reporters have also referred to the virus by the location it derived from, using terms such as the Wuhan virus, Chinese coronavirus and foreign virus. CNN referred to the coronavirus as the Wuhan virus and China virus in January, and The Wall Street Journal referred to coronavirus as the Wuhan virus around the same time. Similarly, NPR has described it as the Wuhan coronavirus in its news reports. Additionally, several Asia-based news organizations previously referred to the virus by a similar name, Wuhan pneumonia. There are many pandemics, viruses and diseases that are identified by the name of a specific location. Some of these include Lyme disease, named after Lyme, Connecticut; the Spanish flu, which killed 50 million people worldwide in 1918; Ebola, named after the Ebola River in Zaire; Omsk fever, named after its discovery in Omsk, Russia; the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome; and German measles (rubella virus), which infects around 100,000 people worldwide every year, just to name a few. A US federal appeals court panel voted by two-to-one on Wednesday for the immediate dismissal of felony perjury charges against Michael T. Flynn, the former national security advisor to President Donald Trump who left the administration on February 13, 2017, after serving just 23 days in the White House. The ruling by the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ordered the trial judge in Flynns case, Emmet G. Sullivan, to dismiss the case without further review. Michael Flynn leaving federal court in Washington, DC one year ago. [Photo credit: AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File] The extraordinary and rare ruling is seen, at least temporarily, as a victory for the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Attorney General William Barras well as President Trumpwho had previously sought unsuccessfully to have the charges against Flynn dropped. However, the order from the three-judge panelknown as a writ of mandamuscan be overturned by a review of the matter by the full appeals court. Judge Sullivan appeared to be waiting for an indication from the full eleven-judge court on their course of action before carrying out the order to dismiss the case. This means that the Flynn case, one of the many battles in the political war raging in Washington that led to Trumps impeachment and acquittal in a Senate trial earlier this year, may still be unresolved, even as new legal conflicts have erupted over the publication of the White House memoir for former Trump national security advisor John Bolton. The appeals panel decision to dismiss Flynns case cited a legal issue related to Judge Sullivans refusal to accept the decision in February by the DoJ to drop the prosecution. In May, Sullivan refused to sign off on the DoJ plan and instead appointed former judge and prosecutor John Gleeson to help him decide how to proceed. As was clear in a warning made here on the World Socialist Web Site at the time, the intervention of Barr and the DoJ into the Flynn case was being orchestrated by Donald Trump and was a significant step in the transformation of the DoJ into a direct instrument of the president. On the advice of Gleeson, who said the DoJs move was highly irregular conduct to benefit a political ally of the President, Judge Sullivan refused to shut down the case. In response, Flynns attorneys took the extraordinary step of requesting the appeals court step in and order Sullivan to follow the demands of the DoJ. During the appeals court hearing, Judge Sullivan hired well-known trial lawyer Beth Wilkinson to represent him and she argued that the court should not preempt the judges review process. Writing for the appeals court panel majority, Judge Neomi Raoa recent appointee of President Trumpruled that Judge Sullivan committed a clear legal error by refusing to immediately close the case and instead appointing a former judge to argue against the Justice Departments position. Rao, who was joined in the decision by Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson, a 1990 appointee of George H. W. Bush, openly attacked Sullivan, writing ungrammatically that his demonstrated intent to scrutinize the reasoning and motives of the Department of Justice constitute irreparable harms that cannot be remedied on appeal. The dissenting appeals court judge, Robert L. Wilkins, a 2014 appointee of Barack Obama, wrote that Judge Sullivan should be able to complete his review of the prosecutors actions to determine if they were impermissible before deciding whether to grant the motion to dismiss. Referring to the extraordinary circumstances of the DoJs abrupt reversal on the facts and the law, Judge Wilkins wrote that his colleagues were incorrect to override the rule of criminal procedure stating that cases can only be dismissed with a judges approval or what is known as leave of the court, where both the defense and prosecution agree that the case should be dropped. Michael Flynn was facing charges of lying to FBI agents during the Russia probe and about his conversations in December 2016 with Russian ambassador to the US, Sergey Kislyak. Flynn had twice pleaded guilty to the charges first in December 2017 and again in December 2018in a deal involving his cooperation with the investigation of Special Counsel Robert Mueller into alleged Russian interference into the 2016 presidential elections. In January of this year, on the eve of a hearing where Flynn was expected to be sentenced to a term of up to six months in prison, he abruptly attempted to withdraw this guilty plea on the grounds that the government had acted in bad faith, vindictiveness and breach of the plea agreement. In changing his plea on January 29, Flynn filed a personal declaration under penalty of perjury that he was innocent, that he did not remember whether he had discussed topics with Kislyak that he told the FBI he had not, that his lawyers had not provided effective counsel and that he did not consciously or intentionally lie to the FBI agents who had interviewed him. In response to the ruling, President Trump tweeted, Great! Appeals Court Upholds Justice Departments Request To Drop Criminal Case Against General Michael Flynn! Elizabeth Wydra, president of the Constitutional Accountability Center, which filed a brief backing Sullivan, said the appeal court ruling would erase a vital check on the executive branch. She said federal rules give the judge a say in whether Attorney General Barr should be allowed to simply drop the matter, an act that would aid one of President Trumps stalwart allies by essentially giving him a get out of jail free card. The appeals court ruling was made on the same day as an oversight hearing of the House Judiciary Committee that reviewed the decisions of Attorney General William Barr as head of the DoJ. Of particular interest in the hearing was the intervention of the DoJ into the sentencing of Republican Party consultant and confident of Donald Trump, Roger Stone. Federal Prosecutor Aaron Zelinsky, from the US attorneys office in Baltimore, testified that senior DoJ officials improperly interfered in the sentencing recommendation for Stone and gave him a break because of his relationship with the President. Vietnams shipbuilding industry has the chance to chalk up a big win during the current pandemic if it is able to switch its production to mid-sized yachts, according to local industry experts. Shipbuilding experts believe that the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has shifted private boat demand from superyachts to medium-sized yachts, a segment they say shipbuilding enterprises in Vietnam are capable of catering to. Ha Long Shipbuilding Ltd., based in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh, is looking to get in on the action with their production of a five-star medium-sized yacht for Australian cruise line Scenic Tours. The companys deputy general director Dam Duc Khang explained that the luxury yacht is designed to hold 50 cabins capable of accommodating 150 passengers and travel at a speed of 16 knots (29.6 kilometers) per hour. Considering the ongoing pandemic, the yacht will be equipped with health equipment for disease prevention. There will also be a special isolation room in case someone on board comes down with an infectious disease, Khang said. There are no Vietnamese shipbuilding companies currently producing superyachts, but many in the mid-sized yacht segment, he added. Competitive costs and quality commitment are two of the biggest advantages Vietnams shipbuilders hold over foreign competitors, prompting cruise lines like Scenic Tours to seek out firms like Ha Long Shipbuilding Ltd. rather than larger competitors in Norway, Germany, Russia, or China. Richard Ward, general director of Ho Chi Minh City-based Corsair Marine International Ltd., agreed with Khang that building tourist boats and yachts from three to 200 meters in length will not only bring a huge amount of export revenue to Vietnam but also help the country develop its reputation for producing high-tech luxury products. The pleasure boat industry is estimated to generate more than US$230 billion in worldwide sales by 2024, though Vietnam will have to significantly increase production if it wants to control more than just a negligible sliver of market share, according to Ward. Several enterprises in Vietnam are currently contracted by international customers to build cruise ships for river travel, according to a leader from the Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Association. Ward anticipated that demand for heavy ships will keep surging despite many state-owned shipyards in Vietnam having been operating below their capacity, suffering losses, and incurring significant debt due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, recreational boat production worldwide grows about five percent per year, he said. He also suggested that Vietnam use this opportunity to shift its production capabilities from large boats to medium-sized recreational vessels. The Vietnamese government needs to develop more appropriate policies for shipbuilders. Without a proper solution to the current lack of shipbuilding facilities and the locations to moor recreational boats, Vietnam will not be able to attract potential investors, Ward added. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! An agreement reached between the largest union of state workers and Gov. Phil Murphy to avert mass layoffs amid the coronavirus economic crisis calls for workers to take up to 10 furlough days in July and defer two scheduled raises over the next two years. Terms of the agreement announced earlier this week are outlined on the Communications Workers of America website, which says workers will lose some pay in exchange for ironclad job security. Independent TDs who agreed to join in government formation have not been approached by the three potential coalition parties in weeks. Leo Varadkar and his negotiating partners repeatedly stated at the beginning of formation talks that they wanted independent TDs to bolster the government's numbers from 84 with Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Green TDs, up to as much as 90. Briefings and talks were held between negotiators and independent groupings such as the Regional Independents, convened by former minister Denis Naughten, which includes Cathal Berry, Sean Canney , Peter Fitzpatrick, Noel Grealish, Michael Lowry, Verona Murphy, Matt Shanahan, as well as independent SligoLeitrim TD Marian Harkin and RoscommonGalway's Michael Fitzmaurice. Now, one day away from the potential formation of government, these groups say they have not been approached by anyone about any role their groups would play, further talks on formation, or contingency planning if the vote fails. "We have not heard anything," Marian Harkin said. "Although others had rejected a briefing on the programme for government document, we did not, we contacted them for a briefing, they told us they would and we've had nothing since. "I find it strange, they may or may not count on us as they will be four over the required number for government, but they had made it clear they would like independents to be involved, and they told us what they had in mind. "We engaged fully, we were always interested in engaging. "I suppose I would consider that it's certainly discourteous that no one has said they changed out minds or decided to hold off. "I even asked them why they want independents involved during the talks, they said they wanted greater numbers to give greater flexibility and stability. "They will decide when to come back and that's fine, but I feel its certainly not good practice to commit to people do certain things, make arrangements and not follow up. I find that, to say it in the nicest way possible, it's not good practice, and has an underlying message, but I'm not going to interpret what that message is. Likewise, Denis Naughten, whose group had backed entering the coalition, and had previously criticised the negotiations for how long they were taking, confirmed that his group has had no contact from any of the three parties. "No contingency planning, no contact at all, good, bad or indifferent. "It does strike me as strange, as the government are tight on numbers, but it's up to themselves." One source told the Examiner that it became clear as formal negotiations continued that the independent TDs had become less important. There had been no approach or backchannel contact, "anything they found out was from the media, and this has been the approach all along with two big parties, so it's not that strange." You are here: China Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, attends a plenary meeting of the 12th session of the Standing Committee of the 13th CPPCC National Committee in Beijing, capital of China, June 24, 2020. Chinese national political advisors Wednesday put forward suggestions for the country's poverty alleviation efforts during a session of the standing committee of China's top political advisory body. (Xinhua/Li Tao) Chinese national political advisors Wednesday put forward suggestions for the country's poverty alleviation efforts during a session of the standing committee of China's top political advisory body. 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), attended Wednesday's plenary meeting. Political advisor Huang Liyun suggested stepping up employment training to help people in deeply impoverished regions shake off poverty. Political advisor Wang Jian suggested strengthening collaboration on poverty alleviation between the eastern and western regions. The political advisors also proposed developing industries with local signatures and building better road transportation in rural areas to fight poverty, among others. The Standing Committee of the 13th CPPCC National Committee on Monday opened its 12th session to discuss poverty alleviation. President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in the BOK Center in Tulsa, Okla., on June 19, 2020. (Charlotte Cuthbertson/The Epoch Times) Trump Supporters Concerned About Freedom, Impact of Shutdown, Riots TULSA, Okla.Andrea Garrett was among hundreds of Trump supporters who started gathering days before President Donald Trumps campaign rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on June 20. Garrett, a retired nurse, had already spent one night sleeping on the sidewalk and was preparing for another. She came alone to snag a spot in line for herself and her husband, who planned to join her the next day after work. I feel very blessed that Ive gotten to do this. We are both staunch Trump supporters, and to get to say I saw him in person at his very first rally, it just fills me with pride, she said on June 19. I appreciate the fact that he truly loves America, and he truly loves the American people, and he wants whats best for us. Trump relaunched his reelection campaign with a signature rally in Tulsa after a nearly four-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 shutdowns. Garrett, who is from Arkansas, said shes been struggling with how the shutdown has infringed upon her constitutional rights. I dont believe that the numbers that they report about COVID are accurate, she said. States such as Colorado adjusted their death toll numbers down by almost a quarter after deciding to include just the deaths of patients who died primarily from the disease. Other states are following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, which say the toll should include patients who had COVID-19 at the time of death, though the cause of death may not have been COVID-19. I dont know if well ever be the sameour country. I really dont, Garrett said. And Im very sad because Ive lived totally in freedom my whole life. And its very dear to me. The Tulsa rally also came amid weeks of turmoil as protests and riots dominated cities such as Minneapolis, Atlanta, New York, Washington, and Seattle. The unhinged left-wing mob is trying to vandalize our history, desecrating our monuments, our beautiful monuments, tear down our statues and punish, cancel, and persecute anyone who does not conform to their demands for absolute and total control, Trump said during the rally. Were not conforming. Thats why were here, actually. This cruel campaign of censorship and exclusion violates everything we hold dear as Americans. They want to demolish our heritage so they can impose their new oppressive regime in its place. Garrett said she doesnt think Trump is losing voters, but the opposition is making it difficult for his reelection bid. Theyre just throwing more and more at him. Hes got a lot to have to wade through to get reelected, she said. First-Time Voter Seth and Fatima traveled from Oklahoma City to attend the rally. Originally from Kenya, Fatima became a U.S. citizen in February. The couple have been married for six years after meeting in Kenya, where Seth attended college. It will be my first time to vote, and Ill be voting for Trump, Fatima said. Ive always admired his policies. Ive always admired his hard work and his business mindedness. She said she has read Trumps books and admires his leadership. She has also lost friends over her support for the president and her conservative views. A lot of racism towards me doesnt come from white people. It comes from my friends who do not believe in my ideas. It comes from my own race, Fatima said. I thought we live in a free world where you can think whatever you want, but its not like that. Just me having a husband whos conservative, they think he is racist. They think he is brainwashing me. You know, he [Seth] is the most amazing person Ive ever seen, so that is not true. I know myself better than they know me, so Im just going to go ahead and do what I think and believe is right. Fatima supports peaceful protests and the right to be heard, but she said the vandalism and rioting has gone too far. That is just taking America a step back. Unprecedented Times Pharmacist Jessica Easterwood, 35, hired a babysitter and traveled with her mother and sisters to attend the rally. The group slept that night on blankets on the sidewalk. We came just to be a part of the experience. No matter who the president is, I just want to support the office of the president, Easterwood said. But Trump is someone that I strongly support because I feel like he really puts Americans first. And we are living in unprecedented times right now. Easterwood said life in America is currently a little unsettling with protests and riots on top of lockdowns. I pray that things settle down, but I have a gut feeling that if they keep pushing and pushing and the media keeps speaking these things, it may get worse before it gets better, she said. She believes the silent majority of Trump voters has grown larger and more energized since the 2016 election. More than 10 million people watched the rally online, according to Gary Coby, the campaigns digital director. The total doesnt include television viewers. I think we will show up in November and just prove that this is what we wantfor Trump to be reelected. Because were not going to be told what to do, and were not going to believe everything the media says, Easterwood said. She said she fully supports Trumps agenda and sees him working on all the issues he said hed address. I kind of feel like its reenergized us as Americans to see someone that you know, that really speaks his mind, she said. I think he is a good person. I think hes a Christian. And I feel like he really has America first in his heart. Divisions Are Being Amplified Tulsa-based siblings Cody and Terra Stansell joined the line early on June 20. Cody, a small-business owner, said his business was flourishing under the Trump administration until the virus hit. He builds on-street car parking facilities in small cities. It was completely horrible in the previous [Obama] administration. I cant lie. It was pretty decent before that, with [George W.] Bush, he said. Cody predicts the next five months before the election are going to be turbulent for the country. Democrats are going to get nastier and nastier and nastier, he said. He believes divisions do exist in America, but that theyre being amplified. The people that are fueling it are the ones that are paying for the hate and discontent, he said. They want to get rid of Trump. They want the Republican Party to fall. They want socialism. They want a burning agenda. They want free, free, free. Nothings free. You got to work for it. Were Ready to Move On On June 19, Stacy Lopez and her husband had joined a group of people who traveled to the rally from Texas. The couple drove from Lubbock, while others in the group were from San Antonio, Dallas, and Broken Arrow. Lopez said she came to express support and appreciation for everything Trump is doing. The last four months have been hell, pure hell for everybody, she said. But I really do believe with my whole heart that Trump has our best interests at heart. I really feel like he cares about all lives. And as much hate and division they think there is, theres really not. Its not as divided as the media lets on. Lopez is confident Trump will revive the economy again and win in November. And she is ready to put the COVID-19 restrictions behind her. We went and we hid for three months. We shut the world down. And were ready to move on, and if we get it, so be it, she said. We respect the families and we hate that people are dying from it, but at the same time, you cant just hide in your house. She said the biggest threat to America right now is not knowing what to believe. As Americans, you just want to take care of your family. Sitting in his patrol car in Wilmington, N.C., earlier this month, Officer Michael "Kevin" Piner predicted that Black Lives Matter protests would soon lead to civil war. "I'm ready," Piner told another officer, adding that he planned to buy assault rifles. "We are just going to go out and start slaughtering them f------ n------," he said. The shocking threat came amid extended, openly racist conversations between Piner, 44, and two other police officers, 50-year-old Corporal Jesse Moore, II, and 48-year-old Officer James "Brian" Gilmore. In the discussions, taped by accident on a patrol car camera and released by the department on Wednesday, the men freely drop racial slurs, suggest killing black residents and deride protesters. "Wipe 'em off the f------ map," Piner said of African Americans. "That'll put 'em back about four or five generations." All three officers were fired Wednesday, with new Wilmington Police Chief Donny Williams, who is black, calling the conversations "brutally offensive." "This is the most exceptional and difficult case I have encountered in my career," said Williams, who was just hired as chief on Tuesday. "We must establish new reforms for policing here at home and throughout this country." The officers' vile discussions came to light purely by chance. On June 4, a sergeant was conducting routine video reviews when she found a nearly two-hour long clip from Piner's cruiser created by an "accidental activation," according to a department report. After listening to the racist discussion, she alerted a superior who started an internal investigation. Piner, a Wilmington cop since 1998, began the recording by expressing his fury about the ongoing protests against police brutality and racial injustice in the wake of George Floyd's death. Speaking to Gilmore, who had apparently pulled his cruiser up alongside Piner's car, he complained that local police only cared about "kneeling down with the black folks." Gilmore, hired by the department in 1997, said that whites were now "worshiping blacks," adding that he'd seen a video of a "fine looking white girl and this little punk pretty boy bowing down and kissing their toes." The two then complained about black officers on the force, calling one a "piece of s---" and complaining that another was "sitting on his a--" during the protests. "Let's see how his boys take care of him when s--- gets rough, see if they don't put a bullet in his head," Piner said. Piner soon left to check out an alarm, investigators found. About an hour later, Moore, who also was hired in 1997, called him to describe a recent arrest of a black woman, repeatedly calling her a racial slur. "She needed a bullet in the head right then and move on," Moore said of the woman. "Let's move the body out of the way and keep going." Later, while complaining about a black magistrate judge whom Moore called a "f------ negro judge," Moore added, "It's bad man because not all black people are like that." "Most of 'em," Piner responded. "90 percent of 'em, Kevin, 90 f------ percent of 'em," Moore said. Soon, Piner turned the conversation to his belief that a civil war was imminent and his intention to buy high-powered weaponry. After saying he was ready to "slaughter" black people, he added, "God I can't wait." "You're crazy," Moore responded, before the recording shut off. On June 9, Internal Affairs investigators confronted the men with the recording. They admitted to having the conversations, but the officers each characterized it as "venting" and blamed the "stress of today's climate in law enforcement," investigators wrote. Moore and Gilmore both argued that they were "not racist," with Moore adding that he "doesn't normally speak like that but was feeding off of Officer Piner," according to the investigators. Piner, meanwhile, said he was "embarrassed" by the tape and suggested that concerns for his family's safety had led him to a "breaking point." Williams, the chief, said he would ensure none of the men could be rehired by the city and would ask state officials to review their law enforcement certifications. He said he would consult with prosecutors about potential criminal charges against the three men, and would ask them to review whether any of the former officers had shown bias toward criminal defendants in the past. "There are certain behaviors that one must have in order to be a police officer and these three officers have demonstrated that they do not possess it," Williams said. "When I first learned of these conversations, I was shocked, saddened and disgusted. There is no place for this behavior in our agency or our city and it will not be tolerated." The announcement of 468,750 in funding for the enhancement of Lanesboro as a Tourism Destination has been welcomed by open arms by local representatives. Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council Gerard Farrell was thrilled at Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring's announcement today. The funding is part of a 13 million sum which has been allocated to 24 projects across the country as part of a Rural Regeneration and Development Fund. Speaking to the Longford Leader this afternoon, Cllr Farrell said that, while his tenure as cathaoirleach of the county was short, it has been incredibly fulfilling thanks to today's announcement. "The application went in last February and I've been engaging with Minister Ring and the department and I'm delighted with his support," he said. The development of a visitor centre and an amphitheatre are among the plans for Lanesboro under this new funding, he added, an a connecting road for the main street is also on the cards. "We're developing Lanesboro as a tourist destination, which is what we've been trying to do for a number of years. We'll be developing walkways from Lanesboro out to Kenagh and Corlea bog, to Ballymahon and Center Parcs. We're already working on connecting the greenway running to Killahsee and Clondra. Lanesboro will be a hub for all of that," said Cllr Farrell. "This is a big one for me," he added. Longford Senator Micheal Carrigy has also expressed his delight at the announcement, complimenting Cllr Farrell and the regeneration team of Longford County Council who he said "have worked hard to get this funding in place; congrats to all and great boost to the area". 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 and, to date, the Fund has now provided 161 million for 134 projects across Ireland, worth a total of 229 million. Todays announcement relates to Category 2 of the Fund which provides seed capital funding for strategic, large-scale projects which will assist in delivering town and village regeneration and contribute to economic development and recovery. The funding provided will allow for further development of the projects to take place enabling projects to reach a stage where they are developed to a high standard and the project is in a position to commence works. This will also provide a ready-made pipeline of projects which can be progressed in the future with the support of the Fund or other funding streams. The applications for funding were subjected to a comprehensive assessment process by the Department, with oversight provided by an independent Project Advisory Board, made up of representatives drawn from key Government Departments along with external independent experts. The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund represents an unprecedented opportunity to deliver the scale of investment necessary to allow rural communities to further develop and prosper. This investment is more important than ever to help address the challenges arising from the COVID-19 crisis and to drive economic recovery and sustainable development in rural areas, Minister Ring said. The Category 2 funding I am announcing today is for projects that require further development to make them ready for construction. There can be significant work and expense involved in getting projects to the point where they are ready to be delivered. This support is critical to ensure that a pipeline of ambitious regeneration projects are ready to hit the ground running in the future. Once again petrol, diesel price skyrockets in India India oi-Ajay Joseph Raj P New Delhi, June 25: Amid the tension and panic that has taken place in India, the fuel prices have continued to increase across the country. On Thursday, oil marketing companies increased the price of petrol by 16 paise a litre and diesel by 14 paise a litre. After the increase in the fuels, petrol was retailing at Rs 79.92 in New Delhi and diesel was selling at Rs 80.02 a litre. No meaningful disengagement: China wants India to see itself differently IIT Bombay moves its classes online for the rest of 2020 amid Covid-19 outbreak | Oneindia News The price of diesel increased for 19th day in a row since the daily revision of prices began in June 7 after a gap of 82 days due to lockdown. However, the price of petrol remained unchanged on Wednesday, after a gap of 17 days. Reacting to the increased price in fuel, chairman of state-run Indian Oil Corp (IOC), Sanjiv Singh, said that higher diesel price in Delhi was a result of a steep hike in Value Added Tax (VAT) by the state government. 'Coronil cure' for coronavirus: Complaint against Ramdev over Patanjali's COVID medicine claim Singh said that VAT is lower in other cities which meant diesel remains cheaper than petrol. "The Delhi government had increased VAT on petrol from 27 per cent to 30 per cent and that on diesel from 16.75 per cent to 30 per cent on May 5," the chiarman of Indian Oil Corp said. State-owned fuel firms benchmark retail rates to Arab-Gulf international oil prices and a formula decides them, the IOC chairman said, adding that demand dropped drastically in the aftermath of lockdowns imposed across the globe to curb spread of coronavirus, sending oil prices plunging to multi-year low. This also includes oil futures falling below zero on one day in US trading. Reducing prices in line with that fall was not "sustainable" as cracks - the difference between crude oil (raw material) and petroleum product (finished goods) prices - were running negative. COVID-19 effect: DGCA issues new rules for airlines on handling unruly flyers on board Singh said the companies returned to revising rates after international markets stabilised. This included passing on the excise duty increase. Meanwhile, the government has been facing the opposition's ire over the fuel price increase. The Congress has directed state units to stage a sit-in protest at all district headquarters across the country on June 29 against the rising prices of petrol and diesel. This picture taken on July 24, 2012 shows water released from the Three Gorges Dam, a gigantic hydropower project on the Yangtze river, in Yichang, central China's Hubei province.(STR/AFP/GettyImages) Chinas Largest Dam Draws Scrutiny for Structural Flaws as Flooding Ravages Country Chinas controversial Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydropower project in the world, has drawn scrutiny for its structural flaws and environmental damage ever since its construction was first proposed in the 1950s. As torrential rainstorms are currently sweeping through half of China, a hydrology expert warns that the dam could collapse under the added pressure, endangering the lives of millions who reside nearby. Widespread flooding has affected at least 11.2 million people in 26 Chinese provinces and municipalities across central and southern China since heavy rainfall began wreaking havoc in early June. More than 9,300 houses have tumbled and 171,000 others have sustained damage. The financial damage has surpassed 24.1 billion yuan ($3.4 billion), according to local authorities. The record rainfall is forecasted to continue for another 10 days. In Guizhou, a mountainous province in Chinas southwest, the stormwater at one point rose to 16 feet higher than acceptable thresholds. The flooding in Yanhe County caused water to cascade over a bridge and wash away houses underneath. Its a hotpot in water, Mr. Liu, a resident of Qijiang County, in the southwestern city of Chongqing, said in an interview. The flooding, he said, is sounding a warning to the rest of China. If the nearby Three Gorges Dam cannot withstand the water right now, the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, one of the countrys most fertile and populous regions, would be in serious trouble, he predicted. Pressed From Both Ends Built with the stated objective of taming the flood-prone Yangtze River and generating clean energy, the massive 180 billion yuan ($25.4 billion) project has been plagued by corruption and environmental costs. Authorities forced relocation of over 1 million residents further fueled public anger. A worker collects floating rubbish at Three Gorges Reservoir Region in Chongqing, China, on July 22, 2018. (Getty Images) Whether the Three Gorges can play a role in preventing flooding in the current situation, or if the Chinese government has deceived the Chinese public from the beginningthis has been made pretty clear for people throughout the years, Wang Weiluo, a Chinese hydrologist who is currently residing in Germany, told The Epoch Times. The Yangtze River runs through 11 Chinese provinces and regions in central and western China, including Tibet, Sichuan, Chongqing, Hubei, and Shanghai. Many regions have a water level below that in the dams reservoir, placing them directly under the water currents during times of flooding, Wang said. Authorities have for years hushed voices critical of the dam. Reached by The Epoch Times on June 23 about the Three Gorges, Fan Xiao, a senior engineer in the state-owned Sichuan Bureau of Geological Exploration and Exploitation of Mineral Resources, said his superiors had instructed him earlier in the day not to take any foreign media interviews. Fan did, however, write extensively about issues surrounding the Three Gorges Dam. One article in 2004, for example, explored the issue of reservoir-induced earthquakes and landslides. Another, in 2016, questioned the dams net capacity in flood mitigation, after accounting for the cost of destroying local habitats. Theres also a fundamental conflict between people in the upper reaches and the lower reaches, Wang said. When theres heavy rain, the former wants the water discharged, while the latter cannot deal with the additional flooding. The Three Gorges is pressed from both ends, he said. Currently, the reservoir has kept a water level lower than normal to ensure the dams safety. In a picture taken on June 16, 2011, a resident looks out at the site where last October, a huge chunk of hillside broke free in Badong, in Hubei province, on the Yangtze River. (Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images) Systemic Issues A glance at Chinese media reports over the years conveys a diminishing sense of confidence in the dam. In 2003, an article headline from state media Xinhua said the dam could withstand a once-in-a-10,000-year flood; the wording was changed to 1,000 years in 2007, then 100 years in 2008; and in 2010, a TV anchor at state broadcaster CCTV cited the Changjiang Water Resources Commission, which has direct oversight over the Yangtze River Basin, saying that people cannot place all their hopes on the Three Gorges Dam. The structural integrity of the dam itself triggered widespread debate last year after a satellite image of the dam purportedly showed a curvature, raising fears that it may break. While the operating company of the Three Gorges dam has dismissed the concerns by pointing to potential inaccuracies with Google satellite images, it later admitted in a social media post that the dam had moved by up to 1.05 inches. The company said it was within acceptable margins. Authorities said they are discharging floodwater at around 980 water reservoirs along the Yangtze River, while they have hesitated to release the water inside the Three Gorges Dam, despite the level reaching a two-meter excess (6.6 feet)citing concerns about sudden flooding. But netizens recently circulated a video accusing authorities of secretly discharging the dam water without giving advance notice, worsening their plight. Wang is urging people living near the dam to prepare emergency kits to protect themselves. The Chinese Communist Party will never take responsibility for it Every death is just a number to the regime, he said. Mr. Chen, a resident of Sichuan Province, worries that something more catastrophic could befall China in the future under the regimes mismanagement. The government made this [dam] a show project, he told The Epoch Times sister media NTD. After the disastrous consequences, commoners always foot the bill. The video allegedly embarrassed Mnangagwa and his family after they claimed that they had no links to Drax International or its representative Nguwaya, yet the clip shows the president standing next to Nguwaya and announcing a donation of US$60 million which he said came after he personally appealed to the company. NY imposes quarantine, fines up to $10,000 for travelers from coronavirus hotspots Email Print Img No-img Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced a joint incoming travel advisory Wednesday with New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy Gov. Ned Lamont of Connecticut, imposing a two-week quarantine on anyone coming from states that are currently coronavirus hotspots. The quarantine order that went into effect on Thursday applies to any person coming from Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Utah or any other state where there is a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a 7-day rolling average or a state with a 10% or higher positivity rate over a 7-day rolling average. "In New York we went from the highest number of cases to some of the lowest rates in the country no one else had to bend the curve as much as we did and now we have to make sure that the rate continues to drop in our entire region," Cuomo said. "We've been working with our neighbors in New Jersey and Connecticut throughout this entire pandemic, and we're announcing a joint travel advisory that says people coming in from states with a high infection rate must quarantine for 14 days. We've worked very hard to get the viral transmission rate down and we don't want to see it go up again because people are traveling into the state and bringing it with them." While there is no enforcement mechanism in place yet, individuals who fail to quarantine in New York could be subject to a judicial order and mandatory quarantine. A first violation of the order could result in a $2,000 fine and could go up to $10,000 for subsequent violations. "Working together as a region has proven to be immensely successful as our respective states are leading the country when it comes to our response with low infection and positivity rates relative to increased testing capacity," Lamont said. "We have made difficult decisions throughout this pandemic, but we have proven to make many of the right decisions. This step to inform travelers form states with hot spots to self-isolate is meant to protect our residents and maintain our incredible public health progress." In a call with reporters Thursday, Robert Redfield, director of the CDC, said the agency does not have any data showing that quarantines for travelers work. I dont think we have any clear evidence right now, he said. The individual states are making their individual decisions. We dont have any evidence-based data to support the public health value of that decision. Redfield further noted that an estimated 25 million people in the U.S. or 10 times more the current figure of confirmed cases may have been infected by the coronavirus. "This virus causes so much asymptomatic infection," Redfield said. "We probably recognized about 10 percent of the outbreak." As of Thursday morning, Johns Hopkins University confirmed nearly 9.5 million coronavirus infections globally with more than 483,000 deaths. The United States alone has contributed nearly 2.4 million infections to that number with nearly 122,000 deaths. "This outbreak is not over. This pandemic is not over. The most powerful tool that we have, powerful weapon, is social distancing," Redfield said. "We have [a] responsibility to practice the social mitigation strategies to protect the vulnerable, to protect the elderly." Redfields comments Thursday come in the wake of news that the U.S. reported more new coronavirus cases on Wednesday than on any single day before, according to a tally by NBC News. Cases showed increases of 5% or more in 31 states across the country, including Florida, Arizona, Texas, Montana and Idaho, according to a CNBC analysis of Johns Hopkins University data. Coronavirus hospitalizations are also on the rise. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 06/25/2020 ADVERTISEMENT Jamie and Doug FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! Shawniece and Jephte ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth and Jamie ADVERTISEMENT Ashley and Anthony Danielle and Bobby ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Jessica and Austin Keith and Kristine ADVERTISEMENT Stephanie and AJ ADVERTISEMENT Deanna and Greg ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. : Couples Cam featured Danielle Bergman and Bobby Dodd discovering they're expecting their second child, Gregory Okotie finally giving in to starting a family with Deonna McNeill Ashley Petta and Shawniece Jackson going back to work, and three husbands executing some sweet surprises for their wives during Wednesday night's episode on Lifetime.Similar to TLC's 90 Day Fiance: Self-Quarantined series, : Couples Cam features raw, self-shot footage updating viewers on the current lives of former couples from the show's first ten seasons.The couples' domestic lives are documented in real time and shared via mounted cameras, Diary Cams and virtual group chats.The couples featured on : Couples Cam are Season 1 couple Jamie Otis and Doug Hehner, Season 5 couple Ashley and Anthony D'Amico , Season 6 couple Shawniece and Jephte Pierre , Season 7 couple Danielle and Bobby, Season 8 couple AJ Vollmoeller and Stephanie Sersen , Season 8 couple Kristine Killingsworth and Keith Dewar , Season 9 couple Elizabeth Bice and Jamie Thompson , Season 9 couple Greg and Deonna, and Season 10 couple Jessica Studer and Austin Hurd Those nine couples are all still married, and four of them have started families.Below is the latest on each couple based on Episode 5 of : Couples Cam.Jamie watched her newborn son "pink up" after he had water in his lungs and appeared a frightening blue color following his home birth in an inflated bath tub. Jamie was relieved and thrilled to be holding her son, and Doug was so happy everyone in his family was healthy."I have a boy!" Jamie gushed.Jamie and Doug's son weighed in at a whopping nine pounds and four ounces, and the couple couldn't believe Jamie managed to deliver him without an epidural.The couple's daughter Henley Grace then got to meet her new baby brother."Seeing Henley with her new baby brother is just heart-melting. All I can say is that dreams come true because I've been dreaming of growing our family for so long, and we're a family of four now!" Jamie gushed.Henley adorably told her parents that she wanted to take Hendrix on a bike ride.Being parents of two children didn't feel real, according to Doug, and he told Jamie that he was so proud of her and would always view her in a different light going forward."And we've already started trying for Baby No. 3!" Doug said."Nothing is going inside of there any time soon," Jamie countered with a laugh.Shawniece said since quarantine regulations had been slightly lifted, she decided to have a nice family dinner outside.Shawniece was also trying to figure out how to jumpstart her business while navigating social-distancing measures and health restrictions.Before the pandemic happened, Shawniece was in the process of opening up a salon, working on her own wig line, and getting a website launched for her business.Shawniece was ready to get back on track, so she was ready to set up her wig display. Jephte was supposed to be helping her, but his version of "helping" was bringing over ice cream, which made Shawniece laugh.But in the end, the couple worked great as a team, and Shawniece thanked her husband for helping. Her website was running and Jephte acknowledged he loved his wife's "entrepreneurial spirit."Shawniece had taken two years off after welcoming Laura, but she was ready to get back to work."You did an amazing job with Laura and staying home and taking care of the house," Jephte said. "But we need to get your ass out; this is not for you!""I've been saying that from the beginning!" Shawniece agreed."You are a hustler mom. You need to be out hustling and then come home and take care of the baby," Jephte told his wife.Shawniece and Jephte were supporting each other, and Shawniece predicted fun times were ahead.Jamie was excited to start his "mancave" and begin decorating his office, which Elizabeth had been hoping would be her guest room.Elizabeth wished she could adorn the room with "guest decor" and a pull-out couch, but Jamie won the bet in which Elizabeth had challenged him to a race and the winner would get to determine how to use the guest room in their new apartment.Once Jamie set up the office exactly how he wanted it, he admitted he felt a little guilty for hogging it all himself.Jamie therefore bought a surprise for Elizabeth, and it turned out to be a nice royal blue couch that could pull out into a bed for their future guests to use and enjoy."I'm speechless right now! I can't believe he did something like this for me, and this is why I stay married to this dude!" Elizabeth told the cameras.Once they set the couch up, Elizabeth gushed about how she loved the couch but it made her want a house."We just got an apartment. I try, I try, I try -- and I just can't make her happy," Jamie told a Diary Cam."No, I'm thankful!" Elizabeth insisted.In Chicago, the governor announced bars and restaurants could open to the public for patio seating only, so Ashley was really excited to open the doors to her family's bar again.When Ashley set up the patio for guests, she managed to squeeze in seating for 30 people under social-distancing guidelines, and within the first few minutes of the bar opening, Ashley was ecstatic to welcome four people in.Ashley noted four people was better than none!Ashley had about 40 people at her bar throughout the night, and she admitted it was weird to be around that many people but it was "nice" to go back to work.Ashley hoped her family would be able to figure it out and eventually return back to their successful numbers at the bar.Danielle's pregnancy test showed a very faint line, so she thought she was pregnant. Danielle said even the slightest line was an indicator of pregnancy, but Bobby disagreed since the second line was barely visible."It's a fake line! You're probably not pregnant," Bobby said."No, babe, I'm telling you!" Danielle argued.On Day 52 of quarantine, Bobby told Danielle that he was 50/50 about whether his wife was really pregnant. It was the day Danielle was supposed to start her period, but she had no sign of a period yet.Danielle thought she was pregnant despite Bobby's skepticism, so she decided to take multiple pregnancy tests the following morning -- including a couple that would flat out read "pregnant" if she's pregnant."What if I am pregnant tomorrow?" Danielle asked her husband."If you're pregnant tomorrow, I'm cool with that. I'm excited about that. That would be nice. [If you're not], I'm fine with that too... You just got to let it happen. If it happens, it happens," Bobby told Danielle."We'll see!" Danielle replied. "We'll take a definitive test so there's no doubting."When that morning came, Danielle took a total of four pregnancy tests.Two tests clearly showed Danielle is pregnant, and she believed the others did as well, although the other two tests had the two lines and weren't as obvious."So we are batting 1,000 when it comes to being pregnant," Bobby conceded. "How do you feel? How does it feel? Tell me, Danielle!""I feel good. I feel good," Danielle replied. "It's very early, like three-and-a-half weeks."Bobby congratulated his wife, and then she said, "You're going to be a daddy again!"Danielle gushed she's "officially pregnant.""It's so crazy that literally just a couple of years ago I was living alone with my dog. I had no idea what the future held," Danielle told the cameras."And now I have a husband and a sweet baby girl, and we have another baby on the way. It's crazy but I'm so thankful for everything that has gotten us here. It's been a huge change. My life has changed but it's definitely all been worth it."Jessica said she was consistently seeing new COVID-19 patients at work in Washington, D.C. Jessica recognized the city was starting to open up more, but her COVID ICU unit was still full and more patients continued to enter.Jessica was worried to lose nurses in her unit to other patients and areas in the hospital, so she predicted becoming only more stressed in the near future.Not only was Jessica working hard on the front lines at her COVID-19 unit, but she was also working hard to receive her Master's Degree. Jessica's graduation had been canceled, so he decided to set up a graduation for his wife in their very own home.Jessica came home to graduation signs all over their apartment, and Jessica even dressed in her cap and gown.Austin sweetly set up a podium and delivered a hilarious commencement speech while Jessica sat next to their dog Rex in a chair. Austin told Jessica that he was proud of her, and Jessica couldn't stop giggling."I hadn't really planned on going to my graduation, even with the pandemic going on, because it was an online program," Jessica said with a laugh. "I'm glad that Austin did plan this little surprise for me [though]."To further celebrate Jessica's graduation, Austin and Jessica created their own brewery tour. While drinking beers, they set up signs around the house such as "Bubbles with Jess," "Frosty Austy's" and "Hurd You Were Thirsty."Jessica laughed about how the home brewery tour was a success because they had fun and she was "a little buzzed."Keith said the number of COVID-19 patients was not slowing down at work.Keith felt "really bad" about the fight he had with Kristine the previous night over the new tile in their kitchen, saying he overreacted and wanted to make it up to his wife.Kristine therefore planned a picnic outdoors for Kristine with fried chicken, champagne, strawberries and more.Kristine really appreciated the "sweet" gesture from Keith, but she wasn't able to put the fight behind her until Keith finally apologized. Keith said he was sorry for complaining about how Kristine was doing work around the house because the bottom line was that she was getting the work done.Keith said he wanted to spoil Kristine because he clearly felt spoiled by her love."I really need to show my wife more of the reason why I love her," Keith told a Diary Cam."That's my partner, so I've got to make sure that she's good no matter what. I always want to see my wife smile; that's what I'm here for."Later on, Kristine was shown putting up the backsplash her father, and then Keith suddenly surprised her. He apparently left work to help with the renovation, saying his family matters just as much as his job.Kristine gushed about how she was "so grateful" Keith was able to help her because their new home was a symbol of the love and effort they put into each other.On Day 51 of quarantine, AJ said his staffing agency "went in the tank" because of the coronavirus pandemic and he was scared his career was done. However, AJ decided to take a chance and try something new by focusing more on the career services aspect.AJ was therefore helping people with their resumes and prepare for interviews, and he found himself very busy with interested clients."It's crazy to think that just two months ago I thought my company was absolutely dead in the water. Stephanie has been an absolute rock this whole time. She kept the balance; she's doing what she's doing every day. That was a glimmer of hope for me," AJ explained.AJ wanted to celebrate his wife and new job by planning a romantic dinner for them on the roof of their apartment building."I don't think I've ever been up here!" Stephanie gushed once on the roof."I don't think we're supposed to be up here," AJ joked.Stephanie said AJ always "pulled through" and knew exactly what to do when she's feeling stressed. Stephanie told AJ that he was her rock as well and really stepped it up when it came to cooking and cleaning the house every day.AJ revealed to his wife he was going to be back to work full-time pretty soon, and Stephanie was really happy for her husband, who always found "creative ways" to make her smile.Deonna and Greg were shown driving from Charlotte, NC, to Maryland to check on Greg's mother because he couldn't get in touch with her for an entire day. Greg was emotional at the thought his mother may need medical attention.The couple had to endure a six-hour ride before receiving confirmation that Greg's mom was okay, but Deonna seemed nothing but supportive.Once Greg reunited with his mother, he discovered that she was doing well although she was a little weak and tired. Greg seemed relieved that everything was okay, and so he and Deonna planned to return back to Charlotte the following morning.It had been a while since Deonna and Greg last talked about starting a family, and Deonna wanted to make sure she hadn't totally "freaked" Greg out with talk of her biological clock ticking and the babydoll she had bought him to practice parenting skills with.Deonna therefore sat down with Greg and said she really wanted a baby but was trying to hold back in order to not overwhelm him."I can see that we're on two different levels of excitement," Deonna noted."Are you 1,000 percent sure you want a child?" Greg asked."Yes," Deonna replied.Due to the scare Greg had with his mother, he realized "life is not certain.""Talking to her about family and being closer to family and the possibility of creating children made me kind of put things into perspective, like, 'Why are we going back and forth about this?' So, yes, let's start trying next month or in the next two months," Greg told his wife.Deonna was so excited and told the cameras, "O-M-G! I was not expecting that response at all. So I am a little shocked... It's a new chapter that we're about to start, and I can't wait!"Greg said he didn't want to overanalyze the situation and then potentially miss out on a blessing.Seeing his mother made Greg realize that "life is short" and he really does want a family with Deonna."So why not do it now?!" Greg told the cameras, before inviting his wife to join him "upstairs."Interested in more news? Join our Married at First Sight Facebook Group NEW YORK - The coronavirus crisis deepened in Arizona on Thursday, and the governor of Texas began to backtrack after making one of the most aggressive pushes in the nation to reopen, as the daily number of confirmed cases across the U.S. closed in on the peak reached during the dark days of late April. While greatly expanded testing probably accounts for some of the increase, experts say other measures indicate the virus is making a comeback. Daily deaths, hospitalizations and the percentage of tests that are coming back positive also have been rising over the past few weeks in parts of the country, mostly in the South and West. In Arizona, 23% of tests conducted over the past seven days have been positive, nearly triple the national average, and a record 415 patients were on ventilators. Mississippi saw its daily count of confirmed cases reach record highs twice this week. Its not a joke. Really bad things are going to happen, said Dr. Thomas Dobbs, Mississippis health officer. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas put off lifting any more restrictions and reimposed a ban on elective surgeries in some places to preserve hospital space after the number of patients statewide more than doubled in two weeks. Republican Gov. Doug Ducey of Arizona also said further efforts to reopen are on hold as cases surge. Sandwiched between the two, New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, worried about rising numbers and the risks posed by her neighbours, declaring, Were on hold. The last thing we want to do as a state is go backwards and close down businesses, Abbott said. The U.S. reported 34,500 COVID-19 cases Wednesday, slightly fewer than the day before but still near the high of 36,400 reached April 24, according to a count kept by Johns Hopkins University. The daily average has climbed by more than 50% over the past two weeks, an Associated Press analysis found. The true numbers are probably much higher because of limited testing and other factors. Whether the rise in cases translates into an equally dire surge in deaths across the U.S. will depend on a number of factors, experts said, most crucially whether government officials make the right decisions. Deaths per day nationwide are around 600 after peaking at about 2,200 in mid-April. It is possible, if we play our cards badly and make a lot of mistakes, to get back to that level. But if we are smart, theres no reason to get to 2,200 deaths a day, said Dr. Ashish Jha, director of Harvards Global Health Institute. The nations daily death toll has actually dropped markedly over the past few weeks even as cases climbed, a phenomenon experts said may reflect the advent of treatments, better efforts to prevent infections at nursing homes and a rising proportion of cases among younger people, who are more likely than their elders to survive a bout with COVID-19. This is still serious, said Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but were in a different situation today than we were in March or April. Several states set single-day case records this week, including Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas and Oklahoma. Florida reported over 5,000 new cases for a second day in a row. Mississippis Dobbs blamed a failure to wear masks and observe other social-distancing practices. Im afraid its going to take some kind of catastrophe for people to pay attention, he said. We are giving away those hard-fought gains for silly stuff. Tom Rohlk, a 62-year-old grocery store worker from Overland Park, Kansas, complained that young people sometimes act as if they dont care: It seems like its time to party. The U.S. has greatly ramped up testing in the past few months, and it is now presumably finding many less-serious cases that would have gone undetected earlier in the outbreak, when testing was limited and often focused on sicker people. But there are other more clear-cut warning signs, including a rising number of deaths per day in states such as Arizona and Alabama. The numbers continue to go in the wrong direction, Ducey said. We can expect our numbers will be worse next week and the week after. The number of confirmed infections, in itself, is a poor measure of the outbreak. CDC officials, relying on blood tests, estimated Thursday that 20 million Americans have been infected. That is about 6% per cent of the population and roughly 10 times the 2.3 million confirmed cases. Officials have long known that many cases have been missed because of testing gaps and a lack of symptoms in some infected people. Worldwide, over 9.5 million people have been confirmed infected, and nearly a half-million have died, including over 124,000 in the U.S., the worlds highest toll, by Johns Hopkins count. While some states impose new restrictions or pause their reopenings, some businesses also are backing off. Disney delayed its mid-July reopening of Disneyland. As politicians try to strike a balance between public health and the economy, the government reported that the number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits last week declined slightly to 1.48 million, indicating layoffs are slowing but still painfully high. Elsewhere around the world, Paris Eiffel Tower reopened to visitors after its longest peacetime closure: 104 days. With hospitals overwhelmed in New Delhi, Indian troops provided care in railroad cars converted to medical wards. ___ Johnson reported from Washington state. Associated Press journalists around the world contributed to this report. ___ Follow AP coverage of the virus outbreak at https://apnews.com/VirusOutbreak and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak. Kolkata Police found a 67-page suicide note from 42-year-old Amit Agarwals bag who killed himself after strangling his wife to death and shooting his mother-in-law dead on Monday. Preliminary investigation in the case revealed that Amit tried to hire a snake charmer and a supari killer for killing his wife in Bengaluru but all his efforts went in vain as he could not finalise the deal due to Covid-19 lockdown. A chartered accountant by profession- Amit, in his suicide note mentioned that he was extremely upset over his relationship with his wife Shilpi also a chattered account. After years of long disturbed marital life, he decided to end his life after killing his wife and her entire family. I tried to contact hired killers for the job but it did not happen. Then, I tried to contact a snake charmer to kill my wife. But it could not materialize due to lockdown. Then, I myself decided to kill them, excerpts of Amits suicide letter reads. After strangulating his wife to death in Bengaluru at their Mahadevapura flat, on Monday Amit boarded a flight along with his son to Kolkata to kill his in-laws. He dropped his son at his relatives place in Belghoria in North 24-Parganas and went alone to Duttabad area to collect a gun from a local anti-social. The same day, he went to his mother-in-law Lalita Dhandhanias house at Phoolbagan area in North Kolkata and killed her from a point-blank range. Then, he tried to shot-at his father-in-law but he managed to escape. He rushed outside his flat and locked the door from outside. Hours later, a third fire was heard and later police found both Amit and his mother-in-law lying in a pool of blood. The Kolkata police officers from the homicide section searched his bag and found the suicide note and an extra magazine for the firearm. However, further investigation is still underway. 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) The state government on Thursday decided against locking down Bengaluru to counter the surge in Covid-19 cases, but warned citizens to cooperate if they didnt want the return of restrictions. Let me make it clear: There is no lockdown in Bengaluru, Revenue Minister R Ashoka said after an emergency meeting chaired by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa to review the Covid-19 situation in the state capital. Track live updates on coronavirus here Authorities will only delineate containment zones in localities with a high caseload in Bengaluru to curb the spread of the virus. Measures are also being taken to ensure that such localities return to normalcy soon, he said. Ashoka said there were varied opinions, but most of the daily wage labourers did not want another lockdown as it would hit their livelihoods again. Earlier in the day, Yediyurappa said strict regulations will be enforced in Bengaluru, while seeking public cooperation. You have been allowed to move about freely, but because social distancing is not being maintained, especially in slums, this problem arose. If you dont want Bengaluru to be sealed down again, you must cooperate, the CM said. In response to complaints that patients are made to wait after testing positive, the government has decided to deploy 100 additional ambulances. This works out to one ambulance for every two wards, Ashoka said. The government has also taken steps to ensure that 5,000 of the 10,000 beds in medical colleges and hospitals in Bengaluru are set aside for Covid-19. Instructions have been sent to such hospitals and colleges in the city. In order to address complaints over the availability of beds, the government has appointed IAS officer Tushar Girinath to monitor this. A real-time bed availability dashboard will come up to assist patients, Ashoka said. On Friday, Yediyurappa has convened a meeting of all Bengaluru MLAs and ministers to discuss the Covid-19 situation. - An increase in the demand for waterborne and powder technologies for the replacement of solvent-borne coatings are driving the market demand. - Market Size - USD 138.54 Billion in 2019, Market Growth - CAGR of 6.3%, Market Trends -Increased demand from developing nations. NEW YORK, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The global Green Coatings Market is forecast to reach USD 219.24 Billion by 2027, according to a new report by Reports and Data. The market is finding applications in the developed as well as developing nations owing to the increasing environmental regulations. The continuous growth in concern regarding the impact of the volatile organic compounds on the environment has led environment agencies to force manufacturers to reduce their VOC content in their product. Thus, there is an increase in demand for green coatings from end-users. Request free sample of this research report at: https://www.reportsanddata.com/sample-enquiry-form/3264 The increasing application of these types of coatings in architecture is also encouraging demand. Major factors encouraging the growth of the market in developing nations are increasing government support for the extension of urban development and a rise in the standard of living, which in turn increases the demand for safe and comfortable living and rising population. Factors affecting the green coatings are the rising price for raw material, and their volatility is expected to hinder the market growth. Furthermore, the raw material industry of the green coating market is on the verge of consolidation that intensify the bargaining power of suppliers and affects the market growth negatively. The Asia Pacific region will experience the fastest CAGR due to increased government involvement for the development and beautification of infrastructure, which will positively impact market growth. India, China, and Japan are significantly contributing to the increasing demand of the market in the region. The COVID-19 impact: The growing COVID-19 pandemic has led to the weakening demand for coatings in electronics, automotive, construction, and white goods. The market has the capacity to bounce back, but it completely depends on the duration of the lockdown, and also the impact of the virus on the economy. Even though the overall demand of the market is falling, the demand for green coating is expected to rise in the coming years. To identify the key trends in the industry, click on the link below: https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/green-coatings-market Further key findings from the report suggest Waterborne coatings are forecasted to hold a market share of 72.9% in the year 2027. These types of coatings are beneficial to the environment. It meets the United States and European regulations regarding volatile organic compound (VOC) emission. Waterborne coatings produce VOC content of fewer than 3.5 pounds per gallon. and European regulations regarding volatile organic compound (VOC) emission. Waterborne coatings produce VOC content of fewer than 3.5 pounds per gallon. Auto manufacturers, for the past few years, are switching to paints with lower VOCs in an effort to ensure worker safety as well as reduce the environmental effects of the coatings. While the EPA regulates the level of VOC from the automotive manufacturing industries and auto body shops, there are still no federal standards or regulations that can regard the paint product themselves as "low-VOC." A large number of non-profit organizations such as Greenguard and Green Seal, which conduct thorough evaluations and award "green labels" to manufacturers that pass their stringent guidelines. In China , the Volatile organic compounds (VOC) legislation for wood coatings is propelling the demand for conversion from solvent-borne Nitrocellulose (N.C.) or P.U. Technology to U.V. technology and waterborne. The Asia Pacific region is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR of 7.0% in the coming years. , the Volatile organic compounds (VOC) legislation for wood coatings is propelling the demand for conversion from solvent-borne Nitrocellulose (N.C.) or P.U. Technology to U.V. technology and waterborne. The region is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR of 7.0% in the coming years. Key participants include PPG Industries, BASF SE, The Sherwin-Williams Company, AkzoNobel N.V., Kansai Paint Company Limited, The Valspar Corporation, Nippon Paint Company Ltd., Arkema SA, Asian Paints Limited, and Evonik Industries, among others. Order Now: https://www.reportsanddata.com/checkout-form/3264 For the purpose of this report, Reports and Data have segmented the global Green Coatings Market on the basis of type, application, distribution channel, and region: Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2017-2027) Powder Water-Borne UV-cured coatings High-solids Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2017-2027) Industrial Coatings Wood Coatings Architectural Coatings Packaging Coatings Automotive Coatings Others Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2017-2027) Online Offline Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion; 2017-2027) North America U.S Canada Europe Germany UK France BENELUX Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan South Korea Rest of APAC Latin America Brazil Rest of LATAM MEA Saudi Arabia UAE Rest of MEA Browse more similar reports on Paints and Coatings category by Reports And Data Polyaspartic Coatings Market: https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/polyaspartic-coatings-market https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/polyaspartic-coatings-market Coating Resins Market: https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/coating-resins-market https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/coating-resins-market Roof Coatings Market: https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/roof-coatings-market About Reports and Data Reports and Data is a market research and consulting company that provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. Our solutions purely focus on your purpose to locate, target and analyze consumer behavior shifts across demographics, across industries and help client's make a smarter business decision. We offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a multiple industries including Healthcare, Technology, Chemicals, Power and Energy. We consistently update our research offerings to ensure our clients are aware about the latest trends existent in the market. Reports and Data has a strong base of experienced analysts from varied areas of expertise. Contact Us: John W Head of Business Development Reports And Data | Web: www.reportsanddata.com Direct Line: +1-212-710-1370 E-mail: sales@reportsanddata.com LinkedIn | Twitter | Blogs Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1009077/Reports_And_Data_Logo.jpg With just days to go until Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is allowed, per the coalition government agreement, to pursue the annexation of illegally occupied West Bank territory, debate swirls around what if any land will be formally annexed in the coming weeks and months. Various annexation scenarios are being discussed, from the 30 percent of the West Bank envisaged in the Donald Trump administrations plan including the Jordan Valley region through to a smaller amount of territory concentrated around major settlements. Israeli political discussions are accompanied by parallel, intensive international diplomacy, as the Palestinian leadership in Ramallah seeks to rally opposition to such a move among the likes of the European Union member states and Arab governments. But while annexation is debated and dissected in the Knesset, European capitals and newspaper op-ed pages, little attention is being paid to the Palestinian communities and activists on the ground who will be most directly affected. 200527142428362 For Rashid Khoudary, an activist in Jordan Valley Solidarity, Israels moves towards formal annexation are the logical conclusion of an intensification of policies of Jewish settlement expansion and debilitating construction restrictions for Palestinians. About three years ago we started to see more Israeli attacks on our communities, Khoudary told Al Jazeera, citing demolitions and tighter restrictions on access to farmland different kinds of strategies to displace us. There was also increased settler activity in outposts, he added, taking over more land. It was obvious to us that the Israeli government wants to kick the Palestinians out from the Jordan Valley so as to annex the land, Khoudary continued. The main fight is about who can control this land, who can have this land. It is very clear and we understand it. The Jordan Valley constitutes almost 30 percent of the West Bank, and is home to some 65,000 Palestinians. There are also 11,000 Jewish settlers, with Israel preventing Palestinians from entering or using 85 percent of the entire region, according to Israeli human rights NGO BTselem. Data revealed in the Haaretz newspaper earlier this year showed more than 90 percent of evacuation orders issued by Israeli occupation authorities were given to Palestinians with Israel evacuating people from more land in the Jordan Valley than any other region. The serious threats posed by annexation to Palestinian residents of the Jordan Valley, as well as the regions significance for the viability of an independent Palestinian state, have turned the area into a focus for Palestinian efforts to protest against pending Israeli moves. On Monday, thousands of Palestinians gathered in Jericho, in the south of the Jordan Valley, to protest the planned annexation, in an action called for and backed by Fatah, that was attended by a number of international diplomats. 200622173919963 While the Jordan Valley region has understandably been under the spotlight, other areas of the occupied West Bank are also vulnerable to annexation, particularly those with a significant and active settler presence. Were discussing this issue a lot, south Hebron Hills-based activist Sami Hureini told Al Jazeera. Weve been meeting with the popular committees and talking about coming plans including being part of actions in the Jordan Valley too. Hureini comes from At-Tuwani village, an area which, thanks to its designation as Area C under the Oslo Accords, means Palestinians are systematically denied building permits by Israeli occupation authorities. Official figures show over the period 2016-2018, Israel approved just 21 of 1,485 Palestinian applications for construction permits, with the area in which Palestinians can build legally making up only 0.5 percent of Area C. By contrast, the area of plans for Israeli settlements is about 26 percent. Thus, with most settlements located in Area C, it is a prime candidate for annexation. Everyone is scared about annexation, no one wants to live under the occupations law, Hureini said. Today its the Jordan Valley, tomorrow its the south Hebron Hills. Everyone is thinking about it and people are ready to resist. A n international struggle What exactly to expect regarding resistance on the ground, however, is a complex question, according to Mahmoud Soliman Zwahre, an activist within the Popular Struggle Coordination Committee and a resident of Al-Masara near Bethlehem. This is a bit different to previous struggles, he told Al Jazeera, because unlike the protests against the [Separation] Wall, for example, annexation is not targeting a specific village, and the change on the ground is also an invisible one, for now. 200615151853816 Palestinians in these areas know exactly what is happening on the ground, and their very existence in these communities is a form of resistance, Soliman continued. Out of this everyday resistance of rebuilding a house, or a tent, will emerge a collective action in these communities. Soliman said Israels pursuit of annexation, with all the practical policies this will ultimately entail on the ground concerning access restrictions and displacement, will lead to an emergence of community leaders, particularly in but not restricted to Area C. I think there will be a bottom-up approach to decide about Palestinians future, Soliman added, and this will transform the struggle, and the face of the struggle, from self-determination to an anti-apartheid revolution. As activists across the West Bank work on mobilising Palestinians and passing on hard-earned lessons from previous battles, it is also clear from organisers their efforts on the ground have an international audience and concrete steps from governments are seen as essential given the power asymmetry faced by Palestinians. While busy organising protests in the Jordan Valley, Rashid knows such actions are not enough in and of themselves. We, as Palestinian civilians, this is not our struggle alone, this is an international struggle, he declared, and the international community has to protect international law, and protect us, as a people living under occupation. The international community has to stop this annexation. The time has come for pharmacy to unify in Texas. Our new Independent Pharmacy Academy strengthens our ability to advocate for critical issues, such as meaningful Pharmacy Benefit Manager reform legislation, that are especially important to the sustainability of independent pharmacies in Texas. In a bold move to strengthen and unite the voice of independent pharmacy in the Lone Star State, the Texas Pharmacy Association (TPA) is excited to announce the launch of its Independent Pharmacy Academy and welcomes members of the Alliance of Independent Pharmacists of Texas as charter members of the Academy. As the only organization in Texas representing all pharmacy professionals in all practice settings, TPA is uniquely positioned to be a strong advocate for independent pharmacy in our state, TPA President Raj Chhadua said. The time has come for pharmacy to unify in Texas. Our new Independent Pharmacy Academy strengthens our ability to advocate for critical issues, such as meaningful Pharmacy Benefit Manager reform legislation, that are especially important to the sustainability of independent pharmacies in Texas. TPA and Alliance leaders recognized that for the profession to be most effective with its public policy agenda, pharmacy must speak with one voice. Both groups have worked for months to unite independent pharmacy to positively impact the profession. The Independent Pharmacy Academy is designed to advance independent pharmacys legislative priorities in Texas in a more robust and effective manner, with the resources and brand necessary to influence state officials. TPA is grateful to the Alliance for providing initial funding to create a more powerful public affairs and lobbying force. The Alliance Board concluded that the best option for our voice to be heard is to unite with our state association, said Alliance President Carter High. The Texas Pharmacy Association has a name that carries weight at the Capitol. We strongly believe that aligning our organization, values, and culture with TPA gives independent pharmacy its best chance for legislative success. This new Academy is for all independent pharmacists in Texas and we welcome them. In addition to providing a more unified voice for effective pharmacy advocacy in Texas, the Academy aims to strengthen independent community pharmacy practice by creating a forum to share innovative and entrepreneurial practices, discuss business challenges, and identify solutions. The Independent Pharmacy Academy will operate as part of TPA and will be governed by its own bylaws and elected leadership. Academy members must be active members of TPA and must pay applicable dues to the Academy as an owner, pharmacist, or associate. More information about joining the Academy will be announced in the coming weeks. (Adds missing word in headline) * Canadian dollar rises 0.1% against the greenback * Price of U.S. oil dips 0.3% * Canadian payroll employment falls by 1.8 million in April * Canadian bond yields fall across a flatter curve TORONTO, June 25 (Reuters) - The Canadian dollar edged higher against its U.S. counterpart on Thursday but held near an earlier 10-day low as investors worried that a rise in American coronavirus cases could slow economic recovery. World stocks spluttered to their lowest level in over a week as a surge in U.S. coronavirus cases and an IMF warning of a nearly 5% plunge in the global economy this year hit the bulls again. Canada is a major exporter of commodities, including oil, so the loonie tends to be sensitive to the global economic outlook. Oil was pressured by record-high U.S. crude inventories as well as the resurgence in coronavirus cases that casts doubt on a recovery in fuel demand. U.S. crude oil futures were down 0.3% at $37.88 a barrel, extending the previous day's sharp decline. The Canadian dollar was trading 0.1% higher at 1.3620 to the greenback, or 73.42 U.S. cents. The currency touched its weakest intraday level since June 15 at 1.3666. The 10-day low for the loonie follows news on Wednesday that Canada lost one of its coveted triple-A ratings when Fitch downgraded it for the first time. Also this week, investors have worried that Washington could reimpose tariffs on Canadian aluminum. Canadian payroll employment fell by 1.8 million in April as non-essential businesses were closed across the country, data from Statistics Canada showed on Thursday. That brought total job losses since February to 2.8 million, or 16%, which is consistent with data from the labor force survey, the national statistical agency said. The labor force survey has since showed that Canada unexpectedly added almost 290,000 jobs in May as some provinces loosened COVID-19 restrictions on businesses. Canadian government bond yields were lower across a flatter curve, with the 10-year down 3.6 basis points at 0.512%. (Reporting by Fergal Smith; Editing by Steve Orlofsky) As previously announced, due to Covid-19 concerns, Valdese cancelled the Friday night concerts for the entire year, along with the annual Waldensian Festival and numerous other events. Nonetheless, the proposed 2020-21 budget still includes over a half million dollars for Community Affairs. Valdese has greatly curtailed the use of its parks, swimming pool, and other recreation facilities due to Covid-19 concerns, yet the proposed recreation budget is being increased to $832,000. Together, thats over $1.3 million for two curtailed activities, vs. zero dollars for the library. The grounds and maintenance budget, while relatively modest, is of particular note. Its proposed increase of $44,000 would more than cover the library defunding from $40,000 to zero, yet the discriminate application of these funds is grating to many Valdese taxpayers. Warning of a strict lockdown once again if people do not follow social distancing norms, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Thursday said that he would hold discussions with legislators of all parties regarding the strict measures that need to be taken to control the virus. Bengaluru, in particular, has seen a huge rise in cases, with the city crossing the 1,000 cases mark this month. The city has a total of 1,685 cases so far. Yeddiyurappa urged Bengalureans to maintain social distancing and practice hygiene. "But we are also thinking about the number of cases which is increasing in Bengaluru. I urge people to maintain social distancing and sanitisation if Bengalureans don't want one more seal down (sic)," he was quoted by ANI as saying. Yediyurappa's warning comes a day after the West Bengal government decided to extend the lockdown in the state to July 31 to contain the rising number of coronavirus cases in India. As per the latest figures from the Union Health Ministry, West Bengal has over 14,700 confirmed cases and 580 deaths. The state government has already decided to close down all educational institutions until July 31. Suburban and metro rail services, too, would be out of bounds for the public during the lockdown. Interestingly, in a state known for intense acrimony between political parties, all parties, including the Opposition BJP and CPM decided to back the extension of the lockdown in the all-party meeting called by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The highest-ever single-day surge of 16,922 COVID-19 cases pushed India's total tally to 4,73,105 on Thursday whereas the death toll climbed to 14,894 with 418 new fatalities, according to the Union Health Ministry. With this, India has registered over 14,000 cases for the sixth day in a row. According to the ministry data updated at 8am, active cases stand at 1,86,514 while 2,71,696 people have recovered. West Bengal is not the only state to announce an extension of the lockdown. In fact, Tamil Nadu became the first state in the last three months to re-impose a strict lockdown. Since June 19, Chennai and its adjoining districts have been under complete lockdown, after the state capital recorded an exponential rise in the number of corona positive cases in the last one month. The lockdown, under which there are more restrictions on the movement of people than earlier, including a total ban on private vehicles without valid passes and legitimate reasons plying on roads, would continue till June 30. However, unlike in West Bengal, the move was slammed by the Opposition and arch-rival DMK. DMK chief and leader of opposition MK Stalin had said,"The total lockdown would not help curb the spread of coronavirus but would only worsen the economic situation, thus making it a double loss for the state". Meanwhile, Hyderabad has also witnessed a spurt in cases, thanks to the Telangana government finally ramping up its testing capacities, partly by allowing private labs to test people. According to The Indian Express, since June 15, the state has witnessed over 3000 new cases, most of them from the Hyderabad region. However, things do not seem to be going right for the authorities, as the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is apparently peeved with the Telangana health department for not keeping it updated on the new positive cases. As per an earlier report in Deccan Chronicle, it is likely to stop managing COVID-19 containment clusters in Hyderabad. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. President Donald Trumps plans to kick off Independence Day with a showy display at Mount Rushmore have angered Native Americans, who view the monument as a desecration of land violently stolen from them and used to pay homage to leaders hostile to Indigenous people. Several groups led by Native American activists are planning protests for Trumps July 3 visit, part of Trumps comeback campaign for a nation reeling from sickness, unemployment and, recently, social unrest. The event is slated to include fighter jets thundering over the 79-year-old stone monument in South Dakotas Black Hills and the first fireworks display at the site since 2009. But it comes amid a national reckoning over racism and a reconsideration of the symbolism of monuments around the globe. Many Native American activists say the Rushmore memorial is as reprehensible as the many Confederate monuments being toppled around the nation. Mount Rushmore is a symbol of white supremacy, of structural racism thats still alive and well in society today, said Nick Tilsen, a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe and the president of a local activist organization called NDN Collective. Its an injustice to actively steal Indigenous peoples land, then carve the white faces of the colonizers who committed genocide. While some activists, like Tilsen, want to see the monument removed and the Black Hills returned to the Lakota, others have called for a share in the economic benefits from the region. Trump has long shown a fascination with Mount Rushmore. South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said in 2018 that he once told her straight-faced that it was his dream to have his face carved into the monument. He later joked at a campaign rally about getting enshrined alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln. And while it was Noem, a Republican, who pushed for a return of fireworks on the eve of Independence Day, Trump committed to visiting South Dakota for the celebration. Some wildfire experts have raised concerns the pyrotechnics could spark fires, especially because the region has seen dry weather this year. Firefighters called in crews from two other states to help Thursday as a blaze consumed approximately 150 acres (61 hectares) about 6 miles (10 kilometers) south of the monument. The four faces, carved into the mountain with dynamite and drills, are known as the shrine to democracy. The presidents were chosen by sculptor Gutzon Borglum for their leadership during four phases of American development: Washington led the birth of the nation; Jefferson sparked its westward expansion; Lincoln preserved the union and emancipated slaves; Roosevelt championed industrial innovation. And yet, for many Native American people, including the Lakota, Cheyenne, Omaha, Arapaho, Kiowa and Kiowa-Apache, the monument is a desecration to the Black Hills, which they consider sacred. Lakota people know the area as Paha Sapa the heart of everything that is. As monuments to Confederate and Colonial leaders have been removed nationwide, some conservatives have expressed fear that Mount Rushmore could be next. Commentator Ben Shapiro this week suggested that the woke historical revisionist priesthood wanted to blow up the monument. Noem responded by tweeting, Not on my watch. The governor told Fox News on Wednesday, These men have flaws, obviously every leader has flaws, but were missing the opportunity we have in this discussion to talk about the virtues and what they brought to this country, and the fact that this is the foundation that were built on and the heritage we should be carrying forward. Tim Giago, a journalist who is a member of the Oglala Lakota tribe, said he doesnt see four great American leaders when he looks at the monument; he sees four white men who either made racist remarks or initiated actions that removed Native Americans from their land. Washington and Jefferson held slaves. Lincoln, though he led the abolition of slavery, approved the hanging of 38 Dakota men in Minnesota after a violent conflict with white settlers there. Roosevelt is reported to have said, I dont go so far as to think that the only good Indians are dead Indians, but I believe nine out of every 10 are The monument has long been a Rorschach test, said John Taliaferro, author of Great White Fathers, a history of the monument. All sorts of people can go there and see it in different ways. The monument often starts conversations on the paradox of American democracy that a republic that promoted the ideals of freedom, determination and innovation also enslaved people and drove others from their land, he said. If were having this discussion today about what American democracy is, Mount Rushmore is really serving its purpose because that conversation goes on there, he said. Is it fragile? Is it permanent? Is it cracking somewhat? The monument was conceived in the 1920s as a tourist draw for the new fad in vacationing called the road trip. South Dakota historian Doane Robinson recruited Borglum to abandon his work creating the Stone Mountain Confederate Memorial in Georgia, which was to feature Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis and Stonewall Jackson. Borglum was a member of the Ku Klux Klan, according to Mount Rushmore historian and writer Tom Griffith. Borglum joined the Klan to raise money for the Confederate memorial, and Griffith argues his allegiance was more practical than ideological. Native American activists have long staged protests at the site to raise awareness of the history of the Black Hills, which were seized despite treaties with the United States protecting the land. Fifty years ago, a group of activists associated with an organization called United Native Americans climbed to the top of the monument and occupied it. Quanah Brightman, who now runs United Native Americans, said the activism in the 1970s grew out of the civil rights movement of the 1960s. He hopes a similar movement for Native Americans comes from the Black Lives Matter movement. What people find here is the story of America its multidimensional, its complex, Griffith said. Its important to understand it was people just trying to do right as best they knew it then. The White House declined to comment. Farmers have been urged to have their say in a new UK-wide consultation looking to tackle unfair practices across the dairy sector. Farmers and dairy processors are being consulted on new, fairer conditions for their milk contracts. The NFU is urging dairy farmers to engage with the long-awaited 12-week consultation. Evidence gathered during the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) in 2016 highlighted how unfair practices have persisted in the dairy industry. The evidence suggests unfairness in the supply chain has sometimes been caused by milk buyers having the power to set and modify the price in a contract, often with little notification. This leads to uncertainty and pricing that is unfair to dairy farming businesses, the GCA said. The UK government, along with the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, have worked together to launch the consultation. Proposals set out include an option to introduce a mandatory pricing mechanism within all contracts between dairy farmers and processors. This would ensure the price paid for milk produced by the farmer is formally agreed within the contract, and that contract negotiations take place in a clear and transparent way. Defra's farming minister Victoria Prentis said it was 'absolutely vital' that dairy farmers were 'paid fairly' for their produce. I welcome all views to this consultation to determine how best we can guarantee fairness across the supply chain," she said. "This will help the industry continue its vital role in feeding the nation and ensure our dairy farmers can continue to be competitive in the future. The NFU is urging dairy farmers to speak up for a 'more effective' dairy supply chain, with 'fair terms' for farmers. NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes said the industry wanted to see 'flexible and innovative' regulation. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the union said it had seen cases where farmers had borne a 'disproportionate amount' of the cost in the supply chain. "The risks within the market place were shunted down to farm level at an alarming pace," Mr Oakes explained. "At times when the market is under pressure, milk buyers often have the discretion to change contracts terms and pricing mechanisms, even to introduce retrospective penalties and price cuts without negotiation. "A headline milk price is of no value whatsoever if a buyer has the sole right to change it at will. We need to be able to share risk along the supply chain much more effectively than we currently do." He added: "At the moment, there is no incentive for a milk buyer to look up the supply chain to manage their risk, as they know much of it can be managed by pushing the risk down to a farm level." The NFU said it would be consulting with farmers to get a range of views that would form the basis of its submission to government. Ethnic community groups have taken it upon themselves to warn people from non-English speaking backgrounds about the dangers of the coronavirus in recent weeks, as the Victorian Government scrambled to plug gaps in its messaging. As Premier Daniel Andrews announced tough new measures on Thursday to control a spike in cases, multicultural leaders said that more could have been done to engage people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families before the latest crisis escalated. "The communication has been there, but its fair to say that the increased efforts of the government and health authorities to now speak more directly with people from CALD backgrounds is definitely welcome," said Islamic Council of Victoria vice president Adel Salman. Government officials had been repeatedly cautioned about the challenges faced by some communities in dealing with the global pandemic, including difficulties in understanding public health material or accessing services. Ramping up domestic vaccine production, not right to speak of outside supply now: MEA No meaningful disengagement: China wants India to see itself differently India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 25: Even as diplomatic talks continue, India still remains skeptical of China. Following the virtual meet of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs, the Ministry of External Affairs said that both sides promised to implement disengagement. During the talks, both sides emphasised on the importance of respecting the Line of Actual Control. The MEA said that the Indian side conveyed its concerns on the recent developments in Eastern Ladakh, including on the violent face-off in the Galwan Valley area on June 15 that had resulted in casualties. China ramps up military presence in friction points in Ladakh, other areas along LAC In New Delhi, officials say that the issue is far serious than the one that was at Doklam. IIT Bombay moves its classes online for the rest of 2020 amid Covid-19 outbreak | Oneindia News We know this is a long haul and we do not see the Chinese disengaging in any meaningful manner. The primary intent of the Chinese is to change the way India sees itself and also on how it deals with the rest of the world. Hence China is forcibly changing the status quo on the ground, the officer cited above said. The virtual meet of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs is the second one since June 5 and was held through video conference. The next level after the WMCC is the Special Representative mechanism. However there is no indication whether the two sides intend to convene the meeting anytime soon. Maintaining peace and tranquility along Sino-India border in common interests of both parties: China The WMCC was established in 2012 as an institutional mechanism for consultation and coordination. The intent behind the establishment of the WMCC was for maintaining peace and tranquility in the India-China border areas and also to exchange views on strengthening communication and cooperation. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 25, 2020, 8:33 [IST] She recently quit Bravo's hit reality series Below Deck: Mediterranean to focus on her pregnancy. And although season five is currently airing now, Hannah Ferrier says that she's over the drama on the show. During an appearance on the Reality Life With Kate Casey podcast, the 33-year-old said that her pregnancy has put things into perspective for her. Moving on: Below Deck Mediterranean's Hannah Ferrier 'doesn't care' about the drama on the Bravo show anymore now that she's quit to focus on her pregnancy 'I was kind of dreading this season a little bit and really nervous, but, I know it sounds awful, but I just dont really care anymore,' she admitted. 'Its such a small and insignificant thing when I actually look at what Im growing inside me now,' she added. Hannah went on to explain that she didn't want any stress or anxiety from the show to affect her pregnancy. 'Its such a small and insignificant thing when I actually look at what Im growing inside me now,' she told the Reality Life With Kate Casey podcast 'I think especially when you do have something like anxiety, I know that if I get stressed out or anxious, the babys gonna feel that as well,' she said. 'Youve just gotta go "Whatever happens, happens and whatever people think, theyll think." I know whats going on and what Im doing.' Hannah, who works as a chief stewardess on the Bravo reality show, is involved in plenty of drama this season. She's already clashed with Lara Flumiani several times, and even said that she wanted to 'punch that b***h' after a tense altercation. Dramatic: Hannah, who works as a chief stewardess on the Bravo reality show, is involved in plenty of drama this season Clash: She's already clashed with Lara Flumiani (right) several times, and even said that she wanted to 'punch that b***h' after a tense altercation on the show Hannah is now based in Sydney with her boyfriend of two years, Josh. While he prefers to stay out of the public eye, the Bravo star recently revealed that her beau works as a Senior Asset Manager in commercial real estate. The couple are currently preparing for the birth of their first child, which is due in October. Prince Charles and Prince William's factions within Buckingham Palace used Prince Andrew's disastrous Newsnight interview as cover to orchestrate a 'silent coup' against Prince Harry, a royal expert has claimed. In November 2019 the Duke of York, 60, filmed the 'car crash' interview about his friendship with the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, which led to his effective retirement from public life. Soon after the interview, rumours of Megxit began to circulate, with speculation that the couple could soon resign themselves from royal life following their struggles in the spotlight. In his upcoming book Prince Andrew, Epstein and the Palace, author Nigel Cawthorne will claim that both heirs' teams at the palace saw the interview as an opportunity for a 'well-timed leak' to remove both Andrew and 'independently-minded' Harry. Buckingham Palace declined to comment, but FEMAIL understands that some of the central claims in Cawthorne's forthcoming book are disputed. Prince Charles and Prince William, pictured on Father's Day this year, orchestrated 'silent coup' against Prince Harry, a royal expert has claimed Rumours the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, pictured on Commonwealth Day this year, could soon resign themselves from royal life following their struggles in the spotlight began circulating last year Cawthorne alleges the interview was the 'starting shot' in a bid to 'prune the unwieldy monarchy' and remove both Prince Harry and Prince Andrew by sharing news of Harry's plans to 'quit' royal life. 'The Charles-William faction at the palace is in seemingly unstoppable ascendant', said Nigel. 'The two heirs found common cause that the unwieldy monarchy has to pruned, starting with their independently-minded brothers Andrew and Harry. 'The starting shot was Andrew's BBC Newsnight interview. The Charles faction at the palace clearly saw that it created the opportunity of removing not only Andrew, but also Harry from royal engagements. In November last year the Duke of York, 60, filmed the 'car crash' interview about his friendship with the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein 'The first rumours of Harry "quitting" the royal family started circulating around the day of the interview, even before the backlash to Prince Andrew's performance.' In January this year, it was announced that Prince Harry, and Meghan had made the dramatic decision to step down as senior royals and split their time between Britain and North America. In their extraordinary statement, the Duke and Duchess said they wanted to 'carve out a progressive new role' and become financially independent. Despite Buckingham Palace claiming at the time that discussions with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were at an early stage, Nigel said the couple had been planning their leave from the UK for 'months in secrecy'. The royal expert called Harry's retirement from royal life 'irrevocable' and claimed that in the history of the monarchy, there had never been a 'more stunning' defenestration of Firm members. In January it was announced that Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle, made the dramatic decision to step down as senior royals and split their time between Britain and North America He said: 'Harry and Meghan had been discussing their leaving the UK for months in secrecy, but the well-timed leak on the day of the interview would remove two senior princes from The Firm in one move as the headlines forced the palace to respond. 'Harry's retirement is irrevocable and it is unclear when Prince Andrew will return from his sabbatical. In the modern history of Buckingham Palace it was probably one of the most stunning silent coups. ' Earlier this month, Nigel claimed The Duke of York's downfall has been 'a long time coming' but was delayed due to the protection he has been given throughout his life thanks to being the Queen's favourite. Nigel told how the Queen wrote to her cousin after his birth telling her that he was 'adorable' and was destined to be 'terribly spoilt'. Perhaps this is what led to his school peers at Gordonstoun branding him 'boastful' and 'big-headed'. He added that while some found Andrew 'charming in person', when he took on his first official duties, he was 'gaffe prone with a callous disregard for the sensitivities of others' and was 'no better with employees'. Technavio has been monitoring the bio polypropylene market and it is poised to grow by 1,517.94 thousand tons during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 5% 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/20200624005758/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Bio Polypropylene Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Please Request Latest Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impact The market is concentrated, and the degree of concentration will accelerate during the forecast period. Borealis AG, Braskem SA, FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, Neste Corp., Saudi Basic Industries Corp., and Technoform Kunststoffprofile GmbH are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The rising preference of consumers for biodegradable products has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. However, increasing availability of shale gas might hamper market growth. Bio Polypropylene Market 2020-2024: Segmentation Bio Polypropylene Market is segmented as below: Application Injection Molding Fiber Films Others Geography Europe North America APAC MEA South America 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=IRTNTR43997 Bio Polypropylene 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 bio polypropylene market report covers the following areas: Bio Polypropylene Market size Bio Polypropylene Market trends Bio Polypropylene Market industry analysis This study identifies the growing demand for bio-based lightweight materials from the automotive sector as one of the prime reasons driving the bio polypropylene market growth during the next few years. Bio Polypropylene Market 2020-2024: Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the bio polypropylene market, including some of the vendors such as Borealis AG, Braskem SA, FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, Neste Corp., Saudi Basic Industries Corp., and Technoform Kunststoffprofile GmbH. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the bio polypropylene 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 Bio Polypropylene Market 2020-2024: Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist bio polypropylene market growth during the next five years Estimation of the bio polypropylene market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the bio polypropylene market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of bio polypropylene market vendors Table Of Contents : Executive Summary Market Landscape Market ecosystem Market characteristics 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 Application by Volume Market segments Comparison by Application Injection Molding Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Fiber Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Films Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Others Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Application Customer Landscape Geographic Landscape by Volume Geographic segmentation Geographic comparison Europe Market size and forecast 2019-2024 North America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 APAC Market size and forecast 2019-2024 MEA Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Key leading countries Market opportunity by geography Market Drivers Market Challenges Market Trends Vendor Landscape Vendor landscape Landscape disruption Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors Borealis AG Braskem SA FKuR Kunststoff GmbH Neste Corp. Saudi Basic Industries Corp. Technoform Kunststoffprofile GmbH 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/20200624005758/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/ Dublin, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global UV LED Market: Growth, Trends and Forecasts (2020-2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Global UV LED Market was valued at USD 294.8 million in 2019 and is expected to reach USD 870.7 million by 2025, registering a CAGR of 20.1% during the forecast period of 2020-2025. UV LEDs do not contain toxic mercury and are often found in CCFL technology. They are much smaller and more durable than CCFLs and are more resistant to vibration and impact, resulting in less product breakage and reduced waste and maintenance expense as well. As a result, it creates an avenue for the new companies in the market; thus, propelling the market for this technology over the forecast period. Also, the existing players and startups are looking for viable options to capitalize on this growing trend. The startups are expected to adopt UV-C LEDs compared to existing players, owing to the lack of legacy bias toward the germicidal lamps. Key Highlights The eco-friendly composition of UV LED is driving the market. The UV LEDs witnesses a rapid adoption and becomes viable alternatives due to their lower energy consumption than mercury bulb lamps. The overall heat generated by the UV LEDs is considerably low. The UV LED lamps reaches a maximum of 40C, whereas mercury lamps heat up to more than 60C. Further, the European Commission periodically reviews RoHS exemptions. Currently, mercury lamps are planned to be expelled under RoHS, owing to their effects on the environment. This factor leads to significant power savings and a higher ROI in the long run. Rising adoption of UV Curing drives the market. The ink revenues are growing faster than the overall graphics and packaging market; users are taking advantage of instant drying to improve their production efficiencies and exploit both decorative and functional properties of the inks and coatings. Radiation curing, including ultraviolet (UV) curing technology, is now being increasingly used in various sectors of applications, as the clean and green technology helps in increasing productivity, compared to the other traditional methods of curing. While the print volumes in graphics have been falling by 3% per year, between 2012 and 2022, the radiation curing print segment and the still booming packaging market are poised to expand their market share. The radiation curing segment will grow by 25% by volume and 33.6% in value terms across this period, according to FESPA. Further, with the recent outbreak of Covid-19, the UV LED market is witnessing a significant surge in demand due to its usage in disinfecting the surfaces and germs killing properties. In many countries, such as China, the United States, among others, are using UV lamps to clean the surfaces and prevent people from getting infected. According to photonics media, Covid-19 has increased the demand for UV LEDs that disinfect spaces. According to Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation Handbook1, one minute of UV-C light sterilizes more than 90% of the coronavirus. Also, tests conducted by Chinese agencies on air appliances equipped with the violeds UV LED sterilization technology has demonstrated a 97% reduction in airborne virus particles. Furthermore, in May 2020, Seoul Viosys announced that customer inquiries for its violeds UV LED products, which are used for sterilizing bacteria, increased more than five times over the previous month, which is fueled by concerns over the continuing global spread of the virus causing COVID-19. Story continues Market Trends Sterilization to Significantly Contribute to Market Growth The scope for a UV LED is becoming abundant in sterilization applications, as it is being proved to be the cheapest way to provide safe drinking water across the globe. This also provides monetary benefits to the players with increasing consumption. The industry players are finding the huge potential due to which they are highly investing and further entering into this sector. Few studies suggest that the utilization of UV-based water disinfection is highly efficient than chlorine method, as the UV-based water disinfection operates in 120 mW irradiation capacity and a wavelength of 270 nm, which takes approximately two minutes in reducing waste by 90-99.9%. In September 2019, Genome BC invested USD 1 million in Acuva Technologies for developing UV-LED technology for water purification. Further, in August 2019, Fraunhofer researchers were investigating a greener and more efficient alternative, which uses UV LEDs to destroy bacterial DNA. The technology is suitable for disinfecting the brewing water and for disinfecting the caps and closures for bottled beer, soft drinks, and the mineral water during the filling process. In the United States, with the prediction of investment in water infrastructure in the coming years, water disinfection and sanitization requirement and the presence of regulation in the country resulted in improved demand. There have been incidents, such as 16 million cases of acute gastroenteritis occurring each year at the United States community water systems due to drinking water. Further, increasing concerns over water-borne diseases have augmented the increase in awareness among the people for consuming treated water. The growing awareness of the benefits of treated water consumption has impacted the UV LED market that caters to this segment, i.e., UV C LEDs. Also, US EPA estimated that one out of three Americans consuming water from the streams was susceptible to drinking polluted water. The traditional water purification system has been costly and considered vulnerable to mercury leakage. With the improvements in the LED life in this spectrum and counter developments to address the inefficiency of UV LED in the segment has improved the market. Asia-Pacific to Hold Major Growth in the Market Asia-Pacific is anticipated to gain significant market growth over the forecast period. Vendors based on Japan and China are making major investments in line with the expanding applications of UV LEDs such as disinfection and sterilization, in addition to their expansion activities. One of the major vendors, Nichia Corporation, Japan, in April 2019 launched its 280 nm UVC NCSU334A deep blue ultraviolet-outputting LED, which is intended to address the mass-market needs for air sterilization and water purification by using the solid-state lighting. Moreover, the company had considerable success with the innovation and development of its UVA LEDs, specifically designed for resin curing applications. Moreover, coating companies in China are investing heavily in intelligent manufacturing. The international brands and the domestic players are joining the new wave of investment. In February 2019, the Hubei province announced that ShenzhenUV-ChemTech LTD and Yihua announced to invest CNY 8 billion to construct the world's largest UV curing material project. In this project, 20 thousand ton (per year) of photoinitiators, 100 thousand ton (per year) of LED curing coatings, and 80 thousand ton (per year) of monomer resins will be produced. Furthermore, in South Korea, the growing demand for organic food and fresh water is expected to increase the demand for UV LEDs for horticultural applications and water purification. In March 2020, UNICEF partnered with South Korea to provide water and sanitation services for the vulnerable population (mostly children) in areas hit by violence in Iraq, such as Anbar, Ninewa, and Salah al-Din. The country has contributed USD 1 million for the cause. Further, UV LEDs are being used in medical equipment used for phototherapy, drug discovery, DNA analysis, and vitamin analysis. The South Korean government is actively making investments in the pharma sector to help drug development and innovation within the healthcare field. Government agencies related to new drug development have outlined the "National New Drug Development Research Project," which is expected to invest WON 3.5 trillion (USD 2.9 billion) over ten years from 2021. Competitive Landscape The UV LED market is highly fragmented due to various players providing high competition. The major players are striving to gain a sustainable competitive advantage through their innovation, and several new players, like Osram, are making significant investments in the market. Key players are Lumileds Holding BV, LG Innotek Co. Ltd, etc. Recent developments in the market are: March 2020 - Nichia is aiming to extend its dominance to the UV market following its showcase at the RadTech 2020 conference and exhibition in Orlando. Nichia expects its UV portfolio to play a significant role in completely replacing conventional mercury lamps and their associated environmental issues. May 2019 - Klaran launched a new 60mW UVC LED and Reactor Prototype for water disinfection, demonstrating the NSF Class A performance. In the advanced prototype reactor, the 60mW LED demonstrated effective and affordable water treatment at flow rates up to three liters per minute, Key Topics Covered 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Study Deliverables 1.2 Study Assumptions 1.3 Scope of the Study 2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 MARKET DYNAMICS 4.1 Market Overview 4.2 Introduction to Market Drivers and Restraints 4.3 Market Drivers 4.3.1 Eco-friendly Composition of UV LED 4.3.2 Rising Adoption of UV Curing Market 4.3.3 Increasing Adaptability Fueled by Low Total Cost of Ownership 4.4 Market Restraints 4.4.1 Increasing Manufacturing of UV LED Chips 4.5 Industry Attractiveness Porters Five Force Analysis 4.6 Impact of the COVID-19 on the Market 5 MARKET SEGMENTATION 5.1 Technology 5.1.1 UV-A 5.1.2 UV-B 5.1.3 UV-C 5.2 Application 5.2.1 Optical Sensors and Instrumentation 5.2.2 Counterfeit Detection 5.2.3 Sterilization 5.2.4 UV Curing 5.2.5 Medical Light Therapy 5.2.6 Other Applications (Photocatalytic purification, Tanning) 5.3 Geography 5.3.1 North America 5.3.2 Europe 5.3.3 Asia-Pacific 5.3.4 Latin America 5.3.5 Middle East & Africa 6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE 6.1 Company Profiles 6.1.1 Lumileds Holding B.V. 6.1.2 LG Innotek Co. Ltd. 6.1.3 Nordson Corporation 6.1.4 Honle UV America Inc. 6.1.5 Seoul Viosys Co. Ltd. 6.1.6 Nichia Corporation 6.1.7 Semileds Corporation 6.1.8 Aquionics Inc. (Halma Company) 6.1.9 Crystal IS Inc. 6.1.10 Heraeus Holding GmbH 6.1.11 Fuji Xerox Co. Ltd. 7 INVESTMENT ANALYSIS 8 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7ervw Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. 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 Red-bellied Woodpeckers A redheaded woodpecker by a different name by Bob & Jorja Feldman From the June, 2020 issue Among the avian neighbors who regularly dine at our backyard feeders, the male red-bellied woodpecker is among the most cheerfully elegant, his long, black-and-white patterned coat finished off at the bottom with a fine barred tail. With his whitish shirt, he needs only a white bowtie and waistcoat to be fully decked out in formal evening attire. He compensates by sporting an incredibly bright red cap that continues down and covers the nape of the neck. Especially in these times, it is uplifting to see this red-bellied bird making a dramatic entrance into the backyard, his costume silently shouting "Laissez les bons temps rouler!" The female's outfit is pretty much the same, but she does dress down a little; those wonderful red feathers appear just at her nape. The red staining on the lower part of the abdomen is sometimes hard to see; according to city ornithologist Juliet Berger, sometimes it is not even red and sometimes it is not there at all. The "red-headed" woodpecker is another bird whose entire head is red. The speculation is that the red-bellied ended up with its name because the red-headed title had already been claimed. Berger asks that people use the correct common name when referring to the red-bellied woodpecker. Calling it "red-headed" could introduce errors in important bird count statistics--as well as sparking fruitless investigations by birders hoping to spot the now locally rare red-head. The red-headed woodpecker may have won the naming contest, but it has lost something more important: its territory. Red-bellies are expanding their range northward, taking over territory formerly occupied by redheads. As an avid child birder growing up in Oakland County, Berger never saw a red-belly. It wasn't until she moved here that she saw one. Now they can be found in parts of Canada as well. --- One of our photos shows a red-bellied and a downy woodpecker on the same tree trunk. While red-bellies are classified as medium-sized woodpeckers, they are the biggest ...continued below... woodpeckers we regularly see in our backyard. The downy is the smallest. Seconds after the photo was taken, the downy quickly took off. The red-belly can be somewhat aggressive; the downy is definitely not.Red-bellied woodpeckers do not migrate. We have seen a male in our backyard all winter long. Berger says it stayed on to defend its territory. He was all set up for the spring reproductive season.Both birds incubate the eggs, with the male "taking the night shift," as Berger puts it. The female spends the night in a roosting cavity nearby.In a time of social distancing and crowd shunning, looking for a red-bellied woodpecker makes for a good solitary pursuit. Berger suggests looking in a backyard, preferably one with some deciduous trees nearby. Our experience is that the odds of seeing one will increase dramatically if a suet feeder is put out.Otherwise, look for them on or around deciduous trees, whether on farm woodlots, wild woods, suburban lots, or parks (having due regard to avoid times and places which draw crowds or have narrow paths). Look, too, along the Huron River and around wetlands.The red-belly is a literal tree hugger, so look closely for one clinging vertically to the side of a medium or large tree. Its size, shape, and color make it instantly recognizable. Good luck with making the acquaintance of a red-headed red-bellied woodpecker! [Originally published in June, 2020.] Photo: The Canadian Press A pump system dubbed the salmon cannon is up and running along a remote stretch of British Columbia's Fraser River in order to help fish move past a massive landslide. It's believed the slide north of Lillooet happened in late fall 2018, but it wasn't discovered until last June after fish had already begun arriving at the site on their journey to spawning grounds. Earlier this month, officials with Fisheries and Oceans Canada told a House of Commons committee meeting that early runs of Stuart sockeye and chinook salmon were devastated last year. The director of the department's response to the landslide says plans are now in place to significantly increase the number of fish that survive using several methods, including the so-called salmon cannon. Gwil Roberts says sonar monitoring shows 30 fish have arrived near the slide so far and three have moved into a fish ladder that guides them into the pump system. The initial system has two tubes that run along the side of the river canyon wall for about 160 metres and six tubes of different sizes are set to be installed in July. The newsroom at the Los Angeles Times is being roiled by complaints that the paper hasnt done enough to recruit and retain minority journalists. Earlier today, Executive Editor Norman Pearlstein conducted a Zoom staff meeting to address the complaints. The town hall, which spanned roughly four and a half hours on a Zoom webinar, came a day after the Black Caucus of the papers guild sent a letter to the papers owner, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Pearlstine and managing editors Kimi Yoshino and Scott Kraft outlining a list of demands for a more representative newsroom. Those arent the minorities we mean! The meeting opened with Pearlstine speaking for roughly half an hour, where he admitted that, not until recently [sic], he used to think to be anti-racist meant being colorblind. How silly of him. I have realized, just as Ive come to understand the difference between being not racist and anti-racist, that its, you know, Ive always I cant think of a time that anyone on staff sought a meeting with me that I didnt take, but thats not sufficient to deal with the issues youre talking about. What really has to be required is to be far more proactive than I was. Right. So the newspaper needs to be proactive, which sounds like affirmative action. Which has been institutionalized since around 1970, 50 years ago. A reader writes: I dont get why he doesnt say this: Listen up! Every one of you arrogant, self-important, entitled, over-rated jerks should get down on your knees every day and thank your lucky stars for the position of privilege you hold. Yes, privilege. Its not a right. For every one of you a**holes there are at least a hundred more than qualified replacements of every race, creed, ethnicity and sexual orientation who would kill to have the opportunity you enjoy. You all can be replaced in a heartbeat with equally, if not more, qualified staff who would also have an attitude of gratitude for the opportunity. So heres the bottom line. If you dont like it here, there is the door. Well be sad to see you go because we chose you for these positions of privilege. And we did so on the basis of hiring the best we couldirrespective of race, etc. We intend to continue doing so. We are not trying to nor will we have goals, timetables or any other double talk equating to set asides for government sponsored minorities. We value excellence and thats what we recruit for. If you dont like it and have a bad attitude then get out now..and dont let the door slam your ass on the way out. Any questions? My friend could deliver that speech with conviction, but it isnt hard to see why no one at the Los Angeles Times could do the same. It has been a long time since that newspaper, in common with pretty much every other news outlet in the U.S., has hire[d] the best we couldirrespective of race, etc. On the contrary, race, in the form of affirmative action, has been a key hiring criterion at the Times, and at all substantial U.S. businesses, for decades. Likewise, the idea that excellence is all that any major company recruits forirrespective of racehas been a fantasy for a long time. That is, in considerable part, what has led us to the impasse we are currently facing. The meritocracy ship sailed a long time ago, and that fact has left executives like Norman Pearlstein more or less defenseless against demands for more by favored staffers. Turkey Says Soldier Killed After Coming Under Fire From Across Iranian Border June 24, 2020 Turkey's Defense Ministry says one Turkish soldier has been killed and two others wounded in the southeastern part of the country after they came under fire from the Iranian side of the border. The June 24 statement from the Defense Ministry did not say who had shot at its soldiers. It said the Turkish soldiers were conducting a reconnaissance and surveillance mission in a mountainous border area near the town of Yuksekova in the southeastern province of Hakkari when they came under attack. Turkish forces have been fighting for decades against the militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) along its borders with Syria and Iraq, and in southeastern Turkey. Interior Ministry Suleyman Soylu said on June 9 that a wall Turkey has been building along its border with Iran is nearly complete. Soylu said the construction work is aimed at improving security by halting the infiltration of PKK militants and illegal smugglers who cross over from Iran. Based on reporting by Reuters, Anadolu Agency, and Tasnim Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/turkish-soldier- killed-after-coming-under-fire-from-across -iranian-border/30688176.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 South Korea and the United States on Thursday commemorated the start of the Korean conflict seventy years ago, reaffirming their commitment to defending "the hard-fought peace. But, even after seven decades, Seoul and Pyongyang still disagree over who started it. Communist North Korea invaded the US-backed South on 25 June, 1950, triggering a three-year war in which millions lost their lives. The fighting ended with an armistice that is still in place today, leaving the peninsula divided along a Demilitarized Zone and the two Koreas still technically at war. "On this day in 1950, the US-ROK military alliance was born of necessity and forged in blood," US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper and his South Korean counterpart Jeong Kyeong-doo said in a joint statement. Seoul's defence ministry puts the war's military fatalities at 520,000 North Koreans, 137,000 Southern troops and 37,000 Americans. Pyongyang takes another view. The conflict is known in North Korea as the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War. According to Pyongyang's narrative, the north was attacked first, obliging it to hit back. Ashes On Thursday, the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper carried ten articles related to the war, including an editorial alleging that the US invasion had turned "the entire country into ashes". "A ceasefire is not peace," the article says. "The enemy is aiming for the moment that we forget about 25 June and lower our guard." The nuclear-armed North, which is subject to multiple international sanctions over its banned weapons programmes, says it needs its arsenal to deter a US invasion. Negotiations between Pyongyang and Washington have been in a cul-de-sac for months, leaving inter-Korean relations in deep freeze after a spectacular rapprochement in 2018 that brought three summits between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and the South's President Moon Jae-in, as well as meetings between Kim and US President Donald Trump. Suspended action Meanwhile, North Korea said on Wednesday that national leader, Kim Jong-un, had suspended planned military retaliation against South Korea in an apparent easing of a recent propaganda campaign against the south. Tensions reached another peak last week, after Pyongyang declared that relations with South Korea were ruptured. The communist authorities destroyed an inter-Korean liaison office on northern territory, and threatened unspecified military action to censure Seoul for a lack of progress in bilateral cooperation and for the south's failure to stop activists from floating balloon-loads of anti-North Korean leaflets across the border. Gone with the Wind is back on HBO Max, two weeks after it was temporarily removed over concerns about its depiction of slavery. The movie returned to the streaming platform on Wednesday with an added video disclaimer that states the film 'denies the horrors of slavery'. It now opens with a four-minute introduction discussing the movie's depiction of race in the Civil War era and 'why this 1939 epic drama should be viewed in its original form, contextualized, and discussed'. The film 'presents the antebellum South as a world of grace and beauty without acknowledging the brutality of chattel slavery upon which this world was based', TCM host and film scholar Jacqueline Stewart says in the introduction. Gone with the Wind returned to the HBO Max streaming service on Wednesday with a four-minute disclaimer placed at the start of the movie warning it 'denies the horrors of slavery' TCM host and film scholar Jacqueline Stewart delivers the new introduction to the movie 'Eighty years after its initial release, "Gone with the Wind" is a film of undeniable cultural significance,' Stewart adds. 'It is not only a major document of Hollywood's racist practices of the past but also an enduring work of popular culture that speaks directly to the racial inequalities that persist in media and society today.' Stewart recalled that the film won eight Academy Awards, including best picture, and set a milestone when supporting actress Hattie McDaniel, who played a maid, became the first African-American actor to win an Oscar. She also noted that at the Oscar ceremony McDaniel had to sit at a table far apart from her white cast members because of racial protocols at the time. 'The film has been repeatedly protested, dating back the announcement of its production,' Stewart says. 'Producer David O. Selznick was well aware that Black audiences were deeply concerned about the films handling of the topic of slavery and its treatment of Black characters. 'Watching "Gone with the Wind" can be uncomfortable. Even painful. Still, it is important that classic Hollywood films are available to us in their original form for viewing and discussion,' Stewart continues. The movie set a milestone when supporting actress Hattie McDaniel (pictured), who played a maid, became the first African-American actor to win an Oscar Gone with the Wind, starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, was temporarily removed from streaming service HBO Max on June 10 over concerns of its depiction of slavery HOW HATTIE MCDANIELS' BECAME THE FIRST EVER AFRICAN AMERICAN TO WIN AN OSCAR BUT WAS SEGREGATED FROM HER CASTMATES AT THE CEREMONY McDaniel, the daughter of two former slaves, played the role of a maid 74 times in her career, but it is as Mammy, the maid in Gone With The Wind, that she is best recalled. McDaniel's performance won immediate critical acclaim - and she marched to the office of producer David O. Selznick to ask he submit her for Oscar contention. McDaniel was nearly not allowed to attend the Oscars ceremony in 1940, owing to the 'no blacks' policy of the Ambassador Hotel, where the awards were held. Selznick intervened. McDaniel was escorted not to the table where Selznick sat with the stars of the film - Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh and Olivia de Havilland - but to a small table set against a far wall. A list of winners had leaked before the show, so McDaniel's win came as no shock. Yet the room was still emotional. McDaniel died in 1952. Her final wish - to be buried in Hollywood Cemetery - was denied because of the color of her skin. Hattie McDaniel with her 1940 Oscar Advertisement 'They reflect the social context in which they were made, and invite viewers to reflect on their own values and beliefs when watching them now.' The newly returned movie is also accompanied by a recording of a panel discussion about the movie at the Turner Classic Movie (TCM) festival in 2019. 'The Complicated Legacy of Gone With the Wind' is an hour-long discussion moderated by author and historian Donald Bogle. The Oscar-winning 1939 film was pulled from the HBO Max platform in June 10 as the United States began a mass reckoning with systemic racism triggered by nationwide protests over police brutality. HBO Max, a unit of WarnerMedia, said at the time that it would return with a discussion of its historical context. The Civil War epic, starring Clark Gable as Rhett Butler and Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara, is based on a novel written three years previously by Margaret Mitchell. It tells the story of a turbulent romance during the Civil War and Reconstruction period. Hattie McDaniel, who would've been 127 today, won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, becoming the first African American to win an Oscar. Yet the film has been viewed through a more critical lens in recent years, with many questioning whether a film that glosses over the horrors of slavery should still be shown. In the light of the killing of George Floyd on May 25, the debate has gained added power. HBO Max eventually made the decision to temporarily pull it from the platform after John Ridley, screenwriter for 12 Years A Slave, wrote in the Los Angeles Times that the film should potentially be removed. The film was controversial from the beginning, however. African American film critic Earl J. Morris, who wrote for the black Pittsburgh Courier newspaper, urged readers to write to the Motion Picture Producers Association and demand that the 'n-word' be removed from the script, because it featured heavily in the novel. Morris also reported that many black actors refused to take the demeaning roles, but added that 'we cannot criticize' the black actors, 'for they are economic slaves.' When the movie was released in January 1940 the NAACP criticized McDaniel, who played Mammy, as an 'Uncle Tom.' McDaniel reportedly responded by saying she would 'rather make seven hundred dollars a week playing a maid than seven dollars being one.' McDaniel was seated at a table in the back during the Oscars, separate from the rest of the cast and crew. Google announced that it has supported over 1 million businesses and individuals to gain from its digital skilling program in India and that it was doubling down on this effort in the coming days. Google India on Thursday announced a host of new features that are aimed at helping small and medium business enterprises in the country to recover and rebuild their businesses at a time when they have been hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. For starters, the company has launched the Grow with Google Small Business hub in India. This hub will serve as a single destination for all small businesses to get access to all the products and tools they need to go digital and maintain business continuity, which includes getting access to helpful resources like quick help videos and support pages to learn digital skills. Google says that this hub is currently available in English and it will be available in Hindi soon. In addition to this, the company has also launched a bunch of new features on Google My Business app, Google Pay and Google Maps. The company has rolled out Nearby Stores feature Spot on Google Pay. This feature helps local businesses get discovered by customers in their vicinity. Google first introduced this feature in May and now it has made this feature available to users across the country. Apart from getting discovered by customers, this feature allows merchants to indicate details such as their business hours, whether social distancing measures are in place at the store and the essential goods presently in stock. The company has rolled out new Merchant Loans feature on Google Pay for Business. The company said that it is working with partner financial institutions to surface their loan offerings for merchants, which can be availed right within Google Pay for Business app. This feature will be available in the coming days. Google has also rolled out the Stand Out feature on Google Maps. This feature uses Promoted Pins on Google Maps to help businesses stand out during these moments by displaying a prominent, square-shaped pin. Business owners can also highlight specific services such as pickup and delivery, or other unique offerings to make shopping convenient. Google has started rolling out Promoted pins to Smart campaign advertisers with a Google My Business profile and it will be fully available in the coming weeks. Furthermore, businesses will not have to pay for any clicks, calls or sales resulting from Promoted Pins until September 2020. On its Google My Business app, the company has rolled out three new features that would allow businesses to mark their stores as temporarily closed or update the hours of operation, and easily update on Google Search and Maps once the business reopens; select attributes that show customers new ways by which the business is serving them; and use the new COVID-19 post type to share more detailed and timely updates such as safety measures put in place such as curbside pickup among other things. Apart from all this, the tech giant is offering a pro version of its video conferencing service, Meet, along with a professional-grade versions of Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides to G Suite essentials for free through September 30. Lastly, Google has announced that it has supported over 1 million businesses and individuals to gain from its digital skilling program in India and that it was doubling down on this effort in the coming days. New Delhi, June 25 : Mumbai-based artist Nalini Malani is to receive the first Contemporary Fellowship awarded by London's National Gallery, and supported by Art Fund, it was announced on Thursday. The new Fellowship is a pioneering, peer-to-peer collaboration with a non-London collecting institution, which this year is the Holburne Museum, Bath. The Fellowship is awarded to an artist of international standing and renown, with a major body of work that has significantly contributed to 20th and 21st century art, the Gallery said. The two-year research, production, and exhibition programme will allow Malani to work in close collaboration with specialists from both the National Gallery and the Holburne Museum to study the institutions and their collections and to create new art for an exhibition in Bath and London during 2022-23. The research and production process and final artworks will be documented in a publication and the Holburne Museum will have the opportunity to acquire a work which has been created as part of the Fellowship. Malani, born in 1946, lives and works in Mumbai. Graduating from Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai, in 1969, her practice began with experimental film and photography. From the late 1980s onward, Malani's work increasingly questioned conventional painting traditions; reaching a wider audience and consistently speaking up against the rise of political oppression. For over five decades, her work has focused on human and universal aspects of conflict, giving a voice to the stories of those marginalised by history - particularly women. Malani has been a major figure in a period of artistic globalisation. As a pioneer of video art in India, she creates immersive installations, theatre, ephemeral wall drawings, erasure performances and her signature 'shadow plays'. Her artworks focus on themes of transnational politics, the ramifications of globalisation, and the critical examination of gender roles. Since 2000, the artist has had solo exhibitions at over 20 international institutions. The Fellowship will culminate in an exhibition at the Holburne Museum, Bath, in autumn 2022, and at the National Gallery in spring 2023. Following its UK run, the exhibition will be available to tour internationally. As Malani says, "it's a great honour to be selected, by this international committee, to become the inaugural National Gallery Contemporary Fellow. This two-year programme is a unique challenge to research and create conversations with the collections and the teams of the National Gallery and the Holburne Museum. Cross-cultural/historical dialogues have been the basis of my art making for 50 years. All the more today I feel it is a pressing necessity as Our Stories have to be Retold, to give us a chance to become a more humane society." Daniel F. Herrmann, National Gallery Curator of Modern and Contemporary Projects, said: 'Nalini Malani has proven to be one of the most compelling voices in contemporary art over past decades. A master storyteller with a keen awareness of political injustice, Malani tenaciously shows us the importance and beauty of images to reflect, reconsider and remake the world around us." Malani is the first artist to be chosen for this Fellowship. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has demanded that the central government tell the truth regarding recent Chinese incursions that led to violent clashes in the Galwan Valley along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, claiming lives of 20 Indian soldiers on June 15. Akhilesh also said that he didnt agree with Prime Minister Narendra Modis statement at the recently held all-party meet regarding the status at the China border, which had triggered a political controversy. The government should tell the truth to the people. People want to know exactly what happened at the border. BJP wants to say everything but the truth to the public. There are reports that Chinese troops build up at the LAC in Ladakh continues, this raises a big question over our national security, Akhilesh said in an exclusive interview with Hindustan editor-in-chief Shashi Shekhar. Akhilesh was referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modis statement in which he claimed that no one has entered our territory, no one is at present within our territory and no one has occupied our posts, while sharing details of circumstances surrounding clashes between Indian and Chinese army personnel. Watch l BJP cites past to hide present reality: Akhilesh Yadav on India-China faceoff I do not agree with the statement given by the prime minister, there are several Indians who do not agree with his statement. This is an issue concerning national security and integrity; therefore it is important that the people and political parties are told the truth, Akhilesh said. Also Read: UK PM Boris Johnson terms India-China faceoff very serious, worrying Akhilesh said that his party stands with the government on the issue of national security but expressed surprise how Chinese managed to increase their build up at the LAC leading to incursions attempting to change the status quo without getting noticed. He added that the Doklam incident should have served as a warning to the Indian government. The question around China is a big one. India faces greater threat from China than Pakistan. The leaders from Samajwadi Party have said that before, Akhilesh said. The Samajwadi Party leader, who has also previously served as the chief minister of Indias largest state of Uttar Pradesh, backed measures including economic ones to contain China but not without ensuring that it doesnt impact Indian businesses and markets. SP has told the Centre that we need a long term strategy to contain China or we wont succeed. We need to protect our markets and our business leaders. We cant take rash decisions that adversely impact our economy, Akhilesh said. He said that his party has maintained that India should upgrade its infrastructure on borders along China. He added that SP has been demanding construction of a highway at Lipulekh since 2012. Hitting out at the BJP governments handling of the border crisis with China, Akhilesh said that the BJP tends to blame the previous Congress governments at the Centre instead of talking about its own work. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Menna A. Farouk (Reuters) Cairo Thu, June 25, 2020 15:02 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a4066198958 2 Entertainment transgender,Egypt,actor,LGBT,Hesham-Selim,Sarah-Hegazy,Noor-Hesham-Selim Free The transgender son of one of Egypt's most famous actors is being sued for promoting homosexuality among young people after posting on Instagram in support of an LGBT+ activist who died by suicide earlier this month. Two Egyptian lawyers filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against Noor Hesham Selim, son of film and television star Hesham Selim, after he posted a video on Instagram in response to the death of exiled Egyptian activist Sarah Hegazy. "It is a conspiracy against Egypt to give up on our culture and morals and let homosexuality spread among young people," Ayman Mahfouz, one of the two lawyers who filed the lawsuit, told Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone on Wednesday. "Strict action" should be taken against people who seek to destroy Egyptian values and religious beliefs, Mahfouz added. While homosexuality is not outlawed in Egypt, it is a conservative Muslim society and discrimination against LGBT+ groups is rife, with gay and trans people facing instances of assault and torture, according to Human Rights Watch. Read also: Indonesian LGBT community pins hopes on youth for better, more tolerant future Selim, 26, was thrown into the spotlight last month when his father surprised television viewers by speaking openly about his transition in the hope it would help change social attitudes towards trans people in Egypt. Selim's support for Hegazy, who was found dead in her apartment in Canada, where she sought asylum in 2018 after being jailed in Egypt for waving a rainbow flag at a pop concert, has triggered further upset among conservatives. Selim, who was not immediately available for comment, made a second post on Tuesday saying that he was in poor mental health and the online criticism of Hegazy made him feel even lonelier. Hegazy, 30, had been struggling with depression before her death, according to her lawyer. "Where is the mercy?" Selim asked. Reda Eldanoubki, a lawyer and human rights activist with the Women's Center for Guidance and Legal Awareness, said the case might actually play in favour of Egypt's LGBT+ community. "Such lack of tolerance and acceptance usually backfires, and it is not in the interest of the whole society," he said. As Europe reopens its borders, American visitors will not be welcome owing to surging virus numbers in USA and Trumps recent ban Brussels: Americans are unlikely to be allowed into more than 30 European countries for business or tourism when the continent begins next week to open its borders to the world, due to the spread of the coronavirus and President Donald Trumps ban on European visitors. More than 15 million Americans are estimated to travel to Europe each year, and such a decision would underscore flaws in the Trump administrations handling of the pandemic, which has seen the United States record the highest number of infections and virus-related deaths in the world by far. European nations appear on track to reopen their borders between each other by July 1. Their representatives in Brussels have been debating what virus-related criteria should apply when lifting border restrictions to the outside world, which were imposed in March to stop all non-essential travel to Europe. In recommendations to EU nations on June 11, the European Commission said travel restrictions should not be lifted as regards third countries where the situation is worse than the average in the 27 EU member countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. That is likely to rule out people living in the United States, where new coronavirus infections have surged to the highest level in two months, according to figures compiled by Johns Hopkins University. After trending down for well over a month, new U.S. cases have risen for more than a week. The U.S. on Tuesday reported 34,700 new cases of the virus, bringing its total to more than 2.3 million cases and over 121,000 dead. The virus outbreaks in Brazil, India and Russia are remarkably high too, and its also unlikely that the EU will let their citizens in. In contrast, aside from a notable new outbreak tied to a slaughterhouse in western Germany, the viruss spread has slowed across the EU and particularly in the 26 nations that make up Europes visa-free travel zone known as the Schengen area. For the EUs executive arm, the key criteria for opening up to the outside world should include the number of new infections per 100,000 population the exact ceiling is up for debate and the countrys overall response to the pandemic, in terms of testing, surveillance, treatment, contact tracing and reporting cases. EU envoys are trying to agree on objective, scientific criteria so the decision to put a country on the admission list or not is based on facts and not political considerations. Southern European countries like Spain, Italy and Greece are desperate for tourists to return and breathe new life into their virus-ravaged economies. The bloc aims to revise the list of countries allowed to enter every two weeks based on developments, with new countries joining or possibly even denied access to Europe depending on the spread of the disease. The commission hopes that exemptions can be given to foreign students, non-EU citizens who live in Europe and certain highly skilled workers. But more than epidemiological criteria, any country being considered would first be expected to lift its own travel restrictions for people from all EU and Schengen nations, the commission said, adding it cannot be applied selectively. Brussels fears that opening up to countries outside in ad hoc way could lead to the reintroduction of border controls between nations inside the Schengen area, threatening once again Europes cherished principle of free movement, which allows people and goods to cross borders without checks. This principle of reciprocity on its own should rule out U.S. citizens, at least initially. In a March 11 decree, Trump suspended the entry of all people from the Schengen area. More than 10 million Europeans usually visit the United States each year. The potential for undetected transmission of the virus by infected individuals seeking to enter the United States from the Schengen area threatens the security of our transportation system and infrastructure and the national security, Trumps proclamation said. A top French diplomat, speaking anonymously in line with the French presidencys customary practices, stressed that the EU decision will not be a political one. It will be made on a basis as objective as possible which is the spreading of the virus, the diplomat said. The official also stressed that Trump has taken very early measures consisting in preventing people coming from China, then EU countries, from entering the U.S. The EU commission also wants the bloc to be open as soon as possible after July 1 to the Balkans region, including citizens from Albania, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. As mass infections strike even in places that had seemed to tame the coronavirus, officials are adjusting to the reality that the disease is here to stay. They are turning to targeted and fast-but-flexible approaches to stop third or fourth waves. While the details differ, the strategies call for giving governments flexibility to tighten or ease as needed. They require some mix of intensive tracking, lightning-fast response times, border management and constant reminders to their citizens. Quotable: Its always going to be with us, said Simon James Thornley, an epidemiologist from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. I dont think we can eliminate the virus long term. We are going to need to learn to live with the virus. Here are the latest updates and maps of where the virus has spread. In other developments: 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. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Josa Lukman (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 25, 2020 13:41 576 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406618c95f 1 Entertainment #entertainment,#music,#band,#ElectronicDanceMusic,#Goethe,#data,#digital,#performance Free When you hear the music that comes out of data, you could be pleasantly surprised. Turning data into tunes is what electronic duo Random Brothers by Blood does, as shown during an Instagram Live session hosted by Goethe-Institut. Composed of Randy Danistha of Nidji band and his younger brother Nara Anindyaguna, the duo experimented with audio and visual data on hand at their studio, creating a sort of live performance themed around looping. Using a sampler, Nara explained they had made a speech performance by looping their own voices into a network system using data. Some can say that it is art, and others would say that it is acousmatic [heard without being seen], Nara said. The concept of this performance is that you are watching data we are inside a computer, in the form of network and pixels. Tuning in: Supersonik #27 is a music showcase by Random Brothers by Blood held at Institut Francais Indonesia in Jakarta in collaboration with Dalilektra, accompanied by a sound installation experience by Coune and a visual installation curated by Lalune. (Courtesy of Random Brothers by Blood/stevesmith-production.com) Randy said the duo made music using random data and concepts hence the name but harmonizes them into a singular composition. The brothers work and play remotely, each performing and creating at their own studios. Making things even more meta, they worked on data from a previous performance at Goethe-Instituts Alur Bunyi (Sound Flow) concert series in 2018, essentially creating a performance of a performance. The previous performance involves elements that many would consider to be random: strings, vocals and a beat that seems to be tinkling, before being closed with a recorded applause track. Still, the track carves its own niche, certainly not something youd normally find on the radio. One of the experiments during the session was a sequence overlaid with a piano played live, courtesy of Nara. On with the show: Electronic duo Random Brothers by Blood performs in an Instagram Live session hosted by the Goethe-Institut. (Courtesy of Goethe-Institut Indonesien/-) Randy pointed out that musical instruments like synthesizers contain data and algorithms, so every time they are played, its literally processing data into compositions. So unknowingly, throughout the years, weve been playing electronic music because there is data inside of it. Nara said he was amazed by people whose jobs involved working with data and transforming them into something that was essential and needed. As for the duos latest performances, he explained that for the most part, the two used samples in lieu of playback, utilizing data appropriate to the theme. So, the concept is that well play with those samples in a live setting. What that means is that we dont use a fixed sequencer. As can be gathered by the title, it will be much more random and we can explore more on stage, he said, adding that practice sessions involved memorizing patterns and moods along with the repertoire. Electronic duo: Random Brothers by Blood experiments with audio and visual data, turning them into tunes. (Courtesy of Random Brothers by Blood/-) Since its inception in early 2018, Random Brothers by Blood has utilized modular synthesizers to create music that can be as varied or random as they come. For example, Growth is an upbeat track that seems to suggest an optimistic approach, whereas Random Eyes is much more visceral yet robotic due to the feminine vocals that loop around throughout. Randy said that when creating, the duo would sometimes find particular sounds that they take a liking to, sometimes things that they could not replicate. That sound would then be recorded and inserted into a sequencer to become a signature part of that performance. Nara is of the opinion that making music is like data; each aspect is worked on individually, researched and reevaluated, and then developed. However, Randy said the data needs to be carefully considered and appropriate for the composition. For example, if you have four instruments, you have four distinct data on the recording. When the sound is played back, what makes it different is the composition and skill involved. We try to add more data through previous productions and samples, and the end result can even be increasingly different, Randy said, adding that simple compositions would be enriched by these distinct elements. It helps that the brothers are born-and-bred musicians. Playing the piano from a young age and under the guidance of a musician father, the two entered the industry in different ways. Randy entered the pop music scene as the keyboardist of Nidji and had his own electronic music project Kronutz, while Nara embarked on the path with Mjolnir, a dark-disco-tech duo with his friend Catra Adhiwardana. Aside from their respective projects, the brothers also run STEVESMITH Music Production, whose portfolio ranges from advertisement jingles to movie scores. While the brothers current project can be described as largely electronic, Nara said the genre could vary according to each collection they release: on-the-floor techno dance, mood-appropriate or pop. But everything is still wrapped in our theme, which is random. We are freer than the usual patterns. (ste) Cabinet has given policy approval for the submission to Parliament of a Bill to decentralise the registration of Births and Deaths in the country. The Bill, which was submitted to Cabinet by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama, was approved two weeks ago. The Bill, when passed into law, would provide more efficient births and deaths registration system and its effective decentralisation. Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia made the disclosure when he paid a surprise visit to the Headquarters of the Births and Deaths Registry on Thursday to familiarise himself with its operations. He noted that the Bill also seeks to expand the births and deaths registration coverage nationwide; devolve the functions of births and deaths registration to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and ensure consistency of the births and deaths registration system with the Local Government Act, 2016 (Act 936). The Registry has been undertaking public education and awareness creation and capacity building of staff, which had yielded an increase in birth registration coverage from 17 per cent in 2001 to an all-time high level of 80 per cent in 2019. This achievement is, however, still below the UN standard of 90 per cent coverage. Vice President Bawumia expressed delight at the rapid pace of work on the digitisation of the paper records of the Registry, which would allow for the integration of its database with other state agencies, further streamlining service delivery. I am happy to learn that thus far 80% of the paper records have been digitised and we should see the process completed by the end of this year or latest early next year. When completed, the database of the births and deaths registry will be integrated with that of the National Identification Authority (NIA) for the issuance of a single NIA number for everyone from birth to death, he said. It is expected that this database will also be integrated into other agencies such as SSNIT and NHIA as part of ongoing efforts by the Akufo-Addo Government to make the provision of public services easier. The current administrative, institutional and operational architecture for the registration of births and deaths in Ghana under the 1965 Law (Act 301) has become obsolete, according to experts. Among other defects, it fails to provide for the registration of surrogate births; notification of births and deaths by supervising professionals such as nurses and traditional birth attendants; and the use of electronic technology for the capture, transmission and storage of births and deaths data. Additionally, the weak integration of the Births and Deaths Registry with the data and statistics departments of other government agencies, including health facilities and MMDAs are identified limitations with Act 301. Also the existing 414 registration centres in the country are woefully inadequate, and fall way below the UN minimum standard requirement for a country of Ghanas size of a minimum of 6,000 registration centres. The shortfall has created service delivery deficit, insufficient data on births and deaths in the country, and ultimately a lack of meaningful demographic analysis for the nation, affecting planning. Reverend Asare Addo, the Principal Assistant Registrar, showed the Vice President around the processes and records of the Registry, including the 1912 Register, which contains the Gold Coast first attempt at recording births. He indicated that efforts were underway to ensure the establishment of a birth and deaths registry in every government hospital and every district in the country. Several engagements had also taken place between the technical staff of the NIA and the Registry to work out a smooth integration of records, he said. Source: GNA Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Saving Advice is a community built around the notion that saving money is good. We offer free articles and information on all aspects of personal finance including debt reduction, how to save money, how to make money and how to invest. If you need any money saving advice, you have found the right place. Khartoum sends letter to UN Security Council after talks also including Addis Ababa and Cairo failed to produce a deal. Sudan has sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) warning the lives of millions of people will be endangered if Ethiopia moves ahead with its plan to fill a reservoir on the Blue Nile before an agreement has been reached. Ethiopias unilateral action would compromise the safety of Sudans Roseires Dam and thus subject millions of people living downstream to great risk, Sudans water ministry said in a statement on Thursday, adding it had sent a letter to the UN body. Tensions have been running high between the two countries and Egypt after recent talks failed to produce a deal on the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a giant hydroelectric project built near Ethiopias border with Sudan and the centrepiece in Addis Ababas bid to become Africas biggest power exporter. Egypt, which is almost entirely dependent on the Nile for its freshwater supplies, is anxious to secure a legally binding deal that would guarantee minimum flows and a mechanism for resolving disputes before the dam starts operating. Al Jazeeras Hiba Morgan, reporting from Sudans capital, Khartoum, said nearly all technical issues have been resolved after several rounds of on-and-off negotiations. Yet, legal issues remain unresolved, including whether the agreement will be binding under international law. During the latest round of talks last week, Sudanese negotiator Hisham Abdalla said Ethiopia had suggested the deal to be a guiding one that could be modified or cancelled, adding that this was a very serious situation. Sudan wants to ensure water releases from the Blue Nile dam to be coordinated with water levels at its Roseires Dam, some 100km (62 miles) from the GERD. Addis Ababa remains undeterred from starting to fill the dam on the Blue Nile next month regardless of a deal being reached. It seems like the political will is not equally shared between the three sides and that is why they cannot come back together to the negotiating table to resume talks, Morgan said. Ethiopian Minister for Foreign Affairs Gedu Andargachew, right, gives a news conference jointly with Ethiopias Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy Seleshi Bekele where they accused the US of being ;undiplomatic in its push to resolve a dispute over a giant dam on the Nile River [Michael/Tewelde/AFP] On Sunday, Sudans Water Resources Minister Yasser Abbas said it was important Ethiopia shared information about water supplied from the dam, otherwise we will not know the amount of water discharged from the Renaissance Dam, which might cause flooding and the Roseires dam itself will be at risk of being overwhelmed. The ministry warned the remaining time for the countries to agree is tight and critical. It also urged the UNSC to invite leaders of the three countries to show political will and commitment to resolve the few remaining issues. Khartoum recently proposed breaking the continuing deadlock by raising the status of the talks to prime ministerial level. Cairo, which views the hydroelectric barrage as an existential threat, itself appealed on Friday for the UNSC to intervene in the dispute, citing Addis Ababas non-positive stances. Egypt fears the dam would severely cut its Nile water supply, which provides nearly 97 percent of the countrys freshwater needs. Ethiopia, from its side, says the project is indispensable for its development, and insists downstream countries water supply will be unaffected. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25) The Olongapo City Regional Trial Court (RTC) has dismissed the inciting to sedition charge against Ronnel Mas, a public school teacher who offered a 50-million reward to anyone who could kill President Rodrigo Duterte. Judge Richard Paradeza of the Olongapo City RTC Branch 72 issued its 15-page order on Tuesday, granting Mas' motion to quash, pursuant to Section 3 (c) of Rule 117 of the Rules of Criminal Procedures. The judge noted that the court had no jurisdiction over Mas, after it was proven that his arrest was illegal. "In identifying and arresting the suspect/s, their constitutional rights should be recognized and respected," the order read. "However, in their zealous desire to solve the case with dispatch in order not to aggravate the situation, the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) operatives inadvertently committed some lapses along the way, detrimental to the constitutional rights of the accused." Furthermore, no other evidence was gathered to prove that Mas owned the Twitter account, except for the statements of a certain Julius Hallado, who served as the NBI's witness. The NBI arrested Mas in Sta. Cruz, Zambales on May 11 for his Twitter post. The authorities arrested him without a warrant and detained him for a week. He was only released after posting a 72,000-bail. The tweet, posted on May 5, read: "I will give a 50 million reward kung sino makakapatay kay Duterte (to whoever will kill Duterte)." The Department of Justice in a May 13 resolution previously ruled that the warrantless arrest of Mas was invalid. It also noted that the "defect" was "untimely cured" by his own admission to the media that he posted a bounty for Duterte's slay. However, Paradeza ruled that an extrajudicial admission does not cure the illegality of an arrest. ACT Secretary General Raymond Basilio said the acquittal of Mas was a "forceful slap in the face of repressive law enforcers who try to twist the law and abuse their authority." "This only proves how precious it is to fight for the preservation of the enshrinement of our rights in the Constitution which the Anti-Terrorism Bill seeks to erase," Basilio said. Warrantless arrests and detention of suspects without charge for up to 24 days are among the controversial provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Bill. Duterte has until July 9 to act on the controversial measure before it lapses into law. CNN Philippines' Eimor Santos and Anjo Alimario contributed to this report. Delhi University's School of Open Learning (SOL) has released the admit card, or hall ticket, for DU SOL 2020 open book examinations on its website sol.du.ac.in. Delhi University's School of Open Learning (SOL) has released the admit card, or hall ticket, for DU SOL 2020 open book examinations on its website sol.du.ac.in. According to a report by Careers 360, the open book examination for final year undergraduate students is scheduled to be held between 1 to 18 July. The SOL for final year postgraduate students will be held from 1 to 27 July. The report mentions that the question paper of DU SOL final year will be available five minutes before the commencement of each paper. NCWEB candidates can order question papers on email or WhatsApp. Differently-abled candidates will get a time duration of five hours to write answer the questions. In case, a student is not able to upload the answer sheet after the completion of exams, then he/she can send the PDF to the designated email address of SOL, the report said. As per a report by Times Now, only those candidates who have filled the application form with correct details and have paid the application fees will be able to download the DU SOL 2020 exam admit card. How to download DU SOL admit card 2020 Step 1: Go to the URL https://sol.du.ac.in/otheractivity/HallTicket.aspx by copying it and pasting it in your browser or clicking here. Step 2: Select DU campus - North/South Step 3: Enter your SOL roll number without any space Step 4: Key in your date of birth in DD/MM/YY format Step 5: Enter your name as per the identity card and click on 'Show' button Step 6: A new page will open that will display your admit card Step 7: Download and take a printout of your DU SOL 2020 admit card. A healthcare professional, right, takes a sample from a patient at a United Memorial Medical Center COVID-19 testing site Wednesday, June 24, 2020, in Houston. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Wednesday that the state is facing a "massive outbreak" in the coronavirus pandemic and that some new local restrictions may be needed to protect hospital space for new patients. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) U.S. officials estimate that 20 million Americans have been infected with the coronavirus since it first arrived in the United States, meaning that the vast majority of the population remains susceptible. Thursday's estimate is roughly 10 times as many infections as the 2.3 million cases that have been confirmed. Officials have long known that millions of people were infected without knowing it and that many cases are being missed because of gaps in testing. The news comes as the Trump administration works to tamp down nationwide concern about the COVID-19 pandemic as about a dozen states are seeing worrisome increases in cases. The administration also looks to get its scientific experts back before the public more as it tries to allay anxieties about the pandemic while states begin reopening. Since mid-May, when the government began stressing the need to get the economy moving again, the panel's public health experts have been far less visible than in the pandemic's early weeks. Twenty million infections means that about 6% of the nation's 331 million people have been infected. "It's clear that many individuals in this nation are still susceptible," Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said on a call with reporters Thursday. "Our best estimate right now is that for every case that was reported, there actually are 10 more infections." Previously, CDC officials and the nation's top infectious-disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, have said that as many as 25% of infected people might not have symptoms. "There's an enormous number of people that are still vulnerable," said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, vice dean at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. "It still remains a potentially lethal disease. It's a roll of the dice for everybody who gets the illness. Also, you're rolling the dice for other people who you may give the virus to." The new estimate is based on CDC studies of blood samples collected nationwidesome by the CDC and others from blood donations and other sources. Many infections were not caught in early testing, when supplies were limited and federal officials prioritized testing for those with symptoms. Administration officials are pointing to the new data to allay public anxieties, claiming that while there have been significant spikes, they have the outbreaks well in hand. They maintained they were not trying to minimize a public health crisis, but said the nation is in a markedly different place with the virus now than when the U.S. last saw similar infection numbers in mid-April, when testing infrastructure was weaker. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity late Wednesday to discuss the matter candidly. A man wearing mask to protect against the spread of COVID-19 is reflected next to a sign requiring face coverings at a business in San Antonio, Wednesday, June 24, 2020, in San Antonio. Cases of COVID-19 have spiked in Texas and the governor of Texas is encouraging people to wear masks in public and stay home if possible. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) "This is still serious," Redfield said on the call with reporters Thursday. "But I'm asking people to recognize that we're in a different situation today than we were in March or April," with more cases today in younger people who are not as likely to develop serious illness or die from infection, he said. President Donald Trump, who refuses to wear a face mask in public, has tried to play down the risk. He told a crowd in Wisconsin on Thursday that the administration had done an "incredible job" fighting the virus and added that "if we didn't test, we wouldn't have cases," which ignores other indicators of the extent of the problem such as surging hospitalizations in some areas. Redfield said infection prevalence rates ranged from 1% in some areas of the West Coast to much higher in New York City. Several independent experts said the methods and locations of sampling are key to interpreting the numbers. Dr. Thomas Tsai, a Harvard University health policy researcher, said 20 million seems reasonable, but "most of these estimates exist in a range" and it's important to know how wide that is. "It's hard to interpret this just from a single number and without the context for it," such as what locations were sampled and whether it was truly a random slice of a population or areas of low or high prevalence, which can skew the results. Justin Lessler, a researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said 20 million infected "is about what you'd expect based on the case fatality rate" and the number of deaths that have occurred so far in the U.S. Despite the phaseout of daily White House coronavirus briefings, the administration has been closely monitoring data on the spread of COVID-19 and has been deploying teams from the CDC to identify and stem outbreaks around the country. A dozen states in recent weeks have seen a worrisome uptick in new cases, as well as in the more critical measure of the percentage of positive cases discovered in tests performed. Seven states have seen more than 10% of tests come back positive. And troublesome spikes in Sun Belt states have dominated news coverage in recent days, to the consternation of Trump administration officials. They point instead to more nuanced county-level data, which shows positivity rates exceeding 10% in just 3% of the nation's counties. Yet they acknowledge that some of the areas with the highest transmission rates are generally the most populous, suggesting tens of millions of Americans could be living in areas with spiking infections. Cars are lined up at a United Memorial Medical Center COVID-19 testing site Wednesday, June 24, 2020, in Houston. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Wednesday that the state is facing a "massive outbreak" in the coronavirus pandemic and that some new local restrictions may be needed to protect hospital space for new patients. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) As states reopen, the administration says it is up to governors and local officials to determine how to respond to the spikes. Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott, for example, put a hold on any further steps to reopen and reimposed a ban on elective surgeries in some areas to preserve hospital space after the number of patients statewide more than doubled in two weeks. The CDC teams, officials said, are working to trace new outbreaks and reinforce protective measures like social distancing and mask wearing in hard-hit areas and to remind vulnerable populations to take extreme precautions. The administration says those efforts have helped slow new infections in North Carolina and Alabama, where they were deployed earlier this month. One of the hard-hit areas is Phoenix, where Trump held an event Tuesday with thousands of young attendees, nearly all of whom were maskless. The officials say the nature of the outbreak now is different than months ago, when deaths topped more than 1,000 per day for weeks and hospitals were stretched beyond capacity across the country. The new increase in positive cases, they said, is capturing what has long been there. They say it is only now showing up in data because the U.S. has increased testing and surveillance. Meanwhile, mortality data has steadily declined, as have hospitalizations in all but a few hot spots. To the administration officials, that reinforces their hypothesis that millions unknowingly had the virus earlier this year. Through early May, federal guidelines prioritized testing for symptomatic people, those exposed to a positive case and those in high-risk environments. With testing far more widespread now, officials believe 50% of new cases in Florida and Texas are among people ages 35 or younger, and most of them are asymptomatic. The U.S. is testing about 500,000 patients per day. On a per capita basis, the U.S. rate falls behind several other countries, including Spain, Australia, Russia and Iceland, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University. There is no scientific consensus on the rate of testing needed to control the virus. But many experts say the U.S. should be testing roughly 1 million to 3 million people daily to catch new cases and prevent flareups. Administration officials said they expect to be able to run 20-40 million tests per month beginning this fall. Testing is constrained by laboratory supplies needed to run the tests but also lack of demand for tests in some areas. 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. Smoking and vaping, whether by means of tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes or waterpipes, stiffens the arteries, causes inflammation and damages DNA, leading to a variety of health problems, according to a study published today (Friday) in the European Heart Journal [1]. In addition, smoking and vaping may increase the risk of people being infected by COVID-19, suffering worse symptoms and dying from it, say the researchers. They join the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration and the European Society of Cardiology in urging smokers to try to give up the habit, regardless of which smoking method they use. The study is the world's first comparison of the effects of the three forms of smoking and vaping on human health and the function of cells that line blood vessels (the endothelium). It provides an overview of the available evidence about the harmful chemicals produced and the mechanisms by which smoking and vaping affect the body. The researchers also looked at the effects of each on medical conditions ranging from stroke to heart attacks and lung cancer. The researchers found there were multiple good studies showing that, overall, tobacco cigarettes were more harmful than e-cigarettes. However, there were few good, large studies about the adverse effects of waterpipes (often referred to as hookahs, shisha or narghile) and e-cigarettes on endothelial dysfunction and so the evidence was more variable. The researchers say the long-term effects of water pipes and e-cigarettes need to be investigated more thoroughly. In the meantime, they write, "waterpipe smoking is not less harmful than tobacco smoking and thus cannot be considered a healthy alternative". The researchers reviewed a range of studies, which they graded as providing strong, good or medium levels of evidence on the harmfulness of the three types of smoking and vaping [2]. Compared to non-smokers, tobacco cigarettes increased the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by 704% (good level of evidence), waterpipes by 218% (strong) and e-cigarettes by 194% (good); tobacco cigarettes and waterpipes increased the risk of lung cancer by 1210% (strong) and 122% (strong) respectively, while the level of evidence for e-cigarettes was not sufficient to draw reliable conclusions. They also looked at how much the three smoking techniques stiffened the arteries, an important prognostic indicator for the risk of heart problems and stroke. Compared to non-smokers, tobacco cigarettes increased arterial stiffness by 10%, waterpipes by 9% and e-cigarettes by 7% (medium level of evidence for all three). The first author of the review, Professor Thomas Munzel, of the Department of Cardiology of the University Medical Centre Mainz in Mainz, Germany, said: "Our review focuses primarily on the adverse effects of these three smoking and vaping techniques on endothelial dysfunction and the relation to oxidative stress and, secondly, on clinical disease. All three forms of smoking and vaping lead to increased production of oxygen-derived free radicals in blood vessel tissue, such as superoxide. This breaks down nitric oxide, which is released by the endothelium, and is important for helping blood vessels to dilate and for protecting against inflammation and clogging of the arteries." The researchers say the main toxic chemicals in e-cigarette vapour include formaldehyde and acrolein, as well as traces of chemicals called transition metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), all of which are known to damage cells. In contrast, tobacco cigarettes and waterpipe smoke contain a much more complex mixture of harmful chemicals and other substances. Waterpipe smoke contains solid particulate matter, originating mainly from the charcoal used to burn the tobacco; this is also present in lower concentrations in cigarette smoke. Nicotine is present in all three tobacco products, is addictive and is responsible for harmful biological effects as well as, to a minor extent, some beneficial effects. Prof. Munzel said: "These different as well as overlapping profiles of toxic compounds may be a key to understand the similarities and differences in the adverse health effects of smoking and vaping, and should be further investigated in detail by future studies." The researchers looked at the effects of smoking and vaping on COVID-19 infections. In the EHJ paper, they write: "As outlined by the WHO, tobacco cigarette and waterpipe smoking may contribute to increased burden of symptoms due to COVID-19 compared to non-smoking, including being admitted to intensive care, requiring mechanical ventilation, and suffering severe health consequences." They conclude: "There is no doubt...that smoking cessation is and will remain the most powerful approach to prevent smoking-induced cardiovascular and respiratory disease. This may be even more important in light of the...COVID-19 pandemic as the use of tobacco products likely increases the risk for COVID-19 associated cardiovascular and other severe complications in smokers and vapers." Prof. Munzel said: "Given the well-established harms associated with tobacco use and second-hand smoke exposure, the WHO recommends that tobacco users should quit. Proven interventions to help users give up include toll-free quit lines, mobile text-messaging cessation programmes, nicotine replacement therapies and other approved medications, particularly if you have smoked for a long time, and especially if you use tobacco cigarettes and water pipes. "The WHO also warns that although e-cigarettes appear to be less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, there is growing evidence that they also may cause side effects in the lungs, heart and blood vessels and that e-cigarette use may increase the risk of COVID-19 infection." The authors also address the issue of tobacco advertising. In the EU, TV and radio advertising of cigarettes, and tobacco products is not permitted. Some countries, such as Slovenia and Norway, have strict laws that ban all types of advertising, even at the point of sale. Germany is the only EU country where tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, can be advertised in public spaces via billboards. In the US, advertising of both tobacco products and e-cigarettes on billboards is allowed. The EHJ study includes maps to show where in the world e-cigarette sales are legal, and where in Europe advertising permitted. Prof. Munzel said: "E-cigarettes are mostly considered as tobacco products, but the regulations on their advertising are not always clear." ### Notes: [1] "Effects of tobacco cigarettes, e-cigarettes and waterpipe smoking on endothelial function and clinical outcome", by Thomas Munzel et al. European Heart Journal. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehaa460 [2] Examples of studies that provided strong evidence (shown as +++ in Figure 1 in the paper) were large meta-analyses; studies providing "good" evidence (++) were single studies with over 1,000 participants; and studies providing "medium" evidence (+) were single studies with fewer than 1,000 participants. Days after George Floyd died in Minneapolis, Aslan Newson looked into her phone camera, put her hand up to her lips, clicked her tongue and let out a sigh. The Wilson High sophomore, who is Black and Native, had been answering texts and direct messages from white peers for hours. And Newson was tired of repeating the same answers, some of which shed proffered for months. Ive tried to film this, like, many times now, Newson said, her brow furrowed. So, I guess if youre seeing this this version of what Im about to say then I posted it somewhere. Newsons nine-minute Instagram video was part eulogy for Floyd, part reflection on the last year at Wilson High School. She recorded it in hopes that it would find an audience willing to do more than post support in the form of hashtags and retweets. Im angry and I dont know what its going to take for our white allies to start showing up and start stepping up and doing their part, Newson said in the video. I think about how I spend most of my free time fighting for my communities that Ive been fighting for all of my life and how white people just get to they dont have to worry about any of it. The address was inspired in part by the avalanche of texts and direct messages Newson received from white peers as protests against police brutality and systemic racism enveloped the country and drew thousands to downtown Portland. So many people had been asking me, What are you feeling? What should we do? Newson told The Oregonian/OregonLive. It makes me feel like people arent doing the work. And when I say people, I really mean white people. Things like this arent supposed to be easy, Newson said.Photo by Eder Campuzano/Staff Newson was distraught to see white classmates posting support of the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of Floyds death despite their silence amid a wave of racist incidents that roiled the Southwest Portland high school over the last year. When a white Wilson High student hurled a racist slur at a group of Newsons Black classmates in April of 2019, footage of the incident spread on social media and ignited an upheaval that put the building into lockout. Administrators issued vague statements about the incident, neglecting to address its racist underpinnings. A month later, the Black Student Union, then led by President Synceire Bivens, led a two-hour lunchroom rally to deliver a list of demands to school administrators. They wanted greater urgency and transparency in the ways building leaders dealt with racist incidents. They also wanted Portland Public Schools to hire more teachers of color at Wilson. Incoming Principal Filip Hristic met with the Black Student Union and pledged to occasionally sit in on meetings to become more familiar with its members and the issues they face in Portlands least diverse high school. The new administration faced its first test weeks into the new school year. In mid-September, Hristic flagged the discovery of a swastika carved into a tree on campus. Newson at the time said the racist incident was handled more gracefully than those in previous years. One week later, she and about a dozen other Wilson students of color most of them Black invited the neighboring community to a panel discussion on the racism they regularly face and asked for their support in addressing it. From left to right: Isa De Los Santos, Molly Cogburn-Frary, Synceire Bivens and Aslan Newson led a student walkout to demand administrators at Wilson better address racist incidents last May. Bivens has transferred from the school but the other three have continued work he helped organize as president of the Black Student Union. (Oregonian file photo by Eder Campuzano, 2019)Photo by Eder Campuzano/Staff Some discussed the swastika incident. Others said they felt pressured to make self-deprecating racist jokes in order to fit in with their white peers. They made a demand of white parents in attendance: Educate yourself on the harms of problematic behavior and pass those lessons on to your children. Newson knows those conversations are uncomfortable. But she faces that same discomfort every day. If we have white people dealing with that discomfort, maybe Black people and people of color wont be uncomfortable most of the time, she said. Over the following months, Newson and a group of Wilson students started brainstorming ways to kickstart those uncomfortable conversations. What they came up with was a series of workshops designed to teach freshmen how to confront and report racism when they see it. Vice Principal Ayesha Freeman advised students throughout the process, part of the Anti-Defamation Leagues No Place For Hate initiative. In February, Newson and a group of Wilson sophomores, juniors and seniors began visiting health classes and guiding freshmen through definitions and role-playing exercises. Protesters leave Revolution Hall and march through Portland on the fifteenth night of protest in the city. June 11, 2020. Dave Killen/Staff Over the course of an hour, they discussed what it means to be an ally and had the younger students fill out a pledge that spelled out what the term meant to them. Sophomore Molly Cogburn-Frary, who is Black, said the workshops helped white freshmen at Wilson better understand the plights of their peers of color. And the sessions helped empower Black and brown students to speak up when they felt uncomfortable. I definitely think things were moving in the right direction, Cogburn-Frary, the Black Student Unions social media coordinator, said. I thought that was a really good step in getting educated in learning about race. It started to feel like a bigger, more family kind of community. Within two weeks, allyship pledges written by freshmen filled the wall adjacent to the schools gym. My allies support me. My allies listen to me. My allies make me feel safe. Newson and Cogburn-Frary said the conversations about race resonated with students. They were both looking forward to a final check-in with freshman health classes at the end of the year. Wilson High freshmen filled out pledges explaining what it means to them to be an ally during anti-racism workshops in February. The pledges fill an entire wall across the hall from the school gym.Photo by Eder Campuzano/Staff Then the pandemic hit. Black Student Union leaders could no longer host in-person meetings or plan school - wide events for the spring term, so they looked ahead to the coming year. Both Newson and Cogburn-Frary will be juniors in the fall. And one of the first things they plan to do is dismantle their affinity groups top-down leadership structure. Newson will be the Black Student Unions last president. There doesnt need to be somebody overpowering the conversation, Newson said. One person shouldnt be speaking for the whole group. Instead, the Black Student Union will adopt a council-style leadership structure to give equal weight to its members voices. Despite the setbacks presented by the ongoing pandemic, Newson and Cogburn-Frary felt optimistic about the progress they were making. Weeks before the end of the school year, Floyds death spurred national protests against police brutality and systemic racism. Newson and Cogburn-Frary attended rallies in downtown Portland and their Southwest neighborhood. The demonstrations, they said, gave the community an idea of the struggles Wilsons black students have faced in the past year. People know that were tired. Were exhausted. And were just done. The breaking point has hit, Cogburn-Frary said. She and Newson were heartened to see thousands turn out to protest day after day, week after week. They even saw one of the Black Student Unions causes gain traction. During a recent school board meeting, Wilson High teachers demanded Portland Public Schools leaders rename their building. Cogburn-Frary helped lead workshops for Wilson freshmen to learn how to confront racism earlier this year. I thought that was a really good step in getting educated in learning about race. It started to feel like a bigger, more family kind of community.Photo by Eder Campuzano/Staff The Black Student Union had been lobbying to rename the school, at first aiming to keep the Wilson part but find a deserving person of color whose first name could replace the Woodrow. Newson said it felt like the path of least resistance. After all, the school wouldnt have to redo signage at the school and rebrand merchandise like shirts and sweaters. Given the momentum the effort has gained recently, the Black Student Union is doubling its efforts and demanding the building be completely renamed. Newson expects to send Hristic a letter announcing the clubs intent this summer. Things like this arent supposed to be easy, Newson said. The students notched another win when Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero and Mayor Ted Wheeler announced theyd discontinued the presence of armed police officers in Portland high schools. But Newson said she struggles with what might happen when the demonstrations eventually die down and white Portlanders, in particular, are no longer inundated with calls to dismantle racist systems. The one-two punch of a pandemic that shuttered schools and businesses and the intensity crowds have sustained over the last month made the citys demonstrations all but impossible to ignore. Right now, I can recognize there are a lot of white allies stepping up, Newson said. Whats really going to matter is what happens in the next few months or few years. Are you really going to step up? Newson struggles with the question of whether shes hopeful the countrys intense focus on systemic racism will result in any real change. After all, the conversations shes had with her white classmates in recent weeks are almost identical to those shes had at Wilson for the last year. When a white student uses a racial slur, for example, Newson wants other white students to intervene rather than putting the onus on a person of color. Its something that doesnt happen regularly, as evidenced by the number of her white peers who have asked her for advice in navigating such situations over the last year. Students in the minority should be able to rely on allies in the majority to discourage harmful behavior, she said. White people need to build those communities where they can hold each other accountable, Newson said. She recognizes that its difficult work. Newson is navigating life as a multiracial 16-year-old living in a predominantly white city. She and her brother are Black on her fathers side and live with their white and Native mother. Newson will be the Black Student Unions last president. She and Cogburn-Frary, who manages social media for the club, are working with organization leadership to implement a council-like structure so more students have a say in the way its run.Photo by Eder Campuzano/Staff Its something you actively need to be doing every day of your life, Newson said. If youre not actively being anti-racist, youre contributing to the inequitable systems youre benefitting from. During a recent movie night, Newsons mother suggested screening the Netflix documentary 13th, which chronicles the evolution of the national prison system in the wake of the ratification of the 13th Amendment. Instead, the siblings successfully lobbied for a comedy. Later that week, when Newson felt overwhelmed by the weeks news and another slew of requests from friends seeking advice, she escaped into Instagram. There, she found a hashtag highlighting photos of #blackpeoplesmiling. As she scrolled, her phone beamed back with image after image of Black users staring at the camera and grinning. It was so healing. This is why were doing what were doing, Newson said. We want black people to be happy or to laugh or feel joy and not have the fears we have right now. We have so many opportunities to make that happen. --Eder Campuzano | 503-221-4344 | @edercampuzano Do you have a tip about Portland Public Schools? Email Eder at ecampuzano@oregonian.com or message either of the social accounts above. Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories. COLONIE The Colonie Police Department is working with the South Colonie School District to look into incidents of discrimination and sexual assault alleged to have occurred on and off school grounds, detailed in four video posts on an anonymous Instagram account that surfaced over the weekend, according to a memo from school administrators. Grievances aired on the since-deleted account ranged from complaints about the school's dress code, which those who posted felt was discriminatory and enforced in an arbitrary manner, to claims of racism, sexual assault, and transphobic bullying. Allegations were made against teachers, security staff and fellow students. Superintendent David Perry, in a letter to South Colonie families, said the district was working with law enforcement to investigate the most serious of the claims and urged students and parents with "direct knowledge" of such incidents to come forward. "South Colonie is a community committed to sharing values of respect, inclusion, and diversity," Perry wrote. "While social media can serve as a platform for starting difficult conversations, it is not necessarily the best vehicle for implementing change. We want to hear from our students and families directly about any concerns they may have about our schools so that issues can be properly addressed." A spokesman for the Colonie Police Department said the department is aware of the social media posts but there are currently no active criminal investigations as no victims have made contact with school officials or law enforcement agencies. "As always, if there is a victim that's out there we would encourage them to contact us or their local police department," Colonie Police Lt. Robert Winn said. "We became aware of it yesterday. We have not received any information from the public." He said the police department does not retain information about criminal activity at the South Colonie school districts' 15 properties, but said that there were no active investigations or past investigations that match up with the allegations detailed in the video posts. District officials faced scrutiny on multiple fronts as they pulled together a socially distant graduation ceremony for Colonie High School seniors, which takes place on Friday. Lack of representation among teachers and staff in the district, which serves a student body that is more than 30 percent non-white, has been a topic of conversation at recent school board meetings, particularly in light of the national unrest around police brutality toward black communities. One of the deleted Instagram posts also took issue with a June 1 letter from Perry condemning the killing of George Floyd in Minnesota by police officers as well as the "the subsequent violent protests," which he described as "dangerous, disturbing and disruptive." Floyd's killing "does not define all police officers and we must stand with our men and women in blue who risk their lives to protect ours," Perry wrote in the note to students and parents. The letter referenced a series of February incidents at the high school, fights that were filmed and posted to social media, that as Perry said, "challenged us all to be better." "Everyone has the right to their opinions," Perry said in an interview Thursday. The June 1 letter "was intended to recognize that racism exists, while encouraging people to be safe ... I certainly understand that people have their opinions and they can interpret it any way they chose." Earlier this week, a petition circulated calling for the district to retire its red "Raiders" logo, which in old versions depicts a Native American on horseback. 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 South Colonie School district is "already decently notorious for the racism, homophobia, transphobia, and ableism in its schools," the petition reads. The term "Raider" or "Raiders" is associated with Native Americans and the American Psychology Association has called for colleges and high schools to stop using the mascot. School boards across the country are reconsidering long-time mascots with the term "Raiders" or other Native American references. South Colonie officials said the image of the Native American on horseback has not been used on district materials in decades and that there are no plans to change the name. "We are actually the Garnet Raiders, not the Red Raiders that's Mechanicville it is a school name just like the Shaker Bisons or any other school name," Perry said. Amy Rudat, a district parent and graduate of South Colonie schools, on Thursday, raised the issue of the Raiders' "incredibly racist" mascot on the South Colonie PTA Facebook page. "I do believe it's the willful ignorance of district leadership," Rudat said in an interview. "This has been a conversation nationally for 20 years." Rudat, a former ELA teacher and senior director at the national educational non-profit Unbound Ed, said she was unaware of the petition or the social media posts circulating over the weekend, but said that the students' claims should be heard. "Why wouldn't we want our students to take an active role in securing civil rights and safety for all students? Why is it that, when students of color identify racist policies and punishments and practices, we disregard them," she said. "Why is it that we, as white administrators and teachers, get to determine the validity of statements about our racism?" A Pakistan International Airlines plane prepares to land at Islamabad airport in Islamabad - Reuters Pakistan's national airline will ground a third of its pilots on suspicion they hold dubious licences and flying certificates. The move was announced after air accident investigators blamed a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) pilot for last month's crash in Karachi which killed 99 people. A government minister said the crew were over confident and distracted by a conversation about coronavirus when the PIA Airbus A320 crashed on May 22. PIA was highly placed among world airlines until the 1970s, but its reputation has sunk with delays, cancellations and financial troubles. The airline has been embarrassed by reports of pilots falling asleep, or turning up drunk. "We've been told that an investigation conducted by the civil aviation authority has found that about 150 of our pilots have dubious licenses," company spokesman Abdullah Khan told Reuters. Investigations into pilot qualifications began after an earlier crash where it was found the pilot's license may have been fake. The test date indicated on his licence had been a public holiday. Another pilot was found to have been out of the country on the day he was said to have been tested, Mr Khan said. In 2017 a PIA pilot was investigated for potentially putting the lives of more than 305 passengers at risk by putting a trainee pilot in charge while he took a nap in a passenger seat. The pilot was allegedly photographed reclining while covered in a blanket, but denied being asleep. In 2013, a PIA pilot was jailed for nine months in Britain for being drunk as he prepared to fly 156 passengers. Irfan Faiz, 55, was found three times over the legal limit, prosecutors told Leeds Crown Court. The father-of-two was unsteady on his feet and smelled of alcohol while in the cockpit during checks for the flight from Leeds Bradford to Islamabad. The airlines was embarrassed further in 2017 when first UK border officials and then Pakistani officials found consignments of heroin hidden on PIA flights between the countries. At the time the airline was investigating to see if any staff had links to drug traffickers. Consumer confidence remains consistent in Ireland, with more than half (58%) of Irish consumers wanting to make purchases in-store and feeling safe (56%) in doing so, according to Deloitte Irelands State of the Consumer Tracker. The results are based on a survey of 1,000 consumers across 18 countries respectively (1,000 Irish consumers). The most recent data was gathered between 9 and 13 June, immediately following Ireland entering the second phase of the lifting of restrictions put in place in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Consumer confidence those who report feeling less anxious than last week has remained consistent, with the majority of Irish consumers feeling less worried than last week. However, 46% remain worried about their physical well-being, consistent with the previous index, captured during the last week of May. Whilst worry of job loss is still a significant concern at 31%, this has decreased from 36% two weeks previously. Nearly a quarter of consumers (22%) remain worried about making upcoming payments, compared with 24% previously. The re-emergence of the convenience consumer continues, with 45% now stating they are happy with spending more on convenience, consistent with the previous wave of research. However, consumers remain hesitant to make large purchases, with 41% still planning to delay big spending. This is consistent with the previous wave and aligned to the UK and global averages, both currently at 40%. Fifty eight percent of Irish consumers now want to make purchases in-store, which continues to grow through each wave compared with a global average of 51%, and only 41% in the UK. Confidence in visiting physical stores is up by 3% with 56% of consumers reporting that they now feel safe visiting a store. This puts Ireland as joint third in Europe for this measure, suggesting moderate encouragement for the high street. Speaking about the results, CEO at Deloitte Ireland, Harry Goddard said, "The results of the latest State of the Consumer Tracker are encouraging as Irish society and the wider business community begin the difficult road to reopening. With consumer confidence remaining steady, there are some positive takeaways. There is evidence of the re-emergence of the convenience consumer with 45% saying they are happy with spending more on convenience." He added, "From a retail perspective more than half (58%) of consumers want to make purchases in store, comparing very favourably with the UK which reports 41%. 56% say they now feel safe visiting a store, putting Ireland as joint third in Europe with this measure." Source: www.businessworld.ie Just a matter of time for 9 day encounter in Rajouri-Poonch jungles to end Guided by ex-Pak army officials, operating in buddy pairs: Why the Poonch encounter has dragged so much Tire, track eliminate: Why has the Poonch encounter dragged on for so long Two terrorists eliminated in Sopore encounter India oi-Vicky Nanjappa New Delhi, June 25: Two terrorists have been eliminated by the security forces in an encounter that broke out this morning at Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir. The Army and the Central Reserve Police Force personnel launched a cordon and search operation, following specific inputs from the Jammu and Kashmir police regarding the presence of terrorists. IIT Bombay moves its classes online for the rest of 2020 amid Covid-19 outbreak | Oneindia News CRPF jawan martyred, 2 terrorists gunned down in Pulwama encounter The encounter broke out after the terrorists opened fire. So far the security forces have eliminated 108 terrorists in J&K. Most of the terrorists who have been eliminated at from South Kashmir. In North Kashmir, there are an estimated 100 terrorists and a majority of them are from Pakistan. Huawei Technologies Co has received approval to break ground on a 1 billion pound ($1.2 billion U.S.) research and development site near Cambridge in the east of England, even as the companys future in the country hangs in the balance. The Chinese telecommunications giant received planning permission on Thursday from South Cambridgeshire District Council to build the first phase of a major development that has come under criticism from U.K. and U.S. lawmakers. The site was acquired in 2018 and will support 400 jobs across 50,000 square meters of facilities, according to a statement from the company. It will focus on optoelectronics a branch of fiberoptic broadband technology. Huaweis future in the U.K. is in question after the U.S. ratcheted up pressure on its allies to break ties with the Shenzhen-based supplier and imposed sanctions that may threaten its silicon supply. Britains National Cyber Security Centre is due to issue a reviewed decision on Huaweis role in the countrys networks. The review paves the way for a potential U-turn by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who in January approved Huawei as a supplier of 5G and fiberoptic components. That sparked a rebellion in his party and an angry phone call from U.S. President Donald Trump. The council vote on Thursday was purely on planning policy and did not take politics or security into account. Life Care Centers of America Inc. has fired one nurse who works in one of the nursing homes that they owned and banned another nurse from the establishment after the two were interviewed by the news site Reuters, who was then investigating the horrific conditions of the home. Keeping the nurses silent The facility was criticized for its poor management response to the coronavirus outbreak. One of the nurses, Colleen Lelievre, was fired by Life Care last week after the managers of the home, which is located in Littleton, Massachusetts, accused Lelievre of making clerical errors that involved narcotics for the residents. Lelievre said that she was not informed of any issues until June 12, which was two days after Reuters published their report. Lisa Harmon, another nurse at the home, said that a manager banned her from entering the building on the same day that Lelievre was fired. Harmon was not given any explanation of why she was banned. The report that Reuters published included interviews with Harmon and Lelievre describing an overworked and overwhelmed staff. A lot of workers had called in sick and even quit that the managers assigned a teenage nursing-assistant trainee to a shift caring for almost 30 dementia patients. Around 80 to 90 hour work weeks became the norm in the home. In a dementia unit, the workers were unable to keep the residents from wandering into the hallways and entering the rooms of other patients. This was deemed dangerous because it can spread the coronavirus infection. The two nurses also claimed that the management was not transparent about the outbreak and they did not provide staff testing until mid-May. After the testing, it showed that 34 workers had tested positive of the coronavirus. One nurse and 25 residents died of the virus according to a report published by Reuters. Also Read: The Best Cleaners, Wipes, and Homemade Disinfectants for the Coronavirus The executive director of the facility, Amy Lamontagne, denied all of the claimed and said that she did not fire Lelievre for talking to Reuters. Lamontagne said that Harmon has not been fired but that the administrators wanted to meet with her to talk about the concerns that she mentioned in the article. According to Harmon, she has not been paid since she was banned from the facility. As for Lelievre, Lamontagne said that she was terminated for errors in the administration and documentation of narcotics. However, she declines to comment on Lelievre's accusation that she was fired after the article came out. She only stated that they started investigating Lelievre two days before the article was published. Life Care facility Life Care is one of the largest nursing home operators in the United States, it has more than 200 homes. Beecher Hunter, the company president, did not respond to the requests for comment regarding the condition of the homes. Tim Killian, the company spokesman, declined to comment on the issue as well. Aside from the overworked staff, Life Care was also accused of not taking any COVID-19 precautions as it presided over one of the first and deadliest outbreaks of the coronavirus at its nursing home in Kirkland, Washington. The nursing home was linked to 45 deaths, as reported by the New York Times. Related Article: FDA Warns Consumers to Avoid These 9 Hand Sanitizers With Fatal Ingredient @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A New York City police officer has been arrested on charges of strangulation and attempted strangulation after he was filmed placing a man in a banned chokehold manoeuvre, according to officials. Officer David Afanador was filmed near Rockaway Beach on Sunday wrapping his arms around a man as he lay face down on the boardwalk after being tackled by officers. He has been suspended from the force. State lawmakers banned law enforcement chokeholds with the passage of the Eric Garner Anti-Chokehold Act, named after the Staten Island man who was killed in custody in 2014, and whose last words "I can't breathe" have resonated in global protests against police violence. Sunday's incident followed just days after the New York City Council passed legislation making chokeholds a criminal offence. A statewide police reform package passed by Governor Andrew Cuomo earlier this month also allows felony charges against officers using a chokehold to injure or kill a person in custody. Mr Afanado is the second NYPD officer to face criminal charges this month. Vincent D'Andraia was arrested and charged with misdemeanour assault after shoving a woman to the ground during a police brutality protest. She was hospitalised with a concussion. Since joining the NYPD in 2005, Mr Afanador has been under Civilian Complaint Review Board investigation at least eight times, including for using excessive force for placing another person in a chokehold in 2010. He also was acquitted on criminal charges for reportedly beating and pistol-whipping a 16-year-old boy in 2014. Recommended New York lawmakers to pass sweeping police reform measures Mr Afanador and three other officers were on the scene in the arrest of Ricky Bellevue on 21 June. Mr Bellevue was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest after he was reportedly mocking and taunting officers. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz refused to prosecute Mr Bellevue. In a statement following Mr Afanador's arrest, she said: "Police officers are entrusted to serve and protect and the conduct alleged here cannot be tolerated. This police officer is now a defendant and is accused of using a chokehold, a manoeuvre we know has been lethal. This office has zero tolerance for police misconduct." Several jurisdictions across the US have sought sweeping police reforms following demonstrations demanding justice in the wake of the police killings of black Americans, which have continued for weeks after the Memorial Day killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. President Donald Trump also signed an executive order urging police departments to ban chokeholds, except in cases where officers feel their life is endangered, which is often a defence used by police to justify use of force against people in custody. Law enforcement in some of the largest US cities already forbid officers from using chokeholds, though criminal justice advocates say a lack of accountability measures has prevented bans from actually working, as complaints against officers for use of force have continued to pile up. Palmdale, CA (93550) Today Clear skies. Low 33F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Stronger winds in and below canyons and passes.. Tonight Clear skies. Low 33F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Stronger winds in and below canyons and passes. The liquid is a limited batch blend from one of the best emerging distilleries in the world, Gray's in Mauritius, and the world-renowned Barbadian distillery - Foursquare. Bringing these two rum purists together means that Equiano is a 100% natural rum, with no spices, no colorants, no additives and no added sugar. Completely uncompromised, all the rich and deep flavors come from the ex-Cognac and ex-Bourbon casks that the rum tropically matures in, creating an exquisite, modern and matured spirit that is totally unique. "Premium Rum is on the rise, and more importantly the consumer that wants quality is demanding clarity, authenticity and intrinsic value in their rum," said Ian Burrell, Global Rum Ambassador and Co-Creator of Equiano. "Equiano is a new style of rum. One that combines two rum cultures. African and the Caribbean. An unadulterated rum that is best appreciated the way that YOU like to drink your spirits. Neat, on the rocks, with your favorite mixer or in a cocktail, this is a rum that you'll discover, enjoy and then share." Highly respected, Burrell worked with IWSC & ISC Rum Producer of the Year, and Co-Creator of Equiano, Richard Seale of Foursquare to create a smooth, rich liquid that blends the flavors and characters of the Eastern and Western hemispheres and techniques. Equiano is perfect for mixing, sipping, and savoring. On the nose, it delivers tropical warmth alongside notes of dried fruits such as raisins combined with sweet toffee, butterscotch, and caramel. To taste, Equiano delivers its natural sweetness from a mix of ex-cognac and ex-bourbon casks that it tropically matures in. Equiano finishes on a medium sweet note with touches of oak, anise, sweet pepper and a hint of bitter orange peel. Equiano has already won four of the most prestigious international awards, gold at the International Spirits Challenge, Spirits Selection and San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and silver (with over 90 points) at International Wine and Spirits Competition, making the liquid one of the most highly acclaimed rums in the world today. "Equiano is a first for a centuries-old craft, we have created an entirely unique blend through a collaboration between two rum distilleries on two different continents," said Seale. Named after the Nigerian-born writer, entrepreneur, abolitionist and freedom fighter Olaudah Equiano, the natural dark rum follows the extraordinary and monumental journey of Olaudah himself - starting its life in Africa, travelling to the Caribbean, and landing in the UK. Equiano's journey, through Transatlantic Trade, took the same direction, culminating in him buying his liberation with savings he'd made through selling rum. Eventually settling in London, Equiano was one of the first African writers to have his work published by a major publisher. His powerful memoirs went on to impact the freedom of people all over the world, freedom that many of us enjoy, but that many are still fighting for, making his story as relevant to global conversation today as it was in the 1700's. Equiano Rum takes great pride in his name adorning their bottle and as an industry first, will be giving 5% of global company profits to ground level freedom and equality projects annually. In fact, $2 of every bottle sold through www.equianorum.com will go directly into the Equiano Foundation who announce their chosen charity later this year. Equiano starts its journey at Gray's distillery in Mauritius, where the Rum is made from local molasses and barreled for a minimum of 10 years in a combination of French Limousin Oak and ex-Cognac casks, giving the liquid complexity and depth of flavor. It is then sent to the Barbados to be married and vatted with rum from the award-winning Foursquare Distillery; Rum that has been barreled in American oak casks that had previously aged Bourbon. Richard's rums are a mix of column and artisanal copper pot still and are famed for their butterscotch and caramel notes. The carefully crafted liquid marries the two distinct components from each 'terroir' to make a one-of-a-kind naturally flavored rum. So much so, that Equiano is a limited batch liquid, with each new edition having its only subtle nuances and personality. Equiano can be purchased at www.equianorum.com for $59.99. Press Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Equiano Rum Related Links http://www.equianorum.com Canadian Pacific Railway Limiteds CP reduced costs are helping it better deal with the low-volume scenario, thanks to coronavirus. The companys operating expenses dipped 1.2% year over year in the first quarter. Consequently, operating ratio (operating expenses as a percentage of revenues) improved to 59.2% in the quarter from 69.3% in the year-ago period. The low costs are a result of the precision-scheduled railroading model, an operating structure that reduces costs, enhances services and leads to optimal asset utilization. Despite coronavirus-induced softness in some segments, the companys freight revenues rose 15.9% year over year in the first quarter. With this, the top and the bottom lines increased in double digits. With economies having opened up since May, volumes are likely to improve going forward and in turn, drive revenues. Canadian Pacifics acquisition of Central Maine & Quebec (CMQ) Railway network should foster growth. Apart from strengthening the companys presence, the buyout enhances customer experience by providing smooth, secure and efficient access to the ports at Searsport, ME, and Saint John, New Brunswick via Eastern Maine Railway Company (EMRY) and New Brunswick Southern Railway (NBSR). This month, the company completed acquisition of the Central Maine & Quebec Railway US Inc. Combining CMQ Canada and CMQ US, Canadian Pacific is a 13,000-mile rail network connecting the Atlantic coast to the Pacific coast across six Canadian provinces and 11 U.S. states. Canadian Pacific Railway Limited Price and Consensus Canadian Pacific Railway Limited Price and Consensus Canadian Pacific Railway Limited price-consensus-chart | Canadian Pacific Railway Limited Quote Although Canadian Pacific has temporarily suspended share buybacks since March to address coronavirus-related challenges, we expect the company to resume such activities once the volume scenario improves. With businesses having opened up and operations picking up, that might not be very long. Notably, during the first quarter, the company repurchased shares worth $468 million. Amid these positives, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-quarter earnings has been revised upward 4.1% in the last 60 days. The same for 2020 earnings has been moved approximately 1% northward. Against this buoyant backdrop, we believe the time is ripe for investors to add the Canadian Pacific stock to their portfolios now, as is suggested by its Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Other Key Picks Some other top-ranked stocks in the broader Transportation sector are Scorpio Tankers Inc. STNG, Teekay Tankers Ltd. TNK and Frontline Ltd FRO. While Scorpio Tankers and Frontline sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Teekay Tankers carries a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Scorpio Tankers current-year earnings has been revised upward by 55% in the past 60 days. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Frontlines current-year earnings has been revised 17.1% upward in the past 60 days. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Teekay Tankers current-year earnings has been revised 27.1% upward in the past 60 days. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was hand-picked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in 2020. Each comes from a different sector and has unique qualities and catalysts that could fuel exceptional growth. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >> 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 Canadian Pacific Railway Limited (CP) : Free Stock Analysis Report Frontline Ltd. (FRO) : Free Stock Analysis Report Teekay Tankers Ltd. (TNK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Scorpio Tankers Inc. (STNG) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research After closing all of its parks to slow the spread of the coronavirus, Disney (NYSE:DIS) is now beginning to reopen. Its Shanghai park allowed guests to start visiting again in May, with limited capacity, and tickets sold out in a matter of minutes. Further, it announced it is reopening Disney World in Florida July 11 and Disneyland in California July 17. However, Florida is reporting an increase in COVID-19 cases, and there is a chance that Disney may decide to postpone opening the gates at Disney World. Additionally, labor unions in Los Angeles are reporting that workers are feeling anxious about returning to work at Disneyland amid a growing number of cases in Los Angeles and Orange County. If there is an announcement to delay reopening a park, that will likely send the stock price lower. Let's take a look at why that would be a buying opportunity for long term investors looking to buy shares in Disney. Parks will not be firing on all cylinders for some time Disney parks are a great asset; in 2019 the segment that includes parks generated 45% of total operating income for the company. However, this segment's short-term outlook remains highly uncertain. Given the increase of infections around the Orlando and Los Angeles areas, it's likely that the market is pricing in some probability of a delay in reopening. If that does happen, it will not have nearly as negative an impact on revenue as the initial closing did. That's because parks are going to be run at a constrained capacity level for some time to allow for social distancing. For example, in Shanghai, the park is only allowing 30% of total capacity. The loss in revenue from delaying a park that is expecting to reopen at 30% will be from 30% to 0%. Much less than the shock an initial closing, when capacity went from 100% to 0%. Disney has demonstrated pricing power, and it can flex this power in the aftermath of COVID. In 2018, the price of a ticket to Disney World was $119. That same ticket in 2006 was $67. Still, with limited capacity available, and the pent-up demand, it can likely continue to raise prices without losing too many customers. Streaming is the key to Disney's growth in the long term As of its most recent update, Disney+ has 54.5 million subscribers, and Hulu has 32 million subscribers. What's more, it is still in the middle of the international expansion of the services. Disney+ launched in Japan in June and is expanding to the Nordics, Portugal, Belgium, and Latin America this year. Meanwhile, Hulu is not yet available anywhere outside of the U.S. In the first-quarter quarter conference call, the CEO at the time Bob Iger, in response to an analyst question, said, "So we don't have specifics except we do plan to begin rolling Hulu out. I'd say probably in 2021 internationally that is after the Disney+ launch." The average Hulu subscriber pays $12.06 monthly, which is much higher than the average Disney+ subscriber, who pays $5.63. In contrast, the average Netflix subscriber pays $10.87. To give you a glimpse of the market potential, Netflix has 182 million subscribers worldwide. Further, the services allow it to collect vast amounts of data on the viewing habits of people. Disney can then use this data to optimize its offerings throughout all of its segments -- a benefit that's not available to Netflix. What this means for investors An increase in the share of revenue coming from its streaming services may cause its stock price to trade at higher price-to-earnings multiples. Using a blended approach, the percent of revenue coming from services can be assigned a higher multiple. In contrast, the percentage that comes from its legacy business can continue to trade at its historical average multiple. An investor buying the stock when it dips on an announcement of delayed reopening will benefit from the gradual return to normalcy and an increased proportion of revenue coming from services over time. Facebook-owned messaging app WhatsApp has said its payments service is on track for launch in India. The confirmation comes after WhatsApp Pay was suspended within a week of its launch in Brazil on the grounds of preserving a competitive environment. WhatsApp told The Times of India (TOI) that it is working with local banks and regulators to launch WhatsApp Pay in India. The payments service has been in beta stages for over two years over regulatory issues. Moneycontrol could not independently verify the report. Previously, the central government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) expressed concerns over some of WhatsApps compliance around data processing. WhatsApp, last week, told the Supreme Court that it is now fully compliant with the RBIs data regulation norms. The governments green signal is awaited as relevant regulatory work is completed. Even as we continue to work with our local partners and the central bank in Brazil, we remain committed to launching WhatsApp Payments in India. UPI is a lighthouse model for the rest of the world, with local banks and institutions driving innovation on a local stack that is capable of delivering financial services for all, a WhatsApp spokesperson said. The statement comes after the Competition Commission of India (CCI) cleared Facebooks $5.7 million investment in Reliances Jio Platforms. Facebook is likely to integrate WhatsApp Pay with JioMart to get offline merchants onboard. Google Pay, one of the leading payments services in India, is also planning to roll out a credit feature for small and medium enterprises by year-end. Currently, WhatsApp, which has over 400 million users in India, is restricted to 1 million users for the testing of its Payments services US officials believe as many as 20 million Americans have contracted the coronavirus, suggesting millions had the virus and never knew it. During a Thursday press briefing, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Dr Robert Redfield said he believes that for every one confirmed infection, there are about 10 that haven't been diagnosed. In other words, there are likely times as many infections as the 2.3 million cases that have been confirmed. It comes as the Trump administration works to tamp down nationwide concern about the COVID-19 pandemic as about a dozen states are seeing worrisome increases in cases. During the briefing, officials also updated their list of people who are at risk for severe coronavirus infection, including those with kidney disease, obesity, heart conditions, type 2 diabetes and sickle cell disease, as well as pregnant women. The agency has also removed its age-specific warning for coronavirus, saying that, instead of those over 65, risks simply increase with age. The administration also looks to get its scientific experts back before the public more as it tries to allay anxieties about the pandemic while states begin reopening. Since mid-May, when the government began stressing the need to get the economy moving again, the panels public health experts have been far less visible than in the pandemic's early weeks. As alarming surges in coronavirus cases are seen in Texas, Florida and Arizona, the CDC's update (only its second since it broke its three-month silence), expands both the number of Americans at-risk for coronavirus infection, and the number of people estimated to already have COVID-19. Based on diagnostic and antibody testing, the CDC now estimates that as many as 20 million Americans have been infected with coronavirus. Twenty million infections would mean about six percent of the nation's 331 million people have been infected, leaving a majority of the population still susceptible to the virus. Previously, officials at the CDC and the nation's top infectious-disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, have said that as many as 25 percent of infected people might not have symptoms. The new estimate is based on CDC studies of blood samples collected nationwide. Many infections were not caught in early testing, when supplies were limited and federal officials prioritized testing for those with symptoms. Administration officials are pointing to the new data to allay public anxieties, claiming that while there have been significant spikes, they have the outbreaks well in hand. President Donald Trump, who refuses to wear a face mask in public, has been playing down the virus threat, insisting recently that 'it'd fading away, it's going to fade away.' Senior administration officials maintained they were not trying to minimize a public health crisis - a statement echoed by Dr Redfield during Thursday's briefing. Officials on the call admitted that up to half of the cases reported to them by Texas and Florida have been among young people, and some 35 percent of those are asymptomatic. Dr Redfield said the agency is very concerned with the case increases, but is still going no further than to advise people to assess their risks and minimize their potential exposures accordingly. But in separate statements US officials insisted the nation was in a markedly different place with the virus now than when the nation last saw similar infection numbers in mid-April, when testing infrastructure was weaker. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter candidly. CDC director Dr Robert Redfield echoed the latest estimate of total cases, estimating that for every case reported there are likely 10 more infections. Pictured: Dr Redfield, pictured during his testimony before Congress on Wednesday The administration officials did not provide full results of their blood samples collections, and several independent experts said the methods and locations of sampling are key to interpreting their meaning. Dr Thomas Tsai, a Harvard University health policy researcher, said 20 million seems reasonable, but 'most of these estimates exist in a range' and it's important to know how wide that is. 'It's hard to interpret this just from a single number and without the context for it,' such as what locations were sampled and whether it was truly a random slice of a population or areas of low or high prevalence, which can skew the results. Despite the phaseout of daily White House coronavirus briefings, the administration has been closely monitoring data on the spread of COVID-19 and has been deploying teams from the CDC to identify and stem outbreaks around the country. A dozen states in recent weeks have seen a worrisome uptick in new cases, as well as in the more critical measure of the percentage of positive cases discovered in tests performed. The new estimate of 20 million Americans infected with coronavirus is based upon a nationally representative sample of antibody tests, the CDC said Seven states have seen more than 10 percent of tests come back positive. And troublesome spikes in Sun Belt states have dominated news coverage in recent days, to the consternation of Trump administration officials. They point instead to more nuanced county-level data, which shows positivity rates exceeding 10 percent in just three percent of the nations counties. Yet they acknowledge that some of the areas with the highest transmission rates are generally the most populous, suggesting tens of millions of Americans could be living in areas with spiking infections. As states reopen, the administration says it is up to governors and local officials to determine how to respond to the spikes. Texas GOP Governor Greg Abbott, for example, recommended that most residents remain home for their safety, as his state sees virus infections increasing in major metro areas. The CDC teams, officials said, are working to trace new outbreaks and reinforce protective measures like social distancing and mask wearing in hard-hit areas and to remind vulnerable populations to take extreme precautions. The administration says those efforts have helped slow new infections in North Carolina and Alabama, where they were deployed earlier this month. One of the hard-hit areas is Phoenix, where Trump held an event Tuesday with thousands of young attendees, nearly all of whom were maskless. The officials say the nature of the outbreak now is different than months ago, when deaths topped more than 1,000 per day for weeks and hospitals were stretched beyond capacity across the country. The new increase in positive cases, they said, is capturing what has long been there. They say it is only now showing up in data because the U.S. has increased testing and surveillance. Meanwhile, mortality data has steadily declined, as have hospitalizations in all but a few hot spots. To the administration officials, that reinforces their hypothesis that millions unknowingly had the virus earlier this year. Through early May, federal guidelines prioritized testing for symptomatic people, those exposed to a positive case and those in high-risk environments. With testing far more widespread now, officials believe 50% of new cases in Florida and Texas are among people ages 35 or younger, and most of them are asymptomatic. The White House removes states with limited spread of COVID-19, like Hawaii and Wyoming, from its list of places of concern, despite their high percentage increases, because they are seeing just several dozen cases. The U.S. is testing about 500,000 patients per day. On a per capita basis, the U.S. rate falls behind several other countries, including Spain, Australia, Russia and Iceland, according to figures from Johns Hopkins University. There is no scientific consensus on the rate of testing needed to control the virus. But many experts say the U.S. should be testing roughly 1 million to 3 million people daily to catch new cases and prevent flareups. Administration officials said they expect to be able to run 20-40 million tests per month beginning this fall. Testing is constrained by laboratory supplies needed to run the tests but also lack of demand for tests in some areas. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Robin Emmott and Luke Baker (Reuters) Brussels, Belgium/London, United Kingdom Thu, June 25, 2020 09:00 577 6657ac82168da9fa101c8a406617417e 2 World Europe,Israel,Israel-Palestine-conflict,Israel-annexation,Palestine,West-Bank Free Any Israeli move to annex parts of the West Bank would be "fatal" for Middle East peace hopes and must be prevented, if necessary with countermeasures, more than 1,000 lawmakers from across Europe said in a letter to European governments. The June 23 letter, signed by 1,080 lawmakers from 25 countries and made public on Wednesday, raises parliamentary concerns about US President Donald Trump's Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. The signatories said annexation would break international law. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set July 1 as the date for the start of cabinet discussions on moving forward on annexation, in line with Trump's plan that envisages Israeli sovereignty over 30% of the West Bank and Palestinian statehood under strict conditions. "Such a move [annexation] will be fatal to the prospects of Israeli-Palestinian peace and will challenge the most basic norms guiding international relations," the letter said. "Acquisition of territory by force has no place in 2020," said the lawmakers, who included members of parliament from Hungary and the Czech Republic, two countries sympathetic to Israel and to Trump's Jan. 28 peace plan. The plan offers US recognition of Israel's settlements dotted across the West Bank, and Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley -- land captured in the 1967 Middle East war and claimed by Palestinians for a future state. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in 2014 and the Palestinians see annexations as an illegal land grab. The United Nations Security Council has said settlements violate international law. Israel disputes this, citing biblical, historical and political connections to the land. The European lawmakers called for "commensurate consequences" if Israel, which has more than 400,000 settlers in the West Bank, went ahead with annexation -- a reference to possible economic, trade or other sanctions. "Failure to adequately respond would encourage other states with territorial claims," the letter said. Netanyahu has dismissed criticism of the annexation plans. He says that extending Israeli sovereignty to Jewish settlements in the West Bank will bring peace closer once critics of the move recognize that hundreds of thousands of settlers in the area will remain under any future deal. Internal documents and Reuters interviews with more than two dozen diplomats and officials showed there is no clear EU strategy on how to stop Israel's plan or how to respond in a meaningful way if annexation goes ahead. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier speaks at a May 28 rally at City Hall organized by the Philadelphia Coalition for Affordable Communities to demand the restoration of housing funding in the city budget. Read more For months, tenants, advocates, and city officials have repeatedly asked the city to do all it can to prevent Philadelphians from becoming homeless en masse during the pandemic, a time when the city has asked residents to stay in their homes to slow the spread of the coronavirus. With Philadelphia facing a roughly $749 million revenue shortfall because of the pandemic in the fiscal year that starts Wednesday, July 1, Mayor Jim Kenney proposed cuts to the citys budget. Among those cuts was funding for various housing initiatives, including the development of low-income housing, eviction prevention, and financial assistance for first-time home buyers. City residents have been calling for cuts in the citys police budget and echoing nationwide calls to spend more on social services, including housing. Last week, City Council restored some of the funding for housing, the arts, and adult education in the revised budget, which councilmembers approved Thursday. The mass protests weve seen over the past few weeks have really changed the political weather and put a big spotlight on how the city is spending money, said Emma Boorboor, organizing director at the Womens Community Revitalization Project, which develops and advocates for low-income housing. The organization is a member of the Philadelphia Coalition for Affordable Communities, which organized a May 28 protest outside City Hall to demand housing funding. Much of the restored funding to keep Philadelphians housed involves an eviction prevention program and a housing fund that advocates argued are essential. Heres where that money goes. Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project The Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project, a collaboration of six service providers that the city created in 2018, provides legal representation, financial counseling, and other resources to tenants facing eviction. The project was facing up to a 75% cut to its $2.1 million budget, but it got to keep all of its funding. READ MORE: Advocates, officials try to prevent Phillys coming wave of coronavirus evictions The program provides information to tenants and unrepresented landlords and grew out of a mayoral task force on eviction prevention. Visits to the projects website, phillytenant.org, have skyrocketed since the pandemic, said Rachel Garland, managing attorney in the housing unit at Community Legal Services. Many struggling tenants havent received unemployment benefits and some havent received stimulus checks, she said. People facing evictions are overwhelmingly Black and women with children. Tenants assisted by the project are more likely to win their eviction cases. Last week, City Council unanimously voted to pass a bill that would create an eviction diversion program, which would require tenants and landlords to go through mediation before landlords seek eviction in court. Garland said the diversion program will complement the work of the Philadelphia Eviction Prevention Project. READ MORE: City Council passes housing bills to help Philly renters during the pandemic The Housing Trust Fund The Housing Trust Fund helps create low-income housing and homes adapted for people with special needs and provides rent subsidies and mortgage assistance. The budget restores the $20 million annual contribution to the Housing Trust Fund the mayor had promised as part of a five-year plan to infuse the fund with $100 million. In response to the pandemic, Kenney had proposed cutting city contributions and relying on federal funds. The fund gets some of its money from deed recording fees, revenue the city projects will decrease because of the pandemic. Proposed cuts included funds for home repairs and modifications, the rehabilitation of existing rental homes and the development of new ones, and assistance for first-time home buyers. READ MORE: Tenants and landlords in Pa. and N.J. are seeking rental assistance to fend off evictions Even with federal money, the fund is only going to scratch the surface of the need, especially since many people are struggling during the pandemic, said Beth McConnell, policy director at the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations. As one example, she pointed to the citys pandemic rental assistance program, for which almost 13,000 people applied and 4,000 will receive help. We are so grateful our champions in City Council pushed back and fought to keep those Housing Trust Fund dollars in the budget, McConnell said. Boorboor called the current moment a perfect political storm to then get the pressure that we needed to get City Council and the mayor to restore the funding to the Housing Trust Fund. READ MORE: 13,000 Philadelphians applied for pandemic rental assistance. Funds ran out after 4,000. The fund serves people who already were struggling to meet their needs, including households with the lowest incomes, people with disabilities, and seniors, she said. The Womens Community Revitalization Project, which gets funding from the city and distributes rent subsidies, owns roughly 300 rental units for tenants whose average income is less than $15,000 a year, she said. She noted that many people who live in nursing homes, places hit hardest by the coronavirus, do so because they lack affordable, accessible housing options. When being housed at this moment is a matter of life and death, Boorboor said, its not the time to cut housing funds. Srinagar, June 25 : One terrorist was killed in an encounter at Hardshiva, Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Thursday, officials said. According to details, a joint team of army, police and the CRPF laid a cordon of the area on the basis of a specific intelligence input during the night. As the security forces tightened the cordon, the hiding terrorists fired at them triggering the encounter at the first light. Hollywood Actor Johnny Depp begged his assistant to get him 'happy pills' and 'whitey stuff' days before he is alleged to have assaulted ex-wife Amber Heard in a 'three-day hostage situation', the High Court has today heard. In the latest twist in his libel battle with British tabloid newspaper, The Sun, lawyers for the paper have sensationally asked High Court judges to throw out the star's claim, alleging the 57-year-old failed to disclosure texts which allegedly show him trying to buy drugs in Australia. The Pirates of the Caribbean actor is suing the tabloid's publisher, News Group Newspapers (NGN), and its executive editor, Dan Wootton, over an article in April 2018 which referred to the star as a 'wife-beater'. The article related to allegations made his by ex-partner, actress Amber Heard, 34, that he was violent towards her during their marriage. Depp strenuously denies the allegations. He is suing Ms Heard in a separate libel case in the US. Johnny Depp (pictured right), 57, is suing the tabloid's publisher, News Group Newspapers (NGN), and its executive editor, Dan Wootton, over the article in April 2018 which referred to the star as a 'wife-beater. Following claims by his ex-wife, actress Amber Heard, 34, that he was violent towards her during their marriage. Depp strenuously denies the allegations The UK libel trial, set to take place in July at the High Court in London, has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. But at a hearing today, NGN's lawyers said Mr Depp's claim should be struck out, claiming he deliberately withheld text messages they say show him trying to obtain 'MDMA and other narcotics' while in Australia in 2015. NGN's barrister, Adam Wolanski QC, told the court that his client had recently obtained a series of text messages between Mr Depp and his assistant Nathan Holmes from Ms Heard's American lawyers. Mr Wolanski said that on March 7, Mr Depp texted Mr Holmes: 'May I be ecstatic again?' The barrister said that was 'a reference to ecstasy' and that the use of the word 'again' meant it was 'a request for further ecstasy'. On the same day, Mr Depp texted Mr Holmes to say 'need more whitey stuff ASAP', which Mr Wolanski said 'must be a reference to cocaine'. Mr Wolanski said subsequent texts showed Mr Depp's 'increasing exasperation about the fact that he doesn't have any drugs there and then'. Mr Depp texted Mr Holmes to say: 'F**king give me the goddamn numbers, I will take care of this s**t, don't bother.' Later, Mr Depp texted Mr Holmes to say he did not want anyone to 'lecture' him about drugs. Mr Wolanski told the court that it was Ms Heard's case that it was her 'lecturing him (Mr Depp) about drugs that set him off'. Adam Wolanski said the 'Australia drugs texts' were highly relevant to the case, saying: 'It is the defendants' case that drugs and alcohol had an influence on the claimant's behaviour towards Ms Heard.' He referred to 'the Australia episode' in March 2015, described as 'a three-day hostage situation', in which Johnny Depp is said to have 'subjected Amber Heard to... a three-day ordeal of physical assaults'. Mr Wolanski said Mr Depp's 'rage on that occasion was triggered by Ms Heard seeing him use drugs and challenging him about his use of drugs'. Mr Depp (right) has brought separate libel proceedings against Ms Heard (left) in the US, which the court has previously heard are 'ongoing' Ms Heard claims she 'confronted' Mr Depp after he 'took out a bag of MDMA' and said it was 'not on his 'not allowed' list'. She alleges Mr Depp then 'pushed, slapped her and shoved her to the ground' before she 'retreated to a locked bedroom'. NGN's barrister told the court that Mr Depp said: 'I did not take MDMA or any other drugs in early March 2015 at the time to which the allegation refers... nor did Ms Heard find a bag of MDMA pills at the time.' Mr Depp said that, on the second day of their 2015 visit to Australia, Ms Heard was 'screaming at me abusively' and that he 'can't remember exactly what she was saying under the stress of the situation'. But Adam Wolanski referred to Amber Heard's evidence that Mr Depp, by the second day in Australia, had taken most of the '10 or so' pills she had seen and was 'drinking Jack Daniel's from the bottle'. Ms Heard claimed Mr Depp then took more of the pills and 'chased them down with red wine... from the bottle'. Referring to an incident in which Mr Depp severed the top of a finger, Ms Heard said she would be 'very surprised' if the actor could remember events because he was in such a state, Mr Wolanski told the court. In her evidence, she said: 'He was completely out of his mind and out of control.' However, the barrister said Mr Depp 'expressly denies' that he took MDMA, that Ms Heard found pills and that there was any conversation between them about the drugs during that time in Australia. Mr Depp 'expressly denies' that he took MDMA, that Ms Heard found pills and that there was any conversation between them about the drugs during that time in Australia. Mr Wolanksi referred to texts between Mr Depp and Mr Holmes on February 27, in which Mr Depp said: 'We should have more happy pills - can you?' The barrister added that 'happy pills' was 'obviously a reference to MDMA'. He continued that, after Mr Holmes said he could get them, Mr Depp responded: 'Woo hoo.' Mr Wolanski said the exchange showed 'Mr Depp asking Mr Holmes to supply him with ecstasy pulls just days before the incident in Australia'. He also referred to messages sent on March 2, 2015, 'just before the first day of the Australia 'three-day hostage-taking situation', as Ms Heard describes it'. Mr Depp texted Mr Holmes to ask 'where's the other one?', to which Mr Holmes replied: 'There was 2g in that jar.' Mr Wolanski said: 'That is a reference to grams, grams of coke.' NGN's barrister told the court that 'the failure to disclose them (the texts) in this case was a clear breach' of a previous court order requiring Mr Depp to provide all documents from separate libel proceedings against Ms Heard in the US. He added: 'We want to deal with the claim on its merits, but the claim cannot be dealt with on its merits unless the claimant plays by the rules and complies with his disclosure obligations.' 'In this case, there have been repeated and serious shortcomings in the claimant's disclosure.' However, the actor's barrister, David Sherborne, said the libel case was 'not about Mr Depp asking for drugs', while the actor said in a witness statement he had been 'open about challenges with alcoholism and addiction' throughout his life. Mr Sherborne, said: 'The issue in this case is whether the defendants can prove that the claimant committed serious domestic violence and put Ms Heard in fear. It is not about whether Mr Depp asks for drugs.' In his witness statement for the trial, Mr Depp said: 'I have been open about my challenges with alcoholism and addiction throughout my life. 'In fact, I started drinking and taking drugs when I was still a child. I am not in any way embarrassed to say this.' Mr Depp, who appears to be observing the virtual hearing, said his 'addiction over the years has been to Roxicodone pills, which are often referred to as 'Roxies' and which is one of the brand names for oxycodone which is is an opoid prescription painkiller'. He added: 'I have taken other drugs in my life and I did take other drugs during the course of our relationship but I never suffered with addiction from those drugs. Nor did any drug or alcohol ever make me undertake violence against anyone.' Lawyers for NGN and Mr Wootton (pictured) have described Ms James as a 'disaffected ex-employee' who was giving 'contentious and malicious evidence' Mr Depp also said he and Ms Heard 'took drugs together', including MDMA, magic mushrooms and cocaine, but that 'these were not common occurrences'. Mr Sherborne added that NGN 'had lost focus on what this claim is about and what the claimant has admitted - frankly - in his evidence'. The barrister told the court: 'The full trial of these appalling allegations, published in The Sun newspaper to millions of people, is of enormous importance to Mr Depp.' He added: 'It is time for the defendants to defend the allegations they published to millions of readers of their newspaper, and which they have persisted in very publicly throughout two years of litigation.' Following a previous hearing in May, the High Court allowed the statements of Mr Depp's former partners Vanessa Paradis and Winona Ryder, who both say he was 'never' violent to them, to be included. Mr Justice Nicol also ruled that parts of evidence provided by Ms Heard's former personal assistant Kate James, including an allegation that Ms Heard provided altered vaccination certificates for the couple's pet dogs, could form part of Mr Depp's case. In 2014, Ms Heard and Mr Depp recorded a now infamous video apologising for taking their Yorkshire terriers, Pistol and Boo, into Australia illegally. Ms Heard pleaded guilty to falsifying an immigration document to conceal the dogs in a private jet in 2014 and avoided jail under a deal which included appearing in the video warning others against breaking Australia's strict quarantine laws. Mr Sherborne previously told the court that Ms James, who worked for Ms Heard during the early years of her relationship with Mr Depp, claims Ms Heard asked her to lie about 'the Australia dogs episode'. Lawyers for NGN and Mr Wootton have described Ms James as a 'disaffected ex-employee' who was giving 'contentious and malicious evidence'. The three-week libel trial at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (pictured) - which was due to start in March, but was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic - is set to begin on July 7 The court has heard that Mr Depp intends to travel from his home in France to London to give evidence, while Ms Heard is believed to have already travelled to the UK from California. The libel claim against NGN and Mr Wootton arises out of publication of an article in The Sun in April 2018, under the headline: 'Gone Potty - How can JK Rowling be 'genuinely happy' casting wife-beater Johnny Depp in the new Fantastic Beasts film?' Mr Depp has brought separate libel proceedings against Ms Heard in the US, which the court has previously heard are 'ongoing'. The pair met on the set of 2011 comedy The Rum Diary and married in Los Angeles in February 2015. In May 2016, Ms Heard obtained a restraining order against Mr Depp after accusing him of abuse, which he denied. The couple settled their divorce out of court in 2017, with Ms Heard donating her seven million US dollars (5.5 million) settlement to charity. The three-week libel trial at the Royal Courts of Justice in London - which was due to start in March, but was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic - is set to begin on July 7. This may be the most pivotal moment for the Congressional Black Caucus in its nearly 50 years of existence. The group has never been more influential in Washington, now playing an outsize role among House Democrats and the broader party. Several CBC members are being vetted as possible vice presidential picks, and others are being talked about as future speakers. CBC members now chair four major House committees, with even more possible next year. And no major bill goes through the House without Democrats asking, What does the CBC say? Yet its also a tumultuous time to be Black in America, including for the CBC and the veteran lawmakers who make up its ranks. Black and minority communities have suffered inordinately from the coronavirus pandemic. The deaths of African Americans while in police custody continue to roil the nation and have turned Black Lives Matter into a global movement. And Congress once again appears to be paralyzed over how to confront police brutality and systemic racism. Its true, House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) said of the CBCs mounting influence in the current political landscape. But only because for the first time people are able to visualize what the CBC has been trying to talk about for a long time. All of a sudden, these [videos] are out there. And people are beginning to see what weve been seeing for a long, long time, Clyburn added. Clyburn, the highest ranking African American in Congress, was pivotal in helping secure the Democratic presidential nomination for Joe Biden with a decisive victory in the South Carolina primary. Black voters remain the bedrock of Bidens base heading into the November election. The videotaped killing of George Floyd and the huge outpouring of support for BLM has also brought to the forefront a much more aggressive group of progressive activists who are not satisfied with incrementalism. These activists are willing to tear down political shibboleths as much as theyre willing to tear down statues of once-venerated Americans. And that puts the CBC, not to mention the broader Democratic Party, in a political bind: They need to deliver results now. Story continues Rep. Karen Bass, who is in her second year as chair of the CBC, spent years as a civil rights activist in Los Angeles where she was sometimes harassed by the citys police officers before launching her political career in California. The five-term Democrat said she understands the pressure from protesters in the streets calling for more drastic action than whats in the policing bill being considered on the House floor Thursday. It is the role of an activist to push us as far as they can push us. It is our role to legislate, and that is a different role, Bass said in an interview. It takes an outside and an inside strategy to bring about change. We work on the inside, we know what is realistic. We are very committed to making a difference, and that is different than making a point. You can either make a point, or you can make a difference. Bass who saw her home city torn apart by riots after the Rodney King beating nearly 30 years ago said she and her colleagues in the CBC must craft a response that can actually pass, or risk squandering the chance entirely. Personally, I always want to do more. But again, I want to be successful with the legislation, Bass said. Bass and other members of the CBC said they recognize the immensity of this moment and the spotlight their caucus has after years of feeling like leaders in both parties didnt prioritize issues facing Black Americans. That includes some of the same policing measures that the House is preparing to pass, including a ban on chokeholds and language to make it easier to sue police officers for misconduct. We have had, for years, individual members of the Black Caucus who have submitted legislation, and it was kind of just, Yeah, yeah, we hear you. People sign on, but it doesn't go anywhere, said Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Mich.). Now, to actually see members of Congress look to us for leadership, look to us for direction, for advice, and counting on us to help get this right theres a tremendous amount of, I would say, pressure, I say that personally, that we make a difference and we get this right, Lawrence said. For some, the challenge is bigger than any in the CBCs history. Make no mistake, this is a CBC moment. This is what those founders wanted to have in place at a time of crisis, said Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.), a former chair of the group. We have been placed on center stage of this American racial and justice moment. Things are in place and we cannot flunk this moment, he added, noting the scores of young activists who continue to demonstrate across the country as they look to the CBC for guidance and change. The CBC had already been all hands on deck this spring, as members described it, as the coronavirus pandemic disproportionately hit Black communities. Its members were deeply involved in the Houses multitrillion dollar pandemic relief bills, pushing hard to ensure money went to the neediest families and to minority-owned businesses that already struggled with access to capital. Floyds death in late May and the national reckoning on race that has followed put the CBC even more squarely in focus. Clyburn, Bass and other senior Black Democrats immediately took the lead on the legislative response, with white lawmakers, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi, intentionally staying on the sidelines. In this moment, the CBC is known not only as the conscience of the Congress, but really, the place where action is happening. Its not just a moral compass question. It is, How do we act? How do we respond? Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) said in an interview. Still, the House bill faces slim odds of being passed in the Senate, which deadlocked over a narrower GOP proposal Wednesday. Real policing reform, Democrats say, may not come until after November if they can take back the White House and Senate a reality that may further frustrate activists. Meanwhile, the CBC has been undergoing its own changes, as its members and those of the House Democratic Caucus at large skew younger and more progressive. Some of the most prominent members of the organization John Conyers, Elijah Cummings and Charles Rangel have retired or died. The 80-year-old Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), a hero of the civil rights movement, has been battling pancreatic cancer. Yet after the 2018 elections, the CBCs ranks grew by nine, including trailblazing members from suburban Connecticut and upstate New York representing majority-white districts. The CBCs ranks are poised to grow even further in 2020, particularly as the scourge of anger over systemic racism begins to seep into this years elections. Several Black candidates saw an unexpected surge in Tuesdays primaries with several winning in landslides. Two candidates in New York are likely to become the first openly gay Black members of Congress. Among the successful Black candidates on Tuesday was Jamaal Bowman, a liberal challenger who appears to have knocked down 31-year incumbent Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.). This came despite Engels backing from the CBC. It wasnt unusual for the CBC to back Engel, a longtime white ally, over a Black candidate in his primary. Commitment to seniority has long been a bedrock CBC principle a necessary system, they argued, to ensure that Black lawmakers are able to assume their rightful leadership roles within the caucus, instead of being passed over for less senior white members, as in decades past. But that seniority system has been repeatedly questioned in recent years, with members no longer content to wait decades to become committee chairs or party leaders. And those younger members have questioned the value of a system that has kept some older Democrats in leadership positions long after they stop being effective just to maintain seniority. Most recently the issue has popped up on the campaign trail, with the CBC facing criticism for endorsing white incumbents over Black primary challengers. The CBC took heat for backing white Rep. Mike Capuano over Black challenger Ayanna Pressley in 2018, and once again in this cycle for supporting Engel over Bowman. Rep. Gregory Meeks, D-NY., gestures while speaking during Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's testimony at the House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, May 23, 2018. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), chairman of the CBCs campaign arm, staunchly defended the decision to support Engel and other white incumbents over Black challengers. Engel, Meeks said, has fought for years against police brutality in his Bronx district. And just because it is now a majority-minority district, that shouldnt automatically disqualify a white candidate, Meeks added. He went to jail, he fought he was out there supporting those issues in those times. So that means something, you dont throw that away, Meeks said. You judge a person based upon the merit of their service. So if you earn it, thats who we support. Other CBC members now say its endorsement policy should be reevaluated, even as they acknowledge the internal struggle over shunning a long-time Democrat who may have been a strong advocate for the Black community in support of a Black challenger. Were hard-pressed to say that we dont want someone because of the color of their skin to continue to serve. Having gone through so many times weve been excluded. It is hard, Lawrence added. But Lawrence said she would encourage the CBC to withhold endorsements in certain races in the future, for instance, if there is a qualified African American challenger running against an incumbent. Black candidates are running and fighting and qualified to run for office, said Lawrence, who fought in a tough primary herself before coming to Congress. We are going to have to look at that. By Associated Press DAKAR: Senegal's national television says President Macky Sall is going into quarantine after being exposed to someone who tested positive for the new coronavirus. The report late Wednesday said the 58-year-old Sall tested negative for a virus infection earlier in the day but will still self isolate. The report didn't identify the person who exposed the president. A month ago Sall's brother was treated for the virus. The news comes as concern mounts about COVID-19 in the West African nation, which now has more than 6,000 confirmed cases and 93 deaths. Four of the fatalities were announced Wednesday. The rise in cases comes after Senegal lifted restrictions on movement between cities and shortened the nightly curfew. Pakistan Prime Minister on June 25 called 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden a "martyr" during his speech in the National Assembly, reports suggest. #WATCH America came inside Pakistan and killed and martyred Osama Bin Laden. After which all the countries cursed us. Pakistan has faced humiliation for many years in war on terror, says Pak PM Imran Khan in National Assembly (Video Source: Pak media) pic.twitter.com/LbfmKDAs6a ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2020 "America came inside Pakistan and killed and martyred Osama Bin Laden. After which all the countries cursed us. Pakistan has faced humiliation for many years in war on terror," news agency ANI reported Khan as saying. Bin Laden was killed in Abbottabad, Pakistan in 2011 by US security forces. At the time of his death, the al-Qaeda chief was the world's most wanted terrorist. According to reports, even before Khan had become the Prime Minister, he had refused to call Bin Laden a terrorist. However, during his tour of the US in September last year, he had claimed that Pakistan had informed the US intelligence agencies regarding Bin Laden's whereabouts. He had, however, repeated that the US should not have undertaken a "covert" operation while keeping Pakistan in the dark. Help.org, a trusted online resource for individuals who struggle with addiction and their loved ones, has announced the Best Rehab Facilities in Louisville, Kentucky for 2020. The informational guide recognizes the top 10 rehab facilities based on cost, treatment options, location, accompanying services and more. According to recent studies, drug overdose is the leading cause of death among people under age 50. In Louisville, deaths related to opioid abuse increased significantly from 2011 to 2015. Substance abuse among adolescents is also escalating in Louisville with 55 percent of high school students reported using alcohol, 38 percent reported using marijuana, 8 percent reported using prescription drugs without a valid prescription, and 2 percent reported using heroin. With the growing need for accessible and high-quality rehab programs, Help.org has developed a unique ranking process to help connect individuals with treatment providers that meet their needs. The Help.org research team analyzed thousands of facilities across the country and then identified the most cost-effective and highest rated programs in larger cities like Louisville. Each facility was evaluated based on rehabilitation services, treatment approaches, cost, special programs for unique demographics and ancillary services. The website also provides information about drug use and side effects as well as educational articles. For a detailed listing of the Best Rehab Facilities in Louisville, Kentucky please visit https://www.help.org/drug-and-alcohol-rehab-centers-in-louisville-ky/ 2020 Best Rehab Facilities in Louisville, Kentucky (in alphabetical order) Cleanse Clinic 645 South Roy Wilkins Avenue Louisville, KY 40203 502-583-4092 Greater Louisville Counseling Center 332 West Broadway, Suite 905 Louisville, KY 40202 502-587-9737 Methadone/Opiate Rehabilitation and Education Center (MORE) 1448 South 15th Street Louisville, KY 40210 502-574-6414 The Healing Place Mens Campus 1020 West Market Street Louisville, KY 40202 502-585-4848 The Healing Place Womens Campus 1503 South 15th Street Louisville, KY 40210 502-585-4848 The Morton Center 1028 Barret Avenue Louisville, KY 40204 502-451-1221 ABOUT HELP.ORG Help.org is an online resource for individuals who struggle with addiction and their loved ones. The website provides the latest research through scientifically proven methods, community recovery resources as well as information about local financial assistance. Help.orgs team of researchers, activists and writers work together with addiction counselors and other professionals to offer useful and accurate resources to help individuals seeking recovery. To learn more, visit https://www.help.org/. By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, June 25 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump's administration is considering ending a long-standing system for congressional review of foreign weapons sales, congressional aides said on Thursday, a plan that would face stiff opposition from his fellow Republicans as well as Democrats. For four decades, leaders of the Senate Foreign Relations and House of Representatives Foreign Affairs committees have had the right to review, and block, weapons sales under an informal review process. The White House, frustrated over delays in sales to Saudi Arabia in particular, is considering whether to end that process, although it has not made a final decision. The administration's discussions were first reported by Foreign Policy. "There is a fear that has existed for quite a long time that the administration would end this," one aide told Reuters. Congressional aides said ending the review process was opposed by members of both parties in both the Republican-led Senate and Democratic-led House of Representatives. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. A year ago, Trump infuriated lawmakers by declaring a national emergency in order to complete $8 billion in military sales to Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. Members of Congress had delayed sales of military equipment to the region, angry about the war in Yemen as well as rights abuses like the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a Saudi consulate. Military aid was also integral to Trump's impeachment last year, which centered on whether he had held up such aid to Ukraine to exert political pressure on its government. Senator Bob Menendez, the top Foreign Relations Democrat, has placed "holds" on sales to Saudi Arabia, citing rights concerns. "The American public has a right to insist that the sales of U.S. weapons to foreign governments are consistent with U.S. values and national security objectives. Consequently, the Congress is charged with exercising effective oversight of such sales," Menendez said. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle Editing by Alistair Bell) Theres always that one person whos constantly keeping up with the latest fashion trends, and in the Kardashian clan, its the creative genius himself, Kanye West. Since the rapper knows a thing or two about style, hes always lending some advice to his wife, Kim Kardashian West, who he didnt consider fashionable when they met. But thanks to his fashion sense, West has upped the reality stars style, even if hes had some harsh words to say about her fashion choices along the way. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West | ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images Kanye West turned to technology to school his wife on fashion Back in the early aughts, Kardashian West and many other A-list celebrities were known for rocking the great staple accessory: oversize sunglasses. Though the large frames were part of her everyday style, as of late, the reality star has opted for more 90s inspired sunglasses. RELATED: This Is Kim Kardashians Best Stylist, According To The Reality Star Although the switch up was sudden, Kardashian abandoning her once-iconic frames was because of her husband, West, whod actually sent an email letting her know that teeny-tiny sunglasses were the new trend. During a 2018 episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, the mom of four revealed that West had sent her a message which had one particular request: the oversize sunnies she once donned while out and about Needed. To. Go. [Kanye] sent me a whole email like, You cannot wear big glasses anymore. Its all about tiny little glasses,' Kardashian said. He sent me like, millions of 90s photos with tiny little glasses like this. Kanye West wasnt a fan of Kim Kardashians style in the beginning Though Kardashian took her husbands suggestion on the sunglasses, that actually wasnt the first time hed given her straightforward style advice. During the early days of their relationship, West famously cleaned out Kardashians entire closet, purging everything he didnt think was cool enough. RELATED: Kanye West Has Had a Problem With Kim Kardashians Style Since They Met Although the reality star cried when the rapper threw away her beloved clothes and shoes, she still trusted his opinion. In the end, West helped the reality star redefine her image by replacing everything he tossed with high-end designer items from fashion brands she hadnt heard of, Givenchy and Lanvin among them. Since then, Kardashian has heeded Wests fashion advice whenever he gives it. Kardashians even admitted that her husband has inspired her to be a little more of an individual when it comes to fashion. The couple doesnt always agree on fashion trends Though Kardashian always takes Wests advice about her fashion choices into consideration, there have been times they havent been on the same style page. During a 2019 episode of KUWTK, the couple got into a heated spat over the KKWBeauty moguls Met Gala look. The argument took place right before the event when West told his wife that her skin-tight corset dress which took eight months to make looked too sexy. He added that he didnt want his wife and the mother of his children wearing something so revealing. RELATED: The Inspiration Behind Kim Kardashians Met Gala Look Unlike her closest makeover, Kardashian did not agree with this advice and was furious that West voiced his issues with the dress a day before fashions biggest night. So like the night before the event, youre going to come in here and say that youre not into a corset vibe? she said. You built me up to be this sexy person and confidence and all this stuff. Just Because youre on a journey and youre on your transformation doesnt mean Im in the same spot with you. Though West wasnt a fan of Kardashians dress, she still wore it to the Met Gala and looked amazing walking on the pink carpet. Today, West is likely still giving his wife fashion advice. Though they might not agree on every style choice Kardashian makes, it seems like they always come to a compromise. The popular Splash Mountain rides at Walt Disney World and Disneyland have long had a problematic association with the 1946 Disney movie musical Song of the South. Now, both attractions are getting a thematic redesign to embrace images from the 2009 Disney movie The Princess and the Frog. Disneys move comes after a petition to redesign the rides with a Princess and the Frog theme drew more than 20,000 signatures. The change is one of many made during a reckoning with systemic racism in the wake of widespread protests over police brutality and racial injustice. While the ride is considered a beloved classic (its) history and storyline are steeped in extremely problematic and stereotypical racist tropes, the petition said. The log flume ride opened in 1989 at Disneyland in Anaheim, California and in 1992 at the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World in Bay Lake, Florida. Disney shared an artist rendering Thursday of what the redesign could look like. The scene, inspired by the movie set in New Orleans and the Louisiana bayou, showcases Tiana, the first Black Disney princess. We pick up this story after the final kiss, and join Princess Tiana and Louis on a musical adventure featuring some of the powerful music from the film as they prepare for their first-ever Mardi Gras performance, Michael Ramirez, spokesman for Disneyland Resort, said in the Disney Parks blog. The new concept is inclusive one that all of our guests can connect with and be inspired by, and it speaks to the diversity of the millions of people who visit our parks each year, he said. Charita Carter, senior creative producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, will lead the redesign. It is really exciting to know that Princess Tianas presence in both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom will finally be fully realized, actress Anika Noni Rose, who played Tiana in the movie, said in a statement. Song of the South was based on adaptations of Uncle Remus stories from Joel Chandler Harris. Splash Mountain used characters from the movie, like Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox. In 1948, James Baskett became the first African American male actor to win an Academy Award when he received an honorary Oscar for his performance as Uncle Remus in Song of the South. The movie also won the Oscar for best original song for Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah. Because of its racist depictions, the film has remained in the Disney vault 1986 was its most recent release. The company has not made the movie available on home video in the United States and did not include the film when it launched its Disney Plus streaming service in November. Walt Disney World parks are set to reopen starting July 11 after a shutdown during the coronavirus pandemic. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Send a coronavirus tip here. Jack Abramoff, the disgraced lobbyist whose corruption became a symbol of the excesses of Washington influence peddling, is set to return to jail for violating the law that was amended in response to his earlier crimes, law enforcement officials said on Thursday. Prosecutors said Mr. Abramoff, 62, is the first person charged with flouting the Lobbying Disclosure Act, which was amended in 2007 after details of his earlier scheme, one of the biggest corruption scandals in modern times, emerged. He pleaded guilty to the lobbying violations and to criminal conspiracy for secretive and misleading work he did on behalf of cryptocurrency and marijuana projects, according to court documents. Prosecutors in San Francisco said that in 2017, Mr. Abramoff secretly agreed to seek changes in federal law and met with members of Congress on behalf of the marijuana industry without registering as a lobbyist. Abramoff was aware of the obligations to register as a lobbyist in part because Congress amended provisions of the Lobbying Disclosure Act in 2007 in part as a reaction to Abramoffs past conduct as a lobbyist, court documents said. A Scottsdale City Council member who said "I can't breathe" while wearing a face mask and addressing a crowd of protesters opposed to coronavirus rules has apologized. Councilman Guy Phillips said "I can't breathe" twice before taking off his mask at the rally Wednesday, video shows. Those are the same words George Floyd, a Black man, said while pleading with a white police officer who was kneeling on his neck in Minneapolis before he died May 25. The officer seen kneeling on Floyd's neck and three other officers have been fired and criminally charged. Floyd's death and video of the incident set off protests against racial injustice and calls for police reform across the country, including in Arizona. "I can't breathe" has been chanted and repeated often by protesters. Image: Scottsdale Councilman Guy Phillips (KPNX) "It was a stupid and insensitive comment that I shouldnt have made, and I had no intention of disrespecting anybody while making that comment," Phillips, who began his second term in 2017, said in a phone interview with NBC affiliate KPNX of Phoenix. Phillips said he intended to show how restrictive masks are and not to mock Floyd, KPNX reported. Phillips also apologized to Floyd's family, The Arizona Republic reported. "I am sorry about a comment I made today that was the same comment Mr. Floyd had made. He didn't deserve what happened to him, and I by no means was trying to make light of it by saying I can't breathe in a mask," Phillips said. "Please accept my sincerest apology and that goes out to anyone who became offended." The council member did not respond to a request seeking comment from NBC News on Wednesday night. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey condemned Phillips' remarks. "Just flat out wrong. Despicable doesnt go far enough. The final words of George Floyd should NEVER be invoked like this. Anyone who mocks the murder of a fellow human has no place in public office. Period," Ducey tweeted. Story continues Scottsdale Mayor W.J. "Jim" Lane called Phillips' comments "do not represent the values of our Scottsdale community." "I share the profound disappointment expressed by many residents at the words Mr. Phillips chose to use the phrase 'I cant breathe' during this moment in time was callous and insensitive," Lane said in a statement. "I sincerely hope he understands how wrong that was and offers a sincere apology. Masks have been mandated in areas of Arizona, where coronavirus cases have been climbing. Infections have been rising in Maricopa County, where Scottsdale is, as well. Scottsdale's mayor last week issued an emergency proclamation requiring people to wear face coverings to help slow the spread of the virus. Face coverings are required in grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants and other places. Maricopa County also ordered a countywide mask requirement. The Maricopa County health department says the number of people diagnosed with the disease caused by the virus, COVID-19, has been steadily increasing each day because there is increased spread in the community. As of Wednesday, 34,993 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Maricopa County with 654 deaths, according to the county health department. Maricopa County, home to Scottsdale and Phoenix and others, has the highest number of COVID-19 cases in the state by far, according to data on the state health department website. Statewide, there have been nearly 60,000 cases and 1,463 deaths. In the United States, there have been more than 2.39 million cases of COVID-19, with more than 122,500 deaths linked to the disease, according to an NBC News count. This year's survey consists of two parts: a "primary" survey of 18,426 millennials and Gen Zs across 43 countries conducted between November 2019 and early January 2020, and a "pulse" survey of 9,102 individuals over 13 countries taken between April and May of 2020 in the midst of the worldwide pandemic. Many questions from the first study were repeated to gauge the effect of the pandemic on opinions. "The COVID-19 pandemic has radically shifted our way of lifehow we work, socialize, shop, and moreand young generations were especially impacted," says Michele Parmelee, Deloitte Global Chief People and Purpose Officer. "However, despite uncertain and discouraging conditions, millennials and Gen Zs express impressive resiliency and a resolve to improve the world. As we rebuild our economies and society, young people will be critical in shaping the world that emerges." The report highlights how the consequences of the pandemic have drastically affected the careers of young workers. At the time of polling, almost 30% of Gen Zs and nearly a quarter of younger millennials (25-30 years old) said they had either lost their jobs or been placed on temporary, unpaid leave. Only a third of millennials and 38% of Gen Zs taking the pulse survey said their employment and income status had been unaffected. The picture that emerges from this year's survey is complicated but hopeful: Even in the midst of crisis, millennials and Gen Zs are recommitting to improving society, pushing for a world in which businesses and governments mirror their own commitments. The pandemic has increased empathy and eagerness to make a positive impact % in pulse survey who agree Stress and mental wellnessoften amplified by work and financial concernsremain critical issues Prior to the pandemic, 52% of Gen Zs and 50% of millennials in the 13 countries that were surveyed twice said they were stressed all or most of the time. Respondents cited family welfare, long-term finances, and job prospects as primary sources of stress. Interestingly, stress levels fell eight points for both generations in the second survey, possibly indicating that the slowdown of life in lockdown may have reduced stress levels. This is backed by a recent Deloitte UK study of over 2,000 UK workers, which found that 48% of employed and self-employed Londoners say the lockdown has had a positive or very positive impact on their wellbeing. Despite the slight declines seen in the pulse survey, stress and mental wellness remain critical issues for young generations and these issues are manifested in work settings. Approximately one-third of millennials and Gen Zs took time off work due to stress before the pandemic, though around half told their employers it was for a different reason. Encouragingly, flexible working arrangementswhich were widely implemented as a result of the pandemicmay present one solution. Sixty-nine percent of millennials and 64% of Gen Zs agreed having the option to work from home in the future would relieve stress. Financial concerns are a particularly acute stressor for millennials, many of whom began their careers in the wake of the Great Recession and now face another downturn. In the primary survey, more millennials (50%) believed their financial situations will worsen or stagnate in the next year than improve (42%). When analyzing results from only the 13 countries included in the pulse survey, 61% of millennial respondents conveyed the same lack of optimism during the pandemic, a seven percentage-point jump from the primary survey. Still, there is some short-term optimism as more than half of millennials in the pulse survey, and nearly half of Gen Zs, say they have savings of roughly three months of income, which may help them as the financial ramifications of the pandemic come to bear. Determination to improve the worldand expecting others to follow suit Younger generations take the issue of social purpose as a personal calling. In the pulse survey, respondents indicated they were taking "socially conscious" actions to benefit the planet and society. The COVID-19 crisis may have reinforced these inclinations, as nearly three-fourths said the pandemic has made them more sympathetic to the needs of others, and that they will take action to positively impact their communities. Millennials and Gen Zs' focus on doing good is reflected in their purchasing habits as well. About 60% said they plan to buy more products and services from large businesses that have taken care of their workforces and positively impacted society during the pandemic. Around three-quarters will make an extra effort to buy products and services from smaller, local businesses. Once again, climate change emerged as a critical issue for millennials and Gen Zs both before and during the COVID-19 crisis. Prior to the pandemic, half of respondents said they believe it too late to repair the damage caused by climate change and only 40% expressed optimism that future efforts to protect the environment will succeed. However, four months later in the 13 pulse survey countries, the percentage of millennials believing we've reached the point of no return dropped by eight points, perhaps suggesting that the environmental impact of reduced activity during the pandemic has given hope that there's still time to act. A vast majority (80%) also think governments and businesses need to make greater efforts to protect the environment, yet they are concerned that the economic impact of the pandemic might make this less of a priority. View of business overall continues to decline despite increase in employer loyalty The view of business in general around the world continues to wane. In the primary survey, 51% of millennials said business is a force for good, down from 76% three years ago and 55% in 2019. In the pulse survey, these numbers continued to decline to 41% for millennials and 43% for Gen Zs (Gen Zs reported 52% favorability in the primary survey). Howeverwhether employers are finally starting to better meet workers' needs, or millennials were feeling the need to find stability even before the pandemicfor the first time since asking the question four years ago, more millennials in the primary survey said they want to stay with their employers for five or more years than leave within two years. Those who would leave in two years or less dropped from 49% to 31%, while those who'd prefer to stay long-term jumped from 28% to 35%. Gen Zs remain more interested in moving, but only half said they'd like to change jobs within two years, down from 61% last year. Respondents were also largely receptive to how employers were navigating the COVID-19 crisistwo-thirds said they were pleased with the speed and manner by which employers acted. Around 60% believe these actions have made them want to stay with their employers for the long term. "These results suggest companies must do more to demonstrate how they are positively impacting employees and society. Job loyalty rises as businesses address employee needs, from diversity and inclusion to sustainability to reskilling," adds Parmelee. "For businesses, the message is clearyoung people believe in companies with a purpose-driven strategy. These are the companies that will lead in the post-pandemic future." Editorial Note: The data and opinions in this press release include the collective insights of both generations and, in some cases, are independent of each other and have been cited accordingly. Methodology The 2020 report is based on two sets of surveys. The first began prior to the COVID-19 outbreak using an online, self-complete-style interview; fieldwork was completed between 21 November 2019 and 8 January 2020. A second survey was conducted in similar fashion between 28 April 2020 and 17 May 2020, in the midst of the worldwide pandemic. The initial survey solicited the views of 13,715 millennials across 43 countries and 4,711 Generation Z respondents from 20 countries. The subsequent survey questioned 5,501 millennials and 3,601 Gen Zs in 13 large markets that were affected by the pandemic to different degrees. No respondents in the former survey were queried in the latter. Millennials included in the study were born between January 1983 and December 1994. Generation Z respondents were born between January 1995 and December 2003. The report represents a broad range of respondents, from those with executive positions in large organizations to others who are participating in the gig economy, doing unpaid work or are unemployed. Additionally, the Gen Z group includes students who have completed or are pursuing degrees, those who have completed or plan to complete vocational studies, and others who are in secondary school and may or may not pursue higher education. About Deloitte Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited ("DTTL"), its global network of member firms, and their related entities (collectively, the "Deloitte organization"). DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") and each of its member firms and related entities are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate or bind each other in respect of third parties. DTTL and each DTTL member firm and related entity is liable only for its own acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte is a leading global provider of audit and assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, tax and related services. Our global network of member firms and related entities in more than 150 countries and territories (collectively, the "Deloitte organization") serves four out of five Fortune Global 500 companies. Learn how Deloitte's approximately 312,000 people make an impact that matters at www.deloitte.com. SOURCE Deloitte Related Links http://www.deloitte.com TDT | Manama The Fourth High Criminal Court yesterday sentenced two Gulf nationals to life in prison and fined them BD10,000 each for trafficking drugs through King Fahad Causeway. The two men were part of a gang, which also consisted of Bahraini defendants, that was responsible for trafficking, selling, and distributing hashish and marijuana in the Kingdom. The court also sentenced both defendants to deportation, while the remaining gang members were punished each with three years of imprisonment and fined BD1,000 for drugs abuse and possession. The case was initially brought up when investigations by a lieutenant in the Interior Ministrys Anti-Narcotics Department led to the first defendanta Bahraini man, who was caught red-handed last year selling BD300 worth of hashish to a secret police informant. The first defendant cooperated with police and led them to one of his Bahraini accomplices after arranging a deal to buy a piece of hashish worth BD3,900. An ambush was set up by the police to arrest the second defendant, who attempted to escape, but was eventually caught. The piece of hashish was found in his possession when his car was searched. According to court files, the second defendant, also a Bahraini man, was taken to the directorates building in Adliya for interrogation, and while he was there, he received a call on the Snapchat mobile application from the third defendant, who was one of the two Gulf nationals sentenced to life. While on loudspeaker, the third defendant was heard by the lieutenant saying that he received an order from the fourth defendant, the second Gulf national, to deliver a kilogramme of hashish to the second defendant, who was already in police custody. A meeting was arranged and police surprised the third defendant, who was waiting in his car for the second defendant to come and collect the quantity from him. When asked, he denied any knowledge of the drug deal. However, after inspecting his vehicle, it was revealed that the drugs were professionally stashed in the automobiles air filters. The man confessed in the interrogation that he trafficked the piece through King Fahad Causeway, as per the instructions of the fourth defendant, in order to deliver to a dealer here, who was the second defendant. Further investigations showed that the fourth defendant regularly provides the drugs and hands them over to the third defendant, who takes the responsibility of trafficking them into Bahrain and delivering them to the second defendant. TRENTON Two people were charged with defacing the George Washington monument in the Mill Hill section of the city overnight, police said. The statue was hit with red and black spray paint with the words Black Lives Matter and BLM written on its base. Tanay Lee, 21, and Niambi McCoy, 23, both of Trenton, were arrested around 2:33 a.m. by patrol sergeant William Salhanick who saw the two women and another person in dark clothing vandalizing the statue on North Montgomery Street. The officer pursued a silver Jeep that the women got into and conducted a traffic stop, Trenton Police Lt. Jason Kmiec said. Lee, the driver, was outfitted in dark clothing, and the officer saw cans of spray paint in the vehicle. The women also had spray paint on their clothing matching the color used to deface the statue. Each was charged with criminal mischief, a disorderly persons offense, and released on a summons. The capital city statue of the nations first president, who owned slaves, isnt the first hit with graffiti. Memorials to Washington were vandalized or toppled in Baltimore, Chicago and Portland, as the nation deals with a wave of protests of systemic racism and police brutality. The demonstrations were fueled by the death of George Floyd, the Minneapolis man who died after a white cop knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Some protesters also targeted statues honoring Confederate leaders and the explorer Christopher Columbus over the brutal colonization of indigenous people in America. After the hands of the Columbus statue in Columbus Park in the Chambersburg section of the city was splattered with red paint, the city put a protective box around it. Mayor Reed Gusciora said the city planned to relocate the monument. One city leader expressed consternation over the latest graffiti of the Washington statue. Whos responsible for this vandalism? Things arent always as they appear. Someone is hellbent on undermining the Black Lives Matter movement, West Ward councilwoman Robin Vaughn wrote on Twitter. BLM is a peaceful movement. Not into vandalism, looting etc. At-large councilman Jerell Blakeley saluted the taggers in a Facebook post. What these two brave sisters who wrote BLM on the George Washington statue did is no different than what the American colonists did in defacing statues of George III during the American Revolution, he wrote. In fact, Tanay and Niambi are better in my eyes because they werent hypocrites like many American colonists in saying Give me Liberty or Death and holding black people in bondage. Gusciora did not immediately respond to a phone call seeking comment. Editors Note: This story has been updated to add comments from Jerell Blakeley Movie theater owners may be eager to reopen their screens to the public, but health experts aren't convinced that it's time to head back to cinemas. Coronavirus cases in the U.S. have not slowed. In fact, the country reported more new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday than any single day before. Nearly half of these new cases are coming from Florida, Texas and California, where outbreaks appear to be expanding. "What we are seeing now is that wave one is still going on," said Dr. Ravina Kullar, a Los Angeles-based infectious disease specialist, epidemiologist and spokeswoman for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. "There has not been a decline or a plateau and that is a concern. I don't see any change in a positive direction." While movie theaters have established guidelines for social distancing and increased sanitation, only some locations are requiring patrons wear masks. Infectious disease specialists who spoke to CNBC underscored the importance of wearing face coverings as a preventative measure against the spread of coronavirus, especially in enclosed, air-conditioned locations. The majority of theaters are looking to reopen in mid-July. But even studios seem to be sensing that theaters may not be ready for large crowds. Warner Bros. "Tenet," which was supposed to be released on July 17 was pushed to July 31 amid concerns that theaters may not be ready to reopen in time. There have also been rumors that Disney's "Mulan" could be displaced from its July 24 release date. "I would honestly say I'm not comfortable going to the movies right now," Dr. Carlos Del Rio, an Atlanta-based infectious diseases specialist said. "I want to see the numbers come down, want to see the cases go down. Right now, the only place I am comfortable going to the movies is my living room." Both Kullar and Del Rio voiced concerns about the accountability of other customers at the cinema. For the most part, the other patrons in the theater will be strangers and there's no way to determine if they have been judicious about safety measures or if they have disregarded them. There's also no way that theaters can enforce the use of masks when the lights go down and the movie begins. "Not wearing a mask is like Russian roulette," Kullar said. Then there is the air-conditioning. In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a research letter linking the spread of coronavirus to air conditioners. The primary way that coronavirus is transmitted is through close contact from person to person and the exchange of infected droplets. The forced air could increase the risk for transmission. While some production studios have introduced new air filtration systems in an attempt to slow the spread of the disease, no major movie theater has announced plans to invest in this technology. "Right now it's too soon to go to a movie theater," Kullar said, noting that drive-in theaters are a much safer option for consumers. Del Rio, too, recommended that consumers avoid closed spaces and large crowds. "In the middle of a pandemic there are certain things you have to do and things you don't have to do," Del Rio said. "At a certain point you have to say 'doing this is too much of a risk.'" Women hug more than men because they are more genetically predisposed to be more affectionate, a study has revealed. About 45 per cent of their desire was inherited, while 55 per cent was down to environmental factors including media, personal relationships and unique life experiences. In men, however, the study put attributed their desire for human touch - dubbed 'skin hunger' - to environmental factors alone. The researchers were quick to stress that their results don't mean women are 'automatically' going to engage in affectionate behaviour, or that they have 'no control' over their actions. 'Our genes simply predispose us to certain kinds of behaviours,' said Kory Floyd, professor at Arizona University and lead researcher for the study. 'That doesn't automatically mean we're going to engage in those behaviours.' The researchers warned that during the coronavirus lockdown everyone will be craving human touch, especially those who have been living alone throughout the pandemic. Stroking a pet, cuddling a pillow or practising a self-massage can all help, they said. About 45 per cent of women's desire to hug is inherited, while 55 per cent is down to environmental influences, the researchers said (stock) Explaining the results, Professor Cory said 'almost without exception' women scored higher than men for tendency to be affectionate and receive affection. 'There is some speculation that affectionate behaviour is more health supportive for women than it is for men,' he said. 'And that it helps women to manage the effects of stress more than it does for men.' In the study, 464 pairs of twins aged between 19 and 84 were asked to rate a series of statements designed to measure how much affection they typically express. Half the twins were identical, meaning they share 100 per cent of their genes, and half were fraternal, sharing 50 per cent. The twins were chosen to try to distinguish the impact genetics have on behaviour, as they are raised in the same household with similar upbringings and early experiences. If genetics didn't play a role, the researchers would expect fraternal twins to have similar scores to identical twins, but this was not the case. Women 'without exception' scored higher than men for tendency to be affectionate (stock) Are you craving human touch in lockdown? Hugging cats can help relieve stress (stock) For those who are craving human contact during lockdown, the researchers recommended following these measures. 'None is a perfect substitute,' said lead researcher Kory Floyd, from Arizona University, 'but when being able to hug or hold hands with our loved ones isn't feasible or safe for us, these sorts of things are certainly better than nothing.' 1. Pet your dog or cat. Stroking an animal helps relieve stress, they said, which is why canine and equine therapies are so successful. If you don't have a pet, you could volunteer at the local animal shelter. 2. Cuddle your pillow or blanket. This can produce a calm and comforting sensation, they said. 3. Practice self-massage. Massaging the neck or shoulders will help relieve stress and physical pain, they said. Prof Floyd recommended pressing your thumb into the palm of your opposite hand as a stress-relieving measure. Advertisement Identical twins scored 'more similarly' than fraternal twins, at least in the case of females, suggesting there is a genetic component to affectionate behaviour. Men, overall, tended to express less affection than women, the results showed. During the lockdown, normal actions such as hugging and shaking hands have been banned - which, the researchers said, will leave us all craving contact. 'Many people thees days are recognising that they miss getting hugs, they miss touch, and it's maybe the one thing technology hasn't really figured out how to give us yet,' he said. 'There's something special about touch that I think relates back to the fact that we, as human beings, are born in such a state of immaturity that we have no ability to take care of our own needs. 'Touch equals survival as infants. If we don't have someone touching us and helping to meet our needs, then we don't survive.' The study, published in Communication Monographs, throws open the doors for investigating which traits may be genetically influenced. In the field, there is a 'really strong underlying assumption' that variations in people's behaviours such as shyness and affection are down to learned behaviour. The Touch Research Institute, at the University of Miami, has said that everyone needs touch during lockdown. Describing how touch works, Dr Tiffany Field at the school, said: 'The positive effects - the healthy effects of touch - come from moving the skin. 'That stimulates the pressure receptors underneath, which send messages to the brain - mainly to the vagus nerve, which has branches in virtually every part of the body - that slows the nervous system down. 'So you get decreases in heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormones. You get changes in the brain waves to theta activity, or relaxation waves. 'You also increase the natural killer cells, which ward off viral cells, bacterial cells and cancer cells.' South Africa: Basic Education ready to welcome more learners The Department of Basic Education says while the decision to reopen schools was not taken lightly, as it tries to save what is left of the academic year, it is not going to gamble with human lives. During the virtual ministerial briefing of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Thursday, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said they take their responsibility to manage public schooling very seriously, especially in the face of COVID-19. We understand the immediate threat that the COVID-19 pandemic poses to our teachers, learners and broader society, Motshekga said. She said the department aims to salvage the academic year but we will not reopen at all costs. Nothing is more supreme than human life. Our strategy is guided by the call of the President to protect both lives and livelihoods, of which public schooling plays a strategic role. It is now established that disruptions to instructional time in the classroom can have a severe impact on a childs ability to learn at a later stage. It gets worse for the poor. Quoting United Nations' agencies, Motshekga said the longer marginalised children are out of school, the less likely they are to return. Earlier research had confirmed that children from the poorest households are already almost five times more likely to be out of primary school than those from rich families, she said. The Basic Education approach, the Minister said, is also guided by the fact institutions of learning are also centres of health, hygiene, and nutrition. COVID-19 in school There have been reported COVID-19 cases across the country since schools partially opened for Grades 7 and 12 on 8 June and some have been forced to shutdown. However, Motshekga said it was unlikely that the cases picked up at schools originated from DBE facilities in terms of the epidemiology of COVID-19. However, she described the spike as classic community transmission cases. Our schools must prepare for the eventuality of community transmissions becoming the bushfires in our schools. It is not a matter of if, but when. She has also extended her condolences to all learners, teachers, and non-teaching staff who have succumbed the disease. Your loss cuts deep into our hearts, as we know that the battle is far from over. Meanwhile, the Minister said the pandemic will be fought as a collective. We agree with the Health Ministry that our schools are now the new frontier in a war against the COVID-19 pandemic. We should all consider the reopened schools as the epicentres of surveillance, screening, contact tracing, and testing of cases that otherwise would have fallen through the cracks. Motshekga said saving lives while protecting livelihoods is the department's only priority. It is a human right issue, a matter of social justice, which is the pillar of our Constitution. Safety first Meanwhile, the key message of hygiene still stands, including hand washing using soap, using alcohol-based sanitisers and social distancing methods. The Minister said schools were also decontaminated before learners went back to class and are cleaned daily. Provinces are now finalising management plans for the return of Grades R, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10 and 11 in July, while the other grades are expected to be back in class in August. We are satisfied that the system is ready to restart amidst the new COVID-19 induced measures, Motshekha said. However, she said no school can be reopened unless it meets the minimum COVID-19 standards and essential staff is being trained through the new orientation on the management and combating of the pandemic. These measures include cleaning and disinfection materials, provisioning of personal protective equipment (PPE), hand sanitisers with at least 70% alcohol, handwashing soaps, gloves, cloth masks and thermometers. The department has been providing emergency water tanks to schools with lack of water. Meanwhile, food handlers have been trained and provided with the COVID-19 essentials, including masks, gloves and disposable aprons. Also, learner transport facilities are encouraged to adhere to health guidelines. Motshekga said her department is also providing mobile classrooms to deal with the social distancing measures to avoid overcrowding. Meanwhile, additional substitute posts will also assist in filling in for staff who are absent due to illness, age and comorbidities. Comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes and cardiac disease are the three most commonly associated with serious illness if one contracts COVID-19, said Motshekga. In the Free State, she said they have received 1 887 applications from teachers who have applied to work from home, 237 applications from Mpumalanga, while the Northern Cape has registered 1 495 teachers with comorbidities. The Minister said they are also supporting learners at risk and non-teaching staff. Matric assessments In terms of assessments, Grade 12 learners are expected to write the set examinations based on the entire curriculum. Other grades will be given a reworked curriculum and assessed on 80% thereof. The May/June Exams for Grade 12s will be combined with the October/November Exams and rescheduled for November/December 2020. We have developed a master curriculum recovery plan and all provinces have established Curriculum Committees at all levels, said Motshekga. Meanwhile, plans are in place for all special schools to resume teaching and learning. Fake news The Minister said the department is facing an onslaught of fake news intended to cause harm and create public panic. She urged the school community not to panic when a positive case is identified and a school is closed. We will endeavour to communicate which of our schools have been affected, but we wont release personal information which may put positive people at risk. SAnews.gov.za This story has been published on: 2020-06-25. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. Lucknow: At least 24 people were killed and 12 others injured on Thursday due to incidents of lightning in various districts of the state, officials said here. Nine persons were killed in Deoria, six in Prayagraj, three in Ambedkar Nagar, two in Barabanki, one each in Kushinagar, Pratapgarh, Balrampur, and Unnao due to lightning, an official report said here. Taking note of these incidents, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of those who died in these incidents. He also directed officers to provide the best health care facilities to those injured in such incidents. Among those injured, eight are from Deoria, two in Barabanki, and one each in Prayagraj and Amethi. Earlier on Wednesday three persons, including a 12-year-old girl, were killed and a woman was injured in separate incidents of lightning in Banda and Lalitpur districts. Raj Narayan, 38, a farmer, was killed when he was struck by lightning while working in his field in Itwa village under Bisanda police station area of Banda on Wednesday evening. His body was handed over to his family members after post-mortem examination, police said. In another incident, a 12-year-old girl died and a woman received serious burns after being struck by lightning in Chakora village under Baan police station area of Lalitpur district. In a similar incident in Lalitpur, a 37-year-old farmer, identified as Bhanguta, was killed while working in his field in Tila village under Baar police station area. MET department has forecast heavy rain at isolated places over east UP on June 26. [June 24, 2020] Insights & Forecast with Potential Impact of COVID-19 - Industrial Wireline Networking Market 2020-2024 | Growing Benefits Of Industrial Ethernet to Boost Growth | Technavio Technavio has been monitoring the industrial wireline networking market and it is poised to grow by $ 1.91 bn during 2020-2024, progressing at a CAGR of over 6% 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/20200624005771/en/ Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Industrial Wireline Networking Market 2020-2024 (Graphic: Business Wire) Technavio suggests three forecast scenarios (optimistic, probable, and pessimistic) considering the impact of COVID-19. Please Request Latest Free Sample Report on COVID-19 Impact The market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period. ABB Ltd., Belden Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Emerson (News - Alert) Electric Co., Hitachi Ltd., Juniper Networks Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Moxa Inc., Rockwell Automation Inc., and Siemens AG are some of the major market participants. To make the most of the opportunities, market vendors should focus more on the growth prospects in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The growing benefits of industrial ethernet has been instrumental in driving the growth of the market. However, the growing preference for wireless communication might hamper market growth. Industrial Wireline Networking Market 2020-2024 : Segmentation Industrial Wireline Networking Market is segmented as below: Application Industrial Ethernet Fieldbus Geography North America Europe APAC MEA South America 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=IRTNTR44044 Industrial Wireline Networking 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 industrial wireline networking market report covers the following areas: Industrial Wireline Networking Market size Industrial Wireline Networking Market trends Industrial Wireline Networking Market industry analysis This study identifies the emergence of single-pair Ethernet cabling as one of the prime reasons driving the industrial wireline networking market growth during the next few years. Industrial Wireline Networking Market 2020-2024 : Vendor Analysis We provide a detailed analysis of around 25 vendors operating in the industrial wireline networking market, including some of the vendors such as ABB Ltd., Belden Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., Emerson Electric Co., Hitachi Ltd., Juniper Networks Inc., Mitsubishi Electric Corp., Moxa Inc., Rockwell Automation (News - Alert) Inc., and Siemens AG. Backed with competitive intelligence and benchmarking, our research reports on the industrial wireline networking 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 Industrial Wireline Networking Market 2020-2024 : Key Highlights CAGR of the market during the forecast period 2020-2024 Detailed information on factors that will assist industrial wireline networking market growth during the next five years Estimation of the industrial wireline networking market size and its contribution to the parent market Predictions on upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior The growth of the industrial wireline networking market Analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information on vendors Comprehensive details of factors that will challenge the growth of industrial wireline networking 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 Application Market segments Comparison by Application Industrial Ethernet - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Fieldbus - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 Market opportunity by Application 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 MEA - Market size and forecast 2019-2024 South America - 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 Competitive scenario Vendor Analysis Vendors covered Market positioning of vendors ABB Ltd. Belden Inc. Cisco (News - Alert) Systems Inc. Emerson Electric Co. Hitachi Ltd. Juniper Networks Inc. Mitsubishi Electric Corp. Moxa Inc. Rockwell Automation Inc. Siemens (News - Alert) AG 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/20200624005771/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] In the field of acting, you never know which project can lift you up to great heights. Just like the Ikorodu bois could have never imagined that their low budget remake of Netflix movie Extraction could land them with an invite to the premiere of Chris Hemsworth- starrer action movies sequel. Ikorodu Bois are filmmakers from Nigeria who enjoy a handsome popularity online for their comedic mimicry clips of music videos and films. Similarly the group had tried their hands on the Joe Russo directed and Anthony Russo produced Extraction. Now, the Nigerian boys have managed to impress not only the Russo brothers with their skills but also the director of the movie Sam Hargrave and Chris HEmsworth. Russo Brothers tweeted from their official account on Thursday inviting the group to the premiere of Extraction 2. They wrote, This is awesome! We would love to have you guys at the #Extraction 2 premiere...DM us and well get you there! This is awesome! We would love to have you guys at the #Extraction 2 premiere...DM us and well get you there! https://t.co/6eufmJMgT7 Russo Brothers (@Russo_Brothers) June 24, 2020 Sam Hargrave also shared the clip on his Instagram account. He wrote in the caption: So awesome!! These amazing young filmmakers from Nigeria recreated the #Extraction trailer shot for shot. Such ingenuity!! Bravo. Link to their full-length original video on twitter in my bio. CHECK IT OUT! Even star of the action packed movie which was partly shot in India, Chris shared the clip on his social media handle and praised the Nigerian actors. huge shout out to these amazing young film makers @ikorodu_bois for recreating @extraction trailer shot for shot! I think your version might be better than the original !! @netflixfilm, the actor wrote. David Afanador was arrested on charges of strangulation and attempted strangulation over an altercation. A New York City police officer who was suspended after putting a man in what authorities said was a banned chokehold now faces criminal charges. The NYPD says officer David Afanador was arrested on Thursday on charges of strangulation and attempted strangulation over an altercation last weekend on the Rockaway Beach boardwalk. The confrontation on the boardwalk came after weeks of protests following the death of George Floyd in Minnesota. Afanador, 39, was expected to be arraigned at a criminal court in Queens. There was no immediate comment from the officers union. In Sundays encounter, a video shot by one of the men involved in the altercation showed officers tackling Ricky Bellevue, a Black man. The footage showed how Afanador crooked his arm around Bellevues neck for several seconds as he lay face down on the boardwalk. Body camera footage released by the department shows that the manoeuvre came after Bellevue and two other men hurled insults at the officers for at least 10 minutes. But Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said on Monday that Afanador was suspended because the hand around the neck is the hand around the neck. Police body cam photo showing three men during an encounter with New York Police officers on a boardwalk, in New York. Police arrested the man on the left [NYPD via AP Photo] It was at least the second time Afanador has faced criminal charges over the alleged use of brutality in 15 years on the police force. He was acquitted in 2016 for a previous case stemming from allegations he pistol-whipped a teenage suspect and broke two of his teeth in 2014. Afanadors lawyer said his client was facing a rush to judgement in the wake of protests after Floyds death and public pressure to hold police officers accountable for alleged misconduct. Floyd was killed a month to the day before Afanadors arrest. Its become fashionable for prosecutors to make summary arrests of police officers without a full and thorough investigation, lawyer Stephen Worth said in an email. The concept of due process seems to go out the window. Body camera footage released on Sunday night by police showed that for at least 11 minutes before Bellevue was tackled, he and two other men one of whom shot the cellphone video were shouting insults at officers, who implored them to walk away. After suspending Afanador, Shea said on Monday the officers had acted with extreme restraint and that the men taunting with sometimes foul language should also be condemned. First step But at the end of that story, an officer, put his hand around a persons neck, and that (officer) was dealt with swiftly and was suspended, Shea said. Bellevues lawyer, Sanford Rubenstein, said in a statement Afanadors arrest is the first step in getting justice for Ricky Bellevue. The next step is for this police officer to be convicted and sentenced to jail, Rubenstein said. Chokeholds have been banned by the New York Police Department for years. Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo recently signed a measure outlawing them statewide. The issue has been particularly fraught since the death of Eric Garner after an officer put him in a chokehold in 2014. In that case, a grand jury declined to indict the officer involved. A federal civil rights investigation also concluded without charges being filed. Afanador is the second NYPD officer to face brutality charges this month. Officer Vincent DAndraia pleaded not guilty on June 9 to assault and other charges days after a bystander recorded him violently pushing protester Dounya Zayer to the ground during demonstrations over Floyds death, causing her to hit her head on the pavement. Zayer, testifying last week at a hearing on police violence, said she has suffered constant migraines and struggled to keep down food since the May 29 shove left her in the hospital with a seizure and concussion. Where are the good cops that I keep hearing of? Zayer said. Chokeholds have been banned by the New York Police Department for years. The issue has been particularly fraught since the death of Eric Garner after an officer put him in a chokehold in 2014. In that case, a grand jury declined to indict the officer involved. A federal civil rights investigation also concluded without charges being filed. New Delhi: Reacting to queries on reports that global anti-terror watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has now decided that Pakistan should continue to remain in the FATFs grey list, India on Thursday said it was a vindication of its position and pointed out how Pakistan continues to remain a safe haven for terrorism. The FATFs "grey list" comprises nations like Pakistan, seen to have failed to fulfil their obligations to combat terror-financing. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also said Pakistan had levelled fictitious chargeson four Indian nationals whom Islamabad has accused of terrorism, and said Pakistans claims have no credibility. Asked meanwhile about a recent meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) on the Kashmir issue apparently held at Pakistans initiative, the MEA said the OIC has no locus standi on Indias internal matters and that it should avoid making unwarranted references. It may be recalled that the FATF had earlier in February this year decided at its plenary meet in Paris to continue to keep Pakistan in the FATF's greylist at least for a few more months after warning Islamabad of stern action if it fails to check flow of money to terror groups like the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). According to news agency reports now, the FATF at its latest plenary meet has decided that Pakistan will stay in the grey list at least till October this year when the next FATF plenary will take place. It may also be recalled that while being under global pressure for its poor record in failing to dismantle terror infrastructure on its own soil, Pakistan has continued its gameplan of trying to get Indian nationals designated as terrorists by the UN. On Wednesday, Islamabad, had in an official statement, named four Indian nationals and accused them of carrying out terrorism against Pakistan, acknowledging that its efforts to get one of them designated had been rejected at the UN recently. The Pakistani move is understood to be a desperate retaliatory one to level false allegations after India had managed to get Pakistan-based terrorist and JeM chief Masood Azhar designated as a global terrorist by the UN in May last year. A group of Democratic lawmakers are seeking to ban government use of facial recognition technology with a new bicameral bill announced Thursday. The Facial Recognition and Biometric Technology Moratorium Act is a response to recent reports of government use of the technology, according to a press release. It would seek to make permanent the pledges IBM, Microsoft and Amazon have taken to temporarily stop selling their technology to law enforcement. The companies announced those moves amid rising scrutiny of surveillance systems tracking widespread protests over the death of George Floyd. The firms cited the lack of regulation as a core reason for their decisions, but this new bill goes further than simply placing guardrails on law enforcement's use of the technology. Under the legislation, federal entities would not be allowed to use facial recognition technology or other biometric tools like voice recognition, unless Congress lifts the ban with a separate act. It would also ensure that only state and local entities that have their own moratoria in place could receive federal grant funding. The bill would prohibit federal dollars from being used to fund biometric surveillance systems. Any data collected in violation of the act would not be allowed in judicial proceedings. Individuals would be able to sue when they believe their biometric data was used in violation of the act. Additionally, state attorneys general would also be able to enforce the law and states and localities could enact their own laws on top of the federal legislation. Sens. Ed Markey, D-Mass., Jeff Merkley, D-Ore. and Reps. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash. and Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., will soon introduce the legislation. The bill is supported by several groups that advocate for racial justice and privacy rights including Color of Change, MediaJustice, the American Civil Liberties Union, Electronic Frontier Foundation and more. In a press release announcing the bill, the lawmakers pointed to the growing body of research that has found systemic bias in facial recognition technology. Studies have found that facial recognition often fails to accurately identify non-white people at a much higher rate than white people, which can have devastating implications. The New York Times reported Wednesday on a recent case where a Black man was wrongfully accused of a crime and arrested based on an inaccurate match by a facial recognition algorithm. In many cases, the public does not even have access to information about the types of surveillance technologies law enforcement is using. Last week, New York City became the 14th city to adopt a bill promoted by the ACLU that will require the local police department to disclose how it uses surveillance technologies and describes the safeguards it has in place to protect residents' privacy. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. WATCH: How police use powerful surveillance tech to track George Floyd protests (Natural News) Republican senators have come out strongly to denounce the far-Left radical groups that have conspired to vandalize and tear down statues of some of the countrys former presidents, including statues of Ulysses S. Grant, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington. Imperfect heroes in a perfect Union In a speech on the Senate floor in Washington, D.C., Majority Leader Mitch McConnell denounced the groups responsible for the desecration of many of the countrys statues of historical figures, saying that the monuments erected to honor the countrys heroes and founding fathers are being torn from their pedestals like they were Saddam Hussein. This is in reference to the statue of Saddam Hussein in Baghdad, which was toppled by local Iraqis after U.S. forces liberated the city from the dictator in 2003. There could be no clearer sign that these far-left radicals have severed any connection to the righteous cause of racial justice, said McConnell. They have literally tried to succeed where Robert E. Lee failed and bring General Grant to the ground. On June 19, rioters in San Francisco, California, successfully tore down the statue of former president and hero of the Civil War Ulysses S. Grant. McConnell further commented how a statue of Soviet dictator Vladimir Lenin in Seattle remains untouched by the violent mobs. He spared no kind words when he pointed out the hypocrisy in toppling the statues of Americas founding fathers while ignoring the statue of the founding father of the Soviet Union. McConnell also took a swipe at some of the countrys liberal elite, who he said continue to justify anti-Americanism and who believe that America was founded under principles of bigotry and hatred, as opposed to the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. At the same time, McConnell tempered his speech by saying that the country definitely needs to have nuanced conversations about its history, as well as its future. Americans know that an imperfect nation built by imperfect heroes is still the most perfect Union the world has ever seen, said McConnell, at the conclusion of his speech. We thank God that all kinds of imperfect people have made us a more perfect union. Other Republican senators have voiced their concerns. On Fox & Friends, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, one of only three Black lawmakers in the Senate, said on June 23 that he is not in favor of destroying history for the sake of anarchy. (Related: Black Lives Matter is spreading: Number of protests in rural America growing.) He says that the people involved in the tearing down of statues are not protesters, but agitators infiltrating peaceful protests to create anarchy, chaos and lawlessness. Scott, much like McConnell, believes that America can and should have a debate about statues and places named after former Confederate officers, but that it would be wrong for the country to purge its history books just because parts of it are ugly or negative. Watch this episode of Brighteon Conversations as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, engages in an illuminating conversation with Stewart Rhodes about defending America against the insurrectionists at the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone in Seattle, and the role of the militia movement when local, state and federal law enforcement back down and refuse to do their job. Fight for Americas history reaches Congress The fight for the countrys history is making its way into Congress. On June 11, the Republican-led Senate Armed Services Committee approved a motion that will require the Department of Defense to rename military bases that have been named after former Confederate officers. This is in direct opposition to President Trump, who has been vocal about opposing any name change and has promised to veto. The measure was proposed by Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts as an amendment for the Senates version of the National Defense Authorization Act. The committee approved the amendment by voice vote, allowing individual members to avoid having their choices recorded. Seriously failed presidential candidate, Senator Elizabeth Pocahontas Warren, just introduced an Amendment on the renaming of many of our legendary Military Bases from which we trained to WIN two World Wars. Hopefully our great Republican Senators wont fall for this! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 11, 2020 The amendment requires the Department of Defense to change the names of the military bases within three years, but it also goes beyond that, as the Pentagons other assets streets, aircraft and ships also need to be scrubbed clean if theyre named after Confederate officers or honoring the Confederacy. When asked about the bill, McConnell said that its ludicrous to think that the country needs to be airbrushed, and that anybody who had any connection to slavery needs to be scrubbed out of the picture. While Warren may have been able to get bases renamed (unless Trump chooses to veto the amendment), an effort by Senate Democrats to get Confederate statues in the Capitol Complex removed has failed. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York and Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey tried to pass the legislation by unanimous consent, which would allow the bill to pass without a vote, but it also gives any one senator the power to block it. The one senator who stepped up was Republican Sen. Roy Blunt of Missouri. He objected to the bill under the grounds that Congress needs to come to an understanding with the states that have sent statues of historical figures to the Capitol. The statues Schumer and Booker want to get rid of are part of the 100 statues in the National Statuary Hall collection. Each state contributes two statues to the collection and they can replace which statue gets to represent their state if the governor and the state legislature approve of it. There are 11 statues of former Confederate figures displayed in the collection. If the Democrats bill had passed, it would take away the power of the states to freely choose which historical figures they wish to honor at the Capitol. Democratic lawmakers, both in the Senate and in the House of Representatives, have either been very supportive of or have led the efforts to revise history by removing statues of historical figures. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com USAToday.com RealClearPolitics.com Reuters.com TheHill.com A woman who waved a Confederate flag and yelled 'KKK belief' at Black Lives Matter protesters in missouri has apologized and claimed she did not understand the flag's significance. Kathy Jenkins was filmed telling protesters she would 'teach my grandkids to hate you all' during the rally in Branson last Sunday. But she now insists her anger was aimed at two neighbors in a 'personal vendetta' and not at the protesters in general, claiming she was mocking people calling her racist and had 'blacked out'. Speaking to local news station KOLR10 yesterday she said she was 'deeply sorry' and would 'never, ever, ever hold up another Confederate flag in my life'. Kathy Jenkins was filmed waving a Confederate flag and telling protesters she would 'teach my grandkids to hate you all' during the rally in Branson last Sunday Jenkins says two women she knew were among the Black Lives Matter protesters and were calling her a 'KKK racist'. 'I said I would never be a racist. They just kept coming at me and coming at me, and I lost my temper,' Jenkins said. Asked about her 'teach my grandkids to hate you all' comment, she insisted it was aimed at the two women and said: 'It had nothing to do with the people there for Black Lives Matter.' Jenkins admitted she had said some 'ugly, ugly things' but said she was not identifying herself with KKK beliefs - claiming she was 'mocking' her critics. In the video she is heard shouting 'KKK belief' in response to an unseen protester who tells her that 'hating is not a way to live'. Jenkins also claimed the Confederate emblem had been 'given to me on the property' and said 'I don't understand the whole Confederate flag thing'. During the rally, Jenkins had held up the flag and shouted 'suck on this' towards the protesters. Her voice breaking yesterday, she promised to 'learn from this' and said: 'I am truly, deeply sorry for what I said. This isn't who I am as a person'. However, Black Lives Matter organizer Faith Pittser told KOLR10 that Jenkins 'knew exactly what she was doing', saying her claims of ignorance were 'absurd'. Jenkins spoke out yesterday three days after the video caused uproar on social media and drew criticism from Branson mayor Ed Akers, who said the city 'does not condone any type of hate speech'. Jenkins now insists her anger was aimed at two neighbors in a 'personal vendetta' and not at the protesters in general, claiming she was mocking people calling her racist The clip was shared online by rapper Ice T on Monday, who wrote: 'Racist of the Day...' Jenkins was one of several people holding Confederate flags as two rival demonstrations took place in Branson. She gave her name at the time as Kathy Bennett, but identified herself as Kathy Griffin when she spoke to the local TV network yesterday. The video drew the attention of rapper Ice T on Monday, who shared the footage with the caption 'Racist of the Day'. The protest had erupted outside the store Dixie Outfitters, which specializes in Confederate flags, clothing and other merchandise. Following Sunday's demonstrations, the Dixie Outfitters owners thanked supporters and called protesters 'thugs' in a social media post. 'These thugs dont just hate us...they hate our country! They hate patriotism, faith and freedom!,' they wrote. Confederate symbols have come under renewed scrutiny in recent weeks amid the worldwide anti-racism protests following the death of George Floyd on May 25. Floyd died after being pinned down on the neck by a white cop for nearly nine minutes, unleashing an explosion of anger at racism and police brutality. Virginia has ordered a statue of Robert E. Lee to come down in Richmond while other monuments have been torn down by protesters. However, Donald Trump has rejected calls to rename 10 military bases which are named after Confederate generals. New Delhi/Beijing, June 25 : China on Thursday once again claimed the violent face-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh was caused by India's "betrayal of consensuses and unilateral provocations" and that it "took place on the Chinese side". The Chinese claim is contrary to what India has said. The Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi last week said since early May, the Chinese side has been hindering India's normal, traditional patrolling pattern along the LAC in Ladakh. In mid-May, the Chinese side attempted to transgress the LAC in other areas of the Western Sector of the India-China border areas. The Chinese attempts were invariably met with an appropriate response from India following which, the two sides were engaged in discussions through established diplomatic and military channels to address the situation arising out of Chinese activities on the LAC. The senior commanders of both sides met on June 6, and agreed on a process for de-escalation and disengagement along the LAC that involved reciprocal actions. Both sides had agreed to respect and abide by the LAC and not undertake any activity to alter the status quo. However, the Chinese side departed from these understandings in respect of the LAC in the Galwan Valley area and sought to erect structures just across the LAC. When this attempt was foiled, Chinese troops engaged in violent actions on June 15 that directly resulted in casualties. Now at a news conference in Beijing on Wednesday, China's Defence Ministry spokesman senior colonel Wu Qian blamed India for the violent clash in which 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops were killed. The China Daily quoted Wu saying that the June 15 clash "happened because India's front-line border force violated accords and consensuses reached by both sides and made provocations by trespassing into territory on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control in the Galwan Valley." He claimed that when Chinese troops were trying to negotiate about the matter, they were suddenly attacked by Indian officers and soldiers. "That led to fierce physical conflicts between the two sides in which the Chinese troops used defensive measures," Wu said. "The entire incident was caused by India's betrayal of consensuses and unilateral provocations and took place on the Chinese side of the line," he repeated. After the clash, China and India communicated and negotiated through military and diplomatic channels, he said adding that officers from both sides exchanged views on easing tensions and maintaining the border area's peace and stability during a second round of talks between high-ranking officers at the level of group army commander on Monday. He said the two sides were also discussing the holding of a teleconference between their defence ministers. "As peace and stability in border areas are in the interests of both sides, China hopes India will work with it to fulfill the consensuses reached by national leaders from both countries, honor agreements and accords between the two sides, address related issues via talks and negotiations, and strive to ease border tensions," Wu said. -- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text One tip for safer gatherings? Keep everyone outside, where the novel coronavirus is less likely to spread. (Alexandra Bowman / For The Times) Safe and sane Fourth of July celebrations used to be about managing fireworks and sparklers. Nowadays, the bigger question is whether it's safe or sane for friends and family to gather during a pandemic. With more and more people venturing out in public, the answer is personal: You must weigh the risk versus the reward, and plan carefully to minimize exposure to COVID-19. Technically, any gatherings that bring multiple households together have been prohibited in California since March 19, except for faith-based services, cultural ceremonies and protests, and health officials certainly aren't encouraging such events, especially since disease transmission rates are on the rise in many states, including California. But the health experts we talked to are also realists. "I'm a virologist, so I could start out by saying, 'People should not have parties now,' but I know that's not going to happen," said Paula Cannon, a professor of microbiology at USC's Keck School of Medicine, "so we might as well tell people the safest ways to do it." Translation? You can't have 50-plus people crammed around the pool this year, passing around communal carafes of sangria or raspberry iced tea. It means banishing the chip and salsa bowls, using designated servers for all food and drink and assigning guests to eat at tables segregated by household. It means keeping everyone outside, where the novel coronavirus is less likely to spread. And it also means whittling the guest list down to the number of people you can safely keep at least six feet apart in your yard and inviting only those you can trust to follow your rules. "I give people permission to be picky this year," Cannon said. "It's an OK time to leave people off your invite list if you don't feel they will contribute to your goal of keeping everyone safe." For instance, if you have family or friends who are vocal about their opposition to wearing masks, "My view is, 'I'm so glad you've outed yourself,'" Cannon said. "You can tell them, 'I can't wait to see you next year, but this year, I'm just going to hang with people who care more about me than a little piece of cloth on their face.'" Story continues These days, party planning must be all about managing risk and advance communications with all your guests, said Anne Rimoin, a professor of epidemiology at UCLA who specializes in emerging infectious diseases. The coronavirus can lie dormant for 10 days to two weeks before an infected person gets sick, and some people can be infected without showing any symptoms, which is why taking temperatures is not a foolproof way to determine whether your guests are virus-free, Rimoin and Cannon said. (A family in Texas has reportedly seen 18 members infected with coronavirus after one infected relative interacted with other guests at an indoor surprise birthday party.) If you are bringing outsiders into your household, you want to minimize exposure to the droplets people produce when they talk, shout, laugh, sneeze or cough, which is why experts recommend social distancing of six feet or more between people and wearing masks to reduce the dispersal of droplets. It also means limiting the number of people who touch common items, such as serving spoons, spigots, bottle openers and doorknobs. "The safest thing is to stay isolated, but that's not good for our mental health," Rimoin said, "so the bottom line is yes, you can see your friends and family, but you have to put a lot of planning and effort into it and be very cognizant of the risk. ... Staying safe is all about time, space, people and place. You need to think about who you're inviting and what's their level of risk, not just for yourself but for everybody else you live with and want to see." That's part of the getting-back-out-there challenge with the coronavirus, Rimoin said. "You always need to think about how your behavior affects others." Anne Rimoin, left, professor of epidemiology at UCLA, isolated herself for two weeks so she could safely visit her mom, MaryAnn Rimoin. (Anne Rimoin) For instance, Rimoin had a birthday last week. Ordinarily, she would have had a big party, but this time, she had to pick the one thing she cared about most: "I wanted to see my mom." Her mother, MaryAnn, is in her late 70s, and particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus, so a visit meant Rimoin had to isolate herself for two weeks beforehand to be sure she hadn't been exposed to anyone with the disease and that she wasn't at risk of passing it along to her mom. Isolating was inconvenient, she said, but every time she looks at a photo of her visit, "it makes me so happy... You just have to decide if the squeeze is worth the juice." So with those of warning and wisdom, here are 42 suggestions for "safer" summer party planning from the specialists plus Los Angeles-area caterers in the business of serving good food without making people sick: Jeanie Jackson, co-owner of JR's Barbeque in Culver City; Stephan "Chefan" Houston, owner of Plate of Hue vegan catering in Compton; Jessica Huling, owner of Les Sisters Southern Kitchen & BBQ in Chatsworth; and Anna Rose Hopkins, co-owner of Hank and Bean catering in downtown L.A. We've broken their tips into the eight most common party-planning hurdles: communication, timing, seating, food, drinks, mingling (or not), bathroom breaks and whether to jump into the pool. Can we talk? 1. Talking with guests before the party is critical to its success, said Rimoin and Cannon, so everyone knows your expectations ahead of time. "If people arrive and think you're imposing rules on them or picking on their children, bad feelings can arise," Cannon said. 2. Ask guests for their input but decide ahead of time what items are non-negotiable, such as wearing a mask when mingling. "You have to ask, 'Can you respect these rules and are you safe to join us?" Rimoin said. 3. Ease the tension around wearing face coverings by buying white masks for all your guests and providing fabric markers or stickers at each household table for decorating them. An option is buying acrylic face shields as party favors. 4. Inform everyone that the party is outdoors only (except for bathroom visits, see below) and that it will be canceled in the event of bad weather. 5. Let guests know who else is coming so they can make their own assessments about their level of acceptable risk. Cannon said she recently turned down a graduation party at a close friend's home because her husband is particularly vulnerable to the virus and she didn't know the other guests. "They were doing all the right things with social distancing and being outside, but I just wasn't comfortable with people I don't know," she said. 6. Don't take offense. "You have to give people the freedom to politely turn you down," Cannon said, "because we don't always know what people's home situation is. Accept a gracious refusal." Watching the clock 7. Maybe last year's Fourth of July party lasted until the wee hours, but this year, it's best to limit exposure to other people, so set an end time. Maybe your invite would specify, "Noon to 4 p.m." Jeanie Jackson started JR's Barbecue and catering service in Culver City 22 years ago. She recommends setting a specific time for eating to minimize exposure. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) 8. Set a clear schedule, Cannon said. Think of this more like planning a summer camp agenda than a free-for-all party. 9. Set a specific time for when food will be served. Even in nonpandemic times, it's dangerous to keep food sitting outside for long, Jackson said. "I always specify the time for food, so if lunch is set for noon to 2 p.m., people don't come looking for food at 3 p.m." 10. Tell your guests the schedule ahead of time. That way, everyone knows when the food will be put away and when you plan to move chairs into a safe-distance circle for people to talk and mingle, masks on. (Some guests might prefer to come for just the mingling part. Knowing that will help you plan food accordingly.) Take a seat 11. The size of your party should be dictated by how many people you can safely keep six feet apart in your yard. 12. Ideally, people from the same household should be assigned to their own table for eating, so they can comfortably take off their masks to eat. 13. Place disposable plates, cutlery, napkins, cups and straws on each table, so each household has what it needs, or put wrapped cutlery and straws at each place, Huling said. (You're trying to minimize the need for guests to get up and go look for and handle items they're likely to need or want.) 14. Provide everyone their own straw so they can more easily sip drinks from under their masks, Cannon said. (But do not cut holes in masks to drink; that defeats the purpose, Rimoin said.) 15. Table decor can still be fun. Be creative and add masks, hand sanitizer, and red, white and blue straws to your centerpieces. "It's important to lighten the mood, so have fun with it," Cannon said. "It's a mistake to try to ignore what we're all dealing with, and recognize that, yes, it's a little absurd." It's all about the food 16. Choose your designated servers before the party and make sure your recruits are willing to do the job. Asking people after they arrive can be awkward and lead to unreliable help, said Houston, who is hyper sensitive to keeping people safe since his mother, Betty Arnold, the inspiration for his vegan business, is a cancer survivor. 17. If your guests are bringing side dishes or salads, request that they bring them covered. Once they arrive, those dishes should be managed by only one designated server, who handles all the serving spoons and keeps food covered until its served. You don't want multiple people touching the same utensils. 18. Designated servers should wear masks and disposable gloves while they're serving food, the caterers say, so the good host will have an ample supply, such as inexpensive food-handler gloves or more substantial vinyl gloves. Anna Rose Hopkins and Henry Fischer, owners of Hank and Bean catering, prepare individual servings for one of their events. (Anna Rose Hopkins) 19. Appoint a designated server to barbecue, another to manage the sides and salad table, and another to dole out appetizers, even chips and salsa, all to minimize the handling of communal items. 20. An option is to prep and pre-package everything, including the appetizers, Hopkins said. 21. Buy individual serving sizes, such as chip bags, so people can easily grab and go, and place extras on each household table. 22. If you are barbecuing burgers or hot dogs, create a plate of fixings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles and onions, as well as mayo, mustard and ketchup for each household table, to keep people from congregating. 23. Desserts should have a server (as opposed to people crowding around the dessert table), but this isn't the best year for fancy cakes and pies. Instead, ask your guests to bring brownies or cookies pre-bagged into individual portions . If you must have a dessert buffet, provide a menu on each household table so people can put in their orders and the designated server can prepare and serve the individual plates. On the rocks 24. No single-source containers, like kegs or pitchers or urns with a spigot, unless you have one person assigned to serve all drinks, said Houston. 25. The designated drink server can still mingle, Houston said, as long as everyone knows that he or she is the only one who can touch the drinks. "You just need to make sure that person is willing to do that throughout the party." 26. The easiest and safest drink options are open coolers or tubs, one with bottled waters, another with sodas and another with beer or canned alcoholic beverages, so people don't have to open a lid and root around. 27. Labeling coolers can cut down on unnecessary handling of items. Stephan "Chefan" Houston, owner of Plate of Hue vegan catering in Compton, says designated servers are a must for parties with food. (Vegan Outreach) Get ready to mingle 28. When you invite people, suggest a safe greeting, such as elbow bumps or hip bumps, instead of hugs and handshakes. 29. Strategize with parents of young children about how to keep them from leaping on adults they haven't seen for a while (like their grandparents) and badly want to hug, Cannon said. 30. Minglers must wear masks, until everyone is sitting six feet apart . 31. A fire pit might be a nice focal point to bring people together at a safe distance. 32. If people prefer to stay at their household tables, create "visitor" chairs six feet from each table, where people can stop by to talk. 33. Mark off the sitting area, even with squares on the ground, to ensure people keep their distance Time for a bathroom break 34. Banish cloth towels and bar soap from your bathroom and use liquid soap and paper towels to limit the spread of germs. 35. Provide enough garbage cans to hold discarded towels inside the bathroom and out, in case people want to (thoughtfully) use their towels when opening and closing the bathroom door. Do the same at the door that people will use to go in and out of your home. 36. Tell everyone in advance that the rest of the house is off limits. 27. Place hand sanitizer in the bathroom and at each household table. Should you play in the pool? 38. There's no evidence the virus spreads through chlorinated pool water, but pool play can still be risky because people will likely take off their masks, Rimoin said. "If people are spitting out big mouthfuls or water or chatting at close range in the shallow end, or just screaming and shouting, anything where you're breathing heavily, that's more likely to spread the virus." 39. Talk to your guests with children ahead of time so they understand that people from different households should not engage in close-contact play. 40. Make a plan for helping kids remember this during the party when they forget (which they will). 41. If people want to use a flotation device, tell them it can't be shared. If hosts want to provide floats, write names on each one so everyone knows whom each belong to. 42. Does this all feel a little much? Remember: The goal for get-togethers this year is to stay healthy while visiting with people we love, Rimoin said. "This isn't forever; it's just for a period of time, until we have all the tools to reopen society in a way that's safe for everyone. And knowing that makes it a little more bearable." Updates: 1:59 PM, Jun. 25, 2020: This story has been updated to include the news report of a family in Texas infected with coronavirus after an indoor surprise birthday party. SAN LUIS, Ariz. - President Donald Trump toured a border fence along the U.S.-Mexico divide here Tuesday, seeking to tout what he views as a key reelection accomplishment in a critical state as his bid for a second term has been upended by a resurgent pandemic, an economic crisis and racial unrest. Trump, who has increasingly focused on immigration amid the coronavirus crisis, said he was marking the 200th mile of border wall erected since his election and reviving one of the most contentious issues of a first term now defined by more pressing challenges. "It's never mentioned anymore - the wall is never mentioned anymore," Trump said during a roundtable in Yuma, Ariz. "The reason it's not mentioned - it's not that we won the battle. It's that it's such a compelling thing to have done. Because you see the number, and where that wall is going, as you're seeing, it's like magic." While visiting the border, Trump put his signature on a plaque attached to the barrier. The trip - more than three hours on Air Force One to a state dealing with a record-high spike in coronavirus cases - was itself controversial because Trump and his aides continued to flout public health guidelines at the same time that top administration officials were testifying before Congress about the growing threat of the coronavirus, which causes the disease covid-19. Neither Trump nor his aides wore masks during the visit to Arizona, which included the border wall tour and a speech to a crowded group of young supporters in Phoenix. Public health officials have argued against unnecessary travel and several testified Tuesday about the need to maintain social distancing and other preventive measures. Calling the coronavirus pandemic the "greatest public health crisis" that the United States has faced in more than a century, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Robert Redfield urged Americans to continue taking preventive measures to control the spread of the disease. "Right now, the most powerful weapon against this disease are social distancing, face coverings and hand hygiene," Redfield told lawmakers. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and a member of the White House coronavirus task force, told lawmakers that Arizona was among states seeing a "disturbing surge" in new cases. Trump did not spend much time speaking about the coronavirus during his trip to Arizona, despite the state's rapidly rising caseload. On Tuesday, Arizona recorded a record 3,593 new known cases of the virus, as well as a rolling average in new infections 77% higher than last Tuesday's. The state is now reporting 2,136 hospitalizations, more than double the number at the beginning of the month. Hospital bed usage and intensive care unit usage are at 83% and 84% capacity, respectively. The president focused on touting his immigration record and sought to convince voters in Arizona to back his 2020 reelection bid. Political consultants list Arizona as one of the most important states in the November elections, and Democrats are trying to defeat Trump and Republican Sen. Martha McSally. Both have slipped in the polls in recent weeks, and Trump has visited the state twice even as the pandemic sharply restricted his travel schedule. "We need you in Washington. Will you please win?" Trump said to McSally during the roundtable. "Because we need you. The alternative that's running against you is not the person that we want." Democrat Mark Kelly, who is challenging McSally, has been leading in recent polling in a state some Republicans consider key to their quest to keep the White House and maintain control of the Senate. His campaign did not respond to a request for comment. Trump has pushed a hard-line immigration message as he has attempted to revitalize his campaign after a series of setbacks. In the past week, the president has issued a proclamation curbing immigration visas through the end of the year and decried a Supreme Court ruling that blocked his attempt to end a program shielding some undocumented immigrants from deportation. Trump's visit to the border was the latest in a series of similar trips in which he has inspected the barrier at various stages of its development since 2017. The Trump administration has completed more than 220 new linear miles of border barriers, according to the latest U.S. Customs and Border Protection figures. CBP officials say they remain on track to deliver on the president's promise to complete 450 miles by the end of the year, but to meet that goal they will need to increase the current pace of construction to roughly 40 new miles per month. As construction crews race to meet Trump's objectives despite the pandemic and the desert's withering summer heat, the project has essentially split into two. The administration has been laying down new 30-foot-tall steel barriers relatively quickly on federally-controlled land in Western states, including national forests, wildlife preserves and military bases. But progress has been much slower along the lower Rio Grande in South Texas - the areas considered to be the highest priority to the CBP - because the land there is almost entirely in private hands. The government has been using its eminent-domain authority to gain access to that land, but the slow pace of property seizures has frustrated Jared Kushner, the president's son-in-law and senior adviser, whom he has tasked with overseeing wall construction. The president continues to view the project as an asset to his reelection bid and tangible proof of his ability to deliver on promises he made during his 2016 campaign that were widely mocked and dismissed as unrealistic. More than three years later, Trump's border wall has morphed into one of the most expensive federal infrastructure projects in U.S. history. The White House has obtained $15 billion for construction so far, two-thirds of which has been diverted from Defense Department construction funds and counternarcotics programs over the objections of Democrats and some Republicans. On Tuesday, the president put his signature to a section of the barrier that has recently been coated in black paint. Trump has been pushing for years to have the entire structure painted, telling aides that it will discourage climbers by making the metal too hot to touch. The cost of painting the wall across hundreds of miles of deserts and mountains is projected to add $500 million to the project's price tag while increasing the structure's long-term maintenance requirements. Presumed Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden has said he will halt work on the project if elected, potentially stopping the bulldozers and excavators in their tracks with hundreds of miles of planned barriers left incomplete. Trump singled out Biden for a political attack during the official White House event in Yuma. "The Biden people - and he's controlled totally by the radical left, as you understand, he's not controlling it, they're controlling him - they want open borders, they want criminal sanctuaries, they want everything that doesn't work," Trump said. "I don't even think it works politically, frankly." Biden has criticized Trump for "creating a humanitarian crisis" at the border and slammed the latest immigration restrictions as an "attempt to distract" from a failed coronavirus response. Trump was scheduled to speak later Tuesday in Phoenix at a Students for Trump rally at Dream City Church, which according to local news can hold about 3,000 people. Arizona doctors raised alarms about the planned mass gathering, which occurred as many of the new coronavirus patients filling up local hospitals have been younger. Phoenix-based members of the Committee to Protect Medicare, a national network of doctors that's lobbied against Trump, joined a chorus of voices urging caution. "This is a public health issue. It's not about young or old, it's not about being Republican or Democrat," said Jagruti Patel, a critical care pulmonologist at HonorHealth in Phoenix who says her hospital's intensive care units are 90% full. "It's about human safety." - - - The Washington Post's Lena H. Sun, Yasmeen Abutaleb and Hannah Knowles contributed to this report. / He Went to Get an Iced Tea. His Death Spurred an Outcry Colo. governor says his office will take closer look at 2019 death of Elijah McClain Melanie is a pink owl. Meeta is a sparkly unicorn. Three-year-old Ava Carr has been missing her friends from daycare so much, she started naming her stuffies after them. She hasnt seen the real Melanie and Meeta since their daycare closed in mid-March due to the pandemic. Since March, Avas mother, Maeve Carr, has worked 12-hour days from home while taking care of her toddler. That often means working until 2 a.m. and then rising at 5:30 a.m. to start the day with Ava. As Ontario begins to ease coronavirus-related restrictions in June, some daycares have been allowed to reopen. Avas daycare in Toronto, Deer Park Extended Primary Education Program, was set to reopen on June 22. Suddenly, Carr could see a light at the end of the tunnel. Then, at 8:42 p.m. on the Friday before the big day, Carr received an email from the daycare: It looks like we will not be allowed to open the daycare on Monday, it read. The email thread revealed the school board had told the daycare four hours earlier that, in fact, no child-care centres in Toronto schools were allowed to open yet. Apologies for the delayed response, a school board staff member wrote. We are diligently working with a number of departments and stakeholders to support reopening, but we must ensure that we have processes in place that prioritize health and safety for all. Carr, a single parent, was devastated. Being able to bring Ava back to daycare would have meant a return to some semblance of sanity, she said. I have no idea how to live my life right now. I cant prepare. I cant tell my boss when things are going to go back to normal, said Carr, who works in global finance. Im the only one with a young child in my department. In a memo obtained by the Star, the Toronto District School Board informed child-care operators Wednesday that they could reopen as early as July 2. But Carr questions why the school board waited until the last moment to tell the Deer Park daycare it could not open the following business day. I dont blame the daycare at all, said Carr. I think she was blindsided too. The Toronto District School Board told the Star it has been working as quickly as possible to reopen daycares in schools. While some child cares may have been ready to reopen earlier, we had to take the necessary time to reopen as safely as possible, and we thank everyone for their patience, the statement read. The school board confirmed that daycares with provincial authorization would be able to reopen starting July 2. But Carr said she has not received any communication from the daycare or the school board since last week. Theres been no followup from anybody. Theres no update at all. Meanwhile, child-care advocates have criticized the province for not providing enough support, financial and otherwise, to child-care operators struggling to reopen. The Ontario government announced that daycares across the province would be allowed to reopen starting June 12, provided they follow public health protocols. Those protocols include, among other things, drop-off and pickup procedures, frequent cleaning and a COVID-19 response plan if a staff member or child gets sick. In emails sent to parents last week, Deer Park Extended Primary Education Program outlined the steps it had taken to follow these protocols and announced it would open its doors to a handful of families on June 22. The daycare declined the Stars interview request but said in a written statement, The staff worked really hard to prepare for opening and were denied by (the Toronto District School Board). The approximately 320 child-care centres on Toronto District School Board property need the boards permission to reopen. The daycares statement went on to say, Parents and child-care staff will need to continue to be patient and wait for an announcement for when we can reopen. For now, Carr has resigned herself to letting her daughter sit on her lap during her work Zoom meetings. Its far from ideal, she said. Sometimes its just better to avoid the occurrence of a meltdown. And then you become the parent who cant afford to have the noise and the crisis so you give them what they need, she said. You give them chocolate. Its terrible. When Ava goes down for her midday nap, Carr will sometimes shut her eyes as well because she gets only a few hours of sleep a night. Some days, Ava will take her mother on imaginary car rides where they pick up her imaginary friends, Virat embodied by an Elmo stuffy and Meeta, the unicorn, on the apartment balcony. We pretend we are all going to the zoo together, said Carr. She is so lonely. At Mercy, we have placed our faculty, staff and students at the center of our OnCampus Plus reopening plan, said Timothy Hall, President of Mercy College. This approach ensures that all current and future decisions provide for the most effective teaching, working and learning experiences. Mercy College announced today key guidelines for its OnCampus Plus reopening plan for the fall 2020 term and is confident that it can meet guidelines recently released from New York State and public health officials to begin courses on September 9. At Mercy, we have placed our faculty, staff and students at the center of our OnCampus Plus reopening plan, said Timothy Hall, President of Mercy College. This approach ensures that all current and future decisions provide for the most effective teaching, working and learning experiences. The OnCampus Plus reopening plan incorporates health and safety measures and adheres to evolving state guidelines. These guidelines are based on the comprehensive evaluation and subsequent recommendations made by Mercys reopening taskforce. A comprehensive overview of the OnCampus Plus plan can be found on this dedicated webpage. Key features of Mercys OnCampus Plus plan include: Safety and Monitoring: Enhanced cleaning and hygiene protocols will continue to be implemented on campuses, signage and other communications will guide and direct safe practices and on-campus safety protocols will be implemented including required face coverings and daily self-screening questionnaires. Academics and Academic Technology: Reduced classroom capacity will allow for social distancing; some classes may operate in a rotation between in-person and online attendance, investments in new on-campus technology will ensure maximum flexibility for teaching and learning. Many classes that will operate on campus and be livestreamed to allow students to log-in to classes from home if they prefer to do so. In these cases, students in the classroom and online will be together at their scheduled meeting time, with Zoom-based live lectures and interactive classroom discussions. Return to Work: Initial staff will return in mid-July to implement safety and operational measures to ensure that the fall term will be as seamless as possible and the return of additional faculty and staff will be gradual and occur in phases. The College will continue to follow New York State guidelines and may need to shift plans based on state and public heath mandates. Additional developments and decisions will be communicated in the coming weeks. About Mercy College Mercy College is the dynamic, diverse New York City area college whose students are on a personal mission: to get the most out of life by getting the most out of their education. Founded in 1950, Mercy offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs within five schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mercy College challenges its faculty and staff to make higher education work for anyone hungry enough to earn a better place in life. With campuses in Dobbs Ferry, Bronx, Manhattan and Yorktown Heights, the vibrancy of the College culture is sustained by a diverse student body from around the region. -- March to May Period Impacted by Shutdown and Restart of Operations Due to Global Pandemic -- -- Focus on Employee Health and Safety as Business Activities Recover and Consumers Flock to Outdoors -- -- RV Market Share Growth Continues Witnessing Positive Retail Momentum in June -- -- YTD Operating Cash Flow Up 96% Over Prior Year -- -- Liquidity Remains Strong with Cash Balances Rising During the Quarter to $152.5 -- FOREST CITY, Iowa, June 24, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Winnebago Industries, Inc. (WGO), a leading outdoor lifestyle product manufacturer, today reported financial results for the Company's third quarter Fiscal 2020 ended May 30, 2020. The Companys results were impacted by the unprecedented series of events related to the COVID-19 pandemic which included the suspension of manufacturing operations as well as disruptions across its dealer network, supply chain and end consumers during most of the quarter. In response, Winnebago Industries took immediate and decisive actions to keep employees safe, control costs and maintain its financial strength and flexibility. The Companys financial position remains strong primarily due to its variable cost structure, entering the crisis with a very healthy cash balance, and ample additional capacity under its revolving credit facility if needed. Winnebago Industries is continuing to adapt to this challenging period by prioritizing decisions that are in the best interests of both its employees health and its long-term business prospects. Third Quarter Fiscal 2020 Results Revenues for the Fiscal 2020 third quarter ended May 30, 2020, were $402.5 million, a decrease of 23.9% compared to $528.9 million for the Fiscal 2019 period. Revenues for Newmar, which was acquired in the first quarter of Fiscal 2020, were $88.0 million. Revenues excluding Newmar were $314.5 million, a decrease of 40.5%. Gross profit was $32.0 million compared to $86.6 million for the Fiscal 2019 period. Gross profit margin decreased 840 basis points in the quarter, primarily driven by deleverage due to the significant revenue decline and an unfavorable mix as Towables revenue, as a percent of total revenue, was lower compared to the same period a year ago. Operating income was an $8.2 million loss for the quarter, compared to operating income of $49.0 million in the third quarter of last year. Fiscal 2020 third quarter net income was a loss of $12.4 million, compared to net income of $36.2 million in the same period last year. Net loss per diluted share was $(0.37), compared to earnings per diluted share of $1.14 in the same period last year. Consolidated adjusted net loss per diluted share was $(0.26) for the third quarter, excluding costs totaling $3.5 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, after tax, driven by the non-cash portion of interest expense and restructuring charges. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA was $4.1 million for the quarter, compared to $55.9 million last year, a decrease of 92.7%. Story continues President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Happe commented, Our third fiscal quarter was a uniquely challenging time for Winnebago Industries, as it spanned the most intense portion of the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. While the pandemic has significantly changed how we conduct business on a day-to-day basis, I couldnt be prouder of how our teams have worked collaboratively to respond to this tremendous test. We would like to especially recognize and thank the first responders, health care professionals, and public health officials across the country and specifically in the communities in which we have a physical presence. As we ramp up operations across our portfolio, I have been inspired by the efforts our team members have put forth to ensure our manufacturing, warehouse, service, office, and remote environments are as safe as possible. Despite the COVID-19 disruption and ongoing related obstacles, we have not lost our focus on quality, innovation and customer service. We have grown market share, strengthened dealer and supplier relationships, and maintained key investments in initiatives critical to our future. Our portfolio of premium outdoor brands continues to perform well and be desired by channel partners and end consumers alike. Winnebago Industries North American RV retail market share was 11.7% on a trailing three-month basis through April, 2020, up 1.7 share points (up 1.2 share points on an organic basis) over the same period last year. I want to thank all of our Winnebago Industries employees for their commitment and cooperation as we continue the process of returning to work in a thoughtful and safe manner. We are especially grateful for the support of our dealer network as they also guided their teams through these truly unique times with great passion and fortitude, always serving our collective end consumers during a time of extraordinary challenges. Towable Revenues for the Towable segment were $188.9 million for the third quarter, down 45.5% from the prior year, primarily driven by the suspension of manufacturing and the disruption to consumer buying patterns due to COVID-19. The overall strength of the Towable product portfolio and increased consumer demand in the month of May, as stay-at-home orders were eased, has contributed to accelerated momentum, especially in the Companys Grand Design RV business. Winnebago Industries unit share of the North American towable market on a trailing three-month basis through April 2020, excluding folding and truck campers, was 10.7%, an increase of 2.0 share points over the same 2019 period. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $16.5 million, down 71.2% from the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA margin of 8.7% decreased 780 basis points, primarily due to deleverage related to the significant revenue decline. Backlog increased 86.7%, in units, over the prior year, reflecting a strong rebound in dealer demand in May as April was the period most impacted by COVID-19. Motorhome In the third quarter, revenues for the Motorhome segment increased 27.1% to $203.6 million, driven by the year over year impact of Newmar, which was acquired in November 2019, partially offset by the suspension of manufacturing and the disruption to consumer buying patterns due to COVID-19. Underlying demand for the Class B product line-up, including the Revel, Travato, Boldt, and Solis models, remains strong despite the impact from the pandemic. Winnebago Industries unit share of the North American Class B segment, on a trailing three-month basis through April 2020, was 45.4%, an increase of 5.2 share points over the same 2019 period. Excluding Newmar, segment revenues decreased 27.9% from the prior year period. Segment Adjusted EBITDA was $(10.8) million, down $11.2 million from the prior year primarily due to the revenue decline and cost impact driven by COVID-19, partially offset by favorable mix and the addition of Newmar. Adjusted EBITDA margin of (5.3%) decreased 550 basis points primarily due to deleverage related to the significant revenue decline, partially offset by favorable mix driven by strong Class B demand and the contribution from Newmar. Backlog increased 99.2%, in units, over the prior year, due to the addition of Newmar and a strong rebound in dealer demand in May as April was the period most impacted by COVID-19. Despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the operational integration of Newmar into the Winnebago Industries portfolio is proceeding as planned. The Company remains focused on maximizing targeted synergies and expanding Newmars market share in the high-end motorhome segment. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow As of May 30, 2020, the Company had total outstanding debt of $465.0 million ($553.5 million of debt, net of convertible note discount of $77.6 million, net of debt issuance costs of $10.9 million) and working capital of $299.8 million. Cash flow from operations was $162.4 million for the first nine months of Fiscal 2020, an increase of $79.6 million from the same period in Fiscal 2019. Quarterly Cash Dividend On May 19, 2020, the Companys board of directors approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 per share payable on July 1, 2020, to common stockholders of record at the close of business on June 17, 2020. Mr. Happe continued, As we look ahead to the final quarter of Fiscal 2020, we are optimistic about the slope of our Companys and industrys recovery path due to the strong demand rebound we witnessed in May and the positive trends we are seeing continue this summer. Retail and wholesale demand for outdoor recreation products are both recovering and headed in a strong upward direction as the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted travelers views toward how they desire to spend their leisure time experiencing nature and the outdoors. As states navigate the reopening of their communities, people are increasingly looking toward RVing and boating as ways to socially distance in a safe and memorable way. As indicated by our robust backlogs as compared to last year and our second fiscal quarter of 2020, Winnebago Industries RV, Marine, and Specialty Vehicles brands and businesses remain poised for strong growth and are solidly positioned to offer great value to our end consumers. Going forward, we are committed to prudently managing our business in a disciplined fashion to preserve liquidity and ensure that Winnebago Industries maintains the financial flexibility to continue to outpace the market and navigate the future. Conference Call Winnebago Industries, Inc. will discuss third quarter Fiscal 2020 earnings results during a conference call scheduled for 9:00 a.m. Central Time today. Members of the news media, investors and the general public are invited to access a live broadcast of the conference call via the Investor Relations page of the Company's website at http://investor.wgo.net . The event will be archived and available for replay for the next 90 days. About Winnebago Industries Winnebago Industries, Inc. is a leading North American manufacturer of outdoor lifestyle products under the Winnebago, Grand Design, Newmar, and Chris-Craft brands, which are used primarily in leisure travel and outdoor recreation activities. The Company builds quality motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheel products and boats. Winnebago Industries has multiple facilities in Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota and Florida. The Company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the symbol WGO. For access to Winnebago Industries' investor relations material or to add your name to an automatic email list for Company news releases, visit http://investor.wgo.net . Forward Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from these statements, including, but not limited to increases in interest rates, availability of credit, low consumer confidence, availability of labor, significant increase in repurchase obligations, inadequate liquidity or capital resources, availability and price of fuel, a slowdown in the economy, increased material and component costs, availability of chassis and other key component parts, sales order cancellations, slower than anticipated sales of new or existing products, new product introductions by competitors, the effect of global tensions, integration of operations relating to mergers and acquisitions activities, business interruptions, any unexpected expenses related to enterprise resource planning, impacts of public health crises, such as COVID-19, risks related to compliance with debt covenants and leverage ratios, cyber-attacks, and other factors. Additional information concerning certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from that projected or suggested is contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over the last 12 months, copies of which are available from the SEC or from the Company upon request. The Company disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward looking statements contained in this release or to reflect any changes in the Company's expectations after the date of this release or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based, except as required by law. Contact: Steve Stuber - Investor Relations - 952-828-8461 - srstuber@wgo.net Media Contact: Sam Jefson - Public Relations Specialist - 641-585-6803 - sjefson@wgo.net Winnebago Industries, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (in thousands, except per share data) Three Months Ended May 30, 2020 May 25, 2019 Net revenues $ 402,458 100.0 % $ 528,940 100.0 % Cost of goods sold 370,434 92.0 % 442,356 83.6 % Gross profit 32,024 8.0 % 86,584 16.4 % Selling, general, and administrative expenses 33,271 8.3 % 35,332 6.7 % Amortization of intangible assets 6,926 1.7 % 2,278 0.4 % Total operating expenses 40,197 10.0 % 37,610 7.1 % Operating (loss) income (8,173 ) (2.0 ) % 48,974 9.3 % Interest expense 8,440 2.1 % 4,446 0.8 % Non-operating income (74 ) % (360 ) (0.1 ) % (Loss) income before income taxes (16,539 ) (4.1 ) % 44,888 8.5 % (Benefit) provision for income taxes (4,186 ) (1.0 ) % 8,717 1.6 % Net (loss) income $ (12,353 ) (3.1 ) % $ 36,171 6.8 % Income (loss) per common share: Basic $ (0.37 ) $ 1.15 Diluted $ (0.37 ) $ 1.14 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 33,625 31,493 Diluted 33,625 31,644 Nine Months Ended May 30, 2020 May 25, 2019 Net revenues $ 1,617,726 100.0 % $ 1,455,278 100.0 % Cost of goods sold 1,427,307 88.2 % 1,231,269 84.6 % Gross profit 190,419 11.8 % 224,009 15.4 % Selling, general, and administrative expenses 126,540 7.8 % 106,303 7.3 % Amortization of intangible assets 18,514 1.1 % 7,204 0.5 % Total operating expenses 145,054 9.0 % 113,507 7.8 % Operating income 45,365 2.8 % 110,502 7.6 % Interest expense 23,140 1.4 % 13,293 0.9 % Non-operating income (460 ) % (1,330 ) (0.1 ) % Income before income taxes 22,685 1.4 % 98,539 6.8 % Provision for taxes 3,702 0.2 % 18,609 1.3 % Net income $ 18,983 1.2 % $ 79,930 5.5 % Income per common share: Basic $ 0.57 $ 2.53 Diluted $ 0.57 $ 2.52 Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 33,102 31,546 Diluted 33,289 31,722 Percentages may not add due to rounding differences. Winnebago Industries, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) (in thousands) May 30, 2020 August 31, 2019 Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 152,480 $ 37,431 Receivables, net 163,590 158,049 Inventories, net 190,359 201,126 Prepaid expenses and other assets 21,566 14,051 Total current assets 527,995 410,657 Total property, plant, and equipment, net 175,431 127,572 Other assets: Goodwill 348,058 274,931 Other intangible assets, net 408,358 256,082 Investment in life insurance 27,336 26,846 Operating lease assets 29,790 Other assets 16,072 8,143 Total assets $ 1,533,040 $ 1,104,231 Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 81,998 $ 81,635 Income taxes payable Accrued expenses 132,509 107,217 Current maturities of long-term debt 13,668 8,892 Total current liabilities 228,175 197,744 Non-current liabilities: Long-term debt, less current maturities 451,306 245,402 Deferred income taxes 16,708 12,032 Unrecognized tax benefits 6,269 3,591 Operating lease liabilities 27,366 Deferred compensation benefits, net of current portion 11,454 12,878 Other 6,952 372 Total non-current liabilities 520,055 274,275 Stockholders' equity 784,810 632,212 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 1,533,040 $ 1,104,231 Winnebago Industries, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) Nine Months Ended (in thousands) May 30, 2020 May 25, 2019 Operating activities: Net income $ 18,983 $ 79,930 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 11,854 9,788 Amortization of intangibles 18,514 7,204 Non-cash interest expense, net 7,440 Amortization of debt issuance costs 2,181 1,186 Last in, first-out expense 1,450 1,544 Stock-based compensation 3,332 5,735 Deferred income taxes 365 362 Other, net 516 1,265 Change in assets and liabilities: Receivables 31,440 (20,961 ) Inventories 91,938 2,701 Prepaid expenses and other assets 159 (653 ) Accounts payable (13,528 ) 3,954 Income taxes and unrecognized tax benefits (2,622 ) (13,898 ) Accrued expenses and other liabilities (9,585 ) 4,692 Net cash provided by operating activities 162,437 82,849 Investing activities: Purchases of property and equipment (28,582 ) (31,681 ) Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired (260,965 ) (702 ) Proceeds from the sale of property 134 Other, net 141 1,752 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (289,406 ) (30,497 ) Financing activities: Borrowings on credit agreement 1,495,209 342,549 Repayments of credit agreement (1,495,209 ) (375,438 ) Proceeds from issuance of convertible senior notes 300,000 Purchase of convertible note hedge (70,800 ) Proceeds from issuance of warrants 42,210 Payments on long-term debt (6,500 ) Payments of offering costs (10,761 ) Payments of cash dividends (10,881 ) (10,201 ) Payments for repurchase of common stock (7,724 ) Other, net (1,250 ) 296 Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 242,018 (50,518 ) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 115,049 1,834 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 37,431 2,342 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 152,480 $ 4,176 Supplement cash flow disclosure: Income taxes paid, net $ 6,240 $ 33,852 Interest paid $ 14,961 $ 10,335 Non-cash transactions: Issuance of Winnebago common stock for acquisition of business $ 92,572 $ Capital expenditures in accounts payable $ 255 $ 9 (in thousands) Winnebago Industries, Inc. Supplemental Information by Reportable Segment (Unaudited) - Towable (in thousands, except unit data) Three Months Ended (in thousands) May 30, 2020 % of Revenues May 25, 2019 % of Revenues $ Change % Change Net revenues $ 188,898 $ 346,811 $ (157,913 ) (45.5 ) % Adjusted EBITDA 16,451 8.7 % 57,172 16.5 % (40,721 ) (71.2 ) % Three Months Ended Unit deliveries May 30, 2020 Product Mix(1) May 25, 2019 Product Mix(1) Unit Change % Change Travel trailer 3,537 60.3 % 6,185 59.5 % (2,648 ) (42.8 ) % Fifth wheel 2,324 39.7 % 4,216 40.5 % (1,892 ) (44.9 ) % Total towables 5,861 100.0 % 10,401 100.0 % (4,540 ) (43.6 ) % Nine Months Ended (in thousands) May 30, 2020 % of Revenues May 25, 2019 % of Revenues $ Change % Change Net revenues $ 813,611 $ 890,335 $ (76,724 ) (8.6 ) % Adjusted EBITDA 86,982 10.7 % 121,638 13.7 % (34,656 ) (28.5 ) % Nine Months Ended Unit deliveries May 30, 2020 Product Mix(1) May 25, 2019 Product Mix(1) Unit Change % Change Travel trailer 15,319 60.8 % 16,564 60.5 % (1,245 ) (7.5 ) % Fifth wheel 9,874 39.2 % 10,818 39.5 % (944 ) (8.7 ) % Total towables 25,193 100.0 % 27,382 100.0 % (2,189 ) (8.0 ) % ($ in thousands) May 30, 2020 May 25, 2019 Change % Change Backlog(2) Units 13,235 7,089 6,146 86.7 % Dollars $ 417,176 $ 237,708 $ 179,468 75.5 % Dealer Inventory Units 15,562 18,984 (3,422 ) (18.0 ) % (1) Percentages may not add due to rounding differences. (2) We include in our backlog all accepted orders from dealers to generally be shipped within the next six months. Orders in backlog can be cancelled or postponed at the option of the dealer at any time without penalty and, therefore, backlog may not necessarily be an accurate measure of future sales. Winnebago Industries, Inc. Supplemental Information by Reportable Segment (Unaudited) - Motorhome (in thousands, except unit data) Three Months Ended (in thousands) May 30, 2020 % of Revenues May 25, 2019 % of Revenues $ Change % Change Net revenues $ 203,590 $ 160,239 $ 43,351 27.1 % Adjusted EBITDA (10,789 ) (5.3 ) % 381 0.2 % (11,170 ) (2,931.8 ) % Three Months Ended Unit deliveries May 30, 2020 Product Mix(1) May 25, 2019 Product Mix(1) Unit Change % Change Class A 428 27.4 % 378 19.3 % 50 13.2 % Class B 694 44.4 % 515 26.2 % 179 34.8 % Class C 440 28.2 % 1,069 54.5 % (629 ) (58.8 ) % Total motorhomes 1,562 100.0 % 1,962 100.0 % (400 ) (20.4 ) % Nine Months Ended(2) (in thousands, except ASP) May 30, 2020 % of Revenues May 25, 2019 % of Revenues $ Change % Change Net revenues $ 755,023 $ 506,229 $ 248,794 49.1 % Adjusted EBITDA 13,488 1.8 % 16,716 3.3 % (3,228 ) (19.3 ) % Nine Months Ended Unit deliveries May 30, 2020 Product Mix(1) May 25, 2019 Product Mix(1) Unit Change % Change Class A 1,803 31.0 % 1,329 23.7 % 474 35.7 % Class B 2,287 39.3 % 1,847 33.0 % 440 23.8 % Class C 1,734 29.7 % 2,430 43.3 % (696 ) (28.6 ) % Total motorhomes 5,824 100.0 % 5,606 100.0 % 218 3.9 % ($ in thousands) May 30, 2020 May 25, 2019 Change % Change Backlog(3) Units 4,131 2,074 2,057 99.2 % Dollars $ 515,035 $ 182,354 $ 332,681 182.4 % Dealer Inventory Units 5,013 4,235 778 18.4 % (1) Percentages may not add due to rounding differences. (2) May 30, 2020 nine months ended data includes Newmar results from the time of acquisition (11/08/19); 2019 data excludes Newmar for both the three month ended and nine month ended periods (3) We include in our backlog all accepted orders from dealers to generally be shipped within the next six months. Orders in backlog can be cancelled or postponed at the option of the dealer at any time without penalty and, therefore, backlog may not necessarily be an accurate measure of future sales. Winnebago Industries, Inc. Non-GAAP Reconciliation (Unaudited) (in thousands, except per share data) Non-GAAP financial measures, which are not calculated or presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP), have been provided as information supplemental and in addition to the financial measures presented in the accompanying news release that are calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Such non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered superior to, as a substitute for, or as an alternative to, and should be considered in conjunction with, the GAAP financial measures presented in the news release. The non-GAAP financial measures presented may differ from similar measures used by other companies. The following table reconciles Diluted income per share to Adjusted diluted income per share: Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands)(1) May 30, 2020 May 25, 2019 May 30, 2020 May 25, 2019 Diluted income per share $ (0.37 ) $ 1.14 $ 0.57 $ 2.52 Pretax acquisition-related costs(2) (0.01 ) 0.29 Pretax acquisition-related fair-value inventory step-up 0.14 Pretax non-cash interest expense(3) 0.10 0.22 Restructuring expense 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.04 Research and development tax credits (0.04 ) (0.10 ) Tax impact of adjustments(4) (0.03 ) (0.01 ) (0.15 ) (0.01 ) Adjusted diluted income per share $ (0.26 ) $ 1.14 $ 1.12 $ 2.45 (1) Per share numbers may not foot due to rounding (2) Represents transaction-closing costs. (3) Non-cash interest expense associated with the Convertible Notes issued related to our acquisition of Newmar. (4) Income tax charge calculated using the statutory tax rate for the U.S. of 21.0% for both periods presented. The following table reconciles net income to consolidated EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended (in thousands) May 30, 2020 May 25, 2019 May 30, 2020 May 25, 2019 Net (loss) income $ (12,353 ) $ 36,171 $ 18,983 $ 79,930 Interest expense 8,440 4,446 23,140 13,293 Provision for income taxes (4,186 ) 8,717 3,702 18,609 Depreciation 4,134 3,520 11,854 9,788 Amortization of intangible assets 6,926 2,278 18,514 7,204 EBITDA 2,961 55,132 76,193 128,824 Acquisition-related fair-value inventory step-up 4,810 Acquisition-related costs (189 ) 9,761 Restructuring expenses 1,376 1,102 1,247 1,321 Non-operating income (74 ) (360 ) (460 ) (1,330 ) Adjusted EBITDA $ 4,074 $ 55,874 $ 91,551 $ 128,815 We have provided non-GAAP performance measures of Adjusted diluted income per share, EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA as comparable measures to illustrate the effect of non-recurring transactions occurring during the reported periods and improve comparability of our results from period to period. Adjusted diluted income per share is defined as income per share adjusted for items that impact the comparability of our results from period to period. EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, provision for income taxes, and depreciation and amortization expense. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization expense, and other adjustments made in order to present comparable results from period to period. We believe Adjusted diluted income per share and Adjusted EBITDA provide meaningful supplemental information about our operating performance because these measures exclude amounts that we do not consider part of our core operating results when assessing our performance. Examples of items excluded from Adjusted income per share include acquisition-related costs, acquisition-related fair-value inventory step-up, non-cash interest expense, and the tax impact of the adjustments. Examples of items excluded from Adjusted EBITDA include acquisition-related fair-value inventory step-up, acquisition-related costs, restructuring expenses, and non-operating income. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures (a) to evaluate our historical and prospective financial performance and trends as well as our performance relative to competitors and peers; (b) to measure operational profitability on a consistent basis; (c) in presentations to the members of our board of directors to enable our board of directors to have the same measurement basis of operating performance as is used by management in its assessments of performance and in forecasting and budgeting for our company; (d) to evaluate potential acquisitions; and (e) to ensure compliance with covenants and restricted activities under the terms of our debt agreements. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties to evaluate companies in our industry. By Carl Golden While Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden remains semi-cloistered in the bunker/basement/television studio of his Wilmington, Del., home, the vice presidential selection process plods on. Biden's campaign is facing increasing pressure from the party's progressive wing to choose a running mate who supports massive reductions in spending on police departments and major revisions in law enforcement powers. By pledging to select a woman as his running mate, Biden availed himself of several highly qualified women capable of fulfilling his principal condition ready to step in as president should it become necessary. Protest gatherings, marches and violence erupted across the country after the death of an unarmed black man at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer gave rise to demands to "Defund the Police" and propelled support for the selection of an African-American woman as Biden's running mate. Biden's campaign quickly recognized the perils of the "Defund the Police" movement and distanced the former vice president with a declaration of opposition. But President Trump's campaign, sensing a potentially powerful wedge issue which could be exploited, piled on. It moved quickly to hang the movement around Biden's neck as evidence the Democratic Party had ceded control to its radical elements who supported abolishing police departments. A recent Harris/HillX poll bore out the Trump view 52 percent of Democrats supported defunding while 78 percent of Republicans and 70 percent of independents opposed it. Trump ratcheted up the attack with his usual volatile and incendiary rhetoric. He proclaimed himself the "president of law and order," threatened to turn dogs loose on protesters, shoot looters and mused aloud about mobilizing the U.S. military to quell demonstrations. At a time when the country sought leadership to address the protestors' legitimate grievances and work with Congress to develop policies to resolve them, Trump chose to lead the country into war. The lawbreaking chaos attacks on police, burning businesses, looting in a party atmosphere demanded a law enforcement response and, in most cases, received one. Scores of arrests were made and curfews enforced. The demonstrations that followed, while raucous and noisy, were generally peaceful. Meaningful reforms in policing procedures and practices a position Biden has embraced enjoys healthy majority support, but withdrawing traditional law enforcement functions does not. Proponents of the "Defund the Police" movement struggled to explain their goal is re-allocating funds spent on policing to social service programs to help individuals whose behavior is better served by professionals in the field of mental health, for instance, than by encounters with police officers not trained to deal with such confrontations. They've been victimized by their sloganeering, as critics quickly framed the debate over police or no police. Nor has their cause been helped by inflammatory anti-police remarks against a background of violent street clashes, arson, looting, and destruction of property. Many progressives are already suspicious of Biden and, as he deals with the increase in support for an African-American vice presidential selection, he's treading on tricky terrain. Two potential running mates under serious consideration California Sen. Kamala Harris and Florida Congresswoman Val Demings drew opposition from some outspoken Black leaders because, they contended, their earlier careers in law enforcement (Harris as a prosecutor and Demings as a chief of police) disqualified them. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar took herself out of the running, realizing her service as a county prosecutor worked against her. If Biden passes on Harris or Demings, he'll be accused of caving in to the militant progressives. Should he choose either one, he'll encounter significant backlash, continued criticism and possible loss of support from that wing. It's another straw on the camel's back as the party struggles to construct a united front for the four-month run to the election. Party establishment figures are unhappy and concerned over what they perceive is a shortage of enthusiasm on the part of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, among others, and are privately furious over primary election challenges backed by progressives to incumbent members of Congress. Biden has surged to a double-digit lead in several polls but concerns persist it is a lead on paper only, that Trump buoyed by an enthusiastic rock solid base is capable of making up ground in significant chunks while Democrats squabble among themselves and worry about whether large disgruntled segments of their party will desert it. His choice of a running mate may hold the answer. Carl Golden (cgolden1937@gmail) is a senior contributing analyst with the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University in New Jersey. His article was distributed by Cagle Cartoons Inc. NEW HAVEN CASA of Southern Connecticut recently welcomed six new members to its volunteer Board of Directors. The organization was launched in 2019 with Executive Director Josiah H. Brown and four board members. The six new members add a range of areas of expertise and experience, along with strong ties to Connecticut communities, according to a release. The prior board members and I are grateful for the service of these six new colleagues, freely lending their talents and time to benefit our nonprofit, said Brown. The board and I encourage prospective volunteers of all backgrounds to apply to join this movement. Volunteer advocates help identify safe, permanent homes where children can thrive. New members are: Rebecca M. Allen, who is senior program officer at the Melville Charitable Trust, a Connecticut and national foundation based in New Haven. She has more than 25 years of leadership experience in nonprofit and public sectors with a focus on homelessness and behavioral health, the release said. She earned her masters degree in social work at the University of Connecticut. She is a foster parent, living in New Haven with her husband and their two young adult children, the release said. Carolyn N. Kinder, who retired after 35 years as a teacher and administrator in the New Haven Public Schools, receiving an Elm Award. She has long been active in her churchs community outreach and a leader in the New Haven Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Womens Clubs, Inc., the release said. She earned masters and and 6th-Year degrees from Southern Connecticut State University and a doctorate in educational administration from UConn. Kinder is a mother of two and grandmother of two and lives in New Haven with her husband, the release said. Jodie Comer Oshana, who is a faculty member at the University of Connecticut in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences. She was formerly an attorney at the Childrens Law Center of Connecticut and at the law firm of Brown, Paindiris, & Scott, LLP, the release said. Her research and teaching interests include child development, child advocacy, and legal representation of children. She earned a J.D. from Quinnipiac University School of Law, and her masters degree and doctorate from UConn. Oshana lives in Westbrook with her husband and their three children, the release said.. Aisha A. Roche, who is a staff attorney at the Childrens Law Center of Connecticut, representing children as guardian ad litem and attorney for the minor child in New Haven Family court cases. Roche speaks Spanish and handles many cases with Spanish-speaking families, the release said.. A member of the Connecticut and New Haven County Bar Associations, she is admitted to practice law in Connecticut and New York. She earned her J.D. from Quinnipiac University School of Law, with an honors concentration in Family and Juvenile Law, the release said.. She lives in Fairfield County with her husband and their three children. Laurie E. Ruderfer, who is executive director of Youth & Family Services of Haddam-Killingworth. Earlier, she served in roles including operations program manager for Clifford Beers Clinic; grant writer for the Cornell Scott-Hill Health Corporation; consultant for the New Haven Public Schools; executive director of Read to Grow; special project/grants manager for the Fair Haven Community Health Center; and regional director for the New York City Health Department, the release said. She earned a bachelors degree in social work from Cornell and masters in management & policy from Brandeis. She lives in Madison with her husband; they have two grown children, the release said. T. Reginald Solomon, who is a senior associate director and major gifts officer at Yale Universitys Development Office. Previously, he was program director in Yales Office of New Haven and State Affairs; his responsibilities included serving as a liaison with city government, nonprofits, and neighborhoods; directing a public service fellowship; and managing launch of the Dixwell-Yale Community Learning Center, the release said. Earlier, he was an account executive at Porter Novelli. He earned a bachelors degree from Yale and master of public policy degree from Harvard. He lives in Norwalk, the release said.. Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 25 Trend: Saipem has appointed Ilham Eminbayli as the head of its Azerbaijan branch. Ilham Eminbayli was born in 1975 in Azerbaijan. He received masters degree in Production and Operations Management from Azerbaijan Oil Academy and graduated with distinction from Baku State Universitys Faculty of Law. He started his career in 1995, in an American oil company operating in Azerbaijan. Then, Eminbayli worked for 19 years at SOCAR's subsidiary BOS Shelf. For the past 12 years, he served as the head of BOS Shelfs financial department. Since 2008, Eminbayli has also been teaching Corporate Finance and Analysis of Financial Statements under the MBA program at the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University. Eminbayli will bring his years of experience to Saipem Azerbaijan, a strategic branch for the company, which has been present in the country for around 25 years, and will oversee such important projects in the area as the development of the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli oil and gas field and the Absheron project. The National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, launched an initiative for the development and promotion of local personnel in large oil and gas projects. This, along with Eminbaylis proven expertise in the industry, led Saipem to go in this direction. Jonathan Van Ness is a popular personality with a huge fanbase and a penchant for positivity. One of the stars of Queer Eye, Van Ness promotes self-love and acceptance, both on his show and through social media. Although Van Ness experienced his fair share of difficulties growing up, including being shamed for being flamboyant, he has overcome every obstacle, and these days is a beacon of joy and happiness for fans of all persuasions and genders. Fans love Van Ness, and are eager to learn everything that they can about the beloved star including whether he is single or in a happy relationship. How did Jonathan Van Ness become famous? Jonathan Van Ness | Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images RELATED: Queer Eye: What is Jonathan Van Ness Net Worth? Van Ness was born in Illinois in 1987. Raised in a family of well-known journalists, Van Ness was openly flamboyant from an early age, which often caused him to be the subject of ridicule from bullies at school. Later, Van Ness revealed that he was sexually abused as a child and that it took him years to overcome the trauma that the experience caused him. Van Ness went to college at the University of Arizona, but his problems didnt stop when he began pursuing higher education. He developed an addiction to drugs and turned to sex work in order to purchase cocaine and other drugs. Eventually, Van Ness was able to fight the demons inside him and left the University of Arizona in order to attend hairdressers school. After becoming a successful stylist in Arizona, Van Ness moved to California to pursue his career goals. What is Jonathan Van Ness best known for? Upon arrival in California, Van Ness became a personal assistant at the popular Sally Hershberger Salon. It was around this time that he achieved internet popularity when his video recaps for Game of Thrones began going viral. His videos led to a popular podcast, and Van Ness soon began making a name for himself as a social media sensation. These days, Jonathan Van Ness is definitely best known as the grooming expert on the Netflix series Queer Eye. On the show, Van Ness and his cohorts help to improve peoples lives through the power of positivity and self-love. He has also released several books and has been widely recognized as a champion for LGBTQ rights. For fans, Jonathan Van Ness is one of a kind and has the kind of unique perspective on life, love, and world events that can never be replaced. Is Jonathan Van Ness dating anyone? With all the curiosity surrounding Van Ness, it is only natural that fans would be interested in his relationship status. As it turns out, Van Ness is reportedly single. His last known partner was in 2018 when he was linked to Wilco Froneman. The two started dating in the summer of 2018 but by December of the same year, Van Ness and Froneman had decided to split, with Van Ness posting the sassy song lyric, thank u, next to his social media pages shortly after their breakup. Van Ness also clarified that there were no hard feelings between himself and Froneman, asking fans to be kind to his ex: Please dont go in on Wilco, he doesnt need the anger & I dont want to see him suffer so just know Im all good & sometimes people break upLove you all so much. Van Ness has not gone public with any relationship since his split from Froneman, so as far as fans know, he is still happily single. This is to all the idiots that want to defund the police departments: Are you guys out of your minds? You take away the police and itll be open looting, open everything. Murder wont be nothing. This is crazy. Anybody that talks like that is stupid. We need more police if anything as you can see from the stupid looting and protesting that went on. There were people scared in their homes because of the idiots looting and running around. Thats got to stop too. I mean, theres got to be a way to protest a little bit better than that. Its just stupid. A hearing at the Royal Court of Justice on Tuesday brought the rift between the Hinduja brothers out in the open. The Hinduja brothers -- Srichand, Gopichand, Prakash, and Ashok Hinduja -- are now battling it out for their $11.2 billion fortune. At the crux of the legal dispute is a letter from 2014 that the patriarch Srichand and his daughter Vinoo seek to declare as null and void. The other three brothers are fighting to ensure that the contents of the letter are not revocable, among other things. Here's all you need to know about the Hinduja brothers feud: 1. A letter dated June 2, 2014 states that the assets held by one brother belong to all the brothers and that each of them would appoint the others as their executors. However, trouble started brewing in 2016 when Srichand expressed that the 2014 agreement does not reflect his wishes and that his and his family's assets must be separated. 2. During the hearing at the Royal Court of Justice, Justice Falk said in the judgment that in 2018 the three brothers tried to use the letter to take control of the Hinduja Bank that is in the sole name of Srichand. The basis of the tussle was that the three brothers believed that Srichand lacked capacity. 3. In 2019, Srichand had approached the Business and Property Court in London and sought to declare the letter revocable. Gopichand, Prakash and Ashok had opposed this as well as the fact that Srichand was represented in the court by his daughter Vinoo. 4. The three brothers argued that Vinoo has her own separate financial interest in pursuing the case and that an independent solicitor should represent Srichand. 5. Meanwhile, Srichand's wife Madhu and the other daughter Shanu appeared as witnesses to vouch that Vinoo has been appointed to represent her father in the court proceedings (litigation friend). Justice Falk was told that Srichand suffers from "age-related disease". 6. Justice Falk confirmed that Vinoo is Srichand's litigation friend. She said that the defendants might hold the view that Vinoo has shown disregard for Srichand's best interest but "Vinoo and other members of SP's immediate family, whom he has chosen to appoint as his attorneys, are in a better position to judge this than the persons against whom the proceedings are being taken." 7. Gopichand, Prakash and Ashok said in a statement that the litigation would have no impact on their business and that the proceedings go against their founder's and family values. "We intend to defend the claim to uphold these dearly held family values," they said. 8. Last week Srichand's family consolidated their position in the Hinduja Bank. Shanu Hinduja's son, 29-year-old Karam Hinduja took over as CEO last week. Moreover, Shanu Hinduja is the Chairperson of the bank and Srichand Hinduja is the Chairman Emeritus. As of 2018, Switzerland-based Hinduja Bank had total assets of 343 million Swiss francs or Rs 2,744 crore. 9. The fight over the control of Hinduja Bank is part of multiple litigation that the four brothers are fighting in the UK court as well as in New Jersey and Switzerland. 10. The dispute is likely to have implications for the Hinduja's businesses in India as well. The Switzerland-based bank owns close to 5 per cent in Ashok Leyland, controlled by Hinduja Group's automotive unit. The value of shares is around Rs 800 crore. Also read: Hinduja brothers fight over multi-billion fortune; dispute 2014 letter Also read: Hinduja brothers in battle; disputed Switzerland bank owns 5% in Ashok Leyland Planned rent increases remain on the cards at University College Cork (UCC), with students continuing to ask the university to consider reversing its stance on the matter. In February, students pitched tents on the UCC quad and vowed to stay put until the university backed down on the planned 3% hike in campus accommodation rates. They also called on the college to introduce a three-year rent freeze. The UCC student union (UCC SU) argued that the proposed 3% increase would be the third such yearly increase to be introduced by the university, and placed an unfair financial burden on students. The increase followed a hike of between 10-11.5% in 2019. The protest grew to 30 tents, with students remaining camped out until the two groups agreed to mediation talks at the beginning of March. Shortly afterward, UCC closed its campuses due to Covid-19. The incoming UCC SU is now waiting for an update from UCC management, UCC welfare officer Jamie Fraiser confirmed. Cork is a rent pressure zone which means that rent is supposed to be capped annually at 4%, but we have seen the rents for campus accommodation instead increase very quickly, he said. The UCC SU is expecting that many more students will be under financial strain this year due to the impact of Covid-19, he added. We would consider an increase to be a barrier to students entering further education because it does make it extremely difficult for students who are struggling financially. If increases are introduced, we will be taking a very strong stance against them in the UCC SU, just like our predecessors. UCC had not responded to inquiries put to it by the Irish Examiner. A spokesman for the university previously said the planned increases were due to major refurbishing work, the rise in security and maintenance costs, and to provide additional accommodation for students. All income generated by UCC campus accommodation is exclusively used by the company to meet such cost, he said. UCC has five accommodation complexes. It is in the process of building a new student development on the site of the former Crow's Nest bar in Victoria Cross, which will include an additional 255 student beds. (Newser) Seven times, Cedric Chouviat called out, "I'm suffocating" while held to the ground by police in Paris after a traffic stop. The 42-year-old delivery driver, who was white, died two days later in a hospital. Chouviat's family and human rights groups are asking the police for answers changes to their restraint policies, the New York Times reports. The encounter, which occurred Jan. 3, was captured on cellphone video. A lawyer for the family called for an end to the "persistence of police violence" at a press conference Tuesday. Police said they stopped Chouviat because they thought he was looking at his phone while driving a delivery scooter. An autopsy found that Chouviat, who was placed in a chokehold by police, had a broken larynx. It also found indications that he'd been asphixiated, per the Guardian. The George Floyd protests have renewed interest in Chouviat's case. "France is not the United States," said William Bourdon, the lawyer, "but France is getting closer to the United States." story continues below The government has done little in the case so far, other than say questions about it deserve answers. After talking to officials in January, family lawyers said the officers appeared to have the "absolute and total support of their hierarchy." The four police officers involved were not questioned until last week. They haven't been charged or suspended from duty. "We don't understand why they still havent been suspended," Chouviat's daughter said Tuesday." Amnesty International pointed out that other countries, because of the risk of fatal injury, have banned the practice of applying weight to the person's torso as they're being held face down. Chouviat and the officers are heard insulting each other on the video. "Without your uniform, in the street you are nothing at all," Chouviat says, and one pushes him several times. The officers sound upset that he's recording them. It happened near the Eiffel Tower. Chouviat lived with his wife and five children in a Paris suburb. (Read more George Floyd stories.) Lucknow, June 25 : The UP State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (UPSCPCR) has sent a notice to Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi regarding her Facebook post in which she had criticised the Kanpur shelter home incident in which 57 girls had tested positive for coronavirus. The Commission has asked Priyanka Gandhi to issue a contradiction to her post within three days or face action under the Child Protection Act (Section 13). The notice sent by the Chairman of the Commission, Vishesh Gupta, said that the UPSCPCR had taken suo-moto cognizance of her post in which she had compared the Kanpur shelter home to the Muzaffarpur (Bihar) shelter home incident. Gupta said that while 57 girls had tested positive for coronavirus and were being treated as per the protocols, the report that one of the girls had tested positive for HIV was also baseless and wrong. Gupta further said that comparing the Kanpur incident with Deoria in UP and Muzaffarpur in Bihar was completely baseless and unjustified. "Two girls were already pregnant when they were brought to the shelter home a few months ago and it was wrong to insinuate any sexual exploitation in the shelter home," the letter added. The letter further said that Priyanka Gandhi's remarks on social media had caused considerable anguish to the concerned inmates. Earlier this week, the District Magistrate of Agra, Prabhu Narain Singh, had asked Priyanka Gandhi to apologise for her post in which she had stated that 28 deaths had taken place in Agra within 48 hours. Niagara Falls NDP MPP Wayne Gates is urging Premier Doug Ford to intervene after major grocery store operators scrapped the $2 wage increase for workers before the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Gates called on Ford to use his powers to get these companies to immediately reinstate pandemic pay for their workers. When this pandemic began, billion-dollar companies like Loblaws (sic) and Walmart couldnt wait to call their workers heroes. Yet, just three months later, now that its not in the news the billionaire families that own these companies have clawed back the $2 pandemic pay they gave their workers, said Gates in the Ontario legislature. These greedy families are raking in record profits during this pandemic, while their workers are still working at their own risk on the front lines to keep our communities safe and put food on our shelves. Gates said many local grocers, including one in Niagara Falls, are still doing the right thing by paying their workers extra as the pandemic continues. In Niagara Falls, its actually the small, independent, locally owned grocery stores that are paying for the pandemic pay out of their own pockets. The D.C. case is built on what Racine said was a multiyear investigation that allegedly uncovered intentionally deceptive public relations campaigns by the four companies to conceal the environmental damage of fossil fuels for their own profit. The suit alleges that the companies drew inspiration from Big Tobacco by funding and promoting some of the same scientists who dismissed the connection between tobacco and cancer to cast doubt on evidence that climate change is man-made. Chennai: AIADMK on Friday said the detailed medical bulletin about Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has put an end to questions about the treatment being given to the hospitalised party supremo and expressed confidence that she will return home soon. Apollo Hospitals, where Jayalalithaa was admitted on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration, has yesterday answered in detail all queries on her treatment regimen, Party spokesperson C R Saraswathi said. People were eager to know about the treatment being provided to Jayalalithaa and the detailed statement answers it all, she said. Apollo Hospitals had clearly mentioned in the statement (yesterday) the kind of good treatment being given to Amma (Jayalalithaa) and the good care being taken by doctors from AIIMS and London. This has put an end to all the questions about the treatment being given to her, she told reporters. Among others, a three-member medical team from Delhis AIIMS and a British doctor Dr Richard John Beale had examined Jayalalithaa. Saraswathi pointed out that Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi had also noted today that Jayalalithaa is improving and thanked him. Rahul Gandhi has also said that the Chief Minister is doing well and that she is recovering. That is the fact. Thanks to Rahulji, she said. Saraswathi also said the Chief Minister should take rest and that she will return home soon. The Apollo hospital had yesterday said that the treatment regimen for Jayalalithaa includes continued respiratory support, nebulisation, drugs to decongest the lungs, antibiotics, nutrition, general nursing care and supporting therapy. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Dublin, June 25, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Watch Market: Growth, Trends and Forecast (2020-2025)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global watch market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.92% during the forecast period. The lower-priced and mid-priced watches are increasingly gaining market traction, due to increasing demand for value-for-product' watches and accessories among women. The demand for digital watches is stronger among young consumers, as they are more aware of smartphone technology. Popular brands, like Casio and Timex, have launched their own product lines, such as G-Shock and Command Watch collections. Brands, like Casio and Timex, are continuously investing in R&D for product innovations to blend some of the features of smartwatches with the long-lasting battery life of digital watches, while offering the product in attractive design and affordable prices. Key Market Trends Surge in Demand for Smartwatches The high penetration rate for wearable technologies in the United States and European countries, like the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and others, is contributing to the growth of the smartwatch segment. The key players are embarking on mergers and acquisitions as one of their key strategies, to achieve consolidation and to optimize their offerings. For instance: In 2015, Fossil acquired wearable maker, Misfit, for USD 260 million. With the acquisition of Misfit, the Fossil Group is uniquely positioned to lead the convergence of style and technology, to become the fashion gateway to the high-growth wearable technology and connected device markets. North America and Europe Dominating the Watch Market United States watch market is offering a wide range of choices for its consumers, which includes cheaper watches from Hong Kong that are priced below USD 500. Depending on the number of apps and features available, the entry-level smartwatches are priced at USD 120-200, while middle-range watches are priced at USD 300-500. Brands like Apple have launched smartwatches at an entry price of USD 350. This has made the product accessible to a larger segment of consumers. Moreover, the British watchmaking industry is growing rapidly, with more players providing attractive watches with a stainless-steel case, scratch-resistant sapphire glass, quick-change strap system, and water resistance property. Competitive Landscape Global watch market is highly fragmented and comprises regional and international competitors. The market is dominated by players, like Citizen Watch, Seiko Holdings Corporation, Fossil Group Inc., Casio Computer Co. Ltd, Timex Group BV, and The Swatch Group. These players are now focussing on social media platforms and online distribution channels. for the online marketing and branding of their products, to attract more customers. In January 2019, Google bought smartwatch technology, in a deal worth USD 40 million, from Fossil. Along with the IP, a section of Fossil's R&D team, focused on wearables, will join Google Key Topics Covered 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Study Deliverables 1.2 Study Assumptions 1.3 Scope of the Study 2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 4 MARKET DYNAMICS 4.1 Market Drivers 4.2 Market Restraints 4.3 Porter's Five Forces Analysis 4.3.1 Threat of New Entrants 4.3.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers 4.3.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers 4.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products 4.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry 5 MARKET SEGMENTATION 5.1 By Product Type 5.1.1 Analogue Watch 5.1.2 Digital Watch 5.1.2.1 Smart Watch 5.1.2.2 Others 5.2 By End-user 5.2.1 Women 5.2.2 Men 5.2.3 Unisex 5.3 By Distribution Channel 5.3.1 Offline Retail Stores 5.3.2 Online Retail Stores 5.4 Geography 5.4.1 North America 5.4.2 Europe 5.4.3 Asia-Pacific 5.4.4 South America 5.4.5 Middle East & Africa 6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE 6.1 Most Active Companies 6.2 Most Adopted Strategies 6.3 Market Share Analysis 6.4 Company Profiles 6.4.1 Seiko Holdings Corporation 6.4.2 Casio Computer Co. Ltd. 6.4.3 Citizen Watch Co. Ltd. 6.4.4 Fossil Group Inc. 6.4.5 Timex Group 6.4.6 The Swatch Group 6.4.7 Fitbit 6.4.8 Samsung Group 7 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/rr8veg Research and Markets also offers Custom Research services providing focused, comprehensive and tailored research. Leon Panetta to discuss U.S. foreign policy, upcoming election by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. Former U.S. Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta will discuss the nations foreign policy and the upcoming presidential election as part of a virtual discussion next week hosted by Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute. The conversation with John T. Shaw, Institute director, will also look at the economic challenges facing the United States. Panetta, a former congressman from California who served in several roles for presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama, now chairs The Panetta Institute for Public Policy at California State University, Monterey Bay. The discussion begins at 3 p.m., Wednesday, July 1. The free event is open to the public but registration is required and closes when the event starts. Panetta will be a wonderful addition to the Institutes Understanding Our New World series, Shaw said. He will offer important insights about the economic and foreign policy challenges confronting the United States. Accomplished career Panetta served as President Obamas CIA director from February 2009 to June 2011 and as secretary of defense from July 2011 to February 2013. A nine-term member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Panetta was a member of the Houses budget committee from 1979 to 1993 and served as chair from 1989 to 1993. Panetta left Congress in 1993 to be director of the Office of Management and Budget for President Clinton and in 1994 became Clintons White House chief of staff until 1997. Panetta and his wife, Sylvia, established The Panetta Institute for Public Policy also in 1997. Through the years, Panetta has been a regular guest on numerous network and cable shows providing insight on various foreign and domestic issues facing the nation. His memoir, Worthy Fights: A Memoir of Leadership in War and Peace was published in 2014. Continuing series of conversations The discussion with Panetta is part of the Institutes series with historians, political analysts, and state and national leaders. This is the ninth in the series, which began in late April, and has featured speakers including author and historian David M. Kennedy, former United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson, and Rahm Emanuel, former Chicago mayor, U.S. Congressman and White House adviser. There are very few people in American history who have served in as many senior positions in government or who have been as highly regarded as Leon Panetta, Shaw said. He held a senior leadership position in Congress and served as the White House budget director, the White House chief of staff, the head of the CIA, and the secretary of defense. His expertise is both wide and deep and he carries it lightly, with infectious good humor. The Institutes virtual series continues at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 7, with Angelique Power, president of The Field Foundation of Illinois. Registration open for Panettas conversation Registration for the free ZOOM meeting is available in advance. After completing registration, participants will receive an email confirmation with information about joining the meeting, along with the meeting ID and password. Participants have an opportunity when they register to submit a question to Panetta by email at paulsimoninstitute@siu.edu or by including it in the Questions and Comments section on the registration form. More information on the Institutes events is available at paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/event-information/. NORTH SIOUX CITY -- Pride and unity will light up the sky this weekend. SUX Pride and Zort's Fireworks of Sioux City will host a fireworks show at the CNOS Fieldhouse June 27 at 300 Centennial Drive. The event will have Food Trucks at 7 p.m. and fireworks at 10 p.m. "It should be a 30-minute fireworks demonstration and show," John Barber, owner of Zort's fireworks, said. Barber said that he and SUX Pride's Joe McCulley joined forces because they were both thinking about doing something for the community. Barber said that over the last 15 years he's been doing demonstrations but opened them up to the public last year. He said that the public liked them and they were very successful. "It'll be a fun and exciting event for families," Barber said. McCulley said he is grateful to Barber for being the driving force for this event, since Barber took care of everything from the fireworks and permits to the insurance. McCulley arranged for the food trucks. McCulley said it's sad for people to see some of the big summer events get canceled or postponed, including the Pride's summer festival which usually takes place in June. "We just wanted to do some good have some fun to raise the spirits of the community," McCulley said. McCulley said that the fireworks event is free. Among the food trucks expected: Daga's on Wheels, Big Papa's Grub on the Run and Dog Eat Dog. McCulley said the trucks will be spread out, so people can distance themselves and take the food back to their cars or away from others. "I expect people to have a good time, to hopefully raise the spirits of the community," McCulley said. McCulley said this is one of three things Pride is doing this summer. A festival will be held later this summer. Pride Wings have been painted outside Doxx Warehouse. McCulley said the Pride Wings mural was painted at the end of May, and while it's not permanent, he is going to ask the artist Jessica Hammond to touch it up for the Pride Festival in August. "It was just something we did to celebrate Pride as we know it but still keep our social distance," McCulley said. McCulley said it's a place were people can take pictures and post them online. He said that he's seen everyone from kids to adults stop to take photos and celebrate diversity. "It's something we want to repeat next year and do a different design," McCulley said. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Nepal on Thursday refuted the media reports regarding encroachment of the country's territory by China, saying the border between the two neighbours was delineated and demarcated on the basis of the Boundary Treaty and the subsequent protocols signed between them. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that its attention was drawn to the media reports on the Nepal-China boundary and "encroachment" of the Nepali territory. "The news allegedly based on a 'report' of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development which that Ministry has already refuted and clarified stating that such 'report' doesn't exist and that the subject matter doesn't fall under its jurisdiction," it said. "It may be recalled that the boundary between Nepal and China was delineated and demarcated on the basis of the Boundary Treaty of 5 October 1961 and the subsequent protocols signed between the two countries," the ministry clarified. Boundary Markers No. 37 and 38 reported as missing in the media reports were never erected as agreed between the two countries owing to natural conditions, it added. "The Government of Nepal will solve through mutual consultation between the concerned authorities of the two countries in case any issue arises," it said. The ministry urged the media to verify the information from the relevant authorities before commenting on such sensitive matters which may adversely affect the relations between the two friendly neighbours. Bashir Ahmad, the presidential aide on new media has clarified that the national leader of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu is not a member of the National Executive Committee of the Party and as such unfit to attend NEC meetings. Read Also: Tinubu Thrown Under The Bus By Buhari, Its Over Fani Kayode He made this known via a tweet on his official Twitter handle in reaction to the public outcry that met the exclusion of the former Lagos state governor from the NEC meeting that held on Thursday, 25th June. He tweeted, There are some people who need to know that the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is not a member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party, hence, he doesnt attend the NEC Meetings. This is very clear! Advertisement Joe Biden, who is poised to earn enough delegates to formally secure the Democratic presidential nomination this month, promises to enter the general election campaign on offense in states President Trump won in 2016. As the nation battles a pandemic, high unemployment, and civil unrest, polls show Biden leading Trump in six critical swing states the latter narrowly carried four years ago: Florida, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Wisconsin, and Arizona, according to CNBC/Change Research poll conducted in mid-June. Observers note that the battleground advantage polls came shortly after a Gallup poll showed that Trump's net approval rating had dropped 19 points in one month. These numbers are surely alarming for Trump-supporters. But there is also some comfort. First of all, we heard all those optimistic predictions for a Democratic candidate not so long ago. Listening to the pundits' joyful projections, one may experience a keen sense of deja vu. Same pollsters guaranteed us that the White House will be occupied with the first ever female president. They promised a "bloodbath" of an election in favor of Mrs. Clinton. "It's great for you [Madame Secretary] that 56 percent of Americans think you have the temperament to serve as president, while only 32 percent think the same of your rival. It's lucky that Trump is your opponent," wrote Vanity Fair, concluding that Clinton would win because sixty-one percent of Americans thought she was qualified to be president, while 64 percent of Americans thought Trump was not. Oh, Vanity Fair, you shouldn't have inflamed Mrs. Clinton's vanity she didn't even write a concession speech thanks to people like you, but when the results were out, she, the rumor has it, yelled obscenities to her staff while throwing things at them, caused some furniture damage so much for the presidential temperament! and retreated to the woods for months to recover from her defeat. CNN's coverage that started so cocky and then went as sour as lemons on the election night of 2016 is so delightful that I can play it on the loop for hours. Today, the columns are not as enthusiastic. "Biden leads Trump in key states" carefully observes the N.Y. Times "[b]ut Hillary Clinton led by more." The Hill's contributor observes that even though Biden has a "clear lead" and is "probably going to win[.] ... Things can change between now and then," while "recent history reinforces an important lesson: modesty about our ability to predict the future is wise. Arrogance certainty is not." It's worth noting that the latest observation is true for both parties. Some may gloat over evidently declining Joe or feel sorry watching him mumbling incoherently and firmly believing that it's a travesty to run for president while being unable to finish up a sentence. We may suppose that Biden's record of failed policies, substantial allegations in sexual misconduct, and foreign corruption would drown him. We recognize that top Democrats' frank desire to keep Biden in his basement indicates that even they realize he is not presidential material. Or him not holding press conferences as the country is boiling. Or Biden's campaign's refusal to have more debates. We comprehend it all while praising Trump's proven record of a unique for any politician's ability to get things done. To love the country, for a change. But we must not underestimate the other side's enormous lust for power, when the well-being of Americans is only an exchange currency for that ultimate goal. Their desperate attempts to destabilize the economy and polarize their atomic electorate may be viewed as indirect proof of Trump's real odds of winning a second term. Anyway, there was another piece of news that flew under most media's radar. Apparently, Joe Biden's campaign has only begun to hire top officials in key states, leaving him without senior staff in battleground states like Wisconsin, Michigan, and Florida, alarming some Democrats who say the leadership vacuum could hinder the party's efforts to defeat Donald Trump in November, according to Bloomberg. State directors oversee the day-to-day running of the campaign and are key to executing its broader strategy. The Democrats stated that while the delay is not catastrophic, they are concerned about the campaign's protracted hiring process and its effect on building a robust operation heading into the general election. Perhaps as a crutch to a slow hiring, Biden's campaign announced the launch of a $15-million, five-week advertising effort in swing states across radio, television, digital, and print. The blitz will be anchored by three TV ads that portray Joe as a champion of the middle class and a unifying figure. The spending may seem substantial, but according to the New York Times, it's still a long way from Trump's own recent ad campaign, which began this spring. Citing data from media-tracking firm Advertising Analytics, they report that Trump has already spent nearly $22.7 million, including a hefty budget for attack ads. Thus, in the field of the election ads, Biden may be considered more vulnerable. And, certainly, no ads can substitute a groundwork and grassroots campaign. By contrast, Trump and the Republican National Committee have been staffing up in key states for months. The joint operation between the campaign and the RNC has state directors in 17 states and more than 1,100 staff in the field versus Biden's 600, if you trust Biden's campaign manager, Jen O'Marley Dillon. Bloomberg also mentions that Clinton's campaign had already had senior staff on the ground in early spring, even before she robbed Bernie of the nomination. One may suggest that polls showing Biden's lead despite his poor ground game is a good sign, but they're not. Hillary took Michigan and Wisconsin for granted and lost them. Now, when the degree of political tensions is that high, a presidential wannabe cannot just dwell in his mansion, waiting 'til it's safe to poke his nose outside. There's another unfavorable for Biden factor to consider: Trump's "silent majority" electorate the ordinary Americans whose opinions don't make it to the fancy polls. These are the Americans who, for many reasons, prefer to keep their political sympathies private. As Michael Moore warned, Democrats should not take Trump for granted, as his voters whom Moore describes as "[t]wo-thirds of white men ... feel that their grip on power is quickly fading," which makes them "angry." But it's certainly not that it's the pictures of looting and burning and kneeling and statue-dismantling, and socialist proclamations, and a deep both conscious and unconscious sense of horror before the Democrats' decisiveness to hurt people and undermine the economy, even to bring a country to the brink of civil war, to get rid of Trump. Newton's Third Law states that for every action (force) in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction. If you don't see it just yet it's because that force still respects the rule of law, and the lives of others do matter for it. It may still put all the "guru predictors" to shame, as it did in 2016, but with even greater magnitude. Follow Veronika Kyrylenko, Ph.D. on Twitter or LinkedIn. Image: Kelly Kline via Flickr. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to people who opposed the Emergency imposed by the Congress led government at the Centre, saying the country will never forget their sacrifice. The Emergency was imposed in the country exactly 45 years ago. The people who struggled to defend the democracy at that time, I salute them. The country will never forget their sacrifice, PM Modi tweeted in Hindi on Thursday. 45 , , - ! pic.twitter.com/jlQVJQVrsX Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 25, 2020 The Emergency was imposed on June 25, 1975. PM Modi attached a clip of his Mann ki Baat radio address last year in which he had spoken about the Emergency era. The Congress government at the Centre was headed by Indira Gandhi at that time. PM Modis tweet comes hours after home minister Amit Shah posed a few questions before the Congress and gave some advice to the Opposition party. As one of Indias opposition parties, Congress needs to ask itself: Why does the Emergency mindset remain? Why are leaders who dont belong to 1 dynasty unable to speak up? Why are leaders getting frustrated in Congress? Else, their disconnect with people will keep widening, he tweeted on Thursday. He indirectly targeted the Gandhi family by talking about the dynasty and claimed that leaders in the Congress are getting frustrated. The war of words has been going on between the BJP and the Congress since the June 15 skirmish in Ladakhs Galwan Valley. The Congress has targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of giving away Indian territory to China. PM Modi had asserted at the all-party meeting that no one has entered our territory, no one is at present within our territory and no one has occupied our posts. This was in reference to the situation in the Galwan Valley after Indian Armys brave action to thwart Chinese attempts to erect a structure on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC). BJP chief JP Nadda had attacked the Congress party for questioning the governments stand on June 15 face-off between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh. He said that a rejected and ejected dynasty is not equal to the entire Opposition. SHANGHAI, June 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Jiangyin Changdian Advanced Packaging Co., LTD. (JCAP), subsidiary of JCET Group has received the Texas Instruments (TI) 2019 Supplier Excellence Award. The annual award honors companies whose dedication and commitment in supplying products and services meet TI's high standards for excellence. Recipients are an elite group of suppliers chosen for their exemplary performance in the areas of Cost, Environmental & Social Responsibility, Technology, Responsiveness, Assurance of Supply, and Quality. TI uses the products and services of more than 10,000 suppliers throughout the world. The "TI Supplier Excellence Award" is the highest TI award issued to their best preforming global suppliers. JCAP is the only packaging and test company in mainland China that is receiving this award for 2019. JCET Group has provided its services to TI for many years, and has established a close partnership. This award is the result of the long term cooperation between the two companies and the recognition of JCAP's continued excellent performance in 2019. Mr. Jerry Zhang, General Manager of JCAP stated, "It is our great honor to receive this award for the fourth time. The supplier excellence award represents TI's confirmation and recognition of JCAP's Bump & WLP technologies and high volume production services. Being a global leading packaging and testing company, JCET Group always promotes innovation, assures the highest quality, and on-time delivery with advanced patented technologies. JCET Group will continue to concentrate on research, development and innovation to add more high-end packaging technologies to our portfolio, and work closely together with our customers for continuous improvement and excellence." About JCET Group: JCET Group is a leading global semiconductor system integration packaging and test provider, offering a full range of turnkey services that include semiconductor package integration design and characterization, R&D, wafer probe, wafer bumping, package assembly, final test and drop shipment to vendors around the world. About JCAP As one of the core business units of JCET Group, Jiangyin Changdian Advanced Packaging Co., LTD. (JCAP) is focused on mid-end semiconductor packaging and test technologies and providing the highest quality service for our global customers. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1196352/JECT_Group.jpg WASHINGTON - U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan must immediately dismiss the criminal case against President Donald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn and cannot scrutinize the Justice Department's decision to drop the long-running prosecution, a federal appeals court ruled Wednesday. In a 2-to-1 decision, the court said it is not within the judge's power to prolong a prosecution or examine the government's motives in the politically charged case. Flynn twice pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents about his pre-inauguration contacts with Russia's ambassador before the Justice Department moved in May to dismiss the charges. "This is not the unusual case where a more searching inquiry is justified," wrote Judge Neomi Rao, a recent nominee of the president, in a decision that can be reviewed by the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. In a victory for Flynn and the Trump administration, the panel majority said Sullivan overstepped his role and committed a "clear legal error" by refusing to immediately close the case and instead appointing a former judge to argue against the Justice Department's position. The judge's "demonstrated intent to scrutinize the reasoning and motives of the Department of Justice constitute irreparable harms that cannot be remedied on appeal," Rao wrote in the 19-page opinion that was joined by Judge Karen LeCraft Henderson, a nominee of President George H.W. Bush. Soon after the opinion was published, Trump tweeted: "Great! Appeals Court Upholds Justice Departments Request To Drop Criminal Case Against General Michael Flynn!" He later told reporters in the Oval Office: "I'm very happy about General Flynn. He was treated horribly." Flynn later called Rush Limbaugh's radio show to praise the decision, saying it was a "great boost of confidence for the American people and our justice system." In his dissent, the third judge on the panel, Robert Wilkins, said the majority had "grievously" overstepped its authority by taking the "unprecedented" step to intervene midstream and force Sullivan's hand before he had an opportunity to rule. Sullivan "must be given a reasonable opportunity to consider and hold a hearing on the Government's request to ensure that it is not clearly contrary to the public interest," wrote Wilkins, a nominee of President Barack Obama. The ruling from the three-judge panel means that at least for now Sullivan cannot hold a hearing set for July 16 to formally consider the government's request to dismiss Flynn's case. Sullivan could ask for a rehearing, or the full court could decide to revisit the decision from the three-judge panel, whose members are selected at random. Attorney Beth Wilkinson, who represents Sullivan, said Wednesday, "We have no comment at this time." In May, Sullivan refused to sign off on the Justice Department's plans and instead appointed John Gleeson, a former federal judge and prosecutor, to help him decide how to proceed. Gleeson argued that the government's move was "highly irregular conduct to benefit a political ally of the President." Nothing about the case testing the powers of the judiciary to check the executive branch has followed a typical path. Flynn's attorneys took the rare step of asking the appeals court to step in and order Sullivan to close the case. Sullivan then hired Wilkinson, a high-profile trial lawyer, to represent him. At oral argument this month, Wilkinson told the court it was premature to cut off Sullivan's review. The ruling Wednesday was surprising because at least two of the judges at oral argument seemed to agree and repeatedly expressed concern that the judge would be a "rubber stamp" for the government. Federal criminal rules require prosecutors to obtain permission from the presiding judge to drop charges against a defendant, but legal experts and former judges disagree about the limits of that judicial authority. "Courts have said he's not a 'mere rubber stamp,' " Henderson said at oral argument of Sullivan's independent role. "There's no authority I know of that says he can't hold a hearing." Wilkins cited past cases in which the Supreme Court upheld the power of judges "to perform an independent evaluation" of the government's action. In his dissent Wednesday, Wilkins said the majority had eviscerated the court's role by preventing any review. "Today the majority declares that nevertheless - in spite of the Government's abrupt reversal on the facts and the law, and although the Government declares itself entitled not to be forthcoming with the District Court - these circumstances merit no further examination to determine whether there may be additional reasons for the prosecutor's actions, and if so, if any such reasons are impermissible." Attorneys for Flynn had accused Sullivan of bias and asked the appeals court to reassign the case to a different judge, a request the court denied Wednesday. In a sign of the high-level interest in the matter, which could reach the Supreme Court, the Justice Department was represented by Deputy Solicitor General Jeffrey Wall. He referred to Gleeson's report as a "polemic" and had urged the court not to get pulled into a "political spectacle." Flynn was the highest-ranking Trump adviser charged in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Before its reversal, the government had recommended a prison term of up to six months for Flynn. Before it moved to sentencing, Attorney General William Barr ordered a review of Flynn's case. The review found that the FBI agents who questioned Flynn had no valid investigative basis to do so and that, therefore, any lies he told were irrelevant to any crime. The president and Flynn's defenders have long argued that the retired three-star general was a victim of FBI overreach. But the government's decision to undo a guilty plea prompted criticism that the department was bending to political pressure. The court ruling came the same day of a House hearing in which a former member of Mueller's team testified that Barr and top deputies pressured prosecutors to give Trump's friend Roger Stone "a break" by requesting a lighter prison sentence. Elizabeth Wydra, president of the Constitutional Accountability Center, which filed a brief backing Sullivan, said allowing the court's ruling to stand would erase a vital check on the executive branch. Federal rules, she said in a statement, give the judge "a say in whether Attorney General Barr should be allowed to simply drop the matter, an act that would aid one of President Trump's stalwart allies by essentially giving him a 'get out of jail free' card." In reviewing the government's actions, Sullivan had also asked Gleeson to consider whether Flynn may have committed perjury while pleading guilty to a crime that he and the Justice Department now say is no longer a crime. Gleeson advised Sullivan in his initial report not to impose contempt-of-court penalties on Flynn but to continue to the sentencing phase of the case. The court majority took issue with the appointment of Gleeson in part because of his public advocacy for an adversarial process and his initial filing with Sullivan. "These actions foretell not only that the scrutiny will continue but that it may intensify," Rao wrote. "Among other things, the government may be required to justify its charging decisions, not only in this case, but also in the past or pending cases cited in Gleeson's brief." When new evidence surfaces, she continued, "the Executive Branch must have the authority to decide that further prosecution is not in the interest of justice." - - - The Washington Post's Spencer S. Hsu and Felicia Sonmez contributed to this report. At Veyo, people come first. And that includes everything that makes people special, like their diversity, their culture, and their dedication. As the nation works to address the long-standing racial inequalities that have paralyzed diverse communities, Veyo announces the launch of a new, company-wide diversity and inclusion program. The program will be led by Jacky Gibs, one of Veyos Market Directors. Jacky, a longtime Veyo employee who has significant experience in running similar programs for previous employers, including American Express, is charged with using Veyos platform to bring awareness to issues related to race, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, and to organize community volunteer opportunities. Im excited that Veyo is launching this program to ensure our company is a more representative, inclusive, and fair workplace, said Jacky Gibs, Connecticut Market Director and Program Lead. The events our country has witnessed and experienced over the last several weeks have shed more light on the deep inequities and discrimination people of color face on a daily basis. This program will make sure we have tough discussions and group activities necessary to make sure all of our employees have a deeper understanding of this, and what they can do to be part of the solution. The new program will launch with educational training, a review of policies or practices that may be affecting diversity, a review of Veyos hiring initiatives, and volunteer opportunities in the community. Employees will be encouraged to become more involved in their local communities and will be offered paid time off to participate in community outreach and local volunteer efforts. This builds on recent Connecticut employees volunteer efforts alongside members of the Capital Region Education Council (CREC) in distributing food and bottled water to families in need in the Greater Hartford community. At Veyo, people come first. And that includes everything that makes people special, like their diversity, their culture, and their dedication. By launching this program, we are putting our words into action and are making it a company-wide effort to eradicate social and racial injustice in and around our communities. I know that under Jackys leadership, this program will become integral to Veyos identity and will strengthen our ties with the communities we serve, said Josh Komenda, Veyo President. Veyo proudly delivers high-quality Non-Emergency Medical Transportation service in Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Michigan, Virginia, and their home state of California. ### About Veyo Veyo, headquartered in San Diego, CA, is a full-service transportation brokerage designed specifically for healthcare. Veyo has reinvented the patient transportation model by integrating consumer technology with rideshare fleets to decrease costs and increase efficiency. Veyo is delivering dramatically higher levels of reliability, quality, and transparency to customers, partners, and members. Operating in six states with over 28 million completed trips and a 97.1% on-time rate, were changing NEMT one trip at a time. For more information about Veyo, please visit http://www.veyo.com. Doug Fords supposedly grand plan for reopening Ontarios schools in September isnt really a plan at all. Its more like a jumble of vague intentions that the premier jotted down on a paper napkin, then handed to Education Minister Stephen Lecce to tweet to bewildered parents and educators. Every fair-minded Ontarian knows it wont be easy to safely usher 2 million students back into classrooms that have been shut since March because of COVID-19. But the strategy Ford announced last week is to take this humongous problem and dump it in the laps of the provinces 72 school boards. That simply isnt good enough. Fords government offered the school boards three back-to-school scenarios: They can opt for a full return to in-school learning; they can offer online instruction to students at home; or they can choose a hybrid model that combines in-school with remote education. At this point, Lecce favours the hybrid option which would set a limit of 15 students for each classroom and timetabling to make sure theyre in contact only with their classmates and one teacher. Their in-school classes would be held either on alternate days or weeks. Pity the poor school boards now stuck with the task of not only selecting the best scenario for their community, but coming up with a comprehensive plan to make it all happen. With the first day of classes just 12 weeks away, they have little time to do this properly. To add to their frustration, Ford wont give the boards more detailed directions and more specific help until early August. This is no time for the provincial government to shirk its responsibility both for public education and public health. The goal should be to return to regular school days and weeks as soon as its safely manageable. Health-care experts agree that indefinitely keeping kids at home and out of school is bad for their intellectual development as well as their mental and physical health. Full-day, online instruction is no substitute for live, classroom education, especially when elementary students are involved. Offering alternate days or weeks of instruction might be a reasonable way to ease back into classroom instruction but only in the very short term. Such an approach would leave yawning gaps in student learning even with a virtual component. This option would also be a nightmare for working parents whether or not they can do their jobs from home. Yes, student education must remain the top priority. Reopening the economy has to matter, too. There is, in fact, a convincing argument that because the rate of COVID-19 infection varies from region to region in Ontario, a one-size-fits-all approach to reopening the provinces classrooms wouldnt work. But Ford shouldnt have dropped the school boards into the drivers seat for this project without directions and enough fuel in their tank. The Ontario Ministry of Health not the school boards has the staff, know-how and financial resources to protect students and teachers in this pandemic. Ford should assign the ministry the task of setting standards and implementing practices that will ensure proper distancing on buses and effective hygiene in the schools themselves. The premier needs to make sure the boards have more custodians and more supplies to keep their schools clean. It should be the province, not the school boards, that tracks and contains new outbreaks of COVID-19. A more proactive government would have already resolved these challenges. We can only hope that with the schools scheduled to restart Sept. 8, Premier Ford works best under deadline pressure. Read more about: South Jacksonville took the first steps Tuesday toward passing a resolution denouncing racism and bigotry and setting requirements for diversity training for village employees. During a meeting of the village board of trustees committee of the whole, the committee discussed adopting a modified version of a resolution Jacksonville passed in 2017. The 2017 resolution affirmed that the city supports civil rights and opposes discrimination, promise to make programs and services accessible and vows to use the public sector to advance equity and inclusion. South Jacksonville trustee Paula Belobrajdic-Stewart said the main modification the village is looking at adding pertains to the promise to make services and programs more accessible. She said they want to be more specific about ways they will accomplish that. A group of representatives for minority communities attended the meeting to offer guidance on the resolutions wording. Belobrajdic-Stewart said Black Lives Matter Jax organizer Mia Perry, Jacksonville NAACP chapter President Polly Williams, LGBTQ advocate Blaize Stewart, and Jackie Killion and Regina Williams, members of both Black Lives Matter Jax and the Jacksonville NAACP, attended. The discussion comes amid continued protests and unrest inspired by George Floyds death in police custody in Minneapolis. Belobrajdic-Stewart said those who attended the meeting found a common desire to be respected and treated properly. We all want to be heard, we want to be seen and we want to be valued as human beings, Belobrajdic-Stewart said. Village trustee Todd Warrick said Tuesdays meeting had a positive outcome and the village will move forward with pursuing the resolution. The trustees are monitoring the progress of Illinois House Bill 4454, which amends the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act by mandating that each jurisdictional authority in the state provide a report summarizing an annual diversity and inclusion training program for public employees. Belobrajdic-Stewart said they are looking to see what types of training programs will be recommended if the bill becomes a law so the village can decide the best approach to implementing them and include the training in the resolution. While they track the status of the bill, Village Attorney Rob Cross told Belobrajdic-Stewart that the village can take more immediate action on a resolution by focusing on strengthening their application of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits workplace discrimination. Belobrajdic-Stewart said she wants the resolution to take meaningful action to address concerns from members of the community. We are hoping that our resolution is not a fluff resolution, she said. Jacksonville Mayor Andy Ezard told Belobrajdic-Stewart that the city would be interested in any diversity training that South Jacksonville is considering, she said. Another committee discussion about the resolution should happen at the end of July, Belobrajdic-Stewart said, adding that she is hoping the board of trustees can vote on the resolution in August. When the interests of big business are at stake, all safety precautions are thrown overboard as millions of workers are forced back to work under precarious conditions. If these workers then become infected, they are kept in their cramped apartments, sometimes using brutal methods. Even the most elementary assistance is denied them. This is particularly evident in the Berlin district of Neukolln, where the largest proportion of poor households in the capital is concentrated. On June 5, two pupils from different schools in the borough tested positive for the coronavirus. Since June 13, 369 households, each containing one to 10 people, have been quarantined. A total of seven locations in the district are affected. On Friday, it was learned that 94 persons had a positive result out of some 586 tests carried out. The number is expected to rise even further in the next few days, as the testing of all households has not yet been completed. Of the persons who tested positive, 41, i.e., about half, are children under 18 years of age, some of whom are subject to compulsory schooling. In this context, eight schools are known to have individuals who tested positive. Currently, 25 members of the pandemic staff are busy tracing the chains of infection, and five military personnel are involved in maintaining the lists and telephone service, according to Neukolln city councillor Falko Liecke (Christian Democratic Union, CDU). Nevertheless, the origin of the transmission into the blocks of flats has not yet been clearly determined. There are, however, indications that the outbreak was connected with the Christian community, to which several of the positively tested persons belonged. They had participated in a Pentecostal service. The rapid and concentrated outbreak of COVID-19 in precisely these blocks of flats, however, can only rationally be explained by the cramped and poor housing conditions in which the residents have to live. A large proportion of the inhabitants are newly arrived immigrants and families from poor European Union (EU) member states. With an average size of 70 square metres, they are forced to live crowded together in households of up to 10 people. Just as in the meat industry, in refugee accommodation and in shelters for the homeless, such circumstances provide the virus with the best chance of spreading quickly and effectively among residents and forming a hotspot. The quarantine ordered by the district authorities for the 369 households in 13 housing blocks forces residents to remain packed together for two weeks in apartments where many children live. Under such circumstances, it is highly likely that entire households will become infected, as distancing rules cannot be observed in overcrowded rooms. But neither the district, the state of Berlin nor the German federal government has done anything to at least make the quarantine humane and safefor example, by renting hotel rooms. Not even the supply of food is guaranteed. The district mayor had initially announced that the supply of basic foodstuffs would be safeguarded. However, this was not distributed among the households until the fourth day after the imposed curfew, in the form of 75 boxes. Some residents told the Nordkurier on June 18 that the authorities had not taken care of their needs. In the first few days, they had been supplied with food and drink mainly by friends and the neighbouring school. Only a few residents could afford the additional costs of a delivery from the supermarket. Furthermore, one resident told the newspaper that the food supplies in his household, in which nine people lived, had already been used up after two days. The concentrated COVID-19 outbreak in Berlin Neukolln shows very clearly that people who have to live in impoverished conditions are particularly at risk of contracting the virus. While the residents affected are locked up in cramped conditions, the eight schools where pupils have tested positive for the virus remain open until the holidays. According to councillor Liecke, it is sufficient to quarantine the affected learning groups from the schools where the infections first appeared. While the district authorities are not doing anything to improve living conditions for those in quarantine, the affected students are being threatened with severe repression, as in other places. Thus, the district is legally authorized to use the police against repeated quarantine breakers. In several refugee accommodations in Baden-Wurttemberg this is already being practised by the police and military. In Gottingen, too, police are being deployed to monitor the quarantine of about 700 people in a high-rise complex. The building was quarantined last week and largely cordoned off by the police. On Friday, 120 positive cases were reported, but testing has not yet been completed. People in this building also live in extremely precarious housing conditions. In the entire block, the apartments are between 19 and 37 square metres in size. Many of the apartments are occupied by families with several children. According to the city, a total of around 200 minors live there in insecure conditions. On Saturday, when 200 residents tried to oppose the curfew, as such quarantine conditions are unacceptable for those affected, the police acted against them using 300 officers. According to the police, this led to an arrest and arguments between cops and residents. It is becoming increasingly clear who has to pay the price for the policy of reopening business, which is being pushed forward by all the establishment parties: the poorest all over the world. They are hit hardest by the virus and the quarantine conditions. As the WSWS recently reported, there is a direct link between low income, an increased risk of illness and a severe course of the disease, which is 87 percent higher for welfare recipients than for those receiving regular unemployment benefits. It is therefore not surprising that the district of Neukolln, in particular, has the second-highest number of COVID-19 sufferers in Berlin, with around 957 cases. According to the 2019 Social Report of Berlin-Brandenburg, which refers to figures from 2018, Neukolln has the highest proportion of inhabitants at risk of poverty, at 27.4 percent. With the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the figures will be even higher in 2020. Three states are ordering travelers from other states where coronavirus is on the rise to self-quarantine for 14 days. But that may be impossible to enforce, according to a new report. I dont know how you enforce something like this, Brian Higgins, an expert on crowd management security at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, told NBC News. People are always going back and forth between states like New York and Florida, and if theyre not flying, theyre driving. New York, New Jersey and Connecticut are now requiring a 14-day quarantine for anyone arriving from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents, or higher than a 10% test positivity rate, over a seven day rolling average. The rule currently applies to Alabama, Florida, Texas, Arizona, Utah, Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina and Washington. Govs. Andrew Cuomo of New York, Phil Murphy of New Jersey and Ned Lamont of Connecticut put the move into effect Thursday. Its only for the simple reason that we worked very hard to get the viral transmission rate down, Cuomo said Wednesday. We dont want to see it go up. Cuomo said authorities are not being stationed at airports and other locations to stop people from entering New York state, but hotel clerks could notify authorities about violators and police can pull over drivers with license plates from quarantined states. If someone is stopped or reported, violators could be ordered into a mandatory quarantine by a court. Violations could result in fines ranging from $2,000 to $10,000. However, Polly Price, a professor of law and public health at Emory University in Atlanta, told NBC its unconstitutional to bar people from traveling from one state to another. What these states are doing is imposing conditions on that travel. When it goes from were going to request that you self-quarantine for a period of time to were going to arrest you or fine you if you dont, thats when constitutional issues become tricky, Price said. According to NBC, a federal judge shut down Kentuckys attempt to ban people entering from other states, encouraging the state to follow neighbor Ohios model where such rules are requests for the most part. Cuomo similarly objected to attempted restrictions on New Yorkers traveling to Florida and Rhode Island earlier in the Covid-19 pandemic, calling it discrimination. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took a shot at Cuomos much criticized nursing home policy when he first suggested quarantining out-of-state visitors last week. I think governors are going to do what they need to do, DeSantis said Saturday. I would just ask them if thats done, just please do not quarantine any Floridians in the nursing homes in New York. MORE ON CORONAVIRUS Coronavirus in NY: Cases, maps, charts and resources Restarting NY: Whats open, whats closed in phase four New York is one of only 4 states on track to contain coronavirus (report) Daily update: Onondaga County has 16 new cases of Covid-19 Complete coronavirus coverage on syracuse.com A Fort Erie man has been placed on probation for 12 months in connection with a road rage incident on the Queen Elizabeth Way which left a motorist with a serious facial fractures. Shane Moore, 37, pleaded guilty Thursday in Ontario Court of Justice in St. Catharines to a charge of assault causing bodily harm stemming from a July 5, 2019, incident on the QEW near Lyons Creek Road. The defendant and another male were driving in the southbound lanes in Niagara Falls when their manner of driving annoyed each other and they pulled over to the right shoulder, said assistant Crown attorney Grace Pang. Several independent witnesses provided statements to police, court heard, which offered different versions of events. Several people told police the victim ran at the defendant and threw the first punch. All of the witnesses described Moore as a younger, larger and more muscular man than the 53-year-old victim. Court heard Moore then punched the man, resulting in facial fractures requiring the insertion of eight plates to repair the damage. Defence counsel Brenda Sandulak said the victim instigated the confrontation and her client acted in self-defence. She said Moore sustained serious injuries following a motorcycle accident several years ago and had been told any further injury to his head could have fatal consequences. He is quite remorseful the one punch did that level of damage, she told the judge. In an unrelated matter, a 31-year-old Mississauga man pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving and driving while impaired in connection with another incident on the highway. A number of people called police Feb. 5, 2019, to report a motorist was driving erratically and at a high rate of speed on the QEW. When the car left the highway and entered an on-ramp in Grimsby, court heard, he rear-ended a slower-moving vehicle, resulting in significant injuries to the other driver. Police questioned the driver, Wade Harris, and found him to be under the influence of a drug. A subsequent drug test indicated Harris had cannabis and MDMA in his system. He was also found with 15 grams of marijuana in his pocket. Harris is expected to return to court Oct. 5 for sentencing. 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. Gone with the Wind has been reinstated by HBO Max, accompanied by a disclaimer saying the film denies the horrors of slavery. The 1939 classic, set in the years after the American Civil War, was removed from the US streaming service following criticism of its racist depictions earlier this month. It follows the love story of Scarlett OHara (Vivien Leigh), the daughter of a plantation owner and Rhett Butler (Clark Gable), a gambler. Over the years, it has been criticised for presenting the Antebellum South and its history of slavery through rose-tinted glasses. After being taken down by HBO Max, Gone with the Wind has now returned to the site, along with two videos discussing its historical context. One clip features TV host and film scholar Jacqueline Stewart, who says that while the movie was one of most enduringly popular films of all time, its depiction of African American people was controversial even when it was released 80 years ago. Producer David O Selznick was well aware that black audiences were deeply concerned about the films handling of the topic of slavery and its treatment of black characters, she said. She added that the films treatment of the Antebellum South as a world of grace and beauty through a lens of nostalgia denies the horrors of slavery, as well as its legacies of racial inequality. The second video features a panel debating Gone with the Winds complicated legacy. Hattie McDaniel, who played house servant Mammy in the film, became the first African American to win an Oscar when she was awarded the accolade for Best Supporting Actress. However, due to racial segregation, she was not allowed to sit with the other cast members at the ceremony dinner. Source: Xinhua| 2020-06-25 06:24:10|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close RAMALLAH, June 24 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian government, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas-led Fatah movement held a meeting on Wednesday in a village in the Jordan Valley, a Palestinian official said. The Palestinian official, who declined to be named, said that holding the meeting in the small village of Fasayel was part of the Palestinian steps against the Israeli plan to annex the Jordan Valley that represents some 30 percent of the West Bank territories. But the official did not give any detail about the discussions in the meeting. After the meeting, a popular rally was organized in the village, where senior Palestinian officials announced that the Israeli annexation plan is fully rejected and called on the Palestinians to thwart it. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Ishtaye told the rally that the position of the Palestinian leadership against the Israeli annexation plan is "firm and stable." "The Palestinian leadership is determined to back the Palestinian citizens, who live in the areas that are under the threat of annexation," he said. Ishtaye announced that the government has decided to provide economic support to the Palestinian citizens, mainly farmers, in the Jordan Valley. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing his plan to annex the Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley, a portion of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Netanyahu set July 1 as the starting date for the beginning of the plan despite international condemnations. Enditem Most people will agree on at least one thing: 2020 is a dumpster fire. From the coronavirus to economic meltdowns to wrenching clashes over police brutality and systemic racism, we now live in a world that can feel, with every headline, impossible to stomach. In science fiction works like Ready Player One, sometimes the actual world is so bad that people retreat to another world, a fictional world, an immersive world that allows you to become someone else or perhaps to live in a society with less cruelty, more justice and a better system for deciding who gets what. The concept is not exactly new, as the millions who have played Second Life can attest. Then theres MineCraft and Fortnite and even Animal Crossing. And there are multiple companies and projects racing to create a playable metaverse a three-dimensional, virtual reality-infused ecosystem perhaps most notably Facebook Horizons. Related: Decentraland In a surreal twist on the idea, Decentraland, the first metaverse to be built on the blockchain, is now open for business. Ever since the Argentina-based team raised $25 million in its 2017 ICO, much of the blockchain community has been eager to enter the matrix. The metaverse has been quietly open for early users (and investors) since 2019. It more fully opened to the public on Feb. 20 (as covered by CoinDesk) and it continues to work out the glitches as it prepares for wider adoption. How is Decentraland different from Second Life? The world is owned by the users, explains co-founder Esteban Ordano from his home in Uruguay. (Ordano lives in Uruguay now, but most of Decentralands 20-ish developers are based in his home country of Argentina.) If the Decentraland organization goes away, the world goes on. (Disclosure: CoinDesks parent company, Digital Currency Group, is a significant investor in Decentraland.) The design of their universe is humanistic. Once the world is fully created, there wont be any gods in Decentraland or corporate owners or any rules the users dont like, because the users will literally own the world. They own the mana, the ERC-20 tokens that fuel the worlds in-game economy. They own NFTs (non-fungible tokens, like CryptoKitties) in the form of wearables, clothes, homes or even cuddly little monsters called Ethermon. And they own the virtual soil and dirt of the land itself. Story continues Welcome to the strange, glitchy, fascinating, frustrating and potentially wonderful reality of Decentraland. i. Da Club Related: Crypto Under Corona: From Venezuela to Liberland You arrive in Decentraland to the sounds and sights of paradise. Birds chirp. Blue sky beckons. This is Genesis Plaza, located in the center of the world. Decentraland is organized in perhaps the cleanest, most logical grid in the history of multiverses. There are a total of roughly 90,000 units of land, or parcels. Theyre arranged in a 300 by 300 grid. You designate an address with the coordinates on an X axis, from 150 to -150, and then the coordinates on a Y axis, from -150 to 150. Genesis, in the middle of the matrix, is at 0,0. Some helpful bots help guide you to points of interest, such as the Crypto Valley conference super-suite (where CoinDesk held an event during Consensus: Distributed), a human-size chess board or the casino. The graphics range from spectacular to clunky 90s-era computer games, and much of the quality depends on what the users have built. (More on that in a bit.) Anyone can log into Decentraland for free using a browser (although not every browser works) and wander around as a guest. If you want to claim a name for your avatar, this will cost you 100 mana, or around $4 at the time of writing. Connecting your wallet and adding mana is a bit of a headache, in the same way that almost everything in the crypto space is a bit of a headache. To get mana I first had to convert my Coinbase account to Coinbase Pro (as mana is not available on Coinbase proper), use Coinbase Pro to trade some ETH for USDC, then trade USDC for mana, then transfer the mana to my MetaMask wallet, which hooks in to Decentraland. Ultimately all of this worked, and those familiar with crypto interfaces should find it straightforward enough, but its hard to imagine non-blockchain enthusiasts willing to jump through all these hoops. Now its time to customize your avatar. Setting up your avatar, typically, is one of the underrated highlights of most games. Usually you can customize the exact shape of your eyes, the density of your freckles, even the diameter of your nostrils. Like the egoist I am, of course I try to make the avatar look like me. Those who are accustomed to the sliders and granular customization of modern games from Fallout to Dragon Age to Madden might be disappointed by the limited range of options, which includes just a handful of body types and faces. Presumably this will improve in time, and is one of many reminders that Decentraland is in its early days. Once I create a vanilla avatar that looks as boring and white as I do in real life, I jump straight to the virtual hub of nightlife, the Sugar Club. It feels like the right first stop. Thanks to the quarantine, I havent been to a bar in more than three months. I wonder what its like to flirt in a virtual lounge? To dance, to order a crypto whiskey and soda? I arrive at this mecca of meta nightlife to find techno music and a glowing purple floorbut no people. The place is empty. There are three reasons the place feels so desolate. The first is that, well, its three in the afternoon and a real-life club would be deserted now, too. (Sugar Club has a nightly party, which you can see on Decentralands events page.) The second reason the club is empty is also obvious: Decentraland is still in its infancy and there simply arent that many active users. Federico Molina, Decentralands head of marketing, says 20,000 users have signed up, but there are only 500 active avatars on an average day. The third is more subtle. Because of the limitations of rendering the world, the users are split across multiple nodes and servers. Even when people are in the same place, they might not be in the same place. In other words, if you and I both decide to visit Sugar Club at 10 p.m. for a virtual cocktail, you might be on one Decentraland node and I could be on another and we wouldnt be able to see each other. Thats going to be tough to fix, acknowledges Ordano, the co-founder. Yet, he notes that this is a common feature of massive multiplayer games. Fortnite, for example, has 250 million players but you can only see around 100 at any given time because otherwise your computer and head would explode. Back to the bar. The Sugar Club is the creation of a 40-year-old named Kay, a performance artist who lives in Amsterdam. Like so many others he was crypto-curious in 2017, heard about Decentraland during the buzz of its ICO, and he was one of the early wave of land investors. Like other digital landowners, he thought he should do something with this virtual real estate, so he decided to build a club. He taught himself how to code and learned 3D modeling. I can stream music into the club from my own DJ mixing table, says Kay, who, in the real world, now runs an acupuncture company with his wife. On an average night Sugar Club will host 20 to 30 avatars, but thats spread across multiple servers. (A crowded rave this is not.) Sugar Clubs most hopping night was in March during the virtual CoinFest Conference, when 100 avatars came for synthwave, crypto art and exclusive NFTs! (Decentraland tweets out events like this to its roughly 50,000 followers.) Feeling like a high roller? If you spend some extra mana you can buy a VIP pass, which takes you up an elevator to a lounge that offers richer animation, a wider choice of music, and a viewing of Kays crypto-art collection. ii. Liftoff Its time to go shopping. At the in-game Marketplace, you can scroll through NFT wearables such as a tuxedo t-shirt, vampire hair and jester leggings. The only thing in my price range is a Mariachi Hat, for 105 mana, or around $4, described by the seller as Rare. Screw it, why not? I load my wallet with more mana (once again, via the super convenient route of Coinbase Pros ETH -> USDC -> MANA -> Meta Mask wallet), and now Im the owner of a NFT mariachi hat, which means that my avatar can proudly roam around the metaverse looking like a cryptographically unique, non-fungible dork. One corner of the marketplace sells names, as in the names you can use for your avatar. You can nab Amazon for 2,000 mana, Professor X for 24,000 mana, or Food for 1,000,000 mana. These are effectively URL squatters. My favorite is the offer of Taylor Swift for 2,350,000 mana, as Im trying to imagine Taylor Swift sitting at her laptop after an exhausting concert, excited to play Decentraland and desperate to claim her rightful name. Some of the names for sale are opportunistic and distasteful, such as GeorgeFloyd, selling for 5,000 mana. This raises the thorny questions that any new society must address: How to handle that age-old tension between free speech and freedom from racism, misogyny or other forms of abuse? What if someone goes by the avatar name of Adolf Hitler? Or unfurls a Nazi flag on their land? Slings a racial slur? We want to decentralize all of those decisions, says Molina. The landholders are the ones who will make the decision. (This is, in a sense, an echo of Mark Zuckerbergs Were just a platform position.) The Foundation plans to transfer most authority to the DAO soon, giving full governing power to the owners of the world the players. (How the DAO will decide on these questions is still very much an open question.) In the case of objectionable content, Molina imagines future functionality where users can choose whether to filter the content they want to see, similar to Googles Safe Mode. Another problematic issue: copyright and intellectual property. This platform lends itself well to copying, to taking ideas and trying to make them your own, says a user who goes by the alias of Clark Kent, and a prominent member in the Decentraland community. In real life, Kent is a 30-year-old lawyer. We have to be cognizant of the laws that already exist that we need to comply with, he says. If a user streams Uncut Gems on her parcel and charges 10 mana for other avatars to watch it, thats a legal risk that could jeopardize the entire metaverse. I dont think theres any reason why, all of the sudden when youre in Decentraland, you can violate copyright laws, says Kent. There can be real-world consequences. Its easy to imagine a future of IP lawsuits, battles over fair use, and new debates over ownership in the digital age. Intellectual property concerns aside, lets say youre inspired by The Sugar Club and you want to start your own business or build your home. How do you buy land? This is a sore subject of some, who begrudge the early wave of speculators who gobbled up all the land in the games early days, meaning now you have to purchase land in secondary markets. Others argue: This is how the real world works. Land is scarce. Many see the scarcity of land in Decentraland as a feature, not a bug, just like the forced scarcity of 21 million bitcoin. If you want to invest in land, it helps to know a guy named Matty, based in Melbourne, whos something of a Decentraland real estate baron. If you want to invest in land, it helps to know a guy named Matty, based in Melbourne, whos something of a Decentraland real estate baron. Matty caught the crypto-speculation bug in 2017, plunked some cash in projects like NEO, and found that this is a really easy way to make money. Then came December 2017 and the looming bear market. He viewed the idea of buying real-estate in Decentraland as a way to diversify his cryptocurrency portfolio, just as a traditional investor might view actual real estate as a slice of their investment portfolio. Plus, he says in his Australian accent, the logo looked really cool. So he dove into Decentralands embryonic real estate market, scooping up parcels that others were trying to ditch. Back then, there wasnt a liquid or well-organized market, so Matty took advantage of the chaos. He bought parcels and then flipped them a day or two later, constantly wheeling and dealing. Over the last three years, Matty estimates he has transacted at least $1 million of real estate value, moving over 1,000 parcels in and out of his wallet. In 2018 alone, he claims to have made $83,000 in profit from parcel-flipping. Hes also plugged into the community, so people often come to him when they want to make a deal. Matty gives me a quick tour of Decentraland real estate, explaining how parcels close to the center of the various districts (like Vegas City, Crypto Valley, or Dragon City) are more valuable, how parcels near crossroads are worth more, and how there are benefits to purchasing adjacent parcels that form an estate, which permit you to build higher. The more parcels you own, the higher you can build. In other words, the basic physics of real-life real estate apply to Decentraland real estate. You certainly pay more for parcels near the center of it all, Genesis Plaza. This is where I went on Saturday, May 30, when SpaceX launched the first American manned spacecraft in nearly a decade. I watched this event in Decentraland. Along with maybe a dozen other avatars, I gather in Genesis plaza to stare at a massive TV screen that pipes in the actual footage of the Crew Dragon. Honestly? It was pretty great. The communal experience with fellow Decentralanders even strangers made this feel like more of an event than if I just watched it by myself on the laptop. It doesnt take much imagination to see how this could scale. Think of how, at times, it can be more fun to watch an event like the Academy Awards while also geeking out with your online friends on a second screen, perhaps through Twitter. What if you could do both of these things within the same screen, within the same metaverse? The gathering for the SpaceX launch is smooth and seamless and perhaps a glimpse of the worlds future. Theres something arresting, even provocative, about the merging of real-life video with the cartoon-style graphics of the metaverse, and the coolness of this alone feels like a legitimate use case. Yet as the SpaceX shuttle blasts off, theres no way to celebrate with your online buddies, high five, or really do much of anything besides a text based chat. Excellent! I typed in the chat box. No one responded, and I imagine the other avatars thought, weirdo. Theyre not wrong. iii. Meta Getting around Decentraland is fairly easy and quick. A clever system of teleports whisks you directly to your points of interest, thankfully, so theres no need to slog through parcel after barren parcel. Yet the universe can be laggy, glitchy and slow. Sometimes when you teleport to a location it takes 10 seconds, but sometimes it can take more than a minute, and sometimes nothing will load at all and I give up. At times it feels like the main activity of Decentraland is watching the red status bar at the bottom of a loading screen. Much of the interface involves typing in text commands, such as /players to find other users nearby, which feels like a throwback to the early-1990s, pre Graphic User Interface days of computing, when you used MS-DOS. Yet there are also moments and scenes of real beauty, particularly in the Museum District, such as electric, towering green trees that evoke the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. The life-size chess board is inspired. Before Decentraland, the only way you can really view crypto-art is from inside a web browser. The Museum District changes that. Now you have the ability to take that art, and make it into a 3D model, and put it on a wall of your house in Decentraland, says Clark Kent, the pseudonymous Decentralander. This has the added benefit of not just increasing the value of Decentraland, but boosting the value of crypto art as a whole. I bring my little Mariachi-hat wearing dude to the casino, which has impressive graphics that exude a Bellagio-esque vibe. You can play games like slot machines and roulette, and here its easy to see the potential of Decentraland. You can gamble with actual money for real stakes and in theory, once more users enter the system, you can do it with your friends surrounding you, making it a more social experience. The casino is owned by a 25-year-old named Miles Anthony, whos from Southern California and spends most of his time in Portugal. He graduated from UCLA in June 2017, caught the crypto-speculation bug, and invested in the Decentraland ICO. At one point it was a 26x return, he says, and like other early investors, he decided to reinvest some of that windfall into the project itself. He was shocked that no one was trying to solve what, to him, seemed like the most obvious use case for a decentralized metaverse: gambling. A lot of these other metaverses, like Second Life, cant do gambling, because theyre bound by U.S. laws, Anthony explains. He soon plans to add blackjack and poker. In addition to the casino games, of course, in Decentraland you can play a variety of actual game-games like Tomb Chaser or The Block Runner. Many of these are won by a user named RedNitrous18, who IRL is an 18-year-old living in Wisconsin, with bright red hair and blue eyes, who just graduated high school and is now living at home with his parents during quarantine. (Soon hell go to college for a degree in aerospace engineering.) RedNitrous18 is a gamer. He had a sense he could use his skills to make some money in this metaverse. Sometimes the project team would host events and tournaments (such as on their Feb. 20 launch party), which can cost 10 mana to play (around 40 cents), and if you get the highest score you can win wearable NFTs, which have real value on the secondary market. I come from a gaming background, so I didnt find it too difficult, he tells me over Zoom. RedNitrous18 targeted games like the treasure hunt, where players searched for 50 treasure chests around the metaverse, and the final one contained 5,000 mana, or roughly $200. He won game after game, scoring wearables like custom Decentraland sneakers, and estimates that hes hauled in around $2,000 worth of mana and wearables. The wearables and the NFTs are a big deal in Decentraland, and for some they are the deal. NFTs can reveal personality, showcase creativity, flaunt status, and potentially be lucrative. Some of the NFT concepts are truly slick. If you buy a billboard and plunk it on your parcel, you can then rent the advertising space to others, and when an avatar clicks on the billboard, the link can open a new window outside of Decentraland into a normal browser. Assuming the user-base grows, it seems only a matter of time before mainstream companies begin in-world advertising. Ill give you 10 mana if youre able to explain this to your parents. Many of Decentralands users take pride in building their own tricked-out houses or displays, like a digital version of Burning Man. But you dont need to be a coder to do this. You can shop at MetaZone.io, a marketplace that lets you buy NFTs on the real-life internet, and then drop them on your parcel. At the moment, you can nab some Corona Zombies for 27,000 mana (Gun your way through wave after wave of infected undead! Win mana!); or a Tree House (think: the Ewoks homes on Endor) for 600; or a DJ booth for 1,755 (Drop the needle playa) Its a long list. The business model of MetaZone, explains the founder and owner, Will Gomez, is similar to Apples App Store, or Google Play. These metas are created by artists and developers, just as most apps in the Apple ecosystem are created by third parties. Revenue is split between the platform (MetaZone) and the creator of the meta. (Its a 70/30 split, in favor of the creator.) Just as the iPhone became exponentially more useful once third parties developed cooler apps, the hope with Decentraland is that incentive structures like MetaZone will spur both user growth and functionality. Oh, and you will soon be able to own pets. Ethermon is a game where you can collect, train, and then battle your unique and cryptographic digital monsters. The monsters are generally cute and cuddly and are built on the blockchain, a la CryptoKitties. What can you do with these things? You can grow food and fruit for your little Ethermon to eat, and as the owner of Ethermon, Robbie Cochrane explains, You can grow your bond with your Ethermon. Your Ethermon will level up, and become more responsive to you. And Ill give you 10 mana if youre able to explain this to your parents. iv. The future Franky Needles, 37, has been a DJ for years, mostly in hip-hop. He carved out a role in the metaverse as one of the community leaders, interviewing other Decentraland influencers (such as Matty, Will and Clarke Kent) and posting the interviews in-game. Now hes working on launching Decentraland News, which he envisions, ultimately, as video that would stream inside the game, where the avatar is the news anchor. And heres where things begin to get bigger than mariachi hats or tree houses or cute little crypto-monsters. The idea for the news is much bigger than Decentraland, says Needles. This would be an actual news network, funded internationally, that has no ties to any sort of corporation. You can report on things from China to Saudi Arabia. You can show whats actually happening. Needles likes that Decentraland is hosted on 40 nodes from all over the world, and it would take a huge effort to take it down. This taps into the bloodline of what inspires so many about cryptocurrencies and blockchain tech the idea that, at scale, people could create real change without the structure (or oppression) of governments and oligarchies. As Needles began to explore the digital world particularly the district of Dragon City, filled primarily with Chinese users he had a light bulb moment. You can tap into other peoples cultures, he says, in the sense that you can learn about, and swap ideas with, other communities in ways that you simply cant do in traditional text-based internet chatrooms. Ive never been to China, he says. Ive never spent much time doing any sort of thought building with a person from China. Now, by strolling through the meta-homes of his new buddies in Dragon City, he has more insight into Chinese culture and architecture. He has new friends he communicates with over WeChat (Chinas version of WhatsApp), and he plans to put his content on Chinese social media. Needles compares Decentraland and the virtual reality universe of the movie Ready Player One, where the VR world was a paradise yet the real world was a dystopia. Given everything that has happened in 2020, suddenly this doesnt seem so far-fetched. Why wouldnt people want to spend more time in a (virtual) world thats free of corruption and police brutality and systemic racism? We could change the whole structure of the world, Needles says, by having a separate world you can go to. Follow the logic further. If we are headed in that direction a virtual world then it makes sense to think seriously about how that virtual world is governed, and whos in charge. Its not crazy to think that if the world (the actual Planet Earth) will eventually incorporate this virtual alternate reality, then maybe it should be a world thats owned entirely by the players. The real villains of Ready Player One, after all, were the grubby corporations who run the game. With Decentraland, theres no overlord. With Decentraland, there is no police state. With Decentraland, there is no God. Whether anything comes of this project is very much up in the air. Like so much in the blockchain space, its still more potential than functional. Yet, the seeds are planted. How much the seeds grow, in the end, will be up to the users. And speaking of users, while browsing art at the Museum District, finally, I see a female avatar. Im a bit nervous but I say hi. Theres no response. I wait a bit. Was I flirting? Is she offended? And then the woman vanishes. Ah, so Decentraland really is like real life. Related Stories A man was airlifted to a hospital two days after he was shot during an armed robbery at an illegal marijuana grow in California. On Monday the Stanislaus County Sheriffs office received a call about a man shot in a robbery in the Del Puerto Canyon around 3am. The caller said the man was shot near Frank Raines Park, which is located in the canyon and near the city of Patterson, but when deputies arrived on the scene they were unable to find the victim. Three hours later deputies received another call about the same victim, but couldnt find him. The Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office announced the rescue of a shot Hispanic man in his later 20s from an illegal marijuana grow in a California canyon on Wednesday. They shared video footage of the helicopter rescue A deputy pictured lifting the shot victim onto the helicopter to be taken to the hospital The robbery and shooting at the illegal marijuana grow took place in Del Puerto Canyon in California Around midnight on Tuesday deputies said a caller reported that they were working at an illegal marijuana grow in the canyon that was stormed and robbed by several armed gunmen and the victim was shot in the confrontation. But due to inconsistent statements and directions from the reporting party, officials decided to wait until daylight Wednesday to start their search. On Wednesday rescue teams descended in the canyon and found the victim, who waved them down into a remote area there. 'SWAT team members were dropped on scene by the helicopter and began to render aid to the victim. Due to difficult terrain and the victims injuries, the helicopter had to use a long-line attached to a harness to lift him out to safety and transport him to a waiting ambulance,' the sheriff's office said. The victim was a man in his late 20s, who was airlifted to a hospital and is expected to survive. 'SWAT team members were dropped on scene by the helicopter and began to render aid to the victim. Due to difficult terrain and the victims injuries, the helicopter had to use a long-line attached to a harness to lift him out to safety and transport him to a waiting ambulance,' the sheriff's office said The sheriffs helicopter, drones, SWAT team, and Special Vehicle Operations Unit (SVOU) assisted detectives with the search A view of the Del Puerto Canyon in Stanislaus County pictured above Officials have not released the name or current condition of the victim, identified as a Hispanic male in his late 20s. Video footage shared on social media shows the man being lifted into the air via helicopter over the massive canyon. The sheriffs helicopter, drones, SWAT team, and Special Vehicle Operations Unit (SVOU) assisted detectives with the search. The investigation into the case is still active. The wait is over for frustrated San Francisco bar owners who have been waiting to open their businesses while the city's restaurants have been in operation in various capacities since March. On Monday, June 29, bars across the city can finally officially open for outdoor drinking, similar to restaurants, following a move last week by the city's supervisors to speed up the reopening of such businesses. Supes filed an attestation sort of a petition backed up by evidence to support the request to get the projected reopening date for some "high-risk" businesses, including bars, moved up from August to late June. (That's one better than a proposal sent around by bar owners to move up the reopening date to July 13.) But it wasn't so straightforward to get the plan pushed through. As SF Weekly reported, businesses that already had patios were already clear to open those areas. But others wanting to take advantage of the new Shared Spaces program which allows bar owners and restaurants to take over a portion of a sidewalk or parking lot in front of their business for tables were still not sure what they were legally allowed to do. Here's what happened: The Alcoholic Beverage Control, or ABC, which controls liquor licenses in the state, was not able to issue permits to allow bars to operate outdoors until the state of California approved the attestation. That meant that while San Francisco had authorized bars to reopen Monday, the state had not. But all that changed Thursday afternoon, when in an outdoor press conference, Breed stated that San Francisco had received approval from the state to move forward into the next phase of reopening, which includes plans for hair salons and barber shops, nail salons, tattoo shops, museums, zoos, swimming pools and, of course, outdoor bars. The ABC told me Thursday afternoon that now that the California Department of Public Health has San Francisco's attestation in hand, the ABC will begin processing applications from bars capitalizing on the Shared Spaces program, so those businesses can start earning revenue again. Officials have got a lot to do in the next few days; as the ABC informed SFGATE on Thursday, it has received 91 applications to date for temporary permits to serve beer (and other drinks) in outdoor sidewalk and parking lot bar spaces. Regulations throughout the rest of the Bay Area are all over the place. In Contra Costa County, for example, indoor bars will be able to welcome customers back July 1, whether they serve food or not, and breweries and wineries are already open in Sonoma County. But in Alameda County, bars are still shuttered with no update on an opening date, though progress was at least made Thursday, when Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf announced an outdoor dining program similar to that in San Francisco. It's frustrating, as the owner of the Good Hop in Oakland, Melissa Myers, told me recently. "Bars like mine are in a really weird place and kind of in uncharted territory," she said. "I didn't open this place to be an online store. I opened to be a bar and to offer a place for people to be." Some bars in other counties had been previously able to get around this obstacle by filing for a catering permit and teaming up with a restaurant to offer meals with alcohol, something the ABC had been requiring of bars that don't usually sell food. But now, at least in San Francisco, it may be a little easier for bars to get back to business. Alyssa Pereira is an SFGate digital editor. Email: alyssa.pereira@sfgate.com | Twitter: @alyspereira Doctors in Nigeria have gone on strike, demanding face masks and pay that reflects the rising risk. Hospital staffers in Guinea-Bissau had to shutter a treatment ward after nearly everyone on the floor got sick. Nurses in Cameroon are working through fevers - even dodging tests - because they can't afford to lose a shift's wages. The coronavirus pandemic has tightened its grip on much of Africa, where reported cases have more than tripled over the last month, jeopardizing overstretched medical teams as the need for care soars. From the pandemic's early days, leaders across the continent urged prevention and took aggressive action - sealing borders, tracing contacts and building extra isolation wards - asserting that many places lacked the resources to withstand unchecked outbreaks. Now African health officials and medical professionals are raising concerns about cracks in a crucial armor: Infections among health-care workers have shot up 203 percent since late May, according to the World Health Organization's Africa arm, following a spike in community transmission and a drop in access to protective gear. The trends have alarmed epidemiologists at the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who warned in a June report that most countries face a "catastrophic shortage" of medical professionals. While the novel coronavirus has infected devastatingly high shares of health-care workers worldwide, African nations, on average, have far fewer staffers who can fill in on the front lines. The sub-Saharan region has 0.2 doctors for every 1,000 people, according to World Bank data - well below the world average of 1.6. (North America has 2.6, and the European Union has 3.7.) "We cannot stand by and watch our colleagues all get infected," said Ndukwe Emmanuel Ifeanyi, a national committee member of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors, which represents 40 percent of the country's physicians. "We don't have enough manpower." Travel and export restrictions have cut off a key flow of medical supplies, health officials said, further exposing doctors and nurses. "We will lose more of an already very, very finite resource," said Noreen Hynes, director of the Geographic Medicine Center of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Johns Hopkins University. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director-general from Ethiopia, stressed in March that massive outbreaks could quickly overwhelm hospitals, which are short-staffed across the continent. Africa carries a disproportionately small fraction of the world's caseload, though testing remains limited in some areas. But with infections on the rise, health leaders say medical staffs are up against growing obstacles to fend off worst-case scenarios - particularly in West Africa. Funds are often tight. Liberia is rationing masks and gloves from the 2014-2016 Ebola crisis. The country had recorded more than 650 coronavirus cases by Tuesday - at least 45 of which were health-care workers. "We're maximizing the very little resources we have," said Sia Wata Camanor, chief medical officer at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in the capital, Monrovia. She advises staffers to take regular breaks, avoid unnecessary risks and stay home if they start feeling off. "A positive health worker is very dangerous," she said. "You expose your colleagues and you expose patients." The virus, she tells employees, could stick around like malaria. They must stay healthy and motivated. Recruits are scarce. Eghosa Owie, a 26-year-old general practitioner in Lagos, Nigeria - Africa's most populous city - is eyeing the exit. "There are hardly any medical graduates I know who have not considered leaving the country," he said, speaking from his quarantine room at a converted hotel. "It's another epidemic in Nigeria." Owie caught a mild case of the coronavirus about two weeks ago. But his workplace conditions bothered him more than his sore throat: He had to make one N95 mask last for two weeks when it was likely only safe for one shift. How could he help people if he couldn't protect himself? Morale is dragging, he said. Some doctors went on strike earlier this month, angry about having to buy their own face masks, among other grievances. The number of health-care workers in Nigeria who have tested positive (987) has more than doubled from May 19 to June 23, WHO data shows. Some have ended up on ventilators. Ten have died. Owie, who grew up speaking Nigerian pidgin, passed the time in isolation studying for an English test to work in the United Kingdom. "All of my classmates, they've already taken and passed the test," he said. "I don't think - from what I've been seeing - that I want to stay here and work in these conditions." A couple rooms over in the makeshift quarantine center, another doctor clicked through a digital copy of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." Odumade Afolabi, 32, thought he'd quit his job at a private hospital in time to avoid this hassle. As a doctor who worked eight-hour pandemic days, he still needed to sell perfume on the side to cover his bills. The $500 monthly salary didn't go far. So, when an HIV prevention nonprofit offered to pay him three times more, he agreed to start after one last week of shifts. That's when he started coughing. "I wanted a safer job. An office job," he said from his isolation bed. "The risk as a doctor is surreal. The pay doesn't show that." In Guinea-Bissau, an outbreak among health-care workers last month caused the top hospital's intensive care section to close for a week of deep cleaning. Practically all the doctors and nurses went into quarantine, said Monica Negrete, head of the country's Doctors Without Borders mission. "If someone broke their leg or had a heart attack," she said, "we had nowhere to take them." The episode seemed like a warning, Negrete said. Cases are steadily rising, and less than 2,000 workers are trained to treat patients in a nation of nearly 2 million. Far fewer can handle serious cases. In central Cameroon, 293 health-care workers have tested positive for the coronavirus, but experts say the true number is probably much higher. "We lack tests to test the staff," said Charlot Essiane, a medical union leader in the capital, Yaounde. Some members notice symptoms and opt to self-isolate. One young nurse tapped out after a CT scan found lesions in her lungs. Patients have to wait longer and longer. "People who arrive at 7 a.m. aren't seen by medical staff until 10 a.m.," Essiane said. "Sometimes noon." Tracy, a nurse in the city who spoke on the condition that only her nickname be used out of fear of retaliation, said staffers at her hospital clock in even when they're feeling sick - they'd rather not miss a day of wages. A few avoid the tests, she said. She took one in late May after she developed a fever at her fiance's urging. The result: positive. She was forced to wait four days to receive medication for the pain. "They said the hospital had run out," Tracy said. "I was fighting alone." She tried to reach one of her friends - a physician fresh out of school. He'd gotten sick right before she went into quarantine. "The head of doctors told me, 'The guy is gone,' " she said. She's still not sure whether that means he left or died. - - - Borso Tall in Dakar, Senegal, and Oris Aigbokhaevbolo in Lagos, Nigeria, contributed to this report. This obituary is part of a series about people who have died in the coronavirus pandemic. Read about others here. Elsa Joubert, one of South Africas best-known writers in the Afrikaans language, whose apartheid-era novel The Long Journey of Poppie Nongena opened the eyes of many white South Africans to the harsh treatment that the black majority had been enduring largely out of their sight, died on June 14 in Cape Town. She was 97. She had received a diagnosis of Covid-19, her son, Nico Steytler, told South African news media. Ms. Joubert belonged to a group of dissident writers in Afrikaans a language derived from the 17th-century Dutch spoken by South Aricas first white settlers who called themselves Die Sestigers (the Sixtyers, or writers of the 1960s). Her work ranged from novels to autobiography to travelogues, but among her books it was Poppie Nongena that struck the most resounding chord in South Africa. First published in 1978 in Afrikaans as Die Swerfjare van Poppie Nongena, the novel tells of a black womans struggle to keep her family together in the face of oppressive apartheid laws intended to control the lives of the black majority from cradle to grave. (Newser) As high as the coronavirus numbers seem, the CDC said Thursday, they're probably an underestimate. Only 10% of the nation's coronavirus cases have been diagnosed, the agency's director told reporters. With 2.3 million confirmed cases so far, that would mean more than 20 million Americans have been infected, NBC News reports. A review of coronavirus antibodies in blood samples led the CDC to the revision. "Our best estimate right now is that for every case that's reported, there actually are 10 other infections," said agency chief Dr. Robert Redfield. It's another example of the baffling nature of the disease. "This virus causes so much asymptomatic infection," Redfield said. "The traditional approach of looking for symptomatic illness and diagnosing it obviously underestimates the total amount of infections." story continues below The CDC also changed its guidance on who's most vulnerable to serious illness from the virus on Thursday. There's no particular threshold at age 65 anymore; risk progressively increases with age, the agency said. Citing new evidence, the CDC added to the list of chronic conditions (such as obesity and kidney disease) that put people in greater danger if they contract the virus. About 60% of adults have one such condition. "While we are all at risk for COVID-19, we need to be aware of who is susceptible to severe complications so that we take appropriate measures to protect their health and well-being," Redfield said in a statement. As much as 95% of the US population is still susceptible to the coronavirus, he told reporters, per the Washington Post. The current rise in cases is attributable mostly to young people in the South and West, Redfield said. (Read more coronavirus stories.) An Istanbul court on Thursday released three journalists from custody, after first hearing in a trial in which they were accused of revealing state secrets related to the death of Turkish intelligence officers in Libya. They were among six journalists who had been in pre-trial detention since March. The other three will remain behind bars. The next hearing has been scheduled for September 9. Seven journalists and one civil servant are on trial for their coverage of the funeral of National Intelligence Organisation (MIT), officers allegedly killed in Libya and for revealing their identities. Meanwhile, six journalists were in detention, the seventh in Germany and being tried in absentia. The civil servant was not in custody. According to Amnesty Internationals Turkey campaigner Milena Buyum, it is deeply disappointing and incomprehensible that all six were not released. Prosecutors are seeking up to 10 years in jail for each of the defendants for violating intelligence laws. Turkey supports Libyas UN-backed government in the capital, Tripoli, and has sent military equipment and training personnel in its fight against the warlord Khalifa Haftar. The journalists who remained behind bars are opposition media outlet Oda TVs Editor-in-Chief Baris Pehlivan, nationalist daily Yenicags columnist Murat Agirel and reporter Hulya Kilinc. The indictment cites, among other reports and social media posts, Oda TVs coverage in March of the funeral of an intelligence officer who allegedly died in Libya. The outlet obtained the images of the funeral in the Aegean city of Manisa from a media official at a local municipality. The other four journalists belonged to pro-Kurdish daily Yeni Yasam, nationalist daily Yenicag and leftist daily Birgun. However, Oda TVs Baris Terkoglu, Yeni Yasams Ferhat Celik and Aydin Keser were released on probation. (dpa/NAN)